Liquid Highlighter – The Perfect All in One Product

It’s early in the morning and you need to get out the door looking as human as possible, as quickly as possible. Products with multiple uses are ideal for that purpose. One such item is liquid highlighting cream. Usually a shimmery white or light pink color, liquid highlighter adds emphasis, sheen and light color to areas that you want to highlight. Use it in place of eyeshadow and even blush.

First, keep in mind that a very little goes a long way. Otherwise you risk looking like a disco ball! Start out by applying the rest of your makeup, whether you just wear powder or mascara, or both, do the rest of your makeup first before applying the liquid highlighter. After applying the liquid highlighter, avoid putting any powder on top of it.

Put a tiny dab, and I mean tiny, in the tip of one of your finger. Press it into your inner eyelids. Blend it in a bit with your fingers. Also add a touch of it to the tops of your brow bones. This functions much in the way that using a light eye shadow on your brow bone does.

Put another dab of the highlighter on your finger and apply to the tops of your cheekbones. This can take the place of blush without adding much in the way of color. Blend it in and you’re done!

After applying lipstick or lip-gloss, dab a tiny dot of liquid highlighter in the center of your bottom lip and press your lips together. Your lips will look bigger!

Awesome, Low-Cost Face Masks by Montagne Jennessee

Every other week or so I enjoy putting on a face mask as a way to unwind and beautify my skin. I love using those made by Montagne Jennesse when I'm in a time pinch. It's a great way to help put a stressful week behind me or to smooth out my skin before a night out. I have used a couple of the masks that the company produces and I like all of them. I have learned, however, that it's best to adhere to certain rules and to read the directions carefully. I ended up leaving on a mask that I thought said to remove after 15 minutes and it was only five. I was sick at the time (maybe not the best circumstance to use a mask) and when I removed it; my face had a mild sunburn on it. Oh, and I don't want to forget to mention that these masks cost almost nothing, selling for under $2 in most retail establishments.

 

The spearmint mask that Montagne Jennesse puts out is great for smoothing out your skin while also working to get rid of the tension around your face with its fresh, minty scent. It's referred to as a sachet by the company. You simply cut out the holes for your eyes, place the cloth on your face and let it rest there for five minutes. Rinse your face with warm water to seal open pores afterward and your set.

The cucumber peel mask is my favorite of the bunch; though I need more time with this one than the rest of the other types that I've tried. I have found that it wakes up my face; leaving my skin feeling like it did when I was a teenager. This mask stays on for 10 to 20 minutes and then you peel it off.

 

Other face products offered by Montagne Jennesse include cream, mud and fruit masks. I recommend experimenting with varieties that match your specific skin tone to see which one works best for you.

 

Give Yourself a Mini-Facial at Home

For ladies that have a more do-it-yourself attitude towards beauty, consider eschewing pricey facials and commercial masks to make your own at home! It’s cheaper and you know that there aren’t harmful chemicals in them. My favorite is to do a mini facial at home using honey, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.

A bit of a warning here. If you have sensitive or dry skin, ABORT! Don’t even try this. It is too strong for your skin.

So, here is what I do. I squirt about two tbsp. of honey into a bowl. I pour in quite a bit of sugar, enough so that it makes a paste of sorts. I don’t have exact measurements, I just wing it. Stir those together with a spoon. I then pour in about one tsp. apple cider vinegar and one tsp. extra virgin olive oil. Mix them together and you’re ready to go!

This mixture is super sticky so pull your hair back all off of your face or it will be tough to rinse out. Dip your hands in and smooth it across your face and jaw. Of course, keep it out of your eyes, nose, and mouth. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes. Use a warm washcloth and wash it off. If there is a sticky residue, wash your face with your standard face cleanser.

That’s it! If your face feels dry, feel free to put on a light moisturizer. My skin is insanely oily and I found that this helps control the oil for two to three days after I do it. I only use this face mask once per week.

How to Wake Up Tired, Baggy Eyes

Use One or All of These Techniques to Wake Up Your Eyes.

I don't tend to get dark circles and other signs that point to tiredness that often unless I'm either sick or have been awoken by my 10-month-old several times during the night. However, when I do, I have figured out through trial and research what works and what doesn't to get rid of tired eyes fast. For example, if I use the wrong color of concealer under my peepers, they'll appear even more exhausted than before I started. Use one or all of these techniques to wake up your eyes.

 

Remove your makeup and wash your face before you go to bed to decrease the chance that you'll wake up with tired eyes. Puffy eyes in the morning, according to makeup artists, can result from an unwashed face from the night before.

Place cucumbers or cold tea bags on your eyes to reduce the signs of a sleepless night. Anything cold on your eyes brings down the inflammation which plays a big role in making them look tired. The caffeine from your tea bags, along with a natural astringent from the cucumber, work to tighten up the areas around your eyes for the purpose of looking like you had a decent night's rest.

 

Put on your on eye cream first thing every morning to look like you slept for eight hours the night before. Eye cream, when used over time, works to rid your eyes of puffiness before it even starts. The right type of eye cream will also help fight wrinkles which makes you look younger and more awake.

 

Work white or light eyeshadow into your a.m. makeup routine. Dab the light-colored shadow onto the inner corner of your eyes to brighten up your entire face.

 

Adding these steps to your morning routine will erase the signs of tired, swollen or baggy eyes.

Eyeliner is HiP

Eyeliner is a girl’s best friend.

 

There are many choices, walking through the makeup aisle in the drugstore might seem a little intimidating. My favorite is listed here:

Loreal HiP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner is amazing. It’s super creamy and floats onto your lids magically. You can smear it for a dark, gothic or vampy night time look. Or you can use a pencil brush to sweep it along your waterline to make your eyes really pop for day time!

I’m not the only fan of this wonderful product. You can view a video of how another fan wears her Loreal HiP Eyeliner here. While looking at reviews for this eyeliner, other users raved about how pigmented it was and how it literally stayed put all day, never sinking into the crease for that dreaded raccoon eyes look. With this eyeliner, you are not limited to merely classic black.

This product can be found in Midnight Blue, Eggplant, Teal and Brown too. Allure suggests pairing a blue liner with a black or brown liner for an overall muted effect. A purple liner, such as eggplant is flattering for all skin types. Combining teal eyeliner with a pale eye shadow and lipstick ensures you won’t look clown like.

When playing with colors on your eyes, don’t apply a heavily pigmented lipstick, opt to wear a simple sheer gloss or lipstick instead.

Alternatively, if you decide to wear a deep hued dark red on your lips, limit your eyes to a basic coat of mascara and black eyeliner. You don’t want your eyes and your lips to compete.

Photo credit: walgreens.com

http://www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/07124913171_220x220_a.jpg

Keep your Hands Soft During Winter With Bath and Body Work's Product

It's a well-known fact that winter wreaks havoc on your hands. Each year, the cold dry air filters in, leaving me excited for the changing weather except for one thing: lack of moisture. I always receive complements from my husband about my soft skin.(I try to apply body lotion almost every day.) However, even with taking part in a daily moisturizing routine that pleases my honey, they still ended up dry. That is, until I discovered the one beauty item that would turn things around for me. Now, I can look forward to the cooler weather without sacrificing soft hands.

I discovered my secret when I took a trip to the mall with my husband, armed with a couple of gift cards to varies places such as Bath and Body Works and JC Penny's. I found my miracle worker in Bath and Body Works and it's a skin softener produced by “True Blue” called “Super Softening Hand Lotion” with ingredients that include paraffin along with olive, apricot and avocado oils and other softening agents that combine together to soften hands. I don't know whether it's the paraffin or the oils but it works.

 

This lovely discovery leaves my hands super soft, unlike anything I've ever seen before. To tell you the truth, though, I've never tried using this type of lotion except when a manicurist applied it to my hands. I think, from now on, I am going to make it a point to pay attention when a magazine article or other reputable beauty source explains why beauty products made for a specific body part often work better than using an item designed for general use.

 

Essie Sugar Daddy – The Perfect Neutral Nail Polish

I regularly paint my nails various shades of nail polish. I love a range of colors, from dark and vampy colors to soft neutral pinks. The reason that I don’t wear a lot of dark colors on my fingernails is that that they chip fast, no matter what I use. I hate seeing chips. So, I use those colors on my toes. Some of my favorites include OPI Lincoln Park After Dark, a purple, reddish, almost black color, and China Glaze Ruby Pumps, a glittery red. For my fingernails, I wear Essie Sugar Daddy, a sheer pink, most of the time. It is the very best neutral nail polish that I’ve ever used.

Essie Sugar Daddy was actually voted the best neutral nail polish of 2011 by InStyle magazine. It’s a delicate pink but not an opaque polish. It is quite sheer and your natural nails will show through a bit. That is what makes it unique. It will not make your nails look overtly pink. Rather it enhances your nail color with that sheer blush of baby pink.

For me, this is an ideal nail polish as I can swipe it on easily and it lasts for days. The best part is that unless you are closely examining my fingernails, you can’t see the chips. For busy ladies on the go, it is perfect as you can slap on two coats of Essie Sugar Daddy and have manicured nails without having to worry about them.

I’ve gone through two bottles of Essie Sugar Daddy in the past 8 months or so. I love having nice looking fingernails and toenails. I don’t love the time that it takes to get them. Thus, Essie Sugar Daddy will be a staple for many years to come!

5 Skin Care Staples I Truly Love!

Oil Of Olay- Cleansing Cloths

You know those commercials where the girls are washing their faces and just splashing the water perfectly from the sink? That doesn't really happen in real life. I think a lot of us actually dread washing our face at night, but we know that the alternative is clogged pores, dirty pillow cases, and breakouts! Notice those girls in the commercials never look like they are wearing any makeup either? A good face wash doesn't necessarily go hand in hand with a good total makeup remover. They are two different worlds. One for dirt/oil and one for makeup. When I came across the cleansing cloths from Oil of Olay, I was impressed with how easy they were. Just get them wet suds it up and wash away all of the above!  Maybe these are made for lazy people, but I love using these! The only thing to worry about is keeping the case closed (otherwise they won't get as soapy), and make sure the water is warm enough. This provides a fast alternative to those that just want to take it off before we go to bed.  I usually follow up with a real good cleanse in the morning and then a toner. You can almost always find a $1 off coupon for Olay products in your Sunday paper. (Typically cost $4-$6 and last 1-2 months)

Lancome- Bi-Facil

I never could get behind an eye makeup remover that felt oily, especially when I was acne prone.  The problem with most non oily makeup removers though is they don't work as well, or they are just flat out still greasy. Bi-Facil smells wonderful, and as soon as I started using it to take off my makeup I finally felt it was time to cross over into something like this. The greasy feeling is actually conditioning your lashes for the night. I always start by taking off my eye makeup and then follow up with my facial cleanse to make sure I get rid of any excess oil on the skin.  This formula works perfect, even on waterproof liners and mascaras! One product that I wish the cost was a little less on, but I try and buy when I get the best value. (Gifts, or discount time) (Typical cost $26, lasts about 4-5 months)

Clinique- Dramatically Different Gel/Lotion

I was only introduced to this product over the past year. Clinique is famous for their yellow moisturizer, and sells a bottle about every 3 seconds.  It comes in two different formulas, gel and lotion.  The gel is great for oily skin, and the lotion is formulated for dryer skin.  A lot of people like to wear the gel in the summer and the lotion and winter but it really depends on how you feel it works for you.  I never used a moisturizer for more than a week before I met the yellow gel.  I have combination, acne prone skin, and the lightweight gel is just refreshing when I put it on every morning.  Unlike other moisturizers, you don't have to wait 5 minutes for it to sink in. Your skin instantly drinks this right up! Having a good moisturizer also means that your foundation absorbs and wears better as well.  If you have had issues in the past, this may be a great item for you to try! (Typically $23-$25, also available in a smaller travel/trial size for $13)

MaryKay- Satin Lips

I have never really been impressed with direct sale lines like MaryKay and Avon. A lot of the products seem to be cheap, and don't wear very long.  Satin Lips, the set by MaryKay helps you say goodbye to gross chapped, dry, goopy lips. The set consists of a lip mask and a lip conditioner. Apply the lip mask by slathering over top and bottom lip, let it stay on a minute or two and then use a warm wash cloth to scrub off the dead skin.  I have tried 3 or 4 other lip masks, but none work as well at removing dead skin buildup. This leaves your lips feeling unbelievably soft, and when you follow it up with the lip conditioner you will feel like silk. I use the conditioner every once and a while without the mask just to boost moisture in my lips. (Typically the set costs $18 and will last you the whole year. ) This is a winter necessity !

Lancome- Visionairre

I don't like spending a lot of money on a product if it won't work.  Visionairre has 17 international patents to back it up, and was tested on numerous women that were considering cosmetic procedures. These women were of all races and ages. When it came down to it, this product passed the test with flying colors. There are tons of great reviews online you can read for yourself. I rarely hear a complaint and when I do it is about the scent. (I can't even smell the product when it is on.)  What Visionairre is designed to do is  reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, tighten and reduce pore size, and even out your skin. My pores have never been smaller, you can actually feel the product working once you put it on. The other love I have for this product is the fact it is SAFE for around the eyes. No night, no eye, just one powerful serum! (Remember to use a moisturizer so you don't dry out)  I love the results I have had and even though the price is more than most products I buy, it lasts a long time and it does what it says. (Typically cost $84, expect 6 months of usage from the 1 oz bottle, a little goes a long way. )

5 Makeup Staples I Cannot Go Without

Urban Decay- Primer Potion

Before I knew what an eyelid primer was, I would use stick eyeliner to create a base for my shadows. I had always tried to formulate really colorful shadows with water (Later I found out what mixing medium was.) The more of a base you create for the shadow the longer it lasts. Using primer potion has been a miracle, especially if you have oily eyelids! The biggest complaint I ever heard about the potion was the packaging, there was a lot of wasted product.  Urban Decay took the negative rants to heart and re-packaged their magical primer into a squeeze tube.  This comes in a few neutral shades now, but I like just the basic. Application is simple, just swipe across the lid, give it a minute to dry and then top with your favorite shadows.  You can basically sleep in your shadow and still look the same the next day. (Though I would not recommend it.) Crease free is the way to be! (Typically cost $19 and last at least 6 months!)

Palladio- Pencil Liner

I had tried 20 different pencil liners before I came across one I truly fell in love with. I first saw the Palladio brand at Sally Beauty Supply and decided to give it a shot. The pencil comes already sharpened, and for the first 3-4 uses you will notice nothing spectacular.  After it wears a little on the tip, this pencil liner starts to glide on like a liquid.  I apply on my water line (which is something some people frown upon) , and the finished look it gives is like having a liquid liner on bottom.  When working for Lancome I would get compliments all the time on how it never smudged or budged.  I have tried rather expensive liners, waterproof liners, and automatic liners, but none compare to the Palladio. It comes in some really great shades, though I truly love my black. Say goodbye to the days of heating your stick liners with a hair dryer!  (Typically cost $3-$6, lasts about 6 months!)

MAC/Estee Lauder - Shade Sticks/Shadow Sticks

Wouldn't it be easy if shadow went on just like a crayon? These products are fun and easy to use.  If you didn't already know MAC and Estee Lauder are owned by the same company and actually you can find a lot of crossover products with different names. (Doublewear Shadow pots are a lot like MAC paint pots, etc) My every day look is some sort of deep brown smoky eye (black and silver if I am going out). Years ago I used just a liner to deepen my brown shadows and make them stick, then I came across MAC shade sticks, my staple color being Sharkskin which is really hard to find any more. Don't get me wrong, I love the paints, and the paint pots, but the application of those is a little more tedious. The ease of the stick really just glides right on, and if you use it with your primer potion, there is nothing that is going to budge that! I have a million of these in different colors, there is always something new at the counter. You usually follow them up with some shadow application, but some more natural looks don't require any further shadow placement. Give them a try! (Typically $17.50 and wears for about 6 months give or take your usage!)

Lancome- Teint Idole Ultra

You have probably already read my rants on foundation and how hard it is to find the perfect one.  This Lancome foundation has been my holy grail. It is a matte foundation, long wearing, and great full coverage. SPF of 15, ideal for normal-oily skin types.  As a whole Lancome has a great selection of foundation, and colors to match up with. Now that I have found this formula I am not going anywhere, it is the one over priced item I truly must have at all times. It leaves me feeling even, and confident. (Typically $42-try and buy when you get a gift! This foundation lasts me almost a whole year, and I use every day!)

MAC- Dazzleglass

Because my lips are pretty plump, I like more shine than color on them. Shine without sticky was an impossible find for quite a while.  I had a couple products I liked, but I didn't love them. They were mostly drug store brands, but you found yourself applying way too often. Meet MAC Dazzleglass, which has been out a few years now. I got overwhelmed trying to "collect them all", but each one is truly unique. You can wear these alone for a hint of color, and ton of sparkle, but when paired with a perfect shade of lipstick under neath, you create a seal  that lasts for a better part of your day, and your lips look amazing! This is another product I always got compliments on. The one thing I notice to be careful of is not using the application brush that comes with it when you are wearing lipstick. It is better to use your own lip brush so that you aren't always adding color to the gloss.  Save your empties, if you don't already know, MAC has a recycle program and when you gather enough empties you get a free lipstick (or sometimes shadow). Definitely worth it! (Typically $18.50 and lasts about 4 months..)

 

How to Make a Homemade Coffee Scrub

"This scrub can also work as a homemade gift."

Coffee, one of my favorite drinks, can double as a homemade body scrub. The caffeine in coffee works to move the water around in your body which, in turn, makes your skin tighten. The tightening of your skin results in making your skin look younger and firmer. Coffee scrubs reverse skin acne and slows down the formation of wrinkles on your skin. The beneficial ingredients in the scrub also help keep your skin soft, according to a Livestrong article written by Holly L. Roberts titled “Homemade Coffee Scrub.”

Things You'll Need:

Small mixing bowl

Stirring spoon

¼ cup of either ground coffee beans or brewed coffee beans

1 cup of brown sugar

¾ cup of olive oil

1 teaspoon of honey

small jar with lid

body lotion

 

 

Mix together, in a bowl, the coffee, sugar and oil. Use either a decent stirring spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients for your scrub.

 

Add in the honey and blend the ingredient in together with the coffee, sugar and oil.

 

Pour the mixture into your jar and store the concoction in your bathroom.

 

Turn your shower setting to warm and pour out the amount of the coffee scrub you want to use onto your hand. Place the scrub onto your skin using a good amount of pressure to relieve tension and beautify your skin. Avoid using the body scrub on your face to prevent any problems that could result from too-harsh ingredients.

 

Rinse the scrub completely off your body and pat dry with a towel. Apply lotion while your skin is still damp to experience fresh, clean, smooth and youthful looking skin.

 

 

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