Contouring: The Basics

Photos Courtesy Of: Guerlain (Sephora.com); Josie Maran (Sephora.com); Bobbi Brown (Sephora.com); Urban Decay (Sephora.com); Smashbox (Sephora.com); Bare Minerals (Beauty.com); Elf (Fishpond.com)

I am no make-up artist but I have quickly learned that contouring is the MOST important technique in applying your make-up daily. For years, I was just applying my make-up without paying attention to contouring and highlighting features based on my particular face shape.

After watching endless Youtube videos on how to contour a more "round" face shape, I tailored my make-up routine and was able to do so using most products I already loved. I was also introduced to several new products that I cannot live without!

How I Contour My Face Shape:

Step 1: I apply my Smashbox High Def foundation full coverage. I apply it using an Elf Foundation Brush.
Step 2: I apply my Guerlain Bronzer. This may be the most important step because my round cheeks are my biggest problem area when it comes to contouring. I apply the bronzer in an upward motion starting from the corner of my lip up to my ear. I do this on both sides in a sweeping motion. I also apply a little bit of bronzer on my jawline and around my hairline where the light naturally hits.
Step 3: I apply the Bobbi Brown brush in a circular motion on the apples of my cheeks.
Step 4: I apply the Josie Maran Creamy Concealer Crayon underneath my eyes and blend it in. I also apply one long line down the bridge of nose to gift it a more narrow appearance. I have a very round nose as well.
Step 5: One step I have also found to be very important is paying attention to the shape and color of my eyebrows. I have very dark eyebrows to begin with, so initially I never felt the need to color them in or enhance them in any way. However, once I watched a tutorial online about the Elf Eyebrow Kit I knew I had to try it out. Using this kit really opens up my eyes and gives my face more definition. To learn more about how to use this kit I recommend looking on Youtube. It is a lot to type here.
Step 6: After applying my mascara and eyeliner, I use the "Virgin" shade from the Urban Decay Naked Palette to highlight under my brow. I essentially follow the line of my brow in a sweeping motion with this shadow. It really makes my brows and eyes pop!
Step 7: Of course, apply your bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lipgloss to top off your look.

Our Christmas

Here are a couple of photo memories from our 2013 Christmas. As you know from my previous posts, we moved into our new loft apartment on Monday and are loving decorating it. A full photo album will be uploaded once we are done.

Top: Francesca's Collection (Old, Similar here); Clutch: Anthropologie ( Sold out, similar here); Bracelets: J. Crew Factory (Here and Here); Necklace: J. Crew (Sold out, similar here) ; Jeans: Express; Boots: Ralph Lauren; Lipgloss: Marvelous Moxie in Rebel
Below: Headband, Anthropologie, Glasses: Dolce and Gabbana (old)

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie

Let's just say that I have a lip gloss addiction! I have tried many different brands over the last couple of years and have finally narrowed it down to my favorite. Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss by bareMinerals is my go-to lip gloss for any occasion. Not only do I love how it looks on my lips, I absolutely love the feeling. Some lip gloss brands are sticky and make your lips feel dried out after an hour or so of wearing. Marvelous Moxie feels soft and smooth on my lips and all shades come with a great scent! My lips have not felt dry at all since I've started wearing Moxie regularly. In the pictures above, I am wearing the shade Rebel. It is my favorite shade since it is very neutral and not too pink. I also love Party Starter and Game Changer if I am wearing it out for an evening.

When it comes to cost, the price is definitely right! It is only $18.00 for a tube at both Ulta and Sephora. I recommend this product to every gal as addicted to lip gloss as I am. I have tried more expensive products and have been most pleased with Moxie!

Christmas Dresses

I am loving this year's holiday dress collections across all online stores. Metallics and sequins seem to be a big trend this year. I also love how holiday collections are expanding outside of your typical red or green color scheme. There are a lot of golds, magentas, and your standard little black dress. I am getting ready to purchase the Kate Spade dress and plan to wear it to The Swan Lake ballet at the Kennedy Center in late January. I think I am going to pair it with my Anthropologie Sequin Swirl Clutch and my Zara High Heel Leather Court Show stilettos. Stay tuned!

Counter-Clockwise:

Anthropologie Starlit Stripes Dress

Ark & Co. via Piperlime

Tadashi Shoji Mesh Stripe Fit & Flare Dress

Pim + Larkin via Piperlime

Anthropologie Sequin Cutout Dress

LABEL by five twelve Embellished Yoke Charmeuse Fit & Flare Dress

Target Lace Sweetheart Dress by Xhilaration

J. Crew Velvet Blouson Dress

Kate Spade via Piperlime

BCBG Aliss Sleeveless Feather-Hem Dress

Where to Find the Best Winterwear

English Countryside Beanie: Anthroplogie; Zara Coat: Not Available; Stadium-Cloth Cocoon Coat in Regal Blue: J. Crew; Hunter Boots: Nordstrom; Women's Quilted Jacket: Joules;  Burberry House Check Gloves: Nordstrom;
To The Brim Studded Cloche: Kate Spade; Fuzzy Ascot: Anthropologie

Winter is the time to bundle up and rock your favorite big cozy scarfs and style up those puffy coats. Although it may not be my favorite season, I am loving some of the trends right now. Per usual, Anthropologie has some of my FAVORITE winter items. Joules also has adorable Puffer Jackets that I have talked about on the blog before. Use Promo Code "Tree" and you can get 20% off sitewide!

Holiday Glam

 I had a little fun today with make-up and put together the perfect holiday glam look. I pulled my hair to one side and pinned it for a simple, classic look. I did a dark pink lip and dramatic eyes to bolden the look. A sequin top is perfect for any holiday party. This sweater is actually from Forever 21.

Hair Accessories

For me, my love of headband and hair accessories began when I started watching Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl. Headbands were here signature look and she was always one of my favorite fashion trendsetters. Headbands, trendy hairpins, clips, hats can really cap off (no pun intended) any look. I have purchased some great hair accessories over the last few months and wanted to share a couple of my favorites:

Forever 21 Hair Clips; APocketofposies Hair Clips; Anthropologie Headbands; Nordstrom Berry Clips; Anthropologie Hat; BCBG Hair Clips; Deepa Gurnani Headband; Dolce & Gabbana Headband; Zara Headband;

One of my favorite headbands from Anthropologie. Buy it here!