It’s been a few months  since the first diy brush holder post shown here. That’s why I’ve decided to repeat the dose and show again (this time in stop-motion) how to create a fabulous makeup brush solution that’s budget friendly. You can opt for something smaller or larger (always your call) depending on how intense your brush collection is. Mine is pretty average. Take a look!

Yesterday as I sat in front of the TV and watched Kim Kardashian get her makeup done I realized I didn’t know how to contour my face, a task which she’s undoubtedly very good at. It’s basically an old trick to accentuate the cheek bones and thin up the face. Youtube came to the rescue and after seeing a couple of videos I learned just a few steps to share with you, including blush and highlighting. All just over one minute. Watch it, maybe?

Every now and then someone will ask for a makeup tricks post. Here’s the problem: I am no makeup artist. Sure I’m no hairdresser either but that didn’t keep me from my how to Youtube channel. Explain? I have no shame when the subject is hair. Makeup though, far more intimidating. Instead, I’m sharing my lastest purchases from the beauty sector that I’m going absolutely cookoo for:

•  Guerlain Terracota Four Seasons -Brunettes -It’s bronzing powder but I take it as summer blush

•  MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 - Mine, NC42. Love but also have never tried anything different. Should I?

•  Benefit Girl Meets Pearls Luminizer - Seriously good luminizer. No really!

•  Benefit Cha Cha Tint - On me it doesn’t stay on longer than lipgloss (as I’ve heard other people comment) but if you’re going for seemingly effortless rosy lips, this is key.

•  MAC Viva Glam Nicki - I’m no longer a “Snob.”  I’m Nicki!

By no means am I good at makeup, but what I learned (while getting ready for this wedding) was sufficient to put together a quick how-to of six different and easy ways (if I managed, believe me you’re good!)  to create a cat eye effect. Start by checking off the list:

•  stila kajal eye liner

•   mac 208 angled brow brush

•   mac 219 pencil brush

•  neutrogena remover wipes

•  q-tips

I think I like “adele” most. Do you have a favorite?

A lot of my friends tell me they couldn’t curl their hair with a flat-iron to save their lives. I totally understand and know where the problem lies: delusion (sorry to break it to you, but it takes longer than five minutes). When I first attempted this, I was able to finish the whole hair but also looked like I was trying out for “The Lion King” in the role of Mufasa. It took me at least three tries until my locks began taking spiral shape. The key to curling with a straightener is persistence, no other. Weeks worth of practice and the realization: what I was really using the straightener for was to create big and loose waves. Sure a 1 1/4″ “curly” fits the bill, but it doesn’t quite deliver the same messy, surfer feel. Not to mention creating waves versus curls is a faster/easier, drama free process. Plus, if you already own a straighty, why spend more bucks on a tool you potentially already have? But that’s my rationale. Watch and make your own conclusions.

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Remember the loosely fashioned twisted updo I sported with the Soiree outfit? It was a hit. The girls at Refinery29 liked it quite a bit.  Here’s a quick how to (the tightly done version). You pick and choose.

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After we shot the last outfit you saw here, I came upstairs and decided to film a quick how to video for the half updo. It’s the simplest hairdo ever, but just in case you were curious to see how I did it (or in case you’ve terribly missed my head-turn), here’s a step-by-step:

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