It's Been Awhile

Of course, I couldn't resist the opportunity to quote a Staind song.
In all seriousness, it's been two years since I created this, with the concept being makeup. How to apply it, what to use, various recommendations, etc. Things change so much. I still love makeup, and it will always be one of my biggest passions. On the other hand, I've gained a lot of life experience and plenty more obligations. Between work and the day to day struggle of being a single mom, I hardly have time to put makeup on. Maybe once a week. Sad, isn't it? That's not even mentioning the health problems that my baby boy, Asher, is facing. He just made 3 months this past Sunday. Unfortunately, he spent most of his second month in this world in the hospital. He was diagnosed with refractory epilepsy, caused by a congenital condition called cortical dysplasia. I plan on writing a more in-depth post about his medical issues in the near future, so if anyone would like to submit questions, either comment or get in touch with me. I'll do my best to answer them.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I've decided to take this blog in a different direction. I want to cover everything I can, from my son, to my faith, to my loved ones, as much as I can share about this crazy hot mess I call my life. Looking forward to trying this again ;)

Good things to come..

So I wanted to begin by apologizing for the length of time in between my posts.  The holidays kept me a busy girl.  Is it just me, or did they go by extremely quickly? Anyways.  I also started a new job, which has kept me busy as well.  On a positive note, I set some money aside from my first paycheck and bought myself some goodies from Sephora, including Urban Decay's Vice Palette.  Now I'm only mentioning that particular item because I posted it on Instagram. I don't want to spoil the rest of it, which includes some things I was able to choose using my Sephora points. I used over 800 I believe, so good stuff was gotten.  I have every intention of posting a haul blog, and possibly a video haul as well, within the next week.  It honestly depends on my lighting saga status.  But I guess since it isn't technically a tutorial, the lighting shouldn't be an issue.  I will get it figured out one of these days.  For now, I'm using a desk lamp which I know is atrocious and quite sad.  But I digress.  Good things to come in a week!

Makeup Look of the Day

Oily Skin Products

So for those of you who are unaware, my skin type is oily.  I'm talking, extremely oily.  For a long time, I struggled with trying to find the right products and skincare routine.  When I tell you I've tried just about everything to get rid of it, I mean it.  I've tried drying out my skin, moisturizing WITH oil, everything.  Over the years I've realized that there's no magical fix for oiliness.  It's just something you learn to manage and deal with over time.  In the past year or so, there have been a few products that have helped with this tremendously.  I finally feel like I have a good routine, so I'd like to share it with you guys.  Here are a few products I use and I find are extremely effective.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap, Oily Skin Formula

Retails for $16.50 at Sephora

I bought this product in early August, and am just now at the halfway point in the bottle.  It's a lot of product for your money!  I find it helps with oil as well as my problems with blackheads and acne.  I usually use this at night, followed by

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Retails for $14.00 at Sephora, price depends on size

This is hands down, the best moisturizer I have ever used on my skin.  Contrary to what you would think, oily skin needs to be moisturized just like any other skin type.  I've tried not moisturizing, and my skin ended up even oilier. Why is that?  Because if you use oil control products without moisturizing, your skin thinks it needs to produce more oil to compensate, and trust me, that makes things much worse.  I also bought this small size in August, and still have quite a bit left.  A little goes a long way.

Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash

Retails for $11.99 at Drugstore.com

I actually bought this early summer and at first, I wasn't impressed.  Until I started using it recently, and realized what a difference it really does make!  The important thing to remember is to not use any type of astringent or cleansing product after using this, because of the way this product works.  You're basically wiping off the active ingredient that controls the oil (which was my mistake the first time around).

Clean & Clear Advantage Oil Absorbing Treatment

Retails for $6.99 at Drugstore.com

This is a newer product, and one of the few products I refer to as holy grail material.  I usually put this on after moisturizer and before I apply my makeup.  Like the product says, it totally absorbs oil.  I can tell the difference for sure.

Neutrogena Shine Control Primer

Retails for $13.99 at Drugstore.com

Of course, I had to feature some sort of makeup in this post.  I usually use a basic primer all over my face, and follow up with this bad boy on my t-zone.  It is rather expensive for a drugstore makeup item, but worth it.

Neutrogena Shine Control Powder

Retails for $12.99 at Drugstore.com

Yet again, pricey for a drugstore makeup product, but extremely effective.  I've found any product with rice components in it is a good one.  For those of you who have made rice, and seen the absorbency that happens, it only makes sense.  I prefer a luminous makeup look, which isn't necessarily the best for oily skin types.  I use this to set my makeup in my t-zone, then put a bit of highlighter over it.  Doing that allows me to have a more natural glowy look without worrying about looking greasy.  This is also what I carry in my bag for touch ups on the go.

e.l.f. Shine Eraser Oil Blotting Sheets

Retails for $1(!!!) at eyeslipsface.com

Last but not least, blotting papers.  I cannot sing the praises of the e.l.f. brand enough.  There are so many great products that are very comparable to the more high-end brands.  But I digress.  These are a handy little tool to carry around.  Let's face it, no matter what products us oily folks use, we're going to get a little shiny after a few hours.  Blot your face with these and problem solved! And for only a dollar? I'm all about a deal. They're also available at Target if I'm not mistaken.

So, that's all folks! Comment with any questions, or with your favorite oil control products. See ya soon!

xoxo, 

Taylor

Well hello there!

I'd like to begin by saying that this is something I've been eager to do for quite awhile now.  Be that as it may, I'm also a terrible procrastinator.  Not necessarily the best combination! ;)  Nevertheless, I believe in doing what I love and loving what I do.  Whenever I was younger, I wrote often.  I also played with makeup with even more frequency.  Both have always been a fascination of mine. It wasn't until approximately a year ago that something clicked. I came to the realization that there's still room for both in my life. I also realized I could make a career out of my makeup fanaticism, and obsession with all things beauty.  Using different shades and implements to accent your features, hide imperfections, and (if done right) change the entire shape of your face is a therapeutic experience, in my personal opinion.  There's just something about the whole process.  As corny as this may seem, I feel that my face is a metaphor for my life. Blending out any blemishes; fixing what's wrong.  I may not have the power to fix things when they go awry, but at least I can look cute while facing them!