My Top 5 Favorite Drug Store Products

drug store products

While I believe that certain products are best used from higher quality brands, there is still no doubt that you can find a great dupe at a lower price. I mostly use drug store products for my daily makeup because I run out of products so quickly that the cost makes it a lot easier to stock back up on products.

1. Revlon Colorstay Foundation * About $10
Foundation really is my number one believed product to splurge on, however I have found the best drug store product that really works just as good on me. This product gives a medium coverage but it can be applied for a heavier coverage if needed. I love that it contains SPF because I can get away with skipping my sunscreen step if I am in a hurry to leave. I don’t use primer on myself daily yet the foundation seems to last the entire day.

2. L’oreal Voluminous Mascara * About $6
A great reason to not splurge on expensive mascaras is that you should be throwing them out about every 3 months. Mascara is a very personal product, but I have always used and loved Voluminous. I already have length but definitely need the volume and this always makes a great look on days I don’t wear falsies.

3. Wet N Wild Megalast Lipstick * About $3
I will admit I was skeptical before trying this product until I finally gave in. I was surprised at how opaque the color payoff was and loved certain colors’ matte finish. It didn’t dry my lips out or flake off which was definitely a plus. I was also able to find certain MAC dupes that I was excited about!

4. L’oreal HIP Gel Liner * About $8
I have tried so many different types of liners since my signature look is a winged look. I stumbled upon this product when the HIP line first came out and was impressed at how well the finish was. The only con to it is that you have to work quick because it dries fast! However, I love that when it does dry, it is a true black.

5. Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain * About $9
For more natural looks or daily wear, I tend to like a flush of color on my lips. I’ve tried Maybeline’s lip stains but they would always wear off so quickly. I decided to give lip stains another try with Revlon and can say that the color lasted me a few hours. They have such a wide variety from light pinks to dark reds that come in handy on night’s out to dinner or for quick applications.

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Update

Sorry for the lack of updates! I have been extremely busy with school and work. Just a heads up, I have some really great projects to announce really soon and can’t wait to get some new posts and looks up! :)

Take care xo

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Airbrush Makeup

Airbrush makeup is one of my favorite things to work with when my clients have a special event to attend. I don’t think many people really know what airbrush is, how it works, or what the benefits of it really are.

Here is the rundown of what it is:
“Airbrush makeup has become more popular with the on-vent of high-definition video and television (HD). Traditional powder or liquid based make-up can settle and appear in pores and wrinkles and be visible on HD film. As the makeup is sprayed on, it connects with the skin as millions of droplets of formula. The formula can create an even, sheer, natural appearance to the skin that, if applied properly for a natural look, can appear natural and non-heavy like traditional makeup. Airbrush makeup wears longer than traditional powder or liquid foundation, able to stay put upwards of 12-24 hours. Airbrush makeup is also available for eye shadow, blush, eyebrows and lips and can be layered, shaded, highlighted and contoured. Application wise, the technique is more sanitary than traditional makeup application due the artist never having to touch the skin and it is also a faster application.”

The Benefits of Airbrush Makeup

– Custom blended foundation colors
– Creates a flawless complexion
– Lasts all day & night
– Water-based & hypoallergenic
– Alcohol & oil free
– Sweat, smear & tear resistant
– Photographs beautifully

This is ESPECIALLY great for brides, bridesmaids, stage performers, photo shoots, sets, and so much more. It will literally NOT budge. It’s one of my go-to choices for myself personally as well!

Here is an example of airbrush with one of my most recent clients (who has allowed me to use her photos):

BEFORE:

After Airbrush application:
Airbrush makeup artist

Airbrush Makeup

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Chicken Salad for Healthy Meal Ideas

healthy lunch

I wanted to share my meal idea for the day. I did my usually running routine and afterward indulged in a freshly made chicken salad with lots and lots of water to drink!

It was the same idea as the last chicken I cooked. I added lemon and pepper for flavor and cut up onions, parsley, and mushrooms as well to mix in with it. I simply added lettuce and cilantro to make it into a salad and topped it off with vinegar dressing.

The big jug of water has slices of orange, grapefruit, and lemon to add flavor to my water.

It was delicious! Can’t wait to share more healthy ideas for those of you who are also into a healthier lifestyle!

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How to Camouflage “Bettie” Bangs

bettie bangs hairstyle

The one tutorial I have always searched for were ideas on how to style my hair WHILE I had bangs but did not want to wear them down. Without much luck, I have tried to create my own personal way to wear my bangs when I wanted yet not have them out when I don’t. This is a rundown on how I do it!

FIRST: I always start while my hair is wet. As soon as I am out of the shower, I make a section on the side of my hair and brush down both sides of my hair to “blend” into my natural long hair. Let this air dry (unless you prefer blow dry).

SECOND: When my hair is completely dry, I usually grab my hair from the back of my head and flip it OVER and pretty much cover where the bangs are noticeably shorter than my regular hair and it “hides” them and also gives it more volume.

THIRD: To further blend it in, I use my straightener to “flip” my hair out and style. I then hair spray everything down to make sure no stray hairs come out.

In the photo, I twisted my hair and secured it with little elastic bands to give more style to my hair.

Hope this helps someone who can’t stand to style their bangs everyday! :)

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Simple Meal Idea For a Healthier YOU!

healthy meals

As you know, I have been two weeks deep into regaining my good habits of eating healthy and regular exercise. I have being doing extremely well and dropped from 123 to 120! I still have some way to go for my ultimate weight loss goal, however, what it most important to me is reviving those healthy habits I once swore by! It’s tough not to indulge into sweets and heavy foods but the reward is knowing that I can be the best I am able to be by filling myself up with loads of vitamins, nutrients, and other essentials to benefit my body and energy level.

The plate above is just a sample of what I make for myself at home when I can (yes, the food I make for myself happens to always look that pretty! haha, it helps me WANT to eat what I made! :P ). I cooked brown rice with chicken that I soaked in lemon juice and pepper. I topped it off with rosemary and some olives. On the side, I had some baba ganoush with a sliced lemon for extra flavor and a nice tall glass of water! It was actually really delicious.

If anyone has any meal ideas or any useful websites for some easy to make dishes, please do share! :) I must go force myself to get off this couch and get back into my running routine! xo

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SEND ME PHOTOS OF YOUR RED HAIR!

…That you achieved by the help of my blog and/or tutorials/advice!

I would LOVE to see and since it is one of the main topics I get, I know you all must have some! :)
I plan to post your photos on one of my upcoming blog entries.

SEND AWAY! Email me them at redhairphotos@yahoo.com

<3

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Murad Refreshing Cleanser Review

murad review

As most of you may know, I am currently in school to (in a few months) be a licensed Aesthetician. With that, it has been a journey in discovering new skin care products as well as learning how important it is to use a product for YOUR skin type. I have combination skin and was given the chance to try some left over product from our products used at school. I was lucky enough to grab this because it has made such a difference in the texture and overall health of my skin.

Prior to this, I was using basic Clean and Clear cleansers to simply remove my makeup and such. Often, this left me feeling extra dry and my face had that “tight” feeling after I would cleanse. What the Murad product has done for me, and what it states it does as well, has been hydrating my skin with the Hawaiian White Ginger Extract. It also enhances skin’s smoothness with Algae extracts, which I have completely noticed.

I’ve been using this cleanser for over a month now and my skin has finally found a balance with itself. Not too dry or too oil and it feels extremely smooth and great. I usually like to use this cleanser with my Clarisonic about 2-3 times a week as well.

Would this work great for every skin type? Probably not. It really depends on the condition of your skin and such. What may work great for me may not for you, but it is definitely worth a try if you have combination skin and feel as if other cleansers are too harsh on your skin. Murad has other cleansers as well to look into if you have a different skin type.

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Motivational Rules to Getting Healthy

I am about a week in of my goal to get fit, but most importantly, healthy. I have been running everyday from anywhere between 20-35 minutes, slowly building myself up to eventually last an hour! I have always generally ate healthy and loved exercise, but I began slacking and catching myself re-developing bad habits that I had gotten rid of throughout the years.

When you feel good on the inside, you look great on the outside! As you may or may not know, sometimes skin problems and such are due to what is actually happening inside your body and I want to make sure everything is working great to its full potential.

Here are some inspiring words :)

spa week

I hope everyone else is up for this somewhat life changing type of goal or already into it!
I would love to hear about some meal ideas or some great workout tips!

Good luck and be healthy!

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SALE – MAC, Bobbi Brown, Makeup Forever, Urban Decay, Too Faced and more!

This sale is too good to not mention! There are amazing brands that are currently on sale and I thought I would share :)

Seriously, MAC lashes and eyebrow pencils all under $10! So much other brands such as Clinique and so on. I would love to know if anyone has ended up purchasing anything!

Free shipping on orders over $75!

The sale is located at:

http://www.allcosmeticswholesale.com/category/acw.sale/

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with this site. Just want to spread the word on a great sale! :)

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