Natural Skin!

Do you love to contour but don't love that harsh Kim K. look? I've got a solution for you that will be perfect for the new year! 

Get ready to switch up your look and try something a bit more natural.

First thing first, put on your foundation and concealer. Just do your normal foundation rutine. You can use a tinted moisturize, a BB cream, or a powder foundation. All will work. You want to look like this is your skin. Depending on how much makeup you usually wear, choose a foundation that is right for you.

Once you've put on your foundation it's time for some sneaky contouring. I added just a little bit of powder contour on my temples, the base of my cheek bone and right under my jaw line. Just place the product at this point.                                                                                                     You can use any type of contour product for this. Cream, powder, foundation, or concealer will all work for this. The important part is that the product is a shade or two darker then your natural skin tone.

Blush is more important then contour and highlighting combined. If you wear foundation you probably need blush.

When you've got your product placed simply blend out. You want to use a clean brush for the blending and blend in the direction the contour should lay. For example I'll blend the contour on my cheek toward the center of my face along the bottom of the cheek bone.

After applying the contour just add blush and highlight if you want. They just finish up your normal makeup routine and appreciate how effortless your skin looks today!

Keep smiling
-Riki-

Contourting 101

 How do I Contour?

Hey Ladies! So today was super rainy and sad in Indiana so I decided to do a bit of contouring to cheer myself up. I know that some people don't understand or know how to contour but it's super easy once you get the hang of it.

First off I'll be using Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit in Light to Medium. I just got this pallet and I AM IN LOVE! Its super bendable and very easy to work with. The only drawback is that it only comes in two shade: Light to Medium and Medium to Tan.

Any way! On to the main event. Make sure to contour after concealer and foundation but before you do blush and highlighting. So to get your contour in the right places for your face may take some tweaking but I have a fairly round face and this is my routine.

First you want to thin your face! 

To do this simply place your contour around the outer edges of your face. Think about how shadows would naturally fall. these are the places your want to add the contour. It will make the shadow more apparent and give the illusion that your face is a different shape.

The next step is to add contour under your cheekbones. You want to try to hallow out the area between your cheekbones and your jaw line. 

Think Sleeping Beauty not Maleficent.

If you go to harsh with the contour than you'll end up looking ill or way to tan.....

The last step is to add contour lines to your noes. I have a VERY large nose so I keep these lines as straight as possible. This helps make my nose look smaller but BE CAREFUL, if you contour your nose wrong you'll look like Pinocchio. 

After this step just blend away. I used the Real Techniques Limited Addition Metallic Contour Brush but most types of blending will do. Make sure to blend away form where the light would hit ie: into the hairline, into the jaw line, away from the nose, ect.

With a little practice you'll get the hang of it! Once it's all blended just finish everything else up and you'll look beautiful....but that's probably just because you're all already beautiful! 

Keep smiling! 

XO Riki

How to Use Color Correcting Concealer

Hey Ladies!!

So today I want to explain how to use color correcting concealers. I have reviewed a few of these type of products including NYX and Wet N' Wild Versions! Check those reviews out here!

I have heard a lot of people ask how I use these products and how to know what colors to put were. I have went ahead and numbered the colors in the pallet I was using (NYX Color Correcting Concealer).

WHAT TO USE?!

1) Yellow shades will combat darkness under the eyes. Use this if your darkness is purple based.
2) Green helps take out redness! I use this all of my chin and around my nose.
3) Purple is brightening and will help mask any yellow or brown areas on your skin. I sometimes use this under my eyes if I don't have dark circles.
4) Light Pinks will also help combat darkness. this shade should be used if your dark spots are green or blue based.
5) This is a natural colored concealer for light skin tones. It could be used as a highlight on darker skin tones in a pinch but if your fair this is the color you would use as typical concealer
6) This is a darker shade of concealer. If your medium toned this could be used as your typical concealer but I use it as a contour shade because I am VERY pale.

***this pallet comes in two shades this one and one that is a bit more natural and darker. I would recommend this version for almost all skin tones. You can mix the shades together to get a better match.


Now how to apply this!

Make sure to apply this before you apply foundation or any other face products!

Simply prime your face and then apply like you would regular concealer, Your going to think you look crazy but trust me.

Try to match the color you use to the blemish color opposite of it on the color wheel. That helps neutralize the unwanted color.


Blend out the edges, then apply your natural color concealer over the top of your color correcting concealer.

Once done finish applying your make up like you normally would! When your finished your skin should look flawless.

McDonalds All Day Breakfast LIES!

There is nothing that I love more than a bacon egg and cheese biscuit. So, when I heard that McDonalds was going to have all day breakfast I was super pumped…..

Sadly my dreams were dashed on Oct. 6^th when I went it at noon excited to finally get my breakfast desires and THERE WAS NO BACON EGG CHEESE BISCUTS AVIABLE!

Come to find out only part of the menu is available and it depends on your state whether you can get the “Bacon Biscuit” menu or the “McMuffin- Sausage” Menu. Unacceptable.

I go in and there are very few options. I understand that there is only so much equipment to make food with so you can’t have all the options but I expected to be able to get both a McMuffin and a Biscuit. On top of this Biscuits and Gravy are available so all they really need is bacon!

I live in southern Indiana….all we eat is bacon. I feel lied to. This was not in the commercials…I expected a full breakfast menu. Sadly it was for naught.

Though in retrospect, McDonalds really only did this to help their stock prices and bottom line. And all day breakfast did do that. Since Oct 1^st of this year their stock has raised 16.63 points and seems to be continuing an upward trend.

I’m still annoyed, and will continue to boycott McDonalds unless it is before 10:30AM but I suppose they have achieved their goals. 

Halloween Look- Drugstore

Since Halloween is coming, I decided to do a little Halloween inspired eye using the NYX Sex Bomb Shadow Pallet. This pallet comes with a matte red, shimmery nude and black, and nude, brown and black matte colors. I was actually quite impressed by the red. A lot of matte reds turn pink but this one did pretty well and I thought it was perfect for Halloween.

I also used: 

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette in light
Pixi by Petra Endless Brow Gel Pen in Medium
Elf Liquid Eyeliner in Black
Black Magic Mascara Drama and Curl

                                               

I began by covering my lid in the lightest shade of concealer to allow the red color to be more vibrant.  If you have a white eye primer or creame eye shadow that would work even better. I've already filled in my brows also.









 I then packed on the matte red shade over two thirds of my lid. This doesn't have to be perfect. You will blend it out later and it won't matter.I noticed that there was A LOT of fall out with this pallet but it was manageable

These eyes with some super red or black lipstick are sure to make a statement for Halloween!

.

 Next, use the matte black color to create a smoky look on the outher third and in your crease. Since it is Halloween go ahead and use WAY TOO MUCH! Black is cool and creepy.

Also, While your at it add just a hint of red on your lower lid under your lash line and tight line your whole eye using a flat brush and the black eye shadow. The best way to get a good inner black line is to carefully pat the shadow right on the inner edge of your lower and upper lashes, if the black color gets in your eyes your probably doing it right. This can be very painful and hard for some people if you don't like it you can always skip this step.

Once lash glue has dried put on about 5 COATS OF MASCARA and call it a day.

Finally, add a set of fake lashes on your upper lash line and half a set on your lower lash line at the outer edges. This is the hardest part but just let your lash glue get tacky first and set it as close to your lash line as possible. Put them right above your lashes so your real lashes help to support and keep the fake ones in place. Once lash glue has dried put on about 5 COATS OF MASCARA and call it a day. These eyes with some super red or black lipstick are sure to make a statement for Halloween!

What’s in my Birchbox? October

Brand: Amika

Product: Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Shade: N/A

Price: $21 (full size)

I have heard a lot about this product. I keep writing it off because momma ain’t about to spend $21 on dry shampoo. I must say the bottle is the cutest thing in the world…and since it came free in my Birchbox I’ll give it a good shot. I’m scared I’m gonna get addicted to this expensive product. As to the product itself, it smells ok, not amazing but I could get use to it. It doesn’t have any white residue but I have never felt a dry shampoo with this type of consistency. I feel the jury is still out on how I feel about this.

Brand: Skyn Iceland

Product: Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

Shade: N/A

Price: $30 (full size)

So the last skin care mask type product I got in a Birchbox was the NERD skincare Mask and it BROKE ME OUT. It’s been three weeks and I still can’t get rid of the acne. I’m still annoyed. But these are just for the eyes and it’s not the same brand so I’ll try it. These are supposed to help de-puff and hydrate your under eye area. I hope they work, and get rid of dark circles too.

Brand: Eyeko

Product: Black Magic Mascara

Shade: N/A

Price: $24 (full size)

I’m really excited to try this mascara. It’s supposed to be volumizing, and that’s my favorite type. I also think the packaging is the cutest thing EVER. It’s got a natural fiber wand. I won’t know how I like this until I’ve tried it a few times. If you want to know how it turns out let me know and I’ll post an update.

Brand: Embryolisse

Product: Lait-Crème Concentre

Shade: N/A

Price: $16-28

This is a VERY high end product. The packaging is really nice. It comes in one of those soft metal tubes. I’m not sure why because these are harder to recycle then a normal plastic tube. The moisturizer smells great and seems really hydrating. I really want to love this product but I’m scared of how much money I will spend if I really like it.

Brand: Model Co

Product: Ultra Long Lasting Lipstick

Shade: Kitty

Price: $20

Ok so I NEVER buy Lipstick that costs more than $20. Obviously, this is right on the edge but I was really excited because the color is gorgeous!  It goes on simi sheer but is easily buildable and ultra-moisturizing. The only problem I have with this product is that it is not what I would consider long lasting. The swatch completely disappeared from my hand within 2 hours of doing nothing but working on the computer. I’ll have to see how it lasts on my lips but as of now it is not at the top of my list.

Choosing A Foundation For Your Skin Type

Acne Prone Skin

Go for a full coverage foundation. Try to choose something liquid or cream based. I would try to find one that is oil free. A good choice is Clinique Acne Solution BB Crème or for those of us on a budget Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil Free Makeup. These both have ingredients that will help clear your acne and full coverage.

Dry Skin
 

For those of us who have dry skin choose a foundation that is a little lighter coverage and has some type of moisturizing ingredient. My favorite would be Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation. It is fairly light and supper moisturizing. It does have a more dewy finish but won’t cling to dry patches. For a drugstore option try Revlon’s Photoready Foundation.

Oily Skin  

So I don’t want to spend all my time talking about Clinique but if you’re looking to conceal your oily skin and want a matte finish you have got to try Clinique’s Stay Matte Oil Free Foundation. This will change your life. It is a full coverage but feels super light on your skin and you will not see an oily spot all day. For a drugstore buy that is almost as good try Maybelline’s Fit Me! Matte Foundation. This product also comes in a non-matte formula so be careful.

Normal Skin

YOU ARE THE LUCKEIST PERSON IN THE WORLD IF YOU’RE IN THIS CATEGORY. You can literally wear any foundation you want. Stay away from any that are specifically for acne prone skin but everything else is up to you. Any level of coverage will be great and you can play with all the different textures and finishes.

I encourage you to have fun no matter what skin type you fall into. Don’t feel like you have to have a matte finish just because your skin is oily. If you like a luminous finish go for it. Just be yourself and have a great time. If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment and if you want any other blogs about make up for skin types let me know!

12 Thoughts While Looking for Halloween Costume

Halloween is coming…beware of offensive or just stupid costumes. Instead have a fun time judging those who produce/wear these costumes. Also thanks to HalloweenSpirit.com for providing me not only with the photo’s but a better insight into how bad costumes become a thing.

1.) How is this woman “Plus Size” and why does the man get to be overweight if the woman can’t be?

2.) Ok shouldn’t have clicked “Women’s Costumes”. Really it should have been labeled “characters from your childhood with added skirts”




3.) Because this is totally OK??














 4.) And because thigh gaps are so important we might Photoshop their vagina at points….eww











 5.) Oh and now we are just the checkered flag for a sporting event…who would wear this? I’m so confused…










 6.) How is this ok??  Not only is it sexist but it’s also blasphemous! Please I beg you…Never Dress Up as a “Flirty Nun”…just stay away from Nun Costumes in general.







 7.) Oh no I’ve moved on to the men’s section…

8.) Even more not ok… This actually makes me sick to my stomach. Great job Halloween Spirit.















9.) I’m so confused…. Who would wear this? Also why would they need to be male?





10.)Ok…if the Man dog was for men? Why is the Cat in heels also for men….why is either of them specifically for men. I could wear either…my friend John could wear either also. My confusion level is just so high now.





11.)  Because this isn’t offensive to older women…no it’s just fine…your grandma would totally approve.









 12.) AGAIN it is not ok to make fun of people. I know people don’t think that “Hillbillies”/”Rednecks” is derogatory but it can be when you use it like this. Thanks a lot for making fun of under educated poor people…







I was going to write more but I’m too tired to rant. There is so much wrong with Halloween. It makes me sad because it’s my favorite holiday but PLEASE think before you dress up in an offensive costume.

What’s in my Birchbox? September

Brand: (Malin+Goetz)

Product: Grapefruit Face Clenser

Shade: N/A

Price: $26 (full size)

I don’t know how I feel about this product. Its cute enough and has very stream line packaging but other than that it will just depend on how well it works. The sample size is quite generous. I’ll be able to use this for a while and decide what I think. The product itself is a completely clear sort of gel. It smells quite nice with a light grapefruit scent. I think it could be very helpful for those who have issues with keeping their skins PH in balance.

Brand: Davines

Product: LOVE smoothing shampoo

Shade: N/A

Price: $35 (full size)

So I have no idea what this is really supposed to do to my hair. The bottle says “lovely smoothing shampoo for coarse or frizzy hair”. This doesn’t tell me a whole lot except that hopefully it will tame  my natural curls. But it concerns me a bit also because, as my hair has gotten longer my “curls” have become more like waves. So hopefully it will work still. If not I’ll give it to a friend. They gave me a whole 2.5 oz. I think this could last me at least three washes if I am conservative with the product.

Brand: NERD skincare

Product: Super Hydrating Mask

Shade: N/A

Price: $27 for 3 pack

These are supposed to be used twice a month and look like one of the newer trends of paper masks….if that makes sense. You’re supposed to put it on and leave it for at least 30 minutes. AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT. I’ll make time for this one but unless it turns me in to Beyoncé I will not be buying these.

Brand: POP Beauty

Product: POP Portfolio Eyeshadow

Shade: Sugar Plum

Price: $24 (full size)

OK guys listen up because these are beautiful. I’m not sure what the full size of this is like but I really thought that this sample was a full size trio. The packaging is superb for a sample. It’s all plastic and super cute. They even sent one of the little application sponges. Also, if you’re into shimmer eyeshadows these are the colors for you. They all swatched beautifully and are super creamy and pigmented. This is the best thing in the box this month. I can’t wait to use these. 

Brand: Rituals

Product: Happy Buddha Foaming Shower Gel

Shade: N/A

Price: $25

Can anyone say cultural appropriation? Other than this being offensive to Buddhists I have very few thoughts on this product. Obviously I won’t buy it because it’s offensive to me. But it smells good enough and the foaming part is very true. Nuf said. I’m not interested in products that use a part of someone’s culture to make money.

TOP 5 Overrated Beauty Products

5. Sally Hanson Miracle Gel

Shade: Street Flair

                It costs over $20 dollars to buy one shade and the top coat and it says it will stay on for about 14 days. This just isn’t true. Mine sometimes make it a week. I am really hard on my nails but I still expected more from this product. On top of all that I bought one of the colors that was supposed to be matte and that was defiantly a lie. In general just buy cheap nail polish and use an Essie top coat. It works the best for me and saves me tons of money.

4. Make Up Forever Ultra HD Invisible Coverage Foundation

                I really REALLY wanted to like this. But it is just under whelming. I wanted flawless invisible coverage but it is just too light of coverage for my taste. That along with the price of $43 it just isn’t   worth it. I didn’t actually buy this product luckily I received a free sample and after a few goes realized it is not the best buy for me.

3. LAQA & Co. Cheeky Lip 

Shade: Cray Cray

                First off the name of this shade is ridiculous. But other than that I was really excited to receive this in a Birch Box. I really thought it was going to be completely amazing but it just isn’t. First the shade is WAY too orange for me and not wearable. Past that it is very shear and comes off on everything. I think it is supposed to be moisturizing and the texture is beautiful but it does nothing for my lips at all. I wouldn’t bother with this if it wasn’t sent to me.

2. NYX Felt Tip Liner

Shade: Jet Black

                So I bought this a few years ago hoping that it would give me a beautiful cat eye and it was very disappointing. I wish I had never spent the money. The pigment isn’t black enough at all and the tip quickly dried out. It was impossible to get a good line that wasn’t splotchy because the product just didn’t come out and when it did if you went over a place that already had makeup on, it would erase the line. It’s just terrible. Maybe they reformulated but I will never get this eyeliner again.

1. Smashbox 24 Hour Photo Finish Eye Primer

                This being a Smashbox product I expected quite a lot. And it does keep my eye makeup on all day the problem is that it feels super greasy on my eyelids and makes it very hard to apply the eye shadow. Really it’s like it just absorbs all the makeup I put on and I have to use at least 3 times as much eye shadow when I use this. I also don’t appreciate how thick it is. It is hard to control how much comes out because the product is like a paste. Overall just terrible. Maybe if you have really dry skin this would work or maybe I’m doing something wrong but I’m just really sad that I spent any money on this.