My Contour/Highlighting Routine

Well hello there!

I figured it was about time I shared how I contour and highlight my face. I will warn you, the way I do it for this blog post is very extreme. I had to do it that way in order for the camera to pick up the colors.


The contour color I am using today is from the ELF Cosmetics Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder in St. Lucia (here!). I am also using the realTechniques Setting Brush (here!)

First I take the bronzer and chisel out my cheekbones. You want to find the hollow area just below your actual cheekbone. Then, draw a line from your ear to about halfway towards your mouth:

 The result should look like this:

 Next, I create a shadow on my forehead and contour my chin. Once again, this is much more extreme than I normally do:

 Next, I contour the sides of my nose to make it appear narrower:

 Once my contour map is all laid out, I buff everything in with my Sigma F80 Brush:

 And here is the result of the contouring!

 Now it's time for highlighting! I am using the Physician's Formula Mineral Glow Pearls and my realTechniques Expert Face Brush

 First, I highlight my actual cheekbones:

 Then I run the highlight down the center of my nose:

 And I also highlight the center of my forehead:

And voila! All done!

Now the contour and highlight I do is using powder products, and I do this AFTER foundation and concealer. If you want to contour under foundation, you will need to use cream products. I have yet to try out a cream contour, but once I do I will show you how it turns out!


Want to see more posts like this? Sound off in the comments!


INSTAGRAM: @angelamcollins


xoxo, Ang

Makeup Pictorial: Neutral Eye Look featuring Smashbox Full Exposure Palette

Hello my darlings!

Time for another fun pictorial. I have the pleasure of possessing the new Smashbox Full Exposure Palette (more info here!):

 The colors are so gorgeous and versatile:

Just a word of warning with the shimmer colors: you MUST use them wet, otherwise the shadow does not stick to brushes. You could also use them with your finger.

So let's get started!
First I primed my eyes with Urban Decay Primer Potion:

 Then I took these two matte shades and blended them into my crease:

Then I took the deepest warm brown shade and deepened my crease:

 For the lids, I used this champagne shimmer color. I first dipped my brush into contact solution, then the shadow:

Then I applied my eyeliner as usual (Ulta Extreme Wear Gel Eyeliner in Primetime):

 Then, with a pencil brush, I took that deep brown shade and lined my lower lash line:

 And here are the eyes all done!

For the cheeks, I used NYX Blush in Pinched:

 And for the lips, I lined them with Jordana Lip Liner in Tawny:

 And the lip color is NYX Round Case Lipstick in Thalia:

 And here is the look all finished!

I absolutely love this look because it is suitable for day and night.

Want to see more pictorials or a REVIEW of the Full Exposure Palette? Sound off in the comments!

INSTAGRAM: @angelamcollins

xoxo, Ang

Makeup Pictorial: Radiant Orchid-Inspired Purple Smokey Eye

Hi dolls!

Since there has been so much buzz about the Pantone Color of the Year, which is Radiant Orchid (More info here!), I figured I would do a purple eye look.

So let's get started!

First, I primed my eyelids and used the NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk to ensure that the colors I use are their truest pigment:

 Then I took this lilac color from my BH Cosmetics 120 Palette 3rd Edition and swept it over the entire lid:

 Next I wanted more shimmer, so I took this lilac pigment from NYX and packed it on top of the shadow:

To deepen the crease, I used NYX Nude Matte Eyeshadow in Skinny Dip with my Sigma E25 brush:

 I also used this color to smoke out my lower lash line with a pencil brush:

 Then, I applied a winged liner with Wet N Wild Megaliner:

 Lastly, I applied my mascara and VOILA! All done!

Sooooo pretty. I think purple shadow looks great on hazel/green eyes, but it honestly looks so great on everyone. I know this isn't exactly the same shade as Radiant Orchid, but it's definitely a much more tame way of incorporating the color into your makeup look.


Want to see more pictorials? Sound off in the comments!

INSTAGRAM: @angelamcollins

xoxo, Ang

My Foundation Routine

Hello lovelies!

First off, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! :) Whether you have a valentine or not, just know that you are loved <3

And now on to the pictorial! Today I am showing you my foundation routine. Let's get started!

The first thing I do is moisturize. I'm using Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer:

 Next I prime my face. I'm using Benefit Cosmetics the POREfessional:

Now it's time for foundation. I'm using Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation. This is very full coverage:

 First I squeeze the amount I want onto the back of my hand, then I dip my Sigma F80 brush into it:

 Then I distribute the foundation on my face in dots:

 And then, using circular motions, I blend it into my skin:

 Ta-da!

Now it's time for concealer. I'm using the Maybelline Insant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles:

 First I draw an upside-down triangle under each eye:

 And then I use a Beautyblender to blend that in:

 To set everything, I'm using the NYX Stay Matte but not Flat Powder Foundation:

 And voila! All done!

I have been doing this particular routine for about a year. That being said, my routine varies according to my mood and what kind of condition my skin is in.

Here are all of the products I used:

Want to see other routine pictorials? Sound off in the comments!

INSTAGRAM:http://instagram.com/angelamcollins

xoxo, Ang