Showing posts with label makeup looks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label makeup looks. Show all posts

Friday, May 3, 2013

Let Me Be Your Star Marilyn Inspired Outfit Of the Day

Hello starlets,

I just wanted to quickly share the look I put together for my performance of "Let Me Be Your Star" from the NBC show Smash. I wanted to do something inspired by Marilyn Monroe without it looking like a costume, though I did go heavier on the makeup than I usually do, but I always do that for performances. I would have loved to have recorded the performance for you but it was a small venue and pretty informal. I might eventually put up a recording on my youtube page if you'd like. It's probably better that I didn't record it anyway as I'm not sure if it was any good. You practice and practice and when you get in front of an audience, most of what you've rehearsed goes winging out of your head and your fall back on instinct. I had a bit of choreography that I had to throw out when I realized I would be boxed in by the way the microphones and audio devices were positioned. And singing a cappella solo to a small room is very different from being on a stage. It was a little petrifying to be honest.

You can find my review of the polish I was wearing, Maybelline's Gold's Night Out here. http://smartandsarcasticwithdashesofinsanity.blogspot.com/2013/04/review-of-maybelline-color-show-sequins.html
As for my makeup, I kept things pretty simple. I did a basic cat eye (not Marilyn's and not my normal cat eye either). I usually try and do something thinner and a bit more subtle and stop at the center of the eye but I wanted something more theatrical that would pop in almost a cartoonish way so I traced along my entire eyelid and made the line a little thicker than I would for an ordinary day. I'm not really in love with the Dollywink eyeliner pen I used for this look. I like the precision I get on the flick but it's a bit like using a cheap felt tip pen. It's just not that pigmented, and I feel like I'm doing thin watercolor washes to build up the color I want. Also, the precise point makes a thick eyeliner look like this more time consuming.

I used Maybelline's Dream Lumi Concealer in Buff as my undereye concealer. I will be reviewing that concealer soon. Again, I wouldn't specifically recommend it for this look. Just use whatever concealer works for you.

And as an extra theatrical touch I filled in my brows a bit with MAC Carbon Black eyeshadow. You need to use a very light hand as it's easy to go overboard.

You can't really see my blush that well in this picture but I used Stila's cream blush in Lillium. I just used my fingers to apply it very lightly.

On my lips I used Clinique's Chubby Stick in Voluptuous Violet as a base (more for the moisture than the pigment) and put Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in Red Revival on top of that.

I bought my dress at a local boutique that is now closed.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Outfit of the Day

Hi chickadees,

I liked the simplicity of the look I put together today so I thought I'd quickly share it with you. Unfortunately it was late when I got home so I wasn't able to take pictures in natural sunlight. Also, I have lost the charger for my camera. I have some pictures saved for reviews and such but unless I find it soon, the loss will effect the frequency of updates and new posts.

Muse dress purchased at TJMaxx

Yes, I got a haircut. No, I don't know why this lighting makes my face look orange.
Eyes: Shiseido concealer, Urban Decay Primer Potion, MAC Naked Lunch all over the lid, L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara
Cheeks: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface
Lips: Clinique Chubby Stick in Oversized Orange
REVIEW with SWATCHES of Oversized Orange at this link below:

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Outfit of the Day and Makeup Look...Sophisticated Grays

I almost forgot I had this. I took some pictures earlier in the week, intending to do an outfit of the day post but I've just been so busy. As time is a mutable, unwieldy quantity on the internet anyway, I'm sure you'll forgive me. We've been discussing Jane Eyre in one of my classes and since the frustrated costume designer in me likes coordinating my outfits to the topics under discussion...I ended up wearing this ensemble. It was the closest thing I had in my closest to Jane's gray dress. I paired it with a fake pearl brooch that isn't in these pictures.

Sorry for the photo quality. I actually take this pictures by facing the camera at the mirror and taking a photo of the reflected image.
Black ruffled top - purchased at TJMaxx, brand: Chenault, $15-$20
Gray pleated skirt with sheer gray overlay and wide black waistband - purchased at Anemone, brand: Peppermint, $14.50
Patterned silk scarf: purchased at TangDance, unsure of brand, $39



on cheeks: Tarte Amazonian clay blush in Dollface

Used: Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Tough as Taupe
Revlon Colorstay 16Hr Eyeshadow Quad in Addictive
Maybelline Gel Eyeliner in Sapphire (still upset that Sapphire and Forest aren't part of the permanent collection)

Note: I think the slight shimmer is due to a failed look I had tried just before this.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day Outfit and Makeup

Hi guys!

I just felt like sharing my Valentine's Day outfit. If you follow this blog you've seen this dress before. It's one of my favorites from Maggy London. I paired it with a sheer black top from Anne Taylor. Don't ask me why I own an XS blouse. I like the combination of the large flower print with the sheer black top and leather boots. I kept the jewelry natural and simple with my silver cloud necklace and tree of life earrings from CherryRoseDesigns. I used my Rimmel Glam Eyes palette in English Oak (Review here: http://smartandsarcasticwithdashesofinsanity.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-of-rimmel-london-glameyes-hd.html) for the look and paired it with my Maybelline gel eyeliner in Sapphire. Did I mention how sad I am that Maybelline apparently isn't going to add Sapphire and Forest to their permanent collection? What would I do with Brown and Eggplant? I want rich blue and green and soon I'm going to have to toss my lovely eyeliners so I don't give myself an infection from the bacteria. OK, I realize this isn't a romantic way to end this post, but Happy Valentine's Day.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Outfit of the Day: Nighttime Party Outfit and Makeup


I just thought I'd share the outfit and makeup I chose to go out to dinner. I paired the $50 KAS dress I got at sample sale with $25 sterling silver Tree of Life earrings from CherryRoseDesigns.
(Link to Sample Sale Report: http://smartandsarcasticwithdashesofinsanity.blogspot.com/2011/12/one-block-sample-sale-marathon-kas.html)


I was kind of playing around with my makeup. I layered a lot of different colors from the Wet n' Wild Lust palette but I wasn't really happy with the effect so I threw the lighter shade from L'Oreal's HiP duo in Electrified on top. I also used NYX's Root Beer as a blending shade but it's not strictly necessary. I could have probably achieved the whole thing with just the Electrified palette. I used Fairydrops mascara on my top lashes (though I have major issues with it so I'm not recommending it) and Clinique mascara on my bottom lashes. I then used Tarte's Dollface blush, ELF's contouring palette, and ELF Beautiful Berry lipstick as a stain. To use ELF lipstick as a stain, I like to prep my lips with Vaseline and then apply the lipstick in a light dabbing motion, almost like you're pushing the color into your lips.










Monday, December 12, 2011

Look of the Day and Tips For Makeup/Clothes/Accessories on Hectic Days

My makeup is much simpler today, just some foundation to cover up dark circles and a touch of Benefit's Ooh La Lift above my cheekbones, with some Covergirl Natureluxe lipbalm on my lips. For the balm, I layered Peony over Marble for a slightly more natural look.

Why is everything so casual today? Because I had to run out of the house like a maniac to make it to class. On days like this, it's always good to have a plan ready. So here are my tips for days like this...

1. Know which parts of your makeup routine are essential

Sunscreen is essential. If you do nothing else, remember to apply sunscreen to your face, up to your hairline and down your neck to your decolletage. After this, it's up to you. You know your own skin, your features, and what you need to feel beautiful.
  • For me, I know I have terribly dry skin so I never skip moisturizer. I love my La Roche Posay products, because I can get a SPF 60 sunscreen and a great moisturizer in one.
  • I also don't get enough sleep so I need to use foundation on my dark circles. I opt for L'Oreal's liquid foundation. To me, it's much more natural that the concealers that I've tried and lasts throughout the day.
  • You want to keep a few essential lip products in your purse: a bright color, a nude color, and a moisturizing product. My purse always has these three things. Right now, it's Covergirl's Natureluxe glossbalm in Peony (red), Marble (sheer pink), and Aquaphor lipbalm.
2. Lay out your clothes the day before or keep your outfit simple.

Either plan your outfit ahead of time the night before if you know you're going to be rushed, or stock your closet with staples that don't require thought. I have a ton of simple dresses in basic silhouettes and neutral colors that I can just grab when I have ten other things to worry about. I know they fit and look good and they don't require me to coordinate with anything else.

3. Display your accessories so you can see everything and easily grab what you need.

It helps if you know what's in your closet and what accessories you own, but especially if you don't, it's important to have everything displayed so you can easily assess your things and make quick choices. Don't worry about buying adorable jewelry boxes if it's just going to hide your things. I keep a huge bag of scarves and sashes for my waistband in a bag near my closet where I can easily grab something to finish an outfit. My jewelry is splayed out on my shelf and my earrings and more delicate necklaces adorn one of those mannequin trees. I highly recommend getting one of these. Here are some cute examples from Forever21.


$12.80 Bird Accent Jewelry Stand
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_giftitem&ProductID=1000027745&VariantID=

$8.80 Polka Dot Mannequin Jewelry Stand
http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_giftitem&ProductID=1002930322&VariantID=

I hope this helps you get ready on those days when you're in a rush. It's mainly about being prepared for the worst, so you don't end up panicking and leaving the house with your slippers on. :)

$15 earrings from CherryRoseDesigns


Around $30 necklace. I can't remember the name of the designer but it's pretty easily dupable. Get a metal backing, scrunch up some gold foil, add a pearl bead, and seal with resin. All the necessary materials should be at your local craft store.

Birthday gift

Monday, December 5, 2011

Everyday Eye Makeup Using L'Oreal, NYX, and Urban Decay

I'm kind of falling in love with this combination. I feel like all the products just naturally came together as I started collecting eyeshadows. It's my own mini nude shadow combination. Who needs palettes, right? I was just leaving the house for about an hour or two so I didn't bother with eyeliner. I may try and film a video tutorial if you want but I can't help but think it will go horribly without someone to hold my tiny camera. Anyway...

For this look I used...