How to Achieve the Perfect Pout

Sending me to a make-up counter is like sending a child to a candy store.  You press your face up to the pristine glass and drool over the pretty colors and fancy containers.  Then you painstakingly choose your favorite item and leave the store, but always, always you want more.  I think bright red, head-turning lipstick is a beauty classic, like the little black dress of make-up.  You put it on and instantly feel beautiful!  My favorite lipstick is a vibrant cherry red called, Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in “Mightiest Maraschino.”  I highly recommend the chubby sticks as they are affordable (only $16!) and have a moisturizing balm, so none of that chalky lipstick texture.  Embrace your inner child and run, don’t walk, to the closest make-up counter for a sugar rush and red lipstick perfection!  

Selecting the right shade of lipstick can be the most challenging beauty dilemma a woman will encounter.  This tutorial will teach you that skill to bring out your inner vixen.

Step 1: Selecting the right shade.  You may need to test several until you find a brand and formula appropriate for your skin tone and beauty needs.
Step 2: Prep the lips. Brush your lips when you brush your teeth to exfoliate them and use chapstick before applying any lipstick.
Step 3:  This isn't your grandma's lip liner.  The days of surrounding your entire lip with a thick line of dark lip liner are over.  Lightly trace the top of your upper lip (cupid’s bow) and the curve of your lower lip.  This prevents feathering and defines the sexy curves of the lips.

Step 4: Apply lipstick. Apply the lipstick right from the tube or use a lip brush and coat the entire lips.  Apply 1 coat for a milder look or several coats for a truly dramatic, head-turning experience.  Put your finger in your mouth and pull out, to take off any color outside the lip line.  This tip will prevent the awful faux pas of lipstick on your teeth.

Step 5: Seal the lip line. The final step is to seal the lip line so no lipstick sneaks outside and creates an awful ring around your mouth.  Take liquid foundation or concealer and trace the lip line.  Blend into the skin and you have just achieved the perfect dramatic red lip!

Keep your head, heels, and (beauty) standards high!

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!