Not your Grandma's Avon

First, I'd like to apologize for my lack of blogging over the past couple of weeks.  I've been really busy, and on top of that, I've been trying to cut back on my makeup and hair spending, due to the fact that Christmas is just about a month away (yikes!). I do want to talk to you a little bit about some products I ordered from Avon a few weeks ago.  One of my fondest memories as a child is waiting anxiously for the 'Avon Lady', as they were called back then, to come visit my Grandma.  She would always give us little samples of blush and lipstick, and it just made my day :) Now for those of you who are thinking 'Isn't Avon for old ladies?', the answer is NO! Over the past few years, they've really transformed into a brand for everyone, from teenagers to senior citizens.  What I love so much about Avon is that it's so affordable, and it really is high quality makeup. For a brief time, my sister sold Avon, so I ordered something new just about every two weeks.  Rarely was I disappointed with anything I purchased.  Also, Avon is always running different promotions, so even as affordable as it is, you will more than likely get a discount on top of that!  If you can't find an Avon representative in your area, you can always order directly from Avon.com, which is what I did for my last purchase.  Be sure to check www.retailmenot.com before you order, as they may have a free shipping, or dollar amount off coupon code!  Here are the products I ordered most recently, and my thoughts on them. ..

Cream Shadow Brush ($2.99)
This brush is designed to apply cream shadow (which we'll discuss in a minute).  This brush can also be used to apply powder shadow, or shadow pigments. Overall, I like this brush a lot.  For under $3, it's a great staple to have in your brush collection. 

Eye Liner Brush ($2.99)
I can't stress to you how much I love this brush.  It has totally changed my gel eye liner game!  I had been using my E.l.f angled liner brush, and while I liked it, I just felt that I wasn't able to have as much control as I would like when doing a wing.  So, I took a chance and ordered this brush, and I'm so glad I did. If you're looking for a new liner brush, don't look any further, because this one is perfect!

Cream Eyeshadow:  I bought these eyeshadows mostly for the purpose of using them as 'base' for my powder shadows. In case you're wondering what a 'base' is, it's a product that you apply to your eyelids before your powder shadow, which stops your shadow from creasing after a long day, or if you're a person who struggles with oily eyelids.  MAC cosmetics sells something called a 'paint pot', which is very similar, only they sell for $20, as compared to the $5 I paid for each of these.  While I do use eye primer most of the time, I was finding that my shadow was still creasing.  Since I've been using these under my powder shadows, I have had NO creasing. None, whatsoever.  These go on very creamy, but dry almost instantly into a powder like texture.   These could be worn alone, but with the two shades I purchased, I've noticed they go on rather sheer, so don't expect a lot of color payoff. I bought the aforementioned cream shadow brush with the intentions of using it for these shadows, but after experimenting, I find that these apply much smoother with the fingers, because the heat from our skin melts the product just enough to make it blendable.  Overall, I think these are fantastic, and I'm planning to order more!

 

Cream eyeshadow in 'Pebble Stone' ($5)  I bought this shade because it was the closest to the color of skin.  It does have a tiny bit of iridescent shimmer, but underneath my powder shadows, you can't tell at all. If you're planning to use this strictly as an eye primer, this is the shade to go with.

Cream Eyeshadow in 'Sparkling plum' ($5)  I bought this plum shade because I have really been loving smoked out purple eye looks lately.  Putting this on the lids before applying another purple shade over it will really make your powder shadow appear darker and more pigmented.  I have worn this alone, on a day where I wanted a minimal makeup look.  It gives a bit of a lilac hue, but nothing over the top. 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a beautiful day!

Fall fashion I'm loving + my favorite places to bargain shop

If there's one thing I love EVEN more than hair and makeup, it's clothes and shoes.  I've been a shopaholic since I can remember.  One of my most vivid memories is of desperately wanting a pair of 'MC Hammer pants', as I called them, for my fifth birthday.  To my surprise, Grandma Bonnie presented me with a pair of pink and black polka dot parachute pants, and at that moment, all the world was right.  Now, 23 years later, those hideous pants have started showing up in stores again (I've decided to skip that trend for now)! With the creation of Pinterest, we are now able to see how different women all over the world create outfits.  Now, when I'm shopping, I'll usually have an outfit I saw on Pinterest as my inspiration.  I will not go so far as to say that I'm 'cheap', but I am definitely thrifty!  After my years and years of research, I've figured out where I can find the best deals, and which stores fit my particular style the best. 

One thing I do want to share with those of you who have been living under a rock is 'Retail Me Not'.  For those of you who have never heard of it, it started out as a website, and is now also an App where you are able to enter the name of the store you're shopping at, and it will give you all of the In-store coupons, as well as coupon codes for online purchases.  If you're shopping in store, you can then simply hand your phone to the cashier, and they can scan the barcode right off your phone.  Isn't technology amazing?! Now of course there's no gaurantee that every store you shop in will offer coupons or discounts, but it's certainly worth trying! I truly can't remember the last time I paid full price for anything, unless I was shopping at Tj Maxx, but that doesn't really count, because their merchandise is already super affordable!

I thought I would post a couple pictures of outfits I'm inspired by for the fall, and then below, I'm going to share with you where I've found to be the most affordable places for recreating the looks.

I love how this outfit is a little bit 'rocker edgy', but still very comfortable. I love long tanktops!

This chunky sweater paired with a bold necklace and leggings makes casual look dressy.

Skinny jeans + booties+ scarf+leather jacket = perfection.

 

 

 

 My Favorite places to bargain shop

TJ Maxx: as I mentioned above, the clothing is already marked down to a fraction of what you'd pay for it in a department store.  I've even found items there that were being sold at Apricot Lane for almost double the price.  Yes, you do have to take the time to look through the racks, but when you find something you love for $12.99, it's totally worth the time and effort!  Almost all of my shirts and dresses come from TJ Maxx, and I get several wears out of them.  I've found that the quality of most everything I buy there is just as good as anywhere. Unfortunately, TJ Maxx doesn't offer online shopping just yet.

 

H&M: this is my favorite place to buy basics, like long tank tops, t shirts, and leggings. I will also buy the occasional sweater or jacket there.  One of my favorite things in my closet is my extra long tank top from H&M that I wear underneath sweaters when I'm wearing leggings. It was only $10, so I'm planning to go back and get a few different colors. H&M has a full website, ready to be shopped, and they frequently offer percentages off!

 

GoJane.com:  I discovered this website about five years ago, and have been buying almost all of my boots there ever since.  They also sell clothing, but shoes are what they're known for.  They have more boots than you ever imagined existed, and in fact, I'm waiting on a shipment any day now!  They also offer discount codes quite often, as well as free shipping over a certain dollar amount spent. Before you drop $80 for some riding boots at a department store, browse the website, because chances are you will find some very similar, for half the price.

 

Sassysteals.com:  I recently discovered this website through instagram, and I love it.  Basically, every day, there is a new 'steal', which might be a scarf, a necklace, a skirt, etc. They buy things in bulk, and then sell them at a discounted price. Most everything is under $15, and very on trend.  This would be a great website to Christmas shop for those accessory lovers in your life!

 

As always, thank you so much for stopping by my blog.  I hope you enjoyed my first fashion post. Have a beautiful day!  

 

 

I Heart False Lashes

There is nothing that makes me feel fancier than throwing on a pair of false lashes for a night out.  There's something about the way it enhances and opens up the eye that just makes you feel prettier instantly! For years, I would browse the false lash section of Walmart, and think to myself 'I wish I knew how to use those.'  I talked myself out of buying them many times, because I had decided that the only people who could possibly apply them were makeup artists and drag queens. After I became a YouTube beauty video addict, I decided it was time to put the fear aside and try them.  So, I bought several pairs of cheap lashes, like these from Elf.  I couldn't bare the thought of screwing up with a $4 pair of lashes. I also made sure to get a high quality lash glue.  I knew I needed glue that either dried clear, or dried black (to blend with my eyeliner).  I went with the glue that starts out white and eventually ends up clear.  My favorite glue is 'LashGrip' adhesive. This can be found pretty much anywhere lashes are sold. I get mine at Walmart. Once I felt like I was semi-good at applying the lashes, I started experimenting with different styles.  My favorite lashes are the ones that aren't too over the top, but are fuller and longer than my own.  Salon Perfect and Ardel are my two favorite brands, because they're very good quality, and are usually under $4.  'Demi Wispies' are great because they give that lifted, cat-eye effect, and gradually go from short (inner corner) to long (outer corner) to elongate the eye.  Another great way to start out in the false lash world is to buy lash accents, which are false lashes that only go on the outer half of your eye.  These give a great winged effect, without the fuss of placing them on the inner corner. 

So since it would be really difficult for me to explain, in detail, how I apply my lashes, I've attached a video of my favorite YouTube beauty guru, Jaclyn Hill, showing you how to apply them.  This is pretty much the exact way I go about applying my lashes.  She uses lashes that are much more expensive than the ones I use, but the basic application process is the same! I hope you enjoy, and I hope that you will all go out and grab a pair of falsies ;)

 

Jaclyn Hill: How to apply false lashes

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog.  Have a beautiful day!

 



Current favorites: hair and skin edition

Since my last few posts have been strictly makeup related, I thought I'd switch it up and talk to you abaout some of my recent favorite products for the hair and skin. Some of them may even be sitting in your kitchen as we speak...

Skin

1. Coconut Oil - I've been hearing people rave about Coconut oil on pinterest for a long time, so I finally decided to pick some up about a month ago. I bought mine from Walmart, and I paid around $8 for a pretty big jar.  Now most of the articles I read were saying what a great hair masque coconut oil is, but I found that I did not really like it for that purpose. I used it on my hair once, and found that it was really difficult getting it all to rinse out.  It left a bit of a film on my hair, and made it feel greasy.  However, what I do love it for is removing makeup, and as a body lotion.  I keep the jar in my shower, which helps it to stay somewhat soft.  When removing my makeup, I scoop out a small amount, rub it between my hands until it feels very slick and then massage it into my face.  It takes off every shred of makeup I have on, and leaves my skin feeling so soft.  Just like with using it in the hair, you really have to work to rinse it all off. Sometimes I leave some of it still on, just for added moisture.  I also love using it in place of lotion after I'm out of the shower.  It gives my skin so much moisture, and a little bit goes a long way.  For those of you who don't like scented lotions, or are very sensitive to smells, this would be great, because it has virtually no scent.  And after a month, I'm not even a quarter of the way through my jar, so you will definitely get your $8 worth!

2. Organic Sugar- I was watching a YouTube video a while back, and the person in the video said she exfoliated using organic sugar from the grocery store, because it was much cheaper than buying an actual 'skin exfoliater' . Even though I love to shop, I'm all about cutting costs where I can, so I thought that sounded like a great idea.  I went to Walmart and picked up a bag of organic sugar from the baking aisle, and $7 later, I'm glad I did.  Not only is the bag cheap, it's quite large, and does just as good of a job as the $15 products I've purchased in the past.  I usually put a small amount in a cup, and then take that into the shower on nights when I know I'm going to exfoliate. I grab a handfull, and just rub it into my skin until I feel like it's done it's job.  If you're someone who does a lot of spray tanning, or self tanning, exfoliating is a must, in order to prep the skin, and also when you are trying to remove the leftover spray tan after it's faded.  So next time you're thinking about buying an expensive scrub, try plain 'ol organic sugar first!

3. Fake Bake Flawless Self Tanning Liquid- Since we're on the topic of tanning, I had to mention this product.  I bought this about two weeks ago, and I was instantly impressed.  I'm not normally one to self tan, because in my high school days, I had some very bad experiences with it.  Let me just say, this is not the streaky lotion from the olden days!  This comes with a bottle with a spray pump, rubber gloves, and a buffing mit.  I think the mit is what really makes this product great.  The mit makes it so that the tanning solution is buffed in completely, leaving behind no globs, or streaks.  Also, layering the rubber gloves under the mit make sure that there will be no orange hands when you're all done.  This product would be great for those of you who spray tan often, but feel you need something to extend the life of your tan, or for those of you who prefer not to spray tan, and just want something to give you some color.  The process is simple; you spray a few pumps in the area you're working on, gently buff it in with the mit, and wait a few minutes for it to dry.  Just like spray tanning, though, you need to wait at least six hours before showering.  This gives the solution time to really absorb into the skin.  If you get wet, sweat, or rub against something, it will run or transfer, so I find that doing it right before bed is the best.  The one downside to this is that it's very hard to get your own back, so maybe ask a friend, relative, husband, etc. to help you apply it :)  This sells for around $20, and will give you several full body applications.





 

 

4. Philisophy Purity One Step Facial cleanser:  This is a product I've had a sample of for months, and never thought about using it, because my skin is so dry.  I had myself convinced that a cleanser for 'normal' skin would definitely be too harsh for me.  Turns out, I was wrong.  I have found myself using this every night before bed, because I love how clean it makes my face feel.  This cleanser is gentle, yet very effective at removing any dirt, makeup, or impurities. If you're on the dry side, this will definitely make you feel like you need moisturizer ASAP, but not so tight that it feels like your face is burning.  It's also gentle enough to be used around the eye area.  It takes off nearly all of my eye makeup, and Lord knows I like to layer that on!  Philosophy products are a bit pricey, but the bottle is huge, and it will last for several months. A full size bottle retails for $22.  My tiny little sample bottle has given me at least ten washes already, and it's just now half gone.  A little goes a long way, which I like.

 

Hair

 

Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal with Argan Oil:  That name is a bit of a mouthful, huh?  I truly can't say enough about this product.  It has changed my life, both as a stylist, and a person with hair ;)  The product's description is as follows:  'Adds instant shine and protection, controls frizz, boosts moisture, increases elasticity, helps smooth hair, protects against environmental damage.'  It also claims to reduce drying time, and in my experience, it does.  I've been using this on almost every client with long hair, thick hair, curly hair, dry hair, damaged hair, etc.  It not only adds a protective barrier for heat, it also helps detangle the hair almost instantly.  The smell is phenomenal, and I will go so far as to say I think it blows Moroccan Oil out of the water (not to mention its much less expensive).  I have very coarse, dry hair, and I like to put about a nickel size amount through my wet hair.  The softness and shine it adds is amazing!  Don't let the picture below confuse you, the bottle is normally turquoise and brown.  This is a limited edition breast cancer pink bottle.  This sells for around $16.

 

 

I hope you've enjoyed reading about some of my favorite things, and I hope you'll give them a try!  Thanks again for stopping by my blog.  Have a beautiful day! 



 



Tarte Beauty Without Boundaries 8 piece collection Review

A couple weeks ago, I got an email from Tarte cosmetics letting me know that their new collection would be on QVC.  So, I did what any girl on a tight budget would do, and I put an alert on my phone so I could just "watch and not buy". Well, that lasted about thirty minutes, and then my shopping addiction took over. Needless to say, I've got eight new pieces to add to my makeup collection, and I'm here to tell you all about what I thought of them! I got the entire collection for approximately $60, which sounds like a lot, but when you factor in that the foundation brush alone is nearly $40, it's truly a great deal! As I have said before, Tarte is one of my favorite makeup brands.  Not only are their products high quality, they are paraben free, and cruelty free. Plus, I must say, they have some of the cutest packaging ever! Now let's get started...

BB tinted treatment 12-hour primer: This is the star of the show, as far as this collection goes.  While I think the name is confusing, due to the fact that it is referred to as a primer, I LOVE this product!  To me, it applies like a medium coverage foundation, just without the heaviness.  The texture is very light, and almost seems whipped. It blends very easily, and doesn't make my dry skin appear cakey.  I think this would be a fantastic option for those of you with oily skin, because it really gives a matte finish. I give this product a solid A!

 

Double Ended Bamboo brush:  This brush was designed specifically to apply the BB primer.  The flat top buffing brush blends the product in seamlessly, and the dome shaped end works on the areas underneath the eye, and around the nose. I love love love this brush! The fact that you basically get two brushes in one is awesome, but the soft bristles are what really makes this brush a winner! I give this one a A, also!

 

BB tinted under eye corrector: I'm sad to say it, but I really dislike this product.  First of all, my camera made this look much lighter in the picture than it actually is.  In person, it's much more yellow.  The color isn't what I really hate the most about it either, it's the texture.  It is super thick, and almost impossible to blend. I ordered my kit in the shade 'fair', which is the lightest shade available, so I was expecting to the under eye corrector to be as light or lighter than the BB primer. However, it's darker, and much more yellow, which does not flatter my skintone at all.  I've worn this twice now, to make sure I gave it an honest chance.  I will probably never use this again, and I give it a big ol' F!

 

 

 

 Dual sided diffuser bamboo concealer brush:  Overall, I think this is a nice brush for applying concealer.  I've only used it with the above mentioned crappy under eye treatment, but the bristles are soft and dense, so I would assume that when used with a nice, creamy concealer, it would be a winner. I'm not going to grade this one, since I haven't had enough experience using it with products I actually like!

 

Lipsurgence Power Pigment in 'Awakening': Tarte makes some of my favorite lipstick, so I was excited to try a new kind of lip product from them!  Although I don't love this formula as much as I love the Amazonian Butter lipsticks, I do like it, and have worn it a couple times.  It's a neutral, pale rosey shade that seems to compliment almost any skintone.  Sometimes crayon-like lip stains scare me, because they can be very drying, but I found that this product does not dry out my lips.  It seems to have really good lasting power as well.  I probably would not have picked out this shade on my own, but I'm happy with it.  When I went to swatch this for the first time, the product was soft from being in my mailbox, so it broke off at the base. I'm not sure if this is recommended or not, but I stuck it in the freezer for a few hours, and it seems to be intact now! Overall, I give this product a B!

 

 

Lights, Camera, Flashes waterproof 12 hour inner rim liner:  Aside from the ridiculously long name, I like this liner! It applies easily, and is a very pigmented black.  It's creamy, but not so creamy that it ends up sliding around and getting in your eye, on your contacts, etc. It's great for those of you who like to line your inner rim, or 'tightline', which is lining the inner rim of your upper lash line. I give this one an A!

 

Lights, camera, flashes Statement Mascara:  Mascara is the hardest thing for me to review, because I feel like it really just depends on the person.  I know a couple people who absoloutly love 'Benefit: They're Real " mascara, which sells for almost $25 a pop, and I HATE it! I've also told my coworker how amazing 'Lash Love' by Mary Kay is, and she tried it and hated it, so it's really a hard thing to recommend. As far as this mascara from Tarte goes, I neither love it nor hate it.  It definitely does not rank up there with my Lash love, but it's not the worst thing I've ever used either.  It's somewhat of a wet formula, so you have to be careful not to blink too hard after applying it, or you'll have black dots underneath your eyes.  It's a very black formula, which I do like. The brush is a bit large, so it's hard to get in really close to your lashline without poking yourself in the eye.  I give this product a C+, but who knows, you may love it!

 

 

The eighth piece of this collection is the limited edition bag.  I have nothing bad to say about this bag, because, well, it's just a bag.  I love the colorful chevron print, and it's big enough to store every makeup item I need while traveling.  I'm always a sucker for a free bag! 

 

If you're interested in ordering this collection, it's exclusive to QVC right now.  You can order it here. The price has gone up just a bit since I ordered it.  It's now $65.98. If you have a makeup lover in the family, this would be a great Christmas gift!

 

As always, thank you for taking time to read my blog.  Have a beautiful day! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My must have makeup brushes

The single most important factor in how your makeup looks is the tools you use to apply it with.  Now, I'm not saying you can't apply your makeup with your good ol' fashioned hands, I'm just saying that sometimes crappy makeup can look incredible when applied with great brushes! Although I've got a drawer full of brushes, there are a few that really stand out above the rest, and I find myself reaching for them pretty much every day. Here are my go-to, can't live without (okay, I can live without them, I just don't want to), holy grail brushes...

For applying my foundation, there are three brushes that I rotate between, depending on which one is dirty, what kind of coverage I want, etc.

1. Tarte Buffer Airbrush finish brush ($32) : This is a bit expensive, but totally worth it.  The bristles are very thick and dense, and it really distributes liquid foundation evenly to give it a flawless finish.  You can purchase one here.

2. Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki ($21):  This brush is huge in the YouTube community.  This is similar to the tarte brush, but instead of a rounded top, this one is flat.  It's also quite a bit smaller, so for those of you who are like me and have a narrow forehead, this is easier to use, and doesn't get any foundation in the hairline. You can order one here. Also, if you enter 'WELCOME10OFF' at checkout, you will receive 10% off your order!

3. Real Techniques Buffing Brush ($18 set): This is the first buffing brush I ever used, and it still holds a special place in my heart! What I love about this brush is that it is just as high quality as the other two, but for a much smaller price tag.  I would say this brush, and the Sigma F80 are almost identical, aside from one being slightly flatter. This gives liquid foundation an airbrushed look after you've buffed it in.  This brush does come as part of a set, but can probably be purchased on its own.  I would recommend spending the $18 to get the whole set, because the other three brushes are great as well. In fact, I will be mentioning another one from the set in just a minute! Buy it here.

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For an all over face powder, or when I want to do a heavy bronzer, I use this brush

Real Techniques Powder Brush ($10):  I don't even know what to say about this brush other than how amazing it is.  It applies powder products so evenly, and the bristles are soft and flexible. I typically use this for bronzer when I'm not contouring. Purchase one here.

When highlighting, my favorite brush to use is this one

Real Techniques Contour Brush ($18 Set): Although this would be great for contouring with a bronzer, I find that I like it most for applying a powder highlight on top of the cheekbones, down the nose, and above the cupid's bow. This brush is included in the four brush set with the buffing brush I mentioned earlier.  Purchase the set here. I truly can't say enough great things about the Real Techniques brand.  They are such high quality brushes, but at much more affordable prices! If you are someone who doesn't really have any brushes, and want to start a collection, I recommend anything from this brand!

For applying my powder blush, I ALWAYS use this brush

 

Elf Powder Brush ($3): Although this is marketed as a powder brush, and I'm sure it's great for that, I like it best for applying my blush.  I use this to stipple the color on my cheeks, which gives it a more sheered out look, and less of an over powering 'rouge' look. You can buy this in stores like K-Mart, Target, Walmart, or here. 

 

For contouring my cheekbones and hairline, I use this brush

 

Elf Angled Blush brush ($3): The angle on this brush makes it great for applying bronzer to the hollows of the cheeks to give a chiseled, contoured look. Can be found at Walmart, K-Mart, Target and here.

 

 

For eye shadow, these are my four favorite brushes...



 

1. Sonia Kashuk pointed blending brush ($4) : I just recently bought this brush, and I have been using it almost every day to apply my transition shade above my crease. It's fluffy and great for blending out color. Sonia Kashuk brushes are available exclusively at Target.

 

2. TIGI blending brush:  I bought this brush a couple years ago from my beauty supply store, so I honestly have no idea how much it sells for, but it's my favorite brush for blending out my completed look.  Once I've done all of my shadow, I use this brush to go back through and blend out any harsh lines. Purchase one here.

 

3. ELF Essential shadow brush ($1): Yes, this brush is only a dollar! This applies color to my lids better than any of my expensive brushes.  This is flat and dense, which is perfect for patting color on the lids. At only $1, I have about five of these in my makeup drawer! Purchase one here.

 

4. ELF Essential Smudge brush ($1):  I use this brush to apply my brow highlight.  The bristles are very short, so it picks up very little product.  I usually dip it into my brow highlight color, and lightly tap it under my brow bone. Purchase one here.

 

When using my gel eyeliner, my favorite brush to apply it with is this one

Elf Small Angled Brush ($3): the angled bristles are perfect for doing a wing with gel liner. Purchase one here.

 

Although this is not technically a brush, it is a tool that's on my must have list for applying concealer

 



 

 Ulta Super Blender Sponge ($5):  I use the pointed end of this sponge to apply my under eye concealer every day.  Aside from my finger tips, this is the best way to blend in concealer without just pushing it around the eye. Any brand of beauty sponge will work, I just happened to pick mine up at Ulta. The other end is great for blending foundation, or applying cream blush!   Purchase this exact one here.

 

Last but not least, and I forgot to take a picture of my own personal brush, is my favorite translucent under eye setting powder brush from Elf.  It applies my setting powder perfectly, and I don't know how I ever lived without it. For $3, it's a steal!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by the A List!  Have a beautiful day.

 



Tips for a great consultation with your stylist

The single most important part of any hair appointment is the consultation. Many stylists, myself included, are guilty of rushing through this part of the appointment, and that can sometimes lead to disastrous results. Since I've been on both sides of the chair, I thought I'd share with you some tips that help make a consultation successful.

First things first, bring pictures!  I've heard a few stylists say they hate pictures, because they're always unattainable goals, but I beg to differ. I LOVE when a client sits down in my chair and says 'I have a few pictures'. The reason being, I can actually visualize what they're trying to tell me. I've had clients say, 'I want a chocolate brown, but not too dark'. Now in my head, I've got an idea of what I think that means, however, it could be completely different from what the client is imagining. Pictures are also great when you've got a new cut in mind.  Describing a cut is difficult for me as a professional, so I can't imagine it would be easy as a client, unless you're simply asking for long layers with face framing. Now your stylist may take one look at the picture and tell you it's not possible in one appointment, or that it would not flatter your face shape, so be prepared to hear some feedback.  I also love when clients bring picture examples of what they DON'T want.  Sometimes that's even more helpful than a picture of what they do want. Be sure to tell your stylist what it is you like about the picture, and if there's anything you don't like about it (i.e., the bangs are too short, too long, etc) be sure to mention that too.

Secondly, don't be shy.  If you have a stylist who is suggesting something totally crazy, and out of your comfort zone, and you know you really don't want to do it, speak up! Chances are, your stylist will be happy you said something before he or she starts the process.  Let me tell you, I'd much rather hear a 'no, I don't think I'd like that', than a 'I hate it', at the end of the appointment.  At the end of the day, you are the client who is paying for the service, so don't agree to anything you don't feel good about! Also, if your stylist says 'are we just doing the same thing as last time?', don't be afraid to say no if you want a change!

Third, if you are someone who sits down in the chair and says 'Do whatever you want!', then be prepared for anything! On one hand, we as stylists love this, because it gives us total freedom, but on the other hand, it's terrifying, because sometimes those same people say things like 'well, I didn't really want it to have red in it' once you've finished the color service. If you are truly up for anything, thats awesome, but if by anything, you just mean any shade of brown, then be specific with your stylist and let him or her know that.

Another great topic to discuss during the consultation is how much time and effort you're planning to put into styling your hair on a daily basis. While that super edgy sasymmetrical bob looks adorable in the picture, it may require more styling time than you're willing to put in.  I hear from a lot of clients that they want a style where they can 'just wash and go', so that tells me right off that they're not going to be up at 6 a.m every morning giving themselves a round brush blow out! Telling your stylist these things helps them decide what kind of cut would be best for you. 

If you feel like no matter what you tell your stylist, you always end up with the same old thing, then maybe it's time to give another stylist a try!  Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes sees things totally different, and a different stylist might be able to better understand what your vision is. If you're wanting to switch stylists, but stay loyal to one salon, ask your hair guy or girl how they would feel if you tried one of their fellow stylists for a change.  Most stylists would be totally fine with that, and while asking is not necessary, it stops you from having to have that awkward moment where they see your name on someone else's schedule!


One last little tidbit...being on time for your appointment is key for having a great consultation! The first five to ten minutes are usually when the consultation takes place, so if you show up a few minutes late, that tends to get bypassed so the stylist can stay on time.

Like everyone says, 'its just hair', but wouldn't we all like to leave the salon with 'just GOOD hair'?

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a beautiful day!

Reviews of my recent makeup purchases

At least once a month, I tell myself  'no more makeup for a while', and then within a few days, I find myself buying more.  I realize I have a problem, but at least I'm not gambling, or buying expensive jewelry, right? Anything to justify it ;) So I thought I'd do something a little different for this post.  I'm going to show you a few of the things I purchased over the past month or so, and then tell you whether I loved them, hated them, etc.  So, lets get right into it...

Face Products

Milani Baked Bronzer:  I bought this after reading a makeup artist's blog (I'll attach the link below).  She was saying how much she loved them, and that they were a great product for the price. So, of course, I went to CVS within two days to get my hands on one.  I chose the medium toned bronzer with flecks of gold in the color 'soleil'.  Although this is beautiful in the packaging, I felt it was way too shimmery for me.  I tend to gravitate towards matte bronzers, because I feel like shimmer can draw the wrong kind of attention to our fine lines and wrinkles. If you're someone who likes a bit of sparkle, you might love this product.  As far as pigment and quality goes, it's great for the price (around $9), but I just didn't love the shimmer. I don't see myself repurchasing this one.

Milani Baked Blush in 'Luminoso' :  LOVE LOVE LOVE! I can't say enough about this blush.  It's the perfect shade of peachy pink! The color payoff is great, and it just gives the prettiest pop of color without being too much.  This was around $8, and I have a feeling it will become an every day staple in my makeup routine.  I find Milani makeup at CVS, or you can order it here. 

Left:Milani baked blush in luminoso  Right: Milani baked bronzer in soleil

 

 

Eye Products

 

Maybelline Eye Studio Limited Edition Quad in 'Violet Femmes' : I picked this up because I've been really into purples lately.  I love an eye shadow palette that comes with all the colors you need to create a look. It comes with a light champaigny pink, a purplish taupe, a deep maroon purple, and an even deeper brownish purple.  After getting home and swatching the colors, I was even more excited, because they seemed so soft and pigmented.  I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed.  They don't blend out as well as some of my higher end, or Wet n' Wild shadows do.  I've noticed they also crease horribly! I use an eye primer every day, and it's very rare that I see any creasing, even after twelve hours of wear, so maybe this was a total fluke, but either way, I'm not 100% in love with these shadows. 

 



Rimmel ScandalEyes Eye Kohl:  I love these eye pencils! I've had the black one for quite a while, so recently I decided to pick one up in the color 'nude' for when I want to give my eyes that bright and awake look. I use these on my water line, and they are so rich and pigmented.  You barely have to use any pressure when applying these, because they just glide on so easily.  The only thing I will say is that because they are SO creamy, if you wear contacts, you may experience a little bit of transfer, so go easy with them at first.  The black pencil is easily the blackest black I've ever used, so if you like an intense, dark smokey eye, you will love it! These were under $5 from the drugstore.

 

 NYX HD Photogenic Concealer: If you've never heard of NYX products, you are missing out! This is a brand that I normally purchase at Ulta, but now, Target has started to carry it.  I would say the best way to describe this brand is high end quality at drugstore prices.  They have a HUGE variety of products, so if you'd like to browse, go to their website.  I bought this concealer in the shade 'porcelain' for my under eye area.  This is the lightest shade in the line, but I love it for highlighting my undereye area.  If you like the Kardashian look with very bold highlight and contouring, this concealer is a must.  A little bit goes a long way, and it blends out easily.  The formula is a bit drying to me, so make sure you've used a moisturizer prior to applying it. I bought this for around $9 at Ulta.

 

 

Red Cherry Lashes in #43: I'm a huge fan of false lashes, especially now that I know how to put them on correctly.  My favorite YouTuber, Jaclyn Hill, raves about these lashes, and of course they look stunning on her, so I ordered a pack of 8 pair from Amazon.  They've just been sitting in my makeup station waiting to be worn for the right occasion. I went out Saturday night, so I thought, now's the time! I was super bummed because although they are great quality, and very easy to apply, they were way too big for my eyes! I noticed in the packaging that they looked a little large, but I thought maybe once they were on my eyes, they would look okay.  Don't get me wrong, these lashes are incredible, but if you're someone with small eyes, or someone who likes a modest false lash, these are not the ones for you! I'm planning to do a post all about false lashes, so I'll tell you a few of my favorites when that time comes :)



 

 Lip Products

Wet n' Wild Lipstick in 'Dollhouse pink': This was another product I was prompted to buy from reading my favorite makeup blog.  This lipstick was $1.98, so I really had no reason not to try it.  This lipstick is matte, which scared me a bit, because matte tends to mean 'drying' on my lips.  To my pleasant surprise, this wasn't drying at all, and the color lasted all day, even after eating and drinking.  The color I chose is a bit bold, but I was in the mood to live on the edge ;)  There are several shades that are much more toned down, but for under $2, I recommend you all go out and buy a few different shades!

 

MAC Cream Sheen lipstick in Creme Cup: This was definitely a splurge for me! A $15 lipstick is not something I normally even consider, but again, I had heard so many great things about this particular color that I couldn't resist.  It truly lives up to all the hype.  It's the perfect mix of baby pink and nude.  This is a great lip color to pair with a smokey eye, because it gives just enough color, but not so much that it looks like your lips are trying to compete with your eyes. As odd as it sounds, this lipstick SMELLS awesome.  I don't know if it's a vanilla scent, or what, but everytime i take the cap off, I have to smell it ;) This is definitely my favorite lip color of the moment, and I think everyone should have this, or one like it, in their collection.

 

 

 

NYX Butter Gloss in 'Eclair': This is the best lip gloss I've used in a long time. Not only is it not sticky, but it also gives the lips moisture.  I wear this alone, or, most often, over the top of my MAC creme cup.  They are a perfect pair! These sell for around $5, and come in several different shades.

 

 



 Brushes

Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki: I've been wanting to order this brush for at least six months, but I kept telling myself I didn't need it. Well, I had some cashback bonus just sitting on my Discover card, so I bit the bullet, and ordered it.  It has been a love affair every since.  I use this to apply my liquid foundation.  It gives the skin an airbrushed, flawless effect. Sigma is a relatively new brand, and from what I read and see on YouTube, their brushes are a cheaper alternative to MAC. So far, this is the only brush in their collection that I own, but there are  few others I've been itching to get.  This brush is $18, which is on the pricy side of things, but when you consider buying one from MAC or Bobbi Brown in the $40 range, $18 really isn't so bad! You can order the brush here. Also, if you enter WELCOME10OFF at checkout, you'll receive 10% off your order!

 

 

 

I hope you've enjoyed these reviews, and once again, thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Have a beautiful day! 

 





My favorite haircolor trends for fall

So here we are, a third of the way through September already, and I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting fall fever! I've slowly begun dragging out my fall decor, lighting pumpkin scented candles, and of course, looking for my perfect fall haircolor!  Although I don't think it's necessary to go darker, or do a complete 180 on your hair color during these next few months, I do think fall is a great time to experiment with different tones, and maybe steer away from the cool colors we see during the spring and summer. Just like anyone who's not living under a rock, I see tons of beautiful hair color inspiration on Pinterest, so I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite looks for fall...

1)Red Browns/Red Violets :  I've noticed several of my normally neutral brown clients are starting to take the plunge and adding a little bit of red to their hue.  Most color lines have several shades of red to choose from, and my personal favorites are the Red browns and the red violets.  These look beautiful alone, or when mixed together.  This is a great way to feel like a redhead, without the full commitment of upkeep.

One of my clients recently brought in this picture, and I fell in love! This is a gorgeous version of  deep red brown. 

I've been seeing this quite a bit on pinterest and I think it's also a beautiful shade for fall.  This appears to be a multidimensional red violet, with bright red pops throughout. This would be great for those of you who are a bit more daring!

 



 

 2) Warm light browns:  Whether you're the lightest brown, or the darkest blonde, fall is a great time to add a little bit more warmth throughout, in the form of light 'caramel' pieces, or shades of copper.

 

 This is a beautiful mix of light golden blonde, and warm medium browns.  If you're blonde, and are thinking you'd like to go darker for fall, this would be a great way to ease into it, and still hang on to some of those blonde pieces you love!

 

 

3)Deep Chocolatey browns with face framing highlights: If you're someone who is already in the dark brown family (level 4 and under), you can spice things up by adding just a few face framing highlights. Trying to lighten hair this dark can be complicated, so the trick is to only lighten it a couple shades. Tone on tone highlights are gorgeous, especially on brunettes. Here's an example...

 

 

 

 

4)Multi-tonal blondes:  If you're like me, and you love your blonde hair, but want something a little different for fall, a great way spice things up is by adding shades of gold, and beige. Gold can be a very scary word to a blonde, but when woven in very delicately, gold can really brighten up the white blonde pieces throughout. Beige is also a great tonal addition to blonde hair, especially for those who don't want to see any warmth (gold) at all.  



 

This is a beautiful golden base, with light blonde pieces framing the face.

 

I love this look! I'm not one for 'chunks' of color, but this is an example of heavily sliced highlights done right.  The light brown pieces really make the white blonde pop! I'm actually doing this look on my sister tomorrow, and I can't wait to see the results!

 

While this is still a very light blonde look, you can see finely woven golds throughout, which is a great option for someone who is a solid platinum blonde all over and wants a bit more color.

 



Just remember, when it comes to hair, there are no rules, and you should do what you're comfortable with!  Just because the seasons change, doesn't mean you have to totally reinvent your look. Never let your colorist talk you into something you're not comfortable with, and on the flip side, be open to ideas your colorist may have.  Sometimes it just takes another pair of eyes to see the potential of our hair.  Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and have a beautiful day!