Flawless Foundation.

Busy. Busy. Busy. I've been staying that way lately, good thing right?? I thought so too, but being so busy with this cosmo school venture has cut into my ability to work on set with photographers, or consult with brides, all at the peak of my profesh portfolio building. I can't wait to be licensed and be a triple threat: hair, makeup, and awesomeness! I haven't even had time to blog, but since I have a 3-day weekend laying at my feet here's my chance. Today's topic: flawless looking foundation!

Everyone has facial flaws, everyone. There's really no denying it. But with today's market offering a virtually endless variety of facial products, the proper techniques can give you that flawless finish to your foundation, all while evening out your skin tone, covering blemishes and correcting dark circles that like to hang out under our eyes.

Before you begin your foundation routine, first make sure you have selected the right shade and formula for your skin type and tone. This means testing your foundation before purchasing. There are a couple of ways to do this: If you're at a department store/makeups store/makeup counter then select 2-3 shades you think may match. Swatch the colors along your jawline to see which shade best matches and blends into your face and neck. However, if you're at the drugstore (Walgreens, CVS, Target, etc), things are a little different since you obviously can't open up packaging and swatch away. So, first decide what category your skin tone falls into: pale, medium, dark. If the foundation is liquid it will most likely come in clear packaging, so you can hold it up next to your wrist for comparison. SN: some stores even have swatch charts that hang next to their foundation line so you can place your hand under the chart and compare. However, if you aren't able to see the foundation in it's container, there are a few other tricks you can try: Pale skin tones should avoid any foundation with a pink tone, rather they should look for colors containing the words "beige" or "buff". Medium skin tones should look for labels that contain the words "warm", "medium" or "golden". Darker skin tones should look for colors like "tan", "sable", or "chestnut".

My current foundation picks: Revlon Colorstay and Rimmel Stay Matte (I prefer liquid foundations, and as a rule, always make sure your face is nice and moisturized before you begin applying any of your makeup). A lot of people ask me why I don't use MAC foundation since I use MAC in my kit...well, it's nothing against MAC (love them), but Revlon Colorstay is highly comparable to MAC; I've done a blog post in the past on this and so have many other makeup gurus..so, that being said...

Before applying your foundation I reccomend applying a primer (My recc: Smashbox Photo Finish). Primer prepares your skin for foundation and gives you a nice smooth base on which to apply your makeup; not to mention it also adds that staying power to your makeup.

Applying:
When doing my own makeup (not a client's) I like to use my fingers to apply my foundation. The warmth of your fingers helps the foundation blend easily into your skin. Sponges are also good for blending thicker foundations (and for working on client's if you're a MUA). Tap the foundation into your skin instead of rubbing it around on your face so that you achieve an even finish (this tip comes from Jemma Kidd). Even if you apply your own foundation with your fingers it's good to switch and use a sponge every now and then to avoid breakouts caused by the oil transfer from your fingers. A third option is to use a foundation brush. Celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown reccomends this method for a more polished look because it gives a heavier velvety finish since your literally painting on your foundation.

Which comes first, the foundation or concealer?
Answer: Foundation. Your foundation is your base for everything (aside from primer). So after applying it you'll be able to then see if you actually need concealer or not.

Note: If you don't need the full-coverage effect of a foundation, opt for a tinted moisturizer. This is basically a moisturizer that contains some pigment and SPF, for a more sheer coverage. You can either buy a tinted mositurizer or make your own by mixing equal parts foundation and facial moisturizer together.

Now that you've applied your foundation and have your flawless face you're ready to move on to the rest of your makeup application.
Note: After finishing my foundation application, I like to take a large fluffy brush and dust a light layer of translucent powder or mineral skin finish to my face to set my foundation.
Here's to gorgeous faces and an awesome weekend!!
XOXO,
J.

P.S. I can't believe in 2 months I will have been married for 4 years. OMG. Just a little Bonus Jonas, FYI for ya.

Review: Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray.

Happy Sunday!! I have had this review written for some time now and finally deciding to post it. Who would have thought Cosmo school was going to keep me this legit busy! But it is, and we're learning haircuts, which I know is one of the most important elements of the program, and I don't want to jack up anyone's hair of course, but I'm a color fan! I love haircolor, and of course, I love makeup, so without further adieu here's my review (totally didn't want that to rhyme, haha).

I have tried several setting sprays and thus far Urban Decay's All-Nighter is my fave. Now, a lot of people always ask me "What's wrong with MAC's Fix Plus?" Well, my answer to that is : nothing. I like MAC Fix Plus for applying glitter and sparkly pigments to my eyes (you know, spray the brush with fix plus, dip in the glitter, apply). This is just the setting spray I'm using and loving right now and I will tell you more about it and why I think it's a gem.

Should I use bullet points?? Let's use bullet points, haha...

• I like that after you mist your face you are left with a pretty, dewy look and nothing greasy or oily look. It would suck to have perfect makeup, spray your face and then look all greasy, right. Yes.
• It keeps your makeup in place and looking amazing all day! I can't say that any simpler. I've tried some sprays that almost over hydrate my face (and no, not because I used a heavy concentration of the product) and my makeup was smearing! A setting spray should never cause your makeup to smear, it's purpose is to "set" everything in place, lock it in.
• You can buy the sample size (.34 oz) for like $10 (get mine from Ulta) and the full size is about $28 (4 oz). I have already gone through my bottle since I actually first wrote this review so I need to re-up! And the $28 is actually worth it. It may be a little more than Fix Plus, but with all this hot summer heat trying to beat us up we want something that works and gives us our moneys worth.
• UD All-Nighter is good for all skin types and hasn't irritated my skin or anyone else's that I've applied this product on.
• It's not sticky! You might think that spraying something on your face will make it sticky (kind of like when you get hairspray on your face and your face just gets that ick feeling), but this product does not, which is always a plus for anything you put on your face.
• Another plus: it prevents your makeup from flaking, which is especially beneficial for anyone with dry skin.
• Oil free. Paraben free. Vegan friendly. Enough said.

• Ummm, the bottle is pretty! Haha, what can I say, I am such a sucker for pretty packaging!!
• You only need 2, maybe 3, sprays to set your look. So you do get your moneys worth, like I touched on before.
• Your makeup will be left looking fresh for like 16 hours. Now I personally haven't worn my makeup that long recently, so I can vouch for a good 10 hours. If you've used this and made it to 16 hours, leave a testimonial in the comments, haha.
• All-Nighter is a moisture resistant formula...so don't worry about crying, sweating, water splashes at the beach/pool/hot tub. I'm not saying go swimming and you will surface from the pool like a beautiful sea nymph, no. But, all the the little things, good to go. Urban Decay gave this product a "cooling technology" so your skin feels refreshed--personally I like cool mist feeling the spray gives and I think it's what adds to that dewy finish most of us love.

So, have you read all this and still wonder, um, "What is a setting spray?". Let me tell you...
It hydrates and refreshes your face while keeping your makeup in place. All you do is hold it about 10 inches or so from your face and mist 2-3 times (make sure you don't scrunch up your face! The spray will dry in like 60 seconds, then you are good to go. If you have the full-size at home, it's always good to maybe carry the trial size version in your bag in case you want to refresh your face throughout the day. You can pick this up at Ulta, Sephora, or on Urban Decay's Website.
Do you agree that UD's All-Nighter Setting Spray is the best?? Disagree? Let me know in the comments.
XOXO,
J.

Hall Pass.

Okay, so I've totally meant to blog way before now, and I have tons of beauty posts waiting to go up, I just find myself either busy or sidetracked. Yeah, so, mini-update...still in cosmo school everyday, we're starting our unit on nails now so hopefully that's fun and exciting. Random: Danielle and I were in the bathroom the other day and discovered that when you look at the door of one of the stalls, where it was wiped down the wipe marks resemble Jesus, no joke!! Bathroom Jesus, yep! and you read it here. We also did some karaoke over the weekend, no one else that was supposed to come did so we just sang on our own and it was amazing. Got a text message saying we were instantly nominated for a Grammy, and that we are winning that Grammy, and that Will Ferrell, Fergie and Jesus in special form will be presenting it to us for our rendition of Bonnie Raitt's "Something to Talk About" as seen in the movie Stepbrothers. (If you aren't aware that I am kidding about the Grammy thing, then, wow, what a dream world you must live in). Let's see...I have been thinking about my Dad a lot lately, especially with the passing of my sister-in-laws Dad a couple days ago. It's the unexpected that shakes my core, and I don't even want to talk about the bonds between a father and daughter right now because I know for sure I'll cry. A go to quote for me right now is "If love could have saved you, you would have lived for ever". How poignant. How true, now let's move on...
...Do you all know what the Hall Pass "game" is???  You know where you and your significant other each pick 5 celebs that if you ever had the opportunity to you could hook up with no questions asked and so on and so forth (remember on Friends when Ross and Rachel did it and Ross laminated his list, haha)...well, my husband and I came up with our lists, so I thought for fun I'd share mine!:

1.  Nick Hexum

For real, he is my end all be all as far as celeb crushes go. I dig his music (he's the front man of 311 if you didn't know), and I dig his style in general. He's gorgeous!!!!!!!!! He can sing to me anytime and I can't wait to see 311 w Sublime next week. Ahhh, Nick Hexum. He's married too though, haha. With a kid and another one on the way. But please believe, I would have this man's love child. ;)

2. John Mayer

Another song-man!  And yes, his body is indeed a wonderland. And check those tattoos. Rawrrrrr. Everyone says his attitude is kind of jerk-ish lately, but look at him. I would spend some time in that bed, hahahaha.

3. Adam Levine

Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine. Again, another singer (I see the trend, huh). Musical talents and tattoos. And his new song, "Never Gonna Leave This Bed"....he is quite delicious. That's what I have to say about that.

4. John Krasinski

Surprise, surprise, it's not a singer!! I love JK though...I mean, really, who doesn't love him as Jim on "The Office"...he's just so dapper. He's married to Emily Blunt too, who I adore! Just saying...he's more charming then anything, so that puts him on the list.

5. WILD CARD!!!!!!

Seriously, I change my mind a lot, so I have decided that my #5 spot is a wild card, because let's face it, you never know who you are going to run into where. I mean, if Alexander Skarsgaard was wodering around Starbucks for whatever reason, and I had Kelly Slater locked down as my #5 I would be out of luck! Or Josh Duhamel, or Justin Timberlake, or that one guy from Big Time Rush, haha! So, Wild Card it is.

Well, I hope everyone is having a rad start to their weeks, and I will do my very best to get on here with some actual beauty posts! I have a review on Urban Decay setting spray so I will probably put that up there next!! Lots of Love.

XOXO,

J.

Just Beachy.

OMG....It feels like forever since I've sat down and wrote a post. I never thought I would be as legit busy as I have been. So, the beauty blogging will soon resume, but I thought I would use this post to just play a little catch up.
I went to the beach for a week last month and it was a delightful little get away; I mean, who doesn't love a beach vacay?? Seriously, I want names. I get back from the beach on a Saturday and that following Monday I started cosmo school. So it's been 2 weeks of school so far and I'm loving it: I've lerned a lot and made some new rad friends. Glad we are having a 3 day weekend though, because I needed a little break. My Nana's 93rd birthday was on June 30th so we had a celebration for that...sn: my Nana rocks. My niece turned 3 yesterday so we had a big Hello Kitty birthday party for her. Kudos to my sister for pulling that all together! So my plans for the rest of the weekend? I don't know...I'm enjoying the a/c right now, and the fact that there's a new episode of True Blood tonight...ugh, last week's episode...ending with Eric fangs out...looooove. I love me some Eric Northman. Bill Compton is not on my hot list though, I already sense something is wrong with him this season.
Okay, so I'm also having like one of those hair issues, ya know, when you're growing it out but it's in the middle stages, so it's not short like the original cut but it's not all gorgeous and Blake Lively wavy. Yeah, that's me.  I''ve been wearing my clip in extensions but they are getting all dry and I want soft flowy beautiful hair...I legit need a hair fairy.
So, that's where I am right now. I got some product reviews coming up and some how-to's as well, so look out for those.
XOXO,
J.

Bonus Jonas:
(you know there had to be one!)
"Things I learned at the Beach"

• A pelican pooping on you will induce vomiting (don't ask, that's pretty self-explanatory)
• Every little old lady in a cover up and sun hat begins to look like your own grandmother.
• You have to look out for "summer runners" (I'm coining that phrase)...you know, the people that you see out running along the beach or wherever and you can tell that they only are out in the heat running because they are on vacay. It's obvious who they are.
• Sharing a bathroom with other people is no good. I like an abundance of bathroom counter space.
• The hot tub rocks....sitting in there, with a starlit sky above your head and the sound of waves crashing on the beach is totally rad.
• Being tan rocks...sunburn, eh, not so much.
• You don't need to go out and spend money to have a good time....helllloooo, the beach is free.
• Ne-yo and Pitbull will inevitably convince you to "grab somebody sexy" and tell them "hey".
• Along those same lines, your husband/sig. other will eventually learn all the words to Katy Perry's "ET" if heard often enough.

That's just a short list of fun facts I came up with. I will add others if I think they are note worthy.
Have a happy and safe 4th of July everyone!!

SPF: A Guide

Summer is here! (well officially on the 20th but the summer sun doesn't seem to know that). Now, I won't lie, I do frequent the tanning bed (bad I know, I know), but I like my nice bronzey glow that self-tanners just don't ever seem to give me. But, outside in the hottness that is this summer sun I do make sure that I'm using my SPF (which reminds me, gotta pick up some since my beach vacay is literally right around the corner). So, I've put together various tips and tricks, if you will, on how you can keep yourself safe from the sun and also what you can do if you find yourself with (ouch) sunburn. Regardless of how you choose to incorporate your SPF, and to what level, play it safe out there!

You want to maintain your healthy, gorgeous skin and the sun's rays can can get in the way of that by causing dark spots, wrinkles, sunburn, scarring, and yes, cancer. If you know you're going to be outside this summer, apply your sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going out--you want to give your skin enough time to absorb it. You want to apply a thin, even layer all over your body--no need for excess! Women want to especially make sure that legs and upper backs are covered well since dermatologists say that melanoma most often strikes in these areas.

Also make sure you are also applying SPF to your face. Most foundations contain a small amount of SPF (usually a 4), but don't rely on that to keep your face sun-safe. If you have sensitive skin/skin prone to breakouts then you'll probably want to pick up a sunscreem specifically meant for your face. Make sure if you are outside for an extended period of time that you are re-applying every hour and a half or so--even if you're just laying out, you're still sweating!

So, You Got Sunburn.
Hey, it happens. Here are some things that Dr. Francesca Fusco says you can do to manage while your skin recovers: Make sure you are moisturizing your skin & keeping it hydrated. I reccomend a fragrant free lotion like Lubriderm's Sensitive Skin Therapy. Hydrated skin will heal faster & may be less likely to scar. You also want to avoid using any product that contains retinol & topical acids (like glycolic & AHA) which could exaggerate your sunburn. Don't think that by putting on more sunscreen and going back out you'll be protected from further burn; in fact, going back out into the sun before you've fully healed can cause even more scarring.

Now ladies, this may be something you don't want to hear, but I've learned from personal experience & from talking to others, that you need to lay off the makeup while your skin is recovering from sunburn! If you're like me the thought of going out with a naked face can make you feel a little "bleh", but trust me, you don't want to irritate your skin any further when you don't have to. I will still throw on some mascara and maybe some tinted lip balm just to placate myself ;) Just keep your skin nice & hydrated. Aloe is also a popular sunburn remedy--and now there's even lotion that has aloe in it, so bonus jonas, whatever works for you!

Have fun in the sun dolls! Just keep gorgeous by keeping that SPF on hand.
XOXO,
J.



Skin 101

This post is basically a guide to the most basic of skin care.

Healthy, hydrated skin is essential for any gorgeous face--au naturale to ultra glam. It is not only important to know how to take care of your skin (even if it's the simplest of routines), but you should also know your skin type since many products, and the application of, cater to specific skin types...you want to make sure you're using the right stuff.

So, what's your Skin Type?? (let's review).

1. Normal: Less oily than combination skin, little to no redness of complexion, medium-sized pores and a smooth, even texture.
2. Combination: The forehead, nose and chin will typically be oily, while the cheeks tend to be more dry.
3. Oily: Large pores, acne/breakout prone, shiny appearance (more "greasy" than "dewy"), prone to blackheads.
4. Dry: Small pores, dullness to complexion, skin may feel tight after you cleanse.
5. Sensitive: Prone to redness, may have reactions to certain products/product ingredients, may be prone to broken capillaries, fine pores.

3-Step Process:
There is a really simple 3-step process that can serve as a guideline to your skin care routine.

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Moisturize

You want to cleanse your skin to remove any makeup or product buildup from your skin. It also cleanses out your pores and removes any dead skin cells on the surface. Using a toner restores pH balance to your skin and helps to achieve an even complexion. Moisturizing your skin keeps it nice and hydrated (which we all know is important) and helps skin to stay young and fresh.

My product recommendations:
Personally, I love anything from the Exuviance line...I can't get enough of their stuff (I get mine at Ulta). But I am also a fan of the Olay brand moisturizers, cleansers, etc., which you can get at places like Walgreens and Target.

Exuviance

So, what's the deal with exfoliating?

No matter what your skin type is, exfoliating is a must! Why? Not only does it unclog your pores to give your skin that healthy glow we all love, but it can also diminish fine lines and even out your skin tone. But note (according to dermatologist Christopher Sciales), no matter what your skin type is "don't use a chemical peel or microdermabrasion product more than once a week". Normal to combination skin can get away with exfoliating up to 3 times a week. Oily skin can exfoliate everyday if the product being used says that it's okay for daily use. Sensitive skin types can exfoliate 1-2 times a week with a product specifically meant for sensitive skin. Regardless, make sure you are looking for an exfoliator with small granules; larger granules (like those in sugar scrubs) can be harsh and irritating to the skin.

Acne & Breakouts

No one likes acne or the sneaky little breakout, but don't let it get in the way of you feeling your most gorgeous! There is so much that can be said on the topic (it could be a post in itself) but there are 3 simple steps (3 seems to be the magic number today, huh) that will tame those breakouts. Of course, if you are experiencing extreme cases of acne or other skin irritations you should check with your dermatologist.

1. Use a face wash that is oil-free and noncomedogenic (which basically means that it won't clog your pores).
2. Use an oil-free moisturizer that contains salicylic acis and/or retinol.
3. Use a spot treatment formula that contains salicylic acid (2% is the highest you can get your hands on without a prescription) and/or benzoyl peroxide (10% is highest on the shelves). Dab on your spot treatment with a Q-tip so you don't spread any bacteria to other areas of your face.

My recommendation:

ProActive.

The ProActive system (by Rodan & Fields) is great for acne, but the kit also contains all the products you'd need to complete the simple 3-step face routine. I am not prone to acne and breakouts (knock on wood) but I still on occassion use this because the skin care products are just that good!

Fact:  Contrary to some belief, greasy foods, makeup, etc, are not the cause of acne--it's all in your personal biology. But, as a good measure always make sure you are completely removing all of your makeup, and of course, follow your skin care routine.
Want to share some of your favorite products or basic skin care secrets?! Comment below!
XOXO,
Jacqueline



Bombshell Hair.

If you ever read Cosmopolitan magazine--and even if you don't you've eyed in on the shelves--then you know that the Cosmo cover girl typically has the beautiful, voluminous, bouncy bombshell hair. Well, after Christmas I picked up the book "Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets" ($16.95 at Barnes & Noble), and it tells you hot to get that signature hair look. So, keep in mind the steps  for this look are coming from the editors at Cosmo, but any extra notation and product recommendation is mine. I want to also add that I wear hair extensions and you can still complete this look as long as you're not using synthetic hair and you make sure to maintain and condition your extensions, as this look does use a lot of product and a lot of heat.

1. Towel dry your hair and spritz in a leave-on conditioner on the ends and a volumizer all over. Flip your head over and begin by blow-drying your roots, pulling them away from your scalp with your fingers. Dry the rest of your hair until it is just slightly damp.
2. Bring your hair back upright and wrap 1-inch sections in velcro rollers. Once all your hair is set, blow dry with a diffuser for 10 minutes on hot then 10 minutes on cool. (you can also use hot rollers or a curling iron, but make sure your hair is 100% dry first).
3. Take out the rollers, then mix a drop of shine serum and light gel (this is a great combination for hold & shine) between your fingers & then run hands throughout your hair.
4. For extra body, gently tease your roots around the crown of your head. Finish by tousling hair with your fingers into that cascade of loose curls. Spritz with hairspray.

My product recommendations:

Leave in Conditioner: Bumble and bumble OR...

Aussie's Sydney Smooth Heat Protector Plus Leave In Conditioner

Volumizer Spray: Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray

Shine Serum: MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine Spray

Hair Gel: John Frieda Clearly Defined Style Holding Gel

Hair Spray: Bumble and bumble Style de mode

Have you also tried this look, or do you have a favorite product you like to use?? Let me know!

Today's "Awww" moment: had lunch with one of my gorgeous friends today and we went and took a little sneak sneek peek of the school we start at in less than 2 weeks, and it looks fabulous inside...plus they use Sebastian products, so that is even more stellar. And Bonus Jonas: If you like EOS products, right now at Walgreen their lotions are buy 1 get one Free!!
XOXO,
Jacqueline