YAY or NAY Beauty Products

March Beauty Favorites

Hi peoples! I just put up my favorite beauty products video for march on my youtube channel! I talk about a newly discovered lipgloss that I love, a few skincare products I don't want to live without, and a spring nail color I am loving. So take a few minutes and watch the video below. 

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KATY PERRY inspired makeup tutorial

Hello Peeps! I recently watched Katy Perry's movie and I was inspired by her bright, happy looks! Here's a makeup tutorial inspired by one of her many looks. Imagine blue eyes and the right tint of blue hair… ha

PRODUCTS
Salma Hayek- Eye Cream and Daytime Moisturizer
Neutrogena- Healthy Skin foundation
Rimmel- pressed powder
Merle Norman- hot pink blush
Wet n Wild- Pop Art~ Eye Expressions pallet
L.A. Colors- liquid eyeliner
Black Wood Organic- black pencil eyeliner
E.L.F.- black, gold, brown eyeshadows
Loreal- Voluminous False Fiber Lashes
Estee Lauder- artist's lip pencil in Pink Writer 01
Shantou Heng Fang- Lip Stick Balm in 134

NEW YEARS glitter eye makeup tutorial

Hi girls! So obviously New Years is quite over. But I forgot to show you guys this tutorial until now. At least you'll be way ahead for next year's look! When I filmed this, the sound got off somehow. Sorry about that ;)

SKIN CARE : Anti Aging GREEK YOGURT FACE MASK

Thanks for stopping in today! I wanted to do a skincare post, because I've been pretty obsessive with it lately :)

We're going to talk about the benefits of Greek yogurt! It is amazing for beautifying purposes, because the protein it contains has the ability to repair skin cells, which in the long run can prevent aging skin, hair and nails. When Greek yogurt is used in homemade skincare remedies it can actually help cleanse, nourish and repair skin because yogurt contains lactic acid and enzymes, which are essential for beautiful skin! In short, use this mask to repair your skin! Here's how....

Refrigerate / SHELF LIFE 1 week

Optional ingredients to add: honey, coconut oil

Let me know how this mask works for you! xo

BEAUTY SERIES : A Dark Lip For Fall

It's time we finally accepted the fact that summer is over and fall is here. The nude matte lip is gone, but can you guess what is in it's place? Maybe I'll just go ahead and tell you... 

I just think the red lip is so classic and even though it's on trend, it always seems to be in the rest of the time too. Let me know what beauty trends you are loving right now!

XO steph

SKIN CARE : MOISTURIZER

I was curious when the Mary-Kate cosmetic seller told me that I needed to start using skin care, including moisturizer. This confused my because for one thing, I thought that having oily skin meant that i didn't need to moisturize, and secondly I was afraid to breakout even more than I had been. I didn't know that there are different moisturizers for different skin types, whether for dry, oily, sensitive, or combination.

Moisturizing is vital for lasting elasticity and smooth skin, especially as you age. It's never too soon to start moisturizing your face, okay well at least when you get to be in your teens. 

Tips for anti-aging

Researchers have discovered Matrixyl to almost double the production of collagen. So make sure to check out the ingredients before purchasing your moisturizer!

It has also been discovered that SPF can help avoid 20% of aging, when applied once a day. I love to incorporate it in my skin routine by mixing it in with my cream or foundation.

Application

It is always best to cleanse your skin thoroughly and then apply your cream while your skin is still damp; this helps the moisturizer to soak in deeply.

Excellent Buys
AVEENO ST. IVES KISS MY FACE 

[Note, there are a lot more expensive products you can try, but I wanted to show you affordable moisturizers that do the job well]

BEAUTY SERIES | How To Apply Eyeshadow

I've found eyeshadow to be a necessary part of my make up routine everyday. I feel like it helps so much in enhancing my eye shape and color. There is a lot of different things to keep in mind, such as what eyeshadow shades are best for different eye colors, what brushes to use when applying, and how to do different looks, and some random tips I've learned over the years.

source unknown

Let's talk what colors to use

It is best to stick to the eyeshadow shades that compliment your skin tone and eye shade, and remember the time of day you are shopping for and the venue you will be at will greatly influence your eyeshadow color choice. 

Day Time: It is best to target the lighter and neutral shades.

Evening: This is the time suited for experimenting as you can typically get away with stronger shades and bolder colors.

I have brown eyes, and what's nice is that brown eyes can get away with wearing almost any color of eyeshadow. If you want to really make them pop then try either green eyeshadow or pink eyeshadow. With brown eyes, you can also use blue/purple eyeshadow, and if you have gold flecks in your eyes you may want to try an eyeshadow that has a gold shimmer to it. Brown eyes can even pull-off wearing brown eyeshadow, but be careful because certain tones can look muddy against your beautiful brown eyes.

If you have blue eyes, you'll want to go after golden browns, browns with a slight purple base, taupe, and slate colored grays. Have some fun with it. Try a nice rose colored eyeshadow. The coolness from the pink/purple eyeshadow will be a really nice contrast to your blue eyes. 

For you green eyed girls, go after those purple shades that will really make them pop! If you want your eyes to stand out but look more natural, you may want to try warmer mocha brown shades or warm colors with slight orange undertones. Basic eyeshadow colors for green eyes would be earth tones with slight hints of gold, taupe colors, mocha browns, and lavender-purple shades. Since most green and hazel eyes has a variety of flecks, feel free to experiment with these colors so you can find the perfect one for your eyes.

The most important thing here is, don't overdue it. Less is more. Blending is key. 

Eyeshadow now comes in many styles and finishes. It is available in creams, powders, liquid and pencils. There's so much out there, that I would just try out different things and see what works best for you.

It can be frosted; matte, glitter, shimmer and some are specifically designed for drier or older skin. Many manufactures now produce eyeshadow compacts with coordinated shades of eyeshadow, typically including a light, medium and dark shade. 

The ever-changing trends and fashion statements have lead us to see a rise in the use of intense eyeshadow colors. Experimenting with these intense colors on your eyes can be fun. You can test eye shadow colors on the back of your hand or your inner wrist. I've realized though, that while you can grab inspiration from runway or fashion trends, sometimes it's just not meant to be worn for normal day. 

Eyeshadow application will vary greatly from person to person due to eye shape, skin types and the effect you are after, although there are a few principle points on applying eyeshadow. Light shades will generally open and highlight the eyes, giving the eyes a larger look. Dark shades will add depth and dimension, while making the eyes look smaller

To start you should grab the following items of make up

Eyeshadow (light, medium, and dark shades that suit your complexion and eye color)

Makeup Brushes (E.L.F. or SIGMA has some amazing brushes that will do a great job in blending!)

Eyeliner

Mascara

Makeup remover

It is best if you start this process as you would with your normal makeup application, by applying your usual foundation and face powder.

Begin by applying a light color from lash line to brows. Shades of ivory, beige, peach or pink are common, but other light tones can work well. Then apply a medium shade from lash line to crease. Finally, accent the crease of the eyelid with the darkest shade. Blend with a soft brush to avoid removing your eye shadow or smudging. You can apply eyeliner along the lash line and use mascara to accent your eye lashes if you like. Eye makeup remover or a damp cloth can remove smudges. Some people opt to do their eye shadow and other eye makeup before applying foundation and other makeup to allow mistakes to be tidied up more easily.

And ta da! You've now learned the basics of applying eyeshadow! If you want more technical or labor intensive (haha!) tutorials, check out youtube. There are thousands of videos there to help you out.

HOW TO APPLY EYESHADOW

How to apply eyeshadow is potentially a problematic area for many women as part of their daily makeup routine.

Perhaps the biggest problem is the learning curve involved to understand how to apply eyeshadow to best enhance your eyes and make them a feature of your desired look. 

The key is applying your eyeshadow to make your eyes the focal point not the area around them. For a better understanding on what eyeshadow is best to suit the individual needs you should pop down to a makeup counter. Most of these make up counters in department stores offer a free makeup consultation on the products you're a looking for.

It is best to stick to the eyeshadow shades that complimen

t your skin tone and eye shade, and remember the time of day you are shopping for and the venue you will be at will greatly influence your eyeshadow color choice.

Day Time: It is best to target the lighter and neutral shades.

Evening: This is the time suited for experimenting as you can typically get away with stronger shades and bolder colors.

Time spent early on practicing how to apply eyeshadow to create your perfect results for both the day and night looks will make your application quic

ker for your daily routine.

Eyeshadow now comes in many styles and finishes. It is available in creams, powders, liquid and pencils.

It can be frosted; matte, glitter, shimmer and some are specifically designed for drier or older skin. Many manufactures now produce eyeshadow compacts with coordinated shades of eyeshadow, typically including a light, medium and dark shade. 

The ever-changing trends and fashion statements have lead us to see a rise in the use of intense eyeshadow colors. Experimenting with these intense colors on your eyes can be fun. You can test eye shadow colors on the back of your hand or y

our inner wrist, but do keep in mind that the way a color looks in the store may not be the way it looks on your eyes or in natural light due to the shop lighting effecting colors.

Eyeshadow application will vary greatly from person to person due to eye shape, skin types and the effect you are after, although there are a few principle points on applying eyeshadow. Light shades will generally open and highlight the eyes, giving the eyes a larger look. Dark shades will add depth and dimension, while making the eyes look smaller

Learning how to apply eyeshadow is going to be down to trial and error to start, while you learn what works and does not.

To start you should grab the following items of make up.

Eyeshadow (light, medium, and dark shades that suit your complexion)
Mirror
Makeup Brushes
EyelinerMascara
Makeup remover

It is best if you start this process as you would with your normal makeup application, by applying your usual foundation and face

 powder

Begin by applying a light color from lash line to brows. Shades of ivory, beige, peach or pink are common, but other light tones can work well. Then apply a medium shade from lash line to crease. Finally, accent the crease of the eyelid with the darkest shade. Blend with a soft brush to avoid removing your eye shadow or smudging. You can apply eyeliner along the lash line and use mascara to accent your eye lashes if you like. Eye makeup remover or a damp cloth can remove smudges. Some people opt to do their eye shadow and other eye makeup before applying foundation and other makeup to allow mistakes to be tidied up more easily.

We all have trouble with breakouts one time or another. Stress or too much sugar causes my face to breakout. How can i eat sugar to help me when I stress out, without having the difficulty of horrible looking skin? Well stop struggling and read these tips for healing those annoying blemishes! Source

DIY Acne Spot Treatments

"Try these three time-tested, do-it-yourself solutions and watch your blemishes vanish."

HONEY

The sweetest skin treatment of the bunch, honey has been used medicinally for thousands of years, dating back to 2500 BC! Noted for its strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, the amber nectar is great at killing off infectious bacteria in and around zits. Dab a pea-sized amount of raw, unprocessed, and unheated honey (available at any health-food store) over your blemish and leave it on for 15 minutes. Repeat this for a few days.

ASPIRIN

While aspirin is primarily taken internally, it’s also a topical acne powerhouse. Known scientifically as acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin’s chemical makeup is incredibly similar to the world’s most popular pimple zapper: Salicylic acid. Topical aspirin works to reduce the swelling and redness that come with a large pimple or cyst. Mash up one uncoated aspirin with a couple of drops of water until you form a thin, viscous paste. Apply the mixture to problem areas for five to 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

TEA TREE OIL

Like honey, the oil extracted from tea tree leaves is known for its incredible antibacterial properties. This powerful concentration helps diminish inflammation and scarring, and is known for its heavy, eucalyptus-like aroma. Since the oil is so potent, dilute pure tea tree oil with Witch Hazel (mix 10% oil with 90% toner). Apply on pimples with a cotton swab nightly.

25 Makeup Tips to Look Younger

 

Stay Away From Dark Lipstick

"As we age, our lips thin. Super dark lipstick on skinny lips isn't attractive. Your best lipstick bet is the shade closest to your natural lip color or if you like color, rosy reds. Orange lipsticks tend to be aging, but pinks are not. If your lips have thinned or are super wrinkly, play up your eyes instead. A bit of lip gloss makes lips appear plumper.

Not sure what color works for you? Hit the department store counter along with a friend you trust. Try on many colors with the help of a counter person and you'll figure out quickly what shades flatter your skin tone. 

 

 

Try Eye Pencils Instead of Liquid Liners

Eye pencils are softer than liquid liners, which can be harsh on aging eyes. To soften the line even more, smudge it with your fingers or use an angled makeup brush dipped in dark shadow as a smudge-y eyeliner. Don't line the inside of the eye if you have small eyes, it makes the eye appear smaller.

 

 

Make Your Eyes the Center of Attention

Enhance your eye color with eyeshadow shades that will make your eyes pop. For brown or hazel eyes, golds and browns are gorgeous. Blue eyes look great with blue-gray and lighter browns and dark eyes look fantastic with dark shades.

 

 

7 Tips for Concealing Crow's Feet (aka "Laugh Lines")

People start developing crow's feet around the eyes in their 30s. I consider my own "laughing lines" and believe they are a sign of a good life. I hope to develop many more as I grow older. But not everyone loves crow's feet. You can freeze them with Botox or fill them in with fillers (read more about these in Hollywood Secrets to Looking Younger), but there are few other non-invasive ways to conceal them or diminish the signs of them.
Find out how in How to Conceal Crow's Feet.

 

 

Don't Overdo Your Makeup

Less is more when it comes to makeup as you age. You don't want to pile on the foundation, the eyeliner and the heavy lipstick. Instead, you want to use tinted moisturizers and a lighter touch with the shadow and lipstick. Oh, and you might want to get some bangs.

 

 

Adopt a Great Skincare Routine

The key to looking younger than you is to get your skin in tip-top shape. A good skincare routine will create the illusion of youthfulness. You shouldn't just cleanse and moisturize your skin, you should also exfoliate weekly and consider antioxidants or Vitamin A products. Super hydrating masks can do wonders to mature skin (see my list of the Best Face Masks). And if you really want to get rid of those wrinkles, you might consider lasers, Botox or fillers.

 

 

How to Conceal Sagging Skin

As we age, we may begin to notice a big change taking place under the chin. And I'm not talking about excessive growth of chin hairs. You may develop a turkey wattle or you might what you consider a double chin. Either way, you might want to conceal it. You could see a plastic surgeon and have lipo under your chin or a facelift, but if you don't want to spend the cash or endure surgery, there are inexpensive ways to conceal sagging skin and a crepe-y neck.

 

 

How to Conceal Droopy Eyelids Without Surgery

Drooping eyelids are another natural part of the aging process but there's no need to invest in eyelid surgery. You can spend thousands on an eyelift or you can try these beauty tips that cost nothing. Find out how in How to Conceal Droopy Eyelids Without Surgery.

 

 

Thinning or Bushy Eyebrows

I'm a stickler for good brows and am known for making my friends let me tweeze theirs. Keeping your brows done nicely is like having a facelift without surgery, according to author Charla Krupp's brow guy. Here are some tips for perfect brows:

• Get your brows professionally done. Nothing opens eyes up like curled lashes and neat brows. If you can't afford waxing or threading every few weeks, use the professional's job as a map for your own tweezing. Simply pluck the stray hairs that grow in between professional tweezing or waxing. How to pluck your own brows.
• Drawn-in brows are a no-no. You know the pencil-thin line you see some of your friends or women in your town wear? Well, they only age you and they're somewhat tacky. Learn how to properly fill in sparse brows.
• Avoid tweezing gray brow hairs. Instead, conceal them with a brow powder or pencil.

 

 

Thinning Lips

Personally, I love a thin lip. I read somewhere once that it's a sign of intelligence. As we age, our lips lose some of their fat. Here's how to plump up thin lips.

• Picking the right lip color is a must. Makeup artist Bobbi Brown suggests skipping the bright colors and opt for a color that's just a shade or 2 darker than your natural lip color. Check out 16 Lipstick Tricks and Tips.
• As you age, your natural lip line fades. Create a lip line by coloring in lips first with a lip liner, then apply gloss or lipstick over the liner.
• Consider getting rid of lipstick and using lip gloss instead. Gloss creates the illusion of puffed-up lips, especially when applied to the middle of lips.
• Lip plumpers do work, but the effects don't last long (we're talking under an hour). So skip the plumpers and save your money. Even Vaseline on lips will make them appear larger."
  
  
  

  Guest Post By Julyne Derrick. Actress Susan Sarandon. Photo Source

  
  

  
  

  Hope this helped you guys!

  xo Stephanie

  
  

THE TEA GARDEN lip balm collection

 

 Such amazing eye candy!

 

My favorite of the day is this product that Lemon Citrus has for sale. A set of lip balms all colored up for each scent. They have three other beautiful lip balm sets which equal this product as perfect Christmas gifts! Buy now on ETSY

Makeup Mascara for Autumn 

Today's makeup learning session is from beauty-tips.net

Changing your makeup style with the seasons is just as natural as changing your wardrobe, and mascara is no exception. As cooler weather approaches and you exchange your light summer wardrobe for fall colors and fabrics, your makeup choices should also reflect the change in seasons. Because mascara should be replaced every three months or so, changing your mascara with the seasons seems like a natural choice. Here are a few tips for choosing the right mascara for the autumn season.

Autumn is when we start to transition from the light, rosy natural makeup shades of summer to cooler shades. Many of us are still glowing from a summer of fun in the sun, and makeup colors should reflect that, with mascara complimenting not only the eyes but the shades as well. The emphasis on eyelashes changes at this time from light to long and thick.

When you’re shopping for new mascara for fall, remember that it’s not necessarily the mascara that will give you the look that you want, but the type of wand you use. If you’re aim is to make your eyelashes fuller, opt for a wand with a fuller brush, while a small brush will help you reach the corners of your eyes, and an eyelash comb will help separate the lashes and prevent clumping.

Because the eye colors typically change from light to darker colors, mascara colors should compliment the shade of eye shadow. Recently, autumn makeup trends have pointed towards a smoky grey look for eyes, so black mascara should be used in this case. Smoky eyes are always a great dramatic feature for evening, but you may wish to keep a warmer look for daytime, especially if you’re fair of skin and hair. Brown mascara makes a perfect compliment for brown based eye shadows and will help complete your fall look.

Read more: Mascara for Autumn | Beauty & Makeup Tips