Stila's Latest Trend for Spring: Tri-Lined Eyes

Last weekend I went to a great event at Sephora for a mini Stila makeover and introduction to their expanded collection of eyeliner new for Spring 2014. I have to be completely honest here, I got suckered in by the promise of a free Smudge Stick but the three beautiful looks on the invitation didn't hurt!

I walked out with a fresh face, samples of their One Step Correct Primer and new CC Cream, and obviously a few new eyeliners. As soon as I got home I dug into my four In the... Palettes to see what colors I already owned, and now I've got quite a little collection growing.

There will be a few more of these events this month so check their events page to see if any are being held in your city.

This is such a quick and fun look to do. I knew I had to recreate it and show you how to do it yourselves. It's as easy as smudging some liner, applying a bit of thick liner, then another finer flick of liner on top. Done! At Sephora the defining line was made using brown but I'm more a black liner kinda gal. It's a little Halloween-y now, right? Oh well! On my lips I'm wearing Bite Beauty's Luminous Crème Lipstick in Cin Cin.

Products Used:
L'Oréal Infallible Eyeshadow in Iced Latte
Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Gilded
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Amber
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Intense Black
Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit in Medium

Step 1: Pat base (Iced Latte) onto eyelid with finger and blend.
Step 2: Apply bronze (Gilded) to eyelid and smudge with finger to crease.
Step 3: Line upper lash line with orange (Amber) — make it thick.
Step 4: Apply brown (Eyebrow Powder) to crease for soft definition.
Step 5: Line center of lower lash line with bronze eyeliner (Gilded), smudge edges.
Step 6: Give yourself wings (Intense Black) following the edge of the orange line!

I'm definitely going to try the look with Emerald winged out and Melon on the lips. I just need to get myself some more of these liners and a Vinyl Lip Gloss or two! Have you tried any Stila Smudge Sticks or Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliners?

P.S. There's still time to take advantage of Stila's online sale going on now through tomorrow (3/14). Just use code "SPRING25" for 25% off plus free shipping with no minimum. Don't miss out!

Get the Look Beyoncé wore to the FLOTUS' Birthday

I interrupt my regularly scheduled Beyoncé Get the Look post to bring this special Beyoncé Get the Look post in time for Valentine's Day! I was asked to recreate the amazing glittery eye Beyoncé wore to the FLOTUS' 50th birthday party last month and I wanted to save it for a ~special occasion~ because it's such a stunning look.

Charlotte Tilbury tweeted one of her gorgeous quads was used to achieve Beyoncé's look so I immediately set out looking for similar colors in my collection. My version leans a little pink but the general idea is the same! On my (chapped) lips I'm wearing Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon (good lookin' out, winter).

A friend of mine also suggested using L'Oréal Infallible Eyeshadows which totally could work by layering Smoldering Plum/Bottomless Java, Amber Rush, and Eternal Sunshine. I don't own all of those shades but I'm pretty sure you'd get a similar look.

Products Used:
e.l.f. Eyelid Primer
Black Opal Color Splurge Eyeshadow Duo in Brazen Flame
ULTA Eyeshadow in Chianti
EMANI Crushed Minerals Color Dust in Cran-Me-In and Peach Attitude
Sonia Kashuk Eye Shadow Quad in Bronzed Beauty
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeliner Pencil in Bronze
benefit They're Real! Mascara
e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit in Medium

Step 1: Apply burgundy (Chianti) over eyelid and outer crease with a fluffy brush.
Step 2: Soften edge with nude (SK Quad Nude) and blend upward to brow bone.
Step 3: Pat cranberry (Cran-Me-In) onto inner & outer eyelid with eyeshadow brush.
Step 4: Pat rose gold (Peach Attitude) onto center of eyelid with eyeshadow brush.
Step 5: Pat gold glitter (SK Quad Glitter) onto center of rose gold with finger.
Step 6: Apply burnt copper (Black Opal Duo) to crease and blend with crease brush.
Step 7: Apply rose gold (Peach Attitude) as highlight to tear duct.
Step 8: Line lower lash line with brown eyeliner, set with brown (SK Quad Brown).
Step 9: Line upper lash line with brown (SK Quad Brown) using liner brush.
Step 10: Line waterline with brown (Bronze) waterproof eyeliner.

I'm aware that this look would have been 1000% better had I worn falsies. My new goal for 2014 is to enroll in False Eyelash Academy and get my masters in False Lash Application Sciences.

Get the Look from Beyoncé's “Superpower”

Surprisingly enough, I actually had some requests for this look and I never expected it! You know how I am about my dark circles and heavy eyeliner... But ask and I shall deliver. Here's the SUPER BOLD eye and nude lip from Beyoncé "Superpower" (featuring Frank Ocean):


BEYONCÉ "SUPERPOWER" (FEATURING FRANK OCEAN)

Now this is a look! The eyeshadow is SUPER SIMPLE and pretty similar to my I'm-Going-To-Be-Late-But-Can't-Look-it look. On my lips I'm wearing Sunny Lip Color in 24K Gold (Earth may be a better match), which I never thought I'd find online since I got mine at a local beauty supply for $1. I layered Jordana Twist & Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in 01 Nude Chic over it to tone the gold down and add a little sparkle.

The eyeliner is obviously the focus of Beyoncé's “Superpower” makeup. Now, I know eyeliner can be a tricky thing but hopefully my animated illustration down there helps you get it. You just have to keep a steady hand and work slowly. Using a good brush, as well as a good eyeliner is key.

Products Used:
Milani Eyeshadow Primer in 01 Nude
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Tease
Wet n Wild Eyeshadow in Brulee
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean
Wet n Wild MegaEyes Creme Eyeliner in Black
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in Pure White
Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit in Medium
e.l.f. Studio Angled Eyeliner Brush

Step 1: Apply neutralizing eyeshadow primer onto entire eye space with finger.
Step 2: Apply nude (Brulee) onto entire eye space with a blending brush (optional).
Step 3: Apply mauve-brown (Tease) to crease and blend with a fluffy blending brush.
Step 4: Give yourself wings using black gel eyeliner and a thin liner brush.
Step 5: Line lower lash line with black eyeliner (Black Bean), and smudge.
Step 6: Fill in a small triangular section with waterproof white eyeliner under wing.
Step 7: Line lower lash line with black gel eyeliner starting at tear duct.
Step 8: Slowly carve bottom of white triangular space, connecting both wing tips.
Step 9: Bring gel eyeliner down towards your nose and create a sharp point.
Step 10: Line inner 3/4 of water line with waterproof black eyeliner.

The video has an apocalyptic, dystopian atmosphere I tried to emulate with my photo processing. Did you notice? Oh, and the scarf I'm wearing? It's panty hose! Ha! I also considered borrowing Andrew's balaclava. Let me know if you try Beyoncé's look from "Superpower" for yourself!

P.S. DID YOU SEE BEYONCÉ'S PERFORMANCE ON THE GRAMMYS LAST NIGHT??!! AHHH!!

Get the Look from Beyoncé's "Haunted"

In this installment of I'll Never Be Bey But That Won't Stop Me From Trying I try my hand at the beautiful metallic, high glitter, smokey eye accompanied by a blood red, high shine lip in Beyoncé "Haunted":


BEYONCÉ "HAUNTED"

My version is dialed down with less glitter and foiling action simply because I don't own many glittery products. You could easily play up that effect by using Stila's Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow in Titanium and/or Metallic Cobalt if you have $32 to blow on a single eyeshadow, or NYX Roll On Shimmer in Onyx and/or Platinum for a more affordable $3.99. I tried to make up for my lack of glitter by distracting you with wannabe red carpet finger waves. Did it work?

Beyoncé's eyes are rimmed with heavy black liner which I promptly rubbed away after applying. Some things I'll never be comfortable wearing and black liner on my waterline is one of them! On my lips I layered Beautique Lip Crayon in Blackberry, Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in On Fire Red, and Bobbi Brown Clear Lip Gloss.

Products Used:
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean
Stila In The Light Palette
Lancôme Color Design Eyeshadow in Drape
MAC Eyeshadow in Electra
NYX Ultra Pearl Mania in Silver Pearl
L'Oréal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara in Blackest Black (GARBAGE)
Jordana 12-HR Made To Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil in Black Point
Anastasia BH Brow Powder Duo in Dark Brown

Step 1: Apply black base (Black Bean) onto eyelid and outer 1/2 of lower lash line.
Step 2: Apply white sheen (Drape) to outer crease through brow bone to tear duct.
Step 3: Pat blue silver shimmer (Night Sky) on eyelid with an eyeshadow brush.
Step 4: Pat black (Ebony) on outer 1/3 of of eyelid with an eyeshadow brush.
Step 5: Build black (Ebony) in crease, and blend upward with a blending brush.
Step 6: Pat silver frost (Electra) onto center of eyelid with finger.
Step 7: Pat silver pearl (Silver Pearl) onto center of silver frost (Electra) with finger.
Step 9: Apply blue silver shimmer (Night Sky) to lower lash line with a pencil brush.
Step 10: Smudge outer edge of lower lash line and blend upward.
Step 11: Tightline upper lash line with black waterproof eyeliner.
Step 12: Line waterline with black waterproof eyeliner.

Smoked out eyes like Beyoncé's look from "Haunted" are still relatively new to me. I like that it's a sickness veil (sort of) because I don't think you can tell I was totally under the weather in these photos. Or can you?? Either way, I hope you dig it and try it for yourself. Sick or not!

Get the Look from Beyoncé's "Blow"

I'm still on my Beyoncé high and, truthfully, I probably will be for the duration of 2014. You've been warned. There's just too much quality to pull from and be inspired by. Next up in my Beyoncé Get the Look queue is the fun '70s blue wash and bold red-orange lip combo from Beyoncé "Blow":


BEYONCÉ "BLOW"

This look was almost too easy, and by almost, I mean it definitely was. But it was requested and I LOVE this video so of course I followed suit. The hardest part was applying false lashes because I am absolutely terrible at it. On my lips I'm wearing Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Big Bang. It feathers pretty badly on me which blows (LOL), but the color is a perfect match to Beyoncé's lip color. To match her powder pink blush, I have on Sonia Kashuk Beautifying Blush in Melon.

Products Used:
L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Dive Right In (LE!)
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in I Got Good Jeans
Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow in Drape
Milani Ultrafine Liquid Eyeliner in Sparkling Turquoise
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in Pure White
Jordana 12-HR Made To Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil in Black Point
benefit They're Real! Mascara
e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit in Medium
Kiss Ever EZ Lashes Trio Lashes

Step 1: Apply icy blue base (Dive Right In) over entire eyelid with finger.
Step 2: Give yourself turquoise wings (Sparkling Turquoise).
Step 3: Apply silvery blue (Browbone) to entire eye space with fluffy blending brush.
Step 4: Apply white sheen (Drape) as highlight to brow bone and tear duct.
Step 5: Bring white sheen down to inner 1/4 of lower lash line with a pencil brush.
Step 6: Apply silvery blue (Browbone) to outer 3/4 of lower lash line.
Step 7: Tightline upper lash line with waterproof black eyeliner.
Step 8: Line waterline with white waterproof eyeliner.

I got caught up with my "styling" for this look BUT I had to channel as many parts of the video as I could. I had to. Too bad I don't own roller skates or a barbed wire choker, otherwise I would have nailed it!


Now go watch the 30 second preview, buy the album, and try Beyoncé's look from "Blow" for yourself!

Get the Look from Beyoncé's "Mine" ft Drake

Maybe—just maybe if you live under a rock, you don't know that Beyoncé released a surprise, self-titled, visual album at midnight on Friday the 13th. I was up, I freaked out, I downloaded it, I cried, and now here we are.

Her makeup in each video is absolute perfection thanks to makeup artist, Sir John B. I tweeted about my desire to recreate all of her looks and you guys encouraged me! So here's my take on the beautiful teal look from Beyoncé "Mine" (featuring Drake):


BEYONCÉ "MINE" (FEATURING DRAKE)

This look was so easy to achieve! I'm not usually one for blue eyeshadow (I'm always saying that) but I really love how this turned out. It can also be toned down if you use a lighter hand and/or omit the blue base. That's actually something I might try because I think I'm just at that too fair-skinned to pull it off mark. To off-set the intensity of the eyes, I used Revlon Shine Lipstick in Honey Bare, which is a touch too peach for me. One day I'll find a nude that works!

Beyoncé's eyebrows are always awesome and a bit tamed-but-untamed, if that makes sense. I tried to emulate this by using short, heavy-handed strokes of product then applying a super light coat of black mascara to my brow hair. e.l.f.'s 3-in-1 Mascara has the perfect wand for this.

Products Used:
Milani Eyeshadow Primer in 01 Nude
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Edgy Emerald
Wet n Wild Color Icon Palette in Blue Had Me At Hello
Red Earth Eyeshadow Single in GR098
Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in Pure White
Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeliner Pencil in Turquoise
Jordana 12-HR Made To Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil in Black Point
Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
e.l.f. 3-in-1 Mascara
e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit in Medium

Step 1: Apply blue base (Edgy Emerald) over entire eyelid with finger.
Step 2: Apply mauve (not pictured—ugh!) to outer crease with blending brush.
Step 3: Pat navy blue (RC Crease) onto inner & outer eyelid with eyeshadow brush.
Step 4: Pat aqua/teal (RC Eyelid) onto center of eyelid with eyeshadow brush.
Step 5: Pat icy blue (RC Browbone) onto center of aqua/teal (RC Eyelid) with finger.
Step 6: Apply blue-black (LC Crease) to crease and blend with crease brush.
Step 7: Apply silver frost (LC Browbone) as highlight to tear duct with finger.
Step 8: Line lower lash line with turquoise eyeliner.
Step 9: Set inner 1/2 with green (GR098), outer 1/2 with navy blue (RC Crease).
Step 10: Tightline upper lash line with waterproof black eyeliner.
Step 11: Line waterline with white waterproof eyeliner.

LEFT COLUMN = LC, RIGHT COLUMN = RC of BLUE HAD ME AT HELLO

I used inexpensive, easy to find drugstore products to help encourage you to try Beyoncé's look from "Mine" for yourself. If you don't already own Wet n Wild's Blue Had Me At Hello, I suggest you go pick it up ASAP. It's being discontinued and it's on clearance at CVS right now! The eyeshadows are incredibly pigmented, too. Did you notice I went wingless in an attempt at authenticity? Aren't you proud??

Illamasqua Inspired Halloween

Illamasqua's Creative Director, Alex Box, is an amazingly talented, constant makeup inspiration. The looks she creates with each collection the London-based brand launches leave me in awe (and wishing I had excuses to go all out all of the time). Naturally, I had to recreate one of her looks for a special Halloween Get the Look!

Illamasqua is one brand I have super limited experience with. In fact, I only own two of their lipsticks but I'm dying to try out more. For this look, I'm wearing Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Big Bang, with gold eyeshadow pigment (Gold Finger) along the outside of my upper lip and outer edges of my bottom lip.

Products Used:
NYX Eyeshadow Base in White
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tenacious Teal
ULTA Eyeshadow in Mosaic and Chianti
Random Blue Eyeshadow??
MAC Eyeshadow in Chrome Yellow and Orange
EMANI Crushed Minerals Color Dust in Gold Finger
Prestige Beauty Bar Eyeshadow Palette in Artsy Tartsy
NYX Lipliner Pencil in Plush Red
Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara
Ardell Special Occasion Collection in Sublime

Before you even get to the eyes, apply white face paint, or in my case, the lightest foundation available at Walgreens. Set with translucent powder, and highlight nose, cupid's bow, forehead, etc. with iridescent white pigment. Mix yellow and orange eyeshadow to create mustard and apply to cheeks, temples, chin, and hollows of neck. Add a touch of blush to your chin, too!

Step 1: Outline eyebrows with red lip liner (Plush Red), blend and fill.
Step 2: Set eyebrows with red eyeshadow (Chianti).
Step 3: Pat blue base (Tenacious Teal) over entire eye area, omitting eyelid.
Step 4: Apply blue over entire eye area with a fluffy brush, omitting inner eyelid.
Step 5: Apply blue to lower lash line with a pencil brush.
Step 6: Apply gold (Gold Finger) onto eyelid with an eyeshadow brush.
Step 7: Apply dark blue wet to create a false crease using a detailing brush.
Step 8: Bring dark blue down and around tear duct, and line lower lash line.
Step 9: Create squiggly lines extending from lower lash line using dark blue wet.
Step 10: Wipe away every other gap (2nd, 4th, 6th) using a makeup remover + q-tip.
Step 11: Fill in gaps (2nd, 4th, 6th) with yellow (Chrome Yellow).
Step 12: Apply light blue (Mosaic) as highlight to brow bone.
Step 13: Apply gold (Gold Finger) above eyebrow using a detailing brush.
Step 14: Apply gold (Gold Finger) to tear duct.
Step 15: Apply false lashes!

I hope you enjoyed this Illamasquaesque look! It was so much fun to do, even though those Ardell lashes were a total pain to apply (they're so stiff). Let me know what awesome things you're doing today, and what you're dressing as! Happy Halloween!