Ulta Friends & Family Haul

Tis the season for Friends and Family sales...
However, Ulta's drove me a bit crazy. I will explain.

So the sale lasted a mere 7 days- October 23-29. Ok, so that doesn't sound so mere. Basically, if you personally know someone that works at an Ulta store, they have access to a few coupons they could each give to a few friends and family members. Not really something a lot of people could benefit from.
However, I also knew that there would be an email sent out with a code as well as a coupon sent through the mail. Well, they were sent, but at the very last minute.
I got my email during the last couple days of the sale, I believe. But what really made me mad was that my actual sale coupon/flyer was mailed to me the last day of the sale. Yep, October 29th. Which was kind of frustrating. Not really sure why those were sent out at the very last minute. Or why the email wasn't sent out on, oh I dunno, the 23rd when the sale began?
Ok, I'll calm down.
You're killin' me, Ulta...you're killin' me.

Anyway, to see the (last minute) goodies I got check out my Ulta Friends & Family Haul video below.
...and if you're like most people I've talked to and didn't get to take advantage of the sale because of the last-minute-ness, Sephora's F&F sale is still going on (until Nov. 2nd). You can get all the info on that here.

Easy 20's-inspired Siren Look

A dark lip and dramatic eye can be overly-dramatic when paired together, but if you're going to be dressing up as a flapper girl for either Halloween or any other fancy occasion, this is a simple look that can help you channel the 20's with minimal fuss.
Regardless of skin tone, what you'll need are:Matte foundation and powder
Black shadow (matte)
Dark russet/wine shadow (shimmery)
Contouring

Smoke and MIrrors - Sparkly Smoky Eye Tutorial

A single, flat grey shade on the lids can make the skin look dull and sometimes a little sallow, so the trick to wearing it is to wear a few shades of grey for some contrast. 
Step 1: Apply a smoky metallic grey all over the lids from lash line to socket line. 
Step 2: Use a deeper grey to extend and wing out the outer corners in a V shape. Then run this dark grey along the outer half of the

Sephora Friends and Family Sale! ...and a haul, of course

I love a good sale.
I love a good sale at Sephora even more. This week (until November 2nd), Sephora.com is running a friends and family sale ONLINE ONLY that will save you 20% off of your entire order.

All you have to do to get the discount is enter a promo code at checkout. For your unique code, click here and enter your email address.
Easy as pie, right?

So of course, I got super excited and placed my order right when the sale began. I got some awesome stuff I'm very excited about (check out my haul video below for the goods I got), but over the past couple days, I've been thinking of about five other things I wish I would have gotten.
I may have to figure out a sneaky way to get another code and place another order. ;)

So what's on your list to buy from the friends and family sale? Have any of you already placed your orders? Do tell. :)

xoxo,
Tiffany

Poison Orchid: Too Faced Exotic Color Intense Eye Shadow

Too Faced Exotic Color Intense Eye Shadows





Too Faced Intense Eye Shadow in Poison Orchid
I snapped up just this one shadow from the new Too Faced Midnight In the Garden of Glamour collection. This midnight amethyst shade is a smoky dark grey with oodles of magenta sparks, and was the instant standout shade for me, because I haven't found anything else quite like it, and the camera just

My Favorite Eye Liners

I have a confession.

I'm addicted to eye liner. It's been an issue I've dealt with most of my makeup-wearing life. Most days, I feel naked without it. Even the tiniest amount can make me feel put-together.

There are SO many different types of eye liners out there and each type can do totally different things. Different looks require different types. Because of that, it's good to have a few different kinds in your collection.

Because I'm an eye liner addict, I've tried basically every kind out there (seriously) and have narrowed my "Favorite Eye Liners" list down to the following:

Maybelline Master Drama automatic pencil liner
MAC Fluidline
Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense
Maybelline Stiletto liner (great alternative to the hard-to-find liner above)
Lancome Art Liner
Make Up For Ever Aqualiner
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen
Stila Kajal Eye Liner
MAC Fascinating Eye Khol

They all made my "favorites" for different reasons, of course. So be sure to watch my video below for more details on each one and how I like to use them.

D.I.Y. Liner/Sealant Formula

The good thing about a sealant is that it can be used to suspend pigments and glitter, so that you can apply an intense swatch of it as glitter or just foiling your pigments and shadows for a more dramatic look. There are ready-made formulas around from many brands but if you can't get hold of them easily, or at a convenient price, you can always make your own with the below ingredients.

New Dining Room, Painting Tips, and Some Fall Decor

I know, I know... This is a beauty blog. But I loooove our home and sharing decorating ideas and on occasion, my craftiness and DIY skillz.

And now, I loooove our new dining room.



Since I painted it myself (well, I did have A LOT of help from Brad painting the ceiling...), I decided to make a quick video for TiffanyDtv (my other, more random YouTube channel) and share some of my painting tips I've learned over the years that really make a difference.

Also, I give you guys a little peek at some of my Fall decor :)

...all of which is totally Waylon-approved.

Chandelier: Pottery Barn (they're 20% off right now!)
Paint color: Behr paint and primer in one, Cinnabark (flat finish)
Glittery gold accent plates: Pier 1
Pumpkin little covered dishes: Williams-Sonoma
Silver candlesticks: Pier 1

Fiery Copper and Gold Makeup Tutorial for Fall

I really wanted to do something fun and different using the pretty coppery-red and the golden yellow shades in my Dare Palette.
The fact it just happens to scream "Fall" is pure coincidence.
;)

Products Used:
MAC Paint Pot in Idyllic
Sigma Beauty Dare Palette
Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense
Loreal Eye Illuminator double sided eyeliner (white side)
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara
Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Exposed
MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Sweet Ever After
YSL Golden Gloss in #20
not shown in video:
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation
Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Blonde

Featured Shade: Matte Purple Shadow

Colors to pair a matte purple shadow with!

A good matte dusty-purple is hard to find. Purple is one of those colors that I find to be more flattering in a matte or satin finish. Sparkly or metallic purple can look a bit too garish for work and school, but a dusty lavender grey is a much better option.
My favorites are Everyday Minerals Matte Eye Shadow in Tide Pool (limited edition,

Barry M 146 Dolly Pink Lip Paint (Swatch and Review)

Barry M Dolly Pink Lip Paint close-up.
This is THAT pink.
Yeah, you know. The one that is soft, bright, girly, and yet a little bit rebellious all at the same time. The one that looks so scary, but seems to work with every skin tone. MAC Pink Nouveau will always be the queen of bright doll pinks to me, but there are a few worthy dupes or alternatives.

If you want a creamy version of MAC's Pink

Halloween Look: Twilight Nymph (feat. PAPERSELF Lashes plus Mini-review)

"Small Deer & Butterfly" lash cutouts, with a smoky red and plum eye

I've been fascinated by PAPERSELF's paper cutout lashes since I heard about them about a year ago. When they finally hit the local drugstore, I caved and got myself a box in the "Small Deer & Butterfly" design. Most of the others are too humongous to fit over anyone's eye, and I couldn't bear the thought of cutting them down

Easy Everyday Smokey Eye: Midnight Blue

Happy FRIDAY!! So happy the weekend is here!
...and speaking of the weekend, this look would be perfect for going out. Day or night. I've been wearing this look so much lately. While it's pretty simple for me, I figured it would be appropriate to share a tutorial for it with you all since I've been enjoying it so much.
It's so perfect because it's super easy to do and very wearable.


Products Used:
MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
MAC Eye Shadows:
Contrast
Shroom
E30 Brush (essential for smokey eyes)
MAC Fluidline in Midnight Blues
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara
NARS Laguna bronzer
NARS Orgasm blush
YSL Golden Gloss in #20

not shown in video:
Maybelline Age Eraser Foundation & Undereye Concealer
Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Blonde

Amber-Tan Lids

Summer's over, but your honey tan doesn't have to fade. Not on your lids anyway.

If you want to wear a stronger eye, but are unsure or a little wary of really loud or dramatic colors, then there is just one shade that you need to invest in. A warm, honey-gold tan with a bit of coppery heat.

Not only does it look great on the eyes, but you can also wear it as highlighter, mixed in with lipgloss,

Let's Talk Foundation...

I think the most important (and often the most difficult) makeup "feat" to master for most people is foundation. It sounds simple enough- No crazy methods of application, nothing too precise. However, choosing the right formula and type of foundation really makes all the difference. I guess finding the right formula (brand, type, etc) is the real feat.

After years of complete trial and error where foundations are concerned, I've found a few wonderful ones that work great for me. Since I'm pretty picky about foundations (and since my oily skin tends to make finding one that holds up and stays true even more difficult) I tend to stick with something once I find "the one".

Totally sounds like I'm talking about a serious relationship or something.

Foundations are serious business.

So I decided to create a little video (...ok a BIG 17-minute long video) talking about and showing my favorite (and some honorable mentions) foundations and concealers I've found that actually pass the test of all my picky-ness. That's totally a word.





Foundations and concealers mentioned in the video:
Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ Foundation
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment
MAC Studio Finish concealer
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder

A few honorable mentions...
Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Brightening Concealer

Makeup Brushes 101: Face Brushes

Similar to eye brushes, face brushes vary in shape and bristles. The same general rule applies; if you are applying a cream or liquid product, synthetic bristles tend to soak up less product and are also easier to clean. Natural bristles tend to pick up powders and spread them a bit better, although many synthetic brands today have really stepped up their game when it comes to producing fluffy

Fall Look: Dramatic Purple and Black Winged Eye

Dramatic purple and black winged eye with Revlon Soft Nude Colorburst Lipstick.
This is a super-dramatic look inspired by images of Fall's dramatic eye liner looks, as well as Swarovski's Wings of Fantasy campaign visuals. It's something of a creative look, but if you're playing a mythical Black Swan for Halloween (not the movie version) this is a simpler and more wearable way to go about it.

Makeup Brushes 101: Eye Brushes

My most-used brushes from L-to-R: Fine gel liner brush, flat angled brush, smudger brush, blender (oval), flat shader, pencil brush, small blender, and regular tapered blender.
I used to be a fan of "finger-painting". I.e. applying most of my eye shadows with my fingers. Part of it was laziness, and part of it was just ignorance about how the heat, moisture and oils from your fingers can destroy