Makeup Archives - Embracing Beauty

The Five-Minute Face

December 3, 2015 by Zoe Elmore 20 Comments

If we’re honest, every woman wants to look her best every day, but for those of us non-celebrities who don’t have the luxury of a professional makeup team on speed dial, we have to find tips and techniques that will get us out of the house looking great and in a timely fashion.

I’d love to share some of my best essentials for a five-minute face.

Organization Counts

An organized make-up area with products and applicators within reach is key to putting on a five-minute face with relative ease. I keep my everyday makeup products in one make-up bag that is easily tucked away under the bathroom counter when not in use.

Concealer

It only takes seconds to apply concealer to under eye darkness or other facial blemishes. Use a very small amount of concealer and using your ring finger pat the concealer into those areas. Pick a shade that is about one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. You can also add a bit of your moisturizer to the concealer for a smooth application.

Foundation

Regardless if you use a powder, mineral or liquid foundation, applying your foundation with the right tools is essential. Choose a makeup sponge or foundation brush for liquid foundations and a foundation brush for powder or mineral foundations to make it appear flawless.

Eyeliner or shadow

Pick one — you don’t need both.

If you want a simple, natural look, just sweep eye shadow in a neutral tone all over your eyelid.

My favorite is to apply eyeliner to the upper lid at the lash line alone; it helps your eyes stand out.

Curl your eyelashes and apply just one coat of mascara.

Doing your eyes in this manner should only take two minutes at the most.

Blush

Sweep your blush on the apple of your cheeks. Be light handed – just a bit of color will brighten your face.

Lipstick/Gloss

Put the finishing touch on your face by applying a long-wearing lipstick. You can choose from a myriad of brands. It takes just a few seconds to apply, and the long-wearing benefits are wonderful. You can apply lip-gloss on top of the long-wearing lipstick throughout the day for that freshly applied look.

I hope these tips and techniques will help you in looking your best when you only have five minutes.

Filed Under: Makeup Tagged With: Makeup, quick

Bold Metal Makeup Brushes at Walmart + a Giveaway

August 21, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Lunchbox. Opinions are 100% my own.

I’m kicking myself. Recently, I spent a boat-load of money on cosmetics. I’m really happy with my purchases, but not so happy with my bank account. Ok – I’m over my pity party because at least I look haute. 😉

Long story short, I went to Walmart for some supplies, remembered that I was going to be reviewing some make up brushes from Walmart so I strolled down the make up aisle and low and behold what did my eyes spy. Legit make-up brushes. I would expect to see these in a fancy pants store. These babies were NICE. When I looked at the prices (to analyze if Wal-mart still indeed had lowest prices now that they had big-girl make-up brushes) they were true to Wal-mart form – a bargain.
These guys are called the Bold Metal Collection.

Here’s a short review of their features:

– 100 Arched Powder
The design has a dome cut to put powders exactly in their place.
– 101 Triangle Foundation
The triangle foundation brush is just fun. I’ve always used sponges, so I love that there’s a fancy, soft brush to do the same thing. It contours perfectly on the large and small areas.
– 200 Oval Shadow
The fullness of this brush makes lid application blend well.
– 201 Pointed Crease
Hello, smoky eye! The pointed crease is perfect for creases.
– 202 Angled Liner
Though I’m not a fan of liner brushes, I do like this one.
– 300 Tapered Blush
I LOVE blushing my cheeks and the tapered brush was a treat for my rosebuds.
– 301 Flat Contour
The thick stubbiness of this brush makes it great for contouring.

One aspect I loved about all the brushes is the weighted handles. You had something to hold onto and could feel the quality. Makes me think twice about the Wal-mart make-up aisle for sure! I also like how all the brushes are white which is a good visual reminder for me to clean my brushes regularly!

Bold Metal Brushes

Can I let you all in on my number one tip for better looking make up (besides a good skin care regimen)?

Good make up brushes! Trust me, high quality make up brushes can make all the difference in the world ladies!

High quality brushes have:

– Softer or precise bristles
– Shed less
– Wash cleaner
– Last longer
– Better application!

So now that you know that the fabulous Bold Metal brushes are available at Walmart you can scoop them up the next time you’re shopping there. Visit Walmart.com for additional information and tutorial videos on each Bold Metals brush.

I have even more good news tonight! I’ve teamed up with Real Techniques and Walmart for a $100 Gift Card Giveaway, so you can buy the whole collection! Woo! Good luck!

$100 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway

Filed Under: Makeup Tagged With: Lunchbox, Makeup, Makeup Brushes, Real Techniques, Walmart

Clarins’ 5, 10, & 15 Minute Makeup Routines + Giveaway!

April 21, 2015 by Ashley 9 Comments

This is a sponsored post by Clarins – but the opinions are all my own.

Being a busy mama of two, I hardly have time to gather my thoughts, eat, get out of sweatpants, take a shower, and a dozen other things I attempt to accomplish for myself on a daily basis. In all the hustle and bustle of life, applying make up has unfortunately shifted the the bottom of the list. I manage to smear a little on when I’m on the way to church each week but that’s about it. I run to the grocery store with kids in tow hoping not to run into anyone I know. If you’re a mom please comment and tell me that you’ve done that before and I’m not alone. I feel alone in this most days as the moms I know (who I love and admire!) look polished and put together every time I see them. Well, now I can join those put together moms…at least, a few days a week!

Clarins has put together a fabulous set of products to give moms a simple 5, 10, and 15 minute make up routine. (The 15 minute routine is for those rare occasions when the babysitter is running late and the husband is wrangling the kids.)

For those with older kids, these quick looks are great for transitioning from a professional day time look to a date night look in mere minutes.

Not only do I love all of the products in the collection, but I’ve also began using many of them on a daily basis which is proof that these quick routines really do work! While I think they are all great, I do have my favorites! The two stars of the collection for me are the Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Rose Shimmer and the 3-Dot Liner.

The color is perfectly subtle and adds just the right amount of shimmer.

This 3 dot liner is genius! When applied gently it will make your lashes look thicker by dotting a line just above the base of your eyelid. It can also be used like a regular eye liner and is precise enough to make a killer cat eye too.

Because I absolutely adore the Instant Light Lip Perfector, I want to give one of you the chance to try it out for yourself. This giveaway is for US and Canadian residents 18 years and older. Simple visit this link and tell me which product you would most like to try and which of the three looks best fits your lifestyle.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Makeup Tagged With: Clarins, Makeup

Victoria Jackson Makeup Survival Kit Review

March 20, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This conversation is brought to you on behalf of Victoria Jackson® and One2One Network. All opinions are my own.

Get a new fresh look for spring with the new Victoria Jackson Survival Kit. It features soft pastel eye colors and peach tone blush which is perfect for spring!

– 10 Eye Shadows in Ice White, Rose Pink, Neutral Brown, Warm Dark Brown, Iridescent Olive, Gold Flecked Warm Brown, Silver Gray, Gray Blue, Gold Flecked Cool Brown and Steel Gray.
– 5 Lipsticks in Clear Gloss, Rose Pink, Berry Mauve, Fiery Red, and Deep Pink.
– 2 Blushes in Mauvey Pink and Copper Berry.
– 2 Liners: 1 lip liner in Dark Nude, 1 eye liner in Deep Black.
– Mascara in Midnight Black.
– 3 Applicators: a blush brush, a liner brush, and a shadow brush.

One of my favorite parts about this entire collection is that it all fits neatly in my hand! I love being able to touch up everything if need be while I’m out so that sold me on this collection. Quick touch up of lipstick? Done! Forgot that I had eye makeup on and rubbed my eye endlessly? No problem! Sad movie left streaks down my cheeks? It can be fixed!

The eye shadows in this set are gorgeous. They are totally perfect for spring and they blend so well. I’m picky when it comes to eye shadows and these have my approval. The colors are lovely and have plenty of pigment. Plus, I love how the included brushes were so soft. I was really impressed by them!

In make up sets you don’t usually find a lip liner, eye liner, or a mascara so I was pleasantly surprised to find all three neatly tucked away in this collection.

I love this quote from Victoria Jackson,

Here I am (unedited!) enjoying my new make up. I hope you find makeup that makes you feel as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside!

If you want to give Victoria Jackson’s makeup a try, now is the time to do it. I have an exclusive offer to share with you! Save 25% discount off the entire Victoria Jackson site using promo code LOVEVJC. It’s valid until 4/4/15. Happy shopping!

Filed Under: Makeup Tagged With: Makeup, Victoria Jackson

Get Jennifer Aniston’s Look – Oscar’s 2015

February 23, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

Jennifer Aniston is the epitome of classy and chic. I love, along with many other women, love, love, love her style. Her look last night at the Oscar’s was no exception! Stunning!

Palladio’s Silk FX Palette in Debutante ($12, palladiobeauty.com) has the perfect eye shadow shades to replicate her makeup at home. Use the top, champagne shade over the lid of the eye, into the inner corner, and on the inner third of the lower lash line. Apply the second, ivory matte shade onto the brow bone to define and lift. Use the third, matte taupe shade as a liner on the lower lash line as well as in the crease of the eyelid. Smudge the darkest shade into the upper lash line to accentuate your liner. Finish off the look with a swipe of Dermelect ‘ME’ Nail Lacquer in Moon Kissed ($14, Amazon.com). Celebrity manicurist Elle recommends using the Dermelect Memento Manicure Extender Top Coat ($16, dermelect.com) to achieve the perfect, long-lasting gel shine on your polish.

Now if I could only afford those shoes!

Filed Under: Makeup, Nails Tagged With: Jennifer Aniston, Makeup, Nail Polish, Nails, Oscars

Ulta Beauty Color Me Giveaway – Ends 10/9

October 2, 2014 by Ashley 58 Comments

Now that the bi-annual Ulta Beauty 21 Days of Beauty Steals is over I have to say, wasn’t that fun? I’ll admit, I probably bought too much. Did I really need 5 more bottles of butter London nail polish? No, absolutely not…but the colors are gorgeous! I’ll have to show them to you soon. It’s always a bit exhilarating getting a steal but especially when it comes to beauty products because those deals seem few and far between.

One thing that I didn’t buy but wish I did and am still contemplating is an Ulta Beauty exclusive. Their Color Me Automatic Foundation Applicator Universal Starter Kit has me smitten. It just sounds great!

With its pulsating sponge, Color Me applies foundation quickly and virtually effortlessly for a smooth, almost retouched look.

The results are extraordinary: In a clinical study, most women reported cutting application time in half – and 70% of women reported an immediate improvement in makeup evenness.

Apply powder over liquid or cream for best coverage results. See quick start guide for detailed instructions.

The Color Me Kit Includes:

– 1 Applicator Device
– 1 Disposable Sponge for Liquid Foundation
– 1 Disposable Sponge for Powder Foundation
– 1 CR2032 Battery

It retails for $54 but if it does what it promises, it’s worth it, right? It works with either liquid or powder foundations and it’s current customer rating is a 4.6 out of 5.

Even though I’ll have to pay for mine, you might not have to because Ulta Beauty is allowing me to give away 5 Color Me Automatic Foundation Kits!

US residents 18+ can enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaways, Makeup Tagged With: Giveaways, Makeup, Ulta, Ulta Beauty

Five Beauty Habits to Break for Fall

August 14, 2014 by Ashley 1 Comment

Skipping a few hours of sleep, forgetting to wash your face before bed, not apply sunscreen everyday all seem so innocent right? But odds are, at least one of these habits in your daily routine are the cause of those dreadful breakouts, crow’s feet and flakey or discolored skin. Fortunately, the fixes are simple! By nixing these everyday habits you can take years off your complexion, and leave skin protected, balanced and refreshed:

Mistake #1: Forgetting Sunscreen We know, we know – you hear this a million times but 90% of premature skin aging and discoloration is caused by exposure to sunlight! Applying sunscreen daily is the easiest way to prevent sun damage, protect your skin, and not to mention – look younger. Try using products that offer Broad-Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, an SPF of 30 or greater, and are water resistant.

Mistake #2: Applying Makeup with Dirty Brushes This may seem innocent, but applying makeup with the same brush month after month causes dirt and bacteria to buildup which can lead to breakouts. It’s important you wash brushes every two to three weeks (if not daily). An easy DIY quick fix is to mix a couple of drops of gentle facial cleanser or shampoo with lukewarm water in a cup. Then swish your brushes around, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and lay flat on a clean towel to air dry. {By the way, I’m totally loving my new Sigma brushes!}

Mistake #3: Skimping on Sleep Your skin and body go into repair mode when asleep. This is why sticking to a regular sleeping routine will not only keep you well rested, but will help to renew and regenerate new skin cells. For an extra boost, try incorporating just a glass a day of soy milk into your daily routine as this can help improve the structure and firmness of your skin, as well as soften those crow’s feet.

Mistake #4: Not Cleansing Daily Going to bed without washing your face is one of the biggest skin care no-no’s. Leaving makeup and dirt on skin doesn’t just clog pores and cause breakouts, it can also lead to excessive dryness and even skin dandruff. To clear out the gunk without drying out skin, opt for a soap-free cleanser like Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam and start cleansing on a daily basis! The cleanser is soap and alkali-free wash that gently cleanses pores to eliminate pimples and blackheads, with a coconut oil-based antibacterial active ingredient that removes bacteria to prevent the formation of new pimples.

Mistake #5: Waiting To Moisturize Most creams and lotions have key ingredients that create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture to maintain a healthy pH balance of 5.5. For optimum moisture, slather on your moisturizer immediately after cleansing or a hot shower, before the skin cools and your pores begin to close.

Filed Under: Makeup, Skincare Tagged With: Cleansers, Makeup, Moisturizers, Skin care, Sunscreen

L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation #VLBlurfection

July 25, 2014 by Ashley 39 Comments

This post is brought to you by L’Oréal Paris and She Speaks.

L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation ($14.99 USD) is a creamy makeup that blurs skin’s imperfections. Plus, it has anti-aging benefits and SPF 18 to boot! It’s available in twelve different shades.

I own the Nude Beige shade, which I found to be perfect for my skin. I found the consistency to be light and creamy. It wasn’t heavy and didn’t leave me with a sticky feeling. I was able to apply it without any issues and I loved the overall softer appearance it gave my face. It filled in my pores and really gave me a good base (or foundation ha!) to built on.

I applied L’Oréal’s Visible Lift with a foundation brush and it lasted all day…all the way through the hot 4th of July picnic and late into the fireworks. I had no issues with it smearing or running off.

Connect with L’Oréal Paris:

-on Twitter
-on Instagram
-on Facebook
-on L’Oréal Paris’ Website

Filed Under: Makeup Tagged With: Foundations, L'Oreal, Makeup

10 Makeup Tips to Look Gorgeous This Winter

February 17, 2014 by Ashley 46 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #WalgreensBeauty #CollectiveBias

Are you feeling less than beautiful this season? Do you need a few makeup tips to perk up your demeanor? With the dropping temperatures it’s common to have a dull complexion, frizzy hair, and blotchy skin. I’m here to share my favorite 10 tips {and products} to help you banish your winter beauty blues. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

1.) Choose a new foundation. As the seasons change so should your makeup…and I’m not just talking about colors. As the cold weather approaches it’s important to choose a foundation that leaves your skin feeling dewier than the one you previously used in the warmer months. I recommend skipping powder all together. If you’re skin has a tendancy to shine here and there try CoverGirl’s mattifier. It will tame the shine without settling in your wrinkles or drying out your skin. This is one of my new favorite drugstore buys! Products to try: Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Makeup and CoverGirl TruMagic Mattifier.

2.) Swap out your shampoo. Most shampoos contain sulfates, which do a great job at cleaning hair so much so that they can also strip away important oils. Using these shampoos will leave your scalp feeling itchy, flaky, and dry during the colder months. Look for sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners to keep your locks looking lovely. Products to try: Yes to Cucumbers, TRESemme, and Organix shampoos and conditioners.

3.) Paint your nails. A new shade of nail polish can brighten anyone’s spirits. You could go with a natural or a bold polish, the choice is yours. When removing polish use an acetone-free nail polish remover to help nails maintain their moisture. {Check out my natural secret to beautiful nails.} Products to check out: Sally Hansen Salon Manicure, Revlon, or Maybelline.

4.) Ban the hot water. Okay, if you’re like me and just can’t give up your long, hot baths, try substituting your regular bubble bath with a few drops of bath oil. You can also swap your old bar of soap for a moisturizing bar or body wash. When you get out of the shower don’t try off completely and apply body cream all over. Body creams are better than lotions. The thicker and richer the product the more moisture it gives your skin. Products to try: Olay moisturizing beauty bar or body wash and Gold Bond Soothing cream.

5.) Cleanse gently. Washing your face with a product that over dries it will cause your face to produce more oil, lots of it, leaving you with shine and if you’re like me, acne. If you can stand creamy facial cleansers that don’t require rinsing those would be great to use during the winter. {I personally can’t use them because it seems so wrong to have a creamy cleanser. It just weirds me out. I know that’s stupid but I can’t get past it.} Instead, I opt for facial cleansing cloths that remove makeup and grime without rinsing. Products to try: Aveeno Ultra Calming Makeup Removing Wipes, Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes, or Oil of Olay Facial Cleansing Cloths.

6.) Moisturize your lips. The winter temps and wind can quickly chap and crack your lips. Protect your lips with a nourishing lip balm, not the waxy ones, or enjoy a creamy layer of Vaseline Lip Therapy like I do. {I know it doesn’t treat or moisturize my lips but it seals in moisture and well, I just like it.} {Check out 15 Beauty Uses for Vaseline} I also alternate between Vaseline Lip Therapy, Burt’s Bees colored lip products and Carmex. I love all three brands so much that it’s hard to chose just one. I keep one, at least one, in every diaper bag, purse, and if I’m honest…in just about every room of our house. I hate to be without my lip products in winter! Nobody likes dry lips, nobody. Products to try: Vaseline Lip Therapy, Carmex, or Burt’s Bees lip products.

7.) Hydrate while you sleep. Indoor heat dries out the air in every home so grab a humidifier {or two} to help combat itchy, dry skin. Products to try: Crane humidifier.

8.) Drink more water. It’s no secret that water is good for you but many of us don’t drink the recommended 8 glasses a day. Thinking about why I’m drinking water it a good motivation for me to continue to drink. It helps flush out things that shouldn’t be there, keeps your body hydrated, and drinking water also helps improve the appearance of your skin. Win-win!

9.) Use a primer. A primer will help protect your face and keep those blotchy spots at bay. It also prevents a cakey look that can happen when makeup is applied over dry skin. A good primer will help your makeup go on evenly and last all day. Don’t forget to quickly swipe on a coat or two of your favorite mascara to make your eyes pop. Products to try: L’Oreal Paris Anti-Redness Skin Primer, CoverGirl Bombshell Volume.

10.) Sleep! This advice isn’t specific to winter but it’s a good thing to be reminded of all year long. Wanna know a little secret? Beauty sleep is a real thing. It’s true! Our bodies repair themselves while we’re sleeping so not only is our mood improved with a good night’s sleep but so is our skin.

Because I love affordable beauty products all of the items I suggested above can be found at your local drug store. The items I pictured above were purchased at my local Walgreens which has a great makeup aisle and incredibly friendly makeup department workers. {They always have extra beauty coupons on hand, I love these ladies!} Here’s a picture of my husband making a silly face while shopping with me in the Walgreens beauty department.

What changes do you make to your beauty routine during the winter months? Also, what are your favorite winter beauty buys? I’d love to know!

Filed Under: Makeup, Skincare Tagged With: Makeup, Skin care, SocialFabric, Walgreens

The Ultimate Christmas Handbag Checklist: Don’t Leave Home Without Them!

November 21, 2013 by Ashley 1 Comment

This post is a guest contribution from Sam who happens to know a lot about beauty products. I think you’ll enjoy it!

Have you ever been caught out at Christmas looking far from your best? Perhaps it was the mystery hot single male at your friend’s house, old colleagues who turned up out of nowhere or even an ex-boyfriend you bump into while you are feeling the worst for wear?

We can’t look at our glamorous best all the time and certainly Christmas is a time when we are most likely to be thrown into situations where we’re wearing our fluffy bear slippers, sporting our best bed-head hairstyle and without a spot of make-up on.

But never fear, with these make-up essentials in your handbag this Christmas you’ll always come out looking flawless!

Essential Skin Care Items

If your face is blotchy from too much alcohol and rich foods and those bags under your eyes look like they’ve already hit the shops on the Boxing Day sales, you need a quick fix.

Facial Wipes

Always carry a packet of facial wipes in your handbag just to cleanse and tone and set your face ready for a little fix-up magic.

Concealer

This is a must at this time of year and the brand Soap & Glory have brought out a fantastic Double-Action Under Eye Dark Circle Corrector which reflects the light and instantly transforms your tired looking eyes to give the illusion of someone who’s had one of the best night’s sleep ever!

Finish off with just a dab of foundation. Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse Foundation is ideal for quick coverage.

Blush

If you have time, just blend in a little blusher along the cheekbone for a touch of colour. Alternatively you can pinch both your cheeks, but having some blusher in your handbag spares you the pain and gives more of a professional finish!

L’Oreal’s Touch-On Colour does a splendid job and can be used for both eyes and cheeks.

Revitalising Tired Eyes

Put the sparkle back into your dark and tired eyes by following this simple tip:

Tip for Sparkling Eyes

Apply a shimmering light colour to the inner corner of your eyes for instant sparkle!

As eye-liner is far from quick to apply and can go horribly wrong, we suggest some brown mascara instead for long, full looking lashes that aren’t over the top but which will widen and highlight your eyes beautifully.

Kiss Those Cracked Lips Goodbye

This winter weather can play havoc with your lips, leaving them in much need of some TLC. Having some lipstick in your handbag is a must at any time of the year and in winter you need to plump for bold reds, burgundies and deep maroons.

If you don’t have time to carefully apply some lipstick try a quick swab of colored lip gloss. Max Factor has brought out their Silk Gloss Sheer Frost which promises three benefits in one. Firs, its high moisturization hydrates your lips. Secondly, the balm properties protect your lips and lastly the high sheen adds a touch of color and glamour that will leave lips feeling kissably gorgeous. Plus you have three Christmassy colours to choose from.

These simple winter makeup essentials won’t take up much room in your bag but will prove to be very handy the next time you find yourself facing the man of your dreams whilst you look more like a character from Dawn of the Dead. Oh, and don’t forget your mirror, these makeup items might not require you to concentrate too much, but we wouldn’t recommend you try applying any makeup with just the help of a reflective surface.

This post was lovingly crafted by Vibeglocosmetics.co.uk who believe that beauty shouldn’t be bound by budget and so strive to offer the famous brand names but for bargain prices. If you love beauty on a budget then why not follow us on Facebook?

Filed Under: Makeup Tagged With: Christmas, Handbag, Makeup