5 Summer Essentials

Okay guys, yes...I know...I haven't posted but it's because of a LOT of different things going on and I had to kinda take care of that and give my attention to those.

BUT, tomorrow is the first day of summer! Which MEANS new summer looks, and pool bags, and days on the beach (for you lucky ones).

I, however, live in Central Texas where it's hot ALL the time so some of the tips that come to mind apply basically year round. But I digress.
The following is a list of my 5 essential tips on skincare and makeup for summer time. =]

1- This may sound odd...but it's my #1 rule for a reason, wear sunscreen! I believe you should wear sunscreen daily and year-round but it's a MUST in the summer. This is the time of the year when the sun is closest, days are hotter and longer. It means that your exposure to the sun is that much more direct and longer than other seasons. As well as using my body sunscreen I wear a sunscreen special for my face underneath my moisturizer after washing my face, Mary Kay Day Solution is my favorite by FAR! It's more water based and only has that sunscreen scent right when you apply it. It dries quickly but isn't drying.

2-Stay hydrated. Another one that sounds obvious...but it's just because it's important. The kind of contact between your skin and the sun means it's also drying you out. This causes you to be dehydrated, as well as damaging your skin. (Sun burns can be prevented by sunblock but ALSO staying hydrated...doing this also helps you tan.)

3- Wear foundation, BB cream, CC cream, or tinted moisturizer with an SPF! Along with my face sunscreen I always wear a "face base" with SPF, this doesn't always look good in photos. When I know photos will be taken I just make sure to use my face sunscreen under all my makeup and I'm fine.

4- For all of you who have oily skin, you probably already know this part...but dry ones you listen up. I have normal to dry skin and summer is summer. It's the only time of year I actually need to carry blotting papers in my purse. I prefer not to add powder on and off all day. I'd rather just remove the oil and keep my makeup look the same throughout the day.

5- Keep your eyes out for waterproof eye makeup. Pick the things that work best for you. I am super uncomfortable going to the pool or beach with a 100% naked face...I just can't do it because my entire face looks white with red splotches and I just can't stand it. My favorite pool look is Revlon's Photoready BB cream, Rimmel Scandaleyes eyeliner, CoverGirl's clump crusher mascara in black brown, Sonia Kashuk cream blush in Rosey, and a tinted lip balm (which varies on the day).

Fun things about waterproof makeup-
Mascara- Waterproof formulas not only should withstand swimming/crying/sweating but also hold your lash curl better than normal formulas.
Eye liner- Look for waterproof and smudge proof liners that are still smooth to apply. This will keep the liner on your lid as well as your waterline and shouldn't smudge AND wont tug and pull on your eyelids; which helps to eliminate agitation through application as well as all day.

I Think I Have a Serious Problem...

Last night, I took a last minute babysitting job and got paid in cash. Now, don't get me wrong, I like cash...buuut, I have a tendency to allow it to burn holes in my pockets. This morning I spent over half of what I earned at H-E-B in the cosmetics section.  Mostly on things that were suggested to me and a few that were on sale for super cheap. Here's a list of some things I got, who suggested them, and such things...

Revlon Photoready bronzer in 100 "Bronzed and Chic"- heard about this from Amarixe (you can find her through that name on YouTube)
Neutrogena Healthy Skin foundation in 10 "Classic Ivory"- also from Amarixe (she said it was a dupe for NARS sheer glow foundation...a foundation I'd love to try but can't afford)
NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in LG129 "Beige"- from missglamorazzi and pixi2woo (both can also be found through their names on YouTube)
Maybelline Baby Lips in 10 "Peppermint"- I just got this because I love this line and wanted a mint one... =]
Maybelline Lipstick in 825 "Fruit Punch"- Super sale, gorgeous color...why not?
L'oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream in 810 "Fair"- I'm getting ready to do a line of videos on drugstore brands and which is best...be ready. =]

If you'd like to suggest or even send me products to try out and review let me know and I'll get in touch with you.

Yes, I may have a MINOR makeup obsession...but it has to be one of my favorites. =] That and Maximus, can't forget him. =]

^^^ That's Maximus as a puppy!!! He's bigger...but, LOVE THE ADORABLENESS!!! ^^^

Natural Blonde...trial and error

Hey guys!

In the span of 3 years, my hair has gone through various changes; style, color, cut...

Long naturally blonde...
...box dyed dark brown (nearly black)...
......growing out back to natural, add highlights to lessen the dramatic change from blonde to dark brown and cut to a bob...
...continue to grow out...add more highlights...
......home dye blue for Halloween...(I was Coraline)...
...go to the salon cut off all the dark brown to a nice pixie cut...
..........wash out all the blue dye....
...grow out natural, healthy, blonde hair...
...red at the salon with my most favorite hair dresser! Very patriotic for the Fourth of July...
now...it was a little deep and brownish for me...I wanted a more orangey "ginger" look because it would look most natural with my skin type, however...dye generally washes out and fades so I got dark brown red and it washed out the way I liked...but I had hair I wasn't as happy with for a good 2-3 weeks...time to try something else.

In the mindset of keeping my hair healthy and knowing the chemicals used when you get your hair colored or use a home dye...well they aren't great for your hair.

TO LUSH!!!

Lush is a handmade soap and cosmetics store. They use more natural ingredients and less preservatives. They have a range of natural dyes red, chestnut, brown, and black. I use red for the bright orange I want. I have never been happier with my hair. It lasts longer and only washes out the first 2-3 washes. I saw my hairdresser when picking up my little brother from getting his hair cut and we got talking about my color since it's obviously been kept up, but I haven't seen her in a few months. Even SHE loved the color and said I could come to her just for trims and highlights. It's about 25$ for a brick of dye from Lush and one brick lasts 3 dyes...MUCH cheaper than going to the salon every time you need to get your roots done AND it's better for your hair. All around win!

However...it's messy and fairly difficult to do by yourself. I just make sure to lay down newspapers or "car towels" and I make sure to wear a tank I dont mind ruining as well as work out shorts.

Best of luck to you all in trying new colors!!! Send me pictures! I'd love to see how colors turn out with you all!!!

Show Some Skin

I have been majorly blessed with some great skin. But, even when you naturally have good anything, be it hair, skin, nails, or talents like music or machines...you have to take care of it.

I have used the same brand of face wash and moisturizer since I was 11. Mary Kay has been my brand my whole life. Like my dad says, "If it works, don't change it." Throughout high school I rarely had any breakouts, maybe one little spot a month...maybe.

In the Mary Kay brand there are a few different kinds of cleansers.
Timewise is made with age fighting in the cleanser.
Botanicals is made without synthetic dyes or perfumes for sensitive skin.
Velocity is made for teenaged skin generally oilyer and more prone to blemishes.
MKMen is made for the guys; generally drier skin and sensitive due to constant shaving.

I tried Timewise which has 2 different formulas. Combination to Oily and Normal to Dry. Normal to Dry made my skin MORE oily and Combination to Oily just dried out my skin causing me to break out more.

Botanicals is new. It comes in 3 formulas (which I prefer over the Timewise 2) Oily, Normal, and Dry. This is great for me. I never considered my skin to be "sensitive" but using the wrong cleanser definitely takes its toll on my face.

Velocity, definitely worked for me. However, after using the Botanicals I will definitely have it as my back up.

MKMen...I don't use it but all the men in my life do and not a blemish is in sight! =]

If you don't wash your face...you need to. AND please moisturize. If your skin has a tendency to be on the oily side, it will help prevent it getting worse. If you have dry skin...you probably don't need convincing. =]

An End to an Extended Hiatus

Between my personal blog, various events, family things, I'm coming back.

Now, I have no idea what to do...but I'm gonna make a list. (Lists are my favorite things after all.) I have a ton of ideas...but no clue where to start. I talked before about nails and such...maybe my next post will be on skincare?