Nik's Favorite Beauty Products

Hello my fellow beauty babes! I am no make up artist by any means, but I do love makeup and try to buy the best and most affordable products I can for myself. I know everyone wants a different look, has different skin types, or just wants a simple/minimal effort for their daily routine. All of these products I have used, loved, and recommend to anyone looking for a new make up brand or product if you haven't found one that you LOVE for yourself! Its taken me a while to find brands I like, that are long lasting throughout the day and that work with my skin type as well. I am happy to share these beauty finds with you! I am only sharing a few of my top favorites, if any of my fellow makeup enthusiasts have questions about my beauty trials or other products I didn't mention below, please comment or reach out to me, I'd love to share more makeup/product secrets!

$36.00

I have always used Smashbox as my makeup primer for the past few years. The original photo finish primer is the one I have started using most recently. Before this I was using the Smashbox super light and smooth primer. (white bottle/cream) The super light formula I felt didn't work with my skin, didn't give me the base I needed to keep my makeup lasting all day, and it was a bit oily for my skin. The original photo finish primer I now use is a thicker gel formula and gives me a better base before my daily makeup routine. This primer is still light weight, oil free, vegan, and cruelty free!

$34.00

I always have used liquid foundation but with bare minerals I found it to be light weight, the coverage never fails me, and it lasts all day. I use two different shades throughout the seasons but I am always able to find a shade that works perfect for my skin tone. BareMinerals barepro gives me complete coverage but doesn't make me feel like my makeup is caked onto my face. This formula has SPF 20, is oil free, and Dermatologist tested. If you have any skin issues or allergies and haven't tried bare minerals, I would completely recommend giving this product a try!

$31.00

I typically do not use just powder foundation but when I have a spray tan, sometimes I prefer to use a powder instead of liquid. I like having the option of powder or liquid and often use both daily. This powder doesn't dry out my skin or irritate my skin while wearing it all day. BareMinerals barepro powder foundation has multiple shades and is a 12-hour long wear foundation. This powder gives  full and smooth coverage, in addition to also being hypoallergenic/Dermatologist tested. 

$27.00

Daily I use three shades of this Tarte shape tape contour concealer. I use one color under my eye lids and two for contouring. I am not the best at contouring, but tarte shape tape contour concealer gives me multiple shades where I can use them for under eye coverage or full contouring. Ive tried using powder and cream contouring kits, and non have worked 100% for me. I never liked how they looked or blended with my skin type/shades. I use 35N medium shade, 44H tan, and 47S tan deep sand. This concealer gives full coverage, has a matte finish and super easy to blend! Not to mention all Tarte products are vegan, dermatologist tested and cruelty free, who doesn't love that?!

$40.00

Anastasia Beverly Hills collection is one of my favorite makeup brands. This is my second highlighting glow kit I have used and I am in LOVE! These kits last me FOREVER and have stunning shine. The Sun Dipped Glow Kit has four ultra fine formulas and they all have plenty of sparkle. My current favorite of the four options is Summer and its flawless!

$10.00

Ulta velvet blush has multiple rich colors and is my favorite blush I use. I own this deep purple and another peachy pink shade. They last throughout the day and have some sparkle to most shades. Ulta now has their blush collection called flushed blush or mineral blush. This majestic shade is currently out of stock and I believe is getting discontinued completely which is truly a bummer! I hope to find another Ulta blush shade I LOVE when the two shades I currently have run out! 

$20.00

I never obsess over my brows or have used liners for them. I never really have drawn them in, dyed them or done anything besides wax them until this past year or so. I have thicker dark brown brows so for me shading them in or giving them any extra attention didn't seem necessary. Even though my brows are thicker, most recently I have noticed smaller spots I wish were darker or looked more evenly full throughout my whole brow. The makeup forever brow gel is light weight, has minimal shades (easy to find your right color), and the brush gives you the perfect control to spread the formula evenly.  This brow gel strengthens your brow hairs and is a more natural look compared to other brow fillers. I use the intense brown shade for my brows.

$24.00

First off I loved the name of the mascara so I said what the hell, lets try it! I also liked the texture and hourglass shape of the brush. I am super picky on mascara brushes and want to ensure the brush can evenly separate my lashes when applying. I normally wear false lashes but when I don't, I apply two coats of this formula on. I love the length and volume it gives me, on top of that Too-Faced is cruelty and vegan free! If you'd like to give this a try, Ulta right now is offering a free gift with purchase! (Travel size of the Better than Sex mascara is currently $12.00 if you'd like to just test it before committing to a new mascara!)

$25.00

I alternate between Lancome and Too-Faced mascaras in my daily makeup routine. Both mascaras have big brushes and have creamy formulas. Lancome's Monsieur mascara gives my lashes thickness, length, and theres absolutely no smudging! I apply two strokes per eye and I get the full volume look I love. This formula also lasts me through a full day of work and I never have to re-apply before a night out.

$6.99

When it comes to fake lashes, I do not like anything heavy, too thick or unnatural looking. ARDELL lashes are in-expensive, have a wide range of styles, and offer discounts often which makes them even more affordable. I do prefer strip lashes over single lashes, from experience strip lashes are easier for me to apply. I normally get the twin packs of ARDELL Demi 120 lashes or ARDELL Studio Effect Demi wispies. Demi 120 lashes are a more natural everyday look. These lashes do add light volume, but I do add mascara when I wear these. Studio effect Demi wispies are still a natural look but they are fuller and give more length. (no mascara needed) 

$6.49

I use and prefer the duo blue package lash glue, but have tried the green package as well. I personally do not like the brush given for applying in the green package of DUO lash glue. Both glues have the same texture and dry time, but the blue package lash glue has longer lasting wear for me.

$21.00

If you aren't a lip color type of gal, I'm thinking you may want to re-consider and try too-faced melted collections. I have tried there glosses, matte lip colors, and most recently there matte-tallic liquified lip color, I AM OBSESSED! Too-faced lip colors are priced a bit higher than other brands I have tried but all the shades I have are long lasting (through drinking/eating), smell great, and are cruelty free! This particular collection has 14 colors to choose from and I purchased two of the metallic shades! My current favorite I am using is FAKING IT. Ulta is also offering a gift with purchase if customers make the purchase online!

$16.00

Ulta now has Kyle cosmetics and this is so convenient for any makeup lover that hasn't tried her products yet or is obsessed with the lip kits! I never really had any interest in Kylie cosmetics, but a friend of mine bought this lip color for me and I ended up liking it! I love the wear of this liquid lipstick and it lasted longer than I thought it would, the color also goes on smooth and stays vibrant. I ended up buying another color from her collection shortly after I tried this basic lip matte color. 

$32.00

I just recently bought this setting spray and I am in love! My makeup lasted all day and the spray is so light weight on my skin! This spray helps prevent smudging or melting of your makeup with the proprietary temperature control technology! Did I mention the all nighter setting spray is vegan and is selling on urban decays website in a duo pack for only $39 right now?!

Xo Nik

Pony Tail Enthusiasts, This Creation is for You

Attention all pony tail enthusiasts, pay attention, this creation is definitely for you! Every girl always has a hair tie on her wrist for easy access so at any point in our day when we need to throw our hair up we can. Sometimes you don't want to wear one on your wrist because it doesn't look good with your outfit or it ends up leaving your wrist with a line around it. Someone has come up with a genius idea to disguise our hair ties and make them look like just another everyday bracelet.

Founder of BitterSweet Shireen Thor created this built-in hair tie bracelet with her husband. She claims to be a problem solver, so when she saw that people were asking for a way to still wear a hair tie on their wrist, but in someway have it look more attractive. “The bracelet was sparked out of love and creativity to solve a common problem for women." Well, women asked and now they have received that wrist relief.

All bracelets are steel-plated and come in a silver, gold, and rose gold finishes. These bracelets are decently affordable ranging from $45.00-$85.00. This purchase is definitely something to consider and they bracelets are so unique. Such a great idea to have a fashionable cover up for hair ties so you can take away that "tacky" feeling when your wearing a hair tie on your wrist everyday.

Xo Nik

Pastel Hair Colors: Color of your Dreams or Epic Nightmare?

We all know spring is here, and that means pastel colors! Pastels are so pretty this time of year considering we have been so used to dreary and dark colors from winter. We finally can get away from the darkness and brighten up our days. Mints, lilacs, and cotton candy pink, have been showing up not only in apparel and cosmetics, but hair colors are making the Spring transition as well. When I think of pastels, I think of delicate flowers, a sun dress or maybe even gel polish for my next manicure, but I wouldn't consider pastels as a color of choice for my hair. Keeping up with your hair is hard enough as it is with highlights, coloring, styling, cutting, etc. I can only imagine the keep up and the struggles it truly takes to get the perfect pastel shade.

Many celebrities have been opening their arms completely to this new hair trend and most are having fun with it. Some completely transformed their color fully or some did an ombre to have the color be a bit more subtle. Using these delicate Spring colors can be fun, but time consuming and more of a hassle rather than a help to change your look. Most celebrities that have done this don't look too bad, but I'm sure it took them more than once to get it to where they imagined it. 

The reality of this pretty pastel hair trend is that it's pretty for a short while, but the maintenance and after math of it all is probably more stressful. To keep your hair color healthy and vibrant, your hair needs to be moisturized to get the full advantage of the color. Color lightning is actually the most damaging hair coloring process you can do to your hair, compared to changing a light color to a more vibrant color. I think the idea is fun and maybe worth trying with clip in extensions or temporary hair dye that washes off in the shower, but to make that permanent pastel color commitment is a lot to take on. So, if your thinking of making a drastic or even slightly new hair color, truly think about the maintenance and time it will consume from you to keep up with it before you take that style plunge. 

Here are some photos of celebs that took the plunge to pretty pastel hair. What do you think?

Kristen Stewart

 Demi Lovato

Ashley Tisdale

Vanessa Hudgens

Katy Perry 

Julianne Hough

 Hilary Duff

 Miley Cyrus

Ke$ha

Xo Nik

Shades for Spring

I finally bought my very first pair of Ray Bans! So exciting and I love them, very successful shopping trip I'd say. I was not planning on making this purchase, but I have been looking at them for a while and thought it was time to take the plunge. Sunnies are trending in all shapes, colors, and sizes now. Some are more funky than others, but regardless of your style, you need a new pair for Spring! Along with some new sunglasses, I thought I'd try some new lip colors as well. NYX has some great shades for Spring, and I needed something different to try. NYX has such a large selection and there prices are super affordable!


 Here are my Ray Bans I purchased, and some other sunglasses that I put on my sunglasses wish-list.

Also, here are the names of the new lip colors I purchased, I love them and would recommend them to anyone wanting to try a new lip color thats bold and fun for Spring!

NYX Butter Lipstick (Only $5.99!)
*Gum Drop
*Lollies
*Snow Cap
*Hunk

NYX Round-case Lipstick (Only $3.99!)
*LALA
*Violet Ray
*Castle
*Fig

Xo Nik

Makeup Monday

It’s fall of 2013 and it’s time to change our looks. Makeup for this season is more versatile than most. The makeup trends for this season though are well defined and every woman will find there makeup nitch. From raspberry shadows, to ombre lips, ladies this fall you will find a makeup style you love and can stick with. NYFW models I noticed ranged in their makeup styles, some designers went for the more natural makeup looks, and some went more retro/dark.  

Trending in the beauty department for this fall... Matte Lips in red,bubblegum pink,browns, or a nude lip. If you personally don’t like the matte look for you, go with a color and a clear gloss. Also if you want to get fancy, go with an ombre lip! I know I personally would mess it up, but hey ladies if your up for the challenge go for it and rock it!  Moving up from the lips and going to the eyes, were looking at raspberry shadows, copper shadows, & cat eyes. These makeup trends were big on the runways this fall. Eyes were covered in smokey autumn colors and strong liners to give the eyes a more dramatic look. Try out different styles, colors, stains, etc. See which suits you best! If you don’t like one, just go to the next, test out whats best for you, don’t get discouraged! It’s a new season, let the experimenting and fall fun begin:)

XOXO FourBiddenFashion

Beauty Products To Try

Hey Everyone, I'm back!

I'm sorry I was MIA for so long! I have had a lot going on these past couple weeks but now I am back & ready to share with all of you! Today is Monday & for me you know that it's "Makeup Monday." Most of you also know that have read my posts in the past, I am not a full out makeup girl, but I do like to research and learn about the new products that come out! I am ready to try out some new products and embrace my makeup potential. Let's take a look at some of these NEW beauty favorites.

My Makeup Routine
1)makeup primer
2)mineral coverup
3)blush
4)bronzer
5)mascara
6)lip gloss/colored lip balm

I am not one to mess around with eye shadows or liners, I feel like I always mess it up in someway or another. I did see though that "NAKED" Urban Decay Basics came out with a new neutral palette that I may consider purchasing. More natural color palettes are more attractive for my skin tone, and I feel look better on most girls skin as well... unless your planning for a night out & want to add a POP  of color then that I totally approve!

 

New gel intense liner from Maybelline has also caught my eye! I haven't tried out or bought a new eye liner in probably a year or so! I rarely wear it and rarely have any to experiment with, but now that I saw this new product, I might have to give it a shot. There are four intense color choices for this product to give Maybelline lovers options.  Another reason why I want to try it out is that the product is smudge proof/waterproof for 24 hours & this liner is contact lense safe! I usually don't like wearing eye makeup because of it smudging or if it would get into my lenses, now I would have one less makeup mishap!

Moving from eyes to lips, I noticed some fierce and glamorous new colors introduced by Tarte. They have  new 12 hour long lasting lip stick with some funky new names I might add! These lipsticks are little pricey, but are well worth the price & last. The packaging of the lipstick is also very stylish to go along with the shocking colors & wild names!  The cap to the stick is bright & the lipstick package is made out of bamboo! 

Last but not least, we can't forget about your hair! I want my hair to grow longer and longer & it seems to take forever! I am interested in trying this new TRESemmé Keratin Smooth collection. I am hoping using the shampoo, conditioner, and other products in this collection that it will help my hair grow faster, but also keep it healthy! Besides these products helping my hair grow, it keeps frizz away for up to 48 hours, now that sounds good to me! Also TRESemmé is not an expensive brand, but the products do live up to the expectations of the us the customers! If you have never tried any of TRESemmé's hair care products, I recommend investing in them & giving them a whirl!

 

 XOXO Fourbidden Fashion

Braid Craze

Summer time is when we get to be a little lazy, but we still want to look good. All of us like to have fun and not have to worry about our hair on those hot summer days.. Especially when you are running around doing your daily routine, or having a good time out on the water. Either way, no matter how your day goes, in this HOT weather you want your hair tamed. I have a selection of different braids to help with that frizzy and crazy hair you don't want to deal with this summer. These braids are simple, cute, and easy! Just follow the pictures, with the steps underneath, and  hopefully you are happy with the results!

 

 

XOXO

FourBiddenFashion

Fashion Faces