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 | #Batiste Dry Shampoo

Get rid of oil and gain volume at the same time? Yes please! I wanted to share a time saving tip when it comes to styling hair. Dry Shampoos have gotten quite the shine in the last few years. The challenge is trying to figure out the one that works and doesn't cost a fortune.

I've tried many different Dry Shampoos over the years and I am currently loving the: Batiste Dry Shampoo

Batiste Impression/Thoughts:

• Medium Weight Spray
• Smells incredible
• Great for absorbing excess oil from roots
• Adds volume
• Price: $8.99 - $10.00 (200ml)

I loved the volume it created after spraying and working it into my roots. The smell is incredible. Great to add to your gym bag or weekend/beach bag. If you ever struggled with "Gym Hair" this product will help by absorbing excess oil, while keeping your hair looking fresh between shampoos.

Important TIP:

Now, here is the thing, if you are not familiar with how to use Dry Shampoos, be sure NOT to spray it all over your hair, it is NOT hairspray. Here is how I use it:

1. Lift small sections from your root and spray lightly
2. Spray 1 section at a time, focusing the spray towards the roots 
3. Wait about a 1 min, lightly work the spray into the roots. 
4. Brush out and you will see the fullness and volume

I will be checking out the other Batiste products for the summer! 

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!

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 | Want glowing skin? or an epic Makeup Highlight? Keep reading ;)

Photo Courtesy:  https://ca.caudalie.com

This product is epic. The.End.

Seriously though...The Caudalie Divine Oil is legit. Multi-purpose product, good for your skin and there's more to love...

Caudalie Divine Oil:

• I can use it mixed with my Foundation (Always Giorgio Armani)
• I can use it as skincare (Apply it on cleansed skin, on days I am makeup free)
• I can use it on top of Makeup as a highlight (This is the EPIC portion of why I love it)
• It contains Antioxidants = Great for your skin
• Dry Oil which can be used on Face, Body and Hair

Now there are a million ways to highlight your face to achieve the ever popular "insta" glow, but if you are looking for something easy to use and can be worn naked on skin, this is the oil to try. BONUS POINT: It smells great!

Here is a pic of me using it on top of my makeup, right after I set it with Powder. I patted it on very lightly and then used my foundation brush with the same motion.

Check it out if you get a chance, worth it to add to your Skin AND Makeup routine!

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! 

Lifestyle | It's been awhile! Hair, Books & Makeup :)

Yes, I know, it has been awhile. Lots of changes in the start of the year that were super positive but also important things that took my time away from my blog. This doesn't mean I haven't been "cooking" on some new blog posts and fun things for everyone, just needed some time off the blog to live this thing called life.

Soooooo, here is what's been new with me and what's coming up on the blog....Take a look!

OMBRE/BALAYAGE

I finally took the plunge! I stayed in my comfort zone for the last few years by sporting dark(er) brown hair and took the leap to a golden/blonde ombre. Firstly, I'm not scared of colour since I used to colour my hair all sorts of colours and shades! But in the past few years, I got too comfortable (aka rut) and just rode out dark brown for as long as I could. Secondly, even though I am familiar with the whole process, I still am surprised to see my hair since I got used to seeing dark brown day in and day out. I love it and I feel more vibrant. Therefore, I would recommend anyone who's been sitting (safely) on the fence about changing their hair colour, just jump and do it! 

Here is my before and after:

This is a Phone pic, therefore not clear. Base is not that dark ;)

Interesting fact: Make up choices and typical go-to looks had to alter slightly, read more here on my blog post regarding changing your hair colour and changing your makeup: Click Here!

MY OWN PERSONAL BOOK CLUB
I love books and reading, and have finally committed to make a move to read through the high volume of books I have purchased/gifted in the last few years. I mean, I could be sleeping on potentially the best book I have ever read, but I don't know that because I haven't started to read them yet! I finally made the move and am doing pretty good so far.

Here the books that have been completed. (It's a list over 30 books, just saying!):

1. The Sweet Life by Dulce Candy - Great book if you are a beauty lover and in the business of blogging or would like to start a YouTube channel.

2. Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova - This book had me! I mean when you read a book and can actually picture yourself in the house and around the characters described in the book, it means it's a good book and well written! Lisa Genova is one of my fave authors and I have read 3 of her 4 books and I have not been disappointed. I will be adding the 4th one soon (Love Anthony) but need to get through my current unread books first!

3. Not that Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham - In progress - Loved her on her show the Girls, heard a lot about this book and love anything with reflection and wit! We shall see how it goes!

BLOG UPDATES:

1. New Product Reviews

2. My 1st Spa Review - Caudalie Skin Spa Facial

3. Spring/Summer Looks

No, I don't have SNAPCHAT but I LOVE the filters! :)

I am excited and re energized about blogging again. This winter was brutal but thankful for the Sunny days that have re-inspired me! Those who know me understand that I am thee happiest when I blog and I love and live for the makeup posts that I do and yes YouTube is coming, just needed more time to make it right!

Lots to come, thanks for checking in and keeping me inspired! :)

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)!

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!

Celebration | Happy Birthday/5 Year Anniversary to #BlogbySand!

I am beyond thrilled to celebrate the Blog's birthday/anniversary! Happy 5 Years!!!

I intentionally started the blog in January so that it always tied to the start of the new year! My first post was dated January 2nd, 2011. I started this blog 5 years ago, yet the idea to start the blog was with me for many years prior to the actual start date. In that time frame, I was trying to gain the courage to start and share my words/images/opinions and ideas. With anything new, you fear the unknown and you want to ensure you are giving it your all! Once I was confident and ready, I started the blog, and I haven't looked back.

In the last 5 Years, I have shared countless Makeup Hauls, Product Reviews, Makeup Looks as well as my love of Books and Cooking. I started this blog as a way to connect with people who shared the same interests as me and a way to share my own personal thoughts. There have been a few personal posts which I also debated sharing but found a lot of support and love when I did.

So without further ado, in the name of walking down memory lane, I wanted to share some of my fave images/posts from the last 5 years, so here goes:

1. Favourite Makeup Look: Holiday Nights

2. Favourite Product: Maybelline Master Drama Eye Studio Cream Pencil

3. Favourite Photo: Posted on Instagram

4. Favourite Book: Gone Girl (So Far)

5. Favourite Recipe: Green Soup with Chicken and Veggies 

Announcement Time!
I am happy to announce and share that in 2016, I will be reviving the start of my YouTube channel!! I started it awhile back but am glad to say that am looking to launch my first (third) video this month! You will get the same vibe that I have set for the blog, but in video format. I appreciate all the love and support I have received over the years and want to continue to share content that is relevant to you and that I enjoy sharing! I also appreciate any content suggestions for the channel as well and am excited for this next chapter!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy 2016!!