Stranded Island Essentials

What Five Items Would You Take?

If you were stranded on a remote island and could only take five makeup products with you, what would you take? I am going to tell you the five products that I would choose as far as makeup products. This is not including skincare or tools to apply the makeup products that are chosen. This is just the five holy grail products that I would bring with me to create a basic but beautiful look.

MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer
Price: $21.00
Where you can buy this: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstrom

I would chose the MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer because you can use this product as a foundation and a concealer if you want to. The Pro Longwear Concealer comes in a small glass bottle so it is super easy to carry around if you need to. This concealer can be worn with heavy coverage if it is applied with a sponge or a brush and it can be worn with more sheer coverage if it is applied with the fingers or mixed with a moisturizer. The Pro Longwear Concealer has amazing staying power and does not have to be set with a powder.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer
Price: $23.00
Where you can buy this: Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, Nordstrom

 

The second item that I would chose to bring with me is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer. This is one of my holy grail products, and is by far one of my favorite brow products of all time (besides the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel!) I love the Brow Definer because it has a spoolie on one end so that you can maintain and groom your brows and the other end has an angled brow pencil that you can create flawless brows with. The actual brow products has a beautiful range of colors for every hair color and tone, and the longevity of the product is amazing. Your brows aren't going anywhere with this brow pencil! Plus, if you are in a pinch, you can also use this as an eyeliner for along the lash line to create a smoky eye.

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
Price: $8.29
Where you can buy this: Ulta, drugstores, etc.

 

The third product that I would pick would have to be the L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara. This is my ride or die mascara. I have not found another mascara (drugstore nor high end) that compares to the length and volume that the L'Oreal Voluminous provides. If you love the look of false lashes but do not know how to apply them or just plain hate to wear them, then this the mascara for you. It gives you the illusion of much thicker and fuller lashes. Not to mention that the carbon black color is as black as they come. I have been using the L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara for many years now and I have never had a problem with it running or smudging no matter what the weather was or what activities I was participating in that day. Plus, it is not a waterproof mascara so it is easy to remove without ripping out your real lashes.

Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo
Price: $39.00
Where you can buy this: Sephora, Make Up For Ever stores

 

 

The next product that I would chose would be the Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo. This is a highlight and contour duo. Half of the product is a highlighter and the other half of the product is a contour/bronzer and the two halves are made into a petite black compact. The Pro Sculpting Duo comes in two colors: one is a more golden tone and the other is a more pink tone. I personally have the pinker toned set because I think that this color in particular is best on a wider range of skin tones. I think the highlight looks nice on my skin when I am on the fair side and when I am self tanning and have a bit of color. This product is great because it is a compact two in one product that is easy to carry around and is great for multi-purpose situations. You can not only use this duo as a highlight and contour kit, but you can also use them as eye shadows. I have used them as eye shadows many times and I have been complimented on how beautiful it looks, so its a win win!

MAC Cosmetics Boldly Bare Lip Pencil
Price: $16.50
Where you can buy this: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstrom

 

 

The last product that I would chose would be the MAC Cosmetics Boldly Bare Lip Pencil. MAC's lip pencils have to be some of my favorite lip pencil formulas on the market. They are an amazing formula that lasts and is not uncomfortable to wear at all. Not to mention that MAC has a ton of colors in their lip pencil line! In particular, I love the color Boldly Bare. Boldly Bare is a neutral pinky-brown color. It is almost like your lip color but better. I like to line my lips with the pencil then fill the rest of it in to create a great long lasting base for my lipstick, or even rock it by itself since the color is amazing on its own. This is a must-have color in any makeup lover's collection!

All Photos By Becky Schutten

Makeup of the Day

Sunday Funday

This past Sunday I decided to go all out and do a full-on glam look to spicy up my laid back Sunday with the family. I went for a deep smoky eye with lots of lashes paired with a neutral lip. Below are all of the products that I used to achieve this glam look.

Primer: Chanel Le Blanc De Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base

Foundation: Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation and Concealer in 0.5 (Breeze)

Concealer: MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20

Setting Powder: Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

Bronzer: Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette in Shadowplay

Contour: Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette in Subconscious

Blush: MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul

Highlighter: MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Shroom

Eye Shadow Base: MAC Cosmetics Paint Pot in Blackground

Eye Shadow: MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadows in Carbon (eyelid), Bamboo (crease), Swiss Chocolate (deep crease, under eye), and Shroom (inner corner highlight, brow highlight)

Eyeliner: Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black

Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black and Rimmel Lash Accelerator in Extreme Black

False Lashes: MAC Cosmetics Lashes in #43

Lash Glue: Andrea Brush-On Striplash Eyelash Adhesive

Eyebrow Pencil: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brown Definer in Medium Brown

Eyebrow Gel: Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

Lip Liner: MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Boldly Bare

Lipstick: Sephora Color Lip Last in 02 (Cinnamon Crush)

Lip Gloss: Nars Chelsea Girl

Setting Spray: Sephora Beauty Amplifier Set and Refresh Spray

 

 

All Photos By Becky Schutten

Makeup of the Day

Dinner/Date Makeup

Last night I went out with some family to celebrate my man's 28th birthday, and this is the makeup look that I created for dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. Below are the makeup products that I used to create this look:

Prime: None

Foundation: L'Oreal True Match in W2 Light Ivory

Concealer: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20 and Sephora Bright Future Concealer in 03

Setting Powder: Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

Bronzer: Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Contour: Inglot HD Sculpting Powder in 505

Blush: Nars Orgasm

Highlighter: Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Gleam (Crushed Pearl)

Eye Shadows: Too Faced Natural Matte in Nude/Cashmere Bunny (crease/under eye) and Risqué (lash line/under eye), and Make Up Forever Artist Shadow Palette 9 in D-562 (eyelid) and I-514 (brow highlight and inner corner highlight)

Eye Liner: Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in Blackest Black

Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black and Rimmel Lash Accelerator Extreme Black

False Lashes: None

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel and Brow Definer in Medium Brown

Lip Liner: MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl

Lipstick: Too Faced Melted Matte in Queen B

Setting Spray: Sephora Beauty Amplifier Set and Refresh Spray

All Photos by Becky Schutten

Beauty Haul

Recent Beauty Haul

One of the most peaceful experiences for me to do when I'm feeling down, bored, or uninspired is to go makeup or beauty shopping. There is just something about walking up and down the isles swatching makeup or smelling perfumes and hair products that makes me feel uplifted and inspired again. I was feeling a little uninspired recently so my sister and I decided to take a day and go to a bunch of beauty store to see what was new.

So, I have picked up some new products from a couple stores and I wanted to share my great finds with you! Some of the products are repurchases and others are brand new to me. I will let you know which products are new and repurchased in the descriptions below. The following products were purchased at the drugstore, beauty supply stores, and high-end beauty stores.

Note: If you would like swatches or reviews on any of the products below, please leave a comment and I will be happy to do that.

Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes (New)
Cost: $4.49
Where you can find it: Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Costco, Target

 

Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash (New)

Cost: $5.49

Where you can find it: Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Target

 

 

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant in Stress Response (Repurchase)

Cost: $7.99

Where you can find it: Walgreens, Walmart, Target, CVS, Jewel

 

 



Batitse Dark and Deep Dry Shampoo (Repurchase)

Cost: $.7.99

Where you can find it: Ulta, Target, Walgreens

 

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel (Repurchase)

Cost: $22.00

Where you can find it: Ulta, Sephora, Macys, Nordstrom



 

 

 

Pureology Hydrate Hydra Whip Hair Mask (New)

Cost: $50.00

Where you can find it: Ulta, select beauty supply stores

 



 

Bath and Body Works Hands Soap (Repurchase)

Scents: Golden Pineapple Luau, Turquoise Waters, Tiki Mango Mai Tai, Black Cherry Merlot, Hawaiian Pink Hibiscus

Cost: $6.50

Where you can find it: Bath and Body Works

 



 

The Body Shop Sorbets in Mango and Strawberry (New)

Cost: $15.00

Where you can find it: The Body Shop 

 

 

Bath and Body Works Body Lotions (Repurchase)

Scents: Waikiki Beach Coconut, Limoncello, Pink Chiffon, Tahiti Island Dream, Tiki Mango Mai Tai

Cost: $12.50

Where you can find it: Bath and Body Works

 

 

Wet Brush Detangle (Repurchase)

Cost: $11.99

Where you can find it: Ulta, select beauty supply stores

 

 

Origins Drink Up Intensive Face Mask

Cost: $17.00

Where you can find it: Sephora, Macys, Nordstrom

 



 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita

Cost: $20.00

Where you can find it: Sephora

 

 

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Gleam

Cost: $40.00

Where can you find it: Sephora, Macys, Nordstrom, Ulta

 



 

All Photos by Becky Schutten

Eyebrow Pencils: Anastasia vs. NYX

Eyebrow Pencils: Anastasia vs. NYX

Finding the perfect eyebrow pencil can definitely be a challenge, and I have done my research for the best ones at the expense of my bank account. Just because a product has a big price tag doesn't mean it is worth the money when it comes to the quality of the product. In particular, it can be difficut to find a great eyebrow pencil regardless of the price, which makes the hunt for the perfect brow product even harder. Creating a perfect yet natural looking brow has become a huge trend, and an even bigger eyebrow tend in recent years has been Anastasia Beverly Hills. Anastasia Beverly Hills' products have made everyone in the industry really step up their game when it comes to creating amazing quality and selections in the brow department. As much as I love almost all of Anastasia's products, NYX has come out with an amazing line of eyebrow products that are comparable to the infamous Anastasia Beverly Hills eyebrow pencil. These two eyebrow pencils are very similar, but the big question is: Is it worth spending a bit more money for the Anastasia Beverly Hills eyebrow pencil or sparing your bank account and buying the NXY eyebrow pencil?

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
(Shade: Medium Brown)
Price: $21.00
You can buy this at: Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, and Nordstrom
http://www.sephora.com/brow-wiz-P202633?skuId=1394717&om_mmc=ppc-MSN&mkwid=ptfOvTgw&pcrid=11604371611&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is a brow pencil in a slender black and rose gold tube. The Brow Wiz comes in nine different shades which include: Taupe, Caramel, Auburn, Medium Brown, Soft Brown, Chocolate, Dark Brown, Ebony, and Granite. I think that this range of colors is a great selection for all hair colors, and they cover all of the undertones. The Brow Wiz is a duo-sided container with one side containing the actual eyebrow pencil and the other side containing a spoolie to brush the eyebrow. This eyebrow pencil is retractable so you can move the product up and down as necessary. The actual eyebrow pencil is thin and comes to a point so you can get a precise application. Since the pencil is so narrow, it allows the user to get a super precise and natural looking brow because you are able to draw hair-like stokes which creates the allusion of having a fuller or more perfect brow. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is a stern material which I personally love because I think that this gives you more control over the product which in turn makes it easier to create your desired shape. I love to set the Brow Wiz with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel. This brow gel sets the eyebrows so well without having to use too much product. A little bit truly goes a long way.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil
(Shade: Espresso)
Price: $9.99
You can buy this at: : Ulta, Target, and nyxcosmetics.com
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12011193&skuId=2284052&CPMID=CSBING&CAWELAID=330000200000255557&catargetid=330000200000463933&CADEVICE=c

The NYX Micro Brow Pencil is a brow pencil that is in a slender black tube with white writing. The Micro Brow Pencil comes in eight different shades which include: Taupe, Blonde, Auburn, Chocolate, Ash Brown, Brunette, Espresso, and Black. I think that NYX came out with a good range of colors for someone who is looking for a brow pencil that is on the cool-toned side, but I think that they do not have as any options for people who are looking for a darker warm-toned brow pencil. The Micro Brow pencil is a duo-sided pencil that contains a pointed brow pencil on one side, and has a spoolie on the other side. The NYX brow pencil gives the same effect as the Brow Wiz, however it is a little bit harder than the Anastasia brow pencil. I know someone people love when their brow pencil is harder, but I think that it is a little harder than I would like it to be. When it comes to the presicion of the NYX Micro Brow Pencil, I think that it gives you a great result and you can obtain any shape you want with easy (you just have to use more pressure to get the color payoff you want.) The Micro Brow Pencil is by far the best eyebrow pencil I have ever found at the drugstore or for a drugstore
price!

When it comes to deciding which eyebrow pencil is worth buying, I think the results really depend on how much you want to spend or what your budget is. I personally like how my brows come out better when I use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, but if I was on a money crunch, I would have no problem buying and using the NYX Micro Brow Pencil. These two eyebrow pencils are very similar to each other  and are both super stars in my eyes. However, if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Anastasia Bevery Hills Brow Wiz because I like the fact that it is slightly more easy to work with.

All Photos By: Becky Schutten

#motd

Makeup of the Day!

 

 

Primer

- Cinema Secrets Ultimate Foundation Primer

 

Foundation

- L'Oreal True Match Lumi in Porcelain/Light Ivory (W1-2)

 

Concealer

- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Fair

- MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter in Radiant Rose

 

Powder

- Rimmel Stay Matte in Natural (003)

 

Bronzer/Contour

- Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette (Shadowplay and Subconscious)

 

Blush

- Milani Romantic Rose Powder Blush (01)

 

Highlight

- Becca Moonstone

 

Eye Primer

- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC15

 

Eye Shadow: Crease, Bottom Lash Line, and Brow Highlight

- Morphe Brushes Eye Shadow Palette in 35N

 

Eye Shadow: Lid and Inner Corner

- Nars Dual-Intensity Eye Shadow in Callisto

 

Eye Liner

- Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in Blackest Black

- Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion

 

Mascara

- L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black

- Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless in Extreme Black

 

Eyebrows

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown

 

Lips

- MAC Lip Pencil in Whirl

- Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid in Nude Flush (10)

 

Setting Spray

- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

 

Photos by: Becky Schutten

Top 10 Highlighters

Top 10 Highlighters

Out of all of the makeup products you can buy, highlighters have to be on my top three favorite purchases. There is nothing like turning your head and catching a glimpse of a glowing cheekbone, or creating that perfect pout with a highlighted cupid's bow. There are so many great highlighters out there that it was hard for me to choose my top 10 favorites. In this blog post, I am only going to mention highlighters that are still avaliable and are made in powder form. I will make another blog post on cream and liquid highlighters at a later date. My top 10 highlighters range from drugstore to high-end and incorporate all different colors such as white, champange, golden, pink, and beige. Also, I tried to make sure that my selection included modest highlights to highlights that could blind you in direct sunlight. In these 10 highlighters, every person with every skintone can find the highlighter that suits them the best.

Powder highlights are best applied with a smaller, fluffy synthetic brush. This type of brush will ensure that an evenly distributed application is well executed with ease. A great example of this kind of brush is the Real Techniques Setting Brush. Also, another great way to apply a highlighter is to use the gifts God gave you... Your fingers! Using your fingers, is always a good way to get a light application of a product that is still pigmented. To achieve the perfect highlighted look that makes you look as tho you are glowing from within, you can apply your highlight on the tops of the cheekbones, down the center of the nose, on the cupid's bow, on top of the brow bone, and in the corner of your tear duct.

Lightscapade by MAC Cosmetics: Cool toned white.

Moonstone by Becca: Shimmering pearl.

Illuminated by Urban Decay: Sparkling light beige.

Highlight-01 by Laura Mercier: Radiant beige.

Translucent Pearl by Physicans Formula: Frosted light pink.

Mood Light by Hourglass: Natural soft pink.

Riviera by Anastasia Beverly Hills: Metallic peach.

Opal by Becca: Shimmering champange beige.

Soft and Gentle by MAC Cosmetics: Light golden beige.

Gilded Honey by Laura Geller: Intense golden honey.

All Photo Credits: Becky Schutten