Tuesday, September 30, 2014

My Favorite Nail Polish Colors for Fall

It's no secret that I love makeup, but nothing compliments your look quite like a rockin manicure to go with it!  Whether you're more traditional and like to stick to more neutral shades or you're more daring and willing to try the trendy season trades there's something for everyone this fall.  These are just a few of my favorite!


partner in crime- neutrals by essie  Essie 'Partner in Crime':  This is a gorgeous, rich chocolatey brown color with an underlying hint of purple.  Very versatile and works well with almost all outfits!

  O.P.I. 'Next Stop....The Bikini Zone':  This is a gorgeous, metallic purple color that will look great with your metallic eyeshadow!  It's definitely for the more daring with the hints of sparkle in it but I am loving the way this looks on!


NARS - Nail PolishNars 'Ithaque':  This is a really pretty pale pink color perfect for basically every outfit.  It's also great for days when you want something on your nails but you don't want to go too overboard with the color (e.g. a really corporate office).

licorice - deeps by essie  Essie 'Licorice':  This is such a classic for fall color.  It's a really dark black color that you see on almost everyone at the first sign of cold.  It's such a classic I can't picture it going out of fashion soon!


Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Color, Gilty PartySally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Color, Gilty Party:  This is a great metallic, tan color that adds a little oomph to the ordinary beige color that is so popular.

MAC Cosmetics: Studio Nail Lacquer in Midnight SkyMAC Cosmetics: Studio Nail Lacquer in Midnight Sky Mac Studio Nail Lacquer 'Midnight Sky':  This is a great navy blue shade with a hint of shimmer to it.  It looks great on, and catches the light just so.


Dior Vernis by Dior 'Nuit':  This is just a great classic purple color.  This looks great on everyone and is the perfect go-to fall color!
Christian Louboutin 'Rouge':  How could any list be complete without the classic red bottom heel nail polish?  Way too expensive for my taste but if you can swing it there's no denying you'll look hot!

So these are my favorite fall nail polish colors, what are yours?

xo

Kelly



Sunday, September 28, 2014

Fall Makeup Tutorial

Hey guys!

As I've mentioned in my posts recently fall makeup is all about metallics, coppers, browns and very matte, natural looking skin.  So, I decided to use some of the makeup I already had lying around to recreate a look that would be perfect for fall.  I used the Mac Loose Pigments but of course any of the new metallic rose gold/coppers would work perfectly as well!  Hope you enjoy!







 



xo

Kelly

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

My Top 10 Picks for Fall Eye Shadows

I'm loving the fall eye shadow colors!  There are so many gorgeous browns, bronzes, golds and really warm colors that can make your otherwise dull winter skin really pop!  I'm a huge fan of using all of the colors I mentioned as well as using shimmery colors.  Using something with a bit of a shimmer or shine just gives an extra oomph to your eyes and plays really nicely against a matte finish.  After extensive, laborious (lol) research I've picked these 10 shades as my top 10 fall eye shadows.  Let me know what you think!


1.
MAKE UP FOR EVER - Artist Shadow
Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow- Pinky Earth
This is a gorgeous cranberry, shimmery brown, great for making all eye colors pop


2.
Urban Decay - Eyeshadow
Urban Decay- Half Baked
This is a gorgeous shimmery gold color with a hint of bronze to it.  It looks especially beautiful on blue eyes

3.


NARS - Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow- Subra
This is a gorgeous plum, shimmery color that looks amazing on the lids as well as in the crease.  All of their Dual-Intensity shadows are gorgeous this season!



4.

NARS - Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
NARS- Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow- Dione
This shadow is a beautiful champagne, beige color that looks amazing on all eye colors.  It's so nude and effortless it really makes eyes pop
5.
Bobbi Brown - Eye Shadow
Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow- Mahogany Dark Ash Brown
It's easy to love the shimmery and metallic colors, but you can't get the full effect  of those without a few matte colors!  This color by Bobbi Brown is perfect for creating a gorgeous contrast to any of the colors I mentioned above, and brown is so neutral it goes with almost anything.  Also, this particular shade is dark enough to create a smokey impact but also able to be blended out for just a hint of brown.

6.

Dior - Diorshow Fusion Mono Long-Wear Professional Mirror-Shine Eyeshadow
DIOR Diorshow Fusion Mono Long-Wear Professional Mirror-Shine Eyeshadow- Millennium
This is a gorgeous gold color with hints of green.  It's super metallic so it really makes your eyes pop and brings out the natural color.  It goes on smoothly and you can really layer it to get as much or as little of an impact as you like.

7.

Laura Mercier - Baked Eye Colour - Wet/Dry
Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour- Wet/Dry Hot Chocolate
This color is phenomenal because of it's versatility. You can add water or fix spray to your brush to get a wet, creamy look or you can apply as it to get a gorgeous finish.  Either way this color is so neutral it looks great on all eye colors.

8.


MAC Cosmetics: Eye Shadow in Cranberry
Mac Eyeshadow- Cranberry
This color is just beyond gorgeous.  It's a purple, burgundy color that is the epitome of fall.  It compliments almost every color you pair it with and it has the most gorgeous finish.
MAC Cosmetics: Eye Shadow in Cranberry

9.

MAC Cosmetics: Eye Shadow in Swiss Chocolate
Mac Eyeshadow- Swiss Chocolate
This color is a great, neutral brown.  It's a perfect crease color for creating definition and deepening eyes.  It's definitely worth getting if you're a fan of neutrals.
MAC Cosmetics: Eye Shadow in Swiss Chocolate


10.
Shiseido - Shimmering Cream Eye Color
Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color- Sable
This gorgeous color goes on so smooth and creamy and lasts all day.  It has hints of gold, taupe and green to create a subtle, yet striking look.

   

So those are my favorite fall shadows....what are yours?!

xo

Kelly

Monday, September 22, 2014

NY Fashion Week Look: Jason Wu Show Part 2

Today is part 2 of my favorite NY Fashion Week makeup looks.  This also happens to be from the Jason Wu show (guess I liked his makeup best?).  It's a very simple, more sleek, bronzed look than the last one I posted.  This one is definitely wearable for every day use.  I love it and it really makes your skin glow!  Check it out and tell me what you think!







xo

Kelly

Sunday, September 21, 2014

NY Fashion Week Look: Jason Wu Show

Hey!

So as promised I made a video replicating the look of one of my favorite NY Fashion Week's makeup looks.  This one is from the Jason Wu show.  It features the eyes prominently and everything else is very sleek and simple.  Hope you like!

Jason Wu Spring 2014







xo

Kelly

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Broze Smokey Eye

When you think of the word smokey eye you immediately think black, silver, dark colors.  While this is obviously gorgeous it's also very limiting.  There are so many different colors you can use to achieve the same effect of a sexy smokey eye without having to reach for the black.  Bronzes, browns and golds for example are all great colors that can be used to create the "Victoria Secret" version of the smokey eye.   So  I thought I'd do a smokey eye video using my Naked 2 palette to show you don't have to reach for the black to pull off a gorgeous smokey eye!











xo

Kelly



Monday, September 15, 2014

Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW™ Pomade

Filling in your brows can be one of the most life changing things you do.  You have no idea what a difference it makes, even if you already have thick brows.  Your face will be instantly transformed.  It's as if with a little stroke of a brow pencil or cream you are able to completely change your face into some gorgeous, finished work of art.  I have thin brows myself so I always thought filling them in would look silly and clearly drawn on. While yes that is easy to do, if you learn how to apply them correctly you can completely transform your entire face.  I barely leave the house nowadays without some type of brow drawn on.

I've been pretty loyal to my Mac Eyebrow Crayon in Fling.  The texture is right, the color is perfect and it’s easy to achieve the shape I want.  So, when I saw that Anastasia Beverly Hills had come out with DIPBROW Pomade I was hesitant.  I've never really loved the look of gels or pomades on my own brows.  But, I figured I owed it to myself to at least try it out.

The first thing I was immediately disappointed by was the fact that the brush you need to apply the product came sold separately.  It’s a double sided comb for combing up your brows/a brush for applying product. Add that to the cost to the cost of the pomeade and now you're look at more than just the $18  advertised price.

However, price aside, there were some major benefits.  What I was most impressed by was how little of the product you actually needed to apply to apply.  Using such a sparse amount ensures that you would definitely get your money's worth over time.  It also shows that just a little of the product can go a long way, so you don’t have to use heavy strokes or build up product.  Also, the comb that is suggested for use with it really allows you get precise in your application.  You can create an arch where there was none, fill in sparse spots and elongate short brows.  Together they work really well to give you essentially any type of eyebrow shape you’d like.

Once the eyebrows had set I found the pomade to be essentially smudge proof.  They stay in place really well and did not come off easily even with makeup remover.  It comes in 8 different colors so there’s a shade for most hair colors.  I found for a pomade or gel it looked so much more natural and realistic than a lot of the others I’ve tried.  I still felt that I had to apply more than I was comfortable with to get ‘perfect’ brows because my brows were so thin but I definitely love having this in collection for days when I really want a prominent brow.  Overall, I would say if you really want perfect looking brows and you have the skill set, and enough brows to do it then this is a really good purchase. 


Anastasia Beverly Hills - DIPBROW™ PomadeAnastasia Beverly Hills - DIPBROW™ PomadeAnastasia Beverly Hills - Brush #12

What do you guys think?

Xo

Kelly

Saturday, September 13, 2014

The Hottest Makeup for Fall: Metallics

My absolute favorite fall trend is Metallic Eyeshadows!  Metallic eyeshadows look almost like liquid metal when applied to your lids and they instantly make your eyes pop!  It's such a gorgeous trend that's so wearable.  You can play it down with nudes and browns, smoke it up with silvers and blacks or even be a little daring and use some bold colors!  These are my favorite palettes and individual shadows for this trend!

1.)  Right now I am absolutely LOVING Bobbi Brown's Nude on Nude Palette.  It's on the pricier side at $65 but it's one of those palettes were you will end up using every last color.  It comes with 4 gorgeous metallic shades (Golden Pink, Bare, Smoky Topaz, Golden Bronze); perfect for the lid, creating a smokey eye, or adding a pop of shimmer to the corner.  There are also 3 sparkle shades (Chiffon, Graphite, Gold) and 5 matte shades ( Ivory, Naked, Birch, Truffle, Espresso); perfect for the crease and blending out the color.  This palette is just absolute perfection for anyone who loves nudes!
Bobbi Brown - Nude On Nude Palette

Bobbi Brown Nude On Nude Palette (Purchase it Here)



2.) If you want to go a little more daring with the colors you're using, Too Faced's Pretty Rebel Eyeshadow Palette has some gorgeous metallic blues, greys, golds, greens and even pinks.  It's a little less pricey than the Bobbi Brown Palette at $46 and definitely for the more rebellious types.  The hues are gorgeous though and there are so many fun looks you can get out of this palette!


Too Faced - Pretty Rebel Eyeshadow Palette

Too Faced Pretty Rebel Eyeshadow Palette (Purchase it Here)

Too Faced - Pretty Rebel Eyeshadow Palette


3.) Lastly, if you love the look of metallics but don't love the price of some of these palettes, there are drugstore brands that have really high quality, affordable options.  Maybelline's Expert Wear Eyeshadow Palette, Nudes is an amazing alternative to the Bobbi Brown Palette.  It has 12 gorgeous metallic shades, and the color palette is very similar to that of Bobbi Brown's.  And, at only $8, it's not quite as hefty of an investment.  I personally love Maybelline products, I think you always get amazing quality, the colors look great on and it's a perfect addition to your makeup kit!

Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Palette, Nudes- .34 oz

Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Palette, Nudes (Purchase it Here)




While a new trend, if you ask me, is always a reason to purchase a new palette (I totally don't have a shopping problem) you can also just purchase one or two shades individually, like a normal person without a compulsive makeup habit.  Here are some of my favorite individual metallic shades.



1.) Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gun Metal is a really gorgeous, dark, metallic grey that is perfect for a dark smokey eye or to add some intensity to your lower lids.  It's only $18 and lasts forever so it's well worth the price.  And, if silver's not your thing, it comes in 67 other  gorgeous colors!
Urban Decay - Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gun Metal (Purchase it Here)



2.) If you're willing to splurge a little, NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Dione is a gorgeous metallic, champagne-beige shadow.  It looks amazing on, really bringing out the depth and intensity of your own eyes.  I love that you can play it down and wear it with a simple liner for a more natural look, or add some browns to smoke it out.  Well worth the $29 for such a versatile color.


NARS - Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow

NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow  (Purchase It Here)




3.) If you're looking to spend a little less, L'Oreal Paris HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo is a great choice!  They're only $8 and you get 2 colors in one, so you can easily have a few different looks to play around with.  It comes in 9 different duos, so you can get both a silvery dark one and a warmer bronzy one for less than the cost of any of the other options.  They're all highly pigmented and they look gorgeous on.  They're also great for traveling as you only have to throw one duo in your purse instead of multiple shadows.  They're really a great choice especially for colors you want to try but you wouldn't use every day.


L'Oreal Paris HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo, Gunmetal 306- .08 ozL'Oreal Paris HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo, Platinum 906- .08 ozL'Oreal Paris HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo, Shocked 310- .08 oz

L'Oreal Paris HiP Studio Secrets Professional Metallic Shadow Duo

(Purchase it Here)


Too Faced - Pretty Rebel Eyeshadow Palette



So those are some of my favorite metallic shadows for this fall.  I'm absolutely loving this trend!  I love shimmery eyes and metallics are so universally flattering.  They reflect light beautifully and really make your eyes pop.  If you haven't tried this trend yet, run to your nearest store and pick up some shadows.  Trust me, you'll be back buying more before you know!

xo

Kelly


Too Faced - Pretty Rebel Eyeshadow Palette

Friday, September 12, 2014

The Hottest Makeup Trends for Fall

Now that summer is over and most of us are sad that it's going to start getting colder and darker earlier (minus me because I loathe being overly hot), we need something to look forward to.  That something is new makeup trends!  I am beyond over my corals, and pinks, and neons and ready to get in touch with my darker side.  There are some really fun and gorgeous trends taking center stage this fall, so take that summertime sadness and lessen the pain with a trip to your local makeup counter!

Nude Everything:

One of the biggest trends for fall is the "barely there" look.  Nude lips, nude eyeshadows, very little blush and very subtle contouring.  The key to this look is to find the right shades to play up your features, while creating the illusion that you're wearing no makeup.   I'm currently crushing on Mac's Fleshpot lipstick and Laura Mercier's lip pencil in Praline.  

MAC Cosmetics: Lipstick in FleshpotLaura Mercier - Lip Pencil

Fresh Faced Skin:

While this may not always be your "I woke up like this" skin, there are ways to fake flawless, glowing skin.   Moisturizer, hydration and a good brightening mask are key to this look!  I love fresh's Peony Brightening Night Treatment Mask to help hydrate and tighten my skin overnight.  I also always make sure to use a repair serum, like Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Serum, before bed to undo any of the damage my skin my have suffered throughout the day. 



Metallics:

Metallics are everywhere this fall.  Everything from silvers to golds to browns etc.  They can be used all over the lid, to create a dramatic smokey eye, as a gorgeous eyeliner, or even on the inner corners of the eye to add a little highlight.  There are so many ways to wear this trend and so many different color choices.  I'm really excited about this so expect a blog post and video dedicated to metallics to follow!
                                   



Dior - Diorshow Fusion Mono Long-Wear Professional Mirror-Shine Eyeshadow

Dior
Diorshow Fusion Mono 
Long-Wear Professional 

Mirror-Shine Eyeshadow 

in Millenium                                                                         


Marc Jacobs Beauty - Tonite Lights Glitter Dust

Marc Jacobs Beauty
Tonite Lights Glitter Dust in Blacklight



Line, Line, Line!:

While this may not seem like anything out of the ordinary, there's way more room to play around with more daring, bold eyeliner looks than just the traditional cat eye.  You can really let your artistic side show and play around with different lines and patterns.  If that isn't for you though, a simple cat eye is always in fashion.  Either way don't forget your eyeliner on your way out the door.




Bold Color:

This season is definitely about extremes.  You're either rocking a nude, no makeup look or going daring and bold with a strong pop of color.  I personally love adding color wherever possible as it can really change up an entire look and add a bit of fun.  The key to this look is the bolder the better!  Pick a color you love, apply it generously and wear it with pride!  You can use it as a liner if you want to play it safe or do a full, bright lid.  Whatever you choose, rock it with confidence and you can't go wrong.




                        


60's Inspired Hair and Makeup:

Big hair and even bigger lashes will be everywhere this fall.  I love this look, big hair helps to frame and slim all face shapes, while long lashes really make your eyes stand out.  Oribe Dry Texturing Spray is perfect for creating volume without too much hassle.  It also works as a dry shampoo so it refreshes your hair unlike a lot of texturing sprays that make your hair look greasy and limp after one use.  If you're not willing to shell out $42 for it though, Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo is a great alternative and you can find it at most drugstores for $5.  Just spray your hair and use a teasing comb to add volume at the roots, throw some curlers in to curl the ends and you can easily get 60's inspired hair.





Big lashes are gorgeous but applying fake ones can be time consuming and annoying for every day use.  I think a great alternative if you want the look without the hassle is to use lash fibers.  Makeup Forever makes a great tube with a curved brush that helps to curl the lashes.  Tweezerman's Fast Lash is another great alternative and a little less expensive.  Just apply a coat of mascara, then a coat or two of the lash fibers on top and finish with another coat of mascara and you're done!




Berry Lips:

If you're not going to go for nude lips this fall then berry lipstick should be the next thing you reach for.  This trend is everywhere and can really compliment the bare faced look.  The key to this is to find the right shade of berry for your skintone.  Make sure you don't get anything that will wash you out too much and if you can add a hint of berry to your cheeks as well that will really compliment the look.  Berry lipstick are everywhere and there are some gorgeous options you can really play around with.  I love Hourglass's Opaque Rouge in Empress it's a beautiful deeper berry that's versatile enough to transition from summer to fall and the moisturizing formula helps to keep your lips from drying out.

Hourglass Opaque Rouge in Empress


I'm really looking forward to fall and trying out some new colors!  What trends are you most excited for?

xo

Kelly