Quick Gifts in a Jar

Hello, lovelies! ‘Tis the season to be generous and giving… But, you’re broke and losing time. Scratch the idea of buying that expensive gift for each of your family members and make a homemade gift that is inexpensive and work for lots of different people on your list. Here are four quick gifts in a jar that will show you care without taking more than a few minutes to prepare.

Bloody Mary in a Jar

Ingredients:

5.5 oz. V8 Juice Can

50 mL mini vodka bottle

59 mL mini Tabasco bottle

1.5” x 2” zip-style bag

3 Tbsp. celery salt

1 Tbsp. Paprika

2 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. ground mustard

Decoration:

A large jar

Gift tags

Cardstock

Raffia

Twine

Striped straw

Scissors

Stapler

Markers

What to do:

First things first, mix all the spices together in a bowl. Once they are well-combined, put a few tablespoons in a zip-style bag. Label with some cardstock and staple to the bag. Now it’s time to fill your jar. Place some raffia or another type of gift filler in the bottom of your jar. Then put the V8 can, vodka, Tabasco sauce and spice bag in the jar. There is also a red and white striped straw to be a little more festive. Put the lid on the jar, and add some twine and a personalized gift tag to complete the gift.

Hot Chocolate in a Jar

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cup non-fat dry milk powder

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ cup powdered sugar

Mini chocolate chips

Crushed candy canes

Mini Marshmallows

Decoration:

Wide-mouth quart canning jar

Gift tags

Red twine

Scissors

Markers

What to do:

Put the ingredients in the jar in the order listed above, ensuring the layers are as level as possible before adding in the proceeding ingredient. Once all the ingredients have been added, screw the lid on tight and decorate with some red twine and a personalized gift tag.

 Add directions on the gift tag for the person receiving the gift: Mix ingredients before preparing their cup of homemade hot chocolate. For a single serving, add 8 oz. boiled water to ½ cup hot chocolate mix in a mug. Stir until completely dissolved.

Double Fudge Brownies in a Jar

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup chopped pecans

½ cup chocolate chips

Decoration:

Wide-moth quart canning

Gift tags

Red and green twine

Scissors

Markers

Spatula

What to do:

Layer the ingredients in the order given into the jar in the order given above. Pack each layer in place before adding the next ingredient. Put a lid on the jar and decorate with a personalized gift tag and twine. Add a festive spatula for extra decoration. 

Add direction on the gift tag for the person receiving the gift: You will need 1 jar Double Fudge Brownie Mix, 1 cup butter, softened and 4 eggs. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, cream butter in large bowl, add eggs to butter and beat together. Add jar’s contents and mix until smooth. Spread mixture into a greased 9 x 12 inch baking pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes.

Lazy Jar

Ingredients:

42 oz. bag Holiday Milk Chocolate M&M’s

Paper towel roll

Money (bill of your choice)

Decoration:

Large jar

Gift tags

Twine

Scissors

Markers

What to do:

Dump the whole bag of M&M’s in the jar (or as much that will fit). Cut paper towel roll down to fit in the center of the jar amongst the M&M’s (this one is about seven inches). Fold money and place in the paper towel roll. Screw on the lid and decorate with twine and gift tag.

I hope you enjoy these ideas and have a wonderful Christmas!

xx Amanda

Amanda-Approved Banana Oat Pancakes

Hello, lovelies! It has been way too long. Has anyone told you college is stressful and you never have a second to put your feet up? If not, get ready for a rude awakening. I have gotten great opportunities writing for my university's newspaper, but I haven't had the same chance to do that for my beloved FabFX. Bad mother-blogger.

But Sundays are something special. Nothing happens on Sunday... well maybe studying, but that doesn't count as an obligation. Just kidding, Mom!

As the clock has already hit noon, I just wanted to do something to spoil myself before I have to carry myself to another 8 am full of bright lights and monotoned professors. 

So that is just what I did! I made myself my favorite banana oat pancakes, and added a few cheeky little chocolate chips because why the heck not?!

As a matter of fact, you also deserve to be spoiled. So why not try these bad boys out for yourself.

Follow this quick and simple recipe to get yourself a stack of studly pancakes! Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 large eggs
1 large ripe banana (the browner, the better)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 dash sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 tsp. coconut oil

Optional Ingredients:
1/2 cup chocolate chips
2 cups fresh fruit
1/4 cup maple syrup

Instructions: 
Put almond milk, eggs, banana, vanilla extract, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and oats in a blender. 
COVER--this part is crucial. Blend until smooth.

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form around the edges of the pancake. Flip with a spatula and cook for an additional minute or two.

Continue doing this with the remaining batter. 

Serve with chocolate, berries and/or syrup -- whatever makes your heart happy.

This recipe yields 7-8 pancakes, and no one will judge you if you eat them all by yourself.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and make the most out of a relaxing Sunday!

xx Amanda

June Favorites

Hello, lovelies! I know I am still struggling to get a post up every week as I hoped, but I just feel like my posts are not as exciting as they used to be. Can you please share ideas on what you all want to read about? Please and thank you. Okay, let's get started. Here are my June Faves!

Tanning Products
St. Tropez In-Shower Gradual Tan  
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Firming Moisturizer
This is my holy grail fake tan routine. If you are not familiar with these products, they are incredible for the novice tanners and the pros. As they are both gradual tanning products, you can always be assured you will have an even looking tan while still getting some product pay off -- you'll actually look tan! This routine is fairly quick, but still requires a bit of attention. I just like to think of these products as my little miracle worker duo! I usually notice within an hour that the glow starts to increase.

Zoella Beauty Sweet Inspirations
Le Fizz Fragranced Bath Fizzer
Double Créme Body Cream
As if I didn't already love Zoella enough?! Now she has another range of beauty products. Her Swett Inspirations collection is by far my favorite. Don't get me wrong, I love her other ranges as well, but I have always loved sweet smelling products, and this new range just screams French patisserie with strong hints of honey, almond, and pure sweets. Along with the scent, the packaging is just absolutely gorgeous, and I'm not ashamed to say I may just keep it to admire it later on.

Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes
If I'm honest, this is the first product I have ever used containing micellar water. It became a craze awhile back, but I never really understood its powers. Simple has a great reputation for creating products without harsh dyes and fragrances. It was just sort of a happy accident running across this product, as I was out of makeup remover and I was about to leave for vacation so I was desperate for anything. I am now excited to take off my makeup, knowing that I can use this incredible product. It doesn't only wipe off my makeup and other dirt and oils that landed on my face throughout the day, but it always hydrates and moisturizes my face at the same time, which is something my previous wipes did not do.

CalNaturale Svelte Cappuccino Organic Protein Shake
This is especially great for the coffee drinkers out there. These shakes are packed with protein and fiber for a healthy start to the morning, while combining a heavy coffee flavoring within to make your taste buds dance -- it's corny but true! These are also dairy- and gluten-free, which makes my stomach not feel like it's being stabbed a thousand times a minute. I think it is a great alternative to an expensive cup of sugar from Starbucks, but I'm still curbing my coffee cravings.

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
Believe it or not, I used to hate reading when I was younger. I dreaded reading assignments and comprehensive plot quizzes and character analyses. But as I started college, I had to control my anxiety, and reading helps me temporarily escape reality. I started this book at the beginning of the month, thinking it would take me the whole of June to finish it, but I finished it in a little over a week -- that's how good it was! I seriously became so invested in this story that I could not drop the book, and when I wasn't reading it, I was constantly plotting out possible outcomes in my head in anticipation of what would happen next. It was a thriller, and if you love mysteries and fast-paced plots, this book is for you!

Well, those are my June favorites! I hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you loved last month!

xx Amanda

A Match NOT Made in Heaven: Gluten vs. Beauty

"Is that gluten free?" -Most of the world, including myself.

I just want to point out that I have gained 30 pounds since starting college. They weren't joking when they warned us about the Freshman 15. Unfortunately, my stubborn freshman-self decided a heap of noodles, bread, and cheese pizza was the best way to conquer my constant hunger. 

I apparently lost all of my knowledge about my Paleo lifestyle and stopped caring for my general health, resulting in feeling poorly nearly every night, horrible skin problems, and still feeling hungry later on in the evening.

So I smacked myself (metaphorically) in the face and told myself I needed to straighten up! You better believe I ate salads for a good three days... and then I got bored. How predictable?!

It took awhile, but I eventually went back to gluten free and almost dairy free--Sue me for loving chocolate!

I felt less like the walking dead at the sound of my 7 am alarm, took fewer naps during the week, and felt more excited to get out of the apartment; however, I noticed my skin did not quite clear up the way I expected.

Most people think about gluten when they sit down for a meal, but they wouldn't typically think about it when looking through their makeup bag.

Just a little background info: If a patient is diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an immune reaction to eating gluten, or Dermatitis Herpetiformis, an itchy, bumpy skin condition that occurs when one comes into contact with gluten, doctors typically recommend avoiding cosmetics containing gluten, especially lipsticks, due to the user's high chances of ingestion. 

There is no doubt that diet plays a huge role in acne and skin care, but if you or someone you know is struggling with keeping acne at bay, they may want to consider the cosmetic products they are using in the off chance that they could have an adverse reaction.

Common ingredients containing gluten include wheat germ, triticum, aestivum, avena sativa, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and hydrolyzed wheat protein.

Organic brands such as Juice Beauty, Dr. Hauschka, and Josie Maran claim all of their beauty products are gluten free. Cosmetic lines including Cover Girl, E.L.F, and IT Cosmetics have stated they do not use gluten in their products, with the exception of their mascaras and eyeliners.

Becoming aware of these beauty blunders and gluten goof-ups has really helped my skin heal and become much clearer. If only I could learn to eat dairy free chocolate.

Below, I have listed some great options for gluten free cosmetic products for those who are concerned about their skin conditions or just want to try something a little safer.

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($11): This is a very mild cleanser. Being on the lower end of the price scale, it still lives up to my expectations of being gentle on my sensitive skin, and it does not strip my skin of its natural oils, which is extremely important to someone with dry skin.

2. Juice Beauty Green Apple Brightening Eye Cream ($38): A lot of people around my age think it is very odd that I am already using eye creams and serums, but believe it or not, your skin will look great when you are older if you start taking care of it ASAP! I have very dark circles under my eyes. I also love to laugh, but crows feet is a nasty side effect. Therefore, I use a serum twice a day (AM and PM) to help soften the prominent darkness and to erase lines and general puffiness. 

3. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush ($38): A refreshing spin on blush with the radiant powers of a highlighter and the setting powers of a setting powder. There are several hues to pick from to fit your look. My favorite is Luminous Flush, a mauve-y pink, but there are so much more to pick from. I think it adds a pop of color and a refreshing dimensional look to my contour.

4. BareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 ($29): A very natural looking and feeling loose mineral foundation for days when you want to even out your blotchy skin but it is totally inappropriate to wear a full coverage foundation. I am normally not the biggest fan of loose powders or any powder for that matter as a foundation because my skin tends to get dry from the powder soaking up my face's natural oils, but I have not noticed that problem at all with this one. In case if you are wondering, I wear the shade Fair because pale is the new tan (I think).

5. Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Palette ($45): This eyeshadow palette contains 12 matte shades to create the perfect neutral look or the fiercest of smokey eyes. This is a more expensive palette, but the array of colors allows for a multitude of looks for every occasion while ensuring a sexy, but safe look. My favorite combination is Super Mom in the inner corner and as a highlight under my brow, Natural Beauty over the entire mobile eyelid, and Best Friend in the outer v and along the bottom lash line. A girly smokey eye that is so quick and is always flawless.

6. Dr. Hauschka Kajal Eyeliner ($19): As most of you know, I am not really an eyeliner user, but a friend recommended this to me, and it is a quick fix to some sleepy-looking eyes. It is a very waxy consistency, which some may not enjoy, but I thought it made it very easy to apply. I use the color Espresso Bean because I think brown liner suits brown eyes best, but there are also options of black, blue, green, and gray.

7. Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Oil ($18): I will never complain about something that will hydrate my Sahara Desert lips. This is a great alternative to sticky lip glosses or dull blushers. This 100% argan oil is nourishing due to its full packed smack in the mouth with natural oils and butters from sunflowers. My favorite tints for my lips are Boundless Berry and Always Cherry, and I love Limitless Pink for my cheeks. 

Valentine's Day Make Up Tutorial

Hello, lovelies! Another year and another Valentine's Day! Some of you may be excited because you have plans with your significant other or with friends, or you may think this is the lamest day of the year. Regardless, you can always look fab! If you're interested in a versatile makeup look, keep reading! Enjoy!

FACE

As usual, I began by priming my face with my Benefit POREfessional Primer. 

I'm sure you'll notice that not much has changed with my foundation routine. I'm still using Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Gobi, and I applied that with a Sigma 3DHD Kabuki Brush. 

To cover up my dark circles, I use the Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift in Shade 1. This is a great color corrector to brighten under the eyes and prep the eyes for eye shadow. I apply this to my face using the doe foot applicator and then blend using a combination of a Sigma 3DHD Precision Brush.

As for the rest of my blemishes, I use Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer in Light.I put this around my nose where I tend to have some redness, and down the bridge of my nose, forehead, and chin for a highlight and blend with my RC Cosmetics Concealer Brush.

To set the base, I use Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent. I focus this under my eyes and around my nose but dust a light layer around the rest of my face using a Real Techniques Bold Metals 300 Tapered Blush Brush.

BROWS

My brow routine is and probably always will be the same because it's fool-proof! Starting off with my Too Faced Brow Envy Kit, I apply the wax to make my brow hairs lay where I want them. Then, using a Zoeva 322 Brow Line Brush, I lightly fill in the sparse areas of my brow. I follow this powder shading with my Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep. 

EYES

This is probably the most exciting part of the look for me. Using mostly the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette and brushes from the Zoeva Rose Golden Complete Eye Set, this is a very sultry, smokey eye that also has a girly, glittery twist. It is neutral as well and will work with multiple lip colors, which I'll show you later.

To begin, I take Tease (a matte brown shade) on a Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush and blend in the outer two-thirds of the crease. This will be our transition color so blending will be made easier. 

Next, take Busted (a shimmery dark brown) on a Zoeva 228 Luxe Crease Brush and place in the outer third of the crease and in the outer V. This will create a deeper more smokey look. Apply small amounts at a time: it's a lot easier to add dark colors than take away. 

I then took a clean Zoeva 224 Luxe Defined Brush to blend just the edges around Busted to create a softer finish. I did that pattern a couple more times until I was happy with the depth and darkness of my crease.

I then patted a few thick layers of YDK (a metallic goldy-bronze shade ) on a damp RC Cosmetics Flat Shader Brush. I dampened the brush with my Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray to make the eyeshadow really stick to my eyes and show up as shimmery as possible. I applied this over the entire lid, doing my best to avoid the crease.

I then took a deep purple shade from an old e.l.f. palette I had laying around with the same brush I used to apply Busted and applied that in the crease. It was sort of a last minute thing to add a little bit of a plummy color, but it made the look a bit more feminine and Valentines-y! This look will look good even if you don't add a purple or other shade, I just wanted to add something subtle. 

To smoke out the bottom, I mixed the deep purple and Busted on a Zoeva 230 Luxe Pencil Brush and swiped that along the outer two-thirds of my lower lash line.

For the last bit of shadow, I used Bootycall (a matte pale shade) to highlight my inner corner and my brow bone.

To finish the eyes, I tight lined using Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner in Brownish Black because I think this is easier than using liquid eyeliner (which most would disagree). Feel free to do a cat eye, I just think this looks best on me. Then I brushed on a few layers of Benefit BADgal Lash on both my top and bottom lashes.

CHEEKS

Coming back to the face, I applied Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil in Light Medium with a Real Techniques Bold Metals 301 Flat Contour Brush to define my chubby cheeks and to add some color to my forehead and temples.

To add a little more pink to this Valentine's Day look, I used my NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Glow, and I applied this with a Real Techniques Multitask Brush. 

For a little glow, I used my handy Physicians Formula Powder Highlight in Translucent Pearl. I used the Real Techniques Bold Metals 300 Tapered Blush Brush to apply this on the tops of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, and my cupids bow.

LIPS

This is the part where you can make this look a little more personalized. I tried to make this look girly and cute, but here's your chance to create a soft nude lip or a bold matte red lip... It's all up to you.

Just for reference, I tried 4 different lip colors so you could see what they look like with this brown and metallic eye.

Don't worry too much, though. 

If you have a special someone this Valentine's Day, it'll come off sooner or later!

Tanya Burr Cosmetics Lip Gloss - Macaroon

Revlon Colorburst Laquer Balm - 115 Whimsical

Revlon Colorburst Laquer Balm - Provacateur

Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick - 107

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you want to see an alternative tutorial, click here! Let me know what your plans are for Valentine's Day in the comments!

♡♡♡

xx Amanda

FabFX Facebook

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

January Favorites

Hello, lovelies! We survived our first month of 2016! The speed of time never ceases to amaze me. I have discovered some really great things: some are Christmas gifts and some are personal finds. It's a bit of a random bunch, but they are all worth sharing. Enjoy!

Pantene Beautiful Lengths Shampoo + Conditioner
It strengthens my hair and makes it feel so much healthier, and I've noticed my natural frizz has died down. It also smells like green apples, which is nice. I also didn't mind buying this before I finished my other shampoo and conditioner because Beautiful Lengths is also a program that helps women battling cancer. You can help by donating eight inches of hair or eight dollars, and since I don't have eight inches to donate, I bought the set to contribute. It can be your good deed for the day!

Zoella Beauty Scrubbing Me Softly Soothing Body Scrub
Where has this been all my life?! My skin is the death of me in the winter: dry, dull, lifeless, but this has helped me revive my poor neglected skin. I have put this on after a bath and rinse it off, or I just put it on during a shower (only once a week, though). First of all, it smells so good, and second, my skin is soft and basically glows after applying it. It is especially nice to apply to on days you know will be shaving your legs or applying fake tan. 

Zoella Beauty Foam Sweet Foam Shower Gel
Obviously, I cannot just have one Zoella Beauty product in my favorites. I got several products for Christmas, so I have to share my love for them. This smells the same as the body scrub, but I can get away with using it more often... Well, I guess it is expected that someone my age showers more than once a week... So it's probably good I'm using this. Continuing on... I love this fresh smelling gel, which is also really soothing and calming to wake up to for a morning shower or even one before bed.

Estēe Lauder Double Light Wear Foundation
This has been a great everyday foundation for this month. I have been trying to wear makeup, but I hate wearing a full face for 8:00 am classes. This foundation, which I wear in the shade Intensity 1.0, is very sheer, but it's great for when I just need some evening out in regards to the discoloration on my face. It actually feels more like a skincare product than a foundation because it is so light. If I am in need of a bit more coverage, I mix this with my Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Gobi, but this really has been a savior when I have twenty minutes to get ready. If you want to see this look, click here.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
I cannot tell you how impressed I was when I put a layer of this mascara on my lashes! I mean, I'm obviously going to try (hence this post), but I was especially speechless with this product. First of all, I love how buildable it is. I am very picky with this characteristic in mascara because I change my moods with how dramatic I want my lashes, so the fewer products that can achieve the most looks makes me happy. I can put one layer on and get separated, slightly lengthened lashes. If I add one or two more layers, my lashes extend further than I thought possible. It also has a nice fanning effect which is nice to keep lashes from clumping.

Benefit BADgal Mascara
I've actually been liking two mascaras this month. When I wasn't in as much need to lengthen my lashes, I would go for this volumizing mascara instead. This brush is... 'Big' is an understatement... It's HENCH. It is a big boy. But hey, whatever gets the job done. I have had days where I wear it and people think I am wearing falsies, which I never do, but I was flattered that they thought I put that much work into my makeup. Laziness strikes again!

Nike Barefoot Ride 5.0 Running Shoes
I actually have kept my promise to myself to go to the gym at least twice a week. I really could go three times, but I am REALLY good at making excuses. Oh well, you gotta start somewhere, right? Beyoncé wasn't built in a day! Anyway... These shoes are super comfy and perfect for the gym. I also will say that I am a fan of having black shoes instead of my old yellow ones because they match more of my outfit choices. 

Flax Chia Seed Mix
While I continue to (attempt to) be a health nut, I have been making more green smoothies. I've especially been liking strawberry, mango, pineapple ones. They really make me want to move to somewhere without snow. And trust me, it is hard to drink smoothies when it is -10 degrees outside. I have, however, added a new special ingredient that makes them a little more worth the goosebumps. This flax and chia seed mix has a greater amount of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other amazing benefits, which makes me feel great after a workout or just a long day of being a college student. 

Pillowtalk - Zayn
Okay, I know this is sort of cheating considering this song has only been out for three days, but I've already listened to it over 100 times on iTunes... so it's safe to say that it is a favorite. I was very upset, along with everyone else, when I heard that One Direction lost their best member (everyone is entitled to their own opinion), but FINALLY, Zayn has released his first single, and I was screaming. I immediately downloaded it and hit the repeat button. And I'm definitely not listening to it as I write this post... Nope... If you haven't heard it, go!

I mean, this post is basically over anyway.

Those are the things I have especially been loving during January. What are some things you've been loving this month? Let me know in the comments! Have a great February!

xx Amanda

FabFX Facebook Page 

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Luminous Skin & Metallic Eyes

Hello, lovelies! We're drawing close to the last week of January 2016. This month alone has gone so quickly... What will the rest of the year be like? Since I am still adjusting to the "New Year, new you" phase, I decided I would create for myself a dewy and luminous makeup look to show off a fresh face along with this fresh start. This look features lots of highlighting, a sparkly neutral eye, and shiny nude lips.

If you want to see more of this look, keep on reading! Enjoy!

Face

As always, prime your clean and moisturized face with the Benefit The POREfessional primer. To get the ultimate luminous, but still medium coverage, I used Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in cheekbones and mixed it with Estēe Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation in Intensity 1.0. To dial down my under eye circles and discoloration, I used the Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift. For any other blemishes I have, I used my trusty CoverGirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous Concealer in Light.

Eyes

For eyebrows, I did the same old Too Faced Brow Envy Palette Brunette Powder and then followed that with Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep.

For eye makeup, I did something really different for what I normally do for my eye makeup. I started with putting Naked and Buck from the Urban Decay Nake Palette as transition colors in my crease, using windshield wiper and circular motions to blend. 

Here's the exciting part: In my Advent calendar from 2015, I got a couple of Tanya Burr Cosmetics Eye Shimmer Pots. I decided to give one of them a try. I used The Eye Shimmer Pot in Creme Brulee, which is a shimmery coppery-gold. It looks so beautiful in the pot and on the eyes. I think it would suit any eye color. Just a little tip, since these eyeshadows are not pressed powder, I would use water or some sort of setting spray to help the powder stick to your eyelid. 

To finish of the eyes, I curled my lashes and used the Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara for my top lashes and the Benefit They're Real Mascara for my bottom lashes. Feel free to use liquid eyeliner and lashes to dramatize this look, but I tried to keep this more relaxed, and if you know me, I cannot do eyeliner to save my life.

Cheeks

Now that the eye's are done, it's time to bring some color back into my face. Just imagine someone who looks extremely ill and ghostly... That would be my face before these next few steps. To start off, I use my handy-dandy Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil in Light/Medium to define my cheek bones and jawline, and I add some to my forehead and around my temples to add some color. 

For blush, I used Bare Minerals Sun-Kissed Blush, which was a little pinker than I expected for the look, but it still added a healthy glow into the mix, which I liked. 

To highlight, I used a few products, this time, around: On the tops of my cheekbones, I used Physician's Therapy Powder Highlight in Translucent Pearl. On top of that, I applied Benefit Watt's Up and then applied this on my cupid's bow and under my eyebrows. Then I took Benefit Highbeam and painted that on the bridge of my nose. You can interchange the products as you please, but I just liked using those products in those specific place. Everyone has their own preferences. Use what works best for you!

Lips

I am probably the last person that would go for a nude lip, but this isn't stark tan or nude. I used Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Smarty Pants. This gloss has a slight opacity, but it is still natural and glossy, so some of my natural lip color pops through. The tilted doe foot applicator makes applying this gloss mess-free and creates a very lustrous look without taking too much time.

Almost finished...

This is the first time I've ever used a product like this, but I've been hooked ever since my first use. I finally got a setting spray--a monumental step in my makeup career. To finish my dewy and luminous makeup look, I used the Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray which is long lasting. It is oil free and paraben free, which makes me feel good about putting it on my face. I have seriously seen a huge difference in the longevity of my makeup once I started using this. If you feel that your makeup slides off your face after awhile, I would recommend getting this product or something like it.

Well, this look was a little different for me! What did you think? Are there any other looks you would like to see? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda
FabulousFX Facebook
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Bad Beauty Regimen Resolutions 2016

Hello, lovelies! Happy 2016! I hope you are all enjoying what the new year has brought you thus far. As we all know, the new year is a time for reflection. It is a time to reevaluate the regrettable life choices we've made in the past. Bad beauty choices are not an exception. Here are ten skin care and makeup trends that don't need to be repeated in 2016. Enjoy!

Note: If you think these are exceptional strategies in your beauty regimens, continue doing them. This is not a documented law saying that you cannot. These are my own personal opinions.

Skin Care
Hydration. Do not underestimate the power water has for the skin and your general health. I have heard so many people say their New Year's Resolution is to drink more water, but what is "more?" Some people completely forget to drink water throughout the day. They start with coffee or orange juice in the morning and go straight to sodas and alcoholic beverages in the afternoon and evening. Water can help tighten the look of pores, brighten dark circles, and make you look more awake.

Stop the hot showers. Yes, I know, jumping into a hot shower on a cold, winter day may seem like the greatest idea, but it's not. Skin is more fragile than you think. When standing in a hot, steamy shower for a long period of time, it can cause your skin to lose its oil barriers, which causes dry and itchy skin in the long run. Using lukewarm water for a majority of the shower will suffice, but cold water is best to help tighten your skin without drying it, and your hair follicles will also benefit from the decreased temperature.

Don't skip the lotion. Especially if you are one of those people who can't live without a hot shower, keep this in mind. In order to remedy your dry, cracked skin, reaching for a bottle of heavy-duty lotion post-shower is a must. It's easily overlooked, but your skin will thank you once it is relieved its itchy and flaky self.

Over-exfoliating does exist. No one wants dead skin cells, that's a fact. We all are a fan of a good scrub or peel to rid our faces and bodies of dead skin cells to reveal the glowing, soft skin underneath, but there is a line that can be crossed when getting involved with a scrub. Over-exfoliating can cause cracked, chapped skin. Take caution when doing so and keep it to once a week.

Not all sunscreens are made equal. Whether you live in Russia or Australia, sunscreen is important. If you are ever exposed to the sun, carrying an SPF around is detrimental to your skin's health, and no, tanning oil does not count. Even if you "never burn," you should still be wearing, at least, SPF 30 when being directly exposed to sunlight to ensure your skin is protected. More is always better, and reapplying is also necessary to stay protected.

Makeup
Contouring is not required. Daytime makeup is very different than what should be worn to a party or the bar. Clown contouring, for example... I don't even know where to start. For the love of all things natural, please stop with the excessive facial mapping with random mismatched colors and pretending a Beautyblender can save your life. It needs to stop. Subtle enhancements cease to exist anymore. 2016 should be the year that you are happy to look at your bare face in the mirror without hating how you look. Let's declare body-positivity by wearing powder contour (if that's even necessary) to create more natural and subtle enhancements... notice how I didn't say changes. 

It's called foundation for a reason. Don't get me wrong, a good foundation makes the rest of the look come together. You want flawless skin to match your flawless eyebrows, cheeks, and lips, but you don't want the foundation to be the center of attention. Drowning your face in a full coverage foundation to go to work or classes is so unnecessary. This technique may look good in photos and videos, but not for real face-to-face appearances in a business meeting or a classroom. Use a natural foundation, and less of it.

Let's keep baking in the kitchen. 'Baking' your makeup has been around for a long time, but for some reason, is finally making its debut. Dancers, performers, even drag queens use the technique of layering heavy amounts of powder on their face to sit or "bake" on the skin. It gives a very strong, very prominent effect that looks great under large, bright stage lights. For a day-to-day basis... not so much. The problem with baking is that unless you have baby-soft, flawless skin, it will emphasize the fine lines or dry skin you are applying the powder to. Your skin will look worse than how it started.

Give it a rest, ombré lips. Makeup was created to enhance what you have, not to make illusions and confuse people. This look was invented to make lips look bigger and fuller, but it really just looks like you started with one color, put it down for a minute, and came back to it with a different color. Softer looks should come back into trend because you will always have the face you have, so the look is just timeless. But these days it's all about the definition and the creation of illusions. 

Matte brown lips can leave the building. I don't want to name any names, but we all know what I mean. The look is just super unflattering, no matter what skin color, hair color, or eye color you have. It's an incredibly aging look and does nothing to compliment other features. It's a very bland look. What happened to that "red lip classic thing that you like?" (Sorry had to throw some Taylor Swift in there!)

I hope that will help you make a few resolutions for 2016. I am most certianly going to do these things to prevent my skin from aging and becoming dry. Drink more water, take care of your skin, be happy with who you are! Love it all! What are some other New Year's Resolutions you have? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda

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Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore