.:Try It!:. RareMinerals Cleanser & Moisturizer

I have been using this moisturizer since January and have really noticed a difference in my skin through the season changes.  I have very sensitive skin so I'm always looking for the most natural ingredients.  I haven't had the dry red spots I usually get when summer turns to fall, and I'm not overly oily at the end of the day like I was with my previous moisturizer!

I bought this cleanser when I ran out of my Philosophy Purity (which I still love and recommend), I wanted to try something different and since I was having such luck with the moisturizer I thought - why not.

I must admit it was strange at first.  I hadn't done any research on it before I made my purchase so when I went to use it and a bunch of powder came out I was a little shocked.  I looked at the box and followed the directions - love at first use.  Rosy undertones run in my family and I have noticed that the redness in my cheeks has gotten much lighter!  My skin feels so clean and really soft after each use.

Eye Shadow Placement Tips

1. Highlight just under the brow bone, as well as the inner corner of the eye.  Highlighting these areas creates a bright wide awake youthful effect.   Never use a highlighter that is too shimmery.  Something with a slight pearl or glow will do!

2. Putting a darker color at the crease of your eye creates a beautiful shape to frame your eye.  It also gives a backdrop to your lashes makeing them appear fuller. Same goes for the bottom lashes, although you want to be light handed down here.

3.  Choose a lid color with a light sheen to enhance the brightness of the eye!

4. And finally, the key to any good shadow application is blending!  Make sure you blend each color you use together where they meet and eliminate harsh edges.

.:Skin Deep:. My Top 5 Skin Tips

1. Use a good sunscreen every day.  The sun is your skin's number one enemy. While that sun kissed glow is what we are all after, there are better and healthier ways to get it that wont give you sun spots and wrinkles!   Try a bronzer, apply it everywhere the sun would naturally hit your face.  Apply a little extra to your hair line and brim of your nose.  Use one that does not contain any shimmer for the most natural look.
   
2. Exfoliate daily!  Your skin can't remove its own dead skin cells - eek I know!   Exfoliation leaves skin clean, smooth and super soft.  It is necessary to help your skin look its most youthful as it helps to turn over new cells faster and more efficiently.   I exfoliate every night, here is my home made scrub recipe:  In a baggie add a tablespoon of Irish Oat Meal or Stone Ground Oat Meal, Brown Sugar, Organic Course Sugar, Corn Meal, 2 tablespoons Baking Soda, and Wheat Bran.  Close the baggie and mix the ingredients with your fingers.  Cut a lemon in half and place a little bit of the mixture on the lemon slice.  Rub it into your skin gently.  All of this should be done on a clean face.
   
3. Reduce Stress.   Stress can really take a toll on your skin and in the worst kind of way (from the inside out!).  Try to reduce it throughout the day by doing a few simple things:  Take small breaks from stressful activities, Try taking a few deep breaths and clearing your mind for a few minutes, Take a short power walk, or hit the gym after work - or after the kids go to bed if you are a stay at home mom like myself - give the hubby some alone time to watch the game while you relieve some stress on the stationary bike!
   
4. Skip the junk food.  Not only does it not make you feel your best, but it also can hinder looking your best as well.  Try to incorporate a few healthy snacks into your day.  And opt for water or unsweetened Tea rather than drinks loaded with sugar.
   
5. Moisturize!  I can't stress enough how important this step is to your skin.  Your skin needs moisture to be healthy and hydrated.  Un-moisturized skin can become blotchy, red, itchy, cracked - all things no one wants to see on their face.  I personally use the Bare Essentials Rare Minerals Moisturizer twice a day (morning and night)  I also apply pure coco butter to my eye area, lips and anywhere else I feel needs a little extra moisture that night.

And remember, beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin~

.:Favorite!:. Philosophy: Purity Made Simple

purity made simple

This is one of my all time favorite cleansers.  It makes my skin so soft, and since I have been using it - I've noticed a positive change in my skin!  <Always a plus, but then if there was no plus - it wouldn't be worth mentioning would it...  :-)

 I personally buy it from QVC.com because you get a lot more for your money!

Philosophy's description of the product: "our award-winning daily facial skin cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse, tone and melt away all face and eye makeup in one simple step, while lightly hydrating the skin."

.:Try It!:. The Body Shop: Luxury Flannel Facial Washcloth

Luxury Flannel Facial Washcloth

One of my absolute favorite products on the market is this cloth.  It is so soft and gentle on the skin and makes removing makeup a breeze.  I've personally been using this cloth for 7 years and only had to replace it a few times.  Its like a magic eraser for your face!

The Body Shop description of product: "This silky-soft cloth is the gentlest way to wash your face. Washable by hand in warm, soapy water or in the delicate cycle of the washing machine. Pair with your favorite cleanser."