Jan-March 2014 Favorites

Hello loves!

Well, March flew by! I cannot believe it is APRIL!!!.. but that just means one day closer to the hot sun! These past few months I have bought more makeup than I needed. I mean seriously, I have enough samples to get me through an entire year, alone. That just means I have been testing, loving, hating, worshiping, and ditching a variety of products. Soooo, here's a list of my most LOVED products of 2014 (so far!)

L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfecter- It's been about a year since I started incorporating these into my skincare routine and have become obsessed. I first use the Serum Concentrate, followed by the Day & Night Cream. My skin has never felt so healthy, soft, and acne free! They are a bit pricey, but the results are totally worth it, and they last about 3 months (they smell good too!!) If you are looking for new skin care products, I highly recommend these. I literally cannot express just how amazing these products are.




Josie Maran Argan Oil- It acts as a moisturizer, has healing agents, gives skin a dewey glow, and is believed to help treat acne. Josie's Aragan Oil can also be used to treat split ends & can be used on the nails (which I have yet to try). One might think, "Wait, why would a gal with oily skin use an oil product?" The answer is crazy, but it actually balances sebum production (the overproduction of sebum glands is what causes oily skin). That means if you have dry skin, it will increase the sebum production.... it actually works BEST with dry skin. How it works on all skin types is just mind blowing to me. 





Tarte Eye Cream- I have dark under eye circles so I am constantly looking for ways to diminish and reduce them. They ain't cute! This had great reviews online so I thought what the hey why not! I can honestly say using at night, and in the morning, I am starting to see a reduction.. slowly, but surely! Yayy!! A+++ product!



Kat Von D Tattoo Liner- If you've followed my previous blog posts, you know a winged liner is my go to. To get that perfect "wing" this is what I use. I've never seen a liquid liner with such a precise point. It makes this process so very EASY, not to mention it lasts ALL day. No joke.. all flippin day. Go ahead, run a marathon.. I swear it won't smudge a hair. The only downfall is it tends to dry out. I'm not sure if it's the design of the pen or what. When it starts drying out I just run it under water for a second or two, replace the cap, shake it up, and it's back to normal. It's kind of a pain in the ass, but not a deal breaker. It's a must have for you liquid liner lovers.

Anastasia Lash Genius- I received this as a sample not really having any expectations and it honestly sat in my drawer for 2 weeks before I picked it up. This mascara is a clear, waterproof top coat. It basically seals your mascara to prevent it from flaking off. By noon I almost almost always have mascara dots on my face and they are sooooo hard to remove without messing up the rest of my makeup. Ever since I have been using this, my mascara does not fall.. not even a little bit. It is extra important to apply to the lower lashes as well. It's become so worthy I've added it to my "Stay Flawless" Routine ---> HERE. P.S.-- don't be turned off by its waterproof nature. ANYTHING waterproof will come off like butter with a makeup remover.


LUSH Fairly Traded Honey- Having dry, damaged hair, I am constantly in search of products to keep my locks luscious and healthy (especially because I don't get my hair cut professionally). I was rather skeptical buying this, but I have a problem controlling my impulses. The smell is so so, I've gotten used to it, and the texture is kind of thick. It takes me, at least, 2 shampoos before a lather is worked up. I HATED that about it at first, but still continued to use it. I am now half way through my first XXoz size bottle and OH MY GOSH. My hair has never felt or looked so healthy and smooth. I just can't even explain. I will honestly never buy another shampoo again.

Dr.Brandt Pores No More- This is very closely resembles Benefit POREfessional and basically does the same thing. I received this sample (are you seeing a pattern?) & have been using it frequently. The texture is almost like a mousse, but still has the silicone feel like Benefit's. A little bit goes a long way with this product. It's a tough call which one I like better, but I think this is an awesome alternative. It literally erases the appearance of pores (I think so even more than POREfessionall) and also leaves skin very soft.






Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette- This is actually a recent purchase of mine, but I have not been able to put it down since it arrived at my door. It truly does smell of chocolate...pure bliss. The colors have a nice pay off and the combination of matte/shimmery shades is perfect. I HIGHLY recommend this palette to a beginner or one looking for overall neutral shades.

Bellami Hair Extensions- Last, but certainly not least! I couldn't leave this post without mentioning the beautiful, luxurious Bellami's. ((Review HERE)). Because they are double drawn (pretty much 2 layers of hair) they are full of SO much volume top to bottom. Their customer service is top notch, and they have a variety of colours to choose from. Each set is hand made and composed of uniquely colored strands guaranteed to match your current hair color.... and they are highly affordable! HERE

** I'm wearing Bambina 160g 20" in Chocolate Brown**




xoxo.

Mary Kay Makeup 2-in-1

Ahhhhhhhhh. I first wanna apologize for my temporary leave of absence. I have been so incredibly busy these past few weeks and lost track of my priorities there for a sec. I really have no idea how time has flew right under my feet and I have so many exciting things planned for you guys! So to make up for it, I am giving you a 2-in-1 look. If you did not already know, I used to sell Mary Kay Cosmetics. Some people think of it as old lady makeup, but they totally have some pretty legit stuff. I wanted to create a look using ALL their products because they get under credited here in the blogging world. It's just so sad. I made my own palettes to keep my shadows and blush (comment below if you want to see how I made them). All of MK's eyeshadows and blushes are magnetic and designed to fit in their custom palettes, which are awesome if you need makeup on the go, or if you are a person who likes to touch up throughout the day. But for storage purposes, they just take up too much room in my acrylic drawers. So anyway, enough about that, let's jump into what's really important.

1. The first look is a very easy, girly look that will brighten your face and is a perfect "day time" look. 

1. After priming apply "Pale Blush" Creme Shadow to the lid as a base.
2. With eye drops or MAC Fix+ spray brush and apply wet "Precious Pink" on lid.
3. Add "Hazelnut" to the crease blending well.

4. Apply "Sweet Plum" to the crease
5. Add Brown Liner to your preferred thickness.
6. With an angled brush, add "Espresso" over top liner.
7. Apply "Sweet Plum" to lower lash line, blending out with "Precious Pink"
8. Highlight Brow Bone & Tearduct with "White Lily" & "Crystaline"

Other Products Used:
MK Foundation Primer
MK Timewise Liquid Foundation Beige 1 C/O
MK Concealer-- Beige 1
Anastasia Brow Wiz + Brow Duo Powder

Blush: MK Bold Berry
MK Mineral Foundation for setting powder in Ivory 0.5

Lips: MK Pink Parfait

** Tip: Lightly sweep "Crystalline" or "Moonstone" over top cheek bones as a highlight.

2. The second look is a gold smokey eye that can easily be played up for a more dramatic look, and is also wearable for daytime. Gold hues compliment nearly every eye color so here ya go.

1. Start by priming the lid with Mary Kay Eye Primer (one of the best).
2. Take "Hazelnut" and apply to the crease in windshield wiper motions.
3. Using MAC Fix+ OR eyedrops, wet brush and apply "Amber Blaze" to the lid. With that same brush apply "Crystalline" to the center of the lid.

4. With a blending brush, softly apply "Chocolate Kiss" into the crease.
5. Add "Espresso" to the outer V
6. Add black liquid liner and lightly dust "Amber Blaze" over top the liner.
7. Apply a thin line of "Espresso" to the lower lash line and blend out with Amber Blaze & Pencil brush
8. Mix "White Lily" and "Crystalline" and apply to the tear duct and brow bone.
9. Finish with Ultimate Mascara

Other Products Used:

MK Foundation Primer
MK Timewise Liquid Foundation Beige 1 C/O
MK Concealer-- Beige 1
Anastasia Brow Wiz + Brow Duo Powder
Blush: MK Cinnamon Stick
MK Mineral Foundation (for setting powder) in Ivory 0.5
Lips: MK Sunset Lipstick + Melon Sorbet

Want to vamp it up a bit?
Add "Sienna" to the crease instead of "Chocolate Kiss" and apply "Coal" in the Outer V instead of "Espresso". Keep the solid black liquid liner and add a sassy wing. Pop on some Rock N Red Lip Gloss and you're officially Diva-fied.

See? Mary Kay isn't all granny. If you are interested in Mary Kay products and do not have a personal consultant, click HERE. Lisa was my director when I was still in MK, and is an awesome consultant (plus she is pink caddy owner!) She is amazing and will help you out no matter the distance!

What are your favorite Mary Kay products?

xo.

At Home Spa Day

It just seems like it never stops snowingggg (in Maryland at least)! If you're feeling under the weather like I am, take yourself away to paradise without having to walk out in this treacherous weather. Sundays seem to be the only day I get to relax because I work Monday-Saturday, so I treat myself to this routine quite often!

This is my "feeling under the weather face"

DIY Milk Bath

Mix:

1-2 cups of whole milk (organic preferred) OR coconut milk

½ cup of honey

Pour mixture into bath and swirl around water so it disperses evenly.

Have any old panty hose? Cut the foot off the panty hose so it is a "sock." Fill with 1/2 cup of oatmeal. Tie and throw in bath squeezing in water to release nutrients. You can then scrub your body with the sock to reap the exfoliating benefits.

Why I Love It: The lactic acid in milk is a natural exfoliant, and the honey moisturizes and softens skin. Oatmeal is just packed with so many benefits. Dry skin has a higher pH balance, and oatmeal is known is regulate the skins pH balance, thus reducing dry and itchiness (perfect for winter!) Oatmeal also contains Saponins, a cleansing agent found in many facial cleansers and shampoos. 

DIY Body Scrub

This is by far my favorite body scrub known to man-kind.

Mix:

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

Dash Lemon Juice

1 Tbsp Honey

Olive oil

Start with brown sugar and gradually add in lemon and honey. Mix. Start adding in olive oil until sugar mix becomes damp. You don't want this to be runny... it will look like a bowl of lard. 

Tip: If you keep your honey refridgerated, throw in the microwave a few seconds.

Why I Love It: Brown sugar is an awesome exfoliater, if you weren't already aware. Also, the citric acid in lemon juice will gently peel away dead skin. And, the honey and olive oil will moisturize your skin. 

Facial Steaming

lol... looks ridiculous right? Totally worth it.

If the bath wasn't enough, I like to give my face a little "sauna" session. Buy facial sauna HERE. Fill pot with water and wait until it starts steaming. Rest face on bowl and slowly breath in and out for about 10-15 minutes.

If you are into essential oils, you can add them to the pot as well.

Why I Love It: Facial steaming helps release any dead skin cells, wastes and toxins, and dirt/bacteria that may be trapped in your skin. It also opens pores, which allows better absorption of any product you use after the steaming (why I like doing this first!). The process also stimulates blood circulation in your face, resulting in a soft, youthful glow!

DIY Facial Steamer: Throw on a pot of boiling water, reduce to simmer and remove from heat. Hold face about 12inches away from pot and drape a towel over your head and around the pot to keep the heat in.

DIY Facial Masks

Depending on your skin type and concerns, the perfect facial mask for you will vary. I like using the one for oily skin with tomatoes and lime! Click HERE for a full list of recipes.

Or, if you already have a go-to mask, you can use that! I am obsessed with "Love Lettuce" from LUSH (perfect for combination skin).

While you're at it, throw some cucumbers on your eyes. While this routine is debated as a "beauty legend" arguing cucumbers do nothing to reduce puffiness around the eyes, it makes me feel in full force spa mood!

Micro Dermabrasion

Why I Love It: We, as humans shed millions of dead skin cells a day. Can you imagine putting your face under a microscope & seeing all those dead cells just sitting & layering on your skin (gross!!). The scrub is made of tiny rough grains that removes dead skin from the outer layer of the skin. You can truly tell after one application how much softer and healthier your skin feels and looks. 

Some people pay big bucks to have a Microderm performed, but you can have it for $50 HERE!!! 

If you don't have your own Microdermabrasion set, here's a quick easy DIY recommended by fashionista Lauren Conrad.

3 parts Baking Soda
1 part water

Work together until a good paste is formed. Test on back of hand for texture.

OR.......Have a Clearisonic? Use it to exfoliate instead.

DIY Facial Scrub

Don't want to mess with Microdermabrasion? Use the same body scrub recipe above on your face. Lemon is known to act as skin brightener as well as an exfoliant. OR, you can do it College Style as I like to call it. Cut a lemon in half, dip cut side in sugar, white or brown, (reminds you lemon drop shots right?) and apply this directly on skin. I also like using this on my ashy elbows!

And there you have it! Your very own spa day. Dim the lights, add some candles, put on some Enya, kick back, relax and pretend you're somewhere sunny and 75!.... don't forget the vino :) 

What are your favorite spa day products?