Back To School Makeup & Fashion

It's the end of Summer and school is back in session. Boo is what many kids and young adults are thinking but I think yay because that means a chance to debut a new look. This tutorial will show that even in school you can be fashionable without being over the top. Today's model will be Kimi.
Makeup:

The makeup I kept very simple and clean but incorporated some fun Fall trends like metallics and purple.

Final Look w/Lip Stain (A little dark for school)

Final Look w/A Light Pink Gloss (Much Better for School)

Makeup Products Used:
La Mer Fluid Protectant SPF 30
Laneige Duo Eye Complex (Day)
Revlon Cream Shadow Shells - Peach
Coastal Scents 88 Palette - Metallic Brown
Nars Palette Day & Night - Abyssinia
Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Liner - 19L
Coastal Scents 88 Palette - Metallic Purple
Maybelline Full N' Soft - Dark Brown (Waterproof)
Faerie Organic Makeup Foundation - Medium - Loving this makeup & you can get a sample to test it out before you buy!
Anastasia Brow Powder - Brunette
Anastasia Brow Gel - Clear
MAC Blush - Springsheen
Faerie Organic Makeup Skin Veil
Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain - 425
Eco Brush 6 piece set - Very good brushes at a very reasonable price. I got the set w/bag at CVS for $10.50!
MAC Stiple Brush


Fashion:
The clothing I wanted to use pieces that are very comfortable to wear but still fun. Of course I had to use Jeggings and Motorcycle jeans because one of the big Fall trends is jeans in different varieties. For the first look I paired the dark wash jeggings with a loose fitting raspberry tank top, black tube top, wide black belt, grey cardigan, low heel black booties and gold accessories. Keep the heels very low for school. You are going to be doing a lot of walking around and 5"-6" stilletos are not the smartest choice. The cardigan is great transition piece for summer to fall because it is not too heavy but still offers protection if the day gets a little chilly. As for the accessories again keep it simple. I layered to two small gold necklaces with gold hoop earrings and Kimi is wearing her own bracelet.

This look is very soft & feminine

Tanks by Alloy
Lip Stain by Ulta

If you like the look click on the items above and it'll direct you to the websites that have similar items to what Kimi is wearing. All of the items are very reasonably priced for any bargainista.

For the second look, I went with a little more edge. I paired the motorcycle jeans with a fitted white tank top, pinstripe vest and the same black booties and gold accessories. I loved the motorcycle jeans because they fit like a dream and provide a little edge to your wardrobe while not getting too crazy. Plus the contrast of the white with dark gives an illusion of the smaller waist and hips.

This look was Kimi's favorite for the day :)

Flats by Charlotte Russe

Unique Fashion Blog - New Dress A Day

Yahoo did an article today on the wonderful blog of Marisa Lynch. If you didn't catch it you are missing out on one of the most unique fun fashion blogs on the web. Inspired by the move Julie & Julia, Marisa decided to embark on her own 365 day challenge. Her challenge is to make a dress for a $1 a day for 365 days!! Yes folks that's right a $1 a day! She is taking dresses she finds at flea markets, vintage stores and turning them in to one of kind beautiful fashion pieces. I love how her creations can look very trendy but the original dresses came from a previous era or are (let's just say it) fugly. Goes to show that you don't need to have a huge bank account in order to be trendy. In fact she noted that now that she makes her own clothing she gets a lot more compliments on her wardrobe. Here is one of my favorites:

Before - Looking Like a Christmas Tree

After - A Cute Cocktail Dress

Click on the link below and see the great tranformations.
http://newdressaday.wordpress.com/

My Skin Care Essentials

A few weeks a user on myspace (yes myspace) emailed me to ask me what were my skincare secrets. Apparently he thought I had wonderful perfect fair skin and wanted to know how I got it. I told him he was too generous in his compliments but I did appreciate him noticing. My skin is not perfect but I do take pride in keeping it in the best shape possible. To keep my skin in its best shape I follow these simple steps twice a day:

1. Cleanse - I use La Mer Gel Foaming Face Cleanser. It is so gentle but yet removes all the oil, dirt and makeup. I like it because it gets my skin clean without it feeling tight or dry. I apply one pump to my fingers and get it to lather. Then I gently massage the lather all over my face and neck for about 15 - 20 seconds. I follow it by rinsing with lukewarm water. Hot water is a definite no-no because it will dry out your skin. If you suffer from rosacea like me, hot water will not only dry out your skin but it will make your skin more irritated and red.

2. Apply Acne/Rosacea Topical Gel - Most people would say toning would be their second step but since I have rosacea my skin is very sensitive to toners (even ones meant for sensitive skin). Instead I use my prescription strength acne/rosacea topical gels. I use Metrogel in the morning and Accuzone in the evening. I rub it all over my face gently and let it absorb in for a few seconds before I apply the next step.

3. Apply Serum - I use Laneige's Sensitive Essence as my serum. It helps to combat the redness and dryness that can develop from sensitive skin. I apply 1/2 a pump to my fingers and I rub my fingers together to warm up the product. I then gently pat it all over my face and concentrate a little more on the areas that suffer the most from rosacea i.e my cheeks, nose and the area around my mouth.

4. Apply Moisturizer - I use Laneige's Sensitive Emulsion as my moisturizer. It is very light and again combats redness and dryness. I apply one pump to my fingers and rub my fingers together to warm up the product. I gently pat it all over and my face until it is fully absorbed.

5. Apply Eye Care Cream - I use Laneige's Perfect Renew Dual Touch Eyes. It has one cream for day and another for night. I love the fact that the day cream has SPF 25, prevents sun damage and keeps the eye area hydrated. The night time cream penetrates deeply to give smoothness to the eyes and give elasticity. I use only a very small amount and I spread it all around the eye area with my ring finger. I like to dab rather than rub in as pulling at the eye area only weakens the elasticity which leads to wrinkles.

6. Twice A Week Mask - I use two different masks. One is an exfoliator (La Mer Refining Mask) while the other helps to hydrate the skin (Laneige's Water Bank Sleeping Mask). I use them on different days atleast 3 days apart. I like the Refining Mask because it really helps to remove the fine lines and dry skin. The Sleeping Pack is great because it is very light gel that gives your face a nice radiant glow in the morning. Not to mention it has soothing smell which helps with sleep.

7. Every Day Apply Sunscreen in The Day Time - I work out in the sun every day and I need to make sure my skin is protected. If I don't I will get burned, sun spots, wrinkles, etc. Plus for me my rosacea will act up and I will have a bad acne break out. For my facial sunscreen I love La Mer's SPF Protecting Fluid because it has SPF 30 and it is so light it doesn't leave my skin feeling like I have sunscreen on. When you first apply it your skin will look shiny but let it absorb in to your skin for a 10- 15 minutes and majority of the oiliness will go away.

Other Great Tips to Healthy Glowing Skin:
Drink Lots of Water
Exercise Daily
Eat A Balanced Diet
Get Some Rest

Me With No Makeup

For Information On Laneige go to www.laneige.com . Laneige products can be purchased at www.yesstyle.com


If you have any skin issues and used a certain skin care regime to treat it, post it here. Or if you have any questions on skin issues, products, steps, etc. post it and we can discuss. You may not be the only one going through it. Or if you don't feel comfortable posting it, write to me and I can post it or help answer. 

Makeup Inspiration - Rihanna Love The Way You Lie

I love the makeup look Rihanna is rocking in Eminem's new video for "Love The Way You Lie". It's a smokey purple eye, light pink cheeks and lips. Purple is the in color for Fall and compliments almost eye color. Below are the steps and products I used to achieve this look:

Products:

1. Smashbox's Photofinish Primer (sensitive), MAC 191 Brush, MAC's Fast Fixx for Eyes. 

2. Revlon Creme Shadow 740 Seashells 11 (taupe), MAC 242 Brush

3. MAC Eye Shadow in Graphology (matte). MAC 239 Brush, MAC 224 Brush

4. Too Faced Soft & Sexy Shadow Collection (lap dance). MAC 224 Brush

5. MAC Eye Shadow in Vanilla (matte), MAC 224 Brush

6. Stilla's Eye Liner in Black

7. Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base (Warm Sienna), Jane Iredale Handi Brush, Jane Iredale S2O Spray

8. MAC 265 brush

9. Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler, Diorshow Waterproof Mascara (090)

10.  Anastasia's Brow Powder in Brunette, Anastasia's Brow Clear Gel

11.  Tarte Blush in Hibiscus, Too Faced Naked Eye Collection (Pink Cheeks), MAC 188 Brush, Laneige Sliding Pack Powder

12. Maybelline Lipstick in Pink Sand (005), Etude House Juicy Pop Tube (12)

Steps:

1. Prime face and eyes using a flat foundation brush or if you don't have a brush you can use hands. Just make sure they are clean. 

2. Using a flat stiff eye shadow brush place a taupe cream shadow from the lid to just below your brow bone. Use your finger to blend the color.

3.  Then take a short eye shader brush and place a matte dark purple on your lids to just above your eye's natural crease. Becareful to tap off any excess from your brush before placing it on your eye lids. You don't want excess shadow falling below your eye or on your cheeks. When placing the shadow make sure to pack it on and create an angled shape at your outer corner. Take a blending brush and blend the line. Becareful not to over blend the line out. 

4. Now blend a light metallic purple color from the inside corner of your eye to the center of your eye ball. You want to high light the inner corners in order to make your eyes pop. 

5. Once you've blended the colors take a flesh tone matte color and high light the area under your eye brow. You can also use this color to help blend the purple if you are having trouble softening the edges. Brush off any excess shadow from under the eye or on top with a big powder brush. If you do have some smudges just dip a Q-tip into some eye make up remover and gently remove the unwanted portions.

6. Take a black eye liner pencil and gently line your upper water line. This is known as tight lining. It helps to create a defined lash line.

7. At this point I like to apply foundation. Use a matte foundation. In my case I used mineral compact foundation and I applied with a flat handi brush. Make sure to blend your foundation from your jawline down your neck. You don't want it to look. streaky. Conceal any acne or discolorations. I actually prefer to use a concentrated application of my foundation to conceal my imperfections. I shot my concealer brush with Jane Iredale's D2O spray. I then load up my brush with the foundation, pat it on the problem area and blend out the edges. Once I am done concealing I mist my face with the D2O spray to help set the foundation.

8. Going back to the eyes, line the lower water line with the same black pencil. Then just under the lower lash line, line it with the same matte purple eyeshadow. Use a thin angled brush. Then take the same light purple metallic shadow and line the inner corners of your lower lash and water line. 

9. Curl your lashes and apply 2 coats of a black volumizing mascara. Be sure to fan the lashes out on the outside corners of your eyes. I didn't get a chance to add false eye lashes but it is essential to the look. In the video Rihanna's lashes are very full, long and curly at the ends. 

10. Take a angled brow brush and blend in your brow powder. Your brow color should be a 2 to 3 times lighter than your hair color. I like to start blending the color at the midway point and work my out. This helps to create an even application. Once your finished with placing your brow powder set your brows with a clear brow gel.

11. Now for blush, apply a light matte rosey pink color to the apple of your cheeks with a blush brush. You want to just give a hint of color since the main focus of this look are the eyes. Take an iredescent blush and place on the high points of your cheeks. You want to bring them out and give a little glow to your matte skin.  Once my blush is done I like to just dust my face really quick with a powder. This will help to set the foundation and if you feel your blush is to intense this will help to bring the intensity down.

12. Top of the look with a light pink lipstick and gloss.

The flash drowned out the color. Still trying to work out the technical kinks. :)

I used the makeup to compliment my casual dinner outfit.

Top - Forever 21 ($17.99)

Shorts - Mossimo ($19.99)

Shoes - Style & Co (on sale $20.00)

Clutch - Express

Bracelet - Forever 21

Earrings - Club Codi

Rings - Kay Jewelers

Fashion Obsession - BCBG's Color Block Dress

I am in love....no in fact, I am actually obsessed with this dress. I tried it on at the BCBG store in Ala Moana and since then my fashion mind has not been the same. It has become consumed with thoughts of this dress and oh how wonderful we would be together. At first, I didn't think it would like me because of my figure flaws but it accepted me...no better, it welcomed me and made my body look hot. This dress is a work of genius with the looks of Venus. The color blocking pattern and material will give anyone a great slimming effect. The varying shades of blue are so money with my fair skin. It's oh so sexy without showing a lot of skin. But alas like all great passionate romances it couldn't last forever and drama ensued. Just as I was about to take the relationship to the next level (i.e. purchase the baby), I looked down and saw the price tag. Yikes,  $248.00! I may be a fashionista but I am also an economic realist. That one little yet significant flaw shook me out of my drunken love haze and tearfully in my heart I had to place it back on the rack. Although we never made it out of the store together, I still can dream that one day we will be together again. And in my dream I would style it with some sexy nude pumps, funky silver and black jewelry and top it off with a ruffle studded clutch....Ahh the perfect clubbing outfit. Dream baby dream.

Pumps by Dolce Vita
Clutches by Steve Madden

Easy Breezy Summer Look

Inspired by my fellow blogger, theweddinglane's post Beach Goddess Look, I decided to put together a beach look inspired by items in my closet. This look is great for a day date or happy hour at your favorite open air beachside bar. The best part about this look is all the items I selected are all under a $100. I've even found similar items in local stores for less!

Day Dresses by Asos
Flats by Apepazza

Welcome to Shellbelle's World

Hi everyone welcome to my little space in this vast universe known as the internet. Please stay a while and enjoy what this blog has to offer.  I'll be posting on things I love (such as fashion and makeup) and putting my little spin on it. I will also show that any person regardless of their size, age, ethnic background, economic standing, etc can enjoy the same things and become a so called fashionista. In addition to the fashion and makeup postings, I will also do monthly features on other topics that will range from yummy eats to travel to improving a person's quality of life. I hope your time here will be informative, useful and most of all fun. Please stay tuned and I promise not to disappoint.

COMING SOON - Fall 2010 50's Lady Inspired Look
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