Smackdown! mark. vs. M.A.C.

Here are a affordable few duplicates for some of the more expensive beauty products!

mark. Eyeshadows Review and Swatches

I have gotten a TON of questions regarding mark. products since I started sell them, so here are a couple of videos to answer some of those questions!
Are you wondering what the mark. eyeshadows really look like on your skin? It's hard to tell online or in the magalogs.

These are my opinions on the mark. products based on my use. Hope this helps!

What's the deal with selling mark.?!!

Here is what you can expect when you sign up to sell mark. cosmetics. The video explains it all! :)



To be a part of my team, go to www.meetmark.com and use referral code #9709300
To shop from my store click: www.mymarkstore.com/abarber

30 Days of Shades: Day 26--Katy Perry Purr

I bought Katy Perry's new perfume, Purr, and I LOVE it!

Katy Perry Purr

I know this isn't the traditional eyeshadow, but every now and then, it's fun to do something different! I was inspired by Katy Perry's Purr perfume ad. :)

To see how I created this eyeshadow look, scroll down and watch the video!

Here is the description of the perfume:

The composition of Katy Perry Purr combines top notes of peach, forbidden apple, gardenia and green bamboo with the heart of jasmine, pink freesia and Bulgarian rose and the base of vanilla orchid, creamy sandalwood, white amber, coconut and musk.

It's hard to tell in this pic, but I have on some false eyelashes with sequins on the lashes. You can tell in the video. Very fun! :)

I know it's a bit lengthy, but this isn't something that can be done too quickly! Makeup is ART! :)

Thanks for watching!

-Amber

Coupon VIDEO! & 30 Days of Shades: Day 25 Green Eyeliner

I'm really liking this eyeliner! You can watch the video below too see how to get it from CVS while saving $$! :) It is the Physician's Formula gel eyeliner..the green one. It came with a brush too. The eyeshadow is very subtle. It's the Sunkissed Olive (from the video) eyeshadow duo from Maybelline. I used the lightest shade on the lid, and the darker shade in the crease. (My flash does wash it out a bit, but it is a very light subtle olive green.) I also used the mascara from the video, which I am liking--Maybelline One by One.

Can't wait to try the blue eyeliner. I also want to get the set for brown eyes with the purple liner...but that will have to wait until I get another coupon!

Watch this video to learn how to get your CVS deals for the week! (OH! BTW-- I wanted to do the Clean and Clear deal too, but they were out of the body washes...so they wrote me a Raincheck! Always ask! They may even have items in the back that they will get for you.. just like the Dove deodorant that I bought.)

30 Days of Shades: Day 23 & Day 24--NAKED PALETTE

I have been MIA for almost a month now, so I figured it was time to post again! I've been trying to relax a little more, say no to extracurricular things, and try to create a less stressful environment for myself...so that's been the focus of this month!

I decided to do a "2 for 1" post using the Urban Decay Naked Palette. (All colors mentioned are from this palette, unless otherwise specified.) These looks are very similar. Both are neutral, with one being a little bit darker than the other.

#1--HUSTLE

This is a slightly darker look than the next one. I used a dark base all over my eyelids to start out with using M.A.C.'s Constructivist cream eyeshadow. Then I layered Hustle from the Naked Palette all over my lid. I used Buck in the crease and Virgin as the highlight. I also lined the lower lashline with Hustle.

#2-TOASTED

I primed my eyelids with M.A.C.'s painterly paint pot, and then I used Toasted all over my eyelid for this look. I used Buck in the lower crease and Naked slightly above that and Virgin for the highlight. I lined the lower lash line with Toasted. I used Darkhorse in the outer V for a little more definition.

(BTW-- I bought this crocheted vest in Canton, and it is my FAVORITE thing to wear right now. I'd wear it everyday if I didn't think that a little inappropriate. My cross necklace is a Halle Joy necklace and the beaded one is from Premier Designs. I get a LOT of people asking where I bought that cross necklace from. I wear it pretty much every day too.. as you can tell from all of my photos.)

You can do a lot of different looks using this one palette, the Urban Decay Naked Palette...and you can get a lot of "bang for your buck" by doing this.:) (Hehe, that's the name of one of the shades in there too.. Buck. By buying this one palette you can eliminate the need to buy tons of different eyeshadows that you aren't going to use that often. I find myself reaching for this every single day. I tried to get my mom to buy one of these palettes and she said, "I'd have to look at your blog to figure out how to use it." So I may just do the last few looks using this one palette so that you guys can get ideas on how to use it in several different ways!

30 Days of Shades: Day 21 Chartreuse Green

This is my actually the eyeshadow that I wore for St. Patrick's Day. My sister watched the kids for us, and we went out to the Depot with friends. :) I actually got a lot of compliments on my shadow. Normally, it's a little bolder than I wear everyday, but figured St. Patrick's day was the right time to wear it!
I started out by using my NYX black eyeshadow pencil, and covered my whole eyelid with it to create a base. Then I topped it with some M.A.C. Humid. For my crease color, I gradiated up with a chartreuse shade from my 120 palette, and used Virgin as my brow bone highlight. On my lower lash line I used M.A.C. Amber Lights to line the bottom of my eyes, just to give it a pop of color.

And yes, I know this shirt does not match my eyeshadow.
This is actually what I wore with.. black and green! :)

30 Days of Shades: Day 20 Shamrock Shadow

I've got some eyeshadow for the ladies who aren't scared to play with color today! Here is something you can wear on St. Paddy's day with pride! :) I used my Naked Palette plus some Humid by M.A.C., and a Lime eyeshadow pencil to create this look.

30 Days of Shades: Day 19 Tropical

I figured it was time I posted another eyeshadow look for you guys! I wanted to use some oranges/corals because I actually pick a lot of clothes in those colors for some reason. I wanted to wear a warmer tone on my eyelid vs. the blues and greens on the lid because I feel like it is more "Me" and more wearable for my skin tone. I will actually wear this as an everyday look. With most blues and greens, I have to be just in the right mood to wear them. I wanted to incorporate a lot of colors though.

I guess it's the weather getting warmer that makes me think of tropical colors, so here is what I came up with.

I used my 120 palette mostly. I used a yellow/gold shade on the first third of my eyelid, a coral on the middle, and a light brown in the crease and outer V. I used Virgin as a highlight, of course.

I really put the majority of the color on my lower lash line. On the outer edge I used a dark purple, then went to an electric blue, then to a green closest to the corner of my eye.

I lined my eyes with UD Ransom, which is a bright purple, and applied my mascara!

Hope you all have a great Sunday!

30 Days of Shades: Day 18 MAC Wonder Woman

I am so excited!! I made my first "movie" for YouTube. It's not like my other videos have been. I used my new camcorder, given to me by my sweetie!
Check it out, give me a thumbs up, subscribe, and leave a comment to let me know what you think. It was a fun project! This was even a fun way to "Be Creative".

30 Days of Shades: Day 17 Laura Geller

Here is a quick look using the Laura Geller Sunset Horizon palette. I used the lightest shade on my lid and brow bone and the darkest shade subtly in my crease. I lined my lower lashes with the gold color.

Check out this blush. It is the Laura Geller Blush-N-Brighten Tropic Hues blush. I L.O.V.E. it. Now I am not usually partial to one blush or the other. I can take it or leave it. My love of make-up revolves around eyeshadow for the most part. HOWEVER, I have never had a prettier blush! I have worn this almost everyday since I got it off of QVC. I seriously cannot stop putting it on. So if my cheeks look over blushed, well you will know why! I am addicted to applying this shade!

It is a shimmery shade with hints of gold, peach, and pink. By far, my all time favorite. :)

Good News---The weather is WAY better and I have gotten to go back to my studio to work on a few little sewing projects! YAY! Now, I can find a way to burn my creative energy other than just using my eyelids for a palette!

I am going to continue my 30 days of Shades though, don't worry! I have had so much fun with my makeup posts that you are going to see a lot more of them. However, I hope to have more crafts and recipes mixed in.

Creativity is what keeps me sane. :) Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! --Amber

What's in my M.A.C. palette?

Don't worry, the video gets clearer, I promise. I wish I were better about computer things, and I would be able to figure out how to get this camera to stay focused! I actually think I want to get a handheld video camera eventually, so we will see!





1. Shroom
2. Ricepaper
3. Naked Lunch
4. Woodwinked
5. Club
6. Amber Lights
7. Satin Taupe
8. Antiqued
9. Scene
10. Steamy
11. Black Berry
12. Sketch
13. Cranberry
14. Humid
15. Goldenrod

30 Days of Shades: Day 16 Bobbi Brown Products

I know this is very similar to the makeup that I posted yesterday, but I wanted to post it anyway. I used Bobbi Brown's cream eyeshadow in Bronze Sugar..and I LOVE it. This is definitely an eyeshadow that anyone can wear, no matter your age. It's very simple and quick! If you are not into the high maintenance eyeshadow looks, well this one is for you!

30 Days of Shades: Day 15 Naked/Pure Luxe

30 Days of Shades: Day 14 Kat Von D

When I first decided that I was going to buy a Kat Von D makeup palette, I just knew I was going to buy the Ludwig. I had no idea what a pretty blue was in the Beethoven though, and as soon as I saw it, that's the one I had to buy! (And technically, I have a lot of the more "natural" shades like Ludwig's in other palettes)

Here are swatch samples of the Kat Von D Beethoven palette. Beautiful! It didn't hurt that it had some great purples in there either, cause y'all know that is my favorite!

I used Speed Blue on the lid, Leather in the crease, and Tequila on my brow bone. I lined the bottom half of my eyes with a NYX glitter liner and applied some M.A.C. Reflects Pearl on the top of the speed blue, just for added shimmer.

I thought it was a fun look. Probably not something you are going to want to wear while sitting around doing homework or anything like that, but definitely something fun for a night out!

Feed Your Addiction!

Check out some new pigments that I found online! I am so excited about these..and they are only $1.00 each!!

Here are the shades that I bought. I wanted to swatch them so you could see what they really look like on the skin.

Chocolate blueberries, Tiger's Eye, Heather mist, Iris, Twinkle, Promiscuous, Immortal, Froufrou, Romance, Chocolate Grapes, Chocolate Oranges, Khaki.

(It's hard to see the Tiger's eye shade, because it is the exact same color as my skin, only shimmery.)

Pure Luxe Cosmetics is the website you can get them from. (Click the link.) They also have larger sizes with sifters if you are wanting that. Have fun shopping!

Laura Geller Escape to the Tropics

Since I have been insanely busy, I haven't been able to post on my 30 days of Shades in a couple of days. It's a good thing I didn't say 30 CONSECUTIVE days of shades! :)

I made this video a couple of days ago. I figured that I would post it and show you guys some of the new products that I am trying out!

Here are swatches of the pigments and eyeshadows from the video:

M.A.C. Reflects blackened red (over a dark base), M.A.C. Push the Edge, M.A.C. Vintage Gold.

The last four are from the Baked Eye Dreams/Sunset Horizon from Laura Geller.

Maybe I will get back on track with my posts soon. I have more videos planned, cause I have more stuff to show you guys! :)

Hope everybody has had a good week!

30 Days of Shades: Day 13 Plum Smokey

I was so excited to do my makeup today because I finally got to try some Mally Beauty products! My friends Mandy and Becca came over yesterday to play in the makeup with me. (I totally demand a redo though! I wanted to take pics of their eyeshadows once I was finished with them, and forgot!! So, we have to do it again!) I had so much fun...and Becca brought some Mally products over to give to me! She gave me a mascara, a "Bullet-proof" eyeliner, and an eyeshadow duo.

I am still in my Smokey Mode, so I decided that a plum smokey look was what I was going to go for today.

I also used a different foundation--Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + in Porcelain (I think. It's the lightest color they make). I usually use my bare Minerals foundation powder, but I wanted more coverage since I was trying out the new eyeshadow look. I wanted it all to be perfect!

I actually layered these plum shades from Mally over my M.A.C. Constructivist paint pot. I wanted it to be a deeper color, so I wanted to use that as a base.
Here are the products from Mally..aren't they gorgeous?! I can say, I absolutely LOVE this stuff! Especially the mascara so far! :) I have to wear the eyeshadow and eyeliner and everything all day to see how I really feel about it. So far, my initial reaction is that I am a BIG fan of this stuff! I just want to wear it all day long to see if it really is "Bullet-Proof" and see if it wears all day long without smudging, or running, etc.

You can definitly see the intensity of the colors after applying over a paint pot.

I was also actually surprised that the colors came off more brown than purple

by themselves.

In the tin, they look really purple and scary, but when you apply them, they

are very wearable.

You sure you want me to keep this Bec?? They are FABULOUS!

Here are the two Mally plum shade swatches. The first two are layered over the contructivist paint pot, and the second two are just the eyeshadows on their own.

(Constructivist/Plum Glow, Constructivist/Lavender Glow, Plum Glow, Lavender Glow)

If you are interested in Mally Beauty, check out the website by clicking here:

QVC

30 Days of Shades: Day 12 Simple Smokey Eyes

Here is the picture that inspired my eyeshadow for today. Now, I did not go near as dark or intense as this because I wasn't going to the MTV Movie Awards---I was taking my kids to Mother's Day Out. So I figured I should probably dial it down a bit. :)

I had to get up around 4 this morning to work, after only a few hours of sleep, but I still made a video! (Learning how to operate my HD camera is on my To Do list, I promise!)

Click below to watch!

30 Days of Shades: Day 11 Gold & Navy

Okay, here is my new lipstick! Isn't it gorgeous?! I love it, love it, love it! :)

And now back to the 30 Days of Shades--Today, I used gold and navy. I decided to go with these colors because my friend, Katy asked me what color would be good for a blue-eyed girl. Well, this is one that she could pull off! :)

Here are the palettes I used: Urban Decay Naked & Bed Head & Jillian Dempsy Twice the Spice pencil.
When I use navy, I usually try to go very subtle with it--just enough to brighten up your eyes!
I used Half-Baked on the first half of my eyelid, and Smog on the outer half of my eyelid. Naked for the crease, and Virgin for the highlight. For the outer V, I used the blue from my Bed Head palette. It is called Navy. (Bed Head doesn't play around with frilly names.) I used my Jillian Dempsey lip pencil from Avon. It is called Twice the Spice. It actually has a shadow stick on one side that is gold, and it would be great for this look too. (Hey, if Patrick Dempsey likes it, then we must try it, right??) I lined my eyes with Urban Decay's Ransom, which is a blue liner. Notice what a difference a groomed brow can make?

And here is an ungroomed brow. :) My sister came over today for me to do her eyeshadow, and I thought the colors looked great, but she needed a brow wax in a bad way. I preach and preach on this, but no one listens. Seriously, WAX YOUR BROWS!

She has awesome eyelashes though, and you will be happy to know that she did go to get her eyebrows done today! Thank You Jesus!!! :) We used the 120 Palette to do her shadow.

Just remember: Wax... or people see this. (LOVE YOU HEATHER!)