Aveeno Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

One of my all time favorite drugstore products is Aveeno's Skin Brightening Daily Scrub.  I use this nearly everyday about once a day.  And I have been using it for years.  This product will keep dry scaly skin at bay without harsh abrasives or drying out your skin.  I have oily skin and it keeps my skin so soft and glowing.  It's my secret weapon to beautiful skin and I recommend this product to all my clients for their best skin ever.

Where to buy...

http://www.target.com/ $6.99

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De-Stick Sticky Lipgloss

Happy Friday everyone!  Don't you find it crazy annoying when your lipgloss is super sticky?  I do!  Especially when the wind is blowing or when I want to kiss my babies.  Or when I'm taking a drink and that awful sticky film won't wash off the cup.  I think your hubby's or boyfriends will agree with this too. 

But lipgloss, especially the sticky ones (most shine) look so amazing!  I am a self professed lipgloss-oholic.  I can't live without it!  Well here's a quick little tip for you that you will love!

Rub and ice cube around your sticky lips and this will dilute the gooeyness. 

Did this work for you?  Do you have any tips and tricks you would like to share?  Comment below!

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Makeup Tips from a Three Year Old

Yep, that little one belongs to me!

 I turn my back for just a few minutes and BAM! I've got a crazy mess on my hands. My 3 year old gets into her brother's Desitin and apply's her "makeup".  And not to mention that big box of wipes she pulled out in her attempt to cover up what she did. That's what she told me she was doing. How in the world could I get mad at that?  I couldn't help but laugh. Which was just more encouraging to her. I asked her what her method was and she says this. "I put my lips on, and my cheeks on. I'm a Princess." Simple techniques from a hilarious 3 year old. I also noticed that she has some mad highlighting skills with Desitin applied on the bridge of her nose and on her forehead. She is definitely a girl after my heart!

Enjoy the simple things and have a good laugh!  XOXO

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Makeup Tips for Engagement Photos

Getting engagement photos professionally done are one of the most important things on your to do list right now since getting engaged.  It time stamps how you and your fiance looked at this memorable time.  And likely you will use these photos for your "save the date", at your wedding, and you will be hanging this in your home that you have built together.  So it is equally as important to look your best.  If you can't hire a makeup artist, here are some tips that you can do on your own. 

1. Get your eyebrows waxed!  Uni brows and thin brows are out.  Natural and groomed brows are in. The eyebrows are the frame for you eyes.  Big bushy eyebrows take away from your eyes, which is the single most important thing to stand out in your pictures.  Besides the obvious, your love:)  If your brows are too thin, of course skip this step.  But you will want to work on getting them thicker.  To grow them out, stop plucking and waxing immediately.  I like to use Latisse or some kind of lash grower on the brow area only.  It's effective and it works!  However, this may take a few months to do for the hair cycle.

2. Don't wax no earlier then a week before your scheduled photo shoot.  Sometimes you can have a reaction to the wax.  You certainly don't want to find this out as you have your wax the day before. 

3. Start using a daily scrub to buff out dull and lifeless skin.  I personally love Aveeno Daily Scrub $6 found at drug stores everywhere.  It's cheap, and works really well. 

4. Hydrate your skin inside and out.  This means 8-10 glasses of water daily and moisturizing with a good moisturizer day and night.  Use the type of moisturizer that is meant for your skin type.  Oily skin should use a water based oil free moisturizer.  And dry skin should use a thicker and richer type of moisturizer meant for dry skin. 

5. Don't skip on the eye gel!  Time and time again I get a bride with very dry skin around the eyes.  It is so dry that the moisturizers I use just soak in so fast and it begs for more.  I'm serious, the skin tells me that:)  Opt for an eye gel over an eye lotion.  Gels absorb better in the skin and won't clog the pores in this very delicate area. 

6. Makeup Tips!  Go for a natural look.  Just be your best self.  Attempting an over the top look will just look ridiculous.  Since you will be on camera you could afford to go slightly more dramatic since the camera won't pick up all the detail.  Check out my post here on the best eye shadows for you eye color here for tips on your best colors. Pairing these shades with complimentary blush and lip color will leave you looking picture perfect.  If you want a bit more drama, you can choose to wear a pair of false eyelashes.  Just be sure to get them so they are not too long or thick.  Think naturally beautiful here.  A pair of demi lashes is a good choice and are easy to get on.  Demi lashes are "half" lashes that are not a full lash and are just added to outer part of the lashes to add flair.  Check out this video for how to apply false lashes. 

7. Wear a good foundation.  I personally love liquid foundations.  You get great coverage and if you pick the right color for you it will disappear into the skin like a lotion.  Make Up Forever HD Foundation is my all time favorite.  It's spendy, but the finish is absolutely beautiful and meant for High Definition cameras.  To match your perfect color test it on your collarbone, not your face.  Often our faces won't tan, or there is less pigment.  You want your face to blend with your body. 

To get the look in the photos above- I used on Olesha Taupless by MAC all over the lid and lightly on the brow bone.  Haux by MAC in the crease.  Lips are a light plumy pink lip gloss and I used Dame blush by MAC on the cheeks.  L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black and MAC Raven Eye Kohl.  Super easy and very chic. 

Models: Mike and Olesha (such a gorgeous couple!)
Photographer: Warren Hearl with http://www.imagigraphics.smugmug.com/
Hair: Stacey Barton with http://www.looksharpsalon.com/
Makeup: Michelle Kinkaid http://www.michellekinkaidmakeup.com/
Location: McKinnley Park, Sacramento Ca.

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Video Tutorial - How to Clean and Disinfect Your Makeup Brushes

This video shows you how to easily clean and disinfect your makeup brushes for either light, moderate or heavy usage.  This system is not created by me.  I learned how to do this on YouTube a long time ago, but this is my preferred method out of the tons you can do.  I also tell you when and how you should be cleaning them.

Daily and in between clients/colors:
MAC Brush Cleaner.  Get the spray nozzle at Sally's.  Simply spray a bit on a clean towel or paper towel and move the brush in a circular motion.  This is alcohol based so it will disinfect.

Baby Shampoo Method:
Do this once a week for personal use. If you are a makeup artist put your dirty brushes that you used in a plastic zip lock bag.  When you get home wash with the baby shampoo.

EVOO/Baby Shampoo deep clean:
Do this about once a month or every two weeks if you are a makeup artist working consistently.  Start by giving your brushes a pre-treatment by putting Olive Oil on a strong paper towel and rubbing the brush head in a circular motion.  This will loosen up any deep down dirt, oils, product and bacteria.  Then wash in warm water using the baby shampoo to remove extra dirt and the olive oil. 

Tips:
1.Wash the brush with the bristles pointing downwards.  Do not flip the brush bristles up while wet or running in the water.  This will cause the water to drip into the feral (the metal part) and loosen up your bristles resulting in thinning. 
2.You also don't want to get the wood handle wet.
3.For large fluffy brushes wash in a circular motion.  For flat or synthetics brushes go back and forth.
4.When finished squeeze out extra water in a dry towel.
5.Test to make sure the brush is clean by wiping it on a clean towel and see if there is any residue still coming off.
6.Reshape the brush and lay flat on a dry, clean towel. 
7.It may take over night for the brush to dry.  Larger brushes will take longer.

Hope you found this helpful!  Let me know what you think and what else you would like to see me do!  Comment here or Follow me on www.facebook.com/mkmakeupartist and www.twitter.com/michellekinkaid.

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Video Tutorial - How to Fix Broken Eyeshadows and Blushes

In this video I show you how to easily and quickly fix broken powdered eye shadows, blushes or even facial powders.  This technique is sanitary and simple to do. 

You will need:
70% or higher rubbing alcohol
Syringe or dropper
Sandwich bag
Quarter

The Steps:
1. Place a few drops of rubbing alcohol directly to the effected area. 
2. Carefully place eyeshadow pan in the sandwich bag and push to the corner.
3. Place the quarter on top of the bag and press firmly to press the eyeshadow back to form.
4. Set eyeshadow to the side to dry.

That's it!  It is so simple!  And it saves you a ton of money.  Please comment and SUBSCRIBE to all my channels!

Your Questions Answered! How to Get Rid of Baggy Eyes

As of late, I have been getting tons of great questions from my readers.  So I decided to address them publicly so that everyone can benefit from the answer.  I can also give a more detailed and thoughtful answer this way. 

"Hi Michelle< I was wondering if you know any techniques or cosmetics for the bags under the eyes? I now have an extra bag under each eye. and I know getting older doesn't help but I would like to minimize them.."

First, let's understand the difference between Puffy eyes and Baggy eyes. 

Puffy eyes are mostly a build up of fluids caused by allergic reactions, lack of sleep, stress, too much sodium intake, build up of toxins, crying, body fluid fluctuations, too much alcohol intake, hereditary disposition, contact lens irritation, and irritations to eye creams or lotions.  Puffy eyes are relatively easy to treat.  Basically try to avoid any of the above.  But if you still end up getting puffy eyes then a cold compress for about 10-15 minutes can do the trick. 

Baggy eyes are the loss of elasticity in the skin around the eyes caused by aging, too much pulling on the skin over the years, hereditary disposition, toxicity, pillows of fat that have bellowed out due to the ligaments getting weaker, swelling and deflating during sinus infections, and lifestyle.  This is usually a permanent issue but can be minimized by skin treatments and surgery.

Both types are similar and can be treated a lot the same to minimize the appearance.  You can tighten the skin temporarily with a cold compress to bring down the swelling or with topical treatments such as Obaji's Elastiderm.  There's also a trick used by makeup artists by putting Preparation H on the puffy areas.  But use caution to not get this product in the eyes!  Make sure to use the cream form and not the gel form.  Lifestyle changes can go a long way too.

A more aggressive and longer lasting way to treat puffy or baggy eyes is to use a filler such as Juviderm.  This typically lasts up to 18 months and requires no surgery.  It is injected just below the puffy eye to balance out the look and to remove indentations.  Botox is often used in conjunction to smooth out the lines.  The overall look is a younger looking eye.  The cost for Juviderm is about $500 for a vial and the amount depends on how much you need.  Some people can go to 2-3 vials pretty easily.  Botox is about $10 a unit and again the amount depends on your needs.  Most people can look at at least 30 units or more.  This type of treatment requires artistic talent and should only be done by a qualified and trained doctor.

For a more permanent look, lasting around 20 years is an eye lift (Blepharoplasty).  This does require surgery and downtime.  This involves inserting a tiny electric probe into the "puff" and melting the fat.  This is the only thing needed for younger people, but some older folks may also need the skin to be tucked.  This surgery can be expensive at around $6000 but, again the overall look is a younger looking eye without the hassle of going in every 18 months to be poked.  Please please, please make certain that your doctor is a qualified surgeon and is a board certified plastic surgeon.

Ok, so if surgery and being filled and poked is not an option for you.  You can create an illusion of tightened eyes with makeup.  The secret weapon is concealer.  That's right.  Concealer.  Using a creamy concealer about 1-2 shades lighter then your natural color.  Pat in the corner of your eye working to the outer corner.  Use a fluffy brush to buff it out in a downward "v".  Meaning sitting on the top of your cheek bone.  The lighter color will reflect light therefore creating an illusion of smoother eyes.  Make sure to start with a small amount.  If you need more apply a tiny bit more.  But don't over do it.  You don't want it to be obvious.  Set your concealer with dust of translucent powder.  A little bit of illuminator such as MAC's Strobe Cream or Mary Kay's Liquid Illuminator on the top of the cheek bones, down the bridge of the nose and in the center of the forehead will create a youthful appearance.

Makeup and lifestyle is certainly the safest and easiest way to minimize the appearance of puffy and baggy eyes.  But it isn't a permanent fix or a perfect solution.  The choice is yours and it should be weighed out carefully.  Make sure you are fully informed on all of your options by doing your research and having a consultation with a board certified surgeon or medical doctor. 

Stretch Mark Prevention in Pregnancy - My Personal Guide

Even though the skin is very elastic, rapid weight gain and excessive stretching like in pregnancy (or puberty) can cause the skin to tear and scar.  Stretch marks can even appear with weight loss.  Especially if it was a large amount.  As unsightly and devastating these can be to a woman some would say it's the battle wounds of pregnancy and they would wear their scars proudly.  But if you could prevent it - wouldn't you?  No one chooses to have stretch marks.  It's just a harsh reality of life.  According to WebMD 90% of woman get stretch marks and genetics play a huge part.  "Basically, if your mother had them, you're probably going to have them," says Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Group and author of The Skin Type Solution.  Well, I may disagree with that quote.  And that is what this post is about.  I am genetically disposed to getting stretch marks.  My mother and my sisters all got them.  I had two children, close in age.  I gained 28lbs with my first and I was 42lbs overweight with my second.  And I got not one stretch mark.  How did I do that?  Well I am going to tell you exactly what I did with both pregnancies.  Now I am not claiming that you will not get stretch marks.  What I am trying to say is that I am a testimonial of genetically disposed woman that didn't get stretch marks.  It didn't come easy.  I had a routine that I religiously stuck too and never strayed.  At times I felt sticky and smelled of minerals.  But the payoff was worth it all.  There are ways to minimize the appearance of stretch marks but stretch marks are a permanent fixture once they appear.  I am hoping this may help out other woman with their quests to prevent stretch marks.  Before you do anything I am recommending you check with your doctor FIRST for absolute certainty what is appropriate for you.   Let's start out with the basics and common sense ones then we will go on to a month by month routine.  Click on the links for buying info.

1.Moisturize!  This starts from the inside out.  Yes, that means DRINK WATER.  And tons of it!  The recommended daily intake amount is 8-10 8oz glasses a day.  Drink 10-12 8oz glasses during pregnancy.
2.Lotions and oils are a great way to moisturize from the outside and penetrates into the skin.  I will explain more of this in the month by month part.
3.Vitamin E used topically (not internally) is know for general healing of the skin and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks.  Use only the 100% natural form in 1000 iu capsules.  You can get this for really cheap at Puritan's Pride.  See below for routine.
4.Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamin and minerals.  In particular zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and silica which can all be found in green leafy vegetables and fruits. 
5.I took the supplement Juice Plus in double doses.  I consulted with my doctor and she approved of this.  Mainly because nothing in Juice Plus is synthetic or added.  It is just flash frozen fruits and vegetables with the water and sugars removed.  I took the Orchard, Vineyard and Garden Blends.  This is especially important if you are having a hard time eating your healthy foods. 
6.Take a Pre Natal Vitamin.  GNC has an amazing one the includes 600mg of Calcium!
7.Exercise.  If your doctor gives you the a-OK.  Exercise circulates your blood and circulates in the affected tissues.  This is also good for your mind and focus.
8.Rest.  Your body needs rest to rejuvenate itself.
9.Chill out on the weight gain.  I'm not saying don't enjoy the pregnancy perks or don't gain any weight at all.  Just stay within your recommended range determined by your doctor.  Your body only needs 300 more calories per day for a healthy woman to support pregnancy.  Excess weight gain too fast will cause stretch marks.

Month to Month Routine:
Entire Pregnancy: Vaseline's Cocoa Butter Lotion, all over my body 2x daily.

Day 1 - 4 Months:  I used 2x a day Palmer's Stretch Mark Cream on my hips, butt, bust, thighs and tummy.

4 Months - 6 Months: Switch to 1000 iu 100% Natural Vitamin E capsules.  3 for the frontal areas and 3 for the hips and butt.  Use a safety pin to puncture a hole and squeeze the contents into the palm of your hand.  Warm up the product in your hands and apply.  Do this at night.  Use the Palmer's lotion during the day as needed.  Which means when you are feeling dry or itchy or use Almond Oil (see below).

6 Months - 8 Months: Use the Vitamin E routine Day and Night now.  Discontinue using Palmer's and switch to Pure Almond Oil.  Almonds are know for it's anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.  And it smells good!  I put this on all the time and all over my body.  Almond oil is great for your skin even if you are not pregnant.  You can purchase this at fine grocery stores in the baking section.

8 Months - End: Use the Vitamin E routine 3 x a day.  Continue using Almond oil as needed several times a day.

Tip: I used Belly Bands to help keep the product from getting on my clothes.  And it was helpful in supporting my belly. 

After pregnancy Tip:  This is a HUGE tip that saved my droopy skin after the birth of my babies.  Use Pure Grapeseed Oil all over you butt, hips, thighs, bust and belly.  Grapeseed oil is know for it's benefits of retracting the skin back.  I have absolutely NO crepeing of the skin and it is very smooth.  I give this as a gift to all my new Mom friends!  You can buy this at grocery stores everywhere including Winco.  Good Luck!

Organize Like a Kardashian!

Have you wondered like I did that in many of the Keeping up with the Kardashian episodes all of the girls have this amazing acrylic organizer?  It is simply amazing and I want one!!!  Here is a link to the Kardashian Makeup Organizer to see what I am talking about.

Questions Answered!

Hi everyone!  I got a few questions on Facebook about where to buy the makeup I use.  I use all sorts of brands, expensive to cheap and go everywhere to get it.  But the main staples that I have are these:

1. Palettes.  I get the big ones from http://www.coastalscents.com/ They are very inexpensive for what you get and the makeup works awesome.  My top picks to buy are the 88 color palettes.  There are 4 of them.  Colorful shimmer, colorful matte/satin, metal mania, and warm palette.  They are well worth the investment.

2. NYX cosmetics.  Another inexpensive brand.  They sell a limited supply at Ulta.  But I buy it mostily from http://www.cherryculture.com/ because they have the entire line and great prices.  My favs from them are the 10 eyeshadow Runway palettes, Mega Shine lipgloss, fake eyelashes, glitter eyeliners (w/ the tassles), and the pigments.

3.  I LOVE MAC cosmetics.  Go to Nordstrom instead of the pro store.  Although the pro store has the biggest selection, Nordstrom has a good enough one and the return policy and customer care is best.  I love their eyeshadows and lipglosses.  But I can get them thru NYX and Coastal Scents for so much cheaper.  I LOVE the Paint Pots, gel eyeliner, Opulash mascara, lipsticks, pro longwear foundation, and the Mineralize skin finish.  My advice is to spend money on a the face stuff, save on the color.

4.  I also buy a lot from retail stores such as Walmart and Target.  The brushes by Sonia Kusack are great and reasonalbly priced.  Walmart had these great HD brushes for so inexpensive.  I like mascaras from Loreal.  Lip Stains from Cover Girl. 

So there is a start.  When I post a tutorial using items other then what is above I will make a special note.  My hope is to soon do video tutorials, I am working on it.   Hope this helps!