How I Transition my Fall Color Palette to Winter

How I Transition my Fall Color Palette to Winter

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Disclaimer: This post is written in partnership by Adore Me.

In case you haven't been able to tell so far, I love fall. Yes, I'm a total basic white girl when it comes to fall. I always look forward to breaking out grey tights and berry lips and little dresses layered just right. Unfortunately, here in Kentucky, fall is kind of a short season. While I can we have definitely been blessed with a little longer fall than last year (in which winter hit by Halloween), I know it's coming to a close very, very soon. Thus, it's time to start thinking about how to transform my fall loves into winter loves.

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Beauty Battles: MAC Ruby Woo vs Wet n Wild Stoplight Red

Beauty Battles: MAC Ruby Woo vs Wet n Wild Stoplight Red

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Please forgive the frizz. My hair hates humidity.

Red is my favorite lip color. It's easy to feel all made up without actually doing all the work and I'm lazy so... yeah. I am sure by now you have noticed how often I wear a red lip anyhow, based on how often I sport red lips in my photos. My favorite, favorite red has always been MAC Ruby Woo, which is drying as the Sahara desert but the color payoff was so beautiful that I happily prepped my lips each night and scrubbed all the chapped skin of day after day. If this sounds annoying, it's because it is. That and the fact that MAC started testing on animals means I will not be repurchasing my near empty tube.

But what's a red lip loving girl to do? She is going to try the Wet n Wild matte Stoplight Red, that's what. A lot of people on various sites claim this is a true dupe to Ruby Woo. I disagree with that statement. When swatched side by side (warning, terrible picture... cannot photograph swatches to save my life), Stoplight Red has a pinkish undertone while Ruby Woo looks more like a true red. However, once on the lips, I really quite like Stoplight Red! It doesn't look pinkish at all on my skintone and feels so much creamier than Ruby Woo. Goodbye, lip prep. I'll still moisturize at night (using Jack Black lip balm), but no more scrubbing and obsessive moisturizing to make sure I'll be able to wear Ruby Woo the next day.

Oh, and the longevity ain't half bad either. Stoplight red will get me through till lunch and I usually remove my lipstick at lunch anyway.

Ruby Woo: $16. Stoplight Red: $1.99

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Beauty Battles: Bobbie Brown vs Wet n Wild Gel Eyeliner

Beauty Battles: Bobbie Brown vs Wet n Wild Gel Eyeliner

Sunday, July 12, 2015

I'm not really one to make New Year's Resolutions. A year is too long a time frame so it allows us to change our goals from "right now" to "someday" waaaay too easily. That said, this year, sometime around March, my conscious started tingling. As I applied my abundance of MAC eyeshadows, I couldn't stop thinking about animal testing in cosmetics. I had recently been purchasing some shampoo from Lush and had a conversation with an employee there. Am I really ok with shoving mascara into rabbit eyes or force feeding animals lethal doses of chemicals just to make sure that eating cosmetics is harmful (btw, don't eat makeup, k)? No, I'm really not ok with that. After a little research on my options, I knew it was time to make a lifestyle change: going cruelty free.

Firstly, I know... L'Oreal, Maybelline, and Cover Girl have so much inventory! It's hard! My favorite lipstick ever is by MAC! On and on the list of excuses could go... but in reality there are tons of options! Cruelty Free Kitty has a ton of options listed on her site. With that many brands on the market, there's going to be something for everyone. So today I'll start with possibly my most used cosmetic item: eyeliner.

For years, I used Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner and brush with fantastic results. Seriously, I have sworn by this expensive product since I was 20! I knew I was going to be really reluctant to let it go, but I had heard some great reviews of cheaper gel/creme eyeliners on /r/makeupaddiction. After searching the sub, I decided to give Wet n Wild's Fergie creme eyeliner in Little Black Dress a go. I am so glad I did! The texture is better than Bobbi Brown! It glides on smoother, lasts at least as long as Bobbi Brown, and Wet n Wild never, ever tests on animals! The best part though is the price, Bobbi Brown is $25 while Wet n Wild only cost me $4.99 at my local Walgreens. My only complaint is that the lid on Wet n Wild Little Black Dress smudges easier and collects more dust, therefore it needs to be cleaned more frequently.

Can you tell which one was $25 and which was $5? Neither can I.

Another benefit of Wet n Wild's Little Black Dress is it has amazing longevity. I don't know about you, but I want my eyeliner to last through the work day, walking my dog in 90 degrees, and through an entire ballet performance. Little Black Dress can do this just as easily as Bobbi Brown for a fraction of the price. Just look below, where I have included some crappy selfies taken after performing a ballet piece in the pouring rain.* As you can see, I am soaked. That eyeliner hasn't budged. Quite frankly, I think that Wet n Wild Comfort Zone pallette held up pretty well too.

P.S. This series will also focus on affordable new favorites. Looking great doesn't have to be expensive. Drugstore makeup has become better than ever.

Do you have a favorite cruelty free eyeliner? Anything else you think I should try? Let me know in the comments!

*Yay for dancing in the rain and crossing things off my bucket list!

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Favorites: Chanel Rivoli Lipstick

Favorites: Chanel Rivoli Lipstick

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

I was originally going to call this a Wordless Wednesday, but apparently I can't not talk. You guys, this is my favorite, favorite, favorite fall berry lipstick. Paired with Rimmel's lipliner in Wine, this is a killer combo. Normally I am waaaay to cheap to purchase Chanel, but a few years back I just needed a special treat, and this was it. When I pull it out, the packaging makes me feel so classy and grown up and I never fail to feel that inner smile from the heart. It's a wonderful little reminder to appreciate the little things in life.

tl;dr Best makeup splurge ever. What is your favorite cosmetic splurge?

P.S. Here I am wearing it! More of this outfit post here.

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Look of the Week

Look of the Week

Friday, December 13, 2013

This is what happens when you combine MAC humid with satin taupe.

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Look of the Moment

Look of the Moment

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Recently, I have gotten back into eye makeup.  I usually tend to learn towards bright lips, but I have so many gorgeous eye shadows and I realized I really ought to play with them more.  Here is one of my favorite looks I created recently.

Colors:

MAC Plum Dressing

MAC Fig 1

MAC Deep Truth

MAC Stars n Rockets

MAC Aquadisiac

MAC Fluidline liner in Waveline

Loreal Voluminous Mascara

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Haunts and Ghouls

Haunts and Ghouls

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Here is a look at my Halloween costume. We didn't have any parties to go to, so I kept it simple with stuff I already have.  Sometimes that is the best way though!  The only thing I bought specifically for Halloween was the hat, which I decorated myself.  Outfit details will be below.  Thanks to my wonderful husband for taking pictures of me. I apologize for any awkward faces in advance.. it was very windy and almost blew my hat away.

Outfit Details

Dress: Anthropologie

Green Tights: We Love Colors Kelly Green

Fishnets: Hot Topic circa 2009? 8? Old.

Shoes: Libby Edelman 2011

Hat: Target! $3 plus DIY

I have had the necklace since high school. I don't know where it came from.

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The Perfect Holiday Party Dress...

The Perfect Holiday Party Dress...

Thursday, October 3, 2013

..is here. Now.  And once I can figure out how to pay for it, it's mine.  Necessary accessories: beaded or bright belt, black or red pumps, red lipstick.

Anthropologie, $138

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Budget Friendly Mascara

Budget Friendly Mascara

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Last week, I knew I was running low on my favorite mascara, Diorshow Blackout.  I also knew that Diorshow Blackout is $25 and I didn't have that.  I have kept my home on a strict, strict budget so that we can pay off our car in two years or less, and I can keep taking dance class in the meantime (seriously, that is the one thing I am NOT willing to cut out of my budget), so I knew $25 on mascara was not happening on a whim.  After much research, I decided to try L'Oreal Voluminous in Carbon Black.  I cannot believe I have been missing out on this all these years.  It's seriously really damn great, and for $7.99, I can't beat the price.  While I do plan to buy more Blackout at some point, I can't lie; this stuff is really good.  Wear time is long, and with two coats, I get most of the drama I crave in a mascara.  Here is what it looks like on my lashes. Please note that the last photo is Carbon Black with a second coat of Blackout (still have a little!)

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Fall Makeup Trends, Part 1

Fall Makeup Trends, Part 1

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

We already talked about fall fashion, now it's time to go beyond the clothes.  Makeup can, ahem, make up any outfit.  Yes, I meant to do that.  For me, colder seasons are all about the lipstick.  Once fall gets here it's all reds and berries with smokey, sultry eyes, or simple eye liner.  Today I am going to show you my favorite fall lipsticks, from bright reds to deep vampire like berries.  I really, really, wanted to show you guys the colors on my lips, but the lighting in my bathroom was just not very forgiving.  Each photo is captioned with the source.


1. Revlon Really Red.

This really is the best red for the best price I think I have ever seen in my life.  It is very similar to MACs Ruby Woo, previously my favorite red of all time, before I lost it and bought this one.  Yeah, the formula (Ruby Woo was just so so so dry...) feels much better after a long day of wear.  For a grungey look, wear this with smudged eyeliner or black shadow in the corner.  For a classic, Riveting Rosie look, do foundation, mascara, and the lipstick.  Nothing else.  If you want to see it more closely compared to Ruby Woo, just click here.

From makeupgeek

2. MAC Viva Glam I.
This is pretty dang close to perfect.  More vampy than Really Red, and totally retro. I love to wear this with plain ole' eyeliner and mascara.  When you buy this, 100% of the funds go the MAC AIDS fund.

Also from MakeupGeek.

3. Nars Jungle Red.
This one is you gals out there who want to wear a red, but don't want it to be too flashy.  You can pull off a smokey eye waaaay more easily with Jungle Red, as it is much more subtle, especially on pigmented lips.

From Hollywood Life

If it makes you feel any better, here is a picture of these lipsticks swatched on my arm, so you can really see the difference.  In order: Really red, Viva Glam I, Jungle Red.

Really though, Really Red is much brighter than what my bathroom lighting is showing you.  It's pretty damn perfect.

And now for those berries.

1.Chanel Rivoli
This is my favorite, favorite berry.  It is subtle enough to still wear a slight grey smokey eye, or to just smudge my eyeliner a little bit.  Just looking at it makes me feel fall.

From londonprettyboy

2. MAC Rebel
It's a little bright than Chanel, and will stain your lips, so be warned, but it's perfect for fall.  Makes me want to don a scarf and beanie.  I have currently lost my Rebel, but I am on the case to find it.

From LA in the Bay.

3. Tarina Tarantino Floriculture
Floriculture is a great berry for people who are scared of bright lips.  It's subtle enough to be worn with full eye makeup, but bright enough to stand on it's own when you need it to.  It's also great for spring, but I still like it in the fall.

From Pinterest

Each lipstick is linked below where you can purchase online.  I don't get paid for this, so you know I am sharing my honest opinion with these products.  I do not think you will be disappointed.  Now, excuse me, I need to go find my tube of Rebel.

Revlon Really Red at Ulta.
Viva Glam I at MAC
Nars Jungle Red at Sephora
Chanel Rivoli at Chanel
Rebel at MAC
Floriculture at Tarina Tarantino


Do you have a different favorite fall lipstick than what I mentioned?  If so, please share!  I am always looking to find new favorites.

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Look of the Week 12/29

Look of the Week 12/29

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Products Used

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Urban Decay Vice Pallet: Unhinged, Black Market, Nevermind, Blitz, Noise, Vice, and Laced

Make Up Forever Aqualiner 13

Urban Decay Supercurl curling mascara

Picture taken after over 12 hours of use!

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In between Seasons Look

In between Seasons Look

Sunday, October 21, 2012

It keeps going from cold to warm, warm to cold!  One day I am wearing my favorite  cold weather red lipstick (MAC Ruby Woo), and another it's pink gloss.  Well, today I decided to do a look that I have been trying for a while, but just now realized that it seems very "in between seasony."

WHAT YOU NEED:

Your preferred eyeshadow primers

Urban Decay Dark Horse, Naked, Buck, Woodstock, and Haight

Mascara

MAC blush in Fever

MAC lipstick in Viva Glam V

First start with priming the lid.  I used Tarte's primer, but use whatever you prefer.  Then I took a tapered brush and patted Woodstock down on the center of the lid.  Do this till the color really pops.  Then take Dark Horse and "sandwich" the color by applying it to both the inside corner and outside corner of your lid.  So the pink is in the middle.  Go ahead and make the color bridge at the crease (so you apply it above the pink in the crease line).  Next, take a big, fluffy brush and apply Buck to the crease.  Do Naked just above Buck and blend them together.  You can highlight if you want, but I chose not to.  I did take Woodstock and add just a touch to the inner corned of my eye, and lined the bottom of the eye with Haight. I topped off the look with Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hyperliner in Ultra-violet and Smashbox Full Exposure mascara.  Cheeks had MAC Fever and Viva Glam V on the lips.

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Saturday, September 29, 2012

Favorite new look of the week:

WHAT YOU NEED:

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

MAC Atlantic Blue

Urban Decay Creep

Urban Decay Woodstock

Tarte for True Blood pallette

MAC Contrast

Make Up Forever Aqualiner 13 (matte black)

Dior Extase mascara

Use your favorite eyeshadow primer and prime the entire lid.  I like Kat Von D and Urban Decay's Primer Potion, but I used Kat Von D for this look.  Then take NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk and cover the inner half of your lid.  Do not cover the entire lid, otherwise Creep will come out gray!  After Milk, apply Atlantic Blue with a stiff brush. Really pat on the color so that it is even.  It's a matte color, and it can get a little powdery, so have a brush prepared to wipe away any fallout (if you pat instead of rub there should be minimal fallout).  

Next, apply Creep with a smaller eyeshadow brush.  I use Sephora's Classic All Over Shadow Small Brush #23. You will have to blend the two together a bit so there is not a harsh line in the center of your lid. You may end up with a little Creep creeping into the blue. This is fine.

After this, you will need to pull out any matte grey that works for you. I used the one in Tarte's pallette for True Blood.  Just take a tiny bit of it with a fluffy brush and blend out the crease so the line is not sharp.  Then, use your highlighting color of choice (I used The Light from Tarte for True Blood) and sweep across the brow bone. 

Now, you will need a smudge brush, (again, I just use Sephora's brand) and take Woodstock and carefully apply to the very inner eyes.  Do not use too much or you will look sick! LOL!  Lastly, finish it up with a little MAC Contrast on the outer edge of the lower lash line, and line they eyes with Aqualiner 13, or whatever your favorite black liner is!  Don't forget some mascara.  My favorites always tend to come from Dior.

If you like, you can finish the look with lips as well. I used MAC's Pillow Talk with Estee Lauder's Electric Ginger gloss on top.  You may want to do something pinker, in which case I probably would have chosen Urban Decay's gloss in Crush, or MACs Please Please Me creemsheen glass (if only I could find it :S).  However, I stuck with neutral lips because of my raging color block tights from Urban Outfitters! My foundation was Urban Decay Naked, and MAC Fever Blush.

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