My Beauty Secrets

It's really no secret that most women have large pores, short eyelashes, and dry skin. It's like- a LOT of pressure to look amazing all the time.

Especially when you suffer from acne, rosacea, or just occasional wretchedness. I know I do.

I've dabbled in both the natural and chemical of basically every beauty product out there. I've made my own products, even, some have turned out to be quite successful- others not so much.

I am going to show you some tips and tricks and I will finish this post with the one product that I think is a game changer in the complexion world.

It seams trivial - but drinking enough water every day will make your skin look so much better. I don't mean, have a few glasses of water every day. I mean drink at least 1 liter of water every day if not 2. Hydration is everything. Start here and if you don't see a huge difference in your complexion in a week I'd be shocked.

Enlarged Pores

First of all if you have large pores there are a few things you can do to cover this while you are treating them. There are two products out there that you put on BEFORE you put your foundation on and both of them work well. They are the same item made by two different brands so I am going to give you the high/low.

High - Benefit Porefessional $31

I've used this product for years and it works well (although I do not currently use it because ..well I'll get into that). It is expensive, though. It fills your pores before you put on your makeup so it isn't a permanent solution to the problem, but it will give your makeup a flawless look when used.

Low - Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser - $6

The feel of this product on the skin is not as light as the Benefit but the outcome looks the same. So if you are on a budget (or even if you're not!) this is a great option. I bought mine at Target.


In addition to these, Glam Glow makes a great mask for pore reduction.

http://www.sephora.com/super-mud-clearing-treatment-P376409?skuId=1473735

The Glam Glow mask was recommended to me by my makeup artist for our wedding, Savannah Perez. The girl knows her stuff. See her work here : http://www.hausofsavy.com/

Red Skin 

If you have red or splotchy skin, also known as rosacea, you may have a food allergy. I used to get extremely red skin from eating tomatoes. Sometimes I still get it if I have straight espresso, alcohol, or spicy foods. Try eliminating these things first to see if it has an effect.

In the mean time there are things you can do to cover the redness. A yellow tinted concealer can be extremely helpful to cover any redness especially from breakouts. Blending properly does take a practiced hand, so take some time to work on your application skills before leaving the house. This is my go to pallet for covering any redness or blemishes.

Mac Studio Conceal and Correct $40 and worth every penny

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/9860/23771/Cult-Classics/Studio/Studio-Conceal-and-Correct-PaletteLight/index.tmpl


My Cure-all = Clarisonic 

Now I am really going to get into the nitty gritty of how I changed my skin for the better. Let me emphasize by saying I tried many, MANY natural options. Some good ones- tea tree oil, oil cleansing, honey masks... the list goes on. But none of these were a permanent solution for me.

I started a new skin regime about a month ago and my skin has done a complete one-eighty. I decided to try using proactive + which states to be much better than the original formula. I used to use proactive back in the day and did not like it. I also purchased a Clarisonic with a sensitive head attachment.

Now my nightly routine goes like this:

1. Wash face with Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser - this is a super quick was just to remove the makeup.

2. Apply small amount of Step 1 of Proactive + to my Clarisonic and wash face - takes 1 minute

3. Follow steps 2 and 3 of the Proactive + system.

In the morning, I just rinse my face with water or wash with a small amount of the Neutrogena.


This is what works for ME. If you don't suffer from moderate to mild breakouts but have enlarged pores or red skin I would recommend the Clarisonic with the sensitive attachment with a mild cleanser like the Neutrogena.

Pointers- Do not start all out with the Clarisonic. Start 3x per week and move up to 1x per day. 

I have notice a HUGE change in the size of my pores meaning they are MUCH smaller than they used to be. My skin is always soft, and makeup application looks 100x better. Yes the Clarisonic is expensive, but for me it was worth the investment to feel confident about my skin.

Today is the LAST DAY of Clarisonic's 20% off deal 

http://www.clarisonic.com/

Short Lashes

Final words for all my ladies out there who are looking for the perfect mascara to create the look of long lashes. I swear by this combo:

Dior Maximizer and Dior Overcurl $25 each

The white tube is a prep/primer for your lashes. It conditions and lengthens. The silver tube has an awesome curved applicator that adds plenty of curl and bounce to the lashes. If you have to pick only one bottle, go for the Overcurl. Dior frequently has buy two get one free deals. Stock up when you can. It's a show stopper. 

If $25 dollar mascara is out of your price range:

L'Oréal makes a mascara called Voluminous Original. This does not provide a lot of curl though so be sure to curl your lashes well, before applying. Although you should be curling your lashes before you apply your mascara anyways... but do NOT curl them once you have mascara on. That's just asking for trouble. 

Maybelline makes a mascara called Pumped Up! In a bright pink and yellow tube. This is what I call a "purse mascara." Perfect for throwing on at any time. Adds volume and length. 

I hope this information was helpful for you ladies. Please feel free to ask questions or shoot me a message if you have anything specific you'd like to know!

Your blushing beauty

Miss Ally Jean

Fishnets, Mary Janes and Red Lipstick

Last night I went to the most amazing 40th birthday party for a long time friend of mine. It was fabulous. They shut down a restaurant, rented a real photo booth, gave away decadent bottles of wine and beer as favors, delicious food and open bar. It was supreme! It has really gotten me in the mood for parties and the holidays!

Continuing on my adventure of acquiring the 100 items, as so thoughtfully discussed by Nina Garcia in her book, "The One Hundred" -today I will be showing you three of my items from the list.

#32. Fishnets.

When you hear the word "fishnets" it may conjure up visions which some may label as "tacky." However, when done right fishnets can be a vital part of a woman's wardrobe. They are playful, sexy, and give your ensemble that extra edge.

When buying fishnets be sure to buy a FINE mesh. Meaning not a lot of space between the squares. You will be able to find large spaced nets- those are great for halloween pirate outfits, but not much else.

             These are my favorite pair. Currently on sale an Nordstrom. 2 pairs for $30

 Have fun with fishnets! They can be worn in so many different ways. Maybe avoid high to Heaven heels with a tiny skirt though? Keep it classy, ladies. 

Here are two fun and flirty options. Black with black heels. And nude under a white pant with a high heel. Why not? 

#54. Mary Janes 

Mary Janes. What woman doesn't drool over a pair of these sweet yet sexy shoes. In a heel version they can evoke a sense of innocence with a powerful sting of vengeance. Don't mess with a girl in high heeled Mary Janes. 

There are plenty of affordable options out there in a flat and in a heel. Find one that works for you. I would recommend a low strap. The ankle straps tend to cut off the leg in a really awkward and unforgiving way. 

Here is a photo of my favorite Mary Janes. They were a gift from my husband when we first got married back at the beginning of the year (the TV wedding). 

These are made by Christian Louboutin. Gotta love those red bottoms. 

I've worn these shoes with pants, skirts, dresses, you name it. They are a classic shoe that will never go out of style. 

#72. Red Lipstick

Last night I wore red lipstick to the party. It's the holidays after all. Here is a photo of my makeup right before we left. 

I had a Nordstrom gift card so I decided to use it on a tube of Chanel lipstick in color 99 "Pirate"

It is a blue undertone red lipstick which I think looks best with my olive skin. Other great reds- "Ruby Woo" by Mac, "Really Red" by Revlon. The list goes on. The best thing you can do is go to a makeup counter and try on as many shades as they have until you find the best version for you. 

WARNING: Red lipstick is NOT just a throw on and go lipstick. You need to prep your lips, line them well, and brush on your lipstick. Or be vary delicate with applying it straight from the tube. This takes practice, practice, and more practice but the pay off is oh-so-sweet. 

99 Pirate by Chanel 

I hope you enjoyed today's entries. I will be posting again shorty with a blush application video. A frequently requested tutorial. Take care beautiful flowers- go out into the world and be glamorous! 

Your blushing beauty, 

Miss Ally Jean 

$3 Blush from E.L.F.

My makeup obsession starts with lipstick. Always. Can never have enough. Never.

My second love belongs to blush. I love new colors, purple shades, bright pinks. There are so many lovely blushes out there. Mac makes my favorite blush, the application is usually smooth and the colors can be exciting and classic. They really know whats up over there.

But this post is about E.L.F. or Eyes Lips and Face blush. I have used a lot of blush so I've definitely come across the good and the bad.

For a mere $3 dollars, thats pocket change!, these blushes are right up there with Mac for me.

I chose three colors, from Target by the way. Top left is Twinkle Pink. Top right is Pink Passion. And bottom is Mellow Mauve. 

My two favorites are Mellow Mauve as number one, and Pink Passion as a close second. Twinkle Pink is okay, however it has a lot of sparkle which really doesn't do it for me. 

Mellow Mauve is almost a dupe of Mac's Animal Instinct from the Novel Romance collection. I really can't tell them apart. MM is a muted purple and looks lovely with those of you who have brown eyes and hair. Although, I could see it working for others as well. 

Pink Passion looks extreme however it isn't super pigmented and comes out as a lovely just "pinched pink" look on the cheek. I truly love this shade. 

For three dollars you really cannot lose with these blushes from E.L.F. 

Go pick up a few! If you are unfamiliar with how to apply blush I will post soon about proper application. Heaven forbid we all walk around like we are stuck in the 80's with our blush only directly on the apples of our cheeks! Stay with the times, ladies! 

Your blushing beauty 

Miss Ally Jean