Keepin' It Real~Part 2! Natural Beauty on a Budget

Hi everyone! Welcome back to the 2nd installment of Keepin' It Real!(To see Keepin' It Real~Part 1, scroll down.)
Today's discovery will be creating a natural beauty look on a budget. If you're like me and on a budget, then this tutorial is surely for you. I've created a look that will enhance your natural beauty, and not break your bank. With the exception of the MAC lipstick, all the other products are drugstore. I like to save my money for high end lipsticks, because I find that when it comes to lipsticks, high end is the way to go. When you're done with this look, you won't be able to tell that you didn't spend a fortune to create it. You will have everyone guessing, yourself included. Today's drugstore products have come a long way from what they used to be. Don't think for a minute that drugstore is not worthy.
 Now, the products that I am using today, is a guideline. The colors and pricing is all what works for me. You don't necessarily need to purchase the same products. Use what you have! Whats the point in saving money if you're going to buy new products that you already have? If you are on the market for some products though, this is what I recommend.
So before I get started, here is a list of the products I will be using:

*Revlon PhotoReady Concealing Stick in Light

*Revlon PhotoReady Foundation in Shell

*Wet N'Wild ColorIcon 3 Color Pallet in Walking on Eggshells

*L'Oreal Hip STUDIO SECRETS Eyeliner in Dark Night

*NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

*Revlon ColorStay Mineral Bronzer in Golden Bronze (Mine Broke) :(

*COVERGIRL Lash Blast Luxe Mascara in Shimmering Plum

*MAC CremeSheen Lipstick in Shy Girl

*LÓreal Infallible Plumping Lipgloss in Plumping Mauve

Now lets get started. Start off with a clean, moisturized face, with your hair pinned back. (Just like I am modeling below.)

Using your Revlon concealing stick, conceal your under eye circles, (if you have any), any blemishes and/or imperfections, and prime your eyes. I love this stick because I can use it for under eye circles, blemishes and priming my eyes as well. A 3 in 1 stick! Now that's a deal and so worth it! You may need to re-apply after 5-6 hours. This may be only because I am a chef and my concealer doesn't last more than 6-7 hours because of humidity.

Once you've blended your concealer well, apply dots of your Revlon Foundation all over your face and blend well. Be gentle when rubbing in. Remember, treat your skin with respect. Don't tug and rub too hard. This can cause you to have pre-mature fine lines and wrinkles. You want your skin to be your best friend, not your worst enemy. Your skin should look dewy and supple with minimal imperfections. This is one of the best foundations I have used. This is up there on my high end list.

Now, lets grab our eyeshadow. First taking the pale shimmering vanilla shade, (it will say BROWBONE). Gently use either your ring finger or a pencil brush, and dab a bit on your inner corner of the tear-duct, then sweeping the rest on your finger or brush onto the inner 1/4 of the eye. Now taking up a bit more, sweep this across your brow-bone. It should look natural on your brow-bone, not like a dragqueen..hehe.

Alright, well done. Now, next with a little deeper color, a shimmering pale pink. It will say EYELID.  Ring finger or eyeshadow brush will do. Lets take this color all over the lid, and blending in the pale vanilla so there isn't any harsh lines. I also brought this color down below my bottom lashes.

Last color we need is to create depth. As you'll notice, your eyes are very bright, and look very natural at this point, but maybe a bit stark. This pale bronze-brown CREASE color will make your eyes look naturally larger, give it depth, and bring this whole eye look together. Focus on the outer 3/4 of the eye, using your inner eyebrow as a marking spot to stop the color, bring it in just before you reach the inner end of the brow, gradually making the color less intense and thinner. If you like, you can create a cat eye effect by bringing it to a point, then bringing it down below the bottom lashes like I did. Otherwise, just stick to the crease.

Alright! Its starting to come together! Now for some eyeliner. Taking your Studio Secrets liner, sharpen it so you have a nice pointed tip. This is important because we want the liner to look as natural as possible. Using a gentle hand, carefully start a THIN line from only the outer to the inner lower lash line, stopping before you get to the tear-duct. Do not smudge it. We don't want this on the tear-duct because this will make us look un-natural. Now, slowly line ONLY the upper water line. This will darken the shape of your eyes, but not make you look like you have liner on.

Last liner of the day is NYX's Jumbo Pencil. Using a light hand, Line this on your lower water line. White liner is excellent for making your eyes look wider, and larger. Don't go too heavy, you only need very little. You could end up looking like Edward Cullen or a Halloween character. Remember, your enhancing, not covering up.

Alright, so at this point, I'm feeling pretty pale, so now I'm going to start applying my bronzer. A sun-kissed glow is always in style. Try to focus more on the areas where the sun would naturally hit you. (your forehead, cheekbones, nose, and chin.) One of the reasons why I love this particular color is because it is so light. I have a hard time with other bronzers because there all so dark. I have very light skin, so I need a bronzer that is light. Great success with this one!

Yay its mascara time! Taking your COVERGIRL lash blast luxe...yeah, I don't think I need to tell you...but make sure you get your bottom lashes!! The reason I'm using purple is because it goes well with blue and green eyes and its more natural looking. Use whatever color works well with your eye color! COVERGIRL lash blast luxe comes in a lot of shades.

So last but certainly not least is the lipstick! Put one coat of MAC lipstick on..mmm..I love the smell. ;)

And, one coat of your plumping lipgloss on, and rub your lips together. This color is my perfect shade, plus I get the added benefit of fuller lips! And natural fuller lips at that! Feel free to skip the lipstick and colored lipgloss and go with a clear plumping lipgloss.

Now you're done!!! Here is the final look

And that's it for now guys! Thank you so much for reading my tutorial! Don't forget to check out keepin'it real~part 1. I share some deeper details about my life, just scroll down. Leave some comments and suggestions or questions below! Happy Discovering! ;)

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Tidbit Challenge Friday

So I'm sitting here in my chair with my dog on my lap, and my laptop on the side. (ha. 2 lap items. Lol) I'm thinking, writing and realizing (yes I can multi-task,) about what it means to be all the things that I say that I am. I mean, do I really live out what my profile says? Or is it just so people will like me? Yes I think adults feel this way, not just high-schoolers. Were all human. You're not immature just because you want to be loved.

I'm pretty sure I'm open minded. I think I'm true to myself. Hmm let's see...Mommy? Check. Chef? Check. Writer? Unprofessionally..check. Blogger? Most of the time check. YouTube Makeup Geek..200% check.
Jesus Lover? Worried about being criticized for my belief, but I don't care check.
Singer, film lover, traveler? Check.
Okay okay, maybe I deleted a couple things before I wrote this blog (movie star). :p.

If I can for a sec, encourage everyone to please be yourself and say who you really believe that you are. That's what makes us all special!
Okay, so are you really for Challenge Friday? Here it is:

Wear one thing that u completely love but feel uncomfortable maybe even stupid wearing. (I'm not talking about walking around naked. Ha!) For me it's red lips and 80's purses, and my bangs. For you it might be the black eyeliner or a a pair of pants or shoes. This is how trends get started! You never know, you could start a worldwide trend yourself! You may also discover something about yourself! ;)
Happy Challenge Discovering! :)
-J

Keepin' It Real~Part 1~The Explanation

Okay girls. I am inspired. Very much inspired. I'm not sure if its because of my new house, my new blog, or the new items I just received in the mail form Frock-Stock.com today, but whatever the reason, I'm feeling content and happy. My mind is in the right (curious) place. Its that time when I don't have the need to review something or give my opinion. This is one of those amazing moments when I just feel like I can write. When I get to create something such as this blog post, it gives me a reason to stop and listen to my mind and spirit. Its one of those rarer moments that lets me express myself for everyone to read. With my dishes done, my hands clean and smelling like Philosophy's Field of Flowers lotion, my house quiet, and smelling like angel food cake cinnamon apples, (candles lol), its just that perfection when my mind is clear. (In light of my recent ADD diagnosis, I've realized that's why these moments are rare. Haha.) In this moment, I can re-cap and just think and let the thoughts flow on paper, or a computer screen. :p

Getting to this place has taken me years. Years of a harsh world as a single, young mother to realize, I create my destiny, what I live has to be my choice. I am not the lesser than, I am the greater than, and my peace comes from within, not from things. Without getting too sappy I'll just say this; Lets face it, we're all people, people who want to be loved, cared for, and understood. No matter who you are, what you wake up to, whatever the things you see, love or do, I'm positive you put your pants on one leg at a time.

Being a hard working single mother, I have been through some difficult times. Before the time of all responsibility, my life was easy and carefree. I was able to act as curious as I pleased, and I stayed in that state of curiousness. ;) Discovery was one of my greatest assets. With nothing holding me back, I was shooting off into the stars with my world map and computer in hand. Only a short while ago, I wanted to go back to a time when things were easier. (I cannot lie though, sometimes I do still wish things were a little less stressful.) I even tried for years to make my life go back to the way it had been. Even pretending and neglecting responsibilities that were so important at that time.
I still deal with a bit of guilt in regards to that time, but I have to just keep telling myself that I make mistakes, and the best success I'll have as an adult is to take responsibility for my surroundings, myself and my choices.

Please don't misunderstand me. My life was and is full of joy, faith and love. My son is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I do not know my life without him. He has changed my life. About 6 years ago, I did however feel held back. I felt guilty, I felt that the whole world was moving and there was so much for me to discover. I could not even comprehend the things I knew and wanted to do and see. In the midst of all that emotion, I decided to create my own unique world around me. I moved away (with my 1 year old of course), went to school, obtained my Bachelors in Nutrition and Culinary, and moved to Napa, California to work as a chef. During that time was a whirlwind of stuff. It would take a lot longer than just this blog post to talk about every wonderful and negative experience I had. Food Network, PBS, Micheal Chiarello, Thomas Keller, just to name drop a little. ;). Great experiences, but I neglected my responsibilities as a mother and to myself.

I always felt guilty. I worked too much. I never had time for my child because I wanted to "live my dream". I didn't always consider the structure that he needed. I learned a lot from those 5 years. Last year I moved closer to my family, away from the bright lights, cameras and fine dining food. My life is more enriched now than its ever been. One wouldn't think so. I mean who wouldn't want to live the lifestyle I did everyday? I proudly say now that my heart is full, and I am constantly finding new amazing things around me to get my hands into.

I am once again venturing out into the unknown, but this time, I'm doing it right. My blog is one of them. My life has balance once again. In an unlikely place.

One cannot control the things, or people around you. You can only change yourself, no matter what the case.

Here is one of my all time favorite quotes. A quote that spoke to me so much when I first heard it. A bit cheesy I know, but it made me realize, there is no going back. Only forward.

"How do you pick up the threads of an old life?
How do you go on?
When in your heart, you begin to understand, there is no going back.
There are some things that time cannot mend, some hurts that go too deep, that have taken hold."
~Frodo Baggins

My curiousness is what gets me up everyday. If I can leave you with one thing before part 2 (the fun makeup beauty part), it would be this;

Make the world around you everyday to what you want it to be. All things considered. Don't leave anything out. Consider and use all of it. Mold and shape it to what you want. NO matter where you are! You have the power to make your life wonderful and beautiful!
Thanks for reading and happy Discovering! :)
~J
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Dress Me In Some Frock!

Today, I've decided to let everyone know about a new website that I've recently discovered. ("Okay fine, I'll share.") Because of its originality and affordability, girls need to hear about my unique find.  Its name is cheeky and fun and I am getting more and more excited everyday to get my box of things I've purchased!
Its called Frock-Stock.com. Cute right? I love the classic word frock. Such a polite word but with power behind it! Come on girls, we love our frock don't we?

Frock Stock.com is an online Boutique that sells fashionable, affordable clothing, accessories, handbags, wallets, even plus sizes! Their style has a vintage feel but with an up to date appeal.
I think we all can agree that vintage never goes out of style. (Except for Natalie Portmans dress on the red carpet at the Oscars 2012. Gorgeous dress, wrong event. You get what I mean.)

Vintage style (and vintage itself) is something I personally enjoy because it all tells a story! I respect a company that has integrity when it comes to all things girl. Especially with the kind of appeal this website has.
 Mass quantities of the same thing for dirt cheap, doesn't get me excited, it gets me overwhelmed, (*cough* forever 21).
Don't get me wrong, I like being able to buy a cute accessory for a buck fifty, but whats the fun in that? Smaller, more personal company is where its at girls! Wanna hear the coolest part? Their items are super inexpensive! For a girl on a budget like me, I'm telling ya, this is a dream.

Below I've posted a few photos of my favorite finds from their boutique for you to drool over. Please keep in mind that their inventory changes frequently, so if you're reading this a few days or later after this post date, the same clothing and accessories posted may no longer be available for purchase. Go take a look for yourself for more cute stuff!! *Please leave comments and photos below with your cute purchases! I'd love to see what everyone bought!* Happy discovering!
www.Frock-Stock.com



Notice a theme of the scarf and my blog? Love this.