Makeup is not everyone’s thing – and that’s okay! But for me, I learned over the years how to enhance what I have with some simple steps. Growing up, I would go to Bare Essentials, Sephora, or Ulta to learn techniques and tricks with different products. I wanted to have a better understanding, and going in-person provided me the opportunity to practice and see what I enjoyed and what wasn’t for me. So as I share this content, please know I am definitely an amateur makeup applier. But I am happy to share because I know several of you could also be at the beginning stages of the beauty realm.

On a regular work-from-home day, I can be found in sunscreen and mascara. For events, and when I feel like dressing up a bit, I like to go with this makeup routine that I recently shared on my Instagram story (@rockparkerscissors).

I’m listing my makeup in the order it’s applied:

Primer: Bare Minerals Prime Time

The cream I apply all over my face (I wear the medium color, but light mixed with medium in the winter): It CC Cream | Mini Size   

Bronzers I recommend: Hoola Bronzer | Elf Bronzer

Under Eye Cream: Under Eye Concealer | Mini Size

Setting Powder: Bye Bye Pores Setting Powder

Blush, and I included all the options: Blush I Used on Instagram | Newer Version of My Blush | NARS Blush (my favorite) | NARS Cheek Palette  

My go-to eyeliner: Eyeliner

Eye Shadow: Naked 2 Eye Shadow Palette  

What I apply to the top, outer, lashes prior to my mascara: L’Oreal Lash Primer

My Everyday Mascara: L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara  

Lip Liner

Lip Stain

Brushes: Bronzer Brush |Blush Brush

I found this great set if you are starting from scratch, or looking for a new set: Brush Set (includes Foundation, Eye, and Setting Powder Brush)    

Makeup Bag: Jon Hart Small Travel Kit

Speaking of sets, if you are wanting to purchase several of these items, I found some great sets to start with from QVC and the It Cosmetics website:

Three-Piece Collection: Includes CC Cream, Setting Powder, and Brush for $54.75.

Bye Bye Pore Pressed Powder and Brush: $42 (regularly $85 if purchased separately)

CC Cream and Brush: Buy the set for $46  

Under Eye Cream: 2 for $32.50 – if you and a friend both wanted to try this product, this is a great option for you!  

Fresh Face Favorites Set: Includes a foundation brush, CC cream, and setting spray for $50 (a $101.50 value)

30 Seconds to Flawless Kit: Includes Bye Bye Setting Powder, Powder Brush, Foundation Brush, and Full Coverage Moisturizer for $85 ($165.50 value). I’ve never purchased the moisturizer before, but I’ve heard it is less coverage than the CC cream. Coverage level, it goes tinted moisturizer, CC cream, and then their foundation.

You can also use this link and save $10 on your order over $75, if you decide to purchase directly from the It Cosmetics website: www.itcosmetics.com   

Now go have fun making yourself glow!

I am a lover of LUSH bath bombs, but I wanted to explore more of their products. I recently tested some LUSH skin products with my cousin, and I wanted to share my experience with you all.

Gentlemen: this is a GREAT Mother’s Day gift idea! What wouldn’t want an in-home spa any time she wants?

We tried Ocean Salt face and body scrub, Mask of Magnaminty face and body mask, Cup O’ Coffee face and body mask, and Vanishing Cream facial moisturizer.

LUSH instructions for masks: Smooth mask all over your skin. Leave on for 15 minutes then rinse off with warm water, massaging as you go.

Below you will find links for the products through LUSH’s website, but I also provided links to purchase these products through Amazon as another option.

My cousin really needed something to clear up blemishes, and I wanted something to get rid of my new “tired mom” look. So we tested these products as a team since we had different goals for our skin.

My favorite, by far, was the Cup O’ Coffee mask.

It smells like iced coffee and feels so refreshing once applied on my face. But the best part is washing it off. My skin felt softer than ever and so clean. I am not sure if I looked less tired, but I definitely felt more awake after my mask treatment. I highly recommend using this mask when you want to feel refreshed and recharged.

Purchase Cup O’ Coffee mask through Amazon HERE

With my cousin, she experimented with the Mask of Magnaminty mask and Vanishing Cream moisturizer combo.

She felt the mask helped minimize her pores and reduced blemishes. It is a green cream and has a fresh minty scent. Once she washed her face, she applied the vanishing cream to ensure those blemishes don’t come back for a while. She was very pleased with the experience and liked the results.

Purchase Mask of Magnaminty through Amazon HERE

Purchase Vanishing Cream moisturizer through Amazon HERE

For the Ocean Salt scrub, it is one of their most popular products. Unfortunately, I am not a big fan. The infused vodka is definitely noticeable. The vodka scent really drew me away from using it. However, my cousin enjoyed using it as a body scrub. She loved the fresh feeling it left her with after her shower.

Purchase Ocean Salt scrub through Amazon HERE

I would love to hear from you on your favorite scrubs or masks. I’m always willing to try something new!

 

 

Lately, friends and strangers are asking me what brand of mascara I wear. Since it is a frequent question I am currently receiving, I wanted to share it with you too!

Mascara is definitely my most-used item in my makeup drawer. I like to wear mascara every day, even if I just have sunscreen on my face. I feel like mascara makes me look more awake, and it just makes me feel good. If it makes you feel good, then why not?

Right now, my favorite mascara is Benefit. I love the They’re Real and Roller Lash in black. I find the They’re Real mascara makes my eyelashes look thicker, while the Roller Lash mascara makes my eyelashes look longer. One layer of each, and I get the perfect combination. But if I had to choose just one, it would definitely be the Roller Lash mascara right now.

I hope this tip helps you make you feel like the best you, and have the best lashes too!

 

With the hot summer sun approaching, and already here in Texas, it is even more important to take care of your skin.

Growing up, I was always in sun and I still am today. But when I was younger, I really took advantage of my healthy skin. I never wore sunscreen and my skin care regimen was minimal. I washed my face in the morning, after athletics, and before bed.

As I got older, I realized how important it really is to take care of your skin. Being a late follower to protecting my skin, I have some great products I would love to share with you:

#1: Neutrogena Moisturizing Sunscreen . It goes with me everywhere. If I am not wearing makeup, this sunscreen instantly hits my face after it’s washed. Don’t forget to put sunscreen all over your body too! I always make sure to put sunscreen on my arms before I leave the house too.

#2 I use Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser every time I wash my face. I starting using Cetaphil when I was a teenager, and I haven’t found anything that works better for my skin at this time. I do suggest taking off your eye makeup before using this soap, as Cetaphil will not get it all off.

#3  To take off eye makeup, I actually use Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Oil  . I put a dab on a cotton ball, and wipe away. Baby oil is also known for making your under eye more youthful too!

#4 Before bed, I love to use Benefit’s Total Moisture Facial Cream. It smells wonderful and feels great on my skin. If you are an Ulta shopper, you can actually get this moisturizer for free here: Ulta Benefit Moisturizer

I hope you take care of your skin. Be the best-looking you!