Need a New Fall Lipstick Color? Try M.A.C Satin in Rebel Lipstick

Hey Y'all!

So recently I was watching Carli Bybel and Stephanie from YouTube. You can check out their channels here: Carli: http://www.youtube.com/user/CarliBel55?feature=watch and Stephanie http://www.youtube.com/user/SMLx0?feature=watch. 

They did a swap which is basically where two YouTuber's set a budget and send each other products/items for the other one to see and review the haul. So Stephanie got Carli this beautiful M.A.C lipstick that I absolutely loved when I was watching the video. (which you can see here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3tOaChKJ5o&feature=youtu.be)  It's called Rebel and it's from the Satin line. It's a beautiful dark rich purple that I think looks amazing for fall time. 

Here it is: M.A.C Rebel Lipstick

 And here's what it looks like swatched on my skin

And finally my face. Now after putting this on today, I think this would make a great color for nights. I'm not sure it's "for me" at my office. My office is pretty chill and low key. Dressing up sometimes is nice jeans with a casual blazer. It's easy to get into a rut when you work in such a relaxed atmosphere. I'm guilty of that. So here I am today trying to get out of the rut:

Why do I look so mad?? ?

I'm not sure I'm happy with this. I LOVE the color still and I love the natural look of my eyes. I just feel like for my own personal self, I think this lipstick is best for evenings. What do you think? What would you try with this color?

I'm loving this lipstick regardless. I will be incorporating it into other looks. 

Also, I finished packing my freelance makeup train case for my mother-of-the-groom and grandmother-of-the-groom makeup this weekend. I'll either film a video or take pictures of what all is in it for you to see! I love watching and reading those kind of videos/blogs. Do you? 

Happy Thursday!!

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

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

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

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I'm back with a new MOTD! Starring: Maybelline Eyestudio

Hey y'all! 

I'm back. It seems like forever since I wrote a blog. I'm sorry if you missed me and my MOTD or OOTD or makeup reviews. But I was moving into a new place and as you all probably know, moving is exhausting  Not to mention at the exact same time, I was super swamped at work. No rest for the weary! Most of the last week I was wearing no makeup! Let's not forget L.A. has had another heat wave and the high temps were 106 and higher! Any makeup would have melted anyway. So that's whats been up with me. 

But I have had things in my mind being planned. One of them was a review/trial of these Maybelline Eyestudio eye-shadow palettes. I'm ambivalent I think toward them. For one reason, I was hoping for to get a really nice burgundy shadow and they ended up with more of a netural and shimmery browns. But I LOVE the light shimmery taupe as seen on the far left. I will most definitely be using this a lot! It can be used under the brow bone to give a highlight or in the corners of the eyes to brighten up.  

Below are some "eh-all right" photos. Because I'm just feeling "eh" towards this look. 

What do you all think? 

I heard about these super affordable drugstore pallets from YouTube Hair and Makeup Guru ItsBl0ndie. See her here at:  www.youtube.com/itsbl0ndie (She's so cute and talented. She looks like a Jessica Simpson/Britney Spears/Ali Fedowtsky look alike)

I was hoping the colors would be a little more burgundy and less brown. But they give off a beautiful natural brown color nonetheless

Here's an upclose. Not really seeing the burgundy are you? But I'm loving the light shimmer color 

My hair pre-brushed out

Post brushed out curls and a whole face shot

Another picture of brows and eyes. 

Also used on my face: 

Makeup Forever HD Primer

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind in Medium

Rimmel Match PErfection 2 in 1 Concealor and Highlighter

Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighter in Radiant

Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda II concealer palette. 

Belletto Studio Airbrush Foundation in F6 Toasted Canary

Nars Orgasm Blush 

M.A.C Haute and Naughty Mascara

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Taupe/Ash

Maybelline Baby Lips in Peach Kiss (nude color)

Carmex Lip Balm (to give the shine and moisture. I'm also supremely addicted to it!)

Hope you all are surviving your Wednesday Hump Day! Only two more days till the weekend! I'm going up north to do a wedding this Friday/Saturday. I'll make sure to take pictures and bring you all with me!

XOXO,

Amelia St. John

Don't forget you can watch/subscribe to 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

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

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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