TAG | Sister Does My Makeup + Review of Her Favorite Products

A few years ago (maybe more), I filmed a monolid makeup tutorial video with my sister as the model for the look! This time around, we decided to feature her favorite makeup products and she put them on my face. Even though we are genetically the same person, it is fascinating how different our styles and preferences in application are. This was such a funny and enlightening experience for us, so we hope you'll enjoy watching our antics!
Although I have introduced her to the fantastic worlds of Tom Ford Beauty and Clé de Peau Beauté, she taught me how valuable the itty bitty BeautyBlender Micro.Mini sponge could be. I always wrote it off as unnecessary, but if you have small(er) eyes, this neon green sponge could be your next beauty essential! I can no longer blend my concealer without it. The edges look seamless! My sister also reminded me how much I loved the La Mer Loose Powder when she started working for La Mer. Though she has moved on to a new (and non-beauty related) opportunity, we are both very dedicated to the translucent power because of its supremely creamy texture and soft-focus finish. There were rumors that La Mer planned to discontinue to the powder a couple years ago, and that is why I stopped using it for a while, but it seems that The Loose Powder is here to stay!
Of course we cannot forget to mention the lashes, which always complete our looks. We are both huge fans of Velour Lashes! There's simply no comparison. Velour makes the best lashes for photography and videography, and they are reusable for an average of 6 to 8 outings. My sister and I both enjoy wearing Dollywink on low-key days, Velour Lashes (silk) for a little extra flair, and Velour Lashes (mink) for glamorous drama. Pair with a glossy lip and you'll be set to go!

Makeup Worn:

NARS Radiant Concealer in Vanilla

BeautyBlender Micro.Mini Sponge

La Mer Loose Powder

Tom Ford Blush in Frantic Pink

MUFE Pro Bronze Fusion in 20M

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Sand Beige

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Sugar Frost

Tom Ford Eye Palette in Silvered Topaz

Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

YSL Glossy Stain in 203

(On me) Velour Silk Lashes in Full of It

(On her) Velour Lashes in Whispie Me Away

*Get 20% OFF with code RAEVELOUR

Brushes:

Chikuhodo x Beautylish Sakura

Chikuhodo GSN-10 Eye

Our Hair:

T3 Twirl 360

Sister's Top:

Cameo from DailyLook

My Nails:

Louboutin Scarabee

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Spring 2015 Haul | Clothing, Tom Ford, MAC x Toledo, NARS Face + Eyes

This month has been such a whirlwind, and it's not even over! I was in NYC for Fashion Week for several days, so I will chronicle my adventures in a photo diary and share it tomorrow. I was not able to shop much while I was there, thanks to my hectic schedule and the icy wind, but here is a quick haul to tide you over in the meantime! I promise to wrap up that epic Japan haul (THREE, SUQQU, Addiction, and Ladurée) and post it as soon as I return from my next adventure. I am leaving sunny Southern California for cold weather one last time this season, and I'm so excited! Can you guess my next destination?

Products Reviewed:

Cameo Denim Bustier

MiH Black Flare Jeans

JBrand Bellbottom Jeans

Maison Scotch Hawaii Tee Shirt

Tom Ford Spring 2015 Cream Eyeshadow

Velour Lashes in CarliLash and Custom FSF

MAC Toledo Moodyblu Eyeshadow Palette

MAC Toledo Ombre Blush in Peach and Red

MAC Toledo Lipglass in Victoriana

MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus Lip Gloss

MAC Toledo Modern Twist Lash Mascara

MAC Toledo Lipstick in Tenor Voice

NARS All Day Luminous Liquid Foundation

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette

Makeup Worn:

NARS Liquid Foundation

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige

Chantecaille Loose Powder in Subtle

Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Tan

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Delicate Pink

Clé de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Giorgio Armani Eye Tint in 9 (review + swatches here)

EM Cosmetics Liquid Liner in Tattoo Black

EM Cosmetics Lengthening Mascara

MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus Lip Gloss

Velour Lashes in Oops Naughty Me

*15% OFF with code RAEVELOUR

Nail Polish:

MAC Toledo Faint of Heart

Tee:

Maison Scotch Hawaii Shirt

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FAVORITES: December 2014 Beauty HITS & MISSES (Lipsticks, Foundation, Acne + Skin Care)

Welcome back, everyone! I hope you've all had a wonderful start to 2015. I am very much looking forward to this new year, but December was a long and memorable month. I leaned on excuses like stress and work, and as happy as my taste buds and tummy were, I was definitely paying for it with my poor health. I weighed in at 117 pounds and officially decided it was time to turn my life back around. I have been eating very healthy (no Christmas gorging) and trying to get exercise whenever possible. Unfortunately, I was very sick for nearly a week due to the insane bug that's going around, which derailed all my video plans, but I am back and feeling more motivated than ever! I experienced an adrenaline rush while filming, though sadly, I totally crashed with exhaustion after filming this episode. Still, I hope you enjoy the last Favorites episode of 2014 and hope you look forward to the Best of 2014 reviews! xo

Products Reviewed

Theory Cashmere Sweater (On sale now, a super steal!)

BB Dakota Leather Jacket in Taupe

Wayne Goss Powder Brush (LE)

Tom Ford Lips&Boys in Beau and Julian

Bakel Cool Eyes Eye Cream

Natura Bisse Glyco Extreme Peel

Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Masks

Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan

Chikuhodo Z-2 Brush (NOT Z-4, sorry!)

NARS The Multiple in St. Lucia

NARS Irresistible Eye Palette

*Best of NARS Review HERE

Clé de Peau Cream Foundation

Clé de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation

NARS Reflecting Pressed Powder

NARS Powder Foundation in Deauville

Makeup Worn

Clé de Peau Concealer in Beige

NARS Tinted Moisturizer in Alaska

Clé de Peau Foundation in O20

NARS Reflecting Pressed Powder

Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Tan

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Pink

NARS The Multiple in St. Lucia

NARS Irresistible Eye Palette

em cosmetics liquid eyeliner in Black

Clé de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

Burberry Holiday '14 Lip Glow in Oxblood
Velour Lashes in Whispie Me Away
*receive 15% OFF with code RAEVELOUR

Earrings:

Prudence C Crystals

Nails:

Chanel Spring 2015 Tenderly

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TOP 8 | Best of NARS Cosmetics Review

Have you ever walked by a NARS counter at Nordstrom and stared in awe at the rows and rows of the sophisticated makeup but were too intimidated to buy? Well, if you've ever felt overwhelmed, this guide is for you. I hope it will help you figure out where to start or at the very least, bring you up to speed on some fabulous makeup you've been overlooking!

Get Ready With Me | Glamorous Weekend Edition feat. makeup inspired by Blake Lively

This is the first of my Get Ready with Me series, and I hope you'll be pleased by the inspiration from celebrity style icon Blake Lively! It is a slightly different take on the standard GRWM video, but I did my best to stay true to the concept by showing the complete makeup tutorial along with styled hair and an outfit. I love Blake Lively's effortless, chic perspective, so when I saw the Gucci Premiere Eau de Toilette campaign photos and videos that I had to attempt a recreation! I hope you'll enjoy the glamorous, sweeping views of Los Angeles from the famed Griffith Observatory, shot by the ever lovely and creative Kassia Phoy. xo

MAKEUP WORN:

Cle de Peau Foundation in O20 

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige 

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder 

Cle de Peau Luminizing Face Enhancer in 14 [Swatches]

Cle de Peau Lipstick in 201 

NARS Bronzer in Casino 

NARS Blush in Final Cut 

NARS NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette 

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in 03 Blond Opal 

Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadow in Candlelight [Swatches] 

EM Michelle Phan Scribble Liner in Navy Script 

Shu Uemura Eyeliner in G Gold 93 

Lancome Grandiose Mascara 

Shu Uemura Farfallina Lashes

FRAGRANCE:
Gucci Première Eau de Toilette

CARDIGAN:

J.Crew in XS

DRESS:

Rebecca Taylor in 0

HEELS:

Jimmy Choo [similar here]

HAIR:

Amika 4P Interchangeable Curler Set (1.25 in)

NAILS:

Givenchy Rouge Précieux

Videography:

Kassia Phoy

Music:

"Anchor"

by Mindy Gledhill

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BEAUTY SALE: 10% OFF Dior, YSL, NARS, and more at Nordstrom!

Nordstrom is back with another 10% off sale on select beauty brands and their products recently! I was looking to order another YSL Babydoll Kiss and Blush when I noticed it was marked down, so I had to share the good news here. This promotional discount is only valid until Tuesday, June 10, 2014, so take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on summer essentials like sunscreen and deodorant or try out brand new launches like the YSL 5-Color Eyeshadow Palettes! Below are items that I think many will be interested in, but there is a dedicated page on Nordstrom called the Beauty & Perfume Sale to browse all qualifying products! Lots of Estee Lauder, Laura Mercier, Shisieido, Bobbi Brown, and more xo

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Fleur Fantasy: A Makeup Pictorial Inspired by "The Ring and The Crown"

To celebrate the New York Times best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz's new book, "The Ring and The Crown," I created a pictorial for a makeup look inspired by the stunning cover art! I loved the flower crown feature so much, I decided to make my own. I incorporated more purple to match the decadent eyeshadow look and added a bewitchingly bold pink lip to create the effect of a fairer, brighter complexion. Check out more details after the jump!

NARS Spring 2014 Makeup & NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette Reviews, Photos, Swatches

After four years of beauty blogging, I finally caught the NARS bug! It all started with the Radiant Creamy Concealer several months ago, and since then, I have continued to discuss more NARS on YouTube land. I have yet to purchase a full seasonal NARS collection, but the much-hyped Spring 2014 releases of the NARSissist eyeshadow palette and Final Cut cheek and lip products caught my attention. Due to these worthwhile purchases, I anticipate much more NARS in my future!

Now, the NARSissist palette is a great purchase based on numbers but seems to be hit or miss with many. I was quick to order it when it first launched because I wanted to expand my NARS eyeshadow collection. Since receiving it, I have loved experimenting with it. The palette has yielded consistently lovely results, so it is a winner in my book! I acknowledge that some of the shades are not as creamy as their full-size counterparts, but an eyeshadow primer will help smooth out the texture significantly (though I do not find it necessary on my normal lids). Overall, I can confidently say that I prefer the NARSissist to the Naked palettes.

As demonstrated in the tutorial portion of the video, the colors are well pigmented and easily buildable! Since I have discovered that many of the negative reviews are written by those who have merely swatched the palette, I will remind you again that swatching eyeshadows on the arms or hands is not necessarily representative of how they will perform on the eyes. I always encourage others to actually try on a product several times and give it a real effort before dismissing it! Just like with the Smashbox Full Exposure palette, I suggest breaking through the neatly pressed and packed 'seal' of the eyeshadows for best results. Note: I usually love applying eyeshadows with my clean fingertips, but with this NARSissist eye palette, quality eyeshadow brushes will make a noticeable difference in the color payoff and the ease of application/blending as well.

The Final Cut Collection's line-up is stacked with winners, but my favorites were the two that came home with me. The Final Cut blush only requires a tap of the brush, even when used with ultra soft squirrel mixes as I did. The Descanso Satin Lip Pencil is the perfect peach, the one I had been holding out for. It was totally worth the wait! I love that the Satin formula has a hint of glossiness and does not dry out my sensitive lips.

VIDEO: The tutorial for this look is more sultry than what I have been wearing regularly, but I wanted to share a look I have not worn in a while. I became so attached to the bronze color 'Fez' that I decided to create an entire look dedicated to it. The gleaming bronze and warm peachy tones of the blush and lipstick work in perfect harmony! Hope you enjoy it xo

Makeup Worn:
Chanel MatLumiere in 40 + Chanel CC Cream in 20
EM Michelle Phan Concealer Palette in Light [blemishes]
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard [eyes]
EM Michelle Phan Love Me For Me Compact in Linen 8
Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Terra
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Cartridge in 204 and Holder
NARS NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette -- Madrague II, Fez, Coconut Grove, All About Eve I + Bellissima I [highlighter]
NARS Eyeliner Stylo in Carpates
NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via Veneto
NARS Blush in Final Cut
NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Descanso
Stila Lip Glaze in Apricot
Dior DiorShow Waterproof Mascara
Velour Lashes in You Complete Me
     *Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% off your purchase!

Eye Brushes Used:
Shu Uemura 10f
Hakuhodo J142
Bobbi Brown Blender
MAC 217

Earrings:
House of Harlow White Sunburst Studs

Nails:
Chanel Paradoxal

Shirt:
J. Crew

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The Makeup Show 2014 Haul! Hakuhodo + NARS + Stila

I always look forward to The Makeup Show! It is a beauty trade show, much like IMATS, but it has a more intimate feel. I was not able to take as many photos as I had hoped, but you can always take a look at my thorough Photo Diary from last year's show HERE! Today, I will focus on sharing my haul goodies, especially since many of you have continued to ask questions about Hakuhodo brushes. I expanded my collection quite a bit, so check out my new babies after the jump!

REVIEW: Best Lip Products for Dry, Sensitive Lips + Swatches

Welcome to the Ultimate Lip Junkie Guide! This is a compilation of my tried-n-true recommendations for those with dry, sensitive lips. I did my best to include as many different price points, textures, and colors. All of these products have worked beautifully for me but I will reiterate, not all those with sensitive lips have the same reactions to certain ingredients. I am not allergic to fragrances, but I am extremely sensitive to SPF in lip products. For example, I love my YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks, especially Faubourg Peach and Rose Culte, but I hesitate to wear them unless I can prepare myself for some serious post-wear lip therapy. I featured lip balms, lip glosses, and lipsticks that are moisturizing, creamy, and worth the splurge, so I hope you will find this epic post helpful!

PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Lip Care:
1. Chanel Hydramax + Active Nutrition Lip Balm
*Apparently the whole Hydramax range is being discontinued, so sorry! I will be testing the Sisley Confort and By Terry Rose lip balms this year to see which I prefer to replace this beloved Chanel.
2. La Mer Baume de La Mer Lip Balm
3. Sara Happ Lip Scrub in Pink Grapefruit
4. Hourglass No. 28 Lip Oil Treatment [review & swatches]
5. YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Lip Balms in 2 Papaya and 4 Pomegranate
6. Lancome Baume in Love in Rose in Love
Lip Gloss:
7. Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme in Sweet Creme
8. Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Kiss You
9. Chanel Glossimer Lip Glosses in Constellation, Volupte, and Eden
*I also recommend Mica & the new Spring 2014 color Murmure!
10. Laura Mercier Lip Glaces in Bellini and Camellia
*Try the permanent and shimmer-free Bonbon & Pink Tulle colors!
11. NARS Larger Than Life Lip Glosses in Piree and Odalisque
12. BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lip Glosses in Party Starter and Rebel
13. Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer Lip Glosses in 107, 519, and 520 [review & swatches]
14. Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Glosses in 70 Attirance [best shimmery sandy beige - in stock] and 52 Genie
Lip Liner:
15. Chanel Le Crayon Levres Lip Liner in Peche
16. Lancome Le Lipstique Lip Liners in Ideal and Natural Mauve
Lipstick:
17. Tom Ford Lip Color Lipsticks in Crimson Noir, Spanish Pink, and Sable Smoke
*By Terry's Rouge Terrybly is another excellent semi-matte alternative! I did not include this formula in my video, however, as I was only introduced to my very first one at the end of 2013. I plan to explore more of the range in 2014!
18. Tom Ford Lip Color Shine Lipsticks in Smitten and Abandon [review & swatches]
*Also mentioned: Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss
19. Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Sheer Lipstick in 505
20. Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick in 515
21. Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy CC Lipstick in 100 and 302
22. Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in 25
23. SUQQU Creamy Glow Lipsticks in 01 and 02
24. Lancome Color Design (Creme & Matte) Lipsticks in Socialite & Intense Fuchsia
25. Lancome Rouge in Love Lipstick in 322M Corail in Love
*If you're brave and/or love purple, try the incredibly vibrant and creamy 381B Violette Coquette!
26. YSL Glossy Stains in 07 Corail and 25 Fuchsia
27. EM Michelle Phan Lip Gallery Creamy Classic & Creamy Matte Lipsticks in Wow Pink, Wine Stain, and Cuddling
28. Too Faced La Creme Lipsticks in Fuchsia Shock, Juicy Melons, and Bon Bon

Swatches L - R: YSL Sheer Candy 1 & 4, Benefit Kiss You, Chanel Volupte & Constellation, NARS Piree & Odalisque, Bare Minerals Rebel & Party Starter, Chanel Attirance & Peche, Lancome Natural Mauve and Ideal (more pink IRL)

MAKEUP WORN
Shu Uemura Lightbulb Foundation in 564
Shu Uemura Face Powder Matte in 7YR Medium Light
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Cartridge in 202
Shu Uemura Eyeshadows in P Light Beige 812 and M Soft Brown 851 [mixed & blended over lid and crease]
Shu Uemura Gel Pencil Eyeliner in Brown
Shu Uemura Stretch Extreme WP Mascara in Black
Shu Uemura Spring 2014 Blush in Rose Quartz
Shu Uemura Gloss Unlimited in BG 10S
Velour Lashes in You Complete Me

NAILS
Dior Spring 2014 Porcelaine [Review and Swatches]

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SpaceNK Holiday 2013 "All That Glitters" Makeup Tutorial feat. Hourglass Ambient Powders and Mint Green Eyes

Today's feature is a Holiday look that I cannot get enough of! My favorite color is mint green, so I wanted to incorporate my newly discovered NARS eyeliner in Barrow Street. The intense pigmentation and very creamy texture make Barrow Street a top notch pencil. It, however, looks quite 'mod' since it has a cool white base and matte finish. To soften the graphic attitude of Barrow Street, I layered By Terry's Ombré Blackstar eyeshadow stick in Fizzy Jade on top. The mix creates a warmer mint green that is supremely more flattering against the yellow tones in my skin, and it stays vibrant, opaque, and budge-proof for twelve hours! I could wear this bright pastel eye combination every day.

I used three Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders in this tutorial, and they are consistently amazing and worthy of the hype they receive. I already own Diffused and Dim, but Ethereal is perfect as a setting powder over liquid foundation since it is not not as shimmery as Diffused. I used Luminous on the tops of my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose. The champagne pearl provides a soft highlight that is gorgeous in any light. Dim is lovely as a highlighter as well, but Luminous is a more traditional highlighting color! Radiant was used as a bronzer to complete the complexion here, and I love it so much more than I expected to. It is now my Holy Grail bronzer for the winter months since it does not accentuate dryness whatsoever. My best friend Tammy said my skin was positively glowing!

By Terry recently launched a new base product, Terrybly Densiliss, which I featured in the tutorial. The 7 Golden Beige shade is the ideal match for my skin color, so I will be using this foundation for the rest of the winter. I do have to moisturize and prep with primer to achieve the best results, but Terrybly Densiliss is a fantastic serum foundation. I chose to veil the lips in a neutral rosy pink, a 'My Lips But Better' lipstick. The By Terry Rouge Terrybly has such a fabulously comforting, moisturizing formula. I topped with a sheer baby pink lip gloss to add some shine and extra dimension. I did not want to take away from the colorful eyes, which is why I decided to use products that made my lips simply feel healthier and look plumper.

Now, I have not mentioned the brand much here, but Diptyque's legendary candles and fragrances are my obsession of 2013. I am dedicated to the matching Baies (candle) and L'Ombre Dans L'Eau (fragrance), but I decided to branch out and try the Philosykos scent. The sweet fig is balanced by a sensual cedar base. The wood notes are very apparent in the dry down on my skin, but I still have been enjoying it as a winter fragrance. I ordered the Oyedo EdT, a citrus, earlier this week so I'll review all three of these unique scents in a separate review post next month. Diptyque's Eau de Parfums or Eau de Toilettes are a luxurious finishing touch to any makeup look or outfit!

This "All That Glitters" beauty routine is perfect for Holiday gatherings and of course, New Year's Eve festivities! It also photographs beautifully due to the Hourglass powders, so give this brightening neutral bright party look a try!

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PRODUCTS WORN/USED:

Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Parfum
Rodial Dragon's Blood Kit 

Boots No7 Photo Fix Primer 

By Terry Terrybly Densiliss in 7 Golden Beige 

Beauty Blender PRO Sponge 

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders in Ethereal, Luminous, and Radiant 

Tom Ford Bronzer Brush 

Laura Mercier Fan Brush 

EM Michelle Phan Arched Brow Pencil in Black 

By Terry Eye Primer in 02 Neutral 

Chantecaille Eyeshadow Refills in Pyrite and Sel 

MAC 239 & MAC 217 Eyeshadow Brushes

NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Barrow Street 

By Terry Ombré Blackstar Crayon in 7 Fizzy Jade 

By Terry Mascara Terrybly in Moka Brown 

Tom Ford Defining Eyeliner Pen in Deeper 

Velour Lashes in Whispie Me Away
By Terry Rouge Terrybly Lipstick in 101 Flirty Rose 

Laura Mercier Bare Nude Mini Lip Glacé Collection
     *More specifically, the Lip Glacé in Bare Baby

JEWELRY:

Crystal Hardware Statement Necklace 

Chanel Earrings [Current]

SWEATER:

Fair Isle Snow Sweater in Grey (S) 

NAILS:

Chanel Cosmic & Magic

CANDLE:
Diptyque Pink Bark

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