Makeup Brushes 101

Hello beauty lova's!

So it was recently pointed out that I have not done a blog post or video about makeup brushes and what they are best used for. Therefore, I decided to go through my collection and explain what each brush can be used for and what I love using them for.

Hope this helps everyone decide what makeup brushes they want to use!

Want the Sigma brushes I was talking about in this video.. here's the link: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=294508 In addition, for the month of August 2012 there is a 10% off coupon use the code SAVE2012. If you spend more than $30 there are free samples included!

Brushes in order of discussion:
Sigma Flat Top Kabuki F80: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Sigma_Flat_Top_Synthetic_Kabuki_F_80_p/f80.htm?Click=294508
Elf Powder Brush (Sigma Large Powder F20/F30 or Sigma Powder/Blush F10)
Sigma Large Angle Contour F40: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/f40.htm?Click=294508
Sigma Small Contour Brush F05: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Small_Contour_F05_p/f05.htm?Click=294508
Elf Blush Brush (Sigma Tapered Highlight F35): http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/f35.htm?Click=294508
Elf Eyeshadow C Brush
Sonia Kashuk Dome Brush
Sigma Blending E25: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Blending_E25_p/e25.htm?Click=294508
Elf Profession Defining Eye Brush
Sigma Tapered Blending E35: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e35.htm?Click=294508
Sigma Tapered Blending E40: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/product_p/e40.htm?Click=294508
Sigma Blending E25: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Blending_E25_p/e25.htm?Click=294508

Keep in touch!
Twitter: @crystalclaire23
Blog: www.claireeeeification.blogspot.com
Instagram: claireeeification

xoxo
Claire

Get Ready With Me: Summer Edition

Hello hello :),
Thought some of you might be interested in my summer routine because I don't like to cake on a lot of makeup when its spicy hot outside! Hope you enjoy!

Want some of the makeup brushes I use in this video: Here's the link to sigma: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=294508 Coupon code for August 2012: SAVE2012 which gives you 10% off your order, plus a free sample!

Stay in touch with me:
Twitter: @crystalclaire23
Blog: www.claireeeeification.blogspot.com
Instagram: claireeeification

Music: Begging Me by Florrie

xoxo
Claire

♥ Comparison of Liquid/Creme Eyeliners + DEMO ♥

Hello beauty lovers,
I recently filmed a video comparing 6 different liquid/creme eyeliners and figured you guys would love to see it!

EYELINERS AFTER ABOUT 5 HOURS (REMEMBER ITS MORE MOBILE ON MY HAND THAN EYE)

Eyeliner order:
1. Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner
2. L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner
3. Maribella
4. Maybelline Eye Studio Creme Eyeliner
5. Milani Infinite Eyeliner
6. Wet n wild h20 proof

♥ Stay in touch with me ♥
Youtube: www.youtube.com/MsClaireeeeification
Twitter: @crystalclaire23
Instagram: claireeeification
Blog: www.claireeeeification.blogspot.com

xoxo
Claire

July Favorites

Hello beauty babes,
This post is just discussing my July favorites for the month! Hope you enjoy!

For the brushes I mention in the video check out: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=294508 and use the AP2012 coupon code for 10% off!!

Haul video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4lGLvtetvc&feature=g-upl

Products mentioned:
Neutrogena Healthy Skin in 40 nude
Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki
Sigma F40 Large Angled Brush
Sigma F05 Small Contour Brush
EOS lip balm in lemon
Macadamia Deep Repair Masque
Essie Bikini So Teeny
Revlon 902 Craving Coral
Target Planner
Book: The girl who played with fire

Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!
xoxo
Claire

Review: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation

Hello my beauty babes, :)
I have been using Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation for at least 2 weeks now and I figured I would write a review!

First off I would like to say I am in the color nude 40 and it matches my skin perfectly. I would suggest if you are having trouble finding your color and not sure about it go to Ulta and have them help you. I say this because you can returned opened and used foundations at Ulta. Yes you might spend an extra dollar or two but isn't it worth finding your exact shade?

Onto the review (pro's): The formula is creamy, lightweight, and hydrating. I have very dry skin and other foundations I have tried have left my face feeling tight, irritated, and accentuates my dry patches. Neutrogena healthy skin gives me a healthy glow on my face or a dewy finish. This is great for all my dry skin ladies out there. I would say that combination skin could wear this foundation too just set it with a powder or finishing spray. In addition, there are a variety of shades, 12 to be exact; therefore, any girl could find the right match for them! Another great plus is that it is drugstore so the price isn't outrageous. Using a little bit of this foundation goes a long way because it blends beautifully and I would say it is light to medium coverage but I think if you let it soak in for a bit you could add more layers to build up the coverage. In discussing the coverage, using a foundation with a light to medium coverage allows your natural skin to shine through, making it appear like you have no foundation on which is essentially the goal. NATURAL LOOK. Unless you love the cake face....(say what)! Girls use your foundation sparingly, the point of foundation is not to completely cover pimples, that's what concealer is for. Foundation helps gives your skin an even tone and appearance. Another great aspect is that this foundation does not oxidize over time, at least on my skin it hasn't.

Con's: If you don't use a setting powder or spray it does transfer a little, this means if you touch your skin with your finger or a shirt it will leave a little of the color on there. The coverage may not be exactly what one is looking for, some people go for very full coverage.

Who I would recommend this for: Very dry to combination skin. Avoid if you have oily skin not the finish you want.

My Story: At first when I tried this, it made my pimples worse and I thought it was actually causing my breakouts. However, after my face got use to using this product it has not caused me anymore breakouts. If you are having a problem with foundation in the sense that you think it is causing breakouts, try using a primer this acts as a barrier to your skin.

Hope this helped!
xoxo
Claire

Highlighters

At first when I learned about highlighters, I didn't understand the hype. For those of you who don't know what a highlighter is it is a shimmery shade that you apply on top of your cheekbones and on your cupids bow to add dimension. In addition, it makes your skin look healthy, glowing, and fresh.

I saw MAC skinfinish in superb from the extra dimensions collection and had to purchase it! After purchasing this product i definitely understood the radiance and fresh look using a highlighter can provide. I am definitely a lover for highlighters now!

In the bottom picture you can see the added glow and even a little rosey color that this specific highlighter gives to my cheeks. The nice thing about this highlighter is you can also use this product as a blush/highlighter & eyeshadow! The highlighter aspect gives the skin a healthy glow that makes your face look healthy, young, and beautiful!

A great alternative to MAC skinfinishes are drugstore highlighters and even shimmery eyeshadows.

Whats your favorite highlighter?!

xoxo
Claire

Get Ready With Me

Here's a fun little video/ tutorial for some colorful eye makeup. In addition, it shows my application process of foundation. The foundation shown in this video is one that I am currently trying out but need more time to officially make educated opinion about it. Have fun watching!

Don't forget to subscribe and leave any comments about videos/blog posts you would like to see or read!
Look inspired by MakeupByTiffanyD

Elf Mineralized Primer
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation in 40 Nude
Sigma Flat Top Kabuki Brush (F80)
Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer in medium
Essence Brow Kit (I used the lighter shade)
Sigma Small Contour Brush
NYC Sunny Bronzer
ELF Powder Blush
Sigma Angled Blush Brush
NYX Cream Blush in 05 Glow
Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion
Elf Single Eyeshadow in Wild Wheat
Sonia Kashuk Brush
Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trio-Walking on Eggshells (First the crease color)
Elf C4 Flat Shader Brush
Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trio-Walking on Eggshells (lid color)
Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trio-Walking on Eggshells (browbone color)
Sigma E25 Blending Brush
Maybelline Color Tattoo- Tenacious Teal
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara in very black
Maybelline Falsies Mascara in very balck
EOS lip balm in honeydew

For Sigma brushes use coupon code AP2012 and link: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=294508

Contact me:
Twitter: @crystalclaire23
Blog: claireeeeification.blogspot.com
Instagram: claireeeification

Disclaimer: All products shown in this video have been purchased with my own money. Song is from Stroke 9-Vaccuum Bag

xoxo
Claire

Review: Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation

So since hearing all the hype on youtube about this product, I decided to try it for myself since it was summer and I was getting darker, I needed a new foundation to match my skin tone. Here's my honest opinion about this product.

Tell me your thoughts about it.

xoxo
Claire

Review: L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Lotion

So I picked this product up thinking it would enhance my tan and give me a darker color. Here's my review on this product:

If you tried it tell me what you thought!

Would I buy this product again: NOOOOOO

xoxo
Claire

Review For A Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trio/ Dupes

While I was watching emilynoel83 on youtube, she showed some dupes for 3 MAC eyeshadows. I decided to share this information with ya'll :) This will save you money and time. Not only is this blog post about the dupes but a review on this product as well.

The eyeshadow is a trio by Wet N Wild called "Walking on Eggshells" it is an affordable 3$ at your local drugstore. This trio can be used for a great everyday neutral eye look or can be deepened for a sultry/smokey nighttime look. The eyeshadow's are very smooth, silky, and creamy to give you that great color pay off. In addition, they are very well pigmented and the color can be built up.  The color labeled eyelid shows up more as a peachy pink, which makes it very wearable. I would definitely recommend this trio.

Dupes: Onto the dupes...The three mac shadows that look identical to these shadows are Shroom (dupe: the white browbone color), Cork (dupe: the brown crease color), and Naked Lunch (dupe: the pinky peach eyelid color). If you want to see swatches of the MAC eyeshadows check out emilynoel83's youtube channel :)

 

CLICK THE PICTURE TO ENLARGE!!

As always thanks for reading

xoxo

Claire

Matte Nails

Most people love the high gloss look of nails but I have been drawn to the matte nail look. Ive tried nails polishes that state they are matte, and they might remain matte for about a day or two but I have never found a matte polish that stays matte and lasts a long time....until NOW!

The best matte top coat I have found is "Essie Matte About You"! It works over any color nail polish which allows it to be very versatile and usable for multiple people. It is a little expensive at about 8$ depending on where it is purchased. Can be bought at Ulta or on their website. In addition, I bought mine on amazon for $7.90 (which included shipping + tax). Seems a little expensive for a top coat; however, it will last you a very long time! You only need one thin coat and you will see instant results.

In this picture, I put it over black and I left the tips glossy: (CLICK PIC TO ENLARGE)

Overall, I would definitely suggest this product if you want those unusual, fun, matte nails!

xoxo
Claire

June Favorites

Everyone has that makeup product that they have been using constantly throughout the month. Well here are my June favorites!

sorry about the cuts, it was too long to upload originally

For 10% off Sigma brushes use the code STAR2012 until June 30th, from July 1st-July 30th use AP2012. Heres the link: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=294508

Neutral Eye with pop of color: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-eu7pVhVZo&feature=g-upl

Victoria's Secret Semi Annual Sale/Summer Scents: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4aYmw0bfx8&feature=context-gau

Products used:
Elf Mineral Infused Primer ($3)
NYC Sunny Bronzer ($3)
Sigma Flat Top Kabuki F80 ($16)
Wet n Wild eyeshadow-walking on eggshells ($3)
Maybelline Falsies ($5)
Wet n Wild Idol Eyes creme shadow ($2)
Clean & Clear deep exfoliating scrub ($7)
Essie Matte About You ($8)
Jalapeno Sun Chips
Kelloggs Rice Krispies

Contact me:
Twitter: @crystalclaire23
Blog: claireeeeification.blogspot.com
Instagram: claireeeification

Disclaimer: All products were bought with my own money and all opinions are my own.

Neutral Eye with POP of Color

Ever wonder how to spice up your eyeshadow without going crazy with colors. Well here's a fun little summer eyeshadow tutorial that would look great on everyone. It uses light browns and copper colors along with adding a fun color of blue! Many people have colors very similar to the ones that I used in this video so check your collection and get started!

Products used:
Urban Decay Primer Potion (dupe: Elf Eyelid primer)
Elf eyeshadow in wild wheat
Urban Decay eyeshadow in Sin
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese
Clinique eyeshadow in Sugar Sugar
Two Faced Neutral Eye Palette in Pushup
Wet n Wild idol eye creme shadow pencil in 131 Electro
Maybelline Falsies Mascara in black

Have fun creating!

xoxo
Claire

Review: Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara

So this mascara is Maybelline's newest edition to their mascara line and of course I saw it while in Target and had to pick it up. I had high hopes for this product but unfortunately did not live up to my expectations.

Pros:
Cute color packaging (seafoam green color)
Comes in waterproof and very black
Large wand

Cons:
Flexible stick-pulls on lashes (kinda hurts...what a shame)
Separates but doesn't thicken lashes/doesn't make lashes bold (con for me)
Didn't make my lashes extremely black
Not the most waterproof mascara I've tried, gave me minor raccoon eyes

Overall, I thought it was a waste of my i think $6.07 and wish I would have went back to my original mascara that I use everyday (Maybelline Falsies Waterproof in very black)

WOULD I PURCHASE AGAIN: DEFINITELY NOT.

xoxo,
Claire

This Will Change Your Nail Life Forever

So I probably late on this train already but doesn't matter I have discovered magic. If you love painting your nails as much as I do then you need to try this AHHHMAZING top coat!

It's called Seche Vite, its a little pricey, I found it for $6.99 but its definitely worth your money. You apply this clear high gloss coat after your nail polish color has dried. It drys insanely fast, makes your nails hard as a rock, adds a high gloss shine, and prevents chipping! This is definitely my holy grail nail product and will continue to purchase this in the future.






Tell me your thoughts :)
Claire

Spring 2012 Trends

I don't necessarily like to follow the trends when it comes to fashion/ beauty but I love some of the trends that are popping up for spring.

1. Neon nail polish
2. Cat eye (winged liner)
3. Floral patterns
4. Bright jeans (pink, blue, peach)
5. Bright heels to pair with the perfect outfit
6. Wild shaped and colored sunglasses
7. Bright colored clutches and purses (Target)

These are just some of the trends for the spring and summer. I can't wait till the weather gets warmer and I can rock some of these amazing trends. Bright neon colors can be scary but paired with neutral colors can add a pop of color to your wardrobe. What are some of your spring fashion/beauty trends?

<3 Claire

How To Find Your Perfect Blush

Ever wonder how to find that perfect blush that matches your skin tone? Well I have your perfect solution.

Start with a fresh face that has absolutely no makeup on. An easy time to do this is right after you woke up before you wash your face because the scrubbing of the washcloth can create redness and discoloration on your face.

Then pinch the apples of your cheeks until you see color, this color is the color that you want to remember for your perfect blush shade. That is the color you want to search for in blush colors whether its powder, cream, or cheek tint. It will look natural and match your skin tone perfectly :) To remember you can always snap a picture! Then don't forget to sample the product before buying.

Happy searching!

Fighting Winter Lips

Everyone has experiences those times during winter when your lips become dry, cracking, peeling, and flaky. You try to put lipstick or lip gloss on and you see every line and crack. Its both embarrassing and annoying. Here are some simple and fun tricks to keep your lips soft and subtle during the winter.

Find a good chapstick that will stay on your lips while walking through the blistering cold, windy, winter days. My personal favorite is Carmex in original. Chapstick is key to fighting off the dry lips in winter.


If possible cover your face while walking outside in the freezing cold weather, you can do this by finding a cute scarf that can also help make an outfit! This protects your lips from the wind and cold.

Exfoliate your lips once a week to remove the dead skin. If you don't want to invest in a lip scrub try using sugar. Dip your finger in some water and then sugar and massage into lips. The rough texture takes away the dry flaky skin that is sitting on the surface of the lips. My favorite lip scrub is by Lush called Pow Wow, the best part about it is you can lick off the scrub and eat it! Mmmm just like pop rocks! A simple exfoliator can be your toothbrush...yes i said toothbrush! Use the bristles of the toothbrush in circular motions all around the lips...it also draws blood to the lips and helps pump them up!

Another quick tip for those lipstick lovers, try applying a lip balm before you apply the lipstick to have a smooth surface for the lipstick to glide over instead of adhere to the rough patches.

Hope these tips and tricks help!
Claire

December Favorites

Hey everyone,
I decided to start blogging about my beauty adventures since I am on the newer side of the beauty world. This first entry will discuss my favorite items from December.
1. MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural in Light Plus
2. NYC Sunny Bronzer (even though mine dropped and broke!)
3. Carmex Chapstick (my holy grail lip product)
4. OPI "Design de Better"
5. Orly "Royal Navy"
6. Sigma E40 Brush

These are just some of the products that have been used on a regular basis throughout December and are definitely considered on my favorites list. In addition I recently picked up some items at the Mall and Target in a recent haul that I am excited to tryout. On youtube, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Foundation has been continuously talked about as an item to try; therefore, I decided to give it a shot. I'm hoping this foundation will conquer my complications with liquid foundation. Since I bought a new foundation, I decided to purchase the 3-step skin care line from Clinique since it is a new year and my skin isn't its best. I will most likely document my findings here on the blog about these products so be sure to stay tuned for those!

What are some of your favorite products for the month?