I'm turning the corner to 30 and have made some major lifestyle changes. In the past few months I have quit smoking and started exercising and eating right (lost 20 pounds so far). I've been feeling much better about myself and my makeup skills are definitely improving.After trying samples of several types of foundation I decided the best for me was MAC SFF NC15. Even though many people have reported breakouts from this foundation, my skin is actually looking better. This may be because I'm extra diligent about washing my face due to the previously mentioned reviews. Now that I've built up a nice collection of makeup I'm looking more into skincare and building a routine that works for me. Right now I'm trying out a Philosophy routine.
And it's Awesome! My skin hasn't looked this good in ... years. It isn't nearly as oily, most of my redness has gone away, and I have very little acne. I bought the Magical Minis kit at Sephora and I'm definitely going to to buy most of the full size products once my small bottles run out. The two part microdelivery peel is amazing! I couldn't believe how much it helped my skin.
I've also recently gotten an new hairstyle. For the first time every I'm blowing my hair straight and touching it up with a flat iron. I'm done tons of research on the best hair products for my hair type and for heat protection. I'm currently using Joico K-pak or Aveda Smooth Infusion shampoo and conditioner followed by Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep and CHI Silk Infusion then a styling gel before blowing out. So far so good.
Products Received from Meg:
China Glaze Emerald Sparkle Nail Polish - I love this!! It has started me on a sparkle nail polish obsession.
Nicole Paxson Powder - I over did it the first time I used this. It is definitely darker than my skintone so I had to apply it to my neck too since I was in a hurry and didn't have time to remove it. I really liked it but it's too dark to use except as maybe a bronzer.
Aero Minerals Makeup Mist Shimmer - I've used this some as a shimmery highlight. It's a nice product but I don't think I'll run out to buy more when it runs out.
Age:
29
My Drink:
Beer!
Makeup Style:
Just Enough
City/State:
Monroe, Georgia
Country:
USA
Eye Color:
Brown
Skin Type:
Combination
Skin Tone:
Ivory
Special Skin Characteristics:
Wrinkles
Acne
Dark Circles
Rosacea
Hair Color:
Brunette
Color Is:
Natural
Hair Type:
Curly
Hair Texture:
Fine
Vices:
Lipstick
Face Creams
Eyeshadows
Desert Island Items:
My Husband
Pocket Knife
Q-tip
My Beauty Secret:
Self-confidence. With that anyone can be beautiful.
My Routine:
My routine starts with Philosophy Microdelivery cleanser, Hope in a Jar moisturizer, MAC P&P SPF50, MAC SFF NC15, some random concealer, MAC blot powder, blush, TFSI or UDPP eyeshadow primer, various shadows (love MAC and UD), eyeliner (love smudgepots), blowdryer heated lash curler, UD lash primer. mascara, lipstick or gloss with primer and liner. My lipcolor comes with me in my purse and I'm off to work.
Now that I've gotten my hair cut and am doing a straight look. I wash it every other day with Joico K-pac or Aveda Smooth Infusion s&c, leave in Aveda Smooth Infustion Style Prep Smoother, CHI Silk Infusion, smART Slick Fix styling gel, blow mostly dry, blow out with a round brush, spritz with CHI 44 Iron Guard, touch up with my CHI flat iron. So far I'm just under 1 hour including the shower. Practice makes perfect.
My nighttime routine includes makeup removal with Neutrogena cloths and oil-free eye makeup remover. Then I wash my face with Philosophy Purity. Most nights I remember to put on the Help Me retinol treatment and the Eye Hope stuff, then Hope in a Jar moisturizer. Once a week I'm going to use the Microdelivery peel 2 step system. I've only used it once so far and the effects were amazing. It's the first time I ever said "WOW, look at that" after using a skincare product.
I've recently tested several liquid foundations and found MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 to be the best for my skin. It covers well and stays looking nice all day.
Cream/gel eyeliners are the way to go! When I use a pencil it feels like I'm pulling at my eyelid. Even with high quality pencils I still can't get a nice line. Gel liner and a brush make it easy.