My next 30 years!

It's official, I'm 30!! Now I didn't really expirence any feelings of hating that I'm getting older. I hear people all the time dreading their birthday as they get older. I actually really embraced this age. As I start my 4th decade, I appreciate getting older. I actually and glad to close the door on my 20's. I don't think they were even close to the best years of my life. Now granted, I had 2 children and got married, so they are all obviously very amazingly wonderful times in my life. However, I think other than that your twenties are all about learning lessons on life and growing into an actual adult. I know your considered an adult at 18, but even at 18 if you were to ask a 22 year old they would consider you a kid, just like at 26 years old you are considering that 21 year old a child. It's a constant growth. I think by the time you reach your 30's you are at a point in your life where you could care less about what people think. You may be exactly where you want to be however, you know where/what that is. I'm told all the time how "oh you had kids young", that's a true statement, however I would never change that even if I could! My kids helped me become the true adult I am. I didn't grow up with them, I was able to care for them. I don't feel like I was robbed of my "fun years". I love the fact that my kids are people. I have the energy and ability to do a lot of activities with them. I love that they are part of my workout routine everyday. We all stay healthy together. I have all boys which I wouldn't change for anything. I was not meant to have a girl! I know that sounds ridiculous considering my job, but really it keeps my creative! Besides, let's get real everyone wants that girl to play dress up with and be best friends with. That doesn't happen until your in your later 20's. 

I will have the best years this next decade and more to come! 💋   

Cleaning your makeup brushes

No one enjoys cleaning their brushes. I actually dread it. It's like a half of day of just blah. I have even gone as far as just buying a new brush to avoid this process. My husband however is not on board with that theory. I recently found these two wonders and made my life easier!!! 🙌 While browsing Ulta, I found this little gem. It was about $35 at checkout! At first I was a little taken back and doubting the quality. I was wrong! It literally cleaned my brushes in seconds. I used the oldest dirtiest brush  I could find. I mean literally had not been used in about two tears. Eww. I put the brush cleaning solution in a spray bottle. I went ahead glove on hand and started spraying and swirling away. I couldn't believe my eyes when my brownish orange looking brush turned white again! The shape of the brush was still in tact for the most part, unlike when you wash under the faucet, and the brush still felt soft. No olive oil needed to keep them conditioned! I was shocked! Needless to say a new fabulous fav of mine! I washed my 230 brushes in an hour!!! Yes, I realize 230 brushes is a bit excessive, however I am a makeup artist by profession! Once my personal brushes were clean, I felt the need to clean them all! It's probably the cleanest my brushes have ever been, aside from when they were brand new! 

If you clean your brushes often or have a lot of brushes to clean, I highly recommend this combo! Trust me! You need this in your life! 💋

Amika

Amika is changing the game when it comes to blow dryers. It has the ion technique to keep the hair smooth. It is powerful! You can dry your hair in half the time, but be careful, this dryer does get awfully hot on the nozzle. You have the option to use a cool shot or blow dry on cool for curly styles. Amika is a huge contributor to the styles behind New York City fashion week runways. They have created cutting edge looks for emerging and established designers. They have worked along side Cynthis Rowley, Azede Jean-Pierre, Misha Nonoo, VPL and Zero + Maria Cornejo among many more. They have some of the industry's  most talented artistic directors including Naeemah LaFond. Naeemah is known for some of her editorial work in major magazines such as Allure, InStyle, Glamour, Teen Vogue and Modern Salon. She was named one of the industry's " movers and shakers"  by Beauty Launchpad! 

Needless to say, Amika has powerful, innovative people in their corner. They are becoming one of the top selling professional blow dryers on the market. They are even beating out the ever so popular BioIonic/ Paul Mitchell. 

It lightweight and powerful. The cord gives you plenty of room to work. Nothing worse than bring tried down with a short cord while blow drying your hair. Amika has a sleek design, great for travel. The price point is right! 💋

Ecru New York

ECRU New York creates some of my absolute favorite hair care products. They are paraben free, sulfate free and color safe. ECRU New York combines high quality skincare and cosmetic grade ingredients with the performance of professional haircare.

Silk proteins are used in every product within the collection because they strengthen and improve the integrity of the hair.

Silk proteins are the highest grade protein ingredients. Originally, this ingredient was only used in high-grade skincare, however when applied to hair, silk proteins form a transparent protective film that seals the hair cuticle increasing elasticity, natural shine and further preventing damage to the hair.

The packaging is über cute, so boutique. 

ECRU Marine Thickening Balm! This is amazeballs! It's a hair thickener, best used on fine hair. This is a gel form balm. It has minimal hold and doesn't weigh the hair down. This is going to give you weightless lift without that fluffy feeling. If you have fine hair you know exactly what that means! Ecru Marine Thickening Balm  can be cocktailed with multiple different products. It uses collagen to aid in the plumping of the hair whilst still keeping the cuticle smooth and intact. 

ECRU silk nectar serum is hands down the best shine, smoothing serum I have ever used. This cocktails well, to break down any product that may be a little too strong or firm for the style your creating. I use it to smooth my ends, or settle any fly away hairs I have after blow drying. If you suffer from dry hair this is a holy grail savior. Silk Nectar Serum will be perfect in the drying winter months where you suffering from static or the damaging summer months where your fighting that humid sun! This serum works well at the beach to keep your hair feeling smooth and soft in the sand and salt water. It will also act a protection against the elements. 

ECRU silk texturizing balm is the absolute best product on the market! Holy Grail! This is the silkiest smoothest texture balm EVER! It can be used to edge up a short  style or give a long style seperation. I use it on every hair type for every style I create! The long "beach waves" everyone longs for... Here's your secret! It allows the perfect amount of seperation while adding shine and hold. You want to create an edgy "piecey" look.., again here's what's your in need of! This is perfect to smooth your hair while creating evening styles or that everyday look. 

ECRU New York has the idea for the best haircare. It makes total sense to include any skin care products that can be useful to create healthy, youthful hair. You need to start thinking about your hair care as a prescriptive regime as you would for skin. Your hairstylist should be just as important as the dermatologist. Make sure you are comfortable with the person your trusting your hair. Make sure they knowledgable on all elements of hair care.  Every style looks better with healthy hair! 💋 

Grammys

Ok! Your probably thinking... Grammys? They were months ago! Your right! I completely forgot to actually post this! Dumb. I am just going to breeze through a few looks considering I am really behind with it' I've been so pre occupied trying to clear out my Pinterest boards and actually do the projects. 

Anyway! On to the beauty... 

1. Ariana Grande looked adorable in her Dolce and Gabbana, however I hated that half up hair style. I know she's cute but that was like 7 year old cute. 

2. Paris Hilton was stunning in her gown. I know a lot of people have this love/hate thing with her but, there is no denying she hit a home rum with this look! Her hair and makeup were perf! Easily in the top five best dressed! I mean hello! 

3. Pharrell's hat has gotten more than enough publicity. Whether you loved it or hated you are talking about it! He knew exactly what he was doing this award season. I do love that he auctioned it off for his charity! At least the hat is now with the rightful owners and it was for a good cause! Thanks Arby's and Pharrell's! 

4. Ciara rocked that baby bump effortlessly in her gold gown! She was glowing in all senses of the word. Her makeup looked phenomenal and complimented perfectly. 

5. Alicia Keys stepped out with a plunging neckline in blue! 

6. Colbie Callat had an amazing dress! It was amazeballs! I don't think she could have had a better choice. The hair, however I am going to call an epic fail. I hated that braided hair into a bun! It just did no justice for the complete look or her! 

7. Katy Perry with her musical note Valentino dress was gorg! The hair was bad, just bad! I think everyone watching knew it wasn't real. 

8. Pink was classic Pink in Kohanna Johancen. I just love the red dress. She looks perfect as always. That performance, I mean seriously talented, but we knew that! Her body was to die for. 

9. Sara Bareilles wore hair inspired by Katniss Everdeen! That was a undeniable move by her stylist. A huge hit. I'm sure I will be recreating this look multiple times this year for prom! 

10. Madonna challenging her inner mobster? The finger waved hair was amazingly flawless and complimented her costume perfect. I mean, it was a costume right? I did love the suit look! It's very in fashion. I think we could have left the hat and cane behind. But it's Madonna! 

11. Bonnie McKee's red into blonde ombré. Hmm. It is a very requested look, I think the study in me, is just do over this ombré look in general! 

12. Chrissy Teigen rocked a little urban flare! Love. Love. Love. The braided side hair and dress was amaze! And let's talk about the highlight on her cheek bones! Hello! I need that in my life. It was to die for. 

13. Now you know we can't blog an award show and not mention Taylor Swift. Why is she so sweet? That ponytail was amazing. I mean she always hits it out of the park. Never get rid of your stylist girl! 

14. Kacey Musgravies was pure perfection. The hair was amazing and she just looked excellent for her first show! 

15. Cyndi Lauper did a complete change from New Year's Eve! Did anyone see that performance?  I mean, nice red faux hawk. But seriously aren't you too old for that? I think that done people can achieve that look at any she, however you need the edge and flare to go with it and I just don't see it with Cyndi. Madonna could have probably done it with her mobster suit! 

16. Lady but certainly not least, Miranda Lambert was dating with that plunging neckline. It worked! She is one of the best dressed! Love the side waves for her hair. Hello, this is every brides dream in 2013/2014. 

Well this is where I wrap it up! I know this isn't my typical awards show post but it's late and I just wanted to get it out there! I'll make it up with the next one! 💋 

Tired of Winter Dry Skin.

I you tired of the dry winter skin? Winter is a tough month on the skin. The artificial heat we use is extra drying to our skin.

We always want nothing more than to take hot steamy showers when it's bitter cold. This winter was no exception! I think by this point everyone is over winter weather and in need of some serious moisture restore. 

My absolute favorite solution is going to the Spa at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon and enjoying a soft pack float treatment! This is described as being one pure hour of euphoria! Amazing and intriguing right? The way this treatment was described to me did it absolutely no justice. There a several different treatment options to focus on different areas and needs for the body! The technician starts the treatment with a body exfoliation. 

Following is a sumptuous wrap treatment.  After the treatment of your choice is applied in a massaging motion you are asked to lay on this heavenly floating soft pack system. This is a pressure-free cushion of water.  Like I said, it's really is hard to give this treatment the proper credit. You do not get wet! It's almost like a weightless waterbed. The technician wraps your body and while you relax,  you'll receive scalp and facial massage. The technician uses a light application essential oils or creams to calm your mind and soothe your spirit. After the treatment is over the technician leaves to give you privacy and you are able to shower off any excess oils in your private shower. This treatment has a price tag of about $130. 

This treatment is perfect to compliment any massage or facial. I absolutely recommend it for anyone who would like to try a treatment but feels uneasy with a massage or a lot of contact. This is a great way to jump start a moisture regimen to get your skin together after the winter months. I love to use Cuccio Naturale to follow my treatments. It gives a buttery smooth finish to your skin without feeling greasy. This comes in 3 different scents. A great price point too! 

Joseph Anthony is a family owned and operated salon and spa that offers just about every treatment under the sun! It's three floors of of beauty and wellness. Visit their website at josephAnthony.com for all the treatments and services they offer.

💋 

Mascara Mascara Mascara

It's no secret that I haven't found a mascara that I love, yet! I am still determined even though I swear I've tried everything under the sun! Right now is have to my first running would have to be

Beauty Addicts : show off mascara

The packaging is super cute. It is the one of the blackest I've used in a long time. It coats the lashes very nicely and doesn't seem to clump. Show Off gives a real nice base to the lashes before adding false lashes. If you add 3 to 4 coats of mascara with a lash curler, you won't need the false strip. But then again who doesn't love a dramatic false lash? Obvi! 

I have also been favoring:

Benefit Beauty : They're Real 

The brush that comes with this, is amazing! I absolutely love it. I like how smooth the mascara applies, however I almost feel as if it clumps later. Taking this off seems impossible. I used a few different removers and without fail I still seems to have clumps in my lashes. I have very mixed emotions. It's like a love/hate relationship with this one! 

As of now after all of the brands I've used these 2 are in the lead! I'm hoping to find one that replaces all! A holy grail mascara! Help me find it!