The Art of the Red Lip

Okay so I have been thinking about this post for a while and finally had some time to put it into words.

Now, we all know the red lip is a bit of a bold move, a statement if you will. It is iconic, worn for years by famous actresses in Hollywood over generations but carried just as effortlessly by everyday women around the world. For me it is a boost of confidence, it makes you aware of your lips and how they tell a story about you before you even speak. But there is more to the red lip than meets the eye– it is a commitment and an art. What I mean by that is this: it’s not your average gloss or sheer lip stick that comes and goes with ease. You can’t just reapply and maintain the balance of effortless, yet flawless.

If you have tried your hand at a red lip you know it has commitment issues as well– It rarely stays put! It runs and bleeds into the fine lines around your lips and takes you from glam to messy. It’s tricky and self centered– requiring your utmost attention. It transfers onto coffee mugs and glasses and might even possibly end up on your teeth– which is the exact OPPOSITE look you’re hoping to achieve.

This brings me deeper into the commitment of the red lip. It’s not just how you apply it but how you go about your day. You literally have to change the way you wear your makeup. You can’t just drink water right out of the glass! You can’t habitually push your lips together like you do when you apply gloss! And when you eat! Ah, don’t even get me started on eating with a red lip. The behavior that coincides with a Red Lip is truly a part of this art.

Here are a few ways I realized I modify the way I go about my day according to my Red Lip!

1. I ALWAYS drink out of a straw. Coffee, water, water bottle, whatever! You’ve got to be crazy to go straight on!
2. I never order sandwiches! I generally eat things I can cut into tiny pieces and slip into my mouth with a fork or snacks that are already small like almonds. Nothing that I have to bite into ever.
3. I don’t eat anything greasy either, that is a surefire way to send that lip into a greasy, slippery mess.
4. I never push my lips together, all that does is move it around and outward (and into those fine lines). Once you apply, you let it be!
5. Master the art of the “air kiss”.
6. I am always running my tongue over my teeth to ensure there is NO red there ever. So crucial.

Okay, baby is awake. I will revisit The Art of the Red Lip at a later date! For now, stew on these facts. And, if you have anything you do in particular when you wear a red lip, let me know!

❤
Christie

Exercise and Skin?

Okay, so yesterday we decided it would be a perfect day for yard work! We raked and bagged leaves all day. ALL. DAY.

Now, if any of you know me personally you might know I’m really not much of a “working out” person, but I do find that when I am accomplishing something physical I feel amazing (duh). After a morning of shoveling snow or an afternoon of raking leaves, it’s like yeah, that’s what it’s all about. Like, who needs a treadmill?! Lift weights? Just do THAT stuff everyday. But, I don’t so I guess I do need a treadmill. I know other cultures just don’t see the need to work out because life is a work-out. I kind of love that. But also, I kind of love modern conveniences. I’m torn.

Anyway, that’s not what this post is about. After I spent the day doing real physical labor, I came inside and looked in the mirror and was extremely taken aback. My skin looked amazing. I mean, if I do say so myself. I wasn’t wearing makeup (okay, I was wearing the lip stick I just bought to test it out), but my skin was glowing. It looked fresh and bright and I was just shocked. I mean, it made sense, but whoa. This might be enough to drive me to work out. Maybe.

I did some research and here’s what I found… it’s too much to paraphrase, so I’ll provide the link. Essentially, exercising DOES improve your skin’s overall health simply by increasing blood circulation (among other things). I know this is common sense, but really I just didn’t link the two things. Enjoy my findings, and the fruits of my physical labor yesterday! Heh.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-care-11/exercise

Here’s Adam, Calvin and my mother bagging leaves.

❤ Christie

Featuring Julie + Ryan <3

Okay, so this wedding may have been a ways ago (September 2012) but Julie was such a stunning bride, I had to feature her for the world to see. She is so beautiful and I love that there was such a peace about her. A calming, quiet peace. I showed up at her house at around 5:45AM, maybe the earliest I’ve ever started a wedding! It was an early ceremony, so we had to get a jump on things right away. Everyone was awake when I arrived and ready to start their beautifying process.

I love being a part of people’s big day, it is like nothing else. I’ve been a part of countless wedding mornings and they’re all unique in their own way. The bride dictates the dynamic and the rest follow suit. But one thing is for certain, nothing matters except for the fact that they will soon wed their best friend and partner. It’s an absolute pleasure for me to have some kind of role in a very exciting moment in someone’s life.

Okay, without further adieu, here are a few pictures of her wedding day makeup.

 

 

**Photos by Neil Van NieKirk. I invite you to visit his site and check out his work, he’s fab!

Julie came to me wanting something simple, natural, yet elegant. Something that would still allow her to look and feel like herself, but appropriate for her wedding day. It is a request I get very often, I’d venture to say 99% of the time. Most women feel this way, their fear is that if they don’t wear makeup normally, that somehow it would transform them into someone else! It’s my job to assess my client’s skin tone, skin type, personality and preferences and adapt the makeup to fit them while being appropriate for their wedding day. I’d say simple and clean is my style, I love to enhance natural beauty instead of covering it up. Julie was an absolute natural beauty, and I think she is just beautiful in these photos!

❤ Christie

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 25 — Last Day + GIVEAWAY!

Hooray!! We made it! Today is the last day in the 25 Days of Christie!

I just wanted to thank you all for playing along and keeping up with my daily ramblings. You have all been so supportive and exciting and to thank you properly I am presenting you with a very special giveaway!

Benefit’s “Feelin’ Dandy” Lip and Cheek Kit!

This set comes with Posie Tint Lip & Cheek Stain, High Beam Highlight, Dandelion Powder Blush, and Ultra Plush Dandelion Lip Gloss!! I am literally so excited to give this away, it is such a fun little combo of exciting things and of course I LOVE Benefit!

Here’s how to enter:
1. “LIKE” Christie Caiola: Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist on Facebook!
2. Share this blog post on Facebook.
3. Comment on this blog post your favorite thing about the 25 Days of Christie or what you’d like to see in the future on my blog + your full name!

*Contest ends 11:59PM Wednesday night. Winner will be drawn Thursday morning. Facebook is in no way responsible or involved in the contest process.

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes
Day 14: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Day 15: MakeUp Forever HD Powder
Day 16: Smith’s Rosebud Salve
Day 17: Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream
Day 18: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Day 19: MakeUp Forever HD Foundation
Day 20: Hot Tools Marcel Curling Iron
Day 21: Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner
Day 22: Christian Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara
Day 23: MakeUp Forever Camo Palette #5
Day 24: MAC Liquid Last Liquid Eye Liner
Day 25: My Family ❤

*Photo Credit: Rock-Steady Images

  So, to conclude my list of favorite things, I felt it was only right to pay tribute to my amazing family. It is because of my husband’s support and encouragement that I am able to do what I do. Without his help, I wouldn’t be where I am at all. On numerous occasions he has woken up with me at the crack of dawn to help me pack up and carry my bags to my car for an early wedding or shoot, he’s cleaned my brushes for me and even accompanied me on shoots that I wasn’t too sure about. He has always supported my career and cheered me on, even when times get tough and when I’ve second guessed my own abilities and choices. This is an extremely hard career path, mainly because it is freelance. There have been so many bumps in the road and failures, but all have led me to where I am today. If I didn’t have the kind of support I have in him, I would have quit long long ago.

*Photo Credit: Rock-Steady Images

On top of my amazing, supportive husband, I can’t post about the possibility of my career without also paying tribute to my parents and brothers. I first started doing makeup when I was in high-school and my family pushed me and encouraged me to go towards an unconventional way of life. They never tried to steer me towards what society felt I should do, but let me follow my dreams and were always my number one fans. I pursued makeup school instead of a college degree and couldn’t be happier. I also recall my brothers driving me to the city and helping me learn my way through the subways, trains, and buses so I wouldn’t be discouraged and afraid of what I didn’t know. Today, I am a transit master ;).

*Photo Credit: Bill Cardoni

*Photo Credit: Tin Sparrow Studio

And of course, last but not least, my adorable son. He may not have anything to do with my makeup career but he is absolutely one of my all-time favorite things :). He is a blessing and so full of life and personality. I am so grateful to have the career that I have where I can be home with him most days and still have a freelance career. He is so loving and so stinkin’ cute!

Photo Credit: Kievning Photography

 

Well, I hope you all enjoyed my 25 Days of Christie. It was a pleasure to bring you my favorite things and to spoil some of you with some giveaways!

Don’t go too far away, because I will soon be launching a new series of posts– any guesses on what it will be?! Ooooooh, you’ll have to stay tuned!

Love,
Christie Caiola
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 22, 23 & 24

Talk about falling behind on my duties, eh??

Friday was Fabulous Friday and it was fabulous! I went out with two of my friends and celebrated my birthday. It was a fun night filled with laughs (lots of them) and good times. Saturday, well Saturday was a down day. But really it was Sound-Off Saturday where I eagerly await your feedback! I didn’t get any though… probably because I didn’t post and forgot to remind you. Which brings us to today, Sit-Back Sunday! A day I will enjoy in its entirety today. No plans, just to relax with the hubs and the baby. I was considering doing my face mask tonight– a little TLC goes a long way =). Post your makeup-free faces to my fan page today! Show me your face masks and cucumber eyes! Maybe I’ll dig up some home remedies for face masks and see how that goes…

Today is the second to last day of the 25 Days of Christie and I’m a little sad. It has been fun yet challenging for me! I hope you have all enjoyed it from the giveaways to my list of faves and everything in between. I would love to hear your feedback on what you thought and what your favorite part was!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes
Day 14: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Day 15: MakeUp Forever HD Powder
Day 16: Smith’s Rosebud Salve
Day 17: Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream
Day 18: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Day 19: MakeUp Forever HD Foundation
Day 20: Hot Tools Marcel Curling Iron
Day 21: Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner
Day 22: Christian Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara

I know I already did a mascara as one of my faves, but hands down Christian Dior is still one of my faves. I go back and forth between this and Benefit’s They’re Real but even that is a fairly new discovery. Diorshow is one of those tried and true formulas that I used for years before even venturing out. They are absolute equals in my book and 100% amazing. It doesn’t budge and separates nicely, no clumping.

Day 23: MakeUp Forever Camo Palette #5

I love this palette. It is a wonderful corrective palette for fair toned people. The green at the end (I never use it directly, I always mix it with some foundation first) is perfect for blemishes, but if it doesn’t require such a pigmented color correct I opt for the olive toned color in the center (this picture doesn’t do it justice. For under-eyes I go for the second to last color with the deep orange-pink undertone (again this photo doesn’t really show the tones of the palette too great). Basically, I go through #14 and #15 like it’s water, thank goodness for the replacements.

Day 24: MAC Liquid Last Liquid Eye Liner

This is by far the most magical formula of liquid liner I’ve ever experienced. It. Won’t. Budge. Ever. No seriously, not ever. You need to take some makeup remover to this bad boy, ’cause soap and water won’t cut it. It is brilliant. I don’t use the applicator, so I can’t speak for it. I put it on my hand first and use a small angled brush to apply. This is also why I am commonly asked if I have a small tattoo of an ink blot on my hand because no matter how much I wash my hands it stays put (and I never remember to take it off with remover before I leave the house… I’m a classy lady).

Okay, now that we’re all caught up I would like to remind you that tomorrow is the last day of the 25 Days of Christie and the last giveaway! Be sure to tune in tomorrow for what it will be and how to enter!!

Also, I’d love to hear your feedback if you’ve been following along, either comment on the blog or on my Facebook page.

It has been a pleasure chatting about beauty with you guys every (or almost every) day for the last 25 days. Don’t worry, my blog won’t be going anywhere! I will still be posting my tips and thoughts and updating you all on my work.

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 21

Throwback Thursday! So Calvin has mysteriously slept in this morning and enabled me to spend my time doing a bit of research for today’s post. It will be mostly photos but I won’t lie, I had a blast with this one. I am taking a trip back to the 70’s, a nice stark contrast to our last two 1950’s-60’s ladies. Beauty seemed like it was so much more natural in the 70’s, a less-is-more kind of thing. It is always fun to check out the trends of yester-years and recognize how they’ve influenced our trends today.

Alli MacGraw– Center part, straight, natural hair. Strong, natural brows. Fresh faced.

Jacqueline Bisset– Are those freckles I see?? Clean, natural skin with some natural freckles showing through.

Ferrah Fawcett– Okay, maybe her hair required some work. But Still fresh makeup. Natural and glowing. Muted lip.

Stevie Nicks

Hope you loved these as much as I did this morning! Bear in mind that I am not a child of the 70’s, so I cannot speak from experience. But if you were there and have some trends you loved (promise I won’t call you old) or see coming back around, feel free to comment below.

 

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes
Day 14: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Day 15: MakeUp Forever HD Powder
Day 16: Smith’s Rosebud Salve
Day 17: Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream
Day 18: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Day 19: MakeUp Forever HD Foundation
Day 20: Hot Tools Marcel Curling Iron
Day 21: Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner

I have been using it for years and years! I have tried many others, mainly out of desperation because I ran out, and they are no where near what this is. It is so important to clean your brushes (if you’re a professional, you need to be cleaning them after every use). Even if you’re not a pro, you should be cleaning your brushes. Your makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria, but more than that (as if that’s not enough) you are not getting the best outcome with dirty brushes. Your eyeshadow/blush/foundation/etc colors will be mixing together and create a muddy appearance instead of having a distinct difference in shades and colors. This brush cleaner cleans the product off the brushes, disinfects and dries extremely fast. It is truly brilliant and a life saver in every situation. I am always doing multiple people whether for bridal, photoshoots, fashion, commercials, etc and I need my brushes to be clean and dry. This cleaner delivers outstanding results, and I can rest assured that they are indeed CLEAN. I am not in the business of spreading germs…

So, that’s all for today folks! I hope you are having a great Thursday!

 

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 20 + Contest WINNER!

Wisdom Wednesday!! Ahh, time for me to once again impart some type of makeup wisdom upon you all. I know I have posted on this before, but I might as well make a blog post about it.

BB Cream!

What the heck is BB Cream?! I get asked this question at least once a day. Seriously. I will brief you all on BB Cream and what it’s all about. Get ready for this.

BB Cream stands for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm. The word on the street is that BB Cream was originally formulated to heal scars from plastic surgery by a dermatologist in Germany. The thought being– if you will be putting foundation, concealer, whatever to cover up the scars you have– why not create something that both conceals, heals and protects??? Brilliant. So simple, yet so brilliant. Now of course, we’re always the last to know but Korea took this and ran with it when it was introduced in 1985. There was, at first, just one or two brands making BB Cream and everyone was using it. Then word got out about how amazing this stuff is and how marketable and everyone jumped on the band-wagon. It has been huge in Korea for a while before we, in the US, decided, HEY! I want that too. In 2012 just about every cosmetics company in the US created some variation of BB Cream and they’re all massively different.

The claims of the BB Cream in general are almost near magical– and leave us cynics feeling skeptical at best. It is a formula designed to be an “all in one”, something to replace all the products we use regularly. It is said to heal scars and discoloration as well as cover them, protect the skin from sun damage, hydrate, prime, etc etc etc. Some brands have different purposes, claiming anti-aging properties as well. Sounds wonderful but is it true?! Well… that brings me to…

In my research I found that there are many that claim the US BB Creams just don’t stand up to what the Korean ones pioneered. They are selling it under the name BB Cream, but are tinted moisturizers at best– essentially lacking all the wonderful skin treating and healing properties a true BB Cream is meant to represent. Have I tried every single BB Cream? No. Will I? I seriously doubt it. Can I vouch for this claim? Meh. But I can say what I have found in my searching.

I have tried Urban Decay’s BB Cream and Christian Dior’s BB Cream among the US brands right now and I am absolutely stunned at the massive difference. UD’s is barely even a tinted moisturizer, it comes in one color and has little to no pigmentation. No coverage. It is hydrating… but so is my moisturizer. I don’t get it. Christian Dior’s had better coverage and was hydrating, but still not heavy enough to where I’d consider wearing it without foundation. It was bordering a tinted moisturizer. Literally, vastly different formulas under the same name of “BB Cream”. I needed to see what the hype was about with these Korean brands so I did. I ordered my Missha Signature Real Complete from Amazon, one of the top names of the Korean BB Cream market. I’ve noticed a huge difference between the few that I’ve tried from here and my Missha. It has way more coverage, enabling it to be worn alone as a foundation substitute. It is hydrating and healing, I feel like I’ve seen huge improvements in my skin overall. I have to say I am a huge fan.

What I have concluded from my research is that, fortunately, BB Cream is not a hoax or a scam. While it sounds too good to be true, it lives up to its name and with anything it’s about finding the right brand for you. If you have tried any BB Creams, US or otherwise, feel free to share your opinions! Love to hear ’em.

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes
Day 14: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Day 15: MakeUp Forever HD Powder
Day 16: Smith’s Rosebud Salve
Day 17: Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream
Day 18: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Day 19: MakeUp Forever HD Foundation
Day 20: Hot Tools Marcel Curling Iron

I love my irons, I have four– a 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, and 1 1/2 inch. They’re all marcel, except the 1 1/2 inch and they’re all gold plated. They heat fast and create some bangin, long lasting curls. The tools are extremely important when it comes to getting a good, long lasting style. A marcel is when an iron doesn’t have a spring clip, so instead of feeding it through the bottom and rolling it up and waiting, you feed it through from the root and pump it with your fingers. Takes some getting used to but it’s pretty wonderful.

Last but not least… the winner for Makeup Monday Giveaway!!!

Ohhhhh this brings me so much joy! Congrats to ELIZABETH COOK for winning the Makeup Monday Giveaway!!! I love Makeup Monday! Send me your info girl! Christiecaiola@hotmail.com

Thanks for playing along my friends!!!!! This upcoming Monday is the last giveaway and the final day in the 25 Days of Christie! It might be a big one ;). I hope you all have been having as much fun as I have with this goofy excuse to post as much as I have heh.

Happy Sunny-But-Chilly Wednesday!

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 18 + Giveaway!!

MAKEUP MONDAY!! I love Makeup Monday– it’s kind of my favorite day in the 25 DoC.

Today’s giveaway will be…

A full sized Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick!!!

Don’t be alarmed, this lip stick does not hurt or tingle, but it does make your lips look and feel fuller and smoother. It is hydrating, soft and long lasting with a great color payoff.

Now, here’s the catch. YOU get to pick your own color if you win!! So, enter the contest by following the rules below and I will announce the winner tomorrow. If you win, I will send you the link to see the color swatches and you can send me your choice along with your info.

Here’s how to enter:
1. “Like” my Facebook fan page if you haven’t already.
2. Share this blog post on Facebook.
3. Comment on this blog post any product that you’ve been dying to try along with your full name.

*Contest ends 11:59PM Tuesday night. I extended it to Tuesday night since I posted this so late! Winner will be drawn Wednesday morning. Facebook is in no way responsible or involved in the contest process.

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes
Day 14: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Day 15: MakeUp Forever HD Powder
Day 16: Smith’s Rosebud Salve
Day 17: Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream
Day 18: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

I love this curler, it works on everyone’s lashes even the tiniest and straightest. It is well known in the industry and for good reason! It can’t be beat!

Only ONE MORE WEEK of the 25 Days of Christie– and one more giveaway. I have a feeling the last giveaway might be a big one ;). Stay tuned!

Sorry for the late post today. Hubs and baby are sick =(. Have to keep this place together!

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 16 and 17, St. Patty’s Day + 80’s Themed Lingerie Party??

Whoa, this is one jam packed post. I hope you’re ready for all this.

So, I missed posting yesterday (my first miss in the 25DoC so far– not bad) so I am playing catch up as well as posting some fun pictures from a party I had the pleasure of attending for a very lovely and beautiful friend of mine and wishing you all a happy and safe St. Patty’s Day.

Today is Sit-Back Sunday— and boy, do I need it. Take the opportunity to relax today, go makeup-free (at least for a couple of hours since I know you’ll all be rocking green shadow for St. Patrick’s Day). Sunday is a great chance to give yourself a face mask, throw some cucumbers on your eyes and let your skin breathe. I think I may do just that…

Yesterday was a full day. I had a makeup trial for a beautiful May bride, Linda, in the morning and then got ready for a fun filled night of Madonna, bad hair, and hot pink pants (okay, maybe I was the only one guilty of the bad hair and the hot pink pants…). Something about the 80’s and showering someone in lingerie makes me a little out of control. I may have embarrassed myself, no alcohol needed. I’m pretty sure there’s video of me somewhere leading a group of women in a “choreographed” (not really) dance to I Wanna Dance With Somebody that I pray never surfaces. However, there will be some gems circling the internet one way or another, might as well break the ice.

Oh yes, I went there. Leotard and all. Even pulled out my 1/2 inch curling iron for this. I’m thinking I might perm my hair like this regularly– only I’d 100% rock the heck out of a fro. Only in my dreams…

 

NOW for the favorite things that I missed!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes
Day 14: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Day 15: MakeUp Forever HD Powder
Day 16: Smith’s Rosebud Salve

Day 17: Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream

I love my Rosebud Salve, it is something I gift to people no matter the occasion and something I always have on hand (or three or four in various different locations around my house, car, purse, whatever). It is light, wonderful and magical. Yes, magical. I love my Dr. Lipp but this to me will never be replaced. It is also a little glossy so it gives your lips a nice shine as well as conditions and protects. Joy.

Now, my Missha BB Cream is out of this world. Out. Of. This. World. And, quite literally, out of this country since it’s sold in Korea. I know I’m insane but I’m so glad I ordered this it has not disappointed. It feels wonderful on my skin, it has light coverage but surprisingly is buildable. It treats and heals as well as protects from sun damage. I am over the moon for this product and know so many women that I’ve recommended this to that love it just as much. I have been testing out many different types of BB Cream from the states and haven’t found one that compares to my Missha.

Whew, a mouthful! Well, hubs has the flu it seems so I will be caring for my poor sniffly, achy man today. Enjoy your Sunday everyone and prepare those clicking fingers for tomorrow’s MAKEUP MONDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

 

The 25 Days of Christie: Day 15

Fabulous Friday!! Hooray! If you’re getting fabulous for a date tonight or just a night out with the girls, take your pics and let me see them on my Facebook page! Love to share in beauty with my fellow beauties! 😉

A Few of My Favorite Things:
Day 1: Tweezerman Tweezers
Day 2: Josie Maran Argan Oil
Day 3: Christian Dior Cuticle Cream
Day 4: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Day 5: MakeUp Forever HD Primer
Day 6: Benefit’s Benetint Tinted Lip Balm
Day 7: Buxom Full Bodied Lip Stick
Day 8: Dr. Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips
Day 9: Benefit’s “They’re Real” Mascara
Day 10: Essie Crystal Nail File
Day 11: Benefit’s Watts Up
Day 12: OPI Nail Lacquer
Day 13: MAC Brushes
Day 14: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
Day 15: MakeUp Forever HD Powder

This powder is great on all skin tones and types. It is super super fine, so it doesn’t leave a powdery residue. It gives your skin a polished off finish, takes away shine and sets your foundation. A wonderful wonderful thing. Loveeeeee this.

Happy Friday!!!!