Beauty Basics

 I have such a love and passion for makeup. I specialize in weddings and special events, but a lot of the things I do specifically for events, can also be used on a daily basis. I don't really have a specific look that I do everyday because half the fun is switching it up! There are certain things that are very important that I wanted to share with you guys! When done properly, they can make a huge difference. Below are just a few of my favorites and some tips for you guys at home! 

I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity. You can have an entire dresser FULL of makeup but if your eyeshadows aren't pigmented and blend-able, it's more difficult to achieve a flawless look. There are so many shadows out there that it can almost be overwhelming for someone who doesn't know what they're looking for. I've been an Urban addict from day one. If I were to suggest shadows to someone just starting out, it would be one of the palettes from the naked collection. Each one offers basic staples that everyone should have and enough variety to create more than just one look!  Secondly, brushes make the world of a difference! Don't be afraid to be picky.. there is nothing worse than brushes that shed bristles every time you use them. My personal faves are from Sigma.

 Lashes complete a look. Personally, I like to wear false lashes because they're easier and quicker than trying to make my own lashes look perfect. When I don't wear lashes, I love the flawless look achieved from Lancome's hypnose drama mascara. If you do decide to try falsies, there are a few steps that are essential to make them look natural.

#1- Not everyone has the same shape and size eyes. Be sure you find lashes that work best for you and the look you're wanting to achieve. 

#2- Don't be afraid to trim your lashes to prevent lifting.. make sure they fit YOUR eyes. There is nothing worse than looking like you have a lazy eye due lashes that don't fit properly. 

#3- Applying a thin line of eyeliner prior to applying your lashes will help blend the strip and also make your lashes look fuller. 

When it comes to liner, I like to work with this gel liner from Morphe! The color payoff is fantastic and you truly can't beat the price! Another little tip to really make your eyes pop and look bigger is to use a neutral liner in your waterline. The one displayed above is from Nars and the color is called "Rue Bonaparte."

Lips are where I personally like to experiment most often. But if you're not quite ready for the bold lip trend, thats okay! My favorite neutral combo is Mac's Boldly Bare liner, Creme cup lipstick and Nars Turkish delight gloss to finish it off!

Blush, Bronzer and highlight is something I feel needs to be personalized for each person. Undertones make such a huge difference and I feel that is neglected more often than not. I prefer my bronzer and blush to be matte and to add that pop of shimmer with a highlight. The bronzer pictured above is from Bobbi Brown and is one of my favorites. It's completely matte and light enough to use in the winter months but build able enough for summer. The blush pictured above is Mac's creme blend in the color "ladyblush." It's a beautiful color that works great for day time and is easy to play up for evening. Confession: I am a highlight hoarder. I have more than I could probably ever use in my lifetime but yet never can turn them down. Of all the highlighters I've tried, Becca's Opal is my go-to hands down.

Foundation is something I switch up quite often. I prefer a fuller coverage simply because I like the look. Estee Lauder Double wear is a foundation I always find myself going back to. I've probably gone through 3 bottles in the last year and I'm still not tired of it or found something I like more.. and that's saying a lot for me. Concealer is something I really don't ever switch. Mac's prolong wear concealer has been a fave for years. It conceals just enough and doesn't crease, so it's pretty much everything you could want and more. The combo of these two together is what I like to use when I have photos taken or big events. They have yet to fail me.

Setting your face is ESSENTIAL for a look that is long wearing. Any liquid, should be set with a powder. My favorite face powder is from Merle Norman. During the summer I wear this powder by itself and it's perfection. For my Undereye, I use Ben Nye's banana powder. Not to mention, I've had this same bottle for over a year and I swear it never runs out. There has been a lot of talk about the beauty blender and wether or not its a love it or leave it product. For me, it's a LOVE! *You must wet your beauty blender before using it!* Some people don't like them for two reasons: They don't get them damp beforehand or they don't have the original. I'm all about cutting corners and saving money but spoken from someone who has tried every knockoff there is, trust me when I say it will be the best $20 you will ever spend.

EYEBROWS ARE A MUST. Can I please just say again, EYEBROWS ARE A MUST!! If you're skipping out on your brows, you are doing your face an injustice. Properly filled in brows frame the face and take a look from "Something is missing" to "Complete."As a natural blonde, I had a hard time finding a color that worked for me. Anastasia by beverly hills is a LIFESAVER. I personally use the color Ash blonde/Taupe. If you're a brow newbie, I recommend the pencil. It's basically fool-proof. The dip brow can be a little much for someone who isn't used to defined brows but the brush you use to apply it makes the world of a difference. I recommend something short and dense for best results. Their brow setting gel is by far the best I've ever used. Stick to these products and I promise you won't be disappointed! Anastasia beverly hills is the god of brows.

Hope you guys picked up a few tips and tricks from todays post! If you try any of the product or tips I mentioned above, be sure to take a picture and hashtag *LabellaVitaByKate* so I can see what looks you created! I love you all! XOXO