Feeling like a Khaleesi

“I’ve got a needle of my own.” It’s an eyeshadow brush designed to resemble Arya Stark’s sword Needle. It is one of two eyeshadow brushes sold in Urban Decay’s new Game of Thrones cosmetic line. The other brush is Jon Snow’s Longclaw sword complete with sparkly red eyes. The limited edition collection originally launched April 14, 2019 and seems to be successful as the line sold out on Urban Decay’s website within 24 hours. The eyeshadow brushes sold out in about 12 minutes. There are lipsticks named after Sansa, Cersei, Daenerys, and White Walker, a Mother of Dragons highlighter pallet, a lip & cheek stain called “Dracarys,” eyeliner gel pencils, and a colorful eyeshadow pallet.

Urban Decay Game of Thrones makeup collection

This review will focus on the items I was able to buy online – the brushes and the eyeshadow pallet. The eyeshadow pallet arrived in packaging that resembles an actual book covered in Game of Thrones imagery. When you open the pallet, there is a large mirror on the left and a quote from Daenerys Targaryen on the right with map of Westeros and Essos in the background. Lift up the tab at the bottom and a pop-up throne appears – yes you get your own mini throne! On the right side of the package is another tab where the actual pallet is stored. There are twenty colors divided into four sections that are all GoT themed. Most shades are sparkly and metallic; there are three matte colors. I wish there were more mattes to combine and layer with the metallics.

Here are a few looks I created using the eyeshadows –

I used Urban Decay’s Primer Potion on my eyes as a base for all of these looks. I always put a matte shadow over my eye base so I used a pale pink of my own. Then I wet an eyeliner brush and used Weirwood Leaves as eyeliner. I left a line, but you can blend the color out too. Weirwood Leaves is a deep plum color and was easy to use. I used Stormborn and Bend the Knee in the creases and on the eyelids. Next, the shimmery pink Bay of Dragons as a highlighter under the brow line and a tiny bit of King’s Landing on the inner corners of the eyes. Finally, I blended Weirwood Leaves as liner on the bottom of my eyes.

To intensify that same look, I placed Lannister Red in the upper crease of the eyes. This isn’t a color I’d normally choose, but it looks great on and blends very well. I used the Longclaw brush to add House Lannister on the brow bone and placed Winterfell on the inner corners of my eyes. Winterfell looks like a deep dark gold thick pewter-ish shade. The eyeshadow is actually much lighter in consistency than it appears and looks beautiful when applied as a highlighter or layered over other shadows. Use a flat brush like Needle when applying Winterfell.

Create a bolder eye by layering shadows

To create a fierce White Walker themed look, I used Take the Black as my liner and Frozen North all over my eye lids. It’s a strong beautiful peacock blue color, so to make the design a little less heavy and to open my eyes I added Free Folk in the inner corners (placed over Frozen North). These shadows layer well. I originally tried Hardhome as a highlighter over Frozen North, but it did not blend and of all the pallet shadows Hardhome is probably my least favorite. I completed the design with black liquid liner over Take the Black. You can make all these looks bolder by adding lashes.

Game of Thrones White Walker themed frozen look
using Urban Decay cosmetics

The entire Urban Decay Game of Thrones collection will be available online at Sephora and Ulta beginning April 29, 2019 and in stores May 2, 2019. It is trendy, but if you’re a Game of Thrones fan and love makeup I recommend checking out the items in the collection. The makeup colors are fun and the package design is really something!

Lash Bash hosting tips

I recently had the opportunity to be a glambassador for Benefit Cosmetics. I was one of the winners chosen to host a Lash Bash for a few friends sponsored by Benefit Cosmetics and Ipsy after entering a photo contest on Instagram. Benefit Cosmetics was promoting They’re Real! Mascara. Benefit Cosmetics and Ipsy sent a box full of goodies for the party including: goodie bags, cocktail napkins, hostess gifts, They’re Real! mascaras, Benetint samples, and Sugarbomb lip glosses. Also included was a “check out my #realsies”  photo mask to Tweet and Instagram everyone’s lovely lashes.
I planned for the day by sending out a diva looking Evite. I prepped the goodie bags ahead of time and added an eyelash curler to each bag since the mascara was the main focus of the event.
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Décor – The color of the day was pink since it’s the color mainly used in Benefit’s artwork. I set up a make-up application station. The kitchen island was the best spot since guests could sit on a stool and easily test out their samples. I decorated the area with a mirror, floral placemat, pink votive candles, and a Join the REALvolution poster (design provided by Benefit Cosmetics). I incorporated the color pink on the tables by using pink candles and pink floral arrangements. I used gold as an accent color by decorating the tables with gold-colored table cloths and gold tissue paper in the goodie bags. I used pink tissue paper pom poms to decorate the doorway which provided for a perfect photo spot.
Glam it up – you’re the host so look the part! I wore a hot pink sleeveless sequin designed top with a black fringed skirt, black tights and black patent leather mary jane heels.

Marla, Lianne, Neda, and Sheri admiring the stunning look of their lashes while applying They're Real! mascara.

Marla, Lianne, Neda, and Sheri admiring the stunning look of their lashes while applying They’re Real! Mascara.

When each guest arrived, she received a pink Benefit Cosmetics goodie bag and was encouraged to test the make-up samples, especially the mascara at the make-up application station.

Look at those lashes - Jamie and Julie testing They’re Real! mascara by Benefit Cosmetics.

Look at those lashes – Jamie and Julie testing They’re Real! Mascara by Benefit Cosmetics.

Food & Drinks – Appetizers included spinach focaccia roll, hummus & pita chips, veggies & olives, and HRI Signature Salad. The main spirit was a diva inspired champagne cocktail made with X Rated Fusion Liqueur. Pour 1oz of X Rated Fusion Liqueur in a glass of champagne. The result is a tasty beautiful drink that was definitely a hit with the girls. I also served Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, bottled water, and San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water.
bottles and food
Serve colorful desserts – In keeping with the make-up theme, my Lash Bash treats included pink frosted cupcakes decorated with mini lipsticks and sprinkled sugar cookies. Hot-pink napkins were provided by Benefit Cosmetics.
cupcakes & cookies
Play a game – Benefit Cosmetics even supplied party game ideas and artwork for the Lash Bash. We played this purse search game and Neda, our winner, won with an impressive 55 points. She won a make-up bag and Benefit cream eye shadow. Our group enjoyed the purse search. Try playing this game at your next bachelorette party or wedding shower. It’s a riot what some of us have in our purses. Haha!!
game
Celebrate – Thanks to my beautiful friends who came to Lash Bash! Thank you to Benefit Cosmetics and Ipsy. It was great to take part in such a fun event.
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10 Drug Store beauty items for under $10 I can’t live without

Inexpensive beauty products that work as well or better than designer retail brands

There is something magical about walking into a cosmetic store like Sephora. It’s very exciting to imagine the endless possibilities of what you can create with all the bold make-up colors and products that catch your eye as you stroll through each aisle of shiny black and white décor. It is very easy to rack up a high bill at the make-up counter. There are numerous high-end beauty products I believe in spending money on, however there are some items you can find at your local drug store* for under $10. Here are some of my favorite beauty products I use nearly every day that are inexpensive and work just as well or better than the designer retail brands.

1. Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm – $1.69. I’ll admit I am addicted to Carmex lip balm. I’ve been using this product for nearly twenty years and I’ve never found another lip balm or lip gloss that soothes dry lips as well. I use it as a base under other lipsticks and glosses. I also make sure to apply before bed. It’s the one beauty product that is always in my purse.

 2. Maybelline Cover Stick Corrector/ Concealer –$6.49 vs. designer brand concealers like NARS’ concealer stick which retails for up to $23. After years of experimenting with various make-up brands, Maybelline’s concealer seems to be the best and does not irritate the skin like some other brands.

 3. Olay 4-in-1 daily facial cloths (Sensitive Skin) (box of 33 cloths) – $7.99 These cloths are great to use to remove eye make-up as well. I’ve been using them for years.

 4. Johnson’s Baby Oil (14oz) – $3.99 As we all know, there are countless moisturizers for all parts of your body that can range from being inexpensive to hundreds of dollars. Johnson’s Baby Oil is one of my favorite beauty products and is such a great value. I’ve used Johnson’s Baby Oil since I was a child. Baby oil is great to apply all over your body right after a shower when your skin is still damp as it helps to lock in moisture into your skin.

 5. Beauty cosmetic sponge wedges – pack of 32 – $3.49. vs. Sephora’s Sponge Wedge Wheel for that sells for $6.00 for only 6 wedges.

 6. False eye lashes (strip) – $4.99 vs. M·A·C Cosmetics eyelashes (strip) $16.00 – The drug store lashes look terrific on and are just as easy to apply as the M·A·C ones.

 7. Essie nail color/polish – $8.00 vs. M·A·C Cosmetics nail polish for $16 or designer brands like Dior that cost around $24 per bottle. I’ve tried all three and Essie is just as good as the designer nail polishes. Essie is used by many nail salons. Essie nail polish is available in an excellent selection colors and textures.

 8. Sunscreen – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sun Block Lotion – $9.99 vs. Clinique Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Body Cream $23. I like Neutrogena’s sunscreens because they are easy to apply as they are not greasy.

 9. Aloe Vera Gel – $5.99 Aloe Vera is a good option to use after a shower if you don’t have baby oil. There is something about this product that soothes the skin. It can also be used after being in the sun as it cools the skin. Other retail brands can cost up to $30 for basically the same thing (a moisturizer with Aloe Vera as a main ingredient).

10. Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpting Cream – Gel – $4.49 A reasonably priced styling product that actually works at holding in curls.

*Drug store prices are based on Walgreens.com 7/28/13

Lip Brush – always have one in your bag!

The best way to achieve an even lipstick or lip gloss application is to use a lip brush. A lip brush will allow you to experiment and blend colors on your lips. For example if you wanted to put a colored gloss over a lipstick, a brush will allow you to mix the colors on your lips while placing the color over the exact area of your lips (not as easy if using the applicator found in most lip gloss packaging.) Try using a lip brush the next you put on lipstick and/or lip gloss. Your lips will appear professionally done.You can purchase a lip brush at most drug stores, make-up supply stores, and make-up counters. I always carry a lip brush with me for touch ups during the day and night!

 

Use a lip brush to apply lipstick & lip gloss