Stash Swatch: Lips

Here's my stache swatches from my collection of lip products. I know my stache is small, but it's good to me and I love it (: Enjoy

LIPGLOSS:

This is my lovely collection of lip glosses, though not the largest, it gets the job done. 

(left to right)

Adore Lip Pencil in 5th Avenue:

- I use this almost everyday to line my lips, it's very sheer the swatch is with a few coats just so you could see the color. It blends with my lips very well. Doesn't stay on for very long though. The color is a shimmery beige with warm bronze/orange undertones. 7 out of 10

Sephora Nano in Candid Candy:

- This is a frosty pale pink with hints of lavender and blue. I like to put it in the center of my bottom lip as a highlight underneath whatever lipstick / gloss I wear. Very nice color, very soft application.  8 out of  10

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush (color name unknown): 

- This gloss is pretty thick and a little on the sticky side, but that's okay because it results in long lasting lipgloss which is hard to come by. The color in the tube and on this swatch is a sort of lavender rose. Depending on the amount you put on the color can go from virtually clear to the swatch shade. No shimmer or sparkles. It also smells delicious, like grape candy.  8 out of 10

Mirabella Lip Reflect (color name unknown):

- The smell of this gloss alone turns me away. It smells of plastic. It's a clear / sheer pink shade with sparkles. It's a soft gloss that applies really easily but there's better products out there that don't smell so bad. And if you get this in your mouth have fun trying to get the horrible taste out. Yuck. 2 out of 10

Arbonne F.Y.I. It Shine (color name unknown):

- This is a really nice gloss. It has wonderful color, you don't even need a lipstick underneath. I love the packaging as well. The color is a beautiful hot pink with sparkles. Really pretty in the summertime. Application is great as well. 9 out of 10

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss:

- Clinique lipglosses are unsurpassed in my opinion. I kind of enjoy how sticky they are because the staying power is so much longer than that of most other glosses. This color is a very sheer almost clear but it has a tint of peachy pink and a little sparkle. Wonderful gloss. 9 out of 10

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Extra Apricot:

- A semisheer pinky apricot/peach color with a little gold shimmer. Good value compared to other drugstore glosses. A really nice product. 9 out of 10

L'Oreal Infallible Lip Plumping Gloss in 306:

- I love to wear this hot red with a little shimmer over red lipstick to give it that extra oomf of shine. The smell is kind of discouraging, it's a little bit of a chemically, fake smell. But the color, shine, and overall quality of this product doesn't let the smell get too much in the way. I love the different applicator, it's great for shaping.  It doesn't last very long, I do have to re-apply every so often. 8 out of 10

LIPSTICK:

(left to right)

MAC Satin Lipstick in Myth:

- This is a veeeery nude color. It is much lighter than my skin tone so to not look like a corpse I apply a nude or pink lipgloss over it and it looks really nice. You'll need to make sure your lips aren't chapped because it will make them worse and very noticeable. I like this lipstick a lot, perfect for creating nude lips. 8 out of 10

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Stick in Just Enough Buff:

- I bought this because I saw it on Halle Berry and it was gorgeous...what isn't on that woman though. I love the color. It's a very sheer nude color. The consistency definitely could be creamier, it almost feels a little grainy. And if I have chapped lips in the slightest, it shows them 10 fold. But I love the color, so once my lips heal I'll be wearing it more often. 7 out of 10

Brand and Color Unknown:

- I think this lippie might be from Arbonne, but I'm not 100% sure. It doesn't have a name on the tube /: Either way I love this color but reviewing it would be a little pointless...

Clinique Color Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in In The Pink:

- This is a semisheer warm pink / raspberry with some sparkle. I love the feeling of this lippie, so smooth, just like the name it feels like butter when applying. Great for summer. 9 out of 10

Maybelline lippie in Royal Red:

- A very bright hot red. Lots of sheen and shine. I usually have to reapply this quite a bit when I wear it. But the overall color and application are very nice for the price. 7 out of 10

MAC Matte Russian Red:

- This color exudes classiness to me. It's perfect for a night out or on a cold winter day. The color is a very dramatic matte red. It's very vintage film star-esque to me. So classic. MAC's lipsticks are a little pricey but this color can't be duped in my opinion, with quality and color this is a must for red lipstick lovers. 9 out of 10

XOX, 

- Mj

Stash Swatch: Tutorial for the MUAers!

Hi guys, if anything is unclear or you want more info. just comment and I'll explain whatever you need. (: Enjoy

^brows^

 ^inner lashlines and crease (brown look)^

 ^lid and crease^ (purple look)

Bottom Palette: inner corners (purple), lids (brown), crease (purple)

Top Palette (all from brown look) : (lightest color) all over lids, (upper left) crease, (upper right) crease, (darkest) outer corner & bottom lashline

Products Used:

Brushes -

MAC 217 for crease / blending

No name medium shadow brush (densely packed bristles) for lid colors

No name medium shadow brush for buffing, no pigment used

MAC 266 for lashlines and inner corner highlight

Michael's paint brush for pencil tip, just used to apply the pigment to the crease

Brown Look - 

Revlon ColorStay 12 hr e/s pallete in 14 Nude Elements

Maybelline ExpertWear e/s in Natural Smokes

Aziza Palette no name

NYX e/s in Deep Bronze

Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes in Black Diamond

Wet'n'Wild Mega Liner in Black

Purple Look-

Revlon ColorStay 12 hr e/s pallete in 14 Nude Elements

Covergirl Eye Enhancers in Violet Frappe and Shimmering On

Aziza Palette no name

Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes in Black Diamond

Wet'n'Wild Mega Liner in Black

Revlon Super Lustrous in Just Enough Buff

 ^brown

 ^purple

^lips for both

There ya guys go, don't forget if there's anything else you would like to know or any other breakdown's you would like don't hesitate to ask!

XOX,

- Mj

Stash Swatch: Face

As a result of this evenings boredom, I decided to swatch / review some of my make-up for anyone who need reference. I know when I am looking to purchase something I like to know what color I'm going to actually get. Haven't we all had that foundation we thought was our color, only to come home to something that's...not. Haha well this is to help with that, I know it's not much but hopefully it will help someone (:

FACE:

Foundation / Blush / Bronzer (from left to right) -

Revlon Colorstay for Normal / Dry Skin in 240 Medium Beige: Claims to "wear for 16 hours and provide a flawless, lightweight feel"

PROS  

- Medium coverage

- Dewy and soft when applied

- Buildable

- It goes on really smooth and blends with my skin really well. 

- The color is a little on the pink side, but it definitely goes well with my warm tone. I would describe it as a golden, fresh medium beige with a hint (and I mean the smallest of the small of hints) of rose. 

-It has about an 8 hour staying power. 

CONS

- Packaging makes it hard to control the amount of product that comes out of the bottle

OVERALL RATING

- I'm happy with this foundation, I wear it everyday with no problems like breakouts or anything. 8.5 out of 10

----

Almay Bright Eyes Eye Base / Concealer in 145 Medium:

PROS

- Versatile use as a concealer and eye shadow base

- Yellow / orange color helps conceal dark circles very well

- Good packaging, controllable product release

CONS

- I don't really have any complaints about this product, it works well for what it's intended for.

OVERALL RATING

- I like this concealer and eye shadow base, it saves money of having to buy the products separately, good color match. 9 out of 10

----

Bonnebell My Style Concealer in Light:

PROS

- I guess the only positive thing I have to say about this is the packaging is okay.

CONS

- The color doesn't match my skin 

- It just doesn't compare to the Almay concealer

- Too 'white' not enough color in the product

OVERALL RATING

- 3 out of 10

----

bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Medium Beige N20 & Matte Foundation in Medium Tan 3C: Claims to improve the look of your skin over time, and that you can sleep in it.

PROS

- Good coverage

- Buildable

- Good color, it's almost that you can change the color of the product depending on how much you apply

CONS

- Not good for dry / flaky skin (which I have) 

- Doesn't last very long if you don't set it 

OVERALL RATING

- I do love bareMinerals products, this product just doesn't work for me because of my dry skin. It makes me stand out more than it naturally does so I stay away from it. If I do use it, I use it to powder my T-zone so it's not too oily. 7 out of 10

----

Physician's Formula in Peach to Glow:

PROS

- Pretty, soft, peachy beige color

- Some sparkle

- Works well with my warm undertones

CONS

- Not very pigmented

- A little bit chalky

OVERALL RATING

- 6 out of 10

----

i.d. bareMinerals Natural Light in Well Lit:

PROS

- Amazing highlighter for cheek and brow bone

- Not too sparkly, it's more of a light shimmer

- Really sheer and buildable 

CONS

- You kind of need a lot of product for it to "show up, show up" but if your using it as a highlight you don't need it to do that. I really enjoy this product. 8 out of 10

----

Bed Head by TIGI Glow Mineral Illuminator: "to highlight under eyes, cheek bones or anywhere you want to illuminate"

PROS:

- I like the packaging

- Nice for a brow bone highlight

- It looks pretty...in the bottle

CONS

- Too sparkly, I look for more of a sheer shimmer when it comes to highlighters

OVERALL RATING

This product is just too sparkly for my liking. Although I sometimes use it as a brow bone highlight, I would never use it on my cheeks. Waaaay too much sparkle. 4 out of 10

----

bareMinerals Face Color in Warmth, Fresh, and Faux Tan:

no pros or cons

Description - Warmth: A reddish brown contour or bronzer. Buildable color, good pigment. Fresh: Really beautiful peachy, orange with some shimmer (favorite). Faux Tan: Brown pigment with some sparkle. Great for all over body color.

----

E.L.F Bronzer in Bronzed: 

no pros or cons

Description - A reddish, rose, sparkly bronzer with a lot of pigment. Good color for summer.

----

Clinique BLUSHWEAR Cream Stick in 01 Glow Blush:

PROS

- Really pretty color; it's a warm, soft orangey-brown with a touch of shimmer

- Blends easily

- Good for use under liquid foundation for a natural looking contour

CONS

- Doesn't work well over powder (duh)

- Can go on a little thick if you aren't careful

OVERALL RATING

- 7 out of 10

----

*If you have any further questions or anything just comment below!

XOX,

- Mj

HANGOVER MAKEOVER

In the spirit of the release of the Hangover II I've decided to post the HANGOVER MAKEOVER. It happens to the best of us... we all know waking up the morning after an epic night reminicing and laughing about what adventures happened is fun. But waking up to a reminder of that heavy mascera you wore last that started out looking fantastic and has now moved it's way south on your face area isn't so sexy. This is for those days when you just can't call in sick, but can't go into the office looking like a zombie-raccoon. While there is no magical remedy to hide the tell tale puffy bags and dark circles there are a couple things you can do to make it more tolerable for those looking at your for the rest of your day. Before we begin, if any of your are reading this while you have a hangover, just to make things easier on yourself go pour yourself a big glass of ice water and pop two ibuprofen or tylenol..... Now, back to the make-up!

- First, You will need to calm the puffiness and bags beneath your eyes. You can achieve this by using a cold compress. The idea behind cold compresses is that because of the low temperature applied to your normally hot skin your blood vessels will constrict, reducing blood flow, and thus reducing and redness and swelling. I would also recommend using an under-eye roller infused with caffeine or some other de-swelling ingredient. Like this

 one.

- Now it's time to prep your skin. Alcohol causes dehydration to just about everywhere in your body (fun fact: including your brain, ever wonder why people make those oh-so-wise choices when intoxicated?) including your face. Your skin is likely to be colorless, lifeless, and dry. Use a moisturizer with SPF to prevent any further damages. Don't forget to also apply a primer so that your make-up doesn't come off during the day to reveal what you actually look like (; I suggest this and this.

- Our main concern: Those bags and under eye circles! These are the tell tale signs of a hangover, so our focus is to eliminate any reminisce of them. You can achieve this by applying an orange based concealer like Almay's Bright Eyes. The orange will counteract the purple / blue dark circles that have appeared on your face uninvited. Be sure to use a concealer that is appropriate to your skin tone, it should be one shade lighter than your foundation. I like to apply this around my entire eye just to make sure everything is even and one color.    

-Time to liven up the face. Apply a cream blush, like MAC's Cream Colour Base in Pearl to the apples of your cheeks and on your cheek bones. This will bring some light onto your skin. Next apply your foundation as you normally would over the cream blush. This will give the illusion you are glowing from the inside. After my foundation, I used Bare Minerals Fresh as a contour and MAC's Cheek as a blush, to just add some nice color. I  also threw a highlighter (Bare Mineral's Well Lit) on to my cheek and brow bones for some extra glow. 

- Widen the eyes. Our goal here is to look as awake a fresh as possible. This being said skip any eye shadows with sparkles as they can fall into fine lines and make wrinkles more visible, also avoid dark shadows. These make it seem that your eyes are sunken in, something you definitely want to stay away from when diagnosed with a hangover. Stick with neutral colors, maybe something with a little shimmer on your top and bottom lash lines like Victoria's Secret Luminous Shadow in Nude Glow (here) to brighten things up even more. Opt for a lengthening mascara, this will open your eyes more than a volumizing one would, these can sometimes cast shadows and make dark circles more prominent. The final step: apply a lip color that's close to that of your natural lips, throw on some gloss and you're out the door. I used Clinique Long Last Glosswear with SPF 15 in Air Kiss

There it is friends, a complete de-hangovering guide. Hope this comes in handy, but you don't have to use it too often (:

Before and After: HANGOVER MAKEOVER

XOX,

- Mj

In the making...

Hey guys!

I'm working on some great stuff right now with a lot of concentration in make-up and I'm so excited to start posting! I just made an order for some new cosmetics and I'll be trying them out and reviewing them on here. They should be on their way any time now, so stay updated and check back frequently to see what's new! I've been researching non-stop on some of my favorite make-up sites / forums and can't wait to get these posts together. I hope everyone is enjoying californiacastles as much as I'm enjoying posting. Remember: If anyone has ANY requests for anything fashion / beauty send them my way via comments or Facebook (the link for it is in the sidebar) and I'd be more than happy to help you!

xox,
- Mj

New Stuff for Cool Girls: Fine Featherheads Make Sense

Summer is a time for us to relax, loosen up, and enjoy ourselves. What better way to do that then by making a fashion statement! Feathers have been jumping up the style ladder for over a year but as of right now they couldn't be any hotter. With celebs like Jennifer Love doning these boho chic accessories how could people not catch on?

Word has it that so many people are wanting feathers in their hair, as accessories, on jewelry, you name it...that there is a shortage of them! Crazy huh. Not to worry though, I've been following a company called Fine Featherheads on Facebook for a while now and they consistently produce good quality feather extensions. Though I notice they run out of stock quickly it's only because so many of us want them, they are just as quickly re-ordered and back in stock. (very professional) These can be washed / dried / styled just like your natural hair and their patented bonding technique leaves you satisfied in knowing your fashion investment won't fall out the moment to jump in the shower. The selection they offer is unsurpassed! So many hand chosen color schemes so they match oh-so-perfectly. You can tell these people really love what they do. From their photo shoots in sunny California, to their high quality fashion pieces, Fine Featherheads set the standard for permanent hair accessories. If you want the best of the best, go where the stars go. Oh, & for all you salon owners...WHOLESALE! Yes, they offer amazing bundle packs of this product that's sure to fly off your shelves. Fine Featherheads make sense in more ways then one! That's why I'll definitely be starting off my chic summer with some (:

Like them on Facebook!

To order, visit their website at finefeatherheads.com

xoxo,

- Mj

Mermania

I went to Disneyland yesterday and since the new Pirates movie just came out I decided to do my make-up for the occasion. Here is my interpretation of mermaid-esque eyes and face.
I started with my normal concealer and foundation. I used a foundation brush from Elf for application, being sure to use as little as possible because I wanted a clean, 'real skin' (not make-up skin, there IS a difference) look. Then to my top lash line and inner corners I applied Victoria's Secret Luminous Shadow in Glow Nude and blended with an angle brush from MAC (I don't know the number).

For my bottom lash line I applied a teal creme eyeliner with sparkle like this one:

I began beneath my bottom lashes right where they begin and pulled it out away from my eye to make a sort of a winged thing. Then I applied my mascara as I usually do. For my cheeks I used Base Essentials Fresh and Pure Radiance as a highlighter. This was my end result, pretty simple and fast for a fun and fresh look, I really liked the outcome.

my eyebrow ^ looks weird 

My Turn

Here's the result of my inspired creative mind all thanks to Sophy Robson and my friends at www.makeupalley.com. I started browsing around for ideas and found this modern twist on french tips. Since I'm quite the rookie when it comes to painting my nails (actually painting anything, for that matter) this task didn't seem too bad since the supplies only include tape, scissors, lacquer & relatively no skill. I tried duplicating this look from chloesnails.blogspot.com she has this and so many more awesome looks.

Lately I've been in this earthy ethereal mood so I chose some neutral colors for my nails. My base is some unknown brand in a very nude color. Don't forget to let your base dry completely before continuing.

Next, I placed a piece of tape (sorry it's black, it's electrical tape, I recommend using clear scotch tape) diagonally across my nail. Be sure to press it firmly onto your nail to prevent any bleeding of your top color.

I put about three coats of O.P.I's Over The Taupe over the base coat (that's DRY!) and removed the tape. You do not need to wait for this to dry before removing the tape.

Continue previous steps to each nail and this is what you get. Feel free to move your lines around to create a more individual funky look or stick with what I did if you'd like. This was really easy and it looks cool. I can't wait to go out and pick out some rad color schemes to try out next. Hope you guys liked this, if you have any questions just comment at the bottom and I'd be happy to help!

xox,

- Mj

NAILPORN!

I just found this AMAZING nail artist from the UK, her name is Sophy Robson. I'll let her work do most of the talking but let me just tell you I discovered her because she recently did one of my favorite artists Ellie Goulding's nails. And I'm currently in the process of teaching myself to paint my nails like a big girl because I am so terrible at it. This definitely gets my creative juices flowing and I'm feeling totally inspired!

UM...can I get those ^ amazing rings too!? so rad

these are my fav ^ #obsessed

This isn't even the HALF of it people, this woman is amazing! The art she creates on such small spaces is unmatched. If your a lacquer addict this is for you. & I'm loving her name for hot nails, @nailporn. So cute, so awesome, I can't get enough.

Website: http://sophyrobson.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sophynails

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sophyrobson?ref=ts

I had to do it

They won't let me play this video on here, so here's the link.
YouTube - Blondie Rapture




Happy End of Days Everyone,
If we're all still here tomorrow check back for more updates!

xox,
- Mj

Ready or Not

Here comes summer! With it just around the corner some of us couldn't be more excited to throw on our swim suits and hit the beach. Others might need a little help. I've been doing some research and here are what I think will be some amazing bathing suit trends for this summer along with what body types they work with best!

1. Ruffled Bikini's
This trend can help us with a little trick of the eye. Hiding some area's we might not want everyone seeing, and accentuating one's we don't really have. (: Wearing a bikini top with layered ruffles like this Vix Swimwear triangle top will create the illusion that your a little larger in the chest department by adding more depth. And I'm just loving the tie-dye funky feel I get from this! Totally makes me want to accessorize this with a colorful tropical drink, little umbrella and all.

Vix Swimwear Multicolor 'Joplin' Bikini Top from Bluefly

If your not looking to play up your chest you can opt for a more plain top with just one ruffle to add some fun and flirty flair to an otherwise plain jane top. 

Shoshanna Blue Ruffle Bikini Top from Bluefly

If you're booty is rather flat and you'd like to add some perkiness to it I advise choosing a ruffled bottom. They will also even you out if you're more on the top heavy side. It will create more shape for your backside, once again utilizing the wonderful illusions ruffles so easily create. These bottoms from Vix Swimwear are so cute, the ruffles and print on them will give you the shape you're looking for AND a sweet girly feel. Since there's so much going on with these as far at the print and texture they would look amazing paired with just a plain white triangle top to even everything out.

Vix Swimwear Floral Bottoms

2. Crochet / Knit Bikini's

Crochet and knit patterns are so chic right now. I love the laid back feel from these. This tigerlily crochet bikini is so adorable. These type's of suits come in all shapes. For a larger bust I'd try to stay away from triangle tops like this one and go for a halter. Still just as cute, with more support. Throwing some distressed denim cut-offs over this after your long day at the beach will give you that fresh fesitival fashion vibe that's so in this year. Speaking of vibes, finding a knit suit in orange couldn't get more retro 70's and ADORABLE. Definitely obsessed with this look, I will be filling my swim suit drawer with lots of knits (maybe even some home-made!)

Crochet bikini from revolveclothing.com

3. Color Block Swimsuits

Bring the color block trend from the runway to the sand with these fun suits. I love this backless one piece from Milly, for some reason I get a 90s feel from it and the colors are fabulous. This look will work  for those of you with shorter legs. The high positioned sides of this suit sit above your hips which elongates your legs.

Milly Color Block One Piece from Bloomingdales

4. Prints

Make sure your printed suits are bold statement pieces. Some of my favorite prints include cultural or tribal and floral. I really like these tribal prints, they give you that desert, hot weather aztec princess feel. 

Aztec Print Bottoms from AllSaints

Billabong Zig Zag Bikini

Achieve two trends in one suit with this Jessica Allen bikini, the floral print is really in along with the retro bandeau-esk top, so cute!

JETS from Jessica Allen

ALSO, some summer don't forgets!

Paul Smith Rhian Sunglasses from Zappos

These shades are definitely trending this summer. The ray-ban look with a retro feel pairs together for an all around awesome set of sunglasses.

Stretch Lace Tunic Cover Up

This cover up from Venus is adorable. Lightweight material along with this cute tunic cut couldn't be more in style. You'll definitely see me covering up in this. Pairing something like this with some cork or woven wedges makes for a perfect and quick laid back dinner outfit in case you are invited to Ruby's on the Pier with some unexpected friends.

Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunscreen

Be smart and stylish and protect your assets with Neutrogena's Age Shield Face Sunscreen. It has 110 SPF which will protect your skin from harmful rays and premature aging. If you want a tan face, I'd go for a NARS bronzer or a fake tanning lotion for your face instead of tanning it naturally.

A nice big woven tote will supply you with enough room for all your on beach necessities while looking laid back and totally fashion forward. You can find these anywhere from Betsey Johnson to Target so the price range is quite vast, just make sure you get one that you won't mind getting a little wet. You never know what's gonna happen at a day on the beach!