Travel Tools

One of my favorite travel makeup tools is this little refillable brush from Sephora.  You can load it with your favorite loose powder, blush, bronzer, etc.  I have put Make up For Ever HD Micro Finish Powder in mine and use it often.  I like this powder because the high definition property leaves you looking flawless wether you are on the run or getting ready to take a picture. 

Available at Sephora

Refillable Brush Available at Sephora $17.00

Get your Flirt on

Lately I have heard a lot of buzz about a perfume called Eau Flirt by Harvey Prince.  This perfume claims to have all the scents that attract men and cause them to flirt with you.  Being a lover of all things fragrance, I decided to go ahead and give it a try.  I received my shipment yesterday and immediately put it on.  I ran over to my husband and asked him what he thinks.  He instantly liked it and said that it smelt really good. Me on the other hand, I like it but I am not in love with it.  It smells a bit like something my Yia yia (Grandma) would wear but if my husband likes it then I am sold.

Available at Harvey Prince Online

Eau Flirt on "The Doctors"

Eau Flirt on "CBS"

Anastasia Eyebrows

Fake it till you make it, is my philosophy when it comes to eyebrows.  Lets be honest, not everyone has spectacular eyebrows that are free of sparse hair spots.  I like to pretend that I have thick eyebrows with all hair intact.  To do this, you need Anastasia brow powder or pencil, a professional to start the shape of your brows and a little clear mascara or brow gel. Clear mascara works just as well! Don't spend the money unless you need to.
Here is what I use:










Esthetician's I love:
Salt Lake City, @armstronglaura (Xscape Day Spa)
Vancouver, BC, Shirley (Northshore Hair)
Chicago....Still looking
I have used Anastasia Brow Powder Duo-II in Medium Ash on the left with Anastasia Brow Gel to set it.  On the right.....absolutely nothing and you can definitely see the difference.

Staple

No matter what lotion I try on my face, I always go back to Olay Complete Sensitive Skin face lotion with SPF 15.  This stuff does the job and is super cheap. Although it may not moisturize my skin like La Mer or CeraVe, it is a great light weight moisturizer for summer and can be easily worn under your favorite foundation or tinted moisturizer.

Update on MyBody Sensitive Skin Trial

Loving how matte the tinted moisturizer is and the face cleanser leaves you super clean without drying your skin.  Not feeling in love with the lotion like I originally was. I noticed myself putting on my regular lotion, over the MyBody lotion...not sure if it provides enough moisture for my thirsty skin.  Giving it a few more days before I make an executive decision.

Tools

Things I can't live without, MAC's Stippling brush. This magic wand makes your foundation, tinted moisturizer or cream blush, melt into your skin and leaves you looking flawless.
Dab the brush into your favorite foundation and buff into your face. Make sure not to forget your neck! Trust me, this brush is worth ever penny!
Available at Nordstroms MAC Counter

Via Nordstroms

Mybody Skincare

Recently I went into my esthetician for a facial, she instantly introduced me to a new line of skincare products that are paraben-free and lack artificial colorants. In fact, it was developed for pregnant woman or woman that are breast feeding!

She applied the products to my skin and first off, they smell very good and second, they moisturized my skin almost instantly. As I have said before, I have sensitive skin and felt that the lotion moisturized while not leaving me greasey or breaking me out.

I am giving it a full 7 day trial, but so far I am loving it. I will let you know how I feel at the end of the 7 days. Stay tuned!

Available at Mybody

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Neon Nails

I am loving the neon trend! I recently purchased my favorite neon color and I am obsessed with how tan it makes me feel. The tip to wearing neons is keeping your nails short and sticking to one solid color.

Cold Rinse

Quick hair tip! When it is time to rinse your conditioner out, rinse it out with cold water. This will make your hair instantly shiney.
If you notice your hair is lacking volume, make sure to skip putting conditioner higher than your earlobes. This will leave your roots free of conditioner and create bounce and volume to your hair.

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Shine free for summer

I recently purchased Jane Iredales "Absence". This creamy little container of goodness is a miracle worker for those of us that have oily skin. You rub a tiny bit on your T zone, under your foundation and the result is a matte, smooth finish.

I experimented with applying this under my eyeshadow and it helped to keep everything in place all night! $35.00 for a jar but a little goes a long way. Like most Jane Iredale products, this will last forever.


Purchase at Jane Iredale






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Mascara Change up

My favorite mascara lately has been Illegal Length by Mabelline.  I do however switch between Illegal Length, Revitalash Volumizing Mascara and Lash Discover.  These three are always in my makeup bag and serve different purposes.  Here is when and why I use them:




*Revitalash, Available on Amazon and Revitalash *
Why: This mascara moisturize's you eyelashes and washes off with water.
When: Ideal for every day use and gives a smooth application.




*Maybelline Illegal Length, Available at most drug stores*
Why: I love how long your eyelashes become and how separated it makes them.
When: I use this favorite for day to day or going out. Gives that extra flirty lash that every girl wants.




*Maybelline Lash Discovery (Waterproof), Available at most drug stores.
Why: I love that this is waterproof, stays put and keeps your eyelashes curled all day, it's like hairspray for your eyelashes.
When: Humidity, going out or whenever you know you may shed a tear.

IPL Facial

Got a microdermabrasion today and was informed that IPL (light therapy) is also amazing for correcting dark spots and imperfections.  Its about $300.00 a session and usually requires 3 sessions max.  I still prefer my cheaper options with dark spot correctors but this a great quick option also.

IPL/Limelight Facial

Intense Pulsed Light technology can correct a variety of skin conditions such as the signs of aging, birthmarks, unsightly small veins, and sunspots. Our skin care specialist can determine the number of sessions that would be required for your specific needs in a complimentary consultation. A series of treatments is often recommended. 

VIA Spa Vitoria

Correcting my Spots

I am a huge fan of getting rid of dark spots from pimples, sun or age. I try to keep my skin looking one even color and these two products are my secret weapons.

*Proactive, Dark Spot Corrector. Available in some malls and Proactive.

*SkinCeuticals, Pigment Regulator. Available at SkinCeuticals. However, I purchase it on Amazon because it is typically cheaper.

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Sugar Exfoliant

In need of a face scrub but out of your favorite product?  I use plain old sugar! Yes, the kind in your cupboard right now.  Grab your favorite face cleanser, squeeze into your palm and sprinkle 1 TBS or less of sugar over that.  Gently massage your face with the two products for 1 minute, then rinse.  

Cheap, easy and does the job!

Wash your Makeup Brushes!

Cleaning your makeup brushes is like changing your sheets, must be done often!  I use either Johnson's Baby Shampoo, Normal Shampoo or my favorite "Simple" Moisturizing Cleanser.  Washing your brushes keeps your makeup application smooth and gets rid of any bacteria that may be building a home.

*Simple Moisturizing Face Cleanser, Available at most drug stores.  I get mine a Target*

Best Self Tanner

Sun Laboratories has stole my heart.  Their self tanner is BY FAR the best self tanner out there.  It does not streak, smells amazing and gives you a natural looking tan.  I have two colors, one for summer and one for winter.  I use the "Dark" during the winter and "Very Dark" in the summer months.  "Very Dark" is my favorite.  Not only is it compatible with every skin tone, but it smells yummy. The face tanner is great and can be used every few days to maintain a good color on your face.

Tips for Smooth Application:

1. Exfoliate your skin

2. Rub lotion on skin with gloves (Unless you like tan palms)

3. Let your tan sit for 3 to 4 hours before you wash it off..

Where to get it:

You can purchase it online at www.sunlabsonline.com but it is cheaper on Amazon and usually gets to you faster (I learned the hard way)!

Highs & Lows: Creme De La Mer & CeraVe

I am all about mixing highs and lows in both fashion and beauty.  I love both of these products and use them equally.  Regardless of the price, if it makes your skin feel amazing, use it!

*HIGH*

*Creme De La Mer, Available at Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus, Saks & Holts (for my Canada friends)*

This creme is super moisturizing and contains sea kelp to increase appearance of skin. This is definitely a winter staple for me.

*LOW*

*CreaVe, Available at most drug stores*

I was first introduced to this creme by my dermatologist about a year ago and still use it.  It is not only developed by dermatologists, but will moisturize your skin and body while not breaking you out. 

I am still using the same jar for over a year, that is how little you need. 

My Favorite Foundations

I am quite obsessed with finding the best foundation for my skin.  I have literally tried 20 different products and love each of them for different reasons.  I have added the top foundations I use from lightest to heaviest coverage.  Keep in mind, you want to switch your foundations as you get darker in the summer and lighter in the winter, this also applies to coverage. 

 Lighter coverage in the summer and heavier coverage in the winter.

*Laura Mercier, best tinted moisturizer for light coverage*

Pro: Has SPF 20 and great coverage that won't break you out.

Con: Price

*Jane Iredale, by far the best mineral foundation I have used. Light to Heavy coverage, its up to you!*

Pro: Contains SPF and you cannot mess up an application.  I own it in three shades

Con: Not available in department stores

*Chanel, Skin Perfecting Foundation. Light to Medium coverage*

Pro: Slides on your skin like silk with a flawless finish

Con: You have to shake it before every use (it has a shaker ball inside)

*Lancome, Teint Miracle. Light to Medium coverage*

Pro: Great coverage and melts into your skin to leave a natural finish 

Con: Haven't found one yet!

*Makeup For Ever, HD Foundation. Medium to Heavy coverage*

Pro: Great for using if you plan to take pictures, it gives you a flawless photo finish

Con: A bit heavy for day to day use.  

*Estee Lauder, Double Wear Foundation. Heavy coverage*

Pro: Covers every flaw and gives you complete coverage while staying in place all day.

Con: Tends to dry out your skin easily.

Foundation by MMandLShow

Laura and Michelle are such amazing girls and give fabulous beauty, fashion and even food advice on their YouTube Channel The MMandLShow. Trust me, they know their stuff!  Just a day ago, they posted about their favorite foundations, its a must see for those looking for a great review on some of the most popular foundations. I will be posting tomorrow on my favorite foundations and powders, so stay tuned!

Yellow Concealer

Yellow concealer is King when it comes to covering dark circles and imperfections on your skin.  Almost everyone has yellow undertones in their skin and can use a yellow concealer to brighten their under eyes. Apply your concealer in a triangle shape under your eye with the sharpest part of the triangle ending just past the outside corner of your eye.  Never take your concealer lower than your nostril fold!!  My favorite concealer is by Lancome in the shade "Correcteur"

*Available at all department stores*

I often add my normal concealer of choice over top of the Correcteur!  This technique makes your undereyes look flawless!

*Lancome, Waterproof and can be used on lips to soften the color of lipstick*

*Bobby Brown, Super creamy and comes with pressed powder to set your concealer*

*Always apply your concealer in the Grey areas*

Makeup Remover Cloths

My best friend encouraged me to purchase the quantity pack of these little packages of heaven. I typically have sensitive, combination skin that easily breaks out. I was a bit skeptical purchasing the Costco quanitity with out really trying them but if my BFF says something is amazing, it typically is. These little wipes take off all your makeup while cleansing your face, but leave your skin moisturized! They are now a staple in my makeup kit, definitely give them a try.

Simple Organic Face Toner

Peppermint tea face toner!!  I stumbled upon this idea a few months ago, it is simple, cheap, and good for your skin.  Not only do I spritz this on my face, but I also have a cup at night to help with digestion.  Here is what you need to make the toner:

*Available at Wholefoods and most grocery stores*

Steep one bag of this tea in one tea cup.  I stick the tea cup in the fridge after 5 minutes but you can just let the tea cool if you prefer.

Available at Aluminum Spray Bottle

Take a spritz bottle of your choice and pour the tea into it.  

When you wake up in the morning or right after a shower, spritz your face to calm your skin. I also spritz throughout the day just as a pick me up!

Enjoy!!

Super Soft Hair

I think that each of us dreams of silky, shiny hair right? Well let me just give you a little sneak peek into my weekly hair regimen.  This regimen includes coconut oil, consuming it, putting it in my hair and even on my skin.  Coconut oil has so many benefits, but if you apply it to your hair, right out of the shower, it makes your hair super moisturized and soft.  Here is how I do it:

*Wash and condition hair like normal

*While hair is still damp, take 1 or 2 TBS of coconut oil and rub it on your scalp and through your hair

*Wrap hair in a bun, I sleep overnight in the oil and just lay a towel over my pillow case.

*After 20 minutes or waking in the morning, shampoo and condition hair like normal!

I promise, you will love how conditioned your hair feels!

Perfect legs

Available at Sephora or use your favorite foundation

Available almost everywhere

Here is a little secret I found for achieving flawless legs fast.

1. Take your favorite foundation, preferably the darkest you have and add baby oil to it.
2. Rub the mixture on your legs.

So simple and you end up with flawless, moisturized legs!

*A step further? Add a bronzing cream to give your legs that extra punch of color :)

Large and in Charge Lashes

Love this mascara!!! Washes off like a champ and creates the illusion of super long lashes.  Key to applying mascara it pushing the mascara wand into the base of your lashes first!  Makes the base of your lashes look super thick.  If you don't have a eyelash curler, invest in a Shu Uemura one stat, it was made by the eyelash gods.

White line

Ever wondered how to keep your eyes looking large and luscious while still wearing dark eyeshadow? Well....let me tell you, I am in love with lining my "water line" (inside of your bottom lash line) with MAC's white eyeliner!!! Try it! I guarantee you will be hooked!

The Beauty Blog

First post!  Stay tuned for fun makeup tips and tricks that I stumble upon! xoxo