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!

Some beach essentials...

Beach Essentials by valscloset featuring racerback tank tops

Y 3 racerback tank top
$54 - theoutnet.com

H M short short
18 GBP - hm.com

Babajaan triangle bikini
$115 - net-a-porter.com

Cream shoes
$55 - calypsostbarth.com

Clinique 'Sun' Face & Body Cream SPF 15
$21 - nordstrom.com

Essie Nail Polish - Watermelon
$15 - apothica.com

I'm so excited for summer! What are your beach essentials??
Love, Val

Rave: NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick + Blush

Today I have for you a review and some swatches on two wonderful NARS products: Dolce Vita lipstick and corresponding Dolce Vita blush. I absolutely love each of them, worn separately or together - so let's get into the rave review!

Sorry for the dim lighting, it made the picture more true to color.

Swatches: lipstick on top, blush below

Me wearing both products!

The Lipstick

Finish: Glossy, but not overly so - sort of like a lip balm.

Consistency: Weightless and super moisturizing!

Color: Nars describes it as a "dusty rose," and I couldn't phrase it any better. :) It's definitely the perfect "my lips but better" color for me.

Payoff: Sheer, but buildable.

Wear: Unfortunately this does not last very long for me, probably only 2 hours. But it's quick to reapply!

The Blush

Finish: Matte texture. If you look really closely, there are a few tiny sparkles, but nothing visible when on the cheeks.

Color: Same as the lipstick when swatched or worn; in the pan it looks a tad more purple toned.

Payoff: Super, super pigmented! Have caution when applying this, only take a tiny amount to start.

Wear: Lasts all day, as most powder blushes do for me.

Overall: Each product has a gorgeous, flattering color to it and excellent quality. If you're willing to make the investment, these will become staples in your makeup collection.

To buy: Lipstick, $24 and blush, $27; at NARS or Sephora.

All for now! Hope you enjoyed this review, and have a great Sunday.

Love, Val

(Another) New haircut!

  Hey guys! I've just gotten my hair cut (again). I asked for about 2 1/2 inches off the bottom, and to trim my layers and fringe. Here's what I ended up with!

  I love the super easy, straight style and also the new length! Much more lightweight for this warmer weather.
  All for now! How's your weekend going?
  Love, Val

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

I want! Makeup Palettes.

Makeup palettes are so tempting - yet, they tend to be quite expensive. For this reason, I'll try and limit myself to just obsessing over them.

Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules Palette

Picture from Fete A Fete

Urban Decay Rollergirl Palette

Picture from Fruity Lashes

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette

Picture from The Daily Cookie

Sigma Bare Palette (not yet released)

Picture from Beauty Moments

What palettes are you longing for??
Love, Val