My Effortless Makeup Look!

When I have to run errands and I don't want to do a full face of makeup, this is my "go-to" look. I still use a fair amount of products, but it is a more natural everyday kind of look. It's for those days when I don't have the time or energy to "Beat my face to the gods". There are a few different eye looks I'll do, but this is my usual look. I hope you enjoy!

First things first, I always wash my face with a charcoal face wash and a normal wash cloth. I've noticed if I don't wash my face just before I do my makeup, it doesn’t sit right. I often have breakouts and dry skin around my nose and chin, so washing and rinsing my face well is always a must! The face wash I use is Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser, it's has a cooling feeling and does seem to work. It’s honestly really thick and has little black flecks of charcoal in it. If I leave it on for more than a minute or two, my face starts to tingle and feel warm. So I just wash it off and move on to my moisturizer. I have been using the Nicel Daily Repair with Vitamin A and Retinol for about three years. I always got it at Big Lots for less than two dollars, but I have not been able to find it the last few times I had been there. I have seen it on Amazon though! Before I start my makeup, I throw on my chap stick in the flavor Pumpkin Pie.

Now on to the actual makeup! I always do eyes first. No matter what I do, I always have fall out. I start by priming my eyes with the hard candy primer and I put down a matte creamy nude color all over by wet n wild in Brulee. It helps make the rest of the shadows blend better and even everything out. I use the Wet N Wild Pallet in Comfort zone. It has super soft, pigmented shadows. I take the warm pinky brown shade on my lids then put the warm brown / blue shifty one in the crease. It’s comparable to Mac’s Blue Brown pigment.

After that, I clean up the fall out and move on to primer and foundation. I mix one pump of my green redness relief elf primer in with two pumps of my covergirl foundation in shade 810. Mixing them like that seems to make my foundation stay on longer than normal. When I’m in a rush, and want my foundation to look natural, I blend it in with my hands. The coverage is still nice and looks so much more natural than if I use a sponge. If needed, I’ll add some extra foundation to any spots and my under eyes with my real techniques miracle complexion sponge. I do have pretty dark circles. After, I set everything with my coty Air spun loose face powder. I love how it smells, it reminds me of my grandma. I always add a Bronzer to the "classic 3" area, if I don’t I look washed out. I like to bronze up with the Wet N Wild Coloricon Contouring Pallet. It also has a matte highlight shade, which I sometimes use under my eyes if I need more brightening. My favorite Blush is my Avon blush in Classic aura. It’s a gentle mauve, and looks really flattering on my skin tone. For highlight, I use the one I made myself. I highlight my cheek bones and above my brow, the tip of my nose and my cupids bow.


Last thing I do is finish my eyes, lips and set everything. I put on Rimmel Scandleyes waterproof "sparkling black" eye liner. I put it in my water line and tight line. Then I use my holy grail Maybelline the rocket mascara in waterproof on my top and bottom lashes. I put on like one and a half coats. focusing on my top lashes. I lightly fill my brows and brush them out in with the Jordana Fabubrow eyebrow pencil in dark brown. Personally, it’s too warm for me, and I’m looking into getting a more ashy one. If you have any suggestions, let me know down below. I use my Elf Mist & Set to keep everything in place and while its drying, I put on some gloss. My favorite is Maybelline The Elixir Colorsensational in shade 90, Rose Redefined. It's one of those glosses that is super shiny and long lasting, but not sticky. It has a grandma smell I love!

Then I’m done! It usually takes me about fifteen to twenty minutes to do it all and feel a lot more confident going out and about. I do have a lot of acne, acne scars and redness on my cheeks that bother me. If I’m having a decent skin day I’ll just wear mascara, eye liner, fill my brows in lightly and wear some chap stick and call it a day. I’m going to have some photos of the products and me throughout the steps! I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and if you want me to do anymore like this with different looks, let me know down below!

Thank you all for reading!

Xoxo Lulu.

My current Vape setup!

Hi guys! A little over two years ago, on Halloween to be exact, I quit smoking cigarettes! That would not have been possible without Vaping! To start, I was vaping 6mg of nicotine, and now I’m at 3mg. I honestly could go down to 0mg of nicotine without problem, but I don’t feel like it to be honest. Haha, I know. I’m stubborn, that’s just me. When I initially started vaping, I was a bit anxious and fidgety. But that was all gone after the first day or two. I started with a basic pen set up and moved on and up to a much beefier vape after a year or so. Some of my favorite companies to buy tanks and box mods are Aspire, Joyetech, Smok, Kangertech and Eleaf.

There are many misconceptions when it comes to vaping. Personally, I have done my research and know it's not bad for you. There are hundreds of articles debating either side of the subject. Feel free to look into it yourself for more information. But if you have questions, feel free to ask me anything and I'll answer you to the best of my ability. If I'm not sure, I can find a website that'll have the answer! Now let's get into what I'm using, from box mods, tank, coils to juices!

 Joyetech Cuboid 150w

Box Mod:
On April 14th, 2016 I got my box mod, which is a Joyetech Cuboid 150w mod with upgradeable firmware to 200w. It also does temperature control vaping, I haven't decided if I like temp control yet. I’ve tried it a few times and it seemed like there was too much air and not a hard enough hit. It takes two 18650 batteries, I’d recommend an external charger for them. The batteries will charge more evenly and a lot faster. The Joyetech Cuboid is made from solid metal, though the website doesn’t say what it’s actually made from. It’s a heavy little mod for the over all side if it. I have relatively small hands and it fits nice in my hands. The large screen is very simple, user friendly and easy to read. I do have to say, the one thing I don’t like about it is, the paint has chipped quite a bit. I’m the type of person who isn’t rough on their things, especially electronics. I’ll include photos of what it looks like when you buy it, and a photo of what mine looks like now!

Smok TFV4

Tank / Atomizer:
On October 3rd, 2015 I got my tank, it's the Smok tfv4. The base has adjustable air vents, as does the drip tip. I personally have my bottom vents fully opened and the drip tip vents closed. I use the triple stack coils, they're by far my favorite ones. They run 40w - 130w. Now days they make about ten different coils, I’ve only tried three of them. The quad coils are too airy and make the juice taste less flavorful, kind of like the temperature control coils. This tank holds 5ml of fluid and can last all day, depending on how much you vape and how high you run your wattage. The combination of my box, tank and coil put out some thick white clouds. I only run my mod at 85w, it’s my sweet spot. I have noticed if I drink alcohol, I’ll run it around 90w. That makes it a bit hotter and harder of a hit. Which I do like sometimes.

TFV4 Triple Coil

Coils:
There are three coils I have tried for my tank. Those would be the TFV4 Triple Coil, the quad coil, and a nickel temperature control coil. The only one I like is the triple coil, it has the best air flow for my asthmatic lungs lol. I still manage to make decent clouds even with asthma. The moisture in my lungs from vaping helps me to breath easier as well. One thing that is important, don’t tighten down your coil too tightly or you could break the coil, or the mod just won’t read it and you will get the “No Atomizer Found” warning. That’s so annoying, especially I’d you just filled the tank up. I’ve started checking that before I fill it. Sometimes I’ll tighten the coil down just a quarter turn and it will throw the warning. So just pay attention when your putting in new coils.

Ejuice:
My favorite thing about vaping is all of the different juices there are on the market! I prefer 80/20 vg. It’s thicker and produces better clouds. There are two main companies I buy from Cool Breeze Vapors and The Cloud Junkies! I guess you could say I’m a picky girl. I love fruity, sweet tastes. Cool Breeze Vapor has a line called Reserved, and the best juice in that line is called Vapor Lock. I think I have bought about 5 of the 120ml bottles over the last few months. It’s a sharper fruity taste, unlike my other favorite juice which is by The Cloud Junkies. That one is called Haze. I’ve probably bought ten 120ml bottles of Haze. It’s a berry flavor with a hint of marshmallow to mellow out the flavor so it isn’t as sharp. The Cloud Junkies has a pretty vast range of juices, my favorites are Haze, King (pumpkin pie), Bury (stronger berry taste like Haze but a bit harsh).

Thank you so much for taking time to read this post. I hope you check out some of the products I’ve mentioned! They are all awesome! I’ll be sure to have links to all of the products mentioned! I hope you enjoyed this post, if you have any questions or feedback, leave them below or send me a message over one of my social media pages, links on social media page!

How I clean my makeup brushes!

My favorite way to clean my makeup brushes has got to be with organic virgin coconut oil and Dawn dish soap… A lot of people like to use olive oil, but I think it’s much harder to get out of the brushes and makes the task take a lot longer! Now let’s all be honest, how many of us actually clean our brushes out after we use them? Not me, that’s for sure! I don’t have time to do it and it’s not the most fun thing to do. Since I don’t do my makeup as often as I’d like, I only need to wash my brushes twice a month.

You know how putting organic virgin coconut oil in your hair is really good for you hair? Well, coconut oil contains lauric acid, and that’s been known to reduce candida, it fights bacteria, and awesomely enough it also creates a hostile environment for viruses. Are you starting to get why I use it do clean my brushes? It’s going to be a lot better for your skin if there’s any residue of it left in the bristles. When you use Dawn Ultra Concentrated dish soap, it removes all dirt and, oils and germs! If you’re wondering “Why use an oil if you’re going to be using soap anyway?”. Well simply put, it breaks down any powders stuck inside the bristles of the brushes and breaks down creams and liquids that contain oils. Then after you wash the brushes with soap to remove all of the makeup residue and oils. You always want the brushes at a downward facing angle after they have been washed. Always set them down so the water is being drawn down the length of the bristles and out towards the tips. Never set your brushes upright while they are wet. Doing so weakens the glue, rots the wooden handles and makes it a lot easier for bacteria to breed and mold to grow. Now that all of the details and basics have been mentioned, let’s get into explaining my process!

Here’s what you are going to need:
Virgin organic coconut oil.
Your preferred soap.
Your makeup brushes and sponges.
Some paper towels.
Last but not least, something to rest them on.
I usually use two hand towels, one rolled for height and one laid out.

You want to start with a small amount of coconut oil in a microwave safe dish. About a teaspoon worth for twenty or so brushes. Dampen them as you go in warm water, dip the end in a little bit of the oil and swirl the brushes on your hand, between your fingers and really work the oil into the brush. Once you have the oil worked in take your soap and put a drop on your hand and swirl and work the soap in on your hand, massaging the soap in and occasionally squeezing the brush. Repeat that step until the water runs clear. You do this with all of your brushes and sponges until everything is clean. Once you’re done, make sure to gently squeeze out ad much water as possible, then set up your brushes facing down to draw the water out. Let them sit for a few hours or up to a day and you are done!
This is by far the easiest way I’ve ever found for washing my brushes! I hope this post helped you and was informative! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments!

Xoxo
Lulu

How to make your own pressed powders!

Hi guys! Okay, so today I wanted to share with you how I make custom color eye shadows, highlighters, and well anything powder based! It’s the simplest way to do it and probably the least messy! I promise if you like makeup, you’ll have as much fun as I do making these! Always remember to leave them for at least twenty four hours!

This is what you will need:
Your chosen powders.
Rubbing alcohol, 90% +.
Clean containers for mixing. Glass is best.
Q tips and cotton rounds for cleaning things up.
A new or sanitary Orange stick or a foundation spatula.
An empty compact, metal pan, or cleaned palette.
A clean spoon to help break up the powder.
Something to press the powder with.
Paper towels, tissues or toilet paper.







When it comes to picking the eye shadow or powder your wanting to make, take into consideration if you want matte, frosty or glittery. For well, obvious reasons… You wont want shimmer or glitter in your matte shadow, lol. If you want to make both matte and a shimmery shadow, make the matte ones first if you only have one orange stick. As to not have shimmer in the matte shadow. You want to get everything out and set up on a clean dry table or desk. Wherever you feel like doing it really.

Step one! Pick your colors and start breaking them up carefully with the orange stick and put them into the container you’ll be mixing them in. Once you have all of your colors chosen and in the container, continue breaking the powder up so that it’s really fine and mixed up. You can test the color by swatching  it, adjust the color how you see fit!

Step two! Adding the rubbing alcohol. You want to start with adding a few drops and mixing it in. You need to add enough alcohol to form a thicker paste consistency, you don’t want it so thick that it’s still crumbly yet thin enough to be able to put in the pan you’ll be setting it in.

Step Three! Pouring and pressing your powders. Make sure before hand that you clean and wash the pans, palettes or compacts your going to use with some warm soapy water. Dry out everything and give it a wipe down with rubbing alcohol and a cotton round to ensure everything is sanitary. Once you’re ready to put the product in the pan, make sure you do a little at a time, using the orange stick to push the product in the corners.

Step Four! Pressing your powders! Find an object that fits the shape of the pan. Sanitize it and make sure it’s dry. Take a paper towel, tissue or toilet paper square (they’re literally all the same thing, just different thicknesses and textures). Put the paper towel and put it over the bottom of what you’ll be using to press it. Make sure there aren’t any folds on the bottom of it, you probably wouldn’t want that to show on the top of your powders. Press gently and evenly over the surface to help soak up some of the excess alcohol.

Step Five! Now that everything is done, let your needs product sit in a dry clean area for twenty four hours to dry out! Then your product is not ready to use!

I hope this was helpful and I hope you enjoyed this post. If you
did enjoy it please share with your friends make sure to leave a comment. Thank you so much for reading.

Xoxo, Lulu.

Drug store Foundation Routine!

Hey everyone! Today I'm going to talk you through my foundation routine, for days when I do my makeup. I don't always have time to do my makeup on a daily basis, but this is a go to list of products! If you have any feedback or recommendations, hit up the comments! Xoxo Linda.

First I start with the Elf Mineral Primer. I use the green one for redness that I have around my nose and on my jaw line / cheek area. I'm not sure what it is, but I do know a lot of women seem to have it. There is a lot of bumpy texture to it as well. I'd say over all this primer does work pretty well for it being from the drug store.

Second, I use Covergirl's Outlast Stay Fabulous foundation in the shade 810, Classic Ivory. It's the second lightest shade with a slight yellow undertone. To apply this I use my damp Real Techniques Perfection Complexion sponge. This is a medium coverage foundation and covers my spots and scars pretty well. I always end up going back to this one. I like to try out other drug store brands that get a lot of hype, but they're never as good as this one. Not to mention I'll use the sponge and dab on extra to cover my dark circles and it works wonderfully! These two are a must have in my collection! But remember, blend down your neck!

Third! Setting powder! Coty Airspun loose face powder, in Natural. What else can I say? Holy Grail setting powder for sure. I have had the same container of it for almost 2 years and it's still three quarters full, and that's with me using it on my eldest step daughter too! It has a granny smell to it and I happen to love that. It reminds me of my grandma! I use this to set and bake my under eye area. After a few minutes I'll use my fluffy brush and dust off and swirl in any extra. I bought myself a set of Pueen makeup brushes for my birthday almost three years ago, I think it's a set of 12 with a case for travel. It was only twenty buck on Amazon! Heck of a deal. They are so soft and help my powders blend flawlessly!

Fourth, Bronzing and Highlighting. To warm up my skin and make me look more alive I use the Wet N Wild Coloricon Contouring Pallet in Dulce De Leche. It's a two in one matte Bronzer and Highlighting powder. It's a super soft formula and blends like a dream. I like to use the contour color in the usual 3 shape on the face and the highlight powder under my eyes. It is completely matte! For the shimmery highlight I use again the Wet N Wild Coloricon line, in Reserve Your Cabana. This is a silky soft highlight, it doesn't have a lot of sheen to it. So I actually broke it up and added some frosty eye shadows to it and re-pressed it. Now it works like an actual highlighter should, lol.

Fifth and last, Blush! Avon Ideal Luminous Blush in Classic Aura. This is a discontinued color, which is so sad. It's a muted pink color that looks good on so many skin colors! I love this color it's so soft and subtle yet it has awesome pigmentation! I don't know why they don't sell it anymore. I know a family member had given it to my daughter because they didn't use it. Well, she put it all over her face and her face turned beat red and broke out. She was like 7 at the time. I use it every time I do my makeup and I have never had a reaction from it.

Thank you all for taking the time out of your day to ready this. I hope you found it interesting or helpful in some way! Let me know what I should post next!

Xoxo
Lulu.