Magic Mascara!!!?! (3D Fiber Lash Mascara Review)

I'm actually throwing an online mascara party...
That is how excited I am about this mascara. It's kind of weird considering that I've already tried a fiber mascara before (it's alright, but this one goes above and beyond!) - and also considering that I have a bone to pick with most mascaras.

My eyelashes are basically non-existant. So, most mascara is wasted on me. I am also a high maintenance girl that is trying to be LOW maintenance *ahem, the title of my blog*. That means applying false lashes on a daily basis just to get my lashes to look normal is out of the question! I also don't want "10 easy steps to amazing lashes". Not worth it.

Youniqe's Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara can be a 3 step process. But because I'm eyelash challenged, it's a 4 (5 if you count using an eyelash curler. Most people don't have to do that) step for me. Not too shabby.

Step 1 - Apply your favorite NON clumping mascara.
Step 2 - Apply the Transplanting Gel
Step 3 - Apply the green tea mascara fibers
Step 4 - Apply the Transplanting Gel one more time to seal in the fibers.

If this is not rushed, and if you apply casually and deliberately - you can get this result:

Now, if you're a bit of a ditz, like me, it might take a couple of tries to get it to look perfect. But, apparently, most people can just use it once and get amazing lashes!

How is this better than the other fiber mascaras? Well, the biggest thing to me was that the fibers are not synthetic. They are made with green tea leaves. They are also not white. They are black. Which is better, right? This is also waterproof, but washes off with soap and water. That is a BIG deal for trying to be low maintenance! It's also cruelty free, and when it's purchased, you'll be helping out a mama and her family (me, of course) ;-)

I'm thinking if you have normal eyelashes, this is going to rock your socks off and you'll never want to use another mascara EVER! If you have lashes like mine - well, it will knock your socks off and you'll never want to use another mascara! Haha!

Might as well give it a try! You have a 14 day money-back guarantee!

I became a Younique presenter just because of all the hoop-la surrounding this mascara. After I tweaked it for my lashes, it really lives up to it's hoop-la.

And here it is compared to regular mascara:

You can order yours from my Mascara Party link above, or here!

Peace, Love, Lipgloss and MASCARA!

xoxo

Melissa

Rava Beauty: The Next Generation (Haha!)

Looking back on the blog post about my business, Rava Beauty, back in April of 2011 - it looks so sad. LOL! But, it's also so awesome to see how far I am at the moment! Rava Beauty has hit the next level and is now in a physical place in Corona, CA. That place is called Sola Salon Studios and now Studio 21 will be where pampering and beautifying happens! My business is now open to facials, waxing AND makeup services! I am so beyond excited! And to think...I almost QUIT beauty school! I'm very thankful for my husband encouraging (and basically forcing!) me to march on and finish!

Even though I am technically open for business this weekend (today). I have no appointments and I'm actually still moving things in, setting things up and decorating. So, it works out after all. I've already set up an Amazon Local deal for a Brazilian Wax and I'm planning to run some more deals to drive people in the studio! This is still difficult for me to swallow because my very attached 12 month old will be missing me once I have a full schedule on Saturdays and Sundays and that makes me anxious! But, we are not there yet and I still have time to get him used to the idea of mommy being gone for 7 hours!

I'm STILL building up my makeup kit (which is no surprise because I haven't been doing any makeup work, so I haven't been pushed to get all the things I need) and I'm still acquiring equipment for the skincare part of my spa.

So, lots of things are new: New blog URL - it's now hmgirlsguide.blogspot.com - and new studio!

I'll be writing more about Rava Beauty as time goes on, but the next blog post is going to be super exciting! Hint: It's very closely related to the LAST blog post I made back in June of 2013...

Peace, Love, Lipgloss & Mascara!!! xoxo - Melissa

Mascara Gripes!

I'm sure this has happened to every beauty/makeup enthusiast...

That dreaded moment when you purchase one of your favorite products and they have gone and changed the dang formulation!!!

WHY?!?!? Why do they do this?!

My beef is with Estee Lauder and their once amazing Lash Primer Plus.

I was first introduced to this product when it came in a gift with purchase as a mini size. I removed the wand from the tube, examined the wand closely and saw some whitish, pinkish goo at the end. I thought, "Hmm, weird and also very interesting." It's a primer, so I applied it to my bare lashes, let it dry (for a few seconds), then applied any old random mascara I had laying around at the time. And it was...GENIUS!!! My lashes were darker, fuller, thicker and LONGER than if I had skipped the primer step. It was wonderful.

It took me a long time to get around to purchasing it (maybe almost a decade, hahah!), but as soon as I removed the wand from the tube, I noticed that it looked different. Not as much pinkish, whitish goo was on the tip. And as I applied it, I couldn't see the primer building up on my lashes the way I remember it did before (the visible build-up is what gave me that result, trust me).

I am supremely disappointed.

Not too long ago, I purchased a product from Two Faced Cosmetics called, "Better Than False Lashes". The first 2 times I tried it, I liked it...but for some reason, it's not giving me the same result that I had in the beginning (I'm not doing anything different). That "system" worked on the same premises of the lash primer, "fibers" build on itself and create the illusion of longer lashes. The Too Faced product does NOT add volume though, just length. The original Estee Lauder primer did everything you could ever want it to do.

I think I might keep the primer for a bit, and try it with the new Estee Lauder double sided mascara I just ordered. I believe it's called, "Two Toned Sumptuous Mascara". It has a regular sized wand on one end that is a deep black colored mascara, and a tiny wand on the other end (made especially for bottom lashes) with a navy blue colored mascara. I like that idea, but I doubt it would be enough to really make my lashes pop!

I'm desperate these days to find a relatively simple mascara routine to make it look like I actually have eyelashes. Since I've been pregnant, it seems as though they have disappeared completely! It's strange!

Coming up in my next blog:
New Favorites - Summer 2013

My new favorites! (Feat. Double Duties!)

I've recently discovered some great beauty products. I'm always on the hunt for a miracle. Maybe one day I'll have to invent what I think should exist.

Some of my new favs are great low maintenance *double duty beauty!

1. * Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover
I just absolutely love this cleanser. It's creamy and foamy and it takes off everything! I hate having to remove my makeup AND still have to wash my face. This takes care of both things in one step. I wouldn't recommend this for dry skin types though. I'm writing from an oily skin perspective, and it doesn't dry me out, it actually balances me. Most cleansers that are just meant for your skin - don't do the trick (for eye makeup or foundation). This one is brilliant.

2. * University Medical AcneFree Oil-Free 3-in-1 Night Repair Leave-on Foam
I was using this brand's acne system before I tried ProActiv, and it was pretty good. I also used their night-time treatment, which was a retinol cream. Retinol (Vitamin A) is great. It treats acne AND wrinkles. Not to say I have wrinkles - but I don't want them either! This foam has salicylic acid & retinol. And it also has hyaluronic acid - basically a super moisturizer. So this is really more like a 4-in-1. It treats acne in two ways (retinol and salicylic acid), and treats wrinkles in two ways (retinol and hyaluronic acid).

3. * L'Occitane Cleansing and Soothing Shower Oil with Almond Oil
I still haven't found a shower gel/oil that truly acts as a cleanser and body lotion. My dream is to wash in the shower and come out with super smooth skin, as if you used body lotion. But this one comes close! I have INCREDIBLY dry body skin and it usually cracks if I get out of the shower and don't use body lotion. That didn't happen with this one. You should still use a good body lotion, but your skin will be super soft! Bonus: It smells heavenly!

4. Make Up Forever Professional HD Microfinish Powder
This stuff is almost like a miracle. Remember, I have oily skin. That gets really shiny. If this is also your problem, this might be a life changer for you. I saw some crazy reviews on Sephora about how this is bad and turns your skin white (it IS a white powder), but if that's happening...you're using too much! You want to barely touch your powder brush to the product, tap off excess and use a tiny bit at a time.
This goes well over liquid, cream or (mineral) powder foundation. When I use this, my face doesn't get blindingly shiny and greasy - even HOURS after I apply it! Even after sweating!

5. Too Faced In Your Dreams Makeup Collection
Ok. This is my favorite because my mom got it for me for Christmas and I LOVE IT! The eyeshadow is beautiful. It's definitely my new favorite thing. At least for a couple more weeks! :)

Introducing: Rava Beauty

I know my next post was supposed to be my current beauty wish list, but that can wait.

I've decided to start my own beauty business. For now, it's just make up artistry because that is mobile. People can come to my humble abode, or I can travel to where they are. It's also easier to start up...
Eventually I want to incorporate skin care into the mix. I am an esthetician after all. I just need a space to use for facials, waxing, body treatments, etc. - because I think it's a bit unprofessional to have someone spread eagled in my apartment for their awesome brazilian bikini wax...although I'm sure my good friends wouldn't mind it one bit.

So, here are my pages on the web:

Official: www.ravabeauty.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ravabeauty
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Rava-Beauty/118535728225418
(when I get 25 "likes" it will eventually be facebook.com/ravabeauty)

I am finding it a bit difficult to find models who are willing to let me put make up on them and take their picture for my portfolio. I don't know why this has been difficult. I guess I have to turn to craigslist for strangers. I don't understand why my friends don't want to do it! But whatever, I'm done complaining.

I'm excited. A little scared, but excited nonetheless. Since I'm unemployed, it will be tricky to get the few things I need to start things up. But I'll find a way. I always do somehow.

Peace, love and lip gloss!
-Melissa

Winter/Spring Skincare Tips

It's Springtime...although in California, some days it feels like Summer and other days it still feels like Winter. Like today.

We all know our skin gets a little extra dry when it's colder outside. Sometimes it's a good idea to have two different kinds of cleansers, moisturizers, etc. Unless your skin is ALWAYS dry (Oily skin is definitely not always oily).

If you have normal to dry skin, using a creamier cleanser is probably better for chilly weather. Basically, something that DOESN'T lather. That might be hard for some people to wrap their brains around. Just because it doesn't lather, doesn't mean it's not working. If it doesn't lather, it means there are fewer harsh detergents (surfactants) to cause havoc to your skin. That's a good thing! I don't have very many (non-professional) suggestions for this type of cleanser, because I have oily skin...

Oily skins can use foamy, bubbly, lathering cleansers. Even in winter time. They don't have to! But I usually use something that foams up. But, a word to the wise - use a skin balancing toner/astringent afterwards and please...use a moisturizer! I've been using "Yes to Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer" it's very soothing and provides that extra needed moisture. It would even be great for normal to dry skin types. I'm running out and I'd like to try their "Yes to Tomatoes" balancing moisturizer (as the weather gets hotter).

Oily skins, don't shy away from oils...they are not necessarily bad, pore blocking or acne causing. I could get into that in another blog post...

I've been using Proactiv Solution lately...and I LOVE it! It's the best thing I've used so far, but it is causing excessive dryness. Good thing I know what to do and what products to use! Ok, I'm blathering on...

Basically, the tip for colder weather skincare is use gentle products that don't have harsh detergents and ALWAYS use sunscreen. Even if the sun is not out. I will sound like a broken record about this.

In the next blog:
Another beauty wishlist! Yay! (hehe)

Beauty school graduate

I was almost a beauty school dropout...

It seems like yesterday that I started the esthetics program at (insert beauty school I choose HERE). It's been slightly over four months and I'm really glad I stuck it through.

I actually DID learn some stuff I didn't know how to do before. Like, um...eyebrow shaping! I could have done a basic waxing, but would I have been using the right techniques? Probably not. Yeah, I never thought I could reach for someone's face with wax and be so confident in knowing; that they will not only look amazing when I'm done, but they will NOT have a missing eyebrow afterward.

It seems that I have a knack for eyebrow waxing/shaping, facials and make-up application. Says my instructor, that has way more experience doing all those things. So, I trust that. I'm ready to get out into the world and beautify it!

Oh wait...I still have to take and pass my state board exam. Dang. Well, once I do that I'll have a license and I can do all this stuff legally.

In the meantime I need to be getting my make up artistry portfolio started! I need women of all age groups, races and skin tones/types. It's free. So if you want to volunteer or know someone that would like to volunteer, please send me a message!
e-mail: lissa.christian(at)gmail.com (remove the "at" and place an @, of course)

In the next post...
Winter skincare tips!