Step by Step Eyeshadow Tutorial with Dramatic Black Liner and a Darkened Crease.

Two tutorials in one week, what!? Yeah I know, pretty unusual, but I thought it'd be a nice change from reviews all of the time. This particular look focuses mainly on the dramatic (thick) winged liner and the contrast against the precisely darkened crease and the contrasting light shade on the lids. This is more of a going out/nighttime look, as it's quite dramatic for the daytime. You can take it up a notch by adding black liner to the waterline or adding a full strip of false lashes.

Products Used:

MAC Groundwork Paint Pot (light brown cream eyeshadow, used as a base in step 1)

MAC Malt Eyeshadow (used in step 2 and step 8)
MAC Corduroy Eyeshadow (used in step 4 and step7)
MAC Black Tied Eyeshadow (used in step 5 and step 6)
Dior Rosy Tan (used the middle shade for a highlight in step 3)
Anastasia Shimmer Highlight Pencil (used in step 11)
Illamasqua Mislead Cake Eyeliner (used in step 9 and step 10)
Maybelline The Falsie's Mascara (used in step 12)
Andrea Medium Flare Individual Lashes (used in step 13)

Brushes Used:
Coastal Scents Concealer Brush
MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush
Sigma Pencil Brush
Sigma Small Angle Brush
Coastal Scents Tapered Blending Brush
Coastal Scents Small Eyeliner Brush

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A few of my old never-fail products - and yep, they're all MAC.

I'm sure most of us makeup fanatics have a few products in our makeup stash that you can consider your "never fail" products. They are the often neglected, but never forgotten products that you know you can use, and they'll never let you down. You may not use them every day, but once you run out, you know you have to purchase another to replace it. Maybe it's a certain eyeliner or a particular blush. Maybe it's one item in each category. I'm sure I have a few more than I'm mentioning - but I wanted to dedicate a post to these few that stood out to me and always have a warm place in my heart: MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, MAC Studio Finish Concealer and MAC Select Cover-Up.

It's a complete coincidence that they're all MAC products - and it's even a bigger coincidence that they are some of the first MAC products I ever tried.

I remember my first trip to MAC like it was yesterday. I was a senior in highschool and it was my first time ever buying non-drugstore makeup. I purchased (George purchased it, actually. We just started dating at the time!) Studio Fix Fluid in NC40, Blot Powder in Med-Dark, Select Cover-up in Peach, Paint in Bare Canvas and Eyeshadows in Gorgeous Gold, Moons Reflection and Aquadisiac. Aside from the shadows, I continue using all of those products till this day.

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Lust List Vol. 001

What's a lust list? It's basically a list (or collage) of material items you're "lusting" after or wish you had! Some people like to create these little collages as a way to organize items they admire, or to use it as kind of like a shopping list for items they'd like to purchase at some point. I think they are fun to read, and fun to create!

Well, I've got my eyes on so many things right now I knew I had to put a list together.

So, here goes my jumbled list of things that have running through my mind lately.

Zara Studded Evening Bag Box - I'm phasing out of my spike obsession, but I love edgy pieces and I think this clutch is adorable. I know I probably wouldn't get much use out of it though, so I may opt for the matching studded ankle strap sandals - something I could wear more often.

Zara Die-cast Pleated Shopper - I don't know why but I've been thinking about this bag for weeks. I can't seem to get it out of my mind. I know it's way too big to be practical and the handles are too small to wear it comfortably, but something keeps telling me that I need it in my life. 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer - Apparently this cream foundation is pigmented enough to work as a concealer, while somehow looking completely natural. Reviews state that you only need a tiny amount for the whole face and a little jar will last for ages. I'm seconds away from placing an order. What doesn't sound good about this stuff!?

Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Tumulte - I'm a sucker for Chanel blushes as well as anything pink, so naturally this newly released Joues Contraste ended up on my list. I have yet to see it in person, but I can tell from various blog posts that it's gorgeous!

Giorgio Armani Master Corrector - I think this product has been on my invisible lust list for the past couple of years but neglected ever purchasing it. Well, still neglecting it, but I'm trying to remind myself that I have to try it one of these day. I haven't read any reviews that weren't positive about this magic little tube for the under-eyes.

Guerlain Terracotta Blush in Sunny Pink - I freaked out when I first saw swatches for this Guerlain Summer Collection blush. Get a look at this swatch and tell me it won't look amazing on the cheeks. The only thing that's kept me from purchasing it, is that it may be reminiscent of Nars Orgasm - I don't need another one in my collection. Any insight for those that own it?

(Image Source: naturalchicmakeup)

Guerlain By Emilio Pucci Météorites Perles D’azur Illuminating Powder - I'm a huge fan of Guerlain Meteorites. They are such a luxurious product, and are fun to apply! I use them as a setting powder, and they erase any oily shine from my face, and leave a beautiful glow behind. My face is always glowing when I use these pearls. Do I really need another one? Probably not, but this one is so pretty that I think I may splurge.

Sigma Tapered Highlighting Brush - I've had it in my head that I need a domed brush in my collection. I'm not really sure if I do, but Sigma probably has the most affordable one, so I'll probably end up ordering it in the near future. Anyone have this brush? Do you like it?

Diorskin Nude Tan Nude Glow Sun Powder - Ahh, last but not least, the Dior bronzers from the Dior Summer 2012 Collection. I have yet to see reviews for any, but they look super pretty with the sleek silver packaging, and they come with a mini kabuki. How cute!

What's on your list?

P.S. What do you think of the newly designed Sephora site? I'm not too crazy about it. I liked the previous design better. It was easier for me to navigate

How do you like the new Sephora site?

I love it!

I'm indifferent.

I liked the old site better.

Hope you all have a wonderful night! Tomorrow is Friday - yay!

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick Review!

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick

What do you guys think of Sonia Kashuk makeup? To be honest, I've never really tried any of their color cosmetics. When I shop at the drugstore for makeup, I'm usually looking for a really good sale, one where I can typically attach a manufacturer coupon with, to knock off a couple of extra dollars. Then, if it's something that didn't really work out for me, it wasn't a huge blow to my wallet.

Needless to say, Sonia Kashuk cosmetics are a little expensive and they rarely ever go on sale (maybe 10% off once in a while?) So, I figure for a few more dollars I can invest in some MAC. 

Well, Sonia Kashuk's Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette has caused quite the stir in the beauty blogging world. It's a little palette containing two concealers, a neutralizer and setting powder. The concealers look a little dark for my current "light" skintone, so I usually pass it up on my grocery trips to Target. But recently, I got a hold of Sonia's stick concealer in a makeup swap and it's a great match. 

"Buildable medium to high coverage concealer that perfectly hides skin imperfections with an absolute natural, non-powdery finish." - http://soniakashuk.com

Sonia Kashuk Take Cover Concealing Stick is available in three shades: Daylight, Dawn and Dusk. I have the shade Dawn, which is a lovely light, golden beige. It matches my NC15-20 skintone very well.

(From left to right: Daylight, Dawn and Dusk.)

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