5 Beauty Tips For When Your Skin is in a Hormonal Blender

Hey Ya'll!

To say that my skin has completely changed since my pregnancy began would be an understatement. Not to toot my own horn or anything but I've always had pretty great skin (even as a teenager). Sure I have experienced the occasional breakout from hormones but very rarely and they never lasted long. I have also had really great tolerance to different skincare products and makeup. Now that I am in my 4th month of pregnancy, everything has changed. I mean, I even have blackheads on my boobs now...like WTF?

Over the past few weeks I have researched and tried some things personally that have really gotten my skin to tone its cray cray down a tad bit. I am also going to be trying the Oil Cleansing Method again which worked for me a few years back to see if that will help as well (I will be doing another post on that). I can no longer use regular skin care products and I rarely wear makeup now because of how bad my skin gets afterwards.

These tips are great for not only pregnant women like myself, but will also help just about anyone with hormonal skin issues.

I Owe You All An Explanation...HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

I owe you all an explanation as to why I dropped off the face of the blogging world all of a sudden one day a few months ago.  But before I explain...I'M BACK!

I have recently (2 months ago) received some seriously life changing news that basically turned my life upside down and changed everything.

About 2 months ago I noticed a serious change in my body and mind. I was super stressed out with Fall wedding season starting and I was in the middle of moving an hour away from my home and boyfriend. I noticed for about 2 weeks I was having trouble eating and I was nauseated almost every moment of every day. I was also starting to sleep a lot. Like 15 hours at a time a lot. Now, when I get stressed out I usually have issues eating and I tend to get sleepy but this was extreme. Still, I figured I was just stressed out and a tad bit depressed about moving so far away.

8 Beauty Products That Will Give You Cry Proof Makeup

Hey There!

I have kind of been absent here in the blogging world the past week and it just plain sucks. I am currently dealing with the stresses of a move and it is taking up all of my time. I am also really bummed out about it. I am moving from the town I have lived in since I was 8 (so about 15 years) to the town I lived in before that. I will now be about 45 mins from my family, boyfriend, and friends. I know 45 mins isn't very far away but I am still pretty upset and nervous about it. Although this move will save me so much time and money as it is about 10 mins from where I work during the week, I am still scared and I honestly don't know what I am going to do. My boyfriend works most weekends as do I for makeup so we are going to really have to work hard to see each other. We are going to go from seeing each other almost everyday to once or twice a week if we are lucky. Needless to say I am an emotional wreck.

Fall bridal season is right around the corner and just like me this weekend, there will be many tears shed from brides and their friends and families (hopefully happy ones though)! In honor of my current emotional state and my much happier brides I have decided to give you guys 8 makeup products that will give you cry proof makeup because lets face it, raccoon eyes and tear lines on your cheeks just aren't cute. Be sure to let me know what you think or leave some of your tips to cry proof makeup in the comment section below!

Face Primer - Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
A good face primer is the perfect way to give your makeup a solid base. This will help hold everything in place as well as keep oil production at bay. It also helps makeup go on much smoother than without a primer.

Eye Primer - Nars Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base
An eye primer is a must even on a regular day. period dot com. This will keep your eye makeup on long past the tears and sweat. The Nars eyeshadow base is my favorite. I have some pretty oily lids and I never have an issue with my eyeshadows creasing or rubbing off.

Waterproof Mascara - Greatlash Waterproof
Call me old fashion but when it comes to a quality waterproof mascara that doesn't cost you an arm and a leg, Maybelline Greatlash Waterproof is the way to go. No one wants raccoon eyes and this stuff works. If you have a particular mascara that you love but want to avoid mascara all over your face, coat a layer or two with this mascara to make it waterproof.

Waterproof Eyeliner - Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner
Eyeliner can run and smudge just as bad as mascara. Find a good waterproof eyeliner to avoid a hot mess on your face. The Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner is a gel liner that goes on beautifully and lasts all day and night.

Eyeshadow - Maybelline Color Tattoo
This range of cream eyeshadows really do last forever. Now they claim to last 24 hours or something like that and I wouldn't stretch it that far but combined with a great eyeshadow primer you won't have to worry about your eyeshadow during the day. I love this stuff!

Waterproof Concealer - Nyx Waterproof Concealer Stick
I love the Nyx cosmetics line. Their waterproof concealer stick is no exception (especially for the price) For just a few bucks you have a beautiful concealer that will hold up through just about anything!

Waterproof Undereye Concealer - MUFE Waterproof Full Cover Concealer
Makeup Forever has a beautiful line of products that are very water/sweat proof. When applied very lightly under the eyes and down to the cheek area, this concealer will not only cover up dark circles and pigmentation but it will also help prevent those ugly lines down your face created by tears.

Foundation - Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Full Coverage Foundation
It is so hard to find a truly long lasting foundation. Tarte also has a range of waterproof cosmetics and their full coverage foundation really does the trick. This stuff has amazing coverage and won't budge. It is definitely worth the money! It also has spf in it so you get a little extra sun protection!

My Beauty Inspirations #ShareBeauty

Hey There,

Sponsored Post

I have partnered up with Regency Beauty Institute and Refinery29 to #ShareBeauty with their awesome #ShareBeautyContest. This movement has spread like wildfire it seems and it makes me super happy!!! The whole movement and contest is centered around their  "Beauty Grew All Around" video which encourages beauty makers everywhere to follow his/her dreams! I definitely encourage everyone to check it out! I have listed the contest information at the end of the post. It is not too late to enter as it is going on until August 13th! One lucky winner will receive a $2000 VIP Beauty Package!

I decided to #ShareBeauty with you guys by showing you some of my biggest beauty inspirations. These are the people, things, and words that have motivated me to become a beauty maker and to excel at it too.

"Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I wanted to start of with a quote from one of my favorite poets. This is something that really speaks to me and what I love doing. I am moving in 2 weeks and I am planning on putting this quote up somewhere in either my room or office.

Audrey Hepburn

This woman right here is my idol. I have had a slight obsession with her since I was a young girl. She is so beautiful and has such a classic look. I try to portray her regal-ness in every client I have.

My Parents

My parents are my biggest fans. They are so encouraging in what I am trying to accomplish. They inspire me everyday to keep going when the going gets tough. They believe in me and I refuse to let them down.

My Clients

Let me just tell you, there are very few feelings in this world that beat the feeling of making someone feel beautiful. It is so rewarding having a Bride, or anyone for that matter, look at themselves and smile because they feel and look great. They really keep me going. I am constantly looking forward to the opportunity to give someone the opportunity to feel even more beautiful than they already are.

Those are just 4 of my beauty inspirations. I try to find beauty and inspiration out of every moment. When you stop looking at the negatives and start searching for the positives and the beauty of life that constantly surrounds you...you will find yourself much happier!

Now on to the #ShareBeautyContest:

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS:
1. Each week during this contest (running from July 8th-August 13th) a Refinery29 editor will introduce her favorite summer beauty trend. This will be your inspiration! Show them how YOU wear this look!
2. After the contest, one beauty enthusiast will win a VIP Beauty Treatment from Refiner29 and Regency Beauty Institute that is valued at $2,000. (HOLY COW!)
3. One trend for inspiration will be revealed each Monday until August 13th.

Entering is super easy!

HOW TO ENTER:

1.Click Here
2. Try one (or all) of the trends
 3. Take a photo
 4. Post it to Instagram (make sure your account is public!)
 5. Hashtag each photo with #ShareBeautyContest

 

Thank you Regency Beauty Institute for sponsoring today's story.

Happy Monday + Weekend Recap

Happy Monday Ya'll!

 I had quite an eventful weekend this past weekend. On top of two trial runs this weekend, I also helped coordinate a fun little surprise party for my Mom's 50th birthday on Saturday. Although I am super busy right now and sometimes it seems like I just want to give up and take a nap I really am so lucky. My fall wedding makeup season is filling up and I'm already starting to get inquiries for the 2015 spring and fall wedding seasons! This means two things: 1. My 7 day work weeks will be continuing 2. My business is actually growing! How cool is that??? Although I still have far to go, I am already proud of where I am at with everything.

How to Start a Career as a Makeup Artist

Hey There!

I am a huge supporter of anyone who follows their dreams. Whether if it is to be a doctor, lawyer, or a makeup artist ;), the people who decided to fight all adversity and work day and night to make their dreams possible have my utmost respect.

Making the decision to follow my dreams and go against the more traditional career route was a very difficult one. It takes a lot of guts and faith. I have been asked by quite a few people why I am a MUA, how I decided to do it, and how in the heck did I make it happen. So many future MUA's and beauty makers in general get stuck on where to start and how to make this decision. Here are a few things to ask yourself when deciding if this is really what you want to do for the rest of your life:

Weekend Recap!

Happy Monday Ya'll!!!

I haven't done a Weekend Recap linkup with Dateless in Dallas and Showered with Design in a few weeks so I thought I would do one today!

(action shot!)

So this weekend was kind of easy going as opposed to next weekend which will be super busy and filled with tons of makeup trial runs. I did do wedding makeup on Sunday which I have posted some sneak peek pics on this post that I took of the beautiful bride. I will do a full post (and possible bridal tutorial) once I get her professional pics in. Fall wedding season is quickly approaching and I will definitely be full of wedding makeup posts! I CAN'T WAIT!!!

I've been really slammed with my full time job and I've been working late a lot. Between that, working on fun blog stuff, and doing wedding makeup during the weekend, I have been pretty exhausted mentally and physically. I got to leave an hour early on Friday and decided to take a quick nap when I got home while I waited for my boyfriend to get off work later that evening. Closing my eyes for 5 mins quickly turned into a 3 and a half hour nap. IT.WAS.AMAZING.

Once I awoke from my drooling slumber, I went to go hang out with my boyfriend. By hang out I mean we watched tv for like an hour and we passed out by 11pm. We are real party animals ya know. I guess we were both pooped b/c we didn't wake up until noon Saturday. We had planned on waking up early, cooking breakfast, and being productive but all of that went out of the window with the whole waking up at noon thing. Instead we went to Barnes n Noble like the nerds we are and looked at new books to add to our read list. I am about half way through Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and I am debating on what to read next. It is a tie between Fountainhead by Ayn Rand or 1984 by George Orwell. I am loving Ayn Rand's writing style so I am leaning towards Fountainhead. Only problem, like Atlas Shrugged, the novel is soooo long. Atlas Shrugged on audiobook is 64 hours long if that gives you an idea. It is an AMAZING book and completely eye opening to what society is turning into. She was well ahead of her time as was George Orwell. Don't get me started on my views on society, I will go on and on. If you have already read 1984, like the subject manner, would like to hear a women's portrayal, and are willing to commit to a long read...read Atlas Shrugged. It will change your life.

We then got sushi for dinner, treated ourselves to iced coffees from Starbucks for dessert (gotta get them stars!), and I came home to work some more and get ready for my Sunday wedding makeup. Once again, I'm a really party animal!

I did the makeup for an absolutely beautiful bride on Sunday. She just so happened to be getting married 5 mins from my house which was way super convenient! She was a joy to work for and she looked dang good if I do say so myself!

This is the before picture I took at her trial run a week ago and the right pic is her wedding day makeup!

And these are some more (unedited!) pics I took with my phone of her wedding day makeup!

 She looked amazing! The lash glue on the right pic hadn't completely dried so that is why you see a little white on her lashes. I can't wait to get her professional pics in!

Well that was my weekend. Next weekend will be much more eventful so definitely look out for that weekend recap :)

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger

So I was doing my usual twitter creep routine and I came across a beauty blogger, Caledonian Kitty, who decided to start a "Confessions of a Beauty Blogger" Tag and it seemed pretty cool so I decided to join in! Side note that has nothing to do with anything: Am I the only one who, when hearing/reading the word confessions, is graced by the musical styling of Usher for the rest of the whole dang day??? I can't be the only one! Usher isn't bad or anything, he is just not my first choice when faced with a song stuck in my head ya know. 

Okay, back to the point...

Q1, How long have you been a Beauty Blogger?

1.5 months. I am a baby blogger I know. I actually use to do youtube videos about 4 years ago but I had to give them up due to going to school full time and working full time at the same time. No spare time whatsoever. I missed spreading my love for makeup and beauty so I thought blogging would be a better alternative for me :)

Q2, Do you ever get to the point where you want to delete your Blog, if so, why?

No, not yet. This is still very new and exciting for me so I really haven't gotten to that point in my blogging where it becomes a hassle. I'm sure there will be a few moments along the road that I will contemplate it but not any time soon I hope.

Q3, What's your most annoying habit?

This is a loaded question lol It honestly depends on who you ask. I don't know if it is really considered a habit but more of a personality flaw that has been complained about by multiple people in my life. I'm kind of really introverted in real life. Weird profession for an introvert to choose huh? I just like to be alone sometimes (more than most people) and I can be really hard to get in touch with. It's not that I don't like the person calling me (most of the time) or texting me that I don't answer/call back/respond to...it is that sometimes I just don't want to talk to anyone. I like to be alone in my thoughts. There are times that I need solitude and silence to recharge my mind, body, and spirit and that is super hard to do when you are trying to hold a conversation with someone. My boyfriend gets so annoyed with me because I absolutely hate talking on the phone for the most part. If I'm having my me time and you call and I actually answer...you've got 5 mins tops and you better talk fast lol

Q4, Do you get annoyed that brands/companies will often go to more popular Beauty Bloggers to review their products? 

Not really. It's just business. If you had a product you wanted to promote, you are going to go for the blog that is going to reach the most people and make them the most money. Of course I would like to see them promote the smaller blogs more and give them a chance but if you think about just the $$$ and business aspect, its totally understandable. 

Q5, Have you been to a Bblogger meet up?

No I have not. I live in GA so if anyone knows of any going on, I would love to go!

Q6, What brand would you say was overrated? 

AHHHH this is a hard one. I have 2 brands. One is understandable and the other is considered the holy grail of makeup. 1.Benefit, I have never really found anything from that line that hasn't already been done and/or has a better substitute from another brand. There is honestly really no need for it. 2.MAC, okay go ahead and hate me but MAC is overrated in every sense of the word. Do they have a large variety of colors with good color pay off? Yes, but so do another 100 brands out there and they are usually cheaper. Why spend $14 on one eyeshadow when you can spend $5 and get the same or even better quality? You are paying for the name people. Don't even get me started about what it does to people's skin. I refer to MAC as MACne because that is exactly what it gives you. Do I hate MAC? No. Do I think it is overrated and not worth the money b/c you can totally find something better most of the time for a fraction of the cost? Yes.

Q7, What brand would you say is underrated?

Wet n' Wild. It is known for the cheap prices but I don't think many people really appreciate its the quality to price ratio. 

Q8, What are your phobias?

Snakes. I hate them. 

Q9, Which parts of your body are fake? (ie lashes, extensions)

Nothing really, I have a few highlights in my hair and I wear false lashes occasionally but for the most part I am pretty natural.

Q10, Least Fave part of your body?

My stomach. It's not nearly as toned as it should be and I honestly could stand to loose a few or more pounds.

Q11, Do you find keeping your blog up to date expensive?

Not really. I am still pretty new so I haven't gotten to the point of really spending money on it. My products I review are bought with my money but I was going to purchase them for myself anyways so I don't really count them as an expense. I have paid for one sidebar ad and It was super cheap and has actually gotten me some new followers. totally worth it.

Q12, Do you think some of the more popular Beauty Bloggers are overrated (not mentioning names)?

There are some that are very popular and I don't necessarily see why but I'm sure someone will eventually feel the same way of my blog. It is just how the world works

Q13, Are you an honest reviewer? 

Yes. I take pride in what I do. Whether I am giving my opinion of a product to my clients or on my blog I will not lead any of them in the wrong direction just for personal gain. My clients and followers trust me and to lose their trust would completely ruin my goal to spread beauty and knowledge.

Q14, What attracts you to reading a Blog Post?

I am usually drawn to the subject manner of the blog. If the title of the blog is about something I am not interested in, I usually skip over it.

Q15, Who's your Male/Female crush at the moment?

My boyfriend. He's the cutest :)

Q16, Is there a product that you have bought recently that you won't be buying again?

I bought a concealer from loreal that was way too dark for my skintone. Usually this would not deter me from not trying out another shade but this happened to be the lightest shade in the line. Also, I just didn't like how heavy it sat on my skin. It was the visible lift blur one. I was really disappointed in it so no repurchase for me.

I really like this tag. Be sure to check CaledonianKitty out and link back to her if you do this tag! Also, let m know too. I would love to see your answers :) Feel free to use my graphic I made for it if you would like!

Let's #backthatazzup with Whitney from I Wore Yoga Pants and jam out to Usher's Confessions b/c it is still stuck in my head!

5 Favorite Makeup Products! + Total Social

Hey There!

So I really wanted to do a post about some of my all time favorite makeup products and today also just happened to be Helene and Sarah's (from Helene In Between and Venus Trapped In Mars) monthly #TotalSocial linkup. I loved doing it last month and I really wanted to do it this month as well. This month's theme is Favorites! It pretty much worked out perfectly for me! Here are my 5 all time favorite makeup products and why. I hope you enjoy!

5. Nyx Butter Gloss in Tiramisu - This gloss is my perfect "my lips but better" shade. It just looks so nice and natural and goes well during the day or evening. Its a better alternative to a nude lip for me and I always get compliments when I wear it. I also love the formula of it. I hate uber sticky lipglosses, they drive me nuts and this formula is super smooth and not very sticky at all. I've been wearing this gloss consistently over the past year and it has become a holy grail product of mine.

4. Wet n Wild single eyeshadow in Nutty - I discovered this eyeshadow about 4 years ago and it was love at first blend. I am a lover of taupe shadows and this is seriously my favorite taupe-y shadow of all time. It has such a pretty cool toned finish and really makes my eyes pop. Its not too dark so even the palest of pale (like myself) can rock it without looking ridiculous. It is also a really good dupe for Mac's Satin Taupe. Honorable mention to WnW's Brulee because paired with Nutty, you've got yourself a super cheap/amazing combo. My drugstores never have Nutty in stock and it makes me so sad. Whenever I find it, its like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow...I may or may not do a little jig as well :)

3. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Okay so who doesn't love this palette? I mean really? How can you beat 6 eyeshadows (1 shimmer and 5 matte) that are neutral, go with any skintone/undertone, have AH-MAZING color payoff, and are super blendable? You can't, just sayin. I have this palette in my makeup bag at all times and I even purchased a second one for my bridal makeup kit about 6 months ago. It is perfect.

2. ELF's Candid Coral Blush - Being of pale skin with a tendency to get kind of pink in the face, I tend to lean towards more peachy blushes instead of just plain pinks. I get red/pink in the face super easily and pink blushes really just makes it more noticeable. Peachy-er (yes I just made up my own word) blushes still give color to my face without looking like I'm super flushed. The Candid Coral blush from Elf is my favorite. It just looks so pretty and at $3 its a must buy!

1. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - Last but not least, my FAVORITE, I WOULD MARRY IT IF THAT WASN'T WEIRD, foundation. I am a sucker for all things Chanel. Let me see a Chanel counter and its over and done with. Where do I start with why I love this foundation? First of all, its a water based foundation so it is lightweight and holds up really well against oil production and sweat. It's scent is so lovely and not obnoxious at all. Unlike any other foundations I use or have tried, I actually prefer to apply this foundation with my fingers...I'm serious ya'll. It is a medium coverage foundation that looks like a new perfect layer of skin when applied. Yes, it is a little pricey but so very worth it I promise!

Welp, those are my top 5 all time favorite makeup products. What are yours??? Ohh and be sure to link up for Total Social all across social media and share your favorite things using #FavTotalSocial 

:)

P.S. I found this little gem and figured I would also throw in a little throwback thursday action. I posted this on my instagram as well. #tbt to when I was 17, had the 1st of the only 2 tans I've ever had, never filled in my eyebrows, and rode around Wal-Mart in shopping carts. Oh the memories! 

#ShareBeauty - My Beauty Story!

Hey There!

So I come to you guys today with a really awesome story and purpose. There is this super rad campaign going on right now called the #ShareBeautyContest. I have joined this campaign that is hosted by Regency Beauty Institute with Refinery29 with the goal of celebrating beauty and the people who make it. Regency Beauty Institute is one of the leading cosmetology school in the nation that takes innovative approaches to learning and aids their students in turning their creativity into a beautiful career. Regency Beauty Institute and Refinery29 wants to create a movement that celebrates beauty as a creative career and a gift that matters and has a positive effect on our world. This is something that I relate very closely with seeing as how I am a Makeup Artist and all...no big deal.

"Summer-Proof" Your Makeup in 3 Easy Steps!!!

Hey There!

But First...
So I know I have been pretty silent the past two weeks which I feel super bad about. Life has happened and I just needed to take some time to focus on it I guess. I have also been working on learning how to code a template for my blog. The new template is coming along nicely and I can wait to get it up and going. Between life, learning to code templates, and also completely revamping my business website...I've just had no time to blog. I am way super sorry!!!

And now for the good stuff!

Achieving long lasting and flawless makeup during the summer months is a struggle most of us can relate to. It's just not cute to look like your face is melting #thestruggleisreal #wickedwitchofthewest . I've got a few tips and tricks for you to keep your makeup in place and looking fresh! Have no fear...Jordan is here!!!

Behind the Scenes - Wedding Makeup Edition Volume 1

Hey There!!!

So last weekend I had the privilege to do the makeup for the now Mrs. Gilbreath. I am a tad late on getting this posted but I was on set all day Monday and I have been pulling extra time in the office to make up those missed hours. I was lucky enough to have my assistant, Marisa, take pictures of the day for me and I thought you would like to see a little behind the scenes action along with some bomb.com before and afters! Marisa did a wonderful job at taking these pictures. I'd love to link you to her blog but she doesn't have one *rolls eyes* (but I'm working on getting her to start one).

I gave a little sneak peak on Monday's Weekend Recap but I am super excited to show you more!

How to EASILY Contour and Highlight

Hey There!

It seems like every wedding I work these days, I am approached about Contouring and Highlighting. What is it? What does it do? I've tried it a million times but I just end up looking crazy, how do I do it right? Well, today I will answer these questions and hopefully you will be a pro at it in no time.

In layman's terms, Contouring and Highlighting basically sculpts the face, brings out the parts of the face in which the sun naturally reflects, and recedes the parts of the face that you want to make less noticeable. Contouring utilizes darker colors where as highlighting utilizes light colors. Its actually pretty simple.

Weekend Recap!!!

Happy Monday!!!

I've been really into finding new blogs to follow and different link ups to participate. They are really fun and a great way to meet new people in the blogging community. Today, I decided to do the "Weekend Recap" link up hosted by Dateless in Dallas and Showered with Design.

This weekend was a long one...let me tell you. It was filled with good music, makeup, good food, and a lot of driving. I also learned that I am physically capable of staying up for 36 hours straight. (I wouldn't recommend it though)

Light N' Easy Summertime Makeup using only Drugstore Makeup!!!

Hey There!

Today I thought I would give you a quick makeup tutorial. Summer is in full swing here in the peach state and heavy makeup looks just arent cutting it. I decided to do something light n' easy for the summer months using ONLY DRUGSTORE MAKEUP!!! I feel like there are a lot of amazing tutorials out there that although beautiful, can be quite intimidating to those of you who are just starting out with makeup or really just want something quick, easy, and affordable. Sure those makeup looks we see on pinterest are great for a night out or special occassion but in all actuallity, who goes that in depth with their makeup every single day besides the Kardashians and the other celebrities or professionals? ***Sidenote: If you are one of those people who find the time to do this every single day and still manage to have a life and full time job please contact me and tell me your secret. I'm a professional and I still can't find the time!!!***

#9to5TotalSocial

Hey Guys! I decided to participate in my first #TotalSocial with Helene in Between and Venus Trapped in Mars. This month's topic is "My 9 to 5". #total social is a monthly linkup that any and everyone can join in on via twitter, instagram, facebook, and blogs. This is such a fun and cool way for bloggers and social media fiends like myself to connect!

My 9 to 5 situation is quite unique. I am a Licensed Esthetican and Makeup Artist in the beautiful, and unbearably hot and humid, state of Georgia. I have worked in salons and spas but I've always had a dream to be my own boss and start my own wedding makeup business and eventually one day have my own makeup line. Most salons and spas require weekend availability which threw a wrench in my dreams of  being able to focus on wedding makeup. Now, being 22 at the time and living on my own, quiting my spa job to focus on starting a business that is primarily focused on weekends was just not going to happen. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Follow my dreams or pay my bills. Not an easy decision let me tell you.

Fast forward to April of last year. My dad has worked for a landscaping business as the sales manager for quite some time. He started with this company when they were just starting up and he decided to stick with them in order to help the company grow. It wasn't always easy for him but by April of last year, the company had more work than they knew what to do with. With a flourishing company comes a busy and sometimes unreasonable schedule. He could not keep up with his work load and was finding himself working 7 days a week and sometimes 15 hours a day just to get everything done. He knew he needed help and had interviewed a few people for the position. Suprisingly I was not his first choice...thanks dad.

I was working at a spa full time that was ran by a crazy unique colombian massage therapist who was also quite vocal. Needless to say, I was misearble. I was once yelled at for purchasing a birthday balloon (using my money and gas) for her client that did not have enough helium. During that 15 minute rant on how disappointed she was that I did not meet her balloon purchasing expectations, I decided I wanted out. I called my father when I left that day so frustrated. I didnt know what to do. I was done dealing with crazy spa and salon owners. He offered me the opportunity to come in to the office and work on a few things for him to see if I would be a good fit.

He offered to let me fill the position for what I was making before I left the last spa, I had weekends off for wedding makeup, and in the event I needed some time during the week for my wedding makeup business I could have it as long as I made up my work/hours. Pretty sweet deal huh? Go ahead and slap a cape on my dad and call him Superman because he definitely saved the day. Naturally I took the offer...I mean DUH who wouldn't. It's an amazing feeling knowing that I have an amazing father who will do anything he can to make my dreams obtainable.

I work full time in his office doing and managing estimates, taking apart complete landscape designs and pricing them out, keeping up with his schedule, helping with sales, and anything else I can do to make his life easier. Right now I work Mon.-Fri. 9 to 5 (and sometimes more) and I focus my weekends on doing wedding makeup and extra in the occasional tv show or movie. I rarely have a day off these days but it is SO SO SO worth it. I'm a long way from being able to "quit my day job" and only do what I love but I am getting closer and closer every day. I am way beyond blessed.

Moral of the story, I am one lucky/busy girl with an awesome dad and the world in my hands.
That is my 9 to 5 story. Lengthy I know but I hope you enjoyed it. Be sure to follow me on bloglovin for some awesome sauce beauty related tutorials, reviews, and posts.

Product Review - L'oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara

Hey There!

So I decided to do a little product review on a mascara I purchased recently. L'oreal released their new Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara. I picked this up on a whim and was a tiny bit hesitant. The packaging seemed a little cheap and unlike most people, I am not a huge L'oreal mascara fan. I decided to take the plunge and give it a chance.

Miss Manga is advertised as giving "oversized, over-the-top volume" with a cone shaped 360 degree flexor brush. The idea behind the mascara is to give the appearance of a manga character's eyelashes. Manga eyelashes are both long and thick on the top and bottom lash lines to make the eyes look "wide-eyed".

 

I have very fair lashes so naturally I grabbed the "blackest black" one. I love really dark and extreme lashes! I decided to do a little before and after so you guys can see the difference for yourselves. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised with the results.

Here are my lashes without any mascara or product on them. As you can see, they are really fair and I am in desperate need of some eyebrow tweezing. Don't judge.

This is after just one coat of the Miss Manga Mascara. Now you can see why I was pleasantly surprised!!!

This is after a quick 2nd coat. After wearing this mascara for a few days, I have come to the conclusion that I can probably skip the 2nd coat all together. This is huge for me because I am a 3 coat kinda girl.

Needless to say, this mascara is totally living up to all the hype I've seen on twitter, youtube, and beauty blogs. By the end of the day I did notice a little flaking but nothing out of the ordinary. This mascara is definitely not waterproof but for a nonwaterproof mascara, it does hold up pretty well. I have virtually no smudging at the end of the day as well. 

I think I have found my new mascara ya'll!!! This has regained my trust in L'oreal mascaras again and all is well in the world. Have you tried the Miss Manga mascara? Let me know what you think. Be sure to follow me on bloglovin for some more awesome sauce reviews, tutorials, and other fun things.

Awesome Product Alert: LAY/N/GO COSMO BAG

Hey There!

I recently picked up a new item that I think is pretty dang awesome! I'm always on the go and my makeup bag is usually right there with me. We all know the pain it is to search through our black hole of a makeup bag trying to find your favorite eyeliner but it's so packed in there, it takes you completely emptying it out piece by piece to find it. This particular product allows you to comfortably fit the makeup you travel with, but completely opens up to make it 100% easier to find what you are looking for.

It comes in a nice drawstring bag and is super compact.

The LAY/N/GO is 20" in diameter and is completely washable. It even has a pocket inside for discrete storage!

There are also nifty elastic brush holders as well as a "lip" around the bag that keeps everything from falling out of it. The picture really does not do it justice because there is room for PLENTY of makeup and beauty products.

Once you're done, you just pull the drawstring and the bag closes up. Simple as that!

If you want to get one of these bad boys for yourself, go here.

Do you already have one??? Let me know what you think of it!

p.s. i purchased this product myself. these opinions are my own.

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