Update!

Hello Everyone!
It's been a while since I have updated because I actually just got back from my vacation yesterday and leading up to my departure I was working a lot so I would have lots of money to spend! I am going to have lots of updates coming up this week! Lots of new makeup and clothing was purchased!

Scream 4 Movie Review

Last night, I went to the theater and saw Scream 4! I had heard good things about it but was still kind of unsure because of the previous Scream movies being less than entertaining (first one as an exception) While viewing the film I was most definitely pleasantly surprised. It was actually a good, day in age thriller that I was nervous, cringing, left with my mouth open and surprised. It was funny, not at the parts that were supposed to be scary - with one or two exceptions.. which I was basically kind of expecting but was once again pleasantly surprised! The film had a lot of famous actors and actresses and it was definitely well written. I enjoyed the plot and it actually was scary with a twist ending. I would go on the record and say that this was most definitely the best Scream movie since the film franchise started and I would watch it again. If you are looking for a good movie to go see this week or weekend I would recommend this if you are interested in the horror genre. 

100 Ways To Be Happy

I am absolutely addicted to stumbleupon - when I am not working on this blog or looking at other beauty blogs I am always on stumbleupon.. so addicting! So if you don't have an account I definitely recommend that you get one because it has honestly made the most boring days just fly by and I have honestly found SO many great websites! But any who.. I was on stumbleupon this morning and I came across this website that the link was titled "100 Ways To Be Happy" I read threw it and I was so inspired! I'm going to print it off and hang it up in my bedroom! Cause I mean who doesn't want to be happier?!! So I am going to pass it along to everyone else out there and I think everyone should take a a look because it is really great! Enjoy!! :)

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/22Quid/www.tripbase.com/blog/101-ways-to-be-happy/

My Work Out Playlist

My personal work out playlist - mixture of old and new :) Enjoy!

Take Over Control - Afrojack f. Eva Simmons
More Redone Remix - Usher
Hit The Lights - Jay Sean f. Lil Wayne
Top Of The World - The Cataracs f. Dev
S&M - Rihanna
No Sleep - Wiz Kalifa
Sweat - Snoop Dogg f. David Guetta
Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm
Beautiful People - Chris Brown f. Benny Benassi
Yeah 3X - Chris Brown
E.T. - Katy Perry f. Kanye West
Judas - Lady Gaga
Look At Me Now - Chris Brown f. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes
Blow - Ke$ha
Girls - Pitbull f. Ke$ha
Girls On The Dancefloor - Far East Movement
I Need A Doctor - Dr. Dre f. Eminem & Skylar Gray
Who Says - Selena Gomez & The Scene
Black Dog - Led Zeppelin
Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin
Steal My Sunshine - Len
Reminder - Jay Z
The Cave - Mumford & Suns
Little Lion Man - Mumford & Suns
The State Of Massachusetts - The Dropkick Murphy's
The Time (Dirty Bit) - The Black Eyed Peas
Rock That Body - The Black Eyed Peas
I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas
Hash Pipe - Weezer
Dynamite - Taio Cruz
Rolling In The Deep - Adele
Bring The Noise (Pump-Kin Remix) - Public Enemy f. Benny Benassi
I Like That - Richard Vission & Static Revenger Feat. Luciana
Ghosts N Stuff - Deadmau5 f. Rob Swire
Erase Me - Kid Cudi f. Kanye West
Memories - David Guetta f. Kid Cudi
Day N Nite (Crooker's Remix) - Kid Cudi
Get U Home (Party Rock Remix) - Shwayze f. LMFAO
Paranoid (Party Rock Remix) - Kanye West f. LMFAO
What's My Age Again? - Blink 182
Take It Off - The Donna's
On The Dance Floor - David Guetta f. Will.I.Am & Apl De Ap
Goodies - Ciara f. Petey Pablo
Boys Wanna Be Her - Peaches
Start Me Up - The Rolling Stones
Come Together - The Beatles
Drive My Car - The Beatles
Howlin' For You - The Black Keys
Your Touch - The Black Keys
Tighten Up - The Black Keys
New Moon Rising - Wolfmother
Tipsy - J-Kwon
Like A G6 (Redone Remix) - Far East Movement f. Mohombi, The Cataracs & Dev
Sofi Needs A Ladder - Deadmau5
Louder - Chris Willis
Won't Back Down - Eminem f. P!nk
Miami 2 Ibiza - Swedish House Mafia
Love Me - Justin Bieber
Cannibal  - Ke$ha
Come Down - Bush
Dancing On My Own - Robyn
American Woman - Lenny Kravitz
You Make My Dreams Come True - Hall & Oats
Best Of You - The Foo Fighters
I'm In The House - Steve Aoki Feat. [[[Zuper Blahq]]]
My Name Is - Eminem
Check Ya Self 2010 - Ice Cube
Gimme Tha Loot - Notorious B.I.G.
Hypnotized - Notorious B.I.G.
Revolver Remix - Madonna f. David Guetta & Lil Wayne
For Whom The Bell Calls - Metallica
Top Of The World - The Pussycat Dolls
The Fame - Lady Gaga
Teeth - Lady Gaga
Going Down - Sick Puppies
Robot Rock - Daft Punk
Where You Wanna Go - Mischa Daniels f. J-Son
Party And Bullshit In The USA - Notorious B.I.G. vs. Miley Cyrus
Limelight - Rush
S.O.S. (Rescue Me) - Rihanna
Disturbia - Rihanna
Touchin' On My - 3OH!3
Everybody (Backstreet's Back) - Backstreet Boys
Wannabe - Spice Girls
Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls

Emma Stone - Style Crush

I have loved Emma Stone since her breakout role in Superbad but when she appeared on the red carpet for the Golden Globes this year with her platinum blonde hair and that orange Calvin Klein dress I have since found myself a new style crush! Emma's hair, makeup and clothing choices are absolutely flawless. I have posted some of my favorite looks by her and I hope to in the near future post makeup and hair how-to's for Emma Stone's best looks. Enjoy! :)

Emma at the 2011 Golden Globes wearing Calvin Klein

At The Trevor Projects annual 'Trevor LIVE' First premiere of her new blonde hair for Spiderman wearing a dress from the Roksanda Ilincic Resort 2010 Collection

2011 Critics Choice Awards wearing Balenciaga

Get it or Shred it!

For those of you who know me - I am absolutely addicted to magazines I buy multiple a week! and my collection is pretty impressive (if I do say so myself) So I decided to start a new weekly blog post that I determine if the magazine is worth buying it or not! And sections to check out! Hope you enjoy it! :)

Week of April 11, 2011

Intouch Weekly:
Cover story: Teen Moms Addicted To Surgury
Get it or Shred it? Shred it!
Why? Nothing exciting must have been happening this week, the title story is just silly and other inside stories about Kendra Wilkinson's fight with Kristie Ally on the set of Dancing with the Stars.. is just so boring.. nothing exciting. I did enjoy the Hollywood Hair Wars pages though- lots of great pictures of in-style hair - but by all means.. I wouldn't buy this magazine for just two pages!

OK:
Cover story: Kim Kardashian: Betrayed Before the Wedding
Get it or Shred it? Shred it!
Why? To be honest - most stories are the same or similar to Intouch BUT this magazine has some great fashion stories and makeup and hair parts. For this reason I would recommend this magazine over Intouch.

People: Style Watch
So this says display until April 11,2011 but since I just started today I figured may as well put it?
Cover story: 476 Ways To Look Cute Everyday! With Lauren Conrad on the cover
Get it or Shred it? Get it!
Why? Too be 100% honest I will probably 99.9% of the time post this as Get it - I love this magazine and purchase it and I don't think I have ever been disappointed. It features good fashion, makeup and hair and celebrity news - what else could you ask for??!
Check out:  How to get Lauren Conrad's look "Simply Stylish Lauren" on pages 44-48 .. Love her!!
5 Ways to Switch Up Your Look! on page 122
Look For Less, featuring Mila Kunis - I am currently in love with everything she wears, how she does her makeup and hair- she just always looks flawless!

Glamour
Cover story: 101 Ways To Look Hotter Now! With Ashley Green on the cover (Well the version I got)
Get it or Shred it? Get it!
Why? Glamour will almost always be a Get it! aswell - I actually have a subscription to this magazine and I love it. I do wish I had gotten the issue with Emma Stone on the cover - Nothing against Ashley Greene - but Emma is another one of my current style favorites!
Check out: I don't really have one favorite article but it is all great! A lot of stories on finding the right bathing suits/bikini's - it's that season again!

Cosmopolitan
Cover story: 75 Sex Moves Men Crave and Look Sexy! Makeup That Flirts FOR You! With Haley Williams on the cover
Get it or Shread it? Get it!
Why? Well first off, I was sold when I saw Haley Williams (Lead singer of Paramore) on the cover! Love her! and I honestly never thought I would see her on the cover of this magazine!
Check out: Sexy Little Ways To Prep For Summer on pages 171-173 and Go Ahead Check Yourself Out on page 193! I love when magazines are all about woman empowerment and about being happy with who you are and being a confident, happy person!

Well, that's it for this week - I will be back next week! :)

My Favorite Beauty Tips!

I have some general beauty tips that I have learnt or have been past on too me! Enjoy! :)

How to cover up a picked at pimple: I have a terrible habit of picking at pimples and it causes the middle of it to be all gross and if I need to cover it up, I take a q-tip and put a concealer treatment on it and lightly dab it. Don't over do it! Less is more, the more makeup on it the more attention it will draw to that spot on your face! For a treating concealer I recommend Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer.

Always remove eye makeup before you go to bed! This makes it so your eyelashes don't break and if you just didn't bother removing it at all - I know some people do! Start! Because it makes your mascara go on more nicely and you are really allowing your mascara live to its full potential! And we want that!!

Always moisturize before applying foundation! This makes your makeup go on smoothly and if your skin is dry it gives you moisture that your skin needs! I wait at least 5 minutes after applying moisturizer to put on foundation so the makeup goes on nicely over the foundation.

Wear a SPF everyday, sun or no sun!! Your skin will thank you if you get a foundation that has a SPF in it, which a lot of foundations or moisturizers do! This will prevent you from sun damage and will cause you not to get wrinkly and  have dark spots, and obviously helps prevent skin cancer. Skip the tanning salon and opt for a spray tan or a good self tanner. I recommend Jergens Natural Glow or Lancome Flash Bronzer, I used to use Tantowels which were excellent (and cheap!) but they no longer sell them in my area I'm not sure if the product is dis-continued but if it is not and it is available in your area I definitely recommend them too you!!

If you want your eyeliner to go on smoother and easier put it in your freezer.

Get matched! There is nothing that makes me cringe more when I see a girl with an orange face and a white neck, see a professional and they will match you too their brand or I have seen consultants look at your makeup bag and see if it matches you correctly or not. Good lighting is the key, I always get my mom to check my neck for a makeup line if I am not sure if I have a makeup line or not!

Foundation - less is more!! When applying foundation do not slap it all over your face, it will only make you look cakey or shiny, what I do is either only apply it in areas that I need the coverage or if I do need full coverage I put it in four areas on my face: my forehead, right cheek, left cheek and my chin and blend outwards.

For extra long lashes, I put my eyelash curler under a hairdryer for a couple seconds (not to long because it gets really hot and will burn your eyelids!) and curl my lashes before mascara.. works like a charm! I do it every time I go out!!

Exfoliate! If you exfoliate your skin is smoother, softer and it is better looking and makes it much easier to put on foundation, also great if you have dry skin it takes away dead skin!!

Tone! If you use a toner, this will help clear up your skin and I do this day and night and it definitely helps my problem areas!

DON'T put foundation on your lips! I unfourtantely did this when I was in high school I could just never find a lipstick that was the right shade that I wanted, it causes white, dry skin on your lips.. and who wants chapped lips??! Opt for a nude lip color (I have since found one Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Soft Nude) And bright colored lips are in now anyways. If you naturally have red lips (like me) embrace it!

When trying a new skin treatment (or medication) your skin will probably break out, things have to get worse before they get better! Don't worry if you bought a new skin care system and you are breaking out, it may work for you - you just have to stick too it long enough to know!!

Clean Your makeup brushes! (Or throw out your sponges!) This may be why you're breaking out! Use a mild soap to clean them. If you want more details on how often to clean every brush and how this website is great! http://www.essentialbeautysupplies.com/pages/cleaning_brushes.html

Throw out old makeup! Some people have makeup that they have had forever that they still use - this can also cause acne because of the bacteria! And the makeup will not be in its full potential.. think of it like expired food.. who wants that? Throw mascaras out after 3 months.. it will be dry anyways and it is absolutely full of bacteria! And foundations typically can be used for up too a year. Throw out old cleansers and moisturizers after 6 months of use.

Share tips not makeup! Makeup is full of bacteria and you really don't want to share that with anyone! Doing this could cause an eye or skin infection, and sharing makeup just isn't sanitary - regardless if you are best friends, sisters, mother and daughter or anything! Do not share makeup, makeup brushes or tools!

Use a primer! Primers make your makeup go on smoother and last longer, help hide fine lines and make the most of your foundation! I recently purchased Lacome's Dewy Glow Base and I love it! The only problem I have with it is that it is really stinky.. and it cannot be inhaled or anything. I will probably post a review on this within the week! :)

I will post more in the future, hope you enjoyed these tips and I hope they help! :)

What are you looking for in a foundation??

Hello! I haven't posted in such a long time, I have been very busy working almost everyday! I have been working on a few posts and they will be posted shortly and this is the first of many to come! :)

This is your personal guide to finding your perfect foundation.
Based upon finish, with examples and foundations that fit your personal requirements.


Finish; You can get 3 types of finishes: - Natural
                                                           - Dewy
                                                          - Matte

If you are looking for a natural finish, you want your foundation too look polished, yet natural and make it look like you are not wearing makeup, with less coverage. If you have problem skin a lot of natural foundations may not cover your acne or scars, so be cautious of that!
Celebrities that like to wear their makeup natural include: Sienna Miller and Blake Lively.
I recommend  Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Mousse Foundation.

If you want a matte foundation you want to have zero shine and a perfected, airbrushed,soft to touch looking coverage. Celebrities that wear their makeup with matte coverage include, Carrie Underwood and Kim Kardashian.
I recommended L'Oreal Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation.

If you want a dewy foundation you want a more luminous looking foundation that you do not set with powder (maybe the t-zone) Your skin would looked 'whipped' or like velvet. Celebrities that wear their makeup dewy include Hayden Panettiere and Lauren Conrad.
I recommend  Lancome Photogenic Lumessence Liquid Foundation.

                                                          

My Favorite Products! (And My First Video Blog!)

Haha, I am so sorry that this is so awkward.. I was really nervous I really hope it does get better with time, I am also sorry about the bad audio/video I will be getting an upgrade ASAP! Thank You
Katie

Mascara Reviews

Lancome Definicils Mascara

This mascara is for length. When I was in high school this was my go-to mascara I used it everyday and when I was going out, it was buildable to wear from day to night. This mascara is not as 'wet' as other lancome mascaras and it doesn't really smudge... the only issue with this mascara drying is that if you pick at your lashes they may flake, overall this mascara is a great product and definitely my favorite lancome mascara. 

I give this product 5/5

Lancome Hypnose Drama

This mascara is if you are looking for volume and it also provides length as well. 

This mascara is more 'wet' and it causes eyelashes to stick together, for this reason I will probably not be

purchasing this product again. It does make your eyelashes full and big though but it wasn't exactly the look I was looking for. I would give this product 3.5/5

Covergirl Lashblast Luxe Mascara

This mascara is for volume and has shimmer in it. I originally bought this mascara because I needed a new mascara and I was going out so I thought it would be nice if you could see the shimmer in my lashes for going out, I picked it up and as soon as I put it on I absolutely fell in love.. it made my eyes look amazing and my eyelashes were full and I could see the shimmer.. then a couple days passed and I found it started to get clumpier and not as nice or shimmery every day.. I used this mascara on and off for about a year because I loved the effect of the shimmer and the volume it gave me in the first couple uses.. but in the end it probably isn't that worth it.. if I could afford to buy this mascara everyday I would use it.. but that would just be silly.

I give this product 3.5/5

Rimmel London Glam Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara

This mascara is for if you want volume in your lashes on one end and if you wanted length for the other end.

I mostly just bought this because I was really confused how it was two different mascaras in one.. but when I used it I was pleasantly surprised, the volume side gave me lots of volume and the length side did give me a lot  of length, but once again I found the issue within a week or so the mascara was drying out already and the volume side seemed to make my lashes stick together.. but when I first used it I was getting comments about my eyelashes how great they looked, but that was only in the first week that the volume was really nice.

I would give this product 3.5/5

Dior Diorshow Mascara

This mascara is for drama, big volume lashes. When I purchased this mascara I was BEYOND excited I read great reviews I knew celebrities used it and makeup artists loved it.. but when I tried it, I was honestly very disappointed it made my lashes really clumpy and I just did not like the effect whatsoever, also a couple days after I bought it I got an eye infection so I had to throw it away but aside from forking out $30 for a mascara and then just having to throw it away - I probably wouldn't have used it again. I have read reviews that people claim, no clumps and makes lashes long and full so maybe that is the effect it gave customers with short eyelashes, naturally I have very long eyelashes and I curl my eyelashes anyways.. I was disappointed and I would not recommend this mascara at all.

I give this product 2/5

Benefit Bad Gal Lash

This mascara is for big lashes best for if you are looking for volume. I purchased this mascara really excited aswell and I actually bought it the same time I bought the Diorshow mascara I did only get too use it a couple times before I got my eye infection aswell (lol..of course when I fork out $60 on mascara I have to throw them away...) I did use it for my grad pictures though and also for pictures and they looked great, the only issue I had was the brush was so big that it was hard not to get it on my eyes. This mascara dried very fast so be careful of flakes if you pick at your eyes, but other than that and it's pricey price tag this mascara is great!

I give this product 4/5

L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

This mascara is for big, full, lashes with volume. I purchased this because I saw how weird the brush was and how beautiful Penelope Cruz' lashes were in the ad (I'm a sucker for good makeup advertisement!) The first time I tried it, it made my lashes huge and amazing! I couldn't believe a mascara brush that looked like that could make my eyes look so great.. but as I have learned.. you always have to keep on using it.. and I discovered that once again this is a mascara that went clumpy and was not that good even on the second day! This mascara may work for some people, but there are other mascaras that I would use that I would get more use out of. I give this mascara 2/5

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

This is my latest mascara purchase, and I will most likely do a makeup haul on it becuase I just bought it a couple days ago. I have tried other L'Oreal Voluminous Mascaras (Explosion aside..) and have really liked them but I read and saw some really good reviews on this mascara and there is the new 'V Moment' contest going on so I decided might as well! I tried it for the first time three days ago and I was amazed, it made my lashes long, full and there was not one single clump.. and three days later.. still look beautiful! I would 100% reccomend this too anyone who wants glamorous full and long lashes!! I give this product 5/5

My Playlist

I have a lot of favorite music of the moment and lots of music that will always be my favorite so I'll post a little bit of everything :)

wild world - cat stevens

vienna - billy joel

wild horses - the rolling stones

you can't always get what you want - the rolling stones

whole lotta love - led zeppelin

something - the beatles

all you need is love - the beatles

imagine - john lennon

across the universe - the beatles

rolling in the deep - adele

top of the world - the cataracs f. dev

sofi needs a ladder - deadmau5

transatlanticism - death cab for cutie

crooked teeth - death cab for cutie

miami 2 ibiza - sweedish house mafia

howlin for you - the black keys

tighten up - the black keys

your touch - the black keys

louder - chris willis

marching bands of manhattan - death cab for cutie

you make my dreams come true - hall & oats

sweet emotion - aerosmith

magic carpet ride - stepphenwolf 

come down - bush

i miss you - blink 182

drive - incubus 

the beautiful letdown - switchfoot

cosmic love - florence and the machine

hash pipe - weezer

the suburbs - the arcade fire

gimme tha loot - notorious b.i.g.

i need a doctor - dr.dre f. eminem & skylar

best of you - the foo fighters

hallelujah - jeff buckley

make it wit chu - queens of the stone age

old man - neil young

hurricane - bob dylan

angie - the rolling stones

here's to the nights - eve6

bring the noise pump-kin remix - benny benassi

i'm in the house - steve aoki f. [[[zuper blahq]]]

set the fire to the third bar - snow patrol f. martha wainwright

revolver remix - madonna f. david guetta & lil wayne

for whom the bell tolls - metallica

the adventure - angels and airwaves

those are all i'm going to post for now, i will most definitely be posting more later though! :)

Foundation 101

I will post my favorite drugstore store foundations, as well as luxury foundations and different foundations for all skin types, I will also post foundation that I do not like and I will also post the pros and cons of every foundation that I have tested.

Lancome Photogenic Lumessence Liquid Foundation with SPF 15
One of my personal favorite foundations that I use all the time! Has great coverage, that you can build from moderate too full but always looks natural. It makes my skin look glowy and it really does look luminous in pictures, doesn't appear cakey or wet, blends well and lasts all day, I honestly have no bad things to say about this foundation - I wear it in the winter and in the summer it is good for cold climates as well as hot ones doesn't melt off or go shiny on oily skin. This foundation stays on your skin, if you don't want too set it with powder to get a more dewy look or if you do want to set it with foundation it will honestly, last all day. This foundation also has SPF 15 which is great, I think everyone should look for a foundation with SPF because your skin will thank you!!   It claims that it smooths lines and other imperfections and I know I am only 18 so I don't have lines or wrinkles quite yet, but as for imperfections the finish is airbrushed looking and flawless, my mom who is 50, also uses this same foundation and her makeup always looks flawless. I definitely recommended this foundation to anyone.
The only con I can think of is the price, but it does last a long time and you are definitely paying for the product you get. I would give this foundation a 5/5

Covergirl Natureluxe Foundation With SPF 10
This foundation gives moderate coverage, I do not recommended this for dry skin, or for really oily skin either.. I believe from when I tried this product that it is more for combination skin than anything, overall it is a good foundation but you have to be careful when applying to your face that you blend it properly because it is a thicker formula that is mousse like so I also advise not to apply with a foundation brush, this makeup would be better suited for a sponge or just your hands. I did like how natural looking this makeup did look when applied moderately. Another good thing about this foundation was that it lasted for quite a while, touch ups were eventually still needed but I was definitely pleasantly surprised at the end of the day how well it stayed on my skin. This foundation as well has SPF 15 which is something you should look for in your foundations as I mentioned before! I was looking at other online reviews and a lot of people seemed to be upset about the price, it is pricey for a drugstore foundation but it is less than half of what you would normally pay for a department store foundation. In the end it is a pretty good foundation you just have to have a certain type of skin and apply it correctly. I give this foundation 3.5/5

Loreal Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation

This foundation is mousse like and have light-moderate coverage. This foundation goes on very smoothly and is easy to apply, but just the same as the Natureluxe foundation be careful that you do not apply too much in oily or dry areas.. but other than that I thought this foundation was wonderful, it made my skin look glowy and soft and I did not need a powder because it has a matte finish that didn't really require too be set with a powder. As for long lasting, it did not last quite as long as I would like my foundation too last but if you had time for touch ups this foundation is a one step foundation that really does cover imperfections and  made my skin look great while used in moderation. If you have combination skin and are looking for a matte foundation with light coverage I would recommend this foundation too you. I give this foundation a 4/5

MAC Pro Longwear Liquid Foundation With SPF 10

This foundation has moderate to full coverage. I purchased this foundation because I wanted a foundation for the summer that would not melt off from the heat and I wouldn't have to reapply, and that would last all day the makeup artist at MAC Cosmetics recommended this too me and when I first bought it in the summer I loved it, it did last all day.. but as the fall came and my skin started to get drier and the less the makeup looked good on my skin, this skin is more meant for oily skin types because when applied too dry areas it appears cakey, but other than that this foundation was great, now that spring has come and my skin is more oily/combination that dry I use it all the time, especially when I am broken out. I would recommend you wear this if you have combination-oily skin if you are looking for moderate to full  coverage, I would also recommend to set with a translucent powder to keep any additional shine away and keep your makeup flawless for another additional couple of hours. Overall, I would give this foundation 5/5

MAC Mineralize Satinfinish With SPF 15

This foundation has light to moderate coverage and gives a dewy foundation look. When I purchased this foundation I told the makeup artist that I have an oily t-zone lately and she said that this foundation is not that good for oily skin, it is made more for people with dry-combination skin and I also would not recommend to wear this when you have a breakout, it does not have very good coverage on acne. This foundation would be great for someone with dry skin because it moisturizes your skin. I did just purchase this a couple days ago and so far I am definitely liking it, my only concerns that I have is when I apply it on my face with a foundation brush I find that it is harder to blend - it would probably work better with a sponge or your fingers and that if you do not set it with a translucent powder it probably will change color on you and go darker and no one really wants that.. but overall if you are looking for a sheer foundation and have combination skin it is a good choice. I would give this product 4/5

Clinique Supermoisture Makeup

This foundation gives you full coverage and a dewy finish. This product is ideal for someone with severely dry skin. A couple years ago I was on medication that caused my skin to dry out so bad that I could not wear any makeup I tried everything, I tried other foundations that were good for dry skin but my skin was too the point where it was almost looking like it was peeling from a sunburn or something, then I found this foundation and it was the only foundation that I used while I was on that medication. It leaves your skin looking wet because it has so much moisture in it. The only complaint I had about this foundation when I was using it was how easily it came off on to your hands if you barely touched you face or if it went on your clothes (you wouldn't lose coverage on your face but it would just come off onto your hands) But I really enjoyed this foundation when I had it and when I was having my skin problems it was honestly a life saver.. dry skin can be much worse than oily shiny skin, I tried every skin product, every scrub and nothing worked, but this foundation I believe was an honest help to my skin and I do recommend it too anyone that has the same issues as I did.

I give this product a 5/5

Clinique Perfectly Real Foundation

I bought this foundation in search of a lighter foundation with sheer coverage and just to wear when I am working or if I am just going to go to town to get something and want to appear a little bit put together, this foundation was actually really great, it was sheer and it covered up little imperfections and made the overall skin tone look better. This foundation would even be great for someone who is just starting to use foundation or someone who is skeptical about wearing foundation this appears very natural, blends well and lasts all day aswell! I give this foundation a 5/5

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Mousse Makeup

This foundation has light to moderate coverage, appears natural and I believe is good for all skin types, it is probably the coolest makeup I have tried it really is mousse - it looks like the mousse you put in your hair and it bubbles! But overall this foundation was absolutely great, I wore this foundation to my prom and my makeup remained flawless and natural all night and it is so easy to put on, blends well and looks nice on.

I give this foundation 5/5

And I think I am going to leave my first Foundation 101 post at that, I will post more foundation reviews in the future I just figured might as well start with a bang, hope this helps!

The Best Straightener

I own an Avanti Nano-Titanium Ceramic Silver Digital Flat Iron (1-3/8" inch)
It is a pricey one, but in my opinion - worth every penny! It ranges from $150-$250
and the reason being why it is so expensive is because it is a salon straightener, when I was looking for
a good straighter to purchase I was looking a lot at thinner ones that could curl hair - but unfourtantely this one does not curl hair, I never opted for a thinner straightener and I always figured that I would never get one unless it curled but one of my friends has this straighter and once I tried it I had to have it, it was honestly the best straightener I have ever used, I have owned other salon straighteners by brands like Ceramix and Babyliss and they were great but not close to the quality of this straightener. I personally, have wavy hair that is very stubborn when it comes to straightening it, it always seemed to be curly by the end of the day or flipping in all directions so for the longest time I did not even try to straighten my hair maybe in the winter when it wasn't as humid but it just felt like a waste of time but since I have purchased my Nano Croc I have straightened my hair on a regular basis regardless of the humidity and my hair has actually been staying straight! I also contribute that to a couple of products that I have found and I will probably list them in a bit but this straightener is great, my friend that owned it that showed me it has showed it too other friends and they have all gone and purchased it as well.

So some perks of spending this straightener, aside from having great hair are:
- Heats up too 450 F
- Digitally displays temperature
- You can adjust the heat by a button to any temp. you would like
- Is light, only weights 1Llbs.
- Extra long chord, so it can reach wherever
- Heats up to 450F in a matter of seconds
- Compact

TIPS for better straightening and healthier hair and for use of your Nano Croc Straightener:
- Always use a heat protector spray or cream, to protect your hair from heat damage. I use 'Matrix Sleek Look' Spray - it protects as well as helps with humidity and gives your hair great shine!
- Don't turn up your straightener all the way up if you have thinner hair, only adjust the heat setting too what you need - if you have curly/hard to straighten hair you would put it up higher and medium-thick hair you would use a setting in-between. Most People put it up as high as you can cause they think it is faster, but it will damage your hair!
-As for the actual straightener, I have read online some people have had issues with them turning off, I myself have never had that issue with this straightener and I have had it for about 5 months I think the issue is people being rough with their straightener, wrapping the chord around the body (which you do not want to do) and unplugging the iron before it has been turned off, if I ever do have an issue I will definitely post it, but thus far I have not had one issue with this straightener.

(Left To Right) Avanti Nano-Titanium Ceramic Silver Digital Flat Iron (1-3/8" inch)

Matrix Sleek Look Iron Smoother.

My Skin Care Routine

This specific skin care routine does work for me - I have combination skin which is basically just means that your skin isn't really dry or oily except it is oily in the t-zone which is your forehead, in between your eyebrows (my biggest problem area) down your nose, and on your chin and around your mouth,

I will post different skin care that I do find effective because I have experienced servilely dry skin as well as oily skin. Thank you :)

I use the 'Dermalogica Clean Start' Line I buy the whole set (Minus the 'Sebum Clearing Masque' which is on the end to the right) I buy it at my local salon that sells Dermalogica Skin Care and it costs approximately $45 - $50 dollars but one set usually does last 1-2 months and the Masque comes to approximately $60 dollars.

It is pricey but it is a solution to acne that does work for me - obviously I still get the odd breakout but most days I do have a very clear complexion. 

On a daily basis you wash your face in the morning when you wake up and at night before you go to bed and that is the way this system is set up.

IN THE MORNING:

First I use the 'Wash Off' face cleanser. Lather & rinse to get rid of dead skin cells and cleans your face!

Then, 'All Over Clear' this is a spray toner, to clear problem areas you just spray and I let it dry a little bit before the next step. TIP: you can spray it even on a breakout on your body if you have acne on your back, chest or shoulders or just for your face

I then use the 'Welcome Matte SPF 15' Moisturizer which controls shine and protects your skin from sun damage! TIP: I always, always wait at least 5 minutes to let the moisturizer settle before putting on any makeup! 

AT NIGHT:

I do the same routine in the morning, but instead of using the 'Welcome Matte SPF 15 Moisturizer' I use 'Bedtime For Breakouts' Which is basically just a treatment cream that works overnight and prevents breakouts and reduces redness. You just leave it on your face and go to bed!

There are additional steps that you don't do everyday but more so every other day or more simply, every 3-5 days a week.

The first additional product is 'Ready Set Scrub!' Which is included in the 'Clean Start' Kit. I use it after Cleansing and before using the toner.

And what it is, is an exfoliating scrub and basically what it does is soaks up oils and gets ready of dead skin cells and makes your skin feel fresh and soft! I leave it on for about 5 minutes and rinse with warm water

Finally, the second additional product is the 'Sebum Clearing Masque' which I bought separately from the 'Clean Start' Kit This product is my absolute favorite skin care product I have ever purchased, I truly credit this masque to the clearing of my skin. I use it usually 3-4 times a week after Cleansing and before the toner.

And what this product is, is a clay masque that soaks up oil and helps preventing breakouts with salicylic acid, I apply a smooth layer of it of my face (you may want to just put on t-zone) and leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

Some additional skin tips that I have learnt are:

-Products don't work right away, sometimes it can take up too a month - and it MAY get worse before it get's better it does suck, but in the end it really could be worth it!! 

-Do use a SPF and avoid going in the sun without it or going tanning, I myself personally do love tanning but I have given it up because it is terrible for your skin and it also causes skin cancer and you could always opt for a really good self-tanner and you won't have to worry about looking leather-y in the future or worry about getting skin cancer.

First Post! My Background

This is my first post on this blog! I have had blogs before but never a beauty one! So maybe I will start off with talking about myself and my makeup background.

All of my life I have absolutely loved everything beauty - makeup, hair, fashion, fragrance,skin care and exercise and well-being (I know it's not beauty but - music!) and I have always followed beauty, fashion, music blogs or watched videos but I just recently thought that maybe I should do something like that!

This upcoming September I am attending a beauty school and I am going to take Makeup-Artistry! It is a lifelong dream and I cannot wait - I am beyond excited!

As for my experience, it all really basically just started when I was a little girl, I have two older sisters, one is 13 years older then me and the other 9 years my senior, I was always enchanted by their makeup and hair as even a toddler and they eventually taught me some basic makeup tips and I haven't looked back since! My mother also is a Makeup Consultant for Lancomè makeup in my area, and I attend (or work) at every Makeup Gala that she has or any makeup related event that is going on in my small town.
I figured this blog would be a great way for me too post and let people know good products, products I dislike and how to properly apply makeup among many other things, I have always been the guinea pig that tested absolutely every product that intrigued me for my friends and family, I cannot walk by a makeup counter and not take a glimpse.. often the visit does end with a purchase and I would like to extend my knowledge of makeup and product knowledge along for others to pass along as well :)
Fashion, another one of my favorite things - if I was not taking Makeup Artistry I would probably be studying fashion or maybe even designing or something to do with the Music Industry, so this blog will have music posts because it is an obsession of mine as well.

Hope you enjoy the blog!
Katie