Get Ready with Me (Using Affordable Products that I Love)

Real life story before we get started...

So, I had this vision for this blog and I wanted to start by writing about the shampoo, conditioner, and face wash I use. I wanted to start by taking pictures in front of the shower with no make up on and get pictures of me as I got ready..(it's a process, right ladies?!) I am getting ready at my Aunt's house because her house is dreamy. Anyways, I look down and noticed my toenails looked horrible! I found some pink polish that matched the polish I had on so I just painted over it. I finished and was putting on the lid and BAM! IT FELL OUT OF MY HAND! It fell to the ground leaving a HUGE puddle in the floor and tiny splatters all over the floor, sink, and my face! I freak out and start crying because it was not coming up with the finger nail polish remover my aunt had. Well, my aunt walks in on me hysterically crying and assures me it was okay. Let's just say I did not start the photo shoot with a makeup-free face like I planned.

This just reminded me that so many times in our life we love to have our own plans and like to have a hold on everything. Sometimes we have to let God take things out of our hands.Life is messy.Life gets out of control.God,our creator,comes and cleans up our messes and wipes our tears. Every.Single.Time.

So, let's get started!

Affordable Products that I am Currently Loving

My husband makes fun of me (or gets on to me) for buying so many products, trying it out for a short time, not liking it, and buying more. He says, "You have too much lipstick and shampoo." Is there a such thing of having too much lipstick? I am no expert at make up and I am not a beauty product guru, but I have tried many products. There are a few products that I currently love and use daily! Most of the items that I am going to link can be found at Walmart, Amazon,Target or Ulta and they are all very affordable in my opinion. I am sure you are like me and have spent way too much money on beauty products and make up that doesn't work so I am going to talk about what has been working for me! I am going to walk you through me getting ready with some of my favorite products.

DISCLAIMER: These products work for me, but they may not work for you! I am not sponsored by any of the products!

1.) Shower Products:

Shampoo for Oily Hair

So, like I said above my husband says I buy too much shampoo. I have oily, fine hair so finding shampoo has been a struggle for me. I have been using "Pure Clean" by Garnier Fructis and "Scalp Sync" by Matrix Biolage. I used to have to wash my hair everyday, but with these two shampoos I have been washing my hair every other day. I change it up every other wash or combine them both. I use only a dime amount of conditioner for smoothness because if I use too much my hair will remain oily. I believe the secret to healthy hair is using a leave-in conditioner. I have always used Pravana brand, but you can't buy it just anywhere so I tried the Pure Clean Leave-In Detangler and I love it! I can spray it in my hair and it doesn't make it oily!

Links:

Pure Clean Shampoo

Pure Clean Detangler

Biolage Scalp Sync

Skincare in the Shower

I have been using the same razor for about three years now. I have sensitive skin and I will get bumps if I use anything other than a five blade razor. The "Quatro Hydro Silk" razors keep my skin smooth without any bumps. I use conditioner and coconut oil to shave, too. Coconut oil is the remedy for EVERYTHING! I use it on my skin everyday and put it on my face after I get out of the shower, too.

Links:

Razor

Coconut Oil for Skin

Face Wash

I have never struggled with acne, but I do have sensitive skin. I don't have a full skincare routine. I just use a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer. I have been using a foaming cleanser by Andalou called "1000 Roses" for a year now. I love the way it foams and gently cleanses my face from dirt and removes my make up. It leaves my skin feeling, fresh, clean, and smooth! I found this at TJ Maxx and continued to order it off of Amazon. I like their Floral Toner and their Vitamin C Brightening Face Wash,too. The best thing about it is that it all runs around $10!

Links:

Andalou Facial Cleanser

Andalou Starter Kit

Aveeno Brightening Daily Scrub

Moisturizer

2.) Makeup

The thing that I love about Summer is that you can wear less makeup because your face is a little more tan. I love to just wear a little foundation, bronzer, and mascara for a natural look. I have been using "Double Wear" by Este Lauder which is about $42, but I believe it is worth it because I don't have to cake it on and it lasts all day long.It is more of a matte look so I add highlighter and use the Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray for a little glow. I love love love the Rose Water Spray for a setting spray! I saw a lot of makeup gurus using Physicians Formula's "Butter Bronzer" so I decided to check it out. I love this bronzer so much! It has a little glow to it and it goes on so smooth! I have a ton of lipstick, and I wear lipstick no matter how little or how much makeup I have on. I feel naked without it! For my everyday look, I use a nude color called "Low Key" or "Delish" in Tarteist Lip Paint by Tarte. For more of a darker and more noticeable look I have been wearing "Rebel Rose" and "Give me Mocha" by Wet'n'Wild Catsuit which is only $5!! Also, one affordable brand that I currently love is Morphe! I use their blender to apply my foundation, their eye shadow palette in 25A Copper Spice Artistry, and their highlighter!

Links:

Foundation

Bronzer

Rose Water Spray

Wet'n' Wild Catsuit Lipstick in "Rebel Rose" or "Give me Mocha"

Tarteist Lip Paint in "Low Key" or "Delish"

Morphe Eyeshadow Palette

3.) Hair

How I Curl my Hair

The thing I am questioned most about is what I use to curl my hair. I have naturally straight hair so most days I spend the extra 15 minutes getting ready to curl my hair with the "True Beauty" curling wand. I got the wand at TJ Maxx, but you can find it on Amazon. It is so easy and quick! A lot of people ask how I curl my hair, too. My three suggestions are:

1.) Section your hair into sections (I have thick hair so I have to divide into three sections)

2.) Curl away from your face

3.) Leave the bottom inch of your hair uncurled

Hair Products

Like I said before, I have oily hair. I have tried quite a few brands of dry shampoo. The one I love the most is "Clean Freak" by Not Your Mother's. I found one with a brown tint to it and I use it every day to add volume and texture to my hair. After I curl my hair I use Kristen Ess Finishing Spray and it adds texture and holds my curls in place!