6/18/2014

Review + Swatches | New! Maybelline The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

I'm a neutrals girl. In my wardrobe and my makeup. And my home for that matter. I like the look of crisp lines in clean colors with an occasional pop. 

For everyday, my makeup is always neutral lips and neutral eyes (smoky eyes are my go-to for special occasions) So I'm always on the hunt for the perfect eyeshadow. I want to wear something on my lids, but I don't want any crazy colors or anything too dark. I've been considering purchasing one of the Urban Decay Naked palettes but was hesitant to spend $50 on an entire palette that I would probably only use a few of the colors. So I was thrilled when I saw the new Maybelline The Nudes eyeshadow palette on Andrea Matillano's Instagram last week. I went to a major hunt to find it --- Wal-Mart, Ulta, CVS, Walgreens -- no where had it yet. But I finally found it at my Target! So if you're on a mission to find it, try there. I was particularly excited because I love drugstore makeup and this palette was only $10!
Check out my video to see my first impressions and review of the product as well as swatches. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality!

And let me know if you pick up this palette and how you like it! x


6/10/2014

Get Ready With Me | Persian Wedding

I went to a Persian wedding recently, here's a look at how I got ready for the big night! A quick hair tutorial for beachy waves, a smokey eye makeup look and my OOTN, a gold sequin dress! Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for lots more fun videos! xoxo


5/08/2014

My favorite drugstore nude lipsticks!

I've been on a mission lately to find the perfect drugstore nude lipstick (and lipgloss)
Y'all know me by now, I very rarely wear bright lipstick at all. Something about it just drives me crazy. I can count on one-hand the number of times, I've rocked a red lip. 

So I think in the past month, I've been to the CVS, Walgreens and Wal-Mart approximately 10 times buying all kinds of different (and affordable) lipsticks from all the major brands -- CoverGirl, Maybelline, Loreal, Flower, Hard Candy, Neutrogena --- you name it, I bought it.

I compiled the results of my Top 5 favorites in my latest YouTube video! I'll give you a little hint: the most popular was definitely Loreal 'Fairest Nude' but you'll have to watch to find out the rest! Plus I included a mini-haul of other fun products I've picked up since I went to the drugstore 73219 a few times.

Click below to watch and please do let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations that I missed! :) x


4/28/2013

Beauty Review | OWN Skincare [and a discount code!]

When the fabulous folks at IFABBO let me choose whatever fun beauty products I wanted from their new shop, I was thrilled (but also overwhelmed at the choices) I am always on the hunt for new skincare products so I decided to try out the Refining Night Cream & Lifting Eye Cream from OWN, a brand that I was unfamiliar with before seeing them in the shop.



I've been using both products for a few weeks now and really love them! I don't tend to use the same products every night so I was happy to incorporate both the night and eye cream into my revolving nightly ritual. The night cream is thick but light (if that makes sense) I really loved the texture and it made my skin so soft! The only thing I was not crazy about was the scent. It's not a bad smell, just not one I'm not a fan of. The eye cream was great too, not overly luxurious but a wonderful eye cream for nightly use. Overall, I'm really happy with the products and would definitely recommend them. I can't comment on the anti-aging benefits quite yet, but I do think it's a nice basic foundational skin care line.


Have you tried OWN? Do you recommend it?

Here's the best part!
OWN is offering y'all 30% off their skincare line!
Code: CLAIFABBO1


The OWN products were provided to me c/o IFABBO. My opinions are mine though. I can't be bought. Duh.

1/14/2013

Top 5 Drugstore Beauty Favorites


My mama always told me there are certain things well worth the price: your skin and your time are at the top. While I believe she's always right, I've found some of my favorite beauty products come from the drugstore...proving that you don't always have to pay top dollar for quality and performance. If I had to only choose just one product, it would be the ROC daily resurfacing disks. I saw a review on YouTube, decided to try them, and I am hooked. I will never be without these babies! My skin actually glows every time I wash it with one of these exfoliating pads. Because I loved the wash so much, I decided to try the eye treatment too. Again, hooked. 

My eyes (brows and lashes) are what I focus on the most and I always use Loreal's Voluminous mascara. I buy it in carbon black and no matter if I'm layering another mascara underneath, I always finish with a coat to make my lashes super dark and super fluffy. Speaking of eyes, I never....seriously never....leave the house without undereye concealer. This Maybelline Mineral Power concealer lasts all day and does not crease. And finally, my last pick is Loreal Fairest Nude lipstick. I'm more of a gloss girl, but this color is perfection. Gives just a hint of color, makes lips a little shiny and brightens up your whole face.

Hope this helps for those of you looking to use quality products without spending a fortune.
I must know, are there are any drugstore beauty items you're loving?
Let me know in the comments below or tweet me
xx

12/02/2012

video // Review :: Smashbox Halo


Happy December friends!
Today I'm sharing my latest YouTube video,
a review of the Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder.
I'd love to know what y'all thought of it!
You'll have to watch to find out my opinion ;)

here's a fabulous week,
xx

10/18/2012

CLOSED: video // Julep review & giveaway!

It only took me approximately forever, but my second video is here! 
I'm so so excited to bring you a review of Julep Maven nail polish box AND A GIVEAWAY! 
I love it! 
Watch the video and enter below :) 


To Enter The Giveaway:

1. Subscribe to my YouTube channel
2. Follow my blog via GFC

Leave a comment letting me know you did both!

Fill out your style profile & sign up for your own Julep box here
Don't forget to use the discount code: MAEBADIYAN

Good luck loves!

Giveaway ends November 8, 2012
*please note: you may enter here or on my YouTube channel
either method of entry is accepted, both are not necessary

9/02/2012

Fall 2012 Nail Trends

Happy September! Finally!
And more importantly, Happy Labor Day!
As this marks the official end of summer,
I thought we should continue our look at Fall Fashion
No preview of Fall Fashion Essentials would be complete
without looking at the latest trends for nails. 
This is one of my favorite areas of the beauty world!



I love this look for Fall! Fashion and beauty reflects the tones in nature turning deeper and darker. Rich burgundy and deep purple are gorgeous and when you try navy or black, go for matte polish...it adds a level of luxe sophistication. 
{fabulous options: gray + red shimmer + black}

 Gyaru is a Japanese subculture that includes a very girly-glam style. It's extended to very ornate nail designs usually characterized by lots of bows, hearts, jewels and the signature pointed talon oval shape. Now before you skip right over this trend, give it a chance! There's an easy way to make it accessible for all of us and our everyday lives. The third picture on the right (courtesy of HRH Collection) shows the most wearable form of gyaru, a single accent nail. More on that below...


Although this is a new trend in the US, it's actually the preferred style of nail shape in Europe and of course Japan. The gyaru style features a more pointed tip, but I think a softer oval shape is more delicate and feminine. It also serves to elongate the fingers and is universally flattering. I'm definitely going to try this! 


French tips have long been a classic, but this Fall they're getting a fresh new update with colored tips. Start with a muted nude base, and add black for edgy chic, a pop of color like red for flirty fun or gold glitter for the ultimate girly twist.


And speaking of gold, this might just be my favorite color of the moment for nails. (I say that a lot, I know!) But seriously, there's nothing better than gold it adds warmth and class while still being fresh and fun. Feeling extra daring? Try rose gold!
{try this: rose gold  + gold}

Some of these trends seem more wearable and practical than others but you really can try any of them, just start with an accent nail first! In fact, the accent nail is a trend all in itself. Paint your nails a neutral color and add a pop of interest by painting your left ring finger with glitter polish or adding a little trinket like the gyaru style. You don't have to go all out, you can incorporate the trends slowly. That's one of my best tricks for trying something new. Once you're comfortable with that, try bolder colors. All red nails with a black accent on your right pointer finger. Or....deep purple nails with a gold pinky finger. The possibilities (and fun) are endless! 

Which one is your favorite? What's the first trend you'd like to try?
When you try one of these trends, I'd love to see it!
You can tweet me a pic or tag me on Instagram (@maebad)

{ps}:
thank you for all your love & support of my first YouTube video!
It was so fun to make!
from the video and be on the lookout for another one coming soon! x

Linked: Mani Monday

8/26/2012

CLOSED :: My first video! And a giveaway!

YAYYY! So many fun things happening today!
First of all, it's my birthday! :)
And, I recorded my very first vlog (I think that's what this is called, who knows...) for YouTube!
It's a review of my most favorite Mary Kay beauty products 
AND! I'm giving away the complete set of all the products to 1 lucky winner! 
What better way to celebrate my birthday!



These are my favorite products and a great place to start for those 
who want to try Mary Kay but don't know what to begin with

What exactly is included in the giveaway?
Well, you gotta watch the video to find out!

*It's easier if you actually go to YouTube to watch because the description box 
below the video there includes lots of useful information! 

Giveaway Rules:
(please leave a comment)

You must be a follower of my blog through GFC and subscribe to my YouTube channel

Extra Entries:
(please leave a separate comment for each)

Register on my Mary Kay website


That's it!
Good luck everyone!
*giveaway ends on Monday September 17, 2012

1/23/2012

{Daily Buzz Style 9x9 Challenge} Day to Night Makeup Tutorial

Hi everyone!  Something new & a bit unexpected happening here today!  
I was selected to participate in the Daily Buzz Style 9x9 Challenge and I'm so excited because 
this month it's all about transitioning our makeup look from daytime to night.
I LOVE makeup, love it...so this was especially fun for me. 
Plus, I would like to incorporate more beauty posts here, so let me know what you'd like to see!

This is a tutorial of sorts, but honestly it is so so easy! For me, nighttime makeup means one thing: smoky eyes.  And since I'm loving the metallic trend I wanted to add a touch of that too.


{This is my basic daytime look: concealer / mineral foundation / bronzer / mascara / chapstick.  
This is the base of where we'll start to transition into a nighttime look.}


{Step 1: add eyeliner to inner corner of eyes only and base shadow of gold.
I used MAC sunrise.}
{Step 2: It's so simple. Use black kohl liner for the smoky eye.
I literally just draw it onto my eyelid and blend, blend, blend with my fingers. 

I used a cheap eyeliner from F21.}
{don't be afraid! just draw the liner onto your lid and blend!}



{You can then touch up the gold shadow again and blend some more!
Then sweep highlighting powder under the arch of the brow. 

You can see it's darkest at the outer corner and gets lighter as it fades in.}

{I added a little lipliner & gloss and that's it! My final nighttime look}
{I achieved this look using only 3 extra items for my eyes.
I added eyeliner, base shadow in gold, and a white highlighting cube}



FRESHEN UP
We're not going to start at the beginning. This process assumes that you've already put your face on in the morning (concealer, foundation, powder, blush and mascara). You all know how to do that already! So here's where I come in, when you've been wearing the makeup all day. You're still pretty :) you just need to get back to a fresh palette. Use oil blotting sheets or if you don't have any handy, use the toilet seat covers in your office bathroom...works perfectly! Then a dusting of loose powder. Lovely!


CHEEKS
By the end of the day, you will have lost some of the color in your skin so there's a need for more blush or bronzer...just add some to the apples of of your cheeks.  Smile and swirl! Sometimes I like to add a quick sweep down the bridge of my nose too.


EYES
For me, the eyes have it. Smoky eyes is the quintessential nighttime makeup look. I like it to look a bit messy and smudgy so I usually use a black kohl pencil because it smudges easier. You can put on a thicker line and smudge it higher up on the eyelid to make it look like shadow.

The base of any smoky eye should be a lighter color swept all over the lid. Then the darker color should be heaviest at the outer corner and fade as it comes in towards the middle of the eyelid.


LIPS
When your eyes are the focus, you should downplay your lips. But that doesn't mean you should forget them completely! Draw a thin line of nude lipliner to accentuate the fullness and a clear lipgloss or one that's a few shades darker than your natural color.  Don't be afraid of lipliner! If used correctly, that is the lipliner is drawn on your natural line and not outside of that, it will make your lips look full and luscious. Even a tad outside your natural line and you'll look like you stepped out of 1991.


SPARKLE
I'm a huge fan of a bit of shimmer, I think it's essential for your nighttime look. You can use shimmer powder to accentuate cheekbones and under the arch of your brow. If you don't have shimmer or highlighting powder, then just use white or pearly eye shadow. It's all the same thing!




that's it!
do you have any other tips to share?

don't forget to check Daily Buzz Style on Thursday to see how the other bloggers went from day to night!


Also, one last thing: I'm over at Walks with Bella today. The always stunning Tamra let me take over her blog to share my style for an upcoming destination bachelerotte party I'm heading to in a few weeks! Pop over to check it out.

have a lovely day,
xx



A quick note: I do not believe you have to spend a fortune on makeup to achieve the look like you want. I don't want to vouch for one product over another, so my focus was on technique, not the actual products. Personally, I think it's more important to invest in beauty products to treat your skin...night cream, eye cream, face wash, et al...rather than the color products. 



11/16/2011

{thanksgiving} nail art

I must say, I'm not the biggest fan of all the crazy nail art I've been seeing around lately.   It's a bit much.  I'm not quite sure what came over me but when I saw these nail art designs on Refinery 29, I loved them!  I'm feeling the Thanksgiving spirit, and these just fit right in!




{The full tutorials are over on Refinery 29!}




{it's much more likely that I'll try one of these designs first...}




What do you think of this nail art trend?


Will you be sporting it for Thanksgiving?
If you do,  send me a photo...I would love to see it!

One week til T-Day!
xx

11/01/2011

learning to love lipstick

I'm not a lipstick girl.  At all.  (Save a short little stint in the 90s when I wore dark brown liner and filled in my lips with light shimmery gold, but we don't really need to discuss that)  Now, give me a lipgloss and that I know how to do.  In fact, I'm borderline obsessed with my gloss.  But there's something about the richness of lipstick that seems perfect for Fall.  I've decided that this is the season for me to learn how to wear it.


10/18/2011

beauty sleep {and travel} essentials



Hello my dears!
I'm back & promise the Paris posts are coming soon.
I have some fantastic things planned for ya'll 
Paris was amazing! Obviously! 
But, the one thing that makes me so happy to be back: my own bed.
Planes, trains & hotel rooms are not very conducive to restful sleep
And we all know, every girl needs her beauty sleep!

These are my top picks to ensure you catch some zzz in pure luxury
I'm just loving those sheets! So cute.
And the rest of these items are perfect to pop in your luggage for your next trip!
Oh, and I totally recommend taking your own pillowcase with you when you travel


And just in case you had any doubt as to how important sleep truly is...
check out this fascinating New York Times article on sleep & creativity!

What's included in your nighttime beauty ritual?
Any other travel beauty essentials we must know about?

Sleep tight,
xx

{ps}:
If you're following me on Twitter,
you know that I have *TWO* exciting announcements this week!
The first one is *tomorrow*
It starts with G and ends with AWAY!
YAY! ;)

Look out for the second fun announcement at the end of this week!

9/13/2011

{fall favorites} delicious beauty treats

The crunching of leaves under your leather boots, cable-knit sweaters, a crisp breeze...isn't Fall the best?  And let's not forget about warm apple crisps, silky pumpkin pies, and sugary orange marmalade.  Ya'll have heard me go on and on about this season, but I just love it. 

Check out these fall-inspired beauty products infused with sweet smells & the
benefits of pumpkin extracts. 
They are almost edible!

Do you know of any others?
Please share your delicious fall beauty treats with us!


 
{My favorite is I Love Candy Corn body/hair wash from Philosophy}
 
{Paul & Joe Lipgloss in Tangerine}

{Kate Somerville ExfoliKate with Pumpkin Extract}


{Ole Henriksen Sugar Glow Face Scrub with Pumpkin Extract}





{Philosophy Caramel Apple Lip Shine}



Here's to a fabulous Tuesday dear ones!
And you know what that means, it's time to Fall in Love over at Big City Belle!
Come join me!
xx

{images via}



9/06/2011

{fall favorites} nails










My top 5 favorite nail polish shades for fall! 
Oh how I love the idea of matte nails.  Absolutely love. 
And glitter polish that looks sophisticated, not juvenile!
(not that that would stop me, but still...) 

What colors will you be wearing this year?

And come join me for a Fall in Love Party over at Big City Belle!

{images via}

8/30/2011

{loved it. made it.} spa scrub luxe

A luxurious spa experience at home...I'm in!  A good scrub is a staple to any spa experience, so let's make it!

The basics are simple and based on 2 ingredients: an oil (coconut, jojoba, or olive) and a coarse substance (salt, sugar, oats.) 

But, I need some luxury in my life so we're going all out.

Chocolate Coconut Body Scrub
Ingredients
1 cup coarse brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 Tbsp. unsweetened dark cocoa powder

Directions
Mix the oil, extracts and sugar, adjusting amounts until desired consistency is reached.
Gently mix in cocoa powder.
Store in refrigerator in jar
xx
Happy Spa Day!






8/17/2011

{currently coveting} ombre hair

I've become a bit obsessed with ombre hair. 
Honestly, I don't know how hot this trend is in the US anymore, but I still love it. 


{this is my favorite.}

I haven't even thought about highlighting or coloring my hair in years (gray hairs excepted, ahem...) I've been quite happy with my dark brown hair that gets a touch lighter in the summer sun.  When I was recently in the US on holiday, I saw a segment on ombre hair on Entertainment Tonight and honestly I was a little surprised at my level of excitedness.  I loved it! 

So what's your verdict on this trend?  Does it just look like a dye job that's long overdue or is it still stylish?

{who is she? she's stunning!}
   
 
{love this look for lighter hair colors}
{I just love this look!}

{all photos via}

8/12/2011

{loved it. made it.} DIY crackle manicure...disaster.

Editors Note:  I was having a really hard time deciding between crackle nails and ombre nails.  I know, life's major decisions.  I was so inspired after seeing the Tea & Tips party over at Glitter Guide that I wanted to put on the kettle, bake some cookies, call over my girlfriends and paint my nails red...ombre.  But sadly the hustle and bustle of everyday life took over and I didn't have the time to host the party, plus I was super excited to try the crackle nail polish too.  I'm still loving ombre though...stay tuned, I have an exciting & unexpected ombre post coming up soon! 

What do you think of this new crackle nail polish trend?  I was a little hesistant at first, after all remember when it was popular in middle school?  But, I started seeing more and more of my favorite blogs post about the look and when I was in the US recently I noticed crackle nail polish everywhere from nail salons to Wal-Mart.  So I finally decided it was time to give myself a crackle manicure at home.  I was so excited to get started and then reality hit and I remembered I don't live in America anymore and my current host country is not exactly known for its trendsetting ways so I was a bit worried I wasn't going to find the polish.  But alas, after a few demonstrations, hand gestures and a good laugh, the sweet lady at my local Claires-meets-Beautyco type boutique handed me a bottle of the crackle polish!  Score!  And, it was a lovely shimmery ruby color.  I was set.  So, I came home and decided on a coral/pink color as the base.  



After that dried, I applied the crackle coat and anxiously waited.  It happened fast, the impending disaster that is.  I simply did not like the look.  And, my nails were so matte.  I added top coat and that improved the situation a little bit, but I just wasn't loving it.



Off it came, super fast.  And my beautifully rich, classic taupe color replaced it.  I'm a happy girl now!  I love at-home manicures, but crackle nails are not for me.  They look so good on others though!  Do you all like them?  What's your favorite go-to manicure color? 



Exciting news!  I'm linking up to a DIY manicure party over at Lifestyles of the Thrifty & Shameless today.  I'm so happy to participate...thanks for hosting Miss Rockwell!  It's all part of Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday over at Modly Chic.  What a wonderful group of bloggers! I'm really happy to be a part of it & a special welcome to everyone visiting from the party!

{ps:}  did you notice my new iPhone cover in the last pic? I finally found the Tory Burch sleeve!  It's sold out everywhere, but I managed to get one.  I absolutely love it!