Ice Cream That's GOOD For You!

HOLY $&#@! completely guilt free ice cream!!

Why the &$!# haven't I heard of this before?! 

Well I'm shouting the secret to you now. Never again do you have to feel guilty when giving into your ice cream craving. I'm serious!! I'm literally eating this yummy secret as I type. Not only does this concoction taste and feel like ice cream, but it melts like ice cream too (so you still get that yummy creamy taste after it's been out for a while.) No joke - it's amazing and so easy.

100% DIY healthy ice cream 
All you need is: a food processor, bananas, milk (skim/2percent/soy/any kind you want)

When your bananas are very ripe, put your peeled bananas in a ziplock baggy with all air released. You can freeze them whole or cut up, doesn't matter as long as they get frozen. Stick them in the freezer, and leave in there until you want to make your ice cream!  

When you're ready and your bananas are frozen, fill your food processor with your desired amount of bananas. Start chopping/grinding, adding a tiny bit of milk to make it smooth. I probably added two tablespoons of milk to two bananas. Keep chopping and slowly adding milk until, wallah! It looks, tastes, and feels like ice cream! Go enjoy your totally guilt free dessert. 

If you wanna get crazy
Add in other items to flavor your ice cream. It's bound to get boring with just bananas. :) Here are some options:

healthy
peanut butter 
cut-up pears
apple slices
honey
your favorite berries

not as healthy (but still a better option than storebought if you have a craving)
chocolate
graham cracker
candy 
candy bar
caramel

Good luck everyone - post pics of your delicious concoctions here!

High End VS Bargain Shaving Cream

Last month's Birchbox brought me something unexpected - high end, all natural shaving cream. It's called Whish Shaving Cream and it promises super silky pampered legs using only all natural ingredients.  $20 a bottle! That is a far cry from my usual $3 (for a two pack). 

So obviously, I needed to test it out: Whish on my left leg, Pure Silk on the right. 

the nitty gritty

Whish was definitely nice to use - it applies like a thick lotion instead of the normal expanding foam I'm used to. The scent was blueberry and it was amazing. The creaminess clogged up my razor a bit, but it was no big deal because it was so smooth. I like that it's made with all natural ingredients  but at this point in my life (paying off enormous student loans,) I'm not about to get picky about the organic nature of my shaving cream. 

Most importantly: did Whish live up to its promise of giving "a close moisturizing shave with no drying foam... Leaves skin soft, smooth, and pampered."  YES. The 'Whish leg' is noticably softer and doesn't have the flakey feel that freshly shaved (dry) legs might have. 

the winner

Sorry Whish, I just can't justify $20 on a regular sized bottle of shaving cream. My Pure Silk works just fine, and I'll be none the wiser once I'm not comparing. Cheers to my bargain brand Pure Silk!

Have you tried any Whish products? What do you think??

easy seXXXy smooth lips

 

 

Are your lips often chapped, dry, and look cracky when you apply lipstick? Do you often forgo an amazing red lip because you believe you can't pull it off? Girl let me help you.

 

what you need

Skinny Girl Lip Scrub

or any lip scrub

or make your own lipscrub

 

what you need to do

Wash your face, making sure to get your lips hot, wet, and steamy.

 

Dry off your lips, and apply your lip scrub. I usually just apply and rub the exfoliant with my finger, rather than treating it like a chapstick. Scrub your lips for 1-2 minutes. When you're done, wipe off all product with a warm paper towel. Apply a moisurtizing balm to your lips - I like eos or Carmex. Wah-la! You are ready for sexy lipstick.

 

Best to start with a lip liner, and then follow up with classic hollywood red lipstick. They make every girl look like a million bucks, so there's no reason you shouldn't do it!

have fun.   :)

 



I'm wearing Jordana red lip liner and Maybelline lipstick 625 in ARE YOU RED-DY
Revlon nail polish in Ruby Lounge

Moree on Skinny Girl...

Skinny Girl lip scrub was released in 2011, back when Real Housewife Bethany Frankel still owned Skinny Girl. When the brand was under Frankel, Skinny Girl had just a few beverages and all types of interesting makeup products, like body shimmer, facial masks, and lip scrub. Now the line is focusing more on cocktails and adult beverages. I hope they keep the beauty stash around - I really like the body shimmer too!

product review: it's a 10

I've been hearing the buzz about It's A 10 products for the last year, but haven't tried because the line is extremely expensive. Each It's A 10 product promises to deliver following ten benefits. Here are the benefits listed on the shampoo: (each product has a different list of ten benefits)

- works with curly/straight hair 
- color protectant
- delivers total definition
- leaves hair styled and silky
- boosts shine
- eliminates frizz
- seals split ends
- defines & maintains style
- provides thermal protection
- increases elasticity

I finally caught this stuff on sale for buy one get two free at a small mall salon. I purchased the shampoo, then got the styling cream and miracle texture fibre for free.
 
the verdict
Each of the products I tried completely live up to the hype. When I use the shampoo and styling cream, I'm able to let my hair air dry (usually a huge no-no cause I frizz up like a poodle) and my hair looked styled, smooth, and shiny. The texture fibre is also amazing hold - I was able to make a spike a section of my 16 inch hair!
 
repurchase?
I will definitely repurchase in the future, on sale! Keep an eye out for discounts in small chain mall salons, amazon, ebay, ect. if you don't want to pay full price.
 
Have you tried It's A 10? What do you think?!

Brush Week: 7 Brushes You Need

the basics.

My heart sinks when I see people use the cheap spongy applicators that sometimes come with shadows, powders, and foundation. Reason being - they apply your makeup horribly and are incredibly unsanitary. Most makeup enthusiasts would agree - your makeup brushes are arguably more important than your actual makeup products. 

the seven brushes you need:

stippling brush. 
Say hello to my little friend, the Mac 187. It's technically a stippling brush, but it does an awesome job of making skin look airbrushed and perfect. This is the kind of brush that can make your drugstore foundation look like a million bucks. Here's how to use a stippling brush. 

powder brush. 
Use a powder brush after applying water based foundation to lock and seal your makeup all day. I use this brush differently than most, and I learned the technique here (fast forward to 3:00). Instead of fluffing the brush around your face with powder on it, pack the product on the sides of the brush bristles, and pack it onto your face. This will keep your makeup to stay in place all day. After applying, lightly brush off excess from your face so it doesn't appear cakey. I also use a powder brush after contouring to blend any harsh lines. 

blush & bronzer brush.

Okay, so if this was "top 8" brushes, blush and bronzer brushes wouldn't be in the same category. However, in a pinch I can use the same brush for both without noticing any real difference. To illuminate your face and give it a glow, use a blush brush (say that five times fast) to swipe some blush or highlighter on your upper cheekbones. This brush applies a light and even layer and allows your to easy big pigments on top of each other. With bronzer, sweep into the hollows between your cheekbones and jaw. 

stiff eyeshadow brush.
Use this brush as your primary eyeshadow applicator for lid colors. 

crease brush.
Use this brush to apply colors into your crease. Crease colors are also known as a transition color, because it helps give your makeup more dimension. 

dome eyeshadow brush.
Use this brush to blend all your eyeshadows after they've been applied. This gives your eye-makeup a flawless finish, and will ensure no one is seeing weird eyeshadow lines or definitions that aren't supposed to be there.

eyeliner/brow brush.
One of my favorite brushes. This bad boy is amazing for lining your bottom rims, cutting your crease, and even applying a dark eyeshadow as a liner. I have several of these brushes because depending on the bristles, it can be used so differently!

so there you have it!
I hope you all enjoyed BRUSH WEEK as much as I did, and leave any questions below. Brushes are not best learned from reading a blog, but instead getting in front of a mirror and trying it all out. So go, have fun, because that's what this is all about. Till next time! 

Brush Week: Quick and Easy Everyday Makeup

Perfect makeup when you don't feel like makeup

I wouldn't be honest during BRUSH WEEK if I said you always need to use a brush. This look requires NO brush, and it makes you look like you took way longer to get ready than you actually did. So put the brushes away, and learn this gorgeous but subtle look. 

I realize that when you think of subtle, you probably don't think Lady Gaga. But hear me out - Gaga wore a makeup look two years ago (while on her Monster Ball tour) that I copy every time I sleep in a little too late. I should totally do a video tutorial of this... I promise I will when I get a camera. 

get the look.

part one: eyes and lips
The overall concept of this look is heavy top lip liner and a bold/bright lip color. No need to go crazy with blush or bronzer. Any eyeliner works (gel, liquid, pencil.) Just make the line thicker than you normally do. Don't do a cat eye -  it looks really weird in my opinion.  For the lip, make sure you a color that is a bit bolder than light pink. Think barbie pink, coral, or red lipstick. A  tinted balm is even better; Maybelline Whisper is a good option because it looks like a lipstick but feels like a moisturizer. Perfect for those rushed mornings. :)

part two: face
The other part to this look is a good foundation or BB cream. You can apply your foundation/ BB cream with a blending sponge to make the look even more flawless - thus making it look even less like you're in a hurry. The best part - it takes half the time a brush would. (We're in a time crunch, remember?)  Here's the expensive beauty blender that everyone's talking about, and here's the $4 one of Walgreens that works just as good. To use a beauty blender properly, start by running it under warm water, and then squeeze all the excess out. Use the beauty blender to pat and smooth your foundation onto your face - it's amazing. Try this look next time you're in a rush - I want to know if you like it!

As always, post pictures if you try.

Brush Week: Cleaning & Care

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. 

-Henry Ward Beecher

Yesterday was the dreaded brush cleaning day.  Keep reading to learn the easiest way to make them last for last years. 

________

how-to: clean your brushes.

Routine brush cleaning keeps your tools performing top notch and decreases the chance for bacteria-caused breakouts. You don't need to go out and buy expensive brush cleaner, you have everything you need at home. Here's an easy how to!

1. Lay out a paper towel where you'll be drying your brushes (next to a sink.) Create a small elevation with the towel by folding about 3 inches together. You'll set your brushes on a downward slope after cleaning to keep water from entering the brush handle. Too much water inside the base can ruin your brushes. See picture for an idea of how to fold. 
2. Grab a basic hand soap and push a half pump (about pea sized) onto your palm. Slightly dampen your first dirty brush with warm/hot water and swirl the bristles into the soap to create a small lather. 
3. Once lathered, continue the swirling motion on your hand under the facet. Keep swirling until the water runs clear. For really dirty brushes, I apply soap twice. 
4. After your brush is clean, squeeze any excess water from the bristles and lay on the towel. Make sure the bristles are on the low end of the towel so any excess water drains downwards.
5. Leave to dry over night, turning over once if your are a little OCD like me. :)

steal my lashes

they're real.

If there's one thing I get complimented on, it's my lashes! I attribute it completely to mascara application. Keep reading to see how you can steal my lashes.

line your lashline.
Even if it's just a thin line, make sure to line your upper lash line. This will make the base of your lashes look thicker and instantly fuller. 

layer your mascara.
Most important step. The trick is not just adding layers of mascara, but add layers of different types of mascara. My tactic: start by adding 2 coats of a mascara that lengthen your lashes without clumping. This provides a nice clean base to build from. While your lashes are still wet, layer your favorite volumizing mascara. Continue adding coats of the volumizing mascara until you find your desired effect. On days that I want really dramatic long lashes, I add another coat of a super black volumizing mascara. In all, I can apply about 10 - 15 coats, easy. The key is finding mascara formulas you like working with. A bad formula will make this look turn sour quickly. This routine may seem extreme at first, but once you see you lashes, you might never look back!

get in there.
If you want huge lashes, you've got to get up in a mirror and coat  e v e r y--s i n g l e--l a s h. Experiment with the way you hold the mascara wand, they way you coat your lashes, ect. I can easily spend up to 10 minutes(yikes!) on my lashes, so adjust this routine however you'd like. Who wants to see a video tutorial??


*I've linked my current mascara routine products. My routine changes monthly because I love trying new products. Maybe I'll post about my all time favorite mascaras!

MAKEUP MISTAKES

It's a bit much.

We all make them.  Remember: only YOU can prevent makeup mishaps! Keep reading to see if you’re a repeat offender.

Overindulgence. A little this, a little that, and suddenly it looks like a unicorn exploded all over your face. Instead of trying to play up each and every one of your features, just pick one to go all out on and keep the rest simple. Translation: For days that you want to sport heavier eye makeup, keep your lips natural. And vice versa – if you’re want bright red lips, keep the eyes more neutral and simple. Once you get the hang of balance and colors, you can start messing with the formula.

Major case of color denial.

Color Denial.  We’ve all met her … she starts talking and all you notice is how her face and neck are two distinctly different colors. Tell her to get to a mirror and fess up to her true colors! Now, awkward question… Is this you? Sometimes you can’t help it – lighting in retail stores can be very different than those in the office/house. Your best bet is to test foundation before you take it home. Still, the easiest way to avoid the detached-face-look is blending. Your foundation shouldn’t stop at your face, but instead blend into your neck so there are no harsh lines. Just take any excess product left on your brush after application and brush from chin to neck. It’s a small trick that can save you some embarrassment!

Miley aces our test. Gorg!

Cakeface. Oh, cakeface. This is when you can actually see the layers of powder just hanging out on someone’s face instead of blending into the skin. And usually, everything looks okay until you get up close. I had a friend in high school, gorgeous girl, who had minor breakouts along her chin. To compensate, she ALWAYS had caked up powder and blotchy makeup was extremely unfortunate. It turned the very flaws she was trying to hide into the only thing people saw. People don’t usually notice their own cakeface, because to them, they’ve concealed imperfections and don’t pay any mind afterwards. Cakeface is caused by applying to much product, but it’s also about application. The round sponges that often come with drugstore products are fine at piling makeup on, but it doesn’t do a darn thing to blend into the skin. To combat, take a fluffy brush before you’re ready to go and sweep it around your face to remove excess product. If you are a drugstore sponge user, check out these quality and affordable brushes. If you are a beginner who wants to spend a bit more for quality, check out the Sonia Kashuk brush line from Target.

MAGIC STICK

No joke, this lipstick is magic. It will only cost $31 from your rainy day fund, and your GUARANTEED to like it! I discovered the product on a recent video shoot from the hired makeup artist.When she mentioned her favorite was Dior, I thought no way am I spending $100 for a lipstick. She proceeded to pull it out of her bag and try it on me.

and Oh My Goodness.

Dior Addict Lip Glow works with your body's chemistry to create the PERFECT lipshade for your skin tone. I know it sounds crazy, but it really works. I've had it for about a week now and noticed it gives me either really bright pink or ruby red lips . The color turns a different shade on each person. The lip glow feels like a lipbalm - not chalky wax. This product is seriously heavenly and you need it. Go to Sephora and try it on this weekend!

It's expensive but so worth it - I am going to probably repurchase a million times. Don't you wanna know what your shade is?

Blush Review: ELF Studio

ELF Studio Blush 

Who's obsessed with these?

ELF Studio Blushes retail for three dollars and, IMO, are match the quality of many high end blushes. I've noticed many professional makeup artists toting this around, but it's a bit taboo because of its extreme low price. I see both sides, but I tend to think the price tag is secondary to quality. Thoughts? 

And, for the record - there are several ELF products that are horrendous. But this is a gem! 

Here's what I love about ELF Studio Blush:

• Super pigmented 
• The packaging is eerily similar to $28 NARS blush compacts
• Tons of product - 1.6 oz! That's AMAZING considering its only $1
• Perfect for beginners and experts alike wanting to experiment without financial guilt
• Little-to-no product fallout. 
• ELF frequently introduces new colors so there's always new option
• No brush included - I always hate the crappy brushes companies include. 
• ONLY $3.00.

I won't lie - there's a bit of a catch. Check out the downsides after the jump.

natural everyday brows

Want natural looking brows without compromising form and structure? Your best bet is a brow powder and gel set. Benefit has a great option if you want to invest. I use ELF’s eyebrow kit everyday - it retails for only $3.00 and it works like the expensive stuff! ELF is sold in all Target stores and online.

HOW TO

Start by taking a thin angled brush and pat into powder. You can use any brown eyeshadow that is a shade darker/lighter than your hair. To apply, flick the brush on your brows mimicking the length and direction of growth through the length of your eyebrows. Here’s a quick video example from the beautiful SMLx0. After you get the desired shape, brush a thin layer of gel or a small amount of hairspray to keep the hairs in place all day.

Whether you like super defined or natural looking brows, it always helps to use concealer around the edges of to polish them up. Just do this with a small brush and then blend out. Good luck, and let me know if you try!

TOP 7 :: Non Makeup Beauty Items

TOP 7 :: favorite non-makeup beauty items.

Cause makeup can't solve everything!

Sephora's Wide-Tooth Comb

1. Hair clips. Hairbands rip and tear your hair, leaving it damaged and frizzy. I always use a clip when possible to throw my hair up – it keeps my hair healthy and shiny. Bonus: you’ll have wavy hair when you take it down instead of the dreaded ponytail bump. Score.
2. Smooth wide-tooth comb. Another secret to shiny hair. Your hair is weak and more susceptible to damage when wet. Using a regular brush after a shower pulls, causes breakage, and creates a split end breeding ground. Instead, use a smooth wide tooth comb on wet hair, and work from the bottom.  If you regularly practice #1&2, I guarantee you’ll see the quality of your hair improve. These two practices keep my hair more soft and healthy than any other product. Lots of girls think that shiny healthy hair is all about the styling/ cleansing products you use. That can be true, but what really makes the difference is how you treat your hair when NOT styling/cleaning it – which is 90% of the time.
3. Moisturizer + sunscreen. Start sunscreen in your teens and 20s to keep your skin as healthy as possible. Moisturize right after the shower – all your pores are open from the heat and ready to drink it in. My favorite. 

Smith's Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm

4. Lip balm. It seems like either people use this a million times a day or never at all. I’m a hardcore user and can’t live without moisturizing lip balm. Give me lip balm and some gloss, and I’m a happy girl. (My favorites are this, this, and this.)  No mystery as to why I love it – it’s like sweatpants for your lips: so nice and soft, and feels amazing. 
5. YOUTUBE! Kind of a funny no.5, but it’s true. If there’s anything you want to learn about cosmetics or hair, you’re never more than a youtube search away. Youtube’s taught me everything from makeup tips, to formal hairstyles, and even cutting my own hair.
6. Cleansing facial wipes. Confession:  I never wash my makeup off at night. To compensate, I rely on these exfoliating Equate wipes. These do a great job of quickly removing stubborn eye makeup without irritating skin or eyes. I’ve tried several other (pricier) brands, but these are so gentle and powerful that I’ve stopped exploring. 

best beauty tip - just be happy!

7. Positive attitude. Okay, I know this is cheesy, but it’s true. A smile and positive attitude is what really makes you stand out. Now I’m by no means a master at this – but I try to make a point every day to make others laugh and smile. This usually calls for the “fake it till you make it” technique – there’s few people in the world who naturally exude pure happiness. The easiest and fastest way to build a positive attitude isn’t about focusing inward – but instead focusing outward. Compliment others. Help them accomplish a goal. Be excited for others’ success. Don’t be jealous and self-deprecating. Jealousy is the biggest symptom of low self-confidence, so just get over it! Additionally; if someone is acting jealous towards you, take it for what it is: they are sad. So cheer them up, or just feel bad for them. Don’t let it bring you down too! Try it for a day; you’ll love the infection of smiles you’re spreading, and you’ll start to see a deeper beauty in the mirror. 

get the look :: OSCARS 2013!

OSCARS 2013 MAKEUP:

GET THE LOOK

Adele

Soft muted lips and lushes lashes FINALLY stole the show! Vixen red lips and dramatic eyes were found in small numbers as the A-listers opted for the naturally pretty look. What I love about this look is that we can all try it on Monday - you don't have to wait for a special occasion.

Reese Witherspoon

[ get the look ]

[ FACE & BROWS ] To recreate the look, apply foundation and a matte powder. Use a strong concealer under the eyes because the key to this look is brightness, and it will help add contrast with dark lashes.  Brows are very structured, groomed, and clean, so best to shape your brows and then line with your favorite brow pencil or gel.

Jennifer Lawrence

[ CHEEKS ] A soft pink or light peach blush on the length of your cheekbone is a must. Contour with a highlighter through the top edge of your cheekbones instead of bronzer. 

 

Megan McCarthy 

[ EYES ] Mute your eyelid with a skin tone concealer or primer, and then cover your entire lid with skin-toned shadow. Highlight under the brow as usual. Line your top lids into a slight cat wing with jet-black liner. Natural false lashes are also a must in these looks, Ardell 105 lashes ($5.00 in drugstores) would work perfectly. 

Anne Hathaway

[ LIPS ]  Just like the blush, keep it light and pretty.  Use your favorite matte soft pink or nude. Perfect options in all price ranges: MAC Myth ($14) MAC Cremesheen ($14), Revlon Nude Attitude ($6.00), Revlon Primrose ($6.00). After applying your chosen shade, blot with a tissue. Don't top this look with any gloss or shine unless you want to - but tonight's lips were generally matte. Highlight the center of your lips with a lighter shade lipstick to top it all off. 

Sandra Bullock

Comment a picture of you trying this look below!! I want to see! 

take a hit of these beauties

Want a crash course in makeup? Each of the bloggers/youtube personalities make a living from helping people learn techniques that you would normally have to attend school to learn. We are so lucky to live in an age where we can learn infinitely from the comfort of our own living room. In the beauty community, these are some of the people you need to know.  They have each taught me so much about make, beauty, and life; and I’m excited to introduce you. I've linked this post like crazy, so go hog wild!

Kandee Johnson

Kandee is THE makeup titan. She is the end-all be-all of the youtube/beauty guru/blogger community. Celebrity make-up artist Kandee Johnson’s appeal goes much deeper than her amazing celebrity makeup tips and tutorials – she also writes about life lessons, and even took her followers through the process of grieving her late father. Kandee embodies everything a role model should be, and can cheer the sourest of moods. Aside from Kandee’s exceptional attitude, she’s got beastly talent. Her costume tutorials will have you doing double takes while she transforms herself into your favorite Hollywood characters in 10 minutes or less.  If you enjoy beauty, makeup, costumes, and people who have a light shining from within, check out Kandee’s youtube channels and blog (she posts every day!). Join me in my Kandee addiction!

Gossmakeupartist

Goss translates his professional makeup experience into understandable and thoughtful short videos that make learning a piece of cake. He often features his own friends, who are not professional models, as his clients. Goss’s stays frank and honest with his viewers – he will tell you the pros and cons to a product or technique and you never have to worry that he’s being paid for his comments. I’ve learned so many techniques from him that have transformed my everyday makeup routine; my most favorite being his brush techniques for a flawless face. Goss regularly taps into celebrity pop culture – he often features top celebrities as a teaching subject for new skills and techniques. Check out Goss’s youtube channel for light-hearted yet informative videos that make you feel like you’re chatting with your bff.

JLovesMac1

No matter HOW BAD of a day I’m having, I can always count on Jermaine’s videos to make me laugh and remind me life should be fun. When work, family, finances, car problems, student loans, difficult people, low on gas, blah blah BLAH add up and make you want to crawl into bed and never come out – watch some JLOVESMAC1 and she will have you smiling ear to ear, maybe even lol-ing a bit, in no time. She’s a prime example of how to make your own happiness by diving into your passion. She also has the most adorable dogs that make frequent appearances.

SMLXO

I’ve been following SMLXO since before she became a big youtube sensation. She’s a gorgeous girl who seems very down to earth and represents the girls who love learning and developing makeup skills. She is going through the same learning process that many makeup lovers go through. Go through her videos and you can watch her blossom from the amateur we all were at one point to someone who has developed a great skillset. Check her out on her youtube channel here.

Who are YOUR favorite beauty gurus?

Designer VS Drugstore

It’s easy to feel like you have to use designer brands to do a quality job, but ‘you get what you pay for’ doesn’t always apply in the makeup world. To this day, I still opt for many drugstore options because they perform the same as designer labels (if not better,) and you save a ton of money in the process. In the past week, I’ve worked with two professional makeup artists who agree that many high end products aren't worth shelling out the extra dough when given the option. 

Mascara: Go Drugstore

Drugstore brands tend to have tons of options for the exact effect you’re looking for (volume, length, shape) and IMO work much better than designer brands. The product lasts you a long time, and they exceed my expectations every time. For long and voluminous lashes you have to mix products anyway, so mascara price stays manageable when you go drugstore. So many drugstore mascara brands are kicking ass right now with their products, packaging, and marketing – it’s an amazing time for consumers right now!

Higher end products have the tendency to irritate your eyes, clump up your lashes, and dry out extremely fast. A designer mascara can easily run you anywhere from $20 - $50. For me, drugstore mascara is a no brainer.

Foundation: Go Pro

A wise woman builds her house upon a rock, right? Foundation is your rock: sturdy, reliable, & trusted. If you build your house upon the sand, aka cheap foundation, you may find yourself disappointed with the color match, coverage, skin reaction to the formula, and worst of all, you may have wasted your money because now you have a product you really can’t use. Oh and there’s the possibility doesn’t actually covering your blemishes, but just looking slapped on. Not cute!

Now hear me out - this is not to say that you have to spend a fortune on foundation. But you should definitely go to a store where you can sample the foundation, color match, test your skins reaction, and wear it for a day before purchasing. Places like Ulta, Sephora, and most department stores will even give you a free three day supply of foundation to test for a few days. AND they can help you pick which foundation will work best with your skin type. When you pick a random drugstore brand, you may end up disappointed with the color match, breaking out from the formula, and worst of all, you may have wasted your money because now you have a product you really can’t use. You can get away with just $20 for a good foundation. My favorite foundation (MAC Studio Scuplt in NW20) runs me $43.

I will say that lately, drugstore brands have stepped up their game in the foundation department. Maybelline FitMe and Loreal TrueMatch are helping consumers save money without losing too much quality. So tell me – have you found an amazing drugstore foundation?

Lipstick: It Depends

Lipstick is like shampoo. We’d all love to always use the super expensive shampoos, but most of us know deep down that a bottle of Herbal Essence will do the trick. Lipstick’s kinda the same way. I love my drugstore lipsticks almost as much as I love my MACs. Revlon lipsticks are always extremely impressive. I’m not a fan of Maybelline lipsticks because they are usually all shine and very little pigment.