Monday, August 11, 2014

New In: Beauty & Skin

I am back today to share some of the past couple weeks beauty faves!

I have been loving all things BECCA Cosmetics this week!! The excitement continues for me, I try a new product every day....my most recent fave will be below

Any requests for new posts can be emailed to emasonbeauty@gmail.com

Also, I am starting a 60 day challenge with my box tomorrow I can't wait!! More on that to come



1. Derma Roller


I had to get a new roller this past week since my other roller started sticking ah!
Think: I was rolling my skin and it would stop mid-roll OUCH!

Yes I am still needling and I love it!!!!

2. Makeup Geek Shadows & Crown Brush

 Shadows L to R { beaches n cream, brown sugar, creme brulee }

Loving the pigmentation on these shadows! And at $5.99 each they are extremely affordable

Also loving my new synthetic Crown Brushes! Reminds me of my fave  Sigma brushes
but super duper cheap and excellent quality


Speaking of Sigma...

I pulled out my synthetic kabukis and I just love them for blending out everything on my face

Why did I ever quit using them???

4. BECCA Beach Tint Souffle

 

OMG....this stuff is awesome

Not super pigmented but I kind of like that because you can build it up. Also looks great on all skin tones I have played on!

This stuff is da bomb. I love that it has the signature BECCA highlighter throughout the product

What are some of your favorite new products???

XX
E

Monday, July 28, 2014

LORAC Pro 2 Palette

I have been playing around with the LORAC Pro 2 palette at work, getting a feel for the colors and I just love it.

Below are a couple looks [ sorry for the poor shots of the eyes ] that I created with some of the shades.

Cannot wait to invest in this palette! Such a great mix of colors esp if you are just getting into eyeshadow, the LORAC palette or my other favorite the original Naked palette both have a great mix of neutral and darker shades.


Look 1
Both looks are very subtle and matte but I will list below exactly what I did
1. Used 'Buff' all over the lid all the way up to the brow bone
2. Used 'Nectar' which is an orangey shade to play up my fading tan as a transition shade
3. Followed that with 'Lt Brown' on the outer corners and crease as well as smoked out the lower lash line with the brown
4. Finished off with a little more 'Buff' below brow bone

Super simple day time smoke with a hint of peachy-orange. Nectar is such a gorgeous shade  

And of course all over my face was iT Cosmetics { !!!! } 





Look 2
A bit more of a cool toned look and still all matte
1. Used 'Buff' all over lid and up to brow bone 
2. Started with 'Lt. Brown' as my transition shade
3. Followed with 'Cool Gray' on outer corner and into crease
4. Smoked out lower lash line with  some 'Lt. Brown' and a Mally eye liner


Check out this palette!!

XX
E

Thursday, July 24, 2014

New Summer Beauty Products

AH my apologies for being M.I.A.

I have been on holiday and out of the country!

Which leaves little time for blogging...Who am I kidding { I loved it!! }

Haha

Anyway, I am back to share with you some new beauty purchases and items I have been loving lately this summer.


Y'all know I love the voluminous carbon black
already, probably my fave mascara ever. They came out with this one in the 'Voluminous' line called Miss Manga and I have to say I love it. Makes my lashes look so long and I add the carbon black on top and they look sooooo thick and voluminous. New staple for sure.


Let me preface this by saying I never wear lipstick and have yet to find a nude lip pencil I love...
Until now!!!
This nude lip pencil-which is double sided-comes in three shades, I have Nougat.
It claims to have the one side which is the nude liner and the other side which creates the appearance of larger lips. You use the light side to over outline the lips, right outside where you did the nude liner.
Outcome: I love it! It does make your lips appear larger and the pencil is so creamy. 
ALSO...the light side doubles as a concealer to cover up a red spot or pimple.
WIN f'in WIN ladies


3. Makeup Geek Contour Brush
I am always trying out brushes. My faves will always be Sigma 
but Jaclyn Hill used this brush in a tutorial and I have been looking for a decent contour *only* brush. So far so good....BUT it sheds like a mofo which I don't like. Maybe after a couple washes it will be better. I'll keep ya updated





I have read about this highlighter alllll over some of my fave beauty blogs
& watched on YT.
I love it! It has been sold out at my sephora(s) for such a long time and it finally came back in stock online and I ordered [ shade Moonstone ].
I love it so far! So creamy and not super shimmery or glittery. I find a lot of highlighters are just so frosty and with flecks of glitter { ugh }

This one is gorgeous though! You won't be disappointed, and there are a couple other shades as well for every skin tone although this one looks great on all.


Hope y'all enjoyed! Looking forward to getting back to reg postings...
Any requests?

XX
E

Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy 4th!

Red White Blue Pallet Sign black door & God Bless Texas too





Hey y'all! I have been trying to figure out how to upload my iMovie video to YouTube and it has just been a crazy mess....I don't know what the problem is :(

Hopefully there will be new post very, very, soon.

In the meantime, HAPPY FREAKIN FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!


 Fourth of July outfit stars and stripes
Keep up with me on Instagram---> @naturallyemblog to see my updates

Stay healthy babes

XX
E

Friday, June 20, 2014

Friday Favorites

Yay starting this up again...

Kind of like my old 'insty em' posts, but I will be sharing my favorite items and such from this week

I will have beauty products, hair, Crossfit, you name it

Enjoy your weekend XX

1. St. Tropez Gradual Tan
So to keep my lovely summer tan going, I mix a little of this tanner in with my favie body lotion and apply to my whole body.

It keeps my glow going all summer and year round

2. Tervis Tumbler
Esp in the summer, I like my drinks cold and to stay cold. I recently got this cute palm tree tervis in Panama City and I've been using it non stop for all my dranks.

3. OPI Polish
I have been digging the fun Brazilian collection by OPI and esp "Kiss Me I'm Brazilian"

which is currently on my fingers :) 

4. Lululemon Speed Short
You all know how much I love these shorts for WODs but right about now since its 100+ degrees out they are a staple in my workout wardrobe.

They are a must! So breathable I just love them so much. I still need those bruised berry ones! 

5. iT Cosmetics CC Veil Foundation
My love for iT started quite some time back, they just came out with their ever popular CC Cream in a compact and I must say I love it.

I won't divulge too much right now, { BIG review to come } but it is so amazing and looks flawless on the skin! Ahhhh can't wait to go into more detail.


Much Love
E 

Monday, June 16, 2014

Why I Don't Use A "Moisturizer" Anymore...

 




























The title may be a bit misleading because I do moisturize still { DUH! }

But not with a traditional cream or lotion product...

I have been on a serum kick for about 8 months give or take now, and I will never go back!!!

I told you a couple posts ago that I have been using an organic rosehip oil on my post-surgery scars as well as my face.

Apparently Dr. Oz called it "Nature's Retin-A" Ugh I will never ever put that crap on my face!!

So in my skin needling post I briefly mentioned how luminous and youthful and even toned my skin has been looking since incorporating this oil into my routine. And let me tell you, I will never ever quit using it.

Like my skin is so amazing I never wear makeup anymore...like evs

So here's a bit more info on the benefits of rosehip oil :)


 What is Rosehip Oil good for? Can I use it?
YES! Of course first make sure your not allergic to this oil, but everyone of any age can use it.
It's great for the following skin concerns...
  • dry skin
  • eczema
  • dermatitis
  • psoriasis
  • stretch marks
  • wrinkles
  • sun damage
  • acne scars
  • and much more


What does it smell like? Roses?
Def does not smell like roses FYI

Some clients of mine literally won't buy an amazing product just bc of the smell like WTH!

I am totally not like that at all, smell is not a factor in my thought process. If it works give it to me!

It does not have a bad scent but it sure as heck ain't roses!

When Will I Start to See Results?
As I cannot guarantee your specific results without knowing your specific skin, I can tell you that I started to see immediate results in a couple weeks and continue to make progress with this oil and my skin needling

I love love love this oil and will never go back!

Does It HAVE To Be Organic?
ummmm.....yes

And I say this because I take what I put into my body and what I put on my skin very seriously.

So yes it must, must be organic!



So again, this facial oil has completely changed the way I look at my skin and what I put onto it. Only the freshest and purest ingredients! I promise you will see results if you are consistent!!!

Do not use this for two days and say "Oh I haven't seen miracles so I am going to quit using it...."

I can't wait to hear your feedback and if you have any other organic oils you think I should try email me at emasonbeauty@gmail or leave a comment below!

XX
E   

 








Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Lulu Lust List

I have not done one of these posts in a while

GASP

There are tons of new products I am dying to get my hands on and here are just a select few


Next To Nothing Tank
One of my favorite things about Lulu are their super cute sports bras. This tank showcases them like no other. It is flowy and loose perfect for around town, maybe not so much Crossfit approved.


Um.... who else puts their phone//keys//credit card//shit in their sports bras??

This girl does

And this bra is specifically designed to PUT things IN it
haha it has an extra layer for goodies!!!!! YAY!
So pretty much this is a must get bra

 Trikonasana T

Cute & flowy perfect for post workout
and
super cute back detailing?
winner winner

 Run:Speed Short

I am loving everything Bruised Berry lately
& these are no exception.

I also die for anything 'wee stripe'
:)

Until I have enough confidence to wear boogie shorts, I'll stick with the speeds


  Wunder Under Crop*Roll Down

You all know by now I pretty much live in anything 'wunder under'
I love this Earl Grey color so much it's the perfect muted green
Must.Add.Soon.


 Cool Racerback
  
Oddly enough, I am digging the new camo colors
The grey/black is more muted but I really like this green
Adding to the arsenal soon ;)

Will have a comprehensive post on my top Lulu swimwear picks soon. Some of those tops are so cute and sporty looking.

What have you been lusting over at Lulu lately??

XX
E
 


Friday, June 6, 2014

Newest Skin Rage: Skin Needling

Disclaimer:
Before reading this post please remember I am a licensed professional in this field, I do know what I am doing and researched immensely before even attempting this. Please make sure if you try this consult a physician or dermatologist.

Now that ^ that ^ is out of the way, I am going to talk to you all about skin needling AKA derma rolling AKA putting little baby holes in your face!!!!

People are very skeptical about this practice and of course I totally understand. It seems very unconventional and...weird right?

I mean pricking tiny needles into your skin to create a trauma and then what???

Haha I have done it three times to myself so far and......I la la love it!!!

I still don't think I have done it hard enough yet, my face does get red and a little irritated when I do it { normal } but I am nervous to do it harder as I do not want to draw blood.

How I Am Doing It:
So firstly, you're supposed to start out with a roller with 0.25-0.5 mm needles. I got the 0.5 to start. You build up a tolerance and I am currently doing it twice a week.

For the few nights prior to your first rolling, you're supposed to prep the skin with a Vit C serum of some sort. I do this every night anyway { Post on the crazy awesome benefits of Vit C soon! } so my skin was already ready.

There are so many articles and different ways people say to do it out there so consult your Doc and do your research before trying PLEASE!!!!


 So that is the serum I am currently using, this is a good one or try this one.

There will be a comprehensive post soon about why you should be using Vit C morning and night no matter at what age!!!

So I still use this serum during the needling process but not on the nights I needle....


You should be using an organic face oil or serum directly after needling. It does sting and tingle after you put it on.

I initially purchased this oil for my post surgery scarring and actually I am loving it on my face as well. Such an amazing oil and absorbs fast.

I read a lot about rosehip oil for a natural scar remedy because I did not want to use icky chem filled Mederma or something like that.

Rosehip oil is highly anti-aging and actually contains Vit C as well.

It is great for scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, rashes, burns, acne scars, dry skin, dermatitis, age spots, brittle nails, hyper-pigmentation, and sun damaged hair/skin.

As you can see it was an optimal choice for using on my face as well. It is such a luxurious oil and does not have the best smell but that doesn't bother me. I am about how it works, not how it smells.

{ Fave combo at the moment }

So far this rosehip oil Vit C serum are kicking ass for my face. I did order another organic rosehip oil to try and compare to the above one.

My Results Thus Far:
So far I have had wonderful results and no scary, crazy stories like some people have read about.

Please KNOW what you are doing before attempting because I have a strong inclination that the people with "horror stories" did not know what they were doing. 

I have found myself wearing less and less makeup as my skin becomes clearer and clearer. Now I am starting with good skin but it is not perfect. I do have some post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation going on from previous breakouts. And that's about it but I do see an overall clarity to my skin from the needling and oh so amazing rosehip oil. My dark marks are disappearing faster than I thought they would and I am so happy!


I am so excited to see how it progresses the next 5 weeks until I go up in size to a 0.75mm derma roller. I will keep you all updated :)

As always, email me at emasonbeauty@gmail.com for private questions or leave a comment below. I would love to hear if you have heard of this or already use any of these products.

Happy rolling,
XX
E




Wednesday, June 4, 2014

My Favorite Products to Get Perf Brows






Hey yall! I am back today with another post that gets asked about a lot when I am out and about and at work.... All about brows!!

One of my favorite parts of anyone's face are lashes and brows. I am constantly giving brow advice and helping people find their arches so I decided it might be fun to do a post on my fave products to get perfectly groomed brows.

 They can completely change the face by opening it up and framing the eye area, which in turn frames the face. I used to never ever do my brows but now I feel naked if I leave the house and they aren't a little bit filled in ha...

So above is a picture of my actual products and favorites I have found by trial and error. As some of you may know I am a licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist so I do this on a daily basis and I have played and played with lots of brands and products. These above are my staples ^^^

In order from top to bottom....


  1. Tweezerman Mini Tweezers --> Obvi a staple in any gals beauty regime but Tweezerman steals my heart! Ever since 5th grade when my mom first tweezed my brows for me { ouch! } I have always used this brand. And of course I use them on my clients as well. 
  2.  Sigma E65 Eyebrow Brush --> By far my favorite brush to fill in with. My love affair with Sigma started years back and the price of their brushes and the quality of them is unmatched.
  3. iT Cosmetics Brow Power --> Love this pencil for filling in my brows. The universally flattering shade is actually universally flattering [ I'm serious! ] If you don't believe me then go try it out for yourself! I also love this pencil.
  4. Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade --> One of her newer brow products, I am so far loving it. Hopefully more shades will come out. I feel like I am in between blonde and chocolate and once you see the shades you will know what I mean. Great for summer and more humid climates { like GA! } it will def be a summer staple because it makes your brows waterproof and smudge resistant winning.
  5. Anastasia Brow Powder Duo --> Love a good brow powder and the two colors in this one are perfect for me. Powder will create a softer look it just takes some time getting used to maneuvering it.
  6. Anastasia Clear Brow Gel --> I swear by this stuff when I am using just a pencil/or powder. It locks those brows in place and keeps on your color. They also have tinted ones which are great for just an on the go gal. I have not been using this lately since I have the pomade for summer but still a must for me.
  7. Anastasia Brow Duality --> The perfect highlighter for under and over your brows. This one has a matte side and a shimmer side so you can use it for any look. I love the matte for under the brow and above and I use the shimmer for the inner corners of my eyes. 

As you can see I love Anastasia products. Mainly because she created this entire line pretty much just for brows and there is literally something for everyone. No matter if you are just starting out or are a more seasoned brow artist like myself.

Killer brows are in and honestly I will never have thin brows! Ick so 90's!!!!

Hot Tip:
To grow my brows I use coconut oil on them every night! As well as my lashes! They love the high concentration of Vit E.





I like to fill in and then tweeze any stray hairs underneath or on top. I wax my brows myself and do it probably every two weeks or so just to keep the shape I like.



Using my fave highlighter under my brows for a nice lift


And finish off with some mascara!

If you all have any questions about any of the products mentioned or have any other brow questions feel free to email me at emasonbeauty@gmail.com


XX
E

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Why You Need to be Drinking Wheatgrass




Ever heard of wheatgrass?

Yeah I can't believe it took me this long to get some of this stuff!!!

A few years back { more like ten } I always heard about those healthy weirdos drinking wheatgrass shots and I'm all like ewwww get that away from me

Now, I f'in love it!!!!

You can take the tablets if you want, but I like the powder form best. It absorbs quicker into the body

yippie!

So you're thinking...."Ok why do I need this in my life"

A little about wheatgrass below and why it is so epic-ly RAWsome!

  • First off it aids in alkalizing the body which is amazing anyway
  • Supports overall health and wellness
  • Gives you energy & boosts immune function
  • Helps achieve 5+ daily servings of vegetables
  • Excellent source of Beta-carotene, calcium, chlorophyll, fiber, iron, & vit K to name a few
  • Contains ALL essential amino acids

So pretty much it's the shit.....in a green powder form ;)

Now how do I like to drink it?????


I love it mixed in my favorite cold pressed juice ^^^^ or this juice


It can be added to just plain 'ole water with ice or added to any of your daily smoothies!

It is so dang simple to incorporate into your diet and you all should be getting this right away

Like go....now

You'll thank me later


XX
E



Monday, May 12, 2014

Lulu Lust List



So...I had surgery two days ago and I am stuck in bed

What's a girl to do than to make another Lulu lust post?? <<< duh!

There are tons of cute new products I will be sharing with you..

Also if you are addicted to Lulu like myself check out this blog for all new products and reviews

To Class Jacket

This is the only color combo I like for some reason. In store and online it seemed the only appealing color. I am mainly a gray/black gal but this jacket is so cute, def a must get
Hot Spell Bra
  
This is the color combo I have and I freakin love it. I almost got the all black one but then I was like "Em, c'mon you need some color in your life", and this will look so cute peeking out from tanks in the summer ;) I got my normal size 6 and it fits perfectly

Peace Of Mind Tank

3.  Peace of Mind Tank
I love the back of this tank. Another great one for cute sports bras to poke out of :)

 

Run:Speed Short

4. Run: Speed Shorts
You all know I love me some speed shorts. This pale pink is super cute I honestly want every color. They are my favorite to WOD in

RUN:Swiftly Racerback

 5. Run: Swiftly tech racerback
I have the long sleeve version and just love it. The baby stripes are so cute this is def a must for spring/summer. Since we do so much for training outside I need some more good tanks.

Any one else spot and new cute Lulu stuff or anyone have a brand you think I should check out?

Let me know, I am always on the hunt for functional clothing

XX
E






Monday, May 5, 2014

Bomb Ass Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream



So, I clearly love sweets and I love sharing my recipes and healthier versions with you all

Today I literally have one of the best, quickest, & healthiest versions of homemade ice cream evs

I have already made it multiple times and with this 90 deg weather, it really hits the spot


The only kitchen tool you will need is a blender

so easy peasy

What you'll need....

  • A blender of your choice
  • A large organic banana
  • 1 tsp of vanilla
  • 1/2 cup of organic whipping cream
  • 12-16 oz. of organic frozen strawberries
  • 1 TBSP of goji powder
  • optional a splash of rum



 Directions:
Place the whipping cream, banana, and half the strawberries in the blender and start blending

Start slowly adding in the rest of the strawberries, the vanilla, and the goji powder until fully blended

{ OPT } this is the time you add in the splash of rum. The rum is going to help keep it creamy if you decide to freeze for longer than a couple hours

   


yum....yummy...... yum..... yum :D


Did I mention yum???

Haha tell me how you like this if you make it!!!!!!

XX
E



Saturday, April 26, 2014

My Favie Sweet Treats: Part One

Here's the thing, I am constantly trying to find ways to tweak my fave desserts and of course create more easy treats to satisfy that sweet tooth of mine

I think the key with anything is moderation

I still eat the sweets I'm not technically supposed to, but just in moderation, not every day

So some of these recipes you have seen before [ I will link to the page ]

Some are just things I've thrown together. This will be a short post but I will continue to make new recipes to post

Mm k?


You all have seen this one before
Its a super easy way to get a sweet chocolate treat without all the fatty sickieness of pre packaged hot choc ICK!

 
2. Organic Strawbs and Whipped Cream
If you've never made this before............. I'm sorry

Its so damn good!!!

And how simple is it??? Anyone can pull this off

All you need is a clear portion controlled bowl, a handful of chopped strawberries, and some organic whipped cream!

Done, easy peasy


These are so good when you need a bit of energy and are wanting something sweet

An amazing pre workout, I use these when I am on the run and don't want to eat out or just need a boost of energy

A bunch of yummy ingreds and completely clean!  

4. Chocolate Covered....
How about choc covered anything????

I kid, I kid

But I like to use between 60-75% cacao when I dip, cover and smother with choc :)

This particular pic has fresh strawberries { see the theme? } and nut clusters

I don't always do nut clusters as well but I had extra choc and you never, ever waste chocolate

Hope you enjoyed part one of this delish series 
If you have any ideas shoot them my way
:)

XX
E 

 

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Book Review: The Skinny Confidential




FINALLY got my photos to work and upload so now I can be back to reg postings

( you can quit holding your breathe....)

:)

I am here with a lil book review. One of my all time favie blogs The Skinny Confidential

Like, oh em gee she made her blog into a book!!!!

Praise Jesus! This little booky is epic. Think: her blog on steroids

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and her personality is infectious

Like, who else washes her hair once or twice a week like moi? SHE DOES

 Awesomesauce.
 




I read most of it out on the back porch. Such warm Georgia weather mm..

I loved the recipes and juice recipe ideas since I am always on the hunt for more of those since you all know I f'in love to juice { minus the cleanup }

I'm convinced were pretty much soul sisters....except for the fact she's blonde

BTW she's got a rockin bod too!!!

Boho, sexy, fit, eats clean, amazing sense of humor, FAB hair, perf skin.........need I go on?????

Y'all need to pick up this lil babe ASAP and read cover to cover in .056949302 secs

.....you know I did




OH and did I mention she called me 'cute' on instagram????

I die.......

XX
E