Review: Lina Hanson Global Serums

With the summer heat still in full effect moisturizing is at the top of my priority list. When I put a moisturizer on my skin before I go to sleep I need to know a few things, that it will over compensate for the deep cleaning and drying my cleanser may do, that it will penetrate deep in the layers of skin and it will improve its look and feel. I am so excited to say I have found all of this and more in Lina Hanson's Global Face and Body Serum. In line with my quest for more natural beauty products I was really impressed with what Lina Hanson's serums have to offer. I've tested them for 2 weeks now and the texture and moisture value of my skin has noticeably improved.

Above: Photo Credit @LinaHanson (instagram)

Summer to Fall Foundation

I've mentioned on more than one occasion that I'm into dewy finish foundation. With it being so hot this summer I stuck with a lighter foundation like MAC Studio Sculpt and Lancome Tient Idole, but there were times when I also needed full coverage. A while back I purchased my shade NC25 in MAC's full coverage foundation and sent me NW25. I don't have much if any warmth in my undertone so I scooped out half the pot and put the foundation in my kit but I still had half the container left. I tried the NW25 just to test and the red was definitely a little noticeable so I toned it down by mixing it together with Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 120 and created the perfect Summer to Fall transitioning foundation. The full coverage foundation handles all the blemish problems you may be having and adding the Fit Me foundation gives the dewy look, the more you add the more dewy the texture. I only did a couple dabs because I don't like to wear powder lately. I just want to pat translucent powder on my oily areas and call it a day. I apply my foundation with a Beauty Blender and found this is the easiest way to blend the two textures together without a problem. One is a cream and one is a liquid so it takes a little bit of work to make your face look flawless but it will happen. I love this new routine because you can add or subtract the two textures to get the perfect look. Ill be sticking with this well into the fall months.

Updated Hair Routine

I don't know if it's the weather, I don't know if it was the products I was using, but lately my hair has been extremely dry. I was going back and forth with a Dove conditioner and sulfate free Trader Joe's shampoo and that routine just was not working for me, my hair literally felt like straw. I made a trip to a local salon/beauty supply store and picked up a Shampoo/Conditioner combo by Joico that was on sale for $20.00. It's not like me to purchase a product without checking out reviews or trying it first but it was on a whim and I assumed Joico was a product I could trust. Turns out I was wrong about this and this shampoo/conditioner seemed to make my dry hair problems even worse. There was too much artificially lilac scent added to it and it was doing nothing for my dryness. Shortly after this I saw that Walgreens had a sale on Organix Conditioners for buy one get one free. I've heard good things about them so I went a little crazy and bought 4. I've used the conditioner a few times and I feel like it helped but I just didn't have my shampoo game right yet. Then I took my trip to Portland...

Freelance Life: Barn House Photo Shoot

One of the biggest things about promoting yourself as a freelance artist is to develop an impressive portfolio that will make potential clients want to book you. I've been doing makeup for over 10 years but unfortunately I didn't start taking the portfolio building seriously until recently.

Feature: Voodoo Dolls Cosmetics

If you participated in my giveaway you are probably wondering, what is that lipstick that she's giving away? What is this brand Voodoo Dolls Cosmetics and where can I get it?! The line was actually created by my cousins, Desi and Ciara and it is definitely worth checking out. You can find their products at www.voodoodollcosmetics.com for lips, cheeks, eyes and face. Just Out is hands down my favorite lip color, a corral/orange that's perfect for summer and a staple in my makeup bag. I have it pictured below compared with a couple other popular summer colors in the same range, Heftiest Hibiscus Chubby Stick by Clinique and Lady Danger by MAC. Just Out is in between the two as far as texture and it's super moisturizing. I find I'd rather wear this one during the summer instead of an ultra matte color so my lips stay moisturized. It glides on well and lasts throughout the day.