Moving On & Up ..... It's Never Easy

So this post is just about moving on. I guess it is a reflection on closing doors. It is always hard to do but it is always necessary to go to the next chapter. Life has a very funny way of making you face your fears but it is always for the best. It is time for me to start walking out the next level of what God has planned for me.

I know I am not the only person who goes through changes but we often always feel like it at the time that everything is happening. I love awesome quotes so I use +Pinterest to keep me focused as well as vision boards. However, even though there are ways to cope there is still a reality to change. They say that time heals all wounds but I also believe that change can heal the heart as well.

Today I am really refocusing my energy on accepting the fact that the next level is here. You know since we are having this girlfriend's chat let's talk about stumbling blocks. You know the number 1 quote I can think in reference to this post is: You are far to smart to be the only thing standing in your way.

Most people would be surprised to know what a struggle it can be to make myself keep moving forward but it really takes a lot for me. Every day I have to be focused on conquering my fears. Everyday I am forcing myself to own up, think up and go up. When everything is focused on UP it is exhausting but I can see how much progress I made last year so I can not let this year slip through my fingers. 

This season though is a sowing season and I plan to sow in the same love, joy and energy that I plan to reap. There a emotions like compromise and the state of being exhausted but if you can not  see the good in where you are going then it won't be worth it so you have to find the light. Focus on the light in the situation. Become an expert at finding the light because if all you or we ever do is focus on the negative then we will never have the peace we truly desire. 

In the past I have written this blog more from a POP culture stand point but the only thing I really have to say anymore is what is in my heart. There are so many amazing women that have paved the way for all of our success. Some of my favorite role models are +Oprah Winfrey, +Paula White, +Kris Jenner, +Iyanla Vanzant, the incredible Dr. Maya Angelou. What do these women have in common you may ask? No matter what situation they are handed they find the light. 

As we all deal with the ebb and flow of life it is tough to stay focused on the light alone but we have to to keep making progress. We know that we are to keep our eyes on the prize and there is no time like today to start. Locking our eyes on what we want, self improvement and being delivered from our opinions of others so that we may put our full energy in to creating a personal revolution that will overflow our live with the true beauty we were designed to attain is amazing.

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Feeling Pink & Fab

Feeling Pink & Fab by lesblogqueen featuring pink home decor

Makeup Routine 101: 2015 Update

Ok so it is time to get this update started! I am so excited to get you updates but first I need you to stop saying things like it doesn't matter what I look like and oh I am just chilling today. First of all every time you say that you diminish the power of who you are. You were born to be beautiful, bold and confident. 2015 is your year to shine in every way! 

Everything about you matters from your lips to your hips to your finger tips because you are an awesome woman! Matter of fact you are a Proverbs 31 woman who has got to take her power back. I know you must be saying isn't this post supposed to be about makeup? Yes it is but beauty starts on the inside and you have to care about yourself to take care of yourself! 

It is time for you to honor the amazing woman that you are by really beginning to love yourself from the inside out. Stop being afraid to wear bold colors and think bold thoughts. Come out of the shadows and in to the light! The world is waiting on you to see how awesome you are. 

So now we can begin our Makeup Routine 101: 2015 Update! Most of you know how passionate I am about hair & makeup. I love it so much because it changes the way women see themselves so I strive not to alter the woman but to highlight the most gorgeous things about her. 

So that is where we will begin. I want you to think more about how you can highlight what is beautiful about you than how you can fix what is wrong with you. It is really time for you to challenge yourself to be better than your best because you should be living your life it is golden! 

Here is where we start: 

Skincare -  You should have a daily skincare routine that includes facial cleanser, daytime & night time facial cream, exfoliating treatment every 3-4 days, and seeing sunscreen no matter what complexion your skin is. 

Primer & Setting Spray - I am FIRM believer in making sure that your makeup lasts! These two things are your best bet. For the beginner my go to's would be +Maybelline New York  Baby Skin for a great primer & +NYX Cosmetics  matter setting spray. For the more advanced makeup lover I would say +Smashbox Cosmetics primers with the specific formula for your skin and +Model In A Bottle  or +Urban Decay Cosmetics  All Nighter setting spray.

Makeup Maven on A Budget - May I introduce you to +BH Cosmetics! I would suggest getting the +BH Cosmetics  Special Occasion eye shadow & blush palette to start. Below you can see that I did my own makeup using that #BHCosmetics Special Occasion palette. I even used one of the blushes as my lip color. 

Getting Your GLAM On - I am obessed with color liner and I especially love Le Femme cosmetics pigments to help me create that look. Monday I will do a post on creating a hot eye with color liner.  

Gloss vs. Lipsitck - They are both in style right now but lipstick does have the edge. Do not feel like you have to choose though. For an every day natural type of girl rock Creme Brulee by +NYX Cosmetics but for that glam diva who just can't stop rocking that bold confidence check out +NARS Cosmetics glamalicious color red lizard for traffic stopping lips.

Macara - So the Younique Cosmetics 3D Mascara craze is over and thank God because those fibers in my eyes were killing me but +Too Faced Cosmetics Better Than mascara is so amazing you will forget all the pain while you admire your lashes! 

Contouring - Contouring is still in and I am just loving that! Check out the Contouring 101 post from earlier this week for tips and trick for your daily makeup routine. It explains all the basics and also has links to +YouTube videos! 

That is it for this update but I will have another one for you just in time for summer! 

TODAY IS THE DAY FOR MY +BH Cosmetics #GIVEAWAY ON INSTAGRAM! 

3 Setting Sprays That Rock! #BeautyWeek

This past summer  went through a major skin change. I guess that happens every few years but since I am in my early thirties it was about time for me to learn how to step up my beauty game. One of the ways that I did that was by investing in great primers and of course powerful setting sprays!

Now not everyone uses them and you may not be a beauty nut like me but I want you to know what my three favorite are so that you can make great beauty choices for yourself. It is time bring our beauty game to the next level in every way.  Here are a few reasons setting sprays are awesome:

1. You are already investing in makeup so you might as well invest in making it last!
2. Find a formula that you love and it will make you feel so confident because you know your makeup is set.
3.  You can choose a matte or dewy look which is great!

I am a 100% setting spray believer! I use several different ones depending on what I am doing and the type of hold I need. Think of setting sprays like you think about hairspray. Sometimes you want a hairspray that will lock your hair in place for hours like a maximum hold when you are going somewhere special or to an event. Then again sometimes you just want something to add a healthy glow but also gives a lite hold. Makeup setting sprays work much the same.

When I just want a lite hold I turn to +NYX Cosmetics  Matte finishing spray. Then when I want a dewy finish I break out +MAC Cosmetics Fix+ which is a makeup junky go to for sure. The makeup artists key to a long lasting spray is for sure Makeup Forever's setting sprays and products because they are built to last. Then finally we have +Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter setting spray which is all about that glam! I have to say although it is not my personal favorite for me it does work well for my clients.

Set it & Forget it! Top 3 Setting Sprays 

1. Matte - +NYX Cosmetics  Matte Finishing Spray

2. Going Out & About - +Urban Decay Cosmetics  All Nighter

3. Glam Glam - Makeup Forever Setting Spray  
** Makeup Junky Favorite - +MAC Cosmetics  Fix + 

Make an Informed Purchase: 

Check out theses other awesome articles & posts!

Are Makeup Setting Sprays Worth The Investment? BY INDIA-JEWEL JACKSON 

The best makeup setting sprays reviewed in the Cosmo Beauty Lab

+YouTube  Review of Makeup Setting Sprays: 

by Tati https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26-L1Y6R1Yk

Can't wait for Saturday's Give Away on Instagram @LESBLOGQUEEN 

The winner will be announced 6pm est on the Liz Everett Style Blog FB Fan Page 

& on Instagram! You got to get your +BH Cosmetics  Special Occasion Palette! 

5 Makeup Must Haves #BeautyWeek

When I think about makeup I think about confidence and being a hair & makeup artist that is a great thing! From makeup to image consulting it is all about making great choices for your overall image. So today's post is awesome because rather than it just being a Top 5 list you get two Top 5 lists one for everyday makeup and one for that glam look you should be rocking on Girl's Night Out or date night with your honey.

I know you will love both lists of products just as much as I do. When I do Top 5 lists I am thinking always about what will make it easy for you and what you will love. Especially on the everyday list it is all about what will keep you looking your best but what will also help your skin age with beauty. 

On the everyday list you will find that I chose budget friendly products that really make it easy to get gorgeous and stay that way! +NYX Cosmetics butter gloss is something I have a few of and it is a must have for me for sure. I wear the color Creme Brulee. It is my favorite gloss I have ever worn! 

You will notice that I  recommended +Real Techniques brushes on both lists as well. They are an +ULTA Beauty fan favorite and I know you will love them.  Brushes are so important! Most women will tell me their brushes are 4 or 5 years old or they got it cheap but the idea of the brush is more important than you think. If you have fibers pulling on your skin everyday you want to make sure you are using soft, clean brushes that are not scratching your skin.

Ok all my glamour girls out there will really appreciate this fabulous list! From the +Anastasia Beverly Hills  Contour Kit which is often mentioned on +YouTube tutorials to the +Stila  Stay All Day eyeliner you will love these products. I am also a huge fan of +Smashbox Cosmetics Full Exposure palette which did not make the list because I only had 5 slots but if you love that glam look it is a total must have. 

Can't wait for Saturday's Give Away on Instagram @LESBLOGQUEEN 

The winner will be announced 6pm est on the Liz Everett Style Blog FB Fan Page 

& on Instagram! You got to get your +BH Cosmetics  Special Occasion Palette! 

Date Night Blush Colors #BeautyWeek

Check out this awesome blush palette at one of my favorite makeup stores in downtown Orlando. These fab colors are by La Femme Cosmetics. I did not know about them before I started shopping there but now that I have been introduced I am all about it! My favorite La Femme cheek colors for everyday and date are Peach Sparkle along with Satin Rose.

Believe it or not blush can be a major consideration for date night because you want that first pic or eyes lock moment to be perfect. Everything you wear set the tone on the first 3 dates. There are few great rules for blush I want to set down now though because I want you to have the perfect first date glam!

Date makeup flashback 

3 Easy Blush Considerations: 

1. Make sure that your blush does not leave you overly shined. 

2. Think medium tone so that you have a hint of blush and not a ton.... which I am a total makeup lover so it is hard for me to hold back but it is a means to an end.

3. Think MATTE MATTE MATTE! 

I also wanted to think out some scenarios for you to help advise you on what type of blush as well as overall makeup effect would be awesome so here are three different events that are very typical dates at least in Florida. It will give you enough information that you can deduce what you want to do if he chooses an event that is a little different.

Classic Restaurant Date 

Keep it light an pretty overall but make sure you go medium & matte on the cheek. A little bronzer never hurt anybody on the chest either ;) Overall with restaurant dates too you have to gauge the type of establishment it is. For a nicer eating experience think about mimicking Blake Lively's makeup or Gabrielle Union.

A Night Out on the Town

I say go glam! Now when you are out on the town you should look like it! I will keep the same two face examples so that  you can see the play up and play down easily. Especially now I am never afraid of a pop color lipstick and so brighter matter blush. Color pop is really in style right now just don't go over board! 

Sporting Event 

Sporting events can be tricky but here is an easy rule of thumb if you don't usually dress up do a little something and if you always dress up try to play it down just a notch. So think tank top and matte bronzer with a natural gloss. A smokeye is still valid but really try to ride that middles.

Ultimately it is all about making a great impression by making sure that your blush does not take over your face. Facial structure is an important key as well so really think before you use that blush brush! 

Can't wait for Saturday's Give Away on Instagram @LESBLOGQUEEN 

The winner will be announced 6pm est on the Liz Everett Style Blog FB Fan Page 

& on Instagram! You got to get your +BH Cosmetics  Special Occasion Palette! 

Contouring 101 #BeautyWeek

Contouring and highlighting is weight loss surgery for your face! It is such a great way to show off the things you love most about your face. Many times people just think that makeup is about being fake but it is actually about showcasing the most beautiful parts of your family heritage, correcting features that may not be even and truly seeing yourself as gorgeous before you even apply your face.

Here are some definitions for you: 

Highlight - An area or feature that is strongly illuminated; 
WHAT YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SEE
* In the picture below the highlighted areas are the areas/features that I want to show
* Highlight should be 2-5 shades lighter that your normal skin tone depending on how highlighted you like to be 

Contour - To make or shape the outline of; represent in contour;
WHAT YOU DO NOT WANT PEOPLE TO SEE / CREATE SHAPE
* In the picture below that is the portion with the darker concealer
* Contour color should be 2-4 shades darker than your skin tone to really create depth

Bathroom Light 

3 Easy Steps: 

1. Prime your skin using +Maybelline  Baby Skin & +MAC Cosmetics  Prep & Prime on any blemishes or places like the under eye that you need smoothed.

2. Use a +BH Cosmetics Sculpt & Blend brush set to help you map out your face and then apply your normal foundation over the top using light strokes to blend the colors smoothly. (exp. See +Jordan Liberty  video listed below) 

3. Finish applying your makeup with a thinner more sculpted face & show your new found confidence to the world! 

Bathroom to Natural Light

Contouring & highlighting may seem like the craziest effort you will ever make but it is something that I have always loved because I just love makeup. We are in a day and time that selfies, work pictures, and photos are shared all the time so I wanted to make sure that you had this basic tool so that you can rock your selfies just like a star!

Below are some great multimedia tools as well that will help you get the full technique down! I suggest that you watch +Jaclyn Hill's video first and then the other two below in order. Jaclyn will help set the tone so that you understand exactly what the Contour vs. Highlight technique is and how to use it. It will be different for everyone because we all have such different faces.

Once you do that go visit your nearest +ULTA Beauty  or +Sephora  and experiment a bit. Ask the beauty experts there to help match you and you may even get on pinterest and print out a picture of makeup you like so that they can recommend the best products. Don't be afraid to try something new it just might be the best beauty decision you have ever made!

My Favorite Contouring +YouTube  Videos 

BEGINNER - +Jaclyn Hill 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WcP7VE92us

INTRO & SPRING LOOK - +Jordan Liberty 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHAwKaN6Ubo

 ADVANCED - Makeup Shayla 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8O5wyx-HgY

Pinterest Favorite

Love this Picture Tutorial by @Glam_Her_Booth

Also Check Out the Makeup Maven Album on the #LESBLOGQUEEN +Pinterest 

https://www.pinterest.com/lesblogQUEEN/makeup-maven/

Can't wait for Saturday's Give Away on Instagram @LESBLOGQUEEN 

The winner will be announced 6pm est on the Liz Everett Style Blog FB Fan Page 

& on Instagram! You got to get your +BH Cosmetics  Special Occasion Palette!