Makeup Removal, Cleansing, Toning and Prep

Makeup Removal, Cleansing, Toning and Prep

I just wanted to share with you some products I use to remove makeup, cleanse, tone and prep my skin with that I love!

On nights that I am full of energy, I start off by using Bi-Facil eye makeup remover on my eyes and I use Eau Fraiche Douceur for my face. The Bi-Facil will take anything of my eyes, I love it one quick swip and it’s gone, no tugging or rubbing, which I love so I’m not stretching my eye skin. The Eau Fraiche Doucer, is a rose water that will gently remove makeup all over your face & eyes, it’s soothing to me. On nights that I come home late or exhausted, I use the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. I love how this compeletly removes all my face and eye makeup without leaving me feeling oily or unclean.

I follow up with the Crème Radiance, it’s a cream-to-foam cleanser to cleanse my face. Once I have cleansed my face, I pat dry my face and use a toner. I have always used toner, since my teenage years and I am surprised to hear that many don’t ever tone. That seems odd to me, I like the clean feel of my skin plus it prevents from break outs due to dirt and grime in the pores. I use the Tonique Radiance a clarifying exfoliating toner. Both of these products are meant for my skin type, normal/combination skin.

Mask & Exfoliator

About once every 2 ½ weeks, sometimes more in the summer, I use the Pure Empreinte Masque. It’s a 5 minute purifying mineral mask with white clay that works like a sponge to absorb and remove excess oils and impurities that dull your complextion. It also reduces the appearance of of pores, clarifies, smooths and refines your skin texture! I love this mask, it, it really does unclog pores! My skin feels amazing after every treatment!

I also use the Exfoliance Radiance, a clarifying exfoliating gel about twice a week . It’s a gentle exfoliator with massaging beads and fine grains and pineapple and papaya extracts that leave my skin radiant!

Last but not least I use the Dynamic Duo…Genifique and Visionnaire.

The Genifique I use in the mornings and the Visionnaire at night. The Genifique brings back that youthful glow to my skin and the Visionnaire works on evening out my skin texture, reduce pores and works on the few lines I have on my forehead. My cheeks have been red for years due to the sun but the Visionnaire has evened that out and now my cheeks are a pale pink, I used Estee Lauder for years with no significant improvement, I can’t say enough about Visionnaire! I can’t live without the Dynamic Duo! They go with me everywhere I go! (I have recently started using the Genifique Eye Light Pearl Serum, making the Dynamic Duo into the Terrific Trio) The Light Pearl Serum works instantly and the longer you use it the more of a difference you will see. Immediately your eyes are lifted and more open, your lines are smoothed and your eyes are more illuminated. I’m blessed not having wrinkles around my eyes just yet but I use it for the illuminated eye area and for the puffiness I have in the morning after a late night out or working!

I’m always getting compliments on my skin, how young I look, my natural glow…..this all ties in to my “you need to start with a clean canvas before applying you makeup” theory! Don’t forget hydration! Moisturizers and H2O!!!!! I will go into my skin care moisturizes on a new blog just on moisturizers!

Why I work for Lancome....

Why I work for Lancôme…..

Several people have recently expressed interest in my career choices and I thought I would let everyone know why I am doing what I love!

I have a Computer Science and International Business Administration background, soo people are always asking why I am now in the beauty industry. It all started a few years ago, I was one of the lucky people that was “reduced in force” and I thought hard about what I was going to do next, since I have had several experiences under my belt (computer programmer, web designer, event management, purchasing management and  sports management). I always wanted to attend Beauty school since I was a young girl however, I never thought I could really make a career out of it, well I was wrong….fast forward a few years later, I am now a licensed cosmetologist/make-up artist. I love color, I love coloring hair and I love playing with makeup! I am currently working for Glitz & Glam Galz (on-site special event stylist’s), Lancôme and just recently I have accepted a position with Broadway in Chicago as a stylist (hair & makeup). I also have several hair clients and hair extension clients.

I love all my jobs but there is one position that people always ask me about and that is Lancôme. Why do I work for Lancôme?

I work for Lancôme because I believe just as many other artists believe, you always want to start with a good clean canvas. Your skin is my canvas, I believe that you must have good skin before you can start applying makeup for the application to look flawless! I can go to any luxury counter and purchase an eye shadow, even a drug store with good pigments but can I just walk up to any luxury counter or drug store and receive good quality skin care that actually works? Not often! I believe in Lancôme’s products and have used them for myself and I just love them! Do I like every product Lancôme has to offer, no, I only blog or recommend products that I love! That goes the same for my hair clients and makeup clients, I only use or recommend products that I truly whole heartedly believe in, my clients turn to me because they trust me, it is my responsibility to direct them in the best possible direction, I am the professional and that is my job and what I am paid for, for my knowledge, experience and trust!

Lancôme provides phenomenal skin care and I truly believe in their products, they are the #1 Luxury Skin Care company globally! I work for Lancôme because I choose to not because I have to, why not work with a company that I love and truly believe in their products.

Long story short, I love what I do, I do it because I want to not because I need to. Are there other products I love just as much as Lancôme, of course! I blog and recommend various products and brands! I am always open to new & better things (have you see my career path, lol). Always take great care of your skin and you will be able to rock your makeup! It’s good for you and makes my job easier to make you look flawless….xoxo

Urban Decay Haul

Just wanted to post a quick picture of my Urban Decay Haul. I bought this round through their "Hey, we just met, and this is crazy but sh#ts on sale" sale.....

Feminine Palette – bought this palette because I just love the colors in it! Super cheap at $12.00.

Starlight Glitter Body Art – I had already been using this on clients for special events and decided to but it for the glitter not bad for $6.00.

Midnight Emergency Kit – Love the neutral shades in it and the full size gloss, a must carry for work assignments and travel. A steal at $12.00.

Skull Shadow Box – bought these two for two of my teenage nieces for their stocking stuffers! Fun colors for them to play with and a smart buy at $12.00

Vintage Big Fatty – Mascara, I’ve used this before on myself and clients and it’s not bad. I layer lashes with different mascara’s depending on the look that I am trying to achieve. At $5.00 each why not buy 3 to have on hand!

Vintage Eyeshadows (Color: Maui Wowie) – I have always wanted this color and for some reason I never got around to purchasing it, I don’t care that it’s the old formulation and that it doesn’t fit in their make your own palette, I’m wowing over the $9.00 price!!!

That is it….I love everything I received and I might go online to buy some more of the single eye shadows. If you haven’t had a chance get to their website and order before it’s too late!!!!

 I have purchased the newest SMOKED palette and I am currently playing with the colors and looks and will post about it very soon!

Now get to UD website and order away, treat yourself, you deserve it! :)

Elizabeth Arden Rose Gold Highlighter

Elizabeth Arden’s Pure Finish Highlighter in the color Rose Illumination

After seeing a couple of reviews on this, I knew I had to rush out and head to my nearest Elizabeth Arden counter to purchase this highlighter. I am soo addicted to highlighters right now and thought what an awesome piece to add to my collection.

I went to my local Macy’s to purchase the highlighter and I was lucky to get the very last one they had in stock. Most Macy’s are out, even ordering online was not an option as it was out of stock!!!

The color of this highlighter is soo unbelievably gorgeous! It is a Rose Gold color with plenty of shimmer! I just LOVE it!!! I just love the color with my tan, it is definitely a summer highlighter! It also pairs perfectly with my Lancôme blush in the color Shimmer Mandarin Sky and my MAC blush from the Heavenly Creatures collection in the color Solar Ray!!!! I use this by contouring my cheeks, then add my blush then finish off with the highlighter on top. I use a small brush and apply it just above the apples of my cheeks and all the way up to the end of my temples.

An added bonus, Macy’s had a free gift with purchase when I purchased the highlighter. It came with a ugly, gold bag that I will probably give to one of my nieces to play with but the products inside aren’t bad. It came with a duo shimmer bronzer, looks pretty. A lipstick, it’s a tad too dark for me but I’m sure I can rock it in the fall with some gloss. A couple of skin care items, one includes the Ceramide Capsules, they are a little to oily for my skin but I like using them on my neck and décolleté at night. The best part of the gift is the Eight Hour Cream!!!! I love this, I love using it one my feet after a pedi, I massage it into my feet and add some socks and sleep with it on, in the morning your feet are soo soft and summer ready! I love it!!!! I’m pretty sure the Free Gift with Purchase is over at Macy’s but Carson’s (Bon Ton, Bergners, etc.) has started their free gift and it’s pretty similar.

So get out there and purchase this gorgeous Rose Gold Highlighter, you will not be disappointed!!

Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense For Face SPF 50 - 50ml/1.7oz 

 

M.A.C. Heavenly Creature Collection

I have been sitting on this for a few weeks, I apologize! I’m sure most of you have gone out to purchase from this collection!

 

My haul and review on the last M.A.C. collection – Heavenly Creature.

When I first saw this collection a few months ago, I had already decided that I wasn’t going to purchase anything from the collection, I looked at it as very Gagaish, don’t get me wrong I love Gaga but wasn’t soo sure I wanted to go out there with my makeup collection. But once the collection hit the counter and I actually got to play with the colors, I fell in love and fell fast! I purchased only a few things as I’m not a huge fan of Mineral Finishes, however, I do love this collection and I love the pieces I picked up!

Mineralized Skin Finish (MSF) in the color: Center of the Universe - I love this, I love the gold, orange and cranberry colors and frosty finish. I apply it with a small brush on my face when I’m done with all my make-up for a polish finish. This is such a gorgeous color to continue my Summer Bronze Goddess look!

Mineralized Blush in the color: Solar Ray – I love this! I love how you build up to the perfect color and it has a luminous shimmer. This is a coral/orange and gold and looks glowy on the apples of your cheeks! I rock this by contouring just beneath my apples of my cheeks, then apply my mineralized blush and top it off with a highlighter (I’m also blogging about highlighters and I will let you know my two faves at the moment in that blog!!!)

Mineralized Blush in the color: Supernova – this combination of colors just melts my heart! A bright pink with a frosted gold luster! Such a sweet look for the summer especially on days when I barely have any makeup on, a pop of color on my cheeks, lip gloss and sunglasses and I’m ready to rock the day!

Mineralized Eye Shadow in the color: Sky – I wanted to pick a color that I didn’t already have something similar so I chose Sky and I’m happy I did! Such a beautiful color, it’s a combination of cobalt, turquoise and a greenish gold! You can use these wet or dry, when used wet you get more of a pigmented turn out. The color combination really depends how you hit that pan with your brush, you can use the blues and gold together, the blues then add splashes of gold after the blues are applied or just use the golds. I use them both ways, wet and dry, it all depends on the look I’m trying to achieve. Simply gorgeous!

The last product I purchased form this collection is from the Heavenly Creature Skin collection. I had heard such great reviews on the item Ipurchased so of course I had to purchase and try it out…

Volcanic Ash Exfoliator – it’s a exfoliating scrub with natural blends of volcanic ash and fine sugar crystals. It does exfoliate, the texture is good not sure I would use on real sensitive skin however. But that’s where it ends, it exfoliates and that’s it, my skin didn’t feel clean or soft after. M.A.C. isn’t a skin care line so I didn’t have high expectations and a good thing cause I wasn’t impressed. Would I repurchase? Ahhh no! I may even end up selling it on a upcoming blog sale….

All in all I’m very happy with my purchases, I do have to say that I didn’t purchase any of the cream finishes and I’m not a huge fan as I have to reapply often and the lipsticks didn’t blow me away….hope you have had a chance to get out to your M.A.C. counter to try some of the items from the Heavenly Creatures collection!

Dark Circles and Puffiness

I encounter soo many different people everyday and a lot of them inspire my blog! Today I saw a middle-aged woman with under eye puffiness and dark circles. I just had to approach her and discuss her skin care regimen, I knew in my head that a little help from me she would look fantastic. I wanted her to know that with just a few steps she would look more beautiful and refreshed.

As she sat in my artists chair we discussed her current skin/makeup regimen. After our discussion and my recommendation of products I started to demonstrate on her face the products that would assist her with her concerns. Once I was done, she giggled, laughed, cried and gave me a huge hug!!!! I was soo happy and thrilled with her reaction. It is my pleasure to help spread my knowledge and make people feel happy and beautiful!

At the end of my consultation I presented her with her prescription card and she picked the items she wanted to purchase. I’m not the pushy type of salesperson, I’m going to show you what items that will address your concerns and nothing more. I don’t like to up sell because I like to earn my clients trust and I want them to look good, because that makes me feel good!

Below are the products I used and how I applied them.

Lancôme Genefique Eye – this product will diminish dark circles, brightens and illuminates. It also works on any signs of fatigue. I applied with my ring finger (the finger with the least pressure) on the brow bone and on the under eye area.

Lancôme Renergie Eye Multiple Action – I just LOVE this eye cream!!!! Six anti-aging actions in this little bottle! Lifting, firming, works o fine lines, dark circles, puffiness and provides illumination! I apply the eye cream with my ring finger in a C motion by dabbing it on the brow bone and under the eye. Dab the cream on the brow bone, do not apply on the lids, the heat from the brow will allow the cream to naturally reach the lids. I dab under the eye area then I lightly massage the cream from the inner corner of the eye to to the middle of the temple. I repeat the process 3 – 4 times, you will immediately see the puffiness decrease.  A veil comes with the eye cream that I applied on the brow bone, inner under eye and outer under eye, I also dabbed some on her dark circles. The veil has a SPF15 so it does provide protection during the day from the sun in the delicate area!

Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Teinte – A wonderful tinted moisturizer with vitamins and nutrients for your skin and provides a SPF30. I applied a small amount with my foundation brush, a little goes a long way!

So there you have it, I made this womans day by approaching her and demonstrating some products that I personally love to use!

Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below. If you try any of the items I recommended please let me know your thoughts! Thanks and happy Monday, it’s almost Friday! Who’s ready for the high temps this week????? SPF!

What’s In My Beach/Pool Bag

What’s In My Beach/Pool Bag

I love the “What’s In My Bag” blogs, yesterday I did a “What’s in my Make-Up Bag for Summer” blog so I’m following it up with a “What’s in my Beach/Pool bag” blog since I spend soo much time on/in the water in the Summer. Especially, since Camp Aunt Debbie is now open (for those of you that know me, know that my nieces and nephew spend a ton of fun time with me over the summer, they love Camp Aunt Debbie.

As much as I love being in the pool, I still love to look good and of course have sun protection, so here is my Beach/Pool Bag…..

It all starts with the right bag….I chose a LOVE PINK bag by Victoria Secret. I love how roomy it is for my beach towels and accessories. It has two end giant sized pockets. Big enough to hold my 32oz Hot Pink Zebra Stripped Water Bottle by Victoria Secret!!! It also has a large side pocket and I love to keep my car key, iphone and sunglasses in the easy to reach pocket, saves me a ton of time cuz I’m not digging in a large bag looking for these items, especially my iphone of course. I need quick & easy access so I can update my blog, facebook, check emails and text messages in a quick splashin time!!!!

Protection and Beauty is in the bag!!!!

Pictured from Left to Right:

Dazzleshine Lip Gloss in Dazzling Daiquiri by Victoria Secret. For the moments I want to add a little dazzle to my lips, Not sticky and smells like bubble gum!

Hempz Herbal Body Moisturizer in Pomegranate – I like to keep my body hydrated especially my hands. I also love the travel size makes for a lighter bag.

After Sun Moisturizer Ultra-Hydrating skin soother by Clarins – Revitalizes and prolongs your tan, I apply after rinsing off at the pool or beach and after a shower at home of course. Not crazy about the smell so I use After Sun Moisturizer with Aloe Vera by True Blue Spa, this also prolongs your tan and has fruity scent.

M.A.C. Suntints Liquid Lip Balm with a SPF20 in the color Au Rose (Hay Sailor Collection) - Love this lip balm, goes on smooth, it’s a hot Pink/Coral color with a gold shimmer!!! Best of all SPF20!!!! Protection, Shimmer and Color….What more can a girl ask for!!!!

Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner with a SPF15. For those “Ouch, the sun has kissed my lips to hard” moments. Gives your lips moisture and protection, a must in the sun!

Lancome Juicy Tube in the color Coral Rush – perfect for the just hanging in the snack area sipping on water and catching up with the girls…a really nice Coral/Bronze color, goes with my Summer theme of Bronze Goddess.

Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel in Mango Mai Tai…I always carry hand wipes or hand sanitizer! Mango Mai Tai so delicious on the beach….

Steve Madden Aviators – can’t forget to protect my Hazel Green eyes from the sun rays! Why not look cute and fashionable, these shades are inexpensive so I have no worries playing in them.

M.A.C. To The Beach Body Oil in Man Rays (Hey Sailor Collection) Love this Bronze Body Oil with Gold Shimmer flecks, seriously looks like golden candy in the sun! One of my favorite items of the summer!!!!

Lancome Flash Bronzer for the legs- we all know our legs seem to tan a bit slower than the rest of our body, I apply a thin layer on my legs, my legs look more bronzed as the day goes on, then I apply M.A.C.’s body oil, goes great together!!!!

Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Dry Oil with SPF12, for days I want a little extra sun. Love the spray, easy to apply in hard to reach areas, it is water resistant although you must reapply within 40 minutes but I love the golden tan it gives me.

Neutrogena Face Spectrum – I am finishing up this bottle, I know anything over a SPF50 is pretty much a waste but I figure a SPF100 wasn’t going to hurt me. As soon as this runs out I will start using my new bottle of Lancome’s Bienfait UV SPF50. I just love it, it is a light weight fluid not a cream! Cant wait to start my new bottle! Right now Lancome is having a great deal for the Sunscreen, contact me for details on this awesome product!!!

Coppertone Ultra Guard SPF50 – love the continuous spray, never clogs like others and always provides great skin protection.

Of course I always keep some water toys (water guns, rocket divers, splash balls, etc.) and something fun in my bag to read, an Allure magazine or a good book (just threw 50 Shades of Grey in my bag) but honestly I’m not the type to just lay out, I’d rather be in the water splishin’ & splashin’ the day away…..

I hope you enjoyed my “What’s in my Beach/Pool Bag” blog and hopefully I have recommended some great products, please leave any comments or questions below! Looks like the sun is trying to peep through the clouds so I need to get my bag together and head to the pool…remember Protection, Beauty and a great Bag will  guarantee you a fun day in the sun!