BEAUTY: Lip Wear

Hey everyone this is Rachel today from Life Unsweetened (sadly) bringing you my last post on beauty! With the latest beauty technology and ingredients, the products coming out on the market are just getting better and better. Whether you're looking for a multi-use product or the newest beauty tool, Sephora and Ulta have you covered.

Here are a few new, innovative lip products you should check out. Marc Jacobs Beauty Kiss Pop Lip Color Stick- Marc Jacobs doesn't just rule the fashion world- he's slowly starting to take over the beauty world as well. These luscious color sticks are highly pigmented like a lipstick but slide on more like a balm. The colors are long-wearing and come in a variety of shades from bright to demure. And can we talk about the sleek, modern packaging? Amazing!  

Smashbox Be Legendary Long Wear Lip Lacquer-Vibrant color and a stay-put finish place this lacquer above the rest. The easy-to-use lip product goes on like a gloss with the benefits of being non-drying on your lips (attribute that to the vitamin E in the ingredient list). The glossy finish is beautiful and the range of shades is pretty impressive for a new product.

 Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss- OCC took their popular stain and added a glossy component- and the results are fabulous. These stains leave behind a long-lasting finish that can be worn over existing original-formula Lip Tars for added shine or fun color combos.

 Clinique Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm- Clinique's newest version of their lip balm focuses on a sheer wash of color. Created to bring out your lip's natural tone, they are great for beginners or color-phobes.

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BEAUTY: HAIR OILS

It's not often that you hear the words "hair" and "oil" together in a sentence with a positive connotation. But for the past year, we've seen a rise in the trend of oils- whether it's facial oils, skin oils or hair oils, what about these products are so great? Hair oils can help you grow healthy, shiny hair, and prevent damage and split ends. 

 Here are 4 of my current favorite hair oils.

 Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil- The bottle may be colorful, but the oil is clear as can be and works on all hair colors. This lightweight oil absorbs very quickly, eliminating any worries of grease. Ingredients include six different oils and two extracts that work to add shine and tame flyaways. An added bonus? It contains UVA/UVB filters and offers heat styling protection.  

Josie Maran 100 percent Pure Argan Oil- This versatile oil can be used on hair, skin, nails and more. Grown in Morocco, this oil is rich in vitamin E. The oil gives your hair a nice shine while working to mend split ends from over-styling or using heat tools.  

Ojon Rare Blend Oil Rejuvenating Therapy- This oil works particularly well on women with super frizzy or fine hair (something I deal with on a daily basic), and a bottle will last forever. It also works to seal cuticles with a light-protecting shield.

 Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir Restoring Hair Oil- This oil is not only for your hair, but your scalp, too. It works to soothe your scalp while nourishing your hair's follicle as well.


-post by rachel maleady

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BEAUTY: SUMMER BEAUTY

With summer in full swing, it's time to roll out the seasonal beauty products. Summer brings warmer weather and a full social calendar, which means we all want to look our best. But beating the frizzy hair and raccoon eyes become quite the challenge in the heat. Here are a few of my picks for summer hair and beauty- what are yours? 

Vita Liberata Rapid Tan Mousse- Tan the safe way this summer and get a realistic, bronzy glow with the help of this product.  This mousse works in as little as one hour and continues to develop, allowing you to choose your desired depth of tan that lasts for four to seven days. The bottle promises zero smell, so there's no worries about your faux tan being any less of a secret.

Formula X Electrics Nail Polish- This summer orange shade ("Oomph") looks great on either nails or toes- or both! This vivid shade goes on smoothly and evenly and resists chipping.

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging® Replenishing Moisture Milk- Summer can take a toll on your hair- UV rays, chlorine and a few skipped days of brushing (oops) are all common culprits. This leave-in conditioner works to hydrate deeply to treat dry, brittle, or aging hair. Your hair will feel silky smooth after just one application.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15- Finding a pretty lip balm that contains SPF can be hard, but this one does the job. Choose from a variety of shades- I love the coral tinted version- for just a touch of color.  Vitamins A, C, and E provide protection from wrinkles and UV rays.

Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Mascara- There's nothing worse that messy mascara that melts in the heat. This Benefit classic is reinvented in a waterproof version to stop just that. The dark black color adds thickness to each and every lash.

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BEAUTY: Braids FOR SUMMER

It's Rachel from Life Unsweetened here at Made By Girl!  Today, the focus is on everyone's favorite summer hairstyle - braids. Whether you sport a long side-braid or prefer pinning back your bangs with a classic french braid, the style is an easy way to keep hair out of your way. When summer comes along, I find myself leaning toward braided hairstyles- especially updos- to help beat the heat while still looking cute. To get the perfect braid takes some practice and patience, but also a few helpful hair products, shown below.

 (1) Oscar BlandiPronto Texture & Volume Spray-
 Braids are easiest to work with when your hair is a bit dirty. If possible, use second-day hair, but don't worry if you've already shampooed in the morning. This texture and volume spray acts as a dry shampoo that roughens the texture of your hair and adds volume, making hair easier to work with. Summer braids have a sexy, undone look to them and this product does all that.

 (2) Sephora Collection Ombre Bobby Pin Ups- If you have layers in your hair like me, you'll probably need some cute bobby pins to help keep pieces from falling out of the braids. I usually opt for brunette ones to match my hair, but these colored ones are a cute option for summer.

 (3) Oscar Blandi Pronto Braid Paste- Much like the volume spray above, this product is made specifically for braided hairstyles.  This dry texture paste makes braids appear fuller, more defined & offers a strong grip to hold strands together- without the greasiness factor.  

(4) Vidal Sassoon No Crimp Braid Elastics- Tie your braids with these no-fuss, easy to use elastics. The best part? They're thin, easy to conceal with hair and won't leave those horrid crimps in your hair.


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BEAUTY: Summer beauty

Hi ladies- it's Rachel from Life Unsweetened. Today I'm focusing on which products you should be adding to your collection for summer. Summer makeup is probably my personal favorite- the colors are bright and bold and the textures are easy to pull off. Which beauty products will you be stocking up on for summer's arrival?

First up, you'll want to invest in a creamy cheek and lip stain, like the Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip And Cheek Creamy Oil. This two-in-one product comes in a variety of gorgeous colors that are perfect for summer. Apply just a little to cheeks and lips for a hint of color, or a few more layers to build up a bolder color. The creamy consistency is far from oily, and stains your skin for a long-lasting look even in the summer heat. Speaking on makeup sweating off, you'll want an easy-to-apply foundation for summer. Or, as I like to do, skip the cakey foundation and opt for a light tinted moisturizer or BB cream. The Dr. Jart+Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 is one of the best options out there. Not only does it provide coverage and even out your skin tone, it also boasts SPF 45 to protect your face from the sun.

Next up is a body beauty product- you heard that right! The Bliss FatGirlSixpack is a tummy-toning gel that firms skin with its ab-activating nubbed applicator. While the product won't give you abs like Candice's, it does help create a more toned look in addition to healthy eating and exercising. Think of it as makeup for your abs- without the mess or streaks.

The last product you'll need to get ready for summer is a sunless tanning product. Whether you prefer to use a spray, gel or lotion, the options are endless. I'm hoping to try the bareMinerals 'Faux Tan' Sunless Tanner for Body this year. The formula is said to last for 5-7 days and creates a natural-looking glow. It also includes aloe vera and vegetable-derived emollients to provide extra hydration for your skin as you apply.


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BEAUTY: SPRING BEAUTY TRENDS

Hi ladies, Rachel of Life Unsweetened here again to talk about the latest beauty buzz. Today I'm focusing on spring 2014 beauty trends. It's hard to believe winter is finally behind us, but now we can all pull out the coral blushes and pastel nail polishes we've been hoarding all winter. While I didn't have the opportunity to see any of the spring runway shows (I am just a normal girl after all), I caught up on all the coverage via my favorite blogs and magazines. Here are 3 of my favorite spring beauty trends - what are yours? First up is orange lips.



While this shade might seem scary, I promise that it's not. If you're a newbie, choose an orange-red or coral shade. If you want to go bolder, choose a vibrant, bold orange like the new Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Lip Gel in "122 All The Way". Next is dewy, glowing skin. This look is the perfect mix between winter's matte finish and summer's sweaty complexion (ok, so that last part is a joke- sort of). For a dewy finish, choose a moisturizing and illuminizing foundation or BB cream, like the Edward Bess Ultra Dewy Complexion Perfector.

If you don't want to splurge on a new foundation, try adding a drop of pure Argan oil on top of your foundation and gently press it into your skin. The last spring beauty trend I'm loving is the classic cat eye. Sure, some would argue this look is always in style, but spring is time to amp it up a notch. Practice makes perfect, so find your favorite liquid eye liner (or use this handy Cat Eye Velvet Eyeliner Applique from Sephora) and get going!


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Beauty: Rosy Pink Makeup

Hi MADE BY GIRL readers, it's Rachel from Life Unsweetened. If you're anything like me, you're excited about all the possibilities of Spring. Although the weather outside feels more like winter lately in some parts of the country, spring is here!  With the change in seasons comes a standard change in makeup as well. Instead of the matte foundation and dark liners we loved in winter, spring is all about a dewy finish and pastel hues. This gorgeous rosy look features pretty pink cheeks and shadow and a girly milkmaid braid.

To copy this look, let's start off with your hair. Prep by spraying with a texturizing spray for hold. To make a simple milkmaid braid, part your hair down the center and then divide your hair into two sections. Braid each section so you have pigtails. Then criss-cross each braid and pin with bobby pins.

To get a youthful, dewy look on your skin, try a spray foundation, like the Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation. Once it dries, apply a pink blush to cheeks, like Buxom True Hue Blush in "Blushing Peach". Make sure to blend enough with a brush that the blush mimics your natural flush color, since sometimes the color in the package can be intimidating. Now it's time to focus on the eyes. Pink shadow might seem odd, but if you choose a pastel shade with some shimmer you're set.

Try the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in "Ballet Pink"- you won't be disappointed. The model's pale complexion and light hair calls for a black-brown mascara, since dark black can be too harsh. Try the Clinique High Impact Mascara in "Black/Brown" for a similar effect.



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Beauty: Two Toned Lips

Hi ladies, it's me again- Rachel from Life Unsweetened. Today I'm going to give my thoughts on how to pull off the two-tone lip. I know what you're thinking- two colors at once, that seems a bit scary- but I promise it's not. The best part about this trend is that there are a ton of different ways to wear it. So whether you're a lipstick newbie or a daring lady who wants to make a statement, here's how to pull off the two-tone lip trend.  

Beginner- A touch of color on the center. If you're scared to try the two-toned lip, this is the best way to start. Apply your regular color, a tawny pink like Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick in "Nude Beige" works well for most skintones, lightly all over your lips. Then add the pop of color to the center of your lips with a glossy red stain, like Tarte LipSurgence™ Lip Tint in "Swank". Pat it on with your fingers to control the amount of color you want, this way you can't go overboard. If you've applied too much, simply blot with a tissue and you're good to go!

Intermediate- A true ombre lip. If you want to try something a bit bolder, an ombre lip is the way to go. The basic look of an ombre lip is dark on the outside and gradually gets lighter as you go to the center. The best part about this look is you can choose any color group  you want. For example, for a red ombre lip, you'd use a burgundy lip liner, a brick red lipstick for the middle and then a pinky-rude on the center. To copy the look above, first apply a deep red lip liner (like NARS Lipliner Pencil in "Amazon"). Fill in your lips with a perfect red shade, like Maybelline Color Sensation Lipcolor in "Are You Red-dy". Finally, add a fuschia-pink (like MAC "Candy Yum Yum" Lipstsick) to the center for some drama. Top it off with a clear gloss if you dare!

Expert- Different colors on bottom & top lip. I've only seen this look on the runways or in pages of Allure, but I commend any woman who tries this in real life. While it may not be appropriate for work, you could try it for a fun girl's night out. As crazy as it may look to you, it's actually the simplest look of the three. Apply two contrasting colors to your lips- one on the top and one on the bottom. A color combo that can't go wrong? A hot orange on top and a bright pink on the bottom. I suggest Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in "Siren" and Sephora Collection Rouge Shine Lipstick in "Just Dating".  

Which one of these looks would you try? 

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Beauty: Mascara for Every Lash Type

Hi, I'm Rachel from Life Unsweetened. I'm so excited to share my first post as a MADE BY GIRL beauty contributor. As a beauty-obsessed woman, finding the perfect mascara formula has been a longtime goal of mine. While I haven't quite found "the one", I have found a bunch of different brands and formulas that work for each type of lash.  So whether your lashes are lacking volume or you're searching for a mascara that stays put all day long, here are a few of my personal favorites.

Volumizing- Just as the name says, the L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara is a cult-favorite for a reason. From the classic packaging to the awesome price tag, this product has it all. Years ago, I turned to online mascara reviews to find a solution to my naturally thin lashes, and this formula was a clear winner. I suggest choosing the "Carbon Black" formula- it's truly the darkest shade that provides thick and lush lashes that everyone will envy.

Lengthening- Unless you were born with butterfly lashes (in which case, I envy you), falsies are a solution to add some length. However, applying them every day can be a bit time-consuming and expensive. Benefit's 'They're Real" Mascara gives my lashes the falsie effect- without the eyelash glue and mishaps. Although it's a bit pricier than what you'll find at your local drugstore, the formula lasts long and is worth every penny. I personally love the long brush with a spiked end to coat each and every corner for a doe-eyed look.

Colored- I typically reserve colored mascara for a fun night out or special event, but some ladies prefer to wear it daily. If you're tired of the same makeup routine, colored mascara is an easy way to make your eyes pop. Almay Intense I-Color Volumizing Mascara comes in 4 expertly-crafted shades to enhance the natural color of your eyes. I love the plum shade- it draws attention to my big brown eyes.

Waterproof- Waterproof mascara is a must-have for summer heat, busy days at the office and weddings. Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara is one of the few waterproof formulas that worked for me. It not only gives your lashes thickness and length, but stays put during a full day at the beach.

Natural- For the ladies who prefer organic beauty products, natural mascara can be tough to spot. My go-to is the tarte lights, camera, lashesô 4-in-1 Mascara. †The olive esters conditions, treats and protects lashes without any harmful chemicals. In addition, I'm in love with the mascara brush and cute packaging. Win- win!



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