5 Beauty Items You DON’T Need

Posted on November 14, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I will admit, I am a sucker for a beauty product. I love make up, and have so much of it that I forget what items I actually have. I am a “beauty insider” at Sephora, and get my make up done professionally often. One side effect of that is that I have bought tons of items I don’t actually need. According to a recent article posted to Yahoo Shine there are an arsenal of beauty products we shouldn’t be spending our money on. Here are some items I was shocked to find that I don’t actually need.

1) Primer

If you have had your make up done professionally you can tell the difference. When I would apply make up at home the shadow never looked as dark, or lasted as long, as it did when I got it done professionally. Then I was turned onto primer. I was told that this product would keep my make up on my face longer, keep it from smudging, and reduce the amount of eye shadow I needed to use. While primer does it’s job, it’s a necessary addition to your make up collection. If you have foundation and/or concealer you can create the same effect. Foundation and concealer both keep make up on your face, and created a bolder look.

2) Lip Balm

Excuse me? I don’t need lip balm? That’s just absurd. Not according to beauty expert Dr. Sejal K. Shah. All you need is moisturizer. Well most women don’t use lip balm just for moisture, but color as well. If you’re not looking for color or tint, you can forego the balm and use your moisturizer.

3) Lip Liner

According to the experts lip liner actually dries out your lips, and your lips look plumpest when moisturized. However, this is only true for younger girls. As you age lipstick begins to feather out. If you’re not wearing a bold color you can get away without lip liner, but always use lip liner when applying red lipstick. You’ll end up looking like a clown without it.

Other Products the Experts Say You Don’t Need Include:

1) Scrubs: Apparently scrubs can do more harm than good, drying out your skin.

2) Toner: Not necessary unless you have very oily skin, and even then it’s not mandatory.

3) Face Blotting Sheets: Expensive and unnecessary according to experts. Try using a mask with tea tree oil instead.

Hope you’ve found this blog useful. Write us with your feedback!

Pucker Up: New Kardashian Lipstick Line

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I rarely watch any of the Kardashian shows, not for a lack of interest, but because of a lack of time. Then the other day I finally got a chance to sit down and watch an episode of Kourtney and Kim take Miami. The drama ensued, but the one thing I took away from that episode was I had to have the lipstick Kourtney was wearing.

I loved the hot pink color, but I was more obsessed with the fact that it looked more like a pencil than your typical lipstick. I traveled to New Orleans for work, and forgot all about what Khroma Beauty calls the “joystick”. It wasn’t until I was shopping for cleaning supplies at CVS that I came across the new Kardashian European Line Khroma Beauty. The line includes joysticks, fake eyelashes, mascara, and more. But it did not take me long to find what I was looking for, the “Shocking Pink” joystick. I have been in love ever since.

The joystick is so awesome, because it goes on smooth and doesn’t dry your lips. The colors are bold, and last all day. The shape of the joystick also allows you to line your lips without lip liner. You have to try these joysticks available online and at your local CVS or Walgreens for $8.99.

Beauty Mistakes: Eye Cream

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or other aging issues? Embracing one’s age is important, but let’s face it many of us want to stay looking youthful. However, be careful when trying new anti-aging products. Certain products can actually do more harm than good.

One of the signs of aging is darkening of the under eye area or puffy under eyes. Eye creams are very popular, but can be expensive and not that great for you.

In a recent segment on the Dr. Oz show they featured eye creams, and the lack of results they provide. Apparently the ingredients used in eye creams is almost identical to the ingredients used in moisturizers. Eye creams can cost up to $60, while they provide very little to no results. In addition, eye creams can actually age your face at a faster rate. How is that possible? There are chemicals used to preserve eye creams that can create increased inflammation of the eye area.

See the full video of beauty mistakes that age you here.

Instead of spending a ton on harmful eye creams, you can create your own natural (more effective) eye cream at home with two simple ingredients. Apparently Greek yogurt is more than just a tasty treat. The ingredients in plain Greek yogurt and parsley can decrease inflammation and get rid of those pesky dark baggy under eyes.

To create this at home eye cream add some chopped parsley to a few table spoons of plain Greek yogurt. And that’s it! Apply the yogurt to the area, and leave until dry. You can then use a warm dampened towel to remove the yogurt.

If swelling or eye bags are your issue cold tea bags and ice will work as well. Often times eye bags are caused by allergies. If you have allergies an antihistamine will help as well.

Did you find this blog helpful? Let us know.

February: Things I love (This Month)

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I get really obsessed with certain products, and then play them out until I can’t have anymore. I like what I like, and I don’t stop liking it until I do. Right now I’m obsessed with:

SNACKS

Special K Fruit & Yogurt Cereal

I have always been a fan of special K, a cereal I can eat to help me keep the pounds from fighting their way back. I can however, eat more than one bowl of special K at a sitting, negating the dietary benefits of the cereal. That’s why I love the new fruit and yogurt version. This new twist on the classic fills you up much quicker than the regular cereal. Added bonus: the dried berry clusters transform the remainder milk left into the bowl into a bowl of strawberry milk. Find the fruit and yogurt special K at your local market.

Pretzel Crisps & Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges

When I was around 5 years old I used to spend a lot of time with my Arabic uncle Emad. He would give me these triangle of soft cheese as a snack. He ate a lot of traditional food back then, so I thought he was giving me some special Arabic cheese. Fast forward 20 years later, and I finally realize that those yummy cheese triangles came from Vons. The laughing cow makes a variety of flavors now including a delicious sun dried tomato flavor. At just 50 calories for the regular, and 35 for the light version, these cheese wedges can calm your hunger pains when you’re in between meals. OMG do I love pretzel crisps. So much better than a regular cracker. At just 110 calories for 11 crisps, you can enjoy this treat guilt free. I’ve recently topped my pretzel crisps with the Laughing Cow swiss cheese flavored soft cheese. It’s a great snack and fills me up.

MAKE-UP

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

For years I went without using foundation. I hate the feel of caked on make-up, and I was fortunate to avoid acne growing up. It wasn’t until two years ago that I started to think I needed a little foundation. I started using M.A.C tinted moisturizer, because it gave my skin a little color, concealed small imperfections, and protected my skin with it’s SPF. I used the tinted moisturizer for almost two years, but started to notice that it gave me an orange look, especially in pictures. I was afraid to try a true foundation, but the girl at the NARS make up counter insisted a try their foundation. She said it was light, and she wasn’t lying. I am in love with this product. She worked with me to find the perfect color for my skin. The light coverage hid what I wanted it to, but didn’t leave my skin feeling or looking cakey. My skin looks smooth and soft. The best part is that my skin doesn’t look white in pictures. Most foundations contain a chemical that turns white under a flash, but it’s not found in NARS foundation. The only downside is that the foundation can dry skin if you already have an issue, so always put on moisturizer before applying the foundation. NARS sheer glow foundation can be found at your local department store for $44.

Disney Collection for Sephora

For Christmas my boyfriend’s little sister bought me the Cinderella eye shadow palette by Sephora. Not only is the case beautiful, but the eye shadow variety is amazing. I hate it when I have to use a ton of eye shadow just to make the color pop. That’s not the case with this eye shadow palette. The color pops with a small amount of shadow, and lasts throughout the day. The variety was awesome as well, with shadow colors ranging from purple to brown. No matter what outfit I put on, there is an eye shadow to match. Sephora recently released the newest set which is called the Jasmine collection. View the collection here. You can order from Sephora online with no shipping cost for $55. A great price for the amount and variety of shadows you get.

Shopping

Lulu’s

I tend to purchase a lot of clothing from one particular store. I’ll find an outfit I love, and keep going back. This month I’ve been obsessed with Lulus.com. I love pretty, delicate things, and Lulu’s has so many lovely things to choose from. I’ve purchased four dresses from them so far, and one pair of heels. If you love to look feminine, you have to check Lulu’s out. Visit them here.

Prepping for Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. I hope you’re spending this day with a loved one, be it romantically or with your best friends. Today I’m going to feature my favorite red and pink products in honor of the holiday. So without further ado here they are:

Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter

Strawberry set

Whether you purchase it in a set along with body gel and soap, or on it’s own, the Body Shop’s Strawberry body butter is addicting. Rub some of this creamy lotion on, and enjoy the smell of fresh strawberries all day. The thick cream will keep your legs from getting ashy, even in the colder months. Trust me, try it once and you’ll never use anything else. Purchase the body butter in stores, or online now.

Viva Glam Nicki 2 Lip Stick

Pretty in Pink

Mac lipstick is long lasting, and vibrant. No need to put on several coats, and your lips will truly stand out.

Available in a variety of colors, this lipstick can be found online, in M.A.C stores, or at your local department store.

Viva Glam lipstick sells for $15.

Love Spell

Victoria secret sells a variety of scents, but Love Spell is my favorite.

It’s also perfect for the holiday.

This light fragrance won’t overpower or overwhelm.

Love Spell the scent can be purchased in lotion or body splash form.

Find it in stores or at Victoria Secret online for $12.

Something Sexy

Let’s not forget the little something sexy.

Baby dolls and slips are cute, but there’s nothing boring about this old fashioned look.

Find this garter and more at Victoria Secret online.

While this garter costs $88, there are many more affordable options online.

MeeshMe

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