DIY Your Vanity Like a Pro!

Weddings are so expensive, we all know that. But hey, they don’t need to be! Don’t feel the pressure to shell out thousands of dollars on things you can do yourself for free. Makeup is something which you can totally do yourself, with a little practice and a few key tips. Here are some tips for doing your own makeup on your big day!

1. Multi-task your setting spray

If you don’t have a primer but you do have a setting spray, no worries…just use the setting spray as a primer! After your moisturizer has soaked into the skin, give your face a decent spritz with setting spray and let it dry slightly. Go in with your first thin layer of foundation while the setting spray is still a little wet on the face. This will prime your skin and turn your foundation into a longer-wearing product.

2. Work in layers and let the concealer do the hard work

Instead of laying down a thick layer of full-coverage foundation, use your concealer to do the hard yards. By layering thinner layers of base products you will get a more natural coverage while still concealing everything you need to, and your makeup will last much longer. Once you’ve added your setting spray and first thin layer, you can add a second thin layer of foundation to build up the coverage but without focusing on blemishes.

Afterward, take a tiny brush and pinpoint any redness, scarring or blemishes with your concealer. Press the edges with your finger to blend until invisible. Dust each concealer application with a tiny bit of translucent powder to set. Step back, take a look and go back in if there are any other areas to be concealed.

By using your foundation as a sheer wash and using the concealer for concealing, your skin will be completely flawless in photos without looking cakey or completely canceled out in real life!

3. Multi-task your lipstick

Use your lipstick as a cream blush to compliment your lips and tie the look together. Cream blush is so easy to apply and super easy to tone down if need be. Use your fingers to press the lippie onto the apples of your cheeks (or cheekbones, depending on your face shape) and blend until natural. Start with a thin layer and build it up until you’re satisfied. No need to buy a new blush!

4. Go for a lived-in eye look

No, we don’t mean total grunge…(unless that matches your wedding theme of course), but just a slightly smudged, hazy look which doesn’t require a lot of precision or a steady hand.

Think of a cream shadow in a natural shade blended all over the lid. Then a deeper shade of taupe, bronze or chocolate blended thoroughly through the crease. Add a chocolate pencil pressed deep into the lash line and smudged out, thickening slightly at the outer corners. The lower lash line is left clean and clear, with a touch of bronzer smudged close to the lashes for an imperceptible dash of warmth. Lashings of mascara, a few individual falsies and omg…perfect!

This kind of look just takes the pressure off from trying to tackle a sharp liner wing, cut crease or any other precise look on a day when you’re already likely pretty nervous. What’s more, smudgy, hazy looks make the eyes even bigger and deeper in photos.

5. Do a test run and take photos

Always do a test run of your DIY wedding makeup to figure out the right products and techniques to use on the big day. That way, you’ll have a clear path once the day comes and you’re not sitting there trying to freestyle.

Take photos outside to make sure the colors, blending techniques, and overall looks are daylight-friendly. Take some selfies and write down the products you used so when you get to the day you’ve got everything all set out to jog your memory.

6. Make a moment of it

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to sit down and do your makeup on your wedding day. Don’t see it as a chore or quick task to check off the list. See it as your time to relax, have a glass of champagne and spend time with yourself before embarking on your huge new chapter.

You might like to do your makeup in quiet solitude, or you might like to have your bridesmaids and loved ones around you to share memories and laugh together. Treat your DIY makeup as a therapeutic moment of self-care and love. What a lovely experience to add to your special day!

Quick-fire tips

• Gently exfoliate the night before the wedding for a smooth canvas
• Apply a thick layer of rich moisturizer (relative to your skin type) and allow to sink in before applying your base
• Choose makeup looks which are easy to touch-up
• Choose looks which can be easily done with the makeup you already have, to save on costs
• Be wary of liquid liner if you’re a cryer…
• Err on the side of fresh and dewy as opposed to matte…it’s better to look a lil too glowy than a lil too flat in photos
• Go easy on the contour and blend the heck out of it to avoid any harsh lines in photos
• Set the face with a translucent powder and a good spritz of setting spray
• Keep a concealer, powder, blush, lipstick, and mascara in your bag for touch-ups
• Make sure your mascara is waterproof
• If you’re not a lipstick gal, go for a lip-enhancing gloss or stain
• Use bronzer to warm the eyes by sweeping it through the crease and really subtly along the lower lash line
• Use glowy highlighters with creamy textures to blend into the skin as opposed to layering on top of the skin

Conclusion

Doing your own makeup on your wedding day makes so much sense, especially if you’re passionate about makeup to start with. What better way to connect with yourself than by being in charge of your own look, with your own hands and your own time to spend? Give yourself time in the lead-up to the wedding to play, practice, experiment and solidify the look you want. Put together a collection of products (using what you have, to keep costs down), take a deep breath, and enjoy every moment of the process.

Carrying a heavy bag around with you for the entire day can be the most annoying thing ever. And most of the time, a lot of that clutter is beauty-related! But what can you do… you really need all that stuff! Chances are, you’ve already cut out as much as possible from the extra weight.

Here are 4 simple ways for you to cut down on all the clutter when storing makeup in your bag!

1. Use contact cases

Contact cases are so versatile! They’re the BEST containers for storing tiny amounts of makeup products – liquid formulas, creams, and powders. From eyelash glue to concealer, you don’t even have to worry about your products drying out with these airtight containers.

Pro-tip: This trick comes in handy when you’re staying over at a friend’s place and you want to bring liquid foundation with you. Instead of carrying the bottle with you, just pour a bit of the product into the case and you’re good to go!

2. DIY blotting papers

Want to keep a stash of cheap blotting papers with you throughout the day? Use envelopes, brown paper bags, or even paper towels to create your own DIY blotting papers. Just cut them up into tiny rectangles (or any shape you’d like) and use a paperclip to keep them together!

3. Rollerball or sample size fragrance

Carrying perfume around with you for a mid-day touch up is never a bad idea. When you order makeup online, there’s often the option of choosing a couple of samples to go with your order at checkout. When this happens, go with sample-sized fragrances so you can pop them into your purse. Another good idea is to invest in a rollerball version of your favorite fragrance!

4. Use a keyring for hair ties

You really never know when you’re going to need a hair tie. Instead of wearing one on your wrist or trying to find an elastic band (hello baby hairs from all the breakage), use a keyring to carry a bunch of hair elastics with you in your bag!

Do you have any tips or tricks for storing makeup in your purse? Drop a comment down below to let us know what else we need to try!

Growing long beautiful lashes and full brows can totally be a hairy situation (ba-dum-chh)! But really- growing out your brows can take some serious sacrifice and long lashes are just everyone’s desire! If you’re looking for longer lashes, fuller brows, or INCHES on ya head then I’ve got a solution for you! This easy-peasy DIY eyelash serum will get you the kinda inches you really wanna see and can be made with 3 simple ingredients!

To throw this hair, brow, and lash serum together you’ll need rosemary oil, castor oil, and aloe vera. Before we get started throwing junk on our faces, let’s talk about it!

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is packed full of goodness for your locks and it’s vital in this recipe! It’s pretty easy to find at any vitamin shop- you might even luck out at a nicely stocked Target! (look with their essential oils around/near beauty and naturals!) This little magic guy will help strengthen your hair to prevent damage from brushing, slows baldness and graying, and it helps stimulate hair growth at the roots! This will help your lashes grow long and strong. If you aren’t using rosemary oil on your hair yet, then ya need to start! You can add a few drops to your shampoo for a daily boost.

Castor Oil

Castor oil has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties for a healthy scalp- plus a high protein content and antioxidants that promote keratin! That may sound like a bunch of mumble- but basically it will keep your skin healthy and create thick hair and lashes that grow smooth and strong, minus the frizz! Castor oil also has a super high content of ricinoleic acid, which is a fatty acid your hair just loves! Basically all your desires is one (super thick) oil. You may be recognizing a few of these ingredients from our DIY Hair Mask– but that’s cuz they’re SO good for your hair!

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of those does-it-all kinda plants that you have to keep in your arsenal! There are so many health and beauty benefits in this guy- but today we talkin’ hair growth! Aloe has special enzymes that help keep your scalp and hair follicles healthy at the root. Healthy roots means faster growth! The proteins, vitamins, and moisture in aloe will help condition your hair and strengthen it against fall out.

Get in the Mix!

To whip up this daily-use serum, combine 10 drops of rosemary oil with 1 tbs of castor oil and 1 tbs of aloe vera! You can make larger doses by doubling or tripling up the ingredients. Store your DIY eyelash serum in an airtight container and shake it up before use! You can apply to your brows and lashes with a qtip. To avoid contaminating your whole batch, try not to double dip (do what you want your chips but keep those eyes healthy)! Apply in the evenings to clean brows and lashes- to avoid getting the product in your eyes, I recommend applying to the lid of your eye at the lash base and not the waterline. You can also use this bi-weekly on your whole head of hair to get longer, stronger, beautiful locks!

Tell me what you think of this little recipe or share any of your fave tips and tricks for long beautiful hair below! I hope you enjoy my DIY lash serum!

Stay Glam
Xoxo

If so, then there’s a few things that you have to keep in your pantry! These versatile DIY Skincare must-haves will keep you clean, clear, hydrated, and fresh. You can use them for your face masks, hair masks, and overall skincare and health. Our 5 fave DIY ingredients are tea tree oil, honey, jojoba oil, bentonite clay, and apple cider vinegar!

Keep reading to see what goodness these guys can provide!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is seriously essential to your stash of skincare- even if you’re not a homemade-mask-making type. This oil comes from Melaleuca alternifolia, an Australain plant, and has antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory– basically anti everything you don’t want on your skin! This stuff is kinda a cure-all for skin conditions. You can use it for acne, rashes, inflammation, dandruff, you name it! The pure oil is potent, so be sure to mix it with a carrier oil unless you’re just spot treating some pimples. You can even put it in your aromatherapy diffusers to clean the air and improve your breathing! Mix this into your facemasks if you have any breakouts, or pop it in a hair mask for a healthy scalp, or add just a few drops to your tub and soak in the goodness.

Honey

Honey is another miracle DIY skincare must-have because you can use it on anything! Grab a seasonal local honey for even more added benefits. Consuming local honey helps with allergy issues! It also has antibacterial properties, so you can use it on breakouts, and it won’t dry your skin since it’s also an amazing emollient. Mix up some honey with a fine-grain sugar for a quick face scrub, or slather some into your hair and leave it for 30 minute to restore moisture and shine and leave you with a healthy scalp.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil (pronounced ho-ho-ba, just to clear that up!) is native to sunny southern California and Mexico! This oil is the one-stop-shop for all your moisture needs. This oil can be used directly on dry skin (post-shower for max absorption) to get rid of that ashiness! You can also slather it into your hair to restore and moisture and shine in your dry locks. This oil absorbs into the skin really well, so you aren’t left with any grease-stains. You can mix it in with your favorite moisturizer to bump it up a notch. Also, you can use jojoba as a carrier oil with your tea tree in 1:1 ratio !

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has so many great health and skincare benefits, you really have to keep some stocked in your pantry! In fact, I usually keep 2 bottles- 1 for my skincare and 1 for my kitchen. Drinking a tbs of ACV in water daily will help keep you clean and beautiful from the inside out! You can also use ACV as a mix-in for tons of facemasks, or use it as a natural face toner diluted with some water. It works great for clearing up acne and keeping your pores clean and tight! You can also use it as a hair rinse to clean up any buildup from your locks.

Bentonite Clay

If you love a good DIY face mask, then you need to have some bentonite clay around! This clay has a million amazing properties to support good health. It’s antimicrobial property will help clear up your skin and can be used for acne, rashes, or even bug bites. The clay is very alkaline in property, so it works best to mix with something slightly acidic for topical application on your skin. Mix some bentonite clay with activated charcoal and a 50/50 ACV and water mixture for a quick and easy clarifying and purifying face mask! The clay will leave your skin soft, clean, and ready to take on life.

Starting off with these 5 amazing DIY Skincare must-have ingredients, you can keep your skin and hair clean, clear, and beautiful. These ingredients have such great properties you can use them alone, or you can pick and choose your perfect tonic to match your own needs! Check out what you can DIY on our blog and tell me your favorite recipes below!

Happy Glamming!
xoxo

1. DIY Caffeine Eye Serum

Since coffee is naturally full of antioxidants, it’s a great ingredient to use as an eye serum to firm, tighten, and restore the skin. The caffeine in coffee is great for reducing dark circles and puffiness by improving blood circulation. So, not only does coffee wake you up, but it wakes your skin up too!

You can make your own coffee eye cream at home! All you’ll need is:

1. 1/2 cup of ground coffee (light roasted has more caffeine)
2. Sweet Almond Oil
3. Avocado Oil
4. Serum Bottle
5. Cheesecloth

Instructions:

1. Start by adding 1/2 cup of ground coffee to a jar, then add the sweet almond oil to cover the coffee grounds. Close the jar and let it sit for 4-5 days to infuse.
2. Take your cheesecloth and strain the infused oil into a clean jar or bowl. Squeeze as much of the oil out as you can!
3. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and stir.
4. Bottle it up! You can also add a drop of vanilla essential oil to help with anti-aging, and for a delicious smell of course.

That’s it! Now you’re really getting your morning coffee.

2. The next remedy is a Green Tea and Coconut Oil Mask. For this, you’ll need…

Ingredients: 

1. Coconut oil to moisturize and diminish fine lines
2. Unflavored gelatin to seal in moisture in strengthen the skin
3. Green tea as an antioxidant to reduce puffiness and tighten skin

Instructions:

1. Start by brewing some green tea.
2. Take a pack of unflavored gelatin powder and pour it into a bowl.
3. Add your green tea and leaves into the mix.
4. Add a spoonful of coconut oil.
5. Mix it all together! As it starts to solidify, apply 2 spoonfuls of the mixture into a half moon shape on aluminum foil and refrigerate it until the gelatin sets.
6. Apply the patches under your eyes and leave them on for 15-20 minutes for refreshed, brightened under eyes!

3. Lastly, you can try a Cucumber and Honey Mask for a better quick fix than concealer!

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon of raw honey
2. 1 teaspoon of fresh cucumber juice
3. 1 teaspoon of freshly grated potato

Instructions:

1. Simply mix all of the ingredients together thoroughly and apply it to your face like a regular face mask.
2. Rinse it off after 15 minutes. Try doing this everyday for a month!
3. You can make a large batch of the face mask and store it in your fridge between uses.

While the bags under your eyes may be Chanel, try these DIY solutions to have a more refreshed, bright look. Let us know what you do to combat dark circles and puffiness in the comments below!

Stay glam!

xoxo

Whether you ran out of product or simply don’t want to spend the money on it, we have the perfect DIY for flawless brows. Honestly, it’s up there with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade. It’s that good, is much cheaper, and takes less than 5 minutes.

For your DIY eyebrow pomade, all you’ll need is:

1. Hair gel

• I used the Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Edge Control which was amazing for this. It smells great (you might be the only one in your posse to have great smelling brows), and it holds the brows in place all day. You can use any edge control or hair styling gel. Steal it from bae if you have to.

2. Matte eyeshadow

• I chose a dark brown eyeshadow from the Cargo Cosmetics Essentials Eye Shadow Palette. You can use any eyeshadow and color, just make sure it’s pigmented and matte.

3. Castor Oil (optional)

• This part is optional, but you can add a couple drops of castor oil in your mixture. It’s widely used to stimulate hair growth and helps it grow back thicker and fuller. If you’ve been struggling with sparse brows, try applying castor oil to them every day!

4. Mixing tool 

• Anything you can find to mix all of the ingredients together!

5. Small container 

6. Angled brush

• Use the Morphe Pk45 Angle Brow brush from LiveGlam’s new Pinktober MorpheMe collection!

Instructions: 

1. Start by taking a chunk of hair gel and place it on a surface for mixing. I just used a tupperware lid from the kitchen (getting very resourceful here).

2. Take your matte eyeshadow and scrape a decent amount right on top of the hair gel.

3. Mix it together until it becomes soft and creamy. Make sure there’s no eyeshadow clumps in the mixture!

4. Put your mixture into your container, and add 1-2 drops of castor oil (optional). I just made a sample-sized amount and put it on the edge of the jar, but you can fill the entire thing once you’ve perfected your formula!

5. Take your angled Pk45 brush and fill in those brows! Since you’re using hair gel/edge control, your brows will stay in place all day.

*Quick tip: to adjust the shade of the pomade, you can add foundation or concealer.

I haven’t gotten my brows done in forever (tragic), but this DIY pomade made them look fresh and flawless. I actually have replaced my go-to eyebrow pencil with this mixture instead. Try it out for yourselves! We swear you won’t be disappointed.

Now you never have to panic when you run out of eyebrow product. Just whip up this mixture and you’re good to go! LiveGlam’s got you covered in making sure your brows are always on fleek.

Let us know if you try this in the comments below!

Stay glam!

Cucumbers

An oldie, but a goodie! Cucumber is a great home remedy for dark circles and it has been used for some time now. Cumbers have a cooling effect that lightens dark circles and reduces inflammation. Make sure your cucumber has been in the fridge for about 30 min prior. Cut it into thick slices, then lay on your back, relax and place them on your beautiful eyes for 10-15 minutes.

Rose Water

Dark circles need a little extra care and rose water can help a lot! It contains soothing properties that help lighten darkness. The antioxidants strengthen cells, regenerate tissue and rejuvenate your skin. All you have to do is soak a few drops for about 3 minutes and set them on your eyes for 15 minutes.

Potatoes

Kinda weird, right? Well it’s amazing what raw potatoes can do, but it’s not the potatoes that you need it’s actually the juice. Because potatoes are a natural bleaching agent, they will help lighten dark circles and reduce puffiness. Grate one potato to extract the juice, then soak two cotton balls right in and place them over your eyes for 10-15 minutes.

Green Tea

This is not only good for you internally, but it’s also an effective home remedy for dark circles. Green Tea is filled with rich antioxidants and tannins that help brighten up the under eye area. The tannins also help reduce any swelling. After you boiling the tea bags, put them in the fridge for a half hour. Once the bags are nice and cool, put them on your eyes for 15 minutes and open your eyes to results!

Almond Oil

If you’re looking for a home remedy for dark circles and hydration, then almond oil is your best bet. It contains nourishing vitamins and minerals to replenish and rejuvenate the delicate skin and keep it moisturized. Lightly massage 4-5 drops around your eyes and then leave it overnight. When you wake up, rinse off with cold water.

These are just some of our favorite home remedies for dark circles, but the most important is to get some good rest and to hydrate well. Which remedy will you try? Tell us below or on Facebook!

You may not recognize it when they ask, but it’s a feeling. The deeply planted seed of feeling beautiful, even if and when the world around you is an absolute mess.

Here are my genuine, beauty tips for how to feel beautiful throughout the day, beginning with your morning routine.

What is a morning routine, and why should I have one?

A morning routine is simply the way you begin your day. It doesn’t have to be exactly the same every morning, rather you can tailor it depending on what you have going on or how you feel. My personal routine in the morning is constantly evolving as I learn what works to keep my ever-changing body and mind in a state of balance.

This specially-designed routine has the intention of feeling beautiful.

In my experience, intention creates our destiny. So by focusing on the feeling of beauty first thing in the morning, you will absolutely emit that internal beauty into the afternoon and evening, probably without even realizing it!

Step One: Move & Breathe

Begin with waking up, as you do. I recommend not reaching right for your phone and scrolling, but rather noticing the sounds, smells, and feeling around you. Cherish the post-sleep moment. You can do some light stretches as you get out of bed to get the blood flowing. Movement is my favorite beauty tip that never gets old.

Next, step outside or open a window to breathe fresh air. Let the oxygen flow to the bottom of your lungs. I cannot stress enough the importance of breathing deeply. When you breathe deeply, you’ll notice the external benefit from your eyes brightening to your skin appearing fresher to your overall appearance exuding an element of calm, which is always beautiful.

Step Two: Hydrate

After brushing your teeth to rid yourself of the morning taste, drink at least one full glass of water. You may like to start with warm lemon water, as it tastes great, and has a ton of health perks. However, the most important thing is hydration, so plain water without lemon works well too.

During sleep we naturally become dehydrated. Beginning the day with water will ensure that your cells re-hydrate so your skin appears fresher.

Step Three: Cleanse

The optimal option is to take a shower to wash off the aura of sleep. As you wash, use an exfoliator (either a scrub, a brush, washcloth, etc.) to remove dead skin cells. This will ensure your top layer of skin, the one the world sees, is bright and full of life.

I totally get it—sometimes we oversleep or are pressured to rush out the door, and can’t fully shower or wash our hair. If pressed for time, at the very least wash your face, under your arms, your feet, and anywhere else that needs it. It only takes a minute or two, and will make such a difference! And don’t worry about the hair piece; we’ve got you covered with our top tips for styling unwashed hair here.

Step Four: Moisturize

After washing, adding back moisture to your body is essential. Otherwise, your skin becomes dry and dull. And who wants that?

Curious about which moisturizer to use? Here’s a list of the perfect moisturizer for each skin type, and here’s an article explaining how to hydrate naturally.

Step Five: Adorn

And now comes the most fun: dressing the part of feeling beautiful! I like to focus on clothes that make me feel awesome, because I know I will then go into my day with confidence.

Next, choose a scent that makes you feel beautiful and apply it.

And last (but certainly not least): the makeup! As you go about your morning makeup routine, look at your face as an expression—your personal work of art. Use each morning as an opportunity to go into the world your most beautiful self.

For makeup advice to make you a morning eyeliner pro, read here.

And in case you woke up with a blemish and need a lifesaving solution, we’ve got you covered here.

Feeling Beautiful

Ultimately, feeling beautiful is going to look different for each of us individually. That’s the beauty of it. We are all unique, so for one person it may be yoga and breathing and sunshine, for another it will be a new makeup must-have that makes her eyes sparkle a deeper shade of something ethereal.

Whatever it is for you, embrace the beauty within, and you will shine that beauty out, guaranteed, all day long! I’d love to hear your favorite aspect of your personal morning routine. Write a comment below to share!

No need for the hassle with this beauty must-have, as it uses just honey and lemon juice for a perfect facial mask.

It’s absolutely safe, budget-friendly, and will leave your skin refreshed and rejuvenated!

Honey and Lemon Mask – How does it work?

For starters, lemon contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help to remove dead skin cells. And honey is full of antioxidants as a natural antibiotic agent that fights free radical damage.

Other benefits of the honey and lemon mask are it hydrates skin, clears acne, works as a gentle cleansing agent, dries out pimples, reduces redness and instantly soothes irritation, brightens skin, reduces dryness and even flaking, evens out skin tone (due to sun damage or blemishes) and helps reduce scarring.

Before you start:

A quick note: some skin may be sensitive to lemon juice, so it’s recommended to test a bit on another area of your body, such as inside your elbow, before you cover your face. Wait a few minutes to see if your skin reacts to the juice.

Ok, I’m ready for glowing skin.

– Pour boiling hot water into a bowl, and stand above the water to allow the steam to rise to your face. Note: this step is optional, but will serve to open your pores (as well as feel amazing).

– Mix 1 tbsp of organic honey with the juice from half a lemon.

– Apply the mask, covering your face and neck but avoiding the area near your eyes.

– Wait 20 minutes, and then wash off with warm water, followed by cold water.

– The cold water is also optional, but will help close your pores.

– Pat dry.

And that’s it! So simple.

Another quick recommendation: because skin can be extra sensitive to the sun after coming into contact with lemon juice, make sure you follow normal sun exposure safety protocols (i.e., wear a hat and sunblock if you go outside afterward).

This mask can be used every day! Or as often as you like. You will probably see a glow right away, but if you apply it often you will really notice a difference over time.

Afterward, you can either leave your skin fresh, or moisturize using one of the all-natural hydration options found here.