BeyondBlushing...

Happy Holidays! Things are definitely different this season then any that I can remember. We are experiencing a lot of changes in our economy, government, and work which, of course, impacts our personal lives. I've noticed the stress level rise all around me and I have decided to take a different approach...an attitude of gratitude. There is always something in our lives that we can be grateful for. It does not always have to be the big materialistic things sometimes it's the simple things in life. It's a gesture of love or a simple appreciation for the beauty in nature that surrounds us. Personally, I choose to see the glass half full. I just recently lost my father and although it makes me tremendously sad that I don't have the opportunity to hold his hand and tell him I love him I can look back at his long life and see how he chose to live a humble life where family and hard work was where the heart is. He worked hard and his family came first. He enjoyed gardening,

Very rarely do I come across a product where I literally see amazing results after only one application. To tell you the truth, I usually test a product out for a minimum of 4-6 weeks before I review it and usually in that time...I test it out on other people and get their feedback too. Things have been totally different with M LAB . I tested the Body Treatment Cream one night before bed. I applied the product to my feet, legs, and arms (paying extra attention to my elbows and feet since they are extra dry). It instantly absorbed into my skin leaving a very silky smooth finish and the cream had a light and fresh scent to it. Nothing to overpowering to climb into bed with. I was "happy" with the product and result so far. Never did I imagine that I was going to wake up in the morning and have the softest, smoothest, most hydrated skin I have ever experienced without paying a fortune at the spa. I immediately made my husband feel my skin to see if he noticed how soft it was...

I can't get enough of the new reality show, "BLUSH" It's awesome! Everybody who really knows me knows that my secret indulgence isn't chocolate but instead it's reality TV. And when you mix reality TV with one of my passions-- makeup....there isn't anything better! These makeup artist are really talented and pretty entertaining. I have been "doing" makeup forever and I love that the creativity factor is never ending. I am so inspired by what other people do, nature...in general, and the idea that thinking out of the box but still being simplistic is a sure shot at being successful. So to all my fellow makeup artists, cosmetic, skincare, and fragrance lovers, and those of you who just appreciate creativity for what it is: keep being inspired, enjoy a fun and exciting reality television show, and never stop believing in the small random acts of kindness that keep us optimistic and happy. I truly believe that "cosmetics," in every sens

Although we are officially in the fall season we are still having summer weather here in Southern California. It’s crazy! The temperatures have been well into the nineties and we are only a few days away from Halloween! Honestly, it’s time to cool down…Not only because I love the fall time weather, but also my family and I are constantly outside in this hot weather due to my kids being involved in softball and baseball. We have practices and games and I am out in that hot sun exposing my precious fair skin to more sun then I am really comfortable with. I am adamant about wearing sunscreen but I needed an extra barrier of protection and restoration for my delicate, precious, skin and my prayers were answered when I was lucky enough to be able to test out Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer. It’s got the amazing ingredient blend known as, idebenone, a super powerful antioxidant and a tripeptide blend which has proven anti-aging benefits. Just as we a

As usual, my life is always a complete whirlwind. I’m not complaining. I really love being busy. I love having my kids involved with sports activities (although it is 5-6 days a week). I enjoy volunteering at the kids school. I appreciate any work I can get these days (“work” coming mostly in the form of substitute teaching). But with all that said, I REALLY enjoy a stolen moment to pamper myself and do something spontaneous and girly. Just last week I had the opportunity to steal a few hours away from doing housework and other random responsibilities and visit BeneFit’s Brow Bar at our local Macy’s. It opened up approximately six weeks ago and I couldn’t be happier. Once upon a time I too worked for BeneFit Cosmetics and I had always wanted to experience the BeneFit Brow Bar (which at the time the closest one was in San Francisco…I think). So my friend, Kristie, and I decided to give our brows a BeneFit makeover. We were so incredibly happy with Angel, the girl who did our

I love anything that sparkles, shimmery eyeshadow, yummy smelling fragrances, a great pair of shoes, candles, girlfriends… It’s no question that I am a girly girl and I enjoy my girly world. There is so much in my girly life that I would like to experience and see that truthfully I can not stand wasting my time on things that need to be redone over and over (with the exception of applying lip gloss)! Honestly! When I apply my makeup in the morning I expect it to stay on and look good for the duration of the day. I take careful time to prime my skin just right so my foundation, eyeshadow, and blush look fresh and pretty all day. And I’m sure to use a setting spray and powder so that I can go without havening to blot my skin more than a couple of times a day. Last thing I want to be remembered for is the “girl who always had her mirror out fixing her makeup!” Ugh! Not for me. This is why I am so thankful when I truly find those amazing products that help make our lives so much ea

Going on a two week road trip was quite the adventure. My husband, two kids—ages 8 and 10, my brother-in-law and his wife, and me….all in a seven passenger minivan! So when I say ‘adventure’ I mean craziness! Could you imagine the luggage alone for six people for a two week long trip? We actually did pretty good at packing minimal bags especially since I am a notorious over packer. The one thing I absolutely could not do without…even if I had to carry it on my lap for the entire trip…was my beloved MAC train case. Even though I had to be very choosey with the makeup, skincare, fragrance, and hair care products I wanted to bring—it would all be safe in my sturdy, heat resistant, water resistant, case. So after our entire trip was said and done I have to admit that I fell in love all over again with a few of my favorite products. Everyday I would use Purity Made Simple face wash by Philosophy to cleanse my face in the morning and the evening. It smells so good and really does a gentle de

Ever since I was a young girl and fascinated with Brook Shields and the other power supermodels-- eyebrows have always been a favorite feature of mine on the face. The way eyebrows frame the eyes and give so much expression and personality it’s fascinating to me as both a makeup artist and an avid people watcher! A few years back when I first heard of Anastasia and her boutique in Beverly Hills I made a personal vow that one day I would definitely experience what she has to offer. I haven’t been there yet but it has been a pleasure to have her products here at home and now part of my makeup kit. Well groomed brows make all the difference in the world when making a statement with your eyes. Even if you are unaware of it…we all make statements with our eyes even before we open our mouths. We make eye contact when we speak to people. We sometimes speak through our eyes in the way we look around or the way we look at other people. There is no better way to looked bright eyed and approacha

It’s that time of year again when I am just totally and completely consumed with bridal makeup! I love it. I love being a part of making a woman feel and look beautiful on one of the most special days of her lives. She knows she looks her best as she is gliding down that aisle to her beloved….her future….her hopes and dreams in front of her as she passes by her family and friends. I starting to notice that there was a difference in the final result of a makeup application on a woman on her wedding day and I needed to put my finger on what made a woman glow on her wedding day. I think it just comes from within. Like maybe from the joy and excitement or maybe from the sweet anticipation that the bride feels as she is getting ready to start the rest of her life as a married woman. Whatever it is…I am always on the look out for those products that give that “Special Glow.” As always, I am constantly trying new products. Of course I have my constant favorites in which I am loyal to but I al

I am amazed over and over at how our senses truly play such a big role in our attitude and mood. I just went through a pretty intense knee surgery and have been feeling like blah just lying around completely unhelpful. I never realized what a complete control freak I am until I really came face to face with having no control over anything and completely depending on the help of my family and friends for everything. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people in my life that are willing to sacrifice their time and joyfully take care of my needs. THANK YOU : ) Anyway, as I was laying here feeling blah I knew after three full days of no showering I was in desperate need of a sponge bath and a good hair wash. After finally getting the “okay” to go up stairs I was anxious to smell and feel clean and refreshed. My hair desperately needed to be washed. I had dry ends and an oily scalp, tangles galore, and my hair certainly didn’t smell good. I had some products that I had wanted to test

I really get a kick out of being a girl. And a girly girl I am!!! Dabbling in makeup, skincare, and fragrances gives me such a high and I can't get enough of it. Everyday I HAVE to see what's going on over at Spektra.com to see what is new and upcoming and of course I get my doses of hellodollface.com that my dear friend, Cindy is the creator of. There is just such a multitude of products out there and I love reading people's opinions on them. It is also always my pleasure to introduce and review products that I haven't seen on other sites yet or those that I just absolutely fall in love with!!! Okay, so everyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for packaging. Probably one of the main reasons that I owned almost the entire Benefit Cosmetics line at one point! I have been brought to my knees once again for some of the most adorable packaging I have ever seen with Nanette Lepore's new fragrance "nanette lepore." The vintage feel of the small pink bottle and

It's no secret that I have always enjoyed writing along with my passion of doing makeup. When I finally combined it with my passion and love for the world of cosmetics I had finally found a hobby that truly brought me joy. It's been fun exploring all kinds of different cosmetics, fragrances, and skin care products and I found testing them out on myself, friends, family and my makeup clients honestly brought me a lot of excitement and pleasure. Before I knew it I realized that coming onto my humble blog was a source of relaxation and a nice break from my everyday life. That fact didn't come so clear to me until my life kind of became turned upside down and inside out over the last few weeks. From recovering from the holiday vacation--straight into moving into a new house--to preparing for major knee surgery--while covering my bases for work, family, and home--not to mention that we will be starting wedding season here in about 6 to 8 weeks-- I have truly missed sitting down