Mac X Nasty Gal “Gunner” Review & Swatch

When two amazing brands have a collaboration , it’s fair to say everyone goes a little nuts and scours the internet looking for reviews and swatches of the new products (or maybe I am speaking for my sister and I).Mac x Nasty Gal is no exception to this rule. This partnership has created a high intensity collection of three lipsticks and nail lacquers to bring out your inner #GirlBoss. These bold colors are perfect for the fall/ winter season and I’m so glad I snagged the one I really wanted the most. Featured below is the lip color in “Gunner”, on my tan skin it goes perfect with a neutral eye and loads of mascara. Or if you are really bold, pair it with intense eyes for a night out! The consistency is classic MAC, which for me means a tiny bit drying but overall has an intense color pay off that makes up for it. Links and alternatives down below!

Some tips to make your lips look luscious:

-Exfoliate lips with a scrub (I skipped this part because I was so excited to try it and it definitely makes a huge difference)
-Try using a lip brush or angled liner brush to outline your lips first with the color (instead of using another lip liner that may alter the violet color)
-Dust translucent powder on your lips for the ultimate matte effect
-Use a small amount of highlight on your cupids bow

mac and nasty gal, gunnar, lipstick, winter, fall, color, purple, lips, makeup, motd, beauty, blogger, beauty blogger, swatch, on dark lips, dark skin

NO FLASH

NO FLASH

mac and nasty gal, gunnar, lipstick, winter, fall, color, purple, lips, makeup, motd, beauty, blogger, beauty blogger, swatch, on dark lips, dark skin

mac and nasty gal, gunnar, lipstick, winter, fall, color, purple, lips, makeup, motd, beauty, blogger, beauty blogger, swatch, on dark lips, dark skin

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Hope you guys enjoyed this swatch on my darker lips, what are some tricks you guys use to make your lips BOLD color ready? Comment down below!

Mac Cosmetics & Nasty Gal -Lipstick in “Gunner”

You can also check out the colors Cyber and Heroine by Mac as alternative’s since this Nasty Gal collection is selling out fast!

Toodles,

Ari

Fall/Winter lipsticks

Well everyone winter is definitely upon us up in the big apple. Why is it that we always seem to jump to the next season so quickly? Anyways I wanted to share with you all the lipsticks I’ve been wearing for the last two months. I can’t get enough of the mauves, berries and burgundy shades! They truly give such a nice pop of color to any makeup look! Here they are:

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From left to right:
MAC: Craving (amplified)
Pink mauvy shade perfect for everyday

NYX soft matte lip cream: Prague
Muted violet with slight mauve undertones

Revlon creme lipstick: Raspberry Bite
True raspberry color

Milani lipstick: Sangria
Dark berry/plum

MAC: Fashion Revival (matte)
Dark muted raspberry

Lorac matte color crayon: Merlot
Wine shade (just like the name)

MAC: Dark Side (amplified)
Oxblood with dark brown hue

These can be purchased at your local Drugstore, Ulta or MAC store/counter

What are some of your Fall/Winter favorites? (Comment down below)

Stay warm my friends,
Gwen

Makeup Looks

Happy Sunday Everyone! It’s been a while since I have done a makeup post so I decided to photograph the looks I did on mis mejor amigas before a casual night out. I am also working on my application skills and what a better way to do it right? Lets take a look at these beauties…

L-R Cinthia, Lucy & Emily

L-R Cinthia, Lucy & Emily

First one up is Cinthia: She has really great skin and normally doesn’t wear any foundation. She asked for the “jlo glow”. Here’s a closer look at what I came up with:

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Face: Hourglass veil primer, Covergirl Outlast 3 in 1 foundation shade #857 (golden tan) mixed with Gerard Cosmetics BB plus illumination. MAC prep and prime in bright forecast (undereye brightening), Anastasia Contour kit Shade Fawn and Havanna. BH cosmetics blush palette (peach shade) Mary-Lou- Manizer for highlight. Brows: Anastasia brow wiz in Dark Brown Eyes: MAC paint pot in layin low,  shadows: Amber lights (Entire lid), Texture (crease) and naked lunch (brow highlight). Revlon matte shadow in Rich Sable (outer corner).NYX jumbo eye pencil in white (base), E.L.F false lashes and Sephora Rio nights gel liner Lips: Limecrime lipstick in Cosmopop and Gerard Cosmetics gloss in the shade nude.

Face: Hourglass veil primer, Covergirl Outlast 3 in 1 foundation shade #857 (golden tan) mixed with Gerard Cosmetics BB plus illumination. MAC prep and prime in bright forecast (undereye brightening), Anastasia Contour kit Shade Fawn and Havanna. BH cosmetics blush palette (peach shade) Mary-Lou- Manizer for highlight.
Brows: Anastasia brow wiz in Dark Brown
Eyes: MAC paint pot in layin low, shadows: Amber lights (Entire lid), Texture (crease) and naked lunch (brow highlight). Revlon matte shadow in Rich Sable (outer corner).NYX jumbo eye pencil in white (base), E.L.F false lashes and Sephora Rio nights gel liner
Lips: Limecrime lipstick in Cosmopop and Gerard Cosmetics gloss in the shade nude.

Next up is Lucy: She and I can talk makeup for hours upon hours! She too has great skin and loves defined brows. Here’s what I created on her:

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Products used:

Face: Becca Ever matte primer, Tarte Amazonian clay in the shade tan-deep sand mixed with Bare Minerals Bareskin Foundation in the shade Bare Caramel. Mac pro long-wear concealer in the shade W35 & W30 Anastasia contour kit in the shade Havana, MAC prep and prime in the shade Bright Forecast. BH Cosmetics blush palette (berry shades to the top right) Mary- Lou- Manizer for highlight.  Eyes: MAC paint pot in layin low. NYX jumbo pencil in white. Buff (brow highlight) Rose (lid)from Lorac Pro Palette 2, Revlon Matte shadow in Rich sable (crease) and Makeup geek's Bitten (outer corner). Loreal voluminous mascara, E.L.F Lashes and Sephora Rio nights gel eyeliner. Brows: Anastasia brow wiz (dark Brown) and dipbrow pomade (medium brown) Lips: Rimmel Lip Liner in Cherry kiss, Too Faced Melted lipsticks in the shade Berry.

Face: Becca Ever matte primer, Tarte Amazonian clay in the shade tan-deep sand mixed with Bare Minerals Bareskin Foundation in the shade Bare Caramel. Mac pro long-wear concealer in the shade W35 & W30 Anastasia contour kit in the shade Havana, MAC prep and prime in the shade Bright Forecast. BH Cosmetics blush palette (berry shades to the top right) Mary- Lou- Manizer for highlight.
Eyes: MAC paint pot in layin low. NYX jumbo pencil in white. Buff (brow highlight) Rose (lid)from Lorac Pro Palette 2, Revlon Matte shadow in Rich sable (crease) and Makeup geek’s Bitten (outer corner). Loreal voluminous mascara, E.L.F Lashes and Sephora Rio nights gel eyeliner.
Brows: Anastasia brow wiz (dark Brown) and dipbrow pomade (medium brown)
Lips: Rimmel Lip Liner in Cherry kiss, Too Faced Melted lipsticks in the shade Berry.

Last but certainly not least Emily: Doesn’t she have great lashes? (no falsies used). Emily loves bold lips which is why I wanted to give her a softer eye look, Here’s what I came up with:
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Products used:

Face: Hourglass veil primer, Neutrogena nourishing long wear foundation in the shade warm beige, MAC prep and prime in Bright forecast, Anastasia contour kit in the shade Fawn, MAC blush in peaches, The Balm Mary-Lou-Manizer for highlight.  Brows: Anastasia brow wiz in the shade chocolate Eyes: MAC paint pot in "layin low" Naked 3 palette in the shades Dust (lid), Nooner (crease), Mugshot (outer corner) and Strange (brow highlight), Sephora Rio nights gel liner, Mascara Loreal Voluminous Lips: Rimmel in Cherry kiss and MAC Fashion Revival lipstick

Face: Hourglass veil primer, Neutrogena nourishing long wear foundation in the shade warm beige, MAC prep and prime in Bright forecast, Anastasia contour kit in the shade Fawn, MAC blush in peaches, The Balm Mary-Lou-Manizer for highlight.
Brows: Anastasia brow wiz in the shade chocolate
Eyes: MAC paint pot in “layin low” Naked 3 palette in the shades Dust (lid), Nooner (crease), Mugshot (outer corner) and Strange (brow highlight), Sephora Rio nights gel liner, Mascara Loreal Voluminous
Lips: Rimmel in Cherry kiss and MAC Fashion Revival lipstick

There you have it guys. Hopefully these looks can be of inspiration to you.
If anyone has any makeup looks you would want to me try please let me know down below.

Thanks to these silly girls for letting me experiment with them IMG_6502 (2)

Hasta Pronto!
-Gwen

How to: College Football Makeup

Graduating in 2012 from the University of Central Florida was one of the proudest moments of my life. In looking back at my college experience, I wish I had participated in more “college” activities when I had the chance. In comes football games and tail-gating! I attended my first game ever this past weekend and like most people could not wait to don my colors and rep my school (even though Im an alum now). I decided to go all out and finally break out this beautiful gold pigment from NYX I had been waiting to use for some time. It is so sparkly and intense and can easily liven up any look.The “bondage weightless makeup adhesive” from Urban Decay was the perfect choice & worked so well at holding the pigment. No heavy feeling on my lid as I yelled and cheered throughout the evening!

  1. I first prepped my eye for all that color with NYX skin tone primer all over the eyelid, crease, & brow bone
  2. I then used a yellow shimmer shadow from the NYX Mysterious Brown Eyes Color palette all over the eyelid (as another base to make the yellow glitter pop even more)
  3. I then used Urban Decay Eyeshadows “Tyranny” as a transitional color in the crease & “Vengeance” in the crease up to the brow bone for more depth. Remember to blend!
  4. I applied Urban Decay Bondage Adhesive to my eyelid (straight from the tube) and covered the entirety of the yellow.
  5. With a clean flat shader brush, I patted the NYX glitter pigment on the entire lid. I kept adding more and building the intensity until I reached my desired effect.
  6. Optional-Finally, I used black gel liner to create a cat eye and finished off with loads of mascara!

Make sure to clean up afterwards thoroughly seeing as I had a lot of fall out (not after once it was already dried on my eye) I am just messy during my process! These steps can be replicated with any of the variety of pigments depending on your team colors (blue or purple would look spectacular). Links below!

urban decay, nyx, glitter, pigment, cat eye, glitter glue, ucf, college, football, makeup

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ucf, university of central florida, makeup, tutorial, cosmetics, urban decay, bondage, glitter glue, adhesive,knights,glitter,eyeshadow,nyx,loose pigment

 

urban decay, nyx, glitter, pigment, cat eye, glitter glue, ucf, college, football, makeup

urban decay, nyx, glitter, pigment, cat eye, glitter glue, ucf, college, football, makeup

***On my lips I am wearing Gerard Cosmetics in the color “1995”, also both my Anastasia contour kit and Loreal telescopic mascara were used.

Nyx Pigment

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction

Nyx Primer

Go UCF Knights!

-Ari

JLo Glow

I am so sad that Mother nature did not give the big apple a scorching hot summer this year. We are now in the middle of August already experiencing September like temperatures, don’t get me wrong Autumn is my other favorite season but I still needed some more sun in my life! Ok, enough with the rant, if you’re like me and did not get the chance to visit the beach here is how I created a faux tan or that JLo glow as some would call it before summer officially ends.
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To achieve this glowy bronzy look I used all of these products below:
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From the Mac palette I used Brown Script (lower left) on my crease and lower lash line. I used Amber Lights (top right) on the entire lid From the Lorac palette I used Buff (top row left) for my brow highlight and Mocha (4th from the left on the bottom) to touch up the outer v and lower lash line

From the MAC palette I used Brown Script (lower left) on my crease and lower lash line. I used Amber Lights (top right) on the entire lid
From the Lorac palette I used Buff (top row left) for my brow highlight and Mocha (4th from the left on the bottom) to touch up the outer v and lower lash line

– One of the main products in making the skin appear more dewy is to add a liquid illuminizer to your foundation. I opted for the Gerard Cosmetics BB plus illumination crème, a pea sized pump is all you need to mix into your foundation and it will cover your entire face.
– Another key component in creating a bronzy effect is of course bronzer. I used my L’Oreal true match powder in the shade Cocoa to warm up my entire face. I also took a contour brush and very lightly carved under my cheek bones.
– Lastly what will give you the ultimate glowy effect is a highlighter. For this particular look I chose the Sonia Kashuk illuminating bronzer in the shade goddess. This color is really golden and gives you the perfect sunkissed glow.
* This is an extra step, but since I wanted to mimic Jennifer Lopez’s all over bronzed look I also placed a mixture of brown and bronzy shades on my eyes and finished the look with her signature peachy nude lip.

I leave you all with a photo of the woman who not only inspired this look but also inspires me to work hard.

jennifer-lopez_small[1]

Here’s a detailed list of the products I used:

Benefit Porefessional face primer

Bare Minerals Bare Skin Foundation in the shade Bare Caramel

Gerard Cosmetics BB Illuminating crème

Tarte Maracuja creaseless concealer in the shade Medium Tan

NYX blotting powder in the shade Medium/Dark

Anastasia Brow Whiz in the shade Brunette

Lorac Behind the Scenes eyelid primer & Pro Palette 2 colors: Buff and Mocha

MAC Eyeshadows Brown Script and Amber lights

Too Faced “Better than Sex” mascara

L’Oreal Privee lipsticks in the Jennifer Lopez and Eva Mendes Shades

NYX Butter Gloss in the shade Cherry Cheesecake

*Products can be found in your local drugstore , Sephora or Ulta.

Hope you all enjoy what’s left of summer!

-Gwen

Urban Decay “Pulp Fiction” Palette

Pulp fiction has got to be one of the top classic films that inspire trends all across the board. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, it features an eclectic cast with a mix of humor and violence that made for one entertaining ride. I love that the storyline is not in chronological order (in true Tarantino form) and Uma Thurman’s character Mia Wallace is sexy, sultry and a bit off. She dominated most of the movies promotional material and with good reason.

Nearly two decades later Urban Decay has taken inspiration from the iconic film and  put together an awesome palette to recreate Mia’s dark and edgy look for the twentieth anniversary. It features three never before seen shades and two current exclusives to the line. Pulp Fiction the palette, is sleek, dark and is emblazoned with Samuel L. Jackson’s now infamous Ezekiel passage on the back (totally badass). The “Get the look” card is also a helpful tool in following with Mia’s makeup trend along with the small red eyeshadow brush.

Pros

  • Big Mirror
  • Urban Decay’s Pigment Infusion system- Shows up true to color!
  • Velvet Texture
  • Blends Amazing

Cons- NONE!

urban decay, pulp fiction, palette, makeup, review

urban decay, pulp fiction, palette, makeup, review

urban decay, pulp fiction, palette, makeup, review, swatches

urban decay, pulp fiction, palette, makeup, review, swatches

urban decay, pulp fiction, palette, makeup, review, swatches

Left- Right  "Righteous" Light cream matte "Tyranny"- Warm brown matte "Vengeance"- deep brown matte-satin "Furious" -White Satin "Anger" Black Satin with Slight tonal sparkle

Left- Right
“Righteous” Light cream matte
“Tyranny”- Warm brown matte
“Vengeance”- deep brown matte-satin
“Furious” -White Satin
“Anger” Black Satin with Slight tonal sparkle

“Be cool honey bunny”

Ari

April Ipsy Glam Bag Review

April’s Ipsy bag is a lovely addition to my collection this month. I really haven’t had the time to go out and physically buy any new cosmetics (Ive been needing a new mascara for ages!) so times like this its always nice to check my mail and have some cool new products to try. This months actual makeup bag was not my favorite but overall the products it contained were great and made up for it.

ipsy,april, glam bag, urban decay, big sexy hair, dr. brandt

cailyn, lip tint, balm, lippie,

IMG_3286This tinted lip balm from the brand “Cailyn” in Apple Pink has very interesting packaging. The base pot holds a nice amount of the balm, while you are provided with a convenient lip brush attached at the top. I love the color pay off (looks more coral on my lips) and the brush is definitely needed since the color is sort of difficult to spread evenly. Nice aesthetic appeal and great product!

 

big sexy hair, root pump, hair sprayI dont personally use mousse on my hair (only natural products for my curls) but I will be re-gifting this since it is a reputable brand and may work for some with less dry hair.

city color, white gold, mousse eyeshadow , shimmerThis product leaves little to be desired just by the looks, but when I actually swatched and used it on my eye it was great! It is an eyeshadow mousse, very creamy texture and the color payoff is amazing. On my personal skin tone it looks more gold and its very shimmery. The consistency is thick (mousse like) and seems to stick and have  a long wear.

dr.brandt, microdermabrasion, skin, exfoliantThis sample size skin exfoliant is awesome! It smells very tropical and the micro beads really feel like they are deep cleaning my skin. I don’t know if over time it will improve the overall texture or quality. Stay tuned!

urban decay, 24/7, glide on, eye pencil, eye liner, black Lastly, this urban decay 24/7 black velvet eye pencil is of course a winner! Super pigmented, great for the water and tight line or even your lid since it glides on super smooth. Perfect to wear alone, or smoke out and make for a more smoldering look.

 

– Love Ari

February Ipsy Glam Bag Review

The time has come again for my monthly Ipsy Glam Bag, this is my second one ever and I must say I am much more pleased with this one than my January edition. This time around it included more full sized items and actual products that I love and will use often. First things first is the constant incorporation of a new makeup bag, plain pink with white trim and I love it! This one will probably be re-gifted as well or used for traveling purposes. I received lashes from jcatbeauty, a body butter from pacifica, zoya nail polish, pop beauty lip gloss and a shadow tint from ‘tini beauty. Check out my pics and reviews below and also the Links at the bottom for products. Enjoy!

ipsy,glam,bag,review,zoya,pacifica,blog,bblogger,pop beauty

blogger,beauty,tipsy,glam,bag,cosmetics

J.Cat Beauty  "EL 20" Lashes + Glue These are very thick but still very soft to the touch, I may cut them in half to use as accent lashes instead of a full glam look. I usually prefer a slimmer band but nonetheless these are still great lashes.

J.Cat Beauty “EL 20”
Lashes + Glue
These are very thick but still very soft to the touch, I may cut them in half to use as accent lashes instead of a full glam look. I usually prefer a slimmer band but nonetheless these are still great lashes.

Pop Beauty -"Fuchsia Freesia" This mini gloss is perfect to throw in your bag and your'e out the door! The sheer tint is great over another color to mix or alone by itself for a natural flushed pink pout.  Although I did not see the advertised "plumping" effects I did feel the moisture from the avocado and jojoba oils used in said product. I love it!

Pop Beauty -“Fuchsia Freesia”
This mini gloss is perfect to throw in your bag and your’e out the door! The sheer tint is great over another color to mix or alone by itself for a natural flushed pink pout. Although I did not see the advertised “plumping” effects I did feel the moisture from the avocado and jojoba oils used in said product. I love it!

swatches, pop beauty,

Pacifica Body Butter- "Hawaiian Ruby Guava"  This body butter is super moisturizing and smells like heaven on earth! Like all pacifica products it is 100% vegan and cruelty free. This isn't for someone afraid of a strong scent you will be smelling like  a tropical dream for the entire day!

Pacifica Body Butter- “Hawaiian Ruby Guava”
This body butter is super moisturizing and smells like heaven on earth! Like all pacifica products it is 100% vegan and cruelty free. This isn’t for someone afraid of a strong scent you will be smelling like a tropical dream for the entire day!

'Tini Beauty-Eyeshadow Tint "Spiced Rum" I have never heard of this line until now and they offer an array of nail products, eyes and lips as well. This eyeshadow tint is creamy, blends well and can be used as a base or by itself for a subtle look (on my skin tone). The packaging on the site is very cute with all of the products sporting an alcohol related theme i.e., "dry gin top coat". Very cool  concept!

‘Tini Beauty-Eyeshadow Tint “Spiced Rum”
I have never heard of this line until now and they offer an array of nail products, eyes and lips as well. This eyeshadow tint is creamy, blends well and can be used as a base or by itself for a subtle look (on my skin tone). The packaging on the site is very cute with all of the products sporting an alcohol related theme i.e., “dry gin top coat”. Very cool concept!

swatches, spiced rum, 'tini beauty

Zoya- "Odette" This pretty purple is perfect for an everyday mani. It was a nice consistency and one coat is good enough for a nice finish. Ive always liked Zoya polishes and Im glad to add this to my collection!

Zoya- “Odette”
This pretty purple is perfect for an everyday mani. It was a nice consistency and one coat is good enough for a nice finish. Ive always liked Zoya polishes and Im glad to add this to my collection!

zoya, swatches, odette, nail polish

-Love,
Ari

Pacifica “Hawaiian Ruby Guava” Body Butter
Zoya “Odette” Nail Polish
‘Tiny Beauty “Spiced Rum” Eyeshadow Tint
J. Cat Beauy Eyelashes
Pop Beauty “Fuchsia Freesia” Lip Gloss

V-Day Collab Part 2- Casual & Fun

If you are opting for a more casual feel or have a day outing with that special someone this look is perfect for you! The different rose/blush hues compliment each other and the pops of print (leopard skinny belt and … Continue reading

V-day Collab Outfit & Makeup Inspiration-Sexy & Fun!

Whether you have a valentine or not the following outfit and makeup can serve dual purposes for inspiration for this upcoming special day or any sexy night out on the town. Heck maybe you can find a valentine wearing this … Continue reading