My Wedding Makeup!

Hey Beauties,

Today I wanted to share with you the tutorial that inspired my wedding makeup look, and share the products that I used! But first, a little backround:

I was having such a hard time choosing my wedding makeup look. The main reasons were A) I would be doing it myself, and B) I needed a look that would translate well. I searched hundreds of photos and tutorials looking for looks that fit my personality, the message I wanted to send, and something with in my capability level. As I mentioned in my Wedding Things post about makeup, it can be really tricky to find the right look. Alot of websites and professionals suggest minimal makeup because you "don't want to look like a whole other person", but if you're like me, I wouldn't look myself with bare minimal makeup on. I love playing up my eyes, so I wanted to find a look that was smokey, but not overdone. I wanted it to be bold enough to show up well on camera, but no racoon eyes! About 2 weeks before the wedding, I found this tutorial, and it was perfect:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx8cGodgONs&list=PL302355F434506208&index=23&feature=plpp_video

I did tweak it a little to match up to my personal preferences, and I did add some steps to ensure that the look would last long. Instead of the pink lipgloss that Laura uses here, I did a berry-pink-roseish lipstick. I also used setting spray to hold all of my face makeup, and used a dark brown pencil liner on my lower lashline. The products I used (including face) were:

Cliniques Superbalanced Makeup in Petal
UMA Cosmetics Face Powder in Light
UMA Cosmetics Blush in Romantic Rose
Biju Cosmetics Sun Powder (bronzer)
Rimmel London's Fix and Perfect Foundation Primer
Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter
Astor Cosmetics Concealer in Sand
NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Color
Benefit's Eyeshadow in Pink Fancy
MAC Matte Eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown
Benefit's Eyeshdow in Posh Amethyst
Rimmel London's Kohl pencil in Panama
Maybelline's Master Drama Kohl Liner in Ultra Black
ELF Liquid Liner in Black
Maybelline's Falsies Mascara in Black Waterproof
ELF Makeup Setting Spray
Rimmel London's Moisture Renew Lipstick in Vintage Pink

I used an assortment of brushes.

This look photographed beautifully, and was not way too overdone. It also held in place really well throughout the hot/ humid weather, kissing, and dancing. I think you could customize the lips to day or night, etc.

I hope you all enjoyed this look!!
X's and O's,
Amanda

Review: Clinique's Superbalanced Makeup

Hey Cutie Pies,

So today, I am going to do  a review on Clinique's Superbalanced Makeup. This is a foundation that I use daily, and I am completely in love with it!
I cannot say enough good about this makeup. It gets its name because it absorbs excess oil where there is, and moisturizes dry patches on your skin. Superbalance! I like to call it "Smart Makeup". The formula is creamy, and blends like a dream. It is good for dry, oily, normal, and combination skin! I think the colors are beautiful as well. The coverage is light, and does not feel heavy whatsoever. I have combination skin, and I am really impressed. It NEVER shows patching(sighhhh of relief!), and I never look greasy. It is foundation perfection!

The only downsides are that it is a light coverage, and depending on your budget, pricey. Light coverage is perfect for me, but if you need a heavier coverage, this may be too light for you. A bottle costs $21.50. This bottle usually lasts me about 3 months or so, and I feel like it is worth the price. I have heard beauty gurus say foundations are "inexpensive" at this rate. While I personally don't find it to be too expensive, everyone's budget is different. I defintely remember when I was younger and didn't have much money- $12.00 drugstore foundation seemed like a lot to me. However, if this is within your budget, I defintely reccomend giving it a try! I adore it, and use it every day:)
Now to do the fun stuff, like iron my boyfriends laundry and unload the dishwasher:p
X's and O's,
Amanda