FIVE WAYS TO UP YOUR BEAUTY GAME UNDER $25

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SPOILER ALERT: 4 out of 5 are actually FREE! wahoo

Stepping up your beauty game doesn't require fancy vanity lights or a course in makeup artistry, simple changes and a mindset shift make a HUGE difference, and I am excited to encourage you to try them all. [video here]



  1. Commit to one day a week where you take the time to FULLY get ready. SCHEDULE out time for yourself and go through the whole process- wash and style your hair, sit down with your makeup and experiment with new techniques, products or colors, and then take a selfie and conquer the day!! My skills only improve when I experient and try new things with my beauty routine- but that means I need to slow down and make that a priority! Cost: $0
  2. Wash your makeup brushes. Clean brushes perform better, and that's the bottom line- you'll have better blending and easier application with clean brushes and sponges. Throw on an episode of your favorite show, and get to work scrubbing. Your face will thank you! Cost: $0
  3. Apply your makeup in front of a window- which may mean plopping yourself down on the floor with a hand mirror instead of standing in your bathroom mirror. Natural light will give you the BEST results in your application. You'll be able to see when your foundation needs more blending, or your blush is too bright. A small change that makes a BIG difference! Cost: $0
  4. Declutter your makeup stash- with a goal to keep only the things that you use at least 3 times a week. What sparks joy, and what is just a filler product that 'you may use someday'? Also, throw out expired products! Organize and create an order in which you apply your products to make things more efficient... Cost: $0
  5. Invest in a luxury lipstick- I mean your perfect 'power shade' that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Bonus points for packaging that is beautiful and something you're excited to see everytime you look at it. Cost: $25


Be sure and enter my giveaway happening over on instagram, to win 3 luxury lipsticks valued at over $75! Tell me your favorite ways to improve your beauty game... xo 








4 COOL IN-SHOWER PRODUCTS

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The shower is a place where we spend a LOT of our lives, so we may as well use it to our advantage and get some added benefits in there while we are simultaneously getting clean!

These products are all designed specifically to be used in the shower- they utilize the steam and heat to be more effective; [video here]





  • In Shower Moisturizer: Nivea In Shower Body Lotion Skip the lotion or moisturizer, and add this into your shower routine instead. Its a cream formula that rinses off but leaves behind just the right amount of moisture. I love it because there is no sticky or greasy residue, or that 'wait time' before getting dressed like there is with traditional lotions.
  • In Shower Self Tan: St Tropez In-Shower Gradual Tan Now this one is a little tricky to use, BUT for the right person it can be awesome. I recommend this one for maintaining a tan you already have, especially just on your arms and legs. It's not ideal for an all over tan including your face and back. Keep in mind that you also need to step out of the stream of water for three minutes while it processes before rinsing, so it can be a little cold to use. That being said if you do use it daily you'll build a nice subtle glow.
  • In Shower Hair Treatment: Garnier Sleek Shot In-Shower Styler This one is really unique and does a great job of speeding up your blow-dry routine. You actually mix the Sleek Shot with your shampoo in equal parts, rinse and then condition as usual. It's ingredients include Argan Oil which helps to smooth the hair during the blowdry process, and may even allow you to skip the flat iron.
  • In Shower Face Mask: Clean & Clear 60 Second In-Shower Deep Action Mask I LOVE this one because you really do get a little bit of the spa in 60 seconds. It cleanses, exfoliates, and steams the pores all in one product. And it leaves the skin feeling tingly, cool and refreshed. A great option for teens too- because its quick and no fuss!

 Happy showers! xo









FEBRUARY FAVORITES

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Can you believe February is almost over? I do love that it's a short month, which is much needed after the absolute DRAG that is; January. This year I've decided to round up my monthly favorites for you in smaller doses, instead of just giving you one giant list at the end of the year. So kicking off this series, here is a look at the products I reached for most in February.
  • FOUNDATION Loreal Infallible 24H Fresh Wear A natural finish that is hydrating but still quite matte. It's a medium to full coverage and lasts well throughout the day, although a full 24hours is probably not a reality. 
  • PRIMER Hard Candy Sensitive Skin Primer This primer is more like a moisturizer, but it really lays nicely under makeup and it helps to smooth skin nicely. It's great for peeps who avoid silicones and other irritants like oils & fragrance. 
  • HIGHLIGHT Fenty Beauty Killawatt 'Hu$tla Baby' I love this color specifically because its warm and not icy. Which I find looks beautiful on all skin tones, especially my fair/non tan complexion this time of year.
  • LIP GLOSS Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine '1993' I have never worn brown tones before, but lately I have been loving them. This one is a beautiful caramel color, and the formula is my fav! It's minty and tingly with a high shine.
  • GEL POLISH Sinful Shine Gel Tech 'Spice' These at-home gels don't require a UV lamp, just a gel topcoat- but they last and wear so well! I get a solid week before any chips appear.
  • EYE SHIMMER Stila Glitter & Glow 'Ballet Baby' This color has just a hint of pink, but mostly looks like a silvery glitter on the eye. I have paired it with EVERY color of shadow and it is the perfect finishing touch!
  • PALETTE ProFusion Metallics This $10 palette completely blew my sock off! It has amazing pigment, super smooth buttery texture and every color you could ever want. I can't wait to try more from ProFusion. 

xo








BEST OF HAIR

Best of Hair 2018:

  • Dry Shampoo: Amika Perk Up $25 Smells amazing, works amazing!

  • Shampoo & Conditioner:Love, Beauty & Planet 'Blooming' Rose $9 each This product is incredibly clean and keeps all the bad ingredients out. It cleanses so well, protects color, and smells lovely!

  • Volume/Texture Powder:Kevin Murphy Powder.Puff (salon locator) I love to add this to my braids and buns to give them grit, texture and volume. It leaves a residue on the hair that you can feel, but not see. I tiny bit goes a long way, so don't be turned of by the price of the size of the bottle.

  • Shine Spray:Kevin Murphy Shimmer.Me (salon locator) Any time I get a compliment on my hair being shiny, it's because I have this sprayed in it! It has light reflecting mica particles in it that makes even damaged hair glisten.

  • Hairspray:Pureology Soft Finish Hairspray $28 Super lightweight and brushable. Great for fine hair that needs more volume and lift.

  • Root Cover Up Spray:Loreal Magic Root Cover Up $8 I can't live without this stuff in between my color services. It hides roots in a flash and washes away easily.

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BEST OF LASHES & BROWS

Best Lashes & Brows of 2018:

  • Lower Lash Mascara:Wet n' Wild Skinny Mascara Waterproof $5 My fav mascara that doesn't budge and end up all over my face. The skinny brush makes application easy on delicate lower lashes too!

  • Mascara:Essence The False Lashes $5 BIG volume and lots of curl. This has been such a great discovery and one I repurchased 4 times in 2018! That tells you how much I love it and it's great price point.

  • Brow Pencil:Wet n Wild Retractable Brow Pencil $4 This is a slightly waxy pencil that sticks to the skin nicely as well as adds color to the brow hairs themselves. The triangle shape of the pencil itself allows for really nice flicks when drawing on hairs. So great!

  • Brow Gel:Glossier Boy Brow $16 This little tube is powerful and easy to use. The formula is a nice combo of fiber and gel- which adds the perfect thickness to the brows. Once it's dry the color and hold last all day. Worth the price in my opinion and again something I repurchase over and over last year.

  • Tweezer:Tweezerman Slanted Mini Tweezer $15 Tiny and precise! The mini size gives you extra control and allows for a tight grip near the blades.

  • Lash Curler:Shiseido Lash Curler $22 (mine is a limited edition with gemed handle which isn't available anymore) It truly is the best out there and warrants the awards it's received by the beauty community. A great purchase that can be used for years to come, simply replace the pad when it begins to break down over time.

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2019 COLOR OF THE YEAR // LIVING CORAL

This years Pantone Color of the Year is Living Coral- described as a 

coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.

I love this color in terms of beauty products because it is universally flattering, and easy to wear. It is also a favorite color for many women already, so I am excited to see it take center stage in 2019. [

video here

]

Products recommended:

Are you excited about the Color of the Year!? xo

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BEST OF SHADOW

Best of Shadow 2018:

  • Palette: Urban Decay Born to Run $49 My FAVORITE palette of 2018 was easily this one! It has every color you will ever need and checks all the boxes for pigment payoff, blendability, and texture. I love that it contains warm tones, cool tones and neutrals- as well as matte and shimmer options. The color combos are endless with this one, and I couldn't reccomend it more.

  • Cream Shadow:Milk Makeup Eye Pigment $24 When it comes to staying power, these metallic cream shadows are undeniable. They are easy to apply with a finger, and only a pinpoint amount is needed. Although they are expensive- they last! I have had mine over a year, and have barely made a dent in the tube.

  • Sparkle/Metallic:Stila Glitter & Glow $24 I can't live without a little glitter in my life- and these continue to be the best glitter makeup on the market. I increased my collection this year and now have about 12 of these. I find they take any eyeshadow look from good to GREAT with very little effort. A little sparkle never hurts! Over age 40? Try the Shimmer option instead of the glitter option for a more mature look.

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BEST OF CHEEKS

Best of Cheeks 2018:

  • Bronzer: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer $15 a favorite of mine this year and many years past, I just can't quit this stuff! I've tried many others but always come back to this one. The cool toned color is spot on, the formula is buttery soft, and the scent is like a mini vacation to the beach. I switch to the light tone in the Winter- but love the original color too!

  • Blush:Lottie London Blush Crush $6 I discovered this British brand at Forever21 and because of the great packaging and price point, I scooped up a couple of their blushes. A year later and they're pretty much the only ones I use on a daily basis. A beautiful blendable formula with MAJOR color payoff- a little goes a really long way. Find them online only at Ulta

  • Highlighter:Pixi Glow-y Gossamer Duo $18 When you're looking for a glowy finish, look no further than these beautiful highlighters. The formula is soft and almost putty like, so it applies best with a finger for maximum metallic payoff. Apply to the high points of the face for a beautiful light reflection. Also wears beautifully as an eyeshadow.

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BEST OF SKINCARE

Best of Skincare 2018 winners:

  • Eye Cream: Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme $38 This little jar has changed my under eye area dramatically. My skin less discolored and the fine lines have diminished as well. It's full of vitamin C to brighten skins appearance upon application, but repeated use over time brightens skin tone on a deeper more permanent level. I apply this at night.

  • Eye Depuffer: Kate Somerville Goat Milk DePuffing Eye Balm $38 Wake up feeling less than awake? Welcome to my life #notamorningperson But this little stick of goodness is a life saver! The Goat Milk soothes and calms, and the balmy formula fills in pores and texture under the eye so that makeup glides on easily. I use this EVERY morning.

  • Primer/ Moisturizer: Glossier Priming Moisturizer / Priming Moisturizer Rich $22 I love the lighter formula in the warmer months, and switch to the Rich formula when its cold outside and my skin runs drier. Both are non greasy, super hydrating and prep the skin for makeup beautifully. This has cut out my need for a primer all together!

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BEST OF BRUSHES

I get asked about my brushes EVERY time I post a tutorial on

instagram

! It's a hot topic- so today I bring you;

2018 Best of Brushes:

  • Liquid/Cream Foundation-It Cosmetics Heavenly Skin Smoothing Brush $48 Worth the hefty price tag! It blends and smooths foundation like no other I've ever tried- it also washes nicely and never sheds bristles.

  • Concealer Blender-Pixi Strobe and Sculpt Double Ended Brush $14 The Domed end blends under eye concealer perfectly with its soft touch and perfect shape. I used the other end to set my concealer with loose powder. I great price and a great brush!

  • Blush/Bronzer-Real Techniques Blush Brush $9 I have two- I love them so much and the price cannot be beat! Fluffy and soft to blend blush, bronzer or powder in a snap.

  • Large All Over Shadow-Japonesque All Over Eye Brush $15 Hard to find- but worth the search. I use this brush in every eye look to quickly and efficiently blend my shadows. It's BIG but that's why it works so fast.

  • Eye Shadow Must Haves-Fluffy Blending Brush, Tapered Blending Brush, Domed Pencil Brush $6/ each (Or a set of four for $19) I tried these affordable brushes on a whim and boy am I glad I did! They are soft, cut well, and work like a charm! The fluffy blender is my go-to, but I reccomend you buy the whole set so you'll have everything you need!

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BEST OF LIPS

Best of Lips 2018 Winners:

  • Lipstick: Elf Matte Lip Color $3 Although its called 'Matte', it is more like a Satin finish in my book. A very light sheen adds to the comfort of this formula, plus the colors are beautifully opaque. I also love the small size of the bullet making it easy to get a clean application.

  • Lip Gloss:Covergirl Katy Kat Gloss $8 The formula is spot on! Not too sticky- but just sticky enough, comfortable and moisturizing on the lips, and opaque with beautiful colors to choose from. (although there are a couple oddball shades like blue that just need to be ignored)

  • Lip Liner:Wet n Wild Gel Liner $3 I don't have time or the desire to have to sharpen anything. So retractable options are the only ones for me! This formula glides on nicely because of the gel, but also stays smudge proof all day once it dries down.

Which lippie was your top contender this year? xo

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BEST OF FACE

2018 Winners for FACE makeup include:

  • Foundation:LA Girl Pro Coverage Foundation $9 The foundation I wore far more than any other in 2018! It's got a beautiful finish that is glowy, but nicely covers redness and spots. Plus the price is just right!

  • Concealer:First Aid Beauty Bendy Avocado Concealer $22 Worth the hype and worth the cost! Not only blends like a dream, but covers under eyes and spots with great staying power. I have not ventured to another concealer after trying this one for the last 6 months!

  • Powder:Maybelline Fit Me Loose Finishing Powder $8 Comparable to the high-end favorites out there that are three times the price- this powder is so finely milled it blends without looking cakey or chalky. I wear the transparent shade to set my concealer, but there are also more tones to choose for that will offer additional coverage if you're looking for more.

What were your favs in the face category this year?

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HOLIDAY SPARKLE IN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE

NYX Duo Chrome Lip Gloss, Stila Glitter & Glow, CAI Hair Glitter, imPress Press on Nails

This time of year we've got lots of excuses to dress up and add a little more sparkle into our beauty routine, here are a few of my favorite ways to add glitter and sparkle into your beauty looks: [

video here

] I suggest you just pick one area to focus on... no need to look like a disco ball!

Makeup

Hair

  • Cai All That Glitters My fav for adding some MAJOR glitter to your locks. Start with a simple hairstyle like a sleek low pony, then swipe a small dusting of glitter near the elastic.

Nails

  • imPress Press on Nails Easy nails with a peel and stick application. I swear by them for an instant manicure that lasts about a week, plus the Holiday collection is always sparkling and so festive.

Happy [sparkly] Holidays! xo

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LUSH LASHES WITHOUT EXTENSIONS

This time of year- we've got more excuses to get a little dazzled up! And lush lashes really make any look really pop! But if you're like me, lash extensions are a little more maintenance than you may want to take on. So instead I am sharing a few ways to enhance those lashes in other ways... [

video here

]

Products Mentioned

Here's to lashes that make you feel and look your best! xo

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BUDGET BEAUTY BREAKDOWN

Hey lovelies! Thanks for stopping by- today's post is a wrap up from my latest Pinners Conference class:

Budget Beauty Breakdown

. If you were in attendance, THANK YOU! If you missed it, you can still benefit from these slides that will give you a great starting point to build your budget friendly beauty bag. These are my

top beauty picks under $5, under $10, and under $20

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HONEY LOVE // BUZZWORTHY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

bee venom mask, honey makeup primer, honey shampoo and conditioner, honey beauty products

Honey is an ingredient we know in love- but often don't associate it with beauty care products. If you start to pay attention though, you'll notice just how many beauty products out there contain honey as a key ingredient... What's to love about honey?

It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory making it great in skincare products. It's hydrating and repairing- perfect for hair care. And it's soothing and nourishing as a body care ingredient!

Here are six of my favs to keep an eye out for: [

VIDEO HERE]

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IS DRY SHAMPOO BAD FOR YOUR SCALP?

We've come to use and rely on

Dry Shampoos

to extend the life of our hairstyles and help us skip a wash or two during the week- but it's important to spend a little extra time on the days we DO wash, to ensure that our scalp health remains in tact. Otherwise our scalps can begin to have issues with bacteria growth, clogged hair follicles or even (in RARE cases) hair loss.

Be smart and use common sense with your Dry Shampoos, and you'll be fine! If your scalp has become dry, flaky or irritated- then you may need to lay off the Dry Shampoo and only use it once a week. If you notice bumps in the scalp, like acne, you've got clogged follicles that need a breather until they heal. And if there's any sort of smell coming from the scalp, things have progressed to an unsafe level where bacteria could be growing. [

video here

]

Here are some

basic Dry Shampoo tips:

1-

Limit use of Dry Shampoo to 2 days in a row

followed by a thorough double washing on day 3.

2-

Only use on dry hair!

Once moisture from sweat or humidity is involved bacteria will begin to form and a traditional shampoo is needed to cleanse the scalp.

3-

Spray Dry Shampoo on the underside of the HAIR itself

, not aimed directly at the scalp/skin.

Once every other week or so, it's a great idea to spend a little extra time on your scalp. Thoroughly loosening and cleansing the scalp ensures your skin and follicles are getting proper blood circulation and your hair will look and feel better as a result. 

Three Scalp Health Products:

How many days in a row are your reaching for Dry Shampoo? Does this make you think twice?

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MAKEUP TIPS FOR MATURE SKIN

Mature skin, Makeup for mature skin, women over 50 makeup

You asked for it- and it's here! My top

tips for applying makeup once your skin has hit that 'mature' mark

. I know I am not there yet, so you may be thinking, 'Megan, what do you know!?' and I can see your point. But as a working makeup artist for over 15 years, and as someone who STUDIES the industry like a crazy person, I do think I know a few things that could be really helpful to you!

So here are a few of my recommended tips and products that will leave you feeling more confident and beautiful no matter your age. [

video here

]

Over 50? Do This...  Not That

  • Do Lift Brows with Highlight and Natural Brow Strokes... Don't overly pencil in harsh brows when your hairs are scarce, you'll draw more attention to the scarcity and visually weigh the eye down. Chella Highlight Stick // NYX Micro Brow Pencil

  • Do use blush on the higher points of the cheeks to accentuate and lift cheekbones... Don't streak blush across the length of the cheekbone, or focus on the front apple of the cheek. This will bring the look of the cheek down lower on the face and accentuate loss of volume on the cheeks. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush

  • Do conceal the undereye all the way across the cheekbone to the temple using a color that is close to your skin tone... Don't conceal only the moon shape under eyes in the socket or use overly bright/light tones. This will only cause more contrast next to the shadows of your fine lines and make them appear darker and deeper. La Girl Peach Corrector and Concealer

  • Do define lashes with a soft line of shadow... Don't use harsh/black eyeliner around the eye it will close down the eye, accentuate loose skin and age you up. Makeup Revolution Rose Gold Chocolate Bar Palette

  • Do use a clear lip liner and powdered lipstick to keep lip color from feathering into fine lines... don't use a waxy/ glossy or wet lipstick that will travel and accentuate lines around the lips. Pixi Clear Lip Liner // Karity Lip Lock

Bonus* Your questions answered here [

video here

]

What do you guys think? Helpful? Let me know, xo

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THE POWER OF ROSE? LOVE IT, OR HATE IT?

Fall 2018 Biggest Beauty Trend: Rose

Fall 2018 in the beauty world is all about

the power of Rose

. We are seeing Rose Water, Rose Oil. and Rose scent in just about ever category in the beauty spectrum. I've rounded up a few of my picks for those of you who like to smell the roses! [

video here

]

Products Mentioned:

What do you think about rose? Let me know over on

instagram

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10 FALL BEAUTY FINDS THAT ARE SO COOL!

Fall is in the air! Hallelujah! I was ready for Summer break to be over about a month ago, anyone else relate?

Autumn time is exciting in the beauty world- we get the iconic 'Beauty Issue' from Allure that becomes my guide throughout the year... PLUS beauty brands come out with some of their biggest launches of the year. I scoured the newest products out there, tested them, and rounded up my top 10 finds for Fall 2018.

Take a look: [

video here

]

Products Mentioned:

Makeup:

  • Urban Decay Lip Mousse Super lightweight matte formula that you can wear as a wash of color, or layer up for full pigment.

  • Maybelline Brow Tint Pen 4 tiny hair strokes in a single swipe- great for sparse brows that need to be filled in on the skin itself

  • NYX Foil Play Creme Pigment (The color Happie Hippie is not formulated well, but all the rest are beautiful!) A loose shimmer pigment that transforms into a creme- it's a little messy so use it before foundation... but it's beautiful!

  • Ulta Glow By Morning Tan Drops Add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer to add a natural glow to your face and neck, just be sure you wash your hands after application.

Hair:

Skincare:

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