Tuesday Tip: Be a Skinny Girl

As in Skinnygirl Cosmetics by Bethenny Frankel! You may know Bethenny from The Real Houswives of New York City, Bethenny Getting Married? or Bethenny Ever After. Or you may know her better because of her Skinnygirl Margarita. Bethenny is an accomplished business woman who has decided to venture into the world of cosmetics and I'm loving her being in it!

Skinnygirl Cosmetics are sold exclusively at Walmart, which means they are definitely affordable. I was drawn into the line by the cute packaging and of course her name (what can I say, I'm a huge Real Housewives fan). While the packaging is great I was more concerned about the actual product...and after trying a few different items I'm hooked and debating which product I will try next. The good news is that since they are priced so low it will be easy to try new products. Here are a few of my favs (so far...)

Plumping Lip Gloss (in peach)- We've all tried plumping lip glosses...some work, some don't....some make your lips so numb you can't feel them. Not the case here, the gloss makes your lips tingle a little, but nothing major. The gloss has a sheen to it, so the sheen mixed with the plumping action gives your lips a great pouty look...you'll be ready to walk the runway in a fashion show or in your everyday life!





Cleansing Facial Cloths- these face wipes are a-maz-ing...perfect for travel, keeping in your gym bag, or using instead of face wash on those nights when you are oh so tired and don't feel like going through the exhausting steps of actually washing your face. They have a faint cucumber scent which makes me feel like I'm stepping into a spa!

Face Solutions Kit- This fun kit includes a Detox Face Mask, Vitamin C Face Scrub and an Energizing Lip Gloss. I appreciated that both the mask and scrub left my face feeling refreshed and moisturized. So often with masks or scrubs you feel like your face has been robbed of all moisture. The lip gloss was a fun touch, I don't know how "energized" I felt, but it was a good clear gloss that wasn't too sticky and you can always use more than one of those, right?!




Tinted Moisturizer- This moisturizer really impressed me because it has a brush on the end, which helps with blending. For some reason I HATE using my fingers when applying foundation on myself, it weirds me out, so having the brush there was great. The moisturizer had enough coverage in it that it blended/evened out my skin tone...this is the perfect product if you want a little something on your face when you go for a run or to the gym, or if you don't wear a lot of makeup it will serve as a good base. It comes in different shades and has SPF, which you know is a must.

You can order these products online or get them at Walmart, from what I saw online prices range from about $5-$15 which means they are absolutely worth a try!

Images from walmart.com

Tuesday Tip: ALWAYS Wash Your Face

Excellent skin care is equally as important as fabulous makeup. Washing your face at the end of the day is a must...keeping makeup on through the night will dry out your skin and can cause blemishes...which we don't want! If you find a face wash you love then washing your face won't be such a chore (because when you are really tired and it's late it really does seem like a chore...trust me, I know). Here are 3 of my favorite face washes, yes 3, I'm convinced that if I only use one cleanser my skin becomes immune to it and I start breaking out or becoming oily (I think it's in my head, but you never know!). All can be purchased at your local drugstore or Ulta.

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Cream Cleanser....what's not to love, it's pink, smells like grapefruit and fights breakouts!





Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser...a gentle, basic cleanser. I feel refreshed every time I use it...and my skin really does look radiant after I use this.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Cleanser...this foaming cleanser feels amazing as it dissolves away makeup.

Remember to use an alcohol free toner and moisturizer/face cream after cleansing...I think I'm going to go wash my face now that it's on my mind....and tonight's cleanser choice? Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser.

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.

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!

Blizzard Blues

I'm not going to lie, this Oklahoma blizzard is starting to get me down. After a foot of snow the other day I woke up from a nap today to see MORE snow falling....please, tell me how can there be more?! I beginning to feel like I'm being held hostage by snow! So, when I looked at my tired face this morning that has a lack of life from being shut in the past few days I decided I needed a pick me up...immediately!



What I needed was a little Bliss in my life. One of my favorite products for a tired looking face is the Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask by Bliss.



This is basically their spa's famous Triple Oxygen Facial Treatment in a bottle. This product has a higher price point of $52, but it will last you a long time. All you need is a pump or two. The product looks like a gel when you pump it out, spread the gel on your face, do not rub it in, it will turn to a foam over the next 2-3 minutes, then simply rinse it off with water. When you look in the mirror your skin will look brighter and tighter, which means younger! I only recommend using this in the morning or before you go out for an event...after all, why would you need to have younger looking skin when you are falling asleep, you want the world to see it!



While I know those of you who are like me, snowed in, can't make it to a Sephora right now, you can order this fabulous product online and it will give you something to look forward to...in addition to the sun shining, temperatures rising and this snowy world melting away!

Tuesday Tip: Use an Eye Cream

If you are reading this blog then you need to be using an eye cream. I started using an eye cream at age 21 and as far as I'm concerned I should have started at 20...the skin around your eyes is thinner and dryer than the rest of the skin on your face. There is more wear and tear around the eyes, just think about when you tug on your eyes to apply eye makeup or remove it, or when you just rub your eyes because you are sleepy.

Using an eye cream keeps this delicate area hydrated. By using an eye cream at a young age you will be preventing wrinkles. As you get older and see fine lines and wrinkles you can switch to a more intense cream that will reduce the appearance of those lines. No matter what your age you need an eye cream. I promise once you get in the habit of using one you'll be hooked. Here are a few great options that will moisturize (I use eye cream at night year round, but in these extra cold months I apply it in the morning as well.)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream (this was my first eye cream to use)

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado (my current favorite)

Dermalogica Total Eye Care (great skin care line, can be bought at Sephora and some department stores)

When applying you only need a pea size amount, use your ring fingers to lightly apply the eye cream around your eyes. Start under the eyes and go around to the inner part of your eyebrows.

Tuesday Tip: Dry No More!

Need a quick fix for dry lips or a dry patch of skin on your face during these harsh winter months? Look no further than your pantry for a little ingredient I keep in my makeup kit for emergencies and use on myself from time to time...sugar. Simply spray or add a few drops of water to a spoonful or small amount of sugar so you create a scrub consistency. Then use a warm washcloth to dip in the sugar and buff your lips or dry patch. When you finish removing the dry skin apply lip balm or moisturizer. This is a quick fix, so if you are looking to exfoliate multiple times a week look for a GENTLE scrub. Harsh scrubs can enlarge pores, so steer clear of anything super rough that may feel like sandpaper on your face. Makeup looks so much better on smooth skin, so give your skin a scrub!

Tuesday Tip: Ban Blemishes

Why is it that blemishes always appear the week of an important event?! I mean no one ever wants a zit on their face, but they are slightly more tolerable when there isn't something important going on. So, here is a product I recommend to brides because there usually is one blemish that decides to show up the week before the wedding. Apply Neutrogena's Rapid Clear Sore Pimple Gel to your blemish, and overnight, or within 8 hours as the product says, your blemish will fade away. I'm not promising it will completely disappear, but it will definitely begin to fade away so that your concealer actually stands a chance to cover the remains of it!

Have you tried this or another similar product? Comment about it!

Makeup Shopping

I met a friend for dinner tonight and we decided to stop by the mall since I needed more Bobbi Brown Gel Liner (in Espresso of course) and she needed more Lancome mascara. Well, two items quickly turned into multiple items. I left the mall with my gel liner, a new Nars blush because I love their colors, and Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Caudalie is a great skin care line, and the Beauty Elixir can be applied before or after makeup to add radiance to skin, I plan to keep it in my purse to spritz on when I need a pick me up. This is sold in the bins by the registers at Sephora, and at $16 it's worth a try. I asked for a sample of Philosophy's Hope in a Jar before I left because who hasn't heard great reviews about it for years, so I'm trying it out and if it's worth your time I will let you know. If you are out shopping this weekend think about trying out a new blush to add a pop of color, finding a new skin care product, or simply asking for a sample of something you have been interested in so you can find out if you actually like it.

Tuesday Tip: Moisturize

Always apply moisturizer before you put on your base-whether it's foundation, concealer or powder. If you do not already do this you will be amazed at how much better your makeup goes on and looks. Be sure to use a lightweight moisturizer with SPF of at least 15. One moisturizer I love is Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer for year round use during the day.

Visit Neutrogena's website to learn more about the different products they have to offer. http://www.neutrogena.com/econsumer/ntg/index.view