Big Changes are On the Way...

Big changes are on the way for Beautifile.com.  Sure, we'll still be a Beauty Blog, but not just any old boring Beauty Blog;

• We're going to have how-to videos from our resident Make-up Artist/Hairstylist, Hillary Wehrle (me). 
• I am also going to not only give you tips and quick fixes for all your beauty woes, I'm going to unlock the treasure chest of all of the "Make-up Artist's Secrets" that they don't ever tell.  Some tricks, not even every make-up artist knows!
• I plan on telling you things you would never have guessed would work- but do. 

We will still be doing reviews, but only if the products make it into our everyday regimen.  I have found so many wonderful products through this blog that I want to highlight the best and brightest.  

We're also going to give you the low-down on anything that is an epic fail that we've tried- whether we've bought it ourselves or received it to review, we're letting it all hang out. 

All of this is coming in April.  April 3rd to be exact.  I'll be giving you some tips to hold you over in the meantime, but the videos won't start until at least the 3rd. (Basically my sweet husband has bought me the world's best point & shoot/ movie camera on the market and I need some time to get up to speed with it.  It's got about a million options.)  So I hope you are all looking forward to the new format and all of the "insider" tips. 

Thanks for reading and take care.
All My Best,
Hillary
Proprietor

P.S. If there is anything in particular you've always wondered about, shoot me an e-mail and I'll try to answer it on the blog the best I can.  If I don't know, I'll find out!

Beauty Trick- Mascara Woes- Trick #1

So you were applying your mascara and a glob of it ended up under your eye or on your eyelid (or both)!  What do you do?

Well everyone's first reaction is to try to wipe away a small glob with your finger or maybe get a tissue and try to wipe off a bigger glob- DON'T DO EITHER OF THESE.  Now it takes a little patience, but

• Wait for the glob to fully dry.  The bigger the glob, the longer you wait.
• Go about applying your other make-up.
• I estimate a good amount of waiting time for a big glob is 7-10 minutes (remember, its all in a glob so the center won't dry as fast).
• Once you've been a good, patient little girl, simply scrape the dried glob off with your fingernail and voila!  No black streak under or over your eye, nothing to cover up with make-up, just a dried glob under your nail that you can eliminate with a tissue.
• If you are patient and wait long enough, this will work with any mascara. 
• If this happens to you a lot, you may want to consider switching to a "tubing" mascara like Kiss Me Mascara by Blinc (my personal favorite mascara) as the wait time is shorter.

If this is a constant problem for you because you have curly lashes, shaky hands, etc. you may want to spend $1.32 on one of these:

You can get it from AliExpress.com here .  I get no kickbacks from the sale, but I do use them to apply mascara to clients and I find them indispensable.  You use the top ridge under your lower lashes for protected application, then put your eye into the opening and coat your upper lashes against the plastic.  It even has a little eyelash comb at the bottom.  I've bought quite a few things from China through Aliexpress.com and never had a problem.  Your money is held in escrow until you receive your product, so there is no risk.  And seriously, $1.32?  How can you beat that?

Review- DHC Pore Cleansing Oil

Pore Cleansing Oil

Velvety rich with a refreshing natural grapefruit scent, DHC Pore Cleansing Oil is our serum-like makeup remover that gently pampers your skin with nine emollient and antioxidant botanical oils to loosen pore-clogging dirt, cosmetics and excess sebum, and deep clean your pores. You’re left with skin that looks and feels softer—with fewer visible pores. Includes coconut, argan, evening primrose, olive, grape seed, jojoba, avocado, sesame and rice bran oils. $31

I have been using this Pore Cleansing Oil by DHC for a while now and have to say that I am fully embracing it! This is my No. 1 go to choice when it comes to removing the day's makeup, dirt, sweat and any other general pollutants picked up along the way. The oil is applied dryly before washing the face, and I found that it effectively takes away all that is heavy and impure and is clogging to the pores. My skin looks super clean and bright and for those of us who run oily (even during the winter months!), this oil has offered a complete turnaround as far as the skin's natural surface and glow goes. If visible or clogged pores is one of your personal skin caveats, this is one of the most effective and visible solutions I have experienced. It works really well to minimize and purify those pores without stripping the skin of its natural softness, luminosity and clarity. I plan to continue to use this Pore Cleansing Oil for a long time, and keep a backup bottle handy just in case when it runs out!

 

Review - REvive Vitality Drink

Health conscious, but still need a boost?
What are you looking for? REal ingredients and REal benefits without depletion or jitters. Done. What do you want out of it? A product that you feel now, but that also has long term benefits. Check. What else? Healthy nutrition, antioxidants, 21 super fruits, natural stamina & focus, REally, REally great taste, no preservatives, no added sugar, and 100% juice & puree? Check and REcheck. Don’t believe us? Take a look at the Supplement Facts. They are identical to what’s in our beverage and printed on every bottle. REvive™ yourself for a convenient, anytime, anywhere you need it, 2.5 oz. shot of natural vitality.

I am definitely not a health nut, but I at least try to read labels and be conscious of what I eat and drink.  For those of you looking for a natural boost then REvive is the drink for you.

Made with 21 super fruits and antioxidants, this potent vitality drink is a safe alternative to energy shots that have side effects like jitters and nervousness. The label is clear; real fruit, no harsh aftertaste and NO artificial energy boosting ingredients.   

The consistency of this drink is smooth and well blended.  The taste is a bit more tart than sweet.  Its a great pick me up during the day.

You can purchase REvive online here http://drinkre.com/find-re/ and certain retail stores in your area.

Review - Prive Concept Verte Foaming Shampoo

Enriched with Amazon açai and babassu oil, Privé Concept Vert # 101 rejuvenates hair with antioxidants and strengtheners as it gently nourishes and cleanses. This paraben and sulfate free, high-yield formula expands into a rich, creamy foam that leaves the hair feeling and looking shiny and healthy. Color safe.

I just love Prive's products.  The quality is so high end, but the prices are affordable.  With their can reuse program, they are able to recycle and stay environmentally friendly with consumers help.

I was a little nervous with the whole idea of a foam shampoo.  I never tried one before.  This is a gentle paraben nd sulfate free formula that is safe for colored locks.  The foam is rich and thick.  It amazed me how simple it was to use.  Every inch of my shoulder length hair was covered with a little dollop of product. 

The best part is that it left my hair soft and shiny with no tangles.  I have the small 2.5 oz bottle which is great for traveling.  You won't have to worry about spilling.  You can take back the cans to a Prive salon to have them refilled or send them back to be reused. 

I absolutely love this foam shampoo.  This is a keeper!

Review- L'Occitane Amber Eau de Toilette

A true Mediterranean fragrance. When the sun is slowly setting above the Mediterranean shore, cistus plants fill the air with their delicious ambered perfume. Distilled by perfumers from Grasse, France, these shrubs release a resin with an intense amber aroma - providing strength and sensuality to every fragrance. Amber Eau de Toilette captivates with its oriental, ambered and woody notes. $48


Being highly picky about what scents and perfumes I wear, I can absolutely say that I really love this Amber Eau de Toilette by L'Occitane. It's my favorite scent - rich and woody with oriental notes, and a nice touch of ambered layers. It smells so beautiful and elegant, as well as bold and sensual at the same time. I'm impressed that the fragrance comes in an affordable price range, as it smells highly luxurious and sophisticated. I would definitely recommend this Amber Eau de Toilette to someone who likes an expressive and mysterious, warm scent that lingers smoothly like a cologne or perfume. If you're searching for a classic fall/winter scent, this L'Occitane Amber Eau de Toilette is a most worthy contender to me.

Review- Motives by Loren Ridinger 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray

Primary Benefits of Motives® 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray $29.95: 

Helps reduce makeup slippage into pores, lines, wrinkles or scars 
Keeps makeup looking flawless day and night 
Fewer required touchups throughout the day Saves up to 50% of makeup usage 

When it comes to looking younger, even if it's taking 10 years away ;) , I'm all for it! I'm pretty happy with at least 3-5 years though and this makeup setting spray surely does not add any more years. I'm not sure if I actually *look* like I'm in my early 20s, but using this spray and looking like I'm in my 20s is good enough for me! It does work, especially to keep my makeup set all day and soften fine lines smoothly. Every now and then I'll catch my reflection in the mirror and it does look like my skin is hydrated and glowing - even if subtly- it's something I can notice. As a beauty tool, I think this is great for any makeup enthusiast to have in their kits. Upon spraying the mist, my skin had that flushed and youthful radiance. Throughout the rest of the day, I just notice that my makeup application remained firmly set and any signs of aging (which tend to creep up by the end of the day) remained ever more elusive and not as apparent. For makeup perfectionists and anti-aging devotees, this is a wonderful spray to keep on hand, your skin and age will appreciate you for it!
 

Review- Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

Description: Our Refreshing Facial Wash Gel leaves your skin thoroughly cleansed and revived, plus it's a perfect blend of our purest possible skin loving ingredients with an added vitamin. $6.99
1 Added Vitamin

Pro-Vitamin B5 known to help restore, soften and smooth
No Soap
Non Drying
No Dyes
No Artificial Perfumes
No Harsh Irritants to upset skin  
Dermatologist tested 

Noncomedogenic 

Hypoallergenic

I'm quickly growing fond of the entire Simple Skin Care Line. I especially love (and can't go without) this Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. It does all that I'm looking for in a purifying gel cleanser at an incredible value. After some recent sensitive-skin breakouts, using this cleanser has not only maintained a healthy glowing skin for me, but also alleviated any further irritations. From using this, I can say that my skin looks brighter and fresher, and softer and more natural as well. As someone with sensitive and  combination skin, I find that this facial wash somehow cleanses my skin very deeply and thoroughly without drying out the skin, yet making it purer and more balanced in the process! I'm in awe too, especially since I'm so accustomed to dealing with a variety of skin needs, and not yet being able to cover them all in one product. Not anymore, this Refreshing Facial Wash Gel has completely won me over! The only downside I've noticed is that it does take a little longer to rinse off and does not remove heavy eye-makeup, but that is only a small complaint when everything else gets it so right!

Review - Priti Yacht Week in Croatia Nail Polish

DESCRIPTION: 342 - Painters Pallete (Perylene maroon)

TFFF/DBP THREE FREE NAIL ENAMEL

INGREDIENTS:
Butyl Acetate an organic compound common used as a solvent. Colorless, soluble found in many types of fruit. Such as red apples and used as flavoring in candy, and baked goods. It also has the sweet smell of banana.

Ethyl Acetate an organic compound has a pungent smell like pear drops. It is colorless and used as a solvent.

Nitrocellulose a long lasting film forming agent derived from cellulose.

Acetyl Tributyl Citrate colorless non-toxic liquid used as a food adadative.

Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer intermediate for the synthesis of surface coating in dyes and adhesives.

Isopropyl Alcohol the non-toxic alternative to formaldehyde

Stearalkonium Hectorite a thickening agent to make sure all the glitter doesn't sink to the bottom.

Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid/Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer an organic compound used as a food flavorrant ingredient found in mushrooms, and lichen.

Citric Acid obtained from citrus fruits. All colors are FDA approved.  $13.50 each

I fell in love with Priti NYC when I tried their soy nail polish remover.  I was excited to try the Yacht Week in Croatia Fall 2012 collection in Painter's Pallete.  Deep colors such as this are perfect for the holiday season. 

The bottle comes with the beautiful Priti NYC logo flower on it.  Its just dainty and sweet.  I love Priti for being very girly.  The formula is thick and very consistent. You could get away with one coat.  If you go for two, make sure you have ample time to dry.  I wore for three days before I saw any chips.  This is a darker shade so wear a base coat and for longer wear, use a top coat. 


The line is enviromentally friendly and the formula is even FDA approved.  If you like variety and daintiness, I would suggest giving Priti a try.  You will fall in love just like I did!

 

Review- L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream

Enriched with Shea Butter, this creamy and non-greasy moisturizer nourishes and protects hands, leaving them delicately scented. Contains cherry extract from Luberon, Provence. $10

It seems the season of dry-hands has returned! What I love about this L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream is that the shea butter component provides instant, immediate relief, leaving my skin feeling silkier and smoother upon application. It dries nicely and smoothly all around and is not too thick or heavy on the hands. Great for those of us who are impatient with hand creams. I personally love quality scents and this Cherry Blossom fragrance is sweet and delicate at the same time. It's strong enough, but also uplifting for me. If you like sweet, fruity fragrances, especially with hints of cherry, and are looking for a hand cream that definitely works, this L'Occitane cream delivers highly in scent and smoothness!