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 #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 | 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)!

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!

Summer Friendly Makeup :)

During this holiday weekend, I am sure that everyone will be outdoors and sometimes indoor makeup just doesn't quite work as well especially if you are lounging by a pool or attending a Barbecue.

Therefore, here are a few items that are my outdoor/summer friendly makeup:

1.  Eyes - Champagne Eye Shadow
Result:  A nice shimmery eyelid without it being over done.

Faves:  MAC's Woodwinked & All that Glitters

2.  Mascara - Anything Waterproof
Result:  Nice flirty, wide eyes
Faves:  Maybelline Lash Stiletto

3.  Lips - Pink Toned Lips
Result:  Looks easy and fresh!

Faves:  Avon LipGlaze, NYX Lipgloss in French Kiss , Vasanti Lipstick in Sweden

4.  Skin - Lightweight Powder & Glowy Skin Products
Result:  Will look more natural and not drip off your face :)
Faves:  MAC Mineralized Skin Finishes (By Candlelight or any) , Vasanti Face Base

Nice, easy, quick and simple! 

Always Smile :)  - Sand