Time Bandits Vintage

KEP was asked to take lookbook photos for Time Bandits Vintage (a local vintage/resale shop). So, naturally I tagged along and this is what we ended up with.. Enjoy!

Model: Samantha Borofsky
Stylist: Lisa from Time Bandits Vintage
Shoot Photographer: Kelsey Elizabeth Photography
Makeup and Hair: Morgan Jean Watt

 

Inspiration photo

Products I used:

• Tarte emphasEYES Amazonian clay waterproof liner in black
• Sephora collection Atomic Volume mascara in ultra black
• Black sequins with clear lash adhesive (I prefer DUO)
• Benefit boxed powder in Hoola
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose

Click Here to see more photos from the shoot!

xoxo

Morgan Jean

Biting blues

Hello everyone! I sincerely apologize for my long absence. I started this blog with the intention of sharing my knowledge and love for cosmetics with whom ever would have me, but the end of 2010 was very difficult for me. My grandfather passed away in October and I lost track of things for a few months, but I am back and stronger than ever! So, I know it's a little late for New Years' resolutions, but better late than never! My resolutions are to continue blogging and finally stop biting my nails! I know, it's disturbing that a 22 year-old could possibly have this absurd and disgusting habit. I find it funny that while my friends are concentrating on kicking their smoking habits, I am working on quitting the life long, childish vice of having my fingers in my mouth. 

The thing that has really helped me stop the biting is keeping my nails short, filed and painted. There was no way I was going to the nail salon with the nubs I had. So, I decided to pull off a little "do it yourself". I bought a cheap nail kit at CVS and started my journey! Since I knew my nails were too short for any drastic colors, I started with OPI just tea-sing. I love this color because it is light enough for shorter nails, but is still noticeable. If you like bright colors or are just looking for a polish change for spring, check out the Sephora by OPI GLEE Collection!

In an attempt to heal my cuticles I bought some Vaseline healthy hands and nails lotion. It is designed specifically for hands and nails. It soaks into your skin quickly and lasts all day. It even strengthens your nails so they can grow long, healthy, and beautiful! It keeps me from biting because let's face it, who wants lotion in their mouth? I bought a small tube to keep in my purse for easy use throughout the day. Great buy!

>>Tip: If you're like me and always seem to smudge your freshly painted nails, paint one hand first and let it dry before painting the other. This gives you a free hand for the inconvenient random itchiness everyone seems to get when they are unable to scratch! 

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

-Morgan

Pucker up!

Hi everybody! I don't know about you, but licking my lips at that delicious Halloween candy has left me with a chapped kisser! The dryness sneaks up on me every year. Naturally, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to counteract this cold weather nightmare.

Rosebud salve is a multipurpose miracle to relieve and protect against dryness. It is only six dollars at Sephora! You can put it on dry elbows, knees and of course, LIPS. It even treats diaper rash! Caution: This product will melt everywhere if left in the cup holder of your car in the Texas heat. Don't make the same mistake I did. I promise, It is not as much fun to clean up as it is to put it on. 

Looking for a touch of color in your lip fix? The Korres Mango Butter Lipstick has Sephora's natural seal of approval and comes twelve fabulous shades! It is only $18 and it is SPF 10. Make sure to protect your lips from those rays in the winter, too. They can be even more harmful during these months, especially if you're out in the snow!

After a few long, sickly nights of nose blowing and mouth breathing, my skin is in need of some serious healing. To save myself from the post-sickness blues I turn to my aquaphor healing ointment. It's a little sticky, but it does the trick and little goes a long way!

>>Tip: Having a skin care routine especially for winter is a must. Try going for a thicker moisturizer at night and pay extra attention to your lips. Start this habit early and your skin will thank you.
 

xoxo

Morgan

Walk the line

Hi again! So, I recently made a purchase (or two) at Sephora, of course. Even when I am only going in to replenish my stock, I always seem to end up with something on the receipt I wasn't planning on buying. It's an addiction, people. Anyways, since I do know how to pick 'em, I ended up with some superb eye liner. 

This stuff is incredible. It is so easy to use and once it is dry, it isn't moving for anything. Last night, I decided to fashion some dramatic winged liner. I am embarrassed to admit that this usually takes me forever to pull off, but with the Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner (in Midnight Black) I was done in no time! 

Once I was finished and looking fabulous, I went to clean off my brush. After uselessly running it under water for a considerable length of time, I made the mistake of using the bottom of my sink for assistance. Due to my makeup removal faux pas, the belly of my sink is currently sporting the smudged look. Although my bath fixtures might not adore this astounding discovery, I certainly do! Conclusion: This stuff is immune to water. However, with a little cold cream it comes right off! (phew! I was a little concerned..)

>>Tip: To make any eye liner stay put longer, take a flat liner brush and go over it with eyeshadow in the same color. Happy lining! 

Thanks for reading!

-Morgan

(Almost) free falling

Hello loyal readers! I know it has been a while, but I regret to inform you that my posts may continue to be few and far between for the next couple of months. School has been kicking my cosmetics loving behind! If only blogging about makeup and skin care would give me some course credit.. in my dreams, right? Anywho, without further adieu..

I have recently tried this amazing Nude facial scrub. It is not too harsh on sensitive skin, but it still works wonders. It takes my dull, exhausted skin after a very late night of studying and makes it look like I spent the evening getting a facial. It leaves my skin radiant and it has Sephora's natural seal of approval! (now that's impressive.) 

There are so many great Fall deals right now on gift sets, which I'm sure you know makes us ladies very happy. Fresh has two sets that have a little bit of everything. The first one is called the "Sugar Plum Let it Glow!" set. It has the Sugar plum tinted lip balm, which moisturizes and exfoliates with a hint of color, plus it is SPF 15. Talk about efficient! It also has a small tube of the Supernova Mascara, some twilight Freshface glow, and a sample perfume! The twilight Freshface glow is perfect for giving your skin a subtle radiant glow. You can get all of this awesome stuff for $28. How great is that?! 

Our second Fresh set on the line also has a Sugar lip balm, it is the same as the tinted, but is.. well, not tinted. It has brown sugar body cream and perfume. It even comes in its own cute metallic makeup tote! All for $28 as well. Both of these can be found at Sephora.com.

Last, but certainly not least is a gift set by, yes you guessed it.. Benefit!  This deal is incredible. I actually think I may be dreaming..

The 'Some Beauty to Love' set comes with a full size Coralista blush AND a full size eye bright! I know, you're thinking.."SOLD!" But, there's more.. it also comes with some 'That gal' face primer (my favorite) and some Badgal mascara. All for only.. drum roll please.. $29! Oh mylanta. That is just a dollar more than the Coralista blush is sold for on its own. I'm going to go buy mine right now!

>>Tip: Halloween is a great time to show off your craziest makeup techniques. So, start thinking of your costumes now so you can stock up on your favorite brands for a night of fun!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo 

Morgan

Primality

Many people think using makeup primer is unnecessary. Well, unless those people have flawless skin without the assistance of makeup, they are wrong! Not only does makeup primer ensure that your makeup will stay put, it also helps your makeup go on much smoother and more evenly.

Would you paint a black wall light green without using a primer first? I think not. 

For sensitive skin: Bare Escentuals has a natural primer that works really well with their mineral powder foundation.  It has vitamins that are good for your skin and it will smooth out any rough patches and fine lines. Bare vitamins Prime Time has sephora's natural seal so it is perfect for all skin types, especially aged or sensitive skin.

For dull skin: Right now I am using this Benefit primer 'That Gal'. This pink-tinted, raspberry scented primer has amazing brightening power. It works great pre-foundation, but can be used throughout the day to re-brighten. I like to mix it with my posietint or benetint for a brightening cheek color!

For picture perfection: I think everyone who has used this primer can agree that it is top-notch. Smashbox photo finish foundation primer has a silky texture that can smooth out anything that would hinder you from having utter complexion perfection.

>>Tip: For smooth makeup application, apply moisturizer to a clean face and allow  it to dry. Then, apply the primer of your choice and allow it to soak into your skin for a few minutes. Then, apply your makeup!

Thanks for reading!

-Morgan

Going for the bronze

Feeling washed out? Or worse, orange? Look no further! There is a perfect bronzer out there for everyone. I promise! 

St. Tropez has an amazing foaming self-tanner. I know what you are thinking.. "I tried it once and never again will I succumb to the pain that is at home self-tanning.".. and I understand! However, this one is different. Instead of a lotion, cream or spray it is a mousse. The mousse allows you to blend evenly without any streaks. The color is also very unique. It is purely brown with absolutely NO orange pigment. It's amazing and works great with any skin tone because you can layer it until you get the color you desire. Start with one pump of the mousse on freshly cleansed skin, allow it to dry and follow with your regular makeup routine. You'll see that the bronzer is coming through your foundation and you may not need to wear as much!

For dry and mature skin, brush Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer across cheekbones, forehead, and down the bridge of the nose. It minimizes signs of aging and leaves your skin with a lasting healthy glow. Most powdery bronzers tend to suck the moisture right out of your skin. This perfecting bronzer moisturizes your skin throughout the day. It is proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, too!

I have relatively fair oily-combination skin. I make sure to keep sunscreen on my face at all times because I plan on looking 20 years old for the rest of my life...wishful thinking? 

For a little color during the Summer months, I use a combination of Benefit's Hoola and Dallas box o' powders. Hoola is a matte bronzer (no shine or sparkles) that I use all over my face. When I want to contour I use a little more Hoola underneath my cheekbones. After I am done with hoola, I use Dallas instead of a blush. Dallas is a combination between a blush and a bronzer and leaves me looking sun kissed and radiant!

For a bronzed look poolside, go for a bronzer that is water-resistant, such as Aqua Bunny Crème to Powder Splash Proof Bronzer by Too Faced. This amazing Pina Colada scented bronzer is perfect for the ever changing weather in Texas or anywhere else! It has a cream-to-powder consistency that is immune to heat and humidity. It is lightweight, it won't streak and it has vitamin E, which makes it actually good for your skin. This one is good for all skin types!

Comment and tell me which bronzers you have used and what you think of them.

Thanks for reading!

-Morgan

>>Tip: Always exfoliate before applying a bronzer so it doesn't soak into the rough spots in your skin. Self magazine has a great article about an at-home exfoliating recipe. Click Here!

Philosophical Appearance

So far this Summer has been great! However, my skin has been reacting negatively to my recent late night bar hopping and random lengthy sunbathing. I started thinking about the best products that would heal and protect my skin from nature's impurities. I wanted something that would allow me to still wear makeup without allowing my products to make my skin worse. I came up with a two-step process to use before applying my makeup that will balance my skin back into a beautifully radiant texture.

If your skin seems like it is breaking out no matter what you do, you need to balance it back to normal. In order to do this you must ban all of your harsh products (facial scrubs, anything with a benzoyl peroxide percentage higher than 2.5%) for at least two weeks. Replace these products with a gentle cleansing face wash. I like using Philosophy's Purity Made Simple facial cleanser. It dissolves any dirt, oil and makeup and leaves skin with its natural moisture. It is perfect for making my sensitive skin squeaky clean! It is pH-balanced, so the more you use it, the more it will balance your skin. It is a great cleanser for daily use.

 

After you are done admiring your beautifully cleansed skin, apply a primer that seals in the cleanliness and blocks out contaminants. I absolutely love The Present Clear Makeup by Philosophy. It is silky so it moisturizes and protects your skin. It is like a barrier that seals in what you want on your skin and protects it from anything that could cause breakouts. The great thing about this primer is that it makes your makeup go on so much smoother, so you don't have to wear as much!

Tip: If your skin seems too dry to go straight to the primer after cleansing, apply a light moisturizer and allow it to dry before priming! Listen to what your skin tells you it needs during this process. You may just be dehydrated!

Flushed

During the summer, my face tends to look washed out compared to my sun-tanned physique. If this happens to you, know that it is because we wash/exfoliate our faces more often than we do our bodies. I exfoliated my face last night and although I looked refreshed and tan when I went to bed, I woke up looking very pale and unhealthy. I hate when that happens! So, i decided to add a step to my routine to bring some color to my face.

Benefit (of course) has these wonderful lip and cheek tints. Since I was so pale this morning, I used the lighter color, Posietint. I like to apply a cheek tint after my concealer but before my setting powder. This allows the color to come through your make-up, creating a flushed look instead of looking like it is concentrated only on your cheeks. Posietint looks like it is a very bright hot-pink , but don't be afraid. It is perfect for pale skin tones because it is creamy pink instead of the typical red, so it is not too harsh. To use: apply two or three dots onto the apples of your cheeks and blend outwardly using your fingertips as your tool. Repeat this step until you have the color that you want. When I use Posietint on my cheeks, I also like to put it on my lips to bring some more color to my look.

Benefit has another alternative for deeper skin tones or if you are looking tan and just want a flush of color to your cheeks. Benetint is a watery red version of the creamy Posietint. I love using this when I am tan and going out for the night because the good thing about lip/cheek tint is that it basically stains your face where you apply it. (No worries though, It will not stain forever! It is washable!)

>>Tip: Mix a liquid highlighter (such as Benefit's high beam) with Posietint and apply to the cheekbones for a camera-ready, fun summer glow!

Enjoy!
-Morgan

>>P.S. Before and Afters are soon to come!