L A S T M I N U T E Gift Guide for the Glam Girl

If you're anything like me, you wait until the very last minute to start your Christmas shopping. Now being only a week away, I wanted to give you all some last minute gift ideas any glam girl would be ecstatic to find under the tree!

*links included

Value Sets:

Value sets are one of my favorite gifts to give! They include a variety of products which gives that special someone an opportunity to try different brands. Value sets are also a great way to shop for multiple people, dividing up items make great additions to other gifts or stocking stuffers.

* Colour Pop Cosmetics- Ultra Matte Lippies to-go:

5 super cute mini editions of their popular matte lipstick for $20.

* Sephora- Liquid Luxuries Perfume Sampler:

This has been a favorite of mine for years! Containing 15 samples of the most sought after perfumes to try, and a voucher to redeem in-store for a full size bottle of your favorite featured fragrance!

* Too Faced- Christmas in Paris Holiday Sets & Tarte- Holidaze Collection:

Both of these amazing brands come out with the cutest holiday collections! Not only does the packaging sell both collections, but the variety of bundles makes finding the perfect gift effortless.

*Anastasia Beverly Hills- Lustrous Lipgloss Set:

8 FULL-SIZE of their best-selling lip glosses.

Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Palette:

Any glam girl or makeup lover knows how amazing Urban Decay's eyeshadows are, so the fact that they teamed up with a style icon like Stefani makes this palette even more appealing! While there's no doubt the colors in this palette will fill a void in your eyeshadow collection, the trendy packaging is too cool not to display on your makeup station or vanity! 

Morphe Brushes:

I've been rockin' with Morphe for quite some time now, and definitely recommend them to anyone in the market for new makeup brushes. At a price point that's basically drugstore, with a quality that compares to cult-favorite designs, purchasing these brushes is basically a no-brainer! You can search by type, line, or pre-put together sets. I am also obsessed with their eye shadows. Like the brushes, you can purchase shadows in palettes, or singles for only $2! See what I mean, drugstore price with a designer look and feel!

I wanted to include some of my favorite accessories sites as well, because while we love makeup, us girls go crazy for accessories just as much!

ZeroUV:

If you're an avid instagram user, then you've probably seen this brand featured on mine and others pages. ZeroUV is an online retailer that sells the cutest styles and designer inspired sunnies! Nothing is over $10.95, and US domestic shipping is always free no matter if you buy one pair or ten pairs! If you're notorious for misplacing your sunnies, like myself, or just want to try a new style, this is the perfect way without spending hundreds of dollars on a designer pair.

Asos:
My favorite online retailer for pretty much anything! From the cutest accessories, hottest styles in fashion, and quirky gifts, you can truly find something for everyone on your wish list!

Phone Cases:

Because your phone is your best accessory, and what better way to showcase someone's personality than with a fun, trendy case?!

* Skinny Dip London:

* Milky Way Cases
* ban.do




Before I leave you to your shopping, I just wanted to mention the best online shopping trick- EBATES!
Ebates is an online shopping portal where you literally get paid to shop! Just shop through ebates, by searching for the online retailer, then earn a percentage of what you spend. Four times a year ebates will send you a "big fat check" of all your earnings! It's super simple and you get a $10 gift card of your choice just for signing up!

Sign up here!




Happy Shopping!

Holiday Glam; Gilded Lids

My sister, Rachel, had a company holiday party to attend this past weekend so of course she asked me to glam her! 

We wanted to do something "quick", but still festive. Something dramatic, but soft. And most importantly, something that Rachel still felt like herself rockin'. 

That said, we opted for a soft cut crease featuring a true gold lid to stay within the holiday spirit and compliment Rachel's outfit choice- a LBD. 

The trick to getting the perfect cut crease is blending and precision. For Rachel's eyes, I chose to only "cut" the outer crease of her eye. This flatters her specific eye shape by keeping it elongated; where as cutting the entire crease could make Rachel's eyes appear smaller and sunken in. 

Start by laying down the ground work- a lighter transition color in a similar shade that your darkest crease color will be.
 Then gradually add shadow, blending upwards until intensity is desired. 

I also find that sketching out where you ultimately want your crease to begin with a small angle brush helps differentiate where your lid space begins and ends.
Another trick I love is sharpening the lines with your lid color. Using a small flat, synthetic brush is the easiest way to pack and lay down color exactly where you want it. Most synthetic brushes have a pointed tip, which also makes sharpening your crease effortless!

I finished off Rachel's eyes with a crisp wing liner, and soft smokiness on the lower lash line to balance the overall look.

Like I said before, we wanted this holiday glam to be a softer version of the cut crease. However, you can totally slay this look, and really define the crease by adding black eyeshadow to the outer area!

*products used:

eyes;

ELF: Eyeshadow Primer

TOO FACED: Chocolate Bar Palette- Champagne Truffle (brow bone)

MAC: Soft Brown (transition shade)

ANASTASIA BH: Morocco (transition/crease)

TOO FACED: Woolen Mittens (cut crease color)

ANASTASIA BH: Fudge (deepen cut crease)

TOO FACED: Tinsel (lid color/ inner corner)

THE BALM COSMETICS: Mary-Lou Manizer (inner corner highlight)

NYC: Liquid Liner

COVERGIRL: Lash Blast Mascara

NYX: Micro Brow Pencil

*lower lash line:

NYC: Black Kohl Liner (water line)

ANASTASIA BH: Fudge (blend out liner)

ANASTASIA BH: Morocco (blend out darker colors)

face;

MARIO BADESCU: Rose Water Facial Spray (prime and hydrate)

REVLON: Color Stay Foundation

NYX: Dark Circle Corrector

MAC: Prolongwear Concealer (conceal/highlight)

RCMA: Translucent Powder (bake under eyes)

SMASHBOX: Contour Stick Trio- Bronze (to contour)

ANASTASIA BH: Fawn (set/deepen contour)

MAC: Studio Fix Powder (set rest of face)

BENEFIT: Watts Up

THE BALM COSMETICS: Mary-Lou Manizer

lips;

NYX: Lip Liner- Beige

NYX: Soft Matte Lip Cream- Cannes

MAC: Blankety

November Top 5 Beauty Favs

Let's just take a moment to accept that the holiday season is officially here...

Enjoy my five favorites from last month, before you start to make your Christmas wish list!

*p.s. excuse my over grown nails throughout this post- I have an appointment this weekend

Urban Decay, Naked Basics Palette:

Let's start with an oldie but a goodie. Containing five matte and one demi-matte (Venus) shade, this palette is perfect for creating anything from an everyday neutral eye to an easy smokey eye. Naked 2 was basically the only transition shade I used all month, for it compliments both warm and cool toned eye shadows. Plus the sleek compact design travels easily for the glam girl on the go!

Trader Joe's, Vitamin E Oil:

With winter being officially here, this vitamin e oil has been a life saver for my dry skin! Vitamin E is not only good for hydration, but it helps prevent fine lines and stretch marks, and acts as a healing antioxidant. While it does also contain soy and coconut oils, this vitamin e mix still reaps all the benefits. Personally, I like to pour some in my bath, mix with my body lotion, or apply alone on super dry areas like cuticles, elbows, and my t-zone.

*Like with any oils, application on the face can cause breakouts so be wary when first using*

NYX, HD Concealer:

Sometimes running out of your usual makeup can actually be a blessing; case in point, these HD concealers by NYX. Having a wide array of colors already in my collection, I found myself not only using them to highlight and conceal but to tweak the color of my foundations. Light weight and creamy, this concealer blends out like a dream with little to no creasing! Retailing for $5, you get a high-end finish at a drug store price!

Benefit, Watt's Up:

Let's be honest, my highlight was extra fleeky throughout last month and I have this guy to thank! This cream to powder highlighter gives a soft champagne finish and it suitable for all skin tones. Apply alone for a luminous sheen or under your favorite powder highlighter for an intense glow that truly makes your cheekbones come thruuu!

Essie, Topless and Barefoot:

This nail color may be considered a summer shade (the name probably doesn't help), but I think neutral nails are a trend that will never go out of season! This light pink with taupe undertones polish flatters my hands whether I'm rocking my natural skin tone or a gorgeous self-tan. This polish gives off those effortless beach vibes, which may be why I loved it so much during the cooler temperatures.

Until next month...

C Y B E R M O N D A Y x left over B L A C K F R I D A Y deals!

With the holiday weekend coming to an end, so are the first sales of the season. I thought I would share a few of what I believe are the best deals and help you sift through the online madness- as if you and your wallet haven't had enough fun already!

Lorac Cosmetics:

NO CODE, all discounts will already be applied to website (cyber Monday)

the Balm Cosmetics:

50% off site-wide, no code necessary (cyber Monday)

Anastasia Beverly Hills:

25% off all brow products, including tools (now through cyber Monday)

Dose of Colors:

Free Shipping on all orders (cyber Monday)

Ricky's NYC:

Spend $50, save $10- CODE: BF10

Spend $75, save $15- CODE: BF15

Spend $100+, save $20- CODE: BF20

(now through cyber Monday)

Obviously, I have no self-control when it comes to a good makeup sale. However, I also wanted to share deals from a few of my favorite online clothing and accessory retailers, along with links to pieces I currently have my eye on!

Dimepiece LA:
40-60% off selected items (ends tonight, Nov. 29)

Miss Guided:
30% off everything! CODE: CYBER30 (now through cyber Monday)

Asos:

20% off everything- CODE: CYBER20 (now through cyber Monday)

Ban.do:

25% off entire site! CODE: BIGDEAL (now through cyber Monday)

boohoo:

70% off selected items, no code necessary (ends tonight, Nov.29)

While black Friday may be something we have to wait another whole year for, many online retailers have extended their sales giving us one last change before the excitement of cyber Monday!

**Be sure to check instagram and other social media outlets on Monday for additional codes from these and other top brands such as, BH Cosmetics, Urban Decay, and Colour Pop Cosmetics!**

Happy Shopping!

Holiday Glam; Shades of Cool

Yaaasss, another holiday glam!

I wanted to do something a little different for this look, and shy away from warm tones. If you have been rockin' with me for a while, you know how much I love a warm glow around the eyes, in the crease, on the cheeks, pretty much everywhere on the face! However the use of grays and blacks is highly requested, and are the colors that come to mind the most with the mention of heavy or smokey glam.

This holiday look is centered around the eyes and the different shades of cool toned gray shadows. By incorporating and layering these different tones, you create dimension and depth to the eyes.

I also concentrated the drama on the outer and lower part of the eyes. The use of liner and lots of matte black shadow makes this possible. This technique brings a different type of focus to the eyes, giving them a sultry and seductive elongated doe-like appearance. Eyes remain balanced and not too bottom heavy, by adding subtle drama to the lids with stacked lashes and winged liner. 

I also wanted the glow of this look to be so bright you could basically see my cheekbones from space! To me, as long as your highlight looks more glowy than greasy there is really no such thing as too much glow! Instead of choosing my go-to highlighter from the balm, I opted for one from City Color Cosmetics staying within the cool toned theme of this look. This highlighter is more of a white gold with cool undertones, versus my typical warm gold, honey-hued highlighter. 

To really amp up the drama this highlighter brings, I first applied a cream highlight in a similar shade to all the areas of my face where I wanted a dramatic glow before packing on the powder product. This not only sets the cream but, intensifies the pigment of the powder highlight as well.

*Applying the cream highlight over gloss to the center of the lips, also fakes the appearance of a fuller pout.*

Now it wouldn't be a true djkitty look without a little warmth! While I kept the contours of the face cool, I brought warmth with the use of blush and a peachy lip color.

I actually really love how this look turned out! Maybe this is the beginning of seeing more cool toned looks featured on my blog.

*products used:

eyes;

ELF: Eyeshadow Primer

URBAN DECAY: Naked Basics Palette- Naked 2 (transition shade)

URBAN DECAY: S&M (packed on middle/outer half of lid)

MORPHE BRUSHES: 28F Palette- Dark Gray Shades (intensify outer half of lid/blended into crease)

ANASTASIA BH: Beigley (packed on inner part of lid)

ANASTASIA BH: Chic (packed on top of Beigley)

ANASTASIA BH: Noir (deepen outer crease)

CHANEL: Taupe (blend out matte black)

NYC: Liquid Liner

EYE LURE x VEGAS NAY LASHES: Shining Star

MAYBELLINE: Great Lash

ANASTASIA BH: Clear Brow Gel

NYX: Micro Brow Pencil

CITY COLOR COSMETICS: Contour Effects 2 Palette- Highlight (inner corners)

*Lower Lash Line;

NYC: Black Pencil Eyeliner (line water line)

ANASTASIA BH: Noir (smudge out liner)

MORPHE BRUSHES: 28F Palette- Darkest Gray shade (blend out lash line)

URBAN DECAY: S&M (further blend out lower lash line)

face;

MARIO BADESCU: Rose Facial Spray (hydrate skin)

SMASHBOX: Photo Finish Primer Water

REVLON: Colorstay Foundation

CITY COLOR COSMETICS: Orange Concealer (color correct)

NYX: Under Eye Corrector- Light (further color correct/conceal)

NYX: HD Concealer- Porcelain (conceal/ highlight)

RCMA: Translucent Powder (set/bake highlights)

LAURA MERCIER: Mineral Pressed Powder- Natural Beige (set rest of the face)

ANASTASIA BH: Havana & Fawn (contour)

BENEFIT COSMETICS: Watts Up (cream highlight)

CITY COLOR COSMETICS: Contour Effects 2 Palette- Highlight Shade

MAC: Mocha

MILANI: Luminoso

lips;

MAC: Spice Lip Liner

MAC: Honey Love

ESTEE LAUDER: 46- Sun Burst

BENEFIT COSMETICS: Watts Up (applied to center of lips) 

O B S E S S E D ; Makeup Bags as Clutches

Big or small, I literally have an obsession with bags, & not just your everyday purses- makeup bags too! I like to think I inherited this gift from my granny, who also has an impressive and eclectic collection of bags.

Every now and then, the idea of toting around a big bag just sounds like a chore. When this happens I usually reach for one of my favorite clutches, and declutter the "necessities" I've been hoarding around the past weeks. However, as of late I've been swapping my clutches for fun makeup bags!

Break it down with me real quick:

• Designers are now designing makeup bags in bigger sizes.

• Designers are also incorporating the latest trends, patterns, and graphics into makeup bags.

• We already carry our lipstick in them, why not add your cards, keys, and phone!

Here are a few styles I'm currently obsessed with:

Forever 21, Endless Kisses:

The print is what instantly drew me towards purchasing this bag. With a fun, comic-like print this bag is meant to be shown off, not shoved into your favorite shoulder bag! The sleek design makes it easy to tuck under your shoulder, and is your GNO outfit's best friend.

Betsey Johnson, Betseyville- Be Mine Forever:

I'm obsessed with anything in this color scheme, so obviously this has been my go-to "clutch" for fall. The quilted design is on trend, while the detachable wristlet makes for easy carrying while shopping or running around town. Lined and sturdy, this triangular little bag can hold way more than just a few lip glosses!

Eddie Borgo for Target, White Marble:

I am also a sucker for anything marble. There is something so classic and elegant about it; so when I found this collection at Target of course I had to take this bag home! Although some may consider this an actual clutch instead of a makeup bag, I bought with the intent of using it for both. To me, it is the perfect size for a weekend trip's worth of makeup, which is why I chose to feature it in this post. Also comes with a detachable wristlet and brackets to attach charms, or other trendy accessories. 

If you haven't figured out by now, I don't play by the rules when it comes to makeup and fashion.

 Have fun, and if you like it wear it. Who knows, you may inspire others to do the same!

* Here are a few other makeup bags I'm loving at the moment:

Forever 21, Two Tone Faux Fur

Forever 21, Metallic Graphic "I have it all"

Betsey Johnson, Blue Veil Winking Eyes

Sonia Kashuk for Target, Floral 2-Zip

Sephora, "All dressed up & ready to glow" Graphic

Asos, Monki Cute Pouch

Asos, "Bitch Please" Graphic

Holiday Glam; Starry Eyed

With everyone else getting into the holiday season early, I thought why not join them and start creating some glam holiday looks!

Besides summer, I think holiday looks are my favorite to create because you can really go all out! I mean there is no such thing as too much sparkle or shine this time of year, plus there is something so magical about finally wearing all those darker lipsticks!

I knew I wanted to use my favorite fall lippie of the moment, Trust Issues by Anastasia Beverly Hills, which I talked about in my latest favorites post. This matte lip is a rich shade of cranberry with brown undertones. Therefore, it pairs perfectly with a variety of shades and both dramatic and simple looks. Obviously, I had to pair it with something vivd and sparkly, because life is too short to follow the "rules" of makeup!

Despite the array of eyeshadows, palettes, and pigments in my collection, I once again chose to use colors from my favorite Too Faced holiday palette from a few years back (I know, I'm sorry!). The colors are so captivating, and to me this blue shade just screams holiday! Similar to a blue/brown, this color comes off less intimidating than most blues, for it can be paired with many different tones. Incorporating transition shades similar to the lipstick, helps to tie this entire look together.

As always, finish off with some flirty lashes and a gorgeous holiday glow, and you're ready to celebrate!

*I've linked some dupes & similar colors to the Too Faced shadow below*

*products used:

eyes;

ELF: Eyeshaadow Primer

TOO FACED: Chocoloate Milk (transition shade)

TOO FACED: Woolen Mittens (crease/smoke out lower lash line)

TOO FACED: Soriee (outer crease)

WET N WILD: Black Cream Liner (base for lid color & wing)

TOO FACED: Party Time (packed onto liner/lid & lower lash line)

ANASTASIA BH: Aubergine (blend outer crease & lid/ smoke out lower lash line)

TOO FACED: Snowflakes (inner corners)

ANASTASIA BH: (brow bone)

ANASTASIA BH: Bone Clear Brow Gel

NYX: Micro Eyebrow Pencil
MAKE UP FOREVER: Aqua Eyes (line water line)

COVERGIRL: Lash Blast Mascara

EYE LURE x VEGAS NAY: Shining Star Lahses

*all too faced shadows from a few of my favorite things palette*

face;

MARIO BADESCU: Rose Water Facial Spray (hydrate & prime)

REVLON & NYX: Foundations (mixed for color/coverage)

NYX: Under Eye Corrector- Light (conceal darkness)

NYX: HD Concealer- 01(conceal & highlight)

SMASHBOX: Contour Stick Trio- Contour (contour)

RCMA: Translucent Powder (set/bake under eyes & highlights)

LAURA MERCIER: Mineral Pressed Powder- Natural Beige (set rest of face)

TOO FACED: Soul Mates Bronzer- Carrie & Big (bronze face)

NARS: Super Orgasm Blush

THE BALM COSMETICS: Betty Lou-Manizer (blush topper)

THE BALM COSMETICS: Mary Lou-Manizer (highlight)

lips;

BODYOGRAPHY: Lip Liner- Cabaret

ANASTASIA BH: Trust Issues

*alternative options for eyeshadows/ palettes:

SUGAR PILL: Loose Eyeshadow Pigment- Magpie (dupe for Party Time)
MAKUP GEEK: Pigment- Insomnia
MAKEUP GEEK: Foiled Eyeshadow- Center Stage
MAC: Pigment- Blue Brown
URBAN DECAY: Moondust Shadow- Solstice
MORPHE BRUSHES: 35D Palette
ANASTASIA BH: Self Made Palette

October Top 5 Beauty Favs

Now that the holiday season is in full effect, can we just take a moment for the fact that there are only TWO more months left in 2015! I know I've said it plenty of times, but I can't get over how fast this year has went by. Anyway, besides October being the month of Halloween, I actually have 5 quite normal favorite for you!

Redken, Diamond Oil High Shine Airy Mist:

I picked this guy up on a recent trip to Ulta, not for any specific reason but that I've felt that lately my hair has been lackluster. I have a lot of hair, but a lot of fine hair so using oils and certain products that are meant to add shine can actually weigh my hair down, doing more damage than good. Not this guy though! I have been so pleasantly surprised with this Redken spray that I not only spray it on my hair before blow-drying, but after styling, and even throughout the day for a little shine pick me up!

RCMA, Translucent Powder & Real Techniques, Miracle Complexion Sponge:

A fellow makeup artist recommended this product to me, and obviously I have been loving it ever since! This translucent powder sets makeup flawlessly without moving, or changing the color of previously applied product[s]. I have also been using it with my Real Techniques sponge to bake certain areas of the face. While I'm not a huge fan of this sponge for applying product, it is the perfect baking tool; for the pointed side fits seamlessly under the eyes, while the flat side carves out contours like a true queen! A little bonus, both these products are super inexpensive- I mean this RCMA powder is almost a fourth of the cost of other popular setting powders!

Soap & Glory Products:

*shown, Righteous Body Butter, Clean on Me, and Hand Food

I cannot explain to you how excited I am that this brand is back on shelves!! I fell in love with this brand back when I worked at Sephora, and stocked up on a few of my favs, again on my latest trip to Ulta. All Soap & Glory's products share their signature pink rose and bergamot fragrance, that combines scents such as, fresh bergamot, rose, strawberry, soft musk, and amber. Cleansers clarify skin without stripping it of it's natural oils, leaving you feeling sexy and smooth. While lotions and body butters are lightweight and formulated with vitamin E, shea and cocoa butters, aloe vera, and rosehip to intensely hydrate even the driest of skin types. Non-greasy and quick drying, you too will fall in love with this brand after just one use- I promise! 

They also have the cutest packaging and gift sets for the holiday season!

Anastasia Beverly Hills, Liquid Lipstick- Trust Issues:

I was liviiiinnggg for this shade throughout the entire month! Whether I was applying it to myself, my girl friends, or my clients this was one lipstick I just could not put down! Being a great choice for fall, this rich vampy plum shade contains brown undertones and literally flatters all skin tones. Besides color options, ABH liquid lipsticks are among my favorites for their staying power as well. Throughout eating, drinking, talking, and laughing, you're not going to have to worry about whether your lipstick is still popping or not!

Morphe Brushes, 28 F Palette:

This is a product I mention frequently on my blog, but never in depth. I find myself reaching for this palette the most during Halloween, for it contains a wide variety of colors in both matte and shimmer finishes. The bold bright colors are great for creating fun looks, whether they be for Halloween or not, while the more neutral tones are perfect for achieving rich dark smokey eyes. Morphe shadows are intensely pigmented and ridiculously affordable, you truly get the most bang for your buck with this brand!

*nails: OPI- Barefoot in Barcelona

Until next month...