CRACK THE COLOR CODE: PICKING YOUR BEST HAIR COLOR

Last month I put the call out for ladies who were seeking help determining their best hair color. It is often a really confusing topic, and one that many women ask me about when they are sitting in my chair at the salon.

After some great submissions on instagram, I picked three ladies to help me explain the steps to great hair color. We had so much fun at the salon with these makeovers, and today you'll get to see the 'after' looks as well! But first, here are the guidelines for picking the right hair color for your skin tone:

• Keep the hair color within two levels lighter or two levels darker than your naturally occurring hair at this given time. This may mean a harsh reality check for some women who claim to be blonde, because they were blonde as a child- but are no longer ACTUALLY blonde.

Remember that these levels range from 1-10. 1 being black and 10 being pale blonde. You fall somewhere along that spectrum, and should stay within two levels in either direction of where you fall.

Keeping within these two levels ensures that you won't have an exorbitant amount of maintenance time at the salon, and that you aren't messing with 'nature' too much. Nature is usually right, amirite?

• Next, take into account your underlying skin pigments for the most flattering tone within your level. Here is a handy chart to help you determine your underlying pigments. This helps when buying foundation too!

By looking at your veins on your wrist, you can get a good idea of what tone you skin carries. Using these tones to determine which hair colors will look best on you will help ensure beautiful results. Here are my

suggestions for hair colors based on your skin tone.

COOL // PINK UNDERTONES

• Beige Blondes

• Neutral Browns

• Mahogany Reds

NEUTRAL // YELLOW UNDERTONES

• Honey Blondes

• Warm Browns

• Orangey Reds

WARM // OLIVE UNDERTONES

• Cool Blondes

• Ashy Browns

• Violet Reds

Here are my beautiful new friends before we dived into color makeovers. They all had good hair to start with, but just need slight tweaks to make their locks really POP. To see their after looks, watch the video below. 

Thanks for stopping by today! Hope you learned something new.

3 MINUTE BOLD & NATURAL BROWS

If you have been living under a rock the last year, you may have missed the memo; but BOLD brows have taken over the world once

instagram

photo at a time! It really has been a big shift in the world of beauty, and I for one hope the trend never leaves.

Bold brows make you look younger

and they single handedly take your look from 'eh' to 'POW' in less than 3 minutes. [If you are looking for speed stick with powder... pencil requires more time]

I have softened my brows up over the last few months however, and am not drawing them as heavy as I did when this trend first emerged. I feel like that is often the case for trends... we go BIG at first, then start to see the light and pull it back slightly over time. [contouring... I am talking to you! Can I get an Amen!?]

So here is a really quick and

easy tutorial

on achieving

natural bold brows

with Ulta Beauty

.

Products used [all available at Ulta Beauty]:

• Anastasia Highlighting Duo Pencil

• Anastasia Brow Powder Duo

• Anastasia Brow Wiz Pencil

• Anastasia Clear Brow Gel - If you are going to buy one thing... make it this one!

• Bold Metals Angled Brush

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

*this post was created in collaboration with StyleHunters and Ulta Beauty

EASY HALF UP HAIR STYLES

The

half-up hairstyle is making a big comeback these days

. We are seeing the look both on red carpets and in real life in a major way. But not everyone is embracing the trend yet... so here is my recommendation: TRY IT ANYWAY!!

You may feel awkward at first wearing these looks if you haven't tried them before, but once you embrace half-up styles as a mainstream look, you'll find that you have so many options and your creativity can really play a big part. The options are endless... Just ask

Pinterest

.

Take a look at the

video

below, and see a few of my favorite ways to style half-up hair, with Studio5 TV.

What half-up styles are you loving these days? xo

NEW HAIR FOR FALL // COOL BLUNT LOB

Well another season has come and gone, and that means it is time for new hair!

While my Summer blonde was fun, I was excited to go back darker for the cold months, and to shorten up my locks.

Lately I have been loving the BLUNT LOB cut, it just spoke to me this season- and I knew that was the look I was going to try for. I also wanted to bring my hair into an ashy tone, instead of the golden hue I had been wearing through the Summer.

Take a look at the video below, to get a behind the scenes look at the process I took to create this look. Let me know in the comments if you like it, and if you have any fun changes planned for your Autumn hair. 

Products and Tools Used:

Bombay Tape-in Extensions

 (code MM30 to save 15% on Styling Tools)

Nume MegaStar Flat Iron

(only $68 with code: MEGACLEAN thru 10/31)

Olaplex

(use salon locater, under menu to find salons that use Olaplex)

Toni & Guy Volume Whip

FALL'S MUST TRY MAKEUP TRENDS

Ok ladies it's time to get excited and a little bit brave! Why brave?

Well, this latest round of beauty trends is one that may push you outside of your comfort zone ever so slightly, but also one that I am so excited about and I think you should be excited about as well.

Fall 2015 is all about embracing change, and giving your beauty routine a swift kick in the pants

. But that being said, none of these trends are so 'out-there' that they aren't wearable for the everyday woman. 

Today I am stopping by Studio5 TV to give you a run down of the beauty trends you should try this season. They are fun and flirty- so let's

take a look.

Wearing: Watch- Jord Watche |  Shirt- Mindy Mae's Market

Warm Metallic Eyeshadow 

Embrace your golden goddess with a warm bronze, gold, or rose gold shadow this season. These colors are universally flattering (unlike cooler silvers and blues, which can be hard to wear) and they add a beautiful light to your eyes.

• Forever21 Shadow Palette in 'nude' Only $7... wha!?!

• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 'Yogurt' & 'Iced Mocha' Easy on-the-go application

• Stila Magnificent Metal Eyes in 'Kitten' & 'Gilded Gold' Major 'WOW' factor

Graphic Eye Liner

Amp up your liner with a dramatic cat eye, or half lined eye like those worn on so many runways this Fall. It's bold and flirty, and wears perfect with a sleek pony tail and nude lip.

• Pixi Cat Eye Ink in 'Intense Black' A great 'beginners' option with an easy to control tip

• Kat Von D Ink Liner in 'Baudelaire' Try blue or charcoal for a slightly softer look

• Maybelline Master Precise Liner in 'Black' Precise and super black for major impact

90's Berry Lipstick

Bring back your inner grunge-mama with this 90's beauty trend. Opt for a deep berry tone that has a brown or purple base color for a major moment that is right on trend.

• Revlon Moisture Stain in Parisian This liquid lip stain stays put all day

• Pixi Mattlustre Lipstick in 'Plum Berry' Opaque and buildable color that is perfectly plum

• Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in 'Motorhead' The ultimate rockstar black cherry matte

Let me know which [if any?] of these trends you are excited to try in the comments below, and thanks so much for reading and watching! xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

INSIDER STYLIST TIPS: THE PERFECT AT-HOME BLOWDRY

Today I am excited to share some of my favorite

insider stylists secrets

for that perfect blowdry at home. I get asked about this a lot at the salon, and truly everyone loves a wonderful blowout that lasts a few days. Watch the

video

below for the principles of a great blowdry, my secret weapon tools for the job, and a few techniques that will improve your skills in a snap! 

Tips for the perfect at-home blowout:

1- Less is more 

when it comes to styling products- keep it simple and your blowout will last longer! Apply a conditioning agent to the ends, and a volumizing agent to the roots... that's it! (remember you can always add more products later if needed.) Got frizzy or course thick hair? Then substitute the volume spray for a

smoothing balm

. 

• Knotty to Nice Leave In Conditioner

• Alterna 48 Hour Volume Spray

2- Hair has memory

, so work quickly to avoid hair reverting back to its wet-state-characteristics such as curl, frizz, or flatness. Allowing hair to air dry too long will start to lock in those unwanted characteristics, so begin drying within 20 minutes of showering and use your brush to both combat and refine. This way you'll create memory for the positive characteristics! 

• Fromm Square Thermal Brushes

3- The cooling is just as important is the heating. 

The time after the blow dryer turns off is also crucial to creating the perfect blowout! Continue to lock in the style for at least 20 minutes after the styling, by avoiding these like tucking hair behind your ears which cause dents to be created. For added volume allow the top sections to cool on large velcro rollers or using clips to hold curls in place while they cool

• Hot Tools Velcro Rollers

• Duck Bill Clips

• Sam Villa Blow Dryer [code: '20FORUT' for 20% off]

Thanks for watching and reading as always, and please be sure you are following along with me on

instagram

for some added behind the scenes looks into my life and my latest Snoop Stories. xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

THE LATEST BEAUTY INNOVATIONS YOU NEED TO TRY

In life there are some things that are just so cool you want to shout about them from the roof top! Thank goodness there are genius minds out there creating and innovating- so that our lives are all made better.

Lately I've come across some really

unique beauty innovations

that are changing the face of the industry and stretching the limits when it comes to performance and convenience. I wanted to share with you a few of them and hopefully let you in on some cool beauty inventions that just might make your life easier, and more fun too! Check out the

video

below for the

newest in beauty technology that is worth trying

.

Products Mentioned:

• The Brush Cleaner

• Girl Powder

• Root Concealer // Root Concealer Salon Finder to guarantee authentic product

• Brow Maker

• Defense Refresh SPF 50

Let me know if you have tried any new beauty innovations that I should give a go! xo

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js'; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += '?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

FAB FAVORITES UNDER $10

A couple months back  I compiled a list of some of my favorite beauty buys under $10, and you all told me with your clicks and comments that you love a good bargain as much as I do! So today, I am sharing another round of 10 amazing beauty products under 10 dollars, and this list is even better than the first.

• 1-ELF Blush Palette $6 Super pigmented with great lasting power available in dark and light tones

• 2-Vaseline Spray Moisturizer $5.99 THE BEST invention in moisturizer- quick, easy and drys super fast

• 3-The Wet Brush $8.99 Detangle in seconds without pulling

• 4-NYX Matte Lipstick $5.99 Rich bright colors that have a matte finish without being drying

• 5-Simple Micellar Wipes $6.99 // Micellar Water $6.99 Cleanse and hydrate at the same time- plus it is pure enough to use on eye makeup and with sensitive skin

• 6-Flower Brightening Concealer Click Pen $7.98 Creamy and blendable with great coverage to brighten the under eyes

• 7-Pixi Fairy Dust $10 Beautiful metallic loose eyeshadows that last all day and don't crease

• 8-Eco Tools Konjac Sponge $5.99 Exfoliate gently using this natural fiber sponge made from the Konjac root. It's great for acne and lackluster skin especially

• 9-Hask Express Blow Dry Spray $6.99 Cut your blowdry down by 40% with this spray that will help to force the water out of your hair during the drying process

• 10-Not Your Mother's Lock Luster Oil Treatment $5.99 Smooth the ends of your hair with this hydrating and repairing argon oil treatment that doesn't leave the hair looking greasy or weighed down.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU TRY THE CONDITIONING WASH TREND

Conditioning cleansers are making a huge splash in the beauty industry

, but the concept isn't necessarily new. Many women have been 'conditioner washing' or co-washing for decades, but as of late this technique has picked up lots of steam and become mainstream. Almost all major haircare brands now offer a non lather option, so today I am giving you the skinny on all things conditioning cleanse.

I've posted about co-washing before, so for a starter course on the topic and the right technique to use conditioning cleansers, go back and

read this

. Then check out the

video

below.

Q- What is a conditioning Wash?

A- It's a non lathering wash that has the consistency of conditioner, designed to replace the traditional shampoo and conditioner you already have.

Q- Who should be using these types of washes?

A- They are best for women with dry, frizzy, or curly hair and those people who prefer to wash daily (versus those women who wash only a couple times per week) The ingredients in typical shampoos that cause the bubbles and lather; sulfates and detergents- are also the ingredients that can cause color fading and dryness. So in these formulas those ingredients have been removed, leaving the hair more conditioned as a result.

Q- So on the flip-side, who shouldn't be using these washes?

A- Women with oily scalps and hair, as well as those women who don't wash often- may still need a traditional lather to remove the buildup and oils from the scalp and hair after several days without washing. 

Four recommended types: 

• Best for All Hair Types- WEN by Chaz Dean

• Best for Color Treated Hair- Pureology Cleansing Condition

• Best For Fine Hair- Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner

• Best For Frizzy, Course or Curly Hair- Loreal Evercreme Cleansing Condition

What do you think of the co-washing trend? Is it a trend or will we see it stick around? And do you have any favorites that I should try? Let me know if the comments below, xo

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js'; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += '?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

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

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js'; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += '?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

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

!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; p = '//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js'; var cb = new Date().getTime(); p += '?cb=' + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === 'object'){ if(doc.readyState === 'complete'){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, 'script', 'shopsensewidget-script');

**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. 

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

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

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

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

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!

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

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

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

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

WHAT TYPE OF HIGHLIGHTS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU? // DECODING STYLISTS LINGO ONCE AND FOR ALL

It can be confusing to sit down in your stylists' chair, and discuss the myriad of possibilities when it comes to highlights. Plus there are new techniques popping up all of the time, not to mention buzzwords and trends that come and go so fast, it'll make your head spin! 

That being said- this post will clarify the techniques you can expect to hear about in your local salon, and the different results you'll achieve with them.

Studio5 TV

stopped in to my salon today, so I can give you the run down and hopefully lessen your confusion and help you to get the best results for your own individual needs.

Moore Hair Design

 |  Salt Lake City

Why are some highlights processed in foils/papers, while others are left exposed?

• Foil or paper sheets are used to separate hair strands from one another to prevent colors bleeding on to one another. It's a physical barrier and also a surface for the stylist to apply color onto for control and precision.

• Color that is processed inside a foil also processes to be brighter/lighter because of the heat that is created inside the packet of foil- resulting in higher contrasting highlights.

What are the different in-foil highlighting methods called? 

• Fine Weave - Small (less than 1/2 inch) woven sections of hair are placed inside the foil and color is applied for a subtle and more blended highlight or lowlight.

• Chunky/Wide Weave - Large (1/2-1 inch) woven sections are placed into the foil and color is applied for a bold pop of color that is high contrast to the surrounding colors.

• Panels or Slices -Large sections of hair are placed without any weaving action prior to placement inside the foil. This results in the entire panel of hair receiving color, for a very bold color application. This technique is often used for fashion colors such as blues and purples.

• Tipping - A technique typically reserved for shorter hair when the ends or tips of the hair are placed in a foil and color is applied in one of the above mentioned fashions. Leaving un-changed roots, but a visible color change in the tips of the hair.

What about hand-painted highlights?

• Balayage - [balāˈyäZH] A free form painting method where lightener is applied at the stylists discretion, slightly off of the scalp and typically more subtly at the root area, and more heavily at the mid length and ends. This results in a melted or graduated effect with more depth in color at the roots and lightness at the ends. Variations of this method are result in these often-buzzed about color patterns: Sombre, Flamboyage, Ombre, Color Melt. This method is typically processed in the open air resulting in a more subtle contrast between the surrounding hair. You may see stylists use cotton strands or plastic wrap to help separate the sections during the process as well.

I hope that gives you a good over view and understanding of what your stylist is talking about next time you are at the salon. Got a question? Just ask in the comments below. xo!

5 MINUTE MAKEUP // SIMPLIFY YOUR ROUTINE

Lately I have been working on being more efficient with my time, and that includes my getting-ready-routine. After some trial and error, I've streamlined my makeup routine and really focused on ways to make it move quicker in the morning.

There are 10 steps to the 5 minute makeup routine

, and they are designed to work in this order because it is the most efficient when done this way.  You'll see that they transition from one step to the next seamlessly, and cut out time wasting steps.

Although I cringe every time I have to put a photo of my bare face up on this blog... I couldn't just tell you about the 5 minute routine, I needed to show you so that you can see it in action for yourself. In reality, A LOT can be accomplished in 5 minutes if you are organized and have a game plan. Take a look at the

video below

, and watch my routine in action. It certainly isn't my most masterful makeup application, but it works in a pinch and hopefully will help you too!

Products Used:

• Garnier Moisture Rescue

• Benefit PoreFessional Primer

• ELF Lustrous Cream Shadow

• It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

• Philosophy Hope in a Jar Foundation applied with Beauty Blender

• NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Dark Brown

• Benefit Hoola Bronzer applied with It Cosmetics Bronzer Brush

• Milani Blush in Coral Cove applied with It Cosmetics Highlight & Blend Brush

• Covergirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara

• Buxom Lip Polish in Isabella

What tips do you have for an efficient morning routine? Let me know in the comments below, and thanks so much for reading and sharing! xo

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

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!

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.