Quick and Easy Beauty Tips!

 

Hey beautiful babes! It's Iokeline, 

Decided today's blog post wouldn't mention any specific products but a post on quick and easy beauty tips! Ever had trouble applying eyeliner? Want smoother skin? How do I manage healthier hair?  Well all that good stuff and more will be mentioned here! Just keep reading :) 

Makeup tips! 

Mascara 

1. When applying mascara NEVER ever pump the wand! This causes added air to the mascara container which will only make your mascara dry out faster!

2. This might be obvious.. but maybe not. Always use less mascara on lower lashed than on top lashes or you can skip mascara on lower lashes for the more "casual" look 

3. After you've coated your lashes with mascara add just one more layer to your outer corners. This will make your eyelashes look especially full and make your eyes appear farther apart ;) 

4. If you want a more fuller lash look apply eyeliner to your tightline, I promise you won't regret it. 

5. Annnnnnd finally! If your mascara smells funny or is more than six months old it's time to toss that baby out! 

Eyeliner

Everyone always asks me how I perfect my cat eyeliner, here's a few basic tips that has helped me get better at perfecting my eyeliner. 

1. When applying mascara stand 5 to 6 inches away from your mirror and tilt your chin up so when you look down to your nose into the mirror, you can see your entire eyelid. 

2. If you're eyeliner tends to smudge throughout the day, use concealer. It'll keep it in place all day.

3. If you want a more sultry and smokey look combine powder and pencil for that effect. 

4. looking for the perfect wing? just outline a tiny triangle at the end of your eyelid and fill that sucker in :)

5.If that still seems TOO HARD, use clear tap stencil to make your cat line foolproof. 

6. ORRRR you can just say fuck it and use a decal 

7. Remember to always use cotton swabs to fix minor mistakes and for larger messes, dip it in makeup remover.

8. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE 

Hair Tips! 

1. Want to create a wavy look with a straightener? Flat iron your braids to make waves.

2. Use dry shampoo to add volume to your hair!

3. Massage your scalp with your shampoo for a minute to stimulate hair growth 

4. When straightening you hair, pull the flat iron up towards the ceiling for extra volume at your roots 

5. Try crushing two aspirins to your favorite shampoo. The salicylic acids in aspirin break down dead skin cells and product buildup. This is like a dandruff-blasting fix. 

6. This is a tip I barely learned: don't try to comb your hair when wet, always wait for your hair to dry. This will prevent breakage. 

7. If you want extra hold in you hair spray some hairspray on your bobby pins!

Skin Tips!

1. Ya'll going to love me after this tip! Use these ingredients "2:1 ratio of sugar and any type of oil) to create smooth as skin! Mix the sugar and oil in a small bowl. In the shower literally rub this stuff everywhere and shave in the areas you do with the mix still on your skin. It'll remove all the dead skin cells and it'll leave your skin as smooth as a baby. Just don't apply it on your lady parts ;)

2. If you ever run out of shaving cream use conditioner to shave. I actually prefer this better! 

3. No brainer Use sunscreen on the daily! 

4. I'm not sure if this is a skin tip... but you apply it to your skin so I'm going to put it on here. Always wanted your perfume to smell throughout your whole body? Apply your perfume behind your ears, inside your wrists, base of throat, behind the knee, and inside your elbows. 

Nails Tip!

1. Need your nails to dry fast? When you paint you nails submerge them into cold water and wait a few minutes. The polish will dry when you remove your fingertips from the water. 

WELL THAT'S IT GUYS!

I hope it helps, let me know if you're interested

in me posting more of these tips and tricks :)

If you have any questions don't hesitate to comment below

or ask in my "Contact Page"
Stay Connected With Me! 

Yours truly,

Everything Foundations!

➡Everything Foundations⬅

Hey beautiful 💘! Before I begin, I just want to start out and say that although I recommend these products 100% EVERYONE'S skin is different. Let me tell you a little bit about my skin. I have acne prone and oily skin. Since middle school I have always had really bad acne. I would breakout severely on my forehead and around my chin. Although I hardly break out there anymore, right now my problem area are my cheeks. Since I have oily skin I tend to apply powder foundation on top of my liquid foundation to set my makeup and make it look matt. So now that I've told you a little about my skin type, I would continue on to say that it hasn't been easy to find a "perfect" or "ideal" foundation. As you can see I have a mix of brands that I prefer for certain occasions or weather. In this blog I mention products that are drug store to high end. I also add some powder foundations because I know some of you don't wear liquid foundations. I don't mention any M.A.C. products for the same reason that I have acne prone skin and that brand tends to break me out....a lot. Anyways, enough of me chatting lets get to the review. 

**ALWAYS USE A PRIMER BEFORE YOU APPLY ANY FOUNDATION ON THE FACE**

(HIGH END) FOUNDATIONS:

MAKE UP FOR EVER: "HD Invisible Cover Foundation" $42 

Makeup Forever is my holy grail brand for a foundation that gives me FULL coverage. This foundation is definitely build-able but it can look "cake-y" on the face if you apply many layers although I feel you don't need to apply no more that one since this is definitely on the more medium-to-full coverage side.  The "HD Invisible" just implies that this foundation is meant to withstand harsh lighting. Meaning that if you ever wanted to wear this foundation you wouldn't have to worry about the flash on a camera making your skin look weird. This foundation is also oil-free which is great for skins that are on the more oily side. I do notice although that if I wear this foundation for more than 6 hours I do begin to feel oily and I have to either (1) use oil blotting sheets or (2) use powder to set my makeup again. I mostly wear this foundation whenever I'm going on dates w/ my boyfriend, dances, concerts, anything special that I would want my face to look perfect for. Highly recommend this ladies.

MAKE UP FOR EVER:"Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation" $36

Can you tell I like Make Up Forever? .. P.S this is the brand Kim K wears (so they say) lol. Okay this foundation is for the days that I want absolute FULL coverage. I mean I really really want my skin to look like a porcelain doll. This foundation is a shine controlling, water resistant, and oil-fee. I definitely recommend this foundation for the summer days that you can't skip out on a full coverage face. I never recommend applying heavy makeup on hot and humid days, but if it is necessary this is the product to turn to. Because this foundation is skin controlling and water resistant you don't have to worry about building up an oily face throughout the day or melting off because of the sweat. I have 2 shades of skin tone colors for this product. Definitely a must have for me. 

(DRUG STORE) FOUNDATIONS: 

Loreal Paris: "True Match™ Super Blendable Makeup" $10.95

HOLY GRAIL! okay okay. I have probably repurchased this foundation..maybe... 5 times already? Besides the fact that it's super cheap (compared to makeup forever) it is also the only foundation that has been able to do my face any justice. If you ever see me in person this is probably the foundation I am wearing on my face. I reach for this foundation over any of the other brands I mention just because it's my "go to" and "daily" foundation. I always try to switch up foundations but I just always end up going back to this one. This is a fersure "true match". I have 2 shade: (1) TRUE BEIGE N5 for the summer and (2) SAND BEIGE W5 for the winter since a obviously get darker in the summer and lighter in the winter. This formulation has no fragrance, oil, or pore clogging fillers. It also has vitamin A and C with wheat germ and grape fruit extract to keep your face nourished through out the day. The only bad thing I would have to say is that since it does have SPF it does sometimes create a white cast on your face in photos. Do not recommend this foundation on days you have professional pictures taken of you. 

COVERGIRL: "Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation" $9.79

I purchased this foundation about a month ago because of the "hype" it had to it. Let me tell you, it stood up to its hype. This foundation claims to be an "all-in-one foundation with a long-lasting formula that fuses primer, concealer, and foundation in one easy step! The 3-in-1 formula provides a flawless look that lasts all day long". Okay I wouldn't exactly say to not wear a primer or concealer while using this foundation but the coverage and finish this foundation gives me makes me love it a lot. I have been using this foundation more than my true match lately because of the SPF it has. I still use a primer under the foundation but you can skip the concealer if you don't have any severe face blemish to cover. I notice in comparison to the true match, this foundation stays on a lot longer than the other one. Maybe this one will become my new "holy grail" who knows! And to just mention again, the only bad thing I would have to say is that since it does have SPF it does sometimes create a white cast on your face in photos. Do not recommend this foundation on days you have professional pictures taken of you. 

Loreal: "Magic Nude Liquid Powder Bare Skin Perfecting Makeup" $12.95

I've been wanting to try new foundations and I got this foundation because of pure curiosity. When I read "liquid to powder" I was in complete awe. Like how does that happen? haha. I definitely recommend applying this foundation with a beauty blender (I'll insert the link for those who have never heard of one) Beauty Blender because of how liquid-y this foundation is. Also make sure to shake the bottle every time you decide to apply it because the water element to this formula rises up inside the bottle. The finish to this foundation is matt! I love it. It's not a full coverage foundation, more on the medium side. This is the type of foundation you can wear w/o applying any blush or bronzer and not feeling weird w/ just foundation on. The finish is very natural. I recommend this foundation to the ladies who have always worn powder foundation and are ready to step into the dark side (liquid foundation). This is a perfect transition because it technically is a liquid foundation but it sets on the face as a powder. Always fun to switch things up a bit. I recommend this a lot! 

(HIGH END) POWDER FOUNDATIONS

MAKE UP FOR EVER: "Duo Mat Powder Foundation" $34

It's sad to say that I'm this close to running out of this powder foundation :(! I never use this product by itself. I always use it as a finish for most of my foundations that have a light or medium coverage. Applying a layer of this on top gives me the full coverage I need. This powder is light and long lasting. Again it's oil free and mattifying. Whenever I need to touch up my oily skin I reach out for this product. Definitely a must have in my makeup kit.

SMASHBOX: "HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder" $22 

I have this powder a little darker than my skin tone so I use this powder mainly for the times I apply a lighter foundation and I need to balance out my skin tone. This is the the .25 oz but there's a larger product that retails for $60. This foundation creates a radiant  healthy complexion with patented hydration technology. It is the first anti-aging powder with the science of skincare built in. It uses the formulation for pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids , and a powerful peptide to deliver anti-aging benefits. Goes again giving you wrinkles and won't accentuate lines. It never gives me a cakey finish. Definitely recommend this foundation for people who worry about anti-aging.  

(Drug Store) Powder Foundations 

Loreal Paris: "True Match™ Powder" $10.95 

Can you tell I'm almost out of this baby?! This is the product to use with the Loreal Paris: "True Match™ Super Blendable Makeup". I love this powder, I use it more than any of my other powders. I do use this foundation by itself for the days I feel super lazy to but any type of makeup but still want to look semi presentable. I can not rave about this powder enough. If you purchase a darker color form your skin tone you can totally use this powder as contour for your cheek bones. You can also by a lighter shade than your skin tone and use it to set my highlighter. This powder is very versatile and a bang for your buck!

I hope this helps helped everyone! f you have any questions don't hesitate to comment below

or ask in my "Contact" Page
Stay Connected With Me! 

Yours truly,

Benefit Cosmetics: Favorite Products Review!

Benefit Cosmetics Favorite Products Review

Benefit Cosmetics was founded in 1976 by twins Jean and Jane Ford. Initially founded as a beauty boutique, the shop specialized in quick-fix products for beauty dilemmas. You can find their products in stores like Sephora, Nigel's Beauty Emporium, small boutique's in San Fransisco, Macy's, Ulta, Bloomingdales, and their website http://www.benefitcosmetics.com 

Products Review:

1. Benefit's "Stay Flawless 15 - Hour Primer" $32

I love the application of this primer. I use it for occasions when I need my foundation to stay extra long. It is not my most favorite primer from Benefit but it is definitely great for having your foundation stay on for hours. I would not recommend you use this primer for daily use since it can clog up pores. The packaging for this product is to die for and convenient! The application is a primer stick and you directly apply it to your skin. Make sure to apply your foundation right after you apply the primer since it can dry out rather quickly.  

2. Benefit's "The POREfessional" Primer" $31

This is the BEST primer I have ever used. Benefit states that this primer will "quickly minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines for a smoother-than-smooth skin!". I'm not sure that it minimizes ALL my pores but it sure does a good job of blurring out some from my nose and cheeks, since that is where I have the most visible pores. I use this primer for every day wear. This is hands down the best and worth the $31. Since it is so expensive I try to switch up my primers and maybe you this primer when I have a full face of makeup and not when I need to make quick errands to the grocery store, etc. Lately I have been using the "Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer" from Maybelline since it's a lot cheaper than the POREfessional primer. The direct link for the product is right here: http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Face-Makeup/Primer/Baby-Skin-Instant-Pore-Eraser.aspx. 

3. Benefit's "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer" $29

Before I start, the price $29 is for the larger package of "That Gal". I have the mini version that came in a duo with other mini products. I could not find the pricing for the mini one since Benefit doesn't sell them separately. For a view of how the $29 product looks like I'll give you the direct link here: http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/that-gal. Okay, I love having the mini version of this brightening face primer. I personally don't use it that often since I also use other products that relatively do the same thing. This is a pink primer that you apply with your fingertips. It has light reflecting pigments that ensure your face of a more brighter and less-dull completion. For mornings when you wake up with not enough sleep, this is the perfect product to apply to your face before you add any other makeup to it. This is also a product that you can wear by itself. Perfect for the spring and summer. 

4. Benefit's "BADgal Lash Mascara Mini" $10

I personally bought the mini mascara because I prefer drugstore mascaras over any high-end mascaras. I wasn't sure if I would like this one so I made the safer buy and purchased the mini one. The full size mascara retails for $19. This mascara is perfect if you need volume and fullness! I have rather long and curly natural eyelashes so I use this mascara whenever I want fullness. I have noticed that this mascara can seem to clump up sometimes if I decide to add extra coats to my eyelashes. Not my favorite mascara but it does the trick every once in a while.

5. Benefit's "They're Real Mascara Mini" $10 

I got this mascara as a gift last year and I think I have the old packaging because the new packaging is a lot more prettier. Again this mascara is mini size but because the person who gave it to me was not sure if I would like it. The full size mascara retails for $23. In comparison the "BADgal lash mascara" this one is A LOT better. This mascara is perfect for separating my eyelashes. I have WAY to many eyelashes so I need a brush that can get in there and separate them! This mascara does not clump up if you add extra coats to your eyelashes. I definitely plan on buying the full size bottle since my mini one is about to run out. 

6 and 9. Benefit's "Coral My World" $12 
I decided to combine Benefits "Sun Beam" golden bronze complexion highlight and Benefit's "CORALista" blush. This a set called "Coral My World" that provides mini products of the full sized products. Sun Beam" golden bronze complexion highlight full size retails for $26 and the "CORALista" blush full size retails for $28. I don't know about you guys but THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY for a highlighter and blush. I thought it would be just fine if I payed half of each product and got a little taste of both. 
Benefits "Sun Beam" is a highlighter that adds a little sun kissed glow to your face. I recommend wearing this product on days that you decide to go to the beach and want a little bit of pop! I also recommend this product for ladies with a more lighter skin complexion. My skin tone is a little on the medium to sand tone and I barely get any "bronze" feel to it. I use this more as a highlighter than a bronzer. Dot and blend it to your cheekbones and cheeks for the perfect glow!
Benefit's "CORALista is one amazing and beautifully tinted blush! I am currently fascinating over this product. Hands down, one of the best blushes for the summer! It has warm colored pink shades that give you that tropical flush to your face. I have the mini one but I wouldn't mind buying the full size blush one day! 

7. Benefit's "WATT'S UP Highlighter" $30
Okay once again I couldn't find the price value for the mini sized version of this highlighter. The full sized highlighter can be found here to give you better view of what $30 can get you http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/watts-up . In the beginning I didn't really like this highlighter and I think it's because I have the mini version of it. Since the application is stick I really didn't like when I applied this product it was just a little streak of highlighter. After a while I started playing around with it and found different ways to apply this highlighter onto my face. Once I did, I began to love it! This creme to powder finish works wonders! Hand down one of the best highlighters I have. You can build this highlighter with other highlighters to have a more dramatic finish. 

8. Benefit's "Girl Meets Pearl Liquid Luminizer" $30
I think I got this mini sized sample with the "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer". To get a picture of what $30 can get you click here http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/girl-meets-pearl I am so glad I have the mini sized version of this product. Even though I really like this product I don't think I would ever run out of it to buy the full size version of it. This liquid luminizer is soft pink that also has light reflecting pigments that give you a dewy glow. I recommend this product to people that have dry skin and not oily skin. Naturally oily skin can give you an already dewy glow so if you add this luminizer it might be a little TOO much! I lean more towards the oily skin so mini size is perfect. Perfect for the summer! 

10. Benefit's "Boi-ing Industrial Strength Concealer" $20
This concealer comes in five different shades: light, light/medium, medium, medium/deep, and deep. I use the shade medium. I do not use this concealer as a highlighter like other concealers I own mostly because this formulation is very dense with is not good for highlighting. This concealer is great to conceal blemishes. It comes compacted so all you have to do to apply it is just rub your fingertips with the product and dot it on to an areas that need it. The website says that this is good to camouflage dark circles but I'm not exactly sure it is. I don't think this product is meant to apply in a large surface area of your face, it tends to crease, especially under the eyes. I have also used this concealer as a base for my eyelids when I don't want to wear any eyeshadow but I want a little pop. This product has multiple uses and I definitely recommend it! 

11. Benefit's "Brow Zings Brow Shaping Kit" $32
This brow kit is amazing for everything that it comes with! This kit comes with a pigmented wax for shaping your eyebrows, a powder for setting your eyebrows, tweezers, a hard angle brush, a shading brush, a mirror and a lesson on how to perfect your eyebrow look. A tip, mix the wax and powder for maximum color pay off. This kit comes in three different shades: light, medium and deep. I have the medium color because my eyebrows are extremely black. HAHA. The wax isn't the best ever but it works perfect with the powder. You can also use the powder as an eyeshadow for a beautiful brown. The brushes are great if you don't have your own angle and shading brush of your own. The tweezers are amazing and handy for on the go! Not only does the kit leave amazing eyebrows it is also great for traveling! 

12. Benefit's "Erase Paste" $26
I literally have three of these pots in my makeup kit, two of them are in the shade medium and one in the shade light. I love this concealer, and I speak as a college student! This formulation is less dense and more liquifying than the "Boi-ing" concealer. I use this to conceal more of my dark circles under my eyes. Because this formulation has melon undertones it really makes your eyes a natural pink bright tone. This is also great for discoloration. If you're a college student like me and the stress is getting to you, this product hides all of the physical appearance of stress away!

That's it guys!

I hope the Benefit Product Review Helped!

I have other Benefit products but these are really amazing!

I recommend you trying each one of these and like myself, don't hesitate

to buy the mini size products. Benefit can be a little pricey but a lot of their products

are definitely worth it! If you have any questions don't hesitate to comment below

or ask in "Contact" Page.
Stay Connected With Me! 

Yours truly,

MUST-HAVE Lip Products!

 MUST HAVE LIP PRODUCTS 

1. Revlon’s “Berry Haute” $5 : a purple shade, moisturizing and long lasting. this product can be found in any drug store like Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart and Target. 

2. MAC’s “Relentlessly Red” $16: a red lipstick with a pink undertone. can be found in the MAC store or website. 

3. Sephora’s “Crush” $12.50: Dark violet shade, beautiful for the fall or winter. moisturizing and long lasting. Can be found in the Sephora store or website. 

4. Smith’s Rosebud Salve $4-6.00: this product is not only a lip balm but it can also be used for your knees and elbows! can be found in Nigel’s Beauty Emporium, Sephora, and http://www.rosebudperfume.com

5. Sarah Happ The Lip Scrub “Vanilla Bean” $24: amazing lip scrub that exfoliates and rejuvenates the lips. is not edible but smells really good! This product can be found in Nigel’s Beauty Emporium, http://www.sarahapp.com/products, amazon, and nordstrom. 

6. Burt’s Bees “Rose” Tinted Lip Balm $5: This chapstick is by far my most favorite one. Beautiful rose scent that leaves my lips moisturized throughout the day. This product can be found in Nigel’s Beauty Emporium, http://www.burtsbees.com/Lip-Balm/lipbalm,default,sc.html, and drugstores like Walgreens, Target, Wal-Mart and CVS. 

7. Revlon’s Colorburst Matt Balm”Showy” $9: Beautiful pink matt shade. Personally, the smell isn’t the best scent out there but the color is amazing. This product can be found in drugstores like  like Walgreens, Target, Wal-Mart and CVS. 

8. Bite Lip Gloss “Brilliant” $22: This lip gloss is perfect for applying it on top of a nude lipstick. Perfect for all seasons of the year. This product can be found in Sephora, and Bite’s website, http://bitebeauty.com/blog/

9. Sephora’s Lip Stain “Endless Purple” $13: if you ever need a lipstick that won’t come off no matter what, the Sephora’s lip stains are the perfect ones! This color is amazing for the fall and winter. Can be found in Sephora and their website. 

10. Rimmel’s Show Off Lip Lacquer ”Celestial” $5: This is my NEW favorite. I wear it on top of Revlon’s “Berry Haute to give it a pop and is perfect by itself. the pigmentation is amazing. This product can be found in drugstores like  like Walgreens, Target, Wal-Mart and CVS. 

11. Too Faced Melted “Peony” $21: One of my most favorite lip products from Too Faced. This shade is a pretty pink with a orange undertone. It is almost like a lip stain but it has a high shine of a lip gloss. Perfect for the spring and summer. You can find this product is Too Faced website, http://www.toofaced.com/p/lipsticks/melted/melted-peony/, Sephora, and Nigel’s Beauty Emporium. 

This is my first blog post! I hope this helped everyone out.

 Please feel free to share this among your friends. If you have any questions

 about any of the products I listed above ask in the comments or in my "Contact Page"

Stay Connected With Me! 

Yours truly,