I ran into these very nice and natural at home recipes from the lovely Iris of youtube. If you see her hair you know she means it.

~~~

There are so many other fantastic beauty blogs, I'd love to share more of their highlights!

Here are a few suggestions of mascara reviews.

Here are some key tips from Michelle Phan of  Iqqu.com:




High end department store mascaras are expensive why? Because they are better?

NO

I have used Chanel, Mac, YSL, you name it I have used it. Do they work any better than lets say...
Cover Girl?

Maybe....why do I say maybe instead of no? Because I splurged on a very expensive mascara so of course I will be bias and justify my purchase by saying I bought something better because it was more expensive...but we need to get out of that mind set and understand that

High end mascaras are expensive because:

Look how purdy these mascaras are...buying one of these mascara could buy you 3 at the drugstore.


~~~~

Mascara review by MissChievious:

The goods and the bads

Something to consider in mascara shopping: Everyone has different set eyes. Deeper set eyes may have trouble with the shorter bristled brushes.

~~~~~~

MY PERSONAL FAVORITES:
Both can be found locally or online.

I keep repurchasing Lashblast Luxe in Black royale, but I intend on using all the colors.

Hope this helps!

~until soon!

This video has some common sense tips that make you say.. "Ah! That makes total sense!"

So who is Goss? here's a little interview

As I peruse the interwebs I find different artists that I like more as I find out more about them. There are characteristics about this makeup artist that kind of reminds me of another MUA that has always been a favorite of mine. His focus tends to be for "beauty" "pretty make up", his youtube really has a lot of info stuffed in it. Keeping it simple. Love it!

This is an informative article on private labels and their distribution to company that repackage and sell their products at higher prices... for example, Lancome - L'Oreal,

"This is a topic that I have not heard much discussion about: private
label cosmetics. These are cosmetic products that are made by a
manufacturer with the purpose to be resold to private agents who then
re-brand the products and sell them under their own name. There has
been a wide circulation of private label cosmetics promoted heavily on
Youtube, yet no one has actually mentioned that these are in fact
private label, and not developed and created by the company whose name
is on the label.

Private label cosmetics are made for the sole
purpose of being marked up and resold to make profit, which is
basically the same as all cosmetic companies on the market, of course.
The difference is that the company whose name is on the label often is
not honest about the product, and tries to sell them as their own
creation, made with their own research and development. In reality,
these products are mass produced and the seller has just slapped on
their own name onto the product. Something about that just leaves a bad
taste in my mouth. Even reputable companies like Napoleon Perdis are
guilty of the practice; they re-brand and resell several La Femme
products with a staggering mark-up, when the exact same product is
available from La Femme for $4.

Estee Lauder is an example of a
cosmetic giant, who has several brands under its name. This is not to
be confused with private labeling though. Private label cosmetics are
by no means necessarily of poor quality, I own several La Femme
products and love them. But caution is advised to the consumer who
could be paying a huge mark-up for a product that may be available
elsewhere for much less.

So to the consumers, beware: If you're
hearing about a new line of cosmetics popping up on Youtube or
elsewhere that you have never heard of before, beware that it may be a
private label cosmetic. The best advice is to shop around for the
lowest price because you might be paying a huge mark up for a product
that may be available elsewhere for a lot less. Of course, some private
label cosmetics only sell wholesale, so you would not be able to
purchase the products directly from their website if you want to try
something out.

Here are a few private label cosmetics that I know are currently being heavily touted on Youtube:
http://www.ladyburd.com/
http://www.audreymorriscosmetics.com/
http://www.crownbrush.com/ (You can buy brushes directly from Crown Brush though as an end consumer.)

Look familiar? I'm sure there's others, just google "private label cosmetics" and you might find a few "familiar faces".

If you're interested in trying some of these private label cosmetics, Spa Private Label's website sells a lot of it for cheaper than on other sites  :  http://www.spaprivatelabel.com/

source

Good make up brushes that are durable soft and affordable sometimes
seem hard to come by. I've been contemplating adding a make up brush
line to my make up artistry. Although having a make up line interests
me very much, right now the market is saturated with excellent and
affordable makeup. in the near future I may integrate a few make up
products, but for now I'm thinking that brushes would be practical!



Nice brushes are fairly important to make up application, but just a
handful of brushes are necessary... unless you are a brush fanatic ;)
*ahem* no its not vital, but it is convenient.



So in regards to that... what interests you in regards to brushes? I would love to know.



~A

So you like body scrubs?

Here are a few at home recipes picked up from around the interwebs to make your own delicious body scrubs with out the added preservatives from store bought scrubs.


Bella's Booze-Free Hot Buttered Rum Brown Sugar Body Scrub:
Mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup almond oil (olive oil
would work, too); a dash of ground cinnamon or cinnamon essential oil;
and a dash of ground nutmeg or nutmeg essential oil. Apply. Optional:
Add a dash of rum extract — Oh, I suppose you could get the real stuff
out and mix up a little rum cocktail for yourself, too. Whee!"



Chinese Sesame ginger Scrub

• STEP 1: Take about an inch of ginger root and
  cut it into pieces. Next, grind it in your coffee grinder so that it's
  finely chopped up.
• STEP 2: In a bowl, add in 1 tbsp. of ginseng
  powder, one-and-a-half tbsp. of sugar, four tbsp. of sesame oil, 1
  tbsp. of rose-hip oil, five drops of myrrh, and five drops of mandarin
  essential oil. Mix it together with the ground ginger.
• STEP 3: While you're in your tub or shower,
  apply the scrub liberally to your body in circular movements and then
  rinse off. Don't forget to take deep breaths to fully enjoy the sweet
  escape!

Ginger mint body scrub

• Honey
• Freshly grated ginger root
• Chopped fresh mint leaves
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar, light or dark

To see what to do, read more.
Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl — it's up to you to decide how
much ginger and mint you'd like, but a ratio of 1/3 olive oil to 2/3
brown sugar will provide a good base for the scrub. About a tablespoon
of honey will provide an antiseptic quality to the scrub.




Lavender Pecan

• In a medium-sized saucepan, mix together and heat 2 oz. of
  apricot-kernel oil, 1 oz. of sunflower oil, and 1 oz. of jojoba oil.
• Next, turn off the heat but add in 1oz. of cornmeal, one teaspoon
  of sugar, one tbsp. of ground pecans, and six drops of lavender oil.
  Stir.
• When everything is cool enough for your skin, stand on a large
  towel (this could get messy) and gently rub the mixture onto your body
  in circular motions. Don't forget about your toes, your neck, and your
  knees — but you will want to avoid your face.
  
• 
  
  
• Rinse off in a warm shower and don't use any soap. Allow the
  oils to moisturize your skin. When you are about to get out of the
  shower, give your body a cool rinse and then gently pat your body dry.

Coffee Clove

..3/4 cup coffee beans..
..1 tablespoon olive oil..
..2 tablespoons vanilla extract..
..1/3 cup brown sugar..
..1 teaspoon ground cloves..

..Step 1: Put coffee beans, powdered clove and brown sugar in a coffee grinder...

..Step 2: Grind coarsely, put in empty tub or Tupperware container and mix a little more...

..Step 3: Add vanilla and oil and mix. Feel free to add more olive oil, but do it slowly, as it's easy to go overboard! ..

By being able to control the sizes of the particles in the
scrub, you decide how rough you want it. The oil really does the trick
in terms of keeping your limbs smooth.



Hope you enjoy!

~A

This entry is a variation on skincare (I've done a previous focus on all natural skincare) and this one focuses on drugstore.

The lovely Michelle Phan (ricebunny)  put together a really good review of recommended drugstore brand skincare.

It is very important to take care of and love the skin you are in. Her review (and the video has visuals) is right in line with the research and recommendations I would make.

Take into consideration what skin type you have. because you can have Dry, dry & sensitive, oily, oily and sensitive, combo, combo and sensitive... and even other combinations that perhaps certain ingredients don't even affect.

They are many alternatives to taking care of your skin from using all natural products, home made, drugstore or high end department store. But department store products tend to cost more for the fancy labels and packaging. There are some dept, store products I would recommend but the focus is that drugstore at the moment is VERY suitable for those on a budget.  Neutrogena's  microderm abraision line is my next best recommendation.

In Lieu of my previous blog entry,  when using new items on your skin, give them one week of use before tossing. Your skin is a living organism and needs time to adjust when using something new expecially if you are over 30, or have sensitive skin.  All skin types, and ages are taken completely into consideration in my research. In the videos Michelle also mentions which are animal friendly. :)




Taken from Michelle phan's website:

A Gentle Cleanser For Acne Prone Sensitive Skin I recommend




For oily and Acne Prone skin I recommend



For Normal to Combination Skin I recommend




For Dry Sensitive Skin I recommend
 



For Normal Sensitive Skin I recommend





For Rosacea or Redness of the Skin I recommend


And For The Best Anti Aging Products I recommend



Roc is hands down my favorite

If you have fine lines or wrinkles, stay on this product for 2 weeks. You will see a difference, I swear by this product.

 RoC Retinol Actif Pur Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizing Treatment Night Time And Day Time


The video elaborates more on specific types of products for your specific types of needs.

Enjoy folks and I hope this guide will aid you along the way to the local drug store.

Always Always ALWAYS read the ingredients before you purchase. Avoid products with Parabins, ALcohol, Mineral Oil, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate , DMDM Hydrantoin,  Aluminum ingredients, Hydroquinone, Dioxin, Talc and the list goes on. I know it is hard to avoid these products, but just keep these ingredients in mind when you are purchasing your products.

Remember YOU are the consumer. Do not let me dictate what you should or should not purchase. I am not the one that brings home the money for you and I am most certainly not always correct.

Here are her reviews:



part 2:


Happy skin!

~Ao

I wanted to share a few tips, in my opinion, about many things that are current make up trends and general emails I have received.. Now, generally I take an extensive amount of research before I form any opinion, but as more research is put out there, I will certainly take into consideration to modify my information and opinions. Times change, formulas change, products change, and skin changes with age, weather and product use. There is such a selection of items and beauty products out there, that it is almost overwhelming to choose from... but for skin care.... you do not need 4593487 bottles to maintain healthy skin.

~Skin care is MOST important above make up application. None healthy skin makes a difficult canvas to work with when using make up..


~Toners... I don't believe they are as necessary as they are said to be. Perhaps to have something gentle on hand for those very dirty face days where there is a lot of sweat, oil, and make up involved, otherwise it is a step to skip.  Gentle toners like rose water, or cucumber water or neutrogena's alcohol free toner... YES please make sure to avoid anything with alcohol on your skin.  Just because it says organic does not mean it doesn't have alcohol so check your ingredients list.

~Mineral Makeup foundations-  There are many lines of beautiful mineral make up out, and there are some pretty crappy ones... do your research, and keep in mind your skin type, because not all mineral make up is for all skin types. Mineral make up has been around for 15 plus years, but like fashion it has circulated back, this time seeming to bring a few nice lines with it. People with sensitive skin need to stay with make up that is made for hypo allergenic skin.

The reason why Mineral Makeup  is sometimes an issue is that many of the minerals are actually finely finely ground metals and metal derivatives. Bismuth, iron oxides, titanium dioxide, and even allergies to mica and fragrances.  After waiting a long time I've come to the conclusion that just like any other make up it is important to do your research and keep your skin type in mind.

Now, sensitive skin comes in varying types, dry, oily, or combination. I find that the sensitive and the dry combo is not a good match for dry based foundation. They need something for more sensitive and moisturizing especially in the winter months.  Sensitive and oily is another combo that may not be a good match for mineral make up..the minerals clog the pores and can cause ace break outs and even cystic acne.  Mineral make up has the tendency to work best for average. not so sensitive, combination skin. Which tends to be the general ratio. 

Mineral make up may seem to be a healthier choice, but it does not mean it is the only healthy choice. So if you do not fit the mineral make up, don't fret. There are many other beautiful make up lines that are available for anyone from animal friendly, to budget friendly.

~Mineral Eyeshadows~ - Oh my goodness there are some beautiful colors..... but again with the allergies, and the same concepts as the foundations. 

Most of them blend like butter. But they are not the only ones. There are non mineral shadows that are highly pigmented that blend beautifully and have just as brilliance of colors.

If you use or want to use mineral shadows, but can't seem to get it to stay, use a cream based lid primer or cream eyeshadow to give your shadow something to grip onto. AND it will also pump up the shadow color. This works for any powdery type eyeshadow, mineral or not. 

Have too much fall out? make sure your shadow brush is a little damp before picking up your powder, and tap off the excess.

~Cream shadows~ - To continue from the above mentioned, I don't like cream based shadows alone (they tend to crease even with a primer)... but once you add a powder shadow over it, they are fantastic!  Some of my  favorites that work well for mineral or non mineral shadows are Ben Nye's Lumiere Creme Wheel ,  NYX  Jumbo cream eye pencils, or Mehron Paradise paints. OF course there are more that are good like MAC paint pots or HIP shadow tubes too... check around!


~Designer body scrubs - There are some fabulous skin care items like sugar scrubs out there that can cost a pretty penny...but the ones I have found I love best, are the ones one can make at home. you can customize some delicious recipes just by using Extra Virgin Olive oil, honey and granulated sugar... there are different kinds as well.. so goooooogle them, see what you come up with!  There are pore tighteners (eggwhites) Retinal treatments (carrots!)  and even Aspirin facial masks that really help with break outs. (crushed aspirin with water, or honey)  With any new items give it 7 days, even if there is a break out to allow time for your skin to adjust).

~Extra Virgin Olive Oil - aside from smelling like an Italian Man's dream... this is an excellent natural source for moisture lock. and it even removes eye makeup.

~Aloe, and lanolin - Generally not an issue...BUT if you have mysterious skin roughness or break outs... this could be the source. There is a natural tendency to have a mild allergy to aloe, and especially lanolin.

~Trying new things - To reiterate - give an items about 7 days before you toss it. it takes about this long for skin to adjust to something new.... unless of course there is an extreme reaction. use your judgment.


~chapstick - All the time! Especially in winter months.. apply before going to bed, apply after you brush your teeth, after you drink something. you want something semi thick that keeps your lips coated andprotected from winter weather and cold.  Stash them, leave them in you coat pocket, purse, night stand, tooth brush holder... or a moisturizing lipstick works too

~drink water water water.

~vitamins! -  Yes... Think "ACE". In the works of Bobbi Brown: "Don't forget your antioxidant vitamins: A for aging, C for clarity, and E for environmental protection." oils for your skin, or pills to drink.

~foundations - switch it up! run out of your current, try another one. especially if it seems like your skin is not responding like it use to.

~mascaras - LOVE full lashes... if you have the moola to spend sure invest in pricey mascaras... but keep in mind that it should only live in your make up bag for about 3 months. There are many good inexpensive mascaras.....


~Make up shelf life -  By jove man...if it smells funny, has separated, or is past its expiration date... TOSS it.
-Eyeshadows - about a year depending on how you care for it
-Mascaras: about 3 - 4 months... no pumping! If it dries out, do not rehydrate....
-Powder, dry blush, lipstick, and lipgloss: About a year, but no more than a year and a half... So yes, if you are 30 and still have make up form highschool......
-liners - about 3 years.... but If you go through liner like I do, it will certainly be less than that.
-unopened brand new products-
keep note of when you first open them so you can track. but if it expires ....Would you eat expired food? why put it on your face?



~Eyebrows - So you don't like to wear makeup. no big deal.. but that doesn't condone not taking care of your skin.  You only have the skin you live in, and make it last a lifetime. Just like you tend to your hair, tend to your eyebrows! Don't just let them sit there like fuzzy caterpillars. Comb, Trim, shape.  Eyebrows frame the face, and allow a polished finish.

~Concealer -  My preference goes here over foundation, although I do love a good foundation.  But face it, there is not always time for a full face....concealer gives the illusion of making under eye circles, dark spots and blemishes disappear. Make you look more alert...even if you missed your morning coffee...



~over 40  - This does not mean you can't wear colors or make up. Blush is important, highlighting is important. well groomed brows, and a customized skin care regime are dire with moisturizers for face, neck and lips!.  This is the time to really focus on skin care and enhancing your beauty, because when you reach your next decade, you will see the benefits. And definitely do not stop in your 50s.

Women in their 40's and 50s are in their PRIME!  Your mentality has reached a level of maturity and confidence, LET IT SHOW in taking care of yourself with health, beauty and exercise.  And by beauty I don't mean Tammy Faye. I mean BEAUTY. You women are beautiful, you've lead a full life, now slow down, and enjoy what you are.



I hope that this will have answered a few questions (aside from emails) But if you have any other questions please send it along. We'll do our best to get you some answers.

Merry Christmas - Happy Yule

~Ao

designsbyao@gmail.com

If you have make up items you already use, by all means use them but if they are over a year old, or if your mascara is more than 3 months... TOSS.

If you are unfamiliar with the products of drugstore makeup, or if this si your first time, or just have no idea, I have suggestions of what to bring below. My suggestions (most are drugstore/target/walmart/budget availability) are all listed in parentheses. The items listed are also items that an be used everyday.

if there is an allergy to a product, please select something similar in a non allergic brand.

Firstly, please remember to take care of your skin, especially now that harsher weather is near. Hydrate, moisturize, chapstick and rest!



~make up sponges/Qtips~

~a mirror with a magnified side~

~3 or 4 brushes~
One for Blush/ powder
one for contours
1 for eye shadow.
optional 5th is small sharply angled brush for eyeshadow

~Baby Wipes or makeup wipes~(Target/walmart generic brand works just fine)

~Moisturizer~ - is a must! (Neutrogena with spf for your skin type)

~Foundation & light powder to set)~ - match jawline, or inner arm near elbow. MINERAL MAKE UP IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR STAGE.

If you have average not so oily/dry skin:
Revlon colorstay Liquid for dry

If you have oily skin:
revlon Colorstay with soft flex for Oily skin

~concealer~
- Revlon - Instant Age rewind double perfector

or

- Sonia Kashuk's "Hidden Agenda" Concealer Quartet.


~Eyebrow pencil~ -
--- Blondes, and red heads, the brow color should be a shade darker than your CURRENT hair color. a taupe cool shade works well without turning "red"

--- if you have black hair or dark hair I suggest a blackish brown color NOT jet black. Jet black is too harsh... unless you are going for a super dramatic look.

(NYC has pencils that are good. OR pick an eyeshadow shade that matches. Brunettes be aware of red based browns.)


~blush or bronzer~
- if you are fairskinned choose a rich apricot/rose color
(Rimmel -Bronze or sierra rose)

- If you darker skinned and especially dark or tan you , a deep plum or mauve
(NYX blush )


~Black liner~
~GEL LIQUID LINER from HIP Pigments Loreal.- It is very sweat proof. it comes in a little pot and a little angled brush.

AND

Wet n wild black liquid liner.

~Mascara~ - BLACK YES! - (Loreal double extension beauty tubes, or telescoping from loreal)


~Eyeshadow~ - 2-3 shades.
1 - a neutral pinky/peachy, silver or gold shimmery shade
2 - dark brown, charcoal,  navy, dark purple, or forest  MATTE shade
AND/OR
3 -  MATTE black

 (LOREAL HIP shadows )


~Highlighter~ - Ivory, white or champagne, or gold if you have dark skin color, can be eyeshadow (Maybelline shadow stylist in elegant pearl - looks like a liquid liner bottle)

~contour shadow ~- A powder or base that is a couple shades darker than your regular base make sure it is matte. (maybelline single eyeshadow in creme de cocoa works for several skin shades, or a deep MATTE bronzer.)

~lips~ - A liner that is a neutral lip shade or a few shades darker than your lip color and a brownish red lipstick or purple for more drama -

(for lipliner, but Revlon Colorstay in Raisin or Nude has better staying power)
(For perfect red lipstick I recommend Maybelline - Color Sensational (pretty red case) - Red Revival #645 )

(If you don't want red lips, I recommend a warm mid brown tone)


OPTIONAL ITEMS:

~Make up primer~ Not a must, but worth the price of having ordered it. This works for having make up stay put for performances or long working days. Makes your make up last as well as smoothing the textures of your skin. a clear gel very light foundation primer . Keeps your foundations from sweating off and clogging pores (Smashbox photofinish primer - available on Sephora.com, or Smashbox.com.   

Revlon Colorstay primer has also been recently released

~headband~ - or something to keep hair out of face

Thank you very much, I hope this list helps, and if you have any questions please send any questions!

~Eyeliner pencil~
preferably kohl -   Revlon Colorstay pencil or Loreal HIP eyeliner pencils

~Eyelashes - glue small clean toe nail clippers~

~Eyelash curler ~