Makeup Must-haves

I read an article today on yahoo.com that said that the 3 must-haves for you makeup bag (and by this, I am referring to what is in your purse) are concealer, mascara, and blush. Well I disagree. You need more than 3, and the 3 they picked aren't what I would suggest.

Concealer by itself is obvious. It stands out, and has a different texture and finish than your natural skin.Your first make up must have is a pressed powder foundation. Benefits of powder foundations?

1. They are lightweight on the face, but offer a sheer to a maximum coverage (depending on how you apply)
2. It is perfect for touch-up
3. Easy to carry and apply on-the-go

Blush, I agree, is a must have. However, blush can have warm or cool undertones. If you have only one blush in your bag, then you are doing yourself a disservice. But by saying "blush" you are limiting one to think, 'Oh, I only need one blush ever in my whole life.' NO. You need at least 2 - a warm and a cool blush. What I would recommend in its place is a light bronzer. It will give color, but in the sense of 'sun' versus 'blush.' Don't go bronzer heavy. This is not a coloring contest, but a quick swipe on the cheekbones, forehead and bridge of the nose will give you the color you need.

Mascara is a must have. Period. The mascara in your makeup bag should be black, and should be waterproof. This is so you can transform your look from day to night (remember, this the the makeup that is in your purse!), but also to touch up if needed.

You need 2 lip colors. This is an absolute necessary. One should be a gloss, preferably a clear or a very sheer color. This will be for touch ups throughout the day, but also to layer with a color that is more dramatic (your choice of a second color).

You need a black eyeliner (which should be a roll-up pencil so you don't have to search for a sharpener). Duh. To line your eyes. 

You need a neutral eyeshadow quad (4 shadow compact). Think browns. 

These products will create a full face, and can easily be added to your day look to create a fab night time look. They will fit in a small makeup bag, as most compacts come with applicators so you don't have to carry brushes/sponges. Just remember to wash them REGULARLY.

The Best Facial Mask I've Ever Used

So recently, I have been plagued with acne. It started off really mild, but it was pretty persistent in marring my otherwise pretty decent complexion, so I went to the dermatologist to see if there was anything that I could do about it. (Ok, not gonna lie - my mother made the appointment and basically forced me to go, as I am currently not working and didn't want to drive 30 minutes to see a doctor over a few zits.) Said dermatologist looked at my face, and gave me a prescription for antibiotics. I took said medication and BOOM my face looks like I've been shot. Seriously, it's ridiculous. I do not blame the dermatologist - I've seen him for years regarding various skin concerns over the years.

I am currently suffering a self-imposed exile from public (in-ile? I'm not going anywhere, just staying inside... and I'm not counting the volunteer job that I go to 3 times a week where I see maximum 4 people), therefore I have decided to take matters into my own hands. Hence, the reason for this particular entry.

I have tried other acne products in the past. Some things work, some things work for a bit and then quit working, and somethings just outright blow.

However, the best thing I have ever used was a facial mask called Miracol (by Merle Norman).

History

Merle Norman (who was a real woman, btw) started her skincare line by creating a burn cream in her kitchen, inspired by a grease burn that hit her face. She added color to it to blend it into her skin, and found that HELLO, THIS SHIT IS AWESOME. She put powder on it, and boom, first foundation: Powder Base. She started selling this to her friends, and they became addicts, like every woman is when good cosmetic/skin care products come out. They begged for more, and she created a cold cream: All Purpose Cleansing Cream and this face mask: Mira-col. When did all this come out? 1931. That's right - she did all this in the middle of the Great Depression. And it was amazing. Why? Because even when money is tight, women will not go around looking like hags.

All Purpose Cleansing Cream, Mira-col, and Powder Base are the original 3 products to the Merle Norman company, and they are still an integral part of the product line. AND THE FORMULAS HAVE NOT CHANGED FROM THE ORIGINAL 1931 RECIPE. What other company can say that? Each of these products have remained the same for over 85 years. These 3 products are the original 3 Steps to Beauty.

However, this post is about the second of the 3: Mira-col (or Miracol, as it is known today).

Miracol comes in 2 formulas now: Miracol Revitalizing Lotion and Miracol Revitalizing Cream. The Lotion formula is the original line, but the cream works the same. I prefer the cream as you can use your hands to apply, and it's a bit thicker, so it's less messy. However, they both produce the same results.

Miracol Revitalizing Cream is hot pink. Seriously. I use an older foundation brush that is reserved specifically for this product to apply as I hate to use my hands for anything other than moisturizers, but fingers are perfectly ok to use to apply the cream. (The Lotion formula comes with an application brush.)

Apply this mask to the forehead, nose and from the cheek bones down. Do not put on your upper lip. It will tighten, and you feel it. Leave it on for 8-20 minutes. (I usually put it on at the start of a 30 minute show, and then take it off when the show is over.) It is easiest removed with tepid (lukewarm, room temperature, etc) water - you will essentially remoisten the mask and wipe it away GENTLY. (I have also been known to do this in the shower, as I can stick my face under the water, but that is definitely not required).

*I do not have pictures of this, as when this product dries it looks like I am a burn victim (due to the color against my skin).*

Miracol can be applied either in the morning or at night.

Miracol has 5 benefits: it firms and tightens the skin, it helps to diminish the appearance of pores, controls oil, and it is a deep cleansing mask (as in, it sucks out all the nasty). You will seen and feel an immediate difference.

Although it is a deep cleansing mask, it should always be applied to clean skin - as in, skin with no makeup.

Miracol tingles on me. Some people do not notice a tingle. Any tingling sensation will stop once the mask is dry. 

Miracol (to me) smells like Pine-Sol. There is no Pine-Sol in the mask. Promise. Some people like the smell. Some people don't notice any smell at all.

Miracol can be used by ANY SKIN TYPE; ANY SKIN COLOR; ANY SKIN SENSITIVITY (although, check with your doc or do a test patch first!); ANY AGE. I have recommended (as a professional) Miracol to people from ages 13 - 85.

Miracol can be applied further down the neck onto the chest (or shoulders/back if necessary). Same rules apply for the amount of time you leave it on, but I would suggest removing it in the shower.

There really isn't anything on the market that compares with this product. I have used other products that have promised the same results, and they either stopped working (Proactiv) or they dried my face out so bad that it started to peel (looking at you, Clinique).

Miracol, hands down, is the BEST FACIAL MASK I'VE EVER USED.

Also, after doing this mask tonight, my face has cleared up slightly. It's not as red. While I still have several bumps, I can see the difference. The bumps that are remaining have gone down in size. I can hid what remains with makeup until the Miracol zaps the rest of it away.

To find Miracol visit your local Merle Norman. Don't have one in your area? Vist merlenorman.com to find a studio near you. International locations currently in Guatemala, Bahrain, UAE, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. (Internationally, they are still pretty limited, so if you need a recommendation as to which store to use, I know several owners/managers of studios and would be happy to provide their contact information if needed.)