THE BEST OF 2017 // FAVES, RAVES, AND SLAYS

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Another year has come and gone- and with it hundreds of beauty products tested and used. I get the privilege of calling this my job, and I take it very seriously while still having a great time! Playing with makeup is always fun. Today I've rounded up my most loved products of 2017, the best of the best- and I hope you'll find a new favorite here too. [

Video Here

]

Hair Favs

Makeup Raves

Skincare Slays

Bonus Yays

Here's to new loves in 2018! xo

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BRANDS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT... BUT SHOULD!

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We all know the BIG names in makeup- brands like Loreal, Clinique, and Bobbi Brown. But there is SO MUCH MORE out there, in terms of small independent brands that aren't as well known- but are simply amazing and I want you to hear about them. 

Today, I am rounding up 5 of my top hidden gems- and sharing one product that I think you should try from each line. Ready? Let's go! [video

here

]

Colour Pop

 To be fair I have mentioned Colour Pop many times on the blog in years past, so you may already know about it. But the brand has recently launched at Sephora, which means it's now going to be a household name for anybody who shops for makeup. 

  • Ultra Blotted Lip, is my favorite formula in the line. It is the perfect lipstick for the woman who doesn't wear lipstick, but wants to. Confused? Well, here's the deal: It's sheer but matte, two things that don't usually go together. You can get a great pop of color that lasts longer than a gloss, but it still shows the texture of your lips through the color. Amazing for a more subtle look than your typical Liquid Lipstick. Which Colour Pop also makes, and those are great too!

Karity

 This indie line is more compact and produces in smaller batches, so the quality always remains

consistently

 high. There's no middle man here either, they only sell direct from their own site- meaning the prices are low. Can I get an 'Amen'!?

  • The Shadow Palettes are stunning, with blendable pigments that POP off the eye. The Peach Palette is a dream, but the Nudes & Rudes palette cannot lead you astray.

Huda Beauty

 Huda is no stranger to the beauty world- her Youtube channel has over 2 million subscribers! But the average consumer may have never heard of her and her cosmetics line, that is now available at Sephora. Her shadows are stunning, and her Lip Strobes make any pout just a touch more

glamorous

, but my favorite are her Holographic Lip Toppers.

  • The Mini Lip Strobe Collection is a great way to jump into the holographic makeup trend. You get 4 minis that can be worn alone or over the top of a lipstick. The light reflection is like 'BAM'! and I even love using them right in the center of my lips for a little extra plump.

Models Own

 is a UK drugstore staple, but the US is finally getting in on the action. It's a HUGE line with over 600 products (we don't have them all here- bummer) and they are a great budget option for makeup lovers. 

  • Sculpt & Glow Highlight Palette gives you three BIG pans of color in each compact. The pink version is my favorite and gives you a blush and highlighter in a single step. I love that there are powder and cream formulas in the same compact too, so you can adjust depending on the look you want.

Soap & Glory

 is another UK transplant, and is mostly well known for their lotions and body scrubs. But their makeup line is fantastic as well, and the collection comes complete with super catchy packaging and names. Don't be offended... it's funny people!

  • One Heck of a Blot Foundation is a super unique formula, that starts off as a liquid and dries down to a velvet powder finish. That powder goes to work absorbing excess oil throughout the day, helping to combat the shine and need for blotting. Love this stuff- only downside is the lack of shade variety.

Happy Shopping! xo 

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THE RETURN OF PRESS ON NAILS!?

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These are not your grandmas press-on nails folks! In fact press ons are making a big comeback, and you might be surprised to find out celebrities like JLo are wearing press ons for an instant touch a glam and boasting about it on

social media

. 

If you haven't thought about or worn press-ons in a long time, you'll be happy to know that the technology has improved and the results are more life-like than ever. These types of nails are made with a gel finish, so they are shiny and super durable. 

You can also apply them for a temporary pop of pizzaz, and here's how:

 [

video

]

Favorites:

Kiss Gel Fantasy

 (glue) Great for an event or photos. 2-3 days, but pop off more easily with the glue.

imPRESS One-Step Gel

 (peel and stick) My FAVS! They last 7-10 days and are so easy to apply!

Tips for an easy application:

  1. Start by using your 'awkward' hand to apply nails to your dominate hand. It's much easier to apply with your awkward hand, BEFORE they have nails on.

  2. Find your proper size nail- it should lay flush with the curve of your nail bed, without having to be pressed down. You may need to size up, and then file the sides more narrow to get the right fit. Tip: Write down you sizes so you can quickly grab the right ones next time

  3. Prep the natural nails by washing your hands, and using a quick swipe of polish remover to remove any oil or residue before applying

  4. Apply glue to both the natural nail and the press-on, but only allow to dry for a few seconds before bonding together. Or if using the peel and stick, simply remove the backing and press and hold.

  5. Place the nail on at the cuticle first (avoid touching the skin) then rock the nail forward. Press firmly to remove air bubbles and hold for 10 seconds for a solid bond.

It is common for 1-2 nails to pop off in the first day or so... these will be the nails that didn't get a proper bond the first time around. Simply reapply glue and bond again. Once the nails have made it passed this phase, they've proven they are secure and will last about a week before the natural oils in your nails loosen the bond. At this point the nails will need to be removed and any remaining glue can be soaked off quickly with some acetone based polish remover.

Press ons are super fun for a quick change or a temporary look. Ideal for a big event or even somthing like family pictures. I hope you'll give them a go! xo

PUMPKIN SPICE MAKEUP LOOKS FOR FALL

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Pumpkin Spice

is the buzz word of the season, but don't limit it to just your favorite foods- try using this warm Fall tone

in your makeup routine

as well!

Look for colors that are a warm orangey-brown hue, and use them on your eyes, cheeks and lips for an all over monochrome Pumpkin Spice look. Here's a few of my budget friendly favorites: [

video

]

Here are a few more inspirations for the look- aren't these ladies all stunning!?

I hope you'll give this trend a try this Fall season! Don't forget to come say hi over on

instagram

too!

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THE LAST BEAUTY OIL YOU'LL EVER NEED? // MARULA OIL

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What is Marula Oil?

What is Marula Oil?

Marula Oil is the oil harvested from the nut of the Marula tree that is found in Africa. Indigenous women have been using it as a skin and hair product for hundreds of years, and its now making it's way into American beauty products along side more commonly known oils like, Coconut and Argan. 

Marula Oil has traditionally been on the more expensive side, but we are starting to see versions in drugstore products as well. (Like this new line from

Garnier

)

It's light in texture, super fast-absorbing, packed with nutrients and fatty acids, it's and super hydrating. Here are my HIGHLY

recommended

 favs: [

video

]

For your skin:

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Face Oil

  • It balances moisture levels and works on both oily and dry skin textures

  • It softens and hydrates

  • It fights acne, as well as treats blemishes and scars with it's antimicrobial properties

For your hair:

Keranique Marula Oil Hair Mist

  • It protects hair from the elements by rehydrating

  • It nourishes and adds shine

  • It's a frizz-fighter and static fighter

Have you tried this miracle oil yet?

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JUST A HINT OF TINT // BEST SHEER MAKEUP

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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HIGH TECH CURLS WITH HIGH TECH IRONS

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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

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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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STROBING MADE EASY FOR A WINTER GLOW

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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

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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

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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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THE ART OF THE PART

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The

ART OF THE PART

is one of my favorite topics! I love to see the change when a simple shift happens, especially for women who have been parting their hair in the same place for years!

You might not think that it could make a huge difference, but you'd be surprised with the amount of change it can have. Just look at my three pics above- same makeup, same clothing... but different partings make a HUGE difference in the appearance in my face and the area in which your eye is drawn to.

Here is a quick guide [

video

] that gives you some inspiration and a starting point to finding the most flattering part line. 

Off-Center Part:

Off center partings are great for most face shapes and hairlines- especially oval, square, or triangle

. It will drape a small bit over the forehead, hiding some of it, and directly focus to the eye that is more revealed. 

Place the parting over the center of one eye, and angle back towards the center of the crown. If you already wear this parting, a simple flip to the opposite side is a great way to add variety

Deep Side Parting:

Deep side partings are best for Round, Long and Oval faces- as well as more angular faces like Heart Shaped and Diamond.

This parting will cover a majority of the forehead, and direct the eye to the cheekbone. It will soften harsh bone structures and give a more 'formal' feeling to the hairstyle.

Part the hair over the tail of one eyebrow, and slide straight back for a more aggressive parting, or angled towards the center of the crown for a less formal style. 

Center Parting

:

Center parts are great for Oval, Heart Shaped, and Round face shapes

- this parting draws attention to the forehead and eyes, and is slightly more 'edgy' than the rest. A nod to the hippie/boho vibe, this parting works best with longer hair lengths, and those that don't have cowlicks near the hairline.

Avoid center parts if you have a large forehead (more than 4 finger widths, generally) or a larger nose- as this parting will draw attention to the center of your face and cheekbones. I always wear this parting with slightly more makeup, because it is going to really show off the face (no hiding behind your hair with this one!)

Part right down the middle directly above your nose, but only go back 2-3 inches to avoid looking 'flat-headed', and tease the crown slightly for added volume.

Hope this helps inspire you to try a new parting! You never know till you try! xo

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THE UNGLAMOROUS PRODUCTS I SWEAR BY

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Not every beauty product is glamourous... and today's post is all about

the ugly but totally necessary beauty items I cannot live without

. I mean, it's been too long since I reminded you about my sweaty armpits right!?

Todays'

video

will give you a few new favorites to try, enjoy!

Megan's Favorites

Brooke's Favorites

Do you have any unglamorous products you swear by? Let me know in the comments below, xo

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SLEEP YOURSELF BEAUTIFUL

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Night time is the PERFECT time to dedicate to your skincare routine

. Think about it... you're not doing anything else while you sleep, so you may as well give your skin a fighting chance to prevent aging, all while leaving you feeling refreshed and beautiful each morning.

Today I am sharing my 5 favorite products that will help you

sleep yourself beautiful

. [

video

]

  • Shiseido Ibuki Sleeping Mask - Light weight gel formula that leaves skin hydrated and glowing overnight. It won't break you out, but gives the perfect amount of plumping hydration.

  • Juverest Wrinkle Pillow - Prevent wrinkles and friction with this uniquely designed pillow that allows the face to float free throughout the night without the pressure and friction of a standard pillow.

  • SilcSkin Décolleté Pads - Stop chest wrinkles in their tracks with these stabilizing pads designed to support the cleavage area while you sleep. AMAZE!

  • L'Occitane Hand and Foot Cream Duo - THE best creams out there, and the only ones I use. The foot cream is thick and rich with a nice minty scent, while the hand cream is lighter and absorbs quickly into the skin. Both leave you feeling hydrated in the morning.

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