Summer is the perfect time to take a break from the hot tools, and instead focus easy quick styles that embrace the texture of your hair while making your morning routine a little more relaxed. I took on the challenge of an entire week with no heat, and documented each day- to give you some ideas and some encouragement to try it as well!
Read MoreThis month we feature the traits of the TAURUS gal! I was definitely a fan of the colors in our Zodiac palette that were assigned to Taurus because they are warm, grounded, and romantic. Which makes sense considering that the Taurus is a sign ruled by Venus- so LOVE plays a big role in their needs and personalities. Find out more about the Taurus and watch as I create this look inspired by her.
Read MoreDealing with dark circles is pretty standard for most women- there are genetic factors for many, but also stress, lack of sleep, dehydration and thinning skin play a part. My technique for treating and covering will help tackle this issue, but be prepared for daily and weekly commitment for best results. And chances are, you’re missing a key factor when it comes to covering dark circles each day…
Read MoreIf quarantine has re-racked your priorities a little, and you’ve decided to embrace the less is more approach- you may be part of the large number of women deciding to keep their beauty routines more simple. Recently Studio 5 did a poll on their IG feed, asking followers if they were going to ditch their lash extensions for good? Almost 80% of responders said ‘YES!’ and we couldn’t help but take notice of that large amount. So I thought it might be helpful to give you a few tips for enhancing and brightening the eyes daily, giving yourself a little less to commit to when it comes to your lashes.
Read MoreCan you say ‘PINK’!? Wowza… this months color from our Zodiac Palette is bold and bright- but I guess that makes sense when you learn that the ARIES gal is super enthusiastic, ambitious and competitive. Sound like you or an ARIES you know? Learn a little bit more about her traits, and see how I created this look dedicated to her in the video below. And don’t forget links to everything I used are listed, plus your chance to win this months Zodiac necklace.
Read MoreIt’s Sephora Sale season again, but only the 27th in your are an Insider and the 29th of you are a VIB (free to sign up if you haven’t already) So here’s a quick round up of the things I would recommend to you all… my most loved favs from Sephora. If you want to see some of them in action be sure you watch my Story over on IG called ‘GREEN/SEPHORA’ saved to my profile highlights. To get the sale prices you’ll need code: SPRINGSAVE
Read MoreIf you’re looking for a little something fun to do with your girls (and boys!) while you’re on lock down, it might be a fun time to try out some of those crazy hair colors!? Our regular rules have gone out the door- no dress codes to adhere to and no photos to be worried about… might as well let them express their style and have some fun bonding while you do it. Here’s a look at what my girls chose, and links to some product ideas.
Read MoreThis is a strange time in the world, and everything feels upside down. Spending weeks at home is tough for sure, but there are some unseen benefits of these ‘less-busy’ days. One of which is wearing less makeup- not only because it saves us some time, but also because we can truly let our skin breath and heal.
It’s no secret I have dealt with my fair share of acne woes. I’ve documented that here for years. But in the last 16 months my skin has taken a major turn for the better… so I wanted to share with you how and why I believe that has happened.
Read MoreThe Pisces gal was so fun to study. She is a dreamer with a creative core!
This look was created with her in mind, I love the mixture of metallic finishes and the sheer glossy lip. Find out more about the Pisces personality, and get the details from this look in my latest episode of Star Sign Beauty.
Read MoreHere’s the thing- you spend a LOT on your hair color, not only money but time! So I always recommend you protect that investment with an at-home routine that will keep your color looking better longer. Why only get 5 weeks when you can get 8+ of rich color and shine!? Here’s how:
Read MoreFinally! That’s the best word to describe my office [aka the Beauty Lab] makeover. It has been years in the making… er I mean, WAITING! But as you all know big home renovations take time, and this one was no exception.
The main main goal was STORAGE for all of my beauty products- and there are a lot, I know. I was tired of the room looking messy even when it was clean, because there was simply too much clutter exposed with a lack of covered storage. So we went hard with the storage and I am so happy with how it all turned out. I can put everything away behind closed doors, and that is worth a million bucks!
Read MoreRecently a viewer wrote in to the show asking for a little guidance. Her name is Claire and she is 59 years old- she told us that she wanted to buy some new makeup for herself and was actually given a gift card to Ulta, but hadn’t yet spent it because she felt overwhelmed knowing what products were best for her maturing skin.
I am sure that Claire didn’t expect to be thrust on camera when she wrote into the show, but I knew that the best way for her to get over her fear shopping at Ulta, was just to actually take her into the store and help her navigate. I wish I could do this for more of you, but hopefully this will help you if you’ve ever felt this way too!?
Read More
Recently on Studio 5 my friend and host of the show, Brooke- shared her favorite palette the Morphe Nature Glow. After her share a viewer commented that she too loved the palette but needed help reaching beyond the same 3 colors every time she used the palette. So we decided to extend the challenge to you all- to push beyond the brown, and explore the rest of the colors- ones that you may have never touched.
I’m breaking down may favorite ways to do this- by suggesting you look at the palette as families: lights, midtones, and darks. When you go to apply your makeup, reach for one color in each family. They will all work together nicely because they are neutral. The trick is to rotate which tone you pick, and keep intermixing different variations of three.
Once you’ve mastered neutrals, I would suggest you bring in a companion palette full of bolder tones. On their own they may seem overwhelming, but using them as an accent to your neutral base makes them much more wearable and gives you unlimited combinations to try. See how I do that here. [video]
PRODUCTS USED:
So, here is your invitation to go beyond brown- don’t waste valuable money or product by sticking to your comfort zone. BE BRAVE! xo
The AQUARIUS gal is inspiring because she is a truth-seeker who wants to leave the world better than she found it. She is modern and forward thinking as well as popular and likable! I really enjoyed studying the AQUARIUS traits this month, and creating a look inspired by her and her Aqua qualities. Learn a little bit more about her, and watch how I created this bold look in the video below. [video also here]
AQUARIUS PRODUCTS HERE:
Foundation: Avon Magix Tint ‘Light’
Brow Gel: Babe Lash Volumizing Brow Filler ‘Dark Brown’
Peach Corrector: LA Girl Pro Conceal ‘Peach Corrector’
Concealer: LA Girl Pro Conceal ‘Natural’
Contour: NudeStix Nudies Blur Stick ‘Deep 9’
Blush: Glossier Cloud Paint ‘Haze’
Eye Shadow: BH Cosmetics Zodiac Love Signs Palette
Mascara: Maybelline Total Temptation ‘Blackest Black’
Lipstick: Covergirl Melting Pout ‘Secret Secret’
Hope you enjoyed this months video- be sure you head over to my IG to enter to win the AQUARIUS necklace, or tag a friend with a birthday between Jan 21- Feb 20, so that they can enter too! xo
If you’ve followed me for any decent amount of time, you’ve probably witnessed my skin drama and the hardships I’ve endured with adult acne. I’ve shed so many tears over my skin, but as of late, things have been mostly happy. This week I wanted to share two posts that are skin related- because I know so many of you have shared in my struggles. Today to kick things off- three super affordable tools that I think every woman needs in her skincare routine.
Skincare tool must-haves:
Equate Acne and Blemish Tool Set- Ok so hear me out! We all know picking at spots or squeezing zits is a no-no, but there’s just no way in hell I am walking around with a big old white head on my face! ha! So when there is a time that a blemish needs to be drained, I reach for this little magic tool box. There are several different tools to try- I have my favs after a little trial and error, but basically you are avoiding using your dirty hands and nails, while more carefully removing puss and sebum. Gross, but necessary.
EcoTools Konjac Sponge- I swear by these little weird sponges. At first glance they are rock hard (like a pumice stone) but after absorbing water they turn into soft bouncy sponges that glide over the skin and eyes so nicely. Apply your favorite cleanser and scrub the whole freaking day off in a snap. They start to tear and fall apart after about two months of daily use, so that is your indication it’s time for a new one. Bonus, they are all natural made from the root of a Kojac plant.
Muji Unbleached Cotton Squares- These cotton squares are so soft and thick- they are perfect for removing eye makeup or applying toners. I use them for both purposes and will never go back to store bought cotton rounds.
This month in our Star Sign Beauty series, I tackled my own sign the Capricorn. The colors this month actually did not speak to me- but as I played with the colors I discovered a way that I could make it work and still be happy with the outcome. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity to adjust the results!
Take a look at how I created this look in the video below, and be sure you check out my Capricorn necklace giveaway over on IG. [video here]
CAPRICORN PRODUCTS USED:
Foundation: LA Girl Pro Coverage ‘Natural’
Corrector: LA Girl Pro Conceal ‘Peach Corrector’
Concealer: NudeStix Nudies ‘Light 2’
Bronzer: Nars Sun Washed Bronzer ‘Laguna’
Blush: Milani Baked Blush ‘Coralina’
Brow Gel: Glossier Boy Brow ‘Brown’
Eye Shadow Palette: BH Cosmetics Zodiac Love Signs
Mascara: Urban Decay Perversion
Lip Liner & Cream: ProFusion Matte Lip Kit ‘Charm’
Don’t forget to head over to my IG to enter the CAPRICORN necklace giveaway, or tag a friend with a birthday between Dec 22- Jan 20th so they can enter to win! xo
Every year I wait anxiously to hear what color the Pantone Institute has deemed ‘The Color of the Year’. This color is predicted to rule the school when it comes to fashion, design, and yes of course beauty! We will see this color pop up throughout the year because brands will encompass it in their product launches and styling. The color ‘Classic Blue’ was chosen for 2020, and I have to say I was a little shell shocked by the announcement. It’s such a BOLD color to integrate into your home or wardrobe, but putting it on your face?! That’s even more tricky. It’s doable however, and I am always up for a challenge, so here is a look at three ways you can integrate Classic True Blue into your beauty routine. [video here]
Eyes: Pick just ONE area to integrate blue, and think of it as an accent color- not the main event!
Nails: This is probably the easiest way to add blue into your look, it is less of a risk for most… and is a fun unexpected color for your nails.
Press Ons Impress Nails 'Beautiful Life'
Hair: Unless you’re crazy bold with your hair, you probably won’t be dying your locks Classic Blue any time soon, so instead opt for fun hair accessories that can give you a pop of the color.
Accessories Various Styles here
So what do you guys think? Is Classic Blue the color for your 2020, or is it going to be a pass? xo
WE MADE IT TO 2020! Can I get a hallelujah amen for that in and of itself! I love a fresh new year, although January seems to last about 50 days, not 30… This year however I feel so excited about the possibilities and have so much to look forward to. My to-do list is long, but I am not going to let that get me down.
If you joined along and watched my #24daysofsnoop series over on IG, let me first say thank you! It is the funnest most challenging series I do each year because it stretched my creativity and my skills. Getting on camera EVERY DAY for 24 days straight is a labor of love, but I honestly do love it!
As promised here is a rundown of every color we used from the NYX advent calendar. I’ve starred my top picks, but honestly they were all beautiful and wearable this year… although I know you were all mad I didn’t have to rock any black lipstick this year! If you missed any of the days or want to see the entire look being created, as well as get ‘swipe up’ links to all the other products I’m wearing, you can find all 24 days saved to my highlight bubbles over on my instagram profile.
Day 1- Butter Gloss ‘Tiramisu’
Day 2- Liquid Suede ‘Cherry Skies’
Day 3- Matte Lipstick ‘Alabama’
Day 6- Soft Matte Metallic Lip Cream ‘Monte Carlo’ ***
Day 7- Butter Gloss ‘Madeleine’
Day 8- Liquid Suede ‘Soft Spoken’ ***
Day 9- Matte Lipstick ‘Natural’
Day 10- Soft Matte Lip Cream ‘Abu Dhabi’
Day 12- Butter Gloss ‘Angel Food Cake’
Day 13- Liquid Suede ‘Sandstorm’
Day 14- Matte Lipstick ‘Perfect Red’
Day 17- Butter Gloss ‘Praline’ ***
Day 18- Liquid Suede ‘Tea & Cookies’
Day 19- Matte Lipstick ‘Whipped Caviar’
Day 20- Soft Matte Lip Cream ‘Cannes’
Day 22- Liquid Suede ‘Kitten Heels’ ***
Day 23- Matte Lipstick ‘Siren’
Day 24- Soft Matte Lip Cream ‘Rome’ ***
Thank you again for another amazing year, I can’t wait to grow and learn with you in 2020. xo
It is safe to say that my shoppings habits could be considered unhealthy ;) and that the amount of beauty products that come in and out of my life in a calendar year is in the hundreds. But every year there are a handful that just WOW me, and end up being my go-tos and favorites. These are the 10 that either filled a hole in the market, showed brand new innovation, or were simply the best in their category. [video here]
TOP BEAUTY BUYS OF 2019
10- Goody Forever Ouchless Elastics Obsessed is the correct word to describe how I feel about these! They finally figured out how to keep elastics from stretching out, and never snapping apart. Plus they stay put during vigorous exercise and hold even the thickest hair.
9- Kaja Beauty Bento Eyeshadow Stack The are so dang cute, and so dang easy to take with you. I love the coordinated colors and the ease of applying them.
8- Kristin Ess Signature Gloss Finally a way for women to maintain their hair color at home in between visits to the salon. A two part semi permanent color, that glosses and tones hair- keeping your hair color fresh.
7- Benefit Cookie Highlighter Nothing else even compared to the beautiful tone and texture of this highlighter. Once it made it into my hands, I didn’t touch any other. It doesn’t accentuate pores or fine lines, it just floats over the surface of the skin and leaves behind a beautiful champagne glow.
6- Babelash Essential Serum I have used this stuff for the entire year, and it has transformed my lashes by making them darker, longer and fuller. Can’t say enough about how well it works. Save 20% with my code: BeautySnoop
5- Chi Spin n Curl This tool really takes the guesswork out of curling your hair and does all the work for you- it’s magic! The now have a rose gold version- which I think I need… ha!
4- Wet n’ Wild Pro Makeup Brushes The brushes I used the most this year, they just never let me down. They are super soft, blend beautifully, and wash up with very little effort. Such great value!
3- Shine Cosmetics Concealer This one surprised me- I didn’t expect to like it… but I actually LOVE it. Great coverage, blendable, and amazing staying power. Save 10% with code: BeautySnoop10
2- Avon Magix Tint By far the foundation I reached for most often this year, and the one you guys always ask about every time I wear it… this guy is so affordable and so good! Plus I love the way it smells.
1- Benefit Bad Gal Mascara Not only is this my fav mascara of 2019, it’s my fav of ALL TIME. The wand is just the right shape and size, it is flexible and easy to use. And the formula ticks all of the boxes; lengthens, volumizes, curls and stays put!! Ugh, it is so good!
So there you have it, the 10 things that impressed me the most this year- did any of your favs make my list?
