My Makeup Besties ♡

make/up best/ies phrase 1. Favorite cosmetics 2. Trusty beautifiers 3. Lifesavers

Definition taken straight from the Val Dictionary! I can always rely on my personal makeup besties to help me out when I'm looking "ehh", to get me ready in a flash, and to brighten my mood in the morning. Here they are!

 

Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer - makes my skin look fresh, healthy, and not made up
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer - camouflages dark under-eyes without looking cakey 
MAC Satin Taupe Eyeshadow - can be popped on the lid and blended for an easy smokey look
DiorShow Iconic Mascara - gives a big, separated lash effect in a flash
NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick - enhances my natural lip color and moisturizes
elf Tickled Pink Blush - adds a fresh, natural pink to the complexion

What are your makeup besties??
Love, Val

PS - Sorry I was gone for so long! School + cross country = a very busy start to September. But I'm back for good! ;)

Earthy Eyes with a Pop of Teal!

Hey guys! Today I'm posting a video tutorial of this earthy, brown with a pop of color look I did using my Nuance palettes. Hope you enjoy! (Skip to 1:18 for tutorial.)

Products Used:
Laura Mercier Secret Concealer - 3
MAC MSF Natural - Medium Plus
Nuance Eye Quad - Smokey
Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara- Black
Stila Blockbuster Palette - peachy blush
Nuance Lip Quad - Warm

Tools Used:
Stila Brush #30
Sonia Kashuk Travel Brush
MAC 217 Brush
ecoTools Powder Brush

All for now! How do you incorporate color into your look?
Love, Val

July Faves: Simple + Sweet!

Hey all! It feels like I haven't blogged in forever! ...But really, it's only been a week. I was at camp, but I'm so glad to be back and share my July favorites!

July was a month of little/no makeup for me, because my skin has been giving me problems and I wanted to let it clear up.
Sephora Eyelash Curler: I've been too lazy to deal with eye makeup remover, so instead of mascara I just curl my lashes! This gives the best curl without pulling or snagging.
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer: I'm just about out of my Revlon concealer, so I picked up a replacement at MAC. This has medium/full coverage, and awesome lasting power, as well as a convenient pump. I wear NC35, and I like to dab a bit under the eyes daily; for nights, I'll apply some on blemishes too.
Burt's Bees Tiger Lily Tinted Lip Balm: This is a lovely, sheer, nonwaxy lip balm with a pleasant scent. Tiger Lily is a peachy, natural lip color and very sheer; it just lightens up my natural shade. I've been wearing it daily!
MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot: For a bit of sparkle on the eyes, I like to apply this lovely warm peached gold cream shadow as a wash across the lids. It's quite sheer, so it's perfect for a subtle look or as a base!
That's all I've been loving! What are your faves right now?
Love, Val

EOTD: Neutrals, Shimmer, Winged Liner

I absolutely love playing around with makeup to find new neutral combinations, and this was one I particularly liked so I thought I'd share!

primer
MAC Painterly Paint Pot

shadow
lid + inner corner: Physicians Formula Sunset Strip - 2nd shade down, a frosted pink/beige
crease/lower lash line: Urban Decay Smog - bronzey brown with satin finish
outer v: MAC Satin Taupe - grey/plum/brown with satin finish
blending out the crease: Clinique "No Show Taupes" Duo - darker, a matte medium neutral brown

liner
upper lash line and wing: Stila "stay all day" Waterproof Liquid Liner
tightline, between upper lashes: elf Cream Eyeliner - black

mascara

Revlon Grow Luscious - black

All for now! Would you like more EOTD posts?
Love, Val

My 3 Essential Brushes

Hey guys! So lately, I've been realizing that I reach for the same brushes over and over again: my Sigma F80 for face, my MAC 168 for cheeks, and my MAC 217 for the eyes. Here I'll give you a review and overview of each brush!

top to bottom - F80, 168, 217

Sigma F80 Brush
Design: Flat-topped, synthetic bristles densely packed in a circle.
What it does: Perfectly blends out concealer, applies foundation or tinted moisturizer, or applies cream blush.
Why I love it: It cuts down so much time in my getting-ready routine! I especially love it for blending out concealer - the finish is flawless without losing coverage. See my review.

MAC 168
Design: Softly angled, super soft natural bristles; just enough pressure to pick up blush.
What it does: Beautifully applies bronzer as a contour, blush, and highlights! It's versatile too - turn it on its side for a thinner line, or use it wider to cover the apples of the cheeks. (See my 168 tutorial here!)
Why I love it: It's so convenient to have one brush for every cheek product!

MAC 217
Design: Domed, flexible bristles in an ellipse shape.
What it does: Easily creates an eye look! Can be used in the crease, on the lid, for blending, highlighting, or even under the eye.
Why I love it: Again, convenience wins out here! The quality is outstanding as well.

All for now! What are your favorite brushes??
Love, Val

I received the Sigma brush for review; I am not being compensated, nor am I affiliated with Sigma.

Mila Kunis Makeup: SAG Awards

Today I have for you a makeup tutorial inspired by the gorgeous Mila Kunis. I'm sure all of you have followed her fashion, hair, and makeup choices from the awards season; she always looks stunning! Here's my take on her smokey yet simple Screen Actor's Guild Awards makeup look.

FACE
For that flawless matte skin, apply a thin layer of medium coverage liquid foundation, full coverage concealer under the eyes and on blemishes, and a light dusting of powder to set. (Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup in "soft beige," Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in "3," MAC MSF Natural in "Medium Plus")

CHEEKS
Mila is wearing a subtle cheek color: a bit of bronzer on the backs of the cheekbones and temples, and a bit of peachy blush on the apples of the cheeks. Remember, the eyes should take the focus here! (e.l.f. Blush & Bronzing Powder)

EYES
1) If necessary, prep the eyes with eyeshadow primer and lightly fill in eyebrows. (MAC Painterly Paint Pot, matte brown from Revlon Coffee Bean quad)

2) Apply a shimmery, medium/dark taupe color to the eyelid. Blend slightly into the crease. (Taupe from e.l.f. "Day 2 Night" quad)

3) Pat a darker, matte brown into the outer corner. Blend upwards for that smoky effect.Take this time to apply more of the lid color to the lower lashline. (Matte brown from Revlon Coffee Bean quad)

4) Take a true black eyeliner pencil and line the upper lashline and waterline, all the way around. (Stila Kajal Liner in Onyx)

5) Finally, curl your lashes and apply lots of black mascara to the upper and lower lashes. No false lashes necessary; let the liner do the talking! (CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume mascara in black)

LIPS
Keep it simple with a kiss of pink color, and a tiny dash of gloss! (e.l.f. Lip Stain in Birthday Suit)

DONE!

I hope you all enjoyed this makeup look!
Love, Val

P.S. SO sorry for being MIA recently! I got caught up in finals, potential summer work, volleyball, etc. I will have a lot more time come summer, aka in one week!

Face Chart Fun

  Lately I've been playing around with face charts, printing them out and doing fun makeup on them. It's a lot more convenient than doing makeup on myself, as there is only so much makeup remover I can use in one day!
  Today I'm showing you two looks I did recently on the MAC Face Chart lady. (Most high end brands have their own face charts.)
**Click to enlarge the photos.

This is my bronze, smoky look. I did golds and browns on the eyes, coral on the cheeks and peach on the lips.

Here, I did a purple/yellow look. I did a subtle purple eye with a yellow highlight, cheek contour and blush, and mauve-y lips. I really messed up on those eyebrows!

Notes:
-You're supposed to use a special porous type of paper. I just used my normal printer paper, which is why the looks come out as "messy."
-Use a lip brush for precise lip color.
-Lashes have to be drawn on with liquid liner (they're tough to do!).
-Eyebrows are hard to do as well, they were the hardest part for me.
-It's pretty much impossible to highlight such pale skin (ha-ha).

Just wanted to share my little experiment with you! Anyone interested in a tutorial for either look?
Love, Val

What's in my travel makeup bag?

Hey guys! Sorry it has been so long since I've posted, but I've been on a couple trips. Here's a quick peek into what makeup I brought with me. :)

MAC MSF Natural, Elf Blushing/Bronzing Duo, GloMinerals Blackberry Eyesahdow, Born Lippy Body Shop Lip Balm, Laura Mercier Secret Concealer, Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer, Stila Kajal Onyx Eyeliner, Clinique Gentle Waterproof Mascara, Revlon Colorstay Blemish Concealer

Japonesque Travel Brush Set

Trina Makeup Bag

All for now! What are your travel beauty must haves?
Love, Val

FOTD: Speed Dial & Woodwinked

Just playing around with my new MAC stuff and thought I'd do a quick Face of the Day!

Face:
Stila Perfecting Concealer (Shade C)
Mac MSF Natural (Medium Plus)
Nars Orgasm Blush

Eyes:
Mac Painterly Paint Pot
Mac Woodwinked eyeshadow (all over eyelid, into crease, and on lower lash line)
Wet N Wild Color Icon eyeliner in Black (upper lash line and inner rims)
L'Oreal Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara in Black

Lips:
Mac Speed Dial Lipstick

Hope you enjoyed! Happy St. Patty's day! I hope you're all wearing green *virtual pinches*!
Love, Val

Nordstrom Haul!

Yesterday I went to my favorite store, Nordstrom, to pick out one complete outfit and some new makeup (to make up for what I finished in Project 10 Pan!). Here's what I got...

This pair of navy slip-on Vans was on sale, and they're going to make great everyday shoes!

Army green was everywhere in the store, so I figure it's a trend? Anyways, I picked up this loose fitting, very comfy shirt from "Rubbish."

To go with the shirt, I picked up these cuffed, faded denim shorts from the brand "STS Blue." They're a spring/summer staple!

Finally, I went to the MAC counter! I picked out "Woodwinked" eyeshadow (thanks to Devea's recommendation), a Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, and "Speed Dial" cremesheen lipstick. All of these I LOVE!

I love going to Nordstrom, it perfectly fits my style! What's your favorite place to shop?
Love, Val

Beauty Stocking Suffers

Looking for some quick last-minute gifts? Here's some quick gift ideas in the beauty category. I tried to pick out things every woman would love!

Stila Custom Color Blush, $20; sephora.com
Mac Eyeshadows, $15; nordstrom.com
Diorshow Mascara, $24; nordstrom.com
Nars Dolce Vita Lipstick, $24; barneys.com
Bobbi Brown Lipstick Trio, $40; neimanmarcus.com

Stila Custom Color Blush is an awesome idea; looks hot pink in the pan, but it changes to a customized color once you put it on. The color is supposed to perfectly complement the coloring of the wearer. Cool, huh?

Mac Eyeshadows are relatively inexpensive and of great quality. Every girl needs some. :)

Diorshow Mascara has been very highly rated. While I have never tried it, I'm sure everyone would love  a great new mascara!

Nars Dolce Vita Lipstick is a gorgeous color and has amazing, lightweight formulation. It looks great on everyone.

Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss Trio has three beautiful colors to play around with!

Enjoy your holidays! What are you buying for your loved ones this season?

Love, Val

Glowy Holiday Party Makeup

Hey everyone! Today I have for you a glowy, soft and smokey holiday look. Perfect for a party or other formal occasion. Let's get started!

1) Foundation. Be sure to either use longlasting products or set with a powder so your makeup stays all night. (Stila Perfecting Concealer in 'C', gloMinerals Loose Base in Natural Light)

 

2) Start off the eyes with your best base, to create a tacky surface for the shadows. (MAC Painterly Paint Pot)

3) Apply a light, golden color all over the lid and into the crease. (Lancome Suntouched)

4) Apply a matte brown into the outer corner. Work into the crease and sweep some onto the lower lash line. Blend! (Lancome Lézard)

5) Using a pencil liner, line your upper lash line and inner rims for a smokey affect. (Wet N Wild pencil liner in Black)

6) Curl your lashes...

 7) And apply your best mascara! Use false lashes here if you desire; I don't own any. (Lancome Hypnose Drama)

8) For the cheeks, start off with a rosy blush, then apply shimmery highlighter to the tops of the apples. (Nars Dolce Vita, Physician's Formula Shimmer Strip in Sunset Strip)

9) Complete the look with a neutral lip! Follow this sequence for your  lipstick: apply, blot, apply, blot, apply. This will create a long-lasting "stain" on your lips. (L'Oreal Lipstick in Gilded Pink)

10) Done!

Enjoy your holiday parties, everyone! What do you think of the look?

Love, Val

Lauren Conrad Inspired Makeup

Enter my giveaway if you haven't already - you have until August 1st!!

Hello lovelies! Today I have a full-face makeup tutorial for you all (my first!).  It's a makeup look inspired by Lauren Conrad. I've never seen the Hills, so I can't say I'm a fan of Lauren Conrad, the person; but I read People and her makeup is always gorgeous! Fresh, natural, and dewy. Without further babble, the tutorial!

1) Start off with a foundation-ready face. Lauren has clear skin, so be sure to use a good concealer, especially under the eyes. Lightly sweep a sheer powder on the t-zone to set and mattify, but avoid the cheek area because we want that to be as dewy as possible! (Sephora tinted moisturizer in bronze, Benefit boi-ing concealer in 02, Dulce cosmetics powder in 02)

2) Lauren has simple eye shadow, so start by concealing your lid with a base or concealer, then use a light shimmery color on the lid and browbone. (MAC painterly paint pot and naked lunch eyeshadow)

3) The most drama in Lauren's makeup is the liner and mascara! Use a liquid liner to draw a thin line across the upper lash line, then make a small wing at the end angling up towards the brow. Then use a coating of mascara for volume. (MAC PenUltimate liquid liner, CoverGirl LashBlast Volume mascara)

4) Apply a soft pink blush. I'm using a cream blush, for more dewiness, and applying with my fingers. Then highlight your cheeks (I go into more depth here!). (Nars Penny Lane cream blush, MAC naked lunch shadow)

5) Lauren always has very natural, glossy lips. So I used a peachy pink lipstick, blotted, and used a clear gloss over! (Revlon ColorBurst lipstick in Peach, CoverGirl lip gloss in clear radiance)

Done!

Hope you liked the tutorial! Leave me any request you can think of, and I'll talk to you soon!

Love, Val