November Faves

Now that November is coming to a close, it's time to sum up my favorite products this month! I stuck to warm tones, mainly neutrals with some shimmer.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Gloss, Papaya - A fun orange shade with just enough pigment and shimmer.

Laura Mercier Paint, Rose Gold - The perfect metallic shade for fall, and so easy to use!

Elf Duo Eyeshadow/Liner, brown- I like to line the upper lash line with this, with or without the LM eyeshadow. It makes for a warm, soft definition.

Revlon ColorStay Mineral Mousse Foundation - Keeps me matte without powder, and evens out the skin with light natural-looking coverage. A must for oily skin.

All for now! What are your November faves?

Love, Val

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

Back To School Makeup!

     It's that time of year again! Time to decide on your own back-to-school look. Will you reinvent your style? Try all the new trends? Stick with the classics? While you work on your perfect first-day outfit, I've already figured out a makeup look that will flatter anyone on their first day!
    It's a simple look designed to bring out your natural beauty. It features very little on the skin, with naturally pink cheeks, big and lifted eyes, and glossy coral lips. As a bonus, all the makeup is from the drugstore. Let's get started! (You may also check out my video tutorial here.)

1) For your base makeup, take time to evaluate what makeup you actually need. As an example, my skin has a few blemished areas and dark undereye circles, but other than that is relatively clear. Thus, I used concealer in those areas and left the rest bare. I even used a little extra on the lids as an eyeshadow primer. Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer - Light/Medium

2) Begin by giving your eyes some shine and dewiness with a shimmery cream shadow. elf Shadow/Liner Stick - Basic/Brown

3) Next, define the eyes with a brown liner. Apply accross the upper lashline, gradually getting thicker toward the end, and finish with a "kitten" wing. This will lift the eyes, making them appear large and bright. Apply some halfway through the lower lashline as well. elf Shadow/Liner Stick - Basic/Brown

4) Optionally set the shadows and boost color by applying powder shadows (in colors that match) directly on top of the creams. Revlon ColorStay Quad - Coffee Bean

4) Finish off the eyes with curled lashes and mascara. Revlon Grow Lusicous Mascara - Black

5) Keep the cheeks simple and natural by applying a blush that mimics your own natural flush. To do this, check the color of your cheeks after exercising. elf Studio Blush - Tickled Pink

6) Finish off with a glossy lip. There's a shade of coral for everyone! Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss - Coral Reef

Done!

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and have a great day!
Love, Val

4 Minute Makeup!

I don't know if many of you know this but I actually have a YouTube channel! I've only done a few videos, but nonetheless - it's been fun. I thought I'd share one with you today. It's a tutorial for makeup in four minutes! (And as you can tell, I'm still pretty awkward in these. Ha. That's why blogs are great!)

How To:

1) Apply a mineral foundation all over the skin for a little bit of coverage. Using a smaller brush, pinpoint more of the mineral foundation to the areas ou need it - specifically, under the eyes and on blemishes. (GloMinerals loose base, ecoTools powder brush, Stila brush #30)

2) Liven up the cheeks with a blush! I used a cream stick blush for quickness, applied to the back of the apples and blended out with fingers. (NYC blushable cream stick - Big Apple Blush)

3) Get your face an all-over dewy glow with liquid highlighter! I applied to the tops of the cheekbones and all over the eyelids, as an eyeshadow. (elf Shimmering Facial Whip - Lilac Petal)

4) Curl the lashes and apply mascara, as always! (Sephora Lash Curler, Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara)

5) Finish off with tinted lip balm on the lips! (Wet N Wild lip balm in 104)

Hope this helped! Any requests, video or blog?

Love, Val

June Faves ✼

This has been a month of dewy skin, glossy lips, thick lashes and a touch o' bronzer. Read on for my faves!

FACE
Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer is a lovely, illuminating base. It's very sheer, but I love how lightweight it feels. Perfect for summer.
On top, I apply Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer. It contains salicylic acid (great for treating acne), making it perfect to cover blemishes. On lazy days this is fine for an undereye concealer as well. (I apply it with my MAC 217 brush - great for a seamless, no-makeup look.)


CHEEK
Urban Decay Afterglow Cheek Tint in Crush is a beautiful, bright cheek color. I love the brightening, youthful effect this gives to the cheek.
Benefit Hoola Bronzer is my trusty matte bronzer! Read back on my old (embarrassing) Sephora Haul for more.


EYES
I like to define my eyes with Estee Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil in Softsmudge Brown. It's a great warm brown color that I pencil in across my upper lash line, then wing at the end to mimic flirty outer lashes.
Sephora Nano Eyeliner in Pearl Beige goes in the inner corner and the waterline for sparkly, bright eyes.
Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara adds great volume and nice length to the lashes, all while conditioning them! I noticed a difference after the first use - my lashes felt stronger and thicker.


LIPS
Nars Lipstick in Barbarella is THE coral color I have been looking for! It's gorgeous, sheer and it matches my walls. Love.


I hope you enjoyed these faves!! Would you like a review on any of these products?

Love, Val

P.S. I'm going away for Fourth of July weekend, but I have a post pre-scheduled and I'll be back soon!

May Faves!

For me, May has been a month of glowy, fresh skin with subtle eyes and coral lips. On to the faves!

FACE
Stila Tinted Moisturizer is an illuminating, glowy start to any makeup look. I love its barely-there coverage; just enough to even out the complexion.
I like to follow up with a tiny dot of Stila Perfecting Concealer, which covers blemishes and redness beautifully.
Atop the cheeks I apply Revlon Colorstay Brighten Finishing Powder for a sheer highlight - right above whatever blush or bronzer I wear that day.
EYES
I adore this $1 e.l.f. "Day 2 Night" Quad; the pigmentation is excellent and the colors are fab. I use the cream shade on my lid with the taupe brown blended through the crease.
LIPS
I like to finish off the look with Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Coral Reef for a glossy coral finishing touch!

This is my 1st anniversary for my favorites posts! Read last May's here.
Have an excellent day!
Love, Val

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!

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

February Faves!

It is once again time for my monthly favorites post!

Makeup

1. Revlon Berry Haute Lipstick: I love it so much! See my review here.
2. Stila Perfecting Concealer (in 'C'): It's a great full-coverage liquid concealer. I use tiny dots on my under eyes and any blemishes for a beautiful flawless look!
3. gloMinerals loose base (in 'Natural Light'): This I use over the concealer. It sets my makeup, mattifies, and adds some coverage. I love how natural it looks.
4. Benefit Coralista Blush: It's such a beautiful, flattering color! This is definitely my Holy Grail/go-to blush.
5. Urban Decay 24/7 liner (in 'Bourbon'): This rich brown with shimmer starts out super creamy and blendable, but within 30 seconds sets and stays all day! I love the fabulous pigmentation as well. (This is a mini that I got with my Summer of Love set.)

Tools

1. Sigma F80 Brush: (not pictured) So multi-purpose! I use it to blend out my concealer, to apply foundation when I need it, for powder.... The list goes on! See my review here.

All for now! What are you loving??
Love, Val

P.S. Results from my most recent poll!
"I like to play up..."
75% said "my eyes"
37% said "my clear skin"
25% said "my lips"
12% said "my cheeks"

Review: Revlon Berry Haute Lipstick

This has been my favorite lipstick of the last two months! Applied directly, it's a fun berry color, but as a stain (apply, then blot) it's a more natural pink color. I love it both ways. :)

application of Berry Haute lipstick

"stain" of Berry Haute lipstick

Formula: Satin. No shimmer, a little creamy. When you apply as a stain it usually ends up with a matte finish, applied normally it has more sheen.


Color: It's a gorgeous berry color! Kinda like a hot pink + blue tones. Nice color payoff.

Packaging: Classic and sophisticated, like most Revlon packaging. It's from the "Super Lustrous" line of lipsticks.

Wear: For me, the sheen lasts around 2 hours; the color, 3-5 hours.


Overall: If you're looking for a berry color, or something different to wear on your lips, I definitely recommend this!


Buy: At most drugstores or drugstore.com for $7.99.

Love, Val

January Favorites

Hey guys! It's time for my (always belated) favorites post!

The month of January was a month of great hair and minimal makeup. I tried to use as little face makeup as possible, paired with bare eyes (save for some mascara) and a bright pink lip. I played around with my new haircut, trying out some blowouts!

Makeup

• GloMinerals Loose Base (in Natural Light) is what I've been using as my foundation and concealer this past month. It gives a nice, natural coverage and never looks cakey. On my face I use it with a large powder brush, and for concealer I use it with a small eyeshadow brush. 

• Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara (in black) was given to me as a sample at Bobbi's Beauty Rules book signing! (I will post about the book & signing soon!) It's a really nice, natural mascara, but it can easily be built up to high lengths and volume.

• Revlon Just Bitten Lip Balm & Stain (in Passion) is a pretty, fuchsia lip stain. I love the pop of color it gives to my look and the balm on the other side is really convenient and moisturizing. I've even used it in a tutorial!

• Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss (in Pink Pop) looks beautiful over the lip stain for a higher-intensity pink. Or, it works just as well on its own!

Hair
I've been wearing my hair straight, shiny, and swingy all month! I like to blow it out in the mornings with some Chi Silk Infusion and my Revlon Blow dryer. I start by getting my hair mostly dry, then I get a round brush, section off my hair, and start more intricate blow dryer work. Would you be interested in a post on this...?

All for now! Thanks SO much for following and commenting. I appreciate it so much.

Love, Val

Rosy & Frosty: A Tutorial

Hey guys! First, thanks so much for following my blog and entering my giveaway!!

Second, I have a tutorial for you all! It's a super-quick way to embrace the season. I like to think of it as a caught-up-in-a-snowstorm look. Enjoy!

1) Foundation. I like to skip powder for a nice dewy finish in winter. (Revlon Colorstay in Nude mixed with moisturizer)

2) Rosy stain. Time for a winter flush! Add the liquid stain to your cheeks, temple, lips, and even the outer corner of the eyelid for an allover rosy look. (Benefit's Benetint)

3) Now, to incorporate the frost! Dust shimmery white shadow all over the lid. I also used mine on the bridge of the nose, tops of cheek bones, and cupid's bow for some facial highlighting. (Sephora Mono eyeshadow in Aspen Summit)

4) Add mascara. For fun and a twinkly surprise, I added more of the white shadow to the tips of my lashes afterwards. (L'Oreal Telescopic clean definition in black)

5) Finish off your lips with balm to protect from the harsh winter dryness! (eos lip balm in sweet mint)

Done! You should look rosy and frosty, and you can be out the door in five minutes with this one.

All for now-
Love, Val

What I've Been Loving

Hey girls! This was going to be a November Faves, but now we're a week into December. So here's my "What I've Been Loving" post :)

Face
My new foundation routine (pictured) consists of Stila Perfecting Concealer in 'C' on blemishes and undereyes, then a quick dusting of gloMinerals Loose Base in 'Natural Light.' Effortless, and very natural looking. I like how it feels like I don't have makeup on!

Eyes
I've been wearing plum/mauve tones on my eyes recently (I've been told that it brings out my coloring). First, I lightly sweep gloMinerals eyeshadow in Blackberry up to the crease, then follow up with a coat of Benefit Bad Gal Plum mini mascara.

Lip/Cheek
I am in love with Benefit's BeneTint; it's a beautiful liquid cheek color in a rosy shade, great for a "caught in a snowstorm" flush. I've been wearing it on the cheeks, and then applying just a bit to the lips for a slight stain.
In other lip news, I've slowly worked lip glosses back into my makeup routine! Pictured are Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing gloss in Raspberry, Revlon Super Lustrous in Pink Pop, and Nars Turkish Delight - but I love a lot of glosses.  :)

Hair
I've been doing a super-lazy style a lot recently: quick low bun with my hair parted on the side, but to add some flair I braid two tiny sections beforehand. I think it makes it look a little more deliberate, no?

Random

Nutella Hot Chocolate is delicious! (I learned from the lovely missglamorazzi's video recipe.) Basically, you heat up 1 cup of milk on the stove and whisk in 2 T Nutella spread. Now, you may think this would lead to an overly sweet, cheap tasting hot chocolate, but it doesn't! The result is delicious; somehow it ends up with a very sophisticated nutty taste. Mmm. I have literally been having one a day.

 All for now! What have you been loving?

Love, Val

Rave: Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Glosses

  Hey all! So several months ago, I picked up Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Coral Reef. It was the perfect summer color, and I absolutely fell in love with the formulation (I usually prefer lipsticks to glosses, but this is an exception). Recently I decided to get the color Pink Pop as well, and turns out I love it even more! Read on for some swatches and features of my new favorite glosses.

Coral Reef on top, Pink Pop below

Coral Reef on left, Pink Pop on right

Sheer application of Coral Reef

Sheer application of Pink Pop

   Features:
  -Excellent pigmentation; the swatches above we just one quick swipe from the applicator.
  -Doe foot applicator applies an even coat.
  -Perfect balance between sticky and oily - I love the formula! SPF 15.
  -Great color choices - I haven't tried any of the other ones yet,  though I want to.
  -Buildable color. One swipe across the lip makes for a natural tint (as pictured); apply to both lips and you'll achieve an almost-lipstick effect.
  -Pink Pop and Coral Reef contain no shimmer, and are just glossy enough.
  -Very elegant, sturdy packaging. Reminds me of Estée Lauder packaging.

  All in all, the glosses are definitely a favorite for me. Buy at any drugstore, or on drugstore.com for $7. That's all for today! What's your favorite lip gloss?

   Love, Val