Confidence is Key

    

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a style funk. everything in your closet has started to look the same. But hey that's what you're comfortable in... well you guessed it I'm back with another challenge for you! Time to set some more goals and have Confidence!

         Recently I've noticed that I get told a lot by friends and even strangers "oh I could never pull off wearing that". This makes me sad to hear that because as women we seem to limit ourselves of what jeans we can wear, accessories, make up trends, even hairstyles. Which yes, there is better fits for different body types and you have to figure out what works with your body. But for the if you are confident in yourself and what you are wearing you can rock it. Easier said than done, I know. For a long time my closet was full of all the same type of clothes, I never changed my jewelry, I used one eye shadow pallet, and my hair was either my natural curls or straight. Yes that's fine but it can get boring at times. I wanted to be able to express who I am through what I wear. So slowly I've pushed my comfort zone and added things that I never thought I could wear. I'm not going to lie it's not easy, most days I still wear my leggings and big t-shirts, but this year I'm this is a goal of mine... small steps! I can tell you that buying a few stand out pieces has really made all the difference in my confidence.
    
       So my challenge for you is.... Jump out of your comfort zone. Wear those colored pants, put on that edgy jewelry, rock the colorful eye shadow even red or dark vampy lipsticks, try some new hair styles; it could be something as simple as buying yourself a pair of sunglasses that you never thought you could pull off!! If you have the confidence (even fake the confidence) to try something new it can lead to a world of possibilities.

                       Stay Beautiful,
                              - Victoria Morgan

Tip: Mix your neutrals. I know... crazy! But if you find the right way to mix and match there can be endless possibilities with stables in your closet!

~The quickest way to acquire self-confidence is to do exactly what you're afraid to do~

Tip: Change up your style of jeans, make a fun change with some flares, distressed, or even some baggy boyfriend jeans!

~Nothing holds you back more than your own insecurities.~

Tip: Color! Don't be afraid to be bold and stand out. Spice it up

~Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.~ -Coco Chanel

Tip: Crop tops. you don't always have to show your belly, find crop tops that hits right above your hips and pair it with a pair of high waisted pants. It'll add a fun new look

~Confidence comes naturally with success but, success comes only to those, who are confident~

Love Yourself Where You Are

 

Hey there,

It's been a long time, but I'm back. This is the year of pushing myself to be the best person I can be! So I want to reintroduce this blog by challenging you all to the same things that I've been trying to focus on myself. It's never too late to start. I have two challenges for you. First, find those small achievable goals for yourself, these can be daily, weekly, or even monthly goals! One of mine is to write more, which is the reason I'm here. A goal should be something that you can be proud of, something for yourself. This isn't always easy and may require taking a few leaps into the unknown. But whether you land on your feet or fall, you can learn from every experience. So scary or not get ready to leap! My second challenge for you, the most important one, is to Love yourself where you are right now. ​Love yourself if you are at your dream job. Love yourself is you've accomplished some of your big goals. Also love yourself if you fail, if you don't know what you're doing in life and if you feel lost. Love yourself!
I challenge you to do these things and see how much you grow.

With all of that being said I want to briefly talk about why I named my blog "Apply and Conquer". I feel like even if you are going through the hardest thing that you have ever been through, putting on your favorite lipstick or just putting on something that makes you feel beautiful can give you a certain confidence. Now don't get me wrong, I know it won’t fix everything but even having a mini, DIY spa day for yourself at home can do wonders when you are feeling less than the beautiful person you are. You can conquer those hard days and whatever they throw at you just by giving yourself a little extra boost! So keep that in mind when you are having a crappy day. Love yourself where you are right now and do a little extra something for yourself, to make yourself feel special. Set those goals and be proud. I'll be here to help give you the little push you need. :)

FUN FACT: Another reason behind the blog name, "Apply & Conquer": My name is the Latin word for Victory or... Conquer. So ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a "Conqueror" to fulfill the name meaning card that I kept on my wall (you know you had one). I don't know if I've ever lived up to that name but I like to think I have conquered some small things in my life. I'm still working on it!

*Side note, the Irish the meaning of the name Morgan, my middle name, is "Fighter of the Sea.” I knew I was always meant to mermaid... hence the red hair, haha!

Talk to y'all soon!

  Stay beautiful,

      -Victoria Morgan

Birchbox Unboxing

My Favorite part of the month if when this little surprise comes in the mail!

I pay $10 a month and get 5 Beauty samples, it's just a fun little gift for yourself and you get to step out of your comfort zone and try new products! Here is the list of things I got in this months box and my brief first impressions of the products!

1. Darphi- INTRAL Redness Relief Soothing Serum (Full Size $88)
This product is a serum that claims to calm redness and even out skin tones, perfect for sensitive skin. The sample size that I got is very small unfortunately so it's hard to see if it's actually work, and I can't see myself buying the full size...

2. Loc- Vibrant Matte Lipstick (Full Size $8)This new brand is exclusive sold on Birchbox.com I got my lipstick in the shade First Kiss. It is a very pretty nude color, super smooth and I have loved it for an every day color! I'd buy more For sure.

3. Obliphica Professional - Seaberry Serum (Full Size $38)
This is a hair serum for fine to medium hair, I think it will take awhile for me to decide if it is actually works on my hair, but it is very light and the smell is amazing! 

4. PARLOR - Flexible Hold Hairspray (Full Size $24)Said to provide a flexible hold with nourishing sweet almond oil. Honestly I tried to use this and couldn't get over the smell, it's very strong and lingers for a long time... I ended up just using another hairspray to try and cover the sent...

5. Temple Spa- La La Lagoon Aromatic Bath & Shower gel (Full Size $18)
Infused with mint, peppermint, and basil. This shower gel was made to soften and smooth skin while reliving stress. The scent throws me off, I think this will be one of those products I don't even try, But that's personal preference.

-Victoria Morgan

Brush Cleaner

I'll confess that I am horrible about cleaning my make up brushes.
It always seems like a long, boring processes. Then I came across a few people talking about the Sigma spa brush cleaning mat $32. I thought it was an amazing idea, but I couldn't see myself paying for it! I started looking on Pinterest (Of Course) and saw many people making their own, and I thought whats the harm in trying! I'm so glad I did.
This was so simple, and super cheap, and you most likely have all you need right in your house!

Things you need

• Plastic Clip Board
• Hot Glue Gun (With Glue) Duh
• Pen/Sharpie (only if you want)
  
  What to do If you want you can start by drawing your patterns onto the clipboard with a Pen/Sharpie, I started to do this but I'm very impatient so I ended up just winging it with the glue gun.
  I did patterns of small dots, large dots, straight lines, and curved lines, I just went crazy with it, it doesn't have to be perfect by any means. after I was done with gluing my patterns I let it dry for a few minuets.
  Then I headed for the sink. I wet all my brushes and got to scrubbing, I used baby shampoo you can also use any gentle face wash!
  It took almost no time to wash all of my brushes, what normally takes 30 minuets. I'll never go back to just using my hands! I will certainly be washing my brushes much more often also.
  
  -Victoria Morgan
  
  

Liquid Lipsticks

(Left to Right) Anastasia-American Doll, ColourPop-Bumble, OFRA-Mocha, OFRA-Miami Fever

I have Definitely fallen into the trend of Liquid Lipsticks!

Before this year I was never a fan of lipstick. I thought it was too much trouble, I never wanted to have to worry about lipstick wearing off, or even having the embarrassing lipstick on my teeth. Then I discovered liquid lipstick, and while it took me a long time to purchase one ( because they are pretty pricey) I'll never turn back!! These next four are my favorites for all different reasons.

Anastasia of Beverly Hills-American Doll     ($20) 
This one is my perfect red, When I need a pop of color this is the one I reach for. It's a medium dark, blue based, very retro red!
The formula is thin but not watery at all, very comfortable on the lips, I also don't find this formula to be too drying!

The only downfall is it's not the longest lasting liquid lipstick, and sometimes it can smear and transfer but I over look that for the perfect color!  

ColourPop -Bumble ($6)
This one is described as a warm terracotta, I find that this color is one of those that is my lips color but better. It's perfect to just throw on with any outfit!
The formula is very watery but not messy, dries in a matter of seconds so it makes it difficult at times to apply evenly, but once you get the hang of it, you can apply it and run out the door! it is very matte so it can be very drying but it also stays in place all day, through eating and all! And you can NOT beat the price!

OFRA- Miami Fever and Mocha ($19.90)

Both colors are perfect for fall. I was very nervous to try Miami Fever It's almost like a burnt orange/terracotta, which is totally out of my comfort zone, but it has easily become my Favorite because its so different.
Mocha is a brown nude, I knew when I saw it I would love it, you can wear it with anything, from having no makeup on to a dark smokey eye!
These are by far my favorite Liquid Lipsticks I have tried to date! The formula is very different than the other two I talked about, it's a moussey consistency making it take a lot longer to dry but once it does it doesn't move! it's also very comfortable and not drying at all.
So even though they are on the pricey side I will be purchasing more of the OFRA liquid lipsticks.

OFRA- Miami Fever                                                   OFRA- Mocha

-Victoria Morgan

Halloween

How often do you get to wear crazy make up and it be normal?
  Well I'm not into the whole "slutty" Halloween costumes that girls seem to all be wearing these days. I grew up with my mom always putting together a costume for me, always something creative, I guess that's where I get it from. I've never just gone to a store and bought a costume, but that's always made it so fun!
Now the past few years I've turned to just doing my make up with a simple outfit I can find in my closet and I absolutely love it.
So this year I picked a Leopard, you can't really go wrong with dressing like an animal. So simple, and the best part is The make up is what it's all about!

I also did my friend's make up and I have to say that I love the way both of ours came out!
if you can do a dark messy smokey eye, intense contour, and draw some leopard spots, you have the perfect and simple costume. Also some awesome costume lashes make for a fun touch (they were my favorite part)

I wish I had excuses to dress up more often, but until next year I'll just stick to playing around with costume/special FX make up in my house!

-Victoria Morgan

New Chapter

Hey there,
  So I'm starting this blog hoping it will get me back into writing! It's always been something I did and just kept in journals all to myself... this is me taking a leap 0ut of my comfort zone!

I have a Passion for all things art, whether it be Dance, Photography, Crafts, or the main reason I'm here... Make-Up. For me make-up has always been a way to express myself, since I'm a very shy person, it was my way of standing out without having to talk to anyone! 
Now starting a new chapter in my life, I will be studying esthitology at the Aveda Instute. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life out of high school (I mean what 18 year old knows?), Now at 20 years old I have finally thrown out everyone's opinion about my schooling choices and decided that I'm choosing my own path and I don't care what anyone else thinks, I'm happy, excited, and extremely nervous, but I can't wait to see where this leads!
Stay tuned for Make-up looks, Reviews, DIYs, Life as a esthy student updates, and other fun!

-Victoria Morgan