A Solid Foundation..

This blog is all about foundation.. First and foremost ALWAYS moisturize before any makeup application.  It will hydrate your skin and prep it for the makeup.  A great inexpensive moisturizer is CeraVe'(around $11) that can be found at any drugstore.   First your going to want to conceal any imperfections such as blemishes, discoloration, under the eyes, etc.. A concealer that i have been LOVING lately is by Sephora brand 

this little double ended ninja is fantastic!! I love the formula, it glides on and doesn't look cakey like some concealers tend to do.  You can literally swipe it on right from the tube so no need for a brush unless you want to.  A good concealer brush is the M.A.C 195 concealer brush($22.50)  

I just can't say enough about this concealer and it's $15 so it won't break the bank!!  After you've concealed everything you want to begin your foundation.  I know lots of us have spent TONS of $$$ on looking and searching for the PERFECT foundation.  Everybody has different skin types and conditions so it is important to choose a foundation that is for your specific skin (oil free, hypo allergenic, moisturizing, etc).   I tend to have pretty normal skin.  Of course my T-zone gets a little shiny at the end of the day but for the most part i tend to look for formulas that are semi full coverage and oil free.  I have a couple that i want to talk about that i absolutely love.  The one that i use on myself everyday and on most of my clients is Makeup Forever HD Invisible coverage. 

You just can't go wrong with this product.  It leaves a flawless coverage and it's not thick and heavy.  It comes in 25 shades so finding your PERFECT match is a breeze!  It is a bit pricey at $40 but it will last you at least 4-6 months depending on how often you wear makeup.  As far as application goes it completely depends on you and what you prefer.  I always switch it up.  Sometimes i use my finger tips because i like to warm up the product and apply it just like that.  I also use various brushes depending on what kind of coverage i want.  I love using my M.A.C. 190 foundation brush ($32) for a nice even coverage.  I also just started using my M.A.C 187 ($42) and REALLY love the way my foundation looks after I'm done.  It is a stippling application.  Stippling means applying product in a dotting fashion until complete coverage is achieved.  I do not blend or buff the product, just stipple it on to get an even coverage.  Here's what it will look like:

Another foundation that is on the opposite price range but an equally great product is Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser treatment($12.99).  

I'm always on the look out for products that are less expensive because hey, we're in a recession right?!  So, I decided to try this after reading some reviews about it, and I'm so glad i did!  I was super impressed with the way it covered and i liked the way the product felt.  It doesn't have a "full" coverage like the Makeup Forever does.  This product is more sheer so it's great for on the go makeup or if you just want a light coverage.  I was a little nervous about the sponge tip applicator but after researching it, I learned it has a built-in anti-microbial system which means you never need to wash the sponge applicator as you would a makeup sponge. In fact, you should only wipe the sponge tip with a dry tissue as needed.  Plus, your applying it to cleansed skin.  It also has an SPF 18 which is SUPER important.  I always try to get my foundation or powders with SPF in it so i don't have to apply a sticky zincy smelling product to the regimen.

So, these are just of few of my fav's lately!  I hope you enjoyed!  Please feel free to let me know some of your favorites and look forward to seeing y'all next time!!   

XOXO, Ash

MASCARA, MASCARA, OH MASCARA!

OK... I got too excited and decided that i needed to do a quick blog on my favorite mascara's.  Every girl i know if asked what would be the one product they couldn't live without would say MASCARA!!  And Lord knows I've tried EVERY SINGLE brand.  So here are my favorites over the years and hopefully you'll find a new one you like.  So my ULTIMATE, hands down, most favorite mascara is Voluminous by Loreal in Blackest Black.  I have yet to find a mascara that comes close to this one.  They do make a waterproof product but i only use that for brides and any occasion where there may be water works!!

Another Loreal voluminous mascara that i adore is the Loreal Double Extend mascara.  Small fibers in the primer prep lashes for the mascara. Combined, the dynamic duo seem to make my lashes look much longer than usual.  You can find both of these mascaras at the local drugstore or Walmart/Target for around $9-11.  

i have recently come across a new mascara i found at Sephora,(go figure,i live there)... It's called LORAC Multiplex 3D Lashes Volumizing & Thickening Mascara.

This mascara instantly delivers up to three times the volume of your natural lashes for a dramatic lash look while silk and keratin nourish and condition. Its professional curved brush easily grabs, lifts, and curls for maximum coverage and length.

Although this one is a little pricier at $22 and can be found at Sephora, to me it's totally worth it and it last A LONG TIME!  It doesn't dry out fast like most mascaras. I love LOVE this mascara!! 

and last but not least is a mascara that NO ONE would ever guess how amazing it is because of the label... NYC City Curls Mascara.  I bought this one day on my way to work after I discovered I left my Loreal mascara at home. Pleasantly surprised. This got the job done, it gave me curly thick lashes and was only around 2.50 at Walmart.

So i hope this helps.  You can spend a substantial amount of money on a mascara if it makes you think it may be better than others but don't be afraid to try different brands that are less expensive.  You will be surprised at how you can't tell the difference between the pricey ones and the least expensive;)  And here's a tip that i was not aware of that i want to share with you all... you know when you go into a drug store and see all the pretty makeup by you can never try on any of the products.. IT IRRITATES me to no end.  So i bought a couple products, went home, tried them, and hated them... i marched right back into Walgreens and politely asked if i could return the items, that they weren't what i wanted once i got home and tried them on.  They were super sweet and fully refunded me.  So don't be afraid to buy a drug store product, take it home and try it and if you don't like it, take it back... or else you'll end up with makeup drawers full of products you didn't like and didn't know you could return!!  

XOXO, ASH :)

OLE HENRIKSEN

Today's blog is all about my day and night skin care regimen.  I have probably used EVERY product out on the market because I'm OBSESSED with products.  If it says, "anti-wrinkle, instant lift, transforms in front of your eyes"... I'm suck a sucker.  So about a month ago i was looking for the next MIRACLE product and came across a line called OLE HENRIKSEN.  I read in a beauty blog about it, did some research and thought why not?.. I've tried everything else.  I've been using it for about 4 weeks and ladies, I'm IN LOVE!!  I'll start with the first step.  Right after i wash my face i use the truth serum.  It is a potent vitamin C complex to brighten, smooth, and help the appearance of aging.. plus it smells like a freshly peeled orange.. YUMMY!!

After I've let that soak into my skin for about 5-10 min I apply the sheer transformation.  this little wonder in a jar is an oil free perfecting creme that repairs the skin with vitamin C complex, licorice root and pea extract.  It  feels light and silky as it penetrates the skin, leaving behind a protective and restorative surface mantle.  Hyperpigmentation is gradually reduced, without chemicals.!  LOVE LOVE

After i feel my skin and it seems to have all the product absorbed I start my makeup routine.  Since these products do not have an SPF i make sure my foundation and powder do.  It is SO IMPORTANT to wear SPF whenever you are outside.  So whether it be in your skin care or your makeup just make sure it's in there somewhere.  

At night when I'm ready to take the day off of my face i cleanse then apply the invigorating night gel. 

 This genius product alpha hydroxy acids in concentrated amounts resulting in rapid cell turnover, exposing the appearance of younger and firmer looking skin and pores. Skin feels hydrated and smooth!  Once i feel it's totally absorbed i follow up with the sheer transformation creme.  

And last but not least I use the ultimate lift eye gel.

This soothing and firming eye gel is AMAZE-ing. It Contains calendula and cucumber, it provides an instant revitalizing effect to fatigued, puffy and irritated eyes. Watch fine lines disappear as the intensely hydrating humectants plump up, firm and smooth the eye area.  you can even put it in the refrigerator and use it in the morning and IMMEDIATELY helps with puffiness.  A little bit goes a long way so just a tiny dab does the trick!!  

So here's my little day and night regimen.  It's changed the appearance of my skin and preventing further damage.  I can't say enough about these products.  If you have any questions please feel free to ask away!!!!!!  

my sweet lil makeup bag :)

So I've decided to start a blog devoted to my infamous makeup bag... bless it's heart it's been through a lot!!  This blog will be all about makeup, skin care, product reviews, and do's and dont's.  I'll feature some of my work on here and all the products i used to create it.  I hope you enjoy and please feel free to ask me anything!  This is going to be so much fun!!