So the thing is this… we repeatedly do GNO makeup using various new products sent over for testing to DIVAlicious HQ… but then we start chatting… and then we start sipping wine… and then we end up with Girls’ Night Out makeup on what becomes a Girls’ Night In. And this is kind of a “waste” in a way (especially if you’re a makeup lover – or conversely – never have an opportunity to get all dolled up) because the makeup doesn’t really get a big debut. But we’re also kind of (read: most definitely) at the point in life where we just don’t care. A nice bottle and a killer makeup application and then the couch for catch-up is A-OK.
But on this particular evening, Cinco de Mayo 2015, I was having a mashup of friends over and it randomly turned out, which none of us would have known when making the plans, I got engaged the night prior.
So it was more celebratory than usual (to say the least!) and not only did we have Senor Lechuga’s custom Mexican cocktails and renowned guac, we also had an audience for the makeup. Which made staying in less… “wasteful” – and also resulted in compliments on the cosmetics which we’re never mad at.
Here’s where Brenda & I started…
Even though we are both believers of beauty + brains, the Gel Sculpt from Illamasqua, $35, is basically contouring for dummies. You just glide it on wherever you want to carve (and with this shade Silhouette, also warm) the face. It’s sheer (although buildable) and feels super super light and looks super super natural. Which is what I think many women want from contouring but are not getting with many of the heavier products and techniques out there. It took me basically two seconds to apply then blend it.
In keeping with the effortless, I-woke-up-like-this spirit, I patted on one of my FAVORITE products, the Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint, $35, over Brenda’s lips and cheeks, using a flat concealer brush for lips and a damp sponge for cheeks. This 100% natural product is so stunning. It gives just enough flush and also plumps skin, making it look young & healthy — which who doesn’t want?!?
Next up…
Now this is the OUT part of Girls Night Out. Smoky eyes and LASHES. FOR. DAYS.
This Smokey Eyes Palette from Hard Candy is EIGHT DOLLARS. $8!!! And comes with an eyeshadow primer and a pencil liner. Amaze. The shades are super versatile and pigmented and the product (surprising for the price) lasted for hours. I gave Brenda a metallic, sexy smoky eye using several of the shades and used the lightest shade as a highlighter on her cheekbones and cupid’s bow. Even more bang for the buck.
And can we talk lashes?? Esqido sent us the ESQIDO false eyelashes in Unforgettable set, $36. These mink lashes are reusable (up to 25 wears if you carefully clean and care for them) and have more length and fullness at the outer corner. This allows for the glamorous and flirtatious drama of a false lash, but with a natural and far from over-the-top gradient. It’s a delicate balance many sets don’t offer. And one I knew Brenda would FULLY appreciate.
So yeah, we never left my apartment, even with all this HOTNESS. But we did have guests partake in the process and the photoshoot. And now we have these smokeshow shots which I personally think Brenda should plaster all over. Get. It. Girl.
xoLC
NOTE: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. Samples were provided for review and/or my use as a professional makeup artist. All photos are property of DIVAlicious.
Lauren Cosenza is the creator and editor-in-chief of DIVAlicious, a trusted beauty/fashion expert, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a leading NYC-based professional makeup artist, a published contributor and writer, a brand consultant, a product junkie and an insatiable style seeker — with a former life at Cosmopolitan and Shape magazines.
Serving up style with a side of attitude, her site DIVAlicious gives women (and men) the confidence and permission to be fabulous. The site is filled with must-have products, pro tips and tricks, how-to DIY tutorials, makeovers, style inspiration and insider access. Topics range from beauty, fashion, culture, career, fitness, wellbeing, men’s and unisex offerings.