Making your own eyeshadow palette is easier than you think!

Who on earth, other than an actual professional makeup artist, actually enjoys carrying around all of those single eye shadows that you have accumulated over time. What If you are going to get ready at a friends house but you haven't decided what you are going to wear yet? This happens to me all the time. As it turns out, the color I wanted to wear was the one I forgot at home! So to solve this dilemma, I started watching videos on YouTube for fixing broken or cracked eye shadows with alcohol. I then stumbled upon pressing pigments into little pans and I thought that sounded like a really good idea. I had like 15 single color eye shadows, some from urban decay others from mac. I would love to just be able to grab all of them at once and go. So here are a couple of videos I made of me creating my own custom palettes and pressing pigments. I also have a video where I decorate the cover so its all puurrty! Thanks so much for reading and I hope you enjoy these! My son also makes a little debut in the first video but boy is he a crabby one. The only bad day hes ever had just so happened to be on the one day I was filming a video!!

DIY coffee scrub

Make your own curling wand!

Home hair coloring adventures

the goal

I have been loving the deep auburn red hair that I keep seeing pictures of on pinterest. No matter what I did, I didnt look like any of these girls. These women of course had really long hair that was just curled perfectly, shiney as all hell and really vivid. How was I to know that red hair fades within a week and tends to look really dull. I figured because I am irish and have some deep red undertones that I could keep the color looking great. Nope, brown roots and dull red middle with light red ends was all i could get. So now Im on a new venture. Lets go dark brown. Well now I look washed out and even more pale then I did before. It being winter probably isnt helping that situation. I look like I could be cast in the next twilight movie, perhaps as the ugly step sister or something haha. So now what.....I look some more at pinterest trying to get some ideas of where to go from here. Deep chestnut with bayalage-ombre-ish highlights seems like the new trend. Hmmm, going to the salon isnt really an option so I guess I'm in for another trial and error adventure. Lets hope my hair doesnt fall out!

Makeup tricks that will change your life!

• When applying false lashes apply the glue directly onto eyelid like eyeliner. Let sit for a few seconds and apply lashes.
• Avoid lipsticks if possible. Your lip color is usually the perfect shade anyways.
• Highlight above brows not under to lift the eyes.
• Use corrector not concealers to get rid of under eye bags.
• Purchase a full coverage foundation. This way you can create any finish you desire. Mix with a dab of lotion for a tinted moisturizer. 
• Avoid shimmer on crease of eyes. It exaggerates wrinkles.
• Know your eye-shape for best eyeshadow application.
• Avoid shimmery bronzer if you have pale skin. Pale skin wears matte colors best while ebony skin wears shimmers best.
• Cream products work better for dryer skin.
• For fuller looking lashes, coat them with a liquid eyeliner.

Makeup basics uncovered

1. Start with freshly washed skin and apply a light moisturizer.
2. If using a primer, be sure to match whatever foundation you are using. (silicone based foundation=silicone based primer)
3. Dot foundation onto face and really massage the product onto your skin.
4. Use downward strokes to avoid makeup mustache!
5. Be sure to bring product down to chin for flawless blending.
6. Avoid concealor if possible, at least match it to your foundation.
7. Use color corrector under eye, not concealor.
8. Gently pat onto skin to blend it, dont rub.
9. Use a tissue to mop up excess oils on face. It will prolong your foundation.
10. When applying powders, dust excess off your brush. More product can be applied rather then too much being toned down.
11. If highlighting and contouring, apply highlight first.
12. Highlight above brow arch for lift, cheekbones, tip of nose and cupids bow for fuller lip.
13. Contour in a nuber 3 shape from forehead, along hairline, under cheekbone and back then down jawline.
14. Blend, blend, blend!
15. Apply blush starting at outer corner of eye up towards your temple in circular motion.
16. The least amount of blush on your brush as possible and slowly build the color.
17. Use a big fluffy brush to blend everything together, avoid any harsh lines.

Snowman cupcakes

Here is a little festive idea for winter time. This is super easy to make and your guests will love it! Simply make a box of cupcakes, use white icing and make the eyes out of little chocolate chips with a butterscotch chip nose. Simple right?