The Liebster Award

Hello! I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Lauren from Will Sing for Makeup. I was also nominated by Chelsea from Tiger Love Beauty a couple of months ago. I guess its better late than never. Both of these ladies are amazing and have awesome blogs. Check them out!

The rules:

• Link the blog that nominated you for the award
• Choose 11 bloggers to nominate who have less than 200 followers
• Answer the 11 questions given to you
• Let the people you have nominated know that you have done so
• You can't nominate the person that nominated you
• Create 11 questions for the people you nominate to answer

Here are my questions:
Questions from Lauren

What made you start a blog?
I watched youtube for a few years and thought a long time about starting a channel. I filmed a couple of videos but never felt confident enough to upload them. This is about the time I really started getting into reading blogs and I love the community. I enjoy writing so I gave it a try and I am so glad that I did.

What books are you currently reading, or what was the last book that you read?
I'm not currently reading any books because school takes up a lot of my time. The last series I read was The Hunger Games. I thought they were all great... but the ending could have been better. When I find time I want to read the Mortal Instrument series. If you have read it let me know if you liked it or not.

What is one makeup brush you cannot live without?
I would have to say Ecotools powder brush. I love all of their brushes I have, but this one is my favorite. Its extremely soft and doesn't shed.

Do you play any musical instruments?
I played the flute in band in middle school and part of high school. I also know a little bit of guitar, but I hope to learn more.

What is your favorite nail polish?
I have been loving Bahama Mama by Essie for winter. It is a nice burgundy color.
During the summer I really like Cute as a Button, also by Essie. It is a lovely pink color.

What is your favorite vacation destination?
I really enjoyed going to Germany. My mom is from there so we went to visit family when I was 13.

Do you have a nickname, and what is it?

No I don't really have any nicknames. 

What is your favorite makeup brand?
 This is a hard one. For drugstore I would have to say Maybelline. I like really like their eye products.

What is your favorite thing to cook?
I am awful at cooking. I am trying to learn, but its a slow process. I do make a chicken pizza that's a favorite. I'll link the recipe here. If you are looking for a good recipe check it out!

What is your go-to lipstick?
Honey by Revlon Just Bitten Kissable is the lip color I reach for the most. It is a nice natural lip color.

What languages do you speak?
Other than English I am not fluent in any language. I took German in school for 5 years, but I unfortunately don't remember much of it.

Questions from Chelsea

1. Do you have any siblings?

Sometimes I wish I did, but I'm an only child.

2. Have you ever played any musical instruments?

again, just the flute and guitar.

3. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
 I enjoy writing and being creative and this allows me to do both. It is also fun meeting new people and finding new blogs.

4. What is your favorite makeup brand and why?
 I said Maybelline was my favorite drugstore product earlier. For high end brands I like Urban Decay. I like their eye products and setting sprays.

5. Have you ever been out of the country you're from?
 The only other country I have been to is Germany. I mentioned that this is where my mom is from so we went to visit family and we did a lot of touristy things.

6. What was your favorite subject in school?
English and History

7. Do you prefer bold lips or natural lips?
I normally go for a natural lip. I just recently purchased a couple colors more on the bold side so I am pushing out of my natural lip comfort zone.

8. What is your current favorite song?
 Say Something by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera

9. What's your favorite snack food?
Pretzels

10. What advice would you give bloggers that are just starting out?
 Have fun with it and be yourself. If you are not having fun and enjoy writing, your readers will be able to tell. Also find your personal style. Its great to get inspiration from others, but take the ideas and make them your own.

11. Who is your favorite beauty guru and why?
 Nikki Phillippi on Youtube. She has awesome tutorials and inspirational videos. She's amazing.

Questions from me:

1. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
2. What is your favorite movie?
3. Do you have any hobbies?
4. What is your best makeup trick?
5. What is your holy grail product?
6. What is your favorite blog to read?
7. What is your favorite hair care product?
8. If you could travel on a vacation where would you go and why? 
9. Are you currently reading any books?
10.What is your favorite song?
11. What is your favorite nail polish color?

I don't have any specific people to tag. Everyone that I would either has already done this post, or has over 200 followers. If you have a blog, I tag you!! If you do it, or if you already have please leave a link in the comment section. I would love to read it.

Thanks for visiting!

Urban Decay Naked 3 Look 2

Hello! Today I wanted to take full advantage of the snow day by putting up a look using the Naked 3 palette. I already did one look using lighter colors from this palette. If you would like to see, click here. This is a darker look than I normally wear, but its nice for a night out. I hope you guys like it!

Step 1: Apply Trick (1), the gold color to your entire eyelid.
Step 2: Apply Nooner (2) in the crease and blend it up and outwards slightly.
Step 3: Blend Factory (3) in the outer 'v' and slightly into the crease.
Step 4: Use Strange (4) as a highlight on the inner corner of your eye and on the brow bone.
Step 5: Apply eyeliner and mascara. I used a black gel liner on my top lash line and a brown eyeliner on my bottom lash line and smudged it.

I hope you guys like this look.
Thanks for visiting!

Foundation Tips for Beginners

Hello! I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Today I wanted to share some tips on how to apply foundation. 

• Find a foundation that matches your skin type. There are ones formulated for normal/dry skin and others for oily skin. If you have oily skin, choose an oil-free foundation. 
• Toner and primer helps makeup last longer.
• Decide on the coverage you want. BB creams, tinted moisturizer and many mineral powder are on the lighter side, while liquid foundation is typically medium to full coverage. 
• Blend! Blending is so important. When using a liquid foundation I dot the foundation towards the inner part of my face, then blend it outwards. This prevents a harsh line of foundation around the face.
• After applying foundation and concealer, set with a translucent powder to keep your makeup in place all day. A pigmented pressed powder can also be used, but be careful to not use too much because they can look cakey.
• If you have more oily skin, blotting paper is great to soak up any excess oil throughout the day, instead of touching up with more powder which can also give a cakey look. 
• When looking for a foundation color, matching the color to your neck is the best way to make sure there won't be a visible makeup line around your face. Having a foundation outline around your face is not a cute look.
• Try different methods of applying makeup to see which one you like best. I really like using a makeup sponge, but there are also flat top kabuki brushes, a standard foundation brush, or you can just use your fingers.
• Make sure the tool you use to apply the foundation is clean. I try to clean my brushes every week, but it normally turns into about every 2 weeks. If you want to see how I clean them click here. If you choose you use your fingers make sure to wash your hands before applying. Spreading bacteria on your face can cause blemishes.  
• Adding blush, bronzer and highlight helps add dimension to your face.

What are your best foundation tips?
Thanks for visiting!

NOTD: Pink Slip

Hello! I hope everyone is having a great week. This has been the first full week back to school so I'm still trying to find a balance between school and blogging. I'm trying to do at least 3 posts a week. No promises though :)  I was at my parents house yesterday and borrowed one of my moms polishes to paint my nails. I normally don't go for very light colors, but I gave this one a try. It is called Pink Slip by Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure.

This line of polishes is one of my favorites (behind Essie) because they last about a week and the colors are opaque. A lot of people complain about the brush because it is thicker than most, but I like it. I have tried white on my nails before, but didn't like it too much because the color I used was chalky looking. I really like this color though because it has a very small tint of pink that makes this color very chic. The first coat of this polish is sheer, but it would be perfect for painting some white tips and using it as a top coat to give a nice french manicure look. I only used 2 coats and it was pretty opaque. It probably could have used a third coat, but it didn't look bad with only 2.
What nude nail polishes are your favorite?
Thanks for visiting!

Empties

Hello! and Happy Friday. This week was the first one back to school since the holiday. We had 2 snow days already because of the massive amount of snow we got. It was nice having some extra time to spend with the hubby. We have been sucked into the Breaking Bad series. We are late on the bandwagon, but we had to check it out after hearing positive things about it. I have been collecting these empty products for a few months so I thought it was about time to share them and give a brief review.

Matrix Total Results Sleek Shampoo- I got this product when Ulta had their big liter hair product sale. They didn't have the shampoo I normally use, so I picked this one on a whim. I liked it, but it really didn't stand out as an amazing product. When I got it I didn't realize that it has sulfate in it, which I try to avoid. I probably will not be repurchasing this product.
Moroccan Oil- I love this product! I first bought it when I was trying to grow my hair out after cutting it to my shoulders. My hair was very damaged and between this product and by using a hair mask my hair was more healthy. It makes hair feel soft and adds shine. I got the light formula for fine and light colored hair. My hair is fairly fine and I hate products that weigh it down, so I figured this was my best bet. I plan on repurchasing this product. It is expensive, but it lasts a long time.
DevaCurl AnGel- Apparently I went through quite a few hair products the past few months. This product is my favorite curly hair product that I have tried. And  I have tried a lot! I have tried many drugstore and high end products and nothing really compares to this product. I use it along with a leave in conditioner and it nicely separated the curls without making it crunchy.
Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Cream Concealer- This concealer worked nicely to cover blemishes, but it didn't work well to cover under-eye circles. It has a yellowish undertone so it covers redness well. I probably won't be repurchasing this product.
Olay Oil Minimizing Toner- This product isn't empty, it has about a quarter left. I couldn't use it anymore because it completely dried my skin out. I'm sure it is because there is alcohol in it. I would not recommend this product.
Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast Mascara- I have used lashblast mascara for years and was excited when they came out with this product. The original formula is more of a volumizing one, while the Clump Crusher is more of a lengthening. I would buy this product again. It definitely does what it say and doesn't clump.
Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundations- I already bought a second tube of this. I like the convenience of the stick and the color matches my skin almost perfectly. It is matte which I also like but I find that certain parts of my face are dry. I normally don't have that issue, even in the winter, so I think that it is this product. I plan on trying a new foundation next time I purchase one. I might try this again in the summer and see if it makes a difference.
Thanks for visiting! 

Pur Minerals Go Nude Eye and Cheek Palette Review

As promised this post is a review about Pur Minerals Go Nude Eye and Cheek Palette Review. I received this palette as a gift and love it. It comes with a blush, bronzer, 3 matte eyeshadows, 3 shimmery eyeshadows and a mini brown eyeliner.

With Flash

 Bella- Rose colored blush
Mineral Glow- Bronzer
Classic- Matte Beige Eyeshadow
Cashmere- Shimmery Bronze Eyeshadow
Cafe- Matte Dark Brown Eyeshadow
Biscotti- Matte Light Brown Eyeshadow
Vintage- Shimmery Gold Eyeshadow
Paris- Shimmery Grey Eyeshadow

All of the colors are nice and go on smoothly. They are opaque and can be intensified with a couple of layers of the color. The eyeshadows are easily blended and they lasted all day when I used a primer underneath. There was very little fall out and any that there was, I could brush away with a powder brush. The blush works well with my pale skin tone and lasted all day too. The pencil works well and lasted most of the day.  I smudged it out with a small eyeshadow brush and the color Biscotti. I have not tried the bronzer yet. I go for more of the matte bronzers instead of the shimmery ones. This one has a bit of shimmer in it, but I may try it as an eyeshadow instead and see how that looks.

Without Flash

I would recommend this palette to anyone who is looking for nice, neutral colors. I would work well for traveling because it comes with eyeshadow, blush and a pencil.
Thanks for visiting!

Eye Makeup Tips for Beginners

Hello! Eye makeup is probably my favorite thing to do in my makeup routine. I love experimenting with different colors and eyeliners. I have learned a few tips and tricks along the way that I thought I would share.

• Brighten Eyes- This will help makes your eyes a focus point and keep you looking more awake. 
• When applying eyeshadow, keep lighter colors towards the inner part of your eyes, and darker colors on the outer part. 
• Use a highlight color on the innermost part of your eye and on your brow bone. I like to use the color Virgin from my Naked 1 Palette.
• To really make your eyes pop, use a white or skin colored eyeliner pencil on your lower waterline. Using a dark color on your waterline will close eyes off and make them appear smaller. I do like the way darker colors on the waterline look, but I normally avoid doing it on myself because my eyes are small enough. Instead, I use a brown eyeshadow on the outer half of my bottom lash line. 
• Use a Primer- This helps eyeshadow last longer and not crease.
• Avoid applying moisturizer or foundation to the areas you plan on applying eyeshadow.
• If you don't have a primer a small dab of concealer, or a cream eyeshadow will also work. I like to use Maybelline Color Tattoo's. I pick a similar color to the powder eyeshadow I plan on using. Not only does it last longer, but it intensifies the color.
• Apply eyeshadow with an angle eye brush on top of eyeliner to set it and help it last longer. 
• Mascara- This completes the whole eye look.
• There are mascaras that lengthen, and others that volumize. Its just personal preference as to which one to use. Some choose to do one layer of each kind to get a more intense look.
• When applying mascara, put the wand on the outer corner of your lashes and pull outwards (towards the side of your face) to make lashes look fuller.
• Fill in Your Brows- Eyebrows make a huge difference. If you have never tried filling in your eyebrows I would definitely recommend giving it a try. If you want to see how I do mine click here.
What are your favorite eye makeup tips and tricks?

 

 

Pur Minerals Go Nude Eye Look

Hello ladies! For Christmas I received the Go Nude Eye and Cheek Palette. It comes with six beautiful neutral colored eye shadow, 3 matte and 3 shimmery, a blush, bronzer and eyeliner pencil. I have only had a chance to use this palette a couple of times, but I really like it so far. All of the eyeshadow colors that I have used are highly pigmented and lasted all day. The blush is a nice color that goes with my skin tone well. I plan on doing a full review on this palette with swatches after I have tried all of the products.

Step 1: I started by applying Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded all over my lid. It is a light colored cream shadow that works nicely as a base. Any primer can be used though. I then put Vintage (gold color) all over my lid over the cream shadow.
Step 2: Then I used Biscotti (matte light brown) and blended it into my crease and slightly above.
Step 3: Take Cashmere (bronze color) for the outer 'v' and blend it slightly into the crease.
Step 4: Use Classic (Lightest color) to highlight the brow bone and inner corner of your eye.
Step 5: Add eyeliner and mascara and this look is done.

I hope that you like this look. Please let me know if there are any posts that you would like to see. I want to make sure that I write things that you enjoy reading. :)
Don't forget to follow me of twitter to stay connected. 
Thanks for reading! 

NOTD: Essie Smokin' Hot

I hope everyone had a great New Years! My husband and I celebrated in Arkansas with his family. This color is called Smokin` Hot by Essie. I got this color a few years ago and use to wear it all of the time. It got shoved to the back of my nail polish drawer and I forgot about it, but recently I rediscovered it while cleaning. I had forgotten how much I like this color. It is a dark gray color with a hint of purple. It only took 2 coats to get it opaque and I topped it with Essie top coat.

Thanks for visiting!