My Self Tanning Routine | Beauty Beginners

Today I'm going to be sharing my self-tanning routine, featuring Million Dollar Tan.  I mostly do this during the winter & special occasions.   First I'll be sharing some deets on the products I use and then some info on prepping and how to apply.  

(A discount code will be below, because who doesn't love a good discount..)

Before                                           After

So when I am feeling like Casper's long lost sister, my go to self tanner is Million Dollar Tan Cabana Tan Extreme.  There's a few reasons this specific one is my favorite.  Since it's white there is no color guard, and no chance of color transfer on sheets, clothes, etc..  Which I love.  It gives a nice color, not orange, and no streaking.  I also have never had any real issue with it fading unevenly.  You can apply several "layers" to reach your more desired shade, I typically apply 2.  

(All products will be listed & linked below.)

Pre-Tan Prep:

The number 1 thing that is a must prior to any self tanning is to shower, shave, exfoliate. 

 My favorite product for exfoliating is the Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub.  It really gets rid of any dead skin or buildup you may have from lotions and such.  

Next I shave..  Shaving is another form of exfoliating plus you want to limit the amount of shaving while you're tanned because it will shorten your tan's life because again, it's a form of exfoliating.  

After that I just wash my body down with my daily shower gel on my loofah.  

How I Self Tan: 

After prepping my skin, I let myself air dry.  I apply a regular lotion to any extra dry spots (elbows, knees, ankles, wrists) this helps the self tanner to not cling to those areas and cause buildup which will likely turn orange.  

Then, I apply my self tanner.  You can do it in any order you feel comfortable with.  I usually start with my legs and work my way up.

  I apply 1 layer, allow it to dry, and then apply a second.  After doing my whole body, I apply 1 layer of the Cabana Tan Extreme Face to my face & neck.  I have the face formula version so I use it, but the regular body CBT can also be used on your face.  

Once I have applied all of my layers I put on loose fitting clothes and continue on with my life for the next 4-6 hours.  

Another before & after.  

Products I Use:

The Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub (walmart, ulta, target)

Venus Breeze Razors (CVS, Walmart, Target)

TONE Moisturizing Body Wash (CVS, Walmart, Target)

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion (Walmart, CVS, Target)

Cabana Tan Extreme Lotion

Cabana Tan Extreme FACE Lotion

All That Shimmers Dry Oil

Shop Million Dollar Tan Products

(Use Code TERINTAN20 to receive 20% off your purchase!)
**Y'all, PLEASE do not share my discount code to any other sites, specifically coupon sites.  Otherwise, I won't be able to share discounts anymore. :-( **

I hope this helps all of my Dolls who want to be bronze goddesses.  I'll add a little FAQ below in case there's any unanswered questions y'all have.  

Until next time, may the makeup Gods be with you.

XO,

Terin

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Self Tanning FAQ:

Q:  Do I have to exfoliate?

A:  YES!  Exfoliating removes dead skin and other skin buildup so that the self tanner can apply evenly and give you the best color possible.  

Q:  Should I lotion my body prior to self tanner?

A:  I don't..  It provides a barrier and will limit the amount of color you get..  Which is why it's also a good idea to lotion dryer areas prior to self tanning..  (Wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, etc)

Q:  Is self tanning better than a tanning bed?

A:  Yes.  Self tanning doesn't harm or age your skin the way that tanning beds would.  

Q:  What's the difference between sunless tanners and self-tanners?

A:  They're the same thing!

Q:  Is the "All That Shimmers Dry Oil" a self tanner?

A:  No.  All That Shimmers is a temporary product that gives immediate color & highlight to the skin.  It will wash off when you shower.  (It can be used with/ on top of a self tan or alone.)

Q:  Does the Million Dollar Tan CTE have a scent?

A:  No.  The body lotion has no scent, but it slightly develops the typical self tanner smell as your tan begins to develop over 4-6 hours.

Q:  Does the Million Dollar Tan CBTE FACE have a scent?  

A:  Yes.  There is a light fragrance.  To me, it smells like summer. 

Q:  What can I not do while my tan develops?

A:  You can't get wet, sweat, swim..  None of that!  Or you run the risk of your tan streaking.  

Q:  How long will my tan last?

A:  Results tend to vary..  Mine typically lasts 1 to 1 1/2 weeks. 

Q:  What should I do to maintain my tan?

A:  Stay moisturized!  I limit my use of my loofah while self tanned and I moisturize everyday after showering.  

Q:  How much should I use??

A:  As much as you want, girl! or guy..  The less you use, the lighter your color, and the more you use, the deeper your color.  I wouldn't go too crazy though until you're familiar with the product and the color it gives you.  

(If you have any additional questions feel free to drop them in the comments or in a private contact form.)

DIY | Makeup Brush Holder

So for the past week or so I've been sick with what I was convinced would be the death of me...   Today I am feeling much better and really needed to get out of the house so I figured I'd tackle a little project I have been wanting to do for a while, a DIY makeup brush holder..  

It turned out super cute so I wanted to share my quick & cost effective way to make one.  :-)

What You'll Need:

Feel free to click the pictures if you'd like to see them larger! ;-P

1. A container $2.99 (I got this one at Tj Maxx) 
The container really depends on your style and how much brushes you want to put in it.  These glass ones run a bit pricey at places like Michael's, but are super affordable at Tj Max..  Matter of fact Michael's had the exact same one for like $13.  

2. Filler $4.99/ each  (I got mine at Michael's)
There's a few different options for filler.  Sand, Gems, Marbles, etc..  I opted for these because I figure if they get dirty/ dusty they can be cleaned.  

Next just fill the container up in whichever way you prefer.  (Layered, mixed, whatevs)

The Finished Product...

Super easy & super cute!!

Hope y'all enjoyed!!  Be sure to show me yours if you make one! ;-)

XO, 

Terin

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The Best of Beauty 2015

As we're saying hello to a New Year, I want to take a minute to share some of my most-loved beauty products of 2015.  

These are a few of my favorite things....

Skin Care:

I'm only sharing the products I use in conjunction with my makeup, because I intend to do an entire "Skin Care Routine" post in the near future.  ;-) 

1. Clean & Clear Spot Treatment

2. Garnier Skin Renew Anti Puff Eye Roller

3. Garnier Moisture Renew Gel-Cream

4. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

I love to use the clean & clear treatment over blemishes prior to applying any moisturizer or makeup because I feel like it provides a barrier while healing the blemish.  I've been using this product for years, literally, years and I love it.  My only gripe is that it can be drying with continued use.  

Garnier is my holy beloved, especially for skin care.  Their products never seem to cause breakouts for me.  The anti puff eye roller is great under makeup or concealer if you didn't get enough sleep and need that extra somethin' somethin'.  I use the gel-cream moisturizer pretty much every day and it gives me life.  I recently switched to the "Normal/Combo Skin" version after using the "Dry Skin" one for a while, and truthfully I don't see much of a difference.  I don't think the "Dry Skin" version provides much more of an extra quench to your thirsty skin.

Lastly, the Clinique moisturizing gel is a new love that I discovered over the summer.  I have combo to oily skin, but when wearing makeup it's pretty hard to contain my inner grease ball.  My nose is like an oil slick.  A tech at Sephora recommended this to me when I purchased an item that will be shared below and I pretty much can't live without it now.  It's definitely a must for Summer makeup, and is great for controlling your face's oil production, especially under makeup..  It's just flawless.  Definitely reduced and nearly eliminated my need to "touch-up" throughout the day..   

  

Foundations/ BB Creams, Powder, and Setting Spray:

1. Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream for Combo to Oily Skin in Light/ Medium

2. Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream for Combo to Oily Skin in Medium/ Deep

3. Clinique Stay- Matte Foundation in Sand

4. Neutrogena Shine Control Powder

5. Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

So I lost my makeup virginity to the Garnier BB Cream.  It was the first ever foundation-like product I had used.  

Fun story: I legit got so sun burnt that I had to use something because I was a fresh ripe tomato. Anyway, it's a product that I instantly fell in love with and continue to repurchase.  I am not someone who actively struggles with acne, blemishes, etc so I just don't feel that I need something full coverage.  This BB cream is nearly sheer and just simply evens your skin tone.  I definitely have to set it with a powder to avoid my grease ball curse, but other than that it's fab.  It's a very natural "I woke up like this" look.  

Next up is the Clinique stay-matte foundation.  I discovered this during the summer while looking for a matte foundation.  I use this with the Clinique moisturizing gel I mentioned above and even in the strongest humidity over the summer, I stayed matte.  It was incredible.  I definitely don't think Clinique products get the hype they deserve.  This foundation is a thicker consistency so I apply it with a brush rather than a blending sponge.  I just don't feel it applies right with a sponge.  It's medium-full coverage, is buildable, but I think it definitely has the potential to cause the ever dreaded "cake face" so beware.  

No matter what BB cream or foundation I am using on a particular day I ALWAYS ALWAYS set my concealer & t-zone with my Neutrogena shine control powder.  I hit pan on this in no time.  Lol  I apply it like a crazed maniac.  It claims to have "rice protein complex" not totally sure what that is but it soaks my oil up like a sponge and I love it.  

Finally, the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray...  After I complete my makeup I generously, okay, I drown myself in this, all over my face.  The name is pretty self explanatory... It makes your makeup last all night!!  Or all day... Whatever your routine is.  ;-)

Concealer & Highlighter:

1. Maybelline Master Conceal in Fair

2. Maybelline Dream Lumi

3. Garnier Anti Dark Circle Roller

4. NYX Illuminator in Narcissistic

5. Hard Candy Bronzer in Tiki

The master concealer has had some negative feedback, but personally I've never had an issue..  It's pretty thick so I only use a little..  

The dream lumi is a favorite for summer time because it's a concealer and a highlighter.  I use this under my eyes, down the bridge of my nose, chin, and forehead.  

Now, the Garnier dark circle eye roller is a holy grail for me.  I use this EVERY single time I do my makeup even if I use another concealer, I use this first!  I discovered this when I discovered the BB Cream and although I don't feel I have dark circles, I think this is just an amazing under eye concealer.  It doesn't crease or become cakey.  It just gives an awesome natural look and feel.  

Both the NYX & Hard Candy highlighters I typically only use on my cheekbone.  They're perfect for that goddess glow.  I've also used Tiki as an eye shadow and an eyebrow highlight.  Love.  

Eye Shadows: 

1.  Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette 

2. Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette

3. L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Iced Latte (DUPE for Stila Kitten)

My first palette was the Urban Decay NAKED and it's a product I will forever love and buy.  These shadows are so versatile and gorgeous.  Buck & Naked are literally the most perfect transition and crease shades of life!!!  

I purchased the Vice 3 palette shortly after is was released..  I reach for it quite often but only for a few specific shades.  This palette is the only Urban Decay palette that I have experienced extremely powdery shadows that tend to just crumble.  They're really pretty shadows though and love using them for a good ol' smokey eye.  

Last stop on the shadow train is the L'Oreal single shadow in Iced Latte which is pretty much an exact DUPE for Stila "Kitten" which is why I bought it.  You can't beat $8 compared to $18.  

This shadow is just beautiful for any way that you choose to wear it.  A few of my favorites is a full lid color (especially in the Summer), inner eye highlight, and brow bone highlight..  This shadow is so illuminating and shiny..  It's like a pressed pigment.  

Eye Liners and Mascaras:

1. Urban Decay 24/7 Black Velvet Liner

2. Cover Girl Perfect Point Liner

3. Maybelline Master Smokey Line & Smudger

4. L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black

5. Maybelline Mega Plush

6. L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga

These are my most reached for liners and mascaras..  

Voluminous Carbon Black is my absolute #1 love.  It just gives me that perfect length every time.  I sometimes add the Mega Plush over it for some extra thickness.  

Blush & Bronzer:

1. Maybelline Master Hi-Light Blush in Mauve

2. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

3. NYX Blush in Terra Cotta

4. NYX Matte Bronzer in Medium

5. Palladio Baked Bronzer in Caribbean Tan

The Maybelline blush in Mauve is seriously such a GORG color for any time and any season..  

Everyone has probably already heard of most of these so I won't waste time raving about them even more..  I wanted to share them because they're products I reach for the most and are versatile for year round use.  

Lippies:

1. KIM - NYX Pump it Up Lip Plumper

2. Life's a Peach - Maybelline Baby Lips Gloss

3. Eclair - NYX Butter Gloss

4. East End Snob - Rimmel Retractable Lip Liner

5. Kitten Heels - NYX Liquid Suede 

6. Sandstorm - NYX Liquid Suede

7. Divine Wine - Maybelline Mattes Collection

8. Peach Poppy - Maybelline Rebel Bloom Collection

9. Coral Ambition - Maybelline Color Whisper Collection

10. Fergie Daily - Wet n Wild Fergie Collection

11. Nude Attitude - Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick (DUPE for Viva Glam GaGa III)

These are my favorite/ most reached for lippies..  I keep most of them with me at all times.  :-)

Personally, I love the way lip plumpers feel.  That tingly burn, yeah, love it.    

I really enjoy mattes and nudes, but everyone needs a good ol' bold red lip, right?  Right.  

(My go to red lip will be featured below.)

I use my Rimmel lip liner for pretty much everything.  The color is so versatile I even use it with lighter or darker lip looks.

(For this lip color, I lined my lips with the Rimmel liner in East End Snob, then applied Maybelline Divine Wine, and NYX Kitten Heels in the center.)

Well, that's all she wrote, Folks.  I hope y'all have enjoyed my Best of Beauty 2015!!!  All of these products are great quality and great for any beginner or growing makeup collection.  Per ush feel free to drop any questions or comments you may have either in the comments or privately with my contact links at the top of the page.  

The End...

XO, 

Terin

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Beauty Beginners | How To Contour & Highlight

So we've all seen those photos on Facebook & Instagram, usually of Kim K, with faces covered in concealer & bronzer during the "contouring process".  No doubt, it's super intimidating!  Truth be told, unless you're going to the Met Ball, all of that really isn't necessary.  In this post I'm going to share some of my own tips & tricks that I use to contour my face.  

What is contouring??

  Overall, contouring is just a way to make your face appear thinner while highlighting to accentuate specific parts of your face.  Typically highlighting your eyebrow bone, cheekbone, or nose.  Done the right way contouring can make your nose appear smaller or your cheek bones appear higher.  

What products do you use to contour??

BRONZERS::

Bronzer is what you use to contour..  You can use powder or liquid.  Liquid bronzer is usually used for that more dramatic and chiseled look.  Personally, I prefer powder bronzers.  There's 2 types of powder bronzers you can use, matte and shimmer.  

Shimmer bronzers can be added all over in the hallows of the cheeks to make them pop as well as the temples, but matte bronzers should be used more sparingly and concentrated in specific areas.  It's important that you find a bronzer with more of a brown or golden undetone, NOT orange.  We aren't auditioning for Willy Wonka.  ;-) lol

HIGHLIGHTERS::

Highlighters are usually a shimmering powder used on cheekbones, eyebrow bones, as well as the cupid's bow (the arch of the top lip).  However, you can also highlight other areas such as your under eyes, forehead, and bridge of the nose with a liquid concealer.

To highlight with a liquid concealer, you want to pick one that's 1-2 shades lighter than your skin/ foundation.  

Some of my go to products when contouring.

(All items will be listed below with links and info on how I use them.)

Now let's get to the good stuff....

How To Highlight & Contour:: 

On the left is the areas you want to apply your bronzer. 

 For cheekbones, start at the arch of your ear on the side of your face and go at a downward angle toward your mouth.  I go downward until it's aligned with the outside corner of my eye and blend it in well for more of a natural look.  

For temples, go over both sides of your four head (or 5 head if you're like me) hairline to about an inch above the eyebrows and then lightly across the top of your four head at your hairline.  

I don't contour my nose, but if you choose to you'll want to put a thin line of bronzer down each side of the bridge of your nose (I suggest liquid or matte).

Throughout Summer time, I only used a shimmer bronzer.  It really looks fab with a tan, and I apply it with the small powder brush pictured above.  It's perfect for shimmer bronzer because it's dense and doesn't pick up a ton of product so there's very little risk of accidentally looking muddy.  

Who wants a mud pie on their face, right?? 

Matte bronzer I apply with my Real Techniques sculpting brush and concentrate it right in the hallows of my cheeks.  Starting at the top of my ear applying in a downward angle towards my mouth.  

If you're feeling bold and want to use both matte and shimmer, I suggest applying the matte first and then shimmer on top.  

On the right is the areas you want to apply your concealer and/ or highlighter.  

I apply concealer under my eyes, middle of my 5 head above but between the brows, and sometimes down the bridge of my nose if I'm feeling frisky.  

I use a damp Real Techniques blending sponge to blend my concealer.  It gives a more even airbrushed look.  

Then I highlight my cheek bones with either my NYX illuminator or my Hard Candy bronzer in Tiki.  Sometimes both, again, If I'm feeling frisky.  Lol.  Sometimes I'll use a liquid illuminator and then a powder one on top.  (Never do liquid on top of powder.)

(Ps.  No clue why the Hard Candy one is classified as a bronzer.  It's definitely a highlighter. lol)

Highlighter I apply with the small angled brush pictured above.  

Shew!!  I think that's all.. Let me catch a breath now.  

I hope this helps anyone struggling with the world of contouring..  Remember, less is more... Unless we're talking about cheekbone highlight... In that case, bathe yourself in that shit!  :-)  

Til next next time, y'all!

XO

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Products Mentioned:

Real Techniques Sculpting Brush  (Ulta, Walmart, or Kohl's)

Essence of Beauty Small Powder Brush (CVS travel brush set)

Essence of Beauty Small Angled Brush (CVS travel brush set)

Real Techniques Complexion Sponge (Ulta, Walmart, or Kohl's)

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Fix Conceal in 10 Fair (CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, or Ulta)

Garnier Skin Renew Dark Circle Roller (CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, or Ulta)

Revlon PhotoReady SkinLights in 100 Bare Light (CVS, Target, Rite Aid, or Walmart)

NYX Matte Bronzer in Medium (Ulta)

NYX Illuminator in Narcissistic (Ulta)

Hard Candy Bronzer in Tiki (Walmart)

Palladio Baked Bronzer in Carribean Tan (Ulta)

-Special thanks to Trusper who provided the awesome contour sheet!  

A Night Out | **New Years Eve**

(The names of all products are clickable links.)

Outfit Deets:

Top: Kohl's

Jeans: American Eagle

Heels: JustFab

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff LOVE Crossbody

Makeup Deets:

Foundation: Maybelline Dream Velvet Matte in Nude

Concealer: Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller

Bronzer: Palladio Baked Bronzer in Caribbean Tan & NYX Matte Bronzer in Medium

Highlighter: NYX Illuminator in Narcissistic

Blush: Maybeline Master Hi-Light Blush in Mauve

Eyes: Light Grays & Deep Browns in the crease from the Morphe 35o Palette & L'Oreal Infallible eye shadow in Iced Latte on the lid

Mascara: Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama in Blackest Black & L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black

Lips: Revlon Matte Lipstick in Nude Attitude & NYX Pump it Up Lip Plumper in KIM

Setting Spray: Urban Decay All Nighter

XO,

Terin

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