27 Beauty Secrets You Wish you Knew Earlier

As I get a little older, I get wiser with how I apply makeup on, style my hair, and take care of my skin. Over the last few years, I have gotten some of the best advice from professional hair and makeup artists. I have also learned through trail and error, what truly works and what does not. Today I’m sharing my 27 beauty secrets with you below. I know there will be a few you didn’t know about before! Share some of your tips below in the comments as well.

INNER BEAUTY

1.Inner beauty- glowing skin means having skin that is well hydrated. We spend so much time applying creams but it truly starts with getting enough water. I start (almost) every morning with a huge cup of hot water and lemon. You’ll see a big difference in your glow if you get a solid 64 ounces/ 8 cups of water a day.

SKIN

2. Skin- always use cold water to wash your face! Yes, even in the cold winter months. The hot water really dries out the skin. So if you want to keep your skin smooth and silky, only turn the cold water on.

3. Skin- always pat and never pull. This rule of thumb goes all the way from drying your face with a towel to applying skin products on!

4. Skin- Always apply products on your face, neck, and chest in an upwards motion! Best way to apply serum and creams are by warming them the product up by rubbing your hands together. Then lightly patting them into your skin.

5. Skin- Apply under eye cream and concealer only using your ring finger in a light dabbing motion. Do not pull and tap too hard. The skin under your eyes are the thinnest layer of skin on your entire body. I love the Innisfee Jeju Orchid Eye Cream!

6. Skin- I am sure you’ve heard this one before but sunscreen is key! Apply it multiple times a day and all throughout the year (not just the summer). I love this spray version for when my makeup is already on and I don’t want to ruin it.

7. Skin

Protect your skin from blue light too! It’s even more harmful than UV light. I’m currently using Lumivive system from Skin Medica

8. Skin- Ever wonder why Asians have such beautiful skin? Probably because they have a seven step system that is preventative and repairing! the general order of products are

Toner- Renewing Water- Serum- Emulsion- Oil- Eye Cream- Face Cream - Sunscreen

• I’ve been loving the Sulwhasoo collection! It leaves my skin feeling so moisturized and with the best glow ever. The packaging is beautiful, products smell great, and feels great on the skin. The products are lightweight so it doesn’t feel heavy when it is on the skin either.

9. Skin- If you’re wondering, “how do I know what to apply to my face first?”, well the general rule of thumb is: apply the most lightweight product on first. For example, toners are usually water based so they should be applied on first. Creams are heavier so they should be applied later/ last.

MAKEUP

10. Running out of your favorite mascara?

No problem! Drop in a dollop of face oil or saline water in the tube and swish it around. This will give the remaining product a longer life.

11. Mascara- want to make lashes look thicker?Apply your first coat of mascara then dab a makeup brush into translucent powder and apply it on your lashes. Then apply your second coat of mascara.

12. Want to lighten up that heavy foundation you purchased?

Mix a dollop of foundation with a dollop of your light moisturizer and mix it together then apply it on your skin.

13. Makeup- want to makeup last longer? Keep them refrigerated in your kitchen refrigerator. If i ever buy makeup on sale to stock up, i leave it in the fridge till it’s time to use it.

14. Concealer- To make your concealer last longer and give the effect of a full coverage cover, apply concealer in your desired area and let it sit for about 5 minutes. I apply concealer under my eyes in a triangle shape. While you are letting your concealer sit, do your eye makeup or contour. Once your time is up, blend with a beauty blender.

15. Want to make your eye shadow color pop?

Simple- apply a white eye pencil as the base. This will make any color more vibrant.

16. Foundation- Beauty blender is your best makeup friend. If you haven’t tried it, you need to right now. Make sure to dampen the sponge before use

17. Concealer-

Does your under eye concealer crease?Well I’ve got a solution! After you use concealer, apply translucent powder with a makeup brush. This makes a hugeeee difference and it also helps make the look feel more natural.

18. Eyes- want the perfect winged eye shadow look? Well it’s super simple! Before applying foundation or concealer, apply a piece of scotch tape from your outer eye corner to your eyebrow. Then apply your desired eye shadow. I even apply my liquid eyeliner before I remove the tape for an extra precise line. Remove the tape slowly and wah-lah! I personally prefer double sided tape because it collects the eye shadow fall out.

20. Lips

- Want to make your lips look bigger? There are a few tricks.

First, contour. Apply darker contour cream around your upper and lower lip corners. Blend out with a brush.

Second, slightly over line your lips with an pencil. Don’t go overboard though.

19. Eyes- If you have smaller shaped eyes like me, there’s a secret to give the illusion of a bigger eye. Apply a white or light colored eye pencil on your lower eyelid and/ or waterline. It’s a super simple trick that automatically opens the eye up.

21. Eyebrows- Don’t always use the same product on your eyebrows on a daily basis. Mix up the kind of products you use so your eyebrow hairs don’t fall out. For example mix up using a brow pencil, brow gel, and brow powder on a weekly basis.

22. Want to get the perfect shaped brows? It’s much easier than you may think. Use your eyebrow pencil and nose as a guide. First, put your pencil straight from the corner of your nose – this is where your eyebrows should start. Second, tilt the pencil to a 45 degree angle- this is where the highest point (arch) of your eyebrow should be. Third, tilt the pencil even more to a 75 degree angle. The pencil should hit the outer corner of your eyes. This point is where your eyebrow shape should end.

23. To have flawless eyebrows all day long, apply a clear coat on top of your brows with a spooli. If you don’t have a clear brow gel, use a mascara instead.

FRAGRANCE

24. Fragrance – Did you know there are 8 spots where you should apply your perfume?

• Spritz a little into your hair

• Behind the ears

• On your collarbones

• In the inside crease of your elbows

• On your wrists

• Your bellybutton

• In the bend of your knees

• Ankles

HAIR

25. What beachy waves for real? When hair is damp, take sections of hair and twirl the section with your fingers. Think of your finger as a curling iron. Apply a little hairspray all over once finished

26. Want to keep your straight hair looking nice for a few days? No problem, sleep with a silk scarf around your hair. This prevents your hair from getting curly and/ or static issues.

27. Have greasy hair or hair that gets oily quickly? Look out for shampoo and conditioners with citrus. This helps break up the oils.

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Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity

Photography by Ashley Gallerani

*I get commission for purchases made through links in this post*

March 2018 Beauty Favorites

If you've been following me on my social media channels, you know I've been using Neutrogena products for some time now. I've been using their face wash products (multiple kinds) and their famous makeup remover for years now. However, I recently tried out their new Hydro Boost collection. I fell in love with the light moisturizing formula! The Hydro Boost foundation feels incredibly light on the skin- feels like nothing once applied on. I'm wearing shade #60. I apply stripes on my face with the applicator and then blend it all in with the Beauty Blender. After that, I apply the Neutrogena Hydro Boost concealer on under my eyes and in blemish areas. The full face looks so effortless and covers everything! I top off my look with the Hydro Boost mascara which hydrates, nourishes, and extends lashes to the full max. Crazy how one product does all that right?!

NYX Products:

I remember being a teenager and just starting to use makeup. NYX was a favorite brand of mine because it was super affordable and it really worked! The affordable part was key for me at a younger age because I was still highly experimental and didn't really have the choice to splurge. I have A LOT of favorite NYX Cosmetics products built from over the years but these are some of my new favorites this month. 

NYX glitter glue and loose glitter- um you guys these two products are amazinggggggg! If you are looking to really create a major statement, this is exactly what you need! I love using the glitter as eyeliner by applying along my eye line. This give a subtle glow and is more fun than a traditional cat eye. If you want to create some drama, apply the glitter all over your eyelid. No way will you be missed! The glitter feels very light on, just like eyeshadow. Tip: use a small eyeliner makeup brush and dip into glitter then straight onto the area you want the glitter. Then dip the same brush into the glitter and put it on the areas you applied glue onto. 

NYX Ultimate Bright Eyeshadow Palette- this palette has the perfect colors to create a bright bold look with! There are 16 amazing high pigmented shades in this palette for just $18! You won't need another palette! Tip: apply a white creamy eyeshadow primer base to make the colors look even more vibrant. 

NYX Wonder Stick (highlighter and contour stick)- I love how this product is double ended and has two things in one package! It makes it really easy to travel with. I apply the contour end to my lower cheek and my nose. I then blend it in with the beauty blender. The color blends in really well because of the creamy texture. I apply the highlighter end on my upper cheek bones, nose tip, and brow arch. Then I blend with my beauty blender again. This highlighter isn't harsh and give a slight glow which I love for an everyday look.

Patchology 

I have been using Patcholoy products for over a year now but every month they keep me coming back for more with new products. This month my favorite item was the travel kit! It comes with four items and comes in the perfect travel size kit. I also love the Illuminating mask! It takes no more than five minutes to give you a nice healthy glow. The mask comes with an amazing serum that soaks into the skin. Tip: I leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes then rub the remaining serum in with a jade roller. I also tried the Patchology Aquaflash cream this monthly and loved it! I have oily skin so this cooling gel lotion is perfect to hydrate but not get your skin oily.

Jade roller- this new internet sensation really caught my eye and I had to try it. I mean for $8, why not? The jade roller helps de-puff your skin and makes it feel so rejuvenated after. Tip: I recommend putting it in the fridge 5 minutes before you plan on using it. This makes the jade stone nice and cold so when it hits your skin, it's helps wake it up. Tip: Always roll the jade roller upwards. I start from the chin and work around my face. I use the little side for under the eyes and nose. I can automatically feel a difference in my skin after using it for 5 minutes. I do this once a day after I apply my morning serum.  

Glossy Box Favorites: 

Cover FX  perfect pencil concealer- when I received my Glossy Box, I literally asked my self "what is this?". I had never seen a product like this before and honestly didn't think I would find any use for this. Well, I was wrong! I love this versatile pencil. I usually use it in my under eye line to make my eyes look bigger. I also use it under my eyebrow line to clean up the shape. Tip: You can also use it as a lip outliner (around your lips to clean up the lipstick). There are so many ways to use this one pencil. Totally worth the $20!

Figs & Rouge soft focus pore perfect HD matte veil primer keeps you shine free all day long. Exactly what I need for my oily t-zone. The primer is lightweight and it really does minimize my pores. Tip: I recommend applying this product along your t-zone in a circular motion after applying lotion on but before foundation.

De Bruyère Beauté jumbo eye pencil is another versatile eye makeup tool. I have the color #7 bubble. It's a really pretty bronze shade that I think will look good on just about every skin tone. The pencil has a nice creamy texture and glides on seamlessly. I use it as a base then apply powder on top. This gives a more metallic finish to your eyeshadow and stays on longer with the creamy base. Another way to use it is my just applying it along everywhere on the eyelid below the crease. A third way to use it is by using an angled brush to apply it as eyeliner. 

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity

*I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post*

February 2018 Beauty Favorites

February was the month of love and my favorites completely reflected that. It was all about the lips and getting ready to pucker up! 

1. 

My first February beauty product are the Patchology Lip Renewal Flashpatch. It's a great lip mask to prime your lips! It leaves your lips feeling smooth before applying any lipsticks/ lip glosses. The lip mask formula is very gentle, smells really nice, and doesn't have a bad taste. It's a great mask to do with your girlfriends! Trust me, there will be a lot of fun laughs. 

2. 

During the Winter, my lips are almost always chapped. It has taken me a long time to find a product that actually heels and moisturizes my lips at the same time (besides my favorite regular chapstick). A product I have found that makes my lips feel super smooth is the new Patchology Lip Service gloss-to-balm treatment. I put the lipgloss on right before I hop into bed. Overnight it repairs and hydrates for me to wake up with smooth lips.  It is a thicker consistincy and feels minty fresh when it is on.

3. 

The new soft matte metallic matte lipsticks from NYX are amazing! By far my favorite matte lipsticks! I love the matte look but I alway struggle when the matte lipsticks dry my lips out, leaving cracks. If you have the same issue then these NYX soft metallic matte lipsticks are for you! They have a creamy texture and feels like chapstick. They also stay on for hours without having to reapply. I noticed the darker shades or bright pigmented colors lasted longer than the neutral colors. I also didn't have to put on chapstick on after the matte lipstick like I do with many other matte lipsticks. You can't go wrong with the price either! 

4.

If you're looking to sparkle up your lip life, you should try the new Cover Girl Melting Pout Metallic Lipgloss with cover girl matte lipstick underneath. The metallic top coat completely takes a day look to night. It is glitter filled and makes the lip look super shiny. The Cover Girl Melting Pout Matte Liquid Lipstick is a good base to start with during the day. It's long lasting and will give you a nice pigment too. 

5.

If you're looking to splurge a little for a great lipstick, I highly recommend the Marc Jacobs Liquid Lip Crayon. The lip crayon has a super creamy feeling texture that glides on to the lip beautifully. The colors are very pigmented and last hours! I love the texture it leaves on the lip. My lips tend to get dry after wearing this for a few hours so I like to add a layer or chapstick. My favorite shade is #340 How Rouge! 

6.

For an everyday lip wear, I love the stained lip balm from Doctor Lip Bangs! It gives your lips a fresh tint that looks really natural. The formula leaves lips feeling super tingly-it feels like it immediately starts heeling your lips. Get them at Ricky's!

7.

Another beauty favorite this month is my trusted Foreo facial cleansing brush. This little guy is my best friend during my mornings when I wash my face. This little device vibrates and is a great gentle way to get dead skin cells off of your face. It's battery operated. I love the color too! It is available in an array of fun colors. Shop them at Ricky's! 

8.

After a nice face wash, I use this SkinRx Madecera Cream to hydrate my dry skin during the winter. I have naturally oily skin so I use this product when I need a deep hydration treatment. It's especially great to use after you've used a face scrub. I mix a dollop of this in with my other moisturizers too. It's great to use on the face and the neck. 

9. 

Innisfree custom powder compacts are fun, easy to take on the go, and match any skin shade. You can custom make your own palette from the cover color/ patter, powder finish, and even the applicator. So cool right? I prefer the matte finish since I have oily skin. You dip the sponge down in the compact to get the product. You can control the amount of product you want by how hard you press down. The finish is very subtle and applys on smoothly.

10.

A fun and quite different beauty products I love this month are from the well known brand Almay. The new shadow quads are amazing! I love the colors in each palette! It's a great size to slip into any bag when traveling. Each quad comes with four finishes- matte, glitter, metallic, and satin. My favorite is the glitter because it has a lot of shine but I usually use all four finishes to create one look. First I apply the matte finish on my crease, then the metallic finish in the inner corner. After that, I apply the glitter finish in the very center and blend to the outer corner. I finish off by adding the satin finish by my eyebrow line. This combination creates a natural look with a touch of shine. 

11.

I also love this new Almay Make Them Jelly Highlight. It is a gel like formula that you can apply with your finger or brush to your cheekbone and up to your eyes to give you a glitter holographic glow. i think this product take highlighters to a whole new world! It leaves an iridescent shine on your skin. 

12. 

Aveda's new Invati hair line is great for anyone who has thinning hair. It is hereditary in my family so discovering this product was a life saver! The texture and formula for all products from the shampoo to spray all feel really great. No product leaves hair feeling heavy, greasy, or looking oily. the smell is a natural herbal ginger like smell. I have been using this for a month and a half now and can see a slight difference already. 

XOXO,

Krity

*I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post*