Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Drug Store Finds!

If you all read my last blog post you will know that I am spending 2012 being more frugal. I have found some drug store makeup that I am completely obsessed with and wanted to share them with you.

Foundation: I noticed that a lot of YouTube Beauty gurus have been using Revlon Colorstay foundation or the Photo Ready foundation and I became curious. I wanted to try it myself. Now, it has been a long time since I have used a drugstore foundation, so I was a little surprised that they were as expensive as they are. I purchased a bottle of the Photo Ready by Revlon in the color Nude. I am pretty fair right now!

My opinion: This is an amazing foundation! I can't believe it. I have been wearing it everyday. The coverage is great and you don't need that much of it because a little goes a long way! I will continue to use this foundation daily.

Eyeshadow: I was attracted to the colors in the Covergirl eyeshadow quads that are made for Hazel eyes. I really just wanted the matte dark brown in it! I must say that the pigments aren't that bad. I wouldn't use them over my high end eyeshadows but, in a pinch it's nice to have them on hand. The colors are pretty! I would definitely recommend this if want pretty eyeshadows on a budget.

Mascara: I have always loved Covergirl Lash Blast! I will continue to use it. I don't like it by itself but, I do like it layered with my Lancome Oscillation Intensity. Mascara has a very short shelf life, the longest you should have a tube is 3 months. I would actually recommend throwing it away after 6 weeks. It can really harbor bacteria! Hello eye infections! With a short shelf life that can get very expensive so, I stick to the cheap mascara.

Moisturizer: I am not currently using this moisturizer but, did in the past. Dr. Lewinn by Kinerase has a line for drugstores and the SPF 30 moisturizer didn't break me out and I felt very protected from the sun daily! I have switched to Mario Badescu and love it too! It's about the same in price and more geared to my skin type.

My favorite multi-purpose product: Alba un-Petroleum Jelly, I use this for lots of different things and it's not yucky like regular petroleum jelly. I use it at night to set my skincare and protect my skin, chapped lips, around my eyes at night, dry skin, you can make your very own lip balms out of it, etc. It's only about $5! That is quite a deal!

I hope this helps you in the makeup department of your favorite drugstore find good quality items. I would love to hear what items you have tried that you love.

Peaces!
Ash

Monday, January 2, 2012

It's 2012! What will this year be for you?

Hey Everyone! It's been a long time since I have put up a blog! Sorry about that!

I have been putting together what this year will be for me. I have a few goals that I have set for myself and a few challenges. I would like to end 2012 knowing that I tried my best to accomplish these goals and that I made lots of effort to achieve them!

I thought I would share with you these goals and to have you all help keep me in check! I know a lot of you probably have the same ones so, feel free to message me for encouragement and advice.

Here they are:

1. I have a goal to be extremely frugal! This is going to be a challenge! We live in a very materialistic world and it has actually inspired me to be the opposite. This means a BUDGET, NOT EATING OUT, EITHER MAKING MY COSMETICS OR SCALING BACK FROM "HIGH-END" MAKEUP! I am sure with lots of research and the ability to make a lot of my own products that I can do this. (some helpful blogs will probably come out of this so stay posted)

2. Being more frugal will also help me live a healthy lifestyle. I know exactly what to do to be the fittest I can be that's not the challenge. The challenge is actually doing it and reaching my goal. So far, I have been doing really well. I knew this was going to be my goal so, I actually started early right after Christmas. I have everything I need to accomplish my fitness goals! I have no excuses!

3. I love my job! I really do! There is not a lot of people that can say they love what they do. That being said, I did sacrifice a steady income in a job that I hated to get here. (Another reason for the need to be frugal!) However, I know there are other ways to bring in an income, my goal is to be creative and motivated to do so. I want to do more freelance makeup for weddings and special events, this is the kind of makeup I enjoy doing with no pressure to sell something that I may or may not even believe in. I know God will provide, I just have to believe.

4. I am not the most organized person in the world, not even close. Now, when I am doing my best to be organized I do function so much better. My goal is to continue to do the work to keep my home in order to keep my sanity in check!

I think that these goals are a good start. I don't want to over do it and feel like a failure if I didn't achieve 20 different resolutions! I think that these 4 will help me be successful in all aspects of my life. I also decided not to put any resolutions about being more nice or honest, etc. I already am brutally honest and I think I am pretty nice unless I have been burned by you. I have no regrets about cutting those out of my life that I did in 2011, I did that for my sanity. Those that I kept in my life mean the most to me and have tremendous value in it!

Here's to a frugal, healthy, prosperous, organized 2012 and on!

Feel free to message me for advice, tips, check-ins, etc. I think that will help us all!

Peaces,
Ash

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Finding the time to be glam!

I know a lot of you are wondering how I find the time to get myself as ready as I do in the morning and get two kids dressed and off to school. Here are some of my secrets and tips I have learned from others.

I read a book by Maria Menuonos. I probably misspelled her name. Oops. Anyway her book is about organizing your life so you can be more efficient and successful. In her book she advises us to find a day where we get all of our chores done and put your lunches, outfits, etc. together for the week. Well, it works! I do this every Sunday. My outfits are picked out down to the accessories. When I already know what I am wearing it is easy for me to decide how to do my makeup and hair. I recommend finding her book. I got it at Barnes and Noble. Also, she has great tips if you like her facebook page.

I also allow myself time! If you want your makeup to look good it is going to take atleast thirty minutes. I always allow myself an hour and a half to get ready. This includes getting my kiddos ready too. By the way, their outfits and lunches I get ready with mine on Sunday. I recommend knowing what look you want to do before you even get started doing your makeup. I will already know how I want to look before I get to the mirror. That makes it easier to navigate through my millions of products!

Now my hair, I have to admit to you, I only spend ten minutes tops on it. I prefer people focus on my face so, it's usually up. If I am going to spend time on it I have to add on even more time to my routine. Products and styling tools make it easier to get done faster too. Buy the expensive dryers and irons. They really speed up drying time! I swear by T3. You can find them at Von Maur or www.qvc.com

I know this sounds really high maintnance but, I like how I look and I think that people feel better when they look better and are more effective in their jobs and relationships. I am sure that is in a poll somewhere. Also, being organized in your life helps you get out the door in time. If you have any questions feel free to email me them.
ashleygaa@live.com

Happy Organizing!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

One is not enough!

I don't believe in having just one of something when it comes to beauty products! I am about to share with you some of my beauty secrets...

Eyelash Curlers:
I use two. Why? I use one to curl, my favorite is by Laura Mercier. I also use a junkie metal one, not to curl with, to use for setting mascara. I hold it up to the lashes while they are drying to hold the curl, I do not put the lashes in the curler I just hold it up to them. That's one of my favorite lash tricks.
Mascara:
There is not ONE mascara that does everything! They try but, do not succeed. I have a defining mascara and a thickening mascara. I will use the defining one first, then use the thickening one. Let the first coat dry before layering. My favorite mascaras right now are (changes often): Bad Gal Mascara from Benefit, first coat, then I layer on top the new Lancome Hypnose Baby Lashes. Between each layer I use the metal curler to set.
Bronzer:
There are many different variations in colors with bronzers. I use three different tones to create that bronzed look. First bronzer I use is to create depth in color and warm the face. I love the Laura Mercier Warm Bronze Mineral for this. Remember, bronzer is only to be used for facial contouring not the entire face. See my bronzer post for where to put the bronzers. Next, I use a warmer darker tone just under my cheek bone to give it more depth and cut out the cheek bone. I like Lorac's Tantilizer for this step. Last, I use a highlighting bronzer. This is lighter in pigment and mostly brings light to the top of the cheek bones. I love Napoleon Perdis's Bronze Patrol for this step.
Blush:
I just like to mix colors to get the perfect peachy pink cheeks.
Check out: Laura Mercier's Lush Nectarine with blush duo #2 from Napoleon Perdis. And cheek color ONLY goes on the apples of the cheeks.
Brow products:
I fill in with a pencil and brush brow powder over them to set and soften.
I love Laura Mercier's brow products.Brows really shape the face and lift the eyes, this step is essential.

Where to find these goodies:
I think you should support your favorite makeup counter girls so, here is the information to some of the best!

Laura Mercier @ Von Maur Lincoln, NE
Call Katie 402-420-9100
You get a real person, free shipping and they have an interest free charge card!
Napoleon Perdis @ Von Maur Omaha, Ne or Lincoln, Ne
Call Brooke or Stasa 402-390-0381 or 402-420-9100
They can help you and again, free shipping!
Lorac @ Sephora
www.sephora.com
Lancome @ Von Maur Omaha, NE
Call Marlita 402-390-0381
Again, free shipping, interest free charge card!



Now, I know you will be wondering how I get all this done and get kids ready and out the door. My next blog will explain!

Friday, April 22, 2011

30's

Recently, I have been battling my turning thirty. Working in an industry that always has younger talent and where aging in frowned upon (unless you are botoxed) I have been beating myself up. I have wondered if I still was as talented and exciting as I had been in the past. Through a lot of soul searching and many new colors of eyeshadow added to my beauty routine, I have discovered that being who I am is why people come to see me for makeup advice. I have been in the business longer than some and have gained a lot of knowledge. I am constantly learning more and more. The younger talents keep me on my toes and being thirty is absolutely amazing! God bless blue eyeshadow and hot pink lipstick for bringing me out of my everyday natural looks!

Peace :)

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Snowed In!

Well, I am snowed in for the second day in a row! What to do?
I have done a purifying mask and also did a hair mask. I have attempted to clean but, my children refuse to keep it that way. I am sick of facebook for the moment. I have waited patiently for someone to post something interesting. Discovered a new product that I love: Duwop Clear Revolution Sunless Tan lotion! Envious that my parents are "stuck" in Florida due to not being able to drive back through the blizzard. Must be rough! I am waiting to go completely insane from cabin fever. I think I might read if and when the kids lay down for a nap. I might wash my hair again. I think seeing the sun is great just wish it would warm up Nebraska at the same time. I officially have just shared my insanity with you all! Happy Snow Day!

Peaces!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Quick Tip

Just a quick tip!
I discovered today that I love Peter Thomas Roth's Gentle Complexion Pads. My skin feels amazing. It's good for normal/oily skin to help fight breakouts, minimize pores, reduce black heads, etc. Oh, and to get more for my money I cut the pads in half and only used one half. I suggest them if you have these issues.