Rest Assured, You'll Look Great

Summer is a time of year when your face can feel heavy with makeup, especially if it's super hot out. For a no makeup look day (yes, we all must have them), I generally like my eyes to look bright. I heard that if you lined the inner rim of your eye with a peachy color that this would give a great effect. It's totally true.

One day as I was browsing around Sephora for the perfect inner rim liner, I stumbled upon Tarte Rest Assured Brightening Wand, and this was the perfect product. It has two ends: a shimmery pink liquid that instantly brightens up the eye area and the a peach liner for the inner rim. This Tarte Rest Assured Brightening Wand is the perfect product to carry in your purse after a night on the town or a long day of work. I even started to use it with my Sephora 071 eye liner and blue mascara on the lower lashes. If you want that glowing, fresh look then this is the product for you.

-S

Photo: Sephora.com

Lip Smacking

I hate putting anything on my lips. I used to put some glosses on but I really hate how sticky they leave my lips. And if it's windy, my hair tends to blow into my face and get stuck on my lips - so horrible!!

I've tried everything - sticks, glosses, and even lip crayons. I've done everything from Prescriptives to Dior to even Victoria's Secret. Nothing works right. My latest try was with a Bobbi Brown lip crayon. My lips did not look nice, especially because I think the color was just all wrong too (because I refuse to believe it was the Bobbi Brown product that was wrong, specifically because my mom loves how long-lasting that pencil is on her). But I also think that I have become accustomed to a nude lip - and I like it. Colors just make me feel like I'm wearing a mask and, as I've mentioned before, makeup is not a mask!

Last night, I received an order I had placed with Prescriptives. They sent me a free lipstick and of course I tried it out. The color wasn't bad at all.. in the tube. Once I put it on, I felt like I was back in my dance recitals (making me nostalgic of course). But I felt like I needed a side ponytail and to be jolted back to the late 80s/early 90s. Not good for me.

So what to do? I agree that lip color helps finish off a look, but it's certainly so important to get it right. I unfortunately don't have a tip for you makeup lovers out there, but hopefully I'll find something soon that will help you end the search for the perfect lip color!

Until then, I remain, your makeup-loving, bare-lipped guru,
A

Photo: Sephora.com

A Dove for Everyone

Although we usually write about makeup, I think hair is just as important as makeup, so that will be the subject of today's post. And when I find a product that steals my heart, I feel it is my duty to tell you all about it.

Dove Frizz Control Therapy Taming Cream is AMAZING. Now the best part is that it is the perfect taming product, whether your hair is curly or straight. You can literally use handfuls of Dove's Taming Cream and your hair will not be greasy. This is unlike other formulas, such as Biosilk, where if you even overdo it a little bit you look as if you have not washed your hair for days.

This product is only $4 and can be found at any drugstore or Target. Personally I get the best results when I add this product to my wet hair straight out of the shower, style as usual, and then add some more, if needed after styling. That's the beauty of the product - there are literally no mistakes. When I go out I usually have glossy waves created by the curling iron. Without this product they would just be lifeless waves with no shine.

-S

Photo: Drugstore.com

Not Another Oily Summer

Ok so I'm well aware that there are many of you makeup lovers out there that feel my pain when it comes to oily skin. So I wanted to help you out by telling you about two really great products that I have been using for years.

First, let me just say that I have spent countless hours, not to mention dollars, trying to find the perfect moisturizer. I have tried them all (trust me). But for the past two years I have been using Clinique's dramatically different moisturizing gel, and I just cannot seem to find a product that even comes close to its perfection. This very lightweight formula helps to moisturize my skin without leaving it feeling greasy and clogged. I know that this is so important to so many people especially since it is summer. I would honestly recommend this product to anyone. If you try Clinique's moisturizing gel and you feel it is not for you then try looking at some other moisturizers that are gels instead of lotions. I promise you will feel a difference.

Next, I wanted to share my great SPF product experience with you guys. Mario Badescu makes the most amazing oil free sunscreen I have ever used. It is SPF 17 and I'm sure to reapply at least twice during the day. This is such a great lotion because once again my face does not feel greasy at all and after a day in the sun I am not left with any ugly breakouts. Yesterday was my beach day and today my skin feels and looks great.

-S

Photo: Moisturizing Gel from Clinique.com and Mario Badescu from Nordstrom.com

Celebrities Love Makeup

I've recently noticed all the celebrity makeup endorsements that attempt to grab the attention of women everywhere. My question is, does this really get people to buy makeup?

You need to remember one thing: celebrities have tons of money and makeup artists to do up their faces according to the venue they need to attend. While they may do some things on a daily basis (because everyone has the ability to learn to do their makeup the right way), they may not be using the product they endorse, no matter how much free stuff the company throws at them.

Where do we see these ads? It's the Drew Barrymore Cover Girl commercial during America's Next Top Model, Anne Hathaway for Lancome, Penelope Cruz for L'Oreal, Rihanna for Cover Girl, and the list goes on and on. But do these celebrity ladies really influence us to pick one product over another?

Personally, I think that I'm going to buy a product because I've either read good things about it, sampled it somewhere, or have had it recommended to me by a friend. I can't see myself looking at an ad or commercial and running out to spend money just because a celebrity is getting paid to look beautiful in an ad. Am I really to believe that I'm supposed to look like Rihanna with said product? I say, do your research. When it comes down to it, for me it's the product or the company and not the model.

-A

Photo: Drew Barrymore for Cover Girl, BellaSugar.com

A Limited Run

I always feel slightly conflicted when limited editions come out. Does this mean I should run and get the product or just avoid it all together? Limited editions are tricky because they are only out for, you guessed it, a limited amount of time. It may be the most amazing product or color for a shadow ever, but if I can never buy it again, then what?

It used to be the case that when something was discontinued (that's a whole different story), I'd buy it up as quickly as I could find it. But what happens down the road if I tire of said product? Then I've got a warehouse collection of makeup that is virtually useless to me.

Limited edition isn't always bad. From time to time, you'll find a limited edition collection of products offered to you in one package. You may even be able to strike a sweet deal this way. But in the case of say, a MAC shadow or blush, if I won't be able to find that same shade again, I may be hesitant to purchase it.

It all comes down to frequency of use and complete obsession. Maybe it's just a summer shade or something that would be darling for the Fall season. I think it's all on a case-by-case basis, but it's hard to fall in love when you know there's an hourglass or a ticking clock.

-A

Photo: a limited edition POP wallet, from Sephora.com

It's Summer and I've Got the Blues

Summer has officially begun so of course I'm not actually sad and blue. I actually wanted to tell you about the perfect summer product: colored mascara.

Last summer, blue mascara resurfaced and I figured I would try it out. I LOVE IT. It's the perfect amount of make up for, let's say, a day at the beach! The tricky part about blue mascara is that you need to find the perfect shade. I found this in Benefit's BADgal Blue mascara. During any summer day with this on your lashes, your eyes will pop, appear brighter, and you will feel fabulous because it is so easy and quick. And, BADgal Blue won't run either.

Another trick that I love about with this mascara is to use regular black mascara on the top lashes, and then apply the blue to just the lower lashes. The best part of this combo is that I found the PERFECT eyeliner to go with this mascara - and it's only $4! It's by Sephora and the color is 071.

Today is a beach day for me so you can bet that I will definitely be wearing my BADgal Blue Mascara!

-S

Photo: Sephora.com

No Mask Necessary for Eye-POPpin'

If S has an obsession, it certainly is with MAC. But if you want to know my secret, it's definitely within POP. The UK-based company has a plethora of colors to choose from and is certainly excellent with their color combos.

I found it about two-and-a-half years ago, as I walked around a Sephora in Soho. I was just wandering around when I came upon these round palettes. Each "Eye Cake" had five different colors that would be perfect to create the right look, either night dramatic or day subtle. Right there you had your base, your crease, your outside corner, your inner corner, and another light color to use for blending purposes. It was conveniently packaged together and gave great meaning to eyeshadows done right.

POP has since expanded to include larger palettes with 12 different shadows that are perfect for blue eyes, green eyes, and brown eyes. Shadows are really important because they can bring out the color of your eyes. And though some people I know think makeup is really just a mask, I think it's a great way to enhance the features you've already got. It's within moderation, and with the right products that you really can play up your best features.

-A

Photo: popbeauty.co.uk

Brighten Dark Circles

Waking up with raccoon eyes is one thing, but keeping those puppies all day is certainly another. You try and you try, but you just can't seem to get a bright face. That's because you're not using the right product to rid yourself of those dreaded dark circles under your eyes.

Well if anyone out there has the problem of dark circles under your eyes like I do, then you will appreciate this. I have been on the hunt for a while for the perfect concealer and I have encountered experiences with so many unpleasant products. I figured this would be useful information to you, makeup lovers, because this way, unlike me, maybe you will not have to shell out all the cash to find your perfect match.

I had read good things about the Benefit Cosmetics BOI-ING concealer so I figured I would give it a whirl. I had heard it was absolutely amazing, but I must say I was not happy at all. It left my eyes looking like I had caked on the product, as if I had no makeup experience whatsoever. It was not a very blendable product and overall it made me look like I had way too much makeup on.

Next I tried Stila's perfecting concealer and once again I was disappointed. This formula, too, was very thick and left my face looking cakey and unnatural. Needless to say I was getting upset and losing money. So I decided to turn to my favorite brand, as you know, MAC. How could I lose with a brand that had never let me down?! I tried their Studio Finish Concealer and much to my dismay I was again disappointed. Now I was down about $45 and still had no concealer.

I finally decided to try my luck in the drugstore. I purchased L'Oreal Paris True Match concealer and FINALLY I had found it - the perfect concealing formula that left my dark circles covered and made me a very happy girl. My point here is that you don't need to break the bank for the perfect concealer.

An Extra Expert Tip: As you know from previous posts, we MLA gals are very obsessed with priming and this is no exception when it comes to concealing. So after you've covered up your dark circles with L'Oreal's concealer, try out my personal favorite - SMASHBOX PHOTO OP under eye brightener. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

-S

Black Tied

So I know I write a lot about MAC and there's a reason why...I LOVE IT!! I love the wide variety of colors and textures, I love the quality, and I love that it won't break the bank!! There is one eyeshadow in particular that I thought I should share my thoughts on: Black Tied, a black with gold shimmer. This color is AMAZING!!

I was very skeptical when I first received this MAC shade as a gift. In fact, I only started using it a couple of months ago. Now, don't get me wrong and misinterpret my skepticism. It wasn't my beloved MAC's fault, it was actually my own. At first I just wasn't exactly sure how to use this dark of a shadow. But, to start, I decided to use Amber Lights on the lid (another fab must-have color by MAC). Next, I used Black Tied on the side to blend. In the crease, I added a little bit of black eyeliner. I cannot explain what an amazing nightlook I achieved!

I highly suggest all of you makeup lovers out there visit any major department store carrying MAC or any MAC store and try this color on. After all, it goes with just about any color.

-S

Photo: Black Tied, maccosmetics.com

Sample This

Samples are the best thing ever. They are so important because you can get really great finds for free. It's trying something out before you actually commit to a product. Who wants to buy something in a larger size and not be able to use the whole thing, especially when it costs a pretty penny? Samples are free and are perfect (even though they get me hooked on things and make me spend more money sometimes)!

I can think of at least four products that I once sampled and I now use daily: my Stila moisturizer, Laura Geller spackle primer, Clinique High Definition Lashes mascara, and Prescriptives Lash Builder. These, among other products I've acquired over the years, are staples in my makeup diet.

Samples are usually available on online makeup orders, like at Sephora.com and Prescriptives.com. And there are free shipping offers all the time, as well. Online ordering will save you gas, time, and will get you some free loot. If you're going to get the stuff anyway, might as well get something free with it!

-A

Look: RIHANNA

While perusing the web for different celebrity looks, we came across this pic of Rihanna. Since she always looks stunning and gets it just right we wanted to share what we thought would be the easiest way to achieve her look. You, too, can look like a star, you know. So take a glance at what we've done to recreate Rihanna's look. It's simple, sassy, and will leave you completely satisfied. And don't forget to check out some of the products you may already have.



FACE
Blush: DuWop blushbooster in Pomegranate

EYES
Primer: F.Y. Eye by Benefit
Lid: MAC Silver Ring Eyeshadow
Corner and Crease: MAC Suspicion Eyeshadow
Brow bone: MAC Coppering Eyeshadow
Liner: Chanel Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Mascara Primer: Prescriptives Lash Builder
Mascara: MAC Zoom Lash in ZoomBlack
Mascara: Clinique High Definition Lashes in Black

LIPS
Gloss: Stila Lip Glaze in Brown Sugar

Photo: JustJared.com

Prime and Proper

It's all about priming. For any good eye makeup job, you'll want to make sure you're not doing work for nothing. If your eyeshadow is going to crease in an hour or your mascara is going to wear off ASAP, what's the point?

I've used primer ever since high school when I got my makeup done at Sephora for junior prom. It was the best day because it was this day when I was introduced to Benefit's F.Y. Eye. It is the most amazing base because after I apply this to my lids, my eyeshadow will literally not move all day long. I can go to work, go to dinner, and go out afterward without even touching up! My shadow will stay in place all day. It's fantastic. My mom tends to have a little bit more of an issue with her oily skin (though mine is pretty darn oily!) so I got her using Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion. It works like a charm!

As for my lashes, I just became addicted to Prescriptives' Lash Builder Mascara Basecoat. It really provides a start to lengthening my lashes before I put a few coats of mascara on. I find that my lashes are fuller, longer, and stay put all day long. It may look strange at first, as your lashes look a little white-ish. But once you put on your mascara, your worries are gone, especially since the white coat dries clear. S likes MAC's Prep + Prime Lash for $13.50. Think of this product as a basecoat for your lashes - you wouldn't polish your nails without a basecoat, right! Or would you?!

-A

Photo: F.Y. Eye - Sephora.com; Lash Builder - Prescriptives.com

Bronzing for Summer

Since summer will officially begin this weekend on the calendar, it's certainly important to protect your skin. So it makes sense that I was totally pumped last week when I saw an ad for my fave Stila moisturizer. They've updated it to have an SPF 30 formula!

Let me just preface this by saying I tend to have the oiliest skin of anyone I know (besides my mother). I once went to get my makeup done at Smashbox in Nordstrom and the cosmetologist there told me that it's super important to use a moisturizer no matter what. If you have oily skin and you aren't using a moisturizer, your skin will tend to overcompensate and produce even more oil than normal. Some oil is natural, but you don't want to be able to fry an egg on your face! (Ick!)

I found Stila's Sheer Tinted Moisturizer last year in a group of samples I got from an order with Sephora. I absolutely loved it because a) it is tinted, b) it has SPF 15 in it, and c) it is oil free (a must to protect acne-prone skin). I like being able to put an SPF on every day even though I may not be basking in the glorious sun. I immediately picked it up and have been using it for six months now. When I saw the SPF 30 version I was excited because I know that I'll get even better protection for my face, while having that slight summer glisten. It's just perfect - light and bright. And with the SPF 30 you can pick from even more shades than just light, medium, and dark.

So check out Stila's Sheer Tinted Moisturizer to treat your skin well, protect your face, and get bronzed.

-A

Photo: Sephora.com

Creamy Shadows

I know what you're all thinking - it always creases! Well, it doesn't have to. I have found the answer!! Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner.

Now I know it sounds too good to be true, but it really is amazing. I currently own three colors: stiletto (a darker purple), skinny jeans (a metallic silver) and flatter me (a peachy tone). All of these are gorgeous! Flatter me is the color that I use on an every day basis because it is the perfect color for that beautiful-but-not-even-trying look. Skinny Jeans and Stiletto are the cream shadows I usually use as liners for a night look. It's the perfect way to just make your eyes pop.

These cream shadows will definitely deliver on the creaseless promise. If you don't believe me visit any Sephora and try them out for yourself - you won't be disappointed.

-S

Photo: Sephora.com

shu uemura or M.A.C.?

What's in an eyelash curler? And why do we use them? How can you choose just the right one? shu uemura and MAC both make eyelash curlers, so which do we pick? They look exactly the same at first glance, but is there any difference?

We don't think so. You can see that they are both the same exact color, the same exact weight, and they move in the same way. The only difference we can see is price-wise. MAC makes their eyelash curler for $14, sold at all department stores that carry MAC, as well as MAC retail stores and MACcosmetics.com. The shu uemura eyelash curler is $19, sold at Sephora and other major department stores. We can't say we believe all the hype over the shu uemura eyelash curler, as it seems as if they are exactly the same, with different labels. 

As for usage, both work very well and create a full set of eyelashes. But it's also important to use the right kind of mascara, while you're at it. Check out our future blog posts and see which mascaras are the best, according to MLA. You may be surprised at the full lashes you'll get for your next big night out on the town!

Photo: shu uemura (left) and MAC (right)