Product Rave: Exfoliant

Hello beauties,

I have stumbled upon a great product that I would love to share! 

Many of you have been loyal readers and clients and have heard me talk about how important exfoliation is as a part of your skincare routine!

That being said, I am always trying new exfoliants, scrubs and at home remedies. The other day I was wandering around Target on my day off... because I hadn't been in a while and figured, why not check it out.. 

To my surprise, their makeup and skincare has dramatically increased! I was really impressed and totally engrossed in those aisles for a good 40 minutes!

Amongst all the fun new products, I came across this great exfoliant from Pacifica. 

For those of you not familiar with the brand, Pacifica is a beauty brand that is known for their sustainable and natural ingredients. That's pretty awesome!

They are also vegan and cruelty free. 

Again, awesome!

Here's the Exfoliant: 

Glow Baby Youthful Face Scrub
$14

photo c/o pacifica.com

It's packed with lots of beautiful natural ingredients that not only help to get rid of dead skin cells, but also support and hydrate your skin. Formulated with ingredients like Flax, Rose Hip, and Walnut-- this product is heaven on your skin.

While I was reading the ingredients in the store, I was a bit skeptical of the walnut shells-- afraid this scrub might be too abrasive, but as it turns out it's very gentle! They are so finely ground, that it's similar to sugar granules. 

 How to use: 

It's simple. Just like any other exfoliant, you want to wash your face first. Take a small amount between your fingers and with gentle hands, apply in tiny circular motions. I usually massage this into the skin for a minute or two before rinsing with warm water. 

Be sure to hydrate with moisturizer or serum immediately after. 

photo c/o pacifica.com 

Finding an exfoliant that is affordable, natural and works extremely well is so important! I was very pleased with this product and had to share with all of you.

I love finding products that are made well, work well and try to do good for the environment! Pacifica is one of those brands that deeply cares for our planet and tries to minimize their footprint by having no manufacturing waste and is sure to work with suppliers that share their vision.

As an added perk, Pacifica is made in the USA and a portion of the proceeds goes to Support Clean Water.

It just makes me love this company so much more! 

After trying this product, and seeing the quality, I'm definitely going to purchase more of their items for myself and my kit.


So give it a try! Let me know how it works out for you!

Valentine's Day In..

Valentine's Day is here! 

I love this holiday! Even though many may refer to it as a "greeting card holiday," and refuse to celebrate or think it's silly, I think it's a great chance to remind yourself of all the loved ones in your life! It's an opportunity to show your appreciation and love for them. <3  

Not to mention, I LOVE champagne, flowers, chocolate in heart shaped boxes and pretty much everything the commercialized holiday has to offer! 

Lucky us, this holiday falls on a Sunday this year, so no rushing from work to dinner plans. Most of you will have the day to relax and maybe even start the holiday from bed (get your head out of the gutter :)) you know, good old fashioned breakfast in bed :) 

With that, I leave you with some simple beauty tricks to feel your absolute best in the laziest way possible. 

WIN WIN!

1.) Wear something nice to bed..

Clothing is powerful. 

Ever put on an outfit and just feel better about yourself? Feel like you can take on whatever the day throws at you?? Well, this is an easy way to wake up feeling good from the get go. Maybe the night before you slip into that nighty that makes you feel special, or that cute/cozy pajama set you got for your birthday! 

Here are some cute and fun options for the occasion.. 

Victoria's Secret Afterhours Satin Pajama

$74.50

photo c/o victoriassecret.com

How could I resist this adorable lip print pajama! They are warm, cozy and adorable for the occasion. they also come in a variety of fun patterns. 

Looking for something less conservative? 

Victoria's Secret Angel Sleep Slip

$29.50-$32.50

 photo c/o victoriassecret.com

I'm kind of obsessed with this one. Still sexy but a little more modest, comfortable and cute with an assortment of patterns. 

2.) Illuminating Skin Cream/Serum

Plan on spending the day in? That doesn't mean you should neglect all beauty routine! You can still get "dolled up" for the occasion :) Start with applying an illuminating skin cream/serum. There are so many to choose from! These illuminating products are great for hydrating the skin (especially after a long night's rest), and often have light reflecting particles to help brighten darker areas -- which in result makes your skin appear extra luminous and healthy. 

One of my current faves.. 

Nars Optimal Brightening Concentrate

$74

photo c/o Nars.com

I've been using this for a few months now and I really like it. This serum makes my skin look and feel luminous, bright and youthful. 

3.) Don't forget about your pout... 

You can't forget about your lips! Even if you do plan on staying in, be sure to apply a hydrating balm so those lips are kissable. Here are my favorite low key items...

Rosebud Salve

$6

photo c/o sephora.com

A cult classic for good reason. This stuff is the best in the market! For hydrated lips with a kissable finish, this is your go to product. They now offer this product in a tube form which is much easier for travel. Coming in a variety of flavors and scents, you can find the perfect match-- try the peppermint for a morning burst of freshness and energy. 

Looking for a hint of color? 

Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint

$24

photo c/o tartecosmetics.com

I've talked about these sticks before-- I LOVE them! They are quick to apply, super hydrating and these particular ones add a sheer wash of color. Perfect for that, "I woke up like this," pout. 

4.) Body Oil 

Give your skin a boost of moisture and a little glow first thing in the morning. Applying a body oil is a great way to achieve that. These quick absorbing oils penetrate the skin to lock in moisture all while giving a nice sheen-- which makes your skin look healthy and radiant. 

A great one to try... 

Moroccan Dry Body Oil 

$48

photo c/o Moroccanoil.com

This body oil is so luxurious, quickly absorbing into the skin it's full of antioxidants which allow your skin to become healthier and brighter. 

5.) RELAX!

If you are lucky enough to have the day inside with a loved one, just enjoy your time with them and relax! Honestly one of the best beauty tricks in the book :)

Hope everyone has a fun Valentine's Day with those they love! Be sure to share if you try any of these beauty routines, would love to hear your thoughts! 

Winter Hair Tips

Oh winter. 

Your cold, blustery wind. 

My wet hair is no match for you... 

I never want to leave the house with wet hair this time of year, but I also don't necessarily want to blow dry my hair every day.

So here are some styling tips for this cold season

Invest in a shower cap.

Really.
We've all heard that you shouldn't wash your hair everyday as to not strip the natural oils. This is especially important during these drier months. I've tied my hair up in a bun while I shower, but it still manages to get soaked. Using a shower cap saves you time, energy and your blowout.

Dry Shampoo is your friend. 

It's actually one of my BEST friends..
I love dry shampoo. While I do experience a drier scalp, my hair can get greasy because it's so fine. A great way to utilize this product is actually at night. If I know I'm not going to wash my hair the next morning, I spray the product in my hair before bed. The longer it has to permeate the hair, the better job it does. Of course this isn't totally necessary. You can apply it before you do your makeup and then shake it out right before styling (or not styling :)) your hair.

My favorite: 

Photo c/o Ulta.com
Batiste Dry Shampoo
$7.99 (often on sale for $5.99!) 
It works like a charm and it's super affordable.

Overnight styling... 

Braiding, sponge rollers, twists..
These are all great options for going to bed with wet hair. After the shower I usually towel dry so it's not sopping wet, add some product and then let it air dry a little. Once it's partially dry, I'll either braid it, or add rollers so that I can wake up to effortless waves with no heat styling. I look a little silly at bedtime, but luckily my husband doesn't mind :)

Use a hydrating mask. 

Another key tip for keeping your hair healthy is to hydrate! Same as your skin :) With the dry climate, wind, blow outs, and dry heat in your building, you're losing a lot of moisture in your hair. My current obsession has been with the product line Lanza.
A stylist friend of mine is an educator for the company and turned me onto their line about a year ago and I've never looked back! My hair is super shiny, healthy and soft.

My Favorite: 

photo c/o Lanza.com

Moi Moi Hair Mask

You can find Lanza retailers on their website, HERE. 

I hope this post was helpful for you on your venture to healthy winter hair! Hopefully these tips will help you to survive the rest of this chilly season. 

Picking the right Foundation

Foundation is JUST as it's named: It is the foundation of your makeup. 

So make sure it's done right! 

Here are a few things to keep in mind about foundation...

Picking the right foundation. 

There are SO many different types of foundations on the market-- so it can be a little confusing when it comes time to find one that works for you. I feel like there is a big misconception about foundation floating around..
Many women I meet tend to associate "thick, cakey and heavy" when they think about foundation. This is SO far off! 

What makes your foundation cakey? Improper application, using the wrong type for your skin, not properly preparing the skin, and using too much product. 

First things first, let's figure out the basics. 
There are 2 main things you need to determine before hitting the store... 

1. Skin Type

In order to find the right foundation, you need to determine what type of skin you have-- this will make for an easy and seamless application. 

OILY SKIN
If you have oily skin all over (not just the T-zone), you may want to investigate trying powder foundations. I am not a huge fan of powder foundations, I love working with liquids/creams, so go with your preference.
Try these...

SAVE with Neutrogena's Skin Clearing Mineral Powder

Use this alone on your skin for a light coverage foundation-- You can buff it into the skin with a brush (my preferred technique), or use a sponge. OR use at after applying a liquid foundation to keep shine at bay :) 

 $12 @Neutrogena

 SPEND Clinique Super Powder Double Face Makeup
This powder foundation gives Moderate to Full coverage.
$22 (not bad!) @Clinique

SPEND Makeup Forever Mat Velvet
If you prefer to use a liquid foundation-- try this mattifying one from Makeup Forever. If you have oily skin, this blends seamlessly and keeps shine away! Provides a Fuller coverage.
$36 @Sephora


DRY SKIN
If your skin has a hard time retaining moisture, or if you experience flakiness, and tight skin, you should stick to foundations that are hydrating! Liquids, creams, tinted moisturizers..

SAVE Cover Girl Smoothers Foundation
Medium coverage foundation that is hydrating and lightweight.
$6.94 @Target

SPEND Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer
Lightweight, super hydrating tinted moisturizer-- made with skin conditioning jojoba oil, so it glides on seamlessly and hydrates the skin. Sheer coverage.
$42 @Bobbi Brown

SPEND Smashbox Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation

This medium to full coverage foundation is hydrating and still build able! 

$42 @Smashbox

COMBINATION SKIN
This is probably the majority of the population. If you get oily on the cheeks or down the T-Zone, but still have some dryness on other areas of the face-- you are combination! For combination skin, you may want to stick to a light liquid or cream foundation.

SAVE Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation
This is a lightweight liquid that gives medium coverage. It controls the oily areas but is hydrating enough for your dry patches.
$10 @Target

SPEND Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation
This has great build able coverage- from medium to Full-- but still feels light on the skin. Great for most skin types.
$42 @Sephora


NORMAL SKIN
You don't have much discoloration, or dryness, or oil production-- then you have that annoyingly perfect skin :) If you even need to wear foundation, I would stick with a light tinted moisturizer, bb cream or sheer foundation.

SAVE Garnier BB Cream

For someone that needs minimal coverage-- this is PERFECT. Incredibly lightweight, minimal coverage and protects your skin from the sun :) 

$11 @Target

SPEND Dr. Jart BB Cream
I love this product! It's incredibly lightweight, and multi tasking! It's a very sheer wash of color to even out your tone, but also works to keep skin hydrated.
$34 @Sephora

SPEND Makeup Forever Face & Body Liquid Foundation
This is probably my favorite foundation! I've used it for years, I LOVE it! It is so incredibly sheer, but still build able. So if you need more coverage in one area of the face, it can handle it, without caking up! Works on most skin types (especially normal and dry), leaves a hydrated dewy finish.
$40 @Sephora


SENSITIVE SKIN
If your skin is very fragile-- prone to itching or burning when using products-- I would highly suggest going the au natural route. Try using organic products that won't hurt your skin. Figure out if you cater to the dry or oily side so you can find the right foundation.

SAVE Cover Girl Nature Luxe Silk Foundation

Lightweight and pulling natural resources-- oil and fragrance free-- Offers Medium to Full coverage. It's worth a shot! 

$10 @Target

SPEND Bare Minerals Original Foundation
This stuff provides medium to full coverage. I would highly suggest it if you cater to the oily side. It's composed of crushed minerals and is free of any fragrance, preservatives and other potential skin irritants.
$27 @Ulta

SPEND Tarte BB Tinted Primer

This BB Tinted Primer is great for those with sensitive skin who want a light coverage that also smoothes the skin-- this product line also offers a wide range of products that are free of mineral oil, fragrances, and other chemicals. Feel free to try their foundations and cream blushes! 

$34 @Tarte Cosmetics

SPLURGE Jane Iredale Mineral Liquid Foundation

This is a Medium to Full coverage foundation that reflects light and looks luminescent. It is on the pricey side, but a little goes a long way. This is another mineral based foundation that is easy on the skin. 

$50 @Jane Iredale

2. Coverage
The second part to finding the right foundation is deciding on the type of coverage you want. This is important! As I mentioned before, many women automatically think-- foundation=heavy.
NOT the case at all! 
Once you determine your skin type, and you have really taken the time to get to know your skin-- figure out what you want to cover and how much needs to be covered. Always remember you can do a quick wash of foundation and then go back in with correctors/concealers to cover any additional blemishes/discoloration.

LIGHT TO NO COVERAGE
For the girl that doesn't want people to know she's even wearing makeup-- try a BB cream. These creams are super lightweight and have less coverage than a tinted moisturizer. They feel light and fresh and if you're just looking for a quick way to even out your skin-- this is it!
Remember...
Garnier BB Cream
Dr. Jart BB Cream
Makeup Forever Face & Body

LIGHT COVERAGE
You don't want to feel like you're wearing makeup, but you don't necessarily want to LOOK like you're not wearing makeup-- try a tinted moisturizer or a super sheer foundation.
Remember...
Tarte BB Tinted Primer
Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer
Makeup Forever Face & Body (yes, again, it's build able coverage!)
Neutragena Skin Clearing Mineral Powder

MEDIUM COVERAGE
If you prefer a little more coverage than a sheer foundation can provide, you may want to try a foundation that promotes medium coverage. This will have a little more pigment-- less layering is needed to get the coverage you want.
Remember...
Covergirl Smoothers Foundation
Clinique Super Powder Double Face Makeup
Jane Iredale Mineral Liquid
Revlon Colorstay
Covergirl Nature Luxe Foundation


FULL COVERAGE
If you prefer a full cover of foundation you don't have to expect it to be super heavy or cakey! There are so many fabulous lines of foundations now a days that cater to those that prefer a fuller cover foundation, without all the baggage!
Remember...
Makeup Forever HD
Makeup Forever Mat Velvet
Bare Minerals
Smashbox Studio Skin Hydrating Foundation


Here are some other things to consider when thinking about foundation: 
*Good makeup starts with good skin-- so take care of it!
*Skin Prep can drastically change the outcome of your makeup--Read more about it HERE!
*Find the type of application that works best for you, i.e.: brush, hands, puff, sponge, etc.


Best of luck! 
xoxo Jen

Proper Skin Prep

I always tell my clients, Good makeup starts with Good skincare.

Seen in one of my first blog posts HERE. 

It's true! 

If you neglect your skin or don't properly prep the skin, applying makeup can be extremely difficult and sometimes almost impossible!

Before I put any makeup on my client's face, I make sure their skin is prepped.

Why is this important? 

It assures a smoother makeup application, long lasting makeup, and an all over better looking application.

So while you're taking care of your body and skin, be sure to follow these tips on how to prep your skin for makeup :) 

Here's how I prepare the skin for all my clients, listing some favorite products along the way.

Step One: Moisturize

I think I've written that word 600 X's on this blog! It is so important to make sure the skin is properly hydrated before applying makeup. I actually make sure to moisturize the face until it feels dewy/moist.

  YES! 

No matter if you're oily, or dry, I make sure the client's skin feels moist to the touch.

Here are a couple moisturizers I favor: 

For oily skin clients: 

Mario Badescu Oil Free moisturizer

Retails at $20

(You can purchase it HERE)

I enjoy using this Mario Badescu Oil Free moisturizer. This line is incredibly affordable and has products for EVERY need! You can even fill out a skin survey HERE to try some new products. Plus, they give away samples with every purchase :)

For Dry Skin client's (or combination with dry patches):

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

Retails at $16-$28

(You can purchase it HERE)

I love this Embryolisse moisturizer. It is incredibly hydrating and a little bit goes a long way.

*Additional tip:

 I usually do the eye makeup first-- so after I hydrate the skin, I'll do the eye makeup, and then re-access the skin-- so I'll gently feel the skin and if there is still some dryness (if the skin is really dry in some areas, it can absorb into the skin quickly), I'll re-apply some moisturizer where needed and then finish the face prep. *

Step Two: Lip Balm

Your lips need love too! Be sure to apply a hydrating balm onto the lips so that when you go to apply a lipstick/gloss, it is a smooth application. If you have chapped lips, be sure to take a little sugar and a warm washcloth and gently rub off the dead skin. Then follow with balm/chapstick.

One of my favorite balms is the Rosebud Salve.

Retails at around $6

*You can get it in it's original cute tin, or they now make tubes!*

(You can purchase it HERE)

This has been around forever and is a favorite amongst artists and makeup mavens :) Not to mention, it is multifunctional! It can be used for your dry feet and elbows :)

Step Three: Eye Primer

I will almost always use an eye primer. Its purpose is to even out the tone on your lid, create a solid base for the eye shadow for even color, and to prevent product from creasing.

It is GREAT.

A little goes a long way, so take a tiny dab and apply a thin layer evenly on your lid with your finger, a brush or a sponge.

Here are a couple favorites that work remarkably well!

Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion

Retails at $20

*also comes in a variety of shades! I love the understated shimmer I get with SIN!*

(You can purchase it HERE)

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Retails at $18

(You can purchase it HERE)

Step Four: Primer

I apply a primer after I've done the first 3 steps and have done the eye makeup. If the face is no longer dewy and moist, after the eye makeup is finished, I'll apply some more moisturizer where needed and then apply the primer.

A primer is used to create an even base for makeup. It is generally silicone based, which helps makeup adhere and prevent it from moving around too much. It also helps the products to wear all day long! I like using primers (especially for a full face makeup application) because it kind of creates a barrier between your skin and the makeup.

You can apply this with your fingers, a sponge, or a brush.

Some primers I love: 

Smashbox photo Finish primer.

Retails from $17-$49

(You can purchase it HERE)

This is a great universal primer for any skin type. Smashbox has a collection of different types for different purposes-- all of which are great! For example, they have some for color correction (redness, blue undertones), hydrating, and even one with an SPF!

Laura gellar makeup spackle:

Retails at $27

(You can purchase it HERE)

I feel like this primer is very hydrating- It works on all skin types, but if someone is extremely dry-or if I'm doing makeup on more mature skin, I'll use this.

Extra Step: If you want, I also highly suggest using a light eye cream. There is little/no oil production underneath your eyes, so applying a product that is gentle, moisturizing and firming around the eyes, is great!

If you experience excessive dryness around the eyes, I highly suggest this step! It will make any makeup around your eyes (foundation/concealer) look better and prevent it from sinking into fine lines.

Here are two good ones:

Burt's Bee's is a STEAL!

Retailing at $18

(You can purchase it HERE)

Dermacyte is a major SPLURGE!

Retailing at $95!

(You can purchase it HERE)

So remember! Before you apply a full face of makeup on a dry face-- think back to this post and AT LEAST apply a good moisturizer :)

Check out my TV appearance with WCIU's "You & Me This Morning"-- talking about the golden globes, and some makeup tips every woman should know-- INCLUDING skin prep! xo

I Love My Job: Jen Brown, Make-Up Artist

XOXO JEN