Many of us have countless lipsticks in our makeup collections but without fail, every time you're looking for that perfect color, it's lost in your purse, in your car or your dog ate it. Here is a fool-proof way of never losing that favorite lipstick, not to mention seeing all of your collection in one place. 

De-potting lipsticks can be scary and if you're anything like me, cutting up a perfectly new, untouched bullet of a gorgeous, rich color, makes you shutter just a little bit. But trust me when I tell you, it's worth it! 


What you'll need: 
1. Lipsticks
2. Knife (butter knife will work fine)
3. Spoon
4. Candle and matches/lighter
5. Empty palette (I used this one)
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​Step 1: Light your candle and line up your lipsticks in the order you plan to pour them 
​Step 2: Cut your first lipstick and place in on the spoon
Step 3: Hold spoon over flame and melt, be sure not to hold it too close to avoid burning 
Step 4: Carefully pour the melted color into the empty well in the palette 
Step 5: Continue steps 2-4 until all lipsticks are melted and wells are filled

Tip: if you like to have your lipstick with you for touch ups, only cut and melt half of the bullet so you still have 1/2 in the tube for easy travel. 

Ta Da! You have your own custom lipstick palette with all of your favorite colors!

1. Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color 2. Urban Decay Gwen Stefani collaboration palette 3. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette 4. Essie Holiday Mini Nail Color Kit 5. NYX Butter Gloss Trio
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Have a little last minute shopping to do and not sure what to get the lady in your life that has everything?! Here are my top 5 favorite beauty gifts this season.  Personally, this is my favorite time of year to stock up on makeup goodies because  not only are the limited edition palettes and gift sets are a great value but they feature the brands hero products in extra pretty packaging! Happy Holidays!! 
Xo
Carleylu 

YES PLEASE! We've all seen the "at home" gel nail kits at the local drugstore that come with a small UV light, multiple steps or just look like a hot mess. Well, a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the new Essie Gel Setter top coat. Not only am I a big Essie fan but I also love a good long lasting mani and for someone with nails that grow faster than weeds- this can quickly break the bank. I decided to give it a try and must say- I am hooked! My typical gel manicure lasts max a week and an half, because, like I said, I must produce some ungodly amount of biotin naturally, and adding this wondrous little clear coat to my at-home mani gives me the same long wear! Granted, I have a nail polish collection large enough to paint a whole football team without repeating a color, but hey, at $8 a pop for a nail polish it's still cheaper than a professional mani, so what the hell! 
I recommend throwing on a base coat (Gelous and Seche are my faves), 2-3 layers of your favorite color polish and top it off with this awesome gel top coat. Be careful to not overload the top coat to avoid micro bubbles. It dries fairly quickly and leaves your nails with a hardened, ultra glossy finish. 
Happy at home manis! 

This hot, humid weather has left my skin feeling sticky with a not so lovely shine by the end of the day.  I reached to the back of the medicine cabinet to grab this oldie but goodie, Double Detox Exfoliating mask by Tarte and remembered just why I loved this miracle worker so much! It's a thick, clay mask with micro beads that gives a cool, tingly relief when applied.  After 15 minutes or so, it leaves your skin feeling rejuvenated and squeaky clean! 
Clay masks are perfect for unclogging pores and deep cleaning, especially when you're working with a little extra humidity and heat. So throw that hair into a messy bun, lather on a mask, kick your feet up and give your skin a deep clean! 

Cleansing waters have been all the rage lately and it turns out that French women who've been using this technique for some time, were totally on to something. I must admit- I was pretty skeptical at first. I wear makeup daily, have been hooked on Neutrogena makeup remover wipes for as long as I can remember and associate a squeaky clean face with suds from a traditional cleanser. After my dad (yes, you know you're a product junky when even your dad forwards you articles on the newest beauty craze) said he saw this new Micellar water product I thought, what the heck, why not! 

After the first use I wasn't convinced that my face was clean.  Sure, my makeup came off immediately but it was so fast and effortless I was sure it was enough.  I decided to stick with it for a week or two and then I was hooked. Could cleansing my face be this fast and easy? It is! 

There are several brands that have some kind of Micellar water so I'm curious to try a few more but this one from Simple is a no brainer- it's only $8 at Target and the brand is known for simple, sensitive skin care.  

If you're not ready to ditch the suds, I get it, but for under $10 you have nothing to loose and truth be told- it's the perfect product to keep around for a super quick cleanse after a night out so you don't wake up with your eyelashes stuck together! 

Spring is here and bright, vibrant colors are coming with it! One of my favorite ways to dress up a look or just add a fun smile to simple, everyday makeup is a stand-out lip color.  Trends come and go so I love to play with drugstore lip colors when I am reaching outside of my comfort zone. 
This amazing poppy color from Sonia Kashuk is right on the money.  It's a soft crayon that goes on smooth and dries to a powdery, matte finish. The formula is good, but the color is even better. It's the perfect, playful pop of color to take any look to a new level! 

Sonia Kashuk, Velvety Matte Lip Crayon in Poppy Nude

Long week at work? Late night out on the town? Lucky enough to just naturally have dark under eyes? 
Have no fear, the Makeup Forever HD Concealer in 350 is here to save the day! We've all tried LOTS of different under eye products, brightening, lightening, concealing - you name it.  This product literally neutralizes the discoloration under the eyes and totally camouflages that notorious shadow that our little bags bring to the party.  After one use, I was hooked (and I don't say that lightly). The lightweight, peach color formula can be applied with the flat applicator directly to the problem area then gently blended with your finger to instantly erase those pesky dark areas without leaving a trace of that caked on makeup look.  
Still not sold? You only need 1-2 clicks of product to attack both eyes so this $29 concealer is sure to last you until you actually have time to sleep off those dark circles and send those bags packing! 

Lorac Pro Palette 2- great variety of neutral colors in high quality shadows that can be used for casual day look or a dramatic night out.
Dior Creme de Rose Smooth Lip Balm- rich, moisturizing balm that is perfect to keep on your vanity or nightstand to use before bed and before applying makeup.
bareMinerals Bareskin Foundation- lightweight, medium coverage serum foundation that brightens skin for a luminous finish.
Ardell Demi Lashes- perfect natural lashes to amp up any look.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer- creamy, blend-able concealer that works double time to conceal and brighten the under eye area without creasing.
Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder- fine translucent powder, perfect for setting under eye concealer and add an extra brightness.
Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer- all Smashbox primers are wonderful but for me, this one takes the cake by erasing pores and mattifying the skin.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads- these magical pads make skincare a no brainer and combine everything you need in 1 simple step- the even smell good! 
Anastasia Dip Brow- this magical little pot is a as amazing as the brow wiz that's on everyone's favorite list, but it's waterproof!
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara- the dense brush instantly amplifies lashes, curling, volumizing and separating in a few sweeps.