MAKEUP by LC

Haul: First e.l.f. Purchase! (Products + Mini Review)

2009-08-10T17:30:00.002-04:00

Yay, my first haul post! I have never used e.l.f. cosmetics before, and decided to give them a try. I've heard mixed reviews about the brand but with such cheap prices, I won't be disappointed if I don't love them because I didn't invest much! I tried a variety of products, some from the regular line and some from the studio line. So, here are my goodies!

Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder

This duo was the main reason for trying out e.l.f. products. I read a good review on this product so I thought I would try it out. I've used it once and so far I like it! It has a little shimmer and adds a nice, healthy glow. $3.99

Shimmer Palette

I really like these soft colors and wanted to try this out with different eyeshadows. I have used them a few times now and really like them. They are good for highlighting or adding a little shimmer to the inner eye. $3.00

Studio Eyeshadow "C" Brush

So far I like this brush. It's thinner than I had hoped, but it's soft and I like the shape of it. $3.00

Blushing, Bronzing and Blending Brush

I'm not impressed with this brush. You basically get what you pay for! It feels brittle on my skin. I'll be tossing this one! $1.00

Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara

I bought this product for the clear mascara. I tried it out this morning on my brows and after about 3 hours the gloss and shine was completely gone. I have used other brow mascaras and I've never had this problem. This is another product that I guess you get what you pay for! $1.00

False Lashes: Natural Lash Kit-Black, Dramatic Lash Kit-Black, Drama Lash Kit-Black

I was excited about these lashes when I saw them online, but now that I see them in person, I can tell the quality is really lacking. I like the shape and style of them, but they don't compare even to Ardell lashes in quality. I haven't used them yet and probably won't. $1.00/pair

Overall Impression of e.l.f. Brand:

Unfortunately, my overall impression is not that great! Even out of the products I did like, I most likely won't re-purchase because they didn't "wow" me. e.l.f. has awesome prices, but the quality of the products makes it easy to see why. There are other inexpensive brands, such as NYX, that I would definitely recommend over e.l.f. I most likely not be purchasing anything in the future but I am glad I tried this brand out for myself.

What do you all think of e.l.f.? Have you had better luck with their products? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Update: I'm On The Move!!

2009-07-27T16:05:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that I am moving to a new house at the end of this week. I'm really excited but unfortunately that means my blog will suffer a little. I should be back on track with updates next week. Please check back regularly though because I have lots of fun stuff coming up soon!

xoxo,
Laura

FOTD: Vibrant Purple Smokey Eye w/a Twist

2009-07-21T12:14:00.010-04:00

This is a second look I created for a contest by YouTube & Beauty Blog Guru, Magicgrl111 (you can enter twice). It's a smokey eye contest w/a twist. She required that didn't use any black (other than mascara and false lashes). I decided to use purples for this look because it's said to be a good color for green/hazel eyes.. plus purple is such a pretty color! You can see my first entry, a smokey blue eye, by clicking here. I'd love to hear what you think!

FACE
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder, Shade: Bronzer
MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush (highlight)
MAC Blush in Pink Swoon

EYES
MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in White (1st row, 1st down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Light Purple (8th row, 2nd down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Vibrant Purple (8th row, 4th down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Bold Purple (8th row, 8th down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Deep Shimmer Purple (8th row, 7th down)
MAC Eye Shadow in Brule (brow highlight)
Sephora Brand Flashy Eye Liner in Flashy Mauve
NYX Eye/Eyebrow Pencil in White (waterline)
Ulta Brand Professional Lashes
Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara in Extreme Black
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Dark Matte Brown (11th row, 7th down) (brows)

LIPS
Rimmel Lip Liner in East End Snob
Revlon Matte Lipstick in Nude Attitude
Smashbox Lip Gloss in Candid

Here is my video entry for the contest on YouTube:

Review: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads Maximum Strength

2009-07-18T14:15:00.003-04:00

These pads are amazing!! They are convenient and most importantly, effective! I bought these for my fiancé because he is very active and has been breaking out a little more than usual due to the summer season. He used them for the first time at night after washing his face and by the next morning, all signs of a breakout were gone! I couldn't believe it; I have never seen a product work that fast. I need the occasional spot treatment and I decided to try these pads myself, and I got the same instant result! No signs of a breakout come morning. Anytime I start to feel like a pimple may be coming, I swipe a pad and viola! These are great too, when I've had a late night and just want to fall into bed. We know we're all guilty of falling asleep with our makeup on from time to time, but these things are so simple and easy, it's impossible to let that happen. They leave my skin really soft afterward and they smell really good too! I buy these at Target and they retail for around $5.99 for 60 pads. I highly recommend this product!!

MAKEUP by LC YouTube Channel!!

2009-07-17T00:46:00.001-04:00

That's right! MAKEUP by LC is expanding! I've decided to start a YouTube Channel to coincide with my beauty blog! I only have one real video on there right now, which is my blue smokey eye look for a contest entry. I will be making more videos of makeup looks and I plan to eventually get a camera and start filming hauls, reviews, tutorials, etc.! I would love it if you all would visit my channel and subscribe. Your support means the world to me! Just click on the icon above or CLICK HERE! Thanks!!

FOTD: Blue Smokey Eye w/a Twist.. ;)

2009-07-16T09:27:00.014-04:00

Hey beauties! This is a look I created for a contest by YouTube Guru & Beauty Blogger Magicgrl111. It's a smokey eye contest w/a twist. She required that you didn't use any black (other than mascara and false lashes). I loove the MAC eyeshadow Steamy and it's the first thing that came to mind when I learned about this contest. I also just got a gel liner from Coastal Scents in Indigo Blue and thought it would be good to try it out with this look. You can enter twice, so I might try another smokey eye look using purples. I'd love to hear what you think!

FACE
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder, Shade: Bronzer
MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush (highlight)
MAC Blush in Peaches

EYES
Ulta Professional Eye Primer
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Deep Purple/Blue Color (6th row, 8th down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Light Powder Blue Color (5th row, 6th down)
MAC Eye Shadow in Steamy
MAC Eye Shadow in Brule (brow highlight)
Coastal Scents Gel Liner in Indigo Blue
Andrea Modlash Lashes #53
CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Dark Matte Brown Color (11th row, 7th down) (brows)

LIPS
Sephora Brand Nano Lip Liner in Cute Caramel
MAC Lipstick in Pretty Please
Victoria's Secret Lipstick in Whisper
Maybelline Shinylicious Lip Gloss in Golden Peck

Here is my video entry for the contest on YouTube:

Visit my new YouTube Channel by clicking here!!

FOTD: Neutral Look w/a Purple Pop

2009-07-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! This is a simple, neutral look I did a few days ago with a little pop of color. I used a really pretty, vibrant purple liner blended on my lower lash line. I like the way this turned out, but I think I'll try this look again with darker shadows on my upper lid and then the purple liner underneath for added effect. I'd love to hear what you think!

FACE
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder, Shade: Bronzer
MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush (highlight)
MAC Blush in Pink Swoon

EYES
Ulta Professional Eye Primer
MYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
Coastal Scents 88 Neutral Eye Shadow Palette in Light Silver Shimmer Color (3rd row, 2nd down)
MAC Eye Shadow in Satin Taupe
MAC Eye Shadow in Brule (brow highlight)
Stila Smudgepot in Black
Sephora Brand Flashy Eye Liner in Flashy Mauve (lower lash line)
Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx (waterline)
Almay One Coat Triple Effect Mascara in Blackest Black
Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown

LIPS
Rimmel Lip Liner in East End Snob
MAC Lipstick in Tanarama
Maybelline Shinylicious Lip Gloss in Sunset Sparkle

A Makeup Must Have... Brushes!

2009-07-09T16:27:00.020-04:00

I have quickly learned that makeup brushes are an essential beauty tool! Gone are the days when I used those old sponge-tip applicators. I cringe when I think back to a few months ago when that was my only type of eyeshadow applicator! Ever since discovering the benefits of brushes, my collection has been growing and growing! I have a few favorites that I thought I would share with you all. I'm thinking about trying out Sigma brushes next, I've read a lot of good reviews. Do you have any favorites or any suggestions? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Onto my favorites...

1. KABUKI BRUSH
I looove this brush. I use it daily to apply my bronzer all over. I have had it for so long that the name has worn off, and I can't remember where I purchased it (I'm thinking it's an off brand one from Target). However, it's a great quality brush. It's dense enough that it really packs on the color for full coverage and better yet, no shedding!

2. STUDIO TOOLS DUAL FINISH BRUSH
I bought this brush at Target and I love it! I use it to apply blush. It's really great quality, especially for the price (only $6.99)!

3. MAC 217 BLENDING BRUSH
This is my absolute favorite MAC brush! I use it for putting color in my crease/outer V. It's fine, dense fibers really hold the color well. I use it lightly, slowly deepening the eyeshadow color. It's really soft too.. a definite must-have!!

4. MAC 219 PENCIL BRUSH
This is a great brush. I use it mainly to blend around my upper and lower lash lines; it really creates a perfect smoky look. The tip is really soft, but very precise too.

5. SEPHORA BRAND SHADER BRUSH (from the Sephora Brand Smoky Eye Brush Set)
I use this brush almost daily. It's great for putting color all over the lid. It packs the color on very fast and I love the rounded tip.

6. SONIA KASHUK BLENDING BRUSH
This is an awesome blending brush! I never put eyeshadow on it, just use it bare. It's the perfect size and shape and it's really soft and fluffy too. I use a light, swirling motion and it blends seamlessly!

7. LOEW-CORNELL 2044 MOP 1/4" BRUSH
I use this brush for my brow highlight. I was picking up some MAC art brush dupes at Michael's and got this one in a pack. I don't think it's a dupe for anything, I just like the shape of it for my browline and it packs on just enough color!

8. SONIA KASHUK ANGLED BRUSH
This brush is the perfect size for my brows, I use it to apply eyeshadow to them. It holds the perfect amount of color and is very precise.

9. SMASHBOX ARCED LINER BRUSH #21
In the past I have always shied away from using liquid eyeliner or gel liners until I finally got brave and tried them out a few months ago. I've used a few different types of brushes for gel liner, but this one is definitely my favorite! The shape makes it's really precise and super easy to use. I highly recommend it!

June Favorites

2009-07-07T09:11:00.027-04:00

It's that time again! I am expanding my favorites list this month to include fashion and accessories as well.. I just have too many loves to limit it to hair & makeup, haha! So, here are my favorite makeup & hair products, fashion accessories, etc. during the last month!!

MAKEUP
Ulta Professional Eye Primer (love the texture!)
MAC Satin Taupe Eyeshadow
MAC Brulle Eyeshadow (perfect brow highlight!)
Mineral Magic Cosmetics Mineral Glitters in Pink Sugar (gorgeous color!)
Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette (I love this entire palette, I find myself using atleast one color daily!)
Stila Smudge Pots in Black
CoverGirl Lashblast Mascara in Very Black
MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush (awesome for a cheek highlight!)
Sephora Brand Nano Lipliner in Cute Caramel
Victoria's Secret Lipstick in Whisper (I bought this a while ago and I LOVE it!! It gives me the perfect nude/pink pout.. I'm so sad though because I think it's discontinued!)
Victoria's Secret PINK Lip Butter in Bare
Smashbox Arced Liner Brush #21
MAC 217 Brush
Loew Cornell 270 Maxine's Mop 1/4 Brush (MAC 228 Brush Dupe)

HAIR
Matrix Essentials Color XL Shampoo
Matrix Essentials Color XL Conditioner
Garnier Fructis Style Brilliante Shine Glossing Spray

NAILS
OPI Nail Lacquer in Louvre Me, Louvre Me Not
OPI Nail Lacquer in OPI Ink.

CLOTHES, SHOES & ACCESSORIES
Forever 21 Polished Gold Headband
Forever 21 Edith Plaid Ruffle Top (click here)
Urban Outfitters Carved Rose Post Earrings in Black (click here)
Fossil 3 Stacked Pave Rings (click here)
Steve Madden Crazzy Wedges in Beige (click here)

FOTD: Girl's Night Out Silvery/Bronze Look

2009-07-04T19:42:00.006-04:00

Yay for having a Girl's Night Out!!! This was my look on Thursday night. It was so nice to get out with some of my girlfriends for dinner and drinks.. we had a blast! Anyway, onto my look; I did a silvery/bronze combo on my eyes and a bronze/nude look on the my face and lips. This was my first time wearing false eyelashes too and I think I'm in love!! I feel like they looked natural.. I didn't want to do anything too crazy my first try! Anyway, I'd love to hear your comments/suggestions!!

FACE
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder, Shade: Bronzer
MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush (highlight)
MAC Blush in Pink Swoon

EYES
Ulta Professional Eye Primer
Sephora Brand Jumbo Eye Pencil in White
Urban Decay Shadow in Uzi
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Silver Matte Color (11th row, 3rd down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Shimmery Brown/Grey Color (10th row, 7th down)
MAC Eye Shadow in Bronze
MAC Eye Shadow in Brulle (browline highlight)
Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner in Black Metal Love
Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx (waterline)
Ardell Lashes #109
CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Dark Matte Brown (11th row, 7th down) (brows)

LIPS
Sephora Nano Lip Liner in Cute Caramel
Victoria's Secret Lipstick in Whisper
Maybelline Shinylicious Lip Gloss in Golden Peck

FOTD: Wearable Purple-ish/Plum Look

2009-06-29T11:28:00.002-04:00

This was my look for yesterday, kind of purple-ish/plummy, but nothing too dramatic. I just did a little heavier, winged eyeliner. I'm going to start playing around with falsies because my eyelashes are just not showing up well! Anyway, here it is.

FACE
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder, Shade: Bronzer
MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush (highlight)
MAC Blush in Pink Swoon

EYES
Ulta Professional Eye Primer
Sephora Brand Jumbo Eye Pencil in White
Urban Decay Shadow in Chopper
Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette in Beige Color (1st row, 5th down)
Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette in Shimmer Plum Purple Color (6th row, 6th down)
MAC Eye Shadow in Brulle (browline highlight)
Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner in Black Metal Love
Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx (waterline)
Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara in Blackest Black
Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown

LIPS
Sephora Brand Nano Lip Liner in Cute Caramel
Victoria's Secret Lipstick in Whisper
Maybelline Shinylicious Lip Gloss in Golden Peck

Review: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup

2009-06-27T09:14:00.009-04:00

Who doesn't love a beautiful, glowing tan? It's like an instant slimmer! Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs is a spray-on makeup for an instant tan. My sister introduced me to this product a few months ago and I absolutely love it! It is by far the best instant tanning makeup I've ever used. It is definitely not just for the legs; I use this all over, especially on my arms and back. I just spray it directly on my skin and blend it in quickly. The coverage is awesome and it's weightless, so no goop! It's almost like a matte color; no shimmer, glitter, etc. which gives a really natural looking tan. It really lasts too; you have to scrub to get it off.

It comes in four shades: Light Glow, Medium Glow, Tan Glow, and Deep Glow. My skin tans easily so I use Deep Glow. You can find this product in drugstores, Target, Walmart, Ulta, etc. It retails for around $13.50 for a 4.4 oz can. I think the price is about right; I get a lot of use out one can. My sister has had some issues with the cans clogging up, but so far I haven't had a problem.

Below you can see a before and after of my arm using this product (Deep Glow). The pictures speak for themselves; it almost looks like I photoshopped them but these are the real results! I highly recommend this stuff!

EOTD: Urban Decay Wallpaper Shadow Box Palette - Purple/Brown

2009-06-16T11:09:00.020-04:00

This is a look I did a few days ago using my Urban Decay Wallpaper Shadow Box Palette. It's a fun palette with gorgeous colors! I tried out a purple-ish/brown look.

EYES

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

Maybelline Cool Effect® Cooling Shadow/Liner in Snow Bunny (inner eye corner)

Urban Decay Shadow in Grind

Urban Decay Shadow in Asphyxia

Urban Decay Shadow in Smog

Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner in Black Metal Love

Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx (waterline)

CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara in Very Black

Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown

May Favorites

2009-06-02T16:23:00.025-04:00

These are some of my current favorite products! This changes often so I'll try to do this monthly. :)

Bronzer:
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder, Shade: Bronzer. I have been using this bronzer for years and I love it! It has a matte finish, which is what I really like in an all-over bronzer.

Primer:
MAC Painterly Paint Pot
Ulta Professional Eye Primer

Eye Shadows:
Victoria's Secret Radiant Shimmer Eye Palette - Amazon Rainforest. I bought this a few weeks ago and fell in love with it! I'm not a huge fan of Victoria's Secret make-up line, but this palette is gorgeous. It's great for everyday fun looks.
MAC Bronze (Frost)
MAC Steamy (Frost)
Smashbox Eye Shadow Trio - Smashbox.com
Maybelline Cool Effect Cooling Shadow/Liner - Snow Bunny

Eyeliners:
Stila Kajal Eye Liner - Onyx
Sephora Brand Long Lasting Eye Liner - Taupe
Kat Von D Autograph Eyeliner - Black Metal Love

Mascara:
Cover Girl Lash Blast - Very Black. This was the first drug store mascara I have used in years and I LOVE it! I think it's the best I've ever used to be honest. I love the brush and it really makes my lashes longer and fuller!

Blush:
MAC Sheertone Blush - Pink Swoon
MAC Cream Colour Base - Hush (Frost)
Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush - Peach Stain

Lipstick:
MAC Pretty Please (Lustre)
Revlon Nude Attitude (Matte)

Lipgloss:
MAC Dazzleglass Goldyrocks
NARS Orgasm
Maybelline Shinylicious Golden Peck

Brushes:
MAC 217 Blending Brush. This is the best brush I have ever used on my eyes.. definitely worth the price!!
Kabuki Brush
Sephora All Over Shadow
Sephora Shader

Make-Up Remover:
ALMAY Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Hair Products:
ALFAPARF Cristalli Liquidi. The salon I used to go referred to this as "hair crack", haha. I LOVE this stuff. I've been using it for years and it makes my hair super shiny!
KENRA Platinum Silkening Gloss
Garnier Fructis Style Brilliante Shine Glossing Spray

Welcome to my Beauty Blog!

2009-05-28T21:09:00.012-04:00

Hey everyone! Welcome to my brand new beauty blog! Since this is my first post I'll go ahead and introduce myself. My name is Laura and I'm 26 years old. I live just north of Atlanta, GA with my fiance, Brad, and our adorable little dachshund, Sophie. I'm a nursing student and I work in the medical field.

I have recently discovered my absolute love of make-up, health & beauty products, and hair care (basically everything beauty related!). I've always been big into make-up but I just recently started trying new things. I was searching on YouTube for videos on how to apply liquid liner and I came across a whole new world of beauty stuff! I had NO idea that there were "YouTube Guru's" and blogs dedicated to make-up, hair, etc. I have learned so much in the past few weeks from visiting blogs and YouTube Channels.. I had no idea that I was missing out on all this fun stuff before now!

My four favorite YouTube Guru's are Kandee The Make-Up Artist, TiffanyD, Beauty Broadcast, and Magicgrl111's Beauty Blog. They are so much fun to follow and my inspirations for starting my own beauty blog. This will be a place for me to share my reviews and thoughts on all things beauty. Who knows, maybe one day I'll even do some of my own tutorials! Until then, please enjoy my blog and I'd love to see any comments/questions you might have! Thanks guys!

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