Make-Up : Abstract and Review!

Hey everyone!!

It's super mild out lately so wearing a jacket is pretty optional. I've got all the windows and patio door open. All the spring clothes are pretty much out.

I still need spring shoes. All I have is the winter boots.


Speaking of spring, I got a beautiful palette from the SHOP MAC collection.
How have I never worn tangerine!?

"Call Me Bubbles"

When debating on this or another palette, the MAC Artist said that this palette is rare. Such a great palette all together. I've worn it often.

"Call Me Bubbles"
A really soft white. Almost the perfect highlight!
Satin.

"Fresh Daily"
Tangerine colour. Good for blending.
Frost.

"Full of Flavour"
MAC's website calls it coral, but there's more pink than normal coral colours. It's not far off though.
Matte.

"Brash"
Best explained as 'burnt orange'. Kind of frosty but great for making a interesting smokey colour.
Veluxe Pearl.

SWATCHES

L to R:
Full of Flavour; Fresh Daily; Call Me Bubbles; Brash

Sorry the swatches aren't the greatest!

-----------------------------------------

Today I decided to do something a little abstract.
This is what I got:

I'm not entirely sure what prompted this but felt like playing with some bright colours. I may do something else another day, but that's another day.

I kind of feel that if I had straight-across bangs, it would look better. My cow-lick is evil.

Maybe I'll try a eyeliner design next time!



Okay well I'll probably do another spring tutorial later this week.

Sweetest Valentine

Hey everyone!

Can you believe Valentine's Day is so-close! I want to write down what I'm doing for Matt's gift [and I'm mostly safe because Matt doesn't read my blog] BUT I don't really wanna risk at the chance he could randomly read this post before Valentine's day.

However, if anyone wants to message me and find out - be my guest!

Anyways so I really think everyone needs a soft, sweet, Valentine's day look. Whether you're staying home and watching TV, going out with friends, seeing family or with a sweetheart, might as well dress nice!

I like this look a lot because it's a very "day look" that can easily be switched into a "night" look with minor adjustments.




In Order:
Benefit Erase Paste #1
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder
Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance
MAC "Vanilla" e/s
MAC "Blackberry" e/s
MAC "Frost" e/s [high light]
Urban Decay "Rockstar" 24/7 liner
BonneBell white liner

MAC "Kitchmas" pigment

Rimmel "Sexy Curves" mascara [extreme black]

MAC "Tenderling" blush

MAC "Angel" lipstick



Hope you guys liked this look!
I'll probably do another one later ;]



xo
Moi

Mini Makeup Review

Hey everyone!

So I'm doing a mini makeup review.

When I say mini, I really mean it. Like 2 items lol

I will be doing another CD review of LMFAO, Down With Webster and Nickelback since my last one seemed to be so loved.

First I'm talking about the TokiDoki Adios palette
Includes glitter white, icy gray shimmer, matte black, matte slate gray

Front - closed

Bottom - opened. Glue is where the charm is

Upclose. You can see the neat characters

The shadows up close - natural light

SWATCHES

Side view - natural light

Natural light - names

With flash

Again with flash

Charm beside the case.


I find the shadows somewhat chalky and when you barely touch them - to apply - they become very powdery. They aren't very pigmented and it takes a few coats to get the black to be very noticed. It is very matte though, which is hard to find. So many black shadows look matte but aren't.

Price: Sephora.com says 19$ [25$ value] but I got it on sale.

Over all I'd give it
3.5/5 Stars

Great colours, would be better for younger kids though. Matte black is a bonus though.



MAC Mineralized Blush in "Dainty"

When I stopped into MAC, I was searching for something that was soft and glowy.
Something that would transition to spring/summer but could also be multi-use.

I'm not 100% but I believe this blush is in the "Naturally" collection. There was so many choices and I almost went with "Summer Haze" but after talking to one of the MAC Artist there [whom I adore - he's such a sweetheart and got me into pigments!]

So this is the colour we decided would be great for my skin tone.

Up close

Attempted swatch. It's very sheer.

Closed

Base.


If you're looking for a more glow blush that's quite sheer, this is definitely great. Fair skin tones best but I can't imagine it being horrible on more tanned skin.
Of course, you should test it to see if it's right for you.

I am going to get more mineralized blushes. They're gorgeous!

Price: 26.50$ Canadian

4.5/5 stars
Down side: very sheer so it seems to be barely there or too much. Somewhat hard to blend out.




DISCLAIMER:
No one asked me to review this. All personal opinions and does not reflect the company.

Keeping on Budget for the Holidays!

Hey everyone!

Holidays are coming! You know what that means? SPENDiNG MONEY AND LOTS OF FOOD!!!

I hear a lot of you screaming about budgets and waistlines.
Fear not .... I am here to save you!

This is Part One of Two - Holiday Budget

This Christmas is a lot different than last year. Last year I did go overboard with spending on gifts because I wasn't 100% if I would be able to this year. So glad I did because with moving and everything, my budget has gotten a lot more strict.

Here's a few suggestions for keeping things in budget:

1 - Gift Sets
I cannot tell you how much these help. I got both my grandmothers bath sets. The ones I got have a bodywash, lotion and loufa. These types of gift sets are great because even if you get a name brand, they're excellent pricing.

Which leads me to #2

2 - Name Brands
I can tell you right now that name brands and no name brands are different every where, so compare pricing. Sometimes they're the same price. I happen to buy a lot of no name brand just for the sheer fact it's the same product for even slightly cheaper. [it makes a difference in the end]
When I say price around, I mean it. Flyers are great. Some stores have a "price match" thing.

3 - Price Match
What is Price Match?
Excellent question!

Price Match is when you can find a product in one store but cheaper in another store's flyer. Bring the flyer to the store, when you go to pay for your products you can show your cashier. I know Wal*Mart does this now but I'm not 100% on what other stores do it. Definitly check before you go shopping.

4 - Keep a price range for everyone
If you keep a certain price for everyone, then you can figure out budgetting. For certain people, you may be able to buy a few small things instead of one large/expensive item.

5 - One at a Time or List it!
If you walk into a store without having a person in mind, you can easily over spend. If you're not sure who to look for, try to get an idea of the store before buying - maybe write things down with their price. That way you can also price at different stores. [ie; Price Match]

6 - Find Good Sales
[fyi - I learned this part from my mum's shopping habits]
Many stores make sales/specials that really isn't worth it. There can be two things but only one on sale but if the 2nd has more in it, you're getting your money's worth. Always add things up with 2 for 1 deals, or a certain amount for a certain price [ie; 2 for 20$]



So those are some little tips. I suppose shopping may be a tad late [this really was suppose to be done earlier in November ...] but for all you last-minute shoppers ... SHAME ON YOU!!! But these are good tips year round.

I actually did my first holiday tutorial of the year! While uploading it, I realized how similar it is to Kandee Johnson's tutorial!
There's nothing wrong with that, just the fact in comparison hers is by far better! Lol Oops!

Enjoy!






PS -
Next blog I'm going to talk about the amount of food during holidays!

Holidays, MAC, Video and More!

Hey Everyone!

Well packing for move is coming along quite well. I was kind of avoiding doing the bedroom but the other day I finally got it done. There's a bunch of fragile stuff that is going to be brought over separately [one bonus of moving from parents house ...]

It's a mere 23 days till it all happens!


So I was cruising YouTube while my video uploaded and saw the XSparkage site and she had the MAC holiday collection up. Just as a heads up, I got these pictas from her page. Link with pictas.


This is the full collection


Eloquent Air Lipstick


Such Flare Lipstick


Fancy Moves and Smooth Manoeuvre Technakohls


Frozen Blue and Winterized Mineralized Eyeshadows

To find out more on the collection, and a credit to where I got the pictas is here



As Christmas draws near, there's many things I've been doing - other than packing I swear! - and that's getting xmas gifts together plus HOLiDAY ViDEO LOOKS

I'm not big on Hallowe'en things because I don't feel that what I do compares even close to what's out there. I don't mean that my holiday looks are great, just I can have more options with Christmas parties, Christmas itself and New Years. [Plus other holidays that are celebrated] I think they're a little more fun because it's sparkle, shimmer and glitter. I don't know what it is about it, I'm really not a winter fan but I love how it sparkles. The snow, ice, etc is so inspiring.

Plus the holiday outfits are so pretty.

So far I only have one look, but I am definitely open to different ideas. Send me your pictas, colours, etc. I will definitely get them in!


Anyways so I finally did my tag video.



Miss Makeup Fairy blog.

Tag questions on youtube video.



Well, until next time lovelies!


xo
Moi

change is in the air

Hey everyone!

I know some of you followers/readers are on my facebook and/or twitter, so maybe you already know? I mentioned this more on twitter actually.

Change is coming

My blog will probably be changing in a few ways by New Years [ie; 2012] for a few reasons.
1 - layout
I've been talking to my lovely boyfriend about helping me do some customization for my blog layout and stuff. Make it more acceptable to the eye. He does coding for a living, so he's going to help me figure out what's good and what'll work. I've got to figure out what I can do for a banner with photoshop [which I don't have ...] I'll figure something out

2 - posts
Actually, this is somewhat of a brief announcement but nothing is set in stone - YET! We're actually looking at moving at the end of November and because of this, I'll probably be lacking in posts for December, between crazy xmas plans, shoppers and the possibility of no internet .... it'll be hard to post. Unless I can figure out how to switch the internet from being at my parents, to the new place [since parents don't really need the net] then I'll be able to post.

3 - change of posts
Since I'm moving, I may not be posting about the same stuff as before. I'll try to keep it pretty similar. My goal is that this is a beauty blog, but it's somewhat more personal than that. I'm aware. It'll change.


So that's pretty much the biggest changes you'll see coming up. Now for answering the question most people have been asking me:
What are you doing for Hallowe'en costume/makeup? And are you going to do a video?

Ha ha, I love people sometimes! I know last year I promised a video and I did do it BUT it turned out awful. I procrastinated so much, I couldn't re-do the video. This year I'm going to try and do last year's idea at the very least. I'm not 100% what I'm doing for my costume this year but I need to figure it out soon because Matt's work is possibly having a Hallowe'en party. I've got a couple ideas for makeup, but again it depends on the costume.

I'll probably do a video of some sort about that also. Hunting for a costume I mean ...


I've been quite stuck for makeup ideas lately, so I spoke with Ronnnie [aka bowsandcurtseys] about some suggestions. there was a shirt I really wanted to wear, and I wanted to also rock some red lips. So she suggested a simple eye with cat liner.

Beautiful suggestion and very classic. Here's what I went to work with that day!






Also I wanted to try something new with my nails.



I took "Cowardly Lyin" from China Glaze and "Hot Coco" from Essie and got this gorgeous look.





To get this look is really easy.
Take "Hot Coco" and put 2 coats on all fingers you want. Make sure it's completely dry, then take a "Cowardly Lyin" and put a relatively thin coat on top. As if you're doing "Shatter" or "Crackle" look. Let dry, put top coat on and you're done. Simple.

No, that is not an engagement/wedding right. The one with hearts is the Daughter's Pride ring my parents got me, the plain silver band is something I found. I wear it there to even out rings on both sides of my hands.



For those who aren't Canadian, this past weekend was Thanksgiving. Saturday I worked closing shift, but Sunday Matt and I went to his mum and step-dad's place. There was about 9 of us [Matt's mum, step-dad, grandparents, step-grandparents, his brother, Matt and I] and we were so lucky it was beautiful weather.

I got a few new shirts [upcoming haul, promise!] and wore one on Sunday. It's purple and black, but to get the contrast colour right Matt took a photo of me and inverted it. Ended up doing a yellow and green look.






I was considering doing a video on this look, but then I realized that I've done a video on basically the same thing. Yes my technique has improved, but it'd be just repeating itself. Only difference is that I used different colours and there's black liquid liner on top lash line. No "eldorado" or "mildew" used in the above photos. Otherwise, the same. Same idea I guess.



Monday was Thanksgiving at my house.

I swear, between both days I really needed to workout today. I did and I'm glad I got to do 40mins before pain started.


Anyways, I'm off. This is a long enough blog, haha!

Love and makeup,
Katie

Avril Lavigne

I'm sitting here, finishing my iced coffee and watching "Teen Mom" [say whatever, I like it.] I've been calling places I've had interviews and places that may be hiring for the past hour.

I am about ready to call it quits!

This is really frustrating. Going to interviews, thinking you're doing great then never getting a call back. I really want to go back to school - another makeup course - once some of my OSAP is paid down. [I have OSAP from a previous college course.] I'm not even sure if I can put it on OSAP ... but it is almost 3,000$ because I want to take 2 courses. There's a regular course that has lots of info, but then there's the advanced course. Both are awesome and I'm waiting to hear back to find out.

My interview Monday was with - hopefully - a makeup counter. I'm somewhat pushing for Clinique but I suppose I'd go with anything at this rate. I just know Clinique better [actually, I know MAC nd Sephora best but at Clinqiue is #3]

- 2 hours later -

This is usually what happens. I start a blog then disappear for some reason. This time I had to go clean stuff or else I couldn't think. So in addition to what I mentioned earlier about the makeup course. The major course - which is a hefty price - is probably something I'll take first. Neither do OSAP but the bigger course will give me an idea if I want to dish out the money for the 2nd course. Plus I'll get the kit, which is why it's so pricey. My plan is for September 2012 because it's such a huge price. Besides, I know for a few months it'll be complicated money-wise when I move because Matt has 4 months of school left [then graduated! Yay!] so I'll just save what I can, pay down what OSAP I can also and just keep reminding myself that he's got a job and school.

We already talked about this and we know we've got sacrifices to make while he's in school. Such as we're not getting cable. We may splurge for netflicks but not right away. We need internet for his school and so we don't lose our minds, so we'll be able to watch shows through that if we need to.




Products:
Vanilla e/s MAC
Silver Ring e/s MAC
Georgia e/s Cargo
082 e/s MUFE
Zero black cream liner Urban Decay
Black pencil liner [whatever works]
Frost e/s MAC
Tenderling blush MAC
Alpha Girl beauty powder MAC [Heatherette line]
L'Oreal Volumnous mascara
Aerie Pink gloss [whatever you have works]

Long Lost Beauty Blogger!

I'm not even saying hi, I'm just going to start off with
I AM SO SORRY FOR NOT BLOGGiNG SOONER!!!

Bad beauty blogger, bad!

Things have been so crazy lately nd i'm not even sure if I'm going to be able to cover all of it! I will be posting 2 videos at the bottom, so bare with me!


Earlier this month - just after my boyfriend stopped his co-op job - I lost my job. I was job hunting anyways, but there's a difference between wanting a new job and having to find a new job. So when I called him saying that I had lost my job, he met me. We went downtown so I could drop off resumes.

I actually have had 2 interviews from one of the places and just waiting to hear back. Hoping it'll be something good - the manager is waiting for a certain area to open up. I'm calling back this week to get a better idea where the standings are, but I know he's interested in me working there.

While we're not working, we have spent a lot of time together. Which is good because at the end of last week, he got kicked out of his house.

HAHAHA!!! Yeh, I'm not even joking. He lives at my house for now. We're both on the mad hunt for jobs so we can look at September move-out. We actually have our eyes on one apartment .... great price, heat/hydro included, etc.

---------

Okay so my boyfriend just got back from getting stuff from his parents' place [well, mum nd step dad's place] nd they're willing to help us with first nd last months rent. I'm so confused but I'm glad they're not fighting anymore, makes him less stressed.



So recently I haven't bought much - other than my haul video - except for Benefit BadGal lashes, a Sephora Safari Cosmetics bag in pink [becuz I didn't have a bag for my purse] nd also I got Clinique's "Take the Day Off" makeup remover ... best I have ever used! It's a little pricy but works amazingly!


NOW FOR THE ViDEOS i PROMiSED!!



Products Mentioned:
www.loosebutton.com
LuxeBox by LooseButton
- "Cowardly Lyin" China Glaze
- Day Serum by Elizabeth Grant [great for dry/older skin!!]
- Exfoliant by Dermalogical [really interesting - powder to paste! soft skin]
- Organic Olive Oil soap

Other:
- FitMe Foundation - Maybelline #115 [lightest possible - pink undertone]
- Pump $7 MAC
- Erase Paste [concealer] in 'fair' - Benefit
- "Like What You Sea?" eyeshadow - Benefit
- "Sugar Daddy" nail polish - Essie

MAC:
- "Center Stage" e/s [Mega Metals]
- "RetroSpeck" e/s
- "Wood winked" e/s
- "Stars N Rockets" e/s
- "Humid" e/s
- "Aqua" e/s [Fashion Flower]
- "Girl About Town" lipstick [VERY similar to "Lickable" - when you wear it, you can tell the difference]



EYELiNER TiPS & TRiCKS FOR SMALL EYES



I realized afterwards this is very similar to how Adele has her makeup done in various photos.

For the eyeshadow I just used MAC e/s in "Retrospeck" so you can clearly see the liquid liner.

- make a clean line from middle of eye to about 1/4 away from the edge of your eye
- make wing at 1/4 from edge of eye
- draw in line from inner eye [near nose] to where you started
- build clean line over middle of eye [like building half a circle]
- keep lines clean

Basic step-by-step of what the video says. [quickly done of course]



I should be doing a video soon that has a very bright, colourful eye colour. I had done it but needs to be re-done because the quality just wasn't right.



STAY COOL!
xo

Wedding Blues, Happiness nd Makeup!

Hey everyone!

It's been awhile, I know! So sorry! I am kind of lacking in the posts lately nd this one is more of an update on things.

This past weekend was one of my best friend's wedding. She looked so stunning nd it was a beautiful ceremony. I was one of the bridesmaids but I also got to flex my makeup skills. Her wedding was in various shades of blue, so her eyeshadow I wanted a soft but noteable blue. I was so happy it turned out because I had to slightly change my original idea for her [she wanted it slightly darker in the corner] but it still turned out great nd she loved it. Which really made me happy.

Of course, once I get photos I'll post them here. Until then, I'll show a few photos of things I have bought recently.


With the wedding nd everything, I had to get new foundation. My friend nd I are pretty much the same shade of white [not even joking ...] but she doesn't wear a lot of makeup. Gave me an excuse to buy a few items.

Note: no company has asked me to talk about these. Personal opinion!

Fit Me Foundation by Maybelline in #115


This is probably the most different foundation I've ever tried.
It feels really thick nd heavy when I put it on the back of my hand, but then on skin it blends really well nd doesn't feel thick. My only issue is that I need a pump for it. It's a pour bottle nd I tend to pour too much. Hard to get it back in the bottle. But otherwise, great coverage. When I tested it in the store, after testing on my jawline to make sure it was the right colour I put some on my cheeks because I tend to get some rosacea there. Great coverage! Usually I have to pat a bit to make it thicker, but one swipe nd blend a bit. Covered!

If anyone's thinking about getting this, definately go out nd test it!

Benefit Erase Paste in Fair


The lady at the store said this was suppose to lighten nd cover. Lightening, maybe not so much. Definately covers! I had a major breakout on my chin for the wedding nd I don't think I've ever used such a thick concealer. If you haven't either, it takes a bit of getting use to.


"Do You Like What You Sea?" eyeshadow by Benefit


I was looking for a soft, light blue with shimmer nd not glitter for the wedding. This is EXACTLY what I wanted! It's very pigmented - best used with primer underneath - but also extremly velvety. I love the finish. It blends so smoothly. I'm a MAC-a-holic but this is way better finish than what I've used from MAC! I was so impressed.


NYX Lip Stains in "Rock On Ruby" nd "Berry Long Time"


It says 16hrs, but it lasts abt 3-5 hrs. Very matte. Great pigment. "Berry Long Time" is more berry coloured nd "Rock on Ruby" is somewhat bright red. Your lips don't feel dry, even though it is matte. Other colours are beautiful too.



Anyways, I think that's about it. I've really got to do a video soon, it'll be an eyeliner video. Hopefully by the end of the week! Wedding photos soon.

Love nd makeup!
xo
Katie