bblogger – Page 3 – O H A L Y S S A K

MAKEUP MONDAY: ABH Clover Lipstick + MoonChild Glow Kit

Hello, muted lavender perfection; and welcome to the family.

M O O N C H I L D

If you haven’t at least heard about this product at this point, I’m just going to assume that you’ve been living under a rock — which is fine, because I can explain. So the Anastasia MoonChild Glow Kit can actually make your dreams come true….if those dreams involve dousing your whole face in sparkling unicorn dust. 6 unique and iridescent, pearlescent highlighters. Vegan. Cruelty-free. $40 dollars retail. MAGIC IN A PALETTE.

C L O V E R L I Q U I D L I P S

When I first saw the reveal swatches for this new Spring ’17 lipstick shade, I instantly knew I would own it. Muted/grey lavenders are some of my absolute favorite lips colors to wear when I want to change things up and this color did not disappoint. Completely obsessed. All hail queen Anastasia, tbh.

[O T H E R] K E Y P R O D U C T S

Makeup Geek Cosmetics Eye Shadows — Band Wagon, Tiki Hut, Mocha, Bada Bing, Creme Bruleê
Nyx Cosmetics Total Control Drop Foundation — Buff & Medium Olive
Makeup Geek Cosmetics Contour — Bad Habit
Koko Lashes — Amore Lashes
Nyx Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil — Milk
Ardell Lashes Brow Gel — Dark Brown

MAKEUP MONDAY: ABH Nicole Glow

04.10.1704.10.17 Alyssa K.9 Comments

A B H + NICOLE GUERRIERO HIGHLIGHT COLLAB

The Anastasia|Nicole Glow Kit was the most excited I have been over a new product launch in a pretty long time — like at least 6 months. So I decided to splurge a little and grab one up.

and listen….

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

Nicole Guerriero was one of the very first beauty vloggers I ever started watching on YouTube a few years ago when I really started getting into the artistry of makeup. I love her. I mean, she’s a Latina who [also] loves makeup, trap music, and Beyoncé with a passion — need I say more? I think not, thanks.

This palette of sparkly shimmery goodness is beyond fire. The icy pink shades are perfect, and give you a solid glow that can been seen from two planets away. If you are considering this item even just a little bit, I can fully attest that it is worth the hype. It’s gorgeous, it’s everything — and you probably need it in your collection if you’re a highlighting freak like I am.

► ►If you have never seen any of Nicole’s tutorials, be sure to check out her channel H E R E

F I N I S H E D L O O K

MOTD: Feeling Blue? Me Too.

02.09.17 Alyssa K.8 Comments

A little (dramatic) pop of color never hurts anyone.

► F A C E
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
Nyx Cosmetics Photo-Loving Anti Redness Primer
Nyx Cosmetics Dark Circle Concealer – Medium
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Maybelline Matte + Poreless Foundation
NYC Cosmetics Smooth Skin Loose Face Powder
Nyx Matte Finish Setting Spray
Makeup Geek Cosmetics Contour Pan – Complicated
Makeup Geek Blush – Covet
ColourPop Cosmetics Highlight – Perilune & Honeymoon
Glitter Injections Highlighter – Piña Colada

► E Y E S
Makeup Geek Shadows (Shown in photo – Bottom to Top)
Makeup Geek Shadow – Tiki Hut
Makeup Geek Shadow – Bandwagon
Makeup Geek Shadow – Creme Bruleé
Makeup Geek Shadow – Rockstar
Makeup Geek Shadow – Nautica
Makeup Geek Shadow – Neptune
Makeup Geek Shadow – Boo Berry
Makeup Geek Shadow – Bada Bing (NOT PICTURED)
Maybelline Master Precise Liner
Koko Lashes – Queen B Lashes
Nyx Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil – Milk

► B R O W S
ABH Brow Fix
Ardell Lashes Brow Gel

► L I P S
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick – Veronica
Side Note: → I have waited forever to get my hands on this lipstick because it’s almost always out of stock, and it’s everything I always imagined it would be. PERFECT.

MAKEUP MONDAY: Red, Lavender + Mauve Magic

02.06.1702.06.17 Alyssa K.61 Comments

► F A C E
Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser
Nyx Cosmetics Dark Circle Concealer – Medium
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
Maybelline Matte + Poreless Foundation
NYC Cosmetics Smooth Skin Loose Face Powder
Nyx Matte Finish Setting Spray
Makeup Geek Cosmetics Contour Pan – Complicated
Makeup Geek Blush – Soulmate & Covet
ColourPop Cosmetics Highlight – Perilune & Honeymoon
Glitter Injections Highlighter – Piña Colada

► E Y E S
Makeup Geek Shadows (Shown in photo – Left to Right)
Makeup Geek Shadow – Anarchy
Makeup Geek Shadow – Cabin Fever
Makeup Geek Shadow – Vintage
Makeup Geek Shadow – Blacklight
Makeup Geek Shadow – Motown
Makeup Geek Shadow – Curfew
Makeup Geek Shadow – Chit Chat
Makeup Geek Shadow – Drama Queen
Makeup Geek Shadow – Fairy Tale
Maybelline Master Precise Liner
Koko Lashes – Goddess Lashes

► B R O W S
ABH Brow Fix
Ardell Lashes Brow Gel

► L I P S
Makeup Geek Plush Lip Matte – Misfit (ob-sessed)

H A P P Y M O N D A Y !

(Updated) Single Shadow Collection – Full Break Down

01.20.17 Alyssa K.8 Comments

I reorganized my zPalettes recently so I thought I’d do an updated list of all the single shadows in my collection.

I have three large zPalettes – two are for brights, and pops of color, and one of them is filled with everyday neutral colors.

All of the shades inside are by Makeup Geek Cosmetics because I’m really monogamous with that brand – I love them, and their shadows are just incredibly hard to compete with in my opinion.

Here is a full shade break down of each palette.

► zPalette #1 – Bright shadows

Row 1 (L-R):
Lemon Drop
Preppy
Pixie Dust
Limelight
Appletini
Shimmermint
Havoc
Row 2 (L-R):
Ocean Breeze
Houdini
Envy
Secret Garden
Typhoon
Dirty Martini
Moondust
Row 3 (L-R):
Sorcery
Peacock
Shark Bait
Dragonfly
Sea Mist
Poolside
Mermaid
Row 4 (L-R):
Prom Night
Highwire
Rebel
Mercury
Stealth
Glass Slipper

► zPalette #2 – More pops of color

Row 1 (L-R):
Twilight
Pillow Talk
Unexpected
Blacklight
Chit Chat
Pop Culture
Wisteria
Row 2 (L-R):
Drama Queen
Masquerade
Duchess
Motown
Curfew
Toxic
Sensuous
Row 3 (L-R):
Cinderella
Cupcake
Whimsical
Mango Tango
Tuscan Sun
Simply Marlena
Hot Pants
Row 4 (L-R):
Razzleberry
In the Spotlight
Cosmopolitan
Poppy

► zPalette #3 – Neutrals

Row 1 (L-R):
Ice Queen
Vanilla Bean
Shimma Shimma
Rapunzel
Gold Digger
Bleached Blonde
Purely Naked
Row 2 (L-R):
Creme Brulee
Peach Smoothie
Chickadee
Coco Bear
Tan Lines
Sidekick
Bandwagon
Row 3 (L-R):
Tiki Hut
Early Bird
Morocco
Mocha
Brown Sugar
Bada Bing
Pretentious
Row 4 (L-R):
Corrupt
Showtime
Burlesque
Bitten
Cherry Cola
Americano
How do you guys organize your shadows? LMK!

MUG ◄

New Year, New Z Palette.

01.15.1701.15.17 Alyssa K.2 Comments

I took a break from the blog toward the end of 2016. Sometimes it’s just good for me to disappear momentarily. I run out of juice – I need to recharge, and self-care is really important.. But It’s a new year! I’ve got a brand new camera that’s going to be m u c h better for blogging [shouts to my earthmate for the always awesome Christmas gifts!], and a whole lot of room for creative energy to flow.

I wanted to start 2017 off with some color inspiration. But I also really needed a new Z Palette – since my single shadow collection is getting out of control…in the best way possible, obviously. So I decided to kill both of those birds and picked up this awesome yellow zPalette and some fresh new items to put in it. I’m sure you won’t be shocked to know I decided to stick with Makeup Geek Cosmetics. My tried and true ❤

From L to R, here are the newest additions to the family! I am S O excited about all of these and can’t wait to start playing.

S H A D O W S
Sorcery (Foiled)
Sidekick
Early Bird
Tiki Hut
Tuscan Sun
Curfew
Cherry Cola

B L U S H / C O N T O U R
Covet
Complicated
Bad Habit

I saw @atleeeey wearing Tiki Hut in a YT video one night and thought it was the prettiest most different shadow I had seen in a while so, two months later (literally) I finally got around to doing that. She’s one of my favorite accounts btw – so if you’re ever looking for makeup inspiration → !!!!!

The first month of the New Year has been solid. I’ve already managed to make my way onto a plane and out of the country once. NOLA is coming up at the end of this month, and then a big around-the-world trip is booked for the end of February. 2017 is going to be rad, you guys.

More freelancing.
More photography.
More makeup.
More writing.
More travel.

I hope everyone made it out of the first Retrograde in one piece, and has been having a great January so far. If anyone has any must-have recommends on products that are easiest to travel with, leave a comment below. My stuff always breaks.

Happy Sunday!

Transformation Tuesday + Saying YES To Life.

08.30.1601.04.17 Alyssa K.6 Comments

Say Yes To Opportunity.

Connect with people. Be less afraid.
What is honestly the worst thing that could happen?

A really awesome friend of mine let me paint her pretty face recently.
This was my very first attempt at a full face of makeup on another human being! : )
– Skin
– Cheeks
– Brows
– Shadow
– Lashes
– Lips
and guess what?
She could have totally gone out in public w i t h o u t any embarrassment when I was all done. And not only that, but I was happy with it, even. Who would’ve thought? Haha! Not to mention, I had a blast hanging out. Say yes to stuff. Whether you’re ready or not. Just go for things. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you go and d o.

NOTES

Some things I have learned s o f a r:

► Have a way better organization system, it probably makes life easier.
► Covering texture is more challenging than I would’ve thought.
► Not everyone needs false lashes 100% of the time.
► It won’t be perfect the first time – it takes practice, like everything else.
► Doing things that make you nervous is f u n.
► The less you think about something, the more you enjoy it.
► The less you think about something, the more it will just flow.
► There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
► Putting makeup on other people is one of the greatest things ever : )

I can’t wait to do it more!

Here is this beauties before & after.

Empties, Rambles & Other Things

08.25.1601.20.17 Alyssa K.4 Comments

“To repurchase?
Or not to repurchase..”

It’s always the question.
Answers may vary.

Anyone else notice that all of the essential stuff always runs out on you around the same freaking time?
like, a l w a y s…
W H Y ?

If that doesn’t happen to you then forget I mentioned it but ohmygosh…it happens to me almost every time and it is so j a n k. So naturally, I end up noticing multiple items running low and then just procrastinating wholeheartedly until I find myself reaching for a completely empty container of dark circle concealer and go “awww, seriously….??” as if I haven’t been watching it diminish for days and days. It’s alright though. I own it, haha.
▼ a n y w a y ▼
What I’m trying to get at, is that this makes my decision-making process incredibly easy when it comes time to repurchase. And I’m a Libra so anything that makes decision-making easy for me is a blessing in disguise. HEY UNIVERSE!
See. There’s always a silver lining. You just have to wanna see it ; )

Here are my most recent empties:

– Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer
– Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Primer
– Nyx Cosmetics Dark Circle Concealer

and here are some
– thoughts
– options you have when confronted with this potentially disruptive situation
– and what I did (personally) about replacing them:

• p s a •
What I d i d n o t do, is put a lot of thought into this.
don’t get me wrong, there are definitely times when I do my due-diligence with reviews, research, tutorials, swatch videos, traveling to Sephora for samples before I purchase and la la la, but this restock wasn’t one of them. these are all pretty fundamental products for me, so I don’t need to go into ‘Sherlock Holmes’ mode in search of some new magical orange paste to cover up the purple circles I have under my eyes, I just need more orange paste…ya know? : )

OPTION A: DO NOTHING.
► SHADOW PRIMER
Alright, so I’ve used the Same Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer for probably 3 years now. It works super good for me and I’ve always really liked it. I wear tons of shadows, so having a solid primer is major key. BUT. I actually have half a bottle of MACs Pro Long Wear Concealer in NW20 (I think) laying around somewhere so, I’m just gonna use that for the time being. Once that’s gone or feel like buying another primer, then I will. But right this moment, I’m not.
*GASP*
I know –
the idea of being fresh out of something and not immediately buying something else to replace it right away…how boring right? ; )
but that’s the decision I landed on so, moving on…

OPTION B: TRY SOMETHING NEW.
► FACE PRIMER
Try new stuff. If it doesn’t work out, don’t get it again. No harm, no foul.
I’m proud to say I was actually proactive about this one and have already replaced it.
*pats self on back several times*
I opted for this Nyx Photo Loving Primer (the green one, for anti-redness) and it’s been doing alright. It isn’t the greatest thing there ever was, but it does help with my unevenness and it makes my t-zone area feel really soft. With that being said though…I can say I for sure feel that the Porefessional Primer is way more effective in terms of minimizing the appearance of pores, but it’s also $18 dollars more, and I’m smart enough to understand and accept the logic behind the idea that sometimes the better things cost more money, no matter what my opinion on economics is. So if anyone knows of a solid, drug-store budget, pore shrinking primer (preferably cruelty-free), please link me in the comments thread, t y s m .

OPTION C: REPURCHASE
► DARK CIRCLE CONCEALER
It’s in my genetics to have dark purple/lavender-ish circles under my eyes; and therefore, in order to achieve what I like to achieve makeup-wise, I get to use a concealer concealer, AND a dark circle concealer. Just think of it as extra reinforcements – if you have purple circles and darker skin tones, use an orange corrector to cancel them out before applying concealer like your regularly scheduled program. If you have red ones, then use a green corrector. Makeup is art, learn your color wheel! : )
A N Y W A Y!
Moral of the story → sometimes you just gotta stick with what’s good. I love this stuff. It works super well, it’s easy to find at most CVSs or Target (if you must), and it’s bloody affordable. Like, $6 bucks affordable.

So there you go.
All crisis averted 😉

The Most Perf Makeup Bag OF LIFE (for traveling, too.)

08.22.1601.20.17 Alyssa K.14 Comments

I made a very important purchase recently…

Do you know who GirrlScout is?
If your answer to that is yes, GO YOU.
If your answer to that is no, NO WORRIES! Like, at – a l l : )
In a nutshell, she’s the sassiest little photo-taking firecracker you’ll come across.
Tattooed.
Real.
Curse word advocate.
Creative beam of light.
Blue-haired babe (currently. color subject to change, often).
Blogger extraordinaire.
Go check her out (but like, yesterday mmkay.)

►►► click me and go now ◄◄◄

Anyhow, her name is Michelle, and she also has a shop.
#GirrlScoutShop!
I follow her on Instagram and saw the upcoming release of a limited edition “face shit” bag, complete with accents of hot-pink and little cacti.
Saw it and immediately thought “uhm. y e s s s 😑”…
So naturally, I ordered. Which was a wise move on my part, because that ish sold o u t t t in about 48 hrs. *thank you, me.*

So if you’ve been here for a bit, you know that we travel pretty often, and my current makeup bag situation (while pretty cute) is nowhere near ideal. It’s enormous, for one – and has a freaking handle, for two. A handle? Come on. That’s too large, lol. For me, anyway. It just isn’t the most practical thing I could be hauling my everyday arsenal of makeup in. And I have been on the lookout for a new one, I just hadn’t stumbled across anything that said “that’s the one” to me.
UNTIL THIS.
Mind you, I live in the desert. So the cactus theme seemed ridiculously appropriate. In addition to that, I love supporting legitimate independent businesses, and other creatives. I respect what the brand owners are doing and the messages that they put out (she and her partner both do the shop, and are frequently involved in each others photography work).

O T H E R A P P E A L S
– The actual text (haha!): I mean, you guys…if ever there was a more correctly labeled cosmetic bag than this one, I’ve never seen it.
– Size: this is a 7 x 10 – which is perfect for both your everyday haul-around, but also…FOR TRAVEL (I just tested this theory this last weekend and can safely report back..blog post coming soon).
– The design: and the fact that the design is custom drawn.

So now that you know a little about the brand, its owners, and the motives/thought behind this purchase, we can get into the goodies.
When this package came, it did not disappoint…

Check it.

And there you have it. This is what being a happy customer looks like : )

Here are some links to check these guys out if you’d like (which you probably should, but I’m bias):
► GirrlScoutShop
► GirrlScoutBlog
► GirrlScoutPhoto
► BaldwinMediaPhotography

What do you guys carry your crap around in on the everyday? Do you like it? Do you hate it? What works good for you when you travel. Spill. Spill it all in the comment thread.
But most of all, just have a happy m o n d a y 🌻🌻

New Morphe Paraphernalia: 35O(M) + 35P

08.09.1601.20.17 Alyssa K.4 Comments

I always try to stop by the Morphe store any time I’m in the LA area considering it’s their only physical location and sometimes it’s just nice to not shop cosmetics exclusively online; to swatch everything first. It eliminates a lot of guess-work. Plus, they’ve expanded the store so it isn’t quite as painfully crowded as it used to be in the past, although there was still a line formed out the door by the time I was ringing out, haha! If you’re ever in the area, you should check it out. Unless you don’t like crowded spaces…then perhaps do not.

A N Y W A Y

I picked up two palettes for my freelance kit.

► 35O/M (Matte) – $22.99 —> c l i c k
► 35P (Plum) – $22.99 —> c l i c k

Someone in Phoenix should let me borrow their face so that I can use them.
Because that doesn’t sound creepy at all, right? : )

What do you guys think of Morphe as an overall brand?
What are some of your fav palettes by them?
TELL!

Also have a happy Tuesday. More importantly, that : )

M O O N C H I L D

C L O V E R L I Q U I D L I P S

[O T H E R] K E Y P R O D U C T S

Like this:

A B H + NICOLE GUERRIERO HIGHLIGHT COLLAB

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

F I N I S H E D L O O K

Like this:

Like this:

H A P P Y M O N D A Y !

Like this:

► zPalette #1 – Bright shadows

► zPalette #2 – More pops of color

► zPalette #3 – Neutrals

Like this:

Like this:

Say Yes To Opportunity.

NOTES

Like this:

Here are my most recent empties:

and here are some – thoughts – options you have when confronted with this potentially disruptive situation – and what I did (personally) about replacing them:

Like this:

What do you guys carry your crap around in on the everyday? Do you like it? Do you hate it? What works good for you when you travel. Spill. Spill it all in the comment thread. But most of all, just have a happy m o n d a y 🌻🌻

Like this:

Like this:

and here are some
– thoughts
– options you have when confronted with this potentially disruptive situation
– and what I did (personally) about replacing them:

What do you guys carry your crap around in on the everyday? Do you like it? Do you hate it? What works good for you when you travel. Spill. Spill it all in the comment thread.
But most of all, just have a happy m o n d a y 🌻🌻