Tranquility

The holidays are over (for now), so I figured this would be the best time to focus on relaxation. I didn't relax much over my break (yeah, I know I am weird). Instead, I spent all my time entertaining children, and worrying about everything lol. I don't care who you are, Christmas is stressful. Then there's new years, and you have no idea where your going, what you're going to wear, or what your makeup is going to look like. My first makeup look of 2014 is all about tranquility, and what is more tranquil than a beach? Seriously, it's like 30 degrees here right now (which is warm for a lot of the world, I know, I shouldn't complain!), but I am friggin freezing.

To get the full details on how I created this look, keep reading!

FACE:
For the face I kept it easy peasy sense my skin is dry (stupid winter!), and I don't think being tranquil means piling on foundation. The foundation I used was Tarte's Airbrush Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation. I then used Tarte's blush in the shade honored to give my cheeks a little life.
EYES:
I primed my eyes with Too Faced Shadow Insurance and then applied Dark Heart Designs shadow Rag Doll to the lid, stopping halfway up. In the inner corner, blending out towards the Rag Doll shade, I applied  DHD e/s in Frost to highlight my eyes. In the crease I dabbed on DHD e/s in Ultraviolet, and blended it towards the center of the lid and upwards. I continued adding Ultraviolet and blending until I was happy with the gradation. After I had my shadow the way I like it, I took a smaller detail brush and applied Ultraviolet to the lower lash line. I then took a matte black shadow and carefully lined my upper lash line, staying as close to the lashes as possible. I then curled my lashes, and applied mascara liberally. I used Rimmell's glam eyes mascara in black for this look.

Are you relaxed yet?

I love doing makeup because it allows me to be creative, but also relaxes me. I put in my headphones, pick up a brush and begin to paint. I encourage you all to sort of de frag your brain in any way that you can. Take time for you!

Check out Dark Heart Designs!! Their products are insanely good!! http://darkheartdesigns.storenvy.com/

Thanks for sticking by me, I hope you like this look, and as always if there's anything you would like to see, I love a challenge, so let me know!

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation First Impressions/Review

Hey dolls!

I did a review of this product over on my YouTube channel! Please subscribe, it means so much to me!!

Check it out below :)

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review & Swatches

I recently purchased four of NYX soft matte lip creams, and I've been wearing them non stop to get a good feel for them. I have recently become a lipstick whore, and It seems like everywhere I go I have to buy some sort of lip product lol I am obsessed with matte lipsticks so I figured I'd try NYX because they are so affordable. At 6$ each (right now they are BOGO 50% off at Ulta) it's an amazing opportunity and price point for everyone.

The colors I got are called Sydney, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, and Monte Carlo

       

Sydney is a pale pinky-nude color, and I like it because it can be applied with a light hand and is a perfect pink nude, or if you layer it, it's a soft pastel pink. It's a pretty color, but I am not sure If I like it. It did crease a bit, but I am not sure if its the product or the fact that my lips are dry right now with the cold weather we are getting here in NC. Would I buy it again? Probably not.

"Sydney"

Addis Abba is a bright fuchsia tinted lipstick, and I absolutely love it. It's bright enough to satisfy my rainbow loving soul, but its also muted enough so that you can wear it everywhere; including work. It applies smooth, smells amazing, and isn't drying like most matte lipsticks. Definitely worth 6$!

"Addis Ababa"

Amsterdam is known to be a dupe for LimeCrimes famous red velvetine lipstick, and my opinion on it is that it comes close, but the coloring doesn't match. The smell, and feel of Amsterdam is really good, and for the price, you can buy almost 3 of these- compared to Red Velvet. I love the color, the feel, and the application of all of these products, but this one feels so velvety and smooth when you're done, it makes you feel like you aren't wearing any lipstick at all. It's not drying, stays put, and is a good (I say good because it's not my perfect shade) red. It's got more blue in it, than orange, so it flatters vampire toned skin like mine. I imagine it would look great on anyone though. Buy it again? Yes, I already have actually!

"Amsterdam"

Monte Carlo is my favorite out of all of the lippies because I love a good red. Blue toned reds look really nice with my skin tone (opposed to orange toned) and I love the richness of the color. It reminds me of cranberry sauce. Like all of these, the application is easy, smooth, and velvety, and it's very moisturizing (surprisingly). I would definitely buy this again!

"Monte Carlo"

All of these products can be purchased anywhere NYX is sold: Nyx.com , Ulta.com, Ulta stores, and even in Target!

I've made it my mission to stock up on my favorite colors, and to own the entire collection. They are great, and I hope you will check them out! On Nyx.com if you give them your email you will receive a 25% off coupon 'welcome25' which will save you some $ too. I also like that every order over 25$ ships free, which saves you even more ;)

Vampy Look of The Day

Who doesn't love Vampires, they're usually hott!! haha I didn't do this look thinking that I wanted to look like a vampire, but it kind of reminded me of one. The dark, deep set eyes, dark lips, and pale skin (I get that naturally). I am loving my Dark Heart Designs products a lot lately, they really are as amazing as I keep telling you, so you should really check them out.

1. Prime eyes with Too Faced Shadow Insurance.
2. Using a fluffy brush apply Marry The Night (the dark blue) to your entire lid, blending outward and upward. Blend until the color looks uniform with no empty spots. You want the outer edges to fade out, so make sure to blend out the hard lines.
3. Using the same brush, pat on Rag Doll onto the center of your lid. This gives your lid the iridescent look seen in the pictures above.
4. Apply Fairy tale to the inner corners of your eyes.
5. Using your favorite black eyeliner, line your waterline heavily and then take a flat brush or eye smudger and smudge the lower lash line to create a heavy, defined waterline.
6. Using your favorite liquid liner, line your upper lash line with a thin line. (You can wing out if you'd like, but I chose not too)
7. Apply Mascara.
8. Next is the skin. Apply your favorite foundation. I used the new Airbrush Amazonian Clay Powder Foundation from Tarte.
9. Apply a deep plum blush like the one from Dark Heart called Dark Paradise.
10. For the lips I lined them with Perversion from Urban Decay (the same eyeliner I used on my waterline), and then using a lip brush patted on Venom lipstick from Urban Decay. 
11. Put your fangs in (optional)

Sit there and sparkle like a Cullen, cus you look good!

This was a super easy, simple look to do. I hope that you guys like it. Be sure to like me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/24-Karat-Dime/346926852073610 and become a follower of my blog if you like it :)

Protect that neck, the creepers come out this time of year!


Until next time :)

There's a mermaid in all of us

Today I wanted NEEDED to be a Mermaid. Mermaids are mysterious, they don't have any bills as far as I can tell, and they don't have any reason to go to college, or at least its not proven that mermaids go to college. The point is I needed to escape today. I have had a really bad month; my husband and I are fighting everyday, I've had no time for fun because of college, and I am also on a diet. Whip all those issues in a blender and I am stressed to the max! Insert...Mermaid.
Now this is not a "real" mermaid, and I didn't really try to get all fancy with it. I just had fun (finally!!!).

I put some fishnet stockings over my head, and began to fill in my forehead with colors...

Its mermaid-esque ;)

Products used and application:

Forehead (scales) : I covered my forehead with fishnets by putting one stocking over your head, kind of like you would with a wig cap. With a shadow brush, I loaded Dark Heart Designs e/s in Grace (white) and covered my entire forehead. Over the Grace I used Betrayal from the Vice 2 Palette (its the purple color). Over that I patted on Pinkies Up by Dark Heart Designs. When I took it off it left just a slight effect. I'm sure if I would've pushed hard, it would've left a better indent, but I like the softness of it.

Eyes: I primed eyes really well with Too Faced Shadow Insurance and applied Sugarpill's Mochi to the lids. On top of Mochi I applied Dark Heart Designs e/s in Fairytale to the entire lid, and then applied Dark Heart Designs e/s in Rag Doll to the middle of the lid. For the lower lash line I applied a thick line of Dark Heart Designs e/s in Nymph. The purple brow color is the same color used on the forehead (Betrayal from the Vice 2 Palette). The eyeliner is by Jessies Girl. Mascara is Covergirl Lash Blast in Black.

Face:I applied moisturizer and then Kat Von D Lock It Foundation to the entire face. On top of my foundation I used Dark Heart Designs e/s in Bone Daddy as a setting powder to give my face a pearlescent glow. On top of that I sweeped a light application of Urban Decay Naked Illuminator to the apples of my cheeks, and applied Dark Heart Designs Summertime Sadness Blush.

Lips: Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam

Photo Editor: PicMonkey/ Lomo Filter/ No photo retouching

Does it even look like a mermaid? hahaha oh well, it was fun!!!



Until next time :)


-Sam

Juice Beauty Organic Oil-Free Moisturizer Review

I received this as a sample in one of my recent Juice Beauty Orders (look for a review soon!). I am always on the hunt for new skin-care because it seems like skin care trends change more often than the definition of beauty according to society.

Skin care is something that I take very seriously and it is one of those things I am disciplined about. There are so many things in life that I cannot control, but the things I choose to put into and on my body are just a few of the things that I do have control over. When it comes to moisturizer, I want my skin to have a natural glow and dewiness, which is what moisturizer helps to accomplish. I used this moisturizer for a week non-stop, and I like it so far.

Positives:

The product is dense, which means you do not have to use as much to cover your entire face, which is helpful since you are supposed to apply it twice per day (morning and night).

It is not heavy on your face like some moisturizers, and absorbs quickly. Who wants to wait around for their moisturizer to dry anyway? Hehe  *DRY TIME WAS ABOUT 5 MINUTES*

Organic QUALITY ingredients & Cruelty Free = Happy ME!

Cons:

It’s a bit pricey. @ 28$ for a 2oz. tube, (although it will last a bit) it does not do anything extraordinary for my skin. Its moisturizer, and a 5$ 10 oz. jar works just as well.

Slight filmy residue left on your skin until you let it fully dry. As said above it does absorb quickly, but it is not instant, and there is an obvious residue left on your skin while it is still “wet”.

Will I buy a full size product of this?

Probably not. 28$ is a lot of money for a moisturizer. I would rather invest it into something else--- like candy J

If you can afford it—check it out. You will not be disappointed and the benefits of quality ingredients are definitely worth it.

Retail price: $28.00 for a 2oz tube

Available @ www.juicebeauty.com

September IPSY review (with swatches/product photos)

Have I told y'all how much I LOVE IPSY?? Ugh, let me count the ways :) 10$ per month, 5 awesome (usually) beauty products for me to try from high end brands...yes please! I'm a broke college student and I can afford it so y'all should really check it out.

To see my thoughts on Ipsy please click here and scroll 3/4 of the way down to see what I think of ipsy in greater detail.

TO THE REVIEW!!!

September's ipsy swag

September's ipsy bag was 4 cute little kittens out of 5 (because there is always five products) Don't judge me, I like kittens.

I received two lip products, one eye shadow, a liquid liner pen, and mascara

J Cat Fantabulous Lipstick FL 107 Honeycrisp
Retails for $2.49 and the entire product line can be viewed here

When I first saw this lipstick I immediately said awww hell no, and I was right. It's supposed to be a nude, but when I wear this I look completely washed out because its close to my actual skin color. I am not sure who this color would flatter, and the reason why this month's bag did not get a 5/5 is because of this product. I do, however, LOVE the texture and SMELL of the lipstick. It's easy to apply and smells like candycorn dipped in marshmallows, which appeases me on a multitude of levels lol After browsing their website, I noticed that they are incredible affordable, and there are several colors worth checking out. I plan on placing an order as I type this so I can give the brand another chance. For the price, ease of application and smell alone.

See what I'm talking about? Where's my lips? lol

Nyx Single Eye shadow in Rock

Retails for $4.50 and can be purchased here

                                                                                

 I am really loving Nyx products right now (after spending a small fortune) at Ulta :) I am never disappointed with their products. This eye shadow is a basic black with subtle hints of glitter. It would be great to use for a smokey eye. The shadow is highly pigmented, and goes on velvety smooth with little fall out (which can be appreciated).

Swatch taken with one swipe of product

Jessie's Girl Waterproof Liquid Liner

Retails for $6.99 and can be purchased here

I cannot even tell you how much I love this liner. I have been looking for this quality of product for a very long time and I cannot believe that this liner is $6.99, it seems like they are basically giving it away. I have always had trouble with liquid liner, and I always thought it was me, but it's not, it was the type of liner I was using. The brush makes all the difference in the world, and this brush is firm, and thin which helps me make more even strokes. You can apply your line super thin or thick with ease which I love. I also love that you don't have to stop to dip for more product, all you do is shake it and then use it like a pen. It doesn't skip, and the product comes out with ease. It's GREAT! Go get some!

      Check out that tip ;)

Make it Thick like I did, or as thin as a millimeter!!!

  

Elizabeth Mott It's So Big Mascara

Retails for $19.99 and can be purchased here

This mascara is pretty awesome. I am not a big mascara person (it's not what I horde), but I do like it and it does live up to the name. My pictures suck, but I did see where it lengthened my lashes and made them appear longer. This claims to be a volumizing mascara, but I think its just because it coats the lashes well, which makes you look like you have more lashes than normal. Elizabeth Mott is cruelty free, which I love, and as far as I can tell from their website, the company is in the beginning stages. They only sell two products; this and lash cards (which suck). I'm not sure if I will buy this product strictly because mascara is not something I invest in, but if it was on sale, I'd buy it in a heart beat.

                                                                 Close up of the brush wand

CAILYN Tinted Lip Balm in Big Apple

Retails for $19.00 and can be purchased here

I love this so much!! I had never heard of the brand Cailyn before, but I am definitely a fan (ty ipsy!!). This lip balm is the business!!! The packaging includes the lip balm (duh), and a little lip brush for easy application. The handle part of the balm is the brush. It's so amazing, seriously. The staying power is phenomenal and rivals my best lipsticks, the pigmentation is fab, and the application is flawless. Whoever invented this is a genius, no joke! It's definitely on the high-end side for me at 19$, BUT I am a lipstick hoarder so I can see myself spending my money on these. Something else that should be said is that this will literally last me forever. You need very little, and can change the shade depending on how much you use! One swipe will leave ur lips looking flushed, and if you do two swipes you have yourself a perfect apple red mouth :) LOOOVEEEE IT SO SO SO SO MUCH!

One Swipe with the brush = a pretty pink

Two Swipes = Perfect Apple Red

That's all she wrote folks. September was a pretty great month (remember the kitties?!), and I will be enjoying these products for many months to come. After calculating everything I got 40$ worth of product for 10$- a pretty good deal if I do say so myself!!! Every month is different and has a new theme, and it gives me something to look forward too each month, which I think that we all deserve.

If you are interested in joining ipsy, you can put yourself on the waiting list (THAT'S HOW POPULAR IT IS!!) by CLICKING HERE

Do you have Ipsy? What did you think of September's bag?!? Let me know in the comments below

Check me out on Facebook here

Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette (Swatches & Initial Impression)

I am obsessed with Urban Decay products. I have been buying/collecting makeup for only a few years now but I own almost every product that Urban Decay has come out with. When I heard that the Vice 2 Palette would be coming out for 2013's Holiday season, I immediately jumped for joy. I had missed last years palette, so I knew I just HAD to get this.

The Retail price for the Vice 2 is $59.00 and includes 20 shadows/mirror & Shadow/Crease brush. The price is hefty, but if you break it down, you are getting each shadow for $2.95 (a STEAL).

PACKAGING: The packaging is absolutely gorgeous (like any other UD product). It is made of a hard plastic material, and features a really pretty mixture of purples. The UD logo is made out of  rhinestones, which gives it another special touch. ( I also read on their website, that each palette's design is different, which makes each one feel custom)

20 shadows & a Shadow/Crease brush make up the bottom half of the pallet, and the top half is a mirror

SWATCHES: One swipe from each color, NO Primer was used, and the photos were taken with an iPhone 4 in natural light

Row 1 from Left to Right: Smokeout, Lovesick, Shellshock, Coax, X-Rated

Smokout- Dark taupe mixed with black with a satin finish

Lovesick- Black matte with an iridescent micro glitter

Shellshock-Very bright metallic silver

Coax- Medium pink with golden iridescent micro glitter

X-Rated- Baby pink with a satin finish

Row 2 from Left to Right: Prank, Madness, Strike, Stash, Poison

Prank- Deep Navy matte with turquoise pearlized glitter

Madness- Bright metallic blue shimmer with blue micro glitter

Strike- Gold shimmer with silver micro glitter

Stash- Olive green shimmer with micro sparkle

Poison- Charcoal with micro sparkle and a satin finish

Row 3 from Left to Right: Radar, Damaged, Voodoo, Betrayal, Derailed

Radar- Metallic brown shimmer

Damaged- Metallic emerald shimmer

Voodoo- Metallic purple shimmer with purple micro glitter

Betrayal- Bright purple satin with blue shift

Derailed- Medium metallic shimmer brown

Row 4 from Left to Right: Dope, Toxic, Habit, Ambush, Rewind

Dope- Warm champagne colored satin

Toxic- Metallic coppery pinky shimmer

Habit- Nude matte

Ambush- Metallic brown satin

Rewind- Medium brown matte

FIRST IMPRESSION

When I first opened it, I giggled like a school girl because the colors are so vibrant. I love color, and sparkle so this is a perfect palette for me to own. I don't see it being a great choice for people who do not like shimmer eye shadows because out of the 20 shadows there are only 5 that are matte. While swatching the colors I will say that they are insanely pigmented! Urban Decay has a patented pigment infusion system that gives all of their shadows a velvety texture, which is apparent while swatching them. They all feel so silky and soft, even the ones that are chock full of glitter. The pigmentation system also promotes staying power and blendability, which is something that you have to have with darker colors, or colors with glitter to them. If you can't blend the shadows, the application is going to be awful. 

I also love UD because all of their products are cruelty free, so I can feel good knowing that none of their products are tested on animals.

I haven't worn any of these shadows on my eyes yet because I really haven't even worn makeup for a few days ( I am coming down with some sort of flu). But I will for sure be posting a full review, along with eye swatches within a month or so. I want to really experience the shadows on my eyes before I make any judgments on the colors. 

MY FAVORITES FROM THE SWATCH

Shellshock- This silver is INSANE!! It's so glittery and gorgeous, and a little goes a long way.

X-Rated- This is a gorgeous baby pink with a slight sparkle so it's perfect for daytime.

Strike- I'm a sucker for golds, they really make blue eyes pop

Voodoo- Besides the rad name I love this purple, and I don't have a color like it (which I love)

Betrayal- This is probably my favorite from the entire pallet (and I havent even put it on my eyes!) The color shifts between purple and blue and the finish is like velvet. So pretty!

Would I buy this again? In a heart beat!

Recommended for: People who like glitter and bold colors. There is a very limited selection of neutral or matte colors, so if you are more of a nude/matte girl, pick up one or both of the naked pallets.

GO GET IT!

Day to Night Look :)

I have a tendency to wear dramatic, colorful makeup. This will be no exception, except I have toned it down for the day portion of this makeup look. It's summer which means it's the perfect time to wear bright colors, and incorporate them into your everyday look. I wouldn't wear this to work (unless you can), but I would definitely wear this to a summer event like a barbecue, picnic, or beach day.

This look is super simple, and the color can be swapped out for any color you prefer, I just happen to really love green!!

To achieve this look apply your favorite sunscreen infused moisturizer and top it off with your favorite BB cream. For the eyes simply apply the eye shadow to your lids in an almond shape, and sweep it on your lower lash line to really make your eyes pop. Apply generous coats of waterproof mascara (a summer essential) and finish it off with a gorgeous coral or pink shade ( I used the Pop Beauty Pouty Lip Crayon in Coral Crush which I reviewed in a previous blog post).

*Link to purchase this eye shadow will be at the end of this blog post*

NIGHT LOOK

Time to glam things up a bit!!! Start off by priming your face, and applying your favorite foundation. Next step is the eyes :) Take a matte black shadow (I used In The Dark by Dark Heart Designs) and using a windshield wiper motion apply from inner to outer crease. Using a blending brush, blend upwards to soften any harsh lines. Take a highlighting shade (I used Bone Daddy by Dark Heart Designs) and pat it on your brow bone. At this point if you need to add a little bit more of your original color (for me that was Nymph) to your lower lash line as well as your lids. Apply more mascara as needed. For the lips, sex it up a bit by applying a dark plum or deep wine shade. 

There you have it!! Two completely different looks using a handful of products. I would say the first look took me about 10 minutes max to apply, and the night look took about 15 just because it takes me at least five just to do my lips lol

I am thinking of doing a day to night pictorial or YouTube tutorial for this look because its fab.

All Dark Heart Products can be found by clicking here

Shadows used: Nymph, In The Dark, & Bone Daddy

Product Review: Rimmel by Kate Lipstick # 107

I happened to stumble upon these while browsing the Walmart cosmetics case, and I was immediately drawn to this color. It is absolutely stunning. I have been searching for a dark red wine color for some time. I feel that it flatters every skin tone, but for fair skin tones like mine, dark lipstick is amazing!! I have tiny lips, so when I wear bright lip sticks, it tends to blur with my skin tone and it looks washed out. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE THEM, but dark lip sticks seem to flatter my face better. Other than the color, this lipstick is extremely affordable, coming in under 5$. You can even find it at Ulta for $5 and some change, which is saying something. This lipstick is part of the matte collection, which makes it double awesome. Matte anything is in right now (foundation, lips, nails) so finding a good matte lipstick that is affordable is a really great thing :)

The pros:

• Product goes on incredibly smoothly
• Smells normal, and not like plastic or chemicals
• Gorgeous color
• Matte finish when it dries
• Highly Pigmented so you are getting your monies worth
• Affordable
• Comes in a multitude of colors, and finishes

The cons:

• As with any red, bleeding is a real possibility, this product stains your lips 
• If you are not eating or drinking, this has long wear potential-otherwise, not so much
• Throughout my day I reapplied 3-4 times
• Once you smear it, you might as well just say you've been making out all day because that stuff gets everywhere

THE VERDICT: I would recommend this lipstick for specific looks, or as a nice lipstick to keep in your bag. As I said the color is absolutely divine, and looks better the longer it is on, so if you don't mind reapplying it throughout the day, it will work for you!

TIPS: Prime lips, and apply product with a lip brush for even application and precision. Also, line and fill in your lips to create a stencil for your lip brush- it will make it less likely you will slip up. If you happen to slip and get some on your chin or anywhere not on your lips, use a concealer, and concealer brush and trace the outline of your lips. Blend concealer well, and voila, all gone! You can also use this method to reshape your lips!