Leona Lewis "I Got You" Look... kind of.

Hey guys, so yesterday I was watching Leona Lewis' video I Got You and fell in love with her makeup!

Her makeup is flawless. I tried to create the same look, but I made a few mistakes. I know what mistakes I made, and I'm going to show you what I did wrong and what I did right. I will be posting this again sometime in the future, and it will look exactly like Leona's look. This was my first time trying it, and this was my attempt:

Products used:

• Benefit's Erase Paste in 02 Medium
• Too Faced Shadow Insurance
• Sephora Floral Funk Eyeshadow Palette
• MAC Silverstroke Fluidline
• MAC 217 Blending Brush
• MAC 249 Large Shader Brush
• Stila Adventurous in Aspen Palette (no longer available)
• L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner in Carbon Black
• shu uemura eyelash curler
• Dior DiorShow Blackout Mascara in Waterproof
• Laura Mercier Loose-setting Powder

Step 1:
Cover any blemishes and dark circles with a concealer. I'm using Benefit's Erase Paste in medium.

Step 2:
Prime your eyelids with a primer.

Step 3:
Apply a white eyeshadow all over eyelids using a shader brush. This is the very first mistake I made. I used the white in Sephora's Floral Funk palette. The white has a lot of shimmer to it (something that you can't see on the actual palette until you apply it on your eyelids), and you're supposed to use a matte white. Instead of seeing a transition of white, silver, and black like Leona's look, the shimmery white made it look like I only used silver. When I redo this look, I will definitely go for a flat white.

Step 4:

Take your shader brush and press on shimmery silver eyeshadow to your eyelids starting from the middle and blending it outwards. I'm using MAC's Silverstroke Fluidline. If you're using this, I suggest taking your brush and gradually applying it on your eyelids. It doesn't show if you try to grab the color all at once and plop it on the eye.

Step 5:
Using a matte navy (I used the navy in Stila's Adventurous in Aspen palette), start to apply it on your eyelid starting from the middle and blending out and upwards. When you get to the outer crease, go towards the upper outer crease (sorry if my terminology isn't right, haha!) and blend. Repeat and blend. (You should be going in a V motion)



Step 6:

Do the same as step 5 but use a black matte instead. Blending is KEY. To avoid making a mess and create an upward shape, take a small piece of tape and stick it on and off your hand a few times to lose some of its stickiness (you don't want to pull the skin, especially the eye area because it's delicate). Take a blending brush and blend around the eye socket.



Step 7:
Apply liquid eyeliner starting from the middle of the eyelid closest to the lash line and finish it off. When you're finished, apply liquid eyeliner closest to the lower lash line. Make sure when the eyeliner meets together in the inner corner, drag the eyeliner down a bit to create a sharp cat eye look. This is another mistake I made. I didn't drag the eyeliner down and make a sharp line. As you can see from the pictures above, it's soft. Another thing, I went over the eyeliner numerous of times. Make sure you don't apply the liquid liner too thick!
Apply black eyeliner to the waterline and top waterline so no skin will show. (I hope everything I just posted makes sense!)

Step 8:
Take your black eyeshadow and blend it over the eyeliner. You don't want that harsh line showing.

Step 9:
Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler and apply black mascara to the top lashes only.

Step 10:
Take off the tape and blend the outer corners so there are no sharp lines on the outer corners.
Optional: Apply foundation and powder.

Step 11:
Finish the look off with a nude pink!


               If I did not make any sense at all:

Jessica Harlow does a thorough job at explaining plus you can actually see what she's talking about. Although I did not do it exactly how Jessica/Leona did it, it was a good attempt, and I think my version could work for going to the club at night (just need to lessen and clean the eyeliner up a bit).
Commentary is wanted.

Au revoir!

Favorite makeup removers

I don't even know how many makeup removers I've gone through- cloths, cleansers, liquid, etc.
I find that using a separate makeup remover and washing my face with only a salicylic acid face wash (without any makeup remover added inside of the face wash) is much more effective for me. These are my top two makeup removers.

1.

Estee Lauder Take It Away Total Makeup Remover

 What I love about Take It Away is that it has a gel-like feel to it, and you can apply it on to dry skin. I usually apply it all over my face (if I have on any powder/concealer) and under, on top of, and around my eyes (if I'm wearing more than mascara as an eye makeup). Then I pump out two pumps of my facial cleanser and use my Clairsonic brush to wash my face. sidenote: If you haven't bought the Clairsonic brush yet, I would definitely make an investment! I'll do a separate post on how amazing it is some other time. When using Take It Away, the makeup comes right off, and my face feels completely soft and clean. :) I actually got this as a sample through my uncle's girlfriend who used to work for Clinique. The first time I tried it, I fell in love. The formula glides on smoothly,washes away cleanly, and it smells clean and fresh. I have a good amount in the sample she gave me, so when I run out, I will most definitely buy this. It's completely worth it :)

2.

Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

   Honestly, this is the best makeup remover I have ever encountered. I'm currently using Clean & Clear's Soothing Eye Makeup Remover, and I'm disappointed. It takes off makeup pretty well, but it leaves an oily residue behind. Then again, it's from the drugstore/Wal Mart so I shouldn't have had super high expectations. I tried this Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover during the summer at my aunt's house and swooned. Take It Away's makeup remover is more of something you'd use before you go to bed to take out all of the gunk in your face and eyes. This makeup remover however, is great for mistakes. Dip a q-tip and erase any smudges cleanly and without an oily residue. If you want to use it to remove your eyeshadow and eyeliner, it completely disappears.
   I tried it again later on in October when I had a wedding to attend. That afternoon, my mother and I had our makeup done by a makeup artist for Giorgio Armani, and the makeup artist loaded us with pounds of makeup. By the time midnight rolled around, I was completely exhausted from being a bridesmaid to a hectic wedding and endless dancing. My makeup lasted despite the sweat and long hours (I definitely recommend Armani for long-lasting makeup!), but I didn't think the makeup remover could work its magic like it did before. I was wrong. Once the cotton ball touched my eyelids, WOOOSH. It was all gone :D So I'm definitely going to buy it the next time I go to Macy's or JC Penney. Goodness, I think it's worth $15.50 for 3.4 oz. But first, I have to finish my Clean and Clear (halfway through; thank you God!), because I hate wasting products.


What about you? What are your favorites and least favorite makeup removers?
Leave a comment or message me at thebeautyblogger@live.com!
Au revoir

How I applied green eyeliner!

In this picture, my eyes look uneven (they probably are; I just never noticed it!). If you like this look, I'll be showing you how to do it step-by-step.

For this tutorial, I won't be able to show you how to do it exactly with pictures, because I can't find the right lighting :(
So I'm going to roam around the house to find perfect lighting for you guys so you can get a better idea on how to do it.

Materials Used: 

• Benefit Erase Paste 02-Medium 
• Laura Mericer Eye Basics primer
• MAC 252 Large Shader Brush
• Sephora Brand Floral Funk Eyeshadow Palette- Cool
• Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil Pure White 071
• Sephora Brand Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner in no.5 Green Shimmering Jade
• Stila Fabulous in Fiji Travel-sized Palette
• MAC 208 Angled Brush
• Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Pencil Sable Brown 011
• shu uemura eyelash curler 
• Hard Candy 1,000 Lashes Fiberized Lash Weave Primer
• Dior DiorShow Blackout Waterproof Mascara
• Bamboo Wear Bamboo Compact, Mirror & Brush 
• Bamboo Wear Bamboo Silk Face Powder Refill in Translucent
• Tarte Cheek Stain- Tipsy

Step 1:
Apply Benefit Erase Paste under eye to camouflage dark circles and brighten up the eye area. Apply a dot size on your face to any dark spots or pimples and blend.





Step 2:
Prime eyelids with a primer. This step is important because it helps your makeup apply smoothly and it prevents your eye makeup from fading.

Step 3:
The makeup brush that I used was a brand called Solasi. I've googled it up and found no results. My grandmother's friend shipped it to her from China, so I'm not sure what store you can get it from. I've had it for about a year and had no problems with it so far. I find that my makeup applies well, so it's a keeper. I gave you a link to MAC's 252 large shader brush, because the shape is very similar to the one I used.
Take a white eyeshadow (I used the one in Sephora's Floral Funk palette) and cover your entire eyelid with it. Go over it a few times if it's too light.

  Step 4:
Take a white eyeliner and apply it on your waterline and on the top eyelids closest to the eyelashes.



Step 5:
Take your bright green eyeliner, and apply it on the waterline and under the bottom lash line. Go over it a few times.

 

Step 6:
If you feel that your green isn't bright enough, apply green eyeshadow with an angled brushed over the eyeliner a few short strokes. I used Solasi's angled brush, but it's very similar in shape as MAC's 208 angled brush.


Step 7:
Apply brown eyeliner on the upper lash line. If it's not dark enough for you, apply black eyeshadow on your angled brush and lightly go over the eyeliner. When finished, take your shader brush and lightly dust white eyeshadow on again.

Step 8:
Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler. I used Shu Uemura's eyelash curler, because I find it to be the best. A trick to help keep your lashes lifted and alive all day is to take a blow-drier and blow heat on the eyelash curler for a few seconds. (I would say 5 is good enough) Test it on your face to see if it's the right temperature. Be careful to not burn your eyes! Apply your favorite black mascara. My personal favorite is Maybelline's Falsies, but I'm using DiorShow Blackout for this look.
Optional: Apply an eyelash primer before your mascara!








Step 9:
Dust on a powder that'll keep you oil-free throughout the day but doesn't cake up. I really like Physician Formula's Powder Refill. It keeps me covered, eco-friendly, and I can easily recycle the empty tin when I'm done and refill it!



Step 10:
Take your ring finger, rub it on a cheek stain, smile, and dot it all over on the ample of your cheeks. If you don't own a cheek stain, take an angled contour blush (something like MAC's 168 Large Angled Contour Blush), swirl the brush on your blush, smile, and apply the blush starting from the ample of the cheeks and blending upwards. You can also use a kabuki brush. Swirl the brush on your cheeks upwards and blend.


Step 11:
Complete the look by applying your favorite chapstick along with a light peach lip gloss. You're set! :)


I hope I explained it well enough for everybody to understand! This look is perfect especially since spring time is SO close. It's a fun, fresh look, and I hope you enjoyed it! I promise, I'm going to find the right lighting to show you guys exactly how to apply it on. 

If I didn't explain it well enough and you need a video, here's a tutorial:

Au revoir!

More makeup palettes I want...

I don't know what's up with my obsessions with palettes lately. I usually have a period in time when I'm obsessed with a type of makeup. I've gone through my phases of eyeliner, blush, mascara, and I think it's time eyeshadows stepped in. Haha with that said, I've been curious about Kat Von D's badass makeup palettes as well.
The one that drew me in the most was (go figure) True Romance Eyeshadow Palette- Truth.

The colors are light and feminine, and I am in love with it. But I've always wanted to try something different and do a smokey eye look. I was watching a video of Kat putting on her eye makeup using her palettes. I think True Romance Eyeshadow Palette- Metal Orchestra is so sexy and sultry.

                                            
Most likely, I'll wind up getting Metal Orchestra, because it'll be something different in my makeup bag.
Honestly, I have so much makeup that I don't even use everyday, but I'm always wanting more to experiment with. The thing is, I don't have that much money.
I think what I'm going to do from now on is ask for gift cards to Sephora/Ulta for my birthday. That way, I can spend all I want and go crazy.

Too Faced palette and primer reviews?

So the other palette that I was debating on from my last post was this Too Faced Romantic Eye Classic Beauty Collection.

The reason why I didn't buy this one yesterday was because the other Sephora palette was cheaper. I decided that I would get this the next time I went to Sephora but only if I get great reviews. The colors in this palette are too beautiful. Very natural, laid-back, and (as the name suggests) romantic. What really sold me though were the cards to create different looks that was inside of a little slot. It showed you step by step which colors to use and where to put it at on your eye. I put it down though, but I want to hear your reviews on it.

Currently, I have the Laura Mericer Eye Basics primer in buff.

However, I feel like it doesn't stay on my oily lids, plus it's getting old. I didn't realize I needed a new primer until I was at the cash register. I looked online that night and couldn't decide between Too Faced Shadow Insurance or Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion- Eden.

If you own or used these products before, what's your opinion on it? Did it stay and remain crease-free?
I will try both products eventually, but for right now, I would like to hear your commentary on it.

Last but not least, I need a new translucent powder. Currently, I am using Laura Mercier's Loose Setting Powder. It's a great canvas for my face and applies my blush on smoothly and beautifully, but it also has talc in it. If you're unaware of the dangers of talc, read this article.
When it comes to my eyes and lips, I don't really care if the product is organic or not. However, when it comes to the face, I use nothing but all natural makeup. My blush and powder are from Physicians Formula. 
Recently though, my mother had gave me the Laura Mercier powder, and I used it without questioning its ingredients because of the quality and price. To me, it was the only exception to my "natural only face makeup" policy. Once I found out it had talc in it (which was two days ago actually), I stopped using it. So I want to ask you; If you're using an organic translucent powder, what is the

• price range
• brand
• store/website you purchased it from
• how effective it is/your reviews.

Links will be great! Leave me a comment or email me at thebeautyblogger@live.com. Thank you!
Au revoir. :)

Super Mini Shopping Haul! (Very Mini..)

Hey beauty readers :)
So yesterday, I went to the mall and bought a few items. I was going to do a post yesterday, but I was so caught up with homework and study guides that I decided to post today. I didn't get a lot at the mall at all. But, I haven't gone shopping in about three months, and I had to buy a few things to hold me over until spring break (shopping spree!!!).

The very first store I went to was Forever 21.

As you can see here, I was super happy that I purchased a few items :). But really, I just wanted to show off my new earrings. I've tried finding a link for you guys, but I don't think it's available online. It's a sea green color with shimmers of gold. I absolutely love it and think it's too cute.
I couldn't find the right lighting to take a picture, but I also bought these sunglasses in taupe/brown. I needed new sunglasses, and these were only $5.80.

I had gone to American Eagle and seen these super adorable wedges that fit perfectly. However, I balked at the price tag (50??) and decided not to get it. Once I laid eyes on these wedges, it was an absolute must that I had to get it. I wore them today to school and received many of compliments :). They're lightweight and casual, but I recommend bringing a box of band-aids when you're wearing them! The back of the shoes have caused two blisters on the back of both feet, but everywhere else was completely fine and comfortable. Of course with every shoe though, you have to suffer in pain as it begins to break in. For $26, I think it was absolutely worth it.

The last thing I bought from Forever 21 was this beautiful necklace. I took a quick stop at the mall on Valentine's Day to find some earrings when I saw this. I was DYING to get it, but the line extended all the way to the back of the store. I figured this necklace was still going to be there in a matter of weeks, so I dropped it. Imagine my delight when I came back yesterday and saw it sitting high on the shelf :)

After leaving Forever 21, I decided to make a quick stop at Sephora just to browse around. I wasn't planning on buying anything at all until I saw this palette,

The colors are absolutely gorgeous, but what really sold me was the cover of the palette. Click on the link, and you'll see how adorable it is! I am in love with anything floral, and I just thought this case was darling. I was debating though between this palette and a palette from Too Faced, but that's for another post. (I'm going to need y'alls reviews and comments!)
I've been looking for a really bright, beautiful green eyeliner, and I purchased this retractable waterproof eyeliner in no.5 green shimmering jade from the Sephora brand. I'm trying it out tomorrow, so I'll let you guys know how both eye makeups work out for me!

That's all that I bought yesterday (besides a couple of things from Barnes and Noble), and I'm just really excited. Let me know what you guys think! Also, if you bought the eyeliner or eyeshadow palette, leave a comment or email me at thebeautyblogger@live.com for any reviews.
Au revoir!

Spring/Summer 2011 Updos

Browsing around different websites, blogs, and fashion shows, I've noticed that hair will be very natural and effortless this spring. Each look takes about 2 minutes at the most, and it really gives us a break from scorching our hair with heating tools.

1. Buns
Messy, neat, curly, straight, low, high, braids, no braids, it's your decision how you want your bun to look. Don't be afraid to get creative and find the perfect look for you.

2. Volume
and nothing but.

to get volumized hair, just check out YouTube videos. I've listed a few for you:

If your hair is thin, hard to volumize, or if you don't want to tease it:

3. Braids

I thought this tutorial was so simple, creative, and cute! It's definitely something you can wear.

4. Wavy, messy hair


Embrace your natural waves! I hate seeing girls with gorgeous waves, but they always fry it with a straightener! Wavy hair is beautiful and not everybody has the same waves. Give your hair a break, and just let it flow.
5. Deep side parts

6. Big clips

I like how this look also incorporates a sleek, low bun.

Top 5 Spring Trends 2011

Lately, schools all across the United States have been taking breaks ranging from one day to a week from school due to this frosty, chilling weather. But on Groundhog Day, the groundhog didn't see his shadow, so we're having an early spring! Some people are a bit skeptical about the groundhog but, here are 5 Spring Trends that are an absolute must.

1. Patterns, patterns, patterns! 
 Of course, the usual patterns for spring time are floral and stripes. Add in a few polka dots to really pop out.

 Urban Outfitter's Cooperative Printed Bow-Tieback Dress

Buckle Daytrip Striped Linen Shorts

Spring is the weather to wear fun, bold colors and patterns! This past winter, we went rough with combat boots and black, so I can't wait to see more girls on the streets transitioning from something dark to something beautiful and colorful designs.

H&M Polka Dotted Dress

H&M Floral Bracelet

Pac Sun's Kirra Open Back Bustier Tank

2. Boatwear
Ranging from boat shoes, to nautical totes, and wedges are sure to impress! Think simple, and add stripes.

AE Woven Wedges 

 
Aeropostale Breton Stripe Cropped Sweater

Madewell Denim Midi Shorts in Tide Pool Wash

Sperry Top-Sider Women's Lakeshore

 3. White jeansFresh and clean; plus you won't roast in them!


 River Island White Lightwash Straight Leg Jeans

4. Neutral colored vests

Urban Outfitters Fletcher by Lyell Chambray Vest

5. Mixed patterns
Be careful though! One of the rules that most people are afraid of breaking are mixing patterns together. This can go two ways, chic and stylish or messy and disastrous!

Forever 21 Floral Knit Bodysuit

Forever 21 Pink Striped Shirt and Floral Shorts

When it comes to mixing patterns, don't be afraid to get creative with it!

I know many of us don't have the money to buy a lot of clothes, especially with this economy. Really anything that's bright and have a spring/summer feel to it are perfect. Or if you're not into loud and colorful clothing, wear neutrals and add a pop of color to your outfit. Scarves, handbags, shoes, or a busy necklace will be perfect. :)

Au revoir!