Spring 2014: Colored Eye Make-up

Brightly colored make-up is one of my favorite beauty trends for spring.  The wide array of colors are wonderful for brightening up your face and making features pop.

The color of the year, Radiant Orchid, is being extensively used in make-up.  Pantone even created a line of make-up for Sephora called "Sephora+Pantone Universe The Eye: Radiant Femme Artistry."  It was inspired by the color of the year, with 25 shades formulated to compliment Radiant Orchid.  Plum shades blend together well to create a summery take on the smokey eye.  Truly make heads turn with a violet hued lip.

Blues and aquamarines are making their way back to the beauty scene this spring.  To avoid looking like an 80's movie extra, don't cover the lid from browbone to lashes, instead sweep the color in selected areas.  One of my favorite tricks is to use taupe shades on the eyelid and line the lower lashline with blue liner.  One of the creamiest (and affordable!) eye liners I've used are the Stila Smudge Stick Eye Liners.  Get lost in the depths of the ocean with a nautical smokey eye- utilize shades of blue and teal to create this sultry beauty look.

Emerald might no longer be the color of the year but it can be seen making a revival at make-up counters everywhere.  I love a green nail polish!  I used a hunter green for winter and I will transition into spring with olive and mint tones.  The mint shade is an excellent compliment to numerous spring colors and is the perfect base for nail art.

Whether it be an ombre nail or a bold lip, raise your beauty standards this spring!

Cosmetic Equivalent of a Best Friend

My name is Shannon and I am a self-proclaimed make-up addict... say it with me now "Hi, Shannon".....
I have loved makeup since I was a young girl.  I was the child sneaking into my mom’s room to steal her makeup and would spend hours learning to apply it.  I spent all my allowance on the newest Bonne Belle products and NYC $1 nail polishes.  I have to confess I still have to reel in where I spend my beauty bucks. Here are my top 5 Cosmetics-- these are the products that I live and breathe by!

MAC Eye Make-up Primer Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly- I was nervous to try this product as the price tag is a little steep, however after my first week using the primer I was hooked.  I put this on over my foundation but under any eye makeup.  I cover my entire eye lid up to my brow bone- it evens the color and texture of the eyes.  Applying eye shadow and liner is smoother and easier to blend, great for creating dramtic beauty looks.  I have found that my eye make-up lasts longer and is more resistant to smudging.  I have owned the primer almost a year and am still only halfway through the first pot, even with daily applications.  The 0.17 ounce container cost $20.  If I use the product everyday for 18 months before the pot runs out, that's only $0.04 per use!

Maybelline Falsies Volum' Express Mascara- I have mentioned before my obsession with Mascara.  Maybelline is an industry leader in mascara sales for a reason.  My favorite is absolutely Falsies Volum' Express.  The product coats each lash, thickens, and lengths.  One tube lasts me between 1-2 months of daily use.  But the $6.99 price tag is easily justified.  That's only $0.12 per use!

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mightiest Maraschino- When it comes to makeup there is nothing better than a smokey eye or a bold lip.  One of my favorite red lipsticks is Chubby Stick Intense in Mightiest Maraschino from Clinique.  I highly recommend the chubby sticks as they are affordable and have a moisturizing balm, so none of that chalky lipstick texture.  The crayon looking tube allows for easy application and layering of color.  The lipstick cost $17 and allows for hundreds of applications.  Only 170 applications of head-turning red lips and your usage is $0.10 per smooch! 

Eyes Lips Face Eye Liner Pen in Black- I have loved E.LF. since I was in high school and it was still an online beauty supplier.  When the brand moved to sell at other retailers I was ecstatic- cheap make-up was right at my fingertips.  Not all of their products are worth the cheap price tag however I love their eye liner pen!  It creates a smooth line with no tugging or needing to be sharpened.  Easy to create cat eye or winged looks with the wet formula that dries smooth.  I even prefer this product's formula over more expensive brands.  I can use a pen for several months before it dries or runs out so the $2 cost is less than a penny per use!

Daniel Sandler Radiant Sheen Illuminating Face Powder- I got this bronzer as a gift from my internship last summer but the second it runs out I will buy another one.  The quad of colors- ranging from pink to deep bronze- blend to create the perfect glow.  I can use all the colors together or separate for different looks.  I can even use the mid tones as eye shadow.  The powder has a light shimmer giving skin a dewy, post workout glow!  This bronzer is easy to blend, contour, and highlight and makes skin look fresh not dirty as some bronzers are prone to. The multipurpose product costs $44.34.  It is rather pricey but well worth it for the formula!

I have yet to find a foundation that I absolutely love and meets all my needs so send suggestions my way!