Want some BRIGHT COLORFUL LIPS this Spring???

If you see my daily, then you know that I loving hot pink lips right now!  When I go to the makeup store, it is like my eyes go straight to the lipsticks to see if they have came out with any new bright pink colors.  I was so bummed because when MAC came out with the Wonder Woman collection, I fell in love with one of their lipsticks but I was too late and it sold out!  I still cannot get that color out of my head so I have been trying to recreate it.

Before I put on any bright color of lipstick I always apply Laura Geller Lip Spackle ($24) first!  I learned about this product this from Kandee Johnson and I love it.  It prevents your lipstick from bleeding or changing colors.  I carry one in my purse at all times and in my makeup kit for my clients.

What I am using right now is two colors…first I apply Mac Cherry Lipliner ($13.00) and outline my lips and then also blend in the color on my lips so I don’t have a harsh line.  Then I apply Mac Girl About Town Lipstick ($14.50) over the liner and press together and you get that perfect HOT PINK lip! 

I have done a nude eye and a smokey eye and it seems to work with both, even though I prefer the nude eye, especially for spring. 

Some other colors that I really want to try but haven’t had the chance are…

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in REBELLE ($32)

Dior Addict in DIORKISS ($28)

Yves Saint Laurent in ROSE CULTE ($34)

Here is a pic of my dog, Good Time Sammy, with a lasting lip mark of my love!

Hope your summer is filled with hot pink lips!!!

Hugs…

Annastina

GET READY FOR SUMMER WITH A FRESH AND FLAWLESS LOOK!!!

Summer is coming and I love having that fresh, flawless face when going to the beach or out with my friends on those sunny days!  During the summer, I do not like to spend a huge amount of time on my makeup because I want to get out and be in the sun has much as I can.  Some celebrities that I think always have that sun kissed look are Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry and Lauren Conrad.  I do not know what they personally use for makeup products but I try to duplicate their summer looks.  Here are some products I use to get that beachy, sun-kissed look…

Concealer

I always conceal first no matter what…around my nose, under my eyes and on top of my eye lids, wherever I tend to get the most hormonally red.  I really like Cover FX concealer ($27) or Laura Mercier Undercover Pot ($34) or Secret Camouflage ($28).

Foundation

I use two different kinds of foundation, depending on how much coverage I need for the day.  I love Makeup Forever HD Foundation ($40)…when achieving the beach look, I really only use a little…only enough to cover my flaws.  If I am having a better day with less flaws (trust me, it can change from day to the next) then I will use a tinted moisturizer.  I like Cover FX Tinted Moisturizer ($42) or Mac Studio Moisture Tint ($29.50).  I still use concealer with both options, but I prefer the tinted moisturizer in the summer because it gives you less of a heavy look.

Bronzer

I always use bronzer to contour my face and add some depth.  I love Mac Blunt Cheek Blush ($19.50).  I bronze around my hair line on my forehead and then I use the side of my contour brush and bronze right below my cheek bone to define and chisel my face.  Any bronzer would create the same effect.

Cheeks

When I want to glow I use a lighter blush…usually Well Dressed by Mac ($19.50).  But any color that is similar will work.  There are plenty drugstore brands that have the same color.  I use my blush brush and lightly sweep over my cheek bones and then I make sure I get the apple of my cheeks so when I smile I have rosy cheeks.

Illuminator

An illuminator is what is going to achieve the “glow” you are looking for.  I use Shell Cream Colour Base ($16.50) when I am more tan and when I am less tan I use the color Pearl.  I carry both in my makeup kit because I really like it as a highlighter, it sinks into my skin nicely instead of sitting on it and I love the shimmer it leaves on my skin, it's not too much or too little.  I place it right above my cheek bone where I place the blush, down the center of my nose and I will even use it on my lid below my eyebrow.

Eye Shadow

I usually keep the eye shadow very basic, I might put the Shell Cream Colour Base to add some dewiness or a gold bronze color like Mac Goldmine or Gorgeous Gold ($14.50) to sweep some color to lower half of my lid.

Eyeliner

I usually do not wear eyeliner with this look but if it is something you cannot live without, here are my suggestions.  Use Mac Penultimate ($17.50) and just use a thin line over the top (I never put it on the bottom) but if you like it on the bottom I suggest going very lightly and then smudge it out so it looks more natural.  Over the liquid liner I press Mac Smolder Eye Pencil ($14.50) to lock in the liquid and smooth out any ripples.  Also if you are going to the beach or pool, I would use a waterproof liner so then it doesn’t run.  There are plenty of waterproof liners out there that will work the same.

Mascara

Again if you are going to be near or going in water, then I would use waterproof mascara.  I really love Waterproof Bad Girl Lash from Benefit ($9 - $19).  But again you can find a cheaper waterproof version in any drug store.  I always add two coats to my upper lashes to get the depth but then only one coat on my bottom lashes so they look softer.

Lips

I love lip gloss that just adds a hint of color.  I like most people love Mac Lip glass in Pink Lemonade ($14.50) and also if you want a cheap version, I love Victoria Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss (4 for $20).  They both give you a soft shiny lip that tops off the look.

You do not have to use just these products to achieve this look, you can find similar and more affordable ones in the drugstore and Sephora…this is just what I use.  But I love it and it always makes me fresh and flawless!  This looks can literally take under 10 minutes to do so you have more time to enjoy the sun and not look like you spent hours on your face!

Hugs…

Annastina

MONEY CAN'T BUY YOU EVERYTHING!!!

Think money can buy you everything? Well, personally I don't think it can. Nowadays, everything seems to cost money and it can get difficult if there is something you really need and cannot afford it.  So I thought it would be a great reminder on what money CANNOT buy...

• ·         Passion: You can't pay someone to give you passion nor can you buy it. Passion comes from within and it is natural to those who follow their hearts. Ever hear of the expression, "do what you love and money will follow." All the money in the world won't buy you passion, but all the passion in the world will make you rich. 
• ·         Belief. No matter how much money you earn, belief is earned not bought. 
• ·         Loyalty. Devotion can't be bought neither is loyalty. Are the people around you also the same people that believe in you and encourage you to do better. Are your friends those who are with you no matter the circumstances? Does your family stick by you in the good and bad? Money might buy you many things, but never loyalty. 
• ·         Success. You can only achieve success by doing what you love. 
• ·         A piece of mind. It can only be gained by a loyal heart. 
• ·         A funny joke. 
• ·         Those unexpected bonds you share with your friends.
• ·         Helping someone else succeed. Have you ever helped someone without asking, just because you want to or you love that person. These gestures can't be bought they are only given. 

Hugs...

Annastina

Heidi Klum's Top Five Rules for Succeeding in Business

I found this article the other day and thought it has some great information for us entrepreneurs out there!  Heidi Klum has been extremely successful as a model, TV personality and jewelry designer…I love listening to her interviews on how she kept moving forward when she wanted to quit.  Here are her top 5 rules for succeeding in your own business…

You Have to Have a Goal

"Some people have not figured out what it is they want to do. That's the main problem. When I knew I wanted to be a model, I wanted to be a good model. First you have to have to have your goal."

You Should Learn About What It is You Want to Do

"In my business, it would be like knowing what photographers, what stylists, what magazines, [are in the industry] and being in shape for it. If you want to be a chef for example, then you have to know what are the best knives, what are the best pots and pans, what kind of food do you want to cook! What do you love to eat? Do you want to do Japanese, Italian, Chinese?"

Work on Your Confidence

"I think you have to just look at things positively. If you're scared, don't show it. Maybe it's cute when people are on stage and say they're nervous, but it's not so cute when you go into a business meeting. You have to look in people's eyes and you have to just say, 'this is what I like to do and this is why I'm here and I believe I'm good at what I do.'"

Be Open to Learning New Things

"It's not good to think you know it all—I don't think that's cool or smart. I think there's always more things that people teach you. Be confident and open to incorporating certain suggestions!"

Don't Take No for an Answer

"Be tenacious and don't give up. How do other people do it? I think a lot of things happen because someone knows someone, but there are other people [who succeed] because of their talent and because they don't give up. Otherwise I wouldn't be here. I know from people I work with, that people say 'I want to have Heidi’s career,' and my friends are like, 'but she also works very hard.' It's the truth! It's not as if I sit back and watch things fly onto my plate. I went for a lot of the things. It doesn't happen by waiting for things to happen because there are other people who are hungry. The early bird catches a worm."

Hope you all have a productive day!

Hugs…

Annastina

Nail Polish...THE PERFECT ACCESSORY!!!

I am obsessed with this spring and summer’s nail polish trends!  I love experimenting with new colors and patterns.  Me, personally, I am loving the bright, neon colors…I wish I had time to change my polish everyday because I want to wear them all.  Here are some of the colors that have caught my eye…

Neons - I have to say that I love the new neon nail colors; they are flirty and fun, just like a summer day! Even if at first glance you think they are a little too much for you, try them just on your toes. You might find that after you wear them on your toes for one week, you’ll be ready to go full-on neon the next!

Grays…Grays are a staple in my nail polish collection. They’re versatile, go with everything, and are still totally trendy and fresh. I always feel great when I’m rocking a gray polish!

Even better, my favorite shades are still in for this spring – this trend has been around for a while now and doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon! However, what I’ve been noticing for this spring is that people are abandoning winter’s dark grays and instead choosing lighter (much more springy) grays. I can’t wait to get my hands on a couple of bottles in these shades!

Blues…Let me first just say that I am SO EXCITED for this trend!  So, for this spring, I’m psyched that all types of blue polishes are popping up everywhere.

This trend isn’t limited to pastel hues, though – it also includes rich, bright blues, like Butter London’s Blagger, as well as muted blues and periwinkles. This such a fun nail trend because you really aren’t limited to just one hue; choose any shade of blue that you like, and your nails will look perfectly modern and on-trend.

Nudes - It seems that the population has a love-hate relationship with nude polishes; they go in and out of style very quickly and can be super cute one minute, and completely shunned from a girl’s polish collection the next. However, I’m happy to say that they’re officially back in style right now!

Some people avoid nude polishes because they don’t like looking like a mannequin, however, if you pick the right shade, that definitely won’t happen! It’s all about choosing nudes that work against your skin color. If you feel too monotone wearing a nude polish, opt for one with some different undertones or subtle shimmer to change it up a little bit!

What are your favorite colors to wear this summer?

Hugs…

Annastina

Life to Stressful???

As we get older our lives tend to become more stressful.  It seems like there is always something that happens that requires our full attention and drains away all of our energy.  The older we get the more complex and chaotic our schedules and lives become.  I feel that now that I am trying to run my own business, everyday is stressful.  I have to do my own scheduling, accounting and marketing...and it ends up weighing pretty heavily on me.  How many of you feel your life is too chaotic, stressful in where you find it hard to disconnect and break away from your daily routine?  Here are a few ways you can detach from the chaos and find your inner peace. 

·         Meditate/Pray: If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, consider trying meditation. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore your calm and inner peace.

·         Smile: So many people underestimate the power and importance of a smile, it can work magic, heal emotional and physical pain. That one simple smile has the power to calm fear, insecurity and help anxiety.

·         Embrace your beliefs: Whatever you believe in, embrace it with your entire being. The more belief you have the more inner peace you will experience. 

·         Live in the now: Stop worrying about what happened yesterday or what could have happened, instead live in the present focus on living now, relax, unwind and enjoy your life now!

     Hugs...Annastina

Motivational Women...Past and Present!!!

For those that know me, I love inspirational quotes!  There are so many women past and present who have given me the courage to continue to keep fighting for what I believe in. These are some of the quotes that have inspired me by these famous women. 

1. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. - Eleanor Roosevelt 

2. If you feel incomplete, you alone must fill yourself with love in all your empty, shattered spaces. -Oprah Winfrey

3. Don't compromise yourself. You are all you've got. -Janis Joplin

4. Many people have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. - Hellen Keller 

5. In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery and death. - Anne Frank

6. You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. -Eleanor Roosevelt

7. Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. - Mary Tyler Moore

8. If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. - Maya Angelou

9. Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then. - Katherine Hepburn 

10. What matters most is that we learn from living - Doris Lessing 

Hugs...

Annastina

Product Review...COVER FX!!!

I discovered Cover FX about 6 months ago and I have been head over heels since then! 

I have very “rosy” cheeks, I was convinced that I had rosacea, but many people have told me that it is not that, just natural redness.  Well I hate it!  I wish I could run around with no makeup sometimes, but if I am going to see human civilization, then I need to cover my skin.

Before Cover Fx, I never really found a good concealer that could cover all my flaws.  I use the Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation, which can also double as a concealer.  You really only need to use very little at a time…so it last a very very long time!

Cover FX was created for people who have sensitive skin or if you have a skin condition such as acne, rosacea, or eczema, where then makeup can often be the enemy (hello, irritation).  They have foundations to powders to primers, Cover FX offers comfortable, natural-looking coverage for every skin type—most notably sensitive. They have a very extensive shade range, every skin tone is covered—literally.

After a couple months of using this product I decided to add some of it my kit.  Especially for brides who had sensitive skin or major problem areas.  Cover FX has been a miracle for me and I absolutely love it.  Right now I buy it in Sephora but I have noticed that not all Sephora’s carry it.  I know the Sephora in Downtown Seattle and Southcenter areas DO carry it…so if you want to try this amazing product I would go there!

Let me know if there are any products out there that you would like me to review!

Hugs…

Annastina

Product Review...Dr. Brandt PORES NO MORE!!!

I have been on the hunt for a great moisturizer/hydrator for the past couple months.  The problem with my skin is that I am oily so I have to be careful on what products I use, because if they have the slightest oil, well then I am a lost cause. 

About a week ago, I bought Dr. Brandt Pores No More Anti-Aging Mattifying lotion (WOW that’s a long name!) and I really like it!  I always give myself a week to try a product to see how it reacts with my skin.  So far I am impressed, it has done a good job on keeping the oils stable and at the same time my skin feels hydrated.  And of course, I love anything that is anti-aging...so we will see if that works over time.  I also like the texture and smell, I feel like I am in a spa when I put it on.  It is very lightweight and does not have a greasy feel. You only need one pump to get full coverage so hopefully it will last a long time. 

As of now, this product gets an A+!

Hugs…

Annastina

BIG AND EXCITING NEWS!!!

When I decided that I was going to chase this dream of mine, I was looking into makeup schools to attend.  Very quickly I learned that I was not going to be able to go to one because of distance and funds.  So I started looking for classes that I could take that wouldn’t take me away from home for long periods at a time.  I, like many others, went straight to YouTube and was hooked when I found Kandee Johnson!  In one of her videos, she mentioned her friend, Thomas Surprenant, who taught with a local company that held workshops around the nation.  I looked him up and signed up for his next class which was going to be in San Francisco.  I was so excited and nervous because I had no clue what to expect.  Let’s just say, meeting Thom was life changing and he made me realize I could have a career as a makeup artist. 

Thom has an extensive background...I don’t even know where to begin. In the course of his career Thomas has been nominated for two Emmy awards.  In 1995, for his work on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, he won the Emmy for “Outstanding Individual Achievement in Makeup”.   Thom has been part of two Academy Award-winning makeup crews.  Most recently he has worked on X-Men 3, Vacancy, and Big Fish. He has provided special prosthetic paint for The Santa Claus 1-3, The Scorpion King, Terminator 3, and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Google his name and you will find everything there is to know about him.  But I think what impressed me aside from his credits, was his fun loving personality, his knowledge on the industry and how after meeting you once, you are his friend and you can call him anytime.  I never wanted the class to end because I wanted to hear all the stories he had to tell and I wanted to soak up everything he had to teach.

And now the next chapter in his life has started and I am so excited…he is finally starting his own makeup school… Thomas E. Surprenant Academy of Makeup Artistry!   I cannot wait to be able to attend one of his classes again!  Thom is also working on his own makeup line, which I am really excited to try and use when it is available. 

I suggest that if you are like me, and cannot afford to go to makeup school and you want to be taught by one of the best, that you attend of one the classes taught by Thom.  You will not regret it and in the end you will have so much more knowledge on makeup and the industry.  And best of all you will have a new friend and mentor!

Hugs...

Annastina

TO MY MOM...

To all you moms out there…Happy Mother’s Day! 

I am very lucky to have the mom I have.  She is the best mom she could ever be and she is my best friend.  I could sit here and write about our stories together for hours so I decided I am going to do a Top 10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY MOM…so here we go…

1.   I love that she is so creative…she can never just wrap a present and give it to someone.  No, she has to go and find the cutest paper and ribbon and create a package that looks it should be under a tree in Nordstrom’s.  Let’s just say that all my school projects always looked the best and out shined everyone else’s!

2.   Once a year my mom and I take a trip together…this year will be our 4^th year in a row…I love the time together for us to make new memories.  My time with her means the world to me!  Ps…I love my husband too for letting us take those trips together!

3.   I love that we can laugh at anything!  I love it the most when we are laughing so hard that it is one of those silent laughs and you can’t move or breath and then your stomach is in so much pain afterwards…those are the best!

4.   I love that when times are tough or I am sad that she is one of the first people I WANT to call.  She always makes me feel better no matter what and brings me back to reality.

5.   This is a weird one, but I love that when we are fighting and screaming at each other (and trust me, we can get loud) that it is over in 5 minutes and we are laughing again.  I remember one time my husband heard us fighting and then laughing and he looked at me and said “How do you go from one extreme to the next?”  It is just how we are!

6.   I love that she loves my friends…that too this day she still loves talking to them and seeing their babies. 

7.   I love her LOVE for God and how she always reminds me of the TRUTH.  And I can call her if I need some wisdom or advice.

8.   I appreciate her for being so involved with my brother and I as kids…always the one to take us the doctors, dentists, cheerleading practices, schools sports, and the list is endless! 

9.   I love her for always loving us.  We were and still are always were told “I love you” million times a day and there were and are always endless hugs and kisses.  I never felt that I was unloved by my mom!

10.  And last, I LOVE that my mom loves my husband and that they have such a great relationship.  The 3 of us have some great memories…skydiving, trying new restaurants, white water rafting (our family was there for that one), holidays and so much more!

Happy Mother’s Day mom!  Thank you for always being there and always supporting me! 

I hope every mom out there feels the LOVE today!

Hugs…

Annastina

What are your Core Values???

I am constantly looking for inspirational and motivational articles or quotes!  Running your own business I feel that you need to, to keep you going strong.  I have always worked for companies in the past that have had great core values to lean on when you are feeling down or in a rut.  So now that I only have myself to lean on when it comes to my business, I feel I need to find my own core values.  It is usually the first thing I do in the morning before getting out of bed.  I get on my computer and start looking for new articles or stories that can encourage me to conquer the day.  Sometimes it is an article from someone I admire who has been successful in their own business and life or sometimes it is a bible story or verse that reminds me that I can do anything I put my heart to.  I found this one this morning and thought it was another great reminder on to run your business and live our lives!  I hope these steps help you conquer YOUR day!

• ·        Follow your passion. The only way to live is to do what you truly love. Don't let others steal your dreams, find what you love and the money will follow. Don't just pursue a hobby; turn into a career. 
• ·         Set goals, set a deadline. If you can have whatever, you want would you take it? Write down your goals and dreams. Create a dream board, take notes of the things you love and want to accomplish and start them. The life I'm living today is a reflection of the goals I set in the past. 
• ·         Let go of any negative friendships. Life is too precious to be hanging around negativity. If you have friends who discourage you and pull you down, it's time to get rid of them. 
• ·         Surround yourself with positive people. I often say, surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. Who are the people you normally spend time with? Who are the people that you can trust and encourage you to do better? Your attitudes and your beliefs are a function of the people you spend time with. 
• ·         Believe in yourself. Sometimes all we really need is belief or someone to believe in us. The majority of times I've been able to achieve something because I believed in myself and I had others who believed in me. 
• ·         Create an action plan. Do you plan your days? Do you wake up in the morning not knowing what you are supposed to be doing? Do you keep a calendar and a to do list? If not, maybe it's time you do!
• ·         Be compassionate, love conquers all. Show love and kindness to all the people around you, especially to do those who are there to help you. You can accomplish anything with love and respect.
• ·         Network and meet new people. The more people you know the more possibilities you will have to grow and learn from others. Most people have a habit of secluding themselves in small circles. That won't help us grow. Get out, go to events, network have others introduce you, the point is you have to meet new people.
• ·         Mentor someone. There is no better way to learn about yourself than to teach others. Is there someone you know that can benefit from your help? Not only will you feel rewarded, but you will pick up new things along the way.

Hugs...

Annastina