Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Beauty Blender: Worth the hype?

Up until about two weeks ago, I wrote off the Beauty Blender as an overprized, glorified sponge. One night while watching YouTube beauty gurus, I stumbled across a video by Wayne at gossmakeupartist. He has TONS of videos, and I can't even find it now! I believe it was one of his videos on foundations for dry skin. Anyhow, the point he made was that using a sponge such as the Beauty Blender is ideal for dry skin. When you use a brush to buff foundation on dry skin, the friction aggravates the dry patches and can worsen flaky areas. This made perfect sense to me. I almost always had areas on my face that looked flaky after using a brush to apply my foundation, even if my skin didn't look or feel particularly dry before applying makeup. I bought mine at Sephora with a 15% off coupon, but the Beauty Blender retails for $19.95. Yes, that is a hefty price for a sponge. I don't regret it for one second. Here's why.


Texture. This non-latex sponge is super soft and light. It is meant to be dampened with water before using and can be used with liquids, creams, and pressed or loose powders. I have only used this with liquid foundation, so I can't speak to how it performs with other consistencies. When you wet the sponge, it doubles in size. To apply foundation, you "bounce" or stipple the foundation across your skin with the dampened sponge. This makes foundation application a breeze! After you're done, you can sit the sponge on top of the container to dry. I'm not sure if that was intentional in the designing of the package, but it's suggested in the instructions and works out pretty well!

Shape. It's egg shape allows the sponge to reach all areas of the face, even areas around the nose or around the eyes when blending concealer.

Application. I am not exaggerating in the least when I say my foundation looks a million times better when I apply with the Beauty Blender versus a brush or my fingers. My skin looks like skin, but perfected. You don't notice the makeup on the skin. The material of the sponge blends out the makeup so well. I haven't had any issues with flaky patches since I've been using the Beauty Blender. I'm in love with this thing!

Drawbacks. There is no avoiding the fact that a sponge will soak up more foundation that a brush. I do have to use a tiny bit more foundation to get the same coverage I like with a brush. Water-based foundations will soak into the sponge more than silicone based foundations. I have also found that it takes quite a while for the sponge to completely dry. Even though I leave it out to dry on top of the container every morning, it still seems a bit damp when I'm ready to use it again the next day. Like brushes, the Beauty Blender needs to be cleaned often to prevent bacteria from spreading and causing breakouts. Some like to wash the sponge after every use. While this is certainly not a bad idea, I usually go a few more days between washing it. Your foundation may stain the sponge, so it may look a little dirty even when it's perfectly clean. And lastly, the cost. Twenty dollars is a lot to dish out for a sponge the size of a small egg.

The verdict.
In my opinion, the Beauty Blender is worth the money. I have never loved the way my foundation looked so natural but covered so well as much as I do when I use the Beauty Blender. If you've read my previous posts, you know that I struggle with dry/combo skin, so the fact that this sponge eliminates my flakey patches is huge.
For those who have pretty normal or oily skin, I still think the Beauty Blender is worth a try for the beautiful finish it gives. If you're not ready to commit $20, there are loads of reviews on BB dupes you can find on YouTube or beauty blogs. If you're makeup obsessed like me, go for the real deal. I love having this tool in my makeup collection!

What do you think? Have you tried the Beauty Blender? Found any great dupes? I want to know!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Curly Hair: How to Deal

I have fought a battle with my hair my entire life.

Exhibit A:
 

Kindergarten smile aside, this is how my hair looked 100% of the time. My poor mom had straight hair her whole life, so she had no idea what to do with a curly headed little girl! Those bangs, though.
I'm hoping it was an accident because....
 
Yikes.
 
So as things naturally go, it got worse before it got better. Middle School was a terrible time for my hair. I fought back with stronger weapons, parting it down the middle and wielding it into place with gel. I must have done a thorough job ridding our household of the pictures taken during this time, because I could not find a single one to show as proof. (You're not missing anything, except maybe a good laugh.) Apparently it was bad enough that my mom attempted to gently tell me I looked like a hot mess. She did her best to make me look less embarrassing in public, but she was unable to make much progress. It was a few more years before I taught myself how to use a round brush and blow dryer to smooth my hair into straight, silky locks.  
 
Slightly washed out, but you get the picture. No more lion's mane.
 
 
However, this post isn't about straightening your curls, but how to embrace them and make your curls look their best. (If you're interested in seeing how I straighten my hair, I can do a post about that too...let me know!) While it's perfectly fine to straighten your hair every now and again, it can open up a whole new world when you learn to manage your God-given texture. You'll save your hair from tons of damage, cut down on time styling your hair in the morning, and maybe clock in a few extra minutes of sleep!
 
I am going to share my favorite curly hair products and my best tips I have learned over the years. Some of the products I've mentioned before, but some are new discoveries. Disclaimer: I am no hairstylist or professional, these are just the techniques and products I have found work best for me. My hope is that some of these things will work for you too, and maybe you can come to love your hair's natural texture!
 
Let's Start with the products.


 
DevaCurl Light Defining Gel ($19) has been my favorite curly hair gel for years. I try other products all the time, but always come back to this one. I've never tried the Ultra Defining Gel, but I've been thinking about giving it a go when I run out of this one. I always get the best results when I use this gel. It smells so fresh and fruity, kind of like Sprite or 7UP. It's not sticky at all. I use about a half-dollar coin sized amount, starting at the ends of my hair and using what is leftover at the roots. Once I have that worked into my hair, I use a tiny bit more, maybe a dime-sized amount to scrunch my hair upside down. The DevaCurl website is also a great resource for curly girls. They have lots of how-to videos and tips on styling and caring for curly hair.
 
Not Your Mother's Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream ($6) is a great product you can find in most drugstores. This cream has a bit more hold than the DevaCurl Gel, and it gives you more defined ringlets. The only thing I don't like about this product is that the cream has a slight tackiness to it and can feel slightly heavy in the hair, but this helps give the cream the great hold it has. I've noticed that this one can be hard to find. I went to 3 or 4 different stores before I found it in stock at Ulta. Walmart carries the line as well.
 
Pantene Pro-V Curl Defining Mousse ($4) is another awesome drugstore find for curly hair. This non-sticky mouse defines my curls without feeling crunchy. It gives great volume (especially if used with a diffuser) and makes curls soft and bouncy. If you prefer a mousse, pick this one up next time you're at the store!
 
Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish ($29) is a new product I discovered about a week ago thanks to an awesome Sephora consultant. This spray is very light and airy, but don't be fooled. Dryspun delivers amazing volume and texture with a few quick sprays at the roots. I like to use it to mess up my hair a bit. It's the perfect product when your curls seem to be falling or looking a little limp. Be warned: you WILL love it, but it goes fast! Try to use as little as you can to get the look you're going for.
 
Other curly hair essentials:


 
Wide tooth comb
Diffuser (the bigger the better)
Hair oil (Your choice. I like Moroccanoil Treatment.)
Microfiber towel, Turkish Cotton towel, or Tshirt
Curling iron (A 1" curling iron matches my natural curl pattern, and I use a normal curling iron. Not a tapered wand.)
 
Now that you've got your favorite products, give these techniques a try.
Start in the shower. ALWAYS use conditioner. Dry hair=frizzy curls. If you have tangly hair, use a wide tooth come while you're in the shower. If you brush or comb your hair after you get out, you will break apart and straighten the hair's natural curl pattern. You can also begin scrunching your hair in the shower to encourage the curls before you even step out.
 
If you're going to wrap your hair in a turban, pick the right fabric. My hair holds a TON of water, so I get water everywhere when if I don't put my hair up in a towel after a shower. However, choosing the right fabric is so important!! The loops in the normal terry cloths used to make regular bath size towels can pull hair and rough up the hair's cuticle. This means frizz! Microfiber and Turkish cotton towels don't have the same loops. This allows the towel to help sop up extra water without snagging the hair. Tshirts are also perfect. (Obviously use a clean one). Just be careful to wrap the hair very loosely to minimize crushing the curls. If you're able to get away without wrapping your hair, that's even better.
 
Don't leave the turban in forever. Try to limit turban time to about 15 minutes. It's more difficult to work with curly hair that has dried too much than damp or wet hair. If it's a little too dry when you take it down, you can re-wet it with a spray bottle or leave in conditioner.
 
Be gentle when working the product through the hair. When you're working the product into the hair, start at the ends, being careful to not pull the curls straight. Once you've finished with that step, flip hair over and give it a good scrunching. I always like to use a tiny bit more product to scrunch upside down. Scrunching upside down gives the hair more volume and bounce.
 
Air drying is best. Some products work better when trying to air dry than others. The DevaCurl gel is the best product I've found when I know I'll be air drying my curls. The gel gets slightly crunchy while drying, but it's designed to work this way. The crunchiness helps hold the curl but disappears after a scrunch or two. The cream also works really well when air drying, but I've noticed the mousse tends to be a bit hard and crunchy if you don't use a diffuser.
 
A diffuser is a curly girl's best friend. If you don't have time to air dry your curls every day, a diffuser is a must have. I have found the bigger, the better. The one I am currently using is very wide and round. This allows the air to be diffused over a wider area so that the air is blowing with less force when the air hits your hair. Without a diffuser, the air can blow the curls out of shape and leave them looking a bit frizzy and crazy. I like to use a diffuser just long enough so that it's not dripping wet (about 3 minutes). I start by focusing on the ends, then flip my head over and scrunch lightly upside down. Slowly flip your hair back over, and lift the hair at the roots to get just a little more volume. Then don't touch! The more you touch the curls, the frizzier they will become. That is all I normally do to my hair when I wear it curly (starting from the first tip).
Note: It is totally worth the investment to find a hair dryer that comes with a diffuser attachment. I have tried "universal" diffusers, but without much luck. Most do not stay in place and shoot across the room as soon as your turn the dryer on. Save yourself the trouble and buy a dryer with a diffuser attachment.
 
Use a curling iron to tame the curls that have gone awry. It's bound to happen. A curl or two will go completely straight or look completely wacky. Leave about 1 1/2 inches of the ends out, and wrap the rest around the barrel of the iron for a few seconds. Leaving the ends out will create a more natural looking curl instead of a perfect ringlet that was obviously styled with hot tools.
 
A little oil can go a long way. After your hair has dried, a little oil on the ends can help manage frizz and make your hair look really healthy. Just don't overdo it. Too much will weigh down the curls and look greasy. No thanks!
 
Experiment. My curls are loose; some are spiral-shaped, and others are more S-shaped waves. Try different products and different techniques to see what works best for you. Air dry it one day, and try using a diffuser the next. Try twisting individual curls to create a tighter curl. Mix and match products, or don't use any products at all. There is no one way to style curly hair. Find what works best for you!
 
Hopefully you've found something helpful or a new product to try. I'd love to hear your favorite curly hair products and styling techniques! Let me know in the comments below!
 


Saturday, April 5, 2014

Spring Beauty Picks

It has been a ridiculously long time since I've been able to write a new post! After living away from home for a month for school and being out of town every weekend for the past two months, I am so happy to be posting again!

So, first things first. I need to mention Jackie, the owner of Rawwbeauty Makeup Artistry. Jackie is the makeup artist who did my friend Diana's makeup for her wedding. I totally forgot to credit her in my post for Bridesmaids makeup back in November. Sorry Jackie! Her work is seriously incredible. You can also follow her on Instagram at @rawwbeautymua. She has even started her own makeup line and is always adding new things to her line! Check her out!

Secondly, I want to say that Urban Decay has amazing customer service. I was having an issue with my Naked2 palette and sent a quick email one Friday afternoon. In less than 10 minutes, I had a real response from a real person...not just an automatic response. In less than 20 minutes from my original email, my problem was resolved, and they were replacing my palette with a new one. Thanks Urban Decay!! You guys are amazing.

Now, on to today's topic...Spring Beauty Picks! Spring and Summer are definitely my favorite seasons. I hate cold weather! I love being outside, and nothing's better than a day spent laying in the sun by the pool. Spring and Summer beauty trends are always my favorite. I love the focus on fresh skin, golden lids, and pretty, bright lips!

Face

 
      Fresh, glowing skin is in for Spring. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua is one of my all time favorites. I would describe this foundation as a light to medium coverage. It makes my skin look so healthy! If you're oily, I would suggest going by a Chanel counter for a sample. It might add just a little too much glow! I've used a brush and my fingers to apply this product, but I think I get the best results using my fingers. You can wear this without a powder, but I always set it with Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder.
      Clinique's new Cheek Pop powder blushes are SO good. And can we talk about the packaging?! I love the clear acrylic casing that shows off the flower imprinted powder! Peach Pop is the perfect shade for spring and summer. It leaves a pretty peachy flush with a hint of shimmer that highlights the cheekbones. Check this blush out ASAP.
      I believe I have mentioned this product before, but it's worth another mention. Benefit's Watts Up highlighter is my ideal highlighting shade. I believe the slightly golden undertone is more natural looking than light pink toned highlighters I have tried. I usually do a quick line across my cheekbones and blend in. You can also use it on the inner corners of the eyes. While I love the color, I do wish it was available in a powder form. Either way, I will definitely purchase a full size when I run out of this little guy.
 
 
Benefit Watts Up on top, Clinique Peach Pop on bottom
 
 
Lips
 
 
Tangerine lips are one of the biggest beauty trends this spring. I apologize for the horrible picture. It was really difficult to get the camera to pick up the true colors! Maybelline's Color Whisper in Orange Attitude looks super bright in the tube, but it's more sheer when applied. It leaves your lips looking stained from an orange popsicle. The texture is super light and feels really comfortable on the lips. The only downside is that the color doesn't last long, maybe three or four hours. The bolder option is one I talked about in this post. Revlon's Colorburst Matte Balm in Audacious was one of my favorites in my initial review, and I especially love it now that we are officially in the spring season. The shade has a little more pink than a true orange.
 
Revlon's Audacious on top, Maybelline Orange Attitude on bottom
 
 
Eyes
 


Gilded lids are the way to go. Urban Decay's Half Baked is my favorite gold eye shadow. It looks just like it does in the pan when applied to the lid. The shade pictured is from my Naked2 palette, but it is also in the original Naked palette and is available as a single eye shadow as well. Another option I recently discovered is a deeper, more coppery shade. Maybelline's Color Tattoo in Caramel Cool is gorgeous. I found this one at a Walgreen's, but haven't seen it anywhere else. I believe it is limited edition. If you can get your hands on it, you need it! Gold eye shadow looks pretty on its own, but you can also take it up a notch by blending a medium brown shade in the crease. Load up on mascara and you're good to go!
 
Urban Decay's Half Baked on top, Maybelline's Cool Caramel on bottom
 
 
Nails
 

 

I love my pastel nail polishes! From left to right: Formula X A Little Sexy, Essie Mint Candy Apple, Boom Boom Room, and Lilacism. A Little Sexy doesn't translate as well on camera, but it is a shade unlike any other I had in my collection. It's described as a "pearl light periwinkle". I love my blue nail polishes, and I was immediately drawn to this unique color. Take a look next time you're in Sephora. Mint Candy Apple is pretty much how it sounds...mint blue/green. Quite possibly my favorite nail color I own. Boom Boom Room is more of a bright pink than a pastel, but so perfect for spring. Lilacism is a pretty pastel purple. It's not as noticeable on the nails as the other shades, but it is still a perfect color for spring.
 
Fashion
 
 
I am completely obsessed with my new Vans! The Floral Authentic Lo Pros are so fun and girly. You can wear them with jeans, shorts, or even a cute sundress. You can't beat cute AND comfy shoes.
 
 
 
What are your must-haves for spring? Let me know what I'm missing out on!