Wednesday, August 20, 2014

You can Thank Me Later

[Disclaimer: any typos in this post are not my fault.  Please blame the little tortoise cat I like to call Ginny for any typos or errors.  She loves to help, a lot.]

But seriously, you will.  Before I turned say 22, I rarely washed my face.  Didn't use skincare.  Nothing.  You were lucky if I took off my makeup before going to bed. Then I turned 22, and my skin changed.  Which I have heard of.  Suddenly I was breaking out, my pores were clogging, my skin tone was uneven.  So I had to make some changes which including washing my face and taking off my makeup every night.

Fast forward three years later, still doing my best to keep my skin clean and looking better.  It works, most of the time.  My pores have become more stubborn over the years, clogging just because they feel like it basically.

I had seen the Clarisonic Mia 2 at stores before.  Online.  But at a price point of $149 seemed a little much for me.  I mean they made tons of knock off options at various other stores so why would I spend that much on a skin care tool.  Boy was I wrong.  I've bought the knocks offs, didn't really notice much improvement.

But from the first time I used my Clarisonic Mia 2, I noticed an incredible difference in my skin.  It felt squeaky clean without making my face feel tight and dry.  I've been using it now for about 3 weeks and my skin has made some major improvements.  My clogged pores have just about all cleared up  and my skin tone has evened out dramatically.  My skin feels clean and healthy for the first time in awhile.  Plus, it only takes a minute!  20 seconds on your forehead, 20 seconds on your nose and chin, and then 10 seconds on each cheek.  I mean coqme on.  Everyone has a minute.


Plus it comes in a ton of cute patterns and colors.  I mean how cute is the paisley print of mine?  After using mine a few times, I went on to the website and became obsessed.  They have a ton of different brush heads and cleansers.  Mine came with a sample of three of their cleansers, the Daily Foaming Cleanser, the Deep Pore Cleanser, and the Hydrating Cleanser.  Which I'm not sure which one I will be ordering a full size of when I run out of!  They are great cleansers.  But the best part about the Clarisonic Mia 2 system is you can use any face wash with them!



Trust me when I say that this little skincare tool is well worth the investment to improving your skin.  I used to spend the money on facials to help clean my skin up but now there is no need!  But seriously, you will thank me if you use this on your skin.  It has dramatically improved the way mine looks.  Even my makeup seems to go on better!  Come on, take a minute out of your day and improve your skin.  Only a minute!1

Monday, August 18, 2014

Summer Beauty Tips

So here in the Ozarks, we've been pretty blessed with a relatively cool summer.  And by cool I mean not blisteringly hot with 80% humidity all the time.  But there have been days that have lived up to that name.  I, like most women, work at least 40 hours a week and when I know that it's going to be 90+ the idea of putting on a full face of makeup is gross.  So here are a few of my tried and true tips to a lightweight face that is work appropriate.

1. Trade in that heavy foundation for a BB cream or tinted moisturizer.  This has the perks of a moisturizer but coverage for us who need it to even out our skin tone.  I sometimes swipe a little powder over my t-zone just to help the coverage last all day. A few of my faves include:


2.  Swap out your contouring/bronzing/highlighting/blush routine for a little cream blush.  Just a little bit will give you that just pinched flushed look.  

3.  Lashes.  We all know I love lashes.  Skip the smokey eye and swipe on that mascara.  Lashes for days will wake up your eyes and brighten up your whole look.

4.  Tinted lip balm.  Now unfortunately I am no where near glamourous enough to wear bold lip colors but if you are rock it here.  Now is your chance.  With a muted eye and pink cheeks, rock that hot pink lip.  If you are like me, reach for a little tinted lip balm/lip stain to finish off that look.  



Well, there you have it.  My perfect, go to summer look.  Oh and if you're like me and can't leave the house without your eye brows on, throw those on too.  Because I look weird without them!



Saturday, August 16, 2014

Ready Set Gorgeous

Okay, so I have the most stubborn pores.  Seems like a weird thing to talk about right? Pores.  But seriously, mine clog up just because they feel like it I think.  So when this new CoverGirl foundation promises to not clog your pores I was all over it.

[image cred: CoverGirl]


I did my typical research before I went.  Read a few reviews on how it went on and how the shades matched and all and a few bloggers said to get two different shades and mix them to get the best results.  So I went and got two shades.  And loved it.  I love the way it goes on, I love the finish, I love the lightweight feeling.  But finding a shade to match my skin is apparently impossible.

You would think a foundation with 12 shade options a pale girl with cool undertones could find a match.  Amiright? I bought shades Creamy Natural 110 and Buff Beige 115 and mixed the two at first. Seemed too dark.  Tried each shade separately.  Too dark. Went to the store and bought what I thought was a lighter shade. Even darker.

So for now, I have thrown in the towel on this foundation.  I'm not sure what to do honestly because I really loved the coverage and look of the foundation.  I'm a pale girl with no hope of getting tanner unless I spend some serious time in the tanning bed.  Which is not the best for your skin but who knows.

Maybe if I do win a dream vacation to the beach and get super tan I can try this foundation out again.  Who wants to donate to the "Amanda-needs-a-serious-vacation-especialy-if-its-to-the-beach" fund?  Anyone? No? Okay, back to the drawing board then!

Friday, August 1, 2014

Lights, Camera, Flashes

So I took a bit of a hiatus from here [story of my life, am i right] and I was posting over on Wordpress.  Big mistake.  I've read more blog posts about how switching to Wordpress is a terrible idea.  Anyway, moving on.

Mascara.  Let's talk about it.  I love me so mascara.  And as much as I love the price point of cheap mascara, it flakes in my eyes.  I can't handle it.  I work at least 40 hours a week if not more and I need my mascara to keep up with me.  Am I right?

I watch way too many blogs, vlogs, etc from make up gurus and have tried a few mascaras that I have liked alot.  But nothing, I mean nothing has given me lashes like Tarte's Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara.  I kid you not.  We're talking mega volume, false lash look.

It has a two sided brush that at first I thought was annoying.  Why do I need to deal with a doubled sided brush.  But when used, this brush creates mega lashes.
 I mean hello! Check these out!

You have got to check this out.  Seriously.  

Anyway, expect to see me back on the old blog again.  The URL has changed though. midwestmascara.blogspot.com.  Because I believe a few swipes of mascara can change anything.


Friday, February 21, 2014

Shake Things Up

Hello to all!

I hope where ever you are you are warm and snow free.  Because all of us Northerners [ok maybe just me] at this point in the winter months are tired of digging our cars out of the snow.  Winter around here can't seem to make up its mind.  A week ago we had inches of snow on the ground, and yesterday it was 60 degrees with the most unbelievable wind. Anyway, I'm rambling.

I firmly believe that it is a good idea to shake up your makeup routine from time to time.  Now in previous years, I was set in my ways.  Bare Minerals make up all the way, all the time.  But as of late, I have branched out to try many new products.   Your skin is different all the time and the same product may not always produce the same results.  I still reach for my CoverGirl 3 in 1 foundation most days but lately with the weather constantly drying out my skin I've been reaching for 2 products. 

  1. Bare Minerals has always been my old faithful.  The standby.  I can always wear that makeup and feel great about the way I look.  They recently came out with a BB Cream primer.  Which I found a little odd so of course I marched right over to heaven Ulta and picked it up.  And I have to say I am very pleased.  It has a light tint to it that really just evens out my skin tone which I love and I have to say any make up that I put over it does not budge all day.  I'm all about a good primer that will make your make up still look fresh by the end of a long day.  They're coming out with a liquid foundation which I can't believe but am so so so excited for.  I have been waiting and waiting for them to come out with a liquid.  So, of course, I've already pre ordered it and I will let you know how it is once I try it out.
  2. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6380067&_requestid=256416Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation.  One of the best parts of this is it was only $4 at Walmart.  Talk about a steal.  I'd say it has medium coverage and has a very matte finish which I love.  I'm not a fan of the dewey look.  But it stays on very well and paired with the BB Cream primer is a match made in heaven.  I am definitely a fan. I also love it because they have so many shades to choose from.  I was able to find a cool shade in one of the lightest color [of course] that matched perfectly.  Finally, a foundation that is not yellowy!  A little concealer and bronzer and mascara (of course) and I am on my way!

As always, I am not a make up artist or anything in any way.  I'm just a girl who loves makeup, especially make up that comes from heaven Ulta. 

Until next time... xox

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Beauty Favorites

So we all know that I am the worlds worst blogger but such is life.  Life is just plain busy lately.  But after many requests to write a beauty blog, here goes my best effort.

I hate to admit it but I have commitment issues when it comes to make up. [don't worry not in my relationships. Casey and I are great].  I guess I am extremely picky and enjoy trying new products.  But here are a few products that I love lately, and one that kind of let me down. If you follow me on Instagram, I've actually already posted about a lot of these but in case you want more detail, read on!



  1.  Covergirl Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation is a great foundation that is not too heavy but has fantastic coverage.  I wear the lightest shade Ivory [shocker I know] and it is [for once] a close match to my skin.  It's claims to be your primer, foundation, and concealer all in one.  Confession: I still use my Benefit 15 hr Primer and concealer.  But that's just me.  Great stuff though. I actually just picked up my second bottle of this today, which must mean its a win!
  2. Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey.  Now honestly, this is  new purchase but I am loving it already.  It's definitely a my lips but better shade.  It doesn't dry out my lips either.  So balm stain for the win!
  3. The Goody TangleFix Brush.  Now you are probably thinking that this is one funny looking brush.  And it is.  Now incase you didn't know, I have very thick hair that gets very tangled.  Like one little wind gust and I've got a rats nest on my hands.  Straight out the shower? Also a rats nest.  This brush brushes through my tangles in one brush.  Amazing.  Seriously.  And at only $6 at Walmart.  Definitely a must if your hair gets tangled.
  4. Now this is actually a product that let me down.  I recently ran out of my Covergirl 3 in 1 foundation and when I went to get another one they were out in my shade.  Sad day.  So I picked up this CoverGirl Tru Blend to see if it was comparable.  Unfortunately I was not impressed with the coverage or its lasting power.  The coverage was light, so that could work for some people.  However, by the end of an 8hr work day it was like I had never even put any on my nose and around my chin.  It wore off very easily which I typically have long days at work and need my makeup to last!  Even with the Benefit 15 hr Primer [which is the best primer I have every used FYI] it didn't last.  I have a lot of redness around my nose area so that's where I needed it!  Oh well.  You never know until you try!

Anyway, if you want to see more makeup recommendations, let me know! I'll do my best to see what I can do for you!  I am by no means a makeup artist but I do happen to be pretty opinionated.

Until next time :),

Amanda Gail

Thursday, August 1, 2013

A Few Makeup Favorites



Hello, my name is Amanda and I'm addicted to makeup.

But seriously, I do.  I scour the internet reading review after review, watch make up tutorials, and overall just kill my bank account anytime I get anywhere near Sephora, Ulta, or even Target or Walmart.  Even if I just need a replacement of something, I always seem to come out with some new product to try!  It's a problem.

But I thought I'd share a few of my favorite products that I am just loving lately. 

1.  I have been on an everlasting search for the perfect concealer.  I am very fair skinned and have very translucent skin.  Oh and I have bad allergies.  Needless to say I have TERRIBLE dark circles under my eyes.  It's probably my least favorite part of my face.  This concealer is one of the greats I believe.  It goes on smooth, doesn't settle in the creases of my under eye, and blends well with just about any foundation!
2. This blush is amazing.  First of all Benefit blushes and bronzers smell INCREDIBLE.  I use this one in conjunction with the bronzer to create a contoured look.  Super easy. 
3. This Benefit bronzer is my favorite!  Just because you're pale doesn't mean you don't need some bronzer!  It has a highlighter to go with it that makes contouring a breeze!
4. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS PRIMER.  Okay I said it.  I was super skeptical.  15 hours is a prettttty lofty promise in my opinion.  And the price tag of $30 is a bit much for me too.  However, I read the reviews and they all said it was great.  And they were right.  This stuff is phenomenal.  My makeup looks just as great at 10pm as it did when I put it on at 6am and makes all my makeup go on super smooth.  DEFINITE buy if you like a primer under your makeup.
5.  I've never worn much Tarte makeup.  And I'm not sure why.  This Amazonian Clay Foundation is incredible.  Lightweight but provides incredible coverage.  Plus it has tons of great things for your skin it.

But I am by no means a make up artist.  But I like to play around with different products and brushes.  If you guys like this post, maybe I'll do an eye make/product post as well?  Let me know.

These are my favorites for now.  But I know I'll find some more stuff soon.  

Have a favorite product?  Let me know!  I always love to try new products!

xox