Hey guys! Today's look is a makeup tutorial that is actually quite similar to my last tutorial on Makeup for Glasses. I've been on a big monolid kick lately and have been getting more and more requests for more basic looks for those with single eyelids (aka eyelids without a crease) so I thought it would be perfect to show my favorite way to enhance monolids.

Those of you with monolids (no crease) or hooded lids (small crease that looks monolid when eyes are open) know how frustrating and tricky it can be to apply shadows, mascara, and liner to monolids since most of the "fun" part of makeup gets tucked underneath while this constant rubbing causes makeup to run.

This look allows a bit of fun with color while elongating the eyes to make them appear larger and more dramatic. It's also a rather smudge-proof look that is comparatively long-lasting. Check out the video below!

I feel like it's been quite a while since I last posted up a strictly monolid tutorial! I've had a lot of requests for looks that don't involve any type of false lashes. I know falsies can be intimidating and over-the-top for most people to wear on a daily basis, so I wanted to show you guys what I've been wearing lately on days when I want to look a little more dressier but still working with my creaseless eyes.


Watch the video below!



For those of you who are new to the term "monolid" it refers to the lack of an upper eyelid crease which is common among (but not exclusive to) Asians. As you can see here, there is no distinct crease on my eyelid. To enhance the flat surface, I layered my eyeshadow to create depth and interest, accentuating the almond shape of my eyes.


When I recorded this tutorial, I actually had uneven eyelids, the left eye being a true monolid and my right eye had a very small crease which in Korean we call "sok ssangapul" which literally translates to "inner/hidden eyelid crease" which you can see below.
Layering the steps of waterproof eyeliner (gel liner, then waterproof pencil to smudge, then set with eyeshadow) will help the eyes to stay strong all day and not smudge around giving you panda eyes.


And you know me, I always have to take some sillies with each photoshoot. Kiss, kiss!

I hope you guys enjoyed this tutorial and let me know in the comments what you would like to see next.

I'm thinking I want to focus on doing more "basics" tutorials like how to apply gel/liquid/pencil eyeliner, how to apply foundation, how to apply bb cream, etc but I'd love your feedback on what is most important on your list!

Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream #23
Urban Decay Primer Potion
L'Oreal HIP Cream Shadow Paint in 909
Urban Decay Naked Palette (Creep for lids, Buck for eyebrows)
Lioele All In One Gel Eyeliner
NYX Single Eyeshadow in Black
Mineral Magic Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Self Control
Aromaleigh Indelible Eyeliner Sealant
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Sugar half-lashes in Angel
Lash Grip Adhesive in dark tone
Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara
MAC Spaced Out Blush
Lioele Blooming Pop Cherry Tint
Lioele Blooming Gloss in Vanilla Pink
Circle lenses are T-Top Ice Flower Grey lenses


Eyes closed. I realized after editing that I didn't even use a highlight color. I didn't need one!


With my head tilted back a bit so you can see the full effect. Shadow always gets tucked under for monolidders, but I think it really works for this look.

I did have some people ask about my hair and I didn't do anything different, I just blowdried it instead of air drying it which tends to make it more straight and poofy. I think I may have used a bit of Garnier Fructis beachy paste stuff to style it, which I briefly talked about two years ago here.


I know this is a bit of a weird angle, but I thought it showed the eyes and lips off nicely. Gotta be more creative to show off the lid on monolid looks since the "in-between" blinks are so visually interesting. ^_~


And here I wanted to show off this really wickedly awesome necklace I received from Catherine of See Jewelry Online. It's pretty edgy without overwhelming the rocker-pretty look, imo. As soon as my friend saw this she got so excited because she had just seen something similar on Rachel Zoe a couple days before.


You can find the lenses from this look at http://www.pinkyparadise.com. Code "frmheadtotoe" gets you a free beauty gift with each pair of circle lenses ordered.

Hello everyone! I had a looot of requests to do a summer makeup look that will especially work for hot and humid weather so I recorded this while I was at the lake on vacation. The key points to this look are sunscreen, cream + powder blush combo, and waterproof or water-resistent eye makeup. I also used items that would be easy to pack up and travel with. ^.^

This one is a look for monolidders (or those with single eyelids, AKA lids with no visible crease) since I didn't want to use any tape, glue, or lashes when I knew I'd be getting into water. It's a really natural look so the shadow would be appropriate for wearing everyday.

****Oh, before I get to the video I also wanted to note that the From Head To Toe shop is now officially open! I'm selling Wonder Eyelid Tape [click here for previous post + application video] so if you were interested in it please feel free to check it out.****

Products used:

Lancome Photogenic Concealer in Camee *discontinued product, sorry guys :(
NYX Cream Blush in Rose Petal
NYX Mosaic Powder in Dare
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Revlon Colorstay Quad in Copper Spice
DollyWink Liquid Liner
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Lioele Up & Down Waterproof Mascara
Strawberry Rosebud Lipbalm
Shu Uemura Tsumori Chisato Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in Jupiter Brown
Smashbox Lipgloss in Cactus Flower

If you'll notice, I used the Revlon Colorstay eyeshadow quad which I absolutely love and have used in the past here, here, and here. Actually, if you click "neutral looks" under the labels on the bar at the right, I use it in about half. It was one of my first staple eyeshadows that I wore everyday and I still use it occasionally when I don't want to think too hard about what shadow combos to wear. It's very flattering on Asian skintones and I'm still looking for a high-end dupe to the copper shade! I know, silly right? I'm looking for a high-end dupe to a drugstore product. What's wrong with me?! ;D

But anyway, it's a pretty simple look and I did indeed wear it out to play in the lake that day. ^.^

Just a couple pics of the final look:


And I know it looks the same, but OMG look how tan I look with flash. I wore so much sunscreen and I got so tan already. O.O


Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed this look. I know it's really very basic but I think those suffering in the sweltering weather lately like me will maybe appreciate it. On that note, I have a question that I'll pose for the comments: What is your best makeup tip for hot, sweaty, humid weather?

My answer:
Eucerin Everyday Protection face lotion with spf 30. It's oil-free, non-greasy, and doesn't break me out. I've been wearing it every single morning! It's my perfect summer day moisturizer.

Ok now your turn to share your tips.......GO!

Here's a look that I got quite a few requests for around Olympics time! It's a makeup look inspired by Kim Yuna, the Korean gold medalist ice skater. I actually wanted it to lean more toward the more "natural" side to look more like typical Korean style makeup so I didn't wing the eyeliner as much as what Yuna wore during the Olympics but it is actually a rather thick line on my eye, just tucked underneath my monolid. ;)

The emphasis here is the clean and natural complexion, minimal shadow, and smokey lined eye.



Products used:
Lioele Beyond Solution BB Cream
Paul & Joe Face Powder in 03 Sand
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Sugar Cosmetics Color Stick in Apple Cider
NYX Ultimate Pearl Eyeshadow in Gold Pearl
NYX Ultimate Pearl Eyeshadow in White Pearl
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
Aube Eyeshadow Palette (dark purple color)
Anastasia Brows in Bloom in Brunette
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Lioele Up & Down Waterproof Mascara
Lioele Cushion Touch Blusher in Pink
Aquafina Berry Lipbalm
Lioele Blooming Pop Cherry Tint
YSL Rouge Volupte #1 Nude Beige
Lioele Blooming Gloss #10 Lovely Twoway

I received some fun Lioele goodies from the lovely Janie at www.prettyandcute.com who has just started selling this super cute brand of Korean cosmetics. I about freaked out at the packaging because it's all pink and princessy! I'll go more in-depth into that in a review of the products soon but suffice it to say that I love it and I've been using some Lioele every single day since I've received it. Can't wait to share it with you guys. ^_^


If you notice in the video, I'm also using a ridiculously cute baby pink princess mirror to apply my makeup.

Janie was sweet enough to give my readers a special deal where if you purchase $30 of anything at prettyandcute.com before shipping and put frmheadtotoe in the comments box, you can get a free Lioele Princess Mirror in your choice of colors baby pink or hot pink!

Ahhhhh, the princess mirror is basically my new favorite thing so I'm SUPER excited about this deal. XD Again, I'll go more into the products soon in my next video/review of the products.

Here are pics of this look!


Okay, that's it for now. Work has been RIDICULOUSLY busy lately so I'm trying to get all the rest I can get which never seems to be enough! Goodnight. :)

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving for those of you who celebrate it. I had a great time relaxing (for once) and spending time with both sides of my family. I didn't partake in the Black Friday madness other than ordering a new Canon XSi DSLR from newegg for a huuuge Christmas splurge. It'll be my very first dslr and I'm so excited to see how it'll take photos! I'm definitely a newbie to the photography scene so anyone with good tips, please let me know in the comments! :D

I know a lot of you have been looking forward to seeing an "inspired" look, so I decided to do the makeup of a Korean music video that I fell in love with as soon as I saw it. For those of you who aren't into the whole kpop scene, "Abracadabra" from Brown Eyed Girls has been a very popular and controversial video. It's a very sexy take for Korea since the whole culture tends to be very conservative when it comes to female sexuality.



I personally think the video is filmed really beautifully gritty and the dancing is addictive. I find myself dancing to it throughout the day. You'll see a bit of my dorky dancing if you watch the vid. Don't worry, I don't take myself seriously AT ALL so please don't take it seriously either. ;)


The thing that caught my attention is Son Ga-In's eye makeup (ok, and her legs too but MOSTLY her makeup). It's a striking smokey eye that is winged out at the sides. Gain is known for her small, horizontally wide eyes and this makeup looks stunning on her. Total win for the monolid girls! If you've ever felt afraid to do smokey eyes and you have monolids, seriously try this look because it's so flattering!

So here is my take on the look:



I really want to apologize for the giant rock of a zit on my chin. This was just before I was going to the dermatologist again and my skin is doing much better now. XD But I'm a trooper. Post, I must!

Here is what I used for the look:

Eyes
* Too Faced Shadow Insurance
* NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean
* Stila Barbie All Doll'd Up Eyeshadow Palette (charcoal color)
* MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
* Mac Carbon eyeshadow (matte black)
* Mac Shroom eyeshadow (highlight)
* Anastasia Brows in Bloom kit
* Urban Decay 24/7 pencil in Zero (black)
* Shiseido Eyelash Curler
* Covergirl Lash Exact mascara

Cheeks/Lips
* Rock & Republic Contrived Pressed Blush in Call Me
* NYX Round Lipstick in Circe (nude lipstick)
* Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte lipstick in #13 Peach Passion

I know my eyes are rounder than hers are but I still think the look came out nicely! It's really refreshing to see a smokey eye that actually looks better on girls with smaller eyes, don't you think?

In any case, here is my obligatory pic spam and attempt to look as rockstar and Gain-ish as possible.

Here is my most-resembling Gain pic from the set, in my opinion. LOL. Okay, so my whimsical expression isn't quite her perfection but I tried! The light washing out my face helps a little. XD


Looking a little more my normal color here with my fun Patricia Field half-gloves.


Close-up on the eyes


With closed eyes, you can see the sideways teardrop shape. Highest arch of the shadow is near the inner corner compared to other looks.


Trying to be artistic with the backlit shot.


Blogging is serious business.


Okay, that's all!



La-la-la-let me know in the comments what your favorite kpop vid is and what makeup look you'd like me to make future tutorials on. This inspired thing was pretty fun so I definitely want to do more! Oh, and tell me one thing you are THANKFUL for! :D

Mwah, love you all and have a great weekend!

<3

I decided to record another video tutorial for you guys yesterday! They take a lot of time to record and edit but I think I'm so stoked about the high quality of my new camera that I want to share more. :D

Although, I will say it does make my recent blemishes noticeable despite using extra concealer. Ever since I switched back to Tri-Sprintec from Yaz I've been having bad breakouts the week of my period. It goes away fairly quickly but my hyperpigmentation (dark spots left from acne) have been raining on my parade. Boo, must go see the dermatologist again soon to switch pills.

I also want to mention that the music you hear in the background is by my extremely talented friend, Greg Puglese. You know how you always have those friends in local bands and you support their music because they are your friend and not because the music is actually that great? Greg is NOT one of these people. I actually genuinely listen to his albums and would even if he weren't my friend (but he's a cool guy too, I guess. ;)

Check out his music here: www.gregpuglese.com

Anyway, on with the video. As promised, this is a very simple look with no tapes, shadows, false lashes, etc. Just primer, black and white eyeliner, and mascara.



3 important tips to keep in mind:

1) Primer is pretty much invaluable for monolidders for any look (eyeliner doesn't smudge or rub off)
2) Using the best pencil liners makes a huge difference. I would [paper]cut someone if they tried to take my Urban Decay 24/7 liners from me.
3) Find a mascara that HOLDS CURL (after using a lash curler). My fav is Covergirl Lash Exact Waterproof.

Tools used:

eyes
* Too Faced Shadow Insurance
* Urban Decay 24/7 Liners in Zero and Yeyo
* Shiseido eyelash curler
* Covergirl Lash Exact Mascara waterproof and regular

face
* Lancome Photogenic concealer in Camee
* Everyday Minerals Finishing Dust
* Rock & Republic Contrived Blush in Call Me (LOVE this! review + swatches soon!)
* Jelly Pong Pong Lip Sorbet in Lychee Fuzz

Seriously, this look takes like 10 minutes total from bare face to finished look. Try it out and let me know how it went!

More pics of the final look:



I got a haircut (more layers) and failed utterly at taking pics of it.


being silly at my setup again


Bright face, yay!



Oh, PS, my eyes were doing a random sok-ssangkapul (hidden double lid crease) thing that day. Very weird but as you guys know, my eyes are often naturally inconsistent with their creases. Oh wells. Guess that just proves it can work for different eye shapes. :P

Ok, time for me to prepare some pics for a couple of jewelry posts that I have been REALLY EXCITED to share with you guys!!! Soon, soon. <3

Hey everyone! I just posted up the Youtube video tutorial for applying a smokey eye look for monolids. I know I've said this a few times before, but "single eyelids" are hooded lids that don't have an upper eyelid crease. Because of this feature, eye makeup is applied in a slightly different way. My technique is to use a smooth gradient in sort of an oval shape on the eyelid.

You want to create depth without "faking" any lines, if that makes sense. Monolids tend to be pretty flat in terms of actual depth but I actually find this to be more fun to work with sometimes, like a blank canvas! I especially love it when I work on single-lidded clients because they often find going to traditional makeup artists to be frustrating!



Tools I used:

Face:
Everyday Minerals foundation mix of Fairly Light Neutral and Golden Medium
Lancome Photogenic Conceal in Camee
MAC Hello Kitty beauty powder blush in Fun & Games

Eyes:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
NYX Jumbo Shadow Stick in Black Bean
NYX single eyeshadow in Sweet Lagoon
NYX single eyeshadow in Midnight
NYX single eyeshadow in Opal
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Shisem falsies in XOG특
Covergirl Lash Exact Mascara

Lips:
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte in #13 Peach Passion
Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in #227 Chiffon Beige

Now, this still follows the basic rules of the smokey eye. When the eyes are the "main attraction" you want to go with a less dominant lip and cheek. I used a milky peach color lipstick with a tan lipgloss on top to help neutralize the bright color. If your lips are less pigmented than mine, you might want to stick to a color that is more milky pink or light tan (NYX round lipstick in strawberry milk or circe). I also matched my blush color to my lips so that they create a monochromatic canvas other than my eyes.

Since monolidders have lashes that are tucked under their lids, a trick to help open up the eyes is to use a good pair of false eyelashes with a nice strong band. I used my favorite lashes of-all-time in this video, Shisem falsies in XOG특. These are nice because they aren't TOO long like most other lashes and I find the criss-cross shape to be quite natural.

The only downfall? Well, in my case falsies sometimes give me a crease inconsistently. Maybe the lashes just create more weight on the lid, pulling the lashline out from being tucked under? I have no idea, but whatever, I roll with it!

the lids, with very subtle "outer v" contouring

One double, one single. LOL.


Me trying really hard to keep both single. :D


Being silly because it TOTALLY stays if I keep my chin tilted up!


And both doubles if I look up or smile.



Oh, and here is a shot of my "workstation" while I was doing the recording. Camera was sitting on this chair with a mirror on top of it. And obviously, I'm sitting on the floor. You can see some of my new camera! I love this little guy (Sony Cybershot DSC-T90), it takes GREAT video, doesn't it? Ridiculously scary HD and pretty pictures! Yay!



Oh, and I just wanted to mention something. I do love all eyelids. I'm not preaching for or against anything, and I never claimed that anything was better than anything else. I simply share my techniques with what I do, and this has no reflection on my racial preferences or lid preferences. I typically use tape because it does keep my eyeliner from smearing and it lifts my lashes, but as you can see here, it does not significantly change my eye shape or size and it doesn't make me look less "Asian." Seriously guys, it's just makeup! It's the magic of being able to play and adapt and change. Don't let anyone berate you just because you want to do your makeup the way you want to (this goes both ways, monolidders don't be ashamed to love your monolids when that's what you prefer)! If it doesn't hurt you or anyone else, why not? Have fun. :)

XOXO

EDIT: Just wanted to add a little note to answer a couple frequently asked questions.
* my nailpolish is Zoya Roxy
* the brushes are Sonia Kashuk Hidden Treasures set from Target
* I bought the lashes locally but you can find similar Korean ones by Darkness at lunabeauty.com

Oh, and don't forget, the Mineral Magic Cosmetics Giveaway is still going on! Please enter. :D

This tutorial is for a natural, everyday look. It's not heavy makeup, but more of a fresh, dewy-glow that looks like "you but better." I do have single eyelids, but I believe anyone can do this. It's quite easy and doesn't take many steps!


My tools:

FACE
-Dove Deep Moisture facial lotion
-Lancome Photogenic concealer in Camee
-Everyday Minerals powder foundation in Semi-Matte Golden Medium
-Everyday Minerals blush in All Smiles

EYES
-Urban Decay Primer Potion
-Revlon Colorstay 12-hour Eyeshadow Quad in Copper Spice (this is the only eyeshadow used for this whole look!)

-Shiseido eyelash curler
-Max Factor Lash Perfection mascara (in waterproof black for upper lashes and non-waterproof navy for lower lashes)

LIPS

-Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Lilac


*Ok, first of all start off with a clean, moisturized face.


*Use Lancome Photogenic concealer to cover up any discoloration. The key spots I go for are acne hyperpigmentation spots, the redness around my nose, and on/around my nose to cover up pores.


*Prime eyes with urban decay primer potion. Dab, then blend over the whole lid, and a bit on the lower lid too.



*Add the light gold color underneath the brow.
*Sweep the coppery color to the lid in a thick line, sweeping and blending up at the ends where your brow bone is.


*Take the darkest color, dark brown, and use a thinner brush to sweep near the lash line, thinner on the inner corners and getting thicker as you reach the outer corners of your eyes.
*Use the copper color to thickly line the outer third of your bottom lids.


*Take a thin, angled eyeliner brush and use the dark brown shadow to line both the top and bottom lash line. Using shadow as liner looks very natural and doesn't smudge like liners do, but it still defines eyes. The result should look like everything is blended naturally like this.

*Curl lashes. I start at the base and pump the curler up to the tips of the lashes.


*Add Max Factor lash perfection waterproof mascara. Start at the base and wiggle up.


*Apply foundation and blush! (I forgot to do this until later for the tut, but I usually do this after concealer...) Mineral foundation is great for looking "glowy." I don't like using too much, since the concealer works to cover most imperfections.



*Apply Clinique Superbalm Lipgloss in lilac


FINISHED LOOK





Hope you like it! If anyone tries this out, definitely show me your results. ;)