Matte Lips & Gold Glitter; Holiday Glam

Merry Christmas Eve!! ❤️ I have been obsessed with the matte lipsticks from Maybelline ever since they came out a few months ago. While the collection is full of fabulous shades, Divine Wine is my favorite, especially this time of year. The best part about these lippies (besides the price point) is how creamy they are. Unlike other matte lipsticks that tend to leave my lips looking crapey, with Maybelline's soft matte lipsticks I never felt like I needed to apply an emergency dose of lip balm throughout the day! Personally, I am not a huge fan of red lips, which is why I chose to go with this richer cranberry shade vs a classic red. 

I wanted this look to be glam and sexy, with subtle pops of glitter to add that festive feel. Gold is a favorite of mine not only for the warmth it brings to skin when wearing bolder lips, but how it perfectly compliments red tones as well. Like I said before, a darker lip is more me; but feel free to rock any shade of red to make this festive look completely yours! 
-- I included some of my favorite reds below. --

*products used:

eyes;

TOO FACED: Shadow Insurance

URBAN DECAY: Strange(brow bone)

MAC: Soft Brown (transition shade)

MAC: Brown Script (crease color)

URBAN DECAY: Trick(wet with eyedrops - center of lid)

URBAN DECAY: Honey(inner lid)

FOREVER 21: 16 Shade Shimmery Shadow Palette- Gold (inner lid)

LORAC: Bronze(outer lid)

MAC: Corduroy(outer crease)

LAURA MERCIER: Gold Thread Liquid Liner(lower lash line -smoked out with Soft Brown & Brown Script)

NYX: Glitter Mania- Gold(lower lash line)

NYX: Rituel + F21 Gold Shade(inner corner highlight)

NYX: Eyebrow Cake Powder- Dark Brown

NYC: Liquid Liner

SMASHBOX: Full Exposure Mascara

EVERLASH: #48

face;

SMASHBOX: Photofinish Primer

REVLON: Colorstay

L.A. GIRL: Pro Concealer- Classic Ivory

MAC: Prolongwear Concealer

BEN NYE: Cameo

BENEFIT: Hoola

ANASTASIA BH: Fawn(contour)

NYX: Rituel(highlight)

BH COSMETICS: 10 Color Blush Palette- Light Cranberry Shade

lips;

MAC: Nightmoth

MAYBELLINE: Soft Matte- Divine Wine

favorite (matte) red lip alternatives:

LIMECRIME: Wicked

LIME CRIME: Red Velvet

NARS: Red Square

DOSE OF COLOR: Kiss of Fire

STILA: Liquid Lipstick- Tesoro

NYX: Soft Matte Lip Cream- Amsterdam

D A Y 2 N I G H T; Smokey Eye Glam

Happy Saturday!! I feel like I am always talking about how easy it is to take your makeup from day to night, but never show the different looks. 

To me, a smokey eye is the perfect glam for any occasion, being one of the main reasons I chose it for this post. Another reason I love this type of smokey eye is because of the technique behind it. By concentrating the darker colors around the lash lines, you are not only creating a look that flatters every eye shape, but keeping the focus on the eyes, making them really stand out! Finally, I believe a smokey eye is one of the easiest looks to transition from day to night. Because a good smokey eye consists of layers, starting out with something soft and gradually adding darker shades makes for a perfect, fool-proof nighttime glam!

Think of the daytime look as your transition shade. You want this look to be soft and work appropriate, while eliminating time spent glamming later. For me, this was a subtle contour and highlight, lighter brows, and prepping the eyes with colors I would later incorporate into my nighttime smokey eye. You don't necessarily want one feature to overshadow the other, but rather keep the overall look healthy and glowing. 

To transition eyes from day to night, I gradually added variations of darker colors until I reached my desired smokey-ness.

I started by adding a dark taupe shade on my lid and slightly blending it into the crease. By doing this, you not only create a nice base for the darker color, but it also helps to create a nice gradient effect.

 Next, I applied a black liner and smudged it out with a matte black shadow, ultimately blending it into the taupe color we started with. 

Lastly for the lids, I took a rich brown shade to warm up my crease, blend everything out, and finished with a satin brow bone highlight. 

Using the same black eyeliner, I lined my waterline and lash line to define my eyes even more. I then took the same rich brown and taupe shades used on the crease, to soften and smoke everything out. 

To complete my nighttime glam, I deepened my contour, applied some falsies to really amp up my eyes, and added an extra glow to the high points of my face. 

Personally, smokey eyes are one of my favorite looks to wear, and I enjoy the darker, more dramatic look. That's the great thing about smokey eyes though, it's all in the technique; you can truly rock an amazing smokey eye in any color or intensity with a little blending, and a lot of your own personality!

*products used:

D A Y T I M E  G L A M

eyes;

TOO FACED: Shadow Insurance

URBAN DECAY: Strange(brow bone)

URBAN DECAY: Naked 2(upper crease/transition shade)

MAC: Soft Brown(crease)

LORAC: Smokin'(lid color)

MAYBELLINE: Great Lash

SMASHBOX: Full Exposure Mascara

NYX: Eyebrow Cake Powder- Dark Brown

face;

SMASHBOX: Hydrating Primer

REVLON: Colorstay Foundation

L.A. GIRL: HD Pro Concealer- Creamy Ivory

BEN NYE: Cameo(to set concealer)

BENEFIT: Hoola(warm up skin)

ANASTASIA BH: Fawn(contour)

NYX: Liquid Illuminator- Sunbeam(cream highlighter)

lips;

NYX: Pale Pink

MAC: Cream Cup

N I G H T T I M E  G L A M

eyes;

TOO FACED: Shadow Insurance

URBAN DECAY: Venus(brow bone & inner corner highlight)

URBAN DECAY: Naked 2

MAC: Soft Brown

LORAC: Smokin'

CHANEL: Jersey Ambre- Taupe(lid transition color)

URBAN DECAY: Zero(to smoke out liner/lid color)

NYC: Velvet Eyeliner- Black

ARDELL: Individuals- Medium Flare

NYX: Eyebrow Cake Powder- Dark Brown

face;

SMASHBOX: Hydrating Primer

REVLON: Colorstay Foundation

L.A. GIRL: HD Pro Concealer- Creamy Ivory

MAC: Prep & Prime- Light Boost(to highlight under eye area)

BEN NYE: Cameo

BENEFIT: Hoola

LORAC: Tantilizer(cheek color)

ANASTASIA BH: Fawn(to deepen contour)

ANASATSIA BH: Sand(highlight)

NYX: Rituel(highlight)

lips;

JORDANA: Rock N' Rose

MAC: Myth

MILANI: Bare Secret

Thanksgiving Glam

I cannot believe the holidays are already here! This year has definitely been full of ups and downs, but I'm thankful for them all. Without my wonderful family, friends, and the wealth of love and support, I wouldn't be where I am today, and for that I'm forever grateful.

For Thanksgiving, I wanted to create a look incorporating the warm toned, comforting colors we associate this time of year with. I knew my family would start Thanksgiving fairly early, and continue the festivities throughout the evening, so I wanted something appropriate for both day and night.

 The technique used to create this look is fairly simple; keeping the emphasis on the lid and gradually fading colors into the crease. You can really play up your eyes by mixing different textures and tones. For instance, all mattes for a softer smokey feel, or combining both mattes and shimmer shadows as I did. This has definitely become my go-to look when I want something glam but versatile!

*products used:

eyes;

LORAC: Behind the Scenes Eyeshadow Primer

BH COSMETICS: 10 Color Concealer Palette(carve out brows)

BH COSMETICS: Day to Night Palette- Beige Shade(transition shade)

MAC: Soft Brown(upper crease)

TOO FACED: Woolen Mittens(inner/outer crease)

MORPHE BRUSHES: ES22(lid)

LORAC: Bronze(lid)

NARS: Himalayas(inner corner highlight)

*used Woolen Mittens,Soft Brown, and the BH Cosmetics shadows to smoke out lower lash line

NYC: Liquid Liner

NYC: Velvet Eyeliner Pencil

SMASHBOX: Full Exposure Mascara

ARDELL: Individuals- Medium Flare

face;

SMASHBOX: Hydrating Primer

REVLON: Colorstay Foundation

L.A. GIRL: Pro Concealer

MAC: Prolongwear Concealer

MAC: Taupe

ANASTASIA BH: Fawn

LORAC: Tantilizer

BH COSMETICS: 10 Color Blush Palette- Brown Shades

ANASTASIA BH: Sand

SEPHORA: Light Beam

lips;

SMASHBOX: Nude Lip Liner- Medium

NYX: Soft Matte Lip Cream- Cairo

 

Smokey L I N E R Look

With the holidays fast approaching, so are the many invitations to many different types of events. Whether it be a classy party with your boo, chill family function, or a fun night out with your girlfriends, I wanted to create a look that would be versatile enough to rock at any of these. This look easily transitions from day to night, and can be paired with any lip color. Because this is a soft smokey look, using both warm and cool tones, you can wear a classic nude (like myself), or rock your favorite fall lippie!

Check out how you to can achieve this quick and easy smokey liner look with the pictorial below:

Start off by setting eyeshadow primer with Urban Decay's W.O.S

Using NARS' Surabaya, and a Real Techniques angled brush, map out the shape of the wing. This will act as a transition shade when we start to smoke out the liner/shadow.

Take Urban Decay's Faint, and the same angled brush to deepen the color, slightly blending upward creating a gradient effect.

With your favorite liner, I used NYC's liquid liner, draw a wing following the pattern of the eyeshadow.

With Urban Decay's Crave and alternating sides of Stila's #28 brush, blur edges of the liner, also blending product upward.

Lastly, use Stila's Linen and Lorac's Smokin', with a small blending brush to soften the entire look until desired smokey-ness is achieved; slightly blend color into the outer crease to add subtle depth and definition to the eye. 

I also used Lorac's Smokin and Stila's Linen with a Morphe pointed blender brush (M4111), to lightly smoke out the lower lash line, balancing the entire look. 

This look genuinely flatters any eye shape. You can tailor it your liking, whether it's in intensity of the colors, or the length and width of liner. Play around with it, you never know what you may come to love! 

*additional products used:

eyes;

LORAC: Behind the Scenes, Eyeshadow Primer

URBAN DECAY: Venus (to highlight inner corner)

MAYBELLINE: Great Lash

ARDELL: Individual Lashes- Medium

SMASHBOX: Limitless Waterproof Brow- Dark Brown

face;

SMASHBOX: Hydrating Primer

REVLON: Colorstay 

L.A. GIRL: HD Pro Concealer (to color correct under-eyes)

MAC: Prolongwear Concealer

NYX: HD Concealer- 01 (on high points of the face)

MUFE: HD Translucent Powder

BEN NYE: Cameo

BENEFIT: Hoola

ANASTASIA BH: Fawn

BENEFIT: Dandelion

ANASTASIA BH: Sand

lips;

NYX: Mauve

MAC: Fleshpot

NARS: Turkish Delight

My Skincare Secrets

Skincare is super important not only for the well being of our skin, but to achieve that desired flawless face look. I know it may be hard to decipher where to start when creating a skin care regimen that works best for you, which is why I finally decided to reveal my holy grail products -that cater to any skin type, along with my makeup less, bare face! 

Bad skin is something I struggled with as a teenager, from horrible acne and blackheads, to uncomfortable dry patches throughout my t-zone. Unfortunately I still have dry skin- especially throughout the winter months, but after many trials with many different skincare lines, both high-end and drugstore, I finally found brands that I not only love, but can actually see how they have transformed my skin!

Ole Henriksen's 3 Little Wonders:

This is my holy grail, cannot live without set! These three products work in conduction to brighten, hydrate, and revitalize the skin.

Truth Serum; This anti-aging serum is like liquid gold for your face. Containing a 5-C complex (5 different forms of vitamin c) to help lighten, tighten, protect, and nourish the skin. I could go on and on about the benefits of using vitamin c on your face/body, but just remember it is the BLT of skincare (brighten, lighten, and tighten). While the label recommends using this product in the AM only, I alternate it with the other serum in the trio, because why not reap all the benefits while sleeping as well?!

Sheer Transformation; A multi-purpose lightweight moisturizer that not only soothes skin, but smells good as well. There is no fragrance added in any of Ole's products; the scents that invigorates your scenes are solely from the natural ingredients and fruit extracts used in each of his products. Containing licorice and vitamin c to fade dark spots, even skin tone, and brighten; while sugar cane and AHA's gently exfoliate the skin, helping to refine texture and cell turnover. Vitamin E and a blend of chamomile, sandalwood, and other natural humectants help to soothe, balance, purify, and moisturize the skin. Basically, this lightweight moisturizer gives you an instant glow and wears wonderfully alone or under makeup. Can be used morning or night.

Invigorating Night Gel; A nighttime treatment that uses alpha hydroxy acids to resurface skin and increase cell turnover. Helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, while evening out skin's tone and texture. Personally, I use this product about 2-3 nights a week, for my skin is so dry. I find that it not only helps to treat any breakouts I have, but also diminishes any signs of previous ones. Also great for oily skin, for it helps in oil control by balancing out skin's ph levels.

African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser; This creamy foaming cleanser melts away dirt and makeup without stripping the skin. Because this cleanser contains borage seed oil, you can completely cleanse skin without feeling tight or dry immediately after. Also containing vitamin c, african red tea, and other energizing fruit extracts to help purify, soothe, and clean skin.

While these three products truly work wonders, I sometimes incorporate another moisturizer to help hydrate my skin.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream; This product is literally a life saver! Having such dry skin, finding a moisturizer that actually provides my skin with enough hydration can be a challenge. Cetaphil's moisturizing cream contains a blend of extra-strength emollients and humectants, helping to provide skin with instant hydration and nourishment. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that literally binds moisture to the skin. By attracting and retaining water, this results in the prevention of moisture loss throughout the day, helping to keep skin hydrated for longer periods of time. While this is a richer product, it still absorbs quickly into the skin without any greasy residue, and wears wonderfully under makeup. I typically apply this cream at night, when I feel my skin needs the most hydration. 
*while oily skinned babes may be hesitant using something this emollient just remember, without hydration oily skin becomes dehydrated, resulting in the production of more oil. 

Now let's talk eye creams. I learned at a fairly young age eye cream is one of those products you're never too young to start using. Skin around the eye area is thin, meaning it is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Keeping this area hydrated will help to prevent premature signs of aging, while maintaing a youthful tone and texture. 

High-end Eye Cream: DermaDoctor; Wrinkle Revenge Rescue & Protect Eye Balm:

This is by far my all-time favorite, vouch for 100% eye product- the only downfall is the price. While I only show a sample size, a full 1.7oz jar retails at $57. I know it is definitely on the pricier side of the eye cream spectrum, but not only is the size larger than most eye creams, the formulation is amazing, and you will honestly see results in 3-4 weeks. This eye balm is enriched with peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants to help smooth and hydrate the eye area. These ingredients also firm the skin, while improving fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. 

Drugstore Eye Cream: Yes to Blueberries; Firming Eye Treatment:

I understand if the idea of shelling out $57 for an eye cream sounds crazy to you, so I have another favorite that can be found at your local drugstore. This eye cream contains a blend of paracress flower, blueberries (a natural antioxidant), and beeswax to nourish and protect the skin. Also aiding in puffiness, skin elasticity, and providing ample hydration. Retailing from $8 - $14 (depending on where you purchase) this product is one you and your wallet will both love!

Am I saying that in order to take care of your skin you have to spend big bucks, no. You may find that drugstore products that work for your skin. The only way to truly discover what works best for you is to explore brands who focus on your wants/needs. When your skin looks good, you feel good; and there is nothing better than being able to walk out of the house bare faced exuding the same amount of confidence as you would in full glam.

Ole Henriksen 3 little wonders sets;

Bonus Collection - Holiday Set (includes facial cleanser)here

Original Trio Gift Set here

Mini Collection - Trial Size here

Tuesdays Tips; Primer Erasing Beauty Hack

First off, I just want to thank everyone for all the love and support throughout the past month, especially towards my Halloween looks! Over the last few months, I realized when you truly put yourself out there, you become available for so many blessings. Although I ultimately do this "makeup thing" for myself, there is no better joy than having the ability to make someone else feel beautiful, and having the support of my loved ones, occasional onlookers, and even some of the ones who've doubted me. Self motivation is something I feel every artist struggles with from time to time, but hearing all the positive words, reading the messages, and feeling the enjoyment and excitement on what's to come from djkittybeauty encourages me everyday to continue this journey!              

❤️❤️❤️

After a month hiatus, Tuesday's Tips is finally back, and I'm kicking it off with one of my most favorite beauty tricks! We all use primer to do just that- prime, whether it be on our eyes or face to ensure longevity of our makeup. I however, have been using primer for an additional reason, removing eyeshadow fallout! Let's be real, eyeshadow fallout can be inevitable, no matter how "high quality" your primer or shadows are. Shimmer, or more finely milled shadows are typically softer in texture, resulting in some fallout when applied. Applying a primer to the area covered in fallout, helps to remove the shadow without smudging any previously applied makeup!

This beauty hack is perfect for my girls who prefer to apply their face makeup first, or the ones taking their glam from day to night. It has also been a life saver on my clients. This beauty trick allows us to make changes to our overall look without messing up any previous work!

I prefer to use a silicone based primer, for they have more of a slip to them, making it easier for fallout to glide off the skin. I also like to use disposable sponges to roll product off the skin. These are inexpensive and by bouncing the sponge against the skin fallout clings to the sponge, unlike a tissue which could easily smudge or remove too much makeup. 

*products mentioned:

LORAC: Bronze

SASS X CHIC: Cosmetic Wedges

SMASHBOX: Photo Finish Primer

*alternative primers; 

Benefit: Porefessional 

Tarte: Clean Slate Primer

 NYX: Angel Veil

Galaxy Alien; Halloween Glam

Happy Halloween!!~ I came across this picture on Melt Cosmetic's Instagram page and instantly felt inspired. I have been hoarding this picture around in my camera roll, knowing that I wanted to recreate it, and figured Halloween would be the perfect occasion to give it a go! You have probably noticed by now how much my obsession with glitter grows during the Halloween season, so of course I fell in love with the idea of covering half my face in it! 

Although I did refer to this picture throughout the beginning of creating the look, I ultimately let my imagination and creativity take over. About halfway through, I realized how galactic I was becoming and decided to really play up that idea to transform into this glam galaxy alien!

I'll say it again, sometimes painting your décolletage makes for the best costume. I wanted to appear as if I was a haunting- but alluring creature of the galaxy. By incorporating the colors from my forehead I was able to create the galaxy print on my neck area. To achieve this cosmic look, I used a combination of disposable sponges and blending brushes to apply colors and face paint.

  

Despite using hairspray for the areas where I wanted the glitter to be more concentrated, it adhered nicely on it's own, to not only my décolletage but to my face as well. 

*products used:

eyes;

TOO FACED: Shadow Insurance

URBAN DECAY: Crave

BH COSMETICS: Day & Night Palette- Light Taupe (inner corner)

MORPHE BRUSHES: ES51 (crease & lower lash line)

LAURA MERCIER: Gold Thread Liquid Liner

URBAN DECAY: Honey(to emphasize gold liner)

NYC: Black Pencil Liner

URBAN DECAY: Fishnet (smoke out eyes/transition shade for forehead)

MAYBELLINE: Great Lash

KARDASHIAN BEAUTY: Scintillate Lashes

face;

SMASHBOX: Hydrating Primer

REVLON: Colorstay Foundation

L.A. GIRL: HD Pro Concealer

MAC: Taupe (to contour)

MORPHE BRUSHES: ES51 (to deepen contour)

URBAN DECAY: Fishnet (highlight)

MORPHE BRUSHES: 28F Palette- Iridescent Pigment (highlight all highpoint of face)

FANTASY MAKERS: Confetti Glitter (highlight cheekbones)

forehead;

RUBIES: Black Cream Makeup (found at Target)

URBAN DECAY: Crave (to set black face paint)

URBAN DECAY: Fishnet (add dimension)

MORPHE BRUSHES: 28F Palette- Light & Dark Gray Shades(add dimension)

BH COSMETICS: Day & Night Palette- Light Taupe Shade(add dimension)

MAC: Idol Eyes (add dimension)

FANTASY MAKERS: Confetti Glitter

NYX: Glitter- Gold

lips;

MAC: Lipliner- Stone (to line & fill in)

NYX: Macaron Lippie- Black Sesame(to give a gradient effect)

URBAN DECAY: Fishnet (to give a gradient effect)

neck;

RUBIES: Black Cream Makeup

URBAN DECAY: Crave

URBAN DECAY: Fishnet

URBAN DECAY: Honey

MORPHE BRUSHES: 28F Palette- Dark Gray Shade

MORPHE BRUSHES: ES29

MAC: Idol Eyes

FANTASY MAKERS: Confetti Glitter

NYX: Glitter- Gold