Hello, Summer

I just took my last final of the semester, which means I am DONE for the year! No school, no long ass, hot ass commutes across town and no extra money spent for the next three months!! (I'm doing an independent study with my professor, and an online class in July, but that's neither here nor there).

The point is that I'm finally free of bullshit assignments and readings in excess, and most MOST importantly is that I'm DONE WITH SPANISH YES GOD THANK YOU JESUS WON'T HE DO IT.

On top of that, I should be able to do more looks for you guys! Hopefully. I'm hoping for it. We'll see.

Speaking of looks, today is Creative Swirls Collab Thursday, and though we skipped a week last week (it was a hot mess), we are back in action with this week's look, the theme of which was a smoky eye. I honestly feel like I always look like I've gotten punched in the face if I do a true dark smoky eye, so I decided to do a rose-mauve look instead, and here we go!

Finessing in the mirror:

A closeup on the eyes:

 Le video.

I really think that this is the only way I can successfully do anything remotely resembling a smokey eye - except for that blue one I did once - and I'm okay with that! Baby steps, you guys, baby steps.

FACE:

Primer:

• L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Primer on my cheeks
• E.L.F. Mineral Infused Primer on the rest of my face

 Concealer:

• Mouth: L.A. Girl HD Pro Orange Corrector with the Ruby Kisses Pure Mineral Concealer in Chocolate Brown under the foundation, and L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn over the foundation
• Nose, Chin, and Uneven Skintone on Cheeks: Ruby Kisses Pure Mineral Concealer in Chocolate Brown
• Under Eye: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn; Ruby Kisses Pure Mineral Concealer in Chocolate Brown

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation in 340 Cappuccino

Face Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Golden Cashews

Bronzing Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Warm Hazelnut

Setting Powder: Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder in Neutral Light

BROWS:

Filler: L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer in Dark Brunette

Browbone Highlight: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn

 

EYES:

Primer: LORAC Behind The Scenes Eye Primer

Base: The Sculpt powder in the Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

Shadows:

• Transition: #6, in the Sonia Kashuk Grand Bazaar Spice Market Palette, followed by #9, in the L'Oreal Paris La Palette Nude 2
• Crease: #10, in the L'Oreal Paris La Palette Nude 2
• Lid: #10, in the L'Oreal Paris La Palette Nude 2
• Inner Corner: #2, in the BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette
• Lower Lash Line: 
• #6, in the Sonia Kashuk Grand Bazaar Spice Market Palette
• with #9, in the L'Oreal Paris La Palette Nude 2 over top
• and #10, in the L'Oreal Paris La Palette Nude 2 towards the outer corner

Eyeliner:

• Top Lid: NYC Big Bold & Precise Eyeliner
• Wing: MUA Professional Dual Ended Cat Eye Liner in Midnight Black 
• Water Line: The Balm Cosmetics Mr. Write (Now) Eyeliner Pencil in Scott

Mascara: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Carbon Black on the top lashes; Ruby Kisses Very Sexy Mascara on the bottom lashes

CONTOUR:

Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark
 

HIGHLIGHT:

#14, in the BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette, with the Wet 'N Wild Limited Edition Megaglo Highlighting Powder in Crown of My Canopy over top

BLUSH:

#24, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette

LIPS:

Lipstick: #21 and #28, in the BH Cosmetics Nude Lips Palette, with a little of #20 in the center (though you can't really see it)


Okay, that's it for me! I'm going to spend the rest of my evening writing and enjoying the fact that I get to stay on this side of town all day tomorrow! Later!

x Ashlan

I'm convinced that y'all hate me.

I really think that, really. I mean, why else would you go flipping through Instagram posts, come across something that is extraordinarily difficult, and immediately think, "Yeah, this is something I want Ashlan to do"? The only explanation is that you hate me, and you want me to stop doing makeup, so I can stop talking and sell all of my stuff on the low-low.

If you haven't guessed it, I got another request.

Well, not technically a request. She didn't ask me to do it; she simply challenged me by saying she could see me doing the look, and my dumb ass took her up on that unspoken challenge, which brings us here, to the look in question:

Photo and look by @pop_of_colour

Really, Reinna? Really? A cut crease? And not just any cut crease, a cut crease with layers and nooks and crannies and secrets and shit. Really? Do you know how hard it is to do a basic ass cut crease on lids a hooded as mine are?! She hates me. She hates me, and so do you, reader, because you're enjoying this. You enjoy my pain.

Here's my little crappy rendition:

And a video. And a comparison shot:

It looks nothing like hers. Nothing. Hers came out looking like some kind of makeup artist goddess, and I look like I'm going to war. But you asked for it, and here it is, so here are the details...if I can explain them right.

BROWS:

Filler: L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer in Dark Brunette

Browbone Highlight: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn

 

EYES:

Primer: I Heart Makeup Eye Primer

Base: The Sculpt powder in the Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

Shadows:

• Browbone (?): #5 and #9, in the Morphe 12NB Palette
• Cut Crease Gradient (mapped out by the Jordana Cosmetics Easyliner Eyeliner in Coffee Bean):
• #12, in the Morphe 12NB Palette
• #7, in the Morphe 12NB Palette
• Space Between Lid and Cut Crease (lmao this is bad): #3, in the Morphe 12NB Palette
• Lid:
• #25, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette, with Vogue, in the Makeup Revolution New-trals vs Neutrals Palette over top
• Lower Lash Line: #12, in the Morphe 12NB Palette

Eyeliner:  

• Wing: MUA Professional Dual Ended Cat Eye Liner in Midnight Black
• Top Lid: NYC Big Bold & Precise Liner

Mascara: L'Oreal Paris Butterfly Intenza Midnight Black

I'm tired of y'all. I'm not any of y'all's friends anymore, I hope you know that. Most importantly I'm not friends with myself for taking on this challenge in the first place. I'll see you later, though; I'll see you later.

x Ashlan

Nudes and Neutrals, Part Deux

Hi.

Today was a long day, y'all. I was blessed with a night off yesterday, but today made up for that and then some. My feet hurt, but I'm full and employed and trying not to complain too much. I said all that to say that I really don't have anything to ramble about and chat with you guys about today. Let's see...I got some hair oil, a liquid lippie and some concealer at the beauty supply...oh, and I came to discuss my beat ass face.

Not really lol but I did put on some makeup today! Makeup that I actually wore out of the house, so I thought I would share it with you, as I usually do. Let's get to it! -clap clap- Queue the face!

 

 Since this shift was longer than usual, it was a makeup-with-glasses kind of day, so here's the look with my specs on.

A closeup on the eyes:

And a video; is there ever not a video?

I was trying to match the vibe of the scarf that you see in the picture, and, other than the fact that I almost walked out of the house with no mascara on (as you can see in the damn video; I literally was about to walk out of the door), I was relatively pleased! Moving on to details!

FACE:

Primer:

• Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Matte Rescue Mattifying Gel on my T-Zone
• L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Primer on my cheek
• E.L.F. Mineral Infused Primer on the rest of my face

 Concealer:

• Mouth: L.A. Girl HD Pro Orange Corrector with the Ruby Kisses Pure Mineral Concealer in Chocolate Brown under the foundation, and L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn over the foundation
• Nose, Chin, and Uneven Skintone on Cheeks: Ruby Kisses Pure Mineral Concealer in Chocolate Brown
• Under Eye: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn; Ruby Kisses Pure Mineral Concealer in Chocolate Brown

Foundation: CoverGirl Queen All Day Flawless 3-in-1 Foundation in Q825 Golden Honey

Face Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Golden Cashews

Bronzing Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Warm Hazelnut

Setting Powder: Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder in Neutral Light

 

BROWS:

Filler: L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Pencil in Dark Brunette

Browbone Highlight: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn; Nicka K New York HD Concealer in Copper right under the brow
Brow Gel: Milani Brow Shaping Gel

 

EYES:

Primer: Wet 'N Wild PhotoFocus Eyeshadow Primer

Base: The Sculpt powder in the Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

Shadows:

• Transition: Trend, in the Makeup Revolution New-trals vs Neutrals Palette
• Crease: #30, in the Morphe 35T Palette
• Lid: 
• Overall: Mode, in the Makeup Revolution New-trals vs Neutrals Palette
• Outer Third: Tone, in the Makeup Revolution New-trals vs Neutrals Palette
• Outer V: #19, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette
• Lower Lash Line (Gradient from darkest [outer corner] to lightest [inner corner]):
• #19, in the Morphe 35P Palette 
•  #7, in the Morphe 35T Palette
• #17, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette

Eyeliner:  

• Wing: Wet 'N Wild ProLine Graphic Marker Eyeliner
• Top Lid: NYC Big Bold & Precise Felt Tip Liner
   

Mascara: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Carbon Black

CONTOUR:

Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

 

HIGHLIGHT:

#7, in the Makeup Revolution Golden Sugar 2 Rose Gold Ultra Blush Palette, with #3 over top

 

BLUSH:

#24, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette

LIPS:

Lipstick: #14, in the BH Cosmetics Nude Lips Palette, with #7 on the outer perimeter of the lips

I was dying to have a crack at those two BH palettes again, after seeing a little of what they could do yesterday. I'm still obsessed with those blushes (they're literally perfect for me), and I was able to see how the lip colors worked over an extended period of time: very, very comfortable and creamy, and the color lasted for a very good amount of time, considering I didn't reapply anything over the course of almost five hours. I still love it, you guys; they're probbaly the best things I've ever bought from BH, and if you don't get your ass on that website and get them for yourself, I'm officially judging you.

Alright! Going to spend the next four hours or so writing! Have a good night!

x Ashlan

Let's talk about m----r f---ing BH Cosmetics

Okay, everybody knows about my love for Makeup Revolution, but there's a second brand that I seem to love just as much, but never rave about like I rave about Makeup Revolution, and I didn't even realize it until today, so let's talk about BH Cosmetics.

I'm gonna be honest with you for a moment - come, sit down, have a s'more - I came this close *snaps fingers* to hating BH Cosmetics.

Okay, wait, don't choke on the s'more, damn. Let me explain.

At the beginning of my quest for the perfect colorful eyeshadow palette (I was really only looking for one really good one to replace my E.L.F. 144 palette, and that's where the obsession began), I came across BH Cosmetics and their 120-eyeshadow palettes, and I thought my prayers had been answered; I ordered the second edition and patted myself on the back for my accomplishment. Then I got the palette in the mail.

The 120 palettes suck, okay. They suck, and anybody on Instagram can tell you that I'm not shy about talking shit about the 120 palettes, because they suck. The pans are tiny, some of the colors are repetitive, and the color payoff isn't worth two pennies; I found a palette at the dollar store with pigmentation just as good, if not better, than the 120 palette. If anyone knows me in real life then they know that, outside of love, it only takes me one fuck-up to never fuck up again; I don't have to be retaught lessons. So when the 120 palette fucked me over, I was done with BH; I was like f--k BH, f--k BH's president, f--k BH's mama, f--k the delivery man, everybody.

And then I discovered the Carli Bybel palette.

Honestly, BH better thank their lucky stars and cut Carli an extra check, because if it hadn't been for the beautiful presentation and packaging of the Carli Bybel palette, I never would've bought another thing from them, and I never would've gotten the chance to really see what BH could do, because the Carli Bybel palette is fan-damn-tastic. The success of that palette led me to get the Missy Lynn palette, then the Foil Eyes palette, then the Pride + Prejudice + Zombies palette, and I was able to really see how awesome the brand is. So, with this knowledge of how great BH Cosmetics is, I didn't hesitate to pre-order the Shaaanxo palette when it dropped, as well as the Take Me To Brazil palette (both of which are on their way), as well as the Blushed Neutrals and Nude Lips palettes.

THEY. ARE. EVERYTHING.

The Nude Lips palette is literally exactly what it says it is. And the beautiful part about it is that it's Black Girl Friendly, meaning that it's not a bunch of lip colors that look dusty rose/mauve/nude in the pan and then straight Bubblelicious pink on brown lips and skin, but actually look dusty rose/mauve/nude! And the shit smells like marshmallows. And the Blushed Neutrals...Jesus...okay let's just say that both palettes are extremely Black Girl Friendly, and I know they're both going to be in my Faves at the end of the month, and I just got them today. 

I'm rambling, I'm rambling.

Anyway, I decided to do a One Brand Wonder today, starring all of the wonderful palettes that I have acquired from BH Cosmetics over the past few months (well, almost all of them; Pride + Prejudice took a back seat today), and this is what I got!

Closeup on the eyes:

And a video for yo' ass.

These palettes were specifically made for me, I'm convinced. Like, you can't tell me any different; I don't want to hear it - lalalala...

FACE:

Primer:

• L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Primer on my cheeks and nose
• E.L.F. Mineral Infused Primer on the rest of my face

 Concealer:

• Mouth: L.A. Girl HD Pro Orange Corrector with the Nicka K New York HD Concealer in Fallow under the foundation, and L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn over the foundation
• Nose, Chin, and Uneven Skintone on Cheeks: Nicka K New York HD Concealer in Fallow
• Under Eye: Nicka K New York HD Concealer in Fallow; L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn

Foundation: Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Foundation in 340 Caramel

Face Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Golden Cashews

Bronzing Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Warm Hazelnut

Setting Powder: Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder in Neutral Light

BROWS:

Filler: L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Pencil in Dark Brunette

Browbone Highlight: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn
Brow Gel: Milani Brow Shaping Gel

 

EYES:

Primer: LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

Base: The Sculpt powder in the Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

Shadows:

• Transition: #3, in the BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette
• Crease: #4, in the BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette
• Lid: 
• Overall: #25, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette
• Inner Third: #3, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette
• Outer V: #5, in the BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette
• Inner Corner: #8, in the BH Cosmetics Missy Lynn Palette
• Lower Lash Line (Gradient from darkest [outer corner] to lightest [inner corner]):
• #19, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette 
• #25, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette
• #7, in the BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette

Eyeliner:  

• Wing: Wet 'N Wild ProLine Graphic Marker Eyeliner
• Top Lid: NYC Big Bold & Precise Felt Tip Liner
• Water Line: a mix of L.A. Girl Gel Glide Liner in Metallic Copper, and L.A. Colors Eyeliner Pencil in Gold
   

Mascara: Base coat of Wet 'N Wild PhotoFocus Lash Primer, with L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Carbon Black on the top lashes; Ruby Kisses Very Sexy Mascara on the bottom lashes

CONTOUR:

Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

HIGHLIGHT:

#7, in the BH Cosmetics Missy Lynn Palette

BLUSH:

#23, in the BH Cosmetics Blushed Neutrals Palette

LIPS:

Lipstick: #7, in the BH Cosmetics Nude Lips Palette, with #6 in the center of the lips

Okay, before I conclude this, let's also talk about the fact that Revlon has been thoroughly demoted. I used to think that the Whipped creme foundation was the best foundation that there ever was, until I revisited my Cover Girl Queen All Day Flawless, and then I thought that I just had two really great foundations in my arsenal...until I tried the Whipped creme foundation on again today. Yeah, nothing compares to the CG Queen; I didn't like the texture of this foundation on my skin, and it's just not as flawless or warm as my CG Queen is. Here, have a comparison:

Today versus the other day

Do you see the texture? I see the texture, definitely in person, and I don't like it. I had been debating for so long whether or not to chipmunk it and buy second whipped foundation as a backup, and I'm so glad I didn't; now I can dedicate that backup purchase to my CG Queen.

Alright, back to BH. Yes, yes, and yes. Yes, BH. You put your foot in these palettes, seriously

Okay, that's it for today! I have to work tomorrow, so I'll have another look for you then! Probably with glasses on. Later!

x Ashlan