How to Apply Eyeshadow For Beginners: A Step-By-Step Guide

Make-up is an art! A lot of people take for granted how difficult it can be. Finding the right shades, using the right tools, perfecting your technique…it takes a lot of practice to do anything more than powder and lip gloss. Eyes are especially hard. But with a little guidance, anyone can pull off more complicated make-up looks like eyeshadow. If you’re stumped on where to begin, we’ve compiled the best tips on how to apply eyeshadow for beginners. It starts by having you buy the right tools and right shades. This is simple when you use our guide, along with our Kohls coupons and Ebay coupon codes to save on these necessities.

Read more: 4 Simple Easter Recipes That Make a Memorable Meal

Step 1: Get the Right Tools

Throw away those tiny foam-tipped brushes that come with your eyeshadow. They’re difficult to use, and don’t apply color evenly. You need to invest in a heavy-duty, high-quality 20-Piece Brush Set ($7.99 on Ebay). It may seem like too much, but you’ll use all these brushes eventually. You have to use brushes of different sizes and shapes to blend your eyeshadow and have a natural, finished look. These brushes in particular are made of soft fibers that lightly apply color in thin layers, making it easy to control your look. Plus, at $8, it’s well worth the price. If even that’s too much, you can buy separate brushes for cheaper. But our Ebay coupon codes will bring this set to a better price.

For your standard eyeshadow look, you’ll need three brushes. A simple rule when it comes to make-up brushes is: The larger the brush, the larger the area it covers. So for all-over color on your lids, you need a pretty large brush – the brush head should more or less cover your whole lid. To work the creases of your eyes, you need a brush with a thin, flat head. For blending, you need a brush with a small, round head. And if you choose to apply eyeshadow under the eye, you need a tiny, tiny brush to get in between your lower lashes and navigate around your nose.

Step 2 :Choose the Right Colors

Since this is a guide on how to apply eyeshadow for beginners, we’re going to stick to simple eyeshadow looks using no more than two colors. Save the smokey eyes until you’re more experienced. For now, it’s all about finding looks that accentuate the natural color and shape of your eyes. For this, you need to find the right colors for highlighting and contouring. Duos are your best bet. They come in two complementary colors that are guaranteed to look great together. Choose a duo where one color more or less matches your eye color. The second color should be a neutral. American Beauty’s Eyeshadow Duos ($17.50 at Kohls) always have the prefect color pairs. Since you’re just starting, it doesn’t hurt to get a few similar shades. You never know what will work until you wear it. Use our Kohls coupons to save on all these shades.

Step 3: Start Brushin’!

If you’re going to put on other make-up besides eyeshadow, do the eyeshadow first, at least before mascara. This way, if you mess up, you don’t have to take off as much make-up.

Start out with a blending brush and the eyeshadow color that matches your eyes. Apply just a little bit of powder to the brush – a sweep should do. Now, you want to find the bottom of your brow bone, where your eye socket starts. With your eyes slightly closed, nestle your brush into this area, and work the color all along the upper eye socket. You should apply a bit of pressure to get the color to spread evenly on your skin. This is your reference point. For most people, the brighter color will go under this point, and the neutral will go above. Either way, creating this line accentuates the shape of your eyes and makes them look larger.

Next, take a large shadow brush and use the same color. Once again, just pick up a thin layer of powder. With your eyes slightly closed, start applying the powder near the eyelashes, and work your way up to your reference point. Cover the whole lid. If you want more color, apply another layer. Now, open your eyes and look straight into the mirror. The reason you put color on your lids is to have just a pop of color that draws attention to the color of your eyes. Can you see the shadow? Most people can, but if you have hooded eyes, you’re going to need to put some color slightly above your reference point on the brow bone. Instead of applying a fresh layer of color, use the thin, flat brush to draw color from your eye socket upward – just onto your brow bone. It should look light and feathery. Keep doing this until you can see just a pop of color.

The last thing to do is highlight your brow bone with the neutral shade. This part is easy. Simply take your big brush, get a good amount of shadow, and brush it all along your brow bone, from right near your nose, up to just below your eyebrows, all the way to the edges of your eyes. Some people like to go all the way around their eye and under. This is when you’d use the tiny brush. Though the color isn’t very noticeable, applying shadow around your eye brightens the area and draws light to your eye.

And you’re done! You can leave this look as it is, or add to it. A sweep of jet-black mascara, like Dior’s iconic Diorshow Mascara ($24.99 on Ebay), makes your eyes pop even more. Filling in your brows with some brow powder frames your eyeshadow and highlights your whole facial structure. Lorac’s Take a Brow Eyebrow Palette ($22 at Kohls) is great for beginners because it has three shades to match your color. Use a slanted brush to lightly brush the powder on your brows. Feel free to experiment. Using our Kohls coupons and Ebay coupon codes means you can buy more make-up to find the perfect everyday eyeshadow look.

As with anything, practice makes perfect. This guide on how to apply eyeshadow for beginners is just the first step. You have to play around with your make-up to get the hang of it. Soon enough, you’ll be pulling off even the most advanced eyeshadow looks. As you build your expertise and make-up collection, remember to use our Kohls coupons and Ebay coupon codes. There’s no reason to spend a ton as you stock up!

4 Simple Easter Recipes That Make a Memorable Meal

Many of us spend weeks planning our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, but how many of us do the same for Easter? It’s a shame, too, because the beginning of the spring growing season means Easter is a great time for cooking. If you’re too fatigued from the holiday season to think about a big Easter meal, but still want to do something special, here’s four Easter recipes to get you started. They’re all super easy, and guaranteed to be a hit for kids and grown-ups alike.

Read more: Plus Size Fashion Tips For an Unforgettable Date Night

All of the kitchenware and serving dishes we recommend for these recipes come from Target and Kohls. To save on these kitchen essentials and more, take advantage of our Target promo codes and Kohls coupons, which save you a ton with just the click of a button.

Starter: Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are an Easter staple. And for good reason, too. Eggs and Easter go hand-in-hand, and these creamy, tangy snacks are super easy to make. So easy, in fact, that they’re a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Set up a station for them early on Easter day, and have them make a dozen or more for the family.

Start by boiling at least 6 eggs. Remember, each egg is cut in half, so 6 eggs makes a dozen deviled eggs. If you’re worried about your children handling boiled water, invest in an egg cooker like the Dash Go Rapid Egg Cooker ($29.99 at Kohls). This model has one of the highest capacities on the market – 6 eggs at a time – and boils them up in a jiffy, too. All you have to do is arrange the eggs and pour water into the cooker, and in less than 15 minutes, you’ll be ready to devil your eggs.

Submerge the boiled eggs into ice water until they’re cool enough to handle. Next, gently peel off the shell. Cut the eggs in half (kids can do this with a butter knife), and use a spoon to scoop out the yolks. Collect the yolks in a bowl, then add about a cup of mayonnaise, and whatever other ingredients you like. The traditional recipe is a tablespoon of relish, a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce, and a shake of salt and pepper. But feel free to add anything you like. Chopped green olives, jalapenos, cumin and chili powder, and paprika are all tasty options.

Mash the yolks and other ingredients together until they make a creamy mixture. Use a teaspoon to scoop small spoonfuls of the mixture into the center of each egg. You should have more than enough for each egg, so don’t be afraid to pile it on! After finishing each egg, arrange it on an egg tray. This traditional glass egg tray from Libbey Selene ($24.99 at Kohls) is perfect for an Easter feast. Though not necessary, an egg tray is a nice touch. Plus, with our Kohls coupons, it’ll be well worth the price.

Main Course: Garlic-And-Herb-Roasted Lamb

Besides Christmas, Easter is one of lamb’s few times to shine. So you’ll want to make this lamb a memorable experience. With this recipe, a memorable experience doesn’t have to cause a lot of stress. Roast lamb with potatoes couldn’t be easier.

Start by finely chopping 2 tablespoons of rosemary and a whole head of garlic. Mix these into a quarter cup of olive oil, along with a dash of salt and pepper. Rub the olive oil and herb-garlic mixture on a defrosted, boneless leg of lamb. A 6 pound lamb is enough for a whole family. Let marinate at room temperature for at least half an hour.

Next, cut 10 red-skinned potatoes into quarters. Arrange the potatoes in the bottom of a heavy-bottomed baking dish. Something like this NaturalStone 20-Cup Baker ($40 at Target) is ideal because stone retains heat very well, and the glazed bottom is great for caramelization. Place the leg of lamb on top of the potatoes, then put the baking dish uncovered in an oven preheated to 450 degrees.

Cook for about an hour and a half, until the potatoes are tender and the lamb cooked through. Transfer the lamb and potatoes to a platter. Let the lamb rest for half an hour before slicing. We recommend using a set like the Threshold Serving Platter Set ($34.99 at Target) to create a unifying theme at the dinner table. With the potatoes in one platter and the lamb in the next, it’ll be clear what the main course is at the table. It’s always a good idea to invest in good baking and serving dishes. Though already reasonably priced, this investment is a no-brainer with our Target promo codes.
Side: Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus season starts in late winter and ends in late spring. So Easter is the perfect time to highlight this tasty vegetable. There’s no better way to cook asparagus than grilling it. A bit of charring brings out the distinctive flavor of asparagus, and as a plus, it takes little time to do. Don’t have a grill? Don’t worry. Invest in a good grill pan. Trust us, you’ll use it all the time. The Fundix by Castey 10.5-inch Grill Pan ($79 at Kohls) mimics best the heat of the grill, and will give you a good char.

Set your stove to high, and place your grill pan on it to pre-heat. While waiting, slice the ends off 2 pounds of asparagus. Usually the bottom inch or so is woody and inedible. Toss the asparagus in a couple tablespoons of olive oil and salt and pepper. When the pan is hot, use tongs to arrange the asparagus on the grill pan. After 5 minutes, gently flip each piece. Five minutes more, and they’re ready to plate.

If you do have a grill, follow the same instruction as above. You can really impress the family this Easter when you bring the asparagus to the table on a Bobby Flay Grill-to-Table Sizzle Platter ($74.99 at Kohls). This platter keeps food sizzling hot until you’re ready to eat – and it looks pretty cool, too. Spring is the start of grilling season. Better stock up! Use our Kohls coupons to save on all your grilling needs.

Dessert: Fruit Parfait & Lemonade

This year, why not do something other than chocolate rabbits and candy-filled eggs? A fruit parfait and lemonade are light and easy, and are two Easter recipes sure to become a staples.

For the parfait, you’ll need a glass bowl. You’ll want to see the parfait’s beautiful, colorful layers. This Libbey Trifle Glass Bowl ($14.99 at Target) is a traditional vessel used to create all sorts of layered treats. Next, make some of homemade whipped cream. Empty a pint of whipping cream into a mixing bowl, then add a couple tablespoons of powdered sugar. Mix with an electric mixer until the cream is fluffy and holds its shape.

The only other ingredients you need are a variety of fresh fruits, nuts, and cookies. You want a lot of variety and color in your parfait. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, shortbread cookies, and kiwi is just one combination. Start with a layer of whipped cream. Next, arrange one of the ingredients in about an inch-thick layer. Top with whipped cream, then do another layer of the fruits, cookies, or nuts. Continue layering until you reach the top, give it one final sprinkle of toppings, and you’re done!

For the lemonade, why not have some fun and put it in a Threshold Glass Beverage Dispenser ($24.99 at Target)? Kids will have a lot of fun using the dispenser. To make the lemonade, simply fill the dispenser halfway with water, then dissolve 1 cup of sugar per half-gallon of water. Top off the dispenser with lemon juice – fresh-squeezed would be ideal. To give the lemonade extra flavor, fill the dispenser’s infuser with halved lemons and various fruits, like strawberries. For an adults-only lemonade, add a cup of vodka for each half gallon of water. Don’t be afraid to splurge on fun party items like these two pieces! Besides, when you use our Target promo codes, they’re hardly a splurge.

As you can see, it doesn’t take a lot of time, effort, or money to make a great Easter feast. With the right Easter recipes and the right equipment, you can get the whole family to help in the kitchen and make a wholesome meal with minimal stress. These recipes – and the kitchenware they use – are guaranteed to become Easter mainstays. So what are you waiting for? Collect our Target promo codes and Kohls coupons, and get started!

Plus Size Fashion Tips For an Unforgettable Date Night

Shopping for plus size clothing is frustrating. Though it’s easy to find timeless basics, new trends don’t trickle into plus sizes very often. But everyone wants to look stylish! With a little creativity, you can stay on trend every season – even on a budget ! 

To help you get you started, we’ve compiled some plus size fashion tips to guide you through that all-important fashion event – date night. We’ve arranged our choices based on the kinds of dates you might have. All of our pieces come from Kohls, Macys, and Famous Footwear, which are known for their unbeatable prices. But add on our Macys coupons, Kohls coupons, and Famous Footwear coupons, and their prices become unbelievable, too!

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An Outdoor Concert

With the weather heating up, an outdoor concert is a perfect way to soak up the sun and have some fun. You’ll be outside for a long time, so you want something that’ll keep you comfortable. A maxi dress is the fashionably cool choice. This Soprano Sleeveless Colorblocked Maxi Dress ($78 at Macys) is breezy and comfy without exposing too much, and the colorblocking pattern is perfectly on trend.

If it’s a daytime concert, pair this dress with hobo bag like this Tignanello Braided Leather Hobo ($133.99) and a floppy hat, like BCBGeneration’s Luau Floppy Hat ($48), to keep the sun out of your eyes. Floppy hats are never not adorable, and their shape flatters nearly everyone. If it’s an evening concert, bring along a wrap like this Jones New York Satin Pashmina Wrap ($21.99) to keep warm and give you a little bit more color according to your own taste. If you need a bit of jewelry, layer on some bangles for a bohemian look. This INC International Concepts Gold-Tone Angel Peach Stone Stretch Bracelet ($34.50) comes extra stretchy, so all you have to do is throw them on!

Of course, sandals are a no-brainer for this outfit. Maxi dresses require shoes that have a little height, but since you’ll be walking a lot, you also want a pair that won’t have you hobbling at the end of the day. The solution is wedges, particularly Alfani Sullie Wedge Sandals ($59.99). Wedges give you height and stability, and these sandals in particular have a cork heel that acts as a shock absorber to keep your feet comfy all day. Macys is definitely the one-stop shop for an entire gorgeous outfit for any concert you have in mind!

A Fun Movie Night

Whether it’s a date with your beau or a first-time outing, you can’t go wrong with dinner and a movie. It’s a low-stress way to spend some time together, so it calls for a casual – but cute – outfit. All-American vintage is definitely the way to go.

First, get a pair of perfectly fitted jeans — American Rag’s High-Rise Dark Wash Jeans ($59 at Macys) are ideal. A few plus size fashion tips regarding jeans: A high waist paired with a slim fit emphasizes your curves in all the right ways, while a dark wash creates a smooth line.

Next, get yourself a cute blouse. This Debbie Morgan Polka Dot Top ($36 at Macys) is flouncy and girly without being fussy. You can stop here, or layer with a cardigan. This American Rag Lace Cardigan ($59 at Macys) adds to the girly, All-American look. Heels are too formal for this look, so opt instead for some flats. Aerosoles has a line of Women’s Solitaire ($58.99 at Famous Footwear) that come in fun patterns like stripes with a super comfortable cushioned footbed for your trouble-free movement.

What makes this look so effortless is that it requires minimum accessories. The mixture of patterns and textures – blue polka dot, white lace, blue denim, black-and-white stripes – gives enough visual interest. All together, you’ll look girly, but not high-maintenance. Top it off with some vintage makeup – red lipstick (We suggest Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy in Impassioned, $30 at Macys) and dewy cheeks (Try Estee Lauder’s Cheek Rush, $28 at Macys).

A Romantic Dinner

Nothing is more traditional than a romatic dinner date at a nice restaurant. You need to dress the part with feminine, romatic pieces. Perfect for spring, this Chaps Paisley Watercolor Dress ($115 at Kohls) is classy and universally flattering. The fit-and-flare shape and v-neck cut will give you an unforgettable hourglass figure. The simple floral pattern means you can accessorize to your heart’s content. Nothing’s more timeless than a matching pearl necklace and earrings. This cultured pearl necklace and earring set ($100 at Kohls) is perfect. For shoes, you want to go with strappy heels. This dress is definitely made for warm weather, so pumps or boots would seem out of place. These Delphine Heels ($49.99 at Famous Footwear) by Report are so chic, and versatile to boot.

Finish your look with an evening clutch, like this simple blue satin clutch by Gunne Sax ($30 at Kohls), and a classic Towne By London Fog Trench Coat ($200 at Kohls). And don’t forget a spritz of perfume! Coach’s Poppy Collection ($45-$65 at Kohls) is perfect for spring, and hints back to the dress’s floral motif.

A Casual Coffee Date

Plus Size Fashion Tips For an Unforgettable Date Night

On-the-fly getting-to-know-you dates like a quick coffee are becoming more popular. But that doesn’t mean you should just throw on whatever. Use this as an opportunity to show your casually chic side. Start with this Sag Harbor Floral Skirt ($44 at Kohls). Its floral pattern and flippy skirt are super flirty – and the waistband is stretchy too! Next, throw on a Elementz Plus Size Three-Quarter-Sleeve Lace Henley Top ($25.99). The floral pattern of the skirt and lace of the shirt are coordinated without trying too hard. And who doesn’t love wearing casual tops?

The leather on these LifeStride Women’s Parigi ($54.99) and GUESS Road Trip Slim Clutch Wallet ($40 at Kohls) add even more textural interest, and the warm pastel tones pair well with the girly flowers and lace. Finish the look with this Nine West Gold-Tone Peach and Coral Crystal Frontal Necklace ($34) and this Silver-Tone Pink Rose Porcelain Crystal Button Earrings ($28.50) for an extra feminine glow.

You don’t want to add too much to this outfit. A simple hairstyle and minimal makeup is all you need. Achieve the perfect no-makeup makeup look with Lorac Color Correcting Cream ($28 at Kohls) and a swish of Elle Cosmetics Volumizing Mascara ($16 at Kohls).

Tailoring your outfit for the type of date is the first step toward creating an unforgettable look. Then it’s all about using clothes, shoes, accessories, and makeup to create the perfect overall aesthetic. Remember, dates, especially first dates, are all about impressions, and a great outfit goes a long way towards making a great impression. Our plus size fashion tips, along with your unbeatable sense of creativity, are sure to win you some admirers. Before you begin shopping, remember our Macys coupons, Kohls coupons, and Famous Footwear coupons! With those savings, you can splurge on multiple date outfits. Trust us – you’ll need them!