Bows & Curtseys 2000 Follower Giveaway!

All I can say is, "Wow. Do I really have 2000 followers?" This is beyond remarkable and humbling. Never in a trillion years did I think I'd have so many loyal and amazing readers and fans. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my blog, commenting, supporting me and being a fan of my work/art. Some of you have been here from the very beginning rooting me on, and it's so encouraging to have that along with all the new people who stumble upon my blog. 

In order to show my love and appreciation to you all, I am hosting a special and extraordinary giveaway for you all!

10 Full-Size Glamour Doll Eyes Loose Shadows, chosen by yours truly.

Shades from left to right:

Top Row: 

Lover's Lane (deep, metallic red)

Jailhouse Jumpsuit (bright orange)

 Electric Lemonade (vivid yellow with medium sheen.)

Shamrock (bright green)

Aqua Foil (turquoise with a hint of gold shimmer)

Bottom Row: 

Mingles (intense, flat, matte blue)

Glam Girl (super vibrant purple)

Pinky Swear (bright fuchsia with a pearl finish)

Makin' A Scene (metallic silver)

Urban Trash (trashy matte black)

Glamour Doll Eyes has quickly grown to be one of my favorite indie makeup companies, and for a good reason! Not only do they offer stunning and unique colors, but they quality and pigmentaion is impeccable, and they are cruelty-free. I would not be hosting a giveaway with a product that I do not 100% enjoy. I have an in-depth review with swatches HERE if you're interested. I am positive that the winner will enjoy these as much as I do.

Also included in the prize is their "Control Freak" Eye Primer!

Thanks to GlamourDollEyes for sponsoring this giveaway!

Simple! Just fill out this entry form cortusey of Rafflecopter.com. PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY. Cheaters will NOT be tolerated. If you are caught cheating and/or do not follow the terms and conditions, you will be disqualified. This contest is for my lovely followers and we don't want to take away from that!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Open to US residents only (sorry). Winner will be notified within 48 hours of the giveaway ending. If the winner has not responded within these 48 hours, another winner will be chosen at random. Open to all ages. If under 18 or legal age, please have parental/legal guardian permission and consent. Only one entry per person, per household. Please enter all mandatory entries correctly. Cheaters will not be tolerated and will be disqualified. If any entry is not correct, it will be void. Thank you, and good luck!

Click HERE to learn how to fill out the entry form below if you're having trouble.

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Hunger Games District 12 Inspired Look

If you've been following me for a while now, you might know that I am a huge Hunger Games fan and that I created two looks last year inspired by Katniss - one inspired by her environment (forest, nature) and the other was inspired by her jewel dress and the quote, "The girl who was on fire". You can check those out HERE and HERE.

Since the movie release is right around the corner and I am getting more and more excited, I decided to create another look inspired by the series. This time, I focused more on District 12 where Katniss and Peeta are from. District 12 is one of the poorest, most ridiculed districts in the nation of Panem. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, District 12 specializes in coal mining. So I put together an intense, smokey and firey look to represent this district. I'm very pleased with the result and it's one of my favorite looks I've done in a while!

FACE:

• Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Buff
• MAC Studio Fix Powder in N4

EYES:

• Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper
• Rimmel Soft Kohl Pencil in Jet Black all over lid as a base
• MAC Eyeshadow in Black Tied
• BH Cosmetics 120 Eyeshadow Palette 2nd Edition (Matte red, matte orange, matte yellow)
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Half Baked
• Love & Beauty Glitter Liner in Gold
• NYC Eyeliner in Blue 
• Kiss My Sass Eyeshadow in Sailor's Kiss (to set waterline)
• Wet N WIld Liquid Liner in Black
• Hard Candy Ginormous Lash Masacra
• Kiss False Lashes

CHEEKS:

• Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush in Spicy & Sweet
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Buck to contour
• ELF Highlight Blush in Gotta Glow

LIPS:

• Lime Crime Lipstick in Retrofuturist, dabbed on to create a stained effect
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Half Baked on center of lips

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I really hope you guys enjoy this look as much as I do! I think I'm going to wear this to the midnight premiere. I wish I had enough time to create a look for each of the districts, but that would be impossible...maybe someday soon! 

A couple of things I want to share with you guys: I am planning on doing video tutorials for the 2 previous Hunger Games looks I've done and I will try to get those filmed, edited and upload by the time the movie is out. Fingers crossed!

Also, I'm only a few followers away from 2000! (Mind blowing, thank you all so much)! So with that said, keep your eyes open for an amazing giveaway coming some time this week :D

Take care, and I'll see you all again soon!

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Marvelous Morpho

Hi everyone! I was on Tumblr a few weeks ago, you know...doing my thang, when I came across a photo-set of the beautiful Morpho butterfly. I've always had a fascination with butterflies and other insects/bugs alike, but I am so intrigued by these beauties that I just HAD to do a look inspired by them (as you can probably tell by my hair, this look was done a while ago). Not only are they known for their striking beauty, but they are known for their size as well...their wingspan can reach up to 8 inches! 

Coincidentally, I came across a look Avril Lavigne wore a few years ago that is very similar to mine.

Channeling my inner Avirl, buahaha!

INSPIRATIONS

FACE:

• Revlon Colorstay Foundation in Buff
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light 10
• MAC Studio Fix Foundation Powder in N4

EYES:

• Urban Decay Primer Potion
• Glamour Doll Eyes Eyeshadow in Aqua Foil
• Glamour Doll Eyes Eyeshadow in Ladies Night
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Gunmetal
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Naked
• Wet N Wild Matte Cream Eyeshadow
• Wet N Wild Liquid Liner in Black
• Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara
• Love & Beauty Lashes

CHEEKS:

• NARS Blush in Amour

LIPS:

• ELF Studio Glossy Gloss in Dragon Fruit

That is it for today, my loves...I really hope you've had a great week so far! I am super excited for this weekend, as I will be turning 26! I am aiming to make this birthday a great one...last year's wasn't so great, haha. I'm planning on going out with some amazing friends, husband and sister. I'll try to share some photos with you all. 

I hope you enjoyed this look and that you all are happy and healthy. Until next time!

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Oil Slick Inspired Eyes Video Tutorial!

Here is the very much requested tutorial for my Oil Slick makeup look. Check out the blog post for this look HERE.

ENJOY!

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Spring Serendipity

Hi guys and gals! Happy Friday! It's really starting to feel like Spring here in sunny Los Angeles, so I had this sudden urge to create a look with bright orange lips. I know some people shy away from it thinking it's too bold and out there, or that it won't match your skin tone. Well guess what? Orange is a universal shade that flatters everyone. 

Yes, you read that correctly. It instantly brightens up your skin and warms your complexion that makes you look and feel ready for the warmer weather. It's also a fun alternative to red or hot pink lips. A lot of people say to keep the eyes simple when wearing orange lips, but here at Bows & Curtseys, simple is not allowed! You CAN wear bold orange lips and color on your eyes without looking like a clown. As long as you wear a complimentary color on your peepers in a toned down way and add some warmth to it, you can get away with it and look fab! Try wearing purple, blue or green on your water-line, or even right about your regular liner. Oh, and you cannot forget the full, luscious lashes, either!

I want to give FauxLash.com a quick shout-out for being awesome and sending me these complimentary lashes! They are just beautiful, well-made and super light-weight. Love them! They are long, full and have tiny black sequins that instantly give any look added drama. Just what I needed for this look!

If you are interested in these lashes, you can check them out HERE.

FACE:

• Make Up Forever HD Foundation in #118
• Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Light 10
• ELF HD Powder

EYES:

• Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Skimp on lids, tearduct and brow bone
• BH Cosmetics 120 Eyeshadow Palette 2nd Edition, medium warm coppery brown on crease and lower lid
• BH Cosmetics 120 Eyeshadow Palette 2nd Edition, dark drown to further define crease
• Almay Intense I-Color Eyeliner In Purple Amethyst
• Lime Crime Eyeshadow in Empress to set purple liner in water-line
• ELF Cream Eyeliner in Black
• Faux Lashes in Black Sparkle

CHEEKS:

• Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush in Spicy & Sweet
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Sin as a highlight
• NYC Bronzer in Sunny

LIPS:

• Milani Lipstick in Mandarina (new fave!)

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Inspiration for this look:

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I really hope you liked this look and that you'll try it out. I think it will look amazing on any skin and eye color.

Have a spectacular weekend, everyone! 

<3

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Lana Del Rey "Born to Die" Inspired Look

Hello, my lovebugs! I was on Tumblr a few weeks ago and discovered an artist named Lana Del Rey. I was immediately intrigued by her unique beauty and style, so I just had to see what all the buzz was about. I listened to a few of her songs on Spotify, and was instantly hooked. Her music isn't for everyone, but it's different and I like that. Her music sort of reminds me of a weird mix of Adele and Amy Winehouse. I watched her music video for the single "Born to Die" and loved the modern 60's makeup and flower crown, I just had to do a look inspired by it.

The neutral, yet slightly dramatic cut crease and intense winged liner gives a super sexy and classic look that can be worn by almost everyone, and will definitely not go unnoticed. The bold red lip ties everything together perfectly. (Flower crown optional!)

Despite recent scrutiny about her SNL performance, she is still a gorgeous and talented girl with lovely makeup! 

My lips aren't as plump and juicy as hers, but out-lining your lips a bit further out than they are naturally can make them appear much larger!

I made these "roses" using tissue paper...improvise people, IMPROVISE!

It was hard to find a good screenshot of her makeup look, but if you're interested, you can watch the music video below to get a better look (and enjoy the music!):

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FACE:

• Make Up Forever HD Foundation in #118
• ELF HD Powder

EYES:

• Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Skimp on lid and browbone
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Mushroom on lower lids
• BH Cosmetics 120 Eyeshadow Palette 2nd Edition (matte medium brown and dark brown to define and create cut crease)
• Wet N WIld Liquid Liner in Black
• Almay One Coat Dial-Up Mascara in Black
• Love & Beauty Lashes

BROWS:

• Rimmel Brow Pencil in Dark Brown (I tried to mimic the color and shape of Lana's)
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Buck (to lighten a bit and set)

CHEEKS:

• ELF Studio Blush in Blushing Rose

LIPS:

• NYX Lip Pencil in Natural
• Lime Crime Lipstick in Glamour 101
• Lime Crime Lipstick in Retrofuturist (to add definition to center of lips)

I hope you guys liked this look! I know it's pretty simple and nothing spectacular, but it doesn't hurt to see a nice, classic look once in a while. Plus, I think it's great for date night (maybe with a lighter lip) or a night out with the girls! 

On another note, my birthday is in 10 DAYS! Ahh! Can't believe I'll be twenty-six. Knowing that I was sixteen years old ten years ago is mind boggling to me. Is it safe to say now that I'm feeling old? LOL.

Take care! 

<3

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Glorious Gleam

Hi all! I'm back from my mini vacation...I had loads of fun and was super relaxed. To say that it was much needed is an understatement. Anyway, I have a sexy, sultry and warm look for you guys to warm up your winter blues, and also a review!

I was contacted by  the sweet people of Gleam by Melanie Mills and they asked me if I wanted to try out their Lip Radiance Lip Gloss and Body Radiance lotion. Of course I said yes, and was excited to try everything out after checking out their website and watching the videos! Melanie Mills is an Emmy Award winning make-up artist who used to be the head make-up artist for Dancing with the Stars, so that made me even more excited knowing and seeing how beautiful everyone on that show looks. The look I created is inspired by the beautiful bronze skin and looks that are often seen on the show:

FACE:

• Make Up Forever HD Foundation in #118
• ELF HD Powder

EYES:

• Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper
• BFTE Eyeshadow in Whimsey (inner corners and over black liner)
• Chanel Ombre Unique Shadowlights in Nightlight Bronze (all over lid)
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Half Baked
• Wet N Wild Liquid Liner in Black
• Rimmel Soft Kohl Pencil in Pure White
• Rimmel Wow Lash Mascara in Black
• Love & Beauty Lashes
• "Contacts" provided by Photoshop ;)

CHEEKS:

• Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush in Spicy and Sweet
• NYC Bronzer in Sunny
• Gleam Body Radiance in Light Gold as cheek highlight

LIPS:

• Gleam Lip Radiance in With My Heels On

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KEEP ON READING FOR REVIEW, SWATCHES AND PRODUCT SHOTS!

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Make Up Forever HD Foundation Review & Swatches

Hi guys! The kind people over at Make Up Forever were nice and generous enough to send me a foundation to try and review for my readers. I was super excited to receive this in the mail, as I have been dying to try their HD foundation after hearing and reading stellar reviews on it. 

This isn't a new product, but it's one that people are typically very curious about and want to try...and for good reason!

From Make Up Forever's website: "The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Complexion products use innovative formulas to create a new generation of make up which is both invisible on HD cameras and to the naked eye. The HD Foundation is an oil-free medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation which covers skin imperfections, while remaining invisible on-screen and in real life. Its extremely fine texture is supple and easy to apply. Enriched with moisturizing agents, it leaves the skin soft and radiant. It is available in a wide range of shades to suit all skin tones."

The foundation retails at $40 USD at 1.1 oz. It's a bit pricey, but if you're feeling a bit spendy, then you're in for a real treat! You can purchase it online at Sephora.com or at Sephora stores in the US. I believe Ulta carries it as well.

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COVERAGE

Make Up Forever states that this is a medium-full coverage foundation, but I find it to be more on the sheer side. I have combination/oily skin that is acne prone so I needed a bit more coverage than that. It hid most of my redness and skin imperfections but my skin still needed a bit of help with concealer and powder. Two layers of foundation was good enough for me. I love that the formula is buildable without looking cakey. If you have really great skin with minor to no imperfections, this would be perfect coverage for you.

No flash, natural light.

Flash, blended.

LONGEVITY & WEAR

I wore this the other day for about 8 hours, and was pretty impressed. Since my skin is a bit oily, I did need to touch up here and there but nothing major and nothing some powder couldn't fix. At the end of the night, it wore a tiny bit, but my skin still looked nice. It looks absolutely amazing in every lighting and like I stated earlier, it does not look cakey. It's like your skin, but a million times better. The foundation has a very pleasant smell to it that does not irritate my sensitive skin.

COLOR

The color I chose, #118 Flesh (for light skin with beige undertones) is sadly a little dark for my skin at the moment, but I can get away with it if I use a lighter powder shade.This could possibly be my summer shade! I am typically a MAC N4 shade which is pretty light with both pink and yellow undertones. If I were given the chance to pick another shade, I'd probably get #115 Ivory (for light skin with pink undertones) or #117 Marble (for light skin with yellow undertones) or better yet a mix of the two since my skin tone is neutral. They have a very wide range of colors (26, to be exact) that can suit anyone from the lightest of ivories to the darkest of ebonies.

OVERALL

This is definitely one of the nicest foundations I have tried and I believe is worth the money. The pump is awesome too. My skin looks airbrushed with a soft focus effect and makes me feel like I'm walking the red carpet. The foundation also lives up to it's name; it photographs beautifully and makes the skin look almost flawless. It's like magic! Photoshop in a bottle even, lol. It really is a great foundation and I suggest you give it a try! I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

Have you tried or own this foundation? If so, what are your thoughts?


Disclaimer: Some products shown in this post may have been provided by the said brand(s) for potential review or use. For more information, please read my DISCLOSURE.

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I hope you guys enjoyed this review and found it helpful. If you have any questions, just lemme know! For more information about Make Up Forever, check out their website at www.makeupforever.com.

Off topic, but I am going on a mini vacation tomorrow to San Diego to celebrate my 3 year wedding anniversary! I probably won't be back until Monday, so I will try to get a look up for you guys tomorrow :)

Have a magical day, and I will talk to you all soon! MUAH!

<3

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