QUICK TIP-- Innovative Blush

  I definitely did not come up with this idea, but I have always thought about how creative it was. If you are low on blush, or just need some because you don't have any, like me, then here is another way to find some. USE EYE SHADOW! I don't usually have blush because my cheeks are pink by nature, but the other day, I wanted to wear some to a little party, get together I was going to. I used my Almay Intense I-Color(for blues). It is a very pretty shimmery peach color. I just dabbed my finger in the product and lightly tapped the apples of my cheeks and up to my hair line. I thought it turned out nicely. So if you are in need of a quick fix blush, try your eye shadow, works perfectly!

  

  Try it out and let me know how it works! Especially with Christmas parties coming up. Blush is always a nice touch!

Not Your Typical Smokey Eye

  Hey guys, so I thought it was about time to do another makeup look! This time taking the smokey eye to a more work appropriate version. Having the heavy black and grey eyeshadow and packed on eyeliner is not exactly something you can wear in some work environments, but I have found another super simple version of this eye make up that is fast, easy and something I can wear to work all the time! What's also fun about this look is that you can change subtly change the base color and still rock a smokey eye!

  First, I used a fluffy eye shadow brush and applied Almay's Intense Smokey I-color(for greens) Medium color on the lid.
  Second, I mixed the Base color in the same Almay palate with the Medium color in Almay's Intense I-color(for blues) on the crease of my eye to add depth.
  Third, I used a little more of the first color on my lid to darken the color up just a bit.
  Fourth, I used a highlighter color. Either a highlighter used in contouring, or a lighter shade of eye shadow(usually a pearl, or cream) along my brow bone. This gives the illusion of an eye lift!
  Fifth, instead of using a liquid eyeliner I used NYX's Matte Black Liner halfway along my lower lash line(from the outside in), along my upper lash line, and to tighten my water line along my upper lid. After applying, I went back and smudged it up a bit. This is what makes me feel like I've accomplished a smokey eye without doing too much.
  Finally, I used my Revlon eyelash curler and applied Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express(Cat Eyes) Mascara on my upper and lower lashes. (If your eyes are prone to watering or smudging through out the day, I suggest a waterproof mascara along the lower lashes. This helps from making it look like you gained a black eye during the day, or night!)

           

Thanks guys! Sorry for the chapped lips. It's just that time of year. Yikes!

Halloween Makeup

  I know this may be a few days old and I meant to get it up last week, but computer issues, once again. I'm sorry, I know, enough of the excuses. I'll get on with it. Below is the products I used on the makeup look that I wore for work on Halloween.(In order of application) A couple extra items I got were some $3 eye lashes that had black jewels on them and a bird necklace(not pictured). Super cute and appropriate.

                                  

PRODUCTS

Smashbox Hydrating Primer

Maybelline FIT Foundation-220 Natural Beige

Covergirl +Olay Concealer-320 Fair/Light

NYX HD Concealer-CW 01

Covergirl Smoothers Powder-715 Translucent Medium

PUR Contouring Bronzer and Highlighter

Almay Intense I-Color Eyeshadow--Smokey-i for Greens

Covergirl Eyebrow Pencil

Revlon Colorstay SKINNY Liquid Eyeliner-Black*

NYX Matte Black Liner

Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara-Black

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara-Black**

NYX Lip Liner Pencil-834 Prune

Palladio Lipstick-Wine Shine

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable-010 Darling

*Also used for the 3 dots bye the eyebrow

**Used along the bottom eyelashes. Waterproof helps with no smudging

  The reason I didn't list them step-by-step is because I didn't do anything really special. The only thing I feel like I could demonstrate how to do is eyeliner, which will be coming soon, and lipstick, which I do have a step-by-step post about from back in February. You should check it out!

  If you like these types of posts, let me know by commenting or sending me an email. Also, don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin'. Click on the picture of the head on the top right of this page to get to my Bloglovin' page!

  Thank you! And I hope you all had a lovely and spooky Halloween.

QUICK TIP --Lip Shadowing

  So I have decided to start a thing called "Quick Tips". This will be like a normal blog but shorter, with less, but hopefully very helpful information. Today's will be lip shadowing.
  Like, I mentioned in my very first post, I love watching makeup tutorials on YouTube. It's basically a hobby of mine. And lately I have noticed a lot of "beauty gurus" and makeup professionals doing this type of technique in their routine if they're trying to make their lips look pouty or fuller, and that is shadowing right underneath their bottom lip. This essentially gives the lips a plump and rounder look.
  Below is a simple step-by-step of me showing you the technique. I figured this would be easier than typing it all out and you trying to figure out what I'm talking about. The bronzer I'm using is by Pur. Which also includes a highlighter!

              

  Also, excuse my appearance, I had just been running so I am kind of a mess. Oops!

Don't forget to add me on Instagram and Bloglovin'! Thanks guys. Have a great week!

My Sister's Lashes

  Yay! Finally a new post!
  So I have a little sister, her name is Allie. There are a few things I envy about her, her ability to stay motivated and work on herself during hard, stressful times in her life, being spontaneous and able to jump up at a seconds notice to go on an adventure, and her eyelashes. She already has fairly long eye lashes but they tend to face down and have absolutely no curl; but the things she does to them makes them look extra long and voluminous.

  I asked her to get together the products and steps she takes when getting ready during the day, focusing on just her eyelashes, so I could share it with you guys!

Step 1: Curl lashes with your eyelash curling wand. **I have noticed Allie to also use a small heated curling wand too.
Step 2: TWO coats of the waterproof Lash Blast Volume by Covergirl
Step 3: Put a coat of mascara on the top of the lashes **Allie says this helps them stay curled all day long!

  These steps are super easy to follow! It clearly works well for Allie. Try it and send me feedback for how well it works for you!

  Coming up in the next few days will be my favorite products from June-August! Stay tuned and remember to follow me on Bloglovin' and Instagram. You can also follow Allie on instagram (@allieeev)

Hydrated Colorful Lips

  I am a believer in wearing chapstick/lip balm, every day to keep the lips full and non-chapped. I am also a giant fan of pretty, colorful lips. I have found the best "in between" lip product! It is the COVERGIRL LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm.
  It is exactly what it says it is. It is basically a giant crayon-like applicator, that has enough pigment as a lipstick, yet feels like you're wearing lip balm. It's not heavy but you can feel the hydration. Now it may not last as long as some lipstick, but it's super easy to apply. And you can twist the bottom of the applicator to bring the "color part" up.

(Top to Bottom) 225 Rose Twist, 255 Jam Twist, 235 Coral Twist

  So far I have this product in three different colors, a hot pink, a natural pink, and a dark pink/purple. I have worn this stuff to work, out to dinner, and just out shopping for the day. To make it stand out even more, I think applying a lip gloss over the top would make one's lips look SUPER juicy!

 (I am wearing 255 Jam Twist in the left picture and 225 Rose Twist in the right picture)

  And I also know I have found a winner when both my mom AND my boyfriend like the colors...woohoo!

Awake and Glowing

  The other day I just had one of those days that I did not want to look like I had on so much eye makeup, or makeup in general. I was about to go out for the day, but I just wanted to glow.
  I have always loved those pictures of models and actresses that look like they don't have on any makeup and are just glowing, from the sun, or the lights, whichever it may be; and I wanted to try and replicate it.

Before applying makeup I scrubbed my face and splashed it with a toner. I let that dry then did the following.

 Face

Step1: I applied CoverGirl Outlast 3in1 foundation with my fingers all over my face and neck. Using your fingers to apply foundation gives it a really good sheer coverage that will last all day.

Step2: Used NYX HD concealer under my eyes, upper parts of my cheeks, and down the center of my nose. I use the concealer doubled as a highlighter to bring out certain features.

Step3: Placed CoverGirl + Olay Concealer Balm around my nose, since I tend to get rid in that area, and on any blemishes I may have. 

Step4: Lightly covered my T-zone with a light translucent powder. I tend to sweat here more and the powder kind of helps.

Step5: I brushed NYC Sun 'n' Bronze with an ELF Blush brush over my cheeks, using it to contour my cheek bones and give my face a sunny, glowy, bronzed appearance. 

Eyes

Step1: When I used the powder on my face, I also used it on my eyelids as a base. This helps with any type of creasing that may occur during the day.

Step2: Used a very nude, natural, eye shadow to flatten the color of my eyelids and make them brighter. I used Revlon's matte eyeshadow color, Bone. 

Step3: Curled my eyelashes and used a waterproof mascara, since I was going to be outside some of the day, and it's hot, my mascara won't smudge under my eyes. I used Maybelline's Falsies Big Eyes in waterproof black. 

Step4: I also darkened my eyebrows just a little bit, because when I apply foundation and powder I smear it EVERYWHERE, including my eyebrows. This makes them a lot lighter than they should be. So lightly brushing CoverGirls Brow and Eye Makers pencil over it is a nice touch.

Lips

Maybelline's Color Whisper in Go Nude

Now, a key product that I used was a little bit of Loreal's Magic Lumi Light Infusing primer under my eyes afterwards. This helps bring out of that glow underneath my eyes. Making me look wide awake and glowing! I also used it before I applied foundation, but I wanted to use just a little bit more over the top. I know it says it's a primer, but like I said, to achieve the look I was going for, I had to do something different!

Let me know if you try this look and how it works for you. Obviously you can use most of the products that you have at your home. These are what I have handy and readily available myself. If you don't already though, I highly suggest in investing in the light infusing primer. It's amazing and something you can always keep around to use when you want to stand out and for special occasions. Enjoy! 

Don't forget I'm also on Bloglovin' and you can follow me there for new posts too!

Skin Care for Traveling

  It's Summer time and the time to travel! Whether it be a road trip, or a short plane ride, everyone is going places. I know I have already gone on a couple trips this summer and still have a few coming up. I just got back this week from Alabama and that is not a short car ride for me(about eight and a half hours). I am sure I am not the only one that this happens to, but when I am traveling my skin goes CRAZY. When I'm in a plane, it gets dry, when I'm in a car, it gets oily. I'm going to let you know what I do once I get home to help treat my face and make it feel special again.

Traveling by Car
 While I'm in the car, I don't know what it is, but my skin gets a little oily feeling. I don't normally have oily skin so it's weird to me. What I like to bring along are some oil blotting papers, just a little travel size pack. I'm not an expert on these so I just get the smallest cheapest pack I can find and keep them in my travel bag/purse. Whenever I get to a rest spot, or if I'm the passenger, I'll just use these to blot my face. Usually around my nose and forehead.

 Once I'm home I pamper my face, once everything unpacked of course... I give it a good wash, usually with an exfoliant and warm water, to open up my pores, and rinse it with cool water, which then closes the pores. These is the best way to wash your face because you're getting deep down into crevices you didn't even know you had! Ew! After that, if there is any breakouts, I will use my handy dandy Tea Tree Oil pads and gently rub them with these. Finally, I will use a toner, on my fingertips, and dab it all over my face. Since my face was oily, none of these will make it extra greasy or oily. Instead it does the opposite and my face feels super clean and happy afterward!

Traveling by Plane
  Now with planes, there isn't too much I do on a plane in regards to my dry skin. The obvious solution for dry skin is to moisturize it, but I tend to wear makeup all the time so that wouldn't help me out very much. But once I'm off the plane, and at my destination, I wash my face with a cream cleanser and apply a good amount of moisturizer. Another good fix for taking care of dry skin would be by applying a hydrating mask!


What I recommend

• Exfoliant: Blemish Control Apricot Scrub, Fresh Skin Apricot Cleanser, Visibly Even® Foaming Cleanser
• Toner: Pore Refining Toner
• Cream Cleanser: Deep Clean Cream Cleanser
• Facial Masks: Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks 

May Favorites

  For the last couple months, especially May, I have tried out a few different things and wanted to share with you the ones I have enjoyed the most! These items are great for spring and summer time. They either smell fresh, clean, and fruity; or takes care of your skin, given how the weather normally is this time of year, as well. 

Makeup

Almay Intense i-Color Smokey-i Kit
  I had the Shimmer-i Kit for blue eyes too, but I really like the color in this palette. I chose the one for green eyes this time. (I clearly don't know my eye color) Now, I don't really think the palettes really bring out your eye color, which they may for some people, but I just like the colors. This one is a nice dark purple, grey, and light pink. Pretty for spring!

Covergirl LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm
  This stuff really is perfection. It gives great color, shine and leaves your lips feeling hydrated...like lip balm! I currently only have one color, Coral Twist. Great color for spring and summer and definitely plan on investing in more.

The Colossal Cat Eyes Mascara
  This is by Maybelline. To be honest, I definitely bought this because of the name. And I love it. Enough said.

Body

Essie Nail Polish - Watermelon
  I love Essie polish and I got this one for my birthday this year. I love the color, once again, great for this time of year.

EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream
  This stuff is amazing. It's like the EOS lip balm, just on your legs and it smells amazing. I have the Lavender Jasmine one. GET IT.

Australian Gold Continuous Spray with Bronzer
  This is my go-to for sun screen. The smell is. Just makes me think of summer every time. And a plus is that it has instant bronzer! You automatically get a glow as soon as you spray it on. It also comes in higher SPFs, as well as, the lower ones used for "deep tanning".

Hair

Herbal Essences Naked Shampoo and Conditioner
  Besides smelling like a juicy, fruity candy, this shampoo and conditioner is a great "slightly natural" moisturizer for your dry, salt water drenched hair.

L'Oreal BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse
  I've been searching for a good mousse that didn't leave my hair feeling dry after I used it or look like it needs to be washed after a day. This one is a new favorite. It even gives my dull flat hair a lot more volume!

  
  All of these items I bought at my local Target. I'm sure you can get all or most of them at Walmart or Drugstores too! If you've tried any of these or have any more questions about them, just let me know!

I'm Still Alive

 FINALLY. So I've been having a some computer issues on posting, mainly with pictures, considering my main computer is completely smashed...womp. I have had this one post in mind for the past month, but have been unable to put it up because I obviously have pictures to go with it. I apologize for this one is not going to be as interesting, considering there isn't anything to really look at but words, but I have to let you guys know I'M STILL HERE!

 Since the sun has been a lot stronger lately and the heat has arrived, for the most part, I just want to remind everyone to take care of your skin! Make sure you keep it moisturized, as always, and to wear makeup or moisturizer that has an SPF of at least 30 in it. And as a firm believer in Aveeno, their Daily Moisturizer and Tinted Daily Moisturizer does me real good. I have actually been using the tinted one as a base under my foundation and it seems to last me a lot longer than usual, during the work day.

 My next post plans to be a Review of a fairly new product. Message or email me other things you would like for me to talk about, try out, or review!

 I hope everyone is having a nice day and I'm sorry, again, for taking so long to post. FORGIVE ME.

Wake Up Looking Flawless

  I have seen this on other beauty sites and magazines lately. I thought, why not write a blog on it of my own! It's mainly for those ladies out there that are staying the night, or weekend, with their special someone, or not so special, that's up to you, or with people whom they want to persuade into thinking they "just woke up this perfect". 
  I won't lie, there have been a few, or many, mornings, when I first started dating my boyfriend, that I wanted him to think I woke up with that perfect glow. No blemishes or redness on my face and had the best looking "morning lips". I would wake up to go to the bathroom, before he would, and do my business, but while I was in there I'd splash my face with some cold water, and put on some concealer, mascara and chap stick and spray my body down with body mist and hop back into bed. I know I am not the only one that has done that; and if I am, well now you know one of my secrets. But I realized that there are far better ways to do this. You don't have to put on any makeup when waking up. It's all in how you just treat yourself before going to bed. 
  First things first, wash your face. It doesn't matter whether it's an exfoliate or regular cleansing wash, just make sure all of your makeup is off your face and it is fresh. 
  Next, moisturize, but use a tinted moisturizer. A BB cream is okay but I like the "tinted moisturizers" like Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. I just feel like it's more refreshing and it doesn't feel like you have a layer of anything on your face. And obviously using a moisturizer, or a BB cream, is better than putting on any more makeup before bed. Another little tip that you could do, totally optional, is using L'Oreal Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer under your eyes and on the upper parts of your cheeks. This would go underneath your moisturizer, or BB cream. What this does is basically act as a highlighter and brightens up any place on your face that you place it. A little bit of it goes a long way, trust me. Some may say that this is totally unnecessary, which could be true, but who cares, it looks amazing! 
  Lastly, use some chap stick. Regular 'ol chap stick will work. Just use something to moisturize your lips, while you're sleeping. When you wake up they'll be perfectly luscious!

Alternative Eyeliner/Smudgey Eye Makeup

  So I know how I've gone on about winged eyeliner, which I will show how I do it soon, but lately I've been trying something new.  This is an alternative for winged eyeliner but also gives a good dark, yet subtle, eye.  I love a dark edgy look so I tried to use regular 'ol black eyeliner, not liquid, and then smudged it up and made it look messy.  Here is what I did. 
  I used Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in black and lightly lined my lower lash line/water line and did my upper lash line as well.  Then, I went through and put on a thin layer of eyeliner along my eyelid.  I took my ring finger, since it is the softest and gentlest finger, and rubbed in my eyeliner on both my eyelid and lower lash line.  This gives the simple smokey effect and also the dramatic eye.  
  That is all I'm wearing in this picture.  Wanted to get this post up for you guys today, since it's my day off this week.  But I will also pair this eye liner with nude or shimmery eye shadows, as well.  Makes your eyes just POP!

  I love doing this now for work or if I'm in a slight hurry to get out the door and don't have time to do the dramatic winged eyeliner.  So, try it out and let me know how it works for you!

February Favorites

  Even though February is the shortest month of the year, it has felt like the longest month I have ever gone through!  But during this short month I have tried a few different things and I thought I would let you  know what my favorite items were for the month!

Neutrogena Visibly Even Foam Cleanser
  Neutrogena is my favorite brand of face wash.  So I'd thought I'd try something new and I love this stuff.  It has a gentle feel and a fresh, light, clean smell.  It is foamy, yet it has extremely gentle exfoliation beads.  I use this as my daily cleanser just about every day and it has yet to dry me out.

Montagne-Jeunesse Face Masks
  I have always been a fan of these.  I get them constantly and probably use 1-2 a month.  They're extremely cheap and are amazing and delicious!  These masks come in such a variety of application types and "flavors".  You can get them as mud masks, non-drying masks, cream masks, fabric masks, peel-off masks, and more!  I get mine at Wal-Mart and they're anywhere from $1-$3. Awesome, right?

Shea Sugar Body Scrub
  This is by Tree Hut.  I got mine at Ulta for only a little over $7.  Mine is Hawaiian Kukui and it smells so good.  I like to use it a couple times a week to really exfoliate my skin, mainly elbows and knees.  It's so gentle but works amazingly.  It leaves me feeling extremely smooth when I get out of the shower.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm
  This I got about a week before Valentine's day because I wanted to do a red lip, but not the type of red lip that I always do.  I got Audacious. (I think) This stuff is fantastic because I feel like when you use it just all by itself, without lip liner, and it lasts for a long time.  It is super pigmented, which is a definite plus.  You should have a mirror when applying it though. Definitely wouldn't just wing it.


  Sorry this may not be the most exciting post, but it's something I thought would be interesting and I might start doing at the end of every month.  Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions on what else I should talk about and what you think about this one.

  Also, check me out and/or follow me on Bloglovin'.

Luscious and Long Lasting Lips

  Over the past few months I have been obsessed with lipstick and tinted lip balm sticks.  I used to hate wearing anything other than regular chap stick on my lips, until one day I tried a little color and I LOVED it.  Now I practically wear something on my lips every day.  Whether it be a deep purple, red, pink, or a nude.  I want my color to last for a long time during the day.  I don't get too much time to stop and do touch ups while I'm at work. 
  No one wants their lips to lose their color an hour after wearing lip gloss, or their lipstick wearing off half way through the day.  SO, I have put together four easy steps that will help keep the color stay in tact for a long day, as well as, making your lips appear full and luscious.

Lip Liner: Rimmel London Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner in 057 Ravish
Lipstick: Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in 045 Raspberry

Step 1: Use your toothbrush to lightly exfoliate.  Just use water and light circular motions over your lips.  This gets the blood rushing up to your lips making them look and feel fuller.  This also gets rid of dead skin that your lip liner and lipstick would hold onto.

Step 2: Use lip liner to outline.  If your lips are uneven like mine are, this is how you would even them out to perfect the shape.  This is also just an outline so your lipstick doesn't go outside of the lines.

Step 3: Using your lip liner, color in your lips.  Work from the outside towards the middle but don't fill everything in.  By doing this, this helps the color become bolder and stay longer during the day.

Step 4: Apply your lipstick.  Do one or two strokes across the top and repeat on the bottom.

VOILA! Easy way for your lips to look full and luscious and to keep your color lasting for hours!

**Just a side note. I used my phone to take these pictures and to edit the process. So don't judge on the amateur quality! 

Stubborn Blemishes

  So I called out of work because of the weather today.  I am not trying to drive an hour to work in inclement weather, that will most likely be worse when I get off. No thanks.  So I have decided to post something new!  I want to explain how I feel is the best way to get rid of stubborn blemishes.  It's a routine I used a lot in the summer to prevent breakouts.  Now I'm just doing the routine when I feel like something is about to pop up or when the stubborn little thing has already arrived.  I don't want my skin to dry out, since it is winter, because during the summer this was something I did just about every single day.  Here are three easy steps to help demolish those face demons in just a couple days.  For best results, do this at night before bed.

  Step 1:  Fully cleanse the face with a facial scrub or cleanser.  In this instance I use a scrub to scrub off the already dead skin and to hopefully prevent anything to come about.  I, of course, use my St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub, or the St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub, both are amazing.  The coarseness of the scrub just makes me "feel" like I'm getting something done.

  Step 2: I use Tea Tree Oil Pads from Trader Joe's.  These are AMAZING.  If tea tree oil works best for you I would suggest looking into these.  If there isn't a way for you to access these wonderful things, using Tea Tree Oil on a cotton ball, Q-tip, or cotton pad would work too.  Rub it over the areas that are breaking out or very prone to breaking out.  Tea Tree Oil is very drying, this is why I can't do this routine every day during this time of year. 

  Step 3:  Use just a tiny dab of Neutrogena's On-The-Spot Acne Treatment on top of the blemishes and the areas you're breaking out.  This stuff is oil-free and doesn't cause much irritation or dryness on the skin.

  This routine works best for me.  Let me know what works best for you or if you try this one, how it all worked out!

Revlon Colorstay Shadowlinks - Review

  Okay this is something that I have noticed in drugstores recently and I have thought they were so neat looking, and they are Revlon Colorstay Shadowlinks!
  I purchased a few links the other day, just 4 neutral colors, but you can build your own palettes.  You don't have to buy different "pods" and a palette tray; and you can have as many colors as you want in one palette!  They come in many different colors, including, mattes, pearls and metallic colors.  I purchased two matte colors, Bone and Blush, one pearl color, Sand and one metallic, Oyster.  Now granted I did only get neutral colors, nothing with a great amount of pigment but I still love the base that the mattes gives and the shimmer, that the metallic and pearl gives off. I would love to try the darker colors, like Taupe, Purple and Eggplant, to see what their pigmentation looks like.  I have worn mine for the past few days and noticed that the coloring does stay on and last most of the day.  I have not noticed any creasing, and the colors blend very well. 
  I also think these are great for when you're traveling and don't want to take a long many different eye shadow palettes, just to use one or two colors from them.  With this you can mix and match the colors with what you need or make your own color palettes.  I honestly find this so much easier to keep in my every day makeup bag, and if I have any extra colors I don't use every day, I'll just put them along with the rest of my makeup, to use another time I need it.
  Below is a picture of the display from the store.  I've noticed that you can purchase them at most drugstores, this was at Walgreens.  I have yet to find them in a Walmart or Target.

  If you've tried these yet, let me know what you think of them!

BLOGLOVIN'

Easy Snow Day Makeup

  We've had a good amount of snow fall lately, and I LOVE it! I love the cold, snow, hot coffee, and especially the look that the cold gives people's faces. It makes the skin glisten and gives the nose and cheeks such a natural rosey look. 
  So the past couple days I've been off work and gone out on some snow and ice adventures with my boyfriend and his friends.  I didn't want to get too "dolled up" but I wanted to look presentable and cute of course.  I quickly used some basic essentials and did something a little different with my eye makeup. 

  For my face, I used my trusting Covergirl 3-1 Foundation in color 840.  Then my NYX concealer stick in fair. Followed by, my Covergirl smoothers pressed powder in 715, translucent medium.

  With my eyes, all I did was curl them and apply my Rimmel Glam'eyes mascara, and then used the Covergirl Flamed Out shadow pencil in color 350, Melted Caramel. This is more of a bronze color I use under my eyes to add a shimmer.  It's like doing a reverse eye shadow, leaving my eye lids naked. 

  My lips are just covered in Maybelline Color Whispers, in color 20, Mocha Muse.  I love this lipstick because it's a great nude color for me.  I have naturally dark pink lips, so in the picture it looks like a pink, but it's honestly not. 

  That's all there is to it! I apologize for my crazy hair, but I wanted to get this post up before the snow melted!

  If you like this type of post, let me know!  Have a great weekend!

BLOGLOVIN'

Simply Ageless

  Many of us want that flawless, wrinkle free, fresh skin.  Whether we are 20 years old or 60 years old we want to look as young as possible or to just simply age the best.  Well believe it or not it's not just all in those creams or serums.  You have to take care of your skin and keep it clean, moisturized, and protected from the sun.  There are a bunch of different treatments out there for you, but this is an easier and informative solution to help you with those fine lines and wrinkles. 

  My skin care routine is fairly simple but it takes care of business.  I simply wash my face in the morning, alternating days, with a face scrub like St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub, which is 100% natural, paraben free and sulfate free or Neutrogena's Deep Clean Cream Cleanser.  Every once in awhile I will use a toner after I wash my face, if I do, it's been Neutrogena's Pore Refining Toner.  After I wash my face and/or splash my face with toner, I will moisturize it with Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, and this also has the bonus of a SPF-15, which helps with blocking out those UV rays from the sun which can cause wrinkling. I also like this moisturizer because it helps even out my skin tone, I have fairly red cheeks, and this helps calm it down a little.  Honestly, that is all I do in the morning before applying my makeup.  At night, sometimes all I do is use Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes and my moisturizer, and that gets the job done. This has been my routine for a good while now and I seem to have pretty damn good skin when it comes to having wrinkles! Granted I'm only 23...

  The key is to make sure you protect your skin the best that you can.  Every month or so, I'll give myself a facial, and use masks and tea-tree oil on harsh spots on my face to keep it clear of blemishes. The masks usually help for hydration and radiance.  You don't want to use a facial scrub everyday because it can wear down and damage the areas on your face where the skin is sensitive, therefore, causing wrinkles.  A scrub could be used every other day, or once a week if you have dry skin.  Make sure you always keep your face hydrated and use moisturizer at least twice a day and it's BEST if you use the moisturizers with at least SPF-15 in it.  And last but not least, just make sure you always clean your skin. Wash your face at least twice a day, whether it's with a cleansing towelette or cleanser, and I've always been told sleeping in your makeup makes you age faster and we don't want that!


  I am now subscribed to Bloglovin so if you want to follow me on there click the picture on the top right of my page.  You can subscribe with email on the left side of my page, and with any email! You don't have to have a gmail account to subscribe! And as always, let me know what you'd like to learn or hear more about! 

Baby Lips Dr. Rescue- Review

  Now I'm sure everyone is aware of Maybelline's Baby Lips, the tinted lip balm.  It became popular back in 2012 and now has a new "medicated" version called Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Lip Balm.  I just wanted today's post to be a review of this product.  I was going to go over something a different topic, but this specific one just seems to keep popping up for me and I figured I'd go ahead and let you know what I think about it and other great chap sticks.

  To be blunt, the Dr. Rescue version of this lip balm is not all that great.  I do believe it was just a big hype, come fall and winter, and marketed for people to just buy something that is more "medicated" than their original balms.  I like the original tinted Baby Lips because they actually work.  I originally bought this new Dr. Rescue balm a few months back because my lips this winter are unbelievably dry.  I thought I would try it because I do enjoy the regular Baby Lips.  When I first wore it, it had a highly menthol-like smell.  I put it on and at first the color just seemed weird.  When I rubbed my lips together the tint, or pigment, just stuck to the dry part of my lips and the rest of the color didn't even stay, it was very liquid-like and loose on the rest of my lips.  The color that I bought was the "Peach" color.  I wanted something more nude to wear, but when I put it on, it was highly pigmented and like I said before, just stuck, altogether, very awkwardly.  On a brighter note, the original Baby Lips products works great, the texture of the lip balm and even the pigment of the colors work and look unbelievable.

  Other products that I recommend for very chapped lips this year is Burt's Bees chap stick, Chapstick, the original chap stick, Blistex, and Soft Lips.  These have all been around for a good while but still, in my opinion, work the best.  A good tip is to put chap stick on before you go to bed and you'll wake up with extremely soft, voluptuous lips in the morning.  Another thing that you can do, and a cheap way to exfoliate your lips, is to just use your toothbrush in the morning after brushing your teeth and gently, in circular motions, massage your lips with it for a few seconds.  This helps get rid of any dead skin on your lips and makes them feel extremely smooth.  You can also do this at night before bed, prior to putting on your favorite chap stick, or even Vaseline. This is a great alternative if you don't have the money to get those fancy lip scrubs.

  Don't forget to put your email in the box on the upper left hand side to subscribe to me and receive emails for when I update, and leave me a comment or message me on Facebook on any other topics you want to hear about in the future.  Also, let me know if this review is helpful and if you would like to hear more of these.  I like to hear feedback on what is interesting and what is helpful, so I know what to do in the future.  Again, I have a good amount of topics ready and I'm excited to share them with you!!

Makeup Essentials

  "Essential" makeup is what I feel like I almost cannot leave the house without putting on my face.  Below are just a few of the things I wear on a daily basis, but it's what I usually  can't leave the house without using a little of.

  Foundation.  Now we all know that foundation, or a tinted moisturizer, is the base and "foundation" of any makeup.  This evens out the skin tone, covers up hyper pigmentation, and blemishes.  My favorite foundation that I have been obsessed with over the past few months is Covergirl's 3 in 1 foundation.  This contains a primer, concealer, and foundation all in one.  It works amazingly in covering the skin evenly, leaving little to no steaks, and lasts FOREVER.  It even works great for oily, dry and combination skin and it feels so light!  I like foundations that are more of a cream/liquid consistency, rather than liquid or powder, simply because I feel like the coverage is best.  I rarely have to touch my face up during the day with this foundation, and I work some long days.  
  Now, to apply it, I will sometimes use my fingers, which are the BEST tools to use, and sometimes I'll use my flat top kabuki brush.  This type of brush I find works best than any other tool, other than my fingers, to apply.  It never streaks like it would when I would use my small stipple brush, and it is super soft and gentle on the skin. 

  Concealer. Some people may or may not need concealer.  I use it after foundation, rather than before like most people, only because I use it to retouch, especially because my foundation already does a lot of the concealing itself.  I used to put it on before the foundation but I always felt that when I applied my foundation it basically wiped off my concealer and I found myself putting it on again.  This being said, I find it so much easier to apply the concealer afterwards.  The results are far more greater.  For this, I use Covergirl's concealer stick or the NYX concealer stick.  I use it in a similar color to my foundation; but you can also use a lighter color, as well as, the matching color, to use under your eyes if you have bags, or if you just want to give yourself more of an "awake" look. 

  To apply concealer I feel that a sponge is your best option.  I use a knock-off beauty blender sponge from Target to push the concealer into my skin.  It's the best way to blend it too.
  Eyeliner or Mascara.  Now this is probably not an essential for a lot of people, but it is for me.  If you know me well, you know that I am always rocking a 'cat eye' or 'winged' eyeliner.  I love it!  But some days, when I'm not feeling taking the time to draw it on, or if it's just a chill day and doing some simple errands, or I don't feel like looking edgy all day, I'll just curl my lashes and use mascara.  My favorite eyeliner, and it is definitely by far my all time favorite, is the Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner.  I have been using this eyeliner for YEARS and find that it lasts the longest throughout the day, doesn't smudge, and has such an easy applicator it'll make you want to draw that eyeliner on for days.  As far as mascara goes, I don't have too much of a preference.  At this moment, I am using Rimmel's Glam'Eyes Mascara, which I have used a few times before and I love.....and before that I used Covergirl's Lash Blast Fusion Mascara, which worked really well and visibly extended my lashes.

  Lips. Depending on the day and my mood, depends on what I wear on my lips.  But I always feel like one should wear something!  Whether it be chap stick, lip gloss, or a lipstick, the lips just don't look right completely naked.  I could go on forever on my favorite products for this section, so I'll save that for another time.  

  All of the products mentioned above I usually can just pick up at Target and CVS.  The most expensive I would say would be the foundation, but it is definitely worth it.  The most I have seen it for is $10. Which is awesome!

  If you haven't noticed you can now follow me by email and there is a section you can add yours in on the left side!  So follow me to know when my next post will be!

Welcome!

  As a pretty recent college graduate, I work a full time job and pay the majority of my bills myself, excluding my phone bill and my car, which was a graduation present.  That said, I am still looking for my dream job and the money that I currently make mostly goes towards my bills, after that I still have food and gas to pay for and then get a little bit of extra money for myself.  Now lets get this straight, I am a girl, so I love to spend a lot of my money on clothes and beauty products, it's an obsession; but because I don't have all that money to drop on $80 foundation, a $30 eye liner or a $40 astringent. I hop on down to Ulta, Target, or even CVS to get the best drug store brand that works best for me.  That's what I want this blog to be about. 
  Makeup and skincare items that are affordable, yet what I feel has the best quality for coverage, durability on long days, and just what overall works the best.  Now, even though I am going to post a good amount of facts about products, and techniques, this blog is mostly about my opinion and what works best for me. They can work for other people, but even the information that I give can be very helpful for anyone!

Background...
  I have always had a passion for makeup and beauty products but I especially became interested into trying different things, a few years ago.  I started watching YouTube videos on makeup tutorials.  Funny thing is, the first one I really watched was Pixiwoo, a duo team of sisters, and makeup artists from London, that did a makeup tutorial on drag makeup.  I loved all the detail and the transformation of the makeup and how creative it was.  So I spent hours watching these girls, with amazing accents, show different videos on how to do things from everyday makeup, celebrity makeup, and special effects makeup.  After awhile, I searched and found a bunch of different beauty vlogs, video blogs, that really interested me.  I love seeing how different people, around the world, and with different skin types use their makeup.  Zoella, Ingrid, and Kandee Johnson, just to name a few, are the vlogs on YouTube that I still watch today.  I experiment with my makeup everyday and always use and try different techniques that I watch or read about.

  I am excited to start this new journey with my writing and I appreciate everyone interested in following me!  Leave a comment, message, or email me in things that you would like to read and learn about.  I have a good amount of things in mind and can't wait to share them with you.  I plan to post every week or every other week. 

  Thank you!

--Ashley