Recent Beauty buys:

 

 

I've been obsessed with this shimmery purple lipstick by Make Up Forever ever since I tested it out in Charlotte last week.  Sophie says if I keep wearing colors like this I won't be able to get a man (LOL)

 

Make Up Forever in Pearly Violet

 

 

 

Sephora lipstick in Be-Witch Me

 

MAC BB Cream

 

 Boscia Cool Cleansing Oil

Tarte Primer Trio

 

<3

 



OCM - Oil Cleansing Method

I've been reading about the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) recently and have decided to give it a try.

Boscia Make-up Break-up Cool Cleansing Oil $26

Getting right down to basics, when cleansing and moisturizing your skin, it is imperative that you keep in mind that oil dissolves oil. Your skin naturally lubricates itself with oil, and as we are creatures of adaptation, one can believe that if this weren't the appropriate built-in care for ourselves, our bodies would have adapted to suit the need. If you've been battling your skin for long, you're probably recoiling at the mere thought of applying oil to your face. You can imagine the slick, greasy, clogging feeling of smearing sludge all over your face. If you stay with me and read the rest of this article, that mental image will be replaced by a more comforting, Zen-like image of a relaxing spa massage. I promise. Let your curiosity get the better of you, read the article, then decide if you should give this method of skin care a go.
Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. Oil, alone, will not bring you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads, whiteheads...these are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it. It is not a malicious force to be reckoned with; it is there for the benefit of your skin, allowing your largest organ to function properly. It is naturally occurring. Not only does your natural oil help lubricate, it also heals, protects, and moisturizes your skin so that it may function properly. Properly functioning skin is beautiful, clear, and glowing. Learning to work with your skin, not against it, will save you tremendously.

The Oil Cleansing Method

You'll need a soft washcloth, your oil blend, and hot, running water.

Pour a generous puddle of oil into the palm of your hand. Roughly, the size of a quarter, but more is acceptable. Rub your hands together to warm the oil and smooth over your face.

Begin massaging the oil into your face. This will remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities, so there is no need to use a makeup remover or wash your face prior to the massage. I've found that this removes even my stubborn waterproof mascara and concealor.

Using slow, firm motions across the skin, massage the oil deeply into your pores. Take your time and focus on your problem areas. You want the oil to work into your pores so that blackheads and the like can be dissolved and steamed away.

As you're massaging, let your mind drift off to something calming and breathe deeply. Take this time to relax and release some of the stress that your body is harboring. Sit down, breathe deeply, and take your time. Give the oil enough time to work on dissolving the impurities in your pores and give yourself enough time to unwind. Picture what your face would look like if it were completely clear and free from blemishes. Focus on that image and know that it is attainable. Trust that it is attainable. Accept that it is attainable. You can have clear skin, free of blemishes and you will have clear skin, free of blemishes. Focus on perfect skin and breathe deeply.

Once you're satisfied that your pores are saturated and you're feeling calm, pick up your washcloth and soak it in clean, steamy water. We want the water to be warm enough to open your pores and remove the oil. Cool water will not open your pores, nor will it remove the oil efficiently. We're not scalding our skin, we're steaming to coax our pores to release the oil carrying the impurities. We're essentially steaming our skin as an esthetician would, but without the luxury of a steam machine.

Hold the washcloth to cover your face. Allow it to stay until it cools. You will feel your pores releasing the impurities. Wipe the oil gently away and rinse the washcloth well in hot, running water. Hold the washcloth to your face again, allowing it to cool. Wipe gently, rinse well, and repeat two or three more times. Avoid any temptation to scrub, as you'll find it's completely unnecessary and your skin will be soft, smooth, and free of flakes without the additional manual exfoliation and irritation that will result. Impurities, dead skin cells, and bacteria will be gently swept away.

Have no fear of the oil, as the steamy washcloth will remove it. The Castor Oil, though it is an oil, will help with the removal of the other oils, as well. It is our main cleansing oil and is easily removed with warm water.

If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of your oil blend, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it onto your damp skin. Gently massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Your skin should now glow!

  Some suggestions in creating your blend of deep cleansing oil:

• Oily Skin: Try a blend of 30% Castor Oil to 70% Sunflower Seed Oil.
• Balanced Skin: Try a blend of 20% Castor Oil to 80% Sunflower Seed Oil.
• Dry Skin: Try a blend of 10% Castor Oil to 90% Sunflower Seed Oil.

I melt

Where are the guys like this?

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also,

morning love

 

Me and my babers

My little pork dumplin

Little Mu Shu

Little Nugget

Big Nug

Curly butt

Little Baby Girl

Babers

Sweet Angel Cakes

Ponyo

Fall boot shopping

I've gotten it stuck in my head that I really want to buy some more flat ankle boots for Fall.  I've been searching and searching and can not find the perfect boot (short enough to make my legs look longer, but not too short where they are not considered boots, flat, and edgy in a tough way but not too masculine).

So the other night I am browsing through Piperlime and come across these two gems.

 

Alabama by REPORT - piperlime.com $140

 

Madhouse by STEVE MADDEN piperlime.com $150

I must have blacked out because the next thing I know I am waking up from a 3 hour nap with a confirmation in my inbox saying my purchase has gone through.

Haha I don't even remember putting in my credit card number!  Not going to fight it.  Just going to hope they look as awesome on as they do in the photo.

 ***My boots arrived!  Both super cute, but really stiff.

  

2012: Aries Love

Aries
Throughout Saturn's residence in your partnership house over the past few years, you have endured some of the most challenging and rewarding relationship lessons of your life. In October, after putting you through the karmic ringer, the cosmic taskmaster will finally leave this sector of your chart for another 30 years. You'll happily bid farewell to the trials, tests, tribulations and insecurities, despite all the wisdom they've imparted.
When Saturn enters Scorpio this fall, you'll discover deeper levels of your sexuality and resourcefulness than you have in 30 years - if ever. You're ready for the real thing, and that's because you've finally developed the most important relationship of all - the one with yourself. Now that you're crystal clear about what you will and won't put up with in your intimate relationships, there's no turning back! You've set your standards high and there's no need to compromise. You've also learned that you often get what you think you deserve ... or at least what you have the capacity to put up with (consciously or unconsciously). You're also learning not to drag things out - your time is too precious.
Although Mars, your ruler, will take up prolonged occupancy in your work sector for the first half of the year - leaving you little time to even think about dating, mating or relating - you'll more than make up for it during 2012's second half. September is potentially one of your most romantic months of the year, so put yourself out on the dating scene without excuses. And finally, December is your most auspicious time for meeting someone you could settle down with. This is your make-or-break year - so let it rip!