DIY Makeup Series: Bronzer!

Time for part 3 of the diy makeup series!  This is super simple because you only need four ingredients.  IMPORTANT: Be sure to test the cinnamon on your arm first to make sure you won't get an allergic reaction.  Read below to see how you can make your own diy bronzer :)

What you'll need:

Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Cornstarch
Cocoa powder
Optional: Face shimmer (powder)

So the cool part about this is that there really is no set amount for how much you should use.  Everyone's skin tone is different, so you'll have different ideas of what shade you would like.  But if your bronzer is too light, add more cocoa powder. A cool trick for a glowy type bronzer, add some more cinnamon.  And if you want a shimmery type bronzer, just add some shimmery type face thing to it.  Then just seal and place it in a container, and you are done!  Super easy, super awesome :)


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Have you tried DIY makeup before?  If so, which have you tried?

7 Makeup Products You SHOULDN'T Splurge On

 Hey guys!  So today I'm really happy about making this article, because this is a topic I've been wanting to blog about for a LONG time and hope to write more about in the future.  Beauty on a budget.  I am a high school student, and quite frankly, I just don't have a lot of money.  But no worries if you're like me and money is a problem.   This is my top list of products that I personally don't feel you need to spend on.  

Now, keep in mind, these aren't all necessarily products you shouldn't be buying, if I meant that, I'd be in big trouble.  What I mean is that I feel you shouldn't have to spend a lot of money on them, and I will be giving you cheaper and cost-effective alternatives for each of these if you still want to get any of these products.  But who knows, maybe I'll convince you not to buy some of them at all after all!  Anyways, I really hope you enjoy this, so let's get started ;).

1. Eyelash curler: While it's true you can get these for just a dollar (E.L.F. brand), many price ranges for eyelash curlers are much higher.  And while they can be nice, especially for people with very short lashes, there's an easy way to do it just by using your fingers which I use all the time.  Let me know if you want me to share this trick with you in a future blog post.

2. Tinted Moisturizer: I'm a strong believer in purchasing foundations and bb creams, but personally I'm not much of a fan of buying tinted moisturizers separately.  You see, it's easier just to make your own at home with 2 ingredients you already have: fav foundation + fav moisturzier.  Do whatever you prefer, but this little tip works just about as well for me.

3.  Eyeshadow primer: I know many of you will disagree with me on this one, but keep in mind that I didn't say you should use it, I said it isn't something you should necessarily need to splurge on.  Elf has one for just one dollar that has great reviews, and I'd suggest trying that first.  Then can you can go ahead and complain all you want to me.

4.  Makeup setter spray: Believe it or not, even this item is something many people pay big bucks on.  But before buying, ask yourself, "Do I REALLY need this? Is this the ONLY alternative for me?"  Obviously these expensive sprays can be super great and all, but part of doing "beauty on a budget" is learning to cut back and buy only what you actually need.  I'll be posting an article soon on how I make my own makeup setter soon as part of my diy makeup series.  Or you can try elf's makeup mist + set (3$).  I just don't think this is all that necessary if you invest in a good setting powder and/or have blotting sheets.  The only exception would be a wedding or big event in my opinion.

5. Bottom lash mascara: Seriously, a separate mascare JUST for the bottom lashes? Sorry, I'm just not buying that (OMG, best pun ever!).  That was seriously an accident!  Anyway in my opinion just use regular old mascara and place an index card underneath to prevent a mess.

6. Undereye setting powder: I'm sure this is nice and all, but any translucent or brightening type of powder is just find for someone who's trying for beauty on a budget.

7. Highlighter: This is the last time I mention ELF saving the day.  No need to spend money on expensive Benefit High Beam!  There's an amazing one dollar drugstore alternative known as ELF Shimmering Facial Whip that is pretty much the same and I've seen some reviews who even say it's better.  If it's a miss, you've got nothing to lose! ;)

Thanks for reading, Katie xoxo


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Hope you liked these tips, and that they help you think before splurging on certain items.  Comment below what you think.  What items on this list do you agree don't need to be splurged on?  Are there any products you would add or take off this list?

HOMECOMING 2013: Makeup + Dress Demo

Last night was the homecoming dance at my school, and I thought it would be neat to share with you my makeup, hair, and dress I wore to it.  Hopefully this can help you out, the routine I followed is definitely one for a special occasion and could be used for that.  The eye makeup I did was made to go with my blue dress, but you can follow pretty much the same steps just by switching the base and shadow colors to match your dress.  Hope you enjoy!!!

MAKEUP

Face

ELF Mineral Infused Primer-This was my first step after cleansing and moisturizing. Normally I don't use primer but I did this time because it was a special occasion and I wanted my makeup to last longer.

Physicians Formula Twin Concealer (green and light)-I took the skin tone side and dotted the concealer onto my problem area blemishes and then blended with my elf small stipple brush.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation+Revlon Colorstay-The covergirl is my fav foundation, but since I knew I would be in photos, I mixed it with the revlon.  Yes I know foundation with SPF is not the best for photos, but I love the way my skin looks with the covergirl so despite that I used it anyway. I just went with a group of friends and not a date and we didn't take that many photos, so I decided I'd just stick with my favorite.  I blended this also with my small stipple brush.

Almay Hydrating Makeup Powder: Next I set everything with my favorite setting powder, focusing on my t-zone. 

ELF HD Blush: Because it's a special occasion, I couldn't go without blush. Once I again I used the small stipple brush to blend it into the apples of my cheeks for that glowing look.

ELF Shimmering Facial Whip: The look wouldn't be complete without highlight, so I took this baby and used it underneath my brow, in the inner corners of my eyes, on my cubids bow, and just a little bit on the area above my blush.

EYES

Here's what it looked like, but keep in mind the lighting makes it look lighter and it was darker and more pigmented in real life:

Avon Eye Color Eye Pencil in Sky Blue-I used this as my base and just colored it over the entire lid. It is a lighter shade than my dress, but it was the only blue base I had and it ended up turning out fine.

Avon Unknown Pallette-Then I took a sparkly deep midnight blue shadow and applied that on my entire lid also, focusing mainly on the innermost section.

Taking a dark and sparkly color, I made a v shape in the outer corners of the eyes to elongate them and give a slight cat eye. I loved the color though and it went well with my dress I think :).

LIPS

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer-Surprisingly, I didn't go for anything super special for lips this time, I felt like keeping it simple. So I put this baby on, and then applied my baby lips after, but that's pretty much it for the lips.

And here's the finished look with everything:

Please excuse the awkward smile...lol :P

DRESS

And of course, I must show you the dress...

I had to cut out my friends who were in the picture, but yeah that's my dress! I actually got it from my friend for a lower price who had worn it at her homecoming last year, but she got it at Windsor in case you're wondering. Anyway, I guess that's it, thanks so much for reading!

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What did you think of the makeup I chose? What makeup do you think would be good for a special occasion? Comment below all your thoughts and suggestions, I reply to every one of them.

Remember you're beautiful, and no special product mentioned on this blog can make you that way. It's just the way you naturally are :).

DIY Makeup Series: Translucent Powder

Today I will be continuing with my diy makeup series with my 2nd part to it.  This one is super simple because you will only need two things: 

cornstarch (any amount, it's up to you)
a makeup container of some kind

Cornstarch really does work as a translucent setting powder, and it helps control oils and keeps the makeup lasting longer.  You can place it in an old makeup container, or even just a cup that you seal and use it right from there.  Super easy, super awesome.  Hope you enjoy!

 ~Katie xoxo

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Have you done DIY makeup before?  If so, what have you done?

DIY Makeup Series: BB Cream

Super excited to be starting my first series!  A diy makeup series was the most voted for series you all wanted on the poll, and I'll be posting this series on and off over the next week (or 2).  There are so many amazing recipes I've discovered and can't wait to share them with you guys!  This bb cream is great if you already have some makeup at home and want to try making a bb cream by combining some of those products.  Also, if there's some free samples (or in my case, way too much foundation) you want to make use of this is awesome!  Hope you enjoy and please comment, follow, subscribe, etc. so I can know if this is something valuable enough for you!  (Below is a picture of the products I used for this)

What you'll need:

1/3 foundation
1/3 moisturizer
1//6 sunscreen (the kind you would put on your face)
1/6 primer
a container to put it in

So this is the ratio you should follow, but make as much or as little as you desire :)  I would suggest starting with about a teaspoon of the top 2, and 1/2 of the other ones.  Then, put it in an old makeup container or possibly a mini container, and you're done!



Have you tried diy makeup before?  If so, which ones have you done?

7 Beauty Products to Get You Ready For Fall

Sad (or happy depending on your opinion of the seasons) as it is to say, summer will officially be over in just a few days.  This can not only create a change in the weather, but also a change in the way we do our makeup. There are certain special colors that match the season we are in that we can use to create specific looks.  I will be doing more posts on fall makeup/skincare, as well as my fall routine once I've chosen mine :).  But today I wanted to show you 7 products (most of which you can find in the drugstore) that I think are great for autumn.  Let me know what you think in the comments below and enjoy!

1. Covergirl 3 in 1 Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation: Now that it's fall, you can feel safe going a bit more full coverage and it's a good time to get back Into foundations (if you haven't already).  This is my current favorite foundation because it covers so well and lasts super long, so I can usually just skip the step of my routine I hate using: concealer. If you want me to do a review on this, just let me know!

2. ELF Duo Eyeshadow Cream: I forgot to mention this in my last haul, but there was one mistake in my order.  Instead of getting the eyebrow mascara, I got this in the shades butter pecan.  It's only a dollar, and it's hard to tell from the picture, but I think it's a good duo with perfect shades for fall, with a nice light brown and then darker one also.  It seems good for beginners or a basic autumn look.

3. ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzing Cream:  This is another product I got in my last haul.  I think the blush inside is great for fall, a nice deeper color, and the contour is a nice shade also.  Both of these colors really made me think of this season, and they are only 3 dollars, so another awesome ELF product!

4.  Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm:  This has been a long-time favorite of mine, especially during fall.  My lips tend to get quite dry and chapped around this time, and this seriously works wonders!  It also gives a nice natural color (in the flavor cherry) that's just right.  

5.  Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder:  I have so much to say about this product, and this brand, I'll probably have to do a separate review on it.  I've had it for quite some time, and it has lasted me so long and hasn't hit the pan still!  I love this because it has so many different shades you can use, with the regular powder for all over the face, the darker parts for bronzer, and even a pink heart for blush!  This product is great for anytime, but for some reason I felt like it's awesome for fall also.  I'd definitely recommend it for beginners, since it can be multi-purpose and can work for a variety of skin tones.  I just love it!

6.  Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Stain:  I feel like berry is a good color for fall, and this lip stain is fairly long-lasting and is a really beautiful color in my opinion.  

7.  ELF Matte Lip Color:  The last product on this list is another elf one (I just love this brand) and I got it in the shade coral, which I believe is another ideal shade for fall.  It's a pretty decent color and it only cost 3 dollars, so I would definitely recommend trying it out!



What products do you like for fall?  Are there any specific posts you would like in the future on this specific season?  Comment your thoughts below!

Best Makeup Brush Ever! (ELF POWDER BRUSH)

Those of you who read my last blog post know that I just recently received my first order from elf (eyes lips face).  Well, I promised that I would do reviews on some of the products I have gotten to try, and so now will be the first of those to come.  Also, on my last poll, product reviews was what you guys wanted the most, so I decided today I'd rave about my newest favorite brush!

A little background about me and makeup brushes: I really don't have all that many.  I literally didn't have any that I purchased separately until recently.  So maybe the best makeup brush ever is a little bit too high of a standard for you.  But let's just get right into it and I will tell you why it is my favorite!

Here's what it looks like:

The Details:

-flat top brush (pretty dense)

-synthetic 

-nice soft hairs

-3 dollars

Ok keep in mind this my first review on a brush before so don't get too upset. How about I just talk about why I like this and skip that list?  So this brush on the package says it is meant for powder and blush, but also says it can be used on liquid foundation. The reason I got it was because I wanted a better brush to apply my powder with. But I've heard some people say they use it with their liquid foundation and I am thinking of trying that but so far I've only used it for my regular powder (almay hydrating powder) and my  physicians formula happy powder. 

Here's a closer view that should help you see the detailed fibers of the brush better:

Well, let me tell you: it worked amazing!!  It was definitely the softest feel I've ever felt on a brush, and it applied really smoothly!  I kinda brushed it down my face, but also stippled in certain areas.  Once again, really soft!  This brush isn't really the most well known from what I can tell, but it definitely deserves to be.  I'd definitely recommend you try it out, since even if you don't like it the price is only 3 dollars.  

Rating: 9.5/10!!!

You can find elf products at target and kmart for sure, but I haven't seen this brush in any of the stores, so your best bet is to order it online.  My tip for elf ordering: wait for a sale!

Hope you liked this review!  Let me know what you think in the comments below, but if you have anything you'd like to ask me about privately, feel free to fill out the contact form below.  

Thanks for reading,

Katie XOXO


Do you have this brush?  If so, what do you think of it and what do you use it for?

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Fav Drugstore Lip Product: Baby Lips (Mini Review)

Hello everyone!  Today will be my first time doing a product review on this blog :).  I can't wait to start doing full reviews, but today I decided to just start simple and do a mini reviews.  The products I will be showing you is one of my favorite lip products that I've lately been using on a daily basis.  Let me know if there are any specific products you would like me to review.  Keep in mind that I will be doing plenty more different reviews soon on face and eye products, but I just decided to start off with lips.  Hope you enjoy!

Maybelline Baby Lips
Just about everyone seems to know about this product, and it definitely seems to be that lip product that every girl I know has.

Quality: 8/10. It's a colored lip balm, so it's easier to apply than lipstick since you don't have to worry about messing up when you put it on.  It really helped with my chapped lips, but also gave a pleasant and pretty color to my lips.  I got mine in pink punch, and it has a nice taste to it.  Only complaint is that it's not super long lasting, especially after you eat.  So you probably will need to reapply.  But that's not really a problem since it's a piece of cake to put back on :).

Price: 9/10.  It's around 3 or 4 dollars depending on where you go, which is a decent price for a lip balm. 

Overall: 8.5/10.  This is definitely my favorite lip product right now that's perfect for school, going out, or just about anytime you want just a simple look and a little bit of color.  Super awesome drugstore product that works for just about anything!

Would I buy again: Yes.


What do you think about this product?  Are there any specific products you would like me to review in the future?  Comment your thoughts below.   I always comment back.

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8 Cool Beauty Tricks You Might Not Know About

Today is another exciting day for me in the blogging world, because today I will posting my first article about beauty on this blog!  It was difficult for me to decide exactly where to start, since there are so many different things I could write about, from skincare to foundation to mascara to lipstick and anything in between.  So I decided I would start off with just some cool beauty tricks I've learned that you may or may not have heard of.  I really love these tricks because most of them can be done with items you already have at home.  And none of them require you going out and buying something that will cost you a fortune.  Hope you enjoy!

1. Put toothpaste (regular, not the gel kind) to help reduce a pimple or blemish you have.  Probably because of its antibacterial agents and the baking soda in it.  I know it sounds weird, but I tried this and it really worked!

2. Hold a business card above or under your lashes to keep from getting the area under your eyes messy.  When used on the top, lift your eyelashes as far up as you can, towards where the business card is placed.  It really helps you get the most out of your mascara!

3. Make your own tinted moisturizer by taking some foundation (liquid or cream0 and mixing it with about the same amount of moisturizer.  No need to go paying extra for something you can easily make at home.

4.  Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar to promote healthy and shiny hair.  It also helps get rid of scalp buildup. 

5. Take a small amount of cornstarch and apply as a finishing powder after your foundation.  It helps combat oiliness and keeps makeup lasting throughout the day.

6. Use a lipstick as your blush (just make sure it suits your face).

7. When using a highlighting color of eyeshadow on your eyes, first dip your eyeshadow brush in water (just enough so that it's damp).  Then dip the damp brush into the shadow.  It gives a very beautiful and shimmery effect.

8.  Take a regular ice cube and massage onto popping pimples such as whiteheads.  It really helps reduce the redness and eventually the whitehead can be wet enough to remove itself from the skin.


Thanks for reading,

Katie XOXO



What are some of your favorite beauty tricks? Are there any particular articles you would like me to blog about next?  Leave your comments and questions below :).  I will reply to any comment, just be kind and considerate with what you say.

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