My April Favorites!

I don't have a lot of favorites this month, because I got sick and was in bed for nine days.  These are the products that I grabbed pretty much everyday that I did my hair and makeup.

1. MAC Quad - Mystery (dark matte brown), Satin Taupe, Soft Brown (matte), Brûlée (matte)
I purchased this late last summer, and though I liked it, I had a bunch of new palettes I was using.  I have recently went back to using this, and I am using it all the time!  I love mystery for my brows.  Sometimes, this is all I use in them.  Soft Brown is a great transition color for ANY eye look, and Brûlée is a great highlighting shade for ANY look as well.  For my first MAC palette, I really love the choices I made.  My mom loves it so much, that she went and put together the exact same palette for herself.  She has different hair color, eye color, and skin tone, which just shows how universally flattering it is!  It isn't a cheap purchase, but the shadows are so high quality, no fall out, and long lasting that it is worth it in my opinion.

2.  ELF HD Powder (translucent)
I started buying ELF quite some time ago, but I was skeptical.  I wasn't sure how good it would be for being so inexpensive, but I have to say most things I have tried, I have really liked!  This is my latest ELF purchase, and I love it!  It is a very lightweight, loose, translucent finishing powder.  It sets my makeup, and helps it to last the entire day!  I have nothing bad to say about this product.  This is the only powder I have used since I purchases it, which says a lot.  I know they have an under eye setting powder, that I have heard great things about.  I can't wait to try that one as well.  This powder was only $6.  You can find ELF online, at Target, and Meijer.

3.  ELF Kabuki Brush -  I bought this brush when I bought the powder, and it works great!  It was only $6!  I have washed it, and used it every time I applied makeup.  It has had no fallout or left any bristles behind with application.  It does a great job!

4.  L'Oreal Boost It Hairspray - L'Oreal has come out with a new line of products.  This is the first that I have tried, and it works really great!  I use this with my teasing comb.  I section my hair, back comb, spray, let dry for a few moments, and it leaves a lift that last all day!  If you have hair that tend to fall flat, give this spray a try.  It's a drugstore product, with a high end effect. 

Quote Of The Week

The key is to keep company only only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best. - Epictetus

Nails Of The Week

           OPI - Not So Bora Bora-ing Pink

Drugstore Beauty Deals - CVS, Rite-Aid, & Walgreens 04/20/14 - 04/26/14

CVS

RB = Reward Bucks

- Nature Made Vitamins & Supplements - BOGO FREE

-  Natures Bounty Vitamins & Supplements - BOGO FREE

-  Nivea Mens Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Dove Body Wash - BOGO 50% Off

-  Caress Body Wash & Bars - BOGO 50% Off

-  Degree Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  Dove Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  Gold Bond - BOGO 50% Off

-  One A Day Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Citracal - BOGO 50% Off

-  Flintstones Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Speed Stick Gear Deodorant - Buy 2, get $3 RB

-  John Frieda Hair Care, Hair Color, and NEW Color Refreshing Gloss - Buy 2, get $5 RB

-  L'Oreal Ever Hair Care - Buy 2, get $4 RB

-  L'Oreal Foundation, Powder, Blush, Concealer, and Eye Products - Spend $12, get $4 RB

-  Neutrogena Hand Cream, Specialty Bath Items, and All Cosmetics and Facial Moisturizers - Spend $30, get $10 RB

-  Maybelline Cosmetics - Spend $10, get $3 RB

-  L'Oreal Skin Care - Spend $30, get $10 RB

-  Almay Cosmetics - Spend $10, get $3 RB

Rite-Aid

UR = Up Rewards

-  Natures Made Vitamins & Supplements - BOGO FREE

-  Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap - BOGO FREE

-  Revlon Cosmetics - 40% Off

-  Neutrogena Cosmetics - 30% Off

-  Cover Girl Lip & Nail Products - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Lip Color - BOGO 50% Off

-  Maybelline Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Almay Liquid Lip - BOGO 50% Off

-  Simple Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Nexxus Shampoo, Conditioner, and Stylers - BOGO 50% Off

-  Pond's Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  One A Day Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Citracal - BOGO 50% Off

-  Flintstone Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Suave Hair Care, Skin Care, Body Wash, and Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  Aveeno Sun Care and Sunless Products - Buy 2, get $3 UR

-  Neutrogena Sun Care and Suness Products - Buy 2, get $3 UR

-  Coppertone Sun Care, Tanning, and After Sun Products - Buy 2, get $2 UR

-  Secret Deodorant - Buy 2, get $2 UR

-  L'Oreal Age Perfect Glow Renewal Day Lotion - 20% Off

-  Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Enamel - Buy 2, get $3 UR

Walgreens

RR = Register Rewards

-  Nature Made Vitamins - BOGO FREE

-  Right Guard Deodorant - BOGO FREE

-  Natures Bounty Supplements - BOGO FREE

-  Maybelline Face, Nail, and Lip Cosmetics - BOGO FREE

-  Almay Face & Eye Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Neutrogena Cosmetics - BOGO 50%

-  Revlon Face, Eye, and Lip Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Gillette Disposable Razors - BOGO 50% Off

-  Gillette Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  One A Day Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Vaseline Skin & Lip Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  St. Ives Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Yes To Skin & Hair Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Clairol Herbal Essences Hair Care & Select Stylers - BOGO 50% Off

-  Old Spice Shampoo & Stylers - BOGO 50% Off

-  Neutrogena Sun Care - 50% Off

-  St. Ives Body Wash - Buy 2, get 2,000 pts.

-  Roc Skin Care - Buy 2, get 10,000 pts.

-  Axe Body Wash - Buy 2, get 2,000 pts.

*These are National deals and can vary from state to state.

5 Of My Beauty Tips & Fixes

1.  If you make a mistake with your mascara, DON'T PANIC!  I get mascara on my eyeshadow or below my eye all the time.  Let it dry, and then use a Q tip to gently wipe it away.  It will flake off, and no one will ever know you had any mishaps!

2.  Always take care of your skin!  It is our bodies largest organ, and should not be neglected.  Cleanse twice a day, use a toner (I like witch hazel), and moisturize.  Never forget your under eye area.  This is where you will see first signs of aging.  NEVER go to bed with your makeup on.  NEVER!!

3.  Use all of your cream products, then apply your powder products.  You don't want to mix them, because you will end up looking so cakey and made up.  The powder products set the cream ones, and keep them from moving or creasing.  If you use a kohl/pencil liner, set it with the same color eye shadow.  This will ensure that it lasts all day and doesn't move.

4.  Don't line your bottom lash line only!  I don't see this a lot, but I do see it from time to time, and it honestly freaks me out!  It is just the oddest looking thing, and you may not even recognize what it is that looks so odd.  It draws the eye down, and makes your face look droopy.  If you are only going to line one lash line, line the top.  You don't have to use liner at all, but if you don't, make sure you use plenty of mascara or false lashes.  If I want some definition, but I just want to lightly line, use a smudge brush and eye shadow as a liner.

5.  Don't use a lip liner that is way too dark for your lipstick.  It looks so odd, makes the lips appear smaller, and in my opinion ages you.  This used to be something we did in the 90's, but it's just not a good look.  It flatters no one!  Your liner doesn't need to be an exact match, but it does need to be similar to work.

Exercise Of The Week - Hungarian Squat

I carry my weight in my lower half, so I do a lot of squats and lunges to tone and shape.  One of my favorites is the hungarian squat. It really gets deep into the muscle.  It targets you glutes and hamstrings.  If you are starting out, please don't use any weights.  Your body weight is already an overload on the muscle.  I would start with 3 sets/10 reps per leg, and work your way up from there.

Stand a fair distance from your bench or chair.  Put one leg on the bench, and your weight in the heel of the front standing leg.  Balance is important here.  If you are unstable at first, have something you can grab onto for support.

 Slowly lower down till your front leg is at a 90 degree angle.  IMPORTANT - Make sure that your knee does not extend past your toes when lowering.  If it does, step further away from your bench. Pause for a second at the bottom of the squat, then return to your starting position.  As you do, consciously squeeze your glutes and hamstrings.

                                       

Do not alternate legs.  Do ten at a time on each leg before moving on.  You really want to fatigue those muscles.  Also, inhale on your way down, and exhale on your way up.  Many trainers don't talk about breathing when it comes to weight training, but it is very important.  Always exhale on the positive motion.  Incorporate these into your leg routine, and I promise you that it will make a difference.  Form is EVERYTHING with weight training.  Always be conscious of it, and check it.  As you get tired, you will lose it, and that is where injuries happen.  This exercise takes some getting used to, it can be a little awkward at first, but give it time.  It will eventually become second nature.

Good Luck this week with your goals.  Make a workout plan, and stick to it.  You got this!!

-XOXO Monique

FOTD - Natural Glow

I love Jennifer Lopez's makeup and style.  So, I wanted to achieve that J Lo Glow.  Here are the face products that I used to get that natural looking glow:

NYX Pore Filler

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation - W6

L'Oreal True Match Foundation - W7

NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator - Gleam

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser - Light

Flower Cosmetics Cream Blush - Peach Blossom

Revlon Photoready Bronzer Powder - Bronzed & Chic

Cover Girl Instant Cheekbones - Sophisticated Sable

ELF HD Powder 

Step 1 - I am between colors on my foundation, so I mixed the 2 L'Oreal foundations with the NYX Liquid Illuminator.  I applied them evenly over my entire face, with my Sigma F80 Kabuki Brush.  

Step 2 - Using the Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser, I highlighted the center of my forehead, under my eyes (upside down triangle), the center of my chin, center of my nose, and cupid's bow.

Step 3 - I applied the Flower Cream Blush to the apples of my cheeks only.  I did this because you want to use all your cream products, then your powder ones.  Don't mix back and forth.  You will end up looking like a cake face!

Step 4 - Next, I applied the bronzer....in the hollows of my cheeks, temples, sides of forehead, sides of my nose, and jawline.  

Step 5 - I used all 3 shades of my Cover Girl Instant Cheekbones.  The darkest color, I applied to the backs of my cheeks, close to the hairline.  The middle color, I applied to the apples of my cheeks.  The lightest color, was applied to the tops of my cheekbones, center of my nose, forehead, and chin.  I used a very light hand with the application of the highlight color.  

Step 6 - I used a powder brush to blend everything out, and applied a light dusting of the ELF HD Powder.  

This may be a lot more steps than you are used to doing with the skin, but once you get it down, it goes very quickly.  It just takes a little practice.  After a few times, it should be a snap!  

If you would like to see how I highlight and contour, Click Here!

Quote Of The Week

Next to the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. - Martin Luther

Beauty Deals - 413/14 - 4/19/14 - CVS, Rite-Aid, & Walgreens

CVS

RB = Reward Bucks 

-  Physician's Formula Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Revlon Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Almay Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Curel Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Jergen's Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Lumene Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Roc Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  St. Ives Spray - BOGO 50% Off

-  Vaseline Spray & Go - BOGO 50% Off

-  Biore Cleanser, Pore Strips, and Mask - BOGO 50% Off

-  Pond's BB Cream, Facial Cream, and Towelettes - BOGO 50% Off

-  Neutrogena Facial Care, Cosmetics, Hair Care, Mens, Hands Cream, and Specialty Bath Items - BOGO 50% Off

-  Leggs Sheers, Shaper, Tights, Knee Highs, and Foot Covers - BOGO 50% Off

-  Aveeno Facial Care, Hand/Body Lotions, Personal Cleansing, Hair Care, and Sun Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Schick Razors, Cartridges, Disposables, and more - Spend $25, get $10 RB

-  Sally Hansen Cosmetics - Spend $10, get $5 RB

-  Olay Daily Facial Cloths, Cleansers, Total Effects Facial, and Regenerist Premium, Regenerist, and Total Effects Tone - Spend $50, get $15 Mail In Rebate

-  Garnier Facial Care - Buy 2, get $3 RB

-  Lubriderm - Spend $30, get $10 RB

-  Gillette and Venus Disposable Razors - Buy 2, get $2 RB

Rite-Aid

UR = Up Rewards

-  All Nair Products - BOGO FREE

-Nature Made Vitamins & Supplements 120 ct and higher - BOGO FREE

-  Natures Bounty Vitamins & Supplements - BOGO FREE

-  Revlon Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Cover Girl Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Maybelline Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Almay Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Neutrogena Hair, Skin, and Bath - BOGO 50% Off

-  One A Day Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Jergens, Curel, and Biore Skin Care - Buy 2, get $5 UR

-  Physician's Formula Face & Lip Cosmetics - Spend $15, get $5 UR

-  Clean & Clear Skin Care - Spend $25, get $10 UR

-  Trubiotics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Dove Body Wash & Bar Soap - Buy 2, get $3 UR

-  Flintstone Vitamins - BOGO 50% Off

-  Secret Deodorant - BOGO 50% Off

-  Ivory Skin & Bath Care - BOGO 50% Off

-Aveeno Hair Care, Cream & Men's Skin Care - Spend $25, get $10 UR

-  Neutrogena Skin Care, Aveeno Sun Care, and Lubriderm Skin Care - Spend $25, get $10 UR

Walgreens

RR = Register Rewards

-  Ester C Supplements - BOGO FREE

-  Nature Made Vitamins, select varieties - BOGO FREE

-  Natures Bounty Supplements, select varieties - BOGO FREE

-  Cover Gir Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Rimmel Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Revlon Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  L'Oreal Cosmetics - BOGO 50% Off

-  Maybelline Cosmetics - BOGO 50%

-  Schick Quattro, Xtreme3, and Slim Trim Disposable Razors - BOGO 50% Off

-  Aveeno Baby, Skin, and Sun - BOGO 50% Off

-  Neutrogena Skin Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Schick Hydro Shave - BOGO 50% Off

-  Axe Products, select varieties - BOGO 50% Off

-  Dove Skin, Bath, and Hair - BOGO 50% Off

-  Biotene Oral Care - BOGO 50% Off

-  Broadway Nails, Kiss Beauty Tools, Nails, and Eyelashes - BOGO 50% Off

-  Sally Hansen Nail Color, Art, and Pen - BOGO 50% Off

-  Biore Skin Care - Buy 2, get 2,000 pts added to your card.

-  Curel Lotion - Buy 2, get 2,000 pts added to your card.

-  Jergens Lotion - Buy 2, get 2,000 pts added to your card.

-  Coppertone and Bain de Soleil Sun Care - Buy 2, get 5,000 pts added to your card.

-  Crest Prohealth Toothpaste - Buy 1, get $2 RR

-  Almay Smart Shade Foundation, Powder, and Blush - Buy 1, get $3 RR

*These are National Deals and can vary from state to state.

Health Tip Of The Week - PHA (Peripheral Heart Action) Training

Today, we live busier lives than ever before.  People are always saying that they don't have the time to workout.  So, here is a training method that gets cardio and strength training in in a very short amount of time.  Do it for 20 - 30 minutes, and I promise you will be panting, sweating, and burning optimal calories!

What is PHA training?  It is a type of circuit training where you do an upper body exercise, followed by a lower body exercise, without any rest between exercises.  For example, an overhead press followed by a squat.  Once you finish one set of each exercise, take up to a minute rest before starting your next set.  With each workout, drop that rest time until you don't need to rest at all.

Why is this such an effective training method?  Whatever muscle your body is working, your blood will be rushed to that muscle.  By working the upper body, then the lower body, blood is being rushed from one area and then the other, increasing the heart rate.  This style of training can improve cardio endurance, muscle strength, and muscle endurance.  You do want to make sure that you are working at 80% of your maximum heart rate.  With a short workout, you need to keep up the intensity.  This workout doesn't allow you to phone it in.  Your heart rate will elevate quickly.  To figure out what 80% of your max heart rate is use this equation:  220 - your age x .08

Here is an example of a PHA Training Workout:

1.  Overhead Press
2.  Squat
3.  Wide Grip Row
4.  Lunges
5.  Chest Press
6.  Sumo Squat

Do 10 - 12 of each exercise (without a break) 4 - 5 sets.  Once you run through all 6 exercises, take a one minute rest.  Use a heavy enough weight, that by the time you get to the last 1 or 2 reps of that exercise, you are struggling.  If you are new to exercise, you probably won't need weights for the lower body exercises.  Give PHA a try.  It is worth the time, and a great way to mix up your routines!

-XOXO Monique

My Top 10 Spring & Summer Lipsticks (Mostly Drugstore)!

I have a lot of lipsticks.  I probably buy more lip products than anything else.  I went through everything to pick out my top 10.  These are the lipsticks that I grab the most during the warmer months.

1.  MAC Sheen Supreme - Asian Flower

This is the first MAC Lipstick I ever bought, and I still love it!  It is a shade of orchid, which is the color of the year.  This formula is a cross between a lipstick and a gloss, but not sticky at all.  Very moisturizing.

2.  MAC Viva Glam Nicki

I had heard a lot of buzz about this lipstick, and I wanted to try it.  My mom loved it, and talked me into it.  Otherwise, I wouldn't have bought it, but I do love it.  This is a very warm weather color!

3.  NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

I really like this deep pink shade.  It is a matte, which is hard to find.  If matte isn't for you, you can always add a gloss over it.  These don't smear or rub, and last longer than a typical lipstick.

4.  L'Oreal Le Gloss - Raspberry Flush

These are almost like a hybrid between a gloss and lipstick.  They feel like a gloss, but have more of a saturated color than a lipstick.  Some are more pigmented than others.  I like this one on it's own or over a lipstick.

5.  Maybelline Color Sensational - Vibrant Mandarin

This color looks a little more red in the pic, than it is in person.  I used this lipstick in one of my very first posts last year.  It is so pretty, and orange lips are very on trend for this year, just like last year.  There is an entire Maybelline line of vivids to choose from.  I would do more of a neutral look for the rest of my face, and let the lips be the focus of the look.

6.  NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss - Beige

I wanted this color for so long, but every time I went to Ulta it was out!  I actually ended up finding this at my local Meijer store.  These are very comfortable on the lips.  The one thing I'm not crazy about is the smell.  Many NYX lip products smell like cake or frosting.  This one smells more like licorice.  As long as you don't mind the smell, which isn't overpowering once applied, I think you will really enjoy this one.  It is very versatile.  I wear it alone, and over many different pink lipsticks.

7.  Maybelline Color Sensational - Make Me Pink

This is one of my favorite pink lipsticks ever!  I love Maybelline's formula, and this is a perfect pink that would flatter everyone.  I wear this all year around, but it is beautiful in the Spring and Summer, with pink and purple eye looks.

8.  Wet N Wild - 901B Think Pink

This Wet N Wild formula, in my opinion, is very underrated!  They are super affordable, have great color selection, and lasts longer than most on my lips.  If you find it a little drying, just apply a gloss on top.  These are a great option if you want to branch out and try some new lip colors, but don't want to spend a lot on a color you aren't sure of.

9.  Wet N Wild - 903C Just Peachy

I do have a lot of pink's, but I really do love peach and coral as well.  There just aren't as many to choose from.  This is a light peach, that could pass for a nude.  It would go well for any look, and would look great on a variety of people.  

10.  Wet N Wild - 967 Dollhouse Pink

Okay, I know this one will be a little much for a lot of people, but it really does look great!  It is a neon pink, but with a more neutral face, it is a great night out lipstick.  Not convinced?  Maybe I'll do a FOTD, using it :)

I know that some of these colors may be a little bit out of some people's comfort zone, but it is just lipstick.   Try something new.  If you don't like it, just wipe it off, and go back to you trusty stand by. I love playing around with new looks depending on my outfit or what I am doing.  Have some fun!  Makeup doesn't have to be serious.  You just may end up finding a new favorite!

 I am wearing Wet N Wild - Think Pink topped with NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss - Beige

Make sure you like me on Facebook, www.facebook.com/yourbeautyplace1 and www.instagram.com/yourbeautyplace for FOTD'S and other pics!  

Quote Of The Week

I wish you'd take a walk in my shoes for a start.  And you might think it's easy being me.  You just stand still, look pretty. - The Wreckers "Stand Still, Look Pretty"

                                                

Nails Of The week

L'Oreal Collection Privee - Julianes Nude