Top 5 Reasons To Clean Your Makeup Brushes & Sponges

Some of us have a large amount of makeup brushes, and some have a small amount of makeup brushes. No matter the amount of makeup brushes you have, the important thing about having them is keeping them clean.

Makeup Buildup

Makeup brushes get used for all different types of makeup; from eyeshadow to liquid foundations. Overtime, that makeup builds up and collects and cakes up in the bristles, making it difficult to work with blending in makeup the next time you use them.

Bacteria

Gross, bacteria! Yes, bacteria thrives in your makeup brushes after each use of them! Leading to acne, uneven makeup and possible skin infections. Just imagine that on your skin!

Sponges Hoard Bacteria

Beauty Blenders and makeup beauty sponges all hoard lots of bacteria. They are a sponge, so they soak up whatever liquid you put on them, and they collect whatever bacteria that's on your face and give it the opportunity to thrive and grow. Be sure to wash them thoroughly at least once a week.

Bristle Health

Keeping your makeup brushes ensures the health of the bristles of your makeup brushes. Makeup build up collecting in the bristles over time can damaged the bristles, especially with liquid foundation, bronzers, blushes, contouring, etc.

Proper Cleaning

A lot of people who use makeup brushes and sponges are unaware of which cleanser to use. They're are so many on the market these days! I have one cleanser that I love and trust with cleaning my makeup brushes and it is inexpensive!



Real Techniques Makeup Brush Cleansing Gel ($9.99)

I've used this cleansing get for YEARS on my brushes. It's lightly scented which doesn't bother my face or eyes, it's a gel formula, so it doesn't run all over the place, easy to work with, gets the job done, it's expensive, and it's sold at many stores such as: Target, Walmart, Ulta, CVS, and Walgreens.

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Blogging Essentials

We all use different essentials to improve, keep create content, and maintain any type of blog, whether it be about food or mine of course, beauty! I have a few set essentials I like to use when it comes to creating content, keeping track of new and current blog post ideas, improving and maintaining my blog here. 

I use an assortment of programs, websites and equipment all for doing just that!

Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera (EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens)

This model is no longer manufacture by Canon, but it's somewhat available through Amazon and Ebay, if you're able to find this specific model. It was my first Digital SLS camera and still being used to take photos of products I share here in my blog post and in my videos over on my YouTube channel. Canon makes great quality cameras, some with multiple features and some that are basic point and shoots to get the job done. You don't need to have the most expensive camera on the market, but if I'd recommend a camera, start looking at Canon cameras while you're out looking. Looking for one that gives you macro function (as well as other photo taking specifications, interchangeable lens, rechargeable battery (or non-rechargeable batteries), SD card availability are just some of the features that you should for when on the hunt for a camera for blogging.

OttLite Creative Curves LED Desk Lamp

Unless you have a white box or photo box that you use, an OttLite is a great suggestion to have when taking photos of products for a beauty blog. It brightens up the area around the product, making editing adjustments of white balance easier if needed.

Lexar Platinum II 16GB and 64GB SD Card

I'm not saying you have to go out a buy the biggest SD card out there. Some are in high capacity for professionals who take hundreds of photos a day, but for blogging, 16GB to 32GB is more than enough space for photos. I use the 16GB mostly for photos I'm taking on my Canon and my 64GB for videos I'm filming for my YouTube channel.

Evernote

I use Evernote for more than just my blogging. I've been using their system for over 5 years now for personal things, managing different lists, inventory for my die cutting shop, Couture Paper Designs, to creating lists of new ideas of blog posts. Evernote is completely free, letting you use it on two different devices (Computer, Tablet/iPad, or Phone), but if you need to use on more than 2 devices, you have to upgrade to one of their premium plans. I have a student plan, since I'm currently attending college and also use it for school purposes as well. 

Photoshop

Photoshop is apart of Adobe and is through their Creative Cloud system. I use Photoshop mainly for making the banners I use for my YouTube channel, Twitter, Facebook, and on my blog sometimes. I also use for adjusting white balance in photos I take. It is a paid subscription to use. If you are a student, you also get a discount through them as well to use if you're a student of the arts!

Fotor

Fotor is completely free! And I use it to adjust white balance in photos, crop photos and make collages of my photos for my blog posts.

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June 2020 Favorites

June is coming to a close real fast, and with all the crazy stuff going on, even faster. I thought I'd share my favorites for the month again with you all.

Pacifica Rosemary Purify Invigorating Shampoo
For almost over a year I've suffered from a itchy shampoo from buildup, dry scalp and mostly from autoimmune disease Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis). I've tried A LOT of shampoos and conditioners from moisturizing all the way up to Head & Shoulders. I've used the Pacifica brands face wash and haven't turned back from using it since first using it, so I figured why not? This stuff is amazing! Not only does it clean all the junk out of the top and bottom of my scalp, but the minty and tingle feeling makes my scalp feel clean and fresh. I noticed the mint scent more in the shampoo, which I love!

Pacifica Rosemary Purify Invigorating Conditioner
For almost over a year I've suffered from a itchy shampoo from buildup, dry scalp and mostly from autoimmune disease Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis). I've tried A LOT of shampoos and conditioners from moisturizing all the way up to Head & Shoulders. I've used the Pacifica brands face wash and haven't turned back from using it since first using it, so I figured why not? This stuff is amazing! Not only does it clean all the junk out of the top and bottom of my scalp, but the minty and tingle feeling makes my scalp feel clean and fresh. I noticed the rosemary scent more in this conditioner than the shampoo that goes with it, which I love!

Paul Mitchell Flexible Style Hold Me Tight
For the longest time I've been using the Extra Firm Hold hairspray by Tresseme and it was favorite for holding my hair in place, especially my side bangs when I put them back for a pony tail, but I didn't like the sticky and hard feeling in my hard it left, but I dealt with it. My mom actually gave this to me to try, and I love it! It holds well and no sticky or hard feeling in my hair.

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo (Original)
I've been trying to go back into nothing by "cruelty-free, vegan and/or no animal testing" products in my life. I really enjoy them more, to be honest.

Urban Decan Naked Cherry Palette

I've actually been using this a lot before June. Probably ever since January when I purchased it, because I've been a fan of the Urban Decay Naked palettes ever since I was introduced to their Naked 2 palette. This palette gives such a smooth cranberry look. Perfectly blends, beautiful colors ranging from neutrals to smoke for any eye look. I've been using it to due neutral, everyday kind of looks.

Tree Hut Charcoal Black Sugar Scrub
This sugar sugar is literally blackish brown colored! It smells almost like licorice to me. But it works very nicely on my legs, thighs, arms, hands, elbows and under my feet. Makes them very soft and the smell is delicious.

Morphe Oval Shadow Brush (M167)

This brush has been a game changer in how I pack on eyeshadow to my eyelid. It packs the pigment on so well, with no fallout at all! The handle is of good size so I have great handling as well.

Morphe Flat Liner Definer Brush (M432)

Where has still brush been all my life! It has also been a game changer in my makeup routine for my eyebrows. For years I was using a flat liner brush by e.l.f cosmetics and it was barely sculpting them properly. But this... WOW. I have complete control of where the brush is going when I'm sculpting my eyebrows and I don't have to use much of the product I was using before.

          

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Blogmas 2017 Day 15: Gifts Under $10 For Her

Blogmas 2017 Day 15: Gifts Under $10 for Her

These are great stocking stuffers or perfect little gifts for the women in your life. Significant other, sister, friend, co-worker, ect.

Mr Bubble Bubbletini Bath Bombs
These are small sized bath both that has that nice sweet and clean smell, what woman doesn't like bubble baths?

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm
You can buy tons of these in different flavors and they can be put everywhere; purse, car, backpack, vanity, work desk, bed side table. I've used them and they are one of my favorites!

Ardell Studio Effects Wispies Lashes
These are absolute favorite lashes to wear! They are easy to apply, don't fall off and aren't too long or too short.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub
These sugar scrubs come in different kinds of scents and I love using them on my legs, arms, feet, elbows and hands. These are very gentle on the skin.

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream
I love this stuff. It's a great hand cream to put anywhere, it's not greasy, soaks into the skin quickly and lasts for hours through hand washing.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
This hands down one of my favorite foundation applying beauty sponges. It makes it easy to apply most of my liquid foundations, easy to handle and lasts a long time before it needs replacement

Snow-fetti Mini Sponge Set
This set has a variety of different makeup sponges; all-over coverage, chiseling, contouring, strobing, backing and specialize application. So if you know someone who is a fan of beauty bleander or makeup sponges in general, this is for them!

Sephora Collection Sleeping Mask - Pearl
Sleeping masks are great since our faces do a lot of damage repairing through the night from all the makeup wearing, oil, dirt, dust, and whatever else gets into our skin during the skin. this mask helps to minimize irregularities for a more brighter complexion.

Sephora Collection Lip Mask - Rose
I love lip masks! They are especially great top use when I wear a lot of lip products such as lipsticks, lip liners, and long wearing lip products. This mask helps to exfoliate, moisturize and soften lips as well and protect them from getting chapped or over dried.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 13: Christmas Wishlist

Blogmas 2017 Day 13: Christmas Wishlist

I'm not sure what I really want this year. It's been a rough year finally for me and some close people to me, mainly due to the impact of Hurricane Irma. Many of us lost jobs, homes and family members.

I have a few things I've wanted to try this year or would like to have refills on.

Clarisonic Cleansing Brush Drying Stand
I saw this online and thought, how cool is that. I normally put mine on a seperate towel on my bathroom counter with the brush head facing down to let it air dry.

Clarisonic Cleansing Brush Head Replacement (Normal)
I really need a new one.

Beautyblender Pro Beauty Sponge
I use the pro version on their blotting sponge and I love it for blotting myself throughout the day. Maybe the beauty sponge is just as good. I hear the different colors have different benefits? Who knows.

Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette
I love orange to rusty eyeshadow colors and I've been wanting to have this ever since it came out.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette
I love this brands eyeshadow and contour palettes. This palette is another one of those everyday looks that isn't too dark or too light for me.

Morphe Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette
I love Morphe eyeshadow and I'm a huge fan of Jaclyn Hill (I met her in person)

Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner Pen
I love this eyeliner pen. It's an exact dupe for the Kat Von D one. Only difference is the price, $2 cheaper.

Too Faced White Chocolate Bar
Not sure if this is still in stores but I love their chocolate bar palettes and I love white chocolate. Does it smell like white chocolate?

Sephora or Ulta Gift Card
Sometimes people forget or don't how to find makeup for me, so they just get me a gift card to there instead so I can the makeup I asked for.
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IKEA Alex 9 or 5 Drawer Unit
I already have the 9 drawer unit that is sharing makeup and crafting supplies. I'd like either of the sized to replace my sterilite drawer system that has my crafting supplies in it. It's just not practical anymore.

Michael's Gift Card
I'm a huge crafter so I would like to have one of these!

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Blogmas 2017 Day 12: Favorite Christmas Songs

Blogmas 2017 Day 12: Favorite Christmas Songs

I love holiday songs, specifically around Christmas. Here are some of my favorite Christmas songs;

- A Charlie Brown Christmas (Soundtrack)

- O Holy Night

- We Three Kings

- The Grinch Theme

- Jingle Bell Rock

- Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

- Frosty the Snowman

- Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

- Silent Night

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Blogmas 2017 Day 10: Favorite Christmas Nails

Blogmas 2017 Day 10: Christmas Nails

My Pinterest board "Christmas Nails" has all of my favorite Christmas nails but, I decided to share some of them on this post.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 9: Animal Lovers Gift Guide

Blogmas 2017 Day 9: Animal Lovers Gift Guide

I know it's not makeup or beauty related but, some of us (such as myself) love animals and our pets as much as we do beauty and makeup! I love my birds and I love things that resemble birds from scarves to journals!

Personalized Dog Bone Ornament ($16.00)

These are so cute. They are made of wire and you can get them personalized with your dogs name on them! 

Etsy Seller: Foxblossom

Sterling Silver Dog Bone Charm ($15.00)

Have a charm bracelet? Have a dog? Why not put their name on a cute dog bone on your bracelet?

Etsy Seller: UnmistakablyMine

Bird Mom Mug ($12.59)

I died when I saw this! I have two birds myself and I just think this is adorable!

Etsy Seller: StrictlyBusinessMugs

Cat Mom & Dad Cat Lovers Mugs (19.95+)

These are absolutely adorable. If you're a cat dad or cat mom, these are for you!

Etsy Seller: ErikaLesavageDesign

Customizable Cat Necklace ($12.50+)

These are also adorable for car lovers. You can personalize them with the initial or your cats name on them! 

Etsy Seller: MignonandMignon

DISCLAIMER: ALL photos are credited and belong to their original owners. They were used only for this blog for gift guides and to also help the sellers. I DO NOT own these photos. If the owners of the photos have any concerns, please contact me.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 5: Who will you be spending this Christmas with?

Blogmas 2017 Day 5: Who will you be spending Christmas with?

This is going to be a very, very short post. 

I will be spending Christmas with my parents, just like every year! We don't usually travel anywhere during the holiday so it will be at home.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 4: Gift Guide for Him

Blogmas 2017 Day 4: Gift Guide for Him

Let's just honest ... guys are the hardest to shop for during the holidays. Unless you know exactly what he wants! I know my dad, brothers and significant other is always hard. Here are some ideas I whipped up for the guys!

The Art of Shaving Unscented Mid Size 
This brand a great reputation for shaving and grooming. This kit is unscented, which is great for skin that is sensitive to scents. The kit is targeted to prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn, which is painful to deal with. The kit includes their pre-shave oil, shaving cream, genuine badger shaving brush, and after-shave balm pump.

Jack Black Power Trip Travel Set
The Jack Black brand is a big favorite among a lot of guys I hear. This set is targeted for all skin types. It helps with oiliness, pores, dullness and uneven texture. The set comes with their facial cleanser, facial moisturizer, face scrub, and a therapy lip balm to help with prevent those chapped lips. It's free of parabens as well.

Clinique Happy for Him Set
This scent for men if you don't know what they usually wear and want to get them a cologne. I've gotten this for my father a few times and he's loved it. It's not too harsh or too light.

Clinique Great Skin for Him Set
This is another one that I've gotten for my father and he's enjoyed it. Let's face it, men aren't the biggest on taking care of the skin on their face, let alone washing it twice a day. This set is targeted for all skin types and comes with their cleanser, face scrub (great getting that smooth skin and for pre-shaving), sunscreen, and aloe shave gel.

Clinique for Men Sonic System Deep Cleansing Brush
This is much cheaper version that is close to the clarisonic system that I'm about to mention. It's a sonic cleansing system designed to get all that gunk out of the face; dirt, oil, environmental elements and cleans the skin a lot better than hands.

Clarisonic Alpha Fit Cleansing System for Men
Although this is pricey, these systems are worth the money. I have a clarisonic myself and love it! It defenitely cleans my face a lot better than just my hands. This system is targeted for all types of skin on men and is great for pores, blemishes and redness.

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Blogmas 2017 Day 3: Gift Guide for Her

          

       Blogmas 2017 Day 3: Gift Guide for Her

I know, I know... every year. What do I get for my girlfriend, wife, sister, or friend? Women can be the hardest to shop for, especially when we have multiple interests and hobbies. If there is one thing that all women love secretly, is makeup!

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner

This is hands down, my favorite liquid eye liner. It's great for making thin or think wings, easy to handle, has a long ling during the day without fading or smudging and, the product itself lasts a long time. You get a lot of product in this tiny tube!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit

This is my favorite contour kit. A little pricey, but worth every penny. The pigmentation is ridiculous, you get a lot of product in the pans, and the color lasts all day! There are three different skin tone palettes; light, medium, dark. The pans are removable, which means you can pop them out and put them into another palette of your choice or take it wherever you need to. As a bonus, Anastasia Beverly Hills sells refills for the pans on their website that you can purchase and refill when the pan has ran out.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

This is my top favorite palette from Too Faced, probably the one that got me into their brand of makeup. All the shades are great for everyday looks, easy to blend, long lasting and they smell like chocolate.

Morphe Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette

This palette was made and dedicated for Jaclyn Hill's subscribers. It has more of her Morphe eyeshadow color favorites in them that she came up with. I personally love Morphe eyeshadows, they are highly pigmented, bendable, long lasting and are affordable. 

Beautyblender Blotterazzi Pro

Oily skin? I have that too! Instead of using those annoying blotting sheets that are a pain to use or throw away, the blotterazzi was specifically made for this. It has the same concept as their beautyblender, except it absorbs oil without messing up makeup. The sponge itself is washable and you get a second sponge you can replace it with. The case also has a handy mirror. A must need in every purse for women with oily skin.

Sephora Face Mask Magic! Face Mask Set

I love face masks. They're a great way to get all that excess oil, dirt, and gunk out of your pores and to refresh your skin after a long week. A week can do a lot to your face and neck; dirt, oil, wind, makeup, etc. These masks are for ALL skin types and targets solutions for dryness, fine lines,  wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture.

Beautyblender Original

I love this makeup sponge for putting on liquid foundation! It helps apply it faster, easier and evenly through the face. It's washable and can used many times before needing to be replaced. A must need in every makeup box!

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

This palette is all about rose gold, rose gold and rose gold. They are perfect rose gold shades for everyday and even night time looks. They are beautiful, high pigmented, long lasting shades.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

To this day, I still use this palette for any everyday look. They are such beautiful neutral shades, you can create any look from simple to dramatic!

Urban Decay Basics Palette

This is one of Urban Decays simple palettes for everyday looks. And I mean simple! You can make a look that's barely noticeable to dramatic with this little palette. Six shades that are high pigmented, long lasting and perfect for anyone who just wants a simple everyday look!

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Blogmas 2017 Day 2: Favorite Christmas Drinks

When it comes to Christmas time, I'm all about the drinks, food, candy... everything! Ever since I was a young girl, I loved having the special drinks around Christmas time. They just brought so much joy to me during the time and I still have such great memories of them. I do have a few favorite drinks.

Silk Soy Original Nog

I used to drink regular dairy egg nog as a child but, since I no longer consume dairy products (I haven't drank cow milk since high school ... or a lot of dairy products either), I drink soy or almond milk. I discovered Silk brands egg nog a few years ago. It is so good!

Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa

I usually get these in their K-Cups, these are so delicious!

Starbucks Holiday Blend 2017

I also get these in their K-Cups. Every year, it seems to change a bit on the notes but overall, this blend is hands down, the best dark roast coffee during Christmas time!

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Where I've Been...

Wow, it's been so long since I've sat down to start a blog post. It's been over a year since I've blogged a post or filmed a video. I don't even know where to begin...

Life; 

I got caught up in life. Last year, school and work got busy with a lot of hours and studying, I could barely squeeze a video in. In the beginning of this year, I had a car accident in May that put me in the hospital for a seriously sprained hand, swollen knee, bruises from seat belt straps, bump on my forehead, bruised tail bone, and other painful things. (long story short, someone pulled out in front of me and it totaled my car in the process) thankfully, I recovered within a month. Hand still bothers me from time to time though but it doesn't stop me!

I did get a new car awhile after... 

Hyundai Veloster 2017

Oh, and then Hurricane Irma came along. I live in Tampa, Florida. We did get hit pretty hard but, not as hard as South Florida, Orlando, St. Petersburb, Clearwater .... they had so much damage and it took a long time to get things going and back to norm for them. We lost power for about four days and were struggling to keep our fish in the fish tank from getting stressed and issues breathing and the food in the coolers from spoiling as the ice wasn't lasting long. We did pull through. We had plenty of supplies and were prepared way before she made landfall. 

School;

I'm still in school.. I'm perusing my Bachelor's Degree at a different school other than the one I got my Associate in Arts from. Might be choosing a program in their Associate in Science department though. Possible Veterinary Technology.

I think this sums it up. Just life, life, and life!

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Review! Mary Kay Satin Lips Set!

Hello beautifuls! Short review of a new product that I've been trying and loving for the past week. As you know, I've recently become a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant and my first May Kay product was their Satin Lips Set on the first facial night I attended. 

I wanted to really try this product out for a week to see it's full potential, it affects, and if it really worked before I raved about on here. You all know I'm a huge fan of lip products!

The packaging is simple but still classic looking, not bulky at all!

Both packages provide ingredients, distributor information, where they're made, how much of the product you get, and how to use it! First package is the lip mask and second package is the lip balm.

Both the lip mask and balm are in squeeze tubes, making it easy not to waste the product. The lip mask it a skinny squeeze applicator while the balm is a slanted applicator perfect for lip application.

Application: The lip mask ideally can be used two to three times a week, while the balm can used however many times you wish. 

Lip Mask: apply the lip mask (it has a slight white look to it and tiny beads which help exfoliate your lips) and you wait 10 minutes. I liked doing this while I do my eyebrows and eye makeup before moving on to my foundation that way I don't mess up the process of the lip mask. Next, wipe mask off with a clean wet tissue. Lip Balm apply the lip balm. The lip balm moisturizes for up to 6 hours and provides a barrier from harmful environmental elements.

Pros:

Inexpensive

Does what it says it does

Made my lips feel smoother and product application smoother

Cons:

Online Ordering

Final Thoughts:

Besides the con of being online ordering, I really loved this product. I would order it online, it's $18 plus shipping?  Not bad at all and it did what it said it was supposed to do. If you would like to order this product or find out about it you can go to it's page here: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set

❤

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