Everyday Makeup for Beginners (Updated Video) & Small Giveaway

**The winner of my cameo giveaway has been announced here. Congrats, Danielle!**

I've received many emails from women who are just starting out with makeup, and are unsure where to begin. I was in the same boat a year ago, but have since ended up with a simple routine that works for me, for the time being. My skills are rudimentary, so I'm hoping to learn tips from a beauty guru friend soon.

I did think twice before posting this (as the internet is a haven for people who like to criticize and judge), but I'm pretty comfortable with my bare face. As one discovers and uses more makeup, I think it's important to not become dependent on it to feel acceptable. That being said, makeup can really do wonders to enhance features. Nature gave me small eyes and stubby lashes, but in this video you can see the effects of some simple shadow and liner.


If you are just starting out with makeup, feel free to play around and skip steps that you don't need. For example, if you have great skin, then concealer and foundation may not be necessary. If you don't like the feeling of eye paint aka liner, then you can skip the liquid liner and instead darken the liner eyeshadow.

Products used: Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Foundation in shade 203, MAC Select Cover-Up in NW25, Rock & Republic Blush (sadly discontinued) in Immoral, ELF Eyelid Primer, NYX Smokey Eyes Palette, Lorac Liquid Liner, and Lancome Definicils Mascara.

At first I was overwhelmed with the selection of shadow brushes, but I guess they really do have their own purpose. I recommend at least the following: flat shadow brush, precision shadow brush (for lining), and fluffy blending brush. You can get them for $1 to $3 a pop on ELF (be sure to search around for coupon codes).

As I'm wearing more makeup, I realize the importance of taking it all off at the end of the day. I absolutely love Lancome's Bi-Facil eye makeup remover. It's very pricey at retail but I buy the sample-size bottles in bulk on eBay (can you tell I love eBay?). I've tried a few drugstore brands and some irritated my eyes so badly I went and asked for my money back. Lancome's remover is super gentle and a few wipes is all it takes.

I have an extra NYX Smokey Eye palette from Ulta which I'd like to give away to a reader. To enter, please just be a follower and fill out the form below:


Readers - I am trying to find a liquid waterproof liner that has amazing staying power but won't break the bank. I've retired my old cheapie NYC $3 liners because they flake off. This $23 one works beautifully, but is too pricey for me. Any suggestions?

Everyday Makeup for Beginners (Updated Video) & Small Giveaway

**The winner of my cameo giveaway has been announced here. Congrats, Danielle!**

I've received many emails from women who are just starting out with makeup, and are unsure where to begin. I was in the same boat a year ago, but have since ended up with a simple routine that works for me, for the time being. My skills are rudimentary, so I'm hoping to learn tips from a beauty guru friend soon.

I did think twice before posting this (as the internet is a haven for people who like to criticize and judge), but I'm pretty comfortable with my bare face. As one discovers and uses more makeup, I think it's important to not become dependent on it to feel acceptable. That being said, makeup can really do wonders to enhance features. Nature gave me small eyes and stubby lashes, but in this video you can see the effects of some simple shadow and liner.


If you are just starting out with makeup, feel free to play around and skip steps that you don't need. For example, if you have great skin, then concealer and foundation may not be necessary. If you don't like the feeling of eye paint aka liner, then you can skip the liquid liner and instead darken the liner eyeshadow.

Products used: Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Foundation in shade 203, MAC Select Cover-Up in NW25, Rock & Republic Blush (sadly discontinued) in Immoral, ELF Eyelid Primer, NYX Smokey Eyes Palette, Lorac Liquid Liner, and Lancome Definicils Mascara.

At first I was overwhelmed with the selection of shadow brushes, but I guess they really do have their own purpose. I recommend at least the following: flat shadow brush, precision shadow brush (for lining), and fluffy blending brush. You can get them for $1 to $3 a pop on ELF (be sure to search around for coupon codes).

As I'm wearing more makeup, I realize the importance of taking it all off at the end of the day. I absolutely love Lancome's Bi-Facil eye makeup remover. It's very pricey at retail but I buy the sample-size bottles in bulk on eBay (can you tell I love eBay?). I've tried a few drugstore brands and some irritated my eyes so badly I went and asked for my money back. Lancome's remover is super gentle and a few wipes is all it takes.

I have an extra NYX Smokey Eye palette from Ulta which I'd like to give away to a reader. To enter, please just be a follower and fill out the form below:


Readers - I am trying to find a liquid waterproof liner that has amazing staying power but won't break the bank. I've retired my old cheapie NYC $3 liners because they flake off. This $23 one works beautifully, but is too pricey for me. Any suggestions?

Current Hair Curling Routine: Easy Loose Waves

When it comes to haircare, my goals are: low-maintenance and acceptable-looking. I've gotten a few hair tutorial requests lately, which is flattering, but hairstyling is not my forte. Here is a short video of my daily (well, every other day) routine.

And just in case anyone doubted my naturally coarse and thick hair, here it is (right) in its frightening glory:

Steps shown in video: 
1. Add volume to the crown area as hair dries. This step is a must for me (I've tried hot rollers & teasing w/no success).
2. Divide hair into 4-6 sections (the larger the sections, the less heat reaches your hair so the more loose the waves will be)
3. Curl the ends outward w/ a 1.5" to 2" barrel iron (this one is $25 including ship). Curl counter-clockwise with hair to your left, clockwise for hair to your right. Hold for 10 seconds before releasing.
4. Put hair up in a loose bun and spray w/ hairspray. Let down and fluff.

Products used: whatever is on sale at the drugstore. Currently using Aussie shampoo, conditioner and hairspray. You can make your waves last another day by sleeping with your hair in one or two loose buns, then re-touching the ends with a curler the next morning if needs be.

PS - Gap Give and Get is back, from March 17th to 19th. Here is a 30% off your entire purchase printable coupon, good at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and their outlet stores! The in-store coupon is good for multiple uses, however my online code is just one-time use.

Current Hair Curling Routine: Easy Loose Waves

When it comes to haircare, my goals are: low-maintenance and acceptable-looking. I've gotten a few hair tutorial requests lately, which is flattering, but hairstyling is not my forte. Here is a short video of my daily (well, every other day) routine.

And just in case anyone doubted my naturally coarse and thick hair, here it is (right) in its frightening glory:

Steps shown in video: 
1. Add volume to the crown area as hair dries. This step is a must for me (I've tried hot rollers & teasing w/no success).
2. Divide hair into 4-6 sections (the larger the sections, the less heat reaches your hair so the more loose the waves will be)
3. Curl the ends outward w/ a 1.5" to 2" barrel iron (this one is $25 including ship). Curl counter-clockwise with hair to your left, clockwise for hair to your right. Hold for 10 seconds before releasing.
4. Put hair up in a loose bun and spray w/ hairspray. Let down and fluff.

Products used: whatever is on sale at the drugstore. Currently using Aussie shampoo, conditioner and hairspray. You can make your waves last another day by sleeping with your hair in one or two loose buns, then re-touching the ends with a curler the next morning if needs be.

PS - Gap Give and Get is back, from March 17th to 19th. Here is a 30% off your entire purchase printable coupon, good at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and their outlet stores! The in-store coupon is good for multiple uses, however my online code is just one-time use.

CLOSED Valentine's Day Mini Giveaway - ends Feb 14th

**The winner of this giveaway is Thuy! Please email me with your address : )**

I'm not a big V-day celebrator, but I figured this would be a good occasion to do a mini giveaway.

How to enter:
- Open to public followers of this blog. It's very easy to follow and you do not need to have a blog. Just click the blue "Join this site" button on my right sidebar and sign in via an email, twitter, AIM, or other type of account.
- Leave 1 comment below while signed in to your followers account, saying you'd like to enter. Easy!

Prizes:
- Essie for J.Crew package of 4 mini nail polishes
- Rimmel Lasting Finish Lippie in Airy Fairy
- Urban Decay shadow in Narcotic

...and possibly a few more goodies.

I loved the polish set so much (see swatches here), I called around to find another set and asked my dear boyfriend to pick it up for you guys : ) Airy Fairy is a lipstick I first saw recommended on Jen's blog, and thanks to two lovely readers Jennifer and DoubleZero, I finally got to try it. It's just as pretty as it's hyped to be, so I bought an extra to give away.

Winner will be drawn on February 14th, 2011 using a random number generator, and winner will have 72 hours to claim her prize. Giveaway is open internationally. Good luck!

CLOSED Valentine's Day Mini Giveaway - ends Feb 14th

**The winner of this giveaway is Thuy! Please email me with your address : )**

I'm not a big V-day celebrator, but I figured this would be a good occasion to do a mini giveaway.

How to enter:
- Open to public followers of this blog. It's very easy to follow and you do not need to have a blog. Just click the blue "Join this site" button on my right sidebar and sign in via an email, twitter, AIM, or other type of account.
- Leave 1 comment below while signed in to your followers account, saying you'd like to enter. Easy!

Prizes:
- Essie for J.Crew package of 4 mini nail polishes
- Rimmel Lasting Finish Lippie in Airy Fairy
- Urban Decay shadow in Narcotic

...and possibly a few more goodies.

I loved the polish set so much (see swatches here), I called around to find another set and asked my dear boyfriend to pick it up for you guys : ) Airy Fairy is a lipstick I first saw recommended on Jen's blog, and thanks to two lovely readers Jennifer and DoubleZero, I finally got to try it. It's just as pretty as it's hyped to be, so I bought an extra to give away.

Winner will be drawn on February 14th, 2011 using a random number generator, and winner will have 72 hours to claim her prize. Giveaway is open internationally. Good luck!

J.Crew beauty final sale (Essie for J.Crew Swatches)

J.Crew is having an additional 50% off sale items in-store right now. Although there were no petite items to be found, my local store had a few great deals on collaboration items (which make great gifts!).

My friend picked up the Stila for J.Crew lipgloss trio for $12 (three FULL size tubes - currently online for 40% off) which includes three juicy colors - Grapefuit, Starfruit, and Rasperry. They also had singles in-store for $5 each. She already loves these lip glazes and was thrilled to find more at such a low price. She also got the Cosabella lace thong trio for $18 (individually sold for $19 each).

I got the little Essie box containing baby-sized jars of Jelly Apple (a candy red), Clam Bake (red-orange), Innocent (dusty mauve-pink), and Prima Ballerina (pale, pink-cream). Retail $20, on final sale for $5. Swatches in order:

 

The two brights were super easy to apply (runnier formula). Above is two coats with no top coat. The pinks were creamier and streakier to apply. I love all these colors for Spring/Summer.

I think Clam Bake is the most universally-flattering bright shade. I've seen a similar shade in their catalogs against pale-skinned models and I can see it looking just as nice against dark or tanned skin.

J.Crew beauty final sale (Essie for J.Crew Swatches)

J.Crew is having an additional 50% off sale items in-store right now. Although there were no petite items to be found, my local store had a few great deals on collaboration items (which make great gifts!).

My friend picked up the Stila for J.Crew lipgloss trio for $12 (three FULL size tubes - currently online for 40% off) which includes three juicy colors - Grapefuit, Starfruit, and Rasperry. They also had singles in-store for $5 each. She already loves these lip glazes and was thrilled to find more at such a low price. She also got the Cosabella lace thong trio for $18 (individually sold for $19 each).

I got the little Essie box containing baby-sized jars of Jelly Apple (a candy red), Clam Bake (red-orange), Innocent (dusty mauve-pink), and Prima Ballerina (pale, pink-cream). Retail $20, on final sale for $5. Swatches in order:

 

The two brights were super easy to apply (runnier formula). Above is two coats with no top coat. The pinks were creamier and streakier to apply. I love all these colors for Spring/Summer.

I think Clam Bake is the most universally-flattering bright shade. I've seen a similar shade in their catalogs against pale-skinned models and I can see it looking just as nice against dark or tanned skin.

CVS Clearance Fun - 50% to 75% off

Apparently CVS has two major makeup clearance sales during the year, where select products are 50% to 75% off. The most recent one started on December 30th, 2010, so most stores may already be picked over. However, some items on sale were not marked with a sticker or sign. There's no harm in scanning an item at the price scanner to double check if it's on sale.

I first read about this sale on Kali's blog, one of my go-tos for CVS makeup deals (she reviews a lot of drugstore lipsticks too, which is nice) and I couldn't sit still! I had to go immediately. Kali linked to another blog which has a list of all the items that are on sale so you can browse more efficiently. I went to five CVS's (they're all super close, but yes..I'm crazy) and picked up:

Left to Right: Rimmel Moisture Renew in Spotlight Beige, Rimmel Lasting Finish in Pink Blush, Heather SHimmer, Drop of Sherry, and Bordeau (not pictured), Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in "Coral"

These were all around $2.00 or less. Kali shared a Rimmel coupon on facebook - if you "like" them you can print out coupons for $2.00 off any Rimmel item, which means one free lipstick!

La Cross items were all 75% off. Files/tweezers were around $2.00, and nail clips were a mere $0.55. See other CVS clearance hauls from April, Stephanie and Anne.

CVS Clearance Fun - 50% to 75% off

Apparently CVS has two major makeup clearance sales during the year, where select products are 50% to 75% off. The most recent one started on December 30th, 2010, so most stores may already be picked over. However, some items on sale were not marked with a sticker or sign. There's no harm in scanning an item at the price scanner to double check if it's on sale.

I first read about this sale on Kali's blog, one of my go-tos for CVS makeup deals (she reviews a lot of drugstore lipsticks too, which is nice) and I couldn't sit still! I had to go immediately. Kali linked to another blog which has a list of all the items that are on sale so you can browse more efficiently. I went to five CVS's (they're all super close, but yes..I'm crazy) and picked up:

Left to Right: Rimmel Moisture Renew in Spotlight Beige, Rimmel Lasting Finish in Pink Blush, Heather SHimmer, Drop of Sherry, and Bordeau (not pictured), Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in "Coral"

These were all around $2.00 or less. Kali shared a Rimmel coupon on facebook - if you "like" them you can print out coupons for $2.00 off any Rimmel item, which means one free lipstick!

La Cross items were all 75% off. Files/tweezers were around $2.00, and nail clips were a mere $0.55. See other CVS clearance hauls from April, Stephanie and Anne.

Rock & Republic Blushes - Currently 2 for $15.99

As a makeup minimalist I always feared color on my face. I only tried blush after reading this post by Jen of Frmheadtotoe, and I've been hooked since. A delicate sweep of color on your cheeks make the difference between lively and "blah." I got my first R&R blush through Hautelook then bought many many more through other sample sales. I paid $20-25 a piece (retail $40) which was a huge splurge for me, but they are just so fun. Thanks Jen for spreading the love on these!

Last night while gift shopping online, I wanted to get a few of these for girlfriends. I've seen a few beauty blogger posts on how to stack two discounts on RockandRepublic.com to get these babies for $8 a piece...everything was out of stock then, but some colors have since magically reappeared.

Colors in stock now: Tease (my fave; I am wearing this in my last post), Seduce, and X-rated

1. Sign up for an account on Rock & Republic using a referral link.When you refer a friend you each get $25 to use on a purchase of $75 or more. If you need a referral, click here. Disclaimer: I don't get any credits from this because this unique link counts as 1 referred friend; I just wanted to share this deal. I tested the link so it should work : )
2. Add $75+ (retail) worth of cosmetics into your cart. Blushes retail for $40 and eyeshadows are $28. Stay logged in and the $25 should appear automatically at checkout, as seen in the screenshot below.
3. Use code "ROCKCOSMETICS" at checkout to get an additional 50% off all cosmetics. US shipping is 0.99.

My total for 2 blushes, including tax and shipping, was $15.99. Steal! One gift down, many more to go...

Happy holiday shopping!

Rock & Republic Blushes - Currently 2 for $15.99

As a makeup minimalist I always feared color on my face. I only tried blush after reading this post by Jen of Frmheadtotoe, and I've been hooked since. A delicate sweep of color on your cheeks make the difference between lively and "blah." I got my first R&R blush through Hautelook then bought many many more through other sample sales. I paid $20-25 a piece (retail $40) which was a huge splurge for me, but they are just so fun. Thanks Jen for spreading the love on these!

Last night while gift shopping online, I wanted to get a few of these for girlfriends. I've seen a few beauty blogger posts on how to stack two discounts on RockandRepublic.com to get these babies for $8 a piece...everything was out of stock then, but some colors have since magically reappeared.

Colors in stock now: Tease (my fave; I am wearing this in my last post), Seduce, and X-rated

1. Sign up for an account on Rock & Republic using a referral link.When you refer a friend you each get $25 to use on a purchase of $75 or more. If you need a referral, click here. Disclaimer: I don't get any credits from this because this unique link counts as 1 referred friend; I just wanted to share this deal. I tested the link so it should work : )
2. Add $75+ (retail) worth of cosmetics into your cart. Blushes retail for $40 and eyeshadows are $28. Stay logged in and the $25 should appear automatically at checkout, as seen in the screenshot below.
3. Use code "ROCKCOSMETICS" at checkout to get an additional 50% off all cosmetics. US shipping is 0.99.

My total for 2 blushes, including tax and shipping, was $15.99. Steal! One gift down, many more to go...

Happy holiday shopping!

Something different: H&M Faux-Fur Collar

I saw this collar on xppinkxx's blog last week and immediately put it on my buy list. She wore it over a simple black blazer with shorts, tights, and flats, and I feel in love! Faux-fur is everywhere this season, but I wanted to dabble in it without spending too much.

When I came upon the rack of collars at H&M, several girls were clustered around it displaying their mockery & disgust. I had to huffily push my way through to grab one. I suppose this is one of those things that you can either love or hate.

Faux-fur collar: H&M
Khaki Jacket: Theory sz 00 

Dress: Theory Yeneth sz 0 (hemmed)

Heels: Ann Taylor Elle Pumps in sz 5 (buy here)

Sweater: LOFT long cardi sz XXSP in charcoal (buy here)

Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Skinny sz S (buy here, holes punched)

For $14.95, I am tres impressed by this accessory. The faux fur is beige/taupe/gray and goes nicely with a variety of colors. It definitely looks and feels more expensive than $15, and easily dresses up cardigans or blazers. Continue reading for more photos...

The inside of the collar has two slits so you can tuck one end in and have it criss-cross, like so:

Some H&M sale tips:

- A reader (thanks Pauline!) tipped me off on the H&M iphone app. If you shake it you get a coupon for 20% off one item.

- Right now H&M is having their 10 year anniversary sale (thanks Sophia for the heads up!) and they have $10 off select items every day. If you spend over a certain amount (not sure what this amount is, but I met it) you get a free tote bag and a $5 off coupon good for a future purchase.

On an unrelated note, I was super excited today about CVS's Revlon nail polish sale. All Revlon polishes (including base, treatment, and top coats which can normally run up to $8) are $3.99, but then you get $3 extrabucks back per bottle, making them .99 each. I stocked up on colors for Fall:

 From left to right: Gray Suede, Totally Toffee, Vixen, Plum Night

 
I then immediately used the extrabucks to buy Seche Vite topcoat and polish remover & pads (which are buy 1 get 1 50% off). Pictured below is "Vixen," which in better lighting is more raisin colored and not as dark. I'm also wearing gray suede in my outfit photos above. It's a lovely, taupe-gray that is great for work. It did chip easily on me, so a topcoat is key.

Readers - What would you pair the collar with? I'm looking for more ideas that are actually "wearable" in real life.

Something different: H&M Faux-Fur Collar

I saw this collar on xppinkxx's blog last week and immediately put it on my buy list. She wore it over a simple black blazer with shorts, tights, and flats, and I feel in love! Faux-fur is everywhere this season, but I wanted to dabble in it without spending too much.

When I came upon the rack of collars at H&M, several girls were clustered around it displaying their mockery & disgust. I had to huffily push my way through to grab one. I suppose this is one of those things that you can either love or hate.

Faux-fur collar: H&M
Khaki Jacket: Theory sz 00 

Dress: Theory Yeneth sz 0 (hemmed)

Heels: Ann Taylor Elle Pumps in sz 5 (buy here)

Sweater: LOFT long cardi sz XXSP in charcoal (buy here)

Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Skinny sz S (buy here, holes punched)

For $14.95, I am tres impressed by this accessory. The faux fur is beige/taupe/gray and goes nicely with a variety of colors. It definitely looks and feels more expensive than $15, and easily dresses up cardigans or blazers. Continue reading for more photos...

The inside of the collar has two slits so you can tuck one end in and have it criss-cross, like so:

Some H&M sale tips:

- A reader (thanks Pauline!) tipped me off on the H&M iphone app. If you shake it you get a coupon for 20% off one item.

- Right now H&M is having their 10 year anniversary sale (thanks Sophia for the heads up!) and they have $10 off select items every day. If you spend over a certain amount (not sure what this amount is, but I met it) you get a free tote bag and a $5 off coupon good for a future purchase.

On an unrelated note, I was super excited today about CVS's Revlon nail polish sale. All Revlon polishes (including base, treatment, and top coats which can normally run up to $8) are $3.99, but then you get $3 extrabucks back per bottle, making them .99 each. I stocked up on colors for Fall:

 From left to right: Gray Suede, Totally Toffee, Vixen, Plum Night

 
I then immediately used the extrabucks to buy Seche Vite topcoat and polish remover & pads (which are buy 1 get 1 50% off). Pictured below is "Vixen," which in better lighting is more raisin colored and not as dark. I'm also wearing gray suede in my outfit photos above. It's a lovely, taupe-gray that is great for work. It did chip easily on me, so a topcoat is key.

Readers - What would you pair the collar with? I'm looking for more ideas that are actually "wearable" in real life.

Inspired Look: Stila Neutral Smokey Eye & elf Pink Lips

Hello readers - I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I did a quick video to share a look that I've been wearing recently on weekends. In this vid I am using a Stila smokey eye palette that was just $14 from Hautelook (thanks Christine for your coupon : D) and my fave new falsies gifted by DSK Steph. I loved the makeup in Jen of Frmheadtotoe's bra-fitting video, and felt inspired to do a version for myself.

Before and After:

Ah, the good ole "before" photo. Strangely enough, the more I dabble in makeup, the more comfortable I am with my bare face and liner-less eyes (not the case throughout HS and college, against my parents' rules). As I'm "aging" I try to remember that makeup should be used to enhance and not hide who you are : )

After watching this vid I didn't even want to share it on here, lol. I need lots more practice (uneven shadow, liner, lash glue smeared all over lids...awesome) but thankfully YouTubers provide a wealth of tutorials. My other favorites to watch are Stephielaclac and MszJackieChu - more beautiful girls who have very helpful tutorials.

I encourage anyone who is venturing into eyeshadow to try out taupe, brown, and gray tones. I always thought eyeshadow was "too much" for work, but these shades are subtle and wearable (as seen in my last lookbook post).

Products used, in order of application:

1. Mac select cover-up in NC 40

2. Bare Escentuals Bronzer in Warmth

3. Rock & Republic Blush in Kinky

4. e.l.f. Essentials Eyelid Primer

5. Stila Smokey Eye Palette (from Hautelook)

6. Shisem falsies gifted by the lovely DSK Steph

7. e.l.f. Essentials Lipstick in Classy

I picked up three of these $1 e.l.f. Essentials Lipsticks and actually liked them. They glide on smoothly (almost waxy, but moisturizing) and are very pigmented. They smell nice and fruity too. My only complaint is the packaging...they don't twist all the way down so you have to be extra careful when putting on the lid.

Swatches: 1. Seductive, 2. Gipsy (berry pink), 3. Classy (medium pink with bluish undertones)

Thanks for reading, guys! If you have any favorite (affordable) beauty products or other beauty gurus that you like to watch, share below in the comments : )