Holiday Makeup Tutorial and Interview via Lollysheep

One of my girlfriends Lauren Feist is an amazing make-up artist and I've been asking her for-evah to do some tutorials and she's finally started a YouTube channel! Hip hip hooray! Below is her Holiday Makeup Tutorial, but she's already posted natural looks, and false lashes how-to so be sure to check those gems out too.  I asked if she'd like to also do an interview and give us some inside scoop on how the pros do it and what their favorites are!

Holiday Makeup Tutorial

Follow her YouTube channel, lollysheep  and check out her FB Makeup Portfolio.

1. How did you get started in make-up?

I was interested in makeup at an early age, but looked at it mostly as a hobby. My mom was the biggest influence in my makeup choices, and she is the one who got me hooked first on MAC Cosmetics. Interestingly enough, through high school I would go to the MAC counter and instead of having them do my makeup for dances, I would tell them the color of my dress and have them suggest products for me to use. I worked in Brass Plum at Nordstrom for a couple of years and would spend quite a bit of time down at the MAC counter (of course) and when they had a position open up, they asked me if I would like to interview. The interview process was fun! I had to bring in a model and do a day look, then transform it into a night look. Fortunately, I was hired, and began refining my makeup skills from there. MAC had monthly trainings that all artists would go to, so I was privy to tons of different artists and styles, with some of the most talented working side by side with me at Nordstrom.

2. What is your go-to look?

My go-to look is what I think flatters my face most: Coral cheeks, neutral eyes, lashes. I think most women should find colors that they feel most beautiful in and stick to that palette, but branch out and try different variations within that palette. For example, I have a million different blushes and shadows that fall into the palette I prefer, and I can change it up daily, but still feel beautiful in all of them. It's fun to do your makeup completely different at times, with different colors, etc, but as all of us know, we tend to always go back to what makes us feel most comfortable and beautiful.

3. What is your favorite make-up trend of the moment/season?

I'm loving the vintage meets modern look right now, with light eyes/winged liner and pops of color on the lip that was seen a lot on the runway for Spring 2012. While I don't wear the winged liner on a regular basis, I've found I've really been loving wearing a bright lip. It makes you feel beautiful and powerful! Changing your lip can transform your whole look, too!

4. What is your biggest make-up pet peeve? 

Some might say I'm blush-obsessed, but it really peeves me when women don't wear blush. Our natural face isn't just one color overall, and even adding just a hint gives youthfulness and warmth to the face. So, wear your blush, ladies!

5. What are you holy grail products?

Having a great foundation + concealer and an eye shadow base/primer. Great looking skin will make or break your look, and an eye shadow primer holds your shadow on all day without creasing or fading. My favorites of these are Studio Fix Fluid Foundation by MAC Cosmetics, for an incredibly flawless look. Skin Foundation SPF 15 by Bobbi Brown for an everyday look that makes your skin glow. Creamy Concealer by Bobbi Brown. I've yet to find an eye shadow primer that works as well as the ones from MAC, and and my favorite are their paint pots when used sparingly. My eye shadow literally will not budge when I use it!

6. If you could only have 5 products to use for the rest of your life, what would be your choices?

Hydrating Gel Cream Moisturizer by Bobbi Brown. Keeping your skin hydrated is so key to keep it healthy and helping your makeup looking its best.

Studio Fix Fluid Foundation by MAC Cosmetics, as I mentioned above.

Super Orgasm Blush by NARS. It's the most gorgeous coral pink color with a hint of shimmer, and it looks good on EVERYONE.

Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara by Loreal Paris. Everyone wants thicker, fuller lashes, and this does it incredibly well for around $6 bucks at the drug store.

Lip Crayons by Bobbi Brown. These are amazing. They're super convenient, creamy and colorful.

7. What types of brushes should be in every girls bag?

It's possible to have a brush for every step of your makeup application, but I think there are a few that are worth spending a bit more on to help achieve a flawless look.

Foundation Brush. Whether you wear liquid or powder, it's going to look better and last longer if you apply it with a brush. My favorites: #190 by MAC for liquid or a #150 by MAC for powder foundation.

Blending Eye Shadow Brush. Blending is key to a flawless eye shadow application and an absolute must. My favorites: #217 by MAC or #224 by MAC.

Angled Eye Shadow Brush. This can give you the most precise eyebrow or eyeliner application. My favorite: #266 by MAC. Your brows frame the face, so it's so important to make sure they look defined.

**The thing to remember about brushes is because they are an investment, you have to take care of them like you take care of your own hair. I've had brushes from MAC for well over 5 years, and they are still in great condition, but they have to be properly maintained to achieve their longevity.

8. What are your favorite drug store products? 

There are so many great finds at the drug store! Who doesn't love paying less? I've tried a million different mascaras, but am SO happy with Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara by Loreal Paris. I also get all of my false lashes at the drug store as well. My favorite pair are the #110's from Ardell and they're less than $5 bucks. They can be worn at least a dozen times and still look great! To accompany your false lashes, DUO lash glue is the go-to, and this can also be found at the drug store. A great moisturizer from the drug store is Neutrogena's Oil Free SPF 15 Moisturizer. It works great on all skin types and I love that the SPF is included. Eye makeup remover is a great drug store purchase, and my favorite is Expert Eyes by Maybelline. Also, an incredible liquid eyeliner I am in love with is Carbon Black Lineur Intense by Loreal Paris. Loreal Paris also makes some great lipsticks called Colour Riche and one of my favorites is in Pink Lady.

Thank you so much Lauren!!  I can't say enough how perfect her make-up always is, her work is flawless. I'm so, so, so excited about this interview and her YouTube channel. I've learned so much and now I have a pretty long shopping list and a new look for NYE!

Pretty Wedding Ornament

I've searched everywhere for a cute wedding ornament, I did find this one from Hallmark and picked it up, but I wanted something more. Then I remembered I pinned this a while ago and made some for all our newlywed friends. They were super easy and a great gift that will always have a special spot on the tree.

All you need is clear glass ornaments, their wedding invitation, a pencil, and ribbon or charms.

The L ornament is from this wedding's invite 

The R ornament is from this wedding's invite

Just cut the invitation in strips of varying length, but make sure you can read the details (their names, dates, places, etc) and wrap it around the pencil to curl it. I'll be making mine this week, our extra wedding stuff is in storage (with the Christmas gifts!) so I'll be picking them up today or tomorrow.

I'm so excited to have something so special for our tree and it made me even happier to share it with our friends! They were a big hit, so now I'm trying to gather invitations from our friends who were married a few years ago so I can make some for them too.

Favorite of the Week Link Up

One of my best blog friends, Frances, has opened a side business and sent me this gorgeous tote bag as a gift. I was so, so, so excited and surprised to get a fun package from her. The tote is adorable and I love the design. It's so me, completely my style.

I use a tote bag everyday, I carry stuff for work, go grocery shopping with them, use them to bring stuff to parties/overnighters, etc. Frances has several totes available, you can find them on the Toteally Yours Facebook page and her Toteally Yours Etsy shop.

Thanks again Frances! It was so sweet of you to send me one, I love it!

I've been working on my Q and A post, and it's almost ready for posting, so if you've thought of anything, ask away!

Beta Kappa, Get Excited!

A few weeks ago, my sorority chapter had an alumni event and I couldn't wait to go! Joining a sorority was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The memories, the philanthropy, the friendships, and the skills it gave me are something I'll always cherish. I can't imagine how my life would be if I didn't join.

Before the event, a few of us met up at our old hang out to catch up.

Look how large our family tree is now, ummmmmmm our names are at the very top...

Oh, and I thought I'd share some pictures of myself through the years. Unfortunately, I'm missing two years which just happened to be my fave pics!

Freshmen Year

The brown hair is a LONG story...

Sophomore Year

I think this is my fourth year... not sure though

We also re-lived some skit dances, lip syncs, and the new girls taught us some new songs.

The day ended on the perfect note, with a cheer no less.

The whole day was so much fun! I love my sorority and the active members are such dolls! I loved meeting all of them and sharing stories. Can't wait to see you girls again!

If any of you have a question for me, ask me here! I've got some great questions so far, but I'm looking for more.

Favorite of the Week Link Up

My favorite this week, besides Thanksgiving food, a holiday from work, and getting to see my family would have to be....

being first in line at Kohls for Black Friday!!

It was awesome, we scored amazing deals! I was most excited about actually getting a cart this year. The husband, one of my besties, and her cousin were all out for the night. When I strolled in, the staff was cheering me on and yelling things like "you go girl!". It was so exciting, I wish I had it on camera.

Of all the stores I've shopped at on Black Fridays, Kohl's is the absolute best. Checking out is so quick, Matt and I were out, had the car packed up, and leaving the parking lot by 1230!!

We found some great deals this weekend, and I'd love to show you, but most of them are gifts. I did find some great pants from NY and Co that I can't wait to wear at work. It was my first time shopping there, and I love their stuff (for work). I wish I'd checked out this store sooner.

I made it home by 430, and was up at 730 for work. I couldn't believe I made it through the day, thank goodness for Dr Pepper or I would have been a goner!

What did you guys get? Did you go out shopping?

Just Add Color Fall Swap

When my bbff Erin told me about Ashlee from On the Front Porch's giveaway, I entered asap. Hello, scarves and nail polish, could it be anymore me??

I was paired up with Jennifer from Perfectly Imperfect and I was so excited to give and receive. I got my package from her last week, we sent our gifts early because guess what.... she just got married! Congrats and best wishes again Jenn!

She gifted me with an amazing scarf. It's a great neutral; gray and pastels. What I love most about it is how flowy it is. It's the perfect length and width to wear a variety of ways and bundle up with. I've worn it a ton since I got it. The polish is always a great neutral, but with a kick! It's kind of a metallic purple with lots of gold and silver flecks in it. I wish I had a picture of it today for the post, but I'll be posting one soon for you gals!

Thank you again Jenn! You gift was so thoughtful! Isn't it great to find new blog friends?? Thank you again Ashlee for hosting such a fabulous swap!

One Wedding- Two Parties!

Two of our dear friends were recently married, they had their ceremony in Vegas at Caesar's Palace and their reception at home. Both parts were beautiful, gorgeous, and a total blast!

I have to share their details because I loved every single thing. The couple made everything themselves and their hard work and creativeness was incredible and made for a very personal and intimate wedding.

Congratulations J and D! We're so happy for you both!

Also, so random, see the dress and necklace I wore? The same day my girlfriend tagged me on Pinterest with this picture saying that it reminded her of me. Random right?