General
Natural Beauty Secret: Coconut Oil
I cannot live without coconut oil. Aside from Apple Cider Vinegar, it is my go to miracle product for everything from dry skin to brittle hair.
I have recently been eliminating products from my personal beauty routine that contain unnecessary chemicals. Unfortunately this has not left me with much to work with, especially in terms of lotions and shampoo/conditioners. Luckily, I had a large bottle of coconut oil in my kitchen which has been my lifesaver!
There are so many uses for coconut oil, it would be impossible to cover them all. Here are the top ways to incorporate this amazing product in your beauty routine:
Brittle Hair
Before bed, apply a quarter size scoop of coconut oil in damp hair and brush it through. Roll your hair into a bun and put on a shower cap, or protect your pillow with an old towel. In the morning, shampoo as normal. Coconut oil helps aid in preventing protein loss and nourishes dry, damaged hair like a charm.
Dry Skin
You can apply coconut oil just as you would any other lotion. It works best on slightly damp skin, so applying after your shower is ideal. Massage it into your skin day or night. Many also use it to treat psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
I recently got home from a trip to Peru, where the climate was extremely humid. Aside from horrible hair days, the humidity was awesome for my skin, I didn’t put lotion on once! Since I’ve returned, my skin has been twice as dry as it normally is..so dry that it’s actually flaking. It’s gross. Every morning when I get out of the shower, when my skin is still wet, I apply coconut oil on my entire body. It’s not only extremely moisturizing but it leaves skin with a really nice glow that lasts for hours. It has completely healed my dry skin.
Moisturizer
Coconut oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, and works great as a night-time moisturizer. I combine it with several other oils and let it soak in as I sleep. If you’re prone to acne, test a little bit on a small part of your face before you go all out and slather yourself down. It does not make me break out at all, in fact I feel like it helps clear up my skin. However, it’s always best to test it on yourself since everyone is different.
Eat It!
Coconut oil has even more benefits when you ingest it! Use it when you cook, or even just eat a tablespoon of it to capitalize on the benefits. You will also start to notice it working from the inside out in terms of shinier hair and smooth skin!
It is an oil so naturally it contains fat, but it’s packed with good fats! Dr. Oz recently ran a two episode special on his show, called Coconut Oil Superpowers. He listed the benefits as cholesterol reducing, thyroid balancing, blood sugar controlling, and immune enhancing. It also helps with digestion, prevents heart disease and high blood pressure, supports kidney and gall bladder functions and even aids in weight loss.
Alzheimer’s
Coconut Oil has recently been in the spotlight for it’s miraculous progress in reversing Alzheimer’s. Read about that on the Alliance for Natural Health’s website here
And if you don’t believe me…
Victoria’s Secret models swear by it
Miranda Kerr has been a long time advocate for coconut oil. She’s been taking it since she was 14 years old and has been quoted to say, “I will not go a day without coconut oil. I personally take four tablespoons per day, either on my salads, in my cooking or in my cups of green tea.”
Candice Swanepoel tweeted a photo of coconut oil with the caption “My no1 beauty secret :)”
Doutzen Kroes told Modelina, “I put coconut oil in my hair, it keeps it soft and shiny. Put a bit in before you go to sleep at night and wash it out in the morning.”
Giselle Bundchen has her own line of organic skin care whose main ingredient is Coconut oil. She has also said, “use coconut oil on your body at night. it will help sooth and hydrate the skin if you’ve stayed in the sun too long”
What should I look for in my coconut oil?
When purchasing Coconut Oil it’s important to buy Cold Pressed, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. If you have the choice always pick the organic, GMO (Genetically Modified) free kind to ensure your coconut oil is in it’s purest form. You can buy coconut oil at any health food store (Whole Foods, Sprouts, Mother’s etc) or Amazon has great prices. Considering how much you receive in a tub, it’s super economical!
If my coconut oil turns to liquid, is it still good?
Coconut oil does not need to be refrigerated. However, it warm temperatures it will melt and turn to liquid. It’s still perfectly good and will go back to solid form when the weather cools down.
Do you use coconut oil? What is your favorite way to incorporate it in your life?
Beauty Icon: Marilyn Monroe Would Have Been 85 Today
Can you believe Marilyn Monroe would have been 85 today?! In honor of one of the most famous beauty icons of the 20th century, check out some of Marilyn’s beauty secrets (although we can’t say that they’ll actually work).
1. Marilyn’s first husband Jim Dougherty recalls that she used to wash her face with Shu Uemura cleansing oil and then rinsed 15 times with cold water.
2. Monroe used either Elizabeth Arden’s Pat-A-Creme foundation or Erno Laszlo foundation. She also used Erno Laszlo Duo-Phase Face Powder.
3. She would take ice baths (with a little bit of Chanel No. 5 added in) to keep her skin tight and cellulite free.
4. She always used Nivea Skin Moisturizing lotion.
5. Marilyn layered five different red lipsticks, strategically placed, to contour and highlight her lips and give depth and fullness.
6. She always wore false eyelashes but would cut them in half and only apply the outer half.
Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe!
5 Beauty Resolutions to Start Right Now
1. Wash Your Face at Night, Every Night
Yes, it’s annoying and obviously you want to climb into bed as soon as you can, especially after a night out, but washing your face needs to be a consistent step in your beauty routine!
As you sleep, your skin works to repair itself. If you don’t wash your face, not only are preventing your skin from breathing, but you are letting all of the dirt, oil, and debris from the day soak into your skin and clog your pores!
Don’t Believe Me?
Squeeze some toner to a cotton pad and apply it to your face at the end of the day. Now, look at the cotton pad. Most likely, the cotton pad will be dirty and disgusting. This is what sits on your face for hours while you sleep!!
At the very least, keep a pack of cleansing wipes on your bedside table to do a quick rub down before you pass out. Your skin will thank you in the morning.
2. Splurge on Foundation
I’m a huge fan of scouring the drugstore beauty aisles in search of amazing steals, but there is one item (okay, maybe not just one:)) that I will not skimp on. Foundation!
While you can definitely find a few gems in the drugstore, (I love Revlon Colorstay and Black Opal foundations), nothing really compares to higher end, professional foundations.
You have a greater chance of finding your perfect shade, the quality is better and you’ll have more options when it comes to the type of finish you desire, be it dewy, matte, satin, natural etc..
Perfect your canvas and you’ll find that the rest of your makeup will just look better.
3. Stop Smoking Now
You know it’s bad for you, so why haven’t you quit?
Aside from the fact that you are 10-20 times more likely to get lung cancer than a non smoker, you are aging yourself with every puff!
With each inhale, more than a trillion free radicals are produced in your lungs. Free radicals speed up the aging process immensely. Smoking also depletes the collagen in your skin, which in turn, gives you premature wrinkles. Collagen fibers are protein fibers which work with elastin to give your body tissue firmness and strength.
Aside from aging you at a much faster rate, smoking also:
-Causes dark circles
-Clogs pores
-Gives you ugly lip lines
-Turns your teeth yellow
-Makes your hair brittle and dull
Stay beautiful, stop smoking!
4. Learn How to Apply False Eyelashes
Applying false eyelashes is on the majority of women’s “wtf, how do I do this” list. Despite the frustrations they cause, false lashes are a great way to jazz up your makeup and add a little extra drama to your eyes on special occasions. This year, face your fear of the false lash and learn to apply them once and for all!
Tips:
-Use a handheld or vanity mirror and position it on the counter so you are looking down (with your eyes) into it. This will put your eyes at the perfect angle and you will still be able to see what you are doing.
-One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to apply the lash before the glue is tacky! This is so important! Wait longer than you think you should and it will be so much easier to get the lash to adhere. If you apply before the glue has a chance to get sticky, it will make a huge mess as the lash flutters around, unattached to your eyelid.
-Cut the lash in half and apply each half separately! The smaller strip will be easier to manipulate until you get the hang of it.
5. Clean Out Your Makeup Bag
Alright, tell the truth, how old is that lipstick in the bottom of your makeup bag?
Many women are unaware that their makeup actually has a shelf life. This year, freshen up your makeup collection by trashing any item that has been lingering around for longer than you’d like to admit.
The Shelf Life of Your Makeup
Check out my post on how to tell if your makeup is expired: HERE
What are Your Beauty Resolutions This Year??
How to Look Good Under Fluorescent Lights
Makeup Tips For the Office
Millions of people work in an office environment. We sit inside classrooms from the time we are five years old, until we are 18+. With so much of our lives spent beneath fluorescent lighting, it is a shame just how unflattering it really is!! While candlelight may not be ideal, it sure as hell would make us all look a lot better 
! On a recent trip to the doctor’s office, I was visually assaulted by the powerful, cobalt blue eyeshadow beaming off of the receptionist’s eyelids. While mildly inappropriate at 8am under most circumstances, the fluorescent lighting was not doing this poor woman any favors. If you are working in an office or attending school, these next few tips are dedicated to you! Your makeup can still look hot despite your unfortunate lighting circumstances 
Keep Reading for the Do’s and Don’ts of Fluorescent Lighting
How To: Make Your Nose Look Thinner
Rhinoplasty is one of the top five most common plastic surgery procedures performed each year! The good news is makeup can be an effective way to slim your nose instead of choosing to go under the knife.
Plastic Surgeons say Kate Middleton has the most requested nose.
Using Makeup to Create the Illusion of a New Nose
What You’ll Need:
Contour Powder/Cream
You can use a product made specifically for contouring, or try a foundation 2-3 shades darker than your skin tone. Soft matte brown eyeshadow can work just as well too! If you’re a makeup beginner, I recommend starting out with a powder product vs cream.
My favorite contour products are Kevyn Aucoin’s Sculpting Powder, and Senna Cosmetic’s Contour kit (cream). The contour shades are really unique and give off a “shadow” color which is exactly what you want your contouring to look like!
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Highlight
I prefer a matte highlighter when contouring noses. An off white/nude eyeshadow can work well. My favorite highlight is a lighter foundation color. Try a color 2-3 shades lighter than your skintone.
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Angled Brush
An angled brush works great for sculpting noses. Keep it small and firm so that you have more control over where your product ends up.
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Fluffy Blending Brush or Sponge
For blending your contouring. I prefer the Beauty Blender sponge to soften lines, but brushes work well too.
How To: Slim a Wide Nose
Step 1- Whether or not you apply your foundation before or after your contour is a personal preference. I like to apply contour after I’ve done foundation because I feel like I have more control over what the end result will look like.
Step 2- Dip your angled brush into your contour powder/cream/eyeshadow and draw a line down each side of your nose. Keep it light. It’s easier to build product than to take it away. (Check out the diagram above to get an idea about where to place your lines).
**Different Contour Placement Options: Depending on Your Specific Nose**
If your nose is wide all the way up, carry your line to the bridge of the nose. Blend into the tip of your eyebrow for a seamless transition.
If your nose is wider at the bottom, draw a small line outward when you get to your nostrils.
If the tip is wide or bulbous (I hate that word! I had to use it though, sorry), draw a “down-facing arrow” once you reach the bottom. This will give the illusion of a slimmer tip.
Step 3: Clean off your brush.
Step 4: Dip your brush in your highlight powder/cream/ eyeshadow and draw a slender stripe down the center of your nose. (See Diagram).
If the bottom or tip of your nose is wide, only take your highlight half-way down.
Step 5: Take a clean fluffy brush or makeup sponge and blend your lines (try not to blend them together though). Blend until you can’t see a “line” anymore; just subtle shadows. It should look natural!
Obviously, my diagram is just for reference. Please don’t go outside with stripes down your nose..
If you have followed the directions correctly, you should notice a subtle change in your nose! Let me know if it worked for you, or if you have any questions!!
How To: Conceal a Pimple
We all get them, and for some reason it’s usually during life’s most inconvenient moments! Your wedding, prom, first date, important meeting… you know how it goes. Instead of freaking out and playing hooky, try these simple steps to cover up the monster and live your life!
Megan covers up her pimples too! From a distance, they are practically invisible
Zap Your Zits With Makeup
1. If you have time, press an ice cube onto the offender for several minutes. Ice will help to make the swelling go down and will also reduce the redness. You can also rub a little Visine on it; Visine banishes the red in your eyes and does the same for pimples!
2. If it’s already been popped, apply some moisturizer to eliminate as much flakiness and dryness as possible.
3. Apply your full foundation. Covering up any pimples you may have is the last step.
4. Next, get out your concealer, and it should match your skin perfectly! I hear a lot of people recommending that your concealer be lighter than your skin. MAYBE for under eyes but not when covering up zits. If you use a lighter concealer, it will just bring unwanted attention to your monster.
5. Load up a concealer brush, the pointier ones will work best for this. Now, stipple the concealer onto your zit with the brush.
**Stippling means to dab the product on, rather than rubbing or stroking it over your zit. Pretend you’re doing morse code over your pimple! **
You want as much coverage as possible and stroking tends to rub off the product. No bueno.
5. Now that the product has been stippled on, blend the outer edges of the concealer into the rest of your foundation. DO NOT touch or blend the actual zit. If the concealer that’s layering your pimple looks cakey or thick, keep stippling it in, or dab the excess off with your finger.
6. Once the outer edges have been blended, set the area gently with powder. Loose powder is best but if you have to use a compact powder don’t rub it on. Take an eyeshadow brush, load it up with your powder and gently touch it to the newly concealed pimple.
Voila!
**REMEMBER: Makeup can only cover up color, not texture. You will probably still see “the bump” but as long as it matches the rest of your face, it won’t be noticeable.
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Concealers I Recommend:
Makeup Forever Camouflage Creme Palettes.
Benefit’s Boi-ing Concealer
Amazing Cosmetics Concealer
Look Your Best: Getting Back to the Grind
Say No To The Monday Blues!
The Holidays Are Over!! Yay!!
No offense if you’re a total fan, but I know I could do without all the excessive spending, little to no work, and added drama Regardless of how you feel about them, they are over for another year and now is the time to think about heading back to work/school/the grind tomorrow! Whether you’ve added a few extra pounds, partied too hard, or lost sleep over how your bank account is holding up after Christmas, try these tips to look well rested, and fresh for the new year.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep!
First and foremost, a good night’s sleep will give you a clear head and make you look well-rested (without having to fake it!). Experts recommend getting at least 8 hours. Your body, mind and soul and will be ready for whatever you throw at it tomorrow, if you get enough sleep tonight!
Experiment with a Bright Color.
Bright colors are fun, playful and scream “confident!” Try a purple eyeliner, or a wash of green eyeshadow over your eyelids. If you’re heading to the office, experiment with a colorful lipstick. I love glossy, watermelon colored lips! Or try a hot pink like Alexis Bledel (above).
Add A Little Glow.
Nothing screams “fresh-faced” like glowy skin! Look how gorgeous Hayden Pannettiere looks with a dewy complexion! To get the look: add a highlighter (my favorite is of course, NARS Multiple in Copacabana) to the tops of your cheekbones and done the bridge of your nose. If you don’t have a highlighter on hand, take a shimmery champagne eyeshadow or pigment, load up a fluffy brush with the color and lightly sweep along your cheekbones. Viola!
Take it one step further by rubbing your whole body down with a shimmery body lotion.
Pamper your Peepers.
If you are tired or hungover, your eyes will give it away! Make sure to give your peepers a little extra TLC tonight, and your whole face will thank you in the morning. Take a chamomile tea bag, soak it in warm water for 2-3 minutes and place them over your eyes for 10 minutes. Cucumbers work just as well to reduce bags and puff!
Beauty on a Budget
99 Cents Only Stores = Unexpected Beauty Goldmine!
I was running errands today and decided to run into a 99 Cents Only store to pick up a few things for cheap. I got sucked in so deep and winded up buying way more than anticipated but I probably saved $50!! The beauty section is always hit or miss in these stores but today I left with six pairs of eyelashes for $4! If you are on a strict budget, don’t worry! 99 Cents Only Stores are an amazing resource to pick up some great beauty items for practically nothing!
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I Reccomend:
Eyelashes. If you can find them, I definitely recommend picking some up fast! At $4.99 a pop in the drugstore, these are amazing finds.
Anything With a Name Brand. A lot of times, 99 Cents Only Stores get shipments of items that do not sell in the stores, or may have broken containers. I saw some Banana Boat self tanner (not the kind I use) in perfect condition! They also had a lot of L’Oreal.
Hair Accessories. The store I went to had SO many combs, brushes, bobby pins, rubber bands, clips etc. This is a great place to stock up on hair items, and you could potentially save tons of money! I’ve gotten an economy pack of combs before and the quality was great. The brushes look a little sketchy so take a good look at them before you decide to buy. This time, I bought 100 black bobby pins (see pic above!).
Sunscreen. I saw soo many bottles of sunscreen it was insane. Banana Boat and Coppertone in Sport, Waterproof and spray! I was excited to see the spray kind because I use it on set to make skin shiny, and it’s usually over $8! Since it’s winter, they were way overstocked on sun protection.
Random Items. I bought a small bottle of glycerine (I use it to simulate sweat and tears) in CVS it’s a few bucks awhile back, and just bought a big one today for of course, 99 cents. There were also random items that could save you a few dollars here and there such as loofahs, nail polish remover, brand name toothpastes, Chapstick, Q-Tips, cotton balls and hydrogen peroxide.
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I Would Stay Away From:
Shampoo and Body Wash. Not that it would be bad to use, just not ideal. I think all the shampoos and body washes were the 99 Cents Only Store brand and I cannot imagine them being the best quality.
Skincare. Unless it’s a recognizable brand name, I would stay away from the generic skincare that line the shelves of the store. I took a look at an “Aloe Vera” moisturizer which looked good, but discovered there was no aloe vera in the ingredient’s list! Only mineral oil and a bunch of other chemicals. No bueno.
My Eyelash Purchase:
These eyelashes came in packs of two, so I was able to get two pairs for 99 cents! They look pretty cool; definitely for more dramatic looks since they are on the long side. I can also use them to layer over other eyelash strips too since they are pretty sparse.
These pairs came individually so I spent $2 on both. I like these more because they are a lot shorter and more natural looking. They look almost identical to the lashes I buy a lot from CVS. I would have gotten more pairs but I literally picked up every pair they had. You’ll have to look hard to find them since they seem to be a hot ticket item!
How To: Look Good on the Slopes
Snow Bunnies are Sexy!
I’m in Colorado for the week and I am being a typical California girl in the snow, freaked out and way under dressed lol! Although it’s a bit daunting, I’ve picked up on some great tips, so this post is dedicated to the ladies who are struggling to look cute on the slopes this Winter.
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Wear Sunscreen-
Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. In fact, snow reflects 80% of the suns rays so you actually need it more! Choose a waterproof sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin and eliminate the risk of looking like a lobster later on in the cabin.
Go Waterproof-
Every time I go snowboarding I wind up soaking wet, probably because I spend half the time on my butt post fall lol! Obviously, when snow melts it becomes water, so it’s common sense to choose waterproof makeup before hitting the slopes to reduce the risk of your mascara running and you eyeliner rubbing off. L’Oreal Voluminous mascara has a really good waterproof version. Smashbox’s Jet Set eyeliner is a great waterproof formula and MUFE’s Aqua Eyes eyeliner does not budge!
Skip the Blush-
When it’s cold outside, your skin will naturally start to flush. When you’ve been snowboarding or skiing, not only are you exposed to the cold for long periods of time but you’re exercising too! Chances are you will have perfect “just-been-skiing” cheeks naturally!
Less is More-
Don’t over do the makeup!! Snowboarding and skiing are essentially EXERCISE, so it’s really just more of a hassle to get dolled up. If you are one of those girls that won’t go out of the house without makeup, or if you have a sexy snow date you need to look hot for, keeping the makeup light can still look super pretty! Opt for a shimmery champagne colored shadow to apply to your whole eyelid. Apply your waterproof eyeliner on the upper eyelid and top it off with several layers of waterproof mascara. If you usually wear bottom eyeliner, keep it lighter than usual because it will most likely start to run, making you look like a raccoon. Remember to skip the blush and apply a lip stain to your lips to reduce the need for constant touch ups!!
Control Your Hair-
Long, flowy hair looks amazing on the slopes, until you’ve finished one run, and now its a wet, tangly mess! Do yourself a favor and get rid of the hair. Tie it up in a high ponytail with a sexy bow, or go for a sportier look with two side braids. For the easiest, most low maintenance look, put on a cute hat and be done with it!
Partygoers- What to Pack for Vegas!
Viva Las Vegas
My sister finally turned 21, and of course we are in VEGAS to celebrate!! Packing for this exciting weekend made me think about some key beauty items to bring when heading out to the city of sin.
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1. Glitter/Shimmer/Sparkle
The Strip is FILLED with bright lights, flashy signs and neon colors. It’s an unwritten rule that you must sparkle if you want to get noticed here!! Break out your glittery, shimmery products and let yourself shine.
Some Ideas to Incorporate Shimmer in Your Vegas Makeup:
-Add a subtle glitter liner on your upper or lower lashline to make your eyes stand out.
-Highlight your the tops of your cheekbones so when they catch the lights you will glow. An added bonus is that it will give the illusion of awesome bone structure! My favorites are Smashbox’s Artificial Light and NARS Multiple in Copacabana.
-Pick a bright, pearly color and apply it to the inner corners of your eyes (near the tear ducts). It will give you a pop of color and fun without being too over the top.
-Make your body glisten with a sparkly body powder or lotion. I love Scott Barnes Body Bling, and Urban Decay’s body powder (it’s also flavored!!)
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2. Blotting Sheets
It can get HOT in those crowded clubs and bars, and the last thing you’ll want to be doing is powdering, adding layers of makeup to your face. I love blotting sheets to take away the shine while leaving your skin natural and not cakey. They are also small enough to throw in your clutch.
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3. Makeup Remover Wipes
Chances are you won’t be going to bed until the wee hours of the morning, and I guarantee that you will not be up for washing your face before you pass out. As you make a bee-line for the pillow, simply grab a makeup remover and wipe away your makeup. It’s so easy and your skin will thank you in the morning.
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4. Budge-Proof Makeup
Making sure your makeup stays on all night is very important in the city that doesn’t sleep! Don’t skimp out on the primers, they help to extend the life your makeup application for hours! Eyeshadow primer can be your best friend. I hate when I look in the mirror half-way through the night and my eyeshadow is nowhere to be seen except when I close my eyes and it’s all balled up in the crease!! I definitely notice a huge difference when I prime my eyelid before apply eyeshadow. My favorites are Urban Decays Primer Potion and MAC’s paints.
Gel liners stay on much longer than pencils, especially waterproof formulas. Smashbox’s Jet Set liners and MAC’s fluidlines will not budge, even if you wind up dance all night long.
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5. Antioxidant Moisturizer
Unfortunately, with Vegas comes lots and lots of second hand smoke. Pack a moisturizer loaded with antioxidants to protect your skin from this harmful smoke that can cause premature wrinkles. Origins “A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer” is perfect.
