NuMe Pearl Curling Wand: 1st Try!

Hey Y'all,

I'm not in a HUGE chatty, blog writing mood but wanted to show you the curls I got my first try with the NuMe Pearl Curling Wand. My hair looks super short here, but if any of you girls have long hair, this wand will look amazing with your hair. I can't wait to try it with my extensions.

As for makeup, I just kept it pretty simple today. It's the end of what has been a REALLY long and TRYING week. Full of stresses and irritations. I'm trying to keep my spirits up, but you know...sometimes it's hard. Sometimes when Friday's come around, it's time to just let the week go. There is too much to be grateful for and I especially need to keep remembering that. So that's why I look fatigued.

            

Soft natural look, albeit tired.

I know what your thinking...but this is the wand!

Side view of soft curls

Corney

My serious face

Do you like the curls? Can you envision them on yourself? I have a tutorial coming soon on this particular wand. But I also have a few other hair tools to try as well. 

Go to NuMeStyle.com and see what is there for yourself! I can already vouch for the Moisturizing Shampoo and Intense Hair Mask and Aragan Oil. These products are keeping my hair strong and healthy, and relatively split-end free! And I'm WAY over due for a trim/color. 

Please give me your feedback and let me know! 

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

How to Achieve: Glowing Perfect Skin

 Hey y'all! 

Lots of women are trying to achieve that "glowing" skin look that has been all the rage this year. We literally want our skin to glow as if emulating the glow we feel from within. You are all radiant, don't you think your face should show it? 

Here's the look I created today to achieve that "glow" upon my cheeks.

First I started with Revlon Colorstay 24 Hour Foundation in the color: Natural Beige. 

Next I used Rimmel Match Perfection 2 in 1 Concealer and Highlighter in  the color: light. I used this under the eyes on near the lash line on the tops of my lids

Next up: Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer in the color: Radiant. I created a "V" under my eyes and blended upward to lighten up the area and create a more "awake" look.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser in Medium. Next time I will go with the color: Light. Because of it's darker shade I use this on any blemishes are red spots on the sides of my face, chin and forehead.

I set ALL the concealers with ELF HD Powder to give them a longer staying power.

Using a fluffy powder brush, I dusted this matte compact lightly all over my face.

NARS Bronzer in Laguna. I put this under my cheek bones and up in an angle on my temples. The darkness creates a more slenderizing look for the face. I also used this under my chin.

Then I lightly dusted NARS Orgasm over the top of the bronzer along the cheekbones. Don't go overboard on the apples, or you lose the slenderizing effect you just created with the bronzer.

 HERE COMES THE GLOWING PORTION!

M.A.C Silver Dusk Highlighting loose pigment. I put this on the top of my cheek bones, the center of my nose, the bow of my lips and in a "C" from the cheekbones up above the brows. This is what gave the luminous and glowing feel to the skin.

 Here's two more views of this look. Side view and straight on. 

I was trying to create a light and easy look. Carefree, breezy and fun. Keep it light on the eyes and lips and you will look youthful and fun! 

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

If you liked this blog, please follow me on my other sites and tell all your friends!

Don't forget you can watch me on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/afrazier726

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ameliastjohnmakeup

You can follow me on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ameliastjohn

You can Follow me on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/ameliastjohn

You can follow me on Pinterest at: www.pinterest.com/ameliastjohn

NEW LOOK VIDEO! SMOKEY PURPLE

Click the video! 

What I used:

Face:
Makeup Forever HD Primer
Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser in Medium
Benefit Erase Paste in No. 2
NYX HD Concealer in Light
L'Oreal Infallible Advanced Never Fail Makeup in Natural Buff 606
Makeup Forever Duo Mat Compact in 202
Milani Baked Blush in Luminous
Nars Bronzer in Laguna
M.A.C. Silver Dusk highlighter

Eyes:
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
NYX Purple and Light Purple shadows
NYX Black Eyeshadow (for the crease)
M.A.C Fluidline in Blacktrack
M.A.C Eyeshadow in Smolder
M.A.C. Mascara Haute and Naughty in Blackest Black

Eyebrows:
NYX Eyebrow Powder in Taupe/Ash

Brushes:
Combination of M.A.C. and Crown brushes


Don't forget you can watch me on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/afrazier726

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ameliastjohnmakeup

You can follow me on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ameliastjohn

You can Follow me on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/ameliastjohn

You can follow me on Pinterest at: www.pinterest.com/ameliastjohn

Did you like this video? I'm getting better every day! 

XOXO,

Amelia St John

Let's Talk about Skincare

I am by no means an Esthetician. And it has taken me 27 years to really come to a point where my skin and it's well being is a top priority. 

Let's go back.

Up until recently, my skin was just my canvas that I applied my makeup on. Growing up, I had pretty good skin for a teenager. Everyone used to compliment it and I never went out of my way to take care of it. I used  makeup removing wipes to clean my face every night and that was it. I never liked "washing" my face. Like taking facial cleanser and water and like the commercials...splashing it in my face. I used to HATE that. 

Even up until recently, I just used a moisturizer and face wipes to clean my face. No sunscreen, no anti aging cream, no nothing. 

But let's face it, we are all getting older. Even I notice I am getting tiny wrinkles around my eyes, particular when I smile. 

So I've been taking steps to correct this. I want to share what I do with you guys. If any of you are Estheticians and have advice, please share!

Here's what I do in the morning. 

1.) Wash my face with Philosophy Purity 1 Step Facial Cleanser

2.) Pat dry my face

3.) Apply Serum (My choice is Clean and Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment )

4.) Wait for it to dry

5.) Apply Moisturizer (I am currently using Philosophy Hope In A Jar in the a.m.) 

6.) Wait for it to dry

7.) Apply sunscreen (A MUST. I am just using this target brand. There are better ones. If you have sensitive skin, use a facial sunscreen not just an all over one. The sun is our worst enemy for skincare)

8.) Wait for it to dry (this is important. you want to let each of these products get into the skin to start doing there job) 

9.) Apply Cliniquie Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector 

(I am trying to diminish acne scars/sun spots from the years of not taking proper care of my skin. I really think this stuff is working! I'm also using it on  my chest. It's been 3 weeks. After 2 months, I should notice a difference!)

10.) Apply Eye Cream. I am using this sample I got from Sephora. It's Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream. (**MAKEUP TIP: Put your eye cream in the refrigerator for cooling benefits. Helps reduce puffiness and under eye circles) 

That's my morning routine!

My nighttime routine is similar with a few things added/taken away

1.) Wash face with Philosophy Purity 1 Step Cleanser

2.) Use  Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System for 1 minute.

It is due for it's daily cleaning. Or a new replacement head. But probably a cleaning . 

3.) Make sure all soap is off your face and pat gently to dry

4.) Apply Serum. I am using Clean and Clear Acne Spot Treatment

5.) Wait for it to dry

6.) Apply Moisturizer. At night I am trying out the Boscia Oil Free Nightly Hydration (which I received in my Birchbox this month)

7.) Wait for moisturizer to dry and soak into skin

8.) Apply Clinique Cliniquie Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector (as seen above)

9.) Apply Eye Cream Shiseido Benefiance Concentrated Anti Wrinkle Eye Cream

HIT THE HAY!! The best medicine for your skin is SLEEP! 

I also periodically do face masks to clear my pores/hydrate my skin or peels to remove dead skin cells and allow my new skin to breathe. 

So that's what I do. What do you do? What do you think of these products? Have you tried them? Do you like them? Hate them? Any recommendations? 

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

Red Carpet Movie Premiere Makeup Tutorial

I've created an awesome look that I can't wait to show everyone. I wore this look to the Cast/Crew screening of The Master starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, and Amy Adams last night with Joel. He had a lot of screen time in this movie playing a "cadet" and when you go see it (which I hope you all will, even if it's just to see Joel) not only will you marvel at the sheer film-making genius of Paul Thomas Anderson (who directed Boogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, and much more) but you will be amazed at the acting chops of these big stars. Can anybody say Oscars? **DISCLAIMER: This movie is 2.5 hours long!**

Back to the makeup! 

I only had a brief amount of time to get ready for this, seeing as I only got about 2 hours notice we were going and I had literally no makeup on! So here is what I used and how I used it!

Foundations and Concealers. Yes I used them all. 

HD Powder to help set the concealers and foundations to last all night

Nars Orgasm Blush and M.A.C Silver Dusk Highlighter

Nars Laguna Bronzer to give a sculpted cheek look

NYX Eyebrow Duo in Taupe/Ash

NYX Loose Pigments in Sky Pink Pearl, White Pearl, Walnut Pearl

Benefit Big Beautiful Eyes: I used the lightest pink shadow under my brows /on browbone. Acts as a highlighter

M.A.C Fluidline in Blacktrack for eyeliner, Sephora Outrageous Lashes for Mascara, M.A.C Eye Kohl in Smolder for lower waterline, M.A.C eye-shadow in Carbon to set Smolder, Urban Decay Eye-shadow Potion Primer which went all over the eyelid FIRST to hold all the powders all night. And my trusty M.A.C 34 false eyelashes. MY FAVE! 

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch to add a touch of color to my lips

Just NYX Sky Pink Pearl 

with Walnut Pearl in crease (dark brown) and Benefit light pink under brows. This was my finished look. Remember to blend, blend, blend to get rid of demarcation. 

Closer of the eyes. See the M.A.C Blacktrack and the Sephora Mascara? 

With the M.A.C False Lashes #34

The finished look

And again!

                                               

Ta-Da!!

 I hope you all enjoyed this. I know I've promised more videos and now that my Nikon Coolpix is working, all I need is to A.) figure out how to work the video part B.) get a tripod so I can film at a proper angle. I would have loved to do an ACTUAL tutorial on this. But I hope this gives you a good base to go off. As always, you can always ASK me ANY questions you may have while trying to achieve this (or any) look you are trying to create. My advice and my love is FREE!! 

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

TIP OF THE DAY: Your makeup is only as good as your brushes. So make sure you take good and proper care of those babies! Clean them at a minimum of once a week!

* PS I am not affiliated with any of the makeups detailed in this blog. I purchased all of these products with my own money and was not paid to use/endorse them

Drugstore Makeup Look of the Day

Monday's Drugstore Makeup Of The Day!

I've recently been inspired by the likes of many YouTube Makeup Guru's out there to check out some of the drugstore makeup that lines the walls of your local CVS/Rite Aid/Target/Wal-Mart etc. 

We makeup artists can become pretty snobby and elitist about our makeups, believing that only the high quality makeup is the expensive kind. But that's absolutely not true. Yes, high quality makeup from the likes of Chanel, M.A.C, Estee Lauder, Urban Decay, YSL and many more are all AMAZING in their own right. They can absolutely charge more for their product because it is such a high caliber product. But that doesn't mean you can't find an equally good product for under $12 at Target. YSL, M.A.C , and all of those put a lot of money into their "brand" including but not limited to; packaging, advertising, celebrity endorsements and more. So you are paying money for a product that probably costs pennies to manufacture in China, but for a "name-brand" we fork out all our hard earned money. Stimulating the economy is how we justify it to ourselves right? 

So yesterday I stopped by Ulta and Target to pick up some products that I felt could create a great look. I'm REALLY digging concealors right now, because I'd like to create a flawless complexion without caking on layers of foundations. I'm also trying to battle the bags under my eyes and dark circles. This is best remedied with good ole' fashioned sleep, but who has time to sleep the proper amount of hours per night? 

This is the look I created on my first try with my "drugstore"/low-cost makeup haul: 

What do you think? I'm loving the highlighted area on top of my blush. I feel very glow-y and radiant 

Here's what I used

For a complete list of my products continue reading: 

Face: 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer in Medium $8.99

Sonia Kashuk (Target) Hidden Agenda II concealer Palette: approx $10.49

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer/Highlighter in Light : $5.99

NYX HD Photogenic Concealer in Light: $5.49

L'Oreal Infallible Advanced Never Fail Makeup in Natural Buff : $11.99

Elf High Definition Powder: $6.00

Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore: $3.49

Makeup For Ever Duo Matte Compact: $22

Eyes: 

Urban Decay Potion Primer

NYX Loose Pigment in Mink Pearl : 2.99

NYX For Your Eyes Only Eyeshadow Pallette in Dark Brown/Gold $10.99

M.A.C Fluidline Blacktrack Gel liner $18.00

Sephora Outrageous Mascara: free as a sample

M.A.C Eye Kohl Pencil in Smolder: $14?

Lips: 

NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Chestnut: $4.49

Eyebrows: 

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder $5.99

Whew! That was a lot I know..but I didn't buy EVERYTHING yesterday. Some of the stuff I had. And yes, I did use some higher end products but not very much. 

What is your favorite lower cost makeup product? What do you think about this look? Do I look "cheap"? The blazer and necklace and bun makes me look classy I know.....

Don't forget you can watch me on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/afrazier726

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ameliastjohnmakeup

You can follow me on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ameliastjohn

You can Follow me on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/ameliastjohn

You can follow me on Pinterest at: www.pinterest.com/ameliastjohn

Let all your friends/sisters/wives/mothers know about this blog! I'm here to help as many people as possible to make you all feel BEAUTIFUL!

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

A new review of an old(er) Drugstore Foundation

Today was a day where I said "heck, I'm going to try out an old fave to see if it still has my vote"

Today I decided to try a "new"/old foundation. New as in I haven't worn it in a long time, old as in I've had it awhile but stopped wearing it. I've been wearing a lot of airbrush makeup and when I'm not wearing that, I'm wearing Makeup Forever HD foundation.

Today I decided to swap it out and go with L'Oreal Infallible Advanced Never Fail Foundation Makeup in the color 606 Natural Beige.

Here's my beginning of the day: 

BEFORE: Whoa Cheese-Ball Smile

 Here's my after the day is over :

I added a filter to this picture because the lighting was just awful

 Now besides the fact I look pretty tired, I'd say this makeup held up extremely well! Look past my messed-up curls and my bags-under-my-eyes, and you will see that the makeup itself stayed on my face all day. I'm very happy with this foundation. I've heard from some of you who have told me I helped you switch to this foundation. And I'm so glad I could do so! This drug store brand is actually pretty amazing!

I've been watching a lot of YouTube Makeup Guru's like ItsBl0ndie, MissGlamourazzi, Carlibybel and OohLaLashses and more. A lot of them have raved about some drug store foundations and concealors that I am actually really anxious to try. I love finding a high quality product that I can test out and then recommend to all of my readers/viewers/followers out there.

Don't forget you can watch me on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/afrazier726

You can find me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ameliastjohnmakeup

You can follow me on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/ameliastjohn

You can Follow me on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/ameliastjohn

You can follow me on Pinterest at: www.pinterest.com/ameliastjohn

I filmed a video today. I just have to figure out how to upload it from my Flip camera and edit it!

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

Friday MOTD!

Finally Friday! Yay! Here's what I rocked for my Friday look. What did you do? 

Face: 

MU4E HD Primer

MU4E HD Foundation in 125

MU4E Matte Duo Compact in 202

Nars Blush Orgasm

M.A.C Blush in Sculpt for Contouring

Eyes: 

Urban Decay Potion Primer

Urban Decay Half Baked

Urban Decay Smog

M.A.C Fluidline Gel Eyeliner in Blacktrack

M.A.C Haute and Naughty Mascara in Blackest Black

M.A.C Smolder Eye Kohl on bottom water line

Eyebrows: 

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in  Taupe/Ash

Lips:

Anastasia Hydragloss in Bellini

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

PS Whose ready for another video??

OOTD: Outfit of the Day!

Someday I'll get a better camera so y'all can see this better!

 I tried to do a MOTD but the lighting in my office is so terrible today! (I suppose it's the same as yesterday but just in general it's terrible) So today I will do a OOTD: Outfit of the Day

But I LOVE LOVE LOVE my outfit today and wanted to share that with you all.

I love these turquoise pants I got from Macy's on Saturday. They are a skinny cut that I paired with my high black wedges.

The black shirt is from Express I think and is flow-y and comfortable. 

I paired it with this new cropped faux-leather jacket from Charlotte Russe. 

Add the necklace (also from Charlotte Russe) and some bling earrings, I'd say you got yourself a look!

I may wear this out another night. With some BIG curly hair, or maybe slicked back hair with extensions in to create a sleek long ponytail. 

Anyway, this is a fairly trendy look and I don't do this all that often but when I do, I love it!

What do you think? Again I apologize for the quality of my photos. Once I get all moved, I may ask for a nice video camera/camera for X-Mas. 

I was scared of these bright colored pants, but look what happens when you go outside of your comfort zone!

XOXO,

Amelia St. John