Inspiration Board: NYX Bridal

I'm beautifying a bridal party soon. NYX will definitely be making an appearance. 

Inspiration Board: NYX Bridal by carolynjbraden featuring an eyebrow kit

NYX beauty product
amazon.com

NYX eyeshadow
target.com

NYX blush
amazon.com

NYX eyebrow kit
target.com

Nyx lipstick
nordstrom.com

NYX eye makeup
target.com

Carolyn Braden: Subscribe to Ipsy

Join me on @ipsy! http://www.ipsy.com/?refer=u-h6r5iifon91t7fc Makeup bags for just $10/month. Use my link & I get a free goodie. I've been a subscriber for over 6 months and I love it. The bags are cute and useful and the products are fun to test and use. 

You can cancel at any time so it's worth trying. 

The latest bag, September 2013:

Sephora Inspired: Pinterest #nailart pin

Here is my version of Sephora's Shades of Spring nail art. I used gel polishes so my mani would last through all the clay projects I am teaching right now.

Carolyn Braden's Question: Natural Skincare?

I have been on a "pure and natural" kick for a few weeks now. I have paid attention to what I consume for years. However, I didn't give much thought to my make-up and skin care. When you think about it, your skin is like a sponge. What you put on it gets absorbed into your skin and can stay there for a while. This summer I began purging my products. After reading labels, I began removing products that had a ton of ingredients. I realized my routine to wash my face was taking forever. It was the process of all the products I applied. I remember my grandmother loving a lye soap I made at school in the 5th grade. I replaced my Bioelements face wash with Grandma's Lye Soap which only has three ingredients. I removed my Bioelements Oxygenation. I added Grapeseed oil. I was surprised to discover it did not make me breakout. Next I will try removing the Bioelements Oil Control Sleepwear. Not that Bioelements were bad products, I just wondered why I needed so many different products to clean my skin and keep it clear.
I removed my liquid foundation and started using Bare Minerals.

Now I am awaiting the results. So far, I've noticed an improvement in my skin tone and my breakouts aren't as often. With any product change I expect the worst but hope for the best. I figure that mother nature has created many beautiful things so why should she stop at making skin beautiful too.


http://www.grandmaspureandnatural.com

Garnier Skin Renew B.B. Cream, Yes Please!

Not wanting to waste money on a possibility I might like B.B. Cream, I decided to try Garnier's version. I instantly fell in love. It did not irritate my skin and left it glowing.....seriously! I now use it as part of my daily regime, putting it on after my moisturizer and before my Too Faced skin primer. Most use B.B. Cream as their primer but I like using it to conceal reddneds and even out my skin tone. The separate primer combined makes my makeup last for hours. When I am just puttering around the house or working out, B.B. Cream is a great option when you don't need makeup but want a little coverage. I use Light/Medium and my mom uses Medium/Dark. I really love the fact that this product doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.

Carolyn Braden: e.l.f. Products, Inexpensive Wonders!

Have you tried Eyes, Lips, Face (e.l.f.) products yet? If not, run to a store and stock up today! I purchased Oil Blotting Sheets, Zit Zapper and Wet Gloss for Lash and Brows. Each product cost $1.00. The cheap price may make you think there's no way the product inside is good but think again. The Zit Zapper reduced the size of a recent pimple and cleared it up in one day. It's so portable so you can carry it with you all day if needed.
I purchased my products from Target. Some are $3.00 but most are just $1.00.


Carolyn J. Braden
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Carolyn Braden and Clinique's Blushing Blush

For a great blush similar to the best selling Nars blush, try Clinique's Blushing Blush in Precious Posy. I like Clinique's pink-ish peach-coral because it has a little more pink in it. I also like it because it is only $20.00 and will last a very long time, even with daily use.





Carolyn J. Braden
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Carolyn Braden: Trying Tarte Waterproof Bronzer

Tarte's Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer is perfect for keeping the summer glow going until you get it back next summer. It is sparkle-free, making it a very natural look. The best part is that is lasts all day. I used Bare Minerals Warmth prior to Tarte's Bronzer and Tarte is a clear winner. I love Warmth but I had to re-apply it often. Tarte is a great make-up line. I love their gel cheek stains and glosses.










Carolyn J. Braden
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Carolyn Braden says "Try a Matte Eye for Fall."

I am so glad someone has finally developed a matte eyeshadow kit! The Too Faced kit comes with "how to" cards to help anyone achieve (yes, even an amateur makeup artist) the perfect day or night matte eye.









Carolyn J. Braden
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Carolyn Braden: Try EOS

EOS, or "the evolution of smooth", products are truly unique. The beautiful candy colored packaging catch your attention and make you NEED to try them. The hand lotion smells fresh and is not greasy. The shave cream allows you to shave wet or dry. I bought the lip balm in almost every color and flavor available. I stash them everywhere so I always have the smoothest lips no matter where I am.


Don't they look like perfect Easter eggs?








Carolyn J. Braden
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone