Contour Your Face

If you're on Pinterest (follow me!!) then you have probably seen all of the hype around "contouring" with makeup. Well, it's the hot trend...It's the process behind most celebrity's makeup. You can really get into it (we're talking crazy detailed and tons of makeup) but I take the tips lightly and apply it to my everyday makeup routine. 

Contour Diagram. The white is where you are supposed to apply highlighter (Nars Albatross/YSL Touche Eclat) and the brown is where to apply bronzer (Tarte Amazonian Clay). This is why supermodels have such pronounced cheek bones/etc... well that, and they are supermodels. There are a ton of YouTube tutorials on how to apply the highlight/contour areas.... this is a pretty good one. I think that this is a serious way to apply your make up and it is definitely not for everyday but it's fun to play around with and a useful theory for your everyday makeup application. Mine is so quick and easy, I just dust my highlighter and bronzer in the proper areas. 

So what do you think? Do you practice this method? Have you ever gone all out and tried it with full makeup? Do you just think this is silly? Have a fabulous day!

Yours, 

sCe

Makeup Overhaul

Nars Albatross /Nars Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via Appia /Tarte Amazonian Clay in Park Ave Princess

Nars Autumn Leaves Lipstick / YSL Rouge Pur Couture in 03 / YSL Touche Eclat in 2/ L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Mascara / Smashbox Camera Ready Concealer / Smashbox Brow Tech in Brunette

I recently did a complete overhaul of my makeup, all of my new favorite products are linked above. I am a VIB insider at Sephora, and with that membership, you get a free 45 minute makeover and 10% off your purchase that day. I had just had my first trip to the dermatologist because I had been breaking out and I had to throw a lot of my make up away. I have always had almost perfect skin. I get a zit here and there but recently, I have had a bout of acne... It turns out my makeup and skincare regimen was the cause.

Via Instagram

My makeup artist, Colleen, was the best. I brought in the makeup I already had and told her what I liked and didn't like. I then explained to her that I needed only makeup that was non-comedogenic. She did a full makeover... meaning she used way more products on my face than I would use on a day-to-day basis, but that was part of the fun! She matched the colors so they worked perfectly with my skin tone and taught me how to properly apply things... and even a bit about contouring with makeup (it's apparently a hot trend in the makeup world)... See tomorrow's post for more info!

Well, if you tend to break out, chances are, it is because your makeup is clogging your pores. Non-comedogenic makeup doesn't contain pore clogging ingredients so it is better for your skin. I also learned that washing your face with an acne wash is not necessarily the best. I switched to plain old Neutrogena liquid soap and it has already made a world of a difference.

It is also important to note that things like primers contain silicone which is something that clogs pores. It is best to only use primer when absolutely necessary. I switched to Tarte for face makeup. Tarte is all natural and non-comedogenic. I also use Sephora mineral powder for an even tone (most mineral makeups are non-comedogenic)

For concealer, I have the Smashbox Camera Ready concealer and also the YSL Touche Eclat. Both great products, although, YSL is not a miracle and totally not worth the $40ish price tag. I have been neglecting to even use any concealer (except for under my eyes) because my skin has become so clear and healthy in just the past week.

My mascara is from Target/Drugstores... it's around $10 and I swear it is the best. I used to use Maybeline but they discontinued my favorite so I made a switch and fell in love with L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber mascara. I also got a tube of YSL mascara while I was at Sephora but nothing compares to the $10 L'Oreal.

Golden Smokey Eyes... I never wear eyeshadow so it was a fun treat! 

Remember when I had a brow moment? Well, Smashbox has taken care of my brows and I am SO obsessed. Seriously, this product makes my boring brows look model-esque.

I also added some lip colors into my repertoire  I keep both in my handbag. The YSL red for when I'm feeling bold and the Nars Autumn Leaves for a natural, warm tone. I also keep a retractable lip brush in my bag for application of bright reds because they are so hard to apply with just the stick.

Apologies for the novel of the post, but I just had to share all of my new-found makeup knowledge! I'm thinking this might be a great way to do a VLOG without feeling silly-- an everyday makeup tutorial. Because we all know, my original Vlogging intentions never happened. Oops!

Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Sephora Crazed

I was cleaning out my handbag last night when I realized I have been carrying around far too many products. In fact, just the other day, I was in Sephora and I reached the VIB beauty insider level... that's when you know things have gotten out of hand!!! Now that Christmas is over, I thought I'd give a makeup update on products I have tried recently. 

If there is one thing I have learned, if there is a makeup product that you love, buy several (aka "stockpile") because for some reason, makeup companies love to discontinue products and make things limited edition. For example, my beloved $9 Maybeline pulsating mascara... discontinued. Luckily, I had purchased about 6 tubes. However, a few months ago, I ran out. I found a new product that I think works just as well (and I bought another 6 tubes). It is the L'Oreal Voluminous Fiber Lash. At $9, this stuff does the trick. I never bother with fancy mascaras or pricey versions because I go through it so quickly. My requirements for a good mascara:

-no clumps

-easy application

-easy removal 

-Less than $10

-Available at Target/Drugstores

My next favorite discontinued item is the Sephora buildable concealer. I only have one compact left and it is the best. I had to find a new favorite and the salesperson in Sephora helped me to choose 2 items. I got the YSL Touche Eclat in #2 (for under eyes) and Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer. I love them because they are in stick form so I can easily toss them in a bag for on the go application. 

This BareMinerals eye shadow compact is fabulous. The colors are great, but the fact that the little pots snap in and out makes it even better. I use the whole set at home when I am sitting at my vanity, but there is one color that I love so I snap it out for travel or throwing into my handbag (can't seem to find it online, but it is in BareMineral stores!). 

I purchased a few more products from Sephora that I will highlight next week... or else this post would be a novel! What products are you loving? Have a fabulous day! 

Yours, 

sCe

Last Minute Shopper: Sephora

I guess I have to mention the whole thing about the world ending today. Well... if yoe have  held off your holiday shopping because you thought there was a chance it might end... it hasn't. You better start shopping because you only have 4 more days!

I posted about how I really only have one thing on my Christmas list this year. Remember what it is?! But, I also had a few random requests from family members and one request was a Sephora gift card. I love getting Sephora gift cards because I don't like spending much on make-up. I think they any girly-girl can appreciate it. I think it's tons of fun trying out new products 

I keep my make-up routine pretty simple... in the mornings, it takes me about 10 minutes to apply everything. I first apply a light moisturizer, add concealer where needed, brush powder over my entire face, a sweep of bronzer in the winter, swipe some blush and apply some mascara. Simple, easy, and quick is the way I like it. 

Well, above is what I plan on purchasing with my gift card (fingers crossed that this doesn't sell out!!). This is a great gift for anyone that is doing any last minute shopping... Just head on over to your Sephora store and pick it up. I love the YSL golden gloss. It has real flecks of gold in it (which is a little ridiculous and extravagant but hey, you need a little extravagance every once in a while). I have never tried any of the other products in this set, but am looking forward to it. I have heard that the Touche Eclat works wonders. 

Some of my other picks from Sephora for the last minute shoppers (ahem, boys)....

Any other Sephora suggestions or products you love? Let me know... I'm always looking to try something new! Have a fabulous day! 

 Yours, 

 sCe

Best Makeup Product ever!!!

I am all about having clear, healthy looking skin! I have used so many different products in the past to make my skin as clear as possibly. I love love love the Sephora brand buildable cover complexion kit! My sister has the entire kit and I have used it when I am having bad skin days. However I do not like putting much make up on daily, so her routine is a little much for me. Within the kit you get the buildable cover concealer in medium. It is the BEST concealer I have ever used. I have tried everything from expensive brands, to organic, to drugstore brands and this does the trick without a flaw! Anything on your face, it can cover up; whether it is a zit, blemish, skin discoloration, under eye circles, anything!! I use it all of the time and would recommend this product to anyone. They don't have the actual buildable cover concealer for sale on its own online, but in the store they have it and it is $16 which is a great price. I love it so much I would even be willing to spend more than that! I have been using this concealer since December everyday and it has yet to run out on me. I also bought one as a back up in case I lose it or run out!
Have any of you ever tried this product? What is your favorite concealer that you use? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

(I am not paid to write this review, I have purchased this on my own and just love it!)