These Lips Don't Lie...Well, Maybe a Little

I was just as intrigued as the next gal to find out how Kylie Jenner's lips suddenly got so plump and amazing. I mean, they honestly changed the way her whole face looks. So...I started Googling. And voila - I found the answer I needed. Not plastic surgery as I had worried. Instead, it's just a makeup trick being used since Marilyn Monroe's day - overlining! So, obvi I had to give this a go. I found a good color to try at The Body Shop (although, I know Miss Jenner uses Soar by MAC).
The key is to not overline all the way around your lips...mostly just the "v" at the top of your top lip and in the center on the bottom of your lower lip. Then, line the rest of your lip as you would normally...on the actual lip line. To achieve the look completely, you need to have a matte lip so just use the lip liner to fill in  your lips completely. Using a gloss can cast shine on your natural lip line and ruin the whole effect.
For some diminsion, you can add a lighter color on your bottom lip in the middle (a powder, lighter lip product, etc).
Above is a step-by-step of how I did mine and on the right, the finished look!

Bought, Tried, Loved: My Current Faves

I love taking chances on products. There is some sort of thrill I get from feeling like I'm on the verge of finding my new absolutely can't live without product. Above are some of my recently-purchased products that I can't get enough of.
Let's start chatting about them...the first product I'd like to rave about is the facial brush in the top left corner. I bought mine at HomeGoods...yes, HomeGoods. My face feels noticeably more clean after using this in conjunction with my favorite face wash (Neutrogena). Best part of this brush is that I like it better than the electronic version, yet it was under $5.
Next up, the Sonicare. My mom and dad swear by these electronic toothbrushes and bought my boyfriend and I matching ones for Christmas. What a gift! Never have my teeth felt cleaner! I can't imagine now going back to manual brushing. Yes, these are a little pricey. However, dentists insist that these are a necessary part of dental hygiene. You can find these at Target, Walmart, etc.
Burt's Bees facial cleansing clothes (cucumber) was another win for me. I typically use Neutrogena makeup removing cleansing clothes but wanted to switch it up. The cucumber scent is refreshing and soothing at the same time. Not to mention, definitely comparable in price to other wipe options.
This Dove shampoo (Oxygen line) is fabulous! If for nothing else, the scent is addictive. My hair feels squeaky clean and the Oxygen condition makes my hair feel like silk. I will be buying this again when it's time to restock (rare for me...I like experimenting).
This navy Revlon polish (in Urban) is my winter must-have for my nails! Don't get me wrong, I'm as into Linkin Park after Dark as the next gal but sometimes you need a fresher option. Navy nails are a bit more unexpected and of course, trendy.
This Origins GinZing eye cream is a Monday morning savior! This cream brightens your eye area and wakes those peepers up. I'm not a morning person so God bless this heavenly product! Thank you, Origins.
Garnier does it again...they have created this Blackhead Eliminating Scrub and it works! I originally purchased this for my boyfriend but have since then, stolen it for myself. This product contains charcoal which helps combat the dirt, oil and impurities that cause blackheads. Well done, Garnier...well done.

There you have it - if you are looking for some new products to take some chances on, I've laid them out for you!

Winter Must-Haves

Winter is among us, friends. Am I happy about it? No. But Mother Nature doesn't care what I think so I'll just be here in Chicago making the best of it. As you know, your makeup routine and products have probably changed a bit over the past month. The lips are getting darker and your skin is getting more dry. React accordingly. Swap out your typical hand lotion for a hand cream or even a body butter. Layer on chap stick before your lipstick or alone. While I'm complaining about the harsh winds and snow, you won't find me making a negative comment about finally getting to bust out my plum lipstick! Silver lining, everyone...silver.lining.

YOUNIQUE: Product Review

No mascara...(yikes...) 

Added black liquid liner and a coat of regular mascara (L'Oreal Telescopic...my drug store fave)

I FINALLY got the chance to try a product that I've been seeing everywhere and I can't wait to tell you guys about it! I am all about mascara and I am guilty of not caring if it has a "natural" look. I like thick, long lashes that say "Hello world, I am here and fab!" So, Younique is the ultimate product for me.

Here is how it works...
This eyelash enhancing duo (there are two tubes that make up this product) that plump up your lashes 300% in thickness and volume.

1.) Apply a thin coat of your favorite regular mascara on top and both lashes. Let dry.
2.) Apply an even coat of the Transplanting Gel (don't worry, it's black so just looks like mascara) on lashes.
3.) Before the transplanting gel dries, apply the fibers (applied with a mascara-style wand) onto lashes.
4.) Seal the fibers with another coat of the transplanting gel.

The fibers are 100% natural green tea fibers.

Interested in trying this MUST HAVE product? Contact Courtney Thacker at 317-796-2009 or courtney.thacker@sbcglobal.net or here. Courtney got me my Younique products in no time at all!

Take It Off

Great...you've got your super glam smokey eyes on, ready to take on the world. Now what? Well, when it's time to lay down for the night, you're best off removing everything pre-beauty sleep. Above I've provided you with eye makeup removers that are not only super effective but completely affordable. The Almay remover pads are handy, great for travel and inexpensive. My preference is the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. Not only are they great for travel, as well, but they also smell clean and don't over dry your skin. 

Tuesday's Tip: Heat Things Up

Some of you may know this quick and easy tip for enhancing your eyelash curler and some of you are about to have you minds blown. Grab your blow dryer and warm up your curler by directly blowing hot air on it for about 10 seconds. Make sure it's not uncomfortably hot before using it on your lashes. This will ensure that the curl will last longer and be a bit more intense. Voila - va voom lashes!

Drugstore Products I Can't Live Without: Makeup Edition

Sure I have a ton of hair product faves, but of course, I have makeup must-haves too! Here are a few products that you can get at your local drugstore that if you try, I'm sure you'll love!

Baby Lips is the silkiest of lip glosses. My fave coworker, Sam, introduced me to it and now I'm an addict. I put it on and wear it alone or under my lipstick. It has the perfect amount of shine.

Milani Baked Blush is my NARS alternative. The best color is Coralina (comparable to NARS Torrid). Give it a go!

Revlon ColorStay liquid liner is a product I've been using for years. The felt tip end makes it easy to make a nice, clean line. For the cat eye look, this is a must!

L'Oreal Telescopic mascara is THE product that I depend on. I find it to be better than Benefit's They're Real...and THAT'S saying something.

Revlon ColorStay concealer makes my dark under eye circles vanish. The sponge tip helps with easy application and it doesn't come out too quickly so it's manageable. If I didn't use this, I'd look like a zombie.

Rimmel Stay Matte powder (I use the translucent shade) is another keeper. After I apply my concealer and foundation, I dust this lightly on my entire face, focusing on my t-zone and under my eyes to lock in the concealer. Next up, bronzer! This powder is good for touch ups throughout the day to downplay oil and shine. 

Must Be Magic

One of my favorite beauty products right now is this L'Oreal Magic BB Cream. This product comes out of the tube white and then glides on to your skin while transforming into a shade of your choice (I wear medium). It's very light and doesn't look caked on. I top this product with a little powder for daytime. 

Oil Does The Body Good

I used to be terrified of oil. Why would I want to add oil to my skin, hair, face, etc? Well, I'm on board and I'm preaching to the world. I started with sunscreen oil from L'Oreal, which not only has a lovely light scent but isn't the typical heavy oil. It protects you from the sun's rays AND nourishes your skin. Next, I moved on to hair oil. My girlfriend, Sarah, was hooked on Moroccan Oil in college and I was always obsessed with the scent. Now, I have my own fixation with it. Facial oils doesn't seem like something I'd love but Josie Maran's facial argan oil is a game-changer.
From top left, clockwise:
Love Boo Boo Massage Oil
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil 
B The Eyebrows Experts Nourishing Brow Oil
Moroccan Oil Treatment Light 
Fig + Yarrow Bath and Body Oil
Free Spirit Perfume Oil 
Josie Maran 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Sunscreen Oil 

Pretty in Pink

Oh la la. Valentine's Day is next week (insert gushy emotions here)! What princess pink shade shall I choose?

Tom...Totally

Designer Tom Ford steps out of his comfort zone and steps into a new venture...men's skin care. I rarely blog about men's fashion/trends/products but...it just so happens that elements of his men's skin care line could double as a woman's best friend, as well. His antifatigue eye treatment is all the rage when it comes to getting rid of puffiness - perfect for a late night working or out on the town! This might be a fun little gift for a man in your life this holiday season.

Prime That Pout

There is nothing more aggravating than realizing your luscious lipstick has worn off, leaving you looking haggard and less than put together. I thought lip liner was something only by the old schoolers. Turns out, it's kind of a big deal. A clear liner, like the one above (by Bite Beauty - available at Sephora), gives you lipstick staying power but didn't leave that trashy line. For extra long lasting lip color, fill in your entire mouth after lining your lips. Voila - pout perfection!

Expose Those Toes

I'm all about crazy polish colors. I've done lime green, orange, white, gold...you get the point. With that said, there is something to be said for hot pink nails. I'm talking neon, highlighter, in-your-face pink. That's my style. This shade, called 24/7, is from Sinful Colors ($2). I'm sporting this one my toes and fingers as my color of the week. Most importantly, goes perfect with a summer tan...that's all that really matters when you live in Southwest Florida anyways, huh?
Shoes: Steve Madden 

Major Mint

It's that time of the week - Mani Monday! Loving this mint shade (Mint Sorbet is the exact Sally Hansen hue) for this week's self manicure. This polish goes on evenly and only takes 2 coats to get a good solid look (not always the case with pastel or lighter shades). Plus, this brand is only a few dollars at Ulta...good deal in my book!

Back to Basics

I'm all about trying out the newest and funkiest products, but sometimes it's important to not lose track of the best and most basic products. This hand cream above, L'Occitane, (available at Sephora) is the ultimate product for extremely dry hands. This shea butter based product not only heals cracked hands, but also smells amazing. What's the best overall product for lips? My coworker turned me on to this rose salve above by C.O. Bigelow (available at Bath & Body Works). Run along little product junkies...snatch these up for your purse, makeup bag, car, wherever.

Snow White

I had been wanting to try white nails for a bit now but finding the right polish is key. I opted for this white from Sinful Colors (about $2 from Walgreens). I started with a base coat by OPI, then followed that with two coats of the white polish and topped the look off with Seche Vite fast drying top coat. Love how fresh these white nails look! Plus...they match with everything! Perfection.

Endless Red

LOVE LOVE LOVE this red lip stain from L'Oreal (Colour Riche Wet Shine Stain)! I was surprised to open this tube and find a wand...I was expecting traditional lipstick. This stain isn't too intense but does give your lips a pretty, glossy red tint. The teardrop-shaped applicator is by far the best for applying a lip product...perfectly hugging the curves of your top lip. I would highly recommend this product! 

California Coral

Summertime and coral just go together. This week's mani is by Essie (California Coral). If you're struggling on what polish color to get, go the safe route: mint or coral. 

Perfectly Pink

Nothing better than a fun, bright pink lipstick. Nothing. Except for...free fun, bright pink lipstick. This Laqa & Co. Lil' Lip in hot pink from Birchbox is fab. The pencil-like application gives you ultimate control and the sassy hue is major for bronzed summer skin. The lipstick even has a little light gloss to it so it's not too matte for the summertime. This product gets my seal of approval.

Mani Monday



It's that time of the week again...Mani Monday! Until I find the perfect white polish, this "Mod About You" OPI shade will do, darlings. Take your time on colors like this...it can easily look sloppy if the layers don't look even. Get your pink on, ladies.