Tuesday, October 7, 2014

a YOUNIQUE experience

Ok So I have heard alot about Younique Moodstruck 3D fiber lash mascara. I have heard really great things about how it lengthens and adds volume, and I have heard not so great things like its too clumpy and that it makes your eyes look like tarantulas.That being said, when a Younique representative contacted me to ask if I'd like to do a review on it, I thought to myself "Duuhhhhhh, that's a no brainer!" I couldn't wait to see what all of the hype was about!

First Impressions
The packaging was quite clever and beautiful. It comes in a hard, textured, leather like case, almost like the ones you get when you receive a really nice pen set for graduation or a promotion at work. It's perfect for traveling or throwing into your purse. The Younique logo is placed in the center of the case to add a touch of class and glam.

Inside, there is a flyer with directions and tips and boasts a 300% increase in thickness and volume to your lashes. 
Inside the case the fibers and transplanting gel are held snugly in the case by leather straps. 

First Application
Wow! I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I followed the directions below and couldn't believe the difference it made.
The top photo is me without anything on one eye and and Younique Moodstruck 3D on the other.
The bottom is Younique Moodstruck 3D on both.

I am really happy with this product and so glad that I was able to review a product that I had heard so much about. It will take some getting used to because at times the fibers can seem to clump but it's nothing I don't deal with on a regular basis with other brands of mascara. Younique definitely added both length and volume and stayed on all day. Best of all, it was easy to remove when I washed my face.

Tips:
  • Work quickly after applying the gel. If you wait too long to put the fibers on, they won't adhere to your lashes as well and will fall into your eye or onto your cheeks.
  • Use your fingers or tweezers to remove any fiber clumps that may be at the tips of your lashes.
  • Applying your favorite mascara before the first coat of gel can take the volume and length of your lashes a step further.
  • For a more natural looking eye, use one round of Younique only.
  • For a more dramatic eye, apply more coats.
  • To really make your lashes pop, use neutral tones with slight shimmer on your lids and don't apply heavy line. Let the mascara speak for itself.

Enjoy a few random photos of me and my Younique look. Thanks for stopping by The Messy Vanity,

Kat




Wednesday, September 10, 2014

How to Fill Your Brows Using NYX Brow Gel







1. Begin with NYX Cosmetics Brow Gel (I'm using Espresso). Trace the natural outline of your brow.

2. Gently begin filling in from the outer end of your brow to the inner corner. Keep the gel very light at the inner corners so that you get the most natural looking brow.

3. Use NYX Brow Shaper to conceal around the brow and give it a crisp edge.

4. Blend out the concealer.





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NYX Brow Gel

NYX Brow Shaper





































Thanks for Stopping By The Messy Vanity,

Kat

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Miss Piggy & Joan Rivers





My Favorite memory of #JoanRivers Miss Piggy & Joan Rivers: http://youtu.be/XhbF5u9yMkU via @YouTube

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Nailed it or Failed it: Curly Locks on Short Hair


So since I got my hair cut, I've been experimenting with different looks. "Pushing the envelope" so to speak on the styles I can do with short hair. After going through my hair appliances, I realized that I had completely forgotten about all of the different ways I used to curl my long locks. One of the safest and my most favorite way to curl my hair was to put curling rods in. I have probably close to a hundreds curling rods of all sizes so of course, the wheels started turning.....

Thursday, August 21, 2014

About Face: My Facial Cleansing Routine



I get so many questions about when and how often I wash my face. My face is in no way perfect but I don't think I have bad skin. I've decided to put together a a few products that I use regularly to keep my face clean and young.... well as young as I can get anyway (wink, wink). In fact, in my opinion, because I've been using these products regularly, I really see a positive difference in my skin.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

5 Things I need in my possession for the Fall season


Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get it. Everybody loves the summer. And who wouldn't it's a great time of year, but there is something about fall! Big cozy sweaters, darker colors, the list goes on. There is just no arguing that fall is brings tons of fashion and beauty trends that cant be pulled off in the summer. There are quite a few things on my fall wishlist.....

Monday, August 18, 2014

These are a few of my favorite things: 9 products I cant live without



Its been way too long since I have put together a "favorite things" list. With so many great products out there, its so hard to narrow it down and say that I love just one mascara or just one hairspray... or just one of

anything really. But I've managed to put together a small list and broken it down into categories. Enjoy!

Friday, August 15, 2014

Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Palette

Just went to ULTA Beauty and Finally got my Anastasia Beverly Hills #Amrezypalette today. Plus I got a NYX Cosmetics #softmatte lip color in Transylvania. It's going to be perfect for fall! #themessyvanity 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

A Dream Weekend In Vegas!

There's nothing like a night out on the town . Whether it be dancing the night away with your girls, having a romantic date night with your love or seeing a live show... What you do and how you look can make or break how you feel and the confidence you have.

For a lot of us... nights like this don't happen often. I like to get all fancied up and "act" like I'm going on a crazy fun vacation to some place I probably will never have the chance to go. A place like ... VEGAS! --Hey, a girl can dream can't she? Anyway, from what I've heard and seen, a Vegas trip is everything fun all wrapped into one little strip. It's got glamour,  it's got elegance and more importantly,  it's just the right amount of crazy. (siiiigh, I'll get there one day) But for now.... I can at least look like I'm there.

I've created these amazing looks for a night or two at Aria, which, of course, is where we (my group of friends and I) would be staying... (for now we're just pretending but ONE DAY I tell ya... this story will come true) I mean look how beautiful this place is!

Bold Cirque Du Soleil Inspired Look

Creating this look was so much fun. I was able to mix and match colors that are not generally used in my everyday looks.

Follow these simple steps to create this Cirque Du Soleil inspired look.



1. Moisturize your face
note: its important to let each "layer" you apply to your face or eyes dry before moving to the next step. This especially goes for moisturizers and primers

Monday, August 11, 2014

Step By Step: Deep Purple Smokey Eye Look

Smokey eyes are a simple way to add class or sass to any look. 


Follow the steps to create this beautiful Deep Purple Smokey Eye Look



1. Moisturize your face
note: its important to let each "layer" you apply to your face or eyes dry before moving to the next step. This especially goes for moisturizers and primers

August Ipsy Sneak peek

Absolute New York, Glam Glow, Urban Decay, Lord & Berry and Manna Kadar Cosmetics... What do all of these have in common? They are all going to be in my August Ipsy bag! I'm so excited! To find out more about Ipsy and how to get a bag full of amazing products each month click here. At an affordable $10/month you can't pass this up!

Thanks for stopping by The Messy Vanity,
Kat

Monday, August 4, 2014

Go navy!



I created this beautiful navy eye using Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in electric blue. I blended it out with Taupe from the Lorac Pro palette and cream in the brown bone. I set the blue with Dark Blue from my Smashbox Wondervision Mega Palette.  I then smudged Urban Decays Black  Velvet  24/7 pencil  along the upper lid and in the water line. I made a subtle wing using my They're Real Push Up liner by Benefit and set it all using Black  from the Lorac Pro palette and Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara. The end result was this gorgeous "rock star-esque" eye. I contoured my face and paired it with a nude lip. To top it off, I messied up my hair a bit.


Thank you for stopping by The Messy Vanity
Kat

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

My Small Big Sexy Haul


A new hairdo= A perfect reason to try out some new hair products. Luckily, I was out and about today and was able to swing by and pick up a few things. 
1. Back Comb in a Bottle- I hear this stuff is amazing and prevents you from having to tease your hair which causes breakage. Less teasing equals less breakage. Has anyone here tried it? 

2. Get Layered Quick Dry Thickening Spray- truthfully, I got this because I loved the packaging plus I think it could help on those days my hair is feeling flat and lifeless. 
3. Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray. I mainly got this because I couldn't find the Masterpiece spray that I usually get from Bed Head. I just love how these hairspray a smell. 

Last but not least....
4. Benefit They're Real Push up liner. I've seen this everywhere and have been dying to try it. Hope it doesn't disappoint!
 

Oh, and I can't forget my freebies. Peter Thomas Roth anti-aging cleanser & Murad advanced radiance serum. 
Thank you ULTA  for having an amazing buy 2 get 1 free sale. 

Have y'all tried any of these? I wanna hear what you think! 

Thank you for stopping by The Messy Vanity,
Kat

Monday, July 21, 2014

Curly Sexy Hair for a Rainy day

Let's face it, trying to get a your hair to look good on a rainy day is a bitch. Nope,  can't straighten it or it will be ruined. Forget about soft loose curls, the minute you walk outside, it's a big frizzy mess. So what do I do?? I just go with it. Don't fight it. Most of us have a combination of wavy, straight and curly hair anyway and in my opinion, following these instructions will bring out and enhance your natural curls.

Start by untangling your freshly washed, out of the shower hair. 

Then grab some of this amazing stuff.... Sexy Hair Curly Sexy Hair Curl Power Spray Foam
Spray it all over and scrunch the crap out of your hair. 

Next grab a blow dry spray. Today, I'm using KMS Free Shape Quick Blow Dry Spray
Shake it up and spray it all over. 

Place your diffuser onto your blow dryer and from all angles, scrunch your hair using the diffuser. 

Front, Back, Side to Side....



...Even upside down! 

Continue to do this until your curls are dry and soft.

The end result is soft curly hair that the rain will only help to make better. 


Hope you liked this quick tip.

Thank you for stopping by The Messy Vanity

Kat





Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Unboxing: My first Lip Monthly Box

It's here! It's here! My first Lip Monthly box. I've been waiting over a month for this little gem and I am thrilled with it! 



First thing is first, I just want to say that I need to train my kids a little better on telling me when I have a package. I just so happened to see this in the den. For all I know, it could have been in the house for days and no one ever bothered to mention it. ....(ugh) Teenagers. 


After finding it and figuring out exactly what it was, I opened it right away. 

It came in a plain white envelope and