I saw this tag floating around on Youtube and I thought it was HILARIOUS. It gave me vivid flashbacks of my horrendous makeup skills back in the day... I wore way to much makeup, bright colored eyeshadows, and had super thin, overly-plucked eyebrows. Despite all my makeup mishaps, I still don't regret a single thing... except maybe the eyebrows. lol. We all learn and hey, I had fun with my makeup back in the day! Here's my video showing you guys how I used to do my makeup in High School and me talking about some of my experiences in high school.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, here are my Top 5 Tips for High School:

1)  Get involved. 

I know this is a super cliche message, but I'm serious... GET INVOLVED. If I hadn't been involved in high school, I would've had way too much time on my hands, wouldn't have made the friendships I made, and wouldn't have had as much fun. It's a great way to put yourself out there... without really putting yourself out there. Just trust me on this one, you'll regret it one day if you don't! 

2) Take those AP tests.

This is one thing I regret a bit. I took AP classes (advanced placement) but for some odd reason, I decided not to take all the tests. If you're not familiar with how AP classes work, you take a class that's more study and labor-intensive, take a test, and if you pass... they count for college credit. I think the biggest reason why I didn't take the tests was because they cost $89 (I think... it's been a while, but in that ballpark!) and I felt like it would be a waste of money if I didn't pass. However, I didn't calculate how expensive college courses could be. So take them...if you pass them, you'll have a ton of money at the end of the day. 

3) High School boyfriends/girlfriends usually don't translate into long-term boyfriends/girlfriends, husbands/wives, etc. 

Now don't get me wrong... I'm all about the romanticized idea of high school sweethearts. They do exist!! However, for the most part, I find that none of those relationships usually last. Let's put it this way... please do not wager your future or compromise your goals for a relationship in high school. I've seen plenty of people decide on where their going to college (usually not their first choice) based on their boyfriend or girlfriend. At the end of the day, most of the relationships don't pan out like they'd hope. Let me sum this up in easier terms... if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. Don't place too much weight on high school relationships. 

4) Stay on top of your homework

Start getting used to doing your homework in a timely manner. It may seem hard now, but college is a couple levels harder as far as the curriculum goes. You're better off getting used not procrastinating and planning. It'll save you a lot of stress now and later!

5) Don't sweat the small stuff

Seriously. It's not worth it. All you can do is try your best... you need to be honest with yourself! If you know you're doing all you can... hey that's all you can do! Didn't get a great grade on the calculus test? Regroup, study, find a tutor, and try again. Just don't make a habit out of bad grades :) 

Well, there you go! Something a little different, I know, but I thought it would be a fun post to share with you guys. Let me know your tips for high school (or college) and I'll see you guys soon :) 

xoxo,
Morgan  

♥ Natural Makeup Tutorial for Glasses ♥

Hey Four Eyes! Just kidding :) haha. But really I am definitely blind when I don't have my glasses on or my contact lenses in. Because of this, I've had to perfect the art of applying makeup for when I'm forced to wear my glasses. In this week's video, I show you exactly how I apply my makeup when I'm wearing my frames!

 

Let's look at the products I used in this makeup tutorial for glasses :)

The primer I used was the NYX HD high definition primer. After, I put MAC's "Let's Skate" Paint Pot all over my eyelid. For my mascara, I used the Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara and the for my eyeliners I used Urban Decay's 24/7 Eyeliner in "Yayo" and Almay's liquid liner. 

These are the eyeshadows I used! I used a matte medium brown, a shimmery grayish brown color, and a shimmery light pink color :) 

For my eyebrows, I used the ELF eyebrow kit in "medium" and this random concealer palette I have (I don't know what brand it is. lol) 

Here's the foundation I used! I used the Neutrogena Mineral Sheer Powder Foundation, the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in "medium", and a kabuki brush.  

For my bronzer and blush I used the Physician's Formula Ph Matchmaker bronzer and the MAC blush in "Blush Baby" 

Finally, for my lips I used the Revlon Colorburst Laquer Balm in "Coquette".

Well there's the finished look! Hope you guys enjoyed and let me know what you think of the tutorial :)

xoxo, Morgan 

♥ CL 2NE1 "Come Back Home" Inspired Korean Makeup Tutorial ♥ 이채린

CL is probably one of my favorite K-Pop stars ever. I love her style, fashion sense, and her confidence! She's such a fierce girl and I ALWAYS love her makeup and hair. After seeing the 2NE1 music video, "Come Back Home", I knew I had to try and replicate her look. I love the idea behind the "Come Back Home" music video and I literally can't stop listening to it! Here's my video tutorial on CL's look! :)

Now let me go ahead and show you the products I used for this look! :) 

Prior to filming, I'd already applied my foundation and filled in my eyebrows. I used the same techniques I showed in my Korean Ulzzang Style Eyebrows Tutorial :) 

Here's a close up of the eyeshadows. The top left eyeshadow looks a little bit more brown in the pictures but in "real life", this is a more grey that has a brown tone to it. The top right eyeshadow is a light gold color, the bottom left eyeshadow is a cream colored matte eyeshadow, and the bottom right eyeshadow is a cool-toned matte brown. It looks really red in the picture but again, in "real life" it's much more cool-toned. 

These are the lashes that I used! I bought these off of a Ebay for a couple of bucks (sorry I can't remember the seller's name :( ) These are fairly natural looking lashes with a bit of a flare at towards the end. 

The concealer I used was the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in "Medium".

The brush I used in my crease was a pointed crease brush from Coastal Scents. (I also did a review on some other Coastal Scents and Crown Brush Brushes!)

For my eyeliner, I used the Essence Long Lasting Eyeliner in "Black". 

For my liquid liner, I used the Almay Liquid Liner.

For my lashes, I used the Revlon Lash Potion Mascara.

To prime my eyelids, I used the NYX HD Eyeshadow Primer. 

On my cheeks, I used MAC's "Blush Baby" blush.

For my bronzer and contour, I used ELF's "Warm" Bronzer.

For my highlight, I used MAC's Beauty Powder in "Shell Pearl".

Finally, for my lips, I used MAC's CremeSheen lipstick in "Ever Hip".

I really hope you enjoyed this tutorial and be sure to follow this blog and subscribe to The Beauty Breakdown so you can be notified the next time I post something :) I post often so it's definitely worth it...especially because it's FREE and helps me out a ton ;) 

 xoxo, Morgan 

Avril Lavigne "Hello Kitty" Makeup and Hair Tutorial + OOTD

Avril Lavigne's new music video "Hello Kitty" has created a lot of backlash for the Canadian rockstar. However, I personally loved the style of the video and the colorfulness of it. So I decided to recreate her look in this video from head to toe! First...her makeup and hair in the Hello Kitty music video!

Here's detailed pictures and more information about the products I used in the video! 

I started off my obviously priming my eyes. I made sure to prime under my eye really well because we will be smudging a ton of eyeliner and eyeshadow along our lower lash line. Next, I took a lighter and warmed up the eyeliner. This made it more smudgy and easier to work with. *Be sure to test the liner on your hand before you put it directly onto your eyelid! You don't want to burn yourself!*

This is the dark eyeshadow I used to pack onto of the eyeliner I put all over my eyelid and along my lash line. This is the Kat Von D eyeshadow in "Motorhead". 

I took this silver color from the Tarte "Art of Giving" Pallete and put in on the inner corner of my eye. This particular color is called "Staci's Charm Bracelet".

Taking this Stila eyeshadow in "Heather", I used my finger to pack this on my eyelid. *It's ok if it's messy! That's the point :)*

Once I lined my eyes, I applied my mascara. I used Revlon's Lash Potion in the video. 

 I put my concealer on after I'd finished my eye makeup. I did this because this look has a ton of fall out. Be sure to brush the fall out away before applying concealer. I recommend a liquid concealer under the eye because it overs good coverage but doesn't get cakey in the little fine lines :) 

To finished off the rest of my face, I applied MAC's "Pink Swoon", which is a sheer pink blush. For her nude pinky lips, I used Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Demure" and put this pink Tarte lipgloss on the center of my lips.

All done with the makeup! For the hair, be sure to watch my video!

Now for her outfit! These are just pieces I'll pulled from my closet, no purchasing necessarily! :) 

To replicate her look, all you'll need is...

A cropped black jacket...mine just happens to be leather! This one is from Forever 21. 

Avril Lavigne rocks pearls throughout her Hello Kitty music video. This necklace I got from Forever 21 a couple years ago too but any pearl necklace works :) 

Combat Boots! So comfy and they toughen up any outfit! Even a Hello Kitty one!

 Last, but not least, a pink tutu :) Avril Lavigne has cupcakes on hers in the Hello Kitty music video but you get the point!

Let me know what you think about this makeup + hair + ootd video and blog post! I had a lot of fun working on this and would love to hear you feedback. As always, don't forget to tell your friends (send them the link! It's quick and easy!) and subscribe to The Beauty Breakdown! See you next time :)

xoxo, Morgan  

♥ Korean Style Ulzzang Straight Eyebrow Tutorial ♥ 자연스러운 일자 눈썹 투토리얼

Here is the next video in my Korean Makeup Tutorials series! Right now, I'm focusing on the Ulzzang look, which in Korean literally translates into "best face". This look focuses on appearing youthful, fresh, cute, and innocent. Straight eyebrows are consistent with the Ulzzang appearance because straight eyebrows soften your face and make the features on your face look less harsh. The fuller look of the brows also make you look more youthful. However, a lot of Korean women shave their eyebrows in a straight line in order to achieve this look, which for some, is not a realistic choice. Instead of having to shave your eyebrows, I'll show you how simple it is to achieve the Korean Ulzzang Straight Eyebrows without having to actually shave them! :)

It's that simple! Lots of Korean celebrities rock this look including the girls from the K-pop group 2NE1! (AKA my favorite K-pop group of the moment!)

Here's CL rocking the straight eyebrow look. Here's have a little more arch, but are still soft and natural looking. No wonder why she's the baddest female!

You can see Dara's eyebrows also look nice and natural. Instead of looking harsh, they frame her face while maintaining her "innocent" look! 

 Try out this look and be sure to tweet me a pic! :) I'd love to see your rendition! @morgansbbd

xoxo, Morgan 

Korean Ulzzang Style Ombre Gradient Lip Makeup Tutorial - 얼짱

In lieu of being half Korean and half "white", I'm going to start making more posts/videos of Korean inspired makeup looks and trends that are going on in Korea right now! Korea is know for having very advanced makeup and skincare (some say they're possibly 10 years ahead of the United States!) so whatever is trending in Korea right now is likely to become popular in America. So in today's post/video, I'm going to BREAKDOWN the concept of a "Korean Ulzzang Style Ombre / Gradient Lip".

By the way, if you're wondering what the heck "Ulzzang" is...Ulzzang is a term that literally translated means "best face" or "good looking"...which hey, we're all trying to achieve that right? This style is the very cutesy, fresh, and youthful look that is really popular in Korea right now for women of ALL ages!

First, you want to start of by exfoliating your lips if you have dry lips. Then apply a nice conditioning balm. This will make a nice base for all the product we will be layering onto our lips. *Fave Alert* I'm using my Nuxe Reve de Miel Baume Levres.

This product is something I picked up in Paris, France while studying abroad! Have you checked out my Study Abroad series yet?!

Next, I applied a liquid concealer around the edges of my lips. It's really important you chose a liquid type concealer because if you pick anything drier, it'll emphasize all the lines and cracks in your lips...not what we're going for here! I used my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Medium.

Once I've got an even layer of that around the edges of my lips, I took a hot pink lipstick and put that on the inside of my lips. I did a dragging motion from the inside of my mouth, out. (watch the video above to see a demonstration of this!) I used my MAC lipstick in Big Bow. So sad this was limited edition :( who doesn't love that packaging?!

After I've got a good coat of the hot pink color on, I took a bright red color and layered that on top. Be sure not to cover the hot pink color completely! We want a nice gradient effect :) The red I used was Revlon's lipstick in 740 Certainly Red. 

Now just use your finger and blend till you get the desired effect! So simple :) Now go rock those ombre lips you Ulzzang girl! :) 

What do you think of the Ulzzang look? Let me know I'd like to hear your opinion!! Also, be sure to check out the next tutorial in this series.... Korean Style Straight Eyebrows! :) I also just uploaded a video featuring another Korean style makeup tutorial...Park Gyuri's Makeup Look from the Kara Music Video "Pandora"! 

xoxo, Morgan 

How to Sick Day Makeup - Natural Makeup Tutorial

We all know the feeling...you're sick but still have to go to work, school, etc. But let's face it, you don't want to look like a total wreck! In this tutorial, I show you a quick makeup tutorial that looks nice and natural but still hides the fact you're lacking sleep and not feeling well.  

What's your routine when you're feeling under the weather?? Let me know what you think :)

And when you're feeling better, try out this makeup look! An awesome Smokey Purple Duochrome Smokey Eye that will definitely perk you right up! :) 

xoxo, Morgan 

Fast and Easy Bombshell Hot Rollers Hair Tutorial - Low Heat

In this video, I BREAKDOWN how to achieve a voluminous, sexy, bombshell look using hot rollers. Hot rollers are super easy to use once you get the hang of it, and I love them because they don't damage my hair as much as a curling iron would.

I would love to hear your feedback on what you think of this easy hairstyle :) I'll be adding more videos very soon so be sure to subscribe to my channel or this blog (add your email into the email subscription section on the right ;) ) so you'll be updated when I add my next video or post!
P.S. Wanna see a tutorial on 3 Cute Hairstyles to Wear to the GYM?

xoxo, Morgan 

LOTD: Pretty Gold, Bronze, and Copper Smokey Eye Makeup Tutorial

This look is something you could wearing during the day for a more dramatic look, or something you can wear on a night out! I love how bronze and copper looks together, and the copper makes my eyes look more brown!

So let's go ahead and BREAKDOWN how I achieved this look :)

First, I applied my foundation and primed my eyes with my NYX HD Eyeshadow Primer!

Once I had gotten that all over my eye area, I took my MAC Indian Wood Paint Pot and smooth that over my eyelid.

I took the bronze color below and place that right on top of the indian wood paint pot. 

I took the yellow-y/gold color below and put that on the inner part of my eyelid and the inner part of my lower lashline. 

I took the light, matte-brown color (lower left hand side) from this Tarte palette that came in the "Art of Giving" set. I blended that into my crease to soft the edges of the Indian wood and bronze color. 

I, then, took this matte darker brown color (top right hand corner) and put it on my outer "v" area of my eyelid and ran it under the outer part of the lower lashline.

To help blend and soften everything, I took this matte, medium brown and blended into my crease on top of the light matte brown. It just makes the makeup look a little more blended and uniform :)

I use MAC's Blacktrack Fluid line (in the picture above with the Indianwood paint pot) and created a cat eye along my lashline. I then filled in the waterline with the eyeliner below. I believe it's from Covergirl, but the writing has smudged off of the packaging. haha.

I applied my Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara to finish the eye makeup!

 I contoured and bronzed my face with my Physician's Formula Glow Boosting Airbrushing Bronzing Veil (phew what a mouthful!).

And put MAC's blush in "blush baby" on my cheeks, slightly on top of the bronzer.

And on my lips, I wore Revlon's lipstick in the color "Demure" (*this is one of my favorite lipsticks of all time!)

Hope you guys enjoyed this look! :)

xoxo, Morgan