Valentine's Day In..

Valentine's Day is here! 

I love this holiday! Even though many may refer to it as a "greeting card holiday," and refuse to celebrate or think it's silly, I think it's a great chance to remind yourself of all the loved ones in your life! It's an opportunity to show your appreciation and love for them. <3  

Not to mention, I LOVE champagne, flowers, chocolate in heart shaped boxes and pretty much everything the commercialized holiday has to offer! 

Lucky us, this holiday falls on a Sunday this year, so no rushing from work to dinner plans. Most of you will have the day to relax and maybe even start the holiday from bed (get your head out of the gutter :)) you know, good old fashioned breakfast in bed :) 

With that, I leave you with some simple beauty tricks to feel your absolute best in the laziest way possible. 

WIN WIN!

1.) Wear something nice to bed..

Clothing is powerful. 

Ever put on an outfit and just feel better about yourself? Feel like you can take on whatever the day throws at you?? Well, this is an easy way to wake up feeling good from the get go. Maybe the night before you slip into that nighty that makes you feel special, or that cute/cozy pajama set you got for your birthday! 

Here are some cute and fun options for the occasion.. 

Victoria's Secret Afterhours Satin Pajama

$74.50

photo c/o victoriassecret.com

How could I resist this adorable lip print pajama! They are warm, cozy and adorable for the occasion. they also come in a variety of fun patterns. 

Looking for something less conservative? 

Victoria's Secret Angel Sleep Slip

$29.50-$32.50

 photo c/o victoriassecret.com

I'm kind of obsessed with this one. Still sexy but a little more modest, comfortable and cute with an assortment of patterns. 

2.) Illuminating Skin Cream/Serum

Plan on spending the day in? That doesn't mean you should neglect all beauty routine! You can still get "dolled up" for the occasion :) Start with applying an illuminating skin cream/serum. There are so many to choose from! These illuminating products are great for hydrating the skin (especially after a long night's rest), and often have light reflecting particles to help brighten darker areas -- which in result makes your skin appear extra luminous and healthy. 

One of my current faves.. 

Nars Optimal Brightening Concentrate

$74

photo c/o Nars.com

I've been using this for a few months now and I really like it. This serum makes my skin look and feel luminous, bright and youthful. 

3.) Don't forget about your pout... 

You can't forget about your lips! Even if you do plan on staying in, be sure to apply a hydrating balm so those lips are kissable. Here are my favorite low key items...

Rosebud Salve

$6

photo c/o sephora.com

A cult classic for good reason. This stuff is the best in the market! For hydrated lips with a kissable finish, this is your go to product. They now offer this product in a tube form which is much easier for travel. Coming in a variety of flavors and scents, you can find the perfect match-- try the peppermint for a morning burst of freshness and energy. 

Looking for a hint of color? 

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint

$24

photo c/o tartecosmetics.com

I've talked about these sticks before-- I LOVE them! They are quick to apply, super hydrating and these particular ones add a sheer wash of color. Perfect for that, "I woke up like this," pout. 

4.) Body Oil 

Give your skin a boost of moisture and a little glow first thing in the morning. Applying a body oil is a great way to achieve that. These quick absorbing oils penetrate the skin to lock in moisture all while giving a nice sheen-- which makes your skin look healthy and radiant. 

A great one to try... 

Moroccan Dry Body Oil 

$48

photo c/o Moroccanoil.com

This body oil is so luxurious, quickly absorbing into the skin it's full of antioxidants which allow your skin to become healthier and brighter. 

5.) RELAX!

If you are lucky enough to have the day inside with a loved one, just enjoy your time with them and relax! Honestly one of the best beauty tricks in the book :)

Hope everyone has a fun Valentine's Day with those they love! Be sure to share if you try any of these beauty routines, would love to hear your thoughts! 

Kiss Proof Lipsticks

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I figured it's a great time to share some kiss proof lipsticks for the occasion :) 

I know my husband hates to get lipstick all over his face (as most people would), so I've spent a lot of time investing in smudge-proof, long wear lip colors. I've rounded up some of the best to help you get that perfect pout without the mess. 

Hourglass
Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick
$28

photo c/o Sephora.com

I love this lipstick. 

I was turned onto this product line when I saw Celebrity Makeup Artist Tyron Machhausen used this lipstick in RAVEN on Margot Robbie for the Oscars last year. It was such a gorgeous color, I had to get it. I actually purchased it for a tv segment I was working on about Oscars Makeup with WCIU's You and Me in the Morning.

After purchasing and using on my model, I knew I was in love with this color! I wear it often and it LASTS! They have 9 shades ranging from pinks, to fuschia to a beautiful orange red (Raven) to a classic red. Something else I love about this product, is that they have it in a travel size for $10! You can't beat that, and honestly a travel size will last you a while! Liquid lipsticks pack a lot of punch, so a little goes a long way ;) 

Too Faced

Melted Liquified Longwear Lipstick

$21

photo c/o toofaced.com

This stuff is great because it comes in a wide range of colors (18!) and what's different about this liquid lipstick is that it has more of a glossy/satin like finish rather than a matte finish. Most liquid lipsticks are very matte and very drying, while this one is not. The pigment is strong, and it's in a cute tube with a simple applicator tip, so you can apply on the go! 

L'Oreal 

Infallible Pro-Last Lipcolor

$12.99

photo c/o Lorealparisusa.com

This is a more affordable option that works quite well! I've used L'Oreal's infallible lipsticks for years (they recently changed their packaging), and they last for hours! It's an awesome option if you're unsure about colors that work on you because they are easier on the wallet. They do have 24 colors to choose from, ranging from nudes to pinks to browns, to reds! I usually apply the color first, allow it to dry, apply a second coat and then top it with the balm on the other end. 

More of a gloss girl?

Try this...

L'Oreal 

Infallible 8 hour Le Gloss

$9.99

photo c/o lorealparisusa.com

This stuff is great if you prefer a glossy lip! The large color palette of 20 colors works from nudes to deep burgundy. So there is something for everyone. Lasts 8 hours with a glossy, sheer tint color-- it is beautiful. You can even use this to top your matte lipsticks if you want a little extra shine that'll last as long as your lipstick! 

There they are! 

Now get out there and find that perfect lip color your night out (or in :))! 

3 special Valentine's looks...

Hi Loves 

Valentine's Day is almost upon us, so I figured it'd be fun to give a few quick makeup ideas for your night out. 

Whether you're going to dinner, seeing a show, spending time with a special loved one, or friends, these 3 looks are quick, simple, pretty and very valentine's inspired! 

Photos c/o the talented, Stephanie Bassos Photography. 

Let's get started!

The base for all looks begin the same with moisturizer, primer, MUFE HD foundation, concealer where needed, and eye shadow primer (and eyebrows!)

Pretty in Pink

I wanted to keep this look really fresh faced and pretty. It's perfect for those who are a little makeup shy, to do something a little more special for the occasion.

   

Key words for this look: 

Sweet, Pretty, and Soft.

Eyes:

I used MAC's Girlie all over my lid, up to the natural crease. I then took MAC's Naked Lunch and placed it on the inner corner of the eyes and just under the brows. 

From there, I used MAC's Cork (really soft brown), and placed it in the crease with my pointy crease brush. I followed that by buffing with a blender brush gently to get rid of any harsh edges. 

I then took Urban Decay's Pencil in Bourbon (a sparkly brown tone), and drew it along the top lash line. For the bottom lash line, I used a purple pencil. I liked the romance of the purple- keeping with the softness around the eyes, it added another dimension and an extra pop of color.

To finish them off, I curled the lashes and put one coat of black mascara. 

Cheeks:

To keep with this ethereal look, I wanted pretty pink cheeks with a bit of a glow, so I used The Balm's blush in Hot Mama. 

Lips: 

Sealing the deal with Makeup Forever (MUFE) Aqua Lip in 1C all over my lips, followed by MAC's Plink. To add an extra oomph, I topped this lip with POP Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuchsia. 

Products/Tools Used
(with links)

The Balm's Hot Mama, POP aqua Lacquer in Fuchsia, Maybelline's Full 'N' Soft, MAC lipstick in Plink, MAC shadows in Naked Lunch, Girlie and Cork, Shu Umera Eyelash Curler, MUFE Aqua Lip in 1C, Covergirl Vivid Liner in Cabernet, Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Bourbon. 
Brushes: Tight bristle crease brush, a flat shadow brush and a fluffy blender.  

Smokey and sultry

This is a pretty variation on a smokey eye. I wanted to show how to do a quick and easy, foolproof smokey eye look- with only two shadows, I think this is something everyone can do!

Key words for this look: 

Daring, Sexy, and Mysterious. 

Eyes: 

To start this off, I took MAC's Deep Damsen (a beautiful deep maroon tone), and swept it over the lid, into the crease with a flat brush. Then take a fluffy blender and buff the crease to soften. 

From there, I used Urban Decay's Maui Wowie on the inner corner's of the eyes and softly blended them inward. If you want, you can swipe a soft iridescent shade under the brow- I used MAC's Shroom. 

Then, I took MUFE's Aqua Eyes in 0L on the waterline and tight lined the top lash line. 

*Tightlining is when you fill in the gaps between the lashes to create a fuller lash line. HERE is a great article from Beautylish with a detailed description!

Using the same pencil liner, I drew it along the bottom and outer upper corners of the eyes-- take a Q-tip and softly smudge. 

Curl those lashes and put two coats of Cover Girl's Flamed Up Mascara on the top and bottom lashes. 

Cheeks: 

I wanted to keep with the sexyness of the look, so I contoured the cheekbones with a little bronzer on a fan brush. Sweeping the product into the hollows of the cheeks and around the temples. 

Lips: 

I kept the lips simple, using Tarte's Lip Surgence Lip Tint in Grateful. 

 

Products/Tools Used
(and links)

CoverGirl Flamed Up Mega Curl Mascara, Tarte lip tint in Grateful, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, CoverGirl Queen collection bronzer in Brown/bronze, MUFE Aqua Eyes 0L, MAC shadows in Deep Damsen, Shroom, and Urban Decay's Maui Wowie. 
Brushes: Flat shadow Brush, Fluffy blender, Q-tip, Fan brush.  

Romantic in Red

This is for my bold lip babes. I am a big lipstick person, so I had to include a look where lips were the focus! And what a better color than the classic red. 

Key words for this look: 

Romance, Bold, and Flirty.

Eyes: 

Since lips are the focus, I wanted to keep the eyes super easy and subtle. I started by taking MUFE Aqua Cream #14 (chocolate brown with soft shimmer), and placed it across my lid, blending it across my eye with my fingers.

From there, I took a blending brush with MAC's Mulch eyeshadow and worked it into the crease. 

I then took MUFE's Aqua Eyes in 0L (very black), and lined the inner rims of my eyes (both top and bottom). 

For lashes I used Maybelline's Full 'N' Soft mascara on both the top and bottom. 

If you were really feeling saucy, you could throw on a few lashes :) 

Cheeks: 

I wanted to add a soft color on the cheeks, but nothing too bright. I settled on MAC's Tenderling. Dust it right on the apples of the cheeks and blend up and out towards the hair line. I then topped the cheekbones with a highlighter for some extra oomph!

Lips: 

Our statement piece of the night!
Take a waterproof liner that matches the red you choose- Outline your natural lip shape and continue to fill in with the liner. Lip liner helps prevent the lipstick from bleeding, but also helps your lip color to last longer.
Next, apply your red lip color of choice with a brush for a flawless finish.

Voila! 

Products/Tools used
(and links)

MUFE Aqua Cream #14, MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong, Maybelline's Full 'N' Soft black mascara, NARS Orgasm Illuminator, Shu Uemura eyelash curler, MAC blush in Tenderling, MUFE Aqua Lip in 8C, MUFE Aqua Eyes in 0L, MAC's eyeshadow in Mulch. 
Brushes: Fluffy Blender, Lip brush, Fluffy blush brush. 

Hope you enjoyed these! I had a lot of fun playing with these three different looks. What will you be doing for Valentine's Day?! Which look is most like you?!