6 Beauty Must-Haves For When You’re Running Out of Time!

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Hit the snooze button one too many times and now are cinched for time? Did a friend just call you out of the blue for an awesome event but you’ve been binge-watching shows on Netflix all afternoon in your jammies? Before you panic, here are 6 essential beauty items you will need to look polished in less than twenty minutes!

Concealer

I don’t know about you, but concealer is my holy grail since I’ve been cursed with hereditary undereye circles, so you’ll never see me without it. But if you’re blessed to be dark circles free, then you can still use concealer to hide any problem spots, acne, discoloration, or to brighten up your eyelid. (The concealer pictured above is CoverGirl Vitalist Healthy Concealer in Fair, $8.54 at Wal-Mart).

Eyebrow Marker

If you’re trying to be quick, but at the same time don’t want to deal with powders, pomades, or pencils, an eyebrow marker is your best bet! There’s no sharpening involved, and the small felt tip is so small that it makes for precise feather strokes for a natural finish! (The eyebrow marker pictured above is NYX Eyebrow Marker in Medium, $9.75 at https://www.nyxcosmetics.com).

Mascara

Since the rest of your eye is going to be bare, that means that your lash game has got to on point. So grab the most voluminizing mascara you own and apply three generous coats (after curling them with an eyelash curler of course!). This is really going to make your eyes POP. (Mascara pictured above is from Medusa’s Makeup Witch Lash in Black Noir, $12 at https://medusasmakeup.com).

Lipstick

When you’re in a hurry but still want to look like you didn’t just roll out of bed, then aim for the brightest or boldest lip colour you’ve got. I usually go with reds or raspberry tones, because since the rest of your face is pretty simple, a bold lip will lift your whole face and make you look perky, sophisticated, and instantly glamorous. Never underestimate the power of bold lips! (Liquid lipstick pictured above is from Medusa’s Makeup Lip Paint in Bang, $12 at https://medusasmakeup.com).

Blush

Few of us are blessed with rosy cheeks and if you’re on the pasty side like me, blush is your savior for that healthy glow. (Blush pictured above is from Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Paaarty, $29 at Ulta).

Setting Spray

Need to skip some steps? Then you can cut out powder and reach directly for your setting spray as this will lock the look you’ve got as well as keep any oiliness at bay and lock in moisture. (Setting Spray pictured above is Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, $32 at https://www.urbandecay.com).

Since these items are only six, these are also easy enough to slip into a small makeup bag to bring with you always whenever you’re on the run!

Which items would you have added to your list?

By: Azzurra Nox

Makeup Tutorial: Zombie Prom

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With Halloween right around the corner, it was obvious that I was going to share a makeup tutorial. I recently went to a Zombie Prom this past weekend, so I ended up having to do a zombie makeup for the very first time. For being my first time, I think that I did a decent job (good enough to be somewhat creepy).

It actually was very easy to achieve so read below on how to get this terrifying look!

Base

Since I needed to look dead, I decided not to use any concealer under my eyes, and actually accentuated my dark circles even more so. But I first prepped my skin with Smashbox’s Photofinish Primer before applying Manic Panic’s Dreamtone foundation in Virgin (Whitest White) shade. I set the foundation using LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs High Definition Microfinish Pressed Powder.

Eyes & Lips

For my brows, I used my go-to Medusa’s Makeup Brow Wow Wow. For the lids, I applied Siren Song from Notoriously Morbid all over and applied Urban Decay’s Crave eyeshadow along the crease and along my lower lashes. I then accentuated my dark circles by blending Urban Decay’s Crave and Faint eyeshadows.

To glam things up (and since the event was an 80’s Prom theme) I applied one of Nicka K’s Shimmer Eyeliner in Cyan and then using lash glue applied Medusa’s Makeup Glitter in Mystique all over my lid. I finished up my eye-look with three generous coats of Lancome’s Definicil’s Mascara in Black.

The lips were simple, I applied Jeffree Star’s Velour Liquid Lipstick in I’m Nude to cancel out my real lip colour and make them appear more washed out. I then dabbed some Lime Crime Velvetines in Cement in the center to give a “decayed” look.

Zombie Makeup

For my major “gash” I glued some tissue paper on my cheek using lash glue and then dabbed some of the foundation I used prior to make the paper appear like my skin. I then mixed Urban Decay’s eyeshadows in Crave (a matte black hue) and Faint (a matte brown hue) I dabbed it on the wound. Finally to complete the look I used Blood FX Gel around and on the wound.

Then using only the two Urban Decay eyeshadows (Crave and Faint) I placed random wounds along my face and then using the FX Blood Gel I applied it on top of that and near and around my lips.

Using a liquid eyeliner I then created broken veins along my forehead and down my eyes.

Let me know what you think of this Zombie look and if you’ve created other Zombie looks yourself!

By: Azzurra Nox

Gettin’ Rosy Make-Up Look!

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This summer has been particularly warmer than usual, and because of that I haven’t been inclined to wear too much makeup. Hence, my choice to skip eyeliner (gasp!) and go for a fresher look. This look below is more on par with how I used to do my makeup as a teen, but I see that the look is still quite on trend!

Base

I rarely use foundation (unless I have to do a photoshoot where wearing more makeup actually helps with photos coming out better), and even then I tend to use a BB cream rather than a foundation. So, I usually just prep my undereye skin with Smashbox’s Photofinish Primer so that it’ll create a smooth canvas for my concealer (I used Lacome Long-Lasting Undereye Concealer in Ivoire). I set everything with Makeup Forever’s Ultra HD Pressed Powder in Transluscent. For blush, I went with Lancome’s La Rose Blush Poudrer and highlighted my cheeks with Jeffree Star’s Skin Frost in Peach Goddess.

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Eyes & Lips

For the brows, I used Medusa’s Makeup Brow Wow Wow which is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. This brow kit comes with a powder brow tint and a brow bone highlighter. I then applied Urban Decay’s Harajuku eyshadow on the lid (but any frosty pink shade will do the trick) and applied Urban Decay’s Anaheim eyeshadow in the crease as well as using it as a liner to give my eyes some extra definition (you can choose any taupe shade for this step, but the secret is to not go too dark because you want it to look subtle and seamless). I then applied Lancome’s Le Crayon in Blanc in the waterline to mask any possible redness and make my eyes really pop. I topped the whole eye look off with Benefit’s They’re Real Lengthening Mascara in Black.

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For the lips I decided to go with Jeffree Star’s Velour Liquid Lipstick in Calabasas, which has become my go-to shade this summer because it’s such a pretty shade of pink without it being cheesy or leaning towards the Barbie or bubblegum territory.

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I used 11 products in all (which isn’t too bad) and it took me about 20-25 minutes to apply, so you won’t be spending all day trying to get ready (cause really you’ve got places to go and memories to make!).

Let me know what you think of this look in the comments below!

By: Azzurra Nox

 

Violent Violet Make-up Look!

Nowadays, it’s far more common that I’ll be sporting a neutral smokey look when it comes to eye-makeup. But when I was just a teenager, I LOVED bold purple shadows. I think one of the reasons why I stopped doing my eyes that way wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy the purple shadows anymore, but rather because in the coming years it has been difficult to find shades of violet that I actually like and suit me.

But recently I’ve found a violet shadow that I adore, and decided to start sporting the same makeup look I had when I was sixteen to see if I’d still love it today. Well, I probably wouldn’t wear it everyday now, but I do think it’s a pretty option every now and then.

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Products*:

Notoriously Morbid Eyeshadow – Siren Song

Wet N’ Wild Eyeshadow – Creme Brullee

Urban Decay Eyeshadow – Anaheim

Urban Decay Eyeshadow – Romp

Urban Decay Eyeshadow – Blonde

L’Oreal Mascara Primer

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black

NYX Eyebrow Marker in Medium

Jeffree Star Liquid Lip Velour in Rose Matter

Urban Decay Glow Blush in Score

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Black

Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Blanc

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Step One:

I distributed Notoriously Morbid’s loose shadow in Siren Song all over my lid. I really packed on the colour. Be sure to use an eyeshadow primer as that truly makes the colour POP. Usually I use Urban Decay’s Primer Potion, but I decided to get Wet n’ Wild eyeshadow primer a go and it works just as well at a fraction of the price!

Step Two:

To not overwhelm the purple, it’s best to use a neutral transition colour on the crease. I opted for Urban Decay’s Anaheim shade. I dusted it with a light hand using a blending brush. I then placed Wet N’ Wild’s Creme Brullee shade all over my brow bone and lightly dusted Urban Decay’s Blonde shade on my brow bone to highlight it.

Step Three:

I then used Urban Decay’s Romp shade (a deep purple) as my liner for upper and lower lashes. It’s an eyeshadow, but I often like to use shadows as liner when I’m trying to keep the look light and not product heavy. I then used Lancome’s Le Crayon Khol in Blanc on the inside of my lower lash line.

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Step Four:

After curling my lashes with an eyelash curler, I used L’Oreal’s Primer to coat my lashes. I allowed ten seconds to dry before applying three coats of L’Oreal’s Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black and one coat of Smashbox’s Full Exposure Mascara to my lower lashes. For my brows I used NYX’s Eyebrow Marker in Medium. This is hands-down the best and most lightweight eyebrow I’ve ever used! So kudos to NYX for making such a kick-ass product that is long-lasting and smudge free!

Step Five:

To complete the look I dusted Urban Decay’s Glow blush in Score and added Jeffree Star’s Liquid Velour Lipstick in Rose Matter to my lips.

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Now slip into something edgy and go out to show off your look! Let me know what your fave purple shadows are in the comments below!

*All products used for this look were purchased by the writer.

By: Azzurra Nox

Simple Pin-Up Eye-Makeup!

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The Pin-Up look is nothing new, as it was all the rage during the 1940’s-1950’s as it was popularized by icons such as Marilyn Monroe. In modern times, Dita Von Teese has been the one to bring the look back, and recently Lana Del Rey.

This look can be worn by anyone. It’s universally flattering for any skin type, age, or ethnicity. Not to mention that it’s quite simple once you learn the basics.

For this tutorial, I didn’t use the signature red lipstick that is best known for complimenting the Pin-Up eye-makeup. Personally, I think that any lip colour can be used with this look, as the eye-makeup isn’t too outrageous. So you can either dress the look up by using a bold red or tone it down by choosing a nude or rose hue instead.

Products*:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Light

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Translucent Powder

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen Classic in Blackest Black

Wet N’ Wild Eyeshadow in Creme Brullee (all over eye area)

Smashbox Eyeshadow in Grounded (in crease)

Smashbox Eyeshadow in Canyon (along lower lash line & brows)

Tart Blush in Paaarty

Hard Candy Eye-Def Metallic Eyeshadow in What Sandy Says Goes

L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar in Blackest Black

Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Blanc

Step One:

Use Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer to prep your under-eye area before you use the concealer of your choice (currently I’m in love with Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser in Light, as it covers up my dark circles in one easy swoop!). To set the concealer, I patted some of Soap & Glory’s translucent powder under my eyes and over the rest of my face.

Step Two:

Use a dime size of Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion (or any primer of your choice, to really keep your eye-makeup going for hours without any smudges!). Once you’ve done that, pack a bit of Wet N’ Wild’s eye-shadow in Creme Brullee with a brush and pat all over your lid and up to your brow bone.

Step Three:

Using a blending brush, place Smashbox’s Eyeshadow in Grounded in the crease, and blend till the shadow is seamless. Take a liner brush, and place a small amount on it and line your lower lashes using Smashbox’s Eyeshadow in Canyon.

Step Four:

Line your eyes using a liquid liner (I use Revlon’s Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen in Blackest Black). I did a classic cat-eye. You can either make your cat-eye simple as I did, or more dramatic by extending it further up.

Step Five:

To add a bit of a glam edge, I dusted a bit of Hard Candy’s Eye-Def Metallic Eyeshadow in what Sandy Says Goes, only on the lids. You can use any metallic or frosty gold shade.

Step Six:

Using a spooley brush out your eyebrows, and with a liner brush you can make your brows a bit bolder by using a shadow that’s slightly darker than your hair colour. I used Smashbox’s eyeshadow in Canyon. But depending on your hair color, you may choose another colour that best suits you.

Step Seven:

To make your eyes really pop, line the inside of your eyes with a white eyeliner (I used Lancome’s Le Crayon in Blanc). This trick makes your eyes appear bigger. Finish off the look my curling your lashes with an eyelash curler, and coat your lashes with primer. Wait ten seconds and then use two coats of black mascara. I used L’Oreal’s Voluminous Superstar in Blackest Black mascara, because it comes with a primer on one end, and mascara on the other end. Basically for about $9 you get two products in one! Win-win!

Step Eight:

Add a little colour to your cheeks with the blush of your choice (either a peach or pink hue). I went with Tart’s Blush in Paaarty. It’s simple but not too overwhelming.

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Now go out and show off your look! This can be worn for any occasion or time of day. Simply change your lip shade and you can either turn this look into a day-time look or amp it up for an evening date night look!

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*Products used for this tutorial were purchased by the writer.

By: Azzurra Nox

Simple Spring Makeup Look!

Glamorous looks are gorgeous, but not always doable when you haven’t got lots of time to spend hours applying makeup. I usually prefer to use less products as possible and try to keep my look simple but never drab!

These are the products* I used to achieve this look. You don’t have to use the same products as me, and can opt similar looking ones, but these are the ones I reached for to create the look below:

Products:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Light

LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs High Definition Microfinish Pressed Powder

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen Classic in Blackest Black

L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar in Blackest Black

From Lancome’s Auda[city] in Paris Palette:

Exhibition Eyeshadow (on lid)

Kitten Heel Eyeshadow (on lid)

Smashbox Matte Eyeshadow:

Grounded (in crease)

Canyon (along lower lash line & brows)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Skimp (on brow bone)

Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Blanc

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in I’m Shook

Urban Decay Afterglow Powder Blush in Score

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Step One:

Use Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer below your eyes, as a way to create a smooth surface for your concealer to go on (this helps eliminate creases!). I’m somewhat picky when it comes to concealers and always opt for liquid formulas over sticks. I placed Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Light beneath my eyes to conceal my dark circles and use a beauty blender to blend it out. I then set the concealer using LunatiCK’s. Cosmetic Labs High Definition Microfinish Pressed Powder.

Step Two:

Swipe Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original upon your lid (or any other eyeshadow primer that you prefer). This will help lock in the eyeshadow that you’re going to be placing on top, as well as having the shadow not face throughout the day.

Step Three:

Swipe Lancome’s Eyeshadow in Exhibition on the lid. This is a matte pink and will help keep the look from getting too sparkly. Then place Lancome’s Eyeshadow in Kitten Heel on top, and blend the two colors till the matte pink and frosty peach become a pretty muted pink hue.

Step Four:

Using a blending brush, place Smashbox’s Matte Eyeshadow in Grounded in your crease and blend, blend, blend!

Step Five:

Line your lower lashes using Smashbox’s Matte Eyeshadow in Canyon. I often find that using a pencil liner for the lower lashes to be too harsh and accentuates fine lines. A shadow liner is far more forgiving in that respect.

Step Six:

Line your upper lid using Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen Classic in Blackest Black. You can either do a simple liner look or cat-eye at this point, whatever strikes your fancy! I find that Revlon’s liner is one of the best for being fool-proof and cost-effective.

Step Seven:

Using a slanted brush, take Smashbox’s Matte Eyeshadow in Canyon to fill your brows (if you’re light haired as myself), if not choose an eyeshadow that best suits your hair color.

Step Eight:

Take Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow in Skimp and place it upon your brow bone. This shade is slightly satin so it gives a bit of a sheen like a highlighter. Then use Lancome’s Le Crayon Khol in Blanc to line the inside of your lower lash so that your eye appears bigger rather than smaller (as it would using a black liner).

Step Nine:

Take a lash curler and carefully curl your lashes. Then take L’Oreal’s Voluminous Superstar in Blackest Black, and first use the mascara primer portion of the wand and let it sit for about 15 seconds. Then using the mascara portion of the wand apply two coats of mascara, and a light coat on your lower lahes. The reason why I love this mascara so much is because you get two products for the price of one (primer & mascara)!

Step Ten:

Lightly line your lips using Lancome’s Le Crayon Khol in Blanc and rub it still the line is barely visible. Use the line to help guide you as your apply Jeffree Star’s Velour Liquid Lipstick in I’m Shook. Tip: Use a THIN coat when applying a liquid lipstick as a thicker coat will weigh down your look and appear too made up. Finish the look by applying a light dusting of Urban Decay’s Afterglow Powder Blush in Score on the apple of your cheeks!

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All done! Now you’re ready to take on the day with a chic and fresh look!

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Amount of time to create this look: Approx. 25 mins.

*All products used in this tutorial were bought by the writer.

By: Azzurra Nox