Beauty School Series: Life Lessons

Sometimes you go through things in life not because you want to but because you have to.  They mold you into the person you need to become.  My almost 6 months in school for Esthetics taught me so much.  It also helped  me open up more, broaden my dreams and open up about my real feelings.

I graduated years ago with a bachelors degree in Computer Information Systems, but wasn't really excited as I took the classes or even when I graduated.  One of the most exciting things about my college years was pledging my sorority and the friends I met along the way.  There never was a true passion for computers, it was more about making money and taking a traditional job.



Looking at my Linkedin page I noticed that one of the jobs I have held the longest has been makeup/skincare related.  It is one of the lowest paying jobs I have held but it is connected to what I am passionate about.  It made since to broaden my horizons with an Esthetics License.

When I started Esthetics school I was so excited for my first day.  It was even exciting to go over information I already knew, such as makeup, just to get a different perspective.  Working at a counter allows me to work on all ages compared to doing fashion and editorial shoots.  School also allowed me to work on different ages regarding makeup and skincare.  Learning how to do facials and waxing opened up other opportunities to me and increased my love of skincare.  

Spa room/My Happy Place

My first two months were mainly comprised of learning in the classroom.  No hands on with clients was allowed at that point.  My teacher taught up the basic facial, waxing, makeup, and individual lashes and then we practiced on our mannequins and each other.  As we moved closer to our minimum hours to get in the actual spa room with clients we also learned body wraps and more advance facial techniques, etc.  

That first 2 months showed me I am more than just a makeup artist!  It also showed me I was still a great student.  

Product Review: The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

The Body Shop has always had great products.  One of the products that I have continued using is the Camomile Eye Makeup Remover.  Recently they have come out with new products to the Camomile line.  I decided to try the Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter.  It is great for removing makeup from the full face, but I mainly purchased it for the eye area.

I was low on my personal kit eye makeup remover and decided I would branch out from my normal ones.  I love the Camomile Eye Makeup Remover but wanted to try something in a solid form.  The Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter is made with Community Trade Camomile and can be used on all skin types.

The Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter is an indulgent make-up remover for the whole face.  Developed to gently and efficiently melt away make-up and impurities, and removes all types of makeup.  It leaves the skin feeling clean, refreshed and pampered.  It also works great for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.  

I used a small dab on my eyes and it removed my mascara with ease and with no eye irritation.  You still want to use a facial cleanser to fully clean your face after using this makeup remover.  The Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash is a great cleanser to use after this product for combination oily skin people like me.    

You get 2.7 ounces in the twist top tin.  It does have a slight fragrance and is more transparent in color.   

Check out The Body Shop website for further information on the product and others from the line.  

Product Review: Bdellium Tools Bold Lip Brush #542

I have been in search of really good lip brushes for a while.  I started with disposable lip brushes but moved up to e.l.f. concealer brushes.  Those were not the standard I wanted for my kit so the search continued.  I wanted lip brushes that I could line with, angle for unique lip looks and to blend multiple colors.  I have found this with the Bdellium Tools Bold Lip Brush #542.  

Bdellium Tools Bold Lip Brush #542 is a wide, firm-bristled tip brush that helps to define all the contours of the lip with ease and precision.  It works well with all lip formulas and is made with all synthetic fibers.

As a makeup artist and makeup lover, I look for tools that work great for my clients and myself.  This a great product for a personal or professional kit.  I used the 542 brush recently to create and add more dimension to my lips with two colors and a liner.  Applying the two lipsticks directly would not allow me to create the ombre affect I wanted.  Using this brush allowed me to blend out the liner slightly with a darker color after applying a lighter color in the middle of my lips.  

The shape of the brush allows for precision application with ease.  The design and size of the brush is just right and a comfortable fit.... the way it feels in your hand as you apply the products is wonderful.  I love the smooth wooden handle and the firmness of the bristles.  In other words I love this brush and it does what I need it to do!       

Check out Bdelliumtools.com for this and other great products.

BCB LLC

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Every year Nordstrom has some great products at their anniversary sale.  This year since I have a Nordstrom account, I was able to shop before the sale officially started.  It was cool being invited in the draped off areas to see the sales items in advance.  I mainly stopped in for the cosmetics and checked out shoes also.

I picked up Ciate London's Denim Manicure kit.  This is going to be a great fall nail design.  The Nail Polish paints on a great denim look with one coat.  I will have to test the dazzle portion of the kit very soon and show you all the results.

It comes with Paint Pot in Regatta that drys to give a textured matte denim look finish.  It also comes with glue, studs in gold, bronze and copper, and gold and white stitching nail transfers.

Every year I would normally purchase my limited edition MAC items from the anniversary sale.  Since the quality of MAC eye shadows has changed and I usually have similar colors I have purchased less down through the years.  I was intrigued by the collection this year.  I tested the eye products and was not that impressed.  Packaging is cute but shadows were similar to colors I have from MAC in the past.  The quality is still better than some brands but not a "must have" for me.   MAC always has great lip products so I decided to purchase the nude lip bag only.  

The nude lip bag included Naked Proof Cremesheen Lipstick, Drawn to Chic lipglass and Boldly Bare lip pencil.  The Rebecca Moses illustrated bag has a vinyl feel with a cute lips and ribbons design.  

Some other products that would be great to pick up for yourself or as gifts:

 Mario Badescu "Hello to Clear" Skin care set

 Kevyn Aucoin Beauty 'Iconic Eye' Set

 La Mer Limited Edition Large size  (Product Value compared to actual price is worth the purchase if this is one of your must have products)

Anastasia Beverly Hills "Hold On" Brow Gel Anniversary Duo is a great buy I thought about purchasing also.  They did not have it in my local store but I am still debating on purchasing it online.

I could go on and on with all the great buys they have just in cosmetics... Trish McEvoy, NARS has 2-3 sets that are beautiful and Kiehls Jumbo Creme de Corps is a great buy when you compare the value to the actual price.

If you picked up anything from the sale or plan to please comment and share your views on the products, etc.  

BCBLLC

Monday Makeup Must Have: Ben Nye Banana Visage Poudre and Makeup Forever High Definition Powder

Two of my favorite finishing powders in my professional kit include Ben Nye Banana Powder and MUFE HD Powder.  I am one of those people that love loose powders.  I also love universal products that work on a variety of complexions.

Ben Nye Banana Visage Poudre is great for all complexions, but it is especially great to have for darker skin tones.  It gives a more natural look on darker skin tones when some other powders tend to cast a gray tone when applied.  It now also comes in a pressed powder compact.  

Makeup Forever High Definition Powder is another great product that works on all complexions.  I prefer to use it on lighter complexions, but when used properly it looks great on all skin tones. It should be applied and then a finishing spray such as MUFE Mist & Fix should be used afterward to avoid that famous look most people get when used wrong.  The product is great when used properly.

  

BCBLLC

Set Your Goals And Achieve Them!

We all have dreams that we would love to live.  The first step to living our dreams is to make a plan and set goals.  I find that when I write out my dreams, and goals and set a plan, I tend to achieve those goals.  When you write down your goals you act on them.  You make them a reality.

• The first step is to know what is your dream.  You have to know what you want to do. 
• The next step is to write down that dream.
• Then you want to set realistic goals to achieve then
• Stay Focused.  Never let the negative people and things get in your way.
• Remember you will have set backs but they should not stop you.
• Once you reach your goals set new ones.  
• Always inspire to do great things!

   There are plenty of informational websites, books, etc., if you still don't know where to start.  Check out the book 30 Days at 100% by Crystal Wright.  It was the book that finally put me on the right path.  Dale Carnegie Books also helped me with my confidence, and public speaking when I was in my teens.  I still refer to them now.  Google is also great for looking up information as we know.  

BCBLLC

Monday Makeup Must Have: Iman Perfect Brow Pencil

Hey Divas,

Great looking brows accentuate the face.  Many people will shape them or have them shaped, but still need a little brow powder, gel or pencil to create the perfect brows.

Iman Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Blackest Brown is a great pencil for your personal or professional kits. I can always find it at my nearest Walgreen and many Ulta stores.  The price is reasonable and the color is universal.  I keep mine sharp so that I can draw in hairs for a natural look.  It is just the right firmness and shade. There is a pencil on one end and a brow brush on the other end.  It stays on all day and does not move.

    
Tweeting my brows today so I thought it would be great to include a photo of one tweezed and filled and and the other not worked on.  My brows have always been naturally thick so I try not to thin them out too much. 

Check out her products.  They are reasonable priced, easy to find and great to use.  

BCBLLC

Sephora OPI Nail Polish Sale 50% off

Hey Diva's you know I love a good sale.  While at work I stopped by Sephora and saw that they have OPI on sale.  I was told they are coming out with a new line soon.  I can't wait to see the new line and had to pick up a few items.  Ok... more than a few..lol.  Like I said I love a good sale.

Since I have many of the regular size bottles I decided to get some of the smaller bottle sets and maybe use them in my kit.  You never know when you need polish on a shoot. I also picked up a few of the regular sizes and some tools.

Matte and UV Top Coats with Gold and Purple Shades

Playing around with my new colors.

Some items I picked up from my VIB points and freebies.

iPhone case, Boscia Moisture SPF 30, and Summer Starter Kit

Sweet 15 bag

Dr. Jart BB Cream, Hourglass Mineral Primer,  BareMinerals Multi-Wrinkle Repair,
Anastasia Clear Brow Gel, Shiseido UV Protection Cream & Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara

Pick up some polish online or in store before they are all gone!  

BCBLLC

Follow Your Dreams and Make Them A Reality!

Life can sometimes throw you off the road you should be traveling.  That does not mean you should stay on the path that you have been thrown on.  It means you should get back on the path you were meant to be on.

Too many people including myself have been sidetracked in life due to set backs, financial situations, and so much more. We allow our families, friends, coworkers and more tell us what we can't do instead of knowing what we can do.  A few years back I decided to change all of that.  I can do well at IT(Information Technology) jobs but I love being a Makeup Artist.  Two years ago I decided to go to The Makeup Show Chicago.  I could not purchase many items for my kit but I knew I needed to be there for the education, and the seminars.

That was the year I meet Crystal Wright, James Vincent, Michael DeVellis, Sam Fine, and Johnny Lavoy.  They changed my life.  They all inspired me to strive for my goal of being a full time Makeup Artist.  I knew after hearing them speak that I could achieve that dream.  I knew that all the negative I heard that I could never make enough money as a Makeup Artist was a way to keep me in the so called stable jobs I hated.  I also knew I had to take Crystal's class.

Crystal Wright  is a great coach and mentor.  I took her class in September 2012 and learned so much.  I have grown from the knowledge she has passed on to me.  I advise new and upcoming artists to take her class.  She teaches you the knowledge you need to succeed in this industry but also provides an honest opinion based on her experience as an Agent so that work improves.  Crystal Wright offers classes though out the year in different cities.  She also has great books to help you get started and also to improve your life in general.

I have not reached my overall goal but I am moving towards it.  Never give up and never give in to the fears that others try to put in your head.


XOX
Belinda Campbell Beauty

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Clinique New Chubby Sticks Shadows Tints for Eyes

I love hearing about new products especially when I have similar products that I love that have been discontinued.  MAC a while back discontinued their Shade Sticks.  I loved Shade Sticks for the packaging, product, price, longevity, and usability. They were easy to use and great for travel.  

New Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tints for Eyes

Clinique has introduced a new product to go with the Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms! The New Chubby Stick Shadow Tints for Eyes are very comparable to the MAC Shade Sticks.  They are a bit thicker but still have some of the traits that I loved about my Shade Sticks.  The don't crease when used properly except on some people with very oily lids.  Oily lids people may have an issue, but a great base can take care of that.  Also they blend great together and with other products.  

Swatches of Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tints for Eyes

I also compared them to the NYX Jumbo Sticks and Covergirl Smoky Shadow Blast.  I prefer the Clinique Chubby Sticks over both.  The Chubby Stick last longer and I prefer the colors and pigmentation.  The Chubby Sticks come in 12 beautiful colors and you MUST Click them Closed to ensure that they don't dry out.  

I use them as a base, liner, blend them to create new colors and alone.  The price point is good also, $16 each.         


Pros:

• Does not crease(oilier lids may need a base such as Urban Decay Eden)
• blend great together and with other cream and powder products
• Great as a base for dry to combination oily skin types
• Great as a liner, especially the darker colors
• Long Lasting(I wore 8 hours while working at the counter and no creasing or touch ups)
• Great variety of colors

Cons:

• None so far 

BCBLLC

Skincare: Know Your Type...Are You Using The Right Products!

Hey Divas,

Skincare is very important and high on my list of things to do for my clients.  I currently am not a licensed esthetician but plan to be one day.  I have the books the schools use, have read them and currently plan to save funds for my esthetics's education. That is how important skincare is to me.

Many times people think the makeup they are using is causing their skin to break out, make them too oily or too dry.  The truth is that many times it is the skin care products we use that cause these issues and what we put in our bodies.  Drinking plenty of water helps, but also using the right products for your skin type helps also.


There are various skin types, Dry, Combination, Oily, Acne Prone, etc. and you have to know how to treat the different types. Clinique is one of those brands that does their best to educate clients on skincare.  They were started in 1968 by dermatologists.  Their main focus still is skincare.  

My regiment: Oily Liquid and Travel Soap, #3 Clarifying Lotion
and Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel(DDMG)

I have been using their 3-Step System for over 6 months and have noticed a difference in my skin. I use 3 because I am combination oily.  I love the products because they work great, are 100% fragrance free and allergy tested. 

The system is numbered from 1-4(1 for the driest skin and 4 for the oiliest). The numbers and types are printed on all the products to make it easier to know what to use.  Not knowing your skin type and using the wrong products can make your skin dryer or oilier than it is normally.  You should use what works best for your skin and not others.   

Clinique also has an iPad app in a majority of stores and online to assist with skin typing. Along with Clinique hired and constantly trained Consultants/Beauty Advisers this is a great tool.               


Check out various brands and sites such as Clinique and many others to see what they have to offer and how to learn your skin type.  Knowing your skin type leads to using the right products for your skin.  

XOXOX
BCB

MAC Hey Sailor Haul and Review

MAC is one of the first brands that I love and continue to purchase.  The colors, the quality and the fact that they cater to all races, sexes and ages was something I loved from the start.  In the past fourteen plus years some things have changed not always good changes but I always can find something I love from MAC Collections.  The "Hey Sailor" collection is no exception.

MAC lipsticks especially the Amplified Crème are some of my favorites so I had to pick up Salute.  Salute is a creamy nude with a slight peachy tone.  This color is great for my freelance kit and for myself.  So I most likely will cut off the top portion, scoop out the bottom and put that in my professional lipstick palette.  I usually put the top back in the tube for personal use.

Salute

Red Racer and Sail La Vie, both satins are gorgeous colors and nice textures. I didn't purchase them since I mainly use OCC Lip Tars in my kit.  They are great purchases if you can still find them.  Red Racer was sold out at the store I work at 15 minutes after we opened.     



Next I purchased Nude On Board, Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder.  This bronzing powder is long wearing, provides sheer-low transparent coverage and a natural finish.  It wears well and depending on your complexion works great as a bronzer, highlight or as a press powder due to the natural finish.  Both colors are worth purchasing. Plus the collector in me loves the design of the compact.  I never B2M the compacts.  I always depot and refill them.

Nude On Board Pro Longwear Bronzing Powder

   
My final purchase was Barefoot eyeshadow, a veluxe pearl.  Besides Starflash and Mattes, Veluxe Pearls are some of my favorites by MAC.  I feel they have the best textures and the best payoff.  Barefoot is a gorgeous tarnished gold.  This is the one product that I didn't necessary have to have but I am a sucker for veluxe pearls. 

Barefoot

I know many people love to have the highlight powders when they come out, but I was not impressed by the one from this collection and although I love pigments, I did not purchase any since they are re-promotes that I already have and rarely use.  Overall, Hey Sailor is a decent collection.  It has something for everyone regardless if you are new to MAC, or have been purchasing MAC for years.