Top 5 Favorite Beauty Eye Products for the Holidays

December 21, 2018

This post is sponsored by Clear Eyes but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

‘Tis the season for getting picture perfect ready from head to toe. With all the holiday parties and get-togethers with family and friends, not to mention running around doing all that last minute shopping and day-to-day errands, we all can use a little pick-me-up when it comes to our eyes. Because this time of year we always want to look our best and the last thing we all need are red, itchy eyes. When it comes to eye care, we want products we can trust that will eliminate eye redness and irritation and allow our eyes to shine bright and capture attention. Look no further, I got you covered, ladies! In today's post, I'm sharing my top 5 favorite beauty eye products to relieve redness leading to whiter and clearer eyes that will complement your holiday looks so you can be Insta-ready anywhere! Even while doing that last minute-holiday shopping ;)

1. CLEAR EYES MAXIMUM REDNESS RELIEF

There is a reason why Clear Eyes is the #1 selling brand of Redness Relief Eye drops. The Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief eye drops provide soothing comfort from irritation, so red eyes or eye irritation don’t get in the way of looking Insta-ready for your next holiday party or shindig. Conversely, after a late night of celebrating, you don’t want your eyes to look or feel like they’ve been up all night. Clear Eyes makes sure last night’s celebrating doesn’t get in the way of how you look and feel today. That way you can still be on the go, getting all those errands checked off in time for Christmas! Check out the before and after pics above to see the immediate results! Wowza!

2. TARTE MANEATER LIQUID EYELINER

This vegan, quick-drying liquid eyeliner features intense black, lash-enhancing pigment spheres & a waterproof formula to ensure tonight's eyeliner won't turn into tomorrow's smoky eye. The micro brush tip glides on smoothly to create precise definition or drama where you want it & moves with the contours of your lashline for the perfect, one-swipe application. You can use it to sculpt & fill in spaces between lashes for an ultra-black boost in volume or extend it out to a sexy #maneater wing.

3. BOBBI BROWN LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW STICK

Effortless and high impact, that's the essence of NEW Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick. This do-it-all formula glides on tug-free and can be used to shade, define, smoke up and highlight eyes. In subtle to eye-popping shades that last for up to 8 hours without creasing, flaking or fading, it's a stroke of genius. Just swipe on and go. I use the shade, 'Golden Pink' for the bottom inner lids of my eyes to give an extra brightened look. You can use white or any other shimmery/metallic rose gold, silver, highlights like this stick to give that effect.

4. FIRST AID BEAUTY EYE DUTY TRIPLE REMEDY

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy is a multi-tasking eye treatment that immediately brightens and minimizes imperfections with sheer, light reflecting pigments while offering long-term skincare benefits. Retinyl palmitate and GABA in the formula help smooth away the look of fine lines and wrinkles while caffeine and licorice root work to diminish the appearance of dark circles and undereye puffiness. The unique stainless steel tip mimics the shape of your pinky, delivering a cooling application while supporting microcirculation to enhance the product's benefits. Eye Duty Triple Remedy works great as a light coverage concealer or may be applied directly under your favorite eye concealer.

5. LANCÔME MONSIEUR BIG MASCARA

A BIG volume mascara that delivers instant heart-stopping volume for your biggest, blackest, boldest lashes yet. You'll know Monsieur Big Mascara is the one at first stroke. The ultra-creamy formula glides like silk onto lashes to deliver up to 12 times more volume than bare lashes alone with up to 24-hour wear. No touch-ups, flaking or smudging. Perfect for your BIG evening out and even the morning after. Monsieur Big's brush has a unique shape with soft, wavy fibers to deliver the perfect amount of formula with the very first stroke. The ultra-creamy formula has supple waxes and polymers to adhere immediately to lashes for BIG, buildable volume and length. Apply one coat and you will see why Monsieur Big is the one.

Purchase Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief Eye Drops on Amazon for 10% off using the code 10CLEAREYES from 12/19-1/11. You can also shop directly by following the links in each item I've listed. What beauty eye products do you use when your eyes are red and are looking a bit dull?

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

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Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gift Guide

November 21, 2018

‘Tis the Season! It’s Black Friday time! I did five roundups of gift ideas for your viewing (and shopping) pleasure. :) The first 2 are for the hardcore beauty lovers, one is the best sets of both makeup and skincare from a variety of Black Friday specials ranging from Ulta to Sephora and others. The second is for small gift-giving ideas, ranging at prices points from $20 to no more than $75. The other three gift guides are fashion, home, and pet-related, where I picked up items not only I’d grab for myself, but would love to give to someone else even more. Several items, mostly from the beauty boards are of limited edition (holiday collection/item) so don’t miss your chance to score big, as there’s so many deals to be had with these items I’ve listed! Lots of sales I’ve listed are from Nordstrom, Shopbop, Bed Bath & Beyond, and others along with Sephora & Ulta and even Amazon. If you’re interested in one of the products mentioned in my gift guides, hover over the number with the mouse to click-through. Happy shopping and happy loads and loads of turkey and love.

BEST HOLIDAY GIFT SETS 2018 MAKEUP & SKINCARE

1. Marc Jacobs Beauty Waterproof Eyeliner & Volumizing Mascara - Fall Runway Edition, $49

2. IT Brushes Your Glam Must-Haves 5 Pc Brush Set + Exclusive Clutch, $125/30% off at Ulta

3. NYX Professional Makeup Sugar Trip 24 Days Of Beauty Advent Calendar, $30

4. Lancôme Definicils Mascara Collection Holiday Set, $35

5. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Gift Set, $76

6. Mario Badescu Spritz. Mist. Glow. Set, $12

7. Sephora Favorites Lashstash, $48

8. OUAI Swing Both OUAIs Kit, $48

9. Urban Decay Naked Cherry Vault, $100

10. LANEIGE Sleep & Glow Set, $39/$52 value

11. Ole Henriksen Glow Brightly™ - Radiance-Boosting Super Set, $49

12. First Aid Beauty Skin Summit, $48/$112 value

BEAUTY HOLIDAY GIFTS UNDER $75

1. Diptyque Black Friday Candle Limited Edition, $75

2. Lime Crime Diamond Dew Liquid Eyeshadow, $20

3. Philosophy Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere Eau de Toilette Mini, $18

4. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Pink Grapefruit, $18/$42 value

5. boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask, $20

6. Bobbi Brown Snow Glow Mini Highlighting Powder, $25

7. Jin Soon Encore Collection, $42

8. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Mini Ornament, $15

9. Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder - Limited Edition, $60

10. NARS Heartbreaker Blush Palette, $42

11. Stila One Step Correct, $23

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE HOME

1. Crosley Radio Cruiser Deluxe Turntable, $70

2. Nordstrom at Home Kennebunk Bliss Plush Throw, $40

3. CALPAK Ambeur 20-Inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On, $135

4. Mikasa® Swirl 16-Piece Dinnerware Set in Blue, $80/$150

5. Nordstrom 5-Piece Stainless Steel Bar Tool Set, $69

6. KitchenAid® Artisan® 5 qt. Stand Mixer, $280/$380

FASHION BLACK FRIDAY GIFT IDEAS

Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor® Hidden Heart High Top Sneaker, $135

2. AKIRA Teddy Hug Midi Jacket, $40

3. Topshop Sela Crossbody Bag, $48

4. DL1961 Farrow Jeans, $199

5. Gucci Double-G Buckle Calfskin Belt, $350

6. kate spade one in a million initial pendant necklace, $35

7. Shopbop Escapade Sunglasses, $59

AMAZON BLACK FRIDAY DOG GIFT GUIDE

Lanyar Dog Reindeer Holiday Pet Clothes Sweater for Dogs Puppy Kitten Cats, Classic Red, $15

2. Christmas Dog Bone Ornament - Set of Three, $8

3. Petist Professional Pet Nail Grinder, Electric Pet Nail Trimmer, Clippers, File with 3 Different Gen, $26

4. West Elm Found My Animal Adjustable Dog Leash, $54

5. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Squeaking Toys Dogs, $16

6. Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher, $9.45

7. Christmas Dog - German Shepherd Naughty List Shirt, $20

LOVE & XX’S,

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Fall Makeup Look with Bobbi Brown

October 1, 2018

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOBBI BROWN.

My favorite season is here! Crisp air, leave foliage and everything pumpkin, your girl is a little too excited for it all! Fall makeup is supposed to be subtle but with a touch of the dramatic. Some classic favorites? Black eyeliner, rich red lips, and overall warm tones. I've been wanting to create a look that's not too difficult to do but at the same time, also super gorgeous and still quite natural. Think of a very underplayed smokey eye with a cherry autumn lip and some gold highlight glowy-ness. Which is why I'm thrilled to partner with Bobbi Brown to share this fall makeup look with you guys! Continue reading to learn about every single product we used to achieve this look along with a quick fun makeup video!

When I met Analise Traficante, the Bobbi Brown BDA & Brand Ambassador at Bloomingdale's in SoHo, during NYFW, I knew we had to work together! She and I instantly connected and along with her talent, her personality is what really drew me to her. Filming didn't even feel like work, but more like two girls just hanging out in our bedrooms (like teenagers) playing around with makeup. When I gave her my vision of the look I had in mind, she instantly got me. Say no more, she went with a very subtle smokey eye with hints of dark brown and purples along with a gorgeous rusty red lip and highlight to boot.

We used one of my favorite illuminating powders of all time: The Nude Finish Illuminating Powder from SS16. The warm, gold tones are perfect for transitioning from summer to fall makeup, plus I think warmer highlights for olive skin is more flattering than cooler tones in terms of overall skin complexion as well as hair (but we can talk about hair in a whole other post.) The color we chose for lipstick shade is called, "Burnt Cherry" in Bobbi Brown's newly launched Luxe Matte Lip Color Beauty. These luxurious matte lipsticks feature oil-infused powders and pure matte powder pigments that deliver full coverage, a comfortable, lightweight feel and 12-hour high-impact color.

Skin prep also included products from the Bobbi Brown line, such as their hydrating eye cream which has CHANGED my life. If you're looking something to rid of those bags, this magic potion in a jar IS IT! We also moisturized with face cream as well as a primer before setting in the foundation and concealer. Other favorites as well are the Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil in Dark Brown, the Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Chocolate Truffle, and the limited edition Camo Luxe Eye & Cheek Palette - A modern spin on iconic camo that features six matte, metallic and sparkle shadows for multidimensional eye looks, plus a light-reflective highlighting powder to instantly illuminate skin—all in one versatile palette.

I've added direct links to shop this fall beauty look in the top and end of this post, so feel free to check these items out! Remember, some items are limited edition, so you should take a look now rather than later. Got a question about this makeup look? Drop yours in the comment section down below or come find me on Instagram! Special thanks to the wonderful Analise for her makeup wizardry, you are amazing! Check out her Instagram here as well (@misstraficante)!

LOVE & XX’S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder SS16

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Gingham and Tassels

April 2, 2018

WEARING: SHEIN TASSEL TIED OPEN BACK TIERED GINGHAM DRESS | 
LOUISE & ELEANOR SQUIGGLE BAG | ZARA CORK & LEATHER WEDGES

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SHEIN.

Happy Monday! I don't know about you fellow East Coasters, but I'm so over winter! How is it still snowing on April 2nd?! The last time I saw abnormal snowing was nearly 14 years ago when I was in Ukraine and it was snowing in the middle of April! We were baffled, but today's forecast is only leaving me exasperated. I just want warmer and sunnier weather, which won't be happening this week. But April showers bring May flowers! And before you know it, we'll be complaining about how hot it is outside. So without further ado, I'm bringing summer into spring to potentially jumpstart warmer temps! Continue reading to see the perfect dress for spring and summer. It is quite adorable for a vacation outfit as well.

SHOP THE DRESS

How adorable is this dress?! A multicolor vacation round neck half sleeve shift dress has a backless short ruffle fringe, orange tassels and a gingham print with no stretch. I love the high waist and flounce sleeves, as it brings shape to this type of dress. It's similar to a babydoll dress. I think this would be perfect on the beach or anywhere with a lovely resort. I also believe this dress would look amazing at Coachella! The highlight of this dress? It's on SALE! 25% OFF and ONLY $16!

SHOP THE BAG

I kept my makeup clean and fresh with only a little added sparkle to my lipgloss. If you haven't checked out my latest beauty faves, I've featured the new lipgloss line from Urban Decay and it's so legit! The shade I'm wearing is called '**Nooner**'. My go-to eyeliner as of late is the gel ones by **Bobbi Brown**. They don't smudge and are easy to apply. Highlighter is also Bobbi Brown, using **Bronze Glow SS16**. Nail polish by Essie, called, '**At the Helm**', which matches perfectly with the orange tassels and wedges.

SHOP THE WEDGES

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

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NYFW Backstage with Aveda – Hellessy, Tibi, Public School & Tome

February 18, 2017

HELLESSY

Backstage makeup vibes at the Hellessy AW2017 show at Highline Studios in New York City, Aveda Artist, Janell Geason, used NEW Aveda Petal Essence™ Face Accents in Seychelles Sand (infused with aromatic floral notes) to illuminate and contour cheekbones in a more natural-looking way and NEW Aveda Nourish-Mint™ Smoothing Lip Color in Coral Sands (with a certified organic peppermint and vanilla aroma) to give lips a warm, soft peachy color. Definitely such a fresh, dewy look!

TIBI

Aveda Artist, Frank Rizzieri, created thick, healthy and face-framing hair for the TIBI AW2017 show –inspired heavily by menswear – held at Skylight Modern in New York City. Aveda Thickening Tonic) with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic rosemary, geranium, cinnamon) helped expand strands from root to tip, while Damage Remedy™ Split End Repair sealed ends instantly. No matter the length, each model had full and super plush strands. (Not to mention the tonic spray is my favorite Aveda hair product! Keeps my new fringe bangs intact without the hassle!)

PUBLIC SCHOOL

Aveda Artist, Allen Ruiz, created weightless body and volume for the Public School AW2017 show held at a packed Milk Studios in New York City. Aveda Phomollient™ Styling Foam (with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic peppermint, ylang-ylang, bergamot) helped make the most out of what each model had already without weighing the hair down. The bigger the better.

Male models received matte texture with a pliable hold from Aveda Artist, Allen Ruis. All-star Aveda Control Paste™ (with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic ylang-ylang, clove and clary sage) was worked into dry hair for a loose and piece-y high texture style.

TOME

Aveda Global Creative Director Antoinette Beenders honed in on natural hair textures to create an array of individual styles for the Tome AW2017 show – celebrating confident, strong women – held at Clarkson Square in New York City. Dry Remedy™ Daily Moisturizing Oil was used to instantly add moisture and bring hair back to life. The sleek ponytails and curly styles were then set with Air Control™ Light Hold Hair Spray featuring the Pure-Fume™ aroma with certified organic lavender, bergamot and palmarosa. And one of my favorite makeup looks from this fashion week was their simple white-lined eyeliner. Minimal yet extremely powerful. Just gorgeous!