Valentine's Day Makeup Tutorial: Accentuate your eyes and lips

Hello! This is my first makeup tutorial! Yay! :D This is a beautiful look for a romantic evening with that special someone for Valentine's Day. I am a single lady, but I do have plans to have dinner with a friend. I couldn't decide if it would be more appropriate to draw focus to the eyes or to the mouth. Why not both? Your gent wont be able to take his eyes of your flirty cat eye and sexy red lip. If you want to get all dolled up I think this would be a perfect look for you! I would love to hear how your Valentine's Day goes. Please comment below!

Makeup I used...

Face

Moisturize with Origins VitaZing using foundation brush

Use the same foundation to apply DiorSkin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup

Cover any blemishes and dark circles using Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer 

Eyes

Using MAC 211 brush apply Clinique's Brush on Cream Liner in Deep Brown to the top lash line. Try to get as close to the roots as possible

Pat on Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion to eye lids

With an angle brush fill in brows using Laura Mercier Brow Definer 

Apply MAC Vanilla Eyeshadow all over lid and up to brow bone using MAC 217 Brush

Swipe Urban Decay's Sidecar eyeshadow and Half Baked eyeshadow on to same brush and apply all over lids, up into crease (I like to mix the two eyeshadows because I find using Sidecar makes your lids a little more neutral gold instead of in your face gold. If that makes sense)

Going back to the MAC 211 brush, flick out a cat eye using the same cream liner (Tip: This will take awhile if you're not use to doing it. I find it is easier when you always look ahead. This will help you achieve the same line on both eyes)

Using an angled brush dab a matte brown eyeshadow to the outer corner of bottom lashes. I used Urban Decay's eyeshadow in Naked (This will give a shadow effect and make your lashes appear to be much longer and fuller)

Curl lashes. Brush on mascara to top lashes and only to the outer corners of your bottom lashes.  I used Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion

Line bottom water line with a skin tone pencil. I like to use Make Up For Ever's Concealer Pencil. I find using a white eye liner can be too stark.

The combination of Urban Decay's Sidecar and Half Baked Eyeshadow

 Cheeks

Brush on a rose colored blush. I used Glo Minerals Blush in Sheer Petal. BeneFits Dandelion blush would also be a lovely color to use
Using the same foundation brush as earlier blend MAC's Cream Color Base in Pearl to highlight cheekbones

Lips
Line your lips using a red lip liner. I used NYX Auto Lip Pencil in Hot Red (Tip: to make your lipstick last all night pencil your entire mouth with the lip liner, not just the outline of your pout)
For lipstick I used MAC Russian Red, a very sexy red for Valentine's Day!

MAC Russian Red

I hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day!

xoxoxo
Katie

January Favorites

1. Wedding Bells are ringing!!! My best friend, Lauren (AntiquedGold) is getting married!! This is the best news I have heard in a very long time. They are one of my favorite couples and I am so excited for them. This is my first closest friend that is getting married. We are growing up so fast! Well I guess we are adults now haha. I can't wait for the big day! :)

2. OraBrush is a life saver! Do you ever ask yourself,  "Do I have bad breath??" Well you wont have to worry about that anymore. OraBrush will gently scrape all of the build up off your tongue. Eww sorry I know it's really gross to think about. Bad breath is usually caused from the nasty gunk on your tongue. You will feel another level of clean once you try the OraBrush.

3. Ikat patterns are a fun casual print to incorporate into your decor. I really want a few Ikat pillows to toss on my sofa to liven up the room. I love all the bright colors Ikats usually come in.

4. I've been wearing my new black desert boots almost everyday. They are super comfortable winter shoes. I usually pair them with skinny jeans and a sweater. 

5. I have never liked a candle brand as much as I like Tyler Candles. They are truly amazing candles. They have the best scents and they last a really long time. My favorite scent is Kathina. It is more of a masculine scent, but I think it smells really clean and fresh. These candles will make your whole house smell fantastic.

6. I have found the perfect shade of lipstick for me and that is Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy. Absolutely love this color! I hope they never discontinue it because it is the perfect shade of pink. I recently lost this lipstick while having way too much fun one night :P I was so heart broken, but my friends parents surprised me with a new tube for Christmas. Now I am complete again :)

7. I am currently redecorating my room. I enjoy going to my local antique and thrift shops to look for little knick knacks to add some character. I recently bought a new chest of drawers from Ikea. To make it look extra special  I'm going to replace the knobs with some old glass dresser knobs. I have also displayed a few of my grandmothers teacups to give the room a feminine feel. 

8. I'm noticing women wearing ribbons in their hair.You might be thinking this could come off a bit adolescent. One could look a little childish if you go overboard with it and stick a giant bow in your hair. My suggestion is to keep it simple. Stick with one solid color. Don't buy ribbon that is too glittery or bold with a design. Adding a red ribbon to your mane would be really cute and flirty for Valentines day <3

9. I'm addicted to Breaking Bad. I haven't been so hooked on a show in a really long time. I don't have cable so I've been watching the show online. I can't wait for season five to come out. Have you ever seen Breaking Bad? If you haven't, CAUTION! Watch the @#%* out!! The story of high school chemistry teacher Walter White turned ill fated cancer surviving meth cook will keep you up at night! I'm not making this up, it happened to me. The series becomes particularly gripping when Walter becomes entwined in the merciless Mexican drug cartel. Download seasons 1-4 now so you can be prepared for the fifth and final season.

Top 50 Beauty Products for 2011

I wanted to share my Top 50 Beauty Products for 2011. Some of these products I have been using for years and some I have only discovered this past year. I stand behind these products because they work best for me, they may or may not work for you. Since I am so passionate about makeup, skincare, nails, etc. I am willing to test a lot of products. Testing a new product can be frustrating, but it can also be very enlightening. I hope you enjoy this post. Please comment below!
                                                                           
                                                                               Katie 

1. Best Primer: Cover FX Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment
2. Best Lip Balm: Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
3. Best Tinted Moisturizer: Origins VitaZing
4. Best Brush Range: MAC Cosmetics
5. Best Concealer: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
6. Best Under Eye Concealer: Clinique Airbrush Concealer
7. Best Powder/Compact Foundation/Mineral Base: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
8. Best Brow Filler: Laura Mercier Brow Definer
9. Best Eyeshadow Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion
10. Best Powder Eyeshadow: *Tie Between MAC Cosmetics and Urban Decay
11. Best Gel Eyeliner: Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner
12. Best Mascara: CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion
13. Best Illuminator: MAC Cosmetics Cream Base in Pearl
14. Best Blush: NARS Cosmetics Blush in Orgasm
15. Best Everyday Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy
16. Best Red Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics in Russian Red
17. Best Lipgloss: MAC Cosmetics Lipglass

18. Best Eye Makeup Remover: Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover
19. Best Wash Off Cleanser: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser with Muslin Cloth
20. Best Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin: Grandpa's Refreshing Witch-Hazel Soap
21. Best Facial Exfoliator: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
22. Best Mask: Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Fresh Face Mask in The Sacred Truth
23. Best Toner: Tea Tree Oil and Water ( I put a few drops of Tea Tree Oil in a glass spray bottle with water and shake. Extra Tip! For hot summer day I keep my spray bottle in the refrigerator and spritz all over my face and neck when I need a refreshing pick me up.)
24. Best Moisturizer: Origins VitaZing
25. Best Spot Treatment: *Tie Between Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel and Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick
26. Best Serum: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
27. Best Eye Cream: Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

28. Best Hand Soap: Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap in Eucalyptus Mint
29. Best Base Coat: European Secrets Rock Hard Hardener & Basecoat
30. Best Nail Polish: *Tie Between OPI and Essie
      Best Red Polish: OPI Big Apple Red
      Best Natural Polish: OPI Tickle Me Francey
      Best Bright Polish: Essie Mint Candy Apple
      Best Dark Polish: Essie Roc The Croc
      Best Pink Polish: OPI Kiss On The Chic
31. Best Top Coat: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat
32. Best Hand Cream: Mistral Shea Butter Hand Cream in Almond Milk
33. Best Foot Scrub: Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Sugar Babe Sugar Scrub
34. Best Foot Cream: Eucerine Original Moisturizing Cream

35. Best Bubble Bath: Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Bubble Bar in A French Kiss
36. Best Bar Soap: Mistral Signature French Soap in Coco Lime
37. Best Shower Gel: Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash
38. Best Body Exfoliator: Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Sugar Scrub
39. Best Body Moisturizer: Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream
40. Best Deodorant: Degree Women Clinical Protection in Classic Romance
41. Best Perfume: Coach Signature Eau de Toilette Spray
42. Best Tanning Lotion: Australian Gold Spray Gel

43. Best Shampoo/Conditioner: Redken Nature's Rescue Refreshing Detox Shampoo & Cooling Deep Conditioner
44. Best Hair Mask: Redken Real Control Intense Renewal Super Moisturizing Mask
45. Best Heat Protector/Instant Shine: Moroccan Oil Treatment
46. Best Smoothing/ De-Frizzer: TIGI Bedhead After Party Smoothing Cream
47. Best Curl Cream: Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

48. Best Hot Tool: 1" Curling Iron (Any Brand)
49. Best Hairspray: Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray
50. Best Dry Shampoo: Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo

Peppermint White Chocolate Cookies

This is a great homemade gift to give someone for Christmas. All you need are a few baking ingredients, jars, fabric, and ribbon. I layered baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, crushed candy canes, white chocolate morsels, and brown sugar. I topped the jar with fabric and tied it with ribbon. Make sure you give the lucky person receiving this cookie jar the ingredients list and directions. To stay with the theme I used red and white polka dot stationary paper. I hope you like these yummy cookies!

Happy Holidays!

Katie

Ingredients: In the Jar

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Salt

3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar

3/4 Cup Packed Brown Sugar

1 1/2 Cups White Chocolate Morsels

1 Cup Crushed Candy Canes

What you need

2 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour

2 Sticks of Butter, Softened

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 Teaspoon Peppermint Extract

2 Large Eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. 

Combine:

Flour, baking soda, and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract and peppermint extract in large bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and crushed candy canes. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool and enjoy!

Stocking Stuffers

French Soaps

A luxury item anyone would love to find in their stocking. Mistral French Soaps are triple milled and made with shea butter. They have wonderful signature scents and a mens collection that would make any guy in your life smell amazing. 

Socks

These womens Aztec Socks from Topshop will keep your tootsies fashionably warm this coming Christmas morning. Every guy needs a nice pair of dress socks. Argyle socks in bright fun shades adds a unexpected hint of color to any outfit.

Cups

Not a common gift to receive in your stocking, but its an inexpensive present that can be used everyday and can also be personalized. An Espresso cup and Saucer is a good idea for the avid coffee drinker. These Monogram Mugs adds a personal touch to your gals morning coffee or tea.

Lip Balm

Who doesn't need lip balm right now? My lips get insanely dry this time of year. Burt's Bees Lip Balm is one of the best lip balms I have tried. The Pomegranate flavor is my favorite. It tastes really yummy and it adds a little color.

Decadent Beverages

Yes please! During the holidays I typically pig out on food and drink. You're very own  Half Bottle of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut will help bring in the New Year. My brothers choice is a Rogue Chocolate Stout Ale. If he is lucky he just might get one in his stocking ;)

Nail Sets

You can tell a lot about a person by looking at their hands. Lets keep our digits nice and tidy with these handy dandy nail essentials. He might not admit it, but your man really wants his own Manicure Set and I'm sure you wouldn't mind it either. I'm just going to say it. Men are gross and usually don't put things back where you had them. My solution, get them their own clippers and call it a day. I love Mini Nail Polish Sets because you get a variety of colors for the price of one or two regular size polishes.  Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Four Piece Mini Nail Color Set is a great set to give your lady or your bestie. 

Hope everyone is having a great Holiday Season!

Katie

November Favorites

Hey I'm back! Sincere apologies for posting absolutely nothing in the month of November, but here are my November Favorites. Please comment below! I would love to hear what you think!

Katie 

1. Houndstooth: old school pattern I think everyone should embrace. For a living I am an assistant to an Interior Designer. I'm constantly around fabric that we use for clients homes and businesses. I get a lot of inspiration from all the fabric samples we have. I wouldn't use this pattern strictly for home decor. It is also a lovely pattern to wear just as long you don't clash it wish another bold geometric or busy print. I really want to upholster a headboard for my bedroom in a black and white chenille houndstooth fabric. I'm sure it would help me sleep better at night :)

2. The Trench Coat: a classic must have in your closet. All women should have certain staples in their wardrobe. For example a little black dress, the perfect fitting jeans that you can't live without, and a trench coat. I recently learned that my hometown and where I currently live is the second sunniest city in the U.S. This doesn't mean that I shouldn't be fashionably prepared for a rainy day.

3. Tea: is a beverage I consume frequently, especially in the colder months. My father and brother splurge on really nice tea and because we all live near each other I'm around to sample the tasty drink. Lucky me :) My brother is a Teavana Tea of the Month Club member. He receives different teas every month in the mail. This was an early Christmas present that his girlfriend was kind enough to give him. I think this would be a great Holiday gift to give to the tea connoisseur.

4. Origins VitaZing: is my new favorite tinted moisturizer. Well Origins doesn't call it a tinted moisturizer, but as you rub it into your skin it gives you a little glow with some color. VitaZing comes out of the tube white with little grains of something blended in. Kind of looks like cinnamon mixed with white moisturizer. I find it helps even out my skin tone. I recommend it to anyone who doesn't want a heavy foundation look.

5. MAC Cosmetics 211 Pointed Liner Brush: will help you execute a precise line. I was having trouble creating the cat eye liner look I was going for with my angled liner brush. I explained this to my local MAC Makeup Artist and she recommended the 211 Brush. The hairs are very short and stiff which gives you more control. Since the tip of the brush is pointed you can make a very thin line and build it up if you so wish.

6. Moroccan Oil: makes my hair super shiny and tames the frizz. I apply a dime size amount to my ends before I dry my hair. You can also use Moroccan Oil on dry hair to give it more shine. Moroccan Oil is a great heat protectant that will leave your hair soft and healthy.

7. Laura Mercier Brow Definer in Fair: I was using eyeshadow to fill in my brows for the longest time. I noticed when I used an eyeshadow my brows looked a bit ashy and not as natural as I would like. I could have looked for a new eyeshadow color, but I wanted to try a product that had a creamier consistency. I've been growing out my brows and the Laura Mercier Brow Definer fills in the bare spots and darkens my blonde hairs. It also holds the hairs in place and I'm extremely happy with the color. Fair is a great color for someone with a light skin tone. Laura Mercier has two other colors to choose from. It can be very frustrating when you can't find the right color for your brows because it will definitely throw off your look. Maintaining your brows is very important because they frame your face.

8. Burt's Bee Herbal Blemish Stick: is probably one of the best blemish fighting treatments I have ever used. Kind of frustrating to be 25 and still getting spots, but since I discovered this natural solution it has kept my pimples at bay. It contains willow bark, tea tree oil, and juniper oil. These ingredients are natural antiseptics, which will help keep your skin clean and clear. I apply it at night and in the morning I am surprised how quickly my spots seem to disappear.

9. Hempz Body Lotion in Pomegranate: I absolutely love the smell of this lotion. I don't usually like sweet smells on me. I tend to go for more floral or herbal scents. This pomegranate scent is sweet, but not too sweet; more fresh if anything. Hempz lotion is a rich cream that soaks into your skin and will make your skin silky smooth even during these dry winter months.

Spooky DIY Halloween Nails