Stocking up at Sephora

Its no secret that I love makeup and I have lots of it! But I do like to have a natural looking glow. I went to get my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer but my tan from this past summer did not fade  much. The change in my pigmentation required me to get some new colors. There were no colors to match the darker me in the Laura Mercier line.  The darker the color in that line the redder the undertones. Unfortunately for me my undertone is yellow, so I struggled to find something that I liked in a light finish in many products.  A sales associate who saw me struggling to search through the different lines offered to help me. The makeup artist tried to persuade me to get items that provided  a heavier coverage than I need.  I don't have any blemishes or scarring and I only have mild hyperpigmentation on my chin.  So, I do have a working knowledge of the types of coverage and mediums to use for my skin.  What I did not know and the makeup artist hipped me to is how many items are on the shelves now with my favorite skincare ingredient "peptides'.  After putting my skin type and coloring into the computer the items that matched popped up on the screen.   Aah technology is my friend, this process made shopping so much easier.  After trying on several items I finally settled on

1.  Cover/ FX- a Paraben, Fragrance, Mineral Oil, Talc and Gluten free foundation.  This vegan item has a light weight feel and creamy texture with no dull or ashy finish.  I am happy with this foundation and I'm so glad I listened to the makeup artist recommendation and got out my comfort zone.

2.  Urban Decay Naked Palette-  All I can say about this palette is "I love it!" After putting off purchasing this palette for so long because I already own  numerous palettes.  I cannot believe how much I use it. The colors fit my golden skin tone perfectly and the velvety texture glide right over your skin.  The colors can work with a variety of skin tones and are vibrant and long wearing. An added bonus is the shadows never creased with a primer or without.  My go to colors in this palette are Buck, Darkhorse, Halfbaked and Smog.

3.   Tarte Best in Faux lash extending fibers and Lights, Camera, Lashes 4 in 1 mascara-  So my two brother's are the recipients of the long lashes award in the family. My short sparse lashes were not in the running.  To make my peepers more noticeable I have been using the Best In Faux lash fibers along with the Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara.  You use the fibers first and then follow up with two coats of mascara.  The downside to the fibers is if you apply it too close to your lash line it can irritate your eyes.  These products have not made my lashes any longer, but they are more noticeable and look fuller. 

4.  Beauty blender/ Blendercleanser- Normally I use a brush to apply my foundation or tinted moisturizer but this little blender gets all those hard to reach areas easily. The foundation  goes on with even coverage and no brush strokes.  The hair and jaw lines can also blend seamlessly to achieve a flawless finish. The final plus of this tool is its tiny size, it fits perfectly in my small hand. The blendercleanser is not only hygienic but has save me time and money.  When I used my cosmetic brushes to apply my liquid makeup I was washing them every week.  The wear and tear from the constant washing caused me to replace them often.

*Disregard the Tightline mascara primer in the photo below. A review for this Ulta product is coming soon*

Well I'm done with blogging for the day and I'm ready to play in my makeup.  I guess you can go back to your childhood, up next... dress up!

Until next time Loves!

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On A Wing and A Prayer

You know the saying the On a wing and a prayer?  Well, this saying has resonated with me and I feel I am actually working and growing toward my purpose.  After my morning reflection (I haven't mastered the art of mediation yet) I kept looking at the word "wing" and all these images that are associated with "wings" popped into my head. I wanted share my love for wings in all different mediums...tattoo's, eyeliner etc.

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Indian Healing Clay

So awhile back I posted a list of my favorite skincare  products that I use for my face, and I have had a clear and even complexion while using them.  But since that post I have had some occasional breakouts or I should say just one worrisome zit that goes away and comes back!  Instead of buying different products to work on this zit, I decided to go old school and use some Indian Healing Clay.  If you are unfamiliar with Bentonite clay, its used to remove impurities and dirt from your skin.  Most day spas use clay in their treatment and it I said Cleopatra was a regular user of clay.  All I can  say is, it's the best rejuvenating facial money can buy.  This is how I mix mine.

Clay Mask
2 tsp Indian Healing Clay
2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
2 tsp Aloe Vera gel

Mix these ingredients together in a plastic bowl and apply to your face for 30 minutes.  You can actually feel your skin tightening under the mask.  Remove the mask with warm water, I actually loosened my mask up with a warm towel and then rinsed it off in the shower.  My face was slightly red after removing the mask but it cleared up after 20 minutes. 

 

So you lovelies wish me luck as I attempt to get rid of this unwanted guest visiting my chin!

 

Until next time!



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25 ways to use coconut oil

1. Mix with a tablespoon of chia seeds for an energy boost.
2. Add a tablespoon to smoothie to boost brain function.
3. Ingesting a teaspoon daily can help alleviate some symptoms of seasonal allergies.
4. Massage into joints to relieve arthritic pain or ingest a teaspoon daily to reduce inflammation.
5. A tablespoon taken before meals can aid in digestion.
6. Rub inside nostril to help with a dry nose.
7. Help heal a sunburn by rubbing into affected areas, after initial sting is gone.
8. Melt a tablespoon into your favorite tea to soothe a sore throat.
9. Clear up cold sores by applying to infected area.
10. Remove eye makeup.
11. Use sparingly at night as a reconstructive moisturizer.
12. Rub into neck and decolletage to reduce wrinkling.
13. Rub on chapped lips.
14. Mix with sugar and use as a body scrub.
15. Mix coconut oil with jojoba oil for a luxurious body balm.
16. Smooth on hands to relieve age spots and wrinkles.
17. Rub into cuticles.
18. Mix coconut oil with sea salt and rub on feet to smooth dry skin and cracked heels.
19. Slather on legs and shave and reapply to soothe after shaving.
20. Rub coconut oil into any dry patch on skin to soothe and soften.
21. Whiten teeth when used with baking soda.  (see oil pulling post)
22. Use as a replacement for any recipes calling for vegetable oil.
23. Rub a small amount into cast iron pan to season.
24. Use as a deep fry oil.
25. Can help speed up weight loss when taken daily.

Unrefined virgin coconut oil is the best when you are going to ingest the product.  Sam's club has the best deal on unrefined virgin coconut oil, I suggest going there if you use it regularly.  What I use for my face, body and hair is a brand that I picked up at Whole Foods, I will post a picture of that on Instagram.  I hope this post was informative and I would love to hear how you all use coconut oil so leave me a comment!

Until next time Loves!

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Mmm...Mmm...Monday!

MAC Maleficent Collection

Who else is enjoying the rich and creamy colors of this Disney inspired collection?  Don't raise all your hands at once! My favorite villainous delivers on her wicked good looks for the big screen!  If you want to create or experiment with a very dramatic after watching the movie go find the colors in the collection that compliment your skin tone.  The collection has been out for a little over a month and is selling like hotcakes in my area,  if you're lucky enough to find some items you better snatch them up with the quickness!  

Check my instagram page to see how I used some of these colors for my summer looks.  I will also post some pictures of my makeup collection.  Can you say massive?  Make up done sparingly during the summer, will keep you looking sun kissed and fresh faced!  No one wants to look like a melting ice cream cone!  Until next time Loves!

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Mmm...Mmm...Monday!

Laura Mercier

My hands down favorite makeup product, I have purchased in the last couple of years is the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer.  I originally was a MAC girl for my foundation needs, but my skin tone changed and I could not find the right color to fit me anymore.  I tried to change to a different product in the same line with no success.  I purchased other products recommended by makeup artists at the beauty counter in the departments stores and was disappointed with the products and the prices.  Drug store makeup was also met with no success because I couldn't sample the product before making a purchase and I now have a drawer full of liquid, cream and cream to powder foundations!  What's a girl to do?  I made my way to Sephora and was perusing the products when I was approached by a salesperson.  After explaining my dilemma she quickly led me a makeup artist who directed me to the Laura Mercier line.  I quickly scanned the line and really did not see many foundations for women of color.  My skepticism must have shown on my face because she readily assured me that she had a product she thought would be perfect.  After asking me some questions and analyzing my skin she pulled out the tinted moisturizer and began applying it with a brush to my jawline.  My eyes grew big as she brushed the product on and it matched my skin tone perfectly!  Oh happy day!  I am still pleased with this product and generally use a small amount to achieve a glowing complexion.  The big plus with this tinted moisturizer is no one can tell you are wearing makeup, you just look like you have light tan. So if you are looking for a product that provides light coverage as well as protecting your skin from harmful rays head over to people at Laura Mercier.

Until next time!

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Doo Bop Beauty

I recently discovered the beauty site DooBop and I was excited to learn that they have a wide range of multi-ethnic products all on one site.  These curated pieces feature items from some popular lines and some from lesser known companies.  The fact that I could do one stop shopping is enough to make me happy but the real icing on the cake is their online consultations, videos and product recommendations!  Do you obsess over eyebrows like I do? If so, I'm going to give Damone Robert's line of eyebrow makeup a try.  You already know that eyebrows frame the face.  The Ethnicia nail polish also caught my eye, I have to keep my tootsies sandal ready.  So if you're on the hunt to find some beauty products that cater to  multi-ethnic women try shopping at www.doobop.com and tell them Really Darn Lovely sent you!

Until next time!

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Loving the skin I'm in

Spring is here and although the weather is not cooperating with me,  I'm still prepping my skin for the warmer months ahead.  Here is a list of some of my favorite products to get my skin ready for the flesh baring season.  The Jo Malone Sweet Almond & Macaroon candle fills a room with a warm aroma and I light them for my long baths.  During these baths I like to slough my skin with the Stress free eucalyptus tea scrub by Bath and Body Works.   These scrubs are so inexpensive and gentle but are some of the best on the market hands down!  For my hair I really like the Knot Today leave in detangler by Kinky-Curly,  the light formula keeps my curls springy and any knots at bay.  The Pawpaw ointment is perfect if your lips are chapped or prone to dryness.  I bought the Carmex healing ointment on a whim at Walgreen's because it was on sale for a ridiculous low price and I am a bargain shopping and now a devoted fan.  This ointment coats your hands and removes the ash without the greasy feeling some lotions can have and I find that I don't have to reapply that often like I do with lotion.  The final product in my skin recovery arsenal is the Nars Body Glow oil.  You can fake a year round glow using this oil and the smell will send you packing to somebodies island.  So if you enjoy walking around like a bronze Goddess without laying out in the sun like I do, this oil is for you!  There you have it, I revealed some of my secrets and I hope you try them and love them like I do!  Just remember don't tell anyone how your skin got that glow its our secret!

Until next time!

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These are the break(outs)!

As a woman well over the age of 40, I am constantly monitoring the status of my skin.  My once clear face has been prone to breakouts in recent months, which I think is a result of my workouts and a health supplement I take.  But I'm not changing either of these contributing factors so, I will have to alter my skincare routine I have held for over 20 years.  So, I have been researching and sampling a wide range of products and wanted to share my old favorites and my new finds.

Old school products

• Olay Hydrating Lotion-I have used this for years and I love it!  It doesn't leave a greasy feeling after you apply it.
• Ambi Fade Cream- I put this on any areas of my face that break out so it doesn't leave a dark spot and it helps keep my face evenly toned.  I have used this since high school.
• Olay Regenerist Serum-  Living in a state that is hot and humid 10 months out the year can leave your skin quite parched and this serum seals the moisture in.
• Olay Scrub- I use this scrub 3-4 times a week to keep my face from looking dull.  Can you tell that I like Olay products yet?

 

New Products

• Nerium- This skin care cream is being touted as the hottest thing to hit the beauty market in the States in recent years.  My neighbor who is a consultant gave me some to try and I honestly didn't notice a difference in my skin to purchase this costly cream.  Now mind you, when she let me try it I didn't have any of the skin issues I have going on now.  It would be interesting to see if it would work now, I may give it another go.
• Breakout Banisher Facial- A vegan facial cleanser.  I recently ordered this product and I will share the results with you.
• M2(Originally called Mama Lotion)- I have a girlfriend that swears by this product and I must say her skin is flawless, no pores, wrinkles or uneven patches.  After reading the reviews on this I am really excited to get this one a try.





 

Okay loves, wish me luck! I will post a picture an after picture and let you know which product worked the best. (Excuse the puffy eyes I know I need more sleep.)

Until next time!











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Baby Foot

My Baby Foot exfoliant foot peel has finally arrived in the mail!  I am so ready to get these tootsies together, can you say Hammer Time?  The peeling stage takes up to a week to get the full benefit of the softening process.  So I hope my love can bear watching my Barney Rubble's move about the house.  If you want to get your tootsies started with me, I ordered my Baby Foot from BeautySage but you can also check with Amazon for ordering information.  I will keep you all posted via Instagram but its not going to be pretty!

Until next time!

 





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