"POLISHED"

FAVORITE NUDE & NEUTRAL NAIL POLISHES

NAIL POLISHES:

(left to right, top to bottom)

1. NYC "FASHION SAFARI" - $1.99

2. Essie "SHE SAID YES" - $8.50

3. Sinful Colors "EASY GOING" - $1.99

- Perfect dupe for Essie "FIJI"

4. Essie "FIJI" - $8.50

- One of my favorite nail polishes ever!

5. OPI "PASSION" - $8.99

6. OPI "MY VAMPIRE IS BUFF" -$8.99

7. Essie "ROMPER ROOM" -$8.50

8. L'Oreal "TILL THE SUNE COMES UP" - $5.99

9. NYC "MULBERRY STREET" - $1.99

LIP LINERS:

JORDANA EASYLINER FOR LIPS

(from top to bottom:  "Tawny", "Silver Lilac", Coco Loco", "Sedona Red", "Plush Plum", "Cabernet")

I have so many good things to say about the Jordana Easyliner lip pencils! The packaging is great, they're retractable so you never need to sharpen them, they're long lasting on your lips, they're creamy and they glide on your lips like butter, the formula is not drying so it doesn't tug on your lips while you're putting it on, the color payoff is amazing and they're super affordable. I also like to wear these lip pencils as a lipstick, not just a liner. Instead of outlining my lips and applying lipstick, I go ahead and just fill in my lips, apply a lip balm and voila!!! 

The Jordana Easyliner lip pencils come in 13 different shades, photographed above are 6 out of the 13 shades (I will be purchasing the rest). I purchased mine at Walgreens for $1.99 each. If Walgreens is not available to you, I suggest ordering them on the Jordana website because seriously.... you can't go wrong with that price!

SWATCHES

(from left to right)

1. TAWNY 

- Light rose shade

2. SILVER LILAC

- Bright magenta shade 

3. COCO LOCO

- Dark wood shade

4. SEDONA RED - Duper for MAC "CHERRY" lip liner

- Bright red shade

5. PLUSH PLUM

- Berry wine shade

6. CABERNET - Dupe for MAC "NIGHTMOTH"

- Vampy wine shade 

TOP 5 FAVORITE:

REVLON LIP BUTTERS

(from left to right: Creme Brulee, Pink Truffle, Lollipop, Wild Watermelon & Red Velvet)

Revlon Lip Butters are FABULOUS!!! I think they're an amazing mix between a lip gloss and a lipstick that can be worn alone or over a lipstick. I love the creaminess, smoothness, how moisturizing they are and the color payoff they have with the right amount of glossiness. They feel luxurious on your lips; not too over the top in-your-face-flashy or sticky. Not to mention they're very affordable! All lip butters can be purchased at Target, WalMart, ULTA & drugstores (cost may vary depending on where you go). I paid between $6-8 for mine! Here's a look at my Top 5 favorite colors:

TOP 5:  

(from left to right)

1. 095 CREME BRULEE

- Light nude 

2. 001 PINK TRUFFLE

- Pinky brown 

3. 075 LOLLIPOP

- Hot magenta 

4. 063 WILD WATERMELON

- Bright coral-red 

5. 040 RED VELVET

- Dark vampy red 

SWATCHES:

KIM KARDASHIAN

CELEBRITY LOOK

FACE: Use any primer, foundation of your choice

CONCEALER: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in "NW 20"

- Apply concealer under the eyes, bridge of the nose and chin

-Blend in

SETTING POWDER: ELF HD Powder in "CORRECTIVE YELLOW"

- Apply HD powder where you blended out the concealer

CONTOUR: NARS Multiple Stick in "RAPA NUI"

- Apply contour stick in the hollows of your cheekbones, temples of your forehead and chin

- Blend in 

BRONZER: NYC Smooth Skin Face Bronzing Powder in "720A SUNNY"

- Apply bronzer where you blended out your contour 

BLUSH: ELF Blush Palette in "LIGHT" (Top right shade mixed with a little bottom right shade)

- Apply to the apples of your cheeks

HIGHLIGHTER: MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in "SOFT & GENTLE"

- Kim LOVES her highlighters so, apply this generously to the cheekbones, nose and above the cupids bow

EYES:

EYESHADOW: Urban Decay NAKED BASICS Palette in "W.O.S", L'Oreal Paris Color Infaillible in "002 HOURGLASS BEIGE", MAC Eyeshadow in "ESPRESSO" 

- Apply L'OREAL eyeshadow, lightly, all over the lid and in the inner tear duct

- Apply MAC eyeshadow, lightly, all over the crease. BLEND!!!

- Apply UD eyeshadow along the brow bone

LINER: RIMMEL Scanaleyes Liner in "005 NUDE"

- Apply liner along the bottom water line

MASCARA: L'OREAL Voluminous in "CARBON BLACK"

- Apply generous coats of mascara to upper & lower lash line

LASHES: ARDELL Lashes in "WISPIES"

- Apply false lashes to add drama ;)

LIPS: 

CONCEALER: Maybelline Fitme Concealer in "10 LIGHT"

- Apply a light layer of concealer to your lips

BLUSH: NYX Blush in "PB08 CINNAMON"

* If you don't have an orange-coral lipstick, applying a few dabs of eyeshadow or blush on top of your concealer. It will do the trick ;)

- Apply a few dabs of the blush to your lips

LIP GLOSS: Revlon Super Lustrous in "150 PEACH PETAL"

- Apply a nude lip gloss and you're done!!

J.LO 'BOOTY' VIDEO MAKEUP

CELEBRITY LOOK

FACE: Use any foundation, powder and bronzer of your choice

PRIMER: Smashbox Photo Finish in "LUMINIZING"

- Apply all over the face before foundation for that "J.LO" glow

HIGHLIGHTER: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in 'SOFT AND GENTLE"

- Apply highlighter on your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose

BLUSH: ELF Blush in "CANDID CORAL"

- Apply to the apples of your cheeks for a sunkissed glow

EYES:

EYESHADOW: Urban Decay NAKED BASICS & NAKED 2 BASICS, MAC "SOFT BROWN" & "ALL THAT GLITTERS"

- Apply "FOXY" from the UD NAKED BASICS all of the lid and inner tear ducts

- Apply MAC "SOFT BROWN" (Top MAC shadow) all over the crease and along the lower lash line

- Apply "COVER" from the UD NAKED 2 BASICS in the outer v

- Apply MAC "ALL THAT GLITTERS" (Bottom MAC shadow) in the inner tear duct and along the brow bone

* No liner for this look

MASCARA: Benefit's "THEY'RE REAL"

-Apply a few coats of mascara the upper & lower lashes

* You can apply false lashes

LIPS:

LIP LINER: Jordana Easyliner Lip Pencil in "SEDONA RED"

- Out line lips and fill them in 

LIPSTICK: Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick in "RED VELVET"

- Apply a coat of lipstick and you're done :)

"FOR THE LOVE OF NUDES"

FAVORITE: DRUGSTORE NUDE LIPSTICKS

& DUPES

(from left to right, 1-9)

If I had to choose my all time favorite lip color it would have to be NUDE! There's a variety of different nude shades out there from warm tone nudes to cool tone nudes. My favorite is the "my lip color but better" nude lip. In my opinion, it's the most natural looking because sometime nudes can be too light aaaaaand they end up making you look dead. Here's a look at my favorite nude lipsticks from the drugstore!

SWATCHES

(From left to right)

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in "001 NUDE ATTITUDE"- $5.99
- Dupe for MAC "MYTH"

2. L'Oreal Color Riche Lipstick in "800 FAIREST NUDE"- $5.99
- Dupe for MAC "HONEYLOVE"

3. Wet n Wild Fergie Lipstick in "A033 FERGIE DAILY"- $3.79
- Dupe for Urban Decay Revolution "NAKED 2"

4. Maybelline Colorsensational The Buffs in "920 NUDE LUST"- $4.97

5. L'Oreal Private Collection in "370 JENNIFER'S NUDE"- $5.99

6. L'Oreal Private Collection in "610 EVA'S NUDE"- $5.99

7. Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick in "902C BARE IT ALL"- $1.49
- Dupe for MAC "VELVET TEDDY"

8. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in "070 AIRY FAIRY"- $5.49
- Dupe for MAC "VIVA GLAM V"

9. Rimmel Show Off Lip Laquer in "600 NUDE ECLIPSE"- $5.89

TODAY'S MAKEUP

WHAT I'M WEARING

Face:

PRIMER- Maybelline Baby Skin

FOUNDATION- Revlon Colorstay Whipped in "370 Natural Tan"

CONCEALER- Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous in "Light" (Used under the eyes and down the bridge of my nose)

POWDER- MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in "Medium Plus"

BRONZER- NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in "720A Sunny" (Carve out cheeks, temples and jawline)

BLUSH- ELF Blush in "Candid Coral"

HIGHLIGHTER- MAC Mineralize SkinFinish in "Soft & Gentle" (Used on cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose)

Brows:

EYEBROWS- Jordana Fabubrow in "02 Medium Brown"

Eyes:

EYESHADOW- Kat Von D 'Ludwig' palette (shades used: Clay, Downtown and Baroque)

LINER- Revlon Colorstay Liner in "201 Black"

MASCARA- L'Oreal Voluminous "Carbon Black"

Lips:

LIP LINER- Jordana Easy Liner in "Cabernet" (used to line lips & fill in lips)

LIPSTICK- Wet n Wild Megalast Lipstick in "Sugar Plum Fairy"

LIPGLOSS- NYX Butter Gloss in "Devil's Food Cake"

TODAY'S MAKEUP:

WHAT I'M WEARING

Face:

PRIMER- Smashbox Photo Finish in "Luminizing"

FOUNDATION- Rimmel STAY MATTE in "200 Soft Beige"

CONCEALER- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in "NW 20" (used under my eyes, down the bridge of my nose and chin)

POWDER- MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in "Medium Plus"

BRONZER- NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in "720A Sunny" (used to carve out cheeks, temples of my forehead and jawline)

BLUSH- ELF Blush in "Mellow Mauve"

HIGHLIGHTER- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in "Soft & Gentle" (used on cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and cupids bow)

Brows:

EYEBROWS- Jordana Fabubrow in "02 Medium Brown"

Eyes:

EYESHADOW- Urban Decay NAKED3 Palette (Shades used: Strange, Burnout, Limit and  Nooner)

LINER- Tarte Skinny SmolderEYES in"Moonstone Brown"

MASCARA- Benefit's "They're Real"

Lips:

LIP PENCIL-  Rimmel Lasting Finish in "049 Natural"

LIPSTICK- Rimmel Showoff Lip Laquer in "600 Nude Eclipse"

LIPSTICK SWATCHES & DUPES:

WET N WILD "MEGA LAST LIPSTICKS"

Wet n Wild Mega Last lipsticks are some of my favorite lipsticks from the drugstore. They're AMAZING. The formula is matte yet they feel creamy on your lips, the color payoff (just look at those swatches!!!) and the price makes them affordable for anyone! I have 14 out of the 26 shades (I will be purchasing the rest). I believe I paid $1.49-$1.99 for mine at Meijer but you can purchase them at Walmart, Target, drugstores or online. Enjoy the swatches :)

SWATCHES:

(From left to right)

1: 901B THINK PINK --- Dupe for MAC "CREME CUP"

2: 902C BARE IT ALL --- Dupe for MAC "VELVET TEDDY"

3: 970 PURTY PERSIMMON --- Dupe for MAC "LADY DANGER"

4: 909D CORAL-INE

5: 910D RED VELVET

6: 911D SPOTLIGHT RED --- Dupe for MAC "RUBY WOO"

7: 966 DON'T BLINK PINK --- Dupe for MAC "PINK POODLE"

8: 965 CHERRY PICKING --- Dupe for MAC "PLEASURE BOMB"

9: 907C MAUVE OUTTA HERE --- Dupe for MAC "UP THE AMP"

10: 906D WINE ROOM

11: 908C SUGAR PLUM FAIRY --- Dupe for MAC "REBEL"

12: 918D CHERRY BOMB --- Dupe for MAC "DIVA"

13: 914C MOCHA-LICIOUS

14: 919B VAMP IT UP --- Dupe for MAC "CYBER"

KYLIE JENNER

CELEBRITY LOOK

Kylie Jenner's makeup is LIFE. Let's be honest. 
Here's a great way to achieve her look! ENJOY, DOLLS ;)

FACE: Use any foundation, powder and bronzer of your choice

BLUSH: NYX Blush in " APRICOT"

- Kylie has a very light dusting of blush in a soft, neutral pink shade

HIGHLIGHTER: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in 'SOFT AND GENTLE"

- Again, just a very light dusting of some highlighter on your cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose like Kylie

EYES:

PRIMER: Milani Eyeshadow Primer

- Apply all over the lids

EYESHADOW: Urban Decay NAKED Basics palette & MAC's Eyeshadow in "SOFT BROWN"

-W.O.S (3rd shadow in palette): A light creamy beige color. Apply all over the lid and brow bone

- SOFT BROWN (MAC): A warm tone light brown. Apply in the crease

- NAKED 2 (4th shadow in palette): A cool tone light brown. Apply in the outer corner of the eye (the outer v) and the bottom lash line

LINER: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in "201 BLACK"

- Apply a very thin line along the upper lash line

- Smoke out the liner 

LASHES: Ardell Lashes in "WISPIES"

- Apply false lashes after one coat of mascara

- Touch up eyeliner after you've applied your falsies

- Don't forget to apply mascara on bottom lashes

LIPS:

LIP LINER: Jordana Easyliner Lip Pencil in "TAWNY"

- Outline lips with the lip liner and fill them in
- Kylie likes to over line her lips. Don't go crazy and over line them or you'll look like a weirdo but, a slight over line never hurt anybody

LIPSTICK: Wet n Wild Lipstick in "MOCHA-LICOUS"
- Apply a light coat of the Wet n Wild lipstick
- Pat lipstick with your fingers to blend liner and lipstick together

"LIGHTERS UP"

FAVORITE: HIGHLIGHTERS

(Top to bottom, left to right: Wet n Wild Shimmer Palette in "Rose Champagne Glow", Wet n Wild Shimmer Palette in "Rose Golden Goddess", Revlon ColorStay Mineral Finishing Powder in"010 Brighten", MAC Mineral Skinfinish in "Soft & Gentle", Elf Baked Highlighter in "Pink Diamonds", Revlon Perle eyeshadow in "040 Brushed Copper", Smashbox Photo Finish Primer in "Luminizing")

If I had to choose a certain makeup product that I'm obsessed with at the moment (let's be honest, I've been obsessed with highlighters for pretty much over a year now)...it's HIGHLIGHTERS!

I looooooove the glowy, youthful look highlighters give you (NOT the "disco ball face "look). They're perfect for all year round, not just the summer, BUT, I especially love wearing them in the fall and winter when you can't really go outside and catch some of the suns "glowy" rays. It just brings your skin back to life during the cold seasons! 

Highlighters come in different colors from golden bronze shades, opal shades to rose-y pink shades, making them very versatile to fit anyone's skin tone or if you're like me, I like to try all of the different shades. Here's a few of my favorite highlighters that I like to use on a daily basis:

HIGHLIGHTER SWATCHES: 

(In order from the picture shown above)

(SWATCHES: Top left to right. Bottom left to right)

Pic 1:

1. Wet n Wild Shimmer Palette in "ROSE CHAMPAGNE GLOW"- $5.99

- A rose-y golden shimmer shade

- One of my faves!

2. Wet n Wild Shimmer Palette in "ROSE GOLDEN GODDESS"- $5.99

- A warm bronze shimmer shade

- Perfect with a tan

Pic 2:

3. Revlon Colorstay Mineral Finishing Powder in "BRIGHTEN"- $9.99 (discontinued) 

- A very pale pink, opalescent shimmer shade

4. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in "SOFT AND GENTLE"- $32

- A soft nude-y, golden shimmer shade

- Another one of my faves!

Pic 3:

5. ELF Baked Highlighter in "PINK DIAMONDS"- $3

- A cool tone pink shimmer shade

6. Revlon Perle Eyeshadow in "BRUSHED COPPER"- $3.99

- A warm tone pink bronze shimmer shade

* TIP: Eyeshadows make a great highlighter too (clearly not blue, green or any funky color shadow)

7. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer in "LUMINIZING"- $7.99 (sample size...hard to see but there's a slight shimmer)

- Apply this primer before applying foundation for a glowy complexion

- One of my fave primers!

PIC 4 *EXTRA: (not photographed in the 1st photo because it was a sample from Sephora)

8. Josie Maran Argan "LUMINIZER"- $28 (full size)

- A soft golden liquid luminizer

- Perfect on top of skin or mixed in with foundation

- A little goes a long way

- LOVE this stuff!

TODAY'S MAKEUP:

WHAT I'M WEARING 

Face:

PRIMER- NYX Pore Filler

FOUNDATION- L'Oreal True Match in "N4 Buff Beige"

CONCEALER- Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in "10 Light" (used under the eyes, down the bridge of my nose and chin)

POWDER- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in "Medium Plus"
BRONZER- NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in "720A Sunny" (used to carve out cheekbones, temples of the forehead and jawline) 

BLUSH- NYX Blush in "Pinched" (great dupe for NARS "Orgasm")

HIGHLIGHTER- MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in "Soft & Gentle" (used on my cheekbones, down my nose and above my cupids bow)

Brows:

EYEBROWS- Jordana Fabubrow Pencil in "02 Medium Brown"

Eyes:

EYESHADOW- Urban Decay Naked2 Basics palette (Shades used: Skimp, Stark, Cover and Primal)

LINER- Revlon Colorstay eyeliner in "201 Black"

MASCARA- L'Oreal Volumious "Carbon Black"

Lips:

LIPSTICK- Maybelline "920 Nude Lust"

LIPGLOSS- NYX Butter Gloss in "Madeleine"

"PRIMED & READY"

FAVORITE: PRIMERS

(from left to right: Smashbox Photo Finish "Luminizing" primer, NYX Pore Filler primer, Maybelline Baby Skin primer, Tarte Clean Slate "Poreless" primer)

I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT PRIMER! The moment I started using primer under my foundation, I was hooked!!!

The whole purpose of a primer is to help fill in any large pores, fine lines and uneven spots so that the next products you apply to your skin will go on smooth and even, making your makeup look flawless and last all day.

I've tested numerous primers and found that these primers do not break me out. Some of my favorite primers range from drugstore to high-end (shown above). Here are a few of my favorites:

PRIMERS:

(From left to right)

1. Smashbox Photo Finish in "Luminizing"- $7.99 (Sample size)

- Helps fill in pores and fine lines 

- Give you a subtle glow to your complexion
- Great for all year round (not just the summer) 

2. NYX Pore Filler primer- $12.99
- Favorite drugstore primer

- Great dupe for Benefit's Porefessional

- Gives skin a flawless look
 - Fills in pores and fine lines
- Makeup will last ALL DAY

3. Maybelline Baby Skin primer- $5.49

- Silicone based primer

- Makes makeup last all day but doesn't hide pores as well as the others do 

- Great for a quick, everyday look

4. Tarte Clean Slate "Poreless" primer- $30

- Favorite high-end primer. 

- Thicker than the other primers but still has a silicone feel to it.

- Fills in pores and fine line 

- Makes face makeup look amazing

"FALL NAILS"

FAVORITE: FALL NAIL COLORS

LEATHER JACKETS. BLACK BOOTS. COZY KNITS. INFINITY SCARVES...but what's fall without FALL NAIL POLISH? When it comes to fall, I've got my eyes on a few shades. So let's put away our bright summer colors and take out those dark, vampy, jewel-toned, warm colors. Here's a look at my favorite nail polishes for fall:

SWATCHES

(Top to bottom, left to right)

1ST ROW

1. Revlon "DEVILISH"- blood-like burgundy red- $3.99

2. Essie "ARMED AND READY"- muted army green with gold iridescence- $8.99

3. Revlon "COPPER PENNY"- neutral orangey-rose gold- $3.99

4. Revlon "VIXEN"- eggplant red- $3.99

2ND ROW

5. OPI "LINCOLN PARK AFTER DARK"- dark reddish purple- $8.99

6. OPI "AMAZON...AMAZOFF"- teal blue/green- $8.99

7. OPI "MY VAMPIRE IS BUFF"- cream off white- $8.99

8. OPI "BLACK ONYX"- black- $8.99

9. OPI "UMPIRES COME OUT AT NIGHT"- dark blue- $8.99

10. OPI "VIKING IN A VINTER VONDERLAND"- dark smoked purple- $8.99

3RD ROW:

11. SinfulColor "GOGO GIRL"- rich red- $1.99

12. Covergirl Outlast "TOASTED ALMOND"- earthy, grey-brown- $4.79

13. SinfulColor "CALYPSO"- dark forest green- $1.99

14. NYC Quick Dry "SIDEWALKERS"- cement grey- $1.99

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:

@LAURENHOLLELEYTESKA

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DIY:
FRANK BODY SCRUB

Looking for something to help target cellulite? Acne? Eczema? Or just looking for something to help make that skin of yours soft and silky? Well I got the PERFECT DIY.

I've read some amazing reviews on the Frank Body coffee scrub and decided to make my own version of it with some of the same all natural products as Frank, with stuff I already have in my pantry. WARNING: THIS STUFF IS AMAZING!!!!

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups of ground coffee

1 cup coconut flakes

4 tablespoons sea salt

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 1/2 cups coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon vitamin E oil

1 tablespoon avocado oil

1 tablespoon cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix the ingredients together. Add a little bit of the oil in at a time (you might not need the full serving amount) if the mixture is still very dry, add more oil. Scoop mixture into jar of choice (I used an old Bath & Body Works candle that I've cleaned out but I would use something with a tighter seal)

HOW TO USE:

Now hop in the shower. Start rubbing the mixture in circular motions on your problem areas. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off and voila!!! Repeat this 2-4 times a week or as desired!  

"IN THE NUDE"

NYX BUTTER GLOSSES: TOP 3 FAVORITE NUDES

(right hand picture, from left to right: NYX butter gloss in "Fortune Cookie", "Creme Brulee", "Madeleine")

First off, these NYX butter glosses smell like fresh baked sugar cookies. Enough said........

I've raved about NYX lip products on my blog before and I must rave about them again. Their butter glosses are hands down my favorite lip glosses EVER. The formula is creamy, sheer with just the right amount of color (not over pigmented), not sticky and very affordable!

My personal favorites are the nude shades. I loooooove nude lips. Nude lipsticks, nude lip pencils, nude glosses, you name it! So, when I found the perfect nude glosses, I seriously died and went to heaven. They're perfect to lay over your favorite lipstick to add that gorgeous glossy (but not too glossy) look. I love trying various shades of nudes from your pinky nudes to your browny nudes. My top 3 are all different yet still in the nude family. I highly recommend trying the NYX butter glosses. You won't be disappointed! Did I mention they smell like sugar cookies?! 

NYX Butter Glosses: NUDES

(All NYX Butter Glosses are $4.99 @ ULTA)

1. FORTUNE COOKIE: True nude 

2. CREME BRULEE: Natural pink nude

3. MADELEINE: Mid-tone, browny nude

"LASH LOVE"

TO falsies OR NOT TO falsies?

(from top to bottom: Urban Decay "Lush Lash" mascara, Benefit's "They're Real" mascara, L'Oreal "Voluminous Carbon Black" mascara, Jordana "Best Lash Extreme" mascara, Revlon "Grow Luscious" mascara)

My top 5 favorite mascaras are my top 5 for a reason. I've tried hundreds of mascaras but, somehow, I always end up repurchasing these ones (shown above). When I'm shopping for a mascara, I usually gravitate towards a more thicker formula because I find it hard to keep the lashes curled all day with a runny/watery formula. Who wants to have to constantly reapply their mascara? Not me.

I find that these mascaras (shown above) make my lashes look "fake" without having to wear falsies. They pretty much make my lashes look longer, thicker and more voluminous without the clumpy-dirty-lashes-look (and I swear, some of these mascaras have even made my lashes grow). So, if you're looking for dramatic lashes, I highly suggest trying one of my top 5! 

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM:

1. Urban Decay "LUSH LASH" $20
-separates lashes
- grew my lashes

2. Benefit's "THEY'RE REAL" $23
-the best mascara for the "faslies" look

3. L'Oreal "VOLUMIOUS CARBON BLACK" $7.99
-amazing mascara for volume
-length 
super dark lashes

4. Jordana "BEST LASH EXTREME" $2.29
-similar to the L'Oreal mascara. LOVE this one!!

5. Revlon "GROW LUSCIOUS" $4.99
-made my lashes grow

"FALL LIPS"

9 drugstore lipsticks & glosses for fall

(from left to right: NYX butter gloss in "Madeleine", NYX butter gloss in Devil's Food Cake", NYX matte lipstick in "Alabama", Revlon lip butter in "Red Velvet", L'Oreal Private collection lipstick in "Jennifer's Nude" Wet n Wild lipstick in "Vamp It Up", Wet n Wild lipstick in "Sugar Plum Fairy", Wet n Wild lipstick in "Cherry Bomb". Bottom: Wet n Wild balm stain in "Lady and The Vamp")

The cool, cozy, sweater weather calls for vampy plums/reds/purples & browny-nude lips. These types of lip colors will make any look SEXY and SULTRY during this time of year...trust me, nothing is more empowering than pulling of a dark lip! Here are some swatches of my favorite drugstore lippies based off of the formula, color payoff and price. Enjoy!!

From left to right:

1. NYX butter gloss in "MADELEINE" $4.99

2. NYX butter gloss in "DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE" $4.99

3. NYX matte lipstick in "ALABAMA" $5.99

4. Revlon lip butter in "RED VELVET" $8.49

5. L'Oreal Private Collection lipstick in "JENNIFER'S NUDE" $7.99

6. Wet n Wild lipstick in "VAMP IT UP" $1.99

7. Wet n Wild lipstick in "SUGAR PLUM FAIRY" $1.99

8. Wet n Wild lipstick in "CHERRY BOMB" $1.99

9. Wet n Wild balm stain in "LADY AND THE VAMP" $2.99

"DARK ANGELS"

New SKIN CARE!

(Lush's Dark Angels cleanser, $14.50)

I've purchased this products a year ago and fell head over heels for it. It made my skin look and feel a hundred times better than it ever has before...I forgot why I stopped purchasing it?!! Lush products are some of my favorites skin care products EVER because they're all natural and y'all know I'm all about my natural products, I SWEAR BY THEM.  The "Dark Angels" cleanser by Lush is a great products if you have problematic skin. A mixture of charcoal, rhassoul mud and black sugar that gently exfoliate the skin and also absorb excess oils, leaving your dull, acne prone skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, soft and clean. I highly recommend this product!

HOW TO USE:

Step 1: Apply warm water to skin

Step 2: Break off a piece of the Dark Angel cleanser

Step 3: Apply a small amount of warm water to the piece of cleanser until you are left with a paste

Step 4: Massage on to face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. Pat your skin until it's dry

Step 5: Enjoy your beautiful skin!!!

"THE NAKED TRUTH"

Current favorite for: EYESHADOWS

(Urban Decay, Naked 2 Basics, $29)

Urban Decay released their new  "NAKED 2 BASICS" palette on August 19th, 2014. The Urban Decay Naked Basics' palettes are very appealing because all of the colors in the palettes are neutral shades (you can't go wrong with neutral eyeshadows!). The shades make it perfect to wear for any season. The formula of the eyeshadows are very so smooth that they almost fell like butter, making them very easy to blend out on the eye lid. 5 out of the 6 shadows are all matte shades, with 1 shimmer shade (still, not quite as shimmery as some eyeshadows). This palette is a very cool tone palette making it great for girls with blue undertones but, everyone can wear it even if you don't have blue undertones! This palette is great if you are going for an everyday look or for a more smokey, night out look. Overall the new "Naked 2 Basics" is a great purchase for great quality eyeshadows that will fit into anyone's eyeshadow collection.

THE COLORS

(from left to right: Skimp, Stark, Frisk, Cover, Primal, Undone)

SWATCHES

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT)

Skimp: shimmery, off-white shade

Stark: matte, nude-pink shade

Frisk: matte, grey shade

Cover: matte, muted red brown

Primal: matte, muted brown

Undone: matte, dark smokey brown

"SOMETHING BLUE"

(clockwise: OPI in "The Umpires Come Out At Night", Sally Hansen in "Blue Me Away", Revlon Sun Candy in "Sun Shower", Essie in "Mint Candy Apple", Rimmel in "Breakfast In Bed", Essie in "Bikini So Teeny", Sinful Shine in "Alfresco" and Sinful Colors in "Endless Blue")

For all the 'brides-to-be' (including myself) out there having a hard time deciding on how to incorporate that "something blue" into their big day...GET A BLUE PEDI!!! You can find that perfect blue to incorporate into your big day by simply choosing the right shade for whichever season you're having your wedding in. 

- Dark/navy blues for Fall & Winter

- Periwinkle blues for Spring

- Bright/vibrant blues for Summer

It's such a fun and cute way to show off that "something blue" on your big day and who doesn't love a good pedi?! I know I'll be enjoying a blue pedi before my big day ;)

"THE NATURALS"

SKIN CARE 101 

(from left to right: Organic extra virgin coconut oil, Lush's Mask of Magnaminty, Josie Maran Argon oil, 100% pure tea tree oil, TN. Dickinson's Witch Hazel toner, African black soap (pink box))

For YEARS I bought over the counter products from the pharmacy to high end skin care products to help keep my skin clear and free from acne. After trying hundreds of products, hoping that they would help clear up my skin, I found that over the counter skin care products were filled with harsh chemicals that are very hard on your skin and will make your skin worse. 

I decided to do some research, reading articles, reviews and so on, I found that all natural products were really my last resort. I never once thought about going down the all natural path but, I figured I would give it a shot (I had nothing to lose). Let me tell you that it has CHANGED MY LIFE AND SKIN FOR THE BETTER. I will never purchase over the counter products ever again. My skin has never looked so healthy and I couldn't be happier :)

Here's a list of products that I use and why:

1. Organic extra virgin coconut oil:  $15 (Remove makeup)

- to remove eye makeup

- lighten age spots

- helps skin heal faster

- anti-aging 

- helps fight acne

2. Lush's Mask of Magnaminty: $25 (Weekly mask)

- natural exfoliating properties 

- cleans out pores

- calms acne

- leaves skin silky smooth 

3. Josie Maran's Argan oil: $16 (Moisturizer)

- everyday moisturizer 

- dewy glow

- improves elasticity and hydration in skin

- improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

4. 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil:  $10 (Spot treatment)

- clears up acne

- mix one part tea tree oil with 3 parts tea tree oil 

5. TN. Dickinson's Witch Hazel: $3.99 (Toner)

- treats acne

- reduces puffy eyes

- reduces redness

- helps with inflammation

6. African Black Soap: $3 (Face wash/cleanser)

- clears up acne

- heals skin

- leaves skin soft and refreshed 

* I purchased most of these products at Whole Foods, Target, Sephora and Costco

"LITTLE RED LIP"

Current favorites for: RED LIPS

( from left to right: NYX Matte Lipstick in "Alabama", NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Montre Carlo" and NYX Lip Pencil in "Cabaret")

My obsession with red lips is REAL at the moment. I believe a red lipstick is a must have in any makeup junkies collection. It's like the "little black dress" of fashion, we all need one! It's such a classic, elegant look you can not go wrong with! NYX has some amazing products and some of my favorites by them are their lips products. Not only are they great quality but the price is spot on! Like seriously, you can't go wrong with a Matte Lip Cream for $5.99!!!

NYX Matte Lipstick in "Alabama" $5.99

It's time to start thinking outside the box when it comes to red lipstick. This shade isn't your typical red and it's GORGEOUS. Alabama is a brick red/brownish-red, which leans more on the warm side. Not only is the color beautiful but the formula of the Matte Lipsticks by NYX are amazing. They're not drying at all and you still get that matte lip look. This lipstick is a must have for fall and winter!

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Monte Carlo" $5.99

When I think of a classic red lip, this shade comes to mind. I love this color!!! Lets be honest, it's just straight up perfect. The color payoff with the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are fabulous. The formula is a mix between a lipstick and a lipgloss (This product will stain your lips too). It's very comfortable to wear and it will not budge. So eat and drink the day away! I can definitely see myself purchasing more colors in this collection.

NYX Lip Pencil in "Cabaret" $3.49

This lip pencil pairs perfectly with the Alabama lipstick (photographed above the Monte Carlo lip cream). A perfect brick red/brownish-red color that will make its mark in the fall and winter season! Great quality!!! You can NOT go wrong with NYX products.