Coming at you with some of my favorite makeup dupes for high end products!

Raise your hand if this pandemic has made you poorer:

First up: For that quarentine-glow-up sheen, here’s a dupe that’s too good to be true.

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Maybelline Eyeshadow in: The Glo Down. Guys…this is LESS THAN $4.00. This was watched on the right side of my forearm. It’s a delightful champagne pink, similar to:

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop: This is $38.00. Now, as you can tell, the Becca highlighter is definitely a tad more shimmery, but when you could save about $34 bucks…I’d go with Maybelline.

*Disclaimer: Maybelline is not cruelty free, and Becca is. Do with that information what you wish if it’s important to you for ethical reasons. I bought this shadow before dedicating myself to only purchasing cruelty free products.

Next up: Bronzers.

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On the left, we have Marc Jacobs Omega Bronzer. Get both of these bronzers in whichever shade matches your skin tone. This one retails for about $35.00.

On the right, we have the Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer. This retails for about $13.

BOTH of these bronzers are smooth and buttery, blend seamlessly into the skin, have great lasting power, are a neutral bronze so you won’t have orange streaks if you choose to contour with them, and surprisingly enough, a major thing these two bad boys have in common is a delightful coconut scent.

Also, both brands are cruelty free! Woohoo.

Last but certainly not least, we have:

An expensive brow gel (Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel, full size $22) vs a LITERAL bar of soap and cheap spoolie.

If you haven’t heard of the soap brow trend, google it. Youtube it. Get on it, because your brows and wallet will thank you. Dampen a literal bar of soap with a spray of setting spray, rose water facial spray, or water, rub the spoolie around the soap for a second, and run it through your brows. Instant runway-ready, feathered, thick and set brows with that expensive “laminated” look. It’s a thing, I swear.

The documentary that I watched is from Netflix’s “Explained” series…this one is about Cults.

In this documentary, they used “pathos” and “ethos”, with reputable scholars and first hand witnesses who survived being in a cult. Major elements are also imagery and conflicts presented. There was also an informative portion of the documentary that warns the audience of how to spot a potential cult/cult leader. This was the part that really drew me in, because I felt like I could apply this information to my own life if anyone were to ever try and pull something like that on me.

The new global pandemic (besides coronavirus) is arguably, according to the documentary, loneliness. When they said this, it gave a sense of Kairos. This is because of the relevancy of where we’re at with internet, and since we are all literally physically isolated worldwide, people feel as though they don’t have anywhere to turn to. The internet and social media are an excellent tool for narcissistic cult leaders to gain followers, so spreading this information and telling the stories of first hand survivors is an extremely effective.

Ideas to incorporate into my presentation are adding plenty of visuals, not text, and just verbally elaborating. Also adding information from firsthand witnesses or reputable sources and scholars adds an element of ethos to presentations. Additionally, keeping topics flowing and moving at a moderate to fast pace keeps things engaging. The whole “Expained” series are comparatively short documentaries, with concise information. I think the importance of being concise is extremely relevant in our work as COM majors (and in our future careers, of course.)

This has been my go-to everyday eye makeup look. I use very neutral grey, browns and black shades for a look that elongates and lifts the eyes, makes you look more awake, and pairs well with any lip color. Although this might be dramatic for most clients’ casual looks, paired with a flawless base, defined lip and dramatic lashes, this could be very event appropriate. Breaking down the steps below:

1. With a dense shading brush, pack on a dark grey shade along the outer corner, blending upwards to form a sideways “V” shape
2. With a light and medium deep neutral brown shade, add some shading along the crease of the eye.
3. With fingers for the most pigment, add a shimmery champagne color to the center of the lids, and the inner corners.
4. Create a straight wing, dragging back towards the center of the lid with liquid eyeliner. Do not bring all the way in, as that will close off the eyes and cover the center lid shimmer
5. With a small detail brush, draw a triangle to elongate the inner corner of the eyes with a black eyeshadow. This gives a “cat eye” effect.
6. Add your favorite mascara to top and bottom lashes
7. You’re done!

For this look: I used the “Tartlette in Bloom” Pallette by Taste Cosmetics, Stila mascara, and Stila eyeliner. These products are available at your local Ulta or Sephora, or online!

This is the recent purchase I will be analyzing: YSL’s Black Opium Eau De Parfum.

• What are my expectations? What is the source of those expectations?

My expectations are going off of the source of fragrance description and reviews…to experience a good smelling perfume that is “warm and spicy” with “black coffee, white flowers and vanilla.” As I read the reviews, I am trying to find out if the product is worth my money, as it’s an expensive perfume (for me, a college student, at least.)

• What do I notice about the store I’m purchasing the product in? If I’m purchasing online, what is the website trying to say to me?

I always enjoy going to Sephora because even though the employees can harass you (oops, I meant offer to help you) quite often, they’re always kind and fun to talk to in my experience. I usually go into the store knowing what I want, or else I’ll spend my entire paycheck there. I like walking around and trying out samples. However, this purchase was done online thanks to the pandemic, so I was really taking a risk buying a fragrance without smelling it first. The website gives points with each purchase if you’re a member, so I also used some of my points to get myself free products along with this fragrance purchase. It was a fun online shopping experience.

• What do I notice about the packaging and the product itself?

The first thing I noticed when my Sephora purchase shipped and I opened the box, was how pretty the packaging is. It’s glittery, it’s black, it’s glamorous…it’s quite on brand with my personal style. (On a good day.) I love the unique shape and feel of the bottle, and the black glitter throughout.

• What about using the product? What am I thinking and how do I feel as I use the product?

Upon spraying the first spritz of perfume…I had a flashback…and not one I really cared to think about when applying my new “signature scent.” I remembered a time I had to help run a drag show for my job in student involvement at community college…lol! However, as the initial scent dissipated, I started to notice the notes of spiciness and warm coffee and vanilla, and less of the floral scent, and really started liking the fragrance. The longer I wore it, the more “me” it became. I wore this fragrance on a weekend getaway and received compliments, and felt confident and ~saucy~ in this perfume.

The big consumer insight is that brands try to connect an emotion with an object. In this case, this fragrance should, hypothetically speaking, make the buyer feel attractive, confident, sexy and desirable. Is it the most unique fragrance, with many purchases and over 5 thousand reviews on Sephora’s site? Nope. But, there’s a sense of exclusivity with the price point, and many want to be part of the group of girls who smell “expensive.” From start to finish, the experience needs to bring up positive emotions, and not be tainted by negative reviews, employee interactions etc.

In terms of marketing and using the “four P’s”, I would recommend playing more off of the emotions of consumers and showing an ad of where one might wear this fragrance. For example, on a date, girls night out, interview, etc. Picturing oneself in the situation where the product enhances positive outcomes is an effective way to promote the item.

This look has been my go-to everyday look for Fall as of recently. This look would be gorgeous on clients of all skin tones and eye colors, but the eyeshadow makes blue and green eyes stand out. (This is because orange is the direct contrast to these colors on the color wheel) I used all cream products on the skin so that they blend together seamlessly, and are light and fresh for everyday. No cakey feeling here. The star of this look is the “HudaBeauty Topaz Obsessions” Palette. Products listed below!

Products Used:

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue tinted moisturizer: I like this product for all seasons because it has SPF, but also is moisturizing for skin that tends to get dry during these colder months. It feels lightweight on the skin and is oil free, so it’s perfect for those prone to breakouts.

Hourglass Concealer: Not sure how I feel about this concealer to be honest…it creases without being set with powder, so heads up. My favorite is the Tarte Shape Tape concealer, but I’m running low.

Clinique Chubby Contour Stick: A favorite for a seamless blend. I contour cheekbones and forehead, and sweep the leftovers on the brush across my nose.

Tower Beauty Cream Blush: This has been my absolute favorite blush for months, it’s so easy to apply and blends beautifully. I bought it in the shade “Magic Hour.”

Huda Beauty Topaz Obsessions Palette: Plenty of warm, fall tones! I like the mix of matte and metallic shades, and the deep plum is gorgeous for adding dimension to the eyes.

NYX Kohl eyeliner: Any kohl eyeliner will do. I lined my waterline with it as well to add a smokey effect.

Ilia Mascara: This has been my go-to mascara lately because of the length it brings my lashes! It does not thicken them much if that’s what you’re looking for, but it separates and lengthens each lash beautifully.

Nyx Micro Brow: A drugstore option and in my opinion, dupe for Benefit brow pencils.

For lips, as you can see I DIY’d a color with two nude/mauve shades. Any nude lip combo that is suitable for your skin tone will do!

Here is an example of a Creative Brief that I found compelling by PayPal: https://www.slideshare.net/aaga8/paypal-creative-brief

I like the format of this brief because of easy readability and clarity of the various sections. It is definitely…brief…and creative, both vital as we learned in the lecture. I like the clarity of their main message which is easily seen outlined in a box: “Receive money whenever, wherever.” I feel like this would definitely resinate with their target audience, which, in this case is 12-17 year olds.

My favorite part of this creative brief is the graphic towards the bottom of the page. It explains the how and why this audience would use PayPal, and is color coded, clear, organized, and creatively presented on the page in an engaging format.

First, I start by finding some tasty looking mushrooms in the backyard. Just kidding…don’t do that.

Upon looking at that blinking cursor on the first page of an assignment/essay etc., I usually begin by staring blankly into space. Sort of like Raven on “That’s So Raven.”

Starting can feel intimidating, and it’s always the hardest part for me. It’s daunting, and I find myself thinking “gosh…I’m going to be sitting here for the next (however many hours)” I start typing…absolutely anything. Just something to make the page look less lonely. Then the ideas start flowing.

Usually, some images start to pop into my head. I tend to create by picturing stories happening, as I attempt to connect my ideas. I’m also “old fashioned” if you will…and use plenty of colorful pens to draw and make lists of what I’d like to say. I’m not particularly gifted, in my humble opinion, in the “word” department…so making lists and drawing pictures helps me get it together so I can start drafting how to put my ideas into something readable. In Twyla Tharp’s book, “The Creative Habit“, she mentions Harvard psychologist Stephen Kosslyn’s studies on ways that ideas are acted upon. (p. 101) Once I generate the idea, the hardest part for me is retaining the idea. I like how she said she gets her ideas on tape to retain them, so I think that moving forward, since my brain/mouth move faster than I can type or write, I’ll take advantage of the voice memo app in my phone to catch that idea before it escapes.

Unfortunately for me, I am most creative when I feel as though I’m under pressure. However, things always end up taking longer than I thought. So, I play a little game with myself where I lie to my beloved calendar planner and say that things are due a couple days before they’re actually due. Sure, you may be thinking “ok but in your head you know you have more time to complete it.” Well, luckily I usually forget. So, if it’s in the planner for the day, it’s being accomplished, as I’m not risking feeling like I’ve failed myself by leaving a bunch of unchecked planner boxes. (Healthy, I know.)

If I find myself frustrated, I do remember to take breaks. I’ll usually set a timer and allow myself a 10-20 minute break for every 45 minutes of work. Most seemingly daunting tasks can be accomplished this way in one afternoon for me. During those breaks, I try to go outside, or workout somehow. I also always listen to music when I work, or do anything for that matter. Not classical music, personally it annoys me. I’ve been enjoying some chill 90’s R&B and 80’s alternative. I think that listening to music helps us tap into that creative headspace. I also “scratch” for ideas by observing peoples’ behaviors having conversations with them about topics we are both passionate about, and I like getting others’ opinions on my creative ideas. I’m stubborn, but do enjoy constructive criticism, and am always open to new ideas.

Resources:

Tharp, T., & Reiter, M. (2003). The creative habit: Learn it and use it for life. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Lots of things contribute to our breakouts. Stress, hormonal changes, diet, sleep deprivation (sounds about right for us college students…) There are tons of different face masks out there (and since it’s 2020, let me clarify, I don’t mean the COVID masks). Some claim they’ll clear your zits overnight, but they don’t come without a price. Today I want to share my favorite face mask that you can make yourself using ingredients that are all under $15.

Introducing the star of the show:

You can buy this tub of Indian Healing Clay at Target, Amazon, or other retailers, with prices depending on the size you choose. I’ve had this clay for almost a year…it will last you a while. Bentonite clay can help draw out impurities such as pores filled with excess oil, dirt, and/or makeup. When I have a big pimple that is painful and under-the skin, using this mask helps draw it out to a whitehead.

I eyeball how much liquid to add to make it the desired consistency, but I usually do half water and half apple cider vinegar.

Warning: If you don’t know already, apple cider vinegar smells really bad. If you can’t stand the smell, or have very sensitive skin, you can just mix the clay with plain water.

After you have mixed the apple cider vinegar and water with the clay to form a paste-like consistency, I like to add some natural aloe vera gel from my plant. You can also purchase aloe vera from the store in a bottle, but I recommend going with the most natural option possible.

Aloe Vera has calming, anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, and I find that my skin is less sensitive from the apple cider vinegar when I also include the aloe.

Here is the gross looking mixture…but trust me the results are worth it.

Spread the mixture on your skin (Aztec Indian Healing Clay tub recommends 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch thick) and don’t leave it on longer than 15-20 minutes. It doesn’t have to dry completely and crack to be effective, but as time passes, you will notice your face feeling tight. Listen to your body and rinse it off within the first 10 minutes to see how your skin reacts, and if it’s not too red or uncomfortable, leave it on for a couple of extra minutes the next time.

To remove the mask, I use warm water and a wash cloth, and tone my face with organic rose water on a cotton pad afterwards.

I try to use this mask once a week, and I think that it’s helped keep some of my severe breakouts under control. I hope that it helps you too!

Because now is the perfect time to sit inside and experiment with different makeup looks. I picture this look being suitable for a night out to dinner (when the smoke clears/the pandemic ends and we can actually go out…) I could also see this look as something that would look beautiful on clients seeking prom makeup, as it draws attention to the eyes and is a good mix of bronzed and dramatic yet not over-the-top. It is beginner-friendly and only requires one palette. This palette by Urban Decay was actually the first “high-end” makeup palette I owned (I received it as a birthday gift) and to this day I am impressed by the versatility of the shades and mix of warm and cool tones.

Here is the finished look:

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Closeup (looks like a low quality photo once I uploaded, sorry…I’ll work on it.)

For this look, I used the original Urban Decay “Naked” Palette.

To prime, I concealed and set my eyelids with Tarte Shape Tape and a translucent setting powder.

To begin, I packed the shade “Smog” on my eyelid using a small, dense brush.

Then, I swept a mix of “Darkhorse” and “Creep” on the outer area of my eye, blending into an angle towards the tail of my brows in a wing-shape.

Then, with a fluffy brush, I blended out any harsh edges with the shade, “Buck” and swept whatever was leftover on the brush under my eyes.

Now, for the liner and lashes.

I used the Stila “Stay All Day” black liner to create a wing, and used a brown felt tip liner for just the inner corner to extend the tear duct area. I then lined my lower waterline with a kohl liner by Milani (available at most drugstores). Lining the lower waterline may not be suitable for all eye shapes, and I advise that if one’s eyes are on the smaller side, or they prefer their eyes to look bigger with makeup, to avoid “closing off” the eye with black liner inside. My eyes are medium sized and I enjoy the dramatic effect of placing liner there, so I did so for this look. I applied the same highlighter that I do on my cheekbones onto the inner corners of the eyes for an added glow.

Lastly, I applied the Stila “Huge Extreme Lashes” mascara to top and bottom lashes. A tip is that if you want your eyes to look more cat-eye shaped and uplifted, sweep the lashes in an up and outward motion. You can always apply falsies if desired. I don’t prefer them unless it’s a special occasion.

For the skin, I kept the look light and fresh yet sculpted, (base makeup coming in a later tutorial). I then lined my lips with Charlotte Tilbury’s “Pillow Talk” liner, and applied a lip balm to blend.

For this assignment, we were to: “Practice changing the below close-ended questions into open-ended questions so that your respondents will tell stories in a research interview setting. Create at least two other ways of asking each question below.”

• Have you ever sent a text message while driving? Revisions: Which type of text messages are you most inclined to respond to or send while driving? or How has someone you know been impacted by texting and driving?
• Would you say you travel abroad frequently? Revisions: Where have been your favorite places to travel broad, and why? or Why would you recommend traveling abroad to students contemplating it?
• Do you post a lot of pictures on Instagram? Revisions: What type of content do you like to post on Instagram? or What are some of your favorite types of photos to take, and why?
• Do you prefer to shop at big boxes or locally owned stores? Revisions: In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping at large verses locally owned stores/vice versa? or What would make you choose shopping local instead of at large chains?
• Do you have an iPhone or an Android phone? Revisions: Why did you choose the type of phone you own now? or What would make you change from an iPhone to an Android (or vice versa)…is there something you would have liked to see in your specific model?
• How often do you eat sweets? Revisions: What are your favorite types of sweets, and are they something you get to enjoy often? or What has been your most enjoyable dessert experience while dining out?
• Do you tend to buy things that are on sale? Revisions: What type of items do you prefer to buy on sale? or What items are you willing to splurge on?

It is important to ask the right questions because in order to conduct a thorough, useful and insightful interview, you have to know how to get your interviewee to, well, talk. You shouldn’t ask simple yes/no questions, or questions that prompt one word or sentence responses. The key is to get your subject to draw on their experiences and allow the space for them to tell their stories. Asking the right questions is key in being able to answer the 5 W’s and H (who, what, where, when, why and how) for your piece of writing.