Fighting the Frizz: Crystal Casey of High Voltage Hair Shares Her Favorite Products and Tips

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Frizz can be a huge problem, especially during the summer here in Virginia. The best way to avoid frizz is PRODUCT, PRODUCT, PRODUCT!

Some of my favorites are: Super Skinny Serum by Paul Mitchell, you can apply this to wet hair before blow drying or to dry hair before flat ironing (a little goes a long way). Also, Straight Sexy Hair's Smooth & Protect Flat Iron Hairspray ROCKS! It gives the hair shine while protecting from the heat of the flat iron.

During the summer your hair absorbs the moisture from the air which is what causes it to frizz out or curl up on you. So make sure your hair is properly hydrated during the summer/hot, muggy months to keep it tame. Paul Mitchell's Moisture Shampoo/Conditioner is GREAT! For my curly heads out there DEVA CURL ROCKS you can use the shampoo/conditioner even when you plan to wear your hair straight. I use the conditioner like it's going out of style :)



Crystal Casey is a 5 year experienced Paul Mitchell Professional, a master of color, a creative genius in updos and special event styles, as well as a skilled precision cutter. High Voltage Hair by Crystal Casey offers on location hair services. Everything from cuts & color, to photo shoots & bridal services. Crystal is very well known in the Hampton Roads wedding community. Her work can be found in The Hampton Roads Wedding Planner Magazine and on the pages of various well known photographers & make up artist in the area. Crystal was also lucky enough to be able to work with Miss United States 2012: Whitney Miller. Her education continues everyday as she pushes herself to learn new and innovative trends, as well as new color and cutting techniques. Crystal travels in and around the Hampton Roads area for services to her clients.

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The Favorite Beauty Products of an Expert: Celeb Hairstylist Birgitte Philippides

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1. René Furterer NATURIA dry shampoo (I use this personally and it's a life-saver and time-saver!)
2. KLORANE Shampoo with mango butter
3. Hot Tools Tourmaline Tools Lite Ionic 1875 professional hair dryer
4. Hot Tools- Flocked Hair Rollers in Jumbo Size
5. René Furterer VEGETAL FINISHING SPRAY
6. Colette Malouf hair accessories
7. Malin and Goetz Peppermint shampoo
8. Andis T-Outliner for men's grooming
9. Malin and Goetz hair pomade
10. Kiehl's hair brush (Was a limited edition, no longer available)


Birgitte has worked for the past two decades with some of the most influential people in the world: Beyonce, Richard Gere, Anna Wintour, P. Diddy, Hugh Jackman, Natalie Portman and many others. Her list of clients are a virtual who's who in the world of music, entertainment, fashion, politics, publishing, sports and business. Birgitte has helped some of the top creative forces in the worlds of media, film and advertising bring their artistic visions to life, working behind-the-scenes on projects for HBO, Calvin Klein, SHOWTIME, Ralph Lauren, W, Vanity Fair and Vogue.

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The Favorite Beauty Products of an Expert: Jamie Sanders from The Beauty of Life

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1) Stila Lip Glaze in Starfruit: This has been my favorite lipgloss for at least 10 years! It's the perfect peach/pink hybrid and, while it's a bit sticky, works for every skin tone and lasts for hours.

2) Seche Vite: Hands down (no pun intended), the absolute best top coat. It dries nails in five minutes flat, cuts down on chipping and keeps them looking glossy for over a week!

3) CND Stickey: The only base coat I like - and I've tried a lot! Keeps nails from yellowing and helps polish adhere to the nail better.

4) Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Intensely Smooth Leave In Conditioning Cream: I need to use a leave-in conditioner or I can't get a brush through my hair. This one makes every strand sleek, shiny and manageable; plus, it smells fantastic.

5) Stella McCartney Stella: I went through a phase where I thought I didn't need a signature scent and wore a different one every day. That changed when I found this intoxicating fragrance. Everyone -- and I mean EVERYONE -- compliments me whenever I wear it.

6) Bonne Bell Lip Smackers: It may make me a tween, but I can't help it -- these lip balms just make my lips feel better than every other balm I've tried (and believe me, I've tried a lot). Plus, you just can't go wrong with flavors like Strawberry or Watermelon!

7) MAC Paint Pots: I love them ALL. Really, I have every limited edition one and every one that makes its way into the permanent collection (Painterly is my favorite)! I love that they dry without creasing and look amazing on their own or layered under other shadows.

8) CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: So, admittedly, I'm not really someone who washes her face all that much ... well, until now, since this amazing cleanser came into my life. It makes my skin super soft and smooth, I never break out from using it, and it even comes in a travel size.

9) Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream for Dry Skin: This is my skin SAVIOR. It's light but somehow thick enough for summer or winter, and it keeps my skin from drying out (which is perfect, since I travel so much).

10) Deborah Lippmann Believe: If I could only use one nail color for the rest of my life, this would be it. The gold and silver glittery hybrid is just sparkly enough for day while remaining super flashy for night.



Jamie Allison Sanders has a lifelong passion for beauty. Playing the Youngest Royal Child in The King and I at 4 years old (complete with a full face of pancake makeup and loads of black eyeliner) was just the beginning. Over the years, she's cultivated her obsessions of bold nail polish (Chanel, Deborah Lippmann and Rescue Beauty Lounge top her list), candles (her collection of over 60 includes BURN and Diptyque) and all things M.A.C. And yes, she still has her two Caboodles from 1991!

You can read Jamie's blog, The Beauty of Life

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The Favorite Products of a Beauty Expert: Casey from Beauty 101

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1. Bumble and Bumble “Tonic”: Think of this as a primer for your hair. I love to use it before other styling products since it helps to even out porosity and makes sure that everything else is absorbed. It can also be used as a detangler or to freshen up an already existing blow dry!

2. Moroccanoil Treatment: Talk about a multi-tasking product! This oil can be mixed into your conditioner to add extra smoothing properties but it can also be used on wet hair to keep frizz at bay AND after your hair is dry to smooth everything out! On rushed mornings I love using a product that can literally do it all because it takes all the guesswork out of my routine.

3. Klorane Dry Shampoo: Any rushed girl knows the amazing power of dry shampoo so I’m sure I don’t need to explain this one to you. Don’t have time to wash your hair? Just spray this on your roots, give it 30 seconds to absorb (or longer if you’re really pushing your limits), and then comb through to release the chalky deposit you may experience.

4. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner: What is the fastest way to make sure your hair looks like a rockstar? Give it a deep conditioning treatment! In 3 minutes you’ll be on your way to shiny, soft, manageable hair.

5. Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam: While this one doesn’t technically help me on a rushed morning I felt like I needed to include it in my list because you really can’t go wrong when you use it. This styling foam provides slight hold, slight volume, and is just a good overall styling product that you don’t need to think about very much. It will always work!

6. Bumble and Bumble “Spray De Mode” Hairspray: In keeping with the “multi tasking” theme I absolutely love this product because it can act as a hairspray and as a heat protecting spray for when I’m using my curling iron in the morning. It helps my curls stay all day without getting crunchy.

7. Bumble and Bumble “Texture” Cream: Have you ever woken up only to realize that your hair wasn’t going to cooperate no matter how much time you had to get ready? I scrunch this cream into my hair to give it that polished “I just woke up” look.



Casey is a 20-something hairstylist, makeup artist, and beauty blogger living in New York City with her husband and two dogs. She can be found rambling about all things beauty over at Beauty 101. Casey can also be contacted for hair appointments via email: beauty101blog@gmail.com

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The Favorite Beauty Products of an Expert: Jessika, The Polish Insomniac

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1. Dermelect Launchpad: because it truly fixed my splitting nails

2. Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie: Perfect for long days at work, can apply without a mirror!

3. Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Remover: Gentle enough to use weekly

4. Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ BB Cream: the perfect BB cream for my dry, fair, neutral skin

5. E.L.F. Minty Gloss in Miami: Cheap, sweet, and pretty!

6. Too Faced Naked Eye Palette: The perfect cool neutrals

7. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface: It really does last all day!

8. CND Air Dry: Because it dries quickly and doesn’t cause shrinkage like Seche Vite

9. Bumble & Bumble Does It All Hairspray: Nothing beats this styling spray for me, and it smells so good!

10. DermaDoctor Wrinkle Revenge: Hides all the fine lines around my eyes.


Jessika, aka polish insomniac loves all things beauty, especially nail polish. She has way too many polishes and eye shadow palettes to count and keeps them all organized in her multiple Alex and Helmer units from IKEA. She scrimps & saves to buy higher priced brands, and loves to share any deals she finds with YOU!
You can find her on Twitter as @jbrobs and on Instagram as @jbrobeck.

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Making Drugstore Products Look Expensive: A Makeup Artists Shares her Secrets

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So many women make the mistake of thinking they have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. Wrong!!! While it may make you feel sophisticated to spend $100 on foundation, you could look just as great with something under $10. Personally, I like the idea of having an extra $90 to spend on cute shoes, purses and outfits. In fact, if you know what to look for, you can build your very own beauty kit for $75 or less. I'm talking makeup, skin care and hair care. I had a feeling you'd like that idea.

Low Cost Makeup That Delivers

I can't rave enough about e.l.f (eyes, lips, face) from Target. From tinted moisturizer for just $3 to on-the-go eyeshadow, lip gloss and blush compacts for only $15. If you went with this line, all your makeup supplies could cost less than $30. That's including brushes.

If you want to branch out a bit, I recommend buying trio eyeshadow kits to create both day and night time looks. Almay and CoverGirl both have amazing sets for everyone for under $8. For foundation, get your best face with L'Oreal Paris True Match, CoverGirl Aqua Smoothers, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer (for skin toning) or Almay Clear Complexion (for acne prone skin) all for $10 or less.

For extra coverage, match your concealer and powder with your foundation. For instance, Neutrogena has a 3-in-1 concealer that works to make skin look healthier while covering. If you mix, ensure the colors don't clash.

When it comes to mascara, my favorite brand by far is Maybelline. You simply can't get any better for the price, even if the price was quadrupled. For $7 to $10, get the look you want easily. Plus, clumping isn't problem.

Make your lips one of your best features with L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche or Revlon Colorstay, both are under $8.

Stunning Skin And A Fat Wallet

Clean your face without icky residue with Garnier Nutrioniste Moisture Rescue or Neutrogena Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes for under $8. To keep your face protected from the sun and get just the right amount of moisture, Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer is perfect at less than $12. It's even suitable for oily or acne prone skin. For all over skin care, look no further than Dove bodywashes and lotions. They're light with perfect moisture for a variety of skin types. Best yet, they're around $5.

Luscious Locks That Don't Break The Bank

I'm going to start with a deep conditioner since it's always overlooked. Keep your hair protected with the once a week Aussie 3 Minute Miracle for under $4. Clean, healthy hair doesn't mean spending a fortune. Tresemme's line of professional grade shampoos, conditioners, leave in treatments and heat protectant are all under $5 each. Plus, you actually get enough with each product to last several weeks or more.

There you have it. Total beauty for under $75. Obviously, your final total will vary based on which products you need. Remember, shop on sale and you'll save even more.

Christina Farrell has been a self-proclaimed makeup junkie since the age of fourteen. As a beauty expert, she has been able to turn her passion into a profession. She believes that makeup is a confidence boost and that finding humor and laughter in life is the best beauty secret around. Her site, The Makeup Blogger is packed with ideas and tips on beauty and style.

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Teen Beauty Picks from Makeup Artist Kim Porter

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I feel that teen makeup should be polished and pretty, you never want people to notice your makeup more than they notice you! A simple routine that takes just a few minutes, is all you need to give your skin a pretty glow, and highlight your best features. Since I tend to use higher priced products in my kit, this was a fun challenge for me! I did a lot on internet searching for the best products and included some that I know to be tried and true favorites.

Foundation- Boots No7 Soft and Sheer Tinted Moisturizer $11.99
Concealer- Maybelline New York Cover Stick $4.84
Blush- e.l.f All Over Color Stick $1.00
Powder- Physicians Formula Mineral Loose Powder $9.00
Bronzer- Rimmel London Natural Bronzer $4.99

Eyeshadow- Wet ‘n Wild Eyeshadow Trios $2.99
Eyeliner- Maybelline Expert Wear Twin Brow and Eye Pencil $2.99
Mascara- Maybelline Great Lash $4.44
Lip Gloss- Wet ‘n Wild Glassy Gloss Lip Gel $2.99 and Neutrogena Moisture Shine gloss $7.99
Lash Curler- e.l.f Eyelash curler $1.00
Tweezers- Tweezerman mini $11.25

I included these extras because you will need brushes and keeping your skin clean and healthy is the most important thing!
Brushes- e.l.f Studio Brush Set $25.29
Cleanser- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser $6.29
Toner- Dickenson’s Original Witch Hazel Toner $5.49
Eye Makeup Remover- Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover $7.99


Kim Porter has been in the makeup industry since 2001, establishing herself as one of the most sought after makeup artists in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Her work can be seen in local and national wedding magazines, television for Fox News and CNBC, and her work with individual and group makeup lessons. Currently she is working on creating her signature line of cosmetics, Kim Porter Cosmetics, that will highlight flattering shades that are easy to use for all women. She lives with her husband and two children and blogs about makeup in her free time.

You can see all of her work at Makeup by Kim Porter.

More posts from Kim Porter

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Martha's Beauty Essentials: Have You Tried Them?

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Have you seen the current issue of Martha Stewart yet? There's a story in there that I took note of (meaning, I added a ton of items to my "to buy beauty list"), and I had to share!

The article is the best of beauty and fashion (and yes, I was especially taking note of some of the fashion items, like the LL Bean pullover that I want to pick up), some of which I've used and the nine beauty essentials, of which I've tried two. Seriously, TWO. How can that be??

First, I was pretty proud of myself for the iconic makeup colors they featured on the first page of the article. I haven't tried Fire & Ice, or the Guerlain bronzer. I own Stila Kitten in a million other forms and love it, though I admit I somehow don't have the original shadow. I have NARS Orgasm in a lippie, a gloss, an illuminator, I have the original blush and the suped up Super Orgasm blush, the multiple, the nail polish... kind of crazy. Regardless, I agreed with all of their iconic shade choices. They're pretty universally flattering and classic!

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The Favorite Products of a Beauty Expert: Celebrity Hair Stylist Troy Peppin

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1. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: I simply cannot live without this. Since it’s gentle, it’s great to on set, especially on my celebrity clients, in between washes, and for extra volume. This is truly the number 1 dry shampoo.

2. Avene Thermal Spring Water: This soothes and softens hyper sensitive skin, which I like to use after shaving. It’s great for sensitive skin.

3. Bumble and Bumble Prep Spray: It detangles hair and allows any finishing product applied on afterwards to distribute evenly. It’s great for all hair types.

4. Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray: It gives dry hair a loose beach wave, and wet hair more texture for a more polished blowout. It’s perfect for thin, lifeless hair.

5. Kerastase Fibre Architecte: This reconstructing serum renews damaged hair from any chemical process. It’s great for over-processed, bleached and damaged hair.

6. Davines for Wizards Universal Polishing Coat: This wax gives short haircut nice definition and a high gloss coat. I like it for thin to medium hair.

7. Serge Normant Avah Eau De Parfum: A wonderful hair parfum with notes of ylang ylang, jasmine, amber, soft woods and Jojoba, Aloe, and Vitamin E for its soft, nourishing properties. It’s great to use anytime on any hair.

8. René Furterer Vegetal Finishing Spray: Naturally sets the hair to perfectly hold any movement. Great for medium hair.

9. Glytone Mini Peel Gel: I use this myself because it treats fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin textures. I think it’s especially great for first time Glycolic Acid users.

10. Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Brush: I generally use it to brush out wet hair or hot iron sets. It’s great for fine to normal hair types.


Troy Peppin was born and raised in Minnesota, Troy spent his early twenties between Los Angeles, Paris and New York honing a distinct set of skills. His has extensive education through Vidal Sassoon and Jacque Dessange, and his true passion is in wig-making and styling. Troy’s work has been featured on the pages of Elle, GQ, Glamour and Sports Illustrated. He has collaborated with a growing list of impressive artists including Britney Spears, Kendra Wilkinson, Giuliana Rancic, and Audrina Patridge. His film and television credits include “America’s Next Top Model”, "Access Hollywood", "So You Think You Can Dance", and "E! News".

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The Favorite Products of a Beauty Expert: Lilli Gordon of First Aid Beauty

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(Note that yes, I'm doing a sponsored post series with First Aid Beauty, but this post was me, taking complete and total advantage of being able to ask Lilli Gordon what products she uses....)

1. FAB Dual Repair Power Serum: Love this for keeping the signs of aging at bay. Not only does it even out my skin tone, it softens my fine lines and wrinkles and makes my complexion more youthful.

2. FAB Ultra Repair Cream: Honestly, the one product that I can’t live without. I use this cream all over my body every day after I shower for skin that is baby soft. And I love that in the winter it keeps my itchy skin under control.

3. FAB Facial Radiance Pads: These pads gently slough away the skin. People ask me all the time why my skin glows. Facial Radiance Pads are the answer.

4. FAB Face Cleanser: This is my go to. The foundation of my beauty routine. Cleans my face, even when I have done the full make up thing, in a moment, but never leaves it feeling tight. A bonus -- it is great with the Clarisonic.

5. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse: I use this 2-3 times a week for a natural glow 12 months a year.

6. Fresh Citron de Vigne Oval Soap: I am addicted to the smell of this soap. It is so mild and beautiful, it makes even the quickest showers a treat.

7. Serge Normant Meta Sheer Dry Oil Hair Finishing Spray: I am one of those people that as my hair gets dirtier it gets dryer and not oilier so this finishing spray is perfect to give my hair some moisture and shine between shampoos. And it smells heavenly.

8. Dior Show Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum: Ever since I did lash extensions a couple of years ago, my eye lashes have been virtually non-existent, but thanks to Latisse and this Dior serum, I finally look like I have long, thick healthy lashes.

9. Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat: This is my new secret for a lasting manicure. It was being sold on the same show as our URC the last time I was at QVC and I was lucky enough to get a sample. Honestly, put this on top of a regular manicure, and it makes your nails as shiny as a gel manicure. It also extends the life of a regular manicure. What a find!

10. YSL Touche Eclat #1: This is such an iconic product. Need I say more!


First Aid Beauty was started by Lilli Gordon in 2009. She is a former financial wizard who became one of the cofounders of Fresh (yes, I might be a huge fan of their Lip Treatment), and helped oversee their purchase by LVMH. She later started First Aid Beauty when she found there was a big hole in the skin care industry. And you know what? She was right. First Aid Beauty is a cult favorite brand with skin care basics that have been updated with advanced ingredients to help make your skin happy and glowy! I really wanted to know which products she picked to keep her skin looking so amazing!

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The Favorite Products of Beauty Experts: Kassie Coleman

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1. Phillips Milk of Magnesia combined with Monistat Chafing Gel - These two together creates the perfect primer especially for runway.

2. Benefit's She-Laq - this products helps to seal eyeshadows, lip colors, mascara, and even brows; It comes with a pouch of little brushes to help apply the liquid to any of the above areas for a sure stay.

3. Mahya Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Cashmere - This eyeshadow color is made of natural minerals and has lots of pop to it. It helps to create a most glamourous eye.

4. Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix Spray - This product can be used to help set a makeup look as well as help affix eyeshadow with a very small drop to your brush. Works perfect for brides.

5. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eye Pencils - Any of the colors from this collection goes on bold and holds. It's waterproof and definitely works.

6. MAC Eye Kohl pencils - These pencils are great for creating a smudged look or even an easy smokey eye. They simply glide on.

7. Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Pencil in Ozone - Simply amazing! This pencil helps to stop feathering of your bold lip colors. You simply line your lips with this clear pencil and it's like magic. No runny lip!

8. MAC Matte or Make Up For Ever Matte Gel - Either of these products works wonders for those with oily skin. They can even double up to create a matte lip from any sheen lipstick.

9. Mary Kay Burnished Bronze cheek color (not pictured, couldn't find a picture)- This color is perfect for bronzing on dark skin as well as contouring on someone with a lighter complexion. Gives major uses with this one product.


Kassie Coleman
Professional makeup artist, Kassie Coleman, began her journey over 10 years ago in the entertainment and beauty industry. Being founder of Kassie’s Kreations, the self-educated artist followed her heart & began to “play in makeup” while assisting the lead stylist of a small Dallas beauty salon. Since then, she’s developed a keen eye for creating beautiful artwork for the runway, weddings, and other various fashion events. With her outgoing personality and tremendous talent, Kassie is sought after for photo shoots, print campaigns, as well as celebrities for red carpet events. Her clientele list includes David & Tamela Mann, Fred Hammond, and Darrin Henson just to name a few.

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The Favorite Shades of Makeup Artists: Christy Ann

1. Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder: Great translucent loose setting powder. Keeps skin matte and flawless all day, along with brightening the complexion.

2. MAC FIX Setting Spray: Longevity is key whether you are a makeup artist on set or providing make up services for a brides Wedding Day. Fix keeps the makeup in place and ensures that you are shine free throughout the day.

3. Temptu Airbrush: Love this product because it humidity and heat resistant. There are many color variations, which is great for all skin tones and ethnicity's. Temptu airbrush allows for a smooth even complexion without a heavy feel. Makeup looks flawless without looking heavy.

4. Anastasia Brow Wiz (Medium Ash): A great brow tool for filling in eyebrows, ensures a nicely defined brow shape every time. Medium Ash is a great color because it suits blonde's to brunettes.

5. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: A must have in every make up artists kit. Creates a lavish curled lash, and is especially important before applying individual or strip eyelashes.

6. MAC Creme Cup Lipstick: The perfect pink for all skin tones. Soft enough to wear as an everyday lipstick and gorgeous enough to be paired with a lip gloss for an evening pout. (Check out pictures over at Miss Natty's Beauty Diary for some great pics!)

7. MAC Whirl Lipliner: Very versatile because it can be paired with various lipstick or lip gloss shades.

8. Lancome Hypnose Mascara: Gives a full lash without clumping.

9. Make Up For Ever 12 Flash Color Case: 12 creme colors that can be used as shadow, lip or cheek. The most versatile palette, every mua should own. Absolutely love the silver that is in this set, great to use as an evening or daytime eyeshadow.

10. Trish McEvoy Even Skin Face Primer: Every make up application should start with a make up primer. When I was a regional artist for Trish McEvoy is when I learned about this product, it is a great primer to prep your canvas (face). Helps minimize pores and ensures a shine free, long lasting look.

11. Kryolan Eyeshadow Compact (V3 Natural): The absolute best preset matte natural eyeshadow palette. Photographs beautifully, lasts throughout the day, and is extremely blendable.

12. Laura Mercier Eyeshadow Base (Linen): Great product to prep the eyelid. Keeps the shadow from creasing and helps it to last throughout the day. Linen is a great shade for the majority of skin tones.

13. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: Most popular shade is nude, especially during this time of year. Great for everyday use, gives a flawless finish without the look of wearing foundation. Provides ideal oil free protection with an SPF of 20.


Christy Ann is an accomplished and creative make up artist with experience in bridal, fashion, print and beauty consulting. Christy Ann has worked with prestigious lines such as Trish McEvoy, Stila and Laura Mercier before establishing her own company Christy Ann Cosmetics. Christy Ann has always had a creative flair and passion for the artistry of make up. With over 18 years experience, she has recently created her own unique cosmetic line to complement any style. Christy's work is described as crisp, clean, precise, and distinctive.

Christy Ann Cosmetics

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Beauty Expert Favorite Products: Totally Tamryn!

1. L'Oréal True Match Concealer: Covers fantastically and blends perfectly for a naturally flawless finish. I can't live without it.

2. L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara: Gives lashes LOTS of volume and lots of length with no clumps. I've tried lots of different mascaras but always keep coming back to this one.

3. Seche Vite Topcoat: When I paint my nails I want them dry fast. This topcoat gives incredible shine and dries nails almost instantly.

4. Cetaphil Face wash: This face wash is great for those like me with sensitive skin as it does not irritate. It does a great job of balancing pH levels of your skin which means less breakouts.

5. Body Shop Body Polish, Satsuma: This body polish exfoliates and leaves my skin glowing. The citrus scent wakes up my senses and boost my mood every time I use it.

6. Saryna Key Pure African Shea Butter Keratin Hair Treatment: Contains Keratin which strengthens and repairs damaged hair and leaves it soft and silky. This was my go to when I was blonde (damage from bleaching) but even now as a brunette I use it once a week.

7. True Blue Spa Shea Butter Super Rich Foot Cream: I use this every night to get baby soft feet. It contains conditioning avocado and refreshing eucalyptus extract.

8. Twilight Woods Lotion from Bath and Body Works: Smells heavenly with a blend of apricot nectar, mimosa petals and Tuscan cypress. It softens skin and you won't need perfume because the smell lasts all day.

9. Moroccan Oil: I love this because it's a leave in treatment and you only need a little bit to see results. Instantly gives my hair shine and smoothes all over.

10. Jergens Natural GLOW: Love this natural tanner. Gives skin a healthy, beautiful glow, with a natural yet noticeable colour difference. Firms skin too!

Tamryn is a 24 year old Aesthetician, from Cape Town, South Africa but now living in Canada. In her spare time she loves to bake, spend (too much) time walking up and down the beauty aisles in the drug store/ at CosmoProf, and overindulge in chocolate and red wine.

She blogs about health, beauty, equality and life at Totally Tamyrn and you can follow her on Twitter.

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The Favorite Products of a Beauty Expert: Joshua-Myles Ristaino

1. ECO-friendly Klorane Gentle dry shampoo with oat milk (squeeze bottle) delivers an ultra-fine burst of dry shampoo in just the right amount depending on your squeeze!

2. Oribe Dry Texture Spray is by far the best spray delivering a fine mist to cover lots of hair! It's a hairstylist's dream product.

3. Rene Furterer VOLUMEA volumizing conditioning spray detangles and gives amazing root lift! It's fantastic on highlighted, fine, or dry hair as it leaves no residue to weigh your style down.

4. Rene Furterer VOLUMEA volumizing foam is great on a client who has fine hair but a lot of it, as it has a bit more hold than the spray without product buildup to weigh the hair down.

5. Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray is so darned good it gets me day dreaming of white beaches on some deserted island somewhere. It has a great smell, great conditioning qualities and just the right amount of texture without weighing the hair down preventing volume or movement.

6. Fekkai Coif Oceanique is my other favorite wave spray because it’s better for fine or damaged hair.

7. I am obsessed with the Avéne skin care line!! I use it on myself actually, especially after traveling. It is great for sensitive skin. I love the Avéne Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-up Remover as part of a cleansing regimen. I also get super moisturized lips with the amazing Avéne Cold Cream Lip Cream, which is great to use during the cold dry months or after too much sun in the summer!

8. On my clients I try not to cover their skin too much with heavy foundation or concealer. I really want the natural skin to show through and provide a natural glow as opposed to an artificial one. I am a big fan of the Jouer Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 because it provides some of the best coverage without looking cakey or heavy! It even comes in a matte formula which is great for my male clients.


Celebrity stylist and makeup artist Joshua-Myles Ristaino not only counts A-List clients like Elizabeth McGovern, Elizabeth Banks, Elizabeth Olsen, and Marc Jacobs as his clients, but his work has also graced the pages of Vanity Fair, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan. A graduate of the Aveda Institute, NY, Joshua-Myles has been given the fundamentals of hair cutting, and his continuing education with Toni and Guy over the years has honed his craft. Whether he’s on set at an editorial shoot or getting a client red-carpet ready, he depends on tried and true products to bring his vision to life. Joshua-Myles was born in Boston, MA. He has lived and worked in numerous countries, maintaining New York as his home for the last four years.

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Giada de Laurentiis Shares her Beauty Secrets and Favorite Products!

Yesterday I had the chance to talk to one of my girl crushes, Giada de Laurentiis. Yes, she of the Food Network, Today Show and amazing cookbooks. I love her food (I have issues watching her show, I want to make and eat everything, even the mushrooms, which I'm allergic to), I have always thought she was pretty but she's also just... approachable. And normal. My husband calls her "the hot one", and I don't care because I love her too.

Our conversation didn't get off to the best start, at least in my (embarrassed) opinion. As soon as the phone rang, my daughter started crying and demanding attention. Giada, bless her, didn't care and instead asked how old she is, lamented that 2 years old can be a difficult age, and generally made comments along those lines. It made me love her even more.


I had no idea that Giada is a spokesperson for Clairol's Natural Instincts line, which means I must be living in a cave somewhere. She says that she likes Clairol because they both like to empower women, though they take different approaches to it. "I do it through cooking and food, but Clairol's Natural Instincts does it through their hair color."

Giada does use Clairol, though she admits that "I had never before used a box hair color, and I was a bit hesitant at first. But after using it, my hair just got so shiny and soft and radiant that I'm a believer now! So, I have to thank them (Clairol) for it! Because honestly, I never would have done it otherwise."

Giada switched up her color depending on the time of year. She was previously Toasted Almond (#12, a light golden brown), but she just changed to Navajo Bronze (#12A, a light caramel brown). The change was even tweeted by her husband, Todd. In the spring and summer she likes to go lighter, but in the winter she likes a bit reddish, and a tad darker. "What's great is it sort of brings out my highlights. A couple times a year I get my hair highlighted and this really brings out the highlight color."

"As we get older need to use more and more color. It happens at a different age for all women, but you can be 30 and need to cover your whites and greys." Giada uses Natural Instincts relatively frequently to cover everything up for her on camera time.


Giada has a few favorite beauty products that she's used for years. Chantecaille foundation is "something that I've used for years. I love it because it gives my skin that light little glow." She also swears by Jouer concealer. She is a big fan of the CoverGirl LashBlast mascaras as well.

Giada's nail polish has been much discussed. I remember about 5 years ago hearing that she was OPI Bubble Bath, and I had a really hard time finding a bottle. It had sold out! The color was reformulated a few years ago and the "new" Bubble Bath is a bit more nude, so Giada has switched over to Essie Ballet Slippers. (I fully admit that I own 2 bottles of the old formula because I liked it so much.)

I asked Giada what she does for her under 15 minute beauty routine on days that she isn't filming. She's much lower maintenance than me! She uses moisturizer, if she has time she'll apply a little foundation, and then mascara and some lip gloss. Her hair goes up into a quick bun and she's done!

Finally, Giada also wears sunscreen every day. Her brother died at age 30 from skin cancer, so protecting herself from the sun is very important. "Every single day, rain or shine, it doesn't matter."


I also had to ask Giada what she's cooking for Christmas dinner. Her family does the "big one" on Christmas Eve. But, on Christmas she's just home with her family and she wants something quick and easy. She prepares dinner up to 2 days in advance, and with 2 dishes she's able to make sure everyone in her family (both the carnivores and vegetarians) are happy! She'll be making Butternut squash lasagna and Short Rib Lasagna rolls. She just throws them into the oven about 30 minutes before people come over and "it makes Christmas dinner super, super easy!"

At that point the conversation became one of those comparisons for who lives where, have you been there, etc. It turns out that her husband, Todd, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Very close to where I grew up, and her mother in law now lives 6 months of the year in my home town! Oh, and her husband has a ton (really) of relatives in the Ann Arbor/Saline/Milan, Michigan area. Which is where I live now. We didn't even get to the part about her being a student at UCLA at the same time as my husband and his brother.

I think if I happen to run into Giada somewhere here in Michigan (or back in So Cal, where a bunch of my family lives), we'll definitely be friends. Like those lucky people she feeds in her backyard on the show!

Clairol

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The Favorite Shades of Makeup Artists: Rebecca Prior from Napoleon Perdis

1. Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer: One product I could not be without for any makeover be it bridal, runway, editorial, etc is Auto Pilot Primer. Primer is the bridging category between skincare and makeup and it's an essential step in makeup preparation. Not only does it keep makeup smoother for longer, it makes makeup application that much easier. Napoleon says "Not to Prime is a Crime," and I agree 100 percent!

2. Pro Palette Concealer: I always like to reach for a concealer that is the perfect balance of coverage, color, and smoothness and I find the Pro Palette concealer does all of these things. It allows quick coverage with minimal product, the combination of three colors allows you to customize to any area of the face, and most importantly - the product stays smooth and keeps the under eye area looking hydrated and not dry.

3. Boudoir Mist Spray Foundation: This is a miracle in a can! I use this lightweight, water-resistant product for anything from creating a quick, easy base, to bronzing a body to covering tattoos and stretch marks. This product has added the finishing touches to many a makeup look on so many occasions. It really is a backstage essential for me.

4. Mesmer-Eyes Mascara: This is my all time favorite mascara. I think people can underestimate how much ability lashes have to complete, change, or add character to a look. Whether you are going for silver screen goddess glamour, or runway, or reality - I like the Mesmer-Eyes Mascara because it allows you to create anything from super fine, separated, wispy lashes to fluttery lashes of faux proportions.

5. Mattifying Mineral Powder: Again, no matter the job, you need a powder you can rely on to keep shine at bay while still leaving the skin looking fresh and not dry or cakey - especially these days with the unforgiving nature of high definition. There is nothing more cringe-worthy as a makeup artist than seeing your work on camera or under the lights with shine to rival a disco ball. I love the Mattifying Mineral Primer; it is a super fine loose powder that keeps shine away while reducing the appearance of pores. A good powder is something you need on every job, all the time. All sexes, all ages, I use this product on everyone.

6. Ultimate Contour Palette: This is an item we like to call a "lingerie item" - and another essential. Just like lingerie, it goes on before the rest of the outfit/makeup to ensure that what ever you put on over the top looks amazing. This product allows you to become a sculptor and recreate the dimensions of the face to make different areas of the face more defined, or less prominent. What I like the most is that it has been cleverly developed so the texture of each of the shades in the palette will help give the most flattering results.

7. Loose Eye Dust: Loose Dusts are another favorite of mine because of their versatility. These highly pigmented pots of color can be used as eye shadows, face highlighters, they can be mixed through with glosses or lip lacquers to create instant customized color, and can even be mixed with a bonding agent to make metallic liquid liners. I love that you can apply them in a sheer wash of color, or press them on for dramatic intensity. I have every color of the rainbow but I use Honey Child the most as the gold undertone looks flattering on every skintone.

8. China Doll Gel Liner in Equinox: The versatility of this product is amazing. I can achieve a soft smudged liner, super fine crisp liner, or base to a smokey eye with just a few brush strokes - and once this product is dry IT STAYS PUT! If I could only have one eye liner in my kit, this would be the one. I have even used it on brows many times.

9. Red Lipstick: A blue based red lipstick like DéVine Goddess Aphrodite is always a staple for my kit. Red is a classic and will never go out of fashion, but I love that you can vary the shade dependent on the season or trend by mixing in a black gel eye liner. Doing this means you can have anything from a fire engine red to a berry red, scarlet or wine, to bordeaux - just depending on how much black you mix through.

10. Makeup Brushes: It is virtually impossible to do your craft well if you do not have the correct tools - to this day when I am teaching a class I say if there is anything you can NEVER forget, it is your brushes. These tools help to create different effects, get the job done accurately, and save time and product when it comes to application. I have multiples of my favorites that I use all the time. I love the Napoleon Perdis 10r Sculpting Brush, it can make any eye technique or look appear blended and fused within seconds.


Rebecca Prior has been in the makeup industry for 14 years and has been with Napoleon Perdis for almost 11 years after graduating in 1999 from the Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy with a Diploma in Entertainment Makeup in Sydney, Australia. Rebecca is now based in Los Angeles and finds the Hollywood atmosphere a source of great inspiration, with endless movie premiers, red carpet events and glamour at every turn. Her passion lies in glamour makeup and this has seen her leading makeup teams at Australian and New York Fashion Week. In addition to working as an editorial artist, her makeup brushes have also touched the faces of many celebrities and world class models.

Napoleon Perdis

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The Favorite Shades of Makeup Artists: Sona Martinez

As a makeup artist and skin care professional, I adhere to two principles: using wholesome, nourishing and high-quality makeup and practicing a good skin care regimen. I love using Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics and medical-grade skin care products—such as MD Forte’, Vivite, Revision and Jan Marini. Healthy, glowing skin creates the perfect canvas for flawless makeup application.

Following are my 10 favorite products. Unless noted, shades must be matched to the individual

1. Mineral Primer: A colorless base that helps enhance the performance of your foundation throughout the day. Fills in fine lines and pores to create an even surface for foundation application.

2. Ultimate Concealer. A lightweight concealer that does everything from hiding blemishes and discoloration to brightening the under eye area.

3. Natural Mineral Foundation. An ultra-fine, luxurious foundation that provides great coverage and soft radiance.

4. Brow Artiste. Perfectly groomed brows frame the face, bring forward the eyes and help complete your look. Comes in multiple shades that are matched to the individual, but the Brunette shade is the most versatile.

5. Luminous Cream Blush. An oil-free, textured blush that gives a subtle, yet radiant, glow. Favorite shade: Pink Cashmere.

6. Pressed Mineral Eye Shadow Quad. Eye shadow quad in Vintage is a beautiful array of deep purple shades. A rich purple shade is the perfect blend of blue and red, which compliments everyone and is a dynamic color for day or night.

7. Eye Illuminating Duo Pencil. A multipurpose pencil designed to accentuate, brighten and reflect light for gorgeous, radiant skin.

8. Hi-Def Translucent Setting Powder. Sets your foundation and keeps your face looking flawless all day.

9. Sheer Lipgloss. Adds shine to lips while keeping them soft and subtle. Favorite shade: Reflection.

10. Outrageous Lashes Mineral Lengthening Mascara. A conditioning and “volumizing” mascara that creates outrageously long, thick lashes. Favorite shade: Blackout

Selecting the perfect shade of makeup is essential for a natural, beautiful look, and I highly encourage women to meet with a professional makeup artist to learn the best match for their skin tone and hair color.

Sona Martinez is a licensed Master Cosmetologist and has worked as a freelance hair and make-up artist for over nine years. Her work includes professional photo shoots, commercial and video production, print advertising, and fashion editorials. Although she maintains a clientele list across the nation, she is primarily based at About Face Skin Care in Snellville, GA.

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The Favorite Shades of Makeup Artists: Mikki Farrar

You know those Favorite Beauty Products of Beauty Experts posts that I do? I fully admit that my favorite part is seeing which makeup shades people use. On Pinterest, I can look at the images of palettes people put together for hours (oooh, you added Shroom?) So, I've decided to ask the biggest experts out there, makeup artists, which products are the ones that they seem to return to over and over. Which are the most versatile, work best for brides, or seem to be so basic that everyone should own them?

First up is Mikki Farrar. I'm so honored to feature her!


1. MAC Mineralize Powders in "Light, Medium Dark, and Dark" are amazing when used to set your liquid foundations. They provide the Powder finish without the Powdery look.

2. Body Bling by Scott Barnes, is an all time favorite. This luminizer can be used anywhere on the body providing a perfect glow. Try mixing it with your foundation, all you need is a small amount to make a big difference. Comes in one shade.

3. MAC LIPMIX these fun lip pigments come in several shades from Blue, Black, Yellow, White to Red. Wear alone for a matte finish, or add a gloss.

4. MAC Eyeshadow
• Brule is an everyday go to, to highlight the brow bone and any other part of the eye. Can also be used as a base coat shadow.

• Embark is a beautiful brown shade with a hint of red. Great for a natural eye, or can be used along with darker colors to neutralize the look.

• Shadowy Lady is a purple mauve color, I use this shadow to create that perfect smokey eye.

• Carbon is a matte black, that can be used along with other shadows to finish off a smokey eye, or wet your eyeliner brush run it along the Carbon shadow and use as an eyeliner.

5. Chanel Rouge Allure in "67 Excessive", a beautiful shade of red, great year around.

6. Guelain Kiss Kiss Pure Comfort Lipstick in "131 Prune" is a perfect Prune color for those of us that like to go bold with the lips.

7. Maybelline New York Dream Bouncy Blush in (20 Peach Satin) is light weight like a powder but goes onto skin like a cream giving a beautiful glow.



Mikki Farrar is a 15 year veteran of the beauty industry. Mikki is a TV/Film makeup artist and continues to work at Turner Networks, Discovery Channel, Weather Channel, HGTV, Bravo and VH1.

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The Favorite Products of Beauty Experts: Phyrra, the Indie Makeup Genius!

1. Too Faced Shadow Insurance
While any variety of TFSI is great, the original is still my favorite. It keeps my eyeshadow locked down and vibrant. It’s the best primer for me and works great with my body chemistry. (CF)

2. Urban Decay 15th Anniversary Palette
I love the new UD shadow formulas and I love this palette in particular for the variety of shades. I’ve got a fantastic bright pink with Junkshow, a gorgeous duotone pink-purple with Omen, a perfect teal with Deep End… just about any color I could want. (CF)

3. Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy
Fyrinnae’s Pixie Epoxy is my favorite mixing medium because I don’t have to get wet! You just apply the smallest amount possible to your eyes, wait a few seconds, brush the color on, and you get amazing, vibrant, shimmery results. (CF, V)

4. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars
With so many shades to choose from, you can easily customize your perfect signature color or wear them exactly as they are. (CF)

5. Morgana Cryptoria Lipsticks
Morgana Cryptoria was the first indie company that I found to make unusual lip colors. I’ve got teals, blues, greens, greys and blacks, in addition to more traditional shades. The formula is great; it’s pigmented but manages to stick around for hours. (CF, V)

6. Cult Nails Nail Polish
Cult Nails makes great nail polish. Their base coat is my must have! I use it with every manicure. Nevermore is my perfect one-coat black. I love their formula as it’s very long wearing for me. (CF, V)

7. Black 15 in 1 Miracle Hair Treatment
After I wash my hair but before I dry it, I spritz this in my hair. It protects my hair from everything including heat. It’s fantastic. (CF)

8. Too Faced Candlelight Glow Duo
My favorite face highlighter! It gives me a great glow. (CF)

9. Sugarpill Poison Plum
I love my purple and this bright matte purple is my favorite. (CF)

10. BftE Glistening
Everyone has their favorite eyeshadow highlighter shade. This is mine. It’s got the perfect amount of sparkle. (CF)

Courtney, better known as Phyrra, is an award-winning cruelty-free beauty blogger and social artist. She's addicted to her kindle fire and nearly inseperable from her standard poodle, Phaedra. Follow her escapades at Phyrra. She's also a contributing writer at My Beauty Bunny, Future Derm, and Curvy Magazine.

On a personal note, Courtney is one of the beauty bloggers that I chat with very often over on Facebook. She's a complete sweetheart and her knowledge of indie brands can't be beat! I'm often inspired by her colorful eye looks, and when I have application questions she's the first one I ask.

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The Favorite Products of Beauty Experts: Stephanie Devine of Tavarua Skin

1. Radical Therapy BioMarine Moisturizer, by Tavarua Skin: I love Radical Therapy, and I use it every morning and every night. It has a light, mousse-like texture and and it’s so moisturizing. I especially love it when we get the Santa Ana winds here in Southern California. It absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy at all, yet keeps my skin looking young and fresh. Sometimes in the morning I apply it with my foundation, to get a really nice, dewy look.

2. Lani Ki Antioxidant Serum, by Tavarua Skin: The light citrus scent and high organic content make this supercharged antioxidant serum a total winner for me. It is 74% organic, and has a high green and white tea content, along with citrus for their antioxidant properties. It really is sunny almost every day here in Southern California, so I use it every day to help keep the free radicals at bay. It really makes a difference in the how my skin looks and feels.

3. Christian Dior Diorskin Nude Skin-Glowing Makeup Sunscreen: This stuff makes my skin look flawless, with very little product and very little effort. It is almost sheer, so it looks very natural and that is important to me. It also has an SPF of 15, so I feel good about protecting my skin.

4. Christian Dior Fluid Foundation Brush: This brush is magical. It is so soft it just makes me happy when I use it. And using the brush means that I use less foundation, so it lasts longer, and it keeps the color of the foundation true since I’m not using my fingers and contaminating it with the oil/dirt that may be on them. I love it! Like I said earlier, sometimes in the morning I apply it and my Radical Therapy Moisturizer by Tavarua Skin at the same time for a gorgeous, dewy look that gets me compliments all day long!

5. Christian Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in “Incognito”: I’m not a big makeup person, but I do need to “represent.” My favorite makeup artist, Amy, from the Dior counter at the Fashion Island Nordstrom introduced me to this palette. The colors are well saturated and really cover my eyelid, and they blend easily. It is perfect! I am excited to try other color palettes very soon.

6. Christian Dior Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in “Intense Brown”: Like I said, I’m not a big makeup person, so Amy really had to sell me on this one. I haven’t worn eyeliner since high school (it was blue, along with my mascara and eyeshadow…that tells you how long ago it was…). But I love wearing it now that I have this one. My eyes have so much more va-va-voom when I wear it! It has this awesome little smudger on one end that makes it super quick and easy to blend. It is just soft enough to go on easily without poking my eyelid, too. Very nice, I use it every day.

7. Original Sprout Miracle Detangler: I originally purchased this for my then-5-year-old-son. He has baby fine hair and would wake up every morning with the worst tangles, just impossible to comb out. The Original Sprout Miracle Detangler is the ONLY thing I found that works for his hair! I also have fine, frizzy hair, so one day I started using it on myself. It works wonderfully to keep my frizzies away! It is 100% Vegan with no parabens, or any other of the stuff you want to keep off of your kids and yourself.

8. Cleanser: I have very sensitive skin, so I use a blend of natural oils to cleanse my skin. I take about 1/3 Castor Oil, 1/3 Grapeseed Oil, and 1/3 either Argan Oil or Rosehip Seed Oil. To cleanse, I wet my skin and massage it all over my face, even on my eyelids and lashes. The oil breaks down all of the dirt, makeup and any other residue clogging my pores without stripping my own natural oils away. At the same time I get a mini face massage! After wiping it away with a hot, wet cloth, my skin feels great and never has the weird squeaky feeling that I used to get after cleansing.

9. All Natural SPF30 FaceStik Sunscreen, by Tavarua Skin: Sun, while necessary for Vitamin D production and just plain ol’ mental health, can also cause long term skin damage. Like wrinkles. Dark spots. Cancer. So I use my own Tavarua Skin All Natural SPF30 FaceStik. I love that it is a zinc-based physical blocker, with none of the nanoparticles or potential hormone disrupters like oxybenzone, octisalate, or avobenzone. I also love that it is based in natural oils like Jojoba Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil…it is super nourishing for my skin, and really stays put even when I’m at the beach in the ocean water. I have worn it hiking, and I sweat like crazy. I never burn anymore! Love it.

10. Repair & Renew BioMarine Copper Peptide Serum, by Tavarua Skin: This serum has a light marine-ish fragrance, because it is based in a sea kelp bioferment. The copper peptides in it target my fine lines and wrinkles and work to help my skin heal itself. I love using it at night before moisturizing, it gives my skin a helping hand at repairing itself while I sleep!

Stephanie Devine is the CEO and Founder of Tavarua Skin, which is based in Southern California. Their formulas are plant and marine vegetable based, use organic and fair trade certified ingredients, and are cruelty free. They also partner with several local and national charitable organizations to give back.


Tavarua Skin

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