Brush Week: Quick and Easy Everyday Makeup

Perfect makeup when you don't feel like makeup

I wouldn't be honest during BRUSH WEEK if I said you always need to use a brush. This look requires NO brush, and it makes you look like you took way longer to get ready than you actually did. So put the brushes away, and learn this gorgeous but subtle look. 

I realize that when you think of subtle, you probably don't think Lady Gaga. But hear me out - Gaga wore a makeup look two years ago (while on her Monster Ball tour) that I copy every time I sleep in a little too late. I should totally do a video tutorial of this... I promise I will when I get a camera. 

get the look.

part one: eyes and lips
The overall concept of this look is heavy top lip liner and a bold/bright lip color. No need to go crazy with blush or bronzer. Any eyeliner works (gel, liquid, pencil.) Just make the line thicker than you normally do. Don't do a cat eye -  it looks really weird in my opinion.  For the lip, make sure you a color that is a bit bolder than light pink. Think barbie pink, coral, or red lipstick. A  tinted balm is even better; Maybelline Whisper is a good option because it looks like a lipstick but feels like a moisturizer. Perfect for those rushed mornings. :)

part two: face
The other part to this look is a good foundation or BB cream. You can apply your foundation/ BB cream with a blending sponge to make the look even more flawless - thus making it look even less like you're in a hurry. The best part - it takes half the time a brush would. (We're in a time crunch, remember?)  Here's the expensive beauty blender that everyone's talking about, and here's the $4 one of Walgreens that works just as good. To use a beauty blender properly, start by running it under warm water, and then squeeze all the excess out. Use the beauty blender to pat and smooth your foundation onto your face - it's amazing. Try this look next time you're in a rush - I want to know if you like it!

As always, post pictures if you try.

favorite lipsticks: drugstore dupes

Hi. Do you love lipstick? Do you love saving money? Perfect - read on.

A "dupe" is a cheaper alternative, or duplicate, to a higher end luxury product.  There are many self proclaimed dupes out there, but you never really know till you try.  For example - think GT Cola VS Coca-Cola, or Mountain Mist VS Mountain Dew. A lot of times, the cheaper version just seems off.

Revlon Berry Haute

Once I dabbled in high end lipstick, I realized for a fraction of the price, you really don't have to compromise on quality. Best part: they are nearly identical to popular high end lipsticks. Here are my faves. You can purchase all my favorite drugstore lipsticks at any drugstore (walmart, walgreens, CVS, target, ect ) or Ulta. You're about to notice an annoying trend, but whatever. 

Revlon Berry Haute
Dupe for: MAC Up the Amp
This gorgeous plum purple is so versatile and looks great on everyone. It's dark enough to look festive for the winter months, but it's got a bright toned purple to it that justifies wearing it in the spring and summer months too. It's super creamy and moisturizing.

Revlon Really Red

Revlon Primrose
Dupe for: MAC Snob
Ugh - this color! It's the perfect light pink that makes blondes look like barbie; and makes brunettes look like they are out for blood. Other than it's delicious hue, it's so light and smooth that you don't feel like you're wearing lipstick. I've repurchased this twice and will continue to do so! 

Revlon Really Red (I buy the matte finish)
Dupe for: MAC Russian Red
This is some Marilyn Monroe shixxx right here. I'm not a huge red lipstick wear-er, but when I am, this is my go-to. I also love blending this one with my next favorite to tone it down a bit. This color looks good on everyone, but I think it's best on blondes. 

NYX Circe 

NYX Circe
Dupe for: MAC Viva Glam Gaga II
It was a sad, sad day when the Gaga II lipstick stock was finally out, those pesky limited editions. So I was ecstatic to find something that would at least fill the void. Fortunately the color match is almost identical, but the formulation is sub par. Oh well - it's still one of my faves. The color is a nude with an orange tint. Sounds weird, but goes amazing with a smokey eye and a night out. And for $4, I love it!