Thrive Causemetics

Like many people cancer has touched me deeply, unfortunately.  I lost my father to cancer and since then I have tried to find ways to raise money for cancer research.  Since fitness has become a big part of my life I participate in the Lung Force Walks.  I love companies that stand for something and want to give back. 
I recently received a waterproof eyeliner from Thrive Causemetics in my Ipsy bag.  I was intrigued by the liner and wanted to learn more about the company.  A personal experience with cancer led to the creation of the company.  For every product purchased they donate one to a woman in need...specifically a woman going through cancer treatment.  How is this not the most amazing concept? And more importantly why aren't more companies adopting this?!?! 
I tried the liner and it is great!!  I will definitely be adding their products to my kit!!  Thrive Causemetics please keep doing what you are doing!!

https://thrivecausemetics.com/

Inspiration

My website is officially up and running ... Yay!!!  There has been a lot going on personally and it has made me think about inspiration and passion.  Let me pose this question....  "What inspires you?"  No matter what your passion is there has to be something that inspires you and keeps the creative juices flowing.  I find that when you are in a rut and that passion doesn't bring the same excitement it once did is when inspiration is needed!!  I like to find inspiration in the city I live in and the people and environment that make it up.  I am also inspired by those around me who are constantly grinding.  My niece does hair and is constantly putting herself out there and that inspires me to have that same grind and passion.  Sometimes you just have stop and literally smell the flowers and remember that enjoying life and what you do is the most important.  Take the time today to think about inspiration and passion and what drives you. 

www.makeupbyness.com

Pilates!!!

It's been a looonnngg time since my last post, but I'm back!!!  This post is about fitness, which has become a huge interest of mine in the last year.  I have been trying to find outlets for my stress and anxiety and the gym has become a wonderful outlet.  In addition to the gym, I really enjoy Pilates.  It can be difficult, but I feel like I got a great workout when I'm done.  It's challenging and really requires you to center yourself and really engage your core. 

I found a great studio in Long Beach about a year ago that is both affordable and welcoming.  The studio is called Pilates X and they offer both group classes and one on one sessions.  The studio not only offers Pilates classes, but cardio classes as well that start as early as 5 am.  What I also like is that classes are offered Saturday and Sundays.  I enjoy taking the Sunday class with Meghan.  I suggest everyone try Pilates at least once...you may be shocked how much you like it.  If you're in the Long Beach area please stop by Pilates X and sign up for a class.  Link is below:

http://www.pilatesxstudios.com/

Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation

MAC is synonymous with amazing makeup artistry.  They are constantly evolving and changing the makeup game.  I recently started using the Matchmaster SPF 15 Foundation on clients and it's a great product.  It applies smoothly and evenly like a great foundation should.  Also, a little bit of product goes a long way.  It evened out my clients complexion instantly without having to mix colors or use different shades for different parts of the face.  I would highly recommend this product!!!!

Grade:  A++++

 http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/17339/Products/Face/Foundation/Matchmaster-SPF-15-Foundation/index.tmpl

Make Up For Ever Master Class

If you don't know by now Make Up For Ever is one of my favorite cosmetic lines.  They offer such great products and the colors are fun and amazing.  On Monday's they offer classes taught by the lead makeup artist at the store on Robertson in Los Angeles.  The classes are 90 minutes and are at 11 a.m and 7 p.m.  It's a great format for those in the industry or for those just wanting to learn about makeup.  The instructor applies each step on herself and then there is time for you to try each step on yourself.  The class is $25 and you receive 20% off of all products in the store.

The class I attended was how to create a flawless face and how to contour for the every day woman.  I learned a lot of tips and had fun trying new techniques on myself.  I usually use a flat foundation brush to apply foundation, but during the class I used a fluffy brush and fell in love with the look it created.  The brush I used and bought is part of their new hand crafted line and the brush # is 152.  I definitely recommend this brush.  They also have an amazing new mascara - Smoky Extravagant Mascara....please go buy this ASAP.  It was a great day and I think everyone should attend at least one of these great classes.

Taylor Stone

Hey all of my fellow beauty enthusiat, it's been a while but Makeup by Vanessa is back!  This time I am reviewing the cutest store in Fullerton, CA.  It's called Taylor Stone and I am in love with the store's concept.  They started out only offering skin care (for both men and women) and hair care products, but have recently introduced their own makeup line.  All of the products are made from natural ingredients and are amazing!

I went to the launch party and had a great time trying out all of the products...I was like a kid in a candy store.  The eye shadows are very saturated and pigmented meaning the colors are intense and go on smoothly.  I purchased a blush and a lip gloss.  The blush is an amazing summer color...I have used it by itself as well using it as a highlighter and building it up with another blush.  The lip gloss is also a great summer color...a light pink with just enough shimmer to pop.  My frined who attended the party also purchased a lip gloss as well as their facial toner.  She loves the toner and says it helps control her oily skin and breakouts.

Taylor Stone is a great store and I hope they continue to thrive.  I urge all of you to check them out if you are in the Fullerton area and treat yourself to some great makeup.

Grade: A+

https://www.facebook.com/#!/taylorstonehandcrafted?fref=ts

Price Friendly Makeup

I've had a few requests to review more price friendly makeup.  I have to say one of my favorites is Avon.  Everyone knows the brand and many people have sold it.  Over the weekend I decided to use Avon for my eyeshadow, highlighter, blush and eye liner.  The makeup stayed on all day and the great thing about their eyeshadow is that it goes on smoothly and is pretty pigmented.  I've found that some of the more price friendly shadows take a lot of product just to show up on the lid.  MAC is one of my favorite brands for shadows because the colors are so vibrant and pigmented.  The Mark eye liner by Avon is my favorite daily liner.  If you haven't tried Avon I would definitely suggest it especially if you want to experiment.  Below are the products I used:

Smooth Minerals Radiant Veil - Luminous Rose
Mark ( No Place to Run eye liner ) - Jet Set
Smooth Minerals Blush - copper glow
True Color  - eyeshadow duo - chocolate creme

If you want to purchase Avon products please visit Suky Rodriguez - Barrera

http://sukybarrera.avonrepresentative.com/