Thursday, September 19, 2013

In the Garden

Hello makeup lovers! Today's look was created with the Stila "In the Garden" palette. I've had this palette for many months, but I had gotten away from using it for awhile, and after playing with it a little more, I DON'T KNOW WHY! The shadows are so gorgeous! There is such a range of looks that this palette can achieve. I suppose you could say this is another fall-inspired makeup, but I can't help it.. I'm super duper excited for this autumn season! (By the way, if one eye looks darker than the other in these pictures, it's because of the weird overcast lighting from my window.) As for the rest of my face, I went with nude/pink/peach lips and cheeks. I felt the eyes were sort of dramatic for me, so I left the rest of the components pretty neutral and simple. I really had fun creating this look, and that's what makeup is all about! XO Maddie




Smoked Bronze

Hello makeup lovers! This look represents my anticipation for the fall season! I tried to stick to warm tones and autumn-inspired colors. The lip color is sort of a berry pink, while the eyes are a bronzed taupe shade. I smoked and smudged my liner to my liking with one of my new Real Techniques detail brushes. I LOVE the RT brushes by Samantha Chapman of PixiWoo on YouTube. Hope you enjoy this look and it puts you in a sort of fall mood! XO Maddie



Monday, September 16, 2013

Colorful Katy

Hello makeup lovers! I've been really into Katy Perry recently, so I thought I would take inspiration from one of her always flawless makeup looks! This particular look involved a shimmery purple lid with a bright green lower lash line topped off with pink lips. I love that Katy has never been afraid to incorporate color into her makeup. Hope you enjoy, and let me know if you would like to see a tutorial on this look! XO Maddie

My inspiration photo!





"Everything's a Dollar!":Dollar Tree Beauty Finds!

Hello makeup lovers! I know it has been months since I have posted on here, but I came across a few goodies at my local Dollar Tree this week and thought I'd post mini reviews on all of the products! I definitely had some hits, a couple minor misses, and as always, lots of fun shopping for my one true love: makeup! Enjoy, and keep checking back for more beauty-related posts! XO Maddie

NYC All Day Long Smooth Skin Foundation in 737 Classic Ivory
To start off, I spotted a couple foundations. I used to really love my NYC liquid foundation many moons ago, so for $1, I thought I'd try this one out! The pump was really what sold me. I am a sucker for a product with a pump. I believe it makes the whole getting ready process a bit quicker and easier. The same as my previous encounter with this product, I was very pleased with the coverage and staying power. I applied the foundation with a damp blending sponge, and it truly gave me a flawless finish. I would say the coverage is medium but build-able! I was able to cover up a few discolored spots and acne marks simply by adding a second layer of the foundation. I give this product a definite thumbs up! :)

L.A. Colors Liquid Makeup in True Beige
When I mentioned a few minor misses in my intro, this product was one to which I was referring. The lighting in the store made this foundation look a bit lighter than it actually appeared on my skin. I tried to pick the lightest shade from the limited selection, but it just was not light enough for my pale, pale face. The color was not the only issue I had with this particular product, though. I was not a huge fan of the way this makeup went on with a sponge or a brush. It came off a bit streaky and blotchy in places. I wouldn't recommend it. :(

L.A. Colors Concealer in Nude
Though this product was a hint lighter than the foundation i purchased from this line, it was still too dark for my skin tone. I really did enjoy the texture and coverage, though, so I decided to use it for another task. This product made a pretty great eyeshadow primer. I used it today under some green, gold, and brown shadows, and my makeup lasted for hours!! Not only did the concealer neutralize any discoloration on my eyelids, it was tacky enough to give my shadows something to cling to. Even though, I did not end up using this as a concealer, with a little creativity, I will be able to get some use out of it for sure!

L.A. Colors Pressed Powder in Nude
Because I had already picked out two other face products from the L.A. Colors brand, I decided to grad a pressed powder in the lightest shade I could find. I'm really glad I did, too! This powder is not only great for setting liquid products and mattifying the face, but it has a decent amount of color pay off as well. I'm very pleased with this purchase and will definitely be adding this product to my daily foundation routine!

Elf Liquid Eyeliner in Black
I have raved about this product not only on this blog, but also on my YouTube channel. (http://www.youtube.com/user/TheMadelineClaire) This liquid liner is simply the best, no further comments necessary. :)

L.A. Colors Mascara
I'm not sure if you can tell, but this mascara tube is about the length of my middle finger. This is what initially drew me to the product, the fact that it was so compact and could easily be thrown into my bag at any moment. The brush on this mascara is equally small, which really made me happy! I have been searching for the perfect bottom lash mascara, and I believe I have finally come across it! The brush is small but packed with dense bristles and the mascara is the perfect mix of a wet and dry formula. Who knew the Dollar Tree would carry exactly what I have been looking for?!

Elf Matte Lip Color in Natural
Believe it or not, I have never tried out a single Elf lip product! Crazy, right?? I was pleasantly surprised to see that this particular Dollar Tree had a selection of Elf products.Most, I either was not interested in or already owned, but this matte lipstick caught my eye. I am a big fan of twist-up lip colors in all forms: balm, stain, gloss, etc. I feel like this shade is the absolute perfect nude! It has a slightly pink undertone, but for the most part, blended in with the natural color of my lips. As the photo shows, this product has no gloss or shine to it at all. Completely matte is completely fine with this girl!

L.A. Colors Lip Gloss & Lipstick Duo in Charmed
This right here may be my favorite Dollar Store find of all! First off, look at the genius packaging! Full size lipstick and gloss in one simple tube! I love these two products used together to create a shimmery pink lip, but don't think they have to be used together. These two lip products could definitely stand alone to create their own distinct looks as well. The lipstick is vibrant and creamy while the gloss catches the light so amazingly! Super travel-friendly too. ;)

NYC Liquid Lip Shine in Wine n Dine
Super pretty deep gloss. I love the fact that there are no sparkles or shimmer in this formula. This gloss is completely rick and saturated with color, as every dark wine color should be! Love it, nothing left to add. :)

Milani HD Advance Lip Color in Ignition

              I have very limited knowledge of Milani makeup products beyond what I see on YouTube. I jumped at the chance to try a lipstick with such a fun name and color. Thought in the tube, this twist-up lip color looks very bright and a bit scary, the color is more sheer when swatched. It actually has more of a watermelon tint to it than red, but still a very pretty color! Can't wait to pair it with a ton of fall makeup looks! 

Thanks so much for reading! <3




Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Lashing Out

   Hello friends! I know it has been absolutely ages since I have posted a makeup look, but i promise I will be catching up soon. I have about a month and a half of school left before summer is here! Soon, I will be able to post pictures and videos everyday. :)
   For this particular day's look, I tried something completely out of the ordinary: false lashes! I have never been very gifted in the lash department, but wearing false lashes has always kind of freaked me out. :/ For some reason, I was feeling adventurous this day and popped some on. I think they turned out fairly well for my first try! As far as the rest of the look, I went with a smokey taupe-brown color on my eyes and a light pink Revlon Lip Butter in "Cotton Candy".
   I hope you are having a wonderful day! XO Maddie

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Exciting News!

I am so happy to announce that I have enrolled in QC Makeup Academy! It is an online course for aspiring makeup artists, and I cannot wait to get started! I finally feel as though I have a direction in life and will be able to be successful doing something that I am passionate about! I will learn techniques for everyday makeup, bridal makeup, theater and so much more! I'm over the moon! Have a great day! XO Maddie

Monday, March 4, 2013

Plain & Simple

     Today's look was VERY neutral and simple. I went with my usual foundation routine, a little cream and pink eyeshadow, mascara, and some lip balm. I had to be at school by 8 this morning, so I didn't feel like doing a full face of dramatic makeup. Hope you are having a nice day! XO Maddie

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Top Ten!

   I've decided to periodically post pictures and descriptions of my current top ten favorite beauty products. I say "current", because they are all fully subject to change. I'm always switching up my makeup routine, and it will be nice to actually sit down and talk about which products I am using and why I am using them. :)

1. Elf Flawless Finish Foundation - Liquid foundation is my secret to an even face of makeup. I love that this particular foundation can be built up, but doesn't look caked on. It gives the skin a glow that I've noticed many other liquid foundations do not. (If the dewy finish is not really your thing, see item #4!) All in all, this foundation is a great bargain. Though I haven't ever purchased a high-end foundation, I am willing to bet this $6 alternative from the drugstore gives just as good, if not better, results.



2. Tarte "Buffer" Foundation Brush - I have had this foundation brush for almost a month now, and it is an absolute game-changer! I have never been a huge fan of applying liquid foundation with anything but my hands. This brush has proven me wrong, and I am so thankful for it! The bristles ore dense, but so soft on the skin. Using this brush really does give an airbrushed finish to the face. I would recommend it most to those using full-coverage foundations, but the brush could blend any foundation into a flawless canvas.
3. Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer - This concealer is a gift from heaven! Any blemish, dark circle, or imperfection is 100% erased, I guarantee. This product claims to be a "heavy duty concealer", and it undoubtedly performs. The only warning I would give about this product is its thick consistency. You only need a little!! Literally, a pencil point amount is enough to cover under one eye.  






4. Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Finishing Powder - For those who love a matte finish to their foundation, this will be your holy grail product. This powder is honestly my secret weapon. I use it to set foundation, concealer, and any other cream or liquid-based products I use on my face. The powder completely erases shine, so oily skin is no longer a problem! It has just the right amount of thickness, that it doesn't leave a sheer cover. There is a tiny bit of light pigment to it, so if you have darker skin, find a shade that is closer to your natural skin tone.





5. Flower Blush & Bronzer Duo - This is the ultimate two-in-one product for a girl on the go! The bronzer has the slightest bit of shimmer that helps define and lift cheekbones, while the blush is the perfect shade of pink for almost any skin tone or type. The best aspect of the product, I would say, is the way the two products work together and compliment one another. They truly give the most natural and flushed look.





6. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - I now fully understand all of the attention this product is given on the internet beauty world. This primer is absolutely amazing!! There are no complaints I can think of that could be made about this product. It just elevates any powder eyeshadow that is applied to a whole new level. A little goes a long way as far as this product goes. I can already tell this is going to be a long-time staple in my makeup collection!




7. Stila #5 Crease Brush - Blending shadow into the crease of my eye is quite a challenge. I have a bit of a hooded eye shape, and I have not found a crease brush better than this one from Stila. The dome shape helps make blending super easy! The brush is soft, but still dense enough that it is able to pick up product very easily. I can't rave enough about the effect it gives my eyeshadow. 
8. Elf Liquid Eyeliner - This liner is probably the best makeup product I have ever come across. It is $1 from Target and easily the best liner I have ever used. I am totally a liquid liner person, and even if you are not, I encourage you to try this one out. I promise it just takes practice to achieve the perfect liquid liner. This Elf product offers great control and is super pigmented. I have repurchased it probably three times, and I plan to continue doing so until I find a product that can stand up to it!



9. Benefit "They're Real" Mascara - I received this mascara as a sample from Sephora on my birthday, and I am absolutely impressed with it. This mascara gives the perfect balance of length and volume. It also offers a huge amount of separation of the lashes. I feel like I am wearing false lashes when I use this mascara, and that is a big deal to a girl who despises wearing falsies! ;)





10. EOS Lip Balm - It doesn't matter the color or flavor, if it is EOS, I am a fan. This lip balm provides a ton of moisture, but that's not the only reason I have been using it. I love using this product as a sort of primer on my lips before I apply a lipstick or stain. It doesn't leave a waxy or slippery feel, so I can go right from this to my lip color of the day without hesitation! I would recommend EOS lip balms to everyone! 





  
 I hope you have enjoyed my first Top Ten post on this blog! Keep checking back for more! XO Maddie

Walking on Eggshells

 Today's look was a little rushed! :/ I had church this morning, and I never seem to leave myself a lot of time to get pretty. I used my favorite Wet & Wild eye shadow trio in "Walking on Eggshells" for my eyes. This is THE perfect trio of neutral shadows for makeup beginners! Each pan of shadow is labeled with "lid", "crease", and "brow bone". It tells you what to apply where, what could be easier?! I used a bright pink lipstick from Revlon to add a little color. Have a great day! XO Maddie

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Pretty in Pink & Purple

 Today's look was inspired by a recent YouTube makeup tutorial by the girls at Pixiwoo! The sisters who run the channel are such inspirations to me! They have a great love for beauty and create the most amazing makeup looks. I went with a purple-brown eye and signature black winged liner. As far as my lips and cheeks, I went with the most Barbie-like pink I could find! Though I had no special event going on today, getting made up makes me feel better and ready for any situation that may arise. Hope you enjoy seeing today's look! XO Maddie

Pixiwoo YouTube Channel
My YouTube Channel
















Welcome from The Makeup Maven

  Welcome to my new blog! I'm Maddie, and I'm a makeup enthusiast. I am addicted to all things beauty and fashion-related. I hope to post daily makeup looks, products reviews, makeup tutorials, and more on this blog! I hope you enjoy! XO Maddie