Add this to your wish list...

When I started dated my husband, his family would always request a wish list for Christmas. Some people are good at knowing exactly what they want, but it takes me forever to come up with a list to give to people. Was this a childhood tradition for you? Or did your family just buy whatever they thought was best for you? Well, maybe I can help you add a few items to your "wish list" this season...or maybe find a few gifts for your gal pals...


Lately my hair has become dry and more prone to tangle, Moroccan Oil Extra Volume Shampoo + Conditioner actually does what it says and detangles my hair! As for the Moroccan Oil, yes it is a higher price point, but it works. I have used lower price points from the drugstore, and they just aren't as hydrating and healing.

Hair doesn't need to be washed daily, but when you are working out or feel a bit uneasy with your natural oil production... dry shampoo is a great solution for this issue. I found Batiste at Urban Outfitters for $8.00 and was a bit over zealous and purchased a couple different scents. I'm a little bummed with the white residue it leaves, you really have to comb out the hair...otherwise your hair looks very grey. It definitely absorbs oil, but gives no volume. I still prefer Oribe over any other dry shampoo...I just wish it wasn't so expensive.


In the past I would use the same facial cleanser in the AM and PM, but there isn't really a need for me to get a deep cleanse when I just wake up. So, I started using Dior's Instant Cleansing Water just to freshen up in the AM. It's also nicknamed the lazy girl cleanser, so it can be used with a cotton pad to remove any makeup before bedtime (works great on mascara too). It leaves no residue behind so you won't feel sticky after.

Dior's One Essential seems to be a confusing product for most. It says 'super serum' on the bottle, so it has been taking over the 'serum' step for alot of people's skincare routines, but it's actually a detox product...and should be used under a serum and facial cream to help those products be more effective. It can assist any skincare routine to be 4x more efficient, so feel free to start using it with whatever you got going on already. I do have an unusual breakout since I have started this purging process, and haven't decided if I am ok with it or frustrated by it. I'm still using it to get rid of the impurities in my skin... so we shall see what happens.

As we age our lips will become smaller as they loose moisture- I highly recommend Dior's Lip Maximizer as a treatment for fuller lips. I use it 2x a day (morning and evening) sometimes 3x depending on if I remember to throw it in my purse. It has hydrated my lips, so they have not become chapped yet during this cooler weather, and my bolder red lipsticks aren't bleeding like they use to. (Great tip for the Holidays!)

This last month, my skin became ultra sensitive-so when this happens-eliminate product and reintroduce things slowly back into your routine. I haven't figured out what I was sensitive to, but during this process I fell for Cetaphil's Gentle Daily Cleansing bar and I am no longer a snob to this "sensitive" product.


Allure's November issue had an article on dark circles and I found the information quite intriguing ...did you know rubbing your eyes can cause this irritating discoloration!? Unfortunately, it can also just be in your genes...to fix this issue, find a corrector that will cut the purple/green/blue circles. Giorgio Armani cosmetics has a pink and orange corrector that I like to combine with my concealer to achieve a flawless look. Make sure to prep with eye cream, and set with a translucent powder if you normally see creasing at the end of the day.


One way to distract from sleepy eyes is to enhance the lashes. In the past I felt a lash primer was an unnecessary step (I am just lazy though) and now I am obsessed!!!! Dior's Lash Maximizer hydrates and conditions your lashes, as well as adds volume and length before mascara. LOVE THIS PRODUCT-it makes a drastic difference!

Dior Extase's brush was inspired by the layers of a dress awww... this mascara will capture your short and long lashes for a fuller effect, while promoting future growth too. The brush reminds me of my all time fav YSL but with no flaking at the end of the day.

*For best results, start at your lash base and wiggle into the tips.


Hmmmm, you can't go wrong with a cinnamon scent for the Holidays! I stock up on Illume Boulangerie candles at Anthropologie every time I visit. I have a weakness for candles, they help release stress and make my home smell delicious!

Now you have lots of new things to add to your wish lists for Christmas. Happy Tuesday friends!

xoxo
Priscilla Francine

Comfy and Glamorous!

Offer me a day of relaxation at anytime in the week...and I am all there! I'm not sure if it was ingrained in me as a child, but either way my father taught me to love tropical trees and my mother taught me a maxi dress is a staple in your closet. I have come to the conclusion I am definitely my parents daughter. Although I am a fan of glitz and glamour, I will always choose choose to be comfy. So the question is...How do you make comfort, glamorous?

Cotton Spandex Jersey Tube Dress in Imperial Purple {American Apparel}

Take for example, eyelashes. Some styles look heavy, and they feel heavy. It's one of the worst feelings to wear a heavy, plastic band that is forcing you to squint the entire night. The lighter the lash band the better to be comfortable. There are 3 options that are easy to apply and easy to wear... 

1. Individual lashes are great for someone who has never attempted to wear false lashes, may have sensitive eyes, or chooses to wear little makeup during "regular" life. You can add drama to the ends by applying them in a close bunch and slowing spread them out as you get closer to the inside of the eye. 

2. The Half-lash is recommended for those who desire to wear a fuller lash but may not have the desire to go all the way with a full band. This will pick up the ends of the eye and give ya a mini face lift. They are super easy to place on your eyes too! 

3. Want a full lash for more drama?! I am wearing the Audrey's by FAUX in this post. Their is a trick to blending your fake lashes with your real lashes...first curl your lashes and add 1-2 coats of your favorite mascara. Next, curl your false lash at the base before apply a small amount of glue to the band. I like to use an eyelash applicator (mine is from Shu Uemura). Always ensure the band is placed directly on your natural lash line for maximum comfort. Lastly, you can curl your lashes once more and than fluff them with your fingers.
Buxom Full-Bodied Lip Gloss In Yoo Hoo
Lip products come in all sorts of textures and flavors. Some like their gloss sticky and some can't stand it! I prefer a more hydrating gloss, one that will eventually absorb without leaving a film on the inside of my mouth. Here are a few lines I like: For a regular lip gloss try Dior Addict Ultra Shine Gloss collection, they are super shiny and still long wearing. I appreciate lip products that do more than just add color, and if you would like a lip plumper with out the tingle, try Bare Minerals Buxom Full-Bodied Lip Gloss.

Curled ends of hair with a 2" Iron {Hot Tools}
As for a foundation, it depends on your preference in formula and texture. Do you like cream? Liquid? Powder? or Minerals? For a comfortable creamy consistency, try the Benefit Play Stick (oily to normal skin type) or the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick (normal to dry skin-type). There are SO many liquids I can tell you about, but lets start off slowly.... The Estee Lauder BB cream offers wonderful coverage with a light weight feeling (and it will do alot more for your skin in the long run), or try Vitalumiere Aqua Utra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup. MAC is sufficient for a foundation powder, with plenty of color options to choose from! Minerals are a girls second best friend...and if you like them in a loose formula I will always recommend Bare Escentuals. Yep, it's not a powder. It's creamy once you buff it into the skin (the coverage all depends on the brush.)

Once you start playing around with new products you will find makeup can be comfortable, and simplicity is always best! Enhance your natural beauty ladies-don't cover it up!

XOXO
Priscilla Francine 


Smooch!

While in Bloomingdales the other day, I stumbled upon Kosta Boda's Mini makeup collection, all made from crystal. It's the perfect makeup junkie's office accessory! Lips seem to be a fashion trend right now...Check out a few of my other finds...from shoes designed to look like lips to a juice pitcher perfect for when hosting a girls night!


Visit my Pinterest for links!!!

XOXO

Priscilla Francine

No Rules

How can October be here already?? It's been Fall for a few days now, and yet it's been the hottest it's been all Summer today (whew and yesterday!) I'm ready for a snuggle-y season of sweaters, dark nail colors, and cinnamon scents. Hmmm... but first I am going to Hawaii!! I'm ready for Fall, but I guess I'm still holding onto Summer too. So why can't you hold onto some of your Summer products and start to introduce your Fall colors to your makeup bag? It can be done.. because really there are no rules when it comes to makeup.

1. Moisturizing Lipstick by Radiant Cosmetics {Park Avenue} $18.00
When you are spending your hard earned money on your necessities {and your wants} wouldn't it be nice to know your also helping another woman in need? Help stop human trafficking with your purchases at Radiant Cosmetics. Learn more here. For the Fall season I will be rocking these lovely deep burgundy and red tones. Most of the time I will skip the lip liner so it has a more stained, daytime appropriate look, and than bring a gloss in my purse for a touch-up halfway through my day. (Another neat thing: The lid has a clear circle on top, allowing you to see into the tube-great for a makeup artist's kit!)

2. Diorskin Nude {Natural Glowing Foundation SPF 15} $48.00
This formula feels like a tinted moisturizer, and while it offers a sheer coverage I was able to achieve a medium coverage by layering it where needed with a Full Coverage brush (see below). My skin is a bit on the oily side, so I noticed I had a dewy look after a longer work day (it was a super hot that day too). I was a bit surprised since I had used a primer and set it with a powder...I probably will use this on days where I will have a lighter work load, or maybe when I am relaxing on a day off. I would recommend it for those with drier skin types! There are a lot of color options, so it will be easy to find the right shade. Also, it has rose water and minerals in it-so its good for your skin too!

3. Eye Makeup Remover {Balms Away} by The Balm $19.99
Makeup remover in a tin!? Yep!! I'm pretty excited to finish this product just so I can re-use the tin for bobby pins or elastic bands. I'm impressed with this weird looking, kinda like lard, balm. All you have to do is apply (a small amount) product onto the eye and lightly rub in a circular motion. After, I take a cotton ball and clean up the residue. There is no product left on the face afterwards, so you don't feel like you need to cleanse all over again with a facial cleanser. It's a lot easier than it looks, and its the perfect remover right before bed. I'm hooked!

4. Bare Escentuals Ready Bronzer {The High Dive} $24.00 5. Highlighting Blush by NARS {Albatross} $28.00
I dust on my bronzer pretty much everyday (yes, Summer and Winter)...it's just how you apply it. I have a heavier hand in the Summer, and a softer approach in the Winter. Whether it's to contour with blush or a quick fix to give my skin some color all on its own its a must in my bag. I still love my Warmth, but having a pressed option makes traveling much easier. There are still no binders or waxes, Bare Escentuals used carrot oil to press this little guy!! I love the look combined with a highlighter, and you can't go wrong with a beautiful golden tone to your skin found in Albatross. In the Summer it adds a nice sun-kissed look, but in the winter is helps dry-chapped skin have a healthy glow. On lazy days, I will use Albatross as my eyeshadow too!

6. Kiehl's {Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+} $38.00-$61.00 7. Rembrandt Intense Stain {Stain Dissolving Strips}$22.99
While in Mexico, I was very thankful I had a wonderful sun guard for the face. My face was still white and bright when we returned (yeah no sun spots!!) Unfortunately I was not as kind to the rest of my body... anyways, my hubby uses it everyday too! It is extremely lightweight so I don't feel sticky and I don't mind layering on my foundation with this product. It doesn't really have a scent either, so you barely noticed it during the day. This will be a staple for every trip from now on!

Normally, I would whiten my teeth before special occasions...but I have noticed my coffee and wine is catching up to me. So now I try to do brighten my smile weekly. The great thing about my routine is it is easy, I am not as high maintenance as one would think. So adding a product that is 2-10 minutes doesn't affect my schedule in the evening (or morning). I apply the strips while washing my face, applying moisturizer...etc etc...the strips are dissolved and ready for me to brush 'em! In the past, I have used products that make my teeth sensitive, this is not the case with the Rembrandt brand!

8. Dior Backstage Foundation {Full Coverage Fluid Brush} $48.00
Sometimes you save the best for last... I love a good story behind my product. We all want to experience an "experience"  right?! This elegant black wooden handle, was crafted by Raphael, a French maker of art brushes. Each hair is assembled by hand and never cut. It is wonderful for buffing in your concealor for a flawless look, or applying your liquid foundation for a fuller coverage. Either way, it's pretty to look at!

Enjoy the sunny weather this week!

XOXO
Priscilla Francine

Adrianna // ModCloth // San Francisco

Meet Adrianna. This little lady was super sweet, her mood was bubbly and intoxicating. While I curled her hair in the ModCloth studio she told me stories of her summer...and divulged her dreams for the future. I was inspired by her happy-go-lucky spirit...she had the best smile!! Her makeup for the stylebook was simple and chic: Grey smokey eyes, plum blush, and a berry lip color.

Try Christian Dior's '3 Couleurs' in Smokey Black 091 to get Adrianna's eyes!  
My go to blush for any occasion.... Sin by Nars

A long day requires a long-lasting lip color. Adrianna is wearing Keep It Red by Maybelline


Stop by the ModCloth website for a little Fall Fashion shopping!

xoxo
Priscilla Francine

What Have I been up to...

Summer just started and it's already over! It's been a busy few months, but it's been a GREAT few months. I even got a vacation thrown in the midst of wedding season. I am back and refreshed and ready to blog. I have ALOT of things to catch up on and tell you about. In the meantime, here's what I have been up to...

1. Anna and Joel flew in from Oregon, and I was lucky enough to work with each of them and their bridal party on their wedding day. Their photographer Jamie Jones captured the day, and even a few images of me applying touch-ups in the ivy! During Anna's trial we played around with a few options for a dramatic eye, and she fell in love with a style that complimented her eye shape. To achieve these beautiful eyes, apply Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black on the entire lid (stopping at the crease). Next, set the lid with Nars Eyeshadow in Night Clubbing. To soften the crease, use a pony tail brush to apply a mauve or heather grey matte shadow. You eventually want to fade the color into eyebrow arch, so your color needs to gradually go from black to white. The best way I can translate this look is to compare it to a rainbow! Think dark to light!

2. Taryn and Shelby are the photographers behind Joielala, who also captured Christie's wedding. I cannot wait to see the final results!!! (Check out the engagement session in the meantime...I used nuetral shades with a highlights of gold and rust.)

3. I met Katie, Katherine's MOH, while working on set at ModCloth in SF. This bridal party got ready at the Inn at The Presidio. Because they wore black dresses, I was free to play with color options for their eyes, cheeks, and lips. I wanted to compliment each bridesmaid's skin tone, so each gal had their own version of a natural look.

4. Katherine was inspired by a magazine editorial with Julia Roberts as the model. To replicate the look, we kept her skin clean and refreshed looking, using the appropriate primers before any foundation. I did not use any bronzer, just a plum blush on her cheekbones. For her eyes, I concentrated on keeping all the color (Plums/burgundy hues) on her top and bottom lash line for definition. After I lined the lashes with the darker shadow, I overlapped it with Bare Escentuals Celestine to add a shimmer. Last, but not least, we kept the lips light, but not too light, because I didn't want her to be washed out in photos. My favorite color for bridal season this year was Perpetual Plum, Maybelline's Superstay 24 Hour Color.

5. Meet Adrianna!! Stay tuned for some amazing images on the ModCloth site!

6. Jamie's wedding day makeup was inspired by Carrie Underwood! Dramatic eyes, a bold pop of color on the cheeks, and a lighter nude lip! Carbon eyeshadow by MAC helped me create this sultry look! Ashley Maxwell was her photographer... I'm drooling over the images already and I haven't even seen them yet!

7. My dear friend Taylor got married this August, and I was honored to be part of her special day! I decided that my new favorite blush color for blondes is Gaiety by Nars-it is sooo pretty!

8. This year, I have been doing lots of bridesmaid up-dos! Thank goodness for my amazing Hot Tools curling iron!

9. Stop by the Favour Shoppe Blog for some skincare tips!

10. Every time a bride tells me they are searching for the perfect location for their destination wedding-I can't help but tell them about The Azul Resort in Cabo. It is one of the most peaceful and beautiful resorts ever. Our first visit was for our honeymoon, this time around we went with some friends... so while the boys had their guy time, us girls spent the day at the Paz Spa getting massages!

11. August 21st was my 2 year anniversary with the hubs. Omg! How time flies!! I feel like yesterday we just got married! We spent a night in Monterey at the Clement Hotel. The room came with a fire place, chocolate anchovies, and Elemis bodycare!!

12. I normally get the standard pedicures when I go to the salon... but I decided to try something unusual and out of my box on my last visit to Lavande, and opted for the Chocolate Pedi. While I enjoyed  by chocolate covered almonds, hot cocoa, and all the sweet smelling lotions-my favorite part was the mud masque they used on my legs. My skin looked so bright after!

Make sure to follow me on Instagram!

XOXO
@priscillafrancinemakeup