December 2010 Haul

Happy Holidays everyone! Since I had gotten more money than gifts for Christmas, I decided to pamper my make-up collection and add some of the more expensive products to it.This led to the small December 2010 Haul. For everyone who doesn't know what a haul is, a haul is a vlog or blog where you share what you have purchased in a span of time, giving prices, place purchased, etc.

Actually the first item in my haul is a gift. I got the MAC Tartan Tale Reelers and Rockers Palette as a gift from my boyfriend. He purchased it at Macy’s for $36 and it was the last one he told me!  It comes in a pretty yellow and blue plaid box with the gold shiny MAC crest across it. The palette is about 3”x3” and has 6 shadows and one brush. The brush is super tiny but will work as a travel/on the go brush. The six colors are White Rabbit, Melt My Heart, Carbon, Family Treasures, Gaelic Gold and Crown and Sceptre. I don’t have a lot of MAC shadows so it was a nice little addition to my collection, especially Carbon. I pretty much love it. :]

My first shopping destination was Victoria’s Secret. I hadn’t really taken a good look at Victoria’s Secret make-up selection but I did know that I wanted their infamous Beauty Rush Lip Gloss. I love love love the color “Sugar Rush” It smells so good and is a clear but glittery color. I picked up “Sugar Rush” and “Melonrageous” (think your basic a medium pink lip gloss). They were 2 for $12.

My other purchases were made at my local Ulta. I needed severely to pickup some Too Faced shadow insurance because the ELF eye primer is…crap. (Nice try ELF but it doesn’t really work.)
            At Ulta I picked up:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance $18

Too Faced Forever Glossy Kit $10

This little kit contains a travel size version of Too Faced’s Lip Insurance and a mini Glamour Gloss in Pillow talk (pretty glossy nude). I think I’m going to do a review of the lip insurance since I hadn’t heard or read much about it!

More to come on “A Sometimes Beautiful Adventure”:

1. Possibly a NYE make-up tutorial?
2. Beauty 101: Cleaning Your Brushes
3. How To: Apply False Eyelashes
4. Celebrity Make-up Icon: Nicki Minaj

Oh yeah! I forgot to mention! I got a nice digital camera to take pretty pictures for the upcoming tutorials! I hope everyone had a great holiday and got everything they wanted and more. :]

Makeup 101: Basic Brush Essentials

When you're new to the make-up world, thinking that just the sponge tip applicator that comes with many drug store brand eye shadows is sufficient enough to apply make-up is quite common. Though many brushes are used in the application of make-up, the sponge tip applicator still has some uses in the make-up world. You may use the sponge tip applicator for applying light colored eye shadows (if a clean brush isn't available) like when you're applying a highlight color to the brow bone. I should forewarn you though, these sponge tip applicators are breeding grounds for germs, so if you do like to use them, replace them often!


In your basic kit, you should have about 8 brushes (eye and face) + an eyebrow comb/brush. In this blog, I will go into detail, what brushes you need, why and some ideas of where to purchase cheap alternatives to the more expensive versions.

Basic Eye Shadow Brush
Small  Crease Brush
Medium Crease Brush
Fluffy Contouring Brush
Flat Shader/Concealer Brush
Eyeliner Brush
Blush Brush
Powder Brush
Eyebrow brow comb/brush


Eye Brushes

The first brush you should have is your basic eye shadow brush. This is to apply an all over wash of color on your lid. Of course, you can use it for other applications, but this is your most basic form. I recommend having at least 2 of these brushes because you never know when you might need another one! I use the Revlon All Purpose Eye Shadow Brush. It's quite affordable and is high quality.

Revlon All Purpose Eye Shadow Brush

Next you should have atleast a small and medium crease brush. Most of these crease brushes have a tapered end for more precise application. The smaller brush I like using to put white eyeshadow in the corner of my eye to make your eyes pop. You can not only use these brushes for precise application, but you can also use it to blend out those colors. There are several brands that have great crease brushes but the one I have is Studio M Duo Crease brushes. These brushes I purchased at Meijer for about $5. Really... you can get these brushes anywhere!

Sonia Kashuk Medium Crease Brush

For easy easy blending, I suggest you purchase a nice fluffy contouring dome brush. This brush is generally used for blending along the crease and in the outer V. The bristles should be decent length and have some nice fluff to them. The softness allows you to not pickup too much eye shadow when applying or blending. (The same concept of softness is applied to blush brushes as well.) I purchased the Revlon Contour Eye Shadow Brush. It cost about the same as the regular eyeshadow brush and is for sure essential in your brush collection. (I think Revlon discontinued this particular brush :[ )

Revlon Contour Eyeshadow Brush

Next, get this two for one brush that's called a flat shader/concealer brush. This brush doubles as an eye brush and a face brush. It's stiff composer allows for application of loose pigments/powders to pack on the color on the eye. Also, you can use this brush to apply concealer to your face to hide blemishes or discolored spots.

EcoTools Concealer/Flat shader brush

To apply gel eyeliner or shadow on your lower or upper lash line, I suggest you add to your brush collection, an eyeliner brush. This brush contains a small row of bristles and is sometimes angled for easier application of shadow or eyeliner. I purchased a set of brushes made by Eco Tools. It came with five high quality brushes, one of those brushes was the eyeliner brush. The handle is made out of bamboo and the bristles are synthetic but very very very soft, especially the powder brush. The set also came with a concealer brush, basic eyeshadow brush, an eyebrow comb/brush, and the eyeliner brush.

(From L to R: Eco Tools Powder, eyeshadow, eyeliner, concealer and eyebrow brushes)

Face Brushes

There are only two but maybe three face brushes a beginner should have in their collection. The powder, blush and stippling brush (optional).

The first brush should be your basic decent sized powder brush. This brush is primarily used in the application of the powder you put on after your liquid foundation to set it. This powder can be translucent, colored (to your skin tone) or a glow enhancer.

Sigma Powder Brush

The second necessary brush that should be in your collection in your blush/contouring brush. This type of brush is usually angled to ease the application of blush to your cheeks, easily sweeping across your cheeks. Also, this brush should be super super super soft to not pick up as much blush so you do not look like one of those little porcelain dolls! Also it helps with contouring your cheeks/nose and any other part of the face that needs contouring. To be honest, I do not have a blush brush. As previously mentioned, I do not like wearing blush, so it's not for me! :]

Sonia Kashuk Blush Brush

The third but not so necessary is a stippling brush. This brush has a mismatch of bristles to aide in foundation application when you don't want to use a sponge or your fingers. If done correctly, this brush can help apply your foundation evenly and smoothly leaving your face with an airbrushed look! When using this brush to apply liquid foundation you should be making both horizontal and vertical strokes to allow even application of your foundation. There are two sets of bristles in a stippling brush. The longer, white bristles are made of synthetic hairs. These bristles are the ones you will use to pick up product. The second set of hairs are natural hairs. They are a darker color and used for buffing the foundation onto your face.

Sonia Kashuk Stippling Brush

Your last brush you need is your eyebrow brush/comb. This brush helps with your brows and your eyelashes. By helping remove clumps of mascara in your eyelashes and  grooming your eyebrows, this brush knocks out two jobs for the price of one. :]

ELF Eyebrow Comb/Brush

As promised, here are some brands that are affordable and have decent to great quality.

Revlon- Can be purchased at any drug store.
Sonia Kashuk- Exclusively available at Target stores
Eco Tools- Generally at any drug store, but also online @ Ulta Website
E.L.F.- Meijer, K-Mart, and online @ EyesLipsFace Makeup and Cosmetics
Sigma Brushes- Online exclusively @ Sigma Makeup
MUG Brushes (Make-up geek)- Online exclusively @ MUG Website
NYX Brushes- at Ulta and ONLINE @ NYX Brushes


Have a happy Holiday Season, and Happy Early New Year Everyone!

7 Favorite Make-up Products/Brands

There are so many makeup brands out there, it's hard to pick which one should try out. With my experiences, testing, readings, reviews, etc, these products have come to be my most liked products in each of these 7 categories: eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, lip gloss, lip stick, and eyelashes.  I am not saying that these are the best products or that I've tried every single product known to man, but these are MY favorites[at the moment.]



Eyeshadow

My current favorites are tied between TWO brands. I love love love my NYX  For Your Eyes Only smokey eyes palette I got from Ulta for $10. There are ten colors and comes with an applicator. The blacks, greys, and even the iridescent like cream color eyeshadow are long lasting, easily blenadable and easy on the wallet too. I would recommend this NYX palette to anyone even those who are just starting out.

NYX For Your Eyes Only in smokey eyes

 My other favorite eyeshadow brand is the obvious MAC. My favorite HIGHLY pigmented color is called Post Haste. It's a bright matte magenta pink and has been discontinued. I bought it at Cosmetic Company Outlet in Off the 5th-Saks Fifth Avenue  for $10.50 [compared to $14.50 over the counter]. I love purchasing MAC products at CCO because you can get the discounted prices and pick up favorite discontinued MAC, Clinique, etc products that you may not be able to find at your local Macy's, MAC Pro Store, or the MAC website.

Post Haste [discontinued] by MAC

 Eyeliner

My absolute favorite eyeliner is the Milani Liquif' Eye. Overall, I have a sensitive waterline and it doesn't appreciate when I tug at it and this eyeliner glides on smoothly and its super affordable. Sometimes, I will use this pencil eyeliner as a gel liner and just take a eyeliner brush and scrape some product off and use the brush to apply the product rather than the pencil. I sometimes have a hard time creating a small line along my upper lash line and doing this helps me create this small line.

 

Milani Liquif' Eye Eyeliner Pencil

Mascara

My favorite mascara is the L' Oreal  Double Extend Beauty Tubes in black. It has two sides. Step one is the white side which is applied first. It's a white mascara like substance and step two is the actual black mascara portion of the product. You MUST apply one right after the other, meaning don’t use step one on both eyes and then go back with step 2 for both eyes because it dries very quickly. I like this mascara because it doesn't flake on me and doesn't irritate my eyes! The formula forms around your eyelashes giving you volume and thickness, like nobodies business. It literally lasts the whole day, and into the next day [ not a good idea to leave makeup on overnight, but sometimes after a long night, you're just so sleepy!] Taking off this mascara isn't too hard either and you don't even need make-up remover. Warm water and a hand towel will do the trick.

Loreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara in Black

Foundation

My new favorite foundation is Revlon Colorstay Foundation. From the reviews I've read, many many many people say it's comparable to MAC's Studio Sculpt Foundation. It's fairly easy to blend and the coverage is medium. There are two formulas of it, combination/oil skin, and dry skin. I purchased it for $10.99 and it has lasted me a decent amount of time. The only negative I can think of for it would be the lack of a pump. Speaking of...I am in need of more!

Revlon ColorStay Foundation-Combo/Oil in 150 Buff

Lip Gloss

My current favorite lip gloss is Eyes Lips Face (ELF) Hypershine Lip Gloss. With a few clicks, it's very easy to apply. It does need re-applying every couple hours but for $1, it's high quality!

ELF Hypershine Lip Gloss in New York City

Lip Stick

I rarely wear lipstick but my favorite lipstick is the LOreal Infallible in 399 Beyonce's Red. It's a long wear lipstick that doesn't come off from anything (kissing, eating, drinking, etc). It's on the expensive side at $10+ but comes with the red lip shade and a shiny conditioning balm. It's a pretty red lip for those pin-up looks everyone seems to be doing now. It's mirror like packaging is great for quick touch-ups. I love it. :]

LOreal Infallible Lip Color in Beyonce

Eyelashes

My absolute favorite eyelashes are Ardell's # 105's. They're super flexible and easy to apply. They don't look too over the top but still give you this thick and voluminous eyelash look. Ardell is my favorite brand of eyelashes and they're very affordable. Ardell uses 100% human hair and have a variety of sizes.

           I know I forgot blush, primer and concealer, but I don't really have a favorite, so there's no use of putting it in writing at the moment. Okay guys. I'm curious at what your favorite products/brands are! Recommend some of your favorite products in a comment below!

Have an amazing day <3
Alleigh

Beauty 101: The Fabulous World of Eyeliners

Eyeliner is one of the most common and most used makeup products. There are so many types and brands of eyeliners, that some of you just starting out with makeup, may feel a bit overwhelmed! No worries. :] Listed below are three types of eyeliners. [Side note: Eyeliner looks can also be achieved using eyeshadow!] If anyone has any questions or wants to know even more, leave a comment, and I will gladly answer anything!

Dramatic Gel Liner Winged Look

There are three types of eyeliners. Pencil liners, gel liners, and liquid liners. Usually these are used on the waterline & lash line. When applying, using short strokes, move your liner applicator or pencil in a steady smooth motion, working your way out towards your outer corner eye. With any of these options of liners, you can create a winged look, depending on how dramatic you would like it.

Level 1: Eye Pencil Liners are the easiest to use and the most common. This option is fairly easy to smudge but sometimes takes a bit of pressure to apply a bit thicker on the eye. This option works best on your waterline.

My favorite eye pencil is the Milani Liquif’Eye Metallic Eye Liner Pencil in Black. It’s very creamy and doesn’t tug at your waterline or eyelid. 

Milani Liquif' Eye Metallic Eyeliners

Level 2: Cream/Gel Liners are applied with a small brush and are in a pot, usually. They MAY be applied in your waterline, but be careful! Gel liners are easily smudged and with practice, can be mastered. They glide over your eye shadow the easiest. Make sure to tightly put the cap back on. If you don't, you run the risk of drying your gel liner out!

My favorite gel liner is the Maybelline Eye Studio Gel liner in Blackest Black. It is moderately priced; you can get it at every drug store, and comes with a small brush.

Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in Blackest Black

Level 3: Liquid Eyeliners/pens are the trickiest of all the liners and should only be used by those who have had some practice applying eyeliner! The liquid eyeliner gives you a strong, defined eye look and should not be used on the waterline.

My favorite liquid eyeliner is the Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner in Black. It is available everywhere, and with a steady hand, it can enhance any look from neutral to dramatic.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner in Black

I hope this was helpful for everyone. Again, if anyone has any other questions about these three different eyeliners, I'd be more than willing to help you! Leave a comment below :]

Here I am

My name is Alleigh or Miss Alleigh. I just started this little blog up to jot some ideas down. Mainly, this blog will revolve around my personal fascinations around makeup but with some hair, and fashion sprinkled in.  Occasionally, I may post off topic blogs, but I will try to stick with my main focus, beauty.

I really should be writing a paper or two for finals, but I guess I want to get some thoughts down about beauty and my beauty story. I've always been one secretly interested in fashion and beauty, but always knew because of my plus size status (PSS) (yes even then I knew I wasn't like other girls in my class), that I'd never become a model. Don't we all want to be a model at one time or another? I moved through several other unrelated careers throughout my childhood unrelated to the fashion and beauty world, until I reached clothing designer. I even drew up outfits on models. Let's say that dream died when I realized I lack talent in the drawing/creativity department.

A couple years ago, I started watching videos on Youtube, looking for a hair style for some random (read: unimportant) event. From then on, I'd watch random vloggers discussing hair, makeup, etc. and I became so fascinated with makeup, that I'd spend hours watching videos, soaking up all the information like a sponge. At this point, I'm still getting started, and wouldn't consider myself still learning about the makeup world, but my friends occasionally come to me asking about what they can do/use, and maybe if I have any ideas for them. I'm always flattered! I love doing makeup. It's my artistic release even if I'm not the best at it. Practice makes almost perfect and I'm always looking for new guinea pigs to continue practicing on.

Beauty to me is a harmonious mix of aesthetically pleasing features, confidence and physical/personal preferences. Each culture, society, sub-culture, geographic location and time period have different ideas of beauty and usually each of these affect an individuals perception of beauty. 

Lets finish this blog with my basics:

I'm 22 years old.
I'd say my style is eclectic: a mixture of classic preppy with twists of hardcore (think pearls, cardigan and a lip piercing). My style is fluid but pretty steady.

I use mostly drug store brands of makeup, but do not limit myself (sometimes my bank account does though!)
In my collection, I have everything from E.L.F to Cover Girl, to Nyx to Bourjois to MAC. My MAC collection is slowly but surely growing.

This blog will contain several different types of posts but not limited to:

Hauls
Tutorials/ How-to's
Alleigh's Favorites/Hates
Reviews
Product Versus
Requests