Fall Lipstick Favorites

Hello, again!

It’s that time of year again, where a deep, bold lipstick really pulls an outfit together. Being as lipstick obsessed as I am, I couldn’t leave you guys without knowing what some of my favorite shades are for autumn! Here are just a hand full from my collection that I love to use this time of year!

The Mauvey Nudes

Everyone loves a good mauve toned nude for the fall. It’s like your lips but better and deeper and more sultry. A good mauve softens any smokey eye, and I particularly love mauve because I feel like it really accentuates the blue in my eyes. Mauve is definitely one of my go-to colors for every relaxing, autumn day spent sipping hot tea and knitting. I’ve really been loving Revlon’s Lustrous Lip Color in Mauvey Night for it’s incredibly smooth texture and shine, it’s perfect to chuck on when I need to make a Target run, or if I want a pouty look for a quiet night out. I’ve also been obsessed with Kat von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lovesick. It has some cool-toned, lilac undertones that are really on trend at the moment, and the staying power of this lipstick is phenomenal. 

The Spicey Nudes

What’s pumpkin season without some good spice? I’ve been a lot of warmer tones this fall, orangey eyes and cheeks, and these brown-toned nudes are the perfect complement. It’s great to warm up your face in the chilling fall weather. I love to throw on an orangey brown lip on my trips to Starbucks to work on my blog. I grab my Ewok keys, and I’m out the door! I’ve really been loving the (aptly named) Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Touch of Spice because it really is the perfect matte nude. It glides on in that beautiful, 90s browny nude and stays matte and perfect all day long. I also adore Revlon’s Lustrous Lip Color in Rum Raisin because the color and formula is just as delicious as the name suggests. It’s rummy and buttery and amazing.

The Reds and Berries

You can never go a season without a classic red and a cat-eye. I’m a sucker for a bold, red lip and a striped dress, and I loved the idea of bringing it to autumn with deeper, berry shades and accessorizing with an olive, felt hat. NYX’s Round Case Lipstick in Snow White has been a favorite of mine for a while now because it’s a deeper version of the classic red, making your pout perfect for those chilly, autumn shopping trips. I recently discovered Sonia Kashuk’s Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Berry Nude and I absolutely love the creamy texture. The color is the quintessential berry that everyone needs in their makeup bag for fall.

The Vampy Lips

And, of course, I couldn’t survive autumn without those sexy, vampy lipstick shades. Does anyone else throw on a dark lipstick and just feel right at home? I love how sexy I feel with such a bold statement. I love throwing a deep lip on with my favorite leather jacket and a fun statement necklace for a night out. I’ve also been accessorizing with a thin scarf, wrapped in my hair à la Harry Styles circa 2014, and I absolutely adore the bohemian vibe.

Narrowing down my selection of vampy lips was, of course, impossible, but here’s a little taste of my collection. My very, very favorite bold lip is Revlon’s Lustrous Lip Color in Black Cherry. As you can probably tell, I have an obsession with this lipstick line. I love the creamy application and amazing pigmentation of all of these lipsticks, but Black Cherry is by far, my favorite. The color is just the perfect Cherry Coke Red for my lips in autumn. Or in Spring, if I’m feeling daring. Maybelline’s Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color in Burgundy Blush is a relatively new favorite. I discovered that it’s the exact same color as the blanket scarf I mentioned in my Fall Favorites so, naturally, I wear them together as often as possible. I’m just so in love. Kat von D’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Vampira is another classic, browny red shade with stunning wear time. It’s probably the most subtle of my vampy lip colors. The name is fantastic for the Halloween season as well. And last, but certainly not least, the deep plum of NYX’s Matte Lip Cream in Transylvania is to die for. This almost black, buttery lip shade does go on a little patchy, but if you throw on a lip pencil, the color of this is absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect, witchy way to make such an amazing statement. I feel like Wednesday Addams every time I wear it, but like an adult, super sexy Wednesday Addams. I’m obsessed.

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What are some of your favorite lipstick colors to wear in the fall? Are you more of a mauve-y nude or a vampy and bold? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay tuned Monday for a fun Autumnal Outfit Look!

xo

Amanda Jean

Mermaid Halloween Makeup Look

Hello, again!

This is part two of my Halloween makeup looks, and it’s one I’m really, really excited about!!! This is my Mermaid look!!!

It was sooooooooo easy to do, guys! I literally only used four products! 

First, for the eyebrows, I thickly drew in my eyebrows with this dark teal eyeshadow to define the shape and add volume. Then, to define each hair and to look less like a cartoon character (yeah, right!), I combed through my brows with this mint colored mascara, the same mascara I used on my eyelashes!!!! 

I carved out my eye sockets, similarly to the Tim Burton tutorial I made last week with the same teal eyeshadow I used for my eyebrows. I really wanted to define the crease, but still keep my eyes pretty bright. Mermaids usually lure sailors in with their eyes, right? So you want to keep them as bright and sultry as possible.

Then, for my face, I used the exact same teal eyeshadow to contour my face! I used it in a “3-formation”, focusing the majority of the product in the hollows of my cheeks, my temples, and under and around my jaw. 

For effect, I also focused the contouring into the hollows of my collar bone. Depending on your costume, you could use the teal eyeshadow all over your body! 

((Fun tip: To find the hollows of your cheeks, just make a fish face!!! Very fitting for this look.))

Now for the fun part: Highlight. I love a good highlight, whether it be for an every day makeup look or something mystical like this. I think I’m just really attracted to glitter. Either way, this highlight was so much fun for me! I found this incredible, iridescent green eyeshadow, fittingly called “Mermaid”, and I took that on my fingertips, smudging it into the high points of my face. I used it across the tops of my cheekbones, along the top of my forehead, down the bridge of my nose, and my chin.

To really brighten my eyes, I used the same highlighter under my brow bones and in the corners of my eyes. Also, pat some of it onto the center of your lids, making your eyes appear larger.

To make my lips appear poutier, I used the same highlighter on my cupids bow. My lips were actually my very favorite part of this look! I had this fantastic blue lipstick which actually inspired this whole look! It already has bits of blue shimmer in it, which make it look fantastic in the light. To make it more teal to match the look, I actually patted that same highlight shadow all over my lips!

To tie off the whole look, I plaited my hair in a fishtail braid. How fitting, right?

I’m absolutely in love with this look, and I can’t wait to do another one!!! Stay tuned next week for another Halloween look! Also, check back in Friday for my Fall lipstick favorites!

What’s your favorite mythical creature? Let me know in the comments below! Or tag me on social media!

xo

Amanda Jean

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What I used on my face:

Teal Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Electric Palette in Fringe

***Here’s a cheaper Alternative: NYX Hot Singles Eyeshadow in Dare

Colored Mascara: NYX Color Mascara in Mint Julep

Highlight Shade: NYX Prismatic Shadow in Mermaid

Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Paint

Autumn at the Oregon Coast

Hello, again!

My best friend, Lacey, and I traveled to the Oregon coast town of Cannon Beach to enjoy the rainy and windy weather of the coast in autumn! It was absolutely beautiful. Despite my ears freezing off, I had an amazing time.

Isn’t she beautiful? I initially dragged Lacey along with me to help take some outfit post photos for this blog. The mixture of wind and rain and my hair and laughter made it almost impossible for us to keep straight faces. It was so much fun!

I thought lots of layers would definitely help in this ridiculous weather, so I opted for a huge wrap scarf and a big, canvas Anorak jacket to keep my nice and cozy! I also really love the look of skinny jeans tucked into fluffy socks like these glittery grey ones. And I couldn’t leave the house without my combat boots to keep my feet warm and guard against the sand! Despite the freezing rain soaking my coat and pants, I actually managed to stay pretty warm! I just wish I’d remembered gloves and ear muffs! It was really, really cold!

After traipsing around the beach with our oversized, polka dot bubble umbrella, Lacey and I walked around the little shops along Hemlock St. It was a wonderful day, and I can’t wait to do it again soon!

Have you ever been to the Oregon coast? What was your favorite thing to do there? Let me know in the comments below! Or tag me on social media!!!

xo

Amanda Jean


P.s. - Stay tuned! Wednesday is my next Halloween makeup look!!! I’m really excited about this one!!!
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What I wore for a “typical” Autumn day at the Oregon Coast:

Scarf: Angelina Frayed Wrap from Francesca's

Jacket: Target Anorak (Similar)

Pants: Urban Outfitters BDG Twig High Rise

Socks: Target Grey Glitter Knee High Boot Socks

Boots: Target Gwen Combat Boots

Autumn Favorites

Hello, everyone!

Welcome to the abridged list of my Fall Favorites! I say abridged because there are so many more things I love this time of year. I chose to omit the obvious things like falling leaves and pumpkin spice and the beautiful, Oregon rain, because those are my favorites every year. But here are some other things I’ve been loving in this beautiful season.

This autumn is my first living in my own apartment, where decorating is entirely up to me, and I decided to bring a touch of fall lovin’ to my tiny place by purchasing these adorable sparkly pumpkins and this cute felt wreath. Both have a little bit of sparkle, and you know I can’t resist that. 

Also, for the first time, I’ve decided to burn candles. My house needed that touch of autumn smell, and these candles from Target were perfect. As you can see, Autumn Harvest and Be Thankful are well loved. I especially loved burning them at the same time. A little bit of pumpkin with a little bit of spice makes a lot a bit of happy Amanda.

My next autumn favorites are under the fashion and accessories category, and you have no idea how hard this was for me to narrow down. I’ve been wearing different variations of a similar outfit for a couple of weeks now, and I think it’s comfy and perfect for the changing weather outside. 

1) This olive green trapeze dress is absolutely gorgeous and flattering on all figures. I’m so attracted to olive green this fall, and this is definitely not the only piece in my wardrobe. I’m all about that life. The trapeze style dress is also one I have in numerous colors. I love the cozy chic vibe you get from a girly, flowy dress made of such a comfy material.

2) Oh My God, don’t even get me stared on this moto jacket. My mom and I stumbled upon this little beauty at Sloan Boutique in Northwest Portland, and we both loved it so much I convinced her to buy me one too. I don’t even know what to say about this piece other than it makes me feel stunning and glamorous, but also super badass. (Sorry about the language!) But I’m honestly infatuated with this. I’d wear it to sleep if I could.

3) Recently, I haven’t been able to leave the house without a huge, fabulous blanket scarf. This one from Forever 21 is the perfect, deep burgundy. It really makes my freckles and blue eyes pop, and we know I love to make those pop! Really, though, this is so cozy and wonderful. It makes me feel like I’m at home under the covers no matter where I am.

4) Some other accessories I’ve been totally obsessed with are over-the-knee socks and booties. Over-the-knee socks like these ones from Forever 21 are the perfect pair with a cozy, autumn dress. They show that little cheeky bit of thigh when you walk, and they still manage to keep you warm and comfortable. I also can’t resist a good bootie like these from Target. These are a gorgeous, gold-effect platform, and I’m in love. I’m going to have an entire post about booties in a few weeks, so keep an eye out for that!

5) Last, but not least, are my favorite beauty items. I’m not going to lie to you, this is the ultra condensed version. My favorite thing about autumn are the amazing options for makeup! I recently went back to wearing nail polish, and I discovered this amazing, Galaxy green and gold from CND Vinylux at Ulta. The price is high but absolutely worth it because the staying power on this nail polish is ridiculous. Also, as we all know, I love a great lipstick. This Revlon lipstick in Rum Raisin is my favorite pop of orangey nude to throw on. I’ll also be posting a fall lipstick post in the future! Stay tuned for that as well!

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And of course, I couldn’t post an autumn favorites without some random things I’ve been loving! So please check these out as well!

1) Twin Peaks - The first two seasons from the 90s are up on Netflix, and I’m absolutely hooked. Can’t wait for the next season in 2017!

2) Infinity - One Direction’s bonus download from their upcoming album Made in the AM. This is my jam

3) Baking Encounter - One of my very best friends has a baking blog!!! I love her adorable use of GIFs, and her personality really shines in this blog!

4) Geeky Girl’s Guide to Living a Creative Life - Another of my very best friends has created some Ace content about being a nerd and rocking it!

5) Sean Slaugh - My boyfriend (and roommate) started a YouTube channel where his sarcastic wit meets dorky challenges. I’ve had the spotlight in a few videos too!

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What are some of your favorite things this autumn!? Let me know in the comments below! Or tag me on social media!

xo

Amanda Jean

P.s. - New autumn outfit post coming Monday! I’m very excited to show you my favorite pieces to wear!

Tim Burton Inspired Halloween Makeup Look

Happy October!

This is the first post in my series of quick and easy Halloween makeup looks! Whether you have to work on Halloween, or you're preparing for a last minute costume, these looks are perfect to slap on and head out the door!

My first look is inspired by the imagination and worlds of Tim Burton. Whether you'd prefer to stroll down main street in Halloween Town or shout Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!, the easiest way to throw yourself into that universe is to accentuate the bags under your eyes, and make your kissable lips a little more haunting. 

To make my oversized eyes a little dead-er, I accentuated my eye socket with a cool-toned eyeshadow, taking the same sweeping motion all the way around my actual eyeball. Then, to make my eyes appear bigger, I highlighted the middle of my lid and just underneath my brow bone with a softer eyeshadow color. I also added a pop of white eyeliner to my waterline and the inner corner of my eye, anything to appear more cartoonish.

As we know, most of Tim Burton’s characters appear dead, so I really dug out my cheekbones with that same cool-toned eyeshadow, making my face appear really sullen and gloomy. I used the same eyeshadow in my temples and along my jawline as a contour shade. Even though the characters are dead, they still like to party with the living, so I added a pop of bubblegum pink blush, and another cool-toned, blue eyeshadow for a highlighter. I thought it really gave that ethereal, out of this world effect. 

I finished the whole look off with deep, plum lipstick and these fantastic false lashes! The proportions of a Tim Burton character are always a little off, so it’s best to go with gigantic eyes and tiny, Queen of Hearts lips!

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I loved doing this look, and I hope some of you could draw inspiration from it as well!

If you choose to do this look, please send me a picture via Social Media! (Links in my sidebar!)

Who’s your favorite Tim Burton character? Leave me a comment below!

Stay tuned for my Fall Favorites on Friday!!! I have a lot of great things I’ve been loving this season, and I can’t wait to share them with you!!!

xo

-Amanda Jean

[Products used to finish this look:

Eyeshadow and Contour: NYX Cosmetics Hot Singles Eyeshadow in Over the Taupe

Eyeshadow for Lid and Browbone: NYX Cosmetics Nude Matte Eyeshadow in I Have a Headache

White Eyeliner: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

Blush:Bare Minerals READY Blush in The Faux Pas

Highlighter: NYX Cosmetics Prismatic Eyeshadow in Frostbite

Lipstick: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipcolor in Black Cherry

Falsies: Fright Night Cosmetics Bat Those Lashes]

The Beginning

Hello, everyone!

It’s me, Amanda, and, for those of you who may not know me, hi! My name’s Amanda. It’s nice to meet you!

Basically, this is my introductory post, explaining why I’m finally starting this blog. I say finally because, as most of you know, I’ve been talking about starting a blog for over a year now. Over a year of my life has been spent daydreaming about how amazing my blog will be, and how excited I am to write about fashion and beauty and travel and music and everything in between. Daydreaming, and not actually writing about any of these things.

I moved to Oregon in September of 2014 to get a “fresh start” on my life. Billings, Montana, my home town, had offered me 19 amazing years full of wonderful education and great friendships, but I knew I needed a change, and I was ready to start anew and finally figure out what direction my life was headed (west, obviously). For some reason though, I thought moving to Oregon would be the only step I needed to take, and I’ve been struggling through excuse after excuse as to why I haven’t actually followed any of my other dreams. “I don’t have enough money.” “I don’t want to drive my car because it could break down at any possible second.” “Being a girl alone in a big city is terrifying.” Yada yada yada.

Despite all of these ridiculous excuses, however, I’ve managed to wiggle myself out of my comfort zone just enough to experience some amazing things. Ever since I moved here, I’ve tried so many new things that I wouldn’t even have access to in Montana, and I always told myself it was “for the blog”. Everything I’ve done for the past year is “for the blog”, but I feel like that’s entirely pointless if there is no blog in the first place.

I guess I’m kind of a control freak (spoiler alert for those of you that don’t know me), and when it comes to certain aspects of my life, I’m a perfectionist too. I have this perfect ideal of what my blog should feel and look like, and I’ve had the hardest time accepting that it won’t necessarily be perfect when I start out. But that’s how all of the best things start, isn’t it? Rough and rocky and full of bumps and challenges. But overcoming those challenges is what makes something perfect. Scars give a face character.

So, after long talks with virtually every important person in my life (Hi, I love all of you), I’ve come to terms with my lack of perfection, and I have to start this thing. So, here’s my blog. Welcome. This is going to be my way of expressing my life. I’m finally going to quit talking about it, and start doing it. I’ll post often. I’ll post about my adventures. I’ll post about my hobbies. And I encourage you to please follow along and share this with your friends.

Thank you all so much for your support. I’m excited to finally bring my dreams to fruition. I love you all and please come visit again soon.

xo - Amanda Jean

P.s.- What is something you've always wanted to do? Let me know in the comments below!

[[P.s.s- I also write daily semi-fictional stories called Drabbles <here> if you’d like to check them out. Thanks again and see you soon!]]

*Photo courtesy of Jackie. Thanks for taking pictures for my blog for a week. I'll get them posted eventually.