My favorite YouTube beauty channels!

When YouTube started a few years ago it was really a great thing. I can't remember what I did to kill time on the internet before YouTube came along.

Anyway - there are lots of "beauty gurus" on YouTube, ones that give tutorials and reviews on new products, and also list their favorite products and worst products they have ever tried. Let me tell you, I have learned SO MUCH from these people, so I thought I'd post my favorite channels here to share with all of you!

Beauty Broadcast with emilynoel83 - Emily is amazing! She is the most honest of all the YT beauty gurus, gorgeous, speaks well (she's a former news anchor so that would explain it) and just gives great tutorials, tips and honest opinions on beauty products, the majority of which tend to be DRUGSTORE products! She's the first beauty guru I started watching on YouTube, and remains my favorite.

Wayne Goss - gossmakeupartist - Wayne is a professional makeup artist and has the most amazing tips and tricks for applying makeup. He is also EXTREMELY honest, but focuses more on the "high end" makeup, which is understandable as he is english and the drugstore options in the UK are different than those in the US. I have taken so much great advice from him, and never miss a video!

FleurDeForce - I could listen to Fleur all day long, I love her english accent! Anyway, I have to admit this gal has persuaded me to buy a few very pricey products, but she has always been totally right about all of them, this is why I trust her. She's gorgeous, and I love her lip product choices!

missglamorazzi with Ingrid - This girl is so freakin' bubbly, you can't help but love her. She gets so excited over all of her beauty products, and she's just all around enjoyable to watch. Love her "monthly favorites" videos the most!

Nail Care Tips!

Last year, I went to school for manicuring, and I do have a license as well, and do some manicuring on the side. I do a mean pedicure, too! Anyway, I thought I'd take the opportunity to post some nail care tips here, as far as going to a salon and nail care at home!

1. Use cuticle oil daily to soften and soothe cuticles, also making the ugly dry look disappear.
2. DO NOT "nip" your cuticles with a cuticle nipper unless you know what you are doing. Cuticles are dead skin cells stuck on the nail bed, but just below that is live tissue and if you nip too far, you will cut yourself up and it will lead to infection. Just use cuticle remover from the drug store and a wooden pusher to gently push them back.
3. When giving yourself a manicure, DO NOT use lotion before painting your nails, or any other type of product that may leave a residue (like cuticle oil). Wait until after your nails are completely dry before applying oil & lotion.
4. Be sure to dehydrate your nails before applying a base coat (I recommend Orly Bonder) with Acetone. This will ensure the nails are totally dry for nail application, so the polish won't wrinkle as it dries. Always use a paper towel or fiberless wipes when applying the acetone so you won't have any cotton fibers stuck in your polish (a nail tech's greatest enemy!)
5. Use a REALLY good top coat if you are doing your nails at home. I recommend Seche Vite or CND Super Shiny). Even if you use cheap polish, use a GOOD top coat, it protects the nail color and will aid in dry time.
6. When getting your nails done, just make sure that the implements are sanitized with pure alcohol or disinfectant before they work on you. This is a no-brainer, people!
7. DO NOT let any nail tech use a "callus razor" on your feet. This does not work, and will do nothing but cut you up. Calluses are SUPPOSED to be on your feet, they PROTECT the feet. However, they should be smoothed down, not totally removed, unless you have to get them removed by a doctor for whatever reason.

My Current Skincare Routine!

Being a beauty guru can be high maintenance, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I wanted to show you all my current day and night skincare routines, and threw in a few extras as well! Hopefully this will give you all some ideas. I'm really liking my routine right now, though it definitely changes from time to time!

Daytime Routine

1. Biore Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser: This stuff is awesome. I have combination skin and it's not easy to find a cleanser meant for combination skin in the drugstore. It lathers up well and doesn't dry me out OR make me oily. Perfect for my combo-skin!
2. Origins Never A Dull Moment Skin-Brightening Face Polisher: I use this 3x per week. It smells amazing, has a VERY FINE grit to it, and always makes me feel refreshed after I use it.
3. Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner: I apply this with a cotton ball. It helps wake me up a bit more and is extremely non-irritating to the skin.
4. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer With Sunscreen - Combination/Oily: This stuff has been around FOR YEARS. My mother uses the sensitive skin version and hasn't strayed from it since the 90s. It's just a great, no-frills daytime moisturizer!
5. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller: This stuff is cooling and has caffeine in it, so it makes you look awake when you might not be. Highly recommended for anyone who can't get their eyes open in the morning!
6. Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm - Cherry Flavor: Just a great lip balm to use in the morning before putting on my makeup. It primes the lips for a smooth lipstick application!

Sorry about the lighting!!!! :-(

Nighttime Routine

1. Pond's Clean Sweep Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes: I like that these wipes are textured, and they smell nice, too. A few sweeps around my face gets most of the makeup and residue OFF my face.
2. M.A.C. Cleanse Off Oil: I wipe this gently into my eyes, rinse with warm water and voila! Eye makeup is all gone!
3. Bioderma Crealine Sensibio H2O: I put some on a cotton pad, wipe my face, and repeat. It is a no-rinse cleanser and it feels like you are washing your face with pure water. Awesome stuff! Just pat dry and you are all set!
4. Claudale Beauty Elixer: This stuff is so great to use at night. A quick shake and a few spritzes onto your face makes you feel instantly refreshed. And it SMELLS AMAZING!
5. Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado: This stuff is so great to moisturize under the eye area. It's unscented and very good for the sensitive eye area. A little goes a long way!
6. Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial: LONG name, but a great nighttime moisturizer. I like that this eliminated the need for a dark spot correcting serum. I have acne scars and so far it's really helped!
7. Lush Lip Scrub in 'Sweet Lips': This tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream. Just scrub your lips with it and then you can lick it off, because it's made with pure sugar and natural flavoring!
8. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve: This is just such a GREAT night time lip treatment. Smells great but doesn't taste like anything, and keeps my lips soft all night long!

Extras (used sparingly/when needed)

1. Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment: A spot treatment used at night if I have a blemish. You put it on the blemish without rubbing in, and in 2-3 days it's gone!
2. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask: I use this once a week after removing my makeup. It is AMAZING and clarifying, keeps my skin clear. And it's black which is interesting.
3. Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil: I use this stuff on my nails, hair, or my face and neck if my skin is feeling extra dry (like right now due to cranking the heat in my house) - it's amazing. A MUST HAVE!
4. Freeman Chocolate & Strawberry Face Mask: This is a deep pore cleansing mask and it literally smells like chocolate. So much so that you have to keep it from the kids! Used once a week.
5. Almay Oil Free Makeup Eraser Sticks: A makeup artists must-have. You break one end of the stick, then the remover that is in there saturates the other side, and you can get in and erase any residue left behind in your eye makeup. Great stuff!

Current Favorites: Beauty

I've discovered lots of new beauty and skincare products over time, so I thought I'd mention them here! I'll probably do a beauty favorites post every couple weeks or so, because I rotate my products so much it isn't even funny!

Anyway....onto the favorites!

Schick Intuition Naturals Razor

Schick Intuition Naturals Razor: I will never buy shaving cream again! This is so easy to use, no shaving cream needed because there is a bar of cream built into the razor, which makes your legs nice and soft!

M.A.C. Cleanse-Off Oil

M.A.C. Cleanse-Off Oil: This stuff is super gentle and takes off eye makeup so easily. I just put a little bit in my hands and gently rub the eye makeup off with my fingertips, then rinse with warm water. GREAT stuff and good for sensitive eye area!

Bioderma Crealine H2O

Bioderma Crealine H2O: This stuff is made in france and is pretty much only available in Europe in the UK - but thank god for eBay! It's kind of pricey but so worth it! It's a no-rinse cleanser that also removes makeup SO EASILY. And it feels like you are taking it off with PURE WATER without the drying effects! ABSOLUTELY amazing!!!

Hempz Body Moisturizer in Pomegranate

Hempz Body Moisturizer in Pomegranate: This stuff SMELLS AMAZING! And it's like liquid gold for your skin! It's great as a hand lotion or as an all over moisturizer. I AM OBSESSED with it!

LUSH It's Raining Men Shower Gel

LUSH It's Raining Men Shower Gel: Pretty much feels like you are washing up with pure honey with a slight citrus scent to it. Every time I wash up with this stuff my mood is lifted. HIGHLY recommended!

Makeup Hall of Fame: Concealers

Ah, concealers. Makeups little miracles. Under eye circles, blemishes, acne scars...we just don't want to see them on our faces, and our concealers always seem to help us with our little skin insecurities. Here are some of the best (and one of the WORST) I've come across:

Department Store Concealers

Erase Paste

Benefit Cosmetics

Price: $26.00

This concealer is amazing for tired eyes with dark circles. The color is a salmon base, which will counteract the purple or blue under eye circles, basically making them disappear. It comes in three colors, and a little goes a LONG way due to it's very creamy consistency. A little pricey but WORTH it.

Where to purchase: benefitcosmetics.com, sephora.com, select Macy's locations

Studio Sculpt Concealer

M-A-C Cosmetics

Price: $17.00

The amount of product you get in this is staggering considering the fact that you only need a little bit on your concealer brush to get this to cover your blemishes. Set it with powder and you are good to go! It comes in a large range of shades, and it's in a very durable glass pot.

Where to purchase: maccosmetics.com, M-A-C store locations, select Macy's & Nordstrom locations

Best Drugstore Concealer

Studio Concealer

ELF Cosmetics

Price: $3.00

This is a wonderful stick concealer for both under eye circles and blemishes. I will use this concealer if I am in a hurry due to the ease of use (not having to use a brush to apply it, etc) then set it with powder. For the price it gives great coverage!

Where to purchase: eyeslipsface.com, select Target locations

HALL OF SHAME - CONCEALER:

Studio Corrective Concealer

ELF Cosmetics

Price: $3.00

Okay, so the whole point of this concealer is to counteract any uneven skin tone. The green counteracts red, the pink counteracts blue, etc. I understand the concept and I have used similar products that work well, but this one DOES NOT. The coverage is SHEER, and they all look the same when applied. Worst concealer I've ever used!

Where to purchase: If you don't take my word for it, head on over to Target but don't say I didn't warn you!

Beauty Tip Alert!

Last night I was browsing the web for the best eye makeup remover that won't irritate my apparently sensitive eye area.

Here's my story: Awhile ago I had a major problem with my eyelids becoming flaking and dry. I wasn't sure if it was the eye cream I was using at the time, or my primer, or whatever. They weren't itchy, just annoyingly flaky and dry. I had been faithfully using Sonia Kushuk's Remove Eye Makeup Remover because it was oil free, gentle and fragrance free as well. It just felt fresh on the skin. I probably used about 5 bottles of the stuff in all.

I then decided a few months ago that I was going to switch to Clinique for my skincare system, and after using these products for months on end I discovered that they were really doing nothing for my skin, but enough of that. That's off topic. I used up a tube of their Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover and I did like this product because it was a lotion, not a liquid. HOWEVER...all the rubbing I was doing literally ripped off half of my eyelashes on my left eye. It looks like someone took scissors to them. So let's just say I did not want to repurchase it.

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. I went and repurchased my old faithful Sonia Kushuk remover and began using it again and GUESS WHAT happened: Flaky, dry eyelids again! I had found the culprit of my eyelid problem. Hence my internet search last night.

And HERE IS WHAT I discovered....DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN:

OLIVE OIL!!!!

Yes, ladies & germs - this stuff really works! I used it last night and I shall never purchase eye makeup remover again. It's gentle, natural and has no fillers. Just wanted to share this lovely tip with you all!

Beauty Haul!

Well, here is the first 'haul' of beauty products I'll be putting on this blog. After a day of disappointments (for circumstances BEYOND my control, I won't be starting school next week after all) I figured I would post this here.

I went to Lush, The Body Shop & Sephora today. I needed a couple of things from Lush and I had to spend my 20% off coupon at Sephora. I also saw that there was a "buy 2, get 1 free" sale at The Body Shop. I picked up these goodies:

From left to right (Top):

- Clinique Even Better Liquid Foundation

- The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash

- Lush Ocean Salt Scrub

- The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner

Bottom:

- The Body Shop Seaweed Matifying Day Cream

- Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask

- Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara

I've used a few of these things before (The foundation, mascara & scrub) but the rest are all brand new to me! I used the rest of the products already this evening and that Tea Tree is very powerful - I think I need another moisturizer to put on over it in a few minutes besides the mattifyer because my skin feels a little tight and I don't like that feeling. But hopefully over time this will help me to clear up my acne prone skin.

Well that's it! I just love hauls!

I won't be a beauty school dropout!

I was unable to make a post yesterday due to a family medical emergency but something big did happen yesterday in my life:

I FINALLY enrolled in the manicuring program at The Newport School of Hairdressing!

SOOOOOO excited. Hopefully if everything works out right I will start on November 21st, which is less than 2 weeks away!

After that I will begin schooling myself at home at the QC Makeup Academy....so I'll be a licensed manicurist and certified makeup artist within a few months! That's a long way from doing insurance for 7 years, huh?

I'm ready to begin this new stage in my life. I need to do something I'm passionate about and that I love.

I can't wait!

Bargain Alert! Where to get your vitamins....

Okay people, my Dad told me about Swanson Vitamins last week, and I've been browsing their site almost nonstop every time I get myself to a computer.

They have EVERYTHING you need - MultiVitamins, Antioxidants, Protein Powders, Essential Fatty Acids, Homeopathic remedies, Minerals, food, beauty products....EVERYHING that is certified as natural, vegan and/or organic.

And what's great about the stuff is that it is SUPER cheap. For instance - a 90 day supply of MultiVitamins on this site costs roughly $7.00, and a generic form for a 30-60 day supply at your local drugstore will set you back at least $10!!!

Go check them out, you won't be disappointed!

Makeup Hall of Fame: Foundations & Powders

Today in the Makeup Hall of Fame (and shame): Foundations and Powders. I prefer using a liquid or cream foundation, and set it with a finishing powder. I have tried almost every single foundation that exists, so I've definitely found some that I loooove! Most of these products are from Department stores but there are a couple from the drugstore too!

Here's my list, in no particular order:

Foundations: Department Store

Silk Creme Foundation

Laura Mercier

Price: $42.00

Okay, I know a $42 price tag for a foundation sounds extreme, but a little goes a LONG way with this foundation. My suggestion is to get yourself color matched at Sephora or a Laura Mercier counter. The consistency is very creamy and smooth, and the coverage it gives is amazing. A pea-sized amount is really all you need, and on good days you could definitely forget about the concealer with this.

Where to purchase: sephora.com, lauramercier.com, select Nordstrom & Macy's locations.

Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15

M-A-C Cosmetics

Price: $26.50

This is an old standard for me. No matter how many foundations I may have or try, I always end up going back to this one at some point. I do recommend purchasing the pump for it (it's $9.00 but it's only a one-time purchase since you can use it on your refill bottles) so you can control how much you are using. I find putting this on with your fingers and then blending into the skin with a foundation brush works best. The finish leaves you feeling very matte, which is a look I go for sine I have oily skin.

Where to purchase: maccosmetics.com, M-A-C store locations, select Macy's & Nordstrom locations.

Foundations: Drugstore

Magic Smooth Souffle

L'oreal Paris

Price: Varies by location ($12.99-$16.99)

The texture of this foundation is interesting. It is a lot smoother and creamier than Maybelline's cheaper version of the same thing. It blends instantly and you can barely feel it once it's on, but it covers well. Also, chances are you will end up a shade or two darker in the shade selection, so don't be afraid of that. It blends so well into the skin that getting a shade or two darker for yourself is actually a GOOD thing.

Where to purchase: ulta.com, drugstores

Revlon Colorstay

Revlon

Price: Varies by location ($9.99 - $13.99)

I have probably used this foundation a billion times since I first got into makeup when I was 12 years old. It's probably a good idea to wet a sponge and use that for application on this, because it is very heavy and you have to blend quickly since it has "color staying" power. It does last awhile, and there are tons of shades to choose from, AND two formulas: One for Normal/Dry and one for Combination/Oily.

Where to purchase: ulta.com, drugstores

Powders (Department Store Only)

The Amazing Face Powder Foundation

Too Faced Cosmetics

Price: $32.00

I hit pan forever ago on this, and I can't part with it yet. This stuff is amazing. I honestly could only use this on its own or over a tinted moisturizer, because using it over a heavy foundation would just be too much. It gives THAT much coverage, and for a powder, that's saying a lot.

Where to purchase: toofaced.com, sephora.com, ulta.com

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

M-A-C Cosmetics

Price: $27.00

A few months ago I got my makeup done at a MAC counter and loved the way this felt on my skin over the Studio Fix fluid. It isn't too "powdery" and isn't too heavy. It also doesn't "wash you out". It's the perfect consistency to set your foundation and concealer.

Where to purchase: maccosmetics.com, M-A-C store locations, select Macy's & Nordstrom locations.

HALL OF SHAME - FOUNDATION

Some Kind-a Gorgeous

Benefit Cosmetics

Price: $29.00

If you want to feel like you have a huge oil slick on your face, and want to break out within 24 hours, I suggest putting this on. If you DON'T want to feel that way, then I suggest staying away from it.

Where to purchase: Google it, but don't say I didn't warn you.

HALL OF SHAME - POWDER

Clean Pressed Powder, Normal Skin

Covergirl Cosmetics

Price: Varies by location ($5.99-$8.99)

This stuff does absolutely nothing. It gives zero coverage, washes you out, and smells like perfume. If that isn't enough to convince you not to purchase it, then I don't know what else to say.

Where to purchase: Obviously the drugstore, but ew.

Best Shaving Products

Recently, Walmart.com had a special "Beauty Days" event on their website, lots of things you could get buy one get one free, etc, or little bundles at very discounted prices.

One of the budges I got included the following:

Now, I had already been using the Venus Embrace disposables, I find they give the closest shave and using the disposables are easier and cheaper than using the cartridges. The trick is to NOT leave the razor in the shower between uses, it will minimize the chances of the blades getting dull.

Today I tried the shaving cream. I had been a Skintimate shaving gel user for YEARS, I don't think I ever bothered to try Gillette's Satin Care. Anyway, the Sensitive skin formula is what came in my bundle and let me tell you: I AM NEVER going back to Skintimate again! The scent was so lovely, and the lather was much thicker than Skintimate's, not to mention it left me with such smooth legs afterwards.

So my advice to you all: Switch to Satin Care ASAP - it's wonderful!

Where to purchase: Drugstores & Supermarkets

Makeup Hall of Fame: Face Primers!

As everyone knows, I'm a huge makeup fan. Love everything about it, have tons of it and have used tons of different products (both Department store AND Drugstore brands). So I'm going to start giving you guys the best of the best, and the worst of the worst, in my makeup hall of fame (and shame!) listings.

Today the products I'll be talking about are...FACE PRIMERS. Ah yes, primers. When they first started to become popular we all laughed and thought that it sounded more like painting walls than preparing ourselves for the all important foundation application. I've been using primers for years now, and since I have oily skin, I am not a fan of silicone based primers since they tend to make my skin look oilier. So, these are "creamy" primers and they are all wonderful. Depending on your budget, I've compiled a list:

Department Store Primers:

That Gal Brightening Face Primer

Benefit Cosmetics

Price: $29.00

This primer is a creamy, salmon colored primer. It goes on smooth and brightens up your complexion instantly. The twist up tube makes for easy application of the right amount of product. As we all know with primers, less is more and this helps with that fact. It dries on the face very quickly but doesn't dry your face out. It leaves a smooth finish and definitely helps to keep my foundation last longer throughout the day.

Where to purchase: sephora.com, benefitcosmetics.com, ulta.com, select Nordstrom & Macy's locations.

Oil Free Foundation Primer

Laura Mercier

Price: $30.00

This primer has a very "liquid-like" consistency. It goes on wetter than most primers I've tried but it dries up almost instantly. It almost feels like a silicone based primer once it's on your face, but it's definitely mattifying and gives an even look to your skin. The best part about this primer is that there is A LOT of product in it, more than you usually get in a primer - 1.7 oz. It's a little pricy but I never had any problems with it.

Where to purchase: sephora.com, lauramercier.com, select Nordstrom & Macy's locations.

Drugstore Primers:

Sheer Envy Face Primer

Hard Candy

Price: Varies by Location ($6.99-$8.99)

This primer is wonderful and will last you forever. It's got a thick, white creamy consistency and a little goes a LONG way. There is 1.6 oz of product in here and because it is thicker, it will last a long time. I like the way it makes my face feel prior to putting on my foundation, and Hard Candy, unlike lots of other drugstore brands, never tests on animals! 

Where to purchase: hardcandy.com, makeupalley.com, Walmart stores.

Studio Secrets Professional: Magic Perfecting Base

L'Oreal Paris

Price: Varies by location ($9.99 - $14.99)

Ah yes, probably my favorite primer of ALL time. This primer is amazing. It has a pretty pink color to it which instantly brightens you up, and the primer feels like SILK on your face. My ONLY complaint is that it comes in a jar, because I hate having to get the stuff under my nails, and it IS a bit more pricey than most drugstore makeup wearers are used to, but it's worth it - believe me. If you haven't tried this yet, leave this blog and head on over to your local drugstore NOW.

Where to purchase: ulta.com, Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid locations.

HALL OF SHAME - FACE PRIMER:

"Tricks of the Trade" Anti-Shine Primer

Sephora Brand

Price: $18.00

As a makeup guru, I love Sephora. WE ALL LOVE SEPHORA however, sometimes their own line of products are a hit or miss and this my friends, is a definite MISS. I purchased it because it wasn't too pricey and was "anti-shine" - PERFECT right? WRONG. I tried to give this a chance, but I almost felt like I was putting a gritty exfoliator on my skin instead of a nice, smooth face primer. It was watery and gooey at the same time (does that even make sense?) and I was just extremely disappointed with it. Ugh....

Where to purchase: You obviously know where to purchase it, but please take my advice and DON'T.