Check Me Out On NaturallyFromMe.WordPress.Com!

Hey lovelies!

This is a quick post to tell you all about my feature on naturallyfromme.wordpress.com.  I was lucky enough to get in touch with Sarie, the creator of Naturally From Me, through twitter for a chance to feature on her blog.  It's was a nice change to be in the spotlight. :)

You can check out my feature here, but also check out the other stories and information that Naturally From Me has to offer.

You can also check Sarie out on Twitter.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Head to naturallyfromme.wordpress.com to get in touch with Sarie.  If you have any questions for me about the post, feel free to comment below OR send me an email at curlsfothegirls@gmail.com!

Spotlight Monday: Callie

Tell us about yourself.

> Hey, I'm Callie-- a Brooklyn girl with a random, carefree spirit.  I am a junior at Syracuse University, majoring in Child & Family Studies as well as African American Studies.  If I'm not eating, I'm probably watching movies (or both lol).  I LOVE music, books, new places and new things.

My Top 5 Mascaras for Insane Length & Volume

I absolutely love bold lashes.  A good pair of falsies are cool, but nothing beats the power of a great mascara!  Mascara is definitely one of my must-have, can't live without cosmetics.  I love how I can take my lashes from 0 to 60 in a few swipes.

I constantly get complimented on my lashes with my favorite being, "are you fanning me?!".  So this post is going to tell you about MY favorite mascaras.  Note: The power is ALL in the brush!

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara ($19.50)

"With every stroke, the over-the-top brush wraps lashes in instant, jaw-dropping drama. This larger-than-life formula is also safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Ophthalmologist tested, too" (clinique.com).

This mascara is definitely high on my list of favorites.  If you want insanely bold and thick lashes, this is your go-to.  I purchased this product when it first came out during my senior year of college.  One of the women that I worked with at Clinique swore that it made her 'nearly invisible' lashes bold and very visible with just a few swipes.  She even showed me a picture where you could see her lashes in the photo!  This made my purchase so much easier!

The brush is covered in rows of tiny bristles that help get in between the lashes to create a bold look.  In 'Extreme Black' you cannot go wrong with this mascara!

Mac Cosmetics Extended Play Lash Mascara ($16)

"A lightweight curling, lifting Mascara in a glossy shade of Endless Black. Applies with a slim-line brush designed to give each lash effortless, upward bending definition and extreme volume. Easy wash-off formula. Lasts 16 smudge-free hours" (maccosmetics.com).

I love this mascara because it is great for a natural look.  It definitely lengthens lashes, but it also makes them slightly bolder.  This mascara adds fibers to the lashes, which helps with the length.  I wish I could describe what the fibers feel like, but they feel rather spongey (see what I mean upon removal).  I love how this curls my lashes just enough to make my eyes look more open.  I definitely wear this mascara when I want a little something on-- usually some super clean brows and a lippie of some kind.  I also love that this mascara lasts for hours and it is super easy to remove.

The wand aids in providing definition and curling lashes.  It doesn't take much work to get the look you want.  I use anywhere from 1-3 coats with this mascara and I am ready to go (definitely 3 if I want to be super natural, but a lil' spicy)!

Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Mascara ($7.99)

"Experience COVERGIRL's first ever volume + length mascara! The fiberstretch formula and oversized brush make every little lash bigger, fuller, longer-looking, and more dramatic" (covergirl.com).

This was one of the first mascaras I used and I still love it!  This mascara definitely gives you length and volume as the wand is covered in rows of bristles.  They get in between lashes to lengthen them and make them bolder.  I have definitely used this mascara by itself, BUT I prefer to use this mascara as a primer.  I feel that it really gets in between lashes and separates them well before I really get to work on my lashes (I use 1-2 coats before layering my mascara).  However, if you use this mascara by itself, you're in for a treat!  I've definitely received tons of compliments with this mascara alone.  It provides enough length and definition with 1-2 coats, but 3-4 coats really gets the job done. :)

Maybelline Volum' Express the Mega Plush Mascara ($4.97-8.29)

"Now, mega volume goes mega plush. Our first gel-mousse mascara. Lashes never brittle or flaky" (maybelline.com).

I actually bought this mascara a couple of months ago during a BOGO sale.  I had always wanted to try it since I saw it on the commercials, lol (it's the inner PJ).  I was definitely intrigued by the gel-mousse formula and the 'plush' part.  Like I said before, I LOVE big, bold lashes so if a mascara is vowing to give me that, then I'm all ears, lol.

This mascara definitey delivers!  After the first use, I noticed right away how big & bold my lashes were.  I also noticed that they weren't hard like most mascara formulas, but they were so soft!  The wand-- a flexor brush-- allows for easy application by giving the brush the freedom to bend.  I think this is one of the best wands I've seen in a while as the bristles are tapered with the larger bristles in the middle.  I love layering this mascara-- the bigger the lash, the better!

Maybelline Volum' Express the Rocket Mascara ($4.97-8.29)

"Now, the most explosive, beautiful lashes ever! Supersonic Brush, and Fast Glide formula. Loads on big, sleek volume instantly" (maybelline.com).

This was the other part of my BOGO purchase when I purchased the Mega Plush Mascara.  I knew the MP was going to be one of my purchases, and after looking at the mascara 'results' chart in the store, I made my decision to grab the Rocket, too!

The Rocket claims to give "explosive volume in rocket time" (maybelline.com) and I am here for all of it!  Using this mascara alone, I was asked "are you fanning me?!" which made me laugh, but I was so happy that my mascara was doing its job.

This wand definitely gets in between lashes to lengthen them and make them bolder.  Using this mascara alone will definitely get the big, bold look you want, but pairing it with the Mega Plush will get you insanely big and insanely bold lashes.  Falsies have nothing on this combination.

Quick Maintenance Rules for Your Mascara:
- REPLACE your mascara every 3-6 months-- 3 if you use your mascara daily, 6 if you use it occasionally.  This helps to prevent bacteria from growing in the tube.  An eye infection is NO joke!

- NEVER pump a mascara wand into the tube!  It creates air pockets that will dry mascara out faster.

- NEVER share your mascara!  It can increase the bacteria in the tube and it can also increase your chances of an eye infection.

- DO layer your mascara for amped length and volume.  I am definitely one to use 2-3 different mascaras at a time for extra length and volume.  I cannot say it enough-- I love bold lashes and the bigger, the better!

- DO pay attention to the mascara wands because  it is the wand that creates the magic.

- DO remove all eye makeup, especially mascara, at the end of the day.  This helps keep your ducts clear and your lashes intact.  Failure to remove mascara can clog your ducts and your lashes will fall out.  Then you won't have anything to coat in mascara! :(

Until next time,
Ashley, xo *bats eyelashes*

Do you have a favorite mascara?  Have you tried one of the mascaras mentioned above?  Share below!

The Skincare Routine for Drier Skin Types

Hey ladies!  My name is Khira, and I am a makeup/product junky.  Nice to meet you! :)  I was born in, and currently reside in, New York City!  I am interested in, and love all things, beauty and fashion related.  I was never really into fashion or beauty when I was growing up, and I was a tomboy for the most part until the end of high school/beginning of college.  I truly got to know myself as a person in college, and I became comfortable in expressing myself.  I started to dabble into makeup and immediately became obsessed.  Playing in makeup made me realize how important it is to actually take care of my skin.  I used to wash my face once in blue moon and never really took the time to tend to its needs.  My skin is not sensitive whatsoever, but it is extremely dry.  Now that I have experimented with skincare products, and have learned what is best for me, I have decided to share my must-have skincare products for those who have drier skin types.

Clarisonic Mia 2 ($150)

The Clarisonic Mia 2 is leading in sonic skincare cleansing.  It cleans 6x better than your hands alone!  "In just 60 seconds, its sonic action removes impurities from pores so that creams, serums, and moisturizers are more effective.  And with regular daily use you'll notice a reduction in dry patches, oily areas, and blemishes" (sephora.com).

Features:
- 2 speeds
- Int'l pLink charger for worldwide use
- Improved user interface indicating speed and charge functions

Yes it is very pricey, however, after purchasing the Mia 2, I immediately recommended it to EVERY single one of my friends and family members.  Since there has been a big improvement with the appearance of my skin, it was definitely worth the investment.  I have dry skin and when using the Clarisonic, it gently removes all of the dead skin by exfoliating, and it picks up all of the excess makeup.  I generally use it 3-4 times a week to make sure I don’t over exfoliate.

  

Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser ($6-$7)

"Get luminous!  Use every day to deeply clean and gently exfoliate dull skin.  So, skin looks renewed and luminous again!  Find out why Allure magazine named Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser a Best of Beauty award winner" (ponds.com).

Key Ingredients:

- Soft white Kaolin clay: a natural mineral known to act like a magnet to gently draw out deep-dwelling impurities

      - Gentle micro beads: help removing dull, lifeless skin

THIS!!! - My absolute favorite skin product.  When taking a break from my Clarisonic, I use this in the meantime to clean my face while exfoliating.  It definitely gets the job done nicely, leaving a nice glow and baby soft skin! ;) 

Noxzema ($5-$7)

"With the rich, hydrating moisturizers, Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream Plus Moisturizer leavers your skin feeling soft and moisturized.  Removes dirt and oil while conditioning the skin, deep cleans with added moisturizers, dermatologist tested"(noxzema.com).

Ingredients:

Water, Stearic Acid, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed)Oil (Linseed), Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean), Fragrance, Propylene Glycol, Gelatin, Camphor, Ammonium Hydroxide, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Calcium Hydroxide, Menthol, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride

Another one of my must-haves!  I use this as a face mask, especially when I notice some breakouts.  It does have a very cooling and tingly effect, which I know some people do not like, but I absolutely love!  It feels like your pores are opening up and are being cleansed.  I’ve been using this product for years and I have never had a negative experience.  It does its job each and every time.

MAC Cosmetics Fix + ($21)
Like Ashley mentioned, this has been one of my favorites for years!  I also first started using it the same way-- to apply my liquid makeup (foundation & concealer, because it helps for a smoother & extremely sheer application) and setting my makeup.  Now, I use it to refresh my skin and help my serums and moisturizers really get into my skin.  It's infused with vitamins and minerals and helps to rehydrate my skin.

The Fix + Spray is "an aqua-spritz of vitamins and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi.  Adds radiance, finishes makeup.  Spray it on.  Skin drinks it up!" (maccosmetics.com).

This is another great product that I have incorporated into my skincare regimen.  I usually use this after I apply my toner and after I do my makeup.  Since I have dry skin, it's always nice to spray this on to gain some added moisture.  It doesn’t leave my skin sticky or oily, which is a plus!

 L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum Concentrate ($24.99)

The youth code is a "luxurious serum visibly improves skin quality working on uneven skin texture with visible pores and fine lines" (lorealparisusa.com).

Ingredients:
AQUA / WATER, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, GLYCERIN, ALCOHOL DENAT, PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER, DIMETHICONE, BIS-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 DIMETHICONE, POLYSILICONE-11, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLDIMETHYLTAURAMIDE / AMMONIUM, POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, HYDROXYETHYLPIPERAZINE ETHANE SULFONIC ACID, EPERUA FALCATA BARK EXTRACT, DIMETHICONOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, INULIN LAURYL CARBAMATE, ADENOSINE, POLOXAMER 338, DISODIUM EDTA, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, LENS ESCULENTA SEED EXTRACT / LENTIL SEED EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, DEXTRIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICA, LINALOOL, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, LIMONENE, CITRONELLOL, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE

I have been using this product for quite awhile now, and it is something I MUST have.  I use this product every single day after washing my face in the morning and at night.  Prior to my discovery of this amazing product, I would often experience raised bumps under my eyebrows and along my cheekbones.  I never knew what caused them and nothing seemed to get rid of them.  It is because of this product that my skin’s texture and overall appearance is so much smoother and even.  I LOVE IT!

Oil Minimizing Skin Toner (previously Refreshing Toner) ($5-$6)

"This toner helps deal with excess oil by removing it – along with dirt and make-up—without stripping your skin of its essential moisture" (olay.com).

Ingredients:

WATER, SD ALCOHOL 40, WITCH HAZEL EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, allantoin, MENTHYL LACTATE, FRAGRANCE, BLUE 1, YELLOW 5

Seeing that I have dry skin you are probably wondering why I would even use this product.  However, it benefits dry skin because it restores your skin’s pH balance, it shrinks pores, adds a layer of protection, refreshes the skin, prevents ingrown hairs, and actually moisturizes!  I use this toner 2-3 times a week after washing my face.

Pond’s Dry Skin Cream ($5-$10)

"This rich and creamy formula is easily absorbed by the skin to hydrate deeply while significantly reducing dryness.  For smooth, soft, radiant skin, put your trust in a classic" (ponds.com).

Key Ingredients:

- Occlusives: help to prevent moisture from leaving the skin

- Humectants: deeply hydrates to keep moisture within the skin

This is also one of my favorite products.  I use this cream every day after washing my face.  It hydrates my skin leaving it nice and soft. 

Water

Last but not least, the most important of them all!  I used to shy away from water because there wasn’t a sugary flavor.  I was the girl who drank juice and soda all day long.  I have started to drink water a lot more over the past few months, and I have actually grown to like it.  Doing so has caused a huge change in my skin.  I no longer have as many breakouts as before, and my skin is constantly flushed due to my increased water intake.  Water is important in more ways than one so make sure you drink it!

(I definitely wanted to include a skincare piece for my readers with drier skin types.  My friend, Khira, was perfect for this because I go to her with a lot of skincare questions.  Although she and I have different skin types and needs, I know that she is up on her products and will be able to help me in some way!)

I hope you all enjoyed this skincare piece for drier skin types.  If you have an oily skin type, please be sure to check out my post.

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Khira about her skincare routine or the products she uses?  If so, comment below OR send us an email at curlsfothegirls@gmail.com!