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)

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!

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)

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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 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!

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.

Halloween Makeup

  I know this may be a few days old and I meant to get it up last week, but computer issues, once again. I'm sorry, I know, enough of the excuses. I'll get on with it. Below is the products I used on the makeup look that I wore for work on Halloween.(In order of application) A couple extra items I got were some $3 eye lashes that had black jewels on them and a bird necklace(not pictured). Super cute and appropriate.

                                  

PRODUCTS

Smashbox Hydrating Primer

Maybelline FIT Foundation-220 Natural Beige

Covergirl +Olay Concealer-320 Fair/Light

NYX HD Concealer-CW 01

Covergirl Smoothers Powder-715 Translucent Medium

PUR Contouring Bronzer and Highlighter

Almay Intense I-Color Eyeshadow--Smokey-i for Greens

Covergirl Eyebrow Pencil

Revlon Colorstay SKINNY Liquid Eyeliner-Black*

NYX Matte Black Liner

Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara-Black

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara-Black**

NYX Lip Liner Pencil-834 Prune

Palladio Lipstick-Wine Shine

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable-010 Darling

*Also used for the 3 dots bye the eyebrow

**Used along the bottom eyelashes. Waterproof helps with no smudging

  The reason I didn't list them step-by-step is because I didn't do anything really special. The only thing I feel like I could demonstrate how to do is eyeliner, which will be coming soon, and lipstick, which I do have a step-by-step post about from back in February. You should check it out!

  If you like these types of posts, let me know by commenting or sending me an email. Also, don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin'. Click on the picture of the head on the top right of this page to get to my Bloglovin' page!

  Thank you! And I hope you all had a lovely and spooky Halloween.

Awake and Glowing

  The other day I just had one of those days that I did not want to look like I had on so much eye makeup, or makeup in general. I was about to go out for the day, but I just wanted to glow.
  I have always loved those pictures of models and actresses that look like they don't have on any makeup and are just glowing, from the sun, or the lights, whichever it may be; and I wanted to try and replicate it.

Before applying makeup I scrubbed my face and splashed it with a toner. I let that dry then did the following.

 Face

Step1: I applied CoverGirl Outlast 3in1 foundation with my fingers all over my face and neck. Using your fingers to apply foundation gives it a really good sheer coverage that will last all day.

Step2: Used NYX HD concealer under my eyes, upper parts of my cheeks, and down the center of my nose. I use the concealer doubled as a highlighter to bring out certain features.

Step3: Placed CoverGirl + Olay Concealer Balm around my nose, since I tend to get rid in that area, and on any blemishes I may have. 

Step4: Lightly covered my T-zone with a light translucent powder. I tend to sweat here more and the powder kind of helps.

Step5: I brushed NYC Sun 'n' Bronze with an ELF Blush brush over my cheeks, using it to contour my cheek bones and give my face a sunny, glowy, bronzed appearance. 

Eyes

Step1: When I used the powder on my face, I also used it on my eyelids as a base. This helps with any type of creasing that may occur during the day.

Step2: Used a very nude, natural, eye shadow to flatten the color of my eyelids and make them brighter. I used Revlon's matte eyeshadow color, Bone. 

Step3: Curled my eyelashes and used a waterproof mascara, since I was going to be outside some of the day, and it's hot, my mascara won't smudge under my eyes. I used Maybelline's Falsies Big Eyes in waterproof black. 

Step4: I also darkened my eyebrows just a little bit, because when I apply foundation and powder I smear it EVERYWHERE, including my eyebrows. This makes them a lot lighter than they should be. So lightly brushing CoverGirls Brow and Eye Makers pencil over it is a nice touch.

Lips

Maybelline's Color Whisper in Go Nude

Now, a key product that I used was a little bit of Loreal's Magic Lumi Light Infusing primer under my eyes afterwards. This helps bring out of that glow underneath my eyes. Making me look wide awake and glowing! I also used it before I applied foundation, but I wanted to use just a little bit more over the top. I know it says it's a primer, but like I said, to achieve the look I was going for, I had to do something different!

Let me know if you try this look and how it works for you. Obviously you can use most of the products that you have at your home. These are what I have handy and readily available myself. If you don't already though, I highly suggest in investing in the light infusing primer. It's amazing and something you can always keep around to use when you want to stand out and for special occasions. Enjoy! 

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Easy Snow Day Makeup

  We've had a good amount of snow fall lately, and I LOVE it! I love the cold, snow, hot coffee, and especially the look that the cold gives people's faces. It makes the skin glisten and gives the nose and cheeks such a natural rosey look. 
  So the past couple days I've been off work and gone out on some snow and ice adventures with my boyfriend and his friends.  I didn't want to get too "dolled up" but I wanted to look presentable and cute of course.  I quickly used some basic essentials and did something a little different with my eye makeup. 

  For my face, I used my trusting Covergirl 3-1 Foundation in color 840.  Then my NYX concealer stick in fair. Followed by, my Covergirl smoothers pressed powder in 715, translucent medium.

  With my eyes, all I did was curl them and apply my Rimmel Glam'eyes mascara, and then used the Covergirl Flamed Out shadow pencil in color 350, Melted Caramel. This is more of a bronze color I use under my eyes to add a shimmer.  It's like doing a reverse eye shadow, leaving my eye lids naked. 

  My lips are just covered in Maybelline Color Whispers, in color 20, Mocha Muse.  I love this lipstick because it's a great nude color for me.  I have naturally dark pink lips, so in the picture it looks like a pink, but it's honestly not. 

  That's all there is to it! I apologize for my crazy hair, but I wanted to get this post up before the snow melted!

  If you like this type of post, let me know!  Have a great weekend!

BLOGLOVIN'

Simply Ageless

  Many of us want that flawless, wrinkle free, fresh skin.  Whether we are 20 years old or 60 years old we want to look as young as possible or to just simply age the best.  Well believe it or not it's not just all in those creams or serums.  You have to take care of your skin and keep it clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun.  There are a bunch of different treatments out there for you, but this is an easier and informative solution to help you with those fine lines and wrinkles. 

  My skin care routine is fairly simple but it takes care of business.  I simply wash my face in the morning, alternating days, with a face scrub like St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub, which is 100% natural, paraben free and sulfate free or Neutrogena's Deep Clean Cream Cleanser.  Every once in awhile I will use a toner after I wash my face, if I do, it's been Neutrogena's Pore Refining Toner.  After I wash my face and/or splash my face with toner, I will moisturize it with Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, and this also has the bonus of a SPF-15, which helps with blocking out those UV rays from the sun which can cause wrinkling. I also like this moisturizer because it helps even out my skin tone, I have fairly red cheeks, and this helps calm it down a little.  Honestly, that is all I do in the morning before applying my makeup.  At night, sometimes all I do is use Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and my moisturizer, and that gets the job done. This has been my routine for a good while now and I seem to have pretty damn good skin when it comes to having wrinkles! Granted I'm only 23...

  The key is to make sure you protect your skin the best that you can.  Every month or so, I'll give myself a facial, and use masks and tea-tree oil on harsh spots on my face to keep it clear of blemishes. The masks usually help for hydration and radiance.  You don't want to use a facial scrub everyday because it can wear down and damage the areas on your face where the skin is sensitive, therefore, causing wrinkles.  A scrub could be used every other day, or once a week if you have dry skin.  Make sure you always keep your face hydrated and use moisturizer at least twice a day and it's BEST if you use the moisturizers with at least SPF-15 in it.  And last but not least, just make sure you always clean your skin. Wash your face at least twice a day, whether it's with a cleansing towelette or cleanser, and I've always been told sleeping in your makeup makes you age faster and we don't want that!


  I am now subscribed to Bloglovin so if you want to follow me on there click the picture on the top right of my page.  You can subscribe with email on the left side of my page, and with any email! You don't have to have a gmail account to subscribe! And as always, let me know what you'd like to learn or hear more about! 

Makeup Essentials

  "Essential" makeup is what I feel like I almost cannot leave the house without putting on my face.  Below are just a few of the things I wear on a daily basis, but it's what I usually  can't leave the house without using a little of.

  Foundation.  Now we all know that foundation, or a tinted moisturizer, is the base and "foundation" of any makeup.  This evens out the skin tone, covers up hyper pigmentation, and blemishes.  My favorite foundation that I have been obsessed with over the past few months is Covergirl's 3 in 1 foundation.  This contains a primer, concealer, and foundation all in one.  It works amazingly in covering the skin evenly, leaving little to no steaks, and lasts FOREVER.  It even works great for oily, dry and combination skin and it feels so light!  I like foundations that are more of a cream/liquid consistency, rather than liquid or powder, simply because I feel like the coverage is best.  I rarely have to touch my face up during the day with this foundation, and I work some long days.  
  Now, to apply it, I will sometimes use my fingers, which are the BEST tools to use, and sometimes I'll use my flat top kabuki brush.  This type of brush I find works best than any other tool, other than my fingers, to apply.  It never streaks like it would when I would use my small stipple brush, and it is super soft and gentle on the skin. 

  Concealer. Some people may or may not need concealer.  I use it after foundation, rather than before like most people, only because I use it to retouch, especially because my foundation already does a lot of the concealing itself.  I used to put it on before the foundation but I always felt that when I applied my foundation it basically wiped off my concealer and I found myself putting it on again.  This being said, I find it so much easier to apply the concealer afterwards.  The results are far more greater.  For this, I use Covergirl's concealer stick or the NYX concealer stick.  I use it in a similar color to my foundation; but you can also use a lighter color, as well as, the matching color, to use under your eyes if you have bags, or if you just want to give yourself more of an "awake" look. 

  To apply concealer I feel that a sponge is your best option.  I use a knock-off beauty blender sponge from Target to push the concealer into my skin.  It's the best way to blend it too.
  Eyeliner or Mascara.  Now this is probably not an essential for a lot of people, but it is for me.  If you know me well, you know that I am always rocking a 'cat eye' or 'winged' eyeliner.  I love it!  But some days, when I'm not feeling taking the time to draw it on, or if it's just a chill day and doing some simple errands, or I don't feel like looking edgy all day, I'll just curl my lashes and use mascara.  My favorite eyeliner, and it is definitely by far my all time favorite, is the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner.  I have been using this eyeliner for YEARS and find that it lasts the longest throughout the day, doesn't smudge, and has such an easy applicator it'll make you want to draw that eyeliner on for days.  As far as mascara goes, I don't have too much of a preference.  At this moment, I am using Rimmel's Glam'Eyes Mascara, which I have used a few times before and I love.....and before that I used Covergirl's Lash Blast Fusion Mascara, which worked really well and visibly extended my lashes.

  Lips. Depending on the day and my mood, depends on what I wear on my lips.  But I always feel like one should wear something!  Whether it be chap stick, lip gloss, or a lipstick, the lips just don't look right completely naked.  I could go on forever on my favorite products for this section, so I'll save that for another time.  

  All of the products mentioned above I usually can just pick up at Target and CVS.  The most expensive I would say would be the foundation, but it is definitely worth it.  The most I have seen it for is $10. Which is awesome!

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