Pantone Color of the Year 2017

As 2016 comes to close, Pantone introduces the newest color of the year! Last year they made history by choose TWO shades, a blue and a pink tone to show diversity and support gender equality. This year the shade is a little more fun! The official shade is called  Greenery and is Pantone 15-0343.

The video pantone released shows several shades of brighter greens and paints the picture that this shade is happy, optimistic and relaxing, while being earth-friendly and peaceful.

After the video Pantone explains their choice making it sound like they chose a color not to represent what is going on right now, but what we need for 2017. They say that greenery is not only refreshing and revitalizing but that it is the color of new beginnings. This is something many people truly want out of our next year, as 2016 came with a very heated and dividing election in the United States.

The shade is described as a yellow-green hue that is associated with the colors found in spring. The lushness and renewing energy that comes with the great outdoors begs one to "take a deep breath, oxygenate, and reinvigorate". Check out there video below and visit the full page at Pantone here.

With last years colors (rose quartz and serenity) we definitively saw pastel blues and (mostly) dusty rose pinks make a huge splash in the makeup industry. Ethereal looks became a staple on the runway, on brides, and on instagram! Even bolder light blue shades were found in popular lipstick brands (such as Kylie Cosmetics, Jeffree Star, NYX and more!) Do you think green will make a big play in next years cosmetics or will it show up mostly in fashion? I am sure we will be seeing a lot of kahki green and bold accessories! Will this beckon back another year of love for Neon tones? What do you think? 

Review: Kylie Cream Eye Shadow

Packaging - 5 (excellent)
Pigment - 4 (very good)
Longevity - 3 (average)
Wear - 4 (very good)
Variety - 1 (awful)
Overall:



So here is the deal with this cream eye shadow. I have a love hate relationship with cream eye shadow in general. I love hoe blendable it is, and how pigmented it is. However cream shadows rarely stay on, they crease like crazy and they usually don't play well with powdered shadows (unless you are using the cream shadow like a primer). This one has impeccable packaging. It is sturdy, functional, luxurious looking, everything I like in packaging. The pigment is great, most cream shadows are very pigmented though. Longevity is average, as in does a little go a long way? I definitely have to do at least 2 (if not 3) layers to really get it to pop, and I wouldn't say I use less than most cream shadows.

So the wear. I had a hard time choosing how to rate the wear. This is why. It does crease, like ALL cream eye shadows, it creases a lot. I wore it primer free, as well as with Makeup Forever Aqua Seal (the best option I found) and Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion. It definitely needs a primer, you can not wear this primer free at all. I have also found that if you have sensitivities this may not be the best option for you. My sister who has sensitive skin had to take it off quickly. When I did put primer on it lasted about half the day before it was completely gone, so one or two touch ups (which isn't bad for a cream primer, but isn't great when compared to other powdered shadows). However because it was longer wearing than most cream shadows I bumped it up to a 4.


So the variety is almost non-existent. I say this because there are literally no "permanent" shades. I snagged a few from the Holiday Limited Edition Collection, but once they are gone you will have no options. I am sure she will come out with some, but it hasn't happened yet. I also was bummed because I feel like you should get a brush with it. With the Kyliner, you get a cream eyeliner, a brush, AND a pencil eyeliner. All three run at $26 ($6 more than the cream shadows alone) and the cream liner itself is barely smaller than the cream shadow. You really need a brush for these. One of the shades I got was the shade Golden Plum. It is described as "a mauve purple with a golden shimmer" on the website. I feel like a mauve purple with gold glitter would have been way more accurate. Something with a golden shimmer to me has finely crushed metallic powder or even an extra fine glitter to add a hint of light catching shimmer. Think of the different between eye shadows that are glittery vs. shimmery in general. Well this is definitely a glitter shadow, and I am not a personal fan of glitter shadows.

REVIEW: Ciaté London Liquid Velvet Moisturizing Matte Liquid Lipstick

Packaging - 3 (average)

Variety - 3 (average) 

Smell - 4 (very good)

Wear - 1 (bad)

Kissability - 0 (awful) 

Overall:

I was so excited to try this new-to-me liquid lipstick, and so bummed by the results. I love liquid lipstick, because usually it is longer lasting and vibrant in color. It is a little drying on your lips but not horrible. This product misses the mark in almost every aspect.

The one good thing the Ciaté London Liquid  Lipstick has going for it is the smell. The smell is nice. It is sweet and yummy smelling, but not overpowering. However it is lack luster in packaging. It looks super simple with a very common applicator, and the little bows on it are (in my opinion) immature looking. Something I might see on a 12 year olds first every shadow palette. It has about 12 shades I think, which isn't a ton, but because it has nudes, pinks, bolds and some funky colors (including a blue shade) I felt it had variety. 

The most disappointing thing about this liquid lipstick is the performance. I gave low marks for wear because it bleeds SO MUCH, it wear off throughout the day with little to no contact, and it has AWFUL "kissability". This is when you kiss someone does your lipstick stay on  you, or them? Well this got ALL OVER my husband, and it stained his shirt, and it was off my lips in no time (giving me a kool-aid mouth effect due to the bleeding). For a $19 high end Sephora brand I would expect more. Don't waste your money, literally any other high end liquid lip is going to be a better choice. 

REVIEW: Kenra Texture Taffy

Packaging - 5 (excellent)
Smell - 4 (very good)
Longevity - 5 (excellent)
Texture - 5 (excellent)
Hold - 3 (average)
Overall:

I will start this review how I often do, with the packaging. Kenra's packaging is always on point. The products look luxurious and the packaging is sturdy and functional. The smell is kind of like taffy, but without a specific fruit in mind. It's good, but more importantly it is not strong or overpowering. The product has this gorgeous deep purple color that I want to swim in. It is SO PRETTY, I have had no issues using it on blondes though. A little goes a SUPER long way (as in this deserved a 6 long), so one container should last you at least a year with 5 times a week use.

The texture is super unique. Unlike other creams, this has a taffy like texture. So when you put your finger on the surface and pull away a long string will follow. You can then either put the taffy on your fingers and pinch the ends of your hair (and work into the root for volume) to give a piecey and  textured look, or you can lightly distribute it over all your hair by placing some on the palms of your hands, rubbing them together, and then separating them over your head. This will allow those strings that it creates to land softly on your hair and be distributed evenly. They you can "mess up" your hair for an unfinished look.

The only downside is it doesn't have a lot of hold, so you do have to touch up a few times, However I still love this product regardless. 

Holiday Gifting Tips!

I don't know if you heard, but it's the holidays! Like Christmas is only about 1 week away!!! So if you are looking for some gorgeous gifts here is a little guide of things you could do to gift gorgeously this season, and save money!

1- Check Your Spam Folder
a lot of our ads go into spam. I have long unsubscribed from a lot of my beauty brand ads because it was 50+ emails a day! Well check them this time of year. For example did you know that today only you get a FREE Kylie Cosmetics Merry Lip Kit with any purchase? That is a $30 lip kit! These kinds of deals are often one day only so make sure you are looking for them in the Spam Folder!

2- Buy Bundles and Break Them Apart
At our salon right now we have tons of great bundles! For example 2 Kenra Volume 25 Hair Sprays ($17.50 each) for only $25! So you can buy one, break apart the bundle, and then gift the hairsprays to your two daughters, two sisters, two besties, or one for a loved one and once for you!
3- Buy Beauty Products

Shampoo, Conditioner, Styling Products and Cosmetics are PERFECT gifts. Why? Because when you purchase professional hair care form your local salon you are gifting something that is practical. Your gift will get used. It is not going to be regifted, or sit on a shelf for years to come. Who couldn't use hair product? Not only is it practical, but because it is professional it is special, luxurious and fun! PLUS when you buy from your local salon you are buying local, supporting a local business, and supporting a business owner (as most hair stylists are independent contractors).

REVIEW: Wella EIMI Grip Cream

Packaging - 5 (excellent)
Smell - 5 (excellent)
Longevity - 5 (excellent)
Texture - 5 (excellent)
Hold - 5 (excellent)
Overall:


This product is across the board amazing. My favorite Grip Cream I have ever used. First of all the packaging is clean, professional, gender neutral, and high end. Next I love the smell! It smells like a really subtle and soft creamy scent. It is hard to describe. But it isn't super floral or fruity or a linen scent. But it is warm and very subtle so it isn't stinky or to sweet or anything like that.

A little goes a long way so it got high marks for longevity. Then there is the texture, it is seriously so smooth. I never get dry bumps or grit in it. I have had mine for a year and it is still creamy and smooth, but not oily. After I use it I do not feel like my hands are sticky or anything like that. Last but not least, hold. It holds without feeling crunchy which is my favorite thing! 5 out 5!

DIY Lip Scrub

So I am as dry as a raisin, maybe dryer. I live in Utah which is a massive desert. I used to live on the coast so my skin was used to getting some humidity and some moisture and then I moved here as a teenager with my parents. My skin has taken the biggest toll, that's for sure. I have to exfoliate at least once every other day or my skin gets so dry it flakes. But my lips have had the hardest time of all because breathing in this bitter cold, bone dry, winter air? Well it takes a toll on them. Throw on the fact that I wear liquid lipstick 5 out of 7 days a week and you've got some pretty dry lips.

I have tried a hundred (okay a hundred is excessive but a lot) of lip scrubs and exfoliants. I always find that they are to waxy or the exfoliant is to rough. I hate when they leave a residue, and I hate when my lips feel sore after. So it was time to get into the kitchen. I noticed most lip exfoliants either used salt, sugar, crushed seeds or crushed peppermint for the exfoliant. I began to mix using ingredients I liked to smell, as well as ingredients I knew were nourishing and hydrating. I now have two dynamite lip exfoliant recipes! I purchased some little 50 gram plastic containers to put my scrubs in. I usually keep two on hand and I will detail those recipes below. However here are a few container options I like. If you want to give these as gifts Amazon has tons of great options for containers too. 5 Basic Containers for $4.40, 12 Rounded Containers for $9.99, 1 Fancy Frosted Bamboo Container for $9.48. DON'T FORGET that these scrubs need to be followed up with a lip balm! So now onto the scrub recipes!

COCONUT MOJITO LIP SCRUB

Ingredients:
Coconut Oil

White Granulated Sugar

Mint Extract or Mint Oil

Instructions:
This recipe has zero measuring and I am sorry about it. 

First you want to put your sugar into a mixing bowl. I feel like 1/8 of a cup is a good place to start if you are just making enough for yourself. Add a spoonful of softened Coconut Oil and mix them together with metal spoon. You will want to continue to add more softened coconut oil until all of the sugar and coconut oil are incorporated together into a consistent paste.

Then comes the mint. You can use a mint extract (like this one), or a Eucalyptus Essential Oil (like this one), but do not use a warming oil or a an oil made for aromatherapy. While many essential oils are used for aromatherapy, many are filled with unsafe fillers that could even dry out your lips. The Eucalyptus Oil I recommended is the one I use, and it is 100% pure and all natural. Now you want to add 21 drop at a time. This stuff is STRONG. I add 1 drop and then stir it in. I smell the mixture and try a little out and decide if I want more based off of that. Once you are done with your mixture put it into containers and seal them up! 

WARM VANILLA SUGAR LIP SCRUB

Ingredients:
Brown Sugar

Olive Oil

Vanilla Extract

Menthol Oil

Instructions:
This recipe also has zero measuring and I am sorry about it. 

First you will start with your brown sugar. Put it into a bowl and then use your fingers to break up any chunks or clumps. Then slowly add olive oil a little at a time and mix until it is a consistent paste.

Next you will add a half a teaspoon of vanilla (look there is a little measuring!) You will want to stir that in until incorporated. Now smell your mixture and add a little more if you want the vanilla stronger. The vanilla is purely for scent, so that is all that matters here.  You don't want to add to much or your mixture will smell fake and overwhelming, which is why I recommend only a little at a time. Next comes the Menthol Oil. This can be replaced with a Eucalyptus Oil and a Peppermint Oil, but not a mint extract. Only 1 drop at time (like with the previous recipe) and then smell and test to see if you want one drop more. Then seal it up in your containers.



DIY LIP SCRUB GUIDE
if you want to make your own lip scrub, here are some of the things I used that you might like to try combining and using to make your own scents at home.

for the Scrub the things that worked best were white sugar and brown sugar, but finely crushed candy canes did a decent job too. They were a little rougher, but if you really got htem into a fine powder they were fine.

for the Oil Base I had good results with olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and Vitamin E oil.

for the Cooling Treatment the only things I got good results with were the Eucalyptus Oil, Peppermint Oil and Menthol Oil. I did get okay results using Mint Extract (although it was more for smell than treatment), and I did get good results using the Menthol lip gloss from Bath and Body works too, although that deviates from the all natural aspect of the lip scrub and can get pricey. 

for Scents any extract works great including vanilla, orange, lemon, almond, rose, basil and maple.

Some Things You will want to Steer Clear of are waxy substances, shortening, butter, citrus fruits, bananas, freshly mashed avocado, lavender oil and tea tree oils. 

happy scrubbing ♥

REVIEW: Kylie Cosmetics Eye Shadow Palette

Packaging - 5 (excellent)
Pigment - 5 (excellent)
Value - 5 (excellent)
Texture - 5 (excellent)
Longevity - 5 (excellent)
Overall:



I am SO LATE in the game with this one, and I apologize for that truly I do. I picked up the Holiday palette, and I was was super please with the over all results. The price point works out to being $3.33 per gram, which is actually less than a Naked Palette (which is $3.46 per gram). As for the rest of it the color pay off is incredible, the product wears well. I usually use an eye shadow primer (usually the Aqua Seal from Makeup Forever or Air Patrol from Benefit) but even without primer it wears longer than other brands I have tried (but I still use primer). The color is smooth, the eye shadow is sily and doesn't get chunky. It's pigmented. I mean there is literally nothing wrong with this product. It's an amazing palette. The packaging is fun and branded. I love that they eye shadows pop right out of the casing which makes them perfect to put in a Z Palette or other metal palette, with no fuss!

The only thing is the variety, there are only 3 options, however I know that they are coming out with more. This line has been around for less than a year and has gone from 3 lip kits to over 20 regular lip kits, Matte lip singles, several metal lip singles, glosses, eye shadow palettes, cream shadows and a host of limited edition exclusive items. Clearly it is growing fast! I am excited to see what Kylie Cosmetics has in 3 years!

Highlighter Guide

Two posts in one week! I know! I am proud of me too! Anyways today's topic of conversation, highlighters. And obviously I am not taking about neon yellow markers you get at Office Max. I am talking about the shimmery awesome that you swipe across your cheek bones to reflect light. Today I am going to talk about some of my favorite highlighters, as well as the different kinds of highlighters.





Powder

These are definitely the most popular. Becca is considered the authority on all things highlighter, and I do love theirs, but it is a little to expensive for me. If you want to invest in the best of the best the Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfecter Pressed (pictured on the right) is the way to go. Ringing in at $38 it is an investment, but it is also silky awesomeness. I love the shade Moonstone. You apply these powders like you do all other powders with a brush. I love this Japonesque Contour and Highlighting Brush ($19), which you can buy at Ulta. As far as a more affordable highlighter, I love the ones in the Lorac Pro Contour Palette (1 shimmer and 2 matte highlighters, Plus three contour shades and a brush for $45), or the source Lorac Light Source Illuminating Highlighters ($22) If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative, I do love the BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette (which has 10 super pretty eye shadows and 4 stunning highlighters) for $14.50, or a fan favorite is Colour Pop's highlighters ringing in at $8 each.

Cream
Once again Becca is incredible, but pricey. You can find their cream highlighter the Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured Crème ($38) by clicking the name of the product. Creams in general are really a cream to powder. They are usually in a compact and are put on using a blending sponge (like the infamous Beauty Blender $20), or a compact liquid makeup brush like the Coastal Scents Elite Foundation Brush ($12.95). I do have a cream highlight palette and it is to die for! I love the Pur Minerals Moonlight Glow Strobe and Highlight Palette ($34) which comes with 3 creamy amazing shades and is pictured on the left! If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative I recommend the Makeup Revolution HD Pro Cream Contour Palette ($18) which comes with 4 highlight and 4 contour shades.


Liquid
So for liquid highlighters I actually haven't found anything I love as much as Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfecter Liquid ($41). However you can find travel sized versions of this product at Ulta and Sephora if you want to try it before you invest a ton. I also love and use the Temptu S/B Highlighter Makeup (pictured on the right, $10). The only one I like that is a cheaper brand is the NYX Born to Glow Illuminating Primer ($14), which is a primer, but I like to use it over my makeup too. It has a similar effect to the Becca, but it's less bold. Just like the cream you can use a compact liquid foundation brush, or you can use a sponge to apply, or your fingers! I do not recommend using your fingers for cream highlighters, but for liquid you can easily tap it in using your fingers.

DIY Highlight
Another option (which I do and love) is I will often use a shimmering body powder, a shimmery loose pigment mineral eye shadow, or even a shimmer pressed eye shadow. I take a little of it on my makeup brush and I mix it in with a moisturizer. It creates a DIY liquid highlighter that you 100% control the shade and density of the shimmer. Plus it is hydrating and sets into the skin a little better. I often use Mica Beauty Mineral Eyeshadow pigments or even Bare Minerals Eye Shadows!

Enjoy beauties and may your holiday be as bright as your highlight <3

SILISPONGE - What do you think?

The newest viral video for a beauty product has emerged over the last week, and I am excited to get mine in the mail in the next 3 weeks! It is called the Silisponge. It is a silicone blending pod for your makeup, and is boasted to be better than the popular beauty blender. The video is below

So what do I think? I am skeptical. One thing that makes the beauty blender so incredible is that it mimics skin texture o that your makeup blends flawlessly. But the Silisponge is smooth. I am also worried about it's durability, and honestly if it will really be better than wrapping a beauty blender in a tight layers of plastic wrap. A lot of people say they would feel like they are using a breast implant on their face, which I could see, but isn't a deterrent for me. But I am always up to try new things! What do you think? Are you going to try this new sponge? Do you think it will work? 

CYBER MONDAY DEAL ALERTS!

Can you tell I have been busy? Things are starting to slow down, I just moved from my apartment into a house about an hour form where I used to be, hired new employees at the salon (had to train them), adjusted to my new commute, did Thanksgiving, and decorated for my favorite holiday of the year Christmas! Hopefully your holiday season has been a little less hectic than my own so far! One of my favorite things about the holidays is the SALES! Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer great opportunities to buy for friends and family, and stock up for yourself! Here are my favorite Cyber Monday deals today! You are welcome beautiful!

TYRA BEAUTY
In addition to their Holiday Boutique package deals, they now have 3 AMAZING deals!
Click here to see all the package deals as well as to snag these three amazing steals!

Pur Cosmetics
Pur carries some incredible cruelty Free more natural cosmetics and skin care! I am seriously in love with their shadow palettes and their moisturizer, as well as their setting spray! Buy one get one FREE with the code BOGO2016 is on today only!
Click here to take advanatge of this amazing offer and to browse the Pur Website!

Kylie Cosmetics
20% off site wide! I am all in! PLUS Free shipping on orders of $40 or more! I am in love with her Matte Liquid lips and have heard rave reviews about the Kyshadow Palettes! I love her creamy non-sticky glosses too! I have already made my order have you?
Click here to go to the Kylie Cosmetics website and snag what you can!

REVIEW: Redken Rough Paste 12

Packaging - 5 (excellent)
Scent - 5 (excellent)
Texture - 5 (excellent)
Hold - 4 (very good)
Workability  - 5 (excellent)

Overall:


I overall adore this product! This is a must have for any girl with short or textured hair! It feels like a thick paste, but it isn't sticky. It's easy to work through your hair and it holds really well without drying into this hard, plastic, immobile frame. A little goes a long way, and it comes in a pump for easy control of how much product you are using. It also has a wide base so it doesn't tip over! And to top it all off it smells like cherry-chocolates! This product is across-the-board great!

REVIEW: Kenra Dry Texture Spray

Packaging - 5 (excellent)
Scent - 4 (very good)
Volume - 4 (very good)
Longevity - 5 (excellent)
Texture - 5 (excellent)

Overall:


This is one of my go-to products that I can't get enough of! Let me break down each part to you. First of all we all know I love Kenra's packaging. Their platinum line especially looks expensive, it's functional and it's durable. This particular product has a kind of floral scent, which I am usually not a fan of. However it is a light crisp one and it doesn't linger, and it smells great. Floral that doesn't scream old-lady to me is hard to find, but I love the fragrance in this.

This product adds volume, but not a ton. Which is how I personally like it, but if you want a lot of volume either a n additional root lifter or a little backcombing may be necessary. A little goes a long way so you'll have this can for ages, and lastly it gives texture. So much texture! It take fallen curls to beachy waves in seconds! I love it!

Beauty World Drama!

I have had a million emails asking me to state my opinion on some beauty guru drama. Here is the deal, I don't do drama. I want to stay in my little corner of the internet with my incredible cult followers and live a happy life. I do not feel the need to slam other bloggers or you-tubers in the hopes of getting my name dropped to get more site traffic. That is not who I am. So I am going to give a few quick comments on some issues and drama that has been going on. Like seriously quick.

Jeffree Star
I have always had issues with Jeffree Star. I think he is funny, and talented. I also think he is arrogant and rude. He has tried to get into the lime light a million different ways and beauty vlogging is just the one that clicked. I have seen him dis products I love and promote products I don't like at all, so I feel he can be bought if that makes sense, although it could just be a matter of taste (and I get that). I think the whole Kat Von D drama (which you can read in detail about here) catalyst a bunch of nasty comments about him that were unwarranted, but some that were also warranted. I also do have a good friend who has personally met Star and who fan-girled for a second over him and was met with a very rude and cold comeback. My dear friend (who shall remain nameless) said Star treated him like he wasn't famous enough for Star to care about and was even ignored when speaking to him. My friend didn't meet Star at an event, he met him through a friend who knew Jeffree before his youtube success. I think it is apparent that Jeffree has a diva attitude, which some love. I don't. That is just me. I also think he sells subpar products and I am just not a fan. You can read about his latest Lipstick launch here.


Nikkie Tutorials

So the big scandal here is that after all of youtube blasted Jeffree Star for being racist, a bully and generally horrible, Nikkie (as well as Manny MUA) supported him. To me, questioning her loyalty is dumb. Like you have to stick up for your people. If her and Star are friends why wouldn't she have stuck up for him? Even arrogant people can be nice to their friends. I will however comment on the fact that her recent palette collab with Too Faced was awful. These brands keep collaborating with vloggers and stars, but they do not use the same high quality formulas that they are known and loved for. It is always so disappointing. My issue with this one is that Nikkie swatched the palette and threw it all over the internet as advertising. She did not care when people called her out for false advertising (as the swatches she showed were no where near close to the ones others have posted) and she ignored the disappointment of fans who were bothered that she promoted such a crappy palette. The palette is over all really crummy. I just think she should have been honest with her fans or told Too Faced to step it up. That is my opinion. When something similar happened with Jaclyn Hill and her collab with Becca she refunded the buyers! no refunds form Nikkie though, although I am sure Ulta and Sephora got a ton of returns for it.

Stephanie Nicole
Stephanie Nicole is known for being opinionated. She has a really relaxed personality, but she rarely gets items sent to her for free that she agrees to promote like these other vloggers do. I love that she always talks about shipping times in her videos and the process of checking out. She also talks about the price per gram of makeup which is something most don't think about, but I love that she does. She has gotten some backlash for speaking out against Jeffree Star (and all those who support him) as well as Kylie Cosmetics, Morphe, and a few other big brands. I like her. I think she is real and honest. She never holds back which I like. But she is still curt. She doesn't swear at them and attack their mothers or anything like that. I appreciate that she just sticks to facts. I just like her realness. I don't like every blogger.vlogger out there, but when they stoop to tantrums it is just ridiculous. I never have to worry about a tantrum with Stephanie. I am going to link Stephanie Nicole's you tube vlog here because I think she is awesome and I would love to give her any traffic I can. Check her channel out here.

That's it. That is all I am saying about these three. Do what you will with it. 

The One "no makeup" look I don't love...

I go makeup free at least one day a week. On this day I usually wax my 'stache, do a deep exfoliation treatment, then I throw on a moisture mask, and I let my skin breath all day long. I am loving the celebs who are going makeup free (even if it is just for one Instagram post). 

Alicia Keys has had people kneeling at her feet when she dawned a red carpet completely bare faced (although other articles have said that she was wearing a brow product), and then continued to be seen on the television compensation series The Voice as a judge/coach with no makeup in sight. For die hard Alicia Keys fans this was an interesting thing. In one way it was unexpected, because keys is a long time wearer of high shine gloss and smokey eyes. But at the same time her laid back personalty and simplistic vibe makes this feel like the obvious thing for her to do.

While celebs have popped up on snap chat and Instagram bare faced multiple times in the last few years, going to an event with no makeup has not been a thing. Even Sia, (who is infamous for wearing massive wigs that cover her face entirely to events) has not been spotted dawning the red carpet without any lipstick. So then we had someone else take note of the positive feedback Miss Keys was getting and go to a celebrity event and posts saying she was there bare faced. That's right folks, I am talking about Kim K.

I actually LIKE the Kardashians. You don't have to agree with me, but I think they get a lot of hate and judgement for doing things other people do all the time, just because they are famous. And while the way they got there may have been unsavory, now they own businesses, promote products, have apps, run makeup lines, have written books, modeled, and more. I love the way several of the Kardashian's (Khloe K and Kendall Jenner are my personal faves) are unapologetically themselves. I suppose you'd have to learn to be that way when your every move is heavily scrutinized.

So why then am I bringing this up? because Kim Kardashian posted this gem of an instagram picture:


The caption (in case you can't read it) is "Balenciaga. No make up today."

The reason I hate this so much is that she IS wearing makeup. I have watched the Kardashian's early in their series. She is shown on that show season 1 and 2 with no makeup on several times. In this picture (on the left) you can see a shot of one of those times, however even in this picture she has on gloss. So I guess "no make up today" means a nude shimmery shadow, brows filled in, a few lash extensions, a nude lip, foundation/concealer, and only a little highlight, instead of the strobing you usually see.

I am not buying it! I am not! Women have a lot of self confidence issues, and what is nice about seeing celebs go bare faced, is that you can think to yourself "hey, the flawless Katy Perry has some dark spots too"! It is to show women that their natural beauty is enough and that they are not alone. But this is false advertising. It make girls feel insecure and is a little insulting that we are supposed to buy this. Why do you think?

Highlighter Guide

Sorry I have been MIA recently. I have had a crazy week at work, but I am so excited to be back with at least one post per week! Today's topic of conversation, highlighters. And obviously I am not taking about neon yellow markers you get at Office Max. I am talking about the shimmery awesome that you swipe across your cheek bones to reflect light. Today I am going to talk about some of my favorite highlighters, as well as the different kinds of highlighters.





Powder

These are definitely the most popular. Becca is considered the authority on all things highlighter, and I do love theirs, but it is a little to expensive for me. If you want to invest in the best of the best the Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfecter Pressed (pictured on the right) is the way to go. Ringing in at $38 it is an investment, but it is also silky awesomeness. I love the shade Moonstone. You apply these powders like you do all other powders with a brush. I love this Japonesque Contour and Highlighting Brush ($19), which you can buy at Ulta. As far as a more affordable highlighter, I love the ones in the Lorac Pro Contour Palette (1 shimmer and 2 matte highlighters, Plus three contour shades and a brush for $45), or the source Lorac Iight Source Illuminating Highlighters ($22) If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative, I do love the BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette (which has 10 super pretty eye shadows and 4 stunning highlighters) for $14.50, or a fan favorite is Colour Pop's highlighters ringing in at $8 each.

Cream
Once again Becca is incredible, but pricey. You can find their cream highlighter the Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector Poured Crème ($38) by clicking the name of the product. Creams in general are really a cream to powder. They are usually in a compact and are put on using a blending sponge (like the infamous Beauty Blender $20), or a compact liquid makeup brush like the Coastal Scents Elite Foundation Brush ($12.95). I do have a cream blush palette, It is to die for! I love the Pur Minerals Moonlight Glow Strobe and Highlight Palette ($34) which comes with 3 creamy amazing shades and is pictured on the left! If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative I recommend the Makeup Revolution HD Pro Cream Contour Palette ($18) which comes with 4 highlight and 4 contour shades.


Liquid
So for liquid highlighters I actually haven't found anything I love as much as Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfecter Liquid ($41). However you can find travel sized versions of this product at Ulta and Sephora if you want to try it before you invest a ton. I also love and use the Temptu S/B Highlighter Makeup (pictured on the right, $10). The only one I like that is a cheaper brand is the NYX Born to Glow Illuminating Primer ($14), which is a primer, but I like to use it over my makeup too. It has a similar effect to the Becca, but it's less bold. Just like the cream you can use a compact liquid foundation brush, or you can use a sponge to apply, or your fingers! I do not recommend using your fingers for cream highlighters, but for liquid you can easily tap it in using your fingers.

Another option (which I do and love) is I will often use a shimmering body powder, a shimmery loose pigment mineral eye shadow, or even a shimmer pressed eye shadow. I take a little of it on my makeup brush and I mix it in with a moisturizer. It creates a DIY liquid highlighter that you 100% control the shade and density of the shimmer. Plus it is hydrating and set into the skin a little better. I often use Mica Beauty Mineral Eyeshadow pigments or even Bare Minerals Eye Shadows!

Jeffree Star Lip Ammunition - First Impressions

The Jeffree Star Lip Ammunition have not yet come out, but the buzz is there and it is loud! However I will not be buying. I am not boycotting all things Jeffree Star. While I am not his biggest fan, I remain impartial. I buy quality products, and unless a company is doing something super unethical, I will support them if they produce quality products. 

So why then won't I be buying (especially when they haven't even been released yet)? Well recently Jeffree did a You Tube video where he swatched and showed off his new shades (which are pretty much all hot pink btw), and hot pink is not my color! But there was one that caught my eye! It is described as a bright lavender and is called Popsicle Dream. His swatch video is below and you can see my favorite shade about 10 minutes in.

So WHY am I not buying? Fast forward this video to 13 minutes and 20 seconds in (13:20). Did? you hear that? Now keep watching (through 13:50)? Did you SEE THAT!? I am talking about the transfer and how low quality these lipsticks are! I am glad Jeffree isn't touting that they are kiss proof, at least he is upfront. But for me $18 for a lipstick that not only transfers THAT MUCH when you kiss, but also COMES OFF, is an issue for me. I am not just referring to the fact that you can see it all over his adorable boyfriend's face, but that it is no longer on his own lips. 

I wear A LOT of lipstick, I am a junkie. And do you know what doesn't transfer or come off like that? The Kylie Cosmetic Liquid Lips ($18 when bought not in a kit), as well as the Urban Decay lipsticks ($17), and the Honest Beauty Lip Crayon ($18), or the NYX Liquid Lingerie ($7). And a few products that will transfer or fade, but not THAT bad are the NYX Liquid Suede ($7), or the Wet N' Wild Mega Last Lip Color ($2)!

All I am saying is for $18 (plus shipping since you can not get it stores at all) it shouldn't be that bad! If you want a lipstick that comes off super fast buy a cheap $2 lipstick from your local drugstore, and if you get the $2 Wet N Wild Mega Last Lip Color it will be BETTER than what I am seeing here). I have used the Wet N Wild myself, (and while it isn't amazing, it works well for it's price and doesn't come off after only 5 kisses. I would know.

REVIEW: Smooth Sexy Hair Smooth & Seal Hairspray

Packaging - 4 (very good)
Scent - 4 (very good)
Shine - 5 (excellent)
Hydration - 4 (very good)
Hold - 4 (very good)
Overall:


This is a great hairspray for those with dry or tired hair. It will provide a light hold while helping to prevent split ends and adding shine with a hydrating twist. It smells really light and is a great hairspray over all. It doesn't add to much shine in my opinion. Enough to give you something without making you look greasy. The only draw back is I wish it had a little more hold. if it were a medium hold hairspray it would be perfect!

Current Crushes

Every once in a while I like to make a list of my current beauty product crushes. I test out and try so many items that I loose track, I rarely use the same thing for more than few weeks, but right now I have some faves that are sticking around. Here they are!

I first got a little travel size in my Ipsy bag. I didn't think I would love it, but I really do. It isn't orange, it isn't sparkly, it is very natural and build-able. I can lightly brush it all over my face for an over all tanner tone, or I can use a more concentrated amount to contour. Now I know you aren't supposed to contour with bronzer, however this one has a perfect balance between warm and cool that I really feel it is the exception. You can get it here for $30, or at your local Ulta Beauty or Sephora.




I am SUPER picky with mascara and it is one of my most requested review items, so I rarely stick wiht one mascara for more than a few weeks. I love buying travel sized bundles where I can try lots of different products because of this, and it helps me to review tings for less money. I picked this up in a Sephora Mascara Bundle, and I am IN LOVE. I rarely even look at the other 4 from the set, and I ran out two days ago. Then I did the unthinkable and bought a full sized one! It doesn't flake, it volumizes without looking clumpy, it adds length. I am in love. Get it here for $26, or at your local Sephora or Neiman Marcus.




I didn't want to like it, I wanted to hate this item when I tried it. The Kardashian/Jenner crew has a history of making subpar beauty products and pricing them higher (I am looking at you Kardashian Beauty Hair Line). I was sure this would be the same, but I am CONSTANTLY reaching for my Dolce K and Candy K Shades. After buying those two (my first two to test it out) I have since bought Kourt K, True Brown K, King K, Heir and Reign! I am HOOKED! They last all day, they are super pigmented and my husband loves them because they never end up on his shirt or face! Buy it Here for $29, unfortunately there are no in store options for now. But I am a big fan of the fact you can get the Matte Lip Shades as a single now, without the matching liner for only $18 (so I just use a good primer, or the Urban Decay Ozone Liner).




Another online only product I just can't shake! I have been using other liquid liner pens, but this ran out and I rebought! That really is rare for me! I get products to test all the time and I have a huge box full of them, so usually if I run out I dig into my other testers and I do not worry about paying for a new item, ESPECIALLY if it is online only without free shipping! But I reach for this one time and time again. I am NOT GOOD at my eyeliner, like at all. When I want some top liner this is all I will use, because I can make mistakes and clean them up with ease using the corrector. They are great for sharpening wing tips and for any fun eyeliner art! Get it Here for $24!

Yay or Nay? Maybelline's New "Nude" Pallete

Maybelline has been known for making their Nude palettes to rival Urban Decays Naked line. And while they aren't a perfect match, with a good primer they are close and much less expensive (costing only $10 compared to the $54 Urban Decay Palettes).



However recently Maybelline launched the "The Rocked Nudes" palette to rival the Urban Decay Naked Smokey palette. A lot people gave pause as the Rocked Nude palette isn't very... nude. There are few neutrals as it has mostly intense colors including a few purple and blue shades. However most considered 6 shades truly nude and that the three super grey and black tones could be considered nudes too... They really aren't nude but black is neutral I guess. 

Now we have our newest edition to the Maybelline Nudes collection, The Maybelline Graffiti Nudes Palette, exclusively at Ulta. Is this to far of a stretch though? 

What do you think? Is it time for Maybelline to create a palette outside of their "Nudes" collection, and to call it something else if it isn't Nude at all like this collection of colors? Some say it is nude enough, while others feel it is trying to compete with the Urban Decay Electric palette. I have also heard that it has "enough nudes" to be considered a nude palette.

My thoughts? No way is this competition for the electric palette. Not only are the shades not very similar (it does have the two blues like that and one of those pinks) but the pigmentation is what really make Urban Decay's electric palette sing. I just think they should name is something else, really Maybelline, it's okay to do something new. Urban Decay has tons of palettes outside of their Naked collection too. What do you think?

REVIEW: Redken Quick Dry 18 Hairspray

 

Packaging - 4 (very good)
Scent - 3 (average)
Hold - 5 (excellent)
Dry Time - 6 (incredible)
Longevity - 4 (very good)
Overall:


I am in love with Redken's Quick Dry Hairspray. I am a big stickler for the way products smell. I wouldn't touch Redken hairspray for the longest time because the smell was too average. It smelled too much like a typical aerosol for me. However I am so glad I finally tried it! I am an addict! This is a medium-high hold hairspray. What does that mean? It mean it provides a lot of hold without crossing the plastic feeling no-movement-in-the-hair line. But what do I love most about? It stays true to its name. The hairspray does not sit on the hair wet while I wait for it to dry. It dries fast and leaves your hair looking natural (even though there is a slight stiffness to it) and still allows for some movement.

REVIEW: Fashion-Able Blush by Tyra Beauty

Packaging - 4 (very good)
Texture - 5 (excellent)
Wear - 5 (excellent)
Longevity - 6 (incredible)
Overall:


I hate cream blushes. I am strictly a powder girl when it comes to cheek color. I hate how streaky and messy cream blushes look and I super hate how they always wear off after 30 minutes. But I decided to try the Tyra Beauty blush because I have tried all of their other products and felt I should at least have an opinion. I am in LOVE!

The packaging is durable and functional, although it does air on the side of too loud to me (which is why I gave it a 4 instead of a 5). This cream blush is a creamy mousse gel. It is light and whipped and fluffy and so easy to blend! It stays on all day long! I did walk outside with it on in the heat and felt I needed a little touch up after, but otherwise the wear has been great! And best of all, a little goes a super long way! The jar you get is a a standard size for cream blush, and I was a little disappointed at first (because it was expensive) but not after seeing how little you need! I highly recommend this product! It is my new go-to!

EDIT: I also have to put this out there, because I want to support brands that do good in the world. Tyra Beauty was launched as a MLM. Tyra Bnks said she wanted to help women be empowered and earn income and be bosses, and take control of their life. She cited her mother's journey in an abusive relationship where she stayed for a long time because she couldn't get out, and Tyra said she wanted to help women like her mother become independent. I was actually selected as one of the first 200 reps for this company, but left fairly early on as I was not a fan of the way the company was run. However many women endured some of the bumps along the way and I always said "in 10 years, it'll be a great business to jump into I am sure". Well they announced the other day that they will no longer be doing direct sales and are closing the door on all of the women who have worked very hard to build this company up. They will continue selling and promoting the brand, but will no longer be an MLM. Tyra also imparted that she never wanted it to be Direct Sales in the first place (what happened to that vision you said you had, that dream?) and only did it because her business consultant said it would be more profitable. They spent MONTHS telling these women that nothing was going on, there was no consideration or talk of closing the doors to direct sales. They said DAYS before the press release that they were closing that door. Take it for what you will, but to me the integrity of a company matters.

BRAND BREAKDOWN - BareMinerals

By popular demand I am now doing BRAND BREAKDOWNS! Yay! This is where I talk about a brand, what I like or don't like about the company as a whole, as well as what their hero (and zero) products are. I am starting off with a popular brand that most people know called Bare Minerals.

About the Brand
The first thing I will mention is that the brand has two names, which I don't quiet understand, but it doesn't matter either. You can also find it as Bare Escentuals online. I have no idea why. This brand however is super accessible. Not only is it in almost every Sephora and Ulta, but you can also often find it at department stores (like Macy's, Nordstrom and Dillards) as well as in their independent bare Minerals stores and boutiques. All of their products are mineral based, which is nice as well.

Hero Products:So I have a few loves from this brand, and I am excited to share them with you. The first one that I adore is the Complexion Rescue foundation. I use this product (I am wearing it right now in fact) and it's amazing. I recommend it for dry skin, or for normal skin types that need light coverage. I use it when my acne isn't looking to bad but I need to even out skin tone. It is super hydrating, has SPF, and a little goes a very long way.

Another big favorite is their Original Mineral Foundation. I like the packaging because you can close the powder shaker so your compact isn't to full. It looks lightweight and natural, but it still gives coverage and is perfect for normal and oily skin types. It also gets big props for having a wide variety of shades and tones.

Another big fan favorite of mine is the Well Rested powder. It is perfect for "baking" (setting your under eyes to make them look bright and awake) as well as as a light highlighter. I have even used it as eye shadow a time or two. This leads me to the last hero product which to me is the Eye Shadow Compacts. They have four palettes that are always around that each have 8 super wearable shades of pressed eye shadows. I like these because they are pigmented and a really good deal for 8 shadows. You also get a brush with them and a good mixture of shimmer and matte shades. They have 4 neutral palettes with variations depending on your style (one is true nude, one has more grays and black, one with pink tones and one with greens in there)



Products I am Not a Fan of:I am not a fan of their makeup brushes. They aren't awful, but they are pricey, and for those prices you can get brushes from other brands that are a lot higher quality. I also don't love their lipsticks, they just aren't a very long wear.
I don't love their concealer pens, because they just aren't very long wearing, and I am also not a big fan of their lip glosses. I find their glosses kind of sticky and they don't last either. I actually have one of their limited edition glosses and I just don't use it because it is pretty sticky and i have to reapply it a lot.

More Details:

I truly love this brand as a whole. Right now you can shop online here and get 15% off your first purchase (yay!) You can snag one of their clearance items (I love the Beauty on The Go Eye Compact and the Mood Makers Eye Palette).

A few more items you may love (I have such a long list and I can't just not include them) are the setting powders, I really like their Pop of Passion Lip Oil Balms (tinted lip balm) and I am seriously in love with their Lasting Line Eyeliner (another time I am currently wearing).

What's your take? Do you love this brand? Whats your favorite Bare Minerals Steal!