Use code FF2010 @Sephora .com now through Nov 3 for 20% off your purchase.

If you suffer from dry, flaky lips, use a medicated menthol rub such as Vick Vabor rub on your lips at night after exfoliating. I usually use a toothbrush to exfoliate and sleep with the menthol on, but you could also mix the rub with sugar for a lip scrub. You will wake in the morning with super soft kissable lips, and clear sinuses.

Easy:

Intermediate:

Out of My League!

maccosmetics.com

What They Say:

A long-wear foundation that gives up to 15 hours of wear in any environmental condition. Lightweight and creamy, applies smoothly to provide sheer to medium coverage. Even in hot and humid conditions, controls oil to keep skin fresh, natural and flawless. Provides everyday SPF protection.

What I Say: The short answer is I love it! Great coverage, lasts all day, and has SPF10 which is a MUST in Florida.

Currently the only MAC foundation I use on a regular basis is Studio Fix Powder in NW43 which is too red for me, so I was looking to experiment with the NC’s and give MAC’s liquid foundation another chance since abandoning Studio Fix Fluid for Revlon colorstay. I ended up buying NC50 (which still isn’t the absolute best match but good enough and better than mixing the colorstay), and I’ve been wearing it all week. I apply it with my Sonia Kashuk flat top blush brush, and set with a translucent powder. I am anxious to try it with another brush, as currently with the SK I am using about two pumps as opposed to my usual one, so I don’t know if its the formula or the brush. I usually apply my makeup around 6:30am and take it off at night around 10:30 pm (16 hours for those counting) and it really does last all day. I am not good for doing touch ups during the day, not even with my lipgloss, so the fact that once this goes on it stays put is a major plus in my book. I blot a few times a day, and each time whatever I’m blotting with comes back clean. Another plus considering I’m not fond of foundation fingerprints on everything.

I also tested the Pro longwear concealer, but didn’t purchase it. The coverage and texture were good, but I am not a fan of it being in a pump. I attempted to squeeze just a little out, and lets just say that it got messy and I’m thankful my phone has a case. The pump doesn’t allow much control over how much comes out, and since I only use concealer in small amounts, I knew I would be loosing a lot of product.

Overall, I am happy with this foundation. I’ve tried to give a quick summary of what I love about it, but if you have any questions let me know.

Have you tried any MAC Pro Longwear items? Tell me how you liked them in the comments.

Make your eyeshadow look more natural, and blend out harsh lines with translucent powder.

Make your blush last longer, by layering it. Apply a cream blush like MAC blushcreme either with your fingers, or a brush, then sweep on a matching powder blush. Your cheek color is guaranteed to last all day.

I have a confession, I rarely completely use any beauty product. I either loose it or find a replacement before I ever see the shiny metal pan, with the exception of these items:

MAC Fix+ Spray. I don’t know what I did without this miracle worker, and use it ALL THE TIME! In fact, it is the only MAC product that I have completely used without loosing. I came close to finishing a studio fix powder once, but lost it somewhere between Atlanta and Miami.

L’Oreal Voluminous and Telescopic mascara. Every time I run out of this mascara, I stray to try the latest and greatest, only to return.

That’s all I can think of for now. Sad, I know. It goes without saying, that I have a ton of unfinished products, but not nearly as many misplaced ones. Here’s my list of frequently purchased (more than 3x’s) items, that if I didn’t loose, would likely be completely used:

Studio Fix powder

L’Oreal HiP creme liner, technically this has always dried up before I finished it which coincidentally is around the time I’ve used most of it. The jars are also great to reuse.

NARS clear lip gloss. This is the only gloss I’ve repurchase religiously (not considering lip balms). I consider all other glosses disposable because I always loose them; because of that I never spend more than $5-$7 on one.

MAC Feline eye Kohl.

Since my life (and travel schedule) has become more stable, I have been able to keep products longer. You’d be surprised at the amount of use you can get out of a such small packages. There are a few items that I purchased over a year ago, that I use almost daily, that still have plenty of product left. I’m cringing at the thought of all the money I’ve wasted re buying makeup.

What products have you completely used, or will completely use in the near future?

This past weekend, I had the worse pedicure/manicure I’ve ever experienced. First, the water was too hot (and I can take it pretty hot), the foot and leg massage felt like he was attempting to amputate my foot, and lastly the polish looked like my two year old niece applied it. As I reluctantly forked over my $40 for the service, I couldn’t help but be upset that I was paying for something that I could have (and have) done myself. At a premium at that! I usually pay around $30-$35 for a basic pedi/mani. I’ve gotten enough pedicures in my day, to know when something isn’t right, but I don’t feel comfortable telling a professional how to do their job, so I kept quiet and only made a few requests like an extra coat of polish, knowing that I would be breaking out the corrector pen once I walked out. Needless to say, I won’t be going back there ever again.

For a while, a few years ago while saving up for a big purchase, I completely abandoned my bi-monthly pedi/mani routine and went the DIY route with some salon quality tools I purchased from Sally’s beauty supply for around $20, only checking in at the salon every 6-8 weeks. Here’s what I did to get me between nail salon visits.

The pedicure and manicure steps are similar, so I highlighted in pink the additional steps for a pedi.

QUICK DIY MANICURE/ PEDICURE:

STEP 1: Remove any old polish with finger nail polish remover

STEP 2: Using a glass nail file, file your nails to their desired shaped. Glass files are best, as they are the least harsh, but can be expensive. If you are using an emory board, file only in one direction, to prevent splits and ridges.

STEP 3: Buff the top layer of your nails with a high grit count buffing block to smooth any ridges and even out the surface.

STEP 4: Soak hands/feet in warm water with antibacterial soap for about 5/10-15 minutes. At the end of the 5 minutes, clean out any dirt under your nails. Using a pumice stone, gently scrub away any roughness.

STEP 5: Apply a cuticle cream or remover and gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher.

STEP 6: Wash, and completely dry hands.

STEP 7: Massage hand cream or lotion into your hands and feet.

STEP 8: Remove lotion from the nail only using a Q-tip dipped in acetone or polish remover.

STEP 9-11: Base coat, Polish, Top Coat. To help prevent tip wear, you can also extend your top coat to the tips and underside of your nail.

Thanks @LeinaBaby for posting this look on youtube. For those of you who haven’t seen the video, check it out below. Rihanna is wearing a fun yellow eye look, with bright lips and cheeks, in a way only Rihanna can! To make this look more wearable, use less eyeliner, blend out the crease a little more, and switch the bright lips and cheeks for something more natural.

Frequently overlooked, the fan brush can be a serious work-horse in your beauty arsenal. It is great for whisking away fallen eyeshadow, highlighting,  light powder applications, and even blending. Do you have a fan brush? How do you use it?