beauty – Page 3 – O H A L Y S S A K

MOTD: ABH Tulip Liquid Lipstick + Purple/Brown Smokey Eyes

F A C E
Maybelline Baby Skin Primer
Nyx Cosmetics Anti Redness Primer
Nyx Cosmetics Total Control Drop Foundation
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
NYC Cosmetics Studio Finishing Powder Translucent Finish
Makeup Geek Cosmetics Contour Pan: Bad Habit
Makeup Geek Cosmetics Blush: Soulmate + Rendezvous
ABH Nicole Glow Kit: Forever Young + Forever Lit
Glitter Injections Pina Colada Glitter Highlight

E Y E S
Makeup Geek Shadows:
Bandwagon
Tiki Hut
Mocha
Bada Bing
Vintage
Cabin Fever
Toxic
Whimsical
Nyx Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil: Milk
Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Liner Pencil

L A S H E S
Koko Lashes: Queen B

L A S H E S
Ardell Lashes Brow Gel: Dark Brown

L I P S
Anastasia Beverly Hills: Tulip Liquid Lipstick

MAKEUP MONDAY: ABH Clover Lipstick + MoonChild Glow Kit

04.17.1704.17.17 Alyssa K.2 Comments

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!

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 : )

Aqua Eyeliner + Androgyny Liquid Lips

08.04.1601.20.17 Alyssa K.4 Comments

I picked up a bunch of these $2 dollar eye pencils from the Morphe store in Burbank when I was there a few weeks ago.
They’re by some off-brand called Italia Deluxe, which sounds a little sketch I’ll admit but, so far, so good….

I’m a major advocate for the “pops of color” concept. I tend to always grab for neutral/brown shadows, so incorporating accents of bright colors into my eye looks is a simple way to change things up a bit when I’m feeling bored or uninspired. That’s Alyssa-talk for “it’s an easy way to look like you’ve actually tried, without really trying”.

O V E R A L L T H O U G H T S
► They stay in tact pretty well. There was a little bit of smudging toward my inner corner, but nothing major or noticeable that couldn’t be fixed with a quick 5 second touch up.
► The color lasts at least 8 hours.
► Good pigmentation.
► Easy application. Super creamy.

I’m sure they’re not cruelty-free and I wouldn’t be surprised if they contained parabens or other questionable ingredients. But I mean honestly, for $2 whole dollars, I can’t say that I’m mad.

Full look + other d e t a i l s:

E Y E S

► Makeup Geek Cosmetics Single Shadows
– Hipster (Crease)
– Barcelona Beach (Crease)
– Latte (Transition)
– Creme Bruleè (Transition)
– Shimma Shimma (Tear Duct)
– Whimsical (Tear Duct)
– Mocha (Outer Corner)
– Vanilla Bean (Brow Bone)
► L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara
► Ardell Demi Wispy Lashes
► Italia Deluxe Aqua Eye Pencil
► Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil – Milk (as a base for the blue liner)
► Maybelline Master Precise Liner Pen

B R O W S
► Ardell Brow Gel – Dark Brown
► ABH Brow Fix Pencil

L I P S
► Jeffree Star Cosmetics Androgyny Liquid Lipstick

C H E E K S
► Anastasia Contour Pan – Clay
► Nyx Powder Blush – Dusty Rose
► Smashbox Cosmetics Fusion Soft Lights Bronzer – Baked Starburst
► Jeffree Star Cosmetics Peach Goddess Skin Frost
► ColourPop Cosmetics Super Shock Cheeks – Spoon

Cry. Cry Glitter: Colorful Makeup + Real Thoughts.

07.23.1601.20.17 Alyssa K.5 Comments

It was about time for some color in my life – and also glitter.
Living in human skin can be a little bananas sometimes. If any of the (countless) issues in existence have you feeling down, or your energy slightly “off” lately – just try and remember to keep these things in mind:

• Having thoughts, feelings and emotions is what makes you human. Do not let anyone put a negative connotation on expressing these things.
• Sometimes a solid cry is necessary, and that is okay. Cry, or maybe channel that and cry glitter!
• If you must engage with others on matters of substance, debate, or importance – pick your battles wisely. Be patient, be open. Be informed. Hold ground. But mostly, just know when to disengage.
• Be a source of light in a world that’s over-crowded with douche canoes. No matter what.
• Spread knowledge, acceptance, and love. Only actually do it though. In real life. Everyday. Not just via inspirational quotes on social media. Help people. Give. Put your money where your mouth is and donate to legitimate organizations that you support. More doing. Less talking.
• Know your outlet. Makeup is obviously one of mine.
• And finally, let literally no one else’s opinions, thoughts, words, life, actions, existence etc. have any effect on you, or the path that you’re on. Once you can achieve real confidence and inner-peace you start to realize that there is no outside, and it frees you.
(the quote from an Amanda Palmer interview that made me reconsider and restructure my entire outlook on the day-to-day, as well as the bigger picture – “we are constantly judging and criticizing ourselves and wondering how this looks from the outside, but time rolls on and you realize there is no outside…“).
► *link to said interview*◄

– O K A Y –

Colorful makeup!

** P S A **
I rarely use less than 5 shadows when I do my eyes.
Blending/layering different shades, adding dimension, and creating new and unique colors is one of most fun parts of the whole process, for me.

E Y E S
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Too Faced Glitter Glue
Jeffree Star Beauty Killer Palette
-China White ► Brow Bone
-Violence ► Lower Lash Line
Makeup Geek Single Shadows
-Unexpected ► Crease
-Dragonfly ► Crease
-Shark Bait ► Crease
-Sea Mist ► Lid
-Ocean Breeze ► Outer Corner
-Mermaid ► Center Lid
-Black Light ► Inner Corner
-Whimsical ► Tear Duct
-Shimma Shimma ► Tear Duct
-Masquarade ► Lower Lash Line
Glitter Injections “Famous” Glitter
Nyx Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencil – “Milk”
Maybelline Master Precise Liner Pen
Ardell Double-Up Lashes

L I P S
Nyx Cosmetics Creamy Lipstick – “Rea”
Nyx Cosmetics Butter Gloss – “Angel Food Cake”

Be human to the fullest you guys, don’t forget!
😊🌻🌏

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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

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A B H + NICOLE GUERRIERO HIGHLIGHT COLLAB

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

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

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

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► zPalette #1 – Bright shadows

► zPalette #2 – More pops of color

► zPalette #3 – Neutrals

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