Make Up Monday!!!!

From my birthday last week.

I don't know how to take make-up selfies yet, but I was pretty pleased that I didn't look like I had two black-eyes yesterday!

I've been trying to practice and figure out how I'll do my wedding makeup (I still want to look like ME so I'm opting to not have a professional do it). Biggest thing right now is trying to pick a powder foundation/tinted setting powder that is proven to not give flash back

ETA: photo... I don't think I'm a fan of the winged liner and I need to do my eyes darker for sure...

Caitlin- what makes you think an MUA will transform you into some famous fabulous drag queen that people won't recognize?

Ah- Jay- that's a great color combination- and yeah- trying to not get 2 black eyes- so tricky LOL.

I did a similar- but lighter look today with kind of that mauvey purpleish look- I was pleased with how it turned out.

The biggest "trick" is start with a little- and blend till you're wrist hurts- then blend some more.

THEN evaluate if you need more product.

Black eye shadow- so tricky LOL- it'll turn on you in a second!

@jo in your opinion what is the best setting powder ? Not necessarily for just my wedding but for everyday ?

So this weekend? last weekend? unsure- I splurged and got the new Loreal InfalliableTotal Coverage foundation- I've been trying it out- and was kind of underwhelmed- it's much thicker than the other to pro long wear products- almost to thick for my tastes (giggity).

BUT.

Watching Nikki Tutorials last night for her Hits and oh God No's- and she said she had mixed the pro-glow with the total coverage and it gave her all sorts of perfect coverage life.

So I tried it today- I am ahem- MIGHTY pleased. I don't care for mixing foundations- outside of trying to get a certain color- but damn- does it look nice. not even going to lie.

@JoRocka, no black was used, outside of the eyeliner! I was going to try out the black shadow that came with my Elvira palette, but I chickened out.

As you said, it's tricky, and I was about to leave for a hockey game and was scared I'd mess it up! Haha.

I was a raccoon eyeliner/eyeshadow scene kid in high school. Never again!

I used Lunatick Cosmetic's "Aunt Morgana" from the Elvira palette and then the defining shade from KVD's Shade + Light eyeshadow quad in "Plum."

Amanda- I use 2 or 3.

I use NYC translucent powder- it's 4.99 for a giant tub of it- I use it for setting under eye and baking.

MAC prolong wear and or Milani pressed powder for all over setting.

I think I *actually* prefer the Milani powder- (saw it as a dupe for skin finish from MAC)- and I really love it.

My MAC powder I use as a quick dust over when I need something to settle my skin/oil and I don't have time for foundation- but it has gotten that weird film on the top that makes it hard t pick up product- and it annoys me.

I should edit and say I don't have strong feelings about powders.

Really- any one will do- as long as it works with your foundation and your face. There isn't a "right" answer IMHO on powder- just what works for you and your budget. To me powder isn't a critical path item. It needs to work- but it doesn't need to be blendable or pigmented like eye shadow or contour/highlight/blush type things.

This is perfect timing for this topic. I just found out this morning that my makeup artist had to cancel due to a family conflict so now I'm stuck without anyone to do it. Honestly I think it will be fine as I also want to look like myself. i will start working on doing trials and will post any tips here. Thanks ladies

I've been watching so many dang makeup tutorials lately ! I think my skills are finally sharpening. Wake up to make up!

Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer. Discuss. I received a Sephora gift card from MIL for Christmas and decided to splurge. But honestly I'm a little underwhelmed. Is it just me? I got it in the lightest shade and am using it primarily as a highlighter.

Also, favorite cream blushes, go! I got one of the Bite Beauty multisticks and kinda looove it.

@Jo, I just don't have room in our budget for a trial and day-of makeup. Since I do my own makeup daily and have bridesmaids who are also very experienced using different makeup techniques I just opted to not go over budget. Didn't mean to be offensive, sorry!

I got some new eyeshadow brushes this weekend, I wanted to test drive them this morning but I was running late so I'm very "natural" today, haha.

Here's my contribution to selfish and the foundation combo I tried.

Not to sure why I've decided to go so heavy handed with blush and bronzer these days but I'm not letting it go for now.

Jo- I know the lip color is off ( I'm looking for a berry shade). But what do you think of my trial make up.

Caitlin- it's fine- I just - I never understood that line of logic "so I can look like myself"- only because MUA's unless being hired to do extravagant looks- aren't going to really go ham for the most part. The whole point of make up is to just bring out your natural features and give you depth on camera.

I'd still see if you could find someone affordable- I did mine the day of- for the morning pictures- and had a pro for my actual ceremony- and it was WELL worth the money- I'm grateful I wound up spending the money for sure.

not saying it can't be done- but it's a really nice cherry to the day. Makes everything feel special and glamorous.

I was feelin my NYX lipstick! I'm in a make up bind ladies. On whether or not I should do my own for the wedding. What did you guys do?

Sarahmouche- Dior is a little rich for my blood- so I don't honestly own any of their products- it looks pretty in pictures- but if you don't love it- for what you paid- I'd go get a Becca highlighter instead. those are the bomb. So buttery.

Haily- you look amazing!!! Great job!

Nadia- you look good!!! Eyes are solid- I'd want a little more pop of color on the inside and highlight- but solid.

1.) Brows- they look spotty? for as full as they are- they shouldn't really be that spotty- maybe just the camera- double check in person.

2.) agree on lips- more

3.) you have like- zero bronzer/blush/contour/highlight based on the side picture. MOAR MOAR MOAR!

Nikki- your own make up or your own lipstick?

I'm team "hire an MUA"- as I said above- I did my own for the morning when we did pictures- and had a pro do it for the actual wedding. I have absolutely zero regrets about paying a pro. None- she did an amazing job- and I looked awesome. It was a really good treat.