Sweet and Simple

Listening to That Girl. JT. I cannot handle this song, y'all. I. Can't.
Missing Coco. I don't get to talk to him until Sunday. Suckfest.
    So, lately I've felt like doing something different here. As my interests have developed and evolved, I've started writing about different topics besides just reading and writing. I've decided I'm gonna do a little photo tutorial. I'm definitely not claiming to be a beauty expert, but I've been doing make-up since I was seven (I was in ballet and did my own make-up for recitals and performances), and I know enough to be able to give an example now. My everyday go-to look is quick and simple, and the overall result is natural and chic, the kind of "I didn't try too much for this" look. And I'm sharing it. With the internet.




    I start off with the Loreal RevitaLift Anti-Wrinkle and Firming Eye Cream (mouthful!) under my eyes for my atrocious circles and bags. I actually have no clue if it does anything, but I use it anyways. It just makes me feel better. Then I use my CVS brand 10% benzoyl peroxide Acne Treatment Gel on any blemishes. For a lighter everyday look I use Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream in Light/Medium, applied with an e.l.f. Studio Stippling Brush. (For a more sweat-proof and smudge-proof foundation for work I use Revlon's Colorstay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin in Sand Beige.) Then I use Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Dark Spot Eraser in light on any blemishes and the Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in ivory under my eyes.


    Next, I move to my eyes. Instead of a primer, I've been loving Maybelline's 24 Hour Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded. I don't have super oily eyelids, so this stuff does the trick, but if you have excessive oiliness, I would suggest e.l.f.'s Mineral Eye Shadow Primer. It's only about three bucks and does the trick just as well as any Mac or NARS product, in my humble opinion. Like I mentioned in this favorites post, I've been loving the Physician's Formula Nude Classics Eye Shadow Palette. It has a wide selection of colors and is fairly idiot-proof in terms of all the colors looking good together. Lately, I've been using the peachy pink all over the lid, the cool taupe all over the crease and blended up to just below my brows (it's a pretty light shade so it doesn't look ridiculous blended that high) and then the darker steely grey directly in the crease and along the outer V. I highlight the brow bone and inner corner with the top iridescent white, and blend it onto the lid color from the inner corner so it's not so stark of a contrast.


    For powder, I just recently switched to Rimmel London's Stay Matte Pressed Powder in transparent (which was not intentional; I just wasn't paying attention when I bought it). I had been using Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder, but with the South's smothering humidity, it just wasn't getting the job done. I've only been using the Rimmel for a week or so, and I'm not disappointed yet, but the packaging is exceedingly frustrating. The lid just will not lock, and I know this is a universal problem. I used to use e.l.f.'s Studio Bronzer in Golden Bronze for bronzing and contouring but it has a good bit of shimmer in it, which reflects back on camera and sort of defeats the purpose of contouring. I went through quite a few brands to find a good matte bronzer, all of which were far too orange, and actually bought this Milani Face Powder in their second darkest shade Deep Amber. It's highly pigmented, which is great, and it's not orange. I use e.l.f.'s Studio Blush in Blushing Rose (pictured) or Candid Coral, or if I want something more golden pink, I go for Mary Kay's Mineral Cheek Color in Shy Blush. I still have e.l.f.'s Studio Bronzer in Golden Bronze and I use the lightest shade as a highlighter, across my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, and on my cupid's bow (I accidently deleted that pic).


    To finish up, I love Maybelline's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner in brown. I use an e.l.f. Essential Concealer Brush to apply it. I don't know why, but I like it way better than any eyeliner brush I've ever used. I don't know why I forgot to take a picture of it, but I use a Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown for my eye brows. I have a regular old e.l.f. eyelash curler, and I've been loving Maybelline's Mega Plush Volume Express. It gives a very naturally voluminous lash look, and I hate when lashes look too clumpy or spidery. Two coats of this stuff and I'm good to go. Then I just had to show y'all my adorable bow that I made today. I'm kind of obsessing over bows at the moment. 

    Let me know what you think of the change in post!

 

***DISCLAIMER*** I was not paid to recommend these products. I have about eight readers overall, so no one would pay me to talk about their stuff. These are all my opinions, and I bought all of this stuff myself. Except the bow. 'Cause I freaking made it, y'all. I know.***