Surviving your first eyebrow waxing

       


          Hi Guys, I've been wanting to do a post or video about this subject for a while. I'm just gonna give a few tips and tricks to help you get through the first time.

         I naturally have thick crazy brows. If left un-waxed they would look like two fuzzy Caterpillar's sleeping above my eye's. I hated them, but I was so afraid to wax. I was afraid the whole eyebrow would get taken off, or the skin like in a horror movie (Happy Halloween). Well obviously I got my nerve up because I'm writing this post. A good friend coaxed me to let her do it. I was so pleased with how neat and groomed my brows looked. It opened up my face so much. After many years of waxing I feel qualified to give some tips to make your first time easier,

Go to a professional
     Waxing is tricky, and messy. If you're just starting out it's best to get help. Also it's not that expensive. I usually pay $10

Go with your natural shape
     A drastic change can be really alarming if you aren't used to it. Also it most likely won't take as long in the chair so that's less intimidating. You can always experiment later on when you're more comfortable. If you trust your waxer you can ask for their input on what brow shape suits your face.

Bring a picture
     If you do want to change the shape bring a photo of someone with the brows you want. You don't want to chance any misunderstandings. Also keep in mind your brows may not easily fit the shape you want. You may need to modify slightly.

The Pain
     Okay seriously this part totally freaked me out. I was so afraid it was gonna hurt so bad lol. Actually it really isn't that bad. The initial ripping off the paper is so quick. it feels like a band aid. For about 10 minutes after that the skin feels slightly swollen and tingly. It may also be red. You can take two tylenol about 20 minutes before you get it done if you're really feeling squeamish. I've never felt the need. also after waxing they will put a cooling balm on your lids. This feels so nice :)

The Wax
     There are so many different kinds of wax out there. If you have sensitive skin make sure to let them know, and ask for a wax for sensitive skin. There are waxes for all skin types. If you are going to a salon ask them before hand what they have. If you want to go the extra mile you can purchase your own wax and ask them if they will use it.

Pop A Mint
     The waxer is gonna be all up in your grill so make sure you have fresh breath lol. Also try to breathe through your nose so you don't blow hot breath on her or him.

Ask Questions
     The best way to be comfortable is to be informed. They won't mind answering your questions.

Tip
     Like other spa and salon services, this one is the same. Good work deserves a bonus. I usually tip $2 for a waxing.

          I hope you guys find this helpful. If there's anything that I didn't cover just ask :)


                                                                      <3 Jen

All About Primers

     

   Over the last few years the one makeup category that I've seen grow is primers. There are ton of different kinds of primers out there, it can be confusing trying to sort it all out. For a long time I thought they were gimmicky and a waste of money.  I now see how wrong I was. A good primer can be your best friend. The trick is to know what you want your primer to do.

          There are three basic functions for primers, to create a smooth canvas by filling in pores and fine lines on the skin, controlling shine and oil or moisturizing the skin, and extending the staying power of your makeup. That was a long sentence :) It's kind of like a nail polish base coat.  Knowing your skin type is key to finding the right primer. When shopping read the packaging and read reviews. A good place to scope out makeup reviews is beautylish.com , that's where I go when I want info.

          You can find primers for face, eyes, lips, lashes, pretty much anything. They are also available in high end and drugstore brands. You may also want to check out b.b. creams. They are like primers on steroids. They provide the benefits of primer plus coverage and moisture. Some have acne fighting properties and sunscreen. I've been using stila's 10 in one hd bb cream. I'm really happy with it. As for primers I'm still shopping around for the perfect face primer. When it comes to eyes I am in love with urban decay's Eden.
It is matte with a nude tint. It covers the discoloration on my lids, and keeps my shadow in place.

          I hope this post was helpful. I was motivated to write this because someone asked me about this in a comment on one of my videos. If there's something I didn't cover just ask :)

                                                                                           <3 Jen

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner

     
   Hello Beauty Lovers,
                  (Is that intro lame ?) I have been working my way through the organix hair care products since I stopped using wen and hair one a few months ago. I have a slight obsession with trying them all. I like the products because they are inexpensive, sulfate free, and cruelty free. I reviewed the cherry blossom and brazillian kerritan on my channels. I thought I'd blog this one for a change. I've been trying to blog more :)

                 OMG !!! if ever there was a perfect shampoo for me it would be this. I have naturally fine hair that gets oily sometimes. I am also dealing with some split ends right now( I need a trim). This duo makes my hair feel as good as it used too years ago. It feels so silky and smooth and healthy. It also doesn't feel weighed down at all. The set has a nice clean unisex scent, and the shampoo lathers well without stripping your hair. I was planning on trying the coconut next because I love the two serums I have, but I don't think I could stop using this one :)

               The one thing I've noticed about all the organix shampoo & conditioners I've used is that you have to use them twice before you see results. Is that weird ? I just thought I'd pass that on. By the way they retail for around $7.49 a bottle.

My other review

                                                                                                        <3 Jen

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette Review & Swatches

       

 Hi Makeup Lovers,
                 I talked a bit about this palette in my September Favorites, but I felt like doing a more in depth review on here for you guys. I got this palette about a week ago. My friend purchased it for herself but didn't like it so she gave it to me. I gladly accepted :) I have had my eye on this palette for quite a while, but kind of thought it was unnecessary because I had the naked palette which I am obsessed with.

                Seeing this palette up close I could tell it was very different from the naked. I drooled over the colors and swatched away. I was very impressed with most of the colors and textures. Here is a rundown of each color and my opinion.

    heaven, velvet revolver, sexpresso, silk teddy, push up, erotica, nude beach, honey pot, cocoa puff

     Heaven- This is a matte ivory. It is nicely pigmented, and silky smooth. I could see myself using this a lot.

     Velvet Revolver- this is a matte light taupe color. It is also silky smooth. I think this is a perfect natural crease color if you have fair skin.

     Sexpresso- This is the last matte in the palette. it is a deep silky reddish brown. The color and the pigmentation are beautiful. I am so impressed with the textures of these matte shades.

     Silk Teddy- This is a shimmery peach champagne color. it is buttery soft and pigmented. I love this soft romantic color.

     Push up- This is a muted light bronzey color. it is soft and shimmery with nice pigmentation. This color is so versatile. I think you could easily do a one shadow look with this and make it look dynamic.

     Erotica- This is a neutral medium brown with gold sparkles. I love this shade. it is a brown I've been looking for for a while. The glitter is understated, and doesn't create fall out. My only complaint is that this color is a bit chalky, but I can still work with it.

     Nude Beach- this is the one color I'm disappointing with. It is a beautiful champagne color, but it has chunky silver glitter that falls out everywhere. I was a glittery mess after swatching this.

     Honey Pot- This is a shimmery deep gold. The color, texture, and, pigment are beautiful. This will look amazing on the lid or under for a pop of color.

     Cocoa puff- This is a ritch chocolate brown color. It is so pigmented and silky. It is kind of a demi-matte. I love it. I think I will use it to line my lower lid.

          The palette also comes with three cards to help you create different looks. The instructions are easy to follow.

          I highly recommend this palette. It retails for $36 and I feel the price = value. If you're in the market for an easy to use natural palette this is for you. I also think that if you already own the original naked palette this is different enough to justify owning it. I am going to do a video comparing this to the naked in the near future.


                                                                                               <3 Jen

Vintage Shopping Tips & Why I'm A Moron

         

Nothing is more fun than rummaging through old crap lol. I went to a local thrift store today and had so much fun browsing through old clothes, shoes, purses, and nick nacks( I don't know if I spelled that right, but you know what I mean). I love to wonder who owned these things, and how they felt about them. I'm just gonna give you all a few of my favorite tips for getting the most out of this fun experience.

         1. Dress for the weather. I wore a light outfit (It's still hot where I live). Most of these places don't have air conditioning and are usually dusty, stuffy and crowded. If your not comfortable you won't have the patience to hunt out the treasures. I was getting heat stroke when I was surrounded by the sweaters.

        2. Go when you have plenty of time to meander. These places are often disorganized. You'll need plenty of time to dig through all the racks of stuff. You're gonna have to sift through a lot of trash before you find your treasure. Besides sifting is part of the fun.

        3. Call before you go to find out a few things like what payment methods they take, and if they have a dressing room. There is nothing worst than finding something awesome that you can't pay for cause they don't take credit.

        4. Use your imagination I saw a shirt that was a terrible shape, but the pattern was really cute. If you're handy with sewing you could deconstruct it, and use it for something else.

         5. Look for classic well made pieces like denim jackets, blazers, crisp white button downs, cute clutches, and accessories. You will wear them forever, and get them for a steal.

         6. Most of these places don't have an exchange or refund policy. If you're unsure about a purchase keep this in mind. Most stores post huge signs, but if you're unsure just ask.

         7. Haggle ! (Unless they have a sign that says no haggling) Take a chance, there's nothing to loose. All they can do is say no. Besides think of the adrenalin rush you'll get from scoring that sweet deal.

          Now for the moron part. I saw so many cute things that would have totally spiced up this blog but I forgot my freakin camera lol. I was so mad. I promise if I go back I will take some pics for you guys. I did get a cute purse for myself :) I will show it off in an upcoming haul.


                                                                              <3 Jen
     

Review of Josie Maran Summer Lovin' Argan Lip & Cheek Color Stick Set

       
           Hello Everyone, I wanted to review this collection from Josie Maran. This is my first time buying anything from this brand. This set contains three lip and cheek cream sticks, and one clear moisturizing stick. It is sold at sephora for $32. The sticks are all in the mini size.

           As a whole I like this set a lot. I find the texture smooth and creamy, and the colors are beautiful. They all have a frosty/shimmery finish. Two are very natural and one is a bit more bold. I think the only flaw (for me) is the scent. It is a very strong herbal incense kind of scent. These products are infused with natural oils, so I think that's why they smell that way. I also feel a slight tingle on my lips when I wear them. The smell and the tingle dissipate over time.

           Summer Lovin is a really soft natural pink. It looks amazing on cheeks, and I think it's ideal for fair skin. It is a frosty light rosebud shade.

          Okay this color is weird. In the tube it looks like a deep burgundy, but on the skin it looks like a sheer pale brick red. It's also weird that a color like this is in the "summer lovin" collection because to me it's more of a fall shade. I really like it for a nice fall flush on cheeks.

          Poppy is a really fun shade. It's a vibrant juicy peach. I think it looks good on cheeks and lips.

          I use this set pretty often, and I enjoy them. I don't plan on buying more of these purely because of the smell. They perform well, and are pretty long lasting. I also think the packaging is really pretty, and well made. The caps shut securely, and keep the product from drying out.


                                                                           <3 Jen

   

My number 1 face wash & Scrub

     
   Hi Everyone, I'm sorry I haven't blogged in so long. Today I want to tell you all about this awesome new face washing stuff I'm using. It is the best I've found so far lol. I have been really getting into Mychelle skincare products lately. I did a morning skincare video featuring some other stuff of theirs I love.

          The first part of this two part system is the Fruit Enzyme cleanser. I use this stuff on an everyday basis.  It is a fruit enzyme cleanser that gently exfoliates with aha's It is also sulfate free. It smells fresh and citrusy, and leavs my skin feeling smooth and supple lol.  $9.69- 17.29
http://www.mychelle.com/Fruit-Enzyme-Cleanser?sc=7&category=679

          The next step is the Fruit Enzyme Scrub. This scrub is used after the cleanser up to 3 times a week. You just let it sit on your face for a minute, and rinse. Whenever I use this stuff I feel like I have a primer on. It makes your skin feel amazing. It is totally gentle as well. $17.19
http://www.mychelle.com/Fruit-Enzyme-Scrub?sc=7&category=4415

          Mychelle products are cruelty free, gluten free, vegan friendly, recyclable and they are numbered so you know what order to use the products in. I have to say I'm pretty addicted :) You can find Mychelle sample kits on amazon. It's the way I found them.


                                                                    <3 Jen

My Morning Skincare Routine