Tuesday Tip: Excellent Exfoliator

I've gotten out of the habit of exfoliating my skin the past couple of years...I think one day I ran out of whatever I was using and failed to purchase another exfoliator. Well, I have been missing out, in a MAJOR way! I had a 15% off coupon to Sephora burning a hole in my wallet last week, so off I went, I mean who doesn't use a coupon to Sephora?! I left with new foundation and powder for my makeup kit and 2 products for myself, the dry shampoo I blogged about last week and my new favorite exfoliator by Bliss, Pore Perfecting Facial Polish. This is a very gentle scrub and after using it I feel my face glowing...really! By removing old dead skin cells on top of your skin (by scrubbing) your skin will look younger because it then has a smooth even texture and a natural glow...so, whether you go pick up my favorite exfoliator from Sephora or find one at your local drug store get in the habit of using one 2-3 mornings a week...it's something I'm getting into a habit of again!

*Remember, scrubs for your face should be VERY gentle, rougher scrubs can be used for your body. If you are using a scrub that is too harsh it can actually enlarge pores, and we want to do the opposite.

Engagement Pictures

Click here to see my best friend's engagement pictures done by Benfield Photography a couple of weeks ago. The pictures turned out great despite the crazy Oklahoma weather that day...and the makeup looks fabulous. I used my usual Make Up For Ever Face and Body Liquid Foundation. I mixed 20 and 34 (two of my most popular colors). I love how her blush turned out, especially with the pink dress she wore...I used Nars blush because of how well it shows up. I loved the quarter lashes I used on her, it was my first time to do this rather than a full strip lash or flares...I LOVED the result! I will be stocking up on these! My favorite pics are the ones in the bookstore, such a fun and creative idea!

Tuesday Tip: Have Your Best Hair Day...With Little Effort

I'm going to be honest with you (as always), I'm a busy person, and not much of a morning person. So, that means there are some mornings that I simply don't have time to wash my hair (clearly I value my sleep). I've found a little something that is a life saver, well-hair saver, on mornings like that though. Dry shampoo. I remember reading an article about it years ago and thinking wow, what a great idea! But it was impossible to find at the time. A couple years ago I picked up a bottle of TIGI's Dirty Secret. I was hooked instantly. I had figured out a great way to save time and keep my hair looking fabulous! Dry shampoo is so easy to use, you simply spray it on your roots and fluff your hair. It gives your hair a fresh look rather than a drab second day oily look. There was one problem with my discovery though, I'm brunette, and I dye my hair so that it is darker than my natural color...most dry shampoos on the market have a slight white color to them, so they work great for blondes but not so great for brunettes. I found a way to make it blend, but it took more effort than dry shampoo should. Thankfully, Bumble and Bumble has looked out for ladies with all hair colors. Try their dry shampoo, now sold at Sephora (which means I picked up a bottle of my own this evening when I was there). It comes in white, blonde, brown and black....perfect! This is a pricey product, but oh so worth it. You can use it as a substitution for washing your hair, or as a way to add some volume and life to your hair at the end of the day before going out. So, whether you are busy with your job, school, kids, or life in general and need to save a few minutes you now know how to save time and still look great!

Tuesday Tip: Wear Sunscreen

Spring is here which means warmer temperatures and if you are like me you are getting out in the warm sunny weather as much as possible. Whether you are outdoors gardening, working out, driving with the windows down, or simply going about your everyday activities you NEED to wear sunscreen on your face! Sunscreen is a must YEAR round, but I realize that most people don't wear it all the time...so, now is the time to get in the habit. You can apply a moisturizer with sunscreen in the morning, a basic sunscreen before your moisturizer, or use a foundation that has sunscreen in it. Any of those options work. Make sure you are using something with SPF 15 or higher. Not only is skin cancer a risk when out in the sun, but also wrinkles...and hello, we do not want those on our faces before they have to be there! Another issue with too much sun--sunburns, which lead to red skin and peeling...red peeling skin and you wanting your makeup to look fabulous is not the best combo. Remember, if you are going to be by a pool, at the beach or sitting outside at an event all day you need to reapply...again and again. And, don't forget to put sunscreen on your neck...and the rest of your body for that matter. Remember, playing in the sun is fun, but too much sun can burn!

Tuesday Tip: Go Country

The Academy of Country Music Awards Sunday night was full of fabulous looks (along with some amazing singing of course)...the looks were SO fabulous that I think we should all go a little country.

How cute was Taylor Swift singing "Mean" I love the softer look of her makeup.

I LOVE Rhianna's makeup...I want to meet her makeup artist! She always has a fabulous glow and I loved her deep lip color and the red shadow on her eyes. It was so fun to see her perform with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles.

Martina's eye makeup was my obsession Sunday night, I LOVE her eyeliner, it looked like she used a liquid liner to get a cat eye look without being over the top, still very classic.

Carrie Underwood is always a favorite of mine, and while some of you are probably thinking I'm crazy for posting her with pink hair it was the whole punk/rocker look that I loved. From the hair and makeup to the dress and shoes, I couldn't get enough.