Out With the Old

photo by swecanspaincooperations

Let's face it, if you are like me (a true makeup addict) then you probably have 50 pounds of makeup stashed under your vanity, in your closet and perhaps in your garage in an old makeup train.  And this is all for ONE FACE.  Why do I hoard this stuff??  If you are anything like what I described then its about time for an intervention.

Here are a few easy steps to clear out the colorful clutter!
1. Get a tall kitchen garbage bag, or a thirty gallon trash bag or a U-Haul... you decide.

2. Crack the knuckles and start to purge everything you have not used in this past year.  Don't have a conversation with yourself about why you loved that lipstick you wore on your first date, etc.  It will only make things worse.

3. Immediately say a prayer and toss that bag into the makeup heaven receptacle.

Congrats!  Getting rid of all that mess will help you reclaim your beauty and your shelf space!  Give it a go Girlfriend!

Vintage Beauty

So where have the pictures of beautiful older women gone to? Archives? Now that I am getting older I've noticed that our culture supports the younger skin. And why shouldn't it? Younger, thinner and bombshell is totally acceptable, but I really would love to see older, beautiful and timeless on the cover of Vogue every once in a while. It seems that we are forgotten. I'm 38 years old and feel like I need to step it up to compete with these younger beauties... But why? 

 

Let me offer some encouragement. Being beautiful or "hot" does not mean we need to become someone other than ourselves.  Some women have a hard time adjusting to the newest "season" they are in including myself, but there is a way to accept with joy ... Be the best beautiful you can be. No one can replicate your beauty so take joy and pride that you are one of a kind.  People will see that and notice your kind of beautiful.

Be beautiful, girlfriend! 

Beauty Giveaway!

Beauty Review Products

I recently posted a review about some products that I tried called "OTC Beauty Review".  I feel every woman deserves a little something to brighten their day so I decided to give away a Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Candy Coral!  This product is so cool!  I love the cream to powder texture and coral is definitely a MUST HAVE color for this season! 

To qualify for this GIVEAWAY you need to:

1. Read my post "OTC Beauty Review"
2. Leave a comment

Simple as that.  I'll leave it up to you to follow and share. 

Everyone who participates will be entered to win the Dream Bouncy Blush plus other goodies and samples from my secret stash!  And its a good stash, too!!  The winner will be drawn on April 30th and will be contacted via the comment/email.  I would really love to bless someone with this product!  Good luck Girlfriend!  xo

OTC Product Review!

products used

Every time I go to the store I always pick up a new cosmetic brand to try whether it is mascara, eye shadows or different primers/concealers, I just want to try stuff.  So recently I picked up a few items to try from L'Oreal and Maybelline and put them to the cosmetics test... let's see if they passed!

The items being tested are:

- DreamLUMI touch Highlighting Concealer by 
  Maybelline in Radiant
- MagicLUMI Highlighter by L'Oreal in Light
- DREAM Bouncy Blush by Maybelline in Rose
  Petal and Candy Coral
- Downtown Denim eye shadow by Maybelline
  Eyestudio
- The Colossal Volum'Espress Cat Eyes Mascara by
  Maybelline in Glam Black





To start, I put all my primers/foundation on and did my eyes first with Downtown Denim as my lid and crease color and then added the darker blue-denim color under the bottom lashes as a soft-liner effect.  NOTE- You MUST have a primer on your eyelid for this pigment to even deposit.  Otherwise it just a wash of sheer color and its a bit... well blah.  Next, I applied the Colossal Volum' Express mascara by Maybelline.  It separated my lashes well but I am not sure it gave me the volume that I wanted.  Maybe its just my lashes??

After that I applied the DreamLumi by Maybelline first as a corrector and then added the MagicLumi by L'Oreal as my concealer.  It gave me a good highlight under my eyes.  The texture is creamy and they both have brushes to easily apply with!

Last but not least, I tried the Dream Bouncy blush in Rose Petal and the color looked very faint so I layered it with the other blush in Candy Coral.  The Rose Petal is great for a highlighter on the cheekbones!  This blush is definitely a cream to powder and is really lightweight.  You can get a sheer to medium application and then it kind of melts into the skin to leave a soft glowy finish.  The texture feels like a sponge but its not a sponge.  If you were to dig your finger in it you would break it.  Just use gentle, circular strokes with your ring finger when picking up the product and then apply.

So did these products pass the test???  What do you think?  I say on a scale of 1-10, I would rate a 7 because of the simplicity and it did exactly what I needed. 

Final product- unedited photo

So next time you are at the grocery store pick up these beauty finds and try them yourself.  Have a fantabulous day girlfriend!!!  xoxo

Ps.  I am not being paid to review these products. I bought them with my own money and am reviewing at my own will.  But I would be happy to get paid for it!  :)

Empowerment

Tegeler Career Center Fashion Show Runway

Recently I was a guest speaker at an alternative campus for junior and high school seniors.  The theme was "I Am Unwritten".  The girls were encouraged to "Write The Vision", meaning I can write my own story and "BE Bold as they walk in their Destiny", (Barbara Henderson).  It was absolutely amazing.  I have had some moments of joy but this day truly brought me a joy that I definitely want to feel again. 

The day started with makeup for the girls participating in the fashion show and of course I was down for that!  But just talking to them and getting to know them made me realize that these moments for them, these opportunities were far and few between.  So it was time to make them feel extra special.  As I did makeup for them, they kept watching and would say "Miss..." and asked questions and I was just tickled to see how excited they were about the whole thing.

During the middle of the day I was assigned to speak to two groups of girls about Empowerment.  And I was not sure what I was going to talk about, I prayed about it and asked God to help me find the words to encourage these young ladies. Then I remembered something... it was in 7th grade.  It was a comment said to me by a guy I thought was hotter than a pair of Jimmy Choo heels.... well not that hot but you get what I mean.  He said to me, "has anyone ever told you- you were beautiful?"  I replied "no".  He replied, "Good, then no one ever will".  Now this comment stuck with me for a very, very long time and crippled the way I thought about myself for years, but now ... I have been EMPOWERED by that comment.  My mission now is to make sure that these girls and women always feel BEAUTIFUL and CONFIDENT in themselves.  That they know their worth, that they have the authority to say NO to someone, that they can dream and that they posses the power change their circumstances. 

Girlfriend, YOU are loved, YOU are beautiful, YOU are strong, YOU are stylish, YOU can do anything, YOU look good just the way you are, YOU are amazing!

That comment made to me is why I am in love with beauty, I see it everywhere.  And I see it in you Girlfriend. xo

Skincare, what's the point?

In my years as a makeup artist I have learned a thing or two about why skincare is so important.  So what's the point in having a good skin care regime?  EVERYTHING!  Skincare helps keep our skin looking youthful and keeps our skin healthy (plus, your makeup looks better when you take care of your skin).

What is a "good skincare regime"?  Great question, there are some steps that are essential in keeping your skin looking polished as fresh.  Here is what I do to keep my skin feeling and looking its best.

1. Cleanse- It's a must.  You need to remove all the makeup, dirt and oil buildup off your face.  I have used Clean and Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser- Oil Free.  I have used this since high school!! However, if you have dry skin you need a cream cleanser like  NARS Skin Gentle Cream Cleanser.
2. Exfoliate- Find a gentle exfoliator to use as a deep disinfection of the pores.  PLUS, you gently polish and keep the skin from looking dull.  Try Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub or Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub, you can get this OTC (over the counter).
3. Tone- This simple act plumps up those skin cells from raisins to grapes and gets your skin back to pH balance.   I use Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner because it will not over dry my skin, its hypoallergenic and it will not strip my skin's natural oils.
4. Serum- This is your anti-aging BFF! Serums aid in repairing the skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and brightens the skin.  I use a serum every night to help repair my skin from daily wear and tear.  Try Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough to put the breaks on aging a little.
5. Moisturize-her- This is needed to hydrate the skin.  It helps maintain skin firmness, smoothness, softness and luminosity.  I have used so many and your skin type will depend on what moisturizer you should use.  For norm-oily skin try NARS Skin Aqua Gel Luminous Oil-Free Moisturizer or for norm-dry skin try NARS Skin Luminous Moisture Cream.  I have used both products and they are phenomenal!
6. Eye cream- PLEASE.... you must use eye cream!  My favorite product ever and I would request this if left on a desert isle!!  SOAP BOX: We have no sebaceous gland in the delicate tissue of the eye (under eye area).  Therefore, eye cream is like a drink of water for that area.  It hydrates, protects, helps with fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles... need I say more??  I have used many and I like Kiehl's eye creams and eye serums and NARS Total Replenishing Eye Cream.

So there you have it.  I could write forever about skincare, I love it!  Everyone needs an AM and PM regime.  I know it's a lot of steps but I promise that you will notice a difference.  Your skin will look radiant, youthful and will glow!  I've included links for some suggestions but I also encourage you to do some research. Go to these websites for more information about the skin: Mayo Clinic or American Academy of Dermatology.

I'm turning 38 this year and I want to take care of what I have.  Take care of your skin Girlfriend!xoxo
(all pictures were taken with my iPhone, no editing or filter)

 

(I am not affiliated with any companies listed and am not paid to promote their products)

Long time...no see

And once again I have neglected my blog.  I woke up today with it on my mind and decided to change it up again.  This time, I want to add some craftiness to the mix.  Plus, perhaps I can talk about other things besides beauty.  Everyone is an expert these days since the internet and current issue of 'whatever' can teach you how to be your own beauty expert.  Nothing new here, but I still like to talk about it.

In fact, I have been freelancing for NARS a lot lately at Nordstrom for anniversary and I have noticed some of the cutest, boldest and quirkiest fashionistas in town!  And what else I noticed and must have are these incredible scarves that are on every mannequin! And maybe I am a little late on this fashion craze but now I must have one OR make my own.  Which is what I think I am going to do.  Most of these scarves range from $18 -$300+ online and in store.  Like I am going to buy a piece of fabric for $300???  My mission tomorrow is to go to the fabric store and purchase a little fabric so I can attempt to create my own fashionable piece of clothing. Anyone of us can do it yet we are mesmerized by what we see in the department store...GUILTY!  Well, I did purchase a few of the very cheap ones online ($11) and I will use those to inspire some creations.  Sorry, I just can't help myself sometimes plus, I get reward points at Nordstrom:)
Well, make it a great day or not and wear a scarf Girlfriend!!!

Nordstrom.com

Beach beauty

I love making memories with my family. Going to the beach is one of them. At the beach you get sunshine, nice breeze, a fierce tan and lots of fun.  But the one thing that makes me cringe is being in a swim suit.  I have my own moment of weakness in feeling "beautiful" when I have to bare my skin in public.  Why?  Why don't I have that same confidence when I have clothes on???  On top of that, I just turned 36 and I'm thinking... this is it.  I have struggled with my weight going up and down and my body going small to big then pregnant then big and staying that way until a year ago when I finally went down a few sizes and became happy with myself... I can't keep up with all the young and the skinny...I have to be me or else!  


I need to be comfortable in my own skin when I have a swim suit on because at the end of the day it will all still be there when I take a shower and go to bed.  So my question is WHY??  Why do we torture ourselves into thinking that we have to look like an amazon princess who is genetically born to be perfect in every way, shape and form?  Let's get real, unless I fork out some cash to get surgically altered then it is what it is, right? 


I am wonderfully and fearfully made, and I know this very well.  And you are too!  I encourage you and myself to harness that God-given beauty and don't dare let go because there is no comparison.  Be beautiful and feel beautiful today and everyday, Girlfriend!!

Be a Glamour Girl

As I searched through my mail a  few days ago I stumbled upon this neat 'clip and save' via a Glamour Magazine subscription mailer.  So I did what it said, clip and save...except I threw out the subscription thingy.  No thanks, but thanks!  Check this out, it is called "10 DOS AND DON'TS FOR HAIR, EYES, LIPS, NAILS".  Here is a snippet of each one:

1. DO ADD A LITTLE SHIMMER- it says to mix gold or silver eyeshadow with pomade and lightly run it over styled hair.  Let me know how that goes.
2. DO CURL YOUR LASHES- you will look awake and alive.  But, being awake is awake and alive right?
3. DO TAKE IT OFF (MAKEUP, THAT IS)-Kim Kardashian does it, so I guess we all should too!
4. DO STEP OUT OF YOUR COSMETIC COMFORT ZONE- a red lip. Just do it.  I think a good red lip is hot, sexy and striking.
5. DON'T SKIMP ON EQUIPMENT- get a good blush brush, its worth it.  I say invest in good brushes-period.  Sephora is a great place to start.
6. DO OUTWIT CLUMPY LASHES- blot your mascara wand on a tissue to get rid of excess before applying. Or make them as thick as you want!  Everyone is wearing false eyelashes anyway, the thicker the better.
7. DO TRY A CLASSIC BUN- lots of instructions on this one so just make it look pretty and spray some shine mist on it when you're done.
8. DON'T GO "BUN" OVERBOARD- basically don't make your bun bigger than your head.  Makes sense.
9. DO REMEMBER: SHINY LIPS=SEXY LIPS- yes, and yes.
10. DO FIND THE PERFECT SHAPE FOR YOUR NAILS- look at your cuticles and follow the line it makes.  Or do whatever your heart desires.

So there you have it.  Every bit of it was paraphrased and with my own words except for the bold print.  Just want to give credit to Glamour for giving me such insight on how to be a glamour girl.  But, no matter what rules are made about beauty the fact is that THERE ARE NO RULES.  So if you feel beautiful the way you are then YOU GO GIRLFRIEND!!

Revamp!

I have been so busy these days that I have neglected my blog.  Yeah, like a lot!  So this post is to apologize and reassure that I love my blog and appreciate those who read it.  So, I changed the look but keeping the same objective...writing about beauty.  I think I will also start to write more encouraging notes along side the beauty theme.  So here goes...

Eureka its the Amika Styler!!

Sultry Lace- loveamika.com

This isn't any ordinary "flat-iron", the Amika 100% Ceramic Styler is the best on the market!  I know because I have one!  It's called a styler because you can create multiple styles with your hair because it has floating plate technology that allows the hair to smoothly straighten and style hair without tugging or breaking the hair PLUS no creasing!  Styles can be curly, wavy, straight, flip up/out and a root lift.  The styler is for all hair types and textures, from fine to ethnic.  Tame that mane!

Tattoo- loveamika.com

The styler has 100% ceramic plates all the way through and uses far-infrared heat to soften your hair, heat it from the inside out while locking in moisture and the result is silky, shiny hair.  No frizz, no fuss, no kidding!  Not only is the Amika Styler easy to use, it come is awesome fashion prints.  They get their inspiration for their prints from New York Fashion Week!  The prints change seasonally as fashion changes.  How cool is that!  These stylers can be found at Beauty Brands and Sephora.  You can also shop online at different sites or go to loveamika.com.

Mini- loveamika.com

So if you are shopping for a "flat-iron" switch it to a "Styler" and go for Amika, Girlfriend!

Pink Cheetah- loveamika.com

Lifestyle = Beauty

 image from decisivemagazine.com

To have beautiful skin you need to have a healthy lifestyle.  Having a healthy lifestyle determines your energy level, daily attitude and how your skin looks, behaves and ages.  You can avoid pitfalls by taking good care of yourself.  

According to the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, good skincare habits start with drinking water, exercising, getting enough rest, protecting your skin from the sun, not smoking and limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol (24).  What we put in our bodies are a direct influence on our overall health.  Now I am not a doctor, but this is not brain surgery either.  Taking care of yourself matters!

image from skybluecross.org

Take a look at these amazing vitamins that can pump up you skin to look its best:

• Vitamin A- Antioxidant essential for the growth and renewal of skin cells.
• Vitamin B- Increases fatty acids in the skin, promoting exfoliating and firmness.
• Vitamin C- Building block of collagen, the protein that gives skin its structure, tone and elasticity.
• Vitamin D- Essential for the development of skin cells.
• Vitamin E- Antioxidant that helps build and maintain healthy skin tissue.
• Fat- Also an important nutrient for the skin and the health of the whole body.

(ref. Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual 26-27)

As you are trying new skincare and searching for products to work for your skin, search for these beauty vitamins so keep your skin healthy.  Treat your skin to some beauty vitamins, Girlfriend!

Rent-A-Bag?

Do you like designer jewelry, accessories and handbags?  I most certainly do but my budget does not fit the 'designer' type.  So just recently I found a website claiming that you can RENT yes, pick and rent anything from Prada, Marc Jacobs, Jimmy Choo to Valentino...keep it for a while...and send it back at no cost.  Where is this site???? It's called Bag Borrow or Steal and I think its kinda cool.  Here is a snippit from the website:


Think of Bag Borrow or Steal as your "pinch me this can't be true" closet — full of the most coveted designer handbags and accessories. All waiting for you to enjoy! See how fast, easy and fun it is to rent authentic luxury.
(bagborroworsteal.com)

 "

Gucci Patent 'Indy' Tassle Hobo Handbag"

  

You can rent this for $87 per week, $255 per month or $650 per 3 months.

Tory Burch 'Steffi' Hobo Handbag

Or you can rent this for $20/week, $60/month or $153/ 3 months. Your pick!

Need to see more??? Go to bagborroworsteal.com and see for yourself!  The possibilities are endless!  

Now, I also like designer look-alikes, too.  They are just as good and cheap!  You might not like designer and that is cool, too!  Some people are so talented that they create their own wallet, handbag or clutch themselves!!  Now THAT is oober cool!  I love handmade goods.  So whatever floats your boat... work it, love it, and work it some more!  Your bag represents YOU:)  And that is awesome to me!

Find it, work it and love that perfect handbag, Girlfriend!

Busy, busy, busy

Texas Bluebonnet

Did I mention that I have been busy?  So sorry that I have neglected my blog!  It is so easy to get caught up in the daily busy-ness! If your life has been pulling you in different directions...STOP AND SMELL SOME BLUEBONNETS!!  Oh, I have been in the Texas Hill Country aka Fredricksburg and it was amazing!!!  If you have never been then check it out.  The flowers were in bloom and I was able to take pictures of them...they were everywhere!  I love taking macro pictures. I am not clear on the names of some of the flowers, but I labeled what I know for sure.  Enjoy them and I will be back soon for a new Girlfriend post!

Texas Thistle

Indian Paintbrush, Winecups 

Catterpillars

Texas Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush

Winecups

Perfume Scents

Do you have a favorite perfume you wear everyday?  You love it so much that it screams "ME"!  I have a scent that I absolutely love...it's Vanilla.  Yup, straight up vanilla.  I also love anything that smells like cake or baked goods (check out the Laura Mercier post).  But I have several perfumes that claim to be my scent and replicate my mood for the day.  

For example, today I am wearing Victoria Secret Heavenly.  It's a nice powdery, fresh scent that speaks relaxed and taking it easy.  But when I am going out in public I will wear Juicy Coture's Viva La Juicy or Chanel Chance Eau Tendre and to me they speak "yeah I'm a girl who likes to smell good".  

I have a running total of 7 perfumes including 2 roller ball perfumes.  I kind of cleaned house late last year and gave a few away (like 3) and kept these seven.  How many do you have?

So what is your favorite scent?  What speaks when you pass by a stranger or walk into a room?  Here are a few scent meanings:

• Happiness Scents -Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Green Apple
• Sexiness - Cloves, Lavender, and Oriental Spices
• Energy - Lemon, Orange, and Peppermint
• Serenity - Chamomile, Thyme, and Lavender   

(source: http://www.cheap-perfume.co.uk)

Have a sweet day, Girlfriend.

Opportunity!

So many times we coast through life doing our thing as usual and miss out on an opportunity. Opportunity is defined as, " favorable time or condition for doing something"(Dictionary.com).

Has there ever been a time that you could have done that one thing, but got scared or didn't seize the moment? That was your opportunity. Be alert for opportunities and take charge! It could be staring you right in the face...think about it. Is it an opportunity to shine, to take a chance even though it feels uncomfortable, to explore possibilities, or to give back? Take your opportunity and run with it and when you get tired, push yourself to keep going. The chase can be long and hard but you can make it, don't let it escape. The thrill of your victory is priceless!
Find your opportunity today, Girlfriend.

Good Friday

Today is not about a beauty blog for me.  Today I say, "Bring on the GLORY to God!"  He sent his son to live a sinless life, die on a cross and RISE UP so that we could have a shot at eternal life!!  Please don't forget what he has done for all of us!  Celebrate the KING OF GLORY!!

John 3:16

"For God loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Be blessed, Girlfriend.

Beach Hair

I was at the grocery store (as usual) looking for some hairspray when I noticed a product called BIOSILK BEACH TEXTURE.  Hmmm...that sounds interesting.  I would love to try something that would prevent me from having to blow dry and flat iron my hair.  Okay, let's give it a try.


This product says that it contains "natural silk, vitamins, herbs and texturizing salts to create natural looking beach waves" and you can let your hair air dry or diffuse it.  Well, I don't have long hair to look like a beach goddess so I will have to make due with the what I have.  As you can see in the picture, my hair turned out kind of pieced and textured looking.  A little length and I might actually have more of a 'beach texture' look.  Oh well, at least its not a big poofy mess!  


Give a 'new hair look' a try today!  Braid it, curl it, scrunch it, straighten it, or give it a 'beach textured' look.  Anything you do will look fabulous, Girlfriend!

Take it to the next level

Maurices.com

In a previous post, Spring is in the Air, I showcased a picture of this dress for spring fashion. Today I would like to show you how to take a cute dress from fab to spectacular with a little accessorizing.
According to Maurices.com, this dress is called the Zig-Zag Chiffon Belted Tank Dress.  It has a cool zig-zag pattern with an amazing color scheme, chiffon ruffle bottom and a skinny belt for the smock waistline (Maurices.com).  This tank dress can be worn as is or dressed up for a special occasion.

Maurices.com

In this picture (right) I added a coral shrug, layered two enamel, gold-toned necklaces and chose a pair of brown sling-back, mini-platform heels to complete the look.  Don't be afraid to add something to your outfit even if the color is not 'matching'. Anything goes in the fashion world today... well, almost anything.  I am actually wearing this completed look to a wedding next weekend. 

Maurices.com

So whatever you decide to wear today, spruce it up with a little bling, a stylish shoe, a scarf or vest and work it like your are on the runway!  Have a stylish day, Girlfriend!

Maurices.com

Encouragement

So today I only have some encouraging words for you and hopefully it engages you to think clearly about who you are.  My words of encouragement are... BE EXTRAORDINARY.  Okay so what does this have to do with the 'beauty thing'?  TONS!!!!!  Beauty is not just the latest fashion, the hottest handbag and the most awesome makeup application imaginable. Beauty lies within, too.  Beauty emits from the inside out no matter what you look like.


The word extraordinary is composed of two words- extra and ordinary.  They both mean two different things but put together creates a totally different meaning.  According to Dictionary.com, extraordinary is used as an adjective and describes one to be "beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular or established" and "exceptional in character...noteworthy, remarkable".  Okay, enough with the English lesson.

Let me ask you something, are you just going along every day doing the same old thing?   Hopefully not, but if you are I want to encourage and challenge you to do something EXTRAORDINARY.  You are fully capable of it!  In a previous post I asked what you see in the mirror...now I ask if you see ordinary or EXTRAORDINARY?  You can do anything!  You can be more than what you are today.  You can take charge and write a blog about stuff you are passionate about.  You can help someone in need, be a true friend, live out loud, dance in the rain, feel good about you and be MORE than you are now.  Not to say that you are not, I'm not saying that, but could you do something that is "beyond what is usual"?  Do it for you, to create a sense of accomplishment and stamp a smile in your heart.  


I know that I am EXTRAORDINARY because I was created this way.  It took me a long time to believe that I was more than just plain, ordinary, vanilla me.  I now have this sense of urgency to live my dreams and do more than I have ever imagined because I am equipped to do so.  Believe that you are more than ordinary.   Be EXTRAORDINARY, Girlfriend.