BLUE RIBBON WINNERS // THE BEST OF IT COSMETICS

It's no secret that I am a total super fan when it comes to

It Cosmetics

. The line is fuss-free and in my mind it's one of the best performing brands on the market- meaning the products actually work and do what they say they are going to do! Who doesn't love a product that actually fulfills its' promises!?!

I went through my large collection of It Cosmetics products, and rounded up the best of the best to share with you today. I am 100% confident that you would love anything on this list too- they are just THAT good.

THE BEST OF IT COSMETICS:

• Bye-Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer this under eye concealer is full coverage and creamy, plus it has collegen and vitamins in it to tighten the skin and hydrate. This is designed to combat major dark circles and the results are awesome! Plus a tiny bit is all you need.

• Tightline Primer (micro wand mascara)- I have raved about this product so many times, so I couldn't leave it out of this list. The micro wand gets all the way down to the base of the lashes and is actually soft enough that you can rest it right on the rim of the lid (giving a 'tightline' eyeliner look) without causing any pain or flinching. The formula is super dark and stains the lashes so nicely. You can wear it alone for a natural yet pigmented lash, or under your fav mascara for more volume.

• Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream- This CC cream/foundation is great for full coverage, goes on easily and blends seamlessly. Not to mention the 50SPF that is built in which takes sunscreen to an whole new level of protection! Plus it smells minty fresh.

• Build-A-Brow Micro Fiber Creme Stain- If sparse brow hair is an issue for you, or you have trouble getting your brows to 'stay on' all day... this brow creme stain will change your life. It is unlike any product out there with it's built in fibers for volume, and a stain factor that truly lasts 12 hours or more.

• Naturally Pretty Matte Transforming Eyeshadow Palette- One palette that fulfills all your needs. The colors are beautifully pigmented and blend wonderfully. The shades are all matte- but you can transform them into a pearl finish by using the pearl overlay shade as well. Tres cool!

• CC+ Radiance Ombre Bronzer- My secret to glowing skin year round has been this ombre bronzer. It has a gorgeous shimmer built in, and the graduated tones give you the ability to customize the depth of your bronze with ease.

• Airbrush Foundation/Concealer Brush- Seriously the ONLY makeup brushes I ever buy, this one is the cream of the crop. The duel ends are perfect for liquid foundation and concealer and the softness of the bristles are unreal. Plus it washes like a dream! [check out my brush cleaning video here]

• Live Beautifully Large Powder Brush- Another fav brush of mine... this one is large and in charge. It's my go-to for powder foundation and blending till the cows come home.

Do you have any must-trys from It Cosmetics? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading, xo

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THE PRODUCTS I'VE BEEN BLABBING TO EVERYONE ABOUT... I MEAN EVERYONE!

This edition of favorites is JAM PACKED with so many good things that I have been raving about all over town and all over the interwebs! I threw in my current beauty loves from the drugstore and a couple high end favs, plus a collection of some random favs and a book that I burned threw on my cruise last month. Watch it all in the

video

below!

PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN VIDEO:

• L'Occitane Repairing Conditioner

• L'Occitane Volumizing Shampoo

• Loreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray

• ELF Corrective Concealer Palette

• ELF Mascara Shield

• Voloom Iron

• Breathing Black by Piper Payne

• Omni Love Tan Feather Earrings / White Feather Earrings

• Secret Stress Response Deodorant

• Milani Coral Cove Blush

PAST POSTS MENTIONED IN VIDEO:

• ELF Cosmetics review

• Voloom First Impression

Thanks for stopping by today, enjoy your day!

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THE SECRET TO JEN ANISTON'S LEGENDARY HAIR // PLUS A GIVEAWAY

Every gal seems to be in search of

the perfect hair product

that will leave her locks looking like that certain celebrity gracing the cover of a magazine. Over my career as a hair stylist I have seen hundreds of images of the one and only

Jennifer Aniston

serve as the inspiration to hair cuts and colors not only in my salon, but around the globe.

To say Jen's hair is legendary isn't really overstating things. Her tresses single handedly started the phenomenon known as 'the Rachel' in the 90's- and I'll never forget how I felt bouncing out of the salon one Saturday afternoon after I'd gotten myself a good ol' Rachel cut somewhere around 1997.

And my love for her product line Living Proof is not new to the pages of this blog either. I've raved about her product Prime here as well as her SPF Protection Spray here. But this latest product launch, Perfect Hair Day, has really stolen the show and my heart and I am so excited to share it with you today!

Perfect Hair Day consists of a Shampoo, Conditioner, and a 5-in-1 Styling Treatment which is what I am going to talk about [and giveaway] today. They are all designed to extend the life of your style, and give weightless hold and bounce to the hair. And boy, do they fulfill that promise!

The 5-in-1 Styling Treatment is lightweight, and it just works. That's what I love about it. It isn't fussy or difficult to use and a little goes a long way. It not only smooths and polishes, but it also gives volume and lightweight hold in a single product, which is not easily accomplished because those two goals usually counteract each other. It is seriously a must try, and you can see from my pic above that my hair is loving it!

Now for the fun part... I am giving away two bottles of PHD- and you've got two chances to win. Enter here on the blog using the rafflecopter below, and again over on instagram.

Good luck and good hair!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

PINTEREST AND ME // AN INTERVIEW WITH KSL NEWS

This week I had the great opportunity to be interviewed by a local news station, KSL 5- about Pinterest and how I use it in my business both at the salon and here on the blog.

I am a huge lover [and addict] of Pinterest and consider it a huge part of my success as a blogger. So I was honored to talk about it with some other great women who also use it in their businesses too.

I wanted to share the video with you here in case you were interested in learning more about it. Thank you all so much for reading this blog and supporting me the way you do! xo

5 [EMBARRASSING] MAKEUP MISTAKES YOU DON'T KNOW YOU ARE MAKING

Every time I switch up my hair color (which is a lot, in my case) I like to reevaluate the makeup that I pair with

said

new hair color. It is a great excuse to clean out my collection and update expired products etc. If you don't change you hair color as often as I do- then the beginning of each new season is a great time to do this as well.

During my last makeup update- I realized that I had made some pretty

bad makeup mistakes

in the past... which made me laugh, but also made me think that there are probably lots of women who make these mistakes too. Today's post will hopefully help you avoid those mistakes and leave you feeling beautifully confident!

5 [EMBARRASSING] MAKEUP MISTAKES YOU DON'T 

KNOW YOU ARE MAKING

1- YOU DON'T CHECK YOUR REFLECTION IN NATURAL OUTDOOR LIGHT PRIOR TO LEAVING THE HOUSE

• This exercise alone will make the world of difference for so many women. Indoor lighting speaks LIES to all of us! Taking the time to look in the mirror while standing in front of a window will reveal uneven or blotchy makeup, the wrong color of foundation, too much blush or bronzer... and the list goes on. Don't skip this important step- And all of the below mistakes can be caught, by following this step alone.

2- YOU DON'T REMOVE EXCESS MAKEUP FROM YOUR HAIRLINE AND BROWS

• A huge pet peeve of mine, and a mistake that I made for years before I realized! The fine hairs located in the hair line and just above the eyebrows or just in front of your ears (often referred to as peach fuzz or baby hair) are like magnets for foundation and powder. In the right lighting those hairs are now 'skin-colored', which is a dead giveaway that you are sporting [too much] makeup. Simply take a dry tissue and sweep it along the baby hair after you've finish your makeup and remove any excess that is sitting on the hairs.

3- YOU DON'T REMOVE EXCESS MAKEUP FROM YOUR INNER EYE AND LOWER LASH LINE

• Along the same lines as above, using a cotton swab to remove excess makeup from your tear duct the inner rim of your eyes in a crucial step to making your look appear natural. The skin around your eyes is meant to be colored differently than the rest of your face, and when it is all the same tone, you are on a bullet train to 'over-done' land. Blend and transition... it's the name of the game! Make it easy with the one and only Beauty Blender.

4- YOU DON'T BLEND YOUR MAKEUP AROUND THE SIDES OF YOUR NECK

• Holy crap- this again is another mistake that I used to make, and I see a lot while out in public. One time I saw a pic of me from the side, and I had a very clear 'line' that showed where I stopped blending my makeup on my neck. My chest and front of my neck looked great, but I forgot to blend and transition my bronzer around the sides of my neck. whoops! This is especially important when you are wearing your hair up and your neck is exposed.

5- YOU DON'T SET WITH TRANSLUCENT POWDER TO AVOID MAKEUP TRANSFER TO YOUR COLLARS OR NECKLINES

• There is nothing less sexy than having makeup all over your collar. It happens to the best of us, but can be avoided if you either skip neck and chest makeup on collar-wearing days, or at the very least; set your makeup with a translucent powder to add a buffer and protect you clothing. I love this splurge or this save option. And this super save option too! Also placing a hand towel over your face, then sliding your top on over that, is a great way to avoid transfer.

I hope these tips help you to look and feel more gorgeous! Any other mistakes that you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments below- and come say hi over on

instagram

.

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3 EASY MAKEUP LOOKS IN TIME FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Whether you are planning a big night out on the town with your hubby, or you are having a galentine's celebration with your lady entourage... Valentine's Day is such a fun excuse to glam up and try something fun for your beauty look.

Wearing // Pink: Lovecraft Red: Adora Plum: Motorhead [with Buxom Purple Haze Gloss]

Lately I've only been wearing Studded Kiss lipstick from Kat Von D... I've been hooked since November when I picked up her Holiday collection. So I thought I would share a few Valentine's Day makeup ideas using the Kat Von D lipsticks as my inspiration.

The studded packaging is badass just 

like Kat herself, and the pigments in the collection are so vibrant and packed with color. I would describe the texture as a true matte, having a low moisture level   with no gloss or sparkle. A few of the shades have a shimmer built in, but they are still matte in my opinion. This finish lasts a solid 8 hours, and is also very nice for multi tonal looks [like ombre lipstick] because it simply stays put on the lips and you don't have to worry about running or smearing. I also love to add a gloss over the top of these for night time wear or when I need a hint more moisture.

Which Valentine's look is your fav? I really love how changing the lipstick out can change the WHOLE look completely and gives you a different attitude to boot! I hope you have some fun plans for this weekend! xo

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TARGET BEAUTY: THE BEST OF E.L.F. COSMETICS

A couple weeks back I shared

my favorite picks from the Pixi line

, and today I'm keeping the budget-train rolling with my top picks from the ELF line which can also be scooped up at

Target

as we'll as on the

eyeslipsface

website.

This line is perfect for the gal on a budget, and I always recommend it to my teen and college student readers and friends because it doesn't break the bank, but still offers really great products. And w

hile not

everything

is a must-buy in my opinion, there are so many goodies I do love and recommend, as well as use myself on a regular basis. Here is a wrap up of the best products from ELF:

• Studio Blush Palette- This palette is a great buy and has several different tones of blush and bronze all in one place. The texture is a soft pressed pigment, that applies easily and blends nicely with great staying power. In fact all of the blushes and bronzers from ELF are winners!

• 3-in-1 Mascara- I love the balled tip applicator on this mascara wand and the comb type bristles are great for separating and giving lashes a rich black coating. The balled end works great for detailing the corners of your eyes and for quick sweeping along the lower lashes without smudges.

• Lustrous Cream Eye Shadows- These cream shadows are new to the line, but I've already scooped up 3 colors and LOVE them. They are easy to apply with your ring finger and spread on smoothly with lovely shimmer and metallic tones. They are beautiful on their own, or work great as a primer under your powder shadows for an extra pop of color and staying power.

• Under Eye HD Setting Powder- Designed to blur fine lines, and give a brightening effect to the under eye area, this super fine milled loose powder has become one of my favorite products to keep in my purse for mid-day touchups. While the brush it comes with is useless, the powder sweeps on with your finger very nicely and quickly brightens and refreshes your under eyes in a snap!

• Studio Makeup Mist & Set- Like hairspray for your face... this stuff sets your makeup and holds it all day. Essential for humid and hot months, but great for oily complexions all year round- and a fraction of the price of other options out there. Yes please!

• Lip Exfoliator- This bumpy tube of goodness is so easy to use and is the best way to prep lips for an application of those hard to apply matte colors (MAC Rubywoo, I'm looking at you!) Plus it's wonderful to use in the winter months when dry lips are always lurking.

I've included a few more of my favorites in the shopping slider down below, otherwise this post would have been 10 miles long. The only thing I would caution you against purchasing are the ELF makeup brushes. I find them to be very scratchy on the skin and haven't had good luck with them in the bristle shedding department or the washability department. I firmly 

believe

 that high quality brushes make a HUGE difference with makeup application, so I'll continue to splurge there. 

Thanks for reading! Do you have any ELF favorites? Share them with me in the comments down below, and I'll catch you all soon, xo 

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MAKE YOUR OWN BATH MELTS JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE'S DAY- AN EASY DIY RECIPE

I have always been a 'bath person'. I think you either

are

, or you

aren't

... but this time of year when it's cold outside I find myself using my bath at least three times per week. I just love a good soak, and I know I am not alone, so today I am sharing a few of my most preferred bath products. Plus my

recipe for a DIY bath melt that is perfect for Valentine's Day

. You can get extra details in the video with Studio5 TV,  

plus enter to win my favs over on instagram

(details below) 

Best Bath Bubbles

• Salt of the Earth Bubbling Salts- This product combines the goodness of natural sea salt and the luxury of froth bubbles into one amazing experience. You can customize the scent from more than 50 different options, and every product boasts 72 trace minerals from The Great Salt Lake. (My home town, yo!) I love the 'Strawberry Champagne' flavor.

• Lush Bubble Bar- You've probably tried one of these, but in case you haven't- it's a must do. Crumble a small piece under running water and watch as the bubbles form and the color of your bath turns into a pastel haven. Try the orange and chocolate flavored 'Yuzu & Cocoa' Bubbleroon.

Best Bath Fizz

• Salt of the Earth Bath Fizz- I love the effervescent experience of this product and the way it fills the air with the scent... my fav is the 'Eucalyptus Grapefruit'. Your skin is left silky smooth and moisturized. Win-win!

• Lush Bath Bomb- The one that started it all! Watch and listen as your bomb moves, fizzes and changes colors in the bath water. They are just too fun not to splurge on every now and then. And yes, the 'Sex Bomb' is my top choice! ;)

DIY Bath Melt Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2oz Organic Cocoa Butter [the solid type]

• 1/2oz Almond Oil /or alternative 1oz Organic Shea Butter

• 2-5 Drops Essential Oil per Melt; Lavender, Rose, Orange, Vanilla, Eucalyptus etc.

• Optional Dry Ad-ins; Rose Petals, Chamomile Tea, Dried Orange Zest, Dried Lavender etc.

Process:

• Use a knife and carefully break apart the Cocoa Butter into small chunks, then measure out approx 2oz.

• Add the Cocoa butter to a crockpot (I use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup) or to a double boiler [A shallow pan with 1 inch of water in the bottom, then a glass bowl inside the water will also work as a makeshift double boiler]

• Next, add your Almond Oil or Shea Butter and heat over medium heat stirring every now and then until the mixture is melted and all of the chucks have disappeared

• Carefully pour the mixture into molds (I recommend silicone baking cups, but cupcake tins work too) keeping the mixture less than 1/2 inch thick

• Drop 2-5 drops off your Essential Oils into each mold, depending on how strong you like the scent to be

• Add your optional Dry Ingredients to each mold

• Allow the molds to cool in the fridge for about 1 hour until they've hardened and become opaque. Then pop the melts out of the molds and store them in a cool dry place until use

Only one melt is needed per bath, and remember they can make the tub slippery so use caution when getting in and out. Yield: about 5 medium sized melts

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you'll take a little time to relax and pamper your self with a nice bath sometime soon. Now for the

GIVEAWAY!!!

I'm giving away these amazing Lush bath products and

Salt of the Earth

is giving away some awesome goodies too. The fun is happening over on

Instagram

- so don't miss it! xo

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3 LIP PLUMPING GLOSSES YOUR POUT NEEDS NOW

2014 was the year of the full lip- thanks to the phenomenon known as Kylie Jenner and her perfectly plump nude pout that swept the nation and the Rumor mill with heated debates about her makeup routine and possible plastic surgery.

I haven't dared to venture into lip injections and don't really plan to any time soon. I do however love a good temporary lip plumping gloss or serum and the illusion of a great overdrawn lip liner to fake an enhanced lip.

I've tested my fair share of these lip boosting formulas, and rounded up the top three choices for a mild to a major mouth popping effect:

Buxom Lip Polish

- Mild- the Buxom Lip Polishes have been my personal cult favorite glosses for almost a decade since their introduction to the market. They have a mild tingle and a great subtle plumping action that lasts about an hour while the color pigment wears longer. These come in over 40 shades and are the best for daily use.

Too Faced Lip Injection

- Medium- the Too Faced Lip Injection serum is more intense and causes a stronger heat and tingle reaction. You'll feel the blood be drawn to the lips about a minute after you've applied it and the plumping action typically lasts 1-2 hours. This option only comes in a clear formula, so you'll need to add additional color over the top. Some people do have a reaction to this formula although I never have- I would suggest grabbing a sample at Sephora before purchasing just to be sure.

City Lips

- 

Major- the City Lips gloss use a different technology to plump the pout and this one averages 3mm of growth with each use. It's really quite amazing and although it's warm and tingly- it's not quite as intense as the Too Faced option. It comes in 8 shades and is quite hydrating, but also pairs we'll with additional glosses or lipsticks. You can also apply this each night before bed and over about 30 days you'll get a semi-permanent plump that lasts as long as you keep up your regular use. Pretty neat eh?!

Kisses!

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SECRETS TO DEWEY SKIN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER

Well folks, we've hit the most drab time of year- and our skin tends to follow suit looking drab and dull right along side the weather outside.

Dull, dry and lackluster

are not words that anyone wants associated with their skin or face, but during these cold winter months it seems almost impossible to avoid the seasonal slump that plagues our complexions.

Today I am giving you my secret recipe for

Dewey Skin even in the Dead of Winter,

and you might be surprised at how easy it really is. You can catch the full scoop on Studio5 TV and get my

5 steps to glowing skin

down below.

1- Take your kitchen 

Crock Pot

 and turn it into a luxury spa service by heating up a few moistened

wash cloths

(add a few drops of essential oils for added relaxation) for about 20 minutes on low heat. Next remove a towel and place it over the face and press gently to allow the

steam

to go to work unclogging pores and cleansing the skin for about 45 seconds until the towel has cooled. Repeat as necessary until makeup and dirt is all removed and skin is squeaky clean.

2- Deeply exfoliate with a

peel

ing

gel like my favorite 

Sonya Dakar Flash Facial

. It removes the surface layer of skin cells in 60 seconds without irritating, stinging or burning- and you're left with a fresh radiant layer or skin that is already glowing! (I do this once a week, but up to 3 times per week is ok in the winter months. Be sure to watch the video to see this in action... it's kind of gross but so cool!)

3-

Repair

lost moisture with a cooling gel like the 

Garnier Moisture Rescue

. It's lightweight and non greasy, but extremely hydrating and leaves the skin glowing and smooth.

4- Complete your dewey complexion with a light

reflect

ive

serum like 

Revlon Skinlights

. It comes in four different tones and is easy to apply as a last step in your makeup routine. Tap the product onto the tops of your cheekbones and around towards your temples for a subtle reflective glow.

5-

Illuminate

the dark circles under your eyes with the 

SmashBox Under Eye BB Cream

. This step rehydrates fine lines and brightens all at once giving you a Summer time glow even when temperatures are plummeting outside.

Cheers to Dewey Skin, xo

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TARGET BEAUTY: A PIXI BY PETRA MAKEUP REVIEW

Target has been KILLING IT lately in the style department. Just ask my credit card statement. Or my husband, who pays

said

credit card statement... [oops!] But seriously though, if you haven't browsed the isles of a Target store lately and seen the amazing home design, clothing and shoes, then at least stop by the makeup and skincare isles.

Target has brought on some of the best beauty lines from across the pond, and I for one, am thrilled that they are now available so readily here at my fav retailer.

Pixi by Petra

is no stranger in the beauty junkie world, but if this line is newer to you, here's a little rundown:

Pixi by Petra

was started over a decade ago by makeup artist Petra Strand in London. She's been a makeup artist for over 20 years, and I remember hearing about her products in the early days of youtube from my British cohorts who raved about them in their blogger videos. The line has a skincare element to it and the products all contain natural botanicals and healthy skin ingredients.

My Pixi collection has grown steadily over the last year, and today I've rounded up my blue ribbon picks from the collection.

Here are the must try products from Pixi by Petra

:

• Correction Concentrate- Under eye circles have met their match with this creamy peach concealer that knocks out blue shadows and veins with one swipe. It's color-theory at it's best and it doesn't settle into fine lines or melt away throughout the day.

• Glow Tonic- While this one hasn't shown up on the shelves of Target just yet, I still included it in this post because it is in my opinion the crown jewel of Pixi's line. This toner leaves skin indeed glowing as the name indicates but also hydrated and exfoliated as well. I also love the scent because it reminds me of my late grandmother's perfume- in a wonderfully nostalgic way.

• Natural Brow Duo- This multi tasking duel sided brow wizard has an automatic brow pomade pencil on one side, that has a chiseled angle applicator which is easy to use and gives great volume to the brows as well as nice color. The other end houses your setting brow gel which doesn't flake and keeps the brows in place all day and night.

• Fairy Dust- A great loose pigment eye shadow that is finely milled and easy to apply with a built in sponge applicator. I love the shimmer tones and the pigment is beautiful and lasts with out creasing. Add a primer before hand for a brighter color payoff.

• Shea Butter Lip Balm- I love these soft lip balms with a hint of tint and tons of moisture. The sheer colors are beautiful and they wear like a dream.

• Sheer Cheek Gel- The bright pigments in these gels look intimidating at first but they are quite dewey and mellow once applied to the skin. The gel texture isn't sticky at all and gives a nice bright pop of color to the cheeks that looks lit from within.

• Quick Fix Powder- Set your face for an all day matte finish with this innovative powder puff. The packaging is genius and mess free- which I love and gives you the benefits of a loose powder without the white residue all over your countertop or clothing. I don't care for the scent on this one, but the oil absorption and matte properties are top notch.

Have you tried any Pixi products? Got any favorites to share with us? Let me know in the comments down below, and thanks so much for stopping by today! And if you didn't hear about my girl

MaskCara

's new

makeup launch

, be sure you head over there to check it out. I already bought be custom palette and I can't wait to get it! 

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THINKING ABOUT EXTENSIONS? CHECK OUT MY WINTER LOOK REVEAL

Heyo! It's time for another episode of

Stylewise

, and this time I'm switching things up in the length department! I wanted to throw in some

tape-in extensions

while the weather was still cool because they act like your own personal space heater for your head, and I want nothing to do with them once the temps outside reach 60 degrees or higher. I also opted to

add a 'Sombre' effect to my extensions

,

aka Subtle-Ombre

if you haven't heard of that made-up word floating around the beauty world...

Take a look at the

video

below to see the process of how I achieved this look!

Tools Mentioned in Video:

Harry Josh Dryer

Nume Flat Iron

(Save 40% with code: WINTERSNOW)

What do you think? Let me know in the comments down below- and tell me if you have any plans for a new look yourself this New Year? xo

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THE TOP BEAUTY ARTICLES OF 2014 // WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

It's hard to believe and a little sad that 2014 is drawing to an end- and yet at the same time I am always so happy for a fresh start on a new year. I was reflecting this last week while I took a short break from the blog, over the amazing year that I have had as a blogger, and what great things happened on these pages, and in real life because of my journey with beauty.

Today I wanted to compile a few of the

Top Beauty Articles 

from this blog in 2014, and share them with you once again. You may have missed a couple, or want to re-read one or two. These are the cream of the crop [if I do say so myself] as well as the posts that had the most views or comments from readers this year. I hope you'll learn something new, and

share

an article with a girlfriend who might learn something too. (shameless plug ;)

Image above is clickable, or links available below:

• 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO WHEN WASHING YOUR HAIR

• BOBBY PIN HAIR ART WITH OMBRE COLORED PINS

• SURPRISING CAUSES OF ACNE AND THE EASY FIXES YOU NEED TO KNOW

• HOW NOT TO GET A BAD HAIRCUT, WHAT YOUR STYLIST WON'T TELL YOU

• 3 GREAT THINGS TO DO WITH SALT SPRAY FOR HAIR

• BROW POWDER 101: FILL IN BROWS FASTER & EASIER

• CONTOUR YOUR FACE WITH SELF TANNER FOR A SLIMMING EFFECT

• MATTE LIPS YOU'LL ALWAYS LOVE & THE BEST MATTE LIPSTICKS

• MASCARA WANDS 101: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE DIFFERENT SHAPES

• THE MAGIC MAKEUP BRUSH CLEANER YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF

• 7 WAYS TO USE YOUR BEAUTY BLENDER SPONGE

Have you started reflecting and planning for next year? Let me know in the comments below- I'd love to hear about your goals for 2015! xo

MY JOURNEY WITH ACNE // AN UPDATE AND RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS FOR HORMONAL ACNE

If you've followed my blog for a while, you may have heard me mention

my ongoing battle with acne

in the past. It still part of every day of my life- and I honestly hate sharing it with you because it is a sore spot of embarrassment and raw feelings. Being a 30 year old mother, with the zits of a 14 year old pubescent-boy, is frustrating to say the least!

I wanted to give you a quick update as to my progress (which is significant, yay!) and

hopefully encourage any readers out there that struggle with hormonal adult acne as well

. Here's a little

video

for you, and some of my current product recommendations.

Products Mentioned:

• Sonya Dakar Flash Facial

• Murad Transforming Powder

• Sheseido Ultimune Concentrate

• Image Skincare The Max Stem Cell Serum (spa locator to purchase)

Past Posts Mentioned:

• No-Picking Pledge

• Sheseido Ultimune Review

Thanks so much for reading and good luck with the rest of your Christmas planning this week! xo

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THE SECRET HAIR TOOL YOU'VE GOT TO SEE // 5 MINUTES TO MAJOR VOLUME

About 80% of women that come into my salon are looking for more volume in their hair

. That's a pretty large majority, especially in todays world where the numbers are almost never that straight forward. And I am always looking for more volume in my own hair- in fact I've written about volume on this blog more than any other topic. And while I do have some favorite products for achieving volume on the wet-side of your style, that is only half of the battle. 

Once the hair is dry, you can achieve even more volume with the use of a Volumizing Iron.  

I have used a few other irons designed for volume in the past, but the Voloom iron immediately caught my eye as being different because it uses a waffle iron pattern in the plates to create volume instead of a crimp or wave. I scooped it up ASAP so I could bring you a first look at the Voloom and I captured my first use with the iron on video for you to see down below. Check it out!

I am completely impressed with this bad-boy and can't wait to use it more to find the perfect amount of volume for me. I think it may be easy to go a little too big with this guy, so I would encourage anyone who buys it to reign in their inner 'Dolly' and find a happy medium. The waffle pattern really seems to make a big improvement in the the visual density of your hair and gives an ample cushion to the roots, which provides great volume payoff.

It also maintains the volume for 2-3 days after the initial use, so you get a lot of wear out of those extra 5 minutes in the morning on day one

. Genius!

LAST MINUTE FESTIVE TOUCHES FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES // WITH STUDIO 5 TV

The final countdown to Christmas is on- but there are still lots of family parties and events scheduled in the next two weeks, plus ample opportunity for photos to capture it all. These

5 easy festive touches are my go-to when it comes time to glam up for a Holiday party

. They are quick & simple, but scream out 'merriment', all while making the party and this time of year, extra special. I stopped by Studio 5 TV to share them, plus you can get more details below.

Wearing- Ali Dress c/o Shabby Apple

1- Standout Nails

Nail wraps and press on nails are the quickest way to add some sparkle to your digits. It fast and glamorous- and you can do it at home in under 15 minutes. I like the 'accent-nail' option, but you can dazzle up how ever you'd like. Try Sally Hansen Glitz Blitz or Impress Nails

2- Lengthen Your Lashes

Add the WOW factor with a fuller looking eyelash in a snap. Tip: Trim the lashes down to a more wearable and easy-to-apply size. There is no rule that says you have to wear the full strip. Try Benefit Pinup Lashes or Khroma by Kardashian Lashes in Wink

3- Amp Up Your Accessories

Now is the time of year to get a little wild with your hair accessories and add some feminine sparkle with headbands, clips or bows. A little goes a long way, and you are sure to make a statement. Try Pewter Rhinestone Headband or Pearl & Rhinestone Bow Clip

4- Go For Bold Lipstick

Nothing says 'Holiday' like a bold lipstick, but this season, skip the fire-engine red and opt for a deeper berry tone instead. It's a flattering color that's easier to wear and right on trend with the latest announced

Color of the Year: Marsala Try Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Hexagram, Buxom Lip Polish in Isabella or Revlon Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Fashionista

5- Spice Up Your Scent

The sense of smell is too often forgotten when it comes to beauty, don't let be the case this year. Pick up a body spray or lotion in a seasonal scent that will help you feel festive and make memories that you'll love every year. Try Philosophy Holiday Handbook or Philosophy Iced Cookie Wash Duo

Hope your parties are filled with memories and a little something extra from this list. Have a great Tuesday! xo

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THE BEST SELLING DETANGLING BRUSH IN THE WORLD // PLUS A GIVEAWAY

If you've ever battled with snarly hair- then you know the trauma that can ensue when your tresses and your brush go head-to-head. Personally, I've snapped a few combs in half, and had my fair share of brushes lodged in my locks so tightly that only scissors could free them from the wrath that is;

the tangle.

And while I handle the annoying chore of hair brushing just about as good as the next fellow, nothing could have prepared me for what would happen when I'd have to brush the hair of my first born daughter! My six-year old, 'P' is tender-headed to say the least, and very dramatic to boot. So our post bath time routine was loud and unpleasant for all of those within a half mile radius. When she was about three, I began my search for a brush that would ease the pain for us both- and that is when I discovered the

Tangle Teezer

.

Tangle Teezer is a lightweight brush that is designed to get rid of tangles without pulling on

the hair or causing any damage. As soon as I bought a brush for my daughter, I knew that I had to have them in my

salon

too, and I have been selling them there for the last two years as well. They fly off of our shelves, simply because they work so well. The design is simple and unassuming- in fact you might think; 'What makes them so special?'

Answer: It's the

multiple rows of flexible bristles, and the variations in their lengths- that help it to detangle the hair as you glide through the strands

. Also, the lack of a 'ball-tip' on the end of the bristle prevents pulling and stretching of the hair, so knots can't get tighter by accidental pulling. The bristles are also quite short, requiring that you work in shallow sections- again this is designed to aid in detangling and it really makes a big impact and gives better results.

Anyone can use a Tangle Teezer but they are

especially great for those people who have naturally snarly, distressed or curly hair and those who wear extensions. And they are wonderful to use in the shower to distribute your conditioners

and to distribute your styling products as well. I keep the compact size in my gym bag and purse too for quick touch ups on the go.

I really love this egg-shaped ninja brush and I think you will too. I am super excited that Tangle Teezer offered to sponsor todays giveaway. One lucky reader will get a prize pack of my favorite three brushes from the collection: the

Pink Holiday Compact

, the

Purple Salon Elite

, and the

Black Aqua Splash

. Enter by liking the

Tangle Teezer facebook page

and using the rafflecopter down below  for extra entries and good luck! xo

WINTER 2014 BEAUTY FAVORITES // HIGH END (THE STUFF YOU SHOULD SAVE UP YOUR DOUGH FOR!)

If you are anything like me, you'll happily spend money on a high end beauty product IF it proves worthy of it's price tag. And once it does prove worthy, you'll be a repeat buyer and happily spread the love and tell everyone you know it! Well, this is a video that is packed with FIVE of those

high end favorite products

. I narrowed it down to a hand full for this edition, but they are all so so good. Though your budget may be tight this time of year, these are a few goodies that I think are worth the splurge if you have a beauty ailment that these products can cure. And who knows... maybe Granny will send a Christmas check in the mail just in time for a much needed makeup haul!?!

Check out the

video

and links below to see my top picks this season, and as always- thanks so much for reading, commenting and supporting this blog!

If you missed my

Drugstore Favorites

video, you can see that

here

.

Products mentioned in video:

Mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cubes

Alterna Bamboo Volume Trio

Bare Minerals Blemish Remedy Foundation

Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid

Kerastase Carre Lissant Smoothing Sheets

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DRUGSTORE FAVORITES // WINTER 2014

Happy Cyber Monday lovlies! Thanks for taking a minute out of your day to stop by and say hello- I am sure happy you did. Today I wanted to share my

current beauty favorites for the Winter 2014 season

, and you're in luck because these goodies are all

budget friendly

and can be scooped up at the drugstore. Watch the

video

down below to see what I have been loving, and saving money on. Later this week I'll share my high end favorites, so be sure to come back for that one.

And, I'm keeping my eye on all the Cyber Monday deals- so if anything good comes along I'll be sharing it over on

facebook

and

instagram

if your interested in shopping along with me.

Products mentioned in video:

Milani Gel Powder Eye Shadows

Garnier Moisture Rescue Gel

 and

Dry Skin Gel

Coastal Scents Paris Palette

NYX Pore Filler

NYX Butter Gloss

Covergirl Lash Blast Length

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REPEAT OFFENDERS // EMPTIES WINTER 2014

Howdy lovlies! Today I am stopping by my fav Studio5 TV to dish on the bottles that always find themselves to be empty in my collection way too quickly! Some of these things you may recognize if you've been a reader of mine for a while- I just can't give up on a good thang that ain't broke. But, there are some new loves in the collection as well, that I have been buying and re-buying because they are simply good to the last drop!

Check out the video (available after 2pm MST) and the list of my repeat offenders below:

NYX Brow Cake Powder

- Super affordable brow powder that stay put all day and adds great volume to the brow hairs. Available in 4 collections too, so every gal is covered.

Philosophy Hope in Jar Foundation

- Light weight velvet finish that mimics skins texture so perfectly and is very hydrating. Works like a charm with my

Beauty Blender

and is my latest obsession in foundation! 

Wearing:

Texture Flare Dress

  |  

Tie Front Blouse

St Tropez Bronzing Mousse

- I use this year round and swear by it! It's the easiest to apply without streaks or spots, and it's green base color ensures no orangey tone to the skin. Use with the

application mitt

for best results.

Shiseido Ultimune

- Skin care concentrate that is designed to build the immunity of the skin and build its' defense to environmental stressors. It hydrates, soothes and retextures the skin on contact. See my full review

here

.

Alterna 48 Hour Sustainable Volume Spray

- GAME CHANGER for hair... my favorite volume discovery to date! 

Carol's Daughter Monoi Split End Sealer

- Seals split ends back together and leaves hair smooth instantly, and smells like heaven. Mmm, so yummy

Thanks so much for stopping by,  I have the best readers- and I am so grateful for you all! Truth.

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