Eyeliner It Up

Hey all!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday.  I got to spend Thanksgiving with my brother and his family and my mom; then wrapped up the weekend with friends. I am one blessed chick.  So now that we've all eaten our faces off and probably had one to many cocktails, let's find a way to brighten up our eyes!

I've been asked a few questions about eyeliner types so I'm going to give you the low-down on some of my favorites!

In a nutshell, there are three main types of eyeliners: Pencil, Liquid, and Gel.  Pencil is easiest to use and great for lining your eyes' inner rims.  Liquid is the way to go for a precise cat-eye.  Gel liner is easier to use than liquid--it's good for dotting between lashes. 

Here are a few more tips:

*Always apply eyeliner before your mascara.  If you try to line after mascara, you'll end up with a case of lashes clumps.

*Lining Physics 101: The thinner and sharper the pencil tip, the more precise the line.  The fatter and duller the top, the smudgier the line.

*Pencil liner gone all stubborn and hard to apply?  Blast the top with your hair dryer for a second; the color will glide right on.

*When applying liquid or pencil liner, avoid perfection panic by applying in small strokes, like you're connecting little dashes.

*Gel eyeliner is easier to apply than liquid but offers a similar finish.  Wet a thin eyeliner brush and drag it through the gel eyeliner.  Wait a second so it's not super-wet, then stroke it along the upper lash line.  Easy, dreamy! Gel liner is creamier than other liners so it adds a touch of hydration to the lash line; ideal for the ladies with dry skin.

For eyes that pop, go for my "opposites attract" technique:

• To make green eyes really sparkle, apply a plum liner.
• For radiant blue eyes, use brown liner.
• To intensify brown eyes, try navy liner along the upper lash line.
• Hazel eyes look golden when you apply forest-or jade-green liner along the upper lash line

A smudge of chocolate brown liner along the upper lash line (close to the roots) looks great on everyone!

Here are some FaceFirst Favorites:

elf liquid liner $1-AMAZING DEAL

 

Trish McEvoy Eye Pencil $20

Stila Smudge Pot $15

Keep the questions coming!  Have a wonderful week everyone :)

Xo

Taylor Swift gets Bangs

By the way...

Is anyone else thrilled to see Taylor Swift get a hair makeover?  It's about time that girl switched it up!  I was so over the curly, soft bun with bright red lipstick.  Change is GOOD!  Looks fabulous and very Vogue!  Do you love?

Holiday Hair Tips

Hi All!

Wow, the Holidays have have a way of sneaking up on me.   I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving.  I am training right now to do hair at Willow and, as with makeup, I have a slight addiction to haircare products.  I am going to incorporate some hair, skincare and nail tips into the FaceFirst blog starting today! 

Holiday hair is big hair.   Here are a few tips I recommend for maintaining beautiful hair, full of body and volume, this holiday season.

Tip 1: Trim
Super long locks tend to weigh you down. In the winter, you're probably blow-drying more often, so your hair is likely to look or feel more damaged. Giving it a trim will lighten your load, making it easier to achieve lasting lift. Make sure to add layers, which will help create dimension and movement.  Call Willow Salon to schedule your Holiday trim TODAY with any one of our amazing stylists: Jade Young, Hayley Brisacher, Jen Sample, Nicole Snyder, Powell Clements, Brittany Joyner, Amy Arrington.  843.720.7557

Tip 2: Condition
In the winter, hair tends to be more dry and prone to static. It's critical to keep it healthy by using a moisturizing conditioner, just be sure it's appropriate for your hair type.  If you're regularly colored and have chemically processed hair, your hair will benefit from a mask twice a month.  If you use heat to style, use a leave-in conditioner on the ends. If you have fine or flat hair, extra conditioning can weigh hair down, so be selective. Fine haired girls should try to avoid heavy conditioners. Try to bypass  conditioners and use a styling product instead, like thickening cream, that has light conditioning agents in it.  Check out some FaceFirst favorites below.

Retails for around $9

Retails for around $30

Retails for around $22

Retails for around $14

 Tip 3: Style
Achieving volume is always easier when styling with heat. Use a root lifter like Pureology Root Lift and a round brush to create lift and body. Blow dry one section at a time, wrapping each section around the brush and pulling in up and away from your scalp as you aim the blow dryer down the hair shafts. Let the section cool off while it’s still wrapped around the brush to create soft waves. 

Retails for around $20

Tip 4: Have Fun
An easy look to achieve on "second-day hair" is a loose bun. First, pull hair into a messy ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Then, twist hair around the base of the ponytail and secure it with pins. To make it casual, gently pull out pieces as you pin it back. As a finisher, lightly mist hairspray all over. Voila!  Instant chicness! 

Hope these tips and products help you maintain FABULOUS hair, all winter long.  Keep the questions coming.

Until next time...

Xo

Seasonal Switcharoo

 Hello Everyone!

I want to start out by saying THANK YOU for the love and support. I have received an outpouring of inquiries and I hope I continue to interest and inform you :)

Now, let's get down to business.  Who's ready for winter???  I like to see the cooling change of the seasons as an opportunity to break out of any makeup rut I'm in and have some fun!  

• It's the time of year to play with deeper lip colors like sheer plums, rich berries, burgundy wines and classic reds.

Mandy Moore

Rihanna

• Warm up dull winter skin by mixing in a bit of cream bronzer with your foundation. I like Maybelline Dream Mousse--mixes well with liquid foundation.

• Wake up with a “Just back from Bermuda”  glow by adding a drop of self-tanner to your nighttime moisturizer.

• Eyeliner looks especially great with fall and winter fashions.  Expand your liner lineup with enchanting shades like eggplant or chocolate brown.  Pair your lined eyes with a nude lip for a chic, sophisticated look.

Hilary Duff

 

• For family gatherings at Thanksgiving or Christmas, keep your makeup simple and classic.  Try a natural lip paired with a soft brown shadow on the eyes for a universally flattering look that even Grandma will love.

I'll leave you with one more winter beauty tip.  Putting a humidifier in your bedroom adds a new dimension to beauty sleep during the cold, dry winter months.  Give your parched skin an overnight boost: humidify!

Until next time...

Xo

What's In My Bag?

Hello Lovelies,

I got this blog topic from a few girlfriends I was out to dinner with this past weekend.  For some reason, they decided to start rummaging through my purse (more like a small suitcase) and were laughing at the items they found and INSISTED I do a “what’s in my bag” blog.  I keep everything in there but the kitchen sink, but I’ll share with you some of my purse necessities.  

1.)   Band-Aid Friction Block stick: Reminds me of a glue stick. You rub this on the areas that are prone to blisters from wearing those sky high heels!  I LOVE this product and can’t leave home without it.  Because I’m a Shorty, I rarely leave home without heels, and this has SAVED my feet! You’re welcome girls.

2.)    Lip Stain: For all my chapstick fanatics out there, lip stain is your new best friend.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE chapstick (my favorite is Burt’s Bees) so, with lip stain, you can apply, allow it to dry, and add your favorite chapstick on top.  Colorful lips and functionality?  YES! Covergirl makes a great lip stain in a variety of colors ($7.99) and so does The Body Shop ($14). Stain away!

3.)    Perfume Rollerball: Most of your favorite perfumes come in a handy rollerball size which is perfect for a purse and won’t spill!  Victoria’s Secret has a bunch of these directly by the checkout line for about $10 each.  Smell good all the time :)

4.)    Baby Wipes: WHAT? I know. I’m crazy. But I love them. Baby wipes are perfect for removing makeup in a flash and removing spilt stains from clothing!  No bambinos? Still functional for adults.

5.)    Hand Sanitizer:  Wash hands as much as possible in the winter to prevent colds!

6.)    Travel Size toothbrush and toothpaste:   I don’t use any type of whitening system for my teeth on a regular basis, but I am a teethbrushaholic.  I brush my teeth probably five times a day, so I always have my trusty travel sized ready.  Sugar free minty gum is a must have too!

7.)    Business Cards: You never know who you’re going to run in to.  Always have these ready to hand out.  Networking is key. The cute little case doesn't hurt :)

8.)    Oil Blotting Sheets:  Grab these instead of packing on pressed powder to control oil.  Same effect and won’t clog pores!  MAC makes great ones and for an inexpensive option, Clean & Clear oil absorbing sheets. 

9.)    Pain Reliever:  Tylenol is always on standby.   

So now that I’ve exposed what’s in my handbag, I hope everyone picked up some useful knowledge.  Let me know if you have any questions!  

Xo

This One's For the Fellas (Ladies, useful knowledge for you too)

HEY everyone!

I was recently asked by a dude what he could do to prevent irritation after shaving.  From what I hear, facial shaving irritation is tough to combat, but with these few tips, you’ll be on your way to a baby soft face!  Pre-shave, I recommend that you exfoliate.  For the guys who have no idea what this is, it’s the removal of dead skin cells on the skin’s outer surface.  You can go to any drugstore and buy “St Ives Apricot Scrub”.  Use this three times weekly on your face and neck.  This will slough off dead skin and allow for a closer, smoother shave.  For starters, I recommend taking a shower first, to soften the skin and hair. On to the shaving, a new razor is a MUST.  And I know they are expensive but you have to change out your blade every 3-4 uses.  Single blade razors work well for men.  Shave in the direction of the hair growth.   After your shave, apply after shave; preferably one containing aloe Vera and antiseptic ingredients that will heal any cuts caused by shaving.  Lastly, men, you HAVE to moisturize.  Try to pick an oil free moisturizer with sunscreen.  I recommend Clean & Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer spf 15. 

Happy Shaving!  Until next time...


xo

10 Minute Day Look

Hello lovelies!

WOW, it is pretty humbling to see yourself on tape, but I know that this is an effective way to walk you through an entire look.  I hope you all enjoy it!  Remember, you don’t have to do EVERY step, just make it your own.  Let me know what else you want to see.  Feedback welcome.  Sorry about my puppy barking in the background :)

 

Also, thanks to my gorgeous model, Dana. She is stunning so it’s not hard to apply makeup when you have a beautiful canvas. 

 Xo

Mascara Madness

I think every girl can relate to constantly being on the hunt for the perfect mascara.  Well, put your guns down ladies, I’ve got the ONE for you.   

Lancome Hypnose Drama was introduced to me by my friend Katie.  I, being the makeup addict that I am, had to run out the next day and get it. The S-shaped curve of the brush grabs lashes and gives them volume in a fanned- out fashion after only one coat.  Its creamy, smooth formula provides buildable volume.  Quick and easy application with va-va-voom results!  Washes off easily too.  The mascara can be purchased at most department stores and runs about $25.  I have this in “excessive black” but it also comes in a shimmery black as well. 

For an inexpensive option, my go-to mascara is L’oreal Voluminous Mascara.  I have used this mascara for years, on and off.  Creates full and thick lashes and does not glop or clump.  For a price point of around $5 you can purchase this mascara at any drug store.

So start batting those lashes; it’s time for some butterfly kisses  ;)  Don’t forget to change your mascara every three months to prevent infection!

Ten Commandments of Makeup Application and Care

Hey lovely FACE FIRST Followers!

I am SO excited to be writing my first blog .  I believe that although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there still exists, a set of specific commandments to follow in both makeup application and properly caring for your skin. With a million and one cosmetic brands to choose from you should always stick with what works for you.  So put your best face first, and take a look at my list of ten makeup commandments. I guarantee your skin will thank you!


Commandment 1: 


Thou shall wear suncreen.  The best anti aging cream on the market is sunscreen.  Wear it daily.  Sorry my southern ladies; but when it comes to beauty, sun is your enemy, not your friend; it is the primary reason that skin wrinkles and develops skin cancer. The primary factor of maintaining your skins radiance and healthy appearance rely on the daily use of sunscreen. The 'baking bare less' at the beach era is so 1980 Baywatch.

FaceFirst Fave: Dermalogica Cleanstart welcome matte spf15

Commandment 2:  

Thou shall take the time to find the right color of foundation for your skin. If your face is a completely different shade than your neck, odds are you didn't choose wisely. Let's be honest, trends come and go as far as lipstick shades, eye shadow, and polish, but the foundation remains the same. Go out of your way to makeup counters to choose the right shade and formula that works with your skin. Bring your compact so that you can try on a shade and walk outside to see the color under real, natural light, which is best. When you have a great base for foundation you can go inexpensive with hot and trendy shades on your eyes and lips to update your look anytime.  I will have a separate blog review on different foundations I've been testing.

  

FaceFirst Fave: Here's one that I'm using now and LOVING:

Nars sheer matte foundation

Commandment 3: 

Thou shall not use too much bronzer. Of course the cast from Jersey Shore would disapprove, but REALLY, adding too much bronzer ages you – tacking on additional years.  This is tough in winter because everyone seems to miss their sun-kissed glow.  There is STILL away to embrace your more fair winter skin while adding a dewy, warm glow. I will embellish more on bronzers during a later blog, but I'll leave you with my go-to, matte finish bronzer.  

 

FaceFirst Fave:

 

smashbox bronze lights in suntan matte

 

 

 

 

 

Commandment 4:

 

Thou shall drink plenty of water to maintain you skins natural glow and overall well being. Doctors recommend the daily intake of 8 glasses of water per day, and I believe you should push the envelope a bit and make it an even 10. Get all cray cray and add lemon or cucumber! Cheers!


Commandment 5:

Thou shall remove all makeup before bed at night! Seriously, the raccoon super-star eye in the morning is not hot, and I guarantee that you'll have even more problems once your pores become clogged from debris and oil. I RARELY go to bed without cleansing, toning, and moisturizing my face. BUT on the occasional, "I just want to pass out" night, to make this task simpler, try Noxzema's new Clean Moisture Makeup Removal Cloths that even rid eyes

of waterproof mascara! Now you really don't have an excuse!

No Excuses now!

 

Commandment 6:

Thou shall exfoliate regularly. Whether you are an oily, dry, or combination skin type, exfoliating is a must if you want your skin to look its best. By ridding the skins surface of dead skin cells, you'll reveal a bright, luminous complexion that will have strangers asking you for your best kept skin care secret! There are various ways to exfoliate, but I recommend Epicuren Apricot Scrub. For an inexpensive alternative, St. Ives Apricot Scrub is very affordable and will give you a smooth, exfoliated finish.  

Commandment 7:

Thou shall blend your eye shadow. An ultimate pet-peeve of mine is seeing a glob of eye shadow on a gorgeous palette that lacks symmetry. If you love to wear multiple eye shadows, it is essential that you buy an eye shading brush to mix all of your colors together. For carefree blending, try the M.A.C Blending Brush.

This brush is a life saver!  

Commandment 8:

Thou shall not line your lips with extreme dark shades. The dark purple lip liner with bright pink lip gloss is an ultimate cosmetic sin. If you're having a hard time choosing a lip liner, the rule of thumb is to choose a color that is no darker than two shades of your natural lip color (with the exception of red). If I can distinctly see your lip liner drawn on your lips, then we have a problem. Cosmetics should be fun. It is a new lipstick color, not a freaking tattoo! Try something different, play around, if it doesn't work out, take it off! 

Try a Bobbi Brown lip liner in beige - a shade that compliments most complexions.

Commandment 9:

THOU SHALT NOT see pictures of models --who spend two hours getting their hair and makeup done and another two hours posing while the photographer and a team of assistants determine the most flattering lighting, after which the resulting picture goes through a battery of digitally enhanced touch-ups and adjustments-- and believe you will get the same (or even similar) results from using the products being advertised. Do not be seduced by every new promotion, new product, or new product line that the cosmetics industry creates.  Getting to know you're skin type and tone and facial structural features you will be able to find products that are perfect for YOU!  Don't be discouraged...beauty comes from the confidence from within.  Start here and the glow will come :)

Commandment 10:

Thou shall have fun with your makeup! If you're worried about not applying your makeup correctly, it's OK. It takes practice to master tricks of makeup artists, and the good news is that you can wash it right off if you make a mistake. So take a deep breath, and have a good time! You'll be surprised at the inner artist that exists within!


Hope these help :)  Lots more information to come.  Comment on specific questions you may have.


Until next time --


XOXO Sabra