Makeup and Muscles

Makeup and Muscles!  What a combo!  I wanted to share with you all about my recent journey into doing makeup in the fitness world.  I had done makeup for fitness competitions previously but nothing like the World Beauty Fitness and Fashion Inc. show!  I met Jessi Jean with Ledbetter Inc. this past spring when she was looking for a makeup artist for her fitness shoots as well as her debut on the WBFF stage!  We got connected through a friend of hers who happened to be a bride I did makeup for a couple years back.  The first time we met we instantly clicked and became friends….from that point on we called ourselves makeup and muscles!  I was so excited to be going on this journey with her to prove to others that you can compete in fitness competitions while maintaining balance, your sanity, and your health.  Jessi has an amazing, inspirational story that she is very honest and transparent about which I love!  I asked her to share her experience competing on my blog so here ya go……

Photos by Lisa Anne Photography www.lisaannephoto.net

My Health & Fitness Journey:

My journey into the world of fitness and bodybuilding was initiated by heartbreak, depression, and a desire to regain strength, joy, and contentment. In the midst of my heartbreak, the gym became my escape, my medication and the only place I left feeling renewed. The strength and confidence I gained in the gym was like nothing I had ever experienced before. As my passion for lifting grew, I was introduced to the world of competitive bodybuilding and after a year of regularly going to the gym I competed in my 1^st NPC Bikini Competition. A year later I competed in the WBFF – an organization that not only emphasizes fitness but celebrates fashion as well. The WBFF show was an absolute blast. I took 1^st amongst an incredible line-up of athletes and earned my WBFF Bikini Pro Status.  

Not only did the world of fitness develop a new found confidence within me, it also helped pull me from the pit of years and years of various eating disorders. The discipline required to progress physically and compete motivated me to find a way out of the hellish binge and restrict cycles that had become my way of life. I quickly learned that there were two routes to competing – going to extremes to achieve your fitness goals or learning how to train your metabolism and doing things in balanced and maintainable manner. Fortunately, I was coached and mentored by one of the world’s foremost experts in nutrition and training, Dr. Layne Norton. Layne taught me what it meant to live a balanced life, while pursing fitness goals. He never allowed me to go to unhealthy extremes to get ready for photo-shoots or competitions and under his guidance and expertise my physique was always on point. 

Being devoted to a healthy lifestyle and staying physically fit does not mean you have to surrender your social life, live in the gym, and give up all your favorite foods. As long as you embrace balance, consistency, and discipline throughout your journey you can have the best of both worlds. I have learned that disciplining myself to get up early each morning and devote time to training keeps me just as much mentally healthy as it does physically. Eating balanced and refraining from the extremes of binging and restricting and embracing this discipline in both my nutrition and training routine has allowed me to live in a body I truly feel confident in. Never in a million years did I think I would be a Pro Bikini competitor and fitness model. 

Not only did the world of fitness heal me from a devastating heartbreak, taught me confidence, strength, self-worth, and discipline, it also brought the most incredible people into my life. I have had the privilege of having Heather Baker be my personal Make-Up Artist for almost every photo shoot and competition I have done. Her ability to enhance my features and create a specific look for either the stage or a photo shoot has been nothing short of incredible. I remember the 1^st time she did my make-up I told her to do her thing. She handed me the mirror when she was finished and I couldn’t even believe what I saw…”Is that me?” I asked her. From that point on I never wanted another person to do my make-up. She truly has the ability to create a flawless look for whatever the occasion or theme of the photo shoot. The compliments I receive on my make-up from fellow competitors, judges, and photographers reassure me that I have found the absolute best artist in the beauty industry. What’s even better is Heather has become so much more than my make-up artist, she has become my friend. She is one of the most genuine, talented, and kind-hearted people I ever met. I am blessed both by her talents and her friendship.

-Jessi Jean

Thanks so much Jessi for sharing and for being such an inspiration to others!  Be sure to follow her journey even more on Instagram (@Jessi_Jean_fitness)  The fitness industry has been such a fun industry to be able to do makeup in and I have learned so much!  I realized that for me working out consistently also keeps me healthy mentally and is a great way for me to de-stress!  I have learned the value in taking care of yourself even when its not convenient!

xoxo

Makeup by Heather B.

Photo of me by Erin Blackwell www.erin-blackwell.com

Review on Younique 3D Fiber Lash

If I was stranded on an island and could only have one piece of makeup it would definitely be mascara!  I am a mascara freak…I have tried them all and still love trying a new one every time my tube runs out!  I was super excited when Elizabeth (who is a Younique rep) asked if she could send me their 3D Fiber Lash Mascara to try out and write a review on! I had heard nothing but good things about this mascara so I was eager to try it….I mean who doesn't want amazing eyelashes!?  If you haven't heard of this mascara it is a simple three step process.  This mascara comes in a case with two tubes which can seem a little confusing but thats what really makes this mascara different among the rest.

The trick to this mascara is to take your time and follow the directions!!!  I have attached a You Tube tutorial that Elizabeth sent me that I found extremely helpful!  

YouTube tutorial for 3D fiber lash mascara

Ok so now here are my thoughts on the mascara…….

I thought it really did make my lashes longer and I had so many people ask me if I was wearing falsies which is obviously a good thing! I have attached the before and after picture below for you to see!  I think this mascara is awesome for special occasions when you really want to have that amazing false eyelash look without the pain of applying falsies!

  For me personally it is not an everyday mascara because it is a little bit of work and I like to apply my makeup pretty quickly especially if I am just running errands and not doing much for the day! You better believe though if I am going out or need my lashes to look absolutely fabulous I grab these! The mascara is water resistant but washes off just fine with soap and water which I liked (I hate the mascaras that you have to scrub off).  It will not damage your eyelashes and it is gluten free.  This mascara retails for $29 plus shipping and handling but one order typically lasts for two to three months with daily use.  I definitely think it is worth giving a try!  Let me know what you think!  I have provided the link below if you are interested in ordering from Elizabeth and if you have any other questions for her!  

Click here to order!

xoxo  Makeup by Heather B. 

Don't sleep in your makeup!

Never sleep with your makeup on!!!  So a lot of my clients lately have been telling me when they feel lazy or too tired that they just sleep in their makeup……that is a big "no no!"  Sleeping in your makeup will clog your pores and can cause unwanted breakouts and unhealthy looking skin.  I hate having to wash my face at night especially when I'm tired so I totally get it.  My best advice to you is to throw a pack of wipes next to your bed!  They are easy and hassle free!  Now I know that some of you may be thinking…. "they burn, they leave a nasty residue on my skin, they break me out,  they can be expensive, etc.". Well let me introduce you to some awesome wipes I have been introduced to lately……..

Besides the super adorable name these wipes are great to take makeup off fast without leaving a nasty residue or tasting bad!  These wipes are really great for kids with messy faces but I starting using them to remove my makeup and I loved them. They are actually sweetened with Stevia so when your husband goes in for a goodnight kiss he won't be tasting nasty residue or fragrance that other wipes can leave behind.  They have no alcohol so they won't burn or irritate the skin when using them to remove makeup!  Super inexpensive as well.  You can find Neat Cheeks at some Walgreens and online at http://www.neatcheeks.com.  Get those cheeks neat before heading to bed or just to refresh your skin in the morning!

I need a tan…stat!!

Oh how you fool me Colorado weather!  It is crazy to me how it can be 70 degrees one day and then the next day it is practically a blizzard! My skin is dying for some color lately but it's not exactly "sit by the pool" weather here yet.  I have a red carpet event that I am flying to Nashville for this week and I need to get some color on these legs stat!  With the weather being so unpredictable and there being an inch of snow on the ground right now sunbathing is not looking too promising. So what do you do when you are in need of a quick tan and you don't feel like paying to sit in a bed that can give you cancer?  Here are three of my favorite products to give you that summer glow fast!

Kate Sommerville 360 self tanning pads

These pads are great because they don't streak or stain your hands and they don't smell gross either!!!  I also like these because they are very easy to use and have Vitamin E which helps to moisturize the skin.  They also contain Tea tree extract to keep the skin clean and clear so that your skin has a beautiful glow whenever you need it!  They have both face and body pads and you can find them at retailers like Nordstrom or Sephora for $48  

Next up is NARS Body Glow……….

Talk about smelling yummy!  This is a lightweight oil that smells amazing and gives your skin a beautiful glow with just a touch of shimmer.  This one is my favorite because I am all about the smell….and this literally smells like coconuts and the beach!  I have super dry skin and I love this because it has pure Monoi de Tahiti oil to help hydrate so your skin looks hydrated and flawless!  You can find this product at Nordstrom or Sephora for $59.00 (looks like it is on sale online for Nordy's right now though!) Tip for applying this product is a little goes a long way and it is great to mix in your everyday moisturizer! 

Last but not least if your heading to Walgreens or the grocery store pick up some Jergens Natural Glow "3 Days to Glow" Moisturizer.

This is a great inexpensive way to add just a touch of color.  It has antioxidants for the skin and is a three day process to get the color you desire!  It has no sunless tanner odor and is also very easy to put on.  You can get it at Walgreens, Target, King Soopers and many other retail stores.  The price typically ranges around $10 or so depending on the size you get!

Tips for applying your summer glow:

For the best even-looking glow you will want to make sure your skin is exfoliated beforehand as well as moisturized.  When applying the product be sure to use long, even strokes spreading the product out consistently.  Be sure to wash your hands so they do not stain after each application since the product will be concentrated in that area when applying.  Allow drying time and make sure you don't put clothes on right away that it can stain!  Hope this helps…...here's to happy, healthy, and glowing summer skin!

xoxo Makeup by Heather B.

Mascara product review!

I was walking through Sephora and Ulta the other day and I realized…….man there are so many products out there it is overwhelming (even to me who is a professional that eats, lives, and breathes makeup)!  So I asked around to other women how they felt when they shopped in places like that and I found they felt the same exact way.  One woman told me that she only buys the same products even if she doesn't love them because it is easy and she doesn't have to sort through so many products.  Another woman told me that she will try new things that claim to be the best but then doesn't like them and is bummed because she just wishes she would have known so she wouldn't waste the money. Places like Sephora, Ulta, and the cosmetic department at Nordstrom are like candy stores to me….I could spend hours just looking around and I just want it all!  Different products say they are the best and of course the girls behind the counter will tell you need their product line but how do we really know what is best with all these options?!  So all of that being said I decided to start writing product reviews to make this process a little easier on women to help them not waste their money!  So here goes nothing……….

MASCARA!!!!!  Mascara is definitely one of those products that is a must have for everyone wether you were lots of makeup or prefer the natural look.  Mascara can help to accentuate your eyes and is quick and easy!  So with that being said there a like a trillion billion out there so here is a review of one that I have tried lately and did not particularly love!

Up first…."Size Queen" mascara by Too Faced.  I tried this one because I do really like some of their products and their other mascara called "Better than Sex" is amazing.  This one however I do not recommend.  As you can see in the picture above the brush is really big which makes it a little harder to really get in there to get all of your lashes without smearing it on the eyelid.  I found the bristles would only target some lashes making them kind of clump together.  A good mascara lengthens and thickens and this one just didn't do it for me unfortunately.  Love the brand just not this particular product!  Hope this helps!  If there are products that you would like to see a review on feel free to leave them in the comments below and happy makeup shopping!!!!!  

I like makeup but….

Many of you have heard me say over and over again that I love what I do!  I thought for my first blog I would share just exactly why I love what I do! Usually when I tell people that I am a makeup artist I get one of two responses.  The first response is wow that is so cool; the second response is a blank stare and they aren't too sure how being a makeup artist can be a career.   I have learned through out the years (especially living in Colorado where people tend to be more natural) that not everyone thinks makeup is as cool as I do, and that is ok.

     Being in the beauty industry can be challenging at times because, unfortunately, a lot of people can be sucked into only being concerned on the outer appearance.  I have felt judged at times because I am so heavily in this industry.  Some people think I am high maintenance or all I care about is how I look, or how others look and that can be tough.  While the beauty industry can be vein, I have also learned that there is a huge opportunity to help other women.  So many women struggle with just wanting to feel beautiful and desired.  When you look at all the retouched magazine covers now a days, we as women can have some pretty big shoes to fill.  The world forces on us what they say is beautiful and we can get sucked into that.  We as women can easily start to think, "Oh if only I was skinnier, or my nose was smaller, or maybe if I did my makeup like Kim Kardashian I would feel better about myself."  My goal is to help women see that none of those things will help!  Makeup may make us feel beautiful but it is not what makes us beautiful. Beauty truly does come from within (hate to say it but your mom is right).  When did we all of the sudden stop caring about what is on the inside and only care about the external?

     I like to help teach women balance!  It's not wrong to want to wear makeup to feel prettier, or to buy that new sweater because it makes you feel good.  It truly is about balance and knowing what things are important in life and what things are fun.  I believe every woman is beautiful without makeup and does not need to "wear it."  Now don't get me wrong... I do love makeup and the power of transformation it can have;  I love the fun colors and variety of different products that do different things.  While makeup can be fun, its not lipstick and eyeshadow that I am passionate about.  I enjoy doing makeup but what I enjoy even more is getting to know the women.  I am passionate about helping them feel their very best maybe when they don't feel that great about themselves.  We all know as women that we struggle with our appearance no matter what age or what you look like. As women we like to take care of ourselves and we want to feel good about ourselves and that is okay. When a women says to me she feels beautiful and a little more confident after we are done I know my job is done, and I couldn't be happier.

     One of my favorite things about makeup is the power it has to transform our thoughts as women.  We see this at a young age with little girls when we get into our mom's makeup for the first time and play dress up.  I see it in the bride on her wedding day, and the women who go to a makeup counter looking for a "new look".  Statistics say that even when the economy crashed, women would still spend money on a new lipstick to help them feel better.  That to me is a huge sign of how makeup can affect our mindset.  I feel truly blessed having the opportunity to work with other women and hopefully showing them that they are so much more then the makeup they wear! I love being a part of the beauty industry and I know that this is what I was put on this earth to do! Now you know why I do what I do!

xoxo
Makeup by Heather B.