Category: Beauty

Do Waist Trainers Work?

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Photo by Bill Oxford via Unsplash

Learning about waist trainers, cinchers, and body shapers can be quite confusing. You may ask yourself things like what size do I purchase, what fabric is best, what is the best waist trainer, and does price really mean quality. My first trainer was a size 38 from Anne Chery. The current waist trainer is a size XS. Over the past 5 years, I have tried several waist trainers with excellent results and can offer a few tips of the trade.

My first waist trainer was a latex trainer. I then went on to try a workout waist trainer with the Velcro covering, but found that it was bit too bulky for me to wear under workout clothes. Next, I tried the short torso waist trainer and really liked that one. Most recently I discovered the waist trainers of all waist trainers – the latex trainer with steel bones, but I really think you need two.

Many people ask “Do waist trainers work”? After purchasing a steel bone waist trainer, I experienced a real difference in body shaping and back support. I spent more because I had a few waist trainers that poked and prodded me enough to convince me that spending a little extra was well worth it.  Now, I use a high-quality waist trainer for walks, bike riding, or even house cleaning. I suggest a seamless one for wearing under clothes and one for workouts.

The Real Rundown on Waist Trainers

#1 Steel Boned Trainers are the Truth – The more you wear them, the more they shape your body. They help to control posture and back pain. You can simply wear them for walks or daily tasks like gardening to achieve results. They are even great for working at a desk throughout the day. Try a little at first and then extend use as you feel comfortable.

#2 You Get What You Pay For – The more they cost the better they work. Avoid unnecessary poking and comfortability by investing in a high-quality waist trainer. Waist trainers are not created equally. Also, they do stretch over time so you may need a new one occasionally.

#3 A Waist Trainer Will Make You Eat Right – The good news is that you cannot overeat with a waist trainer on. In addition to creating the perfect hourglass figure, they help to curb your appetite and make you eat a little more slowly.

The Elegdy Latex Waist Trainer (Top waist trainer on Amazon)

  • 25 Steel Boned Corset
  • XS to 6CLA
  • 100% Latex
  • Flexible and Durable
  • No Pinching or Irritation

Make It Lash – Magnetic Eyelashes Review

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I have been a fan of Lilly Lashes for a very long time. I highly recommend their line of lashes for everyday glam or over the top fabulousness. I have worn these lashes for over two years and will continue to stay abreast of their new products. However, I was recently tempted to try something new. I had been eyeing this new kind of lash for the longest time and felt really captivated by something that seemed really simple and fast. I initially saw them on makeup tutorial on Dominique Sachse’s YouTube channel and just recently decided to purchase them on Amazon.

Photo by Stephany Lorena on Unsplash

Lashes! For Me?

I was really excited about getting them in the mail and thought they might compliment my regular girl’s night in on Fridays (which of course now is a daily event because of the Coronavirus – Covid-19). They arrived to the lock box in just a few days. I immediately stopped everything to try them out. Here’s what I found.

#1 Options Galore

There are two kinds. Magnetic lashes with magnetic eyeliner vs. A pair of top and bottom magnetic lashes that snap onto each other.

#2 Accentuate the Eye
The accents are really nice if you already have some lashes.

#3 Not That Easy
They are easy but it still takes some practice. I ended up going to the local store to get the snap together kind because I wasn’t used to the magnetic eyeliner thing but I will try both kinds of eyelashes a bit more as I get used to it.

Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash

At First Glance
Overall, I thought it was a pretty cool new beauty product. I was excited about getting them and trying them out. However, I do still feel that there is a learning curve. They do seem to help preserve the lashes that you have but if you use a good glue and take the glued lashes off the right way this shouldn’t be an issue.

Generally, I enjoy trying different makeup routines based on how I feel that day. I may use liquid foundation one day and powder the other or use a different primer, eyeshadow, or eyeliner pencil. In the eye lashes category, I can see myself using both the magnetic and glue on lashes in the future. I did really, really like the Ardell professional magnetic accents.

When I tried these eye lashes, I thought they looked really natural on me. I have very short and thin lashes and I’m always looking for a way to accent my small eyes (and balance my eyes to my nose) so I’m down to try out a few different kinds. I even saw that they have one that uses some sort of magnetic liner powder. It’s always great to see innovative, new beauty products and I look forward to doing more beauty reviews to let you all know what’s poppin!

Here’s where you can find these hot items:
Magnetic Lashes with Magnetic Liner

Magnetic Accent Lashes by Ardell

Lilly Lashes

Elf Eyeliner

CHI Ceramic Curling Iron Review

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Photo by Element5 Digital via Unsplash

When I wanted to experience a true “California Press” on my curly kinky natural hair with real bounce and shine – there was CHI. When I wanted the classic layered look like Claire Huxtable – there was CHI. Whether I wanted a bone straight long weave or a slightly curled natural body wave look, I could always count on my ceramic curlers to get the job done. After trying many, many hair curlers and irons and exploring ceramic curling iron benefits, I realized that there is good reason for investing $100 in a CHI G2 Ceramic and Titanium 1 1/4″ Hairstyling Iron. It makes a major difference and after one try, I was immediately addicted. You have to CHI it to believe it!

From my initial discovery about 7 years ago to today, CHI has introduced many new products, but I will never forget that day that I fell in love with this curling iron did to my hair. It was amazing and well worth an exceptional ceramic curling iron review! I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to take their hair experience to the next level.

My Secret to No Crease Foundation

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Hopefully you enjoyed my last post on the #UltaCollection. I created a weekly schedule for blog posts but forgot to post it last week so hopefully I can stay on schedule. I have something that I would really like to talk candidly about. I have had such a challenge with finding the right primer that lasts all day long, prevents creasing in my smile lines, and keeps me looking nice and fresh.

photo of woman wearing knitted scarf

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I’ll be honest and tell you that it is something that I ignored for the looongeeest time but when I got into it I immediately noticed a difference in the way my foundation lays and stays. I tried several different kinds and had to figure out what worked well for my skin and make up. Finally, after countless trials and errors I can tell what to do to keep an all day glow and keep you skin feeling refreshed, moisturized, and smooth.

The answer is primer.

I’ve found a few that work well at several different price points. I really like the Cover Girl Simply Ageless. It gave me a nice moisturizing layer to prepare for my foundation. I also tried the Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly. It has an easy to use pump and I just love the feel and hydration of the jelly primers. I also tried the NYX Bare With Me Jelly formula and was pleasantly surprised. I preferred the pump but found a way to put this cooling jelly primer on my face with ease. But here’s the key! I use the Ulta Hydrating Primer with Coconut Water underneath as an extra layer of moisture.

 

 

Ulta Beauty Hydrating Face Primer

I know it may seem like a bit much to use two primers but the one is a bit more oily and tends to prevent the mid day dryness. It’s like the moisture activates at the right time and as I refresh my makeup I’m simply blotting away the moisture. I do not see creasing or any dullness. Sometimes I use the Mario Badescu Spritz Mist or Mac Prep and Prime Fix Plus Setting Spray for a little facial refresh. This has been my optimal path for all day makeup success. This is so important to me because I like a matte look but I don’t want to look too dry.

Here are the top primers I recommend (click to buy):

 

 

Cover Girl Simply Ageless

 

Dermablend Insta-Grip Jelly Primer

NYX Bare With Me

I’m glad to here about any others that you have found successful! Please send me your suggestions, reviews, and recommendations.

I can tell you from experience that you makeup is not complete with out a primer.

Blushing Memories Inspired by #UltaCollection

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I hate to sound completely superficial and self-absorbed, but I fell in love with makeup a long time ago. I worked at Bare Escentuals at the Atlanta Airport for around 18 months and remember how much I loved helping customers look beautiful every day.

Photo by Kelsey Kaay

Aside from that I got to play in makeup – from shiny shimmery eye shadows and highlighters to top of the line skin products and body creams. I never fell away from all of that girlie stuff but just seemed too busy or stressed out to give myself the #selfcare that I needed.

Photo by Joanna Kosinska

Now here comes Ulta Beauty and their exciting gift with purchases that inspire me to try out new eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks, primers, and brushes.  It is like my face is a canvas and there are a thousand different ways to color, accentuate, and enhance my features.  Here are some the products that were in my 10 Piece Gift:

#UltaBeautyCollection with neutral Cherry Blossom and Walnut shades. The Cherry Blossom has just a little bit of shimmer but not too much.

#UltaBeautyCollection eyeshadows with Peony, Lilac, Hyacinth, Wisteria, Maple, and Tiger Lilly. I love the Peony and Maple shades together.

Nudely interrupt lipstick – an excellent replacement for that one lipstick color that I could never find again from last year 😊

Poreless Face Primer – I’m addicted to their hydrating face primer but excited about trying another.

Ulta Beauty Cheek – The softest, smoothest brush ever and I cannot stress the importance of the right brushes enough. I bought a NYX foundation brush a few months ago and it change my entire life.

Lastly, I never thought that I would like glosses again and wondered if a mature woman would do shiny lips.  I actually adore the Ulta Beauty Jelly Gloss. It looks shimmery in the tube but it is still modest.

Ulta Beauty has played a huge part in helping me to remember how much I enjoyed this years ago. I’m excited to play in my makeup a bit more and share some photos and videos in the near future.