All About Brushes Part 3 | Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

So now that you have a basic understanding of brushes, you should know how to clean them. If you haven't read my first two posts about brushes, click HERE and HERE. I am going to be blunt.. your makeup brushes are disgusting. They are filled with old makeup, dirt, DEAD SKIN, and bacteria. Even when your brushes are not touching your face they are still collecting dust and dirt from microscopic particles flying in the air. If you don't wash your brushes, your face may break out, and you can get an infection in your eyes. Not to mention your application will be so much smoother when applying with clean brushes.

But I'm gonna be honest, cleaning my makeup brushes is more of a dreaded task for me than cleaning up cow manure...okay not really, but it's a close call! When I do a nice deep brush cleaning, I do this about once every 2 weeks, give or take. I, however, spot clean my brushes every few days... the brushes I use more frequently that is. 

Can you see why I hate washing all these babies?

At Home Spa Day

It just seems like it never stops snowingggg (in Maryland at least)! If you're feeling under the weather like I am, take yourself away to paradise without having to walk out in this treacherous weather. Sundays seem to be the only day I get to relax because I work Monday-Saturday, so I treat myself to this routine quite often!

This is my "feeling under the weather face"

DIY Milk Bath

Mix:

1-2 cups of whole milk (organic preferred) OR coconut milk

½ cup of honey

Pour mixture into bath and swirl around water so it disperses evenly.

Have any old panty hose? Cut the foot off the panty hose so it is a "sock." Fill with 1/2 cup of oatmeal. Tie and throw in bath squeezing in water to release nutrients. You can then scrub your body with the sock to reap the exfoliating benefits.

Why I Love It: The lactic acid in milk is a natural exfoliant, and the honey moisturizes and softens skin. Oatmeal is just packed with so many benefits. Dry skin has a higher pH balance, and oatmeal is known is regulate the skins pH balance, thus reducing dry and itchiness (perfect for winter!) Oatmeal also contains Saponins, a cleansing agent found in many facial cleansers and shampoos. 

DIY Body Scrub

This is by far my favorite body scrub known to man-kind.

Mix:

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

Dash Lemon Juice

1 Tbsp Honey

Olive oil

Start with brown sugar and gradually add in lemon and honey. Mix. Start adding in olive oil until sugar mix becomes damp. You don't want this to be runny... it will look like a bowl of lard. 

Tip: If you keep your honey refridgerated, throw in the microwave a few seconds.

Why I Love It: Brown sugar is an awesome exfoliater, if you weren't already aware. Also, the citric acid in lemon juice will gently peel away dead skin. And, the honey and olive oil will moisturize your skin. 

Facial Steaming

lol... looks ridiculous right? Totally worth it.

If the bath wasn't enough, I like to give my face a little "sauna" session. Buy facial sauna HERE. Fill pot with water and wait until it starts steaming. Rest face on bowl and slowly breath in and out for about 10-15 minutes.

If you are into essential oils, you can add them to the pot as well.

Why I Love It: Facial steaming helps release any dead skin cells, wastes and toxins, and dirt/bacteria that may be trapped in your skin. It also opens pores, which allows better absorption of any product you use after the steaming (why I like doing this first!). The process also stimulates blood circulation in your face, resulting in a soft, youthful glow!

DIY Facial Steamer: Throw on a pot of boiling water, reduce to simmer and remove from heat. Hold face about 12inches away from pot and drape a towel over your head and around the pot to keep the heat in.

DIY Facial Masks

Depending on your skin type and concerns, the perfect facial mask for you will vary. I like using the one for oily skin with tomatoes and lime! Click HERE for a full list of recipes.

Or, if you already have a go-to mask, you can use that! I am obsessed with "Love Lettuce" from LUSH (perfect for combination skin).

While you're at it, throw some cucumbers on your eyes. While this routine is debated as a "beauty legend" arguing cucumbers do nothing to reduce puffiness around the eyes, it makes me feel in full force spa mood!

Micro Dermabrasion

Why I Love It: We, as humans shed millions of dead skin cells a day. Can you imagine putting your face under a microscope & seeing all those dead cells just sitting & layering on your skin (gross!!). The scrub is made of tiny rough grains that removes dead skin from the outer layer of the skin. You can truly tell after one application how much softer and healthier your skin feels and looks. 

Some people pay big bucks to have a Microderm performed, but you can have it for $50 HERE!!! 

If you don't have your own Microdermabrasion set, here's a quick easy DIY recommended by fashionista Lauren Conrad.

3 parts Baking Soda
1 part water

Work together until a good paste is formed. Test on back of hand for texture.

OR.......Have a Clearisonic? Use it to exfoliate instead.

DIY Facial Scrub

Don't want to mess with Microdermabrasion? Use the same body scrub recipe above on your face. Lemon is known to act as skin brightener as well as an exfoliant. OR, you can do it College Style as I like to call it. Cut a lemon in half, dip cut side in sugar, white or brown, (reminds you lemon drop shots right?) and apply this directly on skin. I also like using this on my ashy elbows!

And there you have it! Your very own spa day. Dim the lights, add some candles, put on some Enya, kick back, relax and pretend you're somewhere sunny and 75!.... don't forget the vino :) 

What are your favorite spa day products?

Makeup for Your Eye Color

Have you ever seen the most beautiful eye makeup on Pinterest, go to recreate it on yourself and all you can say to yourself is "WTF!".. yea that's happened to all of us. Sometimes certain shades can wash out our eyes and make us look older. Knowing which shades complement your eye color will help you in your makeup application, as well as choosing the right shades/palette.

We all remember this from elementary school right? Well it just so happens choosing the best eye shadows for your eye color can be selected from this basic chart. Art 101 will teach you about complementary colors -- ones that are across from one another on the color wheel. Hense, whatever color your eyes are, the shades that will complement them best are on the opposite side of the wheel. On the contrary, monochromatic (same or similar) shades will emphasize your eye color as well.

Let's start with Green Eyes.
Complementary Shades: Purple, Rose/Pink, Mauves, Reds
Monochromatic Shades: Earthy hues (dark greens, brown, gold, khaki)

Purple/Pink shades don't have to be a nightmare. See how beautifully they complement RiRi's green eyes, and how those neutral hues bring out those eyes even more!

Complementary------------------------------------------Monochromatic

Recommended Palettes: Sephora IT Palette- Nude $32.00        Urban Decay Naked 3 $52.00



Blue Eyes:
Complementary Shades: Brown, Copper, Gold, Peach/Orange, Bronze
Monochromatic Shades: Navy, Grey, Silver (though I don't recommend grey by itself)

If you don't like Jenn Lawrence, you can leave my blog NOW. Just kidding. ((but you should heavily reevaluate yourself)). This little blonde hair, blue eyed gem has recently strayed from her dark eyeliner/smokey eye look, and going for more subtle, sophisticated shades. Notice the soft brown smoked out look on left and very light blue/grey accents on right. 

Complementary---------------------------------------Monochromatic

Recommended Palette: Urban Decay Naked $52.00            Too Faced Smokey Eye $36.00

Brown Eyes are the winner of the pot because anything complements brown eyes. The possibilities are endless for you brown eyed babies.

Complementary Shades: Any colorful shade (pink, champagne, purple, peach, blue, green, etc..)
Monochromatic Shades: Black, Brown, Gold, Taupe, Bronze

Minka Kelly is one celeb that can get away with any eyeshadow combo. Although Kim K has brown eyes as well, she often doesn't stray from neutral tones. All 3 looks complement Minka's eyes-- as you can see, purple-esque hues on left, neutral light golds (monochromatic) in center, and a greyish blue smokey eye on right.

Complementary-------------------------------Monochromatic---------------------------------Complementary

Recommended Palette: NARS- The NARSissist $79.00     Too Faced Chocolate Bar $49.00

Hazel Eyes are basically a mix of brown & green; and therefore share a wide selection of shades.
Complementary: Purple, Pink, Mauves, Peach
Monochromatic Shades: Brown, gold, dark green, khaki, teal

Mila Kunis is known for her smokey eye (seen on right), but notice how much her eyes pop with the pinky hues in the left photo.

Complementary------------------------------------Monochromatic

Recommended Palettes: Lorac Pro Palette $42.00      Anastasia Catwalk $29.00


If you're still uncertain, here are a few palettes I feel have a perfect balance of all shades for all eye colors. If all else fails, take notice there are few shades that universally compliment all eyes-- browns, golds, nudes.

** Recommended Palettes FOR ALL EYES:
Lorac Pro Palette $42.00
Urban Decay Naked 2  $52.00
Smashbox Full Exposure $49.00  
NYX Wicked Dreams  $14.99

** Keep in mind your complexion as well. Fair skinned gals should stray from hues that are too dark or shimmery as it can make you look like an Avril Lavigne disaster.

All About Brushes Part 2 | Must Have Brushes

Choosing which brushes you should use can be overwhelming, but just in case you don't understand the importance of brushes in a makeup application, just comprehend they're as crucial as using a fork to eat a bowl of spaghetti... it's possible to do without it, but the result is a big ol mess! And having quality ones are just as relevant. Quality brushes can come with a hefty price tag once you start adding them up, but you will use them EVERY day so it is definitely worth the investment.

The more you experiment with brushes, the more understanding you will get with their functions and uses. Keep in mind, just because a brush has a 'labeled' function does not mean it has to be used solely for that purpose. For example, I use a "base shadow" brush with powder to set my foundation. Experiment with your brushes & see what works for you. 

Here are some staples in my collection:

1. Sigma F80- Flat kabuki $21//here
Use: Foundation Application
-- Dense synthetic bristles; guarantees a flawless finish
-- Ideal for medium to full coverage foundations
-- As mentioned before, the synthetic bristles in this brush release the product directly on your skin. Pressing the brush into the skin and moving this brush in circular motions will provide a perfect flawless application. Pointed foundation brushes can cause streaks & uneven application. 

How To: Stay Flawless ALL Day

Ya know that phrase "Look like a girl, Act like a lady, Think like a man, Work like a boss?" Well unfortunately for us working ladies, we have a hard time maintaining that "look like a girl" thing. We can all agree that we sometimes look like monsters by 5pm when our makeup has run off our face from "working like a boss" all day. Here's a list of must-haves so you can walk out that office after 8 hours and still look like princess!


With Your Initial Makeup Routine, Add:


Mattifying Gel (for us Oily Skin kids)

Eve Pearl Anti Shine Mattifying Gel $24.00

Eve Pearl's Anti Shine Mattifying Gel creates a barrier over your skin making it harder for oil to pass through. For a long night out, or days when I wait tables, I do need that extra mattifying touch for oil control and will pick this up to use. I truly do love love love this product and significantly notice a difference when I use it. You could walk straight out of a sweaty club after 5 hours and STILL look flawless with this product. And that, is a statement I swear by!


Buy HERE (or Amazon)

** Always remember to use a primer!! Eye primers especially prevent your shadows from creasing, ensuring they last all day!


Waterproof Top Coat Mascara

Anastasia Lash Genius $21.00

Certain mascaras have a tendency to flake off after a few hours, some more than others. But that doesn't mean you should have to sacrifice your favorite lash products because they end up on your cheeks half through the day. I, especially have problems with this because my bottom lashes are longer than normal. Anastasia's Lash Genius is a clear waterproof top coat to apply on top of your mascara. In fact, almost any waterproof mascara can serve the same purpose. I am so drawn to this one though because I love the fact I can use my favorite mascaras, and then add the top coat without any clumping. Waterproof mascaras have a bad rap in that they are extremely difficult to remove. It's only difficult to remove if you're only using soap. Makeup remover takes it off with ease so don't be intimidated. 

Buy HERE

-----------------

After Your Makeup, Add:

A Setting Spray

We've all heard "Grandma's Trick" aka using hairspray on your face to set your makeup. While this is rumored to work for some people, I personally do not like walking out of my house as if I just got a bad, stiff botox injection. So as of lately, I've been loving Ben Nye's Final Seal Spray ($7.00)

I kid you not, when I first heard of Ben Nye (from Kim K's banana powder frenzy) I seriously thought this was a makeup line from the Science Guy... So finally I googled it one day only to realize that was Bill Nye, not Ben. Don't judge!! I'm sure you thought that too, it just rolls off the tongue.

Well anyway, I was in search of a good setting spray because I just ran out of my Urban Decay All Nighter Spray, so I was opting to use MAC's Fix+. Don't get me wrong, I love my Fix+ for more than just a setting spray, but I was curious to see what else was out there when I stumbled upon Ben Nye's Final Seal. This setting spray is apparently used by Disney Princesses, but that just may be a gimmick. After reading tons of reviews I decided it give it a go and though it slightly has a mouth washy odor to it, I believe this spray is every lady's saving grace. It truly keeps my makeup in place & really helps my T-Zone area from becoming oily.

** I bought mine off Amazon, but just be careful. Know the 2oz bottle retails for around $7, so don't get cheated out by paying much more than that!! Most the websites that sell this add outrageous shipping so I looked around until I found a reasonable price.

MAC Fix+ HERE

Urban Decay + Other Setting Spray options at Sephora HERE

--------------------------------

60 Second Touch Essentials to carry in your Makeup Bag:

Shine Control/Translucent PRESSED Powder- Powders can set your foundation creating that flawless "look", but it can fade over time as your skin produces oil. If buying from the drugstore, like Neutrogena's Shine Control Powder, it will come with a powder cloth for an easy touch up, otherwise, throw in a mini kabuki brush or similar applicator. 

Mascara- obviously a necessity! Anytime I get mascara samples I throw them in my makeup bag.

Cream blush- As I'm not a fan of cream blush for initial application, you can apply with your finger, as opposed to carrying an unnecessary brush with you. Just a light dab of blush can freshen up the face.

Waterproof Eyeliner- A good eyeliner will stay on all day, but anything on the waterline will inevitably disappear because of how much moisture is produced in our eyes. A quick swipe on the waterline will make your lashes look more full, and make your eyes look more 'finished.'

Brow pencil- I hardly feel the need to touch up my brows since I've been using Anastasia Brow Wiz, but it's there just in case I decide to take a nap on my hands and wake up with wack brows. Ain't no one wanna see that.

Lip Color- Whatever shade I chose to wear for the day I throw in my bag, but sometimes as I'm rushing out the door I forget. Keep a tinted lip balm (like BabyLips) in your bag so you always have a little something! For some reason I always tend to forget about lipstick crayons when choosing a color for the day so  I also like to throw these in the bag (ex Revlon Colorburst, or Tarte Lipsurgence). 

----------------------------

>>> Keep Note:::: Better quality products will of course stay on longer than most drug-store products (especially on the face!)

But above all else, DON'T touch your face!!!! Not only are your hands contaminated 

with 7836742 germs & bacteria, which causes acne, but you're also wiping away your 

beautiful makeup.. so stop!

Love you guys! Stay flawless my friends!!

All About Brushes Part 1 | The Basics

This is rather a complex subject so I am going to break down this issue in three separate posts. The first thing you should know is the bristles come in two different types- Synthetic and Natural... and you should have both! The main difference between synthetic hairs and natural hair is its capability to pick up and release the product.

Synthetic Hairs 

Synthetic are usually made with taklon or nylon, which is what most synthetic paint brushes are compromised of as well, or any other matter that imitates animal hair. As I raved in my Makeup Essentials (<<< Read Me) blog, I am obsessed with Sigma's F80 Flat Kabuki brush (made of synthetic hairs). Because it is not real hair, it does not essentially grab & hold the product within the hairs... it picks it up & releases it directly on the surface. Synthetic brushes are used best with liquids, creamy eyeshadow, or eyeliner. Traditionally, you should avoid powder based products with synthetic brushes. However, some companies are creating synthetic hairs that so closely resemble natural hairs you can hardly tell the difference. (Just know before you buy)

Recommended brushes: Sigma F80 - Flat Kabuki
Sigma  F88 - Flat Angled Kabuki
Sigma E05 - Eyeliner 
Sigma F70 - Concealer 

Natural Hairs

Natural brushes are a little more complex, as they are made from a variety of animals. The most common being goat, squirrel, sable, and pony. ((Don't worry, they are not harmed.. we all get hair cuts)). Adversly from synthetic brushes, natural hairs are best used on powder products. The reason being, the hair is REAL...it is going to absorb moisture as our own hair does. A powder product is just going to vacuum inside those cuticle scales (below), and when enough pressure is applied (it doesn't take much) the powder will fall off
 

resulting in a softer application than synthetics.  This comes in handy when blending products. Natural brushes tend to move more generously than synthetics, which is why they are so amazing with blending & buffing out. (<< Does all that make sense?) Avoid using liquids and creams, as they will cling to the hair's texture & will have a difficult time releasing.. resulting in uneven application & cakeyness (ewww).



Recommended brushes: Sigma E35 - Tapered Blending
Sigma E25 - Blending
Sigma F40 - Large Angled Contouring
Sigma F10 - Powder/Blush

(I believe Sigma's Natural brushes are hairs from the belly of a Goat)

Combination

And then there are combination brushes.. which consist of both natural & synthetic hairs. You will not come across these brushes as much... as there are few brushes I know of (or at least tried) that is compromised of both. My favorite is MAC's 242 Shader brush. This little puppy is awesome for packing on color and even works with creamy concealers. It's the best universal brush known to man-kind. If you do stumble upon a combination brush, I would choose a very reliable brand, such as MAC so you know you are getting the best quality.

Recommended Brush: Sigma F50 Duo FibreMAC 242 Shader 

** Please Note: I chose to link all Sigma Brushes not only because they are amazing, but it was easier for me to stay with one brand. I am no way affiliated or sponsored by Sigma.

Brushes Part 2 HERE
Brushes Part 3 HERE

Makeup Essentials 101

The most frequently asked question I receive is, "what makeup do you use?" Well, that's rather a loaded question, because the products I use vary on a day to day basis. If you are just starting out in the makeup world, these products are staples for your every day routine!  

Now, grab a snack, a glass (or bottle) of wine & enjoy! It's a long one :)

** All products mentioned are solely my opinion based on experience. There are endless options for each product category. These are merely recommendations **

Primers
I cannot stress enough how important primers are to create that flawless look. SOMETHING has to be the meat in the sandwich between your skin and makeup. I have combination skin so I do not like to moisturize under my foundation as I get oily in my T zone. Don't get me wrong, it is IMPORTANT to moisturize everyday! Yes, everyday. Those with dry skin may get away with a moisturizer in the place of a primer. 

Face Primers:
* Benefit POREfessional $30.00- Minimizes the appearance of pores & creates a smooth canvas for perfect, long lasting application.

 * Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser $6.99 

* Mary Kay Foundation Primer SPF 15 $16.00 (Snaps for Sunscreen!!)

* L'Oreal Miracle Blur $19.97
* Smashbox  Photo Finish Foundation Primer $15-36.00

Eye Primers:
Eye primers are so important because they create a clean, crease resistant palette to gurantee shadow stays in place all day. Primers also have the tendency to boost pigmentation on the lid (colors will show up better on a primed eyelid).

* Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion $20.00
* Mary Kay Eye Primer $12.00
* Too Faced Shadow Insurance $20.00


Foundation & Application

Let's be honest, every one wants flawless looking skin so we'll just cut to the chase. No explanation needed here. Again, there is plenthura of foundations available, each cattering to a specific skin type, tone, and preference. These are just ones I love, and actually consider pretty universal.

* Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation $42.00- Soft, light weight liquid foundation that is formulated to provide a flawless finish

* L'Oreal True Match Lumi (Dry Skin) or L'Oreal True Match(I prefer this over the lumi, again, because of my skin type. The True Match has a thicker, less oily formula than the Lumi. The one that will be best for you depends on your skin type.

-- Applied with: Flat Top Kabuki Brush (Sigma Beauty & Sedona Lace have great ones) . Applying 1.5 pumps to the back of the hand, lightly dip brush in foundation pulling up about half of the product. Dab "dots" onto face. Repeat until all product is used. Blend out with brush in circular motion. Using a flat kabuki brush will ensure an even, flawless foundation as opposed to a "flat foundation brush." These brushes are made of synthetic hairs, meaning the brush will NOT grab & hold makeup inside the brush, it directly picks up the product and transfers right onto your face. Flat brushes can cause "streaky lines" and uneven application.

This.

Not This.

** Both Sigma & Sedona Lace brushes are low cost & the best!! MAC's professional brushes are literally, I kid you not, literally the SAME brushes, they are just double the price & say "MAC" on them.  

Concealer + Application

Concealer should be a NECESSITY in your makeup routine to brighten up that area under your eyes (especially if you have dark circles like me). The most common mistake made is buying the wrong kind of concealer. For under eye application, concealer should be in liquid form. DO NOT purchase a compact/thick like cream concealer for this. These types of concealers are meant for covering up blemishes. When applied under the eye, they will cake up without a doubt.

* MAC Pro Longwear Concealer $19.00 - Medium coverage concealer, provides up to 15 hours of wear, Creaseless.

* NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer $28.00
* Maybelline Instant Age Rewind $7.94
* Maybelline FitME Concealer $5.48

** Concealer for blemishes: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage $32.00

( I still have yet to find a drugstore concealer for blemish treatment, but will be on the look out! )

Applied With: Beauty Blender $19.95 I cannot even begin

to explain how amazing this little sponge is. It's so awesome & cute I could cuddle with it! (JUST KIDDING.. but it's great). I've bought knock off versions at TJ MAXX & they even sell them at Wal Mart now too, but none of them come close to the real thang. Simply soak your BB in water, squeeze all excess water out & you're ready to go. Apply concealer & gently dab BB repeatedly over to blend. This gives you the most flawless finish I kid you not! (( Tip: Can also be used to apply all over foundation.. score! ))

Why It Works: Most sponges will absorb up all your make up resulting in uneven application. Because of the soft lightweight material & dampness of the BB sponge, makeup repels off the sponge & directly onto your skin. Concealer brushes can do the same as flat foundation brushes mentioned above (streaky lines.. ain't nobody got time for that).

Eye Shadows
The most exciting part of this post! Every gal loves ooohhing & aaahhing over pretty eyeshadows :) But which palette(s) suits you best? << (See what I did there? Lord knows we can't live with just one)

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette $52.00

Consists of Taupe/Neutral shades. This was my very first palette & I still find myself reaching for it at least 2 or 3 times a week. The shades are just so beautiful, highly pigmented & versatile. The only downside is there are only 2 matte shades, but still gorgeous shadows nonetheless!

Lorac Pro Palette $42.00

Perfect for everyday wear. If I recommend ANY product to you, it's this one! I could literally only own this palette alone & be satisfied. Combination of shimmery & matte shades.

BH Cosmetics Day & Night Palette $9.00

This palette is for the explorer. For the one who wants to experiment with a wide variety of shades (There's 60!! Yes, 60 shades for $9.00!!!) I will admit, some of these are not highly pigmented, but that's what you get for 9 bucks, right? I love this palette when I want a pop of color here & there, it includes nearly every single shade in the color spectrum. Worth every penny.

NYX Wiked Dreams Palette $14.99

I'm going to be honest. I do not own this palette, nor have I ever tried it. I've eyeballed it quite a few times & find myself resisting, only for the fact most of the shades are comparable to the Lorac Pro, with the exception of a few. This a great combination of matte and shimmer shades, also offering a few colorful shades too. I have heard nothing but great reviews on this palette. Definitely worth a try if you don't want to splurge on the Naked2 or Pro Palette.

Maybelline Eye Studio Eye Shadow Quads $7.94

Perfect for the gal who isn't sure what the F@%k she's doing with makeup. These quads are full proof. All are cheap & highly pigmented. Of all drug store eye shadows I have ever purchased, these are by far one of the best and least chalky.

Downside: Pretty sure they are all shimmery shades (no mattes). This can be overwhelming if you're more of a plain Jane.

Maybelline "The Nudes" Palette $10.00

This palette is everything. The whole shit shabang. These are the perfect combination of neutral shades, also providing a well balanced ratio of mattes to shimmers. Not only are these highly pigmented, but the quality is insanely comparable to high end products. They are even more beautiful in person... and for $10.. can't beat that!

Eyeliner
Eyeliner can be tricky because it comes in many different forms: pencil, liquid pencil, gel, cream, liquid. Gahhh give me a break will ya? The best advice I have is to find one of these variations you are comfortable with and stick with it. Here's a few great liners--

Pencils:
* MAC Eye Kohl $16.00 - Soft & silky eye pencil, glides on smooth & lasts all day!

* Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner $20.00 - Perfect for the lazy gal because this puppy never needs sharpened. Every time you put the cap back on, it self sharpens (amazing, right!)

* L'Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Pencil $7.97 - It is exactly what it says- a liquid pencil. Never have experienced an eyeliner that goes on as smooth as this one. (I'm obsessed with the smudger at the end) Downside: If you do not have a steady hand, this product is NOT for you. It can be a mess if not applied with ease. Also, it almost always needs sharpened, & when done be careful, this product is very delicate & will break off in a sharpener so it cannot ever be fully sharp sharp.
* NYX Slide On, Glide On, Stay On, Definitely a Turn On Eye Pencil $7.99 - Offers many shade options, is long lasting and glides on very effortlessly.

Gel/Cream:

* Makeup Geek Gel Liner $7.99 - A true BLACK gel liner, goes on smooth & easy.
* e.l.f. Cream Eyeliner $3.00 - (link is to Walgreens, but it's available at Walmart). EASY EASY EASY. I just can't even begin to explain how easy & smooth this eyeliner is. PLUS it comes with a little brush! ahhh (love!)
----Applied With:

* Sedona Lace EB 19 Eyeliner Brush $8.95 - Dip this in those ^^ & you're guaranteed a perfect, clean wing EVERY time. Tip: Brush excess liner off onto a paper towel after each use as any left over product left on the brush will harden.

Liquid:

* KatVonD Tattoo Liner $18.00 - Offers the most precise point for that perfect winged liner. Is also extremely long lasting and a true black. Has little 'shine' to it as most liquid liners do,

* Maybelline Line Stiletto  $5-8.00 - Another great liquid liner that has a sturdy enough point to give you control, but is also a bit flimsy for easy strokes.

(I like pairing these 2 together-- Line Stiletto on the lid, and Tattoo Liner for a wing)
* NYC Liquid Liner $3.00 - This liner comes in a pen form and has a very dense tip. Very easy to apply and nice color payoff.
* Too Faced 3-Way Lash Lining Tool $22.00 - An all in one eyeliner. This is very unique because it has a fork like tip. This design makes it easy to tightline and really get into the spaces between each lash to make the lashes look 5x as thick. Don't be afraid by the 3way tip, it's actually very easy to apply a wing liner this this cowboy.


Mascara
I wouldn't consider ALL these mascaras as a necessity 9okay yea they are), but every one always asks about my lashes so here it is. Applied in this order:

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara $5.94

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara $5.84

Rimmel London Lash Accelerator $7.97

Benefit They're Real! Mascara $23.00

Eyebrows

Eyebrows are perhaps the most over looked part of a makeup routine because when talking about filling them in, it is common to think of one of these three: 

The fact of the matter is, filling in eyebrows PROPERLY can completely polish off your look.

P.S.-- If your brows look like those, you need to stop that. Now.

* Anastasia Brow Wiz $21.00 WIN WIN WIN!! Hands down best brow product of all time. It's precise tip mimicks actual hairs. It is the best brow tool on the earth!

* Maybelline Define-A-Brow $5-6.00 - A close second to the Brow Wiz. Not as precise, but still provides a nice color payoff for natural looking brows.

* Anastasia Brow Powder Duo $23.00- There are other dupes out there for this, but I shop at Sephora so very frequently I just always pick this one up. Maybe I'll venture out soon & do some experimenting! Be careful when substituting eyeshadows for a brow powder-- they don't always look as natural, which is why I always stick with the brow powders!

* Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse $28.00- Though pricey, this small jar of brow mousse will last you for a very very very long time! It's a lightweight formula that goes on smooth, making it the perfect product to fill in natural looking brows.

Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel $6.49- Again, there are several options out there for a brow gel-- a necessity for those with curly brows like myself! ((This one is 3/4 the price of Anastasia's)).

Lips
Adding lipstick just completes the whole look of the face. If you're not into the very colorful tones, you will be surprised what a neutral toned pink or peach will add to your look!

* MAC Lipstick $15.00- MAC carries ANY lipstick shade your heart will ever desire (Not to mention they smell Uhh-mazing!) A Few of my favorites:
Ruby Woo (red)
Diva (dark red with brown undertones)
Rebel (deep plum)
Candy Yum Yum (hot pink)
Close Contact (Nude)
Brave (light mauvey pink)

These lippies are well worth the price for their high quality in color payoff and lasting power.

* Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss $4.97 - I am a straight up lipstick junkie & literally have to try everything. I picked this up at CVS the other day after making my boyfriend wait a half hour in the car for me on a "quick" makeup run. Anyways, I am very impressed with this lipstick-- creamy & yet matte, stays on ALL DAY. No touch ups needed. I see myself purchasing the whole collection in the near future. Snaps to Rimmel & Kate Moss (a perfect low cost option)

Blush/Bronzer

Blush can be like a drink of fresh water for your face! Even on those lazy days, applying a little blush on the apples of your cheeks can make you appear more awake & "glowing." Whatever you do, no not skip this step in your makeup routine!

* Milani Baked Blush $6.99- I Can'y say enough great things about this blush. Some of the shades really aren't that highly pigmented, but for blushes, that can be a good thing. Sometimes less is more! No one wants grandma or clown blush right?!
(Luminoso is my favorite!)

* Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color $12.00 -- These were one of my first blush purchases and I still use these blushes on the regular. They are highly pigmented, long lasting and offer a wide variety of shades.

* Benefit Hoola Bronzer $28.00 - Beautiful matte bronzer that looks good on any skin tone & is perfect for contouring.

* NARS Laguna Bronzer $38.00 - A pretty hefty price tag for something that goes on your cheeks, but it sure does payoff! It's the perfect shade of bronze, and when paired with the Hoola Bronzer, creates the most absolutely natural looking contour.

* I'm still on the look out for a good drugstore bronzer I really like, as most I come across are either tiled/mosiac and/or shimmery. Shimmery bronzers should not be used for contour purposes, only to add shine and glow to the face.

Miscellaneous

* e.l.f. Makeup Remover Pen $3.00 - This is the most genius product ever designed because we all make those F*%Ktard mistakes sometimes. The pen makes it easy to undo those mess ups (especially helpful with winged liner). I bought at Walmart, but have not been able to find it since. It is available on drugstore.com and possibly at Target. 

P.S.-- Not sure what this cat has to do with a Makeup Remover Pen.. I just love cats :)

* Mary Kay Mineral Power Foundation $18.00 - in IVORY 0.5-- Not sure who in our galaxy is actually pale enough for this powder. It is so pale it is nearly translucent so I use it as a setting powder. Using a small brush I apply this over my T-Zone (oily & highlighted spots). Even if you do not have oily skin, setting your foundation with a powder completes the flawless look. 

-- Make Up Forever Microfinish Powder ($34.00 loose, $22.00 pressed) is designed to do the same thing. I also love Neutrogena's Shine Control Pressed Powder $11.99

* MAC Fix+ $21.00 -- Last, but not least, this is the holy grail of all cosmetics. This spray can be used to moisturize skin, as a setting and/or prepping spray, to add pigmentation to shadows, bind together loose & glitter pigments, and as a "re freshening spritzer." Talk about all in one! This solution is saline based so basic eye drops can substitute for many of these functions.

The End! 

P.S.S.-- A BIG Thank you to my co-workers who bugged the living crap out of me every week to teach them how to do makeup. You lovely girls are 100% my inspirations behind this blog. This one is for you beautiful ladies!