Vanity Jealousy

These vanities are perfect.

Some good inspiration to re-vamp your station!

Beauty 101: BB/CC Creams

Not long ago, a new product hit the beauty industry and took it by storm. BB creams- also known as beauty or blemish balms make big promises for one small step. Each brand makes their own claims, but most seem to promise evened skin tone, sun protection and anti-aging properties all in one step. With BB Creams being a new craze in the West, many people have questions about how they work.

http://www.refinery29.com/best-bb-cream-review

Will a BB Cream replace my foundation?

It really depends on what kind of coverage you are looking for. Some brands have a very sheer coverage, while others are almost full. I use Clinique's Age Defense BB Cream as a primer for my foundation on days I work or go out, but on my days off I just wear the BB Cream. It's a moderate to full coverage. It is the perfect primer because of the high SPF and antioxidants.

Will a BB Cream replace my sunscreen?

Again, it depends. To be best protected from the sun, you need to slather on a thick layer and reapply every two hours. Are you likely to do that with a BB? Probably not. If you are going to be outside (even on a gloomy day) for more than a few minutes I would not rely on a BB Cream. If you are inside all day a BB Cream should be fine, but make sure you still cover your neck and hands with a sunscreen!

Will a BB Cream replace my moisturizer?

No. You need to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize twice a day as part of your daily skin routine. After that, serums and booster moisturizers can be applied. If you use a wrinkle cream or a dark spot corrector, your BB Cream will obviously not replace that. Each product is for a different concern. You should be using your BB Cream as or in conjunction with a foundation, not as skincare. However, on mornings you wake up late and are in a huge hurry, BB Cream is a great shortcut.

What is a CC Cream?
CC stands for color correcting. Like a BB, it offers multiple benefits in one quick step. CC's are supposed to be lighter in texture and less greasy than a BB.

Since CC Creams are new to the US, there are few available at this time, but I'm sure that will quickly change!

Expired Beauty Products:

How many do you have in your makeup bag?

Working in the beauty industry, I get asked all the time- Do my products expire?

The simple answer is yes, and probably faster than you might realize.

What happens if I use my expired products?

Sometimes nothing. They might just not work as well as they should.

But other times using an old mascara can cause eye infections or sties...So not worth it!

Lipglosses go rancid and then you basically eat them. Gross.

Just throw them away!

I've done some research to take some of the guesswork out of it.

Liquid foundation and concealers:

Lasts 6 months to a year.

If the consistency is off, the color has changed, or it smells different than it used to, it's time for a new one.

Bacteria breeds quickly in a moist environment, better to play it safe.

To avoid contamination, get a pump for your foundation or use one that comes in a squeeze tube. If you love your formula that comes in a glass bottle, pour some out onto a tissue and dip from that instead of the bottle.

Face Powder:

Lasts up to two years.

Avoid that hardened layer that appears on pressed powders by always using a clean applicator (and avoid breakouts too!) and never touch it with your fingers.

  

Blush:

Powder blush lasts about 2 years.

Cream blush lasts about one.

If your blush is so hardened that it looks like you didn't put any on when you apply it, it's time for a new one.

Mascara:

Lasts 2 to 3 months.

If it has a nasty gasoline-like scent to it, it's rancid.

To keep your mascara from drying out, NEVER pump the wand up and down! All you're doing is pushing air into the product and drying it out faster. Instead, Swirl the wand around to build product up on the wand.

Eyeshadow:

Two years if it's powder. About 6 months if it's cream.

If you wet your powder shadow, 6 months.

If you don't wash your brushes each time you apply your shadow, toss it every three months to avoid eye problems.

What i do is rub a cotton ball in the shadow and then dip my brush into that instead of back into the shadow pan!

Liners:

Liquids last about 3 months. Pencils can last up to 3 years!

Pencils last longer because the product isn't exposed to air until it's sharpened. If liner isn't something you use every day save yourself some money by buying pencils and just sharpen them each time to get a fresh creamy application.

Lipstick and gloss:

Last about a year. 

If they smell funky or don't apply like they should, it's time for new ones.

I'm about to start going through my products!

-Erin 

Beauty Inspiration: Runway

I spy new trends starting! Looks that are hot on the runway can always be tweaked for everyday wear. What's The latest in couture? 

Jewel Tones & Metallics

Prabal Gurung is sporting blue shadow.

Chanel's deep plum lip shades.

Stella McCartney does purpley-blue mascara.

Smoky metallics for Armani Prive.

Roberto Cavalli does both metallics and jewel tones.

I'm loving these trends because they are super wearable.

-Erin

Work Update: My First Week

My First Week With Clinique

As some of you may know, I recently started working as a beauty advisor at a Clinique counter in Herberger's. Since I know there's a lot of questions out there as to what the job entails (I know I had them!), I plan on updating this blog as I go so that everybody who wants to become a beauty advisor can have a more clear picture of what the job will look like.

The first day I was asked to come in was pretty basic. I was asked to sign paperwork, read through employee manuals, tour the store, got a key/nametag/employee id card, etc. Easy stuff right? Since I've had jobs before I thought to bring in my Social Security card, a state issued id, and a voided check (for direct deposit). These definitely came in handy because even though they didn't ask me to bring them, they still needed to have them. So be sure to come prepared...wouldn't want to make a bad impression on your first day!

The second day was training on a computer. It was store training, not necessarily Clinique training. It was a lot of learning how to ring things up, how to sell store charge cards, store history, things like that. At the end of each segment they had you take a quiz to make sure you learned everything. The computer training took about four hours.

The next day was all about Clinique! I had my own office for the day to watch videos about the brand. I always suggest taking notes. The more you know and remember, the better. Thankfully I was provided with a little Clinique workbook that had some extra pages for notes. The videos were about the history of Clinique, product knowledge, how to skintype each client, how to do consultations, etc. It was a lot of information so I was glad I took notes! The videos probably took about two hours to complete, tops. They went by pretty fast.

Now, onto yesterday. It was my first day behind the counter! I got to meet and train with a regional manager. She was so nice and pleasant to work with. I also got to meet some of the staff. Right now it's just me and two other ladies working at the counter! I learned so much product knowledge and even got to try on products. I also made a few sales and got to experience working with customers.

I think I'm really going to love this job. They're sending me off to training in the Twin Cities on Tuesday, so of course I'm very excited for that!

Weekly Wishlist

Here's what I've been  dreaming of this week:

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

This surf spray is a saltwater based hair styling spray that adds volume and texture for a sexy, beachy feel.

It's $24 for 4oz at Sephora.

I've seen a few other companies that make saltwater spray, but I'm just not sold on them. I've heard so many great things about Bumble and Bumble's product lines that I'm ready to jump on the bandwagon and try it out.

Stila Custom Color Bronze

What's unique about this bronzer is that it's self adjusting, one size fits all if you will. It's mostly matte (very subtle shimmer) so it's great for contouring the face. It's also formulated without sulfates, parabens and other irritants.

It's $20 at Sephora.

Aveda Invati

I'm actually pretty excited about Aveda's new collection Invati. It promotes thicker hair by working at the scalp. It helps you to grow more hair naturally. As you may know, I went to the Aveda Institute for cosmetology school, so I know a bit about all of their products. However, this system was released after I finished school so I never got a chance to try it out.

Here's what I know about the system: 

It's a 3 step system comprised of shampoo, conditioner, and a scalp revitalizing spray. 

The shampoo is an extra thin formula so it gets down onto the scalp to remove residue and debris that can cause hair follicles to become blocked and stop producing hair while also stimulating the follicle which can help the hair grow faster and stronger.

The conditioner helps strengthen and thicken the hair while also adding shine.

The Scalp Revitalizer creates an optimum environment to promote hair and scalp health.

This stuff will cost you- about $110 for the whole set.

The shampoo and conditioner are $24 each for the standard 6.7 oz bottles. These aren't offered in litres at this time. The Scalp Revitalizer is $60 for a 5 oz bottle.

Temptu Airbrush System

I've really been wanting to try an airbrush system. Since I have sensitive and acne prone skin, airbrush is perfect since there is no contamination or need to use brushes. Temptu is nice because of their AirPods that hold the foundation instead of the traditional method of putting drops into an air gun. This reduces waste of the product, no need to clean an air gun, and no contamination from opening the bottles.

It's $225 for the compressor and a foundation. The foundation replacements cost $45, which isn't as expensive as it sounds since you don't use as much foundation compared to traditional foundation applications.  

Beauty Review: Baby Lips

The other day I was at Target just browsing around when I stopped in the cosmetics department and saw the lip balm I had been meaning to try- Maybelline Baby Lips.

I didn't really know too much about it other than that it's a lip balm that comes in a few different shades. At $2.99 I decided it was worth a shot so I bought "Quenched".

When I first started using it I was a little disappointed. I put it on and 15 minutes later my lips felt SUPER dry so I had to reapply. I like the smell though, and it feels really nice on my lips and leaves some shine. Now after a few days I can feel that my lips aren't as chapped as before, so I will continue using this product and have high hopes! It kind of reminds me of Blistex Silk and Shine but I like the packaging for Baby Lips- it's so cute and they're the same price!

I checked out the website for Maybelline Baby Lips and they say that after 4 weeks you have visibly renewed lips. It also has SPF 20 so it's great protection as well as hydration.

I will be sure to have an update in about a month to see if I'm loving this product!

Have you tried Baby Lips? What shade did you get and what are your opinions?

Thanks Beauties!

-Erin

Trend Watch: Cat Eyes

Check out this amazing array of winged liner looks!

I found this photo randomly on Tumblr when looking through the makeup tag, so I'm not sure of the original owner. If anyone knows who this belongs to please let me know so I can credit them.

These looks are all so beautiful. I'm especially digging the super thick liner on the upper lids.

9, 13, 17, 18 are my faves that I will be trying to recreate!

Do you love or loathe the bold eye trend?

Tell me which looks you're lovin'! 

Weekly Wishlist

This week I've been drooling over tons of products.

Here's a summary:

NARS Beach Lover

This 5 piece travel set is perfect for summer!

Plus it's a great way to try out some NARS products at a reduced price.

It's $49 at Sephora

MAC Hey, Sailor! Lipstick in Sail La Vie

It's a beautiful orange-red shade that's sold out online!

Hopefully my store still has it.

$15.50

I'm so mad at myself for not purchasing it last time I was at MAC!

MAC Fluidline in Waveline

$15

I LOVE a beautiful navy liner and I love Fluidline, this is a priority!

I'm also super excited to get to try out tons of Clinique products at my new job. I will definitely be doing Clinique reviews when I get the chance to play around with all of the products!

That concludes this week's wishlist.

-Erin 

Clinique Beauty Advisor

Well you guys and gals, I got the job!!
I am now a Clinique Beauty Advisor.
I'm super excited to get started in my new career!
I will keep you all posted on how it's going.

Face of the day: 5 minute face

I did my makeup super quickly today (can you say 5 minute face?) and wanted to make a post for it.

Now I sincerely apologize for the poor quality of my photos. I don't own a camera and am stuck using my phones camera for now. I also apologize for the hair color stain on my hairline :p

So here's how I do my 5 minute face:

I start with my foundation. Currently I am using Loreal True Match Compact Makeup that I applied with a sponge. After that I used my MAC Refined Golden bronzing powder under my cheekbones, jawline and around my hairline. On my cheeks I used MAC Style blush. On my eyelids I used MAC's Bare Study Paint Pot from the lid up to the brow bone. I also dab a little bit above my cheekbones as a highlight. I used the Smashbox Brow set in Brunette to fill in my brows. I did my winged liner using MAC's Fluidline in Blacktrack and a 208 brush. Last I curl my lashes and put a few coats of Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Black Lacquer. I finished off the look with the MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick (The bright pink one, not the nude one).

Weekly Wish List

I'm starting a regular segment called Weekly Wish List.

Each week I will share with you the products I adore, and will hopefully get to try out and share with you guys and gals!

So what's in it this week?

OCC Lip Tar

$14.50

This color is "Digitalis" but seriously, there are so many awesome colors ranging from next to natural to colors of the rainbow.

Chanel Compact

$50 at Nordstrom

I'll admit, $50 is pretty steep for a compact, but you'll be pulling it out of your purse the most and how cool would it be to have a Chanel accessory with you all the time?

Betsey Johnson Nail Designs

SO cute! I love Betsey, and they're on sale for $3 at Sephora!

That concludes this weeks wishlist! Let me know what you think of these products and if you have any suggestions for next weeks wishlist!

-Erin

Review:

So the other day I went into my MAC store because I had my 6 products for Back2MAC. For those of you who don't know, Back2MAC is a recycling program where you bring in 6 MAC containers (excluding Viva Glam) and you can pick out a free eyeshadow, lipstick, or lipglass. These can be depotted, but need to have the plastic parts intact.
Here's what I got:

Fluidline in Blacktrack

$15

208 Brush

$19.50

Eyeshadow in Texture

$15

Paintpot in Bare Study

$17.50

I love all my purchases.

The fluidline is LIFECHANGING for people who wear eyeliner...you can get a perfect cat eye using the 208 brush and fluidline in less than a minute with no cleanup. It is wonderful and worth every cent.

I was initially a bit skeptical of the eyeshadow, because it isn't a super dark brown, but I love it. It's perfect for blending out a smoky eye or just to wear in the crease. 

Bare Study was my first paintpot, and I love it. I smear in all over my lid up to the brow bone. It adds just the right amount of shimmer. It's great to use under any eyeshadows, or worn alone.

Update

So I had a phone interview with the regional manager for Clinique. It went well, she was super nice and passed me on to my third interview with talent plus for Clinique/Estee Lauder. Wish me luck!
I also got a call from an agency in my area who does makeup artistry! I missed their call though and am waiting for a call back :/ Hopefully I can get some work through them too!!!! Life is starting to look up for this lady.

Clinique Interview

So I had my Clinique/Herbergers interview on Friday, I think it went pretty well.
I was pretty nervous because I don't have a lot of sales experience and having a passion for makeup isn't always going to make a sale. However, I think I would succeed in a sales environment.
The manager was really nice. She took me to her office then started the interview by watching a video to get a feel for the job. After the video she interviewed me, and asked a few questions I wasn't necessarily expecting. She asked me a lot of situation specific situations. Like "describe a situation with a difficult customer and how you handled it" "describe a time when you provided great customer service". Maybe I should have been prepared for those types of questions, but I've interviewed with plenty of jobs that haven't asked those. I even interviewed with a full service salon and they didn't ask me those kind of questions. Same with a marketing firm I worked with. So I guess I thought a department store interview would be about the same/ easier. WRONG. It was probably the most difficult interview I've had. And I've done a technical interview at a salon where a manager watches you perform services as the interview. That was way more laid back than this. So basically Clinique/Estee Lauder is going to do an over the phone interview with me they call Talent Plus. I'm pretty nervous for that, but I've been preparing.
So here's my overview of information about this job so far:
PROS
You get to work in a sales driven environment
You get paid training and advanced training from Clinique
You get gratis
You make base plus commission, the more you sell the more you make
You get to work with makeup and skincare
You get to perform makeovers on customers
You get a great discount throughout the entire department store
CONS
Very strict dress code- All black, shirt must be above collar bone, no jewelry except earrings that need to be smaller than the buttons on your jacket, natural hair and makeup. (I went into the beauty industry to have the freedom to do my hair/makeup how I like and wear my jewelry, etc...It's supposed to be less conservative)
The commission is very lousy. An experienced salesperson is expected to make an extra $2/hour from commission.
Wages start low as it is 7.50-8 dollars an hour (I was making more than that at Panera Bread)
Somewhat stressful job. You need to make and exceed your sales goals.

I'm just waiting for my phone interview from Talent Plus to hopefully get the ball rolling.
In other news, I'm starting to plan out my professional makeup kit. This is something I really want to pursue.
I would love to do editorial work, bridal work, fashion, runway, prom, special events, etc. So I really want to get my freelance career going, and I can't really do that without a kit! There's an agency in my area who works with freelance artists and gets us bridal gigs. I also plan to contact photographers to get my portfolio started since that is huge in this industry. And of course, searching for whatever gigs I can in my area!

Got a lot on my plate for now, wish me luck :)
-Erin

6/20

What a day today!
So first I went to the dentist with my mom, dropped her off at the doctor, and while I was waiting for her I got a call from the manager of a Clinique counter in my area for an interview!
I would love love love to be a representative for any makeup line- but how lucky would I be to get started with Clinique! I'm gonna need to be super prepared for this interview since my dream job is to be a makeup artist, which I will get to do some of at the counter. I'm sososososo excited for this and really hope I get the job! better get studying ;)
-Erin

Makeup

I have always been obsessed with beauty. I'd rather spend my money on nice makeup and hair products than go out for the night.

Lately I've been obsessed with one thing: makeup. More specifically MAC makeup.

I spend all my free time on the computer watching videos by MAC artists, fantasizing about my next purchase, oogling over the new trends I love.

I think it's finally time to take the leap and start building up a professional makeup kit. 

My first step will be to apply for the MAC pro discount- why don't I already have this?!

I've already completed cosmetology school and am licensed, so it should be easy enough.

Then I'm going to need to build my kit. I will need brushes, applicators, cleansers, eyelash curlers, cases, business cards, and of course, makeup. I need to remember to stick to basics for now, but I'm always so distracted by the avantgarde work on the runway. This is gonna get costly. I'll need different shades of foundations, concealers, powders, blushes, bronzers, shadows, liners, lipsticks, glosses- you name it.

I have the money in savings, but I'm going to need to start generating income if I spend my savings...

I'm lucky enough that my parents let me move back home. I feel like it's now or never.

I never want to get settled in to a job, I'm always seeking change.

I feel like working as a freelance artist will help me to do this in a healthy way.

Not to mention, a salon job has never been my first choice. I love having freedom.

I already have a gig lined up but I don't have a kit yet! I'm hoping since it's just my sister and her friends I will be working on, I won't have to worry too much about it- especially since I'm doing it for free :p

I have plenty of my own makeup already, I just need more!

The thing that scares me about this industry is not always having steady paying work.

I'll probably need to find another job to be able to make some money at first.

Any of you established makeup artists out there- I'd love to hear your stories for some inspiration.

Also any advice you can share is greatly appreciated.

-Erin