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Thursday, August 22, 2013

New Paradise Influenster Box

Hey Beauties,
Today I received a new Influenster box filled with lovely products like the new Tangle Fix by Goody, Dr. Shoals Inserts for Her,  Olay Freshness Cleanser, Suave Marocan Oil, and NYC loose pigment in purple.  I am very excited to review these products and let you all know what I think of them. I just opened the box so unfortunately I can't give any opinions at this time but in a few weeks I'm sure I'll be talking a lot more about them.

Out of all these products I have heard the most about the new Olay skincare line called Olay Fresh Effects.  I'm hoping it works nicely with my combinational skin and I can recommend it to all of you. It is specifically designed for oily skin so if you are oily it may be a good one to try out! Check out  www.olayfresheffects.com for all the info though.

All and all this is a short post I just wanted to let you all know about my new Influenster Box and what all I got in it! If you would like to become an Influenster member check out www.influenster.com.

<3 Amanda

Friday, August 9, 2013

Current Obsessions

Current Obsessions



Hey Beauties,
It has certainly been awhile, I was really trying to keep on top of this blog posting business but I have been so busy that when I do have a little free time, I want it to be just that FREE.   I thought I would give you a little post on my current obsessions, these are all products that are pretty new to my collection but I have been so happy with their performance with my clients that I needed to share. 

Lets just start with the Batiste Dry Shampoo, it is currently my very favorite because it does not give that white cast on brunettes and it smells so amazing! It is a must try for everyone.  

MAC Pro Longwear has been a staple in my collection for awhile but I just bought a few new colors for my clients after seeing how beautifully it works under the eyes. It does not crease on anyone, ever? yeah EVER even on mature skin! 

Naked Basics is just one of those pallets that everyone should own, really everyone should have a set of neutral matte shadows.  These shadows are soft and buttery and very highly pigmented. They also photograph beautifully! 

MAC lipsticks, when you try one you will instantly become obsessed! I love all the different finishes all though the cream and amplified formulas are my favorite.  Also this is silly but I like the weight of the tube. 

Up&Up (Target Brand) Maximum Strength Benzyl Peroxide for acne spot treatment.  This is my absolute favorite spot treatment. I have very sensitive skin and this product clears up even a cystic pimple over night! I highly recommend it to anyone with sensitive skin with occasional spots.  

Benefit Professional is amazing for people with large pores or if you have fine lines.  I don't use this all over the face but more of a spot primer usually around the nose where large pores are more common. This also seems to color correct a bit with the peach undertone.  

These products are all great and if you are interested in trying some new things this is what I recommend.  I use these items in my professional kit so they have been tested on multiple skin types and skin tones.  They work so well that I had to let everyone know! 

<3 Amanda 


Bits and Bobs:
1. Last weekend I went on a friend's bachelorette trip, so much fun! 
2. I have been talking with so many different photographers and clients this week excited for all the things to come! 
3. What is your favorite high-end foundation? I'm looking into additional foundations for my professional kit. 
4. In August I am doing girls night out makeup specials yay! 
5. Just saw the preview to Jungle Gold...hmm looks intense! 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Boudoir Session/ Wreck the Dress Session Recap

Hey Beauties,
I've had a crazy weekend with a boudoir session on Saturday, and a wreck the dress on Sunday.
I love shooting boudoir sessions especially at The Winchester Manor over in New Market.  They have a beautiful little cottage just perfect for boudoir.  The girls over at *Caught You On Camera and I always have a wonderful time making shots look effortlessly gorgeous but with the upmost effort. You know those looks that say "oh I just woke up this way" are the hardest to create, you don't want perfect makeup but more of an undone "done" look.  It is crazy and I know our clients always think wow it really isn't easy being a Victoria Secret Model. Lots of "arch your back", "suck in your tummy", "stick out your booty" now do all of that at the same time without looking like you are straining or over thinking it all.  It really is so much fun though and the images get more and more gorgeous as the shoot progresses.  It is like the girls find their sexy about 15 minutes into the shoot. They get all the gitters out and just start working what their momma gave em!

*www.caughtyouoncamera.com for more info on Caught You on Camera
I took this with my camera phone at the shoot!
Our client is giving these sexy pictures as a surprise gift to her hubby. 
On Sunday, I went out to a farm in Somerville to do a "Wreck the Dress" session with *Connie Wise Photography.  I did the makeup at Anna's wedding and after the wedding she asked me to do the makeup for her "Wreck the Dress" shoot.  She told me it was going to be on a farm and I had no idea what I was really in for but I really loved it out there.  It was like a petting zoo full of animals like snakes, raccoons, gerbils, and of course horses.  The owners of the farm were so awesome, it was like hanging out on an episode of Duck Dynasty.  I had a ton of fun and I really want to go back there, I even pitched the idea of hosting photo shoots in their barn area because it is so awesome and perfect for the rustic themed shoots.
http://www.conniewisephotography.com/ for more info on Connie Wise Photography 

They were trying to get the horse to move but she was just too stubborn

Anna pulled her dress up because she was so hot,
we were waiting on the horses to move.

Holding my little snake friend 
I've got a busy week a head so you can keep up with my via facebook .

Monday, July 22, 2013

Morning After Skincare and Makeup

Morning after skincare and makeup


Hey Beauties,
Recently I went to a Girl's Night In with some friends.  We had a great time, the wine was flowing, and the night went on with lots of laughs and tons of great conversations.  I was having such a great time I accidentally stayed out a little passed my bed time, OK a lot passed my bed time.  I got in about 12:45A.M.  Maybe you are thinking that is early by your standards but I have a three year old so I have to get my rest otherwise I'm not so cheerful in the morning. The next morning I awoke to all kinds of mayhem and had to get myself together in a jiffy. I have my go-to products that really make those mornings when you didn't quite get enough sleep more bare-able.  Here is what helps me after too many glasses of wine and not enough sleep. 

Let me tell you about this Kiehl's Eye De-Puffer, it is absolutely great and it is only $20 which is completely reasonable for a product this great. It has a cooling feeling and it is fortified with caffeine and Hibiscus Extract. Go get YOU some. <3

As I have talked about before Simple Skincare is one of my favorite lines of drugstore skincare. It isn't overly scented or fragranced only has a couple of ingredients and doesn't break me out.  It is great skincare for a really great price. If you are trying to focus on anti-age I would try Michael Todd Organic Skincare. 

When I'm tired it really shows in my eyes the most so I use this Bobbi Brown Corrector to really hide dark circles.  This works to correct the color of your dark circles instead of just using concealer to cover it up.  You can use the most heavy duty concealer to cover dark circles and it won't work but a tiny bit of corrector will.  I put just a little concealer over it to really get full coverage.  I like to even everything out with my Bare Minerals Ready Foundation.  Ready Foundation is quick and easy and provides medium coverage.  If you are feeling tired you should always perk up your skin with blush and bronzer it helps you to look more rested and youthful, in any situation always remember blush! Define your eyes with Jordana Fabuliner, it is super simple with lots of control unlike liquid liner.  Finish off your lips with a Revlon Lip Butter, I like the color Watermelon.  It is so pretty and really adds so much to the face.  

What are your favorite products for the morning after a LOOONNGGG Night? 

<3 Amanda  

Friday, July 19, 2013

Good Skin Day Makeup Part 2

Good Skin Day Makeup



Hey Beauties,
Yesterday, I posted about Good Skin Day makeup for the face.  You don't want to cover your skin up completely but you do want to compliment it by adding a few extra products on your lips, cheeks, and eyes.  You don't have to use all of these to have a complete and put together look but here are some ideas of products that I would use on myself or on a client.  

First of all focus on the eyes, by adding a little shadow on lid and some definition in your crease you can really add a lot to your look. I like the Sonia Kashuk, Eye Coutour Palette for pigmented neutral eye shadows.  Put eyeliner just at the base of the lashes to give lashes a fuller, thicker look.  Lastly, you should coat your lashes in a couple of coats of mascara. I love Revlon Grow Luscious, it gives such a nice natural look. 

Moving on to the cheeks I like to put a peachy pink blush to the apples of the cheek moving it upwards.  If you smile while doing this your blush may fall lower on your face than you intended when you are not smiling so I try not to smile while applying blush. When I'm doing a more natural look I don't do a full contour I usually just use bronzer to warm up my face I use bronzer only on the outer parameter of the face so that my inner face looks brighter and by doing this you also add dimension without contouring. I may or may not highlight sometimes my concealer does this for me and I don't need an extra product but I really love the Physicians Formula highlighting products, they have a large color range.  
Finally top off your look with lips, I can't tell you enough how much I love Revlon Lip Butters.  They are super hydrating, and very build-able with the pigmentation.  You can really go from a sheer wash of color to a full on color with these.  They also come in a full range of colors so you are bound to find a color that suits you and if you are looking for a nice red, try Red Velvet or Candy Apple.     

This gives your Good Skin an extra boost.  Remember that if you'd like to keep it more natural you certainly don't have to use all the products recommended and always shop your own collection first before buying a new product.  Not sure about using a highlighter and don't want to invest in one just yet? Use a champaign colored eye shadow with a blush or small brush and swipe a little on the tops of the cheek bones.

<3 Amanda