Battle of the Bronzer!

Hello Beauties!  

      I'm border-lined obsessed with bronzer these days! I keep trying different ones and I keep falling in love! Summer is the best time for that  shimmery glow and soft contour , so bronzer season it is! I'm on the hunt for that perfect one, but I can't seem to commit. Then again...Who says you have to settle down with just one?! 

So far I've tried and loved:

      

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick $38

   This gorgeous palette gives you a beautiful sweep of 5 shades that come together to set your face off like WHOA! Perfect for a night out on the town. 

NARS "Laguna" Bronzer $30

    A best-seller at every Sephora, Laguna gives the appearance of beautiful natural tan that makes you look slimmer and sexier when contoured on the cheek bones. 

  Bare Escentuals Warmth All-Over $20

     A popular choice for those who want to get a tan without the actual sun damage. It has a really soft matte affect that compliments any day time look. 

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Bronzer $10.50 

This bronzer is great for people who truly want a healthy glow in every sense of the word. Made completely organically and paraben free, with no animal testing this bronzer will keep your wallet and your conscience happy! The brush that comes with it actually does a great blending job. Not bad for ten bucks! 

Love all these. However, Guerlain's Terracotta Princess Powder is my absolute favorite so far! It's satiny texture and divine glow really does make me look and feel like a princess! I use a fluffy blush brush to add the soft, shimmering powder through my face. I hit the hairline, temples, cheekbones and chin.  Instant perfect complexion and radiant appearance! However, perfection ain't cheap! $70 at Nordstrom to be a Princess for the day. 

The bronzer I'm trying today is Smashbox! We'll see how it goes.

Which celebrity do you think has the best bronzed look ?

RIHANNA

KIM KARDASHIAN

J. LO


Tell me your favorite bronzer on twitter @LauraLoveBeauty or e-mail me at TriptoBeautyland@gmail.com or just  leave a comment! 

Always Be Beautiful~XOXOXOXO Laura Love 

Makeup Monday: Summer-Up Your Look!

Happy Makeup Monday Beauties! 
         It's getting hot ! Soon summer will be here, and I am SUPER excited. The fashion and makeup trends this summer are bold, bright, and full of amazing color and style. 


Summer means great things for beauties, but it also brings makeup's two biggest enemies: Heat and Humidity! 


 Smudged, cakey, melted makeup-YUCK! 


Fear Not! Here are a few solid ways to summerfy your look and keep your makeup flawless while beating the heat: 

 Make Time to Prime. 

   You will never regret the few seconds it will take to smooth on a primer, which goes on after moisturizer but before face makeup. Primer makes your skin a smooth base for the makeup to go on, and keeps it in place all day.Primer is light-weight, but still makes a phenomenal difference. You only need a dime sized amount. You can stay-proof your lip and eye makeup with eye shadow and lip primer as well.  There are many amazing primers with SPF and oil-free formulas that are perfect for summer. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36, Sephora) is an artist favorite and  proves to be one of  the very best of the bunch. My personal favorite is their luminizing formula which gives off a radiant glow.

 Lighten up. 

        "Just as "you switch to breezy skirts and linen blouses, dress your face with lighter makeup," says NYC Makeup Artist Tony Surratt. He's right!  You don't need the heavy coverage and dark colors that you used in the winter. Try tinted moisturizer instead of foundation or switching to a lighter formula. Use powder on areas you want  need extra coverage.Stila Tinted Moisturizer comes in amazing bronzing, radiance, and matte formulas that fit every skin tone and protects with SPF! Find it at Sephora or Ulta. 

Be a Bronzed Goddess

   Bronzer gives a beautiful warmth and glow effect. It also makes your eyes look brighter, your teeth look whiter. I have a tendency to go a little crazy with it, but don't be like me! Keep it fresh and natural  applying bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you : forehead, cheekbones, chin, and the bridge of the nose.If you have a very fair complexion be sure to sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a pony­tail. A tan face that's framed by pale ears will look awkward. Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply; look for one with varying shades — they'll swirl together for the most authentic-looking results. Try Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits Beauty Brilliance Bronzing Powder ($8, drugstores). Famous for her glow, J. Lo never goes without her bronzer and she sets it off with illuminator. 

Easy to see where J. LO was bronzed in this picture under the cheekbones, forehead, bridge of nose and a little on the shoulders. Perfect for a sultry summer look! 

Try a Vibrant Color
      For goodness sakes! Get Bold and Bright. There are so many new lip colors, eye shadow palettes, and even blush that represent the bright fun of summertime. Color is IN now more than ever. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try them. Bright colors are proven to improve your mood and boost your confidence. Pantone Makeup Color Specialist predict Turquoise eyes and "Tangerine Tango" lips to be the popular color of spring and summer. You'll be sure to see it in every beauty store. 

                                               

However, there are many other colors in the rainbow waiting for you to come play! BH Cosmetics has this awesome 120 colorful palette for only $13.00 !!! www.BHcosmetics.com 

Almost every lipstick brand has stepped their game up with brighter colors. Bobbi Brown and YSL have some of my favorites this season. If your really looking to go bold check out  Ka'oir lipsticks. Created by hip-hop video model Keyshia Dior, these bright lipsticks are becoming extremely popular. www.Ka'oir.com 

Bold nails are also the way to go this summer. Nail art, designs, super bold colors are hot, hot, hot! 

 

  

Wear Waterproof 


        Waterproof formulas  are a lifesaver in the summer particularly of sunscreen and mascaras. However, products like MakeupForever's Aqua Creams that can be used on cheeks, eyes, or lips are absolutely waterproof! Keep a bright pop of fun color while enjoying those summer water sports or just lounging in the pool. 

Sephora, $22.00

  

Well Beauties, hopefully I've helped you with some ways to get summer-fied! I am very excited! Follow me on twitter for more beauty tips @LauraLoveBeauty and e-mail me at TriptoBeautyland@gmail.com

Always Be Beautiful XOXOXO Laura Love 

Makeup Monday:Tips for Perfect Lips!

Happy Makeup Monday Beauties!   


                     
         Pucker Up! Because today is all about lips! 

      
                                 "If you're wearing lipstick, then your dressed."-Coco Chanel
 What can I say about lipstick? Lipstick is life! Experimenting with different lip colors and getting that perfect pout is essential! Bold lips are taking center stage in all the beauty trends. Whether you love your lips subtle or bright as the sun, here are 5 tips for perfect lips!

Step 1: PREP 

Exfoliation is for your lips too!  Lines, cracks, and flakes of dry skin = unkissable! Gently remove dry skin from lips by exfoliating and adding a conditioning lip balm.  Try the amazing Fresh Sugar Lip Polish $22.50 at Sephora.com . This delicious smelling scrub softens and removes dead skin cells, leaving you with perfectly smooth puckers. A dab is plenty. 

Complete the prep step by adding a color free conditioning lip balm.  Burt's Bees Beeswax lip balm really does the job! Softening and hydrating.

Step 2: PRIME

Applying primer on your lips makes the lip color more prominent and ensure it stays put. With all the talking, drinking and kissing we may do in one night it's important to have that extra insurance. Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer is a sure thing!  

$19.00 at Sephora.com 

Step 3: LINE


Outline the mouth and fill in the corners with lip liner, then blend with a lip brush using inward strokes to bring the color toward the center of the lips. For perfect symmetry, start by using the cupid's bow of the lip, then apply a line at the center of the lower lip line. Finish by outlining the lip line from the outer corner towards the center. 


Liners that are just slightly darker than the full lip color give a defined sexy effect for glossy looks. For matte looks try to match the liner exactly! 

These lip liners by Wet nWild have amazing precision and colors  and can be found at any drugstore for less than $3 bucks! 

Step 4: LAYER
      

       Here comes the fun part! Apply the lipstick, lipstain, or gloss heavy on the bottom lip and do the "muah" to get color on that top lip. Do not rub or mush your lips together, this separates the color and rubs it off. Layer on as much or as little as you'd like for your look. You can apply color with your fingers, straight from the tube, or an applicator or lip brush. 

Step 5: PERFECT 

Take the time to primp and perfect to get that polished look! A great lip brush and Q-tips can help clean up the corners and perfectly smooth and blend the color. A pro tip is to place a little concealer on the very outer edges of the lips to blend and really make the color pop! ELF Retractable Lip Brush $3.00 at Target or E.L.F.com is a great lip brush to use at home or on the go! 

Follow these fabulous 5 steps for the perfect pout!

                    

I'll be tweeting my fav lip looks all day so follow me on @LauraLoveBeauty! Always Be Beautiful XOXOXOXO Laura Love

Makeup Monday:Beauty Trends at the Oscars!

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Happy Makeup Monday! 


Beauty was bountiful last night on the Red Carpet at the 84th annual Academy Awards! 


I love to see celebrities pull out all the stops!




Check out the looks.










Bright Lips

 Angelina Jolie was simply stunning as usual! Her berry lips glowing skin, and toussled waves fit her perfectly! Elegant and and classic with a pop of color! 

Mila Jovovich looks like a beautiful vixen with her fire engine red lips! Her soft hues of blush on the apples of her cheeks really give her look a classy old-school Hollywood feel.

 Mara Rooney's bold brows and bold lips are amazingly crisp to compliment her chiseled cheek bones. 

 Michelle William's lips went with a fun, flirty pink lip that compliments her so well.  Red lips are always a classic, but this pink was my favorite of the night! Fresh! 

The "No Makeup" Makeup Look 

No one does natural beauty like Gwyneth Paltrow! With nude lips and eye shadow.She lets her features shine with this nude, natural look. Her radiant skin is what gets all the attention. This look is definitely coveted by all. 

Penelope Cruz was another natural beauty. Always gorgeous and classy! 

Use illuminators, bronzers, and matte foundation to achieve this look! 

The Eyes Have It

 The amazing Viola Davis uses a beautifully pigmented green shadow to match her dress and compliment her deep eyes and flawless skin! I absolutely adore her regal and graceful beauty. 

 Emma stone witha pretty pink shadow on the lids and all they way up to the brow bone. So pretty!

Always sexy J. Lo matched her form-fitting dress with a cat-eye liner. Her signature glowing highlighted skin did not disappoint.

Well Beauties,

these were some of my favorite trends on the red carpet What were yours?

Follow @LauraLoveBeauty on Twitter for more celeb looks and beautytalk or e-mail me at TriptoBeautyland@gmail.com

Always Be Beautfiul! XOXOXOX~Laura Love

Makeup Monday: 80's Whitney Houston!!!

Happy Makeup Monday Beauties!

It was truly devastating to hear that the beautiful and talented Whitney Houston passed away. Her songs have a very special place in my heart. I love Whitney's bright, fun looks in the 80's the most! And what do you know? These looks are back today in 2012! 

Here are some luxurious new products beauty lovers everywhere can use to get a Whitney inspired look: 

1. Sisley Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick in L31 Rose Fuchsia – gorgeous bright pink creamy lipstick, essential for this 80s vibe! ($31,johnlewis.com)

2.YSL Vinyl Candy Palette - perfect for recreating Whitney’s How Will I Know pink and purple makeup look ($39, www.ysl.com, www. sephora.com)

3. YSL Rouge Volupte Perle lipstick in 114 Sparkling Fuchsia – the perfect bold pink with an added bit of superstar sparkle! ($22,yslbeauty.com, www.sephora.com)

4. Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Fever – super-sophisticated American lipstick, deep bold pink shade. ($22, www.sephora.com)

5. YSL Ombres 5 Lumieres Eyeshadow No13 - coulnd’t get more 80s if it tried! You’ll be channelling your inner Whitney with this the minute you open it up! Gorgeous green, orange, blues and lilac all round a citrus yellow.($39.50, houseoffraser.com, www.sephora.com)

6. Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick SPF15 in Paradise – a beautiful sheer orange shade, perfect complement to bold 80s eyes! ($13,lookfantastic.com)

7. Top Shop Blush in Flush in Rose - cream to powder blush – gives a bold shot of colour to your cheeks! ($6, topshop.com)

And here are the two videos to enjoy!

The Makeup Musings of Nicki Minaj

Happy Makeup Monday Beauties!

Love or hate Nicki, you know who she is. This crazy female artist who seemed to take over the music industry overnight. However, music is not the only industry where Nicki is thriving. The beauty industry has taken her on as an icon like no other. With two MAC makeup lines, an OPI nail polish line, and a signature fragrance coming this summer, it's safe to call her a beauty queen!

Nicki's crazy hair and vibrant makeup are always a media topic of discussion. Her dramatic use of color, and fantasy themed makeup is always fun!

Not to many rappers have performed at the Super Bowl half-time performance, and Nicki is the first female rapper to do so! Nicki puts a spin on the classic red lip and black liner look, with a bold red pigment you could notice from space and eyelashes and thick liner that isn't far behind.

Nicki loves lashes!

Nicki is a self-proclaimed "lash girl" and confessed she feels naked without her falsies. She told Elle, "I used to wear the individual lashes, but those became so time-consuming...so my makeup artist has been experimenting with cutting lash strips in half and piling them on top of each other." 

Self-taught celebrity artist Day Hill

Nicki has used the same artist Day Hill, from Atlanta for 3 years now. Day is from Atlanta and her other most famous client is Michelle Obama! Hard to believe that the First Lady and Nicki Minaj have used the same artist, since their looks are so different. That just shows how versatile and talented Day is. 




Her best makeup tip: Instead of applying an undereye concealer, she uses a lighter shade of foundation and also uses it to contour her nose. Nicki loves M.A.C. Pro Longwear foundation for both her face and legs. She advised, "If you change your makeup a lot and want coverage without wearing something heavy, put that one on. It's really lightweight."

 Curious how Nicki still manages to keep her skin looking flawless with all her heavy makeup?  Her secret is to take her makeup off before going to bed and use a classic product like Dove Deep Moisturize Beauty Bar to wash her face. 

Nicki's barbie pink lips started a huge trend and she made her first big hit in the beauty industry by teaming up with MAC for her lipstick "Pink Friday" named after her album. The Pink Friday lipstick was sold out everywhere the 1st week it debuted! The color is a youthful, feminine pink that is hard not to love. 

Nicki's First Collaboration with MAC, Pink Friday Lipstick


After seeing her success with makeup, the nail industry decided they wanted to get their piece of the action too, and in January Nicki released her signature line of polishes, which have already been quite successful. The polishes are mostly named after some of her most popular songs.

The colors are 1.Super Bass Shattered, 2. Did It On Em, 3.Metallic 4 Life, 4.Pink Friday,5. Save Me, and 6. Fly 

MAC and Nicki continued their beautiful friendship with her as the new face of the VIVA GLAM collection, which is full of beautiful colors. Every cent of Viva Glam lipstick and lipgloss or ("lip glass" as MAC calls it) goes to the MAC AIDS FUND. THE MAF has done great work doing research for new medicines, promoting safe sex, and HIV/AIDS awareness. 

Nicki recently took her music and her makeup to a whole new level with her new video "Stupid Hoe" Nicki made the song as a dis to female rapper Lil Kim, who has been calling Nicki her copycat and a "Kim-Clone" and an "airhead".

Lil Kim back then

Nicki Now

Lil Kim back then

Nicki Now

Hmmm.....The doll look, plastic surgery, bold colored hair and makeup-the styles are undeniably similar! 

ANYWAY-Nicki believes its her time to shine now and Lil Kim should've be-friended her to revive her career, instead of starting a battle she could never win. Nicki has never been afraid to speak her mind on the topic and openly addresses the issue in her song "Stupid Hoe" where her makeup looks are bolder than ever.

These looks are crazy, but I love them!

Nicki says "I'm Angelina your Jennifer, come on Bitch you see where Brad at"!!!!

Whoa. Can't We all just get along?

Guess not, but Nicki has managed to stay out of the drama, drugs, and violence that Lil Kim let shadow her career and channeled her energy into business and beauty instead. I hope it stays that way.

I'm anxiously awaiting Nicki's fragrance release, that she says will smell "Summer-y, but have a va-va-voom factor. I 
want to smell 


like a confident, sexy woman, not like candy." 


 I must admit, I'm mostly anxious to see what the bottle will look like!

We've seen Nicki's hair every color blue, green, pink, purple,blonde, and even cheetah print! I wonder what she'll do next! Nicki's influence and successful collaboration with big names in the beauty industry is just another example of why I love the beauty industry! It gives creative, confident women an expressive way to thrive.

Take a cue from Nicki and just have fun with color!






Follow me @LauraLoveBeauty for makeup & beauty talk on Twitter!
or e-mail me at TriptoBeautyland@gmail.com


Always Be Beautiful! 
XOXOXOXO~Laura Love