Escape what is haunting you and run free.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Speedy How to: Fix Broken Makeup

That the moment your favorite blush hits the cold hard ground is truly a tragedy. You may think, "Well that's 20 bucks down the drain" but fear not I have a solution! All you need is rubbing alcohol too, something you probably already have. I have used this on multiple different occasions and it always works. 

1. Break up all the pieces of makeup until its fine. 
2. Add cap fulls of the isopropyl alcohol till the texture becomes like a paste
3. Smooth the paste it looks good as new !
4. Wait overnight for it to dry! 
5. WAHLA brand new powdered makeup. 

BEFORE
AFTER


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Haul of Wonderous Items

I did a little mother daughter shopping today so I thought I would share what I picked up because I'm psyched about everything!

First is Ulta. I had a 20% off coupon, but I didn't buy anything huge just some small things I've been eyeing.

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara
I was running out of mascara so I needed to pick one up! Maybelline has my favorite mascaras and this is one I haven't tried yet. One of my favorite beauty gurus on Youtube, MissMeghanMakeup, raves about this mascara and her lashes always look phenomenal so I thought hey why not? It was $4.40 with the coupon. I will def do a review on this.



Maybelline Color Show Holographic Nail Polish in Blue Blaze 05
I just now realized that everything but one was from Maybelline... whoops. I think these holographic nail polishes are new and they're so stunning. I have yet to try this line of nail polishes so let's hope its a goodie! I also picked up another shade that I will show right below this. Oops almost forgot to mention that this was $3.19! SCORE



Maybelline Color Show Holographic Nail Polish in Alluring Rose 15
I thought both colors were so stunning for year round that I had to get both. Plus they were such a bargain! I can't wait to paint my nails for once! Also $3.19 :)




Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Fine Liner Brush 
I'm a huge real technique brush fan. I think they're great quality for a very reasonable price. I have been needing a smaller eyeliner brush for more precision as I hate a really heavy eyeliner look on me and that's all I can achieve with the brush I own now. I think it will be a winner! $4.79              





Maybelline Super Stay 10 Hour Stain Gloss in Pleasing Plum 170
I bought this on a whim as it was marked down to only $2.29! That's not counting the 20% off so it came to only a whopping $1.83. I already tried it on and its pretty rockin. It gives nice look to my lips and is surprisingly moisturizing! The color is definitely something I would wear in the winter/fall, but that's not too far away...



Next is Jo Ann Fabrics where I only picked up one thing. I thought it had a really nice vintage quality to it and I have been need more space to hang my bags and jackets.

On sale for only like $5.50! Man I'm on a roll!

I also stopped in a local boutique where I picked up three really nice clothing pieces. I can't list the store as it's local, but I will list the brands/ sites to hopefully find the items if you like them.

Ya Los Angeles Knit Poncho $30 in size M http://www.yalosangeles.com/Main.aspx
Really like this for year round. I love very baggy, comfy sweater type tops so this was right up my alley.



Cecine Navy Sweater $29.95 in size M http://www.cecico.com/ This is an awesome lightweight sweater I can't wait to wear for fall and winter. Love the detailing on the side. 

I put on the flash as the detailing wasn't showing up 


 


M. Rena Unique Printed Top with Lace Detailing along the back $50 in One Size fits all http://www.m-rena.com/
I love the huge arm holes as it's pretty flattering with a bandeau. I love the pattern and loose fit of this shirt. Definitely a "me" piece. 


Back detailing 






Speedy How to: Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment that Kicks BUTT

Helloooo. For this next How to I wanted to talk about conditioning your precious hair. In the summer time the heat, pool, and sweat will leave your hair feeling just plain old nasty. So it's especially important to deep condition your hair in the warmer months to revive and moisturize your locks. This is the easiest conditioning treatment I have used because its cheap, natural, and effective. COCONUT OIL. This is all you need. Pick it up at any grocery or health food store and you won't regret it. I will be doing a whole post on the benefits of coconut oil in the near future as well.

1. With dry hair, goop on a hearty amount of 100% pure virgin Coconut Oil (magic). Don't be afraid to get the scalp as this is a good oil that will help with your hair's natural oiliness
2. Let it sit anywhere from 10 minutes to overnight to penetrate it with all of its goodness
3. In the shower shampoo your hair before it gets wet as this will remove the oil more effectively
4. Condition as usual or skip, but I always condition because my hair is naturally pretty dry and frizzy.
5. Air dry or style as usual and WAHLA beautiful, shiny, soft mane you will have

P.S. I try to do this at least once or twice a week. I wouldn't do it anymore because it can cause buildup.

Fashion at the Moment

Flower crowns. High waisted shorts. Crop tops. This is your basic outfit of way too many girls between the ages of I wanna say 14-18. And quite frankly when these trends first started I liked it. The whole boho, effortless vibes was something I totally dug. Until everyone and their mother and their mother's niece was wearing a Coachella inspired "hipster" if you will style. The stores of Brandy Melville, Urban Outfitters, and Topshop ate this shit up. Giving girls hundreds of different washes of "vintage" looking short shorts and a basic white crop top became all too easy. I am totally for dressing how you want to dress so I'm not saying that this look is something you shouldn't wear, but I would like to see more variety. Fashion to me is about the patterns, shapes, colors, and the masterpiece you become when you put on the clothes you love. I think of fashion as makeup in the sense that I can become who I want and feel good while doing it. I would like to say I loved clothing right out of the womb, but then I would be lying to you. I first remember my love affair with designing clothes when I was around 9 or 10. Since then it has been something I have loved and cherished. I could do a whole post about my journey with fashion if I end up thinking that's interesting enough. For now I just want to give a piece of advice that will probably end up sounding cheesy but I will tell you anyway. Don't be afraid to wear something because its not what everyone else is wearing. Choose to wear things that make you happy because they will. I find it pretty incredible that wearing a certain outfit can impact a person's confidence and mood.
This is my first all fashion post and I really want to continue to do more even though it might be a challenge snapping outfits I wear. This will be  something I will definitely  have to work on  and for now this is just an introduction of sorts <3

Monday, July 29, 2013

Back to School? Eh.

Sadly, summer has to come to a close. And for a lot of us, its ending sooner than we would like. I think everyone deserves time to do things they love with the people they love so my summer break has been great. I haven't done anything extravagant, just fun little things here and there. It seems as though its one of my best summers yet for a few reasons. 1. I had a great season with my softball team. I just ended tonight, which is very bittersweet as my teammates have become such good friends of mine that I spent practically my whole summer with. 2. I really got into shape/eating healthy as I have had more free time and motivation to be a better me. 3. I started this blog! I only started it 20 days ago out of a mix of curiosity/hope. I wanted to start a little project for myself as I didn't find a job to keep me occupied most of the time. I use it whenever I have free time, but I also try to carve out some time for posts. Its been a really great thing that makes me feel happy and proud. 4. My friendships have grown stronger than ever. I have four awesome best friends that I feel are closer to me now more than ever. I think that the future holds exciting things for me and I can't wait to take a fresh start on my journey. I will be facing one of the toughest school years yet, junior year. The words ACT and college sum up most high schoolers junior year. I am optimistic about my academics next year as well as my social life. I feel myself wanting to take charge more and look for better things to be doing. I hope that one day I can look back and know all the little things are what add up to make one big great thing. So for now I bid you goodnight and I hope you have had and are having a truly spectacular summer <3

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Wishlist- Back to School

Hello so this has been something I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to do, but I ended up caving to myself. I will be sharing a few things I have been eyeing lately that I hope to be purchasing. I think this will be helpful because then you guys could see the things I want to try and then I can share my opinion on it after testing out. LET'S BOUNCE!

Urban Decay - Naked Basics Palette
Not my photo it's from www.sephora.com


 Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette $27. I would say this is reasonably priced for Urban Decay eyeshadows as they're all full sized and individually they would be $18 a crack. I like natural eyeshadow for day to day if I do wear eyeshadow. I find myself being lazy with eye looks in the summer and early mornings for school so I think this would be perfect for that. It contains 5 matte and 1 semi-shimmery eyeshadow shades. Not to mention it could be used for brows or as an eyeliner (matte black).



Bumble and bumble - The Surf Set
Not my photos it's from  www.sephora.com



Bumble and Bumble The Surf Set $28. I really love the effortless beach waves look and so this seems to be the perfect kit for me. I have been looking for a new shampoo and conditioner as mine just aren't doing the job. The shampoo and conditioner supposed work together to create the "base" for the beachy style as the Surf Spray will add texture and body. Sounds like a party to me.



Not my photo it's from www.polyvore.com

Chuck Taylor Hi Top in White $55. I have been eyeing these for a couple years after I have been living in my Lo-Top Black Converse for the past three years. They're timeless, but still manage to give a vintage-cool feel to any outfit. The off-white "color"  is a fresh and crisp finishing touch to this beauty.





Speedy How To: At Home Manicure

I'm thinking of doing a series of these posts called "Speedy How To", which will consist me giving my best step by step approach to basic things that most of us do. Starting with something I need to do desperately, an at home manicure.
  1. Obviously remove all traces of polish. 
  2. Coat your fingernails and cuticles in your favorite oil (I use coconut)
  3. Let it soak for at least a couple of minutes to soften the nail and cuticles. 
  4. Wash off oil and clean up cuticles. 
  5. Trim and file for shape
  6. Add a base coat for a longer wear time
  7. Add 1-2 coats of your desired nail lacquer 
  8. Finish with a top coat or fast dry depending on how fast or not fast you are working, but if you can always use a top coat as this will protect and seal the color better than the fast dry. 

Drugstore Gems- The Best of the Best Part UNO

Hello! Happy Sunday! I had a great day and I hope you did too! So I'm going to share with you twelve products from the drugstore that I think you should try the next time you stop into CVS for shaving cream. I don't think you have to pay a lot to find good makeup and in this case this is all great stuff!

NYC Sunny Bronzer $4
I would say this is a cult favorite so I picked it up the last time I was at Target and woohoo is this awesome. It's great for us pale girls or if your a beginner with makeup. Bronzer can be a tricky thing. There is a fine line between Victoria Secret model and Snooki. This is a must have for a year round bronzed face.




Maybelline Color Tattoo $7
These are perfect for lazy days or under any eyeshadow for extra pop. It increases the wear time for powder eyeshadows. It's also very vibrant and creamy. They're just a breeze to apply and wear. 

I have Barely Branded and Bad to the Bronze 
Rimmel Scandaleyes Liner $4
I have raved about these before. They're so so creamy and so so long wearing. I love the nude and brown shades for everyday. I would consider these a dupe to the Urban Decay 24/7 except oops these are better !

Brown and Nude
NYC Blushable Creamstick in Big Apple Blush $4
This is one of the very first makeup products I ever purchased and I most definitely don't regret it. It's the only cream blush I have tried that doesn't appear greasy on my skin, but natural. The color is a perfect rosy flush. It's so quick and easy you don't have to think about it for a second. 




Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Normal Skin $10
A very long name, but I don't mind as this is the best moisturizer I have tried for daytime yet. It's not greasy and very smooth on my skin. It soaks in relatively well and provides a good base for makeup. I have had this for at least 3 months and haven't even used 1/4 of the bottle. Well worth it. 



Maybelline Color Whisper Lipstick in Who wore it Red-er ? $7
This is my favorite red lipstick from the drugstore. The quality is decent, it does feather and fade pretty quickly. The color is just so stunning thought. It has a bit of a fushia-pink quality to it while it is still a red. Beautiful color for many skin tones, especially very fair girls. 



There will be a second part as I have a ton of drugstore faves! Look out for that too!







Friday, July 26, 2013

Makeup = Confidence ?

So for about three years I have worn makeup. I started when I was around thirteen, pilling on blue mascara from Benefit because the lady put it on me and I liked it. I still think it's pretty cool so I might have to pick that up. Anyway then when I was fourteen I started doing more by adding foundation, concealer, and eyeliner to the mix. I was having a blast trying things out. Before I started using makeup I hated it. I remember my friends tried to put eyeliner on me once and I refused, but they finally did and I hated it. I thought I looked so strange and it hurt. Probably because it was a cheapy F21 eyeliner and that was all I wore so that was not a good experience. My love of makeup grew and so did my confidence with it on. But when I took off the makeup I felt different, less acceptable. I have had acne since I was around eleven so that has always hurt my self-esteem. Makeup fixed that for the periods of time I wore it. But makeup didn't permanently help my confidence. I thought I looked completely different with and without makeup. And I felt different.
I got teased for my acne and I felt it made me gross. Like I had to wear makeup so people wouldn't see my ugly skin. I didn't realize this then, but mostly everyone suffers from breakouts at one time or another. But when your like me and it stays with you for over five years, it hurts you. I could go without eye makeup, but I could never leave my house without face makeup. It was becoming a problem. Finally something hit me. It might have been that I just stopped caring so much and dared to face the world without makeup. And when no one said anything I knew it wasn't a big deal to others. Only to me. Guy and girl friends of mine told me I don't look any different without makeup. So has my brother, uncle, and dad. They don't see why I wear it. And sometimes I don't either. But I realize I love it. Applying it, making new looks, trying new products. I love it all. But now I have a healthier perspective on makeup. I go out without makeup all the time. Now I do my makeup when I have time and actually feel like doing it. Its less of a chore and more of something fun.
People won't stop liking you because you don't wear makeup or have acne. I learned that people care way more about the person you are deep down inside. So makeup isn't something I so much  need anymore as it's something I like. Something I want to do to make me happy. Brave your own fears. If its not wearing makeup, start small. Go to the drugstore or gym without makeup. Then I promise after several times of doing it, you will feel good sporting a makeup-free face. I still have breakouts, but I'm working on a new skincare to help even more as I really want clear skin. I have wanted it for a long time and there is nothing wrong with that. I still go out without makeup. Now when I look into the mirror and see my bare face I don't think "Oh gosh I look hideous". Instead I see my eyes which are one of my favorite things about myself. I see my full eyebrows and goofy smile. I don't see the flaws as much as I see the things I love about myself. I'm still not 100% there, but its definitely better. "Everybody is beautiful to someone" -Kevin Aucoin.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

I'm in Narnia.

I don't know where I am or where I'm going. I haven't got a clue with what I want to do with myself. I'm entering my junior year of high school and I don't know who I am at all. I have been told so many different things throughout the years that I just don't know who or what to believe. But I do know that I feel like what I'm doing right now in my life isn't making me happy. I feel like I need to be doing something greater. I want to do something greater, bigger than just sitting my room watching YouTube videos. Its not fulfilling me. One day I think I want to be a journalist the next I want to be a personal trainer. I want to do something great though. I can do something great. Everyone can. This whole high school searching for myself thing is one of the toughest things. I don't understand how we can be expected to decide what we are going to pursue at only 17 or 18. Its absolutely nuts to me. I know I like music, fashion, doing makeup, boys, singing, movies, and fitness a lot. But what can I make of all or any of those. I keep telling people that I'm thinking of studying journalism in college, but that's only because I like to write and other people think I'm good at it. I don't even know exactly what journalism calls for. I don't know what life or being a good person calls for. I don't know what I call for. I'm holding myself back.
God being on my period just makes me want to cry all the time and get sad about everything.  I know I'm not the only one in this situation, but I really wanted to vent. This is a little bit diary style. Which I do pretty regularly. I may or may not do these. Again wasn't planned.
Have a good night

FOTD- Something Different than Just Mascara

I don't know about you but sweating your foundation off does not sound like a good time. So in the summer time I barely wear any makeup. But today I felt like going all out with everything. I tried to get good pictures, but the lighting was horrendous and my phone doesn't pick up colors all that well. Anyway I'm going to show you anyway because I like how it turned out and how the products looked.

FACE

I mixed Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Foundation in fair with Revlon Nearly Naked in Shell to get the perfect color and consistency. The soft matte finish of the Revlon make the Josie dewy finish less intense. Then I dusted my Studio Fix , but the powder in N5 to set everything. Added my Time Balm concealer in light under my eyes.

Sorry for the carpet background
I'm working on finding a good background to show things

EYES

I primed with Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Then I used my Physicians Formula Trio in Baked Oatmeal on my lids. The lightest color in the inner corner, middle on the lid, and darkest in crease/outer v. Then I lined my eyes with my Rimmel Scandaleyes liner in brown and applied two coats of Maybelline Illegal Length mascara.



CHEEKS

I contoured lightly with theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer. For blush I used my Rimmel Lasting Finish blush in Pink Rose. And for highlighter I used Watts up by Benefit



LIPS

I wanted something simple so I used my Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Lipstain in Charmed, a baby pink.



My like 50th attempt at showing the final look
Sorry you have to see this




Pricey Products that Deliver

Hola mi amigo! How are ya? I'm going to be sharing with you make products that are expensive as butt, yet really work. I have mentioned a few of these items in previous posts, but I thought I should reiterate their makeup goodness. Now enter makeup heaven.

MAC Lipsticks $15
These are my absolute favorite lipsticks even though I only own two. I have the colors Snob and Viva Glam Gaga. They just look stunning on the lips and feel so luxurious. They don't feather at all, which I have problems with drugstore lipsticks doing. Not to mention they smell so divine. One tube will last awhile as I find I don't need to keep reapplying. Plus there's always the Back to MAC program so you can score one for free!

Buxom Lip Products $19
I own three different types of Buxom lip products. I'm not a huge lip junkie so when I like a lip product it's a keeper. I own the lip cream in Cherry Flip, original lipgloss in Dani, and the Big and Healthy Lipstick in Sydney. All three of these products impress me so much. The cream offers so much color all while being a thin formula. The original lipgloss is more on the sheer side but its great on top of any lipstick for amazing shine. The lipstick is great because its a skinny stick so you can fill in your lips with it or use it as a regular lipstick.

Urban Decay Naked Palette $50
One of the most expensive makeup items I have ever purchased, but its so worth it. I have hit pan on 2/3 or the eyeshadows as I use them all the time. Great quality and pigmentation. The colors are perfect for everday eye looks.

MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot $18.50
This is gorgeous all over the eyes as a peachy, gold shade. Its longwearing and can be used as a base. The color is just so fantastic and unique. The formula is thin and easy to work with as well. Mine is much loved and I would repurchase it in a heartbeat. Would look absolutely stunning on blue eyes.

MAC Studio Fix Foundation Powder $27
I have talked about this a couple times because its one of my holy grail beauty items. Its my type of foundation as its natural, quick, and lightweight. It gives the most stunning finish and the coverage is easily manipulated by using different brushes/a sponge.

Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter $30
This may be cheating putting this in here as I haven't bought the full size because I got a sample size from Sephora as a birthday gift. But I will pick up the full size when I run out because its the best everyday highlighter I have used. Its  a beautiful golden champagne that I don't find too intense for everyday unlike my Mary Lou Manizer from theBalm. Absolutely gorgeous.

theBalm Cheek Products $19-24
I did a whole blog post featuring all theBalm products I own with reviews and swatches so check that out for more details on the Bahama Mama Bronzer, Mary Lou Manizer highlighter, and Hot Mama blush. http://aimfurstrange.blogspot.com/2013/07/makeup-brand-review-balm-cosmetics.html

I hope you enjoy and remember it's good to treat yourself ! Don't skimp on you !




Wednesday, July 24, 2013

More Sneaky, Priceless Beauty Secrets!

Hello friends. I'm going to do the second part to my post about beauty tricks that cost absolutely zero dolla!

Use conditioner as shaving cream
It sounds weird, but if your out of shaving cream or traveling it does the job. I probably wouldn't do this everyday though as it can clog up your razor pretty quickly.

Put out clothes you haven't worn yet.
This is something I started doing lately to help remind myself to wear clothes I don't wear often or forget I have in my closet. Just hang it on the outside of you closet or back of you door, just somewhere where you will see it!

Make it a priority to work out during your period.
Working out relives stress, cramps, and feeling down. It will make your period more tolerable as exercising makes you happier and takes your mind off things that could be bothering you such as cramps or bloating.

Workout in the beginning of the day. 
This gets you to start your day off fresh. It also makes it easier to eat healthier the rest of the day knowing you just gave your body a good workout. Try to eat a little something before hand for fuel.

Stretch as much as possible. 
This is something I need to do even more often. Of course do it before any form of exercise, but stretching after getting up and before going to bed is great for clearing your mind. Not to mention you will be more bendy! Always a bonus in my book.

Eyeshadow before foundation when working with glitter. 
This can also apply to any eyeshadow that gives you a lot of fallout. It's just a lot easier to clean it up when there's nothing on your face. Plus then you can create clean line of eyeshadow with your foundation.

Use matte bronzer as eyeshadow, eyeliner, and eyebrow color. 
Again this is perfect for traveling or if you are running low on any of those products. The eyeliner will be a softer look that gives nice definition to your eyes for a "no makeup makeup" look.

DO IT TO IT :)

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Workout Haulage!

Hello so I just got back from TJ Maxx and I thought it would be just dandy if I showed you what I got! I only got workout clothes because that was the sole purpose of me going. I was mainly look for tops as I hate working out in oversized t-shirts and would prefer a nice, breathable top. I will add prices as well. Oh gosh I'm such a maxxinista. Oh and side note try out the FUZE iced tea in lemon because danggg that is good. Anyway here are the clothes !


New Balance top $12.99 originally $26


Calvin Klein top $16.99 originally $40


Avia top $9.99 originally $20


Saucony cropped pants $24.99 originally $50
Might I add these are incredibly flattering and comfy


90 Degree by Reflex cropped pants $16.99 originally $34


This was really unplanned, but I might continue posting hauls. I was just so excited about getting new workout clothes. I think I like getting workout clothes just as much if not more than regular street clothes. Aw yeah this is how I roll. BYE <3








Major Let Downs- Hair, Skin, and Makeup Items

Hi. So I don't like to be negative, but some things just NEED TO BE SAID. I'm being over dramatic as usual, but honestly these things I'm going to show you LET ME DOWN. This doesn't mean someone else can't love it. I just didn't have a great experience with the product. Try not to get too down about this post and I won't either.

(In no specific order)

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil 
Tbh I found no use for this. It does nothing for healing my hair or making my skin improved. I used it religiously for months as a facial moisturizer and saw no difference in my skin. The same goes for my hair, it just did diddly squat. Its overpriced and I found no use for it.

Garnier Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil 
Yuck just yuck. Makes my hair dry and frizzy. Does nothing for shine or management. I didn't even want to put this on my face. It's very scented and contains so many ingredients unknown to me that I just won't even try it. The only decent use I have for it as making my legs shiny. I will finish it up, which will take years, by using it wherever I want shine on my body. NO BUENO.

ELF Complexion Perfection
The brand ELF is a hit or miss. Thankfully this is one of the only products I tried from them that is awful. Its targeted to even out your skin with the use of different colored powders to cancel out redness, discoloration, etc. Its chalky beyond belief and does nothing for your skin. Looks terrible under the eyes to set concealer. I only kept it because of the massive mirror.

Buxom Creaseless Cream Shadow in Pug
This product is absolutely beautiful I'm not going to kid you. The problem I have with it is that it is not creaseless at all. It will fade and crease in a matter of a couple hours. That being said you can use an eyeshadow primer to help with the creasing. I use this with the primer or as an eyeliner. I don't hate this product because the color out does the quality so I like it. Plus there is a fix for the problem unlike these other products previously mentioned. Not too shabby, but not too great.

NYX Blush in Mauve
Zero color. That's the problem there kids. Does nothing, plain and simple. Maybe I got a bad one, but this is my first go at NYX powder blushes so who knows. Just no.

NYX Retractable Lip Liner in Nude Pink
This color is not the problem. But the quality as it just sucks. This pencil has broken more times than I can count leaving me with no product after only using it a few times. Its also very drying. The color and wear of this is outstanding, but the quality sends it down the crapper. Save your money honey.

Studio Gear Total Clarification Beta Hydroxy Exfoliating Pads 
Recommended to me by an Ulta sales associate, but she couldn't be more wrong. It did nothing yet it irritated the heck out of my skin. Burned when I applied it. Also it did not help with acne, discoloration, or brightness. It only helped smooth out my skin which is not worth the hefty price tag and suffering of my precious skin.


Again sorry about the negative vibe. My next post will be way HAPPIER :) BYE

Priceless Beauty Secrets

So nobody really likes to spend money unless they have to, right? So today I'm offering up some of my "secrets" that won't cost you a penny! Here we go folks.

Air dry your hair. This is way less damaging than using a blow dryer and it makes working with freshly cleaned hair a lot easier. Try to embrace you natural hair texture and you will notice it growing longer and stronger. Who needs a straightener?

Put down the tweezers. I have pretty full eyebrows but like most girls I went into the over plucking stage during my middle school years. It left me with random patches that I filled in (probably terribly) until I could get them to how they were. Eyebrows basically frame your entire face so don't go overboard with them. Let them grow in for a couple weeks then get them wax or threaded so you can get the right shape. Just pluck the random strays after that and your golden.

For soft, supple lips brush them with your toothbrush! I read this once in magazine or something and let me tell you it works. I told my friend about it and she thought I was crazy, but still tried it and when she did she told me "You know your right that really worked" yeah I don't lie fool. First heavily apply your lipbalm then scrub a dub dub your lips and wah la! A perfect pout you will have! Don't knock it till you try it.

Apply foundation before concealer. This mostly only applies to liquid or cream foundation as it will make most powders very cakey, but it will save you from applying more concealer than you need. The foundation will cover at least minor redness and zits, this depends on the coverage, so you will save from using your concealer for that. This makes your overall face less cakey and more even. Plus your saving from using up all your precious concealer and foundation at the same time!

Crack open a window when applying face makeup. Natural lighting is your new best friend. Your foundation can look flawless in your dimly lit bedroom or bathroom, but once you step outside you look like a member of the Jersey Shore. Open a window or switch where you apply your makeup so you can get the best lighting. And when in doubt always apply less bronzer and blend down your neck.

Hydrate before bed. Think of everywhere you moisturize on a daily basis. Now do it every night before bed using twice as much product. Your face moisturizer, body lotion, lip balm, and cuticle oil will sink in over night leaving you with a glowy EVERYTHING in the morning. If you don't have a cuticle cream, use olive or coconut oil all over your finger tips to soften them. Don't be afraid to glob on the face moisturizer either because 1. it probably doesn't matter if your looking a bit oily when your sleeping and 2. your skin get dehydrated overnight from the lack of you well being awake and being able to drink agua.

I hope you guys found this helpful. I have a few more priceless beauty secrets up my sleeve, but that for another post!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

FOTD- Pool Partay !

Hey there so today I'm showing you my barely there makeup for the pool. I do like to put on a little bit when I go to the pool just cuz. I like wearing makeup. The eye stuff stays in place, but I would need to touch up my face powder and lip balm to keep it looking nice. Either way its a super simple look that I do even when I'm not going to the pool but when I'm in a rush. Here ya go!

I know the lighting sucks so lo siento.

For EYES- CG Lashblast Waterproof Mascara (2 coats) and Rimmel Scandaleyes in Brown in my waterline and upper lashline


Swatch of eyeliner
(lip balm swatch below)
FACE- A light dusting of MAC Studio Fix Powder even though it will come off, but I'm having a bad skin day so... Self esteem you know
In color N5












LIPS- A little bit of Burts Bees tinted lip balm in Red Dahlia. So beautiful for everyday and insanely hydrating.


Enjoy your weekend!

Sizzling Beauty Fixes for Summer: Part 2

Hello y'all so I'm finishing up my best summer beauty tips with makeup! Most of us have suffered a melting face from one time or another so I'm going to show you the products and ideas that will help your makeup stay in place !

Starting with blush, I recommend a powder and  matte formula. They tend to wear very long while creams tend to give a more dewy finish. This dewy finish can easily turn into a greasy one over the course of a few hours. These are my favorite ones because they are meant to last for awhile and they're highly pigmented. Apply with a duo fiber brush so you have more control.
Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in Dollface $26
Rimmel Lasting Finish in Pink Rose $4
Another place where your makeup tends to fade is lips. Whether its eating, drinking, or just talking lipstick can always seem like a hassle if you have to keep re-applying. My two options for longer lasting lip color are lipstains and lip liner. They both can be worn alone or under lipstick/lipgloss. I guarantee you will have prettier lips for longer when you use one of these next time. 
L-R Tarte Lipsurgence Lipstain in Charmed $24
NYX Retractable Waterproof Lipliner in Nude Pink $3
theBalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen $17
Smudging eyeliner can be a very sexy thing, that is until it become unintentional smudging. Its hard to find good, waterproof, and smudge-proof liners in my opinion. But i have found the best ones. Not to mention they're under 5 bucks. They are the Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Liners. Bought the nude shade on a whim and fell in love. Undeniably creamy and pigmented they are, but they're also so long-wearing. I also have the brown shade as I like a softer eyeliner look for everyday, but they have several other colors. Also setting your cream, liquid, or pencil liner with an eyeshadow will prolong it but sucking up  the oils. 
Top to Bottom- Rimmel Scandaleyes Liner in Brown
In Nude
Chipped nails are a no-no. I'm suffering from it right now after hitting up the pool and playing softball all week. But they have held up decently well from the use of a base and top coat! It can seem like a waste of time, but you will have to paint your nails less. I find a lot of base coats work the same, but my favorite topcoat is by ULTA brand surprisingly. Check it out !
L-R ULTA top coast $4, OPI Natural Base Coat $8

Is your eyeshadow creasing and fading like no other? Don't worry it happens to the best of us. Add a primer or base before your eyeshadwo and you will be set to jet. This step may seem unnecessary to those without oily lids, but fear not it can also make your eyeshadow more vibrant and blendable. These are the best I have found as the Color Tattoos are highly pigmented and stay in place. The Two Faced Shadow Insurance is great as a clear base before all your eye looks. 
L-R Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze $5,
Too Faced Shadow Insurance $18, Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded $5
Last, but certainly not least, is dry, sunburnt lips. YUCK! The heat and chlorine sucks out all hydration in the lips during the summer. Leaving you with completely unkissable lips! This is a big dilemma, but there is perfect solution. A lip balm with SPF that is very waxy so it will stay on longer. Also my favorite lip balm of all time Aquaphor will most definitely cure your chapped lips, but this one doesn't contain SPF. Pick up these bad boys the next time your at the drugstore and your lips wont regret it. 
 Walgreens Chap Aid with SPF 4 $2, Eucerin Aquaphor $3





Friday, July 19, 2013

BSE- Best Smoothie Ever

Yes the title of this post was a 1D reference. Comment if you got that! So today I'm sharing with you my favorite post-workout smoothie. I'm no professional nutritionist, but I do know that whenever I have this after a workout I feel phenomenal the rest of the day. I did do a little bit of research on the ingredients just if you had any questions. Just an FYI I don't do proper measurements so it's personal preference, but for an idea it makes about a 12 oz. smoothie. That ends up looks something like... THIS 
Mine ended up a bit more thick today because I added more berries.
The texture fluctuates, but it always tastes the same
For the "recipe" A.K.A me playing the guessing game. 

-2 parts water to 1 part acai juice 
-1 scoop of protein powder (I use CytoSports vanilla whey protein powder)
-Half a frozen banana
Blend so its easier when you add the frozen berries (I use black, blue, and raspberries)
Check the texture and add the amount of berries for your desired texture/flavor
DRINK AND GET YOLKED FOOLS

Now a little ingredient talk-thru

The acai juice is something I discovered a few months ago and I have noticed it gives me a lot of energy. Its a superfood for its healthy omegas, powerful antioxidants, and protein. It is just as nutritious as an apple or mango, but contains unknown chemical compounds. These compounds could be why it is age and free radical fighting. We get this particular one from Costco as it contains 100% Acai Juice. 

           The protein powder is a necessity. This specific one I use has 27 grams of protein. Its suitable for most contains only traces of lactose. If your a calorie counter, I'm not, its 140 calories. Its definitely a decent tasting powder. Nothing unbearable. Almost a little bit... tasty?









Lastly is the berries! These are a great source of  carbohydrates along with the banana leaving you with quick energy. Along with giving fiber, Vitamin C, and being low in fat. This exact one can be found at Costco as well. 

I hope you try out this delicious smoothie! I just had mine and I'm already bouncing off the walls. :) Happy workouts