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

Fake It....Don't Bake It!

I have been using tanning beds since I was in high school.  I would tan for school dances, vacations and of course during the summer…so pretty much all year around!  A couple years ago, I noticed that I started getting these horrible wrinkles in my forehead and under my eyes.  I was only 29 but I was looking like I was 39!  My skin was starting to really dry out and was losing its softness.

I hated it…so I stopped tanning all together…but then, I was not happy how pale my skin was and I felt like I looked sick all the time.  I couldn’t win!  I always knew about spray tans but I hated the smell and everyone who did spray tan looked orange to me. 

In January, I went down to LA to take a makeup airbrush class and was not aware that they were also going to be teaching spray tanning.   I immediately fell in love and was so impressed with the product too…it was odorless and gives a golden brown glow…NOT ORANGE!  Of course I bought the product and the machine and it has been taking off like crazy…now not only do I look tan AND healthy all year around, so do my clients! 

We know too much now about the dangers of the sun and the tanning beds. Quit frying your skin. You might look great now, but in 10 to 20 years, you’re going to match your favorite brown leather handbag. We all want to be tan, for different reasons. Either way, if we’re all after a tan, we should all be lining up for that spray. When you think about it, it’s really the only option for tanning these days.

A spray tan is the only dependable way to get a tan that is safe and healthy. You are not endangering yourself with skin cancer, and yet you still look utterly glowing and sun kissed. Do not be afraid of the orange tan. For the most part, this is a thing of the past. Spray tans last 5 to 10 days, which is pretty good considering it will be even, bronzed, and cancer-free.

I really stress to everyone how important it is to take care of your skin.  And how bad tanning beds are for you and the long term damage it does.  I was always one of those girls that would say “that will never happen to me” but now it has and now I have a lot of damage control to do.  I will probably never get back the softness but I can try to stop the wrinkles from getting worse.

If you live in the Seattle area and want a spray tan call me!  I love spray tanning and it is a great way to brighten your day and make yourself feel better…especially with the weather we have here!

Hope you all have a great day!

Hugs…

Annastina

10 Ways to Simplify Your LIFE!!!

Does everything seem too complicated for you right now?  As we get older our lives seem to get more difficult, we work late nights, we party hard, we eat the wrong things, we don't rest enough, our stress level is high, we worry more and as a result our lives become more complicated. Over the course of time, we make our lives more complex, and we start losing touch with who we really are and what we really need.  So why can't we simplify our lives? How do we do this? Below are 10 ways to simplify your life.

1. Live below your means.  Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.  Always sleep on big purchases.  Create a budget and savings plan and stick to both of them.

2. Get up 30 minutes earlier so you don’t have to rush around like a mad man.  That 30 minutes will help you avoid speeding tickets, tardiness, and other unnecessary headaches.

3. Don’t waste your time on jealously.  The only person you’re competing against is yourself.

4. Say “I love you” to your loved ones as often as possible.

5. Be curious.  Don’t be scared to learn something new.

6. Set priorities for yourself and act accordingly.

7. Spend time with nice people who are smart, driven, and likeminded.

8. Let go of things you can’t change.  Concentrate on things you can.

9. Make mistakes, learn from them, laugh about them, and move along.

10. Ask someone if you aren’t sure!

Hugs...

Annastina