M.A.C Halloween looks!

Okay, I have to give credit where credit is due. Typically i don't post other peoples work, but i couldn't resist! This is hands down one of the most creative uses of makeup i've EVER seen for a costume. *picking up jaw off floor* I'm so inspired now for Halloween. It's one of my favorite days of the year! Maybe i'll go as Brenda Star using a similar idea to this comic strip girl. Kuddos to the amazing minds and talent of M.A.C senior artists: Bianca Alexander, Luc Bouchard, Keri Blair, Sandy Joseph and Chantel Miller. Honestly, amazing!

Photo Courtesy of M.A.C Cosmetics Facebook page

check out the other Halloween looks here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=324057&id=16126780553&page=2

What are you going as this year!?

For my penny-pinching diva's!

When new things arrive at the department/makeup specialty stores yours truly flock's there like a Zombie in the night, it's just instinctual. I know I'm not alone here, women are predisposed to be drawn to beauty. What can make us a better version of ourselves? Our eyes wide open searching for the perfect products. $30 nail polish, $40 mascara's, $70 eye shadows, $300 face creams! I mean, when does "this is too much money" come into play? If your like me it doesn't. I'm amongst the beauty obsessed, I venture to say I'd sell my soul for a Le Mer face cream. Okay, maybe not, but I WOULD work a lot of overtime, and probably forgo electricity for the month. However, my love for all things beauty does not speak for the "everyday woman." I know most women out there love to window shop these items, but could never fathom spending obscene amounts of money on products. If you're a penny-pinching Diva this one is for you.... Great beauty buys for a natural look. All $6 or less. Hug me if you need to...

Ponds dry skin cream - $4.89

Think of it as I.V fluid for your face, this will hydrate you and leave you as soft as $300 Le Mer face cream, some would say it's even better, and you won't become sick with buyers remorse.

2. Rimmel London Hide the blemish concealer - $5.19

Be prepared to be amazed at what this will cover, be gone dark circles and pesky pimples.

3. Maybelline pure makeup foundation - $5.49

I've used this, and I must say the coverage is flawless, and will not leave you looking overdone. I'd compare the effects to Stila's Illuminating Liquid Foundation for $38.

4. e.l.f All over color stick in Lilac Petal- $1

Much like NARS The Multiple, this can be used just as their brand name states on your eyes, lips, and face (e.l.f) I would use this as a blush, but on days when you're in a rush plop this all of those areas for a pretty subtle and youthful look.

5. Cover Girl Eye enhancer 3 kit shadows in Shimmering sands - $4.69

This gorgeous palette comes with 3 pans, the colors have a great pigment, and are very natural with a light shimmer. A great look especially when similar colors go for $15 a piece at m.a.c.

6. mark. On the edge hook up liquid eyeliner in Cleo- $5.50

Because mark. is only sold by an avon/mark Representative I consider it a hidden gem, I use this eyeliner religiously it's also a fave of reality show alumni turned fashion designer Lauren Conrad.

7. N.Y.C Classic brow & Liner pencils in sable - $0.99

You can use this on your brow, or for liner! It lasts forever and come on.... nothing is less than a dollar these days!!!

8. Boots Botanics volumizing mascara - $5.94

Another hidden gem adorned by most in the UK, this gives great length to your lashes, and will not clump!

9. Milani Crystal gloss in

Tantalizing 11A-$3.49

For a little bit pinker of a shade than just a nude lip, this is flattering, simplistically sexy also shiny without being sticky.

10. Wet N Wild craze nail polish in Inferno- $1.99

I know what you're thinking, Wet n Wild??? You'd be surprised how this apply's, and looks when all finished. Their products have come a long way since I was in junior high. Definitely comparable to Chanel's polish without the accompanied sounds of your wallet draining.

There you have it, now you can get a whole face and nails using great products for less than $40!! What I typically spend on an eyeshadow palette. Hmm...maybe I should take my own advice? Check back soon for another $6 or less post for a Dramatic evening look.

Beauty-book-buy of the week

“It is said that no star is a heroine to her makeup artist”

- Richard Corliss

It's that time of the week again! Another great book to check out, by a great makeup artist.

Mary Quant has had much to do with fashion world since the 50's. From Stores, and her own iconic clothing and makeup line "Mary Quant LTD". This eccentric woman has done, and seen it all. Not to mention her own claim to have invented duvet covers, the Mini-skirt and Hot pants. You can't argue her knowledge, so learn from it! Using her 'self-analysis' chart you can figure out what makeup will look best for your face shape, color, and complexion. Includes great "How-To's" for day and evening, and useful tips for skin care, and massage. Extremely fun, inspiring, and informative, you'll most certainly enjoy this read.

You put what, where!?

So, it's the night before a big day and you spot a mammoth volcanic mass on your face. You search and riffle through your drawers and cabinets for your Clearasil, and nada. It's either grown legs and ran away from your recurring acne, or dried up into a useless zit fighting pile of dust. Just then...you spot the Colgate Toothpaste hanging out by the sink and smack it on that sucker as fast as you can. By morning your face is clear, and you have this little improvised secret to smile about. Truth is, we all have our little tips and good lord are they useful! So here are some of the ones I love!!

Vaseline - If I was stranded on an island and could bring one thing, this would be it. I swear I ALWAYS have a tub of this in my house. Combats dry lips, ashy elbows, knees and chapped cheeks. Aside from those common uses, here are my tricks:

- Shimmy a coat of this on your eyelashes at night, it serves as a great conditioner and makes mascara apply more evenly in the morning.

- Hair masks are messy and time consuming, so try adding some Vaseline to the ends of your hair at night. When your hair is washed, conditioned and blown out, those straw-like ends will be hydrated and softer.

Q-Tips - Bless these little cotton ended sticks of gold. So many different ways to use them, aside from the wax in your ears!

- After you apply your eyeliner, stroke a tip of one of these babies with an eyeshadow close to the same pigment, then use it to smudge and set your liner. Also works great as an eyeshadow blender. No need for expensive brushes.

- Ever get makeup gunk in the corner of your eyes? Not a good look. Dampen a tip with water and use it lightly to catch the makeup for a flawless eye.

- Dip one into translucent powder, then use it to clean up any areas of your face after you've applied your makeup, such as the ashes of dark shadow your smoky eyes leave behind, etc...

Waterproof mascara- Not just your pal on a beach day.

- Have a few gray hairs and missed a coloring? No need to pluck 100+ hairs until your hairdresser rescues you. Stroke a color of mascara that is close to your hair color along the grays for a temporary camouflage no one will detect.

Baby Powder - I love this stuff. Seriously, the list could go on for what you can do with it.

- Woke up late! It's hair washing day! Why didn't I buy that dry shampoo? Crap. Take a SMALL amount of this powder and use your fingertips to slowly work it into your oily roots. Remember to use a little at a time or you will end up looking like George Washington. When done correctly, it will fluff up the volume, absorb oil, smell fresh and won't alter the color of your hair.

- Leave your makeup bags at home! It's all about a low maintenance mid-day freshen up. Use a travel size baby powder, then take a tissue, lightly pick up a dab of powder and brush it over the spots you're most oily. Works like a translucent powder, without all the bags and equipment.

- Hate sand all over you at the beach? Rub this powder on any areas covered in wet sand and it will slide right off. Leaves behind NO cakey mess.

Deodorant - This isn't just for the pits!

- For any major event where you NEED your makeup and face to stay PERFECT: Take clear roll on deodorant, put some on a makeup sponge before applying foundation, and then dab around your hairline. Let dry. Pat softly with a paper towel. Then apply your makeup. This will prevent drops of sweat to run down your face or ruin your makeup.

Cold water - We all know drinking this gives you a great glow, and running some over your hair will make it shinier. But what else?

- At the end of your shower, run cold water over your body to temporarily tighten the appearance of your skin, works wonders on your face. This will also help makeup to be applied and blended more evenly and look better than ever!

- In a rush and your nails are wet? Dip them in cold water to dry them faster, it's neater than a hair dyer which may leave smudges.

Hairspray - Not just for your tresses...

- Unruly eyebrows before a wax can be a nightmare! If you don't want to buy brow gel, or you're out, spray a brow brush with a maximum hold hair spray and then brush them in the direction you'd like them to be in for a great hold!

What are your favorite tricks?

Beauty-book-buy of the week

“It is said that no star is a heroine to her makeup artist”

- Richard Corliss

It's that time of the week again! Another great book to check out, by a great makeup artist.

I'm a huge Bobbi Brown fan, she's a beauty pioneer who made it possible for women to look amazing without slapping on the makeup with a kitchen spatula! In fact I remember passing her books in Barnes & Nobles when I was in high school and flipping through the pages in complete awe, it's where I first learned of my passion for makeup, and the reason why i wanted to pursue it. This book is a favorite because it gives you a new fresh take on application and technique in addition to helpful tips for the trickiest times. Such as days where you may feel a little frumpy, makeup during pregnancy, and an overall "honest approach" on how to make others, or yourself look best naturally. Also, a great read for anyone a little fuzzy on how to correctly wear foundation! She's an influence to me, and I know she would be one for you if she isn't already.

Purple Lust

My trademark is purple. I'm not really sure when this obsession kicked in, especially since I spent the majority of my high school career solely dressed in black. Now I've obtained everything from Amethyst sweaters, to lilac eye shadows, eggplant walls in my house and I rock smokey purple eyes like nobody's business. To me the color not only compliments my skin tone, but puts me in a better mood. Okay, I'm not crazy, it's been proven that colors can do that! Though my makeup suitcases are stashed with every variation of the Indigo genre I have a few little crushes (old, and new) that I need to add to the family.

1. Stila- Barbie Loves Stila Smudgepot in Purple Pumps - $20

I have a Barbie complex, and I love her. I imagine this is a playful and vibrant cream to wear as a base, shadow or liner. It will be a little 80's punk rock, but I enjoy that in makeup from time to time. Break away from what's "norm" and mix it up!

2. Dior- 5 Colour Eyeshadow in Night Butterfly 173 - $56

This palette is a dream. Perfect shades for both days in, and nights out, long lasting, and lustrous! Come on we all know Dior shadows are to die for! (They better be for almost $60 a pop!)

3. M.A.C- Mattene Lipstick in Night Violet (matte) - $14.50

Part of the new "Style Black" collection This lipstick is so sexy on both pale skin, and dark. Which is why I adore it. Lightly dab your lips then smooth on a chapstick topcoat for a muted sex appeal or let your freak flag fly by putting on a full application and top it off with a new must have right below...

4. M.A.C- Glimmerglass in Bling Black- $18

You can apply this to virtually any of your favorite lipsticks for a steaming "bad girl" look. I know some people will be deterred from purchasing these because of how dark the "Style Black" colors are. So if you're curious, but a little too shy to just gun it go to one of my favorite sites "Scandalousbeautyonline.com" for a great video on what these colors look like outside of the box!

5. L'Oreal HIP- Shocking Shadow Pigments in Fiery 124 - $12

I swear this has been on the market forever, and everytime I pass it in CVS visions "dance in my head" of all the looks I could create. (yes, that's how my mind works. sad, huh?) Also, it's a great alternative to M.A.C pigments that usually go for about $20.

6. Chanel Le Vernis nail colour - in Vendetta $23

This reminds me of mysterious and romantic purple silk you may see in a high end fabric store. A great glam shade for long and short nails for any time. Not to mention the fact that in my personal opinion Chanel's coverage and smooth finish is like NO other.

What's your signature color?

"Dew you!"

If you're a hot blooded female then my guess is you've been envious of someone "glamorous" or famous a time or two in your life! I must admit I've flipped through the sometimes agonizing pages of a Victoria's Secret Catalog and felt a bit.....drab. I can't hold a candle to the likes of a Victoria's Secret model and their otherworldly good looks, especially on days where I'm lounging around in sweats and a scrunchy. Yes, i still wear a good 1990's scrunchy from time to time. During those moments of deep self deprecation we must remind ourselves of all the help they get. We forget that they didn't just land in the middle of an exotic beach, hair perfectly coiffed, glowing makeup and skin immaculate, ready for their closeup. TEAMS of hairdressers, stylists, and makeup artists are on hand to make those women "supermodels." You too can have a piece of that perfection, learn an industry secret! Skin polishing and body makeup. Try out some of my faves for a special event and score a dewy model-esque bod:

1. Make Up For Ever - Face and body liquid makeup -$38

A trick of the trade for a red carpet is body makeup! Yes, actual foundation. Covers imperfections, and creates across the board perfect texture. This particular formula is geared towards the face and body. Drying to a satin finish, lightweight, and in gel form this is wonderful for dry skin as it will absorb without looking cakey, which is a rare find! Exfoliate before use, apply moisturizer, let seep in your skin, then apply a thin veil of this makeup, blot and let air dry before getting dressed.

2. Soap & Glory for Target - Easy Glistening body spray - $12.99

Just a quick spray on your legs and you get the smoothed appearance of a wax. Adds just enough shine to your skin without looking like you applied thick baby oil.

3. Nars - The Multiple - Copacabana - $37

"Multiples by Nars" have to be one of my favorite products out there. You can virtually use it all over! So it's worth the cost. Putting aside the multi-use for your face, you can apply it to the points of your shoulders, clavicles, legs, and any other area that you want to glow. Perfect for travel use as well since it's both small, and a solid.

4. Guerlain - Terracotta spray SPF 10 - $59

You gotta love this! Ideal for those women who are cautious of actually tanning, timid of spray tan booths but are looking for a little color. You can spray this all over your body for an even looking tan, just where you want to look bronzed, and even dust over your face to set your makeup. The best part is if you didn't apply it the way you should have, or you're just not feeling the effects go take a shower--it washes right off like makeup!

5. Naturally Victoria's Secret Acai Berry & Magnolia Illuminating Body Polish - $18

Before any of these other tips the key is to exfoliate! By clearing dead skin cells of the surface it will make your skin healthier, softer and will help makeup adhere better. This does the trick wonderfully and it smells delicious!

6. Body By Victoria - The Body Lotion - $20

Personally, i adore this lotion above all others! Softens like no others I've tried, and the scent lasts all day. Perfect way to perk up in the morning after your shower.

7. Urban Decay Cosmetics - Midnight Cowboy Body Shimmer - $28

A staple for a casual beach day, or a scandalous a night out. This lotion hydrates and leaves behind a gold shimmer to accent the sun, or the moons appearance on your skin. Just enough glow to look sexy without trying too hard.

8. M.A.C Cosmetics - Eyeshadow in Phloof- $14

A perfect frosty pinky off-white! This is my little secret. Typically people have a million products for each body part. But i see no reason to keep eyeshadows solely on your eyes. So if I'm wearing a dress, tank, or anything revealing skin i take a light swoop of this and dust it on these areas for a perfect dew: Forehead, cheekbones, brow bone, philtrum, shoulders, clavicles and any other spots i want to glow. A SMALL amount on each area will be perfect otherwise you'll look as shiny as tin foil.

9. Soap & Glory for Target - Glow hydrating shimmer lotion -$9.99

"Another shimmery body lotion" I know what you're thinking. But this is for my girls next door. It richly moisturizes, leaves a flirty scent, and a subtle pink sheen to your skin. This isn't too forward but it will definitely get your skin noticed.

10. Kat Von D for Sephora - Tattoo concealer- $25

For any of you that may have had a spur of the moment mistake inked on your body, or you're looking to conceal a tat for any reason, this will do the trick. Stamped and approved by someone who knows tattoo's like no other, this will cover up nicely, but beware, it isn't removal. I've yet to see a Tattoo concealer of any kind cover completely. So work with a Sephora artist to help match one of the 8 tones they offer to your skin tone, and test it before you purchase, just in case the coverage is less than you were hoping for.

Good luck with these little tips! Have one you'd like to share? Comment below!

Beauty-book-buy of the week

“It is said that no star is a heroine to her makeup artist”

- Richard Corliss

It's that time of the week again! Another great book to check out, by a great makeup artist.

Linda Mason has been revolutionizing the makeup world since the 70's, I venture to say she's worked with just about every fashion go-to designer! I find her work to be fun, and cute, with a punk-rock edge that i personally adore. If you're favorite part of makeup is playing up your eyes then you'll love it. Within the pages are 55 unique looks that you can try yourself for practice, or perhaps use to inspire new work! What's also amazing is Linda Mason herself teaches workshops on anything you need to know about makeup right in NYC! How many other Makeup icons do that? Check out Lindamason.com for more on classes, her makeup line, work and other books she's penned.

The early bird gets the dark circles....

Work, family, friends, we are thinking of everyone but ourselves. It seems like taking care of ones self has become a lost priority. Take some time for YOU. Busy schedules often leave you haggard, causing dark circles under your eyes, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation. It's imperative that you stay hydrated, lower your stress levels and get in at least eight hours of sleep each night. As important as these things are for your physical appearance, they are most important for your overall health. So while you take a load off, vow to drink your H20 and set an earlier bedtime. I can help with the rest.

To achieve the maximum effects by doing your part to stay healthy as stated above, here are some holistic measures for your eyes: Place a chilled spoon, raw potato slices, or cucumbers over your lids to constrict blood vessels and diminish dreaded dark circles and puffiness. Tea bags also work as most contain an anti-inflammatory. My personal favorite is green tea. Seep for 6

minutes let cool off (so you don't burn yourself) and place the bags carefully over your closed eyes. Follow up with your own personal favorite eye cream. Then, if you need a little extra hand to perk up your peepers, makeup can be your best friend.

Although, let's be real. No matter how much time and money you spend on your makeup, you can't just expect it to perform miracles. Major skin ailments will not just completely go away with a dab of concealer. It's not cosmetic surgery, so understand what it WILL do for you. Camouflage.

Here's a list of my FAVES....

1. Smashbox - Photofinish Color Correcting Foundation Primer $38

If you suffer from rosacea, or any sort of redness, try this in "color adjust." Not only will it neutralize the redness with it's green shade, it will also minimize the look of fine lines and create a smooth canvas for your concealer and foundation.

2. Benefit - Erase Paste $26

Blends so smoothly, and erases before your eyes! Definitely lives up to it's name.

3. Benefit - Lemon Aid $20

My absolute favorite eyelid primer. Perfectly cleans the slate, hiding any and all discoloration.

4. Kevyn Aucoin Beauty - The Sensual Skin Enhancer $45

You won't need to use much as this is a super rich formula. It can be used as a foundation, concealer AND highlighter. And come on... it's Kevyn Aucoin, need I say more!?

5. Make Up For Ever - Lift Concealer $22

This is just one of those magic products.

Containing Tensine, this will firm and tighten while keeping skin healthy with vitamin A and E. It will also work as a concealer and highlighter. Oh! Did I mention it will also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, and wrinkles? Absolutely a must.

6. mark. - Speedway do everything makeup $8

This will work wonders to conceal those more pesky brown spots, blemishes and under eye circles. It also doubles as a foundation.

7. Neutrogena - Healthy Skin Smoothing Stick $6.50

Extremely lightweight, glides on easy and will not appear thick or cakey. Hence it's perfectly named "skin smoothing stick." Comes in a variety of colors, but as I stated before, yellow is the best color to neutralize those under eye circles.

Beauty-book-buy of the week

“It is said that no star is a heroine to her makeup artist”

- Richard Corliss

Reading material is crucial if you're a makeup junky, an aspiring/working makeup artist or someone looking for simple application and tips. Kevyn Aucoin is a true visionary, not to mention one of my favorites. I always recommend researching your "makeup elders" so to speak, and learn what they've brought to this glamorous trade.

Why I love it: A New York Bestseller this book is informative, as it is full of tips, looks, and various shapes/colors/sizes of faces. It combines techniques useful to know as a beginner and advances you to harder tricks of the trade. Another great feature are the pages of celebrity makeovers. Lisa Marie Presley as "Marilyn Monroe," Nicole Kidman as "Ann-Margret," and you'll never recognize Demi Moore!

Check out this window into his life, and work...

Midnight Madness....

Seems that the world has been "glamoured" into loving things that go bump in the night. Audiences have been love bitten by Twilight, HBO's "True Blood," and The CW's "The Vampire Diaries." Making vampire pop culture more popular than ever. Let's toast to this madness with a little after dark beauty. Pick and choose products to be the queen of your night.

Let's start this off with a bang:

1. Kat Von D for Sephora - Perfume in- "Sinner" $55

Intoxicating! As this smell lingers it's bound to leave you on someone's mind....

2. Sephora by O.P.I - Nail Colour in "Dark Room" $55

"Bid adieu" to the tired french manicure. Try this black tweaked with forrest green. Be a rebel.

3. Lancôme - Declaring Indigo limited-edition color design

palette liberty in "Golden Audacity" $42

Think outside of the box of greys, and blacks with a sexy new idea for a smoky eye look in indigo and gold! Absolutely hypnotising.

4. M.A.C Cosmetics - Lipstick- In "Ruby Woo" $14.00

No doubt about it, from makeup artists, beauty editors, and all over the blogosphere this is a favorite across the board. Rock this blood stained lip look with a little clear gloss on top! Sinfully sexy.

5. Benefit Cosmetics - Face powder in "Thrrrob" - $28

Ultra light, and seductive this mimicks your cheeks natural flush when you're in an...errr... lustful situation.

6. mark. - on the edge hook up liquid eye liner- in "cleo" $5.50

Liquid liner is almost always present when trying to evoke your inner bad girl, this one has a great precise tip for any type of drama you're looking for.

7. Givenchy -Phenomen'eyes mascara- in "Phenomen'Black" $28

This will top off your look and make you look as untouchable as it's precision wand.

8. Hair - Try the Herbal Essences collection "Tousle me softly" for a low cost way to achieve sex kitten hair!

On a fashion note: Finish up whatever makeup you've mixed and matched for this look with a hot coverup. Just about every true badgirl out there owns a motorcycle jacket. This is one of my favorites:

Express- (Minus the) Leather Motorcycle Jacket - In "black" $118

and for an inexpensive alternative:

Forever 21 - Slant Zipper Cropped Moto Jacket - in "black" $32.80