Soft Everyday Makeup Tutorial

Hi there, long time no see!

I am back, and this time with my everyday makeup look. I like to switch up my makeup a bit every day so I don't fall into a rut, but sometimes there are those days when I just need a tried-and-true look, be it for lack of time, or maybe because I am not particularly feeling my best. On those days I know to go for some products that work like a charm. I love this routine because it is appropriate for multiple purposes, and it isn't too bold or difficult to pull off. Here is my routine:

1. First of all, I apply my foundation and concealer. I am currently loving the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation: it is super buildable and provides awesome coverage, which is great for those days when I'm in a pinch. Then I apply my Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger under my eye area, and on all my spots and blemishes (specially that pesky little guy on my right cheek! Ugh!). Under my eyes, I do a little triangle shape all the way down to my cheekbones, and blend with my finger. These two products blend seamlessly, but now I am in desperate need of some color on my face.

2. Now come the powders: I am a lifetime loyal fan of the M.A.C. Studio Fix Powder. It mattifies my complexion like no other I've ever tried, and when you produce as much oil as I do, that's exactly what floats your boat. Next I put on my Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore, because I'm wanting to bring lots of life to my face and I really don't have time to apply a bronzer. I love how it has a very subtle shimmer which also slightly highlights the face. 

3. Time to do my eyes, which is one of my favorite parts of doing my makeup. First off, I curl those eyelashes so they stop resembling a donkey's. Then I reach for a palette where I can find all the colors I'll need without having to look around for more, and that is the Stila In The Light Palette. I start with the color "Bare" right under my brow bone. Look how much more awake my eyes look just by applying some light under the eyebrows!

4. Let's add some color shall we? I'm sticking with matte finishes here, because like I said, this is an everyday look that I want to make work for most situations. I start with "Bliss" all over my eyelid. Then I apply some "Sunset" on the crease, which complements "Bliss" perfectly and adds depth and definition to the eyes. And finally, I apply a bit of "Sandstone" on my outer v, smoking my eyes a little and giving them an extra "something something". This is such a gorgeous deep brown, it reminds me of a rich chocolate milkshake. 

5. Or course this look wouldn't be complete without some good ol' mascara. I find myself usually reaching for Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara (what a mouthful!). It does exactly what it says: it adds that drama that we always want our eyes to portray. And this bad boy doesn't smudge at all, and reliability is something we want in a mascara, people.

6. Alright, we are nearly finished! The last step is to apply a gorgeous shade of lipstick that complements the whole look and voilà! In this case my choice is CoverGril LipPerfection Lipstick in 260 Heavenly. It isn't too girly or too bold, it is just right and appropriate. This lipstick was actually a gift from the gorgeous Martyna from Spoolish, as part of a blogger swap we did a couple of months ago, and I love it a lot. I'll dedicate a whole post to the swap sometime this week, so keep your eyes peeled for that if you're interested. Girl really knew the way to my heart! 

This is it! We are ready to walk out the door in 15 minutes, looking pretty. I hope you liked this look, and let me know if you have tried any of these products, and what are those that you reach for over and over when you are in a pinch?

10 Beauty Projects For Summer

If you are not ready for summer after a dreadful winter, then you are a really weird person. Or you might just live where I live and be sick of the 90F temperatures every single day. But the rest of you are likely already dreaming of barbecues, parties and beach escapades and other fun ways to spend those precious hours of sunshine. Pinterest is already busting with the best brunch ideas, outdoor activities, and party drinks and it gave me the idea to create some projects of my own: 10 beauty looks to try during the summer. It can be really easy to fall into a beauty rut when you are going to a multitude of social events every day, so this might give you some inspiration to switch things up a bit and leave that dreadful comfort zone:

1. Natural face and eyes with a bold lip
Looking fresh and natural is key for a day at the beach or the pool. Use a tinted moisturiser or BB cream instead of a heavier foundation to even out your skin, and then conceal the imperfections. A bold lip in a cool tone (think coral or hot pink) will add that pop of color to your look.

Achieve this look:
- Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer
- Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick in Fuchsia Flash


2. Smoky eyes in a fun color such as metallic blue or electric purple
For a night event, ditch the overused grey smokey for a more fun alternative. Try an electric blue or purple and leave everything else neutral to make them stand out.

Achieve this look:
- Dior 5-Color Eyeshadow in Bleu De Paris 254
- L'oreal Infallible 24-Hour Eyeshadow in Burst Into Bloom 759

Source

3. Statement eyes and beachy waves with lots of texture
Beachy waves are one of the best things of the summer. Achieve unbeatable texture with a texturizing spray. Make your overall look more sophisticated and less "unruly" by tight-lining your eyes and applying a shimmery eyeshadow in a cool tone.

Achieve this look:
- LUSH Sea Spray
- Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
- Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Eyeliner in Black
- L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Iced Latte

Source

4. Matte lips with an "Elsa-inspired" braid
Okay if you don't know what I mean by "Elsa-inspired" braid, seriously, did you live under a rock in 2013? In that hardly-known movie called Frozen, the main character Elsa rocks one of the most stylish braids in recent film history. There are an abundance of tutorials out there on how to recreate that chic look, which is a must this season. The matte lips counteract the playfulness of the braid so you look stylish instead of childish. You can also achieve the matte finish by patting a bit of translucent powder onto glossy lips.

Achieve this look:
- NYX Matte Lipstick in Eden
- Marc Jacobs Lovemarc Matte Lip Gel in 144 Flirt

5. Double eye-liner and glossy lips
The trick here is to use a light neutral eyeliner such as beige (but NEVER white), and then a deep one, like a bronze or dark purple for the night and a vibrant fuchsia for the day. The glossy lips add even more freshness to the whole look, perfect for any event, really!

Achieve this look:
- Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in BronzeBeam
- Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Deep Fuchsia
- M.A.C. Cremesheen Glass in Richer, Lusher


6. A laid-back hair tuck with lots of hair accessories and nude lips
If you are in need of an easy, no-fuzz yet still trendy look, do a quick 2-minute hair tuck. Adorn it with lots of color and accessories (this is the perfect time do so!), and rock a nude lip and matte eyeshadow to let your 'do be in the spotlight.

Achieve this look:
- Dior Addict Lipstick in Tulle 214
- Fruit Vine Headscarf from Anthropologie

Source

7. Aqua/Turquoise/Cobalt eyes and soft lips
The blue eye is fun, different and frankly? pretty brave. There is just something about it that just screams "self-confidence" to me. The easiest blue hues to pull off are aqua, turquoise and cobalt. If blue eyeshadow is not really your thing, try an eyeliner instead. This will give your eyes that extra-oomph. Peachy pinks and corals for the lips pair perfectly with this look. Stick with aqua and turquoise for the day, and go with cobalt for the night. Apply your favorite mascara and you're done!

Achieve this look:
- YSL Ombres 5 Lumières Eyeshadow Palette in 5 Riviera
- Stila Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Cobalt
- CoverGirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in BluBoom
- Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Golden Pink

Source

8. Pink mascara
Purple and blue mascaras are very 2013. This year is all about the pink. Don't be afraid to wear it in the summer: it will stand out your eyes while giving them a high-impact pop of color. Apply a shimmery champagne or ivory eyeshadow. Finally, a glossy nude lip that matches the eyeshadow works best for this, too, so they don't compete with your eyes.

Achieve this look:
- Dior It-Lash Mascara in Pink
- Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten
- Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lipgloss in Imagine


9. Red-orange lips and biiiig eyes
If you are looking for something with a little more sex appeal than a coral lip, try the extra-hot orange red lipstick. It will pop best paired with foot-long lashes, and keeping the rest of your look neutral.

Achieve this look:
- Nars lipstick in Heat Wave


10.  Incorporate Radiant Orchid into your look
And last but not least, the Pantone color of the year! It has been everywhere lately, from fashion to decor to beauty. Rocking gorgeous orchid eyes and a lilac or lavender hue on your lips (think Lupita Nyong'o at the 2014 Critics' Choice Awards) will secure you a spot as one of the most stylish in any room this summer.

Achieve this look:
- Maybelline Color Elixir in Vision In Violet
- Make Up For Ever Pure Pigments in No. 14
- Formula X Electrics Nail Polish in At Your Own Risk
- Marc Jacobs Lust For Lacquer Lip Vinyl in 208 Truth Or Dare

And finally...
Don't forget these basics to get you through the summer looking your best:
- Wear lots and lots of sunscreen. And don't forget your lips!
- Of course a flawless complexion is essential, but don't overuse foundation at this time of year. Opt for a tinted moisturizer or bb cream, a good coverage concealer, and a luminous blush to brighten up your face.
- Well- sculpted brows are the fastest way to frame a face.
- Primers are usually the way to get the makeup to last all day. However, summer is the time to try to apply less product on your face. A setting spray works just as well as a primer but goes on less heavy, and spritzing it on will also freshen you up in an instant. Win-win!  This one from Urban Decay is my personal favorite.
- Buffing or exfoliating your lips will ensure your lip product lasts a lot longer, and looks better on.