Organizers For a Gal On a Budget

I have so much makeup and no where to keep it all.  My bathroom is overcrowded, and I can't seem to find what I want when I want it.  Frustrating.

The other day I went to Target and happened to check out there $1.00 section.  Some things are so corny that I just like looking and laughing, but this time, I actually found some pretty good finds. 

(See picture above) 

The pink square plastic container works awesome for all my loose eye shadows.  (The plastic will make it easy to clean.)  And the buckets work perfectly for setting all my brushes in.  (Relax, I only threw a couple things in for this picture, I am by no means finished.)  After being completely happy with my purchases I am now wanting to go back to get more to organize the rest of my makeup collection. 

See?  You don't always have to spend a lot of money.  And I take back what I said, Target...your $1.00 section isn't that corny.  :)

How Dirty Are Your Makeup Brushes?

So recently I've been taking a "survey" with people I know, and some I don't.  "How often do you wash your makeup brushes?"  This question is usually followed by silence.  No need for the answer ladies, I'm sure it's not as much as it should be.  To be quite honest, I really never thought about it myself.  Usually my skin has gone through a thorough cleansing process before any of my makeup is applied.  But think about this...

Makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil.  (Talk about a spa day for bacteria...YUCK!)  Without cleansing brushes properly all your doing is reapplying that "crud" to what you thought was your clean face.  Now, it is recommended that brushes be cleaned once a week.  More so, if you use pigments and foil with glitters, metallics, etc.  Once a week really isn't that bad if you think about it....right?

Here's what I do:  (Don't worry, you don't have to go out and buy any special cleanser!)

1.  Gather all your brushes.
2.  Grab your shampoo and conditioner.  (Any kind will do!)
3.  Put a small dab of shampoo in your hand, rub brushes in your hands.  (Be gentle!)
4.  Rinse with warm water.
5.  Condition brushes with conditioner.  Tip:  It's ok to be generous; rub it in to make sure you get inside some of the thicker brushes.
6.  Rinse with warm water.
7.  Lightly squeeze excess water from brushes. 
8.  Lay brushes out to air dry on a dry towel.

Tip:  Cleanse brushes at night so they are all set and ready to go in the morning!

Once they are dry; gently take the brush and stroke your hand over the bristles.  Voila!  They should be as good as new. 

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Review

FTC Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with any companies mentioned.  This review is not sponsored.  Products were purchased solely by me, unless otherwise stated; all opinions and experiences are that of my own.

Aren't familiar with eyeshadow primers?  Here's a quick lesson!  The job of any "good" primer helps your eyeshadow color become more vibrant, makes it last longer, minimizes any creasing, and provides for all-day wear.  I've been skeptical of many eyeshadow primers; none seemed to hold like they said they would.  So frustrating! 

Until... Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.  It did all that!

Thursday night I went to a hockey game with my friends.  It gets cold inside the arena and for some reason my makeup always seems to fade right away.  But not with this primer potion.  It stayed on the ENTIRE  game and even out for some drinks.  I was (and still am) extremely impressed! 

It's super easy to apply;  pull the wand out of the bottle, dab on your eye and rub it in.  It goes on so smooth allowing for easy blending.  Yay!  Tip:  Put some on the bottom lash to help keep your eyeliner on!

PROS:  It works wonders!  I can't say enough about this product.  You'll have to try it for yourself to see what I'm talking about.

CONS:  It's expensive.  I paid $18.00 at Ulta.  But it's well worth it!  Trust me.

Ciao Mia Bella Grade:  A++

Eyebrow Threading...Is it for you?

Eyebrow threading is a technique that has been around for centuries.  Commonly used in the Middle East to remove unwanted hair on the face; the technique is executed by using thread that is 100% cotton (Go Green!) by twisting and pulling the hair out. 

(Image provided by InsideSoCal.com "The Bargain Hunter")

I was first introduced to this technique by my sister.  Prior to her wedding she went to the doctor and was put on a acne medication that thinned her skin.  At this point, waxing was not option.  Who really wants their skin to be pulled off for the sake of beauty, right?  Anyways, she was told that eyebrow threading was the safest way to go.  As far as trying it?  There weren't many options in Green Bay to try it at the time, until I spotted a kiosk at the mall.  To be quite honest, I was a little skeptical at first, but I tried it anyway.  After approximately 10 minutes?  I had the most beautiful looking eyebrows I've EVER had!  I was seriously impressed. 

NOTE:  I am one of those people who is extremely obsessed with eyebrows; mine and other peoples'.  For years I've tried waxing my own because I was not pleased at how others would do them.

Here's a list of some things to consider!

PROS

• No need to worry about harmful chemicals, it's done with 100% cotton thread
• It's extremely precise; which I adore!
• It didn't make me break out afterwards like waxing does!  (Obviously a bonus!)
• Definately FASTER than plucking.
• Personally, my eyebrows didn't grow back as fast versus having them waxed!
• It's cheaper, even with the tip! 
• Sanitary!  I hold my eyebrow, they don't touch my face.  And I don't have to worry about the salons that double dip in their waxing pods (GROSS!)
• Overtime it damages the hair follicle, stopping hair growth!
• My eyebrows grew back thinner and much lighter.  (I have dark brown-blackish hair so this is a huge plus!)
• This is great for people who have sensitive skin, like myself.
• When I've gone there were even male clients!  (So ladies take your boyfriends/husbands so that unibrow is FINALLY GONE!)
• There is no hard tugging like waxing does, therefore, it doesn't cause wrinkles!  HURRAY!

CONS

• The very first time, I won't lie, it hurts!  Tip:  Numb your eyebrows with ice before you go!
• Finding a place in a smaller city might be hard. 
• To have it done, some hair growth is necessary.

...all in all, not too bad.  Personally I didn't feel like the pain was all that different than say getting your eyebrows waxed.  I am extremely happy with the results.  Try it, it can't hurt (that bad)  :)

XOXO Ciao!

EOS (Evolution of Smooth) VS. Burt's Bees Lip Balm

FTC Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with any companies mentioned.  This review is not sponsored.  Products were purchased solely by me, unless otherwise stated; all opinions and experiences are that of my own.

For those of you that don't know me, I'll start by saying this;  "Hi, my name is Kim, and I have a complete obsession with Lip Balms."  I've tried all kinds, and I've really gotten picky about all of them.  (I need something that has a long stay, that fits into my pocket and purse quite nicely.)  Having chapstick on hand whereever I go; it truly is a must!

Many people haven't heard (or maybe you have) of EOS or Evolution of Smooth Lip Balm.  It's 95% Organic (which I love), 100% natural (Love too!) paraben and petrolatum free. It's packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil.  You can visit their website @ http://www.evolutionofsmooth.com/.  EOS comes in five different flavors (currently); superfruit, lemon drop SPF 15, honeysuckle honeydew, medicated tangerine, and sweet mint.  They all come in ball shaped containers and have a twist off cover.  (See picture above)  Listed price on website: $3.29; which is actually what I paid for at Ulta Beauty Store.

Now most of us have heard of Burt's Bees.  I have their entire line of lip balms, and have become strangely obsessed with their products.  This lip balm is also 100% natural and packed with antioxidant-rich vitamins.  Burt's Bees comes in nine different choices (currently); nourishing lip balm with mango butter, rejuvenating lip balm with acai berry, replenishing lip balm with pomegranate oil, beeswax lip balm, sun protecting lip balm SPF 8, honey lip balm, medicated lip balm, lifeguard's choice lip balm, res-q lip balm SPF 15.  Listed on their website http://www.burtsbees.com/, each tube will run you $3.00.  You can find these almost anywhere! 

So what's the difference?

First, let me start off by saying that either one of them is a great purchase.  EOS (I have the superfruit) comes in a circular container, as you can see from the picture above.  Putting it on is simple; rub the ball right on your lips.  The thing that I didn't care for was the ball shape and it's not so great to put in your pocket, BUT excellent to put (AND FIND) in your purse when you need it.  I wore mine out to watch the Superbowl, and people kept looking at me like I was crazy when I was applying it.  I got many "what in the world is that?" comments.  Coverage is ok, I had to re-apply many times.  (Take into consideration that in Green Bay the average (high) temperature has been around 15 degrees.)  The scent on the Superfruit was mild, you could still smell the "waxiness" of the product. Overall, not a bad find.  I paid $3.29 at Ulta Beauty Store.  (EOS site lists the same price for those of you wanting to order).

In comparison to Burt's Bees:  it doesn't come close.  I really am fond of my Burt's Bees to the point where if I can't find it, my day really turns sour.  My favorite Burt's is definately the Rejuvanating Lip Balm with Acai Berry.  Now, around here it's hard to find.  I got mine at Ulta for approximately $3.00.  (I never go anywhere without it.)  Coverage is great!  And my lips really do feel super soft after using it.  I notice myself putting it on more times than not  because I like the smell and feel so much.  Like I mentioned, Green Bay is horrible during the winter months and lip care is a must!  I can have horrible chapped lips (I hate to admit that) but when I put this on they feel much better. 

Overall, they are both great products.  I just personally think Burt's works better for me.

Feel free to leave your comments and/or opinions on either.  I'd love to hear what you have to say about either product.

XOXO Ciao!

Welcome! My new Blog Beginnings...

Welcome everyone!  I must say I've been excited about starting this blog for many years.  (I know...lame!)  But I've never really gotten around to doing it. 

My motivation;  1.  I have some time while looking for a job.  2.  People always ask me questions about my makeup and/or products I use.  What better way to have it all at your hands?  3.  Makeup can get expensive, so why not be able to help people save money on products that actually do work.  (I'll take suggestions myself too!)

Now, I'm by no means a makeup expert, but I absolutely love it!  As a little girl I wanted to be a makeup artist and well...I still kinda do!  Although I chose a different career path (I'm currently a Registered Nurse), I still love to check out different products and offer up any of my opinions on them.  :)