Every few months I put out a call to our readers asking what they're actually buying and actually using — not just adding to their wish list and forgetting about, but genuinely repurchasing and recommending to people in real life.

The beauty category is always the most chaotic to sort through. There are a lot of duds. A lot of things that looked incredible in a 15-second clip and arrived smelling like a rest stop bathroom. But every so often something genuinely good surfaces.

These 39 products made the cut. Some are new for 2026, some are classics that never stopped being great, and a few of them are going to make you feel like you've been leaving money on the table.

1. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

This primer was the most mentioned product in our entire reader survey — by a lot. It grips makeup to your face like it signed a lease. The gel texture feels weird for about four seconds and then you get it completely. Under $12 and it rivals primers three times the price.

buy it here

2. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Some classics just stay classic. Readers who've been buying this for years say they still haven't found a reason to switch. Full coverage, doesn't crease, comes in a range of shades that actually works for a range of people.

buy it here

3. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

The giant tub. You know the one. Dermatologists have been recommending it for years, and readers who made the switch from fancy department store creams said they saw zero difference in results — and a massive difference in their bank account.

buy it here

4. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

This thing has been on this blog before and it will probably be on this blog again until I stop running it. It dries and volumizes in one shot. Anyone who's struggled with round brushes and a separate dryer at the same time knows why this matters.

buy it here

5. COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Yes, it's snail mucin. Yes, it works. Readers with dry or sensitive skin kept calling this the thing that finally made a visible difference in their skin texture. It layers under everything and doesn't pill.

buy it here

6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Hydrating without being greasy is a harder trick to pull off than brands make it sound. This one actually does it. Multiple readers specifically mentioned it holds up well under makeup.

buy it here

7. NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss

Not sticky. Smells good. Comes in about a hundred shades. At under $8 it's one of those things you can grab in three colors without feeling irresponsible about it.

buy it here

8. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

Every generation rediscovers this mascara and acts like they found something new. It's been one of the best drugstore mascaras for decades — there's a reason it never goes away.

buy it here

9. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Pore minimizing, oil controlling, and genuinely cheap. Readers who've struggled with uneven skin tone and enlarged pores kept coming back to this one. Apply it before moisturizer and leave it alone.

buy it here

10. Conair Infiniti Pro Curl Secret

A lot of readers are done with traditional curling irons. This one pulls hair in, curls it, and releases it without the awkward wrist angles. It takes a few tries to trust the process, but they do trust it.

buy it here

11. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

A setting spray, a midday refresh, a makeup-over-dry-skin fix — readers use this for all three. It's been around forever and the price has stayed reasonable, which is rare.

buy it here

12. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

For anyone who's been sleeping on drugstore foundation, this is the one multiple readers said they switched to after something pricier stopped working as well. A wide shade range and a formula that doesn't oxidize on you by noon.

buy it here

13. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Simple, gentle, and it doesn't strip your face. Readers with sensitive or reactive skin kept naming this as the cleanser they came back to after experimenting with more complicated options. Sometimes boring is exactly right.

buy it here

14. Wet Brush Original Detangler

This is a brush that actually does what it claims, which — given how many detangling brushes have come and gone — feels notable. Readers with thick, curly, or color-treated hair say it's genuinely a game changer for wet detangling.

buy it here

15. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

Okay, it's a splurge. Readers who called this one out knew that, and they called it out anyway. If you've been on the fence, more than a few people said it's the one luxury skincare product they'd actually keep repurchasing.

buy it here

16. Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

Not glamorous. Not a TikTok trend. Just a shampoo and conditioner that readers say consistently leaves their hair in better shape than almost anything else they've tried. Sometimes that's the whole answer.

buy it here

17. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

This one came up over and over from readers who want full coverage without feeling like they're wearing a mask. It blends easily and the coverage is real, not the "buildable" kind that requires six layers.

buy it here

18. OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo

Smells incredible, makes hair soft, doesn't cost a lot. Readers who aren't dealing with specific scalp issues and just want their hair to be clean and smell good kept naming this.

buy it here

19. Foreo LUNA Mini 3 Facial Cleansing Brush

A bigger investment upfront, but readers who have one point out that they stopped buying disposable cleansing pads entirely. The silicone doesn't harbor bacteria the way bristle brushes do, which is a detail worth knowing.

buy it here

20. Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm

Comfort plus a little color without the commitment of a full lipstick. Multiple readers said this is what they actually reach for every single day. The shades are wearable rather than aspirational, which is what you want from a daily lip product.

buy it here

21. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

This has been the benchmark for micellar water for years. Readers who've tried cheaper versions say they always come back. It removes makeup gently without pulling at your face, which sounds like a low bar but somehow a lot of products miss it.

buy it here

22. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream

One of the most accessible curl products out there. Readers with wavy-to-curly hair say it defines without crunch, which is the whole goal. And it's under $12, which makes it easy to keep in stock.

buy it here

23. Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Serum

Readers who've used this consistently for three months report visible results. That's the key word — consistent. It won't do anything if you use it twice and give up. But the people who stick with it are enthusiastic about what happens.

buy it here

24. Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Not a beauty product in the traditional sense — and readers don't care. They use it on cuticles, lips, dry patches, as an occlusive layer over nighttime skincare. The small tube is worth keeping in your bag at all times.

buy it here

25. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Five dollars. Not a typo. Readers keep comparing it to mascaras that cost ten times more. Dramatic lash effect, the brush is oversized in a way that actually helps rather than clumps. This is one of those rare things that lives up to the hype.

buy it here

26. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

This is the most expensive thing on this list and I want to be upfront about that. Readers who mentioned it acknowledged the price and mentioned it anyway — which says something. It's a skin-barrier-focused cream that a segment of readers says genuinely changed what their skin looks like.

buy it here

27. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

The sunscreen that dermatologists recommend constantly — and for good reason. Readers with acne-prone and sensitive skin especially kept naming this as the one SPF that doesn't break them out or leave a white cast. It's available on Amazon and worth every cent.

buy it here

28. Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner

This duo came up repeatedly from readers with dry, brittle, or chemically processed hair. It's not a budget buy, but it's not wildly expensive either — and readers say it works better than salon treatments they've paid a lot more for.

buy it here

29. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

The bronzer that stays on the list year after year. Readers with fair to medium skin especially named this as the only bronzer that doesn't make them look orange or chalky. The matte finish is what sets it apart.

buy it here

30. RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Serum

For anyone looking for a drugstore retinol that actually delivers results without a prescription, this one keeps coming up. Readers who've been using it for a few months say the texture difference in their skin is real and visible.

buy it here

31. Amika The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo

Bond-repair haircare had a moment and kept the momentum because it actually works. Readers with damage from bleach, heat, or just time said this shampoo started making a visible difference faster than they expected.

buy it here

32. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

A little goes a long way is an understatement. Readers kept saying you need about a quarter of a drop, and they said it warmly — because the color payoff is exceptional and it blends into skin rather than sitting on top of it.

buy it here

33. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

This is prescription-strength retinoid that's now available over the counter. Readers dealing with stubborn acne kept naming it as the thing that finally made a dent. It takes patience — about 8 to 12 weeks — but the readers who stuck with it are genuinely impressed. The American Academy of Dermatology backs adapalene as a first-line acne treatment if you want the clinical receipts.

buy it here

34. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

The original at-home bond repair treatment, and readers still say it's the one they go back to. Use it before shampooing, leave it on, and your hair will feel different when you rinse it out. The kind of different that makes you do a double take in the mirror.

buy it here

35. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

A felt-tip liner that actually stays felt-tip — meaning it doesn't dry out halfway through the bottle and turn your eyeliner application into a light scratching session on your eyelid. Readers say the formula is consistent and the tip stays sharp.

buy it here

36. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Use it at night, wake up with soft lips. That's really the whole pitch. Readers who've been using this for years say they've never found a reason to switch, and the tiny container lasts a surprisingly long time.

buy it here

37. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

Body exfoliation that doesn't require a spa appointment or a spa budget. Readers love the scent options and said their skin feels dramatically softer immediately after use. The Moroccan Rose and Tropic Glow flavors came up most.

buy it here

38. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

For anyone who's watched their makeup disappear by 2pm — this. Readers describe it as the final step that makes everything before it worth it. Spray it on, let it dry, and stop touching your face.

buy it here

39. Gua Sha Facial Tool (Rose Quartz)

The most divided product on the list, honestly. Some readers swear by it for depuffing and lymphatic drainage. Others think it's a wellness placebo. The research is genuinely mixed — but if you're consistent with it, the depuffing effect is something readers report noticing. And it's usually under $15, so the risk is low.

buy it here

If you're looking for more reader-tested finds, check out my roundup of kitchen tools people are actually using — same philosophy, different aisle.

Thirty-nine things is a lot. But when you're shopping beauty on Amazon it helps to have a starting point that isn't just "whatever has the most reviews" — because those lists skew heavily toward whatever got a PR push six months ago.

These came from real people who spent their own money and reported back. That's worth more than a star rating.

If you've tried something from this list — or if there's something you think belongs on it — you know where to find me.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best affordable beauty products on Amazon in 2026?+

Some of the best affordable Amazon beauty products in 2026 include the Essence Lash Princess mascara (around $5), NYX Butter Gloss (under $8), e.l.f. Power Grip Primer (under $12), and the Ordinary Niacinamide 10% serum. All are under $15 and consistently rate among readers as top repurchases.

Is Differin gel actually effective for acne?+

Yes — Differin (adapalene 0.1%) is a prescription-strength retinoid now available over the counter and is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology as a first-line acne treatment. Results typically take 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use to become visible.

What is the best drugstore foundation on Amazon?+

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation consistently tops reader surveys for drugstore foundation on Amazon. It comes in a wide shade range, doesn’t oxidize, and delivers full coverage without looking heavy.

Does the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer actually work?+

Readers say yes — consistently. It dries and volumizes in one step, eliminating the need to juggle a round brush and a separate dryer. It works best on medium-length hair but readers with a range of hair types report good results.

What Amazon skincare products are worth splurging on?+

Readers call out Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream and Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream as the two luxury skincare products they’d keep repurchasing despite the price. Both focus on skin barrier support and readers report visible differences in texture and firmness with consistent use.

What is the best Amazon beauty product for sensitive skin?+

For sensitive skin, readers consistently return to CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, and EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46. All four are gentle enough for reactive skin and are frequently recommended by dermatologists.

Are gua sha tools actually effective or just a trend?+

The evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest gua sha can temporarily reduce facial puffiness by supporting lymphatic drainage, but long-term skin-changing effects are not well established. Readers who use it consistently report noticeable depuffing; those who don’t stay consistent see little difference. At under $15, it’s a low-risk thing to try.

Our readers have been testing and reporting back on dozens of Amazon beauty finds, and these 39 are the ones that keep coming up. From under-$15 skincare steals to cult-status hair tools, this is the roundup worth bookmarking before your next cart session.

Every few months I put out a call to our readers asking what they’re actually buying and actually using — not just adding to their wish list and forgetting about, but genuinely repurchasing and recommending to people in real life.

The beauty category is always the most chaotic to sort through. There are a lot of duds. A lot of things that looked incredible in a 15-second clip and arrived smelling like a rest stop bathroom. But every so often something genuinely good surfaces.

These 39 products made the cut. Some are new for 2026, some are classics that never stopped being great, and a few of them are going to make you feel like you’ve been leaving money on the table.

1. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

This primer was the most mentioned product in our entire reader survey — by a lot. It grips makeup to your face like it signed a lease. The gel texture feels weird for about four seconds and then you get it completely. Under $12 and it rivals primers three times the price.

buy it here

2. Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Some classics just stay classic. Readers who’ve been buying this for years say they still haven’t found a reason to switch. Full coverage, doesn’t crease, comes in a range of shades that actually works for a range of people.

buy it here

3. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

The giant tub. You know the one. Dermatologists have been recommending it for years, and readers who made the switch from fancy department store creams said they saw zero difference in results — and a massive difference in their bank account.

buy it here

4. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

This thing has been on this blog before and it will probably be on this blog again until I stop running it. It dries and volumizes in one shot. Anyone who’s struggled with round brushes and a separate dryer at the same time knows why this matters.

buy it here

5. COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Yes, it’s snail mucin. Yes, it works. Readers with dry or sensitive skin kept calling this the thing that finally made a visible difference in their skin texture. It layers under everything and doesn’t pill.

buy it here

6. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Hydrating without being greasy is a harder trick to pull off than brands make it sound. This one actually does it. Multiple readers specifically mentioned it holds up well under makeup.

buy it here

7. NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss

Not sticky. Smells good. Comes in about a hundred shades. At under $8 it’s one of those things you can grab in three colors without feeling irresponsible about it.

buy it here

8. L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

Every generation rediscovers this mascara and acts like they found something new. It’s been one of the best drugstore mascaras for decades — there’s a reason it never goes away.

buy it here

9. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Pore minimizing, oil controlling, and genuinely cheap. Readers who’ve struggled with uneven skin tone and enlarged pores kept coming back to this one. Apply it before moisturizer and leave it alone.

buy it here

10. Conair Infiniti Pro Curl Secret

A lot of readers are done with traditional curling irons. This one pulls hair in, curls it, and releases it without the awkward wrist angles. It takes a few tries to trust the process, but they do trust it.

buy it here

11. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

A setting spray, a midday refresh, a makeup-over-dry-skin fix — readers use this for all three. It’s been around forever and the price has stayed reasonable, which is rare.

buy it here

12. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation

For anyone who’s been sleeping on drugstore foundation, this is the one multiple readers said they switched to after something pricier stopped working as well. A wide shade range and a formula that doesn’t oxidize on you by noon.

buy it here

13. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Simple, gentle, and it doesn’t strip your face. Readers with sensitive or reactive skin kept naming this as the cleanser they came back to after experimenting with more complicated options. Sometimes boring is exactly right.

buy it here

14. Wet Brush Original Detangler

This is a brush that actually does what it claims, which — given how many detangling brushes have come and gone — feels notable. Readers with thick, curly, or color-treated hair say it’s genuinely a game changer for wet detangling.

buy it here

15. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

Okay, it’s a splurge. Readers who called this one out knew that, and they called it out anyway. If you’ve been on the fence, more than a few people said it’s the one luxury skincare product they’d actually keep repurchasing.

buy it here

16. Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

Not glamorous. Not a TikTok trend. Just a shampoo and conditioner that readers say consistently leaves their hair in better shape than almost anything else they’ve tried. Sometimes that’s the whole answer.

buy it here

17. Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer

This one came up over and over from readers who want full coverage without feeling like they’re wearing a mask. It blends easily and the coverage is real, not the “buildable” kind that requires six layers.

buy it here

18. OGX Coconut Milk Shampoo

Smells incredible, makes hair soft, doesn’t cost a lot. Readers who aren’t dealing with specific scalp issues and just want their hair to be clean and smell good kept naming this.

buy it here

19. Foreo LUNA Mini 3 Facial Cleansing Brush

A bigger investment upfront, but readers who have one point out that they stopped buying disposable cleansing pads entirely. The silicone doesn’t harbor bacteria the way bristle brushes do, which is a detail worth knowing.

buy it here

20. Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm

Comfort plus a little color without the commitment of a full lipstick. Multiple readers said this is what they actually reach for every single day. The shades are wearable rather than aspirational, which is what you want from a daily lip product.

buy it here

21. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

This has been the benchmark for micellar water for years. Readers who’ve tried cheaper versions say they always come back. It removes makeup gently without pulling at your face, which sounds like a low bar but somehow a lot of products miss it.

buy it here

22. Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Defining Cream

One of the most accessible curl products out there. Readers with wavy-to-curly hair say it defines without crunch, which is the whole goal. And it’s under $12, which makes it easy to keep in stock.

buy it here

23. Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH-MD Lash Serum

Readers who’ve used this consistently for three months report visible results. That’s the key word — consistent. It won’t do anything if you use it twice and give up. But the people who stick with it are enthusiastic about what happens.

buy it here

24. Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Not a beauty product in the traditional sense — and readers don’t care. They use it on cuticles, lips, dry patches, as an occlusive layer over nighttime skincare. The small tube is worth keeping in your bag at all times.

buy it here

25. Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Five dollars. Not a typo. Readers keep comparing it to mascaras that cost ten times more. Dramatic lash effect, the brush is oversized in a way that actually helps rather than clumps. This is one of those rare things that lives up to the hype.

buy it here

26. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

This is the most expensive thing on this list and I want to be upfront about that. Readers who mentioned it acknowledged the price and mentioned it anyway — which says something. It’s a skin-barrier-focused cream that a segment of readers says genuinely changed what their skin looks like.

buy it here

27. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

The sunscreen that dermatologists recommend constantly — and for good reason. Readers with acne-prone and sensitive skin especially kept naming this as the one SPF that doesn’t break them out or leave a white cast. It’s available on Amazon and worth every cent.

buy it here

28. Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner

This duo came up repeatedly from readers with dry, brittle, or chemically processed hair. It’s not a budget buy, but it’s not wildly expensive either — and readers say it works better than salon treatments they’ve paid a lot more for.

buy it here

29. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

The bronzer that stays on the list year after year. Readers with fair to medium skin especially named this as the only bronzer that doesn’t make them look orange or chalky. The matte finish is what sets it apart.

buy it here

30. RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Serum

For anyone looking for a drugstore retinol that actually delivers results without a prescription, this one keeps coming up. Readers who’ve been using it for a few months say the texture difference in their skin is real and visible.

buy it here

31. Amika The Kure Bond Repair Shampoo

Bond-repair haircare had a moment and kept the momentum because it actually works. Readers with damage from bleach, heat, or just time said this shampoo started making a visible difference faster than they expected.

buy it here

32. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

A little goes a long way is an understatement. Readers kept saying you need about a quarter of a drop, and they said it warmly — because the color payoff is exceptional and it blends into skin rather than sitting on top of it.

buy it here

33. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

This is prescription-strength retinoid that’s now available over the counter. Readers dealing with stubborn acne kept naming it as the thing that finally made a dent. It takes patience — about 8 to 12 weeks — but the readers who stuck with it are genuinely impressed. The American Academy of Dermatology backs adapalene as a first-line acne treatment if you want the clinical receipts.

buy it here

34. Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

The original at-home bond repair treatment, and readers still say it’s the one they go back to. Use it before shampooing, leave it on, and your hair will feel different when you rinse it out. The kind of different that makes you do a double take in the mirror.

buy it here

35. NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner

A felt-tip liner that actually stays felt-tip — meaning it doesn’t dry out halfway through the bottle and turn your eyeliner application into a light scratching session on your eyelid. Readers say the formula is consistent and the tip stays sharp.

buy it here

36. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Use it at night, wake up with soft lips. That’s really the whole pitch. Readers who’ve been using this for years say they’ve never found a reason to switch, and the tiny container lasts a surprisingly long time.

buy it here

37. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

Body exfoliation that doesn’t require a spa appointment or a spa budget. Readers love the scent options and said their skin feels dramatically softer immediately after use. The Moroccan Rose and Tropic Glow flavors came up most.

buy it here

38. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

For anyone who’s watched their makeup disappear by 2pm — this. Readers describe it as the final step that makes everything before it worth it. Spray it on, let it dry, and stop touching your face.

buy it here

39. Gua Sha Facial Tool (Rose Quartz)

The most divided product on the list, honestly. Some readers swear by it for depuffing and lymphatic drainage. Others think it’s a wellness placebo. The research is genuinely mixed — but if you’re consistent with it, the depuffing effect is something readers report noticing. And it’s usually under $15, so the risk is low.

buy it here

If you’re looking for more reader-tested finds, check out my roundup of kitchen tools people are actually using — same philosophy, different aisle.

Thirty-nine things is a lot. But when you’re shopping beauty on Amazon it helps to have a starting point that isn’t just “whatever has the most reviews” — because those lists skew heavily toward whatever got a PR push six months ago.

These came from real people who spent their own money and reported back. That’s worth more than a star rating.

If you’ve tried something from this list — or if there’s something you think belongs on it — you know where to find me.

See? It’s kinda subtle. Okay, not really. But it’s Valentine’s Day! This is your excuse to wear pink!

Start by taking a matte beige shadow and blending it into your crease. I used Lazarus from the Kat Von D Shade + Light Palette.

Now for the fun part! Take a bright pink shadow (I know it doesn’t look bright in the pictures, but once you see the video, you’ll see what I mean,), and blend that into the crease slightly overlapping he beige. The one I used is called Party Girl from Buxom. This is going to create a lovely gradient. Feel free to pretend you’re Bob Ross.

Deepen the outer crease with a matte reddish brown. I used Anastasia Beverly Hills Red Earth.

I used a deep brown eyeliner because using black would make the pink look too harsh. The brown is romantic and unexpected. This is called Hemmingway from Kat Von D.

Add a champagne pink glitter to the center of your lid.

Add some mascara and/or lashes AAANNNND you’re a Valentine’s Day Queen!

Check out the video tutorial below! Don’t forget to stay tuned for my dumb bloopers!

For a tutorial on the curls I am wearing in this video, click here!

Click the photo below to see how to do this Orange and Lavender Halo Eye!

It’s all fun and games until your eyes swell shut! Yup, I changed my facial routine and ended up looking like Rocky Balboa for a day…

About The Time My Eye Swelled So Badly I Looked Like Rocky Balboa

Top of the list has been to smear my face in all the skin care things. All of them!

Spoiler, this is a really bad idea.

The best practice is to introduce a new product and give that one product a two week trial run. See how your skin takes it, if it works for you or if it creates other problems. That is the smart thing to do.

I tried to do that. I swear.

First I started out with a drugstore kit for dealing with acne. It had a cleanser, toner and moisturizer. I figured it had to be pretty run of the mill stuff and was an okay place to start. I used it for a few weeks along with another moisturizer I was really liking.

Then… My neck started to itch. I didn’t realize it until at the end of a long day I looked in the mirror and there were long, red scratch marks down my neck.

What the heck?

I immediately stopped the whole routine and went back to my regular make-up remover wipes and a gentle moisturizer I’ve used off and on for years.

After about a week the dryness cleared up. A little testing of my other products led me to believe the culprit was one, or all, of the acne kit. I put it in a drawer and ignored it for two whole weeks. Two weeks!

About a week ago I was washing my face, and thought–why not test it? Just to see? I mean, what’s the worst that would happen? I’d get itchy, right?

If I could go back in time and slap myself I would.

That night I opted to just apply the moisturizer. Just to test it out. I wanted to see what would happen.

The next morning I woke up to complete darkness. After a moment of flailing around and mutterings of, “Oh crap,” from my fiance I figure out that it’s not the lights that aren’t working.

It was my eyes. They’d swollen shut.

So there I am, face itchy and swollen, unable to see, all because I just wanted to make sure that this one product I was pretty sure wasn’t good for me, really wasn’t good for me. Guess what? It wasn’t. Yeah. Live and learn, and then slather yourself in coconut oil!

You think to yourself, “Just move to the outer edges. There’s still plenty of product here.”

You take extra care to only put your brush in the edges knowing it’s futile. The damage is already done. 

That Hopeless Moment Every Make-Up Girl Knows Too Well…

With the mirror of Erised to show us exactly what we desire to look like, and quill-inspired brushes for applying, each palette comes with it’s house seal, and colors that define each of the house traits. For Gryffindor: Nerve, Bravery, Fire, Daring, Courage, Chivalry…

Slytherin: Creative, Cunning, Greatness, Ambitious, Resourceful, Emerald…

Hufflepuff: Ethic, Trust, Dedication, Charming, Loyal, Kind…

Ravenclaw: Sapphire, Wisdom, Cleaver, Wit, Intelligence, Bronze…

I might only be a muggle, but I can still imagine myself with shimmering eyes attending the Yule Ball. Or just going out on a Friday night.

From the messages on the Reddit thread, I’m not alone. Muggles and wizards alike are practically begging to hand over our cash and galleons all in the name of beauty. As for Spellsandstars, what started out as an inspired art project might turn into a game-changing money-maker if she ever considers putting it up on Kickstarter…seriously, I’d fund it in a day.

Hufflepuff, out.

Hey, I love Harry Potter Crafts so much that I wrote a book about them! My book, THE UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO CRAFTING THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER IS AWESOME AND YOU SHOULD TOTALLY BUY IT.

The Unofficial Guide to Crafting the World of Harry Potter: 30 Magical Crafts for Witches and Wizards from Pencil Wands to House Colors Tie-Dye Shirts

Apply tape where you want the liner to end

Basically, what you’re going to do here is look at your lower lash line. If you were to continue the trajectory of your lower lashline- that is where you want your tape to go. Be sure to stick the tape to your hand a few times before applying it to your face to lessen the tackiness, otherwise you’re in for a bad time when you have to remove it.

Draw a line connecting the outer corner to the center of your eyelid

You want to do this in one fell swoop to create a smooth line. Hesitating here can harm you instead of help, just remember, outer corner to center of the lashline. Straight line from one point to the other. One and done.

Line your eye as usual

You’re going to line your inner corner and lash line as usual, then connect your first line to the rest of your liner. Fill in any spots in between your lashes and any blank spots.

Remove tape

Pretty self explanatory.

Clean up any bleeding or mistakes with a makeup wipe. Long smooth strokes are also important here. Like the super sexy face I’m making in this photo? MMMM yeah.

Add Mascara

And you’re done! Check out the video below for a live play by play, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

“Melted Chihuahua” by Too Faced

Too Faced has a line called “Melted Liquified Longwear Lipsticks”, and while most of them have cute names like “Melted Peony” and “Melted Sugar” there is also a shade called “Melted Chihuahua.” I’m sorry, what?

“Roach” and “Mildew” by Urban Decay

Yes. Roach and Mildew are eyeshadow shades by Urban Decay. I get that they go for some “edgy” names, but come on. Even though I know it’s just eyeshadow, and they’re actually both strikingly beautiful shades, I’m a little leery about putting them near my eyes.

“Camel Toe” and “Full Brazilian” by Cheeky Monkey

Camel Toe and full Brazilian are nail polish shades from Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics. Trust me when I say that there are way worse shade names than the two shades I chose to share here. Search at your own risk.

“Spackle” by Laura Gellar

The word spackle just makes me feel like my face is a home improvement project, and something about it just doesn’t sit right with me. Sorry, Laura Gellar. I think I’ll find a primer that has a name that doesn’t liken my face to drywall.

“Uh Oh Roll Down The Window” OPI

Are you serious right now, OPI? This isn’t edgy, or sexual, or clever. It’s just gross. Maybe it’s just me, but when someone asks me what shade my nail polish is, I don’t want them to think I farted when I tell them.

Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER

Always, ALWAYS use cosmetic glitter for anything near your face. Cosmetic glitter is made of plastic and has rounded edges that are approved for use near the mouth and eyes. Craft glitter is metal and sometimes glass with sharp edges that can cause you to LOSE AN EYE. No I’m not kidding. It’s happened. Google it if you dare.

Promise? Ok.

Start out with a creamy lipstick. This one is from Maybelline and it’s called Nude Lust. Where do makeup companies come up with this? Like do they sit in a board room and brainstorm this craziness? Anyways…

Slap that lipstick on. Business as usual.

I chose a glitter that was close in color to my lipstick choice. This is from Nyx and it’s called Rose Pink.

Tap some glitter into the cap of the packaging, and use your finger to pat the glitter on over top. This is going to be a little tedious. Don’t worry if you get it everywhere. We’ll fix that in a little bit.

Use a piece off tape to pick up all those pesky stray glitters

And that’s it! I paired this glittery lip with a neutral eye, so it stayed in “oh cool glitter lips!’ territory and not “dang that’s a sexy drag queen” zone.

Check out our glitter lips tutorial on YouTube!

Like the lashes I’m wearing in the photos above? Click the photo below to enter to win 2 pairs!

Decide which type of eyeliner works best for you

There are three common types. Liquid (the ones that seem like they would be easiest to use but are really are tiny demons disguised as pens and bottles), Gel (intimidating little pots that require the use of an eyeliner brush), and pencil (the easiest to use but nearly impossible to get a sharp, defined line).

Try experimenting with different types and brands of eyeliner, and choose the lesser these three evils. I prefer gel, specifically Anastasia Waterproof Creme Color, and Maybelline also makes a great gel liner that comes with a brush!

Symmetry

Have you ever been finishing up your eyeliner, feeling really good about how it turned out, and then take a step away from the mirror only to realize that although both sides look awesome, they also look completely different from each other? SO FRUSTRATING. I know for me, it makes me want to flip tables.

Instead of making it progressively thicker to try and even them out; try this instead…

A great tip for getting even eyeliner every time is to map out your liner with eyeshadow first. Just take and angled or eyeliner brush and do your liner as you normally would, except use a brown or black shadow. You can just rub it away if you mess up. Once you’re satisfied with the way it looks, you can go over it with your regular eyeliner! Never rub your eyes raw applying and reapplying ever again!

Bumpiness

Honestly, the reality of eyeliner is that it’s just going to be bumpy sometimes. Here are some tips to help your eyeliner go on smoothly, and how you can fix it if it comes out looking like you did it while driving down a dirt road.

• Rest your elbow on a table. It makes a world of difference.
• Use the length of  the brush to your advantage. It’s instinct to want to use the point of the brush to do your liner, because it seems more precise. Using the length of the brush, however, will give you a straighter, smoother line. It practically does the work for you.  Hold the brush parallel to your eye. Like this:

• Relax your eye. If your eyelid is all squinched up crazy looking your eyeliner will skip and look crazy too. Relax your muscles and tilt your head back so that you’re looking down into the mirror. This will pull your eyelid taut and make it easier for you to get a straight smooth line. Try not to get distracted looking up your own nose.
• Make sure you have the right amount of product on your brush. If you have too much, it will be hard to control, but if you don’t have enough, your brush won’t glide over your skin and could skip. It takes a lot of practice to know the magic ratio, but it’s worth figuring out.

If you do mess it up:

Go back over it with eyeshadow on a brush to even out the bumps!

Tightline

Tightlining is one of those weird things that is a pain in the butt to do, and looks mildly uncomfortable, but makes a huge difference in the way your liner looks. Tightlining means you’re filling in the gaps between your lashes, making them look thicker and fuller. It makes any eyeliner you put on look better because there is no “gap” between your liner and your eye.

Start by taking a stiff brush and loading it up with black or brown eyeshadow. Then you’re going to press the brush down into yur lashes until it meets skin. Without lifting the brush off your skin, gently wiggle it to work the shadow into your lashes. Do this all across the length or your lashes.

Then, you’re going to repeat the last step, except this time, from below, going underneath your lashes. Yes it looks like turture, but once you get used to it, it’s no biggie. You could also do this with a pencil.

Left side, tightlined. Right side, bare.

This is a great way to do liner for those of you who don’t have very much lid space.

And that’s it! May the eyeliner odds be ever in your favor! A tutorial for this subtle pink and brown eye look is here! Do you have any questions? Leave them in the comments below!

I eased myself into wearing brightly colored makeup by wearing it around my house. Wearing a red lip while vacuuming or cleaning the kitchen really helped me get used to seeing myself wearing something bold. I would be catch myself thinking, “why is there a fashion model in my living room?!” and then I would realize that it was just me in the mirror. I grew to really love the way it looked.

Life is too short not to be bold, so let’s do it!

There are several ways to wear colorful makeup and still not go overboard and feel self conscious all day. You could do a completely neutral lid and use a bright colored liner on your lower lash line, or you could pair a basic eye look with a neon lip. This is my favorite way to incorporate color. It is subtle, and beautiful, and it will work with any color. I chose pink today, because, reasons.

Start off by priming your lid and setting the primer with a skin colored or translucent eyeshadow. This will make it easier to blend other colors out later.

1. Blend a beige-peach color into the crease of the outer 3rd of your eye. Make sure the edges are nice and seamless. It’s okay if it’s barely noticeable. You can barely even see mine in the photo.
2. Blend a light taupe into the same area, only a little smaller than the shape of the shadow you just put down. You don’t want to cover up the peach; leave it peeking through the edges.
3. Take a dark brown and add it to the outer third in a sort of V shape. Blend the edges up and out into the crease.
4. Take your colorful shadow and pat it onto the center of your lid. As there is less product on your brush, you can begin to blend out the edges. You can switch back and forth between your colorful shadow and brown until it’s blended to your heart’s desire.
5. Line your eye. I went back in and added a wing after I took this photo
6. Lashes

Finshed Look

I added a rosy pink ombre lip. This one is Nyx Ombre Lip Duo in Freckles and Speckles.

Wearing something bold and sexy always leaves me feeling confident and empowered at the end of the day. I never get more compliments than when I wear my favorite orangey-toned red lipstick, and now I don’t think I could live without it!

The best part is, I don’t even feel the need to check peopleofwalmart.com to see if anyone posted my photo anymore.

Let me know what you guys would like to see next in the comments, or better yet, share your favorite bold makeup products!

The Light Side Of The Force

I’m going to start out with those of you who stay on the light side of the force. I used the Kat Von D Mi Vida Loca palette for this, but since it was limited edition; you can us the Lorac Pro Palette.

Start out with your eyelid primed. Take the shade Taupe and blend that baby right into your crease and slightly above your crease. this is going to act as a transition shade to help darker shades blend out later.

Next, with Sable, blend this into your crease and downwards onto your lid. The brush is your light saber.

With Gold or Light Bronze, use a shder brush to pat some color onto your lid.

Finally line your eyes with espresso or black.

Add some mascara and you’re all set with this warm toned shimmery eye. It reminds me a little of the sandy terrain or shiny android parts. Perfect for a flight on the Millennium Falcon.

But who can resist the call of the dark side?

Using Espresso on a blending brush and a (Starbucks Rewards) business card as a guide, blend the color into your crease. By putting color only on one side of your brush and tilting the handle of your brush upwards, you can create a soft cut crease.

Deeping the outer third of your crease with a little black shadow.

Line your lower lash line with a black pencil and blend it out using a smudger brush.

Pack the shade Garnet over top of the black liner and blend it out to soften the edges.

To really make the Jedi weak in the knees, add some sexy falsies.

That’s it. Live long and prosper.

JUST KIDDING. DONT KILL ME.

So, you already know you’re going to blow his mind when you get it on, but you want to make sure you look amazing while you’re doing so. Your body is perfect and you’ve already mastered those loose messy curls that look even better once a man has run his hands through them. But what about your makeup? Wont it look all crazy when you wake up in the morning? Runny mascara is never a sexy look. If you want to have perfect makeup for The Morning After, here is what you do…

Makeup For The Morning After…These things are your friend:

A long wear foundation like Estee Lauder Double Wear or Revlon Color Stay.

A waterproof mascara or a topcoat like Nyx’s Proof It

Makeup Up For Ever Aqua Seal

Mac Fix +

Ben Nye Final Seal or Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Anastastia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

Disclaimer:

For real, you should always wash your face at night, but c’mon, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. Of course, when you make it home, you should immediately wash your face and treat it to a nourishing deep mask (that you can wear while basking in post coital bliss).

Getting Ready

First, go ahead and do your base as your normally would, except mix a few drops of the Aqua Seal into your foundation. I do this by applying both to the back of my hand and mixing them together with a brush. Aqua Seal does exactly what it sounds like it does- makes products resistant to water (and sweat *wink-wink*). This will ensure that you won’t roll over in the middle of the night and leave a face shaped print on his pillowcase. Keep your blush and bronzer subtle if your wear them.

For eyes, we’re going to stick to classic eyeliner on the upper lid. You can add a little dimension in your crease with a skin-tone colored shadow if you choose, but aim to let the eyeliner be the star of the show. Intricate eye shadow will smear and fade overnight. Mix some aqua seal in with your gel liner and apply your eyeliner concentrating on the outer half of your lid, giving the eyes a sexy lift.

Add waterproof mascara and lock it in with Nyx Proof It Topcoat. Do several coats on your top lashes, but only one on your lower lashes. That way you’re less likely to have raccoon eyes in the morning.

If you do your brows, Anastasia Brow Gel will pretty much tattoo them on. They wont be going anywhere until you want them to. Which is how eyebrows should always be, if you ask me.

Set all of your handiwork with a translucent powder using a puff instead of a brush. Patting will keep you from moving around the products underneath, and you can go back in with a fluffy brush afterwards to wipe off all the excess.

Finally, take a light shower in Mac’s Fix +. This product melds your makeup so it’s all one layer and takes away the “powdered” look. It pretty much will make you look like you’ve been airbrushed. If they could make one that would make me look like Kate Winslet that would be great. I hope you’re listening, MAC.

If all of that waterproofing weren’t enough, we’re going to finish it off with Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. The name is pretty self explanatory, but basically this will shellac your makeup to your face.

I recommend a lip color that is nude/natural colored because they fade in a way that is flattering and typically won’t end up all over your face.

Makeup For The Morning After…In your bag:

A compact mirror

A liquid liner pen

Unscented lip balm

Tissue

A disposable mascara wand.

Those dissolve-y mint strip things that stick to the roof of your mouth.

A mini water bottle.

Protection: you know what I mean.

During the Date

Try not to drink to much. Not only is it a recipe for a bad first experience together, but alcohol seeps out through your pores and will dissolve your makeup and ruin all of your hard work. Yikes.

When you take your trip to the bathroom after you do the deed, grab your bag on the way back and set it next to the bed for easy access in the AM.

Try to sleep with your head elevated to avoid waking up with a puffy face.

The Morning After

Slllloooooooowly roll over so that you’re facing the outside of the bed and take out your mirror to assess the damage. Things should still be in order, but if not….

Use the tissue to blend out any smudges in your face makeup.

A disposable mascara wand can be used to lightly brush off mascara flakes that end up on your cheeks without disturbing the makeup below it.

If you’re feeling REALLY brave you can try touching up your eyeliner with the eyeliner pen, just keep in mind you’re gonna look like a nut if he wakes up while you’re in the middle of this.

Use your finger to apply a light layer of lip balm so you don’t look like you’ve been stranded in the Sahara.

Pop a mint and arrange your hair artfully on the pillow.

There you have it.

This makeup is also great for other occasions. Like if you’re going through a breakup and Adele comes on the radio, or when Steel Magnolias is on TV.

Just a note: I’m pretty sure guys could care less if your makeup is a little jacked the morning after a romp (especially if you pulled out all the stops). So if he wakes up before you- don’t stress it. Chances are, if he was good enough to sleep with, he’s probably a great guy and will still kiss you on the lips in the AM. Mint or no mint.

“Hey Babe! I’m here at Bonefish with Steve and Don (colleagues). Their wives are on the way- can you make it?”

You swallow the panic and flip down the mirror. You have that toilet seat shaped line around your face from laying on the massage table. Your hair is a disaster. You happen to have an outfit (just picked up the dry-cleaning) but you have no eye makeup on and about 15 dollars in your purse. Bonefish is across the street and home is 30 minutes away.

“Uhhhh….Sure.” He knows that you were just at a spa. You know you cant ream him out in front of his co-workers.

He will pay for this later. After he buys you exorbitantly priced drinks and appetizers.

I hope you’ve got an awesome mirror in your car, girl. Here’s how you can get Work Dinner Makeup on a Taco Bell Budget.

First find your nearest drugstore and pick up the following items:

1. Wet N Wild Color Icon Walking on Eggshells Trio ($3)

2. Maybelline Master Drama Khol Liner: Brown ($6)

3. E.L.F. Volume Plumping Mascara ($3)

Ok. Lets do this.

1. Create a quick wing with your brown pencil eyeliner. We are going to be blending this out with your finger, so keep in mind that it will grow in size when you’re drawing it out.

2. Ignore the old lady getting into her car next to you. Blend out the eyeliner by patting the edges with your finger.

3. What the F*$# is she looking at? Turn slowly and stare at her back until she starts her car and leaves. Take the crease color in the palette and use it to set the eyeliner and smoke it out further.

4. Take the color labeled ‘eyelid’ in the palette and pat it in the center of your eye. Turn on your air conditioner because all this hustling is making you sweat.

5. Pat the ‘Brownbone” color into the inner corner of your eye, and on your brownbone. Blend it by tapping with a finger that doesn’t already have eye shadow all over it.

6. Line the outer half of your lower lash line with the pencil and smudge it out with your finger. Is One Direction the radio again? Do a quick check to see if anyone is looking before you take a mini dance break. That song is obnoxiously catchy.

7. Line your upper waterline. Start thinking about what appetizer you’re going to order that will make your husband cringe for his wallet.

8. Add some mascara. Brush out your hair.

9. Pose.

You breeze into the restaurant like a freakin’ goddess. Your husband gives you an apologetic smile. You smile sweetly and pat his hand, then turn to the waiter and order the most expensive glass of wine they have.

That’ll show him.

Check out more tutorials using this Wet N Wild Palette by clicking the photo below!

• Adele’s winged liner is always a little different because the wing is angled more upwards than traditional winged liner, so when your eye is open, you can juuuust barely see that the end of the liner is upturned. I find that gel liner is easier to work with for this, but some people prefer liquid liner pens, and that’s cool too.
• First, draw a line beginning at your lower lash line towards the tail of your brow. It’s okay if it’s a little messy. We can fix that up at the end.
• Working from the outside in, tilt your head back so that your eye is nearly closed and you’re looking down at yourself into the mirror. Draw a straight line from the outer corner to about 2/3 of the way in. Hold your brush parallel to your body to create a smooth line.
• Fill in the blank spots
• Line your inner corner. If you need to clean up the edges, you can go over the bottom with concealer on a brush. If your lines are bumpy- go over them with some matte black eyeshadow on and angled brush to smooth them out!
• Add mascara. For the full effect, add some sexy false lashes.
• Voila!

Still having trouble? Troubleshoot your winged liner technique with this tutorial!

What you need to create the Smokey Silver New Year’s Eve Look:

• An eyeshadow a shade or two darker than your skintone
• A light brown shadow
• A dark brown shadow
• A black eyeshadow
• A metallic silver eyeshadow
• Falsies if you’re about that life
• A business card or piece of paper

How to create the Smokey Silver New Year’s Eve Look:

Hold a straight edge at the corner of your eye. This is going to act as a template to make a nice straight line. You want it to lay so that it connects your lower lash line to the end of your eyebrow.

First, start with an eyeshadow two or three shades darker than your skin tone. This is going to act as a transition shade and give us a sexy gradient effect. Apply this to your outer corner and crease. Start in the outer edge of your eye, and as there is less product on your brush, begin to bring it inwards. Really go ham here girl, this is your moment.

Next, repeat step two with your light brown shade, only this time, keep it slightly within the eyeshadow you just laid down.

Then, repeat step two, again, slightly within the shadow you just laid down, with your brown. We going to keep going darker with out shadows, and smaller with our shapes

Finally, in an even smaller area, use your black shade.

Pat a silver shade on your eyelid. Really starting to come together. If you really want people to be able to see you from outer space, wet your brush before applying.

Line your lower lash line with your dark brown shadow about halfway, stopping at your iris.

Add some mascara and lashes and you’re ready to go. Are you feelin’ yourself? You should be.

Pair this with some sexy Beyoncé-inspired big hair  and a nude lip and you’re ready for that Fireball!

Love this look, but need help blending? Check out this blending tutorial!

• The Lorac Pro Palette. There are several reasons why this is a wonderful gift to give a makeup fan. Firstly, it has 8 matte shades and 8 shimmer shades and very shade in this palette is either a neutral or a jewel tone, so it will flatter any skin tone. In addition to being ridiculously versatile, it has one of the best eyeshadow formulas on the market. You cant go wrong with this one.
• A Beauty Blender. Yes, it is a 20 dollar makeup sponge. It’s also a completely necessary and irreplaceable 20 dollar makeup sponge. This baby makes your concealer or foundation go on flawlessly. This product is and Allure Best of Beauty Winner, and a total game changer when it comes to applying complection products.

• The Maybelline Color Tattoo in any of the jewel toned or neutral shades. It’s important to stick to these colors when buying makeup products for others because, like I said above, they look beautiful on all skin tones. These creamy gel eyeshadows are intensely pigmented and last all day long. They are impressively inexpensive as well. Some of my favorite shades are “Bad to the Bronze”, “Tough as Taupe”, and “Barely Branded”.
• Some Real Techniques beauty tools are wonderfully valuable and widely used in the beauty community. These brushes were created by Sam and Nic Chapman of Pixiwoo on YouTube. I use their brushes every day, and they’re perfect for any skill level.

• A subscription to a monthly beauty box like Birchbox takes all the guesswork out and allows the giftee to customize the types of products they receive each month. You can gift a 3 month subscription for only $30 dollars. A gift delivered to your door each month? Sign me up! (I’m already signed up)
• A gift card to receive a mani-pedi, Eyelash Extensions, or a facial are always going to be a welcome gift for beauty lovers- especially the ones who could use a break!

Everything on this list will be a welcome gift- just make sure they don’t have them already!

In a sneaky way, of course.

I love this. I love anything that makes packing for travel easy.

Okay, I know what you are thinking– because I thought it too–you immediately flashed back to the eighth grade, sitting on your bed, with your Caboodle full of makeup, the one that went with you when you did overnights at a friend’s house. The one that you wouldn’t let your brother even breathe on. It was your everything! (If you had a Caboodle, PLEASE share your favorite Caboodle memory in the comments. I want to hear them!)

Well, Caboodles are still a thing, and they are still awesome. In fact, I would say they are now even more awesome. I am so in love with this Caboodle I got at Ulta. I bought one for me and my daughter. That’s how cute they are. Here’s how I use a Caboodle to take all my makeup with me when I travel.

Basically, my Caboodle is so totally adorbs that it looks amazing on my bathroom counter. Which is a good thing because bathroom counter space is precious commodity at my house, and my husband still wants his side of the sink. I asked him just last night if he wanted a pretty wife or more counter space, he said I was pretty without makeup. I still haven’t decided if he was just vying for more counter space.

And are you ready for this? When I travel somewhere, I just close up my Caboodle and pop it into my carryon bag. THAT’S RIGHT– THIS THING FITS INTO MY CARRYON BAG!

Seriously, I never have to pack my makeup. It’s already done for me. And when I get to the hotel? I pop my Caboodle open right there on the counter and it’s like I am at home.

I love feeling at home when I travel.

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Caboodles, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #cuethecaboodles  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I cant even wear my cute scarves! My one consolation, is that I have been ALL ABOUT that smoky eye life. If spring and summer are about colorful lips and winged liner, then the fall and winter months mean smoky, sexy, smudged eye makeup.  My favorite one is this sultry daytime autumn makeup tutorial.

Today we’re going to do a daytime appropriate slightly smoky eye makeup. I love to wear this because it’s got a bit of color without being to over the top. It’s sexy without being “Damn girl it’s 10 am what are you doing?”. Does that make sense? Don’t worry, it will.

How To Do This Daytime Autumn Makeup Tutorial

You should always begin any eye makeup by using an eyeshadow primer from your eyelid all the way to your eye brow. The primer will help your makeup last all day in addition to making your eyeshadows more vibrant.

Wait for that to set, and then apply a thin layer of setting powder or an eyeshadow that matches your skin tone over the primer. This is an important step because it will help your eyeshadows blend out more easily. Think of it like spraying cooking spray on a pan.

1. First, take a terracotta shade and apply it into your crease and slightly above your crease. I used Sienna by Anastasia Beverly Hills. Take a blending brush and gently blend it out. You will want to tilt your head back and look down at yourself in the mirror. This will pull your eyelid taut and create a smoother more seamless blend.
2. Next, take a burgundy eyeshadow and apply that in the same area you applied your orange only slightly within the area your just laid down. I used Red Earth from Anastasia Beverly Hills. You also want to apply this into the outer third of your eye lid. Take your blending brush and blend away, girl. You want to make sure you’re blending in small circles with light pressure on the skin. Think butterfly kisses from the worlds sweetest child gentle. You don’t want to over blend this and make your orange and burgundy turn into a muddy mess.
3. Then we’re adding a champagne pink with a slight sheen to the lid. I used Booty Call from Urban Decay (The Naked 2 palette). I use my finger to apply this, using a tapping motion. Start in the center of your lid, and then, as there is less product on your finger, blend it out on either side. You could also add this to your inner corner and brow bone as a highlight if you prefer.
4. Take a matte black shadow (I know, black shadow is intimidating but trust me!) on a pencil brush and add it to your outer V. I used Blackout from Urban Decay. Blend that shit. It should just slightly deepen your outer corner.
5. Use a black pencil to line the outer third of your lower lash line. Using a pencil brush with the same orange shadow we started with, blend out the black and smoke it out a bit. Line the outer half of your upper lash line with black liquid or gel liner. I used Ink Liner by Kat Von D in Trooper.
6. Work some eyelash magic with the mascara of your choice and you’re golden!

Want more? Check out this Burgundy and Turquoise Eye! SO COOL!

]]> https://totallythebomb.com/best-cheap-mascara/ Mon, 14 Apr 2014 05:49:50 +0000 https://totallythebomb.com/?p=6374

Lately, I have been on a makeup budget. The thing is, I love it because I can find all the awesome drugstore mascara and other stuff for a fraction of the price I would normally pay for department store brands. Oh, plus I have now officially found the best cheap mascara! Rimmel Retro Glam Scandaleyes!

Don’t believe me? Check out my video tutorial below teaching you how to get TWO looks. One is a simple day look using Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation as an eyeshadow and primer, and the other is a funky retro look that would be great for a fancy night out!

And in case you aren’t the video watching kind, I’ve included a little step by step tutorial below:

1. Start by priming your eyes with the Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation. Make sure to blend it in really good. Use this as a concealer under your eyes as well. Basically, this stuff replaces three different products, and it’s awesome.
2. Now, line the top and bottom of your eyes with a black eyeliner. This doesn’t have to be perfect at ALL. The smudgier the better.
3. Add little wings out on the edges of your eyes to create that retro cat eye look that we all love. This is a quick easy to fake a cat eye without going to all the trouble of actually making one.
4. Use a teal eyeliner pencil (or any spring color really, going retro is all about big pops of bright color to line not only right above the black eyeliner, but to line in the crease of your eye as well. This is how we are going to make our eyes look super big! Blend everything when you’re finished.
5. Now add just a touch of eyeshadow in the same color as the bright eyeliner you just used. Just go over the eyeliner to really make it stand out. Do this on both the top and bottom of your eye.
6. Add a couple of coats of the Rimmel Retro Glam Scandaleyes Mascara and you’re all finished!

AND GUESS WHAT!?! Since it’s the 180 Year Anniversary of Rimmel/Coty, we are giving away $50 worth of Coty/Rimmel products to 25 Lucky readers in order to help you achieve these awesome looks! (Oh, and you can get $1.00 off each of these products with coupons from the Sunday Newspaper!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The Coty® Rimmel® Giveaway starts at 4/2/14 at 12:00 A.M. (midnight) ET and ends on 4/25/14 at 11:59:59 PM ET. Open only to (i) members of the Social Fabric community, (ii) legal residents of the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, and (iii) who are at least 18 years old at the time of entry. Click here for Official Rules and details including how to enter, entry criteria, prizes and restrictions, etc. Void in PR and where prohibited. Sponsor: Collective Bias, Inc.

If you’re wondering where to get the makeup, I got mine at Walmart.

I hope this posts gives you lots of #BeautyInspiration #CollectiveBias #shop