Make A Customized Lip Palette With Your Favorite Lipsticks!

The finished product - 5 shades

        I'm a lipstick type of girl. I love the variety of colors, the different kinds of finishes (matte, shiny, shimmer, etc.), and just the feel of it on my lips. Hey, I'll even admit to being a hoarder when it comes to lip products. What I hate to admit is the fact that I usually have no choice but to throw away the lipstick that's stuck in the tube when I've used it down to the nub. Sure, you can take your lip brush and try to scrape as much of it out as you can, but it takes more time and effort than is actually necessary. Plus, with that technique, it's pretty flippin' hard to get a lot out. Another issue with the tubes is space (or maybe the issue is with my hoarding...). Whatever the issue is, you can completely rid yourself of the problem by removing the bulky packaging from the picture. Instead of cramming 15 lipsticks into your purse, wouldn't you rather have a handy palette that not only saves waste, but room as well?





Materials: 

• Palette with pans (Z palettes with metal pans are the best type) -- I used stackable makeup jars + one separate jar
• Lipstick (any type - I used 5, plus 2 to mix) 
• Candle
• Matches/fire starter
• Metal spoon/ladle
• Something to scrape the lipstick out -- I used the back of a cuticle pusher stick
• Protective mat (optional)

*all materials, including palettes can be bought online - my jars were from my local beauty store for $1.75

All of the materials I used.

My Lipsticks: 

My 5 lipsticks with my stackable jars

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 616 Wink For Pink
2. L.A. Colors Professional Lipstick in BLC258 Hint
3. L.A. Colors Professional Lipstick in BLC248 Cherry Red
4. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 425 Plum Paradise
5. L'Oreal Color Riche Lipstick in 746 Pure Burgundy

• Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 20 Pink & Proper + Flirt! Chickstick in 19 Sangria 

Instructions: 

1. First, lay out all of your materials on your mat (if you have one). Have your palette/pans ready or your jars open. Make sure they're clean and then light your candle. 

2. Next, using your scraper stick, break off your lipstick onto your metal spoon. Scoop the rest of it out and put it on your metal spoon with the rest of your lipstick. 

3. Hold your spoon over the flame, careful not to spill the melting lipstick or let it boil. If it gets too hot, but is not fully melted (small bubbles forming), then let it cool  and do it again. The best technique is to not let the spoon touch the flame and constantly move it around for even melting. 

4. Immediately pour into your pan or jar (it cools very quickly). Pour into two pans if it seems like it might overflow in one. Don't worry if it's not perfect, you can wipe off the sides later. If, for some reason, you want to redo it, just scrape it out when it's slightly cooler and repeat. 

5. Let the lipstick cool completely. Wipe your spoon and scraper stick before repeating with a different colored lipstick. 

From left to right: Wink For Pink, Hint, Cherry Red, Plum Paradise, Pure Burgundy (not yet cooled)

• Don't be afraid to mix colors. In a separate jar, I melted a Maybelline and Flirt! lipstick together to create a beautiful and unique shade. 

      I find that with palettes, you have more control over the color. You can apply a soft layer or lay it on thick and bright as if it were in a tube. Now, you can mix and match your perfect shade and give yourself a pat on the back for putting out time to do such a beneficial little project. Plus, with this trick, you'll never have to waste your favorite lipstick and you get more room for your other beauty needs! 

xoxo,

TrinaD. <3

Review: Color Sensational High Shine Gloss

Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Gloss ad (Captivating Coral)

             There's a point in every girl's life where she graduates from using plain old lip balm to the ultimate shiny lip gloss. It was exciting and as a kid, it was definitely a big deal. I used to sneak in uses of my older sister's lip gloss whenever I could, because of course, lip balm was soo boring! When I was finally able to put on my big girl pants and elevate myself to the liquid gold itself, I was struck with another problem. Which  lip gloss do I use? Do I go with clear or is that too normal? Can I pull of color? Would it be too much? But nowadays, there's no such thing as too much color, ladies. Searching for the perfect shade of lip gloss is frustrating and when you happen to find it, the feeling rivals that of a breath of fresh air. You go home and you slick it on your lips to admire the perfection...and wait, what?! It's sheer. The color completely just disappears on your lips and now? Now you're more than frustrated. Enter Maybelline's Color Sensational High Shine Gloss. A wax free gloss with "pure liquid pigments." "Have the beauty gods finally granted our wishes?" you ask. Well, I would sure say so.

"Electric Shock"

Pros: great pigmentation, definitely affordable, glossy as promised, didn't dry lips, not sticky, available in 12 shades

Cons: didn't soften lips as promised, didn't last that long, brush is adequate

There are other lip glosses out there that promise rich color (like L'Oreal Color Riche), but many sorely disappoint. When L'Oreal Color Riche gloss came out, I loved the Watermelon Crush shade, but it was too sheer to even show up. Ever since then, I had been looking for a working alternative with a good price tag to boot. I got the Color Sensational gloss in Electric Shock and it was the exact same shade, except it was actually pigmented. I was ecstatic, absolutely thrilled. And, I bought it at my local CVS for only $6. Its shine can be seen a mile away and its color range isn't that bad either. Not the widest selection, but in a good variety of color so that everyone can find a pretty shade. It apparently has honey nectar that softens lips, but I didn't really notice a difference. However, it did not dry out my lips either. For me, the gloss only lasted a few hours, definitely not the best performance when talking endurance, but I can put up with that in return for the other advantages, including the fact that it's not sticky. The brush is okay...it does what it's supposed to do, but it could be more precise (teardrop shaped brushes are best for a precise application).

Electric Shock swatch

My Final Verdict: The pros beat the cons by a mile, in my opinion. It's one of the best lip glosses I've used in a while and it's cheap! So far, I only have one shade, but you can bet that I'll get more soon. So yes, I really do recommend, my friends.

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

How to Flawlessly Apply Lipstick or Lipgloss

Everyone knows that "practice makes perfect" but what if there were shortcuts? Chances are, your lipstick or gloss isn't always going to look photoshoot ready, but taking care of your lips and learning the best type of application for lip products can dramatically improve your results. With a swipe of pretty pink or fierce red, you can alter your whole persona...so why mess it up with feathering lipstick and uneven gloss? These tips and tricks will ensure you an impeccable pout, so purse your lips, my lovelies!

• Smooth your lips. Take a spoonful of sugar and add a couple sprinkles of water until it becomes a thick paste. Apply it to your lips generously and softly brush with your toothbrush for 30 seconds on each lip. Rinse off. Apply lip balm.
• Protect your lips. Apply lip balm (I prefer Burt's Bees Ultra Conditioning) a couple minutes before you do your makeup. This gives your lips time to absorb the moisture and soften. Blot off before you apply any other lip products.
• Line around your lips with concealer. This not only helps you reshape your lips how you want them, but also protects your lip line and keeps your lip products in line. Be sure to blend it in with your skin so that it isn't noticable.
• Line and fill in your lips. Line your lips with lip liner and fill your whole lip in with the same shade lip liner. This not only helps against feathering and smudging, but gives your lipstick/lipgloss something to hold onto.
• Apply your lipstick/lipgloss with a brush. Using a brush gives you more control over the product itself and where it is applied. You can reach the small corners and paint over each curve with ease.
• Blot and reapply. Give it a minute or two and blot (gently) before applying another layer of lipstick or gloss (you don't have to use a brush this time). Taking the time to blot and reapply really helps the product stay on longer and look even more vibrant.

Perfect lips don't have to take an insane amount of skill or time. These steps may seem like a lot, but when you actually do it, it's much quicker and gives you the results you want every single time. Follow these steps and I promise, you'll have no problem looking your best at any given moment.

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

Review: Maybelline Volum' Express the Mega Plush gel/mousse Mascara

"The Mega Plush" - Maybelline

        Whether you're strolling through Sephora or Walgreens, there never seems to be a shortage of mascara. Some, promising longer, doll-eyed lashes, others...thick, lush lashes that frame your eyes like a curtain. While "break-through" advances in the beauty world are constantly popping up and on the shelves, many disappoint. I, myself, have had my fair share of broken promises and when I saw the new ad for this "amazing new gel/mousse mascara", I forgot all my past failures and decided to give it a chance, despite the obviously fake lashes in the photo. In other words, I couldn't resist. Oh, beauty products have always been my weakness, and in this case, how glad am I that it is...

Pros: the "flexor-brush", no clumps, brush size, soft lashes, longer lashes

Cons: not much volume, semi-long dry time

Sure, there are other mascaras that you can angle the brush/head with, however, this was built to be angled and stays in that position until you move it. This not only makes my life slightly easier but also helps reach the small corner lashes too. Along with the new gel/mousse formula, comes the disappearance of clumps. You might get one clump once in a while, but significantly less than with other brands of mascara. I also like the brush size, a lot. It's not too big, but just the right size for me to quickly apply mascara without having it stab my poor eye. (Never a dull day with me, my friends...) The new formula also gives you great, soft supple lashes that aren't flaky or brittle, as promised. While it does make my lashes look longer, I don't really notice a difference in volume and compared to some other brands/types of mascara, the drying time seems a tad bit longer.

My Final Decision: Overall, it's a good mascara. Clump free, long, and soft lashes that will surely make your eyes the focal point. While the volume was a bust, the product itself is not. Yes, my lovelies...I recommend.

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

Review: Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat

              Everyone knows that the latest craze when it comes to nails is crackle nailpolish but while OPI came out with the first of its kind, every brand of nail color seems to be coming out with its own version. However, with all of the choices it's hard to know which brand delivers so I decided to take matters into my own hands...or onto my hands I should say. After testing multiple brands I concluded that my favorite was Sally Hansen's Crackle Overcoat which can be found in most drugstores. Here's why I chose it...

Pros: 8 shades to choose from, easy to use (even for inexperienced nailpolish users), decent price, available at drugstores, it works like promised, quick dry time, looks gorgeous after sealed with a shiny top coat

Cons: it takes a little practice to get the hang of it (maybe after one or two fingers and it's easier to do it on yourself than on others)

      Like I said in my "Pros" section, there are 8 different crackle shades to choose from. That might not seem like too many but you always have to use a base color and your choices are endless there so you never have to have the same look twice! It comes in a hot pink, denim blue, black, gold (a very tasteful shade), violet, white, red, and silver. The price for mine was about $6. 50 and I would say that it's a good price considering the popularity of the product. While the OPI brand is only available at specific beauty stores...this polish is sold at Walmart, Walgreens, etc. so it might be easier (and cheaper) to purchase for some. For me, this crackle polish dried in about a minute and it was extremely easy to apply once I got the hang of it (only took me two fingers to get it perfect, which is a lot less than some other brands). Also, it looks absolutely fabulous if you paint on a shiny top coat to seal it (which you should always do but it looks especially good) because it really brings out the colors and makes it a lot bolder.

My Final Decision: If you're into the new "crackle nails" trend then I definitely recommend getting Sally Hansen's Crackle Overcoat. It works well, looks great, and is easily your ticket to fun and gorgeous nails.

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

Tips For Using Liquid Eyeliner and Emergency Substitutions (Requested by Livvie J.)

       Liquid liner can do wonders, but it's not always easy to use. Especially for beginners, using the liner can get messy, sloppy, and frustrating. While you can use a stick liner to add emphasis to your eyes, liquid is just more smooth, versatile, and faster (once you get the hang of it). You can go natural or bold with it and with a precision point brush to provide you with the best control possible, it will be simple to master once you learn the basic tricks. If you're looking for a colorful, bold look, why not go for a sparkly pink, purple, or even green liner? Who says classic is always best? Liquid eyeliner is also commonly used for popular looks such as the cat-eye/winged look. But whatever color, style, or brand you choose, make sure to not use waterproof to practice first. It'll come off easier and you can use water (instead of eye make-up remover) to get it completely off.

Tip #1: When you apply liquid eyeliner, don't close your eyes. It makes the lines uneven because when you open your eyes, they're different from when you close them. If you're not comfortable doing that, then squint.

Tip #2: Use your pinkie finger as support. When you're applying liner and your hands are shaky or you just want extra control, lay your pinkie on your nose or cheek for support. It'll help stable your hands.

Tip #3: If you have trouble making a straight line, make three dashes - one at the inner corner, one in the middle, and one at the outer corner (change to dots when you get better and then none at all) - and just connect them afterwards. This trick can also be used (and is suggested) for swirls, intricate details, etc.

Tip #4: If you run out of liquid liner, just dip an angled brush in water, shake once, and then run it across black eyeshadow and apply to eyes. You may also use mascara, but it's a lot thicker so it might be harder if you're not comfortable using liquid eyeliner.

Tip #5: If you want to look natural, but still define your eyes, then take a normal eyeliner stick and apply it to your lashline. NOT above or on your waterline, but right where your lashes are growing. You just want to fill in the spots where your eyelashes aren't and it will make your lashes look incredibly thick and it will definitely make your eyes pop but still have a natural feel (and look) to them.

Tip #6: Practice. It's not a hard skill to learn, but you do need to practice doing it for it to look good. Use an old one that ran out, a plain eye-liner brush, or even that one in the shade of blue that you don't like but keep locked up in your cabinet.

But whether you're an eyeliner enthusiast or a beginner, I hope that my tips helped you and thank you for reading my blog.

xoxo,
TrinaD. <3

At Home Facial for Beautifully Glowing Skin (Tutorials for Natural Exfoliator + Mask Included)

        Blemish-free, glowing skin can be hard to achieve, especially for active, acne-prone teenagers. But having healthy and beautiful skin doesn't have to be a hassle. You also don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on products that "may" work or load up on concealer which might even make your condition worse. Making your own face exfoliators and masks at home are a cheap alternative to store bought products that are packed with glow dulling chemicals and residue. It's all natural, quick, and fun to do! Treat yourself to a facial without the bill that comes with it! Do it with friends or do it yourself...either way, you deserve some time to relax and make yourself even more gorgeous!

*Please remember that washing your face 2 - 3 times daily is key (at least once with a cleanser); doing this facial alone will not get rid of all your blemishes. Also, do not do this more than once a week. Constant exfoliation is not healthy for you skin for it may cause irritation. Please be extra cautious if you have sensitive skin.

 

Step 1 - Cleansing

• Cleanse  you face with your ordinary cleanser to rid your skin of the grime, dirt, and oil. I use Go Clean 360 Anti-Breakout Cleanser with the little scrublet.(orange bottle).
• Wash off with warm water to open up pores.
• Pat your face dry. You do not want to irritate it any more than you have to.

Step 2 - Exfoliation

Citrus Sugar-Rose Exfoliator

• 1 lime/lemon
• Granulated sugar
• Rose water

1. Take one lime or lemon and squeeze about 1/2 teaspoon of juice into a small bowl.
2. Start by adding one tablespoon of sugar. Use real granulated sugar. Keep adding more until it is slightly watery, but you can feel resistence while stirring. It should be a little bit thinner than a paste.
3. Add one more teaspoon of sugar.
4. Add 5 drops of rose water to the mixture. Stir well.

• After you are done patting your face dry, take the exfoliating face scrub into your hands and apply to face. Do not be rough with skin, it may cause irritation.
• Add more if needed. Rub skin GENTLY for at least 1 minute.
• Rinse off with warm water. Do not try to rub it off. Let the water wash it away instead.
• Pat face dry.

Step 3 - Face Mask

Pumpkin-Avocado Face Mask

• 1/2 can pumpkin puree
• 1 avocado
• 2 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon milk
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
• 5 drops rose water

1. Mix them all together and gently apply to your face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
2. You may use an eye mask, but I don't recommend it because it has strings that would get in the way. I suggest going the old-fashioned way with cucumber slices for your eyes. (optional)
3. Relax for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse it off with warm water and pat your face dry.

Step 4 - Moisturize

Normal/Dry Skin: Use your regular moisturizer to soften skin as the last step.

Oily Skin: To moisturize your face but keep it from getting oily, use a cotton ball to blot on rose water all over your face. It does wonders and smells great!

Step 5 - Enjoy your clean, smooth skin!
I hoped you liked this tutorial and saw it as something helpful. Thank you for reading and have fun!


xoxo,
TrinaD. <3