Contouring Addiction

Here is one of the big tricks of the trade: Contouring! For those of you that don't know what contouring your face means, it's simply applying a darker color such as a non-shimmery bronzer to areas of your face to create the illusion of a shadow to slim or reduce the look of a feature. You can use contouring to slim the appearance of a wider nose, create the look of higher cheek bones, reduce the size of a large forehead or slim down double chins.

The key to contouring is starting out with a light hand and building the color then BLEND BLEND BLEND!! Less is really more because it's better to have a subtle contour if your a beginner than having streaks of brown all over your face. Practice makes perfect! Contouring your face is all an illusion so just like any good magician, make it look real! Instead of confusing you all and trying to write out instructions on how-to contour I found a helpful tutorial that will show you all how!

My favorite contouring bronzer is Benefit's Hoola. Its a non-shimmery or sparkly bronzer. The bronzer runs for $28 which may be a bit pricey for some people but its a worth-it-splurge. (Just be sure to kick the brush already in the package because its impossible to apply with and makes a streaky look) If this is your bronzer of choice make sure you do not have much product on your brush because the color is very pigmented and can look muddy. If applied correctly the outcome is great!

To compliment the look of darker shadows you can also highlight your features such as cupids bow, above your cheeks and the top of your nose. Highlighting is adding a lighter color to the face to give a more raised that accentuates your features. Some contouring products come with a duo of bronzer and highlight. Its a great starter combo for budget friendly beginners.

Here's some face charts based on the triangle of light theory to help you all know where to add the lighter shades and contour. Good luck contouring and let me know if you have any questions in a comment below!

(picture credit: http://shessmart.com/beauty/how-to-contour-your-face-with-makeup/)

Maybelline Babylips Chapstick Addiction

A must have ladies! The only problem I have with these chap sticks is that I want to keep running out to buy more. Oops? :) Maybelline came out with these cute little chap sticks that leave your lips baby soft...funny right..? Haha so anyways the line comes with a red, pink, peach and dark burgundy tinted collection and then two clear tubes, one in peppermint and quenched. These little guys are around $4 and believe it or not I prefer them over Esos lip balm spheres! Not to mention they are also SPF 20!! I can totally see myself throwing the tinted collection in the beach bag this summer! 

Macadamia Oil Addiction

Holy softness! So Organix hair care products came out with a another new styling line, Macadamia Oil. While shampoo shopping I ran across the hydrating macadamia oil dry styling oil and seriously I am so impressed. You can apply this oil in your hair while it's dry and it becomes silky smooth, shiny and with significantly less frizz. This product makes it so easy to get soft shiny hair anytime because you can apply it when hair is damp or dry. Make sure to not apply much or at all to the upper top of your hair to your roots because it will weigh it down and easily become greasy. I've only gotten to use the product on straight hair but I am excited to see what it can do when my hair is curly. If you haven't checked this line or brand they are all organic and you can find them at most any drugstore for around $7. I think they are definitely worth the trip and the price.

Ombre Nail Addiction

I thought I'd take it upon myself to share with you all a fun spin on the ombre trend that is just about everywhere. Apparently society has now deemed it "trendy" to have two different colors going on at the same time. It's been appearing in hair dye jobs and even lipsticks thanks to Covergirl's Blast Flipstick Lipcolor which lets you use an all over lip color then add a second shimmery color to create an ombre blending effect. Let me just tell you I'm not a big fan of the whole ombre lipstick thing but if you like it who am I to stop you. Back to the point...ombre nails and how to do them!

Standard Ombre

1. Choose two colors you want to create the ombre effect. I would recommend colors that are in the same hue or color family but make sure they aren't too similar in color because the they will blend together and honestly, only you will be able to tell that they're ombre... yes.. sadly that was what happened on my first attempt.

2. Paint your base color all over your nail. 2 coats of polish would be ideal.

3. Once your base color is dry take your second color and paint from the top of your nail down to the bottom of your nail in light sweeping motions but stop the brush stroke somewhere in the middle of your nail. It helps if you hold your hand with your nails facing you and your wrist facing away because it makes the already awkward painting feel just a little less awkward and it's easier to make the sweeping motion. If you choose to hold your hand this way technically you will be now painting upwards. To all of you that I have completely confused I am very sorry!

Here's a picture to help you with placement of your hand: (Hint: if you have your hand placed like so, paint upwards toward your wrist.)

4. Once the second color is ALMOST dry take a clear color or top coat and in the same motion starting from the top of your nail drag down. This step will blend the two colors and create the ombre effect. 

Once you get a hang of it you will find that it is a lot easier than you thought!! The better you get at this the more colors you may add, just repeat steps 3 and 4. I would limit yourself to three colors because the more layers of polish you add the longer it will take to dry and your nails will easily get messed up. 

Gradient 

Another ombre effect that you can do that is a lot easier is the gradient. Take 5 colors in the same color family ranging in shades and start with the either darker shades and move to lighter or vise versa! You might want to make sure the colors are all in the same hue and are all either metallic, or standard or glittery. If you mix different types together you may just end up looking like a 5 year old gave you a manicure!

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Subtle Day Addiction

So if your like me you love going all out with bold colors for the weekends and evenings but have sadly realized those same metallics, dark purples, bright blues and red lipsticks don't go over well during the day. Therefore I put together a list of products that give you nothing but a wash of beautiful color that is ideal for during the day. 

Revlon Lip Butters

Can I just start out by saying that I can not wait to go pick up more of these lipsticks! If you haven't heard of the Revlon lip butter buzz already I am here to tell you.... They. Are. Amazing! Unlike the majority of other lipsticks that dry out your lips in what seems to be record time these lip butters keep you moisturized and give you a perfect wash of color without looking like you took some acrylic paint to the lips. Please if you haven't tried them out, go pick one up!!

I posted a picture of some swatches to help you chose your right shade!

I bought the nude color in the shade Creme Brulee and I love it. Although it is a nude lipstick, it does not wash you out or make you look like you have no lips. The color is not matte and gives a little hint of shine and sheen without needing a lipgloss. It is the perfect starter nude color for anyone that has been on a nude lipstick hunt... like me!

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

So I must admit I am a sucker for cute packaging and fun names. Luckily in this case the product is awesome too! These blushes not only have a fun, squishy and bouncy consistency but they be applied with a brush or your fingers (clean of course!) The color comes out with the wash and sheen of a creme blush but they stay on as long as a powder blush. I'd say its the best of both worlds! 

The color I just picked up is in the shade Hot Tamale! I love it although it is on the brighter side so if you don't want something dramatic I suggest grabbing a different shade. Here are some swatches!

Covergirl Smoothers

Sometimes during the day you don't want to clog up your pores with foundation and powder but still want to have a bright even appearance. If you do choose to wear any face makeup I would say to use a under eye concealer. This concealer stick is the best under eye circle coverup I have ever used!!! I recommend this to anyone who suffers with dark under eye circles like myself. The application couldn't be easier because of the convenient lipstick-like shape. Just swipe it on and gently pat it down to blend. The smooth consistency makes it easy to blend without pulling on the delicate skin under your eyes. I wouldn't use this to cover up major blemishes because it is very light reflecting. If you have lighter skin I would recommend to buy it in the shade 705 light because it is a pinky-beige color which counteracts any previous blueish color (your under eye circles). If you have darker skin or using it during the summer I would recommend buying the shade 710 light because you still have the lighter pink beige color but it will blend in better with tan skin. 

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Bare It All Addiction

Alright girls I know we all have a problem so its time to step away from the bottle...

If I haven't confused you already I'm not talking about your precious bottle of Burnetts or Malibu but rather your nail polish. Its time to let your nails breathe!! If you're like me you definitely can't remember the last time you haven't worn nail polish a day in your life. I invite you to bare it all (just your nails please! :) ) for one week. This thought came to me when I was routinely painting my nails  the other day and I noticed once my color was gone my original nails were tinted yellow and already tearing. Sure I use a base coat every time but that does not mean that the polish isn't ruining your nail beds. Most every nail polish has dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde which when mixed with the keratin protein in your nails can make them brittle and turn yellow. If that isn't bad enough when you remove your nail polish the powerful remover can strip away the enamel from your nails. My nails have been bare for almost two days and I can already see a difference in my cuticles as well!

Here are also some tips to get rid of yellow discoloration:


1. Whitening Toothpaste
This works with the same idea of whitening your teeth. Your nails enamel has the same properties as your teeth. Apply thick layers of a whitening toothpaste on each nails and "clean" with an unused or old toothbrush. Leave this on for ten minutes or so then rinse off. Don't forget to moisturize your nails as these processes can be very drying.

2. Baking Soda and Water
Same process as the whitening toothpaste!

3. Buff your Nails
You can buy a buffer at any drug store or beauty supply store. Simply rub your nails and buff out the surface. You are not only removing any discoloration but improving the surface of your nails!

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Now after reading this don't be afraid to paint your nails ever again because don't worry I will and always will be a nail polish lover, but just take this week give your nails a little rehab.

PS. If you wanna get extra crazy ;) take the week to also stay away from any heat products or your blow dryer on your hair!

Bold Brow Addiction

Alright ladies so with the cold weather coming and Christmas quickly approaching bolder looks and classic styles are always in for the holiday season. More natural fuller looking eyebrows let you wear a darker lip or a smoky eye. Over plucked eyebrows may not be able to "support" a more dramatic holiday look. This doesn't mean locking up your tweezers until summer but when you feel the need to tidy up just pluck sparingly. Try and stay away from shaping if you already have thin brows but just remove stray hairs. If you already have brows on the thicker side make sure that they have somewhat of a shape but still have a full look.

Try using a filler to also create full and solid brows. A little goes a long way when using a brow pencil or brow powder. For me personally, I find it easiest to use a brow pencil because I have more control over where the color is going. Make sure that the color is on the lighter side if you are having trouble choosing a color. Remember you are going to be adding to a pre-existing color (the eyebrows you already have). Filling in eyebrows doesn't mean looking like you drew them on with a Sharpie.
If using a brow pencil make sure that you have already groomed them with a eyebrow brush so that you fill in where the hair naturally creates the shape. Using a light hand swipe the brush evenly through out your eyebrows making sure to fill in any gaps or light hairs. Do not color them just simply pretend you are shading your natural shape. If you are using a eyebrow shadow take a clean angled brush or a brow brush meant for filling and apply a small  amount to the brush. If you use too much it will be difficult to remove the excess color. Use the same technique as using a brow pencil and just shade your natural shape. Use a light color first if you are unsure because it is always easier to add color than to take it away.

My favorite brow pencil is Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil. The cap comes with bristles that are great for grooming your brows before and after filling them in. The bristles are coarse and close together which allows you to easily create a shape with precision.

My favorite brow powder is Sonia Kashuk Brow Kit Arch Alert Palette. Even though the palette gives you multiple colors which may seem like a waste once you chose the one that fits you, you are able to try  out multiple colors and even mix them to create the best fitting shade. You can find Sonia Kashuk products at Target.