Such Pretty Much Wow

9 Oct 2014

My Favourite Nail Art Posts of the Month from Reddit

I've decided to expand my favourite Reddit Beauty round up into multiple more specific posts - there is just so many cute manicures and makeup looks that everyone posts - all such great inspiration! So to begin with, these are my favourite nail art posts.

"Squirrel and Sparkles" by Manicurn_it

"Cherry blossoms on a French manicure gradient with a matte finish" by roflypenguingasm

Pretty Floral Nails by Stephsnails - for photos of the process or just because she's awesome, you should check out her blog!

True Blood Logo Nail Art by PiggieLuv. This is so amazingly detailed and awesome. I wish I was this talented. She also has a post about it on her blog, which you should totally check out :)

Awesome vampire fang nails by Kimberlykitty. These are such an awesome idea - especially with Halloween approaching. Kimberllykitty says "The black and white polishes are just plain Wet and Wild cream black and french white. The two middle fingers (and my thumb) have one layer of black topped with one layer of Kleancolor's Chunky Holo Scarlet. :-)"

This is another great manicure for Halloween -a dripping poison look by -Diet-Cokehead-. She says that "I used Nautilus You Say So by Different Dimension for the green and OPI's matte top coat over the black. The skull and crossbones is a nail vinyl from Lou it Yourself's Halloween set. Here's a link to her store http://louityourself.storenvy.com/ she has some really awesome designs" and also explained how she did the drips: "What I did was lay down the green color first and then top coat it and make sure it was completely dry. I then used a super fine black sharpie (this worked since I was using black as the background color) and drew out the outline for the drips. I wasn't happy with one of them so I took the sharpie off with rubbing alcohol and drew it again. Then it was just a matter of staying within the lines. I've also seen some tutorials where people use a dotting tool for the bottom of the drip and then connect the dot to the top part if that makes sense". She also has an instagram that you should check out. :)

This is a simpler but still fabulously adorable 1930s-esc manicure by atxlacquerista. Cedricsmiles also did a very similarly awesome look in red and white.

Awesomely fantastic Totoro nails by Kikidiwasabi. So well done, and so very cute. I'm a bit of a sucker for Studio Ghibli.

These super cute "Autumn Owls" are by Esperanza.

Sandwich bag galaxy nails by Panduuhh. I think they look like an exotic marbled stone. So pretty. She says: "Basically you put drops of nail polish on a sandwich baggy and fold the bag on top of the wet polish and smoosh it around a little bit to make the colors get to know each other and once its dry, you can peel it off like a sticker and apply it to your nail". She also has a tumblr full of nail art that you should check out.

"Blue sparkly mosaic mani" by DoctorCrafty. There are more pictures on her blog, which you should check out.

This cute Jupiter inspired nail art look is only one of a set of all nine planets in our solar system by PeanutMonkey. The post hyperlinked above includes all nine. She also has a blog called Pretty Girl Science (the planet series of blog posts can be found here).

This adorable floral mani is by adcherub. Her instagram is @bwlblogger.

"Fall Equinox Mani: Gradient Chevrons Inspired by Fall Leaves" by Missus_b. I love this, and also the inspired manicures by Publicidentity and Remalin. Missus_b listed the polishes she used here.

This absolutely adorable fox nail polish is by Felinewarrages. It was apparently inspired by One Nail To Rule Them All. Felinewarrages said: "I used Surprise I'm Drunk by Vapid Lacquer for the base, Rose Bowl by Cult for the fox color and flowers, bikini so teeny by Essie for the blue flowers, Alpine Snow by OPI for the white flowers, Mahima by Julep for the middle of the flowers, and last but not least is Innocent by Sinful Colors for the leaves. Topped it off with a matte coat, but a glossy top coat looks cute too!"

8 Oct 2014

Lipstick Swatches Part 6

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Ultimate Orchard, ELF Matte Lip Colour in Tea Rose, NYX Lipstick in Tea Rose #628, Innoxia Summer Matte Lipstick in Pink Carnation, Sportsgirl Pucker Up Lip Crayon

Sportsgirl Pucker Up Lip Crayon, no name or number listed.

Sportsgirl Pucker Up Lip Crayon

This one is old and I doubt its available anymore. My feeling towards SportsGirl makeup and other beauty products is that they are only worth getting during a decent sale. I don't think they are usually worth their full price. That being said, I don't mind this lip pencil - the colour is nice, but it's hard to sharpen and I have much better lipsticks.

Innoxia Summer Matte Lipstick in Pink Carnation

This is on the more purple side of pastel pink. I've never been able to decide if I like this colour or not, and I'm not sure why - I like and wear both purples and pinks and I have very pale skin to go with the pastel colour. I don't mind this lipstick, but its certainly not worth its full price I don't think. It did do a good job for my 80s costume a few months ago, though, with a very similar coloured glitter shadow dabbed on top to create a frosted look that is very 80s.

NYX Lipstick in Tea Rose #628

I like this colour a lot. This is a nice medium pink that isn't too loud and could be worn easily with bright eyeshadow (as with all of the shades on this page.)

ELF Matte Lip Colour in Tea Rose

This is a very nice subtle colour. It's pretty decent for the price, and really easy to reapply. I often wear it when I want a barely-there shade.

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Ultimate Orchard

I really like this colour, its a very nice purply-pink but the lipstick itself is very drying. I really don't think it's worth full price in Australia (about $20 I think), but it's probably worth getting on sale. I've found it feels a lot better with lip balm or moisturizing lip base underneath, but it decreases the wear time, which is usually fairly decent (if you can stand it). This lipstick doesn't really like hot coffee, it reacts and crumbles a bit but its no where near as bad as Australis Velourlips as you can just wipe the top layer off before reapplying.

7 Oct 2014

Dia De Los Muertos Sugar Skull Makeup Tutorials

As both Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos are getting closer, I thought I'd do a round up of awesome sugar skull makeup tutorials. First up are some picture tutorials, followed by some video ones.

This pretty look is by Lillian Fogel and was posted on Emma Magazine.

This in-depth picture tutorial was done by Misty Spinney for Brit+Co

This adorable look was done by Annabella Lingis and was found on Crown Brush UK's blog. Annabella Lingis can also be found on Pinterest.

This look was done by The Crafty Woman

Video Tutorials:

Sugar Skull 'Identity' Makeup Tutorial by .

M∙A∙C Rick Baker - How To Create the Day of Dead

Sugar skull Day of the Dead Halloween makeup tutorial. By Lara Christina

More Halloween Ideas Here

5 Oct 2014

Snow White Makeup Tutorial

I think this look would look better with fake lashes, but unfortunately I'm allergic to eyelash glue. Also, in hindsight the cheeks should be a little rosier. I also didn't have a red bow, so I used a white one (which also helped with the white balance, actually).

Product list:
Eyes:
Face of Australia Eye Primer Matte
Too Faced Pretty Rebel - Dainty and Gangsta
Maybelline XXL Volume + Length Mascara
Rimmel Volume Flash Scandal Eyes Mascara
Stilla Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Alpine
MAC Fluidline in Blitz & Glitz
Unknown eyeshadow brush
ELF smudge brush
ELF eyeliner brush
Essence blending brush
Unknown eyelash/eyebrow brush

Face:
The Face Shop Face it Primer Velvet Skin
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Light Porcelain 010
Unknown powder foundation
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
Essence Silky Touch Blush in 50 Sweetheart
Bourjois Paris Blush 34 Rose D'or
Starlet Loose Powder Translucent Finishing
Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer in Ivory 001
Precision Beauty stippling brush
Essence blush brush
Sportsgirl blush brush
Ultraceuticals Kabuki brush

Lips:
ELF Lip Primer & Plumper (primer used only)
Savvy by DB Lipliner in Berry
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Matte in 006 Really Red

2 Oct 2014

Halloween Ideas: Modern Day Disney

Modern Day Disney:

There are multiple artists online who have done modern day designs of classic Disney princesses and other characters. I think this is a great, simple idea for a costume - and all the pieces of clothing can be worn again with other outfits! It's simplest to go with a character with similar hair and skin tone to you, or you can simply have your version be a beautiful blonde Snow White or a gorgeous dark skinned Cinderella, its completely up to you. Just ensure you maintain the characters key colours, patterns, and other recognisable features - such as Snow White's red hair bow, or Rapunzel's very long hair.

For Example:

This cute picture is by user Joebasara on Deviant Art, and can be found here. I think its a great example of a modern day princess outfit. To start with, the red hair bow/head band is a must, as with keeping the general colour scheme - the royal/dark blue and yellow (with hints of red and white). But there is multiple ways to go about this - A cute blue dress or shirt with yellow tights or jeans is one way. You could go for a cute yellow pencil skirt, or one that's flared, or even shorts. You could have a blue jacket over a red shirt, or have a red belt. If you want to add some colour and creativity to a simple blue top or dress, you could add red or white trim to the sleeves or hem (like this or this, for example), or if it's low cut like above, you could wear a lacy red or white singlet or crop top underneath so that it shows across the cleavage (like this sort of look) or add something like this to the neckline. Cute red shoes with an apple necklace or other accessory could complete the look.

This outfit found on Pinterest would also make a cute Snow White, if it had a redder hair bow.
Also, Scathingly Brilliant's brilliantly adorable Snow White inspired outfit.

Remember: you can tailor the outfit to your style, but be sure to keep enough key elements to ensure the costume is recognizable. If you are crafty, you can buy simple statement pieces and add extra features - like sleeves in another colour - or even make items of clothing yourself that are reminiscent of the princess or character of choice, but with a modern twist - such as a shorter skirt. You could also include another character - like Flounder if you are Ariel, or Mushu if you are Mulan - such as on a piece of jewelry, an iron or sew on patch, or even just carry around a cute toy version.

More Inspiration:
"Modern Day Princesses: Prom Addition" by Misses Dressy
"Fasion Princesses" Artwork by Viria13
"Modern Disney Girls" by Tinysnail
"Disney High" by Nina D Lux

Modern Day Anna from Frozen outfit
Tinkerbell inspired outfit by Scathingly Brilliant (Just add wings!)
Mulan inspired outfit by Scathingly Brilliant

Lastly,
Leggings like these would be great with a purple top or dress for Ariel!

1 Oct 2014

Lipstick Swatches Part 5

From Left to Right - Lumene Lipstick in #15, ELF Lipstick in Posh; Colour By TBN Lip Butter in #879 Hurry Up & Kiss Me; ELF Matte Lip Color in Rich Red; BOE Jumbo Wind Up Lips in #24 Knockout Red

Lumene Lipstick in #15 (no name written on the tube)

This lipstick usually applies a bit better, I was having issues with over use of makeup remover as I did the swatches for about 7 of these posts all in one go. This is a very pigmented red, I believe on the warmer side of neutral.

ELF Lipstick in Posh

This lipstick is about $3 from ELF in Australia. I believe you can now purchase it from Kmart. It's a nice red and fairly good quality for the price. Obviously its not the longest lasting, but its okay.

Colour By TBN Lip Butter in #879 Hurry Up & Kiss Me

This is a lip butter, rather than a lipstick. This means it is softer, feels nicer on the lips but doesn't last as long. That being said, it's easy to apply and fades evenly. This came in a set of five from Amcal pharmacy in Australia.

ELF Matte Lip Color in Rich Red

This is another lipstick from ELF (available online or at Kmart in Australia). It's a lovely bright matte red. It's quite good for the price, although it's obviously not as great as something like Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil by NARS, but considering the huge price difference which I believe is at least $30 in Australia.

BOE Jumbo Wind Up Lips in #24 Knockout Red

This lipstick is $2 from BigW. Considering the price, you can't expect too much - but it's pretty damn decent. It doesn't last very long, but fades evenly without leaving a stain, and is very easily reapplied - especially due to the shape of the package. I feel like this is more a lip butter than a lipstick, and its definitely worth the price.

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