Beauty Look | Anastasia Beverly Hills Palette - Cool Mauve #Makeup Look - #ModernRenaissance Eyeshadow Palette

In the past, for me to be able to achieve a cool toned eyeshadow look, on my skin tone was challenging. The reason it would be difficult is that either the shadows weren't pigmented enough or I had to layer a lot of primer/concealer to get the shadows to look right.

Even though at first glance, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette looks like a warmer palette, there are a few colours in the palette, that allowed me to create this cool mauve look.

Check it out below!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Palette & Makeup Used

• Lid: Tempera
• Crease: Warm Taupe & Buon Fresco
• Mid Lid: Buon Fresco
• Outer Corner: Cyprus Umber
• Inner to Mid Lid: Vermeer (Mixed with Fluid Sheer #8)
• Lashline: Buon Fresco & Warm Taupe
• Outer Corner Lashline: Cyprus Umber
• Mascara: L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara
• Liner: L'Oreal Lineur Intense & MAC Cosmetics Feline Eye Pencil
• Foundation: Maybelline FitMe Foundation Shade 315
• Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
• Blush: Fluid Sheer #8
• Highlight: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak
• Lips: Maybelline 665 Lust For Blush Matte Lipstick with Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb

Really like how this look came together! I loved how I could use the duo ended brush that comes with this palette to do all of the eyeshadow application. More looks to come!

Product Love | Tarte Cosmetics #TarteistProPalette

If there was ever a makeup product that got rave reviews on Social Media, I pretty much went to the store and would buy it without question. Now, I take a bit more time to research, which I think is super important to do before spending any money.

If possible, take the time to see, swatch and play with a product prior to purchase. (This should be the case at most major retailers). I am happy to say that I compared 2 very gorgeous eyeshadow palettes that were launched around the same time. The winner for me was this baby right here: The Tarte Cosmetics #Tarteist Pro Palette!

Why I Love It:

• A mix of Matte and Shimmery finishes
• Loved the warmer and red toned shades 
• 20 Shades (16 Matte + 4 Shimmers)
• Beautiful packaging
• Travel friendly

My only concern was that the matte shadows would be a bit too powdery or ashy during application, but using the right brushes truly makes a difference and I had no problems!

Here are a few Makeup looks that I have done so far using this palette! FYI - I have been choosing this as my go-to Eyeshadow palette pretty much everyday!

One of my fave purchases so far! The price is $68 CDN, so it's on the higher price point side, but if you were to break it down to a per shadow cost, it works out to: $3.40 (Not to bad) :)

One of my fave things about this palette is the colour blocked effect for ideas on which shadows to wear together and the versatility to create literally a million eyeshadow combos!

I picked up mine from Sephora and got myself a few cute Makeup samples, which has worked out well, because I have found thee best Waterproof Black eye pencil! I will also share 4 Makeup looks using the colour row options! Stay tuned :)

Happy Shopping!

Beauty Look | Day to Night #MakeupLook featuring a Red Lip :)

Do you ever do your makeup and then think about changing it up? Maybe you feel you want to be a bit more dramatic or bolder? I totally get it, I go through this alot! Mostly for glam or special event makeup that I do from time to time.

Sometimes the look you envisioned was fine, but you want to take it a step bolder. That's why I'm sharing how I changed my makeup look by altering one thing.

My last post featured a neutral lip with a glam eye makeup. So I altered the lipstick and it made the look pop! This is also a great example of how you can change your look from Day to Night!

The Makeup details are in the previous post (Click Here). The two products I used to change the lips are listed below:

1. NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream in Shade Monte Carlo
2. Christian Dior Lip Liner Pencil in Shade in Rouge Dior

Try your own makeup swap whether it be adding a winged look to your liner or adding false lashes or in this case changing the lipstick!

Happy Lips!

Beauty Look | #NYE Evening Glam Look - Featuring the #Tarteist Pro Palette

Here is another makeup inspiration that is a take on a #NYE Evening Glam look! This is a softer yet glam makeup look that uses a classic smokey eye with soft shimmer on top! This was a fun look to do because it was a mix of neutral colours as well as colour shimmers. To balance the look, I paired it with a Neutral medium toned Pink Lip.

This looks features the Tarteist™ Pro Palette which  I am sooooo happy that I bought! I love that the majority of the palette has Matte shades, with 4 really pretty duo/chrome/shimmer shades. The blue shimmer shade inspired me to do this #NYE Evening Glam Makeup Look!

PRODUCTS USED:

Face

• Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer
• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Shade 8
• Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in Shade 2
• Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Concealer in Medium 40
• Laura Mercier Universal Setting Powder
• NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
• Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric in Shade Blush

Eyes

• Tarteist Pro Amazonian Clay Palette for Eyes
• Lid - Vintage
• Crease - Fierce & Vamp
• Transition - No Filter
• Brow Bone - Classic
• Mid/Outer Lid - Trendy & Minx
• NYX Cosmetics Matte Liquid Liner
• YSL Couture Kajal in Shade 3
• Giorgio Armani High-Precision Brow Pencil in Shade 1
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in Black Pearl

Lips

• NYX Butter Gloss in Shade Merengue
• Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Lipstick in Shade 500
• Beautique Lip Pencil in Mocha

This look has a lot more drama on the eyes, but overall with a softer lip it's a great #NYE look for date night or a party at home :) Be daring and try something different, this is the one day of the year where there is no such thing as "too much".

Happy #NYE!

Beauty Look | #NYE #GlitterMakeup

Glitter will ALWAYS be tied to Makeup for #NYE! Of late, there have been tons of really beautiful and inspiring makeup looks on Instagram and I wanted to try this look! Glitter can be tricky, so scroll down for my easy tip!

Here is my version of the #GlitterMakeup look!

PRODUCTS USED:

Face

• Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer
• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Shade 8
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Shade Deep
• Laura Mercier Universal Setting Powder
• NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
• Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in Shade 2
• MAC Cosmetics Blush in Passionately Tempted

Eyes

• Tarteist Pro Amazonian Clay Palette for Eyes
• Lid - Innocent
• Crease - Whimsy
• Outer Lid/Crease - Smoked
• Transition - Innocent
• Brow Bone - Classic
• Mid Lid - Ethereal
• NYX Cosmetics Matte Liquid Liner
• Makeup Forever - Aqua XL - Extra Long Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil 
• Giorgio Armani High-Precision Brow Pencil in Shade 1
• NYX Face and Body Glitter in Bronze (This glitter is Gorgeous! Click Here)
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in Black Pearl

Lips

• NYX Waterproof Lip Liner in Shade Nebula
• MAC Cosmetics in Media

Makeup Tip: Glitter is very tricky to work with since there is major fall out and pretty much can end up all over your face! Therefore use the following: Eye Drops! If you don't have lash glue or any other mixing medium, a few drops will allow you to mix and then apply on the lid.

This was such a fun look! I am very happy with the warmth the Tarteist Pro palette allowed me to do. The NYX Cosmetics shimmer really ads the right amount of pop!

Good luck with your NYE Glitter Makeup looks!

Beauty Tip | From your everyday #Makeup look to #Summer ready!

Summer time makeup can be tricky because usually its hot AF outside (Let's be honest)! However, on the days that you do wear makeup, here is an easy tip that I like to do to switch it up.

It basically works with any makeup look you want to do. Whether it's neutral or super smokey, you just add a pop of colour, softly underneath the eye and that's it! Summer Ready :)

PRODUCTS USED:

FACE

Giorgio Armani CC Cream 5

Giorgio Armani Blush - Peach Tone

EYES

BH Cosmetics 28 Neutral Eye Palette - Peachy/Brown Tones

NYX Black Eye Pencil & Matte Liquid Liner

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Giorgio Armani Eye & Brow Maestro in Wedgewoo

POP OF COLOUR: Giorgio Armani - Teal/Blue Eyeshadow

LIPS

Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Lipstick 500 (Medium Mauve Pink)

Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil in Bobbi (Grey/Brown)

NYX Butter Gloss in Merengue (Bright Pink)

This look is my everyday makeup look but the lined shadow underneath makes it fun for Summer. You can pretty much do any colour underneath to coordinate with your mood or your outfit.

Enjoy experimenting! 

Beauty | Goodies from NYX Cosmetics

NYX Cosmetics Canada made a game changing decision for Makeup lovers when they opened their shop at Square One Mississauga.Typically, you could find NYX at select Rexall locations, but a standalone shop was exactly what Toronto/GTA Beauty lovers needed. All my fave goodies in one place and affordable!

I got these goodies a while back but they are SOOO worth this post. I have listed the items I got, their price point and my overall feedback. Take a look below:


1. Highlight & Contour Pro Palette | Cost: $27.00

• 8 Shades
• Highlight Shades: Ice Queen, Soft Light, Cream & Nectar
• Contour Shades: Tan, Toffee, Sculpt & Hollow
• Customizable shades that you can choose from their Pro singles

I like this palette because it gives you so much versatility in shade choices (especially as a Makeup Artist). These shades can work on all skin tones! I prefer the powder formula, because it really gives a diffused finish on the skin

2. Face & Body Glitter in Bronze | Cost: $6.00

• 12 Shades
• High sparkle pigment
• Can be used on eyes and body

I'm all about glitter and sparkle!! I love that a tiny amount can be used all-over the lid or as a liner. The glitter is fine and reflects beautifully on the eyes! Be sure to use a liquid product to help control your application. I tend to use liquid highlighters by picking up a bit on my brush and then picking up the pigment from the lid.

3. Matte Liquid Liner | Cost: $10.00

• Matte Finish - Similar to a gel liner look
• Think and flexible brush
• Get classic or bold looks

I was not used to using Gel liners but I loved their finish. That's why I love this liner because the matte formula gives me the gel liner look but with the control of a brush. Long lasting, doesn't fade/move and is great for Summer makeup looks!

4. Collection Noir Liquid Liner | Cost: $8.00

• Fine Tip Brush
• Precision and control
• Long lasting

This liquid liner for me is exactly like the traditional liquid liners that I have grown up using. So my comfort level is high! I love the finer brush and how easy it is to create thin to thicker lines.

5. Soft Matte Lip Cream | Cost: $9.00

• Creamy Application
• Matte Finish
• Transfer proof
• Shades: London (Nude/Brown), Tokyo (Light Pink), Copenhagen (Burgundy) & Monte Carlo (Red)

These lip creams feel incredible! A little product gives a beautifully painted lip! What I love is that it leaves a super matte finish that doesn't transfer or bleed! Great with gloss or alone.

If you are a makeup lover, like me and want to try the new makeup trends, NYX offers great quality products for an affordable price point! Be sure to check out the NYX stores in Toronto/GTA!

Happy Shopping!

Beauty Look | #MACCosmetics Media Lipstick Look

I shared my NEW Mac Lipsticks in my last post and today I wanted to share the look featuring Media Lipstick. This look paired beautifully with the emerald toned eyes. Take a look at the product details along with the photos below!

Products Used:

Face

• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk 6.25
• NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
• MAC Cosmetics Skinfinish in Candlelight
• Vasanti Cosmetics Blush in Rockies

Eyes

• Fluid Sheer 2
• Giorgio Armani Eye Tint 4
• Coastal Scents 28 Neutral Palette (Warm Brown)
• Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks in Copper (Which actually looks more gold)
• Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio Eye Pencil in Black
• NYX Collection Noir Liquid Black Liner
• Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara

Lips

• Beautique Pencil in Wine
• MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Media

This is a great look for a night out! If you want to wear this look for the day, soften the emerald tone by mixing it with a champagne base or you can apply the emerald tone as an eyeliner instead.

More looks to come this week featuring the other MAC lipsticks featured in last weeks post (Click Here)!

Product Love | MAC Cosmetics - Deep & Vampy Lips

Vampy lipsticks used to be a look that I stayed away from. I typically seen Models rocking it on the runway. In the last few years, these darker hues are everywhere! Everyone is loving and happily wearing these dark, yet bold vampy lips!

In my mind, MAC Cosmetics has done a great job on creating a plethora of shades for your inner vamp! There are a million shades to choose from, but I picked my Top 3 below:

1. Smoked Purple Lipstick - Deep Eggplant Purple | Finish: Matte
2. Media Lipstick - Intense Reddish Purple | Finish: Satin
3. Amorous Lipstick - Lovestruck Cranberry | Finish: Satin

In later posts, I will be sharing these lipsticks with a full makeup look, but for now, take a look at these beautifully rich shades!

The Satin shades are super smooth to wear. The Matte finish is a true matte, therefore if you want a more moisturized feeling, apply a bit of Vaseline before you put the Matte finish on. Again, I love to find shades that will work on my skin tone (deep warm brown) and my medium toned lips, and these look awesome!

Be sure to check this sexy trio of shades when you visit your MAC store soon! 

YouTube | @MakeupbySand - The Rebirth of my Beauty Channel :)

I am so excited to share that I am FINALLY bringing my love of Beauty, Books and Food to YouTube! Truthfully, I started the channel a few years ago, but felt nervous and resisted posting videos. Now I am finally ready, hence the re-birth and the renewal of my channel!

Without further ado, please see my first (third) teaser video below:

My first Live recorded video will be up in February 2016!!! I have been working hard putting together fun topics, content and video ideas, totally behind-the-scenes so that 2016 would have the YouTube channel that I always envisioned for myself and what I want it to be for viewers.

I really hope you will join me in this fun journey on the next chapter for me! Keep smiling and I will see you all on YouTube soon! :) Please be sure to subscribe!

2016 is off to a great start!

Fun Makeup | #12DaysofChristmas Makeup Looks | Day 12: #NewYearsDay

Today I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! All the best for 2016. I am sharing a throwback look that is perfect for a day after joyful holiday parties and dinners out. It's simple makeup look that uses pinks, coppers and brown paired with a neutral lipstick. The final look/theme of my 12 Days of Christmas Makeup Look is called: New Year's Day!

Check out the details below! Be sure to check out these looks on Instagram by clicking @MakeupbySand!

Products Used:

Face

• Giorgio Armani Crema Nuda #1
• Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream #6
• Giorgio Armani Blush 506
• Giorgio Armani Bronzer #400
• Mac Cosmetics Skin Finish in Candlelight

Eyes

• Coastal Scents 28 Neutral Palette (Warm Brown)
• Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks in Cocoa and Copper
• Mac Cosmetics Coppering & Expensive Pink Eyeshadows
• Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Liner
• Maybelline Eye Drama Eye Pencil
• Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

Lips

• Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Lipstick #500

A simple makeup look using soft colours is the perfect New Year's Day look. I hope you have enjoyed the 12 Looks of Makeup(Christmas) looks during the holidays! Stay tuned as I will be doing more makeup themed series that I will be sharing on the blog as well as on my other Social Media links. Click here to connect with me on Twitter or on Instagram!

Happy 2016!!

Fun Makeup | #12DaysofChristmas Makeup Looks | Day 11: #HolidayNights

A dark, vampy evening look for the holidays or for New Year's Eve! Jewel-toned Smokey Eyes, a dark sexy and defined contour! The newest theme of my 12 Days of Christmas Makeup Looks! This look is called: Holiday Nights!

Check out the details below! Be sure to check out these looks on Instagram by clicking @MakeupbySand!

Products Used:

Face

• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk #6.25
• NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
• Mac Cosmetics Skinfinish in Candlelight
• Mac Cosmetics Blush in Passionately Tempted

Eyes

• Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Tuxedo
• Giorgio Armani Eye Tint in #4
• Coastal Scents 88 Ultra Shimmer Eye Palette (Turquoise Shimmer)
• Coastal Scents 28 Neutral Palette (Brown/Shimmer Tones)
• Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio Eye Pencil in Black
• NYX Collection Noir Liquid Black Liner
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

Lips

• Giorgio Armani Lip Pencil in #12
• Mac Cosmetics Lipstick in Smoked Purple 
• Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer Lipgloss in #604

This is a super dramatic look but looks amazing for the night! The Eye Tint in the Dark Emerald pops because I layered it on top of the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick. This way any jewel-tone shade really pops when you layer the lid with black first! You can totally pair this look with a neutral lip but the Dark Plum works perfectly as a complementary tone with this shade on the eyes!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!!