What Happens In Vegas...Makeup of the Week (MOTW)

Hello my Pretties!

No, I didn't go to Vegas, sadly.  But, I did rock L'Oreal's Colour Riche Eyeshadow #559 What Happens in Vegas! 

There is a common thread you will notice about all of my makeup looks from here on out - it's all subtle.  I guess I am conservative with makeup.  But, most of my looks can be worn to work or for a night out on the town...even Vegas!  

First, I have to forewarn you, my eyes have been super puffy from allergies all week.  They are so puffy that even my Prep H isn't helping!  I've tried every "de-puffer" you can think of and nothing helps (I have even tried camouflaging the bags with concealer - NOTHING WORKS), so please ignore the hideous puffy eyes. Oh, and my face looks a little red (don't know if it's from being hot because I worked out before this or allergies).  Eh, who cares?  I didn't even realize it until I posted these pictures. 

Here's how you can get the look.  Bonus - I used all Drug Store makeup!  So, it's a look that is pretty easy on the budget as well. 


Products used:

• Almay Smart Shade CC Cream
• L'Oreal Magic De-crease Eyelid Primer 
• Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Custom Face Powder in Translucent/Beige
• L'Oreal Colour Riche Eyeshadow #559 What Happens in Vegas
• Covergirl Bombshell Curvaceous by Lashblast Mascara in Very Black
• Milani Easybrow Pencil in Dark Brown
• Revlon Smooth-On Blush in Tawny Peach
• Covergirl TruBlend Minerals #425
• e.l.f. Lucious Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips

I always start with my Almay Smart Shade CC Cream.  I tend to only use CC cream in the summer because it's lighter.  I blend it on my face using a downward motion with a large foundation brush.  Next, I apply L'Oreal Magic De-crease Eyelid Primer using my ring finger (tip:  use your ring finger when applying any type of makeup to the eye area because the ring finger is found to have the lightest touch).  After I apply the CC cream and the eyelid primer, I set it with Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Custom Face Powder in Translucent/Beige with a kabuki brush.  



I, then, move on to the piece de resistance...the eyes!

Eyes: 

1. Apply #1 all over the lid and inner corner with an eye shading brush using a patting or dabbing technique
2. Apply #3 to the crease with a medium dome brush using a brushing motion
3. Apply #4 to the outer V with an eye shading brush
4. Apply #2 to the brow bone using a medium angled shading brush
5. After applying all eye shadow, I take a large eye blending brush to blend any sharp edges 
6. Finally, I pencil my eyebrows with Milani Easybrown Pencil in Dark Brown.  Once I've penciled them, I use a spoolie brush to blend and brush my brows into place

After I complete the eyes, I apply Revlon Smooth-On Blush in Tawny Peach to the apples of my cheeks and brush upward across my cheekbone.  To finish the look, I use a large powderpuff to apply Covergirl TruBlend Minerals #425 to my entire face.  This gives you a little sparkle in the sun.  The last step is to apply e.l.f. Lucious Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips.  

I hope you enjoy.  

XOXO

Surf's Up VoxBox Unboxing!

Life's a Beach!  I received my Surf's Up VoxBox from Influenster today and I'm going to unbox it for you now!

First, is everyone familiar with Influenster? Coming from the website itself, "Influenster is a community of trendsetters, social media masterminds, and educated consumers who live to give opinions of products and experiences".  You can check the website from time to time to learn about new products and to review products with which you are familiar. They have VoxBox programs where they invite their most active members to receive complimentary (YES, FREE!!!) products to test and review.  All they ask is that we share our opinions with friends and followers.  OK, moving on...

After opening the box, I saw this:

AAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!!  I love Hawaiian Tropic products.  A staple in my pool bag is Hawaiian Tropic's After Sun Moisturizer in Lime Coolada.  So, I'm stoked to try Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun.  The fragrance is Coconut Papaya and it smells DELISH!  It's a lotion with aloe gel ribbons.  This lotion goes on smooth, is easily absorbed and non-sticky unlike most aloe gels.  I just put it on my arm and I can't feel it anymore.  You know some lotions that you feel on your skin for the rest of the day?  Yeah, I hate that.  As far as the "after sun" portion of this lotion, I won't know until I go to the pool again.  Unfortunately, it's supposed to rain here until Monday, so I'll try to update you on Monday.  But, I can tell you that my Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturizer always keeps me from peeling and it's very soothing.  I don't usually burn, so I don't know about the pain, but I do know that it instantly removes the sun's heat from my skin.  I will NOT go to the pool or spend a lot of time in the sun if I don't have that lotion with me, so I'm sure this lotion will be similar, if not even better!

NEXT...

 
Anyone and everyone that knows me knows I love nail polish and I especially love OPI and SinfulColors!  This SinfulColors is in Aqua and it is soooo pretty.  I love it and Brian loves it on me.  I tried it on my thumb and he immediately said, "do your hands and feet!"  The card I received from Influenster says, "Bold, Vibrant, Unexpected Color!  SinfulColors professional formula is formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP free and is never animal tested".  That right there is exactly why I'm a fan of SinfulColors to begin with!  You'll notice throughout my blog that I tend to focus on products that never test on animals.  I'm a huge animal lover.  Ok, let me do my mani/pedi and post a pic to that.  Gotta admit, I'm not one to use blues on my fingers or toes, but this is just pretty enough for me to pull it off.  Who knows?  This could start me off on a whole new "blue" thing.  LOL.  

Oh, I looooove it!  I could get used to this.  This is a beautiful color and I am always drawn to the pearly nail colors.  Sometimes, the matte colors drive me insane because I just put a clear top coat over it that makes it shiny anyway...so matte doesn't work for me.  I'll let you all know how long this polish lasts.  I typically get about a week out of my self manicures.  I am pretty hard on nails with typing and helping Brian in the yard.  So, we'll see...




Ok, this next product has me a little confused.  It's the First Aid Shot Therapy: Pain Relief in Berry Flavor.  Not sure why us beach bunnies would need this, but hey, I'll try anything once.  Reading from the card, it says, "First Aid Shot Therapy 'FAST' is an FDA compliant liquid pain relief (drinkable) shot.  Common uses for FAST are headache/migraine, sore muscles, back pain and hangover headache."  Now, I have to go ahead and get this out there right now...I don't do well with weird stuff that I have to drink.  For example, 5 Hour Energy...GROSS; Alka-Seltzer...GROSS; Cough Syrup...GROSS.  So, this will be horrible for me, but here it goes.  Ok, wow!  I was very skeptical, especially about flavor but it's not as bad as I thought. Don't get me wrong, I would never like "crave" one of these or anything.  Anyway, ironically, I had a bit of menstrual pain (ugh, why us women must suffer...) and it took away the pain in a matter of minutes.   But, to be quite honest, I'd be more apt to take an Aleve or something.  So, I don't know that I would buy this in the future, but I surely do recommend it to those that can drink strange things with no problem.  

NEXT...
 
We have COVERGIRL Bombshell Curvaceous by LashBlast Mascara.  I've been super anxious to try this mascara.  Again reading from the card, "The new COVERGIRL Bombshell Curvaceous by LashBlast Mascara features the revolutionary Bombshell Boost System, which has two brushes and two formulas for volume, curl, and dramatic intensity.  The first step loads on volume, thickens and curls lashes; and the second step is a dark, intensifying topcoat that seals the look for bold, noticeable lashes.  This mascara works like a waterproof formula and has serious lasting power. Remember to use an oil-based eye makeup remover!"  Like I said, I've been waiting to try this particular mascara, so I did a mini COVERGIRL Bombshell Curvaceous by LashBlast vs. BENEFIT BAD gal lash mascara pic for you.  

On a clean face, no makeup and uncurled lashes, I applied the Bombshell to one eye and the BAD gal to the other eye.  Before you read any further, which eye do you think has the COVERGIRL Bombshell Curvaceous by LashBlast mascara? 

I've heard nothing but negative reviews of this mascara.  Tons of people talked about clumping and others crabbed about not being able to get it off (which baffles me because it specifically says on the packaging, "Removes with COVERGIRL Makeup Remover or any other oil based makeup remover").  

I can definitely tell you I'm pleasantly surprised by the quality of this mascara.  I actually love it.  First you apply the first step (indicated by the number 1) which thickens and curls lashes, makes them fuller.  Then, you apply the second step (indicated by the number 2, LMBO).  The second step is supposed to be a topcoat of sorts that intensifies your lashes so that they are more noticeable.  Step 1 definitely works, it made my lashes look fuller and curled them without me using my lash curler (which is awesome!!!!). Gotta say, I didn't notice that big of a difference once I applied step 2, but they certainly looked darker, so that's a positive.  Ok, I'll tell you...my right eye (the one on your left) has the Bombshell and my left eye (the one on your right) has the BAD gal.  Can you tell a difference between the two?  I can!  

Now as far as washing it off, I had no problem whatsoever.  Granted, I did read the packaging where it recommended an oil-based makeup remover.  Luckily, my usual routine for removing makeup is to take all makeup off with Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and then I wash my face with Aveeno Foaming Cleanser.  I used one of my towelettes and the mascara came off easy peasy lemon squeezy.  I'm just sayin'.  So, I would definitely pay attention to the packaging and invest in some oil-based makeup remover if you are a fan of the Bombshell.  

Finally, in the bottom of my VoxBox were two coupons; one for $1 off any one (1) Jamba 8oz All Natural or Fruit and Veggie Smoothie Kit and the other for a FREE! one (1) Jamba 8oz All Natural Smoothie Kit.  I'll definitely hightail it on over to Schnucks here shortly and see what I can get.  I'll update you on the Jamba All Natural Smoothie Kit.  

I guess that's it for now.  If you received the Surf's Up VoxBox, please feel free to leave a comment including your link to your review.  I'd love to see it.  

Ta Ta for now!

XOXO

Introduction

Hey Everyone!  Welcome to Beauty by Brielle! 

First and foremost, let me introduce myself.  I'm Brielle and I'm from St. Louis, MO.  I'm a 36 year old stay-at-home wife who is addicted to all things beauty-related and a self-taught makeup artist (ok, I only apply makeup to myself, so I guess I'm not an "artist" per se, but ya know).   This blog will cover makeup tips, how-to's and reviews; hair care and styling tips and how-to's; nailcare and designs; fashion and finally health and fitness.  My husband, Brian, and I recently lost 60+ pounds each so I may post about our work outs and health food *yuck* (a necessary evil).  Brian and I are also huge Cardinals fans, so you might be subjected to one or two posts about the Cardinals around September and October (hopefully).  

Oh, and I can 't forget my furbabies!  Brian and I have two dogs, Koko and Louie.  

Louie

Koko

I spend a lot of time watching the YouTube Beauty Gurus.  However, I haven't mustered up the guts to create my own YouTube channel, although I think I'd be an awesome guru.  My husband constantly urges me to create a channel, but I just feel safer starting with a blog.  Odd thing is, I'm a very outgoing person who has no problem being on camera.  Who knows?

My favorite makeup brand is Urban Decay, so you will likely see a lot of UD reviews.  But, I will definitely review other brands for all of you (yes, I realize that my husband and my mom are the only people that will read this blog at first).  LOL  I will try to post at least 2 times a week.  

I guess that's enough about me.  Feel free to ask any questions!

XOXO