PRIMER PRIMER PRIMER!

I have a verbal (well, written) gift for my fellow makeup addicts. As you already know well, primer is the key to long-lasting makeup that looks its best. And there are a TON of options out there. Not only is there a LARGE array of brands, but within those brands, are different types: ones for redness, ones for dry skin, ones for oily skin, and so on. There's so many out there and if you have difficult skin or have a brand you love (and money is not an option), by all means, stick with what you know. If, however, you're in the market for a new primer, are looking to try something new, or are tired of spending oh, I don't know, $15-$30 for like .5 oz of primer, I have something for you, my loves!

NYC (New York Color) Cosmetics Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer- $3.99

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! I cannot say it enough! Not only is it super affordable and easy to find, since NYC is sold pretty much anywhere makeup is sold, but it kicks ass in value too! For example, e.l.f. cosmetics, which I also love, makes a primer ... that costs $6.00 (not too much more), but only gives you .49 oz .... NOT EVEN HALF AN OUNCE .. for almost double! And since NYC Cosmetics offers coupons, you can often get it even cheaper!

It's like a lotion consistency so it spreads really well and doesn't require you to literally empty half of it for one use. Once you rub it in though, it kind of turns to a gel-like consistency, much like many primers. Makeup smooths evenly over it and pores and minor flaws are faded.

It lasts as well as the high end primers and makeup stays set in place, not seeping into your pores. Your makeup will look exactly as it did when you left when using this primer. I am a huge fan and will definitely be repurchasing this item.

For the amount, being under $5.00 and easily found, and COUPONS ... it's a winner! Give it a try and let me know what you think! If you already use it, love it or hate it, let me know your thoughts and experiences!

Eyebrow Pencil

So eyebrow pencils are a difficult thing. Getting the right color to match, show up pigmented, not being too waxy or too runny that it just sweats right off are just a few issues that come along with trying to find the right one. Not to mention some are expensive, don't last long, or are hard to find. I've found ones that I love the color and intensity of, but they don't last. I've found ones that do all that and last, but are anywhere from $3.99 to $10.00 for a MAYBE 6 inch pencil that is gone in a blink, especially if used daily. I finally gave one a try I found at Walmart the other day and fell in love! It has the same matchablitiy (made up word, I know!) as my old fave pencil. I prefer to use "Taupe" colored eyebrow pencils unless someone has really dark or really light hair because it just matches everything. It the perfect "Taupe", has enough wax to it to keep the hairs in place, doesn't fade or sweat off, and best of all ... it's like a foot long eyebrow pencil! 

 

OH .. and did I mention it was $.99! Yes, 99 CENTS!

And it's from NYC cosmetics so it's sold just about everywhere! Walmart, Target, drug stores ... pretty much anywhere that drug store cosmetics are sold! And since it's anywhere from 1/3 to 1/10 of the price of some other drug store brand eyebrow pencils ... and you get about double the amount .. it's an unbeatable deal!

It's the NYC Cosmetics (New York Color) Classic Brow/Liner Pencil. I use "Taupe" as I mentioned, but it comes in a variety of colors: Jet Black, Dark Brown, Charcoal, In The Navy, Sable, White, and of course Taupe. If you visit the link above, it will take you to NYC's website for the pencil and you can click the link under the price that says "Where to Buy" and type in your zip and find local stores that carry it too!

So even if you have a product you love, give it a try! It's $.99 so it's not a big investment and who knows, you might just like it better!

Let me know what you think if you give it a try, have used it, or already love it like me!

A to Z .. of my makeup!

Hey gorgeous! I decided to do something a little different. I HATE HATE HATE pictures of myself without makeup on, first and foremost, so know I really love you! Anyway, I post pictures of looks and once posted a before and after of with and without makeup. Here's a little step-by-step picture story of me from no makeup, to concealer, to foundation, to powder, bronzer, and blush, to eyes, and finally to lips and the full look completed. If you have any questions about specific products, ask away in the comments or on Facebook.

No makeup

No makeup (again)

All the places I apply concealer after primer,
before foundation. I know, I look like I'm going
to war or something haha.

After concealer has been blended in.

Foundation, powder, blush, and bronzer on.

Eyes and eyebrows, clearly.

Full face, eyes, and lips

Again, this is just my beginning to end for doing my makeup so you can see the progression! Any questions on products or techniques, ask away!

Subtle Saturdays!

Today is the last day of July's beauty week for my blog. I hope you've enjoyed the week and the topics I covered. If you have any questions and/or comments on any of the topics ask away. If you have any suggestions for specific topics for one or more of the days for August's beauty week, let me know! I'd love to hear from you! Comment or find me on Facebook.

Anyway, today is Saturday, which is SUBTLE SATURDAYS! This is a pretty broad day and will cover anything from relaxation, to soft and natural makeup looks, to tattoo coverage products. Basically, just taking the day to rejuvenate!


Subtle Saturdays (#1 July, 21, 2012)

Whether you're recovering from a night out last night or preparing for a night out tonight (or both if you're that lucky!), Saturday is a good time to relax. It's your first real day off after a week's worth of school, work, or both! AND, you don't have to go back tomorrow. (I know some people work different schedules, so take your "Saturday" where you can!)

Today's will be about general recovery, from the inside out. Whether you spent the night dancing, drinking, or whatever else out late, it was most likely coming off a long week of some sorts. So take today and just relax.

1. Drink LOTS of water. Water flushes out toxins and re-hydrates the body (including hair and skin!). Drinking water when you first get out of bed (a full 8 oz glass) before eating or drinking anything else releases toxins and kick starts your metabolism to give you a healthy start to the day.

2. I hope I don't need to say this and it's already done, but if not: WASH THAT MAKEUP OFF! Sleeping in makeup is a no, no! Sure, we've all done it, but it's not good. Your skin goes through natural cycles during your sleep cycles. That's why they make face creams and treatments specifically for nighttime so they can be absorbed correctly. If you still have makeup on, then that's what your pores are drinking in! Besides, do you really want last night's glittery, black shadow and fake lashes all over your nice pillows?

3. Do something for you. Whether you have the money or want to stay home, give yourself a mani/pedi! Recreate it at home or search your local nail salons online and find coupons. Look into local cosmetology schools that offer discounted services and see if they have Saturday hours or make an appointment for your lunch hour one day this week.

4. Try a natural look. Apply a tinted moisturizer and mascara for a soft, subtle day look. Or apply your full face, with a soft, subtle eye. like a neutral, smokey daytime eye. Then, you can easily add more shadow and intensify the look of the smokey eye, add a darker shadow in your outer corner, or add/thicken your liner for a more dramatic look. Apply more coats of mascara or add fake lashes.

5. Take some free time to read a book, catch up on some TV shows, or just take a nap. Take some "you" time and enjoy your day!


I hope you all enjoyed this week and look forward to next month's beauty week! Thank you for reading my posts, staying involved in the little tidbits of my life (like Zoe and cosmetology school). Lots of love!

Fierce Fridays!

TGIF! It's Friday ... a.k.a. date night, girl's night, basically just a night out after a long week! I know you're breaking the heels out, wearing something low cut, and pulling out the jewelry. Obviously you're going to do your hair, but sexy straight or seductive waves? What about makeup? Nude eyes and a hot lip or sexy eyes and a subtle lip? Well in this blog's beauty week each month, Fridays are FIERCE FRIDAYS! This Fierce Friday look is going for a sexy eye and a softer lip, but not nude! I wanted to make sure I got this post out early enough in case any of my party girls needed some inspiration for tonight! So here you are, have fun, stay safe, don't leave your drink alone and all those other things ... but go crazy and look sexy while you do:

Fierce Fridays (#1 July 20, 2012)

- As with every makeup look: prime, conceal, blend, finish, blush/bronze ...

Eyes:

- Prime your lids with MAC Paint Pot in "Painterly" from lash line to brow.
- Apply smashbox cream eyeliner in "LAVA" (a shimmery, gunmetal color) to your eye lid from lash line to the crease, using either your ring finger or a flat eye shadow or a concealer brush. (Layer this until you achieve desired pigment)
- Next, take NYX roll on shimmer (for eyes, face, and body) in "Purple" (RES09), and roll it on to the back of your hand. Roll it around a decent amount to have a good amount of color on your hand to work with. Using an eye shadow brush, pick up some of the purple color and apply it over top of the cream eyeliner you applied to your lid. Work this color up into the crease. As with step 2, reapply and layer this color until you achieve both the coverage and pigment you want.
- Take MAC eye shadow in "Naked Lunch" (frost) using a smaller eye shadow brush and apply it to your brow bone and inner corner. This blends the look, highlights the brow bone, and lightens the inner corner of your eyes.
- Apply a black eyeliner to your lower waterline. If you'd like a more dramatic look you can apply a thicker black line using a cream liner and brush to your upper lash line and make a winged look for more seductive, nighttime eyes.
- Finish up with mascara. Apply a few coats to get good coverage, length, and volume.
- Fill in and shape your brows using NYX eye liner/brow pencil. In the following pictures, I used "Taupe", which is really versatile, from red-heads to blondes to brunettes. (White or light, light blondes and black hair should match the color as close as possible to the natural brow hair color.)

Lips:

- As always, when your primed your face, you apply a lip conditioner. This makes any makeup residue that got on your lips easy to wipe off, kept them moisturized, and will help remove any dead skin.
- To get the color I wanted, I applied two different lip colors. I used NYX Xtreme Lip Cream in "Natural" and "Dolly Girl". "Natural" is a nude, pink shade and "Dolly Girl" is a vibrant hot pink, almost fushia shade.
- I wipe off any remaining lip conditioner, therefore removing makeup residue and dead skin.
- I next applied the "Natural" shade to my entire lip using the applicator.
- I then take "Dolly Girl" and use the very end tip of the applicator and apply this color around the edge of my lips, almost like a thick lip liner. I do this on both my upper and lower lips. Then I rub my lips together, like I'm blending out a lipstick. This leaves the color sort of blotchy.
- Take your ring finger and gently dab around your lips.Start with your upper lip and finish at the bottom. Your upper lip is typically smaller so the color generally ends up concentrated there and softer on your lower lip so if you blend the top out first, you'll carry some of the color to your lower lip. You're left with a gorgeous pink shade that compliments the eyes without competing wit them!

And voila, you're gorgeous and fierce just in time for Fierce Friday!

Teaching Thursdays!

Hello, gorgeous! Today is TEACHING THURSDAY! This day will be teaching a general topic and/or technique in beauty! Product usage, contouring, and specific eye and lip looks are all topics I've received questions about. One Thursday out of the month, during beauty week, I'll cover a topic like that. If there is anything you're specifically interested in, comment or Facebook me any questions and I'd be happy to help!


TEACHING THURSDAYS! (#1 July 19, 2012)


On the first Teaching Thursday, I'm going to cover some specific contouring which can be used daily or for special events. It can certainly be used year round, but as it is summertime, now is a great time to use it. From bathing suits to sun dresses, and anywhere in between and beyond, this tip can be helpful so here it is: collarbone contouring!


Some of us have more pronounced collarbones that may not need assistance and some of us have a normal collarbone. Some people's aren't very noticeable so whether you need a little help or a lot to make yours stand out and look sexy, read on!


To make your collarbone stand out and look sexy and irresistible ...


1. First of all stand in front of the mirror without a shirt on (or wear a strapless shirt and/or bra) while you do this so you don't get any makeup on your clothes or sexy lingerie.


2. Next, and before you begin, basically shrug your shoulders. Lift them up and forward, while bringing your chin in, and leave them there for a minute. You'll see when you do this the actual collarbone stands out and the grooves dip in, making your collarbone look more pronounced. These are the lines you'll want to follow.


3. For this to be effective, you'll need a bronzer (not too deeply colored so it looks fake, just darker than your natural skin tone). You'll also need a highlighter with shimmer (not glitter or sparkle unless you want to look like you're going clubbing).


4. Take a bronzer brush (or a powder brush will work) and shrug those shoulders back up. Get a good amount of bronzer on the brush and apply in a circular motion to the dips in your collarbone area. There will be a dip on either side of your neck and in the dead center under your chin basically. This will give the appearance of these dips sinking in constantly, not just when you're shrugging. Release your shoulders and see what you think; you can always add more once you apply the highlighter if you think they need to be more pronounced.


5. Re-shrug gorgeous! Now on your actual collarbone, the bones that raise out when you shrug your shoulders while lifting them up and forward and bringing your chin in (like you're trying to make a double chin almost), you're going to apply highlighter. Use a smaller powder brush or even a blush brush to make sure you just bring out the bone and nothing else. Run the highlighter along your collarbone (the actual bone only) on both sides of your neck. 


6. Bring your shoulders back down and take a look. If you want them to stand out more, simply add more dark color to the dips and light, shimmery color to the bones. If you want a really dramatic look, you can try using a slightly darker colored bronzer and a slightly lighter colored highlighter, but you don't want it to be too drastic or the actual makeup will stand out and look fake.


And there you have it: a sexy collarbone making every summer outfit look even better on!


And just because I love you, and to complete the look, contour your chest!!!


Get the bra you're going to wear on. That way your chest will be how it's going to be once you're dressed.


1. Take the bronzer and run it in your cleavage. Begin from the bottom of your breast, work the bronzer around your breast, and around the top of it. This creates the shape and definition of your breast. Now do this to either side of your chest.


2. Now take the highlighter and apply it to your actual breast. Only apply it to what is out of your bra already and don't go into the bronzed portions.


*As with collarbone defining, you can always add more bronzer and more highlighter for a more defined look!*


So there you have it, whether a low cut tank top, dress, or bathing suit, your neck to your chest, will be sexy and irresistible! Enjoy it, loves!

Wellness Wednesdays!

Happy Wednesday and I apologize for the delay since it's already 10 pm! At least these tips will be for more than just today and can be used all summer, and all year long! I have some happy and exciting news for my lovely blog readers to explain why my post is oh so late this evening!


Today was my follow up visit at the cosmetology school to pay the enrollment fee, sign a whole bunch of paperwork, and discuss my financial aid package. As a new mommy with my angel daughter, money is TIGHT to say the least. Therefore, I needed federal grants and student loans to cover the tuition. You have 6 months from the day you complete school (or stop going for drop-outs!) before you have to start making monthly payments. So as long as all my tuition, taxes, fees, and kit were covered, I'd be good to go! Well, loves, I AM GOOD TO GO! I just have to have my FAFSA verified and then attend orientation on Sept. 4th and they I officially begin September 10th! It's a 42 week program, or 1260 hours and then I will finally be a licensed cosmetologist! YAYAYAYAAYY! hahaha I just had to share my excitement with you!


Anyway, as promised today is day 4 in my blog beauty week and therefore a new topic of discussion. As you can clearly see from the title Wednesdays are Wellness Wednesdays, basically all types of fun facts, tips, and suggestions for wellness, relaxation, and overall good health. Beauty starts from the inside out and if you don't feel well, you are NOT looking your best! So let's help you feel better and look better!


Wellness Wednesdays (#1 July 18, 2012)


I have to begin by crediting First for women magazine for these tips from their July 30. 2012 issue! This magazine offers so much from beauty tips to health care tips and interesting stories and ideas for seasonal meals and decorations! I LOVE IT! Anyway, I compiled a little list of a few tidbits I gathered from reading it that I wanted to share, especially with today being Wellness Wednesday, so here you go, loves:


- You can't read a magazine, listen to the weather, or pass a summer time ad that isn't promoting sunscreen and for good reason. People are finally aware of how important it is because of skin cancer. You apply it from head to toe, even just under your swim suit in case you move and some unprotected skin sneaks out, right? What about your hair line and your part? You work so hard to get those beachy waves or straighten it and add hair spray and products to keep it perfect so obviously you don't want to apply a thick, oily cream or wear a hat and ruin all your hard work. First magazine says "Run a stick of lip balm with SPF along your part and hairline." You get the protection you need without messing your hair! I just had to share :)


- Try your hardest and can't lose weight? Did you buy that 2 sizes too small bikini in like March to convince yourself you'd work harder just to fit into it? Here's why despite your hardest efforts, you may still not be succeeding. According to First magazine, "For 75% of women with excess pounds, fat buildup in the liver is making it nearly impossible to slim." They also say "If you avoid only one thing, make it ... High-fructose corn syrup ... because it basically starts a fat-production factory in the liver. This man-made sugar can contain 55 to 65 percent fructose, a type of sugar that goes straight from the bloodstream to the liver, where it's quickly converted into liver fat." Many commercials and ads today claim that it's fine and just an inexpensive sugar and if eaten in moderation won't make a difference. Thing is, it's in SO many foods and drinks now that we get WAY too much of it. And if all it does is run to your liver, make your liver fatty, and therefore make it damn near impossible to lose the weight after, I'll go without it, thanks!


- Poison ivy and bug bites are an inevitable part of summer. Unless you work 80 hours a week or don't go outside, most places you go will give you one or the other. After dinner walks, bug bites, After dinner walks in the woods, bug bites and poison ivy. Beach ... bug bites. Running around in the yard ... poison ivy. First magazine gives you some quick, home remedies. Vinegar can help heal poison ivy. "Urushiol, the rash causing oil in poison ivy, is incredibly tough to get off your skin. The Rx: apple cider vinegar. Soak a cloth in the liquid and press onto skin for 2 minutes to break down the oil, then wash with a grease-fighting dish detergent to lift it off your skin." Salt can ease the itch from bug bites. "Salt ... helps break down the inflammatory proteins your body produces in response to bites, plus destroys germs trying to sneak in through damaged skin. Simply dampen 1/4 tsp. of salt with a drop or two of water and gently rub over the bites with your fingers until you feel the itching ease."


- Ever find the heat and sweat that accompanies summer nights, hell even walking to and from your car to go to work, melting your lipstick? Smudging, running, and melting are all side effects of heat and wearing lipstick. And if you wear something noticeable, hot pink or red, your upper lip and sides of your mouth are now dyed and it looks like you forgot how to apply makeup. First magazine recommends that you "run an ice cube over your mouth right after applying your favorite shade. The ice will set the color and prevent it from feathering, bleeding, or melting in summer's heat."


- Last, but not least: Why is my bikini area so dark? This tends to be worse for waxers than shavers, but after grooming your lady parts and then heading outside in a bathing suit, sometimes your bikini line gets dark, which isn't so cute. First magazine says, "Waxing removes the top layer of skin, leaving the freshly exposed dermis more vulnerable to the sun (and self tanners). ... Waxing professionals recommend waiting 24 hours after hair removal before going out in the sun to give the skin time to heal. When you do head out, apply a sweat-resistant sunscreen with SPF 50 to protect this delicate area and reapply every hour. To lighten already darkened skin, try soaking a washcloth in soy milk and apply it to the area for 30 minutes. The milk's protease inhibitors halt the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color."




Again all the above tips were from First for women magazine. Visit them online and subscribe today; you'll love it!