October 2014 | Dearest Lou

Fall Eye Makeup with Younique and Giveaway

Hey friends! So today I have a fun and easy fall eye makeup tutorial that I want to share with you guys. For this eye makeup tutorial I only used Younique Moodstruck Mineral Pigments, one coat of my regular mascara, and 3D Fiber Mascara and am so happy with how it turned out. There's also a fun giveaway from Lashes by Erika B and a little bit about her at the page break so don't forget to read on and enter the giveaway (;

I want to apologize in advance for the iPhone photos. I did this tutorial while my husband was at work and Zaden was napping so I didn't have anyone to take my picture. I was also rushed at the half way point since Zaden woke up so I didn't get as many pictures as I originally planned #momlife. However, the procedure is still the same (;

For this tutorial you will need Moodstruck Mineral Pigments in the following colors: Sexy, Gorgeous, Daring, and Devious AND 3D Fiberlash Mascara. Throughout the tutorial I'm only doing the eye makeup on one eye so you guys can see the difference between no eye makeup and a few favorite Younique products on my other eye.

Steps 1-4 Pictured Above

Step 1: Take Sexy Moodstruck Mineral Pigment and highlight underneath your entire brow.
Step 2: Take Gorgeous Moodstruck Mineral Pigment and color your lid.
Step 3: Take Daring Moodstruck Mineral Pigment and fill in the corners of your eye lid. Remember to properly blend both Gorgeous and Daring to get that pretty faded effect.
Step 4: Use a very tiny brush (I'm using MAC's 209 liner brush) and get it slightly wet. While your brush is wet, dip it in your Devious Moodstruck Mineral Pigment and line your eyelid like you would normally do with liner.

Steps 1-4 Complete Pictured Above


Step 5: Curl your eye lashes (or if you are blessed with curly eye lashes skip this step).
Step 6: Take your favorite mascara and apply as your regularly do. Let dry.
Step 7: Take your transplanting gel and coat your eye lashes.
Step 8: Immediately after apply your natural fibers starting at the half way mark of your natural lashes. I do this because I don't want to chance any natural fibers getting in my eyes.
Step 9: Take your transplanting gel and coat your eyelashes one more time to set fibers in place.

At first I thought that there wasn't much of a difference between my favorite mascara and the 3D mascara until I looked at my before and after picture (photo before the one above). Seriously such a big difference. I personally didn't apply the 3D mascara to my bottom lashes but you totally could if you feel that your bottom lashes aren't long enough. Also if you aren't satisfied with one coat you could always try doing steps 7-9 again (: I personally LOVE the 3D mascara and think it's a great option when I don't feel like wearing fake lashes. I highly recommend it and for $29 it's only $1.50 more than my favorite REGULAR mascara. Also don't get me started with the Moodstruck Minerals Pigments.. I love those too! I was shocked with how well they held up throughout the day and they are so fun to try new looks with. I'm usually more of a matte eye shadow type of girl but I just may need to order these in a few different colors to change my look every now and again (;

Now before we move on with the giveaway, I want you guys to get to know Erika. I have had the pleasure of emailing, face-timing, and getting to know her throughout the last couple of weeks and she is seriously such a sweetheart. Now without further adieu here's Erika.

Stripes for Days

Forever 21 Crochet Vest (similar in cream)
Urban Outfitters Boots (similar)
Forever 21 Layered Feather Necklace (old)

When it comes to being comfortable and fashionable, maxi skirts are where it's at. This striped maxi skirt from Laila Jayde is easily one of my go to skirts. I love the neutral colors and that it is form fitting yet stretchy. I'm a sucker for wide waist bands and this maxi skirt doesn't disappoint (;

I wanted to get a little bit festive and this crochet orange cardigan is perfect for this time of year. I also went with a bright orange lip and pretty fall eye makeup. I will be sharing a tutorial for my eye makeup later this afternoon and a giveaway so be sure to come back for that.

PS Today is the last day to enter the AOS Denim Birthday Giveaway so head on over if you haven't entered already.

Uptown Cheapskate Finds & Giveaway


(Pictures 1-4 taken by Fatima edited by me)
(Pictures 5-8 taken by Autumn edited by me)
Dark Green Tunic thrifted c/o Sugar House Uptown Cheapskate
Silver Layered Necklace thrifted c/o Sugar House Uptown Cheapskate

If you know me I love thrifting and have a passion for it; however, it's been hard for me to make time to thrift yet alone shop now that Zaden is older (; Earlier this month my sister and I were able to attend the Sugar House Uptown Cheapskate opening. It was such a fun evening and we were spoiled with gift cards to spend at the event. Uptown Cheapskate only takes in the latest fashions and great brands, it's basically an upscale thrift store. Two of the items I purchased with my gift card were this lovely dark green tunic (I'm a sucker for green) and this unique layered necklace. I will be blogging about my other 2 items sometime soon.

Birthday Giveaway || Jane Basch


Wallis Maxi Dress old, (similar on sale HERE)
Colorblock Cardigan c/o Swell old

Isn't this nameplate necklace from Jane Basch absolutely stunning? I can't get enough of it and it goes perfect layered on with my initial triangle necklace. December 20, 2011 is mine and Daryl's wedding date, a date that means so much to me. I wanted to have a piece of jewelry aside from my wedding ring that reminds me of that day and the promises we made to each other. When I saw this nameplate necklace on Jane Basch I asked if there was anyway we could do a date instead of a name. They were totally on board and the necklace turned out even better then I could have ever imagined. The pictures aren't doing it justice (;

I absolutely LOVE Jane Basch and am super excited to team up with them for today's giveaway. Jane Basch is giving away a nameplate necklace to one lucky Dearest Lou reader. This giveaway is open W O R L D W I D E so everyone is free to enter. To enter the giveaway, simply continue reading below.

Birthday Giveaway || Lulu*s










Volcolm Hat c/o Lulu*s
Dark Brown Ankle Boots c/o Lulu*s
White Dress c/o Lulu*s (old)
BP Tan Infinity Scarf
Thrifted Vintage Belt
Green Cardigan (can't remember)
Floral Leggings c/o Agnes and Dora (giveaway ends Monday)

Loving these ankle boots and hat from Lulu*s they make for the perfect fall accessories. I promise this won't be the last you see of these two pieces. I'm in a bit of a rush to post today so I don't have much to say other than I have a VERY exciting giveaway.

Today's giveaway is brought to you by Lulu*s! If you have been reading here for a while you know I love Lulu*s and I'm so excited to team up with them today.  They are giving away a $100 gift card to one lucky Dearest Lou reader. This giveaway is open W O R L D W I D E so everyone is free to enter!

Birthday Giveaway || Kandice Breinholt Photography

I'm excited to officially introduce you guys to my dear friend Kandice. We have been friends for nearly a decade and this girl is family to me. She recently took our breathtaking family photos (a few favorites pictured above) and back in July, she took an adorable mama and son session of Zaden and I.  Her talent never ceases to amaze me.

Here's a little bit about Kandice and her photography philosophy before we move on with an E X C I T I N G giveaway.

.  .  .  .  .  .  .


Hello, there! I'm Kandice; married to the best dude I've ever known and, together, we have two children and reside in the valley of Salt Lake, near the mountains of Northern Utah.

We live a simple, intentional life and find our greatest joys in spending time together whilst exploring our beloved state. In an effort to preserve our every precious moment, I've discovered, over the years,

a great penchant for picture taking and storytelling. . .

That is where you come in! I'm eager to present you with tangible memories. The moments you've shared; the love you've felt; the lives you've built together.

I want to photograph you, as you really are, amongst those you love.

I'm forever on the lookout for great natural light and my shoots thrive off of movement and authentic emotion. I want to capture you just as you are right now, to showcase the intrinsic beauty of your everyday life.


Today's giveaway is brought to you by Kandice Breinholt Photography! Kandice is giving away a lifestyle session to one lucky Dearest Lou reader. To enter the giveaway, simply continue reading below.

Birthday Giveaway || Articles of Society Denim

Thrifted Vintage Floral Vest
Urban Outfitters Booties (old) similar

I wore a similar outfit to this to the corn maze this last weekend and recreated it for a casual evening look. These high rise denim jeans from Articles of Society are easily my favorite pair of jeans (see how I last styled them here). I styled my denim with this thrifted floral vest that has been a favorite of mine for years and a cozy teal top. Couldn't finish off the look without a funky statement necklace and my chunky heeled boots.

Today's giveaway is brought to you by Articles of Society! They are giving away a pair of jeans from their Fall/Winter 2014 line to one lucky Dearest Lou reader. To enter the giveaway, simply continue reading below.

Birthday Giveaway || Wallis









Monochrome Paisley Dress c/o Wallis
Black Buckle Ankle Boots c/o Wallis
Faux Leather Jacket
Hanes Hosiery Checkered Tights
Urban Expressions Purse c/o Lulu*s (old) loving this cross body purse 

How gorgeous is this monochrome dress from Wallis? I absolutely love it, it's so comfortable and perfect for everyday wear. Also I can't get enough of these boots! They are so comfortable and stylish and I have worn them several times since receiving them. These booties will definitely be a staple this Fall/Winter.

I thought it would be fun to style this monochrome dress with faux leather accessories and checkered tights. I absolutely love how the look came together, what about you guys?

Today's giveaway is brought to you by Wallis! They are giving away a $50 store credit to one lucky Dearest Lou reader. I'm also excited to announce that this giveaway is open W O R L D W I D E so everyone is free to enter!