beauty

Favorite Face Brushes

Hello my beauties! Today I wanted to go over my favorite face brushes. These are all my go-to brushes I can’t live without.

Tarte Airbrush Finish Foundation Brush ($34)

This is the brush I recommend the most. This brush is perfect for everyday use or full coverage. I mainly use this brush for everyday light foundation application. It’s super soft yet very dense. I love how big it is so it makes the application process super fast and easy. I normally apply the foundation on my face first. I dab a little bit on my forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Then, I lightly buff the foundation in with brush using gentle circular motions. I don’t like to apply the foundation directly on the brush because I feel like it wastes too much product. This brush is on the pricier side, but it’s worth every penny in my opinion. Morphe brushes has a very similar brush. I haven’t tried their brushes so I can’t say anything as far as the quality goes, but if you are on a budget, you may wanna check it out.

Beauty Blender ($20)

This may not be brush but it is the best tool to achieve a flawless look. It blends foundation and concealer perfectly. The only downfall is how long it takes to blend in. Not ideal for on the go. To save time I blend the foundation with a brush first and then I go in with the sponge. I also have the Real Techniques version. I think it’s a great dupe.

Bobbi Full Coverage Face Brush ($44)

This is my go-to when I’m too lazy to use my beauty blender. This brush is perfect for traveling purposes because of the short handle. Its not as dense or big as the Tarte but it still applies a flawless application. This brush is great, but I’d recommend the two others above first.

Real Techniques Sculpting Brush ($10)

I think all Real Techniques brushes are amazing. They are super affordable! I’d say this one is my favorite. I use this brush to set my concealer. It works great with loose powder or the Kat Von D Shade & Light Palette (yellow shade). I press the powder under my eye with the brush. I do not blend or buff it, I just press it onto the skin. This is what gives the flawless application. You need this brush!

Real Techniques Contour Brush (set $18)

I use this brush to apply my concealer. Works great. It’s the perfect size to blend concealer. And because it’s tapered, it’s easy to get in the inner corner. I later go in with my beauty blender if I want more coverage. Be sure to wash these often. It tends to carry a lot of product so if you don’t wash it, it doesn’t blend as good. This brush is included in the Core Collection set. It’s a great set to start off with.

Real Techniques Setting Brush ($8)

This brush is great to set your concealer as well. I mainly use this for everyday purposes. I also like to use this brush to set my eye primer. Be sure to check out Ulta for these brushes. They often have them BOGO 50% off. Don’t forget the $3.50 off $10 coupon!

MUFE Large Powder Fan Brush ($48)

I’ve mentioned this brush a couple times now. I can’t say enough good things about it! It is PERFECT for contouring and applying bronzer. It’s even great to apply brush and highlight. Morphe brushes has various similar brushes as well. Check them out here. I’d say the Deluxe Fan or the the Jumbo Badger Fan are the closest. I know this one is pretty pricey.

If you haven’t checked out my post on my flawless foundation routine then check it out here. Stayed tuned for a post on my favorite eye brushes.

I hope this was helpful! Thanks for reading.

XO, Diana

Fresh Glam New Year’s Eve Look

Hello my beautiful people! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. I spent almost two weeks in Oklahoma visiting family and I had a great time.

I decided to do a last minute New Year’s Eve look. I went with something very different. A fresh yet glamorous look. You can always add liner to make it look more dramatic. I didn’t since I wanted more of a ‘clean’ look. I feel weird when I don’t use eyeliner but I’m happy with the way it turned out.

Face: Too Faced Born This Way foundation, Bare Minerals Complete Coverage Serum Concealer, KVD Shade + Light (yellow shade), Benefit Watts Up, Becca Opal Highlight, Becca Wild Honey Mineral Blush, KVD Shade + Light (taupe & soft brown shades) to bronze and contour.

I’ve been using the Bare Minerals concealer for a few weeks now and I love it! I used the yellow shade in KVD palette to set my concealer. I didn’t set the rest of my face because my skin is super dry right now. And I didn’t want my face to look too powdery. I applied the Benefit Watts Up above my cheeks to make it look more dewy. Becca Wild Honey blush is a great neutral shade.

Eyebrows: Diorshow Brow Styler Pencil, ABH clear Brow Gel

Eyes: MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot, Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer (in crease), Becca Opal Highlight (eyelid), KVD Shade + Light (pink shade to highlight), MAC Cinderella pigment (center of lid), Rimmel nude eyeliner, Buxom Lash Mascara, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, Marc Jacobs Black Highliner (tightline), Ardell #110 lashes

To give this a ‘fresh’ look I used Opal highlight all over the lid and inner corner. I also wet my brush to make it stand out even more. I added bronzer on my crease for a little bit of definition. I decided last minute to add glitter. It makes it a bit more glamorous. You could totally do without the glitter though!

eyes without glitter

Don’t forget to add that nude liner in your waterline. It will cancel out any redness. I applied all 3 dark shades in KVD palette on my lower lash line. I used a fluffy brush because I didn’t want it too precise. I went with natural lashes, but now I wish I would’ve used more dramatic ones. Also, remember to tightline with a black liner to blend in those fake lashes.

Lips: MAC Burgundy Lip Pencil, Sephora Blackberry Sorbet Cream Lip Stain

The best part about this look is being able to wear any lipstick. Literally ANY! I’d recommend a liquid lipstick that way you don’t have to worry about reapplying all night!

Thanks for reading. I hope you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve.

See you next year!

XO, Diana

Monthly Favorites- November 2015

Hello! It’s been a while since I’ve done a favorites post. I’ve come across a handful of holy grail products so I figured I’d show you.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

This product has been one of my favorites for a few years now. I stopped using it because I had been using the Urban Decay concealer. I made the switch to NARS again because my under eyes have been really dry. The NARS just works better with my dry skin. I like this concealer because it’s light enough to wear everyday, yet it also builds nicely for more coverage.

Erborian BB Creme

I always love to search for new products and read reviews online. I came across this product during the VIB sale at Sephora. It was sold out online, but I when I went to the store they actually had it in stock. A Sephora employee raved about it so I went ahead and made the purchase. This has been a part of my everyday routine ever since I bought it. It’s seriously AMAZING. It makes my skin super soft and flawless. I always get tons of compliments on my skin when I wear this. I’d definitely recommend getting a sample and trying it out.

MUFE 134 Large Powder Fan Brush

I mentioned this product in my last post, my flawless foundation routine. This brush is ideal for contouring/bronzing. Not only are you able to create the perfect line, but it you can also blend it out beautifully.

Diorshow Brow Styler Pencil

I had been using this in the universal shade but last month I purchased the universal shade dark brown. I prefer the dark brown a lot more, especially for the winter time. This is my favorite brow pencil!

Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment

I like this mask because it’s a lot more gentle on my face than the other Glamglow masks. My face always feels super soft when use it. It also does a great job at removing the dry flakey skin around my nose.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Lips

I wanted to give these guys a quick little shout out, mainly the color More Better. It’s a beautiful deep berry. I wore this in my last post. So far I am loving these liquid lipsticks. I’ve also tried the color Beeper.

Flawless Foundation Routine

Hello beauties! I’ve been asked a few times what products I use to achieve a flawless face. In this post I’m going to show you all of the products I use including the most important tools.

Step 1: Moisturize and Prime

I’ve been using the Belief True Cream Moisturizing Bomb (rewards), Origins Ginzing Eye Cream, and the YSL Blur Primer (deluxe sample). I apply the primer in the center of my face and around my mouth.

Step 2: Apply Foundation and Concealer

I am currently using the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation and the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. My foundation is in the shade Natural Beige and my concealer is in the shade Custard. The concealer is about one shade lighter than my skin tone. I normally use the UD Naked Concealer, but my under eyes are a little to dry for that one right now. I also love using the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer.

The most important tool to use when blending in foundation and concealer is the Beauty Blender. The only thing I dislike about using it is how long it takes takes to blend. Feels like foreeevvveerrrr. But it works and it’s the only tool that blends everything flawlessly. I first apply my foundation and then my concealer. If I really want to highlight under my eye then I apply the concealer in a triangle formation. I also apply it on my chin, cupid’s bow, tip of the nose, and the center of the forehead. I blend my concealer with the beauty blender as well.

Step 3: Set Foundation and Concealer

The KEY to a flawless face is setting it with powder. My favorite powder to set my concealer is the yellow shade (Lucid) in the Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette. This really highlights the under eye and makes it look flawless. To do this, I use the Real Techniques Sculpting Brush. I gently press it on the same areas I applied concealer. I NEVER blend in, just press onto the skin.

To set the rest of my face I use the NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder. You can use any kind of brush for this. I normally use a larger powder brush. I feel like the NARS powder is underrated. People rave about the Laura Mercier one, but I hardly ever see anyone mention this one. I’ve never tried LM (it’s on my list), I’m sure it’s great, but this one gets the job done too. This product also works great for the ‘baking’ technique.

Step 4: Bronze, Blush, and Highlight

mufe Now the fun begins… First, I apply bronzer, the middle shade in the same Kat Von D palette. I hardly ever take the time to really sculpt my face. I’ve seen many people ask how to contour and what tool to use. I don’t think contouring is necessary more than half the time, just add a little bronzer and your good to go. I do believe the right brush is needed. I prefer to use a flat type of brush. I’ve been using the MUFE Large Powder Fan Brush. This brush is amazing and makes bronzing/contouring so easy! It allows you to create the perfect line. I also run the brush across my nose, top of forehead, and around jawline. You could also use this brush to apply blush and highlight. It’s a huge brush so it takes a while to get used to holding it. But once you do, you’ll love it!

After applying bronzer, highlight, & blush

Finally, I apply blush and highlight. Those two vary from time to time. Lately I have been using a Tom Ford blush/highlight duo that came out last year in their holiday collection.

Step 5: Setting Spray

I don’t really like my face to look too powdery so I always apply a setting spray. My go-to’s are MAC Fix Plus and Urban Decay All Nighter Spray. If I want my makeup to last all day and night then I use the Urban Decay.

I also wanted to mention that if I am wearing a lot of eyeshadow, like a smokey eye, then I do that first. I normally apply the foundation, then the eyeshadow, and then the concealer. This way you can easily clean up any fallout or mistakes. You can really use that concealer to clean up the eyeshadow.

So there you have it. Those are all of the steps I do to achieve a flawless look. I usually do this about once a week. I prefer a lot less steps and makeup on a day to day basis.

*Eyebrows: Diorshow Brow Styler, Eyeshadow: KVD Shade + Light Eye, Liner: KVD Tattoo Liner, Lips: Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in More Better.

Thanks so much for reading. I hope this was helpful. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions!

XO, Diana

Estée Lauder Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Brightening Serum + Concealer Review

Hello my loves! I purchased this concealer about a month back and I have been using it everyday. I purchased mine at Sephora for $34. This item has a stick concealer on one end and a brightening serum on the other end. The concealer has a very creamy consistency and the serum is pinky shimmery color.

Left-Concealer stick, Right-Serum

I have it in the shade 2W Light-Medium (Warm). I had originally purchased 3W, it was my perfect shade, but I wanted a lighter shade for a more brightening effect so I exchanged it. They have 8 shades ranging from cool, warm, and neutral. I’ve never been able to use a stick concealer because of my dry skin, but the concealer is so creamy, it’s works. It’s also very lightweight. My go-to concealers have always been NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and Urban Decay Naked Concealer. Those are also very light weight and creamy.

The instructions say to apply the serum first and then the concealer. I usually do my makeup in 10 minutes on a day to day basis so I just use the concealer. I then apply the serum on top of the cheekbones to highlight. This gives my face a very dewy finish and I love it!

Blended out

The concealer blends in so smoothly (with finger or brush) and provides great coverage. It does crease a little bit, but I have yet to find a perfect creaseless concealer so it doesn’t bother me. I have been using the NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder just to set the concealer and it keeps it from creasing a lot. I’d say it lasts about 6 hours.

I LOVE the serum. It is gives a perfect highlight. Since I purchased a warm shade, the serum has a pink tint to it. I think I like the serum more than the concealer side. The serum will stay on all day. I don’t apply anything on top of it either. I love the dewy effect and if I apply a powder on top, it will take that away.

Overall, I give this product an 8 out of 10. I give the serum a 10 out of 10. The concealer side is pretty awesome for being a stick. I give it an 8 because of the creasing, but I do appreciate the creaminess. Like I said before it is not a full coverage concealer. Not like Mac Pro Longwear, so if that’s what your looking for, then look away my friend. But it is perfect for everyday makeup.Face: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, Estee Lauder Concealer and Serum (on cheekbones), NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder, Too faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Shade of the Day- Lolita II

Most of you know I love Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks. She recently came out with a Lolita Lip Duo. It includes a mini Lolita and a new shade Lolita II. You know I had to get my hands on this. Unfortunately it’s sold out online, but I would check in stores to see when it comes out. I believe the full size Lolita 2 should be out Dec/Jan.

The formula of the Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks are better than ever! They are easier to apply and they are build-able. There aren’t very many liquid lipsticks out there that you can add layer after layer. They usually get all clumpy and flakey. I think I applied about 4 to 5 layers.
FullSizeRender The OG Lolita is a brown pink nude shade and Lolita II is a peachy pink nude. I think Double Dare is pretty similar but it’s more pink. I really love Lolita II, it’s a great nude and I think it’ll look great on all skin types. I definitely recommend purchasing this duo, especially if you don’t already own Lolita. I did not wear a liner with it.

I will soon be doing a post to show you all what products and techniques I use for my flawless foundation routine.

Thanks for stopping by!

XO, Diana

Favorite Affordable Lipsticks for Fall/Winter- 2015

Fall is my favorite time of the year for lipsticks. I know there are lots of lipsticks out there, but I think I have compiled some great options for you guys. The best part is they are all under $10. I also think these would look great on all skin tones.

Wet n Wild Sugar Plum Fairy 908C ($2)- I’ve mentioned this lipstick in a review and you can check it out here. I think this color is a great option. It is also a dupe for MAC’s Rebel.

Sonia Kashuk Velvety Matte Crayon in Raspberry Nude ($8)- This is a good option for those who do not prefer vampy colors. It’s more of a bright pink with a hint of berry. Not sure why the name includes nude. There is nothing nude about this color, pure raspberry. I love these lipsticks. They have a great matte formula. You can purchase this item at Target.

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss #107 ($6)- This is a great reddish berry option. It has a semi-matte finish and applies very smoothly.

Maybelline Lip Studio Color Blur in Plum, Please 35 ($9)- I think this may be my favorite out of all of these options. If you were to purchase any of these I’d recommend this one! This is such a pretty burgundy color. When I think of Fall, this is the first color that comes to mind. This also applies very smoothly and has a matte finish. It’s very similar to NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen, but this one is more pigmented and easier to apply.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Transylvania ($6)- This one is for all my vampy girls out there. Transylvania is a deep deep purple. It reminds me of NARS Velvet Lip Pencil in Train Bleu. It’s a little streaky so it can be difficult to apply. I recommend you to apply one layer, let is set for a minute, and then apply another layer. DO NOT rub your lips together. It will mess up the whole application.

I hope this was helpful. I did not wear a lip liner or primer. I wanted you to be able to see the true color. All of these lipsticks have great formulas. For the most part, they all have a creamy matte finish. You could always apply a little bit of translucent powder on top for an even more matte look.

Let me know what your favorite lipsticks for Fall/Winter are. Sephora’s Cream Lip Stain in Blackberry Sorbet is on my list to purchase. I’m sure it would have definitely been on this list! Some of the ColourPop Ultra Matte Lipsticks are also on my list to purchase.

I will also be doing a blog post including my favorite high end choices.

Stay Tuned!

XO, Diana

Five Little Faves

This view and this place is my ultimate favorite right now.

I just got back from a wonderful vacation in Honolulu. We stayed on Waikiki Beach. It was honestly the most beautiful place I have ever been! Here are some of my current favorites.

Since I always seem to lose my sunglasses while on vacation, I decided to purchase some cheap ones. I purchased these on Amazon.com. I am OBSESSED with these sunglasses. I love the silver mirror and the aviator style. I don’t mind spending eight bucks again if I lose these.

These two products have been my go-to for foundation. I’ve had the DiorSkin Nude BB Cream for ages, but I never used it because I felt it was too orange and too dark. I purchased the Cover FX Drops a few months back. I came up with the idea to mix them… GENIUS! The drops adjust the color perfectly and gives me a flawless yet natural look. However, I do hate the Cover FX packaging. Super messy.

I mentioned this lipstick in my most recent Shade of the Day. It is my current favorite nude lippy.

I feel this hat is appropriate to be my favorite because I wore it everyday on vacation. I was on the hunt for the perfect hat for this trip. I went to so many stores and ended up finding this one at Forever 21. I like because it’s a little floppy and not super stiff.

I hope you have enjoyed my favorites. Thanks for stopping by!

XO, Diana

Sephora Haul- July 2015

I’ve mad a few purchase to Sephora these last few weeks so I figured I’d show you what I got.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector- Champagne Pop

Let’s start off with the most exciting purchase…. The new Becca Highlight in Champagne Pop. This highlight is everything! It’s pretty close to being my favorite. Jaclyn Hill did an amazing job creating this highlight. I think it definitely suits all skin types. It has a gold tone with a little pinch of peach.

Dior Brow Pencil- Universal Shade

I ran out of my second ABH Brow Wiz and decided I was done purchasing it (again). I just cant justify repurchasing this because it runs out too fast. I decided to go online and check out all of the brow products available. This one had lots of great reviews so I decided to give it a go. It’s more expensive than Anastasia but I’m willing to purchase if it lasts longer. So far I am really liking it!

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

This was a repurchase. I seriously love this mascara!

Embryolisse Nourishing Moisturizer

This was also a repurchase. It’s one of my favorite moisturizers.

Sephora Collection- Bright Future Gel Serum Concealer

This is a new product from the Sephora Collection. For $14 I figured it was worth a shot trying. Its supposed to be a lightweight buildable concealer. I purchased the color Medium-07 Custard and Tan-14 Toffee. Custard is a little too light for me right now. I think it would be perfect for highlighting or a winter concealer. I purchased Toffee to contour with and I think its gonna be perfect!

Since I made a few orders, I was able to get some pretty good deluxe size samples. They always get me with those emails!

Too Faced-Born This Way Foundation

I got the color Sand since it was the only color left. I think it may be a tad too dark for me but I still make it work. I have been wearing this foundation almost everyday. I will have a review in my next blog post but so far I am loving it.

YSL- Touche Eclat Blur Primer

I was very intrigued by this product. It’s “an illuminating primer that blurs imperfections and boosts the radiance of foundation.” It has a silicone texture with tiny gold shimmers–very interesting. I am looking forward to trying this product.

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation

This is another product I’m excited to try. It’s MUFE’s newest foundation. I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of the original HD foundation. I tried it out several times and it just didn’t work. This one is supposed to give a natural yet flawless finish. We’ll just see about that!

Stayed tuned for reviews on most of these products! I’m also expecting a couple more exciting packages! Eeeeek!

XO, Diana

Five Little Favorites

Welcome back! I wanted to show you guys a handful of things I have been loving lately. I’m thinking this will be a new series I am starting. I’m not sure how often I’ll post, could be weekly, biweekly, or monthly. I want it to include a variety of things like, clothing, makeup, accessories, or even food.

Just look at these! I mean… What’s not to love about these right? I ordered these Ray-Ban Aviators online at macys.com during their friends and family sale. I love mirrored sunglasses. They are so fun and festive, perfect for the summer time.

I am loving the Sephora Cream lip stain in Marvelous Mauve. I have been wearing this when I don’t feel like wearing a bright lipstick. These lipsticks are amazing for the price ($13). They are long lasting and feel very comfortable on the lips.

I purchased this Laura Mercier Baked Powder Highlight on a whim about a month ago. I don’t wear this everyday but I use when I want to feel a little more “awake.” It’s very subtle yet gives a beautiful glow.

Ok I have no idea what is going on with my hands but I MUST put lotion on as soon as I wash my hands. My hands have been super dry lately. I bought this from Bath & Body Works months ago but I have been using it all day everyday. I just noticed it says, “look ma, new hands.” HA! How cute is that?!

I have also been loving this Stila blush. It’s the Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in the color Rosewater. I was very intrigued when I first read about this product. It’s a liquid/gel blush in a pot. I love it because it gives your cheeks a very healthy glow. It also feels very cool. I use the E.L.F. Small Stipple Brush ($3) to apply. I works great!

Taking a selfie was a struggle today! This is as good as it gets people. It is way too hot today! I am wearing the lipstick, blush, and highlight mentioned above.

Have a wonderful weekend my friends!

XO, Diana

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