MOTD | Warm, Orange and Smokey feat. MorpheXJaclynHill Palette

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We are moving from Leo’s house to Virgo season now so I felt a red/orange sassy smokey-eye was extremely appropriate. How is everyone’s eclipse/new moon/retrograde going? Oh, you’re barely hanging on by the skin of your teeth and life just keeps on handing your ass to you? HAHA, same! 

I  H A V E  N E W S 

PSA: I talk in fluent sarcasm often and you should rarely take me too seriously but speaking very honestly, this season has definitely been w i l d. My earth mate and I decided collectively to move back to our hometown in Northern California after living in Phoenix for the last six years! Which is extremely exciting, but also equally exhausting. We bought a house that we love, and we paint this weekend. We didn’t take any time off of work for the move so, we ultimately moved and uprooted our lives across states in a weekend. Then we’ll be heading out of the country for vacation soon. Singapore, Tokyo, Barcelona, and India…. and yes, I am currently dying inside. Everything just feels a little… insane right now and it’s a lot, but I am feeling really psyched — for a lot of things. and everything will settle down again soon. WHOA though, right?!

A N Y W A Y 

The reason you’re here —

E Y E S
– Tarte Shape Tape Concealer + Maybelline Master Fix Setting/Perfecting Loose Powder (to prime)
– Jaclyn Hill + Morphe Palette: Silk Cream, M.F.E.O., Butter, Jacz, Buns
– ColourPop Cosmetics Super Shock Shadow: Sequin
– Makeup Geek Cosmetics Single Shadows: Vanilla, Shimma Shimma 
– Melt Cosmetics Haze Eye Shadow
– Kat Von D Everlasting Lip Liner: Swanly
– Koko Lashes: Amore
– Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner

F A C E
– Essential Oils (to moisturize + prime): lavender oil, tea tree oil, and coconut oil mixed
– Nyx Cosmetics Pore Filler
– Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
– Maybelline Master Fix Setting/Perfecting Loose Powder (I don’t recommend this product — check out the white powder situation around my under eye area)
– Nyx Cosmetics Total Control Drop Foundation
– Makeup Geek Cosmetics Contour Powder: Infidelity
– Makeup Geek Blush: Covet
– Anastasia Beverly Hills/Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit: Day Dream, Kitty Kat

B R O W S 
– Ardell Brow Gel: Dark Brown
– ABH Brow Fix

L I P S
– Nyx Cosmetics Creamy Lipstick: Rea
– Nyx Cosmetics Butter Gloss: Angel Food Cake 

I hope y’all are growing through whatever it is this next chapter is making you prepared for!

New Melt Cosmetics HOTBOX Collection (w/Swatches)

Melt Cosmetics just released their newest love child. It’s called the Hotbox Collection, and I truly wasn’t ready….

T H E  G O O D S

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Included in the bundle you get:
– 4 eye liners
– 3 lip liners
– 2 lipsticks
– 1 eye shadow stack (with four metallic shadows)
– melt makeup pouch

OR if you don’t want the entire set, each item can be purchased individually. This collection retails on the Melt site for $200.00. If you bought everything separately including the pouch it would total $232.00 — if you don’t feel like reading this whole blog and just want to know whether or not I think it’s worth, it the answer is  y e s.

S W A T C H  S W A T C H  S W A T C H

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► H A Z E  S T A C K

Listen. Nothing I say to try to describe how soft, blendable, sparkly, and insanely buttery these shadows are.. will ever come close to explaining how soft, blendable, sparkly, and insanely butter these shadows are, lol. Seriously. Don’t even press your fingers or brushes too hard in them — it’s not necessary, and a little bit of product goes a really long way. The swatches here were done without using a base or a primer and to say these shadows are intense is an understatement. Could you die??

► E Y E/L I P  L I N E R S + L I P S T I C K S

I personally use most lip liners and eye liners interchangeably since my eyes aren’t really that sensitive to makeup, so for me, this collections allows for A LOT of different possibilities to mix and match. You can do eye liners with lipsticks, or lip liners with eye shadows, or vice versa. I’m a Libra — I like options. Three of the liners are metallic with the most perfect amount of glittery reflects, and the rest of them are matte. The formula is creamy and they all glide on super easy, and are b l e n d a b l e; even the ones that are chunkier because of the reflects. The Mary Jane lipstick is iridescent with the tiniest amounts of shimmer, and Cherried is just a deep vampy masterpiece. I’m actually pretty excited that Fall is around the corner because I already know both of these lip colors are about to be the total j a m.

F I N A L  T H O U G H T S

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I’ve already done a couple of looks using this makeup and I am genuinely obsessed y’all.. Every single item in this collection appealed to me as Melt revealed a new product each day on their social media before launch. It’s the first makeup collection I’ve ever bought in its entirety and it’s been well worth it. A mostly vegan set with gorgeous colors, intense payoff, and long-lasting wear from an independent brand with two amazing and powerful women staying completely true to themselves at the helm? Sign me up please, thanks!

Lash of the Day | Venus by Koko Lashes

T R Y  N E W  T H I N G S

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I finally decided to try out some new styles by my favorite falsie brand and I was truly not ready for how insanely fire these ones are in particular, even though I should have known tbh… Koko never disappoints. They’re called “Venus” and I’m in love…

H E L L O,  L O V E R

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I mean….

Definitely check their website out if you’re in the market for some fresh falsies — 10/10 would recommend. Here are some of my favorite things about the brand:
► affordable. Most all lash styles are $7.99 or cheaper on ladymoss.com
► CRUELTY-FREE, HOLLER! all lashes are made from either human hair or synthetic fibers, depending on the style
► tons of styles to choose from
► easy and fast shipping, always

(wearing the Morphe/Jaclyn Hill palette on the eyes for this natural makeup, to anyone wondering!)

Products & Thoughts | My Top 3 (Loose) Powders

 POWDER 101

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USAGE
Anytime I wear liquid foundation, I use a loose setting powder. Pressed powder exists but it isn’t my preference. If I don’t have one on hand for whatever reason, then I either A) don’t wear foundation and just do a more minimal look or B) opt out of doing my makeup altogether. This is because setting powder helps keep makeup locked into place during the day so that it isn’t completely wiped off by noon just because you scratched your cheek three times — so when I don’t have this product I feel like spending a lot of time (or any time at all) on my makeup just isn’t worth it.

I use powder to set the concealer under my eyes, or my eye shadow base (which helps hold my shadows in place throughout the day), the areas around my mouth where I have smile lines (to keep my foundation from creasing), I use it to lighten up my brows when I go heavy-handed with product, and to bake other areas of my face.

VARIETY
As someone who’s always considering things for their freelance kit, I like trying new brands and different types of products over all kinds of price ranges. I think variety is important. Budgets vary. Different occasions have different needs, and that all requires c h o i c e s.

CURRENT FAVS

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► LAURA MERCIER TRANSLUCENT POWDER – $23 USD – NOT CRUELTY FREE
This is a great staple item to have in your freelance kit or personal collection because it looks gorgeous on everyone, makes your skin feel baby smooth, and is a true translucent. It doesn’t make the skin look dry or flaky, and it blends like a dream. I’ve always felt that the packaging is a tad bulky for some reason so I don’t prefer to take this one with me when traveling. IDK why. That could just be me being… me. 

► NYC SMOOTH SKIN LOOSE POWDER – $3.62 USD – NOT CRUELTY FREE
I actually bought this guy after seeing @itslikelymakeup high key recommend it as a much cheaper alternative to the Laura Mercier one and it’s been my everyday go-to ever since. It’s literally less than half the price so I don’t feel the need to preserve it as much, and can then just leave the more expensive setting powders for my freelance kit. The sifter is pretty messy and questionable, but when we’re talking about a product in the $4 dollar range that I actually really like and works well, I tend to get over that stuff quick. If you like high-end quality packaging, you’ll probably hate this one. If you’re like me and those things don’t bother you much, then I would definitely give this powder a try.

► MUFE ULTRA HD MICROFINISHING POWDER – $20 USD – SEMI CRUELTY FREE
SO — because Makeup Forever exports their products to China (who requires animal testing), they still can’t be considered a true cruelty-free company, even though they do not use those practices in the states. All that in mind, this powder is really great for weddings or any event makeup where there will  be heavy flash photography since it ensures no flashback – which is what makes your under eye concealer look ghost white in photos! I used it on my best friend for her wedding day and she looked like such a knockout, flawless in every photo. I don’t care for the mesh net that the sifter is made of because I feel like it can make it a little less convenient to get as much product out as you want, but that would be my only complaint otherwise, 10/10 would recommend.

Who makes the best setting powder you’ve used so far?
Let me know below! 

MOTD | Full Summer Glam: Blue Glitter and Hot Pink Lips

MID-SUMMER  CALM.

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It’s been quite some weeks since I have really been able to sit down with a totally clear mind and nothing really on my agenda, and be able to just c h i l l  and actually crank out something fun — something different, and more.. from scratch. Life happens so quickly sometimes. Younger siblings/nieces graduate high school and venture off into the reality adulthood; friends get married, start families; travel travel travel; balance balance balance; all the while your regular 40+ hr/week work load is still there, haha! But I had that time this weekend and I clearly went super extra with E V E R Y T H I N G! lol 🙃

PRODUCTS USED

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FACE
Coconut oil + lavender oil + tea tree oil (I apply this every morning/night after I wash my face)
Nyx Hydra Touch Primer
Nyx Pore Filler
Nyx Dark Circle Concealer: Medium
Nyx Total Control Drop Foundation (two shades mixed)
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer (two shades mixed)
Nyc Smooth Skin Loose Face Powder
Makeup Geek Contour Powder: Bad Habit 
Makeup Geek Blush Pans: XOXO, Rendezvous, Soulmate
ABHxNicoleGuerriero Glow Kit
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

E Y E S
Makeup Geek Shadows:
Creme Brulee, Chickadee, Ice Queen, Shimma Shimma, Lemon Drop, Secret Garden, Houdini, Boo Berry, Nautica, Neptune, Limelight, Pixie Dust
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow: Valley Girl
Koko Lashes: Stella
Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner Pen
Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil: Milk
Nyx Glitter: Sapphire Blue
Generic Blue Kohl Pencil

B R O W S
Ardell Brow Gel: Dark Brown 
ABH Brow Fix

L I P S
Nyx Creamy Lipstick: Chloe
Revlon Color Burst Lip Gloss: Adorned

FINISHED LOOK. FINAL THOUGHTS

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So I saw a funny post by @yungkundalini on Instagram and it was the primary inspiration behind this look. It wasn’t blatantly funny, or like “ha-ha” funny — but ironic/sarcastic funny.. which is my favorite kind. It’s what inspired this makeup. >> CLICK ME to see what I saw <<

The new moon just paid a visit to Cancer and this makeup is sort of what that made me feel like —
Good, bad or indifferent; the emotional intensity is present in all of it. Currently feeling… everything. Change and growth will always be a bit scary and overwhelming for me, I think I’m just finally starting to see that on the other side of that are new chapters and fresh beginnings. Ah, to be a Libra during a season ruled by a water sign, lol.

Slowly learning to acknowledge and appreciate the sting of it all. Including the “not-so-good” parts because I know that with all things there is usually balance… aka something awesome (and of higher vibration) waiting to grow in its place. Besides, would the sweets really be as sweet if you never knew the sour? 

MOTD: Muted Purple Tones, Forever.

M A K E U P  of the  D A Y

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We’re currently in-between the full and new moon.
Did you know?…

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Full disclosure/fun fact/FYI: washed out cool toned purple/grays is one of my most favorite areas of the color spectrum to play on when we’re talking about makeup. So you can probably guess how awesome I think the ‘Clover’ liquid lipstick by Anastasia is. This whole combination of cosmic glowy magnificence makes me feel like that iridescent sparkly ethereal being I’m always referencing — which is when I feel most like myself o b v i o u s l y.

I. LIVE.

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PRODUCT  D E T A I L S

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F A C E
Nyx Hydra Touch Primer
Nyx Pore Filler Primer 
Nyx Cosmetics Total Control Drop Foundation 
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
NYC Cosmetics Translucent Studio Finishing Powder
Makeup Geek Cosmetics Contour Pan: Bad Habit
Makeup Geek Cosmetics Blush: Rendezvous + Soulmate
ABH Moon Child Glow Kit: Pink Heart + Blue Ice
Glitter Injections Pina Colada Glitter Highlight

E Y E S
Jeffree Star Cosmetics Eye Shadow: Courtney (Beauty Killer Palette)
ABH Moon Child Glow Kit: Blue Moon
Maybelline Master Precise Liner Pen
Pat McGrath Black Smudge Liner Eye Kohl
Nyx Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil: Milk
Nyx Cosmetics White Liquid Liner
L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
Koko Lashes: Queen B

B R O W S
Ardell Brow Gel: Dark Brown
ABH Brow Fix

L I P S
ABH Liquid Lipstick: Clover

O T H E R (O P T I O N A L)
Lush Cosmetics Lip Scrub: Mint Julips
Burt’s Bees Mango Lip Balm
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

BTS: PhotoShoot Makeup (Trial Run)

S A T U R D A Y | 5.06.17
S C O T T S D A L E, A Z 

I had the chance to do some behind-the-scenes photos for a Phoenix makeup artist/girlfriend of mine on a freelance job doing trial glam for a local fitness influencer who’s being featured on the cover of a romance novel that’s coming out soon. I never know where the wind is going to blow me but  I’m so glad I ended up here on this day because I had a total blast. I mean….makeup, fitness, photography, and some good quality girl time on a Saturday? — Count me in like every single time please, thanks! 

Here’s the photo set from that afternoon.

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MUA: Hannah Warner
Model/Client: Kayla Barnes
Photography by me

MOTD: Simple Spring Makeup (and Glitter)

One shadow. Winged liner. Bright lips.

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T R U T H  B E   T O L D

It’s my every intention to sit down sometime soon and start cranking out more interesting and creative looks again like I used to way back when — but life has just been happening so hardcore this last year and a half ((I hit fifteen countries in my passport, I took on more responsibility at my 9-5, and now I’m finally starting to get my toes wet in the wonderful world of freelance work)) and I just have n o t been able to achieve that goal yet…BUT SOON! 

In the mean time, these softer and more simple (for me, anyway) looks are what I’ve been rocking on the everyday. Because we all know that a totally neutral eye with major winged liner and pretty much any lip color you want, is practically the easiest go-to look ever and will never do you wrong.

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KEY  P R O D U C T S

FACE 
Nyx Hydra Touch Primer
Nyx Pore Filler Primer 
Nyx Cosmetics Total Control Drop Foundation 
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
NYC Cosmetics Studio Finishing Powder Translucent Finish
Makeup Geek Cosmetics Contour Pan: Bad Habit
Makeup Geek Cosmetics Blush: XOXO + Soulmate
ABH Nicole Glow Kit: Forever Young + Forever Lit
Glitter Injections Pina Colada Glitter Highlight

EYES
Jeffree Star Cosmetics Eyeshadow: Courtney (Beauty Killer Palette)
Maybelline Master Precise Liner Pen
Pat McGrath Black Smudge Liner Eye Kohl
Nyx Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil: Milk

BROWS
Ardell Brow Gel: Dark Brown
ABH Brow Fix

LIPS
ABH Liquid Lipstick: Carina

OTHER  (OPTIONAL)  P R O D U C T S

Morphe Brushes
Sigma Brushes
Koko Lashes: Queen B Lashes
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara: Carbon Black

FRESH FRIDAZE: Current Makeup Favs

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Happiest of F R I D A Z E to all of you most rad human beings out there. I’m super ready to relax this weekend and finish my book — but also to be really productive and tag along with a makeup artist friend on a freelance job to do some BTS photos for her social. I’m a Libra — balance is key ; )

But before the next two days get away from me, I wanted to share some of my current favs. Products that have become my everyday “reach-fors”, if you will. And yes — I’m calling them reach-fors because I’m tired of “go-tos”. 

1. The Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

I was always kind of skeptical about all of the hype surrounding this product, but I think that’s just my personality. I’m skeptical of a lot of things initially. But the skepticism is just flat-out unwarranted in this case because this stuff is practically gold. 4-6 sprays and you’ll good to go for at least the next 10 hours. At. Least. This retails for $31 dollars at Ulta/Sephora — which in comparison to setting sprays by other brands like Nyx or Gerard Cosmetics is a tad pricey. BUT; if you’re looking for something that will truly hold makeup fresh and in-place for the duration of a full day, or if you want a really dependable finishing spray for  your freelance kit, then I would absolutely recommend this product. It’s a game changer for sure. 

2. ABH ‘Undressed’ Lip Gloss

I had been on the hunt for a good nude gloss for a while and wasn’t sure which one was going to be my next perfect match made in heaven for the longest time. Nudes are still a little tricky for me because of my super yellow and olive undertones so when “the right one” comes along, it’s almost impossible for me to pass up. This gloss did not disappoint. It’s too light (on me) to wear alone and with a totally bare face, but when paired on top of a good nude lipstick with full glam…pure perfection.

3. Nyx Cosmetics Pore Filler

I decided to give this $14 dollar pore filler a try because I love Nyx and didn’t feel like paying $31 dollars on the Benefit Porefessional. Again….balance. I’ve been using this in combination with #4 (on this list) as my priming combination for the last couple of weeks and so far so good! I definitely notice a difference in the size of my pores after my foundation and everything else go on and it doesn’t cause my makeup to separate during the day. It’s been a win for me thus far. Go Nyx! 

4. Nyx Cosmetics Hydra Touch Primer

I normally just use organic fractionated coconut oil with a few drops of lavender and tea tree oil on my face before bed and again in the morning before work and that essentially acts as my “primer”. But I keep that in a glass bottle on my bathroom counter so if I forget to do it in the morning then I’m stuck at work with no primer and dry alligator-like skin from hell by mid afternoon. It isn’t cute. So I decided to pick this guy up! It hydrates my skin super well and doesn’t feel oily or like you have a thick layer of extra product under your foundation. I’ve been mixing this with the Pore Filler and really liking it. Not to mention a little bit goes a long way too so, there’s another win. Budget friendly and works great. I’d totally purchase this product again.

5. Nyx Cosmetics Total Control Drop Foundation

I bought this in a few different shades (because the color selection for this foundation is out of this world, for once!) and have been using it as my primary foundation ever since (the last month or so) and honestly, I am in love you guys. This formula is ridiculously light-weight and does not feel cakey whatsoever. Longevity is solid. Price is  r i g h t. I also love how buildable and blendable it is. So the idea is that 1-2 drops is for more of a sheer coverage, 3-4 for medium to full coverage, and 5+ for full coverage. I can totally attest to this! The fewer drops you use, the more sheer the application looks. But if full coverage is your preference, then it’s totally achievable with this product, so it’s super versatile and can be used for just about anything. Each bottle retails for about $13.99 at Target.

So there you have it — all the face things I’m currently loving and why. Tell me what you guys can’t live without these days! 

MAKEUP MONDAY: Prom Glam 2017

I had the opportunity to do some prom glam on this beautiful fresh face over the weekend. She specifically requested to be all bronzed up, and doused in Becca’s Champagne Pop — YES PLEASE.

B E F O R E 

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A F T E R 

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D E T A I L S

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(SHOWN)
• Ardell Brow Defining Kit
• Morphe Brushes 
• Jeffree Star Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick – Mannequin
• Colour Pop Cosmetics Super Shock Shadow – Mooning
• Colour Pop Cosmetics Super Shock Shadow – Eye Candy
• Milani Cosmetics Baked Bronzer – Soleil
• Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
• Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector – Champagne Pop

(NOT SHOWN)
• ABH Brow Fix
• Nyx Cosmetics Hydra Touch Primer
• Nyx Cosmetics Pore Filler
• NYC Smooth Skin Loose Face Powder
• Wet ‘N Wild Photo Focus Foundation
• Morphe 35O (Matte) Palette
• Ardell Demi Wispy Lashes
• Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner