Classic Beauty

New Post! Update!

2009-07-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! This is my first post in almost a year! Wow!!! As most of you know, I made the switch on over to YouTube and was making vids, but being as they are so time consuming and my life has been a crazy whirlwind, I stopped making them for a while. And truly only because I don't have the time or place to sit, make vids, edit, post, wait to upload, etc. Anyway, so to make up for my YT slacking, I'm going to be giving my blog some lovin'!

A little update:
I have since moved to New York City, and will soon be working in the beauty industry once again! I'm still hoping to maybe make it big and learn so much more about my craft. And of course, it doesn't hurt that my new job entails getting to experiment with and play with all the fab products from the best cosmetic lines!

Stay Tuned, I have some goodies lined up!!! :)

Glad to be back!

Follow me..

2008-11-28T00:12:00.001-08:00

To my Youtube page....youtube.com/rpere009

Product Reviews, tutorials and more, and you get to see my silly face actually talking about it, "in person"!

Come watch, request, subscribe and rate!!!

XOXO

Hello Lovelies!!!

2008-11-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

Lovelies who may come by here...please visit my YouTube page at youtube.com/rpere009! I will try to reserve the blog for product swatches, etc. For hauls, reviews, and tutorials however please stop by my YouTube page to watch video of them instead. That's my update...I hope that everyone is having a fabulous November weekend. XOXO

Youtube.com/rpere009

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Check me out...

2008-09-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

on youtube! My video tutorials have finally made their big debut and I want all of you to go and watch, subscribe, comment and rate! I will also be embedding them here, so that you can watch from my blog. I will also write any additional comments and post a few finished look pics here. So excited! Please don't hesitate to request a look if you would like to see one. Also, the first couple tutorials were picture and text and the latest one has music but no speaking. I have to find a place and/or time where I can talk to the camera and not be interrupted by noise, and where people won't think I've gone mad and begun talking to myself about makeup. It will be much easier to edit like that than having to take time to write all of the text comments. Anyway, I just got done uploading a new one, which for whatever reason took youtube 2 hours to upload, and still is processing. :/ I will post it here as soon as its ready. In any case, stay tuned!!! check me out at youtube.com/rpere009

Rock'n'Roll!

2008-09-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! As an artist, one of the things that inspires me the most is music. So, for the next few weeks I will be featuring looks, that will bring out your inner rock goddess!!! It was much easier for me to make videos than to upload all of the pictures here, so in order to see pictures and steps, you must look at the video. In this series of rock inspired looks, I will create looks for: Classic Rock, Metal, Punk, Glam Rock, Rockabilly, Indie and Grunge. If you have any other requests, please don't hesitate to let me know. I am focusing on different types of rock for now though. Also, I may do a few of each style, depending on how much time I have. I am so excited about these looks, and I'm sure you will enjoy them. Word of caution, they will all be pretty dramatic, and they are supposed to be! Its a lot of makeup, I know. That's why they are rock inspired looks and not everyday makeup. They are also my own interpretation of the style of music. It doesn't mean that it is exactly how musicians in each genre look or do their makeup, its just how I interpret the music itself into a makeup look. Basically, I'm just having a bit of fun and hope that you will too viewing them or recreating them! Also, if you like my looks and are recreating them, I would love too see a picture of your the look on you! Alright, and now for my first look, a classic rock inspired look...Enjoy!

No One Puts Katy Perry in a Corner!

2008-09-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, so this has nothing to do with makeup, but I wanted to do a little VMA rant. After all, part of the reason we watch is to see the star styles, so its not too off topic right?!? Anyway, I just wasted hours watching the VMA's and was more disappointed than a kid who's scoop of ice cream falls off the cone to the ground. I thought that they were trying to trick us about Britney not performing, and nothing! She did look great however, I really hope that she's finally gotten rid of the trash in her life and is getting it together. She was so cute, reminded me of the old Brit. Go Girl! Got sidetracked, sorry, then Russell Brand? I loved his character in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, hilarious, but as himself at the VMA's...BOOOOO!!! First, he was rambling on about politics, and to not sound harsh, but he's British...what does he care? He's not American, what gave him the right to give opinions and slander our leaders? How many Americans go on British tele and bash the queen or their govt? What does he really know about Obama or McCain to come out and tell us (Americans) who to vote for in our own country. I'm not a Bush lover or anything, but I thought it was a cheap way to get some cheers and laughs. Most people in the crowd looked confused. It's frankly, none of his bloody business! Then the Jonas Brothers comments? I'm not a Jonas fan, but commend them on having good morals and sticking true to what they believe. Why make fun of teens who aren't out getting people pregnant and setting a good example? Did Russell and Amy Wino hang out before the show, because he must have been on something. A little weird dance, a comedic song, a few perv comments and flirting with the crowd would have sufficed. No need to voice his nonsensical opinions. Aside from MTV's poor choice in host, the performances were lackluster for the most part. In my opinion, the best performers were Paramore, who rocked. Rihanna's Disturbia was entertaining as well as Pink's performance. I was really looking forward to Katy Perry performing on the big stage, like they made it seem she was going to, and was shocked to see that she was singing with the house band (or dj in this case) and televised for seconds at a time! What the heck was up with that??? I think she's unique and talented and she was put in the corner. waaa. What else? I didn't quite understand Kanye's performance and the hype. He attempted singing (key word attempted) and then it ended. Still don't get it. Bottom line...Michael Phelps should have come out in a Speedo, McLovin kid and Jonah Hill were hilarious, Lil Wayne pull your pants up, T Pain Barnum and Bailey called they said that you're hired, a Fanny Pak performance would have made the show more entertaining, good job Jordin Sparks, no one wants to be Paris' bff, and Russell Brand go home!!! MTV, please, next year, take the show back to good old NY and get a new host, maybe Jonah Hill and McLovin?

Style Wise, I loved Britney's glam dresses! Ciara look glam as well. I liked the PCD's dresses except for the girl in the white pant suit, was it me or did it look 2 sizes too big? Lauren Conrad's dress was interesting, but not my choice, if I'm her. The Jonas brothers should consider getting their clothes just one size larger, their pants were tighter than they ever should be. Ashlee Simpson looked cute, and I of course love Katy Perry's funky retro style! Can I please have that diamond bow she had in her head?!

Okay kids, thats my news for now. I hope to have new tutorials up this week, please pray my area doesn't get too affected by Hurricane Ike this week. XOXO.

Fall Greens

2008-09-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone. I recently did a look with greens and browns, which is perfect for fall. I like to think of it as a fall green look, because I used a gorgeous deep green shade that you all are going to love! So, here is my lovely green look...

I'm going to be focusing on just the eyes, cheeks, and lips. The foundation and concealer application part is boring, and you guys already know about that, so I'm cutting to the good parts. :)

Here are the products that I used to create this look...

First, take NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Lemon and apply all over the lid, up to the crease. This is going to be our base. It's okay if you apply it a little messy, we'll be fixing it.

Then, blend it with your fingers. These pencils are really creamy, so blend it out to assure no clumpy spots.

Next, take an eyeshadow brush and grab some Juxt eyeshadow and apply all over the lid, over the Lemon. As always, when covering the lid I personally like to apply my shadows vertically most of the time.

Using a clean shadow brush, take Humid and apply it to the outer two thirds of the eye on the lower part of the lid. Pat the color on so that it appears more intense and so there is less fallout.

Then form your outer "V" with Humid and bring it up into the crease. Blend where the Humid meets Juxt. The blending should make a forest green shade on the lid.

Now, take a small brush and apply All That Glitters to your tear duct area. Apply some under your eye as well, but stop at the center of your lower lashline/undereye area.

Pretty Champagne shade!

Now take a blending brush and apply Orb as a highlight under your brow bone. Blend it lightly with the green edge.

Using the same blending brush, take Twinks and apply it to the crease on top of Humid. Begin at the center of your crease and work your way out.

Here is how it should look so far. The goal is to get the dark green to transition to the deeper brown.

Next, take a pencil eyeliner brush (use one with a rounded tip with tight bristles like MAC 219) and apply Humid to your lower lash line as liner.

Then retouch the All That Glitters under the Humid.

Now, clean up any fallout and apply mascara. I LOVE MAC Plushlash in Plushblack!

Then gives your cheeks a warm glow with NARS Luster blush.

Last, apply Supervixen Gloss by NARS on your lips. The lips in the look are simple, and this shade looks fabulous all on its own.

And here is the finished product...

**Products Used**
->MAC Eyeshadows:
Juxt, Humid, All That Glitters, Twinks, Orb
->NYX Jumbo Eyepencil in Lemon
->NARS blush in Luster
->NARS gloss in Supervixen
->MAC Plushlash mascara

Enjoy!!!

Product of the Week... September 2

2008-09-03T22:46:00.000-07:00

Hooray for the return of product of the week. I just got done with work for one of my classes, 4 more to go :/ Anyway, this week I will be featuring a nail polish. Essie Colors polish in Wicked. As we approach fall, the brightly colored pinks and tangerines that we wore all summer begin to fade and we see the influx of deep shades of berry and brown. I love this nail polish not only because of its fabulous rich burgundy color, but also because of its lasting power. I have other Essie polishes that I bought at around the same time that are getting goopy and unusable, but this shade looked like new when I opened the bottle. Aside from its longevity, it takes a while for the color to begin chipping when applied on your nails. I had it on recently, and even after a whole week and then some it was still decent. If I hadn't begun to pick at it, it may have stayed in better shape. :) This makes Essie's Wicked my pick for item of the week. While its still technically summer, with minor changes like nail color, you can get a head start on fall fashion!

For more information, and where to find Essie visit www.essie.com. Essie nail polish is usually about $7.50.

Simple 5 Minute Smoky Look

2008-08-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, so as promised a while back, here is my simple smoky look!

First, start off with a clean, bare face, preferably moisturized, of course. Then gather the products you will be using.

All the products I used for this look.

Apply your foundation, in this case I used powder foundation with a brush. Powder is a little quicker than liquid and gives a sheerer coverage.

If needed, apply concealer under eyes and in any areas that you want covered. (As you can see, I needed it!)

Then, prime your eye with a primer or creme shadow. I used NARS cremeshadow in Cosmic Girl, and applied it all over the lid, from lash line to under brow. Then set it with a powder shadow in a natural shade. Orb by MAC is a great neutral!

Next, grab a good black eyeliner and line the upper and lower lash lines. On the lower, try to only line the water line, and on the top stay close to the lash. This does not have to be perfect, so don't worry, just apply the color.

Then take an angled brush and smudge the lines a bit, evening them out.

Take the same brush and dip it in a black powder shadow. Apply over the liner pencil to set. On the top lash line, smudge it out and up, but don't take the color higher than the lower half of your lid.

Do the same on the bottom, staying close to the water line. A little outside the lines on the outer corner is okay.

Then take a q-tip to clean up the area and get rid of any fallout.

Take a peachy pink blush, and apply to your apples in "C" motions. I used my favorite blush in the world NARS Orgasm. I also used some bronzer under my cheek bones and around my forehead and jawline, for color.

Take a very delicate light pink shade of lipstick and apply to your lips. I actually used a tinted lip balm!

Then apply a sheer pinkish gloss over. The goal of this look is to have a sheer pink sheen on the lip.

Last, coat those lashes with a nice natural lengthening mascara.

Finished Look!!! Simple and easy to do and most definitely adjustable to your liking. Feel free to make it more dramtic or play it down even more.

***Products used***

MAC Studio Fix Foundation
NARS Concealer
MAC Eyeliner in Engraved
NARS Cosmic Girl Creme Shadow
NARS cheek highlighter Albatross (used on eyes)
MAC shadow in Carbon
NARS blush in Orgasm
NARS bronzer in Laguna
NARS mascara regular
NARS Sabrina Lip Balm
NARS gloss in Orgasm

Enjoy!!!

I'm Back!

2008-08-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

So, after another hiatus (I tend to sometimes have lots of those), I am back! I just started school again this week, and I am swamped with work. Balancing 5 online classes is not going to be as easy as I thought! I'm seriously very nervous about it, but hope I'll get the hang of it again soon. In the honor of back to school however, I will be doing a BTS look and some pretty looks for fall. So, lots of pretty coppers and browns coming up! They are planned out already, now its just a matter of time to complete them and finding the battery charger for my dead camera. :-) A word of warning, they won't be as picture heavy as my first FOTD because it took my little computer a long time to upload all of them and seeing as how time is short for me, a little will have to go a long way for the time being. Look out for them though, they are coming this week!!!

Product of the Week...August 8

2008-08-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

So, this week my product of the week is the Urban Decay deluxe eyeshadow shadowbox palette!!! (I think thats what its called?) It is so absolutely amazing! There are 9 shadows in the palette, which are all winners. I love the texture of these shadows, they are very velvety and richly pigmented. In my opinion, more pigmented so than a lot of MAC shadows. The shadowbox is purple velvet fabric, with a mesh metallic design in the front. The packaging is adorable. You open up and there is even detail in the plastic that hold the shadows. There is also a big mirror on the inside so its perfect for on the go or travel. I actually think that it is ideal for travel because you can create tons of looks with these 9 shadows alone. There are more neutral shades, and then you have the funky brights so, the possibilities are endless! I love all the colors on this palette but I especially love Ransom...oh what a violet! Anyway, this is my choice for favorite product this week. You can find this palette in stores at Sephora or Ulta or online at ulta.com, sephora.com, or urbandecay.com.

Oh...and it also comes with a mini Eyeshadow primer potion. For $36 you can not go wrong with this.

Yes, I've been M.I.A.

2008-08-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

So, I have totally been MIA lately. I just realized that I have not done the product of the week thing for a few weeks now AND I did not yet put up the smoky eye tutorial. I've been busy and going through a lot of strange stuff lately, so I have not had the time to get up on here and do my makeup ramblings. I actually decided to start a youtube page and will most likely be creating videos, and posting on here the pics and guide for them. So please stay tuned to that. When I am able to get a few videos up I will post here and on my makeup myspace the link to it. What else? I think thats pretty much it. I uploaded the smoky tutorial pics to my computer, so when I am done this week with my classes I will be posting it here and perhaps do a slide show on youtube as well???? We'll see...please come back and tell your friends. Peace!

My Favorite Product...July 24

2008-07-23T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, this week I am really excited to bring to you the product of the week because its my new favorite thing!!!! Sabrina Lip Treatment by NARS! This lip treatment is amazing! It is a lip balm/treatment. It contains Vitamin E so it is extra conditioning/moisturizing. You also get UVA and UVB protection because it has SPF 20! And my favorite part is the yummy watermelon scent/flavor that it has, as well as the pink tint. I love the fact that it has a pretty pink tint because you can use under some clear gloss over it and pair it with a simple makeup look without looking like you have bare lips. I am seriously obsessed with this product, and if you are a like me and are a chap stick lover this will blow your mind!!! You have my guarantee! Sabrina retails for $24...and while it may seem on the pricey side, it is well worth it. I just bought one last week and it was the best purchase I made! For more details visit www.narscosmetics.com. And look out for it on my simple smoky tutorial which I will be making tonight!

Product of the Week July 16

2008-07-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys, here is my second product of the week entry as promised. I'm sorry that I've been slacking on the tutorials, I've been very busy lately. I promise that there are some coming very soon. I've gotten some new stuff, so I'm excited to put them to work!

This weeks product is...

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Trio!

This item is available EXCLUSIVELY at selected Nordstroms. It is the NARS counters special item for the Nordies Anniversary Sale which begins this Friday 7/18. Basically, you get three of the velvet matte lip pencils, which I am so in love with, and a sharpener for only $45. Each pencil is $24, so this was a steal! The shades included are Cafe Con Leche (a shimmery bronze), Cruella (deep crimson red), and Bettina (nude mauve). I love these pencils, because they have the precision of a lip pencil with the texture of a lipstick, and provide lips with moisture. Putting them under gloss or lipstick helps to provide a longer wear. These colors are some of the top sellers, and pretty much basics that look great on everyone. They are also so convenient and portable. The slender style allows you to easily throw it in your purse, makeup bag, or even your pocket! So there is my product of the week. To purchase this item visit the NARS counter your local Nordstrom!

My Favorite Product...July 9

2008-07-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! On a weekly basis I will be featuring a product that I love, which will be anything from lipgloss to face cleanser, and just sharing some info on it.

This week I will be featuring NARS eyeshadow do in Iceland!

The Iceland eyeshadow duo may not seem to be that spectacular by just looking at it in its packaging. In fact, by looks alone it seems like two frosty shades of white with a slight hint of color, not too exciting, huh? However, upon actually experimenting with the color you find that these shades are very deceiving! They are in fact hot iridescent shades of blue and green, that don't look like your grandma's frosty white! These shades can be used in multiple ways. Use them for tear duct and brow bone highlight to kick things up a notch...even if you're working with neutrals on the rest of the eye. They work as great alternatives to the basic white or beige highlight! Use them also by layering over another color. The iridescence of these shades will modify and glam up even the dullest of shades. Use them under your liner on the lower lash line. This will brighten the eye, especially if wearing a dark liner, and make those eyes glow! You can even mix them with gloss to create a high frost/metallic look or even sweep across the top of the cheekbone for a funky highlight. This is why I LOVE this product.

For more info on the product or to purchase please visit NARSCosmetics.com, you can also locate a NARS counter near you on the site, to try it yourself.

My first tutorial!

2008-07-07T13:35:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I created a look and am doing my first tutorial on it! This will be the first of many so, if the first few aren't so great, they will improve with time. I will be using pictures to illustrate and explain step by step. I hope that you guys will enjoy it!!!

Metallic Mermaid

Step 1: ALWAYS be sure to have a clean face before any type of makeup application, along with toner and moisturizer preferably. (a whole blog on this is coming soon)

* I used NARS Softening Milk Cleaner, which is a water optional cleanser so its easy to use.

Step 2: Once face is clean, I took some creme shadow and applied it to my lids. This as a base and adhesive to the powder shadows.

*I used NARS Unconditional Love blue side and used it for my highlight from the tear duct up through under the brow up to the crease. On the lid I used MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque.

Step 3: For this look I broke the eyelid up into fourths (one being inner corner and four the outer). Take your first shadow color, using a thick wide shadow brush and apply our first color, which is a metallic lilac. Apply it to the inner 2nd of the lid. If you go out a bit further then just 1/4 of the lid its okay.

*Brush #3 from NARS or MAC 252 brushes are great options. I used the shimmery violet side of NARS eyeshadow duo in Violetta.

Step 4: Take the next color, which is a metallic turquoise, and apply to the outer 3rd using the same brush. Be sure to blend in with edge of violet for smooth color transition.

* MAC shadow in Gulfstream.

Step 4: Take a matte black shadow, and apply to the outer 4th. Tilt the brush at a 45 degree angle (with the handle facing yor nose) and apply vertically. This will help with the shape. Bring brush a little into the crease and blend the black into the turquoise.

* MAC shadow, Carbon.

Step 4: Apply a metallic pink shadow to the inner corner of the eye and blend with the violet. Use a smaller eyeshadow brush, since we are working on a smaller area.

* NARS duo Carravagio, pink side.

Step 5: Highlight your tear duct and take the same color through the brow bone to highlight. Blend into the shadow line at the crease a little, to soften the harsh lines between darker lid shadows and highlight.

* MAC shadow, Vellum.

Step 6: Apply extra color to any area that may need it. Try to make both eyes as even as possible. Also take this time to just blend. Your goal is to make the colors smoothly blend into one another without any visible lines in between them. They should look like they are naturally fading into one another.

Step 7: Take a Q-tip or cosmetic sponge and clean up the edges. This will give you that sharp edged look. If makeup won't budge with a dry Q-tip, use a little makeup remover. (this is an artist secret to getting that clean edge) Also clean the under eye area of any shadow that may have fallen.

Step 8: Take a black pencil liner and firmly line your water line all the way along the lower line.

* MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil, Engraved.

Step 9: Take a firm flat edged or angled brush and lightly dip in some water. Then, dip in black shadow and use as liner on the upper lash line. Draw a moderately thin line all along and slightly wing the corners. Be sure to get your inner corner into the tear duct.

*MAC shadow, Carbon.

Step 10: Take the same brush and black shadow and line the lower lash line with it to set the liner and prevent it from running. Don't wet the brush to do this.

*MAC shadow, Carbon.

Step 11: With a small domed crease brush take the metallic pink color and sweep it across the lower lash line under the black. Making the line just a tad thicker on the ends.

*MAC 219 brush. NARS Carravagio duo pink side.

Step 12: Apply your mascara. I like to use the over and under technique to give your lashes their best curl and length. (I will go into further depth about this technique later on.)

*NARS mascara, Black Orchid Regular.

Step 13: Apply your foundation.

*NARS Oil Free Foundation, Barcelona. (a little bit of this foundation goes a long way)

Step 14: If needed, take concealer and add to the under eye are and any blemishes or dark spots that need coverage.

*NARS concealer, Custard.

Step 15: Apply bronzer under the cheek bones for some contour, and under the jawline and forehead as well.

*NARS Bronzer, Laguna.

Step 16: Take a pink toned blush and apply to apples of cheeks.

*NARS Blush, Orgasm.

Step 17: Use a cheek highlight and apply like a big "C" around your eye...on the shelf above cheek bone and also over the eyebrow.

*NARS Highlighting Blush, Albatross.

Step 18: Fill in those brows!

*use small brow brush and shadow in desired shade. MAC shadow, Mystery.

Step 19: Use a neutral pink lipstick or lipliner as a base for your lips and, apply all around lip line and fill in lip.

*NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, Roman Holiday.

Step 20: Apply plum colored gloss all over lip for some color as well as a shiny, juicy effect.

* MAC Lusterglass, Little VI.

And then enjoy!!!

(*) denotes the product used in the photos. I listed what I used for informational purposes only. So please, feel free to use the colors or products of your choice if you like.

If you have any questions or comments about the look, please do not hesitate to let me know! Thank you and come back soon for more!!!

Are you a Classic Beauty?

2008-07-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

Of course you are! I finally got my beauty blog up, though in the next few weeks it will be under going some renovations. Hopefully some pictures and interesting beauty tips will added soon. As I seem to be busier everyday, you will have to excuse me for the time it will take to have everything up and running smoothly. That being said this is just my intro and welcome to all. I encourage you, my future readers to stay tuned for some great blogs ahead!!! In the meantime, you may help me. If you are interested in reading what I have to say, please feel free to leave me a comment with suggestions, or questions, whatever you like, so long as its related to this blog. If you are good at computer stuff, I may need your help, so feel free to let me know that you are available to share your expertise, should I need help! Thanks, come again soon... everyday beauty advice is coming your way!!!