Gossip Girl Project -- Serena's Make-up

Happy Monday!!

I'm not going to lie-- I had a lot of fun with this one!!

As a reminder, here is the original photo:































Gorgeous!!!!!!



Here's a layout of the products I used... Sorry the numbers are a little hard to read.






1. MAC Strobe Cream 2. Lancome Tient Idole 3. Maybelline Super Stay Concealer 4. Prestige Kabuki brush 5. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends bronzer 6. Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara (for bottom lashes) 7. L'oreal Voluminous Mascara 8. Lancome pallet-- I used the blush from this pallet, both colors mixed together 9. Another Lancome freebie-- Juicy Tubes in Hallucination 10. Maybelline Ultra Brow Brush-On color 11. Maybelline Eye Stuido Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow in Taupe Temptress 12. MAC Eyeshadow in Nylon 13. Covergirl eyeshadow brush 14. Neutrogena eyeliner in brushed pewter 15. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipgloss in Raspberry Sorbet

Whew! That's a lot, haha!!

Here are my pics:























































The *key* to this look is the inner-V shimmer-- I used the MAC eyeshadow in Nylon for this. It's the perfect color!! Just a hint of gold to really bring out the gold flecks in my eyes. Also, she has a lot of color everywhere (lips, cheeks, etc.), but the second *key* is flawless skin. Mixing the MAC Strobe Liquid with your foundation will do this nicely! (I love this lotion-- review soon to come!)


If you have any questions, just ask!!

Until next time--
Beauty Maven

Gossip Girl Project: Serena's Hair

So here is the inspiration image for Serena Van Der Woodsen:

Beautiful!!

So I tried to do the infamous Blake Lively tousled hair today. And to help me with this? Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly brand~ I invested in the shampoo and mousse.

See, I have fine straight hair that is moderately thick, so if I use too much conditioner I can kiss volume and any kind of hold goodbye. Eh, I know. But keeping this in mind, here’s what I did:

- Super cleaned my hair of any build-up with Pantene Clarifying Shampoo

- Shampooed with Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Shampoo followed by Sunsilk’s heat protectant conditioner just on the ends.. cause it’s about time for a trim =\

- After brushing and towel-drying hair, I added the Tousle Me Softly mousse—about a tennis ball size—lightly scrunching the ends while my head was flipped over and then adding to the roots.

- I then rough dried my hair, and here’s a key! *Do not brush!* afterward!! I know it seems counter-intuitive, but I tried this one day and brushed it and they fell out after only a few hours. Sad day.

- Then, using a ¾” curling iron on the highest setting, I curled my entire head in layers. Here is another key! *Pull on the curl while it’s still hot!* Nothing too intense, just softly pull it to make it more of a wave than a Shirley Temple ringlet.

- Finished with Garnier Fructis flexible hold anti-humidity hairspray.

And let me tell you. I took this picture AFTER work. That means it held for more than 8 hours!! (Sorry for the bad quality picture.. I took is with my iPhone because I'm bad about remembering to charge my camera, haha.)

Amazing =)

What do you think? Have you tried the Tousle Me Softly line? Do you have any special tricks to make your hair hold curl? And you curly-haired ladies—enlighten me!! Do you ever try to loosen your curls to waves, and what products/tricks do you use??

Until Next Time~

Beauty Maven

Operation: Gossip Girl!

Now, I will admit-- I am a big Gossip Girl fan!

And like many others, I'm sure, most of the enjoyment of the show is manifested in the many fashion and beauty looks. I am personally in love with Serena's look, but all of the leading ladies have absolutely gorgeous looks going on!! I'm a fan of "projects," so my new one is to play with the 4 looks of Serena, Blaire, Vanessa, and Little-J.

Look "Serena" will consist of the messy waves and luminous eyes.

Look "Blaire" will be berry lips and headbands (duh).

Look "Little-J" will be raccoon eyes and most likely a messy ponytail.

Look "Vanessa" will be controlled curls and colorful eyeliner.

Let the fun begin!!