What do you do before you paint a wall??
YOU PRIME IT!
Priming your face after moisturizing and before applying foundation creates a smooth, even base for your foundations and powders. Primers also reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores and smoothes out pigment discolorations leaving your skin looking flawless and smooth.
I’ve spent some time in the sun over the years and even though I don’t suffer from major pigment discoloration, I still like that all-over flawless finish. Primers do the trick!
Recommended FACE primers:
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Blend-This is my primary primer. It works amazing for everyday use. A little goes a long way!
Benefit Cosmetics "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer- This product is great if you are looking for an illuminator & primer in one. I use this product on the weekends & nights that I go out. It’s pink (like Smashbox’s Color Correcting Blend-see above) and contains light-reflecting pigments to brighten your complexion. I HIGHLY recommend this product!!
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Adjust (GREEN)-The first time I tried this product I was getting over a mild sunburn and TRUST me, it did just the trick. Don’t be fooled by it’s green color-there is nothing green about it once it’s applied. I would recommend this product for those who suffer from rosacea and other redness conditions, pigment discoloration or dark spots. This is a COLOR CORRECTING primer as well as a wrinkle reducer. It’s truly amazing!
Sephora Brand "Tricks of the Trade" Immediate Wrinkle Filler- I discovered this product in my mom’s bathroom and when I tried it I immediately went out and bought one for myself! I use this product primarily as wrinkle filler and not as a primer. I use it before OR after I put on a full face of makeup and apply it to those areas on my face (i.e. Laugh lines around the nose and mouth). It instantly fills in those lines and surface imperfections and the results are immediate!!
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer- It’s Smashbox’s best selling primer. I would recommend this product if you have never used a primer before and you are not sure what you are looking for. You can wear this product alone or before applying foundation.
Bare Essentials Prime Time Foundation-I use this product ONLY with Bare Essentials products (i.e. mineral powder foundation or mineral veil)
Benefit Cosmetics Dr. Feel Good- This product is not necessarily meant to be used as a primer, but rather for patting and smoothing over makeup. I’ve used it as a base primer before and it works great in reducing fine lines and pores. Try it!
SOOO... Not everyone needs to use face primers BUT everyone should use EYE primer. UNLIKE applying face primer, I apply eye primer AFTER I use my eye brighteners, foundations, powders, bronzers, etc.
EYE PRIMERS-Eye primers lay the base for your eye shadows, cream shadows, gel/liquid eyeliners, brow highlighters etc. You will find that when you use an eye primer everything goes on smoother and lasts ALL day. Blending, smudging, and highlighting are a cinch!
Recommended EYE primers:
Mac Paints Peintures Sublime Nature- This product goes on as cream and dries as a powder. It’s nude and blends to the color of your lid. It’s super easy to apply and blend, and it leaves your lids looking crease-free and smooth. This is my favorite primer out there and it lasts forever!!
Mac Paints Peintures Base Light-This product does everything listed above the only difference is that it has a shimmer yellow tint to it. I like this product because it acts an eye brightener and primer in one (although I still recommend using eye brighteners prior to using eye primers)
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer- This product is similar to Mac’s Sublime Nature only it’s a liquid not a creme. I prefer the crème base to the liquid but some people prefer liquid.
Benefit's Lemon Aid Correcting Eye Primer-This product is a chalky-crème base that has the lemon color for a brighter appearance. It’s a great shadow base.
Benefit Cosmetics FY Eye!- This product is meant to be used as a nude primer but I’ve also used it as an under-eye concealer. Try it!
Ok so here's a new tip- I went to the mall after work today (You know, to kill traffic..) and I breezed by the Benefit counter ONLY to find two new products I may be interested in trying/buying. One of them is Benefit's 'Stay Don't Stray'- shadows stay put, concealers stay don't stray? Hmmmm sounds interesting? An eye primer perhaps?
The second product I breezed by at the Benefit counter was this cute little kit- you know I'm a big fan of their little (sometimes useless) kits- called 'Confessions of a Concealaholic' kit. The kit includes some of the products I have mentioned above. It includes 'that gal' brightening face primer; 'erase paste' brightening camouflage; 'boi-ing' industrial strenght concealer (??); 'lemon aid' eyelid primer; and last but not least ( and certainly my favorite) EYE BRIGHT! Does this sound like a cool kit? Well, I think i've just convinced my self to buy and try it LOL I'll keep you posted!
PS: Remember I love recommendations for new products!!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Eye Brighteners
So you know those circles under your eyes that people talk of? Well, I never believed circles were considered 'bags under the eyes' or vice versa BUT the truth is that we all look tired sometimes... whether you are 22 or 82!
For various reasons we all suffer from some sort of dullness under the eyes....lack of sleep, stress, hangovers or heartaches. Sometimes mild, sometimes not.
Well whatever the issue is, don't worry about it because I will introduce you to the end-all, clear-all eye brightener and you will LOVE it!
The product(s) I am referring to is Benefit's 'EYE BRIGHT STICK' & 'OOH LA LIFT'. This is by far the absolute best and most wonderful product Benefit carries ( and I've used a lot of their products) BUT you must use this product-duo TOGETHER!! Otherwise, it just doesn't work. I even introduced it to my mother (who is in her 50's). She was hooked instantly and introduced it to all of her friends.
First, take the eye bright stick and start right under the brow line and around the bottom lid (don't worry about being messy, it will all blend perfect) Use the brightening stick to create a zebra/whisker look around the eyes.
THEN, use the 'OOH LA Lift' with just a dab at the top and bottom area of the eye. Rub in a circular motion to blend the thick cream stick with the liquid pump and you'll find yourself looking AMAZING & VERY BRIGHT!
Now remember this product(s) works as it's supposed to-you should NOT apply after you have applied a full set of face or eye makeup. You should use these products AFTER face primer, concealer, foundation or powder foundation BUT before bronzer, blush, eye primer, eye base, eye shadows etc.
OK?
Now, for my inside secret--I just started using the Sephora's eye bright stick and it works just as great as Benefit's 'Eye Bright'.
Also, remember the key is the stick! If you have the stick you can really use it with other various products that are similar to 'Oh La Lift' such as, Smashbox's Photo OP, Benefit's High Beam, Hollywood Glow etc...
It's all about the stick and the liquid brightener! Believe me, you'll see magic :-P
For various reasons we all suffer from some sort of dullness under the eyes....lack of sleep, stress, hangovers or heartaches. Sometimes mild, sometimes not.
Well whatever the issue is, don't worry about it because I will introduce you to the end-all, clear-all eye brightener and you will LOVE it!
The product(s) I am referring to is Benefit's 'EYE BRIGHT STICK' & 'OOH LA LIFT'. This is by far the absolute best and most wonderful product Benefit carries ( and I've used a lot of their products) BUT you must use this product-duo TOGETHER!! Otherwise, it just doesn't work. I even introduced it to my mother (who is in her 50's). She was hooked instantly and introduced it to all of her friends.
First, take the eye bright stick and start right under the brow line and around the bottom lid (don't worry about being messy, it will all blend perfect) Use the brightening stick to create a zebra/whisker look around the eyes.
THEN, use the 'OOH LA Lift' with just a dab at the top and bottom area of the eye. Rub in a circular motion to blend the thick cream stick with the liquid pump and you'll find yourself looking AMAZING & VERY BRIGHT!
Now remember this product(s) works as it's supposed to-you should NOT apply after you have applied a full set of face or eye makeup. You should use these products AFTER face primer, concealer, foundation or powder foundation BUT before bronzer, blush, eye primer, eye base, eye shadows etc.
OK?
Now, for my inside secret--I just started using the Sephora's eye bright stick and it works just as great as Benefit's 'Eye Bright'.
Also, remember the key is the stick! If you have the stick you can really use it with other various products that are similar to 'Oh La Lift' such as, Smashbox's Photo OP, Benefit's High Beam, Hollywood Glow etc...
It's all about the stick and the liquid brightener! Believe me, you'll see magic :-P
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Hair Serums, Oils and Finishing Sprays
I'm my Hairstylist's worst nightmare folks!
WHY....?
I take great pride in taking care my hair and I'm a Nazi about maintaining it's healthy appearance. But when you have a horse's mane like I do (extremely thick, long blond hair that's semi-wavy & semi-frizzy when towel dried and that takes 1hr blow-dry & 30min to flat iron) it's not always easy to do!
I HATE the stiff, hair-sprayed, greasy look and I would much rather have it feeling clean or looking frizzy than not being able to run my fingers through it!
That said, I've used many different products for before & after I blow dry or flat Iron so I can keep the frizz and fly-aways under control while leaving my hair looking healthy & shiny (WITHOUT the greasy/stiff feeling)! These will work for ALL hair types (fine,thin, course, short, long etc...) Just be smart about how much you use :-P
Listed below are a few serums/oils/finishing sprays I would recommend...
AGADIR ARGAN MOROCCAN OIL HAIR TREATMENT---The newest and BEST PRODUCT ON THE MARKET RIGHT NOW!!! This product is so amazing and I've told many friends and family about this hidden secret and they LOVE me for it. This product is a dry oil that instantly moisturizes, shines, corrects frizzies, conditions and acts as a humidity resistant. It does not make your hair greasy but leaves it extremely soft, silky and shiny. It ALSO makes your hair grow and makes it stronger for anti-breakage purposes. Used best in damp hair before blow drying but you can also use it after you flat-iron as a finishing serum. I prefer to use it when my hair is wet. You do not have to use a lot and it last forever. There are two types of Moroccan oil products out there but remember you want the brown bottle with the gold label and cap NOT the blue cap brand-this has been know to dye your hair! This Agadir Argan Oil is expensive ($40 4oz) but TRUST me it's well worth it for many reasons.
REDKIN VINYL GLAM---One of my favorites for shine/gloss! I use it after flat-ironing and when I am ready to go out the door. I spray a light mist all over for a light non-greasy shiny finished look. You'll love this product because there is nothing better on the market as far as non-greasy shine spray! They also have a generic form of this product under the Loreal brand at CVS/Target/ Walgreen's for less money $$. I prefer the Redkin brand myself but this works great too.
CHI SILK INFUSION--- This product is the better alternative to BioSilk-it feels lighter and less oily. and works great for after flat-ironing. You only need a small amount.
PAUL MITCHELL HEAT SEAL--- I love this product and prefer it to all it's competetors. This is a multi-purpose humidity resistant, heat activating styling spray. It can be used to protect against blow-dryers, irons and tongs and works best with damp hair. I prefer this heat-protector over the CHI Iron Guard (see below) because I believe it's better for your hair if you apply these products to damp rather than dry hair. I also believe that applying heat resistant products directly to your hair right before flat ironing does more damage. It works for me!
CHI IRON GUARD---- I use this product for protecting against the flat-iron only when I have to. I use a light mist all over right before I flat iron. I don't use this on a regular basis but when I feel my hair is under a lot of heat that week/month OR when I am flat ironing after my hair has been in a messy bun or after it's been curled and hair sprayed. Like I said before, I use this scarcely because I believe that applying heat resistant products directly to your hair right before flat ironing does more damage than most are aware of.
Remember, I've listed just a few of my favorite products for serums/oils etc. BUT these are ASIDE from my anti-breakage secrets I plan to share with you later-You'll have to stay tuned to hear about these favorites and tips!
Like I said, I have only listed a few so please feel free to reach out If there are any questions about a product not listed above :-) I can't imagine anyone ( that's not a professional stylist) who has used or experienced as many different hair products as I have. And just because I may have different hair or texture than others AND despite the fact that everyone is looking for something different doesn't really matter..serums are serums, oils are oils. The category is static, right?
But please don't by shy to comment back!!! I'd love the feedback
WHY....?
I take great pride in taking care my hair and I'm a Nazi about maintaining it's healthy appearance. But when you have a horse's mane like I do (extremely thick, long blond hair that's semi-wavy & semi-frizzy when towel dried and that takes 1hr blow-dry & 30min to flat iron) it's not always easy to do!
I HATE the stiff, hair-sprayed, greasy look and I would much rather have it feeling clean or looking frizzy than not being able to run my fingers through it!
That said, I've used many different products for before & after I blow dry or flat Iron so I can keep the frizz and fly-aways under control while leaving my hair looking healthy & shiny (WITHOUT the greasy/stiff feeling)! These will work for ALL hair types (fine,thin, course, short, long etc...) Just be smart about how much you use :-P
Listed below are a few serums/oils/finishing sprays I would recommend...
AGADIR ARGAN MOROCCAN OIL HAIR TREATMENT---The newest and BEST PRODUCT ON THE MARKET RIGHT NOW!!! This product is so amazing and I've told many friends and family about this hidden secret and they LOVE me for it. This product is a dry oil that instantly moisturizes, shines, corrects frizzies, conditions and acts as a humidity resistant. It does not make your hair greasy but leaves it extremely soft, silky and shiny. It ALSO makes your hair grow and makes it stronger for anti-breakage purposes. Used best in damp hair before blow drying but you can also use it after you flat-iron as a finishing serum. I prefer to use it when my hair is wet. You do not have to use a lot and it last forever. There are two types of Moroccan oil products out there but remember you want the brown bottle with the gold label and cap NOT the blue cap brand-this has been know to dye your hair! This Agadir Argan Oil is expensive ($40 4oz) but TRUST me it's well worth it for many reasons.
REDKIN VINYL GLAM---One of my favorites for shine/gloss! I use it after flat-ironing and when I am ready to go out the door. I spray a light mist all over for a light non-greasy shiny finished look. You'll love this product because there is nothing better on the market as far as non-greasy shine spray! They also have a generic form of this product under the Loreal brand at CVS/Target/ Walgreen's for less money $$. I prefer the Redkin brand myself but this works great too.
CHI SILK INFUSION--- This product is the better alternative to BioSilk-it feels lighter and less oily. and works great for after flat-ironing. You only need a small amount.
PAUL MITCHELL HEAT SEAL--- I love this product and prefer it to all it's competetors. This is a multi-purpose humidity resistant, heat activating styling spray. It can be used to protect against blow-dryers, irons and tongs and works best with damp hair. I prefer this heat-protector over the CHI Iron Guard (see below) because I believe it's better for your hair if you apply these products to damp rather than dry hair. I also believe that applying heat resistant products directly to your hair right before flat ironing does more damage. It works for me!
CHI IRON GUARD---- I use this product for protecting against the flat-iron only when I have to. I use a light mist all over right before I flat iron. I don't use this on a regular basis but when I feel my hair is under a lot of heat that week/month OR when I am flat ironing after my hair has been in a messy bun or after it's been curled and hair sprayed. Like I said before, I use this scarcely because I believe that applying heat resistant products directly to your hair right before flat ironing does more damage than most are aware of.
Remember, I've listed just a few of my favorite products for serums/oils etc. BUT these are ASIDE from my anti-breakage secrets I plan to share with you later-You'll have to stay tuned to hear about these favorites and tips!
Like I said, I have only listed a few so please feel free to reach out If there are any questions about a product not listed above :-) I can't imagine anyone ( that's not a professional stylist) who has used or experienced as many different hair products as I have. And just because I may have different hair or texture than others AND despite the fact that everyone is looking for something different doesn't really matter..serums are serums, oils are oils. The category is static, right?
But please don't by shy to comment back!!! I'd love the feedback
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