Yes, I'm quite the little feminist. (......... and proud!)

         Okay, well let me just say that I normally don't even read In Touch, People, or any of the other celebrity magazines; they do not portray 'real life' to me. My mom reads them though, so I was bored sitting on the couch and I picked up In Touch. I usually just take a peek at my horoscopes. Then I ran into a few articles that actually made me a little angry. Society in this day and age is just so messed up, people are told that there is just one kind of beautiful, when in reality, we each make our own unique beauty in just being ourselves. I hate those articles in these magazine that portray pregnant or post-pregnant women as fat, ugly, or disgusting; Why would you do this? As women, even if we don't notice it, we are constantly trying to be comfortable with ourselves and trying to ignore that false telling of what is 'beautiful'. It is even harder to love yourself when others are picking out our 'flaws'. 

         First, I would like to point out the extreme diets and excessive exercise that are put in these magazines. This is not normal, or healthy. Do what is best for you, and you alone! We are all different, our bodies are all different. Have you ever heard some of the things the Victoria's Secret models do to be as thin as they are? Adriana Lima for example; she does high intensity workouts TWICE A DAY, and 9 days before the show she stops eating and drinks protein shakes and water only, 12 hours before a show she will eat or drink nothing at all. Celebrities way of life is unhealthy and not suggested by doctors even. 

         Then articles in magazines and on websites are always telling celebrities that they need to look perfect, and it shows us images that aren't even 'real'. They make it seem like to be beautiful you must look like celebrities, and even celebrities don't look like they are shown to look because of photoshop and plastic surgery. These women look beautiful as they already are, there is no need for all of the photoshop. These images are put in our mind, and we keep thinking that we aren't good enough. 

         Articles are pressuring pregnant women to immediately lose weight and that they are disgusting, that they should hide their bodies. On pg. 30 is Jessica Simpson is supposedly wanting to lose 50 in 5 months, which first off losing that much weight in 5 months is not healthy. At most you should lose 1 or 2 pounds a week. Which in 5 months would be 20 pounds lost at most. Jessica just gave birth to a gorgeous baby, and then is getting mocked about her body. She looks normal! Some women take up to a year or more to lose baby weight, some never completely lose it, and that is okay. On pg. 46 there are people calling Tori Spelling things like, "gross", "discussing", and someone even said they "need to go to wash their eyes out"; and all of this is because she worse a revealing swimsuit while pregnant. If she is confident and happy, when why does it matter to anyone else? Then Uma Thurman was picked at for not wearing a bra......... wow, really? Normal girls sometimes don't want to wear a bra, is it that big of a deal? 

         What I'm trying to say is that, ladies, you look beautiful! Don't change for anyone, and don't listen to society about what is 'beautiful', make your own unique beautiful. I wanted to post about something that kind of bugs me, okay, really bugs me. Hahaha! I know most of you probably won't actually read this, but I'd like to thank those of you who actually do. I hope this makes you think, and even boosts your confidence. :] 

~Sources~ 

-http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/shortorder/2011/11/the_victorias_secret_angels_th.php 

-http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/07/victorias-secret-angel-diet_n_1079315.html 

-http://celebritycloseup.tumblr.com/ (Celebrities up close look just like us; they have pimples, makeup smeared, ect.) 

Do smile to apply blusher? How to apply it the right way!

This is not my picture, I do not own it. 

Many of us are unknowingly apply blusher wrong. If you smile when you apply blush it will drag your face down. When you stop smiling, the color will go down with your smile. Blusher is meant to be put on your cheek bones for a more lifting effect. There are a couple of ways to find your cheek bones. You could feel around for your cheek bones with your fingers it is the area under your eyes, the bone that sticks out. The way I find easiest way to apply blusher to your cheek bones is to suck in your cheeks. You should see a sunken in area, and a prominent bone above that, that is where you apply your blush. 


Now you could apply your blush in two different areas for different looks.........
1) For a look that is flattering on everyone, and looks great with most makeup looks. Apply blush on brush of choice in small half-circles on your cheek bone from the area directly under your pupil to back by your hairline and ears. 
2) For a more subtle/contoured look, apply the blush on check bones in smalls half-circles to the area directly under the outer corner of your eyes going back by the hairline and ears. 

Quick Tips!- The second blusher look is best for bold or smokey eye makeup. It is a way to still wear blush without it looking like too much. 



Thanks so much for reading; please follow and comment, it is very much appreciated! :] 


~Taylor 

The Easiest Ways to Age Well

There are so many things you can do to make sure you age well, however there are three of the easiest things you can start doing right now for amazing results in the future. These three things may seem so easy, but alot of people still don't do them. 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

1) SPF 
I can not say this enough to people......... Use your SPF! :D The higher the SPF level, the better. Remember to get one that has UVA and UVB. UVA/UVB rays damage the vitamin A in skin, making us look older. Always use a moisturizer with SPF under your makeup before you leave the house, and lather it on any other place where your skin will be showing. Alot of people often forget the hands, neck, and chest area also need protection; since so many people don't put it in these places that is why aging shows up most in these areas. If you are one of those people who forget things like this, pop a smaller container with your sunscreen in your purse. Buy any product with SPF if you can, even lip balm! Also, and I say this for everyone's safety, NEVER, EVER TAN IN THE SUN! It is not worth getting skin cancer, for that perfect sun kissed look. I had an uncle who passed away because of skin cancer, and it is sad that anyone should go through that kind of suffering. Even tanning beds send harmful UVA/UVB rays into your body. Use a spray tan if you really want the look. Be happy with the skin color you have! 

2) Moisturize 

Applying lotion keeps skin healthy and hydrated! Alot of people still don't moisturize enough though. As you get older you skin get drier, and needs to be moisturized more often and with richer products. For the best results use a lotion after your shower to keep in the moisture you got from the shower. Products with Vitamins A, E, or C are used for anti-aging in many different items. All three are very powerful antioxidants, Some forms of vitamin A in also known as Retin-A or a retinoid, which helps cell turnover in the skin. Vitamins E and C removes damaging agents under the skins surface. For very dry skin try shea butter, baby oil, or cocoa butter. Products with collagen or elastin will helps skin stay youthful looking, by tightening skin and keeping wrinkles away. 

3) Exfoliate 

Exfoliating is so important because it sheds dead skin, that our skin sometimes can't completely get rid of. By getting rid of this dead skin, newer, healthier skin can grow in place of it. Don't just think it is for your face though, your whole body needs to be exfoliated. Remember to exfoliate at least 1 or 2 times a week. 

QUICK TIP- 

Don't have an scrub at home? You can make one by mixing one part honey and one part brown sugar (or even regular sugar. Then apply gently where ever you want to exfoliate. Leave on skin for about a minute or two, then wipe off with a warm damp rag. Did you know honey actually has moisturizing benefits and antioxidants? 

Thanks so much for reading; please follow and comment, it is very much appreciated! :] 


~Taylor 

My Favorite YouTube Makeup Guru's

I learned all that I know about makeup mostly from the computer. Makeup Guru's on Youtube are hugely helpful, so I thought I would do a list of my favorite Youtube makeup guru's. 


1) Kandee Johnson 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

  

She is, and always will be my all time favorite! Her makeup is just so playful. She doesn't just sit there either, she is bubbly and quirky to watch, her videos are never boring..... in the best way possible. She seems so real, and is very relatable. She is the person who inspired me to be a makeup artist. :] 


















2) Makeup Geek aka Marlena 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

Her makeup is done perfectly all of the time, and she has so many great things to teach about makeup. She is the one to watch if you are just beginning with makeup. I really want to try out her eyeshadows also, they look beautiful. (..... and cruelty-free!) 
















3) Goss Makeup Artist aka Wayne 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

He really knows what he is doing! I have seriously watched so many of his videos, and I learn something new every time. I love how his take on makeup is more of the scientific way; he explains the 'why' in makeup tricks to help you better understand just what look you are trying to achieve. He inspired me to always explain the 'why' when I talk about things on my blog. If that makes sense. XD 










4) En Kore Makeup aka Koren 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

He does alot of amazing theatre makeup looks, which always come out looking flawless! He really shows you step by step how to do everything, and never leaves out the important details. He also has alot of cool tricks for multi-purpose products, his creativity is the coolest part of watching his videos! 




















5) Diamonds and Heels 14 aka Cassandra 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

She is just all around cool! I look up to her because she has one thing in common with me..... having acne. I love the video she did bare-faced with acne, that showed everyone that you can be beautiful and confident in who you really are, and that is really inspiring to me. She was the one girl on Youtube with alot of acne, who showed the rest of us how to cover it. My acne is pretty much gone now, but she helped me a ton trying to cover it the right way. I also love all of her tips and tricks she has learned from modeling. 


Hope you all enjoyed this list! :D 



Thanks so much for reading; please follow and comment, it is very much appreciated! :] 


~Taylor 

Quick Tip: Liner Smudging

Have you ever had liner smudging all over your face? We all have been there! There are a couple of tips to keep you liner from smudging. First, use an eyelid primer, this will give the liner a flat base that will help it stick better. Lastly, always use a powder to set any creamy product. If all else fails, use a waterproof cream or gel liner; if it is the right formula, this stuff will not budge! This will soak up any oil or moisture that will wear away the product. 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

Thanks so much for reading; please follow and comment, it is very much appreciated! :] 


~Taylor 

Confidence and Self-Esteem

~Why do so many people have low self esteem?~ 
I think in today's world we are all trying to be perfect at everything, and this is not realistic. Nobody is perfect, there is no such thing as perfect when it comes to things on earth. That is one of the most beautiful things about all of us though..... is that we are imperfect beings, this is what makes us all unique. Did you know that only 4% of women around the world considers themselves as beautiful? When we see that supermodel walking down the runway, perfect face, perfect body, perfect life; she isn't perfect. She may seem so in your eyes, but when she looks at herself in the mirror she sees the same things you do, too many flaws. We are all trying to be the things that we aren't, and we shouldn't do this, we should be proud of who we are as an individual. 


~You can't please everyone.~ 
Most of us have been picked on one time or another in our life, it hurts, but we shouldn't let it get us down. Although everyone is beautiful in their own way, not everyone will find you attractive, but others will. When you think you so ugly and fat (which by they way never use these words to describe you or anybody else!), that nobody will ever love you, you're wrong. There will always be somebody who finds you attractive, there will always be people out there who find you beautiful even if you don't think so. The people who love us are so much more kind and forgiving of us than we are to ourselves. Since we see ourselves everyday, we don't see the thrill of the way we look, but others do. 


~ There are so many different types of people in the world!~ 
Old and young, black and white, tall and short, thin and curvy; and they are all uniquely beautiful! We should all set healthy goals for ourselves to makes us feel good to be us. We are constantly bashing others because we don't feel good about ourselves. Curvy or chunky woman feel they need to hide there bodies, thin woman are told they are unhealthy, tall people want to be shorter, short people want to be taller. Most woman have 'rolls' or 'love handles', and other don't, and it doesn't make you unhealthy either way. We shouldn't focus on other woman's beauty as a reflection of our own, we all have different kinds of beauty within all of us. As long as your happy and healthy, don't feel the need to change any of these things; it is what makes you so special. 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

~It is more than just how you look.~ 
Don't let outer beauty over run your inner beauty. Being beautiful actually has more to do with who you are as a person and confidence. To me makeup is a ways for me to bring out the things that I love about my appearance and being creative and showing my personality through makeup kind of like with fashion. I think when we are applying makeup we are too focused on things we dislike about our appearance, rather than popping out the things we love. This makes us start to think negative things, and making us less confident. Learn to love yourself without makeup too, and never fell like you 'need it' or 'don't look good without it', it simply isn't true. 


Smile and feel good about yourself like Amanda Seyfried, know that you look great with and without makeup on. :] 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

~Wear whatever you want..... and embrace it!~ 
Never feel you can't wear something because your 'too curvy', 'too tall', 'not the right coloring'; just wear it! If it makes you happy it will show. Being comfortable in your skin in the best thing your can do for your self. Being confident means nothing is holding you back from the things that you want. If you love that swimsuit, wear it! When you are happy you will be confident. 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

~Why you should start looking at yourself in a different light.~ 
From now on when you look in the mirror, do not bash your body; instead complement it. I remember reading an article in Glamour magazine about all of the terrible things woman say to themselves. In the article they stated, "If you wouldn't say it to a friend, don't say it too yourself". We are all bullying ourselves so much that we are beginning to believe the things we think and say about ourselves. Everyday when you look into that mirror, tell yourself you are beautiful, even if you don't believe it at first, studies show if you tell yourself this enough, you will begin to believe it. The women below are all so different, but do you see they are all so beautiful in their own ways? 

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

~How do you gain confidence in yourself?~ 
From now on only focus on the things about yourself that you love, and consider your flaws the most unique and beautiful things about you. When you look in the mirror each day remember to give yourself a compliment; if you slip up and pick on yourself, make that 5 more compliments you must give yourself! When somebody says something rude about you in any way, brush it off, and think of all of the compliments you have gotten in the past. Better yet you can even write a notebook of things you love about yourself, positive quotes, compliments from others you have received, ect. Look at this book when you are feeling down, and remember everyone is beautiful in their own ways. Remember to never hurt others, and promise me you will never do another one of those 'rate me' questions on any websites. To me people would not be put on a scale of beauty, because in someone's eyes, everyone is beautiful. Making other feel good, can also make you feel good; if you love a girl's hair, tell her that, you'll make her day (and yours!) a little brighter. These little things will make you confident in no time at all, and you can accomplish anything when your confident in yourself. 


Statistics- In a Dove research they found that 80% of woman agree that every woman has something about her that is beautiful but do not see their own beauty. 



Thanks so much for reading; please follow and comment, it is very much appreciated! :] 


~Taylor 

Why does makeup make us look so good? Science and Beauty.

Sure most of us like applying makeup, sometimes to feel good, sometimes to look good to someone else, or to show off your individuality, ect. Why does makeup look good though? Makeup and science are 2 of my favorite things to learn about, so I though I would do a post on the science of why makeup looks good.

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

~Red Lips~
Red lips look hot on everyone! But why exactly? Using anything with a red tint on your lips makes you look healthy to others around you, and a healthy look is attractive to people. If you are sick you should notice your lips are not as flushed as they normally are. Red lips also look great because it takes a confident woman to pull it off, and confidence is always beautiful. Red lips makes a woman look ultra feminine and confident.

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

~Eyeliner~
Whether it is black, brown, grey or navy, eyeliner gives that extra pop to anyone's eyes. Eyeliner is attractive to our eyes because it adds definition to our eyes. Defining your eyes can make you look edgy, independent, and unique. It makes eyes pop out more. If you use navy liner it will make the white of your eyes look brighter and healthier. Brown eyeliner makes you look naturally gorgeous. Eyeliner can also make your eyelashes look look longer, healthier, and more feminine.

This is not my picture, I do not own it.  

~Highlighter, Bronzer, and Blusher~
These three are usually used together for a complete, flawless, ethereal look. Bronzer contours your face making it look more slim and defined, blush gives you a flush to look alive and healthy, and highlighter pops out features you want to pop out; but all three also makes you look symmetrical. For all of time, people have viewed symmetry as beautiful to the eyes. We subconsciously find symmetrical faces beautiful. Darker/matte colors make features look defined, and lighter/shimmery colors make feature 'pop out'. When we add highlighter to the inner corners of eyes, we are drawing light into our eyes, and catching people's eyes to look into ours.


Beauty Fact- Did you know lipstick was considered an essential for female nurses in the armed forces during the Second World War, both to remind women that they were ladies first and military second, and because it might have a calming effect on the male soldiers. (Fact from cosmopolitan.com) 

Thanks so much for reading; please follow and comment, it is very much appreciated! :] 


~Taylor