Andi Dorfman Make Up Look!

How many Bachelorette fans are reading this?? :-) After seeing how gorgeous Andi Dorfman looked on the Bachelorette After the Final Rose last night, I couldn't help but try to re-create her make up look!  I included some pictures, but I apologize, I couldn't find many of her smiling because I took them from the clips of her talking with Nick... haha!

Andi always glows.  First off, she's naturally PERFECTION, so she doesn't need to doll herself up too much or she will look way over done.  Secondly, when you see her, her make up is rarely heavy.  She always has bronzed, even skin tone, long lashes, and that so-buzzed-about "Kylie Jenner" lip.  Her look last night was so appealing I decided to try it for myself this morning.  I will share with you step-by-step what I used and how I used each product.  

1. Base:  For this I used my Lo'real True Match Foundation.  Andi glows, but never has unwanted shine.  She opts for a matte finish with bronze cheeks.  I chose Lo'real True Match Foundation in W6 for my base because it is the darkest foundation I own, and it has a natural yet glowy finish!

2. Eye shadow primer and eye shadow:  I first applied an eyeshadow base.  I used MAC's Painterly Paint Pot because it provides a smooth canvas for blending your eyeshadows.  Since Andi always opts for a neutral eye, I used my Urban Decay Naked Basics palette.  I put Foxy and WOS all over the eye lids using a MAC 217 brush.  Using the same brush I applied Naked 2 to the outer crease to add definition.  I dipped that same brush into Faint to build the color up a bit more and blended out the crease.  These shadows are so creamy and easy to blend.  Take your time here though! Blending is the most important part!  I added some Venus to my inner corner just to make my eyes appear bigger since Andi's always pop!  I finished off the eye with a bit of blackish-brownish eyeliner across the tops of my lids.

3. Concealer: A tip I learned is to apply your concealer after your eye make up.  This cleans up any fall out you may have had from your eyeshadow, and you can also make the outer line where your eyeshadows end more clean cut by running your concealer next to your shadows.  I used my favorite concealer of the moment, the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer.  Run your blending brush over that line a few times to avoid too harsh of a line. I set my concealer using MAC's Pro Powder in Emphasize. This helps to brighten the face a bit, and Andi always has a bright looking complexion.

4. Powder/Bronzer/Blush:  After my foundation has had a moment to sink into my skin, I set it using my Hourglass Powder in Diffused Light (my obsession as you guys know...).  Andi's cheeks look natural with a bit of a contour.  For this, I used my Chanel Bronze Universal with an angled contour brush and on the tops of my cheek bones I applied MAC's Blush in Gingerly.  A warm blush with the perfect amount of color.  I skipped the highlighter because Andi's glow looks as if it's coming from within, and the cream bronzer gives that effect.  I skipped the glittery shimmery highlighter for this look.

5. Mascara: Long, feathery lashes are the focus here.  I chose my Maybelline Falsies mascara in Blackest Black for a classic look.

6. Eyebrows: Andi's eyebrows are full and have a natural shape.  No arches here so I kept it simple.  I filled them in using a dark brown powder with an angled eyeliner brush.

7. Lips: Ah, her signature nude lip.  I used Urban Decay Naked 2 lipliner, Urban Decay Naked 2 Revolution lipstick, and a Buxom nude gloss over top.  I blended all of those out with my finger to make the lips appear softer but still glossy.

If you're interested in re-creating Andi's look, I hope you find these tips helpful!  

Are you happy Andi chose Josh??? :-) 

xoxo, Molly

Summer Proof Makeup.

Summer proof makeup (choirs sing).  We ALL struggle with having our makeup last all day.  I'll be the first to raise my hand.  With my job, I'm driving in the car for 8 hours in middle Georgia heat and humidity.  My car's A/C is not enough to keep my makeup nice and fresh.  And in the middle of summer no one wants to cake on more makeup.  Less is more in the summer! How cute are those freckles shining through? (But always wear your SPF, not too many freckles... :-)) So, over time I've come up with some tips and tricks that have helped save the humid, hot, makeup melting struggle. 

1. Exfoliate.  

I do this step about 3 times a week.  I usually use a small grit scrub at the beginning of my week, and then an exfoliating toner throughout my week.  This helps keep that dead skin away so that your makeup adheres better.  It also helps your skin to have a smooth canvas--you'll notice a difference in how smooth your makeup goes on.  My top picks: Facial Radiance Polish by First Aid Beauty and Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Toner.

2. Moisturize or Prime.

This is your most important step.  For me, a moisturizer in the summer is hard to find.  I have normal to dry skin so I need something lightweight but hydrating at the same time.  I love Ole Henriksen's Sheer Transformation Moisturizer because it is lightweight and makes my skin feel so smooth.  It has AHA's in it also, which provide gentle exfoliation over time.  It's also oil-free--another plus for summer time!

For something even lighter, I go for one of my SPF's and use them as a moisturizer.  My two favorites are Clarins UV Plus Multi Protection or Pur-Lisse Pur Protect SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer.

Oily skin girls-Stick to a primer with SPF-Smashbox makes amazing ones with all different purposes.

3. Wait or BB it up.

After prepping your face with a moisturizer, I suggest waiting about 10 minutes before applying your makeup. I always find when I apply it right on top it usually just blends in with the moisturizer and slides around a bit more.  When the moisturizer has a chance to absorb it adheres better!  I use this 10 minutes to do my hair or put my work clothes on for the day, etc.  Don't have an extra 10 minutes in the morning? Skip the moisturizer and find a good BB cream or tinted moisturizer that does it all-prime, protect, hydrate, and cover. BAM. Done. My top picks: Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 and NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 35.

4. Setting Spray (Yes before makeup, or after if you apply BB cream).

Yep, I'm saying it.  Spray your face with a makeup setting spray BEFORE you apply your makeup.  I know this seems excessive, but I'm telling you... it's like super glue for your makeup, AND it works! My top picks: Urban Decay All-Nighter Make Up Setting Spray for normal skin and Urban Decay De-Slick Make Up Setting Spray for oily skin

5. Apply.

Put on that makeup, gorgeous. :-)

6. Powder.

Finely milled powders are the best powders! No powder compares to my Chanel Loose Powder, but there are some translucent powders I also love.  The Revlon Photo Ready Translucent Finisher and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light are my favorites.  Both of these powders set your makeup and absorb oil throughout the day--viola!

Six steps??!! I know, I know.  You're probably thinking...ain't nobody got time for that.  I'm telling you, try it. :-) You won't regret it! 

xoxo, Molly 

Collective Beauty Haul!

Hi, everyone!  I'm back from beautiful Mexico, and it was an amazing time.  It was so gorgeous, and it was great to go on a quick getaway!  But... it's time to get back to reality!  Today I have a collective haul that I want to share.  For those new to beauty blogs, a beauty haul is basically a shopping spree.  This is a collective drugstore/high end haul, so I've purchased these items over the past couple weeks.  When I share hauls, I'd like to include a mini review.   I've obviously been using these products for a few days so I have thoughts on each of them.  Also, I think it's important to mention that I rarely buy items without trying them out first.  Now, this can be difficult with drugstore brands because you can't open products in the store or take home samples.  But, for high end products I always ask Sephora/Ulta/Department store counters for samples!  They usually are very open to giving them.  This is a great way to try the product before you spend a lot of $ on it!  It's also nice because it cuts down on returning, which I was totally guilty of before I decided to start asking for samples.  My philosophy is, if you are spending your hard earned money on something-it better work great for you! Enjoy! :-)

1. Bobbi Brown BB Cream-Gorgeous formula.  Long lasting.  Great color.  Excited to finally have a BB Cream I love!

2. Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation-I tried this first as a sample from Sephora.  I really like it!  It's lightweight, hydrating, SPF of 25, AND has brightening qualities for your skin.  Is it a holy grail for me?  More to come.

3. Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Ivory-I picked up two of these little shadows because I heard the pigmentation was amazing and the formula was creamy.  My two cents: I think I got the wrong colors.  When I put them on I see nothing, haha.

4. Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow in Bella Caffe-<read above.>

5. Lorac Pro Palette 2-WOO HOO!  All hail the Lorac Pro 2.  A perfect palette of cool toned neutrals.  Sign me up ASAP.  I was counting down the days until this palette!

6. Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face Colour in Bronze Glow-I got this a few days before Mexico!  I wanted something I could easily take around with me that didn't just cake up as the humid days went on.  This is absolutely perfect.  I love how easy it is!  I want to grab the other colors.

7. Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo in No. 2-I have my mom to thank for this one!  She is in the search of her perfect nude lip.  She tried this one but wasn't feeling it.  I, on the other hand, adore it!  Is it worth the price tag?  Eh.  There's other great nudes out there for less expensive.

8. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette-Okay, so I put off getting this for the longest time.  Could it really be that great?  Ladies, I'm here to tell you to contemplate no more.  BUY THIS NOW!  I'm obsessed with how it makes my skin look!

9. MAC Cosmetics Fix+-A staple.  Love how hydrating and soft this makes my face feel.  I want to buy the mini size so I can carry it in my purse!

10. GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment-Can someone say... finally?  Dry skin gals, rejoice.  Get this in your life!  It smells like honey coconut, feels amazing, and really does re-hydrate that skin.  I love this stuff!  I've been getting samples at Sephora forever, and I finally just bought the dang thing.

11. NYX Eyebrow Gel-I picked this up on a whim, and surprisingly I like it!  It is definitely for those special occasions when you need your eyebrows to really frame your face.  For every day, I like something a bit softer.

Let me know if you'd like to see a more in depth review on any of these items!  What are some products you've picked up recently? 

xoxo, Molly