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While it's fun to play around with new products and colors, at the end of the day there are going to be only some products that you continually use.  For me these are them.  I also wanted to add to this list Hourglass' Veil primer and MAC's Fix + spray, which gives your face a really nice glow and can help keep makeup from looking too cakey. Separate from the products is the application of the makeup itself, which makes a huge difference.  My biggest tip is to curl your lashes AFTER mascara. It makes them super long and doll-like. I think I've mentioned that in an earlier blog post as well. For the lipsticks above, I like to put Snob on with Nicki 2 in the middle when I'm wearing Mineralize concealer as my foundation.  However when I'm wearing Pro Longwear foundation, I'll line my lips with Stone and blend Myth into it followed by Vanilla Suede in the middle.  Anyways, with the products above you really can't go wrong! Enjoy.

xoxo Jennifer

Sweet Memories.

Sweet Memories.

Tyson's Galleria Mall

Makeup Post: Smoky Eye/Nude Lip - Kim Kardashian Inspired

Kim Kardashian Makeup Look

Today I will tell you how to achieve the makeup look in the picture. I took this picture today so the routine is fresh on my mind. Like I have mentioned in earlier posts, I dyed my bleach blonde hair brown and changed my makeup completely. I went from no eyeshadow and pink lipstick to a smoky eye and a nude lip! So I hope this helps anyone with brown hair and brown eyes - or just someone who loves makeup too. Enjoy :)

To begin start with absolutely no makeup. I like to use Neutrogena makeup remover wipes to make sure all excess makeup is gone, especially on my eyes, from the night before.

I then moisturize lightly w/ MAC's Oil Control Lotion.

I use SmashBox Camera Ready Primer. It works wonders!!!

I then apply MAC's Pro Longwear Foundation in NC30. This has yellow undertones.

I put MAC's Select Cover Up Concealer in NW15 under my eyes. You can go a little darker but I like my under eye concealer to be really light, as you can tell from the picture.

I apply MAC's Studio Fix Powder in NW15 all over my face, lightly though. I add extra under and above my eyes to brighten them up.

Then I use the Naked Bronzer/Brush duo. I don't use the blush much but I start off with their bronzer because its light. I apply it on my forehead, cheeks, chin, etc.

I then let that sit and go to focus on my eyes. I have spent foreverrr trying to figure out how to do a smoky eye look. I could NEVER get it right. But now I've got it so listen up.

You want to do a color on your lids. Blue, purple, whatever works for you. I use bright blue.

Then you want to take a medium/dark brown shade and apply it to the crease. Blend it and before you know it the bright color will be barely noticeable but still there.

Then take a light color with some shimmer and apply it beneath your eyebrows. I still use Tranquil Moon from Estee Lauder.

Now curl your lashes. Never do this immediately after eyeliner or it will smudge.

Then line your eyes with eyeliner. I do a different color on top and bottom. For the bottom (waterline) I use Loreal's Black. For the top I use Too Faced's Expresso.

I do one coat of MAC's Zoom Lash mascara followed by another of Benefit's They're Real. Zoom Lash really separates the lashes and They're Real adds length, so I like the combination.

Finish off with an extra coat of Bare Mineral's Bronzer in the Deep End... Forehead, cheeks, nose, chin... It will really give a glowy look. I don't use bronzers with shimmer in them anymore.

Finally lips. Line with MAC's Oak Lip Liner, apply MAC's Creme de la Nude lipstick, and finish with a nude or light pink gloss - I use one from Nars.

At the end I lightly fill in my eyebrows with MAC's Brunette eyebrow pencil (the twist-up one, not the sharpened one).

The end.. I hope this helped!!! Enjoy!

Love,
Jennifer :)

Summer Read: Lean In

Lean In is one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read. 

I highly recommend it to all girls.

The idea of the book is: Women hold themselves back because of their own insecurities and doubts. They deny themselves of opportunities. 

Studies show that girls consistently outperform boys in school. 

If this is the case, then men are getting better jobs not because women aren't capable or qualified, but because they're doubtful.

Women don't feel experienced enough for certain jobs so they never take chances, while men simply tell themselves they can learn how to do anything and are open to greater opportunities.

This is a must read for all girls. I highly recommend.

Hair & Skin Care

I love maintaining my skin and hair. I have found that certain products can actually make a difference. Here are the best hair and skin care products I've used:

First, because my hair is damaged from being blonde, I use Bumble & Bumble's "For the Truly Damaged" Shampoo, Conditioner, and Mending Complex. 

Eminence Organic Skin Care. I found out about this line after getting facials at the Ritz Carlton Spa. This is one of the main product lines they carry and use during their facials. Two of my favorite products are the Lime Refresh Tonique and the Pink Grapefruit-C Gel.

Manuka Oil is the best stuff to put on blemishes. It has yet to fail me... It works like a charm. Apply it to a pimple at night and it'll be gone - or at least unnoticeable with makeup - by the morning. I believe in this product so much. It smells terrible though, but since when did that matter when you're fighting a breakout.

ARCONA - I have yet to try this line but I really want to. I have heard amazing things and it's a favorite of celebs. I will try to order a kit when I get the chance but for now, I just wanted to include it because it's definitely worth checking out.

C Booth Derma C 24 is a great line that used to be sold at supermarkets but was recently taken out. You can still order it online though. I love the Oil-Free Daily Moisturizer. It leaves your skin hydrated without being too greasy. The Vitamin C Micro Daily Facial Scrub is one of my favorite exfoliators.