How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Germs and bacteria are not new to us, this year has made us keenly aware of them, though. Right? No doubt, we have all taken extra steps to keep our homes and spaces clean amidst the coronavirus. But, you may have neglected to clean one super grimy item(s) in your beauty arsenal. Your makeup brushes!!!! 

Over time, makeup brushes & sponges collect skin cells, oil, bacteria, dust and other nasties that can clog pores, lead to infections and break your skin out. Gross! Not washing your brushes can also shorten their life span, and ruin your investment into them. So, what do we do? To take care of your tools, and your skin, its important to wash your brushes regularly. Ideally, makeup brushes would be washed weekly. However, working this into your monthly cleaning routine would be a great start. New routines can be tricky, but fortunately, for this one you’ll just need a gentle soap and water. Most brushes can be cleaned with a simple, unscented castile soap.

1. Pretreat Extra Dirty Brushes. Similar to how you’d pretreat a stain in your laundry, some makeup brushes may need to be massaged with an oil to break down any built up product. For example, if you use a gel or cream eyeliner and a separate brush, that thick, pigmented product will need an oil to help break it down before washing it with a soap. For this, I recommend your favorite olive oil. One little drop will help you break down thick, waxy eyeliner. 

2. Rinse Your Brushes With Warm Water At The Most. Like the hair on your head, using too hot of water on your brushes can ruin them. Only use room temperature, or warm water on your brushes to help preserve the bristles and not break down the glue inside of the ferrel of the brush ( the metal part that keeps the bristles highly packed). 

3. Add In The Soap. Add a drop or two of castile soap to the palm of your hand, and using a gentle swirling motion, massage the brush into the palm of your hand. You’ll see the old makeup start to break down. Gross!

4. Rinse And Repeat. Continue this process until the brush rinses clean.

5. Press And Dry. Gently press out any excess water from the bristles, and lay the brush on a towel to dry.

Drying brushes upright in a container may cause the glue inside of the ferrel to decay. Once the brushes are dry, you can totally store them upright for easy access. This may seem daunting if you have never washed your brushes like this, but don’t worry! Once you get your assembly line going, you’ll be good to go. If you’d like to see exactly how I clean my brushes, watch the full tutorial below. Stay safe!

~Shana

Our Most Popular Youtube Videos

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. That's where we, and our clients, go for tutorials and honestly, a lot of our entertainment. About 5 years ago, I created a YouTube channel in an effort to help clients with their makeup and hair styling issues. The channel has evolved a bit, but we thought it could be fun to share our most popular YouTube videos over the past few years. Take a look, and tell us which one is your favorite!

This first one is my go to makeup look for a full salon workday or date night.

"How to use Velcro Rollers" is my most watched video for sure. I slightly cringe as I look back at a lot of these, because I've changed my filming techniques and equipment out a few times at this point. Many are blurry or could have better editing, but it makes me appreciate how much I've learned in the past few years. 

This next tutorial is my favorite way to style my hair to day!

The escape room vlog was my first time branching away from just beauty content. Some of our best friends opened an escape room in Wilmington, NC and invited us to preview their first room. This was also fun to film, because Jeremy and I both took a role in creating it. Three take aways from this video: (1) I have the most supportive husband, (2) I'm surprisingly helpful in escape rooms, and (3) if you're in NC, you must check out Green Light Escape Room in Wilmington, NC.

Let's discuss this hair.......

What a wild ride! I hope you enjoyed looking back at these videos with me. When you're visiting the YouTube channel, please 'like' the video and subscribe to the channel to keep up with all of our adventures. I hope you have an amazing day!

~Shana

Shana's January Favorites

As I look at these images, I can't help but notice how crunchy, hippie that I'm getting...... But, that's all good. Heyyyyy! I'm actually really proud of the changes I've made in my beauty routine, personal habits, and around the house in the last year. I'm very proud to say that my entire beauty routine consists of non- toxic products, which is pretty rad. One of my first green beauty purchases was this eye shadow from Alima Pure in Chai. It's a stunning highlight that gives me all the feels of Stila Kitten, without the guilt. Even though I was very happy with my 100% Pure Pretty Naked Palette, I still felt like I had some gaps in my eyeshadow wardrobe. That's until I picked up these three shades from Root Pretty Cosmetics. Root is a female owned, non-toxic beauty company based in Waverly, Iowa. I chose the shades snow peach(pale, peach satin shade), sweet tea(matte, warm/neutral brown), and stiletto(matte black) to complete my eye shadow collection. These shades are exactly what I needed. They are pigmented, long wearing, and easy to blend. 

As you may remember, I am an oily beast, and I've had a hard time going without my chemical laden mattifying primers. Until now!!!! I'm currently in a serious relationship with this primer from 100% Pure. The gel texture is easy to use, and keeps excess oils at bay without over-drying the skin. Perfection!

I've been trying to be better around the house about excessive waste. Now, I'm not sure that I could ever become a hardcore zero-waste kinda of girl( meaning that I don't produce any garbage or waste that would clog up landfills). But, I do think that there are little things that we can do to help ourselves, the planet and our budgets. One of these for me was getting a reusable tumbler. This one helps keep me hydrated and also keeps me from burning through cans of La Croix.... ugh, I hate how that even sounds. But, its true. I'll take it with me to restaurants and use it for water instead of a paper or plastic cup. This is an easy swap and has so many benefits. I've also been loving these reusable baking sheets from Amazon. If you ever line your cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper to aid in cleanup, get these! They fit perfectly in your standard cookie sheet, and are nonstick. Now you want be wasting foil and parchment, and literally throwing money away. You're welcome!

My last physical favorite are these Holy Basil capsules from Whole Foods. I've been dealing with more stress than normal, and these have really helped me to calm down at night and give me more restful sleep so that I have a chance at conquering my day. As with any supplement, do your own research and check with your doctor to see if its a smart option for you. 

You may have noticed that I said "last physical favorite", thats because I have two YouTube favorites this month that I feature in my latest YouTube video. Check it out below. I, also, have a giveaway going on my YouTube channel right now. You could win 3 of my favorite Yarok Haircare products. All of the details and links are in the video below. 

Thanks for stopping by and spending a little part of your day with me!

~ Shana

Shana's Everyday Makeup Routine

As many of you know, I've committed myself to switching to green, or non-toxic, beauty. This means that in the past year, as I use up product, I've been replacing it with something that doesn't contain ingredients that are harmful for me or the environment. After getting recommendations from friends and spending a lot of time in the Think Dirty App, I have a daily makeup routine that I feel good about. I love how natural and fresh it looks, and I love that I don't have to feel guilty about any of the products that I'm putting on my body. Alrighty, let's get ready together.....

I start by prepping my freshly washed face with The 100% Pure High Potency Reversal Serum, this I apply to my whole face. To keep my under eyes looking fresh, I dab on a bit of the 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream. Then, I prime my eye lids with this primer from Alima Pure. I recommend letting it sit on the skin for about 30 seconds before applying shadow on top, it needs to get a bit tacky. Then, after applying my R.L. Linden & Co. lip balm my skin is prepped!

The first thing that I do is define my eye brows, because brows are important. Am I right? I have been loving this brow cream from 100% Pure, or should I call it a wax? I don't know, but I use the color taupe and it softly defines my brows and the texture of the product helps them stay in place, but not be crispy. It's like your brow powder and gel had a baby. Perfection! I've grown to love these two concealers, RMS Uncoverup and W3llpeople Bio Correct. I use the RMS under my eyes to perk them up, this creamy concealer is perfect for the delicate eye area because its not drying at all. If I have a blemish or need more substantial coverage, I use the W3llpeople concealer. It has a buildable texture and comes in a super sanitary tube. Love that. I have been loving this eyeliner from Antonym. This classic kohl liner is easy to smudge and smoke out, and even has a built in sharpener for convenience. 

Now that my skin is concealed, my brows are covered and my eyes are defined, it's time to add in some color. I apply the cream eye shadow from 100% Pure in Fiji to my lid and blend it out. If I'm in a real hurry, this shade alone on my lid will do. It has a soft glimmery look to it, that gives the eyes some pop, even when worn alone. But, We are going a bit more glamorous today, so we are going to open up our Pretty Naked Palette from 100% Pure. I add depth to the outer corner of my lid with this shade on the far right, then add a bit of light into my inner corners with the small off-white shade in the center. This shade has a satin finish, so it perks up the eye, but isn't glittery. Next, I use the luminizing shade on the far left to make my cheek bones pop. Then, I bronze my face with this bronzer from Beauty Counter using a simple '3' shape technique on the outer edges of my face. To bring the cheeks all together, I do a simple swipe of the blush in the palette. This matte blush gives a natural, muted, mauve pink color to the cheek. It's pretty, natural and easy to blend, so I think a lot of people would love it.

To finish off the look, I do a light mist of the Lily Lolo Setting Spray, a couple of coats of the Antonym mascara, and I dab on this delectable lip balm from True Moringa. The Lily Lolo Setting Spray helps marry together my makeup and lock it in. I've really been enjoying this mascara even though it has a plastic brush (normally not my fave). You can layer it on and get real volume and length, its a great green beauty find from Sephora for sure. Ok, I'll be honest. This lip balm looks super crazy and bold in the container. However, when you dab it into your lips you are left with soft lips that have a beautiful watercolor, been eating a popsicle look to them. This is a beautiful tinted balm, and I really enjoy using it. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing into my routine a bit more, and if you're interested in hearing me chat about my very personal reason why I've switched to green beauty, check out my latest tutorial on our YouTube channel. Thanks for stopping by!

~Shana

What I'm loving right now...

As many of you know, I've been cleaning up my act lately... Well, beauty-wise, that is. I'm also trying to shop more intentionally and support companies that are really trying to make a difference. I love that! 

Let's start with non- beauty favorites. If you ever scroll through the Salon Hue Instagram, you'll know that we LOVE Purpose Jewelry. These delicate, handmade pieces are made by women rescued from human trafficking. Then, the company uses proceeds from jewelry to help rescue and rebuild the lives of even more women.... How amazing is that?!?!?! The Sundust Earrings and the Journey Ring have, honestly, become my daily jewelry staples. I've also been loving a company called Brandless. It's an online marketplace that has low-cost organic, fair trade, and even gluten free items. They over everything from toothpaste to groceries to dishes for your kitchen. We have loved every item that we've gotten from them, I just placed another order yesterday! An easy, eco-friendly swap I made last month was purchasing these reusable cotton rounds. Most of us use cotton balls or pads to remove makeup, or apply facial toner, and then we just toss them away. These cotton rounds from Marley's Monsters are washable, so you're not just creating more garbage. They are holding up really well, and I think its even a good swap cost-wise. Awesome!

I'm feeling so good about my makeup routine these days. I'm almost completely converted to green, non-toxic makeup, and my skin is feeling happy, calm and nourished. I give a lot of that credit to the Herbivore Lapis Oil. This oil hydrates the skin, but is also naturally anti-inflammatory, so it's great if you're acne prone or even get the occasional hormonal breakout. If I do end up needing to cover a pesky blemish, I reach for this Well People Concealor. Holy macaroni, Its awesome! It's perfect for covering blemishes or even hiding tired under eye circles. It's not at all drying, and can be built up easily for more coverage. Also, you can get it at Target. Its so nice that its that accessible to consumers. My last love for the past few months has been the brand 100% Pure. This is a non-toxic, green beauty line based in California that has skincare, makeup and even nail polishes. I'm mainly using this Pretty Naked Palette for my day to day makeup looks. It has a blush, a highlighter and three eyeshadows. And, if we're being honest, I've used all the shades as eyeshadows depending on my mood. The shadows are easy to work with, and it doesn't have any nasty chemicals in it. If you're in the market for a new lip color,  the 100% Pure Lipsticks feel so comfortable on the lips an come in a beautiful range of colors. They're perfect for anyone!

What beauty and lifestyle products have you been loving lately? Would you like to see more of my 100% Pure makeup collection? If so, let me know in the comments below! Also, for even more details on the products check out the Youtube video below. I hope you have an amazing rest of the week!

~ Shana

Empties ~ "This not That" Edition

It's funny how the look of my Empties, over the past year, have shifted. I still use more beauty products than your average bear, however, I am simplifying my routine. There's a few reasons, actually. The first is because I noticed that the makeup and hair looks I loved were simpler, effortless, and more natural looking. I'm not going to look like a glowing Parisian girl if I've got seven pounds of spackle on my face, now am I? I, also, wanted my products to actually BE MORE NATURAL. Now, this part was actually caused by a dear family member that was diagnosed with ovarian and uterine cancer. After poking and prodding, the doctors told her that the cause wasn't genetic, but that it was "environmental". What the?!?!!!? That got me thinking about my personal environment. Work, home... I mean, isn't that MY environment? I'm surrounded by and use beauty products every day, and that's why I decided to start using less products, but with purer, better ingredients. It's for my health. 

That's why I wanted to share some of my empties with you, but also share what I swapped them out for and why. Sound fun? ok, lets go.....

I had seen several of my favorite Celebrity stylists use Reverie Haircare products, this is a California made line with super clean ingredients. I'm still personally enjoying a couple products from this boutique line, however I was not a fan of their shampoo and conditioner. Even though the ingredient list is flawless, the shampoo left my color treated hair dry and rough. The conditioner adds slip to the hair, but isn't overly moisturizing to parched ends (like mine). Thats where I love the Yarok Feed Your Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. The shampoo gently cleanses so that you can achieve big, voluminous hairstyles, but it does so without depleting the hair of moisture. It's safe for color treated hair and is good for hair on the thiner, puny side. Feed Your Volume Conditioner replenishes the hair without ever weighing it down, Fabulous! If you aren't familiar with Yarok, it's a non-toxic haircare line that's based in New York. I love it because the products actually work and you don't have to worry about sticky, gross chemicals getting on you, it's only the good stuff.

Any of you that know me personally, probably realize that I'm literally surrounded by a group of friends that are obsessed with skincare, estheticians galore! One of them, for privacy purposes lets call her Marie, introduced me to the lovely Beauty Counter Facial oils in Hydrating and Balancing. My naturally oily skin loved these. Some believe that a reason that oily skin produces so much oil is because it's actually depleted and is trying to rehydrate the skin itself. So, when you use a facial oil at night, you're giving your skin exactly what it needs, so it stops freaking out and doesn't have to produce so much blasted oil. Not only did I notice my skin being less oily in the day time, but my skin would heal faster if I had a hormonal breakout and the overall texture was as beautiful as a baby angel's booty. I will absolutely repurchase these oils again, and highly recommend them, but a girl has to play the field. I had to try more oils! When I ran out of my BC Oils, I picked up the Herbivore Lapis Oil and this restorative serum from 100% Pure. This serum from 100% Pure is gently hydrating and soothing, I actually use it after I wash my face in the morning as a daytime moisturizer. I did want a bit more moisture for nighttime, though. That's why I picked up the Lapis Oil from Be.Pure.Beauty. This is a balancing oil thats great for oily and acne-prone skin, its soothing and healing but imparts deep hydration to the skin. Simply, lovely!

When it comes to lip balms or salves, I'd like to keep the ingredients very simple. Think about how much of these products we are ingesting throughout the day? It's crazy to think about, thats why its nice to know what you're putting on and in your body. I've had this Smith's Salve for a while, and it does give the lips light moisture and slip, however, I've never felt like it penetrated my lips and gave them deep moisture. That's not the case for the Glossier Balm.com. This soothing skin balm can be used on dry skin, burns or even parched lips. When I use it on my lips they are so hydrated and not goopy. I love it! I keep it on my nightstand and I even have one in my car. The lip balm that I've been using before I put my makeup on is this one from R.L. Linden & Co. I received it my Petit Vour box and have loved it ever since. This non-toxic alternative to chapstick glides on the lips smoothly and gives deep penetrating natural moisture to the lips. This is a green beauty gem!

Over the past year I've been in a passionate relationship with the Purifying Charcoal Mask from Beauty Counter. This mask reaches deep into my pores and draws out excess oils and grime, and the ingredient list is flawless! I know people in the beauty community are all about the Glam Glow masks...... they don't hold a candle to this. You get better ingredients and a lower price point, what's not to love? Now that temperatures are cooling off here in North Carolina, my skin has shifted and my skin needs more calming and balancing properties from masks. Enter Hidden Forest Theo Mask. Theo is a multipurpose product, however, I only use it as a mask. I mix this mask with a bit of water in the lid of the jar and then paint my face up. My skin feels cleansed, toned and balanced after this mask. It's truly a beautifully crafted mask.

Dry shampoo..... how I do love thee. When I started looking into green haircare products, Captain Blankenship was a brand I kept hearing about (thanks Kaitlin). This brand is sold at Sephora, so its easy to get your hands on. This dry shampoo performs beautifully, it absorbs moisture, adds texture and smells fresh and clean. When I finally finished up my Captain Blankenship dry shampoo, I switched over to the Yarok Feed Your Style dry shampoo. These are both fabulous products, however, I think the Yarok works into the hair a bit better and has a finer texture to work with if you're not super comfortable with non-aerosol dry shampoos. The Yarok revives my fine oily hair and is easy use, it has my heart!

For a comprehensive review of every empty that I had, check out my video below. Have you ever dabbled into green beauty? Write any products that you'd love to recommend in the comments below. Thank you so much for stopping by,

~Shana

What's In Her Bag? ~ April Manring

As some of you may know, in the past year I've been trying to go cleaner and purer with my beauty products. That's why we now offer a green, non-toxic line at Salon Hue. (Psst... that's Yarok, if you're wondering).  Green Beauty is a whole other blog post that I'm not sure I'm ready to write yet, but on this journey I heard of Be.Pure.Beauty. Around the same time my friends Kaitlin and Marie told men about the store in Chapel Hill, I heard a podcast by Molly Stillman interviewing April Manring, the founder of Be.Pure.Beauty. Be.Pure.Beauty is a green beauty store that only carries products made in the USA. Pretty rad, right?

I knew I had to meet her. I quickly set up a time to chat green beauty with April, and, man, she's a wealth of knowledge. To really pick her brain about cleaner beauty stop by her store, or check out her blog. I was so excited when she allowed me to shoot her personal makeup bag favorites, so lets dive on in!

April is all about healthy skin. Then you don't need a ton of makeup, right? So, she preps her skin by cleansing with Hidden Forest Face Wash & Mask. This blend of clay and cacao is mixed with water to be used as a cleanser or even a deep cleaning mask. Also, Hidden Forest is her IN HOUSE skincare line. How cool is that!!! Next she applies the Vapour Visionary Advanced Solution Serum. This anti-aging serum helps calm, balance and soothe sensitive skin. To even out her complexion she uses Vapour Organic Beauty Soft Focus Foundation, this actually helps heal the skin as you wear it and melds in seamlessly to the skin to create a naturally flawless finish. When she's ready to set her foundation, or rehydrate through the day, she mists the Hidden Forest Calm Facial Mist over her skin. A facial mist is a must as we head into Fall and Winter (yes, it was 80 degrees today....). As we all know, Woman cannot live on foundation alone. That's why April swears by Vapour's Aura Multi-use stick in Crush and their Siren Lipstick in Coquette. Crush is a sheer, soft pink that can add color to the cheeks or a pop to the lips. When she wants a little bit more boldness to the lips, thats when April reaches for her Siren Lipstick in Coquette, a 21st century fuchsia. Gorgeous!

April Manring of Be.Pure.Beauty   Photo courtesy of Be.Pure.Beauty

I hope you enjoyed taking a peek inside of our friend April's makeup bag. She has a wealth of knowledge on the beauty industry and so many helpful tips on how to keep our minds and bodies beautiful. Please check April and Be.Pure.Beauty out, and thank you for spending a little part of your day with us!

~Shana

City Slickers ~ Salon Hue's Guide to NYC

Every year, Jamie and I take continuing education classes. They help us keep our skills sharp, learn the latest trends & techniques, and most importantly... keep our licenses!!! This year we got to enjoy a special treat, we took the 3 day "Transitions Cut & Color" class at the TIGI Academy in SoHo. This class starts with perfecting our classic hairstyling and cutting technique, and each day moves through more progressive or trendy styles. It's a true evolution of creativity that allows us to personalize each and every one of our client's haircuts and color, once we get back home. 

The academy is located at the corner of Greene & Broome St. in trendy Soho. The high ceilings and gorgeous city views made each day of class feel even more special. Each day of class started with our educators cutting and coloring presentation models, which highlighted the trends they are seeing in print and on the streets of NYC. Then, we had an hour lunch break, which to a hairstylist is one of the greatest luxuries of life! When we came back from lunch, we worked on mannequins to recreate the looks we had learned in the morning. This part was extra special to us, because our class was on the small side and we both were able to get one on one training for many of the looks we were working on. It was such a treat! 

So, let's pause and talk about food for a sec. When we landed, we immediately dropped our bags and went to Central Park to ride bikes. After doing the six mile circle, we were starving and obviously needed to carb-load. Even though I love trying new places, I had to go back to Pepolino. It's the cutest, Italian restaurant with outdoor seating and superb service and food. It straddles the line of SoHo and Tribeca and across from a stop on the ACE train, so its pretty convenient to most areas downtown or on the west side. Breakfast was easy because everyday we got juice and bagels at Tribeca Bagels, it's right on Canal Street and they'll get you your bacon, egg and cheese on an everything bagel real quick. It's just around the corner from Pepolino's, as well. Delicious!

Lombardi's Pizza on Spring Street

On our first day of class, I had to take Jamie to Lombardi's Pizza. You have to get pizza in New York, right? Especially with a small group, Lombardi's is pretty quick for lunch. We recommend not getting fancy, keep it classic with a Margherita pizza. You'll thank me later. If you're in the mood for sushi while you're in that neighborhood we recommend visiting Lure Fishbar. The food, the atmosphere and the happy hour prices on sushi were amazing! We stumbled across this place with Emily from the blog Epicurean Emily, it was a delicious night out! 

Roby Powers, Philip Downing, and Renee Valerie

After our second day of class we did a touch of shopping, then headed over to the famous Meatpacking District to have dinner with Jamie's friend, Claire. We were able to get a seat at Fatbird, Cat Cora's southern inspired restaurant. I didn't want to like it because I live in the South and I know where to find bomb fried chicken..... But, geez, it was good. Great food, adorable atmosphere, its a must try.

Roby Powers, Jamie, Philip Downing, Shana, Renee Valerie and Brian Adelman

Our third day of class, and our fourth in the city, was bitter sweet. As much as we were filled with knowledge, encouragement and a new love of NYC, we were so excited to come back and share it all with our family, friends and amazing clients. For more pictures from our trip check out the Salon Hue Instagram. We can't wait for our next adventure!

Let's Talk Trash...

Here we are again, with my latest installment of Empties! I've been exploring a lot of new products lately, while also trying to be good about finishing up older products before purchasing a replacement. Soooo, let's dive on into my thoughts on these recyclables. 

First up, I finished a shampoo, conditioner and leave-in from Wella's Elements line. I've used this line on and off for years, and I think its a great first step into gentle, paraben & sulfate free products. I'm currently trying out a few "Green" shampoos and conditioners, however, this is a great, gentle line for those of you wanting to maintain and prolong your hair color. Two of the Green Beauty lines I've tried recently are Yarok and Reverie. Both lines contain effective, non-toxic haircare products. The Yarok Moisturizing Shampoo is perfect for imparting moisture to course or color treated hair. The Reverie Shampoo is also safe for color treated hair, but would be better for finer textures of hair. Both are fragranced with essential oils and make cleansing your hair a real experience! Based on these two products, I'm excited to try more from these two lines. As you can tell, I've really been loving the Alterna Bamboo Kendi Oil range. My uber-blonde hair needs a lot of moisture and these products have been keeping my hair moisturized and protected from the environment. I use a dropper of the Kendi Treatment oil on my wet hair before styling, then once my hair is dry, I spray the Dry Oil Micromist on my hair to protect it from the flatiron or curling iron. These two would also be great for dry and coarse textures of hair. As you know, I NEED hairspray to survive day to day, this is the South, hello? I love the Bamboo Anti- Humidity Hairspray for strong, all day hold. However, I'd been wanting try something a little more touchable, and more buildable, so I picked up IGK Intern Hairspray. This flexible hold hairspray is gluten free, paraben free, sulfate free, mineral oil free, and cruelty free. I really enjoyed how this hairspray didn't have a ton of fragrance or fog up the bathroom when I used it. Getting used to having a softer more touchable hairspray in my hair took a bit of getting used to, but I think I'm in love.

I've also been shifting my body care products to simpler, more natural options. As much as I love the Stella by Stella McCartney perfume, I've been using lavender oil as a subtle fragrance instead. Stella is a perfect balance between mystery and femininity, I'm just moving away from traditional perfumes at the moment. I'm still on the hunt for a green body lotion that I love. This Jason lotion is too liquidity for my taste. I love the moisture that the Palmer's gives, however, I'd love something with a few less ingredients. If that's not a concern of yours, go with the fragrance free Palmer's, you'll love it! I've been trying a few different natural deodorants lately, as well. My favorite so far is the Primal Pit Paste, it comes in many scents and is reasonably priced. I hope I don't break your heart when I tell you that I was not impressed with the new Tarte Deoderant. It is easy to apply, however it does leave a strong white cast to the underarms. The biggest issue that I faced was the packaging. After a week or so, the screwy bottom just stopped working.... That's frustrating. Overall, the product was fine, but it just didn't outshine my normal potted deodorant. On to the face.....

As you can see, I've been trying out a few different eyebrow products lately. I loved the fine tip and spoolie of the Colourpop, Mirabella, and Glo Minerals. The issue that I have with the fine tip is that sometimes its harder to make soft and blur out. Thats why the Youngblood Cosmetics eyebrow definer is nice, it provides soft definition. It's similar to the Hourglass Archbrow in that it has a triangular/ wedge shaped tip. If you like a more precise, sculpted brow, I'd go with any of the fineliners. If you prefer a blurred, naturally full brow, the Youngblood is for you. I finally finished up my RMS Beauty Mascara.... holy cow. This is the guilt-free, green beauty version of my beloved Loreal Voluminous Mascara. It has a classic shaped brushed, and a formula that adds length and volume, a total win. If you've been having issues with mascara sensitivity or lash line itching, give this one a whirl. The ingredients are pure and the product is simply amazing!

We hope you've enjoyed this look into our beauty trash bin. If you have any questions about any products not mentioned, leave them in the comments below! Have an amazing weekend!

~ Shana 

What's In Her Bag? ~ Amy

I pride myself on having friends with a wide variety of personalities and tastes. And, It's important to surround yourself with people that help enhance your personality and enrich your life.... Basically, so that their good qualities rub off on you. My dear friend Amy is a hardworking medical professional, foodie and a loving dog mom. She has a busy schedule, so it's important that her makeup routine is quick, but will last all day.

Amy's morning makeup routine normally takes her between five and fifteen minutes. In that window of time, her priorities are to moisturize, conceal and fill in her brows. Anything else is just icing on the cake! To balance out her complexion, she applies Tarte's BB Tinted Primer in Light. To get a little more coverage, she applies a thin layer of Glo Minerals Pressed Base in Natural Medium. This combination can give light to full coverage and is great for sensitive skin types. Amy is a fan of simple, glittery washes of color across her eyelids. Some days it may be a subtle Champagne, like this E.L.F. eyeshadow in Celebrity, or if she's feeling a bit more bold, she'll reach for her Laura Mercier eyeshadow in Gilded Bronze. Either way, she always primes her lids with Urban Decay's Primer Potion in Sin, a soft pink, champagne tone. This keeps her eye look in place all day. I love how Amy has a mix of price points in her eye makeup collection. To help define her eyes and create a bit more drama at her lash line, she reaches for this Loreal Matte-Matic Eyeliner. Then she finishes her eye look with a few swipes of Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara for volume and length. Gorg!

When it's time to put a little color on her lippies, Amy's "go-to" nude is Urban Decay's Revolution lipstick in Naked. For a little more shine and moisture, she tops it with Buxom Lip Polish in Dolly. And when she wants to add a soft flush to her cheeks and a bronze glow to her complexion, she pairs the Beauty Counter blush in Tawny/ Whisper with the Beauty Counter Matte Bronzer. Thats complexion perfection that you don't have to feel bad about!

This is the always beautiful, Amy. 

Have you ever tried any of Amy's favorite products? She and I are trying to make our makeup bags more "Green". If you're trying to shift your makeup bag to a bit more natural ingredients, what are your favorite products or lines? Please let us know in the comments below. Until next time friends!

~ Shana 

May Favorites

Why, hello there, Old Friend! So, It's been a bit since we've chatted and I've shared the beauty and lifestyle goodies that I've been loving. The past few months have been kind of a blur, but even in that blur I've fallen in love with a few things that I have to share with you. 

For those of you that REALLY know me, you'll know that I'm a huge office supply and stationary nerd. After feeling overwhelmed with my "life notebook", a little notebook I always kept with me for notes, lists and rants, I finally gave in and got a proper bullet journal. Bullet Journaling is an analog system for organizing your thoughts and plans. This particular notebook features an index, numbered and dotted pages. Now I can keep track of all of my crazy thoughts....or at least try to.

To help set the mood for a bullet journaling session, I've really enjoyed burning this Velvet Moss & Jasmine candle from Capri Blue. I'm just kidding, I don't "set the mood" for bullet journaling. How much of a nerd do you think I am? Don't answer that. But, I'm in love with this fresh clean scent. It's not too overpowering, yet will fill the room. I suggest repurposing the beautiful mercury glass container as a vase, or a chic way to store spare change. I picked mine up at Raleigh's Blue Water Spa, they have several other yummy scents that I know you'll love.

Time to chat about beauty! I've said for a long time, that I don't see the point in spending a ton on mascara. I can honestly say that this "high/ low" combo has my heart. After forgetting to put on mascara one day, I picked up this NYX mascara at the drugstore. The Faux Lash formula contains fibers to add length and volume, but these fibers don't flake and create a mess on my face. I find it layers perfectly with this volumizing mascara from RMS Beauty. I've recently been exploring Green Beauty and RMS is a name I kept hearing about. And, there's a reason for it. I first do a coat, or two, of the RMS Volumizing Mascara then, to create a false lash effect, I layer on the NYX. The two combined create an extremely glamorous look to the lashes. That being said, the RMS is an amazing stand alone mascara. I love the buildable formula, the full brush, the wear of the product itself, and I love that I don't have to worry about the ingredients in the product at all. If you're interested in elevating your makeup from an ingredients standpoint, and not just by branding, try a few things from them. You'll love them, I know.

During the past few months, I've been playing with different textures of cheek and eye colors. I've been loving how products like Glossier's Cloud Paint and RMS Lip2Cheek meld into the skin. They both create a natural flush to the skin and last most of the day, even on my oily skin. When I want a pinky flush, I opt for the Lip2Cheek in Demure. This product is nice because its perfect to dab onto your lips for a fresh wash of color, I keep it in my handbag for touch ups throughout the day. When I want a little more of a peachy glow, I opt for Glossier's Cloud Paint in Beam. The texture of this cheek color is very thin, but easily buildable and blendable. A little goes a long way with these Cloud Paints, but don't be intimidated, they really are fool proof. Both of these products are perfect for the no fuss makeup girl. They both are formulated to be applied to the skin with your fingers, how easy is that? When I want a bit more "pop" on my cheeks, I top them with Colour Pop Smokin' Whistles Highlighter. This creamish textured product can be used for a subtle highlight or a more statement glow, if you know what I mean. 

After a year of loving my trusty Naked Concealer by Urban Decay, I felt it was time to try something new. I decided to pick up the Glo Minerals Oil-free Camouflage Concealer. This creamy concealer covers discoloration, and even covers dark under eye circles. This formulation lasts on oily skin, and is also perfect for more mature skin textures. Perfecto!

As a hairstylist, my hands are in water constantly. That makes it really hard to keep traditional nail polish on my nails. After hearing Kate, from The Small Things Blog, talk about the Essie Gel Couture polishes, I knew I had to try them. The texture of these polishes is a touch thicker than a traditional polish, and a lot thicker than a normal Essie polish. I recommend using your favorite base coat, then applying two coats of the Essie Gel Couture polish of your choice. I highly recommend letting each coat dry for three minutes before applying the next. Finish with your favorite top coat and you're good to go for days. These polishes are beautiful and durable, what more could a girl ask for? 

I hope that you've enjoyed this look into my favorites. What have you been enjoying? Leave a couple of your favorites in the comments below. Have you tried any green beauty products lately? Share your faves in the comments! I hope you have an amazing day!

~Shana

What's in Her Bag? ~ Lena

If I had two words to describe Lena's makeup routine, they would be "Glam Girl." She rarely leaves the house without her signature winged liner and lipstick. That's why I knew I had to dive into her makeup bag. Little did I know, that I would find some of the most coveted beauty items on Youtube in her stash. 

Lena uses MAC Cosmetics Lightful C Tinted Cream to even out her complexion. This new-age CC cream contains a radiance booster and vitamin C to help the skin now and over time. It, also, contains SPF 30, which is great since we are coming into Spring and Summer here in the South. To keep her eye shadow in place, she swears by the MAC Prep and Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base. It keeps her shadow in place throughout the workday and into the evening. Isn't that every girl's dream? I thought so....

Most of Lena's eye looks are created using the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. This palette truly is perfect for creating anything from subtle day looks to dramatic date night eyes. She creates her signature winged liner with a MAC 208 angled brush and Pro Longwear Fluidline in Black. Fluidline is a great product for winged liner because its longwearing, while also being inky and dark. To finish her eye looks with drama, she layers two mascaras on top of one another. She loves how Benefit's They're Real Mascara adds length to her lashes, and she can't live without the curl and lift that Benefit's Roller Lash gives her. 

Now, on to how she gets her signature glow! Lena defines her facial features using the MAC All the Right Angles Contour palette in light, which includes a cream highlight, a shimmery powder highlight and a cool toned contour shade. When she wants the tops of her cheeks to have a little more "pop", she gives them a sweep of MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish. This gilded, peachy, bronze shade has a cult following on Youtube, and for good reason. It is buttery soft, and can be used as an eyeshadow and highlighter all over the face. To give the apples of her cheeks a fresh flush, she swears by MAC Peach Twist blush. It has a natural, pinky peach color and adds a soft amount of glow to the skin. When I saw this in her collection, my first words were "I may need this." EEK!

Remember how I said that Lena rarely leaves the house without lipstick on? Well, I wasn't kidding. If she's feeling a matte, stay all day kind of lippie, she's going to go with her favorite liquid lipstick. Kat Von D Lolita 2 is a long wearing, terra cotta nude shade. If she's feeling a little more rosy of a lip, she reaches for Marc Jacobs Kiss Kiss Bang Bang lipstick. Even though this is a more traditional lipstick formulation, it gives the lips nourishing color and wears off naturally. For a more everyday, natural lip, Lena lines and fills her lips with MAC Staunchly Stylish lip liner, then tops it with MAC Cremesheen Glass in Just Superb. Just Suberb is perfect for layering  and provides tons of moisture to the lips. It's the perfect topcoat for any lippie combination!

I'm so happy that I got to share my sweet friend's makeup bag with you! I haven't used a lot of MAC products in the past, so it was really nice to see what new things they've come out with, as well as play with some cult favorites from their line. What are your favorite products in your makeup bag? Any that you couldn't live without? Tell me about them in the comments below. Thank you so much for spending a little bit of your time with me, and I'll see you next time! 

~ Shana

Photo of Lena taken by Silverfeather Studios

How to Spring Clean Your Beauty Products

Its almost officially Spring, and that means that many of us are going to start tearing our homes apart, cleaning out cabinets, closets and the like. But, what about our makeup bags? Most people give little thought about cleaning out their makeup because it can be a major investment, and we probably really love many of the products we use on a daily basis. The thing is that all cosmetics have an expiration date, and using a product past that date can result in the product preforming differently, or could even spread harmful bacteria. Hello, stye! Gross, I know. So, let's clean out our makeup bags so we can be clean and cute this Spring!

The First step is to gather all of your makeup. A kitchen island, table or even your bed would be great places to dump it all out. Maybe, lay down a towel before you spread out your makeup if you think it could get a bit messy. Make sure you get the little bits of makeup from throughout the house, maybe in your office and purse, for instance. Once you have it all laid out, look at each product and decide if it has to stay or go based on the list below. If you can't remember when you bought something, its a safe bet that it's time to go.

When to Trash It

Mascara ~ 3 months

Liquid Eyeliner ~ 6 months

Liquid Foundation 6- 12 months

Lip Gloss & Concealer ~ 1 year

Nail Polish & Lipstick ~ 2 years

Face Powders including Eyeshadow, Bronzer and Blush ~ 2 years

Lip & Eye Pencils ~ 2 years

Some cosmetics may age a bit faster than others, so always be aware of changes in the scent and consistency of a product, because this could be a sign that it needs to be replaced.

I recently replaced a few products that I had used up. Since I have a hard time remembering when I've purchased these products, I decided that I would write the purchase date on the bottom in permanent marker, so that I know exactly when these products have passed their prime. I recommend just keeping the permanent marker in a bathroom drawer, so you can date the product as soon as you bring it home. Notice that on the underside of most of your makeup there is a little icon with a number in it. It looks like a little jar with the lid popped open. This is the manufacturer's expiration date. If the product doesn't have this, you can easily reference the list above.

Since we are Spring cleaning, and all of your makeup is dumped out, this is a perfect opportunity to wash cups that makeup brushes are kept in and wipe out acrylic organizers that you may store makeup in. If you keep your makeup in a traditional bag, I recommend hand washing it as well. Now everything is fresh and tidy! I hope you enjoyed these helpful tips. What are you looking forward to most this Spring?

3 Ways That Apple Cider Vinegar Can Make You More Beautiful

I know what you're thinking. Apple cider vinegar? Yes, apple cider vinegar. ACV as some call it, and yes, Pinterest will back me up on that too, is a common household product that you'll find near the back of your pantry. Until recently, I always had ACV because it was always needed in obscure recipes. Now, I seem to be burning through it, because I've recently worked it into my beauty routine 3 different ways. 

The First way that I incorporated apple cider vinegar into my routine is with this hair rinse. In a reusable sports bottle, combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of ACV. After you've shampooed your hair, I recommend using the Wella Elements Shampoo, pour the mixture over your scalp and ends. Let it sit on your hair for about 3 minutes, then rinse, and follow with your favorite conditioner. The Wella Elements Conditioner is perfect for adding light moisture back into the hair. This rinse has so many benefits. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of the scalp which can help keep dry skin at bay, and it also adds shine by locking down the cuticle of the hair. This rinse is especially helpful for removing product buildup, and locking in your hair color. 

The Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse pairs perfectly with Wella Elements Shampoo and Conditioner 

The Second way that you can use ACV in your beauty routine is by diluting it with water to make a toner for your skin. I recommend using the same ratio to water as above, 1:2. Saturate a cotton swab with the mixture and apply it to your entire face, not including the eye area. This toner helps tighten the skin and helps treat and prevent breakouts. Love it! And, yes, it smells funky at first. However, it does go away once your skin dries, so just try to tough it out.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Baby!

The Third, and possibly most startling, way to use ACV is as a mouth wash. Once again, dilute with water in a 1:2 ratio. This pre-brushing mouthwash can help fight chronic bad breathe and help whiten teeth, without damaging your enamel. I recommend swishing it around for 10- 15 seconds before you brush your teeth, then you can enjoy your perky smile! The taste is aggressive, strong, heinous even... but you do get used to it. And, if my ratio is just too strong for you to handle, just add water!

In the past year, I've been shifting my beauty products to the more natural, simple, and ethical side of things. I love that I can incorporate something that is already in my pantry, and that is affordable, into my routine. Have you used ACV outside of the kitchen, yet? Maybe around the house.... Let me know how you use this multitasking tonic in your life in the comments below!

~ Shana 

My Evening Skincare Routine

We all know that its important to use products that protect our skin in the morning. However, our nightly skin routine is just as, if not more, important. When we are sleeping, our bodies are repairing and resting. And, our skin is soaking up whatever is on the surface of our skin for HOURS. If we leave excess oil, dirt and makeup on our skin overnight, our skin will soak it up and we will wake up to a dingy, clogged up face. Not cool. Thats why its important to cleanse, treat and moisturize the skin at night, so that you will wake up to a more beautiful you!

Beauty Counter Charcoal Cleansing Bar

I often am too tired before bed to do my nightly routine, so I recommend doing it when you come home from work or near the end of your day. Its a perfect way to start winding down from a busy day. STEP 1, I use a micellar water to remove my makeup, which I feel allows my cleanser to work a bit harder. This one from Garnier is very effective for removing waterproof eye makeup as well. STEP 2, I then use this Beauty Counter Charcoal Cleansing Bar to deeply cleanse my skin and remove impurities. This cleanser is perfect for leaving my my wicked oily skin fresh and renewed after a long day of makeup wearing. STEP 3, I use a cotton pad to swipe this glycolic toner over my skin. This helps exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent breakouts. STEP 4, Its time to moisturize!!! Even though I'm very oily, its important to replenish the skin with rich, nourishing products to help to skin stay healthy. This is also the part that helps us slow the effects of time, eh hem.. aging, and repair damage done by environmental factors. I apply the Glo Therapeutics Vital Eye Cream around my eye area to hydrate that delicate skin. Then, I mix a small amount of the Glo Therapeutics Moisture Rich Cream with 4 to 5 drops of the Hydrating Facial Oil from Beauty Counter. This combination revives my skin and I wake up with a smooth, baby soft complexion. STEP 5, Time to treat! My last step isn't needed every evening, but when I feel a blemish emerging, or I need to banish one that snuck up on me, I dot it with Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion. It completely dries up blemishes and even areas where your pores are congested. I will warn you that it smells terrible and can burn a bit if you've been working on that little bugger( we all do it, shameful!), so be careful. Even with that being said, its an absolute must have.

What does your Evening Skincare Routine look like? Is time to revamp your products? Let me know in the comments below. And, don't forget to take a few moments and view your evening skincare routine as chance to unwind and give a little back to yourself. You, and your skin, will thank me!

~ Shana 

What's in Her Bag? ~ Jamie

I think of myself as a very fortunate woman, because I'm surrounded by strong, hardworking women. On a daily basis, Jamie impresses me with her talent, her crazy Mom skills, and her kindness. It sounds a bit cheesy, I know, but if you've ever has a chance to meet her at Salon Hue, you'll know that I'm not exaggerating. Jamie is a busy gal, a mother of three that works full time, and even though she's short on time, she always looks put together. Above, are the current contents of her everyday makeup bag. Jamie likes to even out her complexion, add a bit of color to her cheeks and normally defines her eye with a satiny eyeshadow, and a flick of liquid eyeliner. 

To even out her complexion, Jamie uses this Loreal True Match foundation. It's lightweight, but gives buildable coverage. She sets her foundation with Glo Minerals Pressed Base using the Glo Minerals Luxe Setting Brush, this adds coverage that lasts all day long. The Luxe Setting Brush is intended to be used with delicate setting powders, however, I use this brush as a blush brush and it makes applying blush an absolute treat. The tapered brush is the softest we've ever used. Jamie and I both purchased this brush when it was released a couple of years ago, and we can't live without it.  

For her classic everyday eye, she blends this eyeshadow from Bare Minerals, in Coconut Palm, over her eyelid. Then she further defines her eyes using the Glo Minerals Liquid Ink Eyeliner, and with that she creates a soft flick in the outer corners of her eyes. Simple and timeless!

Whether you're a busy mom, a busy student or a busy body, Jamie's go-to makeup tricks will help us all look fabulous in a flash! 

~Shana

The lovely, Jamie Sturdevant

Best of Beauty 2016

When we embark on a new year, we all tend to reflect on the past. If you're a beauty junkie, you think about all of the glorious products that helped you feel like your best self through the course of the year. That's exactly what we are going to talk about today! It seems only proper to start with hair-care. I have two favorite shampoos this year and the first is a long time love, Nioxin 3 Cleanser. Nioxin Cleansers are meant to cleanse the scalp and create the ultimate hair growth environment. They are not stripping, and Number 3 is safe for fine, color treated hair. I often mix it, half and half, with AG Hair Care's Sterling Silver Shampoo. The Sterling Silver line gently cleanses, while toning out golden or brassy tones in the hair. When I want ultimate toning and moisture, I use the AG Hair Care Sterling Silver Conditioner after cleansing. I recommend leaving it on for at least 3 minutes, and you'll experience intense (but not scary) toning and deep hydration. I'm really happy to support a brand like AG because they are gluten and cruelty free, as well. To add shine and moisture to my hair's mid-lengths and ends, I spray a bit of Bamboo's Kendi Dry Oil Micromist on them. This aerosol makes it easy to apply a veil of shine and hydration to your hair that will protect it from heat and environmental factors. I've used this on fine to coarse textures, and it can be used during and after the styling process. To extend my blow out, I've been reaching for the Bamboo Cleanse Extend Dry Shampoo all year long. This dry shampoo obliterates oil on the spot, and you can use it on the ends of hair to add body and dry texture. So versatile!

When it comes to makeup, I feel like I've finally figured out my vibe. I'm a girl that loves the concept of ultra-glam looks, however, it's just not practical for me, and I don't feel my best that way. I like to see my skin through my foundation, a fresh color on my cheeks and a natural, nude lip. Is that too much to ask? For my bases, I've been loving these two from Glo Minerals. The Tinted Primer is nice for easy days because it's best applied with your fingers and gives a subtle amount of evenness to the skin. If I'd like a bit more coverage, I then apply the Glo Minerals Protective Liquid Foundation in Satin 2. This foundation allows the skin's natural radiance to shine through while providing medium coverage. If I need to spot correct, I reach for Urban Decay's Naked Concealer, it's just so easy to work with, and can cover up under eye circles or blemishes. To give my skin some glow and color, I first swipe Becca's Moonstone Shimmering Skin Perfecter on the tops of my cheek bones. I think this absolutely stunning and can double as an eye shadow, as well. To give my cheeks that extra bit of color, I use Glo Minerals Blush in Sweet. This fresh, pinky, coral shade gives life to my skin and blends out easily for a natural flush. I'm always trying different eye looks, however, these next three products are key for all of my looks. My eye shadow will slide right on off if I don't use Urban Decay's Original Primer Potion. I've tried most of the eye shadow primers on the market, and I just think this one is the best for oily girls. To keep my brows looking fresh, I've loved the Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil. Color 2 is just a touch lighter than my natural brows and the formula is easy to apply, but won't slide off your face half-way through the day. That's a win, right? When it comes to mascara, I'm committed to my L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara. The brush adds volume, but not too much product, and I've never had an issue with it flaking or smudging. This mascara is just a well- rounded, take home to Mom kind of mascara. This year, I tried a few new lippies, and these next three take the cake. My favorite lip salve is the Glossier Balm dotcom. It's a universal skin salve that is extremely hydrating and lasts on my lips all night long. When I need moisture, but would like a bit of color, I reach for Fresh's Sugar lip treatment in Honey. Just a swipe of this balm hydrates the lips, and leaves them kiss-ably soft. When I'd like my pout to have a little more impact, I swipe on this fresh nude by MAC called Modesty. It's their cream sheen formula so it wont dry out your lips, and is a perfect everyday nude.

Obviously, hair and makeup are a passion of mine. However, I had to include this one non- beauty favorite in the list. The Five-Minute Journal created the biggest change in my attitude this year. Several months ago, I was feeling stressed, negative and just generally frustrated. The kicker was that I couldn't really pinpoint what was causing this frustration, meaning that nothing was really wrong in my life. I was just focusing on the negative. I remembered hearing that journaling can be great for "brain dumping", but what do I write? Where do I start? I was discussing this with a client one day and she recommended The Five-Minute Journal. 2 days later it arrived at my door, and I've used it ever since. This is a guided journal that focuses on the good, and helps you see that you, and your mindset, can take control of your day. Taking time to reflect on my day with this journal has helped me with my perspective on life, and has helped me to become more grateful for the beauty that I get to experience everyday. It feels good to finish a year and feel growth. Whether that growth be mental or simply refining a beauty routine, I'll take it!

For more thoughts on these favorites, check out our most recent YouTube video. You may find a little surprise in there as well!

~Shana

My Morning Skincare Routine

For many years, the concept of a skincare routine baffled me. When I was young, I was extremely oily and acne prone, and as I've gotten older I'm still pretty oily, but I turn combination in the colder months. Fortunately, I've grown to appreciate my oily skin, I realize that it keeps my skin hydrated and may help me age a little more forgivingly. Even if that is the case, I do think it's important to use good skincare. I started dabbling in "anti-aging" products in my early twenties, my thought was that if I was going to freeze my face at any point, thats probably the time to do it. The quality of my skincare was elevated when I met two of my friends who are aestheticians, someone who specializes in taking care of the skin. These two introduced me to most of the products and brands that I continue to use today. 

I think it's important to cleanse, moisturize and protect the skin daily, so that's what I do. Most days I use the Clarisonic Pro Cleansing Brush along with my Glo Therapeutics Purifying Gel Cleanser to cleanse my skin in the morning. This cleanser is perfect for ridding the skin of dirt and excessive oils, however, I never feel that it strips my skin of moisture. I have pretty tough skin, so I can get away with using my Clarisonic Brush once a day. When I feel that my skin needs a little more of a pick me up, I also exfoliate with the NIA24 Physical Cleansing Scrub. I know it sounds aggressive, however, the particles are very fine and gently exfoliate the skin without aggravating it. Once I've cleansed my skin, I move onto the lotions and potions... 

If I have any residual eye makeup on, I use this Pevonia Botanica Eye Makeup Remover. The solution is very gentle and has never irritated my eyes. I like to apply an eye cream during the day, and I've used the Vital Eye Cream from Glo Therapeutics for years. They recently starting packaging it in this convenient tube situation which seems much more hygienic and easier to use. Jeremy and I have used Glo Therapeutics Oil- Free Moisturizer for years as well, its lightweight and has never made me greasy. I think its funny, though, because I've started adding 2 or 3 drops of Beauty Counter's Balancing Facial Oil to my daily moisturizer, which makes me think my concoction isn't oil free anymore. The Balancing Oil heals and lightly nourishes my skin, and it absorbs quickly into the skin.  The oil is the newest addition to my routine, and I think I love everything about it, from the scent to way it moisturizes my skin. It makes my morning routine feel a little more luxe.

We all know that investing in our skincare is well worth it. And, having a quality morning skincare routine can truly add that extra pep into your step... and your skin! 

What skincare products do you use in the morning, to prep your skin for the day? Share your tips in the comments below.

~ Shana

What's In Her Bag? ~ Hi, Felecia!

I don't know if you're as nosy as I am, but I LOVE to go through people's makeup bags. I like seeing how simple or elaborate their day-to-day makeup routine is. And, I'm often surprised by my friends collections, even though they claim to be "easy" or "low-maintenance". That's why I wanted to start a new series where I feature the makeup bags of the beloved ladies in my life. I want to see what they are using, what they are loving, and if they have any secrets that they are keeping from me. 

I have a diverse group of friends, and I love it! I've got the singles, the moms, the low fuss, the fussier, the hippies... They're all over the place. I thought it was fitting that for my first feature friend, I'd introduce you to Felecia. She's a 27 year old mother of 1, who does administrative work for She and her husband's companies, family photography and runs her own blog. That's a pretty busy lady! Felecia describes her makeup routine as " Fast and Furious" because she's always on the go. That's something that we can all relate to, right?

Felecia's Everyday Makeup

Felecia perfects her complexion with Lancôme Tient Idole Ultra, which doesn't clog her pores. She uses MAC Studio Finish Concealor to cover dark circles, without creasing. To add definition to her eyes, Felecia swears by the Tarte Energy Noir Face Palette. The fresh blush and the purple toned eye shadows make her eyes pop! She finishes off her eye look with this Marcelle Mascara, she discovered it through Birchbox, and likes that it curls and lengthens on the first pass. Who wouldn't love that? Her last step is to add a natural amount of color to her lips and for this she uses Lancôme Color Design Lipstick in The New Pink. Felecia loves this lipstick because it's her perfect "My lips, but better" color.  

Photo of Felecia by Aria Images

I loved peering into my friend's makeup bag, and I'm honestly inspired to up my makeup game. What are your must-have beauty products? Leave your favorites in the comments below, and keep an eye out for our next installment of "What's in Her Bag?"

Finding My Face ~ A Week Without Makeup

The original idea for a week without makeup stemmed from a series of conversations with my Husband, where he would make comments about the amount of makeup that I had on. I thought that these comments were odd because I've always worn makeup, we met while I was in cosmetology school, and as far as he knows I've always been into all things beauty. How am I wearing "a lot" of makeup, now? So, I thought back. I started watching YouTube beauty tutorials about 3 years ago, and shortly thereafter started my own channel. I started buying more makeup... and wearing more makeup. Maybe he was right.

The more that I thought about it, I was trying to copy these YouTubers who were contouring their noses, their cheekbones, and either earlobes. Just kidding, I've never contoured my earlobes. And, being in the beauty industry I felt this pressure to wear these looks all the time. Full Glam, all of the time. And, that's a lot. I realized that sometimes I enjoyed creating these uber-glam, dramatic looks, but sometimes I just felt burdened. Like I couldn't leave the house without something on my face. I felt that because I help people on a daily basis with their image, I had to be decked out all the time, but I wasn't enjoying the process. And, I kinda forgot what I looked like. So, I wanted to stop, take a break, and reset.

At the beginning of the week, I was nervous, because I figured that this week would just drive home the point to me that I HAD to have some makeup on to not look dead. The funny thing is that I never heard anyone say " Are you tired?", " How are you?", " Are things ok, you look a little down?" We've all heard them and we know that these are just code for "You look rough, girl!" That's the thing though, people noticed that I looked different, but not in a negative way. The most critical, if that, thing I heard was " What's different? I can't put my finger on it." I'll take it! Most people aren't walking around assessing the amount of makeup that you have on, we are doing that to ourselves. I, also, noticed how clear and radiant my skin got as the week went on. Without a primer, foundation, setting powder, blush, bronzer and a setting spray on my skin it could finally breathe. I did make sure to get plenty of rest and drink tons of water, which I think helped the cause, too.

What I learned from this week was that, shocker, we are our own worst critics. And, it's easy to follow what social media tells us we should be doing with our beauty routines. The thing is that makeup should be fun and enhance your already present beauty. If you want to go all out, full glam every Tuesday with your makeup, do it. But, do it because YOU want to. Not because you think you have to transform yourself to be beautiful. You are beautiful!

As I've shifted back into wearing makeup, I've mixed up my routine. I don't feel the need for a heavy, matte foundation, so I've been just spot concealing or wearing a small amount of a sheer foundation. I've cut back on tight lining with my eyeliner, and sometimes I just cut it out completely, because I've noticed that I have so much less irritation with my contacts. And, I've kept up my skincare routine. Our mother's were right, If we take care of our skin, we won't have to cover it up as much. Thanks, Mom!

So, Here's my challenge for you... Try a week without makeup. You may surprise yourself, and find an old friend.