Holiday Look #3 - Christmas Morning

  Happy Holidays, everyone! For my final makeup look I wanted to go with something that looks a little more natural. It's like waking up on Christmas morning!! Obviously I'm wearing make up and not going au naturale, but that's the point of this look, AND this could be incorporated in everyday makeup as well. So enjoy! 🙂

Face

Maybelline FITme foundation - matte+poreless (120classic ivory)

Covergirl Advance Radiance Pressed Poweder (105ivory)

PÜR Contour/Highlight Duo

NYX HD Blush (HDB11 amber)

NYX Dewy Finishing Spray

Eyes

NYX Love in Paris Eyeshadow (merci beaucoup-#3)

Covergirl Brow and Eyemakers Pencil (midnight brown)

NYX Matte Black Liner (BEL02) **just used to tighten the waterline

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara (blackest black)

Lips

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lipgloss (130blushing belgraves)

Also sporting my new pjs I got for Christmas. 😉

Holiday Look #2 - Party

  The second look to my holiday makeup inspired looks is a little more festive. I thought this one would be fun to do for a party, whether it be for Christmas or New Years, it's really classic and pretty and it involves gold and red! What more could I you ask for!?? ;)

  I have also used a couple new products that I have not mentioned in any other post before so I thought now is the time!

Face

Maybelline FitMe Foundation Matte+Poreless (120classic ivory)

Covergirl+Olay Concealor (710light)

ELF Undereye Concealer and Highlighter

Covergirl Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder (105ivory)

ELF Contouring Bronzer(used Real Techniques sculpting brush to apply)

Eyes

Covergirl Brow and Eye Makers Eyebrow Pencil (midnight brown)

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (630cashmere)(smeared over eyelid)

NYX Love in Paris Eye Shadow Palette (merci beaucoup- 2,3,5)*

NYX Matte Black Liner (bel02)**

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes (blackest black)

Lips

Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner (057ravish)***

MAC Lipstick (retro matte, all fired up, A35)****

*I pressed the gold color on top of the creamy cashmere color to make the gold pop. I then added the other brown colors in the crease to define it.

**Smudged the eyeliner to make everything blend better and not look so harsh.

***I got this lip liner a LONG time ago. You may not be able to purchase it anymore. But any red lip liner will do.

****I know the whole point of my blog is to not use any overpriced makeup products. But I was given this lipstick for my birthday by one of my best friends and I REALLY wanted to showcase it. Also, any red matte lipstick will do.

Holiday Look #1 - Casual

  I thought this year I would give a few different makeup looks for the holidays. Whether it be for a party with coworkers, friends, or business. It could be for pictures, a get together, work, or just something cute for every day.

  The first one is a little more casual and simple. Nothing fancy, besides them eyelashes. I'm not big on wearing fake lashes but I had some lying around and I thought it would be fun to throw them in to the look. To be honest, I think it would look best without them or with some that are a little more natural. I like this look because it's a subtle smokey eye and not too dramatic. I also added a little white to the inner part of my eyes to make them a little brighter and appear larger. I do like what I did with the lips by taking a lip liner and lining them, then smudging it towards the center of my lips to make them look fuller. Then I just used a lip gloss rather than a lipstick. Again, less dramatic.

Face
Maybelline FITme Foundation (120 classic ivory)
Covergirl + Olay Concealer (710 light)
Covergirl Advanced Radiance Pressed Powder (105 ivory)
PUR Contour and Highlight Palette
NYX Matte Setting Spray

Eyes
Covergirl Brow and Eye Makers Pencil (midnight brown)
NYX Love in Paris Palette (Je Ne Sais Quoi..colors 2, 3, 5, 6)
Revlon Colorstay Skinny Liquid Liner (blackout)
NYX Collection Noir Black Liner (bel02)
Maybelline Lash Sensational
Fake lashes I got from Target that I can't remember the name of. (I'm sorry..If you really do want to know, message me and I can figure it out.)

Lips
Covergirl Lip Perfection Lip Liner (225 beloved)
Rimmel Stay Glossy Lipgloss (130 blushing belgraves)

Just a Beauty Rant

  So I had mentioned that one of my current products is the Maybelline FiTme foundation. There is a Matte+Poreless one and a Dewy+Smooth one. Now I know for a fact I do NOT have oily skin, in fact, mine leans more towards the dry side of the spectrum. But when I use any type of "dewy" product, mainly foundation it just feels like I'm putting on moisturizer or foundation that NEVER dries. It annoys me so much!

  To try and balance out my makeup this morning, I sprayed the NYX Matte Makeup Setting Spray over the top. I have yet to notice a difference. When I touch my face I feel like I'm just wiping everything off. I even feel like it creases much easier than any matte foundation. 

  I think it's safe to say I'll be sticking to the Matte+Poreless FiTMe. Obviously it fits my face better.

My Fall Favorites

  Well I thought NOW, since we are in the middle of Fall, it would be a great time to let you all know what my favorite products have been lately. Obviously I have my makeup products. But I also wanted to share some other items as well.

Makeup:
NYX Love in Paris Palette 
  These palettes have amazing colors. I love the mixture of shimmer and matte. The two palettes I currently own are Merci Beaucoup and Je Ne Sais Quoi. I used the reds and browns in the Merci Beaucoup palette for my Halloween makeup and the purple-y browns in the Je Ne Sais Quoi for practically everyday. I LOVE it!

 NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick
  This product is EXTREMELY pigmented. I have to use a lip liner when I use it because if I go just a little outside of my lips, my face is practically STAINED. I also used this product for my Halloween makeup and let me just say it lasts for hoursssss. I also use this just about every day. The colors I own are Vintage and Cherry Skies.

NYX Matte Finishing Spray
  This is a great finishing or setting spray to use every day. I use it when I have to work and I swear my makeup looks fresh all day long. No need to freshen up during lunch or after work before heading to my after work festivities! ;) And did I mention it's only seven dollars??

NYX HD Blush
  I rarely use blush because I naturally have a red pigment to my cheeks. But when I do feel like adding a little extra glitz and glamor to my face I use this blush. It, too, is highly pigmented so remember, a little goes a long way!

Hair:
Not Your Mother's Whip It Up Styling Mousse
  This was a last minute add to my favorites list. I recently bought this from Target just to try something other than dry shampoo. I bought this and it is AMAZING. First of all, it literally smells like cupcakes and I want to eat it. Secondly, it makes my hair feel amazing and adds crazy volume!

Misc.:
Sweetease Face Waxing Kit
  There are some times where I need to do a little more than tweezing to my eyebrows and upper lip. I have found that this wax is the easiest to use. I have tried a couple other brands and for whatever reason, the wax will not grip onto my hair as well as this one does. I would love to try this brand's waxing kits for other body parts too....like my legs.

Lady of the Dead - Halloween Makeup

 Happy Halloween, Everyone! I love playing around with makeup so thinking up of something to do for Halloween is extra fun. I saw some really cool spiderweb eyelashes when I was in Target the other day so I thought a sexy or scary makeup look revolving around these lashes would be perfect!


Here are a couple pictures of the full look and below them are all the products I used.

FACE                                                                                                                   

Maybelline FITme! Foundation(120classic ivory)
ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzer(bronzer only)
L'Oreal Magic Lumi Primer Light Infusing Primer (use on upper cheeks only and after foundation)
Covergirl + Olay Concealer(710light)
PUR Contour/Highlight Powder Duo(highlighter only)

EYES
Spooky Lashes(Spider Web)
NYX Love in Paris Palette(merci beaucoup-shimmer red and shimmer brown colors)
NYX Matte Black Liner(BEL02)
Revlon Colorstay Skinny Eyeliner(blackout)
Covergirl Brow and Eye Makers pencil(midnight brown)

LIPS
NYX Liquid Suede(vintage)

**All products can be found at Target. Although, my Target didn't have the NYX Lip Suede. Had to find that at Ulta!

QUICK TIPS! - Day to Day Issues

  I was talking to my sister the other day about little ideas and tips that would make some typical day-to-day issues run a little more smoothly. I just thought it would be a fun post to share with you guys! :)

  Tip #1:
Okay so..the whole "boob sweat" thing is DEFINITELY true. (tmi..I know..but IT HAPPENS). One word. POWDER. This is something I know a good amount of ladies know or have at least heard about, but might not have actually done it themselves. I know it's old school but it works. When I get out of the shower I use a little "shower-to-shower" powder and it works wonders FOR THE WHOLE DAY.

  Tip #2:
I KNOW I am not the only one who deals with this, but the smell that comes with wearing flats. I wear flats most of my days at work and that is a 10+ hour day. It's not the best experience for anyone around me when I take my shoes off at the end of the day. What I have found out that really works is that new "dry spray" that deodorants have come out with. I know Dove, Degree and Secret have their own versions. But spraying my feet at the end of the day, or the insides of my shoes at the beginning of the day, works wonders. It eliminates the odor and helps if your feet happen to also sweat during the day. TRY IT. I swear it's magic.

  Tip #3:
Use dry shampoo to add volume to your hair even if your hair isn't oily. I do this quite often. My hair is straight but it is FLAT. I like to carry a small travel size of dry shampoo around with me. I'll use it to freshen up and add a little volume to my hair during the day. The smell is refreshing too!

I hope you enjoy this post. I know it's not the most thrilling, but it was fun and when I experience or learn new things THAT WORK, I like to share it!

Jumping into Fall!

  It's FALL! Pumpkins, leaves, sweaters, boots, cooler weather, but most importantly the FALL COLORS! I think I am going to be a BIG fan of Maroon and Olive this year, and obviously BLACK. I've messed around with a little Olive for eyeshadow and Maroon could go for both eyes and lips.

  Let me know what it is you want to see more of this Fall! Reviews? How To's? Tips? Let me know!!

 

NYX Finishing Spray - REVIEW

 I have never really used a makeup setting spray, or finishing spray, but I was at Target the other day and I saw that NYX has a couple that I thought would be fun to try. One, they are reasonably priced, unlike Urban Decay, Two Faced, and the like. And two, can be found at a store that is probably easier to access if you don't have an Ulta or Sephora close by. They have a Matte spray and a Dewy spray. 

  Below are the pictures of what they look like a few minutes after I spray my makeup. 

Matte

Dewy

  I have to say, I really did like this product. To be honest, the Dewy didn't look very "dewy" though. It just didn't look any different. On the other hand, the Matte spray did give my face more of a "matte" finish, no shine at all. I like them both though. They made my makeup last for a long time. And nothing smeared, smudged, or wore off for hours! I would recommend. They're only $6.99!

  Try them out and let me know what you think about them! :))

Stay Hot and Fresh on the Go!

  It's hot. Really hot. And I know most of you are doing a lot of traveling this summer. Whether it be the beach, a lake, a river, Disney, cross country, overseas, grandma's house, whatever, you're moving around. You're probably getting sweaty and feeling gross too, I know I do, cause it ain't cool outside! But I can help, or give a little of advice, on how to stay fresh on the go!
  Below is a small list I have put together on what I think is essential to have with you this summer. Once again, this list is great for traveling or just for running around doing errands in the heat. I also included a couple of my favorite products, along with what I have been told work great as well!

Facial Wipes- Keeping facial wipes is a must! It's nice to wipe your face with something fresh and clean if you've been sweating. It's a great way to freshen up your face to either take off your makeup or to wipe away your day.
Simple Cleansing Wipes
Aveeno Ultra Calming Wipes
Pacifica Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes
10.0.6 Makeup Removing Wipes

Lip Products with SPF- I hate it when my lips get sunburned and then turn super dry and chapped. Keeping lip products with you that has SPF in it is VERY handy.
Coola
Sun Bum
Hawaiian Tropic

Foundation and BB Cream with SPF- Like wearing lip products with SPF, wearing something on your face when you're not just on the beach or at the pool, is smart. I wear a foundation with SPF in it when I go to the pool and it not only makes me feel nice but it does keep my face from getting burned. 
Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation
Covergirl + Olay Anti-Aging Foundation
Covergirl Smoothers BB Cream

Nail Polish- This is obviously one of the more optional items. Keeping spare nail polish is just nice when you need to do a quick touch up on your fingers, or toes when wearing cute sandles. 

Shimmering Body Lotion- If you're showing a bare chest and shoulders, it's really sexy to be shimmery and glow-y when going out on a date, or out with friends. Just looks so chic!

Hair Ties- We have hair and it gets hot. 


These are obviously things I think are good to have with you. If you have anything else that you like to carry around with you, leave it in the comments! I'd love to hear it!

Sexy Date Look

  I posted this picture on my Instagram(ashley_vanessa) about a week or so ago and received really good feedback on it! So I thought since I needed to post something new, I'd let you know what I used to create this look. I think it would look really good if you're going out on a date, to dinner with your guy, or your girlfriends, etc.

  Here's the picture:

Here's what I used:

  Face
-Covergirl and Olay SimplyAgeless foundation (240)
-ELF Undereye Concealor and Highlighter
-Covergirl Smoothers Concealor (mainly for blemishes)
-Covergirl Professionals Loose Finishing Powder (transparent medium)
-PUR Contour and Highlight Powder Duo

  Eyes
-Covergirl Brow and Eye Makers Brow Pencil (midnight brown)
-Covergirl Flamed Out Shadow Pencil (355)
-NYX Matte Black Liner (BEL02) (use this on waterlines-top and bottom)
-Revlon Colorstay Skiny Liquid Eyeliner (black out)
-Maybelline Great Lash-Lots of Lashes Mascara (blackest black)

  Lips
-Rimmel Stay Glossy (430 all night long)

Don't forget to follow me on BLOGLOVIN' or INSTAGRAM!!

QUICK TIP - Elongating Eyes

  I just wanted to share a quick tip that I may or may not have shared in a previous post. If I did, well here it is again! It's a tip on how to elongate your eyes, maybe give them a more natural cat eye, without the eye liner. 
  First, grab your favorite mascara. Waterproof helps hold curl a little better! (Just FYI) Now all you have to do is brush your eyelashes, upper and lower, towards the outer part of your eye rather that brushing up, towards your eyebrows. What this does is just makes your eyes appear longer, feminine, sexy, and cat-like! Meow.
  Take a look: Can you tell which eye I tried to make look larger/longer?

**SORRY for the crazy facial expressions.

REVIEW - Flower Lip Suede

  It's already been awhile and I thought I'd put something up before I leave for CALIFORNIA! Which is in less than a week, and I have A LOT to do before then. So, without further adieu, I want to share with you all a nice little lip product I have discovered. 

  So not too long ago I was searching for a good nude MATTE lip product. I was looking around Walmart one day, which doesn't normally have a large selection of makeup, but I found this brand called Flower. They had these large crayon-like lip products. Some were sheer and some were velvet/suede. I found a nude color that I LOVE and wear almost every day. I went back a few weeks later and found a rosy red color and I LOVE IT. They don't have a large selection of products, but what I have found already is amazing!

  I have realized that this line is ONLY in Walmarts. Even Ulta doesn't carry this brand and you can't buy online. So the next time you happen to be in a Walmart go take a look! I promise you won't be disappointed.

  Below are a couple pictures of me and my friend, Chrissie, wearing the same rosy red color. She is Mexican so I thought it would be nice to show what this color looks like on different skin tones. I love it on both! And I love that it's not a crazy bright red and something a little modest and nice to wear to work. 

Wearing Berry-more

Wearing Berry-more

Wearing Mauve Over

Visit the FLOWER COSMETICS website!

The BEST Shave

  Hey guys, so  it's Spring time and that means Summer is also around the corner. It's about time to break out those high-waisted shorts, summer dresses, and bikinis. But you know what that means...no more hibernating those hairy legs! I've read a few things and even threw in a little bit of personal experience to put together the best shaving routine to get the silkiest, smoothest, closest shave ever! Well maybe not ever, but the easiest routine that even I can do. This is good to do on a night that you want to pamper yourself, before heading to a pool party, beach gathering, or just a night with your man.

Step One: Exfoliate.
     The best thing to use to exfoliate is a sugar scrub. Ulta has a great selection and they're not too expensive. Just put a decent amount into the palm of your hand and rub your skin in circular motions. It's a great way to get the blood circulating under your skin and to get rid of any dead skin cells on your body. Rinse off and you'll already feel the difference with your skin and body hair. Your hair will feel not as course. This makes it easier for shaving. 

Step Two: Shave.
     It's best to use a shaving cream. I know I have gone many a times shaving without it, but I can tell you that it definitely isn't the same as using a shaving cream. I love the Venus with Olay shaving cream. Smells amazing and helps get a close shave. 

Step Three: Cleanse.
     Self explanatory. Just go about showering with your normal body wash. 

Step Four: Mist.
     This step is optional. Target has a great after shave mist called SheaMoisture Shave Skin Healing Elixer. It smells amazing and helps with any type of razor burn and is supposed to help your body hair grow at a slower pace so you don't have to shave as often. Great to have for this time of year when shaving is more frequent. 

Step Five: Moisturize. 
     Use a lotion that helps keep the skin hydrated and moisturized throughout the day, or night. St Ives and Suave are a couple good options. Nivea also makes an "in shower lotion" that is pretty interesting and works great, as well. You just put it on while in the shower like your regular moisturizer and then rinse it off your body and pat dry with a towel. I love it! 

                                 Sorry for the quality of this picture.                                 

REVIEW- NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

 I'm baaaack! And I have a new product to review! Well itself might not be a new product but to me it is. It's the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream! I am obsessed with this lip product. I have been using it for a couple months now and haven't been able to use anything different when I want color on my lips. It comes in a variety of amazing colors and I want every single one of them. It is hard to find specific colors in store though. Every time I go to Target or Ulta they have very few. Understandable though, they're great. I currently have four of them but want a couple of the darker colors they have. 
  Another thing I like about them is that they're a light MATTE. This has been my favorite type of lipstick/gloss. It makes it easier to overdraw your lips and I personally feel like matte lip products last longer throughout the day. Which is GREAT for me! 
  Below are pictures of the four colors I currently have. Not a huge fan of the lightest pink color, but I'm sure I could find one that looks best on me. 

**(from left to right) 06 Istanbul, 08 San Paulo, 18 Prague, 10 Monte Carlo

 I found all these products at Target and Ulta. If you wanted other colors the NYX website has SO much more. I have been wearing San Paulo and Prague like crazy! So go check them out and tell me what you think! Take pictures and let me know if you have any of the other colors too. :)

The Dark Duchess

  Okay so the only reason I called it the Dark Duchess is because I have been obsessed with watching Victorian Age movies and movies based off of Jane Austen books. My favorite one was The Duchess with Kira Knightly based off the true story of the Duchess of Devonshire. I LOVE IT. If you take interest in this genre of movies/books then you should definitely check this one out if you haven't already. 

  Anywaysss, I posted this picture of me on Instagram and Facebook the other day and have had pretty good feedback on it. So I thought I would post it on here and tell you the products that I used. It was a lot of fun, and as a lot of you know, I like to play with makeup when I'm bored, especially on my days off from work. And HEY could make for another Valentine's day look, if you like that dark type of thing.

FACE

-Covergirl + Olay Simply Ageless Foundation (240 natural beige)**

-Covergirl Smoothers Concealer (710 light)

-NYX HD Concealer (CW01)

-Covergirl Professional Loose Powder (105 translucent fair) **

-E.L.F Contouring Blush and Bronzer**

EYES

-Covergirl Brow and Eye Makers Pencil (midnight brown)

-Maybelline Define-a-Brow (dark brown)

-Revlon Shadowlink (sand/pearl)

-Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen (02 black)**

-Maybelline Colossal Volume Express "Cat Eyes" (glam black)

LIPS

-NYX Lip Liner Pencil (prune)**

-Palladio Lipstick (wine shine)**

*lips were overdrawn in this photo**

**New products that might not have been mentioned before.

All products can be purchased at Target. The Palladio lipstick is from ULTA though. I don't believe you can buy that anywhere else besides a makeup store.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Let me see the makeup you decide to do for your date night!

Flirty Valentine's Day Look

  Yay! I'm finally posting something BEFORE the actual day/holiday so it is useful. I have decided to put together a Valentine's Day date look. I thought it would be fun, flirty and a little pouty. I decided to copy Kylie Jenner with the Botox overdrawn lips too. Take a look!
  I wanted it to be soft and cute on the eyes with a light shimmery pink and then bring out the lips with a sultry reddish/pink. I also overdrew the lips to make the look a little more sexy. I have noticed that if you want to over draw your lips, the best type of lip product to use is matte. Anything glossy will make your upper lip pop out and make it obvious you're wearing lipstick past your lips. 

                                                   
FACE

-L'Oreal Magic Llumi Light Infusing Primer

-Ready, Set, Gorgeous Covergirl Foundation(210)

-Covergirl Smoothers Concealer(710 light)

-NYX HD concealer (CW01)

-Covergirl Smoothers Pressed Powder(715 translucent medium)

-PUR Minerals Bare It All Contour/Highlight Powder Duo

EYES

-Maybelline Define-A-Brow(dark brown)

-Covergirl Brow and Eye Makers(midnight brown)

-Revlon Colorstay Shadowlinks Eyeshadow(candy)

-NYX Infinite Shadowstick(07 flushed)

-Revlon Colorstay SKINNY Eyeliner(black out)

-Maybelline Colossal Volume Express "Cat Eyes" (glam black)

LIPS

-Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner(057 ravish)

-Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm(225 sultry)

**ALL products can be found at most Targets and possibly even Walmart. ;)

After Shower Goodness - Winter Edition

 Hello, ladies, and possibly some gentlemen! It's a new year, which means it's January, which means it's winter, which means it's usually cold outside. SO, I thought I would share my after shower routine. I don't switch many things up during the year, but my skin does tend to get fairly dry and I like to add a few more things in to moisturize. Oh, and the warm scents are my favorite, as well!

  Botanics: Rosewater Toning Spritz: All organic. Used to remove any remaining makeup or grossness on my face and minimize pores.

  Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer: Mostly around my nose and areas on my face that get dry easily.

  Suave Moroccan Infusion Lotion: Moisturizes the rest of my body and smells AMAZING!

  Johnson's Baby Powder: You know..

  Honey and Blackseed Healing Skin Elixir: Spray on areas that have been shaved. Helps prevent ingrown hairs and ugly hair from growing back as fast. Also, smells great!

  Marrakesh Leave-in Treatment and Detangler: All organic, Hemp and Argan oil, leaves your hair smelling yummy, helps repair the ends of damaged hair and makes it easier to brush through(something I need terribly).

**All of these products can be found at Target, except for the Marrakesh Leave-in Treatment and Detangler. I got this from the lady that does my hair. If you're interested, message me.

NEW YEAR, NEW IDEAS

  Happy New Year, makeup junkies! It has been exactly ONE YEAR since I have started this blog. I love having a way to express one of my favorite hobbies. Makeup and skin care is something that I LOVE and I LOVE to share what I know and learn with others. THANK YOU, to every one that has been keeping up and following along with me. It really does mean a lot. :)
  This year is going to be full of new ideas and looks that I have already started to plan out. Leave me comments or email me if you have any ideas of what you would like to see more of this year. Whether it's "How-to's", "Quick Tips", looks, or advice, I would LOVE to hear from you.
  I also plan on posting a lot more this year now because I finally have a NEW COMPUTER! Yay!

  So have a fabulous day and here's to a wonderful 2015!! :)