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Showing posts with label Video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Video. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Art of Air: The Tutorial

Art of Air Tutorial
Art of Air Airbrush System

Art of Air Tutorial

So, I recently did a short little review of the Art of Air Airbrushing system.  I didn't really go into details about how to use an airbrush system, so I'm going to try to explain it.

**  Please Note:  This post contains affiliate and/ or referral links

For those new to airbrush makeup:

For starters let me say, I am in NO WAY an expert at airbrush makeup, I've only been doing it now for like a week.  So, I don't feel this in anyway qualifies me as a "Go To Person", however I am a newbie and so I feel like I can help fellow newbies understand this kinda intimidating system.

I know for myself, the thought of an airbrush system was really exciting.  When I found out that I was going to get it, I was overjoyed then I was terrified.  I didn't know what the crap I was going to do with it, let alone use the dang thing.

Reasons to NOT be Intimidated

  • It's just a small little machine.
  • It's not permanent
  • Practice makes Perfect (well not for me, but I'm getting better)
  • It washes off
  • If you don't like it maybe your husband can use it to paint model cars (JOKE)
In all seriousness though, I truly was very intimidated thinking of using it.  Even just looking at the little gun thing, it seemed too complicated for me.  It also scared me because I HATE, like DESPISE anything that creates more work for me.  I was afraid that because I'm a lazy cleaner, that I would definitely end up screwing something up.

However, after finally digging my teeth in and trying it out, I found it wasn't as scary as it looked.

The Art of Air System

Getting Your Airbrush Kit

Some of the basics of what you get....


  • Compressor
  • Hose
  • "Gun" or "Sprayer" or whatever u call the air thing
  • Foundation (Usually 4-6 shades)
  • Cleaner
  • Case
  • My kit also had bronzing & highlighting colors

Setting Up Your Kit

Attach Hose to Compressor
Attach Hose to Compressor

Attach the Hose to the "Gun"

Using Your Airbrush Kit:

Ok, so you have your hose attached and ready to go....


Art of Air System: Compressor

  • Practice with water!
  • Pour desired shade in the "gun"
  • Have the Compressor on a higher setting
  • Spray into tissue until you see Color
  • Spray 6 inches from face in big, circular motions (constant movement)
  • Spray even coat on face, ears, neck and visible chest
This is definitely one of those things that practice makes perfect.  You probably aren't going to master it on the first try.  Definitely wait until you have plenty of free time and don't have anywhere to go, that way you can have plenty of time for trial and error.  (Or maybe I'm the only person who takes time getting used to it.)

Mixing Shades:

Can't find the exact match?  It's so simple to mix shades with the airbrush system.  Grab a couple of the nearest shades to your skintone and just practice until you find the right combination of colors that you are happy with and feel match your skin.

Once you have the desired shades:
  • Drop each shade into the bowl of the Gun
  • Turn the Compressor on a lower setting
  • Cover the nozzle (Make sure your blocking the airflow)
  • Pull the Lever Back 
  • After it "Bubbles" up
  • Release the Lever slowly until the product goes down
  • Repeat Steps
  • Spray on tissue to see the color
It's really easy to mix colors.  This was probably the most scary thing, but I found it to be one of the easiest part.

Clean Up

Clean up is so easy.  Seriously it's the easiest thing I've ever cleaned.  I don't know if I do it exactly as instructed (I'm horrible at reading directions)

  • Fill bowl on gun with water
  • Spray water out of the gun
  • Pour cleaner in bowl
  • Spray Cleaner out
  • Repeat with water
  • Store unit
It's really that easy!!!

Not A Pro

I'm definitely not a pro.  I hope that this kinda goes some way in helping to understand the process of an airbrush system.  Again, it can sound terrifying and highly technical when you get the instructions and see all those words.  But, it really is a fun and easy thing.

Imperfections

When you are using the system to cover imperfections, you'll spray a tad close to the face but in short bursts.  

This is probably the best way I've ever seen to cover imperfections!  I was literally amazed at the results of my before and after pictures.

Before & After using Airbrush Makeup

I'm really pleased overall with this system.  Definitely need to play with it more.  I can't wait to practice contouring with this.  Maybe one of these days my daughter will be my guinea pig and let me practice using it on someone else.

You know, beauty is great.  But, the most important thing is always being comfortable in your own skin.  For the most part, I've finally learned to love me for me.  I still have massive imperfections in all aspects of my life, but I've learned to accept me for me and to appreciate me in my faults.  

No matter what it is your doing, as long as you feel good about yourself, then that's all that matters!!  Never compromise who you are.



Purchase The Art of Air System:

Art of Air Professional Airbrush System


** Disclaimer:  I received this product in exchange for my honest opinions.  All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Checkout my YouTube Video:



Monday, April 13, 2015

Walmart Beauty Box: Part Two

Walmart Beauty Box: Spring Box Part Two


So, I have no clue why in the world I've received two boxes, but I randomly received a second Spring box from Walmart Beauty.  My first box was a huge catastrophe.  Filled with an overflowing amount of "Foil Packets" and huge hits like "Rogaine" coupons, it was what I would call, less than appealing for a woman of ANY age.

Walmart Beauty Box: What it is??

Walmart Beauty Box is a quarterly subscription box for women (or men too I guess), the cost is just $5 every three months.  

From the Walmart Site:
Each new season brings different product needs and a reason to refresh your beauty cabinet. In your Walmart Beauty Box, you’ll find sample beauty products and tips on how to use those and other items sold at Walmart and on Walmart.com. Receiving your Walmart Beauty Box will be another reason to welcome each new season.

Young and "OLD"

The folks at Walmart Beauty have divided their boxes into what we've discovered to be two groups:  The Young People Box and The OLD People Box.  From Facebook groups, we've discovered that Walmart defines 34 and younger, to be "YOUNG" and those 35 and older to be "OLD", now they don't come out and say this, but it's been quite clear with the items they send out to the people in those categories that that's how they've "Labeled" us.  

The VERY first Walmart Beauty Box was released in August of 2014.  In that box, it was GREAT.  I received a full size of a great deodorant, a full size of Oil of Olay skincream and a Loreal lip gloss (labeled "Not for Resale".  However, the release of the Winter Boxes, that's when things got "Squirrely" and the "old" people received boxes filled with two seasons old foil packet samples, an overload of skincreams, and other less than impressive items and ZERO cosmetic items.  While the "Younger" folks received items that were more "Fun" and included at least one "lipstick".

Well, the arrival of our Spring boxes just brought the Walmart Beauty Box to a whole new low.  I counted five foil packets (the most I've ever received in one single subscription box, and tons of coupons and other useless items, including a $5 off coupon for Rogaine hair stuff...  Well, the "OLD" people took to YouTube and shared their boxes of OLD people stuff and let their feelings known.

I don't know honestly if it was this that caused them to send out a second wave of "old" boxes, but several people I know have received second boxes.  ALl of them were folks who had received the "old" box, not the young box.  So, perhaps Walmart has realized the "Error" of their ways...

Checkout Walmart Beauty: Spring TAKE TWO


Saturday, March 14, 2015

Beauty Blender: To Dupe or NOT to Dupe PLUS a HOW TO Guide

Beauty Blender: To Dupe or Not To Dupe

To Dupe or NOT To Dupe...


Beauty Blender VS Dupes

So, I am a HUGE fan of saving money whenever you can.  There are times when you can seriously save some big bucks by going with a low cost option that is extremely similar to the High End version.  Today, I decided to look at the REAL Beauty  Blender Versus The "Dupes"....

Here a Dupe, There a Dupe, Everywhere a Dupe DUPE

So, if you log onto Amazon and search for Beauty Blender you will pull up thousands of products. Some that are the "Real" deal and others that are dupes of the real thing.  So, how do you navigate the overwhelming options that Amazon and other sites have of Beauty Blender and their Dupe's???

I have a few of the Dupes as well as a REAL Beauty Blender (Courtesy of a friend on Facebook who sent it to me in a swap!!) plus an ULTA sponge.  So, I decided after finally getting my hands on the REAL Beauty Blender to test the REAL VS DUPE...


Original Beauty Blender

The Original Beauty Blender: SassyGalBeautySo, here is a pic of my Original Beauty Blender (Please Note:  I had already opened and just put it back inside the package for pics).  I had only ever tried dupes prior to receiving the Original Beauty Blender and so I was amazed when I got this how different it is to the dupes.

You can find the Original Beauty Blender on various sites:

Birchbox.com & Sephora, are both great sites to find the Beauty Blender.  If you are a Birchbox subscriber, you have the added bonus of being able to use your Birchbox points towards your purchase.  Birchbox actually has a Double Blender package for just $28.95, so for just $9 more you can get two instead of one.

Shop BeautyBlender.Net to find a wide variety of Beauty Blender's and accessories as well as the Solid Cleanser (A MUST for cleaning your Beauty Blender)



RougeSmooth:

RougeSmooth is one of the more popular "dupes" on Amazon and I had actually tried it prior to trying the "Real" blender.  Before I had tried the Original, I thought the RougeSmooth was o.k., it seemed decent.  However, I never actually used it for using it everyday.  It wasn't good enough to make me choose it over my regular sponge I was using (I had been using a Sonia Kashuk sponge from Target).

So, for someone who hasn't yet to try a "Real" blender, they may think that the RougeSmooth or other blenders are fantabulous.  However, now I've tried a real blender I can say without hesitation that it doesn't even come close to the "Real Deal".

Beauty Blender VS RougeSmooth
Beauty Blender VS RougeSmooth

Comparing Real VS Dupe

I could have shown you other dupes in pictures, but honestly, it really is pointless.  This is one of those times where the saying "You get what you pay for", is absolutely 100% true.  I wouldn't recommend to anyone looking for a good sponge to purchase a cheaper option.  I definitely recommend that you spend a little extra and get the "Real" in this case.

Original Beauty Blender:

  • Very Small
  • Bright, BRIGHT Pink
  • Extremely Soft
  • Becomes Softer When Wet
  • Very Pliable: Easy to get around eyes and nose
  • Comes in White, Black, Pink, Purple & Red
  • Cleans Fairly Easily with Cleanser
The things I noticed when using a Fake VS Real:
  • Dupes are MUCH harder
  • Dupes don't squeeze well
  • Aren't as pliable
  • Some don't expand when wet
  • Makeup Doesn't Go on Smoothly
  • Much Longer Drying Time
  • Doesn't Clean As Well
The purpose of a Beauty Blender is that when you use it correctly, the product is going to sit on top of the sponge rather than absorbing inside the sponge as it does with regular sponges.  Because of it's shape, and softness it also allows the user to get in the creases that often times are hard to get to with other methods of applying foundation.


How To Use a Beauty Blender:

So, if you've never used a Beauty Blender, and suddenly find yourself with one you may be confused as how in the heck to use this cute little pink sponge....

  1. Wet Your Beauty Blender
  2. Squeeze Excess Water Out
  3. Apply Foundation: Dab / Tap
  4. Tight Areas: Squeeze around Eyes/ Nose
  5. Rinse Thoroughly
  6. Wash: Use a mild soap or Beauty Blender Cleanser 
  7. Allow to air dry
Beauty Blender Tutorial

Verdict: BUY REAL

So, a lot of times I would say to go for a cheaper option.  Not in this case.  If you are looking for a great way to apply foundation I say either use a brush or a Beauty Blender.  After testing three dupes and having long been a user of regular sponges, I can honestly say that nothing compares to the Original Beauty Blender that I've yet tried.

The Original Beauty Blender for one, is smaller than any other's I've tested as well as SO MUCH softer.  The other ones are much more stiff and aren't near as pliable as the Original is.  It also cleans so much better than the dupes did, making it a much more hygienic option.

Until I had used a Beauty Blender, I really didn't grasp all the hype around it.  However, I truly am a believer now and can't see me ever going back to my grungy sponge again!!


**  FAKE ALERT:
 When purchasing a Beauty Blender, I would try to only purchase from places like Sephora or Birchbox, I'm a huge Amazon fan, but many people end up getting fakes and not the real deal when purchasing from sellers on Amazon!


Watch Beauty Blender IN Action Video:





Monday, December 22, 2014

Birchbox: December Unboxing


Birchbox: December Unboxing

Birchbox: Unboxing December

Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription service.  For $10/ monthly, subscribers receive between 4-7 Deluxe Sized Samples (Occassionally, you may also receive Full Sized items).  The samples range from haircare stuffs to skincare to cosmetic samples.  

Birchbox is also extremely popular because of their outstanding customer service as well as their outstanding and uncomparable Point System.  Subscribers have the opportunity each month to provide feedback on the samples in their box.  Each feedback is worth 10 points, and 100 points is the equivalent to $10 to spend on Birchbox.com!  

To Purchase: http://birchbox.com/invite/sassygal (My Referral Link) :)

Unboxing December:

I have decided I need to STOP looking at Sneak Peeks and looking at fellow subscriber's boxes because it only seems to cause disappointment when I open my own box.  The past few months, I've been so extremely bummed out when I receive my box, and I believe it's from seeing all of the more fabulous items that other's are getting.

I have yet to receive a cool beauty tool yet and this month they had an awesome fan brush going around and I was so super bummed when I didn't get it.  I actually had to film my unboxing video twice because I was so disappointed.

Let's Get To It....

Vasanti: Brighten Up Rejuvenator

Vasanti Brighten Up Rejuvenator

This is a pretty cool item, I wasn't thrilled at first glance.  However, after living with it for a couple of days, I decided perhaps it wasn't as bad as I initally thought.


No. 4 Shampoo & Conditioner

No. 4 Shampoo & Conditioner

Besides the fact that these two samples meant TWENTY feedback points, I wasn't thrilled AT ALL to get these.  I was ok with it... UNTIL I opened it and I wasn't feeling this scent at ALL!  So, I don't know that I'll EVER use this!


Beauty Protector Hair Oil

Beauty Protector Oil

This would be an exciting item, if I could use hair oil.  However, the texture of my hair makes it impossible to use this stuff.  I wish though, that it had been the shampoo and conditioner.  Birchbox prides themself on not sending repeats, however I would GLADLY accept repeats of the Beauty Protector Shampoo & Conditioner.  The smell is HEAVENLY!  


W3LL People

W3LL People Highlighter / Brightener

This was my "Sample Choice" for the month!  I'm really pleased with it.  I love having extra shimmer and so a product like this is great for me!





Miranesse Lip Rouge

I love this!  I received the color: Sydney and it's gorgeous!  So velveety!  I don't know why I didn't take a stand-alone picture of it, but trust me when I say it's an absolutely gorgeous shade!  I did an unboxing video and actually wore this in the unboxing video!


Overall Thoughts

This was a pretty decent box.  It's much better than most of the boxes I have received.  I was just disappointed that I didn't receive a couple of the other incredible items that were in some of the boxes this month.  I really, REALLY wanted the Vasanti Rose Gold liner, but I should have made it my "Choice".  There also was an awesome Laura Gellar Fan Brush going around that I was PRAYING to God I got and I was sadly disappointed when it didn't show up in my box.

So, I'll just stop looking at everyone elses' boxes until I've received and lived with mine for a couple of days so I'm not SUPER bummed when I don't get what I want out of everyone elses' boxes!

What Was In Your Box?

Do you get Birchbox?  If you do, I'd love to know what you received!

Watch My Unboxing:




Friday, November 7, 2014

Weather... Seasons Change

SassyGal and Gracie Girl

Apologies...

I apologize...  I have not been posting like I needed to be, I'm so very far behind on doing everything that needs to be done...  I've been waking up with horrible headaches and just feeling horribly all the way around...  NOT FUN...  

I don't know if it's the season changing and this weather causing these massive headaches or what...  But, I'm starting to feel back to myself and hope to once again resume normal postings.. I have tons to bring to y'all and I hope you will all love them!!!

In the Meantime.....

My daughter and I were testing out a new product I have to review and we decided to do an impromptu Exercise Video...

So, for those of you who love Exercise or Dance or Just FUN, here's a video to keep you entertained until I can come up with some great products for you guys to try.....

SassyGal Gets Physical......

Kinda...





Hope you Enjoyed !