SNOOP DUPE: THE LIPSENSE ALTERNATIVE

If you are like me, you might cringe when you hear the word 'Lipsense'.

Why, you ask? Well I am not a fan of or advocate of Multi-Level Marketing companies no matter how you spin it. Even if the product has its benefits, I just refuse to participate in direct sales on my blog or in my real life.

It's just not for me.

But, I am not living under a rock and I of course have heard, seen, and been

invited to

 added against my will to about 50 different facebook groups that are all centered around selling Lipsense. I've seen the claims of 18 hour wear lipstick that literally won't come off, even when you want it to come off. And I have seen the claims of women around the country who are now suddenly rich and driving blue cars all the way to the bank. Again, non of that is for me.

For those of you who like the idea of a longwear lipstick however, I have a great alternative for you to consider... and at $10 instead of $25 for each color, I think this one is a winner!

The

Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hour Color

line is pretty much a dead ringer for Lipsense. It comes in 30 shades, and is applied in the same way. In fact I like the topcoat much better! You apply a couple layers of the liquid lipstick and let it dry fully, then follow up with a hydrating clear balm (which is more like a chapstick and less like a gloss.) The formula is also nice because it is a happy medium between gloss and matte- meaning you don't have to buy two different sealers, at $20 each.

I don't claim that it is as smudge proof as Lipsense or that it lasts quite as long- but I do claim it lasts at least 8 hours and is much less sticky, doesn't sting sensitive lips, and is less splotchy as it starts to wear off.

And with any longwear lipstick, you'll want to make sure your lips a prepped and smooth for best application, I swear by the 

ELF Lip Exfoliator

to exfoliate and hydrate prior to application.

It is eat and drink resistant and removes without a special (additional $10) product, like the 'Oops Remover' from Lipsense. If you need to get it off use a makeup remover wipe and a little coconut oil- quick and easy!

I hope you'll give it a try as an alternative- and let me know what you think in the comments below! xo

PS- If you LOVE Lipsense, then good for you- please keep loving it... to each their own!

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

STROBING MADE EASY FOR A WINTER GLOW

If you haven't heard the word 'strobing' yet... you might be living under a rock! Just teasing...

But seriously 2016 was the year of strobing, or extreme highlighting- and it turns out that trend isn't going anywhere for the New Year.

Today I decided to finally post about strobing because I think winter is the perfect time to try it out. Why? Well to me, summer time is all about bronzy warm looks, and winter just lends itself to shimmery makeup better. So let's jump in and learn how to fake that glow, yo! [

video

]

What is strobing?

• Strobing is the opposite of contouring, where instead of creating shadows on the recesses of the face to create dimension, we use highlights on the high points of the face to create dimension. Check out the different placement in the photo above.

Do we still contour when using this technique?

• No, traditionally this technique replaces contouring, otherwise the two together can look too extreme for most women.

Benefits of Strobing?

• Quicker to apply and blend than contouring

• Brightens the face and eyes to give a youthful dewey finish

Where to we apply our strobe?

On the round/ high points of the face where natural light reflection would occur

• Tops of cheekbones- here you can be most liberal and apply a decent amount

• Down bridge of nose- avoid the nose if you have a wider bridge because this can make the nose look larger and wider, less is more on the nose

• Cupids bow above the lip- gives a pouty and full look to the lip

• Above and below brow bones- gives an instant lift to the eye brow

Recommended Products:

• The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Powder Highlighter

• Colour Pop Smoke n Whistles Cream Highlighter

• Maybelline Strobing Liquid Highlighter

Do you love this trend too, or do you think it should stay in 2016? Let me know in the comments below, and Happy New Year! xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

EYELINER TRENDS WORTH TRYING THIS WINTER

Eyeliner is definitely having a big moment in the spotlight, and I for one am loving trying new things. The basic idea is to keep your makeup quite neutral and then add the WOW factor with your liner. It's being done all over the catwalks and red carpets, and now it's time for you to try the trend as well.

As with any trend, I always advise you buy affordable products- after all it's a trend and won't last long. So all of these products are under $10!

Here are the three eyeliner trends to try for Winter 2016

[Video]

Glitter: 

Perfect for a Holiday party or just to add some WOW factor to a basic outfit- glitter is the BIGGEST trend in makeup for Winter 2016. 

Keep the glitter 'mature' by using it sparingly and keeping the rest of the face more simple and neutral. 

• NYX: Liquid Crystal Liner $5 Ulta

• Revlon: Photo Ready Eye Art Double-Sided $9 Ulta

• Wet n' Wild: Glitter Shadow $.99 CVS Apply wet for easy lining, or dry for an all over sparkle

Brights:

Add a POP of color next to your traditional black liner for added interest and fun. Blues, Purples and Greens are easiest to wear- but if you're feeling really bold go for yellow or red!

• NYX: Vivid Brights Liquid Liner $7 Ulta

• NYX: Glam Liner $6 Ulta

• Wet n' Wild: MegaLiner $3 CVS

• Black Liquid Liner to 'anchor' the look to the lashes: NYX Matte Liquid $7, Ulta

Outer Third Smudge:

Enhance the shape of your eye and add drama with a smudged cat eye on the out third of the eye only, top, bottom or both! 

By keeping the inner corner free from liner the look is less harsh than a fully rimmed eye. Stick with a gel formula for easy blending!

• Maybelline: Master Precise Skinny Gel Liner $8 Ulta

• NYX: Retractable Eye Liner Pencil $5 Ulta

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

REAL WOMEN MINI MAKEOVERS

The best part of my job is helping women to look and feel their best. I get to see transformations happen every day at the salon- and I often feel so blessed to be a part of changing the confidence of women for the better. We all deserve to feel great!

This week on my Studio5 TV segment I had the opportunity to pick 4 real life viewers of the show, to come in studio and get a mini-makeover with yours truly. We had hundreds of entrants, and narrowing it down was no easy task. The four women I chose all had different needs and starting points with their makeup routines, it was so much fun to give them all a few new tools and tips to try at home.

Take a look at their results in the

video

below

Products Used:

• Benefit KaBrow shown in shade 2

• Too Faced Cocoa Contour shown in the Light/Medium shade

• NYX Green CC Cream

• Maybelline Color Tattoo Shadow shown in shade Bronze Sheen

Hope you'll try some of these simple updates, and let me know how it goes! xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

GLOWTION = MAGIC POTION FOR YOUR FACE

Every now and then there is a new breed of skincare that gets me really excited. Theses products must fall into the category of 'WOW' and offer results never seen before. Today I am sharing one such new breed of product that has me giddy [and glowing]... GLOWTION!

What is glowtion?

Simply put, it is a 'glowing-lotion'

. Essentially it's a moisturizer for the face that has been laced with a luminizing ingredient such as mica to give the skin a lit-from-within appearance. The effect is a youthful glow that brightens up the face and adds a dewey finish to your makeup look.

You can wear a glowtion on its own for a dewey finish to the skin without any coverage. Or wear the glowtion just as you would a moisturizer, under your foundation to boost hydration and bump up the glow factor on lackluster days. I love to apply the product all over the skin before my moisturizer, then add a little extra to my undereye concealer before applying for a major glow under my eyes and on top of my cheekbones.

Get the full scoop here [

video

]

Favorites mentioned:

• Boscia Tsubaki Glowtion

• Glam Glow Glowstarter Illuminating Moisturizer

• Pixi Day Dew Glowtion

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

DIY EYEBROW TINTING // IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK!

Eyebrows have really taken center stage in the beauty world over the last few years. And I for one have LOVED seeing them become such a huge piece of the puzzle... after all they are literally the 'frame' around the 'window to your soul'! That's a bold statement- but hey, it's true!

I first began tinting my eyebrows during my time in beauty school, and I realized what a life changing experience it can be, especially for fellow blondies like myself. And while a professional tint and wax is always a great way to liven up your features- it's not always in the cards to pay to have that service done at the salon.

Dying your eyebrows at home is easier than you might think, and this post will teach you exactly what to do to get a professional look in under 10 minutes. [Video]

DIY Brow Tinting

• Use a store bought Root Touch Up Kit by Clairol, and opt for an Ash tone which will appear more natural. 6A is ideal for blonde brows, 5A is great for medium brown, and 4A is best for very dark brown or black. Typically I recommend a 5 minute process time for the Clairol, but start with 3 minutes to determine how dark you want your final results.

• If you've got very corse brow hairs, or grey in your brows try Just for Men Mustache and Beard Tint and process for about 3 minutes. The Light-Medium, Medium Brown, and Medium-Dark Brown will be the best colors to use on brows.

• Opt for a color that is AT MOST 2 shades darker than your natural brows

• Mix the color following the ratio described in the directions which is 1:1 parts color to developer, but remember you'll only need a small amount, about the size of a pea for each part.

• Apply a layer of Vaseline around the brows first to protect the skin from the dye using a Q-tip.

• Use a cheap makeup brush to apply the color to the hairs in light upward strokes. Avoid pressing firmly onto the skin... we are tinting the HAIRS, not the skin.

• Remove any stray dye from the skin with a clean Q-tip.

• Time for 3-5 minutes, and wipe off using a warm washcloth and shampoo, or a makeup remover wipe. If you applied the right brow first, remove the right brow first as well.

• Assess the color and repeat to darken the color if necessary.

Typically I recommend tinting every 4 weeks to maintain your color, and one box of dye should last you 8-10 applications. I hope you'll give it a try, let me know if you have any questions below! xo

Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.

5 THINGS YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR PURSE FOR MAKEUP ON THE GO

I'm a busy mom on the go- and that means I'm often found applying makeup in the car. I've gotten pretty skilled at it really... and I don't know if thats a skill I should be boasting about? Ha!

But today I wanted to share the

5 PRODUCTS

every woman needs on the go for that quick

5 MINUTE FRESHEN UP.

These are my tried and true favorites, and I know you'll love them to. They make a major impact with the least amount of time, and none of them require additional brushes or tools to apply. [

Video

]

• Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in 'Brightening Illuminator' for an instant lift to the eyes. Apply using the sponge tip applicator, then wait about 30 seconds before blending in with your ring finger.

• Essence Make Me Brow in 'Blondy Brows' for a polished brow in seconds. Coat the brows and then smooth into place with the handy micro wand.

• Mark. All Butter Now Lip Treat in 'Pop Tart' for color and hydration all in one sweep.

• NYX Tres Jolie Gel Eye Liner in 'Brown' for a lash boost that doesn't have to be perfect. Focus on the outer corners of the eyes and smudge into the lash line for an easy enhancement.

• Tarte Cheek Stain in 'Flush' for an instant pop of color that brings life to the face. Apply to the apples of the cheeks, then blend in with your fingertips for a dewey glow-on-the-go.

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

THE ULTIMATE LASH CURL GUIDE

One question I get asked a lot is, 'How do I curl stubborn lashes?’

Many women struggle to get their lashes to hold curl, and I feel your pain. My lashes are pretty much stick straight, but I have developed a 3-clamp technique that makes the world of difference. I hope you'll try it, and let me know what you think.

3 Clamp Technique for the Ultimate Lash Curl

• 1- Clamp the lash curler at the base of the lashes as close to the skin is possible without pinching the skin. The angle of the lash curler should be parallel to the face, resting on the cheekbone.

• 2- Slide the curler up the length of the lash, stopping half way- right in the middle of your lashes. Raise the angle of the curler about 30 degrees, so that the curler is sticking straight out from your cheekbone.

• 3- Slide the curler out again to the tips of the lashes and clamp one final time, while the angle of the curler is raised 45 degrees, sticking straight out from the eye socket.

My favorite lash curler? This one here.

Thanks for reading, I would love it if you would share this post with anyone else who might struggle with their lashes too. xo

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

THREE NATURAL BEAUTY BRANDS TO LOVE

Why are women turning to Natural Makeup?

It's no secret that we as a society have realized that there are far too many chemicals in the things we eat and the put on our bodies. With time under our belts to study the harmful effects of these chemicals many of us are now turning to products that are made more naturally. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our health, and our makeup should be no exception.

Besides the makeup itself, these types of brands also tend to be cruelty free and use more eco-friendly packaging, which also appeals to a lot of women in todays world.

What are we giving up when we use natural makeup?

Most natural products are Paraben free, which is a preservative that is commonly used in beauty products to extend the shelf life. There has been some research that indicates parabens can cause health issues and side effects however, so choosing products without them may be better for our health. This does however mean that we need to replace the products much more often to keep them healthy on our shelves. Check the labels for expiration dates.

In parabens' place, many lines are now using food-grade preservatives, meaning they could actually be eaten (although that's not recommended, of course) to give a further level of protection when it comes to the chemicals we put on our skin. Take a look at the

Video

below for more details:

A few Natural Makeup lines that I reccomend:

Pacifica Beauty

- 

100% Vegan and cruelty free with a great price point

• Power of Love Lipstick- smells like coconut

• Big Dream Mascara- retractable wand

• Jasmine Iris Face Primer- keeps skin shine free all day

Tarte Cosmetics

-

Uses mineral pigments and clays sourced from the Amazon

• Cheek Stain- dewey glow finish

• Creamy Powder Foundation- great coverage in a soft formula

• Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara- award winning best seller

Pur Minerals

-

Uses sustainable and responsibly sourced natural ingredients

• Double Ended Eyeliner- pencil and liquid in one

• Eye Polish- liquid to powder metallic finish

• Hyrdafluid Foundation- light to medium coverage

Do you have any natural beauty lines that you love? Let me know in the comments below. xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

REAL LIFE: PERMANENT MICROBLADE BROWS

If you follow me on Instagram [@beautysnoop], you may have seen that I recently had my eyebrows tattooed using a semi-permanent technique known as Hair Stroke Microblading. I have been wanting to have my brows tattooed for years, but never had the courage to go for it.

But after years of contemplating, and of course LOTS of research on experts in my area who perform this type of service, I decided to take the plunge! Here is what you need to know, if you ever want to try it too:

There are two main ways to tattoo brows; one method is soft tap, which is performed by hand using small micro blades. The other is using an electric tattoo pen which is more similar to the types of tattoo guns used in body art.

I chose to go with the soft tap method because the results are slightly less permanent and will require yearly touchups. This seemed less scary to me, seeing as there would be some fading of the pigment... just incase I wasn't happy with it.

After you know what method you prefer, spend plenty of time researching the service providers in your area. For me that research was mostly done on instagram, meaning I followed several technicians for months to gauge the consistency of their work, and see many different before's and afters of patients. I was looking for custom results on each person, and not a 'stenciled' type appearance. I also was looking for someone that created brow shapes that appealed to my personal aesthetic.

Once I made a decision on my technician, it was s time for the big day! I ended up booking with (Sees patients in UT and AZ) and Melanie could not have been more wonderful to work with, she's highly recommended! Check out her instagram for some amazing results. Allure Artistry

The process starts with a numbing cream applied to your brows- it's similar to the types used at the dentist only in a topical form. This helps 'take the edge off' during the procedure. Next, you'll decide on a color for your brows. I brought a few pics on my phone of my normal day-to-day brows when I have makeup on them so she could see the shape and color I am aiming for.

Melanie used a ruler to determine the shape and width of the brows that would best suit my face, and together we tweaked the shape until it was a perfect fit.

Next the actual procedure started, and I am not going to lie... it was more intense than I expected. It hurts in an 'uncomfortable' way, more than a true 'painful' kind of way. The worst part for me was the sound, which is like a repetitive scraping and popping on the skin as the blade cuts through the first layers of skin.

The microblade is used to create small incisions in the skin in the shape of hairs themselves. Then the dye is wiped over the incisions so that as they heal, the dye will be embedded just under the skin. Again it isn't the most wonderful experience in the world, but it is certainly tolerable and worth the final results. You'll also go back for a touchup about 6 weeks after the initial service to fill in any spots that didn't take the dye, and to add some more detail hairs. Maintenance after that is usually once per year.

The healing process was about a week long. The first fews days my brows were very tender to the touch but did not bleed or puss at all, and I was able to return to work the very next day. After that they were slightly itchy as the the top layer forms a thin greyish scab. I was instructed to avoid picking, and to keep the brows moistened with Aquifer at night. After all the skin sloughed off, I was left with a nice rich color, which was about 30% lighter than the color on the day of the application. I have a few spots that need to be touched up at my followup, but not many at all.

Expect to pay around $450 for this type of service, with annual touchups closer to $200. The expense to me was worth it already, because I have brows that are now evenly spaced, much better shaped and colored, and I don't have to spend nearly as much time on my makeup anymore. I wake up with brows and that is amazing! If you've ever wanted to do this, do your research and then go for it, I am so glad I did.

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.

GIZMO SNOOP: SIGMA SPA BRUSH CLEANSING GLOVE

Cleansing your makeup brushes is a crucial

step that can often be forgotten or postponed too long. Skipping this vital step will not only cause your brushes to not last as long, but it will also prevent the best application of the products themselves. Not to mention the bacteria growth and possible skin irritations and acne that comes from smearing said bacteria all over your face. #AmIRight?

I've posted about

my favorite way to clean my brushes before

, but today I'm snooping out a fun new tool to aid in the process even further.

Sigma Beauty

makes these unique

cleansing gloves and sink mats

, that protect your hands from taking a beating while scrubbing, and they also help to get the job done quicker and more efficiently.

You should be cleaning your liquid/cream 

brushes every 2-3 weeks, and your powder brushes every 6-8 weeks. 

The gloves and mats are made from a high quality silicone that have many different textures built in.

The textured bits are designed to loosen dirt and makeup from your brushes

and then to help reshape the brush before it dries.

I love using this, and it really does make the job quicker and more fun, while saving my hands from getting to raw and dry. I have the

Express Glove

which works great but sometimes can be hard to get a handle on once things get slippery. Next time I buy,  I'll go for the

sink mat

which has suction cups and requires no hands at all!

So if you want to take better care of your brushes, I highly reccomend this gizmo! Thanks for reading, xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

THE REAL GIRLS GUIDE TO THE KYLIE LIP KIT

So if you haven't heard about the highly anticipated

Kylie Lip Kit

... you may be living under a rock. But just in case you missed it here is the skinny: Kylie Jenners' famously plumped lips gained lots of attention over the last year. And like any Kardashian would, Kylie decided to cash in on said fame and create her own line of lipstick.

After months of waiting and anticipating the arrival of the Lip Kit, finally the day came when it was to be released. Chaos surely ensued.

Kylie's hundreds of thousands of fans crashed her website and the Lip Kits sold out in under 1 minute. It was madness- I should know, because I was just one of the zillion people trying to buy the kits. But lucky for me, I was quick on the trigger and was able to buy ALL three of the first run colors.

I am the first to admit that I am not a 'Kylie-type' beauty with pouty lips, perfectly contoured cheekbones, and lashes for days. I am just a regular gal, mother or two, and wearer of natural makeup. So my experience with the Lip Kit may be slightly different than others out there... and I am guessing you can relate, and that's why you're reading this.

So here is the scoop from one REAL girl to the next:

The pigments are unreal

, and give amazing coverage in one swipe. I tend to think that matte liquid lipsticks are too dry- but surprisingly

these are moister then most

. They are a true matte however and dry to a powdery finish. The scent is a strong Vanilla type flavor, and I find it to be better than other liquid scents on the market. They wear very well and will hold up through mild eating and drinking. I like to add a gloss over the top midday and freshen up the color without having to add more lipstick.

The true star for me however is actually the lip liner

that is included in the kit. The liners are smooth

as butter but don't smudge and give amazing color as well! I have a hard time finding liners that I love, and I LOVE these. I wish they were twist-up and didn't require sharpening, but that is my only complaint.

The real draw back for me are the colors themselves

. With only three options, you are pretty limited at this point in the production. I bought all three- but really only wear Candy K on a regular basis, and will probably never wear True Brown K, seeing as it looks almost black on my coloring. I tend to think these muted colors look better on darker skin tones, so I am hopeful that more colors will be available soon.

So is it worth it?

I am going to say that buying your favorite color, is all I would recommend. At $29 each, you definitely don't need all three. You can get the same look with the

Colour Pop Ultra Matte Lip

for only $6 and they are equally as awesome!

Thanks for reading! xo

MAKE YOUR PEEPERS POP WITH DOLL LIKE LASHES

I typically just wear my own lashes on a daily basis. I just don't have the extra time to put on falsies, as I know a lot of you don't have the time either. But that being said, there is nothing that makes a look come to life, and go from 'pretty' to 'WOW' like a set of false lashes!

They have the ability to wake up the face, brighten the eyes, and of course give the appearance that your were blessed with Bambi-like genetics. 

This Holiday season I have many parties to attend, as I am sure you do too. I always try and give myself plenty of time to get ready for them, so that I can really enjoy the process and the excitement of the season. And that means I bust out my falsies!

Lately, the trend of

Doll-Like lashes

has been big, it's such a fun trend especially for a party. I've teamed up with 

Ulta Beauty

 to bring you a round up my three favorite types of lashes to wear that all give your peepers a dollish effect. These lash brands all make high quality products, that are comfortable to wear, as well as look amazing. 

wearing: Eylur Vegas Nay Classic Charm

Recommended lashes, pictured above;

• Eylure Vegas Nay Classic Charm Lashes // full max curl

• Kardashian Beauty Gaze Lashes // with center accent

• Ardell Glamour Lashes // pointed cutouts

The trick to fake lash application

you ask? Well, heres a couple of them:

1-

Trim them slightly

smaller than the width of your eye. Nothing is worse than the edge of the lashes stabbing into the corner of your eye. Cutting them just a tad shorter will ensure more comfort.

2- Make sure the

two outer edges of the lash have a nice dollop of glue

 on them. This is where the lashes really need to bond the most.

3- WAIT to apply the lashes until the

glue is tacky, not wet

. This is crucial for a good bond!

4-

Place the lash in the center of the eye first

, then push the corners into place and attach the tacky glue to the base of your lashes [never on the skin itself].

5- Give a quick fanning motion to the eyes with your hand to help the

glue dry quickly before blinking

.

That's it! Thanks for reading today- I hope your party prep includes some fun lashes too! xo

brought to you by Style Hunters for Ulta Beauty

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

ADD SOME SPARKLE TO YOUR HOLIDAY LOOK

I have 12 Holiday parties to attend this December! Can you believe that? It's a little overwhelming to be honest- but I am super excited to celebrate the season in style.

This is the time of year I love to add a little bit of sparkle into my makeup routine. It's just too fun not to! I stopped by Studio5 TV to discuss 3

easy sparkly touches you can add to your everyday makeup

, that will bump up the glam factor, and add just a hint of glimmer.

Check out the

segment

below.

Products Used:

• NS Minerals 'Pixi' Pigment // Using the I-Shadow Everything Brush Remember to use a warm tone and keep it subtle to avoid looking like an icy blast from the 90's.

• Mary Lou Manizer by theBalm // Using It Cosmetics Fan Brush Again use a warm color, and concentrate the color on the tops of the cheekbones and around to the temples.

• Buxom Lip Polish in Dominique Try adding your gloss just to the center of the lips (imagine creating a dime sized circle of the gloss that would lay over both the lips) for a look of fuller lips.

I hope you'll try at least one of these sparkly touches for you Holiday get togethers this year, xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

3 MINUTE BOLD & NATURAL BROWS

If you have been living under a rock the last year, you may have missed the memo; but BOLD brows have taken over the world once

instagram

photo at a time! It really has been a big shift in the world of beauty, and I for one hope the trend never leaves.

Bold brows make you look younger

and they single handedly take your look from 'eh' to 'POW' in less than 3 minutes. [If you are looking for speed stick with powder... pencil requires more time]

I have softened my brows up over the last few months however, and am not drawing them as heavy as I did when this trend first emerged. I feel like that is often the case for trends... we go BIG at first, then start to see the light and pull it back slightly over time. [contouring... I am talking to you! Can I get an Amen!?]

So here is a really quick and

easy tutorial

on achieving

natural bold brows

with Ulta Beauty

.

Products used [all available at Ulta Beauty]:

• Anastasia Highlighting Duo Pencil

• Anastasia Brow Powder Duo

• Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil

• Anastasia Clear Brow Gel - If you are going to buy one thing... make it this one!

• Bold Metals Angled Brush

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

*this post was created in collaboration with StyleHunters and Ulta Beauty

FALL'S MUST TRY MAKEUP TRENDS

Ok ladies it's time to get excited and a little bit brave! Why brave?

Well, this latest round of beauty trends is one that may push you outside of your comfort zone ever so slightly, but also one that I am so excited about and I think you should be excited about as well.

Fall 2015 is all about embracing change, and giving your beauty routine a swift kick in the pants

. But that being said, none of these trends are so 'out-there' that they aren't wearable for the everyday woman. 

Today I am stopping by Studio5 TV to give you a run down of the beauty trends you should try this season. They are fun and flirty- so let's

take a look.

Wearing: Watch- Jord Watche |  Shirt- Mindy Mae's Market

Warm Metallic Eyeshadow 

Embrace your golden goddess with a warm bronze, gold, or rose gold shadow this season. These colors are universally flattering (unlike cooler silvers and blues, which can be hard to wear) and they add a beautiful light to your eyes.

• Forever21 Shadow Palette in 'nude' Only $7... wha!?!

• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 'Yogurt' & 'Iced Mocha' Easy on-the-go application

• Stila Magnificent Metal Eyes in 'Kitten' & 'Gilded Gold' Major 'WOW' factor

Graphic Eye Liner

Amp up your liner with a dramatic cat eye, or half lined eye like those worn on so many runways this Fall. It's bold and flirty, and wears perfect with a sleek pony tail and nude lip.

• Pixi Cat Eye Ink in 'Intense Black' A great 'beginners' option with an easy to control tip

• Kat Von D Ink Liner in 'Baudelaire' Try blue or charcoal for a slightly softer look

• Maybelline Master Precise Liner in 'Black' Precise and super black for major impact

90's Berry Lipstick

Bring back your inner grunge-mama with this 90's beauty trend. Opt for a deep berry tone that has a brown or purple base color for a major moment that is right on trend.

• Revlon Moisture Stain in Parisian This liquid lip stain stays put all day

• Pixi Mattlustre Lipstick in 'Plum Berry' Opaque and buildable color that is perfectly plum

• Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in 'Motorhead' The ultimate rockstar black cherry matte

Let me know which [if any?] of these trends you are excited to try in the comments below, and thanks so much for reading and watching! xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

WALMART BEAUTY: BOLD METALS MAKEUP BRUSHES // AND A GIVEAWAY

Want better results when it comes to applying your makeup? Upgrade your makeup brushes!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... high quality brushes make all the difference in the world, and your face will thank you. I've been a fan of Real Techniques brushes for a couple years now- but their newest line, Bold Metals, amps up the glam factor and brings more luxury to this super affordable line. Before I show you which brushes I love and why, I wanted to give you a few reasons why high quality brushes are worth the investment.

High quality brushes have bristles that are cut more precisely, are softer, and shed less. They wash better and last longer- and all of these add up to better application.

Bold Metals Favorites 

• Arched Powder Brush- Perfect for setting powders and for ladies who love mineral foundations. This brush is super soft and blends powders beautifully!

• Triangle Foundation Brush- For liquid foundation application this brush is super unique, and offers the flat edges of a flat foundation brush, but also the ability to blend like a round foundation brush. This one can be a little tricky to use though- so I don't recommend it for novice makeup artistes ;)

• Flat Contour Brush- A definite must-have from the collection! It's perfect for applying your bronzer and gives precision with the ability to blend as well.

• Tapered Blush Brush- I love this brush for my highlighting and blushing needs. Again it's super soft, and sweeps across the skin so smoothly.

• Oval Shadow Brush- This shadow brush is the perfect size for washing the lid with color in a quick amount of time. Plus you can turn the brush on its edge and use it to add color to the crease easily and effortlessly. A one stop brush, and my favorite from the eye collection.

• Pointed Crease Brush- If you've ever struggled to achieve that perfect smokey eye, than this brush could be your best friend! The pointed tip is precise enough to use along the lash line, but it also works great for the crease and gives a beautiful blend.

• Angled Liner Brush- Get a precise line with this brush that is cut with shorter bristles for more control. It's also great for powdered brow application!

So now that you know why I love these bad boys so much, you'll be excited to know that all of the Bold Metals brushes are now available at Walmart [happy dance]. So you can scoop them up next time your doing your shopping. Plus, I've teamed up with Real Techniques and Walmart for a $100 Gift Card Giveaway, so you can buy the whole collection! Be sure to enter and good luck! xo

*brought to you by lunchbox

BOOST YOUR LASHES INSTANTLY WITH THIS NEW SECRET WEAPON

Happy Monday ladies! I hope your week is off to a great start.

Today I wanted to share with you a fun new product that I recently discovered, and am SUPER excited to tell you about it- if you haven't already seen it or tried it for yourself.

Physicians Formula is a brand that I have used for at least 10 years, probably more! They make really unique products and always keep their prices low. Recently they sent me this new mascara to try, and after giving it a go, I knew that I needed to share it with you right away.

The 

Physicians Formula Eye Booster Instant Lash Extension Kit

 is a two part system to lengthen and thicken lashes. The kit comes with a mascara tube and a separate smaller tube of fiber extensions. You can see from my pics above that the mascara does a great job all on its own of lengthening the lashes, but for an extra dose of length and major volume you can add a coating or two of fibers. 

A few of the online reviews I read about the product mentioned that

the fibers are messy

, and truth be told I did find this to be the case as well. But to me

the benefits outweigh the cons and the results are pretty amazing

. Plus if you go into it knowing the the fibers are going to have a 'fall out' effect during application, then you've already won half of the battle, and you can be prepared and minimize the mess. 

For the best results: 

I recommend

applying your eye makeup and mascara first in your routine

, so that any fall out during application can easily be wiped away prior to your foundation application. Secondly, be sure you

tap off the excess fibers

on the wand prior to applying them. A little goes a long way with the fibers, so start with a light coating and then add more if desired. And lastly try leaning forward over the sink, and

look down into a handheld mirror when applying the fibers

, so that the fall out misses your face and goes into the sink.

To clean up any fibers that do fall on to your cheeks or eye lids, I find that a cotton round is the quickest and easiest way to wipe the fibers away. They almost have a magnet-like effect with the cotton and will stick easily to it. 

So for those of you whose lashes aren't as luscious as you'd like- this product may just be the one you've been looking for. Have you tried any fiber mascaras? Let me know in the comments below, xo

*brought to you by physicians formula and blue sky communications  

BEAT THE HEAT WITH THESE MELT PROOF MAKEUP PRODUCTS

Well we've reached the high point of the Summer, and truth be told I am counting down the days till school is back in session and my Fall wardrobe reappears. But something tells me we still a have a fews weeks left of these toasty hot temperatures before I can expect to see that happen.

Every summer I change up my makeup routine to give it a longer wearing result, and more resilience. It only takes a few minor tweaks and additions to your routine to make your look stay put in the heat and humidity. So today I am sharing the four products that I love and use to achieve melt-proof makeup, and these ones are all available at Ulta. 

Prime It

• NYX Proof It Eye Shadow Primer This little pot of goodness grabs on and holds tight, keeping your eye shadow, liner, and mascara in place all day. It's translucent so it works for all skin tones.

• Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer Prep the skin prior to foundation with a non silicone (because silicones will slide off your skin in heat) primer like this one. It will give your face a barrier between sweat and your foundation, and help to hide pores as well.

Set It

• Urban Decay De-slick Mattifying Powder Combat your oily zones with this translucent powder that keeps the skin matte and oil free without looking chalky. It's also great underneath the eyes to keep concealer in place and prevent runny mascara.

• NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray Set your completed makeup look with a setting spray, like my favorite matte finish from NYX. It's like hairspray for you face- and simply keeps everything locked in place.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to subscribe to THE BEAUTY SNOOP by email so you never miss a SNOOP STORY! xo

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js'; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += '?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

BRONZER 101 // SUMMER GLOW TIPS

Bronzer really can be a girls best friend if it's

applied correctly and with the right tone

. But it can be easy to also take bronzer in the wrong direction real quick, so today I putting you through my

Bronzer 101 course

.

The image above is a

guideline for the three ways to apply bronzer.

They are all designed to enhance your coloring and highlight different features of your face. Decide what your overall goal is for your finished look, then bronze accordingly.

Sun-Kissed

• This technique is designed to mimic the natural color you get when you're out in the sun. It touches color to the high points of your face, and is cast from a downward position like that of the sun on your face.

• Use this method when you are feeling pale and want to warm the complexion all over. Choose a tone that is warm and about 3 shades darker then your skin color. And for this option it is safe to use a formula with a slight shimmer in it as well. My fave is this Physicans Formula.

Rosy Glow

• Choose this option when you are satisfied with your current skin tone, but want to enhance your cheeks with a pop of color to add more dimension to the face.

• Use a rosy colored bronzer for this technique and focus the color on the apples of the cheeks. Apply a light sweep of the tone on the round part of your forehead near the hairline as well, and along the chin lightly. This will tie the tones together and highlight the bone structure of your face. Try Urban Decay Beached Bronzer

Contoured

• For a chiseled or sculpted face, opt for the conturing technique which will accentuate your cheekbones and make the face appear more narrow and angular.

• Use a matte grey-based bronzer for this technique, so that the color created mimics that of a shadow on the face. Apply the color under the cheekbones, down the sides of the nose, and at the hairline. You can also apply a light amount under the jawline and down the neck for a cohesive color palette. A great option is the Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer

Hope this guide will amp up your face-game, thanks so much for reading- and please share this with your friends on pinterest or facebook. xo

Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.