Too Faced Bronzer Beach Bunny

Hello, My Beauties!

With summer quickly approaching I am getting ready for summer! Summer always means me wearing less foundation and going for a more sun kissed look. When I want to achieve a natural glowing from within look, I always reach for my Beach Bunny from Too Faced. I do not contour with this as it can be a bit to shimery for my taste as a contour shade, but as a all over color look, I love it especially for my skin tone.

How I Prep my Skin for Makeup

Hello, Beautiful!

I am so happy that this bad weather is finally behind us and I can wear my tube tops again! I am a big tube top fan, I pick them up whenever I see them. With the summer fast approaching and watching the Coachella events on T.V and social media I have to admit, I got the fever! 

The looks that some celebrities wore to this event inspired me to create a Bohemian endless summer look. But before any product touched my face I knew I had to prepare my face to get that true endless summer look. 

How I prep My Skin For Makeup

I have combination skin and I mean combination, I have oily or shiny moments in the T zone, then absolute desert dryness on the sides, especially under my eyes, it is something I am struggling with. My eyes get severely dry and it shows up with fine lines and wrinkles.

Something similar to this! haha.

Looking at me naturally you can see them, but when I apply makeup or concealer for my dark circles anything and everything finds their way into the cracks of my eyes, so I have learned a few tricks to help.

I learned that it is not the concealers job to fight my fine lines and wrinkles, its mine!
I have to hydrate that area. No matter what I plan on applying in that area it going to enhance those lines they are to deep to cover. So hydration is key here.

I apply 2 oils and 1 eye cream and so far its helping, no not a miracle, but its better than nothing.

As far as the rest of my face I do apply my serums, anything I can to keep my skin hydrated especially before makeup, thats when the truth comes out! Your makeup will move on oily areas and completely flake away on dry areas.

I put together this video showing you how I prep my face for makeup.

Here are some pictures of the Bohemian Endless Summer Look I created after I prepped my face. I will have a tutorial on the hair and makeup for this look up soon. 

Click here to see if it's ready  My YouTube Channel.

I cannot wait for summer! So excited. Thanks for stopping by Xoxo

QOTD:

Are Bohemians Hippies?

Ultra Lift Transformer Anti-Age Skin Corrector

Hello, Beautiful!

I have another lil miracle in a tube for you. First, let me tell you that I was afraid to us this product. I was thinking okay this thing is going to irritate me and cause major breakouts, but for the sake of the blog I had to try it.

The smell is typical Garnier, nicely scented. The texture is nice and creamy, but not goopy. Application in very nice and feels great on your skin. I have to say it did tighten up my skin. Have you ever used those under eye rollers that tightened up the eye area? Well this is that for your whole face. My face felt firm, but soft. I did notice a immediate difference in the look of my pores and overall complexion. I like the feeling, as it feels like a veil on my face protecting my skin as well as making my skin look better. It does have a transforming effect to it, but nothing like a bb cream.

I do like to layer this with the Garnier 5 sec blur, thats when I see wow results and my skin looks very nice with these two matched up. My makeup requires less blemish fixing and less foundation.
 5 second blur review http://www.themakeupsquid.com/2014/04/garnier-5-second-blur-instant-smoother.html

Ultra Lift Transformer Anti-Age Skin Corrector

Garnier says:

As skin ages, wrinkles and loss of firmness occur, and skin begins to look less smooth and less luminous. Some anti-aging creams take time to help correct the signs of aging, but you want to see a more immediate transformation. 

Auto-Adjusting Texture, Transforms any skin tone

With breakthrough transforming technology, the Ultra-Lift Transformer provides a double transformation for skin.

Instant Transformation:
The auto-adjusting texture transforms on contact with skin for immediate correction and brightening. It releases micro-pigments that instantly adjust to any skin tone whether you are fair or medium to deep, making skin flawless, smooth and radiant.

Over Time Transformation:
The formula with Pro-Retinol from Nature, which is developed through the process of green chemistry, boosts natural cell renewal while actually protecting skin's surface moisture barrier, to help prevent dryness.* Wrinkles are reduced and firmness is restored.

Instantly: Skin is smooth, luminous and even-toned.
In 5 Days: Skin is transformed, it feels firmer and the appearance of fine lines are minimized.
In 4 Weeks: Wrinkles are reduced and a more youthful look is restored.

Formulation Facts:
- Dermatologist tested for safety
- Non comedogenic – won't clog pores
- Allergy tested
- Gentle to skin
- Non-greasy

I love that it has immediate results and well as over time with use benefits and that SPF 20 helps with summer right around the corner. This is a product I will repurchase and recommend to anyone who needs a boost with skin firmness and wrinkles.

Here is a picture of me with both products on my face.

I think I just found my new profile pic, how often do you change your profile picture?

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Beauty Secrets Everyone Should Know

Hello, Beautiful!

When I hear the word secret, the things that come to mind are friends and their dirty little secrets. I mean there has to be someone in this big world that knows that stupid thing you did with you know who long ago. Right? Thank heavens, I thought it was just me :) What if we couldn't trust that person? What if that person decided to spill the beans? How would I handle it? What would I do? The horror!!

Well, thankfully I am at the stage in my life where I just don't care who knows what anymore. I can tell you it's a very liberating feeling. So since we are on the subject of secrets I wanted to share some secrets that I have found around the net pertaining to beauty and makeup. Some of these are tricks of the trade and some just make you go aha! 

BEAUTY SECRETS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW

Skin

Adding that milk of magnesia works best on normal, oily, and combination skin and helps minimize pores, evens out skin tone, and keeps foundation from oxidizing and changing color. I know during the summer months I am going to be doing this for sure.

Lashes

Bring lashes out with gel eyeliner and a lash curler, First, take the lash curler and paint the liner on the sponge area of the lash curler. Wait about 10 to 15 seconds to let the liner dry slightly. Then, place the curler as close to the lash line as possible, hold for a few seconds, and release. After, apply a few coats of clear mascara to finish the look. It creates the perfect full lash and defined lash line but the look is a bit more natural and edgy. This sounds so nice for the days when you want a little something, but don't wanna go all the way.

Lips

Trace the outer edge of the top lip with a highlighter, concentrating the product at the Cupid’s bow and fading out towards the outer edges, a pearled cream highlighter is perfect for creating this effect. I personally do this often as my lips are disappearing as I get older, 

Brows

Dust a bit of translucent powder using a small brush over your brows before setting them with a tinted brow gel, it immediately boosts the brow hairs and amplifies your natural brow shape even if you have fine or thin brows. Then just fill in any sparse areas with a pencil to get the definition you need. I know my powders always enhance my facial hair, so this makes sense to me.

Do you have any secrets to tell? Do share, I promise I won't will tell.

P.S

I am having a giveaway on my YouTube channel! Come by and enter for a chance to win some awesome skin care products from around the world!

(Some links shown may be affiliated.)  Thanks for visiting! Please like & share this post. Leave me a comment and don't forget to leave your blog links :) Follow this blog with Bloglovin

Meaningful Beauty Crem de Serum

I received the product from influenster about a month ago.

Meaningfulbeauty.com says:

This crème de la crème treatment takes a triple approach to combating the signs of aging with three powerful anti-aging ingredients: superantioxidant melon complex, anti-aging peptides and hyaluronic acid. Combining the power of a serum with the rich, moisturizing effects of a crème, this super-boost is designed to help protect, increase hydration and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

This product has a wonderful light melon scent that awakens the senses.

It is a thick for serum more like a gel, the application goes on smooth leaving your skin soft and silky without feeling greasy. 

I apply a thin layer and allow my skin to drink it up. They recommend applying it at night to work its magic.

I have not seen this product do anything to my current lines, but its does not claim to remove lines or wrinkles. 

This is a prevention product not a solution to an ongoing problem.

Prevention is better in my book and something I wish I would have done earlier in life.

This product is apart of a larger kit that claims to help with ongoing skin problems.

This kit retails for $39.95 on Meaningfulbeauty.com

I can say that I have not seen any new arrivals of fine lines since using the product and for me that is just as good and having them disappear. 

Thanks to influenster for the wonderful product.

So my question for you today is,

have you tried meaningfulbeauty?

Thanks for reading and have great day!

4 reasons to use a High Definition Powder

HD powders come in a universal shade that works with any skin tone.

Not only do they make the skin look radiant on film it also sets your foundation  and matifies

your skin without changing its natural contours.

This powder can be worn over and foundation or alone.

It is a silicone based formula the blurs pores for a flawless look.

This powder is finely milled therefore is is naked to the naked eye and film.

This product is meant to be used lightly in a simple dusting motion.

If not you will have a filmy residue and it will show up in photos especially with a flash.

As you can see in the photo above applied heavily with flash photography

it shows up giving off a white film on the skin.

Applied lightly and blended well it gives the skin a lovely radiance as promised.

I have been using HD powders for a few years now and I honestly don't think I can go back.

HD Powder Points

1. It's universal for all skin tones

2. Very light feeling formula not caking at all.

3. Blurs and softens the look of pores

4. A little goes a long way

The only down side to this product is that the packaging does not contain

the power very well. It can and will go everywhere if opened carefully.

There are two HD powders that I use often.

Elf HD Powder

$6.00

Make Up For Ever HD Powder

$36.00

The price range on these two powders is extremely different

But I will tel you the MUFE powder is more finely milled.

I use the Elf HD Powder for daily use and the MUFE HD Powder for more special occasions.

Have you tried a HD Powder?

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm

Did you ever wish there was a product that could boost the benefits of your favorite foundation?

Or maybe, just maybe make your skin look so good you didn't need foundation?

Well say hello to your new best friend the Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm.

This Formula is light weight liquid formula applies easily to the skin.

Has that familiar scent all Urban Decay fans know.

Finishes with a sheer coverage, leaving your skin feel natural.

Diffuses the appearance of pores and blemishes.

Brightens the look of skin for a more awake look.

This product can be worn as a primer before foundation to help give you that truly flawless look.

Or it can be worn alone over moisturizer to give you that nice finished look on the daily.

It does have a sheer finish, but you can layer it without feeling that caked on feeling.

Not only is this product good at hiding flaws it helps heal them over time!

• Perfects: Optical blurring pigment instantly evens out skin tone and minimizes pores, 

lines, wrinkles and redness.

• Protects: SPF 20 shields skin from sun damage and Pepha®-Protect helps inhibit DNA damage.

• Treats: Vitasource™ and dGlyage® firm skin, improve elasticity and provide measurable anti-aging benefits.

• Primes: Extremely blend-able formula creates a smooth finish so makeup goes on beautifully and stays put.

• Hydrates: Moisturizing but never greasy, Naked Skin Beauty Balm hydrates skin instantly and improves hydration over time.

This Product Deserves a Golden Squid!

Wearing

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm alone no foundation.

Have you tired this product yet and what are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Why do I need a skin Care Routine?

I wake up in my sisters Manhattan apartment after a last minute decision to spend the night at her place. Coffee is cooking. She is feeding the baby, which is great because neither my husband or I have had a break in over 4 months. I go into the bathroom and look at myself and see this mess of a woman staring back at me.

How do I fix this? How will I feel like me again without all my normal products? Fear sets in. Do I tell my husband we need to go home asap? Do I make a quick run to the drugstore for sample sizes?

No, I will ask my sister if she has anything I could use. Wrong!! She tells me shes doesnt have anything and that she uses her bath oil to take her makeup off!! Is this woman adopted? Did we exit the same womb?

I tell her she needs to start or she will cry for the rest of her life is she doesn't start using the proper products for her face. Why? she asks. Do  you not watch T.V or read magazines?

Woman start to crack and get all wrinkly around our age so its time to start!

So once again I am inspired by my beautiful but strange sister. I am going to break down what products women should use and why. Hopefully she will read this post and get on the ball.

Cleansing Device: There are hundreds of thousands of devices out there that help cleanse your face.
GET ONE! There are cheaper alternatives, but I have been in love with my Clarisonic Mia for about 3 years now and I ain't never going back.

Facial cleanser: This is something that should be gentle, but tough enough to take the day off your face.
I love Purity by Philosophy. It takes my makeup off and leaves my skin feeling soft and cleansed. I also use this to clean my makeup brushes. It is on the pricey side at $10 a bottle.

Daily Exfoliant: Now, I am not saying to scrap your face everyday. But I do like a good daily scrubbing. I have adult acne and I feel this scrubbing has helped keep it at bay. I use the Clean and Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub.

Antibacterial Soap: This is Optional, but with my cystic acne I did have, I feel this helped my out a lot! This gets deep down in there and clears up and bacteria they may be making a home on my face! I use the Noxzema Triple Clean Anti-Bacterial Lathering Cleanser. it is a bit drying, but I need this in my life as I do have oily spots.

Facial Toner: Toners help cleanse the skin as well as shrink the appearance of pores. I use the Dickinsons Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner. Applied with a cotton pad, ball or even a bounty not rubbed but patted on, I honestly will never go without a toner of some sort. It just aint right!

Serum: Now you can apply a moisturizer after your toner, but I promise you. You will never feel the same after you used a serum. They are magical liquids that make your face feel like pure love. All tight and firm, like you are sealing in all that goodness from your washing and scrubbing. Serums help with fine lines, age spots, skin pigmentation. Serums act more quickly than a cream or moisturizer ever could. I am now rotating between 3 at the moment. Two of which I will review soon.

Moisturizer: Moisture. Thats what it does. As we get older we lose our moisture in our bodies and these moisturizers replace what we lose everyday, thats where the lines and wrinkles come in. Babies have a lot of moisture that why their skin is so soft so smooth and ours isn't. I am jealous of babies. Currently I am using Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer. It has acne fighting stuff in it and I like the cool sensation on my face.

Eye Cream: These creams are made for your gentle eye area to hydrate and moisturize them. There are a bagillion out there, so find one that suits your needs. I am currently rotating through 3 of them.

Liz a friend and fellow blogger did a review on one of the eye creams I am using you can find her review here Merlot Grape Seed Eye Cream. The other I did a review on here Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream. The third you will just have to come back and check it out soon!


Okay, So that's all I have to say about that. Until My sister says something crazy again!

Do you have a family member like this also?
Did I leave anything out?


Thanks for reading and have a great day!

My Contour and Highlighting Technique

Hello! Well This is going to be a bit different, Lately I have been on this mission in finding new ways to use old products or use products in a way that the makers of said products did not intend. Why, do you ask? Because I'm a Squid and this is what I do :) Today I am going to be sharing products that I use in the exact opposite way they were intended to be used.


COVER FX: Total Cover Cream Foundation
Sephora.com says:
What it is:
An antioxidant-rich, two-in-one foundation and concealer offering broad spectrum SPF 30 protection with medium to full, buildable coverage.
What it does:
This foundation provides an all-day radiant finish that nourishes and protects with anti aging benefits. The buildable formula can provide medium to full coverage and offers SPF 30, full UV protection, and all-day wear. This clinically tested product does not contain gluten, mineral oil, or talc.

But that's not what I do with it! I use this guys as a highlighter when I am contouring and highlighting my lovely mug. It goes on nicely and I don't have to use much. It is way lighter then my natural skin tone but blended out it make for a nice concealer/highlighter follow with a face powder of your choice and you are good to go!


BENEFIT COSMETICS: Hello Flawless!' SPF 15

Sephora.com says:
What it is:
A custom powder cover-up with a natural finish that builds from sheer to full coverage.

What it does:
Benefit "Hello Flawless!" SPF 15 is a blendable powder foundation with SPF 15 that goes on beautifully sheer and layers easily for customized coverage. Find your perfect shade and sweep it on with the accompanying brush for a sheer, natural finish; or apply with the sponge for full coverage or spot cover-up.


Now this shade "Nutmeg" is absolutely to dark for me. But! As a contour shade he is perfect. He blends amazingly well. He is a high coverage product so a little goes a long way and he comes is a wide variety to match any skin tones.

I find that using these two products together is just heavenly. I have provided a Video below as a demonstration on how well they work together.

I am using the Airbrush collection brushes from Sephora

I purchased all products myself :)
Please Comment, Like and Subscribe!

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

dr.brandt microdermabrasion skin exfoliant

Hello! My people :) 

Today I have a lil piece of heaven to share with you all. The dr.brandt microdermabrasion skin exfoliant.

I got this sample tube in my october BirchBox And I could not wait to share it with you all, but with the move it got delayed. So lets get into this bad boy.

Key Ingredients:

Chamomile - calms, soothes and reduces irritation.

Aloe vera - healing emollient that soothes irritations and prevents scarring.

Aluminum oxide - pharmaceutical grade crystals that polish and remove dead skin cells.

Jojoba - easily absorbed vegetable oil that soothes and softens the skin.

Lactic acid - alpha hydroxy acid derived from milk gently sweeps away dead skin cells and softens skins texture

Dr. Brandt recommends: Dampen skin with warm water. Slowly and gently massage cream onto skin for 1-2 minutes avoiding the eye area. Rinse well, pat dry. Best if used 1-2 times per week allowing 3 days between applications. 

I do exfoliate often like almost everyday, BUT! its with a gentle exfoliant so its not that bad, I hope.

I have never microdermabrasion-ed myself so this method is new to me.

Anyhoo, I looked at the tube and thought what is this little tube going to do for me?

I applied a small dime sized amount to fingertips and immediately I got hit with this lovely lemon scent.

I began to apply it to my face and noticed a little goes a long way, It spread to nicely and smooth.

It has a gritty feeling to it, like a soft fine milled feeling that allows you to know this product will go deeper than any other product had before. 

Once I had it spread I couldn't just stop there, I brought out my ClariSonic Mia and used it for the recommended minute all over my face . 

Wow! It was so heavenly and felt so good. I can honestly say my face has never felt like that before.

My face felt clean and fresh and it looked brighter too. I just love that I felt like, Okay I know my face is clean now. 

This product claims to get your skin ready for your other products. This is true, I felt like it opened my face and ready to accept the goodness of my other skin care products.

I love this product and so thankful to BirchBox for letting me try a product I would have never looked into on my own.

I do recommend you try this product at least once, so you can understand the love I feel for it.

I did get three uses our of the trial size, so a little goes a long way.

2012 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner - Best Scrub

dr. brandt microdermabrasion is a revolutionary formula designed to mimic the transformative brightening, smoothing effects of the popular in-office microdermabrasion treatment at home.enables better absorption of skincare products an at home alternative to professional, clinical treatments helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, acne marks, and skin discolorations.

This product retails for $78.00 for a 2oz. tube on drbrandtskincare.com

Products I have mentioned above

BirchBox

ClariSonic

drbrandt

Have you tried an at home microdermabrasion product?

Thanks for reading and have a great day :)