Happy Holidays!

I hope you are all staying warm!  It is freezing in California!  I even met a guy from Brooklyn last night while doing some last minute shopping who said he could not believe it was so cold out here.  Granted, I am close to the water, but still.  I feel like a human Popsicle. :)

I don't know about you, but I still have presents to wrap, presents to deliver, (if it is up to Rachael aka LashChronicles AKA ThisIsRachael--filming more videos haha), cookies to bake with my mom, pastries to make with my entire family and a dinner to prepare with my family.  Our Italian Christmas traditions live on.

I still miss our Christmas Eves with our "California Family"...but things change I suppose.  This year I will be spending at least part of Christmas Eve Day with friends, and perhaps attending mass with some other friends.

So while I listen to my Mariah Carey Christmas albums and wrap my presents, I will be thinking of so many of you and the support and kind words you have given me over the past few years.  I will also be thinking of the wonderful friendships I have gotten from being part of the beauty community.

I hope each and every one of you  has a very special, happy holiday season!

xoxo
Dani

Red Lip Combo for the Holidays!

Your Skin by Summer--Serious Holiday Specials!

If you live in Southern California, my BFF, Erica or Summer as some may know her.... (From the Girl That Glitter blog post this summer), is currently offering some amazing deals!  She has been my personal makeup artist for special occasions and done various beauty and hair treatments on me growing up as BFF's do.  She is UBER talented.  I highly recommend her.  Below is a list of her specials for the holidays.  Hurry and book an appointment before she fills up!  Oh and don't steal mine! JK! :)  I have a SPECIAL BFF APPOINTMENT!   Check out YOUR SKIN BY SUMMER!  The link is also on my FaceBook page.  http://www.facebook.com/daniellelovesglitter

November Bath & Body Works Haul! 1st Haul!

What? DanielleLovesGlitter on YouTube?

Wow!  What is this world coming to?  I always made excuses, and never thought I would do it but thanks to the list of friends below (in no particular order), I made a silly and horrible intro video for YouTube that you can find here.  I think YouTube purposely gets the worst possible three thumbnail shots for you to choose from.  I like this thing I am doing with my mouth below. haha!

Right now you see 27 seconds of me from a video captured on an old cell phone.  I am hoping to upload a haul later this week or by the weekend at the latest because I have a ton of stuff to share with all of you and I really want to start using it!  Isn't the rule of hauling is that you can't use it until you have hauled it?  Correct me if I am wrong in the comments below.

So I would like to thank the following people for encouraging me for years to make YouTube videos, I can only hope that eventually I will live up to their expectations.

I will do my best to adopt Kristen's Face of the Day (FOTD) beauty bin so that I can remember to write everything I used that day in the description bar on YouTube.

So here are the list of peer pressure, I mean fabulous friends that I really, really adore!

• Rachael (LashChronicles)
• Julia (JG)
• Meems (Megan)
• Cindy (IamaCraftyNurse)
• Lori (pbmommypl)
• April (Lirpagall)
• Heidi (Jalapena)
• Kristen (KristenGehm)
• Kerstin P.

xoxo

Dani

Sephora VIB Wish List

Made with My Memories Suite.  Use the Code to the left to get $10 off!

My Sephora VIB Wish list is much smaller than in years past.  For all intents and purposes, I am on a self-imposed no buy until I can finish a few products.  So what I am looking for at this particular VIB Sale are things I use daily and need to replenish, a few products that I don't have duplicates for, and one special product/package that I am really interested in and see myself getting a lot of use out of.  I do not think I will buy all of the following or even half of it.  My goal is to ponder this list a bit and pick out two or three things.  The necessities and perhaps one non-necessity.

1. Replacement Clarisonic Brush Heads in Sensitive (These are a must have)
2. Josie Maran Argan Oil (hopefully in a set)
3. Too Faced Matte Pallette (I never have enough matte shadows lately)
4. Tarte Lip Surgence Collector's Set of 5
5. Urban Decay Ocho Cinco Eye Liner Set
6. Urban Decay Smoked Pallette
7. Hourglass Hidden Concealer in (I have Pearl for under the eyes) I need to be color matched for face
8. New Skin Cleanser for sensitive skin (TBD...if no cruelty free brands available, may go to 100% Pure as I really like their products)
9. Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer in Medium
10. Hourglass Shadow duo in Gypsy
11. Tarte Gifted Mascara

If you have any cruelty free suggestions; please leave them in the comments below, email me, or find me on Twitter or FB!

xoxo

Dani

October Favorites 2012

Made with My Memories Suite - Coupon for $10 off located in the left column!

I know it has become cliche' to say that one cannot believe the month is over...but it is so true!  October literally flew by!  It felt like one day I was decorating for Halloween and the next day I was taking it all down.

On to the favorites for the month of October!

October Favorites

Lorac's Unzipped Pallette: I used this pallette this month when I wanted a rose gold neutral eye.  The Lorac shadows in my opinion are creamier and more buttery than any other shadows in my collection with exception only to Hourglass shadows.

Tarte's Royal Edition Pallete: This was a limited edition pallette that I got from QVC last year sometime.  I did just look it up, and there appear to be a few available on ebay and Amazon if you are interested.  There is a great selection of matte's, neutrals, and jewel tones.  I have been using the creams, taupes, light pink, and grays daily this month.  I have also been using a liner brush and lining my top lash line with the sparkly brown shade or the metallic navy shade.  On Halloween I used the purple/violet shade on the top row to accentuate my hazel green eyes.

Tarte Royal Edition Pallette

NARS Bronzer in Laguna: This is not a cruelty free product, but I am working my way through it.  I have just started making a decent dent in it.  I wish NARS would rethink their testing policies because this is one of my favorite bronzers.

Eden Primer Potion: I loved using this yellow based matte eye primer this month, particularly under my matte Tarte shadows.  It literally lasts all day.

Enjoy Conditioning Spray:  If you wash your hair everyday like I do, you may notice your hair start feeling a bit dry.  I have found that using this spray and leaving it in (you can rinse it out if you like) and then braiding my hair or putting it up until it dries, has really added a lot of shine to my hair.

Tarte Blushes: My two favorite blush shades this month are both from Tarte (surprise-surprise!).  The first one is one of my all time favorites, Blushing Bride.  It has a little Bit of shimmer, but when I apply it with my Sephora Platinum #55, I don't see much of that sparkle transfer.  My other favorite blush this month has been Natural Beauty by Tarte.  I have heard a lot of people say "That is too red for me..."  The truth is, it is the most natural "in from the cold" type of flush you can get.  Applying it with a really fluffy brush disburses the bright pigments perfectly.

My three favorite brushes this month were: Sigma F84 angled brush to apply foundation, Sephora Platinum #55 for applying highly pigmented blushes and sheering out the color. Finally there is my all time favorite crease brush, a gift from my dear friend JG, my Smashbox crease brush.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer: I have never found another primer that does some color correction (the slight blue cast helps to minimize redness).  The formula really hydrates and seems to tone my dry skin.

Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup in 2.0: For some reason I have been able to use this darker foundation alone most of the month.  Usually I mix it with my 1.0 shade.  Either way, this foundation formula is absolutely one of my favorites.  I have several backups in the shade 1.5.

My random favorites for this month are:

• Halloween
• My pink, metallic, spider web, witch hat
• The premiere of The Vampire Diaries, The Walking Dead, and American Horror Story Asylum

My flops for this month:

• Philosophy lip jelly in Vanilla Birthday Cake (much stickier than I remember and the smell was overwhelming)
• An October full of warm/hot weather

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Halloween everyone!

I just wanted to pop on and celebrate one of the most fun days for wearing makeup with all of you!  My original makeup look got botched this morning when I identically over-glued my bottom lashes. After starting from scratch I came up with a different look that I could wear out at night..  I really wish I had taken a close up picture of my eyes because the shadow colors I used and all of the liner made them look almost eerily cat like.

I used my Tarte pallette (I believe it was called the Royal Edition) and took the burgundy violet shade (pictures of the pallette to come) and swept if from my lash line and into the crease and then thickly under my lower lash line.  Then I took that same crease brush that Julia gave me (that I LOVE) and worked a matte medium gray into my outer V.  I highlighted using a creamy matte shade in the pallette and lined my upper and lower lash line with Zero by Urban Decay.  I also tight lined and lined my water line with the black pencil.  I topped my lashes off with 3 coats of Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes.

On my face I am wearing Hourglass Veil Fluid Foundation in 2.0, Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, Tarte Chocolate Soleil bronzer, Tarte Amazonian Clay 24 Hour blush in the shade Flush, and my lipstick is Syrup by MAC (that is all I had to touch up with in my purse today).

Dressed as a "Glitter Witch" for work. :) Happy Halloween!

xoxo
Dani

Coming soon!

Hi my friends!

Just to let you know, some of the blogs coming up will be:

1. A review on a locally distributed skin care product that is NOT tested on animals.
2. October favorites
3. A recreate of IAmaCraftyNurse (my darling Cindy's) Too Faced Naked Pallette Tutorial (Check her channel out on YouTube...She has some great hauls and reviews and some really cool tutorials and get ready with me videos)
4. Nail Polish review
5. My Sephora VIB Wish List

I have been getting a lot of requests for specific blog posts recently.  I know I have done two tags in a row....and I will not be doing the I heart drugstore products tag (sorry...but I don't use many drug store items).

If you have a special request, leave it in the comments below or email me at danilovesglitter@aol.com.

Have a fabulous Friday!

xoxo

Dani

Blog Tag: I Love Fall!

1. Favorite Fall lip product? -- By far it would have to be Hourglass' lipstick in Nocturnal.  I just opened my back up.

2. Favorite Fall Nail Polish? I have 3.  Linkin Park After Dark by OPI, Ink by OPI, and Valerie by Zoya.  

3. Favorite Starbucks Fall Drink? Soy Pumpkin Spice Latte

4. Favorite Fall Candle? I have two.  Sprinkling Snow and Christmas Cookie by Yankee Candle.  These are my favorite scents for both fall and winter.  I LOVE them!

5. Favorite Fall Scarf or accessory. Living in California, I don't see our accessories changing up all that much.  At least not in beachy areas.  I do have a necklace and earring set from the old Tori Spelling collection that are hammered and have dangling leaves.  I also absolutely love wearing scarves I made I few years ago with various textures of yarn.

6. Haunted house, haunted hay ride, or haunted corn maze? Haunted House all the way!

7. Favorite Halloween movie? I love scary movies, so to ask me to narrow it down will be hard.  I will say my all time favorite Halloween movie would be the original Halloween by John Carpenter with the original Michael Myers (my horror event buddy) Tony Moran.

8. Favorite candy to eat on Halloween? Reeses Peanut-butter cups!

9. What are you dressing up as for Halloween?! I have 3 ideas and haven't decided on which yet.  If you have an opinion leave it in the comments or email it to me.  A gypsy, a girl from the 80's, or painting a masquerade mask on my face using makeup and wearing my ball gown from the Daytime Emmys.

10. What is your Favorite thing about Fall? When I lived further inland I loved the distinct change in weather and watching the leaves change color.  By the beach we just don't see that much change; we are just glad our mini heat wave is over.  I still think I love that classic horror movies are on television, new horror comes to the theaters, and we get to bundle up just a little bit more and feel all warm and cozy.

I tag: Lacey, Rachael, Cindy, Heidi, Andrea, Grace, Letitia, JG, BobofnMac, Ted (XAD), and anyone else.  If you don't have a blog...feel free to leave your answers in the comments!  Love you all and Happy Fall and Happy Halloweenie!

xoxo
Dani

P.S I can't remember who I was tagged by or if I was even specifically tagged.  So if it was you and you are reading this, I am sorry.  Let me know and I will be sure to link to you! xo

25 Random Facts About Me Tag 2012 Version

I was tagged by my lovely friend LaceySmiles84 and you can read her blog tag post  here.

1. My sister is my best friend in the world.  She is witty, sensitive, bad-ass, protective, intelligent and fun.  I couldn't have asked for a better sister.
2. I put my family above all else in life.  If my family is not happy, I am not happy.
3. My favorite cousin, who is a few years older than I am, is also named Danielle/Dani.  We just refer to each other as cuzzie.
4. While I have a lot of friends, my closest friends live scattered across the country. (Some are even in Europe)
5. I once fainted at a Mariah Carey concert because I am a geeky, uber Mariah fan. J
6. I am a computer nerd.  I love learning new software and web programs and get compulsive about them.
7. I am a very patient person, but when I reach my breaking point with someone, I tend to cut them out of my life completely.
8. Dani is actually the nickname I had in High School because my best friend said “Danielle sounds too stuck-up”….now I go by both Dani and Danielle.
9. I tend to create nicknames for my closest friends. I am not sure why, but this is something I have done since I was a teenager.
10. I became a vegetarian due to a New Year’s Resolution I made with my High School BFF.  She didn’t stay a vegetarian, I did.  She became a fabulous cook and I make simple, vegetarian dishes.
11. I have a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing and Human Resources.
12. I run my blog for fun.  Makeup and blogging are a hobby that I enjoy, not my lifeline.
13. I love horror movies, I love being scared and I am currently working on a new project that revolves around this other hobby with a friend.
14. While my favorite colors are pink and glitter, I don’t decorate using either of those colors.
15. I grew up next to a popular amusement park and during my teens spent several days of the week there and at their all ages dance club.
16. I love to dance.  Disco and Old School nights are my absolute favorite.
17. One of my goals in life is to take a month long trip to Europe and visit my European friends, see where my family comes from in Italy, and of course visit all the touristy type places.
18. I have been to the Daytime Emmy awards and it was an amazing experience!
19. While I am a Mariah Carey fan; my musical tastes also include Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie, Dolly Parton, Jana Kramer, Bone, Thugs and Harmony.  Old School hip hop, disco, hair band rock, hard rock, some punk, and alternative in addition to R&B and current pop hits.
20. I cannot sleep without the television, radio, or stereo on.  White noise is not enough.  I have to have a lot of noise in order to fall asleep.
21. I sleep best when it is cold outside and I can bundle up under the covers.
22. I used to be a sun-worshipper.  I thought the tanner, the better.  Now I “Shun the Sun.”
23. My favorite holidays are Halloween and Christmas, my least favorite holiday is my birthday.
24. When I was in my teens and twenties, I was never home.  Now, I am a little bit of a homebody and I like it.
25. I really dreaded doing this tag, but it wasn't as bad as I thought.

I tag: Rachael, Cindy, Heidi, Andrea, Grace, and anyone else who would like to do this blog tag.

Xoxo

Dani

Truly a Treasure...Buried Treasure by Orly Review

After my experience with the OPI color Yoga-Ta Get it Blue, I decided to paint my nails a neutral tone.  I chose Orly's Buried Treasure.  It was my first time using this polish (that I can remember).  I have had it in my collection for awhile, but was never tempted to use it because it seemed so nondescript.

Buried Treasure by ORLY

I applied two coats of this polish on top of Orly's rubberized base coat...not this past Sunday (the 14th) but the Sunday prior to that ... October 7th!  I am just now starting to see wear around the edges and I did chip one nail today in my rush to get things put away on my desk at work.  No peeling, no nail damage...just normal wearing around the edge or tips of the nail.  I would recommend this polish shade and formula to anyone who is seeking a good neutral for work with a metallic kick.

As always, I used my Seche Vite top coat.  I still can't believe I got nearly a week and a half of wear out of this polish.  That just seems too good to be true!  Until next time...

xoxo

Dani

Weekend Makeup...because you know it is different....

Ahhhh.....the weekend is here!  How many of you bask in the glory of wearing little to no makeup on the weekends?  How many of you cannot wait to pump up your look with more color, smokier eyes, extra liner and false lashes? That is what I thought!

I know with as much as I love the ritual of putting makeup on each and every morning...taking it off at night is equally as rewarding.  Skincare is another one of my passions.  I believe that great makeup starts with good skin.

I would say on the weekends I would rather wear no makeup if possible.  However, we all have errands to run at the least.  Going out on the weekends is the time to really glam it up!

Below are some items I like to incorporate into either my minimal makeup look or glam looks for the weekends.

MINIMAL MAKEUP LOOK-This makeup look provides a fresh, dewy glow to the skin.  Adding mascara defines the eyes without looking over done or taking too much time.  The lip products below each add a subtle hint of pink, with MAC's lipsticks being the most opaque and the Rosebud Salve being the most moisturizing.

Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer in Medium-Light to Medium coverage (my freckles still show)
Josie Maran Concealer in Medium-This just covers any darkness under the eyes and any blemishes.
Laura Gellar's Balance and Brighten in Regular (if extra coverage is needed)
Tarte's Lights Camera Lashes Mascara
Tarte's Lip Surgence in Sweet
MAC Angel or Syrup lipstick
Smith's Rosebud Salve

GLAM NIGHT OUT MAKEUP LOOK-Take this look from a night out with friends, to dinner, or dancing.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup (I mix shades 1 and 2, or use shade 1.5)
Nars' Laguna Bronzer or Too Faced Chocolate Soliel to contour
A brighter or more pigmented blush such as: NARS Desire or Deep Throat, Tarte's Natural Beauty or Flush

My eye pallettes get their best workouts for night time looks. Everyone that knows me, knows I am addicted to creating looks with MAC's Club eye shadow (now I have Urban Decay's dupe called Lounge).  For those of you unfamiliar with either color...they are a duo chrome shadow (I would say they could even be "triple chrome" in some instances lol.)  They tend to pull different shades based on how it is applied, which base is used, which brushes are used.  It can be a grayish green, a brown, or a reddish brown.  I have even seen some people make it look like MAC's blue/brown pigment.

I also really like using blues, purples, silvers and blacks to create a great smokey eye.  I use a lot of liner, mascara and sometimes false lashes.  Some of my favorite pallettes for night time are:

• Too Faced Original Smokey Pallette (a gift from my friend beautiful April) or Too Faced New Smokey Pallette (A gift from my beautiful friend Meems).  Both know me well :)
• TheBalm Shady Lady Volumes 1 and 2.
• Lorac's new Pro Pallette (with their deep chocolates, eggplants, slates and blacks)
• Tarte's True Blood Pallette (this definitely did not get enough love and I think people were not familiar with the application product of Tarte's eye shadows at the time. More on Tarte shadows in another blog.)

My favorite liners to wear at night are all by Urban Decay and include: Zero, Perversion, Binge, Graffiti, Ransom, Stash, Rockstar, and 1999.

For lips, I go lighter as not to compete with my smokey eyes.  I am really enjoying all of my Tarte Lip Surgence's and cannot wait to get their new holiday collection.  Some of my favorite shades are Sweet, Adored, Perky, and Dazzled.  I also love wearing MAC's Blankety, Angel, Cream Cup, Viva Glam 5 & 6, Viva Glam Gaga 1 and Viva Glam Gaga 2.  Once in awhile, I don't mind wearing Myth with the right lip prep, liner and gloss.

Finally...if you are planning a long night out...make sure to finish off your makeup look with Urban Decay's All Nighter setting spray.  It is literally a miracle product!

xoxo
Dani

The Navy Nail Trend--Yoga-Ta Get This Blue

I am not one to really live and die by fashion and beauty trends.  However, I do find myself following seasonal trends a bit more.  Typical seasonal trends I follow are the light and bright tones of the summer, and dark or jewel toned shades in the winter.  

Lately I have been fascinated with the navy nail trend.  Before going out and purchasing the new Zoya shade Natty that I have been eyeing, I decided to check my nail polish stash and see if I had any navy's to test out first.

OPI Yoga-Ta Get This Blue

Upon opening my "fall nail colors" drawer, I immediately found OPI's Yoga-Ta Get This Blue.  It is a dark, metallic navy.

In comparison to the brands I use most lately (Orly and Zoya), I found this particular shade from OPI to be a bit thick.  I could have probably gotten away applying only one coat, but the thickness of the formula did not allow for it to spread evenly across the nail.  However, applying a second coat took the blue sparkle out of it, making it look nearly black indoors and under office lighting.  It was only outside that you could see blue.

For the first three days my nails looked perfect.  The polish did not chip or wear down at the edges.  I type a lot, do housework, laundry....I am pretty hard on my hands.  However, on the morning of the fourth day, I was doing something at work and noticed a huge chip in my polish.  Later that day, I got another chip on a different nail that actually took a layer of my nail with it.  I left the polish on from Sunday, September 30, until  Sunday, October 7.  By the last day the wear at the tips of my fingers was very noticeable and the giant chips were still there.  

With that said, I probably wouldn't use this particular polish on my fingernails again.  However, it made for a great pedicure color!  I would like to try a navy from Zoya or Orly's line to see how they compare.

Until next time...xoxo

Dani

Beauty Rush-Casual Friday in 10 minutes!

Last week I shared my tips for a polished 5 minute makeup look.  Those are great for getting out the door and getting to work/school/etc., on time. However, I know many of us like to carry our Casual Friday makeup into a look we can wear out to dinner or to a movie after work.  One of my favorites (especially for summer) has been a slightly amped up version of my Beauty Rush-5 Minute Makeup look.  

Step 1: Prep and prime your face using your favorite moisturizer, face primer and eye primer.  On Fridays I use my normal skin care routine, but I change up my primer and foundation.  For long wearing foundation I tend to use the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer and layer the Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer on top of that.  I use the Coco Beau Big Fatty Foundation Brush to apply this particular tinted moisturizer because it is flat and leaves fewer streaks than a normal paddle brush.  I am by no means telling anyone to go purchase a $50 brush from Europe, but a thicker paddle brush (I believe MAC used to make one) will work...or you can use your fingers.

Step 2: Prime your eyes.  My favorite primer for using matte shadows is Urban Decay's Eden.  I didn't like it at first, but after I got used to it, it quickly became one of my favorite primers.  I think it is key that you use a good eye cream before applying this product. Eden covers any discoloration and really holds my shadows on all day.  (For reference, I put my makeup on around 6:30-7am and don't take it off until about 8pm on an average work day.  On Friday’s my makeup needs to hold up all night.)  

Step 3: Take your fluffy blending brush, again I use my Sigma E35 and tap it into a light-medium, mid-tone brown such as Naked from Urban Decay or Taupe from the Lorac Pro Pallette.  

Then take a light color that is either matte or has a slight sheen.  Two of my favorites are Virgin from Urban Decay or Creme from the Lorac Pro Pallette.  Take any c-shape or eye shader brush and gently pat that light color along your brow bone and into the inner corner. (We still want to look wide awake.)  

Next, take a very dense crease brush.  I have a crease brush that I believe is by Smashbox that one of my good friends sent me.  It isn't too long and is quite dense.  (Like a thick pencil brush).  You can also use a standard pencil brush and just really work that color into the crease.  Whichever brush you prefer, pick a slightly darker brown.  I use either Buck from Urban Decay or Sable from the Lorac Pro Pallette and I work it through my crease without bringing it down into the outer v.  I just define the crease without re-creating my eye shape or making it look droopy.  

Take a clean blending brush and blend the crease and lid colors again to make the gradient look seamless.  Make sure there are no harsh lines between the crease and highlight color.  If necessary, take the brow bone color and go over that line a bit to help it look more blended without erasing your work.

Step 4: Take your favorite long wearing black or dark brown liner and tight line your upper lash line.  I prefer Zero or Perversion from Urban Decay or Mally's Starlight Liner in Black or Espresso.

Step 5:  Take your favorite blue eye liner and line your bottom water line.  I do this because by Friday my eyes are a bit tired looking and the blue really brings out the whites of my eyes and even the green and yellow shades in my hazel eyes.  The color I gravitate towards for this look is Deviant by Urban Decay.  It is bright without being neon like Electric from Urban Decay. *If you have fair skin/hair, you may choose to use a color such as Electric.

Step 6: Curl your lashes (about 30 seconds on each side) and apply 2-3 coats of your favorite mascara.  My two favorite mascaras of the moment are Mally’s Volumizing Mascara (in the white tube) and Tarte’s Light Camera Lashes.

Step 7: Since the eyes are the focal point of this look, I like to keep the rest of the face rather neutral.  I do contour slightly using my Sigma F05 Small Contour brush.  Since I am using up the products I have, I mostly use Hoola by Benefit or NARS Laguna to contour.  I do a light 3/E motion and bring a little down my neck if necessary.

Step 8: I use a light pink blush just for some color on the cheeks.  The two I switch between for this look are Dollface by Tarte and Flush by Smashbox.

Step 9: For lips, I use a neutral lip liner such as Whirl by MAC or the old Perfect Lips liner by Too Faced (one shade).  I then fill them in with a limited edition MAC lipstick Madly Creative or Tarte's Dazzled.  Both are light shimmery peachy-pink colors.  I have used MAC's Angel before as well.

This look will let you run straight from work to dinner and/or a movie with your friends, boyfriend, or husband without a lot of fuss.

I hope you enjoy this look!  Leave your Casual Friday look's below or email them to me!

xoxo

Dani

P.S. As stated in previous blogs, I do believe in purchasing cruelty free makeup.  I encourage everyone to look at the Leaping Bunny list to find their cruelty free brands.  I have quite a large makeup collection and have received non-cruelty free items as gifts.  Since I am not a wasteful person, I will say again, that I will replace my makeup as I run out of it.  However, I refuse to throw away perfectly good makeup or gifts from people who did not know I was trying to go cruelty free.

Manic Monday Makeup

So...my Monday started off sluggish!  What can I say...some mornings just aren't as full of sunshine and glitter as they should be!

I was moving a bit slowly this morning and picked out an outfit that was very "beige."  Wearing beige on a Monday is an instant way to make your blah mood even more blah!  :)

In my hurry to get ready, I thought to myself..."Why not try a little pop of color on the eyes?"  I also realized that my brushes were still not dry from yesterday.  So I did my entire face using only my fingers.  That was a first for me!

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer

Step 1: Prepped and primed my face with Hourglass Mineral Veil.  Used the Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer in Light Beige, and concealed with the Hourglass Hidden Corrector in Pearl.

Promises Blush (lighter in person)

Step 2:  I added some flush to my face.  I had two cream blushes to choose...from pink or red.  I chose pink.  I used my fingers to apply Illamasqua cream blusher in Promises to my cheeks and blended it very well.  It added enough color without appearing doll-like.

Step 3: I grabbed my Tarte cream eyeshadow in Shimmering Bronze and with my ring finger I gently patted it onto my mobile lid and blended it slightly into the crease.

Step 4: Applied Urban Decay's 24/7 Eye Liner in Graffiti (a vivid grassy green with some silver shimmer) on my lower lash line (not the waterline)...just beneath.  I slightly blended out the liner with the tip of my pinky finger.  I also tight lined my upper water line with Zero.

Step 5:  Applied two coats of Mally's Volumizing Mascara.

Step 6:  In the car, I applied my Rosebud Salve on the way to work.

HAPPY MANIC MONDAY!

xoxo
Dani

Quick Update-100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream

I have been using this product since July.  After two full months of using the 100% Pure Organic Caffeine Coffee Bean Eye Cream, I am only 1/4 of the way through the tube!  This is in no way a sponsored blog.  I just really LOVE this product.  Besides the lotion samples I have tried 100% Pure, this is the only other product I have tried from the company.  I don't think I would want to go without it.

This product has become my HG morning eye cream and I plan on trying more skin care by 100% Pure in the future.  I personally want to thank Grace (CosmeticCouturier) for telling me about this company and product.  I know TibiTaylor loves this product as well!  She has said that she can also can tell a difference between this eye cream and others.

The 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream literally wakes up my eyes in the morning.  On the weekends, when I get lazy or forget to put it on; I notice a major difference.  My eyes just don't look as bright or awake and to be honest, I don't feel as awake.

The one downside to this product is that the pump will dispense a little too much product.  I know one of my friends uses hers as if it were a tube of toothpaste.  I happen to like the sanitary pump, so I tend to take the excess that comes out and really work it all around the eyes and then bring any additional product to my upper lip area.

Sign up for the 100% Pure newsletters, as I have noticed that they have weekly specials.  You can also purchase a smaller size on whiterabbitbeauty.com.

xoxo
Dani

New look! New Logo!

I would like to thank Lacey from laceysmiles84.blogspot.com for creating yet another really cool image for me!  I love this new logo.  Lacey has a natural talent for blogging and blog design.  Check out Lacey's blog!

Thank you my sweet friend!

xoxo
Dani

Tag-This or That!

I was tagged by the sweet Lacey from LaceySmiles84.blogspot.com to answer these questions.  I love blog tags, so here it goes!

Blush or Bronzer?

I am a blush fiend.  I never was until I met my friend Heidi (Jalapena2007) but she turned me on to some great blushes and my collection has grown to somewhere around 20 blushes.  Crazy, I know!  With that said, I rely on bronzers to warm up my complexion and contour.  If I had to choose one, I would choose blush or bronzer that could double as both.

Lipgloss or Lipstick?

I am definitely a lipstick girl.  I don’t like the sticky texture of gloss, however, I do love the look of fuller and pouty lips.  I tend to layer a luster or frost lipstick in the center of my bottom lips, or use a lipsurgence that has a lot of shine for those occasions.

Matte or Sparkle Eye Shadow?

I love both, but if I could only pick one, I would say matte.  Mattes can look very natural.  With the new Lorac Pro Pallette, there are a myriad of matte looks you can create.  However, I do like mixing eyeshadows with a sheen with mattes most days.

Gel, Liquid, Cream, or Pencil Eyeliner?

Hands down, pencil are my preferred method of lining my eyes.  This is because they are quick to apply, the formulas I use are long wearing with little to NO smudging, and since I mostly stick to Urban Decay…I have a vast array off colors at my disposal.  I am really hoping to get the Ocho set from Urban Decay this fall.

Foundation or Concealer?

I see this as a loaded question lol.  My first response would be both.  My second answer would be Hourglass Tinted Moisturizer or Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer with a bit of concealing.

Liquid or Powder Foundation?

Liquid foundation, hands down.  I have dry skin and while I may use Laura Gellar’s Balance N’Brighten, I still much prefer the moisturized and luminous finish of my liquid foundations and tinted moisturizers.

Neutral or Statement Eyes?

Both have a time and a place.  I think neutral eyes are best for work environments (perhaps with a pop of color using eyeliner on casual Fridays.)  However, when going out, I prefer a statement eye.  Whether that statement be used with bold shadow work, fun liners, or a lot of lashes…I think it is important to play with your looks and have fun.  Especially while we are young.

Pressed or Loose Eye Shadows?

I do like both, but for my purposes and schedule, I would say that pressed shadows are better suited to me.  There are so many wonderful brands of loose shadows I would like to try.  However, when I am getting ready in the morning, I am afraid of tipping something over and making a mess.  I have a ton of Bare Essentials shadows that I adore the shades of that get no love, simply because I don’t have time to be careful with the jars.  There are also a lot of Pumpkin & Poppy and Glamourdoll Eyes shades I would love to try since their colors are so unique and inspired.

Waterproof or Non-Waterproof Mascara

While I should probably use waterproof mascara at least on my bottom lashes, I tend to steer clear of those mascaras as I have personally found that they tend to make my lashes brittle and eventually make them break off.  I don’t particularly subscribe to the “bottom mascara” trend that is currently all the rage, but if there were a cruelty free brand of “bottom lash mascara,” I would try it.

Brushes, Sponges or Fingers?

Brushes! Brushes! Brushes!  There are very few products I would apply with my fingers for sanitary purposes.  I would say that I really only use my fingers to apply eye shadow primers and facial moisturizers.  I never use sponges; however, I would not mind trying a beauty blender or a version of a beauty blender if I had a foundation that they would work with.

Powder, Cream, or Liquid Highlighter?

I went through a highlighter phase where I loved them all.  I have found there are good powder, crème and liquid highlighters.  For pressed highlighters I tend to like Lorac Perfectly Lit highlighters.  I really enjoyed the Josie Maran Illuminator that Heidi sent me a sample of.  The Josie Maran is thinner than a cream but thicker than the liquid I will discuss.  The cream highlighter on my wish-list is called Lies by Illamasqua.  Tanya Burr has used it several times and I just love the way it looks on her skin.  Finally, I like the look of Benefit’s High Beam highlighter.  If you know of a cruelty free version of a liquid highlighter that works really well, leave it in the comments below!

Now this is a tag.  You can blog it or vlog it.

I tag:

Jalapena2007-Heidi

ImaCraftyNurse-Cindy

ThisisRachael-Rachael

CosmeticCouturier-Grace

LetitiaLaura-Lela

Plus, I tag anyone else who would like to do it!  Leave your post or vlog link in the comments below!

xoxo,
Dani

Beauty Rush-5 Minute Makeup

Have you ever had one of those mornings where you need to look polished but still get out of the door quickly?  Ever stressed about how to achieve the "polished" look with a very small amount of time?  I have.  So I came up with a go-to 5 minute simple makeup look.

Step 1: Prep and Prime.  I put on my 100% Pure Caffeine Coffee Bean Eye Cream, followed by my NuSkin moisturizer.  While the moisturizer is soaking into the skin, I move on to some other task. I then apply the Laura Gellar Spackle in Champagne (which immediately provides some luminosity to the skin).  This primer makes all the difference when you are just going to wear a tinted moisturizer or something like Balance N' Brighten.

Step 2: The face.  I first apply the Josie Maran, Tinted Moisturizer in Medium using my finger tips.  Then I spot conceal using the Josie Maran concealer in the shade Medium. (Under eyes, to cover blemishes, or any other discoloration.) Rather than taking the time to contour and apply blush, I will either use my favorite bronzer or a dusty rose blush (like Exposed by Tarte) and sweep it lightly across the cheekbones.  This creates a subtle contour and warms up the face at the same time.

Step 3:  The eyes have it.  The best way to open your eyes is curling your lashes.  I use my Shu Umera lash curler and curl the lashes on each eye for approximately 30 seconds while my Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden is drying.  Then I take the original Naked pallette and my E35 tapered blending brush from Sigma and dust Naked all over my mobile lid and into the crease.  I clean off the E35 on a towel and take a tiny amount of Virgin on the tip of my brush and starting at the arch of my brow, I sweep the lighter color outwards.  Taking a bit more of Virgin, I apply the color to the inner corners of my eye.  Then I apply 2 coats of Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes.

Step 4:  For lips, I usually keep it very subdued.  I either use my Rosebud Salve or Blankety by MAC. If I want more color I will take a brighter color, usually Frisky or True Blood by Tarte.

Now I am polished, put together and ready to leave!  I hope the next time you are in a rush, you remember this simple look and get out the door in time.

xoxo,

Dani

GIRLS THAT GLITTER PARTY

Hey everyone!

My BFF Erica and I have celebrated GIRLS THAT GLITTER in August for the past several years.  This year we began our celebration on time but decided to extend the celebration until the end of September for a few reasons!!

Erica and I on set while filming a commericial

The first reason is....IT IS ERICA'S BIRTHDAY MONTH!  WOOHOO!  Happy Birthday BFF!  I love you sooooo incredibly much!

Erica and I during a Girls Night Out

The second reason is we just simply love celebrating GIRLS THAT GLITTER.

Some of the things we do to celebrate girls that glitter are; buying new makeup, getting makeovers, getting our fall wardrobes together, buying new accessories, and having a fabulous "GNO" or "Girl's Night Out".  We officially named this tradition in 2009, but have been doing this since the mid 90's.

Erica and I met as teens working in retail at a small town mall.  It was one of those situations where you just meet someone and know you will be life-long friends.  We had so much in common!  We had similar hobbies, a love of makeup and fashion, a great deal of respect and love for family, and we could pretty much finish each other's sentences. :)

We spent our work breaks getting "mud slide" coffee drinks in the mall, shopping for Christian Dior perfumes (Dune), going into Victoria's Secret, and our favorite "lunch" was a pretzel from Pretzel Time. Of course after work we hit the tanning salon before going home. On our days off, we could usually be found at the local amusement park with my little sister and her little brother.

Erica is kind hearted, a free spirit, has a contagious laugh, gives off uber amounts of positive energy, a fitness fanatic, magnificent cook and is always there to help any of her friends out.

Some fun facts about Erica:

• Licensed Esthetician and Make Up Artist
• Worked for several prestigious makeup companies as an independent MUA
• Currently works as a Freelance MUA, Spray Tan and Airbrush Specialist, and Esthetician 
• A top Cookie Lee Sales Representative
• Is a fabulous Wife and Mommy
• Most of all is the greatest Best Friend that anyone could ever ask for!

We would like all of you to celebrate GIRLS THAT GLITTER with us!  Call your best friend and schedule some girl time!  Celebrate beauty, health and wellness!  Celebrate friendship!

One way Erica and I are going to celebrate is by shopping, of course!  About a month ago, Cookie Lee released their new Fall/Winter catalog.  I must say that their new collection is EXQUISITE!  Fashion jewelry should never break the bank, but you also want to spend your money wisely.  Cookie Lee offers a variety of different styles of jewelry to fit everyone's taste and budget. The quality of Cookie Lee jewelry has increased so much since I went to my first party over 10 years ago.  Cookie Lee is currently celebrating their 20th anniversary!  How are they celebrating? They have several items for only $20!

Some of my favorite items are:

1) Victorian Doorknob Medallion ($20) and very Bohemian

2) Blushing Copper Earrings ($18) kind of Boho-chic

3) Starry Night Ring ($28) A statement ring

4) Cascading Crystals Necklace ($42) made of genuine crystal paired with the Opalescent Heirloom Pendant ($36) and Earrings ($26)

There are so many other items I adore that if I sat here listing them all, I would have retyped nearly the entire catalog!

If you are interested in shopping the GIRLS THAT GLITTER online party go to Erica's Cookie Lee Page and type the word "GLITTER" in the box at checkout. 

The most important thing about celebrating GIRLS THAT GLITTER is showing your best friends that you love, appreciate and admire them!  So regardless of whether or not you are interested in my story about Erica, or Cookie Lee's new collection....make sure you show your BFF some extra love this month!

xoxo

Dani

P.S. If you have a favorite piece of jewelry, leave it in the comments below!

FOTD: 8/8/2012 Bronze, Rose Gold and Sheer Reds

Hi everyone!  Still working on the camera/lighting for pictures.  I hope to get it down by this weekend.

I changed up my look a lot today....the most important thing I wanted to share is that the Tarte Amazonian Clay foundation which claims to work for dry or oily skin was really drying out my face this week.  I am not sure why...but I switched that up and the rest of my face as well.

Face:

• Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer (used yesterday as well)
• Josie Maran Tinted moisturizer, SPF 30, Medium
• Josie Maran The concealer that came with the tinted moisturizer (it covers very well)
• Tarte's Amazonian 12  hour clay blush in Natural Beauty
• Benefit's Hoola bronzer for contour 

Eyes:  I wanted a really copper/rosy gold look today on my eyes.

• Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin all over my lids.
• Lorac Unzipped Pallette I used: Undercover as a hightlight and inner corner highlight, Unbelievable  on my mobile lid and with a pencil brush under the lower lash line, Unconditional in the crease, then I did a very soft cut crease with Unbridled and the Sigma E05 liner brush I love so much.  I took a fluffy Sephora crease brush and blended it together.
• Tarte Amazonian Clay Pot liner in Bronze on the upper lash line and halfway across the bottom lash line.
• I curled my lashes with the Shu Uermera lash curler and then applied two coats of Mally Roncal's volumizing mascara.

Lips: No lip liner or lipstick today really.  I used Staniac by theBalm.  I don't know how many colors this comes in but my beautiful friend Julia sent me one in red and I love love love it.  It is really sheer and just makes your lips look flushed, like you kissed Christian Grey or something (just kidding)....maybe

I wish I had gotten a good pic of this look because it was so fresh faced and pretty without looking overdone at all. The red blush and lip were both sheer and just gave it a youthful appearance.  I will definitely repeat this look and get some good pictures.

xoxo
Dani