My top 5 picks: Drugstore Makeup Must Buys

#MakeupMonday

So I have lots of drug store favorites but I narrowed it down to just 5! If you're anything like me you'll probably have the urge to run to your local store and pick up some/all of these items and I figured more then 5 products would be too much pressure : p

So here are my HOLY GRAIL items from the Drug Store.. I will not be including ELF products because I wanted to stay with products that "WalGreens & CVS" carry :) 

I will be happy to do a ELF Must Haves blog though if requested!

 Okay on to the fun part.. 

LIPSTICK:

Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick offers all the creamy luxuriousness of high-end lipsticks without the wallet-depleting price. And its nondrying formula will stay put well after your three o’clock coffee run. I cant forget to mention the color selection is huge. It was hard to choose my favorite color but I narrowed it down to 1 and I think this color looks great on everyone!! (Gorgeous peachy nude)

Cream: DEMURE 

**Dupe Alert**

Left: MAC SHY GIRL | Right: REVLON DEMURE

Foundation:

CoverGirls new foundation Stay Fabulous is FABULOUS! A lot of you have asked me if I like it better then the Revlon Colorstay Foundation and the answer is YES! 

Its blendablity, coverage and long lasting power makes this my favorite drug store foundation to date! My color is Classic Ivory. Im a Mac NC15 and Revlon color stay Buff 

  **DUPE ALERT**

If you love Makeup Forevers Mat Velvet or have wanted to try it skip the high price and go with this covergirl foundation! 

Blush:

Growing up I always thought Wet N Wild was the worst brand ever.. haha Im sure Im not along here but after giving in to some of the hype here in the beauty community I gave the brand a try and I must say I was wrong. The blushes are my favorite!!  I really do wish they did have more of a color variety but for the quality of these blushes and the price.. blows my mind. 

and guess what?! I gotta dupe for you :)

Wet N Wild Pearlecscent | Nars Orgasm

Mascara:

Im a huge fan of Loreal mascaras but to narrow it down for ya. I have to go with their Voluminous mascara! This mascara does wonders for my lashes. 

Eyeshadow:

This one was easy for me. Im so in love with Loreals HIP DUO shadows and I have been for years now! I have them all and I think their just as good as Mac shadows or any HIGH END shadow out there! They go on so smooth, super pigmented, GREAT color selection and all around perfect!

Now to choose one that I think you MUST BUY was hard "/ 

But I did and its the "ELETRIFIRED" and this is from the Studio Secrets Metallic collection

Best of 2012: Makeup Products

#MakeupMonday

I am constantly trying new products and Im excited to share with you my favorites and must haves purchased in 2012! 

Enjoy..

Eye makeup Remover:

Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover

This is my definite Holy Grail eye makeup remover!

Ive tried others and nothing compares.. Im now on my 5th bottle !

It takes off even the toughest eye make-up in a gentle way, and is not irritating at all on my sensitive eyes. I use it with a cotton ball and with just one my eye makeup is gone! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Foundation Primer and Eye Primer:

Benefit The Porefessional

This stuff is heaven sent! I started with a sample and have gone back for the full size.

Not only does it make your pores and lines appear smaller it helps with shine as well.. I have no shine with this product and that for me is amazing! I love this primer with any foundation and Another reason I am in love with this product is: if you have a blemish you can dab extra primer on that area, delicately cover with concealer using a concealer brush, and finish using your powder foundation. Your blemish literally disappears! No more dabbing concealer on a breakout and still having to settle for "it's still shows in the light, but at least it's not red anymore" Not to mention it lasts ALL DAY.

Still GlamorUs Cosmetics Eye & Lip Primer

I was skeptical putting my own products in this list but this is truly what I use and love!

This product really does wonders for my eye makeup. Eyeshadows no longer look chalky, fade or crease. Makes light and bright colors POP and keep my shadow in place until I remove it! A little goes a long way so it lasts me a long time and I love two in one products so I hit my lids then my lips! 

Foundation:

 Kat Von D Lock it

My all time favorite foundation is Estee Lauder double wear but this would have to be next, With a FULL coverage and great staying power, this product is simply amazing.

Concealer:

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

I adore this concealer its affordable and freakin' awesome!

It blends easy, covers great and stays put! What more could you ask for.

Great to conceal breakouts, dark under eye circles or to highlight!

Powder:

 Mac Mineralize Skin Finish

Holy Grail item!! I use this to set any foundation. The finish is just beautiful.

It lasts all day, keeping my skin look fresh. 

It mattifies my skin leaving behind a touch of dewiness, its perfection in a compact!

Highlight:

Still GlamorUs Cosmetics The high life

When I created this highlight I wanted it to fit all skin tones and types and it turned out the most perfect, perfect, and did I mention... perfect highlighter. 

It lasts until your ready for it to come off.

 A little goes a looooong way! I use this daily and the tiniest bit gives you the most gorgeous glow ever! I use it under my eyes and on top of my cheekbones for a perfect frosty sheen. 

Eyeliner:

L'oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner

Im a sucker for felt tip liners. You just have more control in application. Im so happy I found this liner. It does not budge and it gives me the more precise line ever. Super easy to use and I love this better then any other HIGH END liquid liner Ive tried. 

Mascara:

Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara

Im sure if you watch my youtube videos youve seen me pick this up quite a bit this past year.

Cause I LOVE IT! It gives great volume and length and its super dark!

Im also a fan of larger brushes and this brush is nice and fat. 

To see my other favorite beauty products of 2012 leave a comment :) 

10 Mascara Tips & Tricks

#MakeupMonday

1.

How to Properly Apply Mascara

Perfect your mascara application with a 3-step process:

Step 1: Wiggle the wand left to right at the base of lashes. It's the mascara placed near the roots -- not the tips -- that gives the illusion of length.

Step 2: Pull the wand up and through lashes, wiggling as you go. The wiggling part is key because it separates lashes.

Step 3: In this final step close the eye and place the mascara wand on top of lashes at the base and pull through to remove any clumps.

2.

How to Keep Lashes From Clumping

For some, lash combs are simply too fussy. But for some makeup artists, they're a great invention and keep lashes glob-free and perfectly separated. To use a lash comb, first apply mascara at the lash base, then wiggle the lash comb through to the tips of your lashes.

Not into the lash comb? Get rid of clumbs without them by removing excess mascara from the wand. Wipe wand on tissue, this eliminates blobs BEFORE you start. 

3.

What it Means to "Apply a 2nd Coat" of Mascara

I was always confused by magazine's directives to coat eyelashes with "no more than 3 coats of mascara." It seems magazines have been giving these directions since I was a pre-teen and likely before. What they mean is to apply the coats of mascara all at once before the first coat dries. Once the first coat dries, you'll get clumps if you attempt another swipe at the lashes.

4.

Thou Shalt Not Pump Wand In & Out of Tube

This only introduces air into the tube, which will cause your mascara to dry out sooner than it should.

5.

Bend the Wand

A top makeup artist once gave his secret to his steady hand: he always bends his wand at a right angle.

6.

Pick the Best Mascara for You

When picking a mascara, you should consider the formula you want 

(lengthening, thickening, waterproof or non-clumping). 

7.

Don't Be Afraid to Mix Mascaras

A trick makeup artists use to make lashes pop is apply one coat of lengthening mascara, followed by one coat of thickening mascara. Remove excess product with a clean spoolie wand 

8.

Try a Colored Mascara

Basic mascara rules are simple: Black works for everyone but can be harsh on light-skinned blondes. Blondes should opt for brown/black by day and reserve black for night. Burgundy or plum colors make blue eyes pop, as do blue mascaras. Purple mascara looks great on brown eyes.

9.

Use an Eyelash Curler

Curling lashes gives eyes the appearance of being wider and brighter. Shoot warm air from your blowdryer on the mascara curler for 3-5 seconds to warm it up before curling lashes. Touch it first to make sure it's not too hot. It's a myth that you have to curl lashes before you apply mascara. You can curl lashes after mascara application, just make sure the mascara is dry first.

10.

Use a Mascara Primer

Primers coat lashes and separate them before you apply mascara. Makeup artists swear by mascara primer. I tried it and like it, but because it's an added step, I usually use primer only on special occasion when I spend more time on my makeup.

Make goo with the kids!! #FamFridayTip

Things You'll Need 

1/4 Cup of Cornstarch

4oz. White Glue

1/2 teaspoon Borax

1/4 cup warm water

Liquid Food Coloring

2 Mixing Bowls

Large Spoon

Instructions

1. • 1
     
     

     

     
     

     Get out one mixing bowl.

     Before you begin, instruct the kids that although this is a homemade recipe, it is for fun and play, NOT TO EAT.
   • 2
     
     

     

     
     

     Pour the cornstarch into the bowl. Have the kids sift with their fingers. (Although this is an easy craft activity, keep napkins or a towel close by in case of spills.)
   • 3
     
     

     

     
     

     Pour the glue into the bowl.

     Mix well. Once again, this can be a messy kids craft. My suggestion is to make homemade goop in the kitchen, not the living or dining room. You don't want this on the couch a year from now.
   • 4
     
     

     

     
     

     Mix water food coloring and Borax in a separate bowl. Mix until dissolved. Don't worry about the food coloring, let the kids enjoy this easy craft. The idea of food coloring staining fingers sends some mothers into a panic. Don't worry, a little vinegar will take it right off.
   • 5
     
     

     

     
     

     Pour the two mixtures together. Stir for 3 minutes, even after you see the homemade goop forming. This is to make sure it's mixed all the way through. Let the kids help with this fun and easy part.

What to wear Wednesday! Attention busty girls

How to dress a larger bust ♡

After having breast augmentation a year ago, I wasn't aware of the trouble I would have with how my clothing fit. With the size I choose

 (I ended up a 34DDD)

I have to be careful with what I wear. 

So here are some tips that I like to keep in mind while shopping for new clothing and while dressing with what I already have. 

The goal is to show off your curves without looking boxy or frumpy/baggy.

My stats:

40-32-41

5'5 150 :)

Keeping “the girls” up high..

 and supported will give you the illusion of more of a waist. You tend to lose your waist when you have a large bust as it naturally sits lower as it takes up more room on your rib cage.  Great bras are a must.  Don’t forget to adjust your straps every time you wear a bra.

Wear low cut shirts..

Not too low, but ones that stop at the top of your cleavage.  Yes, V-necklines are the most minimizing, but really, you can also wear square, scoop and sweetheart necklines well.

Accessorize with a larger necklace...

That little dainty necklace is almost invisible next to your large scale bust. 

Look for necklaces that are made up of multiple pieces and that are longer. You dont want your necklace falling into your boobs ;)

Wear tops that are fitted and come in at your waist. 

Boxy and baggy tops will make you look bigger all over.

What about the loose sheer blouses or over sized sweaters?

I still wear these but I do have to wear a cami that pushes everything in

I like the camis that hold your tummy and bust in. I avoid wearing these tops with bras. 

Consider button position.

 On shirts that button up in front, make sure there is a button at your bust peak so that the shirt buttons don’t gape.

Only tuck if..

It is generally not advised when you have a large bust (unless you have a very long waist) because it visually shortens your torso.

Belts...

When it comes to oversized pieces and clothing that's extra voluminous, cinch your waist with a belt for the best fit. Balance it out.. which especially applies to women on the shorter side. The best place to add a belt is at the natural waist so the garment doesn't overpower your body and really emphasizes your curves.