Mommy Fast Beauty: Blushing Basics

I'm a mother of three small children and my window of 'me' time in the morning is minimal so I try to go for makeup that will give me the most bang for my buck. This look is created entirely of Urban Decay (my love of the moment).


I spend the most time on my eyes and lips. The lipstick is the Super Saturated Lip Color that applies easily and stays put - major bonus for moms on the go. I keep my face makeup simple by applying a few dabs of concealer on the bags under my eyes and some light foundation followed by a pink-y blush. I spend the most time on my eyes while still trying to stay easy but chic. I use a single shade of eyeshadow from lash to crease and put a dab of highlighter right on the center of my lid. I always use eyeliner (in this case it is black pencil) to really get the wow factor out of my eyes and lashes followed by mascara.

From start to finish this takes me approximately five minutes. For some it may be ten minutes and for others it may be three minutes. Whatever the length of time it is time well spent when you look and feel your best.

Kristie is the blogger behind Blushing Basics. As an esthetician, makeup artist and television beauty expert (have you seen her on Good Morning Colorado? She's done some great segments!) Kristie has pretty much done it all! When she isn't working, she's happily married and has 3 kids.

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Helmut Lang Spring 2013: Just... Naturally Pretty

So yeah. Just... pretty. In my head, this is what the models look like on their "off" time. Fresh skin, natural lips and slightly accentuated eyes. She spent maybe 5 minutes on her look and then ran out of the house. And she looks like this.

“The clothes had a lightness to them with lots of color and print and layering so we wanted to toughen the girls up a little but do it in a fresh, believable way," said Hannah Murray for NARS Cosmetics. "The focus is really on the skin, which is fresh, sporty and scrubbed clean."


First, the skin was prepped with NARSskin Luminous Moisture Cream. Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer was used for light coverage. Radiant Creamy Concealer (available in 2013, use Concealer for now) and Light Reflecting Setting Powder – Pressed (new for Spring 2013. For a similar effect, try Albatross Highlighting Blush) were used to create perfect skin. Hyde Park Satin Lip Pencil was used on the cheek as blush (new for Spring 2013, for a similar effect, try Maldives The Multiple).

Eyes were kept simple with Aigle Noir Soft Touch Shadow Pencil, Via Veneto Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner, Cythère Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil (used on eyes, new for spring 2013, for a similar effect, try Hollywoodland Soft Touch Shadow Pencil) and Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara.

Lips were kept neutral with Concealer on the lips and a light layer of Bianca Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment.



NARS Cosmetics

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Mommy Fast Beauty: Brooke from Blushing Noir's Under 10 Minute Look

These are the products I reach for to do my face up quickly to be out the door. It takes 10 minutes, sometimes a bit less depending on how often I get interrupted! The items shown are the ones I used for the face look.

After a day time moisturizer (usually Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel) I always start off with some sort of BB Cream. For these quick days I go for a lighter coverage like Bobbi Brown, or I'll use a light foundation like Chanel Perfection Lumiere. I always, always use Lancome Dual Finish Powder (if I'm really rushing I can even skip the foundation or BB Cream because this powder provides such excellent coverage!). On this day, for blush, I went for Chanel Brume d'Or Joues Contraste. Usually I just throw on whatever blush I grab, but it's very important because it makes my face look more fresh and awake regardless of how dead tired I am.

On my eyes I always start with a primer (I'm oily) so I go for Urban Decay Primer Potion or Make Up For Ever Eye Prime. My go-to shadow for a quick day is the Hourglass Eye Shadow Duo in Suede. I put the ivory shade from lash to brow and drop the light taupe in the crease. A great liner for this is Make Up For Ever 24L Taupe, it really makes your eyes come alive. With this duo you could really wear ANY liner, so if you want to be fun you can add some color for this part (like Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Covet). For mascara I always reach for MAC Plushlash or Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill, and I use Dior DiorShow Brow Pencil (it's a universal shade). I also sometimes use Anastasia Brunette Brow Powder if the Dior isn't handy. I always finish up with MAC Clear Brow Gel.

Brooke is the blogger behind Blushing Noir, and one of my great blogging friends! She lives near Pittsburgh where she is raising her kiddos and was one of this year's finalists for Allure Beauty Blogger of the Year! (She won "Most Buzzworthy"!)

Check Out More Mommy Fast Beauty!

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Rag and Bone 2013 Spring: Strong but... Soft? Kind of Glowy?

I felt really drawn to this look. I'm not sure if it is because it does remind me a little bit of the 1980's, and I'm a child of the 80's (see? Strong brow... neutral brown eyes), but it is also a bit soft and glowy like we've seen on other spring runways... it's an interesting juxtaposition.

“I wanted to create a look that was bold, but still looked soft and natural,” says Revlon Global Artistic Director, Gucci Westman. “I was inspired by the iconic supermodels of the 90’s and the great structure of their brows. I kept the makeup very pure, adding just a touch of natural flush to the lips by mixing two lip products together, and I used a brow pencil to create subtle freckles and a dramatic brow to top the whole look off.”


Unfortunately, many of the products aren't available yet (though those are mostly face products), hopefully there are currently available products for a similar look.

FACE:
Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream in Light and Medium, $10.99 (available January 2013)
Revlon Baby Stick in Pink Passion from The Spring/Summer '13 Collection by Gucci Westman, price TBD (available April 2013)

EYES:
Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow Quad in Addictive, $7.49
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Brown, $7.99
Grow Luscious Mascara, $7.49
Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Brown and Light Brown, $7.50

LIPS:
Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Supermodel, $9.99 (available January 2013) mixed with…
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sugar Plum, $7.49
Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner in Nude, $7.99



Revlon

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Mommy Fast Beauty: Pammy Blogs Beauty Shares Her Fast Makeup Routine!

Today I am sharing my steps for my “Easy Mommy” Makeup. Basically, this is exactly what I do most days (or any day that I am short on time while getting ready). I really like this simple, fresh, and natural look. Plus, it only takes a few minutes start to finish!


1. Apply a tinted moisturizer or BB Cream: I just put a few dots on my face (chin nose, forehead, and cheeks) and blend in with my fingers. For today’s look I used Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB in Light.. It is sheer, applies quickly, and is slightly hydrating.

2. Concealer: I use a few swipes of Revlon’s Photoready Concealer in Fair on my chin and around my nose to conceal any redness. Then I apply and blend in Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser in the shade Brightener on my inner eye corners and over the eye lids. Then, I apply and blend in Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser in fair to the entire under eye area. I dab on the eye concealers with the applicator and blend out with fingers. Side note: funny…all of my face products are from the drugstore!

3. Powder: I set my face product with a light dusting of e.l.f.’s Complexion Perfection powder with a huge powder brush: Real Techniques Powder Brush (is it just me? Or do you also find that big brushes are quicker? I just feel that they cover more “surface area” with fewer strokes).

4. For my eyes, I rely on my trusty Holy Grail fool proof eye shadows: L’Oreal’s Infallible 24 hour Eye Shadow! I use my fingers to apply. So easy! Plus, these shadows last all day on me and never crease or fade. I simply sweep on the shade Endless Pearl (a matte skintone/vanilla shade) to my brow bone and then tap the shimmery champagne colored Iced Latte over my lids. Seriously, so darn easy! It literally takes 5 seconds to complete my eye shadow look.

5. Curl my eye lashes. I absolutely never skip this step! Curling your lashes really wakes up your eyes.

6. Mascara: When I am not testing out other mascaras, I always seem to go back to CoverGirl’s Lash Blast or Lash Blast Fusion. These mascaras are especially good when you are in a hurry as they never clump (no need to comb out your lashes).

7. Blush: As I mentioned, nothing beats a super flattering blush for perking up your skin and detracting from your dark circles. I am obsessed with blushes. So, I tend to wear a different color almost every day. Right now I am really loving BeneFit’s Coarlista. Such a beautiful shade!

8. Lips: My last step for my face! I am really loving all the wind-up pencil balm stains on the market these days. My favorite of these? Pixi’s Magic Tink Tint! This balm stain goes on clear and then color adjusts to your “ideal” shade. On me, it turns into a beautiful cool-toned medium pink. It has a minty flavor and a very hydrating balmy feel. I love this product and feel that it completes this easy look very well.


Pam is the blogger behind Pammy Blogs Beauty. When she isn't obsessing over eye shadow or playing with pumpkin scented skin care, she's a former pediatric speech therapist turned stay at home mommy to her daughter. I have to confess that I consider Pam a great friend, she's one of the first that I turn to when I have a blogging question or need to bounce an idea off of someone. She really is one of the nicest people I know!

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Phillip Lim 3.1 Spring 2013: Fresh and Glowy Skin

I still have a lot of great Spring 2013 NYFW looks that I want to share (and come to think of it, I didn't really share anything from Fall 2012), so I've decided to keep showing a few a week that I think are pretty looks. I'll look back through my Fall 2012 email folder sometime soon as well and feature some of those.

Francelle Daly created the Phillip Lim 3.1 look for NARS Cosmetics. This is a little bit of glowy skin (what I really loved) with a bit of "sophisticated girl rocker" mixed in. The contrast was inspired by the runway looks. “Fabrics are cut-up and folded-in, creating a push and pull between street and polish,” said designer Phillip Lim. “Plaids are mixed with florals and animal motifs offering interesting juxtapositions of texture and silhouette.”



Skin was prepped with NARSskin Luminous Moisture Cream and PRO-PRIME Pore Refining Primer before a light layer of Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer was applied for light coverage. Radiant Creamy Concealer (new for spring 2013) was used to create a perfect finish. For a similar effect, try Concealer. Casino Bronzing Powder was used to create a glowy finish.

Eyes were kept very simple, the shadow was the lighter shade from the Bouthan Duo Eyeshadow (new for spring 2013), for a similar effect try Fathom Eyeshadow. Eyes were lined with Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil and lashes were coated with Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara. To complete the look, NARSskin Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer was used as brow gel.

To keep a neutral lip, Biscayne Park Satin Lip Pencil (new for spring 2013, try Cruising Lipstick for a similar effect) was used to line and fill in the lips. Light Reflecting Setting Powder - Pressed (new for spring 2013, for a similar effect, try Pressed Powder) was used to set the lips and provide a matte look.


NARS Cosmetics

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Mommy Fast Beauty: How to Sock Bun, AKA: Look Polished in Less than 60 Seconds

Only a few steps for a super quick and easy Mommy-friendly hair do. As most new Mommys know, your hair must be out of the way! My little girl loves to grab my hair. Even if it is in a pony tail! Hair that is left down only gets pulled and dirty. So, almost every single day, I pull my hair back. If I start out with my hair down, at some point in the day it will end up in a ponytail holder or bun. So, you might as well just start out your day with your hair up! Not only are these Doughnut buns quick and easy to do, they are super stylish right now!

1. Gather supplies: Sock (made into a doughnut shape) or Bun Form (I got mine at Sally’s for like a dollar), hair tie, brush, a couple bobbi pins (optional) hair spray (optional).

2. Put hair into a high pony tail. The good news? It doesn’t have to be smooth and perfect. This style almost looks better with a “messy” ponytail.

3. Slide doughnut onto base of elastic. Then slide it down to the tip of the pony tail.


4. Tuck in ends and start rolling the bun form down the lengths of your pony tail (almost like you are turning it inside out and rolling and tucking your hair as you go).

5. By the time you roll the bun form down to the base, all the hair will be sucked inside the bun and the bun form will be covered.

6. Secure with bobbi pins (if needed). My hair is very long and heavy and needs some extra securing.


Pam is the blogger behind Pammy Blogs Beauty. When she isn't obsessing over eye shadow or playing with pumpkin scented skin care, she's a former pediatric speech therapist turned stay at home mommy to her daughter. I have to confess that I consider Pam a great friend, she's one of the first that I turn to when I have a blogging question or need to bounce an idea off of someone. She really is one of the nicest people I know!

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Perilously Pale's Super Fast Smoky Eye Look

When it comes to being in a hurry the steps I tend to skip in my usual beauty routine are under eye concealer, bronzer, highlighter, and contouring. I also try to use products that require as little tools as possible. For example a brow pencil with attached spoolie or a foundation that I know looks good applied with fingers. Some steps that I can't bare to skip even though I know it would be a time saver are primers. I can't stress the importance of properly priming your skin and eye areas prior to makeup application. It can make such a monumental difference in the performance, longevity, and appearance of the makeup products you apply.

When I'm in a rush I like to reach for eye palettes that have all the shades I need and that can achieve a sophisticated look with only 2 or 3 shades of eyeshadow. I love the Dior 3 Couleurs Smoky palettes for this because they contain a base/browbone/inner corner highlight shade as well as a beautiful complex shade for the lid paired with a matte shade for the crease. These are no brainer, ready-to-wear palettes that achieve a beautiful result with effortless blending. Even though the palettes are "smoky palettes" they come in wearable shade combinations that are in no way over the top and totally daytime appropriate. That being said you may think I'm a nut! "Really? Christa reaches for a smoky eye palette when she's in a hurry? I just throw on some liner and mascara and go." Well there are two reasons that even in a hurry I go a little "all out". a) I'm a makeup nut. Duh! b) I have small, undefined, hooded eyes. Without makeup my eyes are practically invisible so it is simply habit for me to play them up a little more than the average gal.

Another time saver is that when I'm in a hurry rather than reaching for my holy grail brow product, Anastasia Brow Powder Duo, I reach for a brow pencil instead. Beyond that I reach for a traditional pencil rather than the super fine tipped ones I usually prefer as you can apply them in a lot less time.

Here are the products I used in this look. It took a grand total of 8.5 minutes to apply. I apologize for the flaky skin. I'm testing out a new retinol product and my skin is quite sensitive.

Face:
Rouge Bunny Rouge Prelude in The Clouds Aqua Primer
Rouge Bunny Rouge Milk Aquarelle Foundation in Coconut Milk Parfait
Fresh Face Lustre in Fair Isle
NARS Outlaw Blush

Eyes:
Make Up For Ever Eye Prime
MAC Painterly Paint Pot
Dior Smoky Brown Trio
Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight Black to tighline only
Maybelline Full n Soft Waterproof Mascara
Boots no 7 Brow Pencil in Blonde

Lips:
Dior Addict Lipstick in Beige Perfection from Fall 2012 (This has become a go to staple for me.)

I only used 4 brushes for the application of this look. My MAC 239 and 222 eye brushes, MAC 187 Duo Fibre brush, and my EcoTools Powder Brush.

Hope you enjoyed this peek into my on the go mommy fast makeup routine!




Christa is the blogger from Perilously Pale, where she features amazing makeup looks and product reviews. When she isn't blogging, she is a professional makeup artist and is raising her family.

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How to Speed Up Your Morning Routine: Pammy Blogs Beauty's Tips!

Getting ready in the morning is a huge challenge for a new Mommy! Often new Mommys are short on sleep, in a hurry, and trying to get ready while baby naps. My baby girl, Skylar, is 8 months old now. So, I have had a few months to streamline my beauty routine. Even if I am short on sleep, I strive to not look like a haggard Mommy! Funny how even the slightest bit of self-pampering and flattering makeup makes a tired Mommy feel more like “herself”!

I find that streamlining your routine all boils down to a few main points. I hope these tips are helpful to my fellow new Mommies out there! It used to take me ages to get ready in the mornings! Now I can have my makeup and hair done in less than 10 minutes!

Here are some tips for Quick Makeup Application and Quick Hair:

• Use your fingers!!! To speed up my routine, I find that I am the fastest with my fingers. So, I apply foundation, concealer, eyeshadow, and blush (if I use a cream product) with my fingers. Sure, tools are easy too; but for some reason whenever I am in a hurry, I end up using my good ol’ fingers.

• Stick to one lip product. When I have a copious amount of time, I layer lip products (balm, lip color, and gloss). When I am in a hurry, I go for tinted lipbalms or balm stains.

• Use a tinted moisturizer, BB Cream, or powder foundation. I just find that these are easier to apply. Save the fuller coverage foundations for days that you have more time.

• Go for a sheer “wash of color” on your eyelids. For me, my “go to” wash of color shade is a shimmery champagne. This shade and shimmery finish really “wakes up” my eyes. Plus, keeping it to one shade eliminates the need for careful blending.

• Pick what you want to focus on. Me? I like to look rested. I have terrible dark circles. Getting up in the middle night with my baby girl really does not help matters when it comes to dark circles! So, I spend a bit more time with my concealer under my eyes (and use 2 products here). Also, I find that using a super flattering blush detracts from under eye darkness.

• Don’t wash your hair every day. This may be total common sense; but, just thought that I would include anyways! Washing and drying takes a ton of time. Plus, dry shampoos are an amazing way to stretch out your shampoos to every few days (I typically go every 3 days).

• Try a Doughnut Bun or a “sock bun”. This is such a quick and easy hair do! It only takes minutes and makes me feel so put together. Plus, the bun stays in place all day and keeps my hair from being pulled by my darling baby.


Pam is the blogger behind Pammy Blogs Beauty. When she isn't obsessing over eye shadow or playing with pumpkin scented skin care, she's a former pediatric speech therapist turned stay at home mommy to her daughter. I have to confess that I consider Pam a great friend, she's one of the first that I turn to when I have a blogging question or need to bounce an idea off of someone. She really is one of the nicest people I know!

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New Series: Mommy Fast Beauty!

I'm excited to announce a new series today!

While I named my blog 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic, and I can be very fast with a beauty routine when I really want to be, I haven't featured much in terms of fast makeup tips and routines over the years. While I thought I had learned to pare things down quite a bit when I was in my medical training (I could go from mostly dry hair to everything completed, dressed, and coffee cup in hand in under 15 minutes), I've since become a mommy, and I've discovered a whole new level of fast beauty routine! There's nothing like taking less than 5 or 10 minutes to make yourself look presentable to the world. Oh, but in that time? You're also chasing after a little person who is in your vanity drawers and just stole your new MAC lipstick (story of my life!)

I've decided that every Friday I'll be featuring a mommy (I'm starting with many of my beauty blogging friends), and they'll show off their quick beauty routine! You'll see what "essentials" they include in their routine on those days they don't get much time to themselves. I'm interested to see how they set priorities and what tips I can pick up as well!

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Frederic Fekkai for Altuzarra Spring/Summer 2013

Doesn't this hair style look like something you'd find on Pinterest? I'm a bit obsessed with Pinterest (you can follow my Pinterest boards). Anyways, there are all sorts of bows created with hair, super sleek up-dos, complicated braids... you get the picture. Anyways, lately I've been drawn to some of the more simple hair styles I see on the site. This looks like it should be on there. Kinda love it.

This sleek and simple look was created by Frederic Fekkai Lead Stylist, Paul Hanlon.

Prep the hair by applying Fekkai Full Blown Styling Whip to wet hair. Blow-dry the hair smooth and flat and create a straight side part. Divide the hair into small sections lightly spraying them with Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hair Spray. Once all sections have been sprayed, blow-dry each section again, this time towards of the nape of the neck, where the ponytail will start. Tie an elastic band around all of the hair, creating a low ponytail. Spray the ponytail with Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist to give the hair a clean and shiny surface.

Create a loop with the ponytail by pinning the hair about three inches down from the elastic just below where the hair is tied back. Take the remaining ends of the hair and loop them around the base of the ponytail to create the bow. Spray the whole head with Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hair Spray. To complete the look and clean up any fly-aways, run a hot curling iron over the surface of then finish with a final spray of Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist.

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Alexander Wang Spring 2013: Clean and Simple

I've decided to cover a few of my favorite looks from the Spring 2013 runways of NYFW! Today, I just couldn't resist the fresh and clean look featured at Alexander Wang. The makeup is just enough to look like you, but better. The hair (minus that strange stripe thing), is fast and easy, super simple.

The makeup look was created by Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics. “It’s a minimal look that we achieved using skincare and complexion products," said Kendal. "Because the collection boasts minimal tones, we did the same thing for the makeup and focused on flawless, matte skin. For the models wearing the amazing glow in the dark looks, we gave them a more luminous face, with powder applied to the high points of the cheek.”

NARS sent out a complete list of the products that they used. As usual, a few of the products are new for the time around the fashions, so while you won't be able to get some of the actual items until the spring, NARS did recommend what to use for a similar effect right now.

First, skin was prepped with NARSskin Optimal Brightening Concentrate. To create a perfect, glowing complexion Sheer Glow Foundation was used with Radiant Creamy Concealer (New for Spring 2013, for a similar effect, try Concealer). It was set with Light Reflecting Setting Loose Powder (again, new for Spring 2013. For a similar effect, try Loose Powder). Cheeks were given a natural flush with Zen Blush and Albatross Highlighting Blush was used on select models depending on which looks they wore.

Eyes were kept very simple with a little Cayenne Eyeshadow in the contour, Pandora Duo Eyeshadow (NARS didn't state how, I believe it was likely the white that was used in highlighting areas of the eye), and the eye itself was finished off with Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara. Brows were left natural looking and Blondie or Bali Eyeshadow was used to lightly fill in.

Finally, lips were kept natural with a bit of foundation on them.

Doesn't spring just scream "wear a ponytail"?? Redken Creative Consultant Guido created one for this show. "I'm always challenging myself to update classics, and the look at Alexander Wang today is a ponytail with a different point of view. Alex wanted a small head this season, so this started as a low pony kept close to the head. But I then added a strip of tape down the center part which makes the style really become more than a simply pony. The severity of the tape almost makes you look twice - which makes sense with the collection."


On damp hair, create a center part that's clean but not perfectly straight. Apply satinwear 02 prepping blow-dry lotion and dry hair dryer, leaving natural texture in the bottom two thirds. Create a low pony at the nape of the neck keeping the hair tight to the head. Using a curling iron, create a slight bend to the hair in the pony. Adhere tape to the center part, running about an inch down the center of the forehead. Mist fashion work 12 versatile working spray all over finished style to keep the front sleek and add texture and flexible hold in the back.


Follow my Spring 2013 Fashion Week board over on Pinterest for more spring looks!

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Trying Out Mally's Signature Smoky Eye: Yeah, Kinda Love It

Recently I was trying to figure out a new product (the Mally Evercolor Poreless Face Defender), and I headed over to the Mally Beauty YouTube Channel. Once I got my answer, I started obsessively watching all of Mally's videos. (And really, I mean as many as I could on my iPhone during my toddler's nap!)

In her videos, you'll notice that Mally always has the perfect smoky eye. Luckily, she has a video showing you how she does it! I decided to give it a try myself.


I don't have any of Mally's color cosmetics (that Perfect Palette looks like it is going on to my Christmas list!), so I grabbed a few things I already had to recreate the look.

Surprisingly enough, my closest brown (from the small images I could see in my phone) was in a Stila Palette. I only used Grace, but I labelled Heather so you'd know what it was. Tophat is definitely purple, but that's kind of close to Plum, right?? Maybe....


I followed the directions that Mally gave, which mostly changed how I do my undereye area. Rather than just 1 light line of liner, I used both shadow colors under my eyes and then lined only on the waterline. I did line more into my tear duct as well, which isn't something I normally do. I like how it looks, though since my eyes are a bit "wetter", any lining I do into this area is very short lived. Even waterproof liner disappears in less than an hour!

I really like how the entire look came together. Brown and "plum" aren't colors I would have put together, but the 2 shades I used worked well together. (Something tells me that they work even better together when you use the actual shades that Mally used!)

The Poreless Face Defender is amazing and I'll have a full review soon. I'm never going to touch powder again!


What do you think? Have you ever tried to recreate a look from YouTube? I've done it in the past, but I don't usually try to copy as closely as possible, instead I'll watch to see how they line the eye or apply blush in a look. I really loved this look. Time to watch the rest of Mally's videos!


Mally Beauty
Mally's YouTube Channel

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