Makeover Monday: Dior Dupe

Hey Y'all! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. To kick off the week I just had to share a little hidden gem my sister stumbled upon recently. Tiffany has managed to find a new mascara that is totally worth running out to your local drugstore for immediately. And all I have to say is DIOR what!?

Team short and sparse eyelashes over here! I've always hated having short lashes ... in middle school and high school, I used to layer on tons of different mascaras for length and volume. Then I finally discovered false eyelashes and I've been hooked since. Lately, I've been getting back into mascaras just to catch up on current raved about products! While doing so I learned that an underdog mascara has one crazy secret that will change any girl's makeup routine! Word on the block is that the Dior Show Mascara [available here] that is priced at $25 dollars does WONDERS for volume ... well did any of you ladies know that the Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara [available here] that's only about $7-8 at your local drugstore has the SAME brush? Both brushes are thick and wide to volumize lashes! I personally have never tried the Dior Show Mascara because it's a bit out of my price range since I'm not a mascara junkie anymore! But I did pick up the Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara and I haven't put it down since! I double the mascara with my Loreal Paris Shocking Extensions Mascara (which I use for lengthening and separating my lashes)! This combination does wonders for my short and sparse lashes! I promise you that the Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara is the best hidden secret ever! 
Hope you guys have a lovely week! And I can't wait to share with you all the details of my first blogger event that I will be attending tonight in San Diego. Stay tuned!

Makeover Monday: Fuchsia Lips

So Tiffany, has definitely gotten me into bright bold lip color. Before her I just really didn't have that much interest in lipsticks because it made it almost impossible for me to kiss my little ones and I just love them to pieces and theres not a moment in the day that I don't want to just plant kisses all over their cute little cheeks. But with Tiffany's help she's shown me how many great options there are for non-smudge lippies. And I've pretty much fallen in love with the bold lip trend. Though I save those for days where I'm actually going to be seeing people that are over 3 feet tall. 
Anyways, Tiffany has offered to share some ways for you all to try out this Summer lip trend.

I was inspired by my sister's Steal Her Style posts to share with you all how to recreate a popular celebrity makeup trend. So many fashionistas are going bold this summer and rocking the neon lippie! With a smokey eye or even a simple makeup look, the neon lip is perfect for summer! It goes with so many different looks and makes you look like you put effort into doing your makeup any day! Works for blondes or brunette, light or dark skin tones, and dramatic or classic makeup looks! 

Here's the daring Katy Perry rocking the neon lip with a dramatic smokey eye and the fashionista Nicole Richie rocking the same lippie with a more neutral eye!

MAC Candy Yum Yum [$15.00]

This limited edition lipstick has been brought back for good! It is the brightest lipstick I've ever laid eyes on and is described as a neon pink lipstick. It has absolutely become one of my favorites. In a previous post I also mentioned there was a drugstore dupe for this color, Maybelline's Fuchsia Flash [see the review here].

Check out the side by side comparison:

MAC vs. Maybelline

Though on camera you cant tell the finish the colors are almost identical, however when on Fuchsia Flash isn't nearly as bright as Candy Yum Yum. But it's still a definite steal if you want the MAC look but don't want to splurge.

Also, Candy Yum Yum has a matte finish which is also another hot lipstick trend that I'm a huge fan of.  But if you're not to sure about the whole matte lipstick thing, a great option to give the same bold lip color, is Lancome's Poodle Skirt.

Lancome Poodle Skirt [$22]

This lipstick has a bright blue undertone with tiny amounts of shimmer. I am not usually a fab of shimmer of glitter, but this lipstick has the perfect amount. In the light, you can see more of the blue undertone. So if Candy Yum Yum is too bright, this shade of pink is a bit lighter and will not appear as neon, but will still give you that bright bold lip color you are looking for.

Well I hope you all enjoyed Tiffany's trend to try. And wishing you all a fabulous week!

Friday Fancies: Summer Beauty Must-Haves

As the girls and I went on our weekly Target trip, I was undoubtedly drawn to the beauty and personal care department. All the bright hues were just calling to me, and it doesn't help that my girls love playing with all the makeup. Such girly girls, just like they're mommy.

Beyond that, the Summer Trend Resort collection from Essie was fully stocked and oh so pretty. The lipsticks were all so pink and perfect, I just had to look and maybe take a few hone with me to play with. But it gave me the inspiration for this week's Friday Fancies.

Essie Summer 2013 Trend Collection - These bold colors are perfect for showing off that Summer tan.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunblock, 100+ SPF - I'm a little neurotic when it comes to SPF and I constantly reapply. So one that's light, doesn't clog my pores, and provides sun protection is a definite must. That's why this Neutrogena one is my fave! I've been using Neutrogena's sunblock for years now and have absolutely no complaints. 

Lush Ocean Salt Body Scrub - I'm in definite need of a great body scrub one that evens my skin tone and keeps it glowing. I've heard rave reviews on this scrub and have been wanting to try it. I may have to make the hour drive to SD to pick up a jar to try.

Milani Statement Lipstick in Flamingo Pose & Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipcolor in Shocking Coral - A bright pink lipstick always looks great with any Summer look. I've slowly becoming a lipstick addict and these are at the top of my list to try. 

Vaseline Spray & Go - I mentioned this once before, and I have to say that I've started to rely on this product a lot lately. I'm thinking I may need to toss one of these puppies into the car glove compartment. I love how quickly and easily I can moisturize while on the go with these crazy kiddos, especially since ashy knees are definitely NOT in style.  This spray is just perfect though for beating that dryness that occurs throughout the day. 

Let's just say Target trips are never quick, and I'm always left wanting more. I guess that's why there's always next week.

And lastly, what a great way to kick off the weekend, then with a fabulous giveaway! Style Elixir's Lauren Slade, myself and several other beautiful bloggers have teamed up for a fabulous giveaway. Go and enter at Style Elixir now!

Have a wonderful sunshine filled weekend!

Beauty By Tiffany: It's Time To Wake Up!

I hope you're all having a glorious Memorial Day Weekend. I love Memorial Day because it's like the kickoff party to Summer. 

I thought it would be appropriate to share with you guys a few make-up tips from Tiffany that will inevitably come in handy tomorrow when we all head back to reality and many people back to work. After all those BBQ's and margaritas during the long weekend, it's often hard to get back into the swing of things on a Tuesday. And getting up early once again is never fun, so here are a few tricks to help you look more awake even if you're still dead tired.

Make-Up Featured:

Covergirl and Olay Simply Ageless Eye Corrector ($10.99 - $12 @ local drugstore) | Maybelline Color Tattoo by Eyestudio ($5.49-$6.99 @ local drustore) | Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl by Rimmel ($3.50+ @ local drugstore)

For the days we're feeling a bit more tired, make up is always there to have our backs ... or in this case our face! I have three quick tricks that can automatically make you look more awake. All three of these tips revolve around our eyes because of course beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder ... unless they're looking real tired! Here is how we can instantly add hours of sleep to our face!

Tip #1: Use a concealer that is two or three shades lighter than you skin to not only hide, but brighten up your under eye. I personally use this Covergirl eye corrector in the color 230 Corrector because it is a yellow tone and it hydrates the under eye area. Any light concealer works for this trick! This will brighten up your face and highlight your under eye area and high cheek points... automatically making you look more awake and youthful! 

Tip #2: Use a champagne color and pop this in your inner corner of your eye to brighten up your eye or evenly swipe over your eyelid and let it fade into your crease. This trick adds to the brightening to your eyes, making them look more open and awake. This works best with shimmery shadows, apply as much as you're comfortable with. I personally use the Color Tattoo in Barely Beige (from Fall 2012 collection), but Barely Branded is very similar and is part of the permanent collection. As of NOW at your local drugstore the Summer 2013 limited edition collection is available and the color Precious Pearl will work great with this trick.

Tip #3: The quickest trick that will work in addition to the second trick is to pop a nude/champagne/white eyeliner in your water line. I am IN LOVE with this eyeliner that's new to the Rimmel makeup collection! This will make the illusion of your eyes being more open and awake. Urban Decay also makes champagne color jumbo eye shadow sticks that work wonders with this trick also! Sometimes white is too harsh for some looks, so I prefer a nude liner, but none the less, still does the job!

And remember to NEVER tug around the skin around your eye because that only causes wrinkles! But these tricks will be sure to make you look more awake on those days you just aren't feeling up to par.

Hope you enjoyed Tiffany's beauty tips! Check back later this week for a fabulous giveaway.

Beauty by Tiffany: Make Your Own Lip Scrub

Hello again ladies! I'm back for another beauty post before my sister returns from her vacation! Let's jump right into it ... No lady wants wrinkles on their face! Well while we are all using anti-aging products, let's not forgot our lips! Probably the most wrinkly part on our face that gets neglected the most! Lip wrinkles aren't as noticeable and everyone has them, might as well give them some love too! Here's an easy DIY lip scrub and with religious use every other day or a few times a week, you'll see a difference with less wrinkles meaning less creasing for your lipstick! I personally use Bubblegum Lip Scrub from Lush ($9.95), but other lip scrubs are more expensive, especially from Sephora! It's amazing, I rub a tiny amount on my lips before any lipstick application and lick off the excess because it is flavored for the consumer's benefit! 

But here's a quick way to make your own lip scrub at home with things you can find in your own kitchen or bathroom! 1. Grab a dot of Vaseline and tiny amount of brown sugar or regular sugar and go ahead and mix the two into the palm of your hand. 2. Take the mixture and rub it over your lips and the sugar will begin to dissolve and break up the old skin. 3. Take a clean tissue and wipe the excess of the mixture off your lips and apply your favorite chapstick! ... TA DA (as big sister Claire would say)! Now that you scrubbed your lips and they should feel extra moisturized and softer already! Add this to your morning routine and before you know it, the lines on your lips will begin to go away. This lip scrub will allow your lips to absorb more moisture and make your lips appear softer.  Let's take away the wrinkles from every part of our face!
If you haven't already entered the Olive Bracelet giveaway, here, go now. Giveaway ends tomorrow. You've got a few hours left so go and enter now.

Beauty by Tiffany: Staying Matte

Hello ladies! While my sister is soaking up the sun, I'm here giving you some more insight for Spring makeup! Spring is only the beginning of warm weather and that only means more sun shine! Unfortunately, for some of us, that only means one thing for our skin ... more oils, on top of sun protection (as if that doesn't make me shiny enough!). I've always struggled with oily skin so I'm always excited when I see matte-fying face products! I've come across three drugstore powders that I use religiously to keep my face matte through out the day. All of these products are available at local drugstores, except NYX cosmetics (that are newly available at Target). All of the powders rangle from about $9-10, so they are very affordable! The three I am about to share will be suitable for any occasion!

Neutrogena's Shine Control Powder is great for everyday use and blotting! It's made with rice protein complex which is used in blotting sheets! This powder comes in one color which is "Invisible 10." It's a transparent powder. You can see it to set your makeup or even to place on your t-zone over a foundation powder. It's a great one to carry on the go for blotting purposes. Even though it is a white powder, don't let that scare you! It does not leave any sort of white cast in pictures or dusty-ness on your face. I personally use this powder on long days spent at Disneyland and I stay matte all day, so I can guarantee it's long lasting! For all you ladies who like to keep it light and simple, this powder will not let you down. Recently, Ulta had a 40% off (select beauty companies) sale and I had to grab a ton of products I've been wanting to try and of course I was immediately drawn to two matte powders. One of the matte finishing powders was the "Set It, Don't Fret It," mineral powder ... such a catchy name right? The second powder was a powder foundation called "Stay Matte, Not Flat" another cute name of course! Both are amazing powders that keep me matte through out the day! The mineral powder gives such a flawless finish and is light weight...  perfect for setting your foundation and concealer. For the days I prefer more coverage, I use the powder foundation. I find it comparable to Mac's Studio Fix Powder Foundation ($27), and not even half the price! Depending on the coverage you prefer, both these products do what they claim ... keep you matte through out the day! Another popular matte powder is the "Stay Matte" powder, unfortunately I haven't tried this one out, but our cousin, Brittney has! Here's her review on the matte powder from Rimmel Cosmetics! Very affordable and great for young girls to women!
Whether you're a full coverage girl, just looking for a flawless finish, or just simply want to stay matte and natural ... one of these three powders will definitely suit you and your skin type! With these drugstore prices you can't complain either! 

Don't forget to enter the Olive Bracelet giveaway, here. You've still got time so don't hesitate because this gorgeous bauble is selling like hot cakes.

Beauty By Tiffany: Brighten Up With Concealer

We all know when Spring rolls around we like to ditch the layers. Why not simplify your makeup routine and ditch that heavy foundation. Here's how Tiffany likes to change up her makeup for the warmer weather.
Spring is here and it's time to transition your makeup routine to something more fresh for the warmer weather! For all the ladies who need one quick step to brighten your face and even your skin tone, I have two amazing concealers for you! I prefer to use a concealer over a BB cream or toned moisturizer because my skin already produces excess oil and the last thing it needs is a product that is too hydrating for my skin. Using a concealer also brightens up the under eye area which gives a more awake and youthful look if you happen to lack a few hours of sleep at night.

I recommend both the NYX HD Photogenic Concealer (about $5 at Ulta, Sears, and now TARGET!) and L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer ($7.50-8.00 at local drugstores). Both concealers are great for under the eye and blemishes. You should always get concealers that are a few shades lighter for brightening under the eye, creating a more youthful look. The NYX concealer has a more liquid texture which makes it easy to blend with a brush. But for ladies who do their makeup on the go, the L'Oreal Pairs concealer has a creamy texture making it best to blend with your fingers, clean of course. Both do not crease under the eye with a little setting powder and are long lasting. I find myself choosing to use concealer to conceal under eye bags and blemishes/redness than having to layer a foundation on. Especially for Spring, fresh faces are definitely IN, so let that foundation take the back seat and let your natural skin shine through. Your skin will definitely appreciate the fresh spring air. 

Beauty By Tiffany: Look Fresh With Drugstore Makeup

As promised my sister, Tiffany is back with her beauty tips. And the best part, all of these products can be found at your local drugstore or my favorite place, Target.
 

Here's what she has to say:

For the ladies who are always in a rush, but want a fresh look, here are some products I've found that are great for quick makeup application! These are my favorite products and tricks for quick makeup looks!

 

1. Apply your favorite face powder

Cover Tox Ten Anti Wrinkle Powder - Physicians Formula ($10-$12 at your local drugstore)

Brush: E.L.F [buy here] | Powder: Physician's Formula [buy here]

I recommend always putting on a powder even for those bare face days! This is translucent powder with an anti-wrinkle formula (not sure if the anti-wrinkle formula works for me since I'm only 21, but it's never too early to start using anti-wrinkle products!). This will give your bare face a great finish and keep you from getting too shiny throughout the day. The powder does come in a mirror compact with a small brush applicator, but I like to use my powder brush from E.L.F. (only sold at Target for $3 or online here). This dense flat top brush is good for powder or liquid foundation application because it prevents streaky-ness and distributes the product evenly. Feel free to use your favorite powder whether is translucent, powder foundation, or an SPF shine prevention powder, any powder will give your face a soft finish.

2. Cream Eye Shadow
24 Hour Color Tattoo by Eye Studio - Maybelline ( $5-$6 at your local drugstore)

buy here

This is my favorite part of this "on the go" makeup look! I am addicted to these cream eye shadows! They are an one swipe method to give your makeup look an extra spark. These cream eye shadows come in a variety of colors for everyone's taste. I personally recommend Bad to the Bronze, it's the most versatile color for all skin tones and gives you a complete eye look in one swipe. For more intense-ness feel free to darken it with more applications and I guarantee you will have a more sultry eye look. I've pictured a few of my favorites and Inked in Pink is from their new Metals Collection (available now at your local drugstore). These cream eye shadows do not crease and can be used as an eye shadow base for the ladies who have a little bit more time on their hands. If you haven't picked one up yet, you're missing out!

 

3. Eyeliner/Eyebrows

Eyebrow Pencil - Rimmel London ($2-$3 at your local drugstore)

buy here

Here's a cool trick to try out! I believe eyebrows make or break a face, they can be shaped to make you look more youthful and give your face a full groomed look. Because I have black hair, I use darker eyebrow pencils (for dark hair, use a color that's three shades lighter and for light hair, use a shade three shades darker). After you've cleaned up your eyebrows, take the pencil and use it line your eyes over the cream eye shadow! Instead of having several products, we are taking one simple product and giving it more tasks. Perfect for tossing fewer items in your black hole of a purse.

4. Your Favorite Mascara

The Colossal Volum' Expresss - Maybelline ($5-$6 at your local drugstore)

buy here

I personally wear false lashes almost everyday, but on my "almost bare face" days I like to use Maybelline mascaras [any of them], because they're always a hit! This one particularly is for a cat eye effect, which has been trendy lately! Go ahead and curl your lashes and toss on a few coats and your eyes are done!

                         5. Lipstick & Blush In One  

Temptress - Revlon ($5-$7)

 

buy here



 

 One last trick for you speedy ladies, use your favorite pink lipstick as a cream blush! I personally am a bronzer girl, but for you ladies looking for more youthful looks, a pink blush will give your face more youthful-ness! Swipe your lipstick three times on the apples of your check and use your fingers to blend away. Not only with the creamy-ness of the lipstick give your face a more natural blush, but it will last longer through out the day. Then go ahead and apply it as your lipstick and your look is completely done!

 

 

We all know there's a makeup product for every part your face, but on the days you don't have time, it's easier to grab a few essentials. With those couple of products you can give yourself a full look in the car or while rushing out the door!

Hope you all enjoyed these tricks! What are your favorite go-to makeup products?

Beauty By Tiffany: M.A.C Archie's Girls Collection and Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation

For me, I'm not really one to try tons of makeup. I have my routine and generally like to stick to it. Plus, I feel that with make-up and beauty products I can never predict how it's going to look on, even if I try it on before purchasing. So I generally like to see how others like a beauty product before I purchase it myself. And I figured if  I'm this way maybe there are others out there who are too. Therefore, I brought in my sister, the beauty buff Tiffany, to share her current make-up and beauty hauls, reviews, and tips with you all.

Meet Tiffany

With no further ado here's Tiffany's beauty haul and review this week.

MAC Archie's Girls Collection 

I am a sucker for anything limited edition or with cute packaging! This MAC collection had me completely sold, but I had to resist and only pick up a few items. I want to share my two favorites from the collection.

First off, I absolutely love the blush and it was the first thing that caught my eye. Because I have a darker complexion, I tend to lean towards darker and more pigmented blushes. This blush was right up my alley. In the pot, there is a small amount of shimmer, but once placed on the cheek the shimmer is not visible. Since I have oily skin, I tend to not like too much shimmer. The pigment pay off is AMAZING! You cannot go wrong with it. The color might be scary, but once on the skin it's more pink than magenta like it looks in the pot. The color is build-able, so if you'd like darker finish, go ahead and layer that baby on!

Lasty, I'm not a huge fan of gloss, but I couldn't resist the packaging! I have a new found love for MAC lip glosses after trying this one! It's not even the least bit sticky and that is what definitely turns me off about lip glosses! The color is sheer, but definitely build-able also! When placed over natural lip color, it gives off a gorgeous light coral sheen to your lips.

**TIP: To get the most color pay off, try muting out your lips with a nude lipstick or with some foundation or concealer! Use the excess from your makeuover!p brush or fingers and gently rub over your lips after moisturizing. It will give you a nice clean slate to put any gloss or lipstick 

If you have the chance to pick up any of the Archie's Girls Collection I recommend grabbing these items!

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation

$10 Range at local drugstores

Left: Tiffany After | Right: Tiffany Before

This cream foundation is great for all skin types. Its selling factor is it's lasting power, which says it's to be 24 hours. I wouldn't recommend wearing your makeup for that long, but I can tell you that the longer it is on your skin, the better it looks throughout the day. You can wear it with or without a setting powder. The finish is matte with or without a primer. Personally, I always like to set my foundation or concealer because I have oilier skin. What's so great about this foundation is that its true to what it claims about it's lasting power and it instantly makes your skin look brighter and more youthful. I think this foundation is great for mom's because you do not need to continue to touch up throughout the day and it's a great foundation for your blush and bronzer. I notice with this foundation, my blush lasts longer through out the day. The coverage is build-able as you can see I only placed on one layer and my blemishes are pretty much concealed. I would recommend this foundation for anyone with long days!

If you want to see more of Tiffany's style and beauty hauls follow her on Instagram, here. Be sure to check back and see what Tiffany has to say next week.