for the love of lipstick...: December 2015

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Sequins and Glitter and Sparkles, Oh My!

That's right, it's that time of year again when we can get away with all the glitter and lashes we want! It's New Years Eve!!!

I love love love getting ready for NYE. It's the perfect opportunity to really go outside the box with your makeup routine and try something truly eye catching. I try to change it up year to year.. Just to recap...
*pardon the poor lighting/photos*

2011

I went with a gold glitter eye with cat liner and big wispie lashes! I polished it off with a classic, matte red lip :)

2012

I worked in a different color palette for 2012-- Using silvers and opalescent glitter on the eyes, a smokey black liner and glossy red lips.

2013

The year our heat went out during a big snow storm... ie; no time for makeup! Simply added a red lip out the door!

2014

This one may be my favorite! I went for an electric blue cream shadow that I topped with blue/green glitter, all around my eyes. I tight-lined with a black liner for added definition and of course big lashes! I kept the lips soft and natural.

So what does ringing in 2016 bring to the table? So many options! Here are some fun product suggestions if you're still undecided...

Start small...

Not ready to jump into the disco lids?! Try starting with small details like this Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner from Urban Decay.

*image c/o Ulta.com

They come in a variety of colors so you can coordinate and personalize :) One swipe of this will escalate your regular makeup routine to top notch New Year fun.

The best part about this? No additional adhesives required! It's a great way to get that holiday flair without the extra fuss.

Glitter Shadows...

Before diving into the loose glitters, you can always start with a metallic or shimmer shadow. Bobbi Brown's Sparkle Eyeshadows have some beautiful metallic/neutral shades...

*photos c/o Sephora.com

Colors (L toR): Sunlight, Allspice, Mica

If you're looking for some more color options, try Urban Decay Moondust Shadows.

*photos c/o Urbandecay.com

Colors (L to R): Intergalactic, Scorpio, Shockwave

These shadows are a great way to add an understated sparkle. Pop on your lids and add a dark liner and lashes to get that extra drama!

Die Hard Glitter Fans...

Like myself :)

Most of you know Makeup Forever is one of my FAVORITE makeup brands! They have an amazing artist line and have a killer glitter selection! From Subtle to outrageous, you can find one that works for you!

They have a wide assortment of colors in their fine grade Glitters.

*Photo c/o Makeupforever.com

Colors (Top, L to R): N5 Blue, N14 Orange, N7 Red

These fine grade glitters are beautiful topped over eyeshadows! They add sparkle and dimension to a regular eye shadow (see 2014 New Years Eve Makeup Above!)

They can even be used on the lips and body :)

If you want some really crazy, fun glitter, be sure to check out Makeup Forever's Graphic Glitters and Star Glitters.

How to...

Wondering how to adhere that glitter so it will last you through your night of dancing and drinking champagne? Try this amazing Glitter Glue from Too Faced.

*Image c/o Toofaced.com

It's waterproof, creaseproof and holds glitter and shimmer for 24 hours. I have always used their Shadow Insurance Primer to lock down shadows and it works amazingly well. So if you need a way to apply your glitter that isn't uncomfortable, or too sticky, give this a try!

I hope this inspires you to try something daring this New Years Eve! Remember, it should be fun, festive and full of sparkle :)

Share your NYE look in the comments section- I'd love to see what inspired you.

Have a Great New Year's Eve, and be safe!

Friday, December 18, 2015

Holiday Makeup

Happy Holidays!

I'm sure everyone is bustling about with your last minute holiday shopping and preparations! This weekend is especially busy with holiday parties, so why not find a makeup look for your special night?

The holidays are a great time for experimenting with your makeup. It's time to break out the glitter, shimmer and highlights to be picked up by the colorful stringed lights! It's time to debut that cat eye you've been practicing all year round!

I've created 3 festive holiday looks for your upcoming parties, get togethers and dinners. Give 'em a try and let me know how you've personalized them!
*product links below*

1. Inspired by Tinsel

I love the glimmering tinsel on trees and draped around doorways. It's vintage flair is festive and fun! Pulling inspiration from the sparkle of the snow and the glimmer of this decorative piece, I came up with this…

Eyes: Keeping the eyes simple, I used MAC's Crystal Avalanche and Honey Lust all over the lid (from the lash line to the brow). From there I added a little definition with MAC's Mulch in my natural crease and a super shimmer powder on the lid and inner corners of my eyes. I finished off the look with a simple black cat liner and lashes, I used Ardell #53.

Cheeks: To keep the highlight theme going, I added MAC's Pressed Pigment to the tops of my cheekbones and a soft matte blush on the apples. I went with a matte blush since I added the shimmer on the cheekbones. you don't want overkill on the highlights! I also added a subtle bronzer to add more depth since I went light on the blush.

Lips: To polish off this look, it needed some color! So I finished it with a matte red lip-- which also carries through that vintage feel. I used Maybelline's 14 hour color in Continuous Cranberry.

Brushes (L to R): IT Cosmetics, MAC 217, Makeup Forever Lip 302, MAC 239

Top: MAC Shadows in Honey Lust, Mulch, Crystal Avalanche, MAC Blush, Tenderling.

Nars Black Liquid Liner

Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara

Ardell #53 Lashes

MAC Pressed Pigment in Blonde Streak, Makeup Forever Star Powder.

2. Inspired by Color
There are so many bright, beautiful colors surrounding us this time of year. From the lights to the ornaments, all the way to the trees themselves. Using this as inspiration I pulled together a beautiful jewel toned eye and glossy lip combo.

Eyes: There are tons of gorgeous jewel toned hues to choose from, I went with deep green. Starting with MAC's Bottle Green, I placed it on my lid and gently blended it into the crease. I then topped it with Maybelline's Infallible Eyeshadow in Golden Emerald.
I chose to keep the liner smudged as well, so I went with Charlotte Tillbury's Rock 'n Kohl Pencil, where I tight lined and softly lined the top of my lash line. From there I topped it with a black shadow from Nars and smudged it to get that smokey look. For the bottom I penciled in the waterline and added the Golden Emerald along the bottom lash line.

This eye begs for lashes, so I went with Ardell Demi Wispies.

Cheeks: Because the eyes are dark and suck a lot of light, I decided to add a pop of Nars Orgasm blush on the apples to create a light, luminous cheek.

Lips: Keeping the lips soft, I decided to keep it simple with a shimmer gloss by IT Cosmetics. There is so much color on the eyes that I wanted to keep the lips soft, but I still wanted them to catch the light- hence the gloss :)

Brushes (L to R): MAC 263, London Brush Co.

MAC 217, MAC 239, IT Cosmetics.

Charlotte Tillbury Rock 'N' Kohl in Bedroom Black.

Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara

Ardell Demi Wispies

MAC Bottle Green, Nars, L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadow-Golden Emerald.

IT Cosmetics Vitality Butter Gloss in Naturally Pretty.

Nars Laguna Bronzer, Nars Orgasm Blush.

3. Inspired by Mistletoe
This was inspired by mistletoe and love! I went with a clean eye, bold lips and super rosy cheeks! It's soft, yet festive and has a hint of romance :)

Eyes: Keeping the eye simple and clean, I kept the base of the eye natural with a wash of MAC's Brule. I swiped a soft taupe shade in the natural crease, using MAC's Wedge. From there I added some definition with a gold liner. I used Makeup Forever's Aqua Cream in GOLD. The gold adds that festive sparkle, but is simple, pretty, and subdued.
Finish off with some extra coats of mascara and a soft set of lashes like Ardell #110.

Cheeks: I wanted super rosy cheeks! So I went in with the Senna cream blush in Deep Coral and then topped with powder, MAC's Pink Swoon.

Lips: The icing on the cake were these babies, I went with a super glossy red lip! Red is always perfect for the holidays, and adding the gloss sets it over the top! But it pairs so well with such a simple eye. I used Makeup Forever's Aqua Lip Liner in 8C and topped it with Nika Vaughan's gloss in Forever Bound.