The Perfect Glitter Holiday Eye - Smokey Bronzed Eye Makeup

Holiday Trend 

The Glitter Bronzed Smokey Eye

I recently did one of my favorite holiday looks and wanted to share some of the basic techniques for appling it so the makeup will stay and look polished all night.  Everyone loves a smokey eye with a twist....add glitter!

1.) First rule of putting on glitter eye makeup -
Apply to the eye lid first...because you will end up needing to clean up all the glitter fall down below the eye.  Glitter is sometimes really hard to get off the skin completely and it stays in my makeup brushes forever so I avoid using them too.


I have started to use a mini lint roller on my cheeks when I have glitter fall down, lol.  A slightly damp mascara wand works too.  

2.) Use eye primer (my favorite is MAC Paint Pot in Painterly) and while it is still tacky place the glitter on the lid with a flat synthetic brush and press it onto the eye, never use a fluffy brush to swipe it on.  It will get everywhere and you wont get the look you are going for anyway.

3.) Go easy on the inner corner of the eye.  Not only is glitter super uncomfortable when it gets in your eyes (or worse your contacts), but it also can catch light funny in pics and look harsh and funny.  It is best to end it at the lash line and use a
or sheen to brighten the inner corner of the eye if that is the desired look.

4.) Eye Liner - Use a gel liner and and angle brush.  Press the liner into the lash line without dragging it across the lash line.  This will ensure that it does not mess up the glitter and the brush will likely not get covered in the glitter.

Product List - 

• MAC Holiday Pigment combo collection on the lid
• MAC Brown Down in the crease used very lightly
• MAC Fluid Line applied with an angle brush 
• Naked Palette Original - a mix of the golds and browns smudge out the bottom liner

The Perfect Shoe for Europe

The Perfect Shoes for Touring Europe -

I am trying to find the perfect flat shoe to take to Europe with me on my fabulous, 18 day trip with my mom.   When I went to Italy I went with one pair of shoes that worked ok for the first couple days, but ended up buying cute leather loafers when I was there.  They were actually very comfortable from the very beginning…but I am too worried to do that this time, I want to break them in before I go.

I bought a pair of Drivers recently and have been trying to break them in by wearing them around the house and to work.  I think I need to wear them with socks tho cause they are still bothering me around the top of my big toe.  Does anyone else have this problem?  For a girl who is used to only heels and running shoes this is gonna be tricky. 

I already returned a pair of boat shoes, they just looked too frumpy for me???  Any good suggestions?  I got one suggestion, however it was for a brand that was $400, not my budget anymore! 

I have a pair of ballet flats, but they always hurt at my heel…they are good for a couple of hours like if I am going to the farmers market….but I cant seem to find a pair comfortable enough for 8 hours of walking around cobblestone streets.

I also bought a pair of flat sandals that I can wear with dresses and a little bit more trendy for my days in Paris and LondonJ   These have been much easier to break in and I bought them as just a back up, but they might turn into my main shoe!!!!

My goal for this trip  is to not look like a tourist!  I have heard that the shoes are a good place to start.  I tend to over dress for everything in the US and since it seems that most people in Europe dress up a little more I might be able to fit in a little (aside from the map and annoying carry-all strapped across my body).

Speaking of hand bags, I have a small Coach bag that goes across the body (hands free)….but I am kind of thinking that I want something a little bigger???  Might have to go on Zappos to see what they have.  I picture something that maybe has room for a water bottle, my phone, a map, some lip gloss, my money, ID, and sunglasses.  (That is another blog)

Whats Hot for the 4th of July

Top Looks for Independence Day...

1.) The Red Lip - this is a popular trend for 4th of July, because it gives a pop of color to you makeup look.

• Keep the eyes simple with lots of lashes and maybe black liner 
• Add a pop of candy apple red blush but apply very conservatively (just as if someone pinched your cheek)
• Use a clear wax lip liner to keep the red from feathering

2.) Bronzed Babe - a medium airbrush tan to give you a glow will compliment any summer dress, with a little body bling on the shoulders and shins and a touch of bronzer on the forehead and across the cheeks and nose

• Dont go too dark with your airbrush tan, because it will fade unnaturally 
• Put shimmer body lotion (my favorite is Body Bling by Scott Barnes) only on the areas that wont touch your clothes or other people
• Use a matte face bronzer only in the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face (forehead, across the nose and cheeks, and a touch on the chin)

3.) Denim - I like just one piece in denim...denim top and bottom is way too much in my opinion, but I do love a strapless denim dress!  (the denim shorts witht he pockets hanging out the bottom...even though it is the trend right now, I think you will end up regreting it if you do)

5.) Stars and Stripes - Pick one.  Wearing both together can start to look like a parade or costume.  I prefer a smaller stripe it is more flattering

6.) Fun Sunglasses - If you can get away with colored rims, I love them.  But for me... I love Gold Rims and a bronzy tinted lense.   Plus it always looks great with my airbrush tan.

7.) Summer Highlights - Everyone wants to lighten their hair a bit during the summer...however, chunky overdone highlights tend to look dated.  Keep them natural and in the right color family for your skin tone.