I'm late for Mardi Gras too?! (starring Juvia's Place)

I could've sworn that Mardi Gras was in March sometime.

To be fair, I never really get the opportunity to celebrate Mardi Gras. The only memories I have of Mardi Gras are childhood ones, which involved eating King cake and being paranoid about accidentally swallowing the baby Jesus, and going to New Orleans with my half Cajun, half Southern family and walking down Bourbon Street (in the daytime, of course), eating beignets in the French Quarter, walking through the winter wonderland of the Fairmont Hotel, and finding the most hilariously lewd necklaces and T-Shirts in the souvenir shops. I haven't stepped foot in New Orleans in almost twenty years, so it's pretty natural for me to have no idea of when Mardi Gras is, but I might have to rectify that before I make any plans to move out of the country. Either way, I digress; don't be mad at me. Here's a look!

And some over exposed Snapchat-filtered pictures

I'm late as hell for Mardi Gras but I'm in love with this look! I was worried it would be too gaudy and I got a little intimidated around the time I started applied the first green, but it came out so much better than I could have imagined! Here's the details:

FACE:

Primer:

• Wet 'N Wild PhotoFocus Matte Face Primer on my T-Zone
• Mac Prep + Prime

 Concealer:

• E.L.F. Orange Concealer Stick under the Tarte Shape Tape in Deep on my mouth and the shadows on my cheek, and the Shape Tape paired with the Wet N Wild PhotoFocus Concealer in Medium/Deep Tan under my eyes.

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

• Applied with a fake version of the Farsali Rose Gold Elixir, and enhanced by the Wet N Wild Hello Halo Liquid Highlighter in Goddess Glow under my eyes, and Go With The Glow on my forehead and chin.

Face Powder: Ben Nye Luxury Powder in Sienna (which, I've realized, makes my face too dark yay! What am I gonna do?!)

Under Eye Setting Powder: Maybelline Fit Me! Loose Setting Powder in Deep

BROWS:

Outline: ColourPop Brow Pencil in Black 'n Brown

Filler: E.L.F. Brow Kit in Dark

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

 

EYES:

Primer: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Toffee

Shadows:

• Transition: Fulani, in the Juvia's Place The Masquerade Palette, topped with the purple shade in the Juvia's Place The Zulu Palette, and a little bit of Haze, in the Bad Habit Beauty Aura Palette on the very edges
• Lid: Makeda, in the Juvia's Place The Masquerade Palette
• Lower Lash Line: Mali, in the Juvia's Place The Masquerade Palette, with Ecstasy, in the Bad Habit Beauty Aura Palette on top of the outer third, and the green shimmer shade in The Zulu Palette on top of the inner third, all kind of smoked out by Egypt, in the Juvia's Place The Nubian II Palette
• Inner Corner: Nairobi, in the Juvia's Place The Nubian II Palette

 

Eyeliner: Wet 'N Wild ProLine Graphic Marker Eyeliner with the Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner in Trooper to start out that dramatic ass wing
Mascara: Ruby Kisses Very Sexy Mascara on the bottom lashes

Lashes: Kiss Lash Couture Faux Mink Lashes in Boudoir

CONTOUR:

Ruby Kisses 3D Contour Palette in Medium Dark

HIGHLIGHT:

Casablanca, in the Juvia's Place The Masquerade palette, topped with Nairobi, in the Juvia's Place The Nubian II Palette, with a little bit of Aziza, in the Juvia's Place The Saharan II Palette on top just to be extra

BLUSH:

Yara, in the Juvia's Place The Saharan Blush Palette Vol II

LIPS:

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in London

Moral of the story is, when you need a really good colorful look (and apparently a bomb ass multifaceted highlight), Juvia's Place will never steer you wrong. Honestly I don't know why I have highlighters anymore; this highlight completely blew my mind! I've also realized that I've been spoiled by Fix+. I thought that my Kiss NY spray was booty in comparison to Fix+ and my Milani spray, but after using my Milani spray on this look, I realize that, in comparison to Fix+, it's booty too. So now I've been sucked into the void of having to spend $26 on a setting spray, or $12 on the minis. I think I can work with that some kind of way. Thanks for reading!

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

Fortune Favours The Shimmers

So, yesterday, I finally, finally, got my package from the Makeup Revolution website, which included the original Golden Sugar blush palette, the Beyond Flawless palette, and the gorgeous Fortune Favours The Brave palette, which is in collaboration with a lady named Jane, or the British Beauty Blogger (I think that's her blogging name? I really don't know). The palette is gorgeous, see here:

The shadows are named as follows:

 Row 1: Glimmer, Buffer, Peachy, Hope, Fortune, Skylight, Transformer, Midnight Rainbow
Row 2: Ice Cloud, Golden Coins, Cashmere, Tip Top, Yes Please, Green Machine, Smoothie
Row 3: Caffeine Fix, Latte Pink Diamond, Creme, Drama Queen, Lonely Planet, Blacqua
Row 4: Soft, New World, Favour, Sunset Hour, Super Gold, Winning, Brave, The Revolution

And the outside packaging is beautiful, too; I don't have a picture on hand, so here is a video I did of me opening the palette, where you can see the outside packaging, too. It really is a stunning palette, and with a breathtaking color choice in regards to the shadows, and the marbled/baked pans have no competition, in my book.

But the mattes.

Honestly, not just the mattes. There were one or two shimmery colors that just didn't show up on my skintone, but they were in the minority. There are, I think, about ten matte shades in this palette, and about 4.5 of them suck. No matter how much I rubbed my hand in the shadow, the color did not show up on my skin whatsoever; there are, then twenty satin/shimmer/baked shades in the palette, and four of them were just as bad as the mattes, so in total there were nine shadows in this palette that really, just really sucked; here's my swatch of them all, so you don't think it was just BS:

Looking at the palette, it looks like every shadow would be absolutely stunning and even annoyingly pigmented, but that just wasn't the case with some of these, so that was a bit of a letdown, but the others were truly spectacular, and for around $12 I can't really complain too too much, I just wish that it was as awe inspiring as the packaging leads it to be, as well as the people at Makeup Revolution, who posted a video of these swatches here:

Screenshot by @iva.zderic

Clearly, you can see they used some primer, and some Fix Plus, and everything else you can think of, because nobody's real swatches look like this; the deception is real.

I'm surprised at this, though, because as you can see in my swatch gallery, every other palette that I have from MUR is fantastic in regards to pigmentation, I mean I have not come across a dud yet, so why does this one have so many bad shadows? I don't know, I don't get it, but the packaging is beautiful, the mirror is huge, and those shimmers are to die for. That being said, here is the first look I did using only this palette:

It's an eyes only look today, because I had a paper that I had to do, and I just wasn't in the mood to do a whole face (or get my eyebrows together, clearly), but here it is! I was greatly influenced by the music that was playing in my background, so I ended up with a kind of fantastical, galaxy inspired smokey eye, that I like to call the Secrets of the Universe (why? I don't know). Oh, here's a video for this, too. But yeah, it was pretty nice! Ironically enough I feel limited by this palette, which has so many gorgeous colors, because of the lack of mattes, and such, but that's only because I attempted a One Palette Wonder; I think that this palette, in collaboration with another palette (or six other palettes; you know how I do), would be a force to be reckoned with. Okay, details!

BROWBONE: L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn

PRIMER: LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

BASE: the Sculpt powder from the Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

SHADOWS:

• Transition: Latte, in the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette
• Crease:  Drama Queen, in the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette, with Transformer right in the crease to smoke it out
• Lid:
• Outer Two-Thirds: Skylight, in the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette, with Brave over the last third (I hope that makes sense)
• Inner Third: Green Machine, in the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette
• Inner Corner: Ice Cloud, in the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette 
• Definer: Lonely Planet, in the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette
• Lower Lash Line (Gradient from darkest [outer corner] to lightest [inner corner]):
• Lonely Planet, in the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette
• Sunset Hour, in the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette, with Super Gold over top
• Ice Cloud, in the Makeup Revolution Fortune Favours The Brave Palette

MASCARA: L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

I have high hopes for this palette! I can't wait to try those shimmers out with other colors in other palettes to really see what I can come up with, so we'll see how it goes in the future! Right now, I'm waiting for another package! Hopefully it gets here before I have to leave for class (I doubt it).

x Ashlan

#TeamNatural

Well, you know I'm always natural in the usual sense of the tag, but today I'm referring to makeup! I only had one class today, and, ironically, I consider those days to be a good day to put on some makeup to go to school, as opposed to days when I have to stay there longer, because I'm universally less uncomfortable. Plus, I wanted to try a couple of things out, or revisit them, is a better word for it, so I gave myself the challenge of putting together a completely natural-looking face for class, and here it is, my friends.

Look at how young I look! I felt like a kid...with dark circles.

Here's a closeup on the eyes, which was honestly the only part of the challenge that was an actual challenge.

There's no video, because this isn't something extra to speculate on, so moving on!

As you can see, a natural look for me is basically skin-looking skin, no concealer, no contour, and really as little effort as possible. Also, a lot of mattes, but I liked it! It was simple to do, and to top it off this was another One Brand Wonder (you're probably not surprised by now, considering the only brand that I usually buy). Okay, here are the details.

FACE:

Primer:

• Benefit The POREfessional Matte Rescue Mattifying Gel on my T-zone
• Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer on the rest of my face

Foundation: Bare Minerals Original Broad Spectrum Foundation SPF 15 in Warm Tan

Face Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Golden Cashews (to yellow it up, because this foundation is a little red)

 

BROWS:

Filler: L'Oreal Paris Brow Stylist Definer Pencil 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:

• Basic Transition: Bear, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette
• Crease: Earth, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette
• Lid: 
• Overall: Oak, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette
• Inner Third: #4, in the Makeup Revolution Run Boy Run Palette
• Outer V: Earth, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette 
• Inner Corner: #24, in the Makeup Revolution Affirmation Palette
• Lower Lash Line: #13, in the Makeup Revolution Affirmation Palette

Mascara: Benefit They're Real! Mascara

 

HIGHLIGHT:

Milani Baked Blush in Bellissimo Bronze

 

BLUSH:

a blend of #1 and #7, in the Makeup Revolution Sugar and Spice Ultra Blush Palette

LIPS:

Lipstick: NudeStix Lip + Cheek Pencil in Mystic 

 

And that's it, you guys! Oh, let's talk about this primer situation. So, I tried the Stay Matte primer before, and I wasn't exactly impressed with it, but I'm thinking that it's because I tried to put it on over something that wasn't mattifying as well (like maybe my Magic Perfecting Base? I don't know, I can't remember), but this time I put it on after a layer of the mattifying gel and nothing else, and I think that it made a difference, because I was out in the elements today, honey. I was walking, I was outside, my mother's truck doesn't have air conditioning, and Houston, Texas, is rapidly heating up, but I wasn't that shiny. It might also have to do with the fact that I was wearing a mineral foundation instead of a liquid one, so I'll have to check it again under a liquid foundation, but we'll see!

Alright, now that's it! Later!

x Ashlan

Subtle Look: Achieved

I did it, you guys. I finally managed to make a subtle look for the days when I want to do my face, but want to wear glasses. I found that the missing component in such a feat was the use of matte eyeshadows; no wonder an extra tacky person like me, who harbors a great love for all things shimmery, didn't know how to do this! I was on a mission to combine this challenge with the challenge of making a look that matched this scarf, and this is what I came up with.

Ooh, I like that three panel thing.

And here's the closeup:

 

You might notice that I didn't take any of my usual flash in the dark pictures, because I liked these so much that I didn't even bother taking any others. No video, because this wasn't really anything to show; that's the point of it being subtle, right? I was so pleased! I feel like, with the addition of more mattes in my collection, I've opened myself up to all kinds of things, namely looks that I can wear out in public in daylight without looking like a circus clown. All in all, a successful day! Onward with the details!

FACE:

Primer:

• Benefit The POREfessional Matte Rescue Mattifying Gel on my T-Zone
• L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Primer on my cheeks
• Rimmel LondonStay Matte Primer on the rest of my face

 Concealer:

• Mouth: L.A. Girl HD Pro Orange Corrector with the lighter shade of the Ruby Kisses 3D Face Creator in #12 under the foundation, and L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn over the foundation
• Nose, and Uneven Skintone on Cheeks: the lighter shade of the Ruby Kisses 3D Face Creator in #12
• Under Eye: Nicka K New York HD Concealer in Fallow; L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn

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

Face Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Golden Cashews

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, dusted over with Cork, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte palette
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: Burnt, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette, blended into Rust, from the same palette
• Deeper Transition/Crease: #4, in the BH Cosmetics Missy Lynn Palette, with Earth, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette to further define the crease
• Lid: Oak, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette
• Outer V: Earth, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette
• Inner Corner: #1, in the Makeup Revolution Unicorns Unite Palette
• Definer: Carbon, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette
  
• Lower Lash Line: #10, in the Makeup Revolution Unicorns Unite Palette
• #8, in the Makeup Revolution Day to Night Palette, with a little of Earth, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette to darken the very outer end

Eyeliner: Rimmel London ScandalEyes Gel Liner in Black
Mascara: Base coat of Wet 'N Wild PhotoFocus Lash Primer, with Ruby Kisses Big Lash Mascara

 

CONTOUR:

Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

 

HIGHLIGHT:

Wet 'N Wild To Reflect Shimmer Palette in Sand-gria Castle

 

BLUSH:

#1, in the Makeup Revolution Hot Spice Ultra Blush Palette

LIPS:

Lipstick: Wet 'N Wild Velvet Matte Lip Color in Hickory Smoked, with some Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Untainted Spice on the outer perimeter of my lips (you know, the ombre stuff, just subtler) 

Liner: Smashbox Always Sharp Liner in Nude Dark

Mission accomplished! I'm happy, it looked good, I felt like it looked good, all is well. My only problem is that I think the 3D Face Creator is a little too oily for my skin, so even though it did so well in assisting the covering of my discoloration, I might have to let that bad boy go. Oh well, you can't win them all. I'll probably be back tomorrow with my eyeshadow collection or something. Good night!

x Ashlan

The Hellhole that is Retail.

Y'all.

I'm so tired right now, like...I'm exhausted. I knew I was going to be a little bit weary, having worked both jobs, but this goes beyond. My second shift was hell, and to top it off we didn't get out of the actual store until almost an hour after we were scheduled to, because that's just how retail works. I love that it gives me a place to dress up for, but when I actually get there, man...I don't know, today just wasn't a smooth sailing day. So I cant even give you the usual sassy bubbly antics that I normally do, because I'm just worn out. But, I wanted to do the details on this look, specifically because I wanted to talk about a certain product, so let's get into it.

With a closeup on the eyes, of course:

 I was attempting to be subtle; can you tell?

And here is me trying out that back camera-flash in daylight thing that Alissa Ashley does in her selfies:

 I mean, it's not nearly as gorgeous as hers (by a long shot), but not bad! I like that idea.
And my shirt is wrinkled. I was in a hurry; don't judge.

This was my look for the day. I already knew that I wasn't going to be in the mood to put on contacts (my shift today was longer than normal), so I did a look surrounded by the fact that I would be wearing my glasses, and here I am with glasses:

As I stated before I wanted to be a little more subtle, meaning not as vibrant of an eye  look (since it was going to be obscured by glasses, anyway), and a bolder lip to give me the look of a sophisticated magazine editor in New York or something, not just a dopey chick who didn't want to put on contacts. I think it came out pretty well, and here are the details, before I tell you my favorite thing about it.

FACE:

Primer:

• Benefit The POREfessional Matte Rescue Mattifying Gel on my T-Zone
• L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Primer on my cheeks
• Hard Candy Sheer Envy Shine Free Primer on the rest of my face

 Concealer:

• Mouth, Nose, and Uneven Skintone on Cheeks: the lighter shade of the Ruby Kisses 3D Face Creator in #12
• Under Eye: Nicka K New York HD Concealer in Fallow; L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn

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

Face Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Golden Cashews

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
Brow Gel: Milani Stay In Place Brow 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: Rust, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette
• Deeper Transition/Crease: Olden, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette
• Lid:  
• Inner Half: #5, in the Makeup Revolution Day to Night Palette
• Outer Half/Outer V: Earth, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette
• Inner Corner: the ColourPop Super Shock Eyeshadow in Get Lucky
• Lower Lash Line:
• #8, in the Makeup Revolution Day to Night Palette, with a little of Earth, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette to darken the very outer end

• Wing sketched first with Carbon, in the Makeup Revolution Flawless Matte Palette (but any black eyeshadow would work)
• Wing: Wet 'N Wild ProLine Graphic Marker Eyeliner

Mascara: Base coat of Wet 'N Wild PhotoFocus Lash Primer, with Ruby Kisses Big Lash Mascara

CONTOUR:

Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

HIGHLIGHT:

The Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Bronzer Powder in Rock On World, with #3, in the Makeup Revolution All About Bronze Ultra Blush Palette over top

BLUSH:

L.A. Colors Mineral Blush in Spiced Rum

LIPS:

Lipstick: ColourPop Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick in Prim 

Liner: Smashbox Always Sharp Liner in Nude Dark

Can you guess what I was crazy about in this look? If you guessed the Flawless Matte palette, then you were dead on. I freaking love this palette, and that's saying a lot for a person who hates matte shadows. These blend AMAZINGLY, like, it doesn't take much for me to spread it from point A to point B, and I can build it up without accidentally dropping a lot of product in one concentrated spot (which forces me to rub my eyelid endlessly trying to blend it out, which is highly irritating to my skin -ahem- Tarte). The shadows blend beautifully with one another as mattes, and they mesh wonderfully with different finishes like shimmer shadows. I love it, you guys. I thought that the L'Oreal La Palettes were great for transition shades (and they are still, don't get me wrong), but this palette has every single one of any single matte eyeshadow I could ever need in one palette, and they go on, well, flawlessly.

Alright, that's about as much enthusiasm as you're going to get out of me tonight! I'm going to try to write for another hour before I go to sleep; see you tomorrow!

x Ashlan

No Makeup March: Day 13

Finally, finally, I have lived a day free of guilt.

Not a drop of makeup was purchased today, though I faced and overcame many an obstacle over the course of the day's passing. I learned that Makeup Revolution has a new blush or bronzer palette or whatever that seems to be guaranteed to turn me into Aphrodite, and that Ulta sells the MUR Iconic Pro palettes (which are, apparently, dupes for the LORAC Pro palettes) on their website, where I can get them in the good old U.S. of A., where the shipping is affordable. It was a tough day, you guys, but I managed to make it home to you today from both jobs with my honor still intact, so let's get into the look I put on for my closing shift today.

 My lips were a little paler than when I started because I had been snacking, right, and I reapplied part of my lippie.

And a close up on the eyes, of course (because who really cares about the rest of the face?)

No video today...no wait! There is a video! 

I was trying to match this scarf, and I honestly went apeshit on the eyes (like, what palette didn't I use?) but it was surprisingly difficult to find a good forest-y, woodsy green in my collection, until I remembered the drawer of Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadows that I have and never use!Also, this look heavily stars my favorite MUR palette, the New-trals vs Neutrals palette, which I hadn't been using because it had been wedged between a couple of other MUR palettes and was therefore completely forgotten! Needless to say it got a lot of love tonight. Who said having a ton of makeup was a waste? Alright, details!

FACE:

Primer:

• L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Primer on my cheeks
• Benefit The POREfessional Matte Rescue Mattifying Gel on my T-Zone
• Hard Candy Sheer Envy Shine Free Primer on the rest of my face

 Concealer:

• Mouth: Nicka K New York HD Concealer in Fallow; L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn
• 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 Cappuccino  

Face Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Golden Cashews

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

Brow Gel: Milani Brow Shaping Clear 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. with Adapt, from the same palette, over top to cool it off a little
• Crease: #27, in the Morphe 35P Palette, with #32, in the Morphe 35T Palette to deepen the crease, and Strong, in the Makeup Revolution New-trals vs Neutrals Palette to really cut out that crease and outer V area (look at me, trying to sound like a makeup artist)
• Lid:  
• Overall: Mode, in the Makeup Revolution New-trals vs Neutrals Palette
• Inner Third: #4, in the Makeup Revolution Girls on Film Palette
• Lower Lash Line (Gradient from darkest [outer corner] to lightest [inner corner]:
• #10, in the Makeup Revolution Unicorns Unite Palette (which was too blue for my liking; I had another green in mind that I should've used but didn't)
• the Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Emerald
• #4, in the Makeup Revolution Run Boy Run Palette
• Unlimited, in the LORAC Unzipped GOLD Palette

Liner:  

• Wing sketched first with #18, in the Makeup Revolution Run Boy Run Palette (any black shadow would work)
• Wing: Wet 'N Wild ProLine Felt Tip Eyeliner in Black
• Water Line: L.A. Girl Gel Glide Eyeliner in Very Black

Mascara: Base coat of Wet 'N Wild PhotoFocus Lash Primer, with L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara, enhanced with Milani Length in Seconds Lash Extension Fibers

 

CONTOUR:

Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

 

HIGHLIGHT:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Illuminator in So Hollywood

 

BLUSH:

L.A. Colors Mineral Blush in Spiced Rum

LIPS:

Lipstick: NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in Beauty Mark, with a little NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in London in the center for an ombre effect

Liner: Smashbox Always Sharp Liner in Nude Dark

I know I always say that I like the looks I do (if I didn't, I would be too ashamed to post them), but I really, really liked this one. I looked good in every light, including the crappy lighting in the dressing rooms at my job, and they never make anyone look good; i thin I looked best in that light, actually. It was fun, and it was really fun to experiment with ombre lip sthe way that everyone normally does them; I've learned that balming your lips wayy before you put on a liquid lippie like the NYX Lingeries (which can really suck the life out of your lips) makes it a lot easier to apply and wear throughout the day. I also learned that the Bella Eyes shadows from Milani are amazing! I got them because I love Milani and I wanted some single eyeshadows (I'm still trying to collect them all), but I wasn't overly impressed when I first first swatched them, long before this blog was born. But applying Bella Emerald to my eyes (especially my lower lash line, which doesn't take color easily) was mind blowing! I definitely can't wait to get the rest of the ones on my list.

Alright, spring break is this week! To cure my boredom of being broke (when I can't write anymoer), I'll probably be coming to you with a few more recreations, so stay tuned!

x Ashlan

No Makeup March, Day 12: Makeup Revolution & Missy Lynn Edition

Hellooo!

Alright, so I had to work today, right? And I went to the store to find a simple black shirt to wear, because I didn't have one to wear and I wasn't feeling any of the shirts that I already had. So, I took myself to Ross and found a decent shirt, and as I was in line I discovered a scarf.

Now, for any of you that don't know this (and you probably don't, because I haven't talked about it), I am a complete scarf addict. Scarves are my thing; I'm a big girl, and I like to manipulate my silhouette with draping things (cardigans, long shirts, etc) and scarves - infinity scarves in particular - are my weakness - I own about 25 scarves right now. So, imagine me seeing a scarf like this, and trying not to buy it. Believe it or not, it was actually harder than not buying makeup, and we all know how bad I am at not buying makeup. So naturally, I bought it, and naturally, I needed to figure out a look to go with it. Now, I could've easily done a look like the Egyptian Bird of Paradise (the details of which are in the previous post), but I had to remind myself that it was still a work environment, and I'm supposed to be a demure, grown woman (for the most part) there, so I had to find a way to make a look inspired off of the scarf and then tone it down at the same time, so I ended up with this:

And an eye shot:

PEEP. THEM. LASHES.

I don't have a video for you, which is probably going to happen whenever I have to work, but here it is! This is really just a muted version of the Egyptian Bird of Paradise (I love that name lmao), so it's nothing to write home about; well, maybe those lashes, which we will get into in a minute. But if you're looking for some color (and this is a look that I got a lot of compliments on today) but don't want to look ridiculous in a work environment, then stay tuned! Here come the details!

FACE:

Primer:

• L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Primer on my cheeks
• Benefit The POREfessional Matte Rescue Mattifying Gel on my T-Zone
• Hard Candy Sheer Envy Shine Free Primer on my T-Zone
• ...Again, forgot to prime the rest of my face
  

 Concealer:

• Mouth, Nose, Chin, and Uneven Skintone on Cheeks: the left, lighter color of the Ruby Kisses 3D Face Creator in #12
• 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 Cappuccino

I noticed that applying foundation with a blending sponge after applying concealer with a blending sponge displaces the concealer, so don't do that! Don't be like me!
 

Face Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Golden Cashews

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 Clear 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: #4, in the BH Cosmetics Missy Lynn Palette
• Crease: #3, in the BH Cosmetics Missy Lynn Palette, with #6, in the Makeup Revolution Mattes Palette to define the crease further
• Lid:  
• Inner Two-Thirds: #1, in the Makeup Revolution Run Boy Run Palette, with #7, in the BH Cosmetics Missy Lynn Palette over top of the first third, and #8 in the same palette over top of the second third (does that make sense?)
• Outer Third: #27, in the Makeup Revolution Mermaids Forever Palette
• Inner Corner: #1, in the BH Cosmetics Missy Lynn Palette
• Lower Lash Line: 
• Inner:  #1, in the BH Cosmetics Missy Lynn Palette
• Overall: #8, in the Makeup Revolution Unicorns Unite Palette
• Outer: #21, in the Makeup Revolution Mermaids Forever Palette

Liner:  

• Sketched first with #18, in the Makeup Revolution Run Boy Run Palette (any black shadow would work)
• Wing: Wet 'N Wild ProLine Felt Tip Eyeliner in Black
• Water Line: Black Radiance Eye Appeal Kajal Eyeliner in Jet Black

Mascara: Base coat of Wet 'N Wild PhotoFocus Lash Primer, with L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara, enhanced with Milani Length in Seconds Lash Extension Fibers

CONTOUR:

Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

HIGHLIGHT:

Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Bronzer Powder in Rock On World, topped with Anastasia Beverly Hills Illuminator in So Hollywood at the tops of my cheekbones

BLUSH:

#1 in the Makeup Revolution Hot Spice Ultra Blush Palette

LIPS:

Lipstick: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Maple Kiss

Liner: Smashbox Always Sharp Liner in Nude Dark 

Eh, like I said, nothing to really write home about, because I was trying to keep it muted, but I adore MUR shadows! I really do plan to own every palette that they come out with, because they're all amazing, and so worth it. I work again tomorrow, and I think I might be feeling a little dark, if you know what I mean, but we'll see! Good night!

x Ashlan
 

No Makeup March, Day 10: FAIL

Yeah, you heard me. I bought makeup again, but this time, I don't feel not a lick of remorse, and let me tell you why.

I was going to the store to get milk, right? That's all I need, was some milk; on the way back home I was going to stop by Jimmy John's and get a sandwich. So I went to Walmart, of all places; why I didn't just go to Kroger, which was on the way, is beyond me, but I went to Walmart, and I'm glad I did.

Of course I went down the makeup aisles, I'm not even gonna lie to you. I wanted to see what was going on, and if I could find the stuff that I had been seeing on YouTube as of late, and I did; Walmart had stocked all of their shelves for once, and I saw all kinds of stuff. I even picked up some things and put them back, reminding myself that they weren't limited edition and would be there in April, and then I ran into the Milani section, and I saw it: the Amore Matte Creme in Covet.

Covet. COVET, YOU GUYS. COVET.

Do you know how long I've been searching for this lip creme? Long before this God forsaken no buy month started! I have Devotion (seen here) and I have Gorgeous (which I wore, but didn't take a picture of), and I love the ones I have so much that I needed that brown. I needed that brown. I NEEDED THAT FUCKING BROWN.

So I picked it up. And since I had already doomed myself, I went ahead and picked up the CoverGirl TruNaked Goldens palette, too. They had the Nudes but I really wanted the Roses, so I walked away from that one for now. But yeah, I grabbed it. And I bought both of them. And I don't regret it, because if I would've let that damn lip creme pass me by this time, I wouldn't see it again for another three months, and this damn no buy just isn't worth that risk. 

I also finally got my Tarte Rainforest of the Sea palette which is fan-fucking-tastic, and I decided that, since I have so many new palettes to play with to give you guys looks for this month, I would go ahead and do one today, so here!

Can you tell I was feeling this one?

And the eye shot:

And peep the highlight:

Very earthen, very neutral, very glamorous, and this (eye look) is a One Brand Wonder, starring the Tarte Tartlette 2 In Bloom, and the Rainforest of the Sea palettes. The video of this eye look is here, for your viewing pleasure. Moving on to these details!

FACE:

Primer:

• L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base Primer on my cheeks
• ...And I forgot to prime my face again.
  

 Concealer:

• Mouth, Nose, Chin, and Uneven Skintone on Cheeks: the left, lighter color of the Ruby Kisses 3D Face Creator in #12
• Under Eye: Nicka K New York HD Concealer in Fallow; L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer in Fawn

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

Face Powder: Black Radiance Pressed Powder in Golden Cashews

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

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: Smarty Pants, in the Tarte Tartelette 2 In Bloom Palette
• Crease: Reef, in the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette, with Activist, in the Tarte Tartelette 2 In Bloom Palette to define the crease further
• Lid:  
• Inner Third: Mermaid, in the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette
• Middle Third: Starfish, in the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette
• Outer Third: Abyss, in the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette 
• Inner Corner: Funny Girl, in the Tarte Tartelette 2 In Bloom Palette
• Lower Lash Line: 
• Inner:  Funny Girl, in the Tarte Tartelette 2 In Bloom Palette
• Middle: Reef, in the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette
• Outer: Abyss, in the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette 

• Definer/"Liner": Smokeshow, in the Tarte Tartelette 2 In Bloom Palette

Liner: Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Liner in Blackest Black
Mascara: L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara

CONTOUR:

Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette in Medium to Dark

HIGHLIGHT:

Ruby Kisses All Over Glow Bronzing Powder in Bronze Glow, with Anastasia Beverly Hills Illuminator in So Hollywood right at the top of my cheekbone

BLUSH:

#1 in the Makeup Revolution Sugar and Spice Ultra Blush Palette

LIPS:
Lipstick: Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme in Covet
Lipliner: Smashbox Always Sharp Lip Liner in Nude Dark

The Ruby Kisses concealer covers up the dark areas at the corners of my mouth sooo much better than anything I've ever used in the past, so I'm ridiculously and pleasantly surprised at that. I'm still going to continue on with the No Makeup March (-waits for you guys to finish rolling your eyes-) but, like I said, I regret nothing! Haven't you guys ever heard of cheat days?

Alright, see you tomorrow probably!

x Ashlan

SETTING SPRAY: Wet 'N Wild PhotoFocus Setting Spray

LIPS:

Liner: J.Cat Beauty Roll It Up Auto Lip Liner in Red Wine

Lipstick: Hard Candy Velvet Mousse Matte Lip Color in Dahlia