Behind the Sees: How I Do Sponsored Posts

Several of y'all asked how I do sponsored posts, so I thought I'd share a "Behind the Sees" post (I'll see myself out with that joke) and give you a peek into that process. I can only speak for my experience, but this is a general idea of how it all goes down.

The Pitch

There are two ways here: you pitch a company/brand or they pitch you. I don't pitch to brands usually, just because I am okay with the amount of sponsored posts I do--I average two to four a month that's fine for now. When you get pitched, there are general two ways: a blogging company or the brand contacts you directly, or some blogging companies do an open call where anyone can apply for an opportunity. In the latter, you will then pitch to them your idea about the product. If you meet the criteria, you might be chosen. 

The Details of the Pitch

So if a company pitches to you, they will discuss the product, the theme of the post (like this one on holiday moments that make me feel beautiful), the requirements (usually a post and a certain amount of social shares), the deadline, and the payment. If everything is agreed upon, you will sign a contract or fill out a form or agree via email that you're in.

Sometimes I've had some great offers and then the company changes their mind--like budget, timing, or we just can't agree. It's frustrating when that happens, but I see it as it's not meant for me at this time. This goes with any business, but I don't share info any opportunities I'm discussing with brands with friends/family until it is set in stone.

The Decision

I don't chose a sponsored post opportunity unless it works for me/my blog. Let me repeat that: I don't pick a sponsored post unless it works for me/my blog. That burns my biscuits when I get a negative comment on a post I've worked so hard on and thought my readers would love as well! I've discussed sponsored posts in a series that begins here, but I don't feel comfortable opening my space and losing my integrity over a product that was awful. If it works for me, I share it with you. I usually don't go for opportunities that don't fit the feel of the blog (I use the example of not doing a sponsored post for caulking your bathroom because that doesn't fit my blog). Not all bloggers feel the same way and that's their business, but I don't feel good about it for me. I've turned down a lot of money because of that, and I've been told that's dumb, and maybe it is, but I go with my instincts.

The Pics

I like to do the pics first. I will think of an idea (I call it a story) that goes along with the post. Most brands require a certain amount of pics and will insist on certain shots, like two product shots. I will then get out my props and shoot the pic. Above is a rough idea of my set up and below is a rough example of a possible finished pic (I didn't edit this one, but you get the idea). This can take 5 minutes and it can take hours. It just depends. Sometimes the vision doesn't match up once I take the pics. Sometimes I will end up completely different than where I started. I know when it feels right or if something feels off. I take pics until it feels right. I do lots of shots. Like for the one above, I took pics of the product in front of the background, the product in the tinsel, the tinsel in different spots behind the product, etc.  If you would like me to go into detail of how I take my pics and set them up, let me know and I'll be happy to do a post!

unedited shot

The Post

Usually a sponsored post is written a month or so in advance--sometimes months in advance. There are a couple of blogging companies that let you post sight-unseen, but for me that is not usually the norm. You (or someone will) shoot the pics, edit them, and create the post. Sometimes you send in social media examples too for review. The blogging company, the brand itself, and sometimes legal (usually if you are dealing with any pharmaceutical) will review your post/pics/etc and then edit them or suggest edits. This usually means you are doing double the blog work--your regular posting plus your future posting. 

You need to be okay with constructive criticism. I see it as I want to do the best job I can, so that means I have no problem fixing what they are looking for if I need to. I don't always agree with the edits, but I do make sure it is nothing that morally bothers me--example: that has happened with a few posts that weren't sponsored, where I had an item for review and they wanted me to change my opinion on it. Nope. I'm not going to lie and say a product will erase wrinkles forever, for example.

It's Time To Post!

I don't always have a post go up when it is supposed to. This can be frustrating since I like to schedule things out months in advance, and it's even more frustrating when I am doing another sponsored post and then end up having 2 in one week! My advice is to be flexible, and it doesn't hurt to ask the company if you can move the date around. 

I usually will post by a certain date and time and then promote it using the given hashtags. Some brands want a shot pulled from the post for Instagram, for example, and others will require a new pic not from the post. Some brands will need to see your social media text beforehand and some don't. It just depends.

Payment

Per your agreement, you will be paid in a certain amount of days--30 to 90 is normal. Some will send a check, some will do direct deposit, some will send via Paypal...it just depends. And others you will send them a PO where you bill them for the post and then they will cut a check. My advice--get organized and stay on it!! I slipped up and forgot to get paid for a post--I thought I was paid already--luckily, the company emailed me and realized they forgot to pay me--9 months later! You will need all of this info for taxes, so again, take my advice and stay organized!

All in all, one sponsored post takes me about 3-4 hours to do--writing, editing, taking pics, editing, writing social shares, scheduling social shares, etc. I enjoyed sharing my sponsored post process.

I hope you found this post informative!

Any questions?

Extra Elle:

I took down my decorations for fall/Halloween. Then I went to Target and got way too excited over the Christmas decorations! They've got some good stuff out this year! Definitely in the mood now to decorate!

"I Hate Sponsored Posts" Part 2: Too Much of a Good Thing

First off, today is my 2000th post! TWO THOUSAND!! Also, thank you SO much for your response to this series! I was really nervous about how it would be interpreted. If you missed last week, you can get caught up here.

Essentially, for the past 8 months I listened and talked to other bloggers to find out their opinions on sponsored posts. I took 4 of the most common responses and am sharing them with you, as well as my thoughts, as someone who writes sponsored posts. Last week, we talked about sponsored posts in general. Today, we're talking about the number of them.

"It really turns me off as a reader when a blog is nothing but sponsored posts. Or all free stuff--like every post is sponsored. I immediately stop reading blogs like that."

Think about why you watch your favorite tv show. Do you watch it for the commercials? I'm pretty sure the answer is NO. Many of us watch shows on Netflix so there are no commercials or on DVR so we can skip them.

What if that tv show changed from mostly show to mostly commercials? Would you be less likely to tune in? Definitely. 

So why are some of us letting our blogs turn into commercials?

They are there to know about you, not a commercial. 

Commercials are loud. They stick out. They beg to be noticed.

This works well in the television advertising world. But in the blogging world? Not so much.

But--

I have had a few occasions where I either had 2 sponsored posts back-to-back or 2 or 3 within 1 week (I generally post 5 times a week). This was always, always due to a scheduling conflict, usually with the brand moving up or moving back a post date.

How To Fix It:

The biggest giveaway that a post is sponsored? How it's written! It comes across as fake, as an ad. A good sponsored post should be a natural extension of you and your blog. It shouldn't be obvious. It shouldn't sound like a commercial. It should sound like YOU.

If it feels wrong, if it feels fake, then maybe that approach or that brand isn't the best fit for your blog. And that's what we'll talk about next week.

What do you consider to be a good number of sponsored posts per month?

Extra Elle:

• I had a great weekend--the weather was nice, so Charlie and I spent as much time as we could outside. 
• I also continued my annual tradition of watching the Oscar Shorts (just as it sounds, short films nominated for an Oscar)--something I have done for the past decade.
• I also had a Pjs and Prosecco Oscar party. I LOVE to dress up, but this was a nice change. Just hanging out with the girls and talking about the red carpet and the show. They left about 10. Was it my suggestion to play Oscar film charades? ;) I made it the whole show. Coffee was a must the next morning.
• HAPPY MARCH!

How To: Stop Itchy Skin

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias and AVEENO®. 

All opinions are mine alone. #BestLovedBeauty #CollectiveBias

Even though winter hasn't been too bad so far (crosses fingers) my skin wouldn't know any differently. My skin has been an itchy nightmare. I had to do something and fast, because I have tried everything.

The answer came from my late Grandaddy, oddly enough. He would just randomly give out beauty advice, like it didn't pertain to the conversation, but I remember all of it!

The first thing I did was an old trick my he told me once--if it's cold and you're taking a shower and the mirror fogs up, then the water's too hot. Makes sense, right? So I've been lowering the temp just a little and trying to not spend as much time under the hot water. That is so hard though!

And the next thing I did? What I always do: headed to Target and looked for something new:

And I found some new products from a favorite brand, AVEENO®.

I picked up the AVEENO® Skin Relief Gentle Scent Nourishing Coconut Lotion and AVEENO® Skin Relief Gentle Scent Nourishing Coconut Body Wash. I'm so glad I did and they have made wonderful additions to my winter skin care routine. They are both designed for sensitive skin, and couldn't have come at a better time.

So here's my winter skin care routine: I start with the AVEENO Skin Relief Gentle Scent Nourishing Coconut Body Wash. This is formulated with ACTIVE NATURALS Triple Oat Complex and ACTIVE NATURALS Soothing Oatmeal. My skin is cleansed, and my itchy, dry skin is soothed. Finally.

To keep the itchy skin at bay, I'll either apply this right after the shower or before getting dressed. I love the scent (coconut, what!) of AVEENO Skin Relief Gentle Scent Nourishing Coconut Lotion.  There is an Oat & Chamomile version of both products as well.

The dermatologist-tested and allergy-tested formulas are proven as gentle on sensitive skin as fragrance-free alternatives. If my skin is itchy, it will burn if I apply product. Not the case with AVEENO.

My Grandaddy was always talking about the importance of lotion to my sister and me, reminding us to put lotion on elbows and knees especially. It's how he stayed so good looking, he would say.

And that's it! These products don't irritate my skin and are gentle enough that I use them on the girls I nanny for. No more itchy skin! Just relief!

Have you tried these yet?

Extra Elle:
Speaking of Grandfathers, yesterday was the 96th anniversary of my maternal great grandfather becoming a US citizen. He was from Lake Como, Italy. My mom has his immigration papers. 

Switch This Product In Your Morning Routine

Let's talk about morning routines for a minute. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Do you have it down to a science or are your grabbing stuff in a dash? I have find myself going towards the latter lately, because I've been extra busy lately. I am trying to streamline my morning routine to make it efficient as possible. And that means switching to products that work, especially when it comes to essentials.

Introduced by Simply Stylist, I’ve partnered with Dove to let you know about Dove Dry Spray. Have you had a chance to try this yet? This deodorant has become a trending product of 2015, and for good reason. Y'all know me--if it's new, and if it's popular, I've gotta try it!

First, it has an instant dry application--no need to wait for it to dry. I love that because it gives a cleaner feel. If you're a woman on-the-go (aren't we all?) you'll enjoy this option.

 Dove Dry Spray provides 48 hours of odor and wetness protection with all the care of Dove for softer, smoother underarms.

Interested in making the switch? Go to Dove.com to learn more to #TryDry!

How To: Daytime Glam (Pink Lips & Glowing Skin)

Glowing skin and pink lips--one of my favorite looks lately. Here's how to get it:

1-Prep step:

• moisturize skin
• get a drink ready (water in this case)
• "get ready" playlist (helps countdown the time)
• optional: dance with pup to playlist

2-Assemble tools:

• I needed some new makeup bags (always), so I went to Walmart and grabbed this 10 piece bag set from Caboodles. Remember them? They're all grown up! I love the pink (no surprise there). I kept everything I needed stylish stored. Get this while supplies last.
• I've found that if I have everything I need, and it's organized, it saves time when I'm getting ready. This set has plenty of space for travel, daytime looks, night time, skin care, etc. Pictured above is what it looks like at the store.

3-The look:

• I used a dampened beauty blender to apply and stipple in my Koh Gen Doh foundation. This foundation gives a dewy glow and then sponge gives an airbrushed finish. Concealer and powder are next.

The eyes:

• I used Stila in the Light palette, but any neutral palette will do. I placed Kitten on the inner half of my lid and Bubbly on the outer half with a flat brush (pictured). Bliss went in my crease and Sandstone was in my crease and under my lower lash line. Bare went under my brows.
• Curl lashes, apply mascara and eyeliner. Don't forget brows--I used a pencil since my brows are full already.
• The tiniest flush of blush (Tarte) followed by Kitten used as a highlight along the tops of my cheeks.
• Finish with a pink lipstick or gloss. I actually used a lip cream that dries matte from Ciate.

Here are the products that I used, as mentioned above, in my Caboodles. I'm a sucker for pink!

4-The final details:

• From here, finish getting ready and that's it!
• Definitely: dance with pup. He loves it! (He doesn't).

5-On the go: I used the smallest Caboodles bag for touch ups later. Get this 10 piece set while supplies last. 

What looks have you been loving lately?

 “This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Caboodles, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #cuethecaboodles  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”

Top Date Night Essentials You Need

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. 

All opinions are mine alone. #BeHealthyForEveryPartofLife #CollectiveBias

I asked my sister to describe me in one word. I was expecting awesome, funny, intelligent, loving, or maybe happy.

She chose prepared. Prepared! I wanted something cool, like, well, cool. But she's right--I've accepted my fate. I'm admittedly the person you call when you need something, if you're in a crisis, or possibly a zombie attack. 

I carry this sense of being prepared for any situation into what I literally carry, like in my bag. Recently I took my prepared self to Walmart to stock up on some date night essentials: 

And here's what I picked up:

But that's just a sneak peek of what I use, so let's check out the Top Date Night Essentials You Need.

-Mints or Gum

• I think for a date night, this goes without saying. Everyone needs these. All the time.

-Advil Tablet Vial

• I get these in the travel section and prefer this small container. Use Advil tablets for headaches, minor arthritis and other joint pain, muscle aches and pains of the common cold. 

-Phone Battery

• Because every single blind date I've ever been on has been awful, I make sure my phone is charged and has a back up, so I can arrange to cut the night short. #sorrynotsorry

-ChapStick Total Hydration

• Soft hydrated lips are a part of my daily life, so date night is no exception! 
• This one is 100% natural so lips are always kissable.

-Artificial Sweetner

• I might be prepared, but being graceful is definitely not me. I use this when I notice a grease spot from a food accident on my shirt or pants. Pour it on and allow it to set and it will soak up the oil. Wipe away.
• I also will use this to make a quick sugar scrub on my hands with a little soap.

-Nexium 24HR

• Because heartburn happens, y'all. May take 1 to 4 days for full effect. Use as directed.

-Lip Liner

• This one is surprising, right? The color lasts longer than a gloss or some lipstick finishes, and won't melt, should I accidentally leave it in the car. I add the ChapStick Total Hydration on top of it. I keep it in a neutral color that goes with everything.
• Be sure to fill in the entire lip.

-Hand Sanitizer

• I'm a germaphobe!

-A Cute Clutch

• Throw these items in, along with my wallet, phone and keys, and I'm set for date night! Red is my COLOR, y'all.

What are your date night essentials?

Extra Elle:

• Getting my hair done today--one of my fave things ever.
• I'm trying to get exactly 1.5 million (slight exaggeration) things done before I leave for my trip back home. Wish me luck that I get them done! #stressed

Holiday Must-Have: Flash&Go

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #giftsilkn #CollectiveBias

I still can't believe how fast this year has flown by. I'm slowly getting into holiday mode around here. That means gift ideas for friends and family, and for me. I was very good this year! ;) But I like to think of different gift-giving ideas, a true treat to pamper yourself during the holidays and beyond.

One idea is the Flash&Go. This product is great because it gives safe, effective hair removal. You can get it at Kohl's or Bed, Bath, & Beyond. I got mine at the latter--you can see where it is on the shelf below:

And here it is in the box:

The Flash&Go leads to permanent hair removal--no more shaving, or waxing, or plucking. Just smooth skin.

I am a huge fan of it because it actually works! 

Painful, expensive hair removal is a thing of the past. Flash&Go uses light technology to remove hair and can be used on many parts of the body. I have used it on my legs and currently have only 10% hair growth.

Even the most sensitive skin can use it.

Just shave the area(s). Plug in the Flash&Go, and press the power button. Then choose the desired level by pressing the + button. This works best for women with lighter skin with brown hair--avoid darker pigmented skin.

Place the Flash&Go on the area, press the trigger button and light will flash. Move to the next area until treated. 

Schedule your treatments in two-week intervals. Typically you will see results after the 3rd or 4th treatment, and after this, you can start treating monthly. It took me around 4 or 5 months to notice a difference.

Before you buy one, I'm letting you in on a great deal:

• Buy Flash&Go for yourself at Bed Bath and Beyond or Kohl’s, then go to keepongifting.com to receive a $25 gift card and be entered to win a trip to Aruba.

• You can redeem this gift card up to 3 times- a total of $75 to spend at Bed Bath and Beyond or Kohl’s!!!

Would you try the Flash&Go?

Extra Elle:

• Thanks everyone who linked up to yesterday's post. 

What's Her Secret With RESTYLANE®

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Restylane® Lyft and Restylane® Silk. However, the thoughts and opinions are my own

I had the opportunity to learn about Restylane® and since I found it so fascinating, I just had to share it with you. Restylane® Silk and Restylane® Lyft are injectables that help correct, or smooth, out certain wrinkles.

And after this event, I'm fascinated!

And as I get older, I am more and more curious about being wrinkle-free in certain areas.

First I got to mingle with fellow Atlanta bloggers and enjoy some light bites. Then we got lots of information on Restylane® Silk and Restylane® Lyft. We met the lovely Dr. Anna Pare and her talented team. You can learn more about her here. I'm completely being serious when I tell you it was a super fun event! This beauty guru was a little too excited to see what was out there. I like to keep up on what treatments are available.

And then the best part came when we got to see Dr. Anna Pare treat clients! First up was a treatment for Restylane® Silk. This smooths the lines and wrinkles around the mouth. There was a subtle change that looked simply natural. Lips looked fuller, not "duck lips" or anything crazy, just natural. Had I not seen the before/after live in person, I would have never known.

Then was Restylane® Lyft.  This is the first and only FDA approved filler for cheek augmentation and the correction of moderate to severe smile lines (nasolabial folds). This was the treatment that impressed me the most. The client looked 10 years younger. We all gasped in amazement at how great she looked. Again, it was natural.

The results, the amazing staff, and the extremely talented and knowledgable Dr. Anna Pare all assuaged my trepidation towards injectables.

Bonus: If you’d like $20 towards your next treatment, visit AspireRewards.com/WhatsHerSecret. The ASPIRE Galderma Rewards Program allows you to earn extra benefits when using Galderma treatments. If interested in a treatment, visit www.dermatologyconsultants.org/


Important Safety Information

Indications: The Restylane family of products includes Restylane®, Restylane-L®, Restylane® Silk , Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine, and Perlane®. Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine, and Perlane are indicated for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. Restylane and Restylane-L are indicated for mid-to-deep dermal implantation. Perlane and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine are indicated for implantation into the deep dermis to superficial subcutis. Restylane Silk is indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation and dermal implantation for correction of perioral rhytids in patients over the age of 21. Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine is also indicated for cheek augmentation and for the correction of age-related midface contour deficiencies in patients over the age of 21. Restylane and Restylane-L are also indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation in patients over the age of 21.

Products in the Restylane family contain traces of gram-positive bacterial protein and are contraindicated for patients with allergies to such material or in patients with severe allergies that have required in-hospital treatment. These products should not be used by patients with bleeding disorders or by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Restylane and Restylane-L for lip enhancement and Restylane Silk should not be used by people under 22 years. Restylane-L, Restylane Silk and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to lidocaine. Products should not be injected anywhere except the dermis, superficial subcutis (Perlane and Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine only), or lip submucosa (Restylane, Restylane-L, and Restylane Silk only).

Use of products in the Restylane family at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. The most commonly observed side effects are swelling, redness, pain, bruising, headache, tenderness, and itching at the injection site. These are typically mild in severity and typically resolve in less than 7 days. Serious but rare side effects include delayed onset infections, recurrence of herpetic eruptions, and superficial necrosis at the injection site. Do not implant into blood vessels. Use with caution in patients recently treated with anticoagulant or platelet inhibitors to avoid bleeding and bruising.

The Restylane family of products is available only through a licensed practitioner. Complete Instructions for Use for Restylane, Restylane-L, Restylane Silk, and Perlane are available at www. RestylaneUSA.com. Complete Instructions for Use for Restylane® Lyft with Lidocaine is available at www.RestylaneLyft.com

On Selfies and Social Anxiety

This post is brought to you by U By Kotex.

I come from a family of the most attractive people. I'm serious!

My Mama is gorgeous. My sisters are stunning. My Grandmother still turns heads at 76. My late Daddy and his brothers were the best looking guys in town. And so on.

I was a cute kid and all, but then puberty happened. My nose grew. I stayed short. ;) I had some unfortunate big bangs and even worse school pictures. I began to withdraw, preferring to stay home and read or watch tv.

I noticed that boys didn't notice me. If they did, they would say hurtful things behind my back about my nose. My face.

Quiet people hear things that most people don't. 

I heard it all. Rocket Nose. She's So Ugly. She's Gross. 

Long story short, this is the way I've operated most of my life. People still occasionally say hurtful things in my presence or from behind a computer screen. I'm extremely introverted and full of social anxiety. I will talk for days if we are close, but in public, I usually just observe. 

When I started my blog 5 years ago, I never once intended my face to be on there. Partly because I didn't think anyone would take beauty advice from an ugly girl. And partly because I didn't think I could handle the criticism from online trolls.

One day a reader called me out on it, that I never show my face. I decided the gig was up and she was right. I did it. I slowly began to build confidence.

It got easier. I knew had to do it.

I started a Youtube channel. I would take out my contacts and have the mirror covered so I couldn't see my face. I would break out in hives and vomit from nerves.

It got easier. I knew I had to do it.

I had some mean comments, but each time it didn't hurt as much. I realized it was about them, not me.

I started going to blog events. Press events. I did other things.

It got easier.

After some time on Instagram, I posted a pic of myself. Being a beauty blogger means I have to show my face to display the makeup I use. It gives readers the notion that there is an actual person there.

I waited for "likes" and was disappointed that I didn't get them.

One day it hit me--I was relying on others to make me feel good about myself.

The only way I was going to ever feel better about myself, my looks, was from my own empowerment.

Such an obvious, common sense statement, right? But sometimes the easiest things are the hardest to see.

So when I post a selfie, it's not that I'm full of myself or conceited. I see it as a victory. It's a victory over every person who ever thought I was ugly. A victory over those who think I'm not good enough or worthy of my successes.

It's a victory over my mind. It's empowerment.

I love it when companies like U by Kotex support women who empower. They make sure that women are equipped with the right tools to succeed. By sharing our stories, we help women, showing that empowerment and confidence is something that only comes from within. 

U by Kotex packs with bonus packs (pictured) are available in Walmart stores nationwide (score!), making them a perfect addition to even the smallest of clutches. 

And while I will never understand why a picture of my coffee cup will get double the "likes" as a picture of me, I am proud of how far I've come. People can find me not attractive, but they can do nothing to shake my confidence in my knowledge of beauty products and techniques. 

I feel almost free from the clutches of social anxiety that crippled my mind for so many years. I'm ready to live and get out there. 

I finally feel free.

Please share your story of a time you felt empowered in the comments.

How To: Date Night Makeup for Fall

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

#FalsiesPushUpDrama #CollectiveBias

Ok y'all, I've just teleported you to the beauty aisle. What is the one thing you always repurchase?

For me, it's mascara. My fave! Especially if it says "new" on the packaging. I was at Walmart recently when this display for the NEW Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara caught my eye:

You know that mascara went home with me, right? Of course you did. And today I've got an effortless, wearable date night look featuring Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara. I want this look to focus on eyes with dramatic lashes and a pretty lip color for fall with lots of warm tones. Here's what I'm going for:

First up--you need a playlist while you're getting ready. Make it for as long as you'll need (think of it as your timer) so you can have plenty of time. Next up, the MAKEUP!

 You'll Need the following Maybelline products:

• ColorSensational Creamy Matte Lipstick in Divine Wine
• ExpertWear Eyeshadow Quad in Chai Latte
• Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara
• BrowDrama Pro Palette
• Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner

Here's a before and after of the look:

Brows:

After applying foundation, concealer, and powder, I head for the brows. Use the spooley to brush brows into place. Use the brush dipped in the powder (middle) to fill in brows. Brush through again. Set with the wax (left). Use the lightest shade under the brow for highlight.

Eye Shadow:

Remember in this post I talked about metallic lids for fall? This palette in Chai Latte features a beautiful copper shade. Place BASE shade all over lid. Pat LID shade only on the lid, and not on the crease. Sweep CREASE into the crease and blend it out. Add a little of LINER to the outer "v" of the lid and blend. Smudge the LINER shade under the lower lash line.

See also: Beginner Eyeshadow (Video)

Mascara and Liner:

TIP: Curl your lashes! It helps open up the eye. I swear it makes a difference. Check out my post here to see.

Apply a coat of Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara. I love this creamy formula for dramatic, volumized lashes. This is the world's first ever push up brush with cup-shaped bristles that scoop, coat, and lift lashes. And talk about dramatic volume of a 45 degree lift. Yes!

TIP: Are you messy with mascara? Place the back of a spoon against your lash line as you apply mascara. Any extra will coat the spoon and not your skin. This is great for lower lashes too.

Add liner to the upper lash line.

The finished eye look! Can we talk about the lashes? I'm in love with the volume.

Lipstick:

Finish with a matte lipstick, like this one in Divine Wine. It is perfect for fall. You can tell I'm obsessed because that is all I have left of it!

Fact: It is impossible for me to apply mascara with my mouth closed.

And here's the final look:

I love this look. Lots of lashes and darker lips for fall--my fave.

And it wouldn't be a date night post if I didn't offer you some ideas, right? This was one of my first popular posts!

Date Night on the Cheap: 50 ideas

What's your favorite date night makeup?