Back To School!!!!

Here at Fort Benning school is back in session in just a couple of weeks.  A little FYI they have a lot of the back to school deals going on right now...so don't miss out!!!

I thought I would post about how we get ready for back to school.  So here are 5 simple ways to get yourself and your kids ready!!

1.  WAKE UP

This week I have already started putting the kids to bed a little earlier.  I will wake them up at the time they get up for school.  Don't wait until a few days before to do this...it will just make things harder for you.  My children don't really sleep in super late anyways but even that 30-60 minutes makes a difference.

2. ROUTINE

Start having them lay their clothes out the night before and doing their school routine.  I am all about enjoying summer vacation but if I don't start getting them ready now I feel like the first month of school is just chaotic.  My youngest really struggles with taking her sweet time in the morning so I like to get her on a nice routine before the first day.  This includes their night time routine too!!

3. HOMEWORK STATION

I am still not quite finished with mine but create a homework station!  It will make things so much easier on you.  There are tons of ideas out there.  This year I used cans and covered them with pretty paper and chalkboard labels and put the supplies in.  I still need a tray or tote...I have seen some cute ones at target!!  Anyways add all the basics...colored pencils, crayons, pencils, plenty of erasers..a rule, glue, and loose leaf paper.  Then right before I pick up the kids I pull it out on the counter where they do homework and have their snack and homework supplies ready for when they get home.

4.  SHOP AT HOME FIRST

Go through your kids closets and decide if you even need to do back to school CLOTHES shopping. Christmas gifts are sometimes too big so I put them in the bottom of their dressers.  I have forgot in the past and bought stuff I didn't really need.  Go in and really sort through their drawers and closet and see what you truly need.  I know its fun to go clothes shopping but do it when they really need it.  I ended up getting Kylee 3 new tops and 2 shorts (since its still so hot here)  Her summer stuff has lasted almost two seasons so she definitely needed a few new items.  She has brand new jeans her Grandma bought her last year that didn't fit so she is all set.  Just a few new tops that were super cheap at osh kosh made her feel like it was still special.  My son is wearing a uniform and I only need the tops for him as well.  All of his shorts should be fine and when it actually gets cold I may have to get him new jeans.  Also I have about 10 bar erasers that were barely used so getting organized showed me I didn't need to buy any of those this year.

5.  GET ORGANIZED

I have currently been working on a "command center" I don't like stuff all over the fridge and I don't like clutter but I have seen some cute command centers that inspired me.  A cute quote, a dry erase or chalkboard calendar and somewhere to maybe organize the many school papers so you send them back on time?  I have a spare room with our computer and desk area but things seem to get lost in there.  So I promised myself I would get it together this year and have a nice area where I can write every football game/cheer practice....school event, even family birthdays (so I will hopefully remember to mail a card) and my wall isn't complete but its coming together.  Even if you don't do a command center get everything organized and ready because we all know how hectic it can get...all the papers, practices and homework.


Anyways thought I would do something a little different today.  I feel like we are still settling in here but my kids are eager for back to school.  The summer flew by but hopefully with these tips you and I!!  will be ready for the new school year.

Thanks for reading!!!!

Fort Benning Georgia

HI :)

Excited to get back in the swing of things.  We are back from Europe and living in Fort Benning Georgia.  It has been incredible visiting family in Michigan and exploring our new area.  I am loving the sunshine and that my babes are out of school for the summer.

Living in a new area has created new issues with my hair and my skin so I have some upcoming posts planned about that.

Also some posts with girls hairstyles.  My daughter who is 7 has days where she hates when I do her hair but sometimes she loves it as much as I do so when I can convince her I will have pictures and step by steps for different styles.....

and of course I will have different makeup looks.  I have been MIA but I still love all things beauty.

Have a wonderful weekend and look for a post next week :D

~JS

Cute Makeup Quotes

So I thought it would be fun to share some cute/funny/true hair and makeup quotes...I see these on pinterest from the many boards I follow and they crack me up.  Some are sweet and nice, others are funny...either way I hope it makes you other beauty fanatics have a brighter day.

More posts coming soon......

Favorite ;)

 fhahahahah

Makes my day...you have no idea

 Exactly

2015 Beauty Resolutions

Can you believe it is almost 2015!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crazy, I know everybody sets resolutions and we don't always stick to them but there is something about taking some time and thinking about life and things you want to work on, improve....I always plan to eat better, stay more organized, read more....etc....even if you don't stick to them I think it important to TRY and at least take time and put things into perspective.  So I thought why not some BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS????

1.  TAKE MORE TIME FOR YOUR HAIR

I mean wake up, do a full blow out and style...I promise you will feel fabulous and if you are one of the lucky girls you can wear it for 2+ days.

2.  TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN

Buy the right products, invest in a clarisonic (it is so worth it) and treat your skin right.  Do a mask once a week, use your moisturizer....JUST DO IT!!!!

3.  MAINTAIN THOSE LOCKS

Get your hair trimmed regularly....for short-mid length hair that's 4-6 weeks... for long hair 6-8 weeks but if you are really trying to grow it go 8-10 if you can.

4.  FULL MAKEUP APPLICATION

Have fun with your makeup and at least once a week do a full makeup application...I mean take the time to do flawless foundation, contour, highlight, etc....whether its for a date night, girls night out....or even a trip to the store....you will fabulous because you are naturally beautiful but makeup is fun and why not dress things up now and then????

5.   HYDRATE.....

Hydrate your hair with masks, great conditioners, etc

Hydrate your skin with body butters and proper facial moisturizers

Hydrate everything by drinking more water

6. BE FREE

I mean natural....take time to let your hair just air dry no flat iron, curling iron, extensions...etc....no makeup...or for me just a little mascara lol....and just embrace the beautiful you.  I think its important to dress it up and feel fabulous but its just as important to give yourself a break.

I hope these help you set some goals and embrace yourself and take care of yourself.  Happy New Year's everyone.  I know 2015 will be a great one.

My favorite Skin Care Products

So as some of you may know I struggle every day with my skin.  I have pretty oily skin and I also have endometriosis which has a little to do with my crazy skin.  I do take prescription medication and also use prescription topical treatments.

My skin can still sometimes be all over the place but the biggest thing is WASH YOUR FACE EVERY NIGHT.  Of course I always knew I should but through the years especially when my kids were younger when I went to bed I would just climb right in and fall asleep...I was too tired to care.  It is soooooooo important to wash your face morning and night but I think especially at night.  You have had makeup on your face all day or even if you don't wear makeup think about all that has touched your face today..YUCK...So I finally invested in a Clarisonic.  I waited and waited until one went on sale.  I have to say I still break out occasionally  but my skin feels so much better.  I think its definitely worth the price.

I purchased the MIA 2


Next on my list is Mario Badescu skincare products.  I have talked about hem before and I will over and over again.  I just love their products.  Not too expensive...they make my skin feel wonderful and everything I have tried from them is just wonderful.  The eye creams are great and the facial cleansers...I love it all.

One another tip is to just let your skin breathe sometimes.  I do wear makeup most days but on the weekends when we get home from running errands or if we aren't going anywhere I either wash my makeup off right after we get home or I just don't wear any makeup that day.


Just a few little ideas for people just starting to wear makeup or followers that are taking more interest in skincare.

Check out Mario Badescu prodcuts at   http://www.mariobadescu.com/

Clasisonic   http://www.clarisonic.com/

Re-enlistment

So last week my husband re-enlisted in the Army.  We found out we are moving to Fort Benning Georgia....so crazy how it all happens at once....I guess that is the army life haha.  We won't be moving until next spring so we have plenty of time to continue enjoying our time in Germany.

The kids are out of school for summer so we are taking a little trip to Edelweiss lodge and resort in Garmisch Germany.  The Bavarian alps are your view from your room and its absolutely breath taking.

Anyways back to the re-enlistment....when he told me he was having the ceremony I really had no clue what to wear or what to have my kids wear...it was our first time going through it and I didn't have much time.  So I tried to research it and with no luck I just decided to wear a green dress I had bought online at american eagle over a year ago and the kids sort of matched with wearing blue and white and I put a cute red bow in my daughter's hair.  Obviously everyone has different styles but I would love to hear your ideas for what to wear to little ceremonies like that in the military.  It also gave me the idea to do a video of re-enlistment hair/makeup????  I will have to do it next week when we get back but It's just one of those things you don't want to be to over done but you definitely want to look nice and put together.  I don't know I thought it would be fun :)

I am sharing some pictures of my husband's special day...can I just say how amazing he is.  The Army life has been good for our family and I am still amazed at all the adventures that we have been able to have and memories made because my husband has been able to be in the Army and let us explore the world.  It truly is incredible and I couldn't be more proud of him.  I will just say for anyone who also hasn't done a re-enlistment yet ...It is over very quick so don't stress too much.  It was fun and I loved that our kiddos were able to be there and see their Dad do all of that.

Upcoming posts will be about summer hair ideas....simple makeup for summer....and some videos soon too.

Luxembourg City, Brussels, and Amsterdam all in one day....with KIDS

Okay so as most of my followers/blog readers probably know we are stationed in Germany.  My husband is in the United States Army and we started out in Schweinfurt Germany and then moved to Grafenwoehr Germany because Schweinfurt Army Garrison is closing down.

We are fitting in as much travel as possible with a teeny tiny budget :).  We want to make the most of our time here but don't want to break ourselves doing it.

Our ways of travel might not work for everyone but we choose to pick out a couple sights we want to see in each place and move right along to the next.  Of course we would love to stay for a week or more in each place but we don't have the means to do that.  The longer you stay, the higher the hotels costs....the more money you need for food, etc.  So we say at least we have been there and walked around and enjoyed it rather than not seeing it at all.

On the training holiday (4 day weekend) in March we decided to go to Brussels while on the way stopping in Luxembourg and trying to make it to The Netherlands if we had time.  Here's how it went down.  We stayed at Air Force Lodging on Ramstein Air Base.  Its like 45 minutes from Trier (a beautiful must see city in Germany) The kids had testing at school that week so we couldn't leave as early as we had planned but we took them out at about 11:00 drove to Ramstein, checked in and everything.  Drove to Trier...unfortunately it started getting dark but we got to see the Roman baths and a few other sites but the pictures didn't turn out great.  We went back to the hotel after the short trip and went to bed because we had to get up early.

So on to day 2......

I believe we were out the door at 6:00am and on our way to Luxembourg city.  We walked the streets and strolled through the city market and saw the outside of the Grand Ducal Palace.  Stopped for pastries and hopped right back in the car and set out to Brussels.  Now just to be clear we had planned on just Luxembourg and Brussels this day but plans changed.

So its about 2 hours from Luxembourg city to Brussels.  Our first stop was the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.  We thought the kids would love the Dionosaur exhibit and honestly we did too.  We had never really seen that kind of stuff.  Here is the link..... http://www.naturalsciences.be/museum/dinosaurs

We made our way through the museum quickly and then had a heck of a time trying to find parking to to the Grote Markt (The Grand Place) in the center of Brussels.  I almost gave up honestly.  We walked and walked but really we got to see a lot more of the city and enjoyed it once we knew we were in the right direction.  The traffic looked crazy so we were kind of glad we ended up walking.  We stopped for Belgian waffles (amazing by the way) and of course picked up some Belgian chocolates.  We finally reached the beautiful Grote Markt and honestly pictures just don't do it justice.  To see it all in person was incredible.  I could of stood there all day staring at everything.

We had to move on though.  We decided on our walk that we should just try to shoot up to Amsterdam while we were closer.  We would have been back tracking if we went back to the hotel since we opted to stay at the same hotel both nights.  We were making good time so we hopped in the car and made our way to the Netherlands.  The drive was nice and easy and the kids enjoyed the different windmills along the way.  We found parking pretty quickly and realized we parked right by some kind of boat museum with really old ships and boats out on display....it was beautiful and the kids loved it.  Then we started walking in hopes to finding the Anne Frank house.  Even though we knew we wouldn't make it inside we at least wanted to see the outside.  We enjoyed strolling the streets, the canals were so cool and the city itself is just beautiful.  It was starting to get dark and a little cold out so after strolling around for maybe 1.5-2 hours we got back in the car and drove 4 hours back to our hotel.

Needless to say we slept in a little.  We got back to the hotel around midnight and then we just explored post and went out to lunch before heading home to Grafenwoehr.  The hotel was very inexpensive and we mostly spent money on gas.  I always pack a lot of food so we don't eat out as much.
So the best way to save money when traveling.......

• planning ahead as much as you can....
• Packing water and food
• Budgeting your spending/souv. money and sticking to it (we pulled out 100 euro) 
• Realizing you aren't going to get to see everything
• Not going in every museum/attraction

As cool as it might be it gets expensive with a family of four so we have been in so many castles/palaces/ etc in our time here that they all start to look the same on the inside.  The outside of each one is unique and beautiful but I don't feel the need  to go into every place.  So that really saves a lot too.  

If you are stationed in Europe or just coming to travel just keep that in mind.  Its beautiful here and we feel so blessed just to see all that we have seen but it does get very expensive, even if you do live here.  So make the most of it but try not to go crazy.  Honestly every little city it beautiful to me so we try to just enjoy it all and take it all in.  I hope someday we can be stationed in Europe again because there really is so much to see and do and experience.  

I hope this post helps a few people travel to a few places they want to see or helps them save money.  If you have any questions please let me know :) 

Have a great day.  

A Little Update

Hey everyone,

Should have some new videos up in about a week and a half....YAY sorry for being all over the place with the makeup and hair tutorials.  I really had the best intentions but life just gets crazy sometimes.  

I have been trying out a few new products and I will have reviews on those and maybe some swatches coming soon.  

Ethan and Kylee have been suuuuppppeeerrr busy with school and sports, girls scouts, etc....you guys know it how is and I try to be involved with as much as I can.  

This is also our last year in Germany....kind of bittersweet.  I am going to miss all the wonderful things in Europe and I am disapointed we didn't get to see more but grateful for all the opportunities we have been given...and the year is not over yet!!!!!!!!  It will be busy though....my husband has WLC coming up and training and preparing for the promotion board on top of figuring out his re-enlistment has him crazy busy.  So therefore I have been a little crazy busy myself and neglected my blog/you tube, etc.....I love hair and makuep products, skincare products, etc and I started all of this for a reason----to share my love and knowledge of this industry with all of you, so I intend to keep improving and staying more consistent.  

I am also trying really hard to stick to my goal of losing 20 pounds before summer.  I have been going to the gym with my best friend here in Germany and she is keeping me motivated.  I will keep you updated on my progress with all of that.

My baby boy is about to turn TEN.....AHHHHHHH I just can't even believe it....It doesn't seem real.  He is so incredible...smart, athletic, fun...just an all around amazing kid.  We are so very blessed and grateful for all the joy he brings to our lives every single day.  I think we are headed to Berlin for his Birthday.


Have a wonderful weekend and I will let you know when I have a new video up

xoxoxo
JS


Here are a few recent photos of my beautiful Children.  The one of me is from Valentine's Day when My solider, the kids and I went to dinner.

Sedona Lace brushes~Vortex Professional Set

HELLO FELLOW BEAUTY LOVERS,

Just wanted to do a quick review on the Sedona Lace brushes I ordered.  

First of all I ordered these on black Friday so they were 50% OFF.  Seriously an incredible deal.  It also came with a free liquid liner.  

http://www.sedonalace.com/Cosmetic-Brushes/53/Vortex-Professional-Makeup-Brushes-without-Belt.asp

I LOVE THEM.  I think that even at $90.00 they are worth it but I was much happier paying $45.00 I know they have different deals and specials all the time so keep an eye out for that and one of the best ways is to like their FB page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sedona-Lace/119334004766579

I love the jumbo fan brush, so many uses.....It's great to use for highlighter.  Another favorite is the crease brush, perfect for getting that neutral shade in the crease for blending out.  I am also obsessed with the bent liner brush.  I wasn't sure I would really like it but I LOVE it.  All the other brushes are great too and I use all of them.  They are super soft, they wash well...I have no complaints.  

The bigger brushes also come with the plastic coverings to store the brushes in and help them maintain their shape.  This is a great brush set for anyone, professionals...beginners....you will enjoy it.  

Really glad I purchased them and just wanted to share with you guys because I know with so many out there it's hard to make a choice sometimes.  I have other brushes that have just fallen apart and shed...I haven't noticed anything bad about these brushes.  I hope this review helped and please let me know if you have any questions or what you want to read about or see next.  I have some other posts coming up and hopefully I will be back to filming soon.  

Have a great Tuesday everyone

XOXO

~JS

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