How I Achieve a Golden Glow

Hey Lovelies! I am bringing you guys my very special golden glow summer routine. YAY! These last few months I have been obsessed with looking like I just came out of a golden pool (LOL) and with trial and error, I have found my perfect products to achieve a golden glow. The only product that isn't shown is the Laura Mercier Bronze Radiance primer, but I will add a picture at the bottom. The arrows in the picture rspresent the order of how I use each product starting with skin care. I take skin care very serious and I love using mask as often as I can ( of course not everyday). Once or twice a week  I will switch my mask up but to acheieve a radiant natural glow I love this REN Radiance Renewal mask! amazing stuff, I tell you go to your local sephora and grab a sample before purchasing so you can be amazed.

After the mask , I apply MAC Cosmetics Strobe cream which is a luminizing moiustirzer that has a pearl finish once applied. I then mix my MAC Lustre drops in golden with my foundation ( Nars Sheer Matte in Cadiz) and apply with my beauty blender. After applying my  NARS Creamy Radiance concealor in Biscuit, I then set with my MSF Natural in Medium-dark and lightly cntour with MACS Blunt, MACS Worldlywealth (Moody Blooms Collection Blush) or my Too Faced Sun bunny. I highlight with MAC MSF in Gold Deposit( obsessed with) and set with either my Cauldalie Beauty Elixir or MACS Fix +( both give dewy, healthy glow finishes)

How I Achieve a Golden glow by raven-erica-alston featuring MAC Cosmetics

Ren mask / Caudalie skin care, $19 / MAC Cosmetics beauty product, $17 / MAC Cosmetics face powder / MAC Cosmetics spray makeup, $39

   

Laura Mercier radiance bronze primer

MAC Worldly wealth

Too Faced Sun bunny bronzer

My Favorite Way to Remove my Make-up

How I remove my make-up by raven-erica-alston featuring botanics skin care

Ole Henriksen botanics skin care / Eye care

So I know we all have those nights where we are so tired we can barely stand up to go wash our make-up off. Now I'm not saying don't cleanse your face after a long, sticky summer day but if you are just so pooped I would rather you grab a wipe and fall into bed. My favorite wipes are the Ole Henriksen wipes( the Orange in my favorite). The wipes not only remove make-up but are very beneficial to the skin, especially the blue pack which have are double-sided providing a ribbed, exfoliating feeling and a smooth feeling on the opposite side which also helps with acne and break outs. The Purple pack is if you have super sensitive skin, they are so gentle yet definitely will get the work done. Lastly, The Orange pack, which is infused with vitamin D and help with evening skin tone and assisting with a healthy glow which I recommend to EVERYBODY! I love Ole Henriksen he's a great guy with amazing products. I also added the Make Up Forever Sensieyes which is a a great eye make-up remover for those stubborn waterproof liners.

My five favorite peels& exfoliates

My five favorite peels& exfoliates by raven-erica-alston featuring paraben free skin care

GlamGlow paraben free skin care / Peter Thomas Roth face mask / Kate Somerville face care / Peter Thomas Roth beauty product, $65 / MAC Cosmetics beauty product, $38


Decided to share with you all a few of my favorite peels and exfoliates. I love exfoliating and all five of these peels/masks/exfoliates aid with brightening dull skin. They also aid with break-outs and removing dead skin which is so important. The Glam Glow is my recent favorite( it just came out) I applied it on one of my friends and the difference one use made on he skin was unbelievable. Will  post before and after pictures soon

My top 5 summer beauty must haves

With a month and a half last of summer, Its never too late to grab summer beauty essentials, All of these products are great for the summer because they either mattify, are waterproof, or aren't too heavy that you feel like a clown.

1. If you aren't into wearing lip glosses or lipsticks in the summer for whatever reason, then these lip balms are for you. It is so many colors that you can have a new look every day of the week. They are moisturizing protecting and smell so good. They are pigmented for them to be lip balms and some even have SPF.

2. Let me tell you all that I LIVE FOR THIS PRODUCT! when I first received it, I thought it was too dark which turned me off but the key to this product is that it lightens as it starts to sit and blends amazing when using certain brushes or a beauty blender. This product is mattifying AND Hydrates the skin, it provides an amazing coverage, has SPF AND is recommended for people with acne (works just as good if you don't have acne). The gel formula works with any skin type and it is reasonably priced.( sold at Sephora)

3. Brows are ALWAYS in and don't let your eyebrows melt off with powders or pencils. I recommend the Anastasia dip brow because it is a pomade( easy to apply) and waterproof.

4.If you like to wear eye make-up in the summer, but worry about it creasing...have no fear, Smashbox 24 hour Eye primer is here to save the day

5. I have been loving Dior mascaras and just about all of them are waterproof which works perfectly in the summer

My top 5 summer beauty must haves by raven-erica-alston featuring anastasia cosmetics

Cover FX paraben free  skin care / Christian Dior volumizing mascara / Anastasia cosmetic, $43 / Fresh moisturizing lipstick / Smashbox makeup primer

Flawless foundation routine

Flawless foundation routine by raven-erica-alston featuring beautyblender

Laura mercier makeup / Nars cosmetic, $52 / MAC Cosmetics face powder / Beautyblender makeup / Nars cosmetic, $31 / M·A·C Fix + 150 m

L

Hey hey!

 So I know it's been awhile but I'm bringing you guys my new favorite foundation review . Lately I have been wearing the Nars Sheer Glow foundation in Cadiz which I love!!!!!! Idk what took me so long to try it out but I'm glad I finally did. It is so light weight but provides a great coverage, the shade matches me perfectly and gives me a nice natural finish. I apply it with a beauty blender or a airbrush pro brush from Sephora( I like the beauty blender better). I spray the BB with MACs. Fix+ spray which provides my foundation with a dewy healthy look. Of course I still use the nars radiance concealer in biscuit( old time fav.) and I still use the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in medium dark. If you have normal skin , I definitely recommend you try this foundation( if you're looking for a medium coverage foundation). 

I used MACs stereo rose as a highlight and MACs sensual sparks lipstick/cork lip liner and Marc Jacobs sweet escape gloss.

2014 Skincare Routine!

U2d Skincare by raven-erica-alston featuring a face mask

Kate Somerville face care / Boscia face mask / Bo

scia body cleanser / Boscia beauty produ

ct

Hey Dolls! Happy belated New Year!!!!! One of my resolutions this year was to develop a Skincare routine and stick to it and so far, so good. As I get older, my skin gets better so I completely want to keep it like this. The better the skin, "the better the makeup" is the saying and it's 100% true.

In the morning, I use the Boscia Tsubaki Gel-Cleanser which is a gel-oil like cleaner that leaves skin very hydrated .

Next, I use the Tsubaki Beauty Oil and apply a little to my palms  and pat gently in my face.

One moisturizer,I then apply my foundation primer 

and make-up.

At night, I remove all my make up with the

Ole Henrikson truth to go wipes which smells like oranges  are amazing and brightens dull skin.,

Then, I use the Boscia Tsubaki Cleanser and Beauty

soil. 

Twice a week I use the Boscia Tsubaki Hydrating 

Mask  which is a nighttime/overnight mask thst hydrates the skin .

Twice a week ,I also exfoliate with 

Kate Somerville "Exfolikate" which is 

AMAZING. You leave it on your skin for two minutes then exfoliate, leaving you skin super smooth.

My favorite bronzers

My favorite bronzers by raven-erica-alston featuring MAC Cosmetics

Too faced cosmetic / MAC Cosmetics cheek bronzer

/ Nars cosmetic, $42 

My favorite bronzers of 2013. 

1.Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzer

2.Rihanna for MAC Love,Rihanna bronzer

3.Nars Casino

4. MAC Blunt Blush

Top Holiday Palettes

Top Holiday Palettes by raven-erica-alston featuring a palette eyeshadow

Urban Decay beauty product / Tarte beauty product / Too Faced Cosmetics beauty product / BHCosmetics palette eyeshadow / Naked3 / My favorite things - Kit de maquillage de Too Faced sur 

The holiday season is here and if you have been looking

 for the perfect eyeshadow but don't know where 

to start, let this be your guide. I have played with all of these palettes and they're all great so out of six(89 if you include the other naked palettes should be on your wish list.

Winter Must haves

Winter Must haves by raven-erica-alston featuring Merona

Theory long sleeve shirt / Merona sweater / Shirt top / H&M plus size top, $40 / Hue legging / Mango black pants, $32 / Miu Miu black boots / UGG Australia ankle booties / yeswalker lace-up boots / Black boots, $56 / Military boots / Helen Kaminski hat / Reason black hat / Infinity scarf / Infinity scarf

Skin Care routine/fav products

Skin Care routine/fav products by raven-erica-alston featuring a paraben free face wash

Boscia paraben free face wash / Sephora Collection face care / Boscia bath body product / Ole Henriksen beauty product, $75 / Boscia beauty product / Clarisonic Mia 2 Pink, $200 / Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge

Fall Must Haves- Accessories

Fall Must Haves- Accessories by raven-erica-alston featuring a black belt

Black boots / Dirty Laundry slip on shoes / McQ by Alexander McQueen leather handbag / Madewell tote bag / DANNIJO long necklace / Michael Kors bracelet / Marc by Marc Jacobs stud earrings / Balmain black belt, $1,030 / Lucky Brand circle scarf / Black hat / even&odd snood scarve, $19 / Monki black hat, $11



Aside from the outfit itself, Fall is about accessorizing and layering. Beanies with vulgar or funny are in style adding the spice and spunk to an outfit unless your like me, who likes to stick with basic, solid cashmere beanies from Banana Republic.

Boots of all types are always fall staples as well as cute scarves that add a flare while keeping us warm

Fall Must Haves- Tops

Fall Must Haves- Tops by raven-erica-alston featuring a cotton cardigan

Cynthia Rowley t shirt / NIC+ZOE cotton cardigan / Knit cardigan / Madewell blue long sleeve shirt / Topshop white tunic / Pink sweater

We all have our favorite sweater right? I know I have a few. I am definitely a cardigan collector, especially J.crew cardigans( they always have appropriate colors for the seasons, and are made perfectly.)

Sweaters with patches, unique stitching , and unique/abstract prints are must haves just because they are. Who doesn't love to be cozy while looking cute?

Denim shirts are still relevant, they are comfy while adding a nice laid back touch to an outfit whether its leather pants or a pair of chinos.

Fall Must Haves- Bottoms

Fall Must Haves- Bottoms by raven-erica-alston featuring ripped jeans

Chalayan black leather mini skirt / Alice + Olivia floral skirt / Rag & Bone ripped jeans / J.Crew stretchy pants / River Island black trousers, $55 / H&M skinny fit jeans, $31



Bottoms usually don't change throughout the seasons, or the years.  Boyfriend jeans and skinny jeans will probably never go out of style nor will a classic pair of chinos.

Leather bottoms on the other hand can be timeless if your a Kardashian ( LOL) but in the meantime they are still hot pieces that spice up your outfit whether you want to dress them up or down.

Circle skirts that are black or have falls colors are definitely in style this season adding the pop to your outfit  making it fun and flirty. Just pair with a solid shirt, and some black tights and your are ready to for night time events.

Fall Must Haves- Outerwear

Fall Must Haves- Outerwear by raven-erica-alston featuring a jean jacket

Velvet light weight jacket / Long blazer, $185 / Aéropostale quilted jacket / H&M jean jacket, $39




These four outerwear pieces are definitely must haves for the fall season. Whether your style is preppy to casual to grunge at least one( if not all) these jackets should be in your wardrobe.

Leather  Jackets are classic and timeless pieces as well as denim jackets. They can make that dress you feel overdressed in either super casual or super chic and edgy. Denim jackets, especially with dark to medium washes are my favorite and leather jackets that give a rocker/ biker chic kind of feel.

Utility jackets are definitely in style at the moment. They are super cute and add the edgy  yet laid back look to any outfit. Pair with some skinny jeans, a cream shirt/sweater and some brown combat boots and your definitely fall ready.

Lastly, a blazer is another timeless piece that dresses up you outfit, giving more of a classy or professional feel. Throw on a blazer with some boyfriend jeans and a cute t-shirt and your wedge sneakers you have dressed up your once casual outfit or if you have that dress that's just a little to provocative  put a blazer on to give it that class effect.

My B2S beauty list

My B2S beauty list by raven-erica-alston featuring a pencil eye liner

Urban Decay pencil eye liner / MAKE UP FOR EVER liquid foundation / Yves Saint Laurent makeup / NARS Cosmetics / Kat Von D liquid eye liner / 

Hello Loves!

 Sorry I've been MIA, my laptop is broken but is currently getting fixed so when I do blog it's from my handy dandy iPhone.Don't worry, I'm back and will not leave you guys again. Soon, I plan on making YouTube videos to make this blog even more entertaining and useful for you guys. Thanks for continuous support *kissy face emoji*

So in about two weeks, school will be starting back up for most people including myself. I'm going into my junior year of college( yay!) so it's crunch time now. I made a list of some great products to go back to school with so let's get started.

First, I was got a sample of the Makeup Forever HD Foundation and let me say how amazing it is. Second, I added the urban decay 24/7 liners because colored eyeliners are a great way to spice up your look without using eyeshadow, it's quick and easy if your running lathe for class or work and they're do FUN. If your not with the whole $19 price Sephora and NYX both have affordable, good quality liners. 

Next, the beauty blender is a semi new product on the scene that people rave about, we sell them at Sephora and the makeup artist use them and when I tell you FLAWLESS finish...omg amazing. Recently, Urban Decay released their new lippies the Lip Revolution( review coming soon) with amazing colors, a Moisturizing yet pigmented finish these are amazing from going from class, to the library, to some events happening on campus with minimum reapplying. The YSL luminzing concealer/ highlighter is amazing to brighten those under eyes and Casino/Laguna bronzer to add so color and definition as we lose our summer tans.

Lastly, Honey by Marc Jacobs is a fruity and fresh scent that is perfect to wear around campus.

All items sold in Sephora

Drugstore Mascaras You Must Try

Drugstore Mascaras You Must Try by raven-erica-alston featuring maybelline

Maybelline , $26 / Maybelline , $23 / Voluminous mascara / Rimmel mascara, $11

Mascaras You Must Try

Mascaras You Must Try by raven-erica-alston featuring make up for ever

MAKE UP FOR EVER / Too Faced Cosmetics evening eye makeup / Benefit eye makeup / MAC Cosmetics waterproof mascara

Summer date Outfit #5: concert

Summer date Outfit #6: concert by raven-erica-alston featuring an elastic waist skirt

Bustier top, $61 / Miu Miu full skirt / Bardot elastic waist skirt, $24 / Christian Louboutin peep toe shoes / White House Black Market patent leather shoes

Summer Date Outfit #4: harbor/museum date

Summer Date Outfit #4: harbor/museum date by raven-erica-alston featuring a tie front shirt

Equipment tie front shirt / Only Hearts cami shirt / Racer back tank, $17 / Alice + Olivia box pleat skirt / Ted Baker long pleated skirt / Shorts / Gap open toe sandals / Havaianas flip flops

Summer Date Outfit #3: Night on the town

Summer Date Outfit #3: Night on the town by raven-erica-alston featuring floral print heels

Bodycon bandage dress / Flower dress, $45 / Jerome C. Rousseau floral print heels, $805 / Forever 21 heel sandals / High heel pumps / Sole Society / Reeds Jewelers cultured pearl earrings