How to: Fake gorgeous brows!

Hey beauty babes! 

Like a lot of women, I spent my youth over plucking my brows. This has left me with brows that are patchy, sparse and nearly impossible to regrow. Good brows are so incredibly important! They frame your face and give it structure, plus they highlight your eyes. Have you ever seen someone with terrible brows? Something just looks off regardless of how amazing the rest of their makeup may be. This has been a long struggle but after a lot of testing I have found the few products that will completely change your brows!

Billion Dollar Brows- Brow Boost $29

Available at- Billion Dollar Brows and Amazon

This first product is a gel serum that enhances brow growth. This is essential for those of us who went over board plucking or had a bad wax job! It has a doe foot applicator and a slightly milky color that dries clear. Apply this directly to your brows every night before bed and in a month you will start to see a dramatic difference. You only need to use a small amount so this tube will last you months. I was skeptical at first but after using this product for several months I can vouch for it's magical results. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills- Brow Wiz $21

Available at: Sephora, Ulta, Anastasia

This is an automatic brow pencil unlike any other. It comes in 7 shades which makes it easy to find your perfect match. At one end is the automatic pencil and on the other is a small spoolie. Using light strokes, outline the bottom and top of your brows. Then, fill in your brows with short light strokes. Finally, comb through your brows with the spoolie to blend everything together. This gives you the illusion of completely natural, flawless brows. I use the shade Caramel which is 1 shade lighter than my natural hair color. I have not been able to find any pencil that comes close to this. It gives you the most natural, full, gorgeous looking brows.  My only issue with this is it's time consuming. When you're in a hurry this may not be the best option. Typically it takes me about 10-15 minutes to do both brows with the Brow Wiz. 

Anastasia of Beverly Hills- Clear Brow Gel $22

Available at: Sephora, Ulta, Anastasia

I highly suggest you use this brow gel in combination with the Brow Wiz pencil. It keeps your brows in tact all day and locks in all of your hard work. You won't have to worry about your brows moving at all. It's dries quickly and completely clear. It doesn't flake and looks 100% natural.

Anastasia also makes a tinted brow gel for those of you who want extra coverage! Available in 6 shades for $22.

Benefit- Gimme Brow $22

Available at: Sephora, Ulta, Benefit, and HSN

This is my Hail Mary when I'm in a time crunch and I'm rushing out the door. It's a tinted gel with micro fibers that build up brow volume. It has a mini spoolie for the best control during application. It comes in 2 shades- Light/ Medium or Medium/ Deep (I use the Medium/ Deep). Simply comb through your brows and go over thinner areas to build volume. In 3 minutes you have great looking brows that everyone else will swear are real! If you happen to get product outside your brows just take a q-tip dipped in makeup remover to clean up the mistake. I use this product every day before work and it is the newest staple in my routine. I can't say enough great things about Gimme Brow!

I believe in investing in great quality products. I'm always an advocate for saving money and buying drug store products. However, there are certain products that can't be duplicated by cheaper brands. The products that will  dramatically change your look and are worth the extra money. Good brow products are definitely worth the investment!

Did any of your favorites make this list? Any of these products make your wishlist? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

- Liz


This post is not affiliated. I was not paid or sponsored by any of the included brands to write this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own and all products were purchased myself.

New- BlogLuvin!

Hey beauty babes! 

Just a quick announcement. I have now joined BlogLuvin to help spread the word about Candid Beauty! With BlogLuvin you can follow all of your favorite blogs and find new blogs all in the same place. Check out the link below to find my page!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12009341/?claim=smynx4ynjbf">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

xoxo

Liz

21 Days of STEALS!

Hey beauty babes!

Back again to give you a heads up! That time of the year is here again, Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty Steals is back from 3/16 to 4/5. Each day there is a new steal featured for that day only (available online and in store) and store's will be hosting events by Urban Decay, Smashbox, Benefit, Tarte, etc. Want the low down on some of the best featured deals?

• Today, 3/18- Tarte's Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara is 50% off for only $10!!

   • If you haven't already, you need to try this mascara. I have sworn by Benefit's They're Real for over a year but this mascara has slipped in as my #1 favorite mascara! It lengthens, volumizes, and seperates your lashes beautifully. This is absolutely the time to pick it up. I bought 2!

• Online only 3/18- Bliss' Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is 50% off for $12. 

  • An overall great cleanser. It smells good, has a great lather, and is gentle enough for all skin types. 

The highlights for the upcoming deals are: 

• Thursday, 3/20- Butter London Lacquers' 2 for $15 (normally $15 each!)

• Friday, 3/21- Urban Decay Travel Size Trio $12 (normally $19)

  • This set includes travels sizes of their All Nighter setting spray, Original Primer Potion, and a 24/7 eyeliner in 

• Saturday, 3/22- ALL Philosophy Foundations are just $25 (normally $38-$40)

• Sunday, 3/23- Too Faced Better than False Lashes system $20 (normally $35) & Lorac Porefection Powder 50% off for $16.50 (normally $33)

• Monday, 3/24- CK One Pure Shine Lipsticks $9 (normally $16)

• Wednesday, 3/26- Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer 50% off for $21 (normally $42)

• Friday, 3/28- Smashbox Try it Kit $10 (normally $19)

  • Includes 5 deluxe samples of their best selling products. This is a great way to try out the brand or sample the best sellers!

• Saturday, 3/29- ALL Bare Minerals Full Size Mascaras 50% off for $9 (normally $18)

• Monday, 3/31- Anastasia Clear Brow Gel $11 (normally $22)

  • This is a staple in my makeup kit. By far the best brow gel I've ever used. It keeps your brows in place all day without flaking. 

• Thursday, 4/3- Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess $14 (normally $29)

  • If you've been searching for the perfect bronzer look no further. The Park Ave Princess bronzer is wonderful. Great pigmentation, doesn't come off as "muddy" (as many others can), and they offer it in matte and shimmer. I prefer the matte version as it's waterproof and great for contouring. 

• Friday, 4/4- Too Faced Sweethearts Blush $15 (normally $30)

• Saturday, 4/5- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer $18 (normally $36)

This is a great time to stock up on your a favorites or try out products on your wish list. For a full list of all the Beauty Steals check out Ulta's website. Also, be sure to check out the website daily for secret deals that aren't listed!! If you're interested in buying online Ulta offers free shipping on $50+. There's also a coupon for $3.50 off $10 of qualifying purchases, available in store and online (coupon code on Ulta's homepage). All beauty deals are available for that day only or until they sell out so make sure to jump on the deal before someone else steals it from you!

Let me know what steals are you excited for! Anything on your wish list that'll you'll be picking up?

xoxo

- Liz

Tips & Tricks- How to get beautiful winter skin!

Hey guys and dolls!

The winter season is officially upon us (unfortunately). I live in New England where winter brings lots of snow, freezing temperatures, and a new set of skin care problems. Dull, dry, flaky skin can really be frustrating but knowing how to combat it is the key to beautiful skin all year round. Follow these tips and tricks for radiant winter skin!

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! I can't say that enough. Exfoliating not only removes the layer of dead skin cells that dull skin and clog pores, but it allows your skin care products to properly penetrate. There's a fine line between just right and over exfoliating (which could worsen problems), typically 2-3 times a week will do the trick. One of my favorite tools is the Clarisonic Mia 2. Personally this little device has been a miracle worker and has made a huge difference in my skin. It uses sonic technology to clean deep into pores 6 times better than your hands alone and offers 2 different speeds. It has a built in 60 second timer and beeps once it's time to move on to the next section of your face (20 seconds for your forehead and chin, 10 seconds for each cheek). Sephora sells the Mia 2 with a sensitive brush head, travel case, charger, and a 1 oz gel cleanser for $150.00 (free shipping online). Yes, it is expensive but it's an investment. It comes with a 2 year warranty but can last for a lot longer with proper care. They suggest you replace the brush head every 3 months ($25 each) but you can stretch it out a little bit longer. They sell different types of replacement heads for different skin care problems. I use the deep pore brushes because my top areas of concern are clogged pores and acne. I use my Clarisonic 1-2 times every day while I wash my face, using your favorite cleanser add a pea size amount to the wet brush head and scrub away! It makes the whole process very simple and leaves your skin feeling smooth and clean.

So buying a Clarisonic isn't an option right now? Not to worry, there's plenty of other options. They sell similar products that are cheaper, the main difference is they don't use the sonic technology. Sonic means the brush head moves back and forth at more than 300 times per second, other versions just spin. Some other alternatives are (pricing from CVS.com): CVS's Facial Cleansing Power Brush for $19.99, Olay's Fresh Effects Powered Contour Cleansing System for $13.99, and Olay Pro X Advanced Cleansing System for 29.99. There are plenty of other brands that make very similar products, a simple trip to your nearest drug store will provide several options at affordable prices. Even if you can't afford the Clarisonic any of these other options will aid you in better skin.

Traditional face scrubs should be a staple to your routine. Just be careful not to over use them, as I said before over use could worsen your skin. 1 to 2 times per week is perfect. There are many different options at plenty of price ranges to suit any one's budget. One of my favorites, which is tried and true, is the St Ives Apricot Scrub. Not only does it smell great but it's affordable ($3.79!!) and does exactly what it promises. Some of Sephora's top rated scrubs are: Fresh Sugar Face Polish ($55, 4.5 stars), Clinque Exfoliating Scrub ($19.50, 5 stars), Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish ($30, 4.5 stars), Korres Pomegranate Deep Cleansing Scrub ($21, 4.3 stars). The list goes on and on! The reason I'm partial to Sephora's website and stores is because you can find a product that fits your exact needs.

Moisturizing! This is just as important as exfoliating, the two concepts go hand in hand. Once you've removed all of the dead skin cells you want to replenish the moisture in your skin. The best way of doing this is using a serums or oils. I love Josie Maran's 100% argan oil ($14-$96 depending on size, 4.5 stars) and Tarte's Maracuja oil ($17-$46, 4.5 stars). I like the argan oil more because it feels lighter on the skin and it absorbs faster. I use it at night after I've removed my makeup and washed my face, when you wake up in the morning your face feels wonderful. The other option to this is to use a heavy moisturizer at night time and a light weight moisturizer during the day time. Currently at night I use Juice Beauty's Stem Cellular Moisturizer ($65 on their website), I love this product. It smells amazing (lemongrass), it's thick but not too thick, and in the morning your skin looks flawless. On top of all of that Juice Beauty is an all natural line and their products pack a punch. I have never been disappointed with any of their products (they make amazing daily peels!). Some other options from Sephora are: Clinque's Repairwear Intensive Night Cream Very Dry Skin Formula ($52, 4.8 stars), Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial ($45, 4.4 stars). A good option from the drug store is Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Night Moisturizer ($22.99, 4 stars). Basically any labeled "night" that fits your specific needs.

You also need to invest in a good day time moisturizer, preferably something with SPF in it. Something light weight, that will lock in moisture through out the day and will protect you from any potential sun damage. It's up to you whether you want a tinted moisturizer or BB cream (basically the same thing) or a non-tinted moisturizer. I like The Balm's Balmshelter Tinted Moisturizer ($17.50, SPF 18), Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ($19.50-$39 depending on size, SPF 35, 4 stars), Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer ($17.49, SPF 30, 4.1 stars), Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer ($15.99, SPF 30, 5 stars). Any of these would be perfect partners in your new winter skin regime!

Lastly, stay hydrated! I'm sure most of you are thinking "duh" but in reality how many glasses of water do you drink in a day? The recommend amount is 8 glasses. Staying hydrated really does affect your skin. Remember what you put into your body shows through your skin. Make the extra effort to drink more water than usual during the winter and your skin will thank you for it. Plus, there's plenty of options on the market to make water extra tasty. Mio, Crystal Light, and Karma Water (infused with LOTS of vitamins and super tasty) are just a few options.

If you follow these steps religiously you can kiss your dull, dry, winter skin goodbye! Say hello to beautiful skin year round! If you try my tips and tricks please comment down below and let me know what you think.

I'll talk to you all soon!
Stay beautiful beauty babes!
xoxo

Sephora's Favorites- Superstars!!

Hey beauty babes!

I wanted to share my favorite purchase from the Sephora VIB Sale that would make a great gift for the upcoming holidays. First of all, I'd just like to state for the record that Sephora is my weakness. I might as well set up direct deposit because I could literally spend hours (and all of my money) in there. So the fact that they had an event where VIB's (anyone who spends $350 per year at Sephora) received 20% off their entire purchase was just too good to resist! They advertised it as "guilt free indulgence" but I definitely had some residual guilt from the dent I made to my bank account. But... 20% off quickly made the guilt fade away! My favorite score from the sale, by far, was the Sephora's Favorites- Superstars gift set.

Behold the glory!

The set retails for $75 and it really is a jaw dropper. It includes 13 full sized/ deluxe sample sizes of their best selling products and it's close to a $300 value, I couldn't resist! If you're looking for a great gift for the beauty addict in your life, look no further. It's a great way to sample top end brands and the best products they have to offer. Many of these products were items that I've never tried but have been eyeing for quite a while.

To start off, the set includes a full size rollerball perfume of the Viktor and Rolof, Flowerbomb perfume (retails for $25), which I live and die by. It also includes a full size Anatasia clear brow gel which is another staple in my makeup collection. The Two Faced, Better Than False Lashes duo is a fantastic set. It includes a mascara base and then lash extension fibers (aka dust bunnies in a tube). One coat of the mascara, then a coat of the lash extension fibers, and then a final coat of the mascara to seal them in. You can repeat the steps as many times as you'd like and the result are thick, long, luscious lashes. Not a replacement for falsies but pretty darn good for a mascara duo. Another product is the Josie Maran, 100% argan oil (.5 fl oz), which I've been dying to try but couldn't bring myself to buy. Let me just say that this product doesn't disappoint! It leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth and the product absorbs very quickly. I will absolutely be repurchasing it!  The NARS items are a full size lipstick in Dolce Vita, which is a rose/ mauve color, and a deluxe sample size bronzer and blush (2.5 g each) in Laguna and Orgasm. NARS Orgasm blush is a cult classic that is a beautiful peach color with a gold shimmer that works on all skin colors. The Laguna bronzer is the perfect compliment, it's a warm brown that offers buildable coverage great for contouring or adding a sun kissed glow. The Urban Decay eyeshadow duo in Sin and Mushroom are beautiful and unique. Sin is a great neutral tan and Mushroom is a beautiful smoky dark gray, both are in a metallic finish. The last few items are a Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Cleopatra in New York which is an opaque black with multiple sizes of gold glitter. Personally this would not be an every day polish but I think it would be great for holiday events. Next is Smashbox's Camera Ready BB Cream in Light. It offers an SPF 35 plus oil control and hydration. It gives a very light coverage so I use it under my foundation or alone on days I want a very natural look. One of my favorite products of the kit is the Bumble and Bumble, Surf Spray. I have naturally wavy hair so this product is right up my alley. You can spray it on right after you've towel dried your hair and use a diffuser to create beachy, windswept waves without any drying/ crunchy feeling. You can also use it on dry hair as pick me up during the day to add texture and wave, this is another product I will be repurchasing. One of the last two products is a Stila, Stay All Day waterproof liquid eyeliner in intense black. If you're looking for an opaque, rich black color, that doesn't crack or transfer all day. The felt tip offers precision control and isn't rigid or hard like some other brands (meaning you won't poke your eye out). This is a fool proof product and is great for beginners as well as masters of the craft. The final product is GinZing by Origins which is an eye cream that brightens and reduces puffiness. The eye cream is a champagne color, which helps counteract any darkness around the eye, and it's very refreshing. This is a great base product to use in the morning before you apply your makeup. 

Everyone oooh and ahhh with me!

All and all not only is this an incredible deal but the products are amazing! This would be a great gift for any lucky lady or a great treat for yourself. Sephora is still carrying this set (in stores and online) but I wouldn't hold off for long because this will be sold out in a heartbeat! If you end up picking this up let me know what you think and what your favorite products are!!!

Stay beautiful!
xoxo

Introduction!

Hello beauty babes!

I'm Liz and I want to thank you for checking out my blog. I am a self proclaimed beauty addict with a very strong opinion. There's nothing I love more than chatting about beauty products and sharing my opinion on them. This is something I've been passionate about for a long time and this is my leap of faith. What I mean by "leap of faith" is that my ultimate dream is to be involved in the beauty community as a living. My hopes are that this is the first step towards that dream.

To tell you a little about me, I'm 24 years old. I have a little black cat (who I swear believes she is a dog) named Nova, I love her more than anything else. I love a classic red lip with long lashes and strong black eyeliner. I watch YouTube religiously! I subscribe to several gurus who I watch daily (part of my morning routine is watching new videos while I apply my makeup). I like to dance alone in my house or my car while I listen to pop, alternative, punk, or metal music. I grew up as a punk kid and that has stuck with me my entire life. I love edgy and unique things- spikes, tattoos, piercings, colors, boots, funky jewelry, powerful lip colors, and strong eye looks. I really enjoy premium cosmetic brands but I'm all about spending smart, so I absolutely buy drug store brands. I will always do my best to tell you where the best deals and sales are. I am incredibly honest and candid; I will always be straight forward about my thoughts and opinions.

I hope you'll continue to read my blog and stick with me on this new journey! So for now...

Stay beautiful!
xoxo