So I decided to try something new: shaping my eyebrows with facial hair removal cream.
Disclaimer: before you apply any hair removal cream, always make sure you do a patch test 24-48 hours BEFORE applying hair removal cream to the entire section!
To shape my eyebrows, I followed the steps below:
1: created an outline of desired eyebrow using brow definer
2: applied thick layer of facial hair removal cream untidy hairs (above and below the outline)
3: let the removal cream sit for 3-4 minutes
4: tested small section to make sure removal cream was ready to be removed
5: used tweezers to pluck any stubborn hairs
Finished result:
1: filled in brows with the same brow definer
2: used spoolie brush to brush definer into brows for a more natural look
That’s it! I skipped concealer since my brows looked pretty clean without and overall, I loved the more natural look!
Products used:
Avon True Color Glimmersticks Brow Definer
Avon Skin So Soft Fresh & Smooth Sensitive Skin Facial Hair Removal Cream
Avon Pro Brow Brush w/ spoolie
Tweezers
Wet paper towels
Chapped and dry lips are one of the most uncomfortable feelings in the world. It seems like no matter how much you lick your lips or how much lip balm you apply, nothing works! Maybe it’s because you aren’t properly exfoliating! Each week, take 5 minutes to pamper yourself and apply this dry lips treatment for softer, fuller and healthier lips!
Self care is so crucial for happiness, confidence and peace of mind.
I usually do a lighter workout on Sunday’s and do a full body at-home exfoliation covering face, body and even my lips.
My lips have always been on the drier side but with my recent lifestyle changes, they’ve been extremely dry lately.
I’ve realized that since I’ve decided to become more healthier, my lips suffered the most. A natural response for me was to lick my lips while exercising. I’d probably lick them a minimum of 8-10 times while exercising. Because my lips were dry and dehydrated, I either licked more or applied A LOT of lip products because I just didn’t feel it working.
I formed darker marks around the corners of my mouth and the bottom of my lip. It was either a mixture of dead skin or the discoloration from licking my lips excessively. Plus, the bitter Chicago air only made it worse.
Not only were my lips dry but they began to accumulate hardened dead skin, skin tried to peel and my lip glosses looked horrible. Thankfully, I learned about lip care and since I’ve been following this method, my lips have lightened and feel so much healthier.
Are you battling dry lips? Many people don’t know why it happens so I decided to list some of the most common reasons behind dry lips to help you identify and prevent them.
Most Popular Reasons for Dry Lips:
Exposure – the skin on the lips is thinner than the rest of the face. Dry winter air and sun exposure sucks the moisture out of the skin with the lips taking the most damage.
Dehydration – many people do not drink enough water or eat enough fruits and veggies which contain high water content.
Licking – licking lips is a natural reaction when the lips feel dry; however, the moisture from the saliva is only temporary which causes you to lick your lips more frequently — drawing out moisture.
Medications/illness – some illnesses cause lips to either dry or discolor as well as the medications used to treat certain illnesses.
Irritating foods – citrus and other acidic foods, salty foods and spicy foods are known to be very drying.
How does exfoliating help get rid of dry lips?
The skin normally “turns over” or sheds once every 28 days or so. This means, as the days go on, unless you are properly exfoliating, the dead skin sits on top; therefore, preventing or lessening the absorption of the moisturizers you apply.
If your lip balm doesn’t appear to be working or you still suffer with chapped or dry lips, you want to make sure you exfoliate. Remember to be gentle!
Do not over-exfoliate. Only exfoliate once per week and at night. By removing the top layer of skin, your lips become more sensitive. Let them heal while you sleep.
Steps to get rid of dry lips:
Step 1: pick your exfoliator.
You can either make a lip exfoliator or purchase a premade exfoliator. I make an exfoliator using one parts sugar to one parts extra virgin olive oil. You can use regular olive oil if you have it available. I’ve also heard of others substituting the sugar for salt; however, I hardly use sugar and this gives me a reason to use the big bag I purchased. Plus, sugar is a natural exfoliator.
Add the ingredients in a bowl and stir until you create a paste.
Optional: add 1/2 – 1 raw honey to the mix.
Step 2: rub the exfoliator in gentle circles (may also use soft-bristle toothbrush). You do not want to over-exfoliate or rub the lips raw. Exfoliate for no more than 1 minute.
Step 3: wipe off with warm water using a towel, warm water directly from the faucet or a damp paper towel. Do not rub the lips. Simply pat off the scrub.
Step 4: apply hydrating lip balm. Soon after you finish removing the exfoliator, apply your lip balm of choice to lock in moisture and prevent further damage.
Step 5:Â apply a BOMB lip gloss (optional for you but non-negotiable for me). In this pic, I’m wearing the new Crave Lip Gloss in Strawberry Glaze. the new lip gloss is scented, tinted, infused with Vitamin E (which is great for lips) and it’s very long-lasting without being sticky!
If you are repairing your dry lips, apply the hydrating lip balm liberally. You may need to apply several times a day so apply as needed. Make sure you apply before heading outside to prevent further damage.
My favorite treatments for dry lips and chapped lips:
After exfoliating, I like to use Beyond Color Lip Conditioner. It has retinol and collagen to help your lips feel smooth, plumper and decrease dryness. Because it contains retinol, I only use at night (when I exfoliate) or if my lips feel dry at night, I’ll also apply. You can also use the lip conditioner underneath your lipstick which I’d highly suggest if the formula is very drying or matte finish.
During the day, I use Moisture Therapy Intensive Healing & Repair Moisturizing LipTreatment Balm (this stuff is AMAZING). It only costs $2 but so worth it! It’s long lasting and contains Hydraboost Technology which mimics the skin’s natural defense to protect during the day and seal in water to prevent degression dehydration. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin — unscented and no flavor to irritate the skin. I use this every day and whenever I have the urge to lick.
Using the steps above, my lips are nice and smooth which makes my lipsticks and lip gloss look nearly perfect — no peeling skin, flaky, rough patches or uneven coverage!
Have you heard? I have a beauty group now dedicated to giving daily tips, beauty hacks, skin care tips and inspiration! Want to be part of The Beautiful Tribe? Click here to join the Facebook group to connect with other beauty lovers, get helpful advice and share your passion!
Hey Beauties!
I placed an order online last week and either it was a blessing in a disguise or I was still in a holiday shopping daze, but somehow I ended up with two new eye liner pencils that I can’t recall ordering.
Of course, I had to share this with SOMEBODY!
New Colorful Pencil Eye Liners:
Bad Lighting in this Pic; Smoky Grey is accurate but Teal Sparkle is a little off
Pencil eye liner swatch:
Eye Liner Swatch
I feel so ashamed to say this but lately, I’ve really just been perfecting my face *** too lazy or always running late so I don’t have time for eyeshadow ***
Of course, I love colors and feel as though they are an excellent way to express yourself and even your mood.
With that being said, I decided to add a pop of color in my waterline.
Note: personally, I prefer the teal/greenish blue as it’s more colorful and really shows up well on my skin; however, the grey is perfect if you were thinking of using a black liner and don’t want it to appear too harsh.
Look at the difference it made:
Natalie Butler
Because there was SOME color near my eyes, it actually made it look as though I was wearing a subtle neutral eye when in fact, I had only applied translucent powder on my lid to help absorb the excess oil. I’ve noticed by doing this, it really helps me get a more polished look — quite professional, I may say *insert laughing emoji here *
More info on the eye liner pencils:
There are three different retractable eye liner formulas:
The Smoky Grey belongs to the True Color Glimmersticks Waterproof Eye Liner. The eye liners are available in four shades: Brown Chocolate (I use this to fill in my brows); Midnight Blue; Smoky Grey and Blackest Black.
The Teal Sparkle is from the True Color Glimmersticks Diamond Eye Liner collection. These eye liners have a sparkling finish and comes in the following shades: Twilight Sparkle; Black Ice; Smoky Diamond; Teal Sparkle; Brown Sugar and Sugar Plum.
Not shown in this review: True Color Glimmersticks Eye Liner (not waterproof). It is available in seven different shades: Majestic Plum; Starry Night Blue; Emerald; Blackened Green; Saturn Grey; Blackest Black and Cosmic Brown.Â
Verdict: now I can officially say that I have tried each formula (Original – Not Waterproof; Waterproof; and Diamonds). Each formula has “true color” in the name meaning the color you see online or in brochure is the color you get. Since switching to this new true color technology, I have not once been surprised by the color I’ve received. Also, each eye liner glides on effortlessly which is great for beginners, those of us with shaking hands and anyone who doesn’t constantly like pulling and tugging on their eyes. The color payoff is great, just look at the pigmentation. It’s freezing outside and I’m pretty sure my hands can use some TLC but the liners went on without any effort. And the price?!?!? Absolutely insane value! It’s currently on sale for $2.99 (reg. $7 — worth every penny) but usually, they have a great sale going on. Definite must-have in my book!
Avon True Color For the Love of Makeup Artist Palette does not officially hit the brochures until Campaign 23, 2016; however, I was able to get my hands on this palette ahead of time and wanted to share my results with you — hence, the “preview” description. Though it doesn’t pop up in brochures for another 2-4 weeks, depending on where you’re located, it is exclusively available online right now! In the video above, I show the colors upfront. For today’s fall inspired look, I decided to use the new For the Love of Makeup Artist Palette (pics shown below).
This palette includes:
• 30 Eyeshadows (18 shimmer/metallic and 12 matte)
• 5 Lip Glosses
• 3 Powder Blushes
• 2 Powder Highlighters
• 1 Powder Contour
• 1 Dual-Ended Eye Applicator
• 1 Lip Applicator
• 1 Cheek Applicator
• Palette measures 4 3/4″ L x 7 1/2″ W x 3/4″ H
Overall: I’m very pleased with this palette. It’s very affordable — 41 products for $19.99. The creamy metallic eyeshadows are very smooth and easy to blend. The color payoff is good in relation to the price. My only concern is the light shade of contour. For women with darker complexions, this may not be one of the products that you use but still, a great product for the price.
Products used from the For the Love of Makeup Artists Palette to create this look:
Fawn Contour
Bronze Highlight
Pearl Highlight
Peach Glow (blush)
Plum Radiance (blush)
Ginger Matte (eyeshadow)
Amethyst Metallic (eyeshadow)
Wine Shimmer (eyeshadow)
Rose Metallic (eyeshadow)
Gunmetal Shimmer (eyeshadow)
While on the Avon site, I noticed the metallic eyeshadows are on sale for $3.99! They go on like butter 🙂 If you’re only interested in getting the metallic shades, hurry. They’re limited time offer. Eyeshadows available in shades:
Avon Brochure – Avon Campaign 18 2016 available online from 8/5/16 – 8/19/2016. Campaign 18 is here and LOOK!!! AVON’S REDESIGNED IT’S POPULAR SKIN SO SOFT LINE!!! The fragrance Signature Silk is now known as Radiant Moisture but the other names remain the same. This campaign has so much to offer: introduction of the Supreme Nourishment Triple Phase Body Oil, Far Away Infinity, and Musk+. Don’t miss out on these awesome deals! Click here to begin shopping.
Avon Brochure – Avon Campaign 17 2016 available online from 7/22/16 – 8/5/16 . Campaign 17 is here and LOOK!!! AVON’S REDESIGNED IT’S POPULAR SKIN SO SOFT LINE!!! The fragrance Signature Silk is now known as Radiant Moisture but the other names remain the same. This campaign has so much to offer: introduction of the Supreme Nourishment Triple Phase Body Oil, Far Away Infinity, and Musk+. Don’t miss out on these awesome deals! Click here to begin shopping.
I can’t believe I haven’t done a review on Magix Face Perfector! OMG! This is seriously one of my staple products. I’ve included a before and after just so you can see why. In the before picture, I have absolutely nothing on my face (not even moisturizer). I simply washed my face and was ready to face the world.
Product Description:
“Upgraded formula! Is it makeup? No, it’s MagiX! It’s exclusive HD Finish Complex provides the “magic” in this colorless skin-perfector.
A revolutionary colorless gel-to-powder formula provides invisible coverage for a naturally flawless finish and keeps skin looking naturally matte for 7 full hours. The “magic” behind magiX is Avon’s patent-pending High Definition Finish Complex, an exclusive complex that works to counteract shine and visibly smooth the look of fine lines and pores! The Face Perfector can be used as a primer, but also can be used on its own to blur away and imperfections. The colorless primer is perfect for all day wear and fights the look of oily shine, it also has SPF 20 to help keep your skin healthy and glowing.
BENEFITS
• Dermatologist-tested
• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic
• Smooth, glowing and radiant skin!
• SPF 20
• Contains a blend of Fleece Flower and Rose Extract
• Formulated with patent-pending HD Finish Complex for a photo ready look
• Instantly hides the look of uneven skin texture
• Keeps skin looking naturally matte for 7 full hours
• Contains fleece flower and rose extracts
• Reduces the appearance of pores
• Suitable for all skin tones
• Sleek new packaging”
Why did I choose this face primer?
I wasn’t looking for a flawless finish. Honestly, I just wanted a face primer that could blur some of the discoloration and make me look more well-groomed without so much makeup. I was in Jamaica and I knew that I would engage in water activities. I didn’t want to look like my face was melting when I got out of the pool due to makeup but I also knew that I didn’t want to look like the undead in photos. I also wanted a sunscreen as I knew we’d spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun. My goal was to create a quick and easy makeup non-makeup look.
Before Picture: As you can see, I have slight discoloration in the middle of my cheek. I’m not sure if it’s acne scars, hormones, bad eating habits or what but it forms almost a square or makeup even a star (depending on who’s interpretation).
After Picture:Â I applied the MagiX Face Perfector (face primer) and mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cubes All Over Face Palette. No foundation and no concealer at all!
Viola! That was it! Quick and simple easy makeup look.
What’s my skin type?
I used to have dry skin but as I’ve gotten older, I have combination skin. The T-zone is usually oil and dry around the cheeks.
Do I have sensitive skin?
My skin is very sensitive. I easily breakout and it seems like I’m allergic to life! I have more discoloration on my cheek from cellphone use.
How does it feel?
The face primer is like a gel to powder so it’s very light and airy. It’s non-greasy and absorbs easily into the skin. It doesn’t feel heavy once applied and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth.
How much does the face primer costs?
Normally, it retails for $12.00 but currently on sale for $8.00.
How long have I used this product?
Edited: at the time of this review: or about four months but only underneath my foundation. This was the first time using the product alone. As of February 24, 2018, it is still my go-to face primer! I refuse to use anything else!
HAVE YOU HEARD? I HAVE A BEAUTY GROUP NOW DEDICATED TO GIVING DAILY TIPS, BEAUTY HACKS, SKIN CARE TIPS AND INSPIRATION! WANT TO BE PART OF THE BEAUTIFUL TRIBE? CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP TO CONNECT WITH OTHER BEAUTY LOVERS, GET HELPFUL ADVICE AND SHARE YOUR PASSION!
Avon MagiX Face Perfector Before (Left) and After (Right)I can’t believe I haven’t done a review on Avon’s Magix Face Perfector! OMG! This is seriously one of my staple products. I’ve included a before and after just so you can see why. In the before picture, I have absolutely nothing on my face (not even moisturizer). I simply washed my face and was ready to face the world.
Avon Product Description:
“Upgraded formula! Is it makeup? No, it’s MagiX! Avon’s exclusive HD Finish Complex provides the “magic” in this colorless skin-perfector.
A revolutionary colorless gel-to-powder formula provides invisible coverage for a naturally flawless finish and keeps skin looking naturally matte for 7 full hours. The “magic” behind magiX is Avon’s patent-pending High Definition Finish Complex, an exclusive complex that works to counteract shine and visibly smooth the look of fine lines and pores! The Face Perfector can be used as a primer, but also can be used on its own to blur away and imperfections. The colorless primer is perfect for all day wear and fights the look of oily shine, it also has SPF 20 to help keep your skin healthy and glowing.
BENEFITS
• Dermatologist-tested
• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic
• Smooth, glowing and radiant skin!
• SPF 20
• Contains a blend of Fleece Flower and Rose Extract
• Formulated with patent-pending HD Finish Complex for a photo ready look
• Instantly hides the look of uneven skin texture
• Keeps skin looking naturally matte for 7 full hours
• Contains fleece flower and rose extracts
• Reduces the appearance of pores
• Suitable for all skin tones
• Sleek new packaging”
Why did I choose this product?
I wasn’t looking for a flawless finish. Honestly, I just wanted something that could blur some of the discoloration and make me look more well-groomed without so much makeup. I was in Jamaica and I knew that I would engage in water activities. I didn’t want to look like my face was melting when I got out of the pool due to makeup but I also knew that I didn’t want to look like the undead in photos. I also wanted a sunscreen as I knew we’d spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun. My goal was to create a quick and easy makeup non-makeup look.
Before Picture: As you can see, I have slight discoloration in the middle of my cheek. I’m not sure if it’s acne scars, hormones, bad eating habits or what but it forms almost a square or makeup even a star (depending on who’s interpretation).
After Picture:Â I applied the MagiX Face Perfector and mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cubes All Over Face Palette. No foundation and no concealer at all!
Viola! That was it! Quick and simple easy makeup look.
What’s my skin type?
I used to have dry skin but as I’ve gotten older, I have combination skin. The T-zone is usually oil and dry around the cheeks.
Do I have sensitive skin?
My skin is very sensitive. I easily breakout and it seems like I’m allergic to life! I have more discoloration on my cheek from cellphone use.
How does it feel?
It’s a gel to powder so it’s very light and airy. It’s non-greasy and absorbs easily into the skin. It doesn’t feel heavy once applied and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth.
How much does it costs?
Normally, it retails for $11.00 but currently on sale for $6.99.
How long have I used this product?
For about four months but only underneath my foundation. This was the first time using the product alone.
Not sure which mascara to buy? Find out which mascara is right for you. Check out this Avon Mascara Guide that details all of Avon’s recent mascaras to determine which is best for you and learn which are waterproof.
I’m officially back in the United States and wanted to share with you my no makeup, tanned look. To create this look, I simply used Magix Face Perfector, defined my brows, Big & Multiplied mascara, and the mark. shimmer cubes. That’s it! No Foundation! No blush! No eyeshadow! I wanted to stick with very light makeup as we’d be out in the sun for the most part and in the water, I didn’t want to look like the undead after rising. I really concentrated on my cheeks and lightly dusted over my t-zone area. Pics below!
Original post:
Guess who’s going to Jamaica next week?!?! I am!!! Yep, that’s right! A week in Jamaica. Unfortunately, due to this harsh Chicago winter air, I haven’t had time to get a nice bronzy glow so I’m going to fake it until I make it in Jamaica. I decided to purchase mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes All Over Face Palette. The palette is available in two shades: Pearly Glow and Coral Glow. I decided to purchase Coral Glow as I wasn’t sure about the pigmentation showing well on my skin tone.
You can combine all shades for a nice all over bronzy glow or dab each shade individually with your finger. To check the consistency and pigmentation, I swatched each of the shimmer cubes with my finger tips. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of effort required to pick up a good amount of product. The formula felt as if a light cream. It wasn’t too heavy and I wouldn’t have any problem wearing throughout the day. I’ve never used any cream-to-powder formulas before so I thought it would dry a little heavy. To my surprise, it didn’t! I can definitely see myself wearing this face palette everyday in the summer. It can be worn alone or used to highlight or used as a bronzer. I tried blending all shades together and applied with a Kabuki brush and it looked great! It almost looked as if I had on a shimmering foundation. My skin looked nice and radiant!
mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes All Over Face Palette
