Lavender Oil and Spearmint in Origins Stay Tuned Foundation...Good or Bad?

As you all know, I watch tons of youtube videos from well known makeup artists around the world to learn all of the tips and tricks I share with you.  This morning I was watching a video by Goss Makeup Artist about the five worst high end foundations (FAIL! WORST HIGH END FOUNDATIONS!) and the second foundation he talked about was Origins Stay Tuned foundation.  This is the foundation that made me change from powder to liquid and I swear by it, so once I heard him bashing it (which is totally his own opinion and I respect that) I decided to do a little research myself to see what I could come up with.  Goss claims that the reason he doesn't like this foundation is because it contains lavender oil and spearmint which are known skin irritants.  I had just finished putting on a brand new bottle of my Stay Tuned and I wanted to make sure I wasn't damaging my skin, and selling a bad product to other people while I'm at work.

The following on lavender oil is from an article (here) by Robert Tisserand, an esteemed collegue in the aromatherapy industry and he is recognized as a leader and world-expert in aromatherapy.  He has developed personal care products, and founded the Tisserand Institute setting new standards for vocational aromatherapy education.

Lavender Oil: Pros and Cons
Pros

• it can help with wound healing
• anti-allergetic
• reduces redness during healing
• fights and prevents MRSA
• moderately active against Propionibacterium acnes, one of the principle bacteria involved in acne
• moderately active against the two principle fungi that cause skin problems, such as athletes foot and ringworm
• burn remedy
• soothes bee stings
•  Regular use of lavender oil in skin preparations could suppress the aging effects of sunlight on the skin, according to a Japanese study
• loaded with antioxidants

Cons

• only one report of photo-allergy to lavender oil ever, and photo-allergy to essential oils is so rare that it can be discounted as a risk
• there are two major constituents in lavender oil that can oxidize overtime and form hydroperoxides, however this takes a period of months to years for this to happen, which is why it is important to discard old makeup
• enhanced oxidation of lavender oil can cause increased irritancy to skin, but lavender oil is not a pro-oxident 
• research showed that components of lavender could cause topical skin cell death...now this sounds awful and makes me not want to use it.  However, this research was done on isolated in vitro cells in a petri dish, so we cannot assume that this actually occurs on living skin cells.  It is only a suggestion of a possible affect, and living human skin cells are a matrix of different layers and cells that would act very differently when working together, as opposed to apart from one another.

Lavender oil allergies are possible, but very rare.  It is one of the most widely known and used essential oils because it is so rare to be allergic to.  Skin allergies and skin irritants are very different and should not be used interchangeably.


As far as spearmint goes, I couldn't find any articles claiming that any kind of mint was bad for the skin.  Actually the very first article that popped up on Google when I searched for "how is spearmint bad for the skin" was How to Improve Your Skin with Mint.  I thought that was kind of funny.

So, overall I still believe in my Stay Tuned foundation and I intend on notifying Goss on my research findings and see what he says.  Maybe I can get a real pro's opinion on some products and more knowledge on why he doesn't like these two products.  As always, thank you for reading and leave comments and messages with questions/comments/concerns and what you would like me to post next!

Makeup Brushes 101

Merry Christmas!  I hope you all are enjoying your holiday, I know I am!  Along with the many practical gifts I got this year (a steamer, a vacuum, my car repaired, etc) my lovely sister got me a few new MAC brushes that I am dying to try out later!  The brushes inspired me to finally write this post.  I have been doing lots of research on this for a while now so that I can get you the most accurate information, and then of course I left most of it back in Cincinnati, while I am home visiting my parents for the holidays, so I may update a few things once I get back.

In this post I will talk about both caring for your brushes, and what each brush does and where to buy them with different price points.  There is going to be a TON  of information in this post so get ready!

Care
You NEED to wash your brushes often!  That is one of the biggest mistakes people make.  45% of women never wash their brushes!  I know it can be a hassle and time consuming depending on how many brushes you have, but it is very important not only for your brushes, but for your face and makeup as well.  Washing your brushes will improve the lifespan of your brushes.  If you are going to spend the money on getting nice brushes (which I highly recommend), not taking the time to wash them means you basically just threw half your money down the drain.  I have a Japonesque spray ($12 at Ulta) that I try to use every day when I use my brushes.  I just spray a little on a paper towel and swirl the dirty brush in before I toss then back into my makeup case.  I then try to deep clean my brushes every other week with baby shampoo.

Cleaning your brushes not only extends their lifespan, but it also keeps your makeup nice, especially products like eye shadows that change every day.  If you use a dirty brush then the colors will get mixed and come out muddy looking.  Basically you won't get the true color of the product if you have remnants of another product on the brush.

It is also important to clean your brushes to keep your skin nice.  Your face excretes oil, thats normal.  When you use a brush on your face it picks up that oil.  Then if you don't wash it you are wiping old face oil on your face every time you use the brush, which is really gross.  So, please, please, please CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES!


Brushes 101

I pulled the above from an article by Shira Hirschman Weiss you can find here

These are just a list of brushes I use often.  I don't use all of these every day, but every brush I have has a purpose and I wanted to make sure you knew what they are for, so you can decide if they are the right brush for you.

Face
Angled Contour Brush: good for contouring under the cheekbone for definition and applying blush
I use MAC 168
MAC 168 $35
Bare Escentuals $20
Sigma F40 $19
Makeup Geek $8.99

Foundation Stippling Brush: for those days when you need/want a more full coverage look.  I prefer this to a flat foundation brush because it doesn't leave the streakiness, it give an almost "airbrushed look"
I use MAC 159
MAC 159 $35
Bare Escentuals precision face brush $28
Sigma F84 $21
Makeup Geek $16.99

Concealer Brush: for covering up blemishes
I use Bare Escentuals
I have Bare Escentuals
MAC 195 $24
Bare Escentuals $20
Sigma F75 $12
Makeup Geek $5.99

Beauty Blender (optional): for blending in liquid products such as concealers, highlighters and bronzers for contouring.  Use it dry for more full coverage, or damp for a more shear, blendable coverage
I use one from Ulta I got for $2.99
MAC blending sponge $9
Bare Escentuals N/A
Sigma N/A
Makeup Geek $18.99


Eyes
Eye Shader Brush: for packing on color on the lid.  Can be used wet or dry
I use all three Bare Escentuals
MAC 239 $25
Bare Escentuals wet/dry shadow brush $18 or double ended precision eye brush $28, I also have a third brush called quick color and crease but it looks like they don't sell that anymore (it's a bit larger) it would be the equivalent of the full tapered shadow brush $16
Sigma $14
Makeup Geek $5.99

Stiff Dome Brush: for feathering out color and blending
I use a Bare Escentuals quick color and crease brush that came in a kit years ago and they don't sell it by itself
MAC 217 $23
Bare Escentuals N/A
Sigma E35 $14
Makeup Geek $7.99

Pencil Brush: precision shading on the lid, mainly in the crease
I use Bare Escenutals
MAC 219 $25
Bare Escentuals heavenly liner brush $14 I also have a brush called Rock 'n' Roll that would be the equivalent but that came in a kit I bought years ago and they don't sell it individually
Sigma E30 $12
Makeup Geek $7.99

Soft Dome Brush: for blending out any harsh lines below the brow bone
I use MAC
MAC 224 $31
Bare Escentuals crease defining brush $18
Sigma E40 $14
Makeup Geek $7.49

Liner Brush (can be Bent): for applying liquid or gel eyeliner precisely
I use Bare Escentuals
MAC 209 $20
Bare Escentuals $12 (bent is $14)
Sigma E10 $12
Makeup Geek (bent) $5.99

Dual Ended Brow Brush: for filling in and shaping the brows
I use an Elizabeth Arden brush that came in at kit
MAC duo lash comb/brow brush $9
Bare Escentuals $10
Sigma E80 $12
Makeup Geek $4.49

Push Liner Brush: to tight line eyeliner…it's a whole new technique I have been introduced to fairly recently…I'll do a post on it soon.
I use a Kirkland brush that came in a costco kit
MAC 212 $24
Bare Escentuals double ended liner/shadow brush $24
Sigma E15 $12
Makeup Geek N/A


Other Brushes I have
Bare Escentuals
       Buff & Go I use for applying sheer powder to set liquid foundation
       Flawless Face I have two and I use one for contouring with bronzer and one          for applying blush
       Soft Focus Liner to apply gel liner for a winged look
       Tapered Blush Brush for applying a smaller amount of blush

MAC
       138 for applying powder foundation all over the face for a more sheer look

Other
       Avon rounded shadow brush for applying color right into the crease
       Kirkland stiff flat dome brush for applying color all over the lid and up to            the brow
       Mary Kay lip brush


I hope that this was extremely helpful.  As always, let me know what you would like me to post about next!  Have a merry Christmas!

MAC
Bare Escentuals
Sigma
Makeup Geek

Brown Smokey Eye

Here is a fairly easy look of the day.  It is a shimmery brown smokey eye.  I do a lot of smokey eye looks.  I just think they are so easy and fun, and since I work with a lot of loose powder and pigments, it is really easy to blend the shades together.

 Ok, so don't mind my awful skin...hormonal breakouts are the worst.  I also always do my eye makeup before I apply the rest of my makeup because I don't want the shadow to fall under my eye and ruin my foundation.

I started by applying a primer to the eye area.  I think this is so important to making sure the shadow sticks and lasts all day, and it also gives you a better color payoff.

I used MACs paint pot in Painterly

 I then applied a very neutral, but slightly shimmery color all over the lid and up to the brow bone.  This color is slightly lighter than my skin tone.

I used MAC pigment in Naked from the Nocturnals Holiday Pigments in Black and Gold

 I then used a fluffy brush and covered the lid and crease in a medium brown shade.

I used MAC Swiss Chocolate

 I went back with a bronzy brown shimmer and gently patted it onto the center of the lid.  Since I used a pigment for this it spread a little more than I wanted it too.  Also i wanted to use more of a gold shade, but I didn't have one I liked with this look.

I used MAC Museum Bronze Pigment from the Nocturnals Holiday Pigments in Black and Gold

 I then when back with a shimmery gray/black shadow.  Mine had flecks of gold in it.  I use a very small fluffy brush and went right in the outer corner and right in the crease.

I used Bare Minerals Humor

 I then went back and applied my foundation, concealer, blush and bronzer before I did my eyeliner and mascara.  I do this because I don't want any of the other powders I put on my face to stick to my eye liner or mascara and dull the color.

I did a more winged liner so I used a black gel liner and an angled liner brush

I used MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

I finished the look with a volumizing and lengthening mascara.

I used MAC Haute & Naughter Too Black Lash Mascara

Don't mind my hair...I hadn't gotten that far yet.












And here's the finished look:

I hope you guys like this look.  It is a pretty basic brown smokey eye and it is great for the holidays!  As always, let me know what you think and what else what you would like to see!

"Beauty is being the best possible version of yourself, inside and out."--Unknown

Origins Oil

Origins new Planscription Oil is my new skincare obsession!  Like I have said before, I am oily in my T-zone and normal to dry everywhere else.  I am typically normal in the summer and I tend to get more dry in the winter with all the dry heat inside.  So I know what you're thinking, Why in the world would I want to put oil on my face if I already tend to be oily?  Well, the Planscription Oil contains 20 different precious oils from around the world that are different from the oil your skin produces.  As you age the lipids in your skin start to deplete.  The lipids bump up agains your moisture barrier, and when your lipids deplete your skin can't absorb as much moisture.  The Plantscription Oil helps restore the lipid levels so your skin can absorb more moisture and will then become less dry.

The other reason why I love this oil so much is because your skin will produce less of the oil that causes the shininess or breakouts because of the added moisture from the oil.  It leaves your skin with a natural glow, but it doesn't make you look all shiny...it's more like a dewey look.  This stuff is seriously the bomb!

Another great Origins Oil is the Ginger Gloss.  If you're anything like me, then your face isn't the only place you get dry in the winter.  Origins also has this ginger body gloss that you can spray all over and it help rehydrate your whole body.  Plus it smells AMAZING!  This stuff is quick and easy, just spray it on after you get in the shower, or before you get dressed in the morning and you are on your way.  Quick, easy, and super hydrating!

Happy Holidays! I hope this helps with your holiday shopping, and all your dry skin needs!  I can't believe I graduate in 8 days!  I probably won't post again until after graduation because I have a lot going on between now and then, but hopefully I will be able to post more often after that!

Don't forget to Subscribe and to follow my Instagram to see more makeup looks, and the December Nail Challenge.

MAC Haul!

We got extra discount at work for a couple days so I stocked up on some new MAC products!  So excited and I love them all already!  Here's photos of everything I got and I will try to get swatches and reviews up on Wednesday.  (Keep in mind I'm graduating in 16 days so life is INSANE right now, so I've been a little behind...Sorry :( )

Collective Haul

Nocturnals Lip Gloss in Pink
(I couldn't begin to tell you why this is upside down)

Nocturnals Lip Gloss in Coral

Nocturnals Pigments and Glitter in Black and Gold

RiRi Loves MAC Cream Color Base in Diamonds

Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20

Prep + Prime for Lips

Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Peachykeen

Northern Lights

This look is MUCH easier than it looks!  I does require a fair amount of products, but it is well worth it.  I can't tell you how many people complimented me when I wore this.  This look was inspired by Linda Hallberg (click her name to see the original look.  She is insanely beautiful and an incredible makeup artist.  She has a lot of looks/tutorials on Pinterest.  Ok, so here goes nothing:

 

Step 1: Cover lid all the way up to the brow bone with primer.
I used MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

Step 2: Dust a neutral color all over lid and up to brow bone.
I used Bare Minerals Light Show

Step 3: Pat a pale green/gold color onto the lid.
I used Bare Minerals Invitation

Step 4: Fill in outer corner with a medium to dark blue color.  As you can see, this does not have to be perfect.  It can be very messy because we are going to do a lot of blending.
I used Bare Minerals Denim

 Step 5: Blend a pale to medium purple into the crease and up a little.  Make sure it doesn't reach up to the brow bone completely.
I used MAC Stars 'n' Rockets



**Note: If I were to do this look again (and I will) I would skip step 4 so I wouldn't have to go back and do step 6...this is a learning process**

 Step 6: Go back in with the blue color and a crease brush and blend the blue directly into the crease and on the far outer corner

Step 7: I went back with my light green/gold shade and patted a little more down to lighten up the look a little more.

Step 8: Line the top and bottom lashes.  Be VERY light on the bottom lashes.  I didn't add any extra product to my brush and used a very light hand just to thicken the lash line.

**Optional: line the water line with the light green/gold color to make the eye appear larger**

Step 9:  Finally add some mascara and you're good to go!
I used MAC Haute & Naughty

The Finished Look