Beauty Musthaves for: Photoshoots!!

I just had a photoshoot this week (5 hrs!) with a friend.  :)

Whether for senior pictures, a family's wedding, or even just for fun, all photoshoots require these beauty items:

1. Primer/Foundaton: Smashbox Photo Finish Light Primer & Revlon ColorStay (Combination/Oily Skin) Foundation are the perfect face duo!  For 5 hours, my face didn't get oily or shiny.  It stayed in place.  
2. Needed Hair Products: To keep hairstyle vibrant and perky, bring hairspray, gel, etc... for those few second touchups.  It makes a difference.
3. 2-3 Lipsticks: Bring a couple lip colors you like to test what they'll look like from the camera's lighting.  You'll be thankful you did.
4. Eyeshadow Primer: Urban Decay's in Sin is what I use and it prevents all oily creases. The eyeshadow stays bold and beautiful for hours because of this amazing primer.  Seriously.
5. Concealor/Powder: No brainer- bring concealor and powder (maybe even blush) for emergency touchups.
   
   
   We used my Canon PowerShot SX30 camera.  It was fun and the editing polished it all!  :)  Here are a few shots-   (Click to Enlarge)

Spring/Summer Beauty Musthaves 2012

Everyone should know the basic beauty musthaves, so I've included some extra products to enjoy during our sun-filled activities!

• SPF Sunscreen- Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ is the ultimate epic sunscreen!  It's perfect for my sensitive skin.

• Silver Eyeshadow- I love NYX's Smokey 10 Eye Palette.  Every color is highly pigmented and there are multiple shades of silver to use.  Silver is an overall gorgeous color and under the sun, it'll look amazing!

• Coral Nail Polish- This color on your nails will compliment all skin tones, and make you feel like a beauty summer goddess!  -or at least happier (haha)

• Beachy Hair Waves Enhancers- There are so many options here.  I like Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Hairspray, Fructis Curl Shaping Spray Gel, Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Mist, Aussie Sprunch Catch the Wave Hairspray...  Beachy waves are the best summer hairstyles.  :)

• Coconut Mango Body Lotion from Bath and Body Works- Leaves skin/legs so soft and moisturized!  It smells amazing and can leave your legs smooth for 2 days without reapplication!  It's great!

• Shavers/Shave Gel- Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Luscious Kiwi Splash makes shaving so easy and safe!  You'll rarely cut yourself and the gel smells amazing!  Having summery smelling products just make Summer 10X better!

• Self Tanner- To keep everything balanced and even, self tanner never hurt for help and touchups.  :)

• Moisturizing SPF Lipbalm- I love Softlips in Raspberry SPF 20.  It's yummy, heavenly, and keep lips looking smooth!  Definite must for Summer!

• Tinted Moisturizers- For some coverup, use a pea-size amount tinted moisturizer.  I use Physician's Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50.  

• Vaseline- Ya never know!  If your swimsuit is cutting into your skin, rub some vaseline and it'll calm the pain!  It's really helpful!

• Deodorant- Because of all the other sweet smelling summer beauty products, I'd go with a Sheer Clean scented deodorant.  That's just my opinion. :)  

• Waterproof Mascara- L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara.  I accidentally bought the waterproof one, and the mascara is phenomenal!  It stays on in water like none-other!!

Bedtime Routines

Lately, I've been doing some new things before I hop into bed.
After I've showered, brushed my teeth, wash my face using Clinique, and put on chapstick, I'll rub a little lotion on my hands or spray body mist once on my neck.

I also can't go to bed without having some milk or applejuice.  I like using this Minnie Mouse mug I got for my mom from Disneyland, of course.  It's such a cute mug!  I also need my waterbottle on my nightstand. 

I'm either reading or writing before bed, and I've been listening to Kenny Loggins CD "Return to Pooh Corner."  The songs and music are so sweet and calming.  It makes me happy everytime I listen to it.  -One of my all time favorite albums.

I've also been going to bed between 3 & 5am.  I'm stopping that bad habit after I post this blog.  Like, right now. ;)

Easy Chick Recipes: Raspberry & Banana Smoothie

I think being girly-girl needs to include making really cute desserts, dinners & such.  Here is a series called Easy Chick Recipes, where I'll be posting recipes of all cute kinds for our enjoyment!  They'll be easy, awesome, and delicious!  :)  Here is the recipe to make healthy Raspberry & Banana Smoothies!
What You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 small peeled banana
• 2/3 cup chilled unsweetened pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup ice
• 2 tbsp. low-fat plain yogurt
• 3 tsp. wheat germ
• 1 tsp. honey

Simply blend everything together until smooth!  Suggestion: Make this smoothie with friends and then watch a fun movie while you enjoy them!  Happy blending!

Blogger Recognition

Atlantic-Pacific.blogspot.com -Her style and clothing choices are 100% exactly what I want my style to be.  I don't have a collection like hers, but her looks are the looks I love!  I love how chic, bright and amazing her outfits are.  I guess you could say she's my fashion inspiration in making outfits stand out more.  Go check her out!
wendyslookbook.com -This blogger also has great style and I like copying some of her choices.  One of my favorite looks she wore was with a blue blazer. It looks both effortless and yet well planned and dressed up.  Go check her out too!

Beauty blogs are so enjoyable for us girls.  It's so much fun to post these sort of blogs for others to see.  We like sharing, showing, and explaining things to each other.  It's really fun, girly, and I think satisfying.  :)  Blogs are awesome!! :)  Keep at it!

My Top 6 Spring/Summer Nail Polishes

Spring & Summer 2012- The bright polish seasons!!

Wet n Wild in Blazed -the perfect coral!

Essie in Absolutely Shore -unique & complimentary!

 Petites in Cherry Slush -gorgeous shimmer & color!

 Wet n Wild in Bijou Blue -cool blue for summer water fun!

 LA Colors in Orange -the perfect bright orange!

 OPI in Hawaiian Orchid -for the clean nail look: light nude pink

What are you favorite nail polishes right now?  Link your blog post in the comments below!

Candles!!

I love candles.  They have the best scents, looks and colors.  Even though I don't have a ton of candles, I am very content with what I have.  They're all different, but all amazing and pretty.  

P.S. (the lamp shade, inside is a candle!!)

New Music Love: One Direction

Today, I got One Direction's CD and love it!  I've heard most of their songs already, but now I'm uber happy I physically have their album.  It's great!  It kind of reminds me of the boy bands in the 90s... But with a more modern twist/sound.  It's great!  Which song is your favorite?

Bag Collection

Top Row:

1. Blue Plaid Backpack- from Walmart, use for busy college days

2. Small Denim Rainbow design- from years ago, (don't use often)

3. Denim Striped Drawstring Bag- I made this senior year of highschool, (don't use often)

4. Sequined- twin brother gave to me years ago, (don't use often)

2nd Row:

1. Multi-Pattern- from Mom, use for fancy concerts & dates

2. Piano Bag- use for vocal lessons & school

3. Yellow- from booth at festival/parade (one of a kind), use for school, dates & errands

3rd Row:

1. Multi-Use InsideOut- from California/Mom, use for casual outtings w/ friends & errands

2. Crazy Random- from Grandma, use for dates, school & outtings

3. Brown Fringe- from Kohl's, use for everything

4th Row:

1. Red Ruffle- from family, use for errands & dates

2. Blue Celtic- from uncle from a Scottish Festival, use for everything

3. Zebra Print- from cousin, use for school

The bags I use the most are the Multi-Use InsideOut, Crazy Random, Brown Fringe, Blue Celtic & Zebra Print.  However, I love ALL these bags, and am so glad I have them!

Question: what's a cheap and cute way to store bags like these?  Right now, they're stacked in a pink plastic laundry bin. :P  Any suggestions?

Another Haul

Tonight I went on several different errands getting random things I've been needing.  I got 6 white posters (for future YouTube video backgrounds), some mechanical pencils, an unscented Secret deodorant, Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Wipes in Night Calming, Clinique Acne Solutions system kit, Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait, and CoverGirl eyebrow pencils in Honey Brown.  I got really happy when I came home to enjoy my random goodies.

Goodbye to Picnik

I have edited hundreds of photos using picnik.com and it is now closing today.  I really wish it wasn't.  I have really attached myself to this site and know it sooo well.  My favorite seasonal list was Halloween's Vampire list- so fun!!  I've used Picnik for years and have enjoyed it every time- like just now when I edited these three pictures!  Picnik, you will be deeply missed.

                           Love,

                          Blooming blossoms, Cueing bird songs, & Buttering sandwiches.

(PicMonkey- maybe you'll be Picnik's best replacement??)

Lip Product Storage

A couple years ago, I was wondering around Kmart and walked by this storage holder.  I fell in love with it and bought it.  It has a total of 8 compartments.

I store my lipbalms in the bottom drawer, my lipglosses in the 4 outer compartments, and my lipsticks in the 3 middle compartments.  I love how all my lip products can be upright and the colors can be seen easily.  The holder itself was less than $10, and I'm so glad I got it.

How do you store your lip products?

Paper Fun Anyone?

Do you have some shelves or drawers that are blah and boring to look at?  Do you want to add color to it, but your parents won't let you use paint?  Then ask if you can tape paper decorations on it instead!!

Make your own fringe by using colorful paper strips.  
Make paper flowers, big "confetti," and anything else you can imagine!  

Here are my shelves: 

Here's a close-up of the 'zigzag' paper fringe I made:

I made these paper decorations years ago, but I still enjoy looking at them every day!  

Lotion Storage

I have my main lotions & creams on my bathroom counter and to keep them organized in one place, I placed them in a simple shoe-box lid.  It works great, and I love how simple it is. 

I love this display.  How do you organize your lotion products? 

Wonderful Random Videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0lr63y4Mw
Stop It therapy
(Such a random, hilarious clip!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlgAj_29Z7U
Fred Astaire Firework dance
(I have met some people that don't know who Fred Astaire is.  Well, find out and watch some of his films!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRK1YrkPt-A
Azul Cristian Castro song
(I don't know Spanish at all, but I randomly found this song and love it!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMcDD0lNl_Q&feature=plcp&context=C4a8af67VDvjVQa1PpcFMTltmUrDmi8UTvmS_snFSfU1TUvH1IG10%3D
Heather Traska's Friday (diva cover)
(This is hilarious!  She sings it beautifully, and just mocks it to death without even trying.  Sooo funny!)

Calming Down

We all feel overwhelmed at times and this is my list of things that help me calm down.

-blog
-movies
-music
-coloring books
-singing
-reading magazines
-make to-do lists
-play w/ my cats
-cleaning

What helps you to calm down when you're feeling overwhelmed?  

Easter Goodies

 Easter has come and gone.  This year was very cute and pleasant for me.
This is a shot I took of my front-yard tree- the blossoms are gorgeous!

My cat Gypsy- looking very annoyed, yet sorta cute. 

Here's what my basket looked like- 

The Easter baskets, the egg coloring, church services, and the egg hunts, were all wonderful!  

My Makeup Theory

Having expensive (and luxurious) makeup can be very fun and if you have the money for it, I say get all the good stuff.  But for the girls that don't have tons of money, (like myself), here is my theory about getting reasonable-quality makeup:

• Get the best quality facial makeup that will obviously work with your skin the best.  Look for great foundations, powders, blushes, bronzers, and primers, to figure out which products work best for you.  I suggest going to Sephora to get samples of some high-quality makeup options.
• If you have a high-quality eyeshadow primer, then you don't really need expensive eyeshadows.  The primer will keep any eyeshadow in place and will make the color exuberant.  
• Drugstore mascara is phenomenal- you don't ever need to splurge on that item.
• I have found that drugstore lip products (lipsticks, lipgloss, lipbalms, lipliners) are just as effective and colorful as department lip products- but both 'qualities' are great.  So, no real opinion about that here.
• However, you will need high-quality makeup brushes for both face products and eye products.  The brushes create the perfect effects and help blend things more naturally.

I hope my makeup theory makes sense.  It has done me good- so maybe it will for you, if you try it.  :)  

Crazy Random Summer Activity Ideas

Free Activities:

• Crazy Hairdo Party
• Film mock lipsync Music Video
• Sleepovers
• Homemade Smoothies
• Sports
• Movie Marathon
• Night Games
• Scavenger Hunts
• Hiking
• Friend Photoshoots
• Random Crafts

$$ Activities:

• Ice Skating
• Amusement Park
• Shopping
• Swimming
• Classic Skating
• Bowling
• Spas
• Zoo
• Restaurants
• Movie Theatre
• Laser Tag
• Mini Roadtrips
• Concerts

Books I'm Currently Loving~

 Sad to say, I don't like reading.  Sitting relatively still, in a quiet place, while your eyes go back and forth again and again is not my choice of free-time.  I'd rather do more "activity" type of things, or just watch a movie.  haha
But there are two books that I am loving right now:

If you haven't read "P.S. I Love You," do. it. now.  (Warning- there is strong language.)

The plot is amazing, and I'm reading it a second time through.  It makes me tear up several times. I really want to see the movie.  Cecelia Ahern is such a splendid author and I want to read more of her stuff.

I've just started reading "What Happy People Know" and it's actually quite fascinating.  It was a book my family already owned, so I thought I'd read a little bit of it- see if there's anything else I need to know to amp up my happiness in life, so it's an interesting book.