Fall Makeup: Copper Eyes

 

 To everyone who doesn't live in a subtropical zone... Congratulations! It's fall! The air is brisk, the leaves are turning colors and you get to start layering your clothes again. As for me, I'm going to just pretend it's not 84 degrees outside and sip on my pumpkin spice latte.
     Despite the only sign of autumn being the legions of birds that have converged over my house Hitchcock style, I've decided to be the change I want to see (the change in season, at least) and post an autumnal, coppery eye look. If you want to know how I did it, read on. (I'll be listing the products I used next to the instructions, but feel free to use what you have.)
1. Prime your eyelids. (ELF's eyelid primer).
2. Place a copper cream eye shadow over the outer half of your eye, up to but not in the crease. Make sure to keep the color vibrant! (ELF's eyeliner and shadow stick in brown/basic)
3. Set the cream eye color with a similar powder shadow. Layering creams and powders help increase the longevity of the makeup. (I used a sparkly copper eye shadow from one of ELF's 32 piece holiday eye shadow palettes. Needless to say it doesn't have a name, so just use the closest match to the cream eye shadow you used before.)
4. Using a shimmering champagne shade, place in the inner corner and blend towards the center of the lid. It should meet the copper shadow. (Yet another eye shadow from the ELF palette, but champagne eye shadows are pretty easy to find.)
5. Blend the two colors together with a clean brush. The copper shouldn't lose it's vibrancy and both colors should stay mainly concentrated where you first placed them, but it should look like a gradient... ya feel?
6. With a small shadow brush, use a medium, cool-toned brown shadow in the outer "V" and crease, transitioning the copper color up to the brow bone. Blend out in a slightly winged shape. The cooler tones we're using in the crease keep the copper from being overwhelming. (Maybelline's the Nudes palette, 2nd shade from the left on the lower row)
7. We're going to deepen the crease slightly, so, using the same brush, take a dark grey and place it in the outer "V" and crease. Be a little more sparing with the shadow and keep it concentrated towards the outer corner. It shouldn't blend out as far as the brown. (Maybelline's the Nudes palette, last shade from the left on the upper row).
8. Taking a smaller brush, run the brown shadow from step 6 to smoke out the outer half of the lower lash line.
9. Using a black liquid eyeliner, create a dramatic wing. My best advice is to practice your liner before hand, apply it slowly and carefully, and work in small strokes. If liquid liners still a pain, you can use a pencil liner smudged into the outer half of your upper lash line. (NYC Liquid Liner)
10. You want big, dramatic lashes for this night time look, so layer it on to taste and then comb out the clumps with a clean spoolie. (Covergirl's the Supersizer mascara).

     I wore this look to a benefit held at an art gallery, and I gave my whole appearance a 90's spin that night. I took the above picture after I'd already gotten home and gotten into my pajamas (which is proof of how long-lasting the eye makeup was). Besides the choker I'm wearing in the photo, I also rocked a purple lip to go with a little purple backpack I sported along with a halter crop-top and high-waisted shorts. The benefit wasn't anything fancy, so I thought I'd have fun with it. I hope that you have as good a time wearing this makeup as I did!

Love,
     Vicky

Some of my favorite things... Romantic Movies!

Why haven't I written about this before? I spend more time on Netflix than I care to admit, the topic of movies should have come up before. Oh, well. Anyway, so every once in a while I feel like torturing my single soul by watching some smarmy, wonderful romances. If you also want to do the same, here are some of my favorites (in no particular order, picking a favorite would be like picking a favorite child):

1. Funny Face: A light musical comedy with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. *squee*
2. 10 Things I Hate About You: The only version of The Taming of the Shrew that isn't horribly sexist. Kat is my freaking feminist hero. Also, HEATH LEDGER.
3. Sabrina: The original and the remake are both magical. The original has Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, which seems unbeatable. However, the remake with Harrison Ford has its own personality and is just as good in its own way.
4. Pride and Prejudice: Aughhhhhhhhomgggg.  This movie is so beautiful in every way. The scenery/costuming is gorgeous, the soundtrack is lush, and the acting is perfect. Watch it and you'll understand why it reduces me to a quivering mess. #MrDarcyForLife
5. Jane Eyre: The new one with Michael Fassbender. So... Jane Eyre is my favorite heroine.I might write a post expressing my love of the book. This being said, I like this adaptation a lot. It stays true to the book in character (aka, it nails the dark, gothic romance *feel* right on the head) and the performances by Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender are subtle but so powerful.
6. Love Story: You're going to need a jar of Nutella when you watch this classic. It gets a rating of "T" for tears guaranteed.
7. An Affair to Remember: So, yes, you might cry. But the ending makes everything worth it... or does it?  WATCH IT AND FIND OUT.
8. Amelie: It's French and it's quirky with a capital Q. A masterpiece.
9. She's All That: It's not a 90's movie without Freddie Prinze Jr. and a dramatic makeover. This movie is SO cheesy in the best way.
10. When Harry Met Sally: This is THE romantic comedy. All of the mainstays of modern rom-coms originated in this, the Godfather of cheese and stomach-butterfly inducing romance.

So. I know that most of what I just wrote wasn't entirely grammatically correct and I used an excessive amount of expressive punctuation, but that's just proof of how much I love these movies. I probably skipped something important, but such is life. If anyone has their own recommendations feel free to use the comment section!
Love,
Vicky

For the sake of listening

It seems like all my previous posts were about music. Well... So is this one.
There are some songs that just seem culturally important. Whether it be that their astoundingly good or it's referenced and alluded to so much that it doesn't matter if its good, I thought I'd supply a list of songs who fit the bill. Here goes:

1. Let It Be by The Beatles
2. Get Low by Lil' Jon
3. December 1963 (Oh, what a night) by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
4. Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake
5. Winter by Vivaldi
6. 99 Problems by Jay Z
7. Back in Black by ACDC
8. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction (Don't start yelling, it was popular enough and is heavily alluded to in popular culture, so it gets a spot on the list. Keep your hair on.)
9. Get up offa that thing by James Brown
10. At Last by Aretha Franklin

These are only ten of hundreds of song that have shaped eras (whether you like it or not). This post will definitely be back. If you have suggestions for songs to add to my list, comment!
Love,
 Vicky

How lucky am I?

     How lucky am I? I'm very lucky. I am so blessed. So very much, because I live in a world where love and friendship exist. A world that has it's shares of troubles, that often seems scarred beyond repair. I don't know how the universe manages it, but after every inky black night, dawn breaks and the horizon gives birth to a brand new day.
     And I am allowed to step out of my house, which I am blessed to have. To step out, look up at the beautifully blue sky and let the warmth of the sun caress my face. To step out and breathe in air that for that first hour after sunrise doesn't quite smell like smog but instead smells like damp earth.
     Oh God, I am so blessed.
Love,
     Vicky

Some of my favorite things... Music (Oldies but Goodies Edition)

     Recorded music has been around for a while now... and yet the popular stations insist on only playing the hits from the past month or so, repeating songs like they have no other option. Here's a list of some happily recognizable, Karaoke-worthy songs:

• I Can't Fight this Feeling by REO Speedwagon 
• You're So Vain by Carly Simon
• Rich Girl by Hall and Oates
• Working My Way Back to You by The Spinners
• Pretty Young Things by Michael Jackson
• Tiny Dancer by Elton John
• Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
• Your Song by Elton John 
• Hurt So Good by John Mellencamp
• You've Got a Friend by James Taylor
• For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder

You probably recognize most of these, but if you don't, give 'em a listen. You won't regret it, I promise!

Love, 

       Vicky

Lavender and Pink Spring Look

 

     I know that for almost everyone, spring seems like a far-off dream amidst your snow-ridden reality... which sucks for you, I guess. As a Floridian, the cold spell we just had only dropped to 50 degrees and though that had me personally bundling up, I know that's balmy by comparison to anywhere else. Hopefully, though, this makeup tutorial will remind any northerners that there's a light at the end of your polar vortex. I promise plenty of corny, spring-themed headers, so if you're interested, keep on reading!
Step 1: Fields of Lilac
    Since we're using color in this look, doing the shadow first will ensure that we can clean up any fallout with a wipe. Take a shimmery lilac/pink shade (I used the base shade in Neutrogena's Nourishing Eye Duo in Sugar Plum) and you're going to pat this on the lid up to but not above the crease, leaving the inner corner bare. Patting it on will ensure high color pay off.
Step 2: Grey Mists
    Taking a light grey shadow (I used Maybelline's the Nudes palette), blend into the outer v of your eyes and into the crease. Blend above the crease but not too high onto the brow bone. On a smaller brush, take a darker grey. You're going to define the outer v and  crease, concentrating the color right in the crease. Blend carefully, reapplying if you lose the color.
Step 3: Fresh Faced
     Apply concealer, foundation or BB cream to taste, The defining part of the face makeup is going to be the highlight coming up in a couple of steps.
Step 4: Putting Curtains On the Windows To Your Soul
(I told you they'd be corny.) Take the grey shadow you just used and smudge it close to your lower lash line. Then, use your favorite mascara.
Step 5: Dewy Sheen
     This is my favorite part. Okay, so put on a purpley-toned nude (I used Warm Me Up by Maybelline) Then, take that lilac/pink shade and use your finger tip to tap a little bit on the center of your upper and lower lips. After that, dust it onto the high points of your cheeks. I know the picture I provided sucks, but IRL the sheen was amazing.

Love,
     Vicky

   

Things I wish I'd known in High School: Life in General Edition

1. Why so shy?
          Don't be, there's no reason for it. Yes, these are new people. But you're undoubtedly awesome, so be friendly. Who knows who you might meet?          
2. Don't slack in school.
         But that's so boooorinngg, says the entire teenage population in unison. Look, trust me, I know. but that C average isn't getting you into college. Work hard now so that later on you can do what you want without worries.
3. If they lied once, it's likely it will happen again
         There's something my mom always says: gentle as a dove, wise as a snake. Basically, don't be bitter and suspicious but don't be stupid either. The greatest indicator of future behavior is past behavior, so don't be surprised if someone repeatedly tries to deceive you. They do it because they feel they can get away with it. Be someone worthy of respect and demand it.
4. You don't have to be friends with everyone.
          ... Wait isn't that the opposite of what I usually say? What happened to "be friendly"?
Well, what I'm trying to tell you is that if you feel put down or uncomfortable around certain people, there are thousands of others in your high school that you can be friends with. The oldest friends aren't always the best.
5. Join clubs and take AP classes
              The clubs help you make friends and the AP classes add some extra points to your GPA. What's not to love? Yea, the work can be hard, but don't limit yourself. Give it a shot
6. Figure that whole studying thing out.
           What works for you? Taking notes? Index cards? Are you a visual, auditory or hands on learner? Figure it out now and you'll start learning more efficiently.
7.  Enjoy it
           No, these are not the best years of your life. Your life will be long and fruitful, you don't need to plateau after high school. However, these are four years like no other. DO EVERYTHING. TIME IS FLEETING.

Love,
     Vicky

Glowing, Skin-Centric Makeup

 

      Please ignore my hair, the t-shirt, and the fact that I took this selfie in bed. Thank you.

I'll admit it. I wear makeup on a near-daily basis. Recently, though, I've really been trying to cut back on what I wear on my face. What's the point in getting dolled- up to the max if I'm only going to class, right? My everyday makeup usually lays emphasis on eyeliner, which this look has none of. Since I'm not placing emphasis on the eyes, I decide that radiant, clean looking skin would be where I put my effort. If you're interested in finding out how I did this, keep on reading. :)

Step 1: A Clean and Moisturized Canvas
     This is the first step to any and every makeup look if you want to maintain the health of your skin. I cleansed my skin with Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser (I have combination skin with sporadic breakouts) and topped it off with two moisturizers: Clarant B3 by Ponds (supposedly, this evens complexion over time) and Beautiful Skin Daily Moisturizer by No7 (contains SPF 15).
Step 2: Correct
     Okay, so this is going to sound weird, but trust me on this. Take a peachy, matte blush (like Maybelline's Bouncy Blush in peach satin) and apply sparingly onto your under-eye circles. The peachy pinkness will counter-act the blue tint. IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT IT'S MATTE. You're under eye area is NOT the place you want sparkles.
Step 3: Conceal...
  ...Don't feel, don't let them know... Sorry. I saw the opportunity and I took it. Anyway, you're going to take your favorite medium to high coverage concealer (I used Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer in Sand) and use it to cover up any blemishes, and those under-eye circles that we just turned an alarming shade of pink. Using clean finger-tips, blend, patting any excess onto the lids of the eye and brow bone. You're under-eyes should no longer look pink, by the way.
Step 4: Highlight and Blush
     I know it seems pretty early in the game for this, but if you're applying cream products like I did, you're going to want to put it on before you powder you're concealer. Take some of that peachy blush and smooth it onto the apples of your cheeks. Then,I used e.l.f. All Over Color Stick in Persimmon on the high points of my cheekbones, the inner corners of my eyes, my cupid's bow and my brow bones.
Step 5: Powder and Eyeshadow
     Whip out your setting powder (I used Rimmel's Stay Matte in Translucent) and apply sparingly anywhere you put concealer. You can skip this step if your concealer magically never creases. However, the rest of us mere mortals are going to want to put a bit of powder on our lids as well. Over top of that, take a peachy, skin colored eye shadow just a little lighter than your lids and apply to your eyes in a patting motion, making sure any discoloration or veining is eliminated. Then, take a shimmering champagne shadow and apply in your inner corners and brow bones to intensify and set the cream highlighter (I used Maybelline's the Nudes pallet).
Step 6: Mascara
     My favorite part! Curl your eyelashes and apply the most natural mascara you own (I used Clump-Crusher by Covergirl). Apply another coat on the lashes on the outer edges of your eyes. The point of this is to concentrate the fullness there, winging out the shape of your eye and giving you the definition you would have gotten with eyeliner... without actually using eyeliner. Be careful not to get any on your skin.
Step 7: Brows
    For me, this is very important. If you don't have the definition of eyeliner, framing your face with your brows should become a priority. Using a powder a few shades lighter than your natural hair color, fill in any sparse patches.
Step 8: Lips
     A pinky nude really suits this look, so I opted for mixing a few shades to get it just right. First, I used Maybelline's Warm Me Up (For it's pink tint) and applied Revlon's Rose Velvet over top (to tone down the pink and darken the color slightly).

Love,
     Vicky