Christmas

Hey everyone, sorry it has again been forever since I have posted.  A few updates~

I will have some videos coming up in the next couple of weeks on my you tube channel so subscribe and check those out!!!!

Also let me know what you guys want to see in the videos or reviews you might like.  I have been trying a few new products so I will write up some reviews for you guys.

CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE.....It is my favorite time of year but it came so fast this year...the older my kids get the busier we seem to be and with concerts, parties, Army parties...etc....it's been hectic but I still love it all.  We are in Germany and It's so beautiful here...the Christmas markets and all the beautiful decor...we do miss family though.  We are hosting a little unit part at our house this year and I am keeping  it simple but it will be fun.  What are your plans for Christmas?

Well be on the lookout for the new videos and posts.  I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year....start thinking about he new year's resolutions...I might post mine ;)

Love you all and as always thanks for all your support.

Jessie

YOU TUBE

Just wanted to do a quick post to let those of you who don't know...... I am finally posting videos/tutorials on you tube. YAY  I am planning to do 1-2 videos per week.  Hair and makeup and reviews on products I try.   I will have the links in this post.

Also I plan on still doing blog posts.

Thanks for all your support

http://www.youtube.com/user/JessicaSmith4811/videos

Revlon Colorstay-Whipped foundation

I am in love with this foundation.  I had not purchased foundation in awhile.  I was using up what I had but finally needed some more.  I thought I would give this a try.

I have read good reviews and heard about it on some you tube videos I watched.  It really is great.

With it being a cream I was a little worried it would feel heavy on my face but it doesn't. It's perfect, good coverage and feels nice and smooth.

I paid $11.99 at our PX in Grafenwoehr and I think that is around the average price.  I think it will last quite awhile too.

I am pretty fair but have a little color from the summer months so I picked up the second lightest which is buff.  I looked at it once opened and thought it would be to dark but it's great.  I am happy with the color.

That is probably the only downfall it's hard to tell which shade to get but I guess that is never easy :)

If you need a new foundation I would definitely give this one a try.

I applied it with my real techniques face expert brush and I really like it.

I will have a new brush review coming up and I finally filmed a fall makeup tutorial but need the adapter for the memory stick so I can edit...boooo....I know but I used my webcam for the first video and then have been trying to film on my ipad since our canon camera was broke on 4th of July but then well I have a video camera I could use that lol.  I think it will turn out well but have to edit a little.  I appreciate the patience and the continued love and support.

I hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend and I will post again soon.

Lots of Love,

JS

http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Face/Foundation/Revlon-Colorstay-Whipped-Creme-Makeup.aspx

Makeup Look

 So I created this look last week and put it up on Instagram and facebook.  I really liked it and I feel like it can be used for Summer or Fall.  So I am going to walk you through how I created this look and what products I used.  Next time I do a look I will be filming it for you tube :) YAY you guys will get a better idea on how to do it.

So first thing after my shower I moisturize my skin with Mario Badescu A.H.A & Ceramide Moisturizer I love it.  Makes my skin feel nice and doesn't leave it feeling like there is a bunch of product on my face.

http://www.mariobadescu.com/aha-and-ceramide-moisturizer

Next I apply my eye primer.  Its a brand that came in my kit when I took my class at

http://www.makeupartiststudio.com/ (which is fantastic, especially for military spouses) check out the site

For this look I used my Sedona Lace Palette.  The 168 pro full color second edition

http://www.sedonalace.com/Cosmetics/121/168-Pro-Full-Color-Second-Edition.aspx


I started with a light off white for all over the eye area.  I then took a bronze color in a lighter shade and put it all over the lid.  I blended out with a tan color and then took a purple (it was bright but you can't tell in the picture) to work in the outer corner.

I used maybelline gel liner
http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Eye-Liner/Eye-Studio-Lasting-Drama-Gel-Eyeliner.aspx
to do the winged liner on top.  I then used a dark brown liner for the bottom liner right on the water line.

I applied red cherry lashes #43 with DUO lash adhesive.  I buy my lashes and glue here.....

http://www.madamemadeline.com/

Then I filled in my brows with some powder (also from my kit) I don't have a name for it but I used an angle brush and powder.

I then used my CG tru blend foundation and my real techniques face expert brush and applied my foundation.

http://www.covergirl.com/face-makeup/foundation-makeup/liquid-foundation
http://realtechniques.com/shop-collection/your-base-flawless/expert-face-brush

Next I used my NYX concealer and brightened the under eye area.

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-28-concealer-wand.aspx

Set with some translucent powder and applied a neutral-peach blush on the cheeks.

I finished the look with a lipstick I recently purchases CG lipstick 415 in Siren

http://www.covergirl.com/lip-makeup/lipstick/lip-perfection-lip-color

So I know it seems like a lot of products but hey it was a full face of makeup :)

I hope you guys liked this and please subscribe to my you tube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/user/JessicaSmith4811/about

Love you guys
~Jessie

Review on Wet N Wild Lipstick

So I was at the PX and just browsing through the makeup.  I decided to try some wet n wild lipstick.  It's not really a brand I purchase very often but I have heard some of their products are pretty nice and you can't beat the price.

I bought Smokin hot pink C905D Mega last lip color......I love it :)
It is long lasting, nice pigment. no shimmer to it (which I liked) I feel like anyone could really wear this color.  Red hair, fair skinned, dark hair, dark skin.... light blonde hair, Its just the right amount of pink.  I think it will look really nice in the fall too.

I was so excited and happy that I ended up loving it so much.  I have such a hard time finding lipsticks I like and also that look okay on my fair, freckled skin.

So I say give it a shot.  They have a lot of different colors to choose from and I am pretty sure I paid $1.99 but when I looked online I saw $5.99!!!!!!  I don't remember wet n wild being that much but either I looked at the wrong price or their prices have gone up.

Try it out and let me know what you guys think!!!!

Oh and sorry for being MIA this week.  School starts soon and I was doing haircuts for back to school so I was a little busier than usual.

****I am hoping to have a video up soon I think I am going to start with a hair tutorial....let me know what you guys want to see I will put the link to my channel below.  I am so excited/nervous to bring you guys some videos.
http://www.youtube.com/user/JessicaSmith4811

Enjoy your weekend loves,

JS

xoxo

Lipstick shown: wet n wild maga last lip color C905D with Loreal colour riche le gloss in raspberry splash.

Real Techniques-Face Expert Brush

Hello everyone,

Today I am giving a little review about the Real Techniques face expert brush.  I have heard good things and wanted to give it a try.  I put a link to the site at the end of this post.

Brushes really do make all the difference with makeup.  I mean I didn't use brushes when I was younger and I made it work....or at least I think I did ;) but they really do help when it come to blending your shadows, getting that flawless finish with your foundation, etc.

I have the regular foundation brush and use disposable sponges also and wasn't loving it.  I won't even lie before the standard foundation brush and occasionally using sponges I just used my fingers.  It worked okay but seriously I am loving the FACE EXPERT brush from real techniques.

This is the standard oval foundation brush

I put my foundation on the back of my hand got a little product on the brush and started with my cheek area.  It blended so well.  Usually I get streaks, you know what I am talking about all those lines from the brush and it takes me forever to blend them out and get that nice smooth finish.  Not the case with this brush.

What I LOVE about it is that it is so reasonably priced and works so well.  It gives you that flawless finish and my foundation routine will not take so long now :)

They sell the Face expert brush individually and they have many other brushes.  I look forward to trying them all.  I will definitely be purchasing another brush for my freelance kit.

Have any of you tried this brush?  What are your thoughts?

It seriously costs $9.00 TRY IT :) I know there are other brushes out there and sigma is definitely another brand I will try but I like to try all different brands/products and give you guys my honest opinion.  I was impressed with this brush, the quality, and the price.

Have a great day loves,



This is the Real Techniques Face Expert Brush.

AMAZING!!!!

Jessie

http://realtechniques.com/shop-collection/your-base-flawless/expert-face-brush

NYX Product Reviews

Hey guys.

Today I am writing a little review about some NYX products I have bought and tried.  I personally think NYX is a great brand with incredible prices.

NYX butter gloss

So I am sure if you follow me on instragram  or my fb page you know that I am obsessed with the NYX Butter Gloss.  I like that they have good color and shine but aren't super sticky.  I always get asked what I am wearing when I have them on.

 NYX concealer wand

I am loving this for my under eye area.  I use a different concealer for blemishes but I feel like using this after applying my foundation give my under eye a nice bright look that covers my hideous dark circles well.  

 NYX concealer stick

I keep this little guy in my purse for when I might need a little touch up.  I am so bad about touching my face all the time so sometimes when I am on the go I might need to touch up a few spots. I have used this under my eye as well and I do like this stick.  its not incredible coverage but it's good.  Especially for the price.

 NYX illuminator

 I can't say I love this product but I like it.  I have the color Narcissistic.  I like the shimmer in it and it gives you a nice golden glow.

So NYX makeup is definitely something I will keep in my own kit and in my professional kit.  I really like their products and the prices are just incredible.  Also I order online and everything arrived in perfect condition.

So I hope this helps and gives you guys another great makeup option.  Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow :)

I have links to all the products below.

Love you guys,

~JS









http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-191-butter-gloss.aspx

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-28-concealer-wand.aspx

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-27-concealer-stick.aspx

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-144-illuminator.aspx

Sedona Lace Palette Review

Okay So I recently purchased a palette from Sedona Lace.  It is the 168 Pro Full Color Second edition palette.
It is usually $29.99 but I got it when they were having a sale and with shipping paid.  $19.70.  It looks like they have good deals all the time, so just check out their site.

www.sedonalace.com

This was my first time ordering something from Sedona lace.  I first discovered them through hearing good things about their makeup brushes.  I will be purchasing some brushes soon and giving you all another review.

PACKAGING
My mail goes to an APO address and mail can sometimes take awhile to get all the way over here in Germany.  I received it about 7 days after it shipped and it was packaged SO WELL.  This is important when ordering online, especially when the package has a long journey before it gets to you.  I have ordered so many things that arrived damaged and it is such a pain to have to send it back and deal with all that.  So, proper packaging is great.  It was wrapped really well in bubble wrap and not a single shadow was messed up.  I also got two little eye shadows with the palette and a cute little purple bag.

FIRST IMPRESSION
I am extremely impressed with how pigmented these shadows are.  A little goes a long way.  I love all the colors in the palette.

You have everything from bold brights, to soft neutrals and everything in between.  It is a palette you can do a lot with.  I originally bought this for my kit but I might just have to keep it for myself and order another one for my kit :) It is perfect for your own use to add to your professional kit, as a gift for someone.  I think anyone who received this palette would be impressed.

I feel like I personally wouldn't use every single color on myself like the super bright greens..... but then again at Halloween I just might!!!  So yes if you are more of a neutral girl you might be like WOW I don't need all those colors but honestly I think they are good to have to help you grow and play around with more color.  Add a pop of color your lower lash line, do an extreme look for fun when you are just hanging out!

 Getting ready is my favorite part of the morning (well most mornings) so just be creative and have fun!!!!

Let me know if you try the palette or any other Sedona lace products and what you think.

Thanks for reading guys, hope you are having an amazing week

~JS

False lashes

Do you wear false lashes?

I have recently grown a love for them.  I don't wear them everyday but just for fun sometimes I put them on.  I don't have any glamorous events to attend but it can still be fun to pop on some false lashes for a more dramatic look.

I am really loving red cherry lashes #43.  They look natural but give your eyes more of a pop.  I purchase my lashes for myself and for my kit at madamemadeline.com.  The prices are incredible and every time I order I get a free pair and 5-10% off.  It's an incredible deal.  I also love how fast they arrive.  My stuff gets shipped to an APO address and sometimes it can take quite awhile but my orders from madamemadeline.com arrive very quickly.  I have also purchased some Ardell lashes #117 from the PX and I like those as well.

When applying the lashes make sure you have a pair of tweezers and some good lash glue.  I use duo lash glue.  It's white but dries clear.  Use the tweezers to really get the strip of lashes close to your lash line.  Also if it's a complete mess the first few tries don't give up.  I have been in the hair and makeup industry 7 years so you would think this would be super simple...um...no!!!! I had the glue all over the place the first couple of times.  The more I do it, the easier it gets.  They go on so well now.  You just get the hang of it eventually and you learn not too much glue but not too little either.

So please share a photo on my fb page of your beautiful lashes!  Any questions??? comment on here or email me at jshairandmakeup@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/hairandmakeupJS


Also wanted to share with you guys some pictures I had done by ASP photography.  She is photographer here in Grafenwoehr also a military spouse.  She did a fabulous job.

Oh and have red cherry #43 on in these photos ;)

Love you guys, thanks for reading and please let me know what you would like to see next.

xoxo,

JS

Favorite Shampoo and Conditioners

Hey guys,

So I wanted to share with you some of the brands that I have found work best for shampoo and conditioners.

Aveda

The cosmetology school I attended in 2005 and the salon I worked for both used Aveda. It will always be one of my favorites but I personally think it can be a little expensive.  From Aveda my favorite is SHAMPURE, the shampoo and conditioner are just amazing, for almost all hair types.  If you need something more moisturizing they have plenty of options for that too.

Bed Head

  I found after no longer working at the salon I decided to try out some other stuff.  I love the epic volume shampoo and conditioner for my fine, thin hair it works great.  I like the smell a lot too.  They also have many different shampoos and conditioners for each hair type or for color treated hair.  The price is not bad either.

Redken

Another one I really like but have not used in awhile.  All soft is great but probably isn't for everyone.  I just absolutely love the smell and how it made my hair feel.  I did feel like when I used it for too long my hair seemed weighed down.  So It's one I like to use for awhile but then switch up with something else.  They make so many different shampoos and conditioners I am sure you will find one you like.

I have also used Pureology and it was okay but not my favorite.  It worked well but for the price it wasn't anything extraordinary.  They do smell really nice though.

Dry shampoo

I used to wash my hair every single day.  With it being fine and thin but also being oily I just felt like my hair always looked gross on day 2.  I really try to just wash every other day now but I MUST have a dry shampoo or I even used baby powder when I am out.  I have really only used drugstore brands, like right now I am pretty sure I have Suave.  I want to to try the batiste brand.  I hear great things about it.  I feel like dry shampoo is really important if you don't want to wash your hair everyday.

http://www.batistehair.com/

TIP: On day 2 I always brush through my hair really well, work in the dry shampoo and style.  A lot of times I do a bun, messy ponytail or occasionally I will curl it.  At the end of the day I brush through it again and spread those natural oils throughout my hair.  Not blow drying it every day and those natural oils seem to really be helping the overall health of my hair.  

Updated Industry discounts

So I wanted to give you guys an updated industry discount list.  This isn't even all of them, there are so many and some require tear sheets and other proof that I or many other MUA/cosmetologists don't necessarily have but anyways here are some more that I have been approved for or recently applied for and I am wating to hear back....

Crown Pro:http://www.crownpro.net/#!/page_online application

Coastal Scents: http://www.coastalscents.com/discounts

The Balm Cosmetics: send email to info@thebalm.com

Frends Beauty: http://www.frendsbeautysupplyonline.com/

Hairshop USA: http://www.hairshopusa.com/

Royalty Red Program: http://www.royalbrush.com/beauty/pro/royalty_red.php

Bare Escentuals:http://www.bareescentuals.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BareEscentuals-Site/default/Experience-Show?cgid=BE_SUB_MAKEUP_ARTIST_DISCOUNT

Bobbi Brown: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/cms/pro/bobbi_pro.tmpl

Origins:http://www.origins.com/cms/customer_service/cs_general_info.tmpl

Nigels: http://nigelbeauty.com/t-pro.aspx

here is a link to the others....http://jshairandmakeup.blogspot.de/2012/10/industry-discountsdealsmisc.html



It is a great way to help build your kit, try out new products and I am so happy some of my favorite companies offer this discount.

If you aren't licensed or certified there are so many great deals on makeup and if you sign up for emails that is a great way to know when their sales are going on.

Any questions please comment or email me.

xoxox

JS

Drugstore Favorites

I have a little bit of everything in my kit.  I do not stick to one brand.  I have found many drugstore cosmetics that I LOVE for me and also for my kit.

Covergirl trublend foundation

 I have used for a couple of years now.  I have very fair, sensitive, acne prone skin and I feel like this foundation works well.  It doesn't feel too heavy but also gives good coverage.  I usually apply a small amount to my forehead, cheeks and chin and blend.  I don't like my face covered in foundation.

Covergirl blast flipstick

 I just discovered this product because I needed a fun red color for a photo shoot I was doing.  I LOVE it.  It has great color, long lasting, and it is two sided.  So on the color I bought cheeky, one side is the red and the other is the blending color, it's kind of a frosty pink coral color.

Maybelline Lash stiletto

This has been my go to mascara for YEARS.  I love it I will probably always buy it.  I use others as well but I just feel like I always need this one too.  It separates and lengthens the lashes well, it doesn't irritate my eyes ( so many mascaras do) and its a reasonable price.

Loreal Colour Riche Le Gloss

I recently bought this in Rasberry Splash.  A very nice lip gloss with awesome shine and great color, I love this color for summer time to throw on with a little mascara and some bronzer for a simple summer look.  

So there are many other amazing drugstore products out there but these are the ones I am loving right now.  I will update as I find new favorites.  

Thanks for reading and please post any questions or comments below. 

JS

A fun quote I found on pinterest :) HAVE FUN

Boudoiur Shoot

AHhhh so I had so much doing the boudoir shoot with ASP photography.  Alanah has a minor in photography and does a little bit of everything.  You could tell the girls felt really comfortable around her and all of the shoots went so well.

I think for anyone wanting a boudoir or fashion shoot should definitely get their hair and makeup done.  One reason is it takes so much stress off of you.  I know when we have family pictures done I am so stressed out about the kids hair looking right and worrying about my hair and makeup and preparing the outfits so with a shoot like this wouldn't it be nice to just pick out what you are wearing....or what you aren't wearing ;) and leave the rest to the photographer and Stylist???

Some tips........request some false lashes.  It gives it so much more of a dramatic look, We are all beautiful without makeup but why not glam it up for this kind of shoot.  Most of all be confident.  You are beautiful and whether you are doing these for your deployed soldier, just for fun or whatever the reason is remember you are gorgeous!!!!

Thanks for the opportunity ASP photography.

Summer Hair

So I wanted to give you guys some ideas for cute, fun and easy summer hair.

Do you have a favorite summer look?

This year I am all about a messy top knot, some big earrings and pink lips.  I feel like this hair works with a cute summer dress or because the summer hasn't even really been summer here in Germany some skinny jeans with a cute tank and sandals.

So the above picture is pretty messy but I feel like it works, you create this look first spraying hair with hairspray just a light mist.  Then pull together in a high pony.  Next you wrap the hair into a bun and pin the ends.  I have thin hair so my bun isn't great but I feel like you can really do it on any hair but it just won't look quite the same for every person.  You then just pull on the hair in the front section to give you some more volume and adjust and pin your bun making sure it is secured. Give it a good spray and you are done!!!!

My camera broke the other day but when I get my new one I will try and post photos of the process to give you more of a visual.

Another look is some soft curls.
I started by clipping my hair into sections and starting at the bottom I took my 1 inch hot tools curling iron and just wrapped my hair around the outside of the barrel.  release the curl and continue working section by section.  Then I give it a light spray, run my fingers through it and spray again. That's it!!!!  Super easy and I love messy hair so It is one of my favorite looks.  You an add it in a cute headband or other accessory and you are good to go.

I hope you enjoyed the post and thanks for taking time read and follow my blog :)

Love you all

~JS

Mascara

Hey guys :)

So if you are like most of us you are still on the search for that awesome mascara????  I feel like I always switch them up because I am never completely satisfied.  When ordering some makeup I decided to try Urban decays big fatty mascara.  I LOVE it.  It's not a mascara I use by itself though.  I have to use another one with it such as Maybelline lash stiletto.  I love it because it makes your lashes look super black and definitely lengthens and they also appear thicker BUT in my opinion it is a little wet so I like to just brush on a coat of lash stiletto over it to give a little more separation.

I also am liking Maybelline Fiber extension mascara.  I feel like maybelline is a drug store brand I really like. Especially their mascara and lipstick.

Thanks for reading guys I will keep doing reviews as I try out new products and works best for me and my clients.
Post any questions below or email me at jshairandmakeup@gmail.com

XOXO

Home Beauty Tips

I am all about hair care and skin care that is affordable and can be done with products you already have or can easily find at a nearby store.

My favorite COCONUT OIL.  I am sure most of you had heard of using it for beauty and if you haven't tried it you should.  I love it for moisturizing my skin, do a little treatment on my ends to make a body scrub....and the list goes on.  I researched it and the list of stuff you can use coconut oil for is insane.

Coconut Lime body scrub:

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Juice from one lime ( I actually only had the bottled lime juice on hand and just used some of that)

It smells sooooo good and works awesome for your legs or all over the body.

Also this inexpensive makeup remover.

1 travel size bottle or empty bottle from old makeup remover
baby oil
johnsons baby wash
water

I just mixed about 3/4 full of water and added a few drops of baby wash and then baby oil and mixed it up.  It works great.  Also some people have recipes out there with olive oil but I haven't tried that.  I buy the travel size for all of the ingredients and it still lasts me forever.  Definitely worth a try!!!!

What are some home beauty remedies you use?  Please share :)

Summer Favorites

Hi everyone :)

I hope you all are having an amazing summer.  Sorry for neglecting the blog the past weeks its been very busy.  I have some more exciting blog posts coming up about our little trip through Europe and tips for traveling with kids, etc.

Anyways just wanted to list some of my favorite products I am loving this summer.

Skincare: Mario Badescu
http://www.mariobadescu.com/Acne-Products I use mostly the acne skin care because well I am 26 year old with skin of a teenager.  its awful but these products definitely help.

Lips: NYX butter gloss in Peaches and Cream.  Its a beautiful punch of a peachy pink color.  I love it.  I wear it mostly when I do a softer look on my eyes and use the gloss to add some color and fun.
http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-191-butter-gloss.aspx

and don't forget makeup artists/licensed cosmetologists can apply for their pro discount program

Perfume: I love Ed Hardy, I have used this for quite awhile.  I get a lot of compliments when I wear this one
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Kills-Slowly-Perfume-Sailor/dp/B004VRLE08

Also Dot http://www.amazon.com/Jacobs-Parfum-Spray-Women-Ounce/dp/B0086I7AIS/ref=sr_1_31?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1373116547&sr=1-31&keywords=daisy+perfume

I was surprised I liked it because I am not big on the Daisy by Marc Jacobs but I am in love with this perfume.  It just smells clean and fresh and sweet.  I just love it.

That's it for today but I have a lot more to come.  Please share this blog and please if you have any questions about anything or need some tips/advice email me or comment below.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Its a beautiful day in Germany, auf wiedersehen ;)

Schweinfurt to Grafenwoehr

So since many of the bases around Germany are closing down our family just moved from Schweinfurt to Grafenwoehr.  That is why I haven't done any posts.  I am still trying to get settled in here.  I have a lot of exciting events and travel ideas coming up though.  I planned a 2 week trip while my in laws are here while trying not to spend too much but also see as much as we can.

I am also very excited because I will be working with a photographer in July and doing hair and makeup for the photo shoot, so I will have some photos to share on that as well.

Thanks for still following even though I haven't done so well at blogging in the last few months.  Please keep following though, I will have a lot of posts coming up soon.

Guten tag ;)

Summer Bucket List

So every year I tell myself we are going to keep a routine this summer and accomplish all kinds of things.  I don't know about you guys but I hardly ever stick to it.  I do love the idea of a summer bucket list.  What a fun idea to sit and talk with your kids about all the stuff they would like to do this summer and then you can put it all on a checklist and mark them off as you go.  Simple things like natures walks, camping in the backyard, lemonade stand,  etc.  I love it and I am more likely to stick to something like that.

How does your summer go?  what are some things you try to accomplish with your kids?

We will be doing a lot of trips to the library and reading this summer.  My son doesn't seem to love books but I think making the library a weekly trip and reading a little everyday on his own and together will really help.

We are also traveling a lot more this summer and I planned a 2 week trip with my in-laws.  I will be doing a post on some websites I have found, ways to travel on a budget, and more :)

Enjoy the rest of the week and thanks for following!!!

Deals/Spring favorites

Aaahhhh it has been forever, I promise I will keep writing.  I need to start getting creative and post some tutorials for you guys.

I do have some deals to share and some new favorites.

First off for anyone who is looking for makeup that is reasonably priced but still good quality check out E.L.F cosmetics.  Today they have 3 palletes for 33.00

Coffee Break! All 3 Studio Makeup Palettes for ONLY $33! Originally $95 - Save 65% with code 3FOR33 from 11 am until 2 pm EST. 3 Hours Only!  Shop eyeslipsface.com.

That is a lot of makeup for $33.00.  I just placed an order for a few small items from them.  A new lipstick, highlighter, and a shimmer palette ( I thought it would be fun for summer) and it was only $7.00.  They gave me 50% off.  Excited to see how they work but I have read good reviews.

Also some new spring/summer trends I like are the  bright blue/turquoise eyeliner underneath.  It gives a fun pop of color without being over the top. I will post a picture.  I really think any fun color would work but obviously certain colors will make eye colors pop.

I am loving the purple/pink cool tones for nail color and lip color.  I am fair skinned, with red hair and wouldn't have thought I could pull that off but I like it!!!  Especially the nail colors.  I bought a light pink lipstick and I really love it.  It will be on in the picture I post with the eyeliner.

Okay so I will post some more favorites soon and maybe some photos of new stuff I have tried out.  I hope everyone is starting to get warmer weather.  It has been beautiful in Germany and I am loving it.

Have a great weekend everyone :) Thanks for following.

This made me smile and I had to share it.  It is all so true!!!!!  We really are rock stars.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!

  My husband has been in the field for 2 weeks so life has been hectic but I am hoping to bring some more before and after pictures of hair, a tutorial on smokey eye makeup and some yummy recipes I have recently discovered and post them next week.

Online Shopping

So I thought today I would share some online shopping tips.  Living overseas things are very limited and sure we could shop on the economy but it seems like things are so much more expensive.  So I mostly shop online.

• Read the reviews-The reviews are just someones opinion but a lot of people will talk about if its true to size, the quality, how it was packaged, etc. and that is important to know when shopping online

• Watch the prices - Amazon sends you notifications if the prices of something you have in your cart or wish list increases or decreases.  So sometimes when I am not sure I add it in there and then I will get email saying it decreased in price.  I just snagged some awesome new queen size sheets for 25.00.  

• Search for online promo codes-When I buy from American Eagle, Crazy 8, etc. I google "promo codes for _______" and search around.  I almost always find one.  Sometimes it is just for free shipping, other times its 20% off.  Either way it really helps.

• Be patient-  If it's not something you NEED right now be patient and watch for sales.  

A lot of stores will give you a discount when you sign up for their emails.  I don't mind doing that but if you don't like getting all that mail in your regular email, create a separate one for that.  I like it because I get notified of good deals going on.

Some of my favorite stores for online shopping include

Amazon
Maurices (right now its bogo 50% off jeans)
Crazy 8
American Eagle (great deals sometimes)
DSW
Kohls
Walmart

Mostly I uses Amazon and have found recently they have some decent clothing at good prices.  The other stores are just places I buy stuff occasionally.  Crazy 8 is WONDERFUL.  It's a lot like Gymboree but more affordable and I only really shop sale items unless I absolutely love something.  I received a 15% off and free shipping so I was able to get my 8 Year old 1 sweater, 1 plaid button up, 1 pullover hooded shirt and my daughter 2 cute fleece sweatpants, chambray dress, striped leggings, sunglasses, matching hairbow all for $96.00  and considering the original prices it was a great deal.

I will try to share more of these deals as I see them with my readers.  It really is worth it to buy ahead for seasons and get things in bulk when on sale.  I am not really good at coupons but on occasion I try to use them.

It's important not to be impulsive.  Its easier said than done but I have learned to be patient and wait for sales and it has saved us a lot of money.  I look up the item I want find the best price at the stores and then wait for a coupon or promo code to buy the item.

WINTER BLUES

I definitely have the winter blues :) So to get myself out of this little funk I decided to really focus on all the little projects I need to get done.  I also thought about some other ways to help!

Here are some more ways to beat the winter blues

1. Exercise!!!!! 
 You will feel better after you work out and not to mention if you are working to lose any weight it will obviously help you reach your goal.  I like to use the workouts on this site www.bodyrocktv.com
It is completely FREE and the results are awesome if you stay dedicated.  I am not one of those people that will workout 7 days a week.  I barely do 3 times a week and even that is recent.  So just start off slow and work yourself up.  

2.  Treat Yourself

Having something to look forward to can keep anyone motivated. Winter seems endless! But if you plan something exciting, your mood improves when you’re anticipating it and when the event actually comes. Plan something that’s exciting to you—a weekend trip, a day at the spa, a party or special event like a play, girls (or guys) night out, or sporting event. 

3.  RELAX

Busy weeks between work, kids, appointments, extra curricular activities.  Take to do nothing or something you enjoy.  Read a book or a magazine.  

4.  Embrace the season

This is one I am definitely working on.  Instead of dreading the cold and snow find ways to enjoy it, Skiing, ice skating, sledding.  We are hoping to take some ski lessons next year with the kids and ski on the Bavarian Alps.  

5.  Catch some ZZzzz's

Take this time to get some extra sleep.  There is nothing better than a 30 minute nap in the afternoon.  I am not big on napping but every time I do nap I feel so refreshed and energized.  

Do any of you have suggestions? 

Also, with being home and not really doing hair and makeup as often I make myself a list almost every night of things I want to accomplish the next day.  Sometimes I don't get to them all but I try.  It really helps me to stay on track and get stuff done so I have to enjoy other things.  

Even though we are in Germany and there is so much I want to see I really don't want to sight see in the freezing cold so we are trying to find destinations like a specific castle we want to see that isn't far and maybe  Sealife.  Just something to get you out of the house once a month.  We always try to keep the cost to a minimal but once a month try to get out and do something, even if its just bowling with the family.  

Military Discounts

So I am not 100% how well this works but living overseas it is hard to get the well deserved military discount when shopping.  I ran across this website when researching some stuff and I am going to sign up and see how it all works but wanted to share with my readers.  I am sure it only works with a limited amount of stores but maybe it will take off more in the future.

https://www.troopid.com/

Check out the website and let me know what you think.  There are so many great deals out there.

Children

They truly are the greatest blessing.

My kids are only 8 and 5 but I look at them sometimes and I am seriously amazed by them.  How much they have grown.  Their amazing personalities and the kind hearts they have.

I am sure you other Mothers out there can agree that parenting is the most challenging yet rewarding job there is.  It is stressful, overwhelming and quite exhausting.  At the same time it brings you so much joy.  It is really the little things.  The cute things they say, their kindness and their loving hearts.  We are shaping them into the people they are going to be for the rest of their lives.  Sure, other factors are involved in that but kids will always look up to their parents.

With that being said we also have to keep our sanity ;) so......

Sometimes you need some me time or a date with your husband.  It is hard for my husband and I because we don't know many families at our current station, and I always hate to ask people to babysit.  We talked though, and we are going to make it a goal to try do something more often as just the two of us.  Our kids are our everything and we rarely do anything without them but I think its important for our relationship to get out and do something now and then as just the two of us.  Do any of you have suggestions?  What do you do for date nights?  In the past when we lived near family we usually went to dinner and tried to catch a movie.  Simple as it was it was always just what we needed.


These are some quotes/misc that made me smile.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Makeup Applications

Here are some pictures of what has been keeping my so busy.  Well this and 2 wonderful kiddos ;)

I just took the final exam for my makeup course.  I am happy to be almost done.  It's been so fun but I will say I should have waited until after the holidays.  It was stressful trying to do everything while the kids were home.  

I have been in contact with a few photographers to get my name out there and get some professional work done to start my portfolio.  I can't wait to do hair and makeup for some shoots.  It will help build confidence in that area and help me step out of my comfort zone.  Which is one of my resolutions this year.  Just to push myself more and step out of my comfort zone.  

What were some of yours?

Do you like these looks?  I promise to do some tutorials one of these days to walk you through achieving these looks.