Do you remember last week I shared this photo on facebook and twitter? I promised you I would show you how to do a French manicure. Well, here it is!

Doing an at home French manicure is very quick and easy. I didn’t realize how quick and easy until . . . → Read More: How To Do A French Manicure]]>

Do you remember last week I shared this photo on facebook and twitter? I promised you I would show you how to do a French manicure. Well, here it is!

Doing an at home French manicure is very quick and easy. I didn’t realize how quick and easy until a friend of mine showed me. Now, I want to share with you!

Find out how! *picture heavy*

You will need the following:

a base coat

a tip color (usually white, but you can choose a different color to make it festive)

a sheer pink/beige nail color (for American version)

a top coat

100% pure Acetone. It will work a lot better and quicker than regular nail polish remover.

a rounded eyeshadow brush. You don’t want it too dense or too big. The width of your pinky nail should suffice.

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Okay. Got everything? Let’s get started!

The first step is to apply a layer of base coat and let the coat dry for a couple of minutes.

Next, take the nail polish color you want to paint your tips. I like to paint mine white. I try not to go too far down my nail because that just means more nail polish for me to remove later. I also find it best to paint on 2 thin layers instead of one thick one.

After painting the tips, it’s time to shape and clean the edges. Pour a little bit of the 100% Acetone into a small container.

Dip the rounded eyeshadow brush into the Acetone.

Brush away the excess. Use the roundness of the brush to help you create a slightly curved edge. There is no wrong or right way to remove the excess polish. Do whatever feels comfortable and easy for you. After each swipe, dip the brush into Acetone so the nail polish doesn’t collect on the bristles.

Now that the tips are done, paint on a thin layer of top coat (for the French version) or a sheer pink/beige color (for the American version).

Last step is to paint on a layer of top coat if you decided to do the American version and you’re done!

Easy, yes?

Here is the tutorial for the Holiday Look 3: Jenny Humphfrey Inspired Makeup Look.

A reminder of what the look the Jenny Humphfrey Inspired Makeup Look looked like:

Learn how I achieved this look!

Apply face makeup

I primed my eyes using Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

Here is the tutorial for the Holiday Look 2: Peacock Inspired Makeup Look

A reminder of what the look the Peacock Inspired Makeup Look looked like:

Learn how I achieved this look!

Apply face makeup

I primed my eyes using Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

Here is the tutorial for the Holiday Look 1: Taylor Swift Inspired Makeup Look

A reminder of what the look the Taylor Swift Inspired Makeup Look looked like:

Learn how I achieved this look!

I set my hair in hot rollers using Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Multisized Hot Rollers. . . . → Read More: Holiday Look 1: Taylor Swift Inspired Makeup Look Tutorial]]>

Here is the tutorial for the Holiday Look 1: Taylor Swift Inspired Makeup Look

A reminder of what the look the Taylor Swift Inspired Makeup Look looked like:

Learn how I achieved this look!

Step 1 (optional):

I set my hair in hot rollers using Conair Xtreme Instant Heat Multisized Hot Rollers. By the time I finish applying makeup, my hair will be curled.

Step 2:

Apply your face makeup

Step 3:

I primed my eyes using Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer

Step 4:

Then, I lined my eyes using Dolly  Wink Liquid Eyeliner

Step 5:

I curled my lashes using Shiseido Eyelash Curler

Step 6:

To hold the curl, I applied one layer of Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara in Black

Step 7:

I applied Model 21 False Lashes in 36. I also used Duo Adhesive lash glue.

Step 8:

After the glue dried, I re-lined my eyes and colored over any of the lash glue that was visible.

Step 9:

I applied another layer of mascara to blend the false lashes with my real lashes

Step 10:

Using a lipliner that matched the color of my lips, I first lined the outside of my lips. I then filled in my lips using the lipliner. I used Clinique Quickliner for Lips in Bamboo.

Step 11:

Apply red lipstick. It doesn’t have to perfect because you’ll straighten out the lines in the next step. Be sure to stay inside your lip line though. I used Revlon Matte Lipstick in 007 In the Red

Step 12:

Using a lip brush or an angled brush, I straightened out the lipstick. I used E.L.F Studio Small Angled Brush

Step 13:

Last step! To give my lips a bit of shine, I applied Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Juicy Apple to the center of my lip.

Done!

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

. . . → Read More: Holiday Makeup Look 4: Holiday Purple Smoky Eyes Tutorial]]>

Here it is! The tutorial for Holiday Makeup Look 4 – Holiday Purple Smoky Eyes from the Holiday Makeup Look Series. Here is a reminder of what the look looked like:

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

Step 1: Apply an eyeshadow base. This will help the eyeliner and eyeshadow stay in place and not smudge.

I used Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.

Step 2: Using an eyeshadow brush, apply a light pinkish purple colored eyeshadow to your eyelids. Try not to go pass your crease (brow bone if you don’t have a crease).

I used the light pinkish purple eyeshadow from Loreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duos in Sculpted and E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush.

Step 3: Using the same eyeshadow brush, or a different one if you prefer, apply a darker shade of purple eyeshadow to the outer corner of your eye.

I used the dark pruple eyeshadow from Loreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duos in Sculpted and E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush.

Step 4: Using a blending brush or a fluffy eyeshadow brush, blend the dark purple eyeshadow into the crease of your eye (follow your brow bone if you don’t have a crease). Also blend the dark purple eyeshadow halfway inwards towards your inner eye. This will help create seemless transition between the light and dark purple.

I used E.L.F Blending Brush.

Step 5: Apply a shimmery white/cream colored eyeshadow to your brow bone. This will help highlight your brow bone. Don’t forget to blend the white/cream eyeshadow downward to your crease. This will help create a transition between the purple and the white/cream eyeshadow.

I used a shimmery cream eyeshadow from Coastal Scents 88 Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette and E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush to apply. To blend I used E.L.F Blending Brush.

Step 6: Apply a plum colored eyeliner to to your top lash line, bottom lashline, and waterline. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect since it’s a smoky eye look.

I used Urban Decay Glide-On Eye Pencil in 1999.

Step 7: Curl your lashes.

I used Shiseido Eyelash Curler.

Step 8: Apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes.

I used Physicians Formula Plump Potion Lash Pumping & Stimulating Mascara in Ultra Black Potion.

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

. . . → Read More: Holiday Makeup Look 4: Holiday Green Smoky Eyes Tutorial]]>

Here it is! The tutorial for Holiday Makeup Look 4 – Holiday Green Smoky Eyes from the Holiday Makeup Look Series. Here is a reminder of what the look looked like:

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

Step 1: Apply an eyeshadow base. This will help the eyeliner and eyeshadow stay in place and not smudge.

I used Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.

Step 2: Using an eyeshadow brush, apply a light olive green colored eyeshadow to your eyelids. Try not to go pass your crease (brow bone if you don’t have a crease).

I used the light green eyeshadow from Loreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duos in Gunmetal and E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush.

Step 3: Using the same eyeshadow brush, or a different one if you prefer, apply a darker shade of green eyeshadow to the outer corner of your eye. Then use a blending brush or a fluffy eyeshadow brush, blend the dark green eyeshadow into the crease of your eye (follow your brow bone if you don’t have a crease). Also blend the dark green eyeshadow halfway inwards towards your inner eye. This will help create seemless transition between the light and dark green.

I used the dark green eyeshadow from Loreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duos in Gunmetal, E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush and I used E.L.F Blending Brush.

Step 4: Apply a shimmery white/cream colored eyeshadow to your brow bone. This will help highlight your brow bone. Don’t forget to blend the white/cream eyeshadow downward to your crease. This will help create a transition between the green and the white/cream eyeshadow.

I used a shimmery cream eyeshadow from Coastal Scents 88 Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette and E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush to apply. To blend I used E.L.F Blending Brush.

Step 5: Apply an olive green eyeliner to to your top lash line, bottom lashline, and waterline. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect since it’s a smoky eye look.

I used Urban Decay Glide-On Eye Pencil in Stash.

Step 6: Curl your lashes.

I used Shiseido Eyelash Curler.

Step 7: Apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes.

I used Physicians Formula Plump Potion Lash Pumping & Stimulating Mascara in Ultra Black Potion.

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

. . . → Read More: Holiday Makeup Look 4: Holiday Blue Smoky Eyes Tutorial]]>

Here it is! The tutorial for Holiday Makeup Look 4 – Holiday Blue Smoky Eyes from the Holiday Makeup Look Series. Here is a reminder of what the look looked like:

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

Step 1: Apply an eyeshadow base. This will help the eyeliner and eyeshadow stay in place and not smudge.

I used Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.

Step 2: Using an eyeshadow brush, apply a light blue colored eyeshadow to your eyelids. Try not to go pass your crease (brow bone if you don’t have a crease).

I used the light blue eyeshadow from Loreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duos in Magnetic and E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush.

Step 3: Using the same eyeshadow brush, or a different one if you prefer, apply a darker shade of blue eyeshadow to the outer corner of your eye.

I used the dark blue eyeshadow from Loreal HIP Metallic Shadow Duos in Magnetic and E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush.

Step 4: Using a blending brush or a fluffy eyeshadow brush, blend the dark blue eyeshadow into the crease of your eye (follow your brow bone if you don’t have a crease). Also blend the dark blue eyeshadow halfway inwards towards your inner eye. This will help create seemless transition between the light and dark blue.

I used E.L.F Blending Brush.

Step 5: Apply a shimmery white/cream colored eyeshadow to your brow bone. This will help highlight your brow bone. Don’t forget to blend the white/cream eyeshadow downward to your crease. This will help create a transition between the blue and the white/cream eyeshadow.

I used a shimmery cream eyeshadow from Coastal Scents 88 Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette and E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush to apply. To blend I used E.L.F Blending Brush.

Step 6: Apply a navy blue eyeliner to to your top lash line, bottom lashline, and waterline. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect since it’s a smoky eye look.

I used MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Prussian.

Step 7: Curl your lashes.

I used Shiseido Eyelash Curler.

Step 8: Apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes.

I used Physicians Formula Plump Potion Lash Pumping & Stimulating Mascara in Ultra Black Potion.

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

Step 1: Apply an eyeshadow base. This . . . → Read More: Holiday Makeup Look 3: Vampire Inspired Tutorial]]>

Here it is! The tutorial for Holiday Makeup Look 3 – Vampire Inspired from the Holiday Makeup Look Series. Here is a reminder of what the look looked like:

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

Step 1: Apply an eyeshadow base. This will help the eyeliner and eye shadow stay in place and not smudge/crease. It will also make your eye shadow colors more vibrant and bold.

I used Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.

Step 2: Use an eyeshadow brush to apply a matte black eyeshadow to your lid. Don’t go past your crease (browbone if you don’t have a crease). Don’t apply too much. You can always add more later. Remember, you want to keep this a soft, smoky eye.

I used NYX Eyeshadow in 01 Black and E.L.F Studio Eyeshadow “C”  Brush.

Step 3: Blend. Then blend some more. Blend the color past your crease/browbone and a little past your out corner. Blend until you achieve a soft black color. It actually took me a couple of minutes to get it be a soft black. So, don’t expect it be soft right away. If you feel the black is too soft, you can always layer on more black eyeshadow and blend it in.

I used E.L.F Blending Brush.

Step 4: Using a black eyeliner, line your upper lash line, waterline, and bottom lash line. Don’t be afraid if it’s not perfect. It’s a smoky eye. It’s not suppose to be perfect.

I used Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero.

Step 5: Curl your lashes.

I used Shiseido Eyelash Curler.

Step 6: Apply mascara to the top and bottom lashes. Apply as many layers as you want to the top lashes until you achieve the volume you desire.

I used Physicians Formula Plump Potion Lash Pumping & Stimulating Mascara in Ultra Black Potion.

Step 7A: Line your lips. You can either choose a lip liner that matches your natural lip color or one that matches your lipstick. I prefer to choose one that matches my lipstick because I want the lipcolor to stand out more. Since my lips are already full, I applied the lip liner to the inside of my lips. If you want to create the illusion of fuller lips, line the outside of your lips.

Step 7B: Using the same lip liner, color/fill in your lips. This will help you avoid a lip liner ring around your mouth if/when your lipstick fades or disappears.

I used Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Gash.

Step 8A: Apply a dark red colored lipstick. One that isn’t so bright. Apply the lipstick to just the inside/fattest parts of your lips. It is okay if is not perfect. You will straighten out the lines in the next step.

Step 8B: Use a lip brush to blend the dark red lip color to your outer lips and to straighten any crooked lines. You want to use a brush because it will help you create defined lines for perfectly shaped lips.

I used Urban Decay Lipstick in Gash and Sephora Professional lip brush.

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

. . . → Read More: Holiday Makeup Look 1 – Classy Red Lips Tutorial]]>

Here it is! The tutorial for Holiday Makeup Look 1 – Classy Red Lips from the Holiday Makeup Look Series. Here is a reminder of what the look looked like:

As usual, start by applying a base: moisturizer, primer, foundation, concealer, and/or powder.

Step 1: Apply an eyeshadow base. This will help the eyeliner stay in place and not smudge.

I used Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.

Step 2: Using a black/dark brown eyeliner, line your top lash line as close as possible to the lashes. Keep the line thin too. You will be thickening the line in the next step. Do not go past your outer corner, because we will creating a winged liner look. It’s okay if it is not perfectly straight. You will be fixing it later.

I prefer to use a liquid liner or gel liner when it comes to this look. It takes longer and requires more patience, but it creates a more precise, polished line. If you find using a liquid liner or gel liner too difficult, line your eyes first using a pencil liner. When you are done, trace over it with the liquid liner or gel liner.

I used MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack and MAC eyebrush 266 Small Angle Brush.

Step 3: Create a winged liner using the same eyeliner you used to line your top lash line.

A: Going from your inner eye to your outer eye, follow your bottom lash line. When you reach the outer corner of your eye, draw a line that follows your bottom lash line. See the arrow pointing at the line I drew? Draw the line as long as you want, depending how much of a winged liner you want. It’s best to start out short and extend the line to the length you want.

B: Now, connect the line you just drew to your top lash line. It should form a triangle.

C: Color/fill in the the triangle.

D: Straighten out the line. You want to keep the line thicker towards the outer eye and thinner towards the inner eye.  This will help create the illusion of bigger and wider eyes.

Step 4: Curl your lashes.

I used Shiseido Eyelash Curler.

Step 5: Apply mascara to the top and bottom lashes. Apply as many layers as you want to the top lashes until you achieve the volume you desire. Don’t apply too much mascara to the bottom lashes. One coat will suffice. You don’t want to take away all the attention from your bold, red lips.

I used Physicians Formula Plump Potion Lash Pumping & Stimulating Mascara in Ultra Black Potion.

Step 6: Line your lips with a lip liner. Choose a lip liner that either matches your lipstick/gloss color or your natural lip color.

A: First, line your lips. Since my lips are already full, I applied the lip liner to the inside of my lips. If you want to create the illusion of fuller lips, line the outside of your lips.

B: Using the same lip liner, color/fill in your lips. This will help you avoid a lip liner ring around your mouth if/when your lipstick fades or disappears.

I used Clinique Quickliner for Lips in Bamboo.

Step 7: Apply a red colored lipstick. Apply the lipstick to just the inside of your lips. It is okay if is not perfect. You will straighten out the lines in the next step.

I used Revlon Matte Lipstick in In the Red.

Step 8: Use a lip brush to fill in the red lip color and to straighten any crooked lines. You want to use a brush because it will help you create defined lines for perfectly shaped lips.

I used Sephora Professional Angled Brush (I couldn’t find my lip brush!).

Step 9: Apply a light layer of clear gloss. This will help bring some shine and dimension to your lips.

I used the clear gloss from Maybelline Superstay Gloss.

As usual, . . . → Read More: How To Create Soft Green Smoky Eyes]]>

This is in response to my EOTD: Soft Green Smoky Eyes post. I received a number of requests asking how to duplicate this look. Well, here it is! Here are pictures of the soft green smoky eyes as a reminder:

Let’s get started!

As usual, prep your face and apply all face makeup.

Step1: Apply an eyeshadow primer to prevent smearing and creasing. Blend it into your lid and brow bone.

I used Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.

Step 2: Apply a matte dark brown eye shadow to your lid as a base color. It’s okay to go a little beyond your crease/brow bone.

I used the matte dark brown from Coastal Scents 88 Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 3: Apply a shimmery dark green shadow to you lid. Try not to go past your crease/brow bone.

I used the shimmery dark green shadow from Coastal Scents 88 Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 4: Using the same dark brown shadow you used to apply to your lid in step 2, apply it into your crease/follow the shape of your brow/bone. This will help define your eyeshape.

Step 5: Using a fluffy brush/blending brush, eliminate the harsh lines between the green and brown by blending.

Step 6: Highlight your brow bone by applying a shimmery white/cream/light gold colored shadow underneath your eyebrows to above yourcrease.

I used a shimmery light gold shadow from Coastal Scents 88 Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 7: Using the same green shadow you applied onto your lids in step 3, apply it to the inner corner of your eyes. I used a q-tip to reach the inner corner of my eye.

Step 8: To lighten the green shadow you applied into your inner corners of your eyes, use the same highlight shade from step 6. Apply it on top of the green you applied into your inner corners of your eyes.

Step 9: Using a flat eyeliner brush, apply a matte black shadow along your top and bottome lash lines as if you were lining your eyes with an eyeliner.

I used the matte black black shadow from Coastal Scents 88 Eyeshadow Palette.

Step 10: Using a flat eyeliner brush, go over the black shadow with the green shadow. This will help better blend and lighten the black shadow into the green shadow.

Step 11: Curl your lashes.

I used used Shiseido Eyelash Curler.

Step 12: Apply one coat of mascara to hold the curl. You will be adding more mascara later, so only one coat will do.

I used Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara in Black.

Step 13: Apply false eyelashes to your top lashes. Don’t know how to apply false lashes? Click here to learn how.

I used Revlon Fantasy Lengths False Eyelashes in Defining.

*Make sure the eyelash glue has dried before proceeding onto Step 14.*

Step 14: Apply mascara. Apply 1-2 more coats of mascara or however many coats you like. It’s important to apply at least one coat of mascara after apply false eyelashes to blend your real lashes and the false lashes together.