Get m.powered!

I’m not a fan Laguna Beach…or the Hills.  Or whatever show Lauren Conrad was on, that I can not remember the name of right now.  I’m all for a good ‘reality’ show – But, I never got into whatever one she was on.

What I am a fan of, however, is giving back.  Apparently Lauren Conrad is too because she just won 50k for m.powerment by mark on “Who Wants to be a Millionare!”  M.powerment is a philanthropic initiative dedicated to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence. All $50,000 of the winning proceeds go directly to funding the campaign, which began last September.  Thus far, it has contributed $250,000 to anti-violence charitable organizations throughout the country!

Please visit this site for more information on the m.powerment campaign.

For information on the products used to create Lauren Conrad’s Millionare look – See below!

Tags: Charity, Face Chart, Lauren Conrad, m.powerment, Mark, Who Want to be a Millionare

2009 Teen Choice Awards Roundup!

Who wore what, and how to get the best of the red carpet looks – Courtesy of Bella Sugar.

Tags: Bella Sugar, Roundup, Teen Choice Awards 2009

Blog Talk Radio – 5/1/09!

Earlier this month, Erika Lehmann of Chic Shopper Chick (she’s also one of the Walmart Elevenmoms) invited me to be a guest host on Blog Talk Radio!

It was a great experience, and I got to spend a half hour answering beauty questions from listeners all over the country.  Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to get to all of the questions – But, hopefully I’ll get to return to the show later this year to answer more questions and share more of my tips and tricks!

You can listen to an archive of the show, by clicking the banner below.

Tags: Beauty, Blog Talk Radio, Erika Lehmann, Tips and Tricks, Walmart

Zara @ Q

These were shot back in February.  Photos: Geordy Pearson.  Hair: Billy Keith

Zara’s skin is airbrushed using temptu S/B formula, and contoured with S/B airbrush blush.  Airbrush blush is set with Blushbaby powder blush from MAC.

Trish McEvoy shadow in Cream was dusted lightly across the lid.  Stila kajal eyeliner in Onyx was applied lightly around the eye, with false lashes from Ardell (#18) and tons of Benefit Badgal mascara to blend her lashes into the falsies.

Posie Tint was applied to her lips as a stain, and Benefit Silky finish lipstick in skinny dip was used on top.

Brows were groomed using Lift and Set Mascara in Black/Brown from Sally Hansen Natural Beauty.

Tags: Ardell, Benefit, Billy Keith, Geordy Pearson, MAC, Products, Q, Sally Hansen, Stila, Temptu, Test, Trish McEvoy

Brush Cleaning Basics: A Dirty Brush Will Give You Zits

You MUST do this.  MUST.

I clean my brushes regularly – Both my own personal brushes, as well as the set of brushes I use professionally. I just assumed everyone did this since it makes so much sense to do so.  Brushes touch product, brushes touch your face which has natural oil – Basically, brushes get DIRTY.

Just the other night, I’m doing my regular weekly deep brush cleaning, and both of my roommates ask ‘What are you doing?’

When I explain they shout ‘OMG I DIDN’T KNOW I HAD TO DO THAT!’ And proceeded to break out their own (very poorly cared for) brushes.  When I saw the state of their brushes I cringed, and couldn’t help but wonder if they had any idea what kind of nasty bacteria was probably residing in them – And worse, if they had any idea what kind of bacteria they were passing on to their own face!  Dirty, ill maintained brushes can be one of the top reasons behind a breakout.  Plus, the better care you take of your brushes, the longer they will last you.  With good quality brushes running anywhere from $35 dollars to well over $100 dollars a brush, it’s probably better for your wallet if you learn to make them last.

It had never occurred to me to post about brush maintenance – But, it seems that not everyone is in the know.  So, I’m going show you 2 simple ways to keep your brushes clean which will reduce breakouts and also give your brushes some longevity.

1.  FOR DAILY MAINTENANCE:  Invest in a brush cleaner.  Sephora carries several brush cleaners in a variety of price ranges starting around $6 bucks.  I have tried them all, and honestly there isn’t a big difference between the brands.  You can use the cheapest one and it will work fine as long as you use a daily brush cleaner as written…DAILY.  It’s amazing to me how the package says daily, and some people think they can use this here and there when it suits them. This is not a substitute for a deep cleaning product. I needed to say that, before you assume brush cleaner is enough.  Brush cleaner is, however, a good way to minimize the amount of bacteria and product build up that develops between deep cleanings.  I like to spritz my brushes with this cleaner every night, so that they are dry and ready to be used again by morning.

2.  FOR DEEP CLEANING ONCE A WEEK:  Add two capfuls of a gentle shampoo (I like to use Baby Shampoo), to a bowl full of water.  Take your brushes and swirl each one around in the bowl several times.  I promise you will gag when you see the buildup at the bottom of the bowl.  Once you’ve gotten the gag reflex under control, rinse the brush under running water, and wipe off any remaining product on a tissue.  Reshape the brush, and stand upright in a bowl with the bristles facing up.  Allow brushes to air dry over night.

Tags: Acne Fighting, baby shampoo, brushes, bush cleaner

Chic Shopper Chick: 5 Minutes to Fabulous

I have a new post up at Chic Shopper Chick – A must read for anyone who thinks it’s impossible to squeeze a make-up routine into a hectic morning.  By incorporating 3 easy steps into your morning, I promise you’ll look pulled together in 5 minutes or less!

Here’s how!

Tags: Multi-Purpose, quick and easy

Chic Shopper Chick: Superbowl Stunner

Check out my latest post on the Chic Shopper Chic site:  A ‘how-to’ for Jennifer Hudson’s makeup at the Superbowl earlier this month!

The post can be found here.

Tags: Jennifer Hudson, Superbowl