Birthday Beauty Haul! **Back For GOOD!

New Years Resolution!

Blog every day!

So far it hasn’t happened, but I am starting now and planning to stick with it!

My birthday recently happened and I decided to spoil myself with make up!!

Why not?

So I went out and finally bought things that I’ve been eyeing for months! And also some products that looked fun to try out

I like pretty new things

I’ve also given myself time to try them out so that I can also give a review about it

Here we go!

If you know me you know I LOVE skin care products. Oils, masks, peels, whatever!

I stopped by Ulta and picked up the Pür Dirty Girl Detoxifying Face Masque and I’m loving it!

I use it maybe twice a week and it makes my skin feel and look amazing after.

The next two I bought on impulse. They were in the bins by the cash register at Sephora.

I can never not buy something from them, especially if I have to wait longer in line.

Both products were $12, so of course I had to buy them.

 -fresh Soy Face Cleanser

This is my new favorite face wash! It is so smooth and smells like cucumbers!

My face has never felt so fresh after washing. I guess that’s why fresh is the brand name.

Josie Maran Pure Argan Oil 

I’ve been using this product on my dry spots and so far it’s been working wonders! I live in the desert so my face can get pretty dry and cracky.  It’s extremely irritating.

I just press the oil into my face and let it soak in.

Those dry spots are now gone! I was literally trying everything to make them go away.

So I’m very happy!

Philosophy: Fresh Peaches with Cream 

Hello! I love this lotion. One; it smells AMAZING and

Two; it feels great on your skin.

It’s a huge bottle too so it’ll last a long time

NYX Dewy Finish Setting Spray

I’ve used this a couple times and have been pleased with the finishing results. But towards the end of the day my face seems a little oily.  It gives my face a little dewy shine though! It’s nice when my skin looks dryer than usual

Pore-fessional Primer 

 I’ve been meaning to buy the porefessional primer for a really long time so I decided to suck it up and get it.

I’m glad I did because it is as amazing as everyone says it is.

I put this on over those areas and it fills up those spots where my biggest pores are and makes my foundation look flawless

Nars Albatross & Translucent Setting Powder

First off, Nars Albatross…

Brilliant!

Usually I use Macs Soft and Gentle highlighter for my cheek bones, but lately I’ve been OBSESSED with this.

It’s gives a perfect dewy glow to my face. I absolutely love it!

The setting powder by Nars is like heaven. It is a light reflecting powder that really does reflect the light amazingly.

I apply it on the forehead and under the eyes of course to set my concealer.

I love love LOVE this!

 

Smashbox Full Exposure Pallet 

This pallet is very similar to the Lorac Pro pallet and just a tad bit more expensive.

The top row are all shimmer shadows and the bottom row are matte.

The colors are nicely pigmented and creamy.

I like how they are all paired up so you can use the top for a lid color and the bottom for a crease

Or pair up by fours or whatever you want to do!

Go crazy!

So there you go! There are all the wonderful things I bought.

I love them. You’ll love them!

Get Your Kit Together!

I’ve been gone for too long! 

This past month I’ve been visiting home and hanging out with my family. 

BUT! While packing up my make up I realized that it’s ridiculous to take ALL my make up and brushes.

So as difficult as it was for me to part with my precious collection, I gathered all my essential items into my kit

While packing it all up I thought “Hey! I’ll blog about what you should have in a kit!” 

So that’s what I am going to do! 

 

I came across a quote that said “You are only as good as the tools you use”

The correct tools makes the job so much easier! 

I remember when I had a make up sponge and maybe three brushes 

Also I was twelve so I guess it’s not horrible

While on the subject of brushes I might as well start there!

 

I can’t begin to count how many girls I’ve seen attempting to do their face with one brush.

For example my mother (sorry mom) 

If you’re like me and love having multiple brushes plus back up brushes then you know it gets pricey 

Although I have bought some inexpensive, good quality brushes. 

A list of brushes I Recommend: 

• Fine tip eyeliner brush– It’s wonderful for fine eyeliner and tight lining the eye. 

I like using a fine tip eyeliner brush for micro-concealing, or to add highlighter to the inner corner of my eye 

• Large and medium sized rounded brush- For a nice blended eye shadow.      

These brushes have to follow your natural eye contours. No square brushes! 

• Small rounded concealer brush- I like using a brush to blend my concealer.  

But you can also use it if you’re using intense pigments, or if you want to add  those cool socket lines

• Fibre optic foundation brush- Oh. My. Goodness! I love my fibre optic brush! 

It makes my foundation look flawless and almost airbrushed at times.

I like dabbing my foundation on my face with my fingers first and then blend with the brush 

because I found the bristles tend to soak up the foundation 

• Contouring/Blush brush 

I combine these two because most of the time I’ll use my contour brush as my blush brush 

Although I do like a bigger fluffy brush for my blush and a smaller, slightly angled brush for contouring. 

• Mascara Wand- 

You can use it to comb out clumps from your eyelashes or use it for your brows.

I love using the mascara want to smooth out my brows after I’ve filled them in. It makes them look less drawn on

• Fine angled brush 

This is a must have! And you can’t say you don’t need one because I have about ten of them and

I love love love them! It fills in eyebrows perfectly and it is also the best brushes to do every kind of eyeliner imaginable!

The best part is they have a variety of sizes. 

OK! So here is the second part! I won’t list a bunch of “why you should have this” in my essentials list 

because all of them are pretty obvious

I’ll add a tip or two under them though. 

• TWEEZERS

• EYE LASH CURLERS 
• COTTON PADS 
• MAKE UP WIPES

I like using either a wipe or a cotton pad with remover to clean up run away eye shadow under my eye

or to create a sharper line to eye shadow 

• PRIMERS 
• EYE SHADOWS
• BLACK LINER 
• WHITE INNER EYE PENCIL 
• BROW PENCIL
• HIGHLIGHTER 
• CREAM OR POWDER BLUSH
• CREAM, LIQUID, OR GEL EYELINER 
• TRANSLUCENT POWDER
• AT LEAST TWO FOUNDATIONS
• CONCEALER
• CONTOUR CREAM OR SHADOW 
• LIPGLOSS & LIPSTICK
• GOLD OR SIVLER SHIMMER POWDER

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

 

I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I’m already jumping to snowflakes and frosty nails! 

I used the Cheeky GA41 stamper plate for the snowflakes 

 

Blue Rhapsody by essie 

And a matte top coat also by essie 

I’m not used to metallic polishes so I have to work on my applying technique so it’s not as streaky 

I love the color though. It’s a perfect winter color and goes well with the snowflakes. 

More nail art to come soon! 

 

Glitter Polish Party!!

So I gave in to pretty nail polish AGAIN!

I regret nothing!

I’m really really excited to try them out for holidays, parties, everyday wear you name it

Here’s what I got

I could not pass up Minnie Style. It screams Valentines Day and I already have my stamper ready for the day!

Red and white glitter polish is too perfect!

I’ve been needing a fine silver glitter polish. Fame Game looks like sand to me. It’s so sparkly and gorgeous.

I love Venique glitter polishes. It’s fine glitter glitter with larger glitter pieces as well.

It’s sort of a rosy gold that I couldn’t leave without. Too many ideas came to mind!

I LOVE Polka.com by OPI. I like it because it’s more out there than other glitter polishes

I love it’s fun colorful look.

If anyone has other pretty glitter polishes tell me the name!

Or save my bank account and don’t 🙂

MAC MAC MAC!

I purchase two new shades of eyeshadow from MAC and I LOVE them. 

I decided to go out of my comfort zone for one and bought a bolder shade. 

I had to do it. 

 

Plumage is a very dark green.  It has a soft pigment so it doesn’t go on thick and dark at first

You have to keep applying it to make it darker.

I still love the color. Maybe I’ll wear it out and tell you guys about it  

Copperplate is just perfect! 

I love neutral eye shadows more than anything so of course it caught my eye

The pigment is perfect, almost kind of fluffy feeling. 

It easily sweeps onto your eye lid. 

I just thought I’d share my findings with you all 

I hope you enjoyed! 

 

Show Your Nails A Little More L.O.V.E

Let’s step aside from the skin care for a moment and focus on our nails.  

If you ask a girl what she is most attached to she will most likely say her hair and nails right?  I know that’s the case for me.  If I break a nail I go into a mini depression and think “all my hard work is ruined!!” Just like getting your hair cut, you grow it out a couple inches you cut one off. 

I’m going to give you a couple rules for nail care and also show you some things I use to keep my nails healthy

First off, your nails are keratin base which is the key structural material making up the outer layer of skin

Also a key component in your hair and nails 

1. Take your vitamins 

Make sure you have enough calcium and protein 

2. Moisturize & Hydrate 

If your hands and nails are dry it can cause your nails to crack and split 

Use a good moisturizer. Preferably use a hand AND nail cream 

3. File your nails WEEKLY 

Depending on how often your nails are breaking you should be filing your nails at least once a week

It doesn’t matter if your nails are short of long, keep your nails into an even shape 

4. Keep your tools clean 

Make sure you are sterilizing and sanitizing your equipment in a safe place away from possible infections

5. Carry a nail file with you 

No matter where I go I make sure that I have a nail file with me in case any chipping or breaking happens

6. Wear gloves when cleaning 

When cleaning with harsh chemicals wear gloves.  It will protect your nails obviously. 

My all time favorite hand cream is called Caudalie Paris 

I keep it in my purse and apply it whenever my hands feel dry

It smells wonderful and makes my skin feel instantly moisturized when I use it

I usually buy it on amazon but I think they stopped selling them individually. Sad 😦 

I also need to restock on my cuticle oil but I go for the OPI Avoplex cuticle oil to go

I can take it places with me and I can get it right on my cuticle without making it too messy. 

Then I always make sure to have my essential tools! 

I use flat angled clippers to make it easier for my nails to stay in it’s square shape

 

 

Then of course the nail file.  

It doesn’t need much explaining but I even every thing out once it’s been clipped. 

There are my basic nail care tips and some products I use.  

What nail care tricks do you have? Do share! 

 

 

Nail Addiction

 

I found this brand at my local beauty store and decided to buy it for two reasons. 

1. Because I’ve never seen this brand before

~and~

2. The color looked amazing! 

After applying my first coat I contemplated adding a second because the formula is so thick and creamy

it covered my nail completely.  I did add a second coat and it looks FABULOUS! 

It is now my new favorite color so I thought I’d share 

But Baby It’s Cold Outside

You know what time of year it is!!! The time when you get to snuggle up in your blankets with a warm drink in your hand, and the time your face begins to get a little dryer right? I know for me that’s the case! The colder it gets the dryer my face gets. Why does that happen? Why does winter weather dry our skin out?

Winter weather brings lower humidity not only outside but also inside your home as well.  This enhances the dryness of your skin.  Being exposed to dry wind, and cold water will further dry the skin during the winter.  Not only does the cold weather affect you on the outside, but on the inside as well.  When you become cold your blood vessels become constricted and reduces the blood flow to your skin.  It also reduces the sweat and oil producing glands.  When you have low water content in your body during the winter the skin cells shrink and dry.  I know during the winter I drink more apple cider or hot chocolate to keep myself nice and warm, but this means that I’m not drinking enough water which causes dehydration to the skin, increasing the dryness of the skin.

Don’t think that only being outside in the cold affects your skin.  Being inside can cause some drying as well.  As soon as your heater goes on, no matter what type of heating it is, the skin gets dry.  Like outside in the winter time, there is low humidity.  The best way to fix this is to use a humidifier, especially at night.  A humidifier will replace the moisture in the air that has been sucked up from the dry heat.  This will save your lips from becoming chapped and your throat from becoming hoarse.

Another thing I love doing during the winter is taking hot baths and showers.  Sadly, showers that are too long and too hot can break down your lipid barriers which can cause a loss of moisture.  We can never win!  It’s better to stick with warm water and shorter showers.  Remember to pat dry and not rub.

We use sunscreen to protect ourselves from the sun, but did you know that you should also wear sunscreen in the winter? The winter sun combined with snow glare (if you live where it snows) can damage your skin.  Try using a lotion that has at least SPF 15 in it.  I find that applying moisturizer while my skin is still a little damp helps the effectiveness.

In the summer time our skin looks a little more radiant and pink.  In the winter we tend to look a little more dull.  I don’t know about you but I enjoy long sits on the couch and NOT exercising.  I think a good amount of people skimp on exercise in the winter because we get to hide under large coats and sweaters.  Exercise is key in everything.  Even though I hate it, I have to do it.  Exercising in the winter will help bring that glow back to our skin because it will help produce sweat and increase our blood circulation and hydration of the skin.  Which also means we have to drink a lot more water than coffee and other warm sugary drinks.  It doesn’t have to be outside and you don’t even have to go to a gym.  There are plenty of at home work outs you can do.  So keep it moving!

I hope you all found some helpful information in this post!  What do you do to keep your skin happy and healthy in the winter?

What’s YOUR Skin Type? How You Can Know

The biggest mistake I made growing up was choosing a skin care product that wasn’t for my skin type.  I live in the desert and my skin gets very dry and flakey if I don’t take care of it.  I was using products that dried out and tightened my skin which made it worse!  It wasn’t until later when I found a skin care routine with amazing products! My skin is like my baby.  I’m very protective of it.  

Moral of the story; Finding out your skin type is an absolute must in order for you to find the proper skin care or treatment for you.  Let me start with the first skin type;

NORMAL SKIN

Your skin has a comfortable feeling with smooth, even texture with small pores.  Your skin should feel vibrant and elastic with the driest part of your face is your cheeks, but not excessively dry.  It looks clean and healthy but you may see some shine and larger pores on the forehead, nose, or chin.

The best thing to use for this skin type is a foaming face wash, exfoliation, and a lightweight moisturizer.

DRY/EXTRA DRY 

If your skin is dry it will feel tight and dry after you wash it. It can look dry and flakey throughout the day and feels rough or uneven.  You may have red patches that are easily irritated. Dry skin type shows fine lines faster than other skin types.  Having dry skin requires special care.  Eating foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables and staying hydrated with water keeps the skin hydrated.  Limit sun exposure, caffeine and alcohol intake and use a good moisturizer to protect your skins natural oils.  You can also use humidifiers in your home because air-conditioning and heating creates a dry environment.

• Don’t rub with a towel while drying your face
• Moisturize moisturize moisturize!!
• Don’t pick at your dry skin
• Wear gloves while cleaning with chemicals

OILY SKIN

Oily skin looks shiny and thick, especially through the T-zone.  Oily skin means you have overactive sebaceous glands which makes your skin more acne prone.  You may have large visible pores and frequent breakouts.  A good thing about oily skin is that you are less prone to aging and wrinkling.  A healthy diet and a regular, consistent skincare routine can help manage oily skin.  You should cleanse your face at least twice a day to prevent dirt build up.  Use alcohol free astringent to remove excess oil and oil free moisturizers to keep your face from over drying. 

COMBINATION SKIN 

Combination skin has patches of both dry and oily skin with the cheeks being the dry and T-zone being the oily.  The larger pores are located on the forehead, nose, and chin.  This skin type requires different types of care for particular facial areas.  Regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing for the oily areas and a cleanser that is milder with a denser moisturizer for the dry areas.

SENSITIVE SKIN 

If you have sensitive skin your face is easily irritated by cleansers, moisturizers, and cosmetics.  The skin is very sensitive and tends to become itchy, blotchy and red.  Try to figure out what products trigger your skin so you can avoid them.  Your skin requires mild, fragrance free cleansing products and alcohol free toners that are formulated for sensitive skin.

**No matter what your skin type is you should always:

• Always use sunscreen
• Stay hydrated*
• Wash your face every day
• Never ever EVER wear your make up to bed
• Change your pillow case every day
• Moisturize!!
• Stay happy and healthy

A Good Routine For Your Face **How To PROPERLY Wash Your Face**

Here is a topic I’ve been dying to get to! The main reason is because I have recently helped a few people who are having skin problems and most of their reasons are because of their daily skin care routine.  They either don’t have one, or don’t do enough to properly cleanse the face.  It’s difficult to create great skin unless you start with the basics:

1. Cleansing

2. Exfoliation

3. Moisturization

Before I get into these three steps I was to discuss something you shouldn’t be using to wash your face. I know we’ve all done it before and some still do it.  I’m not bashing anyone who uses this but let me educate you on why I cringe when I hear people using a bar of soap to wash their face! NO NO NO! 

Let me tell you why a bar of soap is not what you should use.  Bar soap is formulated for the body, not the face, and the skin on our face is not the same as the rest of the skin on our body.  Soaps contain detergents that that usually have alkaline pH.  The skin is dehydrated due to loss of moisture from the stripping factor of the soap. So, not only will this irritate the skin and dry it out, but it will also aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.

Facial cleansing is so so important because our faces have so many glands that makes our face oilier so you need a cleanser that isn’t going to strip that away and leave a film on your skin.

So back to the three basic steps ;

1. CLEANSING 

The purpose of cleansing is to remove all the bacteria, dirt, make up, oil and sweat that has built up on your skin during the day.  Cleansing is an important part of the three basic steps because it helps the following steps to work their best.  At least once a day, your skin needs to be cleansed with a product that has a formula that wont strip the natural oils from your skin.  You should choose a cleanser based on your skin type to receive the best results for your face.  Search for ingredients like wheat germ oil that cleans without stripping, or glycerin that attracts moisture to the skins surface.

• SOAP – You CAN use soap ONLY if it is specifically formulated for your face. Look for glycerin or cold cream soaps. Soap will deeply clean the skin and leave it feeling refreshed without a trace of build up.  – BEST FOR OILY SKIN

• GEL CLEANSERS – These cleansers usually foam or lather while you use them. The gel cleansers are formulated to to dissolve oil buildup and fight blemish causing bacteria without stripping the ski. – BEST FOR OILY-COMBINATION PRONE TO BREAKOUTS 

• OIL CLEANSERS- best on the driest of skins

• CREAM CLEANSERS – Lightweight, water based formulas that clean without leaving residue on the skin.  They have oils in them and emollients along with cleansing ingredients – BEST FOR NORMAL TO DRY SKIN 

**Let me just say that the Clinique comforting cream cleanser is amazing! I have never washed my face with a cleanser that made my face feel so hydrated and smooth. LOVE IT! Also I love Clinique. Crazy about it!

2. TONING/EXFOLIATING 

After cleansing we know there’ll still be trapped oils and dead skin cells that we need to get rid of.  Exfoliation is key for every skin type.  It removes dead skin cells that were not removed from your first step in cleansing. It also helps remove trapped oils that produce blemishes. Toners are great for your skin because they stimulate circulation in the skin.  They remove any remaining dead skin cells or greasiness, and give the skin a smooth feel. Toners are helpful for very oily skin or for girls who wear a lot of make up.

3. MOISTURIZE

After cleansing and exfoliating your skin is now ready to be moisturized! YAY! I love the final step.  After I’ve washed and toned my face the moisturizer I use feels amazing.  Hydration is the most important skincare step. Your skin’s tone and flexibility depends on water in the tissues under the skins surface.  Adding moisture to the skin helps maintain skin firmness and smoothness. If you haven’t removed the oils and skin soils from your face your skin isn’t ready to accept the moisturizer and it wont work the way it can.