FOTD: My Basic Work Look

Hey everyone! I wanted to do a Face of the Day (FOTD) blog post on a basic look for work. Depending on what kind of work you do... it might be more or less dramatic than necessary. I'm a morning news anchor, so I need something that's long wearing, makes me look wide awake, and doesn't make me look washed out under bright lights. These pictures were taken after a day at work... my makeup had been on for about 11 hours and the only thing I touched up was my lipstick (promise!)

I often switch up the products I use because I'm always testing out new things, but today I caught myself doing a pretty classic look that I've been gravitating to more & more. It's a basic taupe eye with soft peachy cheeks, some contouring to create more angular features, and a medium/neutral lip. I know this look is still a bit "glam"- but I think it's still appropriate for a professional setting. Here's what I used!

Face

• ELF Mineral Infused Face Primer (not shown)
• Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Fresh Beige & Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse in Natural Beige- mixed
• Mally Cancellation Conditioning Concealer in Medium (under eyes, around nose)
• Laura Geller Balance & Brighten powder- Regular
• Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer (contouring)
• Milani Baked Bronzer in Golden (light dusting all over)
• Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Peaceful
• ELF High Definition Finishing Powder (not shown)

Eyes

• NYX HD Eyeshadow Primer (not shown)
• Tarte Eye Couture Day-to-Night Palette (explanation below)
• Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner in Blackest Black (upper lashline)
• Mally Evercolor Automatic Eyeliner in Onyx (smudged, lower outer corners)
• L'oreal Double Extend Carbon Black Mascara
• Rimmel Soft Kohl Eye pencil in Pure White (waterline)
• Revlon False Eyelashes - Intensifying (applied w/ Revlon Precision Lash Glue)

Lips

• Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Sunset (dupe of MAC Viva Glam V)

I was looking to try some new Tarte eyeshadows (I love them), and happened to be at an Ulta this past Friday so I treated myself to the Eye Couture kit. Not only is the packaging adorable with purple quilting and a little lock & key detail... but I love the shades inside. This palette is also small enough to toss in my makeup bag for work... and speaking of work- these color options are just great for getting a pretty look that doesn't go overboard. Here's how I got the look shown above...

• Pale shimmery color- bottom row, second shade-- apply this all over the lid, also as a highlight
• Deep grey-ish brown- top row, third shade-- apply on outer half of the lid, and blend into the outer V area
• Medium bronzy-brown- top row, fifth shade-- use it to blend out the deeper shade in the outer V
• Sparkly black- bottom row, fifth shade-- smudge over lower liner

These swatches correspond with the way the shadows are placed in the palette. I'm really pleased with the pigmentation and variety in this 10-shadow kit. I used this palette for an even more dramatic look Saturday night- so it allows you to pull off a smokey eye- no problem! It also came with a mini Tarte eye primer, a double ended liner, and a double ended brush. The shadows are all full-size, so at $44 I think this is a great value! :)

Daily Nuggets...

• I love watching the beauty shows on QVC (watching one right now!)
• I answered a bunch of random questions on Formspring
• There are Peeps Marshmallow flavored ice pops at Walgreens for $1 a box. Run, don't walk. These things are AMAZING.
• 5-year Anniversary for Tyler & I this Friday! Thank goodness Facebook is there to remind him. Kidding!
• I swear, I have some of the nicest viewers ever on YouTube. As if it wasn't enough to take the time to watch, the kindness in the comments section is so appreciated. ♥ you all :)