this weeks favorites

CURRENTLY OBSESSING:

MAC Lipglass 

Whoops!

Such a fun summery shade.  

Tammie Coe Cupcakes.

Red Velvet, anyone?

Stiff, by Mary Roach

I feel like I'm getting smarter AND I can't stop reading it. Win, win.

Organic Brazilian Blowout

I need to do a whole post on how much I love it.  I've seen people shed tears of joy after having it done.  Totally life changing-ly amazing.

 Sandales.

So cute.  And I'll give someone $100 if they can guess where I got them?

You have 3 seconds.

Times up!  

k mart.  i KNOW!!  I died too.  

thanks for the good find, Keisha!

Weekend Inspiration: Wings

Wing it out, girls.

As a substitute for our beloved MAC Blacktrack, try the Maybelline cream or gel eyeliner. Rumor has it, there's little to no difference. We'll be the judge of that.

Maxey Cosmetics review

every now and then we get the opportunity to review products for our readers.  we won't pretend like this is an extremely inconvenient task.   we love to try new products especially when we get to tell our favorite people about them {you!}

A little about Maxey: Maxey Cosmetics was founded in 2007 as a new kind of cosmetics company dedicated to a cosmeceutical approach to health and beauty. We apply a deeply scientific understanding of the physiology supporting natural health, and apply this to the creation of cosmetic products that have real value. It is this emphasis on substance over superficiality that makes us different.

Right now, Maxey Cosmetics has two products out, and we were lucky enough to try both!

1.  MAXEYLASH Maintenance Eyelash Conditioner

What is it? -
 "A soothing option to maintain your new lashes. No matter how you got them, you can keep them hassle-free."




























What we love about it-  
H-  It's safe, you don't need a prescription, and I really felt that my lashes were enhanced, healthier, and stronger.  I was born with some pretty thick, long lashes (thanks pop!)  but SWEAR that with each pregnancy they got shorter.  My lashes returned and the conditioner helped maintain them.  {sound hallelujah chorus!}  As a hair stylist, it totally makes sense.  What would your hair be like if you never used conditioner?  Same thing applies to your lashes.  They are hair, right?  Strengthen and protect them.  Everyone could use a little enhancement- am I right?  


C-  I get so nervous to try lash products because, what can I say? I'm vain. I don't want my eye color changing or the skin darkening on my lids. I had lash extensions for about five months and then one day decided they were driving me nuts and ripped them all off (such a rational response, I know. I blame it on this heat.) Needless to say, the lashes I did have left were brittle and short. This product "is a nutrient system that feeds your lashes as you sleep." I couldn't have said it better myself. My lashes looked and felt SO much better after using this product. I didn't necessarily notice a change in length, but in condition. My poor lashes had been through the ringer, and this product gave them new life. The other thing I like about this is that it is formulated to help maintain lash health.. whether your lashes are naturally long (H) or you use Latisse, this product will help you maintain the results, safely.










2.  Lanterna


What is it?-  "deoxyArbutin is a patented cosmetic ingredient clinically proven to improve the appearance of skin pigmentation. With continued use, skin tone appears more even, brightened, and age spots, freckles, and other skin imperfections are less noticeable. deoxyArbutin has been extensively studied for both safety and efficacy and can be used on all skin types."






What we love about it-
H-  Again, one of the major factors I love about Maxey Cosmetics is the fact that the products aren't harsh or irritating and yet they are effective.  Heaven knows this is a product I needed so badly.  Is this a safe zone?  I have to admit...I'm a "picker."  Yes.  I said it.  This translates to skin discoloration.  So thankful to have a product like this!  My skin feels brighter, and more even.  I really like how this product applies, too. It is silky smooth and goes great under my makeup in the morning and under my night cream before bed.  
C- So glad I (for once) had the foresight to take a "before" photo because I really see the difference in my skin after using this product. My pregnancy mask was SO bad this time around. My mom even asked me once if I needed to wax my 'stache...No, mom. That's just my permanent brown strip of skin above my lip. Permanent..or so I thought! 

                BEFORE             AFTER (approximately 6 weeks)


Notice how especially on the left side of my upper lip the dark spots have gotten noticeably lighter! (Please don't judge me for the ugliest photos in the world. Also, these photos are un-retouched and I have ZERO makeup on in them.) One of my friends even told me that my skin looked freckle-free (granted, I did have makeup on at the time, but still! This is huge for me.)




H and I would DEFINITELY recommend both of these products to anyone. They are universal and we think everyone would benefit from their use! Email us if you have any more questions about these products!
           

haircut winner

I spy with my little eye...

a winner!

(chosen at random) our winner is...    KATE 

 who said

 kate said...

FB!

July 15, 2012 9:01 PM

 

EMAIL me at :  ourbeautymark.blogspot.com  to claim your cut!  

Don't worry, there are no losers here.  It sounded like so many of you are in dire need of a cut. If you commented on the giveaway email me to receive HALF off a haircut.  (yes, that IS so nice of me.)  {must book before September}  

xo

Face Mapping

I saw this on Pinterest and LOVED the idea of it. I get asked all the time about the location of breakouts and what the cause could be. This chart says it all!

Zone 1 & 3: Bladder & Digestive System
Zone 2: Liver
Zone 4 & 10: Kidneys
Zone 5 & 9: Respiratory system
Zone 6 & 8: Kidneys
Zone 7: Heart
Zone 12: Stomach
Zone 11 & 13: Hormones
Zone 14: Illness 

(although these are general guidelines don't go convincing yourself that because you have a zit on your nose that you're about to have a heart attack. most of these issues can vastly improve with changes in diet and exercise.)

Forehead	Go to bed early (10pm) and wake up early (6am). Even if you can't fall asleep. it's good to relax so your liver can rest and be ready for work the next day Drink plenty of water 20-30 minutes of light exercise every day, especially outdoors Practice relaxation techniques to worry less Get enough sleep with a regular sleep schedule Eat healthy foods, chewing thoroughly Better hygiene (washing hair, hats)
Temples	Eat less processed food, junk food, and fast food Reduce the amount of fat in your diet Eat cooling foods like bitter melon, cucumbers, and gourds
Between the Brows	Exercise, but avoid strenuous exercise Get more sleep Avoid alcohol Avoid smoking
Nose	Eat less pungent foods (spices, garlic, etc) Eat less meat Eat warm temperature foods (not too cold or hot) Get more fresh air Exercise everyday (like going for a walk) Massage the area around your nose Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin B
Left Cheek	Maintain a normal daily routine Try to keep a positive mood Don't let your body overheat Eat more cooling foods such as gourds, winter melons, and green beans Don't overeat Try to decompress and relax The liver is the strongest from 1-3 AM. This is when you should be sleeping The liver is weakest at 1-5 PM, so schedule difficult work for the morning If you have to work in the afternoon, rest your eyes for 5 minutes every hour Practice proper hygiene
Right Cheek	Avoid fast food and junk food Avoid mango, taro root, wine, and seafood or other foods you may be sensitive to Eat less sugar Get more fresh air The lung is strongest at 7-9 AM. This is the best time for aerobic exercise Practice proper hygiene
Lip Area	Eat more fiber Include more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet Eat less spicy and fried foods Massage abdominal area in a clockwise motion Change your toothpaste
Chin and Jaw	Reduce the habit of eating before bed Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables Get more rest Get your hormones checked Get 20 minutes of exercise each day Sleep early and wake up early Massage your body for relaxation Practice proper hygiene

Info taken from here and here

a cut above

i have a super exciting ubre great news to share...








iiiiii'm baaaaaaack!


 ok.  so i've been in AZ for awhile now.  But we are officially staying!  Can you say "holla?"  That's right it is cactus, dirt, and hundred degrees for us and we couldn't be happier {although our NE friends and readers will surely be missed!}.




Anywho,  let's celebrate - shall we?


How's about a free haircut?  

 that's right friends.  cut and style by yours truly- for FREE at Habit Salon.  just got a trimmy trim?  go ahead and comment nominating someone else who needs it!

here's what you do:

1. comment and tell us how bad your mane needs taming (or just how much you love us ;) )
  *  You may FB, Tweet, or blog for extra entries- a separate comment for each




Winner will be announced FRIDAY.
xo and good luck.

Keira Knightly's makeup look

Keira Knightly bugs.

It's the lips! I really have a hard time when people get their lips done. Especially Keira because she puckers her lips when she talks and I can't concentrate on anything else.

That is all besides the fact because when I saw this picture in a magazine of her amazing makeup I knew I would have to put my lip prejudice aside so I could post this for you.

I wanted to challenge myself to recommend only drugstore products for this look, so here goes:

Maybelline Define a Brow in Dark Blonde (a great alternative to MAC Lingering. If you are blonder, try Light Blonde)

Cover Girl eye shadow in Champagne

Revlon Lipstick in Berry Haute

ELF cream eyeliner in Black

ELF blush in Tickled Pink

L'oreal Studio Secrets Professional eyeshadow duo in Bronze Star

Keira's makeup look is really simple. It's all about thick eyeliner and strategically placed highlighting.

After your face makeup is done, brush some of the Tickled Pink blush under your cheekbones to define and use the Champagne eyeshadow with a fluffy brush to highlight on top of your cheekbone.

Once your skin is done, use a flat brush to deposit a good coat of the dark shimmery eye shadow all over the bottom half of your lid (from the crease down to the lash line). Next grab a fluffy brush and use the other eye shadow to blend just to the top of your orbital bone (use circular motions to blend). Next take the Champagne eye shadow again and put it all over the brow bone and in the tear duct. This will reflect light and make your eyes look bigger and brighter like Keira's!

Next, use a small eyeliner brush to line both the top and bottom eyelids. On the bottom, try to get the liner in the water line as much as possible. On the top, make the liner thicker towards the outer edge of the eye. 

Use a small brush to dust some of the shimmery brown shadow underneath the eyeliner under the bottom lashes. 

Fill in eyebrows with small, quick strokes that mimic the movement of the brow hairs.

Put on the Berry Haute lipstick and blot for less color.

Finish off with 2-3 coats of your favorite mascara, paying special attention to the outer corners and bottom lashes.

Voila! You're practically Keira's twin. 

Girls Night a la Applebee's

No matter our race, religion, creed or culture I think we can universally agree on one thing:

a girls' night is so refreshing.

As hard as it to make time for ourselves, it is a must.  This last week a girls' night out is just what the doctor ordered.  

There is something to be said about being with some good friends with no (kid) distractions and eating/drinking the night away.  My partner in crime (C) had the flu (BOO!) but I was able to drown my sorrows in a giant OREO shake.  Which is obviously the first thing I ordered.  

But I am not writing this to tell you about the calories I consumed but to tell you that you might need to consider hoping on over to your local APPLEBEE'S (let's face it, there's one on every corner)for a GIRLS' NIGHT OUT 'cause 1. You deserve it and 2.  You are going to win this amazing gift card we are giving away.

So prepare yourselves for some great service - we were so well taken care of - and some yum-o food. My favorites include, but are not limited to, boneless buffalo wings, the aforementioned Oreo shake, steak with mushrooms, and obviously you can't leave without a  blondie or two. To be honest I'm surprised I woke up from my food coma to write this very post.  

But if you have learned anything from this post let it be:

Girls' night is good for the soul.

So there you have it, folks.  Applebee's offers a great atmosphere for you and your girls to get together, eat good food, and spend quality time catching up.  

Our lives get so busy, and I love Applebee's slogan - "Life is Better Shared". As great as it is to keep in contact via social media: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr etc., what better way to share it than face-to-face with your friends? (Though Applebee's agrees social media is a fabulous way to connect, so they're on Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube, too!)

I, for one, am so grateful for my good friends and while I love my family I've always believed, "good friends are God's way of apologizing to us for our families."  That said, go ahead and comment on this post and tell us:

- When is the last time you had a girl's night out?

Each comment will be entered for a chance to win a $150 gift card for Applebee's, courtesy of Applebee's and BlogHer!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 7/9/12 – 8/3/12.

Be sure to visit the Applebee's Life Is Better Shared page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!