Smudge Proof Eyes and Bat-Worthy Lashes

Hi Lovely's!
HAPPY TUESDAY :)

 

What girl doesn't love playing up her eyes, right?! Well, it sure is no fun when your flawless face you beautified turns into a hot mess hours later. I cannot stress enough the importance of an eye primer. This was truly one of the most genius products ever made because I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT it. No matter if you are oily or dry, an eye primer should be a must in your daily makeup routine. Without it, your liner, shadows and mascara can end up looking like a smudged up mess.

Eye primers are designed to make your eye makeup stay put all day long.

 

Here is my step-by-step routine.
 

1. After cleansing my face, I apply my facial moisturizer to my entire face.

2. I then apply my eye serum to my lids and under eye area. 

3. I allow my face to soak up all this goodness while I go blow dry my hair.

4. I then reach for my foundation to apply to my entire lid and under eye.

5. I then apply my primer to my entire lid.

6. Apply any shadow, liner and mascara.

7. Finish by cleaning your under eye area with a Q-tip, apply concealer, and set it with powder.

 

BOOM you have perfection :)

 

Three of my favorite eye primers at the moment are listed below.

 

1. MAC Paint Pots

Definitely one of my favs. These little pots come in 16 glorious shades. The texture is silky smooth when applied to the eyelid keeping your shadow and liner in place all day. And boy does it! No streaks, bleeding or creasing. Definitely a winner in my book and has been a staple in my kit for a few years now. What's great about this product is that it doesn't need replacing more than once a year because a little goes a long way. Another plus is that this product can be used alone or with eyeshadow.

Buy at any MAC Cosmetics counter in Macy's or large department store.

 

2. Urban Decay Primer Potion

The skies have lifted and you are transported to heaven. This is definitely a top seller if you have an oily lid. Creasing and fading no more ladies. Shadow is magnetized with this primer and stays in place all day. Eyeshadow looks brighter and bolder with this primer so less needs to be applied.

Take full advantage and test this product out at Ulta before you buy.

 

3. Milani Eyeshadow Primer

A top drugstore primer that can keep up with the best of them. This primer dries invisibly smooth and beautifies any shadow, making it last all day. Quite the bargain. You can't go wrong here.

Found at Meijer.
 

 

 

 

What's a girl to do if genetics didn't bless her with celebrity lashes and no time to apply a false set of lashes everyday?!  Deep breaths ladies. I have a few mascaras I live by and I hope will work for you too.

 

1. MAC Zoomlash

I continue to buy this amazing tube over and over again because it is the bomb diggity!

 It is my must have mascara to achieve false looking lashes without the hassle. It lengthens and thickens to give you that WOW factor. It has amazing staying power lasting all day. I cannot tell you the amount of compliments I have received over the years (before using Latisse or Careprost) on my lashes, and this is the product I have to thank for.

I only apply this only to my top lashes. It applies a bit wet and has the tendency to bleed when applied to my lower lash line no matter how great I prep my under eyes.

I will never be able to let this little friend go.

 Find this product at any MAC Cosmetics counter or maccosmetics.com

 

2. Benefit Bad Gal Lash

Size does matter! This wand and brush are as BIG and BAD as they come, giving you a blast of lashes in 1 to 2 swipes. Start at the base of your lash and work your way up. I like to layer this mascara on top of my MAC Zoomlash for the ultimate bat-worthy lash that will stop most anyone in their tracks.

Test this mascara at Ulta before buying.

 

3. Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies

One of my favorite drugstore mascaras on the market. I have learned when it comes to mascara that drugstore brands can pack quite a punch. This mascara has a fabulous curved wand that gives you a great va va voom daytime look without getting too crazy.

Available at any drugstore.

 

4. MAC Opulash

Known for its HARDCORE brush, giving the most amazing voluminous lengthening lashes a girl can ever ask for. This brush is incredibly large, reminding me of the DiorShow brush. It is my staple for my lower lash line creating long feathery lashes. It goes on smooth separating every lash, never clumping or bleeding, lasting all day long. It does have a drier consistency so you must apply quickly to get the look you want to achieve. For a date night with the hubs or night on the town with my girlies, I apply this over my MAC Zoomlash to my top lashes for a WOWZA look.

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you all gained some product knowledge after this post :) I can't swear enough about using eye primers and face primers. They truly are worth the buy and help your makeup stay put all day.

 Let me know any requests, questions, or comments in the comment section or email me at profoundlyash@gmail.com

 

<3Ash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hippie Chic

Hi Lovely's!
 

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend. I got to spend an amazing 4 day weekend with my hubs. Took the weekend off from boating and took a trip down to the Motor City to cheer on the Tiger's Friday with great friends. We got to enjoy some delicious food and fun bars. BIG fav was Old Miami in the heart of the "Dirty D." Saturday, good times were had with friends and family feasting on homemade delicious surf and turf thanks to Chef Eddie :) God is good! This girl is feeling blessed!

 

 I wanted to share with you all a few of my favorite buys lately. I am going banana's for fashion headbands lately. I love that anyone can totally sport this look. Long or short hair, straight or curly, it does not matter. That's what's so great about these. It definitely puts a twist on your look with a hippie chic feel. Having a bad hair day?! This is a great way to fake a GREAT hair day! Not quite sure what to wear with your statement hair piece....headbands go great with a flowy maxi dress, high-wasted shorts and crop top, sundress or a tank and boyfriend jeans. It's completely effortless, yet chic. The styles out there are endless. You name it, it's out there from simple to floral, glittered to jeweled. Here is a favorite look of mine.

Simple beach waves, a turban headband, flowy tank and distressed boyfriend jeans. Pair with a great wedge, flat, or espadrille and we have effortless perfection ladies.

 

 

Tank// Windsor

Jeans// Abercrombie and Fitch

Headband// Etsy ThreeBirdNext

 

 

Another fav of mine has to be scarfs. Scarfs will continue to be a girls BFF this fall and winter. Who can complain? It keeps us warm and can transform your whole look without too much effort. I am in love with floral prints right now. I can't get enough! Also, I am a sucker for anything animal print with a great RED lip. I also love a great scarf with stripes and abstract print.
 

Floral Scarf// Etsy Mrs. S.
Abstract Scarf// Etsy Mrs. S.
Animal Print Scarf// Etsy

 
Sheer chiffon kimono's, YES please! It's safe to say I am obsessed with this look. This piece is nothing short of amazing ladies. You must add this to your closet if you have not already. I love love love the hippie chic look of these.

 Add this sheer beauty to a great denim pair of shorts. Dress it up with a skinny jean, a floppy hat and cork wedges.

 

ALL 3 of these looks can be found at jamessociety.com


What are you loving right now and can't live without? I would love to know :)  Please let me know if you guys have a request for a future post! Thanks for following and make sure and have a great week!

<3Ash

 

 

Pucker Up

Who doesn't love love love lip gloss?! There is something about high-shine glossy lips that make a woman feel sexy, attractive and kissable. Though staying faithful to one lip gloss can be a difficult task. Being the MAC junkie that I am, I cannot get away from Dazzelglass lip glosses by MAC. They are deliciously luscious with an element of shimmer. Perfect for dressing up any lip for a night out. Baby sparks and Love Alert have been staples in my beauty box for quite some time. They bring beautiful dimension and shine to any lip color you place on your peckers. I love pairing Love Alert with MAC Russian Red for a statement Red lip. For a drugstore dupe, try Milani gloss In Vogue. My go-to lipstick to pair with Baby Sparks hands down is Creme Cup by MAC. A close second and a reasonable drugstore buy, try Milani gloss in High Status.

 

 

 

 

 

I was bound and determined to start this blog and knew it was important to start testing different brands of products for my readers. And who doesn't love a great bargain when it comes to great makeup! If I don't have to spend 20$ on lip gloss I sure as heck try not to! I stumbled upon NYX Butter Gloss at Ulta this spring and I am now a die hard fan. The texture is buttery smooth and tastes delicious. Not too sweet, just perfect. I wear this gloss together with a liner, alone or on top of my lipstick to give it a POP. These glosses are great for day looks and for kicking it up a notch for a night out. They are creamy shades with no shimmer or glitter. The texture is soft and smooth with no stickiness. Twelve different shades of this NYX gloss can be found at Ulta for 5$ a piece. Now that is a bargain ladies! Lets just say I have half of them and I want them all! They even made Oprah Magazine's 2013 beauty awards.

 

 

NYX Butter Gloss

 

 

 

 

Another Ulta find that I just recently was introduced to was Essence XXXL Shine Lip Gloss. These moisturizing glosses pack the right amount of shine without being heavy or sticky. They are creamy and apply slightly sheer with a delicate shimmer that does not overpower the lip. They are great on their own or you can layer them over any lipstick. A beautiful delicate fruity scent compliments this gloss for a flirty kissable lip. For under 3$ and 12 gorgeous shades to pick from, you have to try one!

 

 

 

Essence XXXL Shine Lip Gloss

 

 

 

What are your go-to glosses? I would love to hear! Thanks for tuning in. Anyone have a request for my next post? I want to hear any and all requests :)

 

<3 Ash

 

HAIR: My Top 5 looks for Fall

 

 Ombre

There is no one better than my favorite Khloe Kardashian who can rock a better ombre. This style is perfect for medium to long layered hair. Great for giving your roots a break from constant coloring. Khloe's deep chestnut roots fade to a beautiful medium brown. From a brunette to a blonde, most anyone can pull this look off.

 

 

 Blunt Bangs 

Nicole Richie looks killer in these blunt bangs. They are a bit thicker yet beautifully natural looking. The edges are longer than the middle and they fall long, totally skimming her eyebrows.

Ever thought of trying them yourself? Go for it! It is one of the easiest ways to change up your look without drastically cutting or coloring it.

 

Pixie

Ice blonde babe Sarah Harding can sure rock this textured short do. She is nothing short of gorgeous with effortless perfection. One of the hottest cuts for the fall. An extremely low maintenance daily routine with a quick blow dry and texturizing pomade. Try my fav Purology Texturetwist to create this look.

 

 

Shoulder Length Bob

Farne Cotton can rock a bob like no one else's business. Barely there waves create softness and volume. A beautiful side part frames her face and adds the finishing touch.

Beach Waves

Rachel Bilson is striking with these simple sexy waves. A modern twist on bed head. The girl next door look that is effortlessly chic and natural looking. This look is going no where for a long time and is great for any length of hair and face shape.

 

 

I would love to hear everyone's favorite looks that they have bookmarked for this fall. Do you plan to change it up this fall? Take a risk ladies!

 

<3Ash

Summer Beauty Staples

Oh hello summertime glow, beautiful tresses, and kissable lips. It's summertime! Whether you're headed to the beach, the boat, your favorite concert, patio cocktails with the boy, or a backyard barbecue, I have the essentials for you. There are so many things I cannot live without this summer that are absolutely “amazeballs.” I have to share with you my top 10 beauty essentials that will keep you looking stunning and fresh all summer long.

 

1. Sebastian Trucco Exotica Body Bronzer

This is my go-to bronzing lotion to give my skin that sunkissed glow. Light will hit you in all the right places and show off your sexy shoulders and arms in the best way. A little goes a long way and be sure to allow it to dry on your skin for 10 minutes before dressing. No streaks, blends beautifully, feels buttery smooth, and washes right off your hands and body without any problem.

Visit Amazon.com for purchase.

 

 

 

2. Clarisonic Mia 2

It is time to go beyond the washcloth days and get yourself a Clarisonic. I promise it will be money well spent. This has been my lifesaver device for cleansing my face over the past year. My face cannot live without it. The motion and frequency of the Clarisonic gently removes 6X more makeup than cleansing with your hands alone. It makes my skin much more receptive to treatment, lotions, and serums with twice daily use. AND it surely tames my breakouts.

Visit Nordstrom.com for purchase.

 

 

3. The Beauty Blender

My new makeup must-have. A favorite to pro makeup artists around the country. It is a makeup sponge that gives you that flawless photo finish that we all dream of. Who doesn’t want to give their skin a natural airbrush look? Even better, the application is simple. Soak your blender in tap water and squeeze it out. Tap it in a small amount of foundation and start applying it to your face in a tapping motion to distribute and blend evenly. Perfection complexion ladies!

Buy at any Marshalls or Walgreens for cheap.

 

 

4. Revlon 24 Hour Colorstay Whipped Foundation

OMG can you say obsessed! I have been a MAC foundation junkie forever, until I recently ran across this amazing silk foundation thanks to my girl Jaclyn Hill’s YouTube video. I have been using this product for 2 months now and I will now never be able to live without it. It is a medium coverage, lightweight foundation like I have never experienced before. It feels like cashmere on your skin and every single imperfection and redness disappears for an unbelievable flawless look. It truly lasts all day.

Buy at any drugstore or Ulta.

 

 

 

 

5. MAC Matte Bronze

I have been a believer in this bronzer for years now. It is a great bronzer for contouring your cheekbones as well as creating a beautiful sunkissed glow. The powder is fairly well pigmented and great for light to medium skin tones.

maccosmetics.com

 

6. Milani Baked Powder Blush 

Luminoso is a beautiful soft pink blush with peach and gold undertones. Goes on beautifully leaving you with a beautiful highlighted peachy keen cheek. Goes great with all skin tones.

Easily purchased at Meijer when it is in stock!

 

 

7. Milani Lipsticks

What’s summer without making a statement with your lips ladies?! These lipsticks sure know how to pack a sure punch! This lightweight creamy formula nourishes my lips with a WOW factor. It goes on beautifully smooth with great coverage and staying power. My three favs for the summer are Sweet Nector, Flirty Fushia, and Flamingo Pose with many more to pick from. I want to buy them ALL!

Products available at Meijer.

   

 

8. Dry Shampoo

Pretty much a lifesaver! I could truly not live without the invention of this product. I try to only wash my hair 2 days a week. So my friend dry shampoo comes in very handy. It’s important for your hairs health to allow at least a day in-between your shampoo and conditioning routine.

There are so many brands out there that I do love. Right now I would have to say that Simply Smooth Xtend between Dry Shampoo is my lifesaver at the moment that I reach for. It is a keratin-based dry shampoo that keeps my hair looking clean and refreshed in-between my shampoos. It has a fruity scent and puts a beautiful sheen on my hair. My favorite drugstore brand at the moment would have to be Got2b Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo. It refreshes and volumizes your tresses without a doubt. Both of these products apply blendably well leaving no harsh chalky residue.

 

 

 

 

 

9. The Hair Donut

Really, where have you been all my life?! This product is less than $1 and makes your hair look like you just stepped out of the salon looking like a million dollars. It is my go-to hair style for the pool, the beach, the boat, and work! Mark my words, once you start you will become hooked. You simply pull your hair up in a ponytail (low or high depending on the look you want to create) and pull the donut through the ponytail and apply a hair tie and pins for the finished product.

Purchase at Amazon.com

 

 

 

 

  

10. Hot Tools Professional 1 ¼” Curling Iron with Multi-Heat Control

Who wants beach sexy Victoria Secret model waves? We all do! This curling iron is my favorite for making beautiful waves look effortless. It heats up in less than a minute and the curl is truly beachy and sexy that lasts all day. Don’t forget to protect your tresses against heat damage from styling tools. My saving grace is the Pantene Pro-V Stylers Heat Protection Spray.

Buy at Ulta with a 20% of coupon and SAVE!

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed reading my post as much as I enjoyed sharing it. Beauty is one thing I am sincerely passionate about that I love sharing with all of my readers. If I touch just one person a day, I am a happy girl! I would love to know what secrets are tucked away in your beauty cabinets that you cannot live without. Please feel free to comment or share your questions below! Enjoy the rest of your summer ;)

 

<3 Ash



Sexy Flutter

Most women don't have time to apply fake lashes every morning. We barely have enough time to use an eyelash curler. Have you ever thought of splurging on a vial of Latisse to get those celebrity lashes but it's just not in your budget? Or thought of eyelash extensions, but found out they are too high maintenance? Admit it, we all want that sexy flutter. No worries ladies! I have the solution for you.

The solution is Careprost. We can all thank my mother for finding this product!

Careprost is a Bimatoprost Ophthalmic solution used to treat glaucoma when the solution is actually dropped onto the eye itself . When the solution is applied with a brush applicator to the upper lashes, the active ingredient Bimatoprost acts by increasing the density, thickness, and length of the eyelashes.

I cannot say enough good about Careprost. I have been using Careprost for 6 months now and it truly does what it promises and it is EXTREMELY affordable. My mother and I were both Latisse junkies before finding Careprost. I have to say that Careprost gives your lashes the same results as Latisse if not better! 

 

 

Is this product safe?

 Careprost is NOT yet FDA approved. Latisse is the only product FDA approved for eyelash growth. Neither my mother nor I have run into any side effects that are possible with either of these medications. You have to remember both Latisse and Careprost are ophthalmic medications. With any medication there is always the chance of developing side effects. Possible side effects from Latisse and Careprost include dry eye, vision disturbances, burning of the eye, unfamiliar sensation, darkened eyelashes, conjuctival edema, discharge, infection, and possible change in the color of your iris. Will you be prone to side effects? It's hard to say. If you happen to develop any of these side effects, please contact your physician right away.

 

Where can I buy Latisse or Careprost?

You do not need a prescription for Latisse or Careprost to purchase them. Any plastic surgery center or skin renewal spa will have Latisse for sale ranging from 100-120$ per vial. I purchase Careprost at the alldaychemist.com. Six vials for less than 70$. A great way to split the vials up with your girlfriends to help with cost.

 

How often do I apply the solution and how long does a vial last?

Both Latisse and Careprost solutions are used once-a-day. You apply the treatment with a applicator brush to the upper lashes only, each evening before bed when your contacts are out. DO NOT apply in your eye or to the lower lid because hair growth outside the treatment area may occur. If you happen to get the solution in your eye, it is not expected to cause harm due to Latisse and Careprost both being ophthalmic solutions. You will see results with either product in 4-8 weeks with the best results in 3-4 months. If you decide to stop using either solution, your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months. Either vial will last you 3 months when used daily.

 

 

 

What about Eyelash Extensions?

Do you want BOMBSHELL peepers? The Kardashians wear lash extensions like we wear mascara. There are three types of lash extensions with sizes ranging from 6mm-17mm. Once your lash artist selects the correct ones, the lashes are applied one at a time using a semi-permanent glue (there are different types of glue based on your sensitivity) that will not irritate the eye or damage your natural lashes. The first application can take up to 2 hours and set you back 250-350$. That's not all. Lash extensions need maintenance by a lash artist every 3-5 weeks setting you back another 150$ per visit. They will fall out naturally if you are looking to get them done initially for your wedding or an event.

 

Thanks for visiting my post! I hope this was helpful. I love to hear your comments and questions so please keep them coming!

 

<3Ash

 

 

The Alphabet of Cosmetics

If you have stepped foot in Ulta, a drugstore, or near a cosmetic counter lately, you may have taken notice that cosmetic shelves have become littered with the letters of the alphabet. So what’s all the hype with these BB creams, CC creams, and DD Creams? Are they worth your dime? What do they do? Which one should I buy? No worries because this girl has got you covered.

BB Creams originated from East Asia and have become quite the hype in the U.S. over the past two years. They are known as “beauty balms” which are all-in-one products with a moisturizer, foundation, sunscreen, and primer. BAM an all in one product! BB creams are lighter than foundation, but heavier than tinted moisturizers. A tinted moisturizer on steroids if you know what I mean. They are perfect worn alone for a day at the beach. It’s enough coverage, but not too much and has a beautiful texture. For an everyday look you can wear it alone or layer it under your foundation for a flawless face. A favorite drugstore brand of mine that won’t break the pocket book is Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream. It’s crazy affordable and comes in shades from light to deep. It brightens, evens skin tone, smoothes, hydrates, enhances, and protects from the sun. Sounds like a bargain to me!

 

We like to think of the CC cream as a polished version of the BB cream. Whether you choose a CC cream verses a BB cream will depend on your skincare needs. CC stands for “color control.” CC creams are great for people with uneven skin tones and diminishing all over redness. They are lighter and fluffier on the skin than a BB cream. The CC cream that I cannot live without is the Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream. It helps reduce my uneven skin tone and act as a tinted primer to prep my skin for my foundation. It has a buttery texture that goes on shear and seamlessly. It also has an amazing powerful 30 SPF.

 

 

Just when you thought it couldn’t possibly go anywhere from here, it kicks up another notch. DD Creams just hit the cosmetic industry in June 2013.  The “dynamic-do-all” does just what it says. It is the powerful combo of the BB and CC cream that moisturizes, primes, protects, and perfects the face. It is great for people with blemishes and imperfections with a buildable sheen formula. The two different anti-aging ingredients promise to perfect your skin now and over time. Julup DD Cream is the only product on the market with many more to trickle in behind it.

 

So what product is right for you? Go for a BB cream if you want an amped-up tinted moisturizer, a CC cream if you want color correction, and a DD cream if you are focusing on anti-aging properties. 

I hear ya, there are so many different brands to pick from. I have given you my faves and you can also visit amazon.com for the latest product reviews. Any and all questions and comments are welcome so please do respond! Thank you all for visiting and please do share any topics you would like me to cover in my future posts. Stay tuned for some fun posts and giveaways to come!

<3 Ash

 

 

 

Miracle Product

Where have you been all my life?! Coconut Oil is my new miracle product! For those of you out there spending your paycheck on the latest and greatest skincare products to help prevent wrinkles, help moisturize and prevent acne, STOP right there! Because Coconut Oil is affordable most anywhere.

http://www.pureformulas.com/coconut-oil-15-oz-by-nutiva.html?CUSTOMTRACKING=CUSTOMTRACKING&CAWELAID=1276628557&catargetid=1811371626&cadevice=c&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CObey9vVp7gCFe1AMgodTFEALQ#sthash.eDGCrdOZ.dpbs

 

 

Coconut oil is made up of anti-inflammatory acids which are important for maintaining great skin and bringing it back to life. Studies have also shown that the oil has antimicrobial activity against acne's. Since using this product on a daily basis for a month now, I truly have noticed my breakouts are under control and my skin is beautifully soft. I am naturally oily in my Tzone, and thanks to genetics I will always have a zit on my face until the day I die. So using coconut oil on my face I was hesitant about. But I felt, what do I have to lose? So I jumped in and I can't stop! It does have a greasier consistency (at first), but it's fantastic at absorbing quickly into the skin and smells like a beachy colada. I have yet to use it as a hair mask, but I definitely plan to do so. You can also turn it into an exfoliator for your skin as well by adding organic sugar. Be creative! Join the party if you haven't done so yet!

 

Would love to hear from you all! Email me with questions :)

profoundlyash@gmail.com

 

<3Ash

about me....

Hi! I'm Ashley!

I am from NW Michigan born and raised.

I married Ed, the love of my life November 2012 in Negril, Jamaica. It was picture perfect with all of our amazing family and friends. I love my Eddie to the moon and back. He is a true gem and I cannot believe I was the lucky girl to win his heart!

 

I have been a registered nurse in many different specialties for 6 years now. My true passion lies within beauty and fashion. I truly love inspiring others and making others feel and look their BEST! I hope by starting this blog I can share what I love and also meet some great people along the way!

 

<3Ash