New MUA Makeup Academy Line at CVS

So I got this little pamphlet in the mail today - CVS sure does know how to get a girl's attention!

Makeup Academy is a new line of lip products, brushes, and lashes, coming to CVS. Though this line uses the same logo/name as the British MUA makeup brand, these products are completely new, formulated just for their release at CVS. They are not the same products sold at Superdrug stores in the UK. You can read more about this new line at Happi.com!

I definitely want to test out some of these new lip products for you guys, so hopefully I can put that $2 coupon to good use! Since these products were newly created for CVS it's hard to know what they'll be like, and the prices for the lip products are around $8 - a little pricey compared to the UK brand!

I'm hoping to spot one of these displays at my local CVS soon! (I'll snap some pics if I do!)

9/15 Update: And here's the display!

The lip products look really interesting, not too sure about the brushes - they were a little on the pricey side but they did seem like nice quality!

XOXO,
Ally

It's On Us

It's On Us:

To RECOGNIZE that non-consensual sex is sexual assault.

To IDENTIFY situations in which sexual assault may occur.

To INTERVENE in situations where consent has not or cannot be given.

To CREATE an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.

Please visit itsonus.org to learn more and take the pledge yourself.

Look of the Day: Smokey Eye for Errand-Running

I love wearing more dramatic makeup looks when I don't have work,,,,today I was just running some errands around town, so I did a bit of a smokey eye (nothing too dramatic though, I still worked with more neutral, brown shades). I know that dark makeup isn't always appropriate, which is why I love to experiment when I have some free time!

XOXO,
Ally

Easy Tip for Wearable Glittery Eyes

One of my favorite ways to spice up my eye makeup and add a touch of glitter (while still being totally wearable!) is to use a black glitter liner! This one is by Collection, and has black glitter as well as some sparkly silver flecks. On top of a black liner, it adds a beautiful touch of glitter without being too over the top. I just apply my liquid liner as I normally would, and then once that dries, I go over it with the glitter. If you're a glitter lover, this is definitely a tip you should give a try!

XOXO,
Ally

Look of the Day - Goodbye Summer!

   

I know it's mid-September, but I really wanted to do a fun and rather colorful summery look.....I mean, technically it is still summer!

For this look, all I did was apply a shimmery champagne shade to my lid, use some light purple in the crease, and then lined my eyes with bright blue on the bottom! I finished the look off with an orange/coral lip. Really simple, and perfect if you're already missing those warm summer days!

XOXO,
Ally

Clinique Chubby Stick Swatches

I was shopping around Sephora the other day, playing around and swatching some things, and I really enjoyed these different Clinique Chubby Stick products! I haven't used any of these, so I can't necessarily recommend them based on how they apply/wear, but I can give you guys a couple thoughts based on how they swatched!

 

Listed starting from the top (ignore that unrelated swatch on the left haha!):
Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in the shade Flowering Freesia: This is definitely more of a balm than a lipstick, so it swatched very lightly - I was hoping for something a little more vibrant!
Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes in the shade Two Ton Teal
Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes in the shade Grandest Gold
Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in the shade Pudgy Peony: This one was much more pigmented, and a beautiful shade!

Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes in the shade Plush Periwinkle

Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes in the shade Oversized Orchid

All four of the eye shadow tints swatched really nicely and were exceptionally pigmented - I had these on my hand for several hours as I shopped around the mall, and they lasted the whole time! I can't say that that means that they'll last just as long on the eyes, but they do have promise!

I was snapping these pics of my hand as I waited in line at Sears - the cashiers probably thought I was losing it haha!

XOXO,

Ally

Look of the Day: Glittery Smokey Eye with Fall Colors!

Since I didn't have work today, I wanted to do something a little more exciting with my makeup - I still think this is a very wearble look, but the glitter and bright pink/burgundy colors make it more interesting than a regular neutral eye! Since there were some pink shades in the eye, I actually applied only bronzer and highlighter to my face, skipping the blush, so that the pink tones wouldn't conflict. A peachy or wine shade would look lovely with these eyes, though!

This look was actually not too difficult to achieve, and you can use a variety of products to get a similar look! I started out with some shimmery white cream shadow in the middle of my lid, to intensify and lighten the burgundy color I was going to be using later. Then I took some brown shades and smoked out my crease area, starting with a light matte shade and working up to darker colors. I concentrated some of the dark brown in my inner and outer corner, as well. The shimmery white shadow actually looked really nice in the center of the eye by itself, but to make this look more fall-inspired I used L'Oreal's Glistening Garnet Infallible shadow on top of it, and topped that off with a neon pink glitter liner from NYX. Finally, I smoked out the bottom lashline with some black on the outside, and brown on the inside. I finished things off with black liquid liner, mascara, and super nude lipgloss.

XOXO,
Ally

e.l.f. Pink Passion Studio Blush Swatches

Is there really anything better than a $3 blush? This bright pink shade from e.l.f.'s studio line may look like a crazy neon shade in the pan, but it actually starts out quite pale, so you can build up the shade to whatever intensity you like.

This product was actually pretty hard to photograph because it's so bright, but with a little color adjusting I got it to look pretty accurate on screen!

This swatch is actually several layers of color to show you guys how you can build up the intensity - you can definitely get a subtle look with this blush if you just apply a tiny amount! Totally versatile!

XOXO,

Ally

Sleek i-Divine Oh So Special Palette Swatches

Sleek Makeup has some really fun and affordable palettes available at UK drugstores - and for the US fans, products can be shipped internationally from sleekmakeup.com. Today I swatched the Oh So Special palette, which is a mix of pinks, warm browns, and a few cooler toned shades as well.

I swatched all these shades without a primer to see how well they showed up on their own - the lightest shades were the least pigmented on their own, but would definitely make amazing highlight colors! The shimmery shades swatched extremely well and had a gorgeous frosty look, and the black shade was super intense!

(Click the pictures to enlarge them!!)

And yes, the shade Glitz was broken in my palette, but I'm almost positive that's because it was traveling in my luggage all the way from England to the US, not because of any product mishandling!

I love this palette because it's such a fun twist on typical natural palettes - the colors are pretty neutral, but shades like Ribbon and Glitz really add a more colorful touch, without being overwhelming. The only downside to this palette is that the shade names are written on a plastic insert, so if you throw that out, you'll have a hard time figuring out which shade is which!

XOXO,
Ally

L'Oreal Glistening Garnet Infallible Eyeshadow Swatches!

L'Oreal's Infallible Eyeshadows are one of my favorite eye products out there - they've got an amazing frosty shimmer to them, and give the eye so much dimension, even if they're the only shadow you're wearing. Glistening Garnet is a deep burgundy red color, with a hint of a purple undertone.

Like other similar pressed-pigment type shadows, this eyeshadow comes with a little plastic stopped on top of the actual shadow, to keep it from drying out.

This shadow has the most amazingly smooth texture, and the color payoff is fantastic! I swatched it without a primer, and the color is super vivid and pigmented with just one swipe. These are already very long-wearing on their own, but with a primer, you'll get even more wear! And this is definitely a product I'd recommend if you want to bring a little more fall color into your makeup this September!

I can't wait to try out even more shadows from this line!

XOXO,

Ally

Wishlist of the month: September!

Fall is finally here, which means new fall collections, and, if we're lucky, lots of fall sales! Here are a couple products that I can't wait to get my hands on!

OCC's Unknown Pleasures Lip Tar Collection: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics has created an amazing formula with their lip tars, and stunning deep purple shade called Pagan is to die for!

Too Faced Sweethearts Blush: I fell in love with this blush as soon as it came out over a year ago, and I still haven't gotten my hands on it! There are three shades to choose from, and I have to be honest--it's hard to choose!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics: This one's a no-brainer! I love nudes, especially taupe shades--and I actually don't own the Naked 2 palette, so this mini version is the perfect thing for me?

What's on your radar this fall - old favorites, new releases, or a little of both?

XOXO,
Ally

Back-to-School Drugstore Eyeshadow!

Check out my top picks for back to school eyeshadow singles and palettes - all from super affordable drugstore brands!

Palettes:

Physicials Formula Shimmer Strips Palette, Nude: Not only are these shades all super shimmery and neutral, but they're not too pigmented - normally I wouldn't consider that a plus, but if you want just a touch of a nude color across your lids, a less pigmented palette might be perfect for you! Also, how cute is that packaging??
Jesse's Girl 9 Pan Eye Shadow Palette, Tickled Pink: This is actually one of my favorite palettes to work with, especially in fall - as you can tell, my case is rather well-loved! The lighter pink shades are totally school appropriate while still bringing a bit of fun color, and the darker purples and burgundies are perfect if you want something more dramatic or to take a look from day to night!

Singles/Duos:

e.l.f. Essentials Duos: This particular duo doesn't have a name on it (I believe it came in a set), but the colors are light enough to wear to school - and since you get two shadows, you can switch up your look each day!
L'Oreal Infallible 25 HR Eye Shadow, Iced Latte: This shadow is probably my absolute favorite in this post - the formula is amazingly smooth, it lasts all day (perfect for school!), and the light cream color is also super shimmery, meaning you get a really nude color but a ton of shimmer to catch the eye! I recommend all the shadows in this post, but if you're only going to pick up one, this would definitely be it!

Wishing everyone a happy school year - and I hope your makeup looks fabulous all year!

XOXO,
Ally

Makeup & Hair Styling in The Sims 4!

Ok guys, I was BEYOND excited for the release of The Sims 4! I've played all the Sims games since the very first installments, and even despite the fact that they've gotten rid of toddlers and pools, this game looked like a lot of fun - especially the new CAS system! Instead of using sliders which have typically controlled your Sims' looks in the past, you can simply click and drag on areas of the body to change them.

I've been playing around a lot with the new CAS, so I thought I'd show you guys a few of the cool Sims I put together - and specifically take a look at the makeup and hair styles that I chose! Obviously makeup is always one of my favorite parts of making a female Sim, and even though The Sims 4 no longer has the options to choose any color you want for clothes, furniture, and other features, there are tons of color selections still available.

Look #1: Natural

This Sim's look was the easiest to put together - for makeup, all I added was some brown eyeliner, peachy blush, and light pink lipstick. Since I wanted to keep her makeup light, I went with cute pigtails and a really fun floppy sunhat to draw the attention away from the face and still create some interest. I gave this Sim a fun, outdoorsy personality, so I wanted her style to reflect that, as well!

Look #2: Smokey

For this Sim, I wanted to go with a glamorous, nightlife-inspired look with a really dramatic smokey eye. I chose a heavier makeup application and then selected a dark gray color to get the smokey effect, then I added black winged eyeliner across the top. I didn't apply any blush, since this Sim was already really pale and I wanted to keep the main focus on the eyes. For the lips I used just a touch of a pale nude color, to offset the drama in the eyes. And of course, I had to go with this beautiful sideswept hairstyle - I love how it shows off her earrings, as well!

Look #3: Colorful

This look was definitely my favorite to put together! I wanted to try using different colored eyeliners, so I chose a slightly smokey navy blue eyeshadow, and then topped it off with royal blue winged eyeliner. I added a touch of peachy blush, and then picked a darker wine color for the lips - just because I was doing color on the eyes didn't mean I was going to skimp on the lips! I wanted to pair the look up with these awesome feather earrings, so I gave this Sim a funky braided ponytail to really show off her look!

If any of you have The Sims 4, you can find these Sims (and so many more) on the Gallery in game! Check then out, and happy Simming!

XOXO,

Ally

MAC x Rocky Horror Picture Show - Fall 2014 Collection! #HYPE

I'm super excited for this collection! I've seen RHPS several times, and it was always a great event - lots of dressing up and lots of cool makeup! I've already got my eye on that blush, and I can't wait to get my hands on these products at the end of the month. And if you've been searching for that perfect red lipstick, maybe now will be the time you finally find it, with four red lipsticks included in the collection!

Check out more information about the collection on InStyle.

XOXO,
Ally

Bath & Body Works Fall PocketBac Hand Sanitizers

If there's one store I need to be kept away from, it's Bath and Body Works. Every time I walk in there just to look around, I end up walking out with bags of new products! And of course, with the fall scents finally on display, there was no way I could pass up a tiny purchase.

These PocketBac Sanitizers are $1.75 each, or 5 for $5 in the "We Love Fall" set on the Bath & Body Works website. Last time I was at the mall, I picked up three of the set - Crisp Morning Air, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, and A Walk in the Woods.

All three scents are really lovely, and are available both as a hand sanitizer and a foaming soap! I have a huge collection of these little PocketBacs and I love to swap them out for the different seasons, but fall is definitely my favorite!

Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin: This one is pretty straightforward - really sweet and cinnamony!

Crisp Morning Air: This scent is very fresh, a combination of earthiness and fruit!

A Walk in the Woods: Possibly my favorite of the bunch! Very spicy and musky, like the perfect autumn afternoon in the forest!

These guys are so little and cheap - they're the perfect way to get into the fall spirit! Plus, who doesn't love having clean hands on the go?

Fans of Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods will especially appreciate one of these sanitizers' names!

XOXO,

Ally

Look of the Day: Summery Lips!

Summer is almost over, but there are still a few days left to break out those bright & fun summer lip colors! For today's look, I went with dewy, flawless skin, light and shimmery eye makeup, and bold lips!

One of the keys to this look starts before you even apply a touch of makeup - it's all in the skincare! Before applying my foundation, I used an exfoliating cleanser to scrub my face and then slathered on some moisturizer. I also made sure to apply plenty of balm to my lips. That way, both my face makeup and my lipstick would apply smoothly later on, without accentuating any patches of rough skin.

For my face I just went about my typical routine, but I finished everything off with a hydrating spray. I used the e.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Set Spray, which doesn't do too much for me in terms of setting my makeup, but does a really nice job of keeping my face dewy and stopping it from getting powdery. For the eyes I just used a light sweep of shimmery nude shadow, followed by a touch of a darker matte shade in the outer corner and crease, just to give it a hint of depth. Then I applied liquid eyeliner very thinly across the top, and used a shimmery champagne eye pencil on the bottom waterline.

For the lips, any bright lipstick will do - I used one of the Wet n Wild Megalast Lip Colors, which are extremely matte, and paired it with a tiny bit of shimmery gloss in the center of the lip, to give some dimension to my lips. If your lips are less smooth, you might want to use a vibrant gloss or a less matte lipstick instead, to achieve the same effect.

Of course, you can always ramp up the eyes a little more if something this subtle isn't your style, but I love downplaying the eyes when I wear a bright lip - it puts all of the attention onto my lipstick, right where I want it!

XOXO,
Ally

Drugstore Back-to-School Lip Products for Middle School, High School, and College

It's that time of year again - school is almost back in session! Parents everywhere are rejoicing, while kids are savoring their last day or two of summer. You may have already stocked up on the coolest notebooks, pencils, and folders - but don't forget the lip products! Here are some of my back-to-school favorites, from moisturizing to colorful, so you can find the right lip product for you and your grade level! I've picked out 3 lip products each for middle school, high school, and college - and the best thing is that they're all from the drugstore!

Middle School:
If you're in middle school, you may have started wearing light makeup already, or you may be rocking the natural, bare-faced look. Either way, I'd recommend keeping the lip products light. Not only will products like balms and glosses look more natural, but they are also easier to apply and require less precision, which means you won't be stuck in the bathroom trying to apply perfect lipstick!

SoftLips Tinted Lip Conditioner - Rose: This lip balm is probably a little too frosty for most adults, but for younger girls it's lovely! I've always found SoftLips balms to be extremely moisturizing, and the SPF 15 will help protect lips from damaging sun rays.
Bath & Body Works Liplicious Gloss: The particular shade that I'm wearing isn't being sold in Bath & Body Works stores anymore, but you can still find similar clear and lightly tinted glosses - and the best part is that they come in a bunch of fun flavors! These glosses add just a hint of shine and shimmer, and the tube packaging makes it super easy to swipe them on in between classes.
Maybelline Baby Lips Balm - Pink Punch: The most pigmented lip product in the bunch, this balm gives a beautiful pink tint to the lips, feels smooth and moisturizing, and has SPF 20! If the pink is too bright for you, these balms come in a variety of other tints, and there are several clear options as well!

High School:
Whether you've started wearing a fuller face of makeup and want the perfect lip product to compliment the rest of your look, or you want to keep the face natural and just accentuate your lips, these lip products range from glossy to matte and from bright to subtle. They all look great alone, so no need to pack a ton of lip products to take to school!

e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color - Tea Rose: This lip color is extremely matte, so it may not work if you have dry or chapped lips. But if you keep your lips moisturized and smooth, this lip color is a beautiful pale shade with a bit of a purple undertone. Since it's matte, it won't move around on your lips throughout the day, and it won't compete with your eye makeup!
CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm - Ballet Twist (205): This jumbo lip pencil is a pale peachy shade with a touch of shimmer. It goes on very sheer, but you can also build up the pigment by applying a few layers. It's really easy to apply without a mirror, and feels very lightweight on the lips!
NYX Butter Gloss - Peaches and Cream: This has been one of my favorite summer glosses, and I definitely plan on wearing it into the fall as well! It's a gorgeous peachy pink color, and true to the name, it's extremely smooth and buttery on the lips! It gives the lips exactly the right touch of color.

College:
Let's be real - anything goes in college! For these lip products, I picked out something nude, something bright, and something with super versatile packaging, for those busy days where you're going from the dining hall to class to practice to clubs and finally, to the library for an all-nighter!

Revlon Lip Butter - Peach Parfait: This shade is the perfect peachy-nude color with a bit of shimmer and a TON of shine! One of my favorite things about the Revlon Lip Butters is that I never feel like I need a gloss with them, because they're incredibly shiny already!
Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer - Stellar: In reality, this shade is a bit more pink than it looks in my selfies, but either way - this one is bright! Since this product stains my lips, I don't have to worry about reapplying it right away when I feel it wearing off! (Note: I purchased mine in England where they're called "Apocalips," thus the different name on the packaging.)
Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker Gloss - Pink: I've never found these pH products to really change color on anyone, but I can't dispute the fact that this gloss is a gorgeous, vibrant pink shade that gives a ton of color just by itself! The packaging on this gloss is also so cool - there's a mirror on the tube and the wand lights up, so you can reapply in any situation and don't need to carry a separate mirror with you all day!


And....that's it! Hopefully you'll get some back-to-school inspiration from these lip products, and find one that's perfect for you! And of course, to everyone who's starting school again - lots of luck! <3

XOXO,
Ally