Tightlining...

So, I've been accidentally doing it for years and it wasn't until I started seeing products specifically for this purpose that I realized it was kind of a big deal.

I'm going to start by discussing the differences between waterlining and tightlining and I apologize in advance to the friends that I'm about to offend...you'll see.

You have an upper and lower lash line and an upper and lower water line.  A lot of you choose to line the upper lash line and the lower water line, but never consider the top water line or the lower lash line.

Where are these mammajammas?  I created a super awesome diagram to help...

(ORANGE) Upper lash line: the area just above your top lashes
(PURPLE) Lower lash line: the area just below your bottom lashes
(BLUE) Upper Water line: the area just below your top lashes (think inside your eye)
(GREEN) Bottom water line: the area just above your bottom lashes (think inside your eye)




So here's my biggest peeve on the entire planet (and this is where you might get offended).  I CANNOT STAND when women ONLY line their lower water line and do it poorly.  It makes me think of middle school when you first start wearing makeup.  First of all, if you already have small eyes, you are only making them look smaller by doing this.  On top of that, it's almost never set properly so by the end of the day it looks awwwful...something like this...spotty, uneven, rubbed off, racoony...just awful!

If you do it correctly, it really should look like this...which I kind of love

If you are going to choose to only line part of your eye, it really should be the top lash line...you have more options (shape-wise) and it widens your eye.

I general, I am not a fan of super heavy eyeliner without the heavy makeup everywhere else to go along with it...stop it Pam Anderson!

Alright, so those of you that are still reading even though I was kind of a douche...let's talk about tightlining.

A lot of my friends complain that they have too much trouble getting a steady line, so they skip the eyeliner.  Tightlining is a great alternative.

Too Faced 3 Way Lash Liner is the best product (IMO - that's what cool kids say instead of In My Opinion) if you are a super beginner, but you really can achieve the same look using liquid, pencil or gel eyeliner.  However, you'll want a good soft, waterproof eye pencil (if you decide to use pencil), because your cheap shitty Wet N' Wild is not going to hold up and you might very well stab your eyes out in the process.

P.S. Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Perversion is my favorite...shit lasts all day yo.

Aaaanyway...

Tightlining: The process of filling in all those little gaps in between your lashes with eyeliner.  This creates the illusion of super thick plus lashes.

Even with the simplest upper tightlining, you can see a difference

When I am going to a super dramatic eye, I tightline and line both my lash and water lines...it's truly epic.

Below is a gooorgeous makeup job, but you can see she has not tightlined, the bottom lash in particular is full of empty spots...still a great look, but without tighlining technique applied.

Usually when you see a "smokey eye" look, EVERYTHING has been lined...this chick is fully lined/tightlined

Technique for tighlining the top: pull your eyelid upward to expose your top water line...first line that with your preferred black eye lining product...using a flat or angled eyeliner brush, set upper water line...use brush to push eyeliner/powder into all the spaces between your lashes until you've created a robust lash line free of bald-looking spots...start like this...

Again, if you have small eyes and you apply this technique, your eyes will seem much smaller...but if you really want a smokey, intense eye look, this will do it!

Ask and you shall receive...

So, a good friend of mine came to me with a $20 Sephora coupon looking for suggestions on a good (non-cosmetic) product to buy.

She already has great skin, so we're not talking acne products...we're talking the fun products that give us an extra fresh face.

I initially suggested Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish

This is an awesome product for people with dry skin or rough/dull skin.  I love this product for a quick little buff to create a smooth canvas for my clown-like makeup process.  It smells great and gently exfoliates.  The grains of any exfoliating product should be tiiiiiny.  Products like the St. Ives Apricot Scrub do nothing but scratch and damage your skin.  This is because the walnut chunks they use are just to harsh and do not have refines edges.  You want something with rounded scrubbies!  Word to the wise: if you aren't using some sort of face scrub/exfoliating product at least once a week, YOU NEED TO START!


But alas, this friend wanted something a little more exciting...a little more hardcore.  I suggested my super mega ultimate favorite face product in the world!

Philosophy Resurface - The Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel

This product has changed name and packaging since I started using it several years ago, but the product itself has not changed.  

The reviews on the Sephora website should be proof enough, but I'll rest assured that you still want my opinion.  This is a 2-step process and can be easily used in the shower; however, I prefer to have a more intimate over the sink session with my facial processes (mind=gutter, jussayin).  Now, don't be scared by the fact that it says "resurface," I assure you that your face will not burn off.

The first step is the little tub - Vitamin C/Peptide resurfacing crystals - this is super scrubby and super thick and you only need a little.  I like to apply to a freshly cleansed dry face for optimal scrubbiness.  Once your face/neck is fully scrubbed up and covered in product, apply the second product.

The second step is the bottle - Lactic/Salicylic Activating Gel - this is a smooth gel that when combined with step 1 forms foamy goodness on your face that tingles a little.  If it's burning, it's too much for your skin, rinse that shit off.  Ideally, you'll want to leave it on for a full minute.

The beauty of this product is that the intensity is totally up to you, you can scrub for just a minute or you can scrub until you're satisfied...and once you put the gel on, you can leave it until you can't stand it, or rinse it off relatively quickly.  It's only working while it's on your face.

You will notice some redness, mostly from the scrubbing.  Definitely apply a good face lotion (I prefer my night cream after I resurface).

I assure you that this product will leave your face super smooth for days!  I even like to use it on my lips!

It's a tad pricey at $68.00 (you can get it at Ulta as well for the same price), but you only need a little bit, so it lasts forever.

I would definitely consider this a splurge purchase for most people, so wait until you have a really good Sephora coupon or one of those Ulta 20% off dealies.

Oh, and if you're wonder how my friend liked the product, well...her exact words..."Was thinking of you bc I got my philosophy peel yesterday. Used it today...LOVE IT"

Welp, there you have it...product suggested, product used, product LOVED!

Ladies and Gentle-ladies, a TOP 10...

My TOP 10 Lip Products...and yes, these are all in my purse right now

The Drugstore Gangstas

1 - I'm going to be a douche and start this off with a tie between Blistex Lip Medex and Carmex, because honestly, aren't they basically the same?!? Ugh - I feel like someone just got their panties in a bunch...ok ok, so Carmex has more options/flavors: tubes, pots, and chapsticks in things like Strawberry, Cherry, Original and Lime Twist.  Dude, seriously, if you haven't had the Lime Twist Carmex...get it...like now...I'll wait.  There is something about that tingly menthol feeling that totally does it for me.

2 - This one is like like a grown up Lip Smackers, I love love love Maybelline Baby Lips (so much that I already did a full post about it).  Super hydrating...a good smooth feeling without the stickiness of regular lip gloss...comes in several great sheer colors.  Oh! and the smell is heavenly!

Bath and Body Works?  Fo' realz?

3 - This is hands down my favorite clear gloss Mentha Lip Shine...I mean seriously, who doesn't like a good clear gloss that also serves as a breath freshener?!  Ummmm...also just discovered they now have a SUPERCHARGED version of this with twice the freshness!  Getting iiiiiit.

4 - Rose Salve! You can put this shit on uuureythang.  I've used it on my elbows, my knees, my feet, and even in my eyebrows when they were unruly.  I actually have the blueberry one...it smells delicious and gives you a good shine without any weight.  Sometimes I put mine in the freezer and then put it on before bed...feels amazeballs.

It's a lipstick...it's a lipgloss...no no, it's, ok relax, it's  both

5 - I stumbled across this little baby as a free sample from Sephora.  NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil is like a super smooth, lightweight lipgloss in pencil form.  This bad boy lasts like lipstick, but feels like a silky smooth lip gloss...uh, but it's in a pencil form.  This is great for going out because it's small and when you're drunk, it's easier to stay in the lines because, well, it's a pencil.

Excuse me Miss, but you have a stain

6 - I'm not usually a fan of lip stains because they are hard to work with and also because I have 400 lipdrobe changes in a given night.  However, I love Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint.  Also a pencil format, this high-performance products is also super moisturizing.  It claims, if work regularly, to increase lip moisture by 6000%.  Let's just relax Tarte-makers...no one believes anything over 60%.  This product comes in great colors ranging from sheer-ish to color PACKED!  Once it's on, it's pretty dry, so it's great for layering with a sheer gloss.

7 - I realize this looks like nail polish, but Benefit Cha-Cha Lip Tint in Sheer Mango is so epic.  This was another one I got as a sample and fell in love.  You can use this on your lips and cheeks (face cheeks, not butt cheeks...unless you're into that sorta thing).  It's a liquid so application can be tricky - the good news is that you literally can apply it in the morning and it's still there by bed time.  Don't be frightened.  And I swear, this color works on just about anyone!

Makin Angelina Jolie jealous and what not

8 - Looking for a lip plumper?  Shut up, people still you them.  DuWop's Lip Venom is totally absurd. This comes in tinted also, but I prefer the clear.  Using essential oils like cinnamon and ginger, this product enhances both the color and shape of your lips.  Disclaimer: if you plan on making out, warn you're loverrrr...I learned the hard way.  It's awkward, kind of like eating one of those fancy balls of butter at a wedding because you thought it was cheese.

OH, You Faaaaancy

9 - MAC Dazzleglass is my absolute favorite going out lipgloss.  It's super heavy and a little sticky...some people don't like that, I do haha.  It looks like it has glitter in it, in the tube, but it's light reflecting morsels of goodness.  You wear this lipgloss and let those club lights hit your lips or the sun depending on how early you start the party and TRUST ME, it's hot.  More dudes have complemented my lips wearing this product than any other.  I'm telliiiiing youuuuu.  

10 - Best nude lip color of all time, seriously, MAC Lipstick in Beauty.  This color is amazing.  I almost always do a really dramatic eye, so this is the perfect lip color to let my eyes stand out!

Well, there you have it...10 of my most favorite lip products...everything from moisturizing to super rich color.  The important thing is to remember to keep you lips hydrated...no one ever saw a pair of ashy chapped lips and said "ahhhhh yeah, wanna makeout?"

Holiday Spending...don't be a dumbass!

Honestly, who pays retail anymore??  I know I don't.  Between looking for coupon codes online, sites like Groupon/LivingSocial, using bonus cards, and old school Q-pons (yeah I say it like that, so what!) we're saving more and more on our purchases.  

Dunno about you, but all these discounts tell me the markup is INSANE.  I found a little gem of a site, because the key (at least for me) to saving money is to not make it a hassle.

Ebates is a great site where you get cash back just for using their site as a starting point to shop.  They have % cash back on everything from drugstore.com to Sephora to Home Depot.

Click Here to sign up! 

Ebates Blogger Referral

All you need is an email address and the portal to endless savings is is all up in your face...in a super user friendly format!

All you have to do is start your shopping extravaganza at this site...clicking on the store/site of choice takes you right to that site.  So really the only inconvenience  if you even want to call it that, is starting from this site - rather than going to each individual site.

I get a little bonus for each person signing up using the link above so DO IT!  

Happy Holiday Shopping Season Bitchessssssssssss!

Where the hell have I been!?

Well well well...look who got lazy...this girl.  Well sort of...I was in the midst of changing jobs and now that I'm pretty settled in I thought I'd go back to a slacking of epic proportions and continue writing the ol' blog.

So let's catch up, shall we...the following thing have happened since we last spoke, er, read? typed? blog hugged?  I dunno...anyway...

I turned 31...woohoo...sad face
I started working at an amazing company with a much better commute!
I pooped at least 8 dozen times
I fell in love with a white boy and we adopted a kitten, wtf? no, just making sure you're still reading

Moving on...

OK so, since I'm just getting back in the swing and I'm going to dedicate the first post to my awesome mom, who still treats me like a baby sometimes even though I'm 31, and I meant that in a good way.

So at first you're like

and then you're all like

Mama Shupp's Hangover CURE

You'll want to take this before you go to bed after a heavy night of drinking...or if you're like me and you like to punish yourself just a little so you know that it was a bad idea to pound vodka & tonics (with extra lime) all night, then take it first thing when you wake up and plan on going back to sleep.

Take 1 - Tylenol PM

Take 2 - Pepcid Antacids

Take 1 - Excedrin of choice

(Excedrin Migraine is back on the shelves now, but I don't like to take that...I just take the regular old Excedrin or Extra Strength)

Quick Tip: Choke down a banana if you can, depending on how high your puke index is - it totally helps.

OK, I am not shitting you...when I first experience this remedy, I was curled up in a ball in my parents basement in tears...not something I'm proud of, but also not ashamed to admit it.  I mean anyone who knows me well has probably seen me hurl.  

So anyway, I chugged down the remedy and some water and the Tylenol PM put me to sleep...only to awake feeling brand new!  It was amazing.  In fact, my mom actually gave me a few boozenights worth of cure-packs.  It's a sad thing, but even though I'm not fully into my 30, I still have the occasion night of waaaayyyy too much partying.

OK OK, at least one of you has thought ummmmm why is this heifer pushing pills without knowing the side effects?!  Calm down precious, here's a nifty little tool you can use to ensure I'm not crazy

Drug Interactions Checker

This little ditty lets you put in as many drugs as you want and will tell you if there are any significant drug interactions you should be aware of...but let me save you the trouble...there aren't any for the combo above.  It even confirms that it's ok to eat that banana I mentioned!

Alright, now for the important biznass - going forward, I am going to try to do at least 1 blog a week.  My previous schedule was a little to intense.  I assure you I have a ton of new products that I want to talk about...as well as some home concoctions that I've tried and love!

Thanks to everyone who came to me and requested I go back to blogging and thanks to everyone that continued to check in for new content even though I was lame and didn't have any!

NEW FIND!

Over the weekend I went on a pro-product shopping spree with mother and picked this little product up based solely on the smell...Earthly Body Marrakesh X Leave-In Treatment and Detangler

They have 3 different fragrances, but I got the original...I can't even explain how good it smells if you are like me and like more exotic scents.

The important thing is that on Saturday I used it instead of a straightening/smoother serum and not only did my hair last all night, but it cut my styling time by at least 1/3.

Today I used the same amount, but let my hair air dry natural...totally soft bouncy curls.

I'm in LOVE!

You brush your teeth...don't forget your lips...


Weird?  Maybe a little.  But honestly, who just walks around with gross chapped lips?!

So I saw this today:

In my opinion, not the best method.

I combine sugar and cheap lip balm (or vaseline).  Apply to my lips and then brush them with a cheap toothbrush (like the shitty ones my dentist gives me fo' free).  Then I buff off with a wash cloth and apply a more hydrating lip balm.

I almost always do this if I decide to wear lipstick because ashy lips are triflin with lipstick on top.  Smooth lips look fuller and more supple (sidebar: I love the word supple).

If you are interested in trying an amazing product that I have used for years, look into Mary Kay Satin Lips Set, it's a lip mask and balm set...your lips are so smooth after using this product that they feel like what I would imagine a wet dolphin covered in baby oil would feel like.

Welp, that is all.

Fake Lashes...Don't Hate, Appreciate!

I'm a huge fan of fake lashes, when they're done RIGHT.  First things first...I'd say a good 90% of celebs, whether in print or on screen are wearing fake lashes.  The more makeup you wear, the more important it is to have luscious lashes.

It seems to me that there is a craze right now with having semi-permanent lash extensions and lash strips done.  Now, I'm not a fan for one reason...you look like a complete lunatic walking around with these epic thick lashes when you have ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER MAKEUP ON!

I have 4 major problems with eyelash application:

TOO HEAVY

TOO SPARSE

POOR PLACEMENT

TOO MUCH LASH, NOT ENOUGH MAKEUP

Lashes come in sooo many shapes and sizes - from full strip and demis to individual - synthetics, natural hair blends, feather and animal hair.  I tend to use synthetics (usually shinier and don't need mascara) or naturals (very light and comfortable)

Quick Tip: When using lashes, if you plan on reusing them (most are marketed as reusable) you CANNOT use mascara on them.  When you wash and dry them they lose their structure (even expensive ones).


I have splurged on MAC lashes, but in my opinion, it's not totally worth it.  I will say that their lashes are slightly more reusable and they have a great synthetic that I like. 7Lash works on just about anyone and the design makes it easy to trim to create a whispy outer corner and perfectly fit a full lash line. I also really like 2Lash because it's design creates volume and length without being overly heavy.

My primary brand is Ardell...they have a huge selection and you can get them at Ulta, CVS, Target, Sally's...really almost any place that sells cosmetics.  They have an awesome tool on their site for choosing the right lashes for your eye shape: Try On Lashes!  I stick to demi invisiband lashes for the most part.  Lashes that have a full black lash band are much heavier and more difficult to apply because they are less pliable.  If you already have great lashes and just want to add some drama, go with individuals or accent lashes to add volume or apply to the outer corners to created a winged look, like this:

Eyelash glue?  Duo Lash is widely popular and one of the best.  I recently switch from the white to clear kind to the dark tone.  The dark tone doesn't interfere with eyeliner as much.

Quick Tips: More glue doesn't mean better hold.  Apply a thin line of glue to lashes and let dry until tacky, this will allow them to adhere quickly without sliding around or pulling away from your lid.  To make sure they are even, adhere in the middle first and then work outwards.

Well that's my 2 cents.  Lastly, I'd like at add...totally wore these bad boys to the Boyz II Men concert a few months ago...they were so epic, I didn't even need mascara...and I somehow managed not to look lazy eyed!

Beach Hairsss...you know...cuz it's summatime

Ok, so here's the thing...I always tend to think that this whole "beach hair" look was only for blondes with long hair, but I actually sported it yesterday and got a few compliments.  There are plenty of products on the market.  Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is one of the most highly reviewed, but it's $24 for 4oz.  Ummm no thanks.

Here's how you can make your own!

You want to start with a spray bottle (trigger sprayer works better than a pump because you get a more even, heavier mist)...one like this is perfect:

1 CUP of HOT WATER: If you plan on keeping your concoction for a while you'll want to use distilled water to prevent it from mildewing...or use tap water and just make a small batch that you know you are going to use up pretty quickly.

2-3 TBS of FINELY GROUND SEA SALT: I found mine at the grocery store.

1/2 TSP of HAIR GEL: You'll want to use something that is more of a light hold, thick hair gels for super hold don't dissolve that well and make you're hair extra crunchy on top of the salt.

1/2 TSP of CONDITIONER: I just used a cheap coconut scented one for full beachy effect!

**A few drops of essential oil for smell goodiness is optional

Quick Tip: Skip the conditioner and hair gel altogether next time and just use a TSP of coconut oil!

Place all ingredients in your bottle (I added water last to make sure it was hot enough to dissolve all the ingredients) and shake, shake it, shake it, shake it like a Polaroid picture.

That's it...it's super easy and cheap!

On that note, I am actually leaving for the beach (beachy hair spray in hand) and have a kabillion things to do, so this will be the only blog for this week...shhhh shhhh there there, I'll be back next week!

WTF is OMBRE?!


I'm sure you've heard of ombre in some form...you can do your hair, nails and even lips.  Ombre is the process of fading your color from dark into light, usually gradually.

Ombre Hair:

The draw is that it's low maintenance because you don't have to maintain your roots...yes I realize it essentially looks like a grown out dye job.








Ombre Nails:

You can fade each nail individually

Or fade your colors across all of your nails (I prefer this one)







But the topic of concern here is Ombre Lips:


There are varying degrees of ombre lips, from super dramatic to something you can really wear and not look psycho...

I am in love with all of these, even the last one even though it kind of looks like and end of the day version of early 90s lip liner application!

Here is a great tutorial on how to achieve the look...the chick is kind of annoying but her application is great...eyeliner is used in most applications and you really need to set it well if you don't want it to all run together after you eat that club sandwich.

You might notice one thing...all of these chicks have supple lips haha I said supple.  Unfortunately all of these looks are not going to work if you have thin lips.  The dark top to lighter bottom look would work if you have a thin upper lip and ample bottom lip, but the dark outside fade to the middle look is really only going to work if you've got a pudgy pout.

Needless to say, I will be trying it this weekend.

Baby Lips...yes please!


OK, so Maybelline came out with this new product called Baby Lips, it's an SPF20 moisturizing balm.  I bought it on a whim at Walmart a few days ago for less than 3 bucks!

I'm in love with this product!

If you are one of those girls that's more into chapstick than lipgloss/lipstick, then this product is tooootally for you!  Definitely a toss in your purse kinda lip product.

I got mine in Peach Kiss, mostly because I liked the color of the tube the best haha (marketing whore right here).  Each one is a slightly different shade of sheer color.  Peach Kiss is really the most sheer, but now I totally want Pink Punch and Grape Vine.  Cherry Me is a little too red for me.  They all SMELL like their fruity names too.  They also have Quenched and Peppermint, which have no color, with Quenched being fragrance free...if you are one of those weirdos that likes plain things.

Is it just me or does this woman have really unappealing lips??

Seriously, throw out your lip smackers and go out and invest in this grown up version!  With beach season upon us, you'll need the added SPF!

COCONUT OIL...I'm OBSESSED!


So I bought Coconut Oil on drugstore.com for like $10.  I got this one: NOW Foods Virgin Coconut Oil

This product is hard to find in the store because none of the staff ever knows that I'm talking about and it can either be in hair care, skin care, pharmacy or food haha.  Health food stores usually carry it.


I am legit obsessed with this product.  It's a solid and when you warm it just by rubbing your hands together it turns into the most delicious oil.  The melting point is really low, I left it in my car for like 2 minutes and it was completely liquefied!


I've used it on my body, face, feet, and hair so far.  Careful with your hair though, it's really oily.  I basically used it like a straightening balm.  You can even eat it as a dietary supplement or cook with it wherever you would use any other kind of oil or butter, but for now I'm sticking to beauty care.


It doesn't have that super sweet coconutty smell like Bath and Body Works type stuff, just a natural coconut smell, I LOVE IT!


I had a horrendous blemish on my face after applying my usual Neutrogena Rapid Clear it got all dried out and gross so I put some coconut oil on it...literally almost gone overnight.


Basic hair and skin benefits are as follows:

Hair Care: Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shiny complexion. Regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry. Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. Most of the people in these countries apply coconut oil on their hair daily after bath. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. It is therefore used as hair care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams. Coconut oil is normally applied topically for hair care.

Skin Care: Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care. Coconut oil also helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.

I used this coconut oil to make my makeup wipes and tonight I'll be making a sugar scrub!

Recipe:

• 1 part coconut oil (melted)
• 2 parts sugar (you can also use salt, which is a little more abrasive or brown sugar, which is more gentle)
• Um yeah, that's it...just mix well.  The sugar/salt will sink to the bottom so you have to re-stir upon use.
• Feel free to add your own additives (i.e. lime/lemon juice, orange peel, essential oils, etc.)

**Keep in mind these are all natural ingredients so it WILL have a shorter shelf life.

I am obsessed with sugar scrubs in the shower, especially after shaving my legs...the oily scrubs make them smooth and dangerously soft!

WATER - The ORIGINAL Beauty Fluid

For theeeee longessssst time, I was the WORST culprit of not drinking enough water.  I was a natural born sodasucker...ask my parents.  I had to make conscious effort to cut back on soda (I actually eliminated it completely for a while after several relapses on Diet Coke).  I don't even keep soda in my fridge anymore.  Water is my primary go-to beverage and once I made the switch, I noticed a world of difference.

First the facts:

How much water do you need? 
Every day you lose water through sweating - noticeable and unnoticeable - exhaling, urinating and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you need to replace this water by consuming beverages and foods that contain water. So how much water, or more precisely fluid, do you need?

This isn't an easy question to answer. A healthy adult's daily fluid intake can vary widely. Most people drink fluid to quench thirst, to supply perceived water needs and "out of habit." At least three approaches estimate total fluid (water) needs for healthy, sedentary adults living in a temperate climate.

• Replacement approach. The average urine output for adults is 1.5 liters a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your fluid intake, so you if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups), along with your normal diet, you can replace the lost fluids.
• Eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Another approach to water intake is the "8 x 8 rule" - drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (about 1.9 liters). The rule could also be stated, "drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day," as all fluids count toward the daily total. Though this approach isn't supported by scientific evidence, many people use this basic rule as a guideline for how much water and other fluids to drink.
• Dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. These guidelines are based on national food surveys that assessed people's average fluid intakes. 

You can choose any of these fluid intake approaches to gauge your fluid needs. But your current total fluid intake is probably OK if you drink enough water to quench your thirst, produce a colorless or slightly yellow normal amount of urine, and feel well.

I'm usually peein' clear by 11am...just sayin!

Symptoms of Dehydration:

• Tiredness
• Migraine
• Constipation
• Muscle cramps
• Irregular blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Dry skin

Dry skin, tiredness, cramps and headaches were tooootally my symptoms.

Now the benefits...on the beautification tip:

Clear skin: Drinking water keeps your skin cleansed and hydrated, encouraging clear, fresh skin. By drinking water you flush out toxins and eliminate the dirt that clogs the pours of your skin, giving you a healthier glow.

Natural weight loss: You may not believe it but drinking water actually helps you to lose weight. A lot of the time when you feel hungry, you are actually thirsty, and when you drink water you feel fuller. This will stop you snacking needlessly. Replacing water with your usual drink such as fizzy or caffeine-based drinks is also good for your body. As well as the health benefits that water provides, it means that you are cutting out sugary junk drinks that are bad for you.

Toning skin: Water helps to keep your skin tight and toned, cleansed and flushed of toxins. Your body naturally fills cells with water to make them firm and tight, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles for a smooth finish. When the cells are filled with water they become bulged and push against your skin from the inside, and this can help to reduce unsightly marks such as cellulite and flabby skin.

Glossy hair: Drinking water hydrates cells, and your hair is no exception. Drink plenty of water to make your hair naturally soft and silky. If you have frizzy or brittle hair, don't bother with expensive products – just drink more water and you will see a difference in no time.

A healthier you: What you put in your body really shows on the outside. Drinking water makes your blood thinner, leading to a faster blood flow and nourishment for your body cells. Lowering your blood pressure will give you a healthier heart and gives you much more energy. With your body feeling cleansed and in excellent working condition you will feel and look great, giving you a natural confidence boost.

It honestly took me a while to get into the habit of drinking water, so I had to get creative by buying fancy bottles and cups to make me waaaant to drink the water.

I seriously can't live without my Cool Gear Freezer Gel Acrylic Cup, I own several and have one on me at all times.  I really like this one because I can freeze it and the gel keeps it cold without needing ice.

Speaking of ice...is it better to drink water COLD or ROOM TEMP?!  There a billion studies that support both sides, but I come from the school of cold water burns more calories because your body has to work harder to warm it up.  That being said, I also agree that drinking room temperature water after meal helps with digestion (think about it, ice cold water is going to solidify the fat you just ate, right?...ew!)

If you reeeally have a problem with remembering to drink enough water or just need to make that transition like I did, this is an amazing products: HydraCoach Interactive Water Bottle

I have personally noticed that increasing my water intake and helped with my weight loss (80lbs down, 45 more to go!), I have also noticed that my skin is much more clear and I have less breakouts (I had AWFUL skin before), and I seem to have less cramping (like those awful calf spasms at night!)

OK, so in summary...water is good mmmkay

JUST HIT 1200 VIEWS!  Thanks people!!

I'm not going to teach you anything today, so quit yer cryin...just me talking and sharing a few things because I know you want to listen.

Soooo...I'm doing makeup for a beautiful bride's wedding this Saturday and I couldn't be more excited.  There's something about seeing your work of art walking down the aisle and hearing other people say "OMG you look so pretty" to the bride...knowing it's your own masterpiece!

Anyone who lets me do their makeup for anything, in my opinion, is taking a risk because, well, I wear enough makeup to outfit an entire drag show.  I've been told I've toned it down lately, but mostly I think it's just because I've started using more neutral colors.  Anyway, on your wedding day you want to compliment your features, not camouflage your face.

Kate Middleton caught a lot of crap for doing her own makeup for her Royal Wedding, as she should.  Honestly, your wedding was ROYAL and you can't even hire a makeup artist.  Her face (foundation, blush, etc.) looks pretty good...maybe a little intense on the cheek color, but her eye makeup is horrendous.  Her lower lash line eyeliner is the wooooorst...uhhh we smudge for a reason.  Her eye shadow is too dark and there's no dimension to it at all...you ma'am receive a 4 out of 10.

Bridal makeup should be soft and should photograph well...this chick below...NAILED IT!

Moving on...

This is why I touch myself at night...and I'm not ashamed to admit it...hold while I go wash my hands...

If you don't already have it, do yourself a favor and BUY IT (Urban Decay Naked2, BETTER than the original Naked...I got mine at Sephora, comes with a sweet bonus lipgloss).  This palette works on EVERYONE, regardless of skin tone.

This palette can be used to create one of my all-time favorite eye looks.  This is the PERFECT eye and that's not my opinion, it's a dang ol' fact.

Side note: This chicks eyebrow makes me moist, it's perfection

Speaking of moist, I love Nicky Minaj...her style is nuts and her makeup is always so outlandish.  But I have one HUGE PEEVE.  She does the WORST nose contouring on the planet.

So here's her original nose:

Not only did she have it changed via surgery, but she furthers it's unnatural pointiness by contouring WITHOUT even attempting to blend:

On a positive note, she has amazing teeth!  But the nose, my god...

Alright, that's all for today...it's Friday and I'm trying to do as little as humanly possible.