Skin Care: The Basics

When was the last time you updated your skin care routine? If you don't have a routine, it is time to get started. And if you have been using the same thing for 5 years . . . It's time for a change. I often advise my clients to choose skin care over makeup, "If you have to choose between investing in skin care or investing in makeup, choose skin care." Flawless makeup always requires beautiful skin.  

Our skin is the largest organ we have and most of us need to do a better job taking care of it. This doesn't mean you need to have 5 products you use in the morning and 8 you use at night. It simply means protect, nourish and pamper your skin. 

Everyone has different needs when it comes to their skin and this can be based on your location or climate, skin type and even your age. It's important to assess your skin (or speak to a professional) before choosing the right products.

Once you establish a skin care routine, you must be consistent. Only change things up when necessary; like when the seasons change or you notice a drastic difference in your skin type. 

The most common question I'm asked in regards to skin care, has to do with the order in which products are applied. Generally, serums are applied first, then gels, lotions, and creams. You want to start with the thinnest consistency. And if you have extremely dry skin, finish off with an oil.

What is your favorite skin care item that you own? And what would you like to add to your current routine? Comment below and feel free to ask any questions!

Stay beautiful! . . . Inside and out.

Favorite Beauty Product: JULY

Hey loves! So I thought I would start to share some of my favorite beauty products randomly. I definitely blog about certain categories and list my must-haves, but I thought it would be kinda cool, if each month I told you about my favorite beauty item!

Beauty to me is a lot of things, so my favorite product each month could be a foundation, nail polish, hair conditioner, lip balm, sunscreen, body moisturizer . . . It could be anything! It might be something I only use personally, but could also be something I keep in my kit. But I thought why not?! Another way of sharing some awesome tidbits with my followers!

So for month of July I have been LOVING the Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel.

Inglot's description of this product is, "High intensity pigments provide ideal coverage and rich colors after just one application. The creamy and delicate long lasting formula dries to a long-lasting, smudge proof, and crease proof finish."

This is a product that STAYS in my kit for everything! I use it for my brides, editorial work, headshots, body painting and so much more . . . I even have a little trick using this bad-boy for a "no-makeup" makeup look.

But lately I've been using it on myself almost daily. I'm not a makeup artist who wears much makeup . . . Crazy, I know. But my skin is ridiculously sensitive, so I have to be careful. So I've been trying out different ways to look my best without doing a full face. This gel liner is the trick. 

I either do a winged liner look, a medium-sized line or a thin line smudged out . . . And only on the top. Seriously, it like completes my face at this moment in life LOL.

What's your go-to beauty product right now? Comment below!

Stay Beautiful! . . . Inside and out.

The Perfect Super Bowl Lips!

So I'm sure you're thinking, "What does the 2015 Super Bowl have to do with makeup?!" Well, at most Super Bowl parties you eat, snack and drink quite a bit right? Wouldn't it be great to not have to even think about whether your lipstick is smeared all over your teeth? Or if your "red lips" are on your chin after your finished that yummy slider?

No one wants to be thinking about those things, you just want to enjoy time with your friends and family, while enjoying the snacks! So I'm going to tell you my Top 3 long lasting lip options so that you can relax and enjoy cheering for the Patriots! (or Seahawks :-) The great thing about these options is that they are easily accessible to pretty much everyone. There is no need to order online . . . You can find them at a nearby mall, Sephora or Ulta!

First up are the MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear lipliners. These are fabulous! I keep many of them in my kit, and even though they are long lasting, they go on quite smoothly. There are several shade options, so there is something for everyone. Before applying any other lip product,  line your entire lipline with this pencil and then use it like you would a lipstick to increase staying power. 

Stila Cosmetics makes a liquid lipstick called Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks. Yes, these stay all day. But what I love most, are the color options they have! There is a vinyl line of these, OMG! Seriously, head to your nearest Ulta to try them out.

Last, but certainly not least, are the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks. There is a reason so many people rave about these little treasures. Between brides and my teenagers for prom, they work perfectly. Many of my clients now keep 1 or 2 of these in their makeup bags ;-)

Now that those lips are covered, find there perfect pair of blue jeans, a cute top, and enjoy the party! Don't forget to subscribe to my blog for more makeup and beauty tips below :-)

Stay beautiful! . . . Inside and out.