Even Better Clinical: An Insider's Look

As a beauty advisor for Clinique, I've been given lots of information about the number one selling dark spot corrector in the world. I know the statistics: Verified 58% improvement at 12 weeks of use & results equal to a leading prescription ingredient. I've heard testimonies from clients who love the product. I've also had angry customers claiming that the product doesn't work at all or made their dark spots worse. I've decided the only way to separate fact from fiction and to give you a true opinion on this product, I will need to try it out for myself.

There's a few crucial bits that you will need to know before buying this product:

Many variables can affect how quickly you will notice results: degree of pigmentation, stress, medication and UV exposure all play a part. Generally you should notice a measurable difference at 4 weeks of use.

• In 1-2 weeks your skin will feel smoother and look brighter
• In 4 weeks dark spots are visibly reduced
• At 12 weeks, see a verified 58% improvement in dark spots

This product works to help skin with radiance, dark spots, acne scars and discoloration. It does not work on freckles you were born with.

Be consistent! You must use two pumps twice a day to see measurable results.

Use this product all over your face, not just on spots.

You NEED to use a sunscreen with this product. It does not make your skin sensitive to the sun, however. You need to use a sunscreen to prevent furthering the damage you are trying to erase. Even in the winter. If you are outside for less than 15 minutes a day, an SPF 15 moisturizer is great protection. More exposure and you'll want a higher SPF and continue to reapply every 2 hours if you are going to be exposed.

Commit to using this product long term. It helps with radiance, it helps to treat acne, prevent acne scarring, and even prevent dark spots from popping up. Why wouldn't you want to use this product forever?

 It's $49.50 for a one ounce bottle that lasts one month. A 1.7 oz is also available for $76, that equals $44.70 per month. Some stores even sell a 3.4 oz at $138, that equals $40.59 per month.
This information isn't meant to scare you away from the product, just my insider tips to have the best results with this product!

Summer must have accessories!

Although in most parts of the country it's felt like summer for a while, summer has just begun!

Here are some of my summer must haves:

Clear collar chokers. They're subtle but add some toughness to your outfit.
This one's from Nastygal.

Circle shades. I love these in gold! More ladies should try these on, I love them!

I'm also loving nice big turbands. Perfect for a bad hair day, and keeps your hair in place on a windy day!

Plaque/ID bracelet.

Woven floppy sunhat. Sweet sun protection!

Jeweled hair pieces

Grammy beauty awards

Here's a little recap of my favorite looks from the Grammys!

Rihanna has never looked this stunning! Her hair is perfect. I liked it short, but I love it long. That balayage color is to die for. To top it off with a classic makeup look: neutral eyes and a bold matte red lip.

A+++++

I'm loving Katy Perry's sultry smoky eye paired with a subtle nude lip. Her arches are amazing! And the middle part really shows off her face

The always effortless Alexa Chung always has a radiant healthy look when it comes to beauty. She kept it simple with a soft red lip paired with liner and mascara. She is such a natural beauty, no need to cake it on!

These are my 3 favorite looks. What are your favorite and least favorite looks?

Valentine's makeup look

For valentines day I wanted to create a soft, feminine, romantic look. 

Here's what I used to create this look:

Eyes:

MAC Bare Study Paint Pot as base

Colors from Urban Decay Naked Palette

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, applied with small angle brush

Brow powder applied with larger angle brush

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara

Face:

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

MAC Studio Fix + powder

MAC Refined Golden powder bronzer

MAC Soft and Gentle illuminator

MAC Mocha blush

Lips:

MAC Pervette lipstick

Vanity Jealousy

These vanities are perfect.

Some good inspiration to re-vamp your station!

Beauty Queen: Azealia Banks

Can we please just take a few seconds to admire a true beauty? This Harlem based female rapper is as real as it gets in both music and beauty.

There's an energy about her that is so bubbly and energetic, love it! She's the gorgeous dark skinned barbie doll I always wanted!

My only regret is not snatching up her MAC collab when I had the chance.

Runway Inspo: S/S 2013

What's hot off the runway for spring 2013? Jewels of course.

Tons of Swarovski crystals were used to create these looks. For a more wearable, less literal take on bling, try jewel tones. Think ruby red or citrine lips. An emerald or sapphire smoky eye. The possibilities are endless!

I will definitely be posting a runway inspired look of my own soon!

-Erin

Wedding Formal

Today was the craziest day of work thus far! 

I don't have any pictures -BOO, but hopefully I can get some.

The big event was Mankato's winter formal- so tons of people wanted to get their makeup done! I had 5 appointments booked between 10 AM and 2 PM, so it was a little crazy! A freelance artist in the area (who also happens to work at my counter) referred all her clients to me since she was in Texas for the weekend. It was probably the most fun I've had at work. Which gets me to thinking, I kinda want to start doing some freelance work. 

The hardest part (financially) will be building my kit, but honestly it will be so much fun. Maybe that's what I'll use my tax return for! It takes money to make money.

Any freelancers have any tips on getting started?

-Erin

Perks of being a beauty consultant

One bonus to working for Clinique, which I never knew until the holidays, is that they send all of their consultants a gift for the holidays...Forgive me for being a bit late on posting this :)

I got a text from my mom one afternoon saying that a package arrived at her house. I wasn't expecting a package since I hadn't ordered anything so I rushed out there to check it out.

I open up the big shipping box to find a cute little blue Tiffany&Co. box with this inside:

Cute right?

Thanks Clinique!

Beauty from the inside out

We all know that our diets and lifestyle have a huge impact on how we look.

I'm going to begin adding recipes for healthy foods that will contribute to looking and feeling your best!

'Tis the season- for cauliflower, leeks, and potatoes.

Cauliflower-Leek Soup

I never really measure my foods, so this is approximate and it's a very flexible recipe.

I love garlic so I used way more than the recipe calls for!

• Vegetable Oil -1 tsp
• Garlic -2 tsp
• Leeks- 2 c.
• Potatoes- 1 c.
• Cauliflower- 4 c.
• Vegetable stock- 4c.
• Salt & pepper to taste

1. Add oil to heated soup pot. Add garlic and leeks. sautee for about 5 minutes until soft.

2. Add potatoes and cauliflower and cook for 3 more minutes.

3. Add stock and simmer for 30 minutes or until cauliflower is softened. (I simmered for about 45 mins)

4. Use an immersion/hand blender to puree all the ingredients. Make sure blender is fully submerged to the bottom of the pan or you will get splashed with hot soup.

5. Simmer for 5 more minutes

6. S&P to taste...I used lots of pepper

Enjoy your seasonal vegan/gluten free soup!