Why Did I Start A Blog?

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Greetings Earthlings! 

*This post is going to be more of a diary style...*

So I've been evaluating some things lately... I don't want to get too deep, but I'm starting to question myself a little.. My career hasn't gone how I had planed or hoped it would, and that has affected my confidence a little... So lately I've been upset with myself for not blogging more, but at the same time, I haven't been very inspired.. I asked myself some hard questions. "What does it take to be inspired?" "What was the reason you decided to blog in the first place?" Geez, Ashley, You don't beat around the bush do you?

I wanted to start a blog so that I could have a platform to be able to talk about the things that I'm passionate about.

I don’t have too many friends in real life. Not because I don’t want them, but I have a hard time connecting with people. Part of my problem is insecurity, and equal parts anxiety and depression.. Yep.. That lovely cocktail of worrying, over-thinking everything, and a debilitating lack of desire to get out of my comfort-zone.

So, like many before me, I thought a blog would be a good way to get my self out of my comfort zone and make some friends who have similar interests without necessarily having to put on pants... 

Now, thats not to say that I don't have any friends, but the friends I do have don't all share or understand my passion for makeup. Not that they are unsupportive, I just feel like when I'm talking about makeup they hear gibberish. My poor husband knows far more than I think he would prefer to know... So, instead of boring my friends and family, I thought of this blog as a way to vent about crappy products, gush about the good ones and start discussions on topics that make me and my readers giddy! 

I'm hoping that through this blog I'll build some friendships with people who think like I do and share my interests. I also think I have a unique perspective on makeup. I feel like you either LOVE "natural, everyday" makeup or "full-on glam." I think there is a time and place for both styles of makeup and both take talent. 

As far as I am concerned, this is a safe space. I don't care what religion you are, what your gender identity is, what your sex life is like, how much (or little) you weigh or what color your skin is. We all have something in common, and if you are reading this, I'm assuming its makeup. So lets use that common ground (did I just miss an opportunity for a foundation pun?) to form relationships with people who live different lives than ourselves!

Anyway...  That's why I wanted to start a blog. I also have a YouTube channel, so if you want to check that out I'll leave it linked here.

Thanks for stopping by!
If someone hasn't already told you yet today, you are BEAUTIFUL!

The Obligatory New Years Post

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Greetings Earthlings!!

So I know I'm a week late on this subject, I wasn't going to write about it at all, but I decided it would be a good idea, since I am having a little bit of a hard time coming up with topics right now.

New Years Resolutions are beaten to death on the blogging-/vlogging-sphere. #NewYearNewMe amiright? Kudos to you if you set resolutions and stick to them, because I never seem to be able to. That's why, this year, I'm not making any resolutions. I do have personal goals and a vision of where I'd like to be at the end of the year, though.

Goal #1; I'd like to be more healthy. There is no set number of pounds or inches I want to lose, because I never meet the goal and end up getting depressed and causing myself to gain more weight... So, instead of resolving to diet and lose weight, I'm setting a goal that I'll make smarter choices (no more pop, less sugar, less alcohol, etc) but instead of depriving myself and setting myself up for failure, I'm cutting each vice out, one at a time. First to go is pop. Then when I feel like I'm not missing it anymore, I'll cut something else. I'm also going to find a physician to make sure my hormones are in check.

Goal #2 is to start blogging more regularly. I'd really love to set a regular schedule for blogging, I just have a hard time writing when I'm not inspired to... Inspiration comes in bursts for me, and if I force something it doesn't feel genuine or honest.

And goal #3 is to learn everything I can learn about my career. I am a Licensed Esthetician, but I feel like I'm really lacking the knowledge I should have by now. I'd also like to be able to put myself out there and land my dream job, grow my client base and not let my insecurities hold me back..

I know the're not much difference between yearly goals and resolutions, but I feel like saying "goals" alleviates much of the pressure and stress, especially when it comes to my personality and tendencies,

Did you set resolutions or are you more goal-oriented? What are some topics you'd like to know my thoughts on?

If someone hasn't told you already, you are gorgeous!

Neon New Years Eve Makeup

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So the last video I uploaded was a very tame New Years makeup. This time I'm pulling out all the stops and going bold for the holiday! Hope you love it as much as I do!!! Let me know if you'd like to see more bright and fun looks like this!! 

New Years Eve Makeup Tutorial

Hey! I hope you like this tutorial for New Years makeup! I decided to go in a "wearable" direction, because I know there are already going to be a lot of colorful looks out there. I don't own any glitter, (I know, what is WRONG with me!?!?!?) but if you have some feel free to go ham with it!!! Also, please ignore my eyebrows... They have been needing attention for a while now... I actually got them waxed the day after I filmed this... Womp womp...

The Body Shop Lip Butter
Wet 'n Wild Take On The Day Eye Primer
Rimmel London Stay Matte Powder
Love Sick Eye Primer
NYX Milk Jumbo Pencil
Urban Decay x Gwen Stefani Palette
          Stark, Zone, Punk, Pop, 1987
Kryolan Eyeshadow in Highlight
Nivea Men After Shave Balm Sensitive
Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation 115 Ivory
Hard Candy Glamoflage Foundation 930 Porcelain
Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer Fair
Hard Candy Glamoflage Concealer Ultra Light
Coty Airspun Translucent Extra Coverage
Wet 'n Wild Contour Palette Dulce De Leche
Nyx Taupe Blush
Measurable Difference Baked Blush Rose 
Rimmel Scandeleyes Black
Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volume
Maybelline One By One Volume Express
Kiss Dreamy Lashes
Black Heart Forever Red Lip Liner
Bonita Lip Velvet Lady Va Va Voom

I hope you have a fantastic rest of the week and a BEAUTIFUL New Year!!!

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette Tutorial

 Hey!! So I filmed a Holiday appropriate look using my Chocolate Bar palette! Hope you enjoy!!

Products Used

Wet N Wild Eye Primer
CoverGirl Redy Set Gorgeous Concealer
Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
          -Milk Chocolate - Crease, lower lashline
          -Semi Sweet - Crease
          -Tripple Fudge - Deep crease
          -Candied Violet - Lid (wet)
          -Creme Brule - Inner lid
Acure Argan Oil Facial Wipes
Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer- Center of face
Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer - Full face
Lip Suction OR Full Lips (Mine are from AliExpress....)
Concealer Palette
Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation
Sugar box Face Highlighter
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips
NYX Blush - Taupe
Elf Blush/Bronzer Duo
Trestique Matte Crayon - Nantucket Nude
Essence I Love Extreme Mascara

I Hope you enjoyed this look!!
Have a FANTASTIC day! And if someone hasn't told you yet, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!!

4 Looks, 1 Palette Using Lorac MegaPro 2

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Heeeeeeyyyy!!

So today I'm sharing this video with you. I was brainstorming ideas of looks with the Lorac MegaPro 2 and I was having a hard time. I just wanted to stick in a little corner of the palette.. I needed to break out of the rut I was in with this palette. So I sat down and had a good long look at her. 

After about 5 minutes, I turned on my camera and let the creative juices flow, 4 times.... It's a little odd, looking at yourself in the mirror with 2 different eye looks on at the same time. It's also really cool to see exactly how each style makes your eyes look differently! 

I'm planning on doing more videos like this, are there any palettes you'd like to see something like this with?? If I own it, I'll definitely try this out!!

I hope you guys enjoy watching this as much as I enjoyed filming it!!

Have a WONDERFUL day, and if someone hasn't already told you today, You are Beautiful!!\

Orange Blowout Eyeshadow Tutorial

Hello!! I was inspired to create this look because fall is almost over (or is over, depending on who you're talking to....) and I'm not ready to say goodbye.... I wanted to get one last fall inspired look up before I dive into Holiday Makeup!! 

I am so in love with the way this look turned out!! I think this it, though bright and bold, is still rather wearable! Especially if you have BLUE eyes!! What do you think?

Hope you enjoy!! Let me know if there's anything you'd like me to write or film about!!!

Have a great day, and if someone hasn't already told you today, You are BEAUTIFUL!!!