Drugstore Makeup Starter Kit

I was rummaging through my makeup drawers just a few moments ago, and I really didn't realize how many amazing products I had - from the drugstore. Many of these are - or were at some point in time - part of my everyday makeup routine, so don't fret! I do highly recommend all of these products - or, trust me, I wouldn't be showing them to you - and I really do hope you enjoy them as much as I have over the years!

Since this is a 'beginner makeup' blog post, I included all neutral colors so the makeup doesn't seem overpowering if this is the first time you've tried anything like this before. The eyeshadows are mostly matte, the blush is completely natural, and the bronzer isn't too pigmented. (Okay, I know there's a bright red lip product here, but 1. it's not too pigmented so it's not entirely red, just a flush of color and 2. I didn't have a neutral shade of this product, but it's really fantastic.)

Pixi bronzer

NYX blush (mauve)

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter (candy apple)

Physician's Formula Concealer RX

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Revlon Colorstay eyeshadow (adventurous)

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

Avon eyeliner (brown) - does this count as drug store? oops

Best of luck! Let me know if you try out any of these products!

xx Jenna

Get the Look: Lorde on Rolling Stone!

Hi beauties! 

I said a few posts back that one thing you all should know about me is that I'm a huge MAC fanatic, which is still 100% true. Well, MAC is to makeup as Lorde is to music. 

Okay, that was a horrific analogy. Basically, I'm obsessed with anything and everything to do with Ella Yellich O'Connor at the moment, or better know by her stage name Lorde. Recently on the cover of Rolling Stone, Lorde is a 17 year old girl from New Zealand with 2 Grammys and a #1 hit 'Royals' (I'm sure all of you know that, but I figured it was important to include.)

I could literally go on for days with a Lorde Appreciation post, but that's not what this is (does anyone want one, though? I'd be more than willing! hint hint). I'm completely obsessed with her style and her make for her shoot was completely on pointe. In fact, I loved it so much that I wanted to recreate it here for you guys so you all could get this stunning look as well. It's fairly simple, but I've included step-by-step directions on what to do. Let's begin:

Sephora Bronzer (Bora Bora)

Maybelline Great Lash Lots-of-Lashes

Benefit Gimme Brow (light/medium)

Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick (Black Cherry)

MAC eyeshadows (Espresso / Blanc Type/ Antiqued)

Stila Stay All Day liquid liner

MAC lip pencil (Nightmoth)

Step 1: Start by applying your favorite foundation, concealer, and powder. Her foundation here is quite matte, so be sure to pick a foundation with a fuller coverage and powder-away any shinyness. 

Step 2 (where the fun begins): Lorde is always rocking a big, bold brow and I'm obsessed (question: how many times will I use the word 'obsessed' in this post?) Start by filling in the shape of your brow with a heavy hand using MAC's Espresso eyeshadow (or any shadow that matches your natural hair color.) Feel free to fake a killer arch if you have to. Define and darken your brows further by setting them with Benefit's Gimme Brow. 

Step 3: Prime your eyes and start by swiping a neutral shade of eyeshadow that matches your skin color all over your lids and up to your brown bone. Here, I'm using MAC's Blanc Type. This shouldn't add much of an effect to the overall look - we're only providing a basis for the rest of the eyeshadow and adding a matte highlight. 

Step 4: With MAC's Antiqued and a MAC 217 brush, start by lightly outlining where you want to place the shadow. To achieve Lorde's look, apply the shadow in a dramatic winged shape out towards the end of your brow using a light hand. Using windshield wiper motions, slowly work this color lightly into your crease. Blend, blend, blend. 

Step 5: Apply a thin layer of liquid eyeliner on the top lash line. In this look, Lorde has no wing, but feel free to add one if you feel it adds to the look!

Step 6: Curl and apply your mascara! Lorde's bottom lashes are interestingly more prominent than her upper lashes, so focus the mascara there. Apply only a thin coat to the upper lashes so they don't look like falsies. 

Step 7: This may sound odd, but contour using a color that matches the color of your eyeshadow you applied. (Sephora's Bora Bora bronzer is awfully similar to MAC's Antiqued eyeshadow.) Suck in your cheeks, make a fishy face, and contour till you're blue in the face! This is applied with a heavy hand, so go wild with it. We don't want to look muddy, though! (There's a fine line between 'chiseled' and 'dirty-looking.')

Step 8: Last, but not least, line and fill in your lips with a purple-red lip liner. Apply some matching lipstick (this color is perfect - not too purple and not too red) and you're all set!

Congrats! You just mastered the art of Ella Yellich O'Connor and I'm sure you all look fabulous.

Do you guys want to see any other celebrity-inspired looks? Let me know!

xx Jenna

Completed Look: Makeup for Traveling!

Hi lovelies, happy Saturday / almost Superbowl Sunday!

I know I'm just barely getting this post up in the schedule that I set for myself, but time somehow got away from me this week. Anyywayyyyy.....

I'm so excited to say that I'm leaving for Disney pretty soon, and it's time to start deciding on what to bring and what to wear. To gear up for my upcoming trip, don't be surprised to see an excessive amount of travel-related posts (such as this one.) Today, I wanted to show you guys a quick and easy, "travel-proof" face of makeup that I will more than likely be sporting on my nearing plane ride. So let's begin!

Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation

Benefit Gimme Brow

Maybelline Great Lash Lots-of-Lashes

Maybelline Color Tattoo (Barely Branded)

E.O.S. lip balm

Face: Yes, I know. I just blogged about this foundation, but that's how much I love it! This foundation is perfect for travel because it's long wearing and primer, powder, and even concealer isn't needed with this. Slap some on, and you're good to go - wherever you're going!

Eyes: No primer or brush needed! Cream eyeshadows are ideal for long days spent in the car or on a plane/train - they won't budge and touch-ups are rarely needed! This color specifically helps brighten your eyes and tie together a look. Swipe on a few coats of this Maybelline mascara, and your lashes will look amazing without smudging or flaking throughout the day! Top it off with a bold brow (that takes literally seconds to achieve) and you're ready to conquer your day of traveling.

Lips: When I'm traveling, the last thing I want to be worried about is my lipstick smudging or wearing off, so applying just a lip balm is the only way to go! Obviously any kind will do, but this one happens to be one of my favorites. 

The best part about this whole look is that it can be achieved using absolutely zero brushes. Too tired to get ready before you leave the house? Take a small makeup bag and get ready at the airport!

What's your beauty essential when you're traveling? Let me know! 

I hope you guys enjoyed this post, and keep a lookout for future travel posts, too!

xx Jenna