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How to Start a Makeup Collection

Jan 8, 2013 by Lils

Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of makeup and/or how to apply it but didn’t know where to start ? Well you’ve come to the right place !

I’ve been guilty of not knowing how to put makeup on until I was about 19. It’s sad, but I felt so overwhelmed, I didn’t know what to buy, what to start with, what went where. For some unknown reason, it was confusing to me. Until one day I decided to take the plunge and bought everything I needed to start my collection. I also quickly learned how to apply makeup via the MAC store and YouTube.

Although I don’t necessarily recommend to buy everything at once. It can be expensive. If you have the money go for it, if not it’s no biggie! By one item every month or so until you get the essentials I made a list of the makeup essentials for beginners and included all my favorite high end products to use. I will be doing a Budget friendly version though, so don’t worry is you can’t afford these !

Concealers are good for covering up either blemishes or/and dark eye circles. It’s not obligatory in the sense that if are lucky enough to have flawless skin and no dark eye circles, you can skip it.

MAC Select Cover Up Concealer

To me, liquid foundation is the best, but there are definitely other kinds you can use. You also don’t have to paint your face full of foundation. With the combination of your concealer you can just dab a bit a foundation where you need it.

MAC – Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation

The main reason to apply powder after your foundation is to help the makeup set. In other words, it evens out the foundation you just put on – making more of a flawless finish. It also helps enormously with shine.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Blush is my favorite thing to put on! You can put whatever color you like, but I love using warm tones like this one -

NARS Orgasm Blush

When I first started my makeup collection I didn’t even buy eye shadow. I was only applying Mascara to define my eyes. It worked for me you might want to invest in a palette, but for starting out you can definitely do just mascara.

Lancome Hypnose Mascara

Let’s face it brushes are pretty expensive. I still haven’t invested that much money into brushes, but you need them to apply makeup and the better brushes you buy the better it blends. The three most important brushes to buy at first would be a Foundation Brush, a Powder brush, and Blush Brush.

Foundation Brush

I have used many ways to apply foundation but I always go back to this brush –

Sigma – F80 Flat Kabuki Brush

You’re basically looking for a brush that will blend your foundation. If you don’t want to invest right away you can always use alternative methods like using your fingers, using a makeup sponge, etc.

Powder brush

This brush needs to be big and rounded. You’re going to use this to apply your translucent powder.

F30 – Large Powder

Blush Brush

You want this brush to be smaller than your powder brush, but still be rounded. A find that rounded brushes are best for applying blush.

F10 – Powder/Blush

Print your checklist here

Tips before starting you’re makeup collection

1- Research, research, research – Makeup Alley is a great resource !

2 – Don’t be afraid to ask for samples

3 – Start building your collection bit by bit

4 – Don’t feel pressured to buy everything high end

Do you have a makeup collection ?

If so, how did you start it ?

Review : Mary Cohr – Vital Essences

Nov 20, 2012 by Lils

Good morning guys ! It’s been a while since I did a beauty product review, and since I have so many products to share with you guys, might as wells tart with one of my favorite !

I cannot live without this little miracle

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Mary Cohr designed this product with 100% natural essential oils to help activate the vital functions of each skin type and restore the purity of the skin.

It’s composed of three beneficial essential oils,

- Lavender – anti-stress and decongestant actions for better cellular nutrition

- Rosemary – actions invigorating and energizing for better cell cohesion

- Sage – actions “youth” and restorative for better cell regeneration

How to apply:

I use it in the morning and in the evening before I moisturize. Right after I cleanse my face, I apply this product using light strokes while avoiding my eyes. I then apply my moisturizer. Although, I’m sure you could skip the moisturizing part with this product because it’s already so moisturizing! But living in Saskatchewan where the definition of this province is DRY, especially in winter, I need the extra moisturizing lol.

What I love about his product is that those essentials oils work wonders together, they help cover the needs of all skin types (dehydrated, devitalized, dry, combination & oily skin) without having the feeling of greasy skin.

It also smoothes wrinkles and improve skin texture. Who wouldn’t want that all in one product!

I initially started using this product because my esthetician wanted to help me out with my combination & oily skin. I had lots of redness, and after using this product for a week, I noticed a difference. I felt a glow! My skin seemed healthier, my pores diminished, and my normal “redness” disappeared.

This product is also natural. It has not been tested on animals, it’s parabens free, and they’re no plant extracts that derive from GMO’s and chemical filters.

Pros

The packaging is great! It as a single pump press bottle so it’s easier to get the right amount. Therefore, you’re not wasting any of the product.
It’s smells really good.
Really effective!
Easy to use

Cons

Pretty expensive, yes it’s a quality product, but you might not have the budget to buy this product every two months or so. (It’s 70 dollars for about 30 ml.)
I had no problems with the texture of the product, but some people might feel like it’s a bit sticky.
It’s a product that’s relatively hard to find if your esthetician does not carry it in their line of products.

Overall : 4.7 out of 5.0

Have you ever tried Mary Cohr products ?

If so, what’s your favorite?

DIY Natural Beauty Remedies

Oct 2, 2012 by Lils

Day 2 – Today was sooo much better than Yesterday Smile That’s why we have to stay positive my friends! Just a good night of sleep and a clear head can change so much !

I didn’t have the time to take pictures of my food this morning/lunch but this is what I manage to eat. It’s so hard to eat while I work. I’m so busy it’s hard to make time, which is really bad because it’s good to eat small meals every 2 – 3 hours.

Breakfast – Glowing Green Smoothie

Snack – Vector Bar (Only one I could find this morning lol)

Lunch – Tofu Scramble with Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich (I think I’m addicted)

Snack – Organic McIntosh Apples (I was so excited – There are absolutely my favorite apples!)

I came home after work, put some Spaghetti Squash in the oven

and took out my Yoga mat !

I did Jillian Michaels Killer Buns and Thighs. I will definitely be sore tomorrow!

I waited until the boyfriend came home so I could eat supper with him <3

With the Spaghetti Squash we ate some Brussels Sprouts –

I was also dipping the Brussels Sprouts in this dressing – Miammmm

Since we have a ton of Fruit to eat, I decided to make a Fruit Salad –

I mixed the fruit with the juice of a lemon. It was perfect !

Callie eats healthy too ! Smile

Kale, raw Chicken & Leftover Brussels Sprouts for the pup

So far I’ve been good, I’ve been eating relatively good and at least putting the effort of doing a bit of exercise everyday until I’m at the point that I used to be. Day by day Smile

This post is already long, but it is Beauty Tuesday. What kind of a blogger would I be if I didn’t talk about beauty today ! I’ve been seeing a lot of beauty recipes online and Pinterest so I decided to make a sheet full of DIY recipes ! If you’re interested click on the link below. You can save a ton of money using these tricks Smile Let me know if you guys every try them out !

DIY – Natural Beauty Remedies - Print Here

Note – I did not make these recipes up – It’s a collection of recipes I found all over the internet, including Pinterest.

Do you have any favorite DIY beauty recipes ?

What was your workout today ?

Summer Must Haves

Jul 24, 2012 by Lils

or should I say “Wish List” instead ? Winking smile

Although I rarely ever wear make up, I’m addicted to buying tones of make up products!

Especially if it comes from M.A.C or NARS.

So beware – you might be annoyed that I put 423482 M.A.C & NARS products in this list Smile with tongue out

1. M.A.C – Powder Blush – Cubic (Soft Muted Pink)

Summer is all about boldness and neon colors (well in my head it is lol it might not be in the haute couture world but I’m not one to follow every fad) so why not try Electric Cool eye shadow ?! I’m more of a “natural” when it comes to choosing make up, I stay close to pinks and browns, but I think I would love to play with some of those colors !

I’m also in love with this Custom Palette ! I think if you use the same colors regularly it’s way cheaper to opt for this option! If you’re a make up enthusiast it’s always best to buy a little at a time (if you’re a transitioning from student to adult world like me that is).

2. Manduka Bolster

I have wanted this forever ! So hopefully this can be a belated birthday gift somehow ! Winking smile

I don’t know if it’s just me but bolsters make me feel like I’m relaxing/meditating 10x more than if I use a pillow or nothing. Are you like that as well ?

3. OPI – Turquoise nail polish

I don’t know what my problem is but everything I’m buying lately is turquoise! Haha

I would love to find this color ASAP! It would make pretty awesome summer nails!

4. NARS – Lip Gloss – Turkish Delight

Turkish Delight Lip Gloss

This is BY FAR the best lip gloss I’ve ever had !!

It’s funny because I originally bought it just to copy Kim Kardashian, but I ended up loving it too much! Haha

5. Ole Henriksen – Ultimate Lift Eye Gel

Ole Henriksen - Ultimate Lift Eye Gel PM

I loveeeeeeeeee this product ! I’ve tried it before and worked miracles! Haha

These days I’m not sleeping that well and that much, so this would be a life saver !

Everything Ole Henriksen makes is gold ! It’s my favorite skin care line!

6. NARS – Dual Eyeshadow – Mediteranee

Mediteranee Duo Eyeshadow

I also want this to copy Kim Kardashian ! Haha but in all seriousness NARS does make great eye shadows !

Have you ever bought NARS eye shadow before?

7. Under Armour – Shatter II Capri Pants

I need these so bad ! I do have crops but there with the flare and I kind of want to see how fitted crops feel like!

8. Anthropologie – Starburst Pleated Shift

No picture for this cute little dress but I fell in love with it !

I don’t wear dresses that often but this one I think I could manage to wear !

9. Ogorgeous – Mint Off The Shoulder Top

Mint Off The Shoulder Top

I also loveeee this top by Cassey, everyone should buy one right now!

10. Seeing this dress made me wanna get married ASAP! lol

I feel in love, now I have to find it, pay for it and convince my boyfriend we should get married Smile with tongue out

What’s on your “Wish List” ?

What was your last purchase ?

Lils

How to Curl your Hair

Jul 17, 2012 by Lils

Last week I talked about DIY Facials! Did any of you try it out ??

I usually like to give myself facials on Saturday or Sunday ! It’s a nice relaxing little treat.

This week I finally bit the bullet and made a vlog!! :O

Thanks to meg for pushing me

I’m rambling a lot in the video plus I don’t even know If I make any sense or if my explanations are clear, but at least I tried!!

It is really simple to curl your hair ! It’s my go to hairstyle because it takes me wayyy less time than if I straighten my hair.

What you’ll need

- Straightening iron

- Heat protecting Spray

- Hair Clips

- Hair Spray (Optional)

Print Version

If you’re not to sure what hair straightnener to get –

This is the best hair straightener I’ve ever owned.
There is also this top 10 list you may refer

Also, there is also this video if mine sucks lol

I’m off for a gym date ! I think today’s a leg day !

Are you good a giving yourself hairstyle ?

Would you rather have straight hair or curly hair ?

Lils

DIY : At Home Facial

Jul 10, 2012 by Lils

How long has it been since I did a Beauty Tuesday ?!

Too long if you ask me !!

So recently I started breaking out like crazy and I didn’t feel like paying $100 for a facial at the spa.

Maybe I didn’t find a good Esthetician in SK yet, because every time I get a facial I’m never satisfied afterwards.

So I’ve been doing my own facials. Problem Solved Smile

Of course, It’s always fun to go to the spa to relax and have treatments, but if you’re in a bind or you don’t have that much discretionary income it’s fun to experience with DIY projects.

- Cleanser

- Exfoliating facial scrub

- Warm water & a bowl or a washcloth

- Facial Mask

- Moisturizer

First off, remove all make up. You can use make up remover or a cleanser. If you have sensitive skin like mine, you’ll want to use a gentle cleanser. I love Claudalie’s Instant Foaming Cleaser.

Once your skin is clean, you’ll need to use an exfoliating facial scrub. When you apply the scrub, it’s always best to use a circular motion while moving upwards. Make sure to concentrate on problem areas, like your nose and forehead. I like to scrub lightly for one minute then wait 15 minutes to wash it off but you can always just scrub for one minute and then wash it off immediately.

I love my Apricot Scrub by Mary Cohr but you can make your own with simple ingredients you can find at home!

Homemade Facial Scrub

- 1/2 White Sugar

- Approx. 2 Tablespoon of Extra virgin coconut oil or cold press olive oil (You just need enough so the mixture is a bit damp)

There are many ways you can steam your face. I like to boil some water, pour it into a bowl, put a towel over my face and stay under there for about 7-12 minutes.

You can also use a hot wash cloth, put it on your face. Although you will need to keep rinsing the washcloth so it’s always hot. This method might take longer to open your pores.

You can always buy the steam machine that does this for you, but I like to do it on my own. It’s always your call.

Don’t forget to always be careful ! You are dealing with boiling water.

In general you should do this step are least once a week ! Not the whole facial process, but just the steam.

You can always use Toner Tabs. There refreshing !

You can also Extract at this point, but be careful. Make sure you know how to extract and make sure you have clean hands. You can easily give your skin some scaring.

Once your pores are open, it’s the perfect time to put on the face mask!

If you have oily skin, I would suggest the Absobant Mask from Sothys.

For dry Skin, I would suggest Hydra-Intense Masque by Lancôme.

Apply the mask according to the directions. Generally, you can keep it on for 10-20 minutes. I like to relax, put some relaxing spa sounds, and either put cucumber or warm black tea bags on my eyes. After the 20 minutes, rinse completely.

You can also make homemade recipes as well.

My favorite Recipe –

2 tbsp. of Oatmeal

2 tbsp. of yogurt

Few drops of honey (Optional)

There are a lot of benefits from using a Oatmeal based face mask.