Minimalistic Makeup

I don't know about you but I used to be a makeup hoarder. I collected eye shadows, lipsticks, eye shadow brushes... you name it, I had twenty. I was always on the search for the PERFECT foundation or the perfect mascara, or my "signature" lip color. I spent so much money and was never content in my findings. I wore makeup because I wasn't confident in my natural skin. I had blemishes to cover up and rosacea that left my cheeks red at all times. Once I found Rodan + Fields Skincare  my rosacea healed and my acne went away. It was AMAZING to be able to walk out of the house makeup free. Over the past two years my idea of "makeup" has changed dramatically. When we were packing our things to move to Hawaii, I found drawers and drawers of old makeup, barely used, that I didn't need anymore. I decided to cut my losses and throw it ALL away. It was so freeing. 

Most days I don't wear any makeup at all. When I do wear makeup, I have a few products that I like to use. I have a little more makeup than this, but honestly, I don't use much. Embarking on a minimalistic life and freeing myself from the possessions I don't need has been such an amazing journey! I highly recommend it. :) 

PS. you should go through your makeup every 6 months anyways because products can expire fast and nothing is more gross than 10 year old lipstick! (been there, threw away that).  

MY MUST-HAVES:

1. Mineral Peptide Power in Medium and Bronze :

I cannot say enough good things about this powder. It is lightweight and gives an even coverage that looks NATURAL! My favorite part about it is that it contains amino acid peptides which protect your skin from the sun and other environmental factors! I use the Medium for all over my face and then the Bronze as a bronzer. It has SPF 20 in it and so this is a must-have in my beach bag and way easier to apply then face sunscreen. 

2. Mac Painterly Paint Pot : 

I have been loyal to this product since highschool. This paint pot is just a nude cream shadow that I put on my eyes instead of eye shadow. I put it on my eyelids before putting on eyeliner or mascara and it gives my eyelids just a little bit of brightness!

3. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner :

Not gonna lie, I found out about this gem from Joanna Gaines on Fixer Upper! I don't wear eyeliner often but when i'm going out on a date night, I will line only my upper lash line with this. Its inexpensive, doesn't smear, and stays all day! I use the brown/black shade. :) 

4. L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara:

This is another favorite of mine that I have been using since highschool! I love how it lengthens but also thickens your eyelashes. My favorite part about this mascara is the WAND! Its so unique and works super effectively. :) I remember in highschool I would go through so much of this mascara and would have to buy a new one each month! Since I've been using Lash Boost though, my lashes are already so long and thick that I just put one quick coat of this on and i'm good to go! 

Thats it- My makeup routine is very simply these days but thats how I like it! I hope this was helpful for you and that you can try some of these products out! I would also encourage you to go through and minimize your own makeup collections. If you need help with your skin and want to be foundation free, just send me a quick e-mail and I can help you find something that works for you! 

Have a great day everyone!!! 

Hugs + Kissees

Lauren

My top 3 uses for coconut oil

Coconut oil has become increasingly more popular these days. From an alternative to cooking oil to using it as a moisturizer, there are many amazing uses for this powerful oil! I use it in my daily routine in three unique ways that you may have not heard before. I swear by these daily rituals and I know you will love them too!

1.     Oil Pulling- You may not have heard of oil pulling before, but if you haven’t starting oil pulling yet, you need to! I have always struggled with having low enamel on my teeth and whenever I went to the dentist, they would always prescribe me special medicine (full of chemicals) in order to help my teeth enamel. It seemed like whatever I would try, nothing would help build the enamel and whiten my teeth. One day I got so sick of it that I got on the computer and started googling natural remedies for oral health. I came across oil pulling and thought it sounded super strange but I was willing to give it a shot. I use about a tablespoon of coconut oil and I swish it in my mouth for about 20 minutes. I cannot even begin to tell you all the amazing things this simple ritual has done for me! My teeth have never been whiter, stronger or healthier! Coconut oil not only rebuilds your teeth but it also purifies them and gets rid of the bad bacteria. It’s truly amazing what this natural health remedy can do!

2.     dry Brushing/Oiling- Another daily ritual I have added to my routine is dry brushing my body and then putting coconut oil on my skin before I take a shower. Dry brushing is amazing for circulation and removing dead skin cells. After dry brushing, massage coconut oil into the skin for five minutes and then rinse it off in the shower. It’s the best moisturizer for your body (along with my R+F moisturizer for extra dry days). I would NOT recommend putting coconut oil on your face, though. This will clog your pores and cause unwanted breakouts! I use an AMAZING oil free moisturizer and exfoliant that works for my face. E-mail me and I can tell you more about it!

3.     Coffee Creamer- Yep. I’m one of those people that makes “bullet-proof coffee”. Ha! For reals, though. Coconut oil in your coffee is a game changer! It makes your coffee taste silky smooth and creamy without all the calories and bad fats. Coconut oil has a ton of HEALTHY fat and it has also been known to help with digestion, weight loss, and inflammation! Don’t be afraid of this health source of fat. It will do much more good than harm!

I buy the big container of Organic Coconut Oil from Costco to use for all of these uses. I promise, these daily rituals will be a game-changer for you. Try them out and let me know what you think!

Hugs + Kissees,

Lauren