Tan/Nude/Beige

I'm loving the nude palettes for fall.  I have been wanting nude pumps for two years, but finally will have a job that I do not need to dress up for!

I begin my stint as a nanny next week.  I'm so excited.  It's the perfect part-time job for right now...no banks, no suits, makeup-optional!!

Anyways, I love this sexy nude dress. Understated sexy, of course!

Bumpit

Today at Target, I made an uncharacteristic impulse purchase.  I haven't decided yet if I like it.  I think I need a bit more practice.  It's kind of digging into my scalp, and I'm so worried about the teeth showing through my hair.

Back in Action

I'm FINALLY feeling a little better...woohoo!  I can deal with my constant fatigue, but not the full body misery that I have dealt with for the past month.

Anyways, in my free time, I've been playing on YouTube still with tutorial videos.  As I've said before, I struggle with staying power of powder eyeliner.  This video was SO exhaustive...covering all types of eyeliner.  It's a bit long, but if you need a refresher course on eyeliner, this is for you!  I learned so much.

Even though I love makeup, I'm not particularly adept at applying it.  I guess I don't like to wear too much at one time.  I prefer more subtle makeup, and really good skincare.  Still, I love a lined eye and really enjoyed this video.

How to Apply Eye Liner

Victoria's Secret Convertible Dress

I have seen a few cute convertible dresses on Etsy recently.  About a year ago, I saw an article on them and, of course, wanted one.  Too bad my money goes to endless supplies of supplements and doctor visits.  Maybe this will go on sale!

I would get it in brown or blue.

 

  

Victoria's Secret, $88

YouTube Tutorials

I cannot believe that I spent about four hours online today...mostly watching YouTube makeup tutorials!!  Then, researching prices and reviews for products.  I'm insane.  My eyes are bleary.  I wanted to see the last set of the Men's US Open final, and so was killing time watching the first four sets that I had already seen.  I know, it makes no sense whatsoever. I'm insane.

It was extremely informative.  However, I started to lust after every product some girl raved about (such as retrying Benefit Benetint, and getting Benefit Glamazon.)  Then, I changed my tactics.  I started searching for products I already owned to find better ways to use them.  JACKPOT!!

Most of you know about my love for Bobbi Brown gel liners.  I have been using it for a year and a half (though not everyday because I'm too lazy for the brush most days!)  I watched a few tutorials and really liked this one. It's short and really helpful!

Let me know if you want recommendations of some good tutorials, if you have time on your hands and want to improve your makeup skills without having to actually leave the comfort of your own home.

Asian Eyes

This post is for my friend Sona.  She is full Korean.  I myself am a quarter Korean, and even then have some distinctive Asian issues (short, straight lashes; oily eyelids and a heart-shaped face.)  So, I feel free to make this a very racist post...melding all Asians into one.  Now I'm completely aware that Lucy Liu is Chinese, but we can take some good tips from her.

The godsend for any Asian girl is a good lengthening mascara that will hold a curl/crimp really well.  I have many times talked about my Holy Grail of Imju Fiberwig, the best selling mascara in Japan for a reason! I have blogged about it here and here.

Now, I am very picky about how I apply my mascara...big surprise, I know.
1.  Only apply eyeliner on the top lid before putting on mascara if it is gel or liquid and has had ample time to dry completely!
2.  Get a really good curler...it makes a huge difference.  I myself prefer the famous Shu Uemura, but I've heard many Asian girls rave about Shiseido's curler.
3.  If you have really stubborn, straight lashes, heat your curler with your blow dryer on low for 5-10 seconds before using it.
4. Getting as close to the base of the lashes as possible, firmly crimp in only one spot.  If you have short, straight lashes, IGNORE EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER HEARD ABOUT CURLING IN THREE DIFFERENT SPOTS.  THIS WILL NOT WORK FOR YOU.
5.  Quickly apply the Fiberwig, wiggling slightly at the base of the lash and using the end of the wand to add fibers onto the ends of the lashes. (I need to do a pictorial of this, but am too lazy right now and am waiting for the US Open to continue after the all day rain delay.)
6.  At this point, if you are using a pencil liner (preferably over an eyelid primer such as Urban Decay Primer Potion.), use a firm/flat brush to wriggle it into the base of the lashes and extend up as high as you want the line to go.
7.  Wait for the amazing mascara to dry and crimp the eyelashes again with the curler.  My short, stubby lashes stand straight up ALL day.  I keep a cheapy Revlon curler in my car to do on my way somewhere.

As for liner, Sona is already incredibly and naturally beautiful (as well as being the mother of three adorably girly girls.)  I have read Lucy rave about a simple neutral eye color and a crisp line of liquid liner.

I would suggest Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin.  I've written about it here.

Secondly, a liquid eyeliner she can EASILY use on her top lashes and--for a more dramatic, glam look--in her lower waterline.  I think it would look stunning.  I haven't gotten over to MAC to try it, but have been reading rave reviews on Makeup Alley about MAC Liquidlast.  Read more here.

Lastly, for more Asian tips, check out this blog:
My Makeup Blog - Lucy Liu
My Makeup Blog - Monolid

Pewter Nails

I'm really lusting after a charcoal or pewter nail.  A few options:

Essie Steel-in the Scene









Revlon Steel-Her Heart

Statement Jewelry

I am loving all the statement jewelry that makes the simplest outfit memorable and pulled together.  However, I also am hesitant to spend alot of money on a trendy look.  So, I love getting accessories from Forever 21 or Wet Seal.  I have gotten a few really cute hats, sunglasses and jewelry from Wet Seal.  Most recently, this necklace.

I think the secret to getting great accessories for cheap is the metal.  I have scrimped and bought a cheap gold colored necklace before, only to have it tarnish within days.  Silver is usually better in the cheap stores...the more matte the finish, the better.  This necklace is very delicate and looks much more expensive than its $10.

Happy Labor Day

I love this dress!

Purple Me

I am loving purple.  Actually my love affair began last summer with a beautiful, matte dark purple polish.  Hold on, it was the one I wore the day I started this blog!! It continued on to fun tops last summer in purple, and into a gorgeous fall color in OPI's Le France line, Parlez Vous OPI?

Well, it's even hotter this fall.

We have the purple smoky eye.
Glamour Beauty Blog does a tutorial on it here.

We have some stunning nail colors.

Sephora by OPI  has any number of gorgeous purples

Or OPI Pamplona Purple

We have new eyeliners.
This is supposed to be in a purple color in stores now.  I have read raving reviews of the staying power of this pencil liner.  However, maybe I just have oily eye areas, but I need a gel or liquid to really stay put.

Also, Make Up For Ever always has fun colors.

I personally love liquid liner for a quick-yet-dramatic look.  Today, at Nordstrom Rack, I saw some dark amethyst liquid liner and I'm thinking I need to go back and spend the $5 to revamp my fall makeup.