WALMART BEAUTY: BOLD METALS MAKEUP BRUSHES // AND A GIVEAWAY

Real Techniques Bold Metals

Want better results when it comes to applying your makeup? Upgrade your makeup brushes!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... high quality brushes make all the difference in the world, and your face will thank you. I've been a fan of Real Techniques brushes for a couple years now- but their newest line, Bold Metals, amps up the glam factor and brings more luxury to this super affordable line. Before I show you which brushes I love and why, I wanted to give you a few reasons why high quality brushes are worth the investment.

High quality brushes have bristles that are cut more precisely, are softer, and shed less. They wash better and last longer- and all of these add up to better application.

Bold Metals Favorites 

Real Techniques Review
  • Arched Powder Brush- Perfect for setting powders and for ladies who love mineral foundations. This brush is super soft and blends powders beautifully!

  • Triangle Foundation Brush- For liquid foundation application this brush is super unique, and offers the flat edges of a flat foundation brush, but also the ability to blend like a round foundation brush. This one can be a little tricky to use though- so I don't recommend it for novice makeup artistes ;)

  • Flat Contour Brush- A definite must-have from the collection! It's perfect for applying your bronzer and gives precision with the ability to blend as well.

  • Tapered Blush Brush- I love this brush for my highlighting and blushing needs. Again it's super soft, and sweeps across the skin so smoothly.

  • Oval Shadow Brush- This shadow brush is the perfect size for washing the lid with color in a quick amount of time. Plus you can turn the brush on its edge and use it to add color to the crease easily and effortlessly. A one stop brush, and my favorite from the eye collection.

  • Pointed Crease Brush- If you've ever struggled to achieve that perfect smokey eye, than this brush could be your best friend! The pointed tip is precise enough to use along the lash line, but it also works great for the crease and gives a beautiful blend.

  • Angled Liner Brush- Get a precise line with this brush that is cut with shorter bristles for more control. It's also great for powdered brow application!

So now that you know why I love these bad boys so much, you'll be excited to know that all of the Bold Metals brushes are now available at Walmart [happy dance]. So you can scoop them up next time your doing your shopping. Plus, I've teamed up with Real Techniques and Walmart for a $100 Gift Card Giveaway, so you can buy the whole collection! Be sure to enter and good luck! xo

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*brought to you by lunchbox

FAB FAVORITES UNDER $10

Budget friendly makeup- skincare- haircare all under $10

A couple months back  I compiled a list of some of my favorite beauty buys under $10, and you all told me with your clicks and comments that you love a good bargain as much as I do! So today, I am sharing another round of 10 amazing beauty products under 10 dollars, and this list is even better than the first.

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BOOST YOUR LASHES INSTANTLY WITH THIS NEW SECRET WEAPON

Lash Fiber Mascara Review, Best Lash Fiber Mascara

Happy Monday ladies! I hope your week is off to a great start.

Today I wanted to share with you a fun new product that I recently discovered, and am SUPER excited to tell you about it- if you haven't already seen it or tried it for yourself.

Physicians Formula is a brand that I have used for at least 10 years, probably more! They make really unique products and always keep their prices low. Recently they sent me this new mascara to try, and after giving it a go, I knew that I needed to share it with you right away.

The 

Physicians Formula Eye Booster Instant Lash Extension Kit

 is a two part system to lengthen and thicken lashes. The kit comes with a mascara tube and a separate smaller tube of fiber extensions. You can see from my pics above that the mascara does a great job all on its own of lengthening the lashes, but for an extra dose of length and major volume you can add a coating or two of fibers. 

A few of the online reviews I read about the product mentioned that

the fibers are messy

, and truth be told I did find this to be the case as well. But to me

the benefits outweigh the cons and the results are pretty amazing

. Plus if you go into it knowing the the fibers are going to have a 'fall out' effect during application, then you've already won half of the battle, and you can be prepared and minimize the mess. 

For the best results: 

I recommend

applying your eye makeup and mascara first in your routine

, so that any fall out during application can easily be wiped away prior to your foundation application. Secondly, be sure you

tap off the excess fibers

on the wand prior to applying them. A little goes a long way with the fibers, so start with a light coating and then add more if desired. And lastly try leaning forward over the sink, and

look down into a handheld mirror when applying the fibers

, so that the fall out misses your face and goes into the sink.

To clean up any fibers that do fall on to your cheeks or eye lids, I find that a cotton round is the quickest and easiest way to wipe the fibers away. They almost have a magnet-like effect with the cotton and will stick easily to it. 

So for those of you whose lashes aren't as luscious as you'd like- this product may just be the one you've been looking for. Have you tried any fiber mascaras? Let me know in the comments below, xo

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*brought to you by physicians formula and blue sky communications  

SIMPLE FRESH-FACED FAVORITES

It's officially time to start the

back-to-school shopping

, which is always a favorite at my house. I love the fresh-start of Fall, and the excitement that builds around new teachers, the latest clothes, and of course... school supplies!

But one thing I get asked about a lot is

skincare for teens and 20-somethings

, who are headed back to school as well. My theory is that skincare for you should be

affordable, effective and fresh

- meaning as natural as possible so that your young healthy skin takes the spotlight.

So while you are at Target stocking up for the semester- throw a few of these goodies in your cart too. Your skin (and your wallet) will thank me. Here are my recommendations: 

  • Simple Micellar Wipes- (Cartwheel 5% savings thru 8/22) These are the newest addition to the Micellar line, and I love them! They are perfect to keep in a gym bag or locker for post workouts. The wipes remove makeup and buildup without drying the skin, leaving the skin refreshed. And they even take off eye makeup without irritating!

  • Simple Micellar Water- (Cartwheel 5% savings thru 8/22) Along the same line as the wipes, the Micellar Water takes off the 'day' and leaves skin squeaky clean. It is wonderful for even sensitive skin, and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals, dyes, or perfumes. I've talked about my love for this product before, so if you want more info check that out here.

  • St Ives Fresh Skin Scrub- I firmly believe that good skin starts with regular exfoliation. This is my favorite scrub that St Ives makes because it has light fresh scent, and the natural ingredients like Walnut, Apricot, and Cornmeal go to work scrubbing away dull, dead skin. It's effective but gentle enough to use multiple times a week. And for those dealing with breakouts, the Blemish scrub is ideal for you.

Let me know if you have any fresh-faced favorites I should know about in the comments below. 

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BEAT THE HEAT WITH THESE MELT PROOF MAKEUP PRODUCTS

Makeup in heat and humidity, Melt proof makeup tips

Well we've reached the high point of the Summer, and truth be told I am counting down the days till school is back in session and my Fall wardrobe reappears. But something tells me we still a have a fews weeks left of these toasty hot temperatures before I can expect to see that happen.

Every summer I change up my makeup routine to give it a longer wearing result, and more resilience. It only takes a few minor tweaks and additions to your routine to make your look stay put in the heat and humidity. So today I am sharing the four products that I love and use to achieve melt-proof makeup, and these ones are all available at Ulta. 

Prime It

  • NYX Proof It Eye Shadow Primer This little pot of goodness grabs on and holds tight, keeping your eye shadow, liner, and mascara in place all day. It's translucent so it works for all skin tones.

  • Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer Prep the skin prior to foundation with a non silicone (because silicones will slide off your skin in heat) primer like this one. It will give your face a barrier between sweat and your foundation, and help to hide pores as well.

Set It

  • Urban Decay De-slick Mattifying Powder Combat your oily zones with this translucent powder that keeps the skin matte and oil free without looking chalky. It's also great underneath the eyes to keep concealer in place and prevent runny mascara.

  • NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray Set your completed makeup look with a setting spray, like my favorite matte finish from NYX. It's like hairspray for you face- and simply keeps everything locked in place.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to subscribe to THE BEAUTY SNOOP by email so you never miss a SNOOP STORY! xo

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HOW I ORGANIZE MY MASSIVE MAKEUP MESS

I get asked a LOT about

storing my makeup collection

... seeing as I am a beauty blogger and pro hair stylist, people are always intrigued with how I manage my ever growing product situation. And let me tell you- it's not all butterflies and rainbows when your house is taken over by makeup! My poor husband handles it like a champ though.

My recommendation for storing makeup is to go with

acrylic organizers

. They are the most beautiful to look at, and they generally have the proper sized compartments that keep makeup in its' place more effectively than just stuffing everything into a drawer.

I also firmly believe that

you actually USE what you can see & access easiest

. So I prefer to keep my 'regular-rotation' items on the countertop, and keep my special occasion items put away in the drawers.

Yesterday I posted this pic on instagram showing you how insane my bathroom can get when I am not using my organizers. :/ whoops...

But, you can also see what my collection looks like when I've tidied up and have things in their proper place in the pic below. Much better! Plus I can find things easier and actually use my counter space!

My organizers are from the Container Store, and I really love them...

Here are a few great highly rated options for you.

The more expensive organizers are all considerably larger, and use a thicker, stronger acrylic. And every now and then you can find nice discount options at places like TJMaxx too

Do you have any tips for keeping your collection at bay? Let me know, and thanks for stopping by today! xo

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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU TRY THE CONDITIONING WASH TREND

Wen, Herbal Essences Naked, Pureology, Loreal Conditioning Cleansers

Conditioning cleansers are making a huge splash in the beauty industry

, but the concept isn't necessarily new. Many women have been 'conditioner washing' or co-washing for decades, but as of late this technique has picked up lots of steam and become mainstream. Almost all major haircare brands now offer a non lather option, so today I am giving you the skinny on all things conditioning cleanse.

I've posted about co-washing before, so for a starter course on the topic and the right technique to use conditioning cleansers, go back and

read this

. Then check out the

video

below.

Q- What is a conditioning Wash?

A- It's a non lathering wash that has the consistency of conditioner, designed to replace the traditional shampoo and conditioner you already have.

Q- Who should be using these types of washes?

A- They are best for women with dry, frizzy, or curly hair and those people who prefer to wash daily (versus those women who wash only a couple times per week) The ingredients in typical shampoos that cause the bubbles and lather; sulfates and detergents- are also the ingredients that can cause color fading and dryness. So in these formulas those ingredients have been removed, leaving the hair more conditioned as a result.

Q- So on the flip-side, who shouldn't be using these washes?

A- Women with oily scalps and hair, as well as those women who don't wash often- may still need a traditional lather to remove the buildup and oils from the scalp and hair after several days without washing. 

Four recommended types: 

What do you think of the co-washing trend? Is it a trend or will we see it stick around? And do you have any favorites that I should try? Let me know if the comments below, xo

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CAN I GET A REFILL? // EMPTY BOTTLES AND LOTS OF TEARS

Have you ever

shed tears when a TV show you're obsessed with comes to a final conclusion

? Or

felt like you had a death in the family when your favorite restaurant closed

!? Or am I alone when it comes to these crazy irrational behaviors? Ha!

Well, along the same vein I do get a little sad every time I get to the bottom of the bottle of one of my favorite beauty products. It's always sad to say goodbye. But today I am sharing my latest

empties

so you can hopefully find a new love to try for yourself. Take a look at the

video

below, and let me know if you have any empty bottles that make you teary as well when it comes time to say goodbye.

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7 WAYS TO SHOP SMART AT SEPHORA... HOW TO COPE WITH THE OVERWHELM & NAVIGATE LIKE A ROCKSTAR

Inside tricks to shop Sephora and other beauty stores successfully

One of the most common things I hear from women when the subject of beauty comes up in our conversations, is that they often feel overwhelmed by shopping for new makeup and hair products.

And because of that lack of confidence, many women avoid the experience all together- which means they aren't having fun with the their beauty routine [which is SO important] and they may be using old expired products!

To help you feel excited about the shopping experience again, today I am sharing my best tips for buying smart next time you are at Sephora. But these tips can also apply to other retailers and shopping online as well! Ready? Go...

1- Go with a goal in mind- what types of items do you NEED

  • Walking in just to browse is certainly ok, but when it comes time to throw down your hard-earned cash, don't do it without asking yourself this question: 'Does my makeup collection NEED another product like this one?' If you NEED new foundation, start there first... then wander over to the mascara if you have the time later.

2- Stick to a healthy timeframe

  • I personally believe 30 minutes is enough time to get what you NEED, and also explore the store for a look at new items. Beyond that and everything can start to all 'blur' together, and you may end up feeling overwhelmed again anyway. You also may end up with more in your shopping cart the longer you are there- so keep it short and leave feeling excited and refreshed, not depressed that you just spent your rent money.

3- Read the signage... it is your road map

  • Many times our eyes are so fixated on the colors and displays, that we forget to look up and read the signage near the products. Sephora does a great job at labeling the brands themselves, but also explaining what products are for and how they work. You can avoid time wasting by reading ahead and knowing if that type of product will be right for you. Look for key words like 'shimmer' 'matte finish' 'full coverage' etc to guide your decisions.

4- Enroll the help of an employee

  • If you've ever worked in retail, you know that the days can go by SO SLOW! Most employees are happy and excited to help their customers because it is their job after all, and it helps keep them busy. The employees know the layout of the store, they are trained in the products, and they are best equipped to help you find what you need. Don't be afraid to ask- but that being said, don't feel pressure to buy anything you don't really NEED. The employees get paid no matter what, so say 'no thank you' when necessary!

5- Scout out the endcaps and floating displays

  • The ends of the isles are treasures amongst the store- don't ignore them! This is where you'll find NEW release products, best-sellers, and pre-packed collections that offer the highest value!

6- Testers and samples are your friend

  • The great thing about stores like Sephora is that they offer testers of almost every product in the store, and they'll make a sample of anything you may need to try at home before buying- like foundation. Get your hands messy and test out those colors and textures before you buy. A while back I posted this pic on instagram of my 2-year-old swatching lipgloss at Sephora. She's seen me do it a million times- so she just does it too! But you should as well. Also Try something from a brand you've heard of or used before, but also try a similar product from a line you're unfamiliar with. Compare the two and pick your fav! You'll never find new loves, if you always buy from the same line simply because you know the name.

7- Edit 

  • Now that your basket is full- it's time to reign it in and edit out about 20%. Really take a long look at what you're considering and decide if it again meets the NEED criteria, and if you are filling a hole in your collection. If you can walk away without thinking about it again- you made the right decision to give it the boot.

Bonus- Be careful of the cashwrap trap!

  • Sephora does an amazing job of giving you things to look at while waiting in line... but be careful! Just 'throwing in' a few extra trial sizes at the end of your trip, just undid your entire editing process, and I guarantee you didn't NEED anything you threw in. The only time it is safe to shop here, is only when you want to check for a smaller size version of a product you are already purchasing.

Hope that helps, and happy shopping! A few of my Sephora faves are below

GIZMO SNOOP: FORLEO LUNA REVIEW

Taking care of your skin is essential these days. We are living longer than ever, dealing with more stress, and facing harsh environmental factors that plaque even the most skincare-conscious.

It's no secret that I love my

Foreo Luna,

I've mentioned it a few times here on the blog- but today I wanted to give you an in depth review of this little device. It's replaced my other cleaning devices for a few different reasons, so if you are in the market for a new skincare buddy- this one may just be the answer.

The Luna is a hand held sonic cleansing device

, that is made of anti bacterial silicone. The tiny nodules pulse at a sonic level sending your cleansers deeper into the skins surface. It also gently exfoliates leaving behind glowing skin. Now, keep in mind that these vibrations are tiny, and so you may not feel the exfoliation at work. But after a few uses you can see the difference in your skin and that is all the evidence you need.

I switched to the Luna because I wanted an option that was going to give me a more gentle 'scrub' versus my other sonic brush. And an option that doesn't require replacement brush heads which cost a lot if you are using the brush often- which I do.

At first the Luna felt a little awkward for me, and I had to learn how to hold it and position it on my face because of its unique shape. But after a few tries, it becomes easy to use and you can really begin to see the difference in your skin.

It also has built-in timer options so you know just the right amount of time to cleanse on each section of your face. And unlike the other options out there, the Luna has the ability to increase or decrease the strength of the vibrations to your liking. (I tend to pump mine up a bit) And because the nodules are less abrasive than typical bristles, you can use it twice a day without irritation.

Let me know if you give it a try, xo

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DO BLONDES HAVE MORE FUN? // SUMMER LOOK REVEAL

Summer Hair Inspiration

Hola mi amigas! Thanks so much for reading and watching today- I am excited to share with you my

Summer 2015 hair reveal

. This

Strawberry Blonde Ombre

is a fun change for me, I haven't been blonde in about 3 years- and I felt like it was about time!

If you want to see how I made this change, watch the quick

video

below for the inside scoop.

Past Video Mentioned:

Tape-in Hair Extensions

Let me know in the comments below, if you have any fun changes in mind for your Summer hair? Got a question or need advice? I can help with that too- just ask! xo

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BRONZER 101 // SUMMER GLOW TIPS

Bronzer really can be a girls best friend if it's

applied correctly and with the right tone

. But it can be easy to also take bronzer in the wrong direction real quick, so today I putting you through my

Bronzer 101 course

.

The image above is a

guideline for the three ways to apply bronzer.

They are all designed to enhance your coloring and highlight different features of your face. Decide what your overall goal is for your finished look, then bronze accordingly.

Sun-Kissed

  • This technique is designed to mimic the natural color you get when you're out in the sun. It touches color to the high points of your face, and is cast from a downward position like that of the sun on your face.

  • Use this method when you are feeling pale and want to warm the complexion all over. Choose a tone that is warm and about 3 shades darker then your skin color. And for this option it is safe to use a formula with a slight shimmer in it as well. My fave is this Physicans Formula.

Rosy Glow

  • Choose this option when you are satisfied with your current skin tone, but want to enhance your cheeks with a pop of color to add more dimension to the face.

  • Use a rosy colored bronzer for this technique and focus the color on the apples of the cheeks. Apply a light sweep of the tone on the round part of your forehead near the hairline as well, and along the chin lightly. This will tie the tones together and highlight the bone structure of your face. Try Urban Decay Beached Bronzer

Contoured

  • For a chiseled or sculpted face, opt for the conturing technique which will accentuate your cheekbones and make the face appear more narrow and angular.

  • Use a matte grey-based bronzer for this technique, so that the color created mimics that of a shadow on the face. Apply the color under the cheekbones, down the sides of the nose, and at the hairline. You can also apply a light amount under the jawline and down the neck for a cohesive color palette. A great option is the Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer

Hope this guide will amp up your face-game, thanks so much for reading- and please share this with your friends on pinterest or facebook. xo

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BEAUTY BLOGGER APPROVED // SUMMER 2015 FAVORITES

Can you believe it's already June!? This year is flying by- and that means it's time for another

seasonal FAVORITES

video, with a few of the items I am loving at the moment.

I've got a little bit of everything too:

skincare, hair stuff, makeup and even a few fashion favs

to share with you.

Take a look at the

video below,

and see what I think you should be stocking up on.

Products Mentioned:

Thanks so much for stopping by! Got a question about any of these products? Just ask in the comments down below, and I'll se you all very soon. xo

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THE NEW BREED OF BRUSH THAT WILL GIVE YOU A PERFECT BLOWOUT

square round brush, Fromm Square Rounder Brush

The perfect BLOWOUT

is something that pretty much every woman wants. Nothing feels better than bouncy polished locks, and I know that my clients are always on the hunt for the right tools for the job. In fact I get asked about my brushes at the salon more than any other question- because the brush (and the blowdryer) make all the difference in your finished look.

The Beauty Snoop

A few weeks back I published this pic on instagram, and had lots of followup questions about these square brushes. So I thought I'd give you the scoop snoop!

The Fromm 1907 Square Brushes have been my go-to brushes in the salon for the last 2 months since I got my hands on them. The unique design changes the game when it comes to your blowout and here's why:

The Corners: The soft corners on the brush give it more grip and tension on the hair so you are able to keep the hair in the brush without it slipping out. The corners also give more tension so you are able to 'pull' the curl and frizz out of the hair more easily. They also help to give more lift and volume at the crown. But don't let the idea of corners scare you into thinking that you'll have creases anywhere in your hair, or that you can't achieve curl with this brush. In face, the opposite is true; you'll get better curl from it because of the above mentioned features.

The Flat Face: Another cool feature of the Fromm is that it can be used like a flat or paddle brush to create a smooth finish. You can choose not to rotate the brush at all, and simply use the flat surface of any side to get a straight look.

The Rippled Bristles: The nylon bristles on this brush have a slight waved or rippled texture to them which aids again in the tension and grip of the hair. They also help to keep the hair down against the barrel of the brush where it's heated through and polished. Straight bristles let the hair slip off more easily, so this is a unique touch that I really love!

It's time to switch up your brush, you'll thank me later! xo

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10 UNDER $10 // BEAUTY MUST-HAVES ON THE CHEAP

Cheap but good makeup, skincare, and haircare, budget beauty, best drugstore beauty

Who doesn’t love a good bargain!? Nothing is better than finding a holy-grail product that doesn't break the bank. So today I am sharing 10 of my beauty must-haves that are all under $10. Winning!

  • 1- Milani Brow Fix Kit This kit has it all in one place- it's perfect for travel too. The powders are long lasting and I love the highlight tone for a eyebrow lift in an instant.

  • 2- ELF Undereye Setting Powder I keep this stuff in my purse for touchups during the day when I feel like my face needs a pick-me-up. It is iridescent without being sparkly, and its a super fine mill that blends into skin easily. The brush is worthless... just use your finger to apply.

  • 3- Garnier Mega Full Thickening Lotion I love this stuff when I know I am going to wear my hair straight because I hate flat hair! It gives a 'fatness' to each strand with out feeling tacky or sticky.

  • 4- Mark. Eyeshadow Quad These shadow quads are super pigmented and the color combos are really thoughtfully put together. The price is just an added bonus!

  • 5- NYX Slide On Eye Liner If you love a pop of color on your eyes, or a creamy smokey eye- try these pencils for the easiest application.

  • 6- Essence Eye Shadow Base This is the BEST eye shadow primer! It locks colors in place and never creases, plus I love the doe-foot applicator- it's just so easy.

  • 7- Covergirl Outlast Lip Color For lip color that stays out for hours, reach for this lip color. First apply the color and wait till it dries and locks in place. Then add shine and moisture with the clear topcoat.

  • 8- Biore Charcoal Bar Think of this stuff as a suction cup for your pores. The charcoal sucks oil out of your pores and leaves your skin super clean with a minty fresh finish.

  • 9- Yes To Tomatoes Spot Stick When you need a quick solution to a pesky pimple, this roller stick is boss! It will dry out the zit in a day or two, but it can be drying so keep it focused only on the spots.

  • 10- Loreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray I've talked about this stuff many times, but here it is again! Dry your hair in less time and leave it perfectly polished.

Do you have any favorites that are under $10? Let me know if the comments down below, and be sure you are following along with me on instagram- we are headed for a surprise trip to DISNEYLAND today! I'll share a few snaps from our adventure. xo

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APPLY BLUSH LIKE A PRO WITH THESE QUICK TIPS

Apply blush tutorial

I firmly believe in the power of blush, and that it is a vital part of any makeup routine.

The proper application of blush is like an instant face lift and brings a warmth and brightness to the face that no other type of product can. But if your not sure how to apply blush correctly, it can go south real quick. Here are the things you need to know to apply blush in the most flattering way for your face shape.

The Classic Application- all face shapes

  • Gives and a natural flush of color, works with all blush colors (including brights!)

  • Apply an oval brush stroke over the cheekbone, stopping under the center of the eye

  • Use a loose domed brush for easy blending like the Real Techniques Domed Brush

The Rosy Glow- long, oval or oblong face shapes

  • Visually cuts the face in half, to shorten and widen. Best with light peaches and pinks

  • Apply with a dabbing techniques on the apples of your cheeks

  • Use a stippling brush for tapping and blending like the Real Techniques Instapop Cheek Brush

Highlight Application- oval or heart face shapes

  • Emphasizes the eyes and give an upward lift to the face. Works with lighter shimmer tones

  • Sweep tone on the top of the cheekbones, up towards the temples

  • Use a fan brush to easily work around the eye like the It Cosmetics Fan Brush

Sculpt Technique- round or square face shapes

  • Chisel out cheekbones and create a more angular face. Use brown/ beige based blushes

  • Sweep blush under the cheekbone from the ear forward, stopping below the center of the eye

  • Use an angled brush to help define the cheekbone and make the face appear more narrow, like the Sonia Kashuk Angled Brush

Thanks so much for reading, and let me know in the comments down below if you have any blush secrets to share. And links to the blush in the video are down below. xo

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BOUNCY BEACH WAVES WITH THE TWIRL 360

Hello lovlies! Happy Monday and thanks for stopping by. Last week I introduced you to the newest curling iron in my collection the Twirl 360. It's part of the newest breed of curling irons out there that twirl all on their own. So maybe your asking yourself; 'does it really work that well?' Take a look at this video so that you decide that for yourself. I think you'll enjoy seeing it in action!


Products mentioned in video:

Overall the Twirl is a big investment, but for women out there who struggle creating curls it could be

Once you've mastered the use of it, you can easily do a full head of curls in 5-10 minutes

, but be prepared to feel a little awkward with it at first. I had to use it about 3 times before I really felt comfortable with the new technique, but now I am a big fan! And also remember that

self-spinning irons can only flat wrap curls,

so you are somewhat limited in the shapes you'll get. *See my wrap techniques to the right for further explanation. a great tool to have and use.

I would also note that this type of iron is probably best for women who have

hair that is shoulder length or longer

. Shorter than that and I don't think the self-wrapping function is necessary or would speed up your style time much. 

Thanks so much for reading, and be sure you enter to win your own Twirl 360 one post back. xo

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**Thanks to ShopStyle for sponsoring this post through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write this post and create a how-to video, the products featured and opinions are at my discretion. 

ARE SPINNING CURLING IRONS THE NEXT BIG THING?

rotating curling irons, spinning curling iron, t3 twirl 360

Ever thought to yourself... 'I wish their was a curling iron that could just magically make curls for me, and I wouldn't have to do a thing!'???

Well the day has arrived peeps.

Lately there have been curling irons popping up all over the place the twirl or spin on their own. This latest generation of irons helps to speed up your curling process (after a learning curve of course) and to take the guess work out of creating perfect curls.

I was super hesitant at first with these types of irons because I din't really think it was a concept that would catch on... after all spinning contraptions and hair seem like a scary combination.

But after much debate, and a LOT of research I decided to jump on the bandwagon and see for myself what all the fuss is about. And honestly, I'm glad I did.

So which spinning curling iron did I go with?

The T3 Twirl 360. Why? Well first of all, just look at it! It has a stunning design with those gorgeous rose gold accents. But beyond that T3 is a brand that I have loved and used for years both in the salon and at home. The other MAJOR selling points for me were the long clamp area, which gives the ability to work with larger sections of hair, and lessens your likelihood of burning yourself while trying to place hair in the clamp especially if you have shorter hair or layers.

And of course the gyroscope technology which senses your movement and turns the iron automatically in the direction you want to roll. It's so cool and amazes me every time. In addition, the surface on this iron is SO smooth (it's has a combo of ceramic and tourmaline) and you can safely run your hair through the clamp without pulling or tugging on the hair, and the clap never leaves a mark in the hair either.

Other spinning irons out there have much smaller clips and the ability to only spin one direction, or require you to flip a switch to alternate spinning directions... which is silly and time consuming if you ask me.

Next week on the blog, I'll have the full video tutorial showing you how to use the iron and achieve bouncy beach waves in a snap with the Twirl 360. So be sure to come back Monday for that one! xo

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WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOUR NEXT CONCEALER PURCHASE

concealer hacks, blemish coverup, under eye circle coverup, concealer tricks

Hi friends! Thanks so much for stopping by today- I hope you leave with a new tip or trick up your sleeve! Today I am sharing my latest episode of Studio5 TV with you, all about

the basics of using concealer correctly. There are just so many types of concealers on the market, and it can be overwhelming to select the right one for you. But I hope this video will help you crack the code, and select the right formula for your needs, and give you a few helpful application techniques.

Products mentioned: 

Hope that helps, and cheers to your beautiful [flawless] faces! xo

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YOUR SUMMER SCENT GUIDE // FLORALS

Daisy Dream Marc Jacobs Review, Flora by Gucci Glorious Mandarin Review

I LOVE to explore new perfumes seasonally because our sense of smell is so strongly connected to memory. Every time I get a whiff of gardenia, it's like I am instantly transported back to Hawaii and the first trip I took there with my late grandparents. Such happy memories!

Try wearing a new scent on your next Summer vacation

, so you can revisit those memories too every time you spray that perfume. It really works! And it's not too late to scoop up one of these for an amazing

Mother's Day gift

as well.

Summer Florals are all the rage right now

, and I've narrowed it down to two fragrances that I think you'll love too. One for day and one for night time wear:

  • Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs- Marc Jacobs is known for his floral range of perfumes- and I have loved almost all of them, but Daisy Dream has become my favorite by far! It is light and bright, and truly a 'happy' scent. It has notes or fruit like blackberry and pear and my favorite addition is the coconut water.

Although it is sweet smelling, it is still very fresh and airy which is perfect for day time wear or for anyone who prefers a soft feminine scent during the evening too. Also, this one is perfect for teens and 20-somethings!

  • Flora by Gucci // Glorious Mandarin- This perfume is perfect for night time wear in the Summer months because it is still a bright floral but it has a depth to it with a light musk note. The mandarin orange tone pairs really nicely with a pina colada note, making it sweet and fruity too. It's perfect for a more 'mature' women and someone that likes a sophisticated scent.

Have you tried a new scent lately that I should check out? Let me know in the comments below, xo

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