Marvelous Makeover: Sarah

To me, applying makeup is an art form.  So I get really excited whenever someone lets me play with their face.  My friend Sarah put all her trust in me to make her more gorgeous that she already was and I think I did a dandy job.

Unfortunatley, I neglected to take a "before" picture that night, so I had to find a random picture of her sans makeup.

So, she's obviously a looker to begin with, but of course I had a few tricks up my sleeve to take it up a notch.

Here's the "after" shot:

Very pretty, no?  Her eyes stand out more and look brighter, her skin looks flawless and everything looks beautiful without looking like she's wearing loads of makeup.

Here's what I did:

1.)  I applied concealer to the eyelids.  I'm sure you're all tired of me writing this, but concealer works as a base for eyeshadow, holding it in place and making application more even.  There are a ton of expensive eye "primers" out there, but I haven't found one that I like more than a simple concealer.  I used L'Oreal's True Match concealer.  The consistency is great; not too watery, not overly thick. And it blends very easily.

2.) Next, I went in with the shadows.  I ended up using Pixi's Eye Beauty Palette in Minimum.  It contains eight complementary eyeshadows ranging from a shimmery cream color to a deep coffee bean brown.  I actually recommend this to anyone who wants a simple palette that they can use for virtually anything.  You can create natural looks with it, as well as a few higher drama looks depending on what you want.  You could get away with this being the only eyeshadow you own.  It's great too, because 99% of people have some amount of brown in their skin, so no worries about it not being flattering!

I got off track.  ANYWAY, I first went in with the shimmery cream color.  When I say shimmer, I don't mean chunky glitter or anything.  It's very subtle and sheer.  I applied this under the brow and on the inner corner of the eye.  This immediately wakes your face up.  Then, I took a medium basic brown shade and brushed it on over the whole lid from the lashline to the crease and blended it upwards (but not actually hitting the brow).  

3.) At this point, I added eyeliner.  My recent fave is Sonia Kashuk's Plummy Bronze pencil.  I couldn't find it online, but I know Target has it in stores.  It's not too dark, or too light.  It's more bronze than plum, but there is just enough plum to it to add a bit of pop to your eye.  This went along to upper lashline, thickening as I went to the outer corner (that lifts the eye up).  On the bottom lashline, I only applied it on the outer half.  Applying liner all the way around can make your eyes look smaller than they are, and often droopy.

4.) To blend the liner, I went back in with the Pixi palette.  Taking the deepest brown shade, I applied it over the upper lid's lashline and also on the outer half of the lid up to about a centimeter or so away from the brow.  It should be darkest close to the lashline and blended upwards.  It's very important to blend.  Harsh lines are not pretty; you end up looking like a hooker. If that's the look you're going for, ignore my advice.  I also went back with the shimmery white hue and added a bit more to the inner corner of the eye and blended it into the inner half of the lid.  It should almost look like your eyelid was cut in half and half of it is brown and half is light cream.  At this point, I blended a ton to remove any harshness, and to give it a seamless effect.

5.) Next, I cleaned up under the eye.  It's so easy for shadow to collect there.  I usually use a makeup remover wipe and a little moisturizer.  Then the concealer goes on under the eye.  I dotted it on and blended (always blend, blend blend!)  This is also a good time to dot the concealer anywhere that there might be redness or any imperfection on the skin.  Simply dot it and pat it until you're happy with the result.

6.)Then, I took a very sheer tinted moisturizer and applied very little to the face (of course avoiding the eyes that I just did).  I used American Beauty's Ultimate Diamond Mineral Makeup (added bonus:  it contains SPF 15!)  I blended down to the neck to avoid the whole looking-like-you're-wearing-a-mask look.

7.) Cheek-wise, I used a peach-toned blush under the cheekbone and Revlon's ColorStay Finishing Powder in Brighten to highlight above.

8.) Finally, I brushed on mascara.  I find that using two different tubes makes lashes look superb.  Using two different formulas is the best of both worlds--you don't have to choose whether you want long or full lashes!  I first applied one coat of Rimmel's Glam Eyes mascara.  This is more for lengthening and separating lashes.  The next mascara I used was Maybelline's Great Lash BIG.  The brush is huge and it adds tons of volume.  Then came the most important step; I went through with a clean mascara wand (you can buy packs of them online) to get rid of any clumps.

Despite that fact that this blog is super long, the entire look only took me about 15 minutes.

And there you have it.  Perfect pretty face that doesn't look overdone...just a bit more polished!

If you'd like to get a personalized makeover from me (either in person or through email with a picture), send me an email atSassyAlana@gmail.com.

$20 Cocktail Dress

A gal can never have too many dresses.  It's a proven fact. 

My fave type of dresses are seasonless.  It's great to have a few of these, as it ends up saving you money.  Rather than buying multiple dresses for each individual season, you can re-wear dresses that work for anytime of the year.  Actually a lot of dresses fall into this category.  A seasonless dress is a dress that can be worn solo in warmer months, or with thick tights and a cute little sweater or wrap when it's chilly.  The main rule is that unless the dress has huge hibiscus flowers all over it, you can pretty much wear it anywhere.

This adorable V-neck Print Dress from Newport News is exactly the kind of dress I'm talking about.  You can pair it with numerous accessories to achieve different looks, and it's super flattering to boot.

I'll spare you guys my whole spiel on the marvelous shirring and a-line cut.  But just know that this dress would look fabulous on almost everyone.

Oh, and it's only $17.99.

Huzzah!

Alana, Meet Alana (in Jewelry Form)

I was wishfully browsing Swarovski's website, dreaming of what I'd buy if I actually had money, and I found something amazing.

The Alana Necklace. 

This was such a shock to me that I honestly had to take a second to jump up and down and squeal with delight.  Alana is not a common name, especially spelled like mine.  My entire life has been spent searching for little doodads with my name on it (never to find anything).  At childhood birthday parties, when the other kids got personalized notebooks or pencils with their name artfully sprawled across it, I was the one who ended up with an ugly star design.

Okay, enough of that.

I'm pretty sure that the necklace is actually me in jewelry form.  Here are the reasons I need it:

• It is pink.
• The pendant is heart-shaped.
• It's glitzy.
• I cannot live the remainder of my life without it.

The necklace retails at $125.  Clearly not within my budget of $0 to spend of gems.  So I'm posting this in the hopes that someone will love me enough to see this and buy it for me. Wink, wink.  Otherwise, I just might have to somehow steal it.  So not buying it for me is basically saying that you're cool with the idea of shoplifting.  Meaning that you are all accomplices.

That is all.

Beauty Resolutions for 2010

Happy New Year, ladies!!!  I always get caught up in the hubbub that comes along with the start of a brand new year.  Even though I am fully aware that I can make changes for the better at anytime, there's something magical about a new year that gives me a kick start.  A few of my resolutions this year are:  learn to play chess (my boyfriend is a chess superstar), take yoga classes, eat healthier and explore my city more. 

However, I of course have a lengthy list of beauty-related resolutions.  In honor of the new year, I want to share some with you guys (I admittedly stole most of this list from the wise gals at Cosmo). 

1. Repeat your greatest hits.
You've got 608 pictures of yourself tagged on Facebook. It's time to do some serious clicking and hunt for the photos in which you look the best. If you love the pics where your hair is tousled, make an effort to rock that look more often.

2. Clean your cell phone.
Ever notice that the right side of your jaw has a few more bumps than you'd expect? That could be from all the bacteria on your cell phone. If you have an iPhone or a touch screen, it's best to pick up a cleaning kit from a store like Best Buy. For other phones, you can get away with using a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol on a tissue and gently wiping down your phone.

3. Don't buy moisturizer without SPF.
Even in the winter. And while we're on this topic: If you skip the protection because you want to look like you hail from Brazil, you'll look like you're 15 years older later. P.S.: Schedule that skin cancer screening, too.
 
4. Try a "beauty dare" once a month.
It's liberating and can help you revive your look, surprise your man, and unleash your inner beauty diva. Once every few weeks, be bold with some red lips or an elaborate hair piece or nail decals or…you get the point.

5. Upgrade your regimen.
Maybe you've been using the same moisturizer since you were 17. That's cute and all, but now that you're 27, you probably need a new formula. Not to mention some eye cream. Set aside some time to figure out what you should be doing at your age, and then put your plan into motion.

6. Pay for your hair sins.
I'd never tell you to part with your beloved hair straightener or stop the highlights, but you gotta pay penance for the damage you do to your tresses. Get regular trims, do weekly deep-conditioning treatments, and give your hair a break from the blow dryer whenever possible.

7. Go green.
Trying to be eco-friendly with every product you use can be overwhelming. So just make it a point to switch one thing in early 2010. Then, whenever it's time to make a new purchase, browse the eco-friendly beauty loot instead of automatically buying your regular products.

8. Put a cap on your bad habits.
We all have our vices. But that doesn't make them okay, especially if you want to look your best. Smoking leads to wrinkles, heavy drinking can dehydrate your skin…don't make me lecture you.

9. Stop picking.
Your cuticles. The mascara off your eyelashes. Your zits. Whatever it is you feel the itch to pick, keep your hands off it!

10. Get your beauty sleep.
Like you need to hear this? But still, it's worth repeating since restless nights can wreak havoc on your health and appearance. Try an eye mask if you have trouble shutting the world out.

Never Too Old for Barbie Accessories!

I was pursuing the aisles of Walmart looking for post-Christmas sales. I def hit the jackpot.  In addition to other various makeup products and basic tees, I found a fabulous Barbie makeup case filled to the brim with makeup galore!  I tried to find the product online, but the website doesn't seem to show it.  This is a set you'll have to actually search for in stores.  Here are some other Barbie kits (available online) that are also cute.

This is the case (front and back)  that all the gorgeous doodads come in.  Truthfully, I plan on using it as a purse.  I know that I am 24 and should be using adult-type handbags...but honestly, who can resist Barbie?!

Surprisingly, the contents of the kit is actually amazing.  The set includes tons of mini nail polishes, lip balms, lip glosses, eyeshadows, blush, shimmer powder and other crazy things that all gals love.

My personal fave from the set is the pressed powder.  What it is, in all actuality, is a blush/bronzer duo.  They're both a bit shimmery, which I'm of course addicted to.  They're light, so for people who do not tend to have transparently-white skin like me, it could act as a highlighter.  Here's a pic of the fab duo:

Sorry, the picture quality isn't great, but the colors are fairly accurate.  I love the pigmentation in the powders and when I blend them together, it creates a "glow from within" look that we all strive for.

Who would have thought that Barbie would have such an amazing product?The makeup is actually manufactured by Markwins International, a company well-known for their cheap yet fabulous makeup

The moral of the story is to always check out kids makeup kits.  They're cheap, you get a lot of bang for your buck, and they're always utterly adorable.

I got this set for about $10, and I feel like it's worth at least $30.

Not bad, huh?

Seven Secrets to Looking Good for Less

Money Saving Beauty Tips from Makeup & Hair Artist Candace Corey

1. Hair color can be expensive if you do it in a salon but can be needed if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself  but you can still save money between salon visits by using hair cosmetics like Ken Paves Color drops. Pump 1 or 2 pumps in your conditioner or styling products to give your hair the look of salon color without the chance of any damage or added cost.

 

2. Learn 'when' to cut your cost. If you have to spend big bucks do it on foundation if you can't find you shade in a cheaper brand but save money by using drug store brands for eye shadow, blush and lip color. Drug store brands like Black Radiance may be designed for African American skin tone but all skin tones can use the eye shadows because the pigment is strong like department store brands but cost $5.00.

 

3. If you love lip gloss by MAC then you will love the look of Wet N' Wild tube lip gloss and you bank account will love it because it is about $2.00

 

4. To save money people buy in bulk for food....you can do the same with skin care. DDF has 4 items in one set so you not only save money but you have a complete skin regime in place.

 

5. If you love luxurious face creams look in the drug store. Many brands now have those types of skin care items, like Olay Microscultping Cream , for a fraction of the cost....and they work like the expensive brands.

 

6. If you use foundation every day and you have to purchase the more expensive brands  try and see if there are extra large sizes. MAC and Make Up Forever carry extra large sizes for professional makeup artist and you can buy them too. The bigger sizes are usually cheaper per ounce then the regular sizes. You might have to go to their web sites to order them.

7. Get "full coverage" or "extra coverage" in your favorite foundation, then mix it with moisturizer right before you apply it to your face. Since it is more concentrated, you will use less product and save money because you don't have to purchase more in a faster time. Just be sure to use a q-tip to remove it from the container so you don't get germs in it and have to replace it quickly.

More Cutesy Beauty Tools!

So yesterday I raved about Avon's cute Makeup Brush Set.  When I saw their Girl's Manicure Set, I just had to share it with you too!

The set comes with all pink tools: a nail file, clippers and nail scissors.  Plus the little bag has an adorable little lipstick on it.  You could even empty out the tools and use the bag for a clutch.

Each set is $7.

Cutesy Beauty Tools

While stumbling around on Avon's website (in the children's section, no less), I came upon this adorable Girls Makeup Brush Set.The set comes with three brushes: a powder/blush brush, a blending eyeshadow brush and what appears to be a fine eyeliner brush.


The case has a cute little mirror inside for touchups on the go.  In the bag, you can also fit a few of your fave makeup essentials.  And did I mention that everything is pink?!  The pattern is darling. I just love this thing!


You can pick up the set for a mere $10.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, ladies! Keep on bein' fabulous! 

Support Safe Sex. Hilariously.

How great is this kit?  The I Heart Sex Kit is a pretty hilarious gag gift, for starters.  Plus, for most peeps, it's something you can actually use.

Personally I'm a fan of the bag itself.  I'd probably end up using it as a clutch for going out just to raise a few eyebrows.

The bag is 6"x4" and is equipped with everything you need for safe sex. Inside you'll find: 6 condoms, 4 tubes of ID Glide Sensual Lubricant and instructions for condom usage. 

Each kit is about $24.


Who wouldn't love this?

The Perfect Plaid Purse

I'm simply tickled by American Living's Plaid Frame Satchel.  It's chic, timeless and matches almost everything.

The bag is 13x9, which is the perfect size for anyone who's like me and lives out of their handbag.  You can fit a book, tons of makeup a huge wallet, a water bottle and probably some sort of small animal in there with ease.

This is a good work purse.  For going out, I'd tie a pink scarf like this to the handle.  Mixing patterns makes everything look more interesting, and a bit more casual-chic.

Grab Some Holiday Bling For Your Lips!

Lipgloss and sparkle are my two favorite things in the world.  When they're combined, something magical happens. When they're combines and on sale...well, then I have a seizure of delight.

Right now, Beauty.com is selling Fusion Beauty's Bling Fusion for about $30.  You might think that's a tid bit expensive, but the original price was $50.  And it was worth it then.  This is the best plumping lip gloss I've ever tried.  It works super well, doesn't irritate my sensitive lips and the colors are fabulous.

Two shades are currently on sale:  After Hours (pictured) and Baby (a light pink hue).  Both are flattering on most skintones.  Personally I'm a huge fan on the red shade.  It's pretty sheer so it's not crazily intense, but it still gives your lips a bit of a punch.

My Hello Kitty Obsession Grows

I can't get enough of Hello Kitty.  I don't know what it is, but I just love her to pieces.  Everytime I see anything Hello-Kitty-esque, I must have it.  Even my toaster is Hello Kitty themed.  It actually burns her face right into a piece of bread.  In all actuality, it makes it too cute to eat. 

While perusing online to look for more doodads, I came across a few interesting things.  Did you guys know that Hello Kitty has her own perfume???  It's $200.  Pretty much waaay more pricey than any perfume I've ever bought.  But it's pink and cute and even comes with an adorable necklace.  It's on my wish list for when I'm rich and famous.

I also found a Hello Kitty robot. Really.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  The robot can communicate using Hello Kitty's cute little voice. It can chat with you in 3 different situations: 1 As a close friend; 2 With the family; 3 Playing a guessing game. The most troubling thing is that the website suggests busy parents buy this for their kids (with incorrect grammar, even):  This is a perfect robot for whoever does not have a lot time to stay with child. Hello Kitty Robot can help you to stay with your child to keep them from being lonely.

Hmm... That doesn't seem very healthy. Oh, and each robot costs $5,000! I don't know many people who have that sort of cash to blow on Hello Kitty robots.  I still can't help but want one though!

Happy F*cking Holidays!

Here's a great gift for anyone with a sense of humor (or, even better, for those without).  The Subversive Cross Stitch Kit comes equipped with cross stitch fabric, thread, pattern, instructions, embroidery hoop and two needles. Choose from four designs: "Go Fuck Yourself," "Homo Sweet Homo," "Bite Me," and the new seasonal favorite "Happy Fucking Holidays."

Sew it beforehand and give the gift of bitchy kitsch. Or give the whole kit to a crafty gal that you know and love.


The kit is about $24. 

The Write Stuff

Umm...how cool are these pencil and eraser earrings?

They are the most unique thing I have ever seen.  They're right on the edge of being chic and silly.  And I love them.

They come from a designer on Etsy.  I realize fully that I constantly make fun of the site.  This is one fabulous exception.

You can pick up a pair of these earrings for $12.

Oh, and the pieces actually work.  You might look like a lunatic, but if you forget a pencil you can actually take out your earrings and write away.

Get Yourself a Tiffany Goodie for $50

Breakfast at Tiffany's is my favorite movie of all time.  And I love pretty jewelry.  So obviously, I'm quite a fan of Tiffany doodads.

In case you haven't been keeping up with the blog, I'm not crazily rich.  To say the least.  So I can't afford anything ridiculously expensive;  I need a cheap fix.

That's where Tiffany's Tiffany Blue Coin Purse comes in.  It's $50, which is a decent chunk of change, but hey it's from Tiffany's!  the blue hue is unmistakable and is famous everywhere.  It's gorgeous, simple and elegant.

Plus it'll actually make you save money in the long run--okay that might be a stretch.  But really you'll be paying in exact change while you've got this cutie in your purse.  Any excuse to bust out a Tiffany trinket!

6-in-1 Beauty Product? Sounds Too Good to Be True...

I've been seeing lots of ads for this Mistura 6-in-1 Beauty Solution.  I'm not quite sure what to make of it.  The makers claim that this stuff replaces six different steps in your daily routine:  foundation, powder, blush, bronzer, lip color and eye shadow. It comes in one shade and adapts to individual skin tones.

Okay. First of all, I'm a little concerned about the fact that this is to be used as blush, bronzer, eyeshadow and lip color. I get wearing it as powder/foundation, because it is skin-colored.  But please explain to me how something the same color as your foundation is going to work as a bronzer?  I also feel like the lip color idea is ridiculous.  Yes, nude lips can look alright sometimes, but with most nude lip hues, there's a bit of pink or gold and it's super sheer so it doesn't wash you out.  Covering every tiny piece of your face in this will most certainly make anyone's face look washed out, rounder and just less interesting. 

Another thing that bugs me is the color.  I don't care how much a hue can "adapt"--makeup isn't magical.  I'd say it can change a little, but basically, it's going to be in the same color range.  This looks like a medium tone, so fair skin and dark skin would have a difficult time getting their face to match the rest of them.

If you've got medium-toned skin and are just looking for a good powder foundation, I say give it a try.  But I wouldn't throw away all your other makeup yet.

The set is $56.  That's more expensive than most high-end foundations.  For us frugal fashionistas, Maybelline has a powder foundation almost identical to this one for $7. And it comes in eight different colors, just in case all the people in the world don't have the exact same skin tone.

Bootiful Boots

I'm a klutz and I ruin shoes like it's my job.  I'm constantly tripping and breaking heels...it's ridiculous.  So, I can't really spend tons of money on shoes since, chances are, they'll only last me a month or so.

These Mossimo Kahsha Tall Cuffed Boots are are amazingly chic and cheap.  They're under $30. Yes, really.

They'd look great with almost any outfit.  You could tuck your jeans into them, wear tights and a skirt with a pair, wear a tunic and leggings with 'em...so many possibilities.

It's a good idea to have a pair of boots like this as your go-to shoe for the season.  It eliminates all the time you'd normally spend hunting through your shoes daily for a pair that matches your outfit.   

What's not to love?

Glittery Eye Shadow: Not for the Weak!

For as long as I can remember, I've been obsessed with glittery eye shadow.  I need to have some glitter on my face daily, or I feel naked.  I'm just a glitter girl.  I'm sure at some point, when I'm older, I'll get tired of it.  But for now, I plan on enjoying it nonstop!

My latest shimmery find is Sonia Kashuk's Eye Shadow Quad in Showstoppers.  This stuff is fabulous.  The glittery isn't at all chunky; it's all quite fine and more shimmery than anything.  The shadows are well-pigmented and apply with ease.  The shadow is actually an interesting texture--not quite a cream, nor a powder.  The result of this is a smooth application.

The colors are great.  The champagne hue is great as kind of an all-over wash.  It blends in with your skintone and just adds a little glitz to your look.  The charcoal is fabulous for going out.  You could actually even use it as a liner.

You get a lit of bang for your buck with this quad.  It's under $10 at Target!  'Tis the season for glam glitter!

Never Too Old for Disney Jewelry!

I love this Disney Couture Mirror Necklace. I'm basically a six-year-old at heart, and I still love to watch Disney fairytales.  Snow White is one of my faves, since she's so fair-skinned like myself.  Plus, it's just a great story!  Who doesn't want their prince charming to save them and carry them away to a palace?! This Snow White inspired bauble goes with anything and reminds you that you really are "the fairest of them all".


The mirror is real (although quite small).  The back reads "mirror, mirror".  The charm is about 2 inches long.  Big enough to be seen, but dainty enough to avoid looking over the top.


The sad part is that the necklace retails for $65.  In all actuality, that isn't bad, but for a poor gal like myself, it'll have to go on my wish list!