HOW TO APPLY FALSE EYELASHES - BEGINNER'S EDITION

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HOW TO FILL IN YOUR EYEBROWS FOR BEGINNERS

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PRODUCTS USED TO FILL IN BROWS:
MAC EYEBROW PENCIL - SPIKE
ELF EYEBROW KIT - MEDIUM http://bit.ly/1vOnBmI
BH COSMETICS ANGLED BRUSH AND SPOOLIE http://bit.ly/1I1meI2
NYX FULL COVERAGE CONCEALER
REAL TECHNIQUES SMALL CONCEALER BRUSH
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OTHER RECENT VIDEOS:
HOW TO WEAR A DARK LIP- http://bit.ly/1FPtvbN
GRWM -CELEBRATING 12 YEARS TOGETHER http://bit.ly/1vNbpnK
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TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM: @hellocrisst
email: hellocrisst@gmail.com
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Keywords:
How to lightly fill in your brows, how to fill in your eyebrows for beginners, eyebrow tutorial for beginners, the perfect eyebrow, drugstore eyebrow products, mac eyebrow pencil in spike,

How to Apply a Dark Lip - Tips and Tricks

Tips for a Dark Lip

1. Exfoliate 

2. Moisturize

3. Apply Liner and Lipstick

4. Touch Up With Concealer/Foundation

Watch the video below for details! Don't forget to subscribe =)

Products Used:

ELF Lip Exfoliator - http://bit.ly/1qEGUux

NYX Lip Liner in PRUNE - http://amzn.to/10YuKpo

Wet N Wild 908C - http://amzn.to/1u3ub84

Lip Brush - BH Cosmetics - http://bit.ly/1wV6fWT

Foundation - Loreal True Match W3

Concealer Brush - Real Techniques

All products you can find in the drug store.

MAC KEEPSAKES HOLIDAY COLLECTION

I'm loving MAC's Keepsakes Holiday Collections this year! Other than MAC, there's not too many holiday collection/palettes that I've been excited about this year.  What do you guys think about this years holiday collections and palettes?

Here's what I got:

Mac Keepsakes Nude Lip Bag

Mac Keepsakes Eyes Beige

Mac Viva Glamorous Lip Palette

Viva Glam 1 - 6

This palette is a twist off of the Viva Glam 1 lipstick, which is included in this palette. I was kinda bummed once I realized this because I already own Viva Glam 1, but there is five other shades LOL.

Left side of this palette from top to bottom:

Viva Glam 1 (matte)

Viva Glam 2 (satin)

Viva Glam 3 (matte)

Right side top to bottom:

Viva Glam 4 (lustre)

Viva Glam 5 (frost)

Viva Glam 6 (lustre)

Viva Glamorous 1 - 6 (bottom to top)

MAC Keepsakes Beige Eyes Palette

The packaging on this palette is so cute! I have heard other complain about the packaging saying it seems cheap. The only reason I can think someone would say this is because of the beading around the palette. I played around with the beading around it and it seems like they did a pretty good job securing it on there. I've opened it plenty of times already and I don't think it's going anywhere. Anyway, I can't get enough of neutrals and glitters. Absolutely perfect for the holidays!

Kiss the King Lipstick (Lustre)
Boldly Bare Lipliner
Chic Supremacy Lipglass

Still on my wishlist:

MAC Objects of Affection - Gold and Beige Pigments/Glitter

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlights

Nars Virtual Domination Cheek Palette

Gucci Guilty Perfume

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black

What are you guys loving and wishing for this year?

GET READY WITH ME - Celebrating 12 Years Together

Products Mentioned:
Face -
Lorac POREfection
Loreal True Match W3
Physicians Formula Conceal RX
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (BOMB)
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
Be A Bombshell Sweet Cheeks Blush
The Balm Mary Lou Manizer

Brows -
Mac Spike Eyebrow Pencil
Elf Eyebrow Kit
Chella Highlighter Stick

Eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Lorac Pro Palette
Amrezy Palette
Lavish Palette
Naked Palette
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
Loreal Telescopic Mascara
Model Co Volumeyes
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil

Lips-
Nyx Lip Liner - Cabaret
Mac Viva Glam1

Brushes -
BH Cosmetics
Real Techniques
Soho Blending Brush
Crown Brush
Real Techniques Sponge


Outfit Details:
Top and Pants - Charlotte Russe
Shoes - Lulu*s
Jewelry - H&M and Forever21


Not shown on camera:
I really wanted to include this in the video but it just didn't flow right. Since I'm very pale and was wearing a light colored shirt, I wanted a more tanner appearance and more of a glow so a few hours before I got ready, I applied my Million Dollar Tan (click here). I like applying this earlier in the day to give it a few hours to work and give me more of a tan. Wearing tan or cream shirts doesn't look right when I'm very pale, so this is my little trick.

Nails - OPI Danke Shiny Red

Pictures

THE HOLIDAY GIFT SET OF THEM ALL - URBAN DECAY THE NAKED VAULT

Photo Courtesy: urbandecay.tumblr.com

The mother of all holiday gift sets will be here Thursday, October 30 on the Urban Decay website.

The set includes the Naked Palettes 1-3, three Naked Flush Palettes, three Naked Lip Glosses, and three double-ended 24/7 Glide-On Eye Liners. 

Retails - $280

The breakdown

Naked Eyeshadow Palettes - $54 each ($162)

Naked Flushed Palettes - $30 each ($120)

Eyeliners - $16 each ($48)

Lipglosses - $20 each (60)

TOTAL VALUE - $390

Savings by purchasing the vault - $110

What's your take on The Naked Vault? By now I feel like most beauty lovers have most of these popular Urban Decay Palettes but this would be a great gift for any newbies to the beauty world..

Photo Courtesy: urbandecay.tumblr.com

EMPTIES - PRODUCTS I'VE USED UP - OCTOBER 2014

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PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
MIRABELLA PRIMER http://amzn.to/1wy3N6r
SMASH BOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMER http://amzn.to/1z9bVib
NIVEA A KISS OF SMOOTHNESS LIP BALM
BIO OIL http://amzn.to/1wsZxIB
MAC FIX +
REVLON PHOTO FINISH AIR BRUSH MOUSE FOUNDATION
LOREAL TRUE MATCH W3
BONNE BELL LIP LITES LIP GLOSS CAPPUCINO
REVLON COLOR STAY LIQUID LINER
BENEFIT THEY'RE REAL MASCARA http://amzn.to/1pM7KAk
SALLY HANSEN HARD AS NAILS TOP COAT
MAYBELLINE COLLOSOL MASCARA
MAYBELLINE LASH STILLETO MASCARA
NIOXIN SCALP TREATMENT http://amzn.to/1t3R8HO
LOREAL PARIS YOUTH CODE TEXTURE PERFECTOR http://amzn.to/1ruhVsO
NYC EYELINER
SALMA HAYEK NUANCE MAKE UP REMOVER (CVS)

TWO YEARS WITH IPSY - OCTOBER 2014 - UNBOXING

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR IPSY

HOW TO MANAGE MONEY AS A COUPLE

Money and relationships don't always go together. When sharing money, what one may think is a great purchase, the other may think is a horrible purchase.

My boyfriend and I got our own place at the age of 20. We thought if we were sharing bills, then we might as well share a bank account and get our checks both direct deposited into that same account. Well, let's just say it did not work out well. We quickly started to fight over how money was spent and we started to come up short for our bills. He didn't agree on me getting my nails done, and I didn't agree on him buying cigarettes every other day. We started to pawn jewelry and borrow money from family. I knew this wasn't the way I wanted to live my life and I had to figure out a different way to budget our money.

After about 5 months, we agreed that it was best to each have our own accounts but still continue to use our "shared" account for bills. Since at that point our bills were pretty consistent, I had an idea of how much we needed a month for our bills. I added every single one of bills together.

Rent - $875

Electric - $80

Cable and Internet - $120

Phone - $160

Car Insurance - $200

Car Payment $265

Total $1700

Now this is just an example, but also a rough estimate of what bills used to be like when we got our first place together. We live in New Jersey and things are quite expensive here. At the time, gas and water were included in our rent. 


After I figured out the total amount, I divided it by 2 since we were splitting it down the middle. (This could also work if you're in college and have multiple roommates.)

1700/2 = $850

I knew every month I had to contribute $850 to our account that we shared and so did he. We got paid every week, so I then divided it by 4. If you get paid bi-weekly, you can divide it up by 2.

$850/4 = $212

Every week when each of us got paid, we would both put $212 into our "shared" account and eventually we set up our direct deposit that way so we wouldn't have to worry about it. The best part about it, is that fact that my bills came out my paycheck first and the rest of my check was MINE. I didn't have to share it with someone else and no more fighting about what we each spent our money on.

Once we figured out this system, our fights about money ended. There were no talks about money because it was already there. Since I was the more money conscious one, I took it upon myself to be the one to physically pay the bills. So, each week when we each got paid, I went online to pay a bill and at the end of the month all of our rent would already be there. It's that easy.

Also, there are some months where there's an extra pay week. We just leave that extra money in the account for those months for when the electric/gas are more than usual.

We still follow this to this day. I do believe in a way it has saved our relationship. It's not fun arguing about money and we all know how "money" talks can be stressful. Been there, done that, but I figured out a solution and it works!

Home Decor Update

Decorating gives me a weird amount of happiness. I get maybe a little bit too much joy out of it lol. Anyway, I did a little home decor haul a TJ Maxx. I moved to my new place back in April but my house still isn't where I want it to be. Although after this haul, I think I'm almost there. Two more pieces of furniture and I plan on doing a living room tour video on my YouTube channel (Subscribe here). Can't wait to show you all what I have planned next!

Hover over pics to Pin on Pinterest!

Painting - Burlington Coat Factory

Couches- Just for Cabinets

Pillows - TJ Maxx

End tables - Just for Cabinets

Light - TJ Maxx

Frames - TJ Maxx

Rug - Target (CLICK HERE) Use code home15 for $15 off ends 10/18

Head - TJ Maxx

Table - Just for Cabinets

Mirror plate: TJ Maxx

Candles: Ikea

Mirror (fire place) - Burlington Coat Factory

Tea Light Candle Holder - Pier1

Palms (plant) - Ikea

Rug- Click Here

Windows:

Tan and white patterned curtains - Walmart

White sheer curtains - Target

HOW TO CURE A DRY ITCHY SCALP

For years I've suffered from a really dry scalp. I have yet to find any products that actually "cure" my problem. My scalp flakes and it also gets very itchy to the point where I pick at until it bleeds and sometimes pull my hair out in whatever section is bothering me to maybe make it feel better (it doesn't work smh). My dry scalp just drives me insane!

The "Cure"

One day while doing my daughter's hair, which is very thick and curly, I was styling her hair as usual and put coconut oil in her hair for additional moisture. I thought to myself, why don't I try to put this on my scalp? I tried it that night and immediately my scalp was relieved. No flakes and no itchiness. It worked! I now do this twice a week for 20-30 minutes. I just take a little bit of coconut oil at a time and massage it into my scalp. Followed by a wash and condition.

Depending on your hair, it could be different. I can leave it on my daughter's thick curly hair overnight and it won't be greasy, but even an hour on my hair will be too greasy and have to wash it twice! It's trial and error and really figuring the amount of time that suits you best.

The coconut oil really works on my scalp feels and it feels so much better! I hope this helps for anyone who has the same problem as I did. Please share and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

September 2014 Monthly Favorites

Subscribe for more videos!
Favorites Mentioned:
Bath and Body Works Candle - Leaves
Amrezy Palette
Nailtiques (CVS) http://amzn.to/10lTQ1I
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge http://amzn.to/1vw4Tiq
Mary Lou Manizer http://amzn.to/1uCIdju
Mac Diva Lipstick
NYX Lip Liner Prune
Mac Viva Glam I
NYX Lip Liner Natural
NYX Butter Glam Creme Brûlée
Mac Eyebrow Pencil - Spike
Maybelline Fitme Concealer 10 Light
Kate Spade Planner http://bit.ly/katespadeplanner
H&M Blazer
Wet Brush http://amzn.to/1E286fo


Check out Hautelook here:
http://bit.ly/1qNPnPA

Other Videos:
HOW I REPAINTED AN OLD VANITY WITHOUT SANDING: http://bit.ly/1lM66A7

DIY HOLLYWOOD VANITY LIGHTS SET UP - http://youtu.be/1j2wOD5quEM?list=UUUMCAkc0Ag-APNFjI_-d28w

Follow me on IG and Twitter:
@hellocrisst

Mary-Lou Manizer - Highlighter/Shadow ON SALE at HAUTELOOK!!!

The Mary-Lou Manizer by the Balm, which is a very well-known cheek Highlighter on YouTube, is on sale on HauteLook! ON SALE FOR $12, normally $27! Click here to get it!

 Click here to get it!

AMREZY VS. LAVISH PALETTE - WORTH THE HYPE?

I planned on getting the Amrezy palette the week it came out, but I hesitated when I heard it was just like the Lavish palette, which I already own. When I seen it in person and swatched the purple, the brightest shade in the Amrezy palette, I knew I had to give it a try! Also, another reason it took me awhile to get the palette is because I could never find it in stores. I went to Ulta 4 different times and could never find it. Not in South Jersey where I live, nor North Jersey when I went to the Freehold mall. Once I found out that Ulta was no longer going to be carrying it due to the fact it was a "limited edition" palette, I ordered it from the Anastasia website ASAP! 

So, if you're wondering if there's a difference between the Lavish Palette and the Amrezy Palette (both made my Anastasia Beverly Hills), I swatched them and I'll give you my own opinion on them. 

Both palettes come with 10 shades, with very similar colors. I swatches only shadows I thought were comparable to each other so that way you guys can see what they look like next to each other.

The Highlights - Cream VS. Legend

Cream is pinkish matte, where as Legend is shimmer and more of a yellow. Cream doesn't come up on my light complexion where as legend shows more. 

My Winner: Legend

The Bronze colors - Rum Cake VS. Topaz

Rum cake shows up lighter than Topaz. The Amrezy palette is much more pigmented than the lavish palette so of course the winner is.. Topaz

Reddish Browns - Sienna vs. Morocco

You'll hear a lot of bloggers rave about Sienna because it's such a beautiful color, but Morocco is such a deeper color, yet more pigmented than Sienna.

My Winner: Morocco

The Transitions - Orange Soda vs. Caramel

Orange soda is such a beautiful color for a transition, due to my light skin tone I really have to build this color on my eyelid for it to show. Caramel was the first color I started to play with when I got my Amrezy palette, I LOVE it! The perfect transition color for warm neutral eyes! 

Winner: Caramel... by far.

The Purples - Pink Sapphire and Iridescent Purple

Pink Sapphire is a little bit deeper than Iridescent Purple, which is much more vibrant. The Iridescent Purple is much more wearable, in my opinion and I think it's way prettier. You see Amra on Instagram wearing a similar shade (even before she made this palette).

Winner: Iridescent Purple

The Greens - Moss vs. Emerald

Moss is a lighter green (not by much though) where as Emerald is a deeper green. I must admit I'm a little intimidated by green period.. but I think Moss is more my color.

Winner: Moss

The Dark Browns - Truffle Vs. Deep Plum

Truffle is a shimmer versus Deep Plum which is a darker matte shade

Blacks - Black Diamond vs. LBD (Little Black Dress)

Black Diamond has specks of gold in it that's very pretty but if you're looking for a true, matte black, than LBD is your color.

- Neutral on this. I like both :)

Overall, I love the Amrezy Palette so much more than my Lavish Palette. I go for a "neutral" look almost everyday for work, so I can see myself reaching for the Amrezy palette way more than my previous go to palette, the Lavish. Amrezy palette is overall just much more pigmented and has warmer tones! Love it!

Second time ordering from Anastasia's website..

If you read my previous post about my experience with Anastastia Beverly Hill's website, you would know that I wasn't too happy. Apparently a lot of people aren't because week after week that has been my most viewed post! See, the problem with Anastasia Beverly Hill's website is that they aren't the best when it comes to shipping and customer service.. which makes them a little bit different than most websites in 2014.

You get your email the day that that you order and then you don't get any email updates on your shipping status for days! You finally get your email about your shipping status, only to open it and find out that's not your name OR address! Yes, the first time I ordered from Anastasia's website I was sent the WRONG person's information. I was shocked to see a California address when I live in New Jersey. Eventually, I was sent the right information and it took about two weeks for my highly anticipated Lavish palette to get to my house. By the time it got to my house, I didn't love it so much as I did when I first ordered it. Probably because I waited so long..

I guess 2 weeks isn't so bad when the shipping is free, but when you try to contact customer service about the status on your order and get no response.. it's a little disappointing for such a popular brand. I expect a little more from a brand with such a high reputation, don't we all? She is the eyebrow "gawd" after all. 

My second order with Anastastia Beverly Hill's website..

Timeline:

Ordered: Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Email with Tracking Status: Never got one..

Received: September 2, 2014

I told myself I wasn't going to order from the website again, but I couldn't find the "AMREZY" palette in two Ulta stores or the Ulta website. I had mentioned it to Ulta's twitter and they were nice enough to respond saying that it was a limited edition palette and they wouldn't be getting any more in stock. So, I had no choice but to get it from the Anastasia's website. I really didn't want to order from the site but I wanted the Amrezy palette much more (I love Amra!) I had to tell myself to just expect to wait...  so here I am writing this.

September 2, 2014:
It's been one week since I ordered my palette. I decided to log on to the Anastasia website to see if there would be any updates on my order. It said complete, but had a tracking code that didn't work. I was quite annoyed so I contacted customer service via email like the error code said. I did all my errands for the day and came back home to find my palette in my mail box. 

I was surprised because it has only been a week! Last time I ordered it took about two weeks. Not bad, I'm glad she offers free shipping because I would probably be unhappy if I had to pay for shipping. I really love her products, I just hope her website ordering gets more organized and consistent.

What was you experience with the Anastasia Beverly Hill's website?

FAVORITE HAIR CARE PRODUCTS - 2014

NIOXIN HAIR CLEANSER (click here)
Nioxin focuses on the scalp and hair growth. I love how clean my hair feels after using this shampoo!

WELLA SHAMPOO (click here)
Great for color treated hair. I like to switch between shampoos because my hair tends to get used to shampoos and doesn't seem to work as they did in the beginning. Another product that smells so good! This was a sample product, but I'm glad I tried it because I can definitely see myself buying this in the future.

ESTHETICA SALON AND SPA PEPPERMINT SHAMPOO
Did you know peppermint is great for the scalp? This product was formulated by the owner's of Esthetica and has the quality of high end products! I'm quite impressed how good their in house products are. They even use all of their products in the salon on a daily basis. 

NIOXIN HAIR CONDITIONER (click here)
I say this all the time but a little bit of this product goes a long way. I leave it in for three minutes and instant smoothness.

ESTHETICA SALON AND SPA VANILLA BEAN DEEP CONDITIONER
mmm, vanilla bean! Smells so good and leaves my hair smooth! TIP: Apply conditioner mostly to the ends of your hair and not your scalp. Conditioner is too heavy for the scalp and can cause buildup. 

DERMORGANIC MASQUE (click here)
Love, love, love this right now! Makes my hair feel so soft and smells soooooo good! TIP: apply this product and let it sit in your hair for the allowed time while wearing a showering cap. The humidity from the shower will make the product work to it's full potential. Rinse with COLD water!

NIOXIN SCALP TREATMENT (click here)
I spray this on my scalp as soon as I get out the shower. It soothes my scalp and makes it less itchy. Makes a big difference if you have a dry scalp. You can feel the product working as soon as you apply it to your scalp!

TRESemme HEAT PROTECTANT
I believe TRESemme used to (might still carry it) have a heat protectant with Kertatin in it. I like that one over just the regular ole heat protectant. It makes my hair less frizzy.

MACADAMIA HEALING OIL TREATMENT (click here)
The best oil to apply when you flat iron your hair. I apply it when my hair is wet and then blow dry my hair and then I add more as needed after I go over my hair with a flat iron.

BIG SEXY HAIR POWDER PLAY (click here)
Want volume at your roots? Apply this product and you'll notice a difference right away. It's amazing how this product works! When I first tried it, I had low expectations but was definitely wowed after words.

BIG SEXY HAIR SPRAY AND PLAY (click here)
If you want a hair spray that holds but doesn't make your hair feel crunchy and can still run your fingers through, try this. It's a little pricey but you can usually get it on Amazon cheaper (click the link above) or even Ulta has a good sale on it from time to time. 

NUME CURLING WAND

GET ANY NUME CURLING WAND FOR $69 UNTIL 8/31

USE CODE: WANDRUSH

CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/1yLUa3J

COMING TO THE ATLANTIC CITY/SOUTH JERSEY AREA?

VISIT ESTHETICA SALON AND SPA

CALL 609.646.1816 TO BOOK AN APT

FOLLOW ESTHETICA ON FACEBOOK TO GET 15% RETAIL PRODUCTS!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Esthetica-Salon-Spa/356886165138

FOLLOW ME!

TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM: @hellocrisst

OTHER HAIR POSTS:
MANAGING MIXED/CURLY HAIR PART 1 - WASHING
MANAGING MIXED/CURLY HAIR PART 2 - STYLING

KHLOE KARDASHIAN OMBRE INSPIRED HAIR

It's time for a change! While I love my dark brown hair, sometimes I get bored of the same old color. I really love Khloe Kardashian's ombre hair so I got inspired to do the same to my hair. While Khloe more recently has gone for a much blonder look, I decided to go with something not as drastic. 

With my hair being so dark, it doesn't take the blonde so easily. Esthetica Salon and Spa was up for the challenge! Khloe's end's are very bright. It took two different sessions and lots of time spent under the red lights for this to happen but the end result was so worth it!

Thank you Shannon and Courtney at Esthetica for making this happen!

FIRST SESSION

SECOND SESSION

via Instagram @hellocrisst

Get these curls using a NuMe Curling wand! Get NuMe's Titan 3 curling iron set for only $99 AND get free shipping AND a free thermal pouch using code: TITANRUSH  

CLICK HERE

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR OWN VANITY LIGHTS WITH A REMOTE!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

MIRROR - $20

2 BATHROOM VANITY LIGHTS - $10 EACH

2 EXTENSION CORDS - $2 EACH

MOUNTING SQUARES - $3

MOUNTING CLIPS - $3

6 - 40W LIGHT BULBS - $10

REMOTE - $20 (CAN BE FOUND NEXT TO LIGHT BULBS)

ALL ITEMS CAN BE FOUND AT LOWES

TOOLS:

SCISSORS

SCREW DRIVER

WATCH HOW I DID MADE MY OWN VANITY LIGHTS BELOW!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more DIY's :)

HOT STONE MASSAGE - What is it?

via Google

A Hot Stone Massage is a massage that uses heated stones to relax the body.  The stones are heated in a water bath with a temperature of 120 degrees. The therapist places the stones on the back first to relax the body and then works through the body with the stones. Hot Stone Massages can range anywhere between 50-90 minutes. 

Benefits of a hot stone massage: 

• decreases pain 
• decreases muscle spasms
• softens the tissues of the body
• relieves stress

What's the difference between a regular massage and a hot stone massage? Instead of the therapist using their hands as with a regular massage, heated stones are used to work the muscles. The combination of the essential oil and hot stones creates a deep state of relaxation. 

My Experience:
I've received massages before but this was my first Hot Stone Massage! I received a 50 minute massage from Kelly at Esthetica and it was very relaxing! It was definitely what I needed because at the time the muscles in my shoulder/back area were feeling tight. I told Kelly where I was having problems and she focused on those specific areas. The stones were the perfect temperature, not too hot at all. I recommend anyone who enjoys heat and/or has sore muscles to get a Hot Stone Massage! It's "perfect for those are sensitive to touch but need deep work" as Esthetica's menu says.

Interested in getting a massage at Esthetica? If you've never been to Esthetica, enjoy $20 off any service $45.00 or more. Print this coupon out and show at checkout. If you're wondering who you should go to, ask for Kelly! Call 609.646.1816 to make an appointment.

AMREZY COLAB WITH ANASTASIA!

Instagram was surprised with some amazing news this morning! The beautiful and talented MUA, @AMREZY (AMRA) has collaborated with the Eyebrow God, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and now has her very own palette called AMREZY. Amra, who is close to 1 million Instagram followers, is known for her gorgeous make up looks on Instagram and let's not forget about curves and style! She's the total package! 

Amra has come a long way in the Instagram world! If you've been following her since the very beginning you would remember her funny rants on Instagram and Keek! We love you Amra and love to see how far you have come! I can't wait to see the looks that she'll be posting throughout the week using her own palette.

The palette is now available online at www.anastasia.net and will be available in-stores (ULTA) next week. I personally will be waiting until it hit stores due to my past experience with the Anastasia Beverly Hills website. Let's just say the Anastasia website is a very busy site. (Read my last post about my experience HERE)

Congrats +Amrezy Makeup 

Microdermabrasions - What's the hype?

If you have problems with enlarged pores, sun spots, scarring, or even fine lines and wrinkles, then I highly recommend getting a Microdermabrasion. I suffer from enlarged pores and a few scars on my face so this treatment was definitely worth a try. My pores are noticeably larger on and around my nose and I also have scarring on my cupids bow (above my lip) from popping pimples back in my middle school days. Don't pop your pimples ladies!

Wondering what a Microdermabrasion is? It's a crystal exfoliation that removes dead skin cells.  The esthetician applies the crystals and then uses an instrument to suck up the crystals and the dead skin cells. You can feel a little bit of prickling but on a scale of 1-10, I would give it a 2. No worry ladies, it's not too uncomfortable and you can still enjoy your facial experience. The suction from the instrument that is used creates a collagen plumping effect, which is one of the many benefits of that comes with a microdermabrasion.

I was quite surprised when I learned how many benefits that come with a Microdermabrasion!

Benefits include:

Reduces pore size  (I noticed this immediately)

Minimizes the appearance of fine line and wrinkles

Great for breakouts

Evens out sun spots

Resurfaces rough skin texture

Removes top layer of skin and allows products to penetrate the skin better

More vibrant looking skin

How often should you get Microdermabrasion?
It's recommended that you get a series of 6, getting them two weeks apart. The closer the treatments are, the better the results.

Anything to avoid afterwards?
Avoid direct sunlight - wear your sun screen ladies! Also, no exfoliating for 48 hours.

Overall:
I loved the results from the Microdermabrasion. Right away, my pores were noticeably smaller and I had less blackheads. Also, my skin was so smooth and had a wonderful glow to it. Later that night, I went out and my make up (foundation) looked much better than it usually does. 

I really want to take care of my skin now so I still have youthful skin when I'm older, I mean who doesn't? Therefore, I plan to continue my Microdermabrasion treatments every month. The end results are totally worth it! 

Yes, it's worth the hype :)

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See my other reviews on Esthetica's services and products:
Nioxin Review
Air Brush Tan
Eyelash Extensions
Skin Ceuticals
Esthetica's Skin Care

HOW I REPAINTED AN OLD VANITY WITHOUT SANDING

The Vanity

About a year ago, I scored a whole set of furniture for free! A dresser, a bed frame, and the most exciting piece.. a vanity. Immediately, I got to work on the bed frame for my daughter. Since it was my first time painting furniture, I googled and asked friends for advice. I was told that when you sand furniture you get the best results and painting over the original furniture just wouldn't look right.

I got a sander and went to work. Well, what a pain this was. The bed had poles, which are obviously round and the sander was flat so it just wasn't working out for me. Even regular sand paper took didn't get the job done. This furniture was passed down a few generations and whatever they used back then was extremely thick and sanding it took FOREVER. Not to mention there was so much detailing and nooks that I couldn't get to. I couldn't believe what I got myself into. It took a week total to sand and paint. There was no way I was doing that to the other two pieces of furniture that had just as much detailing and a thick amount of paint to sand through. 

Finally, a year and some change later, I decided to re-do my vanity because I knew how beautiful I could make this piece. I knew there had to be a way around sanding and guess what, I found a way. All I needed was a good primer! I must admit I was afraid even with a primer that it wouldn't stick because of the fact that the original paint was thick and seemed to have a different type of coating on the top.  

Here's what I used: 

Zinsser Cover Stain Primer

Behr Satin Enamel Paint

Rust-oleum Polyurethane Spray

Foam Brushes (I found that last time the brushes left too many bristle marks)

(These products were used for the vanity, I used different products on the chair)

Be sure to remove all hardware and drawers before getting started.

All products worked out great. I applied light coats starting with the primer. I did about three coats waiting a half hour in between each coat. Then, I did 3 light coats of paint, waiting an hour in between each coat. I then finished off with the Polyurethane spray. 

I'm very happy with the results and I do not regret not sanding! I'll never sand again after my first experience. Anyone can do this. All you need is the right materials and a little bit of patience. I say a little because I don't have much patience and even I can do this! 

The Chair

To get started painting, I unscrewed the cushion off the chair and sprayed a primer on the chair. Yes, I used a spray instead of painting it by hand. Why? Because those little poles you see are a pain! I learned my lesson after doing my daughters bed. Also, you can't see it in the pictures but all of the groves in this set of furniture are a dark grey color which makes it harder to cover! Spraying the primer and the paint made the chair a piece of cake!

Isn't the fabric on the cushion pretty? Sike! The fabric was hideous so I went to Jo-Ann's fabric to get a pretty white and grey damask fabric. To remove the old fabric, I removed the staples with pliers and found the original piece of fabric still on it. I left that piece on and just covered it with my new piece of fabric. I bought a half of a yard. I recommend getting a little bit more than half of a yard just because half of a yard JUST cut it. That's of course you have the same size cushion as mine.

Center your fabric onto the cushion and using a staple gun from the fabric store, start stapling the edges. Tug on the fabric for a tight fit as you go around. If you find any staples hanging out, hammer them down. Wait until the furniture is done drying to put the cushion back on.