CONTEST! Winner Gets a Beauty Basket!!!

UPDATE: The purpose of this contest is to have you apply the message in my Color Theory post (http://sassychicsoul.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-color-theory.html), which is especially helpful if you don't really experiment with makeup colors. Plus, it's just fun! The gift basket is CRAZY, but it's even MORE crazy to miss out on this opportunity!

I'm going to extend the contest until NEXT Sunday, January 6th. Peep the details below:

Let's have a little fun! In celebration of the New Year, why not enter 2013 with a BOMB Beauty Basket?! You want to start the year with Fab Skin, New Makeup, and a delicious smelling room? I'm going to help you out!

The basket will include:

*A Cleanser
*Toner
*Moisturizer
*Eyeshadow Palette
*Eyeshadow Brush
*Lipstick
*VOGUE Magazine-Jan. 2013
*Candle

Here's what you have to do:

1. Visit the Color Theory post on this blog.
2. Choose a color combination as described in the post, create the look on yourself, take a clear picture, and send it to thirdeyecreativity7@gmail.com!
3. I will choose the Winner this SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 2012.
What are you waiting for?!?!?!

SASSY EMAIL :-)

Hey again guys! For those who weren't aware, I wanted you to know that you can contact me directly through email! If you have any questions, topic requests, lesson requests, event requests, etc. etc. etc....reach out to me at thirdeyecreativity7@gmail.com! I will get back with you ASAP, usually no later than the next day. Stay in touch, beauties! Also, a little feedback on my blog posts will let me know if the information that I'm providing you with is helpful, interesting, or.....NOT! LOL! Don't be shy...let's chat. :-)

Blessings!

~Carmen~

The 411 on Makeup Brushes!

Hey Everyone!!! I hope you had a BEAUTIFUL Christmas holiday!!!

I've been uber busy with holiday preparation and LIFE in general, but I'm back!!! =) One of my good friends asked me to provide some information about Makeup Brushes, so *drumroll please!* heeeeeerrrrrrre we gooooooo!!!!!

Your makeup brushes are your TOOLS...this is serious business! You will utilize them a countless amount of times to enhance your already gorgeous face, therefore you should protect them and guard them with your life. :-)

Using your makeup brushes in the way each one was designed to be used will substantially determine the difference between your makeup appearing as "sketchy", "just okay" OR quality and professional. They allow you to apply just the right amount of makeup to your face without using too little, or too much product. Get familiar with the different types of brushes and their functions, and include at least one of each in your collection:

 Brush Types:

*Blush Brush

*Concealer Brush

*Brow Brush

*Brow Grooming Brush

*Eye Blender Brush

*Eye Contour Brush

*Eye Shader Brush

*Eye Shadow Brush

*Eye Smudge Brush

*Eyelash Comb

*Eyeliner Brush (Angled)

*Eyeliner Brush (Flat)

*Face Blender Brush

*Kabuki Brush

*Foundation Brush

*Fan Brush

*Lip Brush

*Powder Brush

  A Few Other Must-Have Tools:

 

*Eyelash Curler

 

*Sponges

 

*Tweezers

 

First, you want to make sure that the brush texture is soft, and easy to clean. Whether the bristles are natural or synthetic, you want to be sure that your brushes are well bound. You can spend a TON of money on a professional brand, but if your brushes start leaving hairs on your face, shedding and falling apart....that's a bad deal!

According to Bobbi Brown, Natural bristles (such as squirrel, goat, pony, or sable) are very soft and offer a more blended, natural application. They're best for working with powder-based products-blush, powder, and eye shadow. Synthetic bristles are the best choice for brushes that will be used with creamy products, such as concealer, gel liners, and lip colors. They are generally stiffer than natural hair, so they give you greater control and a more precise application. I totally agree with her.

 My Favorite Brands: Japonesque (Ulta, Sephora, Beauty Brands); GloMinerals; Estee Lauder
 
More Affordable Brands: Iman; SoHo; Eco Tools (Walgreens, CVS)

Brush Cleaning: I love Glo Minerals or Japonesque brush cleaners for quick cleaning, however you should be deep cleaning your brushes once a week. For that task, a shampoo or simple liquid hand soap will do the job. With your brush bristles pointing downwards, hold under a soft stream of lukewarm water. Gently rub a bit of the soap onto the brushes, creating a light lather. Keeping the brush downwards, rinse out soap and repeat until no more color is left in the brush. Softly wring the water out of the brush, and lay flat on a paper towel. Let the bristles hang over the edge of your counter in order to protect their shape while they dry. Remember: You want your bristles to stay bound tightly together and connected to your handle, so definitely handle your brushes with special care while cleaning them!! Voila, you're done! =)

If you have any questions about the functions of a specific brush, or any other inquiries, let's discuss!

I also offer personal demonstrations, so if you're interested in learning a few tricks....speak up!!! =) 

XOXO,

 

~Carmen~

 

New Product Alert! Sarah McNamara's *Miracle Skin Transformer*

 

“Making other people’s lives better simply makes sense. Women want powerful, multi-purpose products, designed to transform their skin and simplify their beauty routine.”

-Sarah mcnamara

Let's begin by showing what the product professes to do:

 

Here's what it did for me(look closely!):

BeforeAfter

 



I LOVE IT!!!!!!

 

This new 5-in-1 has become a new favorite! On a daily basis, I rarely put on a full-coverage foundation...mainly just a BB Creme and a light dusting of loose mineral powder. MST helps you skip a few steps in your routine, while simultaneuosly giving you an even, hydrated complexion. On a typical day I would complete my skin care regimen (cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer w/ an SPF), and then move on to my makeup process which began with primer, then my color agent, whether it be a BB Creme that day or a full-coverage foundation. MST combines your moisturizer, primer, color and SPF into one simple step! I actually LIKE saving time in the morning, how about you?! :-) If you desire more coverage, you CAN apply a foundation or loose powder on top of this product, however, for a more natural look this product is all you will need.
For darkness or fine lines underneath the eye, there is the Miracle Skin Transfomer Treat & Conceal for Eye & Face! It is described as "a multifunctional concealer with powerful hydration, treatment and protection benefits. Developed for use on both the under eye and face, instantly Cover, Correct, and Protect your imperfections with a flawless airbrushed finish."
I used it yesterday and today, and I will continue to use it. This product IS seriously awesome!

There are 5 Benefits to Miracle Skin Transformer for Face: It Hydrates as your moisturizer does, Primes as a foundation primer does, Enhances your skin's tone by providing an even complexion, Mattifies any excess oil, and Protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays with an SPF of 20. Most moisturizers only have an SPF of 15, and that's IF they have any sun-protection at all!
        
The product is currently only available at select Nordstrom and Sephora stores, but you can visit www.miracleskintransformer.com for information about which locations carry the product, and watch a few videos to further introduce you properly. I'm a fan. =) You can always go to a counter and request a sample in your shade to see how it works with your skin, and if you're not too keen on wearing any color at all, reap all of the benefits of this gem by trying the translucent option. Also, if your particular shade is not in stock, it can always be ordered from a Nordstrom store. A tester should be available at the counter so that you can try it on before you invest in it. Try it and tell me how you like it!

Talk to you soon!

~Carmen~



Beauty Vitamins =)

Happy Monday!

Here's a little tidbit that may not be so surprsing: The food, drinks and vitamins that you take in everyday all play a humongous role in the condition of your skin. You may not see the effects of bad eating right now, but please believe that an unhealthy diet will take its toll on not only your body, but also your face, over time. We all seem to be aware of the dark, greasy cloud looming over that delicious Popeye's two-piece combo with red beans and rice, but somehow, at that moment...nothing else matters besides how much hot sauce is in the bag. :-)

According to industry professional Bobbi Brown, there are some basic dietary changes we can make to improve how our skin looks, behaves, and ages, including eating the right foods and drinking plenty of water.

Nutrition: There are many advantages to taking your your vitamins in food rather than in pill form. When you eat, you are never getting single, isolated nutrients, and it is virtually impossible to consume dangerous levels of vitamins or minerals alone. Certain nutrients in particular are important for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails, and we shall call these your "Beauty Vitamins":

*Vitamin A: Antioxidant essential for the growth and renewal of new skin cells. Applied topically (to the skin's surface), Vitamin A may boost collagen production and promote skin cell turnover. You will find plenty of this in egg yolks and dairy, and also in a moisturizer.

*Vitamin B: Increases fatty acids in the skin, promoting exfoliation and firmness. Found in yeast, eggs, liver, and vegetables

*Vitamin C: Building block of collagen, the the protein that gives skin its structure, tone, and elasticity. Found in citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, berries, and tomatoes.

*Vitamin D: Essential for the development of skin cells. Found in egg yolks, salmon, fortified milk, and other dairy products.

*Vitamin E: Antioxidant that helps build and maintain healthy skin tissue. Found in wheat germ, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.

*Fat: An important nutrient for the skin and the health of the whole body. It's necessary for supple skin. Incorporate unsaturated fats, such as the monosaturated fats found in olive oil and avocado, with omega-3 fats, found in fatty fish and some seeds, into your daily diet.



If you don't consume dairy products, go ahead and take these vitamins in their pill form. You will still reap the benefits, just follow the recommended dosage on the package. When shopping for your skin care, make sure as many of these nutrients are on the label as possible. The three that you should definitely look for are the triple threat: Vitamins A, C and E. Try to eat at least 5 fresh servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. You can do it!!!

That's all for today, folks! Questions? Leave a comment!

P.S. Book Suggestion: I have quite a few books in my home library, however there is only ONE that I refer to as my makeup and skin care bible, and that is the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual. All of the information in this post and much, MUCH more helpful facts about skin care and makeup can be found in this book. Pick it up at your local bookstore and reap all of the wonderful gems that Bobbi Brown has to offer.

 Brown, Bobbi. (2008). Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual. New York: Springboard Press.

 

**Be Blessed Loves!**

~Carmen~

Music Inspiration

Hey!

Really quick, I want to share one of my favorite songs with you. I fall into a groove when I have some good jams flowing, and I find that my creativity goes through the roof! I'm partial to Old School R&B, Afrobeat, Neo-Soul, Jazz, and every now and then I hear some authentic Hip-Hop that makes even my soul dance! Ha! Yes, it's that serious! Lol Feed your soul music that matters, and watch how it manifests in your life. *wink*

Turn up your volume and enjoy the sounds of Ledisi...

A Color Theory

Happy Saturday!!! I'm going to share something with you that I learned in my college Color Theory class. It's a cool tool to help you put together different makeup color combinations using a color wheel, for when you’re feeling particularly SPICY (which is ALL the time in my case)! I love simple, neutral looks for everyday wear, but sometimes I want to make my features POP with a non-traditional color duo, or trio. It’s true, something as simple as a colorful eye shadow and an extra bold lip can glitter bomb you with a phenomenal mood boost! Just like the pretty bra and panty set you decide to wear to the grocery store… Nobody’s gonna see it, but it makes you feel sexy, doesn’t it?? J I know!!!

Back to the topic at hand, a color wheel is a good way to gauge some colors to combine until you feel more comfortable, and start falling into your own groove!

Exhibit A: The Complimentary Color Wheel

The simple way to utilize this tool is to pair colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel to make a color combination. For example:

*A Violet and Yellow combination could translate to a Plum and Gold eye shadow combo. Nude lip for balance…Pink blush…Muah!

*An Orange and Blue combination could translate to an Indigo smoky eye and Nectarine lip. Add a soft Coral blush and voila! Purrrrfection…Magnifique!

 

 

*A Green and Red combination could translate to a Mint Green eye and a bright Red lip (Hello, Christmas!!!) Use a bronzer for your blush with this look. Gorgeous! Jessica shows us a take on this look, here:

 

Now, don’t EVVVVER think you are limited to this theory when choosing which color shades to mix and match! No way!  This is simply a basic tool for those who shy away from bold color and want to experiment with different looks that they would otherwise never try.

Tip: Always be mindful of balance. If your eye color is bold and heavy, wear a neutral or lightweight lip color. If you are wearing a bold and bright lip color, tone down the shade of your eye shadow. There are exceptions to every rule so use your own discretion, dolls!

If you would like more color combination suggestions, let me know…I’m here to help! Have a fantastic weekend, and until next time… Peace!

~Carmen~

Portfolio Work

Hey Guys and Dolls!

So as many of you know, I'm in the process of creating new portfolio pictures. I'm having a blast with all of the ladies, and we only have three more days of makeup and photo shoots left. After that, I'll begin doing some detailed editing to make the photos uber professional and HAUTE! By the time the project is a wrap, I will have selected ten new photos from the bunch to add to my makeup portfolio; the physical version and the website version. I am SO hype! All of the models are volunteering their time to help me display my talent to the world and for that, I am incredibly grateful. Here's a HUUUUGE shoutout to each and every one of them!!! And here are a few preliminary shots of the work I've done so far and more will follow this weekend. Enjoy! =)

 

The Skin You're In!

Okay, first thing's first!!! I’m always told that I have clear, beautiful skin and that I'm SUPER lucky to not have a laundry list of skin issues. Luck? I wish! I tell everyone who asks, it's not luck, but a regular morning and evening skin care regimen that I never skip out on! There are five steps that I religiously follow every morning:

 

1. Cleanser - Wash away those impurities! I prefer Estee Lauder's Perfectly Clean, in the blue tube. It's a little pricey, but worth every penny. This product leaves your skin squeaky clean and leaves absolutely NO residue! Available at most department stores, so get some!

 

2. Exfoliator (use 1-2 times per week) – This lovely product sloughs off dead skin and allows new skin cells to surface. Dr. Murad’s AHA/BHA (Alpha-hydroxy acid/Beta-hydroxy acid) Exfoliator is the best that I’ve found thus far.
Ulta Beauty, Sephora and Beauty Brands stores all carry this item, but call your location ahead of time to make sure it’s in stock. Super convenient, right?!

 

3. Toner – This is essential for balancing your skin’s pH level, or level of acidity. If you have too little oil, your face will be dry and if you have too much oil, your face will be oily and too shiny. If you wear makeup, either condition will detract from the look you want to achieve. Who wants that?? A toner balances things out, and should be used daily.
I recommend Estee Lauder’s Perfectly Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion for Normal/Combination Skin, or her Soft Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion for Dry Skin. Oily skin will need the Perfectly Clean Formula.
Dr. Murad’s Essential-C Toner is excellent too! The brand also offers a Hydrating Toner for Dry Skin and a Clarifying Toner for acne-prone skin. There’s something for everyone! Again, you can find Murad at Ulta, Sephora or Beauty Brands.

 

4. Serum - The main reason you'd want to use a facial serum is to get added nutrients into deeper layers of your skin that a regular moisturizer is not able to reach because the molecules in a moisturizer are bigger than those in a serum. Serums address and correct specific concerns, so when browsing you'll notice different types, such as anti-aging serums, skin brightening serums and even acne preventative serums. Talk to a beauty advisor at the makeup counter about which one will be most effective for your skin type.
Being an Estee Lauder fan (is it obvious yet?), I love their Idealist Even Skin Tone Illuminator serum. In addition to promoting even skin tone, the product reflects sunlight off your face giving you a natural, healthy glow that is really quite fabulous. If you have really oily skin, you can probably get away with using a serum only, without a moisturizer. Your skin will let you know if it needs more hydration, for sure. For everyone else, faithfully use your moisturizer!!! ...Which leads to the last step:

 

5. Moisturizer – This wonderful product is crucial to the success of your skin care regimen! It hydrates the skin to replenish the moisture barrier and helps prevent future dryness. Washing your face without a moisturizer is a big NO NO. You must, I repeat…MUST apply your moisturizer daily. Twice daily if you use a night time regimen, which I highly recommend. There are a ton of moisturizers on the market, but I’ve found Estee Lauder’s to be my favorites. To determine the best one for you, go to the makeup counter and ask the beauty advisor to assist you. Tell her your concerns, and she’ll hook you up! If you are a budget conscious shopper, the price tag may give you a small heart attack, but I promise the investment is worth it.
As I always say: You will be in the same skin for the rest of your life. If you spend good money on your hair, clothes, and shoes, doesn’t your skin deserve the same quality?! Yah, it does! J If you downright refuse to make that kind of investment, I’ll tell you that I have also had great results with Oil of Olay moisturizers when I used the brand once upon a time. *wink*

 Your night time regimen will be steps 1, 4 and 5 only. If you choose to use a toner at night, that’s cool, but avoid doing so if you have dry skin, especially in the cold weather months! Also remember, what you do for your skin NOW will determine what it will do for you as you age. Think about that!

Well loves, I hope this has been helpful!!! If you have questions or concerns, feel free to drop a line!

…Peace!

~Carmen~

Introduction to Sassy Chic Soul

Welcome! My name is Carmen, and I am an up and coming Beauty Consultant based out of St. Louis, MO, in the process of building up my makeup portfolio. Your feedback is always welcome, so don't hesitate to speak up! =) Makeup, skincare and fashion have been my loves for well over ten years, and I look forward to providing helpful information, inspiring creative ideas, hearing your thoughts, and answering any questions that you may have along the way! Thank you for visiting, and y'all come back now, ya hear?

Love and Respect,

~Carmen~