PERFUME FOR YOUR HAIR? // HAIR MIST 101

Best Hair Perfume Mists

I take scents very seriously.

Just watch one of my

youtube

videos, and it's pretty much guaranteed that I smell something in the video! The scent of a beauty product is a huge factor when it comes to purchasing a product or not, I've definitely learned that first hand over my 15+ years selling shampoo!

But did you know, that

the scents in shampoo are not designed to linger in the hair

?

That's right, the vast majority of shampoo formulations these days are made with 'flash fragrances' that give a burst of scent upon first use- but then dissipate quickly. They do this because most people use multiple products and layering them would cause too many scents to be in play- it wouldn't be good.

Enter: The Hair Mist

What is a hair mist?

It's a perfume spray designed specifically for use in the hair.

The mist is finer, uses less alcohol (so it isn't drying) and they usually contain some shine ingredients to make the hair look nicer as well as smell better. 

Another factor to consider is that most women aren't washing their hair daily, so a hair perfume is nice to freshen up the hair on days 2 and 3. [

video

]

Here are 5 of my

recommended

 Hair Perfumes

:

I hope you'll give one a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below.

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AFTERSUN SKIN AND HAIR SAVERS

Although Summer vacation might be winding down, the sun is still shining HOT in my neck of the woods. We are soaking up all we can get, and I hope you are too.

But

good sun care doesn't just end with Sunscreen

... consider what you do after the sun to be almost as important. Rehydrating and soothing skin and hair will go a long way to keeping both healthy, so today I am sharing some of my

favorite after-sun products

. [

video

]

Body

Face

Hair

Happy Sunning! xo

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3 SUNSCREENS YOU ACTUALLY NEED

Anti-Aging sun screen products

Sunscreen is about the least sexy beauty product out there, am I right?!

No one loves buying sunscreen, but we all NEED it in our lives. I am quite the stickler when it comes to sun safety, and I've tried just about every sun screen out there in my quest to stay pasty. (Thank goodness for Spray Tans)

There are 3 sunscreens that pass the test in my opinion. They cover all the bases:

  • Best Overall Protection: Sun Bum Spray SPF 50 Light weight, non-greasy, and gives major protection. Absorbs quickly and smells great. I love the cream version too for my kids!

  • Best Face/ Anti-Aging: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 High end, effective skincare with a built in protection level of SPF 50. Non greasy and super hydrating too.

  • Best Scalp Protection: ColoreScience Powder SPF 50 I love this for on the go touchups, but especially for its ability to protect your scalp along your part lines, without getting your hair greasy.

Here's to safe sun and lots of fun! xo

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JUST A HINT OF TINT // BEST SHEER MAKEUP

For those ladies out there looking for a more natural and softer makeup finish- products that offer just a

'hint of tint'

are just what you need.

They are designed to offer a more

sheer coverage, that will enhance your look

, without covering up your features. Here are a few of my recommended products that give just enough color but still have major payoff. [

video

]

Face:

  • Maybelline Dream Cushion- My go to foundation all Summer long. It gives beautiful pigment to even out redness and cover blemishes, but has a super thin consistency so the texture of my skin still shows through. It's perfect for the gal who 'hates foundation'.

Brows

  • Billion Dollar Brows Hint of Tint Brow Gel- This is a great brow gel that gives more color then a clear formula, but is still more subtle than a powder or a pencil. The universal taupe color is great for everyone.

Cheeks

  • Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel- Although the colors look bold, this formula is so sheer it only leaves a kiss of pigment on your cheeks. Just a few dabs on the cheekbones will give you a glow and flush of color that is so natural, you might just be blushing!

Highlight

Lips

  • Colour Pop Ultra Blotted Lip- Hands down my favorite formula ever. It is a Matte-Sheer finish which means you can still see your lips ever so slightly under the pigment, but no glossy finish. It's just like the name says, a 'blotted' lipstick look. ***Giveaway*** Head over to my instagram for a chance to win the ENTIRE COLLECTION. Ends 7/23

Eyes

  • NYX Lid Lingerie- I love these for a quick was of color all over the lid. They dry down and become budge proof, but still have a beautiful metallic finish.

What other subtle makeup products do you love? Let me know in the comments below! xo

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3 AT HOME GEL POLISHES THAT ACTUALLY ROCK

I love a good Gel Nail... in fact I only wear gel polish because traditional polish doesn't last in my line of work. Water and nail polish don't get along so well!

I began wearing gel as soon as the industry introduced it on a large scale. The colors were limited and expensive, plus they required a UV light to cure. But, it was the first time in my professional life I had been able to wear polish at the hair salon- so I was stoked!

Fast forward a few years and the at-home version finally emerged... no light required, and [almost] the same long lasting results. (I typically get about 10 days of wear and just a few minor chips.)

The technology is still improving so who knows what the next big advance will be!? But until then, here are my

top three tried and true at-home gel polishes.

The key to a good gel nail is all in the prep work before hand

. To start be sure you've washed your hands to remove any excess oil. Next

push back your cuticles

to ensure the polish won't touch any skin. If it does touch the cuticle you'll most likely have lifting. Third,

buff the nail bed slightly

to roughen up the surface, making for better adhesion. 

Apply the coats as thinly as possible

and allow a couple minutes drying time in between coats. Thick layers are prone to peeling and lifting, so keep em' thin peeps. 

Lastly, speed up your cure time by hopping out in to the sun for a few minutes, or paint your nails next to an open window. It's not required, but

bright UV light will aid in the curing time

and strength of your manicure. 

Happy painting! xo

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HEAL CRACKED HEELS WITH THESE FOOT SAVERS

Summer sandal season is upon us and I think it's safe to assume most of us could use a little foot tune-up! So if you are dealing with cracked heels, dry calluses, or just need a night to pamper yourself- take a look at my recommended foot products for good looking piggies.

Exfoliate first

to loosen dead, dry skin and soften the surface layers

Mild Exfoliation

Medium Exfoliation

  • Amope Pedi Perfect Roller Like an electric sander for your feet, this guy will grind away tough callouses in a snap. Best for small areas like the sides of your big toes and the balls of your feet

Major Exfoliation

  • Peeling Foot Mask If you are looking for MAJOR exfoliation this peeling mask is for you. It takes a few days to see results but be prepared for a whole new foot to emerge after the outer most layers slough off in large chunks. Gross but effective!

Nourish Next

to replenish lost moisture and keep skin soft

Mild Nourishment

  • L'Occitane Foot Cream My tried and true favorite with just the right amount of rich hydration and a refreshing minty scent that takes you to the spaaahh. (if your own bathroom of course ;)

Medium Nourishment

  • Heel Sleeves These half-socks go perfectly with your foot cream, but also work on their own to hydrate dry cracked heels. They are lined with a gel that is infused with oils to leave heels feeling like a million bucks when worn overnight.

Maximum Nourishment

  • Flexitol Heel Balm The miracle cream you've been looking for... wear it every night (with your heel sleeves for extra love) and see a major improvement in a week. Then maintain your soft heels by using it about 3 times a week after your heels have been repaired.

Cheers to Summer! xo

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THE BIGGEST TREND IN LIPS RIGHT NOW // PETAL LIPS

MAC Makeup recently called

'Petal Lips' the trend of the season

, and I couldn't agree more! These colors are bold playful and so fun to wear in warm weather.

Reach for colors found in a Summer bouquet- Reds, Magentas, Corals, Oranges and Pinks.

That means it's time to retire (for now) nudes, browns and purples.

Here are

MACs Petal Lips

, and some other drugstore options: [

video

]

Petal Lips Shown:

If these bold colors are overwhelming to you, then try 'borrowing their pigment' and just using the color as a stain instead of a full blown lipstick. To do this, dab on a few spots of color along the lower lip, then while it's still moveable, use your finger to smudge the color across the lip. Once evenly blended, lick your lips and press them together to transfer some pigment to the upper lip as well. This will give a wash of the color- but your lip texture will stay natural. It's my favorite way to wear a bold color!

xo

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MENS BEAUTY MUST HAVES FOR FATHER'S DAY

Father's Day 2017 Gift Ideas

Father's Day is this Sunday- and there is no better time to

spoil your man with a few great Mens Grooming products

. In my experience I have found that men don't always think about grooming products as a necessity, but once they give them a try, they usually enjoy using them enough to want to keep using them.

Your guy deserves to look and feel his best too, so here are a few of my favs that are also approved by my guy (and others I asked for research as well!)

Video

  • Columbia Toiletry Bag light weight and great for camping or travel.

  • PooPouri Toilet Spray I know this is a 'unique' item to include on this list, but just trust me- this is no ordinary air freshener. In fact it's not that at all. This spray-before-you-go spritz is life changing! Ha! I gave it as a gag gift to my husband, and turns out it is worth every penny and even my kids can use it.

  • Jack Black Skincare PLEASE get your man to stop using bar soap on his face, and give him some nice skincare products designed specifically for his skin. This facial cleanser is great in the shower, and the Face Moisturizer is essential year round with 20SPF. The Beard Lube is also a favorite and keeps skin razor burn free.

  • Harry's Razor Collection Pretty much the best invention ever: razor blade subscription. Forget buying them at the store (who remembers anyway?) and get a custom delivery every couple months. The blades are AMAZE and under $2 a piece. Yup, $2... enough said.

  • Axe Shampoo & Styling Products The 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner is perfect for a guy on the go, and the styling products smell so yummy. Pick the amount of hold you want and the amount of shine you want with the custom pomades and gels.

  • Mens Fragrances: Armani Code, Azzaro Chrome, Calvin Klein Eternity Skip the musky, rich scents this season and lighten up for Summer! These 3 smell like a fresh Summer day and you and your man will love them. Notes of Mandarin, Lavender, and Basil are perfect for a casual warm-weather cologne.

Happy [Groomed and Good-Smelling] Father's Day, xo

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MASKING UN-MASKED // THE RIGHT ONE FOR THE JOB

Best Masks for every Skin Type

I LOVE a good facial mask! And I feel strongly that every woman should have one or two in her regimen to TREAT skin ailments and see better results. 

The ingredients in face masks (or Masques if you wanna get fancy?) are more concentrated and potent, meaning you need to use them less often but they give you more powerful results.

Below are a few of my recommended masks for the most common skin ailments. And keep in mind that mixing and matching is a great way to maximize results. We call it multi-masking, and it's pretty much the best thing ever. AAAAHHH, Zen is calling my name. [

Video

To Treat Acne:

  • Aztec Secret Healing Mud Mask The Apple Cider Vinegar is stinky but it works. This mask will draw out oil and refine your pores without drying the face. 12,000 positive reviews on Amazon can't be wrong!

To Treat Fine Lines and Wrinkles:

  • Image Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque This mask will resurface the skin both chemically and physically using lovely little scrubbers. It has a black licorice scent and contains Alpha Hydroxy for major results.

To Treat Dull Skin:

  • Boscia Luminizing Black Peel Off Mask Time to wake up your face with this mask that is both fun to use and super effective at removing dead dull skin on the surface. Avoid the hairline and the eye area, and focus on large pores on the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin.

To Treat Oily Skin:

  • Loreal Purify & Mattify Mask Dry up shine with this matte-making mask. It de-slicks the surface without being over drying and leaves skin looking fresher and tighter.

To Treat Dry Skin:

  • Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask This mask will leave parched skin feeling hydrated and plumped with it's whipped frothy texture. It can be worn for just a few minutes prior to makeup or indulge in a longer session for major pampering.

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YOU'RE TOO OLD FOR THAT MAKEUP

There comes a time in everyone's life when we realize that we are not as young as we once were. It can happen when we least expect it too- like when you suddenly throw out your back while doing an activity you've done a thousand times before!?! Ugh, the worst.

Well today's post is all about getting older in regards to your makeup. It's a question I get asked a lot;

'Am I too old for that?'

Here's the thing, 

getting stuck in a makeup rut can date us in unexpected ways

. Trends change and so does our skin with age, so

both

updating and evolving are crucial.

I'm breaking down a few suggestions for you when it comes time to re evaluate your makeup routine at every age. So grab your trash can and let's get started. [

Video Here

]

And if you are still wearing the same makeup you wore in High School, then YES- you are to

o old for that!

In your 30's:

Time to ditch the frosted cool tones, SILVERY or white eye shadows, and instead opt for colors found in nature. Stick with warmer tones that accentuate your eye color and pair nicely with your blush and lip makeup. Silvery or Icy shadows were all the rage in the 90's but that was almost 20 years ago!... Time to move on and move up to a more sophisticated palette.

In your 40's:

Move on from all things GLITTER, and instead opt for matte shadows, lip glosses, blushes, bronzers... everything really! As our skin begins to form fine lines and wrinkles, formulation matters most. Glitter is often very drying and can cause irritation plus it can collect in creases in the skin and accentuate wrinkles. So opt for a subtle shimmer at the

most

around the eyes, cheeks and lips. 

In you 50's and 60's +:

Opt for BROWN eyeliner and say goodbye to black liner all together. [Or opt to ditch liner completely for a brighter option even still!] Black liner 'ages up' every women, and at this point in our lives we are wanting to look and feel younger. Keep the eyes bright and open with a softer rim of color. Remember

dark colors close off

or make smaller, so black around sagging eyes is not flattering. Focus on mascara and a soft shadow to open up the eye and look more youthful.

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LUSH LASHES WITHOUT THE GLUE: LASH LIFT 101

lash lift salons in Utah, What is a lash lift, Lash Lift Utah

It's no secret that lush lashes can make you look and feel so much better. They frame the face and bring attention to the eyes, and give you a boost of beauty and confidence. But if you are like me, you may not be able to commit to lash extensions and the maintenance that they require.

Enter, the Lash Lift!

The Lash Lift is essentially a lash perm and tint together

in a two part service at a salon. The lashes are permed in a lifted and curled position, and then tinted with a rich dark color from root to tip.

The results last upto 6 weeks and women everywhere are jumping on this band wagon. Just search the term

#lashlift on instagram

and you'll see some amazing results. The price typically ranges from $60-100 depending on the salon.

Moore Hair Design, Lash Lift Service, Salt Lake City Lashes

Take a look at the process in the

video

below for more info.

Just keep in mind that this process should be done in a salon by a trained professional, you don't want to be messing around when it comes to your eyes. I had my lashes done by 

@BeautyBy_Bree

at

Moore Hair Design

in Cottonwood Heights.

The process takes about 1hr. from start to finish, and isn't painful in any way. Your lashes are carefully glued back to a silicone pad (there are different sizes for different lash lengths and the amount of curl desired) Next a lash-safe perming solution is applied to the lashes and processed for about 15 minutes. Next, the neutralizing solution is added and another 15 minutes of wait time.

Next, the tinting dye is applied to darken the lashes all the way to the root. This step alone makes a big difference in the final look of your lashes (unless you are blessed with super dark lashes to begin with, lucky you!)

After the tint is processed a conditioning oil is applied to loosen the lashes from the silicone pad. Just like a perm for your hair, you'll want to avoid wetting the lashes for 24-48 hours to ensure the curl is set. And that's it! Beautiful lift lashes without an ounce of glue.

Have a question, just ask! xo

HIGH TECH CURLS WITH HIGH TECH IRONS

Beach Waver Review, InStyler Max Review, Babyliss Miracurl Review

If you haven't updated your curling irons lately today's post just might motivate you to do just that. I am excited to share some of my favorite irons that are not only high tech but make your life easier too!

High tech irons all contain motors and rotate on their own. They take a lot of the guess work out of curling, and give you consistent, and QUICK results! Take a look at the

video

below for my recommendations

  • Instyler Max Polishes as it rotates for super shiny hair. Use it to smooth and straighten or get loose curls by wrapping hair around barrel prior to closing the clamp.

  • Babyliss Miracurl Creates tighter curls and spirals in a snap and is great for novice hair artists who need a little more help to achieve curls. Medium lengths are best for this tool.

  • BeachWaver Makes beautiful waves with the push of a button. The iron rotates both directions to creates soft bouncy waves a la Victoria's Secret.

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NEW AT THE DRUGSTORE // BEAUTY BUYS WORTH TRYING

Spring is always my favorite time to shop for beauty- it's the time of year when brands release their newest technology and exciting new products. I can spend hours cruising the isles looking at all the new goodies... and lucky for you, I've recently done just that! Here is a run down of some of the best of the best for Spring 2017.

Makeup

Skincare

Haircare

Have you tried anything new at the drugstore that I need to try? Let me know in the comments below, xo

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STAY PUT SHADOWS

Cream pigment shadows

are some of my favorites to reccomend to makeup newbies because they are really forgiving and easy to use. I find that they blend easier and offer amazing staying power even on oily lids. Or if you are an advanced makeup guru, these types of shadows can help to create graphic looks and detailed designs.

These new

Eye Pigments

from Milk Makeup are some of the most pigmented I have tried. a TINY pinpoint of product covers the entire lid and gives such a gorgeous metallic finish to the eye. They can be used as a base for powder shadows or worn all on their own. Use your ring finger to blend up to the crease line for a softer look, or use a

small shadow brush

to pack on the color to get an opaque finish. 

My fav colors include

After Party

(Rose Gold),

Hotel Lobby

(Champagne),

Gig

(Bronze), and

Peep Show

(Taupe Shimmer). If you are looking for major impact with very little effort required these are amaze!

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FRESH FAVORITES FOR HEALTHY SKIN

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Review

Last year while I was pregnant I decided to

eliminate some chemicals from my life

. You never can be too safe, right? But to be honest, I was really nervous to see what that might do to my acne-prone skin because I usually live by the rule that says 'if you can't FEEL it working, then it's not really working'.

That's a stupid rule. I was dumb. 

I started using the

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

, and the

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve

and man oh man, have I fallen hard for this duo! It's no surprise that these two products are the top sellers for the brand.

Honestly my skin has changed and reacted so well to a less harsh routine. The Soy Cleanser is light weight and smooth, but leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. There is ZERO redness or irritation, the skin doesn't feel tight or dry after cleansing, and it is gentle enough to use on eye makeup. (I wash with my trusty

Konjac Sponge

if you are wondering)

The Youth Preserve face cream is like a breath of fresh air! It is so hydrating, yet absorbs into the skin super quick, and honestly it plumps the skin and leaves it looking so glowy and healthy. I use it night and day. I love it under my eyes as well, the cucumber helps with puffiness and dark circles.

My acne, you ask? Not only am I 90% zit free, the few spots that I do get clear up faster and are less irritated and inflamed. That is a huge WIN in my book. 

BONUS- the Fresh products smell like yummy pressed green juice and cucumber! ooh so good.

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SNOOP DUPE: CLEARING MUD MASK

Enlite Clay Time Review

Masks (or Masques, depending on your fanciness level) can be a game changer for your skincare routine. Finding the right one however, well that's another story!

I have tried too many to count.

But it's all in the name of beauty, so I won't be stopping any time soon. If you are an avid Sephora shopper you've no doubt seen the brand

GlamGlow.

They started a mask revolution with the introduction of the SuperMud series, and have continued to grow their line to include some of the best masks (and more) on the market.

The cult following favorite

SuperMud Clearing Treatment

is a top seller at Sephora, and for good reason. I even reviewed it as one of my very first blog posts back in 2013

here

. But the $45 price tag is a little tough to swallow, so I've been on the hunt for a great dupe for years.

FINALLY, I have found it guys... and it's good!

Enter the

Enlite Clay Time Treatment

. It's a dead ringer, all the way down to the scent.

Both products contain active charcoal to draw out oil and buildup from the pores, leaving skin tightened and squeaky clean. The Enlite version also contains Glycolic Acid to gently exfoliate and brighten skin. Plus it's a hefty 1.7oz for only $20, so you are getting a really nice bang for your buck.

You can spot treat on oily zones, blackheads & blemishes, or use it on your entire face for all over brightening and tightening.

Cheers to clear skin! xo

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SNOOP DUPE: THE LIPSENSE ALTERNATIVE

LipSense Dupe, Maybelline 24 hour Super Stay Lip Color Review

If you are like me, you might cringe when you hear the word 'Lipsense'.

Why, you ask? Well I am not a fan of or advocate of Multi-Level Marketing companies no matter how you spin it. Even if the product has its benefits, I just refuse to participate in direct sales on my blog or in my real life.

It's just not for me.

But, I am not living under a rock and I of course have heard, seen, and been

invited to

 added against my will to about 50 different facebook groups that are all centered around selling Lipsense. I've seen the claims of 18 hour wear lipstick that literally won't come off, even when you want it to come off. And I have seen the claims of women around the country who are now suddenly rich and driving blue cars all the way to the bank. Again, non of that is for me.

For those of you who like the idea of a longwear lipstick however, I have a great alternative for you to consider... and at $10 instead of $25 for each color, I think this one is a winner!

LipSense Dupe

The

Maybelline SuperStay 24 Hour Color

line is pretty much a dead ringer for Lipsense. It comes in 30 shades, and is applied in the same way. In fact I like the topcoat much better! You apply a couple layers of the liquid lipstick and let it dry fully, then follow up with a hydrating clear balm (which is more like a chapstick and less like a gloss.) The formula is also nice because it is a happy medium between gloss and matte- meaning you don't have to buy two different sealers, at $20 each.

I don't claim that it is as smudge proof as Lipsense or that it lasts quite as long- but I do claim it lasts at least 8 hours and is much less sticky, doesn't sting sensitive lips, and is less splotchy as it starts to wear off.

And with any longwear lipstick, you'll want to make sure your lips a prepped and smooth for best application, I swear by the 

ELF Lip Exfoliator

to exfoliate and hydrate prior to application.

It is eat and drink resistant and removes without a special (additional $10) product, like the 'Oops Remover' from Lipsense. If you need to get it off use a makeup remover wipe and a little coconut oil- quick and easy!

I hope you'll give it a try as an alternative- and let me know what you think in the comments below! xo

PS- If you LOVE Lipsense, then good for you- please keep loving it... to each their own!

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STROBING MADE EASY FOR A WINTER GLOW

strobing for beginners, highlighters, best highlighters for fair skin, Maybelline Strobing Liquid, The Balm Mary Lou Manizer, Colour Pop Cheek Shock Highlighter

If you haven't heard the word 'strobing' yet... you might be living under a rock! Just teasing...

But seriously 2016 was the year of strobing, or extreme highlighting- and it turns out that trend isn't going anywhere for the New Year.

Today I decided to finally post about strobing because I think winter is the perfect time to try it out. Why? Well to me, summer time is all about bronzy warm looks, and winter just lends itself to shimmery makeup better. So let's jump in and learn how to fake that glow, yo! [

video

]

What is strobing?

  • Strobing is the opposite of contouring, where instead of creating shadows on the recesses of the face to create dimension, we use highlights on the high points of the face to create dimension. Check out the different placement in the photo above.

Do we still contour when using this technique?

  • No, traditionally this technique replaces contouring, otherwise the two together can look too extreme for most women.

Benefits of Strobing?

  • Quicker to apply and blend than contouring

  • Brightens the face and eyes to give a youthful dewey finish

Where to we apply our strobe?

On the round/ high points of the face where natural light reflection would occur

  • Tops of cheekbones- here you can be most liberal and apply a decent amount

  • Down bridge of nose- avoid the nose if you have a wider bridge because this can make the nose look larger and wider, less is more on the nose

  • Cupids bow above the lip- gives a pouty and full look to the lip

  • Above and below brow bones- gives an instant lift to the eye brow

Recommended Products:

Do you love this trend too, or do you think it should stay in 2016? Let me know in the comments below, and Happy New Year! xo

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DIY WINTER BATH BOMBS, HAND SCRUB, & SALT SOAK

If you're a long time reader you've probably heard me talk about my obsession with the perfect bath. I take bath time very seriously! And like any bath connoisseur knows- it's the 'add-ins' that make all the difference.

I love a good

LUSH bath bomb

, just like the rest of them- but let's be honest... those suckers are expensive. So I save them for special occasions, and often ask for them for gifts (ahem, honey).

Today however I am sharing a few of my tried and true bath add-in recipes. And when I say tried, I mean it! It took me a long time to figure out the right ratios to get the perfect bath bomb at home. That's a lot of wasted epsom salt people, good thing it isn't too costly.

Holiday Bath Trio Recipe: [

video

]

Honey Bath Bomb

(yields 6, 2inch bombs)

  • 1 Cup Dr. Teals Milk & Honey Epsom Salt

  • 1/2 Cup Baking Soda

  • 1/2 Cup Citric Acid (sometimes hard to find in stores, but will be located in the 'canning section')

  • 1tsp. Water

  • 1-2 tsp. Almond Oil

  • Food Coloring to Preferred Color

  • Liquid Dropper

  • Spray Bottle with Water

  • Molds (also use ornaments or plastic Easter eggs)

In a large bowl mix all of your dry ingredients together with a whisk, set aside. Next, in a small bowl mix together Water, Almond Oil, and Food Coloring. Use your dropper or very carefully use a spoon to add a few drops of your liquid to the dry ingredients. (Adding to quickly will cause the bubbles to activate and then you won't have any fizz in the tub) Whisk the drops in, and a few more and continue till the mixture is fully combined. It should be crumbly but also compact-able, like fresh brown sugar.

Next scoop your mixture into your molds and compress them very tightly so that no air pockets or cracks form. Use your spray bottle to lightly spray the two sides of the mold so that when you press them together you get a nice seal. You can also use the spray to keep the mixture in the bowl at the right moistness while you're working.

Let the molds set for about one hour to harden, then gently remove the bombs and place them on a towel to harden and dry out over night. Enjoy your bath! 

Peppermint Salt Soak

(yields 8oz of soak)

  • 1 Cup Epsom Salt

  • 1 Tbsp. Baking Soda

  • 4+ Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil to Preferred Strength (I like it strong!)

  • Red Food Coloring to Preferred Color

  • Jar or Air Tight Container

Easy as pie! Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl, and then add your preferred amount of Peppermint essential oil to scent. Next, divide into two bowls, and add red food to one of the bowls to desired 'pinkness'. Finally, scoop alternating layers of white and pink salts into your favorite jar for a festive presentation.

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub

(yields 8oz of scrub)

  • 1/2 Cup Raw Washed Sugar

  • 1/2 Cup Granulated White Sugar

  • 1/2 Coconut Oil

  • 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

  • 1/2 tsp. Gingerbread Spice

  • 1/2 tsp. All Spice

  • 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

  • Jar or Air Tight Container

In your mixer combine all ingredients and mix on medium until the coconut oil is softened and whipped into the sugars. Take a deep breath and smell that yumminess before scooping it into a small mason jar with an airtight lid. (shelf life is 2-3 months) 

Do you have any DIY bath recipes I should try? Let me know in the comments below- enjoy your bath! xo

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EYELINER TRENDS WORTH TRYING THIS WINTER

Eyeliner is definitely having a big moment in the spotlight, and I for one am loving trying new things. The basic idea is to keep your makeup quite neutral and then add the WOW factor with your liner. It's being done all over the catwalks and red carpets, and now it's time for you to try the trend as well.

As with any trend, I always advise you buy affordable products- after all it's a trend and won't last long. So all of these products are under $10!

Here are the three eyeliner trends to try for Winter 2016

[Video]

Glitter: 

Perfect for a Holiday party or just to add some WOW factor to a basic outfit- glitter is the BIGGEST trend in makeup for Winter 2016. 

Keep the glitter 'mature' by using it sparingly and keeping the rest of the face more simple and neutral. 

Brights:

Add a POP of color next to your traditional black liner for added interest and fun. Blues, Purples and Greens are easiest to wear- but if you're feeling really bold go for yellow or red!

Outer Third Smudge:

Enhance the shape of your eye and add drama with a smudged cat eye on the out third of the eye only, top, bottom or both! 

By keeping the inner corner free from liner the look is less harsh than a fully rimmed eye. Stick with a gel formula for easy blending!

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