Dollar Store Beauty Finds

Dollar Store Beauty Finds video:

Youtube Videos!

I have started to do youtube videos to help others with their hair needs, makeup, reviews, crafts, and all things beauty! I would love it if you would give them a look and subscribe if you like what you see. Thanks so much!
Here is my Sock Bun Tutorial:

My Experience with It Works The Ultimate Body Applicator

I was asked to try out The Ultimate Body Applicator by one of my fans, Linda. I was very skeptical and let her know right away that I make sure to always be honest in my reviews, and if she was ok with that than I would be happy to review the product. Linda said she is a firm believer in these products and she knew that I would have success, making me feel a little better about the process. I have,  like a lot of moms out there, issues with my "baby pooch" and that general area, and was so excited when I read the info on this wrap. I also have just recently lost 33lbs, and counting, and have issues with sagging skin, so I was very hopeful!

What came in my package from Linda:
Packet of information about the company and all the different products available, as well as instructions for application.
The applicator (wrap)
A measuring chart to track results
A measuring tape (which was pink!) to track inches lost
A tall tumbler (to make sure you drink LOTS of water)

After reading through the instructions carefully, and taking starting measurements I applied the wrap to my stomach, and lower belly. I wore a sports bra and tight tank top to make sure it stayed in place.  While wearing the wrap, at first I noticed a slight tingling, not burning, sensation. It had a faint smell but nothing offensive. I went about my daily activities, but nothing too strenuous, so as not to loosen the wrap. I wore it for 45 minutes, which is recommended for your first application to make sure you don't have any sort of reaction, which I did not. After I was done I took the remaining "film" left on my stomach, after removing the applicator, and rubbed it into my skin in circular motions, per the instructions. Then measured again. I continued to measure every 24 hours until 72 hours. 

Results after 45 minutes:

upper stomach- no inches lost

middle stomach- 1/2"

lower stomach- 1/4"

24 Hours Results:

upper- 1/2" more

middle- 1/2" more

lower- 1/2" more

48 Hours Results:

upper- no more inches lost

middle- no more inches lost

lower- no more inches lost

72 Hours Results:

upper- 1/2" more

middle- 1" more

lower- 1/2" more

So in the end my total inches lost were:

upper- 1"

middle- 2"

lower- 1 1/4"

Total inches lost- 4 1/4"

I was very impressed with the end results, my sagging skin looked a little more toned and smooth. I was also impressed with the results on my middle and lower stomach. Now, this was only one application, and I did this wrap about 3 weeks ago, so the results didn't really last for me, stomach is still saggy and back to original measurements. But, the info I received did mention that the results are progressive, the more treatments you do the more smooth, younger, toned, and tightened your skin will be. They recommend you do a once a week application to get continuous, progressive results and ongoing maintenance. I am definitely thinking of purchasing more when I hit my goal weight to help with the loose skin. I also think this might be a great idea if there is a special occasion you want to fit into that special outfit for, just do it a few days before because I had my best results at 72 hours after application. 

Price:

The retail price for the Ultimate Body Applicator is $99 for 4 applications, so about $25 per wrap. But they offer a "Loyal Customer" program that offers 45% off on all your orders, and 10% back on every purchase in Perks Points.

For more information on prices, products, and the Loyal Customer program contact Linda at 636-399-6647.

LindaBushnell.myitworks.com

So overall I was very pleased with my results, 4 1/4" is a big difference! Thanks Linda for introducing me to this product!

E.L.F Favorites!

I have a variety of ELF products in my collection, but I wanted to focus this post on some of my favorites, ones that I will definitely be repurchasing.

My first favorite is the ELF Eyelid Primer. This primer helps prep your eyelids for a longer lasting, crease proof eyeshadow. The primer absorbs quickly and really helps to smooth out the eyelid for eyeshadow application. This is one of my very favorite ELF products, and at only $1,  I have and will repurchase this one!

My next fave is the ELF Powder Brush. I just recently purchased this brush after watching a lot of youtube videos on it, and I must say that I am sorry I waited so long to try it. You can use this brush with wet or dry products. I love to use this with my liquid foundation. I stipple the foundation on and then buff it in for an almost airbrushed finish. This is a synthetic haired Taklon brush that is antibacterial, more absorbent, and so soft. At only $3, I am really loving this brush!!

The next one on my fave list is the Matte Lip Color in Nearly Nude. This is perfect for a soft nude lip! I love to apply this to my lips and then my Physicians Formula lip plumping Potion in Crystal Pink. This is the perfect combo. I don't like this on its own, because it is matte, but with a gloss over it, it is amazing and at only $3 it is a great bargain!!

The last on my list is the ELF High Definition Powder. This powder is a translucent loose powder that creates a "soft focus" effect on the skin. It helps to mask fine lines and minor imperfections of the skin to give a smooth glowing finish. I have read in some reviews that if you have a olive or dark skin complexion that this can give you an almost "white overcast," but I have very fair skin and have not experienced this. They do have two new colors: Shimmer and Corrective Yellow, but I have not tried these yet. I think for $6 I will be repurchasing this one!

These are only a few of my favorites, I will do another post soon with some more of my faves  so keep an eye out!! :)

Winter/Cold Weather Hair Tips

The dry and cold winter weather can be very damaging to your hair. Because of the dry indoor heating and the dry cold weather outside hair easily becomes dry during this time of year. To ensure that your hair does not get damaged proper preventative steps should be taken during this season. During the winter months, many people have dry, dull, brittle, or hair. The tips below will help you keep your hair more healthy during winter months.

-Shampoo your hair less often. In cold weather, both the hair and scalp dry out more easily. Try not to shampoo your hair more than once a day. One of the most common mistakes people make is shampooing their hair too often, depleting your scalp of its necessary oils.

-Static. An easy way to combat static is to spray a small amount of hair spray on your hairbrush when you are done styling and brush it through from top to bottom. Another way is to lightly rub a dryer sheet over the surface of your hair after styling. This also makes your hair smell good! :)

-Try to use your blowdryer less often. This is one to remember all year round. Overusing your hairdryer will contribute to dry damaged hair. Try to blow dry your hair as little as possible. When you use your hairdryer, try using the 'cool' setting. Drying your hair with cool air may take a little longer but it will do less damage to your hair.

-A leave-in conditioner will work wonders for dry and brittle hair. Also make sure to deep condition once a week for really dry brittle hair.

-Wear a scarf, hat or cap to protect your hair from the cold and wind. Make sure the scarf, hat or cap is not so tight that it will restrict circulation in your scalp. Wear caps with care. Continually wearing hats can lead to overworked sebaceous glands, resulting in limp, greasy locks, so wear caps with care.

• 
  
• -Lock in hair moisture by running your hair through cold water.
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• -Limit your use of curling irons/flat irons. If you do use heating tools, make sure to use a heat protectant spray first to limit damage to the hair.
• 
  
• -Shampoo your hair in warm or cool water, hot water can be very drying to the hair and scalp.

Thanks MamasHealth!

How to "Makeover" a Synthetic Wig

Synthetic wigs or hairpieces can be appealing to a lot of people because it is cheaper than human hair. However, you don't really have too many options when it comes to changing the style of the wig, like straightening or curling it. UNTIL NOW!! I was searching on youtube for ways to "change" my synthetic wig, which was way too curly and shiny, and found a few options. I'm going to take you through the process of my favorite method right now with pictures I took of my own wig. 

Before

Notice how curly and shiny the wig is?

Hang the wig in a tub or over a sink, to catch the water. Put a pot of water on the stove to boil. Take the water off right before it boils, when little bubbles start to appear on the bottom of the pot.

The water is not boiling, but little bubbles are starting to form.

I put 2 pots of water on so that while I am using the first one, the other one is getting hot.

Next SLOWLY and CAREFULLY pour the hot water over the hair. You will need to do this process a couple times to make sure all the hair is saturated all the way through. If you are nervous to try this on the whole thing, try it on a small section of the hair first just to reassure yourself it won't melt.

I did this step 3 times. This is it after I finger combed it and hung it to dry.

Allow the wig to dry, finger combing it a few times as it dries. Notice how straight the wig is now?! The more times you pour hot water on the hair, the straighter it will get. I did it 3 times and my wig still has a little flip to the ends, which I like.

After

The result? A curly mess into a straight wig worth wearing!! Another tip, is to spray a dry shampoo through the wig, or even use baby powder for lighter wigs, and that will help remove some of the shine!

I hope this helps you to transform your synthetic wig!!

Cheyenne's Designs Mineral Makeup Review

I was so excited to get my package from Cheyenne's Designs! I received the Mineral Kit #1. Here is what is included in this kit:

1 foundation

1 blush

1 setting powder 

3 mineral eyeshadows

I got my foundation in Moonkissed for fair-light. This has pink undertones and has a slight shimmer.This foundation has great coverage and really makes your skin look great! 

MV Setting Powder- sets foundation and absorbs oils throughout the day without making skin dry. This really helped hold my makeup in place. I even used it to set my liquid foundation, and it worked beautifully.

I got my blush in Alluring which is actually a light pink highlighter. It has just the right amount of shimmer. If you have a darker skin tone, I would recommend getting a darker shade of blush, I am fair and I use this as a highlighter for my cheekbones.

For my eyeshadows I got: Pixie MeMe Purple- a lavender with a slight shimmer. This is a beautiful light purple.

Bright Eyes- white shimmer/highlighter. This is an amazing highlighter for just under the brow bone, in the inner tear duct of the eye, and even along the cheekbones. It really catches the light and brings a beautiful glow wherever applied.

Champagne- light pink bronze with brown undertones and sparkle. This is my favorite thing in the whole kit! I love the color and appearance of this shadow on my eyelids! It is the perfect champagne color. I got compliments on how blue/green my eyes looked while I was wearing this shadow. I have worn it everyday since I got my package, with browns, pinks, and even black smokey eye looks! This one is a "MUST HAVE."

I just applied my moisturizer/base to my face first. Second I applied a little concealer to my under eyes, but it is not needed, then I applied the Moonkissed foundation with a kabuki brush in circular motions all over my face. I then applied a little of my own blush to my cheeks and then the MV setting powder with a large fluffy brush. I then used the Alluring blush/highlighter to highlight my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose, and little of my own bronzer to the hollows of my cheeks. I really enjoyed the way my skin looked and felt while wearing these products. My skin feels great after wearing them, not oily, dry, and no breakouts. I have very sensitive skin, so no breakouts is an amazing thing for me! I will say this again, my very favorite product in the whole kit is the Champagne eyeshadow shade! This is a beautiful color!

Debbie is really amazing at what she does! She grinds the minerals herself to make her own, never repackaged from other companies, shades! She even offers $1 samples so that you can make sure you get the right foundation shade before buying the full priced package. Oh, and shipping is FREE!! You can check her out here: Cheyenne's Designs.

I really loved these mineral products, and I know you will too!!!

I received these products, but these opinions are my own, professionally based opinions. I was in no way compensated for this review, other than receiving the kit to try and review.