July Favorites.

Nars Light Reflecting Loose Powder- I've been on a hunt to find a good translucent setting powder since my all time favorite one (smashbox photo op finishing powder) was discontinued. Though that setting powder will always be my favorite the nars one is the best alternative I have found so far. I was really hesitant to try this but I am so glad I did. I keeps my face matte through most of the day and doesn't settle into my pores as much as other powders. 

Bliss Fabulips- when I first got this product I through it aside after one use and never really gave it a chance until about a month ago. I think what through me off most was that it was weightless and it's greasy texture. I soon realized I just wasn't used to the texture of a non sticky lip balm. I apply this numerous times a day and before I go to bed. It leaves my lips baby soft. 

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara- this mascara is great for getting your tiny little lower lashes. I feel like it's often overlooked. It has a tiny brush and doesn't smudge throughout the day. 

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray- since my face gets really oily through the day I tend to go a little powder crazy when initially applying my makeup. This is a great product to not only make your makeup dewy and more natural looking but to also keep oil at bay for a bit longer.

NYX Mineral Stick Foundation- this is my new favorite product to contour with. I have the shade caramel and it blends so effortlessly where I put it. 

Smashbox Liquid Halo Foundation- this product was a game changer for me! I bought it on a whim thinking I was going to hate it because I only wore matte, full coverage foundations - I was so wrong! This foundation is like a photo filter in a bottle. It blurs most of the acne I have, is light weight and makes my skin look dewy and healthy. The ONLY downfall I have had so far (I've been using this foundation religiously for about 2-3 months, in summer none the less!) is that I don't like it with my beauty blender. I feel the beauty blender sucks up too much product (it almost has a serum texture to it) so I have been using the sedona lace 928 which is a flat top kabuki and it blends it like a dream. I am so surprised at the staying power of this foundation on my oily skin as well. It has totally changed the way I shop for foundation, no more matte full coverage foundation for this girl! 

My struggle with acne & skincare routine.

Originally written on 7/24/14

Up until march of this year I never truly realized how bad acne could be, sure I've had minor break outs & white heads, but I never got embarrassed by it until I started developing cystic acne. From the research I've done I have found that you have 7 layers of skin. I'm not a professional but from what I understand white/black heads appear on the top surface & cystic acne is rooted deep down in the lower layers. A lot of my friends didn't really understand how different cystic acne was from a typical white head. You cannot 'pop' cystic acne, not only will you probably end up with scarring if you do, but if you do not end up getting all of the stuff out of it the cyst will actually come back with a vengeance meaning it will normally be even deeper & larger. Another downfall that people don't understand is it can be extremely painful. 

It started out with just one tiny cyst and after a few months it was all over my face. I became extremely self conscious & was debating not writing this post but I wanted to help people understand more about cystic acne & what people go through when they have it along with letting others with cystic acne know what I've tried. Next are some pictures of my skin over the past few months, it took a lot to be ok posting them so please be kind. 

This was my right cheek at one of the worst times. 

This is my left cheek, which was by far my biggest problem area. 

This is my left cheek. You can see a lot of the raised cysts are calmed down & I have some scarring. 

I'm not quite sure what caused all this yet but I'm working with different things to try and figure that out. I am also currently on an antibiotic twice a day from my dermatologist. 

Looking back on how I cared for my skin a year ago I'm completely embarrassed & a bit grossed out. Sometimes I would come home after a late night out & sleep in my makeup, lashes & all. I also thought makeup wipes removed everything. I was so wrong about that! 

If I have makeup on I always go in with the Josie Maran argan cleansing oil because going in with your clarisonic right away can stain your brush head. I distribute the oil all over my face & let it sit for a minute, then I wet my hands & massage the oil into my skin further. At this point you can see the oil pulling all the makeup off your skin which is why I prefer the oil over wipes. The oil can also be used on eyes which I do use it on but if I have a stubborn product I go back in with the Make Up For Ever Sens'Eyes which is great if you have sensitive eyes like I do. 

I purchased the clarisonic mia 2 a little over a month ago when my skin was at its worst. I've had the drugstore versions prior to the clarisonic but I decided to splurge during their friends & family sale. I started out on the lower setting, once a day, using the First Aid Beauty Deep Cleanser which has been my favorite cleanser to use with my clarisonic so far. I know a lot of people swear by Philosophy's Purity cleanser but I was never a huge fan of it, with or without the clarisonic. After a month of using the clarisonic on the lower setting I switched to the higher setting and I like that one a lot more. Since I am almost out of the FAB Deep Cleanser & have a ton of other cleansers to power through I switched over to Boscia's Detoxifying Black Cleanser which I also really enjoy. 

After I am done with the clarisonic I sometimes go back in with Sea Breeze astringent if I was wearing makeup, just to make sure I got everything off. 

I let my face dry for a minute & then apply the Sephora acne fighting mattifying moisturizer. Though I don't think it's mattifying like it claims I still like using this to hydrate my skin. 

Spring Favorites 2014.

I haven't done a favorites post in a while so I figured I would do a Spring favorites :)

Hair Products-

For those who don't know when I tried getting rid of my red hair it was destroyed by a hairdresser at a salon around here. Long story short, she left the bleach on my hair for over an hour & ended up frying some of the bottom parts of my hair off. Since this happened (at the end of February) I have been trying to take really good care of it.

The first product, Macadamia Oil Deep Repair Mask, has gotten my hair back to it's normal texture. This product smells amazing! I use this twice a week & follow the instructions on the container.
$4-$55 http://macadamiahair.com/

The Tangle Teezer has also been a great addition to my hair care routine. I notice when I use this that my hair is a lot softer & less damaged. I got mine off amazon for around $11 from Larkin Supply.
http://amzn.com/tangleteezer

Now onto the rest-

L'Occitane Amande Hand Cream makes my hands so smooth and smell so fresh. It is enriched with both almond milk and almond oil. (This is my 2nd tube already!)
$12 http://www.sephora.com/hand-creams-P307907

Blinc Eyebrow Mousse (mine is in "Light Brunette") & Nyx Wonder Pencil (Light) is my new go to eyebrow routine. Since I still have pretty full brows I like using tinted brow gels for shaping and definition. After I apply the brow gel I highlight using my Nyx wonder pencil, normally just below the brow.
Blinc Eyebrow Mousse: $24 http://www.sephora.com/eyebrow-mousse
Nyx Wonder Pencil: $4.50 http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/wonder-pencil

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara in my eyes is very similar to Benefits They're Real Mascara, a long time favorite of mine. This mascara is great for definition & Length.
$23 http://tartecosmetics.com/lights-camera-flashes

Maybelline Line Stiletto has replaced my Revlon colorstay liquid liner as my new favorite liner. The tip is great for fine lines, is easy to manuver & last all day!
$5.31(Target) http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-line-stiletto

Josie Maran Natural Volume Lipgloss in "Precious" is the perfect pink for when you are in a hurry, it's quick, easy and beautiful. It's also not sticky and long wearing. I don't notice a real difference in volume but I love how moisturized it keeps my lips with the Argan Oil.
$20 http://www.sephora.com/natural-volume-lip-gloss

Nars Blush in "Deep Throat" has replaced my love "Oasis" for most used Nars blush, I constantly find myself reaching for this when I want a subtle, peach cheek color.
$30 http://www.sephora.com/blush

Nyx Baked Blush in "Ignite" is a gorgeous Orange-Bronze color. I was sketical about this color at first but it looks so beautiful on my cheeks, especially with a contour it's a great transition to a highlight.
$7 http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/baked-blush

<3

My Redhead Experience.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a licensed or trained professional. I did not go to school for hair, only makeup. I am only doing this because I have gotten so many questions. Anything you take from this post will be at your own risk. 

Even though I'm a natural blonde & nobody ever understands why I'd want to be any other color I often experiment with my hair. Naturally my hair looks like this:

Excuse the quality of this photo it was taken when cellphones were still new and iPhones didn't exist. Lol

Over the years I've had lots of colors but the color I was before the red was a box color (don't judge me!) 'dark brown' which is basically black. 

This was right before I had a friend lighten it at the salon. Originally I first tried to use a color remover from Sally's and I highly recommend NOT trying that. My hair was like straw and I honestly thought it was going to break off. It smelled like eggs & death and the smell was there for about a week even after constantly washing it. Not to mention as you can see it didn't really make a difference. Which is why I called up a professional which I highly recommend doing if you need to lighten your hair. So she did her thing and lightened me up applying the red dye after. Unfortunately I do not know what she used. 

This was a picture before I started messing with it on my own. 

Maintenance:

After it started to fade (about 2 weeks) I retouched it using the L'oreal hi color dye from Sally's in "red hot" which is made for dark hair and since I still had some pieces of brown in my hair I figured I'd give it a go. 

(Photo credit: sallybeauty.com)

I mixed it with L'oreal oreor crème 30 volume developer according to the directions on the box. 

Warning: When mixing the little tube of red from the HiColor box wear gloves & put down paper towels, it will get everywhere & it will stain everything! 

When my roots would surface & I wanted a quick touch up I would use the same red dye I used whe. I had red ombré in my hair which is the joico color intensity in "red". 

Basically every 2-3 weeks I was retouching using either 1 or the other. It became torture. 

What it currently looks like with out any filters: 

Washing:

My hair was basically my boyfriend these past few months, it requires a lot of attention. One of the biggest things you have to consider when going red is will you have the time & patience for it. Having had red ombré before I knew a small fraction of what I was getting myself into. 

When I get into the shower the first thing I do is wash my hair in ice cold water (since it's winter it sucks!). I was told to do this by a hairdresser to make the color last longer. Once I'm done washing it I pin it back, put a shower cap on and turn the water up as hot as it will go. 

I was also told to wash my hair with a sulfate free shampoo & I have been using the Healthy Sexy Hair color safe soy moisturizing shampoo. I love this shampoo, it doesn't fade the color & it smells amazing, like gingerbread men! 

(Photo credit: ulta.com)

After using this I would use the color replenishing conditioner sold at Sally's called riveting reds. It's blood red & will stain your shower walls if you do not clean it off. 

(Photo credit: sallybeauty.com)

What it looks like out of the bottle: 

I still used my biosilk silk therapy & chi keratin mist without any problems. 

A few things you should know about washing:

- no matter how many times you was it it will still bleed while washing & if you wear a light color with wet hair or get stuck in a down pour your clothing will be ruined. 

- if you want it to last wash it as little as possible. This was probably my biggest pet peeve. 

This is all over my shower. 

No, nobody was murdered in my bed, but these are now my pillows. 😣😥

Final thoughts: 

It was fun being a red head, I felt like the little mermaid meets Jessica rabbit but it is a lot of work. I'm about to end this annoying love-hate relationship with my hair. Yes, I'll be sad it's gone & will miss the look of it. No, I won't miss taking care of it & planning my life around it. 

Any additional questions? Leave them in the comments below! <3 

Most Used Products Of 2013.

(Photo from: covergirl.com )

Covergirl Outlast 3 in 1 Foundation 

This foundation is great for those who want a full coverage foundation that will last all day with its 3 in 1 mixture of foundation, concealer & primer. 

(Photo from: lorealparisusa.com )

L'oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB

Not only does this hold up extremely well on oily skin but it blurs imperfections while providing a natural finish. 

(Photo from: beautyblender.net )

The Beauty Blender

If you don't know what this little guy is about you need to stop & google it right now. Done? Skip the dupes out there & get the original one for a flawless application! 

(Photo from: amazingcosmetics.com )

Amazing Concealer

This is the heavy duty concealer that keeps my dark circles & blemishes under the radar. Though on the pricey side less is more with this product so it will last you a long time. 

(Photo from: sephora.com )

Photo Set Finishing Powder

This is great for someone with large pores or even more matured skin because it's so finely milled that it won't settle into those areas. It's also kept me matte the longest out of any loose powder I've tried so far. 

(Photo from: sephora.com )

They're Real Mascara

This has been my go to mascara for the past 2 years. It doesn't clump and gives a faux false lashes effect to my lashes. 

(Photo from: sephora.com )

Buxom Lash

I don't no why why but I expected to hate this mascara but it was the complete opposite. It's like "They're Real" on crack. I'm so obsessed with this. 

(Photo from: drugstore.com )

ColorStay Liquid Liner 

I've been using this since high school, it's quick & easy. Also lasts all day. 

(Photo from: limecrime.com )

Liquid Liner 

This is great for when I want to rock a wing for something fancy. Such an intense black color & lasts all day. 

(Photo from: loraccosmetics.com )

Behind The Scenes Eye Shadow Primer

This one is great because it keeps me crease free all day & doesn't irritate my eyes. 

(Photo from: anastasia.net )

Tinted Brow Gel 

Before I dyed my hair red this product in Carmel was my go to brow product for natural looking but shaped brows. 

(Photo from: drugstore.com )

Everyday Soothing Lip Balm

I'm sure everyone is sick of me confessing my love for this product but I can't help it, it's the best balm I've tried to date. It's soothing & great for these yucky winter months. 

(Photo from: sephora.com )

Full On Lip Cream

White Russian is my favorite in the collection of these color packed lip creams that leave your lips with a cooling sensational. 

(Photo from: stilacosmetics.com )

Color Bomb Lipstick

My color of choice is Amelia, a beautiful pink that is not only easy on the eyes but comfy on the lips. 

(Photo from: amazon.com )

Butter Gloss

I own almost every color of these little guys but "crème brulee" is by far my favorite. They are great for when you're in a hurry but need to add some quick color to your lips. They also aren't sticky like some glosses. 

(Photo from: narscosmetics.com )

Oasis Blush

This color just looks amazing on my skin tone & really makes my green eyes pop. 

(Photo from: narscosmetics.com )

Laguna Bronzer

My go to contour, it's the only color I've found that looks nice & natural on my skin, not the muddy effect I get with most bronzers. Application is also incredibly smooth. 

(Photo from: drugstore.com )

Mosaic highlighter

This gives me a natural, effortless highlight. 

(Photo from: drugstore.com )

Deep Action Exfolicating Scrub

This has been my go to for years. Removes all the dirt & leaves a cool, refreshed feeling. 

(Photo from: sephora.com )

Flowerbomb 

I'm pretty sure this is on everyone's list this year but that's probably because it's so intoxicating. The bottle is designed to resemble a cross between a diamond & a grenade which my mind interprets as luxurious & dangerous. This floral treasure is definitely worth the investment. 

 

(Photo from: sephora.com )

Flash

This scent is for my nights out when I want to feel glamourous & be the center of attention. It's seductive & also has notes of floral in it. 

Everyone asks about my hair so here are a few of my favorite hair products added in as well! 

(Photo from: sleekhair.com )

Color Safe Soy Moisturizing Shampoo

I'm obsessed with this, not only because it really keeps my hair healthy but because it smells like gingerbread men. 😊

(Photo from: drugstore.com )

Silk therapy

I apply a quarter size amount (I have a lot of hair) to my damp hair after I shower. 

(Photo from: amazon.com )

Keratin Mist

Another product I've been using for years. I apply this to damp hair right before I blow dry. 

(Photo from: sleekhair.com )

Soy Touchable Hairspray

This stuff gives me the hold I need with out that hard, sticky feeling. 

Any questions on the products listed above? Leave them in the comments <3