ZIT COVERUP 101 // THE BEST WAY TO COVER ACNE

Zits are simply the worst.

I have shed a few too many tears over the state of my skin, and truth be told, it was less than a week ago that I had my most recent cry for that very reason. Anyone who has struggled with acne knows the pain and heartache that can come when you skin doesn't cooperate. It may seem trivial (and in the GRAND scheme of things, I know it is trivial) but living each day with ugly bright red bumps on your face is not something I wish anyone to endure.

My skin has improved quite a bit over the last year, but lately I've had a flare up that has been plaguing my self esteem and made me want to throw in the towel. But alas, life must go on, and with that I thought I would give you a quick video to show the process I go through to cover acne each day.

I'm calling it Zit CoverUp 101- and I hope you find it helpful! Watch the video below and then check out the products that I use and recommend too.

Products Used in Video:

• BareMinerals Complexion Rescue- (02 Vanilla) Tinted Moisturizer

• Dermablend Cover Creme- (Chroma 1 Rose Beige) Concealer

• BareMinerals Blemish Remedy- (02 Clearly Pearl) Mineral Foundation

• Pixi by Petra Quick Fix Translucid Powder- Setting Powder

• Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

• Milani Rose Powder Blush (Coral Cove)

• IT Cosmetics Powder Brush- Blending & Bronzer

• IT Cosmetics Blurring Concealer Brush- Concealer & Foundation

• IT Cosmetics Soft Focus Blush Brush- Blush

I truly hope this video is helpful to you, if only to let you know that you are not alone when dealing with acne. If you know someone who might benefit from this post too, please share! xo

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10 ECO-FRIENDLY BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT GIVE AMAZING RESULTS

Happy Earth Day!

Whether you are a newbie to the Green lifestyle, or you've been practicing earth friendly behaviors for year, everyone can appreciate a product or brand that makes eco-conscious choices. While only 5-10 years ago, it was very hard to find

health and beauty products that were organic or sustainable

, but today there are so many incredible options available to us that utilize best practices and make amazing products to boot! 

I've personally used all of these products and not only do they perform amazingly, but they share the common factor of being

eco-friendly both in packaging and ingredients

. Support these brands so that they continue to raise the bar and produce products that are safe and effective. Ready? Here goes:

• 1- Kevin Murphy Smooth Again Leave-In Hair Smoothing Treatment- I am so proud to sell Kevin Murphy in my salon. Not only because the products are amazing, but the brand actively promotes and utilizes eco-friendly practices. This smoothing cream is to die for, and I literally use it on EVERY SINGLE client that sits in my chair, no matter what hair type they have.

• 2- SheaMoisture Duel Sided Makeup Brush Set These are soft, fluffy and so wonderfully made. The duel ends cut down on materials needed, but on top of that the handles are made from bamboo and recycled aluminum.

• 3- Yes To Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap If you are an oily skin person, or suffer from bacne (back acne) or acne on your arms... look no further than this amazing bar of charcoal goodness!

• 4- One Love Organics Brand New Day MicroDerm Scrub From one of my fav organic lines comes this amazing scrub & masque that cleanses, exfoliants, and detoxifies your skin with gentle love. Oooh it's so good!

• 5- Yes To Coconut Eczema Relief Spray Anyone who deals with ECZEMA knows that some products can irritate more than help. This lightweight spray is super soothing and helps with itch and redness. Plus it smells like heaven and is totally affordable.

• 6- Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Finding a deodorant without harsh chemicals in it- is nearly impossible! But these healthy deodorizers not only smell amazing (I love the coconut scent) but they sooth the underarms too.

• 7- Josie Maran Creamy Concealer Stick Josie's entire line is made from natural and sustainable ingredients, and one of her main purposes for creating the line was to bring glamorous skincare and makeup into an eco-friendly realm. This creamy concealer crayon has been a fav of mine for years. It is wonderful at concealing under the eye circles and fine lines while giving a moisture that can only come from Argan Oil.

• 8- Method Foaming HandWash My go to makeup brush cleanser every time! Although I do try different scents almost every time I purchase. And of course it's a great hand soap as well!

• 9- Pacifia Lip Tint These lip tints go on like chapstick but have beautiful subtle tints that are perfect for natural gals on the go.

• 10- John Masters Organics- Rose and Apricot Day Cream A lightweight yet hydrating face moisturizer that smells like a fresh garden. I almost want to eat it... and probably could because John Masters uses all organic ingredients and limits their preservatives as well.

What are your favorite eco-conscious beauty products? Let me know in the comments below, and go plant a tree today! xo

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IN THE MOOD FOR A NEW COLOR AND CUT? // HERE'S A LITTLE INSIRATION

This season for my cut and color, I wanted to warm up and lighten up! Bringing copper into the color was my first thought, but I also wanted to bring out some true blonde through the ends as well. Next a shortened up my extensions for a full thick look but, one that would be a little cooler to wear, unlike the longer extensions I had been wearing through winter. I also shortened my fringe pieces just slightly so that I can wear them across the forehead in a side sweep, or split down the middle for a curtain style bang.

Take a look at the process in the

video

below to 

achieve

 these

Face-Framing Copper Highlights

, and let me know if you have plans to change up your hair now that the weather is heating up!

Video Mentioned:

Winter Reveal // Sombre & Tape-In Extensions

Tools Used:

• Sam Villa Blowdryer (Use code: '20FORUT' to save 20%)

• GHD Flat Iron

• Detachable Handle Round Brushes

• Tape-In Hair Extensions [The brand I use is only available to stylists, so I have not personally tried the tape-in hair extensions linked above, although they have good reviews and look great to me.]

Cheers!

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MASKCARA IIID FOUNDATION // REVIEW AND DEMO

Why hello lovely! Have you ever experienced a time when you were so ahead of the game, I mean like the ORIGINAL believer/ lover of/ promoter of something that later turned out to be HUGE!? Like that one person that read the Twilight book first, and started the #IheartEdward fan club, before anyone else on planet Earth had even thought about vampires in centuries.

Or were you the original 'Dirty Diet Coke' drinker, way before it became cool and now everyone plus their mom drinks their DC with lime and coconut!?

And then you are all 'HEY! Peeps, I started this whole thing- so give credit where credit is due!' Boom. [insert angry face]

I think it's safe to say that it has happened to all of us at some point in time. I also think it is safe to say the the ORIGINAL beauty guru that started the whole ‘Highlight & Contour' craze, was none other than Cara Brook, of MaskCara.com

Now whether or not she's all huffy on the sidelines [I doubt it, I've met her and she is too kind to be huffy] and wondering when the rest of the world decided to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to the way we apply foundation... I don't really know. But Cara is a revolutionary with this product and technique, so it's no wonder that everyone else is joining this fan club.

If you missed my review on the first generation of IIID Foundation, you can go back and read that here. But let's talk about what has changed since the first go around, and why this foundation has been on repeat since I got it.

MaskCara IID Foundation: Linen/ Walnut/ Pink Grapefruit/ Illuminator

The new IIID Foundation is like the way cooler older sister of the first edition.

The packaging is much better and allows for custom palette creation with insertable colors and refills. It's a heavier quality plastic too which is much improved, and the magnetic system for holding the pans is perfect.

The makeup itself has also undergone a makeover, and the results are that much better.

The highlight colors are designed for brightening and concealing. They are super creamy and spread really nicely under the eyes especially, but have great coverage as well for those dark circles or acne like I have. These tones are all warm to reflect light and give a natural 'glowy' effect.

Next, you'll pick a contour shade designed to chisel out the bone structure of your face and really make you look sculpted. The consistency of these colors is thicker and less creamy because they are designed to stay in place more firmly on the skin. After all we don't want our contour to go running down our face do we? Cara designed these colors to be cooler so that they look like a shadow on the face, versus a typical warm bronzer.

Finally you can top off the look with a blush and the illuminator. These final steps really make the face come to life and feel more feminine. And you know I LOVE a good blush color!

Here's a really quick look at my application process to give you an idea (video)

And for those of you with acne or oily skin, I recommend setting your oily/acne zones with a translucent powder to give the foundation extra holding power. I use the Pixi Quick Fix and love it. I also recommend a the Pixi Full Coverage Foundation Brush to apply the IIID foundation, because the bristles and size of the brush work well with the narrow makeup pans- so you don't accidentally pick up neighboring colors. And the bristles are contoured to fit into tighter spaces under your eyes etc. nicely, but it's still big enough to cover the whole face quickly. (Although in the video, I am using the MaskCara double sided brush which is great too)

Let me know if you have tried the IIID Foundation, or if you love highlighting & contouring as much as I do? Plus if you were ahead of your time on something HUGE, I wanna know that too! Thanks so much for stopping by today, xo

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PRODUCT FAILS // NOT SO SNOOP TASTIC AFTER ALL

Happy Monday Snoopettes! Thanks so much for taking a minute out of your day to hang out with me. I love and appreciate all of you. [insert hugs here]

Today I have a fun video for you; another edition of 'Not-So-Snoop-Tastic', which is a round up of the products that simply didn't make the cut and as such, are deemed flops in my book.

I don't share negative reviews often because I like to keep this place a positive one as much as possible. But, I also don't want you to buy anything that may let you down as well if that can be avoided, and I also like to give you some insight into how I decide which products get featured here on the blog. I am a pretty tough critic, as you'll see in the

video

 below.

Have you tried any of these products? And if so what were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below, and stay classy out there, xo

THE HAIR COLOR RULE IT'S TIME TO BREAK! // SPRINGS HOTTEST COLOR TRENDS

You've heard it before;

'Rule: Hair color should go lighter in the Spring and Summer and go darker in the Fall and Winter.'

And while I do believe there is some merit to this rule and I have often advised clients at the salon of this myself, I am also a little bit of a rule breaker too. [Just ask my dad... or my husband ;)]

When in reality, there are no rules that apply to everyone when it comes to beauty, that is in fact that

beauty

of it! #punforthewin

But in the Spring of 2015 those so-called 'rules' have been bent

, and I am LOVING it!

Why? Well, because the rule-breaker in me gets to shine of course, but also because these latest trends are healthier for the hair and are lower maintenance in general.

Softer colors with less contrast and more blending grow out more gracefully leaving less noticeable roots

, and who doesn't freaking love that!? Take a look at the

video

below where I stopped by Studio5 TV to discuss the

3 Spring hair color trends you need to know about

.

• Trend #1- Sombre The grown up version of the ombre color, this subtle version is sophisticated and easy to wear for a much larger age gap than the trend we saw in years past. It's healthier for the ends of the hair because it requires less lightening/bleaching, and it works for hues from red to blonde as well as the brunettes pictured.

• Trend #2 - Toffee Blonde This one may be the most unusual trend of the season, seeing as most blondes tend to crank up the peroxide once the sun comes back out. But celebs like Elizabeth Olsen are showing us the warmer richer blondes are still perfectly posh this season. The toffee tone is super flattering on most skin tones, and is again less damaging and easier for maintenance on most women.

• Trend #3 - Ecaille/ Tortoiseshell A yummy blend of all things rich, this color is all the rage these days and features dark mahogany, chocolate, and caramels all swirled into one gorgeous combo. Think shiny and warm, with lots of dimension and texture!

Which trend is your favorite, and will you give any of them a try? Let me know in the comments below, and have a great Tuesday! PS come say hi over on

instagram

ASK THE EXPERT: SHOULD I BE USING CLEANSING OILS? AND WHAT ARE THEY REALLY FOR?

If you are like me you run for the hills when there is a mention of any type of oil in your skincare [or haircare] products! At least that's how I used to think... I literally once shuttered at the thought of oil anywhere near my face, because after all- I am acne prone and already producing enough oil on my own, thank you very much. And I am not alone with the confusion on the matter either, recently a reader sent me this question:

'What are cleansing oils? And should I be using them instead of regular skin cleanser?'

Over the last couple of years I've really changed my tune when it comes to beauty oils, but that change of heart didn't come without major trepidation and some trial and

error

fail. I've done a LOT of research on oils and skincare, and seen some downright inaccurate crap posted on the internet. But after trying many products, discussing with my dermatologist and reading many skincare professionals beliefs on the matter- here is what I profess about cleansing with oil and my answer to this readers' question: 

Cleansing with oil can be great if done with the right ingredients and with the right understanding of what your results will be

. The idea that 'like attracts like' seems to be a running theme in the oil-cleansing community- ie, the oil cleanser will 'attract' the oils out of your skin which then allows you to wash them away down the sink with warm water.

And while the theory of that has some validity, the type of oil you apply to your face really is the key to the success or failure here. Because many oils are simply made up of different molecule types than the sebum in your skin. So slapping vegetable oil on your face, is not going to give you good results- although you are welcome to try that... I certainly won't be joining you! 

There are however

oil cleansers on the market that are designed to work with the skin and gently remove makeup, dirt and yes surface oil from the skin

- leaving it hydrated and glowing. The difference with these oils is that they use plant based essential oils and have the ability to emulsify with water, meaning they will wash away easily from the skin without leaving a greasy residue. These cleansers are best for dry or sensitive skinned people, but oily and acne prone friends, like myself can certainly see benefits from usage too. I love to use my oil regimen in the winter months when my skin is parched from cold dry air, and when I've had any peeling from strong acne treatments or even harsh sunburns. I love how gentle oil-cleansing is and the spa like feeling I get when using these products. They really do hydrate the skin and leave you with a nice glow. My favs you ask?

• Kari Gran Cleansing Oil - uses sunflower, avocado, lavender oils and more

• Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil - uses sweet almond oil

• Clinique Take the Day Off Oil Cleanser - completely fragrance free option

These cleansers work especially great for people that are suffering from dry patchy spots on their face [Check out my

video

on just such a topic] and let me know if you've tried oil cleansing and your thoughts in the comments below.

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WHAT TYPE OF HIGHLIGHTS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU? // DECODING STYLISTS LINGO ONCE AND FOR ALL

It can be confusing to sit down in your stylists' chair, and discuss the myriad of possibilities when it comes to highlights. Plus there are new techniques popping up all of the time, not to mention buzzwords and trends that come and go so fast, it'll make your head spin! 

That being said- this post will clarify the techniques you can expect to hear about in your local salon, and the different results you'll achieve with them.

Studio5 TV

stopped in to my salon today, so I can give you the run down and hopefully lessen your confusion and help you to get the best results for your own individual needs.

Moore Hair Design

 |  Salt Lake City

Why are some highlights processed in foils/papers, while others are left exposed?

• Foil or paper sheets are used to separate hair strands from one another to prevent colors bleeding on to one another. It's a physical barrier and also a surface for the stylist to apply color onto for control and precision.

• Color that is processed inside a foil also processes to be brighter/lighter because of the heat that is created inside the packet of foil- resulting in higher contrasting highlights.

What are the different in-foil highlighting methods called? 

• Fine Weave - Small (less than 1/2 inch) woven sections of hair are placed inside the foil and color is applied for a subtle and more blended highlight or lowlight.

• Chunky/Wide Weave - Large (1/2-1 inch) woven sections are placed into the foil and color is applied for a bold pop of color that is high contrast to the surrounding colors.

• Panels or Slices -Large sections of hair are placed without any weaving action prior to placement inside the foil. This results in the entire panel of hair receiving color, for a very bold color application. This technique is often used for fashion colors such as blues and purples.

• Tipping - A technique typically reserved for shorter hair when the ends or tips of the hair are placed in a foil and color is applied in one of the above mentioned fashions. Leaving un-changed roots, but a visible color change in the tips of the hair.

What about hand-painted highlights?

• Balayage - [balāˈyäZH] A free form painting method where lightener is applied at the stylists discretion, slightly off of the scalp and typically more subtly at the root area, and more heavily at the mid length and ends. This results in a melted or graduated effect with more depth in color at the roots and lightness at the ends. Variations of this method are result in these often-buzzed about color patterns: Sombre, Flamboyage, Ombre, Color Melt. This method is typically processed in the open air resulting in a more subtle contrast between the surrounding hair. You may see stylists use cotton strands or plastic wrap to help separate the sections during the process as well.

I hope that gives you a good over view and understanding of what your stylist is talking about next time you are at the salon. Got a question? Just ask in the comments below. xo!

5 MINUTE MAKEUP // SIMPLIFY YOUR ROUTINE

Lately I have been working on being more efficient with my time, and that includes my getting-ready-routine. After some trial and error, I've streamlined my makeup routine and really focused on ways to make it move quicker in the morning.

There are 10 steps to the 5 minute makeup routine

, and they are designed to work in this order because it is the most efficient when done this way.  You'll see that they transition from one step to the next seamlessly, and cut out time wasting steps.

Although I cringe every time I have to put a photo of my bare face up on this blog... I couldn't just tell you about the 5 minute routine, I needed to show you so that you can see it in action for yourself. In reality, A LOT can be accomplished in 5 minutes if you are organized and have a game plan. Take a look at the

video below

, and watch my routine in action. It certainly isn't my most masterful makeup application, but it works in a pinch and hopefully will help you too!

Products Used:

• Garnier Moisture Rescue

• Benefit PoreFessional Primer

• ELF Lustrous Cream Shadow

• It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

• Philosophy Hope in a Jar Foundation applied with Beauty Blender

• NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Dark Brown

• Benefit Hoola Bronzer applied with It Cosmetics Bronzer Brush

• Milani Blush in Coral Cove applied with It Cosmetics Highlight & Blend Brush

• Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara

• Buxom Lip Polish in Isabella

What tips do you have for an efficient morning routine? Let me know in the comments below, and thanks so much for reading and sharing! xo

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BLUE RIBBON WINNERS // THE BEST OF IT COSMETICS

It's no secret that I am a total super fan when it comes to

It Cosmetics

. The line is fuss-free and in my mind it's one of the best performing brands on the market- meaning the products actually work and do what they say they are going to do! Who doesn't love a product that actually fulfills its' promises!?!

I went through my large collection of It Cosmetics products, and rounded up the best of the best to share with you today. I am 100% confident that you would love anything on this list too- they are just THAT good.

THE BEST OF IT COSMETICS:

• Bye-Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer this under eye concealer is full coverage and creamy, plus it has collegen and vitamins in it to tighten the skin and hydrate. This is designed to combat major dark circles and the results are awesome! Plus a tiny bit is all you need.

• Tightline Primer (micro wand mascara)- I have raved about this product so many times, so I couldn't leave it out of this list. The micro wand gets all the way down to the base of the lashes and is actually soft enough that you can rest it right on the rim of the lid (giving a 'tightline' eyeliner look) without causing any pain or flinching. The formula is super dark and stains the lashes so nicely. You can wear it alone for a natural yet pigmented lash, or under your fav mascara for more volume.

• Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream- This CC cream/foundation is great for full coverage, goes on easily and blends seamlessly. Not to mention the 50SPF that is built in which takes sunscreen to an whole new level of protection! Plus it smells minty fresh.

• Build-A-Brow Micro Fiber Creme Stain- If sparse brow hair is an issue for you, or you have trouble getting your brows to 'stay on' all day... this brow creme stain will change your life. It is unlike any product out there with it's built in fibers for volume, and a stain factor that truly lasts 12 hours or more.

• Naturally Pretty Matte Transforming Eyeshadow Palette- One palette that fulfills all your needs. The colors are beautifully pigmented and blend wonderfully. The shades are all matte- but you can transform them into a pearl finish by using the pearl overlay shade as well. Tres cool!

• CC+ Radiance Ombre Bronzer- My secret to glowing skin year round has been this ombre bronzer. It has a gorgeous shimmer built in, and the graduated tones give you the ability to customize the depth of your bronze with ease.

• Airbrush Foundation/Concealer Brush- Seriously the ONLY makeup brushes I ever buy, this one is the cream of the crop. The duel ends are perfect for liquid foundation and concealer and the softness of the bristles are unreal. Plus it washes like a dream! [check out my brush cleaning video here]

• Live Beautifully Large Powder Brush- Another fav brush of mine... this one is large and in charge. It's my go-to for powder foundation and blending till the cows come home.

Do you have any must-trys from It Cosmetics? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading, xo

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THE PRODUCTS I'VE BEEN BLABBING TO EVERYONE ABOUT... I MEAN EVERYONE!

This edition of favorites is JAM PACKED with so many good things that I have been raving about all over town and all over the interwebs! I threw in my current beauty loves from the drugstore and a couple high end favs, plus a collection of some random favs and a book that I burned threw on my cruise last month. Watch it all in the

video

below!

PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN VIDEO:

• L'Occitane Repairing Conditioner

• L'Occitane Volumizing Shampoo

• Loreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray

• ELF Corrective Concealer Palette

• ELF Mascara Shield

• Voloom Iron

• Breathing Black by Piper Payne

• Omni Love Tan Feather Earrings / White Feather Earrings

• Secret Stress Response Deodorant

• Milani Coral Cove Blush

PAST POSTS MENTIONED IN VIDEO:

• ELF Cosmetics review

• Voloom First Impression

Thanks for stopping by today, enjoy your day!

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THE SECRET TO JEN ANISTON'S LEGENDARY HAIR // PLUS A GIVEAWAY

Every gal seems to be in search of

the perfect hair product

that will leave her locks looking like that certain celebrity gracing the cover of a magazine. Over my career as a hair stylist I have seen hundreds of images of the one and only

Jennifer Aniston

serve as the inspiration to hair cuts and colors not only in my salon, but around the globe.

To say Jen's hair is legendary isn't really overstating things. Her tresses single handedly started the phenomenon known as 'the Rachel' in the 90's- and I'll never forget how I felt bouncing out of the salon one Saturday afternoon after I'd gotten myself a good ol' Rachel cut somewhere around 1997.

And my love for her product line Living Proof is not new to the pages of this blog either. I've raved about her product Prime here as well as her SPF Protection Spray here. But this latest product launch, Perfect Hair Day, has really stolen the show and my heart and I am so excited to share it with you today!

Perfect Hair Day consists of a Shampoo, Conditioner, and a 5-in-1 Styling Treatment which is what I am going to talk about [and giveaway] today. They are all designed to extend the life of your style, and give weightless hold and bounce to the hair. And boy, do they fulfill that promise!

The 5-in-1 Styling Treatment is lightweight, and it just works. That's what I love about it. It isn't fussy or difficult to use and a little goes a long way. It not only smooths and polishes, but it also gives volume and lightweight hold in a single product, which is not easily accomplished because those two goals usually counteract each other. It is seriously a must try, and you can see from my pic above that my hair is loving it!

Now for the fun part... I am giving away two bottles of PHD- and you've got two chances to win. Enter here on the blog using the rafflecopter below, and again over on instagram.

Good luck and good hair!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

PINTEREST AND ME // AN INTERVIEW WITH KSL NEWS

This week I had the great opportunity to be interviewed by a local news station, KSL 5- about Pinterest and how I use it in my business both at the salon and here on the blog.

I am a huge lover [and addict] of Pinterest and consider it a huge part of my success as a blogger. So I was honored to talk about it with some other great women who also use it in their businesses too.

I wanted to share the video with you here in case you were interested in learning more about it. Thank you all so much for reading this blog and supporting me the way you do! xo

5 [EMBARRASSING] MAKEUP MISTAKES YOU DON'T KNOW YOU ARE MAKING

Every time I switch up my hair color (which is a lot, in my case) I like to reevaluate the makeup that I pair with

said

new hair color. It is a great excuse to clean out my collection and update expired products etc. If you don't change you hair color as often as I do- then the beginning of each new season is a great time to do this as well.

During my last makeup update- I realized that I had made some pretty

bad makeup mistakes

in the past... which made me laugh, but also made me think that there are probably lots of women who make these mistakes too. Today's post will hopefully help you avoid those mistakes and leave you feeling beautifully confident!

5 [EMBARRASSING] MAKEUP MISTAKES YOU DON'T 

KNOW YOU ARE MAKING

1- YOU DON'T CHECK YOUR REFLECTION IN NATURAL OUTDOOR LIGHT PRIOR TO LEAVING THE HOUSE

• This exercise alone will make the world of difference for so many women. Indoor lighting speaks LIES to all of us! Taking the time to look in the mirror while standing in front of a window will reveal uneven or blotchy makeup, the wrong color of foundation, too much blush or bronzer... and the list goes on. Don't skip this important step- And all of the below mistakes can be caught, by following this step alone.

2- YOU DON'T REMOVE EXCESS MAKEUP FROM YOUR HAIRLINE AND BROWS

• A huge pet peeve of mine, and a mistake that I made for years before I realized! The fine hairs located in the hair line and just above the eyebrows or just in front of your ears (often referred to as peach fuzz or baby hair) are like magnets for foundation and powder. In the right lighting those hairs are now 'skin-colored', which is a dead giveaway that you are sporting [too much] makeup. Simply take a dry tissue and sweep it along the baby hair after you've finish your makeup and remove any excess that is sitting on the hairs.

3- YOU DON'T REMOVE EXCESS MAKEUP FROM YOUR INNER EYE AND LOWER LASH LINE

• Along the same lines as above, using a cotton swab to remove excess makeup from your tear duct the inner rim of your eyes in a crucial step to making your look appear natural. The skin around your eyes is meant to be colored differently than the rest of your face, and when it is all the same tone, you are on a bullet train to 'over-done' land. Blend and transition... it's the name of the game! Make it easy with the one and only Beauty Blender.

4- YOU DON'T BLEND YOUR MAKEUP AROUND THE SIDES OF YOUR NECK

• Holy crap- this again is another mistake that I used to make, and I see a lot while out in public. One time I saw a pic of me from the side, and I had a very clear 'line' that showed where I stopped blending my makeup on my neck. My chest and front of my neck looked great, but I forgot to blend and transition my bronzer around the sides of my neck. whoops! This is especially important when you are wearing your hair up and your neck is exposed.

5- YOU DON'T SET WITH TRANSLUCENT POWDER TO AVOID MAKEUP TRANSFER TO YOUR COLLARS OR NECKLINES

• There is nothing less sexy than having makeup all over your collar. It happens to the best of us, but can be avoided if you either skip neck and chest makeup on collar-wearing days, or at the very least; set your makeup with a translucent powder to add a buffer and protect you clothing. I love this splurge or this save option. And this super save option too! Also placing a hand towel over your face, then sliding your top on over that, is a great way to avoid transfer.

I hope these tips help you to look and feel more gorgeous! Any other mistakes that you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below- and come say hi over on

instagram

.

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3 EASY MAKEUP LOOKS IN TIME FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Whether you are planning a big night out on the town with your hubby, or you are having a galentine's celebration with your lady entourage... Valentine's Day is such a fun excuse to glam up and try something fun for your beauty look.

Wearing // Pink: Lovecraft Red: Adora Plum: Motorhead [with Buxom Purple Haze Gloss]

Lately I've only been wearing Studded Kiss lipstick from Kat Von D... I've been hooked since November when I picked up her Holiday collection. So I thought I would share a few Valentine's Day makeup ideas using the Kat Von D lipsticks as my inspiration.

The studded packaging is badass just 

like Kat herself, and the pigments in the collection are so vibrant and packed with color. I would describe the texture as a true matte, having a low moisture level   with no gloss or sparkle. A few of the shades have a shimmer built in, but they are still matte in my opinion. This finish lasts a solid 8 hours, and is also very nice for multi tonal looks [like ombre lipstick] because it simply stays put on the lips and you don't have to worry about running or smearing. I also love to add a gloss over the top of these for night time wear or when I need a hint more moisture.

Which Valentine's look is your fav? I really love how changing the lipstick out can change the WHOLE look completely and gives you a different attitude to boot! I hope you have some fun plans for this weekend! xo

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TARGET BEAUTY: THE BEST OF E.L.F. COSMETICS

A couple weeks back I shared

my favorite picks from the Pixi line

, and today I'm keeping the budget-train rolling with my top picks from the ELF line which can also be scooped up at

Target

as we'll as on the

eyeslipsface

website.

This line is perfect for the gal on a budget, and I always recommend it to my teen and college student readers and friends because it doesn't break the bank, but still offers really great products. And w

hile not

everything

is a must-buy in my opinion, there are so many goodies I do love and recommend, as well as use myself on a regular basis. Here is a wrap up of the best products from ELF:

• Studio Blush Palette- This palette is a great buy and has several different tones of blush and bronze all in one place. The texture is a soft pressed pigment, that applies easily and blends nicely with great staying power. In fact all of the blushes and bronzers from ELF are winners!

• 3-in-1 Mascara- I love the balled tip applicator on this mascara wand and the comb type bristles are great for separating and giving lashes a rich black coating. The balled end works great for detailing the corners of your eyes and for quick sweeping along the lower lashes without smudges.

• Lustrous Cream Eye Shadows- These cream shadows are new to the line, but I've already scooped up 3 colors and LOVE them. They are easy to apply with your ring finger and spread on smoothly with lovely shimmer and metallic tones. They are beautiful on their own, or work great as a primer under your powder shadows for an extra pop of color and staying power.

• Under Eye HD Setting Powder- Designed to blur fine lines, and give a brightening effect to the under eye area, this super fine milled loose powder has become one of my favorite products to keep in my purse for mid-day touchups. While the brush it comes with is useless, the powder sweeps on with your finger very nicely and quickly brightens and refreshes your under eyes in a snap!

• Studio Makeup Mist & Set- Like hairspray for your face... this stuff sets your makeup and holds it all day. Essential for humid and hot months, but great for oily complexions all year round- and a fraction of the price of other options out there. Yes please!

• Lip Exfoliator- This bumpy tube of goodness is so easy to use and is the best way to prep lips for an application of those hard to apply matte colors (MAC Rubywoo, I'm looking at you!) Plus it's wonderful to use in the winter months when dry lips are always lurking.

I've included a few more of my favorites in the shopping slider down below, otherwise this post would have been 10 miles long. The only thing I would caution you against purchasing are the ELF makeup brushes. I find them to be very scratchy on the skin and haven't had good luck with them in the bristle shedding department or the washability department. I firmly 

believe

 that high quality brushes make a HUGE difference with makeup application, so I'll continue to splurge there. 

Thanks for reading! Do you have any ELF favorites? Share them with me in the comments down below, and I'll catch you all soon, xo 

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MAKE YOUR OWN BATH MELTS JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE'S DAY- AN EASY DIY RECIPE

I have always been a 'bath person'. I think you either

are

, or you

aren't

... but this time of year when it's cold outside I find myself using my bath at least three times per week. I just love a good soak, and I know I am not alone, so today I am sharing a few of my most preferred bath products. Plus my

recipe for a DIY bath melt that is perfect for Valentine's Day

. You can get extra details in the video with Studio5 TV,  

plus enter to win my favs over on instagram

(details below) 

Best Bath Bubbles

• Salt of the Earth Bubbling Salts- This product combines the goodness of natural sea salt and the luxury of froth bubbles into one amazing experience. You can customize the scent from more than 50 different options, and every product boasts 72 trace minerals from The Great Salt Lake. (My home town, yo!) I love the 'Strawberry Champagne' flavor.

• Lush Bubble Bar- You've probably tried one of these, but in case you haven't- it's a must do. Crumble a small piece under running water and watch as the bubbles form and the color of your bath turns into a pastel haven. Try the orange and chocolate flavored 'Yuzu & Cocoa' Bubbleroon.

Best Bath Fizz

• Salt of the Earth Bath Fizz- I love the effervescent experience of this product and the way it fills the air with the scent... my fav is the 'Eucalyptus Grapefruit'. Your skin is left silky smooth and moisturized. Win-win!

• Lush Bath Bomb- The one that started it all! Watch and listen as your bomb moves, fizzes and changes colors in the bath water. They are just too fun not to splurge on every now and then. And yes, the 'Sex Bomb' is my top choice! ;)

DIY Bath Melt Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2oz Organic Cocoa Butter [the solid type]

• 1/2oz Almond Oil /or alternative 1oz Organic Shea Butter

• 2-5 Drops Essential Oil per Melt; Lavender, Rose, Orange, Vanilla, Eucalyptus etc.

• Optional Dry Ad-ins; Rose Petals, Chamomile Tea, Dried Orange Zest, Dried Lavender etc.

Process:

• Use a knife and carefully break apart the Cocoa Butter into small chunks, then measure out approx 2oz.

• Add the Cocoa butter to a crockpot (I use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup) or to a double boiler [A shallow pan with 1 inch of water in the bottom, then a glass bowl inside the water will also work as a makeshift double boiler]

• Next, add your Almond Oil or Shea Butter and heat over medium heat stirring every now and then until the mixture is melted and all of the chucks have disappeared

• Carefully pour the mixture into molds (I recommend silicone baking cups, but cupcake tins work too) keeping the mixture less than 1/2 inch thick

• Drop 2-5 drops off your Essential Oils into each mold, depending on how strong you like the scent to be

• Add your optional Dry Ingredients to each mold

• Allow the molds to cool in the fridge for about 1 hour until they've hardened and become opaque. Then pop the melts out of the molds and store them in a cool dry place until use

Only one melt is needed per bath, and remember they can make the tub slippery so use caution when getting in and out. Yield: about 5 medium sized melts

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you'll take a little time to relax and pamper your self with a nice bath sometime soon. Now for the

GIVEAWAY!!!

I'm giving away these amazing Lush bath products and

Salt of the Earth

is giving away some awesome goodies too. The fun is happening over on

Instagram

- so don't miss it! xo

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3 LIP PLUMPING GLOSSES YOUR POUT NEEDS NOW

2014 was the year of the full lip- thanks to the phenomenon known as Kylie Jenner and her perfectly plump nude pout that swept the nation and the Rumor mill with heated debates about her makeup routine and possible plastic surgery.

I haven't dared to venture into lip injections and don't really plan to any time soon. I do however love a good temporary lip plumping gloss or serum and the illusion of a great overdrawn lip liner to fake an enhanced lip.

I've tested my fair share of these lip boosting formulas, and rounded up the top three choices for a mild to a major mouth popping effect:

Buxom Lip Polish

- Mild- the Buxom Lip Polishes have been my personal cult favorite glosses for almost a decade since their introduction to the market. They have a mild tingle and a great subtle plumping action that lasts about an hour while the color pigment wears longer. These come in over 40 shades and are the best for daily use.

Too Faced Lip Injection

- Medium- the Too Faced Lip Injection serum is more intense and causes a stronger heat and tingle reaction. You'll feel the blood be drawn to the lips about a minute after you've applied it and the plumping action typically lasts 1-2 hours. This option only comes in a clear formula, so you'll need to add additional color over the top. Some people do have a reaction to this formula although I never have- I would suggest grabbing a sample at Sephora before purchasing just to be sure.

City Lips

- 

Major- the City Lips gloss use a different technology to plump the pout and this one averages 3mm of growth with each use. It's really quite amazing and although it's warm and tingly- it's not quite as intense as the Too Faced option. It comes in 8 shades and is quite hydrating, but also pairs we'll with additional glosses or lipsticks. You can also apply this each night before bed and over about 30 days you'll get a semi-permanent plump that lasts as long as you keep up your regular use. Pretty neat eh?!

Kisses!

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SECRETS TO DEWEY SKIN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER

Well folks, we've hit the most drab time of year- and our skin tends to follow suit looking drab and dull right along side the weather outside.

Dull, dry and lackluster

are not words that anyone wants associated with their skin or face, but during these cold winter months it seems almost impossible to avoid the seasonal slump that plagues our complexions.

Today I am giving you my secret recipe for

Dewey Skin even in the Dead of Winter,

and you might be surprised at how easy it really is. You can catch the full scoop on Studio5 TV and get my

5 steps to glowing skin

down below.

1- Take your kitchen 

Crock Pot

 and turn it into a luxury spa service by heating up a few moistened

wash cloths

(add a few drops of essential oils for added relaxation) for about 20 minutes on low heat. Next remove a towel and place it over the face and press gently to allow the

steam

to go to work unclogging pores and cleansing the skin for about 45 seconds until the towel has cooled. Repeat as necessary until makeup and dirt is all removed and skin is squeaky clean.

2- Deeply exfoliate with a

peel

ing

gel like my favorite 

Sonya Dakar Flash Facial

. It removes the surface layer of skin cells in 60 seconds without irritating, stinging or burning- and you're left with a fresh radiant layer or skin that is already glowing! (I do this once a week, but up to 3 times per week is ok in the winter months. Be sure to watch the video to see this in action... it's kind of gross but so cool!)

3-

Repair

lost moisture with a cooling gel like the 

Garnier Moisture Rescue

. It's lightweight and non greasy, but extremely hydrating and leaves the skin glowing and smooth.

4- Complete your dewey complexion with a light

reflect

ive

serum like 

Revlon Skinlights

. It comes in four different tones and is easy to apply as a last step in your makeup routine. Tap the product onto the tops of your cheekbones and around towards your temples for a subtle reflective glow.

5-

Illuminate

the dark circles under your eyes with the 

SmashBox Under Eye BB Cream

. This step rehydrates fine lines and brightens all at once giving you a Summer time glow even when temperatures are plummeting outside.

Cheers to Dewey Skin, xo

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TARGET BEAUTY: A PIXI BY PETRA MAKEUP REVIEW

Target has been KILLING IT lately in the style department. Just ask my credit card statement. Or my husband, who pays

said

credit card statement... [oops!] But seriously though, if you haven't browsed the isles of a Target store lately and seen the amazing home design, clothing and shoes, then at least stop by the makeup and skincare isles.

Target has brought on some of the best beauty lines from across the pond, and I for one, am thrilled that they are now available so readily here at my fav retailer.

Pixi by Petra

is no stranger in the beauty junkie world, but if this line is newer to you, here's a little rundown:

Pixi by Petra

was started over a decade ago by makeup artist Petra Strand in London. She's been a makeup artist for over 20 years, and I remember hearing about her products in the early days of youtube from my British cohorts who raved about them in their blogger videos. The line has a skincare element to it and the products all contain natural botanicals and healthy skin ingredients.

My Pixi collection has grown steadily over the last year, and today I've rounded up my blue ribbon picks from the collection.

Here are the must try products from Pixi by Petra

:

• Correction Concentrate- Under eye circles have met their match with this creamy peach concealer that knocks out blue shadows and veins with one swipe. It's color-theory at it's best and it doesn't settle into fine lines or melt away throughout the day.

• Glow Tonic- While this one hasn't shown up on the shelves of Target just yet, I still included it in this post because it is in my opinion the crown jewel of Pixi's line. This toner leaves skin indeed glowing as the name indicates but also hydrated and exfoliated as well. I also love the scent because it reminds me of my late grandmother's perfume- in a wonderfully nostalgic way.

• Natural Brow Duo- This multi tasking duel sided brow wizard has an automatic brow pomade pencil on one side, that has a chiseled angle applicator which is easy to use and gives great volume to the brows as well as nice color. The other end houses your setting brow gel which doesn't flake and keeps the brows in place all day and night.

• Fairy Dust- A great loose pigment eye shadow that is finely milled and easy to apply with a built in sponge applicator. I love the shimmer tones and the pigment is beautiful and lasts with out creasing. Add a primer before hand for a brighter color payoff.

• Shea Butter Lip Balm- I love these soft lip balms with a hint of tint and tons of moisture. The sheer colors are beautiful and they wear like a dream.

• Sheer Cheek Gel- The bright pigments in these gels look intimidating at first but they are quite dewey and mellow once applied to the skin. The gel texture isn't sticky at all and gives a nice bright pop of color to the cheeks that looks lit from within.

• Quick Fix Powder- Set your face for an all day matte finish with this innovative powder puff. The packaging is genius and mess free- which I love and gives you the benefits of a loose powder without the white residue all over your countertop or clothing. I don't care for the scent on this one, but the oil absorption and matte properties are top notch.

Have you tried any Pixi products? Got any favorites to share with us? Let me know in the comments down below, and thanks so much for stopping by today! And if you didn't hear about my girl

MaskCara

's new

makeup launch

, be sure you head over there to check it out. I already bought be custom palette and I can't wait to get it! 

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