beauty ideas – the Spiff

What I’ve Learned Watching YouTube Makeup Tutorials

September 28, 2016 No Comments

beauty blogger, knoxville beauty blogger, knoxville fashion blogger, beauty product review, funny blog, funny fashion blog

A deep dive into anything on YouTube can make you question a lot of things about your life. Why don’t I own more kittens? Why don’t I record myself dancing more often? How great is it that I never skateboarded off a rooftop?

Deep-diving into the world of makeup tutorials made me question what it is I’m doing on my face. Also, why don’t I own 4,000 more products and where it is I can get 3 more hours to do my makeup?

After I decided NOT to quit my job just to put on makeup full time, I learned some things and I wanted to share them with you…

One: We can do anything.

If those girls can get in front of a camera and to hundreds, thousands, MILLIONS of people strip their face of makeup? We can do anything.

I’m not going to lie, sometimes the scene change between a face full of makeup and then no makeup has made me jump a couple times. But those girls put themselves out there, and I’m thankful that they do.

Two: Their reviews are worth something.

Listen, blogs and vlogs alike, these people pour their blood sweat and tears into delivering you great content – APPRECIATE IT.

Their opinion holds more weight than the person who comments on the Sephora website. Because they’ve tried a lot of products. I know everyone starts out their review with, “I’ve tried everything”, but these girls (and I’m talking about the well established, well watched ones) they make it their job to try everything.

So next time you’re wondering about a product, (after checking thepsiff ;) get on YouTube and search for it. I guarantee you’ll give up at least an hour and half but you’ll walk away more knowledgeable.

Three: Stay natural and true to who you are. *sprinkles stardust

It’s easy to watch those videos and start to want to cake on the makeup and contour until your face looks like a chiseled piece of wood.

But don’t loose you. And don’t get caught up in looking at your imperfections.

Make a point to look in the mirror and focus on what you love. Gosh, it’s easy to look right at the things you don’t love. But getting in that habit over time degrades how you feel about yourself.

Makeup is meant to enhance your God-given beauty. Don’t use it to the point where you look like you can be placed in a wax museum as a replica of yourself.

Learn from the masters and translate their tips and tricks for your style. That’s the biggest lesson. Really, they can save you time and money if you’ll not binge watch 43 videos in a row…

Here are a couple I’ve been watching lately. One, two.

Beauty

Best Beauty Buys

October 9, 2015 No Comments

In my inbox right now sits an email from Etsy with the subject line, “Make your holiday gifts!” I haven’t deleted it because in the world inside my head, I’ve got time to sit around and make things like Christmas crafts. (Thank you, Etsy, for playing along with me).

The reality of it is any free time right now goes to the mound of wash we’re now treating like a rock wall and strapping up to scale in order to get anywhere in our apartment. Just kidding. I’ve taken to stuffing it places so I don’t have to deal.

That’s why lists like the annual Allure Best of Beauty makes life a little bit easier. Even in my single days when I had time for things like reading whole magazine articles, I didn’t want to have to stand in the beauty isle and wonder if I was making a good purchase.

Today I’ve brought you a few of my favorites from the list. Some I’ve already been using and love, and others I can’t wait to get my hands on. Hopefully this will prevent you from ever standing confusedly in the beauty isle and wasting valuable wash time.

One: This boost it spray is amazing. It really does help with lift and teasing, AND as an added bonus gives your hair good texture. It will come in handy with my Halloween costume (Muahaha).

Two: Dove has proven itself to me over and over. I love their mousse, their hairspray is something to run out for in the middle of the night, and now this. I haven’t tried it yet, but Allure tossed around words like “polish”, “soften” and “bounce” to describe it’s effects. I’m in.

Three: This whole oil cleanser thing is fascinating/sounds like paradise. It removes all your makeup – eyes, everything – and does so without drying out your face. I’ve not yet tried Shiseido’s version but now I’m thinking it’s going straight to my shopping list.

Four: I own this brush and while the bristles are still in tact, I’ve used it so often I wore the rubber on the handle down to the wood. #useful

Five: This NYX brush is for contouring and looks like it would get along with my cheek bones just fine.

Six: As much as I love putting makeup on, the whole mascara process makes me jealous of boys. It’s by far my least favorite part. But maybe a good eyelash curler like this one by Tweezerman would change my mind. It’s apparently amazing. I’ll be the judge of that…

Seven: On the days I work from home, it’s BB or CC cream for me. I can’t wait to try this one out by Rimmel. Not only does it cost about the same as a combo meal ($6.99) but it gives a luminous effect to your skin.

Eight: So I could have 18k gold on my fingers for $7.49? Why are my cuticles living life without this?

To hear all about a brand that’s been on the Allure Best Of list more than once, AND how you can get a discount on it, click here!

2015, Beauty, Fashion, west town mall, winter

And the Color of the Year Goes to…

January 5, 2015 No Comments

Marsala!

That just makes me hungry for Italian food.

As a dustier version of maroon, Marsala has been given that prestigious position of being the color to represent all other colors in the year 2015! What does this mean? Well, it means Marsala will travel the United States speaking at schools and communi…I don’t know what it means.

Orchid was the color of 2014 and I didn’t see it much past January.

But if you’re a fan of it, I’ve gathered some ways for you to incorporate it into your looks this winter, all of which can be found at West Town Mall.

(I will say that it’s hard to find the exact shade of “Marsala” around, it looks a little dustier than maroon, but I did my best to find colors close enough. And I don’t think the Pantone police will pull you over if you wear any of this).

First up, is this MNG top from JCP. The back has got a great lace detail, and I think the color would look great with grays or blacks or both. What’s great is it could also support either gold or silver jewelry.

This little bag should’ve gone on my Christmas list. I’m a huge fan of clutch purses, and this color would be a great yet subtle pop with so many neutral outfits. Grab this Coach clutch at Dillard’s and take it with you on shopping days or date nights!

The easiest possible way (besides nail polish) to introduce a color to your look is through lip stick. This is Heirloom Mix Lipstick in Salon Rouge from MAC (which is in both Dillard’s and Belk now) would probably look just as great layered as it would in one coat.

Converse Chuck Taylor’s from Rack Room Shoes – what a modern color spin on such a classic shoe! I’m all about shoes that allow me to wear full on socks. These would do that, and look great with my navy, black and gray t-shirt collection. Wait. I just realized I need these.

Whether we see it around the whole year or not, Pantone’s color of the year is a great excuse to try something new!

Happy 2015!