Covergirl x Starwars Mystic makeup look

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas everyone!

A little late, but here's one of my newest tutorials of one of the covergirl x star wars makeup looks! This one here is "mystic" and the original look is by Pat Macgrath.

Check out the video on my youtube channel!

xo,

Carmen

Urban Decay Naked Smokey Palette- Mysteriously Fierce Makeup

Hello whoever out there reading this!

Been bombarded with assignments, and exams and all that jazz for the past 2 weeks. Hence the lack of activity on this good ol' blog/ creative outlet/ blabber outlet. Haha. 

To make up for the lack of presence, check out my latest makeup video and come say hi!! 

Ok, byee! haha shortest post ...EVER. 

Until next time, 

Carmen 

PS: You are beautiful just the way you are created =)

The Classic Red Lip

Hello Beautifuls!!!!!

Hope everyone is doing well! For those who are in school, hope your first month was a blast and that you are learning lots! My first month of school zoomed by, and was pretty hectic with all the tight scheduling and loads of homework. Nonetheless, I'm enjoying it though haha (minus the frustration and waking up at 5:30am everyday). 

Here is a makeup look I've been wanting to do for a long time! I was rummaging through my box of makeup and came across this neon orange lipstick by Mac. I had no idea what to do with it since I don't wear much makeup on a normal basis- let alone wearing a neon orange lipstick! Therefore, I decided to use it as a color correctant for my makeup look. I used the orange right on my dark circles to correct the color since my circles are brownish in color. I then layered two layers of concealer on top to achieve that porcelain look. 

Strong, full brows and thin liner. That's the key to balancing off the classic red lip! 

Happy thanksgiving everyone. Take the time to slow down, and appreciate and be thankful of everyone and everything around you. 

PS: Here's the link to my coming facebook page. =) See you all there!

God bless, 

Carmen

NYWF (DVF) Runway show (Kendall Jenner) inspired makeup

Hello all!

For those of you who have been up to date with fashion shows around the world, NYFW recently ended just a few weeks ago. The DVF show makeup really caught my attention, and so here is my take on the runway makeup!

I've toned it down so that this look is more wearable, but still has that blue- green jewel toned look! Check out my video tutorial as I show you guys how to achieve this look!

With love,
Carmen

Instagram: carmen_cl91

Sophisticated, yet bold eyeliner makeup

Hello whoever stumbles across my blabbering!

Here I have a new video update for you guys! A sophisticated, and fierce makeup look! I've noticed this look being populated by many Kpop artists and many celebrities throughout Asia. Usually for Asian eyes, North American makeup technique is to load up on heavy shadows and fill up the large negative space above the eyes that Asian eyes have. This is due to our double eyelids being thinner, or that we have monolids, meaning that the crease above the eyes are not visible. Although making use of the negative space is important (this makes the eyes appear larger), using heavy shadows on the lids may weigh the eyes down, and make them look "swollen" or heavy. With that being said, I find that using less shadows and more eyeliner is more effective when it comes to enhancing the eyes (especially for asians that is.) 

Check out my above video, and you'll see what I mean! 

Thanks for dropping by!

PS: You are beautiful, just the way you are:) 

Love,

Carmen

Instagram: carmen_cl91

Sultry and effortless fall makeup

Just a couple more days til Friday!

Hang in there, everyone! Instead of writing a whole lot of blabber, I've decided to have a video tutorial up for you guys. Since a picture is worth a thousand words...I wonder how many words a video is worth...haha!

Anyways, the makeup look here consists of a sultry, effortless fall style makeup. All the colors here are very warm, but with a hint of coolness to it. Lips are kept to a gradient berry shade, and is a bit on the darker side which suits the autumn weather perfectly.

Hope you guys learn lots, and continue to grow from your mistakes!

With love,
Carmen

instagram: carmen_cl91
https://instagram.com/carmen_cl91/

First Video! Ready for school makeup

Hello lovelies!!!!

Hope all is going well for those who start school this week! I recently started school this week too, and the weeks prior was spent soaking up my remaining time of doing whatever I want by staying up late doing random stuff, camping, and spending time with friends and loved ones.

Anyways, here's a simple and non-cakey makeup look that's just light enough so that your imperfections still show, but your natural features enhanced =) This look is especially suitable for those of you who run on a tight schedule in the morning since its quick, and for those of you who want to look natural but refreshed to school or work!

Be confident and be you! You are beautiful, just the way you are. Your appearance does not define your worth.

"I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it well" -Psalm 139:146

Good luck with school and all, everyone!

Love,

Carmen

Instagram: carmen_cl91



Fall makeup 2015

BareMinerals Ready 8.0 Star Treatment Palette 

Darkspice by Burberry

Hi again!!!!

So as promised, here is a fall makeup look for you lovely people using the Bare Minerals Ready 8.0 Star Palette, and the Darkspice palette by Burberry (I've done swatches of this palette here!) =). I actually recieved these two palettes a year or two back, and haven't really got to using them much til now! I think these two palettes combined will work to create the best fall look this year (despite how they are older palettes) due to the timelessness of the colors. It has the perfect combination of warm tones such as the browns, olives, and the golds. In terms of texture, the Bare Minerals palette definitely won. It's got such a creamy and blendable texture compared with Burberry's more matte and powdered texture. 

For my makeup look, I chose to use the lighter colors in the center of my lids, then slowly blended in the darker browns and black at the end and at the beginning of my lids. This will result in a beautiful gradient effect! For my brows, I chose to fill them in with a dark brown eyebrow pencil by Chanel, and blended it in using a spooly. I then opted to used a darker wine colored lipstick ( I used Mac's lipstick in "Film Noir") on the lips using the gradient technique to add to the overall fall look. Oh, and to finish the look off, I decided to use the lightest color in the bare minerals palette (in carte blanche), as a highlighter on the high points of my features such as the top of my cheekbones, center of my eyelids, cupids bow, and a tiny bit on my chin. This color has a hint of gold shimmer in it, and it looks AWESOME as a highlighter!!!! 

On another note...in writing really does not due justice to how I bring out my makeup looks compared to video tutorials...I'm really working your imagination skills here haha! 

With love, 

Carmen

Instagram: carmen_cl91

Oh and PS: I just started a new tumblr account! Follow me @ http://carmensbeautydiary.tumblr.com/

=)

Fall outfit and Makeup look!

 Jacket: Courtesy of @newdress.com (http://bit.ly/1DF5o2R), and can be purchased here ( http://bit.ly/1Nn06ZL)

Photography: +Sarah Pho from www.merakiconnexion.blogspot.ca/   

Hello gorgeous!

The weather here in Canada is starting to get a tinyyyy bit on the chilly side, and oh my goodness...it's the time of year where it's sometimes shorts and tshirt weather in the afternoon, then 3 hours later thunder clouds start rolling in and you suddenly wish you had like two jackets to keep yourself from getting sick. Gnomesayin'? 

Haha anyways, to deviate things a little, Ashley from newdress.com was gracious enough to send me this jacket to keep me warm, and I recieved it in the mail just a few days ago! The jacket is made of a thin woolen material, and the lining is of a plastic-like finish. When I recieved the item, it was a bit on the wrinkly side so steaming or flat ironing was a must before wear. What I love most about this jacket is that it has two ways of wear! You can wear it unbuttoned, and you can also button it up on one side so that it looks like you're wearing a scarf! This jacket can most defs be used to dress up or down an outfit with it's interesting cut. I then paired it with a simple black shirt and a skirt from Aritzia (retails $65) then finished it off with a vintage looking messenger bag. The overall look is composed of cool colors, and is contrasted with the warmer toned bag. The jacket is up for grabs at a super affordable price, so go get'em fashionistas!

Now, if your outfit consists of cooler shades for fall, my tip would be to warm things up with a brown shadow and contour. Afterall, you wouldn't want to look super washed out! Complete the look off with a muted or natural looking lipstick and you're done! You can also contribute to the whole "fall" look by wearing a darker wine colored lipstick. If you think a dark lipstick is too much, try integrating it into your look by using the "gradient" lip effect! I have a fall makeup look coming up soon , so keep an eye out for the next post!

With love, 

Carmen

Instagram: @carmen_cl91

Venom from Spiderman Makeup

Hello Lovelies!

Hope you all are doing awesome as those of you who are still in school enjoy the last bit of their summer, and those of you who work are finding rest! Here is a makeup look (that's totally non-beauty related) for you all who are Marvel fans or enjoy any marvel comics/movies! I've seen a lot of recreations of this look online, so I've decided to give it a try as well. 

For this look, I did not want to use up my Make Up For Ever Flash palette since I will be needing to cover a bigger surface area. Therefore, I made a trip to a local art supply store and picked up some black face paints from the brand Snazaroo (oh and also, face paints are water based and is definitely easier to take off compared to makeup). So ya, here's the whole look! I also incorporated some MAC shadows into this look for a more 3D effect. This look took me like...45 minutes to scrub off. I first used makeup wipes to remove the majority of the paints, and then Estee Lauder's cleansing lotion to get into the difficult areas. then lastly I went into the shower with Clean & Clear's exfoliating scrub to remove the rest. 

Love you all!

Carmen

PS: School and Fall looks coming soon! Follow my instagram @carmen_cl91 for updates!

Peek-a-boo teddy bear Makeup!

Hi!

Here is a piece of work I've done just a couple of days ago. A while back, a few of my friends had linked me to the works of a talented visual artist by the name of Tal Peleg. After just browsing through one or two of her pieces, I was completely mind blown at the intricate details she puts into her work. I love how each image she creates tells a story! Check out her work here cause trust me, you won't regret it! 

On another note, here is my interpretation of her makeup style. Tried to make use of my eyelid fold, and decided to create an image of a bear peeking through. The eye shadow background is inspired by the beautiful colors of the sky. In order to make blending easier, I chose to use powdered eye shadow over anything else! To bring out the most out of the colors, don't forget to use a primer! 

That's it for now! There's more exciting new projects coming up, and I'm really hoping I can share it here soon!

Love, 

Carmen

Urban Decay- Naked Smoky Palette

HIIII!!!!

It's been a while since I last updated, and so here's a special eye candy treat for those who come across this blog. I had been wanting to purchase some sort of DSLR for better quality photos for quite some time now. I originally thought it would be alright and just stick with my Samsung Note II for photos, but man...it just got frustrating because of lighting issues. If the room was just a tad dimmer, my photos would turn out all gross and blurry...and the color would be all off. For those of you who follow my instagram (Carmen_cl91), last week to my surprise, I was gifted a new Canon DSLR and boy was it ever life changing.

Anyways, here is a look I've created using the new Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette! The focus of this look is the cool-toned smoky eye shadow, and bold liner. I know the rule of thumb is if you wear a smoky eye, always neutralize your lips using a nude color or something very subtle. This time, I decided to play around with things and balance the bold eyes with a bold colored lip. Because the lip color is very cool, it worked well with the cool eye shadow, and gave the overall look a very fierce and mysterious vibe.

I personally own the Naked 2, and it's pretty much my go-to palette for pretty much everything from a natural look, to more dramatic. When Urban Decay announced its' release of their new smoky palette, I was more than stoked! The palette offers a diverse range of colors, and is flexible with creating very pretty and natural looks, to also very fierce and bold looks. In addition to the more earth toned colors, this palette also contains shades such as the bluish grey (Slanted), and purple (smolder). Overall, this palette is pretty much good for all skin tones. The colors are diverse and easy to blend, and the pigmentation is awesome!!! This palette is available at Sephora, and is priced at $64 Cdn. It may seem a bit pricey, but if you see all the colors it comes with (and the size!!!) it's totally worth it (plus...it comes with a brush..haha)! After owning the Naked 2 and Smoky...I'm sorta itching to add the Naked and Naked 3 palette to my collection...

Until next time! Let's keep loving others! 1 John 4:19

Love,
Carmen

Girls Generation (SNSD)- Party inspired makeup

Hello lovelies, 

This is going to be a very short post! Just wanted to share with you guys a look I did that is inspired by a Korean girl group called Girls Generation's newest song, Party. This look consists of a summery bohemian style, with a focus on vibrant colors. 

I came across a eye shadow by Tarina Tarantino called "Ribbon" at Winner's which is a velvety, cool purple color. I actually bought this shadow on clearance for $5.00 Cdn from retail ~$19 Cdn . What's the fun of shopping without deals?!! Anyways, using a pink shadow as a base color on my eyes, I then used Ribbon over the pink, and also on my cheeks for a more vibrant effect. I then used a bright yellow color for added brightness. Lips were kept a vibrant bright pink, and I integrated this color into my look by using a gradient lip effect. Brows were kept straight, and full for a youthful look. As for the headband, it is actually a wrap bracelet I made a few years ago! I basically unraveled it, and tied it across my forehead to fake the headband look. Oh, and the flowers were plucked fresh from my mom's garden...creativity has no boundaries!

That's it for this post! Chat with you all later!

PS: I finally managed to get my hands on the new Naked Smokey palette. SO STOKED!!!! Can't wait to create new looks for you guys and to show you guys the swatches!

PPS: Don't forget to follow me on my instagram @carmen_cl91 and my twitter @carmenli_mua for faster updates!

Love, 

Carmen

Japanese Doll Makeup look

Hello beautiful!

Hope everyone's week went by well, and happy Friday! Here's a makeup look I came up with that is inspired by makeup styles in Japanese fashion magazines. The look consists of heavy, spidery mascara, dolly pink cheeks, and a soft pop of lip color. The eye liner is kept to a minimal wing, and the color tones are strong, but soft. 

On this look, I used Etude House's new color in liquid lips in OR205 from their 2015 collection on both my lips and cheeks. I am personally a huge fan of multi functional products, just because they're handy and convenient to use. Who wants to lug around a million makeup products on a daily basis anyway? The color of this lip product is bold, buildable, and blendable. Many users of this product found that it is quite drying on the lips, but I actually found it to be quite wearable without any chap stick at all. I used a lip brush to apply on my lips for a cleaner edge, and smudged it out with a tapping motion to soften up the color. I did this on my cheeks as well, focusing the colors on the apple of my cheeks. On the eyes, I chose to use Etude House's eye long mascara, which claims to lengthen the lashes. With the length in effect, I wanted to create a spidery mascara look, so I chose to go with a fibre mascara. For this look, I used MajorlicaMajorlica's Lash Expander by Sheseido. Go over with a few coats, making sure each layer is dry before the next application. 

 That's it for now! Until next time, 

Carmen

PS: Thought I'd share this video with you guys out there. Makeup or no makeup, I want you all to know you are created beautifully as is. 

3 Concept Eyes Lip Pigments

Wearing:  Electro Pink

Wearing: Issue

Wearing: Modern White

 Electro Pink// Issue// Modern White

Electro Pink mixed with Modern White// Issue Mixed with Modern White// Modern White 

 Electro Pink mixed with Issue (1:1 ratio)

All three pigments mixed together (1:1 ratio)

Hello Beautiful!

As mentioned on my instagram @carmen_cl91, I've recently recieved a few korean cosmetics products, and I'd love to share them with you guys! First up, here are some gorgeous lip pigments by 3 Concept Eyes in Electro Pink, Issue, and Modern White. These lip pigments are extremely pigmented, and did I mention they are super moisturizing?! No lip balm is needed whatsoever, and the staying power of the colors are phenomenal. Compared to other lip pigments I've tried, this is definitely at the top of my list. Great work, 3CE!!!! 

One of the best things about this line of product is that you can customize your own shade with the combination of two or three pigments. You can create lighter or darker colors, and even a totally new color! I'm not too sure where you can get these products in Canada (let alone in Edmonton), but based on what I found online (at yesstyle.com, Ebay or Amaazon), you can get these pigments for about $14-17 usd. These pigments come in a variety shades which can be seen here. I wish they had some sort of blue shade though...they have almost all the primary colors except for that!!! 

I'll be doing a few looks using colors created from these pigments, so keep an eye out! 

That's it for this post! Until next time, 

XO, 

Carmen

PS: Currently working on twitter (@carmenli_mua) and other social media accounts to connect ya'll!

PPS: Here's something I painted and drew at a bridal shower I attended today =)

Yes, you are beautiful...just the way you are =)

Egyptian Princess makeup

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Only 4 more days until the weekend. Hang in there people!!! Here's a makeup look that is inspired by Egyptians. I've always enjoyed the way ancient Egyptians do their makeup (especially their eyes!), so I've been wanting to create this look for a while. 

The focus of this look is the eyeliner, and the highlighting of the eyes. Maybe one day I'll do a video on how to do the eyes. It's kind of difficult to write out. The highlighting on the eyes was done by a pearly white glittery liquid liner by Etude House. Balance this look off with a coral shade lipstick, and accessorize with a headpiece and you're done! Egyptian princess inspired look complete ;) 

PS: The next series of posts will be reviews and makeup looks using mainly Korean cosmetics. My brother went back to Korea with his girlfriend for vacation and they came back with a whack load of cosmetics. Can't wait to recommend products for you guys!

PPS: Remember to take the time to appreciate and love all of those around us. Life is unpredictable, and you never know what can happen next.

Love, 

Carmen

Empress of China Makeup

Hello Beautifuls, 

So for a while, I've been wanting to do something more than the typical beauty makeup looks, so I've decided to dig a lil' deeper and go all the way back to the ancient days. Here it is! A look worn by Chinese celebrity Fan Bing Bing in the Chinese Drama called Empress of China. The overall look consists of a milky white complexion with brown & coral colored eye shadow, red lips, and completed with a hand painted lotus flower on the middle of the forehead. 

On the eyes, I used a matte brown eye shadow and swept it over my entire lids. I then used the Jill Stuart eye shadow palette in Mixed Berry Crepe and used the coral red over the brown to warm things up. I then thickly lined my eye with the red color in Makeup For Ever's flash palette, and then closely lined my eyes with Mac's gel liner. This allows for the red liner to appear as if it is sitting right on top of the black! Stick on a pair of natural falsies to complete the eyes. Mascara is only needed at the bottom lashes for more volume. Eyebrows are kept clean, long, and straight with a hint of red. To get the hint of red to appear on the brows, simply just run a bit of red eyes shadow over. 

Use a matte red lipstick over the lips and draw in the lotus on your forehead, and voila! You're done! You can either draw in the lotus with a red lip liner or a red lipstick using a brush. Either way, it works! And there you have it! You've turned yourself into an ancient Chinese princess. =)

Let me know if you guys have any questions! I know it can be difficult to understand and explain when everything is on text. 

With loads of love, 

Carmen

Edgy pink makeup look

Hello ladies!

Here's a makeup look for the bold. Haha, I'd definitely would not wear this as an everyday look, but if you wanna be creative and wear something colorful, then here's the look for you! Honestly, makeup has no rules, so go ahead, be creative and express yourself!

On the eyes and lips, I used the Two Faced Melted Metal Liquified Metallic Lipstick in Dreamhouse. And yes, I used a lipstick on my lids. Like I said, there's no rules in art! To keep the eye color from creasing, I'd suggest using a primer and base, and to also set the color with a translucent powder. To be honest though, any cream based makeup WILL crease to some extent. On the brows, I actually used an eyeliner to draw out my brows and emphasize the arch. I'll be doing a review of the lipstick soon, so keep an eye out!

On another hand, remember ladies, no matter how much you think you've failed or how much you think you are unworthy, always know that you are Created for a reason. There's purpose in your life that maybe you are overseeing. So take a step back, breathe, and regain yourself. There's always people out there to support you, and there's always someone out there who Loves you.

"For you created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, 
I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you
when i was made in the secret place, 
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before any of them came to be."
-Psalm 139:13-16


That's it for this post! With Love,
Carmen

Fresh Golden Pink summer makeup look

Hello Lovelies!

So here's a girly makeup look that is perfect for the summer! Pink and coral shades with golden shimmer. Too bad my phone couldn't capture the warm gold that compliments the pink. Maybe I should invest in a real camera...

Anyways, the entire makeup look is mostly done with Jill Stuart's limited edition ribbon couture palette in Mixed Berry Crepe. To add on the gold shimmer, I used Makeup Forever's Flash palette in 04 Gold on the high points of my features. To achieve that perfect pink color on the lips, I used Two Faced Melted Metal Liquified Metallic lipstick in Dream house and blended it out to have it less bold.

That's it for now! Although I do love phone photography, I'm really considering investing in a better camera to show you guys the details of my looks. Let me know if you guys have any camera suggestions!

PS: Love yourself for who you are created to be, and don't let the world's definition of standard beauty be yours. You are beautiful, just the way you are!

Love,
Carmen

Asian makeup styles VS. North American makeup styles

Makeup used:

 Mac brow pencil in Stud, fluid liner in blacktrack, lipstick in Girl about Town

Chanel brow pencil in 40 Brun Cendre

Urban Decay 24/7 glide on pencil liner in zero

Estee lauder stay in place pencil liner in Onyx

Holika Holika  aqua petit jelly bb cream 

Hello Beautifuls!

After working with different clients from different ethnic backgrounds , I've come to kind of notice a difference between the preferred makeup styles of oriental Asians versus north Americans. Of course, this is just a personal opinion. Many others may have a different take on it than I do!

I've came to notice that oriental Asians prefer a softer, more natural and innocent look that uses subtle makeup and with an emphasis on clear skin. Eyebrows are kept with a minimal arc, with a greater emphasis on the "straight brow" trend. Blush and shadows are kept to a minimum, and the liner is more thin, and lines closely with lash line. Lips are also kept a natural shade with more peachy/pink/coral tones. On the other hand, north Americans prefer a more "sexy" or bold look with arched eyebrows, coated mascara, thicker liners, darker shadows, more contour, and a fuller lip. Both styles are totally unique in their own ways! I personally prefer minimal makeup as I don't usually wear any on a daily basis. After all, at the end of the day your makeup needs to come off. Embrace yourselves, cause your natural beauty is best!

That's it for now!
 PS: Which style do you prefer?

Love,
Carmen