DIY Make Up Brush Cleaner

Hey dirty girl. I saw those brushes. I saw your face breaking out. They feel a little heavier. Looks like your makeup is going on in layers of cake.

EEEEKKKKK. HOLD THE PHONE!!! That was my inner monologue to myself this morning… I realized how disgusting my brushes got and I had to stop it. Right. then. and. there.

If you don't have a brush cleaner formula (I had Bare Minerals before, and I've also used regular shampoo) then this is a great alternative, and personally using other methods weren't as effective as this.

This is a super duper easy DIY brush cleaner… I saw a fellow blogger post something similar (a while back and I would give them credit but I cannot remember who it was) and I used what I had to make this…

You Will Need:

• Gentle Dish Soap -- I just used Ajax under the sink
• White Distilled Vinegar
• Water 
• Dirty Brushes<< essential ;-)
• papertowels

Directions:

1. Mix one part vinegar, one part HOT water, and one part soap in a small bowl

2. Place each brush in the bowl and swirl around, use your fingers to massage the bristles 

3. Run under hot water, and rinse the brushes thoroughly until the water runs clear, you may have to empty the bowl if gets too dirty, then put the concotion back in. 

4. Dry on a paper towel lying flat and reshape them with your hands carefully

*I have done this method TWICE and it's shown great results, the bristles don't fall out, the hot water and vinegar strip bacteria, the soap cleans the brush and your face is happier. 

Personally, this formula and method works better than anything I've tried. When I used shampoo it took forever to get the makeup out! This is very quick and efficient! 

Happy Cleaning loves, let that face glow! 

Drugstore Beauty Haul December

So something that never gets old for me is cruising the aisles of any drug store, Wal-Mart, or Target for their killer beauty deals.

I'm a girly girl… as much as I love soccer, the beach, hiking, working out and drinking the occasional beer while bar hopping, I think it's a DUH nowadays that women can tap into ALL of their personality, their interests, and their passions without shame.

Anytime I have to run somewhere to grab a few things, I find myself browsing the "cheapie" makeup sections… but just because its cheaper than most high end brands held at a Sephora doesn't mean it won't get the J-O-B done.

1. Milani Lipstick in Sangria- Fall weather brings darker colors (usually, but I'm determined to keep rocking a few neon pieces to keep things fresh) and I'm O B S E S S E D with this color. A dark lip and lighter eye or simple winged eye liner can do WONDERS for a fall face! 
2. OPI-Lincoln Park After Dark: MY GO TO for nail color. I'm loving the deep purple and black hues that keep this color a year round statement -- class and badass. Two of my favorite styles to rock. 
3. Sinful Colors-Snow Me White: Just because it's fall doesn't mean that white after labor day is still a rule to follow. Rules are meant for breaking right? Nothing says white wonderland and holiday seasons like a gorgeous white nail color. Plus it makes me look tanner than I really am!
4. ELF HD Blush: When I first saw this I sort of scratched my head… HD? I don't even know what that means! But I bought it because it was $3 (hello ELF is the ultimate cheap girl makeup and a lot of works just as good as the top brands). Applying this blush is quite interesting. First you gotta pump that sucker (just a little should come out, too much is TOO MUCH, use sparingly) onto the back of your hand then smooth it out with your finger, then dab your blush brush onto it lightly and apply. Do not go blush happy, this stuff goes on thick. 
5. ELF Angled Contour Brush- My favorite contour brush thus far. This is a GEM. Or dynamite or whatever! But this is a MUST pick up! Great for contouring the nose to look slimmer, the cheeks to be more profound and even works great in the crease of your eyes. LOVE LOVE LOVE, 5stars! 

Have fun saving! 

XO,

Abby

Five Home Beauty Remedies

Ah yes... looking good can come with a price tag but it also can be fairly easy and cheap if you know what to grab! Here are FIVE of my beauty at home remedies and secrets!

1. Ice Cube Facial

MHHMM. You heard/read that right! Do this in the morning or before going out! Grab an ice cube and start with under your eyes (clean faces only, no makeup of course), swipe it gently underneath, then take it across your cheeks. Using an ice cube on your face will temporarily diminish dark circles under the eyes, reduce redness in cheeks or acne scars, and make your pores shrink! I love doing this before I go out, it not only wakes me up but makes my face feel tighter and fresh! 

2. Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Teeth

I like to dip a Q-tip in Hydrogen Peroxide then swish it over my pearly whites to whiten them up a bit more. I don't do this all the time, probably once every two weeks. Do it for about 30 seconds to one minute. Most people are worried that it tastes funny, but it doesn't. There's barely any taste at all, and if you do taste something it's similar to whitening strips! 

3. Coconut Oil Hair Mask

DO NOT GO CHEAP on coconut oil. Get the unrefined organic stuff from Trader Joes, Sprouts or Whole Foods! If it's not melted (coconut oil/butter--at room temp its solid, any hotter it will melt), melt in microwave safe bowl then start with your ends! Work your way up by lathering your hair with the coconut oil. I usually use about 2TBSP for my long blonde hair. Leave on for an hour or more. I sometimes will workout or lay out and use the heat from my body or the sun to help it work better. When you rinse it out, shampoo hair twice thoroughly then add conditioner and rinse well! Do once a week! Cover with shower cap if you want, but it really does not leak or run down your face! 

4. Blueberry Yogurt Mask

Been in the sun too long? A little UV damage can really hurt your face, so try an at home mask of your choice. This one is great because the blueberries are a powerful antioxidant that are packed with Vitamin C and E which fend off fine lines. Also the yogurts lactic acid help exfoliate sun damaged skin!

Grab a handfull of blueberries and mash into plain greek yogurt (tbsp), put on face and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse off!

5. Shave with Baby Oil and never use lotion again!

I LOVE to shave with baby oil, nothing saves your razor and moisture of your legs like shaving with baby oil! It only costs about $2-3 at WalMart and is WELL worth it! Just use a quarter size amount for each leg and a dime size for your bikini line. The best SHAVE EVER. Trust me, I've been doing it for over two years and can't go back to shaving cream or soap. Closest and smoothest shave of your life, promise!