Lash of Love

Every 12 months a new Lash of Love is introduced by Faux Lash. It's been a while since the "Priscilla" Lash has been out, but I wanted to remind everyone about it before it's no longer around!! 

When you purchase the "Priscilla" Lash for $10 the proceeds are donated to The Women's Global Empowerment Fund.

Their mission is to reach undeserved women, create opportunities, and offer tools to alleviate poverty! I have a heart for missions, and God has put a strong desire in me to encourage women in all areas of life. While my main objective is encouraging women's confidence through beauty and cosmetics, I can't help but want to invest in helping women build livelihoods-The Women's Global Empowerment Fund strives to develop a program that helps women support their families in Uganda!!! 

Lipstick: Pretty Amazing Lip Color in Free Will by BareMinerals

Lipstick: Russian Red by MAC

Lipstick Media by MAC

The "Priscilla" Faux Lash is extremely versatile. It's just like a lady: delicately made, soft when it needs to be, and strong when the time is right!

It's weight is feminine and dainty so your eyes won't be bothered, and it's length is long and dramatic to really open up the eyes. I wanted to show you how this false lash can work for any occasion-no matter what you are wearing or feeling!

Thanks to photographer Em The Gem for capturing these images.

XOXO
Priscilla

Yep, They are Pretty Amazing!

The Pretty Amazing Lip Colors captured my attention right away. A creamy formula applied like a lip gloss? Sounds fabulous right? It really is!!!

You get what you pay for in most cases, but as far as the Pretty Amazing Lip Colors go, I feel you get more than you're expecting. I think BareMinerals could charge more for this product based off the quality.  But I'd prefer they keep it at $16 forever (unless I become a millionaire, then I'm ok with a price increase).

What sets the amazing lip colors apart from the rest of the lip options on the market???

• The pigment is super serious. Once the applicator touches the skin-you've got color! No need to apply multiple layers!
• The application process is quick and easy...it even helps chapped and dry lips look decent! 
• There is a hydrating, and glossy sheen which makes the lip shape appear more luscious.
• It's not a long lasting stain, however I find it's color lasts extremely well. 
• A lip liner is not necessary to keep this product from bleeding-there's not much movement with this formula. 

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Strength

Strength is a classic hue! Its a true red, so it will work well with every gals skin tone! Red screams confidence, so I'd recommend a red lip color for many occasions... when you're tired its a nice distraction from puffy eyes and dark circles too!

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Ambition

Hot Pink has been my favorite for clients with Blonde hair! I think its a fun option for a bold look without feeling too overdone. I used Ambition for Taylor's feature this past May in ELLE Magazine. 

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Moxie Feeling girly?? Moxie is an innocently flirty color! If you have a daughter who is inquiring about wearing makeup... I think you'd find this to be a good start to her collection.

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Fearless

This mauve hue is bridal perfection! I use Fearless allll the time because my brides will not look washed out on camera, grooms will still feel like their bride looks like "herself", and 20 years from now one will NOT regret this lipstick choice!

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Free Will  Free Will is my personal fav... you can't go wrong with a nude lip, whether it's for everyday errands or the finishing touches paired with a dramatic smokey eye. It cuts my natural lip color just right for a perfectly kissable pout!

Pretty Amazing Lip Color: Savvy Savvy is a great neutral color for a sun-kissed bronzed look. It has a bit more brown mixed into it, so it's also a nice nude for any gal with a medium to deep skin tone.

This product is a staple in my personal makeup bag because of the amazing color options-it is also a staple in my professional makeup kit for my clients because of how well it lasts once applied. 

Want a video tutorial? Watch this to see how to apply the Pretty Amazing Lip Colors! 

XOXO

Priscilla Francine 

Tea Tree

Just like fashion and home decor, cosmetic products can become trendy. Social media and marketing strategies can get us excited so we go out and purchase the newest and latest "insert item here". While the packaging may be spectacular and the scent is super yummy...sometimes we don't even know what we are really buying or if it is the correct product to target our specific concerns?

I'm sure you have heard all the hype about Tea Tree-right? ...but what is it? Tea Tree is an Australasian Flowering shrub (or small tree) with leaves that can be used for tea. Some of these plants (species) offer an oil which has antiseptic properties. OK, now what is an Antiseptic? An antiseptic assists in preventing the growth of bacteria on the skin.

It is uncomfortable to ponder, but yes, we have bacteria all over us. Bacteria can also be called "germs" or "microbes", they can be disease-producing or non-disease producing. As I get older, I've noticed my germ phobia has gotten worse so I'm jumping on the all natural Tea Tree antiseptic train!

A few months ago I went to the CosmoProf Spring Style Show, and after the Paul Mitchell training I picked up a few shampoos and conditioners. The Tea Tree Special Shampoo promised to be an invigorating experience-It totally was!

Why I liked it:

-It left my scalp tingling-and it really did have a cleaner and fresher feel afterwards.
-I did notice my hair had more volume starting at my roots.
-My scalp and hair did not feel dry at all.
-My hair dresser noticed my hair grew faster (It may have been a coincidence though??)

The only time I did not LOVE this product.. was while I was visiting Paris. I loved Paris, but my hair for some reason did not and would not get clean.

Speaking of Paris... I did love how my skin looked while we were there!!! Since I was out of my normal climate, I brought my LUSH Cosmetics Tea Tree Water to prevent any breakouts. I spritzed it on in the morning (and sometimes throughout the day while touring the city) and than used a hydrating alternative in the evening. Normally I would break out in a "City" environment- but I really believe the antibacterial aspect was beneficial for this trip.

Now that I am a believer of Tea Tree Toner...I have added it to my kit for my oilier Brides and Clients too!!! It helps their makeup last longer since it soaks up all the excess oil on the skin!!

Why I liked it:

-Easy to use, spray before moisturizer or after makeup.
-No harsh smell.
-Grapefruit is also another ingredient...which is a great astringent
-It does not dry my skin out, like an acne treatment would.

Do you have any favorite Tea Tree products you swear by?

xoxo
Priscilla Francine

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The Perfect Eyebrows

Do you have a "trademark", something that people recognize you for? One of my trademarks would have to be my eyebrows, and honestly without my eyebrows I just don't feel the same! I feel a little uncomfortable when they are not filled in and groomed properly. 
It's a make or break the face kinda thing. Without realizing it, you can make yourself look angry, sad, or surprised depending on your eyebrow shape. With that being said, brow shaping must be done correctly according to the structure of your face. First things first, check these 3 points to ensure your eyebrows start, arch, and end in the correct places according to your personal facial features. 

You will need a straight object to help guide your "lines".

1. Where should the brow start? The edge of your nose should line up with the inside corner of your eye...and that's where the beginning of your brow should be. 

2. How to get the perfect arch? Create an imaginary line...start from the bow of your lip, line it up with the edge of your nose...where does it end? It should end at the highest point of your brow, which is your arch. If it's not there, you can grow/pluck or fill in accordingly. 

3. Where does the brow end? Angle your "straight object" from the bow of your lip, line it up with the edge of the nose and the outside corner of the eye. 

Brow trends change season to season, but full brows seem to be sticking around!! In the past, sharp and defined brows were in style... If you are like me, and you over plucked in the early '90's you may be dealing with some sparse areas. My brows do not grow quickly, and when they do grow it is spotty, so I must fill in the gaps. 

I use Christian Dior's Universal Brow Styler to connect my arch, it's a one color fits all, it warms up to your skin so you will always have the most natural color! It has a wax texture on first application, but once your soften it into the skin it becomes more like a powder. Afterwards, I set my brows with Bobbi Brown's Brow Powder with a thick and firm brow brush.

Here are a few tools/brushes I choose to use on a daily basis:

1. MAC's #266 brush has the perfect angle, and is very thin for a precise application.

2. Smashbox's #12 angled brush is stiff and firm for a softer look and great for blending product into the skin for a more natural look.

3. I brush my hair upwards with MAC's #204 Lash Brush

Depending on your preference, and how much time you have to get ready... Brow gel is the fastest application and they are great for hair that has its own agenda, its also great to hide those stubborn little grey hairs! Pencils are the next in ease, but may take a few more seconds for precision. Powder may seem like the most time consuming, however you have more flexibility with the product, resulting in a more natural finish. Waxes are also an option and can add durability to the length of the product during a lengthy (warm) day. 

Now who is rocking the big and bold brows this season??? 

XOXO

Priscilla Francine