Makeover Monday!

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image via google images

You may have noticed I have been sporting a bold lip in some of my posts lately.  When I am heading out with a pair of sunnies on, I find that a bright color on my lips is a quick way to look "done".  Plus, bold lips are a lot of fun and can add a bit of glam to an otherwise basic outfit!

In order to get this look right, you can't just swipe and go.  Bright lipsticks can bleed, show off chapped lips and rub off on everything!  Here are my tricks for keeping a bold color beautiful.

1.       Exfoliate:  Using an exfoliator (I like Origins Never a Dull Moment) or even a dry toothbrush, gently buff the skin of your lips to remove any dry skin.

2.       Moisturize: Using any lip balm (I like Blistex!), coat lips and then blot away any excess.

3.       Lipliner: The key here is to make sure your liner is either the same shade as your lipstick, or your lips (a pinky nude shade).  This way, when your lipstick begins to fade, you will still have color underneath,  It also gives your lipstick something to stick to.  With short, light strokes, outline your lips, then fill in (remember to color in the lines!  This is not a time to try to extend the lip line to make lips look larger).

4.       Lipstick: Using a brush, or carefully out of the tube, apply your lip color until both lips are covered in a thin layer of color.

5.       Blot

6.       Lipstick: Apply a second layer of lipstick as you did the first.

7.       Blot:.You're done!

• If you make a mistake, a Q-tip can be your best friend.  Use it to smudge the lipstick out with one side and then dab on a bit of concealer and powder with the other.
• Steps one and two can be done anytime, not only when wearing bright lipstick.  This can be especially helpful in the winter – it’s right around the corner!
• To make the color less extreme, try dabbing it on lightly with your fingertip so it shows up more like a stain.
• Some classic colors to try?  I like MAC lipsticks for their bold shades – Try MAC Red or Girl about Town (hot pink)

What are your favorite bold shades?  Will you be trying this look?

Makeover Monday!

Inside Mama's Makeup Bag

So this week, I thought it would be fun to give everyone a peek inside my makeup bag!  Yes, I am aware that I carry around a good amount, but the good news?  I'm ready for any occasion! :)

Clockwise from left: Laura Geller Real Deal Concealer in light, Balance and Brighten in light, 

Blush and Brighten in Apricot Berry, Real Deal Foundation in light

Clockwise from left: Smashbox Eyeshadow Quad in Charm, Laura Geller wet/dry shadows in Blue Heaven, 

Baroque, Hyacinth, Mauve, and Amethyst, Laura Geller eye rimz in Plum like it Hot and Bewitching Bronze. 

Center: MAC eyeliner in Stubborn Brown, Smashbox waterproof liner in Smoke.

Clockwise from top left: MAC lipstick in MAC red, Mary Kay lipgloss in Pink Diamonds, 

Smashbox lipgloss in Smitten, Smashbox lipgloss in Lust, Laura Geller lipgloss in Passion Fruit.

Accross top: MAC lipliner in Cranapple 

All of the above plus:  Laura Geller Tinted Spackle, Laura Geller Mascara, assorted brushes

And there it is!  It's funny, I didn't realize how partial I was to Laura Geller's products.  I just love them so! :)

So, what are your make up bag essentials and go-to brands?  I'm always looking for something new to try!

Makeover Monday!

What I am obsessing over

image courtesy of mac.com

Have you seen the new nail polishes from MAC's new Villains line?!  They are amazing.  Seriously.

I have been wearing "Mean and Green" on my nails which looks either purple or teal depending how the light hits it and "Formidable!" on my toes which is a dark shimmering purple.  

They are so pretty and shimmery!  Totally fall appropriate.

What are your latest beauty obsessions?

Makeover Monday!

Face Bronzer by Smashbox
Face Bronzer by M·A·C

Fall is finally in the air!  Fashion wise, this is my favorite time of year, but this also means the end of the summer glow.  While I am quite pale to begin with, I do get a little bit of color in the summer and like to keep it up as the weather cools down.  This is when I turn to bronzer to brighten my complexion.

For light complexions (like me), I like a bronzer with a bit of pink in it like Laura Geller Bronze and Brighten and Smashbox Soft Lights.  This keeps the skin looking radiant without looking "dirty".

For Medium and Olive complexions, I like Smashbox Halo bronzer and MAC bronzer.  They have a great color and don't get cakey when applied.

For drier skin, I love a mouse formula.  It's hydrating without being streaky and keeps the skin looking dewy.

When applying, make sure to only place the bronzer in places where the sun hits, such as the forehead, top of nose and cheekbones.  You can also brush a bit under the jawline for a nice slimming effect!