Valentine's Day Make-Up Idea's 2017 <3

Written by Pepper.B 

Who's ready for your best or worst day depending on your dating status. I've decided to put together a "Valentine's Day Look Guide"

When generating this guide I decided to do this based off of your relationship status and the reason why I decided to do it in this format is because with Valentine's Day we don't all go to the same place we don't always do the same things. One thing is for sure we all do share some similarities and uncertainties when deciding whether or not to wear little or too much make up. From first date's to figuring out if we're trying a new way to spice things up because we've been dating our babe along time. I don't suggest buying all new makeup just to complete one look so I've taken key items you can mix in with what you have in order to AMP! UP! your look. Enjoy!!!

"First Date on Valentine's: 

Clean Skin Bold Lip

First date make-up should be super clean. Honestly don't let men lie to you they can be intimidated by to much make-up. Clean skin nice eyeliner, mascara and bolder lip so it doesn't look like your undone and just rolled out of bed but also doesn't look like your about to walk a run way and you are approachable. 

Key Products: Kat Von D Liquid Lip Wicked , Nars Velvet Matte, Urban Decay Perversion Ink Pen.

"Single Ladies"

Gold Bold or Go Home

Lets face it if you are single on Valentine's Day this probably shouldn't be the time you go looking for cupid. You'll attract a guy who is either super desperate for spends the entire night badgering you about being single on Valentine's Day. So on this day you go BOLD break the rules and impress yourself.  Have an outing with friend and enjoy every moment of it.

Key Products: ABH Modern Renaissance Eye, Colour Pop Chai LatteBorn This way concealer  

" He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not"

Warm Brown Matte Smokey, Soft Lip

Love me, Love Me Not this is for the girl who still in limbo with the guy she really wants to make serious. So your mission is probably to make him eat his heart out every time he see's you, I know I was once there.  So a matte brown sultry eye with nude gloss. Gloss always gives me the illusion of being effortless, you want to look like you woke up like this not spent all day doing this!

Key Products: Urban Decay Naked Basics, Nars Belize Gloss, Moondust and Becca Illuminating Liquid to give you a little glow

"Love Lock Down"

What's for Dessert? *Wink*

Prior to Valentine's day and when I say prior I mean earlier that day.  Your significant other has probably seen you with one of the above, sweatpants, head-tie or face mask. Not really the lasting impression you want to leave for V-day. Sultry eyes and smoky's have been around always and never get's old. Its sexy and chic but also draws people to the eyes. When I wear smokey eyes I feel like a BADASS.  This is your opportunity to turn it up a notch 

Key Products: Kat Smokey eye palette, Make-up forever sculpt and contour Marc Jacob Velvet Noir mascara. 

Beauty Horoscope: Aquarius 2017

Written By: Danyelle V

 

Aquarian, you're known for your progressive nature and ability to make fast friends where ever you go. Take risks with your makeup and people will be even more drawn to you. Unique highlighter shades are on trend and a great way to show your individualistic creativity. Your element is AIR. Find products that are formulated with oxygen to bring a burst of life to your skin. Treat yourself to an oxygen facial to rejuvenate your skin and mood. The colors that will set your soul alive are blues and greens. Ground them with grays and blacks to keep your aloof personality from wandering. These products are just one step toward feeling great. 

Top Beauty Picks for Aquarius

---

Skincare

GLAMGLOW GravityMud Firming Treatment Sonic Blue

Peter Thomas Roth Brightening Bubbling Mask

Spongelle Body Contouring Buffer (these sponges will change your life!!!)

Jack Black Power Peel Multi- Acid Resurfacing Pads

Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Gel Cream and Oxygenating Eyecream Duo

Pixie Glow O2 Oxygen Mask

Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Creme

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm

Omorovicza Oxygen Booster

Beauty

Natasha Denona Star Liner

Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette

Dior Nude Air Serum Foundation SPF 20

Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush Soft Glow Duo

Natasha Denona Eyeshadow Palette 5 in Color 3

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Confession

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation 

Black Up Eye Shadow in OAP 09M- Matte Purple (idk, man, but that looks blue to me lol)

Ardency Inn Modster Long Play Supercharge Lip Color in Black is Blue

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara

The Estee Edit Flash Photo Powder

Dose of Colors Eyedeal Duo in Stellar (have this in Maple - you just need to try this.)

Which of these beauty picks are you going to try. 

Photos from Sephora or brand website.

Info on Aquarius from here. 

Pantone Color for 2017: Greenery Inspo

Written by: Danyelle V

Why does Pantone choose a color for the year? On their wedsite, they explain it is  "[a] symbolic color selection; a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude." 

According to the people at Pantone, Greenery is "a refreshing and revitalizing shade, ... symbolic of new beginnings." New Year, New Me is what came to mind when I read this. The beginning of a new year always prompts us to reflect on the year that passed. We think about how we could have made it better and we resolve to do so in the new year.

New Year, New We

Greenery, naturally, reminds me of nature. In the new year, let us all resolve to do what feels natural to us. Do not stop yourself from doing something because you fear what others may say about you. What stops each of us from achieving our dreams is not the lack of talent or drive. Talent comes from practice. Drive comes from your spirit. What holds us back is the fear of judgment we may receive. How often have you stopped yourself from doing what felt true to you because you thought of what the people around you might say? Honey, they are going to have something to say whether you do it or not. What I've learned is that people just want to say. Bad, good, judge, side eyes, smirks, back handed compliments, cast doubt. What I've come to understand about it is even more important. None of that is a reflection of you. They have the same fear that if they were true to themselves, they, too, would recieve the same judgments. Just wear that blue lipstick because if you wore a nude lipstick, they'd say you wear too much makeup anyway. 

This is a beauty blog, but I'm not just talking about blue lipstick. How often have you seen someone living your dream and all you thought was, "I could do that." We cannot continue to stifle our dreams and personalities because of the people around us. Surround yourself with people who have similar goals. Thrive with them! It's a big, difficult, change that will lead to even bigger accomplishments. We can blossom in 2017 if we are naturally who we are. Greenery. 

Greenery Inspo

Skincare

Blithe's Soothing & Healing Green Tea Splash Mask

Origins' RitualTea Matcha Madness Revitalizing Powder Face Mask

Boscia's Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil

Lush's Parsley Porridge Soap

The Body Shop's Fuji Green Tea Bath Infuser

Lush's Limelight Toothy Tabs 

Beauty

Black Moon Cosmetics' Metallic Liquid Lipstick in Myth

Zoya Matte Velvet Nail polish in Honor

Kylie Cosmetics' Lip Kit in Trick

Melt. Cosmetics' Liptick in Blow

Lit Cosmetics' Glitter in Go Gold Size #2 Shimmer

SugarPill's Eyeshadow in Money Maker

Makeup Geek' s Eyeshadow in Enchanted Forest

Urban Decay's Liquid Moondust Eyeshadow in Zodiac

Lit Cosmetic's Glitter in Magic Dragon Size #3 Solid

Product photos from company's website or sephora. Beauty photos from Pinterest. Pantone color from Pantone.com

WTF is Happening on Instagram

Written By: Danyelle V

Why are you scrolling through your Instagram feed and seeing people covering their eyebrows in soap? Can someone explain why people are dousing their faces with seemingly unhealthy amounts of powder? Were all of these women shaving their face, is that why they were rubbing aftershave all over their faces? And finally, for what reason are women dabbing silicone bra inserts on their faces!?! Have internet beauty gurus run out of creases to cut and shadows to blend or have they all just lost their minds?

I have also scrolled through my IG feed and explore page and found videos that I cannot explain. Like someone using a banana as a guide for their contour. While that banana thing is just a mess, some of the trends that have left you in confusion actually have some method to their madness. As someone who writes for a beauty, I often get that random Instagram DM from a friend who is just not understanding what the kids are up to. I have answers! Here were some of my favorites WTF Instagram moments from 2016!

Covering their eyebrows in soap?

Before it saturated your feed, using soap as a way of holding your brow hairs in place was a trick used by makeup artists of a different era. Late in the summer of 2016, Sam Chapman of the Pixiwoo sisters, the ladies who created the Real Techniques brush lines, posted a video on her YouTube channel teaching us how she transformed her thin sparse brows into thick, bushy brow that are completely on trend. She called it the Old Hollywood Brow. According to Sam and her sister, Nic, just by using some basic clear bar soap, water, and a spooly, was the secret to how makeup artists of the 50s and 60s for keeping their starlets’ brows looking groomed and luscious. It’s so simple, anyone could do it!

Why are they going crazy? Because it is an affordable alternative to more expensive brow gels. And it lasts longer. The real trick is finding the right balance between soap and water. If you test it out, be sure to create a gel texture that isn’t runny. The texture needs to be slightly thick to be effective. I’ve personally tested this one out and it’s worth giving it a try. You’ll give Cara Delevingne a run for her money. 

Unhealthy amounts of powder?

I bet you’ve had hard time finding a new recipe lately without running into baking or cooking memes that have nothing to do with cookies and cakes.

Again, this isn’t anything new! I learned about baking from YouTube beauty guru, Patrickstarrr; but it isn’t h original trick either. I do have to say that I love the videos where he beats his face with a huge powder puff. After you apply a cream product, use a sponge to apply powder under your eyes, below your contour, and anywhere you see fit. Baking is useful if you need your cream products to be more long wearing. You can avoid under eye and smile line creasing. You can also brighten areas of your face you want to highlight. It’s helpful if you blended your contour too low,  just swipe the powder under your contour line like an eraser for a cut cheekbone. Drag queens use it to conceal the texture on their skin from shaving. Kim K has posted pictures of her face striped in powder. For a full coverage, glam, beat to hell face, baking is your tool!

Caution! Hydrate your undereye area before baking your makeup to avoid looking super dry and after to keep your skin from drying out.

Rubbing aftershave all over their faces?

OK, I fibbed a little. this one is from 2015 but it was a craze I watched intently and wanted to share. NikkieTutorials told her over 6 million subscribers a story of how she had run out of moisturizer so she turned to her boyfriend's skincare products. She found his Nivea Post Shave Balm in for sensitive skin and rubbed it on her face. What was just a means to an end, turn into one of her essential products for making her makeup last. As she rubbed the balm onto her face, she noticed it became tacky. She noted that there was a high amount of glycerin in the product and tested as a primer for her makeup. She claimed the after shave product kept the oils of her skin from breaking down her makeup throughout the day. Beauty gurus all over the internet went crazy and how could you blame them? Ensuring your makeup lasts without needing a touchup is the ultimate goal! 

I was tempted to test this one myself. However, every time I remembered to look for the Nivea Post Shave Balm, it was sold out. I'm sure Nivea never thought makeup enthusiasts would snatch up their aftershave products. 

Dabbing silicone bra inserts on their faces!?! 

The chicken cutlet bra insert being used to apply foundation caught me off guard too. I thought Instagrammers had truly lost their mind leaving me ready to deactivate my account the way I was ready to leave Facebook if I got just one more Candy Crush request from my mom’s coworker’s cousin. But don’t be fooled, Instgrammers are crafty! The craze comes after Molly Cosmetics launched the SiliSponge. A silicone makeup applicator whose biggest selling point is that the sponge doesn’t absorb any product. Because the surface is not porous, no cream or liquid product will go to waste.

Why not just buy the $10-ish dollar SiliSponge? It is constantly selling out! Molly Cosmetics is on its 9th restock! The internet went crazier for the SiliSponge than they did for the rainbow highlighter. So beauty lovers took scissors to their bra inserts to make their own silicone sponge in the same way they took a spatula to their eye shadow palettes to make their own rainbow highlight. A little thing like a ‘sold out’ sign is not going to stop Instagrammers from trying all things beauty. The hype surrounding the sponge has been so great that Molly Cosmetics has already expanded the SiliSponge line to include a new shape.

There will certainly be no shortage of WTF Instagram moments in 2017! Let's see what they come up with next!

Thanks for reading! If this is the type of article you want to see more of on meetpepperb.com, let us know! We can do other installments every few weeks? Tell us which Instagram crazes made you look at your phone sideways?

The Best Beauty Pick's Of 2016

Happy New Year Beauties!! 

I know that usually when a new year comes along we think “Out with the old, In with the new” but in this case I’m listing products that were way too good to me in 2016 that I refuse to let them go. They have become the new classics for me. 

Yes, I know every blogger and their dog did a “Best of 2016” post (and yes I watched and read just about each every one of them) so I decided to change it up a tad bit and picked the 17 best products that I fell in absolute love with in the past year that I plan on keeping them on the top shelf for the new year. I’m so excited to add to theseloved products in 2017. 

Note: I fell in love with so many products in the past year and it wasn’t easy to narrow the list down to 17 but I GOT IT DONE Honey! *snaps in Z formation* Also there are ALOT of Glossier products here. It's safe to say they were the brand of the year. 

17. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in “Radiant Magenta” has become my go to blush for the past 6 months. I use it quite often and I have yet to make a dent in it, meaning you get a lot of bang for your buck.

16. Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation: Great Full Coverage for a night out with the girls without looking like cake

15. Elizabeth and James NIRVANA BLACK Dry Shampoo. Leaves your hair with Cool Girl effortless texture and smells absolutely sexy.

14. Kylie Cosmetics: The Burgundy Palette is the perfect warm, neutral palette with superb pigmentation. I love the matte shades especially!! 

13. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer: The Perfect Dewy, Everyday Base for the minimalist girl on-the-go.

12. Dior Addict Lip Glow: I recently got this and HAVE NOT STOPPED USING IT!! So Damn Good, and very moisturizing!! Makes my lips look lush. 

11. Dr Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Lavender Pure Castile Soap:  I’ve recently made the smart choice of switching to Pure Castile Soap. Best choice I’ve made in a really long time. My skin is improving everyday and this soap makes me feel squeaky clean and baby smooth. This scent is by far my favorite. 

10. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: REVIVES MY HAIR and gives beautiful texture without the gross grit that sometimes Dry Shampoo tends to leave.

9. GLAMGLOW FLASHMUD Brightening Treatment: This has been a godsend. When my skin goes off course I take a three day skin detox by using this mask and getting rid of any impurities and brighting my dull tired skin from intense and long workdays.

8.Glossier: Black Tie Set is THE best set I’ve come across. I am obsessed with the polish in Glossier’s signature Pale Pink and the 3 other products in the set (Graphite Liner, Gloss and Haloscope Highlighter in Moonstone) are always in my makeup back. Great everyday products for a fresh, glowing minimal look. 

7. Ouai Matte Pomade has been the most badass bestie for my layered chop. Also tames my baby hurrs to perfection.  

6. Glossier BOY BROW… YOUTHFUL, FULL, NATURAL in a tube!!!

5. CHANEL Soleil Tan De Chanel: I’m not much of a contour gal, but I do a LITTLE SOMETHING SOMETHING by blending this light cream bronzer across my forehead, towards my temples and in the hollows of my cheeks. PLUS IT LASTS FOREVER!!!!!

4. NATASHA DENONA EVEYSHADOW PALETTE 5 (Shade #4) HANDS DOWN THE BEST FORMULA OF EYESHADOWS I’VE EVER COME ACROSS. The Pigmentation and Shimmer is INTENSE, like no other. They are so creamy for powder shadows and incredibly blendable. Seriously, This can’t be REAL LIFE. THESE SHADOWS ALSO DOUBLE AS A GORGEOUS HIGHLIGHTER!!  I need more!!!

3. Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask: So Moisturizing and has been clutch this Fall/ Winter Season!! It is now a STAPLE in my skincare routine. The smooth sidekick to … #2 on this list.

2. Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack aka The most gentle Vacuum Cleaner for your face. Cannot live without it (Mariah Carey’s Without You” plays in the background) A green juice for your skin. This mask has changed my skin & my life. This Mask is my Batman.

1. Ouai Hair Oil. This Multitask Oil has been the best thing to happen to my hair other than my stylist Sondriel. This super lightweight Multitasking oil has been keeping my hair rebellious healthy and smelling like a F’ing bouquet. I’m on bottle number 4 and cannot recommend this enough. It has been my ace. 

Find Out What Make-Up Your Girlfriend Really Wants This Holiday:

Written By Pepper .B

What really drove me to create this post, is that I'm sure I'm not the only psycho who tags my boyfriend on social media post hinting at make-up ideas, since I'm sure he's gotten my hint's down to science I figured I'd make it easier for the guys out there who want to get good gifts without giving all the secrets away! No make-up is not just make-up! Trust me you don't want to buy a gift card because there is no thought behind this process! When you look at this I'm sure the first thing you will say to your self is why is make-up so expensive. I say hey just be thankful you aren't the one buying this all year long. After reviewing serval beauty items here are some items that trending! 

Thank me later 

Girls Girls Girls Lip Set By Lime Crime 75.00

https://www.limecrime.com/lipsticks/set-bundles/girls-girls-girls-bundle?via=580b95247469671fd000069f%2C580ba39d7469672002000d8e

Sigma Beauty Dryn Shape Spa Towel & Mat 65.00

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=40931974&category=W_BEAUTY_NEW

Huda Beauty Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette 65.00

http://www.shophudabeauty.com/product-detail.php?pid=83

 Christian Louboatin Women’s Parfum Collection 95.00

http://www.sephora.com/womens-parfum-collection-P413955?skuId=1879691&icid2=bestsellers:%20value%20sets:p413955

Glow Kit- Ultimate Glow 45.00

http://www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com/glow-kit-ultimate-glow/ABH01-18161.html

To and From Colour Pop 30.00

https://colourpop.com/collections/holiday-2016/products/to-and-from

Koko Collection 40.00

https://www.kyliecosmetics.com/products/koko-kollection

Ultimate Naked Basics Urban Decay: 54.00

http://www.urbandecay.com/naked-ultimate-basics-eyeshadow-palette-by-urban-decay/ud785.html

Catch if you can! This item reads as sold out you may have better luck catching this guy in-stores.

ABH Cosmetics's Master Palette By Mario 45.00

http://www.sephora.com/master-palette-by-mario-P413170

10 Piece Sculpt & Blend Brush Set by BH Cosmetics 20.00

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=39888623&category=W_BEAUTY_NEW

Kylie Cosmetics Burgundy Eyeshadow Palette 42.00

https://www.kyliecosmetics.com/collections/eyes/products/the-burgundy-palette-kyshadow

 PAT McGrath METALMORPHOSIS 005 Kit 60.00

http://www.sephora.com/metalmorphosis-005-kit-P414605?skuId=1896638&icid2=products%20grid%3Ap414605

Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer 139.00

http://www.sephora.com/pro-facial-steamer-P413613?skuId=1862325&icid2=products%20grid:p413613

Jac Vanek Make-Up Bag 25.00

http://www.nastygal.com/accessories-bags-backpacks/jac-vanek-eyelashes-graphic-pouch

Whats on my radar: Holographic Stick by Milk Make-up

At this point in life I'm sure I don't need another highlighter. But I'm sure if you're into make up you know how addictive it is to buy a new highlighter every time you see one pop up on your newsfeed on Instagram.  Most of the time I'm pretty stuck in my ways. I'm a if it's not broke don't fix it kind a girl, however there has been a ton of new beauty brands emerging in the industry. 

I stumbled across the holographic stick from Milk make up and generally this is a color I wouldn't use for a girl my complexion. I really love this highlighter for layering. A lot of the time I layer this highlighter under my rose highlighting powder to give my highlighter a little bit of dimension. Or if I'm channeling my inner unicorn I wear this alone with minimal make up. Brows light eyeliner and mascara. 

Being that milk make up is definitely a line from minimalist. This aligns perfectly with someone who doesn't want a lot of steps added to their routine for one something to spice up there every day natural beauty. In every beauty shop I walk in its practically sold out.  This is on my radar it should be on yours too.!

6 Blue hues you need in your makeup bag...

Written by Pepper. B 

While sitting in the nail salon today, thinking about what makeup I will be packing for my upcoming trip this week. I noticed someone reaching over me to grab the attention of my manicurist. As my manicurist is polishing my  nails the girl is requesting the the same blue I am polishing holding up a picture. " Do you have a really vibrant blue" I am looking for   "something that is bright but not a pastel."

There after she looks down at my nails omg like that color.

I happen to carry my polish to the nail salon almost every trip because I like what I like honestly.  When Im in love with a color I rather the real thing instead of substitution if the salon doesn't have it so I dont take the chances. 

This nail trip I wanted a vibrant blue. I just got one from floss gloss called EL Capitan. I noticed my latest makeup purchases have been different hues of blue. 

Here are my blue picks for the season: 

Floss Gloss polish El Capitan  

http://flossgloss.com/products/el-capitan 8 US 

 Amp Heavy metal glitter eyeliner by UD

http://www.urbandecay.com/heavy-metal/390.html 20 us 

Chanel ILLUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR Ocean light 122

 24/7 glide on eyeliner UD Chaos 

www.urbandecay.com 20 us

24/7 glide on liner in electric  

www.urbandecay.com 20 us 

Sonic Wind UV neon mascara Dolls Kills  

http://www.dollskill.com/sonic-wind-uv-neon-mascara.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw3fG4BRDsn9GAv7T2zEkSJACNJdjgAuZ3xlxWP5v7d5AqiIY2vzxHu4VNJEGZHTER-kxItxoCUrHw_wcB

6 Current nail trends you can't live without.

Manicure by NYC based nail artist Jessica Washick  

It's no mystery I care more about the finish of my nail polish then I do the finish of a blowout when I'm in the hair salon. I can tell a lot about a woman based off of the condition of her nails the style, shape and color preference.  I use my hands on a consistent basis as I apply make up on my clientele  very frequently. 

in search for seasonal inspiration as normal I stumbled across a few amazing manicures. Manicures by some of my favorite nail techs that I couldn't wait to share with you guys. Jessica Washick is killing it this season as any other here are my favorite now. 

1. Ombre Manicure     

Nails by Jessica Washick  

When you're in the nail salon and you can't quite decide what shade you're ready to go for this summer how about mixing some of your favorite summer pastels in order to create the most amazing Ombre manicure.

2.NEON 

You can't fail with neons of any shade. Neons pair perfectly with summer fun and brunch. Neon pink, green or orange scream beach weather and swimwear. Don't turn your neons down this summer. Turn them Up! 

3.Vibrant Blue Manicure 

EL captain Floss gloss 8.00

Vibrant blues are perfect for summer. Rich blues or cobalt blue is a statement piece on its own. This color looks so good partnered with white wardrobe and you're a fun summer cut off denim shorts. 

4. Disco Style Manicure 

My favorite disco style manicure (Pepper .B)  

Glitter is a polish that is suitable for basically any season when in doubt I always go for glitter because it adds a little extra spark to any ensemble when I have no clue what to wear. 

5. Fresh White Manicure  

This is pretty self-explanatory white manicures are a staple for every woman at some point during her summer. There's something about a white manicure that looks so fresh crispy and clean against any neon maxi dress. White also complements any colored shoe that you wear.

6. Pastel Pink Manicures  

If you're looking for something a bit more dainty this summer try out a soft feminine Pink. Pink nail polish complements most complexions during the summertime after our skin has gotten a little sun.  

The Birth of " The Dream Deposit by LAW Beauty Essentials

Birth of "The Dream Deposit" 

What colors are trending this year? What are the celebrities wearing? What are the new clothing trends? These questions are constantly running through my mind. I'm always  keeping an eye and an ear to the streets! However, the answers to these questions are not my only determining factors, it's simply what looks nice!

2016 Spring/Summer was all about nudes, metallics, glitters, negative space designs and matte nail polish. 

I decided to focus on metallics. Metallics, depending on the colors, are bright and fun. Perfect for the warm weather and adds edge to your style. A must have in your nail polish collection! 

After finding the perfects shades of metallics, I played around with them and  let my imagination flow. It took me to a dreamy place. I thought of beautiful beaches, paradise, and relaxation. Hence " The Dream Deposit" 

The theme behind my names is to set a mood for each bottle of nail polish. For example: When I look at "Pink Shimmer-ade" I think of a beautiful summer day. A perfect day for a chilled glass of "Lemonade" "Pink Lemonade" that is! I think how fabulous you'd  feel, laying in the shade drinking a glass of "Pink Shimmer-ade" I keep that concept for naming all of my polishes. I let the names come naturally.

All of LAW Beauty Essentials nail polishes are vegan friendly. What does this mean?Most ask. Simply put, it means none of the ingredients used in the formula is tested on animals. No need for animal cruelty for beauty. One shocking fun fact is some glitters/shimmers are made from treated fish scales. In addition LBE is also 5 Free. The world is moving in a more health conscious direction. It's becoming more and more important to look at the little things we seem to bypass on a regular basis. The term 5 Free is used to distinguish nail polishes that     are made with out 5 harsh chemicals that traces back to cancer and other health issues. 

LAW Beauty Essentials mission is to create a healthy nail polish line that is trendy and promotes woman expression, and when we are faced with some of our hardest decisions; choosing your nail color! The names of our polishes are here to help! What are you in the mood for? "2 PM Wine" or "Pink Shimmer-ade"???

Festival Make-up Trends:

Festival Make-up Trends

Urban Decay Electric Palette 49.00

I like to utilize this palette on the eyes on the lips and in the hair. This palette is made up of pressed pigments not shadow. So you get multipurpose you can use it for eyeshadow,wet and use for liquid liner or press into hair and use them hair color. 

BYOB Lippie Stix Colour Pop 6.00

In festival theme Bring Your Own Bottle by Colour Pop is a wash of color for the lip its bold and vibrant and has a smooth texture. I love straying away from super duper matte's when I have intense bright color eye make-up sometimes mattes look hard. Hard is the last thing that comes to my mind when describing tribal make-up 

All Nighter Spray Urban Decay 

I use all nighter because when working with bold colors you don't want them to transfer on clothing or sweat off and this completely water proof's everything.

After recently being featured in Artsy Magazine  in the Culture Issue N17 where I was given a 4 page spread displaying some of my favorite festival styles. I decided to share some of my favorite products I like to get the look. Products I find simple to recreate tribal looks you love that you may see trending on social media. I will also show a few tools I use. I'm finding women using tribal face make-up as an accessory and it really inspires me. No jewelry and tribal makeup headpieces as the accessory. 

There is something about tribal make-up and festivals that reminds me of being fun and care-free. I love colored liner tribal dots and vampish lips. crochet tops, high waisted shorts and slid on's. Theres something about women who can pull off bold make-up thats so intriguing. 

As of Lately I am also noticing cosmetic brands are keeping up with the trends by curating collections that embody the whole tribal festival make-up theme. Time to hide all my credits cards lol. 

Lime Crime Liquid Eyeliner 18.00

I love liquid eyeliner's when creating facial designs. Lime crime are my favorite because of the variety of pastels that they have. For women with deeper complexion. I LOVE to create Tribal Dots in soft blue or in a lime green shade. Orange and Shocking blue I LOVE for wing liner on fair complexions. I also use a traditional # 2 pencil for clean dots.  

Dream Catcher  Duo Chrome Effect Shadow 8.00

I love products that I get for multipurpose use. This chrome shadow can be used on the eyelids underneath your vibrant liner or this can be used on the cheeks as a flush of highlight. Down the nose bone or even on the brow bone. 

Duraline Inglot 11.00

Duraline I SWEAR BY! because with this product I can turn any shadow to gel liner as demonstrated in the opening blog photo. I used chaos from the electric palette and a very thin liner brush with Duraline. The product is extremely concentrated so you don't need lots of product a little goes a very long way. Duraline is also great when using glitter. 

5 Best Activated Charcoal Mask

5 Best Activated Charcoal Mask

I am on an Activated Charcoal kick, In my previous informative I spoke about benefits when using charcoal mask on the skin. Since I also did a DIY post here are my recommendations for women on the go who don't have time to concoct the mask yourself at home here are my 5 top rated. 

1.

Boscia Black Mask 34.00

An innovative peel-off mask that helps boost skin clarity and minimize the appearance of pores. Removes dirt and impurities, absorbs excess oil and reveals a healthy, glowing complexion. 

2.

YouthMud 69.00

This mud mask leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing. It works with the body's natural moisturizing collagen to provide gentle resurfacing exfoliation and helps to leave skin smoother, brighter, and softer. While providing tighter skin texture and tighter pores, it provides a more youthful appearance and absorbs impurities without removing natural oils. 

3.

Yes to Charcoal 

Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask is an all natural rich and creamy treatment. This mask is formulated to assist in cleaning up and reducing the severity of acne by helping rid skin of impurities. Key Ingredients include Detoxifying Charcoal helps draw out skin's impurities, Salicylic Acid penetrates pores to clear up acne and prevent future breakouts, Botanical blend of Tomato, Aloe, Watermelon, Pumpkin and Chamomile extracts for extra skin conditioning.

 

4.

Freeman Facial Polish 4.99

City Smoke, debris, it's a wonder skin can breathe! This unique mask and scrub works double time to detox skin. First, naturally purifying Activated Charcoal helps absorb oil and impurities without over-drying. Then, Black Sugar helps exfoliate away dulling skin cells for softness and clarity. Perfect for all skin types.

5.

Origins Clear Improvement 34.00

When environmental toxins, dirt, and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, and skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew gets to the bottom of skin's overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. 

DIY Activated Charcoal Mask

Activated Charcoal Mask at Home Recipe 

Utilizing activated charcoal as a mask for the face and or body. Activated Charcoal helps to draw impurities out of the face.  It also help with unclogging of the pores. When using over a period of time it helps to balance excess oil on your face. Softens the texture of the skin as well as brightens. Here below is a quick at home recipe for a charcoal face make 

Tools: 

Mixing Bowl

5 Tablespoons Activated Charcoal Powder 

1/4 Tablespoons Bentonite Clay

4 Tablespoons of coconut oil

1 Tablespoon of honey

1/4 cup of Warm purified water

 

Image source bulkapothecary 

Mix contents in bowl together until texture becomes a paste apply one heavy layer to the face and allow this to sit on the face for 20 minutes.

Remove mask from the face with warm water, you can use a bamboo sponge to remove the mask.

After the mask is off completely. Wet your face with ice cold water then proceed to serum and night cream.

Besides Teeth Whitening & Hangover's 5 Reason's Why You Need Activated Charcoal In Your Cabinet.

Besides Teeth Whitening & Hangover's 5 Reason's Why You Need Activated Charcoal In Your Cabinet. 

Image Source: The Kitchen Rag 

There are several benefits you get when using activated this has become something I use on a day to day basis at home.  When you think of Charcoal you normally associate this item with other purposes. However I'm here to share with you 5 benefits on why you need to make this a staple in your cabinet. 

When I began using activated charcoal it started off with just a simple mask that I incorporated in my skin care routine. This mask would detox my pores and improved the overall appearance of my skin. I began to research other ways to use this hidden gem and here are ways that I use them as a staple at home. If you are taking prescription medication, be sure to speak to your health practitioner before using activated charcoal. You will want to space your dose out as far away from your medication as possible otherwise medication will bind to the charcoal.

Teeth Whitening System

Photo Source Pepper. B Bathroom 

This is a routine I do every 4-5 months I use activated charcoal as a teeth whitening. This works wonders. By mixing a tablespoon of activated charcoal with your traditional tooth paste this makes your teeth really white. Brush your teeth thoroughly for 5-10 minutes. The charcoal will stain your toothbrush but you can wash it out. Prepare with a spare toothbrush to be safe. Rinse your mouth. This can be done up to 5 day straight or until desired whiteness. I generally don't go past 5 days. The Activated charcoal leaves your teeth pearly white and your mouth feels amazing. 

Hangover Remedy

Capsules of activated charcoal are great for hangovers, If you've had a long night of drinking its suggested to have 3-4 capsules when drinking heavy alcohol. When drinking wine or beer 1 capsule of activated charcoal is okay. It is extremely important to keep yourself extremely hydrated when taking the capsules. This works as a detox and can dehydrate you so it is imperative to keep yourself hydrated. 

Activated Charcoal Capsules Amazon Below

http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Activated-Charcoal-Capsules/dp/B0006LCQ4Q/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1460063537&sr=8-2&keywords=activated+charcoal+capsules

Bloating & Gas

By mixing one half teaspoon of activated charcoal powder with a glass of water prior to eating gas producing and greasy foods. This will help with bloating gas and indigestion. As recommended keep yourself hydrated when drinking charcoal mixed with water. This also works as a cleanse. 

http://www.amazon.com/Activated-Charcoal-Powder-1-2-Glass/dp/B0131O1O3S/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1460064945&sr=1-5&keywords=activated+charcoal+powder

Anti-aging 

By mixing a half teaspoon of activated charcoal with room temperature water on a daily basis this will help fight signs of aging. Activated charcoal can grabs and excess toxins from the body , it can help keep your skin beautiful and appear more youthful. This can be taken over the course of 1-2 week period. Activated charcoal will also help with the following areas that come along with aging.

 

• Chronic headaches
• Lack of Sleep
• Energy loss  
• Constipation
• Weight Gain

• Elasticity in skin

Skincare and Beauty 

Utilizing activated charcoal as a mask for the face and or body. Activated Charcoal helps to draw impurities out of the face.  It also help with unclogging of the pores. When using over a period of time it helps to balance excess oil on your face. Softens the texture of the skin as well as brightens. 

Perfect Spring Mask | Apple Cider Vinegar Mask: DIY

"DO IT YOURSELF"

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¼  tsptsp Raw honey

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

2 tsp of green tea strained from tea bag

2 tsp brown sugar

This is the perfect time for a facial detox. The change in the weather has everyones skin a little chaotic. This mask helps to diminish breakout as well as unclog pores and hydrate the skin. 

Step 1:

Add Honey to small glass bowl. 

Step 2:

Add 1 Tsp of apple cider vinegar and stir until the texture becomes like paste.

Step 3:

Add strained tea bag of green tea and allow it to cool

Step 4:

Add Brown Sugar Bowl and stir

Step 5:

Use spatula to apply mask and let it sit.

COMPLETE

5 Products You Need On Your Next Trip To Trader Joe's

5 Products You Need On Your Next Trip To Trader Joe's 

I live in trader joe's and my time is limited. Going grocery shopping we normally speed in with a list and try to grab everything we need before the weekend crowd hits. In the past I've hated purchasing any body or skincare from a supermarket because it is extremely over priced. 

Trader Joe's Jojoba oil

This can be used for the face to remove make-up to unclog your pores and for hydrating the skin. Jojoba oil fights acne and also acts as an inflammatory. This can be used on the cuticles as well. One of the most popular benefits is that it helps minimize pores and stretch marks.

Tea Tree Oil Trader Joe's

Tea Tree oil works amazing for dry skin. Treat oil also works really good as a scalp treatment. This helps to fight feet fungus found common on men. This will help diminish the fungus as well as sooth the itch. Tea tree oil helps for insect bites during the summer and is great for congestion and respiratory infections. 

Coconut Body Butter Trader Joe's 

This body butter is enriched with Coconut oil, Shea butter and Vitamin E this sounds like the perfect recipe for amazing skin. This body butter is great from head to toe use. Coconut body butter smells great with all natural fragrance. The fragrant smell isn't too overwhelming which is perfect if you wear perfume or cologne. Yes! cologne this is unisex and works great for men! 

Lavender Salt Scrub

Lavender is the most soothing way to end the night. The lavender fragrance is calming so I suggest this with a nighttime bath or shower. If you are someone who frequents the gym this will help with your bones after a long workout. Salt scrubs are also amazing for exfoliating the dead skin from your body. The grains aren't that large so it wont be extremely abrasive to the skin. 

Vitamin E Oil Trader Joes

This is by far my favorite product on the list. The price point is extremely economical and it has a long shelf life for everyday use. The texture is amazing. I use this as my daily body moisturizer and this has improved the overall texture of my skin as a whole. 

5 Step Self Love Recipe: House Of Intuition

5 Step Self-Love Recipe: House Of Intuition 

Let's be honest true beauty starts from within. We can spend countless hours putting on tons of make-up however if your energy isn't bright and beautiful your true beauty won't ever hold its full value. Have you ever met someone that was absolutely stunning and thought to yourself "She would be so much prettier if her attitude didn't suck" Same concept. I feel most beautiful after a morning of meditation, self affirmations and a cup of great tea! 

What is a self affirmation? Self-affirmation theory contends that if individuals reflect on values that are personally relevant to them, they are less likely to experience distress and react defensively when confronted with information that contradicts or threatens their sense of self. Experimental investigations of self-affirmation theory suggest that self-affirmation can help individuals cope with threat or stress and that it might be beneficial for improving academic performance, health, and reducing defensiveness.

I started self affirmations when experiencing a very challenging period in my life. Experiencing adversity the biggest comfort was holding on and loving myself more. Understanding that if I had faith in myself and my path I would be okay. Putting my best attitude forward even when I didn't have the energy to do so. 

My favorite Self affirmations:

Setbacks are stepping stones to my success because I learn from them.

Self confidence is what I thrive on. Nothing is impossible and life is great.

I release the past and live fully in the present moment.

    I project wealth and good fortune to each person I meet. 

I will now be the best me I can be.

During my period of transition one thing I would do on a bi weekly basis was something I called a Goddess bath. In order to indulge in myself. I filled my bathtub with warm water. I would insert rose petals from flowers I would purchase myself along with coconut milk, raw honey, a few spritz of my favorite perfume and relax. I would spend this time to speak the things I wanted into existence or repeat my personal affirmations to myself.  Here's a modernized version of the self love bath recipe I put together.

5 Step Self-Love Recipe

Ingredients: 

Handful of Yellow and White Rose Petals 

1 Whole House of intuition bath bomb 

http://www.houseofintuitionla.com/#!product/prd15/4427135511/rejuvenate-bath-bomb 

2 Tablespoons of House of intuition Self healing bath 

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=37466836&category=BRANDS

House of intuition Violet Water 

1 Tea bag of Yogi Tea Perfect Energy Tea 

Road Opening Candle House of intuition 

How To:

Before Bath:

Prepare bottom of bath tub: Crumble entire H.O.F bath bomb at the bottom of tub

Insert Rose Petals 3 White & 3 yellow Roses leave at the bottom of tub

Insert 2 Tablespoons of H.O.F healing Bath 

After Bath:

Directly after bath apply H.O.F violet water pressure points. 

Yogi perfect energy tea with almond milk and honey

Create your own personal affirmation and say it to yourself 

Next Day:

Now that you are in great spirits light a road opening candle.

In order to attract all the positive things you want in life.

Remember you become your thoughts why not make them positive. 

What type of wing liner am I wearing ?

"When in doubt just WING it out"

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The one thing I've struggled with in my professional life is being a morning person. Keep in mind I am always up early. Let's just say I am not the most pleasant when I don't have my morning tea. (Not a coffee drinker) Moving along, During my morning commute I am always so fascinated by the women on the go like myself. These women basically turn NJ path train to an at home vanity. It's really amazing to see these women do a full face of make-up during train movement with little to no mistakes. I love to witness the eyeliner piece the most. Surprisingly a lot of the women who look like they could potentially have the same work routine have the same selection in make-up. Clearly I'm always on this Hoboken line.  I am no expert but my eyes are. I have the sickest photographic memory and I think this works out perfect for my field. Below I have put together a list of different style cat eyes named after some of my favorite NYC places and professions. If you happen to find any of my choices relatable to you share this with a friend or meet me on any of my social platforms and say hi!!!. 

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The 9 to 5

The classic bar eyeliner. Mostly seen on Women who are on the go who work in a office setting. You prefer and extra minute to snooze on the train vs. doing a full face.

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Christopher Street

Very similar to a smudged panda eye this is a lightly smudged black eyeliner. Most likely your profession is in fashion, you could possibly be the manager of a fashion boutique. Fashion is def your forte in some aspect. 

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The Barista

This Whinehouse eyeliner is ideal for the for barista. Youre sure to find her at your local coffee shop (this is a networking hub) Barista by day and Acting school or Broadway by night. 

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Grand Street 

The cut edge wing liner has the width of a cat eye without the drama of the wing. This liner is a pinch more bold then your classic bar eyeliner. You can catch this cut edge wing in a restaurant she's the general manager. 

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The Yoga Instructor

This downward flick wing liner is just enough when not wanting to wear too much. This super black waterproof eyeliner is here for all workouts.

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Bryant Park

The soft wing smoky half liner is found at a popular dry bar or private salon. This darling might as well do make-up because her make-up is always stunning however hair is her niche.

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The Brow Expert

This dark charcoal cat eye is self employed she owns her own brow and lash salon in the Union Square area of Manhattan. 

Which nail polish should I be wearing according to my zodiac ?

What nail polish shade matches your zodiac sign? Read Below

We subconsciously decide on accessories and trinkets according to our zodiac and personality, if you don't. Check out my guide on the best polish you should wear in order to compliment your zodiac sign. I am a Leo and at first when i saw my color I didn't agree and one day it just clicked! 

CAPRICORN:

Vibrant BLUE

Cap! you have the blues! well in your polish that is.. swoon everyone all spring with your vibrant blue.

This color exhibits an inner security and confidence.

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AQUARIUS:

NEON

Neon! yellow. Aquarius you are a free spirit and don't mind expressing yourself and your polish is here to prove it. 

yellow is uplifting and illuminating, offering hope, happiness, cheerfulness and fun.

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Photo via bombette.com

PISCES:

GREY

50 shades of pisces, Elusive, imaginative Pisces, grey is fitting for you magical mysterious flirtatious personality. Rock out with your calm sensual grey. Being both motionless and emotionless, grey is solid and stable, creating a sense of calm

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ARIES:

PURPLE

Yes! yes you are the Queen.! This royal polish is going to be a show stopper in any environment. Let's face it Aries you are known to turn head effortlessly! Purple has power. It has a richness and quality to it that demands respect.

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TAURUS:

GREEN

Taurus Honey! there is no mystery that money is your motivation. This verdant hue is the signifier of lush abundance.  2016 wear your green polish straight to the bank! Green is endurance, giving us persistence and the strength to cope with adversity.

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GEMINI:

ORANGE

No need to be timid Gem! you are all fired up and your alter ego is ready to strut in a vibrant hot orange. Mirroring your personality you can be very calm but you have a little wild side and your polish is here to prove it.! Orange radiates warmth and happiness. 

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CANCER:

SILVER

This color is very versatile, being shiny, modern and hi-tech on one hand and alluring, sparkling and elegant on the other. Just like you cancer you can be flashy but embody elegance at the same time.

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LEO:

BRONZE

Leo you are stylish, witty and strong. This color reveals inventiveness. The L in Leo stands for leader and you lead the trends. Stay true to character 2016 and set the tone! with illumination, love, compassion, courage, passion, magic, and wisdom.

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VIRGO:

RED

This color is ideal for virgo, The hot blooded at times hot tempered. Virgo strut HOT stuff on date night with your daring red. 

Red is energizing. It awakens the emotions and motivates us to take action.

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LIBRA:

NUDE

Simplicity is the key to excellence and your seductive power of subtlety makes you a Libra!

You are sophisticated yet daring. Time to send the nudes! polish that is! 

down-to-earth color signifying stability, structure and support.

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                            Hand Pepper. B 

SCORPIO:

PINK

Scorpio's are like pomegranate's they have this super hard exterior but in the inside they are super sweet ( pretty sure Im quoting one of my favorite movies) To match this super sweet interior here is a darling pink polish. pink represents friendship, affection, harmony, inner peace, and approachability. Pink is the official color for little girls and represents sugar and spice and everything nice.

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SAGITTARIUS:

BLACK

Sag you are a little badass at times. A so is that biker jacket that all of your friends are tired of lol. Lets exchange that jacket for a mysterious, dark BLACK. The color black relates to the hidden, the secretive and the unknown, and as a result it creates an air of mystery.

When I have a special occasion is it better to do an at home service or at a makeup counter?

When I have a special occasion is it better to do an at home service or at a makeup counter?

I know, I know this sounds like simple math. What drove me to write this article was younger sister who is a young professional in the cooperate world she works in the fashion industry. My sister is an Artist but is a make-up beginner.  Deciding what steps to take outside of her normal day-to-day routine. My sister has a flawless routine thats perfect for work. However wondered what would be the best alternatives for her special occasions. There are perks that come along with both environments. I honestly must say I don’t prefer one more then the other. The atmosphere would go according to your personal needs and preference. 

Make-up counter:

The cool thing about getting service at a make-up counter is that if you are press for time this setting allows for you to be in and out in a set time frame. Most make-up counters spend 45 minutes up to an hour for a face. Most cases the make-up you purchase is redeemable in product. So if there is a time were you need replenish anything from your make-up system this would be ideal because you can kill two birds with one stone for one price.

At home makeup service:

The same feeling you get when you do take out. You want what you want but are way too lazy, too far or too busy to get it. One of the perks you have when being serviced at your home is the level of intimacy with the person who will be doing your makeup. Its private you don’t have to worry about interruptions because it not a store setting. If you don’t like running around with no makeup on this is also another option for you. This also leaves room for minor changes if you don’t like the way your make-up looks once you are dressed.