Loving Shower Time!

I love it when I find a shower/bath product that just makes me want to shower all the time.  My latest obsession - The Body Shop's Earth Lovers Shower Gel in Watermelon & Eucalyptus.  I went to The Body Shop to restock on my face wash products, and it turned out I hadn't used my $10 Birthday rewards yet.  The girl at the counter recommended that I try their new line of body wash, since there was a 2 for 1 deal and with my rewards, it'd be practically free!  So I said why not, and boy I'm so glad I did.  I am obsessed with not only the refreshing scent, but also the fact that there's no sulfates, parabens or colorants, and it's 100% biodegradable.  It's not as thick and gel-like, but it still foams up when you apply it.  According to the label, it contains watermelon and eucalyptus extract.  Probably another reason it doesn't smell artificial or chemical.  I love how the scent lingers after a shower.  It seriously makes me not want to leave the bathroom!

I also got the Apricot and Basil, and that smells great too!  However, the basil is quite overpowering, so if you're not a fan, I'd stick to Watermelon and Eucalyptus for a sweet refreshing scent.

Right now, there's a great deal online; these shower gels are half off, so they're only five bucks!

A True Beauty Quick Fix - BB Cream

I LOVE Smashbox BB Cream [period].  It is a moisturizer (with SPF), primer, foundation all in one.  The BB stands for "beauty balm", and it is really trending right now since its debut in Asia.  Clinique, Too Faced, Boscia, and Smashbox are just a few names who have come out with their very own BB cream.  I'm currently using Smashbox's BB Cream in Light.  You might think, BB cream is just a moisturizer with a different name.  Oh but Smashbox's BB cream is a tinted cream formula that does so much more.  It primes your face, provides some moisture with SPF 35; and it's matte cream formula helps control oils.  The formula is very light on this skin.  It doesn't feel heavy like a lot of tinted moisturizers out there can feel.  Because of the multi-tasking formula, I'm putting less product on my face.  I can eliminate moisturizer and primer!  Since we're still in winter and my face easily dries if I ever skip a day without moisturizer, I still apply just enough for a very light coverage before applying the BB cream.

This BB cream provides light to medium coverage, but it produces a smooth photo finish.  If you're used to heavy canvas coverage, you can top the BB cream with a light foundation powder.  I often do this if I want a real photo finished look, but for an everyday work look, the BB cream alone as my foundation works just fine.  Because it doesn't give a heavy coverage, I still advise using your concealer if you need to brighten up or cover up anything on your face.  Smashbox's description states that it also conceals, but I think that depends on how much you, as the user, need to conceal.  For example, I have dark circles under my eyes, and the BB cream, while provides some coverage, doesn't quite conceal the dark circles as an actual heavy grade concealer would.

The Smashbox BB cream costs $39 for a 1oz. tube.  It is a little steep for the amount that you get, but if you think about some of the products you can remove from your daily facial/makeup routine, I think it's worth the money.  I like the Smashbox's version because they do offer several shades.

Be Bright and Bold!

Chillin at work before I saw Mayer Hawthorne's
How Do You Do show at the 9:30 Club! Wearing
my shades because of my allergies.

Spring 2012 is all about being bright and bold.  You've probably seen neons making a comeback as well some fun tribal patterns.  Even the usual pastel colors got a makeover with all sorts of different hues.  While tangerine tango has been designated as the color for Spring, I thought I'd stick to a color I love wearing but where it bright and bold!

The NARS spring collection came out with this shocking matte pink shade, called Schiap.  I think this color is perfect for spring and summer!  I've worn it when going out at night, but it works for the daytime too.  I usually wear neutral colors for work - black, gray, khaki, cream.  This bright pink lipstick adds just the right amount of pop!  My only issue is this lipstick isn't a long lasting one.

I pair the lipstick with Makeup Forever's Lipliner in 16C Fuschia.  It matches really well with Schiap.  

NARS matte lipstick sells for $24, but if you want a wonderful alternative, Stila's Long Wear Lip Color in Exhilarating is a few bucks cheaper and is nearly identical in color and matte formula.

Me at Disneyworld's Magig Kingdom!
Wearing NARS' Schiap shade, which matched
my Longchamp tote and Minnie ears!
Minnie all grown up ;)

DIY: Daily Makeup Brush Cleanser

I'm back!  A lot of personal things have been going on, which needed more attention than posting.  But now that 2012 seems to be going in the right direction, I'm back to posting!

     In a post back in October, I talked about shampooing your brushes to deep clean any gunk that have accumulated in your brushes.  Well, I thought I'd follow that post with one about cleaning your brushes daily.  Daily brush cleaning removes any product you just used and prevents serious build-up and any skin irritations due to build-up.  Of course, I still recommend shampooing once to twice a month, but until that time, daily cleaning keeps your brushes sanitized between uses.  Also, if you love switching products such as eyeshadows and blushes, daily cleansing ensures that your brushes will prevent transfers and mixing.

     Daily brush cleansers can cost anywhere between $10-15.  The cheapest I've seen is Sephora's daily brush cleanser for $6 (a 2 oz. spray).  MAC Cosmetic's version cost $13 (7 oz).  With the recipe below, I filled four bottles (ranging 1-4 oz) with just one mixture!  And the best part is that all the ingredients are multi-purpose products found around the house!

Pictured (left to right): 1 2-oz spritz bottle; 1 4-oz wide mouth

bottle (reserve); 1 1-oz spritz bottles. Not pictured: the other 2-oz bottle

Like my label? - it's to remind to "treat" my brushes with some TLC :)

I watched a youtube by EnKore Makeup. and followed his recipe.  You can check out his video or if you prefer a written recipe, keep reading!

Ingredients:
-1 cup of distilled, purified, or bottled water
-1/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol (70% or 91%).  I used CVS's 70%.
-1/2 tbsp of baby shampoo/any moisturizing shampoo.  I used Johnson's Baby Shampoo in calm lavender
-1/2 tbsp of dish detergent.  I used Amway's Dish Drops detergent
-1 tbsp of spray in conditioner.  I used Garnier's Fructis Daily Spray In Conditioner

Equipment:
-Bowl or large measuring cup
-1 cup
-1/4 cup
-1 tbsp
-Funnel (optional)
-Spritz bottles.  Empty hair spray bottles work great (just make sure to really clean them out!).
-1 small plastic bottle (any type, optional).  This will be used if you have any extra solution.  This will be your reserves.

Directions:
1.  Pour 1 cup of distilled water into a bowl or a large measuring cup.
2.  Add 1/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol to the water.
3.  Add 1/2 tbsp of shampoo and 1 tbsp of detergent.
4.  Stir slowly using the the tablespoon.   Some suds/bubbles will form, just do NOT mix too vigorously because you will get a lather/too much suds.
5.  Add 1 tbsp of leave-in conditioner.
6.  Stir slowly again ensuring all ingredients have been thoroughly mixed.  Depending on your products, you might have a solution with a tint of color.
7.  Using a funnel (optional), pour solution into spritz bottles.  If you have extra solution, pour that into another bottle.
8.  Label your bottles!
DONE!

To clean brushes:
1.  Run each brush quickly through lukewarm water.
2.  Apply 1-2 sprays onto the bristles.
3.  With a paper towel, gently swirl bristles until no color is visible.
4.  Leave out to dry.  By the next day, your brushes will be dry and ready to use!

I love these cheap spritz bottles from The Container Store!
One the eft is the 1-oz bottle (which I plan on taking on trips) and
on the right is the 2-oz bottle (home use).  They're MADE IN THE USA!

                                                                             

Holiday 2011 - #1 Lancome L'Absolu Rouge

Swatch!

At the #1 spot is none other than your staple red lipstick by Lancome.  Lancome's Absolu Rouge collection is currently my favorite collection for those bright bold shades for lipsticks.

Magnetic closure!

It has a creamy formula and goes on smoothly.  It stays put for the most part and even when the color starts to fade, it leaves a decent tint on your lips so the fading isn't as obvious.  It also contains a hydrating formula and SPF 12.  So no need real need to apply lip balm or lip ointment beforehand.  I do add a little primer or loose powder to hold the lip color more in place.  I matched myself with a Berry Noir shade, and I'm in love with it!  The collection has a wide range of neutrals, pinks, and
reds.  

Another little perk is the magnetic closure of the cover to the base.  Neat!

It's a little expensive, but if you're going to invest in that perfect red lip color, then I think it's worth the money.  Just think how pretty you'll look in photos *wink*.

In the Catholic tradition, we still have the Epiphany to celebrate, but for all of you who are just about done with the holidays, I hope you enjoyed your holiday and that this new year brings you joy!  2012 here we go!

Light application of Berry Noir

Darker application of Berry Noir

Holiday 2011 - #2 Origins Peace of Mind

http://bit.ly/uO45Om

Happy Holidays!  Merry Christmas!

Yea, I know I didn't finish my top 10 before Christmas.  But I'm finishing it now hopefully before New Year's.  On the bright side, you can look at the final two as gifts for yourself!  It's okay to be selfish now, and hopefully with some holiday gift cards/money, you'll find my top 10 handy!

At number two is Origins Peace of Mind on-the-spot relief.  Perfect right after all the holiday stress?  All you need is one pump from the bottle, and you dab a little on your temples or back of the neck and give a gentle rub into your skin.  I like to put a little right underneath the nose (like you do with Vick's vapor rub when you're sick with a cold).  It's got a strong peppermint scent to it, which diffuses quite quickly so it's not overpowering - just right.

For a tiny bottle, it sure takes a load off and lasts a long time; in fact, I bought my bottle months ago and still using it!  I like to use it right before I go to bed.  Give yourself some peace of mind post-holiday season and pick up a bottle!

Holiday 2011 - #3 From Instagram to Stickgram

Excuse the poor lighting.  My magnets appear a lot brighter.

Since it's Wednesday, I decided to make this nifty product my number three on my Holiday list as well as my Potpourri Wednesday post.  Stickygram is a website that works with Instagram to create magnets from your Instagram photos!  They're made in sets of nine (see photo) and measure approximately 2in x 2in (50mm x 50mm), about the same size as they appear on an iPhone.  The cost of one set of nine magnets is 14.99, which includes airmail shipping!  It took about 6 days to get to me.  With that said, it might be a little late for Christmas gift giving, but hey, who said you had to stop giving gifts on Christmas day?  The site also offers gift certificates to send to photo-loving loved ones!

It's easy to do:
1.  Go to www.stickygram.com and sign in using your Instagram account.
2.  Once you see all your photos, simply click add as you scroll over each photo.
3.  Check out and pay.  Done!

My first set (and definitely not my last) set of Stickygrams!

If you've been reading some of my recent posts, I've been using the Instagram app on my iPod touch to take my blog photos.  With Instagram, you can change the look and feel of your photos just by selecting from a variety of filters.  You can make your photo look darker, have a border, look vintage, to name a few.  Once you've done that, you can share your photos with the Instagram community  as well as on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and blogs.  Stickygram is just one more way to share your photos.  As you can see, my first set consisted of inanimate objects.  I hope to take more photos of family and friends and giving these magnets as gifts!

Arrived by Airmail.  Shipping is included in the cost!
The envelope was well packaged (no bending) and fit right
in my mailbox!

Holiday 2011 - #4 LUSH's Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar

This is crunch time, so let's get straight to what's next on the Holiday 2011 list of favorite things.  At number four is LUSH's Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar.  I'm not too big on body glitter/shimmer, at least not since middle school and early high school, but this product is amazing.  It gives off a subtle shimmer with a light rub, or if you want to shimmer out, just rub a little more on you.  After applying it, you almost forget you're wearing body shimmer.  I remember some body glitter/shimmer products that would be wet for awhile after you applied it, and by the end of the night, the area felt icky and maybe a little sticky.  Shaped like a heart, this sparkle bar has a light vanilla lavendar scent - who doesn't love a little aromatherapy?  It also offers a little moisturizing and lasts all night long.  Lush is known for their fresh organic ingredients in ALL their products (sometimes combined with safe synthetics and essential oils).  So, if you haven't tried their products, I highly recommend starting with this fun little bar.  The bar doesn't come with a case or packaging (they follow a green policy!), but I just store this bar in one of Lush's yellow paper bags in a dry cool place on my dresser; the bar holds up just fine!

Just under seven bucks, Shimmy Shimmy Sparkle Bar makes for a lovely affordable gift!  It's also a great way to glam up your office outfit for your post-work holiday party.  Check out Lush's website for store locators.  You can also order their products online!

Holiday 2011 - #5 Laura Mercier Book of Nudes

Christmas is just one week away!  Are you ready?  At number five is Laura Mercier's Book of Nudes palette (Limited Edition).  Since the success of Urban Decay's NAKED palette, several cosmetic lines have followed suit and created their own version of a premier nude/natural eyeshadow palette.  What I love about LM's Book of Nudes is that it includes a cheek, glow, and bronzer veil, as well as a dark espresso shadow that can be used as an eyeliner.  The glow veil is great for inner eye, high cheek or under eyebrow highlighting.  Also, the 'Buff' eyeshadow is the perfect shade for an overall sweep over the eyelids.  One of my favorite shades is Bamboo (luster finish/golden brown shimmer).  I like that the eyeshadows are a good mix of shimmer, matte, and glitter.

All this is encased in a cute faux snakeskin pattern cover.  The only thing this palette is missing is a brush or two like they did for the Luxe Colour Portfolio.  But I'll take the space for a decently sized mirror.  Basically, this palette is practical to take on your holiday travels, because it's complete with just the essentials to create a subtle or dramatic look.

Swatches from left to right:
Sandstone (sateen finish/pale peachy pink),
Tiger's Eye (sequin finish/sparkling chocolate brown),
Baroque (sateen finish/warm terra-cotta),
Fresco (matte finish/neutral beige brown),
Granite (matte finish/smoky gray),
Cocoa Brown (sateen finish/shimmering brown)

Swatches (with flash)

Love the faux snakeskin cover!

This set contains:
- 8 x 0.03 oz Eye Colours in Buff (matte finish/ soft neutral cream), Tiger's Eye (sequin finish/ sparkling chocolate brown), Sandstone (sateen finish/ pale peachy pink), Bamboo (luster finish/ golden brown shimmer), Baroque (sateen finish/ warm terracotta), Fresco (matte finish/ neutral beige brown), Granite (matte finish/ smoky gray), Cocoa Brown (sateen finish/ shimmering brown)
- 1 x 0.04 oz Tightline Cake Liner in Ground Espresso (universal black-brown)
- 3 x 0.02 oz Crème Veils in Bronzer Veil (universal bronze), Cheek Veil (matte rose peach), Glow Veil (radiant neutral beige shimmer)

(http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P298100&categoryId=B70)

Holiday 2011 - #6 Truth To Go

Taken with Lemeleme app.

Christmas is almost here!  Seriously, where did the time go?!  Well at number six is Old Henriksen's truth to go wipes!  You're thinking wipes for a gift?  I know I would appreciate them, but if you're unsure, this would be a nice supplement to a gift or great stocking stuffer.  These wipes are awesome!  They're great for those of you that hit the gym and need to quickly wipe off your makeup.  They work great for post-workouts too.  I like to use them for touch-ups during the day.  Sometimes I need to change up my eyeshadow or touch up my mascara for happy hour/dinner after work.  It's just easier to use these wipes to wipe the eye makeup off and start again.  The travel size is perfect to take with you on your holiday travels, especially those long flights.

Old Henriksen's truth to go wipes have a citrus scent to them and doesn't leave your face dry .  It's quite refreshing and leaves your face looking and feeling clean.  They really work on the toughest makeup to remove (i.e. mascara).  Save a few drugstore brands, most makeup remover wipes leave that layer of residue that makes you feel your face isn't completely wiped clean.  The label says they're "age-defying"; I'm not quite sure what I'm supposed to notice with this claim, but as far as everything else, these wipes get it done - and that's the truth!

They come in a travel size (10 wipes for $6) or the regular size (30 wipes for $15).  You might think they're quite pricey for makeup/cleansing wipse, but I think they're worth the few extra bucks.

Secret Santa with Elfster!

For Potpourri Wednesday, I thought I'd share a really useful website for the holiday season (sorry for posting on Thursday).  The website is elfster.com, and it's for organizing a Secret Santa with family and friends.  Instead of scheduling a meeting where everyone has to be present to pick a name out of a hat, you just use e-mail addresses.  First, you create an account, then you create the 'Exchange' - participants, date, time, place, monetary limit.  Then you gather all the email addresses and send them.  Once everyone has accepted your invitation to join the Secret Santa exchange (you set a deadline), the names are drawn electronically, and you're notified of the person you got.  This is really useful for those family members who are far away, but plan on coming to your Christmas gathering.

Neat, right?!  It gets better.  You can help your Secret Santa with finding a gift by creating a Wish List, straight from the Elfster website.  If you can't find what you want in their Shop tabs, you can post a link to the gift you like.  You can also say what you don't need/want (i.e. coffee mugs, because you have so many).

As a Secret Santa, you can ask anonymous questions to your person.  You can ask the questions provided or create your own questions (i.e. What are your top 3 favorite stores?).  This site is so awesome; I just wished I had thought of it myself lol.  This year, I'm participating in a Secret Santa exchange with some cousins.  I'm so excited!

And for those of you with smartphones, there's an elfster app!  I downloaded it free for my ipod touch!

Holiday 2011 - #7 True Blue Spa

Taken with Instagram

I'll be honest, Bath and Body Works was my go-to store in high school.  I remember trying on so many scents and spending a lot of allowance money here.  During the holidays, it was definitely my go-to store for last-minute gifts.  It still is actually.  It's one of those stores where you can always find something quick, but yet very useful gifts for family and friends without breaking the bank.  Since my high school days, Bath and Body Works has come a long way in producing quality products at very reasonable prices.  Who doesn't love mixing and matching those anti-bacterial gels and the cases?!

Anyway, holding down the seven spot is Bath and Body Works' True Blue Spa 'Look Ma New Hands' Super-Softening Hand Lotion.  The lotion has a very light refreshing citrus scent.  So for your male friends, the scent is guy-friendly!  It doesn't leave my hands greasy or sticky.  It takes a hot minute for the formula to absorb, but once it does, your hands feel amazing!  Your hands look so polished afterwards!  This is perfect for the wintry months where hands can easily get dry.  It even moisturizes the cuticles, especially when you can't get to a nail salon right away.  I simply can't get enough of this lotion.  This would be a fantastic stocking stuffer.  Check out the holiday gift set.  It's a great deal!

Photo: True Blue Spa Hand Gift Set http://bit.ly/uUGJFy

Holiday 2011 - #8 Too Faced Shadow Brushes Essential 3 Piece Set

Next up on my Holiday List at the eight spot is Too Faced Shadow Brushes Essential 3 Piece Set!  This set features a Liner/Smudger, Lid/Smoker, and a Crease/Blender.  It also includes instructions on how to use each brush.

At the retail price of $39 (plus tax), that's about $13 per brush.  If you frequent stores like Sephora or Ulta, professional shadow brushes can cost anywhere between $14-20 each (more if you go for the fancier collections)!  So I think this is a steal.  They come in a cute slim case, so it keeps them separate from the rest of your brushes.  In fact, the case can fit about 1-2 more brushes depending on their size(s).  As you can see from the photos, the case can stand alone on your dresser for easy access!

Too Faced exclusively uses "Teddy Bear Hair", which are synthetic hair bristles that are super soft and blends your favorite eyeshadows really well.  I used all three on Thanksgiving day, and I thought they blended my shadows really well.  What's great about synthetic bristles is that they are easier for applying and blending, as well as easier to clean!

Here are the three pretty brushes with instructions on how to use
them with your eyeshadows.

The case is adorable that you probably just need a cute bow and it's ready to give away (or keep for yourself).  This is also perfect for your holiday travels!

I used the brushes for the time getting ready for Thanksgiving 2011.
I forgot to take a photo of my eyelids, but I just thought I'd share this
photo anyway.  Gobble gobble!
Taken with Instagram

Holiday 2011 - #10 Too Faced Borderline

Photo credit: sephora.com

The holiday season is here!  This year, I'm going to start a Top Ten Holiday Makeup Wish List for you readers looking for gifts, stocking stuffers or wanting to add some new makeup products to your own Wish List.  Starting, at number 10...Too Faced Borderline Anti-Feathering Lip Pencil.

I think this works really well for that bright red or pink holiday lipstick.  When those colors smear or wear away, it's so obvious because the color is such a standout.  It's happened to me where I was the lipstick wore off, but the lip liner still stayed, leaving me with an outlined lip with no lip color filling.  And if you're not big on buying a matching lip liner for every color of lipstick, lip gloss, or lip stain you own, Borderline can act as a universal lip liner! 


This can be purchased at your local Ulta or Sephora stores (keep in mind that not all Sephora stores carry Too Faced, but they're sold on their online store!)

Holiday 2011 - #9 A Long Lasting Liquid Eye Liner

  At number NINE we have...Kat Von D's Tatoo Liner in Trooper.

     Eyeliners are a staple in the world of makeup.  Even when I think I've found "the one", as a makeup junkie, I'm always looking for what's new in the market.  Well, right now, I think Kat Von D's Tatoo Liner in Trooper (ink black) is one of the best liquid liners.  It has a fine tip, and the liquid liner is absorbed really well in the tip - as in not too inky or too dry.  It's well pigmented with a matte finish.  I've owned mine since the summer, and the tip has yet to show signs of drying out (which is common in liquid liners over time).  One of the best things about it is how long it lasts.  I wore it all day at work, then went to the gym, and the liner didn't budge at all.

After a morning of errands!

Kat Von D's Tatoo Liner is easy to apply.  With its fine felt tip, applying a thin line is very achievable, but it's also easy to thicken the line for the cat eye look.  It also dries pretty fast.  Just a few hand fanning and I'm ready to finish my eye makeup.

Taken with Instagram

For beginner liquid liner users, lightly apply an eye pencil in the same color as your liquid liner.  Using the pencil line as a guide, apply the liquid liner on top of it.  This is a great way to get the hang of applying a liquid line.

I'm keeping this post short and sweet, mainly because it's a solid product and worth every dollar!

Going Mad - Halloween Edition

Image Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC

Happy Halloween!  Even if it's a weekday, I hope everyone enjoys or has enjoyed some Halloween festivities.  This year, I didn't go to any Halloween party or any bar crawl.  But in the last two weeks, I attended a Mad Men TV Party and the 4th Annual Silver Spring Zombie Event.  For those not familiar with the Mad Men series on AMC, the stories take place in the [early] 1960s, mainly in Manhattan at an advertising agency, where Don Draper (Jon Hamm) is the biggest ad man in the business.  In this series, the characters truly capture the essence of the roles of men and women in the workplace and family life, as well as the iconic fashion of the 1960s.

Image Credit: Frank Ockenfels/AMC

Since I decided to go a little last minute with my cousin, it left me a week to put together a 1960s outfit.  Luckily, the office fashion styles of the 1960s can still be seen today with just a bit modernization - the form fitting pencil skirt, the cardigans, the stiletto pumps.  I used a satin black form fitting (through the hips) cocktail dress.  I topped it off with a jewel-toned yellow cardigan, and a black and white silk scarf from my mom's closet.  I used my mom's vintage framed Ferragamo handbag and her 1960s Dior sunglasses.  I also used my Stella Dot Bella Fleur earrings that I won from a Facebook contest just a week earlier (perfect timing!).  My mom also had a pillbox hat, but I didn't have enough time to pin it down to my hair.  Everything was from my or my mother's closet!


In the 1960s, their makeup was often understated and simple.  From watching the shows, I noticed that their makeup is very matte, unlike today, where we love smokey eyes and everything shimmered.  Heavy eyeliner only on the upper lid and a matte red lipstick are two noticeable features of their makeup.  Let's not forget the hair teasing lol.

After reading a few articles and looking at photos and videos on Mad Men fashion, below is what I came up with.  The only thing I bought was the tarte matte lip tint in a mauve/brick red shade called Envy.  Keep in mind that I didn't do any trial runs.  I could have made it a bit bolder for camera-sake and teased my hair before putting it in a bun, but again, no time!  What do you think? :)

From my makeup collection:
Foundation: Bare Minerals Golden Tan
Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing #3
Cheeks: Laura Mercier Second Skin Blush in Lush Nectarine
Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black
Eyeshadow: Bobbi Brown Surf and Sand Palette (applied lightly) and Urban Decay (applied on the edge)
Lips: Tarte Matte Lip Tint in Envy

Then I topped it off with Bare Mineral Veil and Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray

Me with a very strong Manhattan drink @ the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!  Bring on the holidays :)

Just some photos of the makeup I used. :)

Bobbi Brown Surf and Sand Palette

Foundation, Blush, Concealer,
Mineral Veil

 

Have You Cleaned Them Lately?

I'll admit that I do not clean my brushes weekly; in fact, even with a Sephora brush cleaner in my bathroom cabinet, I went almost two months without cleaning!  I'd clean one or two here and there, especially if I was trying new products, but it was not routine.  Since the Spring, I've been in the habit of cleaning at least every other week.  I do it on a Sunday, when I spend most of the day catching up on shows and doing laundry after church and brunch.

Last week, I finally finished my brush cleaner from Sephora, so I was in search of a new one.  I went to Ulta because I had a 20% coupon good for my entire purchase; I also had restock and wanted to try some new products.  I asked one of the floating makeup associates on the floor for her recommendation.  She said baby shampoo.  It works well for both natural and synthetic brushes.  Baby shampoo, in general, has less chemicals than "adult" shampoo and even some of those brush cleansers.  In fact, I compared the main ingredients of my empty Sephora bottle with , and they had one common ingredient.  In addition, the Sephora cleanser actually contained one type of parabens*, while my Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo does not.

I used Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo with Lavender last Sunday early afternoon.  Baby shampoo works great!  In fact, I think it works better at getting any gunk at the very bottom of the bristles.  Baby shampoo is cheap and available at local drugstores and grocery stores.  No need to make a special trip to a makeup counter!  I actually use baby shampoo once every season for about 2-3 weeks, just to give my hair a break from my normal routine shampoo or before switching brands of shampoo.  I used something I already have!  This also justified my purchase of a new pressed powder, lol. :)

Stop by your local drugstore or grocery store and pick up some baby shampoo!
 
Here was my routine:

1. Rinse the brushes with lukewarm water.
2. Apply a very small amount of shampoo to each of the brushes**.
3. Give each brush a good rub and squeeze - fan out then bunch up the bristles a few times too.
4. Rinse suds with lukewarm to cool water until clear water is running through the brushes.
5.  Squeeze out excess water.  Use a paper towel(s) to help.
6.  Fan out to the brushes' natural position, then lay out to dry on a hand towel.
7.  Before going to bed, turn the brushes over and place them onto a clean dry hand towel (or use a different side of the first hand towel as long it's a dry side).






*In world of cosmetics, paraben has become sort of a taboo.  Parabens are used in cosmetics as a preservative, but according to some medical/health journals, they have been associated with cancers.  Makeup brands like to advertise their products as paraben-free.  It definitely is nice when they can do that, but based on an FDA report, parabens are safe at levels up to 25%.  Most cosmetic products that contain parabens list them near or at the bottom of the main ingredients, which is a sign that it's probably not at levels of 25%.  If you want to FDA's summary, click here

**Instead of applying shampoo directly onto the brushes, get a small cup and add the appropriate amount of shampoo that you'll need for all your brushes.  After Step 1, just lightly dip the brushes into your cup, and follow through with steps 3 thru 7.