Friday, April 29, 2011

How to: Long lasting makeup!

We all attend events where we need our makeup to last for a long time and stay looking flawless. Here's a list of my favorite products that will fit any budget. :)

  • Prime! Your face and your eyes. This will really help your makeup last longer, apply smoother, and help control your oil.
Splurge:
Clear Prep Fx Matte Foundation Primer
$40 @ Sephora
I love this primer! It helps my makeup last hours longer and it has salicylic acid in it. When I bought it I was told to tap it on my face instead of rubbing it in. 

Save:
Make your own! Here's how:

For eyes I suggest this primer:

Splurge:

Save:
Make your own!

  • Conceal! Find a really good concealer that has great coverage. Apply a small amount on your lips if you're going to wear lipstick. It'll help make you lipstick stay on longer!
Splurge:



M.A.C Pro Longwear Concealer
$16.50 @ Maccosmetics.com or A M.A.C counter
The formula provides medium-full coverage and it's supposed to last 15 hours.


Save: 

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer
$5-7 @ Drugstores
The thick, creamy consistency provides good coverage for a good price. 


  • Foundation! You want to find a really good foundation that matches your skin tone, has good coverage, and is long lasting! You also want to find one that has little to no SPF because this will make you look white in pictures. You want to use a bit more than you normally would to make sure your skin looks flawless for the cameras.
Splurge:

M.A.C Pro Longwear Foundation
$29.50 @ Maccosmetics.com or A M.A.C counter
This formula is meant to last for 15 hours and it has only SPF 10. It provides sheer-medium coverage and it helps control oil. Definitely one of the best long lasting foundations.

Save:

Revlon ColorStay Foundation
$8-$12 @ Drugstores
This is one of my favorite foundations. It gives you really great coverage and it  lasts for hours. I get medium-full coverage, depending on how much I use. 

  • Set! Finding a good setting powder is important too. This will also contribute to how long your makeup lasts. Loose or pressed depends on personal preference. A pressed powder tends to give you more coverage. Powder will also help with touch ups and soak up oil though out your event.  
Splurge:
M.A.C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
$27 @ Maccosmetics.com or A M.A.C counter
This product has low coverage which makes it perfect to set your foundation. And touch ups throughout the night will be easy to do too.

Save:



Maybelline Fit Me! Powder
$5-$7 @ Drugstores
I've been loving this product. It gives sheer-medium coverage that helps set my foundation. 

  • Fix +! This product is totally optional. It smooths and blends all of your makeup together for a flawless finish. It is a bit pricey but it lasts forever, is great for a range of things, and will help your makeup last longer.
$19 @ Maccosmetics.com or a M.A.C counter


  • Blot! Oil blotting sheets help mattify your face. Use these before applying powder to touch up. You'll use less powder and look less cakey!
E.L.F Professional Shine Eraser
$1 @ Eyeslipsface.com or at most Targets
These are so great! They really help soak up oil and eliminate shine! And they're super affordable! I think you get 50.

  • Lip Balm! I always apply this before starting any of my makeup. That way I can rub it in and moisturize my lips. This also allows for you to have a smoother application for your lipstick. My favorite is..
Chap Stick Moisturizer
$1 at most drug stores


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

DIY: Eye Primer!

Eye primers can get pretty pricey so I've got a recipe that uses products that most everyone should already have! It's super affordable and you can make tons of this stuff once you've got all the ingredients!


What you'll need:

  • A small plastic container to put everything in
  • Body butter - Any kind works as long as it's unscented
  • Foundation - Liquid or cream
  • Concealer - The creamier the better
  • Popsicle stick - or something to scoop the body butter with
  • Toothpick 
Steps:
  1. Scoop some of the body butter and fill about 1/3 of your container.
  2. Add in 1/3 parts of your foundation.
  3. Add 1/3 parts of your concealer. Everything should be about equal proportions.
  4. Use your toothpick to stir everything up. Be sure to mix it well. 
I prefer primers with a thicker consistency. So I use a bit more body butter and foundations and concealers that are on the thicker side. This primer doesn't last as long as a higher end one but it does last about 5-7 hours. And my eyelids tend to be on the oily side. So the staying power is pretty good. It's really comparable to my High Voltage Eye Primer! 

I hope you guys liked this DIY and will make it yourselves! :)

Friday, April 22, 2011

Performance Makeup: Tips!

Performing on a stage? Here are a few tips and tricks that I've picked up. :)




  • Go darker! The stage lights will wash you out. So you want a foundation that's 1-2 shades darker than your skin tone.
  • Less is not more! You should heavily apply your makeup. You want your skin to look flawless.
  • Primer! You need to prime your face because of all the makeup you're going to be wearing and you also need it to last all night.
  • Conceal! Cover all of your imperfections.
  • Set! Use a setting powder to help keep your foundation on. You tend to sweat and you don't want to look shiny. Powder will help mattify your face.
  • Contour & Highlight! You should also do this more dramatically than you normally would. Your face does get washed out so this will help to shape your face.
  • Blush! You want one that's darker than you'd normally wear and one that will compliment the darker foundation you will be using. 
  • Oil blotting sheets! These will help so much! E.L.F has 50 for $1. They soak up oil and help reduce shine so you will use less powder. 
  • Lipstick! You want to go for a darker shade. Red is traditional and looks best. You can also apply a clear or glittery gloss on top.
  • Eyeshadow! You should aim for a more dramatic look. Dark smokey eyes are best. Brown, silver, and black work best. I like to apply lots of glitter too. But that's optional. :)
  • Mascara! Apply several coats of your favorite mascara. Or even opt for falsies!
  • Eyeliner! Apply a thicker line than you would wear for every day. This will help make your eyes be seen and shape them.
I hope these tips help! :) If you have any more leave them in a comment!

Walmart Haul!

I have an obsession with buying makeup! I can't stop.. But you guys get another baby haul! :) I only bought 3 things though. :)








Chap Stick Moisturizer
$.98 
Great Lash BIG Mascara
$5

Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Eyeliner
$8 

I'll post reviews in a few weeks! But so far I am loving all of these products! :)

Monday, April 18, 2011

Tiny Target Haul!

I went to Target today to pick up a new bed set :) And I decided to pick up a few things while I was there. My Target has started stocking E.L.F products! :D


E.L.F Blush in Tickled Pink
$3 


Up&Up Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes 
$4.50


Biore Deep cleansing Pore Strips
$5.99

TRESemme Smooth & Silky Shampoo
$4



TRESemme Smooth & Silky Conditioner
$4

Reviews will be up in a few weeks! :) 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Razor Bumps?




Don't you hate those ugly red bumps that are left all over your legs after you shave? Here are a few tips on how to prevent them!



  1. Sharpen! Make sure your razor is sharp. A dull blade is more likely to scratch your skin. Ouch! You should change your blade about once a week. 
  2. Heat! Run your razor under hot water for 10 seconds before shaving. A warm razor will cut your hairs a lot easier.
  3. Disinfect! Your razor will pick up germs if you leave it in the shower. Dip it in rubbing alcohol and store it in your bathroom drawer. 
  4. Lightly! Lightly glide your razor with the grain of your hair. 
  5. Do not repeat! Only go over each area once. Multiple strokes can cause a rash.
  6. Shaving cream! It'll help your razor glide over your skin a lot easier and help prevent razor burn. Make sure it's not alcohol based because it can cause ingrown hairs. 

E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer!

E.L.F Contouring Blush & Bronzer 
$3 @ Eyeslipsface.com or at Target

This product is supposed to be a dupe for NARS Laguna Bronzer and Orgasim Blush. It's definitely one of the top products ELF has. 

Pros:
  • The colors are really pigmented
  • Compliments a variety of skin tones 
  • Convenient packaging
  • Large mirror
  • Looks a lot like NARS packaging 

Cons:
  • Glitter in both blush and bronzer
  • Not pressed well 
  • Lots of fallout
  • Blush is too light 
I hate that there is tons of glitter in the blush. Because of this I like to use it as a highlight on the top of my cheeks instead. Or apply a very small amount over another blush. The color is really pretty though. When you try to use the bronzer a lot of product likes to flake off. You only need a very small amount because it's pretty dark. But it works well as a contour. Except for the glitter. I really like the color payoff these products have. 

Overall:
I like this product a lot. It just takes a bit more work. But for the price you can't really complain. And because you use so little it lasts a really long time! :) 

Beachy Waves!



With summer right around the corner the last thing I want to do is use hot tools on my hair in the heat! This hair style is so easy and low maintenance! No heat is needed. You get relaxed, loose waves. You can do it over night! :)


Here's How:
  1. Take a shower
  2. Towel dry your hair. Make sure it's still damp-wet. 
  3. Apply a leave in conditioner, if you use one. Or other products. 
  4. Brush your hair to remove tangles and to make it soft.
  5. Pull your hair up into a high pony tail. And twist your hair. Make sure it's really tight and wrap it into a bun. Secure it with a hair tie and bobby pins if needed. 
  6. Get some beauty rest! ;D
  7. Unwrap your bun and shake out your hair with your fingers. Your hair might still be damp. But it'll dry in about 10 mins. 
  8. While it's still damp I like to spritz my Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Hair spray. Or apply a mousse. It'll hold your hair without that sticky, crunchy, "wet" look that an aerosol hair spray will give you. Then you're ready to go! 

Saturday, April 9, 2011

How To Get Rid Of Puffy Eyes


Have you ever woken up to puffy, swollen eyes after a long night? So unattractive! And really irritating. Here are a few tips to get rid of that! :)

  • Cold! Ice cubes wrapped in a dish towel, eye creams that have been refrigerated, rinsing your face with cold water or cold cucumbers. These will help reduce the puffyness and help numb your eyes if you're experiencing pain. 
  • Cucumbers! They will help the swelling and irritation. Leave them on your eyes for 10-15 mins. Potatoes work too!
  • Tea bags! Preferably green tea. Place 2 into a cup to steep and place them in the fridge to get cold. Then place them on your eyes. The caffeine should help with the swelling.
  • Witch Hazel! Wet 2 cotton balls with the product and remove the excess and place them on your eyes. 
  • Exercises! Roll your eyes clockwise and counter clockwise. Or blink hard several times.
  • Patience! Sometimes all your eyes need is time to make the swelling go down.

What I like to do is keep my eye creams in the fridge and use my ring finger to tap them onto my eyes. This helps bring circulation. After that I use something cold to press them against my eyes. If the swelling still hasn't reduced try applying mascara! I don't know how or why this works but it does. After a few coats of mascara I can't even tell that my eyes are swollen! You can even try to apply eyeshadow. I don't suggest using eyeliner because it can bring attention to your puffy eye. 

If you have any tips and tricks that have worked leave a comment! :)

Friday, April 8, 2011

7 Tips to Healthier Skin!

Want healthier, better looking skin? Well here are a few tips to get it! :)



  1. Sleep! You should get 8 hours of a sleep a night. If you skimp on sleep you'll wake up with dull, lifeless skin. There are so many more benefits of getting a good night's rest!
  2. Exfoliate! Dead skin cells can pile on your face making your complexion look lackluster. Aim for 1-3 times a week. Use a scrub with microbeads they're a lot easier on your skin. 
  3. Vitamins! Especially C! Studies show that women with a lower intake of vitamin C were more likely to have wrinkles. Not good. Get 2-3 servings of it daily. Oranges, strawberries, and grapefruit are all full of it! Apply a brightening serum with a vitamin C in it. 
  4. Exercise! Working out sends extra oxygen to your skin which helps in so many ways. But endorphins are more important, they help ward off cell damage.
  5. Patience! When using a skin regimen give it 90 days! Your skin needs about that much time to adjust itself. 
  6. Stop smoking! Other than the health problems, smoking sucks the life out of your skin. Kick the habit and then use a mask with hyaluronic acid to help restore your radiance. 
  7. Protect! Use a lotion with at least an SPF of 30 on a daily basis. Preferably a non-greasy one. You need about a teaspoon to cover your entire face and neck. Sun- exposure is the #1 cause of skin cancer and premature aging. 
These are just a few simple things that you can do to get better looking skin. Hope I helped! Try them out and leave a comment! :)

Fit Me Foundation Review




Maybelline's Fit me! Liquid foundation. 
Available at Drugstores for $6-$8

My shade: 310 / Sun Beige

On the back:
  • Matches natural tone
  • Blends seamlessly
  • Let's skin breathe
  • SPF 18
My opinion:
  • Light-Medium coverage
  • It takes forever to dry. My face feels sticky afterwards. Like it doesn't fully dry. Even after applying powder.
  • It blends well
  • It's semi buildable
  • Matches my skin tone really well
  • Has a dewy finish. Leaving me looking oily. Because it doesn't dry.
I really like this foundation. Aside from it not drying completely. I've been using this product for about 3 1/2 weeks. Overall I do like this foundation. I'm not sure if I will be repurchasing it. I do prefer my Revlon Color Stay and would rather spend the few extra bucks. But with a little bit of extra work this product is pretty good.

How I use it:
  1. Apply my DIY primer. http://beautyrave.blogspot.com/2011/02/homemade-face-primer.html
  2. Use E.L.F's Complexion Perfection. It helps absorb the foundation and evens out your skin tone! ($3 @ eyeslipsface.com)
  3. Apply small amount of foundation. A little goes a long way! And if you need a little more coverage apply it where needed. I use a stippling brush to apply. 
  4. Give the product some time to "air dry". 
  5. Apply your matching Fit Me! Pressed powder. Or your favorite setting powder. I use my complexion brush from E.L.F. Pay more attention to your T- Zone. This foundation can leave you looking oily and greasy. 
  6. I like to apply bronzer all over for even more help mattifying my face. 
  7. Apply your blush. Contour and highlight as you usually would. 
Use/used this product? Leave a comment with your review! :)


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Beach Makeup Tips!

Spring is here! At least in Southern California it is! And everyone is getting ready to hit the beach and the pool! And you don't want to go there with a full face of makeup. So here are a few tips on what to do. :)



  • Face: Use a tinted moisturizer with an SPF instead of your regular foundation. If you're going to get in the water or get active your foundation will just sweat and cake off. Not attractive. Opt for a light coverage tinted moisturizer instead. You can reapply with your fingers really easily too. 
  • Really need the coverage? I suggest using a mineral foundation. It won't look as cakey as a liquid foundation and you can easily reapply it. Make sure to use sunscreen on your face!
  • Cheeks: I suggest you keep the face products to a minimum but if you want to use blush I suggest you use a soft, neutral color. Peachy pinks, soft corals, or even just use a bit of bronzer instead!
  • Eyes: If you're going to wear mascara make sure it's a really good waterproof one! You don't want black streaks running down your face. Make sure your eyeliner is waterproof too! Or just do without it. I suggest skipping the eyeshadow too. You don't want water to make it run and mess it up.
  • Lips: The best product would be a lip balm with an SPF. The skin on your lips is thinner so they need to be protected! If you want some color use a tinted, SPF lip balm. Try to stay away from products with glitter, they will only attract light to your lips. Lipstick can flake a lot faster when it's hot out and your lipgloss can look greasy. 
  • Reapply your sunscreen every hour at the latest! I can't stress how important it is to protect your skin! Spray on sunscreen is quick, easy, and not as greasy as a lotion.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Goodsearch!

GoodSearch logo



Stop google-ing and start goodsearching! Goodsearch is a search engine that is powered by yahoo and every search that you make they will donate a penny to a charity or school of your choice! A penny doesn't sound like much.. But think about how many times you google, yahoo, or ask something! All of those pennies will start to add up! The money comes from their advertisers so you don't have to spend a penny. :) Start goodsearching now!


  1. Go to: Goodsearch.com
  2. Choose your cause
  3. Then search!
Easy peasy right? :) 


How to make your hair grow longer, faster!




Everyone wants long, luscious locks of healthy hair. Here are a few tips on how to get it! 

  • Trim your hair! When you see split ends or breakage. Every 6-8 weeks is recommended. 
  • Massage your scalp to stimulate it. This will encourage blood circulation. To prevent oil transfer from your fingers to your scalp, I suggest doing this in the shower while shampooing. 
  • Vitamins! B6, E, folic acid, magnesium, and zinc all help.
  • Shampoo only when necessary! Most people can skip a day or two. 
  • Brush your hair. Brushing will not only leave your hair feeling soft but it will also redistribute the oils from your scalp to the rest of your hair. This will help protect all of your hair.
  • Stay warm! Hair tends to grow faster when it's warmer. So wash your hair with hot water!
  • Try to avoid hot styling tools! Hair dryers, flat irons, and curling irons. They will strip your hair of natural oils. But if you do use them.. Protect your hair! Use a heat protecting spray! 
  • Have a good diet! If it's good for your body it'll be good for your hair! Your hair, like your body, needs nutrients and vitamins to grow!
  • Exercise! It will stimulate your follicles causing them to produce more dead skin cells which is what your hair is.

Make sure to keep your hair healthy while you're growing it out! Or all of your hard work will go to waste! 

Your hair isn't going to instantly grow a foot if you follow these tips. But you will see gradual results. Your hair is supposed to grow about 1/2" every month.