Sunday, September 30, 2012

Eyeliner



I was planning on doing a drugstore bought beauty bundle sorta thing today where I told you all my big favorites for itty bitty price points but.... then I remembered that as a 15 year old I have school tomorrow.  And homework. So unfortunately somethings gotta give and while I'd love to drop Catcher in the Rye in order to blog I have a feeling my teachers just wouldn't be too keen on that excuse, "well you see I promised my readers I would talk about what to buy when it comes to drugstore makeup so I just didn't get to your work.." Yeah right.  Plus I'm trying to keep some anonymity, like a super hero, because I mean I'm a busy girl can't have hordes of adoring fans throwing themselves at my in between classes right? and yes I'm talking about the 3 people that read this blog, who may or may not live in the good US of A.  So rather that give you what your expecting I will give you something unexpected (ahhah expect the unexpected kiddies because I'm spontaneous and exciting.) And so today's blog will skip ahead a little bit to EYELINER! Yay! Only I could be so excited about a blog on makeup.

So, my little blog is called Expecting Reality so I thought I should start off with what you expect when putting on eyeliner and the reality of how you look:
 Here's the scene, its the end of the day and your on your way out of gym class after changing and freshening up in the locker room you are on your way out when you spot one of the cuter boys in your gym class leaning against the wall. He says hey as you pass. You turn around to give him a smoldering look with you eyes adorned with slightly smokey eye you eyeliner done to perfection or so you thought.
This is the look you think your giving him:
 
And he is your's instantaneously. Smokey eye perfection.

Unfortunately however, you have yet to master the art of eyeliner and this is the look you actually give him:
"Hi. Do you want to go out with me!?!?!"
And he will be scared and the answer will be no.

(Slightly over dramatic but you get my point.)

And that my dear friends is why eyeliner is so important.  So how do you get eyeliner perfect everytime? Some people will tell you that different looks require different types of eyeliner, they are right, but that doesn't stop me from arguing with them.  Eyeliner is one of the few things in makeup that you should play it safe with, at least until you can handle it.  So if you have never used liquid liner don't try to apply it after painstakingly doing your entire face 15minutes before Homecoming.  That's just a breakdown waiting to happen.  So pick an eyeliner medium that you like: kohl, gel, liquid or even powder (shadow eyeliner) determine which one works for you and eventually you can branch out.  

Kohl eyeliner is basically the same as a pencil eyeliner which is probably more common.  This goes with practically any look but some people freak a little bit about using a pencil on there eyes.  When your careful its practically impossible to hurt yourself with it.  I like to use a nude or white eyeliner pencil on my waterline (the bottom inside part of your eyelid, just above the lower lash line. This widens they eye by opening up the whites, while using a black or dark color on the waterline can make the eye appear smaller but darker and more "haunting."  A major pro about Kohl eyeliners is that they are easiest to smudge, in a good way!, to get a smokey eye look.  A big tip during the warmer months is to keep your eyeliner in the fridge, sounds weird but then its cool and won't melt and smear all over your face.
Gel or cream eyeliners are my favorite.  They typically come in little pots and are applied with thin brushes. I personally think that the brush makes application easier and a thinner line than any of the other mediums can achieve.  However a big con is that when its cold the gel can sometimes freeze up a little making it hard to spread.  Gel eyeliner has more of a sheen to it, similar to liquid, and it can be found in a bunch of colors but I prefer black, purple or brown.
Liquid eyeliner is one of the hardest things to do. ever. that is if you aren't skilled at it.  Liquid eyeliner shows all of your mistakes in jet black, every shake of your hand, every stray dot.  However if its applied with a steady and confident hand then it can take your look from plain to amazing.  I really don't recommend it for everyday use but on special occasions, its a crowd pleaser.  I wish I had more to say but honestly this is the one thing I tend to shy away from because well I'm accident prone and liquid eyeliner is an accident waiting to happen.  In fact because I'm spiteful, here is a picture of not the product but an accident born of this dangerous product:
And that's what would cause the meltdown before your dance. But in all seriousness I feel kind of bad bashing liquid eyeliner because if its done well it looks so good and I'm just mad because I don't have that skill down yet. Boo. 

Last but not least, Shadow for eyeliner.  This is kind of cheating and in my opinion for beginners only. When i was first trying out makeup I would do this a lot.  You take a brush, similar to a gel eyeliner brush, wet it and roll it in eyeshadow.  Then sweep the makeshift eyeliner onto eyelids.  The end.  It was quick and easy, the result was sort of lack luster and often only lasted a few hours but I guess for like 7th grade it got the job done.  

this is "seventh grade me" if i was a stock photo super excited about eyeliner! Yay eyeliner!

This short little quick post got really lengthy. Oh boy. Well I have more to say but I'm going to have to call it quits for today.  I'll finish up in Eyeliner Part Dos another time. 
Until then. 
<3,
    Regan

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Foundation

I wanted to start a segment of makeup because its a girls best accessory! But if you don't know what your doing then... well your just going to end up looking like a hot mess.  Clearly there are dozens of different components to a good made-up look.  But for lack of time and energy today I'm only going to talk about your base.  I'm talking about foundation and everything that goes along with it.  List time (you know me I love to make them lists!)

How to Get Your Foundation Right Ever Time:

Prep that Beauteous Face:

1) Wash thoroughly (any face wash will do but starting with a clean face is incredibly important and will help the makeup go on smoothly. 
2) Primer! Alot of people skip this step but Primer is what will keep your foundation on and from smearing during the day. It also keeps the makeup smooth and from seeping into your pores.  (I use a Korres Face Primer, a tube of it is about $28 dollars but its great at moisturizing and smells like lemons, yum!)

Now for the Foundation :

3) Pick your foundation, this isn't really a step but you need to figure out what works best for you. I like a liquid foundation but find one that you like whether it be a cream, powder, mousse or whatever.  

4) Depending on your skin condition you may want to put concealer down before putting on your foundation.  The key to concealer is to match it with the kind of foundation your going to wear. So don't wear a powder concealer with a liquid foundation.  However a stick or cream concealer works with just about any foundation.  (I use a Revlon PhotoReady Concealer, they come in a bunch of colors and you can find it at any drugstore for about 10 dollars and it lasts eons.  Like but actually like months.)
PhotoReady Concealer, Fair

5) Ok, its time! Foundaton time that is! If your using a liquid foundation apply a few pumps onto the back of your hand. Now take a foundation brush, you can get a nice one at Sephora just ask I think they are like number 56, and apply evenly in a circular motion all over your face and blend down into your neck.  If your using a powder then take a fluffy brush and pat it down, also in a circular motion.  Mousse foundations, I find are easiest to apply with your finger tips, blending it in entirely.  (I prefer a liquid foundation because they tend to give the most coverage and if you need ed to you can always put more into problem spots without looking cakey.  I like to use UrbanDecay Naked Foundation.  The coverage is great and its really light and natural looking but makes your skin look a thousand times better.  Its worth the $38 splurge but don't trust me, if you go to any Sephora you can get your skin matched or try it out yourself, it comes in 18 shades so you can find one that works for you.)

Finish it Up:

6) Finishing Powder Please: This is optional of course but I find that a finishing powder helps to keep your foundation in place and from getting that shiny look that is not dewy, its greasy looking. not cute.  But don't worry its really not grease, its just liquid foundation being liquid can get runny especially when its hot and therefore it leaves a bit of a shiny wet look.  Don't freak just pat down a little translucent finishing powder or even use a drugstore compact that matches your foundation.  You can use a fluffy brush or the brushes that come included in the compact you're using.  (I really like to use a tiny pit of Tarte Finishing Powder but any kind will work just fine.  A tip I just picked up is that when putting on finishing powder you should swipe the brush downward because this will smooth down any of your facial hairs and no I'm not talking about beared lady ish here, I mean that peach fuzz that everyone has.) 
Tarte - Smooth Operator™ Micronized Clay Finishing Powder with PM20™

And wallah! Foundation routine complete! This may seem like a lot but this is my routine every day practically and it takes me about 5 minutes, no joke.  And it looks and feels so natural.  I feel like I'm pushing my favorites on you and I'm sure these brands will adore the free advertisement but I'm simply stating my favorites.  I've tried dozens of different brands but I can assure you that whatever products you like will work for you.  Just make sure the product you use is the right color and coverage you need.  And I know I showed you a lot of high class brands but if you don't want to lay down the cash on makeup you rather buy a new shirt or whatever, I won't judge, just know that you can find good stuff at drugstores.  Maybe that's what I'll tell you about next blog.  

<3,
    Regan 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Cold Weather Confection

I've been a bad blogger lately :( so today I want to make it up to you.  Double Blog Day woooohooo!! So earlier this morning , or afternoon, I posted a blog on working with what you already have in your closet, especially those summer faves.  But now almost like a supplement I wanted to give you a look worth buying! With that teeny tiny budget of yours.

First this is basically my Fall-spiration, or maybe winter, seasons are seasons so who cares? 
 
this is probably the cutest outfit ever, and if you don't want to wear this to a party with yo peeps then we cannot be friends and you should just leave.  Now that that's settled, who can put a price on such effortless beauty? Me thats who and I average this look at about $40 from H&M, if fact with the dressing room feature on their site I put together this lovely little confection:
Ok, so its not exactly the same, but like I said I'm stretch for cash and this is still pretty cute.  Now the bandage skirt was $5.95, the tights were $4.95, the sweater is a steal at $14.95 and the tube scarf is also $14.95! And I added a pair of burgundy heels for $49.95 but that's more than the whole rest of the outfit combined so if you don't want to splurge on heels your favorite pumps or booties will do. 
So in the words of Sadie Saxton:

<3,
   Regan, You're Welcome:)

Work With What You've Got!

Everyone, I would like to inform you of the sad truth.  As a side effect of being a 15 year old girl, I am basically always broke.  So while I would like to live in Free People, True Religion and 7 For All Man Kind I am confined to wearing Forever 21 and Abercrombie (kids because its cheaper shhh.) I'm assuming my readers (that is if I have any... my pageviews don't lie so I'm looking at about 1 reader) are in the same boat so have no fear you can still dress cute this fall on your microscopic "babysitters" budget.

First off, this post is dedicated to working with what you already own before you go out and buy something new.  Summer came and went and now all you have left to remember it are your cute colored shorts, tank tops and flowy shirts, and flip flops. But who said you need to retire your summer attire just yet? Why can't you wear your summer staples in the fall?  Here's how its done:

     1. Short Skirt/Long Jacket: Yes inspired by the song by Cake I am an avid follower of this look.  For fall and a more wearable look try short shorts and a long sweater.  Its trendy yet you can do it with practically anything in your closet all you need is your favorite jean booty shorts and your best fall button down cardi.
 
     2. Layer your Sundress:  Sundresses are a must in summer but who says you can't still rock your favorite ones in the fall.  A basic dress can be given a more casual fall/ school look with the addition of a belted cardi, your favorite scarf,  boots and fun tights.  A plus is this outfit is super cute and ultra cosy!
      3. Scarves in every color: Fall is known for more neutral and muted  colors but this should be all the more reason to spice it up with some of your summer faves.  If your like me, this summer you rocked some fun and colorful patterned scarves, super light material for summer but super comfy in the fall.  Add a scarf to just about any look (these from american eagle are my favorite.)
      5.  Wear your summer tops and tanks with jeans and sweaters: this is pretty obvious and self explanatory but just because its a summery shirt doesn't mean it can't work in the fall.  Bright hues and daring patterns can add a lot of finesse to your fall wardrobe.   (and by self explanatory I mean I'm too lazy to get you a picture so you guys can figure that one out, and if you cant... well then there is no helping you.)
    6. Final and most important: HAVE FUN.  Mix and Match, try new things and be adventurous with your clothes.  As long as you look confident and happy in what your wearing, the outfit will always be a hit!

<3,
    Regan

       P.S. Sorry this was sooo late.  Technical difficulties,  and by this I mean I ran out of inspiration, gave up for about a day and then didnt come back to it until like... now (but shhhh if I blame it on the computer no one will ever know!) Oh and then i forgot my password.... again.  So I'm trying to be better, just bear with me. Oh and guys use the comment box pretty please, give me a little motivation! I mean is anyone even reading this??

Sunday, September 16, 2012

So I Bought Army Pants and Flip Flops...


So, this is my first big girl post yay! And I'm dedicating this post to a trend that I've seen popping up and its killing me! As you can probably guess from the picture above, it has a little to do with Camo (yuck!) The name alone makes me shudder... the way I see it is :

If you aren't this...
you have no business wearing this...
photo.JPG the end.  

Ok maybe its not the end yet because this is something I feel SO passionately about! Because as Janis Ian once said "There are two kinds of evil people in this world. Those who do evil things and those who see evil being done and don't try to stop it" and this is about as evil as it gets and frankly I don't think I can afford to have that on my conscience.  

Now lately I've seen boys, like MULTIPLE, walking around school in army pants and jean vests. I cannot think of any reason why you would ever put that outfit on in the morning and be like dayuum I look fine today in these camouflage pants and jean vest... NOOO!!! You do not, you are NOT getting girls dressed like that It just isn't a good look!  Sorry, I just needed to get that point across, so boys just remember we don't expect you to have impeccable fashion but please next time run it past your mom or a girl that you know or someone who can knock some sense into you.  And as for the ladies, don't think your getting off that easy, just because you see Lindsay Lohan wearing army pants and flip flops does not mean you can wear army pants and flip flops it just doesn't work.  And if you decide you need to wear the military trend this fall try something like this:


Cute, army green jacket :) this is a do. and camo is always a don't. 

<3,
   Regan

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Hey Everyone!

Welcome to Expecting Reality! 

I am so happy to introduce you this little blog! Consider Expecting Reality to be your new best friend, a brutally honest best friend that is! Expecting is here to talk you through your day to day life, be it in the fashion department, makeup, hair or just life itself.  Because we all know that feeling when you expect things to pan out exactly as planned and in reality it turns into a nightmare (hence Expecting Reality.) You can find dos-and-don't, what NOT to wear and basically how to avoid this:
We would not want that would we? No, I didn't think so.  And yes I bet you've seen sites like this before (like LC's  thebeautydepartment.com, an all time favorite of mine.)  This site is for anyone, trust me I am  not picky in my followers (some might call me desperate actually,) BUT it is also geared towards an average high schooler who is say looking for help getting ready for a party, for school, how to wear new trends practically and much more.  The best part, in my opinion  of course, is that this blog is written for a high schooler by a high schooler.  Yes, I'm still in High School and at the tender age of 15 writing a fabulous blog sooo if you don't hear from me its because I have homework and for some reason school comes first.  

<3, 
   Regan