RIP Dale & Clare...Why I'm Irrationally Mad At Dale Moss

 Hello friends,

Now that we have a sane, qualified, normal and empathetic President, hopefully you all can breathe a sigh of relief along with me.

So instead of watching the news while quarantining and having panic attacks, we can concentrate on...The Bachelor. 

This probably came as a shock to maybe 2 people, but America's most beloved couple Clare and Dale, who got engaged after knowing each other for two weeks, have split. And boy is it messy. I have a lot of feelings and most are irrational. I do not know these people. I have no right to judge these people. But if you go on reality television you gonna get judged. 

I've watched Clare's journey through Juan Pablo and Ess was not OK. He was pretty icky. I watched her on multiple seasons of Paradise where she had breakdowns and talked to raccoons. I watched her on Winter Games where she had another brief engagement. Clare is drama. She's not that chill chick who is going to serve you buffalo wings while you watch the game with your boys. Clare is 39 years old, the oldest bachelorette in the history of the world. Clare is  a person who is looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient,consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love. As a 39 year woman who is also looking for love, I can relate. Not entirely, but we don't got time to mess around and date the bad boys anymore. 

At this point in time especially, I don't really think anyone goes on the show for the "right reasons" and I don't blame them. You basically have a 1/30 chance of getting chosen by the lead. Even if you do, the chances of being the next Trista and Ryan have proven to be pretty slim. You do however have a LOT of chances to increase Instagram followers and solidify brand deals with Revolve, FabFitFun, and Hello Fresh. And no shame in that game. However, I do think there are people who are also open to the fact that they could fall in love and are decent enough to be honest and make tough decisions if it means sparing someone heartbreak. 

Dale was not on this show for the right reasons. Nay nay. I think we all hoped we'd be wrong about him and he'd be another Jordan Rodgers. Also, NAY NAY. Jordan is a delicious gourmet Casa Vega burrito and Dale is a bad taco attached to a gas station (more on that later). 

I don't think Clare is perfect. It was painful to see how she was treating some of the other men. Men who genuinely seemed interested in her and who were there for her. I definitely think production encouraged certain things and once they got the idea of replacing her with Tayshia, they were off to the races.  At 39, Clare knows what she wants. That was touted all through her promos, by all of Bachelor Nation and even by Clare herself. So of course she could take one look at a man and be like "I know. Obviously. I'm 39 and I know!" I'm kidding. 

I'm 39 and I think I know what I want. I definitely know things I don't want. I can't imagine I could lock eyes on a man (even one as beautiful as Dale) and say that is my husband. I still need time. My last date (who I facetimed with every single day for a month) ended up angrily throwing his socks in my trashcan and yelling at me for wearing too much makeup. Don't ask, So even at 39 with all my experience, I can't be sure of anything. Especially not in two weeks. I need to see my man with my family, with my friends, my dogs, around children. I'd need to see how he treats waitresses, neighbors. I need to have important conversations about our future, where we'd live, how many babies, the timeline for babies, who they voted for an why, these would all be very important for me to address before grabbing that gorgeous Neil Lane. 

I feel like Claire got jipped out of the process. Producers saw the opportunity to bring in Tayshia and stir in new drama and they went for it. But Clare did put all of her eggs in the unstable Dale basket and that was a huge risk. What makes me mad in this case is the men on the show knew what Clare is about. If they didn't, they had months in Quarantine to figure it out.  They knew she is realllly ready for marriage and babies. They know she needs to live in California to take care of her mom. 

When the producers pretty much blindsided Dale and were like "I know it's only been like a week, but Clare knows what she wants. It's you. So go off and propose like a good contestant." I don't blame him for being like say whaaaa? Again, I'm sure he felt very pressured, but he should have learned a thing or two from past contestants. Like Cassie. And most recently Sarah. These girls who found themselves in that "oh fuck, I'm  a frontrunner and I don't think I can actually do this" situation. He should have said I'm here for you and I want to see if we can work, but I need to know you better. I'm ready to date and see what happens, but if you need someone to be sure right now, I'm not it. Then perhaps Clare may have given some of these other guys a chance or at least not have been so blindsided.

Did you all see that interview where they were asked 'what's next?" Clare blurted out "Babies!" and Dale looked a very scared deer in headlights. He was like um... we may grab some dinner later." Dale did not want no babies and it was clear as a bright blue sky. Awkward. 

Did Also, I'm about to go off on a random tangent, but I feel like Cassie Randolph deserves some credit. When Colton jumped the fence for her and asked for a second chance, she really had no choice. To say no again would deprive America the love story they hoped for and she would have been hated. Which really isn't fair. She could have been like dude, I said no. I'm not feeling it. I left." That would have been totally valid, but not in Bachelor world. I honestly expected her to say yes, give it a couple months and be like "see, I tried!" That girl tried for two years!! And then she had to put out a restraining order. Still, she has not said one bad thing about Colton. She did not milk that situation for press. Cassie Randolph is a class act and as far as I'm concerned, she deserves all the brand endorsements the social media world has to offer. 

OK now here's where I'm about to get real real mad. Irrationally mad, but I have a lot of feelings. When a public couple breaks up,  it should be done very mutually with both parties signed off on the statement and when/how it will be released to the world. That said, if one person is to release the statement first, I think it's proper etiquette that the lead of the show, you know the person whose journey we all watched, the person we were invested in, should be the one to make the break up statement. I guess Dale missed that memo because he took it upon himself to write his own statement (though the wording implied he was speaking for both of them) and posted on Instagram. Although he deleted it shortly after, the internet is a magical place so i'll let you take a gander. 

Don't be fooled by all the "we" talk. This is allll Dale. Because a little while later and after a long consult with some wise racoons, Clara had a little something to say herself. 

As you can imagine, many people were quick to side with Clare. The 39 year old woman who made everything she wanted very clear. The 39 year old woman who is caring for her dying mother and just needs a good man who is ready to give her babies! Or at least really try. PS: As someone who is also 39, I don't think we are old. Just in Bachelor world. 

You know what she doesn't need? A guy who has to get on instgram to tell his side first because he was DONE. One minute it was reported they were taking time apart and the next Dale is DONE. He really needed us to know he is done.  Also, he knows there's gonna be cheating allegations. Now let's get to the fact that CALLED THE PAPARRAZI to set up a "geez what a coincidence to see you outside of the food store this evening." I would bet money that no paparazzi just happened to be waiting outside of a food store in New York hoping to spot a reality star. HE CALLED THEM. Clare dodged a clout chasing bullet. I could forgive Dale for giving in to all the pressure and proposing. Also, just because you are ready for marriage in theory, doesn't mean you are ready to propose to someone you met two weeks ago. If he had a spine or balls, he would have said that, but again...I can forgive because I can't imagine the pressure. I can't forgive how he's handled their breakup. Dale does not deserve to be the Bachelor. He does not deserve to go to Paradise. He deserves to model Halloween costumes for all eternity.

Having said that, I don't want Clare to be the Bachelorette again. Even though I think she got ripped off and was given a bad edit, I don't think she was a very good Bachelorette. I think she needs to move far away from this franchise and find a nice accountant or something. I truly hope she finds love with someone who really does show up for her. 

Look I'm a taco!

Now that I've expressed all of my irrational feelings, we can get back to Matt James, who I'm loving. He seems like such a genuine gentleman, he is easy on the eyes and I hope he doesn't prove me wrong. Don't prove me wrong Matt and stay a Casa Vega burrito!  

A

I'm

If I Could Only Keep 10 Eyeshadow Palettes

So a lot of you normal non-make obsessed citizens may be like 10 palettes? Who on earth needs 10 palettes??

Or like me, you went to make up school, have worked some freelance makeup in the entertainment world, love watching YouTube beauty videos and makeup is a therapeutic passion, you will understand my pain. How do I narrow down my eyeshadow palette babies?
 

Carrie Bradshaw had shoes, I have eye shadow palettes. I've been a collector for years (though I do use them, they don't just sit looking lovely) and I have... a lot. Keeping only 10 sounded scary, but in these uncertain and trying times that is such a bratty thing to say. I have truly restrained from buying makeup. I'm trying to save my pennies and there are such bigger things going on the world than makeup. That said, makeup is an escape for me, a form of creativity, expression and it makes me feel calm and confident. And we have to do things for us that make us happy during this time ya know?

This was a hard decision. I wanted to give myself plenty of color options to suit my moods, but also stay true to the palettes I wear most often. I'm generally drawn to neutrals,  but I also love purples and mauve's, cool tone taupes, pinks, warm reds and oranges, jewel tons, olives, mustard's and grungy tones. I also wanted to keep in mind the quality, how inspired they make me feel, price points and mainly, which palettes just bring me joy. I figured that with so many Sephora sales coming up, this would be the perfect time because almost all of these palettes can be found there.  So without further adieu

1. Natasha Denona Biba Palette

This was a no brainer. This is the ultimate neutral palette. You have all your brown and mustard shades, red browns, beautiful gold shimmers, a black, in her cream to powder formula. making it very easy to work with and a few cool tones. It's perfect for everyday, travel, office, a working makeup artist should definitely have this one in your kit. The beautiful neutral color story - combined with Natasha Denona's incredible forma = win/must have. This is definitely my ride or die, go to palette that comes traveling with me and that I can always count in. 

I have two Anastasia Beverly Hills on this list so let's just get them out of the way. 

2. ABH The Soft Glam Palette 

This is another pretty neutral palette that leans warm. This is palette is just such a staple because you can create really soft and neutral looks for the office, you can deepen and glam it up for a nice night out, and it also contains really beautiful romantic pinky mauvey shades as well. There is such a great matte/shimmer ratio and I love that they included some perfect transition sheep, deepening shades, a black and a brow bone shade. All the necessities, plus some very special and unique shimmers to amp things up. I think this palette is truly perfect for brides, dates and going to the office or anywhere really. The quality is fantastic and I just love it.

3. ABH The Jackie Aina Palette 

Jackie Jackie Jackie Jackie really knocked it out of the park with this one and it's truly the best ABH formula I've ever worked with. They definitely amped it up a notch. I absolutely adore the rich jewel tones, which happen to be perfect for fall. There is so much versatility within this palette and so many looks you can create. I love creating an orange/ginger peachy look. The color Zamn in the palette is just...magical. I also love that she included some rich purples and pinks if you want to go that direction. She has some stunning greens and gold greens, a cool tone taupe number called Lituation, which is so unique to my collection. This palette truly inspires me, brings me joy and I always love the looks I create with it. 

4. My Pat Mcgrath V Bronze Seduction Palette

I saved up very long and hard for this palette and now you would basically have to pry it always from my cold dead heads. I admire Pat McGrath's incredible artistry, skills, knowledge of make up and products. She so just dang expensive. I knew in my life I'd only ever own one and I knew it would be the Mothership 5 Bronze Seduction. The four special astral shades in the front right of the palette make my heart happy. They are almost other wordly (like her palette names suggest) and when applied, you look like a mermaid who dropped down from heaven. The packaging is so luxurious. It's just such a beautiful and special palette that I will always treasure. 

5.Colourpop California Love

Since Pat Mcgrath is soooooo esssspensive, I thought I'd take a minute to talk about Colourpop. Colorpop is one of my very favorite brands because they come out with great launches (well, lots of launches. Like one or two A WEEK). Still, they give incredible quality, cute packaging, great customer serves and you are truly getting fantastic products at super affordable prices. There are so many Colourpop palettes that I adore and it was so hard to narrow down. I love Marvelous Mauves, Going Coconuts, Sweet Talk, Smoke Show...I could go on. The palette I ended up choosing actually surprised me because it is very very warm and glittery and that's really not my vibe. Perhaps the name California Love drew me in or the cute names that I can relate to as a Cali girl. What really struck me about this palette though, is how stunning it is. If you are looking for glam fall look or even a birthday, holiday or special occasion, this palette has got you covered. The mattes bend beautifully and the shade Diego...chef's kiss. I ALWAYS get compliments when I wear this palette from both men and women. 

6. Huda Beauty Desert Dusk 

I feel, and I've felt for a long time that this palette is underrated and never got the attention it truly deserves. But I still use it and I still adore it. I love the beautiful color story which includes vibrant oranges and coppers, delicious rich reds and pinks, purples, golds, taupe's and they all work so well together. She also includes so many different textures from mattes and metallic, to glitter shades, duo chromes and toppers. We need to bring Huda Beauty Desert Dusk back fo sho.

7. Marc Jacobs Steeletto 

I debated whether or not to include this one because it is only 7 shades.. But the shades in it are perfect to create a Smokey, dramatic, cool toned look. There is one shade that is just so unique and special in the palette, and although I don't use it everyday, when I want to look Smokey and sultry... this is my cool toned dream. 

8. Dominique Cosmetics Berries and Cream

I was going back and forth between the Latte Palette, which I adore and the Berries in Cream. Ultimately, I choose Berries and Cream because between the Biba and Soft Glam, I think I have my neutrals pretty covered. I love Christen Dominique's eye shadow formula and I love that this palette includes such gorgeous and rich berry shades, as well as some chocolate browns, a taupe, light pinks, even a pop of blue. It's such a easy to use palette, but you can definitely add pops of color and creativity

9. Melt Cosmetics Gemini Palette

I love Melt Cosmetics aesthetic, but some of their products have been a bit hit or miss for me. That said, the Gemini palette is one of my all time favorite palettes in the world. To me, having grown up in the 90s, it's sooo 90s. It's grungy and yum like you just want to put on a cozy flannel and listen to Nirvana during a My So Called Life marathon. I love that the first half is more wearable colors, you get these grungy browns and mustards. The second half is the green side and they are just the perfect olive and army green mattes plus one beautiful shimmer. Again, this palette works wonderfully, I never have any issues and it makes me feel like I'm living a 90s teenage dream. 

10. Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk

Ok this one was the hardest. It was up against my Colourpop Sweet Talk and my Natasha Denona Love palette, but ultimately I just find myself reaching for it the best. I love how monochromatic it is and while it lean peach, there is also pink. I love that Charlotte set up little  sections for you such as "day," "date" and "desk.' If you don't want to think about your makeup, she does the work for you, but you can certainly stray away from that and you do you boo! All the  colors work well together and Charlotte's formula is impeccable. Plus, it's pretty dreamy and romantical if you ask me. 

What are your all time fave palettes? Would love to know!

Fall Makeup Trends and Must Haves

I love fall time. This is a sentence I never thought I'd say back in my school days. I used to walk to school backwards and I cried on every single first day of school until my junior year of high school. I was such a well adjusted child.

As an adult, however, I find fall magical. Hocus Pocus, gingerbread lattes, cozy sweaters and boots. I mean it's still like 80 degrees in Los Angeles, but it's getting cooler. Gradually. Little by little.

I also really love fall makeup with those warm rich colors and dark vampy lips. So I'm going to break down some fall trends and some of my very favorite corresponding products. Let's start with eyeshadow palettes, since those are the most exciting if you ask me.

Jewel Tones 

I am loving this jewel toned trend. There are a few options I've seen including the Kathleen Lights & Colourpop So Jaded Palette and The Persona Cosmetics Identity 2 Palette. While I don't have either of them, I don't think you can go wrong as both brands have a wonderful eyeshadow formula. I chose the Anastasia X Jackie Aina Palette and I am completely obsessed with it. The shades are really unique and beautiful and you can create so many looks. This one is limited edition so if you want it, you should grab it. Of course, I think you should definitely grab it. I'm also still so in love with my Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette.

Grungy Tones 

Who doesn't love a good grungey look. It brings me back to the 90s, one of my very favorite decades filled with My So Called Life angst, flannel shirts and Nirvana. When I think of grunge and makeup, I immediately think of Melt Cosmetics. From their Dark Matter Stack to their Gemini Palette, you can easily create a grungey look that will have Jordan Catalano sending you notes to meet him in the boiler room.

Berry Tones 

I am loving delicious Berry tones that make me think of Thanksgiving and cranberry sauce. Two palettes I love berry berry much (I couldn't help myself) are the Colourpop Whatever Palette and The Dominique Cosmetics Berries and Cream Palette. Colourpop is just killing it with their monochromatic palettes and Christen Dominique has killed it with her incredible formula. You can't go wrong with either. Or both.

Warm Tones 

For a while, I feel like so many of us overdosed on warm toned palettes. To be honest, I still typically go for more neutral or cool toned looks. Except in the fall when I want to feel like autumn leaves falling from the trees. I'll be your girl for all seasons, all the years through. Your girl for all seasons cause I love to be everything for you. A little Grease 2 for ya. I've gone off on a strange tangent.  There are so many warm palettes. So so many. So I'm going to narrow my list down to two. First is the Colourpop California Love Palette. This was marketed as a summer palette, but it is not. If this doesn't scream fall to you, I don't know what will.

I also just had to include a Pat McGrath palette because they are just the best eyeshadow palettes in the world quite frankly. If you want to look like a bronzed goddess, the bronze ambition is the palette for you.

Mature Glitters  

At Christmas and New Years Time we can go full on glitter, but in the fall a more subtle lid is a nice touch. My faves are the hourglass scattered lights in Smoke and Ray. I also have to give a mention to their holiday set. You get three beautiful scattered light shades for a decent price! I also must give a shout out to Stila Magnificent Metals in my fave shade Wanderlust.

Nude Blushes 

I'm seeing a ton of beautiful nude blushes that give your cheeks a little something something, but it's a natural and bronzey looking flush that will go with any look. I love blush so much. My all time favorite is Buxom Wanderlust Blush in Seychelles. Not only is it the perfect neutral shade, but it lasts really long on the cheeks (it's a primer infused blush and that bit of primer infusion really does the job) and it also gives a beautiful sheen to the skin. Other great options are the Bare Minerals Bounce and Blur Blush in Blurred Buff, Hourglass Brilliant Nude and the Cover FX Monochramatic blush duo in warm honey.

I also must say - Hourglass holiday sets are the absolute best. They are limited edition and they sell out quickly, but I promise you won't be sorry. Although the price tag is a bit hefty, hourglass powders are so special and beautiful. You get a bronzer, blushes, highlight and finishing powders. I literally use mine every single day, I travel with it and it's truly a game changer. This year they also came out with a beautiful blush quad as well.

90s Lips

Have I mentioned I love the 90s? I'm so happy that so many brands like huda beauty, charlotte tilbury and melt cosmetics (to name a few) are ready throwing it back to that 90s dark nude, brown lip, vampy kinda vibe. Below are so of my fave 90s inspired lip shades.

Il Makiage X Carli Bybel



Libra Lipstick + Luna Lip Liner

Em Cosmetics Infinite Lip Cloud in Morning Mocha

Colourpop Lippie in Grunge

Glosses

I'm so happy the gloss trend isn't going away! I love me a good gloss

Ofta Lip Gloss - Rodeo Drive

Bite Beauty French Pressed Gloss in Dirty Chai

Persona Lip Gloss - Honey

Fenty Gloss Bombs - They also have an adorable holiday gift set. These colors though!

Pat McGrath Lust Gloss - Faux Real + Contour Liner

What are your fall makeup must haves?

My Favorite Nude Lipsticks

Hello fellow nude lip lovers. I figured after my blog about Jaclyn Hill and Lipstickgate, I'd follow up with nude lipsticks that are actually amazing. My skin tone is pretty fair, so the majority of my picks are best suited for light skin tones (sorry!) in terms of shades, but I will be talking about my all time favorite formulas in general so hopefully you can find your perfect nude. I'd also highly recommend this video and Alissa Ashley's channel.She is a fantastic beauty guru and has excellent recommendations for medium to deep skin tones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqzBCd93Qak

I'll mix in some affordable options because a couple of my favorites are insane. Let me know your favorites and if you try any of these, send nudes!! (pics of your fave nude lipsticks to clarify). If you're thinking they all look the same, you're not really wrong BUT also you don't really get it.

Nude Lipliner

Pat McGrath
Shades: Contour and Done Undone

I know these are insanely expensive, but they have changed my lip liner game in the sense that I used to not wear lip liner's and now I can't live without these.  They are creamy, long wearing, long lasting and these colors!! Between the two of them, they will really work with anything.

Nude Lipsticks 

Charlotte Tilbury
Pillowtalk

I feel like this nude pink lipstick has become iconic and is my go to. Charlotte's matte revolution formula is fantastic because it's comfortable even on my dry ass chappy lips. You really can't go wrong with this perfect gem.

Charlotte Tilbury
Kim  KW

Although I'm not a huge Kardashian fan, I am a fan of this true nude lipstick in Charlotte's glorious satin finish. One of my all time favorite lipsticks ever.

Becca Ultimate Lipstick Love
Sugar

I love this cool light pinky beige for when I'm doing a more cool toned look. I also am obsessed with the formula, silky-satin lip color infused with the next generation of hyaluronic acid to keep my lips hydrated. Yes, I stole that from the Sephora description because they just said it so well.

Colourpop Luxe Lipstick
 Appy & Butter

What did we do without Colourpop? They make affordable products that are truly incredible and their luxe lipsticks are no exception. The creme lux are my personal favorite formula. Appy is described as a warm pinky beige. I also love Butter, a pale peachy nude. They have an amazing selection of colors and finishes so if you can't find your shade, it's not them - it's you.

 Colourpop Lippie Stix
 Grunge

 Put on your favorite flannel and pair it with this matte mid-toned red brown. Between that description and the fact that it is actually named "Grunge" do I even need to say more? Although this isn't nude on me, it could definitely be a nude option on deeper skin tones.

Pat McGrath Matte Trance Lipstick
1995

I miss the 90s (in case you couldn't tell) and this warm light nude takes me back. Also, Pat McGrath is a goddess.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick
Honeycomb

I love Bite Beauty's lip products, especially this beige nude dream.

Nude Lip Gloss

Fenty Gloss
Diamond Milk

This is a shimmering pearl and while not nude per se, it is just magical on top of a nude lipstick or liner. I love all three of Fenty's glosses and you can't go wrong with any or all of them, but this is the most special and unique if ya ask me.

 Bite Beauty French Press Lipgloss
 Flat White

Described as a pale pink, this gorgeous gloss is pigmented and smells like coffee! Win/win for a coffee lover like me.

Marc Jacobs High Shine Gloss
Sugar Sugar

Described as a champagne gold shimmer, this is truly the perfect nude lip gloss

Marc Jacobs Lip Gloss Stick
Mocha Choco- Lata

 First of all, how genius is a lip gloss stick? Secondly, I love me a good pinky nude. This lovechild of a lipstick/lipgloss/lip balm gives me life.

Pat McGrath Lust Lip Gloss
Faux Real

Described as a deep beige with a pearlescent sheen. First of all, Pat McGrath can do no wrong and her lipsticks, lip liners and lip glosses are perfection. I especially love this color because on me it reminds me of a grungy 90s lip gloss (if there was such a thing) but it also works on deeper skin tones!! It's so beautiful.

 Ofra Cosmetics
Apricot Dream

Apricot dream is right! I am obsessed with this sheer shimmering peach. It's shiny and juicy without being sticky. Simply stunning! I love to pair it on top of Ofra's liquid lipstick in Manila (see below).

Lip Laquer

Lancome L'Absolu Lacquer
Nuit & Jouer

I had to give this it's own category because it's a unicorn of a product. It has the sheen and comfort of a lip gloss, but the staying power of a lipstain. While I love many of the shades, 202 Nuit & Jour is a gorgeous light pinky beige. I'm in love with this color and this formula! 

Liquid Lipstick

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint
Unbuttoned

Fenty makes my favorite liquid lipstick formula - one that my parched lips can tolerate. This peachy nude is comfortable, long lasting and lovely. It does transfer (which is probably why I can wear it since it's not tooooo matte), but I don't mind because it's awesome sauce.

Ofra  Cosmetics
Manila

Ofra also has a wonderful and comfortable liquid lipstick formula. Manila is the ultimate nude with a mousey formula that lasts long, but doesn't give me butthole lips. No one wants butthole lips.

What are your go to nudes?