2016 Makeup Favorites

Hey Everyone & Happy January! How crazy is it that we are now in the year 2017! I have to say that 2016 was the most amazing year for my business but also for my personal life. My business is at the best point that it has ever been at & I got to marry my best friend... What could be better? With the new year starting, I thought I would a  2016 Makeup Favorites to show you all the makeup products that I used constantly during this last year! Each of these products I would consider my ride or die products for 2016. They were the ones that were in my top shelf in my vanity, in my purse and products that I even wore on my wedding day! 

& with that, lets get started...

The POREfessional Face Primer by Benefit Cosmetics

This primer never fails me, always sits on my skin perfectly and I can honestly wear it without anything overtop.

PRICE: $31.00

 Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer by Nars

I started using this product in the summer time and it quickly became my go to. It keeps my skin protected with some coverage and it doesn't leave my skin feeling like it has a thick layer on top.

PRICE: $44.00

I have a bit of an obsession with concealers so... Theres 4:

 Radiant Creamy Concealer by Nars

This concealer and gone with me for the last 2 years and I am completely obsessed. Its my baby.

PRICE: $29.00

Lock-It Concealer by Kat Von D

I really enjoy this concealer to highlight, it gives the perfect amount of coverage.

PRICE: $26.00

Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer by Urban Decay

I use this when I have a blemish before I apply foundation. It covers and flattens any imperfection on the skin and gives the foundation a great canvas.

PRICE: $28.00

Tarte Double Duty Shape Tape Concealer

I haven't been using the concealer as long as my Nars concealer because if I had been this would be my absolute FAVORITE CONCEALER OF ALL TIME. Full coverage and brightens like a dream. Bye Bye dark circles.

PRICE: $24.00

Translucent Loose Setting Powder by Laura Mercier

I bake everyday with this powder and it never fails me.

PRICE: $38.00

Studio Fix Powder by Mac

An oldie but a good. After I bake my under eye I use this powder to set the rest the of my face so that my bronzer, blush and highlighter can be applied seamlessly.

PRICE: $28.00

 Golden Refined Bronzer by Mac

(Limited Edition Packaging)

Has a little bit of orange and a little bit of shimmer and its everything I could ever want in a summer bronzer... and I have to admit I still wear it in the colder seasons... It gives me a little bit of a fake tan look but who doesn't love a little sun kissed face?

PRICE: $29.00

Milani Rose Powder Blush in Coral Cove

Pretty and floral and oh-so pigmented and did I mention affordable!? This blush was my go to this year and I didn't even come close to hitting the pan. I have this same blush in two other colors and I love both of those as well.

PRICE: $8.49

Vivid Baked Highlighter by Makeup Revolution in Golden Lights 

If I could give one product an A+++++++ review it would be this one. Makeup Revolution made the highlighter of my year. Nothing, I mean nothing has compared to this highlighter this year. Not only is it pigmented but it so cheap that you have to just try it for yourself. I have 2 other baked highlights from Makeup Revolution and they are comparable to my Becca Cosmetics Highlighters

PRICE: $6.00

Jaclyn Hill x Becca Cosmetics Face Palette 

(Limited Edition but Champagne Pop is still available at Sephora; PRICE: $38.00)

The photos speak for themselves.

I loved this palette so much that I even used this entire palette for my eyeshadow. Its perfection... with a POP ;) 

 Modern Renaissance by ABH 

I think anyone who has this palette can agree, it takes the cake for best eyeshadows of 2016. 

PRICE: $42.00

Lips 

Instead of trying to explain each lip color, I thought I would leave you with swatches <3

Lorac Alter Ego Lip Gloss in Goddess

If you would like to see my review on all of the Lorac Alter Ego Lipgloss Set please check out my review post that has them with swatches of each color. 

PRICE: $16.00

A LAVISH AFFAIR ALTER EGO LIP GLOSS COLLECTION: REVIEW

 ABH Liquid Lips in Dusty Rose

PRICE: $20.00

 Lip Lingerie Lipstick by Nyx Cosmetics in Teddy

Price: $6.99

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my "2016 Makeup Favorites" and I hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments or just want to send some love please don't hesitate to reach out. If you would like to see a post on my "2016 Makeup Fails" that will include all the makeup products I tried this year that I didn't like, let me know. I would love to do that for you! 

 

Oh Christmas Tree...

 Hey Everyone! Just sitting here on this Sunday and decided to take some pictures of our tree with our cute christmas gifts for our loved ones underneath! This is my most favorite time of year and I absolutely adore decorating and bringing new themes to our tree each year! This year I decided to go with a rustic glam theme. 

I always like to make sure that the gifts that I wrap, tie in with the theme of the tree they will be sitting under. I know... it can be quite silly to think that deeply into it but, as I said this is my most favorite time of year and it is reflected in everything I do during this holiday.

Just like the gifts I wanted to bring in some rose gold, sparkles and polka dots with a mixture of greens. 

If when its out of focus, it blends and blends.

I found these gorgeous new rose gold with crystal ornaments at Hobby Lobby during their 50% off sale and I am so happy I snagged ALL of them! 

This year I decided to do two ribbons; one with gold polka dots and the other a rose gold with dark gold trim.

I hope you love this little post showing our first "married" christmas tree. 

Even if decorating for the holidays is one of my favorite parts of the season, we must never forget the reason for the season!

thankful for grace, hope, love and the night that changed everything...

 sweet baby Jesus' birth.

Not My Typical Post

            Lately something has weighed very heavy on my heart & spirit & I needed a place to release my thoughts on whats been keeping my mind up at night. This isn't going to be a typical post that I usually write about beauty products, its more personal & it's something that I feel like I need to write. As many of you know, I am passionate about being a hairstylist but my biggest passion is my Faith in God. Sadly, I must admit for the first two years of my career I battled back and forth with God on whether or not being a hairstylist was my calling.

Embarrassingly I thought,

 God has much, much bigger plans for my life and why would He ever call me into a career that would never fulfill my deepest hopes and desires. 

            I had put MY IDEA of what I THOUGHT God wanted for me on a pedestal and thought that being a hairstylist couldn't hold a candle to what God had in store for my life, but I continued on in my career with the mind set that eventually I would leave and go onto bigger and better things. 

            In the last year, my job has a hairstylist has become much, much more than hair and I now see why I was given the GIFT of becoming a hairstylist. We have all heard the joke that "hairstylist are like psychologist because for some reasons clients will tell you anything and everything," and its true. It's true in the most beautiful way. I don't consider myself a psychologist or think in any way I have the skills or knowledge to treat someone in a way that a doctor would but I do know that I am a daughter of a King who stays with me, day in and day out. I know that the women He puts in my chair are their for a reason and He will give me the knowledge, He will give me the words, He will give me the tools to reach out and love them for exactly who they are. 

            Now as I come to the end of the best year in my career, I can honestly say that there is nothing more fulfilling to me than to speak love, truth, hope and surrender my wants and my needs to be what God needs me to be to the women that are sitting in my chair. Whether my role is a friend, a sister, a secret keeper, a shoulder to cry on, a hug or even a silent nod so they know that someone is there and that someone loves them and someone thinks that they are beautiful. 

            As I take a look back and reflect, I feel stupid for thinking that being a hairstylist wasn't good enough for me and what God had in store for my life. For thinking that one day, God was going to come down and show me my true calling and I was going to leave my life as a hairstylist behind. I now can see that, God doesn't just place us in places by accident and I didn't just fall into being a hairstylist by chance. It was all thought out and planned by God.

When you really think about it, God saw something in me to where He trusted me to spend time with His Daughters, daily. His precious, precious daughters who mean so very much to Him. HOW CRAZY IS THAT?  Now I see, God wants us to trust in Him so wholeheartedly that no matter where we go, where we work, where we live;

that loving others like He loves them...  

is our calling.

            I know this isn't what you expected to read on my blog and I feel extremely vulnerable being that open and honest but I felt like God had placed it on my heart and I needed to let it out. I hope that you enjoyed this little glimpse into my heart and into my life and into my relationship with God. If you have any questions, comments or just want to show some love, please don't hesitate. I would love to hear from you. 

My Skincare Routine & 2016 Favorites

Hey Everyone + Happy December! 

I know its been a minute since I have posted and I apologize for my absence but with the holidays right around the corner the last few months have been "wonderfully crazy." I am so thankful for the growth my business has had over the last year and it is all thanks to you my amazing clients, family and friends. I am so excited for the things I have in store for 2017 and for the surprises I have for all of you! Thank you for your love and support and lets ring in the end of the year 

"My Skincare Routine & 2016 Favorites" from each category! 

Let's get started....

Step One: Remove Makeup

My absolute favorite makeup remover for 2016 is most definitely the 

"Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm" by Clinique. 

I have repurchased this twice over 2016 and I would have to say I have a love affair going on with this balm. It is a lightweight makeup remover that rapidly dissolves stubborn eye and face makeup. When you take the balm and begin to massage it into the skin it transforms from a balm into a silky oil. I will be taking this balm with me into 2017 + beyond...

Price: $29.00 for 3.8 oz.

Step Two: Cleanse

I have tried multiple different cleaners over the last year with the ever changing and unpredictable Michigan season and I have finally come back to my ride or die facial cleanser which is the

 "Daily Facial Cleanser" by Cetaphil. 

It is a dermatologist recommended cleanser that removes excess oil without drying the skin or causing irritation. I can always count on this cleanser to do its job in the morning and in the evening after a long day.

Price: $14.49 for 16 oz.

Step Three: Tone

Toning is such an important step when it comes to your daily skincare routine and with that I couldn't decide between these two toners as my favorite for 2016. First lets start with the toner I have been using the longest;

"Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic" 

The toner gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, revealing healthy glowing skin. This toner is paraben free, hypoallergenic and not tested on animals! I have repurchased this toner twice this year and I am so happy I was introduced to it by my good friend Jordan Weber it has truly help transform my skin. The scent it a little different than most toners & it is truly not a bad thing.

Price: $15.00 for 3.4 fl. oz

The other toner that I have fallen in love with is the;

"Clarifying Lotion 2 by Clinique" 

This toner is a dermatologist-developed formula that also reveals fresher looking skin. It gets rid of flakes and excess oil so moisturizer can do its job. I really enjoy this toner and the refreshing and tingling sensation it gives to my face makes me feel like I will have brand new skin in the morning. I do notice that my skin looks quite red after I use it but once you can get passed that, its amazing.

Price: $14.50 for 6.7oz    +   $24.00 for 13.5oz

Step Four: Moisturize

I have to be honest with all of you, this is the step that I didn't really see the point of when I was in middle school and high school but as I have continued to research and observe my skin this step has really made me have a passion for taking care of my skin and this moisturizer is also to blame for my passion/obsession as well.... it is the 

"Renewed Hope In A Jar" by Philosophy.  

This formulation features a triple blend of alpha hydroxy acids, 3 forms of hyaluronate plus an Asian fruit extract, delivering an even longer-lasting glow and continuous hydration benefits. After I have removed makeup, cleansed that skin and toned this moisturizer makes my skin feel refreshed & refreshed. I use this moisturizer in the morning before I put on makeup and at night before I go to bed! 

Price: $47.00 for 2.0 oz.   +   $75.00 for 4.0 oz.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out "My Skincare Routine & 2016 Favorites" and I hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments or just want to send some love please don't hesitate to reach out. If you would like to see a post on my "Pamper Routine" with my high end and drugstore products for the skin & body for nights of pampering please let me know and I would love to do that for you! Until next time...

A Lavish Affair Alter Ego Lip Gloss Collection: REVIEW

Hey Everyone! Today I wanted to share with you my review on the 

"Lavish Affair Alter Ego Lip Gloss Collection," by Lorac Cosmetics. 

This Collection is a limited edition collection with 4 LIMITED EDITION shades. 

                     

Firstly, I am absolutely obsessed with this packaging, very sleek and pretty and very much on trend for this holiday season that is around the corner. I think this collection would be a perfect christmas gift or even an individual lipgloss for stocking stuffers. 

*MISSING "DIVA" Lip Swatch, but I do give that one 4 stars. Highly pigmented! 

BAE

Personally for my lip color, I have never found a nude lipgloss that is this true to my lip. It gives me just a little sheen to intensify my natural lip color. I think this is would a universally friendly color that would look beautiful on anyone. 

IT GIRL

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this color. I am not usually a huge fan on gold shimmer in a lip gloss, but this one is such a hidden gem that just pops right off the lip! 

GODDESS

Out of the entire collection this is my NUMBER ONE MUST HAVE. I feel like this lip color could spice up an everyday look and it can also add the right amount of color to a smokey eye! This is a permanent gloss with Lorac Cosmetics. 

ICON

Unfortunately, I do NOT like this lip gloss. It is the only color in the entire collection that I will not wear unless its over laying on a lipstick. It is not a wear on its own color. Very low pigment, and a little splotchy. 

DOMINATRIX

I am a huge fan of deep burgundy colors and this one is no exception. It is deep in color and also in pigment, perfect for this season! 

A Lavish Affair Alter Ego Lip Gloss Collection : $25.00

Alter Ego Lip Gloss: Goddess-  $16.00

Alter Ego Lip Gloss: Dominatrix- $16.00 

Overall I think this is a fantastic collection and I would most definitely pick this one up! Highly Highly recommend this collection and it is limited edition, so please don't wait to go pick up yours today! Individually, Lorac Lip Glosses are $16.00 and this collection is $25.00 and gives this collection a $96.00 VALUE! Can't beat that! 

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my review on the Lavish Affair Alter Ego Lip Gloss Collection and I hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments or just want to send some love please don't hesitate to reach out. If you have any ideas or thoughts on what you want me to write about next just let me know. I would love to hear your suggestions! And if you enjoyed my makeup review on my blog, let me know. I really enjoyed putting one together for you and I would love to review more products. Let me know if there is anything you would like me to review & write about! 

<3

Everything You Need To Know About: Lorac Pro Mega3

Hey Everyone! Today I wanted to give you all the details about this amazing palette! Below I have photo's, swatches and my opinion on everything that has to do with this palette!

Here we go...

I am so obsessed with this packaging. It is sleek and slim and is a perfect all in one palette for vacation or travel! With the wide variety of shadows from lights to darks and mattes to shimmers, I really can't complain about anything in this palette.

Featuring 32 PRO Eye Shadow Shades:

• 16 Matte (top two rows) & 16 Shimmer (bottom two rows)
• 30 New Shades & 2 Essential Shades (Jet Black and Snow)

Below I have row by row swatches of each color. Keep in mind a used a light to show off these shadows, most of the colors will be even MORE pigmented in natural day light! <3

Row One:

is filled with gorgeous and pigmented mattes

Row Two:

is filled with lighter and deeper mattes

Row Three:

 starts the shimmers and gives a variety of warm and cool tones.

Row Four: 

finishes off this palettes with some more excellent shimmers & this would most definitely have to be my favorite row out of the 4.

     

I have been so excited to get my hands on this gorgeous palette.! I've always had an obsession with Lorac shadows and their soft & butter like feel, so when I saw this palette that had mattes and shimmers I knew I couldn't pass it up! This is number 3 in a series of Holiday Palettes that Lorac comes out with every year and this is the first time I have purchased one because I couldn't let it go! 

Now onto the shadows...

 My favorite thing about the shimmers in this palette is that they remind me of gorgeous foiled shadows. Even without using a fix plus (that will intensify the pigment) it gives the same effect with a dry application! The mattes are great as well and they do exactly what you need a matte shadow to do! 

The best thing about this palette is it gives an amazing variety of colors & tones! The worst thing about this palette is that it is a limited edition item, so make sure to get into a store that sells this product and pick one up! It would be great christmas gift or even a treat for yourself kind of gift! 

I found mine at Ulta in-store & they also sell it online! 

Click the link below if you want to purchase this palette, right now!

Lorac Mega Pro Palette 3- 

This palette is priced at $59.00 and it is worth every penny. 

When you do the math it comes out to- $1.84 a shadow! 

Come on, you can't beat that! 

I truly love all the shadows in this palette but below I wanted to circle the shadows that are my absolute favorites, if I had to make a choice--- 

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my review on the Lorac Mega Pro Palette 3 and I hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions, comments or just want to send some love please don't hesitate to reach out. If you have any ideas or thoughts on what you want me to write about next just let me know. I would love to hear your suggestions! And if you enjoyed my first makeup review on my blog, let me know. I really enjoyed putting one together for you and I would love to review more products. Let me know if there is anything you would like me to review & write about! 

<3