Whats In My Make-Up Bag #3

Today I am excited to talk about some bronzers! what they do, why they are even a thing, and how I apply them.I'll also showcase a fun Tarte palette that has a bronzer, highlight, blush, and 6 beautiful shades!

Bronzer

 So the point of a bronzer is to highlight the spots on your face where the sun would naturally hit. Some people are crazy good at it and can completely contour every part of their face. I am not one of those people. So to better explain, below is a diagram I found on google to help!

1)Hoola by Benefit cosmetics
This bronzer has been my go to lately. Its an amazing lightweight formula that gives my skin a nice sun kissed glow!

The brush I use to apply this is by Real Techniques and is a stippling brush. If i'm feeling a little crazy and want to contour my nose, I use a flat brush by E.L.F cosmetics.

Stippling Brush

Flat shadow brush by ELF Cosmetics

2) Tarte Cosmetics Showstopper Clay Palette
I love this palette for so many reasons. This is my go to palette when im traveling or in a hurry and have to do my make up in my car. It includes a bronzer (top left), a highlighter (top right), a blush (middle circle) and of coarse 6 beautiful more natural shades! Now, for me the highlighter is too white so I actually use i on the inner corners of my eyes and to highlight my brow bone to really make my eyes pop! added below is a picture of the placement for that!

Inner corner highlight and brow bone highlight placements.


Thats all I have for you right now! If you would like a video tutorial on a basic everyday look, send me a comment and I'll try and set that up!

Whats In My Make-Up Bag #2

Primers:

A frequent question I get from clients is why make up primers are so important and is worth it. I myself did not think primers were important for the longest time until I actually tried them. A primer not only creates a protective barrier between your make up and your skin but it also helps your make up last longer and some even give a more matte finish!! Ive tried 3 total primers ever and ended up only liking 2 of them. 

1) Nivea for Men aftershave

Now I know this may seem a little strange to use this aftershave. I saw one of the youtube make up gurus rave about using this so I tried itand now use this everyday! I have combination skin so this has been absolutely perfect and its half the cost of the fancy primers! Highly recommend!!

2) Benefit Cosmetics PoreFessional face primer
I got this as a free sample and It was surprisingly amazing! I thought it was going to feel more greasy or oily but its really great when I feel like my skin is more dry! totally love and recommend it!!

The one I wasn't impressed with
Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

This was the first primer I had ever bought. Now, if you are a fan of this thats totally fine but for me and my skin it was horrible. It feels like greasy Vaseline to me. my skin felt so oily and i didnt feel like it worked well with my make up. Big giant thumbs down for me. 

My favorite Mascara:

Being the Tarte Junkie I am, of coarse I use Tartes Lights camera lashes mascara. I have Also tried their Tartiest Pro Mascara which is also amazing!!

Whats In My Make-up Bag

Hey guys!! so I wanted to start a new section in my blog where I will be highlighting certain make up products that are not only good for your skin, but that I am LOVING!! Depending on how well this section does I may do an everyday make up tutorial video so let me know!

So to start, I HAVE to show and swatch for you my favorite everyday eye palette! 

Tartes Tartelette in Bloom

As most of you know, im a complete Tarte Junkie. This palette was the one that started my tarte addiction. These colors are so blendable that all of them go extremely well together. no guessing needed on whether certain ones match others! This is an extremely good beginner palette. Its not only amazing for your skin since its made of amazonian clay but it smells amazing!!!! I seriously cant rave enough about this palette!

Another cute alternative is Tartes Tartlette Tease 6 color palette!

This Mini palette has 6 full shades and is a smaller less expensive version of the Tartelette in Bloom palette! It's super easy to blend these beauties from a day look to a more smokey night look! Also great for keeping in your purse or for traveling! 

Let me know if you want more posts like this too or if you'd like a little tutorial video made!! Thanks and talk to ya soon!!

Products I'm Using

Hey stranger! It's been a bit since I've done a post so thought I would just do a quick little post on all the skincare products I'm currently using and LOVING! 

Cleanser: 

Trader Joes Nourish gel Cleanser

Since spring is FINALLY here, I've switched over to a gel cleanser for my combination skin!! This cleanser also has a very light liquid exfoliant in it which is extremely refreshing! Its also tearless so its ok to use around the eye area! 

Toner:

Alaffia Everyday Coconut Water Toner

I bought this toner at the beginning of last summer and you guys. I am just now half way through it!!! Its seriously amazing and cant rave about this product enough! pick it up at your local whole foods!

Moisturizer: 

Trader Joes Nourish Enriched Intensive Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer

I bought this on a whim and i did not expect to like it as much as I do! its not too thick and its not too runny like a facial lotion. This moisturizer makes my skin feel so soft and just healthy after! If anyone else has combination skin like me, Highly recommend! 

Eye Treatment:

Aveda Tulasara Wedding Masque:

This night eye cream by Aveda has just launched and its really amazing. When i wake up the next morning my eyes dont look as haggard or just exhausted. very good basic eye cream to have. Pick it up at your local Aveda retailer or on Avedas web page!!

Serum:

Tartes Maracuja Oil

This Oil is now my go to serum. A serum is used after you moisturize and gives an extra boost while you sleep so when you wake up it feels more rejuvenated. I dont rub it in because I have noticed my skin will get a little red so instead I gently press it into my skin to get the results I want. I dont use it everyday, I use it probably every 2 or 3 days. The only reason is this oil is a little pricey so I gotta make it last!! Pick it up on Tarte.com, in any sephora, or Ulta!

Facial Masks: 

depending on how my skin is feeling that day I have 2 different types of facial masks. 

When I'm feeling a little dry/ dehydrated:

E.L.Fs Hydrating Bubble mask

These are so fun! it goes on clear and as the product comes into contact w oxygen it bubbles up!! very effective hydration  for the price too!! Pick it up at ant target or wal mart!!

When I'm feeling a little more oily:

Lush's Mask of Magnamity

Its a gritty green color and smells like peppermint! It is made of clay which helps absorb any oil and also uses peppermint which is supposed to help deep cleanse your pores. As I wash it off, the little beans they put in it exfoliates as its getting washed off. This mask gives a whole new meaning to the clean feeling!

Thats about it for now!! Let me know what you think! If you want a post about what make up im currently using thats also healthy for the skin, le me know!! 

Spa Etiquette

Hey Y'all! I've had so many questions about what the proper spa etiquette is so I thought I'd throw together a few things that I see happen and the most frequently asked questions I get!

Day of Appointment:
It is customary for new clients to arrive 15 mins prior to the spa so we can get an intake form. some clients are hesitant to fill it out but it is essential we know as much as we can!! If you are a returning client, come a little early to relax! Let your Esthetician know of any changes in meds, skin care routine, or just over all how your skin has been since your last visit!!! Trust me we are just as excitd as you to see positive change!

Pregnant Clients: 
The only thing I would advise to you is if you are at the point where laying on your back is extremely uncomfortable, I highly recomment just going for a massage instead of a facial. If you just need a pillow and your legs propped, go for it!!


Cancelling an appointment:

Life happens and sometimes we have to cancel last minute! That is totally ok! Be sure you call the Spa as soon as you can to tell them you aren't coming. Never no- show an appointment. We could have filled the spot you didnt need. We do not get hourly so please be aware that some spas do charge a cancellation fee to make up for the spot lost! Nothing against you or to try and make a bad day worse, but we rely on this money so we have to be compensated for the cancellation.

Making an appointment:

If you aren't sure what you need skin care wise, call and ask to speak with the esthetician directly! It's completely ok to be overwhelmed a everything and not know. I also highly recommend to make just a consultation appt so the service member has scheduled time to look at your skin and tell you exactly what they think you need! 

Same day appointments:

This means you woke up today and said to yourself "I want a facial". If there is time in the schedule its usually zero problem! If it is a seasoned esthetician, you may not be getting a same day appointment. Don't harass the girls taking appointments because you can't be squeezed in.  weekends are the hardest time to get same day! be sure you call a few days ahead to reserve the time thats best for you!

Online Booking:

If you are a regular client with the esthetician and get the same thing every few months, this doesnt apply to you. If you area new client and not familiar with the spa world , we would much rather you just call then book it wrong by accident. For example: I cant tell you how many times a new client would book a bikini wax with me, come in for the appointment and say "oh well brazilian wasn't on there so I just clicked that one" not every esthetician does every service especially brazilians! So there was a lost spot, lost money, had to send them to another location to get it done because they just clicked and assumed instead of calling and asking. 

Tips:

Just like you tip at a restaurant, you would tip your service member. Generally its 15-20% of the service total! 

Children 

Children should NEVER be taken into a spa appointment. There are other treatments going on and if the child cries or is loud and disruptive, its very rude to the other people paying to get services done in other treatment rooms. Most spas will not allow them in waiting rooms either so its best to plan for a just you day!

Bad Experience

If you are someone who has had a bad experience, don't fret! Not every spa is the same, and not every esthetican is the same! Give a new place a try! Do your research, google reviews of places, see how long they've been doing it, and dont be afraid to ask to see their cosmetology license first! I have seen some people who are NOT licensed estheticans doing esthetics. 

Nail Salons:

For the love of God, please do not come to me saying the lady at the nail salon messed up your brows. your first mistake was getting your brows done at a nail salon. Nail Cosmetology license does NOT mean they are licensed to do waxing. Most of them don't follow the standard cleaning procedures, and dont know how to propery hold the skin/ treat it after. If they try and tell you otherwise, run. 

Scar trial

Earlier this suumer, my loving dog accidentally scratched my eye pretty bad. The doctor told me I was 100% going to have a scar. I took this as a perfect opportunity to try and help my skin heal so could get the least amout of scarring. In a matter of 3 weeks, I saw a difference!

Bottom day of scarring, top 3 weeks later

First thing, I wore sunglasses and used sunscreen ALL the time. The sun can make cuts much darker which is extremely hard/ almost impossible to reverse. Not this chick. 

Second, I used skincare products infused with some form of Vitamin E oil. Vitamin E oil is extremely important to the healing process. Vitamin E oil is full of antioxidants and nutrients your skin needs to get that extra boost!

Now, 2 months later, my scarring is extremely minimal!

2 months after accident

Because i started right away with vitamin E and sunscreen, avoided any kind of waxing or plucking for a few weeks, was consistent with my skincare routine, and most importantly PATIENT my scarring did end up becoming minimal!



*please note this was not an existing scar, this would not be the result if the scarring was already there and if started much later after the accident. Based on my own experience*

9.19 Product Reviews!!

Its been too long my friends!! While I've been away, I've been trying some AMAZING products that I can't WAIT to tell you all about!!!

Tarte Scrublet

Tarte Scrublet

Tarte has come out with this amazing little exfoliation product! You can use any cleanser you please for an extreme clean feeling without the feeling that you've rubbed your skin raw. Great for my sensitive skin friends who still need exfoliation! I also love taking this with me on vacation to keep my skin glowing!! 

Tarte Maracuja Oil

Tarte Maracuja Oil

The benefit of Maracuja Oil is that it is high in fatty acids, which is essential for rejuvenation and evening out the skin tone. AMAZING for anti-aging, those with super dry skin, or those who just want a brighter complexion. This specific brand has a dropper so you get the exact amount you need each time. I put a few drops on before I moisturize and I only use it at night! This is because our skin rejuvenates itself at night, so why not give it an extra boost!! After one use, my skin felt healthier and looked brighter the next morning!! Highly recommend!!

Tarte Frixxxion Stick Exfoliating Cleanser 

Tarte Frixxxion Stick Exfoliating Cleanser

As you can see, I have quite a Tarte Problem. It's hard not to! This is a 3 in 1 product; It cleanses and exfoliates, or you can use it as a charcoal mask!!! I use this one about once a week right now and it really detoxes my skin. However, I would not use this more than 2 times a week! Over exfoliation can cause an over production of oil and acne. Still an amazing product to have on hand for my oily skin friends and acne prone friends!

Bare Minerals Bare Haven Soft Creme

Bare Minerals Bare Haven Soft Creme

When I saw BareMinerals came out with a skincare line, I knew I needed to try it. After using the Bare Haven Soft Creme, I don't think I'm going to be able to break away from using it! It's lightweight but not too light to where I have to pile on more. Seriously one of the best moisturizers I've used. They have 3 other types available as well. The one that I currently use is better for normal/ combination skin.  Get it, try it, love it. 

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

I purchased this to have on-hand for a once in a while deep, deep exfoliation. As we approach a season change and the weather can't decide what it wants to do, it take a major toll on my skin. If I use this, I make sure I don't exfoliate 5 days prior or at least a week after. Yes it says gentle enough to use everyday, and you can try if you would like, but I highly recommend just once in a while! It really does give an amazing clean. If you want to use this as a dual exfoliation, get the Tarte Scrublet and use that with this cleanser. It's basically your own at-home dual exfoliation treatment!!! If your are interested in learning how to do this, I will be making a "How To?" post soon on at-home dual exfoliation treatments and what you will need!!

That's all for now!! Hope this helps and if you have any questions please contact me!!! 

Make good Choices!!