We all wanna be rockstars, even just a little :-)

new videos!

So, I've been on a youtube kick...posting videos and editing myself! Which is so hard by the way. uugh

Visit my channel www.youtube.com/laurina20 to watch all of my tutorials and reviews...

here are some videos I recently recorded. enjoy :-)

My latest makeup addiction

I've come up with the most perfect nude lip....ahhh my HG ( holy grail ) lipstick...

drum roll please
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MAC's Hue lipstick helps give me that perfect nude lip without looking like a corpse!

Before I apply the color I use a lip conditioner such as...



This helps prime the lip and keeps lips soft and smooth...Perfect start to the perfect lip.

After you apply the lipstick you can line and fill your lips with any nude colored liner, just to give you that sought after bitten look.

Other nude lipsticks from MAC to check out....blankety, creme d'nude, Myth, or High Tea....check em' out at maccosmetics.com!

Peace*love* and happy lips!
<3 Laurie

What's up with skincare?

Guess where I wennnntttt- ON VACATION! yay!

Where I went: The Outerbanks in NC in a town called Corolla.
Who with: my entire family, 25 people in this hugeee house by the beach
Why did I come back: I reallly wanted to stay there forever, but alas, I'm a workaholic.

Yes, this is what I got to see everday!




While I was on vacation, I gave my poor skin a break. I'm always experimenting with makeup so it was time to put everything on hold and just focus on the canvas itself.

This is what I use once a week.



Important things to remember about skin and how to take care of it.

1. ALWAYS wear a sunscreen spf30 or above on your face. Yes, makeup acts as a layer of protection for your skin in the sun, however this should not replace sunscreen. There are plenty of moisturizers, oil free or not, that have spf in them.

2. Exfoliate once a week. Using this DermaNew system is great. It really helps to sloth of dead skin cells and leave your skin smooth and radiant. You can use a more gentle scrub everyday. Think St.Ive's apricot scrub for sensitive skin. This also helps when you're in the sun all day and begin to tan a bit. Exfoliating allows your skintone to even out and brighten.

3. For everyday use, don't use too many products. We're all guilty of this, using a cleanser, astringent or toner, than acne spot treatment and than moisturizer. It's too much. If you're acne prone like me, pick a cleanser that has an active acne medication in it like Salicylic Acid, than forget the toner and skip straight to the moisturizer. If all else fails, do see a dermatologist, they can really help to find out the root of your skin problems and pick a product that targets those issues.

4. A day or 2 a week without makeup is essential. Allow your skin to breathe and it will probably save you some serious mooolaaaa. Now that it is so hot, I rarely wear makeup to work. Moisturizer, mattiying gel, some mascara and that's it. Maybe I'll fill in my brows.

5. It's hard to avoid staying out of the sun, but it's not hard to stay out of a tanning bed! Those baby's are dangerous. Bronzed skin can look beautiful, but sunspots and leathery skin are not. A good bronzer in the right spots can make you look radiant all year round.

Peace, love and HAPPY skin
<3 Laurie

Makeup Survey

Found this survey on MUG.com and thought it was cute!
Cut and paste the questions into a reply post and enter in your answers!!

1. What time did you do your makeup today?
7am.

2. What's the least expensive beauty item you used?
Covergirl lashblast fusion mascara...I really like it

3. What was the biggest problem you needed to correct?
my blemishes and acne scars....always will be :-/

4. Did you apply false eyelashes?
Nope, I rarely ever wear them.

5. Did you do anything while applying makeup?
I usually listen to music.

6. Biggest makeup mishap today?
today I felt pretty good about my look, always sunny and bronzed for work, very neutral. I need a good setting spray though, makeup is gone by lunchtime!

7. Did you have a makeup inspiration in mind?
Just natural and dewy

8. What's the most time-consuming part of your makeup routine?
My skin. For me creating that sunkissed dewy look requires a lot of layering, cream blush( like MAC's posey) a cream color base like luna for highlight, and a powder for bronzing/contouring.

9. What's part of your routine is the most fun?
I love it all, I especially love that end result.

10. What part of your makeup makes the biggest difference in the way you look?
Mascara definately. It opens up your eyes.

11. Neutral or colorful eyeshdaow?
Definitely neutral for work. I go a neutral smokey for going out.

12. Liquid or mineral foundation?
I love liquid- but mineral is less harmful to my skin, but I hate the way it settles around my acne.

13. Do you do your hair or makeup first?
I do my makeup first, always...with a towel wrapped around my head!

14. Did you pack a makeup bag to take with you for the day?
Always- but I never get to touch up at work! I'm always too busy.

15. When did you finish your makeup?
Probably 7:20 ish.

Share with me your answers to this survey...I would love to hear about your makeup routine!

Urban Decay goodies....

AHHhhhhhh it's so hot here in NY...it's like 85 degrees in my house...killin' me.


I went to Sephora a couple of weeks ago- helping my step sister shop for a prom dress- she picked the first dress she tried on....of course its gorgeous. But I stopped into my favorite store to browse the UD section. So I think I've found the Holy grail of all mascaras. Big Fatty mascara, paired with UD eyelash primer potion is AMAZINGGGGG. GO out and buy it. NOW. ha ha ha


here's my video review... xoxox

Night and day, you are the one.

Did you get to see the Oscar's last night??? Man, I'm glad ABC decided to do the right thing and air the award show, they would have had noooo viewers! I love the Academy Awards, because they embody glamour and sophistication. Everyone looks impeccable,and I love that classic clean glamour. Kate Winslet has all that, I always love the way she's pulled together for an award show. I thought Sandra Bullock looked so classy, it was a great night for makeup!


Having trouble taking your day look and making it more sultry for night? It's really easy. Some tips: for shadow, add a some layers of a earthy browns and blacks to the outer "v" or "c" of your eye. Layering is extremely important to add depth and dimension to your look. Never just use one or two shadows! Add another coat or two of mascara and some liner will make your eyes stand out. Polish it off with some nude or clear gloss with a nude lip liner to help that gloss to stay put.


Want a more retro look? Red lips will always be in style. Of course keep the eyes simple with some winged eyeliner, or just some mascara.

Day look:



Night Look:

do you wear glasses???

Hey! So I'm near-sided, you too? wow. how about far-sided?...here are some helpful tips on how to accentuate those peepers no matter your eyewear situation....

For everyone that is far-sided....think simplicity...your eyes will appear bigger with your lenses, so just one coat of mascara should be great for you. If you wear liner, line your top lash line from inside corner to outside. This will give the illusion of a more almond shape eye.

If you're near sided, like me...you'll want to go a little heavier on the liner and mascara. Your eyes tend to appear smaller with your glasses on. Apply liner on the top lid from the center of the lash line, just above your pupil to the outside corner. This will definately open up those eyes and don't forget to curl those lashes!

what a pretty picture...

I thought this picture is pretty awesome. Pretty much describing how I feel about life right now. The a big open canvas, and I'm sitting back thinking, "Do I follow the road? or make a right and travel the road less taken?" There are so many exciting things coming up in my life- I'm applying to a Cosmetology school to get my esthetics license, I'm planning on going to the Makeup Show in NYC this spring, and I'm doing well at work. Not making enough money though, but, honestly, who is?

In up and coming posts I'll be reviewing some new products such as Revlon's Photoready foundation, a couple of Coastal Scents products that I've just ordered( and I'm super excited about) and some brushes. Some future products I'll be looking to pick up, a Urban Decay Alice and Wonderland palette, some UD 24/7 liners, and some MAC products. It's gonna be busy, so get ready :)))

Lot's of Hugs
<3 Laurie

a night out....first one in a long time!

Hiyaaaa

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season, and the cold weather; my least favorite part of this time of year!
Here's a look I did the other night when I went out with a huge group of people had some fun!

Some of the products I used, 120 palette, MAC liner in Smolder, Sephora bronze liner, CG eyelight mascara in Black sapphire...

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Festivus, Happy Chanakuh!
<3 Laurie

All is Merry and Bright...

Ahh...the holidays. A time where people come together and celebrate all that they are grateful, thankful and happy to have. Even when times are tough, and the road ahead is blocked by obstacles, we still strive to give other people that warm, cozy feeling.

My family, crazy and dysfunctional, consists of some of the most generous souls I've ever seen. I work with some of the nicest people I've ever met. Even though working the holidays in retail is tough- as long as we make eachother laugh, we can get through the day. As long as I have my mom's smile, and the encouragement of my brothers,the laughter of my friends and co-workers- we can get through.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy, and fulfilling Holiday season...
<3 Laurie

my bridesmaid look- shimmery silver

This is a close up of my look for my brother's wedding- tutorial is up on youtube!
http://www.youtube.com/user/Laurina20

For this look I used a Stila smokey eye palette( beige, gray, and black) and silvers from my 88 shimmer palette. I kept it neutral with just some brown cream eye liner from Sonia Kashuk and a brown sephora eyeliner.


I will redo the look and take better pictures and upload laterrr!

<3

Oh, how we danced the night we were wed....

Fresh off of walking down the aisle- my brother's wedding this weekend was superb...My whole family had such and awesome time, and boyyy do my feet hurt from cuttin' a rug.


Here's the look I did for my bridesmaid self. Smokey, silver/gray look...






My dress was beautiful, a pewter colored cocktail dress. The food was delicious and the music was good.

Every time a Michael Jackson song came on the dancefloor exploded. I will post some of the best pictures later!

Hope everyone had an awesome and safe Halloween!
<3 Laurie

Arggghhh...

you guyssss, I'm in a serious rut.
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I'm literally working so much, and coming home exhausted that I haven't had the motivation to do any looks, record tutorials, write to you guys etc.

There's so much stress in my life, mostly having to do with family issues, that the only thing that keeps my mind focused is working. Hopefully, I can get out of this ditch that I've dug myself into. I'm so thankful for the people I have in my life, my friends and family, they know how to make me smile and laugh. Laughter truly is the best medicine. They also know how to make me look at things in a different perspective and sometimes that's a hard thing to manage or think about.

I'm tellin' ya, life certainly may not get any easier as you go along, but there are things you can do to make it a more comfortable ride.

Things I like to do to de-stress:

1. watch a funny, touching movie
2. Listen to some relaxting music- i loovee Rosemary Clooney
3. watch some youtube tutorials, I love Kandee Johnson( my sunshine girl i like to call her) Pixiwoo, there are so many!
4. pick up my camera and walk around and shoot anything.
5. and when I 'm not in a rut like I am right now- draw up some facecharts, and do some looks...
6. take a longgg shower.


SO.....What do you lovelie's do to de-stress and decompress from your day???

<3

My quest...for the perfect EVERYTHING

It's been awhile. I've been so busy with life, working hard, playing...not so much hahaha. Hey, I need to save money to buy my car in a month, so I've been neglecting the makeup quest for a little while. I've been searching for the perfect foundation foreverrr. Personally, just for myself, I love mineral foundation. ELF makes a good one for cheaaap. And most drugstore brands are making them now. However, for photoshoots, and sometimes every other occasion, clients don't like it. So, I'm going to do a review on my lastest purchase. Revlon colorstay foundation.



Price: $13 at most drugstores and grocery stores
Overall Rating: 4 1/2 out of 4
Packing: 5 out of 5
Product: 4 1/2 out of 5
would I buy again: Yes

Pros: formulas for all types of skin( oily/combination, dry etc)Good range of colors, goes on smooth, super blendable.

Cons: price. Maybe it's just me, but $13 is a little more on the expensive side for a liquid foundation. Most higher end foundations are just $6 + more expensive than this.


Revlon Colorstay foundation has become a sensation with MUA's around the world. You can definately find several reviews on youtube, and if you watch tutorials...A LOT of people use it. I most certainly understand why. The liquid is not too thick so it blends very easily. I apply the product with my fingers or with a damp sponge. The great thing about drugstore brands is that there is always plenty of color options. I've had a hard time buying concealer or foundation from some high end brands( ie benefit) that only supply 3 or 4 shades. I use the formula for oily/combination skin, which is also a good option to have available for consumers. The makeup lasts almost all day. I give it a little credit, since I work in a cafe and I'm always perspiring and running all over the place. I would definately recommend Revlon Colorstay Foundation to anyone. GO OUT AND TRY IT!


Hope everyone is having a good week and keep smiling.
hugs <3 Laurie

tutorials, tutorials, and more tutorials!!!!!

Smokey, smokey, smokeeeeyyyyyy...with a bit of purple...

anddd..

my top favorite drugstore brand products!









ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY- AND COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBEEEE...


Hugsvand more hugs <3

Show me your flawless faces=

hey y'alll

Hope everyone is well...

here's my latest tutorial on flawless facessss...

Comment, subscribe, and friend meee! <3

Part 1



Part 2

Lookie Lookieeee

Heyyyyy...

So this weekend was fantastic. Got to visit my brother up in Buffalo, NY. He's a tattoo artist there! I went with my mama, and my two step sisters.

The whole weekend we ate....greek food, italian, all kinds of goodies. Nevertheless, I'll be hittin' the gym tomorrow morning.

Here is a look I did for dinner on Saturday night...






When I do looks like these, I usually use my Manly cosmetics 120 palette...or my CS 88 shimmer palette- both are great and well worth the monayyyy.

Alittle tip for all you blue-eyed gals...Brown eyeliner is your best friend!

No matter the look I'm doing- I always use brown liner on my waterline, its hardly noticeable, but it just gives my baby blues the perfect pop of color. Girlie's with brown eyes can get a way with tons of black liner, and if you are lucky enough to have gorgeous hazel eyes, plummy purple liners work great to enhance your eyecolor.

My younger step sister has blue eyes and I'm having the hardest time convincing her to stop using all her black eyeliner! I even do looks on her with the brown and she admits it looks great, but still doesn't do it herself. So frustrating! Que Sera...she'll do what she wants I guess...

Well it's time for bed...yawwwnnnn...

Sleep tight beautiesss..

It was a photoshoot kind of day

hey guys!

So last sunday it was super hot- phew. I had a photoshoot to do for some girls that wanted some portraits taken, it was a great portfolio updating opportunity!
Here are some shots taken from the day- including some before and after...

















I had tons of fun and it was a great experience- Can't wait to do another shoot! Hope you guys like it
<3 Laurie

everybody's talkin' about winged eyeliner...take 2

HERE IT ISSSS...

enjoy, comment and subscribe to my channel!
hugsss
<3 Laurie