My Perfect Hair Routine...PERFECT.

My Perfect Hair Routine...PERFECT. by mandyapplemakeup 

Well I did it. After thousands of dollars spent on hair care I can happily say that I have found the perfect routine. Even with all of my desires for change and restlessness I honestly do not see myself ever changing my products. They work in harmony, they smell amazing and my hair has finally got her groove back.

Winter Foot Care

I've said on here a few times that I really don't like the process of putting on lotion. It takes a special kind that isn't too sticky or greasy for me to actually wear it. In the winter however, I really don't have the luxury of being this picky because my skin gets so dry and cracked that it needs extra love to keep it comfortable, especially my feet. Here is a remedy I do when I feel my feet start to get extra dry, or worse when they crack and I have a painful cut underneath my toe because I didn't start this process early enough.

Turning 26

Monday Rave: Philosophy Hope in a Jar A-Z Cream

Happy Monday Everyone! 

Well it has only taken me a week to recover from Coachella and now I'm ready to get back to blogging. If anyone is wondering, I had the most amazing time while I was there! I'm thinking of doing a personal blog post about it, but I don't want to venture too far away from beauty. So if you are at all interested in that, please let me know in a comment.

Monday Rave: NYX Studio Liquid Liner in Extreme Gold

So I did it, I found a way to look like I tried really hard with my makeup but really I didn't. It's with a colorful liquid liner! I know this concept isn't new to anyone, especially since I recently blogged about turning my Wet N Wild shadows into a liner, but I have been on the hunt for a pigmented liner that isn't outrageously expensive.

Monday Rave: L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

Mascara has always been one of those things that I really refuse to spend a ridiculous amount of money on. It has to be replaced about every 3 months so I want to make sure that I'm purchasing a product that is great but also has a great price point.

Let's Talk About: Matte Lip Stains

If I'm being completely honest I did not know that so many companies were getting in on the matte finish lip stain. I was under the impression that this was some new invention created by Lime Crime that I so happily stumbled upon a year or so ago. It could be that other brands took notice after the explosion of underground lippy companies, but either way there are now a ton of different options if you are looking to purchase a matte lip color.

Monday Rave: Benefit Highbeam and Sunbeam

I've discussed on here numerous times about what a fan I am of highlight on the tops of the cheek bones and various other places on the face. Recently I have fallen back in love with a product I purchased a while back from Benefit Cosmetics called Highbeam which is a cream based product that adds the perfect touch of reflection.

Monday Rave: Lush Curly Wurly Shampoo

Happy Monday! It's still Monday right? I took a break last week for President's Day and mainly because I've been interviewing like crazy. I have realized that making a career change is a full time job in itself but I am definitely up to the challenge and doing well!

MAC Products I Can Live Without...

I definitely wouldn't say that I'm on here preaching MAC as the end-all be-all of makeup brands, but we all know that they do make some amazing products that are staples to anyones kit that I would recommend . For the most part I feel like I can walk in there and be satisfied with my purchase and have faith that the brand has put in a lot of effort to put out a quality product. However, there are a few items that I've picked up over the years that I have been really dissatisfied with. Below are my Top 3 items that I would NOT recommend you purchase on your next trip to MAC.

5 Beauty Trends for 2014

If you’re like the majority of those in the states right now you’re probably experiencing weather so cold that your incredible fashion sense is suffering. Russian snow boots and ski masks aren’t exactly on trend, but they are necessary at the moment. Before you get too down about it just know that there is hope! You will soon be able to shed the layers and debut some of the hottest trends happening in beauty for 2014. 

Travel Products Worth Your Money

I have this obsession with being a "bag lady" and carrying around all the possible things I could need throughout the day. This ranges from gum to a phone charger to 10 different lipsticks, vitamin E stick and various lip liners. I have perfume, eye drops and even a book sometimes.

My First Official Giveaway!

Hello My Gorgeous Readers!

I am very excited to announce the start of my first giveaway on MandyApple Makeup! I have been receiving such a great buzz around my blog lately and know that many of you are doing a huge part in getting the word out about me. To show my appreciation for your feedback, comments and support I would like to host a giveaway of some of my favorite products as well as some new ones I've been introduced to that I think are worth giving a look.

How To: Deal with Oily Hair

I have never really been the type of woman who washes her hair every single day in order for it to feel clean. I think this has a lot to do with me having naturally wavy/curly hair and the fact this style tends to lack moisture.

Summer Favorites

Summer is in full effect and so is my Summer routine! Like I've mentioned before I'm all about glowing skin and keeping it easy and flawless these days so it only makes sense that I listed the products below. All of these beauty products have really made my life easier as far as face time goes and the body products make me feel fresh and delicious smelling, which is really how everyone wants to feel when it's hard to avoid being hot and sweaty! If you have any favorites, feel free to share.

My High End Wish List

I saw a post like this from A Brilliant Brunette and thought it would be a fun way to remember my wish list and to also get some feedback from any of you who have maybe purchased some of these products so you can tell me how well they work. Also you'll notice by the list how obsessed I am with skin care lately! Forget the color I just want a flawless face ;)

Pick a Primer

I'm definitely a huge advocate for fully prepping the skin before applying my makeup. I make sure my face is deep cleaned, moisturized, THEN I use a primer. Though at first I wasn't always into adding this extra step, I've definitely found that it makes a difference in the appearance and wearability of my foundation and gives my face a nice flawless finish. But the question is, which primer is best? I have tested out MANY primers and they all come in different formulas, finishes, and textures depending on your skin type. Here are a few of my recommendations and reviews some of the ones I've tried so you can decide which (if any) is best for you.

1. Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer- I'm starting off with this one because it is my absolute personal favorite. Though when I discussed it with some friends they differ in opinion because this product has a very distinct texture. It is extremely smooth and soft. Not only does it smooth over blemishes and wrinkles but it leaves your face feeling like a cloud and your foundation really glides right over it. However, I've been told that if you have oily skin this formula can make it feel even more oily. It does come in an oil-free version but I have yet to try it. But this would be my first recommendation if you're looking for a flawless finish and smooth feel.

2. Benefit The PoreFessional- This primer also offers a smooth finish, however I feel as if the formula does not blend well across the face, you have to use a lot of product to get a full face of coverage, whereas with the photofinish a little goes a long way. This does cover your pores and fill in lines. So if you are the type of person who only needs a little help maybe around the nose or under the eye. This product would be ideal.

3. Clinique Pore Refining Solution- I first tried this product when I was in high school and at the time I had no idea it was a face primer. I think some woman at the counter sold me on it because at the time I was really passive and kind of a pushover (things have definitely changed!). Either way, I'm glad I made the purchase because after a while I realized this product really does smooth out my skin. I would say the formula is almost EXACTLY like that of the Benefit Porefessional though and I believe this one is less expensive, so for the same reasons listed above I would try this one, and also for the more reasonable pricing.

4. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer- At first when I used this product I REALLY didn't like it. To me it felt more like a lotion/gel and did not give my skin that smooth finish I was looking for. But after continued use I can see why it's so popular. After all Laura Mercier is the self-proclaimed creator of the

flawless face" so they have to know something about primers. I think what you can really appreciate about it is that the formula is suited for all skin types BECAUSE it does not have the super smooth finish and it still gets the job done with prepping the face for foundation to set and stay for all day wear. And it doesn't add too much texture or heaviness to the skin if that's what you're into.

5. MAC Prep + Prime Skin Smoother- I was sold on this product during the MAC seminar I attended because I wanted to try a new primer and also for the packaging. I liked that it was a bit more portable than my others and because of its claim to fill in wrinkles and smooth skin. But after a few weeks of use its definitely not my favorite. I'd say I like it a bit less than the porefessional and I think that's because it still leaves my skin feeling a little on the dry side. I'm wondering if it might be a little more suitable for someone with more oily skin. It still has a smooth finish, the coverage just isn't what I thought it would be. Also they claim it can be used to "touch up" your face throughout the day, I think it's supposed to mattify the skin if you're makeup is starting to fade and get oily. I've yet to try it for that, but that's another positive factor to the product. If you've ever used Benefit's Dr. Feelgood, it's a bit like that just not as heavy.

6. Sephora Foundation Primer- Finally, the Sephora primer is really one of my favorites because it's an almost exact dupe for the Smashbox Photofinish, just with a smaller price tag. It fills in lines, leaves your skin smooth and helps your foundation last all day. And now it comes in a larger size with an easy to use pump, I love it.

April Favorites

Hello Everyone! I know I haven't posted in a little while. It's been a combination of being busy with work and school, being broke, and also I'm in the process of interviewing with Sephora again. Hopefully I will know if I am hired very soon so I can share much more information with you all! But here is a list of some purchases I've made over the month, or just ones that have become more relevant to me recently, enjoy and let me know your thoughts! 

1. Bite Beauty Lip Rouge, $22- Now I don't have this exact product, I bought a no name brand of rouge a lil bit ago and I'm in love with how simple it is to use and what a different it makes when you're not wearing any makeup. A pop of this on the lips and cheeks really brightens up your face and gives a romantic look. 

2. ELF High Definition Powder, $6- This product is so comparable to the Make Up Forever HD powder it's insane! It's very finely milled and leaves my skin feeling very smooth. My favorite thing to do is use this on top of my foundation when I don't want to look like I have a ton of makeup on. It allows the foundation to show a bit of sheen and also sets it so it doesn't run off my face for the rest of the day. Definitely worth your time and money and with the amount of powder it contains it will last forever.

3. Lush Ocean Salt, $34.95- When I stopped by Lush to pick up my usual Buffy, Mask and bar of Soap I was approached by the salesman who sold me on this product. My mom had actually just bought a body scrub that claimed to do the same this product does (remove dead skin cellls) but I found the fragrance in her scrub was too strong for my sensitive skin. This product is all natural and it leaves my skin glowing and smells amazing. I don't use it everyday because I don't like to scrub that often but it does work well.

4. Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation, $50- I know this product is a little on the pricey side but I can honestly say this is hands down my favorite foundation. I have normal to dry skin and on the days where my skin is feeling thirsty this is my go to product. It covers so amazing and feels silky smooth. But because of the thick texture (and it's super thick so if that's not your preference you probably won't like it) I use my fingers to apply it. If you aren't into using your hands I would say only use a sponge, because any other brush isn't going to work well with the texture. I also like to compliment it with some cream blush and some MAC Fix + and my skin looks dewy and flawless!

5. Stila Smudge Crayon, Water Proof Liner, $22- Lately I have only been wearing mascara and blush because I either don't have the time or I'm just not in the mood to impress. And the best trick to thicken up the look of your lashes is to add some water proof liner to the upper waterline and in between the lashes. It makes them look thicker and fuller and really brings attention to your eyes. You can add this to a quick 5 minute face routine and it really makes a difference. 

6. Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, $5- I decided to feature 2 foundations this month because that's really been my main focus. I haven't been motivated to get risky with my eye shadow but it's very important to me that my skin looks good. And this is by FAR the best drug store foundation out there in my opinion. It covers well, it feels really smooth and when coupled with a good primer it looks like an expensive foundation. This should be in everyone's kit. 

March Favorites

1. One n Only- Argan Oil: I bought this stuff when I started hearing all kinds of good things about Moraccan Oil, and I have to say this is my go to product to nourish my hair as soon as I get out of the shower. Whether I'm wearing my hair natural which is curly, or if I plan on using a flat iron, this oil leaves my hair smooth and soft. I would only say if you are planning to just flat iron your hair, don't put too much or it will weigh it down and make it look greasy. 

2. Aveda- Be curly: I get a lot of questions on how I manage my curly hair, and this is one of my favorite products to do that. It's more light weight than a lot of other curl enhancers and it smells amazing! I just run about a quarter size through 4 different sections of my hair when it's wet then let it air dry. If you can't let it air dry I would say use a diffuser, because you don't want to disrupt the curls. 

3. NYC Liquid Eyeliner: I LOVE THIS PRODUCT! I feel as if I've been looking for the perfect drug store eyeliner and this is it! The consistency is thick, but not too much, and the color is super black, it doesn't leave an patchy spaces. But my favorite part about it is the wand. It is perfectly long so you can see exactly where you are placing your line without your hand getting in the way. And the brush makes cat liner easy to do. Definitely a must have, and you can't beat the price at about $2.99 depending on where you buy it.

4. Kat Von D Lipstick - A Go-Go: So at first a was a little reluctant to purchase this lipstick because orange just seemed so bold, but I'm really happy I did! I receive so many compliments every time wear it and I like that the color can really stand alone. All you need to compliment it is some mascara and a lil bit of blush. 

5. Dove- Nourishing Oil Care Deep Conditioner: When I started coloring my hair more often I was in the market for a conditioner that would really deep treat my hair, but also wouldn't break the bank, and that is exactly what this does. It's under $4 and since I've been using it I can tell a HUGE difference in the texture of my hair. 

6. NARS Illuminator- Copacabana: I'm a huge fan of adding a highlight to the top of the cheek bones and the eyebrow bone to give the face a youthful glow and this product is perfect for that. I just add a dab above my cheek and on my brow bone, sometimes on the bridge of my nose and it really lights up my face. Plus this bottle is going to last a LONG time, because a little goes a long way