Last Minute Halloween Costume Using Liquid Latex!

Halloween is upon us! With the big day right around the corner (literally), there's not much time to whip up a costume before any parties you might be attending. Well, today I have a super quick, fun, and full proof costume idea you can whip up tomorrow morning. A zombie. Any kind of zombie. All you are going to need is a bottle of liquid latex, which you can pick up at your local Party City or Spirit Halloween store, and cotton balls. A bottle of fake blood is an optional addition, which can also be found at Party City or Spirit Halloween.

Start of by going into your closet and deciding what kind of zombie you want to be based on clothes you already have. The options are endless. Glam, school girl, emo, prom queen, athlete, etc. If you have some old clothes you don't mind messing up, this is where the fake blood comes in. Take the clothing items outside and start splattering fake blood all over them.

To create that rotted zombie look, take your liquid latex and cotton balls. Start laying down the cotton balls where ever you want your zombie flesh and cover with liquid latex. Repeat the process until you have the perfect zombie, rotting flesh and let dry. You really can't go wrong. The messier the better. Cover with any lipsticks and eye shadows you already own to create a bloody, disgusting mess.

Here is a link to Glam & Gore's tutorial for using liquid latex and cotton balls:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn2CY4lty_4

Enjoy! Happy Halloween! Xoxo

Quick & Simple Halloween Costume DIY: American Horror Story Coven.

Today I have another costume idea for you DIY beauty bandits out there... A witch from American Horror Story Coven. It's a super simple costume that you can throw together with items you probably already have sitting in your closet. All you will need are: a black dress, a black hat, and black booties. Voila! Here are links to some items from Forever 21 that can be used to create this costume (and will probably become staples in your closet this fall and winter).

Dresses: option 1 & option 2

Hats: option 1 & option 2

Booties

More Halloween fun on the way so keep an eye out! Xoxo

DIY Halloween Costume Confession: Dark & Sexy Nun!

I have a confession... It's my favorite time of year again and I absolutely cannot wait for Halloween! I've been rolling up my sleeves and getting to work on my DIY costume ideas for this year's bashes and I think you are going to love these fun, easy, unique, and inexpensive costume ideas I have for you. Today, I want to share with you a costume I am so excited to rock. So, if you are ready for a killer dark and sex costume that won't break the bank, keep on reading!

This year for Halloween I knew I wanted to combine dark and sexy into one costume so I turned to my fashion inspiration, Courtney Sixx. Her nun costume from last year was to die for! I knew this was the one! So without further adieu, here's what you will need in order to create this dark, sexy nun costume.

Dress with lace sleeves - The great thing about this dress is that you can wear it for other occasions besides Halloween!

Thigh high fishnet stockings

Pearl necklace - I picked up 3 to get the layered effect.

Gold cross necklace

Black veil & white headband - Detach the veil from the floral headpiece and glue onto any inexpensive white headband from the drugstore.

Silk ribbon - Gently sew onto the top of your thigh highs, crisscross down, and tie on the side.

Black pumps - Any pair you have in your closet.

For makeup, go for the dark, sultry look. Use black eye shadow and faux lashes to create dramatic eyes. Feather blacks, grays, and deep purples under the eyes to create an undead look. Use Nyx's High Voltage Lipstick in Dahlia (perfect almost-black red) to tie the whole look together.

Hope you love this unique and easy DIY sexy nun costume as much as I do. Keep an eye out for more costume ideas that are on the way!

How 2 Remove Water Stains from Suede Boots

It's officially fall and one of the hottest trends I have been dying over is suede boots. I recently picked up a pair of over-the-knee suede boots from Aldo and, would you believe it, got a water stain on them within the first 5 minutes of wearing them. I was devastated and quickly ran to my coworker for her expertise. She told me a trick that was a life saver. She pulled a new toothbrush out of her desk drawer and said to buff it out with circular motions. After about a minute of buffing, the water stain had completely disappeared. This is a killer tip to know this fall when strutting your stuff in a fab pair of boots.

Become a Savvy Traveler!

September has been a pretty quiet month here. This Beauty Bandit has been on-the-go traveling for business and pleasure. But not to worry.. I'm back in action. It's officially fall (this girl's favorite season) and with Halloween right around the corner, expect a lot of fun posts! However, back to the non-stop traveling. My recent trips got me thinking about various must have products I have learned to pack while sitting in countless airports that have helped me become a savvy traveler. If you're ready to become a savvy traveler too, then keep on reading.

We all know travel days are not fun. A lot of times you are up at an ungodly hour and preparing your self to sit in an airport for what feels like forever before even boarding your flight and sitting on a plane for even longer. Here are some of my favorite items to take with me that help me feel fresh and fabulous during long travel days.

• L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray 
• Batiste Dry Shampoo
• Colgate Wisp Mini Toothbrushes
• Victoria's Secret Rollerball Perfume
• Sephora Hydrating Face Mask
• Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer
• Mini Hand Cream
• Vaseline Lip Therapy 
• Blotting Sheets
• Socks

These products have been serious life-savers for me! They would also make a fun and personalized present to gift to any of your jet-setter girlfriends. Hope you enjoy! Xoxo

Last but not Least of the Top 5 Fall Trends: Pleated Leather Skirts!

We've come to the end of our top 5 hottest fall trends countdown and there's nothing like going out on a high note. Today I am so excited to share with you a fall trend that is everywhere and that the inner rock chick in me has absolutely been dying over... Pleated leather/ faux leather skirts. Recently, every website I visit during my online shopping sprees has a pleated leather skirt option. It is seriously the perfect transition piece from summer to fall and even into winter. Pair it with a crop top or a tucked in blouse and some knee high boots for an edgy yet chic ensemble. Here are just a few I have come across:

Alice and Olivia Box Pleat Leather Skirt

Forever 21 Pleated Faux Leather Skirt

Material Girl Faux Leather Pleated Skirt

Charlotte Russe Faux Leather Skater Skirt

Top 5 Fall Trends Number 4: Bold Eyes and Lips.

Rules are meant to be broken, right? Absolutely! I'm sure every Beauty Bandit has heard this big no-no: bold eyes AND bold lips at the same time. Well this fall, be prepared to throw that rule out the window because this look is going to be hot! It's all about the drama and there is no better way than to pair a dark gray/black smokey eye with a deep plum or burgundy lippy. You could even deepen up those eyes with rich browns if that is more in your comfort zone. And don't forget your faux lashes to top off the extra vampy look! Here are some of my favorite products to help you unleash your dark side this fall!

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Standout

Nyx High Voltage Lipstick in Burlesque

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Poe

Jouer Powder Eyeshadow in Mahogany

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette

#3 of the Top 5 Fall Trends: Lace!

My top 5 fall trends countdown continues and today it's all about lace! There is nothing more elegant than lace and this fall it is one of the most popular trends out there. Every fashion magazine I flip through is full of lace. From skirts, to blouses, to crop tops. One of my favorite ways to rock lace is by pairing a white lace blouse with a faux leather skater skirt and over-the-knee boots. So chic! Here are some of my favorite lace scores that will be perfect this fall.

Intermix Alexis Lace Mock Neck Blouse

Express White Lace Insert Trapeze Dress

Zara Midi Skirt

Zara Lace Frill Top

Forever 21 Lace-Paneled Bodycon Dress

Top 5 Fall Trends Number 2: Wool Fedoras!

Ditch those beanies and say hello to the #2 must-have fall trend... Wool fedoras! I have quickly become a huge fan and these bad boys are a staple in my wardrobe. They hide dirty hair, are perfect for travel days, protect your face from the sun, and add a chic touch to any ensemble. Their versatility and practicality are what make them a perfect accessory in my books. And let me tell you, this fall they are going to be red hot! Everyone from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Courtney Sixx, and Victoria Beckham have been spotted rocking these hats. Here are just a few that will be perfect as the weather starts cooling off.

Urban Outfitters Ecote Scout Panama Hat

Zara Special Edition Hat

Topshop Wide Brim Fedora Hat

Forever 21 The Mirage Fedora

Acne Horror Story & How I Cleared Up My Skin!

Today I have something a little different for you. Not the typical how to or top 5 products post but instead, a horror story. Yep, you heard me correctly! A real life horror story all about my battle with acne and how the situation went from bad to worse before I gave my skin the facelift (no pun intended) it needed to be bright, clear, and healthy.

It all began in February. For the past 2 years, I have religiously used Proactive and Target's Up & Up brand acne cream. Well in January, now 24 years old, my skin was clear and looking great so I decided I no longer needed these drying acne products. Boy was I wrong! In February, my skin started breaking out all over my face. And when I say breaking out, I mean cystic acne (which I had never had before) in places, like my forehead, that have never been issue spots for me. I quickly began using my Proactive again but it wasn't making a difference. I tried everything the market has to offer... Murad, Acne gels, Clinique. You name it, I tried it. And nothing was helping. If anything, my skin was getting worse and my bank account was getting smaller. Concealer wasn't disguising my blemishes and I knew scarring was going to occur as the cystic acne spread. My confidence level dropped and by mid-May I couldn't take it anymore. I made a doctors appointment and received an oral prescription that treats the cystic acne like an infection. I had to take it twice a day and after about 2 or 3 weeks, I noticed a HUGE difference. The cystic acne was gone and my complexion was already looking 100% better. I began using Proactive and the Up & Up acne cream again and since June, I have had the best looking skin of my life.

I'm hoping my 4 month acne horror story gives anyone who is struggling with acne hope! Once you find that treatment that works with your skin and acne, watch the miracles happen. If you have extremely stubborn cystic acne like I did, don't think you are stuck with it forever. Make a doctors appointment and get a prescription. It will work wonders and you can enjoy your new-found confidence!

My Top 3 Self Tanners Every Girl Needs this Summer!

I can't believe it's almost August! The summer is flying by but we still have at least another full month of pool weather ahead of us. I love having a healthy glow to my skin but not at the price of the sun's harmful rays. Instead, I opt for self tanning. I am a religious self-tanner and today I want to share with you my top 3 products that are sure to give you a golden goddess glow in no time!

St. Tropez. This is my tried and true, go-to, cannot live without self tanner. It gives you amazing color after just one use, not to mention the perfect tan you get after 3 consecutive days of use. It doesn't transfer onto clothes or sheets. The mit makes for a full-proof application and no orange hands. Actually, no orange at all to be honest. The only downside (like almost every self tanning product) it can become patchy as it wears off if you don't exfoliate really well daily.

Tarte Brazilliance. This stuff gives you a more gradual tan but oh my goodness is it gorgeous. It's a deeper brown shade but it's subtle and stunning! A few words of caution when using this product: use gloves, the smell may be overpowering but fades with time, and go easy over hands and feet. I find this product wears off much patchier than St. Tropez but if you are looking for a hint of color definitely give it a try.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. Looking for a quick tan pick-me-up? Try this instant tanner by Sally Hansen. It's a spray but instead of applying right onto my legs and arms, I first apply on a mit then rub into my skin. The "airbrush" in the title is no joke either! This stuff seriously covers any imperfections. I was weary when I first tried because I applied the tanner than quickly had to get dressed and run out the door. Um, hello? Can you say self tanner all over your clothes? Wrong! I was so pleasantly surprised that it did not transfer onto my clothes, even in 90 degree weather. And it's super easy to wash off in the shower at the end of the day.

Hope you are having a fab summer!

The Best, Inexpensive Curling Iron on the Market!

I have been on a mission to find the perfect, inexpensive curling iron on the market for a long time now. I have aspired to achieve the curls Kate Beckinsale, Courtney Sixx, and Candance Swanepoel rock but I couldn't bring myself to buy a product for over $100. That just seems insane when I think I might not love the product or use it as often to make it worth the money. I have tried countless inexpensive curling irons from Target but honestly, none of them have "wowed" me. It's been a true Goldilocks story... the 1" barrel was too small and the 1 1/2" barrel was too big. Well, in true Goldilocks fashion, I found the one that was just right. In fact, it was beyond "just right," it was perfect! It's the Pro Beauty Tools Professional Gold 1 1/4" Curling Iron. I picked mine up at my local Target. I used this bad boy once and achieved the most perfect curls I have ever had minus professional styling. It was the perfect size and so easy to use. It took about 20 minutes to curl my whole head and it didn't feel like it was tugging on my hair and pulling it out. And ready for the best part? It's under $25. I couldn't be happy with my find and ladies, if you are looking for a holy grail curling iron that won't break the bank, try this one!

How 2 Avoid Blisters from Your Heels.

I just got back from a fabulous girl's trip to New York City with my mom. I had the best time! Now, I love getting dressed up as much as the next girl and even though NYC requires a lot of walking, I had to wear my heels. I was so thankful that I had a little trick up my sleeve to prevent my shoes from rubbing and causing blisters and today I want to pass this little gem along to you.

All you need is Vaseline. Yep, you heard me right. Buy a little tub of Vaseline or any petroleum jelly and rub it along the areas of your feet where your heels rub and viola! No more painful blisters. It's like magic! Your girlfriends will be amazed at just how long you can keep walking around without any pain!

So whether you are strutting your stuff in New York City or simply rocking your favorite pair of heels to the office, blisters won't slow you down!

Quick & Easy DIY Sunhat!

This past weekend I had a bunch of my best girlfriends over to celebrate my birthday! I knew I wanted to wear a fun sunhat to protect my face from the sun and add a little extra touch to my ensemble. I was down to the wire, working on my hat the night before my party with little options and I have to say, I LOVE how it turned out. It was quick, easy, and the best part, no sewing or glue was needed! All I needed was a little creativity! Today I want to share with you exactly how I customized my hat in two easy steps!

I bought my hat on overstock.com but any sunhat you have around will work. Just make sure your hat has holes in the straw. I picked up white wired ribbon and a pre-made white wire ribbon bow at my local Michael's for under $10.

Start with your pre-made bow. It should have wire pipping attached, which can be used to secure it. Take that wire pipping and stick it through two of the holes right where the band area meets the brim of the hat. Securely wrap the wire pipping together inside the hat and tuck it along the side. Now take your wire ribbon and cut a long piece. Wrap it around your hat to create a brim and start knotting the ends together. Tuck the knot under the bow and voila! You have a new and improved sunhat that took less than 10 minutes to create! So simple, right?

I hope you're having a fabulous summer! Xo

Sooth Sunburn with Aloe Vera Ice Cubes

Summer is finally here! I don't know about you but the beach and the pool are calling my name. Sure it's fun enjoying the sunshine but we all know how damaging the sun can be to our skin. Sunscreen is super important and after having a skin cancer scare last month, I am extra cautious of the sun's harmful rays. But, sometimes you start catching up with your girlfriends over cocktails and stay in the sun a little too long. Sunburn can be painful and make you feel downright miserable. Aloe Vera is one of the best remedies to soothe your skin but today I want to share with you a little trick I learned to boost the soothing power of the Aloe Vera and give you the relief you so desperately need. Fill an ice cube tray with your Aloe Vera gel, which you can find at any drugstore for less than $5. Put in the freezer for a couple of hours. When needed, pop out your new Aloe Vera ice cubes and see first hand how great they feel on your skin! So simple but so handy during pool season!

#1 of the Top 5 Must Have Products for Concert Goers

We have made it to numero uno! Finally! Today, it's all about moisturizing lipsticks. Girls, we all know no makeup look is complete without a fab lip color to make your pout pop but, at a long concert, there is nothing worse than your lips drying and hurting while you are singing your favorite songs. Especially when the line to the ladies room, if the venue even has a ladies room, are ridiculously long and so not worth the wait to touch up your makeup! That's why every concert going gal should have a hydrating lipstick that keeps you looking gorgeous all day and night. One of my absolute favorite makeup brands for lipsticks is Maybelline. The color selection is endless, the quality is top-notch, and the price is a steal. I seriously reach of these lipsticks over my high end ones on a regular basis. However, if lipstick isn't your thing, I have a solution for you, too. Try the Rosy Lips Vaseline. It's tiny, so it will fit into a small clutch or crossbody, it gives your lips a slight pink tint, and it will hydrate for hours.

I hope this countdown has helped you as your plan for your killer shows this concert season!

#2 of the Top 5 Must Have Products for Concert Goers

I only have two more products to share with my concert goers but they are just as important as the other products I have highlighted so far. My #2 must have product every girl needs when attending the countless concerts and festivals is a light perfume or body spray. If you are like me, than you LOVE your perfume! But when you are dancing around at an outdoor concert for hours with hundreds of people, it's safe to say you should steer clear of heavier scents. They can be pretty overpowering. Instead opt for a light, fresh scent. Try an Eau De Toilette version of your favorite perfume or, if you don't want to spend a lot of money on another fragrance, try a Victoria's Secret body spray! They are inexpensive but smell oh-so delicious. There are limitless options so you are sure to find something you love!

#3 of the Top 5 Must Have Products for Concert Goers

The countdown continues and today I want to talk about a product that is going to be a game changer. Say hello to your hair's new best friend, L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray. This stuff is seriously the best! Outdoor concerts and festivals equal heat, humidity, and rain. Well, not much can help hair when you are stuck in a torrential downpour, but L'Oreal Elnett is a life saver when it comes to keeping styles in place while outside dancing around in the heat and humidity all day. Whether you want to go sleek and straight or flirty with big curls, your style is going to stay put all day and night! Because let's be serious, nothing is worse than those stunning curls, that took you so long to perfect, falling out. And the best part... this hairspray keeps your hair soft. Not that you are going to want a lot of people running their fingers through your hair at a concert, but you get the point.

#4 of the Top 5 Must Have Products for Concert Goers

Next up on my list of the top 5 must have products for concert goers is... waterproof mascara! There is nothing worse than the dreaded panda eyes, especially when you don't have a nice bathroom to touch up your makeup in and you end up getting into your room in the early hours of the morning only to be horrified by how much your mascara had smudged while rocking out. To avoid situations like this, opt for a waterproof mascara to ensure your makeup will be looking flawless all day and night. My favorite mascara, and although it is not waterproof, this baby stays on all day without a hitch, is Too Face Better than Sex. Not only will the mascara stay in place, it will lengthen and volumize your lashes to the point you don't need to mess around with faux lashes. This mascara will make you look like you have lashes for days without the worry of your falsies coming off throughout the concert. Hope this tip helps you this summer and keep an eye out for product #3 on the countdown...

Beauty Bandit's Top 5 Must Have Products for Concert Goers this Summer. Number 5!

It's that time of year... Summer concert season! There's nothing I love more than throwing on a pair of shorts and moto boots and enjoying an evening of rock n roll with a cold drink. Whether you bought front row pavilion seats to see your favorite band or you are planning on dancing the day away with your friends and a few drinks on the lawn, there are certain items every girl needs to prepare for a long day of rocking out to live music. I'm going to be counting down my top 5 must have products for concert goers, in no particular order, starting with one of the most important! Especially for those of you that love the lawn seats. Sunscreen!

It goes without saying that sunscreen is one of the most important items you should be reaching for all summer! I love a golden goddess tan as much as the next girl but I opt for faux tanners. The sun is damaging and we need to keep our skin looking and feeling young, healthy, and beautiful. So even if you are in the pavilion, be sure to prep you skin with a coat of your favorite sunscreen. You may be out in the sun a while depending on the number of bands. And throw a little travel sized bottle in your purse to reapply throughout the day so you don't end up lobster red and hurting the next day.