Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub

I love supporting smaller companies, especially when the products are made in the USA. It's hard to find a lot of beauty products that are made in the USA (I did make a list of as many as I know, which you can view here) so when I do I love to check them out. Tree Hut is a great brand available at Ulta, Walmart and Target stores. They make lotions, scrubs, and shower gels using natural ingredients and they do not test their products on animals (another plus!)

My favorite scrub and scent. The picture is from the Tree Hut site.

Body scrubs are an important part of a beauty ritual. I think it's sometimes overlooked and considered a luxury instead of a necessity. Unless you are blessed with wonderful genes that give you baby soft skin, there will always be spots on the body that need smoothing. For me, it's my elbows.

Oh my god, I have very persistent with my elbows to keep them smooth. I think they get rough because I lean on them a lot and they are usually resting on the table as I type. This scrub helps tremendously.

I also use the scrub to exfoliate between waxing to keep ingrowns at bay. Sometimes my skin can't take chemical exfoliants, so an old-fashioned sugar scrub works best. 

Before you get discouraged by the "Olive & Shea" description, this scrub is not oily or slimy AT ALL. That means no slipping in the shower or oily residue on the skin. The Tree Hut Olive & Sugar Body Scrub does its job then washes away without a trace. By the way, my favorite scent is Coconut Lime!

At an amazing price of $7.49, this high-quality scrub won't break the bank. Ulta often has BOGO sales on them as well. Check it out!

SALE! Dooney & Bourke for Disney

I love all things Disney. I even mention it in my Instagram and Twitter bios. I also love purses--so this is a very dangerous combination I'm talking about here!

For some reason (probably the usual price of high-end handbags) I was unaware of this collaboration between the Disney brand and Dooney & Bourke. Thanks to the awesome blog The Main Street Mouse, I found out about a 30% off sale for the "Charms" line.

Image from DisneyStore.com

That adorable wristlet retails for $85, but is on sale for $58. Perhaps I could use it as a makeup bag? The world knows I don't need another purse or makeup bag, but I also have my eyes on this tote:

Image from DisneyStore.com

This is perfect for the car ride. A bit too big for the parks, but great to hold anything else! It retails for $245 and is on sale for $170.  I am still looking for a cute backpack-like purse for the parks. Any suggestions?

Click here to view the sale!

PS- Let me know if you buy anything from the sale! 

10 Tips for Choosing a Bridal Makeup Artist

Makeup plays a very important role in weddings. You need to ensure your makeup lasts throughout the night and also enhances your best features for the many moments you will be photographed. While some brides do their own makeup (even the Duchess of Cambridge did!) hiring a makeup artist is a great way to ensure you have one less thing to worry about on your big day. Here are my Top 10 Tips to help you choose the right artist and make the best of your makeup on your wedding day.

1. Plan Your Look: If you have a certain makeup look you like, bring a magazine cut out or even a web image to show your makeup artist. He or she can use these images to get a better idea of what you’re looking for. Pinterest is a great tool for finding bridal makeup looks.

2. Use Social Media: Savvy makeup artists are all over social media promoting their work and their specials. You might get lucky and find a great deal on pricing all while getting to know your artist’s personality. Do searches featuring your location and what your looking for. For example, you could search: "miami bridal makeup artist."

3. Take Your Artist’s Advice: While a makeup artist’s main goal is to keep their clients happy, they also want you to look your best in your pictures, because those shots will be used to show other clients their work. Your favorite makeup look or product might not be the best for flash photography, so your artist will gently suggest something different. The techniques you usually prefer might ruin the photos taken on your special day. The makeup artist is a pro for a reason! Bridal makeup isn't supposed to be what you wear every day--keep that in mind!

4. Schedule A Trial: A bridal trial is your way to “interview” your artist before they do your makeup on the big day. Ideally, the makeup artist should do your makeup just as they would on your wedding day. The contract to secure the artist for your wedding date is also (usually) discussed at this time.

5. Party Hard...Right After That Trial: You won’t get much time to rest at your wedding reception. From the ceremony to the party, you will be moving about, stopped for photos and entertaining your guests. The last thing you need is a makeup meltdown. So, right after your wedding makeup trial, I recommend heading out for drinks or bowling or some other activity to really test your makeup. This will also help you see how your makeup looks in different lighting. If anything goes or looks wrong, bring it up to your artist!

6. Speak Up About Allergies/Product Reactions: Professional artists take great care in what they put into their makeup kits. They select the best products from all lines (not just one...because trust me, not one line is completely perfect!) and make sure those products are the best for their clients. But, they’re makeup artists...not magicians! You know your skin and body better than anyone else. If there are certain products you can’t use, speak up!

7. Know What You Don’t Want: I like to say knowing what you don’t want is just as important as knowing what you do want. The same applies to makeup. If you absolutely hate a color (matte brown, let’s say) or product (liquid liner) or technique (smokey eyes) let the makeup artist know that as well.

8. Bring Your Favorite Lip Gloss or Lipstick: If you have a favorite “everyday” lipstick or gloss, bring it with you on the big day. Bridal makeup is usually (unless otherwise requested) soft and neutral, so your natural lipstick or gloss will probably be great for touch ups. Some makeup artists will leave some gloss and lipstick in a small container for you, but it’s always best to be prepared.

9. Avoid Skin Procedures and New Products: Facials, peels, microdermabrasion,waxing and any other skincare procedures should be avoided a week or two before the wedding so your skin won’t have any irritation. Remember, a makeup artist can cover up the redness, discoloration, or the brown tones of sunspots, but they cannot cover up the texture (like bumps or pock marks).

10. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: Bridal makeup artists usually require deposits in advance to secure a date. If you wait until the last minute to book a makeup artist, few will want to take on the frantic bride and you will have to rely on makeup counters or less reliable options.


What advice would you give brides about bridal makeup and choosing a makeup artist on their wedding day?

Shimmer? Glitter? What's the Difference?

Image from www.fontcrafts.com. I happen to love glitter, so I agree!

There are a lot of positives about online shopping. If you live in a rural area, online shopping gives you access to beauty brands typically found in big cities and department stores. You can shop from anywhere at any time, but when it comes to determining if a color is right for your complexion, many shoppers run into trouble.

If we are given a color swatch, chances are it is digitally painted and not an actual photo of the product. We have to rely on the product description accompanying  the photo to pick the product we want to purchase. If we're lucky, the swatch is accompanied by a description of the product's texture and finish--but what if you don't understand the description?

Matte? Cream? Satin? Shimmer? What does that all mean anyway? Here is my quick breakdown:

Matte - The color is flat without any gleam at all. Think of a chalkboard/black board--all you have is a non-reflective surface in a certain color.

Satin - A step up from matte. While not completely flat, the product displays only the slightest gleam. Think of the slight sheen of a banana peel.

Cream - The product looks rich and, well, creamy! Think of the texture and shine of yogurt, but in a lipstick!

Gloss - This is the most reflective finish of all. Usually only found in lip products, gloss is very shiny and reflective--think of the shine of cooking oil or aloe vera gel.

Shimmer - Have you closely examined a pearl? It has a beautiful, glowing surface. But if you really take a moment to look at it, you will notice very small particles that sparkle.  This minuscule twinkle is shimmer. Subtle and elegant; perfect for eye shadows.

Sparkle - Think of the facets of a diamond. They reflect light beautifully. You can see the facets sparkle as you move around. Products with a sparkle finish behave in the same way.

Metallic - The shiniest finish of all. Think of the intense, gleaming. color on the blue area of a peacock feather--it almost looks like colored foil, right? Well, that's what most metallic finishes look like as well.

Gucci Envy Me: My Daily Fragrance (At the Moment)

Gucci Envy Me (2004)

Top Notes: Pink Peony, Pink Pepper, Cassia, Peach, Mango

Middle Notes: Litchi, Pomegranate, Pineapple

Base Notes: Sandalwood, White Tea, Teakwood, White Musk

What Stands Out Most: Peony, White Musk

I am too enamored with fragrance to wear one scent for the rest of my life. My mother has been wearing Armani Code for years and rarely, if ever, deviates from doing so. I just can't do that. While I think I have finally found a fragrance I can call my "signature", that doesn't mean I will be wearing it at all times. That scent (which I must keep secret, of course!) is best when going out and about--not for work. I know that defeats the purpose of a signature scent, but believe me, the scent isn't something the general public will be used to.

Therefore, I've been wearing Gucci's "Envy Me" as of late. It's a fresh scent without being too soft (like a cologne) without being too strong (like eau de parfums and scents with stronger notes). Envy Me is great for a professional environment and is light enough for warmer weather, without being too light to disappear in the cooler months. 

I'm about halfway through the bottle, after which I will think about switching to another fragrance. I wouldn't mind clearing up some space...my collection is pretty big!

Which fragrance do you like to wear to work?

Top 10 Under 20: Drugstore Deals for Oily/Combo Skin

1.  Revlon ColorStay Foundation - $12.99


The old standby remains the best drugstore foundation for combo to oily skin. While some complain the finish is too thick, using your fingers or a damp sponge to apply the product results in a more natural finish.

2. Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets - $6.49

These babies are a god send. Ladies, if your skin is shiny there is no use in attacking it with powder. The oil will break through soon enough and your makeup will cake. Now, if you gently press one of these sheets over the oily area you eliminate your main culprit and a dab of powder seals the deal.

3. e.l.f. Mineral Infused Primer - $6.00

Primers can be extremely expensive. Before giving this one a try, I was using Mister Mat by Givenchy. The tube lasts forever (and I still have some left) but it goes for $34. This primer has not broken me out, helps for a smoother foundation look, and helps keep the oil at bay. This is a great alternative to Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer, with a slightly lighter texture.

4. e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set - $3.00 

I discovered this after running out of my MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix (absolutely fantastic!) that, again, was a bit expensive at $29. While I still prefer the MUFE setting spray, this one does a great job for being $3.00!

5. Revlon ColorStay Concealer - $9.99

This is a great, blendable concealer from the ColorStay family. Although it is a long-wearing formula, I haven't had any issues using it in under the eyes. It doesn't settle into any lines or cake up. Considering you can use this product all over the face, it is definitely a great drugstore deal.
  6. Cetaphil Derma Control Oil Control Moisturizer (SPF 30) - $17.49

SPF is incredibly important, especially here in South Florida. But, as many of you with oily skin might already know, finding a non-greasy SPF is a nightmare. While this product feels a bit thick at first, it absorbs into the skin leaving a matte finish. There is a bit of a "sunscreen smell" but it quickly goes away. If you are extra oily, definitely try this product.


7. L'Oreal Paris Ideal Moisture Sensitive Skin Day Lotion (SPF 25) - $9.99

If your skin is a bit more combination than oily, you might enjoy this moisturizer. It is very lightweight and absorbs quickly, but doesn't leave a completely matte finish. It just gives you soft skin and sun protection. I use this under the e.l.f. primer and never experience pilling.


8. Milani Eyeshadow Primer - $6.99

You might have a heard time finding this item in drugstores, probably because this is the latest primer being raved about in the blogosphere. But if you see it peeking out of the Milani display, make sure you grab one for yourself!

9. Glam Eyes Liquid Liner by Rimmel - $5.49

I love liquid liner, mostly because I have yet to find a pencil liner that really stays on and gel liner always requires a brush. One of my favorite liners is Kat Von D's Tattoo Liquid Liner. That stuff is indelible once it dries. However, this post is all about saving some money, right? This Rimmel liner features a small brush tip that allows for a precise line. The liquid is a very dark black (perfect for vintage  looks) and you can feel it setting. Unless you rub the heck out of your eyes, this liner is not going anywhere.

10. Coty AirSpun Loose Powder - $7.49

This powder has been around for ages. The original comes with that floral, powdery smell of your grandmother's beauty products. There is also a sensitive skin version of the powder. Either way, this is a popular powder amongst performers and those that wear heavier makeup. Of course, you can still benefit from this powder by using a fluffy powder brush to set your foundation. For a heavier application, use the puff that comes with the product.


What are some of your best tips and products for dealing with oily skin?

Vintage Find of the Week

ApronsandKitchen: The First Book of Stage Costume and Make-Up by Barbara Berk. Pictures by Jeanne Bendick

In case you missed my post last week , I decided to start featuring some great vintage finds from Etsy on the blog. I took the massive amounts of favorites I had and organized them into lists. If you would like to follow me there, please click here.

At a super affordable $13, this book would make a great gift for anyone. The seller notes a print date of 1954. The author also teaches the reader DIY projects for kids, such as costumes, that are easy and inexpensive to make.

You might want to think about grabbing this one to prepare for next Halloween.

Shopping Guide: Dita Von Teese

A gorgeous shot from Dita's upcoming beauty book...

Welcome to my Dita Von Teese Shopping Guide!

What is a shopping guide? Well, I have gathered every possible resource I could find regarding the products Ms. Von Teese designed (and where to purchase them) to include in this post.

I have also read numerous articles and interviews and noted every beauty product Dita Von Teese has mentioned in order to create this post. I hope all of the Dita fans out there enjoy it.

Disclaimer: Items with a (*) are affiliate links.  I have linked only the products that are a bit harder to find.

I will update this list as often as possible. Some of these items might be discontinued.

 I do not recommend using Just For Men Dye on the brows--this is something Dita Von Teese has practiced and done herself. 

Some of these items might not be available in the US.

Last Updated: 12/9/13

Official Dita Von Teese Products

Makeup

Dita Von Teese for Art Deco (Her favorite lipstick from her line is #628. You can also try www.tenderlovingskincare.co.uk for the makeup line as well as Debenham's. The line seems to have been discontinued, so make sure to grab what you can.)

Nails

Kiss Nails - Get Dita's signature "Moon Manicure" look.

Fragrance

Home Shopping Network - (Woman, Rouge, FleurTeese) I can't pick a favorite. I'm stuck between Rouge and FleurTeese.

Beautylish - Woman, Rouge and the newest fragrance, Erotique

Clothing

Wheels & Dollbaby - Cardigans (Australia)

Bettie Page Clothing - Dresses ($400 and up)

Olivia Pin Up Shirts - Tees with art by the amazing pin up artist Olivia

Von Follies Lingerie - Debenham's International

Secrets in Lace Nylon Stockings - According to Dita, her stockings were designed using the same materials used to make stocking in the 40's and 50's.

Books 


Burlesque and the Art of the Teese/Fetish and the Art of the Teese*

Dita: Stripteese*

Your Beauty Mark: All You Need to Get The Hair, Makeup, Glow, and Glam (Estimated date of release is January 2014, but the pre-order options have disappeared from Amazon.com. Overstock.com is listing the release date as 1-15-16.)

Products Dita Von Teese Has Mentioned in Interviews

Skin/Body

Creme de la Mer

Dior Snow White Reveal UV Base

Eminence Organics Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer*

Eminence Organic Skincare. Linden Calendula Treatment Cream*

Latisse Lash Growth Serum

L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur

MAC Careblends Oil

MAC Cleansing Oil

MD Solar Science Mineral Lotion SPF

Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20*

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse*

Shiseido Sunscreen (specifically, Shiseido Extra Smooth SPF from Japan)

Face/Cheeks

Cle de Peau Concealer

Dior Capture Totale Foundation

L'Oreal Tru Match Foundation

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder

Eyes

Diorshow Mascara

Guerlain Divinora Liquid Liner

Guerlain Le 2 de Guerlain Mascara

Givenchy Phenomen'eyes Mascara

MAC Blacktrack Gel Liner

MAC Liquid Last Liner (Especially for performances)

Lips

Dior Rouge Dolce Vita

Diorific Roulette Red (also called Rouge Bingo)

Guerlain Exces de Rouge 

Lip Ink Products (No specific color mentioned, but she raved about how long the color lasts)

MAC Lipliner - Beet

MAC Lipliner - Cherry

MAC Lip Mix - Fuschia, Blue, Red, White (Mixed to create a custom shade)

MAC - Relentlessly Red

MAC - Ruby Woo

MAC - Russian Red

Revlon Pinkfoil (One of the first lipsticks she wore)

Tarte Lip Surgence Lip Luster (Fever)

YSL Rouge Pur #1

YSL Rouge Pur #13 (Rose Tempura)

Hair

Ecoly Formulas Willow Bark Heat Curling Lotion

Garnier Blue Black Hair Dye

Just for Men Dye (for her brows)

Mason Pearson Hairbrush

Obliphica Hair Care

TIGI Masterpiece Massive Shine Hairspray

Fragrance

Bvlgari Au The Rouge Eau de Cologne Spray for Men and Women, 3.4 Ounce*

Narcisse Noir By Caron*

Dior Passage 8 &4

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique*

Lancome Magie Noire

Lou Lou by Cacharel for Women* (One of the first perfumes she wore)

Quelques Fleurs by Houbigant for Women - 3.3 Ounce EDP Spray* (She has called this her signature scent)

Nails

Essie Nail Polish Fishnet Stockings*

MAC Rouge Marie (For a nice dupe, try "Quench" by Cult Nails Nail Polish)

MAC Shirelle

Products Inspired By/ Named Dita

Zoya Nailpolish in "Dita" (Great alternate to red, but still classic)

NCLA Nail Wraps in "Dita Did It" (A super easy way to get her signature manicure!)

Vintage Find of the Week

KC's Vintage Treasures on Etsy

Miner's Foto-Matic Make Up Kit for Black and White Photos

Etsy is heaven for vintage fiends and not everything comes at a hefty price tag. This amazing makeup kit from the 1930's is going for $65 at KC's Vintage Treasures. While I wouldn't recommend putting the product on the skin, it would be an amazing product to display in a curio or on a shelf. As noted in the description, the colors of these products were made for the days of black and white movies. 

The makeup used on actresses in black and white movies was not what we are used to today. Thanks to HD technology, film stars and television personalities need to wear makeup that is as natural and as close of a match to the skin tone as possible. However, black and white film needed to use certain colors in order to make features (like the lips on female actresses) stand out.

Here is a great video by Sam of Pixiwoo talking about the techniques and color selection of makeup products for black and white film:

What's your favorite black and white movie? Did you know this fact about makeup for film stars in the 30's?

Makeup Monday: OPI Minnie Mouse Collection

It's no secret I love Disney. I grew up wanting to be an animator after becoming obsessed with The Little Mermaid. One of the only things I like about living in Florida is that the Walt Disney World Resort is three hours away.

Due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to make my yearly trip to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas last year and that was a bitter pill to swallow.

This year I can go back and I can't wait! I've made a countdown on my iPhone and I am already thinking of the goodies I want from the Beautifully Disney makeup collection.

I got a bit of a head start at Target and Ulta, though.

I ordered OPI's Minnie Mouse collection from Ulta. The set included all of the colors except for the polka-dot topper, which I ordered separately. It's not really your usual glitter topper, as some of the flecks are matte. It's very cute and goes with Minnie's signature dress. It doesn't seem like the set is available online anymore, so you will have to purchase any shades individually. 

At Target I discovered an adorable purse mirror and lipgloss set by Bonne Bell. The mirror has a stylish Minnie illustration on the front with a regular and magnifying mirror on the inside. A magnifying mirror is your best friend, ladies.

The lip glosses are from the same collection and feature four super-wearable colors. They are all extremely sheer with little-to-no color! Even the shimmer in the darker gloss barely shows through--anyone can wear these!

One warning though: The lip glosses have a VERY strong vanilla/coffee/cappuccino scent. I would stay away if you are "scentsitive."


Have you tried any Disney-related beauty products? Let me know in the comments!