BEST OF FACE

2018 Winners for FACE makeup include:

  • Foundation:LA Girl Pro Coverage Foundation $9 The foundation I wore far more than any other in 2018! It's got a beautiful finish that is glowy, but nicely covers redness and spots. Plus the price is just right!

  • Concealer:First Aid Beauty Bendy Avocado Concealer $22 Worth the hype and worth the cost! Not only blends like a dream, but covers under eyes and spots with great staying power. I have not ventured to another concealer after trying this one for the last 6 months!

  • Powder:Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder $8 Comparable to the high-end favorites out there that are three times the price- this powder is so finely milled it blends without looking cakey or chalky. I wear the transparent shade to set my concealer, but there are also more tones to choose for that will offer additional coverage if you're looking for more.

What were your favs in the face category this year?

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HOLIDAY SPARKLE IN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

NYX Duo Chrome Lip Gloss, Stila Glitter & Glow, CAI Hair Glitter, imPress Press on Nails

This time of year we've got lots of excuses to dress up and add a little more sparkle into our beauty routine, here are a few of my favorite ways to add glitter and sparkle into your beauty looks: [

video here

] I suggest you just pick one area to focus on... no need to look like a disco ball!

Makeup

Hair

  • Cai All That Glitters My fav for adding some MAJOR glitter to your locks. Start with a simple hairstyle like a sleek low pony, then swipe a small dusting of glitter near the elastic.

Nails

  • imPress Press on Nails Easy nails with a peel and stick application. I swear by them for an instant manicure that lasts about a week, plus the Holiday collection is always sparkling and so festive.

Happy [sparkly] Holidays! xo

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LUSH LASHES WITHOUT EXTENSIONS

This time of year- we've got more excuses to get a little dazzled up! And lush lashes really make any look really pop! But if you're like me, lash extensions are a little more maintenance than you may want to take on. So instead I am sharing a few ways to enhance those lashes in other ways... [

video here

]

Products Mentioned

Here's to lashes that make you feel and look your best! xo

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BUDGET BEAUTY BREAKDOWN

Hey lovelies! Thanks for stopping by- today's post is a wrap up from my latest Pinners Conference class:

Budget Beauty Breakdown

. If you were in attendance, THANK YOU! If you missed it, you can still benefit from these slides that will give you a great starting point to build your budget friendly beauty bag. These are my

top beauty picks under $5, under $10, and under $20

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HONEY LOVE // BUZZWORTHY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

bee venom mask, honey makeup primer, honey shampoo and conditioner, honey beauty products

Honey is an ingredient we know in love- but often don't associate it with beauty care products. If you start to pay attention though, you'll notice just how many beauty products out there contain honey as a key ingredient... What's to love about honey?

It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory making it great in skincare products. It's hydrating and repairing- perfect for hair care. And it's soothing and nourishing as a body care ingredient!

Here are six of my favs to keep an eye out for: [

VIDEO HERE]

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IS DRY SHAMPOO BAD FOR YOUR SCALP?

We've come to use and rely on

Dry Shampoos

to extend the life of our hairstyles and help us skip a wash or two during the week- but it's important to spend a little extra time on the days we DO wash, to ensure that our scalp health remains in tact. Otherwise our scalps can begin to have issues with bacteria growth, clogged hair follicles or even (in RARE cases) hair loss.

Be smart and use common sense with your Dry Shampoos, and you'll be fine! If your scalp has become dry, flaky or irritated- then you may need to lay off the Dry Shampoo and only use it once a week. If you notice bumps in the scalp, like acne, you've got clogged follicles that need a breather until they heal. And if there's any sort of smell coming from the scalp, things have progressed to an unsafe level where bacteria could be growing. [

video here

]

Here are some

basic Dry Shampoo tips:

1-

Limit use of Dry Shampoo to 2 days in a row

followed by a thorough double washing on day 3.

2-

Only use on dry hair!

Once moisture from sweat or humidity is involved bacteria will begin to form and a traditional shampoo is needed to cleanse the scalp.

3-

Spray Dry Shampoo on the underside of the HAIR itself

, not aimed directly at the scalp/skin.

Once every other week or so, it's a great idea to spend a little extra time on your scalp. Thoroughly loosening and cleansing the scalp ensures your skin and follicles are getting proper blood circulation and your hair will look and feel better as a result. 

Three Scalp Health Products:

How many days in a row are your reaching for Dry Shampoo? Does this make you think twice?

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MAKEUP TIPS FOR MATURE SKIN

Mature skin, Makeup for mature skin, women over 50 makeup

You asked for it- and it's here! My top

tips for applying makeup once your skin has hit that 'mature' mark

. I know I am not there yet, so you may be thinking, 'Megan, what do you know!?' and I can see your point. But as a working makeup artist for over 15 years, and as someone who STUDIES the industry like a crazy person, I do think I know a few things that could be really helpful to you!

So here are a few of my recommended tips and products that will leave you feeling more confident and beautiful no matter your age. [

video here

]

Over 50? Do This...  Not That

  • Do Lift Brows with Highlight and Natural Brow Strokes... Don't overly pencil in harsh brows when your hairs are scarce, you'll draw more attention to the scarcity and visually weigh the eye down. Chella Highlight Stick // NYX Micro Brow Pencil

  • Do use blush on the higher points of the cheeks to accentuate and lift cheekbones... Don't streak blush across the length of the cheekbone, or focus on the front apple of the cheek. This will bring the look of the cheek down lower on the face and accentuate loss of volume on the cheeks. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush

  • Do conceal the undereye all the way across the cheekbone to the temple using a color that is close to your skin tone... Don't conceal only the moon shape under eyes in the socket or use overly bright/light tones. This will only cause more contrast next to the shadows of your fine lines and make them appear darker and deeper. La Girl Peach Corrector and Concealer

  • Do define lashes with a soft line of shadow... Don't use harsh/black eyeliner around the eye it will close down the eye, accentuate loose skin and age you up. Makeup Revolution Rose Gold Chocolate Bar Palette

  • Do use a clear lip liner and powdered lipstick to keep lip color from feathering into fine lines... don't use a waxy/ glossy or wet lipstick that will travel and accentuate lines around the lips. Pixi Clear Lip Liner // Karity Lip Lock

Bonus* Your questions answered here [

video here

]

What do you guys think? Helpful? Let me know, xo

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THE POWER OF ROSE? LOVE IT, OR HATE IT?

Fall 2018 Biggest Beauty Trend: Rose

Fall 2018 in the beauty world is all about

the power of Rose

. We are seeing Rose Water, Rose Oil. and Rose scent in just about ever category in the beauty spectrum. I've rounded up a few of my picks for those of you who like to smell the roses! [

video here

]

Products Mentioned:

What do you think about rose? Let me know over on

instagram

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10 FALL BEAUTY FINDS THAT ARE SO COOL!

Fall is in the air! Hallelujah! I was ready for Summer break to be over about a month ago, anyone else relate?

Autumn time is exciting in the beauty world- we get the iconic 'Beauty Issue' from Allure that becomes my guide throughout the year... PLUS beauty brands come out with some of their biggest launches of the year. I scoured the newest products out there, tested them, and rounded up my top 10 finds for Fall 2018.

Take a look: [

video here

]

Products Mentioned:

Makeup:

  • Urban Decay Lip Mousse Super lightweight matte formula that you can wear as a wash of color, or layer up for full pigment.

  • Maybelline Brow Tint Pen 4 tiny hair strokes in a single swipe- great for sparse brows that need to be filled in on the skin itself

  • NYX Foil Play Creme Pigment (The color Happie Hippie is not formulated well, but all the rest are beautiful!) A loose shimmer pigment that transforms into a creme- it's a little messy so use it before foundation... but it's beautiful!

  • Ulta Glow By Morning Tan Drops Add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer to add a natural glow to your face and neck, just be sure you wash your hands after application.

Hair:

Skincare:

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BEST OF: SKIN PREPPERS & SKIN FINISHERS

There are so many great products for the face these days, but lately we've noticed how many now come in the form of a spray or mist. Why are they so great?

Mist application is quick and easy- as well as gives are very smooth even application of the product.

There are TWO CATEGORIES for facial mists: Skin Prepers & Skin Finishers 

Skin Prepers are applied to fresh clean skin and are designed to balance the pH of the skin, rehydrate, smooth and prep the skin for further applications of makeup etc.

Skin Finishers are applied as a last step to set makeup in place, control oil production and shine, and sometimes to add UV protection to the skin. [

video here

]

Fav Prep Mists:

Fav Finish Mists:

What are your favorite sprays? Let me know, xo

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4 RULES TO WEAR HAIR BOWS AS A GROWN UP

We've seen a growing trend popping up on our instagram feeds- grown women wearing girly hair accessories! It's one of my favorite trends in years... so much so that I decided to open up my own online bow shop! [bonjourbobby.com]

The accessories are playful and fun, and can add a major pop to a simple outfit. But it can be tricky to wear them without looking childish, so here are my tips! [video here]

1- The Fabric

Look for more MATURE fabrics- like Velvet, Linen, Leather, Chiffon or Satin. These more grown up fabrics bring the level of sophistication up and are more age appropriate.

2- Prints & Patterns

Avoid shopping in the little girl sections of the store for your wares... rainbows, unicorns, and sparkles should be left to the little ones. Instead opt for patterns that are classic and timeless- think stripes, polka dots, plaids, and paisley.

3- Style them carefully

It's important to avoid bow placement that looks too young- the places we see you girls wear bows are typically near the front of the face or on the top of the head. Instead 'hide' the bows slightly so that they aren't front and center in your style. Behind the head, or on the base of a ponytail or bun are great places to add your accessories.

4- When in doubt, keep it small

If you like the idea of adding an accessory, but hesitate- start with smaller pieces, like decorative elastics or smaller scrunchies. Avoid the LARGE pieces and you'll feel more comfortable with this trend.  

What do you think about this trend, would you try it? xo Check out

BonjourBobby.com

for more cute accessories too!

THE PERM IS BACK?!

PERM- it's a four letter word... literally of course, but also figuratively as well.

Why is that? Well, in my opinion, perms are associated with bad memories. Women remember them from their pasts, and the subsequent frizzy hairstyles that followed in our younger years. And hairstylists are somewhat afraid of the perm- because it's a service that we can't fully control the results of. We never want you to leave unhappy, and that fear of the unknown and the possible disappointment- makes many stylists avoid the perm all together.

The perm is not going to become mainstream again, but it is going to be seen and heard more often in salons. We've already seen a few celebs jump on the bandwagon and share their results online. So today on Studio5 we took a trip to the salon with a brave volunteer and delved into the return of the perm, take a look! [

video here

]

And if you've got some wave in your hair already, here are a few of my favorite curl enhancers to give your style a bit more of the beach. [

video here

]

Products mentioned:

Would you rock an updated perm? Let me know in the comments below. xo

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DE-PUFF YOUR FACE WITH THESE COOL MASSAGE TOOLS

Do you ever wake up and think to your self, 'wow, I look like a got punched in the face during my sleep last night!' ??? Ya, me too... its part of life- especially on the mornings after eating or drinking poorly the night before.

Waking up puffy is simply normal [and totally frustrating] but as the day wears on typically the puffiness subsides as the fluids underneath our skin begin to drain. But what if I told you that you can help the fluid systems under your skin (the Lymphatic system) to drain more readily and avoid the puffiness all together!?

Enter:

Facial Massage

Not only is it relaxing, it is super beneficial for the look and tone of the skin. Massage helps to encourage collagen production, helps to tighten the skin, helps to strengthen the muscles of the face, and most importantly drain the lymphatic fluids found just under the surface of the skin. [

video here

]

There are three main types of tools used in facial massage [outside of your hands, which work well- but just be sure they are super clean!] the Roller, the Vibrating Bar, and the Sonic Massager. There are several brands out there that make these devices- but here are a look at the three I use and love.

Just like with any exercise, results won't happen with just once-in-a-while use. I reccomend adding the massage into your nightly routine after cleansing. Spend a full two minutes on the massage- working in upward strokes, and you'll see major improvement within the first few nights. Use the massage tool of your choice with a serum or an oil for added benefits and relaxation too.

xo

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DRUGSTORE MAKEUP WORTH EVERY PENNY (EVEN THOUGH IT'S NOT TOO MANY PENNIES)

Today on my

instagram

Stories, I created a full face using only drugstore makeup. It always thrills me to find a fantastic product that doesn't break the bank- but a whole face of them? Freaking rad!

You can go back and watch the how-to

here

, but for your reference here is the full list:

Hope you love these great budget friendly buys too!

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BEAUTY FOR TEENS

I get asked a LOT for

beauty recommendations when it comes to teens

, and what products are best for their needs. It's tricky because they've outgrown their kid shampoos, but don't necessarily need super high end products yet either. This list will get you started in every category of beauty, and the whole thing adds up to just about $80, so it won't cost you an arm and a leg- but you'll get great quality and results. [video here] PLUS, I am giving away a whole teen beauty kit over on my instagram, ends 5/20/18 at 12pm MST. 

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NEW BEAUTY INNOVATIONS THAT WOW

Pureology Vinegar Rinse, dpHue Cool Brunette Shampoo, Bumble&bumble Scalp Detox, Becca Hydramist Powder, Bum Bum Cream, Shake & Shot Mask

Every time Spring rolls around, it seems that beauty companies really pull out the big guns and release their BIGGEST innovations of the year. It takes a lot for me to stop and say WOW when I am wandering the isles of Sephora or Ulta, so you know this stuff is good! Here are six beauty innovations that will rock your world! [

video here

]

  • DpHue Cool Brunette Shampoo Counter act unwanted brassy and red tones with a cool blue shampoo designed specifically for brunettes. Shampoo and leave on for a few minutes to let the blue tone go to work on your hair and keep the cool hue.

  • Pureology Vinegar Hair Rinse This vinegar rinse is designed specifically for the correct pH of your hair, and will thoroughly clean the hair and scalp, as well as leave your hair shiny and fresh.

  • Bumble&bumble Scalp Detox This icy blast foam is tingly and refreshing on the scalp, plus it will detox the oil and buildup off the scalp for fresher more voluminous locks.

  • Becca Hydramist Set & Refresh Powder A powder made up of 50% water?! Yep, and it's awesome- it doesn't leave your skin looking chalky or cakey, just refreshes and mattifies with a lightweight finish. It feels cool to the touch and feels wet when you apply it, it's trippy- but so innovative.

  • Dr. Jart Shake & Shot Rubber Mask These Korean rubber masks are super fun to apply and take off, but they also leave skin GLOWING! The two part formula mixes together to form a rubbery gel, that you slather all over the face. It firms up and then peels off to reveal hydrating and firm skin underneath. Plus it's super fun.

  • Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream Time for skin season and this cream will tighten and leave you glowing in those little shorts. It has 5 times the caffeine of most firming creams and mica to give your skin a reflective glow. You and your Bum Bum will love it!

Any new beauty innovations out there you think I should know about it? Let me know! xo

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BLONDER LONGER + A BLONDE GIVEAWAY

best hair products for blondes, purple shampoo, Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel, Clarifying Shampoo

Utah gals are no strangers to the color BLONDE! We have the highest rate of blondes per capita only second to Texas. So this is a topic I am very familiar with! Today I am sharing a few

ways to keep your blonde locks looking fresh, bright and non brassy

. Weather you are a natural blonde, or you get a little help from your stylist. [video

here

] Plus I am giving away a whole set of these goodies over on

instagram

, enter now through 4/15.

For NATURAL BLONDES and GREY HAIR:

Hard water and product buildup will cause blonde hair to appear darker, more orange in tone and will also put a film on the hair that keeps it from feeling fully clean. A detox shampoo once a week will break down the residues and keep blondes looking their brightest.

For ARTIFICAL BLONDES and SILVER:

Keep blonde tones cooler and less yellowy with the addition of a Purple toned shampoo and/or conditioning treatment. These can be used multiple times per week to maintain the cooler tone. Look for options that are deep in color, they will have the most impact.

Shampoo once with traditional shampoo to remove products and oils in the hair, followed by a second shampoo using the purple product and all the shampoo to sit on the hair for 2-3 minutes before rinsing with COOL water. For even more impact follow up with a purple conditioner and again rinse with COOL water. 

To keep ROOTS BLENDED in between colors:

Opt for a Root Touchup Powder to keep roots camouflaged in between color services. These powders bind to the hairs and stay in place until your next wash. Apply to your part line and around the hairline to blur the line and soften the regrowth appearance. 

Here is to bright shiny blondes! xo

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4 EASY RULES FOR WEARING NUDE MAKEUP

rules for wearing the nude makeup trend

Wearing Nude toned makeup is a beautiful way to look pulled together without looking over done. However it can quickly go into 'blah' territory and wash you out if you are not careful. Here are four tips to keep you looking polished while wearing the look. [

Video Here

]

Rules for wearing Nude Makeup:

Keep your Lipstick shade1-2 levels darker than your skin tone (not lip tone) and opt for a pink or peach hint. Avoid Beige or Grey toned nudes- those will make you look dead.

Don't forget the lashes! When wearing nude toned eyeshadow, do not skimp on the mascara. Other wise your eyes will disappear and look washed out.

BROWS, BROWS, BROWS-  groomed and filled brows will frame the eyes and elevate the look, to keep you looking fresh. Otherwise it can quickly go into the 'no makeup' look, which is not the same is wearing Nude makeup.

Color on the cheeks keeps you looking ALIVE! When the tone on eyes and lips is subdued, don't forget to add some color and glow to the cheeks, so the face still has dimension and doesn't look flat. 

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MAKE YOUR MORNING ROUTINE FASTER

Everyone needs a little more time in their lives- but we all only have 24 hours in a day.

Make the most of your morning routine by becoming more efficient

with your products and time management. I put together 3 of my fav time saving products and 3 of my time saving tips! [Video

Here

]

Time Saving Beauty Products:

  • Pixi Multi Balm Dab the same color on cheeks and lips for a quick pop of color and moisture in a single product.

  • Kristin Ess Dry Shampoo Soak up oil and give more volume to the hair with a dry shampoo, BUT be sure to apply it at night before bed for maximum results when you skip the shower in the morning.

  • Power Dry Me A Blow Dry Accelerator that repels moisture out of the hair so that your blow dry time is reduced by up to 40%.

Time Saving Beauty Tips:

Keep your morning creams in the kitchen and or fridge

, and apply them while your prepping or eating breakfast. The coolness of an eye cream fresh from the fridge will de-puff bags under your eyes, and applying them while waiting for your toast to pop will save you time later when applying makeup, you will also have better results when you allow your creams to set into the skin longer prior to applying makeup.

Declutter your makeup stash and keep only your 'use everyday products' in front of you- and keep your 'extras' stored away. The rule is:

'If I don't use this product at least 3 times per week, it doesn't belong in my makeup bag.'

This will cut down on time digging through your makeup bag passed all the clutter. Opt for stackable baskets and divide into categories for quick reference and easy locating. 

Dial in on the order in which you apply your products

- and then stick to the list for speed! You can even print out a cheat sheet and tape it to your mirror to help you until you memorize the order. Knowing what to reach for and exactly where it is will speed up your routine more than anything else. Make it a game and set a timer too, nothing kicks you in to gear like a ticking clock!

Beauty Cheat Sheet: (Print it out and tape it to your mirror until you've got it memorized)

5 minute makeup routine, What order should I apply makeup

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KOREAN SKINCARE MUST HAVES // OLYMPIC LEVEL BEAUTY

best Korean skincare available in US

What is K-Beauty?

K-Beauty is short for Korean Beauty, and it is what we call beauty products imported from Korea. The Korean beauty culture is whimsical and fun- but also technology driven. They have innovated so many new and effective products, and up until now it was hard to come by them in the United States. Large retailers like CVS are now importing a curated grouping of top selling K-Beauty products, making them easier to access here without the hassle of ordering from overseas.

Check out my K-Beauty favs and scoop up some of your own goodies. Have you been loving the Olympics as much as I have? Such a fun uplifting couple of weeks!

[

video here

]

K-Beauty Skincare Favs:

Holika Holika

Gudetama All Kill Cleanser Oil

-  Take of your day with this Blue Popsicle scented cleansing oil. It breaks down makeup, oil, and grime to expose glowing skin. The perfect first step in your double cleanse. 

Holika Holika

Gudetama Smooth Egg Peeling Gel

-  Break down dead skin cells in a snap with this

enzyme

 peeling gel. It will leave skin smoother, reduced the appearance of pores, and get rid of that dull complexion. 

Frudia 

Sheet Masks Green Grape Pore Control Mask

and

Blueberry Hydrating Mask

-  The Koreans were the originators of the Sheet Mask

phenomenon

 and these fruit based sheets leave skin looking refreshed and feeling great!

JJ Young

Steaming & Cooling Pore Pack

-  This double mask first heats the skin with a warm clay experience that will open pores and get rid of buildup and blackheads. Next cool down and refresh the skin with the cooling clay to close the pores and hydrate the skin. It's like a fancy face Icy/Hot!

ElishaCoy 

Moist Up Hyalurone Ampoule Serum

-  Mini bubbles of Hyaluronic Acid make this serum super

luxurious. The acid will draw in moisture from the environment and plump up as result, giving your skin a HUGE boost of moisture. 

the SAEM

 Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick

-  It's cold to the touch (magically) and calms skin bags under the eyes with a few swipes. A perfect wake-me-up each morning and preps skin for concealer perfectly. LOVE this stuff!

Peach Slices

 Acne Spot Dots

- Heal active/oozy zits with these wound care spots designed to sooth and extract fluid from your spots, they also help to keep zits from getting infected. 

Ariul

 7 Day Vitamin Mist

- Keep skin glowing with this toning water full of

Vegetable

Vitamins

. Using their anti-oxidant power your skin will drink up this spray and ask for more!