Monster High Collaboration *SPECTRA VONDERGEIST*

Hello, my beautiful readers! I have a super special and uber awesome collaboration for you all today. Dawn from makeupbysiryn.com, Meredith from pigmentsandpalettes.blogspot.com, Kassie from unique-desire.com and I joined forces and recreated the makeup of our favorite characters from the Monster High Dolls. These are just perfect for Halloween, and we all had a blast creating these for you. I hope you enjoy them!

• Check out Kassie's 'Frankie Stein' look at unique-desire.com
• Check out Meredith's 'Abbey Bominable' look at pigmentsandpalettes.blogspot.com
• Check out Dawn's 'Clawdeen Wolf' look at makeupbysiryn.com

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My character/doll is Spectra Vondergeist (cute name!). If you aren't familiar with Monster High, they are basically high school aged monsters. They are all the daughters/sons of famous monsters such as Frankenstein, Dracula, etc. Here is a little back story on Spectra:

"Seen Spectra floating through any walls lately? Keep your eye on this ghoul because she’s always appearing out of thin air! Spectra is the wicked cool 16-year-old daughter of The Ghosts who always has her see-through finger on the pulse of Monster High. She’ll deny it, but she’s been known to fill in the gaps of missing information with her own ghostly imaginings! Some student bodies even think she’s the ghoul behind the anonymous MH advice column “Oh My Oracle,” but that rumor is still unconfirmed. If you run across a sneaky little ghost ferret, don’t fret! It’s just Rhuen, Spectra’s scary-cute mischievous pet."

If you're interested, they have a youtube channel with a mini web series you can check out...it's really cute! Visit YouTube.com/user/MonsterHigh 

Credit Dai.an, Flickr.

 Now onto my look! I had such a blast creating this look(although it sucked washing off), and it is personally one of my favorites to date (I did this a couple of weeks ago and was sooo anxious to show you all)!

(click to enlarge)

*Note* Eyes and hair color are edited to match Spectra's.

FACE:

• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion to prep and protect skin
• Mix of white and green face paint applied with a cosmetic wedge
• ELF HD Translucent Powder to mattify and soften makeup
• Matte white eyeshadow to highlight
• Matte grey eyeshadow to contour nose and cheekbones

EYES:

• BH Cosmetics 120 Eyeshadow Palette, 2nd Edition (matte lavender/purple, matte minty green, matte black, matte white)
• Wet N Wild Liquid Eyeliner in Black (also used for lower "lashes")
• Rimmel Soft Kohl Pencil in Pure White
• Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara
• Spikey Halloween Doll Lashes 

CHEEKS:

• Matte grey eyeshadow to define and deepen hollows of cheeks

LIPS & EYEBROWS

• Jordana Bright Eyes Retractable Eyeliner in Purple

There you have it! I really hope you enjoyed these as much I we did creating them. I love doing collaborations and will hopefully have some more in the near future. I hope you guys are doing well and happy!

On a personal note, I'm going to be taking a mini vacation at the end of this week. I will be celebrating 9 years with my love. So there will most likely be no new posts until next week. I'll try to do a look before then and schedule to have it posted either Friday or Monday....we shall see what happens! Thanks for reading :)

See you soon! 

<3

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Precious Metals

Hello, my pretties...Hope your weekend was spectacular (mine sure was)! I really wanted to go to Beautylish's Beauty Social, but I didn't get a chance to purchase tickets. Oh well, there's always next time! If you went, I'd love to hear your experience!


Anyway, here is a look that I created last night on a whim. I used shades of silver, grey, black, gold and bronze. I think my eye color kind of blends into the look, but this would look AH-MA-ZING on someone with blue peepers.

FACE:

• Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Buff
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light 20
• MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC20

EYES:

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Urban Decay Naked Palette (Half Baked, Smog, Gun Metal and Creep)
• Wet N Wild Eyeshadow in Black
• Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner in Black
• Maybelline One by One Mascara in Black

CHEEKS:

• Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights Intermix

LIPS:

• ELF Studio Lip Gloss in Dragon Fruit

CHA-CHING!

I really hope you enjoyed this look! I believe it's great for fall, winter, or for any night time event. You can even add some glitter to kick it up a notch. 

I have another collaboration going up this week with the lovely Dawn (Siryn), Meredith and Kassie, so stay tuned! 

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And the winner is........

Hey guys...we have a winner!

But before I announce the lucky duck, I would like to thank each and every one of you who entered my giveaway and helped spread the word! I really appreciate all the continuous love and support <3

Now, on to the winner! Beating out over 1000 other entries....I would like like to congratulate:

Lissette (Lissi) Bakula!

YAY, indeed! I hope you enjoy your prizes!

Also, check out Lissi's amazing blog at: Nail Addicts Anonymous.

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During the giveaway, I asked: 

"Tell me...if you could spend an entire day with your favorite celebrity, what would you do and who would it be? :)"

Lissi said:

"I would want to spend the day with Emma Stone. I think she is hilarious, beautiful, witty, etc. I like her because she isn't your typical type of beautiful. She has a unique look. Oddly, I think she looks like the type of person that would enjoy a good theme park packed with rides/roller coasters. So I'd spend the day with her at an amusement park. =)"

I totally agree with you, Lissi! She is absolutely hilarious, and outrageously beautiful. It must be a blast hanging around her. I'd love to play some board games with her and have some drinks!

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Thank again guys...until next time!

xo

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Halloween Candy Collaboration *POP ROCKS*!

Hey everyone! I'm back with another collaboration for you all...Halloween Candy! I teamed up with the lovely Dawn from Makeup by Siryn and Meredith Jessica from Pigments and Palettes and we each created a look inspired by popular Halloween candy. I chose the ever so fun to eat Pop Rocks! Seriously, who didn't love these as a kid? 

Don't forget to check out Dawn's Candy Corn look over at makeupbysiryn.com, and Meredith's Reese's look at pigmentsandpalettes.blogspot.com!

FACE: 

• Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Buff
• MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC20

EYES:

• NYX Eyeshadow Base
• BH Cosmetics 120 Eyeshadow Palette, 2nd Edition (medium, shimmery green and medium shimmery blue)
• Lise Watier Glitter Liner in Peacock over blue shadow
• NYX Eyeshadow in Black
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Virgin
• Wet N Wild Liquid Liner in Black
• Spikey Halloween Lashes
• NYC Pencil in Blue, White, and Rimmel Soft Kohl Pencil in Black to create "explosion" lines
• Real Pop Rocks!

CHEEKS:

• NYX Blush in Natural

LIPS:

• ELF Lipstick in Fearless
• NYX Round Lipstick in Snow White for added depth

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There you have it! I hope you guys enjoyed this mini collaboration and that you like the look I came up with...there is another collab coming very soon, and it's an awesome one. Stay tuned! Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway if you haven't already...it ends this Friday. Go HERE to enter.

 xx

<3

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Non-Makeup Related Post - Kickin' ASH for 1 Year!

This has nothing to do with makeup, so I won't get offended if you don't read this. I just want to share this huge accomplishment in my life.

One year ago today, I smoked my last cigarette...and it was one of the best decisions that I have made so far in my life.

I smoked for almost five years prior, and despite everyone begging me to quit, I didn't. I liked smoking, it made me feel good. There were times where I would smoke a pack a day, and other times where I would have a back-up pack hidden somewhere. I would smoke after waking up, after eating, while driving, when I was bored, when I was hanging out with friends/family, hell, I probably would've smoked in the shower if I could've! Basically, I thought anytime was a good time for a smoke.

I never thought that I could make it this far, and it is a lot easier than I anticipated. I've tried to quit countless times before. I tried to wean myself off of them, nope. Didn't work. I felt as if that made it even worse, like I was teasing myself. I tried to only smoke in social settings--dumb idea. I even had a family member pass away during that time from smoke-related lung cancer, and even that didn't get me to stop. It may seem selfish, but it took a personal health scare for me break the habit.

Those of you that know me personally know that I am a hypochondriac (Howie Mandel is my basically my dad). It may be funny at times, but one year ago, I was in the backyard with Jon (my husband) and Neeko (my dog), smoking a cig. At the time, I had a horrendous cough and some chest pains (see, even with such a bad cough, I still smoked...I just didn't care). So while I was smoking, I decided to do a google search on LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS. I had two of them (I obviously don't have the disease, it was just a horrible cough. But in the heat of the moment, you don't think about these things). All it took was to envision myself with the disease, and how I could hurt my friends and family. It felt real. I felt like I had lung cancer, and that I was going to die, and lose everything and everyone over a rolled up piece of paper filled with toxic poison. I had never felt so terrified in my life. So with that, I took my brand new pack, decided to quit cold turkey, and I gladly threw it in the garbage.

I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined that I would be this strong. Yes, the first few weeks were hard, as expected. But honestly, it wasn't as difficult as I had imagined. Yes, I had massive cravings. Yes, I got anxious. But you know what? It was way better than feeling convinced that you're going to die. As the weeks and months went by, it got easier. Days and days go by without me even thinking about it. I can watch a movie or tv show with someone smoking and it doesn't bother me--I barely even notice it. I can watch anti-smoking commericals and not feel guilt, shame, or fear and even agree with them.

Here are the benefits and improvements I have noticed since I've quit:

• My hair and clothes actually smell good.
• My nails are no longer yellow.
• My teeth are whiter, and my breathe doesn't smell like an ashtray.
• My skin looks and feels better.
• I have more money in my pocket!
• I no longer have a constant, nagging cough.
• I have more energy, eat better and weigh less than what I did prior to quitting.
• I no longer hide in the corner to smoke.
• My blood circulation and lung function has incrased by more than 50%.

Here are a few more:

Click to enlarge

And those are just a few! I read a study that if one quits smoking before the age of 30, that you live just as long as someone that's a non-smoker. 

To those of you have been smoke-free for years and years, kudos to you. I look forward to living a long life and being a non-smoker. To those of you who are right behind me, keep it up! You can and will do it. There are lots of ways to get support and resources thanks to the internet. Just know that everyday will get easier and always remember that a little stick is not worth risking your life and a potential slow and painful death. And to those of you that want to quit, do it. You will feel like a brand new, better version of yourself. 

A composition of a cigarette, GROSS.

Here is a link to a list of resources that can help you or someone you love quit: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco

Of course, there are still times that I randomly crave a cigarette. But I have learned to ignore the cravings. I see everything in brand new eyes now. That one cigarette could be your last. IT'S JUST NOT WORTH IT ANYMORE. And remember, it is never too late to quit.

One year. 365 days. Over 5000 cigarettes not smoked, over $1400 saved, and most importantly, I've added years to my life.

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I know this was long and some of you may not care, but this is a huge accomplishment for me. I never in a million years thought that I could do this. But I did....and I'm still going :)

Thank you SO much to those of you who have been there for me. Thanks for the love, support and encouragement and thank you for reading. I LOVE YOU ALL!

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Forbidden Fantasy

Bonjour, everyone! I hope all of you had a fantastic weekend. Mine sure was a busy one, and now I am ready for another week. 

I decided to take a little break from the Halloween looks and share with you a look that can be worn to any appropriate night time event or occasion. It is dark, mysterious and tantalizing. The rainbow glitter on the inner corners looks absolutely mesmerizing in real life. Photos do not do it justice.

 I did this late last night when I had a sudden impulse. When you feel that creative tingle, you just gotta go with it!

Unleash your forbidden fantasies with this sultry makeup look...

FACE:

• Max Factor Pan Stick in Nude Ivory
• ELF HD Powder

EYES:

• Shimmery medium purple from the BH Cosmetics 120 Palette, 2nd edition
• Rimmel Soft Kohl Pencil in Jet Black
• Shimmery Black Eyeshadow over liner, crease and outer-v
• Fright Night Eye Shimmers in Green
• Hard Candy Ginormous Lash Mascara
• Fright Night Lashes in Mesmerizing
• Fantasy Makers Confetti in Glitz (Loose Holographic Rainbow Glitter) on inner corners

I purchased both of these at CVS.

CHEEKS:

• ELF Blush in Pink Passion

LIPS:

• Max Factor Pan Stick in Nude Ivory
• Very thin coat of ELF Lip Stain in Birthday Suit

There you have it! I really hope you enjoyed this look...let me know what you think, and if you have any questions, just let me know! See you soon <3 xx

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Cute and Creepy Ventriloquist Doll

Hey everyone! Just in case you haven't noticed, my blog is now a domain! So from now on when you wanna hang out over here, all you gotta do is type in bowsandcurtseys.com. Also, in case you missed it, I am hosting another awesome giveaway for my lovely followers. Go HERE to enter!

Anywhozill, here is another Halloween look/idea for you all. This is one of my favorite Halloween looks...I wore something similar to this a couple of years ago, and I had so much fun with it. I had hot pink hair instead of blonde though. A lot of people seem to be freaked out by ventriloquist dummies...I find them quite cute, (not)!

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You can really be creative with your costume for this look! I would suggest wearing some sort of mini top hat on the side of your head (a lot of them are made to be worn as a headband) to keep with the theme, or a head band with lace, veil or feathers for an extra feminine touch. Here are a couple of examples of some costume ideas that I put together:

FACE:

• Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Buff
• ELF HD Translucent Powder

EYES:

• NYX Eyeshadow Primer in Skintone
• Urban Decay Eyeshadows in Sin and Sidecar on lids
• BH Cosmetics matte black eyeshadow on cut crease and lower "lash" line
• BH Cosmetics Hot Pink
• Wet N WIld Liquid Liner in Black
• Rimmel Soft Kohl Pencil in Pure White
• Rimmel Single Eyeshadow in White
• Hard Candy Ginormous Lash Mascara in Black
• Velour Lashes in "Oops Naughty Me" on top lashes
• Target brand spikey doll lashes on bottom

CHEEKS:

• ELF Blush in Pink Passion
• Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel for freckles
• Matte brown eyeshadow to contour
• Matte white eyeshadow to highlight

LIPS:

• Cover Girl Lipstick in Spellbound 

WIG:

• Lady Gaga wig, purchased at Party City, $14.99

I LOVE this idea for a couples' costume.  Being oily and shirtless is optional (or not).

So there you have it! Yet another Halloween look. I hope this has inspired you in some way to choose your Halloween costume and that you enjoyed the look. Trust me, I know how hard it can be (especially for me, I'm the most indecisive person like, ever!). If you decide to try this look out, let me know! I'd love to see your take on it. 

Anyway, I hope you all have a spectacular weekend!

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