Eggies: Cases for Makeup Sponges

I've been a fan of the Beauty Blender for quite some time now.  More recently, I've enjoyed using Real Technique's version.  If you missed my post comparing the two, you can find it here: http://idreamofmakeup.blogspot.com/2015/08/beauty-blender-vs-real-techniques.html.  As mentioned in that post, the only drawback to the Real Techniques sponge is that it doesn't come with a case.  Thanks to Jessica from jambeauty89 on YouTube, I now know of a solution to that problem.

There is a company called Eggies that makes cases specifically designed for a Beauty Blender or any other similarly sized makeup sponge.  Their website can be accessed here: http://www.eggiescase.com/.  One sponge can fit in the case, wet or dry, and the case has two holes on the bottom to provide ventilation for drying.  It snaps closed on both sides and comes in pink, yellow, purple, and blue.  I chose pink.  It's really cute and reminds me of a plastic egg that holds candy, which I always found in my Easter basket as a kid.

Dry (and dirty!) sponge

Wet sponge

Ventilation holes on bottom

I'm really glad someone finally came out with this.  It's such a simple, yet necessary (I think) element for a makeup collection for anyone who has a sponge.  While I'm happy to finally have a case for my Real Techniques sponge, I think $9.99 is a bit pricey for a little plastic container.  With $0.60 in tax and $1.99 for shipping, my order came to $12.58.  I ordered it on December 19 and received it on December 28.  Even though I was charged $1.99 for shipping upfront, it was delivered to my door via USPS with shipping due!  The seller had only put $0.71 of postage on the package, and when it came to my door, my husband had to give the postal lady another $1.83.  I'll give the seller the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to a mistake on her part, but I couldn't not mention it.  Factoring in the postage due, my total cost for this case was $14.41.  I think this is a fairly new business, and she might still be working out some kinks, but $14.41 was a lot to pay for this little guy.  I'm still happy to have it, but I think once other people start catching on to this idea, lower cost options will be available.

Thank you for reading, and please let me know if you try the Eggie or if you find an alternative!

Brush Washing 101

Washing your makeup brushes is essential for keeping them in good condition.  Not only that, but when used over and over (especially with wet products like liquid foundation), brushes become breeding grounds for bacteria.  Washing them regularly helps to kill the bacteria and keep your skin clear.  Brush washing is really pretty easy and doesn't have to be expensive.  Taking just a few minutes to clean them every 10 to 14 days is all you need to do.


What To Use
A long time ago, a sales associate at Ulta sold me this brush cleaner by Bare Minerals.  This was before I really knew anything about makeup in general, and I had no idea that spending $14 on this little bottle of specialized brush cleaner was unnecessary and that I could have just used my regular shampoo.  My point here is that you don't need to get sucked in by a uni-tasking, specialized product like brush cleaner.  You can use any shampoo you have on your brushes.  If you use expensive shampoo, go to the store and buy something inexpensive for your brushes.  Several makeup gurus recommend using baby shampoo because it's cheap and gentle.

More recently, I switched over to a solid soap for brush cleaning.  I (again) got sucked in by a pricey product, the Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser.  Originally, I bought this just to clean my beauty blender.  Then, everyone on YouTube started talking about how much they loved using it to clean all their brushes.  I tried it and had to agree--it worked better than liquid shampoo did.  This tiny bar of soap costs $16, and I found myself going through them quickly.  I did some research to find a cheaper alternative.  I decided to try Dr. Bronner's Castile Bar Soap.  Drugstore.com sells the soap for $4.29, which is the cheapest price online I've seen for it.  I actually picked mine up at my local grocery store for a dollar less.   It comes in several varieties, and I chose the tea tree oil one. I also went to Target and bought a container so I would have something to put the soap in (I found it for about $1 in the travel toiletry section).  The Dr. Bronner's soap/Target container cost me less than $5.  The Dr. Bronner's soap bar is 5 oz compared to the 1 oz Beauty Blender soap.  In total, the drugstore alternative costs 1/16th as much as the high end option, and it works just as well!  This is further proof that you don't need an expensive brush cleaner.

Technique
Grab your brushes, a towel, and your soap or shampoo, then head to your sink.  You can use any sink in your house--I prefer my kitchen sink.  I'll list steps based on how I clean my brushes with the Dr. Bronner's solid soap.  If you have shampoo, can use the same technique.  The only difference is that you'll squirt some of the shampoo onto your hand and swirl the brushes in it.  Once you're at the sink, here's what you do:

1.  Wet the brush bristles and bar of soap with warm water.  I prefer to hold the bar in my left hand and the brush in my right (dominant) hand.  IMPORTANT: make sure the bristles are facing downwards.  If they are facing upwards, water will get into the brush ferrule and loosen the glue, eventually ruining the brush.

What to do--point the bristles downward

What not to do--point the bristles upward under running water

2.  Swirl the bristles directly into the bar of soap.
3.  Swirl the soapy bristles into the palm of your non-dominant hand under warm, running water until you have rinsed out all the soap.
4.  Depending on how dirty the brush is, you may need to repeat this procedure a couple times until it looks clean and the water runs clear.
5.  Lay it down on the towel to dry.  It needs to lay flat until it's completely dry to avoid getting water into the ferrule as mentioned above.
6.  Repeat procedure on all brushes.
7.  Rinse the soap bar so there is no makeup residue on it before it goes back in its case.

Some brushes dry faster than others.  I've noticed that some of mine take a full 24 hours, so plan accordingly.  I hope this post was helpful and saves you from overpaying for brush cleaner.  Happy brush cleaning!

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour

Winter is coming, and my skin is definitely feeling it.  The drop in temperatures and dryness of the air have prompted me to reach for more cream products over powder.  I didn't have a cream bronzer/contour product in my collection, and I decided to purchase Clinique's Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour to fulfill this need.  I have enjoyed most of the products I have tried from Clinique, and at $22, it was more reasonably priced than comparable products from other high-end brands.  I also had a coupon to Sephora, so I thought this would be the perfect time to make the purchase.

Technique
The chubby stick is really easy to use.  All I do is draw it on my cheekbones, temples, and jawline, then I blend it out with my Real Techniques Contour Brush.  I don't think you can buy this brush separately, but it comes in this set.

War paint

Pros
*It's very easy to use, and I would even call it beginner friendly.  If cream contouring is new to you, this is a good product to start with.
*Size:  It's not too skinny, which means it will apply a less sharp and more natural looking contour.  If you do want a sharper contour, though, the option is available to you by holding it more parallel to your face and drawing with the side of the stick to create a thinner line rather than holding it perpendicular to your face and drawing with the tip.
*Color:  I have had a hard time with contouring products that are too cool/grey toned.  This is a neutral shade that has some warmth to it, which really flatters my skin tone.  Because it's warmer, it's going to give both a bronzed and contoured look.
*It only comes in one color, so you can order it online blindly without worrying about choosing the right shade.
*Packaging:  I love the retractable packaging.  The stick twists up, and you never have to worry about sharpening it.
*Consistency:  It's the perfect cream consistency and blends like a dream.

Cons
*Color goes in both the pros and cons because while it's great that you don't have to agonize over picking the right shade, if it doesn't look good on you, there's no other option in the line.  However, it is meant to be a universal shade, and I think it would work on most people.

Verdict
With only one con, I think it's safe to say this product is a huge hit for me.  If you're looking for a cream contour or bronzer, I would highly recommend checking this out.

Finished look with the contour stick.  I also used NYX cream blush in Tea Rose to stick with the cream product theme.

Side view

Thank you for reading!

Three Ways I Use Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is something I've had sitting in my medicine cabinet for half a year, but I only started using it regularly about a month ago.  It was one of those products I bought because I had heard it was good for acne then proceeded to forget about it.  I kept seeing the words "tea tree oil" pop up in beauty blogs and on my Pinterest feed.  I think the universe was trying to tell me to start using it, so I did just that!  The one I've been using is by the brand NOW Essential Oils.  I purchased it here for $6.49.  Tea tree oil can be found at health stores, grocery stores, online, and probably other places.  It doesn't matter where you get it or what brand it is as long as it's 100% pure tea tree oil.  There are many uses for this product, which has anti-bacterial, soothing, and healing properties.  It's very potent, and a little drop goes a long way.  You can scour the internet for more information and uses, but here are the three ways I've put it to use.

 As a Toner
I recently posted a skincare routine which featured two toners.  You can find that post here: http://idreamofmakeup.blogspot.com/2015/10/updated-skin-care-routine.html.  I still use these toners, but I've incorporated a homemade concoction into my routine.  Yes, that's three toners.  Yes, that is excessive.  Basically, the only reason I'm still using the two mentioned in my previous post are because I don't want them to go to waste.  But I was dying to try a homemade toner recipe, so I went ahead and made one.  Once I'm out of my other two, I will probably exclusively use this one.

Here's what you need to make your toner:
*An empty bottle or container of some sort (Mine is 6 oz, and I found it in the travel toiletry section of Target.)
*Tea tree oil
*Witch hazel
*Apple cider vinegar (Make sure it's the raw unfiltered kind.  I used this one by Bragg and found it at Target.)

Step 1: Fill up the bottle halfway with witch hazel
Step 2: Add 20 drops of tea tree oil (less if your container is smaller than 6 oz and more if it's bigger)
Step 3: Add a splash of ACV (I did a little less than a quarter of the bottle)
Step 4: Fill the rest of the bottle up with either water or witch hazel (I used water)
Step 5: The tea tree oil will separate and form a layer at the top, so shake it up before each use
Step 6: Pour some onto a cotton pad and apply all over your face once or twice daily

It should look something like this (but the bottle will be full):

ACV has many health benefits and makes your skin look more youthful and glowy.  Combined with the antibacterial elements of the tea tree oil, this toner is gold.  It's all natural, and it's affordable.  It's very soothing, and because it does not contain alcohol like most toners, it's not at all irritating.  I do have to warn you about the smell.  ACV and tea tree oil both have strong scents, and combined, well...it's not the best smelling toner you'll encounter.  It will fade quickly after you apply it on your face though.  I'm really enjoying this toner, and I think my breakouts have decreased somewhat since I've started using it.  It also does give my skin a glowy, healthy appearance, which I'm all about.

As a Spot Treatment for Blemishes
Because tea tree oil is so potent, you never want to use it straight on your skin without first diluting it.  To use as a spot treatment, all I do is wet a q-tip with warm water, then I pour one drop of tea tree oil on it.  One drop is all you need, and the warm water will work to dilute it.  About 20 seconds after I do this, I can feel the tea tree oil going to work.  It feels very soothing, and it speeds up the healing process of the blemish a lot.  It won't be gone by the next morning, but it will look a lot better!  I use this spot treatment right after I wash my face and before I apply my moisturizer twice daily until the spot is gone.

To Heal Canker Sores
Yes, you read that correctly.  This is a weird one that my dentist told me about.  I follow the same procedure as the spot treatment above.  Before applying it, you'll want to dry the sore out a little bit so the tea tree oil will stick.  I use the dry end of my q-tip to dry the sore out before applying the tea tree oil.  I notice an immediate stinging feeling that quickly turns to a soothing feeling.  While it doesn't numb the canker sores as well as Kank-A, Anbesol, or other numbing agents, it does provide a little relief .  I like to use this in conjunction with Kank-A because the Kank-A numbs sores, but the tea tree oil actually helps to heal them.  I had a couple monster ones last month that were extremely painful.  Using tea tree oil on them a couple times a day expedited the healing process, so I was only in agonizing pain for a few days instead of a week as would normally be the case.  Tea tree oil doesn't taste very good, but the taste doesn't last long.

I hope this post was helpful and that it inspires you to explore the wonderful benefits that tea tree oil has to offer!

Denver Broncos Themed Makeup!

It's no secret that I love the Denver Broncos.  It's been almost two years since I last did a Broncos themed makeup look, and I thought it would be fun to do another one.  My first look really only had a pop of blue liner on the bottom lashline, so I really wanted to amp it up this time and incorporate more blue as well as some orange.  It required a little more time and creativity, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Eyes
The eyes are the focal point of this look, so I will take you through what I did and used step by step.  A very important part of this look is blending, and in between each step listed below, I made sure to blend my eyeshadows with a fluffy crease brush.  Before I applied any shadow, I primed my lids with Wet N Wild Fergie Eyeshadow Primer (great dupe for Urban Decay Primer Potion).

1.  Transition shades: I first used Makeup Geek eyeshadow in Beaches N Cream right on top of my browbone.  I went right below that with Makeup Geek Creme Brulee.  Creme Brulee is a beautiful warm, light peachy brown that will help to create the orange color.

2.  Outer corner eyeshadow: I did this before applying color to my lid because I wanted some depth and shape to my eye, but I didn't want to take away from the orange I was about to put on my lid.  I placed Makeup Geek Mocha on my outer crease and blended it inward and just a little bit upward into the outer portion of the crease.

3.  Lid and inner corner:  This is where I had to get creative--I don't have any orange eyeshadows and didn't want to buy anything extra for this look.  I ended up using my finger to mix the bottom three shades in the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze to create a bronzy, orange lid color.  For my inner corner highlight, I used only the top shade of the shimmer brick.

4.  Crease:  I added Makeup Geek Cocoa Bear on the outer portion of my lid and all the way into the crease.  Adding this shade helped to make the lid appear even more orange and nicely blended together all the colors.

5.  Browbone highlight:  I typically don't like to use shimmery shades to highlight my brows, so I used Wet N Wild Eyeshadow in Brulee.

6.  Upper liner:  Blue liner is the most fun part about this look.  First, I smudged just a little bit of L'Oreal Infallible Eyeliner in Black on the upper lashline, and I also used it to tightline.  I then used a thicker line to go over and above the black with ELF Smudge Pot in Ocean Bound.  This is a gorgeous cobalt blue that glides on like butter.  The reason I used black before blue is because I didn't think the blue on its own gave enough drama and definition to the eyes.  I didn't want the black to really be visible, so putting it underneath the blue was the perfect way to add drama to the blue without taking away from it.

7.  Lower liner:  I used Ulta Smokey Eyes Automatic Eyeliner in Cobalt on my waterline.  I then went over my lower lashline with the same ELF Smudge Pot used above and blended it out with a pencil brush.

10.  Lashes:  I used Ardell 110 lashes and put some Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof mascara on my lower lashes.

Everything Else
Garnier Utra Lift Transformer
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer 25 Medium
Tarte Brow Mousse Medium Brown
NARS Bronzer Laguna
MAC Blush Melba
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Bronze
MAC Lipstick Peach Stock

I stuck with warmer shades on my face and a warm nude on my lips to be consistent with the orange on the eyes.  You could also add blue mascara on the bottom lashes (NYX makes affordable colored mascaras) to amp up the blue even more.  I used cobalt blue liner because it's what I had, but this look would also be beautiful with navy blue liner.  

I hope you enjoyed my Broncos themed makeup look!  Thank you so much for reading, and GO BRONCOS!!

In-Shower/Wet Skin Moisturizers

In-shower moisturizers were all the rave earlier this year.  I was so excited when they came out--it reminded me of one I had from Bath and Body Works over 10 years ago.  I don't even know remember what they were called, and they don't make them anymore, but thinking about them makes me nostalgic for high school.  Anyway, the concept of an in-shower moisturizer is to use it as your last step in the shower.  You put it on and rinse it off, much like you use a conditioner on your hair.  They are supposed to give enough moisture to your skin that you can skip lotion.  I tried two, both of which I will discuss below.

Just recently, the wet skin moisturizers made it into the spotlight.  The idea here is is to use it after you shower but before you dry off.  Like the in-shower moisturizers, this product is meant to replace lotion.  I have tried one variety and will review it in this post.

Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion

Nivea makes four varieties: hydrating, nourishing, smoothing, and cocoa butter.  I have only tried the nourishing one, which is meant for very dry skin.  In-shower moisturizers take some getting used to, as it is a new concept for most of us and leaves a film on the skin.  This one was semi-moisturizing, but if you have dry skin and live in a dry climate like I do, it won't be nearly enough (even though this is marketed towards very dry skin).  It had a nice, light floral scent and a consistency similar to a hair conditioner.  The instructions advise you to not put this on the bottom of your feet, and you do have to be very careful because it makes your tub slippery.  All in all, this one was ok.  I'd say it was my least favorite of everything in this post.  Since I've only tried one variety, I would consider trying the others sometime to see if I like them any better.  I found mine for $5.99 at Target, and you get 13.5 oz.

Aveeno Skin Relief Shower & Bath Oil

This is a product that has been around for a while and can be used either as an in-shower moisturizer or as a bath oil.  This product does not come in different scents or types.  The instructions advise you to shake it up before use.  As inferred from the name of the product, it has the consistency of an oil rather than a conditioner.  I found this one to be more moisturizing and better smelling than the Nivea lotion; it has a light almond scent.  Just like with the Nivea product, I never put this on the bottom of my feet, and I had to be careful to not slip in the tub.  I would recommend this oil over the nourishing variety of the Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion, and I would repurchase this.  I found mine for $7.79 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and you get 10 oz.

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer

I saved the best for last--this is the product I'm currently using and is my favorite product of the three!  Jergens makes three varieties: refreshing coconut oil, calming green tea oil, and nourishing monoi oil.  The one I have (and the only one I've tried) is the coconut oil.  It doesn't really smell like coconut oil to me, but the scent is really nice and fresh.  It has a lotion/conditioner-like consistency.  Since you don't rinse this off, it doesn't make your bathtub slippery.  I have never put this on the bottom of my feet, but I think you could if you put socks on immediately after drying off.  After you apply it and pat dry, it feels a little oily but not bad.  The oily feeling gradually goes away throughout the day as the product absorbs into your skin.  I would recommend letting this absorb for about half an hour before putting on skinny jeans.  I find it to be more moisturizing than either of the in-shower moisturizers I tried.  I like this product a lot and really don't have anything bad to say about it!  I found mine for $6.99 at Target for 10 oz.

Overall, I like the idea of both of these types of products, but I think wet skin moisturizers are more effective and faster since you don't have to rinse them off.  You can use the wet skin moisturizer technique with baby oil, which I've tried before.  It works really well and leaves your skin very moisturized, but it does also leave it very oily.  It would be pretty hard to put on skinny jeans or leggings over baby oil.  The Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer is the perfect alternative because it's not as oily.  If you've tried any of these products (particularly any of the other varieties of the Nivea and Jergens), I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.  

Thank you for reading, and I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and lots of turkey!  I have so much to be thankful for, including each and every one of you!!  I appreciate the fact that you take any time out of your day to read what I have to say more than you know.

Much love to all,

Weird Mascara Tip

Hello All!

I am here today to bring you a mascara tip.  It's going to sound a bit strange, but hey, it works.

If you caught my fall favorites post from last week, you know I've been liking the Pumped Up Colossal Volume mascara by Maybelline (mine is the waterproof kind).  Well, a couple weeks ago when I was applying it, it seemed to have gone awry.  The formula felt drier, and it wasn't going on my lashes as smoothly as it had been.  The bristles on the wand were even sticking together as I pulled it out of the tube.  I was worried it had reached the end of its useful life, but it seemed way too soon for that--I had only been using it for about a month.  Later that day, I remembered a tip that Tati (glamlifeguru) from YouTube had mentioned.

The trick is to warm up your mascara for about a minute before applying it.  Now here comes the weird part--the method she recommended was to put it inside your bra.  The idea is to use the heat from your body to warm up the mascara, which then allows it to apply more smoothly.  Rather than using the bra method, I tried just holding it in my palms and warming it up that way.  I noticed an immediate difference once I pulled the wand out after warming it up--the bristles weren't sticking together!  Once I started putting it on my lashes, I was pleased to discover that it applied easily and smoothly.  The formula was back to its good old self!

If you're having trouble with your mascara (and if it's less than three months old), give this a try before chucking it in the garbage.  I don't know how Tati figured this one out, but she is a genius.  I never would have thought to do this had it not been for her advice.  This trick is especially useful with the colder temperatures during this time of year.  I noticed the difference in my mascara at pretty much the same time that the weather started changing.

I hope this helps you get a little more mileage out of your mascara.  Thank you for reading!

Current Favorites: Fall 2015

It's about time for another favorites post!  I can't believe it's already November--it seems like just yesterday that I was rounding up my summer favorites.  Anyway, the name of the game for me this fall has been minimal makeup.  With my casual lifestyle, there are plenty of days where I don't wear any makeup, and there are lots of days where I'll just fill in my brows, curl my lashes, and call it good.  For a more pulled together but still effortless look, this is what I've been loving:

Garnier Ultra-Lift Transformer
I professed my love for this product a few months ago, so I won't spend too much time on it today. This is perfect for the whole minimal makeup thing.  If I just want a little bit of evening out, this Garnier product is my current go-to.  In the summer, I can get away with using this as my moisturizer.  Now that we're headed into winter, I use this on top of my daily face moisturizer from CeraVe.  If you missed my in-depth review on this product, you can find it here: http://idreamofmakeup.blogspot.com/2015/07/new-favorite-tinted-moisturizer.html.

Maybelline Mascaras: Full N Soft and Pumped Up Colossal, Both in Waterproof
Maybelline Full N Soft has been around forever; it's an oldie but a goodie.  Even the waterproof version makes your lashes feel relatively soft, yet it holds a curl well.  It's a very pretty and fluttery-looking mascara.  If you haven't tried it, I'd highly recommend it.  It's a bit on the natural side but builds well for more volume.

I ended up trying the Pumped Up Colossal mascara on a whim and was very impressed, even from first application.  It's a little more dramatic than the Full N Soft, and it also builds well.  It provides nice volume, length, and decent separation.  This mascara really surprised me--I didn't expect to like it as much as I do.

Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells 
This is one of those cult classic makeup products.  Like all Wet N Wild products, it's extremely cheap.  It's also great quality!  The shadows are so soft and pigmented.  You will get some fall-out, so be mindful of that.  My favorite shade is the middle "crease" shade.  It's such a beautiful bronze shade that looks great on its own on the lid and in the crease.  This is a quick way to add some color to your eyes without trying too hard.  It's one of those shades that looks multi-dimensional, so even if it's the only eyeshadow you use, it'll look like you took the time to add a different color to your crease for more depth.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze
I know I've mentioned this beauty a time or two on my blog.  I use this almost every day, and it just does something that makes my skin look alive and healthy.  It's great to use on those natural days, and it also works well as a blush topper or highlighter to finish off a full face of makeup.  It can also be used as an eyeshadow.  I don't usually like to spend this much on one product, but this stuff is outstanding.  It's every bit as good as people say it is!

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Sugar Pie 
This is a gorgeous nude gloss that is said to be a dupe of MAC's Boy Bait.  I love the way it looks alone, but it would also look great on top of any shade of lipstick.  I'm a big fan of NYX lip products in general, and I also have their Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Beige.  Both have pretty good pigmentation for a gloss.  This line of lip glosses smells like cherry cough syrup/cherry sweet tarts.  I don't particularly love the scent but can get past it for how great the products themselves are.  They are not overly sticky and provide nice shine.

Non-Makeup Favorites
My first non-makeup favorite is the front-back style earring.  You can find these all over now, and I picked up this pair at Target for around $8.  I am a stud earring girl 95% of the time, and these still have that stud feel but add something extra and fun.  I will definitely be getting more of these!

My second non-makeup favorite is a perfume, Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle.  It smells incredible, and I always receive a lot of compliments when I wear it.  This is one of my go-to scents for fall and winter.

Wearing everything mentioned above except the Pumped Up Colossal mascara.  Mascara in this picture is Full N Soft. 

I hope you are having a good fall and that this post gave you some ideas if you're looking for something new to try.  Please comment below and share your fall favorites with me!

Current Hair Favorites/New(ish) Hair Cut

One of my favorite things about hair is versatility.  Between cutting, coloring, texturizing, and styling, there are so many fun ways to change up your look with your hair.  I hadn't had short hair since 2010, and I decided it was time for a change and that I was tired of it taking so long to wash, dry, and style my hair.  About a month ago, I chopped it off.  I was inspired by one of my favorite YouTubers, Michele1218, who cut her hair over the summer.  She described her cut as a blunt cut with no layers.  I thought it looked so adorable and fun yet so grown up and sexy at the same time.  I don't even know how many inches my stylist took off--I just showed her a picture of Michele and asked her to duplicate it.  Because my hair is so thick, we altered it just a bit by adding a couple blunt layers and making it basically a long A-line bob (longer in front with a couple shorter blunt layers in the back).  It ended up being a little  longer than shoulder length, and I was (and still am!) very happy with it.  She didn't touch the color, and I still have a little bit of balayage left at the ends.

Fresh out of the salon.  This was a little over a month ago, and you will see from the more recent pictures below that my hair has gotten a bit longer since then. 

Styling       
As I mentioned above, I love the cut; however, learning how to style it to my liking took a little bit of time.  I thought I would need a smaller wand to curl it since it was shorter, but when I tried that, it ended up looking way too curled (too "done" and not effortless enough) and a bit poofy.  I believe the bluntness of the cut is what took me so long to get used to, as that is what caused the poofiness with the smaller wand.  I was also having trouble getting the curls to lay right and found that some pieces at the back stuck out and looked kind of funky.  After many trials and tribulations, I finally figured out the best way to curl it was with the same tool I used with my longer hair, a clipless, tapered wand with a barrel width of 3/4" to 1 1/4".  The one I have is the Conair You Curl Styling Wand XL.  I was pretty good at curling my long hair with it and never needed to use the protective glove.  With my shorter hair, I always use the glove because I wrap more of the ends around it than I did with longer hair.  Also, with less hair, it's a bit harder to control, and there's more room for error (ie: it's easier to burn your hand).

Straightening my hair is easy and didn't really take any getting used to--I pretty much do it exactly the same as I did with long hair.  The iron I have is the Ultra Chi 1" Ceramic Flat Iron.  I've had this for a few years, and I love it.  I had a Chi before this one that died.  Hopefully it won't, but if this one dies, I think I want to try a GHD iron.

Freshly washed and straightened

One day old curled hair

Two day old curled hai

With this hair cut, I like wearing it curled and straightened equally.  The curled look is a little more fun/messy, whereas the straight look is a lot more polished and sleek.  It just depends on what I'm in the mood for.  Curling it also stays looking good longer--I almost like it more a day or two after washing and styling it.

Products   

I've been loving Living Proof's Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1.  I use it from roots to ends in damp hair right before I blow dry.  It smells good, and I actually think it does extend my style.  I only wash my hair twice a week, and using this product keeps it looking good basically up until it's time to wash again.  It doesn't weigh my hair down and adds a little volume.

Another new favorite is Garnier's Texture Tease Spray.  I had been wanting to try Bumble & Bumle's Thickening Dryspun Spray, but it's pricey, and I couldn't bring myself to purchase it without researching dupes first.  I dug around and found that the Garnier texture spray was a good dupe for about one tenth of the price.  I'm happy I found this!  It smells great like all Garnier products.  After I wash and style my hair, I like to lift up my roots and spray it all over my crown, then I lightly massage it in.  I also use it through the lengths of my hair.  My hair is naturally very smooth and silky, and I need some texture to make it look and behave the way I want it to.  This product helps me  to achieve my desired texture.  It doesn't soak up oil like a dry shampoo, but I use it between shampoos to make sure my hair has some grittiness to it--this is especially useful when putting my hair in a messy bun.

Speaking of dry shampoo, you will never find me without one in my arsenal.  Over the years, I have tried many different brands and am completely dependent on the stuff.  The trick with dry shampoo is to make sure you let it sit in your hair before you massage it in--this is what allows it to do its job and soak up excess oil.  I let mine sit anywhere from five to 10 minutes before working it in with my hands.  A lot of brunettes are afraid of dry shampoos that leave white casts (and most do), but if you rub it in well enough, it won't be a problem.  I have found several dry shampoos I like.  Right now, I have Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo, and I really like it.  It does a good job of absorbing oils and has a nice citrusy smell.  If you have ever used Batiste's Original Dry Shampoo, it smells and feels almost the exact same.  Dry shampoo is great for adding texture as well, and before I discovered the above mentioned Garnier product, I would use dry shampoo as my texturizer.  I would even use it on freshly washed hair.  If you only want to have one product between this and a texturizing spray, opt for the dry shampoo.

I hope this post inspires you to do something new and fun with your hair.  Thanks for reading!

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

It officially feels like fall!  I was in the hunt for a new lipstick that would be fitting for the season, and I wanted something matte and something with good staying power.  There has been so much hype over Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in the shade Lolita.  From pictures, Lolita looked like the perfect brownish pink I was looking for.  Unfortunately, it has been sold out everywhere for at least the last month.  I decided that I wasn't going to wait forever for Lolita to come back.  So I took to the internet in search of a dupe.  Someone on Pinterest claimed that the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in the shade Cannes was pretty similar,  Naturally, I ran out to Ulta to pick it up.

While I don't have Lolita to compare the color to, it's exactly the rosy, brownish pink I was looking for.  It has a doe foot applicator, and the formula is mousse-like and goes on easily.  I like the scent--it smells like straight up cake batter!  It dries fairly quickly, and I like to use two layers to ensure even, opaque application.  It feels lightweight and comfortable (or at least as comfortable as a long-wearing matte lipstick can be).  It feels similar to the Sephora Cream Lip Stain once it dries down if you are familiar with that product (which I love!).  The NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream has pretty decent staying power--I don't think it's as long lasting as the above referenced Sephora product, but it's pretty good.  While not completely transfer resistant, it doesn't transfer as easily as most lipsticks I own.  That is one of the main reasons I like these types of lip products; I hate seeing lipstick rings around my water bottle.   This lipstick will fade when you're eating, especially if you're eating something with a lot of oil.  So while the staying power is good, this isn't a product you can just use once in the morning and have it look the same at the end of the day.  You will probably need to take it with you for touch-ups.  I find that I only need to touch it up one or two times throughout the day.  Another great thing about this product is that you don't have to constantly look in the mirror to see if it's feathered outside your lip line.  The applicator and formula provide a lot of control, and it will stay where you put it.

As with any long-wearing or matte lipstick, I would recommend exfoliating your lips prior to use, as it will accentuate dry patches.  The best way to do this is to use a lip scrub (or even a toothbrush to buff off the dead skin), then apply a moisturizing balm and let that sink in while you do your makeup.  When you're ready for lipstick, wipe off the extra balm before applying the lipstick--that way, the balm won't compromise its color or longevity.  I would also like to mention that as with any long-wear lipstick, applying a balm or gloss over it will re-liquify it, and it will transfer very easily onto a glass, water bottle, or anything your lipstick comes into contact with.  I learned this from emilynoel83 on YouTube and have found it to be true, so I would advise against putting anything like that over this lip product.

The verdict?  Thumbs up for NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream!  I really do like it and think it's great quality at a price point that can't be beat.  I definitely want to get a few more colors at some point.  It comes in 29 shades, so chances are you'll find something you like in this line.

Thank you for reading!

Updated Skin Care Routine

Hello everyone!  I'm here today with an updated skin care routine.  I am one who takes skin care very seriously and am diligent about keeping my skin in good shape.  This might seem like a lot, but I try to keep it as simple as I can, and I think it's possible to find good skin care at good prices.  Keep in mind, though, that even among people with similar skin types, everyone has different needs.  This is the routine that has been working for me (I have pretty normal skin) over the last year or so, and I hope it will be helpful to you in some way, shape, or form.

Morning Routine
*I use the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser with my fingers to wash my face.  This is a gentle cleanser that is great for sensitive skin.  Since I'm not having to wash off makeup in the morning, I don't need a harsh or serious cleanser.  This stuff is great for gently cleaning my skin and making it soft and smooth to prime for makeup application.
*I then spray about three spritzes of the Murad Hydrating Toner on my face and let it dry as I brush my teeth.  This toner smells like peaches and doesn't dry my skin out.
*If I have any blemishes, I'll spot treat with Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10.
*Next is eye cream.  My favorite for daytime use is the Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream.  It has a nice cooling feel and a pink tint to help brighten.  It leaves a smooth surface to apply concealer over.
*Last is moisturizer.  This varies, but it's always something with SPF.  Depending on what I'm doing that day, I will either use CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM (stay away from this if you are oily), Garnier Ultra Lift Transformer, or It Cosmetics CC Cream.  The Garnier and It Cosmetics products work as a moisturizer and base in one for me.  The difference is that the Garnier cream is more of a moisturizer with a slight tint that works to brighten up my skin (very light if really any coverage), whereas the It Cosmetics cream is more like a full on moisturizer and foundation blended together with medium to full coverage.  All three of these moisturizers work well for me.

Evening Routine
*The first step is removing makeup.  This is important!!  If you don't remove your makeup before you wash your face at night, you're never really going to clean your skin--all you're doing is removing some of your foundation.  My favorite makeup removing product is the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.  It works really well at removing both eye and face makeup.
*I then wash my face with the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser.  This is still gentle but cleanses a little better than the other CeraVe cleanser I use in the morning.  At night, I use my Clarisonic Mia 2 with this cleanser.  I know it's expensive, but I've had this for about two years now and have seen a huge difference in my skin since I started using it.  It works to lightly exfoliate, and it really cleans your skin a lot better than just your fingers would do.
*Next, I go over my face and neck with Up & Up Deep Cleaning Pore Treatment as an additional measure to make sure every last trace of makeup is gone from my face.
*About every other to every three nights, I go over my entire face with the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.  They exfoliate and brighten your skin, and they also work very well to fade hyper pigmentation/dark spots from blemishes.  They are a bit pricey, so I like to cut them in half to double the uses I get out of them.  Note: If I have dark spots I'm trying to get rid of, I will use a half pad just on the spots every night.
*Eye cream is next.  I like the Roc Eye Cream.  It's moisturizing but not too greasy, so you can use this in the morning under concealer as well.  When I travel and don't want to bring two separate eye creams, I just take this one.
*Moisturizer is last.  In the summer, I use the Neutrogena Oil-Free Sensitive Skin Moisturizer.  In the winter when my skin is drier, I prefer the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer for more hydration.  Don't forget to put both morning and evening moisturizer on your neck!

As always, thank you for reading!  Please feel free to share any of your skin care tips or favorite products with me!

Brow Pencil Showdown: Anastasia vs. NYX

If you saw my post from a few months ago, you know I'm loyal to my MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Gel and Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse.  I still adore and highly recommend both of those.  Due to the eye surgery I had a week ago (PRK--more on that later), I am unable to wear eye makeup for two weeks.  Since I have also been keeping my face makeup minimal recently, I thought this would be a good time to do a little brow pencil experiment.  Of all the brow products I've used, I think tinted gels and pencils are the most beginner-friendly.  The problem with tinted brow gel is that you can't get very precise with it, but you can with pencils.  They are also extremely travel-friendly; I like to keep one in my purse at all times just in case.  While you will definitely get more bang for your buck with a brow mousse, pomade, or powder, a pencil is great to have in your arsenal.

The two pencils I'm comparing today are the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown and the NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Ash Brown.  They both contain 0.003 oz, and packaging-wise, they are nearly identical.  They both come in a black container with two caps--one contains a pencil, and one contains a spoolie.  The pencils are both twist-ups and are both the same size and have the same consistency.  The spoolies feel identical on both.  Marlena from Makeup Geek posted a video comparing the two, which can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caQMhYEdt2M.  She mentioned that they seemed so similar that she thinks they're made in the same factory (and she would know--she has her own fabulous line of cosmetics).  Both pencils have decent longevity.  They usually last all day on me but can tend to rub off in some areas if I wear them to the gym.  Setting them with a clear brow gel helps them to not rub off as much in this case.

Left: NYX
Right: Anastasia

Left: NYX
Right: Anastasia

So, what are the differences between the two?  The obvious difference is the price--$9.99 for the NYX vs. $21 for the Anastasia.  The more subtle difference is color.  I would say they both have a decent color selection--the NYX one comes in eight shades, and the Anastasia one comes in nine shades.  I did notice a slight difference in the color undertones between the two brands.  Anastasia seems to have a good variety of warm, cool, and neutral shades, whereas the NYX shades overall seemed more neutral/warm.  Ash Brown is one of the cooler shades in the NYX line, but even that shade was warmer than Medium Brown from Anastasia.  Don't let this scare you though.  When I say "warm," I'm not talking auburn red like those old Maybelline brow pencils.  I think the colors in the NYX line are still pretty neural for the most part, and I really like the Ash Brown shade on me.  I think most people could find a good color in both lines, but if you need something very cool toned, you might need to look to Anastasia to find a more suitable shade.  I'm wearing Anastasia on the left side and NYX on the right side.  While similar, you can see that the left side looks more ashy and the right side has a little more richness to the brown.

Naked brow

Filled in with NYX Ash Brown

Filled in with Anastasia Medium Brown

Left: NYX Ash Brown
Right: Anastasia Medium Brown

Left: Anastasia Medium Brown
Right: NYX Ash Brown

Left: Anastasia Medium Brown
Right: NYX Ash Brown

Is the Anastasia pencil worth it, or should you save your money and go for the NYX product?  NYX is my pick, and as long as you can find a suitable color in the line, I think it would be yours too!