Halloween is Coming - Make Me Look Pretty!

I'm actually looking forward to Halloween this year. That said, I really want a makeup look that's more dramatic than the usual, but not too scary. I found these video tutorials for some believable Halloween looks that are still super-pretty.

For those of you who are adventurous and want to try to recreate these looks yourself, I've included the list of needed items at the bottom of this post. Happy Halloween!














Dark Fairy:
Eyeshadow base
Loose powder
La Femme eyeshadow in Aqua
NYX white eyeshadow
MAC Reflects Transparent Glitter in Teal
Black gel eyeliner
Glitter eye liner in blue
Black eyeshadow
Black lip liner
Clear rhinestones & makeup adhesive
Obsessive Compulsive lip tar in Tarred
Brushes: small eyeliner brush or artist's brush, small eyeshadow brush; medium brush; large fluffy brush; small angle brush

Witch:
MAC Studio Fix foundation
Eyeshadow base
NYX eyeshadow in Lime Juice
MAC Kelly Green pigment
Mixing medium
Eyeshadow in 3 shades: jade green, grassy green, & white - try the Ben Nye palette
MAC eyeshadow in Plumage or any forest green shade
Revlon liquid eyeliner
Black eyeliner
Brow wax (how to use brow wax)
3 green rhinestones: small, medium, and large
MAC DUO adhesive
MAC Red Enriched lipliner
MAC Viva Glam I
False lashes (optional)
Black mascara
MAC blush in Blushbaby
a few strips of scotch tape
Brushes: artist's brush; eyeshadow brush; Stila #5 brush; MAC 239 brush; MAC 217 blending brush; smudge brush (MAC 219, Essence of Beauty or other similar one)

Classic Pin-Up Girl:
Eyeshadow - 2 to 3 shades lighter than skin tone
Gray-brown or black eyeshadow for brows
Pearl eyeshadow
Gel eyeliner in black
Black mascara
False lashes
Pink blush
MAC Red Enriched lipliner
MAC Viva Glam I
Brushes: medium brush; angled brush; blush brush; lip brush

Halloween Kitty:
Black eyeshadow
Ben Nye MagiColor liquid paint in black
Ben Nye glitter in Black Diamonds
Make Up For Ever eye seal
MAC Full Coverage creme foundation in black
Craft spatula - small
Eyebrow brush

Beauty Booty How-To: Give Yourself A Home Manicure

If you're like me, you (A) don't get manicures all that often (B) get manicures sometimes but they never last (C) want to save money, but have no idea how to give yourself a true at-home manicure or (D) try to paint your nails and make a complete mess every time.

Well, I found this video recently from juicystar07 (check her out on YouTube). For a novice like myself, this was a super easy, clear video on how to give a home manicure. I think I'll be giving this a try ...





HERE'S THE BOOTY:

Nail polish remover
Cotton balls
Bowl of warm water
Nail clippers
Nail file, preferably glass
Cuticle oil
Cuticle pusher
Hand cream
Base coat
Nail polish
Top coat
OPI drip dry

Its the Weekend! Take Your Makeup from Day To Night

With as little as four steps, you can transform your everyday, work-appropriate look into a look fit for a night out. Here's a simple tutorial that I found on YouTube, using just 4 basic products.




For more makeup tips by her, check out her blog at MakeupByRenRen.blogspot.com


WHERE'S THE BOOTY:
(Click for more info)

MAC Select Sheer pressed powder NC40
MAC Royal Assets Metallic Eyes Holiday Palette: Velvet Lady & Creme Royal (a holiday collection, but you can find the black and gold shades in any palette)
Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black
MAC Viva Glam V Lipglass

There's No Better Hair Than Hers ...

When it comes to hair that's edgy but still sophisticated, easy to maintain, and a good fit for a variety of women, nobody does it better than ...

Victoria Beckham!

I love her, if you can't tell. I know, it's a weird love to have - but her hair is fabulous, what can I say? When I went to cut my hair for the first time, it was her picture that I brought with me. And as I've been transitioning my hair over the past few months, I constantly check in to see what she's doing.

If like me, you're adventurous with your hair, and are looking for a change, here are some looks worth trying:

This Fall, I'm Head Over Heels!

I must admit, I can't wait to go shoe-shopping for the fall! This time last year, I was all about the ballet flats. But this year, its ALL ABOUT THE HEELS. From suede booties to peep-toe stilettos, animal print to studs, it seems like the designers finally got it right this time. Ah well, there goes my budget. Let the shopping begin!


Carmen, $89, Dillards.com





















Hurtgen, $130, Aldo's Shoes






















Lunnar, $100, Steve Madden




















Shearling bootie, $99, Colin Stuart for Victoria's Secret




















Skylar, $110, Guess




















Madden Girl Raleigh Ruffled Platform Bootie, $50, DSW


















Cut-out Mary Jane, $68, Colin Stuart for Victoria's Secret





















Torrance, $55, Michael Antonio for Piperlime

Beauty Booty How-To: Dry Twist Out for Natural/Curly Hair

My new favorite hair care guru goes by the name of NaturallyNike (on YouTube). I love the way her hair looks and all the great styles that she achieves. And since it was recently recommended that I try Miss Jessie's products for natural hair styling, I wanted to see if she had the chance to try it. It turns out that she has, and the results were impressive. Check out her tutorial below for a no-heat needed, twist out style using Miss Jessie's BabyButtercreme.








I also LOVED this updo she did (see below). Check out her tutorials for that also. Also, send us your comments and pictures. We'd love to see your variations on this style.

Twisted Updo - Part 1
Twisted Updo - Part 2

Jewelry That Says Bam!

There's an art to wearing jewelry, especially big, bold, colorful jewelry. Too many color, pattern, and texture combinations at once is sure to get you a "what the *!&$ is she doing?" look from me (just being honest, sorry) and whoever else might be personally offended by your lack of accessorizing-skills.

That said, I have always opted to keep it simple. One or two statement pieces at a time is all a woman needs to add that extra bit of fly to any outfit. So, I almost died when I saw the pieces from these next three designers.

Inspired by designs from the best place on Earth, Africa (wink wink), these pieces are bright, bold, and unique. They're all you'll ever need, ever again.


WHERE'S THE BOOTY?
These are from BeanPye ...
Bracelets start at $40. They also do earrings and necklaces. Plus, each piece is named after a famous songstress.




Visit the website and check out my personal favorites - the Ms. James (Etta) necklace, Ms. Stefani bracelet, and Ms. Braxton earrings (none pictured here).













I fell equally in love with Afrique Le Chic, which I came across on Etsy. In addition to necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, they also do body jewelry and hair accessories. I found these great earrings, $20, and this gorgeous ring, $15.







Last, but definitely not least, is Jypsea, which specializes in handmade leather goods. And if you've never had a pair of leather earrings, now's the time to get one. I loved these red kidskin leaf earrings, $20, the most, but they're all great. So, go find your own favorite.