A MARSALA NEW YEARS MAKEUP TUTORIAL

There were  A LOT of opinions about Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year , Marsala. 

The team at Nylon Magazine likened it to the "womp womp at the end of the rainbow," while Rihanna loved it so much she wore it to host the Diamond Ball. Then there was Tynan at xoJane who finds the entire concept of deciding on a Color of the Year to be "manufactured" and "boring." Personally I like the idea of Color of the Year. Also, its the perfect place to start when thinking about your New Years beauty look. What better way to bring in the New Year than in its new shade? Sephora has just released a whole line inspired by Marsala with products starting at $18 and going all the way up to $39. That was little over my budget so I visitted my local drugstore and found Marsala items that were easier on my purse.

Here's the final look. Scroll down to see what I found and what I did to get my Marsala New Years look.

STEP 1:

I started with  moisturized and primed skin. Next I applied Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation ($4.99) in Caramel 350 and Cocoa 370.

STEP 2:

I applied L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer ($8.99) in Medium/Deep W6-7-8 under my eyes and blended with my fingers. 

I then filled in my brows with Maybelline Eye Studio Master Smokey Longwearing Shadow-Pencil ($6.99) in Scorching Brown 625.

 STEP 3:

Since this look is all about true color, I wanted to make sure my Marsala eyeshadow didn't get muddied by my foundation. To insure this, I covered my lid and inner corner in NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil ($4.50) in Milk.

 STEP 4:

Next I used a Maybelline Expertwear Eyeshadow Quad ($4.99) in Sandstone Shimmer. Using the small sponges that come in the compact, I applied the crease shade (Marsala) on two thirds of the lid, starting at the inner corner but leaving some of the Milk eyeliner showing through. Next I used the "lid" shade (gold) on the outter third. I then went back into my Marsala shade and blended everything together and pulling the colors up just above the crease. Let shadow set.

 STEP 5:

For Marsala cheeks, I swiped Maybelline Face Studio Master Glaze ($7.99) in Make A Mauve in a C shape from the apples of my cheeks up to be hairline and blended heavily with my fingers.

 STEP 6:

I lined my eyes with L'Oreal 12 Hour Infallible Super Slim Eyeliner ($8.95) in Black.

 STEP 7:

For added drama I applied false lashes but like always, this step is optional. I used Ardell Corset Lashes 503 Black ($3.69). I swear by Ardell lashes but the band on these was way too thick and they were extremely uncomfortable. 

 STEP 8:

For Marsalla lips, apply L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipcolour ($8.95) in Saucy Mauve 560.

So what do you think, will you be having a Marsala New Year? Let me know in the comments section below!

Love, Light and Glitter Always!

Valessia

PRODUCT REVIEW #1: URBAN DECAY NAKED ON THE RUN PALETTE II

This is Part II of my Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette review. For Part I, click here.

The Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette is supposed to supply all the makeup you need when spending time away from your makeup stash. I thought I'd put it to the test and do my first Day to Night tutorial. 

DAY

I started with moisturized and primed skin, then applied my foundation, concealer and filled in my brows as usual.

Step 1:

Apply Dare eyeshadow from the lash line up to the brow bone using Lancome brush #22

Step 2: 

Stipple Fix eyeshadow on the outter corner using Lancome brush #13

Step 3:

Smile and apply naked Blush to the apples of your cheeks using a Sephora brush #54

Step 4:

Tight line your whole top lid and half of your bottom with 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner in Stag

Step 5:

Apply a single later of Perversion Mascara on your top and bottom lashes

Step 6:

Swipe Naked Lipgloss in Sesso at the center of your bottom lip and blend with your finger. Blot with a tissue

NIGHT

To achieve my Night look, I built on what I did for Day.

Step 1:

Contour with Stun eyeshadow and Highlight with 5050 eyeshadow using Sephora brush #54

Step 2: 

Stipple Dive eyeshadow from lash line to crease using Lancome brush #13 and blend up with your fingers

Step 3: 

Use 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner in Stag to fill in your top lid from your lash line to your crease, stretching the outer corner into a thick cat eye then apply thick line under your bottom lashes.

Step 4: 

Using Sephora brush #54, apply Bronzer to the highest point of your cheek bones all the way to your hairline

Step 5:

Use the same brush to blend in a second coat of Blush over the Bronzer

Step 6:

Apply a thick layer of Perversion Mascara to top and bottom lashes

Step 7:

Layer on a thick coat of Naked Lipgloss in Sesso to your top and bottom lips. Blot with tissue, then pat Dive eyeshadow on top of the gloss with your fingers

Step 8: (Optional)

Apply false lashes. I used Ardell Wispies

Tell me what you think of this Tutorial and what you'd like to see next in the comments below.

Love, Light and Glitter Always!

Valessia

NOT FAIR #2: Instagram's New Filters

This is a Special Edition of NOT FAIR!

 If you love doing your makeup, you probably love showing off your hard work on Instagram with selfies too. Today, instead of telling you how to get the same look as a fair skinned celebrity I'll be reviewing Instagram's new filters. So often brown skin is forgotten when new products are launched, lets see if Instagram remembered all us black unicorns!

#NOFILTER

 Here is the original photo. I chose a photo that was well lit and similar to the majority of my posts - a picture I took with my DSLR Camera then uploaded to Instagram.

#Selfie Grade: A+ 

I always vote no filter!

ADEN

#Selfie Grade: A 

I'm a sucker for soft light and a gentle glow. This would be perfect for outdoor shots on a sunny day!

CREMA

#Selfie Grade: C 

Two Words: Jaundiced Zombie

Where did all my life go?

LUDWIG

#Selfie Grade: A

This is how I look in the mirror and I like that.

PERPETUA

#Selfie Grade: D

The darkness above the eyes makes me look like a caveman. #notcute Also, didn't know I had forehead wrinkles, so thanks Instagram!

SLUMBER

#Selfie Grade: B+

This isn't the best filter for the photo I chose but I think it might have some artsy potential.



What do you think of Instagram's new filters. Let me know in the comments below!

Love, Light and Glitter Always!
Valessia

THIS POST WAS FEATURED ON THE WEEKLY ROUND UP AT INDEPENDENT FASHION BLOGGERS!

Jolly Ol' Style Picks

Merry Christmas (to those who celebrate). How many of you are still in your PJs tinkering with your holiday loot? Or maybe flipping through magazines, blog feeds whatever while sipping that last bit of egg nog? Well, today is the big day. What's next New Year? Now is the time to reflect on giving, gratitude and also what worked for us this year, and what didn't work so much. Take it easy today... luckily there is a fantastic roundup this week to feed your inner muse!

Links à la Mode: December 25th

• Blue Velvet Vintage: 7 Vintage Style Tips to Help You Stand Out in Your Little Black Dress
• Burgundy Whispers: Gift Giving
• Cartier & Company: Poshmark: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Over the Rainblue
• Funky Jungle: 5 Questions To Ask Yourself Whilst Shopping
• Head 2Heels: Festive Attire: 5 Easy Holiday Outfits
• Kailayu: 25 Killer Christmas Gifts for Your Girlfriend
• Les Assorties: Introducing the Travel Wrap Company
• Madame Ostrich: What's It Like To Be a Lingerie Model?
• Moda Vracha's Spot: SkinFood Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser Review
• Mode Plus: Monochrome Kimono by Monki
• Ms. Fabulous: Holiday Gifts That Give Back
• Pretty Passions Fine Fashions: How Did 50 Years of Feminism Come To This?
• Save Spend Splurge: How Many Toxic Chemicals Do You Slather On?
• Storybook Apothecary: Gorgeous Budget Gifts You Should Get Yourself
• That Paki Blog: Style Icon: Quaid E Azam M Ali Jinah
• Un Femme d'Certain Age: Holiday Party Style
• We Are Ready Made: Easy Come, Easy Go
• We The Unicorns: Instagram's New Filters for Selfies
• Yukova's Fashion Blog: 50 Goals in 500 Days

SPONSOR: Shopbop MR Bags, Gedebe, Kors Bags, Melissa, Bella Dahl, Frends, Meli Melo, Wouters Hendrix, Koolaburra, Joie Shoes & MCM Belts

Want to be featured in Links à la Mode?

1. Read the clarified rules and submit your links on this page: Links à la Mode. 2. If your link was selected and you need this week’s code, visit this page: Links à la Mode Code.

PRODUCT REVIEW #1: URBAN DECAY NAKED ON THE RUN PALETTE I

The Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette is supposed to supply all the makeup you need on the go. The large palette houses six eyeshadows, a bronzer, a blush, a travel sized eyeliner and mascara and one full sized lip gloss. This palette is a little heavier than most so carrying it around in your purse wouldn't be ideal but it would be fine in a carry-on or weekender. It would be perfect if you could literally grab this palette on the run but unfortunately you'll have to stop and grab your brushes because UD didn't include any. 

The UD Naked On The Run Shadows: Dive, Fix, Resist, Dare, Stun, 5050

The eyeshadows are all gorgeous and I'm positive that (if used correctly). each could work on any skin tone. A personal drawback is that you get a double dose of 5050 which according to the UD website is "the perfect all over shade." That might be true for some people, but on darker skin tones, as anything more than a highlighter, I think you would just end up looking ashy. I love that you get a mix of mattes and shimmers, giving you the capability of achieving an endless amount looks!

Dive is a warm metallic rose. This shade was very flattering on darker skin and would be perfect for the holidays.

Fix is a matte brown, similar to the color of cafe au lait. If built up too much, the result could be a little ashy on my skin but one swipe was very flattering.

Resist is a metallic milk chocolate. Confession: I'm obsessed with shimmery brown eye shadows. ALL OF THEM! There's so much you can do with them! Go subtle for a natural glow or dark for a smoldering smokey eye. I'm completely biased by Resist was easily my favorite shade in the pallet.

Dare is a matte brown shade of coco. Dare is nearly the same color as Resist, perfect for brown girls who don't like shimmer.

Stun is a deep metallic brown with fine flecks of gold and bronze. Stun is great for a dramatic but natural look. I would love to mix it on the same eye as Dive and Resist. (Remember the smoldering smokey eye?)

5050 is a warm matte cream. This shade went on well but I would use it sparingly. It would make a great highlighter under the brows and in the inner corners of the eye.

UD Naked On The Run Blush and Bronzer

The blush was fantastic. I love the satin finish and the saturated color. Bright colors work very well with dark skin and I can't get enough of them. In the palette, Blush looks like a highly pigmented neon pink but it goes on subtly and continues to build as you apply.Swipe once for a natural glow or twice for real drama.

The bronzer is also pretty but not as flattering on darker skin. I find that bronzers are usually full of large pieces of glitter, I'm happy to report, this shade isn't! Bronzer is a little pale for my skin but the texture was lovely and would suit the a lighter person beautifully.

Also in the UD Naked On The Run Palette: 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner in Stag, Naked lip gloss in Sesso and Perversion Mascara in Blackest Black

I didn't expect much of the eyeliner, I've never used a brown liner and I didn't think it would be flattering. I was wrong! Stag has a satin finish and is a great replacement for traditional black liner. It wore well and the lighter shade made my eyes look bigger. Another upside, brown liner means black lashes really stand out!

Like the rest of the world, I'm all about matte lip right now but Sesso worked well for me. The shade was subtle but the gloss stayed on well and wasn't sticky.

I adored the Perversion Mascara so much I might have to break up with my Lancome Hypnose Drama. UD isn't lying when they call the color Blackest Black. My lashes look long and full but not clumpy. The mascara also worked fantastically when I applied it over false lashes.

Have you tried the Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below.

Check back Wednesday for the second part of this review where I'll show you how to use your Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette to take your travel look from Day to Night.

Love, Light and Glitter Always!

Valessia

NOT FAIR #1: Lady Gaga's Mod Makeup Tutorial

Unicorns come in all shades, so why don't Celebrity Makeup Tutorials? NOT FAIR tutorials show the makeup of fair skinned celebrities on brown skin.

The only thing better than watching Lady Gaga sing with the legendary Tony Bennett for H&M is dying over how amazing her makeup is! Also, points for not using a Christmas song in the Holiday Campaign. Check out the full commercial and my version of Lady Gaga's mod look below.

To begin I pulled out my favorite foundation, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H in 530 Suede C. To get Gaga's subtle glow, I mixed my foundation with Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost, a low glitter liquid bronzer. Using the pads of my fingers, I applied a quarter sized dollop on my cheeks then blended it out with my Sephora Collection Classic Mini Multitask #45.5.

Awkward selfie smile...

Next I blotted my L'Oreal Paris True Match Crayon Concealer in Medium/Deep Warm W6-7-8 in an triangle under my eyes, extending it all the way to my hairline - Pictured below on the left. On the right - my concealer after smoothing everything out with my Beauty Blender.

I follow this by highlighting my forehead and cheek bones with Benefit Watt's Up! Using a fluffy blush brush, I then set everything by stippling Sephora Collection Smoothing Translucent Setting Powder all over my face.

To start the eyes, I used Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer from my lash line to just about my brows.  drew in a full, extra round eyebrow with Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pommade in Ebony and their eyebrow brush #12.

As a base, I used NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean on the mobile lid, winging it out into a chunky cat eye. I then used NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil in Pots & Pans in the crease and halfway to the brow.

I built on my base by stippling Lancome Color Design in Style Section over the silver and Lancome Color Design Infinite 24H  in 602 Forever Noir  over the black. I followed by using my usual contour - Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation in Suede Mocha - as blush just along by cheek bone.

To finish everything off I added top and bottom lashes (Ardell #109 and Ricky's Care #49 respectively) and Lancome L'Absolue Nu lipstick in 311 Pale Petal.

Love, Light and Glitter Always!

Valessia

THIS POST WAS FEATURED ON THE WEEKLY ROUND UP AT INDEPENDENT FASHION BLOGGERS!

Holiday Happy

Ok, usually there's a lot of complaining about the holidays. Stress. Shopping. Crazy Family. But for some reason, and by all means this is awesome, people are really happy about the holidays this year. Well, at least in this roundup. Getting festive, not worrying too much and having a fun time, that's what these final days of 2014 should all be about!

Links a la Mode: December 11th

• Adorned in Armor: Introducing Beauty
• Affordorable: Stealing from His Closet
• Attire Club: 10 Materials to Wear in the Winter
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: Nails, Inc. Tinsel Town Collection Review
• Hunting in Heels: Sunday Style: Barbara Streisand
• Invictus: Closet Essentials
• It Takes 2 Fashion: 5 Tips for Dealing with PRs
• Fashion Trends and More: 3 Ways to Style an "Ugly Holiday Sweater"
• Lake and Moon: How to Find the Color Scheme for Your Wardrobe
• Les Assorties: Introducing Sandy Liang
• Moda Vracha's Spot: Exclusive MAC x Nasty Gal Collection
• Ms. Fabulous: Dapper Q's Masculine Fashion Show, (Un)HEELED
• Purushu Arie: Illustrations of the British Fashion Awards 2014
• Prodo: The 14 Elements of a SEO Friendly Blog
• Style Bizarre: The No-Knit DIY Slouchy Beanie Tutorial
• Style on The Side: How to Get Rid of Dark Circles
• The Chic Teen: How To Create a Minimalist Packing List
• The Rivaux: Let's Get Organic with Our Skincare
• We Are Ready Made: We Are Fashion Freaks
• We The Unicorns: Lady Gaga's Mod Makeup Tutorial

SPONSOR: East Dane Tretorns, Narciso, 10 Corso, Del Toro, Zhuu , Maiyet, Land by Land, Araks, Tretorns, Antonello & Manebi

Want to be featured in Links à la Mode?

1. Read the clarified rules and submit your links on this page: Links à la Mode. 2. If your link was selected and you need this week’s code, visit this page: Links à la Mode Code.

BEYWATCH #1: "Haunted" Music Video Makeup Tutorial

 You're already a flawless beautiful unicorn, BEYWATCH tutorials are here to show you how your makeup can be flawless too!

When Beyonce's Haunted video popped up in the news today, I knew it had to be my first blog post. Featured in the film adaptation of 50 Shades of Grey, check out the video below.

Here's my take Beyonce's makeup from the Haunted video. Keep scrolling to see how I did it.

STEP 1: BUILD YOUR BASE

Apply your foundation, focusing mostly on your T-Zone. 

I used Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H in 530 Suede C. 

STEP 2: CONTOUR & CONCEAL

Use a foundation in a color 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone to contour below the cheekbones and along your jaw. I used Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation in Suede Mocha. Use your Beauty Blender in a patting and rolling motion to blend your contour into your foundation. Use a foundation or concealer in a shade 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone to highlight your forehead & nose, under your brows, under your eyes (extending out along your cheekbones to your hairline), your cupids bow and your chin. I used L'Oreal Paris True Match Crayon Concealer in Medium/Deep Warm W6-7-8. Use your Beauty Blender in the same patting and rolling motion to blend your concealer into your foundation.

STEP 3: HIGHLIGHT

To achieve Beyonce's glow, I applied Benefit Watt's Up! everywhere I applied my concealer. I then blended everything out with my fingers.

STEP 4: SET YOUR BASE

Using a fluffy blush brush, set everything with a translucent powder. I used the Sephora Collection Brush #52 and Sephora Smoothing Translucent Setting Powder.

STEP 5: BROWS

Prime your lids and eye brows. I used URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original. Using a color one shade lighter than your hair, lightly fill in your brows. I used Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade in Ebony and Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #12.

STEP 6: EYES

Use a light blue eye shadow on the mobile lid, bringing it up just above the crease and around the entire eye. I used  Lancome Color Design Infinite 24H in 401 Magnetic Teal. Lightly dust a navy shadow over the the light blue, work it in heavier on the outer corner and under the eyes. I used Lancome Color Design in Sapphire Lace. Tight line your eyes with black waterproof eyeliner and apply a thick coat of black mascara on your top and bottom lashes. I used Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof in Noir and Lancome Hypnose Drama in Excessive Black

STEP 7: LIPS
Finish everything off with a swipe of deep red lip gloss. I didn't have the right shade so Imixed Kat VonD Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Vampira and YSL Gloss Volupte in Smoking.

Let me know your thoughts and share pics of your own take on this look in the comments below!

Love, Light and Glitter Always!

Valessia

THIS POST WAS FEATURED IN THE WEEKLY ROUND UP AT INDEPENDENT FASHION BLOGGERS!

Keep it Clever

Do you know the difference between a cocktail dress and a gown? Do you know how a man's suit should fit? How about what you should buy on vacation (as there are SO many things!)... Well, for all the little bits and pieces you need to know this season, we've got you covered in this week's links!

Links à la Mode: December 4th

• Al Balsam Life: 2014 Skincare Favorites
• Attire Club: Top 10 Male Models to Know
• Cat Eyes and Skinny Jeans: Nails Inc. Let It Snow Review
• Couture Stories: Age is a Number: Timeless
• Curvy CEO: Because Social Justice is Always in Style
• DressCode:HighFashion: Kate Moss and Cara Delevigne Unveil Burberry's Festive Window
• Fawkeshunter: Dress like James Bond: How to Fit a Mens Suit
• Ginger Side of Life: What to Buy While on Vacation
• Happy Pretty Sweet: Crazy Cat Lady Gift Guide
• Head2Heels: Ode to Awkward
• Kremb de la Kremb: Hong Kong in Shanghai With Louella Odie
• Modavracha's Spot: The Manket Trend: Men's Blanket Scarves
• Ms. Fabulous: Shop Small: Awesome Indie Fashion
• Musings of a Fashion Designer: Fashion Pakistan Week
• My Fashion S/ash Life: Tips on Dressing for a Creative Commercial Job
• MySolee: The Dress Code in Effect
• State of Cate: 8 Ways to Stay Organized
• The Daily Luxe: Top 5 Christmas Fashion Campaigns
• We Are Ready Made: Fly With Laurence Airline
• We The Unicorns: BEYWATCH: "Haunted" Makeup Tutorial

SPONSOR: Shopbop App Melissa shoes, Narciso, Women's Watches, Mackage, Swell Bottles , Men's JeansClutches, Shapewear, Tretorns, Herschel backpacks & Kate Spade Bags