mariahleonard-blog

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FALL •• A little lashy, nbd. FT. @vegas_nay grand glamor falsies + @urbandecaycosmetics matte after dark on the lips.

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I got tired of blending black with brown... FT @urbandecaycosmetics deadbeat from the #vice4 palette, @anastasiabeverlyhills phresh, unicorn. @makeupgeekcosmetics shore thing. @esqido voila lash. #urbandecay perversion pencil in the waterline. Messy, hairy brows are @nyxcosmetics brunette brow mascara. #colorunleashed

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So, this hair... I've gotten a few questions about toners, color, etc. I truly have no idea what formula is used on my hair (it's a bit different each time anyway), but I can tell you that my base is naturally dirty-blonde, and I have foils weaved into it. Because I'm already a 'blonde,' it lightens and tones to silver/greige REALLY easily. If I want my base lighter, I ask my stylist to break it with toner, not bleach. Unless you're also a natural dirty-blonde, my formula and this method would probably be drastically different than what you would use on your hair. I would suggest bringing pictures of what exactly you want to your stylist. Ask them to highlight some dimension in, stay closer to platinum (level 10) if you want something near my exact color, as platinum reveals silver tones best. Then ask them to tone to a clear silver that's nice and neutral. This time I asked to stay cool-beige blonde, if that helps. To maintain mine, I use AG Hair Care Sterling Silver shampoo/leave it on for 5 full minutes every single wash—this DOES make it like, steely-silver quite quickly if you're very light, so just be aware of that. Hope this helps! I know I'm not a hair icon or anything ridiculous, but I get emails and comments often and wanted to give you guys the details☺️

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SILVER •• @beccacosmetics/@jaclynhill champagne pop + @gerardcosmetics aphrodite + @anastasiabeverlyhills blonde dip brow.

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Mornings in south beach.

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Missing Newport. No pups allowed.

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Happiness. @thegirlinthepalmtrees

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The mod portion of my #NYXFaceAwards Challenge 1 look. There are 3 DAYS left to vote, and you can vote 3 times per day, per email! If you liked my look, throw me a vote or two using the link in my bio (or at nyxfaceawards.com), and then rejoice that you only have 3 days left of me spamming the life out of you🎉😂 || @nyxcosmetics

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A little honest critique of the @urbandecaycosmetics #NakedSmoky is up at thegalsguide.com! http://bit.ly/1GkLwCI

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A classic, bronze-y smoky eye using the upcoming @urbandecaycosmetics #NakedSmoky Palette! It's cool-toned sorcery, I tell you. Be sure to keep an eye on the UD tumblr to see more of this little project I did with the palette. (P.S. swatches, honest review, and tutorial coming your way!) || Whiskey + Radar on the lids and lower lash, Lip Pencil in Native + Revolution Gloss in Liar on the lips, blush in Indecent.

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Pool Party Style

Check out some more headshot from our #UDSummerNights event - Miami never looked so good.

Top to Bottom: 

French bloggers Laura Gonclaves of Pinketcetera, Marie Lopez of Enjoy Phoenix and Estelle Postanque of So Urban Girl

Beauty blogger Mariah Leonard of The Gal’s Guide

Beauty blogger and YouTuber Jessica Harlow

German bloggers and sisters Nisi and Desi of Teeth Are Jade 

Italian blogger and makeup artist Clio Zammatteo of Clio Makeup Blog

Lifestyle blogger Dee Trillo of The Haute Frugalista

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Desk in Progress

So, recently, I went what I've dubbed 'full-guru' and purchased a desk made out of Ikea Alex drawers. Guru Desk was not my first choice aesthetics-wise (I'm an Anthropologie addict, so vintage-chic is my foray, while nordic-modern clashes with everything in my soul), but she was definitely my first choice efficiency-wise, and will serve me well whilst I save up for Stupidly Expensive Vintage Chic Desk. I thought these ever-popular drawers would be a fun project to chic-up and revisit on TGG from time to time because, let's face it, we are addicted to seeing how people store their makeup and style their desks (it's weird, let's embrace it). Plus, I know a lot of you have these drawers, and are always on the lookout for tips on sprucing them up.

Shall we?

THE DESKTOP

Glorious, no? No. You were right if you said no. I have an idea of how I want things to look, but as this is a 'desk in progress,' there's a bit of an unfinished feel to all of this. Luckily, it has a look, which makes me feel like it's headed somewhere. Also, I really like mixed metals, marble, and succulents, in case you couldn't tell. Since I know some of you may be curious, that silver bauble lamp is from Ikea, the mirrored frame is from Homegoods, the succulent planter is from Target (succulents not included), the jewelry cup is also from Target, the candle is by Voluspa, and the marble slab is from a specialty tile store in Tampa. It is literally imported Italian marble. I went for it.

THE SETUP

1. To the left of my acrylic desktop drawers, I have a gloss holder (TJ Maxx) that holds my newest or current favorite glosses and liquid lipsticks. 2. To the right of the acrylic drawers lie my prettiest lipsticks. I know, I'm shallow. It's all about the decor. 3. On top of the acrylic drawers are my brushes! My favorite thing on the desk is this bronze-y pen holder from Target that I turned into a brush holder. 4. To the far left of my desktop lies the infamous marble slab that serves as the backdrop on 90% of my product shots. Most days, it holds my purse, the magazine I'm currently reading, my jewelry dish and my current favorite candle.

THE UNINTENTIONAL CENTERPIECE

1. In the top drawer, I keep my most-reached for palettes. Included are two Z-Palettes, two contour kits (one by Anastasia, one by NYX), an Inglot 5-Shadow customized palette, a huge MUFE shadow that doesn't fit into my Z-Palettes, and the ABH Artist Palette. 2. In the bottom drawer, I keep all of my most luxe lip products. Included is the entire lineup of ABH lipglosses, four Marc Jacobs Le Creme lipsticks, and a few NARS lip pencils.

STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION

In my Alex drawers are several different kinds of plastic silverware trays from Ikea. These were under $3 each, and are very shallow and long. They are the perfect size for these drawers. I also have a few clear plastic storage solutions from Ikea ($3), and several eyeshadow and blush holders from ByAlegory. Again, a few of these drawers remain unfinished (namely the blush/bronzer drawer), because I'm waiting on more organizers in the mail. I have a drawer for foundation/concealer/illumination, blush/bronzer/setting powder, palettes, false lashes, two for individual shadows/pigments and mascaras, lip products, extra or double products, makeup removal, and travel bags/giveaway makeup. It's excessive.

PLANS FOR DECOR GREATNESS

If I was reading this, I would be wondering what I was going to do next, so here goes. I have a huge 24x24 silver-hued frame going right above the desk, and it'll house a picture I took of some palm trees (go figure), and act as the new centerpiece of the space. Around the palm-tree picture will be other smaller frames with certificates I've earned, and pictures with friends old and new. So, basically, I'm doing a gallery wall.

I also want to add a glass top to the desktop to give it a more polished look. Part of me wants to buy a marble slab instead of a glass top, and the other part of me wants to still be able to afford food and water (ha). I also want to add some geode or marble drawer pulls from Anthropologie to the drawers, but I feel like no matter what I do, the hideous hand-hole in each of them will always shine bright like a diamond. The struggle is real.

Lastly, I want a lamp for the left side. Preferably something with clear accents to help tie in the mixed metal trend that's happening on the desktop! I also need an clear acrylic chair topped with a faux sheepskin throw, because you're not a legitimate blogger until you do that. Do you have this desk/drawers? Have you done any innovative hacks? Let me know in the comments!

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Quick Review: Anastasia Beverly Hills Summer 2015 Collection

This is the first summer collection by Anastasia Beverly Hills, and I think she and Norvina knocked it out of the park. I was happy to see that it wasn't just a jumble of brights, and that they included a chunk of vibrants and a chunk of neutrals to give us something to actually work with. So, not to purposely cut things short, but let's get right into it.

This collection includes the following:

7 Eye Shadow Singles, $12 each (four for $40, eight for $70)

Surface of the Sun - A warm, shimmery gold (satin) Star Cobalt - An electric, galaxy blue (metallic) Labyrinth - A smoldering, deep orchid (metallic) Fawn - A soft, neutral olive (matte) Cognac - A dramatic, copper-flecked brown (satin) Peach Sorbet - A sultry, rose champagne (metallic) Amber - A rich, multi-dimensional gold (satin)

My favorite thing about these is the metallic sheen to almost all of them, save for Fawn. To me, the satin colors even have a nice sheen to them, which is something I really love in summer shades. They are all in-your-face intense, save for Cognac and Fawn, which required a round of building to get to full pigmentation. All are warm hues (Fawn is not olive to me at all, but rather a slightly warm-toned, mink-brown).

6 Waterproof Créme Colors ($18 each)

Barbie Pink - A true hot pink Ice Blue - A cool, icy blue Coral Reef -  A warm, reddish orange Sunset - A deep, mulberry red Yellow - A sunny yellow Ocean - A Pacific blue

Each one of these pots is super makeup artist-y with their 'no-specified-super-diverse-use' quality. You can slap these on anywhere, and in any way you like - brows, lips, liner, eyeshadow base, etc. Myself, I'm a bit keen on mixing some custom lip colors that rival their Liquid Lipsticks in weightlessness and durability. Muahaha! Regarding their durability, I was a little leery until I tried to wash them off, and...yep, they're 100% resistant to water. And baby wipes. Had to break out an actual make up wipe like a normal person. All are good to go in one swipe, save for Sunset and Yellow, which required some building to pigmentation.

2 Liquid Lipsticks ($20 each)

Unicorn - A luminescent lavender Craft - A sparkly plum

I've done an entire post on my thoughts about these, so for a lengthy and unbiased elaboration, click here!

I love these colors, and I love that there are only two! I'm so used to a summer collection being 10 shadows, 10 liners, and 10 lip colors to round everything out. The minimalism here really helps propel the idea that this collection is something that should be bought altogether, as if each element was specially picked to go with the next. And, once again, they didn't go for the typical summer neons or primary colors, which again adds to the wearability of this entire collection. Unicorn is a pastel, candy-lavender hue. It's literally a half-shade darker than their previously released shade, Bambi, as you'll see in the swatches below. Same tones and everything, which makes me happy because Bambi is a pit too pale for me to wear on it's own.

Craft, firstly, is not sparkly in the slightest! It's 100% matte. The shade itself is a luscious, neutral plum/berry tone that is so against the typical summer lip that I couldn't help but 'die' over it. It's a very unique shade, and something that will actually work on every single skintone. It's one that has the ability to transform no matter what set of lips it on, I love it.

Overall, I give this collection a solid 10/10. There were no real cons here, everything is solidly on point and wearable in so many different ways. I'm noticing I rarely find issues with the ABH products, and part of me feels like I need to in order to appear unbiased, but the fact is, they make awesome shit.

All of these products can be purchased at anastasiabeverlyhills.com, macys.com, and Macy's stores. What are your favorites?!

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NEW VIDEO! Prom Makeup For ANY Dress 💅🏽 Lip options included. This is in collaboration with the amazingly talented @vanraebeauty, be sure to go subscribe to her to help build her following! Link to my video is in my bio. || Eyes are all @makeupgeekcosmetics (hipster, mocha, corrupt, vanilla bean), wing and brows are by @nyxcosmetics (gel liner and micro brow pencil in soft brown), lashes are @esqido BFF, lips here are @anastasiabeverlyhills bambi liquid lipstick + orchid gloss, nails are @OPI budapest gel. (at ⭐️NEW TUTORIAL⭐️)

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My mom was never big into beauty. She's always been that kind of effortless woman, a natural blonde with perfectly shaped brows and great skin, the kind of gal who was totally done up with just powder and mascara. She looked to be in her early thirties for decades after the fact (I can only dream of looking so effortless and fresh for as long). Only once it became clear that I was destined for the beauty industry did she begin to consider major beauty contenders for herself. Here are some of our favorites that you and your mother may also love! 1. the one perfecting brush by becca This brush is perfect for diffusing liquids and creams, and lends a very airbrushed finish, which equates to perfection on mature skins. It can be used for a myriad of things, I prefer it most for foundation and contour application. 2. Sigma f80 flat top kabuki A flat top kabuki is a staple in my brush arsenal, and this one by Sigma is my favorite of them all. It's dense, never loses shape, and applies powder, cream and liquid foundations flawlessly and quickly. 3. Beauty Blender My tool of choice above all others. If you love your mother at all, you will have told her all about this magic sponge. Concealer, foundation, creams, liquids, setting powders, you name it, this baby applies it to perfection. 4. Charlotte tilbury quad(s) If your mother goes for the kill when it comes to makeup (i.e. she skips the drugstore and heads straight to Bergdorf's), shower her in a little CTB. One of the most luxe brands on the market, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty is something that I can attest to being well worth the splurge. This quad, the Vintage Vamp, is a must-have. 5. INGLOT FREEDOM SYSTEM (AKA CUSTOMIZED PALETTES OF PERFECTION) From one to forty pans, customize the perfect palette for your mum, and save a chunk while doing so. INGLOT is known for their affordability and intense pigmentation. If your girl is just starting to dabble into makeup, use this opportunity to create her the perfect all-in-one palette. 6. glossier rose water soothing facial spray Because the scent of roses is one of the most luxurious things on the planet. This mist is a more affordable cousin of the by Terry Cellularose Hydra-Toner, and acts as a skin hydrator and prep-spray. I love dousing myself with this in the morning, it instantly plumps the skin. Glossier is also offering a Mother's Day deal on their brand spankin' new facial masks - if you buy both of them, you get $10 off your next purchase of $25 or more, PLUS free shipping. Just be sure to use their code, 'THANKSMOM,' when checking out! 7. Smith's rosebud salve I guarantee your mamma has heard of this, it's been around for like, ever. This smells very faintly of actual rose petals thanks to it's cocktail of oils, and is the master skin-healer. I've used it on my cuticles, lips, eczema, dry patches, zits, and even under the eyes. It doesn't clog my sensitive skin, and has only ever benefited me. It's a must-have. 8. Kiehl's creme de corps I had to include this because it's the one product my mother and I both flip over. It smells like marzipan mixed with cake frosting, and feels the same, too. It's a splurge, but well worth it, as it's even softened my dry ankles/feet to the point they now feel identical to the smooth skin on the inside of my arms. It's nuts, and my mom and I can no longer function without this. So that's it! I hope you guys got some great beauty-related gift ideas from this post, don't forget to spill the beans in the comments and tell me what you got yo' momma.

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This month's fav—my friend @jamiepaigebeauty. || ABH #ArtistPalette on the eyes (dusty rose, anaconda, aubergine, phresh) + pure hollywood & undressed gloss on the lips. Full details are on her page. || Be sure to tag your best work with #TheGalsGuide to be featured :)

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The view from where I film 💄🎥... Do you guys like these lifestyle-esque posts peppered in with my makeup ones? Let me know! I will happily do them more often, if so.