How to get sculpted (& believable) cheek bones

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have naturally amazing cheekbones. I mean, they're there, but they're not as evident as I'd like them it to be. In the process of learning how to make the best of my relatively round face, I've learned how to make my cheekbones look more impressive without looking overdone.

I've started out with my foundation, eye makeup and concealer done. As you can see, it's a pretty flat surface I'm working with here.

Before:

The first thing I do is go in with a matte medium brown eyeshadow with an E.l.f. small stipple brush. The eyeshadow I'm using is from an old L'oreal palette- I use the one on the bottom left. Any matte brown will do the trick, as long as it's not too dark; adjust the shade based on your skin tone . I concentrate the color in the hollows of my cheeks, making sure not to apply it too low on my cheek. Making a fishy-face helps.

Using the same color, I put a little on my temples. 

Then I use my Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Milk Chocolate with the Real Techniques Blush Brush, which is much bigger and is perfect for all over bronzing. I apply this over the initial contour and bring it up onto my temples to help blend it in and warm up my face.

Then using the same Real Techniques Blush Brush I apply my blush to my actual cheekbones; not under them. By applying blush higher on my cheeks, it lifts the face rather than making it look saggy. Because saggy is never a good look. Ever. Today I decided to use Luster by NARS.

And tada! Cheekbones!

After:

Thanks for reading! :)

-rachel j

Tips & tricks for getting the perfect subtle winged liner

Getting the perfect everyday winged eyeliner isn't easy, especially if you're like me and have slightly crepey or wrinkly eyelids. It'll look spot on with my eye closed, but then when I open it it looks like a toddler took a sharpie to my eye. (Just me?)

After many attempts, I've found some tips & tricks to getting the perfect cat eye!

1. Line your eye first before drawing the wing.

I find it easiest to start with a thin line close to the lashes. It helps guide the wing, and by starting off with a thin line it gives you some wiggle room to make it thicker if you make a mistake later.

2. Decide where you want the wing with your eye open.

By drawing on the flick with your eye open, you'll know exactly what it'll look like when you're done! 

3. Close your eyes and fill in the gaps.

Based on how your skin folds, there might be a huge gap between your flick and your initial line. That's okay- just connect the two!

4. Add some mascara and you're golden!

(Don't forget that if you fudge up the wing, you can always go in with some concealer to clean up the edges).

Products Used:

Maybelline New York Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner in black

Mally Volumizing Mascara

How was your weekend?? Let me know! 

Have a great Monday! 

-rachel j