10 Tips To Perfect Winged Eyeliner

Hey, guys! Over the weekend my sister came over. She played around in my makeup and really enjoyed herself. Now she's really starting to like it like I do. #makeupjunkie 

When she was playing with my assortment of liners she started to practice drawing on winged liner. To my surprise she did great her first time... But Now she's realizing how daunting it can be when you first start out. Her journey has inspired me to write this post, which you already know what it is because of the title. 

Tip #1  Practice! This is something you have surely already heard. When I first started I lined my eyes every night before I washed my face. Practicing is what got me where I am today. Sure, sometimes I mess up because I'm not Barbie but most of the time I can get my winged liner even. Someday you will too! 

Tip #2  Purchase different liners to practice with. By that I mean try out gels, liquid, pens, whatever you can get your hands on. I personally love gel liners used with angled brushes but my sister, who is currently learning, prefers felt tip pens. 

Tip #3 Have a light hand when applying the liner to your eyes. Don't press hard unless you want to decrease your precision. The lighter the touch, the sharper the precision. 

Tip #4 Rest your hand on something when applying the liner. Holding your hand up causes it to shake, which means a messy line. 

Tip #5 To make your wings match, start and aim your wings in the same spot. The best spot to start is the very end of your top or bottom lashes. When it comes to aiming, always aim toward the tail of your brow. If that just doesn't work, think of it as a math problem. If your liner is at a 45 degree angle on your first eye, try to mimic the 45 degree angle on the second. Just keep trying! You never know, maybe you'll come up with the next tip everyone uses. 

Tip #6 Part of learning to apply winged eyeliner correctly is messing up. Sometimes we get so mad at ourselves for slightly messing up what could have been a perfect wing. There's a tip to avoid that, though. There's no reason why you should start all over again. Just use a concealer or nude liner to fix or sharpen the wing. 

Tip #7 This tip is to help those of you using an angled brush to create a wing. This may be complicated to understand in text but I'll do the best I can to explain it. With your angled brush, hold it right underneath your top lashline on the outer corner where your wing is. Make sure the brush is under your lashes, as if you're tightlining your eyes. Carefully flick the brush towards the brow and create a wing. This will help you get your wings even everytime. If you're still not sure what I mean let me know in the comments below and I will create a picture tutorial. 

Tip #8 Use tape or a flat surface to guide your wing. I know this is kind of cheating but in the mean time your liner will turn out straight and eventually you will get in the habit of directing your wing in the correct direction. I say do this during the day and at night practice without tape. 

Tip #9 When starting, start at the base of your wing. Then draw on the top line all the way onto the middle of your eye lid. Once that is done start to lightly draw on the liner toward your inner corner. Short strokes are best for that. Lastly, go in and fill in any bold spots. 

Tip #10 Want that nice sharp line at the wing? Don't create the tip of your wing by connecting the two lines. Instead leave the bottom line a little longer (bottom part of the wing)  and a nice crisp line will show. 

I really hope this helps all of the newbies out there venturing into the world of winged liner. Just remember, practice makes perfect. And you're not as bad as you think! 

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If you're having trouble understanding anything, just let me know. I'll try to help you the best I can. Either leave a comment below or use the email gadget at the bottom of my website.

I hope this helps you become a winged liner ninja! 

Weekly Tip, Beauty News & Weekly Favorite | How To Turn Any Brush Into A Contour Brush

For some reason I'm not in a blogging mood today. I think it's just because I was gone (got back early😅) and I want to catch up on my shows on Hulu. But... I'm going to write up this post anyway and share a tip that I have been so excited to share with you all. I'm not much into contouring but when I do, I use this tip and it works every time! 

Weekly Tip

 

Don't have a brush that is good for contouring? Worry no more! Now you can use an angled blush brush, powder brush, or whatever you have sitting in your vanity. All you need is a brush guard (I got mine with an e.l.f cosmetics brush). Just slide it up your brush and hold it in place while you apply a contour shade under your cheekbones. Once your contour is placed, take the guard off (optional) and buff it upwards into your cheekbones for a flawless finish. This tip is also great if your contour brush is currently in line for a cleanup! 

Beauty News

There's no way you're not a fan of Jaclyn Hill and if you are, then your probably already know about this release. I just wanted to let everyone know the Champagne Glow palette by Becca is going up on Sephora's website this coming week! The release online is 10/27 and available in stores on 10/30 (select stores). The price is $34 and includes three highlighters: Pearl, Champagne Pop(Jaclyns shade) and Blushed Copper. 

Product Favorite 

This weeks favorite is a concealer palette made by Bh Cosmetics. I can't go a day without using this product! I always mix the peachy and green shade together to cancel out the hyper pigmentation on my cheeks. The lighter concealers on the top row are really good for concealing dark circles. I personally don't have extremely dark under eyes but I do experience darkness and I use them to take care of it. I'm too pale to use them for  highlighting. I just can't get enough of a contrast but if you're darker than me it would be perfect to use for highlighting when contouring! The formula is creamy but dries down to a powdery finish. If it's set with powder it will last all day under my eyes without creasing. I don't use it for concealing pimples though. All of the concealers are too light, even for my NC20 complexion! Click here to purchase($5, 3 different colors available). 

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Do you contour? If so, Are you going to use this tip? 

Are you going to purchase the Champagne Glow Palette?

Let us know in the comments below! 

Bridal Makeup and Beauty Tips

Congratulations on your big day! Every woman dreams of appearing perfect on their wedding day but if it was that easy, we would do it everyday.

 I gathered some tips to help you get the closest to perfect as you can. I'm sure you'll be beautiful no matter what, but beauty tips never hurt anyone.

Don't try new products on your wedding day

Sometimes products just don't agree with our skin and it can result in one big red inflamed mess. The worst day to experience that would be on your wedding day! This includes any kind of beauty item that goes on your body, whether it be skincare, makeup or anything else. 

Have your makeup professionally matched

We all want to look perfect on our big day and makeup is a big part of that. It pulls everything together but can also make everything look like a joke. Make sure your foundation matches you skin-tone and undertone. No one goes for a look that resembles a mask or a zombie. Go to a counter with a good reputation and have your makeup professionally matched. 

Try your makeup look beforehand 

This is one of the biggest rules! Always test out your makeup and the look you have in mind beforehand. It's a brides worst nightmare to pick makeup that smudges, transfers or fades. It's also a bad idea to skip the practice phase. On the big day it may seem like you have plenty of time to get ready but you don't! Your makeup needs to be spot on the first time and the best way to accomplish that is by practicing ahead of time.

Don't go too heavy

I know it can be tempting to go all out like a celebrity but brides should look fresh and subtle. Skip the bold colors on your wedding day (unless that's the way you roll). However, don't go too light-handed or it might not show up in photography. Not wearing enough makeup could also make you looked washed out from wearing so much white with little color on the face.

Wear waterproof mascara 

I know it, I hate waterproof mascara too but it's essential for a wedding. You're more than likely going to cry and we don't want black tears do we? 

Don't use a face mask the night before

I know you're wanting your skin to look it's best on your wedding day and a face mask seems like the answer. However, that can be a huge mistake! Some masks work so good that they bring the dirt to the surface of your skin and cause a pimple. Clean out your pores a different day. If you do decide on a mask, opt for a moisturizing one instead of a pore cleansing option. 

Get plenty of rest

You've heard it before, get plenty of rest. Drink a lot of water before you go to bed and be sure to lay down at a decent hour. In the morning your skin will look healthier and radiant. Plus, those hideous under eye bags will be less apparent. 

Pluck/wax your eyebrows the day before not the day of the wedding

Remember to groom your eyebrows a day before the wedding. Irritation can occur and cause the area to inflame and turn red. Booo!

Wear lipstick liner and transfer resistant lipstick

Be sure to wear lip liner to help prevent feathering from your lipstick. And if you want to prevent your new husband from having pink lips then wear a transfer proof lipstick too. Matte shades are good for that, or better yet, a liquid lipstick won't budge or transfer the whole day. Just be familiar with matte lipstick before your wedding day. A lot of people say they are too drying.

Use spray deodorant 

It's different when you get deodorant on your shirt but your wedding dress? There's no time to wash that big white dress like your other clothes. The best choice would be a spray deodorant. With a spray you also won't have the yucky visible deodorant creases everyone will see while you're dancing. 

Don't dye your hair with a different dye the week of the wedding

Do not be courageous and try a different hair dye before the wedding. Sure you could dye your hair back to its regular shade but your hair will look fried on your wedding day. Who wants that? 

Don't use fake Tanner (or spray tan) close to your wedding day 

The man at the end of the isle is marrying you, not an orange. If you get a spray tan be sure to rinse off the fake part of the tanner and do it a few days before the wedding. Follow the same principle for self tanner. It would also be a disaster if the self tanner transferred onto your wedding dress! 

I hope this helped you plan your bridal routine and may you have a long happy marriage!

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What is the date of your big day?

Have any wedding tips to share?

Comment below and let us know!

The Only Brushes You Need For Traveling

You don't need every brush in your collection when traveling. It's obviously true when a makeup hoarder like myself confesses the cold hard truth. I know it's nice to have a brush for every step but it's not necessary 

to complete a look with every brush in your collection, take it from a makeup hoarder. If I'm saying this, it must be true. 

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More so than ever, I'm a huge makeup hoarder and I can't help but pack every single thing I love when I'm leaving. That being said, I'm always left with little to no room for my makeup brushes. After going through the same process over and over again, I finally got the hang of packing the important brushes I need. Honestly, I'm not sure why I packaged a gazillion brushes everytime I went somewhere. There's only a few I require when doing my makeup at home. Why would It be any different when doing my makeup else where? Maybe it's the hoarder within me?

10 Tips- How to deal with skin texture when wearing makeup

If you clicked on this post there's obviously a problem with the texture of your skin. For me, it's acne. I have spent so many years dealing with rough texture that's as apparent as an 800 pound cow in a room with you. Thankfully, for you, I now have some tips that should help with your problem. I actually still have that problem sometimes, but when I follow these guidelines my makeup looks a hundred times better...Most of the time. 

I can't guarantee flawless skin. Raised bumbs will always be raised. Dry skin will always be flaky. Scars will always look like scars. Hair will always look like hair (unless you shave it!). However, we can make them look a lot better.

Watch what you use to wash your face
A lot of people have said this and I didn't listen. I figured since I have acne shouldn't I go to war with it? How would something "gentle" help the constant battle I was fighting everyday? Well the truth is you need to be gentle. Rough cleansers can be really harsh on your skin and cause a lot of bad texture. My current favorite cleanser is Cetaphil's sensitive skin face wash. It's only $6 at Walmart and boy does it help the texture of my skin.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
I know, you've heard this a million plus times but, honey, it's true. I have always moisturized my skin after cleansing but I just didn't notice much of a difference. One day, I decided to double the amount of moisturizer I used and bam, my flakey skin was a lot smoother. Also keep in mind what kind of moisturizer you're using. If your skin is super dry, then use a heavier lotion and vice versa. 

Setting spray for peach fuzz
I have a ton of peach fuzz. Embarrassing enough, I have been called out on it by family, ugh the embarrassment. So now I use a setting pray to lay down those stubborn hairs. Depending on how much hair you have it might work for you too. What I do is spray my primed face a couple times and use my CLEAN hands to smooth the hairs down. Works like a charm. 

Warm damp rag for Exfoliating  

Lets rewind back to flaky skin! I have horrible large flaky acne. If I do not take this step in my routine my makeup will look disastrous. If you have flaky skin, you know what I mean. It's just terrible. So now, I get a clean soft wash cloth and damp the corner of it with warm water. I then rub my face with it in gentle circular motions. Don't be too rough on your skin. If it's bleeding chill out with the rubbing, you're doing it too hard. Also be sure not to do it on white heads. You do not want that sucker to pop and spread yucky pus all over your face. Keep it nicely clean and gentle!  After you're done Moisturize again!

Primers that are made to deal with texture
This is an obvious tip. Apply a primer that deals with texture.  I find that a lot of primers that deal with large pores work for this problem. I really enjoy the Benefit Porefessional primer. It Smoothes my skin and leaves a flawless base for foundation, 

Beauty blender
A beauty Blender isn't a hyped up product that's a lie. When I say it makes your foundation apply flawlessly I'm not lying. It blends everything out and makes the texture of your skin smooth. If you're using a brush all you're doing is micro-Exfoliating your skin,which causes dry patches to flake up. Using a Beauty Blender prevents that from happening and keep in mind it can be used for multiple things. Such as powder, blush and concealer. It's a diamond in a pile of rocks. 

Dewy foundations
Matte foundations are beautiful on good skin. Unfortunately, they can highlight rough texture on people with unfortunate skin. Opt for a dewy foundation instead. The finish is much more natural and smooth. It won't highlight dry spots or rough texture as severely if applied correctly.

Smooth highlighters
Highlighters are a huge thing in the beauty world right now. But if you're skin is troublesome, highlighters can highlight that roughness instead of your supermodel cheekbones. When picking a highlighter make sure the texture of the highlighter itself is smooth. A chunky highlighter plus textured skin equals even more texture on the skin. 

Finely milled powders

This is the same as the highlighter issue. Always use a super finely milled powder on your face. I think translucent powders work the best over texture, especially under the eyes!

Patting motions for powder application
This tip is for powdered foundation, blush, bronzer, etc. Instead of swirling a brush around on top of textured skin, use patting motions. You're less likely to increase the appearance of bad skin. But if you can, use a Beauty Blender. It's still the best option out there.

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Do you have bad texture? 

Do you struggle with your makeup because of bad texture?

Let me know your story in the comments below!

Blogging Tips for Beauty Bloggers

I have read so many posts about blogging tips. I have learned a lot but most of all I have to say I was inspired. I love how bloggers support each other. Sometimes I feel like the the beauty world can be a dog eat dog world but bloggers who share their secrets always remind me of the support in the blogging community.

I really dislike it when bloggers are all about growing their own blog. When I was thinking about my impression to other bloggers I realized I haven't done my share of supporting.

So thats why I created this post. Let me know if any of my tips help you and feel free to let everyone know your tips in the comment section below.

Use an IPad to write posts-  Sometimes I just don't want to tote around me huge laptop. What suffers? My blog, which is not a good thing. Now I get a lot more done. I can blog on the go, in my bed, pretty much anywhere. At first when I blogged with my IPad on Bloggers website I had some difficulties with glitches. So I did some researching in the apple store and found a resourceful app that I  like to use to write posts. It's called Blogtouch Pro for Blogspot and Blogger. I believe it cost me around 3-5 dollars. There's also a version for WordPress that costs $4.99. I cant say whether or not if that one is good but if it's anything like the Blogger version, than I definitely recommend it.

Just keep in mind that I don't recommend adding pictures through Blogtouch Pro. The quality is much more superior when pictures are added from a laptop directly to bloggers website.

Take photos in bulk- This is a tip I have read before but cant stress enough. Don't get me wrong, I love taking pictures but it can be a pain in the butt when I have a toddler running around. Bright lights+ pretty makeup+ a toddler= a stressful disaster. So naturally, if I don't have any pictures for my posts, then I don't blog until I have the time to take more photos. I recently just started doing this and now I have seen a huge spike in the number of posts I have created the past couple of weeks. Taking photos in bulk is a great habit to stay organized with a blog and more importantly, to stay on schedule. This tip is also good for editing photos. I despise the task of editing photos in bulk but my goodness it such a relief when I have all the photos I need for an entire week.

Create unique series on your blog-No one likes blogs that have mediocre posts. I know every blog has to post reviews, makeup tutorials, ect, but every blog also needs a unique series that has never been seen before. For example, I just started a new series on my blog called "Undercover Blogger". It hasnt been seen before and It will attract new readers. Plus, it also gives your blog a uniqueness and will show that you have something new to offer to the table. The more unique series you have, the better.

Here are a few series that are only found on my blog ( that I know of)

Undercover Blogger
Makeup Looks Using The Basic Colors: White, Brown & Black
Monthly AllStar winner
The good and the bad (of a cosmetic brand)

Plan your posts in a weeks advance- No brainer. It makes your blogging experience more organized and advanced planning keeps you and your blog on schedule. 

 Planning and writing an entire post in one day is the wrong way to go about it.  I also think it's easier to write a post when you have had more time to think about it. For one, you'll have more notes for your posts and for two, you'll know exactly what you want to talk about. 

On Sunday, I write down everything I want to talk about on my blog in a weeks advance. When I have everything planned out I don't have to take the time to come up with an idea for a new post. Instead, I can have hours or even days to take notes for each post. This allows my posts to be more detailed and well rounded. For Monday's, I usually already have that post planned out from last week. If I have any unwritten posts on the current week schedule, I'll add them to next weeks and just fill in the rest of the days that are missing a post. I guess my system is kind of like a blogs version of a cellphone companies rollover plan.

Edit your photos!- I know some people refuse to edit their photos, and that's a good thing. To an extent. Please, don't think I mean photoshop your face or whatever else you're thinking. I actually mean photos of productsyou're  reviewing. When I first started blogging less than a year ago I didn't edit my photos at all, and trust me you can tell. The lighting was yellow and the products didn't look as good. Not only does this hurt your chances of loyal readers but it can also ruin your chance of working with companies.

 I'm sure a lot of you are thinking you dont have the budget for an advanced photoshop editor or an expensive  camera. The truth is you don't have to have any of that. I actually use a free photo editor for my blog (Picasa) and I use a small digital camera. My camera doesn't take the best pictures but editing mostly makes up for that. Even the best cameras can benefit from edited photos... But when youre able to I suggest upgrading to a better camera if you want to take your blog more seriously. I know a new camera is on my wishlist!

If a product you want to review has been on the market for a while make a fun post out of it- Whew, that was long. I know sometimes I feel like I need a product but then I stop and think about how I should probably save my blog budget for new products.
Example: If you bought Mac's Pro Longwear conealer but you know a review on it is pointless. then include it in an inspired post similar to the following...

Different ways to use Mac's Pro Longwear concealer
Why I love Mac's Pro Longwear concealer
Why Mac's Pro Longwear concealer is the best on the market 

Don't let the  duties of a blogger keep you from trying products that are on your wishlist. Trust me, your readers really don't mind. 



Show your followers you care about them- No one likes a blogger who just blogs and never replies to comments or emails. It makes everyone think you dont care about anyone but yourself. It also looks bad to companies. If you dont have a relationship with your readers, why would they listen to your recommendations? Be sure to keep a look out for their questions on your blog and the social media accounts associated with your blog. I also recommend asking questions at the end of every post. It makes your readers feel more connected with you and gives them the feeling like they can express their opinions too. 

Follow other bloggers for inspiration- Everyone needs inspiration in their life, even bloggers. Inspiration is what keeps your blog going and growing. Without it your blog will be dull and boring. Follow other bloggers for inspiration and in return you'll inspire other bloggers. Your posts will be more creative and your photos will probably look better if your inspired by other blogs photography. Inspiration promotes improvement and if that's what your looking for, then you need to do exactly that. Get inspired and improve. It's as simple as that. 

Advertise your posts on social media-  Ok, I'm almost positive you have heard this one before. If you're looking to increase traffic, this is your best bet. Make an account for your blog on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Let your social media followers know when a post is uploaded on your blog. Make them curious what the posts are specifically about. When you add a link to a new tweet make the tweet intriguing. Don't just say "Hey, check out my new post:)!!". That's more likely to be skipped over than a tweet that says "Here's a new post about blogging tips that you seriously NEED to know". You'll get more views and followers that way. If you do use Pinterest, then make sure each blog post has a cute photo to pin. Fellow pinners are more likely to repin your pin if they're drawn in by a cute photo provided. 

Host a giveaway atleast once a year- This attracts new loyal followers and helps your blog grow. This also falls underneath of showing your followers you care about them. Hosting a giveaway is a bloggers way of giving back to what matters most. The readers. If you're on a strict budget and cant afford a giveaway, then I  recommend doing a giveaway once a year only. A good way to go about it would be saving $1 each week and by the time that year us up you will have over $50 for your giveaway. Maybe that idea would be good for your blogs anniversary.

Post regularly- I'm sure you have heard this before, in fact, I know you have heard it before. There's a reason for it too! If the last post you posted was a month ago a new viewer might think this blog isn't worth following. If the author doesn't update a couple times a week, shouldn't they just follow a blog that does? Not only does posting regularly help increase your amount of followers, but Google Search will have a better chance of picking up your blog.

Make your blog easy on the eyes- Colored backgrounds are cute but not necessary. Actually, not just unnecessary but a huge no no for serious bloggers. Colorful blogs can be distracting and hard to read. When I come across a blog I have to stuggle to read I almost immediatly exit off of it. Light backgrounds and black font are the best designs. No, I dont mean make everything look boring but keep it sweet and simple. Go read a few blogs and see what I mean. The best ones are the easiest on the eyes. Also dont forget to jazz up your blog with cute photos. The first thing people notice is the visual part of your blog and that certainly includes your photos! 

Think of your blog as a magazine- This is a tip I and my blog have lived by. If I never heard of this tip, I think my blog would be very different and not for the better. Magazines contain the latest gossip, fashion, quizzes, how to's, interviews, appealing photography, information on the newest products, ect... Your blog should be the same way. Think of all the possibilities. Your blog could go from just average to innovative and outstanding. 

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Do you have any tips you would like to share?

Which tip from this post helped you the most?

Let me know in the comments below!

Weekly tip, beauty news and nail color of the week

Hello!

Now that I'm back on track, I'm happy to bring you this weeks tip, beauty news and nail color. 

How is that time of the week again? Where has time gone? I still can't believe how fast the summer is flying by. Before we know it Christmas will be here. I personally can't wait for all of the holiday makeup but I don't want the summer to come to an end. 

ANYWAYS, I'm getting off track here...  I hope you enjoy the post! I'm sure you don't want to hear my ranting, haha. 

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Weekly Tip

When you're using dry shampoo don't use it the morning when you're getting ready. Spray your hair the night before and sleep with the dry shampoo in your hair. This way the shampoo has more time to soak all of the oil out of your hair. Then all you have to do in the morning is brush the dry shampoo in and you're all done! 

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Beauty news

This weeks beauty news is based from Taylorpiebeauty.com. Just the other day I posted a picture and asked which palette everyone would like to see in a giveaway. Click here to see the post. Be sure to check it out and tell me which palette you want to win. All you have to do is leave a comment below(not this post) and say the name of the palette. You have a month to do so then I will tell you which palette won and how to enter. The giveaway is celebrating the 5 month milestone of TaylorPieBeauty.com! Thank you for participating! 

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Nail color of the week

Sally Hansens Hard as Nails nail polish in the color, 370- no hard feelings.

I love his nail polish! It's long-lasting with a top coat( this picture is a day after and I have done so many house chores since painting my nails) , non streaky and opaque. I could seriously use this nail polish for the rest of the summer. No joke! 

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Are you going to vote for the giveaway? 

Is there a different palette that you want? 

Have you tried this nail polish? 

Leave a comment below and let me know! 

Thanks for ready, TaylorPie.

 

One useful tip, sad news and nail design of the day

 Hello, I hope your having a great day. For this post, I will be talking about Maybelline's instant Age Rewind concealer and Maybelline's Dream Matte powder. This isn't a review, seeing that these products have been on the market for a long time. I just want to share a tip and some sad news(sigh) with you. Thank you for reading my post, TaylorPie.

                            Makeup Tip

 If you're a fan of Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealers, then you will love this tip. Have you ever thought you used these bottles way too fast? If so, to extend the use of this concealer all you have to do is rip off the sponge. Just be aware of the mess this will make. It holds a lot of concealer and oozes out when squeezed. The picture below shows what it should look like after you remove the sponge.

 When the sponge is gone, you only have to click it a few times to get the amount of concealer you need. Not only does this extend the use of it but the product itself is more sanitary this way. The sponge is a breading ground for bacteria. For acne sufferers, like me,  this will prevent future breakouts. Below is a pricture of the concealer dispensing from the tube. 

       Sad news: Maybelline Dream Matte powder discontinued 

  I love this powder! Sometimes, I just don't understand why cosmetic company's discontinue great products. On their website they say if you love this product, then you will love its replacement, Dream Wonder powder. This product is available and I will do a review/comparison within the next week. 

       

   The color I have is light. It slides open to reveal a sponge and mirror.

This powder is finely milled and doesn't appear cake-y. So hurry and pick some up before they are gone!

                                         Nail design of the day        

             Unknown purple polish and China Glaze in Haute Metal on top