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Fall Beauty Must Haves

November is here! Time to start checking out all the latest fall makeup and beauty products. Scroll through to check out our top picks for what you should be trying out this season. Don't forget to share with us all your fall favorite beauty items!

Face Oil- Cream Moisturizers are great and always will be, but this fall trade it out for an ultra nourishing face oil. I love the way my skin feels after absorbing a few drops of oil. I suggest testing out some samples to see how your skin reacts before commit to one. I personally LOVE Sunday Riley's Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil.

Lip Balm- Before you dust off your go to fall shade of lip stick consider that your need to care for you over sun and soon to be dried out lips. An ultra moisturizing balm that's thick is going to sit on your lips until it's fully absorbed. My life has changed since I started using Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips. It's magical.

Highlighter- One of my favorite fall make up trends is strobing- which I will be covering very soon. It's quick and easy to apply and leaves you with an all over glow. Choose a shade that matches you skin tone. I loveBecca x Jaclyn Hill in Pop.

Build-able Foundation- Finally! A product that lets you decide how much coverage you want each time you use it. You simply add 1-4 drops of the highly pigmented formula to get sheer to full coverage. It's revolutionary. Try Cover FX to find your shade!

Lip/Cheek Stain- Ah, my favorite for fall. I flushed cheeks and berry kissed lips. Stains deposit just enough color and look naturally gorgeous. My all time fave is Benefit Benetint.

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Autumnizing Bronzer

t's that time of year once again when your summer glow begins to fade as quickly as the daylight. So while you begin to stow away your short shorts and tanks keep your bronzer within reach. Just because the temperature change is well under way (unless you live in LA) that does mean you need to surrender to a pasty complexion.

Although it's perfectly acceptable to use bronzer year round the type of bronzer and the application do need to change.

First step: Unlike the summer months where you sweep on a beautiful shimmery bronzer on a sun-kissed faced and voila! The most important thing to consider is choosing a matte finish bronzer. It will complement a paler complexion without any confusion.

Second step: Unlike summer application where you apply to the chin, hairline and cheeks, you need only to apply at the hollows of your cheeks. Begin at the top of your ear and sweep downwards towards the corner of your lip.

Third step: To complete the autumn glow compliment your bronzer with a cinnamon or deep rose blush. These tones have a brown tone that blend nicely with bronzer.

Fourth step: Make sure to blend the blush and bronzer with blending brush to avoid any harsh lines.

Enjoy the look and feeling of a warm glow even if it's chilly outside!

Some of my favorites: 

Nars blush in Dolce Vita Reckon in Pinched Benefit Hoola NYX matte bronzer Too Faced Soliel Matte

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Beauty DIY: Give yourself a facial

Instructions:Start with clean skin. Boil water and then transfer it to a mixing bowl. Mix in your choice of herbs and/or oils. Set your mixing bowl on a table or other place where you can sit comfortably with your face over the steam. Put on some relaxing music if you like!Lean over the bowl of hot water, keeping your face about a foot from the water. Drape a towel over your head like a little tent to keep in the steam. If at any point the steam feels too hot, move your face a couple inches further back. The steam should feel soothing, not burning.Sit over the steam for 10-15 minutes, until the water cools.Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Follow up by applying toner with a cotton ball, to wipe away all the dirt that has been loosened from your pores.Apply your regular moisturizer to lock in moisture.An at-home steam facial is an easy and inexpensive technique to add to your skincare routine. It’s a great way to relax or a fun girls’ night activity.Are you going to give this beauty DIY a try?If you’ve had a professional spa facial, you know that most of them start with steaming. That’s because applying warm steam to your skin opens up your pores, releasing bacteria and dirt from your skin. Moist heat also hydrates your skin, giving it a healthy glow. The other great thing about steaming is that it’s one part of a facial that you can easily replicate at home (leave the extractions to a professional, ladies!). All you need is some hot water, a towel, herbs or essential oils, and toner to follow the steaming. It is great for your skin, and the fragrant herbs will work to relax you through soothing aromatherapy, too.

Here’s What You Will Need:

boiling water

clean towel

toner (or make your own using equal parts water and apple cider vinegar)

cotton balls

Optional Herbs or Essential Oils:

lavender – calming and helps with insomnia

parsley – acts as a natural astringent and heals acne

geranium – acts as a natural astringent

eucalyptus – relieves nasal decongestion and acne

fennel – contains anti-aging antioxidants

chamomile – soothes irritated skin

rosemary – balances oily skin

Instructions:

Start with clean skin. Boil water and then transfer it to a mixing bowl. Mix in your choice of herbs and/or oils. Set your mixing bowl on a table or other place where you can sit comfortably with your face over the steam. Put on some relaxing music if you like!

Lean over the bowl of hot water, keeping your face about a foot from the water. Drape a towel over your head like a little tent to keep in the steam. If at any point the steam feels too hot, move your face a couple inches further back. The steam should feel soothing, not burning.

Sit over the steam for 10-15 minutes, until the water cools.

Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel. Follow up by applying toner with a cotton ball, to wipe away all the dirt that has been loosened from your pores.

Apply your regular moisturizer to lock in moisture.

An at-home steam facial is an easy and inexpensive technique to add to your skincare routine. It’s a great way to relax or a fun girls’ night activity.

Are you going to give this beauty DIY a try?

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Beauty Beginners: how to nail winged eyeliner

It’s time for another installment of Beauty Beginners! If you’re just getting on board, our Beauty Beginners series covers the fundamentals when it comes to learning (or brushing up on) makeup techniques. So far we’ve covered choosing the right foundation, and  lipstick color. The next topic we’ll be going over is how to achieve the perfect winged eyeliner. A lot of women are scared to even attempt this look, and many are discouraged when they can’t get it right the first time around. With these tips plus a little patience, you’ll be well on your way to having perfect winged liner…

Choosing The Right Liquid Liner

There’s nothing wrong with using a pencil liner for this trick (you’ll get a softer line), but I personally prefer using liquid liner. You can find some of my favorite liquid eyeliners here. Drugstores also carry an array of liquid eyeliners, just be sure to choose one with an easy-to-use applicator. I suggest buying a liner that’s waterproof and will last all day long.

It’s Time To Apply!

Step 1: Start by placing the tip of your eyeliner at the inner corner of your eye, along the lash line. Slowly swipe the liner to the outer corner of your eye. The more firmly you press down with your liner, the darker your wing will be. If you prefer a thicker wing, retrace your steps a couple of times.

Step 2: To wing the liner out, angle your line towards the end of your eyebrow. I tend to stop my wing where my crease ends. Keep in mind that all eye shapes are different! You might have to gently tug the skin at your outer corner to draw a straight line. I’m a fan of a more simple winged liner look, but you can draw your liner out as much as you prefer.

Step 3: Fill in your wing, thickening the curve as you go. Chances are you might mess up a time or two, so grab a cotton swab and start the wing over if you need to.

Practice Makes Perfect

It will take you a few tries in order to get your desired look. Sometimes you have to make one side thicker in order to make them symmetrical. If you’re having a hard time steadying your arm I recommend resting your elbow on the sink in front of your mirror. That way you have more control and you only have to move your wrist. Remember: Even professionals mess up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t get it right the first time!

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Full steam ahead

Steam rooms are customary in many gyms and spas. I'm sure many of you frequent them as a formality or plain curiosity. While many of you may understand the purpose, there's plenty more to understand. If you have never spent any time in a steam room, i'm here to encourage and entice your curiosity further.

There are multiple benefits to steaming it up. The first and most common use is to help relax and recover your joints and muscles, especially after a workout. The heat and steam produced helps relax muscles and joints leading to a quicker recovery.

Steam also helps draw out toxins and boosts metabolism. The temperature and steam penetrate your body causing you to sweat and accelerating the detox process. Often when I feel an illness creeping in I will visit a steam room to sweat out any invading organisms.Steaming is great for your cardiovascular health too. It increases blood flow and circulation. Your heart rate rises but blood pressure remain the same level. The heat causes blood vessels to expand allowing blood to flow smoother.

Because of the detox effect the beauty benefits are large. The steam is very cleansing and draws out impurities and residue in your skin and pores. The hydration factor during steaming helps revive the complexion. In saying that, it is important to drink plenty of water beforehand. Steaming is also great for reducing cellulite and even produces collagen. Theses are some of the most poignant bullet points of the benefits but not limited to going full steam ahead.

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Organic Dental Care

 It's sad, but true that many of us are not aware of all the toxic ingredients that are in the products we use daily in our lives. Starting from the moment we wake up and brush our teeth. Non- organic toothpaste and mouthwash not only harms your body but the environment as well.  Do we really want to wash our mouth and ingest harmful chemicals?  We don't think so.

Regular toothpaste contains chemicals that contribute to drying out your mouth, and can also lead to canker sore Fluoride, which is a main ingredient in many tubes of toothpaste can cause cancer, kidney failure and more. Let's not forget about mouth wash. If swallowed it can be harmful or even fatal. Even some of the chemicals in your bathroom cleaners can be found in mouthwash such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. YIKES!! If you suffer from sensitive teeth and gums, switching to organic oral care products can help alleviate and improve your situation.

We know people often shy away from buying organic products because they think it costs more than regular brands, but this is not true. Organic products can be purchased for less money or equal to other store brand products.

Here is a list of our favorite Organic dental care products!

1. Holistic Dental Tooth Powder, $12.97

Toms Mouthwash, $4.99

3. JASON Healthy Mouth Toothpaste, $4.08

4. Tea Tree Therapy Natural Whitening Toothpaste, $3.49

5. Tea Tree Therapy Toothpaste With Baking Soda, $3.49

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Keep calm and Juice on

It's no secret that I have a love affair with food, so much so that I spend a lot of my time trying out recipes and checking out new restaurants. But, every now and then I like to give my body a much-needed break from cheeseburgers and cookies by blending up a fresh juice.

I'm sure many of you are familiar with juicing - it's become a popular practice in recent years - but let me tell you, there is a reason why so many people love it! First of all, juicing is a great (and yummy) way to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies. Plus, drinking juice allows the nutrients to be absorbed into your body faster than whole foods. Not to mention, it makes you feel fantastic - totally rejuvenated, energized and healthy from the inside out. Speaking from personal experience, juicing has an undeniably positive effect on the way my body feels, my skin, hair, nails, overall energy level, and my mood.

Here's one of my favorite recipes. It's fairly simple but delicious, and really good for you!

Ingredients

1 piece of ginger A stalk of celery (3-4) 1 pear 3 kale leafs 1/2 lemon seeded

1. Put the ingredients into juicer one at a time. Stir well and enjoy!!

Pro tip: I like to mix in some flax seeds, chia seeds and goji berries for an added nutrients and energy boost.

If you haven't tried making your own juice yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot! If you're an experienced juicer, give this one a whirl, let us know what you think and if you have a favorite recipe, please share!!

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Seaweed Baths are not just for mermaids

   Soaking in a tub of seaweed is not my idea of relaxation. At least that's what I thought when I saw thisWhole Seaweed Detox Bath on one of my recent trips to Whole Foods.

I like to think of myself as a  self-proclaimed bath Connoisseur. You'll find me in the tub at least 3-4 times a week. Sometimes I like to add Epsom salt for aches and pains, or a little bit of lavender oil to help me relax, and I always have an assortment of bubble baths and gels. Especially ones that offer beauty and therapeutic benefits.  I mean if we can eat seaweed, why not bathe in it right?

Come to find out seaweed baths are extremely beneficial! Studies have proven that it relieves skin conditions such as acne and eczema.  Seaweed also helps the body to destress, relieve muscle aches, and eliminate toxins from your body. When absorbed through the skin it gives you a boost of nutrients. If you soak long enough, about 45 minutes, you can restore your bodies PH balance too. For a bonus, it even has anti-cellulite properties. Awesome!!

So, as soon as I got home I ran the tub, put my seaweed in a mesh pouch that is provided, and then I placed it under the running water in the tub. No fuss, no mess. I happily immersed myself in a bath of minerals and nutrients. I also used the seaweed cellulite soap that helps to minimize the appearance of cellulite. I'll take all the help I can get!

Results? I immediately noticed a change in skin tone, color, and my skin felt super smooth! Not to mention how my body felt completely relaxed! This new addition will most definitely become a staple in my bathroom.

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Witch Hazel

   Witch hazel is just as magical as it sounds. Although it has nothing to do with witches, it is a very powerful astringent that has been used by Native American cultures for centuries.

Witch hazel, which is also commonly known as Hamamelis, is a flowering plant that produces yellow flowers that release a citrus scent. The witch hazel itself is a liquid derived from the bark, leaf and twigs of this plant.  The liquid contains oils, tannins, and antiseptic properties that help to promote healthy skin.  There are many ways witch hazel can be a beneficial product, and we are here to share with you a couple of our favorites:

1.     Acne treatment- Acne is one of the most difficult skin conditions to treat. Applying witch hazel after you wash your face a couple times a day will help reduce buildup and bacteria on your face. When you start to notice your skin clearing up reduce it to just once a day.

2.     Stretch marks- Many of us suffer from stretch marks and there are ways to minimize them.  You can apply witch hazel directly to your stretch marks to help lighten your skin while also tightening. I’ve been using this treatment for a few weeks and already see great results!

3.     Relieving razor burns- Razor burns can be so uncomfortable. They itch, burn and can produce the most unattractive bumps. Using witch hazel after you shave (especially underarms) can help calm your skin and also prevent razor burn. I use it all the time on my underarms, and it also doubles as a deodorant.

4.     Varicose vein relief- these blue toned veins usually appear on the face and legs. To help heal them soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and apply directly to veins a couple times a day until you see them fade away.

5.     Bug bites- the next time you get bitten by some pesky bug apply the astringent to help soothe the itching and inflammation.

 After trying many different witch hazel products, my favorite by far has been the Bretanna witch hazel. It’s so gentle on the skin and always leaves my skin looking fresh, evenly toned, moisturized and perfectly clean.  All of their witch hazels are also paraben free which is a huge plus! The Bretanna Witch Hazel comes in many variations with a variety of ingredients. My go to is Geranium Rosehip Aloe.  It not only works wonders on my skin, but also smells absolutely delightful!

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Blushing into spring

 Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner. If you haven’t already, its time to change up your make up. One item that is key is your blush. Introduce bright pinks and oranges accompanied with a bronzed or golden touch for that perfect spring and summer glow. Here are some of my 5 favorites!

NARS Foreplay Palette, $49

This is palette perfect for summer colors and even includes my favorite ‘Orgasm’ blush.

Stila Custom Color Blush in Self-Adjusting Bronze, $20

This is great because it’s a one-shade-fits-all and actually adjusts to your own ph so you can’t go wrong!

Benefit Majorette, $28

I love the creamy application of this perfectly coral blush!

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Custom Blush, $12

I really dig this multi shade multi shade palette. It comes in two varieties; one for blondes and one for brunettes!

NYX Baked Blush + Illuminator + Bronzer, Foreplay, $7

This Bronzer/Blush Duo is such a steal and you would never know because it gives you a million dollar glow!

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Exploring the health benefits of Tea

I don't know about you, but I really enjoy a good cup of tea! Whether I'm looking to kick start my day, enjoy my afternoon, unwind before bed or support my health, tea is one of my main go to solutions. Honesty, their is a tea for just about every occasion and ailment!  Here are some of my all time favorites - along with a couple I recently learned about and want to share with you:

Green Tea: Green tea has become incredibly popular in recent years and when you read the long list of clinically proven benefits it's easy to understand why! The most well known use of this tea is to support mental alertness and improve cognitive functioning. The effects are similar coffee, but it contains less caffeine, which means no "jitters". It also has the added bonus of naturally occurring amino acids that actually help support brain activity. Past the stimulating effect, Green tea is widely used for: weight loss, digestive issues, nausea, diarrhea and head aches. People also drink this tea to prevent a number of cancers and treat symptoms associated with a variety of serious diseases.

*Beauty Tip: One of my favorite tricks when it comes to Green tea is to put my tea bag under my eyes once it's done seeping. I either alternate between eyes or make a big cup of tea using two bags. This helps reduce under eye puffiness and dark circles.      

Black Tea: A cup of Black tea with lemon is one of my favorite ways to start my day! It's made from the same plant as Green tea, but unlike Green tea it is fully fermented. This results in less minerals and nutrients making it into the tea, but the health benefits are still very similar to Green tea. PLUS, Black tea contains significantly more caffeine than Green tea. It provides a more intense pick me up making it a viable and more healthy alternative even for the consistent coffee drinker.

Ginger Tea: Ginger tea can be truly a magical remedy! If you are suffering from motion sickness, nausea, upset stomach, sore muscles or menstrual cramps, then a cup of this tea can save the day! In fact, Ginger tea is clinically proven to be more effective at treating these uncomfortable symptoms than well known store bought drugs.  In my opinion, it isn't the most delicious tea, but adding some sugar or honey helps with that - and regardless when you need relief, it's definitely worth it!!

*Brewing tip: to get the full effects brew your own by simmering fresh ginger in boiling water. Otherwise, make sure to buy teas made with real ginger, not just the added flavoring.

Chamomile Tea: I always think of Chamomile tea as the "sleepy time" tea and usually drink it for that purpose, but it turns out to be so much more than just a sleep aide! Chamomile tea has been relieving insomnia for centuries, but it has also been used for just as long as a salve for wounds, to treat illness and to promote quick healing.

The antibacterial elements of this tea have since been proven to be especially helpful in preventing and curing the common cold, bacterial illnesses and infections. Chamomile tea can also calm muscle spasms, sooth stomach pains and even promote clear, glowing skin!      

Valerian Tea: Like Chamomile tea, Valerian tea is known to leave you very relaxed, but unlike Chamomile it won't make you feel drowsy or dull if you don't want to fall asleep right away. This tea will help sooth your tension, anxiety, restless mind, headaches and enhance your mood. The effects of Valerian have been compared to Valium, Vicodin and even anti-anxiety drugs. Some people actually utilize its benefits to help in the process of getting off antidepressants.

While I have yet to try Valerian tea personally, I decided to add it to my list. I feel like a natural alternative to potentially addictive pharmaceuticals is knowledge worth knowing and spreading!

*Heads up: My research indicates that flavored Valerian tea bags may taste better, but the serious benefits come from making your tea with the essential oil or Valerian root. Unfortunately, these options appear to smell and taste terrible! Again, I'm sure it's worth it, but be warned.

Sage tea: Sage tea gives you a great antioxidant boost and is known to have a number of curative benefits. This tea can help treat: cough/sore throat, colds, excessive sweating, muscle pain, inflammation and diabetes.

Past the healing applications, drinking Sage tea is widely known and scientifically proven to lift your spirits. It's also been proven to stimulate hair growth, supports weight loss, enhance memory and increases multi-tasking abilities in low to moderately stressful situations.

For all the new mom's out there: Sage tea can help! Apparently, it is a very effective way to reduce milk supply while weaning your babe and helps with an oversupply of milk during the breastfeeding process.

*Fun fact: Sage Tea comes from the plant formally known as Salvia officinalis, commonly known as "Sage". As I'm sure many of you know via social media and YouTube, "Salvia" when smoked causes a short-lived, but often very intense hallucinogenic high. When seeped in boiling water and consumed as tea, however, it has the above affects. Weird, right?!

Juniper Tea: Made from Juniper berries, this tea packs a serious punch of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients making it a great tea to promote overall health. With that said, Juniper tea is known to help prevent and treat some seriously undesirable ailments such as: bloating, intestinal gas, gastrointestinal infections, intestinal worms, urinary tract infections, and kidney and bladder stones. It's also used to relieve heartburn, muscle aches, joint pains and heal wounds. Even when you’re not in pain, I suggest drinking a cup before your meal to increase appetite and/or afterwards to help with digestion. Since Juniper speeds up your metabolism while supporting healthy, and efficient digestion, it's a wonderful dietary supplement to incorporate into your daily life!

Dandelion Tea: Yes, Dandelion! That little yellow flower most people think is just a pesky weed, is actually a super powerful remedy hiding in plain sight! First of all, it is a great source of: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, B-complex, calcium, fiber, potassium, iron, magnesium & zinc. Dandelion tea is an intense cleanser and detoxifier for your whole body inside and out! Actually, it's sometimes called "acne tea", because it does such an amazing job clearing up skin blemishes and irritations. In addition, it is used to help fight cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and inflammation. Studies have also shown that Dandelion consumption significantly boosts immune function. I can attest, drinking this tea regularly definitely makes me feel rejuvenated, extremely healthy and wow, does my skin love it!

*Beauty Tip: I've been drinking Dandelion tea for a long time, but I'm excited to try some of the other applications for this tea! I recently found out that people take Dandelion tea baths and use the tea as a facial cleanser. I can't wait and hope you treat yourself to a Dandelion spa day too!

May you always drink your tea, or whatever is in your mug, in good health and with a smile on your face :)

[lipstick-in-the-city]

Coachella Inspiration

1. Zara Fringed Clutch $100

2. Ray Ban Erika Velvet sunglasses $135

3. Zara Leather Gladiator Sandals $159

4. Nike Air Force One Mid Top $100

5. Classy Brand Mental Tee $42

6. Free People One Pocket Dress $148

7. Zara Fringe Embroidered Scarf $39

8. Steve Madden Country Booties $170

9. Wild Fox Slouchy BF Shorts $154

10. Asos Print Handkerchief $10

11. Valentino Rock Stud Cat Eye Sunnies $296

12. Flash Tattoos $20-$30

some of these items are a bit pricey even for myself but they were just too cute not to post! A lot of these you can find at cheaper stores such as American Eagle and Target which have similar styles to the name brands but for cheaper prices! 

Stay Cute and Classy at all your spring and summer festivals <3 

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Going (sham) POO-LESS

Why should you stop shampooing? Well my suggestion of starting a "poo-less” lifestyle isn't what it may seem. You may have heard about the non-shampooing trend, and if it makes you uneasy, I will put you at ease.

I happen to have very thick coarse hair, and when freshly washed it takes far too long to dry and style. Recently I was schooled about a lifestyle change that encourages NOT washing your hair. Initially I was intrigued because I simply can't be bothered to wash my hair regularly. Once I realized that this was essentially hair rehab for my locks, I immediately got on board.

This practice is appealing to me because it caters to my lazy sense of hair care yet promotes healthier hair. While I don't encourage abandoning shampoo completely, I HIGHLY recommend reducing washes to once a week. This is where dry shampoo becomes your best friend especially if you are partial to oily hair.

What happens when you shampoo is that you strip your hair of everything, including the natural oils that protect and strengthen hair. This stunts growth and strength. If you must wet your hair I suggest a "phantom wash" which essentially means you wet your hair and massage your scalp as you would with shampoo, but sans shampoo. If you are susceptible to oily hair I recommend baby powder or dry shampoo, which you apply to the scalp and then gently massage.  A phantom wash helps rinse hair and get rid of built up product and redistribute natural oils.

I recommend, "shampooing" once a week with a cleansing cream. The less lather the better. I can attest to my own experience of severely cutting down my shampoos and my hair is softer, bouncier and smoother. A simple shampoo that rinses hair without stripping is the best option.

Here are a couple choices:

Neutrogena triple moisture Active potent Shampoo, $12.99

Deva Curl ( this product is only for curly hair, other products like these also come from Carol’s daughter, which has products for Curly hair and straight hair.) 

Purely Perfect Cleansing Crea, $40.00

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Get the leg up ;)

Typically we use foundation on our face to enhance our complexion, and to conceal flaws and blemishes. Well did you know you could (and should) do the same with your legs?

Yes, leg make up is a legit thing and I am a firm believer. Sometimes a tan or a spray tan doesn’t present our legs in the best light. That’s why I love Sally Hansen leg make up because it's quick, easy, and long lasting. You simply spray the make up on your legs and rub on like lotion. Make sure to be thorough so there's no streaking. Now you don’t have to be self conscious about pale blotchy legs and never have to fuss with panty hose. You can have perfect stems any time of the year. So, bust out that micro mini, spray down those pins, and strut your sexy self on the town!

SALLY HANSEN SALON AIRBRUSH LEG MAKEUP, $12.99

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Lets face it, nothing is more unattractive then unsightly feet, especially the kind of feet that are dry, rough, and have cracked and flakey heels. Is the visual grossing you out? Us too!

With the help of some local drugstore and supermarket finds you can tackle this situation on your own at home.  Most common foot problems can be cured with some pampering and store bought cream, no need to go to a doctor or fancy nail salon.

Pucker & Pout has rounded up some of the best products around that will have your feet summer sandal ready in no time!

1. Udderly Smooth Uder Cream, $4.99

Helps to smooth roughness, nourishes and softens the skin.

2. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream, $3.99

Relieves and restores rough, dry skin. Also softens and hydrates.

3. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $4.99

Aids in smoothing and balancing an even skin tone. Helps to heal irritated skin.

4. Gold Bond Healing Foot Therapy Cream, $5.69

Clinically proven to moisturize skin for 24 hours. Externally heals dry and cracked feet.

5. Cocokind Organic All Purpose Salve, $10.99

Provides deep and long lasting moisture. Helps relieves dry and irritated and cracked skin. Also prevents and heals damage.

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The Healing power of Tree Oil

 Most of us have heard of or at least seen the essential oil known as Tea Tree oil, but how many of us actually know what this natural oil can really do to enhance our daily lives? Honestly, I've been using it for years and until recently I was definitely taking for granted Tea Tree oils many uses! In short, after I share with you how incredible this oil really is, you probably won't be able to live without it!!

   First off, let's begin at the beginning. Tea Tree oil is made from the leaves of a tree called Melaleuca Alternifolia. Found naturally occurring only around the Australian coast, this tree and the healing powers of Tea Tree oil were originally discovered by the aborigine's thousands of years ago. The British that arrived at the end of the 18th century and slowly spread through Western culture adopted their uses of the oil to heal wounds, sores & different skin problems.

*Fun fact: British Captain James Cook coined the name "Tea Tree oil" when he sailed to Australia in the 1770s & brewed a batch that cured his whole crew of scurvy! This is seriously powerful stuff! *

Today there are more than 50 diverse uses for Tea Tree oil and people are finding more each day! For starters, as a natural antiseptic, Tea Tree oil can be used to prevent and treat many infections. You can use the oil to heal: Sunburns, small cuts, chapped lips, parasites, fungal infections, acne, athlete’s foot, insect bites, eczema and wait for it, yeast infections!!

   When using the oil topically, you can either dilute it with water or use it at maximum strength. It can go directly on to your skin or be applied with a cotton ball or swab- it's that simple!

   Tea Tree oil also comes in other forms such as lotions, cleansing pads, ointments and creams. Just don’t take it orally - I promise you will regret it! Otherwise, Tea tree oil is a 100% safe and natural way to heal most any skin aliment you or your loved ones may encounter.

But wait, we aren't done yet! It turns out there are ways Tea Tree oil can naturally heal your pets and your home as well!

Tea Tree oil & your pets: Diluted oil can be used in low concentrations on your pets wounds, just make sure they don't lick the area - remember, toxic if ingested! It can also be mixed with their shampoo and sprayed on their beds to help keep away fleas. Tea Tree oil is great for tick removal too.

As for the home, try some of these:

-Mix 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of Tea Tree oil to make a natural, antiseptic, all purpose cleaner.

-Combine the oil with apple cider vinegar to create a powerful mold and mildew buster.

-Add a couple of drops to your next load of laundry to leave your clean clothes and linens smelling extra fresh.

Do you know of any benefits or uses we missed? Want to share?? Please do!! Leave a comment and tell us about your favorite way to use Tea Tree oil below!

Thanks for reading!

[lipstick-in-the-city]

The perfect brow

I love perfecting a perfect brow but in my experience that can be a serious source of anxiety. I don't subscribe to drawn on "sharpie" brows but I do support naturally supplemented eyebrows. I’m very lucky that my eyebrows require minimal maintenance. All the time I get asked I how manage my brows. Truthfully, I leave mine alone as long as I can stand it. The fuller your eyebrows the better in my opinion. A gentle clean up with tweezers is all it takes.  Even after that I still stress over the appearance of my brows but thank God Maybelline has come out with a product called Brow Drama. It is safe to say I'm obsessed. This colored brow mascara grooms and fills in color in a pinch and is very affordable. What an amazing product for an everyday polished look! Go ahead and give it try! You will thank me.

Available at drugstores, $7.