Hi, my name is Nikki and I am a MASCARA-HOLIC

If i were stranded on a deserted island and had to pick one item from my makeup bag to have with me I would most likely pick mascara.

If I don't have mascara on, I don't feel like I'm awake. I feel sluggish until I swipe on a coat, or 3. It is like my morning coffee that pries my eyes open.

I think a hair is incredibly important to have look polished and beautiful and that includes the hair on your face, eye brows and eyelashes.

Sadly, I don't have beautiful, thick eyelashes like I wish I did. When I was a baby my mom trimmed my eyelashes because for some reason her culture made her believe it would make make them grow thicker and longer. I don't think it worked.

Anyways, I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT A FABULOUS MASCARA.

My absolute favorite is... LANCOME HYPNOSE DRAMA.

This mascara is everything a girl could ever ask for.

It's super duper dark black, which I LOVE. This mascara pulls lashes out of places where you didn't even know you had any. SERIOUSLY.

I use an eyelash curler out of habit, but I have used this mascara without curling prior to application and it's still awesome.

The brush itself has a rounded, curly S shape to it that allows it to really grab every lash (short or long). It smells nice, though it does take a minute or two to dry.

This mascara is totally build-able - I like to put on about 3 coats because I am all about thick, beautiful, curly lashes. They really open up your face and this mascara does not look clumpy. Don't wait too long between coats otherwise you are asking for clumps.

It curls, provides volume, and fans out your lashes. You will not have raccoon eyes at the end of the day with this mascara. And the bonus is it’s made with all these wonderful waxes that prevent your eyelashes from becoming dry and falling out.

My personal mascara tips include:

1. Heat your eyelash curler for a few seconds before use- when curling, move your hand slightly away from your face to boost your curl

2. Scrape off excess mascara on the mouth of the tube to avoid gloopy-ness.

3. Start at the root with the curved side up and move up and out in a zig-zag motion to really coat the lashes

4. Use a moist Q-Tip to help wipe up any mascara that may have ended up on your eyelid or under eye!

AND REMEMBER- give mascara at least a week of a chance before you judge. You have to allow the brush to build up in order to make a truthful call on whether it works for you or not.

LANCOME HYPNOSE DRAMA is exclusive to Sephora and sells for $24.5o

Right Now I am Loving... HD Foundation

Being that it is winter, my skin is fairer than it is during warmer months when I usually have a nice glowing tan. However, no one told my foundation that it needed to lighten up.

Having tried mineral makeup, powder and gel foundations and everything in between I've realized my skin is really particular and difficult when it comes to finding a product that gives my skin that porcelain look everyone wants.

Towards the end of summer I bought MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 foundation and it was surprisingly really nice. MAC face makeup has a bad reputation for causing breakouts, but Moisture Tint was great. It was light, unlike their other foundations that feel heavy AND it didn't make me breakout. Plus, it was hydrating and had SPF, which is always a plus for me because though I love to take care of my skin I have a terrible habit of not going out of the way to put on sunscreen.

My tan has faded now that were well into February and my foundation was far from matching my skin tone. I've spent the last few weeks trying to find a new great foundation that gives me full coverage without feeling like full coverage.

And I finally found it- Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation.

This stuff is AMAZING. It covers all the redness, does not clog my pores and makes my skin look FLAWLESS. It is oil free and does not cause breakouts. Apply it with a brush or sponge and finish off with you fingers to blend a little more over pimples. This foundation is super easy to blend, does not cake and looks natural.

It's pretty matte, but brush on some NARS blush in Orgasm on the apples of your cheeks and you are good to go.

This is the foundation most popular amongst makeup artist because of the way it makes skin look under harsh lights and on camera. I love this product and highly recommend it. You can find it at Sephora and one of the lovely gals there can match your shade.

It goes for $40 but all you need is one pump per application so it should last you FOR EVER.

XOXOXO

Here's to new beginings...