Guys: How-To gift your woman Beauty Products

I always find that beauty products make great gifts, but people don't often gift them.  My husband rarely gets me makeup, unless I request it...but if I told him to guess, I'm sure he would have a pretty good idea of what to get.  So, guys....if you don't know anything about make-up (don't feel so bad, most men don't) there are many different ways to find out what your gal would love beauty-wise.  My suggestion would be: 

• Take note of the beauty products your gal currently uses daily.  
• See if anything is running low. 
• You can also discretely ask how she likes a certain product she is using...or ask what it's for. 
• Ask her what her favorite shades are if you're thinking of gifting lipstick.  
• Be creative, add a box of luxurious chocolates with your gift!  My suggestion would be Vosges luxury truffles. 

In the meanwhile, you can also just try something new & gift her either of these beauty items I've suggested below. Of course the Voges bon bons are a must and the candles, why not? Up your romance game with some delicious scents from DL & CO! Always my favorite!! 

  

epionce lytic sport tx

lancome

DL & CO candles 

the problem solver sculptor sponge

nars precision lip brush 

eve lom foundation brush

vosges chocolate bon bon 

may lindstrom the problem solver

 
-post by jen ramos

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BEAUTY: DIY LIPSTICK PALETTE

Hey everyone! Today, I wanted to share a little something I learned. 

During a photo shoot last year,  I noticed my make-up artist, Mayela Vazquez using a makeup palette with lots of colors for my lips. At first, I didn't know what to think. It looked like a painter's palette and a bit MESSY...Hmmm. I knew she did AWESOME work, so I wondered in silence where she got this palette from. 

When she was finished applying my lip color - I looked in the mirror & WOW! They looked fabulous & smooth! Perfection!  I somehow knew this palette (& her skills) had something to do with this. I asked her where she got the palette from...& this is what I learned from her.

After she told me, I decided to DIY this. So, if you want smooth, neat, long-lasting color..... keep reading.

• Buy an empty make-up palette.  I bought the 35 well-pro lipstick palette from The Tanning Store.  It has 35 deep compartments, 14 large & 21 medium. This particular palette also includes a white center divider attached with a long hinge. The brand is by MITSUYOSHI. 
• Purchase several of your favorite lipstick shades. I haven't filled up the palette yet, but I plan to. Right now I have about (12) of my favorite shades. From brands like Nars, Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry, Bobbi Brown, MAC, Givenchy & more. 
• Once you purchase all the lip color,  add one color at a time by slicing the lipstick into rounds. It's easier this way, trust me. Maybe cut 2-3 rounds at a time into the palette compartment of your choice. The reason for starting off with 2-3 slices of lipstick color is because it is easier to mash the lipstick into the compartment with fewer rounds.  You can use any flat or rounded object to mash the lip color.  This part can get messy if you rush it. So, be patient & make sure your mashing object isn't too large.. 
• Continue down the lipstick & cut 2-3 more slices off.  Repeat the mashing into the palette. Once a lip color is done, feel free to move onto the next lipstick shade. 
• Once you have all your colors in the palette - it should look somewhat like mine - you can start testing it out on your lips. 
• For trying the shades -  I recommend using a lip brush like the Sephora Pro Lip Brush #81 or the Make Up Forever #302 Precision brush.  Folks, using a brush to add color to your lips makes a HUGE difference!!  For one, the lipstick appears to look neater & your lips look more defined. Also, the color seeps into the lines in your lips & that allows the color to remain on your lips longer!!  Trust me, once you try this -  you will not turn back. 
• A benefit of using a make-up palette for lipstick color is that it allows you to mix & match colors.  I've found that having all my shades available to me (at the same time) makes it easier to blend the perfect color for my lips!
• Another item I added to my palette was lip gloss. I love Tickled Pink by Lancome it adds the perfect finishing touch to my lipstick!

-post & images by jen ramos

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Beauty: Holiday Gift Guide

Hope everyone is enjoying this Holiday Season! Monica here from Beauty Parler. If you're like me I tend to wait last minute to buy gifts. But, I seriously need to change that habit as most beauty gifts sell out quick. For any beauty aficionado this is the season to do some serious shopping and I mean for yourself too. Stock up on your favourite makeup products because it's the best time to find deals and kits that aren't normally offered throughout the year.

For example, the Charlotte Tilbury 'The Bombshell' Set is almost a complete full-face set minus a foundation at an exceptional value versus buying the items separately. Items like makeup brushes are another great add to your wish-list. Sigma Brushes (as pictured) are a great gift for a teen or young adult who is looking to start a makeup kit without breaking the bank.

Can't forget those work parties and Secret Santa exchange. Co-workers love hand creams and lipbalms. Kiehl's is my go-to source in that department. Love the Kiehl's #1 Lip Balm, perfect for dry cracked Winter lips. For the lipstick lovers at the office or a great hostess gift, the Clinique 'Days of the Week' Matte lipstick set if a fabulous gift.

Am I the only one that likes to stock up on beauty products this time of year? Do tell. Happy Shopping!

-post by Monica

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BEAUTY: RED LIPS FOR FALL

Is it too early to think about Fall? Hi, Monica here from Beauty Parler.

My favourite season is around the corner and although many of you might not want to think about Fall it is coming. Fall brings us gorgeous hues of browns, oranges, and reds. The crispness of a cool night, stomping on leaves and drinking lattes. But, my favorite is the look of a red lip. I find that many either love a red lip or hate it. Primarily due to the fact that finding the right shade of red can be difficult. Honestly, I embraced the red lip in my early 30's.

I'd be jealous of my friends that wore a red lip because they always seemed; sophisticated, confident, and sexy. Of which I didn't have the confidence to wear in my 20's. Although I loved shades of deep pinks I couldn't find the right shade of red. I've narrowed down a few of my favorites. Admittedly, hands down my ultimate red lipstick is MAC Dubonnet.  A true classic that has been around since the 1990's.  Have a great weekend!

01 MAC Dubonnet //02 Maybelline Color Sensational Red Revival //03 NARS Fire Down Below //04 Mary Kay Red (Satin)

Do you love a Red Lip? Which are your favorite shades?

-post by monica darosa

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My August Wishlist 2

Hello everyone, hope you're enjoying your Tuesday so far. I've been thinking about my birthday wishes (and yes, on a SUPERFICIAL-level), because the things I truly desire cannot be bought...but since this is my blog, and I ENJOY fashion, we'll start there.

So, August is my birth month. On the 15th I'll be a year older & with that I am posting a few wish lists so that my husband can see some of the things I like.  A lot of times I have NO CLUE what to get him for his birthday either, I admit. So every year I put together a few wishlists on my blog to help him out. This is actually my 2nd list,  here is my 1st.

Maybe you'd like some of these too for your Birthday if you're a fellow Leo like me?

1/    agnes sandal by joie

2/  current elliot skinny jeans

3/   booties via the outnet

4/ givenchy le rouge lipstick corail signature

5/   black nike

6/   DVF dress

7/   stella mccartney lingerie

8/    cassina dress via joie

9/   green pumps via schutz

10/ elizabeth & james nirvana scent

-post by jen ramos

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beauty: How-to-fake it with bronzer

Hope you all are enjoying your Summer! Hi, Monica here from Beauty Parler. You don't need a lecture from a beauty blogger about the dangers of suntanning. By now most of you know that the best way to fake a tan is using a bronzer. However, finding the right bronzer might mean buying a few to find the right shade and finish. Here are a few staples of mine that are just the right shade of brown without looking too muddy or red. A few are meant for more shimmer while others are great as a contour powder.

Which bronzers are your favourites?

MAC Cosmetics Bronzing Powder //  MAKE UP FOREVER Pro Sculpting Duo // Physicians Formula Bronze Booster // Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

-post by monica darosa  

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BEAUTY: SUMMER MAKEUP ROUTINE

Summer is finally here! Monica here from beautyparler with my Summer Routine. Adding a bright shade of lipstick and nail polish keeps the routine easy but adds a punch of color. Here are a few of my makeup favourites.

On days I don't want to wear a "full-face" I prefer a light weight base like a tinted moisturizer. Staying out of the sun rays means faking a tan, a golden bronzer brings out the glow. As for the eyes, I prefer not wearing any eyeshadow and keeping it simple with a black mascara. Now, for color I love bright pink lips and nails. Reminds me of watermelon on a hot Summer day!

base: Clinique Moisture Surge C.C Cream // bronzer: Make Up Forever Pro Bronze Fusion // eyes: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara // lips: Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick // nails: Essie Nail Polish 

-Monica Da Rosa from Beautyparler.ca

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BEAUTY: SUMMER FOUNDATIONS

Hi Everyone! Monica here from beauty parler.  Hope you're all embracing the nicer weather. Although the weather has it's dips in temperature this time of year the hot sticky Summer days are coming! Which means sweaty makeup which can look caked on. Well, that's a definite no and can all be avoided by switching out your foundation to a more Summer friendly one.

On hot sweaty days, the last thing I want to do is wear any makeup. But on days that I head out to work or attend beauty events, I like to wear a little makeup. Makes me feel more polished and put together. Anyone else feel like that too? Here are three of my Summer must-have foundations.

1/NARS All-Day Luminous Weightless Foundation | 2/MAC Face & Body Foundation | 3/Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch Foundation

In general, all three of these are similar in texture. Light-weight, watery, and build-able coverage. With formulas so watery those with drier skin types will find that they'll need to apply a good moisturized base or can emphasis dry patches. These formulas work wonderfully for those with oily to combination skin types. The NARS All-Day Luminous Weightless Foundation and the Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch Foundation are a semi-matte to matte finish. Whereas, MAC Face & Body Foundation has a dewier finish and those with drier skin types will like this foundation better than the other two.
In terms of application because these are so watery they are best applied with your fingers or foundation brush. I'd suggest not using a beauty sponge as it would just absorb too much product.

I hope I helped you start your Summer makeup routine. Share your favourite Summer makeup?


-post by monica

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BEAUTY: TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Hi, Monica from Beauty Parler! So excited Spring is finally here and the sun is shining. Some of you might be planning Summer vacations already and to get you started on a few travel essentials I've chosen a few favourites. Aside from beauty blogging I also work as a flight attendant and I always carry a few beauty essentials in my carry-on.

One word that is key when traveling by plane is moisturize. From the moment you step on that airplane, the dry air sucks the moisture out of you. Aside from the obvious as drinks lots of water! You need to replenish the moisture loss.

There are many brands of water spray cans, Vichy Thermal Spa Water Spray is one of my favourites. Adds moisture but for me it's the refreshing factor. Right before landing a spritz of water on the face feels cool and awakens.

Facial wipes, disposal and easy to carry. I like the Neutrogena All-In-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes, not only for in-flight but as part of my skincare routine.

Hand cream is a must! I tend to carry more than one as my hands get so dry. The L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream is an old favourite and classic. Creamy and leaves hands so soft. Love the scent too!

I've lost count of how many lip balms are in my uniform pockets. However, Benefit Hydrating Lip Tints are great because they add a hint of colour which in my case is necessary under those horrible lights.

Lastly, not so much for the flight but any skincare that isn't in liquid format for travel is a smart choice. Especially if you're a carry-on only type of gal. With liquid restrictions at airports, the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is an amazing product. It's a gentle powder exfoliate that suds when mixed with water.



-post by Monica Da Rosa

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7 beauty products I use every day

I get a lot of questions about what I use for beauty products everyday. Well, it's pretty simple.  I tend to try different things, but like most women, I'll usually stick to what works. Here are 6 beauty products I use that work for me & why:

1. bliss fabulips pout-o-matic spa

2. joeur cosmetics mineral powder blush

3. loreal paris infallaible lip color

4. skin ceuticals micro-exfoliating scrub

5. Loreal Paris revitalift moisture blur

6. Loreal paris makeup setting spray

-post by jen ramos

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BEAUTY: BEAUTY & THE BROWS

 Hi! Monica, here from beautyparler.  Jen, is away enjoying her bundle of joy today! So happy for her & her husband! As a mom to an 18 month old, I know how tiring and exciting those first weeks are.

So, March is here already which means Spring is near. One beauty trend that will continue this Spring is the full brow. In all honesty, regardless of trendy or not I've always been a fan of a fuller brow. Now, not all of us are born with full brows. So, sometimes we just have to FAKE it.  Growing up as a teen in the 90's meant that two brow trends came into effect. For the first part of the 90's full sculpted brows and by the mid to late 90's a thinner brow was in.  My mom warned me, "once you start tweezing those brows they'll never grow back the same or ever".  Mom knows best! Thankfully, I listened.

Weather you use a brow pencil, cream or powder there are countless brow products to choose from and fake it if necessary.  A new release is Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Drama, an easy to use mascara for brows. A great method for those that don't want to fully commit to a full sculpted brow. Looking to fill in sparse brows, a pencil is another easy method. An old favorite of mine, MAC Cosmetics Brow Pencil, is a no nonsense pencil that defines and allows for a more precise brow. For shading in brows, Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zings is a great kit for beginners.

Although, brow powders can be a tad time consuming you can achieve a more natural looking brow. The newest brow product in my kit, Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade is a water-proof cream formula that basically does the job of all three products listed above but in one product. Sculpt, define, shade, and fill-in brows using the dip brow. This product is for those not afraid of a more intense brow. Lastly, Wink Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer is for those that over tweezed. Increase and thicken hair with usage of Wink.

What do you think of fuller more natural eyebrows?

-post by monica darosa

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BEAUTY: 2015 Lipstick Trends!

Please excuse the absence - Jen is away for a couple weeks there will be a few sporadic posts. So today, we are discussing the 2015 lipstick trend...

Hi everyone! Sami from The Unexpected Type here today to talk about lipstick trends for the upcoming season! With Spring just around the corner, I need an instant beauty refresher to wake me up from using Winter neutrals and I always reach for a new lip color to do the trick. Lipstick is one of the easiest ways to transform any look from head to toe! A quick red lip can add mega drama and impact to a power outfit, rather than opting for your run-of-the-mill nude lipstick, am I right ladies

Some amazing colors hit the S/S 2015 catwalk this year and I've picked the top three trends that you can work into your style as the snow starts to melt and Spring pops into play. This year, prepare for a fiery statement lip of orange-red hues, a luscious, just-bitten look, and a perfectly plump pout. These hues will add an instant touch of Spring as you transition into the bright, sunny season.

1. NYX Cosmetics / Target
2. Nars Cosmetics / Sephora
3. Givenchy / Sephora

There's a designated statement lip for each season and this year it's a fiery, orange-red. Kiss fuchsia goodbye this year and say "Hello" to the power orange! For bright colors, you'll need a great lip liner as your base. I also recommend using a tapered lip brush to apply the color to make sure it's completely saturated and looks crisp. The rest of your face to should have minimal makeup with this look, since Spring is all about keeping it fresh and clean.

1. CoverGirl Cosmetics / Covergirl
2. Bite Beauty / Sephora
3. Rouge Dior / Sephora

The nude lip is getting an update, too! If you aren't quite ready to jump head-first into fiery hues, the 'Just-Bitten' look is perfect for you. Mauve pinks just a shade darker than your natural lip color give your lips a plump, voluminous look and is a great choice for someone just venturing into trying out lipstick trends. Compliment your lips with highlighted, bronzed cheeks and tones of brown eye shadow for a natural, but gorgeous, look.

1. Make Up Forever / Sephora
2. Yves Saint Laurent
3. MAC Cosmetics / MAC Cosmetics

If you're all about the dark lip, plum is the perfect shade for you! Instead of poppy pinks, romantic purple hues are all over the radar and complimenting a bunch of collections hitting stores soon. Complete this look with dewy skin, top-lined eyes, and a fresh coat of mascara.

Whether you're ready to make the jump to a daring statement look or ease into an update of your natural look, these trends are a fun way to get inspired and spark your creativity. Whatever your new look is, remember that trends are just guidelines and true style shines through with what you do with them!

- post by Sami

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BEAUTY: Color Of the Year

Hello! Bonjour! My name is Monica and I write a beauty blog called Beauty Parler. No, not a spelling mistake. Parler, the french verb to talk/speak in this case Beauty Talk. So excited to contribute my first beauty post here at Made by Girl. What better way to begin my first post than with Pantone's 2015 color, Marsala. The perfect earthy wine shade that translates beautifully to makeup. A universal shade that suits most skin tones. A warm shade that is perfect for Winter.

Marsala is such a fabulous shade to wear.

(1) NARS Almerla Blush- Use it as a hint of color on cheeks.

(2) OPI Nail Lacquer- the easiest way to wear Marsala this year is using a nail lacquer like shade Lost on Lombard.

(3) Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner - this waterproof cream liner is a great for those that want to try a shade other than black. Shade Honey Black is not black but rather a reddish brown liner.

(4) NARS Satin Lipstick- a bold lip always makes a fabulous statement in Winter. Shade Afghan Red is balance of reddish brown. Making it a close match to marsala.

What do you think of the color Marsala?

-post by Monica

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My Go-To HAIRDRYER: Julien Farel

During our weekend stay-cation at the Loews Regency this past August - I got to try out the Julien Farel hair care products & best of all the Julien Farel hair dryer. Who knew?! 

When I pulled the dryer out of the cute little bag & turned it on, the airflow was smooth & quiet. Felt fantastic over my head & scalp.  I was so impressed by how quickly it dried my hair and how smooth it felt,  I wanted to take it home with me.  Of course, that would be stealing, and I'm no thief. 

So, the people at Julien Farel gifted one to me, awesome.... & here is the result I captured with my iPhone pic. This is now, my go-to hair dryer.  It retails in his salon for $90 - not bad huh?  Totally worth it! You can call to purchase or just walk in & buy one!  (address below)

It's so important to have a good dryer, along with some great hair products. If you have a cheapo hair dryer, like I used to have....a few things can happen like:

• They can burn your hair because they pack a lot of heat. 
• It can take a lot longer to dry the hair - in turn, burning & damaging it.
• I also had an issue with my old dryer, where my hair would get snagged in the fan piece on the end, that was painful.

When you're shopping for a hair-dryer, consider these things:

• choose a dryer that has a variety of temps (cool,warm,hot)
• Quiet dryers are just that, quieter. I always prefer a more quiet hair dryer, that's why this one is perfect. 
• choose one that has a concentrator to direct the air to where you need it most.

You can easily spend anywhere between $80-$200 on a "worthwhile" professional hairdryer these days, and I def say you should!

Julien Farel Salon

540 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065

212.888.8988

-post by jen ramos
-bottom left image via hotel chatter

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BEAUTY: Lip Wear

Hey everyone this is Rachel today from Life Unsweetened (sadly) bringing you my last post on beauty! With the latest beauty technology and ingredients, the products coming out on the market are just getting better and better. Whether you're looking for a multi-use product or the newest beauty tool, Sephora and Ulta have you covered.

Here are a few new, innovative lip products you should check out. Marc Jacobs Beauty Kiss Pop Lip Color Stick- Marc Jacobs doesn't just rule the fashion world- he's slowly starting to take over the beauty world as well. These luscious color sticks are highly pigmented like a lipstick but slide on more like a balm. The colors are long-wearing and come in a variety of shades from bright to demure. And can we talk about the sleek, modern packaging? Amazing!  

Smashbox Be Legendary Long Wear Lip Lacquer-Vibrant color and a stay-put finish place this lacquer above the rest. The easy-to-use lip product goes on like a gloss with the benefits of being non-drying on your lips (attribute that to the vitamin E in the ingredient list). The glossy finish is beautiful and the range of shades is pretty impressive for a new product.

 Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss- OCC took their popular stain and added a glossy component- and the results are fabulous. These stains leave behind a long-lasting finish that can be worn over existing original-formula Lip Tars for added shine or fun color combos.

 Clinique Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm- Clinique's newest version of their lip balm focuses on a sheer wash of color. Created to bring out your lip's natural tone, they are great for beginners or color-phobes.

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BEAUTY: HAIR OILS

It's not often that you hear the words "hair" and "oil" together in a sentence with a positive connotation. But for the past year, we've seen a rise in the trend of oils- whether it's facial oils, skin oils or hair oils, what about these products are so great? Hair oils can help you grow healthy, shiny hair, and prevent damage and split ends. 

 Here are 4 of my current favorite hair oils.

 Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil- The bottle may be colorful, but the oil is clear as can be and works on all hair colors. This lightweight oil absorbs very quickly, eliminating any worries of grease. Ingredients include six different oils and two extracts that work to add shine and tame flyaways. An added bonus? It contains UVA/UVB filters and offers heat styling protection.  

Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil- This versatile oil can be used on hair, skin, nails and more. Grown in Morocco, this oil is rich in vitamin E. The oil gives your hair a nice shine while working to mend split ends from over-styling or using heat tools.  

Ojon Rare Blend Oil Rejuvenating Therapy- This oil works particularly well on women with super frizzy or fine hair (something I deal with on a daily basic), and a bottle will last forever. It also works to seal cuticles with a light-protecting shield.

 Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir Restoring Hair Oil- This oil is not only for your hair, but your scalp, too. It works to soothe your scalp while nourishing your hair's follicle as well.


-post by rachel maleady

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BEAUTY: NO BLOWOUT HAIR

Hey guys Allie here from ALLIE NYC. How has summer been treating you? And what about your hair? Do you spend more time on your hair in the summer or less? I definitely spend less time on my hair in the summer months—mainly due to the fact that I do not blow it dry.

It is just too hot and I like to take advantage of the warm air and humidity which brings out the natural wave. However, it also brings out the frizz too. Not fun. So I look for products that not only enhance the curl, but also help combat the excess moisture in the air.

Currently I am loving the Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious line. It is specifically designed to bring out the natural wave in your hair while keeping frizz at bay. Plus it smells great and the packaging is so cute. I love having this in my bathroom. After using a curl enhancing shampoo and conditioner like the Curl Conscious line from Bumble and Bumble, I then follow up with two styling products: one to add extra conditioning and reduce frizz, and a spray as an added step to bring out the curl. My hair is on the thin side so I use the the Curl Defining Creme as it gives waves and curls in fine hair more bounce. They also make a Curl Conscious Calming Creme which is for more course hair with tight curls. Then I follow up with a beach spray.

On the weekends when I am going out at night or to the beach I use the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray. During the week I use Alterna’s Summer Ocean Waves Tousled Texture Spray from their Bamboo Beach line, it is a little lighter and does not build up. I just wash my hair, apply the products, do a little scrunching and then let it air dry. I also curl it with an iron once it is fully dry. Very different from my winter routine, but when summer rolls around the last thing I want to do is spend too much time styling my hair. What about you? Does your routine change?

All products available at Sephora 

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BEAUTY: SUMMER BEAUTY

With summer in full swing, it's time to roll out the seasonal beauty products. Summer brings warmer weather and a full social calendar, which means we all want to look our best. But beating the frizzy hair and raccoon eyes become quite the challenge in the heat. Here are a few of my picks for summer hair and beauty- what are yours? 

Vita Liberata Rapid Tan Mousse- Tan the safe way this summer and get a realistic, bronzy glow with the help of this product.  This mousse works in as little as one hour and continues to develop, allowing you to choose your desired depth of tan that lasts for four to seven days. The bottle promises zero smell, so there's no worries about your faux tan being any less of a secret.

Formula X Electrics Nail Polish- This summer orange shade ("Oomph") looks great on either nails or toes- or both! This vivid shade goes on smoothly and evenly and resists chipping.

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging® Replenishing Moisture Milk- Summer can take a toll on your hair- UV rays, chlorine and a few skipped days of brushing (oops) are all common culprits. This leave-in conditioner works to hydrate deeply to treat dry, brittle, or aging hair. Your hair will feel silky smooth after just one application.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15- Finding a pretty lip balm that contains SPF can be hard, but this one does the job. Choose from a variety of shades- I love the coral tinted version- for just a touch of color.  Vitamins A, C, and E provide protection from wrinkles and UV rays.

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara- There's nothing worse that messy mascara that melts in the heat. This Benefit classic is reinvented in a waterproof version to stop just that. The dark black color adds thickness to each and every lash.

-post by rachel maleady

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MY MORNING BEAUTY ROUTINE

This is a series called -  "Morning BEAUTY Routine" - it's all about what YOU put on your face every morning.  I, (Jen Ramos) featured myself in the first one, which you can read here.  So...today we are featuring one of my contributors, Adri from Adri's World.  This is a great way to learn about beauty products others are using & what they think of them

Hi everyone this is Adri of Adri's World.  Today I'm excited to show you my daily morning beauty routine. I have combination skin and throughout the years I've been experimenting with different products but came to the conclusion (at least for me), that it's not about price but finding the best products that fit you. I used to buy all products from one same brand and slowly started to mix. These products I use now work great for me but, at the end of the day, the best thing for my skin has been my diet. When I eat well my skin looks amazing and when I don't, not so much...
Take a look at the products I've been using, and tell me if you use any of them!

Here's what I use:


DR. BRANDT SKINCARE XTEND YOUR YOUTH DUAL FUSION WATER: 
I love this cleanser! It leaves my skin super clean, tight, yet not dry at all. It's a cleanser, toner & makeup remover all-in-one. It even removes waterproof eye makeup with ease! It's made with no Parabens, sulfates & phthalates, which makes it even better!


OLAY TOTAL EFFECTS 7-IN-1 EYE CREAM:                                                                             
I tried this cream by accident. I ran out my favorite eye cream, rushed to the drugstore and thought I'd give this one a try. Years later I'm still using it, and love it! It's a very thick cream, hydrates really well. It's firming, treats dark circles, crow's feet and it's anti-aging, which is always necessary.

OLAY REGENERIST DEEP HYDRATION REGENERATING CREAM: 

What I love about this moisturizer is the heavy texture. It really moisturizes my skin without being oily. It has amino peptides, Vitamin E, ProVitamin B5, green tea, and non-greasy moisturizers. It keeps my skin really hydrated even in the cold winter days.
 

CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND BEAUTY REVITALIZING FACIAL SERUM:

This serum has been a wonderful addition to my routine. I love how my skin has improved since I began using it about a year ago. It's hydrating, firming and smoothing and it contains organic ingredients, it's all natural, free of toxins and vegan. I use it before my moisturizer and sunscreen and it leaves my skin really soft and smooth. I'm a big fan!
 

MURAD BACKHEAD AND PORE CLERING DUO:

I recently began using these products and they are amazing! I use them once a week and I've noticed a big difference in my skin. First you use the clay and leave in on for 10 minutes, rinse and apply the pore sealer. Easy! They tighten my pores and I've seen a big improvement in the quality of my skin too, feels like a facial. They're made with no Parabens, Sulfates and Phthalates. I will definitely continue to use them!

- post by Adri Reynoso

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My Morning Beauty Routine

This is a series called -  "Morning BEAUTY Routine" - it's all about what YOU put on your face every morning.  I, (Jen Ramos) featured myself in the first one, which you can read here.  So...today we have Tina from the beautiful blog, Life in Sketch.  This is a great way to learn about beauty products others are using & what they think of them!

Hi Everyone - happy 4th!!!! Tina here - while Jen is on vacation - I'm sharing my Morning Beauty Routine! I'm excited to be sharing my morning beauty routine with you today. I'm always on the go, so I like to keep it simple. I never wear a lot of makeup but when I started to write this post for Jen I realized I use more beauty products than I thought! The key for me is to feel pretty, and comfortable, without feeling like I just stepped out of a photo shoot.

Here's what I use:


Keihl's Ultra Facial Cleanser: I start every morning my washing my face with this Keihl's Ultra face wash. I've tried many facial cleansers in the past and many price ranges and this is the one that I feel nourishes my face and doesn't leave it too dry. I think it's because of the vitamin e and avocado oil. I also love that it's not too expensive ($10)!

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream: I'm an early riser but that doesn't mean I'm not tired in the morning! It takes me a little while to wake up and get my day started and this Ginzing eye cream gives me a little boost in the morning. It has a coffee bean and ginseng, so it really is caffeine for your eyes.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Liquid Moisturizer with SPF: I've noticed that my face is the most sensitive to sunlight. I can sit in the sun for hours and my arms, legs and shoulders are never affected by sunlight, but my face is a whole different story. Neutrogena healthy defense liquid moisturizer combines the SPF in it's moisturizer so I can skip the extra step of putting on sunscreen.

Smith's Rosebud Salve: Smith's is my little morning luxury! The rosebud flavor is subtle but soothing. It also gives me a little sheen without having to worry about lipstick when I'm on the go.

Bare Minerals Warmth Bronzer: I don't like wearing a ton of makeup, especially in the morning. This Bare Minerals bronzer is perfect for my skin, it gives my cheekbones a little color without feeling like I'm really wearing makeup.

Sephora Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner: Eyeliner is the one thing I never leave the house without. I feel like it makes me look "put together" and it takes seconds to put on. The rectractable waterproof eyeliner goes on smooth and I don't have to worry about smudges during the day.

Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara: I recently started using mascara on a regular basis. In the past I would only apply mascara at big events, or a night out but this mascara by Bare Minerals makes my lashes look so long - I love it! Like the eyeliner, it's quick to put on and requires no effort. Obviously my beauty routine is all about efficiently and simplicity!

- If you're a blogger & would love to participate this series, email us pics of your FAVE morning beauty facial products & a pic or two of yourself.  Pls send in a similar format as this post above. If we like what you sent, we will feature you!!

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