Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: Best Bridal Foundations

Last week we talked about primers and how important it is to find the one that works best for your skin type to ensure the longevity of your makeup.  Today we are speaking all about foundations, which is the second most important part of your bridal beauty routine. I have one drugstore and one high end foundation that I put to the test this weekend that will surely make you look beautiful all through your wedding.

Before we get to the foundations the number one rule to remember when picking out your bridal foundation is  NO SPF.  The chemical that they use in foundations that contains the SPF will give off a white cast when pictures are taken with flash and that's something even the best photographer can't edit out.


D R U G S T O R E

Revlon Color Stay Whipped Creme Makeup ($14.99)
     You don't have to shell out sixty bucks on a foundation or sacrifice for a sub par foundation that will diminish throughout the day or require multiple touchups.  This foundation is the best of both worlds.  I wore it for about 10 hours and it still looked perfect by the end of the night.  When you first open the foundation your expectation is that it will be thick and heavy, but rather it is a whipped texture almost bouncy to the touch.  I recommend using your fingers to blend it in or to dot around the face and then blend in with a damp makeup sponge.  With just one even layer it provides medium coverage, so it is easily buildable if you are looking for full coverage.  It sets quickly and with a satin matte finish.  My combo skin didn't even require powder! Though oiler skin types might want to set the T-Zone with powder just for safety.

H I G H   E N D

Georgio Armani 'Luminous Silk' Foundation ($62)
     I had done a lot of research about bridal foundation and foundations in general before this post and I knew for certain this was the high end foundation that was going to be the winner.  Walking into Nordstrom was a long sad walk of agony.  With every step I could feel the weight of the impending purchase and the effect it would make on my diminishing bank account.  Once the worst part was over, I rushed home to try it out.

IT WAS MAGIC.

I thought it was a joke at first, like this was too good to be true.  The makeup was light and liquidy, almost undetectable to the eye when on the skin.  With one light layer it evened out my entire skin tone and set with the most beautiful satin matte finish.  With this foundation I recommend either using your fingers or a traditional foundation brush.  To blend seamlessly use a damp makeup sponge as well.  Like the drugstore foundation it looked as beautiful at the end of the night as it did the moment I put it on.  Now, girls with oily skin might be wary to this foundation when they see the words "luminous" and "liquidy," but this foundation is suitable for all skin types and sets to oily skin beautifully.

Both are worth a look at, but if you are willing to pay the big bucks you will not be disappointed and will definitely be getting your money's worth.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Emmy's 2014: Best and Worst

It was TV's biggest night last night and my favorite award show of them all...the Emmy's.  Although I love the grandeur of the Oscar's my heart will always be with TV so the Emmy's are my Oscars. Lots of great fashion walked the carpet last night, with a popularity of reds and whites.  In no particular order, here are my best and worst picks.

B E S T


Sofia Vergara stunned in her favorite mermaid silhouette designed by Roberto Cavalli.  White is a very unforgiving color but when you look like Sofia there is nothing to hide. 

Camila Alves, 1/2 of Hollywood's most fashionable couple, never disappoints.  This white and nude stunner by Zuhair Murad look flawless against Alves' dark hair and tan skin.


Supermodel Heidi Klum wowed in a sleek Zac Posen gown. The simple cut let the attention be all about the color.  The flowing cape in back provided a stunning exit look.

America's funny lady Julia Louis-Dreyfus always seems to look great every award season.  It may be due to her inability to age (she is 53!).  Her raspberry custom Carolina Herrera gown flattered every curve.


If someone is to wear a mini to the Emmy's it is Julia Roberts, just look at those gams! The navy color  of her Elie Saab Couture looks great against her blonde hair and the texture and structure is incredibly chic. 

Sarah Hyland decided to play with both color trends and succeeded in the best way possible. I'm not usually one for crops but the subtle midsection still looks classy while being young and fresh for a 23 year old.  The top was perfectly structured and the skirt was perfectly full, everything one could want in an Emmy look.

W O R S T


Oh Lena, Lena, Lena, why do you do this to me?  I was definitely not surprised to see another red carpet flop by Dunham.  The top and skirt combo by Giambattista Valli was so wrong in so many ways and probably one of Lena's worst looks yet. The top especially was her downfall.  It was too big for her, wrinkled, and sloppily tucked into her skirt.

Christina Hendricks was an unexpected pick for worst dressed.  Her bombshell curves usually lend themselves to beautiful mermaid gowns.  Unfortunately this Marchesa gown was a little too big and the amount of ruching in the center made her look bigger than she actually is.


Most commonly remembered from her role in That's 70's Show, Laura Prepon, could easily mistaken since she has ditched her red locks for stark black ones for her role in Orange is the New Black.  Her dress by Gustavo Cadile was too much allover from the zig-zag "peplum," the train, and awkward collar shoulder thing. 

If someone were to show me this picture and tell me Katherine Heigl was 35 I'd call their bluff immediately.  This vintage John Hayles gown ages her about 20 years.  Even worse is the color, the yellow based cream is too similar to her hair and skin making her look like a big yellow blob.




Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: Principle of Primer

Wedding Wednesday: Primer

No matter what time your wedding is at you will surely have your makeup on for at least 10 hours.  In those 10 hours you will be under the sun taking pictures, maybe on a stage of a banquet hall, and definitely on the dance floor.  Your makeup needs to look just as fresh and flawless as it was the moment you saw yourself unveiled by the makeup artist. While you can leave much of the makeup up to your makeup artist, if you have one, but a primer is something you should test out in the months prior. To help the selection be a little easier I've put together 4 primers perfect for every skin type. 

D R Y 

     Many dry skinned damsels flee at the sight of primers because they are usually linked to mattifying the skin of oil which will only accentuate the dry patches on their faces.  But no need to  be in distress any longer, this primer by Smashbox is formulated to hydrate the skin.  It will smooth over the dry patches and help makeup lay on top evenly. 

O I L Y

    The Hourlgass primer is a tried and true product by all oily gals.  It's most reigning achievement is how incredibly light weight it feels on the skin unlike most mattifying primers.  Many reviewers post of 12-16 hours of wear for their makeup! 

     This formula minimizes pores like a dream.  Like the Hourglass it boasts of 12 hour wear.  It also is incredibly fast absorbing, which leaves your skin feeling fresh rather than stuck with another layer of makeup. 

C O M B O 

     If you struggle with dryness on your cheeks and oil in the t-zone then come over and join the combo club.  I personally love this Too Faced primer.  It has a flesh tone color which aids in evening out the skin and leaves your face looking poreless.  My favorite feature is how it is oddly hydrating yet mattifying in all the right places. 

Hopefully this list helps in your search for the perfect primer. My biggest tip when testing out primers is to ask for samples.  They can usually last you about 1-2 weeks of use and perfect time to test it out for all days and occasions. 


Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: All About Skin

Your bridal look is a very important aspect of the wedding process, but like I've said many times before, no makeup look will look its best when the skin underneath is not at its best.  And on your wedding day the best is all you want! So before we jump into any beauty products and looks in the upcoming weeks we first have to talk about bridal skin care.  Today I will be sharing with you three categories of products every bride needs to add to their routine in the upcoming months to her wedding to guarantee skin that is clear, smooth, and glowing.


Wedding Wednesday: Skin

M A S K S 

A mask is a great way to intensely target your skin's problems.  I recommend using a mask once of twice a month depending on your skin's needs. GlamGlow masks are the queen of all masks.  If you want to revolutionize your face, these are the only way to go. 

     Skin Type: Dry, Dull
     This mask is a great one to use the day before your wedding to really hydrate and plump up the skin.  The extra hydration will help your makeup go on more smoothly and you will surely have that bridal glow. 

     Skin Type: All
     This is the mask that made GlamGlow famous.  It is the perfect exfoliating mask that will leave                  your face incredibly smooth and glowing. 

     Skin Type: Acne-Prone
     This mask will deeply cleanse the skin of all the impurities trapped in every pore.  I suggest to use the hydrating mask the next day to help revive your skin from the extreme clean. (Note: If you have problematic skin, head to the dermatologist ASAP, they will be able to help you the most by finding a routine that will clear up your skin before your big day.)

S E R U M

Serums are something I recommend to everyone regardless if they are getting married.  A serum is a great way to regularly nourish your skin and prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and help the overall wellness of your skin. 

   I love Argan oil.  It has so many different uses from skin care to hair care and more.  The light version is the one I recommend the most because it will be suitable for both dry and oily skin types. 

    This is a classic serum.  It is great for all skin types and ages.  Your grandmother, mother, and aunt probably use it, so you should too. 

E Y E  C R E A M 

On your wedding day your eyes will most likely be the feature you choose to highlight with your makeup.  You don't want to have dry skin around your eyes or little lines that trap concealer, so implementing an eye cream into your routine will help prevent these problems.

     Putting creams around your eyes on a regular basis can cause some people to worry but this all natural cream is super safe for your sensitive peepers.  This cream has lots of antioxidants which help the puffiness, darkness, and lack of elasticity in your eyes. 

     This eye cream is super hydrating and increases the cell renewal.  It has great intensity, perfect for mature skin or very problematic under eyes. 

Whether you implement all three of these or just one you're sure to improve your skin by your wedding day and have beautiful radiant skin. 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: Hair and Makeup Inspiration

Whether you are doing your makeup your self or hiring a professional, everyone needs to start from some sort of inspiration.  Your dress and decor may go out of style but your bridal look should not.  The key to anything bridal is to capture your natural beauty and personality. This is not the time to try out that purple liner or chic tangerine lip.

Glam Wedding


Glitzy hair pieces and old hollywood waves are the perfect glamorous bridal look. They are the perfect styles that won't date your pictures. 


Winged liner and a bold lip scream glam! Make sure you test out winged liner throughout the months before your wedding to figure out what thickness and shape most flatters your eye shape. 

Romantic Wedding


A curly side chignon and type knot are incredibly romantic.  
The chignon is one of the most popular wedding hairstyles because of how effortless it looks.  The key to pulling off the topknot is to make it a bit messy like the bride above.  The more clean and pulled back it is, it will fall more on the glam (Kim K) side of things.


Romantic inspired makeup is all about soft blended looks.  
Neutral eyes and rosy cheeks will always win over your groom and your guests.

Bohemian Wedding


Two rules:
1. The messier the better
2. Flower crown, always


Bohemian makeup tends to sway to the two extremes of makeup.  
The first would be a very messy smokey look of neutral colors. The second would be almost no makeup at all, emphasize your features with a light lining of the lash line with eyeshadow and a neutral lip.


There are so many options to choose from and it can be quite overwhelming! But the most important rule to live by is to find a style that will reflect your personality.  Choose a style that you will be happy to look on 20 years from now.


Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Wedding Wednesday


So two months a really cool thing happened. 
I got engaged to my very best friend!

Immediately after my head started spinning with a mixture of excitement that I get to be with him forever, color schemes of bridesmaids' dresses and flowers, and how that Pinterest board will finally be put to use. With so many ideas out there from the internet and of course my mother, grandmother, aunts, and every person I pass by on the street, the task of actually planning a wedding becomes very overwhelming very quickly.  To make things even more hasty we decided to get married at the end of December...of this year, conveniently after I will have spent 3 months in Europe studying abroad this fall.  If you are reading this and thinking I'm crazy, I'm already fully aware of that fact. But hey, doesn't love make you do crazy things? (Bad joke, I know.) 

As I race off to the altar and begin planning my life with that hunk up there, I decided to take you along for the journey, the beauty journey that is. Whether you're a bride, bridesmaid, or just a guest each Wednesday I'll be testing out different products, looks, and sharing helpful tips, tricks, and tutorials to make sure you look naturally stunning for that exciting day. 


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Rompin' Round


Rompers are my favorite pieces to wear in the summer.  They are no fuss outfits perfect for those lazy summer days. Pair them with the right shoes and accessories and they can easily go from the beach to a night out.  When shopping for rompers if you want simple cuts get it in a graphic and when looking for simple color look for interesting cuts.  This will keep the outfit looking exciting and you can wear that romper with confidence. 


Check out my favorite romper and shoe combos closer and shop the looks here!


Thursday, May 15, 2014

Review: L'OREAL Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer


Now I'm not much of a primer girl.  I have never really seen the purpose for them since most of them are to control oil and minimize pores, which are two things I've never needed to fix.  After seeing a couple of reviews about this L'OREAL Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer ($12.99) by some ladies with drier skin I knew I needed to try it.  I've put it to the test for the past two weeks and here are my thoughts. 

C L A I M S
- "boost's skin natural luminosity"
- "skin texture is smoothed & toned to provide a perfect canvas" 

P R O S
- skin is left very smooth
- makes foundations look more luminous (perfect to pair with matte foundations to keep from looking flat and cakey)
- doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy
- makes foundation last longer
- pump makes for easy and hygienic application

C O N S
- smells like plastic 
- if you use a whole pump it can leave your skin looking grayish 

(get ready for very large pictures of my arm/hand that look like I'm 400 lbs)
(it's really hard to take pretty pictures of your hand -- props to hand models)




I really like this primer! I would recommend it most to dry skinned girls because as you can see from the second picture it will create a very glowy complexion.  If you have oily/combination skin and still want to try this out I recommend only placing it on the tops of the cheek bones and down the bridge of the nose to avoid your oily and more porous areas or mix half a pump with your matte foundation to create a luminous complexion while still controlling the oil. 

How do you feel about primers?
Tell me your faves or fails below. 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Skincare: Current Toners and Eye Cream




A lot of people have said they want to know more about my skincare in the comments of my latest posts.  So I'm giving what the people want! Today's post revolves around my toners and eye cream I have currently been using.  Toning is only of my favorite parts of cleansing, it also is one of the most important that should not be skipped!  Even after cleansing, your skin isn't completely clean and toning gets rid of any excess dirt, oil, makeup, you name it.  I use two different tones, one for morning and one for night.

The Elizabeth Arden Refining Toner Lotion ($19 $10.96) is the one I use for the morning.  I don't cleanse in the morning because I see it as unnecessary since I didn't get very dirty while sleeping, it also helps keep my skin balanced.  This is my second bottle of the Elizabeth Arden toner and I love it.  It is very gentle, perfect to get rid of morning oil.

The Shiseido Pureness Balancing Softener ($24.50) is my night time toner.  I found this a month ago and am obsessed! Not only is the packaging beautiful but the toner makes my skin incredibly soft.  It's also alcohol-free so it doesn't dry me out and is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.

When it comes to eye cream I don't think you are ever too young to start using one.  If you are in your early 20s or late teens you won't need anti-aging properties yet, but definitely look for moisture and brightening powers.  This will keep your under eyes looking smooth and awake.  An added benefit is your concealer will go on much smoother and less likely to crease.  My current eye cream is the Elizabeth Arden Perpetual Moisture 24 Eye Cream ($30 $18.22).  It keeps my eyes very hydrated and smooth, and I have seen a decrease in the sliding of my concealer.  It claims to have brightening agents but I haven't noticed a difference in the month I have used it.  Even though it has worked well I don't think I will purchasing it when it's done.  I would rather shell out a few more bucks for something a little stronger.

Tip: Check your local TJ Maxx and Marshalls before shelling out big bucks for your skin care.  I get all my Elizabeth Arden there!  They also house other big brands like Shiseido, Retinol, theBalm, and others, but it does differ at each location.

What toner and eye cream do you like using?

Facebook - Bloglovin' - Twitter - Instagram

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Coachella Beauty

Coachella Beauty


This weekend is the kickoff of Coachella and music festival season.  While you're navigating through the concerts, parties, and rides, the last thing you want to worry about is your makeup falling apart, but at the same time you to take look cute for all the pictures (obviously).  
For the makeup for this weekend, keep it natural, easy, and with SPF.  Here are the perfect products for your festival style. 

B A S E 

  BB Cream is a perfect base, it keeps your complexion natural and protected.  Bobbi Brown's is a best seller for it's naturally matte coverage that comes it a wide color spectrum, so everyone is sure to find a shade. 

  Coachella is not the time to try out your Kim K contouring and highlighting skills.  Make the skin bronzed and luminous with this bronzer with a subtle shimmer across the temples, the nose, and in the hollows of your cheeks. 

  Peachy pinks are perfect for the natural look.  NYX blushes are super pigmented and super cheap so it's a win win. 

E Y E S 

  Keep the eyes light and shimmer.  These chubby sticks are easy to put in your makeup bag and are super easy to blend with your fingers.  The taupe brown shade is perfect all of the lid for a ultra natural look, but the green shade is nice if you are looking for a little more color. 

  Waterproof mascara is not optional, its a necessity.  The Clump Crusher will hold your curl but keep your lashes separated and defined. It's also easy to add more coats without getting spidery and chunky looking.

L I P S 

  Balm stains are great because they are moisturizing and long wearing.  This shade is perfect for every skin tone and is bright enough to keep your look exciting and fresh. 

What would you wear to Coachella or any music festival this spring and summer?

Facebook - Bloglovin' - Twitter - Instagram    
  

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Sephora VIB Sale Picks


If any of you are avid makeup shoppers than you know that high-end makeup almost never goes on sale.  So when the VIB Sale at Sephora rolls around a few times a year it's the time to pick up all the things you have been dying for.  I didn't have a huge list of products I wanted to pick up but there were two that I knew I had to have.


The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders ($45) are beautiful powders that are designed to blur the imperfections of your skin like you are in certain lightings.  The one I chose was Diffused Light which is a "soft, warm yellow powder."  Its goal is to diffuse the redness in the skin, which is what attracted it to me the most.  It eliminated shine while still leaving a radiant glow to my complexion.  I put it to the test today and had it on for over 12 hours(!), while washing a car in 85 degree Los Angeles heat and running errands. It has kept my oil completely at bay.  I am very impressed not only with the beautiful finish it gave to my skin but the incredible wear time.  I will definitely be picking up more of these beauts and I think you should too!


No, your eyes are not deceiving you, that is a purple lipgloss.  I've always wanted a Nars Larger Thank Life Lip Gloss ($26) but didn't want to get just another pinky nude, I have far too many already.  This new color called Annees Folles intrigued me and I decided to go for it.  The coverage is very sheer so it plays up your natural lip color while giving it a beautiful purple undertone.  It made my lips turn to a beautiful pale pinky lilac, it was very flattering.  In regards to the lip gloss formula, it is incredibly moisturizing but a little too sticky for my taste.  I don't think I will be shelling out twenty six bucks for another one of these lip glosses any time soon, but it is still a great piece to have in my makeup bag.

Did you score any great items in the VIB sale?

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Favorite Spring Accessories + Giveaway (CLOSED)

Spring Accessories

There is nothing I love more than fresh spring accessories.  Florals and pastels are the perfect addition to any outfit.  Forever 21 is one of my favorite places to shop accessories, mostly because it's cheap and they always seem to be on point in that department.  Even though I love dainty necklaces, I always feel more done up with a statement necklace.  I've also been trying to up my bracelet game (thanks to @damselindior and @songofstyle) lately.  These two are great statement pieces that can easily be paired with simple chains or bangles.  If there is one place Forever 21 always gets right it is earrings.  They are super cheap, chic, and always have the perfect 12 piece sets for everyday.  I usually always stick to small studs, but after seeing Emma Watson sport the prettiest ear cuff to the Noah premier I knew that is what I needed next.  Though they may seem intimidating for an everyday look, they will be great to pair with a night time look (and make sure you're hair is pulled back or up, you wouldn't want to hide that beautiful ear candy!).  

Necklaces


Bracelets


Earrings


I am so thankful for everyone who reads my blog and want to thank you by giving away one $20 gift card to Forever 21 so you can go get some great spring accessories! 

Giveaway Rules:
1. Like and follow me on FacebookBloglovin'Twitter, and Instagram
2. Leave a comment with suggestions of posts you would like to see in the future and also your Twitter and Instagram handles

This giveaway will be open until Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 11:59 pm. 
Winner will be announced on this blog post and Twitter Sunday, April 13, 2014. 
Winner will be contacted through direct message on Twitter.

(This giveaway is for US Residents only.)

Winner: Bekah!

Thank you for everyone that entered.
Look for more giveaways in the future!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Review: 3 'The Body Shop' Masks


So I was in line at Ulta and only have one thing in my hand, so naturally my shopaholic ways took over and my eyes wandered to the in-line displays.  I was instantly attracted to the bright packaging and for $2.50 each, what a steal!  I grabbed them and this week I have put them to the test. 

  This mask was created for us dried skinned gals.  It has a very thin, lotion like consistency and it does not harden like most masks, which was new for me.  (Confession: I was a bit sad that it didn't, I secretly love the feeling when your face is stuck in a mask.) After the allotted 10 minutes I washed it off and patted dry and reveled in skin glory.  My skin felt soft and very supple, there was no need for a moisturizer.  I think I would buy the full size during the winter months when the chilly and dry Santa Ana's blow through LA, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone with super dry flaky skin.  

  Clay masks always get me excited.  I just picture it pulling out all the gunk stuck in my pores like a magnet!  And this mask did not disappoint.  It goes on black and dries to a grey of about 10 minutes.  It feels very tight and invigorating.  After washing it off I couldn't see a huge difference, but I could feel it. My face felt squeaky clean and my pores felt tighter and looked smaller.  For dry skin types I would caution against this, unless you are experiencing a breakout, because it might dry out your skin.  This is a holy grail mask for oily and acne-prone skin, I think once a week this mask would work wonders on giving your skin a good deep clean. 

  I didn't notice this was a mircodermabrasion until after I got home, but I was excited to try it regardless because I had never tried anything like it.  I was expecting a St. Ive's type of scrub that had big abrasive beads.  Instead the scrub had a lot of microscopic beads.  As I massaged it over my face for a minute or so it felt as though my face was vibrating.  Once I washed my face my skin looked radiant and incredibly soft!  I still felt as though my skin was vibrating even a few minutes after though, but I enjoyed it, I felt as though I had just gotten a real microdermabrasion treatment.  I don't think I will buying this anytime soon because I fear its a little too exfoliating for my skin but it would be a great treatment to do once a month to keep my skin glowing. 

Do you have any masks you love and also how many times have you fallen for the impulse buys at Ulta and Sephora? 
They really know how to suck you in.


Friday, March 28, 2014

Newly Purchased


I've made quite a few trips to the drugstore this month and have picked a good handful of products.  Some I've been able to test out and some are too recent to tell, but here are my thoughts so far. 

Biore has come out with a new charcoal infused line consisting of a facial scrub and mask.  Since I'm not in the market for a new cleanser (read about my beloved cleansers here) I decided to pick up the Self Heating One Minute Mask ($6.49).  It seems reminiscent of the famous Glam Glow masks that have a pretty hefty price tag ($69 a pot!).  The charcoal is supposed to naturally pull out impurities in the skin.  I haven't been able to give it a try yet, but I can't wait to have a little spa weekend. 


I was so excited to stumble upon this Revlon Colorstay polish in Trade Winds ($7.99).  It is the absolute perfect nude, almost identical to my skin tone.  Nude polish looks fresh for spring and it's the perfect way to make your fingers look longer.  

Out of all the things I have picked up recently this Sally Hansen Dry Kwik ($5.29) did not hold up to its claims.  It has a very oily consistency that leaves a residue all over you nails.  Most importantly, it chipped instantly even after it had dried completely for fifteen plus minutes.


I haven't yet tried out the Maybelline Elixirs ($8.99), but I've only heard rave reviews.  I instantly gravitated to this limited edition shade, Polished Petal.  These lip glosses are smooth, a lot like the NYX Butter Glosses, but a little more sheer.  The doe-foot applicator is super plush and the perfect size for any lip.  This pale pink has very subtle sparkles that leave a beautiful sheen on the lips and make them appear plumper.  I suggest you go out and pick this one up quick before they are all gone!

The e.l.f. Eyelid Primer ($1) is my favorite primer of all time, and at a whopping one buck it's quite a steal.  I have never quite understood why people spend twenty bucks plus on eyeshadow primers.  Also, having a drier eye area, most other primers accentuate this, but this holds the shadow while still moisturizing my lids. 


The quality of your makeup brushes is just as important to the application of makeup itself.  The bristles density and texture help blend and move the makeup flawlessly.  The drugstore in the recent years have come out with great quality brushes that don't cost an arm and a leg.  Real Techniques ($5.99 - $17.99), created by Samantha Chapman of Pixiwoo, are my favorite drugstore brushes.  They are incredibly soft and blend my makeup better than my MAC brushes.  The blush brush (left) is perfectly tapered.  I like to use it for bronzer to blend it out in the hollows of my cheeks.  The stippling brush (right) is short and dense, great for cream blush. If you are in need of some new brushes these are a must. 

Have you tried anything new at the drugstore recently?

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Review: Benefit Big Easy


The BB Cream hype is still in full swing and Benefit just came out with it's take on it. Benefit's Big Easy claims to be light to medium coverage, helps balance moisture, control oil, and has a liquid to powder finish.  It also has ingredients that "soothe & comfort the skin and fight free radicals." All of these claims seemed really promising, so this weekend I decided to give it a go. 

Pros:
- SPF 35, no need for extra products with SPF 
- VERY blendable and creamy, fingers are all you need for a flawless application
- Controlled oil all day; my T-Zone stayed matte without powder!

Cons: 
- VERY light coverage and not buildable; if you are looking for coverage look elsewhere, I put two layers on and saw little difference 
- Color selection leans toward lighter complexions; I am not tan by any means and the light-medium was the color for me, so darker complexions will not find a suitable shade
- Small amount of product; the advertisements make it look like you get a lot of product but you only receive 1.18 fl.oz, I was literally shocked when I took the bottle of the box
- Price, $38 is a lot of money for not a lot of product!

Do you need this in your life? No. The cons outweigh the pros for me, especially when it comes to the price and the almost invisible coverage. The drugstore has great BB creams that do the same and more. I still stand by my beloved Garnier BB Cream till the end. 

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Skincare Refresh


I love makeup for the purpose of enhancing not hiding.  
Because of this I think skincare is the most important part of any beauty routine. 

I've never had any skin issues (thank you Nana) but I have dealt with dehydrated skin.  After years of reading magazines and looking up skin care for dry skin. Unfortunately that made me believe I needed to exfoliate on the regular.  This caused red uneven skin tone and often little bumps around my nose and forehead.  I decided to make my skin care simpler.  The past six months I've started to exfoliate once a week and only use a cleanser at night.  This has revolutionized my skin.  No more bumps and my skin tone has become more even dramatically.  Here are my new favorite skin care items. 

  Juice Beauty is a certified organic brand.  I use the cleansing milk every night, it is light and gentle but still leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh.  The fruit extracts keep my skin looking radiant.    Tip: If you have an oily complexion you should also try washing only once a day.  Over washing dries out your skin which causes you to produce oil in more often and in heavier volumes.  In the morning just splash warm water all over. 

  I am obsessed with the Exfoliating Cleanser!  I use this once a week to slough away the dead skin cells from through the week.  The exfoliating beads aren't rough and abrasive but makes my skin SUPER smooth. 

  Because I don't have problematic skin I didn't feel the need to shell out hundreds for the Clarisonic.  This Olay version still lets me get the deep clean my skin needs.  I highly recommend it for those who are on a budget, but if you do have problematic skin I think a Clarisonic would be a great investment tool for your skin care routine. 

Have you found your skin care greats?
I'll have to share my favorite toners, serums, and masks in a future post.  

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Orange Obsession


A huge spring trend seen on the runways of DKNY, Dsquared2, and Prabal Gurung is bright orange lips. I'll be honest when I saw this trend I was very intimidated.  I feel very comfortable in my nude and pink comfort zone, so I went on the hunt to find the best wearable products.  Orange has officially been apart of my daily beauty routine and I love it. 

  To work your way into more bold orange tones start with pinky and coral-y tones.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Coralberry ($6.99)
  This lipstick has a coral undertone but still an obvious orange hue.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous ($8.99)
  Those who are ready to take this orange trend seriously should try this balm stain.  It is a true orange with a neutral base so it will work with all skin tones.

Urban Decay Ultra Nourishing Gloss in Streak ($20)
  This gloss is the newest addition to my orange arsenal.  Its perfect for orange newbies.  Its a sheer coverage but it can be added on top of any of the previous products for a shinier and vibrant pout.

NXY Rouge Cream Blush in Tickled ($6.99)
  I added a blush for those want a more subtle take on the trend.  NYX cream blushes are amazing! They are super creamy and very easy to blend.  I love cream blush in the spring for the dewy look. This tickled blush is orange with a  coral undertone.  Tip: Use a short stipple brush to perfectly blend the product.

Don't forget to 'like' Zeal's Facebook page for updates on your news feed!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Best of the Week


  This has quickly become one of my favorite lip treatments.  The texture is incredibly smooth and nourishing.  To get the perfect amount of tint I like to apply it with my finger to really press and blend it in. The Fresh Sugar line comes in a variety of colors, Sugar Petal is my favorite pink shade. 

  I am huge believer in cuticle oils.  I don't think they are talked about enough.  If you want to really extend the length of a manicure, smooth oil liberally every night.  You'll not only see immediate relief to cracked cuticles but it will also prevent future hangnails and chapped skin in general. 

  After years of straightening, blow drying, and other forms of heat styling my naturally curly hair is a little more than just damaged.  It's more like sucked of all forms of hair life.  In hopes of restoration,  the past two weeks I have put myself on a heat styling hiatus and started to embrace the curls.  I have been adding a nickel sized amount of this oil with my curling product to help keep the frizz at bay and do a little bit of healing.  Even better, its super affordable and smells heavenly!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Everyday Face

Although I am not one to wear the same makeup everyday, I do believe every woman should have an "everyday face" that can put on in less than 5 minutes. 
It's perfect for those days where you might have hit the alarm a few more times than you should have or just a lazy day around the house and running a few errands. 


F A C E

   Sometimes I skip foundation all together, but when I want a little coverage to even out my skin tone this is what I turn to.  Creamy, easy to blend, and has SPF!  For those with oiler complexions there is a formula for that too. 

   This is my new favorite concealer! It has a very full coverage and thick consistency.  My eye area is drier than the rest of my skin so this has the perfect amount of moisture to keep my under eyes looking smooth.  I wouldn't use this for blemishes though because it takes while to set up even with a powder. 

   My dull winter skin is still in full swing, so bronzer is a must to warm it up.  This bronzer is very pigmented, so a light hand is advised.  Using a duo fiber or stippling brush will help give a lighter application.  Though, I would tell fairer ladies to look elsewhere.  The Body Shop Honey Bronzer is a good alternative. 

  This light pink blush with gold flecks adds a natural glow to the skin.  Though the price seems favorable, the blush can be a bit chunky and fades quicker than most.  But that's to be expected for the price. 

   This is will probably be the only highlighter I will ever ned in my life.  The pigmentation, the consistency, the color....everything is just perfect. I like to apply mine on the tops of the cheekbones and on the bridge of my nose with a fan brush.

E Y E S 

   If you haven't tried the Color Tattoos you are definitely missing out.  They are the quickest eyeshadow look you can get and all you need is your fingers to blend it out.  My favorite shade is Bad to the Bronze but for lighter days Barely Branded is great for opening up the eyes.  If you have oily eyelids that easily crease I suggest using a eyeshadow primer when using the "metal" shades. 

   Lightly lining the upper lid will add major definition to your eyes.  Black is a little too harsh for this fresh faced look so stick to brown.  It will look more natural. 

   This mascara can seem daunting at first.  The first couple times I used it it was a clumpy mess.  Some mascara you really have to work at the lash line to get it to build volume, but this one doesn't require that at all.  Gently and evenly work your way up the lash, and one coat is usually enough unlike most mascara. 

   Filling in your eyebrows can change your whole face, for the better! The hard part is finding a color.  This product stops the guessing game because this universal shades works for everyone. 

L I P S 

   For an easy look all you need is a light color and moisture.  Baby Lips are a great combo of this. 

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Keaton Row: Spring Trends

Recently I was accepted to be a personal stylist at Keaton Row.
Keaton Row is online base personal styling company.  It was designed for the on the go gal who doesn't have time or money to get a wardrobe refresh from a hired personal stylist.
The styling service is free! 
The only thing you pay for is the items you like from top online retailers like ASOS, Nordstrom, Les Nouvelles, and new stores every day! 
Bonus: free shipping and returns!

Here are 3 looks I put together that show off spring's trends. 

Graphic Coat


Graphics are a huge trend this spring.  
This trend often intimidates people but keeping the rest of the outfit simple doesn't over style the look, but instead looks fresh. 

Shop the look here.

Pleats


Pleats are feminine and sophisticated.  
This full skirt is perfect for brunch with the girls, and even for the office.

Shop the look here.

Sporty


Yep, your gym shorts are now acceptable for every day wear outside the gym!
Adding a graphic sweatshirt and sleek sneakers and sunnies are perfect for running around doing errands while looking like you still put thought in your outfit. 

Shop the look here.


If you liked these looks and want to see more and be styled by me come take a look at my Keaton Row profile.
And if you feel like you have the passion for styling click here to start your application today!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Spring Nail Trends

Spring Nail Trends 2014

Clothes aren't the only thing that sport the spring color trends.
Here are seven colors that will keep your nails and toes on point this season.

Creamsicle
  One of my favorites for the season!  This creamsicle color is a nice fresh change from the coral craze from last year.  

Deep Coral
  Coral is still in full swing for spring but this season it goes to deeper tones.  Look for corals with a fuchsia base, this will add great depth.  

"Nairobi Blue"
  Thank you Lupita Nyong'o for making this my new favorite color...for life.  

Hello Yellow!
  Since I'm sure you all are less than likely to wear taxi cab yellow, wearing it on your nails is an easy way to play with this color.  It's fun and definitely a statement.  Tip: For cooler and lighter skin tones, play with the pale yellows to avoid too much of a sharp contrast. 

Bubblegum
  There are so many different shades of pinks and this spring its all about that true bubblegum color.  Not too bright but not too pale.  Look for pinks with neutral undertones. 

Radiant Orchid
  If you are finding it hard to wear Pantone's Color of the Year, the nails are a perfect way to experiment with it. 

Mint
 Mint is a spring classic and I hope it never goes away.  To go with this classic style, this fan favorite polish is perfect!

What color are you most looking forward to?