Late Nights and the eyes that show it

Oh hey friendalonies!

This weekend I'm working at the MacKenzie Childs Barn Sale with my good ole roomie.

This Barn Sale is no joke.

It's filled with 15 hour days, crazay women looking for some clearanced homegoods, blisters on your feet, and lack of sleep!

Good thing I just discovered Benefit's Stay Put Set on an impulse buy at Sephora.

This handy dandy kit includes an eyelid primer, concealer, and luminescent eyeshadow.

Life. Saver. For undereye circles.

Before (aka sans all makeup): A slight terror

After (aka the concealer under my eyes, primer and shadow on my lids): Not so much of a terror!

I really like the luminosity of the soft pearl colored shadow, the creamy consistency of the concealer, and the primer passes the crease test!

Good things:

-My hair is getting long!  It looked like this when I first posted a how to!:

-Secondly!  I'm going to Virginia to visit friends in a few weeks!

-Thirdly, I love you guys.

Ole Ole Ole!

Everyone with me!

Ole, ole ole ole!

Oleeeee, Oleeeee!

Actually, this skin care line is pronounce OOOOOUUU LAH (or at least that's what Sarah at Sephora told me).

Presenting the maker of my newest favorite serum, Ole Henrikson!

I mean how can you not fall in love with a man who can pull off that shirt?

Ole began his fascination with natural skincare when he saw the benefits it gave him as a young man, and has now developed his own skincare line that is all natural and cruelty free (thanks Ole!).

Because I have rosacea, acne scars, and hyper pigmented skin under my eyes, (aka my under eye circles are REDICULOUS) I decided to give Ole Henrikson's Enlighten Me Serum a try.

I've been using it for about 3 weeks now and have absolutely noticed a difference in the redness of my skin.  No avail on the under eye circles yet, they are just so darn stubborn!

In other news, I think I am hitting part 2 of the quarter life crisis.  And I thought I was in the clear a few months ago!

If you have any inspirational videos, feel free to send them my way!

OLE, OLEEE!

The Wedding!

Hey everyone!

Long time no write, eh?

My apologies kiddos.

So, this past weekend I went to Savannah for Emma's wedding.

Where the people pronounce Savannah SUH VAN UH.

When we arrived in Georgia, at oh 2 in the morning, Emma casually informed me that I would be doing her makeup for the wedding.
WHAT?! I thought that being in charge of the makeup had just meant the bridesmaids (I mean obviously I was flattered yet terrified.)
The bride?
Wants me to do her makeup?
To work on the canvas that is her face when she walks down the aisle?
The face she presents when first pronounced as wife?
The face that will be in pictures for all eternity (Maybe she will have kids that will point out the shade between her face and neck is different?!)


Needless to say, it was my most monumental makeup feat to date. I know Emma doesn't normally wear makeup, so I didn't want to stray too far from her comfort zone. But I also wanted to make her feel like the bride and have a little pizzaz, so I focused on fresh skin and neutrals on the eyes and lips.

I used:

Tools


-Tarte eyelash curler

- A variation of Sonia Kashuk and Eco Tools Brushes

Face


- Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

-Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder

-Make up for ever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette

-Physician's Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Peach

-Bare Minerals All Over Face Color in Faux Tan

-Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil

-Benefit High Beam

-Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Eyes


-Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Eyeliner in Espresso

-The eyeshadows in Sonia Kashuk's Spring Awakenings Face Palette

-Revlon Grow Luscious Waterproof Mascara

Lips


-Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Demure

-Ole Henrikson Fresh Lips

I did my second mother's (aka mother of the bride, also mobster- Mother Of Bride- get it?!) makeup as well; and she special requested a makeup list of what I used on her from from the big day, so here it is!

Face

-The brushes and eyelash curlers as mentioned above that I cleaned with Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner in between uses.

-Smashbox Photofinish Primer

-Bare Minerals Matte Foundation in Medium

-Physician's Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in Blushing Peach

-Bare Minerals All Over Face Color in Faux Tan

-Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil

-Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum

-Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray

Eyes

-Revlon Grow Luscious Waterproof Mascara

-Maybelline Unstoppable Waterproof Eyeliner in espresso

-The darkest, rectangular shadow in Sonia Kashuk's Spring Awakenings Face Palette

Lips

-Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Prized Peach 065

And now!  Pictures from the festivities!

{disclaimer: I am not naturally this tan. My Tan Towel skepticism proved to be wrong! The color it gives is great!}

 Bachelorette Party Dinner at the Melting Pot

Rehearsal Dinner

 Wedding Day!

Where we got ready.

!!!

Love looks good on these two!  Congratulations to them on finding what makes life's journey worthwhile. I miss everyone so much already.

And I hope you lovely readers have a fantastical July 4th weekend.

Go make shapes in the dark sky with sparklers, it's fun.

I couldda beena contendah

Job interviews are always a little nerve wracking.

It's hard enough to try and avoid saying 'like' every other word, dodge the awkward handshake (how do you look them in the eyes and go for the hand at the same time I ask you), and successfully execute the whole eye contact thing (it's really awkward to look someone in the eye for 30 minutes straight.  It almost becomes a subconscious staring contest).

And as for the makeup.

That part shouldn't be stressful.

Worry more about keeping your hands clam free!

And now, some tips!

If you are interviewing for a job that involves very conservative dress (i.e. a suit or something to that effect), then stick with a very neutral makeup palette. A makeup look that doesn't detract from the overall conservatism of the job appearance but still allows for some polish is your best bet.  Covering up trouble areas with concealer/powder, some mascara (don't forget the eyelash curler!), a touch of blush and some neutral gloss/balm is all you need to land that job, smexi lady.

The Little Black Dress of Makeup

If you are interviewing for a job where you're iffy on how much is too much, but you know the atmosphere is more relaxed and the dress in the work place can be a little more creative, then stick with a palette of neutrals with a little pop of color either in the eyes, cheeks or lips.  This will show your interviewer that you have a little special sauce, and if they wanna see more where that came from, they've gotta hire you!

I wore shades of neutral tawnies and browns and a lilac lip to kick it up a notch. 

If you are interviewing for a job where creativity is welcomed like a college kid welcomes free food, then this is your time to shine with a bold makeup look.  However, keep in mind that you are seeking a job, not looking to getcho grind on at a club, so use discretion.  I think a red lip or a bronze eye would be a tasteful way of showing creativity and self expression through your appearance, but not detracting from your bombass interview.

So to all you job interviewees out there.

Good luck, be yourself, and most importantly, don't trip over your own feet.

When bad makeup happens to good people.

"I should probably throw this out huh?"says one friend of her crusty, smelly mascara.


"Hmm, don't remember ever buying this," says another as she swipes on her blush.


Makeup, just like any other perishable item, has an expiration date.  As I express this to my friends, they tell me surely this can't be!
"But I've been wearing this powder since eighth grade!"


Although I am slightly disturbed by these comments (but really, eighth grade?!), it has inspired me to talk to you all about the shelf life of makeup.

It's not until it runs out, mom (who still owns the lipstick she wore on her wedding day over 24 years ago).




Good practices to use with makeup application:


-Clean Brushes.  Since most products can be used in direct contact with a brush, it is important to the shelf life of makeup to keep the contamination to a minimum.


I love this daily cleaner from Sephora:

Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner


Once every few weeks, I clean my makeup brushes with mild soap and lukewarm water and let them dry overnight.


-Do not leave the makeup containers open longer than necessary. The more you expose them to the air, the faster they will expire.


-Don't getcho fingers in your cosmetics! They have lots of oils that break down makeup.


With that being said...here are some guidelines of long to keep your makeup:

Make up for ever hd invisible cover foundation


Liquid/Cream Foundation:
8 months

Nars Concealer


Concealer:
10 months

Sephora Mineral Loose Powder Foundation


Powder:
1.5 years

Buxom Lash Mascara Special Effects Blue Noir


Mascara:
3 months

YSL Rouge Pur Couture


Lipgloss/Lipstick:
1.5 years

Hello Kitty Kharmmy Kohl eyeliner kit


Eye/Lip Pencils:
If sharpened regularly, can be used until they run out

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure


Nail Polish:
2 years

Tarte Natural Beauty Cheek Stain


Blush:
 1 year




When ya know it's time to throw:

- Liquids are separating a la italian dressing before it is shaken up.

- Pencil tips are coated white or grey

- It's goopy, clumpy or the consistency has changed

- It smells bad

- The color has changed




Now go inspect your makeup bag e'erybody!






Happy Friday!  Sorry I've been such a slacker on here lately.  I've been a little sickie-but bouncin back!


Don't Call it a Comeback-I've been here for years!
Wait what?
Okay...on that note,goodnight.

Zits.

No one likes zits or mosquitoes.


This is not a generalization.  This is a fact of life.


And since my face seems to be a harboring quite a few lately, I'm giving these zits the satisfaction they want and providing them with a shout out here on the blog.  I guess they just get jealous that I give too much attention to the eyelashes or something.


Heregoes some info about zits and acne, with the intent that it will be helpful to those who constantly poke and prod at their face in hopes that alone will make them go away. 

Types of Acne:




Whiteheads- When the pores of your skin collect oil/sebum (which is a natural oil), you get whiteheads.  These clog your skin follicles and become lesions that are unexposed to air. Awesome.

Blackheads- When a follicle in your skin becomes clogged due to your body's overproduction of oil, a blackhead appears.  wah wah wah.

Papules- Are those awful, firm, pink bumps that are super painful and impossible to "express" as the derms call it because they don't contain any puss!  Ugh you can't even get a satisfying pop out of them. My friend Cara's worst enemy is the papule-she likes to pop zits a lot. Anywho...

Pustules- A reddish area caused by a reaction of the skin from free fatty acids with a whitish or yellow center composed of puss. 

Nodules and Cysts-  Nodules appear on large parts of your body and are vicious! They reside deep in the skin for months/years and are really mean to you.  Cysts also like to hang out beneath the skin.  They are typically inflamed blackheads or whiteheads that spill out into other pores, and as your bodies defense system produces puss as a reaction, you begin to hate them more and more.

All this info was found on acne.com by the way...I'm no where near well informed enough to make these assertions on my own.




Here are some of the most common ingredients in acne medication...I figured it would just be easier to copy this from 10acne.com then to try to explain this myself.

1. ISOTRETINOIN

This ingredient can reduce oil or sebum production, soothes the inflammation in the form of pimples, pustules and cysts and can also help unblock the clogging of pores. However, use of this product can also result to side effects such as dryness and scaling of the skin, particularly on the lips.

2. ALCOHOL AND ACETONE

This is a mainstay ingredient in cleansers as well as astringents. They are effective in removing dirt and oils from the skin. They can cause stinging or a burning sensation on the skin. Some dermatologists would advise against using these products on your face if you have severe acne, however, it can prevent the increase of break-outs if you use it regularly at the onset of acne.

3. SALICYLIC ACID

This ingredient aims to dissolve comedones or whiteheads through the removal of dead cells inside the hair follicles. This in turn prevents the pores from being clogged allowing oil or sebum to pass through unimpeded. It has the effect of stinging and in the first few days of use, it can cause mild redness. Some products have a maximum of 2 percent salicylic acid in their preparation. However, for some people, a stronger mixture can be prepared depending on your skin’s needs.

4. BENZOYL PEROXIDE

This is considered the most active ingredient in acne treatment. It is basically an anti-bacterial ingredient that helps remove bacteria in the follicles. It also has the effect of dissolving comedones which is an early sign of acne. Some products have Benzoyl peroxide ingredient from 2.5 to 10% worth. Again, it depends on the severity of your acne. This is recommended for early onset acne and for prevention. Side effects would include dryness and scaling in some and redness and swelling in others.

5. SULFUR

This is rarely used alone as a product. This is actually included in acne products as an additional help to reduce acne. They remove dead skin cells and excess oil. A keratolytic preparation has drying effects on the skin. It can also cause soreness, especially at the start of the treatment. If this persists, it is advised that use of the product be discontinued until the side effects subside. A change to a lower dosage can also help.

6. ANTIBIOTICS

Some acne treatment products have antibiotics in them to help kill bacteria and prevent the spread of acne. Some doctors also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent scarring. Antibiotics (such as tetracycline, tretinoin and sodium sulfacetamide) come in oral or as topical medication. They must be taken regularly and within the period prescribed. A more natural remedy is tea tree oil which also has antibacterial properties but is usually in topical form like oils, creams and gels.

Some Over the Counter Products That Fight Against Acne:

Proactiv- this skincare system uses benzoyl peroxide to help fight acne.  Speaking from personal experience, the whole process was too much for my skin, as mine is relatively sensitive.  But when I just used the cleanser and the green tea moisturizer, I definitely saw positive results.  I especially like to use it in the summer when my skin is more oily.


Find it: In those little Proactiv machines at the mall, online, infomercials.

Say Yes to Tomatoes- What I'm currently using.  The cleanser and moisturizer are quite affordable (about $10 and $15), and over 95% natural.  This system gains its acne fighting ability through the lycopene in it, which is responsible for giving tomatoes their color and also helps fight free radical damage and promote healthy skin cells.


Find it: Drugstores,online.

Philosophy- On a Clear Day Skin System.  Next on my list of facial products to try.  This salicylic acid based system seems worth trying, as I love basically anything else from Philosophy.  


Find It: Sephora, Online, the QVC channel (thanks for letting me know that one, mom)

Juice Beauty- My sister swears this natural skincare line saved her skin after she had a bout of craycray acne when she was studying abroad.  Her favorite things to use were the Green Apple Peel and the Blemish Clearing Serum.  And the line is all natural. PLUS!


Find It: Online, Sephora, Whole Foods.








What You Can Do In Your Beauty Regimen to Prevent Acne/Breakouts:




-Clean your makeup brushes on a regular basis.  After every use I spray my Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner onto my makeup brushes, and every few months I'll give them a rinse with some gentle soap and lukewarm water.


-Use Mineral-Based Makeup. Because it's good for your pores!  And won't promote nasty oil build up as much as traditional makeup will.  Maybelline, Physician's Formula, and Bare Escentuals all offer great mineral based products.


-Apply that SPF!  If your makeup or moisturizer doesn't already have SPF in it, apply sunblock for Pete sakes.  There are an ASTRONOMICAL amount of studies that say excessive exposure to sun is bad for the skin.  And when there's too much of mr. golden himself, the sun will dry out your skin, causing the next point...


-Don't over dry your skin. I know when I have a zit I feel like letting my skin dry out by not using moisturizer and way to much toner so I can be all, "hah!  Try to make a zit without any extra moisture!" And oh my skin proves me wrong.  When you deprive your skin of the moisture it needs (which may be more for some and less for others), it decides to have the last laugh and over produce oil on its own, giving you even more breakouts.

And one more note...

Stress and sleep deprivation cause eeet!ness on your skin (chemical stuff here in da body, people).  So, get some sleep like I should be doing and chalk up your latest procrastination act to "prevention measure against acne"




So, now that you've had your fifteen minutes of fame, you can go away now zits.