Oil Cleansing Method: What is it? + 14 Day Challenge!

Hello everyone! First off, I just want to say, the next few weeks are going to be very hectic since I move IN TWO DAYS!!! (Insert overly happy dance here! Hehe(; )

With that being said, I won't have as much time to blog, but stay with me, I'm not going anywhere!(:

Moving on. Pinterest was the culprit for this odd find, but before I get into that, let me tell you a little about my skin.



From the time I hit puberty, till the summer before my freshman year of highschool, I had horrible, horrible acne. I mean, you could spot them from a mile away.. It was bad. And no matter how many products I used from drugstore, to what my dermatologist prescribed, down to Proactive. Absolutely nothing worked, and I wish I was exaggerating. 

However, once highschool rolled around, I swear the magical blemish fairy came to me one night, waved her magic wand, and I woke up with perfect (or almost perfect, minus discoloration) skin! So for the next several years, I rarely had a blemish. In fact, it's been so long, once I started breaking out again, I had no idea what to do.. 

Only this time, they are not just blemishes, but cystic acne (awesome, right?) Thankfully however, instead of being all over my face like my puberty years, they seem to only remain on the contours of my cheeks and chin. Getting rid of them though, has been a complete and utter battle. It's embarrassing. So what does this oil cleansing have anything to do with this, you ask? Keep reading!

Oil Cleansing Method 

All our lives growing up, we are told that oil is bad, it clogs our pores and causes nasty breakouts, use oil free products, etcetera etcetera. Especially those of us with oily skin. Never once do you hear that oil is good for your skin, or anything of the sort. Oh no no no. Which, of course, when I first stumbled upon the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM), I was like "what? You want me to what?"

If you remember from chemistry, you learned that like dissolves like.
So in terms, oil dissolves oil.

How to do the OCM

The idea is, you create your unique mixture of natural oils, slather it on your face, and rub for a couple minutes. While you are continuously rubbing, the new oil you put on your face is now "pulling" the old hard oil from your skin and replacing it with the new fresh oil. This also is awesome for removing makeup, so no need to do that before hand!

Basically:
⚫ The natural oils will clean and moisturize,
so need for a traditional moisturizer.
⚫ You're skin will thank you for not using harsh
chemicals, or stripping away all its oils!

There are a variety of oils to use, but since I am new to this method, I suggest you do your own research to find out which oils are best for your skin type, and a good ratio to start off with. Here are a couple blogs I found to be very helpful:

Troubleshooting: The Oil Cleansing Method & What you need to know

What You Need To Know To Make Oil Cleansing Work For You

What Oils To Use For Your Skin Type

My OCM Blend

Now, remember it's really important to do your research before using anything on your face. You may have to experiment with your oil blends. I'm still learning myself.

The oil blend I am experimenting with consists of Extra Virgin Oilve Oil (I started using this before I had come across the second link above), Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and just a couple drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil. 

To mix them, I do:

⚫ 2 spoon fulls of EVOO (I just use an actual spoon).
⚫ 1 spoon ful of Sweet Almond Oil.
⚫ 1 spoon full of Jojoba Oil.
⚫ About 4-5 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil.

And mix mix mix!

Now For The 14 Day Challenge!

I decided to take a challenge of using the OCM for two weeks, to see if this really makes any difference in my skin, and to see if I can actually ditch those nasty harsh chemicals once and for all!

Of course however, you probably won't find the perfect blend right away (but if you do, awesome!). So take your time and listen to your skin!

I will be periodically checking back (or making a new post) to document how my skin is doing, and I will continue on after my 14 days.

And now, I challenge you!

Have you heard of the OCM or tried it before?
Will you be taking the challenge? 

Late Halloween Pictures, Update + Mini Home Tour?!

I haven't posted anything about Halloween yet, and now that we are in November, I figured better late than never! 

This is our second Halloween together (Sunshine's third!), and we really wanted to make a tradition of family costumes. I just find them so cute and fun, and a great excuse to take pictures!(;

Last year we went as the Flintstones! My mom was sweet and made our costumes for us. Awesome right? The only thing we fogot, was the big fluffy pillow for Fred Flintstones belly! Oh well, we still rocked the part, and my Sunshine made an awesome Pebbles!

Look how big my baby is now! Can you believe this is just a year difference?

This year we weren't able to spend Halloween together since my boyfriend had to work. However, Sunshine still got dressed up and ready for trick-or-treating. Mini Mouse style ofcourse! I wish I could have fixed her hair and ears better, but as you can see in the third picture, she was gaurding her head from me lol.

Last year she was still too young to understand the concept of Halloween but after going to three or four houses and she realized she was recieving candy, she started running to them all! She had such a blast, and as much as I may miss my wittle itty bitty baby, I love watching her learn and grow. Gah, I just love her so much!

Update

So, as many of you know, my family and I had found a new home and were supposed to move on the 1st of November. 

Well, unfortunately that didn't happen. 

There was still too much to be done, and so our move in date was moved to the 8th instead. Which would have been this Saturday. BUT, when we talked to them Monday, they said our new place was still not ready. 

And so our move in date got changed again. To the 15th, which is next weekend. We're hoping and praying this will be the final date so that we can finally move. Everything is packed. Literally, right down to the t.

 It has been a frustrating soon to be month and a half, but God only knows this wait is going to be SOOOO worth it! And Pinterest has given me an unhealthy amount of ideas I can't wait to put into action and share with you all!

Mini Home Tour + DIY Projects?!

When we went to check out our new home over the weekend I decided to take some pictures. Actually, some is an understatement. I took A LOT of pictures. I was thinking about going a head and making a mini home tour post, but I wanted to know if you guys would even like to see that? 

Also, since I have so many diy's on my project board on Pinterest, we have a few in mind we are definitely going to do. Most of which won't start until the Spring time so I won't freeze my butt off painting. Would you guys like to see some of our DIY Projects on here? If so let me know to both questions in the comments below!

Well, that is it for my update. I hope you all had a fun and safe Halloween and enjoyed all that free candy!(;

What were you dressed up as for Halloween?

Don't forget to let me know about a home tour

and Diy Project posts!

The Liebster Award Challenge

I have been nominated for The Liebster Award Challenge by my favorite Ireland beauty, Miriam! You can see her blog here. Thank you Miriam!!(:

The Rules:

The rules are quite simple :) 

1. Thank the person who nominated you and link their blog in your post.

2. Display a picture of the Liebster Award in your post ( I got mine from google).

3. Answer the 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you.

4. Provide 11 random facts about you (I love this rule the most).

5. Nominate 5-11 blogs who have less than 200 followers.

6. Make up your own 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer.

7. List the rules in your post (you can copy and paste these ones if you'd like)

8. Don't forget to let the people you nominated know that you nominated them. Send them the link to your blog so they can get the information.

The Questions I was asked:

1. Why did you start your blog?
I wanted to start a youtube channel initially, but after months of thinking and consideration, I realized blogging would be more idealistic for me.

2. What to you is the hardest thing about a blog?
Keeping up with weekly posts. I'm a full time mother, and I also work full time. Finding time, and entis sometimes hard. But I love blogging so much, I find a way to make it work!

3. Where do you get your inspiration?
I find my inspiration in different places. My favorites though; Pinterest, youtube, magazines, and while I'm working. I find that my mind wonders off so much during work, that I always have some new ideas I can't wait to turn into a blog!

4. What is your favourite kind of food?
I absolutely love seafood. My favorite type, steamers hands down. The best part? My bf hates them(;

5. What is your preferred lipstick colour?
I'm really not a lipstick person, but if I had to choose. I like nudes, pinky nudes, and slightly brown/tan nudes.

6. What (if any) is your favourite book?
I don't read much, and I really should. However, two series I really loved and would definitely read again would be, The House of Night and The Immortals.

7. Where do you picture yourself being 10 years from now?
I picture my family and I being in our very home house, with another child. As for careers, I honestly have no idea. I keep changing my mind on what I want to do. I really haven't found something that interests me enough to make it my lifelong career.

8. What is your favourite item of clothing?
Shirts and sweaters. Too boring?

9. Cats or dogs?
Dogs.

10. What is your favourite memory?
The day I held my daughter for the very first time and the first thing she does is holds my finger. The best feeling you could ever feel.

11. If you were only allowed to wear mascara or lipstick for the rest of your life, which would you chose?
Mascara of course!

11 Random Facts About Me:

1. My birthday is in January.
2. I don't care for chocolate.
3. I love pickel juice.
4. My eye color is Hazel.
5. I never wanted to get married.
6. I had my daughter when I was 19.
7. I'm Irish, Italian, French, and Cherokee.
8. I'm 5'7.
9. I love camping.
10. I can't walk in heels.
11. I don't like dreaming.

And the lovely people I nominate are!:
(I don't know how to check followers, but heres who I love!)
1. http://ashleysuemakeup.blogspot.com/?m=1
2. http://x-couturegirl-x.blogspot.com/?m=1
3. http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/?m=1
4. http://www.beautybroadcast.net/?m=1
5. http://www.beautywithlily.com/?m=1


My questions for YOU!:

1. How long have you been blogging?
2. Why did you start a blog?
3. Are you a pessimist or an optimist?
4. If you could, what would you tell your younger self?
5. When you were younger, what did you picture your life to be like at this time?
6. Do you have a guilty pleasure?
7. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
8. What keeps you motivated (to blog)?
9. What are your goals in life? 
10. Are you following your dreams? 
11. Chocolate that tastes like dirty cardboard or hard stale cake?

Now GO! GO!GO!

E.l.f Review: Contouring Blush & Bronzing Cream + Quick tutorial.

A few weeks ago I went on an E.l.f splurge and got some really great products. I haven't tried them all, but the few I have will definitely be a repurchase for me. So expect many more reviews to come!

I have to say though, for being such a cheap makeup brand, E.L.F has some pretty dang good hg products. Of course they have their "misses", as does every brand. But their Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Cream is most definitely a new hg for me! 

Now, let's get on to the review!

(E.l.f Contouring Blush & Bronzing Cream in St. Lucia)

From E.l.f's Site:

Details: 

$3

"Ideal for all skin types, this dual cream bronzer and blush creates a sheer, natural wash of color on the skin. The lightweight cream-to-powder formula provides extended wear and allows you to layer for desired intensity. Sculpt eyes, cheeks, lips, body and anywhere you wish to highlight and contour with the rich cream formula."

How to:

"Apply a small amount of the Bronzer with fingers or a sponge to the hollows of the cheeks for definition and around the face line to create a healthy glow. Blush on the apples of the cheeks to create a subtle healthy glow. Blend and build coverage for ideal color."

E.l.f packaging is very similar to Nars. Expect with hard plastic versus a soft matte feel. Does that make sence? I like it though, I feel it adds a classy touch. Not like childs play makeup, considering the price. It's lightweight, without feeling cheap, and perfect for travel. Especially with a mirror as big as the compact!

Also, accoding to some others from the beauty community, the powder version of this, also in St. lucia, is said to be a dupe for Nar's Blush and Bronzing duo in Laguna & Orgasm. Since I don't own any Nars products, I can't say for myself. But from seeing online comparisons, I would believe so. Nars being more pigmented though, ofcourse.

Swatches:

As you can see, they are most certainly very VERY creamy! It feels so lovely to touch. And the colors are gorgeous!

I was really impressed with how true to color these were to what's in the pan. Don't be scared though! The bronzer blends out very beautifuly, into a nice sheer finish. And it is build-able. I know by looking at how pigmented they are, you probably think I'm crazy. But you will see what I am talking about, so stay with me!

The blush is a very pretty peachy-pink color. While the bronzer is a nice bronzy brown? Color. I'm not good at dicifering undertones, so correct me if I'm wrong. But I feel like there are no red or organgy undertones, so you won't have to worry about this making you look orange or even muddy for this with fair complexions.

Another plus, no shimmer! However, E.l.f claims this is a cream-to-powder finish, but I wouldn't say that that's entirely true. When it dries, it does SEEM matte, but in my opinion and on my skin (remember we all have different skin type, so your experience with this may or may not be different from mine), it seems more of a velvety satin finish. But still a lovely duo none the less! 

Wearability:

As you know, I have super oily skin. So depending on your skin type, that may affect how long you are able to wear this before it fades. I was able to get about 5 1/2 hours on it's own, and about 6 1/2 - 7 hours with a setting powder. For being super oily, that's really not that bad. And cream bluses do tend to last longer then pressed or powder.

Tutorial:

I decided to add a quick tutorial so you can see the full effect in action! Now, I literally only did my makeup for this, so I have no mascara or anything. So don't mind my makeup makeup-less face!

To start, I don't like to dip a brush in this product because it is cream, and I tend to always have a gaping chunch missing. Nice. So I just use my (clean) finger, and dot around my face where I would like to contour, or draw attention "away from".

I typically like to contour around my temples, forhead, the hollows of my cheeks and the sides of my nose to make it appear smaller. And whatever is left on my finger I will lightly dot the sides of my jaw line. 

To blend out the bronzer, I used my Real Techniques Contour Brush. 

 

After it's all blended, you can see that it's really not thay scary, and definitely build-able! I don't like a lot of color, so layering isn't necessary for me. In the first picture, you can better see the shadow it creates on the side of my nose.

For the blush, I do the same thing and apply with my fingers, and blend with a brush. 

⚫

And this is what the finished (or somewhat finished) face looks like!

My Overall Thoughs/Opinions:

⚫ I loved the packaging. Very classy, and sturdy. 

⚫ Great for travel, good sized mirror.

⚫ Both the blush and bronzer are rich in pigmentation, yet applies sheer enough allowing you to build up to the amount you want.

⚫ Super creamy. Seriously blends like a dream!

⚫ Last several hours on my super oily skin!

⚫ No shimmers, but (for me) does not dry to a matte finish like E.l.f claims.

⚫ I definitely would recommend to everyone to try it at least once. For $3, what can it hurt?(;

That's it for todays review, thank you for reading!

Have you tried any of the Blush & Bronzer

Duos by E.l.f? If so, which one 

and how did you like it?!

Fall Favorite: Coconut Oil

Usually around Fall and Winter, I like to do what I can to really bring my hair back to life. Even though I do not use heat on my hair what so ever, it is damaged from hair dyes. This time of year as we all know, is a lot colder than the Summer months. So you can probably imagine the drastic changes our locks have to get used too as the season changes (especially if you're from New England. The weather doesn't know if it's coming or going.)

 I have long, dry, curly, very thin hair. But I have a lot of it. And as previously stated, it is dyed. My hair is also prone to breakage and split ends (sigh). 

Another bummer to add, my hair is low porosity. What does that mean? Well, basically, my hair has a hard time absorbing moisture, or any products. Knowing your hairs porosity is really helpful in terms of caring for it and getting the most out of your styling products. That's a whole other post on it's own though. If you're interested and would like a separate post, let me know in the comments!

So, how do I bring my hair back to life during these colder months? Two words. COCONUT OIL! 

Coconut oil has a ton of different uses, but my favorite is using it as a hair mask/hot oil treatment. I usually do a hot oil treatment every other week, but since this year my hair has become really dry, I like to do it every week. 

Depending on your hair and your preference, you can either use the heat from your hands to melt it, then apply; OR, you can scoop some into a microwave safe bowl and heat for a hot oil treatment. Since my hair is low porosity, I typically heat it up so the heat from the oil helps open up the cuticle and absord more easily. 

What's really great about coconut oil, it's the only oil that can actually enter the cortext (the inner part of the hair) and help your hair from the inside out. Literally! By being able to penetrate the cortext, it can help improve it's strength and flexibility. Which means less breakage and split ends! Awesome right? 

Now on to the fun part. 

Application

Split your hair in half.

-

*Don't mind my dirty shirt.. I just got out of work.

To your preference; brush, finger comb, or use a natural boar bristle brush to brush out any tangles. **Remember to always start from the bottom up!

I personally prefer using either my fingers or a boar bristle brush. Using a boar bristle brush does take longer be warned, but it's much better than a normal brush as it won't pull or cause more breakage. Especially because the bristles help evenly distribute your natural oils from root to tip. It takes me about 25-30 minutes to thoroughly brush through my hair, doing small sections at a time. Any natural boar bristle brush will do. I bought mine at Wal-Mart for around $2 and some change. However, if you're really not patient enough for that, by all means, you can use what ever brush you'd like.

After you've brushed through your hair, separate your hair into four sections. Clip or tie the front two sections on top of your head, leaving the back two down. 

Take about 1/2" to an 1" section of hair.

Grab your oil (about a tsp per section, more if needed) either hot or melted in your hand and slather evenly from root to tip. Mid shaft if you don't want to go up to your roots. This is generally how much I use for all of my hair in total. Still following about a tsp per section.

Once you have the back two sections done, bring down the front two and continue.

And lastly, it's time to wrap it up!

You can either use a plastic bag like I did or a towel. Either or helps to lock in the heat from your scalp, and really get the job done! You can let it sit for 20minutes to a few hours, or even overnight. Tonight, I'm just going to let it sit for a few hours then wash it out. 

Now, when it comes time to wash out, most people use shampoo. But fortunately, if you're no-poo or low-poo like myself, I did a ton of research and found that you can infact use just conditioner (silicone and paraben free) to rinse out the coconut oil.

 If for some reason however, that that doesn't work for you, you can add a bit of shampoo afterwards. Or you could skip the conditioner all together and only use shampoo. Again, your personal preference. Which ever way you choose, you may have to repeat as the coconut oil can be stubborn. Be sure to get as much out as possible, if not all. Leaving a little in your hair is okay, as it will act as a leave in. But too much will weigh your hair down.

And that is how you add coconut oil to your hair, and bring your hair back to life this fall! I know this was different from my usual posts, but I hope you all enjoyed. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

How will you bring your hair back to life

during the colder months?

Would you like to see more hair posts in the future?

Let me know your thoughts!(:

E.L.F Review: 13 Piece Face & Lip Palette

Last month I had recieved my second E.l.f Beauty Bundle, which you can read here. One of the products that was chosen for this bundle was the 13 Piece Face & Lip Palette. I was soo intrigued by this palette, because well, you all know I'm a blush girl!

The packaging is pretty plain and simple, yet different from their standard colors with the touch of purple. However, the actual palette it self is very compact and sleek with a matte finish. And of course the Eyes Lips Face name right on front.

As you can see, the prettyness doesn't stop there. The inside is simply gorgeous! You get two blushes, two bronzers, and nine lip shades. The palette also includes a lip brush and a blush/bronzer brush, either of which I probably won't use. 

SWATCHES

Blush and Bronzers:

The first two swatches on the left mirror the blush and bronzer on the left side of the palette. The first blush is a pretty peachy neutral shimmery color, while the bronzer is a light golden shimmery color. I don't typically like shimmers in my bronzers, but if you're going for more of a luminous look, this would be good to use. 

The two colors on the right are also the blush and bronzer on the right side of the palette. The second blush is a light pretty baby pink color, and the bronzer is a slightly darker color than the first one you see. Both again are shimmery. But as you can see, they are all equally and nicely pigmented! For $8, you really can't beat that!

Lip Shades:

(Posted in the order of the palette)

(Top row)

(Middle Row)

(Bottom Row)

The swatches for the lip shades were a bit patchy the first time around. Evidently, I had to go over twice to clean the patchyness, and to see the color better. For the most part (expect for the bottom row), the pictures are true to their color. The bottom row is a bit brighter but not a huge difference. 

All the shades seem to be moisturizing and not that sticky like a lipgloss. They all also have a very slight barely noticeable shimmer to them. So much that I had a hard time deciding if they did or not. 

My overall thoughts/opinion

⚫ I loved the sleek packaging and the overall look and placement of the face and lip shades.

⚫ E.l.f says this is great for on the go, but I feel the dimensions of the palette are a bit too big for me to want to carry around. Definitely won't fit in the makeup bag.

⚫ The case is very compact. I feel assured that if I did bring it with me, it won't open up in my purse. 

⚫ Even though I said I probably won't use them, I do appreciate the fact E.l.f provided a face and lip brush. Will certainly come in handy if I forget mine!

⚫ The pigmentation is very impressive. Especially the blush and bronzers!

⚫ Very inexpensive, great if you're on a budget.

⚫ If you're a lip girl, you'll love this palette. If not, I would skip it. Although I love the blushes, I know I won't wear the lip shades often.

And that is all for this quick review, I hope you all enjoyed!

Have you tried this palette yet?

Leave your thoughts and opinions below!

EOTN: Too Faced Chocolate Bar

About a month ago I got my hands on the Too Faced Chocolate Bar since I had a 20% off coupon. Knowing how expensive they are, I did my research to find a good palette I wouldn't regret. Even though I had a coupon, it would still be expensive compared to what I'm used to paying, so I really took my time reading through every bit I could find on it. The Chocolate Bar had soo many great reviews, I knew this was it. This was going to be my first Too Faced purchase! So I was really excited to see that it was still in stock.  

I've played around with this a few times, but so far I came up with one look I really liked. Over the weekend my boyfriend, daughter, and I went to UNO's in Providence, so I wanted something nice and classic, but a bit sultry at the same time. 

This really is such a gorgeous palette, I wish this phone took as good of pictures as my old one (I'm sorry you guys :( ). I promise these colors are so much prettier in person, this picture does them no justice. But they smell amazing! These shadows are made with 100% cocoa, and they seriously smell of just that!

And this is the look I came up! 

How I got this look:

⚫ I used E.l.f smudge pot in Back to Basics as my base.

Top Row:

⚫ I used the 1st Star (White Chocolate) all over my lid up to my brow bone, and in the corners of my eyes and the inner part of my lower lash line.

Middle Row:

⚫ I used the 1st Star (Salted Caramel) in my crease.

⚫ I used the 2nd Star (Marzipan) all over my lid.

⚫ I used the 3rd Star (Amaretto) on my upper lash line (to complete the look once the rest of the eye was done).

Bottom Row:

⚫ I used the 1st Star (Hazelnut) and blended it out in my crease and up and the outer part of my lower lash line.

⚫ I used the 2nd Star (Creme Brulee) and tapped it lightly on my lid over Marzipan.

For my lashes I had used my L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess. 

So that's it for today's post, I hope you all enjoyed and thank you for reading!(:

Have you tried the Chocolate Bar yet?

If so, tell me how you liked it,

I would love to know!