False Lashes for the WIN!

Hey guys! I've had a lot of questions recently about my lashes. If I wear fake lashes, when, how to apply, etc. So I thought I'd take a second to talk about my go-to lashes! First off, I do not wear them every day. I love having makeup free days and don't have the time (nor do I care enough! lol) to put them on every day. 

I love wearing false lashes when I'm going out or want to add an extra layer of pop to my eyes. But my goal is to always have them looking natural-ish. I love the big dramatic lashes for Vegas and other crazy nights out, but I can't remember the last time I busted out a big, fancy pair?! I gravitate toward the lighter, more natural false lash. 

When I was pregnant with Blakely, I had major issues with hair loss due to a few medications I was on. I was so surprised when even my eyelashes were falling out in chunks! What?!? I have long, thicker lashes as it is. So I was so irritated when I had huge gaps between my lashes. I started using the KISS brand trio-lashes to patch the "holes" of missing lashes. These are great for that! Sometimes when I just want to add a touch more volume to my lashes, I will add 2-3 of these beauties to the outer corner of my lashes once I've finished putting on mascara. These are easy to put on! 

When I have patches of lashes missing and I want to look put together (aka not in my pjs, wearing a real bra, wearing shoes and seen in public) I wear these lashes. They are beautiful and so natural!!

A lot of bloggers love the "wispies" and wear them daily. I personally feel they are too dramatic for me. They feel heavier, long, and very obvious to me. So sometimes I'll bust these out - but only in the evening. It just doesn't feel normal for me to wear these to Target while I'm running errands with two kids!! LOL And honestly, on those days I barely wear any makeup at all! But they are beautiful for a night out. Give them a try! I'd love to hear what you think.

I've heard these KISS lashes are very natural looking because they are black and brown hairs on the false lash. So this would look super natural if you wore just this and didn't apply mascara. Very natural looking!

Check out House of Lashes Eyelash Guide HERE. This guide is helpful to know what will look best of your eye shape. But these lashes are pricey! I have purchased a few pairs from there but never feel like it's "worth" it to use them (because they are so expensive) so they just sit unused in my bathroom drawer! lol I prefer to put mascara on top of my false lashes (I think it helps it all blend in and look more natural) so I only use the same pair 2-3 times, MAX. I never feel guilty throwing away the other brands because they are significantly cheaper. Plus, like I said, I'm not wearing them all that often anyway, so it's not a huge expense overall. 

My personal favorite is the Ardell Natural Lash in 110. I buy these in the 4 pack because they are my go-to. They add volume, but don't look ridiculous! I love them. My eyes are bit shorter, so I generally cut off two pieces of lashes from each eye. (I hope that makes sense!) So they aren't too long (longer than my eye) and sticking out or poking me in the eye! If I want less volume (to look more natural) I cut the two lashes off from the outside (the longer lashes). And if I want more volume, I cut off the two lashes from the inside of the false lash (the shorter lashes). 

I typically put mascara on, clue the false lash on, then apply more mascara to blend them together. But you don't have to do it that way. You can put them on with no mascara and go. Or wait put the mascara all on once the falsies are attached and set/dry. 

I personally use the black lash glue. But some people prefer the white/clear glue. Total personal preference (I'll link both below). I don't really know why I use the black? I still go over the lash line with eyeliner again after it's dry, so it doesn't really make a difference. Also, some people say to put the lash glue on and then wait 20 seconds before applying to your lash line. Others say to wait FOUR minutes. WTF. I tried the four minutes and hated it. I don't think you need to wait a full 30 seconds, but again, try it out many ways and just see what is best for you. I put them on almost immediately. I like them to be super wet when I place them on my lash line so I can still slide it around if it isn't in the right place the second I sit it down. I use tweezers (risky, I know. I live life on the edge!) to place them on my lash line and then move it around to get it just right. I've heard this thing helps SO much. I just ordered one and can't wait to try!

Soooo... What about permanent false lashes? Not my thing. I have never tried it, so I don't know all the details about this experience. I just know it's VERY expensive and time consuming. Two things I am not willing to sacrifice just for lashes!!!!! I love washing my face and rubbing my eyes. I've also heard horror stories of people having a (rare) reaction to the glue they use. Some people look great with the permanent false lashes. But have you seen the ones that don't?! OMG. They look soooo bad. Especially after they've gone 4-6 weeks or whatever the time frame is that you have to wait in between "fills". They have like 6 super long hairs left on each eye. Looks cray. Just not worth it to me. I'd rather wear them when I want them and have them look natural. 

You guys, it takes two minutes to put these beauties on once you get the hang of it. But please don't want until you're on your way out the door to a work event (or whatever) and think Hmmm I'll try to do that now for the first time ever. No. Don't. I had a friend ask me how I got better at putting them on and I told her to go to the store and get a few cheap pairs. Go home on a night you're just staying in and play with them. Play with cutting of the lashes if they're too long. Play with putting mascara on before or after you apply the lash. Just glue them on! Over and over. Repeat. It's like a little middle school false lash date with yourself. Ha! I promise you'll get the hang of it in no time. 

I've been wearing false lashes on and off since 2003 (when I made my first pro dance team) and I still feel like I suck at applying them! So be patient and have fun with it. But know that you won't get better at applying them if you don't practice. 

I love buying these online at night when I can focus (and I don't have two kids screaming at me at the grocery store). I prefer Target, Ulta and Amazon, but you can find them anywhere! I looooove online shopping. Is it not the best?! I really enjoy putting things in my cart, looking at it again, putting more in my cart, taking things out, etc. So much fun. lol Ordering online is so easy these days. As well as returns. If I buy something online from Target that doesn't work out, I can easily return it the next time I'm there. (That's actually how I feel about most stores!) Return policies when online shopping is so easy. Gap, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Target, etc. They will all accept online purchases in the store to make things easier for the buyer. Anywho, I buy most things online and then when they arrive on my doorstep a couple days later it's like CHRISTMAS! ;) Tell me I'm not the only one?!

Here I am wearing the Ardell 110 lashes.

This outfit post is HERE.

Favorite Products for Dry, Damaged Hair

Hey guys! I've had a lot of questions lately about hair products I'm using, so I thought I'd link them all. I had some major damage due to pregnancy, post pregnancy and also some medications I've taken. I've spent a lot of time and energy trying to get my hair back to a healthy place and I'm starting to feel much better about it! I chopped a lot off (about 4 inches!) and have loved it. I go in every 4 weeks or so and have them chop more and more off. I have very dry, thick and coarse hair. I need a lot of products to get my hair smooth!

H A P P Y  D A N C E for healthy hair!

(This outfit blog post here.)

I'm loving Aveda products! I have added these into my routine and love how they make my hair feel. I have also used Redken products for a long time. Somewhere around 12 years?! Maybe more. I tried to branch out to other products and brands, but went back to Redken. The shampoo and conditioner are hard to beat! And I love how healthy and strong they make my hair. 

Moroccan dry shampoo is my favorite dry shampoo by FAR. I try to go about five days without washing my hair and this dry shampoo is the best. I also love to put coconut oil in my hair (I leave it in for about 5 hours!). The Pureology Hydra Whip is a product I'm totally digging! I try to use this once every week or two to put some moisture back into my dryyyy hair. 

I've tried SO hard to protect my hair from any further damage. I brush my hair in the shower with this wet brush. And then once I get out of the shower, I brush my hair with this brush. I love that I don't feel like I'm breaking or tearing out my very wet hair as I brush it. 

Click on the arrows to scroll through the products below. Then click on the item/picture you'd like to be directed to! :)

Related Posts:
Favorite Lips // Favorite Eyes // Favorite Products for Face

Alchemy Beauty - Organic Spray Tan

Hey guys! I have to tell you about the best thing ever, Alchemy Beauty. This is a full serive mobile salon!!! Say whaaaaat?! They bring whatever service you're wanting straight to your home (or office or wherever you want them to go).

Bree came over to my house last week to give me a custom, organic spray tan - in my living room! Bree is darling and so professional. I call this spray tan "custom" because you can tell her exactly the color you want and where you don't want it. I didn't want it on my chest (I am still nursing) and wanted it lighter on my face, feet and hands. When you get a spray tan in a booth, you can't be so specific. The tan was a beautiful color and I wore shorts all weekend! I promise you I wouldn't have dared to wear shorts with my Casper legs before Bree came to give me a spray tan - ha!

The amazing thing about this tan is it shows immediately and darkens over time. I loved the immediate results and wish I would have taken better pictures! But here is a before and after pic of me. This is less than five minutes after she finished! I felt so pretty with this tan and even my husband noticed! HEEEEEYYYYY... still got it! ;) But seriously, I swear I could dye my hair bright blue and he wouldn't notice. But I get a nice spray tan and he notices?! That's awesome. Or annoying? I'm not sure. ;)

I told you they weren't the best pics. Ha! But... I felt instantly tan! And I swear my face looked thinner immediately. God love you, spray tan!

This picture was taken a few hours after the tan - see it getting darker? Love it. This is just one of the many services they provide. You can check out there website HERE to see other services they offer. Also, call if you have any questions about pricing (price varies depending on location).

Bree mentioned hosting parties before and I thought that would be so much fun! Have a bunch of friends over once the kids are in bed and get a mani/pedi and a spray tan?! I'M IN!

I thought this would be a great gift if you're looking to pamper anyone in your life. What a fun and unexpected gift! Who doesn't love being pampered? Plus, not sitting in the car for 20-60 minutes each way to the salon? Huge bonus.

I'd love to hear about it if you guys try any of these services out! Bree is so sweet, I'm sure you'll love her!

It felt so great to wear this dress knowing my legs weren't GHOST white.

You can check them out on Instagram as well! @alchemybeautysalon

Dress // Heels
Similar bracelets here and here
Similar clutch here and here

            

Makeup Must Haves: Lips

LIPS! My favorite part of makeup. I am obsessed with lipgloss, lipstick, lip liner, everything. I have bags and drawers filled with lip products! I'm just going to share a few of my go-to's and colors that I love for spring and summer months. Would love to know your favorite colors and brands of lipgloss/lipstick. Let me know if you try any of them out! :)

From left to right:

Rimmel Lip Liner - 070 / "Enchantment"

I love this deep pink. I pair this with the Mac lipstick (listed below) for a darker, more dramatic pink lip. 

Mac Lipglass -   Saint Germain

I am addicted to Mac's lipglass. If you haven't ever worn it, do yourself a favor a go grab one (or a few). These three listed here are my go-to colors for every day wear. This one is a brighter pink (not too dramatic).

Mac Lipglass - Snob

Love! Softer pink and beautiful!

Mac Lipglass - C Thru

Love! Basic nude color. Matches everything. 

Mac Lipstick - Creme Cup

This is my favorite lipstick! It matches everything and you can make it look really different depending on the lipliner or lipgloss you pair it with. Or if you just wear it alone, it's a very natural color and is so classic. 

Mac Lipliner - Hip N Happy

I love this happy pink liner! Love!

Mac Lipliner - Subculture 

This is a more neutral liner and goes with everything. Seriously, everything. 

Too Faced MELTED - Nude

This is a bit of a stain. But it doesn't make your lips feel really dry like most stains. I have this in three colors (I told you I love lips!!) and love them all. This one linked is very neutral and I rarely have to reapply it. I usually pair this with a Mac gloss listed above. Just to keep my lips glossier. I like the glossy feeling. But I also like knowing that this hint of a stain STICKS and then my lips aren't bare. 

NYX butter gloss - BLG02 / Eclair

I love this gloss. Just a hint of pink to it, but very natural. I love that this brand is available at Target. So if I need a new gloss I can just grab it (without having to make a trip to the mall) when I'm running errands at Target. 

Glamglow Plumprageous - Clear Gloss

This is a lip plumper. It's VERY glossy. I only wear this on nights I'm dressed up and going out. I don't feel the need to plump my lips, but this definitely works if you're wanting a little boost! Like I said, I love a glossy lip and this is very shiny! This same lip plumper does come in a matte finish for those of you who don't love the glossy look. 

Buxom Lip Polish - Kelly 

This bright pink gloss is my new favorite! It's so much fun and isn't TOO bright. I seriously love this color. 

Buxom Gel Lipstick - Fuchsia Fetish (not pictured)

This lipstick is bright and I pair it with the lipgloss listed above by Buxom. It's a BRIGHT combo and it's so pretty. Love it. 

Sephora Cream Lip Stain - 12 (not pictured)

Umm... Lip stain is the best thing ever. Not sure why it took me so long to get on board?? But this Sephora brand is a great price and quality. I am loving this stain and again, have it in multiple colors. I do always pair this with a gloss though, because stains tend to make my lips a little dry. 

You can read my previous make up blogs here:

Makeup Must Haves: Face

Makeup Must Haves: Eyes

Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday!

Makeup Must Haves: Face

Hey guys! Here is the second part of a three part series about my makeup must haves! Today I am talking about my favorite concealers, tinted moisturizers and more! I have tried a ton of different products over the years and finally feel like I've found some great products! I love all of these items below and use them for different occasions. 

1. Primer, Concealer, Tinted Moisturizer, Foundation

These are my favorites! I use all of them for different reasons. Whenever I am looking for a new brand/coverage/texture in my product, I just ask for help. I go to Sephora and tell them exactly what I'm looking for. 

(From left to right.)

Too Faced - Hangover Primer

This stuff is amazing! I've never understood the purpose of a primer and never felt the need to use one. I use this when I'm really getting ready. Like for GNO, date night, something where I am actually putting energy into getting ready. LOL Which is not a daily occurrence for me (or most stay-at-home moms, right?!). I always pair this with my Too Faced foundation (linked below). This primer just smoothes out your face and makes everything silky smooth. Like butter! 

Too Faced - Born This Way Foundation

This foundation is beautiful! Seriously the best. I get so many comments about my "smooth skin" when I'm wearing this foundation. But it isn't really that my skin is super smooth. It's just the magical combination of the above primer and this foundation that does the trick! I went to Sephora and told the girl, "I want to look like I'm wearing little makeup on my face, but I want FULL coverage to make my skin look flawless." LOL #BOOM I have rosy cheeks and splotchy areas (not to mention some scars from acne! UGH) and sometimes I like my rosy cheeks to be exposed, and sometimes I like to cover it up for a clear, clean face. 

Smashbox - Camera Ready BB Cream

I LOVE this BB Cream. It has a primer in it and it works wonders. This is what I wear 90% of the time. I just rub it on with my fingers and it has the perfect amount of coverage. Covers the blemishes without making my face look like one solid color, so it looks more natural. I highly recommend this BB Cream!

Tarte - Amazonian Clay BB Cream Tinted Moisturizer

This is the lightest coverage I have. It's super light weight and super moisturizing. I gravitate to this in the summer because it's so light and smooth. This has a tiny bit of coverage but still looks very natural, which I love! 

Lancome - Effacernes Concealer

This is full coverage concealer. I wear this to cover up dark spots, acne, etc. I really like this full coverage concealer because it's still very creamy and easy to apply. I HATE when concealers are thick and hard to rub in. 

Smashbox - Camera Ready BB Cream Eyes with SPF!

I use this almost daily along with the Smashbox BB Cream linked above. I love this concealer because again, it covers up the nasty without being too "fake" and covered looking. This concealer is also very creamy and easy to apply!

2. Powder, Bronzer, Blush

These are the current products I am using. I have tried multiple brands and colors, but continue to grab these!

(From left to right)

Cover FX - Pressed Mineral Foundation

I love this powder-foundation because it actually covers little blemishes and hides uneven skin tones. I don't like powders that are super light because I'm like, "what's the point?!" and then I'm reapplying it 5 times a day. I love this powder and wear it over tinted moisturizer or BB cream everyday and never feel the need to reapply. 

Mac - Powder Blush

I have used many colors of blush from Mac, but this is my go-to. It's darker and has a bit of a bronzy feel to it, which I love. 

Too Faced - Sun Bunny Bronzer

I love this bronzer! I have to be careful with bronzer because I can get overly excited about it and apply too much. Leaving my face looking kinda "muddy". Which is not the look I'm going for! LOL I'm not big into contouring (I really dislike over-contoured faces!) but if I want to add a little color to my neck or cheek (especially when I'm ghost-white), I use this bronzer. 

Laura Geller - Trio of Baked Blush Shades

This is a fun mix of three shades. I love playing around with this and sometimes to a very light "highlight" on my cheeks with the lightest pink. I think I'll use this a ton in summer. It just has a happy glow to it!

3. Setting Spray

Urban Decay - All Nighter Setting Spray

I just started to use a setting spray. This really is a game-changer! Honestly, I forget about it most days because I have little ones and I'm just trying to get ready fast! But if I'm going out to dinner or out with friends and I spend real time (meaning more than 5 minutes!) on my makeup, I use this to help set the makeup in for longer wear. And I do feel it makes a difference! After being out for a long day or night, I'll come home after putting this over my finished makeup and everything is still in place! 

Would love to know your favorite products! Let me know if you try any of these out and what you think. Makeup is so much fun! I kinda can't wait for Blakely to steal my makeup ;-)
Check back in next Wednesday for my Makeup Must Haves: LIPS!  (See Makeup Must Haves: Eyes HERE)

Makeup Must Haves: Eyes

So excited for my first beauty blog! This is the first of a three part series I'm doing. I will start with eyes today and focusing on my current favorites. 

I have to start by saying that I am not a makeup artist! So take everything with a grain of salt. These are all products I love. I have so much fun with makeup and trying new things to find what works for me. 

I really like shopping at Ulta because I love their rewards program! But I also shop frequently at Target, MAC and Sephora. I find I get the most help from the employees at MAC and Sephora. I trust their advice and will always ask for help if I have any questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help! And don't feel pressure to buy something just because they recommend it. You are the only who is paying for it and has to wear it! 

1. Eyeshadow Primer
I apply this before I apply my eyeshadow to keep my eyelids from getting creases or smudging throughout the day. I rarely skip this step because I do feel like it makes a big difference in keeping my shadow in place!

MAC - Paints, Bare Canvas
This is a neutral color and I apply this with my pinky finger. I have loved this for years!

Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion (anti-aging)
This is anti-aging and is clear. This comes with a little wand to apply it on eyelid. This one is great if you don't want the color from the MAC primer to show.

2. Eyebrows

This is a must for blondes! My eyebrows are so light and adding some color to get them to be seen is something I never skip. I am obsessed with eyebrows! LOL I think having great brows totally changes the way a face looks. If you've never colored your eyebrows before, I highly recommend it! You don't have to go crazy and make them really dark. I actually have a fear of looking like the "lady in red" chick from Dodgeball. Ha!! 

Look at this before and after! BIG difference! Seriously... Just look up "eyebrows before and after" on Pinterest.

Picture cred: Pinterest

IT Cosmetics - Heavenly Luxe Brush #12

This brush was a game changer for my brows. It's made specifically made for filling in your brows and I really like the way it applies the Build A Brow cream linked below.

IT Cosmetics - Build a Brow

This is a cream based color that is waterproof! I just recently started using this and I love it!

Catrice - Eye Brow Set

This is a great brow set! It comes with two colors and has a brush and mini tweezers in the bottom, which is great for traveling and then you don't need to buy an additional brush if you're just trying out the whole filling in the eyebrow look for the first time. 

3. Eyeliner + Mascara

I use a lot of different liners, but these two are my go-to choices! Also, I have tried soo many different mascaras and this one is by FAR my fav. 

Too Faced - Better Than Sex Mascara

The name of mascara... Need I say more?

MAC - Teddy Eyeliner

This is a great brown and everyday color. I also feel like pencil is easy to apply!

Rimmel - ScandalEyes

This liquid liner applies dark and so smooth. But I do feel like liquid liner is just harder to apply! I'm still working on how to do this! LOL

4. Eyeshadow

I have an obsession with eyeshadow kits! I have been loving this one because it's great for everyday use. 

Tarte - In Bloom

These colors are easy to apply for a natural look but also have beautiful darker colors if you're going for a darker, smoky eye. I have been using this almost everyday!

MAC - Blending Brush

This is my all time favorite blending brush. Must have!

Hope you guys are having a great day! Would love to know if you try any of these out and if you like it or not! Or if you have any favorites, I'd love to hear!

See other products I love!

Makeup Must Haves: Face

Makeup Must Haves: Lips

Chunky Dutch Braid Video

Hey guys!! This video is so embarrassing. LOL I'm such a rookie! I get so many questions about my braids and they are soooo easy. I hope this helps. This video isn't great quality and my husband was videoing me while the dog was barking, Ryder was screaming and Blakely was on his hip. #momlife

I hope to someday repost this braid with a higher quality video. Like I said, I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to videoing, editing, etc. This video is sped up (to help shorten the length of video for you) but FYI if you have thick hair like me, I do not pull all my hair into my braids. Otherwise, they are TOO big and just out of control! Even if you have very thin hair, you can do this braid. Just keep pulling it out until it looks as thick/chunky as you want it to.

I would LOVE to see your braids if you try this. Tag me in your posts so I can see! :) (Instagram: whatsup_buttarcup) Let me know if there are any other braids you'd like tutorials for. Because, you know. I make the most amazing, high quality tutorial videos everrrrrrrrrrr, right?!

Click HERE to see YouTube video. Or you can check out my Facebook for full tutorial as well. Hopefully this video helps you or at least gives you a good laugh!!! ;) #rookie

            

Coconut Oil - Hair Mask

When I was pregnant with Ryder my hair was SO thick and long. Thicker and longer than normal. (I have a lot of hair. Again, I didn’t get the nickname “Simba” for nothing. HA!) Every time I went in to get my hair colored during that pregnancy my friend was like “Dang girl!” and I just felt sorry for her arms that she had to stand there and foil my head for hours! LOL After Ryder was born I never felt like I went through that stage of losing the hair, either. I’ve had so many mommy friends say their hair would just fall out by the tons! I was so thankful this never happened to me.

This pregnancy… different story! I have had SOOOO much breakage. It’s bad. I still have a lot of hair, nevertheless, it’s left me feeling bald! It’s all relative, right?! Not only is my hair breaking, but it’s breaking really close to the root. So I’ve felt bald and also had crazy fly-aways ALL over my head. I can’t even hide them. I can’t flat iron them to blend, putting in oils or leave-in conditioner didn’t help, either. On top of having major breakage all over my head … I’ve even lost eyelashes. Like, chunks of eyelashes. I swear I’ll put on mascara and half of one eye is left with one thin little hair. It’s kinda funny. But not!

So finally after months of this (and my hairdresser having no solution other than to be “gentler” on my hair and be patient while it grows back out – I know she’s probably right, but come on! It’s going to take yearssssss before this grows out!!) I started looking up natural and/or home remedies for broken/damaged hair. I came across someone recommending putting coconut oil in your hair. I saw a bunch of other recommendations where you have to make DIY creams and buy a bunch of weird stuff and spend time mixing it together. But my lazy, pregnant self thought that would be WAY too much work and decided to go with the straight coconut oil. I wanted it to be something easy so I could realistically do it at home and on my own.

I was so hesitant to do this. I am used to my hair feeling very full and thick and was worried that putting coconut oil alllll over my hair would make it feel very greasy and weighed down. I stared at the stupid coconut oil jar on my bathroom counter for months! Yes, that was plural. Finally, I told myself to suck it up and do it. What’s the worst that could happen?! #YOLO

You guys, it’s amazing. It was recommended to leave on hair for at least one hour before showering. I think I left it on for 5 minutes before I hopped into the shower the first time because I was really worried about being left with flat, greasy hair. And even just five minutes made a big difference! I have since done it a few times and every time I am left with smoother, less frizzy hair. It’s easier to blow dry and not greasy at all. I do use a little less oils and other products in my hair after doing a coconut oil hair mask.

I have also heard about putting the coconut oil on your eyelashes and/or brows if you want them to grow in thicker. I try to do this a couple times a week. I haven’t noticed my lashes getting any thicker, but the fall out I was having before is MUCH less. High five!

I was so excited to tell my girlfriend about this new trick! When I told her she said all calmly, “Oh yeah, I do that hair mask every now and then.” I was like, “Whaaaaatt?!?!? Why didn’t you ever tell me about it?!” LOL Months later, I’m still a little mad at her for keeping this secret from me, but I forgive her ;)

Anyway, I thought maybe someone else could benefit from this little trick! I buy one jar and it lasts me about 3-4 hair masks. I cover my entire head in it and put it up in an oily/coconut-y bun for about an hour before I shower and shampoo + condition as I normally would. Like I said, I was worried to put it up close to my roots, but since that’s where the frizz and breakage was the worst, I went for it and haven’t experienced any excess oil or grease from it. But I do have super thick, course hair naturally, so use caution! LOL

Let me know if you try this trick and if it works for you! Or … you can just let me know that you already knew about this nifty little trick and tell me to get with the program a little faster next time. HA! Good luck!