Makeup Tips: DIY Eyeliner

I'm really excited about sharing this little cool trick with you girls! After Pinterest I noticed that a lot of people are really into the whole "DIY" (Do It Yourself) madness! So I asked myself, "Why not blog about something that is totally related to that!?" I then remembered about this cool trick that I learned back in beauty school about how to turn powder eyeshadows into liquid liners! It's pretty awesome because you can use ANY color eyeshadow. Instead of using common colors like black, brown, and even blue you can use something crazy like pink, purple, orange, etc! It might be a little too crazy for you guys, but honestly I don't see anything wrong with going to the grocery store with neon pink eyeliner! ;) 

So, here are the steps on how I turn eyeshadow into liquid eyeliner:

You will need: 

*Some sort of spatula (or something to scrape off the eyeshadow) 

*Palette (or a something with a flat surface where you can mix the ingredients) 

*Water (I use MAC's Fix+ spray)

*Eyeshadow (your color choice)

*Eyeliner brush (your choice)

Step 1: Scrape off about a quarter-sized amount of eyeshadow.

Step 2: Carefully and slowly spray MAC's Fix+ (or water) onto palette. You'll need about a dime-sized amount. Don't spray or add directly to the scraped eyeshadow.

Step 3: Mix the eyeshadow and liquid until smooth. Make sure it doesn't get too watery.  If it does you can always add more eyeshadow. It should look like the consistency shown in the picture below.

 Step 4: Using an eyeliner brush, dip the brush into the product and apply to eyelid. It will apply wet, but will dry in seconds.

Here is another color I mixed. Pink!

Makeup Tips: How to Clean Your Brushes

Hello gorgeous!!

So, I wanted to bring up a subject that I think is extremely important especially as a makeup artist. MAKEUP BRUSH SANITATION!  Many of you know that you should clean your makeup brushes, but choose to ignore it anyway. Every time I ask people why they don't clean their makeup brushes they say things like, "Im lazy" or "I didn't even know about the importance of it". Well, let me just tell you that if I go a week without cleaning my makeup brushes I tend to break out! :( The reason this happens is because brushes tend to accumulate bacteria that is found in the air, makeup, and even on your own face (especially if you have pimples).  That's why it's also very important not to share your brushes with other people for the same reasons. I know it can be a hassle to clean your brushes, but just think of it as a hygienic routine!

Two ways to clean your brushes:

The Fast Way (daily) which involves using fast-drying, brush cleansing sprays that sanitize, and remove some of the product from the bristles.

The Deep-Cleansing Way (weekly) thoroughly cleans and sanitizes the brush with soap or shampoo, but needs to be air dried which can be done overnight. 

How to:

The Fast Way: 

Using a daily brush cleaning spray, spray the tip of the brush (about 2-4 sprays). Once the tip of the brush is covered with the cleanser, swipe the tip of the brush back and forth against a towel. Lay brush on a flat surface, and let air dry for a couple of minutes. 

And that's it! ;)

The Deep-Cleansing Way:

 (Note: The Daily Makeup Brush Cleaner shown in the picture below is used for The Fast Way routine)     

Pour about a quarter-sized amount of shampoo and conditioner. 

Note: Conditioner is optional, but I find it important, because it helps the brush last longer due the nutrients it provides. Plus, its makes the bristles softer! 

Add warm water about a little less than half-ways.

Add brushes and let soak for about 10 to 20 minutes.

Rinse the tip of the brush in warm water while gently squeezing out the excess product from the bristles. 

Squeeze out excess water, and swipe the brush in a back-and-forth motion on a towel. This helps absorb some of the water.

Lay brush on a flat surface, and let dry overnight. They'll be nice and clean in the morning! :D

                                                                

BB Cream Phase (Review)

Hi girls! (and possibly guys)  :)

So, lately i've been on the hunt for the "perfect" BB Cream. If you don't know what BB Cream is well let me tell you!

"BB" actually stands for Beauty Balm (or Blemish Balm). 

It's an all-in-one product containing serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation, and sunblock. Doesn't that sound amazingly convenient!? :D

I love the fact that it contains primer, because it helps seal fine lines and my large pores WITHOUT clogging them! It can be worn alone or under makeup as in foundation and/or powder. They do come tinted, but only provides sheer coverage which is why I wear actual foundation over it when I need that full coverage. Also, i'm very impressed with is the fact that they come with serums containing vitamins, nutrients and all that good stuff that our faces need. They can treat blemishes such as acne, sun spots and age spots. They may also contain anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. AMAZING RIGHT!? :D 

I obviously haven't tried every single BB Cream that exists, but here are 4 that I have tried:

Dior - Hydralife BB Creme 

It's more liquid-based rather than creamy, but amazing! Covers my pores and fine lines.

 Loreal Paris- Magic Skin Beautifier
Affordable, and covers my pores the best! This one is actually my favorite of the moment!  It goes on white, but oxidizes to your skin color. It's my go-to BB cream!

Smashbox- Camera Ready
For being Smashbox, i'm honestly not THAT impressed :( It doesn't cover my pores which is a huge fail in my book, but on the bright side it does give me great coverage.

Maybelline- Dream Fresh

Great coverage, but seems like an ordinary tinted moisturizer to me. There's really nothing special about it to me. It didn't cover my pores or fine lines :(

Here are some swatches, which are obviously not blended in. 

(From top to bottom)

Smashbox, Maybelline, Loreal, Dior

Have YOU guys tried any BB creams? What are your thoughts?