36 Must-Try Makeup Tutorials from 2014

Dec 12, 2014

With our 2014 makeup routines, we really went back to basics. After all, you can’t ace your favorite celeb’s multi-dimensional smokey eye before you know how to correctly smudge liner in the first place. And so the bulk of these 36 makeup tutorials act as stepping stones to putting your very *own* twists on classic beauty looks — ones the red carpet has yet to see — along with must-try hacks that will have you blotting, filling and blending like a pro in no time. That means the next time you want to master everyday office makeup, plump your lips for a party or completely transform your features for Halloween, be sure to brush up on all things 101 here first so you’re ready for the next-level looks we’ve got coming in 2015.

1. Everything You Need to Know About Applying Blush: Get the low down on powder, stain and cream blushes, as well as application tricks and tips for when to wear certain shades. (via Brit + Co)

2. Tips for Acing Everyday Eye Makeup: It’s all about those zones — get well acquainted with the areas around your eye and the brushes you should use on them before you learn to DIY three weekday-ready looks. (via Brit + Co)

3. How to Buy + Wear Lip Products: Balm, stain, gloss, stick – yep, the gang’s all here! Scroll through to see which product works best for you! (via Brit + Co)

4. Your Guide to DIY Brow Shaping: There’s more to getting killer brows than plucking and tweezing. Learn two makeup artist-approved ways to add depth and structure to your brows. (via Brit + Co)

5. Nail the Perfect Smokey Eye for YOUR Eye Shape: Not all smokey eyes are created equal! See which style will give your eyes the most smoldering look of them all. (via Brit + Co)

6. Tried + Tested: The ABCs of BB, CC + DD Creams: You’ve heard about them, but what’s all the buzz about? Find out everything you need to know about these all-in-one products that combine the powers of serum, primer, moisturizer, foundation, SPF and powder. (via Brit + Co)

7. Fresh Ways to Contour Like a Pro: Learn where to highlight, where to contour and how to blend it like a true Kardashian. (via Brit + Co)

8. How Red Lipsticks Will Look on Different Skin Tones: Nervous about how that orangey-red lipstick will look on your skin tone? Sneak a peek at how different shades look on for real girls before you splurge. (via Brit + Co)

9. Essential Makeup Brushes (+ How to Use ‘em!): These are the only nine makeup brushes you’ll ever need. Learn when to whip them out like a pro here. (via Brit + Co)

10. Ways to Rock a Killer Cat Eye: Once you nail the technique for forming the famous flick, the color possibilities are endless. (via Brit + Co)

11 Must-Have Makeup Products for a Completely Natural Look: Consider these seven makeup products your everyday essentials for creating a flawless base face. (via Brit + Co)

MAKEUP HACKS

12. How to Waterproof Your Makeup Routine: Don’t ever freak about mascara streaks again once you shield your makeup against natural forces like heat or sweat. (via Brit + Co)

13. Lipstick Hacks Every Woman Needs to Know: There’s just a bit more to kissable lips than meets the eye. See three insanely clever lipstick hacks in action so you never leave for a date without a perfect pout. (via Brit + Co)

14. Plump Your Lips Using Cayenne and Kool-Aid: With Kool-Aid as a stain and cayenne as a natural plumper, get flushed, fuller lips in just one glossy swipe. (via Brit + Co)

15. Makeup Tricks for Girls Who Wear Glasses: Your lenses are front and center, but your makeup *can* steal the show. (via Brit + Co)

16. That’s Not Eyeliner — That Cat Eye Is Made from a Magazine: Take the cat eye to the next level by skipping the liner all together. Use patterns and graphics from a magazine for a makeup look unlike anything you’ve ever worn before. (via Brit + Co)

17. The Ultimate Way to Organize Your Makeup: Ever wish you could fit alllll of those compacts into just one totable case? This genius palette was made for that — just learn how to hack your makeup to fit. (via Brit + Co)

PARTY-READY LOOKS

18. 3 Runway-Inspired Ways to Wear Graphic Eyeliner: Take the classic winged eyeliner to much more fabulous levels with this tutorial that shows you three new ways to wear the look. (via Brit + Co)

19. 3 Luminescent Looks that Go for the Glow: Enhance that dewy skin with three frosty looks that will have you complexion glowing. (via Brit + Co)

20. 3 Easy Ways to DIY Full Lips: Plump your pout with some stealthy liner — that’s all it takes to get this insanely kissable pucker. (via Brit + Co)

21. 3 Ways to Wow With Glitter Makeup: Get glitter to stay put with these three grown up ways to show off your sparkly side. (via Brit + Co)

22. 4 Ways to Wear Neon Eyeliner: Bolder is better with this tutorial that shows you ways you can *totally* incorporate neon makeup into your everyday beauty routine. (via Brit + Co)

23. 4 Fruity Lipstick Shades to Make Your Lips Pop: Stand out from the crowd with vibrant berry-inspired lips. Just choose your fruity muse to get started! (via Brit + Co)

24. 5 Gold Makeup Looks to Bring Out Your Inner Goddess: Glow in gold from brow to lip with these five gilded makeup looks. (via Brit + Co)

DIY WEDDING MAKEUP

25. Dramatic Makeup Looks for Anyone in Your Bridal Party: Give your bridesmaids the makeover they really want with these head-turning beauty looks that won’t cost them a thing. (via Brit + Co)

26. How to DIY the 3 Most Requested Bridal Makeup Looks: Learn how to recreate the timeless “blushing bride” look and more in this priceless tutorial for DIY brides. (via Brit + Co)

HALLOWEEN TRANSFORMATIONS

27. Queen of Hearts Makeup: It’s easy to see why the Queen of Hearts was the most popular YouTube makeup tutorial this Halloween. Learn how to trump this look with the makeup you already own. (via Brit + Co)

28. The Fairest Woodland Fairy in All the Land: A woodland fairy is nothing without her sunkissed complexion and those butterfly brows. (via Brit + Co)

29. How to Become a Gorgeous Ghost: Gray hair is the new platinum. Just match your makeup with your on-trend tresses to nail the gorgeous ghost look. (via Brit + Co)

30. A Modern Vampire Beauty Tutorial: Vamp it up with this tutorial that favors deep ’90s hues to get the gothy vibes across. (via Brit + Co)

31. Turn Yourself into a Mermaid: We don’t need to list the reasons you should want to look like a mermaid, but we’ll name a few anyway: try shimmering scales, iridescent lashes and a dreamy ocean blue wig. (via Brit + Co)

32. The Creepy (But Kinda Pretty) Doll Face: Kind of creepy, kind of pretty is just the uncomfortable balance you want to strike for Halloween, right? Then this doll face tutorial is for you! (via Brit + Co)

33. The Purrfect Black Cat: Give the basic black cat a high-style makeover with perky black lips, adorable freckles and of course, a killer cat eye. (via Brit + Co)

34. The Completely Creepy Clown: Half mime, half clown, 100% frightening. And don’t even thinking about putting on that foam nose. (via Brit + Co)

35. Turn Yourself Into a Witch: Contour your way to a green complexion that’s so badass no one will have to ask if you’re wicked or not. (via Brit + Co)

36. Katy Perry’s Dark Horse Makeup: Take a makeup cue from your favorite pop star and learn how to paint on the cat eye of a lifetime (+ DIY the costume to match!). (via Brit + Co)

What were your favorite makeup tutorials from 2014? Were they breaking down basics or pushing beauty boundaries? Tell us which ones you clicked on most in the comments below.

5 Easy Journal Prompts To Turn Your Day Around

Last night I realized I was pregnant during the height of the pandemic and the 2020 election cycle, but I didn't have any self-care practices in sight. I was chronically stressed and spent way too much time on social media when I should've been finding ways to ground myself. After a tough four years of navigating everything from motherhood to starting my career, I've finally started utilizing gratitude journaling as a tool to get through tough days.

I don't know how you may be feeling today, but I've created journal prompts you can refer to when you're scared, anxious, unsure of the future, and more. They're not meant to replace meditation or seeking therapy, but they are here for moments you need to check in with yourself.

A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Worried About The Future

Arina Krasnikova

Write Down 5 Things You're Grateful You Can See, Touch, Hear, And Smell

This is actually a practice I picked up in therapy to help redirect my anxious thoughts. It's something I often refer to when I'm fixated on the future and things that might happen. Any time you feel yourself not being present because you're worried about what's next, focus on things that are immediately in front of you or around you.

For example, here's what's reminding me to be present:

I can hear one of my favorite gospel songs playing and the subtle humming I'm doing.
I can see two lime green books on my desk.
I can smell the clean laundry my fiancé took out of the dryer.
I'm touching the keys on my keyboard as I type this.

Although they seem small, I'm grateful they're helping to keep me rooted in the present moment. So, what are you grateful you can see, touch, hear, and smell today?

Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Experiencing Sadness

Darina Belonogova

Write Down 3 Things You're Grateful For Today

Practicing gratitude when you're sad isn't so you can pretend the sadness doesn't exist. It's a very real emotion that calls for us to be curious about why we're feeling that way. However, if you feel like you're 'stuck' in your sadness, you can try writing down 3 things you're grateful for right now. Again, they don't have to be grandiose. They just have to make sense to you.

You could be grateful for:

Eating a delicious meal
Having a good night's sleep
Hearing your favorite song at the right moment
Morning snuggles with your pet or toddler
Having access to binge watch your favorite TV show when you need to escape reality for a bit

Antoni Shkraba

Write Down The People You're Grateful You Can Rely On

My hope is that everyone has at least one person they can rely on during difficult moments in life. I know everyone doesn't have huge villages for different reasons, but I'd rather focus on who is there.

This gratitude journaling idea doesn't require you to go in depth about why you're grateful for the people in your corner unless you want to. You can simply write their names down if that's all you have the bandwidth for.

Pavel Danilyuk

Recount A Memory That Always Makes You Smile

When in doubt, think about a moment that was hilarious or filled you with joy. It can be from your childhood, first year in college, or even your wedding day! The one memory that always makes me smile is from an interesting moment I told one of my uncles he looked like Santa Claus. I was around 5 or 6 years old, so it was a super innocent comment, but still it was hilarious nonetheless. No one in my family has let my uncle or me forget that moment. It's small, but it's one of the memories I'm grateful I can remember when I'm feeling sad.

A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You Feel You're Not Doing Enough

Antoni Shkraba

Write Down 1 Thing You've Grateful You've Accomplished

I know some journal prompts ask you to list multiple things you've recently accomplished, but I've found that makes me a little more anxious that necessary. If this sounds like you, I see you and think it's just as impactful to be grateful for one thing you've done that you're proud of. It could be as simple as:

"I had the strength to get out of bed today after wanting to do nothing more than hide under the covers."
"I did laundry and put everything away."
"I made myself a meal instead of ordering lunch like I usually do."
"I stuck to my budget this week."
"My presentation at work or school went really well."
"I made that scary phone call I've been putting off."
"I went for a walk around my neighborhood or local park."

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How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars For The Most Epic Christmas Dessert

In all honestly, all I look forward to during the holidays (other than my fam) is the pie. There's pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Chocolate pie. Sweet potato pie. But more than any other dessert, pecan piejust gets me. I'm salivating as I'm thinking about it!

Anywho... making an entire pecan pie can become a whole ordeal very quickly. That's where these delicious pecan pie bars from Chahinez with Lifestyle of a Foodiestep in. They're simple to make, plus provide the ideal eating experience – pecan pie bars easily qualify under finger foods, and they are downright addictive.

Let's get into the recipe!

Ingredients For Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

For the shortbread crust:

½ cup butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon cornstarch

For the pecan pie filling:

2 eggs
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 & ½ cup pecans chopped

How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

Preheat the oven to 325 F, then line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, add in the flour, salt, cornstarch, and mix. Add in the cold butter and work it into the dough with your hand or a pastry cutter until cookie dough forms. Press it onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
In a separate large bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until combined. Stir in the pecan pieces.
Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges will brown a little, and the center will be barely jiggly.
Remove from the oven, and let cool completely before transferring to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bars and serve.

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Recipe + photography by Lifestyle of a Foodie.

This post has been updated.

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28 Tasty Thanksgiving Cocktails That Are Full Of Boozy Fall Flavor

The rush of the holidays and planning the perfect holiday feast is no joke — finding the best Thanksgiving cocktails, roasting a delicious turkey and, of course, getting creative with leftovers — it all makes it hard to kick back and relax. We think you should find a moment for yourself (or with a few pals) and celebrate the wonderful flavors we love so much this time of year.

Instead of going for the tired pumpkin spice latte, think more along the lines of a boozyfall cocktail. Picture bourbon cocktails with cinnamon, caramel, apple… you know, all the autumn classics. We don't recommend sampling these Thanksgiving cocktails all in one night, but let's just say it'll be difficult to only choose one. We can't wait to try these Thanksgiving cocktails!

Brit + Co

Nespresso White Russian

Combining booze with coffee makes it somewhat more acceptable to knock one back during that late-morning, gathering-before-dinner time period, no? We love any excuse to get cozy with Nespresso, and this White Russian concoction will have you feeling all the warm, Thanksgiving-y vibes.

Brit + Co

S'moretini

Whether it's too cold to sit outside and snack on some s'mores, or you don't have a fire pit to roast marshmallows (although Gilmore Girlsdid show us how to use our stovetops...), this Thanksgiving cocktail is a great alternative to the sticky dessert. The chocolate andgraham cracker coating on the rim is just the cherry on top!

Brit + Co

Rum Toddy

This cocktail recipe is great because there's a good chance you already have the majority of the ingredients in your kitchen! Just put everything you need in a thermos, stir it up, and you're good to go. Not only will toddies keep you warm on cold days, but they're good for sore throats and fighting the chills if you're feeling a lil' under the weather.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Pear Ginger Fizz

Swap your cranberry sauce for a cranberry cocktail complete with ginger beer, pears, and limes. Make sure you keep some whole cranberries and rosemary sprigs for the finishing touch. Even if you've never made cocktails before, this drink is so easy that anyone can make it!

Brit + Co

Clementine Whiskey Smash

Sweet clementine juice and rich whiskey are the perfect match in this fun Thanksgiving drink, plus you can adjust the amount of whiskey that goes in depending on how strong you'd like the drink. Go easy for a fresh taste or add a bit more if you want something warmer.

Brit + Co

Wild Turkey Cocktails

Now, we know what you're thinking: "there is no way I'm drinking a cocktail that has turkey in it." But you don't have to worry because the 'wild turkey' in this recipe actually comes from Wild Turkey American Honey! Make one for an afternoon apéritif or an evening drink once the kids have gone to bed. Now the only question is, who let the (wild) turkeys out?!

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

We're suckers for all things pumpkin spice, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to indulge in a little PSL-inspired boozy bevvy. This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is super easy to make — and even easier to devour.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Is The New Black Cocktail

From cranberry sauce to cranberry garlands, this red berry is definitely a holiday season staple – and now you can add it to yourbar cart! Think of this drink as an upgraded vodka cranberry, with a more sophisticated look. If you're not able to get black vodka, just sub black food coloring to achieve the same finished product.

Brit + Co

Chai Hot Toddy

If you're not a huge pumpkin person, then you have to try this spiced, creamy Thanksgiving cocktail while you wait for eggnog season. Your classic chai gets a makeover with some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk (YUM!) that give it a whole new holiday edge. You can also experiment with different spices and adding in a shot of espresso to change things up.

Brit + Co

Apple Cide-car Cocktail

As far as we're concerned, apple cider season should last all winter long. This easy cocktail only has four ingredients (apple cider, brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice) which means there's no excuse to not have this on your Thanksgiving menu! Need a simple alternative for the under-21 crew? Nix the alcohol, but keep the glasses for an upscale apple cider mocktail.

Brit + Co

Convergent Opera Cake Cocktail

This cold brew concoction is perfect for getting you buzzed in more than one way. It's the perfect after-dinner dose of caffeine you need to avoid a food coma, but it'll also give you all the Thanksgiving feels.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Zinger Jam Jar Cocktail

We love jam and we love cocktails, so why not put them together? This cranberry zinger (which is basically the queen of mixed Thanksgiving cocktails) will certainly make you feel all kinds of bubbly. All you gotta do is pour your favorite gin and cranberry juice over ice, and then top with a spoonful of your go-to jam. Top it off with ginger ale, and you're done!

Brit + Co

Pomegranate Ginger Beer Cocktail

Ginger has just the right amount of warmth to keep you toasty during holiday gatherings. This delicious ginger beer concoction will be a total crowd pleaser at all your Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving gatherings.

Wholefully

Two Ingredient Apple Cider Mimosas

If mimosas (especially apple cider mimosas) don't scream fall brunch, we don't know what does. Since it's only two ingredients, you don't have to worry about trying to put together a complex Thanksgiving cocktail recipe while also preparing dinner. Sounds like a win-win.

Dos Hombres Mezcal

Dos Hombres Hot Cider

Add 1 gallon apple cider, 1 tbsp whole allspice, 1 tbsp whole cloves, 1 sliced orange, 1-inch sliced fresh ginger, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 4 star anise to a pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes before adding 1.5 cups of Dos Hombres Mezcal to spike the sip!

Home & Plate

Salted Caramel Apple Martini

Martinis make us feel sophisticated and mysterious, but there's one thing that's no mystery: cocktail hour will never be the same after you serve this sweet, tart drink to your family and friends. All you *really* need is a little caramel vodka and apple cider, and you're good to go. Don't forget to chill your martini glasses beforehand to keep things cool.

JoLynn Shane

Apple Cider Mojito Recipe

Mojitos might usually be a summer drink for you, but the addition of apple cider makes this one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails you could sip on. The cinnamon simple syrup in this recipe is totally worth the extra prep time. This drink is also loaded with fresh mint and cinnamon sticks for a fall flavor combo you can't miss.

Joyful Healthy Eats

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Everyone knows that what makes a Moscow mule a true mule is the ginger beer. Well, with this easy Thanksgiving cocktail, what makes it is the hard apple cider instead of the regular kind.

Inspired by Charm

Apple Pie Sangria

Apple desserts are a must-have during the holiday season, and this apple pie-inspired sangria might just become our top pick. This is the *perfect* Thanksgiving cocktail to put out in a big pitcher and sip on during dinner, while watching the football game, or even when you're stuck cleaning up dishes.

Baked by Rachel

Apple Cider Whiskey Smash

This is an ahh-mazing seasonal twist on a traditional whiskey drink. With just three quick ingredients (whiskey, lemon juice, and apple cider) you can even make a big batch of this Thanksgiving-y drink *before* the holiday whirlwind begins.

Cookie + Kate

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

We consider November 1 to be the official start of maple season. Even if whiskey isn't your thing, it might be after sampling this cup of Thanksgiving goodness. A little maple syrup goes a long way when you're working with this recipe!

Dos Hombres Mezcal

Dos Hombres Naughty Toddy

Mix together 1 oz Dos Hombres Mezcal, .5 oz fresh lemon juice, .25 oz honey, 1 oz whiskey, and 2 oz natural apple juice together before heating it up on the stove to make this Thanksgiving cocktail. Garnsih with a lemon wheel, and prepare to be warm AF.

Gimme Some Oven

Cranberry Margaritas

Cranberries might be reminiscent of Christmas, but cranberry sauce is basically a Thanksgiving delicacy… which is why we had to give this seasonal margarita our stamp of approval. The squeeze of lime and the salted rim puts this cocktail over the (very delicious) edge, and if you want to get extra fancy with it, there's also a recipe to make your own homemade cranberry juice.

Holly & Flora

Bourbon + Spiced Pear Cocktail

With herbs like sage and thyme topped off with allspice and cinnamon, we're totally in love with this unique Thanksgiving cocktail. Not only does the ginger liqueur give this drink a little kick, but including agave means that it's totally sugar-free.

Baker by Nature

Cranberry + Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

If you're really craving some sweetness, this is the exact drink you should go for. It calls for two cups of cranberries on top of two cups of sugar to yield four cocktails. It's safe to say you'll be perked up after just a few sips.

The Sweetest Occasion

Salted Caramel White Russian

This cocktail is creamy, sweet, and totally dessert-like, which makes it a great addition to post-dinner conversation. You could literally forget the pies and cobblers (but what's Thanksgiving without some pie?) and just drink this instead. Don't worry if you're dairy-free – just swap the caramel sauce for a coconut-based caramel instead.

Slow Cooker Spiced Wine

Okayyy – this warm drink gives us all the fall feels. Red wine and brandy warmed in a crockpot with spices and orange sounds like total heaven to us. Not to mention that you can leave this to simmer throughout the day, so your guests can help themselves and you don't have to worry about it! (viaWell Plated)

Domesticate Me

Spiced Cider Margaritas

For many, the lime margarita is a staple on Taco Tuesday, but maybe it's time to mix it up? We think YES. Cozy up by the fire with a glass of this spiced cider that's spiked with tequila and garnished with cinnamon sticks and apples. That — and the cinnamon sugar rim — sounds right up our alley.

Want more mouthwatering holiday recipes and Thanksgiving cocktails? Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more inspiration!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

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