Product Love | My Daily #Foundation Tag Team :)

 

For the last few years, these two Giorgio Armani products have been my daily go-to when it comes to foundation! Now truthfully, Giorgio Armani beauty products are on the higher end when it comes to the price point, but the pay off is a good quality finish on the skin.

The Luminous Silk Foundation by Giorgio Armani, is perfect for everyday wear because it mimics radiant skin once you wear it. A few drops (dime size amount is the max) is all you need. This is not something you want to cake on, because it's not needed. Unless you prefer a full face, you can achieve it, however, this foundation is meant to give you a healthy glow, therefore, the "less is more" rule works best.

This Foundation is great for:

• Everyday wear
• Bridal Makeup
• Boosting your skin's complexion
• Medium to full coverage

Fluid Sheer by Giorgio Armani I have raved about non stop already. It's gorgeous, light, shimmery and natural looking but you can also intensify the glow you want. I also like that in the summer, I can use it to add warmth to my foundation shade! It comes in a range of shades and my top 3 are Shades #2, #10 and #11.

Fluid Sheer is great for:

• Mixing with your Foundation
• Putting it on as a sheer glow all over
• Spot Glowing highlight
• Primer for eye makeup

If you want to treat yourself, than definitely invest in these goodies from Giorgio Armani Beauty! They are worth the extra $$ and your skin will look amazing!

Happy Glowing!

Fun Makeup | How I used "regular" Makeup Products to create this #Halloween Skull #Makeup Look

I'm so excited to share how I created this Halloween Skull Makeup look! Firstly, I'm happy to tell you that I didn't have to purchase special "Halloween makeup" that we typically find in the month of October. Secondly, I did this without having to spend $ on buying new makeup just to create this Halloween look, I used what I already had at home :)

The best rule of life is the K.I.S.S. rule (Keep it Stupidly Simple)! This can pretty much apply to any aspect of life. I wanted to apply this rule to creating my latest Halloween look. I wanted to show that I did not have to spend $ on buying "Halloween" makeup products, rather using what I already had to get the look I wanted. So, there you go...the K.I.S.S. rule!

Thee Best Halloween memories I have are the ones where I created either a DIY Costume or a Makeup look. One year I was an aging woman, which I used eyeliner to create the aging effect, 80's girl following that, and one year it was the "Robert Palmer" makeup look (Sidebar: If you don't know what this is, you MUST look this up right now!) This look was created using the borrowed (aka secretly took my mom's) Charlie Red Lipstick and black eyeliner! It totally worked!

I did the Skull last year and with practice and doing it on repeat, each year this look will get better and better! Here is the breakdown of the products I used and the order in which I did as well!

Skull Makeup Look Products (Everything was on hand):

1. NYX Cosmetics Wonder Pencil  in 02 (Milky Nude Pencil)
2. Giorgio Armani Face Fabric (DC) in 0.5 (This is the lightest shade & I wear 5, just to give context)
3. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 5 (I wear shade 8)
4. NYX Highlight and Contour Pro Palette
5. MAC Pro Longwear Eye Liner in Definedly Black
6. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick (Eyeshadow Stick) in Tuxedo
7. Quo Vinyl Liquid Liner in Black
8. Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette
9. Giorgio Armani High Precision ReTouch (Concealer) in 2

The reason I didn't want to use white makeup for the skull is that anytime I have ever seen a Skull in books or at the museum, they were decayed looking, with almost a beige like tone. Rather than use the Halloween White shade, for me what worked was using a really light shade of foundation! It works out well. :)

BONE SKULL CREATION:

DETAILS:

SHADOW & DIMENSION CREATION:

A really important tip I wanted to share, is to really take your time on the Bone "skin"creation. Be sure to layer the foundation evenly and take your time blending it on the skin. This will give you a great base for the rest of the Skull Details.

Last but not least, have fun when creating wild makeup looks like this one I did for Halloween. Be mindful that it doesn't have to cost a lot of $, just a bit of time, inspiration and creativity!

Enjoy!

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! 

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!!

Fun Makeup | #12DaysofChristmas Makeup Looks | Day 10: #NYE Sparkle

Here is the PERFECT New Year's Eve Makeup Look! Smokey Eyes, a Pretty pink lip and glowing skin! This look works on any skintone and looks fabulous with ANY outfit! The newest theme of my 12 Days of Christmas Makeup Looks! This look is called: NYE Sparkle!

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
• Vasanti Cosmetics Blush in Everest

Eyes

• Giorgio Armani Eye Tint in #12
• Coastal Scents 88 Matte & Ultra Shimmer Eye Palettes (Turquoise/Blue/Black Tones)
• Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Moonlight
• Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio Eye Pencil in Black
• NYX Matte Liquid Liner

Lips

• Mac Cosmetics Lip Pencil in Spice
• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo
• Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer Lipgloss in #107

And yes, I SKIPPED mascara! Sometimes you don't have to wear every single thing in your kit or makeup bag, but I wanted to see how the look would be without it and I would be happy leaving the house this way. Now for your gorgeous bold divas, feel free to add LASHES, double stack them if you want! By doing so, you will take this makeup look to another level!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!!

Fun Makeup | #12DaysofChristmas Makeup Looks | Day 9: RedVelvet

Warm Red and Chocolate tones with bronzey red lips is a great look for the holidays! Here is the next look for the season! The newest theme of my 12 Days of Christmas Makeup Looks! This look is called: Red Velvet! Definitely another easy look to wear and the perfect Makeup look for the Holidays!

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

Products Used:

Face

• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation #6.25
• NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
• Vasanti Cosmetics Blush in Sayan
• Mac Cosmetics Skinfinish in Candlelight

Eyes

• Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks in Cocoa and Moonlight
• Coastal Scents 88 Original Palette (Red and Coppery Red Tones)
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
• Maybelline Master Drama Eye Pencil
• NYX Collection Noir Liquid Black Liner
• Vasanti Cosmetics Moon Dust Shimmer Powder Pigment

Lips

• Giorgio Armani Lip Pencil #11
• Mac Cosmetics in Amorous
• Rouge D'Armani Lipstick in #410
• NYX Face and Body Glitter in Bronze

Adding the glitter on the lips definitely adds an extra pop for this look. This look is sweet and fun to do and can be worn for any holiday party!

Happy Holidays!

Fun Makeup | #12DaysofChristmas Makeup Looks | Day 8: Gingerbread

With the holidays comes many parties and nights out with the family. Here is the next look for the season! The newest theme of my 12 Days of Christmas Makeup Looks! This look is called: Gingerbread! Such a sweet look using coppers, golds and paired with a gorgeous matte Cranberry Lip shade! A perfect Makeup look for the Holidays!

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

Products Used:

Face

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation #6.25
• Fluid Sheer #4
• NYX Highlight & Contour Pro Palette
• Mac Cosmetics Blush in Passionately Tempted
• Colour Corrector - Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani #401

Eyes

• Fluid Sheer #4
• Coastal Scents 28 Neutral Eyeshadow Palette
• Mac Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Coppering, Expensive Pink & Sketch
• Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in
• Giorgio Armani Eye Pencil in #12
• Giorgio Armani Black Ecstasy Mascara in Brown
• NYX Collection Noir Liquid Black Liner

Lips

• Beautique Lip Liner in Wine
• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen

I love how nicely the coppery/gold tones work with the dark bold lips. If you wanted to keep the look within the same tone, you can add a chocolate toned lipstick that would work beautifully! Be bold and sparkly this season!

Happy Holidays!

Fun Makeup | #12DaysofChristmas Makeup Looks | Day 7: Candlelight Glam

After a few days of being away sick with the Flu, I am back to share with you all the lovely looks I planned and put together for the holiday season. These looks will still be festive and fun to do, right till the end of December, regardless of the fact that Christmas has passed. Presenting the newest look for the 12 Days of Christmas Makeup Looks!

Here is my favourite look so far because it is a gorgeous look to do for a night out with your special loved one! Hence the look is called Candlelight Glam! Check out the details below! Be sure to check out these looks on Instagram by clicking @MakeupbySand!

Products Used:

Face

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation #6.25
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Warm Natural
• NYX Cosmetics - Highlight and Contour Pro Palette
• Giorgio Armani Blush in #507 Flesh

Eyes

• Fluid Sheer #13
• Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Cocoa
• Coastal Scents 28 Neutral Palette - Warm and Dark Brown Shadows
• Urban Decay Naked Palette 1, Shades: Half Baked and Creep
• NYX Face and Body Glitter in Gold Sparkle (Applied mixing it with Fluid Sheer)
• Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio Eye Pencil
• NYX Matte Liquid Liner in Black
• Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara in Black

Lips

• Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil in Bobbi
• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in London
• Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer Lipgloss in #202

I love how nicely the pigment sparkles on the eyes! Using a mixing median (a liquid based product that allows you to use and place the sparkles without spillage) is the key to this look! If you wanted to wear a bolder lip shade, you can to amp up the look!

Happy Holidays!

Beauty Look | Soft Pink Glam #Makeuplook

Lately I have been favouring more summer like colours for lips, especially pink tones! I put together this look with soft greys, beige and browns and paired it with a soft diffused pink lip. Take a look at the makeup details below!

FACE

• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #6.25
• Bronzer: Giorgio Armani #100
• Blush: Giorgio Armani #507
• Glow/Highlight: MAC Skinfinish in Candlelight + Fluid Sheer #7

EYES

• Coastal Scents 28 Neutral Eyeshadow Palette (See Pic for colours used)
• Eyeliner - Waterline: Maybelline Eye Drama Eye Pencil
• Liquid Liner: Maybelline Line Stiletto
• Mascara: Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara

LIPS

• Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil in Bobbi
• Mac Cosmetics Lipstick Pink Nouveau
• Mac Cosmetics Lipstick Angel

This look will be amazing on all skin tones! You can adjust the intensity of the lipstick by picking something warmer or cooler for what works for you. In this look, that is why I mixed the two together.

It's a perfect look for anyone looking for a soft glam look which in my opinion works really well for the season!

Beauty Look | Everyday Fall Makeup Look

This is my go-to Makeup look. A perfectly neutral look for everyday. Yes I know, it is a lot of products to create a neutral look, but you can pick and choose what works for you. For me, I can do this look pretty fast and it does come across soft and diffused.

Take a look at the beauty product breakdown below:

FACE 

• Base: Giorgio Armani Face Crema Nuda 01 as a Base
• Foundation: Giorgio Armani Luminessence CC Cream Shade 6
• Blush: Giorgio Armani Blush 506
• Bronzer: Giorgio Armani 400
• Glow/Highlight: MAC Skinfinish in Candlelight

EYES 

• Crease: Coastal Scents 28 Shade Neutral Palette in Warm Brown
• Lids: MAC Coppering & Expensive Pink with Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks in Cocoa and Copper
• Liner: Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Liner + Eye Drama Pencil Liner
• Mascara: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

LIPS

• Lipstick: Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani 500

It's a fast look to put together! The Laura Mercier Caviar sticks are so easy to use and the products work beautifully together! Feel free to comment, share and try this look out yourself :)

#Makeup Trends | Best Liquid #Highlighters for #Strobing or Highlighting!!

Whether you want to call it 'highlighting' or 'Strobing', the trend to add a beautiful luminous glow to your skin is definitely not going away! Giorgio Armani has been iconic in reviving and creating this beautiful glow, which have been featured on the models of many of his fashion shows over the years. As with most fashion trends, the makeup styles and looks eventually trickle down to the masses. Now even faster than before with Social Media.

If you are looking to create the JLO Glow, adding highlight or want to be an expert on strobing, be sure to add these beautiful products, the amazing Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers!

ABOUT FLUID SHEER

Fluid sheer is a beautiful skin illuminating product that offers radiance and glow. The formula is light weight, and easy to work with. It's available in over 10 flattering shades and can be used in multiple ways, a true multi-tasker!

• Instantly adds glow and illuminates skin
• Sheer, lightweight texture and coverage
• Use it as an eye shadow base, blush or bronzer
• Wear alone for glowing skin or tan enhancement
• Mix into your favourite foundation to add glow and enhance tonality
• Popular shades: #2, #10 and #11

SHADE DESCRIPTIONS

#2 Fluid Sheer: A light golden beige sheen. Excellent for spot highlighting/strobing effects on the cheeks and T Zone.

#10 Fluid Sheer: A medium golden bronze glow. Excellent for darker skin tones or adding a golden glow by mixing into your foundation.

#11 Fluid Sheer: A warm peachy shimmer. Excellent paired with blush and applied onto the cheeks.

These products are worth experimenting with since they leave a beautiful finish on the skin and offer multiple ways of using them! I also like that they leave a true sheen and not a sparkle, so it looks and glows like healthy skin. Be sure to check these shades out on your next Makeup Shopping trip!

What's in my #Makeup Kit? | My Top 5 Must-Haves

Over the years of being in the industry, I have built my Kit to include a number of amazing products from amazing brands. Out of all the products that are in my kit, there are a few key items that I will ALWAYS use and keep restocking them in my kit!

Check out the list below:

1. Ardell Lashes + Duo Lash Glue
2. MAC SkinFinish in By Candlelight or Soft & Gentle
3. Urban Decay Naked Palette
4. Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers in #2, #10 & #11
5. 88 Original Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palette

Ardell Lashes: There are tons of beautiful lash companies out there that are making stunning lashes. Ardell in my opinion, give tons of options for Natural, Full and Dramatic Lashes. I can pick and choose from a variety of Lashe styles that can work for any client. I also love that their price point is about $5 and you can get them from Walmart!! The Duo Glue is a must and works the best in my opinion. My fave lashes are in the Natural category in #105 and #117.

Ardell Lashes in #105 & #117

MAC Skinfinish in Candlelight or Soft and Gentle: I love the rosy and peachy gold glow that these particular products give. They look good on EVERY skin tone which makes it perfect for any client that you may have. It goes on smooth and you can place it for a specific highlight or "strobing" look. It also looks gorgeous paired on top of a Liquid Highlight for added glow for Photos.

MAC Skinfinish in By Candlelight

Urban Decay Naked Palette: This was the one that made everyone an addict! Hands down one of the easiest eyeshadow palettes to use for Bridal! It gives you tons of options for Smokey Eyes, Neutral Smokey and Classic Bridal. The shades are beautiful on all skin tones! A mix of semi-matte, sheen and pure shades.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers: My secret weapon! This product is the most versatile product in my kit. Fluid sheers are a liquid highlighting product. It gives you the ability to add glow as an after effect, tones and colour corrects foundation, allows for a glowy look when mixed into your foundation and is EXCELLENT as an eye primer to make shadows last. It works beautifully with the MAC Skinfinish noted above.

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheers in #2, #10 and #11

88 Original Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palette: I love this palette, one of the larger palettes I have! The colours give you a million options especially for dramatic and more creative makeup looks. The colours are very pigmented and last!

88 Original Coastal Scents Eyeshadow Palette

Check out the product links above and see if you want to include at least one into your own personal or professional makeup kit. Be sure to comment below if you have any products that you currently use that you love!