Author: steframos15

Learning To Embrace My Curls

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I don’t know about you but when the temperature rises above 80 degrees I no longer can bear to use my blow dryer, sweating while doing your hair is not a good look! Therefore during these hot summer months, I try to embrace my natural hair texture. To give you some background my hair is thick, I have a lot and it’s frizzy and wavy. It has taken me a long time to learn to love my natural texture and what products work best to enhance it but I have finally found my perfect routine!

The first step I take is NOT brushing my hair after I wash it, brushing your hair will just interrupt your natural curl shape. Also, I have found using a shampoo that is sulfate free and is formulated for curly hair will help your curls be more consistent throughout the hair. The SheaMoisture Curl & Shine shampoo is my current favorite and I follow with a deep conditioner.

After letting my hair air dry for about 10 minutes I like to take a light weight gel and distribute it evenly throughout my hair. My favorite is the IGK coconut oil gel. This gel has a very creamy consistency it has enough hold to help form my curls but does not leave them crunchy ( which is my biggest fear ). I then flip my hair over and begin to scrunch my hair upwards helping form some volume at the root. If I have time I like to let my hair air dry which forms the best results of giving me a smooth wavy look. If I am short on time using a diffuser on low heat will dry the hair plus help give some volume. The key to using a diffuser is going section by section and waiting until each section is dry before moving on to the next, this will help keep frizz from forming. (I learned that  the hard way)
igk coconut oil gel

Now this final step and my favorite step really gives your hair that beachy effortless look without having to use a drying salt spray. This magic spray is the Ouai Wave Spray. What makes this spray so magical is it’s infused with rice protein and not salt so it adds shine and texture for that beachy undone look without drying the hair. It adds a little shine and a little texture, the perfect combo. I also like to use this spray to refresh my curls on the second day.quai wave spray

Summer is the perfect time to give your hair a break from heat styling and experiment with different routines to embrace your natural hair texture. Let me know below which products I need to try next!

 

 

SheaMoisture Curl & Shine Shampoo $9.99 @Target
IGK Coconut Gel $27 @Sephora
Ouai Wave Spray $26 @Sephora

 

New Makeup Obessions

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The past month I have been purchasing A LOT of new makeup. I had an urge this month to amp things up and get out of my comfort zone. Spring time is approaching and it was time to switch up my makeup routine!

The first new product that blew me away was the new Glossier Cloud Paints. I am usually intimidated by cream or liquid blushes but these cloud paints proved me wrong. You only need the tiniest amount and you can blend it out with your fingers or stippling brush and it gives the most beautiful flush of color and it dries down to a powder so no need to set it! I have the shade Dusk, it is a deep mauve shade that you can also add to your cheek bones for some added definition. As we speak the shade haze is in my shopping cart- I NEED THEM ALL.


Keeping on the train of cheeks the new Pixi + ASPYNOVARD collab came out with some BEAUTIFUL highlighters. I snagged the shade Santorini Sunset at my local target and for a drugstore highlighter, it is gorgeous. It blends out seamlessly no chunky glitters just a beautiful sheen on the top of your cheekbones. I advise you to run, don’t walk to your nearest target and snag it because they are going. This product will definitely be a staple for me this upcoming spring and summer.
Lastly, for eyes, I have left behind my coveted concealer and decided to try the new NARS soft matte complete concealer. I read awesome reviews on this product but I was nervous when I found out it was a pot concealer since those tend to be more drying and heavy, but I was proven wrong when I stopped in at Sephora and swatched it. This concealer gives awesome coverage while still leaving a natural finish to the skin. It has quickly become my go-to concealer for under the eyes and spot concealing. I am in the shade vanilla and I am in LOVE!
I also have been loving listening to podcast lately. Fast mascara is my newest beauty podcast obsession it is so entertaining + offers a lot of information. Women of The Hour is another great listen it is hosted by Lena Dunham and she interviews some pretty powerful women.

What are your current obsessions?

Glossier Cloud Paints $18 @Glossier.com
Pixi Highlighter $16 @Target.com
Nars Soft Matte Concealer $30 @Sephora.com

New and Improved Skin care

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Hello, all! Phew, it has been awhile since I have given my sweet blog the attention it deserves. Life after college was more hectic than I was expecting. I am back now and with better makeup suggestions and reviews than ever! I have 6 months has a MAC employee under my belt and currently, I am a beauty advisor at Space NK so keep an eye out for some luxury skincare reviews! Now onto the products that have sincerely changed the way my skin and makeup looks.

The first product I have added to my routine that has made the biggest difference in my skin is the Cane Austin Retexture Pads these pads have 10% glycolic acid that helps exfoliate, even my skin tone and most importantly to me reduce the appearance of age spots and acne scars. I struggle the most with acne scars and these pads have changed the texture and appearance of my skin – 10/10 recommend!

Another factor that has changed my skin is over- night masks. I rarely find that those 5-10 min masks have time to really penetrate into my skin. The Origins Drink Up Intensive mask adds back hydration into my skin throughout the night leaving me with hydrated smooth plump skin in the morning. This makes my makeup application flawless.

Last but not least we all know primers are a very important factor to keep your makeup on all day. I have found one that not only keeps my makeup on all day but makes it look better as the day goes on. The Becca Backlight Primer gives a luminous finish to the skin without adding glitter or making you look greasy. I find that throughout the day when my natural oils start to peak through the primer makes my skin look even more natural and healthy. Also, a cool tip is on the days where I am not wearing any makeup I will still put the Becca primer on my bare face to give my skin a healthy glow.

Cane Austin Retexture Pads $60 @ Macys
Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask $26 @ Sephora
Becca Backlight Primer $38 @ Sephora

What are some skin care products that have truly made an impact on your skin?

Ride or Die Travel Makeup

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As some of you may have noticed from my Instagram posts I was traveling the beautiful continent of Europe for the past 4 weeks. I started off in Italy and made my way to visit family and friends in Portugal and even spent some nights in Spain. I am sadly back to reality but am happy to be back sharing all my beauty reviews and stories.

Packing up your makeup bag for 4 weeks takes a lot of concentration, you don’t have your usual space to get ready and although it is possible to take every palette it is not practical. While I was on vacation I realized the products that I chose to bring with me are undoubtedly my ride or die makeup products. I decided to share with you the makeup products I trust enough to bring with me on a month long vacation.

I like to keep it simple with primer something small and compact that I know will work. I chose the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Smoothing Primer. This primer helps keep my skin matte , smooth and my makeup lasts all day long.

Next  foundation was an oldy but a goody, the Makeup Forever HD foundation. This foundation is perfect for those long days being a tourist in the heat. It didn’t bother my sensitive skin and kept me glowing without getting oily! It has the perfect amount of coverage and is buildable if I need to touch up before a long night out.

For eye shadow, I brought the Anastasia Beverly Hills Shadow Couture Eye Shadow Palette. This palette has all the shades I could ever need. Warm browns for a neutral day to day look and smoky blues to spice it up for the night time. I then added some MAC blush in the shade warm soul and Becca’s highlighter in champagne pop and I was ready to tackle on the day!

These makeup products kept my makeup looking good all day long for 4 beautiful weeks in Europe.

What is your ride or die makeup products to travel with?

 

Makeup Forever Smoothing Primer $37 @Sephora
Makeup Forever HD Foundation $43 @Sephora
Mac Blush in Warm Soul $28 @maccosmetics
Becca Highlighter $38 @Sephora

 

Summer Skincare Routine

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During the summer I like to switch up my skincare routine, I still like to keep it hydrated but I also like to use sun protection and more brightening serums. I have found some true gems that I predict will stay in my rotation for awhile.

M-61 Skincare Vitablast C Serum; I discovered this serum thanks to the amazing ladies at bluemercury. I attended an event at the store and the ladies would not stop raving about this serum. They assured me that it was a must have for this summer so naturally, I believed them. I have been using this serum for about a month now and they were right. This serum brightens my skin and is quickly eliminating all my acne scars. It soaks into the skin quickly and leaves my skin looking hydrated and bright.

Fresh Soy Face Cleaner; Wow is the first word that comes to mind with this cleanser. I have always been a makeup wipe and cleanser type of girl because using just one didn’t seem to do the job. Not anymore, the Fresh cleanser takes away every ounce of makeup on my face and smells amazing while doing so. It leaves my skin clean and hydrated unlike other cleansers can sometimes strip your skin leaving it dry and tight.

It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream;  I have always been a fan of It Cosmetics because of the amazing skin benefits their products have. They are anti-aging and paraben-free. This cream does everything it claims too; keeps the skin hydrated , fixtures texture and keeps skin moisturized all day. I use this cream mostly at night time because it is summer time and it is rather thick, but when I wake up in the morning my skin is bright and hydrated and feels smooth. I have had texture issues on my cheeks lately and after using this cream for about a month my skin is remarkably smoother.

What is your skincare must-haves this summer? Let a girl know below, or tweet me!

M-61 Skincare Vitablast C Serum 92$ @ Macys
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser 39$ @ Sephora
It Cosmetics Confidence In A Cream 43.64$ @QVC

R+Co Sunset Blvd Blonde Shampoo and Conditioner

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504257694_1_tabletopOkay for all of you reading the title and have seen my Instagram you are probably thinking “Um Stefanie, you’re not blonde”. Although you are correct I am a brunette, but I recently decided to bayalage my hair for the summer time and since I am such a dark brunette when I do lighten my hair it can get brassy very quickly ( not the look I am going for).

With my background in cosmetology, I knew in order to get rid of the orange/ brassy tones in my hair I needed to add some ash to it , which is purple/ grey shades. The tricky part is finding the right purple shampoo that does the job. I started my hunt on different hair care blogs and youtube videos, and one common denominator was the R+Co blonde shampoo and conditioner. I went on the website and I was surprised because the shampoo and conditioner were a very light shade of lavender and I am used to “the darkest purple shampoos , do the best job” well I was proved wrong.

I took a trip to Bluemercury and picked up the shampoo and conditioner and after one sniff I already was impressed because their products smell AMAZING. Now it was time to actually put the actual product to the test. Surprise, surprise  not only do they smell good but they do amazing things to my hair. They turned all my brassy ends into a beautiful beige blonde without having to go back into the salon. In the shower, I  shampoo regularly ( lather, rinse repeat) and then I leave the conditioner in for about 5 minutes so it has time to really set in. This shampoo and conditioner is gentle enough to use every day but i usually use it once a week since my hair is mostly brunette. It leaves my color looking flawless , soft and shiny!

R+Co Sunset Blvd Shampoo + Conditioner $29 @Bluemercury.com

Summer Glow Routine

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Hello All! Summer is approaching us in Northen VA rather slowly this year but that is not stopping me from amping up my makeup routine to add some extra glow.

I took a trip to Sephora and stocked up on some must have highlighting products that I read about in the blog world and to say I am satisfied  is an understatement. I have found some true gems and I can not wait to share them with you all.

First of the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop. This highlighter was curated by the Youtube makeup guru Jaclyn Hill. I have been watching her for years and to see her make a beautiful product is truly amazing. This highlighter is like nothing I have ever put on my face before. It glides on the skin perfectly giving your cheek bones the perfect glow , ever. Now this product can be used on the face, body and anywhere you want to give an extra sun kissed look!

Next is the Smashbox Primer Oil this is the perfect base for my dry skin gals. This primer oil leaves the skin smooth and luminous and is not greasy at all! Your foundation glides on smoothly and lasts all day long. If you have dry skin, I highly suggest this product!

Lastly, The Too Faced Sweetheart Bronzer. This bronzer has two shades , one cool tone, and one warmer shade and in the shape of a heart so cute right? Both have a beautiful luminous finish without the glitter (see a trend going on here? all about the glow. ) This is the perfect bronzer for transitioning into summer it is not too warm and gives a perfect sun kissed look.

This has been my go-to summer glow routine, what are your favorite summertime products?

Becca Highlighter 38$ @ Sephora
Smashbox Primer Oil 42$ @ Sephora
Too Faced Bronzer 30$ @Sepora

e.l.f. High Definition Powder

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13963729 Alright,everyone breaking news  baking is no longer just for the kitchen you can now bake your face! I know, crazy right let me explain.

There are constantly new beauty trends on how to make your makeup look better and extend its longevity. These trends go viral and then I test them out and let you all know what I think, great system right? Sometimes the trends wow me , sometimes they are a total fluke. This time, I’m wowed!

So this “baking” technique is basically getting any loose setting powder of your choice  and putting the powder on a sponge or brush (sponges work best in my opinion) put a little more product that you normally would and dab the product anywhere you want to highlight or set in place such as under the eyes , beneath the counter or bridge of the nose.  Then leave the powder for 1-2 min this is the “baking part” and then brush away the excess powder and
wa-la! You will have a flawlessly set face.

I thought this technique was a joke so I never gave it a fair shot, I thought it was just an extra step that I didn’t need in my makeup routine but I was wrong. I have always struggled with my under eye concealer creasing no matter how great the concealer or how quickly I would set it. Now when I use the ELF high definition setting powder and a makeup sponge and “bake” my under eyes I am crease free all day long.

The “baking”  technique leaves such a flawless finish and keeps you matte but not cakey. I dare you all to choose your favorite setting powder and start baking! You won’t be sorry.

E.L.F High Definition Powder $6 @ Target 

Physcians Formula Butter Bronzer

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Spring is near ladies and gentlemen and you know what that means right? Bronzer, bronzer and more bronzer.

As soon as the warmer months hit I skip the harsh contour and I focus more on warming up my complexion. The problem I ran into with bronzers is finding the perfect shade and undertone. Bronzer can get really orange, or too muddy/ dirty looking very fast if you are not careful. So undertone choice is crucial.

Well, search no more because Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer is perfection. It is the perfect neutral shade, not too cool not too warm it is flawless. The name says it’s all its very buttery and smooth, it blends into the skin effortlessly.  ( Oh and another bonus, it smells like a pina colada)

With the hotter months hitting extra early this year ( it’s 80 degrees in Northern, VA) bronzer is a must and I promise you this shade will work for all skin tones.
Go get you some!

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer $14.99 @ Ulta

Aztec Secret Health & Beauty Indian Clay

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Aztec-Secret-Indian-Healing-ClayWARNING: this face mask is not for the weak!

I recently discovered this face mask from a trusty beauty vlogger Kathleen Lights and it is the most intense face mask ive ever used.  The Aztec secret health & beauty indian clay comes in a tub and you mix the powder with equal parts of water or apple cider vinegar turning the powder into a clay consistency to apply to the face.

On the packaging the mask warns that it is a deep pore cleaning and is the most power facial, and those are some pretty powerful claims. So I had to give it a whirl. After trying this mask a handful of times I can say it is very powerful but so worth it. Once applied to the face after 5 minutes you will feel the clay harden and it will be difficult to move around your face. Then you will be able to almost feel your face pulsate which is the mask pulling out all the impurities from your pores. If there is anything stuck in those pores trust me it will all be brought to the surface.

After about 15 minutes you can take off the mask with a warm damp towel and your skin will feel smooth and silky. Now don’t be surprised if the next morning you wake up with a pimple or two that is just the mask bringing everything up to the surface – it means it worked

This mask is 100% natural, it is 100% natural calcium clay and coming from someone with sensitive skin the mask did not dry out my skin or irritate it. This mask is a lot of bang for your buck, the tub has 1 lb of powder for 14.99 – and you need just one tablespoon to cover your whole face (big plus!!)

If you’re looking for something to really cleanse out your pores give this mask a try to remember you’ve been warned!

Aztec secret health & beauty indian clay $14.99 @ Amazon
Check out Kathleen Lights video here