-Brielyn Vitorino
It's that time of year!! The time for giving, not receiving. The time for holiday cheer. Time to cheat on that diet on some festive treats... because New Years is for vowing to get back in shape!! It's time to rock those tall boots, & sport that sequined top!! It's that time when lists are long, and bank accounts get low... & let's be honest, it's the time of chapped lips & dry scalps!!! (I bet you so didn't see me going there!)
It's true, cold weather conditions combined with dry heat indoors can really do a number on your skin & scalp. There is nothing cute about flakes falling from anywhere but the sky!! So, I found some really great recipes you can DIY to keep your lips smooth, hair shiny, & pockets fat!! Who knows, if you love it enough yourself, you may want to gift these little remedy treasures, too!
Happy Holidays!!
<3 Brielyn
Lip Scrub
-small container with lid
-2 teaspoons of white granulated sugar
-1 teaspoon of olive oil
- a couple drops of desired flavoring. You can really get creative with this. Anything from flavored extracts to a little bit of Kool-Aid would work fine. If you choose to use Kool-Aid please keep in mind a little bit goes a long way. Also be mindful of the coloring that are in these, blues and purples could be scary, but pinks and reds could be fun!
Method: In a small bowl, combine sugar, olive oil, & flavoring. Mix it together until a paste like substance forms. Scoop and pack into your chosen container. To exfoliate, take a small amount on your finger, and rub in circular motions all over your lips. Wipe clean with a warm cloth and follow with applying a nourishing lip balm. Voila!! A totally edible, lickable sugar scrub that won't break the bank!
Luxurious Hot Oil Hair Treatment
-1/2 cup of sweet almond oil (or jojoba oil)
-5 drops of lavender essential oil
-5 drops of rosemary essential oil
Method: Mix all oils in a glass bottle and shake or stir well. When ready to use, heat oil in a water bath. Pour 3-5 tablespoons of oil in a glass measuring cup. Immerse the measuring cup in large bowl with hot water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until oil is warm. Evenly distribute oil onto dry hair, wrap hair in a hot towel, and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Shampoo & condition as usual.
-Jillian Raposo
There are so many ways of applying foundation that it can be overwhelming to know which way is the correct way. Every makeup artist will have their own opinion on what is the right way, but here's mine. Before even applying your foundation you want to make sure you start off with a clean and moisturized face. Applying makeup over a dirty face is just going to contain the dirt and bacteria, which can lead to breakouts. To ensure that your makeup will last throughout the day, it is recommended that you use a primer. And YES they work! Now here's where it becomes confusing for some. What do I use? A brush? What kind of brush? A sponge? My fingers? Help!
Here's my opinion....
The BEAUTY BLENDER! The beauty blender is your way to a truly flawless face. It's foolproof and will make you feel like a true professional. It is a small egg-shaped sponge that when soaked in water becomes a large and luxurious feeling applicator. The pointed side is great for areas such as the under eye and around the nose and the larger part is great for an all over application. You can either dab the sponge into your foundation or spot the foundation onto your face and blend it in with the beauty blender. You will want to use a bouncing or stippling motion and really dab the foundation into your skin to get a flawless finish. If you're the type that uses your fingers, this will also be a much more sanitary option. It is important to clean it between applications and I highly suggest buying the cleanser that goes with it. A single sponge goes for around $18.50 and the sponge/cleanser combo $33. I've had mine for about a year now and it still looks like the day I bought it. Definitely worth the money. There are 3 different colors you can choose from. The original hot pink, white, and black. I prefer the black so it doesn't look as dirty. Whichever you choose, they are all the same.
Beware of knock off's or look alikes!
I know after reading this you may be tempted to run to Walgreens or wherever to try to find a "cheaper" version but I can tell you from personal experience that there is no comparison. I've tried the ones from Walgreens, CVS, TJ Maxx, etc they are terrible! Save yourself the money and time and buy the original.
You can find the original Beauty Blender and most Sephora's. I prefer to get mine from www.naimies.com They have a larger variety and also offer the cleansers. Right now they are offering the pink beauty blender for $14.80 instead of $18.50 so hurry!! You can also find tons of other great beauty products on their site as well :)
