Blush and Bloom

They're Real! Benefit Mascara Review & Photos

2011-07-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

You can say Hello to Big, Beautiful, Batting Lashes after using this mascara!

About 3 weeks ago I received a sample of the new Benefit mascara from Sephora when I was purchasing my Mom's birthday present. I was hesitant to choose the free mascara sample for two reasons:

1- I'm very, very picky about my mascaras.

2- I kinda wanted the Hourglass primer sample instead because I know that I like it already and it's super expensive!

Nonetheless, I decided on the mascara since it was free and I had nothing to loose that way. I also figured it would make for a great blog post :-P

I ended up really liking it and got my Mother hooked on it too!

PACKAGING:

THE CLAIMS:

* 94% saw dramatic length and volume

* 90% saw base to tip curl

* 94% saw visible lift

* 100% saw long-wearing results

*Jet Black long-wearing formula won't smudge or dry out

*The specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!

THE FACTS:

* You get 8.5 g/ 0.3 oz. of product in the full size mascara

* Cost is approx. $22

MY THOUGHTS:

* I agree that it does grab every little lash with the help of the spiky ball end of the wand.

* I feel like it gives my lashes more length than volume. I would rather have the opposite in a mascara however that will differ from person to person depending on your lashes. If you want length more than anything, you will capital L-O-V-E this mascara!

* It does stay on all day without flaking, however I have found that it leaves little black smudge marks above and below where my eyelashes end, which is very annoying. I don't think this will be a problem for everyone. Only those whose lashes are on the longer side.

* I do love the Jet Black color to this mascara and the very wet formula.

* I have yet to see if the claim is true about the formula not drying out since I've only had my full size tube for a week and a half....very skeptical about this! Why would they create a formula that won't dry out?? So that we the consumers never have to purchase another mascara again? Never going to happen.

PHOTOS:

Xoxo,

Ashley

Yo-Ho-Yo-Ho: A Piratey Kinda Makeup

2011-07-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Aaarrrrr Beauty Pirates!

I went to a Pirate themed event last night and had to think up some Pirate makeup fast! I searched Google for some ideas but nothing seemed too appealing to me...and there didn't seem to be a whole lot of different looks to choose from, surprisingly. I wanted something dirty looking yet pretty at the same time, so I sat down at my vanity and this is what I came up with! I am so excited to share my night with you =) Enjoy!

P.S. I wasn't able to take these photos until the end of the event, hence the wearing off lipstick in the pics =( Sorry guys!

How To: Dirty/Sun-kissed Pirate Face

1) Tarte Recreate Anti-Aging Foundation with Wrinkle Rewind in the shade Cool Bisque 04. (This foundation is AWESOME girls! & we're never too young to start fighting those wrinkles!)

2) Mabelline Mineral Power Concealer in Fair, Light 0-1.

3) Hourglass Oxygen Foundation Powder in No. 1

4) Contour: Tarte Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer

5) Blush: MAC Blushbaby

6) Highlight: Lorac Bronzer in the shade Warm Glow

How To: Oil Slick Pirate Eyes

1) Eyebrows: Maybelline Expert Wear Twin Brow & Eye Pencil Pencil in Blonde

2) Eyebrows: Benefit Brow Zings Duo in Light

3) UDPP in Greed

4) UD 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (Line entire lid up into the crease and blend out with finger). Also used to line the water line.

5) Set "Zero" eye pencil with MAC Carbon eyeshadow and a fluffy brush. Also used Carbon to set "Zero" on bottom lash line.

6) Brow Highlight: MAC Brule

7) MAC Symmetry between Brule and Carbon to blend the two colors together

8) Smashbox Brazilian Bronze e/s (over/in place of) MAC Symmetry

9) NARS e/s in Silent Night. Pop it in the center of the eyelid for a golden pop!

10) MAC Blacktrack Fluidline to line the upper lash line

11) Benefit They're Real Mascara (Review coming soon!)

11) Miss Adoro lashes in # 28 cut in half

How To: Walk the Plank with Red Lips

1) NYX 801 Auburn lipliner

2) MAC Viva Glam Cyndi lipstick

The Actual Event:

My beautiful Mom

My beautiful Aunt

The End <3

IMATS Haul

2011-06-30T23:50:00.000-07:00

IMATS part 2! Now, the fun stuff...HAUL! Here's a look at what I picked up on Sunday. All I can say is AMAZING deals. I didn't get a truck load of items but I am so happy with everything I did purchase. Enjoy!

MAKEUP FOREVER

Powder: Reg. $40 IMATS: $24
Foundation: Reg. $32 IMATS $19

LASHES

$2 Each! The guy threw in 2 for FREE! =)

NYX

Lipgloss: Bare
Jumbo Pencil: Milk
Liner: Peekaboo Neutral
$3 Each!

BEAUTY BLENDER

New favorite beauty tool!
Beauty Blender: Reg. $19.95 IMATS. $12.99

LIME CRIME

Cutest packaging EVER!!!!!

Reg. $16 IMATS. $9.50

$4!!!

FREE STUFF

Sigma had the BEST freebies!

Mini blending brush and mini palette
of their new eyeshadow palette collection!

Wanna go to IMATS next year???

Visit www.imats.net

Xoxo,
Ashley

IMATS 2011- Picture HEAVY!

2011-06-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I went to IMATS for the first time ever this year and it was AMAZING! I loved every second of it. I have known about IMATS for about 3 years now and have wanted to go ever since I found out about it. Somehow I always missed the date (since it's only once a year) but not this time! I attended IMATS on Sunday, June 26th and I took my best friend with me, who also loves makeup. We had such an amazing day and I want to share my experience with all of you! =)

For anyone who doesn't know what IMATS is, it stands for International Makeup Artist Trade Show. It's only held once a year, as mentioned above, but there are 6 different locations-Vancouver, Sydney, Toronto, London, New York, and Los Angles, which is the one I attended in Pasadena. It seems like every year this event gets larger and larger! The beauty community is growing so rapidly thanks to YouTube, and I don't say that sarcastically. I love how makeup is becoming more and more exposed through YouTube and the beauty community. I wish all Women were educated in Makeup so that no one would be afraid of it because often times that seems to be the situation. I think if women were exposed to makeup enough, everyone would appreciate it and find a style that fits them and makes them feel comfortable. This wish may not be too far off if Beauty Guru's continue to multiply and spread the word about makeup and continue to educate us. (I am Pro-YouTube 100%, lol)

Back to IMATS talk, I wanted nothing more than to meet my Makeup inspiration, Kandee Johnson! I almost thought about wearing a pair of Depends incase I came into contact with her because if I had I thought I just might pee myself! HAHAHAHA. Sadly, I did not run into her =( I have to meet her one day, I just have too. I was able, however, to meet Koren and Josh/Petrilude/Misty Maven and I did get a glance or two at Tiffany D at the Sigma booth, who are all YouTube superstars.

Without further ado...here are my pictures from IMATS! Hope you enjoy.

IMATS haul to follow!

Approx. 6:45 AM going to pick up my BFF

Just Arrived!

Line to get a wristband! We were early & had already
purchased our tickets!

Wristband Booth Inside

Wristband: CHECK! IMATS Bag: CHECK!

Madness Begins!

Cutest Booth there...Sugarpill

Owner of Sugarpill, Amy

Purchased my first Lime Crime lipstick in Coquette <3

Too Faced!

Sea of People

Awesome.

Loved her makeup. She worked at Makeup Forever.

Waiting to pick up goodies at Makeup Forever

40% off for MUA's 20% off for everyone else

MAC Model. Wish I was this
sparkly every day <3

Koren from Youtube! He was such a sweetheart!

Amy from Sugarpill Cosmetics. Amazing outfit!

She was so cool looking!

The other side of his face was normal...very cool!

Her makeup is SOOO beautiful! This was my favorite.

Josh/Petrilude/Misty Maven from Youtube!

Scary!

If you have any questions, please ask! =)

Xoxo,
Ashley

Cheap Treat For Your Skin by Sephora

2011-05-09T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hi All My Lovelies Out There!

...I am so sorry I went MIA for a while. I am going to make a true effort to get back to my lonesome blog. I am hoping for some good news this week so I can share with all of you what has been consuming me besides makeup. FYI, If something is consuming me besides my love for Makeup, it's something HUGE, important and seriously, serious. Hahaha.

Now that I got that off my chest, I have something super amazing that I want to share with all of you that I have been using for about 2 months now and I am completely in love with it! We all know about the Clarisonic buzz going around, right? I would love get my grubby little hands on one of those systems but I don't have a money tree at the moment. The next best thing is the Olay Pro X Cleansing System which retails for roughly $35, give or take a little. That's wonderful (& I am asking for it for my Bday!....4 months away, lol) but I've found something along the same lines for only $5! Now, I can in no way truly compare the 3 BUT for $5, this is a win, win situation. So, I've posted a picture of this skincare obsession of mine up top^^^ It's the Sephora Collection Face Complexion Brush. It comes in 2 colors, White (clear) and Fuchsia (Which is actually Red). I have the "Fuchsia." It's super soft and although you have to use your own elbow grease to get results rather than the luxury of a battery, it is WONDERFUL! Pair it with your favorite cleanser & your ready for some deep cleansed & exfoliated skin. I use mine 2 times a day (morning & night) for about 1-2 minutes using light circular motions around my entire face. To be honest, I used to dread taking my makeup off at night...I hated it! Now that I have been using this little gem, I WANT to take my makeup off because I am literally addicted to how clean, smooth and glowing this makes my skin look & feel. From the research I've done it seems like you should replace your brush for a new one every 4 months or so. You can tell when it will need replacing because the bristles begin to get a little tweaked, kinda like your toothbrush...you just know when it's time, lol.

If you were curious, this is one of the exfoliating cleansers that I like to use with my awesome little scrubby brush =)

It's the Olay Definity Pore redefining scrub. It's supposed to minimize the appearance of your pores and brighten your complexion for a more even skin tone. I can definitely vouch for the brightening effect! I didn't believe that part at all but after using it just the first time my skin was bright and luminous and much less red than normal. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, lol. Great stuff!

Hope you Girls try this out for only $5 and if you have it, please let me know your thoughts! I would love to hear your opinion on this.

Xoxo,

~Ashley

Hair Care I ENJOY

2011-03-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hola Bonitas!

(I hope that's correct Spanish grammar!) I want to share my favorite hair care products with you that I have purchased time and time again. If they quit making any of these products, I'll be lost and maybe even shed a tear or two, lol. I hope you will try them out if you feel like your hair is in a rut or maybe you just don't love your current hair care products (which you should!). If you have used any of these in the past, or currently use some of these, please comment your thoughts below! I would love to hear what you think :) ....ENJOY! <3

First Things First: Shampoo & Conditioner

This is my favorite shampoo and conditioner, EVER! It's the SULFATE-FREE LUXURY SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER. I can't tell you how many people I've had hooked on this after trying mine. There are several different variations of this shampoo and conditioner to choose from depending on your hair type but let me tell you....they didn't name this stuff "Luxury Shampoo" for nothing! When you rinse your hair out, you will think it turned into silk. It's super concentrated and thick, so a little product goes a looong way! I use about a Dime size of product each time I wash my hair.

More things to Enjoy:

*Tested on Hairdressers, Not animals! (Very important!)

*Made in the U.S.A. (Proud American here ;))

*Smells amazing!

*Shampoo can double as a luxurious skin wash

*Conditioner can double as a shaving cream

*Sulfate-Free (*Tip*What you should also wash hair extensions with that are real hair, if you have them)

*Whitney Port loves it too! You can read about that here: http://whitneyport.celebuzz.com/2009/12/my-favorite-hair-products.php

You can only purchase Enjoy online or at a hair salon/select beauty supply stores because it is professional hair care. That being said, you will spend a pretty penny on this shampoo/conditioner but it will last you for many months, it's good for your hair and you will be addicted. No buyer's remorse here! It comes in a 10.1oz/300 ml bottle which sells for around $25 each or you can purchase the economy size 33.8oz for around $50 each.

Second: Leave-In Conditioner

I think I have used this leave-in conditioner for about 8 years or so. The bad thing is that my hairdresser did tell me that this product is going to be discontinued :'( The last time I went to the beauty supply that normally carries it, it was no where to be found! I know of a couple supply stores that still carry it and of corse, there is always the internet. It's by Ecoly Formulas and it's called Tri-Wheat Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler.

Why I love it:

*Smells amazing

*Designed for all hair types

*Natural ingredients such as wheat protein, walnut leaf extract and water lilly extract leave hair tangle free and eliminate static

*Helps prevent split ends

The Back-Up Plan

Luckily I have found a back-up, if or when my "go-to" vanishes. I got it as a sample from a hair salon and it's called, It's a 10. To be honest, I am more in love with the smell of this leave-in conditioner than I am the Tri-Wheat leave-in conditioner! It's a 10 smells like the perfume Ralph by Ralph Lauren! I'm sure many of you know that fragrance! It smells so fresh but has a hint of fruitiness as well. I am addicted to the scent of this stuff. It detangles hair just as well as my Holy Grail favorite above, so I will agree that it truly is a, "Miracle leave-in product!"

What a Miracle Leave-In Product does:

*Repairs dry damaged hair

*Adds shine

*Smooths and controls frizz

*Seals and protects hair color

*Flat iron spray and thermal protector

*Detangles

*Stops hair breakage

*Creates silkiness

*Enhances natural body

*Prevents split ends!

Whewww! That's a lot of action in one bottle.

It's a 10 also has a Sulfate-free shampoo! This hair care line is next on my, "to try" list. I am not one to shy away from products that I already love. Once I love something, I stick with it but I am so impressed with this conditioner that I want to try more of this company's products! I will do an updated review/comparison on the shampoo & conditioner when my Enjoy runs out :)

I was going to include my favorite styling products in this blog (to go along with the hair theme) but I don't want to overwhelm you with the product and information already listed here. This would be too long and I don't want to bore you ;) Hopefully you look forward to my next bog that will be all about BIG, SEXY HAIR!

Xoxo,

~Ashley

Don't Get Pinched!

2011-03-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY to my lovely ladies out there! Make sure you wear A LOT of Green so you don't accidentally get pinched (This happened to my Mom this morning...I didn't see her Green so I pinched her, HAHA). Here's my St. Patty's Day look. Hope everyone has a good time if you're going out tonight and be safe :)

FACE

*Moisturize

*Lancome La Base Pro primer

*Make Up Forever HD Foundation in 120

*Maybelline Mineral Power concealer in Light 0-1

*Make Up Forever Duo Mat Powder in 202

*Smashbox Artificial Light Flash (Cheek highlight)

*LORAC Spotlight powder highlighter in Perfectly Lit (Center of nose highlight)

*NARS Orgasm blush

EYES

*UDPP

*MAC Paint pot in Painterly

*MAC Nylon e/s (Brow Highlight)

*MAC Sumptuous Olive e/s (Crease & Bottom Lash Line)

*Urban Decay Acid Rain e/s (Lid)

*Make Up Forever Star Powder in 910 (Center of lid packed on over UD Acid Rain)

*Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper

*Stila Major Major Lash mascara

*Ardell Invisiband lashes in Wispies

LIPS

*MAC lipliner in Whirl

*MAC Viva Glam Gaga

Xoxo,

Ashley

Requested Look: Tropical Paradise

2011-03-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

I had a requested look from a friend for a tropical eye! I love getting requested looks from you, btw! So, if you want to request a look you can send it in a comment or in the request/"Ask me anything" box to the right :) I hope you guys like what I came up with :)

~Face~

*Moisturizer

*Hourglass Veil Fluid Foundation in No. 0 -Porcelain

*Hourglass Oxygen mineral powder in No. 1

*Physicians Formula Happy Booster powder in Beige (Highlight for cheeks & nose)

*Physicians Formula Happy Booster blush in Rose

~Eyes~

*UDPP

*MAC Goldmine (Brow bone)

*MAC Gorgeous Gold (Lid)

*Shiseido Orange from Fire Sky palette (Outer 1/3 of lid) Any bright Orange will do!

*MAC Violet + Fuchsia (Crease & outer half of lower lash line)

*Kat Von D tattoo liner in Skater

*Any Lime Green eyeshadow pigment (Inner 1/3 of lower lash line)

*Sephora eyeliner crayon in (White) 500 (Waterline)

*Stila Major Major lash mascara

*Ardell demi lashes

~Lips~

*MAC Subculture Lipliner

*MAC Giddy Lipstick

Natural Light :)

Anybody planning a tropical paradise vacation or ever been on one? If so, where to?! Please share with us :)

Xoxo,
Ashley

FOTD: I've got the Blooz

2011-02-25T22:35:00.000-08:00

....Not really. Not today! I've had a really wonderful day today. I hope the same for all of you too :) I just wanted to try a vibrant Blue look for you and since I used MAC's eye kohl in Blooz, I found the title appropriate :) Just as a heads up, here is what's coming up soon!

*Requested: Tropical Eye
*Requested: A look using MAC's Russian Red
*Product reviews & swatches
*My Holy Grail Haircare products

~Face~

*Moisturize

*Mary Kay Full-Coverage Foundation

*Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer

*Hourglass Oxygen powder

*LORAC liquid highlighter (Cheek bones)

*LORAC Spotlight powder highlight (Cheek bones & down center of nose)

*MAC Dollymix blush

~Eyes~

*Tape off the eye (regular wrapping tape) in an angle from outer lower lash line to where tip of eyebrow ends. This will give you the really sharp and clean edged eye :)

*UDPP

*MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

*MAC Brule (brow bone)

*Any baby Blue pigment on the lid

*MAC Deep Truth (crease)

*(optional step) Add any Black to outer corner of crease to add more depth

*MAC Blooz eye kohl to line the upper and lower lash line

*Stila Major Major Lash mascara

~Lips~

*MAC Subculture lipliner

*MAC Cream Cup lipstick

*MAC Feeling Dreamy lipgloss

Thanks for reading! Have a BRIGHT Blue day :)

Xoxo,

Ashley

My Skin Moisturizing Secrets

2011-02-21T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I had a massage a while back and my masseuse paused in the middle of it and said, "What do you use to moisturize your skin? It is so soft and moisturized!" That statement coming from the mouth of a skincare professional was such a nice compliment. I could not believe that she could even tell the hydration status of my skin just from a massage! I guess it makes sense when I think about it but I was shocked. I was flattered that of the many massages she gives to people, she asked me what I used because she wanted to use it too. I almost felt like she should be telling me what to use but I must be doing something right. So, I'm going to share my secret moisturizing potions with you! Hahaha. By the way, it only consists of 3 products that are easily accessible.

Step 1

The first two products are used in the shower. In the past I used a shower puff with a liquid body wash and could never fathom the idea of using bar soap....ewww! Lo and behold the bar soap has advanced for us Women :) I now use the Dove Go Fresh Burst Beauty Bar (I like "beauty bar" so much better than "soap") and I LOVE it! My favorite scent is the Nectarine and White Ginger. It's very tropical and fruity smelling. Each bar contains 1/4 hydrating lotion. It leaves my skin so soft after I shower and I don't feel like I have residue left on my skin from the soap! I really recommend trying the beauty bar but if you find you don't like it or can't get up the nerve to try a bar soap, it does come in a liquid too. (Shown below)

Step 2

Next up: My shaving cream that isn't shaving cream. It's actually Olay Quench liquid body wash. I used to use the Skintimate shaving cream but I'll never go back after using this! A little goes a long way and the bottle is huge, so you'll have it for many shaves! It's very moisturizing, creamy, lathers well and smells really good :)

Olay States: "Cleanse skin with a body wash that provides 24-hour moisturization, helps stop the cycle of dry skin, and reveals radiant, more beautiful skin after just one shower.
• Cleanse skin of dirt, oil and impurities
• Quench dry skin with moisturization
• Contains two times the combined cleansers and moisturizers—and 25% less water—than the top-selling body wash!"

Step 3

Last but not least, we need something to lock in all this wonderful moisture! Olay comes to the rescue once again! I have used this lotion for-ev-er and it's the Olay Quench daily body lotion plus shimmer with cocoa butter. The key is to use this right after you get out of the shower (I <3 it)! They have the same one I use without the shimmer if you're not into that but it is so subtle I hardly notice it. Olay makes a scentless lotion too which is ideal to wear with perfume or for those sensitive to fragrance. They also offer several other formulas which include:

*Ultra Moisture Lotion
Locks in moisture for 24 hours—and now comes without the shimmer

*Advanced Healing Intensive Lotion

Formula that's clinically proven to help heal dry skin with 24 hour moisture

*Quench Plus Age Defying Body Lotion

An ideal daily moisturizer for body skin that has begun to show signs of aging—treats dullness, dry and rough texture, uneven elasticity and uneven color

*Quench Plus Firming Body Lotion

Intense moisturizing formula plumps and lifts surface skin cells for skin that is visibly firmer in as little as three weeks

The particular lotion that I use claims the following:

1 Use: Breathable moisture that lasts all day

1 Week: Skin is noticeably supple, fresh and radiant

1 Bottle: Moisturized skin with a radiant look is one of your best beauty accessories!

Well stated on that last line Olay :) I completely agree!

And there you have it! Our little secret to massage stopping hydrated skin! lol

Pass it on :)

Xoxo,

Ashley

Green Eggs and Ham

2011-02-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a look inspired by Dr. Seuss :)

"I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them Sam I am"

--Dr. Seuss

~Eyes~

*UDPP

*MAC Brule

*Any light Green pigment (Lid & inner 1/3 of bottom lash line))

*MAC Sumptuous Olive e/s (Crease)

*Any medium Green pigment (Crease)

*Stila Stay All Day eyeliner pen

*Stila Major Major lash mascara

*Ardell lashes

*Sephora Collection Jumbo Pencil #510 (Outer 1/3 of bottom lash line)

~Face~

*The norm :)

*Cheeks: LORAC Soul mixed with some MAC Dollymix :)

~Lips~

*MAC Subculture L/L

*MAC Viva Glam Gaga L/S

*MAC Feeling Dreamy L/G

My favorite sweatshirt! Forever 21

I was pointing to Cat and the Hat! :)

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities."

-- Dr. Seuss

Xoxo,

Ashley

The Look of Love

2011-02-15T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovely Ladies!

I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day yesterday ;) Wether it was with your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, best friend, mom, dad, sister, brother...anyone who you love <3

I had a wonderful Valentine's Day with my boyfriend. He made me feel so special...and that's all us girls want, right? ;) We actually celebrated on Sunday because he gets home from work kinda late during the week. We went and seen that new movie with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, "Just Go With It". It was a perfect romantic comedy for Valentine's Day. I would definitely recommend watching it if you want a good laugh and a light-hearted movie. Then we had dinner at this amazing Italian Bistro called, Raviolis...it's the best Italian food I've ever had! After that, we rented "The Social Network" and it was good too...interesting to see how Facebook was born. We wanted to rent, "Valentine's Day" but they were all taken :( Then yesterday after he came home from work he made us an amazing dinner that consisted of two appetizers-Mozzarella eggplant and also Artichokes with melty butter to dip them in...yummm! Then he made us chicken parmesan for our main meal. It was such a nice surprise and I definitely wasn't expecting all of that after his long day at work...I feel so lucky and very much loved :)

Here was my "Look of Love" this Valentine's Day :)

Check out Minion in the background!!! LOL.....LOL :)

~Face~

*Clear Prep Fx Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment

*Makeup Forever HD Foundation in120

*Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer

*MAC MSF in Light Medium

*MAC MSF in Deep Dark for contour

*MAC Dollymix blush

*Victoria's Secret all-over powder in Candygirl as highlight on cheekbones

~Eyes~

*UDPP

*MAC Painterly paint pot (base)

*MAC Brule e/s (brow bone)

*MAC Buff-De-Buff e/s (crease)

*MAC Symmetry e/s (deepen crease color)

*MAC Naked Pigment (lid)

*MAC fluidline in Blacktrack for winged liner

*Stila Major Major Lash Mascara

*MAC false lashes

*MAC Embark e/s (outer 1/2 of bottom lash line)

~Lips~

*MAC Subculture lipliner

*MAC Creamcup lipstick

*MAC Standing Ovation lipglass

*MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipstick last to add a little kick! :)

Me & My Valentine!

What did you girls do for Valentine's Day??

This Blog is S.W.A.K.

(Sealed With A Kiss!)

Xoxo,

Ashley

Marilyn Revamped

2011-02-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

I was searching through photos of the iconic Marilyn Monroe and came across this amazing photo! I feel in love with the colors in this so I had to try and recreate it :) It's a really fun and super easy look to achieve. Here's to old Hollywood beauty!

What I used

Eyes:

*UDPP

*MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

*MAC Brule (Brow Bone)

*MAC Coppering (Crease up to outer 1/3 of brow bone)

*Urban Decay Eldorado (Lid)

*Kat Von D eyeliner pen in Trooper

*Waterline- any white pencil

*Stila Major Major Lash mascara

*Ardell Demi lashes

Lips:

*MAC Brick lipliner

*MAC Viva Glam Cyndi

*MAC Standing Ovation lipglass

P.S. Don't forget to draw on a beauty mark! :)

Xoxo,

Ashley

Review: Smashbox Sheer Focus Tined Moisturizer

2011-02-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I've really been into the idea of tinted moisturizers lately but have never went out and actively looked for one....until now! I have heard some really good things about the Smashbox tinted moisturizer so I decided to go to my local Sephora and ask for a sample to try it out. The girl working there was so sweet. When I asked her if I could have a sample of the T.M. she told me she was out of all makeup sample jars and bags, booo hoooo :( I was so sad because I was really looking forward to trying this stuff and once I set my mind to something, look out! lol. I think she felt really bad, so she offered to put my sample in a perfume atomizer that they use for fragrance samples and it worked! I was so excited and of corse thanked her for thinking up a strategic strategy in an urgent time of need, hahahaha.

Both pics with tinted moisturizer only

In the past when I was having issues with my skin, I never would have considered using a tinted moisturizer because they are sheer and really are not meant for a lot of coverage. Now that my skin is healthy again, I wanted a product that would speed up my makeup routine on days that I don't need to go all out and wear a lot of makeup or if I'm just going to the gym.

This moisturizer sells for $30 at Sephora and Ulta. I got mine in the lightest shade, Fair but they offer three other colors in Light, Medium, and Dark. They also offer a shade called, "luminous" which would be great for a highlighter or brightener in your foundation.

Added powder and blush

Overall, I am really impressed with this tinted moisturizer. I actually cannot wait to go out and purchase the full size. Sampling this product was great for me because if it happened to break me out I wouldn't be stuck with a money-waiting, full size bottle! I loved the color of this as well. I feel like it is pigmented perfectly! I use a flat foundation brush to apply this and I feel like it's the best applicator for this particular product. And you guessed it, it's super-de-duper moisturizing. My skin feels so nice and smooth after I remove my makeup at night, which was a shockingly nice surprise :) My biggest fear before using this product was that it was going to make my face look like a grease ball with in 20 mins of the application...not at all! I honestly cannot believe how matte my face stayed all day considering it is a "moisturizer". This stuff is wonderful!

Other added bonuses:

*SPF 15
*Packed with vitamins C and E
*Oil free
*Paraben free
*Fragrance free

Do you use a tinted moisturizer? Tell me what your favorite is!

Xoxo,
Ashley

Favorite, Everyday, Go~To Products

2011-02-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

Hi Make~Up Lovers!

I am finally busting out a favorites post, yay! You may recognize of many of these products from my FOTD posts but thats because these are my favorites, my staples, my repurchase again and again, favorite products! So allow me to introduce them to you.... :)

Favorite multi-functional product

MAC Fix+

I'm sure this is a favorite and a staple for thousands of Women and I too am one of them. Wether I am using this to make eyeshadows into eyeliner or to perk up my face before I put my foundation on, this baby gets used every day (And it's getting low!)

Favorite Foundations

I have two in this category! My skin is super-duper oily and sensitive so I have to be very cautious about what foundations, powders and blush I use on my skin...such a pain! But I have found that the Mary Kay Full coverage foundation is just the right consistency and blends so nicely on my skin. Best of all, it's really nice and gentle to my skin, lol. No break outs with this product! I'm not sure how many of you have heard of Cover FX but it is so amazing! I was using this before I switched to Mary Kay. I go back and forth between the two. But, the Cover FX Cream foundation covers literally anything! Tattoos and all. I needed something like this when my skin was in horrible condition :( Nothing seemed to hide my blemishes without making them worse...and then I discovered this little miracle! lol. Love this stuff to bits.

Favorite Concealer

I discovered this through a makeup Guru on YouTube. I'm so glad I decided to pick it up at my local Target and try it out because I fell in love with it! It's not cakey and it's just the perfect consistency for under the eye area. I like that it's a liquid and not a cream because I have found some cream concealers to be too drying and thick for under the delicate eye area.

Favorite Powder

I cannot say enough great things about this powder! The only draw back is the price. At $46 a pop, that's pretty outrageous, I know. However, when you have acne prone, sensitive skin there is seriously no price too high for a good quality product such as this. I desperately went into Sephora during the time my face was having serious issues looking for a powder that would not hurt my skin. The guy suggested this and applied it to my face. I didn't know right away if it was going to break me out or not but I did love the look of it! I would say it's a medium-full coverage powder and build able, which I like. A few weeks went by and I realized this stuff was amazing! It has zero Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic dyes or Phthalates. I have come to realize that Hourglass is an amazing cosmetic line. If only their products weren't so darn expensive I would own many more :) But the powder is a necessity for me!

Favorite Bronzers

Again, I have two favorites in this category. I love the MAC mineralize Skinfinish in Deep Dark for a few reasons. I love it for contouring! I also love it for when I want a bronzer with no shine or shimmer. It's also a great contour for your crease (or to use as an eyeshadow)! A lovely lady at my MAC counter shared that tip with me :) I was wearing a bronzy eye that day and she popped a little of the Deep Dark right above my crease and it added so much for doing so little! I was impressed. I use her little trick often now :) The LORAC bronzer is gorgeous you guys!!! I love it; however, it does have shimmer to it so I use it when I want more glow to my face. I guess I would say I use this one more in the summertime but definitely check it out next time you're in Sephora! It's permeant collection worthy!

Favorite Blush

I told you guys in my Welcome post that blush is one of my favorite beauty products so you can imagine how hard it was for me to limit this to just a few! Of corse I am in love with a classic...NARS blush in Orgasm. So pretty and great for everyday really. I also really love MAC blush and surprisingly they are kind to my sensitive face! A few of my absolute favorites are Style, Sunbasque and Dollymix!

Favorite Eye Brow Products

Eyebrows- I am obsessive when it comes to them...or mine I should say. I like them waxed every 3 weeks and I have to fill mine in 100% with all the products because mine are blonde :( These help me do a good job of it though! Eyepencils- Maybelline Expert Wear eye-pencils are my favorite. They are cheap, easily accessible at the drugstore and I've used these particular ones since I was like 15! Brow powder- Benefit Brow Zings is what I use just because It's what I have and It seriously seems like it will last FOR-EV-ER! The "wax" on the opposite side is dried out because I've had t for so long but powder doesn't go bad, so lucky me! I find the color matches my brows really nice, being blonde and all. Brow gel- I don't know that everyone uses brow gel but I like it to hold everything in place. The Target brand, Boots is a great one! Again- cheap, easily accessible and works perfect.

Favorite Eye Primer

You know it could only be one of two...I have yet to try the Two Faced Shadow Insurance but I find this one works well for me and I like it :)

Favorite Staple Eyeshadows

MAC Nylon, MAC Brule, MAC Embark

I use at least one of these a day. Most of the time two and you can create a whole look with all three! :)

Favorite Eyeliner

Yes, love this. It's an intense black and the felt tip style pen is so easy to use! They last a while too! These are also great for winged or cat~eye eyeliner.

Favorite Mascara

I am SO picky about my mascaras. It's the one thing that I am so anal about when it comes to loving or hating and there is no in between. I have bought this several times now and I really do love it. It's a nice, rich Black and it really adds a lot of length and some volume to lashes. I wish it added more volume but It's good!

Favorite Lip Products

MAC Cream De La Femme: The prettiest Pink. I have repurchased this color several times. Reminds me of a Barbie Pink with the prettiest sheen to it.

MAC Cream Cup: Another pretty pink! Lighter than Cream De La Femme. It's more of a Peachy Pink.

MAC Viva Glam Gaga: Another Pink...I love Pink lipstick as you can see :) Pastel Pink.

MAC Viva Glam Cyndi: The best wearable red out there!

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Feelin' Good: I like that it has SPF 15 in it and it smells really good! Gives just the right amount of color too. My only complaint about this is that I can taste the SPF in it :(

MAC Lipgloss in Feeling Dreamy: Awesome nude gloss with pink and gold shimmer

LORAC Lipgloss in Haute: Beautiful, opaque baby pink. Smells great and tastes good!

Favorite Go-To Palette

*LORAC Multi Platinum Palette. I love every shade in this thing. The colors are pigmented great and they blend so easy! I use this when I don't want to think about what I'm going to wear.

Favorite Highlighters

More favorites from LORAC. It's a double ended wand which contains a highlighter on one side and a concealer on the other. I don't like the concealer as much as my Maybelline Mineral Power but I love the liquid highlighter on the opposite side.

My favorite powder highlight is LORAC Spotlight. This company has my love!

Xoxo,

Ashley

Valentine's Fragrance Guide: For Him

2011-01-31T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Girls!

Sorry I haven't had many posts lately :( I was gifted with the flu a few days ago and have not been in a condition to do makeup, or much of anything else for that matter. On the upside, I think I am finally on the road to recovery :) Hopefully I'll have a FOTD post for you girlies tomorrow :) Snotty noses don't make for good photos today, lol. Here are some upcoming posts for you to look forward too in the near future :)

*Valentine makeup

*Green Machine makeup

*Multi~colored tropical eye makeup

*A favorites post

*A twist on Marilyn Monroe's makeup

Now onto the topic of the day....Men's cologne!! To keep with my perfume themed post, I thought I would share some of my favorite men's fragrances with you girls. As well as "top sellers" or colognes that I know from experience that Men love! Valentine's Day is approaching us soon *wink, wink* Cologne is a perfect gift for your Valentine :) I would recommend giving these a smell if you're feeling lost or are not really sure what's hot. From my four years experience working in the fragrance business, I want to offer you a word of advice. I would say about 95% of men don't care what their Lady buys them as long as YOU LIKE IT! :) Us women are the picky ones...not them. So don't be afraid to choose a scent that you like because chances are, if you like it, he's going to love it! Good luck! P.S. These are in no particular order, they all rock!

~YSL: L'Homme~ Rich, Alluring, A touch of sweetness, Definite YES! This is a very nice fragrance, not necessarily something he would wear everyday.*Note: There is a newer version of this in a black bottle so don't get the two confused. It's a stronger, intense version of this one. Overall, I do not recommend the black bottle. Stick with the original shown above :)*

~Kenneth Cole: Reaction~ I can't tell you how many bottles of this I have sold! It was a top seller in my store for sure and all of us girls working there loved it! It's a light and very sweet cologne but turns more masculine once on the skin. He could wear this everyday. Love this!

~Mont Blanc: Starwalker~ I don't know how hard this one will be to find in a department store but you can for sure find it online @ www.perfumania.com or in your nearest Perfumania store. This is another fragrance all of us girls raved about! It's another light, kinda sweet (not nearly as sweet as Reaction), fragrance with a hint of musk. He could wear this everyday.

~Georgio Armani: Acqua Di Gio~ I have not come across a Lady that hasn't liked this yet! One of my all time personal favorites! Not heavy and he could wear this every day! No brainer hit!

~Chanel: Allure Sport~ It's very important that the "sport" is in there! There is an original called "Allure" and it's good too but not as good as this, in my opinion! This is a rave for me! I know I just said Acqua Di Gio is my favorite but I take that back, lol....this is my #1 favorite Men's cologne ;) Not for everyday use.

~Versace Man: Eau Fraiche~ Nice, clean and fresh! Great for everyday!

~Lacoste: Essential~ Another fresh, clean, everyday fragrance. A top seller!

~Azzaro: Chrome~ This stuff used to literally fly off the shelves! Hot seller! It's really clean and fresh. Great for everyday!

~Givenchy: Play~ As if the Man on the cover isn't enough to make you wanna buy this cologne, then luckily it smells awesome too! LOL. Good job Givenchy! This could go both ways: everyday or special occasion.

Well girls, I hope I didn't leave any crucial ones out! There's NO WAY you can go wrong choosing any of these though. Good luck and just remember, if you like it, he will like it too!

Xoxo,

Ashley

My Perfume Collection

2011-01-27T16:43:00.000-08:00

I know this looks crazy but you should have seen my collection while I was still working in the perfume business! This is a reduced version of what it once was, hahaha. Not only do I possess a makeup addiction, it turns out that I also possess a perfume addiction. My Mom used to get so mad at me when we would go into a department store because I would stop and smell the fragrances even though I was surrounded by them at work all day! lol. She would say, "You have a problem." Hahaha. And I admit it, I do have a problem. However, I am going to use that problem to help all of you! :) I'll give you a quick rundown of these fragrances and tell you what I love most about them.

I wish the internet had scratch & sniff capabilities because some of these are going to be hard to describe. But maybe the next time you're out and about, you can stop by your nearest fragrance counter, Sephora, Ulta, Perfumania, and try them out :)

~Lilly Pulitzer: Squeeze~ I first smelled this fragrance at my local Sephora and I fell in love! It's light, airy, and has a definite citrus undertone. I love this for summertime :)

~Burberry: The Beat~ This scent is harder for me to describe. I definitely say it's not for everyday use. It's a little heavier but not in an overpowering way. It's very sweet and romantic. I would wear this going out at night or as a winter fragrance :)

~Calvin Klein: CK In 2 U~ This is yet another one of my favorite summertime fragrances! I got a few of my friends hooked on this one. It's so yummy! Like the Lilly Pulitzer fragrance Squeeze, this one is also a citrus. However, Squeeze is more like Grapefruit & Lemon whereas CK In 2 U is a bit deeper. Almost kinda masculine but it smells amazing!

~Escada: Sunset Heat~ Now we come to one of my favorite fragrance designers-Escada! They make the yummiest fragrances you will ever, ever smell! I can't tell you enough how much I am in love with their scents. They come out with a new fragrance every year and "discontinue" the previous one...or so the department stores will tell you. If you want last years fragrance, you can find it at your local Perfumania or www.perfumania.com. Sunset Heat is so tropical and sweet. It will have you wishing you were on a flight out to Hawaii or some tropical paradise! I can't get enough of it.

Escada also makes a fragrance called Moon Sparkle & I like it even more than Sunset heat ;)

If you're into cotton candy sweet scents, check out Escada Magnetism...another undoubted favorite :)

~True Religion~ I could not wait to get my hands on this one! This is so different from anything I have ever smelled (and I've seriously smelled just about everything out there!). It's very light, fresh and definitely something you could wear as an everyday fragrance. It reminds me of an Abercrombie & Fitch type of smell.

~Vera Wang: Princess~ I adore this fragrance! The packaging is cute enough to display on your dresser even if you didn't like how it smelled! lol. The little crown comes off the top and underneath is a ring you can wear...cute right? So, this one I would say you could wear everyday. It's on the sweeter side and I want to say that it might have a hint of vanilla in it...yumm! And for the record, I am not a fan of the other two Princess fragrances by Vera Wang :( The original however is a must smell!

~Chanel: Chance~ Ahh, this one has sweet meaning behind it :) This was the first fragrance my boyfriend ever bought me and I had wanted it so bad! I was super excited when he gave it to me for Christmas years ago! Since then, I've been through about 3 more bottles. This is what I call my signature fragrance. It's not really something you should wear everyday but I did because I loved it so much. It's the heaviest of the perfumes mentioned yet, but again, not grandma heavy, lol. It's very rich, kinda sweet, and extremely sophisticated. It screams NYC lifestyle to me for some reason. It's beautiful!

~Chanel: Chance Eau Fraiche~ This fragrance is an exception for me because I like all 3 Chance perfumes, although I only own 2. Eau Fraiche means, "Fresh" in French which is exactly what this is. It slightly smells like Chance but much lighter. It still possesses that richness to it! It's amazing as well. This could be for everyday :) The newest Chance fragrance is called, "Eau Tendre" and it reminds me so much of Marc Jacobs Daisy.

~Roxy~ This is a really fun, light, airy, beachy, no~brainer, everyday scent!

~Bath & Body Works: Sensual Amber~ Inexpensive and smells great for Fall & Winter. I use this as my workout fragrance :) It's very sweet and warm.

~Marc Jacobs: Daisy~ Besides Chanel Chance, this is my favorite everyday fragrance!!! I could rave about this stuff for days! It's the most beautiful and balanced fragrance I've ever smelled and fell in love with. If you've never smelled this stuff, make it an ASAP priority ;) I don't know that anything could ever take its place!

~Lanvin: Eclat D' Arpege~ Beautiful & light with a hint of sweetness. I love this for everyday and I've seen this at T.J. Maxx recently! Pick it up there if you see it, otherwise it is very pricey! Ahhh, it's so fresh. It's definitely on my top favorite list after Daisy.

~Jessica Simpson: Fancy Love~ Hmmm, I wouldn't say this is one of my top favorites but I do like it! It smells incredible on my Mom. It's very different and possesses notes of vanilla. It lasts all day and it's really romantic. If only men read my blog, I would suggest this as a Valentine gift :)

~Yves Rocher: Vanille~ This one recently snuck its way into my everyday favorites! It was a gift from our foreign exchange students family for Christmas this year. It's pure vanilla at its finest. It's not overpowering and it's all natural!

If you were recently contemplating buying a new fragrance but just weren't sure which one to try or where to begin, I hope this helped! I hope you like these fragrances as much as I do :) *A helpful tip* When you go fragrance shopping, ask the sales associate for some coffee beans. Trust me, they will have some. It clears your palette in between scents so that they don't all smell the same after a while :)

Tell me, what's your favorite fragrance???

Xoxo,

Ashley

Vol. 2 Misdemeanor

2011-01-26T14:53:00.000-08:00

Hello My Pretties!

It's been a while since I've posted anything on my blog and it's been killing me! Haha. I was a little busy last week getting myself prepared for a major step forward in the future. If all goes well, I'll blog about that later. Back to the important stuff....I busted out Urban Decay's Vol. 2 Book of Shadows and created this look using 2 amazing colors out of it, Misdemeanor & Flipside. (Shown below on bottom row) That being said, I hope you like it & dare to try it! :)

P.S. I've added a "request box" to the right of the page and it's been very lonely :( If you have any requested looks, please send them! If you have a pic, link it with your request :)

~Eyes~

*Prime eye with UDPP

*MAC Brule for brow highlight

*Pack Flipside onto lid (At the end, I went back and loaded my brush up with more and then spritzed some Fit+ onto the brush to make the color pop!)

*Misdemeanor in crease

*MAC Carbon in outer 1/3 of crease to give more depth.

*MAC Nylon on inner corners of eyes

*Misdemeanor on angled brush to line lower lash line.

*Benefit High Brow on waterline

*Maybelline Falsies Mascara. Not fond of this so far : /

*Demi false lashes

~Cheeks~

*MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Deep Dark to contour

*MAC Sunbasque Blush

~Lips~

*MAC Soar Lipliner

*MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipstick

Xoxo,

Ashley

The Versatile Blogger award!

2011-01-18T15:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!

I was checking my e-mail today and I had a message from Ev saying that I was awarded by her for the Versatile Blogger Award! I was shocked you guys. So a HUGE thank you to Ev for choosing me as one of the newly discovered bloggers to give this award too :) Here is a link to her blog Mozzarella and Makeup so be sure and check it out, follow, and show her some love. I love her blog name, it's so cute. Check out her post for the Versatile Blogger award and you'll see why she named her blog Mozzarella and Makeup.

The rules for these awards are:

*Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.

*Tell us 7 things about yourself.

*Award 15 recently discovered new bloggers.

*Contact these bloggers and let them know the've received the award(s).

7 Things about me!

1) My two favorite foods are Kraft Mac and Cheese and Sushi!

2) I have a Chihuahua named Tic Tac. He is my love, my baby.

3) I have tried getting into school to be an Ultrasound Technologist for 4 years...I will find out in May or June if I finally make it in this year!

4)Cinderella is my nickname :) My license plate reads, CCNDRLA

5) My dream car is an Audi. I am determined to own one, one day.

6) My hair color is natural

7) I saved the best for last! I have been with my high school sweetheart for a decade!

15 bloggers: (Check them out!)

1) Love of Beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.

2) Title goes here

3) Mix Mosh of Michelle

4) H3llo mz K!

5) Glamour Diaries

6) EightSeventeen Jewelry

7) Cheryl's Beauty Blog

8) Beauty Smack~ Talk

9) Alpha Blonde

10) Adams Photo Party

11) a DaiLy DOSe of kAaRteHan

12) &Soulful Suga

13) sccastaneda

14) My best beauty buys.

15) Jomakemeblushdotcom

Xoxo,

Ashley

V/S Inspired Beach Bronze

2011-01-16T14:35:00.000-08:00

Hey Girls,

I wanted to do a Victoria's Secret inspired look with the dewy skin, really highlighted cheeks, shimmery eyes and the very bronzy face with a juicy lip! This reminds me of a beachy type look as well since it is very bronzy yet neutral and the lip is very natural. I was all over the place when I was creating this and used A LOT of products. I'm going to simplify it for you because this should be very easy! Basically, make your skin dewy, go crazy with your bronzer, and do a highlighted bronzy eye and whaaaala! You'll be runway and beach ready at the same time! Who knew? ;)

~Face~

*Moisturize your face and let it soak in

*Mary Kay Full~Coverage Foundation in Beige 302. I mixed my foundation with Benefit's HollywoodGlo to give my skin a dewy finish. If you don't have HollywoodGlo, mix your foundation with any liquid highlighter.

*Conceal under eyes. I used Maybelline Mineral Power in Fair 0-1.

*Set face & concealer with powder. I use Hourglass Oxygen Foundation Powder in No.1.

*Contour cheek bones, and temple. Jawline is optional. I used MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Deep Dark.

*Highlight cheek bones with liquid highlighter. You want the dewy effect so don't powder over it this time :)

*BRONZER!! Lightly apply bronzer to cheeks, sides of temple, forehead, and chin. *Tip* Using your contour or bronzer, take a fluffy eyeshadow brush and lightly swirl it in the bronzer/contour color. Lightly brush the color down the center of your nose from between the eyes to the tip. Pick up a little more color and apply it where you would normally place a highlighter on your cheeks. This will create the illusion that you've been in the sun and have tan lines.

*Blush~ I used Bare Minerals in True.

*Optional Step* I placed Victoria's Secret all over shimmer powder in Candygirl just beneath my liquid highlight on my cheeks.

~Eyes~

*Eyebrows. I use Maybelline Expert Wear pencil in Blonde and then I set it with Benefit Brow Zings Powder.

*Prime. I used Urban Decay Primer Potion

*Apply a liquid highlight into the inner corners of the eyes.

*MAC Nylon from brow-bone to lid. Get the inner corners of the eyes well! You want an "angelic" type look. Slightly bring it under the lower lash line. (White with a sheen)

*Take any smokey brown you have and place it on the lid. (EX. MAC Espresso)

*Take a Gold sheen color and place it in the crease and blend well. I used Half Baked from Urban Decay's Vol. 2 palette.

*Take a darker brown and apply it in the crease. Blend out. (EX. MAC Embark)

*Last, take your bronzer and lightly apply it between the crease and brow bone.

*Line eyes with a black pencil. Make sure it's a pencil! You want a very light application of liner. I used Urban Decay's 24/7 pencil in Zero.

*Line bottom lash line with a brown pencil. I used Urban Decay's 24/7 pencil in Bourbon.

*Line waterline with a fleshy or white eyeliner pencil. I used Benefits Highbrow.

*Mascara

*Apply Fake lashes. Choose the most natural looking pair you have :) Mine are Ardell 305.

~Lips~

*I applied ELF's lips stain in Heartbreaker and wasn't happy with the way it compliment this look :/ So, then I applied Victoria's Secret Brilliant Lip Shine in Possession (Which I LOVE BTW)

~Hair~

In case your guys are interested, I used Revlon's Wave Iron to get "beachy" looking hair :) I love this thing!!

I wanted to share this picture with you guys to go along with the Victoria's Secret theme :) These are 3 of my very best girl friends in the world! I feel so, so lucky to have them in my life. They are amazing. The two on the left I met in college and the one on my right is my cousin. We get asked all the time if we are sisters or twins! Hahaha. This picture was taken in the Victoria's Secret in Las Vegas for my 21st birthday... 4 years ago come September! Wow, time flys. Speaking of flying, they had these super cute flight attendant hats out for Halloween coming up, so we threw them on and snapped a picture before we got in trouble! LOL. Cheers to soul sisters!

Xoxo,

Ashley

Shiseido Fire Sky Orange

2011-01-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Girls,

I have a Juicy Orange makeup look for you today :) I have this awesome Orange palette from Shiseido that I re~discovered recently...I love re~discovering! So I've been dying to do a really bright but wearable Orange look. I got the palette at Sephora a while back and the name is Fire Sky. It has two colors, an awesome bright Orange and a really pretty glittery White.

So, here's the look! Hope you girls like it :)

~Face~

*Moisturize!

*Mary Kay Full~Coverage Foundation in 302 Beige with MAC 180 brush

*Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer in the shade Light under eyes. I apply 3 dots under each eye and gently tap with my middle or ring finger until blended.

*Hourglass Foundation Powder in No.1. I use this to set my concealer under my eyes with a small, tapered brush. Then I take my big fluffy brush and lightly buff the powder into my face.

*LORAC Tantalizer brozer to contour cheeks, nose, jaw, sides of temple and forehead.

*LORAC blush in Soul with MAC 187 brush.

*Smashbox Artificial Light highlighter on cheek bones.

*Maybelline Expert Wear eyebrow pencil in Blonde.

*Benefit Brow Zing powder in Light to set the brow pencil.

~Eyes~

*Urban Decay Primer Potion

*With a MAC 239 brush, apply MAC fluidline in Uppity to the lid. If you don't have those, use a small, flat brush and apply a light gold cream shadow or eyeliner.

*Apply Shiseido's Orange in the Fire Sky palette on top of Uppity Fluidline on the lid. Pack the Orange on with the MAC 239 brush. Just use a bright, opaque Orange if you don't have the same palette :)

*With a MAC 219 (any pencil brush), I applied MAC Goldmine shadow in the tear duct and brought it a 1/3 of the way under the eye.

*Apply MAC Brule to brow and blend down into crease

*MAC Symmetry in the crease and blend well

*Apply a glittery black into crease with a pencil brush and then blend it out with a fluffy brush.

*Apply Kat Von D Tattoo eyeliner in Trooper. (Any black eyeliner will do!)

*Line water line with Benefit High Brow or a white eyeliner pencil.

*I applied Stila Major Major Lash Mascara to my top lashes and Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion to the bottom lashes. I wanted the top very dramatic and the bottom more subtle so I opted to used the two different mascaras.

*Take your Orange eyeshadow from earlier and line your bottom lash line with an angled brush. Spritz it with Fix+ to avoid fallout & make the Orange more vivid! The Orange should meet up with the Goldmine (or a yellowish gold) on the inner 1/3 of your bottom lash line.

*Optional~Then I took a Sephora eyeliner in Flashy Brown (bronzy brown color) and lightly lined the outer 1/3 of bottom lash line. You will be lining over the Orange you just put on. It gives just a little more depth.

*LASHES!!! :) Mine are MAC but I don't know the number :( ANY lashes are fabulous!

~Lips~

*Smashbox lip/lid combo concealer stick. Any lip concealer will work, as does a heavy foundation :)

*MAC Subculture Lipliner (Pinky Nude)

*MAC Creme De Femme Lipstick (Rosy Pink with sheen)

*MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick (Optional step)

Have a bright day! :)

Xoxo,

Ashley

Glamour Puss

2011-01-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Girls,

This is a requested look from my cousin. She wanted me to do a neutral eye with a smokin' red lip! So, here it is! This is one of my favorite makeup looks to do on other women and myself. It's fun, fast & glamorous. It looks much more difficult than it is. The dramatic red lip and false lashes add the drama that makes this look seem intimidating. Don't be scared....just try it! Also, this really is such a universal look. You could wear it out to a party, dance, nightclub, on a hot date (Valentine's Day is around the corner!). It would also be a beautiful bridal look! I'll tell you exactly what I used on myself and how.Use what you have that's similar if you don't have exactly what I used. Make it rock for you! ;) P.S. Gabby, Hope it's everything you wanted & more!

Xoxo,

Ashley

~Face~

*As always, moisturize :)

*Mist face with MAC Fix+

*Mary Kay Full~Coverage Foundation in Beige 302 applied with a MAC 180 brush

*Maybelline Mineral Power concealer in Fair

*Set concealer with hourglass Oxygen powder in No.1 using a small tapered brush

*Powder face with Make Up For Ever Duo Mat, shade 302 using a Sephora Professional brush #55 (Silver handle)

* Apply Benefit's HollywoodGlo as a highlight to cheeks. Any liquid highlighter will do.

*Set highlight with Lorac Spotlight in Perfectly Lit. Any powder highlighter will do.

*Lorac blush in Soul. It came in their Croc Palette. It's a burnished rose color.

*Eyebrows. Maybelline Expert Wear brow pencil in Blonde. *tip* Make your eyebrows as arched, sharp, and angled as possible! It's key for this look :)

*Set brow pencil with coordinating powder...eyeshadow works too! I used Benefit's Brow Zings palette in Light.

~Eyes~

*Urban Decay Primer Potion

*MAC Brule from brow bone to crease.

*MAC Nylon on lid and bring it down around the tear duct with a pencil brush

*MAC Symmetry in crease.

*MAC Espresso in outer 1/3 of crease to give just a little more depth.

*Urban Decay's Polyester Bride (glittery white) on top of Nylon in the inner 1/3 of eye to make it pop!

*Kat Von D Tatto liner in Trooper. Wing that eyeliner! It's essential for this look :)

*Line water line with a white pencil. I used Benefit's High Brow! I like it because it's more of a fleshy tone.

*Stila Major Major Lash Mascara in Black 01.

*False lashes!! Mine are some cheap-O ones from Walmart during Halloween. I cut them in half and used only the outer portion. *Tip* Don't skip this part ;)

~Lips~

*MAC liner in Whirl

*MAC lipstick in Viva Glam Cyndi! (My favorite wearable Red, EVER!)

Double Take

2011-01-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Girlfriends,

I came across this photo of Madonna on another Bloggers photography website today. I know Madonna doesn't really look like the Photoshoped picture shown here but I was shocked when I seen this! This photo is such a raw reminder that so much of what we see in the media is distorted! As a very sad result, our society is filled with young women who develop eating disorders and a slew of other self-image issues as a result of the false images that they see. We all know that magazines are Photoshoped but it is very easy to forget, Myself included! It is so easy to get wrapped up in the idea that women wake up looking like the images you see in magazines...NOT AT ALL! This picture is a perfect reminder of reality. I'm sure there are a very select few beauties on this earth that wake up looking flawless. For the most part, that's just not true. Beauty takes a lot of time, effort & work! I wish I were brave enough to show you guys a picture of myself without makeup but I can't do it! Lol. Not only do I look like a 12 yr. old but I don't look anything like my "enhanced" self because I am naturally a blonde. Unless you are blonde yourself, know me personally, or somebody else who is a natural blonde, then you don't understand what I am talking about. We look so completely different because our complexions are super fair, our eyebrows are blonde, and our eyelashes are blonde! I always joke that I look albino without makeup! Hahaha. Luckily my brows and lashes have darkened a little since I've gotten older but it really makes me self conscious to be without makeup for this reason. That's hard to confess but it's the truth. Everyone struggles with little issues about themselves because no one is perfect! And just remember....when you think you've seen the most beautiful girl in the world...even she has issues about herself that she doesn't think are perfect! Every girl is beautiful no matter WHAT! Here's to all of our perfect, imperfections! Xoxo.

I encourage you guys to please watch this video! I think it has an ever greater impact than the images I have shown...

What's In My Purse?

2011-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

I am a HUGE fan of the makeup community on YouTube. I spend too much of my time watching makeup tutorials but I absolutely love it. A lot of the guru's that I watch will do a "What's in my purse?" video every now and I really enjoy them! It's so fun to see what other girls cary around in their bags and see what kind of purses they have! I'm sure not everyone likes this kind of thing but I want to mix it up a little bit so, here's to something new and different!

There's my beauty! Haha. I would have to say, Betsey Johnson and Juicy Couture purses are my favorite. That seems to be the reoccurring theme when I purse shop. I would like my next purchase to be a Coach bag! I've seen some pretty darn cute ones from them lately :) This purse was a Christmas gift last year from my good friend, Korie. We were working at a perfume store at the time and our purses had to be clear for loss prevention purposes. Cute, clear handbags are HARD to come by, let me tell you! The leopard lining in this purse comes out so you can have a clear purse or a cutely lined purse! Let's see the treasures inside.....

I keep all of my lipstick, gloss, Chapstick, and perfume in the makeup bag shown in the first picture.

Details:

*I keep heartburn pills on me, just in case! I don't get it often but when I do it's an emergency and I need some like right now!

*MAC tinted lip conditioner in Fellin' Good.

*MAC lipliner in Soar

*MAC lipliner in Subculture

*MAC lipliner in Whirl

*MAC lipstick in Cream Cup

*MAC lipstick in Nude Rose (Discontinued)

*MAC lipgloss in Felling Dreamy

*Stilla lip glaze in Harmony (B6)

*ChapStick

*Daisy perfume rollerball (My favorite everyday fragrance!)

*Pink atomizer with Chanel Chance Perfume inside (My favorite evening/special occasion fragrance)

I guess one lotion isn't good enough. I need two! Tide-to-go comes in so handy sometimes. As do hand sanitizer, Neosporin, and Lysol mini disinfectant spray.

Sephora compacts are the bomb! Then there is my gum, mini planner, and mini notepad. Oh! And a perfume sample of Chanel's new fragrance, Chance Tendre...Smells so similar to Marc Jacobs Daisy. I can't wait to buy it!

I always keep my business cards handy! ;) They may look a little distorted in this pic because I edited out certain information that I don't want displayed publicly.

Good ole scratch offs! You can see my big $2.00 winnings on the last ticket, hahaha.

My catrillion business/reward/point cards! Geeeeez.

I take the black Ipod to the gym with me but I just got a Shuffle for Christmas so I need to put my songs on it! The Shuffle will be perfect for the gym. The black Ipod is too heavy to workout with.

I saved the best for last and that is self defense Ladies! My pepper spray and my little knife. Don't know what good my little knife will do me but I like it, lol. I should invest in a better one but I've been known to leave them in my purse at the airport and completely forget they are in there! The people who check the bags pull me aside and ask if there is anything I need to tell them...I say, "Nope, Nothing!" They start looking in my purse and BAMB!! There's the knife, confiscated LOL. Twice this has happened to me. On a serious note, I would suggest all women, any age, cary pepper spray, a knife, a stun-gun, ANYTHING to protect yourself because you just never know....Be safe today and always!

Nicole Richie Inspired Plum Purple

2011-01-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

Hi Again Beauties,

I wanted to do a really fun look today. Something you could wear for a night out with your friends, for a party, for a school dance, or maybe just to dinner (and a movie)! I chose to recreate the look off of the October issue of In Style magazine featuring Nicole Richie! This is certainly not my makeup style for everyday. However, I did have fun trying something new and I'm the crazy one who you would see wearing this look out for no reason, in the middle of the day... at the grocery store! lol. My take on Nicole's look appears a little different from hers for a few reasons. First, she has very large eyes, I do not. Secondly, her eye shape is very different from mine. In that scenario, you have to adjust the makeup a little bit to flatter your eye shape. Third, I did not have every exact makeup product that was used on her for this editorial shot. So, as I told you guys last time, go with what you've got and that's what I did. As a last note, I am not one of those people who apply their foundation last but this look is a bit messy so I would recommend to begin with your eyes first and then proceed with foundation, bronzer, brows, and lips. Have fun & hope you enjoyed this look!!!

Eyes:

*Prime your eye. I used Urban Decay's Primer Potion (Purple Genie looking tube)

*I used MAC's Paint pot in Painterly all over my eye from the brow to the lid.

*If you have the Alice In Wonderland palette by Urban Decay, I used Queen with a MAC 239 brush to sweep the color all over the lid and blended it up slightly into the crease. If you don't have the palette, it's Urban Decay's "Last Call". (A reddened eggplant with a burgundy/purplish edge. Has a slight sheen to it) *Tip* You can also use MAC's Paint Pot in Artifact. This is what was actually used on Nicole Richie but I didn't have it :(

*Apply MAC's Shadowy Lady on the outer 1/3 of the eye. It's a dark, matte purple if you don't have it. (You can also use MAC's Nehru)

*Then apply Urban Decay's Curiouser with your finger on top of Queen on the inner 1/3 of the eye. Keep the inner portion light and the outer portion dark! (A.K.A. Grifter by U.D. if you don't have the Alice palette) It's a light fucia-purple with an icy purple sheen.

*Apply MAC's glitter reflects in "very pink" over the previous color on the inner 1/3 of the eye. (I didn't have this which is why I used Curiouser. It already had glitter in the shadow :))

*Line top of eye with MAC's fluidline in Blacktrack. Liner should begin small and increase slightly thicker toward the outer corner of the eye. Only line your bottom lash line half way with the Blacktrack. Grab an angled brush and lightly line the rest of bottom lash line with MAC Shadowy Lady or Nehru. Don't forget your waterline in black! (If you don't have Blacktrack, any black gel liner or black pencil will do)

*Mascara

*False lashes are optional. I chose to wear some. Demi's (half lashes) would look best with this look :)

For the Face:

*Moisturize your face!

*Prime. I used Lancome's La Base Pro.

* Use a very light foundation for this look. By light, I don't mean in color, I mean in consistency. A tinted moisturizer will work as well. The goal is to even out your skin tone without overdoing it.

*Conceal under your eyes.

*Lightly powder your face. Don't forget to lightly powder under the eyes to lock in your concealer!

*Use a matte bronzer to contour the sides of the face. This look has zero blush. To make up for that, the bronzer will give your face a little shape and warmth so you don't look pale. *Tip* To "contour" your cheeks, take an angled brush and lightly dab it in your matte (meaning no shimmer or shine!) bronzer. Place the brush at the top of your ear and swipe the brush in an angled, downward motion toward your cheeks. To check and see if your placement is correct, the fish face works well :) You are basically trying to slightly darken the area under your cheeks making your actual cheek bones pop!

*Define those eyebrows!

Lips:

I know it doesn't look like I have any lip color on....but that's the point for this look. You want a very nude lip. Begin by concealing or applying foundation on your lips to erase your natural lip color.

* MAC Subculture liner (optional)

*MAC Nude Rose Lipstick -Discontinued, Boooo hooo hooo:(- *Tip* Nicole Richie is wearing Revlon's matte lipstick in Nude Attitude! (Any nude lip color will work!)

*Viva La Beauty!*

Xoxo

Who Said Brown Couldn't Look Fresh?

2011-01-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

Okay Gals,

Here goes my first makeup "How to" post! I hope you like it. I intended for this look to be very, very simple and easy but ended up using way more products in the end than I had intended. Be creative! You can always add or take away from what I am showing here. Most importantly, use products you have! You can accomplish a very similar look even if you don't have exactly what I used :)

Here is what I used on my face:

*First and always, moisturize! It can be anything of your choice. This step is not optional, in my opinion.

* I began with a primer by the company Cover Fx. It's called Clear Prep Fx. It's an anti-acne treatment as well!

* I then apply my Mary Kay, full-coverage foundation in Beige 302 with a MAC 180 brush lightly misted with MAC Fix + or Evian spray. Wetting this particular brush helps evenly apply your liquid foundation and limits overusing the foundation so it doesn't go to waste!

*Conceal under eye circles with Maybelline Mineral Power concealer. Mine is in the shade Fair. This is a very inexpensive, drugstore product that I really like! It's creamy and moisturizing under our delicate eye area. *Tip* Your concealer should NOT match your foundation. It should generally be 2 shades lighter than your foundation. This makes the eye area appear brighter.

*Powder- I use Hourglass Oxygen powder in No.1. First I use a small, pointy, dome brush and lightly apply my powder on top of my concealer to set it. Then I go in with a big fluffy brush and buff in the powder to the rest of my face. *Tip* Any time you use a liquid, it must be set with a powder to keep it on. Ex: Liquid eyeliner-apply a corresponding eyeshadow on top to set it. Cream blush-set with a powder blush or translucent power on top. Liquid highlighter-set with powder highlighter...you get it now :)

*Blush-Nars Orgasm

*Eyebrows- Maybelline Expert Wear brow pencil in Blonde. (They are also sold in the drugstore and come as a set of 2. They are red pencils. I love this eyebrow pencil! I have used it since the beginning of my makeup obsession!) *Tip* Set with a brow powder or matching brown eyeshadow to lock in the wax formula of the pencil!

The eyes:

* MAC Brule for brow highlight (A non-shimmery color close to your skin tone)

*MAC Nylon on the inner corners of the lid. Blend that out into first 1/3 of lid. (A bright, shimmery/frosty white)

*MAC Patina on the outer 1/3 of the lid. (A frosty light bronze color)

*Light wash of MAC Buff-De-Buff in the crease. I don't know if this color is discontinued? (A light, shimmery pinky brown color)

*MAC Symmetry lightly washed over the Buff-De-Buff in crease. (A very light matt brown)

*MAC Espresso in outer corner and very lightly blend into mid crease. (A matt brown a few shades darker than the previous brown you used)

*MAC Embark in outer crease (Dark, matt brown) My favorite brown ever!!

*I used Embark to line my eyes by wetting it with MAC Fix+ on an angled brush.

*Mascara- Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion (Purple tube)

Lips:

*MAC Subculture lip pencil (Pinky nude color) My favorite lip pencil for everyday wear!!!

*MAC Creamcup lipstick (Peachy pink color)

*MAC Feeling Dreamy Lipgloss on top (Shimmery, translucent pink)

That Completes this look! Hope you like it and found this helpful :)

Welcome Gorgeous Ones

2011-01-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

Hi Gorgeous Ones!

Welcome to my beauty blog! Thank you to everyone who gave their opinion as to what this blog should be named. I ultimately chose the name, Blush and Bloom, because it was the only title that I came up with all my own and because it sounds fresh. Original and fresh are qualities that I definitely want to incorporate into this blog. I also chose the name because blush is one of my favorite beauty products. It can brighten and bring a face to life in a matter of a few strokes! I almost feel like you can never have too much of it either. Although, too much of a good thing can be detrimental in any case! Hahaha. Never fear blush ladies, embrace it! The word Bloom follows after Blush in this title because it is associated with beauty too! As much as most of you may only think of a flower blooming, the term also means, "The state or period of greatest beauty, freshness, or vigor." Combined, the title represents blush and beauty-simple, yet fresh and beautiful!

Please bare with me in the beginning as I figure out how to make this blog the best it can be. I am really excited to start this beauty blog! I have wanted to begin a blog for a while now but never pursued it. I thought now would be a great time because we just walked into the new year-2011! Without the inspiration or encouragement of my friend, Jen Toy, Blush and Bloom would not be here, despite the New Year. Thank you so much Jen! Here is a link to her beauty blog. Definitely check it out! She is an amazing makeup artist for MAC

Cosmetics in San Francisco, Ca. http://www.l1lmamaj.blogspot.com

Me and Jen in Vegas

I plan on showing a lot of different makeup looks in this blog. Some casual and some more bold and daring! Some that I create and others that will be "inspired by" a look in a magazine or by another makeup guru. Other days, maybe I'll mix it up and throw out some fragrance reviews (since I worked with perfume for 4 years!) Then, maybe some quotes here and there that are inspirational as well. I would also like to incorporate some product reviews, outfits of the day, and share some of my favorite products with you! I want this blog to be inspiring and fresh most of all. I hope you enjoy what is to come and thank you for joining me on this artistic journey! Viva La Beauty!!