Sugar Skull Halloween Make-up

Happy Halloween Beauties! As a professional make-up artist, I must admit Halloween is second only to Christmas in my heart. Sometimes it's even better since it's without as much stress;)

I know Sugarskull make-up has been popular to do this year- I decided to join the band wagon, as I've always loved the look. Since my skin is acne prone & rather sensitive, I stuck with make-up products I already had on hand versus theatrical make-up. It's really helpful to outline your plan of action with eyeliners. I did a white circle around my face with Prestige's white eyeliner, then went with Mally's Peacock Feathers liner to outline my eyes. I painted a thicker application of with my normal foundation, just 2 shades lighter in tone within the lines with a brush. I set it with a shimmery white eyeshadow. I then filled in the eye area with Tarte's Aqualillies Amazonian Clay Waterproof liner in Splash (limited edition summer 2013.)

With Make-Up For Ever's AquaEyes pencil liner in Matte Black I drew the spiderweb + cross on my forehead & drew in my nose.

I also drew the scars on my cheeks, then went in with Bobbie Brown's black gel liner for thinner slits across the mouth. I figured it would have more staying power as I would be having cocktails!

The final steps involved drawing my chin in with the Mally liner & then applying crystals. I curled my hair with the amazing Conair Infinity Rotating iron I posted about a while back & jammed some roses in my do. Voila! Happy Halloween Beauties! xxoo

Make-Up Must Have Monday: Make Up For Ever Black Tango

I first spotted Make Up For Ever's Black Tango Palette when I was in Italy a few weeks ago. They were sold out of it & I panicked that it wouldn't be available in the U.S.  Luckily it is. The palette includes 4 Aqua Cream shadows- which is are so creamy & delicious they easily apply as liners. Here I sport the emerald hue on my top lash line & the navy on my bottom lash line.

I was a bit apprehensive of the reddish hue- since I feel pinks & reds near the eye can make them appear bloodshot.  But the shade is a deep black plum that's very wearable.  I covered my entire lid with it while playing with Halloween looks. Make-Up For Ever is such a great brand in that they offer truly theatrical grade coverage & colors without the heavy feel. This shade reminds me a bit of my beloved go to nail color- OPI's Midnight In Moscow.  I used the white shade in the palette as a highlighter.

All of the shades sparkle like jewels on the skin.  Since the deeper shades are all blended with black- it's a great palette to step out of your comfort zone a bit from basic blacks & browns.

The compact itself is a work of art, like a Japanese paint box.  It states on the compact to close each pot tightly, which I make sure to do since I noticed the tester on display at Sephora had dried out a little.  The textures & intensity make this palette a must have. It's also a great value at $45, when individual Aqua Creams (though larger) retail for $23 each.  I say put it on your holiday wish list!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss.