Fresh Bloom: Indigo and Green with Orange Lips (Lime Crime My Beautiful Rocket)

What goes with a bright orange lip? Well warm Fall colors like russets and golds would look good, but you can also swing the other way and do contrasting shades in bright tones. To keep things soft, I am using shimmer instead of matte, which would be a bit stronger.
Step 1: I'm using a shimmery dusty-purple for the outer 2/3 of the lid. 
Step 2: Using a soft golden green, I fill in the inner

Midnight Black Cat Eye Makeup Tutorial: Naked 2 Palette

I can't believe it's almost New Year's Eve! A holiday where late night parties and celebrations are the norm. What's more appropriate than a velvety midnight-black eye shadow look? I added a bit more drama to it by swooping out the outer corners into a sexy cat-eye. I LOVE it. Hope you guys do too.
And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
What are your resolutions? Mine is to break my Coke Zero addiction and drink mostly water.
Not super exciting since that was my same resolution last year... But hey, It lasted a good three months last year. Maybe I can do better this time.

Products Used:
MAC Painterly Paint Pot
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense
Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Sapphire
Armani Eyes to Kill Excess mascara
MAC Pro Longwear Eye Shadow in Carefree
MAC Lip Pencil in Dervish
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy
Make Up For Ever gloss in S2
MAC Well Dressed blush

not shown in video:
Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Blonde
Neutrogena Healthy Skin liquid foundation

Lavender Smoke: MAC Crystal, Shale, Grape and Macroviolet

Purple Smoke: MAC Crystal, Shale and Grape pigment, with Macroviolet Fluidline

This look layers mulitple shades of silvery purples for a look that's monochromatic but not monotonous. If you own Lime Crime's Chinchilla lipstick or like that middle-ground between purples and greys, this is a look that goes with it. 


Clockwise from top: MAC Crystal, MAC Shale, MAC Grape pigment, blend of MAC

Updated Hair Care Routine & Fav Hair Products

Happy Friday everyone! I can't believe there's only 2 DAYS left until Christmas!! Crazy!
I know I'm excited to take a few days to spend with my family and relax at home.
Christmas will be really different for us this year because it's the first year I've actually hosted our Christmas dinner at my house. Let me just say, I have an unbelievable amount of food to make and things to do tonight and tomorrow to get everything ready.
Anyway, I wanted to do an updated hair care routine video since lots of you have been requesting it lately.

I've been getting so many questions about how I style my hair and keep it healthy- What type of products I use, how I keep it healthy, and most of all, how the heck I've managed to grow it so long so quickly.
While I don't have a magic product I use to make hair grow faster, I have got lots of tricks and tips that actually work to help keep it healthy and help it grow as long and quickly as possible.
I've also found some amazing products that work wonderfully for me.
Best part about my favorites? Most can be found at the drugstore.
...and the tips I have for you in the video, will actually help you save money if you color your hair lighter by allowing you to go longer between colorings. Saving money AND helping your hair look healthier. It's a no-brainer.

Here are a list of my favorite hair products I've been using lately. Also, be sure to check out the video below for a description of how I use each one, my actual hair routine, and lots of tips on how to prevent damage and keep your hair looking it's best.

Products mentioned in the video:
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Color Renew Tone Correcting Shampoo
Pantene Beautiful Lengths Anti Breakage Conditioner
Alterna Hemp Color Hold Thickening Compound
Pantene Beautiful Lengths Replenishing Mask (deep conditioner)
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray
Alterna Caviar Color Hold Blonde Leave-In Conditioner
Pantene Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Balm
Alterna Caviar Color Hold Moisture Conditioner
Alterna Caviar Color Hold Blonde Shampoo
Tre Semme Tres Two Hairspray
Got2b Guardian Angel Heat Protect 'N Curl Curl Iron Spray
Tre Semme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo - forgot to mention this one in the video. Some of the best dry shampoo I've used. If I skip a day washing my hair, I spray it at the roots for some volume and it really makes my hair look freshly cleaned.

The Lime Crime Chinchilla Experiment: Grey Lipstick Swatches, Mini-review and Look

[Pictured Left-to-Right: Lime Crime My Beautiful Rocket, Lime Crime Chinchilla]  

Some of you may recall a few months ago, I posted about Lime Crime's limited edition Chinchilla lipstick, which is the unlikeliest and most unexpected shade of grey.
Well what does a girl do on Cyber Monday while stocking up on staples like Great Pink Planet and Countessa Fluorescent? She drops an extra "

Cabaret Mod: Dramatic Antique Gold Graphic Liner

This look hinges on 2 things: A highly metallic liquid liner or pigment, and a set of very long, very spiky lashes. It's obviously not a subtle day look, but for night, it can be extremely dramatic.
I used:MAC Reflects Antique Gold pigment (a golden-taupe micro-glitter)Black liquid linerSasa Lashes #03 Sexy
Step 1: Begin with a thick swatch of black liquid liner. If you're new to this, do 2

Holiday Gold Makeup Tutorial- Glamorous & Natural

Happy Holidays everyone!
For my holiday look this year, I knew I wanted to create it around a coppery gold eye. I've done some pretty over the top holiday looks over the years with the typical shimmer and glitz that usually comes with a holiday makeup tutorial, so I decided to make the color itself the focus, while still making it simple to do and very wearable.
This is definitely my go-to look for holiday parties this year (New Year's Eve included).
Hope you guys enjoy!


Products Used:
Urban Decay 24/7 liner in El Dorado
Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Lucky
MAC eye shadow in Bronze
MAC eye shadow in Mylar
MAC Pro Longwear eye shadow in Sunny Outlook
MAC Pro Longwear eye shadow in Carefree
Loreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense
Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara
MAC Well Dressed and Pinch O' Peach blush
NARS Laguna bronzer
MAC lipstick in Angel
MAC Lustreglass in Morning Glory

Modern Gothic Romance (Inspired by Jordan Liberty)

Black liner, hot pink cheeks, and Noir lips, with slate grey nails
Is "wearable Goth" makeup an oxymoron? Not exactly. This is not really Goth in the modern sense of the word, but rather, pulls from the late-medieval Gothic age, with its strange blend of opulence and dark dramatism. It's not always about matching over-the-top black lips and eyes. Sometimes, beauty is as much what you do, as

Winter Foundation Tips & Routine

The cold and dry winter weather can really do a number on your skin. Your favorite products that work perfectly for your skin in the warmer months may not work the same on your skin in the drier winter months.
Changing seasons means changing skin care routines.
Don't stop at just switching to a different moisturizer. Changing your actual foundation routine is just as much a part of your skin care than anything else. So by keeping a few things in mind, you can keep your skin looking healthy and perfect all winter long.

Here are my go-to tips for winter foundation:

-Use a primer (skip the ones labeled "matifying" if that's what you usually use and opt for a regular formula). Using a primer before foundation creates a "buffer" for any areas of drier skin that would normally catch the pigments in foundation and look yucky. So the invisible primer will catch them first. Sounds weird, but trust me. It works.
-Switch to a more moisturizing, nourishing foundation. If you normally use a foundation labeled "for oily skin", "oil control", or "matifying", switch it up to a formula for normal skin or one with a more natural finish. These usually are less drying.
-If you have patchy areas of dry skin that are difficult to get rid of, use a damp sponge (like a BeautyBlender) to apply foundation to reduce visible patchy and flaky areas.
-Go light on setting powder and switch to one with a more sheer and natural finish, like MAC Mineralized Skinifinish Natural (pressed), which is what I use year-round.
...and of course, the most important- Use a good moisturizer after cleansing your skin, before applying any makeup. I currently use the Origins Vitazing or the Jergens Natural Glow Faces SPF25.

Check out my step-by-step tutorial below for a demonstration of my winter foundation routine.

Cherry-Picking: MAC Metal - X Cream Shadow in Palladium

I was looking for a light, neutral Paint Pot when I walked into MAC. I wanted something that could neutralize the lid shade a little while intensifying metallic eye shadows. This shade would need to have a pearl finish, be glitter-free, tacky enough to grab powders, but not so creamy that it creases.
In fact, I knew a Paint Pot would work, but when I swatched the only pale shade available -

Tokidoki 24 Karat Skate Deck Palette: Swatches and Mini-Review

I'm lucky enough to have a BF who doesn't actually mind being dragged around on my shopping trips. In fact, he's a regular at what I term "my shrine" (Sephora) which I have to visit whenever I'm in the vicinity of one. He will probably never understand why I need to stop by to pay my respects even if I am not getting a single thing, but he does win plenty of points for staying attentive while I

Perfect False Lashes Tutorial

Applying false lashes can be tricky.
Tutorials on the process can make it seem even trickier.
Trust me. I've posted a few false lash tutorials in my day that make the process seem pretty intense, I'm sure.
Let's face it, this one will probably seem intense too. haha

Basically, I wanted to do a false lash video that not only showed the process of getting the lashes prepped (glue, trimming, etc.) and applying them, but also showed the steps after. Which to me, are the most important.
Just because when I apply lashes, a few tricks I do afterward really make the lashes look amazing. There's nothing worse than taking the time to apply them, and then seeing gaps in the lashes or being able to see the "track". It ruins the whole look.
So check out the video below for all the tips you need to apply false lashes flawlessly and some tricks to keep them going strong all day and night.

The Weekend Face: Barry M 146 Dolly Pink Lip Paint

If you've ever wondered about the fate of that gorgeous tube of bright, candy pink lipstick, you'll be glad to know it's been well-loved. It's no longer summer, but I still can't help whipping it out from time to time. There's nothing like a standout lipstick for looking "done" without spending a whole lot of time on your face.



Barry M 146 Dolly Pink Lip Paint
Dressed-up Face in 5 Minutes:

Dragonfly Wings: Iridescent Smoky Eye

For those of you who want to veer away from the usual stately, smoky colors this holiday season, an iridescent, multi-faceted smoky eye can work just as well with that little black dress. (In fact, it would probably be the focal point of your entire look.)
I'm using some shades from the Urban Decay 15 Year Anniversary Collection and The Body Shop, but feel free to use alternatives you own.What

Day Look: Golden Brown with Violet Crease

This is a simple way to add a twist of color to warm or neutral shades for day looks. 
Step 1: Use a thin, firm pointed brush to apply a rich violet shade to along the crease of the eye and slightly above it. 
Step 2: Then with your choice of a rich golden brown (I chose MAC Brass Pigment, but if you're not able to locate this use MAC Woodwinked or Urban Decay Baked), fill in the inner portions

NEW Urban Decay "Naked 2" Palette & Original Comparison

As most of you all know, the Urban Decay Naked palette has been a long-time favorite of mine.

As most of you all also know, I don't really accept "freebies" all that often, so when it was released to a lot of bloggers, I just wasn't into it.

I've got to say, when I heard there was going to be a second version released, I was a bit skeptical. I really felt like the original should kind of be left to stand alone. Surprisingly, I was not interested.
I know, crazy.

Then I started thinking.... I need this just because my readers will be curious about it! So then, my curiosity started to rise.
And last week, I ordered one for myself.

And I'm super happy I did :)

...other than the fact that the shade Half Baked is in both palettes. If they wanted to repeat a shade, it should have been Virgin, the best highlight shade ever. Or how about just make 12 totally different shades... haha

Here are my comparison photos and swatches of the original Naked and Naked 2 palettes. To see a full review and to hear my thoughts on the differences, each specific color, and packaging, check out my video at the bottom of the post.

original Naked (top), Naked 2 (bottom)

Naked 2

Yes, there is a swatch on the far left. It just doesn't show up on my skin because it matches

Original Naked Palette

**I ordered mine from the actual Urban Decay website. They sold out pretty quickly (uh, the day I ordered it... they apparently like seeing us squirm).
Which is kind of a genius marketing strategy. It makes everyone want them more.
I love Urban Decay, but seriously.
We all know Urban Decay is capable of creating enough palettes not to sell out, especially after the Naked madness during the original release (that went on for MONTHS). I really hope the whole restocking-selling out-restocking madness doesn't go on as long as it did last time so that all of you who want one can get one soon. After all, Urban Decay, I've got tutorials to make for my viewers, and if they want to buy one, they should be available. :)
You can also enter your email at the Urban Decay website and they'll let you know when they become available again, which is nice.
So no worries! Tutorials will come soon. I'm going to feel it out for a bit so that the tutorials don't just piss everyone off that wants one but don't have one due to the selling-out craze... haha So those will come when they're a little more readily-available.

Check out my full review below:

Monthly Favorites: November Edition

I'm kind of giddy about my favorites for November.

When I think of summarizing them, the only thing that comes to mind is that in November, I found an eye liner that possibly surpasses the awesome-ness of all my eye liners mentioned in my Favorite Eye Liners post/video.

If you know me at all, then you get the gravity of that statement.

And that there is really nothing left to say that will surpass that.

Lazy Face: The 5 Minute Makeup Routine

There are days when you just DON'T have any time to spend 20 minutes getting your full face on.
Here are the essential steps and tips (for me) to get out the door looking put-together:
Step 1: Pick a good medium-coverage foundation (Dior Nude and Bourjois Healthy Mix are my favorites for being lightweight+good-coverage) with a great skin-like finish. This will even out your skin and minimize time

Banded Smoky Eye: Urban Decay Deep End and MAC Copper pigment

This is a twist on the traditional colorful eye, created by alternating 2 shades concentrically outwards. It's definitely a dramatic look, and plays on subtle color and a very strong, defined eye line. The shape of the look means it will only work if you have a crease. If you don't, but want to recreate this look, you will need to use lid glue to create a fold or the colors will not show up.
I'm

Dark Golden Olive

For most women, green shadow is something they love or hate. It's not always the easiest color to wear, but those who love it swear by its ability to be both brightening and sultry in turns.
Of the scores of greens out there, the one that is possibly the easiest for women of all skin tones to wear is a golden pistachio/olive tone that is part green, part gold, part bronze. If you want to buy just

Holiday Glam: Smoky Blackened-Gold with Crimson lips

Most of the time, we pair dark smoky eyes with muted lips to keep things in balance, but it does not mean that you can't pair it with a strong lip for the holiday season. To keep the eyes sultry but not overly heavy and severe, I adapted the traditional black eye with 2 things:A pale gold on the lid (I mixed a blend of translucent silver and gold mica to get that specific "cold-gold" shade,