Lip Colors For This Winter

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As we mentioned in last week's post, 5 Things You Can Make Your Basic Outfit, Not-So-Basic, we talked about how just a simple lip color can completely revamp your entire outfit!  Well this week we're sharing you some of our favorite lipsticks of this winter season!  Nude & red lipsticks are a necessity, but why not switch it up a little and choose a deeper tone of each with the selection above?

Deeper browns & purples are starting to make its way back and started becoming trendy this winter!  Try it out this season and let us know what you think!

Best Mascara On a Budget

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There is nothing more convenient than buying something cheap yet the quality isn't! For us women, makeup costs can add up in a blink of an eye. Most of the time when you want the best type of makeup, it's typically sold at a pretty high price. Well, if there is one piece of makeup that can brighten up your face, it's mascara so we compiled a list of some awesome mascara that you can snag on a budget. Click the links above to see some of our favorites!

Do you have the secret to the cheapest, best mascara out there? Then, leave a comment or email us at secret@thesororitysecrets.com!

Skin So Soft: Beauty Secrets For Your Face

[image source]

We have learned that you can buy as much concealer, face powder, and blush, but nothing makes your face shine more than healthy skin. Your face is the palette for your makeup; it's important for your palette to be clean and smooth to be ready to apply the paint. Are you with us?! In the past, we have talked about getting chemical peels to aid in keeping your skin looking great. However, let's take it one step further and focus on every day skin care. First and foremost, washing your face at night is super important! Even if you don't wear makeup or you think "I didn't do anything to make my face dirty" you should still wash your face. By not washing your face you are clogging your pores which can create pimples and blemishes as well as speed up aging on your face. When considering a product to wash your face with we have had a lot of luck with the two in one bottle face soaps. Basically, these types of products both remove your makeup and serve as a cleanser. The best one we would recommend is Basis. You can buy it in most stores like Walmart or you can find it online. While Basis does a pretty awesome job removing eye makeup, consider specifically using Mary Kay's Eye Makeup Remover.

Extra Face Washing Tips: It's perfectly fine to wash your face with your hands; just make sure to wash your hands prior to touching your face to get rid of the germs currently on your hand. If you are absolutely too tired to wash your face, consider investing in makeup remover wipes. We have loved using Neutrogena and Clean & Clear carry some great makeup remover wipes which you can easily snag at most drugstores and Target.

Alright, so you've washed your face, now it's time to moisturize it. Moisturizers rejuvenate your skin. Many companies carry moisturizing creams and we haven't tried them all. But, we do have a list of our personal favorites like MAC's Comfort Creme. Keep in mind that it's not the end of the world if you don't moisturize every day; you don't need to overdue it. Consider moisturizing in the morning or at night or every other day.

Do you have any beauty secrets for your face? Share with us below in the comments!

Lather Up! Our Sunscreen Secrets

[1.Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 30 Lotion 2.Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 45 3.Obagi ProfessionalC Suncare Broad Spectrum SPF 30 4. Banana Boat Ultra Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 50 Lotion, 8 fl oz]

Last week we got really inspired by this awesome video created by Thomas Leveritt, posted by Upworthy that highlights the importance of sunscreen. As Arizona girls, we have always been taught to wear sunscreen since the sun is pretty much out 24/7! However, often times sunscreen has been a chore to put on. Well, Thomas Leveritt's video further shows us why wearing sunscreen is important because it severely protects our skin from sun damage. It doesn't matter if your skin is light or dark; we all need sun protection to some degree.

TSS Reader and Alpha Delta Pi alumnae, Stephanie Rosa works for a company called Solta Medical, a division of Valeant Aesthetics. We reached out to her to get some better insight on the importance of sunscreen. Stephanie shared that,"The Importance of putting sunscreen on is huge! You should wear it every day, 35 SPF minimum, although 50 is recommended. Anything above 50 (75,90) doesn't make a difference, it's all marketing gimmicks. Also, the term water resistant is now being revoked by the FDA because it's not possible to have a sunscreen that is water resistant. That'll be seen in the next few months. Also, it's necessary to have UVA & UVB protection for it to do it's job! FDA will now require companies to state that it has both to be considered proper sunscreen". 

Stephanie further explained that,"Obagi makes several lines that work wonderfully and feel awesome on the skin. I use the Obagi Professional C Sunscreen and I LOVE it! It works really well as a primer too. Lastly, always having Vitamin C in addition to the sunscreen is a must. The Vitamin C serves as a serum/antioxidant".

What sunscreen do you recommend to stay protected? Share with us below!

Rock Radiant Orchid In Your Beauty Routine

[Smashbox Photo Op  Eye Shadow Trio in Autochrome ][Marc Jacobs Blush in Outspoken ][YSL Mascara in Fascinatingly Violet][NARS Larger Than Life Lip gloss in Annes Folles ][Marc Jacobs Nail Polish in Oui ].

We’re well into the New Year and thus well into make or break time for all the resolutions we’ve set. I’ve never been one for resolutions but I always vividly remember one year I did. My senior year of high school I resolved to use color in my makeup routine. I told myself that I would pick a color every month and it would be my task to learn to use that color in wearable and approachable ways. That first month I chose purple and a MAC eye shadow called Parfait Amour and my love for color in cosmetics only grew from there. Looking back I find it fitting that Pantone’s color of the year is Radiant Orchid, a sort of hybrid of Fuchsia and Purple. So In honor of my resolution all those years ago,  here are my favorite  products to rock radiant orchid in your beauty routine, try them individually or all together to freshen up your look in 2014! 

Fall Makeup Looks Part 2 by Victoria

Last week, I shared with you my fall makeup tips (click here for them).  Here is Part 2 of my makeup and beauty trends you need to know for the rest of this fall and heading into the beginning of winter. See once again how my favorite YouTube Beauty Gurus have  pulled off some of my favorite fall and winter makeup trends as seen on the runway.

Plum Lids:

Your Beauty Gurus: 

Jaclyn Hill, Video: “Fall Trend 2013 Makeup Tutorial”                                                                  

Aykut VURAL, Video: “Fall/Winter 2013-2014 Makeup Trends [HD]” 

Note: Check out other Jaclyn Hill videos for some other makeup knowledge

Glitter Eyes:

Your Beauty Guru

Lilly B., Channel Name: ayeeDreamer, Video: “Holiday Glitter Eyes Tutorial”

Baby Pink/Blue Eyes:

Your Beauty Guru

Annie Jaffrey, Channel Name: AnnieJaffrey, Video: “Blue Liner <3 Babydoll Makeup Tutorial” 

Note: The Blue should be more icy and feel free to switch up the placement of the colors--nothing too pigmented; we're not in the 80's!

Runway To Reality: NAILED IT by Becca

Runway To Reality: NAILED IT!

New York Fashion Week had tons to offer this year in the beauty category and from Kate Spade to Phillip Lim it’s clear that the future of beauty is nails.  Here are some tips and tricks on how to get the looks gracing the catwalks of NYFW!

The Feather Mani – Start by painting your nails with your favorite color. I chose “It’s Totally Fort Worth It” by OPI. While nails are still wet, select a feather and lay it flat on the desired nail. (Feathers can be purchased at your local craft store. I got mine at Michaels for $1.93!!! ) Trim feather to fit nail and finish with top coat and you’ve got a classy and sassy manicure!

The Half Moon Glitter Mani – Inspired by the nails on the Oscar De La Renta Runway at New York Fashion Week, this Half Moon Glitter Mani is sure to add Pizzazz to any dreary day! Start with a base coat of your favorite color. I used Chanel, “Black Satin” and Essie “Blanc”. Next dab glitter polish at the base of the nail in a half moon shape, I used Deborah Lippmann “Happy Birthday” and OPI“ Which is Witch?” Finish with clear top coat then let dry and show the world your sparkle!

Tip: When using glitter polishes, dab the polish instead of painting it on for maximum glitz!

The Fibre Optic Mani – This darker version of the girly, pink glitzy nails shown by Jenny Packham is perfect for fall. Start with a black base coat, I used Chanel, “Black Satin”. Next, dab Fibre Optic Polish from nails inc. London over the entire nail; I used “Mayfair Mews”. Finish with clear top coat and let nails dry for 15 minutes for an out of this world look! 

Tip: When using polish with glitter or texture let nails dry for an extra 5 to 10 minutes as the polish will be thicker.

 If none of these manicures strike your fancy try one of the shades of the season!

Iridescent Grays – Try Essie "For The Twill of It" or Deborah Lippmann "Wicked Game"

Electric Violets – Marc Jacobs “Ultraviolet”, Zoya “Mira”

Orange Reds – OPI "Red My Fortune Cookie", Dior “Trafalgar"

Happy Painting !

Meet Kirbie Johnson from POPSUGAR Beauty

{Instagram: Kirbie & Zooey Deschanel}

If you don't know who Kirbie Johnson is, we guarantee that after this interview, you will want to know her! Kirbie is the host and producer for POPSUGAR's beauty channel...but we'll let her share more about that later. We absolutely love seeing people in the Greek community do big things so we wanted to do a "Sisters Succeeding" post to inspire you to pursue your dreams and passions. Kirbie is a Kappa Alpha Theta alumnae from Texas Christian University who has gained a lot of success post grad. The Sorority Secrets had a chance to sit and interview this Texas beauty to find out a little bit more about her road to success with POPSUGAR so read our Q&A sesh with her below.

Make sure to also visit POPSUGAR and check out their beauty channel for great beauty tips and to see Kirbie in action!


Thanks Kirbie! xo

1. Tell us about POPSUGAR! 

POPSUGAR is a go-to hub for women. We feature celebrity news and entertainment, as well as lifestyle channels like beauty, fashion, fitness and food. Basically, it's one place to get your celebrity news craving, shopping and lifestyle necessities, all in one stop. I am the host and producer for our beauty channel, and basically I get to test beauty products and give tutorials for a living. It's funny because people are sometimes like, "What do you do exactly?" It's a little bit of everything. But primarily, I research, write, host and produce our beauty videos, then post to the site and make sure they get as much online promo as possible. It's fulfilling working for a company with a celebrity/entertainment core, because I'm really passionate about that as well. http://bellasugar.com

2. What inspired you to pursue Hosting & Producing?

When I was little, I wanted to be Julia Roberts — I loved to act! But as I got older, I was really inspired... no shame... by Oprah. I loved how she reported on important issues, but also did good for other people. Plus, I loved her interview style. So I went to college, got my degree in advertising and public relations, then moved to LA about 10 days after I got my diploma. I wasn't actively pursuing producing gigs, but it was a part of the job at POPSUGAR, and I'm better for taking it on. 

3. When you're not hosting & producing, what do you like to do?

People hate me when I say this, but I enjoy working out. I love Zumba, step class, cycling. I think I like it mostly because I get to listen to my music and zone out, day dream. I also am a hardcore music and social media junkie, so if I'm not at a concert, I'm totally browsing the web. One of my favorite things is being on Twitter during award shows or sporting events. Or during The Bachelorette. And, of course, I like writing. I do that on my blogs, Kirbie Goes to Hollywood and Mentervention.

4. You seem really busy with POPSUGAR, how do you find time to work out and stay healthy?

One thing I learned is that if I am going to be active, it has to be in the mornings. Otherwise, I'm tempted to go to an event or party and skip a workout altogether. I have a major sweet tooth, so I have to curb that from time to time, but basically, just packing my lunch every night really keeps me on track. That way I'm never in a rut and don't have something to eat, and won't be tempted to order takeout. The tale of terrible metabolism at 26 really is true, so eating clean and healthy is actually something I enjoy doing now. (Who am I?)

5. What beauty products can you not live without?

This a loaded question! Since I host the beauty videos, I get to test so many amazing products. I've broken them up:

All-time favorites: Mario Badescu's Suncare -- you need at least SPF 30 and it doesn't smell like a sunscreen, plus it is great if you tend to get oily. Guerlain's Cils d'Enfer Mascara is my favorite beauty splurge, because I love mascara and usually opt for L'Oreal Voluminous, but Guerlain's really thickens, lengthens and curls your lashes. The wand is kick ass. And, my secret weapon is this miracle worker from NYX. It's called the Wonder Pencil, and it really is magical. I use it to line my lips, highlight the inner corner of my eyes, and cover blemishes. It's $5 and a lifesaver. Also, I can't stress the power of exfoliating your skin. It will keep you looking bright and youthful! So if you are not already obsessed with a Clarisonic Brush, try Dr. Lancer's Skin Polish. It's non-irritating and Dr. Lancer treats every celebrity known to man! 

As far as new items, pick up Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic's polish in Gryphon, a gorgeous light grey. Anything from the Marc Jacobs Beauty line is a good call -- the Lip Vinyl is my favorite. 

6. Who is your celebrity crush?

I am a huge fangirl, even at the age of 26. Mama has to feel the youth somehow! I think I've graduated from Justin Timberlake... he is married and ain't nobody got any time for that. I think Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers) is a STUD MUFFIN. He looks like Thor, and he seems to have a great sense of humor. And, don't judge me, but I'm about to go J-Lo/Casper Smart here and just say it: Harry Styles is adorable. I know he's 19. I KNOW THIS. But I saw One Direction in concert and I was just like... I get it now. I was mesmerized. There's something about him. He's got it — the X Factor, if you will. And I'm happy to report that I was not even close to being the oldest fan there. 

7. When was your "a-ha" moment that you had reached success?

To be honest, I don't think anyone can really define "success." I know for me, personally, I love my job, but I still have plenty of other goals and dreams I want to accomplish and attain! I have also learned since being in LA that you can't say, "I will be happy when X happens." Because you'll spend so much time working towards that point that you'll miss the beautiful experiences during the journey to get there. 

That being said, there have been a few "pinch me!" moments, those being when I interviewed Zooey Deschanel, Rihanna and Nicole Richie. That was something. And when two of my favorite brands, Victoria's Secret and Benefit Cosmetics, asked me to shoot a few videos with them, I thought, "My 13-year-old self would think this is pretty darn cool." And it was!

8. What can people expect watching you on POPSUGAR?

Beauty reviews on all the best and latest beauty launches, tutorials... celebrity interviews! I consider myself a beauty guinea pig... I try anything once, all for the camera. Ha. 

9. What advice can you give women pursuing the entertainment industry?

Wake up and remember, every morning, that you are in charge of your own actions. Don't let anyone phase you! You are your biggest cheerleader. You have to believe that, no matter what anyone says or does (or doesn't do), that you are meant to be where you are, pursuing your career. And remember that you shouldn't give up anything you can't go a day thinking about. Whether it's your dreams or your boyfriend, know that it's worth fighting for, if it's something you are truly passionate about. 

And remember, it's always best to be kind! You can get what you want and still be kind to others.

@KirbieJ
KirbieJohnson.com

Just Brow-zing by Becca

Photography: Rachel Elaine Photography

There are SO many things I can say about eyebrows but let me start by saying I LOVE them. As a Makeup Artist, eyebrows are in my opinion one of the most important elements in a facial beauty routine. Eyebrows not only frame your face, but when properly shaped they can help to define and lift the eye and even slim the face! 

So how do you get that perfect brow?  I’m here to show you how!

To figure out where your brow should begin, hold a pen next to your nose on the inner corner of your brow. This should be your starting point. Now, angle the pen across your iris. This will determine where your arch should be. Finally, angle your pen  to the outer corner of the eye-your brow should end there.

Now that you’ve determined your eyebrow shape, tweeze any stray hairs you may have. Then, using a flat angled brush and brow powder (my personal favorite is Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo) outline your brows and fill in where necessary. If you are a beginner and filling in your brows and freehand seems too daunting of a task, try using a brow stencil (also available from Anastasia Beverly Hills). If your brows seem too dark or overfilled not to worry; take a disposible mascara wand and brush them out to lighten the color! You can stop there or for extra credit you can use concealer to sculpt your brow (this is perfect for special occasions like formals!!!). Using a concealer that is one shade lighter than your skin, outline your brows on the top and bottom blending as you go and voilà, you now have the perfect brow!


Happy Brow-zing!

Pink Pop

Lipstick: MAC Candy Yum Yum (buy here and here).  Nail Polish: OPI Mod About You.  Top: Express.

Brighten up your day!  We've been having fun with lipstick colors lately, and we instantly fell in love with this shade by MAC Cosmetics.  Ali doesn't usually wear lipstick (she's more of a sheer gloss kind of girl), but she flipped over this neon pink color, and gave it a whirl.  It's the most vibrant shade of pink lipstick we've ever seen!  This particular shade, Candy Yum Yum, just recently became a part of MAC's permanent lipstick color collection-- it was formerly a limited edition hue.  MAC actually calls this color "the lipstick dreams were made of" on their website.  Now hooked on the hot pink, Ali is no longer afraid of adding a bold lip to her makeup routine.

What's your all-time favorite daring lip color to wear?

Beauty Blender

beautyblender: Amazon

Don't underestimate this cute little pink thing, because it happens to hold a very special power to give you perfect flawless skin. Some people like to use brushes or their fingers to apply foundation.  If you look really close, you can see the lines from your brush (or fingers) in the foundation that’s now on your face.  By utilizing the beautyblender over your face after applying foundation, the sponge blends in the foundation smoothly.  Hello matte, perfect coverage!

Towards the end of the day, do you find your makeup to be a bit oily?  By carrying the sponge in your purse, instead of piling more make up on, you can use it to blend everything back in.  Save money by using less make up!  The beautyblender sponges are only $19.95 at Sephora but you can get them for only $6.00 on Amazon! They are reusable for at least 6 months if you wash it after every use. 

A little secret to getting that perfect look!

Banana Powder

Banana Powder: Ben Nye

It’s the product behind Kim Kardashian’s perfect face structure, it’s what makes every celebrities’ contour stand out on the red carpet. We all happen to be celebrity news junkies and have always wondered how every celebrity has such beautiful faces.  Makeup can only go so far, but why do these women have such beautiful facial structures?

It’s the product that has had all the makeup artists buzzing.  The Banana Powder by BenNye is the product that adds that special glow.  By simply adding the Banana Powder on the bridge of your nose, your cheek bones, your cupid’s bow, chin, and the center of your forehead and blending it in, it highlights and enhances your natural facial structure.  The Banana Powder has been sold out everywhere online since Kim Kardashian’s make up artist publicized that this product is his finishing touch to her perfect face.

Banana Powder by Ben Nye has been sold out online for quite some time because of its hype and it’s cost of only $25.00.  Once we used it, we loved it.  Try it out, let us know how it works for you!

Nude Is the New Pink

Lip gloss: MAC Cosmetics Tinted Lipglass-Underage

Earlier this month we had so much fun getting dolled up for our video shoot. One of our latest discoveries was how much we adored nude lip gloss! Nude lips can be a hard look to pull off especially when your lips have a tint to it that could change the nude appearance. We found that applying concealer and moisturizer on our lips before applying the nude lip gloss really helped to bring the nude color out. It even looked nice adding a dash of light pink lipgloss to the mix. Sometimes less color is more!

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