Lay the Foundation

"I'm here to enhance your beauty within. I'm here to help you achieve a flawless, yet natural, full face coverage so that you can add pretty blush and eye shadow colors to and create a gorgeous look that really expresses your personality. My job is to cover blemishes and redness and assist in your achieving an evened out complexion. I'm here to match your skin tone and blend seamlessly into your neck so that no one can even tell you're wearing makeup!" -said ALL foundation ever.

"My job is to make you look over made-up. I like to stand out from the rest of your skin because I come closer to matching the inside of an orange than to matching your unique complexion. I'm here to change the color of your face, cake up throughout the day, and sweat off on hot summer days. That's right, I am here to change your face!" -said NO foundation ever. 

Get my drift? Choosing and using foundation is much easier when you realize those very important "do's" and "don't do's" of foundation use. 

During my time at AMUA, foundation was called "base". Many people call it base and many call it foundation. Whichever term you choose, it serves the same purpose. It's the BASE or FOUNDATION for which you will build your look on top of - much like building a house. You start with the foundation (of course, now I am thinking of the exception to the rule because in makeup.....we usually start with a primer, which could be compared to priming before you paint a wall.....but that will take too long and I think you see what I'm getting at!)

Anyways, I've picked up three new foundations recently - L'Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation (shown in  my last blog), Dior Nude Air Liquid Foundation, and the L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation. To be honest, I have owned a few liquid foundations in the past, but I have never used them consistently. For the past year, I have been loyal to the NARS Tinted Moisturizer as my base. It's the best tinted moisturizer for coverage that I have found. Though I do still love it, I have recently been inspired to branch out - mostly by the makeup artists I watch on YouTube. Every time I see them use a new foundation, I find myself thinking, "I NEED TO TRY THAT!" 

When I'm rich....I will get ALL the foundations!!!

Below I've listed all the products I use in the video (linked at the bottom of the blog) in the order in which they were used. I've also mentioned how I like the product. 

Let me know if you have used any of these products and how you like them. I am also TOTALLY open to suggestions for foundations and concealers since they are my current obsession. I've already got a list that's pretty darn long of "try me's" for both, but lists are made to get longer and then get checked off, right? Enjoy! Oh and....for the finished face photos, I did finish up some quick eye makeup which is not shown in the video this time.

1. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water - This primer water is awesome. I bought it for my brides (which is really why I buy almost EVERYTHING). It hydrates, primes, and awakens/refreshes skin pre-makeup. It gives it a sheer radiance. It's alcohol and silicone free, and is infused with electrolytes. I hope they come out with a teeny bottle that I can throw in my purse because you can spray it on throughout the day to bring your face back to life! (I really wanted to put "bring yo face back to lyfe!", but I figured that wasn't very professional....) Loving this product. 


2. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation - I have only used this foundation twice. One MUA who reviewed it said if you're oily (which I am), you might not like it since it is luminous. Not a problem here - that could be due to the creaminess of the formula or my setting powder and spray that I will talk about later. Either way, I have really loved the foundation. Great coverage, only used two pumps for my whole face. No regrets!

3. Dior Nude Air Foundation - Let me just say, it feels like SILK, y'all. I have used this foundation several times since I bought it, but this is the first time I mixed it with the thicker foundation. I did this for two reasons: 

• One - it is very, very liquid-y and almost runs off my hand when I drop it (like it's hot) from the dropper. I guess I just prefer a thicker formula. Who said you can't mix foundations? They lied!
• Two - it's expensive and I only used two small drops of it when I mixed it, whereas alone I would have used about 4-5 regular sized drops to cover my entire face. Mixed and non-mixed this foundation is just wonderful. My ONLY complaint is how runny it is before application - once applied, it is not oily or runny, it's fab. 

4. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - This concealer is creamy and doesn't crease when set with powder. It really reminds me of the Naked Concealer by Urban Decay. Remember - LIQUID concealer that is LIGHTER than your skin tone under the eyes - this will help make your eyes as bright as your personality!

*Side note: When I spray the green blending sponge with the Smashbox Primer Water - this isn't necessary. You can dampen the sponge with regular water, too. Then blend away by dabbing and pressing over the concealer - no swiping allowed or the color will move.

5. NYX Contour Kit - Refer to my last blog for more details, but here I just use the 'banana' color and the lighter color next to it to set my concealer in place. I also used this palette to create a contour underneath my cheekbones and on my fivehead and temples. It does have a bit of a 'muddy' look when applied, so I forsee myself investing in the Kat Von D or Anastasia Contour Palette as soon as possible!

6. Makeup Geek Blush Pan in "Spell Bound" - Simply the best blush recommended by the best MUA ever (Jaclyn Hill). It's affordable and available online at makeupgeek.com and let me tell you, it is highly pigmented and marvelous!

7. Ulta Highlight Powder in "Yellow Diamond" - Refer to my last blog for more details. I placed this highlight above my cheekbones. This highlight will suffice until I can get my hands on a Becca Cosmetics one.....

8. Makeup Forever Pro-Finish Powder - Definitely not a must. This just helps keep my oily areas matte throughout the day. I only place it on my oilier areas such as around my nose and chin. Sometimes my fivehead. 

8. NYX Brow Powder Duo - Listen carefully, do NOT let eyebrows scare you. You do not have to carve out your brows every day with expensive pencils, gels, and 'pomades'. Since mine are naturally so light, I simply go in with a light brown brow powder using a tiny angled brush and follow my brows' natural shape - filling in any spots that may need it. I usually bring the tail-end out a LITTLE longer than it actually is - and I ALWAYS start at the end of my brow instead of the inside closest to my nose. You don't want to 'over-powder' this spot because then you will just look scary.....only use what is left on your brush to fill in the inside and dip back into the powder lightly (and shake it off) as needed.

9. URBAN DECAY DE-SLICK MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY - Yes, I capitalized this product because I wanted to indicate yelling. Best $36 I have spent in awhile on a makeup product. Notice I use the 'Oil-Control' version. There are a couple of different options that UD offers, but I bought this one with my brides and myself (of course, haha) in mind. It really does keep my face from greasing up and it locks the makeup in place for hours. Best of all, it keeps my brides from looking all slick and sweaty in their photos and throughout their wedding night after I leave them.

Lay the Foundation Video Tutorial

Here's the final look once I threw on a quick eye with no liner. I need a better camera.... 

Lip is Rimmel London Lip Liner in 'Eastend Snob' - Walgreens $5

Mascara is my holy grail of mascaras - Lorac Multiplex 3D Lashes - Ulta $22

Dog is Miniature Dachshund 'Ollie' making his cameo - Dog Store $Priceless

Brushes used:

Foundation - Morphe M439 $14

Beauty Blender Dupe $2

Under-Eye Setting Powder and Highlight - Real Techniques Setting Brush $8

Contour/Blush - Ecotools Large Powder $10

Face Setting Powder - Royal and Langnickel BX-05 $40

Brows - Morphe B11 $3

morphebrushes.com

Happy foundation laying, beauties!

Glow with the Flow

Ah, summer! 

For me, this word means many things - out of school for two months (I'm a 5th grade teacher), kayaking (and lots of it), relaxing by the pool, wedding makeup jobs, grilling out with my boyfriend and hanging with friends by the river, margaritas, reading (for pleasure), and of course - glowing summer makeup!

I started off this look with the L'oreal Paris Magic Lumi face primer I bought because Jaclyn Hill recommended it (she's hilarious and talented - check her out on YouTube). 

I will keep it short - it does exactly what it sounds like it would do! It helps to illuminate your face and keep the makeup in place. Super glad I bought this product and plan to continue using it because let's keep it real - a totally matte face just isn't in anymore - RIP matte face, yeah, RIP...RIP, we just killed the club......okay, re-focusing. 

$12.99 at Ulta - probably cheaper at drugstores or Target 

When I first saw Benefit's 'Sun Beam' - I knew I had to have it. After using their highlighter, 'High Beam' as a mix-in with my foundation, I just knew that Sun Beam would give me the tan, summer glow I wanted. And I was right (as usual...)!

In the video, you can see that I mixed Sun Beam into my L'oreal True Match liquid foundation with an SPF of 17 (which appears to be much too dark, but in the end - I promise it isn't, it blends into the color of my neck very well - most people's necks are darker than their faces, so think about that when buying foundation!) 

The SPF is great for protection against that hot summer sun! The two mixed very nicely together and gave me JUST the perfect glow I was looking for. I'll be honest, the photos and video do not justify how gorgeous it truly looked on my face. It was like my face was screaming, "IT'S SUMMER!"

Remember - pat, dab, or press foundation into skin with finger, brush, or sponge. Never wipe or swipe it!

For those of you who aren't as into full-coverage liquid foundation, here's an alternative. This is my everyday "foundation" - NARS tinted moisturizer. AKA the queen of all tinted moisturizers. Or king, whichever you prefer. 

I just love this tinted moisturizer so much! It's SPF 30 and gives a nice 'sheer-but-covered' coverage while moisturizing at the same time. I am literally on my fourth tube of this stuff and it lasts a good 3-4 months using it every day. Totally worth the $45 you will spend on it - pinky promise! (side note - if you have oily skin like me, I highly recommend setting the NARS tinted moisturizer - or any tinted moisturizer you may use - with Makeup Forever's Pro-Finish powder, it keeps me dry all day while keeping my face in tact and giving a flawless finish)

These two are a match made in makeup heaven, just mix them together and apply - about the same amount of each, or less if you want less glow.
*NARS products can be found at Sephora, not Ulta*

Okay, now, about this NYX contour and highlight palette! 

I was super happy to find it when I went to Ulta yesterday with all intentions of buying the Anastasia Beverly Hills one (which I will still be buying for my kit). Half the price and I can always count on NYX to bring the good stuff! I have had trouble with powder contour colors being too shimmery or too orange-y or just plain muddy looking. But this one did not disappoint - it gave a nice milky brown matte contour underneath my cheekbones, which went really well with the look I was going for - too much shimmer is a no-no! (side note - when buying 'shimmery' or 'illuminating' products, avoid 'glittery' unless you are going for a glittery eye shadow look - glitter on the cheeks or face just isn't cute and we said bye-bye to body glitter in the early 2000's, ya'll)

Another cool thing about this palette - I used it for my eyes, too! I just love being able to create a nice monochromatic look with the same palette, but still giving my face some contrast by using the different colors available (key to using highlight and contour colors - you MUST use them in the right places on your face). You don't always need a heavy, super-smoked-out eye, or even eye shadow for that matter. The video shows in more detail how I used this palette on my eyes and to set my under-eye concealer with the banana colored powder (obsessed with banana powder right now, by the way). And let's be real, I am so using this palette on my eyes again!

Overall, a  big 'yes!' I can't wait to keep experimenting with this guy.

NYX Contour Palette - $24.99 at Ulta 

Next, I used the 'Illuminating Powder of the Century' by Ulta. Just kidding, that's not the real name - but I have decided to call it that because it is just so beautiful for $12.50. I'm usually hesitant to buy store brands, but most things I've bought from Ulta's brand have been wonderful. This illuminating powder in 'Yellow Diamond' completed this look when I placed it on my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose.

If you want a more 'pinky' colored glow (which would go nicely if adding Benefit's 'High Beam' to your foundation instead of 'Sun Beam') they also have the same powder in 'Pink Diamond'. I almost got it and might end up going back for it, it's just as beautiful as the Yellow Diamond shade. Again, this leaves a glowing finish - NOT a glittery one! (Also ideal for bridal makeup which is my area of expertise)

"Ahhhh!" This is what I said when I swatched this gorgeousness on my wrist - go spend $12.50 on it if you want to glow - and who doesn't?

For my lips, I used good ole NYX products again. While you don't HAVE to put the liner on first, I did just to add some extra pop to the color. The liner shade is 'Nude' and the gloss shade is 'Creme Brulee' - one of my favorites in the butter gloss collection. If you're more of a 'gloss-only' kind of person, just swipe the gloss on and forget the liner! 

NYX products can be found for great prices at Target and Ulta

One product from this look that I was pretty disappointed in was the Instant Age Rewind under-eye concealer by Maybelline. I have heard several established makeup artists who do tutorials say that this is their favorite drugstore concealer, but I found that it didn't brighten as much as I desired and it seemed to crease even with the setting powder. Maybe I need a lighter shade...or maybe I just need to go ahead and grab a Mac Pro concealer or the Urban Decay Naked one I carried around for 20 minutes until I decided on the cheaper one......


As usual, here is the final look along with my first tutorial video. Please excuse the overgrown, bushy, need-to-be-waxed brows....

Like I said, the photos so do not do the glow justice. You just have to do it and see for yourself! Hope you enjoy Ollie's cameo as well, haha. 

*Two things I learned during my first video - 1. I need a better camera and 2. doing makeup in front of a laptop is freakin' hard*

Glowing Summer Makeup Tutorial on YouTube

False lashes are Ardell 'Glamour' in Wispies - Black - about $4 at Target or Walgreens
Optional, of course!

Matte-tastic Lipsticks

It's time! This is my officially my first makeup blog post. With my Inspire the Brush IG page nearing 400 followers, I felt the next step was this. I am excited to post the first of MANY makeup reviews, tips, and creations. 

What better way to start my blogging off than to review my current ABSOLUTE favorite matte lipstick? The Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm won me over as soon as I saw it - sort of a 'love at first sight' scenario, I suppose. 

I entered Target's cosmetics section in search of a purple lipstick when the Colorburst display featuring Emma Stone [obviously] caught my eye. Naturally, I gravitated to the matte balm side (the other side was the Colorburst Lacquer Balm) and reached for the purple, which is called 'Shameless'.  After talking myself out of buying four sticks, I made my way to the checkout not knowing the price because the display wasn't tagged yet. To my pleasant surprise, it was only $7! 

I absolutely LOVE Shameless. It's a great pansy purple shade and looked fabulous topping my NYX Wonder pencil (I use this as a lip primer). I wore it out this past weekend and only had to re-apply a couple times to the insides of my lips - mainly because I had a few drinks and lost some of the color to the bottle openings. It didn't get all 'crusty' and 'peely' (as I call it) and I was talking, singing, and dancing pretty much the whole evening. These balms also have a fabulous, subtle mint flavor that eases your lips. Overall, it's a perfect, long-lasting lip color that adds just the right amount of funky to your look. 

Mischievous was one of the colors I had to talk myself out of at Target. Since I loved Shameless so much, I have been dying to buy a few more colors - especially Mischievous, a peach-y orange shade. I snatched it up tonight at Walgreen's along with another pink-y shade, Unapologetic, because they were buy one get one 50% off (sucker for a good makeup deal). After applying Mischievous, I noticed that it doesn't seem as pigmented as Shameless - it's a tad bit sheer, so I might apply something underneath when I wear it out. Unapologetic looked just as funky and fierce as Shameless and I can't wait to wear it out. Both of these colors, of course, have the pleasant taste and feeling of mint for a comfortable wear. 

My only concern with these products is the fact that they come in a matte plastic twist up barrel, similar to a twist-out crayon. The tips are pointy, so my fear is that I won't get the same flawless application once the point starts to wear down and become chubby. A lip brush is always an option at that point, though. This minor concern will not stop me from buying more Matte Colorburst Balms, go grab one (or three).

Mischievous and Unapologetic 

Shameless

Let the 3 L's Be Your Shining Stars

I will be the first to say that I NEVER thought I would be open to a makeup look without the presence of eye shadow. After hours upon hours of tutorials on winged eyeliner (which I still don't think I have completely mastered), I decided to give it a shot and let my lips, liner, and lashes be the "stars" of my face production - the 3 L's! 

My 3 L's shining like stars!

The key to letting the 3 L's shine is to make each one of them BOLD. 

First, choose a bold lip color that will stand out and make 'em say, "I am the star!" I picked a purple shade, but a bright red or neon pink would look just as fancy! (For a red, I recommend Victoria's Secret 'Showstopper' or for a cheaper option Elf Matte Lip Color in 'Rich Red'. For a poppin' neon pink I recommend MAC 'Candy Yum-Yum' or NP Set 'Florence' - Elf and NP Set can be found at Target).

Bold lip created with Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in 'Shameless'

The next key to allowing the 3 L's to shine is to make sure that your eyeliner makes a bold statement. Plain 'ole liner just won't cut it for this look. Go for a 'winged' liner technique using a liquid liner pen in black, or just make your black liner a little thicker than usual. I opted out of applying any liner on my lower lash line in this look, and instead only applied to my waterline. I don't regret it one bit! 

Bold winged liner created with Elf Liquid Eyeliner Pen in 'Black'

 Finish off your fabulous look by applying a nice, dramatic false lash to your lids and a brightening face highlighter to certain parts of your face. I applied Elf Shimmering Facial Whip ($3 - Target) to my chin, just above my cheekbones, in between my eyes and down my nose including the tip, and underneath my brows on the brow bone. Some other amazing highlighters I have tried are the NYX Illuminator powder and Benefit 'Girl Meets Pearl' liquid highlighter (it is the best!).

Elf Dramatic Lash Kit ($1 - Target, includes glue)
Elf Shimmering Facial Whip ($3 - Target)

Let the 3 L's Be Your Shining Stars!

Five-Five-One

SUMMER!

This word bombards most of us with a whirlwind of emotions and activities. From extravagant pool parties and beautiful beach vacations to spontaneous outdoor excursions with the kids (or dog, in my case) and sunny days out on the lake, we all have our own busy summertime agendas that leave very little or no time to waste stuck indoors caking our faces with all kinds of makeup.....and who wants to do that anyways when there's a suntan to be gotten?!

While visiting San Diego this past week, my friends and I had so many adventures planned. While we definitely didn't want to spend every bit of our limited time getting ready, we also wanted to wear a bit of makeup. Naturally, this inspired the look I am presenting through this blog today, and I am 100% confident that there is not a single woman that this "look" wouldn't radiate on.

FIVE MINUTES - I literally set my iPhone timer to five minutes, guys....literally.
FIVE PRODUCTS - I only used five makeup products....I promise.
ONE TOOL - I needed one tool to make my face glow like the summer sun....and it wasn't even a brush.

Your tool - the one and only Beauty Blender (I use a dupe from Walgreens - $7)

Step 1: Apply a tinted BB Cream to your entire face, including your lips. This is also your SPF for the day (everyone loves multitasking!).....

I used Benefit's Bigger Than BB "Big Easy" BB Cream: Liquid to Powder with SPF 35. Not only did this product have about a medium coverage, which is perfect for this look, it did not leave my face oily and sweaty, which we all know feels disgusting and doesn't look too enticing, either....

I highly recommend this product, but TONS of cheaper alternatives can be found at a drugstore or Target - Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream, Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream, Rimmel London Tinted BB Cream Beauty Balm, etc. The list really never ends, but remember, you get what you pay for with makeup products.

Go grab a few little samples from Sephora before you spend your entire paycheck on a product - that's what I did here!
Benefit "Big Easy" tinted BB Cream - $38

More BB Cream Options

Step 2: Apply a shimmery (NOT glittery!) skin finish powder to places that you would normally contour and apply blush (just underneath your hairline/top of forehead, around your jawline/chin, down the sides of your nose, underneath and on top of your cheekbones - it needs to be pretty heavy in these two spots as you will see in the pictures - so don't be afraid to load up your blender and press hard multiple times; this is what will create the contoured look to your cheeks). I also dabbed a bit of the shimmery powder to the inside corners of my eye and smeared a tad underneath my brows onto my brow bones - when you use a smaller amount and press softly, this powder serves as a highlight.

I used Mac's Extra Dimension SkinFinish powder in "Superb". I have found this product so incredibly worth what I paid for it, but of course, there are alternatives. Physician's Formula has a pressed powder palette called "Mineral Glow Pearls" in Light Bronze that would also do the trick.

MAC Extra Dimension SkinFinish powder in "Superb" - $30

Steps 3 and 4: 

Apply a liquid liner to your top lid and a bit to your waterline (inside the bottom lid - the "wet" part). If you don't prefer a liquid liner, just use whatever liner you feel most comfortable with. A thin or medium-thickness line looks good with this look since it's overall pretty natural looking. A winged liner technique would also look fabulous (I love a good winged eye, especially when there's no eye shadow involved). Don't put any liner on the bottom lash line, no matter how tempted you are! Finish your eyes off with a black mascara - no falsies needed, girls.

Lorac Multiplex 3D Lashes AKA the only mascara I use - $22

NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker in "Carbon Black" - $9, Target or Walgreens

Step 5: Of course, my personal favorite part every single time, the lip. You have already applied the BB Cream to your lip in step 1 to protect it from the summer sun, so now all that's left is to slap on some color. I considered doing a bold orange lip with this, since an orange lip is a major trend this summer, but I opted out and don't feel bad about it. I ended up going with a nude/neutral color and it looked absolutely gorgeous.

I used the NARS Satin Lip Pencil in "Biscayne Park" and oh....my.....goodness, go spend $25 on one of these bad boys immediately! It's beautiful, feels amazing, and doesn't crack or peel with time. It's totally worth sacrificing two or three lunch/dinner outings or a couple bottles of wine for if you're on a budget (trust me, please!). Not only is this color perfect for this look, but it is perfect for almost any outing you could imagine - first date, wedding, day at work, night out with friends, etc. 

NYX Cosmetics and Elf Cosmetics (both found at Target) have nice alternatives to this pretty nude color if you're not willing to sacrifice your wine for the NARS pencil :)

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in "Biscayne Park" - $25

Final Look in natural sunlight with no added filters!

FIVE-FIVE-ONE and DONE!

-Inspire the Brush MUA

Pretty in Paradisco

After several requests for more minimal, dewy, monochromatic, springtime-ish looks, I finally gave in and tested two out. Unsure about how I would like them (since they are so incredibly different than what I normally create for myself), I forced myself to pick out just a few products to use and leave the others in their homes to rest (my lovely, clear, better-than-plastic storage container with drawers).

First, I decided to create a look around this product and this product only. I promised myself ahead of time that this would be the ONLY color I would add to my face other than my normal foundation/powder application. 

MAC Cosmetics Paradisco Frost Eyeshadow Pot - $15

Next, I used my blush brush to apply this eyeshadow to my cheeks. I used my flat shadow brush to pat it onto my lid and slightly into the crease. I repeated the application about 2-3 times to make sure the color popped on my eyes and cheeks. MAC products are pretty pigmented and a little goes a long way, so no need to use up half of your pot for this look (calm down - less is more with prestige brands!). I laid down no color underneath my brow. 

Liner: Elf Liquid Eye Pen in Black
Mascara: Lorac Multiplex 3D Lashes in Black

In order to give my face a "dewy" look, I added Elf Shimmering Facial Whip to several important places - the places I would normally highlight. This is a cheaper alternative to Benefit's "Girl Meets Pearl" which is my absolute favorite product to add a dewy/shimmery look to my face with. Using my finger, I dabbed the facial whip down my nose from between my eyes to the tip, in between my eyes, underneath each brow bone, across my cheekbones, to the center of my chin, and of course on top of my lipstick. You could always use a small brush or sponge, but for me the good 'ole finger works just fine. 

Lip Timeline:
1. lay down the NYX Wonder Pencil as a primer
2. lay down a nude or pink shade that matches the Paradisco Frost almost perfectly - I used a NYX nude shade; MAC "Myth" would also be a good choice
3. dab lips with Elf Facial Whip
4. top it with some of the Paradisco Frost eyeshadow to ensure a cohesive look (just use your finger - and yes it is okay to put eyeshadow all over your face!)

The final look was absolutely what I wanted to see! I wore this look out and received several compliments throughout the night. Not only was it monochromatic and pretty, but it was different and a total adventure from start to finish (when I sadly had to remove it before bedtime). 

Final Look