DIY Beauty Fridays: Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes with Household Goodies

Photo courtesy of brebeauty

Ever wondered why your one little-itty-bitty pimple spreads to all corners of your face?

It's a little thing called bacteria.  And the most used product that carries the majority of this nasty bacteria is your makeup brushes.

Your dirty makeup brushes are giving you pimples!!!!

Gross right.  What's worse is that I am a TERRIBLE culprit of not cleaning my brushes.  Honestly, I would rather buy new ones than clean my brushes.  However, now that I can easily do this at home using everyday household goodies, I am going to become BETTER at cleaning my brushes and allowing my face to be bacteria-free.

Photo courtesy of Wikihow

You will need:
Olive oil
Liquid dish soap
Warm water
Vinegar
Hand towel

Dab a bit of olive oil on a towel and swirl the tips of your brushes into the oil.  Blot the excess off on the opposite side of the towel.  Mix together some warm water and the liquid dish soap and wash your makeup brushes in the mixture (get your fingers in there and clean the bristles), being careful to avoid the "stem" (where the brushes are connected to the handle).  Dip the bristles into some white vinegar a couple of times and rinse the vinegar off, vigorously, with warm water.  Let air dry.

As I'm writing this, I realize there is NO EXCUSE for me not to clean my brushes.  I guess I have a date with my makeup brushes tonight.

I would love to know your thoughts on this as well should you try it out.

Obsessed With: 3D Fiber Lashes from Younique

On my right eye is the 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara and on my left eye is my everyday mascara - See the difference??

I am beyond obsessed with Younique.

What is that, you say?  Trust me, I said the same thing over a month ago when I first heard of Younique as well.

A friend of mine, who recently started selling this line, asked me if I'd heard of fiber lashes.  I had, of course, though had never heard of this line before.  She explained that it was an all-natural line where the fibers are actually made of green tea.  I thought to myself "yeah, right, this sounds way to god to be true."  However, I bought the mascara and the weirdest thing happened.

IT ACTUALLY WORKED THE WAY IT SAID.  And better yet, I actually had the amazing lashes without having to wear false lashes OR having lash extensions.

I was floored.

Have any of you ladies tried this line yet?  What are your thoughts?

Traveling??? I Think So

Kuang Si Fall, Luang Prabang, Laos

Allan and I have began our 3 month backpacking trip through Southeast Asia.

 I am currently taking a brief hiatus from this blog to document our travels and adventures on our travel blog.  If you haven't done so already, check it out at theantsytravelers.blogspot.com

Hope to see you there!

Sabaidee

Which Is Your Best Brow Look?

Ever wondered what is the best shape for your eyebrows? Ever wondered if you could pull off the thick-I-want-to-be-Lily-Collins-look? Check out this guide to find your perfectly shaped eyebrows!

My Road to BB Cream

Check out my glowing skin?  Yes, I am sitting at my desk at work

I've heard the term "BB Cream" for a couple of years now.

I've heard it mentioned in magazines, books and even seen it featured on commercials yet I never gave it a passing thought because, until recently, I've always been a foundation/concealer/powder kind-of girl.  Yes, these three products have always been an integral part of my morning makeup routine.  In fact, these three products together create the "Christina" my family and friends have come to know and love.  However, a few months ago, something changed.

Two months ago I decided to start wearing less makeup.  And since wearing less makeup, my skin looks fantastic.  Since my skin looks fantastic, I go without makeup sometimes.  (It's been an amazing circle of events, actually.)  I decided to start wearing less makeup because I knew I wouldn't be able to carry my normal makeup routine while backpacking nor wear it in 42 degree temperatures without my face melting off.  So, the hunt for an all-in-one product overtook my life.

After searching high and low for a few weeks, listening to friend's reviews, and reading other blog posts, I discovered two of my "can't-live-without" products AND am finally able to go without foundation, concealer and powder.  My two favorite BB Creams are Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew BB Cream and Marcelle BB Cream Anti-Aging SPF 20.

Why two you ask?  I bought both with the intention of wearing them separately.  However, since I am so pastey pale, I began blending the two together (as one was a bit dark for me) and love the way they both feel on my skin.  I get the sunscreen and anti-aging properties of the Marcelle BB Cream and the texture and glow of the Garnier brand.  (I do, still use a bit of concealer should I have a blemish BUT no more powder for this gal!) 

Sometimes, you just want to post a picture that makes you feel good!

After what seems like such a long road, I finally understand the "less-is-more" phrase.  Not only is my skin in better condition than it ever has before but I am beginning to see makeup in a whole different light.  Plus, my back will definitely be thanking me in the months to come.  (No heavy backpack for this gal...) 

It's safe to say that I will never be a 3 product girl again!

What is your favorite BB Cream ladies?  What made you try a BB Cream out?