Quick Couture: MAC Naturals

Theres nothing like a pallet that can work for every need.  I picked up this 15 pan MAC pallet about a month ago from Nordstrom and am involve with all of the colors.  The pallet has a perfect mix of neutrals, mattes, and shimmers.  I have found myself reaching for this pallet more and more because the eyeshadows work so well together and it is perfect for a quick or dramatic eye look.  This pallet is on the pricer side (85) but is worth it for anyone looking for something they will reach for every day. 

The first look using this pallet is below (feel free to use any eye shadow you already own). 

shop the pallet here! 

1. Before applying any eyeshadow I always prime my eyes with Urban Decay Primer Potion to assure that the shades will stay in place through the day.  

2. Apply "saddle" (or any orange tone brown color) all over the crease, this color will add definition. 

3. Apply "wedge" (or any light beige-taupe shade) over the eyelid. 

4. Apply a mix of "vapor" (or any light shimmer) to the tear duct to brighten the eye. 

5. Apply "brun" (or another deep cool-toned brown) to the lower lash line to define the eye. 

6. Apply mascara or lashes of choice. 

and... your done. 

- Kay 

Current Skincare Favorites

1. GLAMGLOW Supermud Mask: All time favorite mask, it leaves my skin feeling moisturized, fresh, and clean.  I use it sparingly (as in once a month, unless I have a special event), it helps fight most common skin concerns including breakouts and unevenness.  I love that I can basically see all the oils penetrate from my skin (its really exciting). 

2. Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair:  I am not much of a skincare person but I'm trying.  I always ask the ladies at the skincare (or makeup counters) if they could only purchase one item what it would be, and now I have this amazing serum.  By asking them to choose one item of whatever brand they work for it helps me focus on what is amazing instead of whats new or trending!  This serum is amazing, I have problematic oily skin with lots of dark marks from acne scars.  This serum along with the help of my Clearasonic has helped me reduce my dark marks dramatically and brings my skin back to life after applying as many acne drying products as possible. 

3. Trader Joe's Tea Tree Oil: basically my zit zapper, helps control my constant breakouts on my face and body (working out dose a damage to my sensitive skin).  For $6.99 I will use this forever!  I like to apply this before applying my moisturizer in the morning and again at night (depending on if my skin is behaving).  Tea tree oil is used as an antiseptic and is used to treat all types of skin infections,

it also leaves my skin feeling tingly (to me that means its working). 

I am constantly on the hunt for skincare, if you have any suggestions let me know below!

-Kay

Dark and Golden (Naked 3 Palette)

This here is my second look using the Naked 3 palette.  I love the versatility in colors and really enjoy creating these pictorials so let me know if there is any other palette you ladies would like to see used! 

This look is easy to create and requires little time or skill, just follow the 6 steps below! 

1) Cover the entire eyelid with "liar" this will be the base. 

2) Apply a mix of "darkside" and "blackheart" lightly to the outer half of the eyelid blending it as much as you can up into the crease.

3) Apply "strange" to the inner corner to highlight, this can also be applied under the brow bone.

4) With an eyeliner brush apply "darkside" to the lower lash line. 

5) Apply your choice of eyeliner, here I used Make Up Forever's Aqua Eyes.  

6) Apply either your favorite mascara or a pair of false lashes to enhance the eyes (if you do apply falsies make sure to go over them with eyeliner to conceal the lash band.  

*the lighting was a little off so thats why the eyes may look uneven.  

Soft and Gentle Eye (Naked 3 Palette)

Here is an eye look I created for the Beauty Bar Daily, it is soft and gentle and can be worn for day, or darkened a bit for night.  These are just the pictures, to read a full tutorial head on over to the Beauty Bar Daily for step by step instructions.

The Naked 3 palette has some seriously beautiful eyeshadows and is perfect for soft rose gold eye looks and day to day wear.  The colors are pigmented and can be applied effortlessly.

More tutorials coming soon.

Makeup Essentials

makeup essentials by kayleemills featuring hourglass cosmetics

1. Brush Set: a good brush set can be all the difference in makeup application.  Sigma brushes have been said to be better than MAC brushes and are also more affordable.  Yes, they are still a pretty penny but an investment in a great brush set can create a flawless look and will make application more enjoyable.
2. Basic Eyeshadow Palette: these may not be necessary for all, but they will come in handy for most.  Eyeshadows can brighten the eye, make smaller eyes seem bigger, bigger eyes seem smaller and are a must for me (considering I have a wide variety of pallets).  I prefer pallets over single eyeshadows because they are great for getting ready, for travel, and are a better for the wallet.  If you are not used to wearing eyeshadows then start simple and do some research on what colors are best for your eye color, skin shade, and overall appearance.
3. Face Primer: necessary for anyone who is wearing any type of foundation.  Primer makes pores appear smaller, skin seem smoother, oily skin less oily, and dry skin moisturized (depending on what primer you choose).
4. Eye Makeup Remover: a much needed product if you are wearing any eye makeup what-so ever.  The skin around the eye is the most sensitive so gently cleanse the area with makeup remover before.
5. Foundation: for most of us foundation is crucial.  Foundation evens out skin and makes us appear more flawless than we actually wish to admit.  Choosing foundation is the annoying part.  I personally like to get matched by a makeup artist at Mac or any other makeup counter/beauty store, but I am also a fan of drugstore foundations.  If I am purchasing a drugstore foundation it's all about trial and error so I usually purchase two and test them out, possibly mix them a little, and if worst comes to worst drugstores usually allow returns for cosmetics that simply do not work.
6. Eye Liner: like eye shadow this is not necessary for all but for me I love creating different looks and enjoy eyeliner in general.  There are tons of different eyeliners: gel liners (my favorite), kohl liners, liquid liners, etc.  Experiment and find one that is your favorite.
7. Concealer: cover up dark circles, blemishes, red patches and more.  Concealer can also be used to brighten the skin.  Use a lighter shade under the eye to look more awake and below the eyebrow to give it a lift.  This is also something that should be experimented with to find the right shade.
8. Eye Primer: Needed to create creaseless eyeshadow application.
9. Blush:  brighten and create life to your face by adding a rosy hue.  Blush comes in a variety of shades and types.  You have cream blush, matte blush, vibrant blush, blush with shimmer, I could go on.  Pick one that works for your skin and test out different shades depending on the look your going for.  
10. Lipstick:  I am for sure a lipstick lover.  Lipstick can drastically change a look and is easy to apply.  I have collected quite a few and will say lipstick is my favorite beauty item to purchase.  Dabble with different finishes and decide witch you like best.  I have been loving matte shades!
11. Mascara: I am not as cultured in mascaras since I usually wear false lashes and do not test a ton out but I will say that lengthening and volumizing the lashes brings a lot of life to the face.  It makes the eyes look more awake and that is useful for a lot of us women who are usually overtired.

Stay tuned for more beauty posts in 2014!

Fall Beauty Favorites

I have been meaning to get into more beauty posts.  I would love to post more reviews and eventually get into tutorials but that will all come in time.  This month I have been getting into beauty items more than I have been in the past few months.  If I wrote about all the lipsticks I tried this month you would be reading for about an hour.  Fall is all about bold colors: bright cheeks and dark lips.  I also believe that fall is one of the best times for makeup in general because it dose not melt off your face and the air is not as dry as the winter months.

1.  I purchased this eye pallet a while ago and the colors are phenomenal.  I really liked this pallet because the pans are so small... this may sound strange but I never ever use up eyeshadows.  It is so compact and is perfect for a full fall look, I especially love the green.

2.  This MAC blush in "So Sweet So Easy" has been my go-to it gives me such a rosy complexion and I am in love.  The pigment, like most MAC blush is phenomenal and long wearing.  

3. Although I usually wear false lashes I love this for the days I don't.  It last all day with no flaking or smudging and extends lashes like no other.  By far my favorite mascara of all. 

4. I just reviewed this facial cleanser here, but thought I would touch on how great it is once again.  It cleanses the skin clear of makeup, dirt, and oils gently without stripping the skin of natural oils needed to keep the skin hydrated.  It is a gel cleanser and is gentle enough for removing eye makeup.  It is a great buy.  

5. This seems really simple and it is.  This is just an angles eyeliner brush but I got a new one at the beginning of the month and the little things excite me.  I is so easy to apply eyeliner with a new brush so I thought I would include it. 

6. This one of two lipsticks and it was really difficult to narrow it down to just two of them.  I must say that this one surprised me.  I happened to purchase this at CVS simply because Milani cosmetics were on sale and I can not resist a sale.  This one is called "Sangria" and that is just what it is!  This lipstick is such a beautiful color!  I will be sure to swatch it for you later.  It is such a beautiful purple. 

7. Next is another drugstore lipstick and it is "Black Cherry", an extremely deep plum color that is moisturizing as well as  luxurious on the lips.  I can't even express my love for deep lips throughout the winter this will continue to be a favorite of mine.  

What have been your fall beauty favorites? 

Fresh face cleanser / Nars cosmetic / Benefit lengthening mascara / MAC Cosmetics blush / Revlon lipstick / Sephora Collection liquid eye liner / Lipstick