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

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.

1. L'OREAL Miss Manga mascara

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.

2. BECCA Cosmetics Nude Lip Pencil

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

4. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector

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

Happy 4th!

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!!!!!


 
Keep up with me on Instagram---> @naturallyemblog to see my updates

Stay healthy babes

XX
E

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 

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   
 

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

My Top Physical Sunblock Picks

Yup....it's that time of year again

My annual important 'SPF talk'

Unlike myself, I am sure most of you don't wear SPF 50 24/7 365...

Ha think I'm crazy yet??

Trust me you still get sun even when indoors and even when its cloudy out

A lot of my clients tell me they are allergic to sunscreen, which can be true, but I have found they are mostly allergic to the icky chemical based sunscreens that absorb the rays rather than deflecting them. I mean who wants that nasty-ness inside their body???

NOT ME
so I use physical based sunscreens like 'titanium dioxide' and 'aluminum oxide' they deflect those aging sun rays and keep us looking young

Fun Fact: 90% of the aging process is caused by extrinsic factors
 AKA
the sun, pollution, etc.

Can you believe that??? It's the damn truth

So here are my top organic and physical based sunblocks!!! 

1. Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Matte

An excellent eco brand, I have used Coola products before and la la love them

 

2.  La Roche Posay Tinted Mineral SPF 50

Tinted AND spf 50??? win win!

This is a staple in my summer beauty routine I am using this one currently and with a dusting of Pur minerals powder over it, looks amazing.

 

 3. John Masters Organics Mineral SPF 30

Never heard of this line? Well you need to check it out. I have some of the skin care and pure organic argan oil and I love it. I am curious to try the sunscreen as well!

4. UV Natural Lip SPF 30

Lips need SPF love too!! Do not neglect them! 

Esp at the pool, beach and everywhere in between!

Don't forget to slather on the good stuff this summer

;)

xx

e 

My Hair Care Routine: UPDATED

 So if you all remember this post from 2012 >> yikes << its been a while since I have written about my hair care routine and it has changed a bit. My hair is darker now as well as much longer. I still cant get over that it was 2012 when I wrote that. Definitely one of my more popular posts so I thought I would update you all on what I currently do for my hair. Still very simple.

SO I have worked at a salon now for over a year and pretty much that entire time I had them wash my hair about 2-3 times a week for me because of our insanely horrible water pressure and my small shower head. When you have this much hair, it takes like 45 mins to completely rinse everything out. I ain't got time for that!!!!

So things that are the same: I still wash my hair 2-3 or maybe more times a week. It depends on how nasty I get during crossfit ;)

Things that have changed: I am now addicted to this vegan hair care line Framesi
I use the 'color lover' pink ones because that was recommended to me by the ladies at my beauty supply store. I don't think they sell this line in stores but online and at cosmetology professional beauty supply stores. It is the best shampoo/conditioner combo I've ever used! Makes my hair so soft and shiny. I get so many compliments on my hair. So go get ya some here! and thank me later!!!!!

Now that is what I use IN the shower, now after I get out all I do is spray in some of the best leave in conditioner ever..... the original It's a 10! Literally, the best leave in conditioner ever. If you haven't tried it you need to.
After I spray and de-tangle with this amazing brush I put my hair in a topknot and sleep in it.
Prior to blowing out, I put some CapriClear from my last post, or my favorite Redken product Diamond Oil. Depending on what mood I'm it, I'll switch between the two. And of course, I finish my hair with the oils as well for a silky smooth look.

Below are some recent shots of my hair haha

It's funny, when I started this blog I had short blonde hair and now it is long and dark, my how things have changed!

I think the key to the health of your hair is minimal product use and minimal heat. I only blowout like twice a week and curl once and fix certain pieces throughout the week. Less heat and more products without silicones and sulfates is key to long, healthy hair!!!!

Any further questions about hair care can be commented below or emailed to emasonbeauty@yahoo.com :)

xx
e

Beauty Thursday: Pur Minerals

Why hello everyone, happy Beauty Thursday and Happy Valentine's Day! I have been busy so I apologize {again} for the lack of posts but I am slowly carving out more time for posts. Today I am going to chat about a product that I actually already have, but I did just get it! It is the Pur Minerals 4-in-1 foundation! I purchased this off their website when they were doing 30% off and free shipping, what a steal! 

As I said before, I get to play with makeup and apply it on clients' skin daily. So I used this product a good bit before trying it out myself. I love it! Not only is it ten times better than Bare Minerals { we are converting people daily } but they are an Atlanta based company too. Win, win! This pressed mineral is definitely a lot better than the new pressed BM version as well as loose. I say this because I have seen the difference, side by side, on peoples faces. The coverage is so much better, easier to use, actually pure, and the color blend seamlessly into the skin. What more could you ask for in a mineral foundation??? Take a look at these stats! I always set my makeup with this spray and it lasts all day!

What's your favorite mineral makeup? Have you ever tried Pur?!

xx

e

Beauty Review: Weleda Sea Buckthorn

Hey there everyone, ready for a beauty review?? I've been a bit busy as I got a job last week so sorry for the lack of posts, buuuuuuuut I found some new products I hope you all will enjoy!

This past week at Target I found that^ Weleda trio on sale for a mere $12! AND I needed new body wash and lotion! Yay! I have been wanting to try their Sea Buckthorn for some time now and I am so glad I did!

The Scent:
is to die for! I love a good citrus-y scent and this one is amaze. Its like yummy, fresh, juicy tangerines :D Citrus is really invigorating for your senses as well. It is a very uplifting scent and I really like that.

About Sea Buckthorn:
It is actually a fruit & oil and you can use it on your skin or ingest it via pill form. When the fruit is pressed thats how the oil is released. Read more about it here!

The Body Wash:
Yummy, yummy, yummy and did I mention yummy? I have a thing for lavender { as you know } but also a thing for citrus haa. I mean there's not much I can say about this body wash or any other for that matter, its only purpose it to clean me and it does that job while being creamy and smelling too good to eat :) Purchase the body wash here!
The bottle says:
"This revitalizing body wash contains organic sea buckthorn oil to help nourish your skin. Sundrenched  oranges and grapefruit from pure essential oils unfold a fresh, fruity aroma..."

The Replenishing Body Lotion
Ooooooh now this is a real treat. This isn't their regular body lotion { although I am sure that one is great too } but it is their lotion for dry skin. Obvi my skin is drier since it is winter and this body lotion is by far my favorite I have tried probably in the past year!!!!!! It is soothing, nourishing, just plain amazing.
The bottle says:
" This replenishing body lotion with organic sea buckthorn and skin related fatty acids provides lasting care for dry skin, while protecting skin from moisture loss."
I love slathering this on right after I step out of the shower, my skin literally drinks this up.
Purchase the replenishing lotion here!

I haven't tried the sample body oil yet but I am sure it is just as lovely as the other products! I just love that the scents of all Weleda products are not artificial in the least. They all smell so amazing. I hope you enjoyed this post, any requests leave in the comments below

xx
e

Beauty Review: Nourish Organic Body Lotion

You all are probably like finally, a product review!!!!! I habitually change my body lotion whenever I finish it. There are some things I won't ever change, and there are some things that always change! i.e. body lotion!
So I have tried their fresh fig deodorant and wasn't too impressed with it, so I didn't have high hopes for the body lotion. But, I actually really like it!
The Formula:
It is pretty thick when it first comes out, but once you apply it to your skin and start spreading it out it almost becomes watery. Not watery in a bad way, since it has mint in it its very cooling and refreshing. It is probably more suited for the summer since it isn't truly thick. But as you know from this post, you really don't need a thicker lotion for the winter if you exfoliate a few times a week. I was a little disappointed because the scent is 'lavender mint' and there really wasn't much lavender anywhere! It is very minty. Maybe I am biased since I love all things lavender. :D

Final Thoughts:
Obvi it gets major props since it is certified organic and at this price point, its hard to find that in a body lotion. I haven't decided if I will repurchase or not, it wasn't soooo amazing that its now my HG body lotion, but its not horrible either. I would give it a shot if you are in the market for a new body lotion!

Get the Nourish Organic Lavender Mint body lotion HERE!



xx
e

Vapour Organic Foundation Review & My Everyday Face

Woo finally here! If you watched my videos on YouTube, you know that I like to use makeup products for at least a month(skin care for longer!) before giving a thorough review and expressing my true opinions on it. So with that, I am going to show you some pictures at the end of me before and after applying the foundation, and then some with a full face. And these are un-retouched pictures btw!! I usually don't retouch my pics but I thought I should disclose that since these are pre/post makeup pics!

As far as changing your foundation for the colder months, I don't really conform to that 'myth' and here's why. Most people switch up to heavier foundations for fall/winter etc. and I don't really understand why! When I think of heavier, I tend to think thicker, cakier formulas right?? To be honest, our skin is drier in the colder months and when we cake on heavy foundations, it tends to cling to the dry patches. You should be using lighter and more moisturizing foundations! The first 2 ingredients in this product are moisturizing and that's what you need to look for.

{ eek! No makeup! haha }

{ With the foundation only done }

The Review:

As you can see, it covers most imperfections with minimal product. I think this was 2 very light layers. I am shade 115. TIP: Never put thick layers of product on your face! Always do thin layers and build if needed.

I would classify this as a light to medium coverage foundation. The website says it uses 'light reflective technology to diminish fine lines, pores, and wrinkles'. I truly do think it has a soft focus effect on the skin. And they have a great color range for the lighter skin tones like mine, and my shade blends seamlessly into my skin. The finish is quite satin (in between matte and luminous) and I do have combo/oily skin so the finish is important to me. I find that if I use a setting powder in my T-zone (my favorite!) that it stays all day and keeps me from looking too oily! 

The Thing About Natural Foundations.....

They don't contain silicones so if you were to purchase this, you need to know that the formula will feel a little bit different on your skin. Not a bad different at all, but just different! I have found it is best to use your fingers to apply. It helps the product to melt into your skin!

Another great thing about this beauty brand is that they offer samples so you can try anything they offer! I have found that most green brands and websites like Spirit Beauty Lounge also offer the sample service. 

From the Vapour Website:

"Vapour raises the bar for revolutionary performance and purity with Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation. Effortlessly achieve the look of radiant, healthy skin and a more even complexion. The Soft Focus line is designed to balance all skin types, including combination and oily skin. Soft Focus leaves a smooth base for color makeup application while achieving a natural soft satin finish."

"Made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments & vitamins. Nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya complex and brightens skin with Organic Camellia.  Infused with Vapour’s face specific infusion of anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi and moisturizing and calming Lotus flowers."

{ Foundation // Blush // Mascara // Luminizer }

{ Blush in Spark & RMS Luminizer }

Full Face

I would say this is my everyday face. I am obsessed with makeup but I really don't wear that much haha. Some people think that just because I love trying out new products and things that I would wear a lot but this is my exact day to day face. It is very simple, and very 'me'. I hope you enjoyed this post and if you have any requests please leave me a comment!

xx

e

Tutorial: Tarte Maracuja Blush and Glow

Today I am going to show you how I apply my Tarte blush and glow! This product is the best if you are traveling or are in a rush in the morning! In the photos I have already applied my foundation, setting powder, and some light bronzer. Get the Blush and Glow HERE! Use this code "FFAUG" through August 6th, 2012 to get 30% all Tarte products for the Friends and Family sale!!


Here is my step by step tutorial for this product:

1. Start by applying the cheek tint directly to the apples of your cheeks

2. Use your ring finger to blend the cheek color

3. A little blurry, but dot the luminizer on top of your cheek bones, then blend

4. And there you have it! Add some mascara and you're done

Hope you all enjoyed this!

xx

e

Skincare Fave: Indie Lee

I am very, very picky about what I put on my skin. I know that everything that goes on our skin gets absorbed into our bloodstream (think about all those chemicals and cancer causing ingredients in your favorite brands like MAC, MUFE, Dior, Chanel etc!). That's why I am so anal about natural cosmetics and natural skin care! It's just about being informed.

Here's where Indie Lee comes in. I read this amazing article almost a year ago and I just had to see what she is about as well as what her brand is about. Here is a snippet of her story from her website:

"I’m Indie lee. On Earth Day 2009, I was given a new life — I awoke from brain surgery to discover that a potentially fatal tumor had been successfully removed. Having learned that environmental toxins may have been the culprit, I began devoting myself to making all natural beauty products from the finest ingredients across the globe. Remember, what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. We also need to nurture our soul to let our inner beauty shine through. Life should be lived to its fullest, one moment at a time."


I was inspired by her strength and eagerness to create such an amazing line. I have spoken back and forth with her quite a few times on Twitter and she is truly an inspiration! Now this is a skin care company I would love to work for.


The Products

I purchased each of these on Hautelook about 6 months ago! And I still have a ton in each of them. I am so pleased by the quality and delicious smells!

The Cleanser

I LOVE this cleanser so much! I use it only at night on days I wear makeup to remove the makeup before my other cleanser. Usually, I recommend a creamy cleanser to remove makeup, but this one does it better than other creamy ones I've tried! Now I've used this for many months now and it is still almost half full!

If you have normal/dry skin types you could just use this morning and night, but since I have combo/acne prone I use a different cleanser with salicylic or tea tree in it.

Let's talk about the scent! Oh my it is delicious! The first time I used it I was stunned at how amazing it smelled, like fresh, ripe strawberries! It didn't smell artificial at all, and I hate when products go overboard on nasty artificial ingredients. I will definitely repurchase this when I run out because I love it so much!

Shop all Indie Lee Cleansers HERE!

Ingredients: 

100% Natural: Purified Water, Decyl Glucoside, Disodium, Coco- Glucoside Citrate, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Xanthan Gum, Strawberry Oil, Lycopene, Phenoxythenol*, Ethylhexyglycerin * *Derived from natural sources

The Eye Balm

The eye balm is another amazing product I purchased. You can't really beat an eye product with just 4 ingredients! I only use this product at night, I just find that it tends to take a little while to sink in and sometimes I just don't have the time to wait that long in the a.m.! I love the first ingredient Calendula Oil because it is very healing and has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It soothes dry skin and calms redness. But I also love the scent!! Anyone who knows me knows my favorite scent in the whole world is lavender! This product has definitely helped with under eye circles and puffiness when I wake up.

I apply this product with my ring finger only. I always make sure to wash my hand before touching any potted products like this and before touching my face period. I just swirl my finger around and glide under and around my eyes!

Find the Eye Balm HERE!

It really is a balm!

When warmed up on fingertips it instantly melts!

Ingredients:

100 % Natural: Calendula Oil, Beeswax, Magnifera Indica (mango) Seed Butter and Lavandula Angustifolia (lavender) Oil

Shop all Indie Lee Balms HERE!

All in all, I highly recommend these products. I can't wait to purchase more from Indie!

It always makes me feel better when I purchase product from a small business or a wonderful person such as Indie, rather than some huge "popular" brand that tests on animals in some crazy country (ahem, Estee Lauder, Mary Kay & Avon I'm talking to you!!!).

xx

e

DIY: Overnight Hair Mask

Once a week I will do a really good deep conditioning mask on my hair. Since I only wash it once a week with a homemade concoction (another post to come), I like to do an overnight deep condition as well. I use this Dermorganic Masque Intensive Hair Repair. It has so many good, repairing ingredients in it. The argan oil  makes your hair especially soft and shiny! I love it! I got this huge pump bottle 50% off at TJ Maxx and it is going to last forever.

FULL hair care post here!

{ I divided my hair into 2 sections to make it easier to apply the masque. 

I started applying it about 2 inches from my roots }

{ Pin it up to hold it overnight }

{ no makeup!!!! haha }

I love the way this product smells, but remember you can use any treatment mask you want!

Have you tried doing an overnight treatment before? My full hair care routine here!

xx

e