CAN I GET A REFILL? // EMPTY BOTTLES AND LOTS OF TEARS

Have you ever

shed tears when a TV show you're obsessed with comes to a final conclusion

? Or

felt like you had a death in the family when your favorite restaurant closed

!? Or am I alone when it comes to these crazy irrational behaviors? Ha!

Well, along the same vein I do get a little sad every time I get to the bottom of the bottle of one of my favorite beauty products. It's always sad to say goodbye. But today I am sharing my latest

empties

so you can hopefully find a new love to try for yourself. Take a look at the

video

below, and let me know if you have any empty bottles that make you teary as well when it comes time to say goodbye.

Products Mentioned:

• Salt of the Earth Strawberry Champagne Bath Salt

• Batiste Dry Shampoo/ Hint of Tint

• Unite Luxury Hair Oil

• Carol's Daughter Monoi Split End Sealer

• Living Proof Prime Style Extender

• Up & Up Makeup Remover Wipes (compares to Pond's Clean Sweep wipes)

• Bare Minerals Blemish Remedy Foundation

• Make Up For Ever Face & Body Foundation

• NYX Brow Cake Powder

• Image Skincare Stem Cell Serum/ Spa Locator

Thanks for stopping by today!

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7 WAYS TO SHOP SMART AT SEPHORA... HOW TO COPE WITH THE OVERWHELM & NAVIGATE LIKE A ROCKSTAR

One of the most common things I hear from women when the subject of beauty comes up in our conversations, is that they often feel overwhelmed by shopping for new makeup and hair products.

And because of that lack of confidence, many women avoid the experience all together- which means they aren't having fun with the their beauty routine [which is SO important] and they may be using old expired products!

To help you feel excited about the shopping experience again, today I am sharing my best tips for buying smart next time you are at Sephora. But these tips can also apply to other retailers and shopping online as well! Ready? Go...

1- Go with a goal in mind- what types of items do you NEED

• Walking in just to browse is certainly ok, but when it comes time to throw down your hard-earned cash, don't do it without asking yourself this question: 'Does my makeup collection NEED another product like this one?' If you NEED new foundation, start there first... then wander over to the mascara if you have the time later.

2- Stick to a healthy timeframe

• I personally believe 30 minutes is enough time to get what you NEED, and also explore the store for a look at new items. Beyond that and everything can start to all 'blur' together, and you may end up feeling overwhelmed again anyway. You also may end up with more in your shopping cart the longer you are there- so keep it short and leave feeling excited and refreshed, not depressed that you just spent your rent money.

3- Read the signage... it is your road map

• Many times our eyes are so fixated on the colors and displays, that we forget to look up and read the signage near the products. Sephora does a great job at labeling the brands themselves, but also explaining what products are for and how they work. You can avoid time wasting by reading ahead and knowing if that type of product will be right for you. Look for key words like 'shimmer' 'matte finish' 'full coverage' etc to guide your decisions.

4- Enroll the help of an employee

• If you've ever worked in retail, you know that the days can go by SO SLOW! Most employees are happy and excited to help their customers because it is their job after all, and it helps keep them busy. The employees know the layout of the store, they are trained in the products, and they are best equipped to help you find what you need. Don't be afraid to ask- but that being said, don't feel pressure to buy anything you don't really NEED. The employees get paid no matter what, so say 'no thank you' when necessary!

5- Scout out the endcaps and floating displays

• The ends of the isles are treasures amongst the store- don't ignore them! This is where you'll find NEW release products, best-sellers, and pre-packed collections that offer the highest value!

6- Testers and samples are your friend

• The great thing about stores like Sephora is that they offer testers of almost every product in the store, and they'll make a sample of anything you may need to try at home before buying- like foundation. Get your hands messy and test out those colors and textures before you buy. A while back I posted this pic on instagram of my 2-year-old swatching lipgloss at Sephora. She's seen me do it a million times- so she just does it too! But you should as well. Also Try something from a brand you've heard of or used before, but also try a similar product from a line you're unfamiliar with. Compare the two and pick your fav! You'll never find new loves, if you always buy from the same line simply because you know the name.

7- Edit 

• Now that your basket is full- it's time to reign it in and edit out about 20%. Really take a long look at what you're considering and decide if it again meets the NEED criteria, and if you are filling a hole in your collection. If you can walk away without thinking about it again- you made the right decision to give it the boot.

Bonus- Be careful of the cashwrap trap!

• Sephora does an amazing job of giving you things to look at while waiting in line... but be careful! Just 'throwing in' a few extra trial sizes at the end of your trip, just undid your entire editing process, and I guarantee you didn't NEED anything you threw in. The only time it is safe to shop here, is only when you want to check for a smaller size version of a product you are already purchasing.

Hope that helps, and happy shopping! A few of my Sephora faves are below

GIZMO SNOOP: FORLEO LUNA REVIEW

Taking care of your skin is essential these days. We are living longer than ever, dealing with more stress, and facing harsh environmental factors that plaque even the most skincare-conscious.

It's no secret that I love my

Foreo Luna,

I've mentioned it a few times here on the blog- but today I wanted to give you an in depth review of this little device. It's replaced my other cleaning devices for a few different reasons, so if you are in the market for a new skincare buddy- this one may just be the answer.

The Luna is a hand held sonic cleansing device

, that is made of anti bacterial silicone. The tiny nodules pulse at a sonic level sending your cleansers deeper into the skins surface. It also gently exfoliates leaving behind glowing skin. Now, keep in mind that these vibrations are tiny, and so you may not feel the exfoliation at work. But after a few uses you can see the difference in your skin and that is all the evidence you need.

I switched to the Luna because I wanted an option that was going to give me a more gentle 'scrub' versus my other sonic brush. And an option that doesn't require replacement brush heads which cost a lot if you are using the brush often- which I do.

At first the Luna felt a little awkward for me, and I had to learn how to hold it and position it on my face because of its unique shape. But after a few tries, it becomes easy to use and you can really begin to see the difference in your skin.

It also has built-in timer options so you know just the right amount of time to cleanse on each section of your face. And unlike the other options out there, the Luna has the ability to increase or decrease the strength of the vibrations to your liking. (I tend to pump mine up a bit) And because the nodules are less abrasive than typical bristles, you can use it twice a day without irritation.

Let me know if you give it a try, xo

DO BLONDES HAVE MORE FUN? // SUMMER LOOK REVEAL

Hola mi amigas! Thanks so much for reading and watching today- I am excited to share with you my

Summer 2015 hair reveal

. This

Strawberry Blonde Ombre

is a fun change for me, I haven't been blonde in about 3 years- and I felt like it was about time!

If you want to see how I made this change, watch the quick

video

below for the inside scoop.

Past Video Mentioned:

Tape-in Hair Extensions

Let me know in the comments below, if you have any fun changes in mind for your Summer hair? Got a question or need advice? I can help with that too- just ask! xo

BRONZER 101 // SUMMER GLOW TIPS

Bronzer really can be a girls best friend if it's

applied correctly and with the right tone

. But it can be easy to also take bronzer in the wrong direction real quick, so today I putting you through my

Bronzer 101 course

.

The image above is a

guideline for the three ways to apply bronzer.

They are all designed to enhance your coloring and highlight different features of your face. Decide what your overall goal is for your finished look, then bronze accordingly.

Sun-Kissed

• This technique is designed to mimic the natural color you get when you're out in the sun. It touches color to the high points of your face, and is cast from a downward position like that of the sun on your face.

• Use this method when you are feeling pale and want to warm the complexion all over. Choose a tone that is warm and about 3 shades darker then your skin color. And for this option it is safe to use a formula with a slight shimmer in it as well. My fave is this Physicans Formula.

Rosy Glow

• Choose this option when you are satisfied with your current skin tone, but want to enhance your cheeks with a pop of color to add more dimension to the face.

• Use a rosy colored bronzer for this technique and focus the color on the apples of the cheeks. Apply a light sweep of the tone on the round part of your forehead near the hairline as well, and along the chin lightly. This will tie the tones together and highlight the bone structure of your face. Try Urban Decay Beached Bronzer

Contoured

• For a chiseled or sculpted face, opt for the conturing technique which will accentuate your cheekbones and make the face appear more narrow and angular.

• Use a matte grey-based bronzer for this technique, so that the color created mimics that of a shadow on the face. Apply the color under the cheekbones, down the sides of the nose, and at the hairline. You can also apply a light amount under the jawline and down the neck for a cohesive color palette. A great option is the Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer

Hope this guide will amp up your face-game, thanks so much for reading- and please share this with your friends on pinterest or facebook. xo

BEAUTY BLOGGER APPROVED // SUMMER 2015 FAVORITES

Can you believe it's already June!? This year is flying by- and that means it's time for another

seasonal FAVORITES

video, with a few of the items I am loving at the moment.

I've got a little bit of everything too:

skincare, hair stuff, makeup and even a few fashion favs

to share with you.

Take a look at the

video below,

and see what I think you should be stocking up on.

Products Mentioned:

• Simple Micellar Water

• Murad Clarifying Wipes

• Up & Up Cleansing Towelettes

• Fromm Square Brushes

• Unite 7 Seconds Condition

• Roller Lash Mascara

• Pixi Brow Palette

• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish

• Quay Australia Sunglasses

• 99 Problems/Lipstick Tee

Thanks so much for stopping by! Got a question about any of these products? Just ask in the comments down below, and I'll se you all very soon. xo

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THE NEW BREED OF BRUSH THAT WILL GIVE YOU A PERFECT BLOWOUT

The perfect BLOWOUT

is something that pretty much every woman wants. Nothing feels better than bouncy polished locks, and I know that my clients are always on the hunt for the right tools for the job. In fact I get asked about my brushes at the salon more than any other question- because the brush (and the blowdryer) make all the difference in your finished look.

A few weeks back I published this pic on instagram, and had lots of followup questions about these square brushes. So I thought I'd give you the scoop snoop!

The Fromm 1907 Square Brushes have been my go-to brushes in the salon for the last 2 months since I got my hands on them. The unique design changes the game when it comes to your blowout and here's why:

The Corners: The soft corners on the brush give it more grip and tension on the hair so you are able to keep the hair in the brush without it slipping out. The corners also give more tension so you are able to 'pull' the curl and frizz out of the hair more easily. They also help to give more lift and volume at the crown. But don't let the idea of corners scare you into thinking that you'll have creases anywhere in your hair, or that you can't achieve curl with this brush. In face, the opposite is true; you'll get better curl from it because of the above mentioned features.

The Flat Face: Another cool feature of the Fromm is that it can be used like a flat or paddle brush to create a smooth finish. You can choose not to rotate the brush at all, and simply use the flat surface of any side to get a straight look.

The Rippled Bristles: The nylon bristles on this brush have a slight waved or rippled texture to them which aids again in the tension and grip of the hair. They also help to keep the hair down against the barrel of the brush where it's heated through and polished. Straight bristles let the hair slip off more easily, so this is a unique touch that I really love!

It's time to switch up your brush, you'll thank me later! xo

10 UNDER $10 // BEAUTY MUST-HAVES ON THE CHEAP

Who doesn’t love a good bargain!? Nothing is better than finding a holy-grail product that doesn't break the bank. So today I am sharing 10 of my beauty must-haves that are all under $10. Winning!

• 1- Milani Brow Fix Kit This kit has it all in one place- it's perfect for travel too. The powders are long lasting and I love the highlight tone for a eyebrow lift in an instant.

• 2- ELF Undereye Setting Powder I keep this stuff in my purse for touchups during the day when I feel like my face needs a pick-me-up. It is iridescent without being sparkly, and its a super fine mill that blends into skin easily. The brush is worthless... just use your finger to apply.

• 3- Garnier Mega Full Thickening Lotion I love this stuff when I know I am going to wear my hair straight because I hate flat hair! It gives a 'fatness' to each strand with out feeling tacky or sticky.

• 4- Mark. Eyeshadow Quad These shadow quads are super pigmented and the color combos are really thoughtfully put together. The price is just an added bonus!

• 5- NYX Slide On Eye Liner If you love a pop of color on your eyes, or a creamy smokey eye- try these pencils for the easiest application.

• 6- Essence Eye Shadow Base This is the BEST eye shadow primer! It locks colors in place and never creases, plus I love the doe-foot applicator- it's just so easy.

• 7- Covergirl Outlast Lip Color For lip color that stays out for hours, reach for this lip color. First apply the color and wait till it dries and locks in place. Then add shine and moisture with the clear topcoat.

• 8- Biore Charcoal Bar Think of this stuff as a suction cup for your pores. The charcoal sucks oil out of your pores and leaves your skin super clean with a minty fresh finish.

• 9- Yes To Tomatoes Spot Stick When you need a quick solution to a pesky pimple, this roller stick is boss! It will dry out the zit in a day or two, but it can be drying so keep it focused only on the spots.

• 10- Loreal Blow Dry It Quick Dry Primer Spray I've talked about this stuff many times, but here it is again! Dry your hair in less time and leave it perfectly polished.

Do you have any favorites that are under $10? Let me know if the comments down below, and be sure you are following along with me on instagram- we are headed for a surprise trip to DISNEYLAND today! I'll share a few snaps from our adventure. xo

APPLY BLUSH LIKE A PRO WITH THESE QUICK TIPS

I firmly believe in the power of blush, and that it is a vital part of any makeup routine.

The proper application of blush is like an instant face lift and brings a warmth and brightness to the face that no other type of product can. But if your not sure how to apply blush correctly, it can go south real quick. Here are the things you need to know to apply blush in the most flattering way for your face shape.

The Classic Application- all face shapes

• Gives and a natural flush of color, works with all blush colors (including brights!)

• Apply an oval brush stroke over the cheekbone, stopping under the center of the eye

• Use a loose domed brush for easy blending like the Real Techniques Domed Brush

The Rosy Glow- long, oval or oblong face shapes

• Visually cuts the face in half, to shorten and widen. Best with light peaches and pinks

• Apply with a dabbing techniques on the apples of your cheeks

• Use a stippling brush for tapping and blending like the Real Techniques Instapop Cheek Brush

Highlight Application- oval or heart face shapes

• Emphasizes the eyes and give an upward lift to the face. Works with lighter shimmer tones

• Sweep tone on the top of the cheekbones, up towards the temples

• Use a fan brush to easily work around the eye like the It Cosmetics Fan Brush

Sculpt Technique- round or square face shapes

• Chisel out cheekbones and create a more angular face. Use brown/ beige based blushes

• Sweep blush under the cheekbone from the ear forward, stopping below the center of the eye

• Use an angled brush to help define the cheekbone and make the face appear more narrow, like the Sonia Kashuk Angled Brush

Thanks so much for reading, and let me know in the comments down below if you have any blush secrets to share. And links to the blush in the video are down below. xo

BOUNCY BEACH WAVES WITH THE TWIRL 360

Hello lovlies! Happy Monday and thanks for stopping by. Last week I introduced you to the newest curling iron in my collection the Twirl 360. It's part of the newest breed of curling irons out there that twirl all on their own. So maybe your asking yourself; 'does it really work that well?' Take a look at this video so that you decide that for yourself. I think you'll enjoy seeing it in action!

Products mentioned in video:

• Twirl 360 - my review can be read here

• Loreal Blow Dry It - cuts blowdry time down significantly

• R+Co Blow Dry Balm - light hold and a smooth finish

• Redken Windblown - gives great 'lived-in' texture

• Kardashian Beauty Pure Glitz Hairspray - medium hold and a shiny finish

Overall the Twirl is a big investment, but for women out there who struggle creating curls it could be

Once you've mastered the use of it, you can easily do a full head of curls in 5-10 minutes

, but be prepared to feel a little awkward with it at first. I had to use it about 3 times before I really felt comfortable with the new technique, but now I am a big fan! And also remember that

self-spinning irons can only flat wrap curls,

so you are somewhat limited in the shapes you'll get. *See my wrap techniques to the right for further explanation. a great tool to have and use.

I would also note that this type of iron is probably best for women who have

hair that is shoulder length or longer

. Shorter than that and I don't think the self-wrapping function is necessary or would speed up your style time much. 

Thanks so much for reading, and be sure you enter to win your own Twirl 360 one post back. xo

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**Thanks to ShopStyle for sponsoring this post through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write this post and create a how-to video, the products featured and opinions are at my discretion. 

ARE SPINNING CURLING IRONS THE NEXT BIG THING?

Ever thought to yourself... 'I wish their was a curling iron that could just magically make curls for me, and I wouldn't have to do a thing!'???

Well the day has arrived peeps.

Lately there have been curling irons popping up all over the place the twirl or spin on their own. This latest generation of irons helps to speed up your curling process (after a learning curve of course) and to take the guess work out of creating perfect curls.

I was super hesitant at first with these types of irons because I din't really think it was a concept that would catch on... after all spinning contraptions and hair seem like a scary combination.

But after much debate, and a LOT of research I decided to jump on the bandwagon and see for myself what all the fuss is about. And honestly, I'm glad I did.

So which spinning curling iron did I go with?

The T3 Twirl 360. Why? Well first of all, just look at it! It has a stunning design with those gorgeous rose gold accents. But beyond that T3 is a brand that I have loved and used for years both in the salon and at home. The other MAJOR selling points for me were the long clamp area, which gives the ability to work with larger sections of hair, and lessens your likelihood of burning yourself while trying to place hair in the clamp especially if you have shorter hair or layers.

And of course the gyroscope technology which senses your movement and turns the iron automatically in the direction you want to roll. It's so cool and amazes me every time. In addition, the surface on this iron is SO smooth (it's has a combo of ceramic and tourmaline) and you can safely run your hair through the clamp without pulling or tugging on the hair, and the clap never leaves a mark in the hair either.

Other spinning irons out there have much smaller clips and the ability to only spin one direction, or require you to flip a switch to alternate spinning directions... which is silly and time consuming if you ask me.

Next week on the blog, I'll have the full video tutorial showing you how to use the iron and achieve bouncy beach waves in a snap with the Twirl 360. So be sure to come back Monday for that one! xo

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOUR NEXT CONCEALER PURCHASE

Hi friends! Thanks so much for stopping by today- I hope you leave with a new tip or trick up your sleeve! Today I am sharing my latest episode of Studio5 TV with you, all about

the basics of using concealer correctly. There are just so many types of concealers on the market, and it can be overwhelming to select the right one for you. But I hope this video will help you crack the code, and select the right formula for your needs, and give you a few helpful application techniques.

Products mentioned: 

• Bye Bye Under Eye

• NYX Dark Circle Concealer

• Dermablend Cover Creme

• ELF Corrective Concealer

• Pixi Flawless Finishing Powder

Hope that helps, and cheers to your beautiful [flawless] faces! xo

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YOUR SUMMER SCENT GUIDE // FLORALS

I LOVE to explore new perfumes seasonally because our sense of smell is so strongly connected to memory. Every time I get a whiff of gardenia, it's like I am instantly transported back to Hawaii and the first trip I took there with my late grandparents. Such happy memories!

Try wearing a new scent on your next Summer vacation

, so you can revisit those memories too every time you spray that perfume. It really works! And it's not too late to scoop up one of these for an amazing

Mother's Day gift

as well.

Summer Florals are all the rage right now

, and I've narrowed it down to two fragrances that I think you'll love too. One for day and one for night time wear:

• Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs- Marc Jacobs is known for his floral range of perfumes- and I have loved almost all of them, but Daisy Dream has become my favorite by far! It is light and bright, and truly a 'happy' scent. It has notes or fruit like blackberry and pear and my favorite addition is the coconut water.

Although it is sweet smelling, it is still very fresh and airy which is perfect for day time wear or for anyone who prefers a soft feminine scent during the evening too. Also, this one is perfect for teens and 20-somethings!

• Flora by Gucci // Glorious Mandarin- This perfume is perfect for night time wear in the Summer months because it is still a bright floral but it has a depth to it with a light musk note. The mandarin orange tone pairs really nicely with a pina colada note, making it sweet and fruity too. It's perfect for a more 'mature' women and someone that likes a sophisticated scent.

Have you tried a new scent lately that I should check out? Let me know in the comments below, xo

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ZIT COVERUP 101 // THE BEST WAY TO COVER ACNE

Zits are simply the worst.

I have shed a few too many tears over the state of my skin, and truth be told, it was less than a week ago that I had my most recent cry for that very reason. Anyone who has struggled with acne knows the pain and heartache that can come when you skin doesn't cooperate. It may seem trivial (and in the GRAND scheme of things, I know it is trivial) but living each day with ugly bright red bumps on your face is not something I wish anyone to endure.

My skin has improved quite a bit over the last year, but lately I've had a flare up that has been plaguing my self esteem and made me want to throw in the towel. But alas, life must go on, and with that I thought I would give you a quick video to show the process I go through to cover acne each day.

I'm calling it Zit CoverUp 101- and I hope you find it helpful! Watch the video below and then check out the products that I use and recommend too.

Products Used in Video:

• BareMinerals Complexion Rescue- (02 Vanilla) Tinted Moisturizer

• Dermablend Cover Creme- (Chroma 1 Rose Beige) Concealer

• BareMinerals Blemish Remedy- (02 Clearly Pearl) Mineral Foundation

• Pixi by Petra Quick Fix Translucid Powder- Setting Powder

• Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

• Milani Rose Powder Blush (Coral Cove)

• IT Cosmetics Powder Brush- Blending & Bronzer

• IT Cosmetics Blurring Concealer Brush- Concealer & Foundation

• IT Cosmetics Soft Focus Blush Brush- Blush

I truly hope this video is helpful to you, if only to let you know that you are not alone when dealing with acne. If you know someone who might benefit from this post too, please share! xo

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10 ECO-FRIENDLY BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT GIVE AMAZING RESULTS

Happy Earth Day!

Whether you are a newbie to the Green lifestyle, or you've been practicing earth friendly behaviors for year, everyone can appreciate a product or brand that makes eco-conscious choices. While only 5-10 years ago, it was very hard to find

health and beauty products that were organic or sustainable

, but today there are so many incredible options available to us that utilize best practices and make amazing products to boot! 

I've personally used all of these products and not only do they perform amazingly, but they share the common factor of being

eco-friendly both in packaging and ingredients

. Support these brands so that they continue to raise the bar and produce products that are safe and effective. Ready? Here goes:

• 1- Kevin Murphy Smooth Again Leave-In Hair Smoothing Treatment- I am so proud to sell Kevin Murphy in my salon. Not only because the products are amazing, but the brand actively promotes and utilizes eco-friendly practices. This smoothing cream is to die for, and I literally use it on EVERY SINGLE client that sits in my chair, no matter what hair type they have.

• 2- SheaMoisture Duel Sided Makeup Brush Set These are soft, fluffy and so wonderfully made. The duel ends cut down on materials needed, but on top of that the handles are made from bamboo and recycled aluminum.

• 3- Yes To Tomatoes Activated Charcoal Bar Soap If you are an oily skin person, or suffer from bacne (back acne) or acne on your arms... look no further than this amazing bar of charcoal goodness!

• 4- One Love Organics Brand New Day MicroDerm Scrub From one of my fav organic lines comes this amazing scrub & masque that cleanses, exfoliants, and detoxifies your skin with gentle love. Oooh it's so good!

• 5- Yes To Coconut Eczema Relief Spray Anyone who deals with ECZEMA knows that some products can irritate more than help. This lightweight spray is super soothing and helps with itch and redness. Plus it smells like heaven and is totally affordable.

• 6- Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant Finding a deodorant without harsh chemicals in it- is nearly impossible! But these healthy deodorizers not only smell amazing (I love the coconut scent) but they sooth the underarms too.

• 7- Josie Maran Creamy Concealer Stick Josie's entire line is made from natural and sustainable ingredients, and one of her main purposes for creating the line was to bring glamorous skincare and makeup into an eco-friendly realm. This creamy concealer crayon has been a fav of mine for years. It is wonderful at concealing under the eye circles and fine lines while giving a moisture that can only come from Argan Oil.

• 8- Method Foaming HandWash My go to makeup brush cleanser every time! Although I do try different scents almost every time I purchase. And of course it's a great hand soap as well!

• 9- Pacifia Lip Tint These lip tints go on like chapstick but have beautiful subtle tints that are perfect for natural gals on the go.

• 10- John Masters Organics- Rose and Apricot Day Cream A lightweight yet hydrating face moisturizer that smells like a fresh garden. I almost want to eat it... and probably could because John Masters uses all organic ingredients and limits their preservatives as well.

What are your favorite eco-conscious beauty products? Let me know in the comments below, and go plant a tree today! xo

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IN THE MOOD FOR A NEW COLOR AND CUT? // HERE'S A LITTLE INSIRATION

This season for my cut and color, I wanted to warm up and lighten up! Bringing copper into the color was my first thought, but I also wanted to bring out some true blonde through the ends as well. Next a shortened up my extensions for a full thick look but, one that would be a little cooler to wear, unlike the longer extensions I had been wearing through winter. I also shortened my fringe pieces just slightly so that I can wear them across the forehead in a side sweep, or split down the middle for a curtain style bang.

Take a look at the process in the

video

below to 

achieve

 these

Face-Framing Copper Highlights

, and let me know if you have plans to change up your hair now that the weather is heating up!

Video Mentioned:

Winter Reveal // Sombre & Tape-In Extensions

Tools Used:

• Sam Villa Blowdryer (Use code: '20FORUT' to save 20%)

• GHD Flat Iron

• Detachable Handle Round Brushes

• Tape-In Hair Extensions [The brand I use is only available to stylists, so I have not personally tried the tape-in hair extensions linked above, although they have good reviews and look great to me.]

Cheers!

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MASKCARA IIID FOUNDATION // REVIEW AND DEMO

Why hello lovely! Have you ever experienced a time when you were so ahead of the game, I mean like the ORIGINAL believer/ lover of/ promoter of something that later turned out to be HUGE!? Like that one person that read the Twilight book first, and started the #IheartEdward fan club, before anyone else on planet Earth had even thought about vampires in centuries.

Or were you the original 'Dirty Diet Coke' drinker, way before it became cool and now everyone plus their mom drinks their DC with lime and coconut!?

And then you are all 'HEY! Peeps, I started this whole thing- so give credit where credit is due!' Boom. [insert angry face]

I think it's safe to say that it has happened to all of us at some point in time. I also think it is safe to say the the ORIGINAL beauty guru that started the whole ‘Highlight & Contour' craze, was none other than Cara Brook, of MaskCara.com

Now whether or not she's all huffy on the sidelines [I doubt it, I've met her and she is too kind to be huffy] and wondering when the rest of the world decided to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to the way we apply foundation... I don't really know. But Cara is a revolutionary with this product and technique, so it's no wonder that everyone else is joining this fan club.

If you missed my review on the first generation of IIID Foundation, you can go back and read that here. But let's talk about what has changed since the first go around, and why this foundation has been on repeat since I got it.

MaskCara IID Foundation: Linen/ Walnut/ Pink Grapefruit/ Illuminator

The new IIID Foundation is like the way cooler older sister of the first edition.

The packaging is much better and allows for custom palette creation with insertable colors and refills. It's a heavier quality plastic too which is much improved, and the magnetic system for holding the pans is perfect.

The makeup itself has also undergone a makeover, and the results are that much better.

The highlight colors are designed for brightening and concealing. They are super creamy and spread really nicely under the eyes especially, but have great coverage as well for those dark circles or acne like I have. These tones are all warm to reflect light and give a natural 'glowy' effect.

Next, you'll pick a contour shade designed to chisel out the bone structure of your face and really make you look sculpted. The consistency of these colors is thicker and less creamy because they are designed to stay in place more firmly on the skin. After all we don't want our contour to go running down our face do we? Cara designed these colors to be cooler so that they look like a shadow on the face, versus a typical warm bronzer.

Finally you can top off the look with a blush and the illuminator. These final steps really make the face come to life and feel more feminine. And you know I LOVE a good blush color!

Here's a really quick look at my application process to give you an idea (video)

And for those of you with acne or oily skin, I recommend setting your oily/acne zones with a translucent powder to give the foundation extra holding power. I use the Pixi Quick Fix and love it. I also recommend a the Pixi Full Coverage Foundation Brush to apply the IIID foundation, because the bristles and size of the brush work well with the narrow makeup pans- so you don't accidentally pick up neighboring colors. And the bristles are contoured to fit into tighter spaces under your eyes etc. nicely, but it's still big enough to cover the whole face quickly. (Although in the video, I am using the MaskCara double sided brush which is great too)

Let me know if you have tried the IIID Foundation, or if you love highlighting & contouring as much as I do? Plus if you were ahead of your time on something HUGE, I wanna know that too! Thanks so much for stopping by today, xo

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PRODUCT FAILS // NOT SO SNOOP TASTIC AFTER ALL

Happy Monday Snoopettes! Thanks so much for taking a minute out of your day to hang out with me. I love and appreciate all of you. [insert hugs here]

Today I have a fun video for you; another edition of 'Not-So-Snoop-Tastic', which is a round up of the products that simply didn't make the cut and as such, are deemed flops in my book.

I don't share negative reviews often because I like to keep this place a positive one as much as possible. But, I also don't want you to buy anything that may let you down as well if that can be avoided, and I also like to give you some insight into how I decide which products get featured here on the blog. I am a pretty tough critic, as you'll see in the

video

 below.

Have you tried any of these products? And if so what were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below, and stay classy out there, xo

THE HAIR COLOR RULE IT'S TIME TO BREAK! // SPRINGS HOTTEST COLOR TRENDS

You've heard it before;

'Rule: Hair color should go lighter in the Spring and Summer and go darker in the Fall and Winter.'

And while I do believe there is some merit to this rule and I have often advised clients at the salon of this myself, I am also a little bit of a rule breaker too. [Just ask my dad... or my husband ;)]

When in reality, there are no rules that apply to everyone when it comes to beauty, that is in fact that

beauty

of it! #punforthewin

But in the Spring of 2015 those so-called 'rules' have been bent

, and I am LOVING it!

Why? Well, because the rule-breaker in me gets to shine of course, but also because these latest trends are healthier for the hair and are lower maintenance in general.

Softer colors with less contrast and more blending grow out more gracefully leaving less noticeable roots

, and who doesn't freaking love that!? Take a look at the

video

below where I stopped by Studio5 TV to discuss the

3 Spring hair color trends you need to know about

.

• Trend #1- Sombre The grown up version of the ombre color, this subtle version is sophisticated and easy to wear for a much larger age gap than the trend we saw in years past. It's healthier for the ends of the hair because it requires less lightening/bleaching, and it works for hues from red to blonde as well as the brunettes pictured.

• Trend #2 - Toffee Blonde This one may be the most unusual trend of the season, seeing as most blondes tend to crank up the peroxide once the sun comes back out. But celebs like Elizabeth Olsen are showing us the warmer richer blondes are still perfectly posh this season. The toffee tone is super flattering on most skin tones, and is again less damaging and easier for maintenance on most women.

• Trend #3 - Ecaille/ Tortoiseshell A yummy blend of all things rich, this color is all the rage these days and features dark mahogany, chocolate, and caramels all swirled into one gorgeous combo. Think shiny and warm, with lots of dimension and texture!

Which trend is your favorite, and will you give any of them a try? Let me know in the comments below, and have a great Tuesday! PS come say hi over on

instagram

ASK THE EXPERT: SHOULD I BE USING CLEANSING OILS? AND WHAT ARE THEY REALLY FOR?

If you are like me you run for the hills when there is a mention of any type of oil in your skincare [or haircare] products! At least that's how I used to think... I literally once shuttered at the thought of oil anywhere near my face, because after all- I am acne prone and already producing enough oil on my own, thank you very much. And I am not alone with the confusion on the matter either, recently a reader sent me this question:

'What are cleansing oils? And should I be using them instead of regular skin cleanser?'

Over the last couple of years I've really changed my tune when it comes to beauty oils, but that change of heart didn't come without major trepidation and some trial and

error

fail. I've done a LOT of research on oils and skincare, and seen some downright inaccurate crap posted on the internet. But after trying many products, discussing with my dermatologist and reading many skincare professionals beliefs on the matter- here is what I profess about cleansing with oil and my answer to this readers' question: 

Cleansing with oil can be great if done with the right ingredients and with the right understanding of what your results will be

. The idea that 'like attracts like' seems to be a running theme in the oil-cleansing community- ie, the oil cleanser will 'attract' the oils out of your skin which then allows you to wash them away down the sink with warm water.

And while the theory of that has some validity, the type of oil you apply to your face really is the key to the success or failure here. Because many oils are simply made up of different molecule types than the sebum in your skin. So slapping vegetable oil on your face, is not going to give you good results- although you are welcome to try that... I certainly won't be joining you! 

There are however

oil cleansers on the market that are designed to work with the skin and gently remove makeup, dirt and yes surface oil from the skin

- leaving it hydrated and glowing. The difference with these oils is that they use plant based essential oils and have the ability to emulsify with water, meaning they will wash away easily from the skin without leaving a greasy residue. These cleansers are best for dry or sensitive skinned people, but oily and acne prone friends, like myself can certainly see benefits from usage too. I love to use my oil regimen in the winter months when my skin is parched from cold dry air, and when I've had any peeling from strong acne treatments or even harsh sunburns. I love how gentle oil-cleansing is and the spa like feeling I get when using these products. They really do hydrate the skin and leave you with a nice glow. My favs you ask?

• Kari Gran Cleansing Oil - uses sunflower, avocado, lavender oils and more

• Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil - uses sweet almond oil

• Clinique Take the Day Off Oil Cleanser - completely fragrance free option

These cleansers work especially great for people that are suffering from dry patchy spots on their face [Check out my

video

on just such a topic] and let me know if you've tried oil cleansing and your thoughts in the comments below.

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