Back to School Intro: Beauty School No Drop Out(Grease Fan)

Hey Divas!

I decided it was time to make some more changes in my life and started school.  Instead of going for my Masters Degree, I decided to follow my passion.  Great decision for my career and life.  I dropped out of the IT world a while back due to conflicts with my true passion in life.  I have also been presented some opportunities as a makeup artist, but they wanted someone licensed.  All of these led me to Michigan College of Beauty for an Esthetics license.  Also I love great looking skin and showing people how to get and keep great looking skin.

So please join me on my journey from Makeup Artist to Makeup Artist/Licensed Esthetician.  I will be writing about my experience in beauty school for the next 5 months.  If you have any questions I will answer them also.

New Product Review: Introducing Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +

Forty-five years ago Clinique introduced Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion which became Clinique's #1 selling product until Even Better Dark Spot Corrector took that spot.  DDML is still the best selling moisturizing lotion in Department Stores.  There has not been a single change to the product since that time until now.  After years of through testing, Clinique has a new improved formula, DDML+.  

DDML and DDML+, the third step in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care system was designed by Clinique's dermatologists to maintain optimal moisture balance for very dry to dry combination skin types.  New formula DDML+ was created for the changes in the world we live in today.  DDML+ is lightweight and easy to  absorb especially when used with the rest of the system.

DDML+ also makes it easier for your serums to penetrate the skin.  It prepares the skin for better absorption.  It has twice the moisture of the original formula and strengthens the skin by 54% in 8 weeks.  It contains Glycerin to attract moisture and Sodium Hyaluronate to bind moisture to the skin without a greasy feel but still has the same texture as the original.  I have been told that the moisture last longer compared to the original formula.

Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel when developed already contained Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate.  It also contains Silica to help absorb surface oil.  DDMG is for combination oily to oily skin.

I have used both and it is important to use the proper one for your skin type.  I have combination oily skin and DDMG balances the oils and water in my skin perfectly especially during the summer.  The Silica is perfect for keeping my oil at bay.

XOXOX
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.  

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Clinique Gratis Haul

One of the great things about working for a specific brand instead of being a floater/on-call in the cosmetics department is gratis.  Gratis is provided at various times throughout the year.  I decided to get some products I love and some I want to test for a while and review.

Skincare is always a must have when it comes to Clinique.  I use the 3 Step System for Oily Combination Skin and love it.  I was running low on liquid facial soap so that was first on my list.  I decided to also try the Youth Surge SPF 15 and Youth Surge Night for combination oily skin.  I also picked up the Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel.  The Spot Healing Gel is one of my favorites.  I still get breakouts every so often and this works wonders.  When I use it I do not have scars or spots from the pimple.

Of course I had to get some cosmetics.  I previous purchased the Stay Matte liquid foundation before I joined the team.  It works well but I took home a sample of the Perfectly Real Makeup and I love the look and feel of it.  It has a natural look, feels light on my skin and after wearing for hours I still look great with maybe a little oil in the t-zone.  The Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Power is a great companion to the Perfectly Real makeup.  I use the included sponge pad for best results.

I also ordered and received the Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk which we constantly use at the counter.  Blue Grey is one of my favorite quick liners, so I received one of those also.  Last but not least, I picked up four almost lipsticks(2 Luscious Honey, 1 Flirty Honey and 1 Chic Honey). 

Luscious Honey Almost Lipstick shown above.

What are some of your favorite Clinique products?  Let me 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