5 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR CURL GAME // PLUS A GIVEAWAY

Curling your hair can be a chore and one that can go off track real quick if you aren’t using the right tool for the look you want to achieve. Keep in mind that every head of hair will take curl differently, and factors like thickness, texture and even COLOR play a role in how your curls will turn out. Take a look at 5 awesome tools to achieve perfect curls, and grab a few of my expert tips in the video below. [video also here on youtube]

Tools to try:

• Deep Wave Iron- Gives mermaid S-waves Bed Head Deep Waver

• Curling Wand- Gives Twisted Curls Nume Classic Wand

• Traditional Clamp Iron- Gives Traditional Flat Spiral Curls Hot Tools 24K Gold Iron

• Auto Curler- Easy Auto Spiral Curls with built in timer CHI Spin n Curl

• Flat Iron- Jack of all Trades, gives a variety of curls and waves GHD Classic Styler

There’s no ‘right or wrong’ with any of these, you just need to pick the type of curl that speaks to you most, and then also adjust the size of the barrel for your length of hair and how tight or loose you want you curls.

Here are a few other curling tips to consider:

Tip #1- Go back to basics; section your hair into smaller workable sections and keep your timing consistent on each curl to avoid too much variation or possible scorching.

Tip #2- Start with clean hair, prep the hair with a heat protectant and be sure to finish with a nice hair spray to preserve your work. If your hair is slippery and falls flat, try spraying in a texture spray to give your hair some grit before curling. like this one

Tip #3- Cool the curls twice as long as you heat them before brushing or tugging to lock in the curls for a longer period of time.

Tip #4- Sleep with curls in loose braids or stacked in a loose bun on top of your head, so you can refresh them in the morning without having to start all over again

***GIVEAWAY*** Be sure you head over to my instagram and enter to win your own CHI Spin n Curl gizmo before the end of August.

A VIBRATING FLAT IRON?!

So… ya it vibrates, but why?

That was the question I am sure you asked, and to be honest I asked it too! And that’s why when Vanity Planet offered to send me one to try, I jumped at the chance. As a hair stylist, after 17 years- it takes a lot to make me excited about a new hair tool. So you can imagine!

So here’s the buzz; (pun win!)

The Vibe is a 1.5” flat iron that vibrates upon closure. The vibration is designed to lessen the drag and friction on the hair and help the plates glide more easily. I was happy to see that the vibration only happens when the plates are touching and you don’t have to worry about it wiggling off your bathroom counter. I also like the size of the plates for my long hair, because it makes the whole process faster from start to finish.

So how is it different that other irons? I think the difference here is that the pressure on the hair is less, and therefore the hair strands aren’t compressed as flat. So you still get shiny smooth hair but you are left with some volume too. Personally I like that my hair isn’t flat-as-a-board when I use this iron, but if you’re looking for uber sleek strands this guy probably isn’t for you.

It heats to a non-adjustable temp of 400 degrees and uses Korean Tourmaline coated plates.

Overall I think the idea and execution are both awesome, and that the Vibe fills a need if you want smooth hair but don’t love flat hair. And I mean, who really wants FLAT hair anyway?

If you want to check out the Vibe for yourself you can buy one here and save some moolah with my code: BEAUTYSNOOPVIBE making it only $30!! So cool

xo

JULY'S GREATEST HITS

Wrapping up July with a look at a few things I really loved over the month. They all go along with the theme of easy/lazy beauty ;) two things I am excellent at, ha!

• Avon Magix Tint- This is such a good tinted moisturizer! I have been wearing it for my low maintenance days when I want to even my skin but don’t need full coverage or SPF. It hydrates without looking greasy and it smells so nice! Plus is affordable- hallelujah!

• Morphe M6 Brush- The hunt for a budget-friendly dupe of my ride-or-die foundation brush has finally brought me to this one! It is so good and works with liquid and creams like a dream! It’s still not as soft as the high-end option, but it blends just as well and is a quarter of the cost!

• Style Edit Root Touch Up Powder- I stretch my hair colorings as long as possible (remember, lazy) and root touch ups are my saving grace. But since I’ve gone red I have had the hardest time finding a good match. Everything was too purple/red… and I needed a copper option. This powder is such a great color, and the application is so easy. I like it better than a spray too because it’s not sticky or transferable to clothing. They make it in browns, blondes and reds! You can buy it in Salt Lake at my salon Moore Hair Design, or online here.

• Becca Ultimate Lipstick in ‘Tulip’- This lipstick formula is so creamy and pigmented and a wonderful option if dry/matte lippies are not your style. And this color is a dreamy pinkish nude! Plus the tube is heavy duty and has a magnetic closure which I love.

Here’s to one more month of Summer! xo

ZODIAC BEAUTY // THE LEO

I’m so excited to start up my ZODIAC BEAUTY tutorial series! I was inspired by this amazing Zodiac Palette by BH Cosmetics, and couldn’t wait to create a monthly look featuring the colors from the Palette. This month is all about the LEO, and the colors are totally my style. Warm and bronzy never disappoints!

Weather you are a LEO or not, you can still be inspired by their characteristics and create your own ‘roaringly’ beautiful look. So let’s jump in! Watch the super quick how-to here, and see the list of all the products used below.

LEO Products:

• Foundation: It Cosmetics CC Cream

• Concealer: First Aid Beauty Avocado Concealer

• Eye Shadow Palette: BH Cosmetics Zodiac Love Signs

• Brow Pencil: Wet n Wild Retractable Pencil in Ash Brown

• Brow Gel: Glossier Boy Brow in Brown

• Contour: Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer

• Bonzer: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Light

• Highlighter: Charlotte Tillbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand

• Blush: Lottle London Blush Crush in Harry

• Mascara: Loreal Unlimited Mascara in Blackest Black

• Lipstick: ELF Matte Lipstick in Modern Metal

Don’t forget each month our tutorial comes with a GIVEAWAY! One lucky LEO will get their own beautiful LEO set that includes a 14K gold LEO necklace and earrings. To enter be sure you head over to my instagram or facebook page, and help spread the word to any LEOs you may know with a birthday this month.

xo

DO YOU NEED MORE CHARCOAL IN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE?

CHARCOAL may not be the ingredient you think of when you hear the words luxury or beauty, but surprisingly enough charcoal is worked its way into every beauty category as of late. The use of charcoal is designed to detoxify or draw out oils and impurities from the body, so that is the unifying factor in all charcoal based products. You’ll want to look for products that are a dark or black color in tone because that means that there is a high concentration of charcoal in the formula. Take a look at my favs here [video]

• DryBar On The Rocks Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo Love this detox shampoo for removing buildup like sweat, oil and of course Dry Shampoo, but it doesn’t strip the hair or make it feel dry. Once a week is perfect for this guy!

• Garnier Blackhead Eliminating Charcoal Scrub This is a great option for those of us who struggle with blackheads in the T-zone. The charcoal absorbs oil and the scrubbers go to work breaking down build up.

• Shea Moisture Activated Charcoal Bath & Shower Jelly Now this is a weird formula, not going to lie… it’s slimy and slippery but somehow turns into a beautiful bubbly foam when you emulsify it in a washcloth. The charcoal detoxes but the coconut hydrates and it smells amazing!

• Earth Therapeutics Charcoal Infused Body Buffing Sponge If you love a good exfoliation like I do, this sponge will be your new fav! It has charcoal infused into the bamboo fibers and I love to use it to scrub off patchy faux tan as well as prep skin for a new layer of tan.

• Schmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Natural Deodorant For those leaning more natural this deodorant uses charcoal and magnesium to absorb smell and moisture under the arms. It’s a little gritty in texture but that doesn’t bother me much at all. I won’t be using this all of the time but I wanted to include it in my round up.

• Hello Activated Charcoal Toothpaste If you haven’t tried a charcoal toothpaste or if you’ve only tried the dry powdered version (yuck!) then you must give this one a try! It is minty, fresh and still foams just like regular toothpaste, but it is fluoride free and whitens like a DREAM. Seriously, go look online at the before & afters!

• Milani Make it Last Matte Charcoal Setting Spray This setting spray is BOMB! It soaks up excess oils and keeps me looking matte all day using the power of charcoal!

TOP NORDIES ANNIVERSARY BEAUTY PICKS

These babies are the TOPS when it comes to quality, but I usually choose to splurge on them only during sales, so I thought you might like to jump on that chance too!? I’ve picked 10 deals that I think are worth the price during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. These are some of my tried-and-true favorites that never dissapoint.

• 1- DryBar Four Pack Styling Set This set is perfect for travel and includes one of my fav Dry Shampoos and Texture sprays, plus a hairspray and heat protectant.

• 2- Jo Malone Mini Fragrance Set Ok I swear my LOVE ‘Orange Blossom and Honey’ never goes on sale, so I was so excited to see it in this set. If you haven’t sniffed it… I promise you won’t regret it!

• 3- St. Tropez Jumbo Express Tanning Mousse This is still my go-to tan after all these years, the mousse is the perfect color and is so forgiving if you aren’t perfect at applying.

• 4- YSL Nude Lip Trio I’ve talked about splurging on a luxury lipstick before- I think there is something so powerful about the perfect shade in a gorgeous tube. YSL is my go to when I want a glamorous lip, and this set has THREE amazing options.

• 5- Oribe Full Size Magic Styling Set If you are a person that buys things based on how good they smell… Oribe is the brand for you! The Dry Texture spray is my go-to for tousled waves or giving a little grit to my braids.

• 6- Stila Liquid Shadow Set On repeat… always! The best glitter/metallic shadows on the market hands down.

• 7- NARS Face Palette I don’t usually spend lots of blushes or bronzer, but these iconic shades by NARS together in one palette was something I couldn’t resist. Amazing quality and perfect colors

• 8- Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Set A summer staple to beat the heat and keep makeup LOCKED in all day. I haven’t found anything that compares.

• 9- Philosophy Purity Cleanser Set I use this nightly as my first cleanse to remove makeup gently. I love how it lathers but never dries skin out, and it’s safe to use on the eyes as well!

• 10- LUXIE Classic Eye Shadow Brush Set Such a great set! Has everything you need in one grouping with great quality and a nice price tag. I use the Small Tapered Blending brush daily for all of my looks.

Happy Shopping! xo

JUNE'S REPEAT OFFENDERS AKA FAVORITES

Welp Summer is over… JK, but seriously how are we already creeping into July!? I can’t complain though, because July is my favorite month of the year! Independence Day, Rodeos, BBQ’s, fireworks and this year our first ever trip to Lake Tahoe! I cannot wait!

I’ve rounded up a few goodies for you before I go get my sunshine on, so let’s dive in:

Almay Velvet Foil Cream Shadow- I can’t quit wearing this stuff! It is so easy to apply, and stays out through sweat, water and of course just time itself… it claims up to 24 hours, but I haven’t actually tested it past about 12 hours. Favorite shade ‘Cupid Glaze’

It Cosmetics CC+ SPF50 Full Coverage Cream- Without failure I always go back to this stuff when the weather gets hot. The SPF 50 is just amazing and I love that I can skip that extra step when I wear it. It is a FULL coverage though, so if you’re looking for a lighter [and cheaper] option that also has the SPF 50, try the Maybelline Urban Cover.

Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder- With heat comes SHINE, so I am reaching for this loose setting powder daily right now. Not only is it cheap, like Walmart cheap… it works just as well as the powders three times the price. My only complaint here, is that I don’t love the scent on it.

Garnier Glow Boost Apricot Mask + Scrub- Now hear me out… Apricot scrubs get a REALLY bad rap in the skincare world. And rightfully some of them are risky to use because the apricot pits/shells are jagged and can cause tearing of the skin or redness etc. BUT, not all scrubs are created that way, and this one uses a finely milled Apricot Seed powder as the scrub, which is safe to use but still effective to exfoliate. I have been loving it! I apply it for a few minutes like a mask and let the fruit enzymes go to work breaking down dead skin cells, then scrub gently with fingertips to loosen and wash away.

Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler- I love it so much I bought two! It’s like the original version but made even better with a handle! I cannot live without it since my fine hair fine, long and is prone to snarls.

Get out there and have a great July, xo

SUMMER BEAUTY STAPLES UNDER $15

Summer beauty should be fun, easy and of course geared toward warmer weather and sun protection! So I've rounded up 8 of my top picks for Summer, and all of them are under $15! Wahoo! [video here]

• Flamingo Razor System- the BEST razors (and also shaving cream and wax strips too!) now available at Target hallelujah! 
• Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Illuminator- It hides imperfections and gives skin a major glow, perfect for the shin bone and collar bones especially!
• Sun Bum Sunscreen Facial Stick SPF 30- the BEST facial stick out there, it goes on clear and matte and smells like yummy bananas!
• Not Your Mothers Matcha Green Tea Butter Masque- HEAVENLY smelling and turns dry parched hair into smooth hydrated tresses! Use it once a week especially if you're swimming.
• Sun Bum Hair Lightener Spray Perfect for dirty blondes and medium brunettes who want to brighten up their locks while at the pool. Think of this more like a beach spray and use it sparingly through the midlengths and ends to add bright highlights. Avoid the roots though so you don't turn orangey. (Don't use if you've got bleached hair already)
• Garnier Balancing Facial Mist- this is like a shine shield spray to keep your face from looking too oily. I like to use it BEFORE and then again AFTER my foundation to really lock things into place.
• Maybelline Dream Urban Cover SPF 50 a foundation that boasts SPF 50 is hard to find, but this one has it and it rocks! I am so excited to have found it. (Semi dewey finish, so set with powder if you're oily)
• Almay Velvet Foil Cream Shadow This stuff doesn't budge! I have worn it swimming and to the gym, and it holds up amazingly. Lots of colors and easy to apply, I'll be adding more to my collection soon.

Happy Sweating, er I mean Summer! xo

BOBBY PIN ART? YES PLEASE

There isn't much more that I love than dressing up my hair... after all it's my career- but it's also been something I've loved doing since I was a kid! So that fact that BOBBY PINS have made such a major splash in the industry right now, is just icing on the cake if you ask me.

I used to spray paint my own pins because colored options weren't available! But now... you can find every color and decorative pin under the sun. And that's just the beginning, the fun part comes when you layer and stack those pins to make shapes and patterns. The possibilities are endless.

Take a look at some fun ways you can use your pins in the video below, and then shop my favorites. Get those creative juices flowing and come up with your own art too.

xo

Shop my picks:

MAY [BUDGET FRIENDLY] FAVS WORTH MENTIONING

May has come and gone- and that means Summer is officially here! I am excited for some warm weather and family fun.

Last month I had 5 favorites that I want to share with y'all... so let's dive in!

• Garnier Balancing Facial Mist- I love the scent on this, but I really do think it balances the skin, meaning it helps control oil and shine, but doesn't dry you out either! I mist it on evenly and generously prior to my foundation, and I am hooked!
• OLLY Flawless Complexion Vitamin Gummies- I swear by the OLLY brand and use many of their supplements, but this complexion formula is one of my favorites. It is a small part of my very LARGE skincare routine, but I do think the antioxidant ingredients go to work to keep skin more clear and radiant.
• Equate Spray Brush Cleaner- I bought this totally on a whim at Walmart a few weeks ago, but holy cow, it's amazing. I use it as a daily brush cleanser to keep my brushes sanitized and fresh in between deep cleanings. You simply spray it on a paper towel and then swirl the brush on it for a super quick but effective removal of makeup.
• Wild Fable Phone Cord Pony O's- These things are so good at holding hair in place all day, but what I love most about them is that they help my ponytail to perk up and not droop off the back of my head. The colors are so cute too!
• Who What Wear Pleated Scarf- These pleated scarves are such a fun accessory to add into your hairstyles. The texture moves with you and really makes a bold statement.

Happy June! xo

3 TIPS THAT MAKE POLISHING YOUR NAILS SO MUCH EASIER!

Getting the perfect manicure at home can be a challenge, but it is a great way to save some time and money if you can master the steps. Here are my tried and true steps and products for a DIY mani that will last! [video here]

1- It's all in the PREP

Consider the time that is spent at the nail salon PRIOR to applying the polish. All of the prep-steps matter, and are crucial to getting a mani that lasts.

So be sure you:

• File and shape the nails- do this first so that the polish can wrap around the finished edge for a stronger bond.
• Soften and push back the cuticles, my fav product for this is the Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover
• lightly buff the shine off of the nail

2- Polish in THIN even layers (2-3 layers with a 2 minute wait time in between each)

• The thinner the layers, the less likely you'll smudge and the quicker you will dry try the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel it's the best!
• Start painting holding the brush with your NON-Dominant hand, this will help avoid smudging. And take your time, nice slow swipes work best- start from the middle of the nail and work back towards cuticle to keep the cuticle polish free.
• Work from the pinky finger inward to help avoid accidental bumps and smudges 

3- Top Coat and BE PATIENT

• Keep the top coat layer thin as well for best results, Sally Hansen makes a gloss or a matte finish which I love for a more modern look.
• Wait 10-15 minutes before moving but remember polish can smudge for up to 90 minutes after it's applied so be careful with hands until you're in the clear

Happy Polishing!

80's BEAUTY TRENDS THAT ARE BACK IN A NEW WAY

Today on a special LIVE episode of Studio 5 dedicated to the 80's, I took 4 iconic beauty trends from that decade, and showed how they've 'glown up' into a more sophisticated look today. All trends cycle back eventually, but each time they resurface they get a little more modern... hallelujah!

So here's a quick look at 4 of my favorite ways to update those 80's looks. [video here]

• Crimped & Permed Hair ---> Glown Up: Rock Star Waves. My favorite hair tool in years is this Bed Head Deep Waver. It is so easy to use and gives amazing texture in a snap. Deep Waver
• Scrunchies, Clips & Headbands ---> Glown Up: STILL scrunchies and clips! Hair accessories have come back strong, but wearing them as an adult can be tricky. Try looking for fabrics and prints that are more mature. For clips and bobby pins be sure to strategically place them in pairings and groupings for an updated twist. Accessories
• Blue Eyeshadow ---> Glown Up: Brights, but with a modern twist. If you want to jump on board to the BRIGHT shadow trend happening right now- be sure you are very intentional with the usage of color. Try using your brights as an accent color, instead of an entire wash over the lid like we wore in the 80's. Sapphire Palette
• Streaked Blush ---> Glown Up: Contoured Bronzy Blush. The OG form of contouring was streaking blush along the cheeks. We've learned a better way thankfully and achieve this with a matte bronzer and a subtle blush combo. Matte Bronzer and Blush 

What trend was your fav from the 80's!?

FOUR MUST HAVES UNDER $15 // APRIL FAVS

April flew by, and now school is almost out! What?

I had four favorites in April that really stood out to me- the ones I wanted to share with you all. And guess what the most expensive on the list is only $15, so wahoo!

• Pixi Rose Glow Mist I honestly love ALL of the mists by Pixi, but this Rose one is the latest to my collection and she is glowy, refreshing and calming to the skin. I use her before I apply foundation, and then again after I've applied my base products to lock everything in with a nice healthy glowing finish.
• Garnier Micellar Eye Makeup Remover Wipes These convenient littles wipes take off eye makeup so well without tugging on skin or leaving eyes dry or red. I also use them to clean up my lines after applying eye shadow, they are wonderful! 
• Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Topcoat If you are already a fan of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel, you NEED to try their new Matte Top Coat. It gives such a fresh and modern look to your nails.
• Physicians Formula Butter Lip Cream These buttery lip creams go on so smoothly, pack a major punch in pigment, and leave lips looking glossy and plump. I love them because they are a hybrid of a gloss and a lipstick in one easy to use product.

xo

SPRING 2019 BEAUTY TRENDS TO GO FOR!!

SPRING has finally arrived and it's my favorite season in the beauty world. It's when we see the biggest releases of new products as well as new style trends that will take us through the year.

Without a doubt this seasons biggest makeup trend is COLOR... it is literally everywhere! Makeup brands are releasing candy-colored eye shadow palettes, neon lipstick shades, and bold blush hues, that make getting ready totally fun and experimental.

In fact, this is the most color I have seen in my entire career! I love it, and I hope you do too.

So to dive in- here's what you should know; [video here]

Rainbow Colored Shadow: Try playing around with adding water to your shadow brushes before dipping into your shadows. This creates more of a watercolor situation where application is easier and we can easily blend more than one color on the lid. Fav rainbow palette: ProFusion Festival Palette

Neon Lips: Keep the rest of the face simple and clean, but then add a BIG bang with a neon lip color. Opt for a super pigmented version like this one: Wet n Wild Liquid Catsuit

Orange Blush: This one is a great option to ease into bold colors... simply swap out your pink tones for a bright coral or toasty orange. It may seem too bold, but with a light hand this color really works on all skin tones and gives a gorgeous warm-weather hue to the cheeks.

On the Hair side of things two major trends make a big comeback, and they are in a word; classic.

Sleek, shiny, flat ironed hair is nudging out the beachy waves we've been wearing over the last 5-6 years. A shiny glass- like finish is the goal, and that can be achieved with the help of some sleeking products like these: Garnier Sleek Shot & Iron Spray

The classic blunt BOB never really goes out of style, but lately it seems like every celebrity under the sun is making a big chop. The great thing about this cut is that it is age appropriate across the generations, and is very flattering on all face shapes. Avoid this cut if your hair is overly thick or textured however, and opt for a longer LOB version instead.


What trends are you excited about? xo

PROM PRETTY- 6 TRENDY LOOKS YOU CAN CREATE WITHOUT THE SALON

PROM season is fully in effect, and you may be asking what is popular among teens these days for their formal dances... well today we will be looking into six fun and age appropriate beauty trends that are totally PROM PRETTY! [video here]

Prom Hair Ideas:

• Bobby Pin Art- stacking decorative pins is HUGE right now, and there are lots of options out there. Get creative and design fun pops of sparkle or color in your hair. These pins are from Claire's.

• Reverse Headbands- Grecian inspired, this look is elegant and sophisticated. These headbands are designed to be worn across the back of the head for an unexpected look. Wearing grecian headband from Etsy

• Leather Accents- leather straps and bands can be woven into your updos for a slightly more edgy look. Wearing leather tie from Bonjour Bobby

Prom Makeup Ideas:

• Glossy Eyelids- bold colors on the lids are top with a glossy finish using vaseline or even lip gloss. the look is high fashion and a little grungy. Wearing Kaja Orange Blossom

• Statement Lips- keep the rest of your makeup minimal and focus on a BOLD statement lip that coordinates with your dress. classic! Wearing Mac Matte Lipstick in Chili

• Rainbow Eyeliner- a playful look that pairs with bright colored dresses, take your eyeliner from one color to the next for a unique playful look Wearing Profusion Paradise Palette

HAPPY PROM! xo

MARCH FAVORITES THAT ROCKED MY WORLD

Happy Spring! Here's a look at the things I couldn't love enough on during March...

• Fav Palette: Zoella x Colourpop Brunch Date Palette- such amazing everyday colors (with one wild card blue) Mattes and shimmers that are so pigmented and easy to use.
• Lash Love: Babe Lash Serum (20% off with code 'beautysnoop')- my lashes have never been healthier, longer or stronger after three months of this. Essence Volume Booster- Prep lashes for mascara with this creamy white primer that lengthens and thickens in a snap. Loreal Unlimited Mascara- I bought this on a whim because of the unique packaging, but the formula is fantastic and a new fav for sure!
• Bronzer: Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer- and easy to apply stick bronzer that makes contouring and adding color so easy. Smells a little like clay, but I don't mind it- makes me look a little more Spring-weather-ready!
• Hair Gadget: Revlon One-Step Volume Dryer- I can't get enough of this... it has changed my hair routine for the better and it's under $60! I sleep on wet hair, then spend about 10 minutes with this bad boy in the morning. I'm left with volume and smoothness in a single step. You can see how I use it in my instagram highlight titled 'HAIR HACK' 

xo

FIVE WAYS TO UP YOUR BEAUTY GAME UNDER $25

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

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

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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