Dre Does a Target Beauty Box Review

 

About a year ago I cancelled my Ipsy subscription and am always on the look out for intriguing subscription services. I had heard good things about the Target Beauty Box as far as value goes, so when I woke up to an email last week saying they were in stock, I jumped at the chance to get my own. For only $10 you can have deluxe sized samples and even full size products sent to your house!

Starting in the top left and moving clockwise, I received the Andalou Age Defying Night Repair Cream, Hair Food Kiwi Dry Shampoo,  L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes, Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream, Derma e Firming DMAE Moisturizer, L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Pen, Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, and the Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream.

Not only did I get all 9 of these products but I also got a $3 Off a $15 Target Beauty Purchase. I believe these coupons are included in every Beauty Box. I love how this box comes with a card explaining every product because I hated that I never had a list and description of every product in my Ipsy Subscription.

Now let's talk products. While I can't give reviews of products yet, I can at least let you know the things I'm really interested in trying and what their value is!

Andalou Age Defying Night Repair Cream ($24.99 for Full Size; Sample Value- $6.00): I've heard really great things about this all-natural brand so I'm excited to try a night repair cream from them. It has antioxidants that help stimulate circulation and healthy cell renewal while slowing the damage of cells while you sleep!
Hair Food Kiwi Dry Shampoo (Travel Size Value $4.99): I use a dry shampoo at least 4 times a week so I'm always open to try new ones. I like that this one is paraben and sulfate free and light on your hair.
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Towelettes ($7.79 for 6 Towelettes; Sample Value-$1.30): I've heard amazing things about the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze line, for a drugstore self-tanning line. I'm really excited to try something from it. My only complaint is that since you are supposed to use the product every day until you like how dark you get, I feel like one towelette might not do that much, but we shall see!
Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream ($32.00 for Full Size; Sample Value- $12.80): Ever since this brand came to Target I've been dying to try it. I'm excited to start with this product because it is supposed to keep you hydrated for 24 hours!
Derma e Firming DMAE Moisturizer ($19.99 for Full Size; Sample Value- $5.00): This moisturizer claims to visibly firm and lift the skin and since I'm always looking to prevent the loss of elasticity in my face, I can't wait to try it.
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Pen ($8.99 Full Size Lip Pen): I've been meaning to pick one of these Lip Pens up since they came out so I'm excited to try this one. I got the shade 207 Laque-y You.
Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil ($15.99 for Full Size; Sample Value- $2.67): I am obsessed with cleansing oils to remove my makeup so I'm thrilled to try this one. I have loved Burt's Bees products in the past so I'm excited to try another from them.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser ($11.99 for Full Size; Sample Value- $0.50): This is honestly the only product in the box I'm not excited to try because I'm not the biggest fan of gentle cleansers like CeraVe and Cetaphil. I don't geel like they do enough to really help the skin. This will probably be something I keep in my shower or gym bag for when I'm in a rush and don't want to grab my normal cleansers.
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream ($24.00 for Full Size; Sample Value- $1.20): I love that this is all-natural and only contains 6 ingredients derived from living plants and organisms.

I will do a follow up post once I've tried all the products and let you know what I think! As far as value goes this box was worth $43.45! That's amazing considering that I only payed $10. Plus we can't forget the additional $3 coupon I got towards my next Target Beauty purchase. I'm not sure if I just hit the jackpot this box or if they are all this great but I will be sure to pick up the next one as long as I can snag it before it sells out!

Let me know if you've tried the Target Beauty Box or any of these products before and what your thoughts are!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Tips for Transitioning Your Skin into Spring and Summer

Hello! I'm back and ready to go. As many of you know, I live in Michigan and spring can mean all sorts of weather. We can have a sunny 70 degree day followed by an ice storm the next. With this bipolar weather can come bipolar skin, as it's not sure how to adapt to these crazy weather changes. A large percentage of the guests I've been seeing recently are experiencing this difficulty in balancing their skin so I figured we could all use some help. Today I would like to share my 5 tips for helping your skin in this transition period and get it glowing and ready for the summer!

1. Get on a routine. Regardless of what is going on with your skin, getting into a routine is the best thing you can do for it. Your body craves balance and your skin is no different. If you don't already have a solid skincare routine, I highly suggest starting here. If you're not one for spending a lot of time doing so, I recommend the three basic steps; cleanse, tone, and moisturize. No matter the skin type, do these three morning and night and I guarantee your skin will thank you. 

2. Up your water intake. Even if you are usually great at drinking water, use this opportunity to commit to drinking the correct amount of water for your body (I recommend at least half your body weight in ounces, however I strive for much more than that every day)! You'd be amazed what I can tell from looking at a client's skin about how much water they consume.

3. Get a facial. Now you're probably thinking I'm recommending this only because I'm an esthetician but I promise that's not why I'm suggesting this. Every time you get a facial, we take a good look at what is actually going on with the skin. I can't tell you how many times I have a guest on my table who is either completely wrong about what their skin is actually like, or isn't sure what to do about the changes they are seeing in this transition season of weather. Your esthetician is there to guide you to the correct products and treatments based on what is actually happening that day. If you've ever been to a treatment with me you know I'm loaded with tips and tricks to help! 

4. Exfoliation. Whether it be at home or at with your esthetician, it's important to exfoliate especially during this time of year. I have so many guests coming to be with dry, dead skin cells on the surface that are preventing the skin from glowing and looking bright. A good microdermabrasion, peel or enzyme mask, is just what you need to get rid of dead skin cells and allow your skin to really absorb and utilize the amazing products you put on afterwards. 

5. Try some sleeping masks. I plan on making a post about this soon, but my latest obsession are sleeping masks. I love how they take no extra time on nights when I just want to get to bed because you use them in place of your moisturizer. You then wake up the next morning with completely refreshed skin! I've been trying a few different ones and can't wait to share with you what I've been loving so stay tuned.

I hope these tips help you get your skin where you want it! Spring is all about refreshing and rejuvenating your life and your skin should be no different! 

As usual if you ever have questions about a specific skincare issue or product, please leave me comment or email me at andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com! If you're in the greater Lansing area, come see me at Remedi Spa and Wellness and I'd love to pamper you and get your skin on track for summer! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does 2015 Beauty Favorites

After careful consideration my favorite products of the year are finally here! These are makeup, skin care and hair products that have been used on a regular basis throughout the year and even repurchased multiple times so you know that I have put them to the test and love them. I chose 15 products total and have separated them into categories...So let's get started!

Let's start with hair products. If you know anything about me, it's that I am not one to fuss a lot over my hair. I've never colored it and keep styling to a minimum so for me to stand behind a hair product means that it has to be easy! These three products have been my rocks for the year and I can't imagine life without them anymore.

1. Kenra Professional Platinum Dry Texture Spray ($22): This might be my favorite hair product of all time. It smells amazing and gives my hair the perfect amount of texture without weighing my hair down. It gives me volume and revitalizes flat and boring hair. I love to use it both on curly or straight days. Click here to read a post more about it in my June favorites!

2. Redken Hot Sets ($17): This product changed my life when it comes to curling my hair. My hair has never wanted to hold a curl for more than an hour so when someone recommended this to me I was floored at how well it makes my curls stay. It's essentially a hair spray that you apply before heat styling that not only holds the style, but protects your hair from any heat damage! Go out and get some NOW if your hair is hard to curl and I promise you will love it!

3. Enjoy Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($24): I have tried more dry shampoos than I can even count and this one is by far my favorite because there is no lingering scent and my hair doesn't feel instantly dirty. It also is one of the easiest dry shampoos to blend into your hair if you are a brunette so I love that I don't have to spend much time with it. It gives me volume and I always get compliments on my hair when I use it (aka trick people into thinking I have beautifully styled and clean hair!) If you're interested in purchasing it please shoot me an email and I'd be happy to talk to you more about it because we retail it at the Spa & Wellness center I work at!

Now for the skincare! I have been experimenting with so many new products in the last year, but I've found that I have a few that I have really been loving.

4. Tarte Maracuja Oil (Reg. $48 but only $28 right now!): I feel like most of you probably know by now how much I love this stuff. It should come as no surprise that I am obsessed with Maracuja (passion fruit) oil. With a burst of Vitamin C it helps hydrate and brighten my complexion every morning and night. When my foundation feels too drying or I want a lighter coverage, I simply add a drop in. I have gone through probably 5 big bottles over the last couple of years and I can't see myself stopping anytime soon. The limited edition holiday bottle that I'm currently using is on sale on Tarte's website so if you've been wanting to try it, now's your chance!

5. Lelexo Mandelic Acid Scrub ($33): This has quickly become my holy grail cleanser. I use it on so many of my clients at the spa because it is amazing for so many skin types. Mandelic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from almonds that gently exfoliates the skin and helps with acne, hyperpigmentation, aging and so much more! It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal, so it helps keep your skin extremely clean. Not only that, it is anti-inflammatory so it helps the skin to calm and heal quicker! I have gone through multiple bottles myself and would be happy to talk to you more about it if you're interested in trying it out!

6. The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil ($19)/ Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter ($16)/ Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover ($17): You're looking at my makeup removing routine. I always use either the Cleansing Oil or Cleansing Butter and the Eye Makeup Remover. All are gentle and remove my makeup so well without causing any irritation to my skin and leave it feeling smooth and hydrated! I always use my cleanser after, but as a first step to my skincare routine, I LOVE THEM!

It's time for the main course friends! My 2015 favorite makeup products. If you're new to my blog, I hope you try some of my obsessions.

7. NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation ($48): Guys this foundation changed my life. I know that sounds extreme but as my skin has been transitioning into being less oily all the time, I have needed a foundation that gives me a full coverage yet light feeling luminous look and I'm obsessed with it. I used to be a die hard Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation fan but it's too drying for me these days and this one has saved the day! I can't say enough great things about it and here is my post from last year. If you've followed me at all throughout 2015 you are probably not surprised that this one came out on top! I highly recommend getting a sample from Sephora if you are normal to oily!

8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Original Contour Kit ($40): I have to admit that at first I wasn't too impressed with this one. It was getting so much hype that I didn't think it could possibly be as amazing as everyone was saying so I probably didn't give it a fair chance. Fast forward to a busy bridal season and doing my makeup hundreds of times in 2015 and it's now easy to say that this is my favorite contour kit. The shades work so well and blend so nicely that I will be refilling it as soon as I finish up these pans. I found myself bringing other contour products to jobs but always ending up using this one.

9. Benefit Dallas Bronzer/Blush ($29): Back when I worked for Benefit this was one of the products that I talked about with clients on a regular basis. Anytime some said "I need a good every day blush that will go with everything" Dallas was the first thing that came to mind. Yes it's technically a bronzer, but let's face it, who likes following all the rules?! It gives the cheeks a beautifully natural glow without looking fake. It works on so many skin tones and blends easy as well! You must pick up a box for yourself now! (I might already have two back ups...)

10. Too Faced Original Chocolate Bar Palette ($49) & Too Faced Natural Matte Eye Palette ($36): These two palettes have been my go to palettes of the year. I've used them far more than any Naked palette and they were even picked up more than my beloved Anastasia palettes. I love warm shades and I feel like they both give me a great range of shades to do any intensity of neutral looks! If you don't have either you need to get them both ASAP!

11. Benefit They're Real Mascara ($24): SURPRISE! This made the cut another year...haha! I don't think another mascara will ever compete for me. It's a cult favorite for a reason and stays on like no other mascara for me. The wand, the formula, the intensity...it does it all!

12. Glo Minerals Brow Collection ($45.50): I'm obsessed with this brow kit. If you've ever been a client of mine regarding brows you know how much I love brow waxes instead of pencils. I think they are more customizable and you get more for your money. When I started using Glo Minerals at my job I fell in love with this kit because it is such a good value! You get two brow powder shades, a brow wax, cream highlighter, spooly brush, angled brow brush, tweezers, and stencils all in a zip up kit for only $45.50! Such a deal and the product is really great quality! If you have questions about it let me know! You can buy it through me at Remedi!

13. NYC Liquid Eyeliner ($2.99): Yes you read that right... it's onlyl $2.99 and it's amazing! If you haven't heard of how amazing this inexpensive liner is you either aren't that interested in makeup or are living under a rock. So here I am recommending it to you as well because it is Dre Does approved! You can get it at your grocery store or Target and it's extremely black, easy to use, and lasts all day!

14. Glo Minerals Suede Matte Crayon ($16): I love lip products, it's no secret. At any one time my purse can have upwards of 15 lipsticks in it so let's say I've tried quite a few. These crayons are my ideal lip product for a few reasons. First, they are matte which is my favorite lip finish because they last all day and make my lips look the best. Second, they are really pigmented. It doesn't take much product but they are easy to apply. Third, they are very smooth and don't dry out the lips. Sometimes I have to take a break between matte lipsticks because they dry my lips out too much but these never do! Lastly, they come with a built in sharpener so you can take them on the go and never have to worry about it not being ready to use!

15. Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castille Bar Soap ($4.69): If you missed THIS post, you might be wondering why bar soap is in my 2015 favorites. Read the post and you'll find out that it has become my favorite way to clean my makeup brushes. Not only is it extremely good at getting every last bit of makeup out of them quickly, but it also softens and conditions my brushes for future use! Go read the post on it and you'll learn more!


There they are friends! All 15(ish) products that I LOVED throughout the year. Let me know what your favorite products were and if you have questions about anything, as usual, let me know and I will be happy to answer them!

I hope your 2016 is off to a fabulous start! Remember to stay kind and grateful to everyone!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does an Adele Inspired Tutorial

I shared the picture above asking if you guys would like to see my Adele inspired makeup look and the response was overwhelming! Thank you always for your support! I obviously bought Adele's album the day it came out and every time I listened to it on my phone, the photo above of her makeup was looking back and me and I knew I wanted to re-create it. I realize it's not a color photo but the defined and contoured eyelook was what I was after. The look is super easy and honestly a great look with or without the liquid liner, for those of you who are still working on the perfect wing! The thing I like most about this look is that it is about layering shadows from light to dark, so you're in complete control of how light or dark you want to make it. Every shadow I used was from the Too Faced Natural Matte Palette and while you certainly don't need this palette to get this look, I highly suggest investing in it or adding it to your christmas wishlist. I don't know what I would have done without this palette for my freelance kit because everything you need to start and blend a look is in it. Without this turning into a Too Faced review....let's begin!

(On my lips is the Maybelline Color Sensational 'The Mattes' Lipstick in Daringly Nude)

1. As usual I started with a primed eyelid and then applied Heaven from lashline to brow bone using a flat shader brush. 

2. Using a very fluffy blending brush I mixed Lace Teddy and Nude together and applied them throughout the crease. As you can see this doesn't appear too much darker than the Heaven shade, but thats what I want. This look is all about slowly building the color and blending A LOT! Adding the lighter/medium shades in the crease will make blending the darker colors much easier. 

3. Next, I mixed Cashmere Bunny and Risqué on a pencil brush and applied it in my crease. Using the same fluffy blending brush from step 2, I blend the crease color out. I want the edges to be more blended on the top as you can see but the area where my crease meets my lid, I keep pretty intense and not so faded. 

4. The last shadow step is to take some more of Heaven and apply it to the lid to create that contrast between the dark crease and light lid. This is what gives Adele's look that defined and contoured eye shape. 

5. Next it's time for liquid eyeliner. In this look I used the NYC Liquid Eyeliner which is such an inexpensive and great product. It's only a couple dollars and is especially great for those who are practicing winged liner because you won't feel bad wasting expensive liner if you have to remove and re-apply. I always start my winged liner with a small line extending from the end of my lashline outwards. The angle I create is based on following my bottom lashline and extending that line out. 

6. Next, I draw from the end of the tail I've created back to my lashline, creating a little triangle. 

7. Lastly, I create the line along my lashline from the inside of my eye connecting to the tail I've just made. If this seems super confusing let me know and I can create a post completely devoted to how I do winged eyeliner!

(I unfortunately didn't get a picture after I finished my eyeliner, but I always perfect that line of liquid liner along my lid at the end to create a smooth line so please excuse any uneveness!)

8. The last step is lining your waterlines. I used Black on the top lashline and NYX's Wonder Pencil (a nude shade) on the bottom to get that bright open-eyed look like Adele has in the album cover. Two coats of your favorite mascara and you're done!

And that's it! You can get Adele inspired makeup that easily! Let me know if you have any questions or requests of makeup looks to recreate. I really enjoy recreating celebrity looks for you guys!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and please know that I am so thankful for you!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Brows for Beginners

I had a good friend reach out to me lately asking for some pro tips regarding brows and it got me thinking that I've never really covered the basics regarding filling in brows, here on Dre Does. So I decided to share some of the basics with you incase you have never filled them in before and don't quite know where to start. 

1. Start small: If you've never colored your brows in before ANYTHING is going to look more dramatic than what you're used to. Just because you notice a huge difference doesn't mean they look bad. I would recommend starting with a tinted brow gel first, working your way up to a pencil, and then moving on to a tinted wax or pomade if you're really feeling confident. Filling your brows in for the first time should be subtle and minimal to avoid going too dramatic. 

2. Small Strokes: If you are using a product to fill them in always use small hair-like strokes because after all you are trying to make your brows look like they are full of more hairs. No one has perfectl straight and opaque brows naturally, so don't make long and intense lines with your product. 

3. Get a spooly: You'd be surprised how different and much easier filling your brows in is when you have a spooly for blending. A spooly is simply a disposable mascara wand and you can find a pack of them for only a few bucks at your local beauty supply store. If you don't want to go out and buy one, simply wait to use up your current tube of mascara (if it's one with a traditional bristle brush wand) and sanitize it for use in place of a spooly! Simply apply your brow product like you normally would and then use your spooly to slowly brush through the brow hairs and blend the product. This will ensure that your filled in brows don't look so fake.

4. Start in the middle: Whenever you are filling in your brows, I recommend starting to fill the middle of the brow first for a few reasons. If you're using a product that has a wand or brush (so a tinted gel or pomade for example) you will have the most product on it initially. You don't want to put all that product right in the front of the brow because naturally we aren't the fullest right where the brows start. It's also hard to master how to start your brow, so slowly building the front with only a little bit of product will help you acheive a much more natural look. This will help you avoid the obvious, too squared off brows. 

5. Shade is key: Don't use too dark or too light of a product. Brows should always stay a little darker than your hair if you're blonde, or a little lighter than your hair if it's darker. Also unless you are a red head, your brows should stay ashy and cool-toned. No one really has warm brows except for red heads, so picking the right tone of product will help you avoid your brows looking fake!

6. Get them shaped by a professional: I tell all of my clients that they beauty of getting their brows shaped is that I give them the blueprint to fill in their brows. Simply follow the shape I've waxed them to and in no time you'll get the hang of what you should be filling in. I take the guesswork out of adding product and will even show you how to do it if you need help. If you're in the Lansing area I would love to help you in person, but if not, find someone you trust to help shape your brows and get rid of unnecessary hairs!

7. Get them tinted: If all of this seems way too difficult and intimidating, look into tinting. This is a service I personally perform at the spa and it allows me to tint the hairs and underlying skin, to look like the brows are fuller than they are and to help emphasize the shape I give by waxing. The tint lasts up to 3 weeks so it's a great option for those who don't want to fill them in with product every morning. 

If this post stirred up any questions you might have regarding brows, please feel free to leave a comment below or on my Facebook page! I hope this helps!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a Beauty Secret

If there's one thing us makeup artists and makeup enthusiasts can agree upon, it's that cleaning brushes is the bane of our existence. It's the thing that we know we have to do but always dread. Well I'm here to share a tip I discovered about a year ago but didn't actually try out until very recently. I'm happy to say I'm never going back to my old ways!

So what it is? A solid brush cleanser. You may have heard of the most famous one from Beauty Blender that retails for $16 for 1 ounce of soap. The idea is that you wet your brush or sponge and swirl it around on soap, pick some up and then use that to clean the brush in your palm or whatever you normally use to clean your brushes. I have always used baby shampoo for deep cleansing my brushes because it's just how I was taught and what has always worked. Mind you this always takes forever when you have a lot of brushes and I feel like I'm always wasting shampoo because I'm pouring it into my palm.

Well I heard another makeup artist suggest trying Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castille Bar Soap as a solid cleanser and seeing as it costs a shocking $4.69 for 5 oz, I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. OMG! Ladies go out and buy this completely organic soap ASAP and try it. Not only is it ridiculously cheaper than the Beauty Blender's alternative, but it's organic, conditioning for your brushes with coconut and tons of other oils, and it comes in so many different scents. Since it doesn't come with a container to store it in like the Beauty Blender one, just make a trip down the travel sized beauty section like I did and snag yourself a clear 97 cent container to store your bar of soap in.

I love how quickly I can wash everything too because I'm not picking up a shampoo bottle and pouring out and wasting extra product with every brush. It also cleans the brushes quicker than I've ever seen! I've linked the Citrus scent above which is the one I am currently using.

If you try this out and love it, let me know! Also please feel free to share any other beauty secrets you might have!


Have a beautiful week,

Dre

Dre Does an EXO Supply Review

Now that the flu is finally starting to stop occupying my body, let's get to a post I had originally planned for last week! A few month's back I was contacted by the company EXO Supply to try out two of their new products. They are a relatively new organic and natural company and since the two products involved skincare (hello!) and nails, I was excited to try them out. I love that their products are all formulated with USDA certified organic essential oils. I love me some essential oils because of not only their benefits and versatility, but most importantly their smell. I received the Natural Foaming Coconut Cleanser and samples of both the Lavendar and Citrus scented Pure Removers. 

I was excited to try the Coconut Cleanser because it is super gentle and safe for all skin types. I have oily and acne prone skin and while I normally prefer to have a really deep cleansing cleanser, I still think it's important for all skin types to have a gentle and soothing face wash in your drawers for days when you're skin is really irritated or hypersensitive. The fact of the matter is that I live in Michigan; where the weather changes drastically at a moments notice and my skin can reflect that. 

The Pure Coconut Cleanser is formulated with coconut oil obviously, but also jojoba oil and floral waters. I initially wasn't too thrilled with the cleanser because I didn't feel like I was getting a deep enough cleanse. However, once I started using it as the first step in a double cleanse, I liked the results I was getting. I now use it every night to get every last trace of makeup off before I go in and deep cleanse my skin. I know you might think this is excessive, but when you're as acne prone and sensitive as I am, this extra step helps! Plus I've liked having it on hand for those sensitive nights. The Pure Cleanser retails for $16.95 for 6 Oz. 

The next product I tried was the Pure Remover which is a completely organic and natural plant-based nail polish remover that is both alcohol and acetone FREE! I repeat, alcohol and acetone FREE! The scent is completely naturally and the product is non-toxic too! While I think this is an amazing natural option for everyone, I think this product would be amazing for use on both children AND women that are pregnant who are looking for organic and non-toxic options! The wipes are a great option if you're traveling or simply like the convinience, but they also sell bottles of the Pure Remover if you prefer. (Can we talk about how proud I am that I remembered to take a picture before I ripped the adorable packaging open and ruined it?!)  The wipes are available in packs of 10 ($12), 20 ($24), or 30 ($30) and in the scents Lavender, Mint, Orange, or Unscented. The bottles are $15.95 for 4 oz and come in the same four scents. 

You can find out more about EXO Supply and their products by visiting www.EXOsupply.com or checking out their Instagram (@exo_supply).

A huge thanks to EXO Supply for letting me try out these awesome products! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

*These products were sent to me to try out for free but all opinions are my own and I wasn't required to post about them! 

Dre Does Hair Accessories

I don't know about you but I'm really picky when it comes to the hair ties and headbands I wear when I'm working out. I hate when my hair feels like it's falling out or loose, so I'm always searching for functional yet pretty ones. I am happy to report that I have found a few hair accessories that have lived up to my expectation and I'm here to share them all with you!

First up we have hair ties. I have to always have a hairtie on my writst because when I'm at the spa, I need to be able to tie my hair back at a moment's notice. However, I'm usually dressed up and I don't like the look of classic hairties. I got a coupon for the scunci Everyday & Active 3X Braided Elastics (around $2.99) so I decided to try them out. I am obsessed! They look like a cute braided bracelet on your wrist, but have amazing stretch and really grip the hair well. I only need one of these to keep my hair in place during even the most intense workout. I got my pack of 6 black braided elastics at Target but I've seen them at other grocery stores too! They also come in a multi color pack which I will probably pick up next!

Next, I found two headbands also from scunci that I really love. Both have rubber grips sewn into the undersides so they always stay put no matter how much I'm moving when I'm working out. The first is the No-Slip Grip Braided Headwrap (around $5.99) and I can't get enough of. It not only holds my hair back, but it adds a little bit of style too! 

Lastly is the No Slip Basic Headwrap (around $6.99). I like how this one keeps all of my hair completely out of my face because it's so wide, yet it doesn't budge when I'm moving. I have both of these headbands in black and bought them at my local Ulta. 

What are your favorite hair accessories? If you have any suggestions please leave a comment below so I can try them out!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

*This post is not sponsored by scunci and everything was purchased with my own money.

Dre Does Friday Favorites

It's been too long since I've shared some Friday Favorites so I thought I'd give you a taste of what I've been really enjoying lately.

First up we have a fall themed favorite that I discovered when looking for something else! I'm a huge fan of greek yogurt and it's the only dairy I consumer besides the occasional addition of cheese when I'm cooking. I heard that Chobani had Pumpkin Spice Yogurt and even though I didn't think I would like it I set out to find some. Luckily I came across the last one while grocery shopping last week and right next to it was an abundance of the Cinnamon Pear flavor. I grabbed a few and it turns out I ended up hating the pumpkin spice one and being OBSESSED with the Cinnamon Pear flavor. It's so delicious. While they are higher in sugar than I like (15g of sugar and 12g of protein), if you're looking for a healthier option to having dessert at night, I highly recommend trying the Cinnamon Pear flavor as an evening snack!

 Even though I'm already more than halfway through the 20's I really enjoyed reading this article from Emily, one of my favorite fashion and lifestyle blogger's from Cupcakes and Cashmere. It's filled with some great reminders so take a look when you have a second.

I have been obsessed with the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlight in Opal (the liquid version of the Shimmering Skin Perfector family). It came in a kit of four mini's from Becca that I purchased about 6 months ago. While I fell in love with two of the four really quickly, this one kind of got thrown into a drawer and for some reason I decided to pull it out last week and start using it. Not sure what compelled me to do so but thanks to whatever intuition I should thank for my now glowing skin! It has a nice, flat applicator that makes it really easy to dab one side on one cheek, flip it over and dab the other side on the other cheek! Then I use my beauty blender to blend the product well into my skin so I have no harsh edges (I should note that I always apply it after my under eye concealer as my last liquid product. I then set my under eye concealer with powder and finish my face with my other powder products). I love how dewy and healthy it makes my skin look. The nice thing about the full size version of this product is that it comes with a pump so you can mix it in with foundation or moisturizer to give you an all over dewy illumination. It will definitely be added to my beauty wishlist.

While I haven't mentioned it for awhile here on Dre Does I reach for my Aveda Beautifying Composition often especially as the weather starts to get chillier. Recently I've been noticing some random dry patches around my nose and eye area so I pulled out my trusted friend and have been adding a drop here and there to combat these random flaky spots. I love the aroma and the versitility of this product and will never be without it. Click here to see a post I did on it more than a year and a half ago showing 11 uses for this magical product!

Cycling or spinning (depending on what you call it...haha) used to be a huge part of my life. When I was a senior in high school my mom dragged me into a class with her and I was hooked! I am super competitive by nature and loved being able to push myself every class. I started going multiple times a week and it became a huge part of my workout routine. I slowly got out of it as college and life got busier and it had been years since I have done it. A few months ago though, the gym at my apartment complex got a spin bike and I couldn't have been more excited. I dusted off my spin shoes and have been spinning at least 4 times a week since! I forgot how much I truly love the workouts. You can find great spinning workout ideas on Pinterest if you need some inspiration. If you're not the biggest fan of running and you've never tried it I highly recommend giving it a shot! I think it's really important to find a class in your area to get started so that you can learn proper form and technique from professionals before you try it on your own.

Dre Does 5 Tips You Can Start Now to Prevent Aging

When I share with someone that I work in the beauty and skincare field, women will often tell me "I wish I had started younger." It's no secret that prevention is key in so many aspects of life, skincare being no exception. 

I'm here to bring you 5 things that you should start doing today that your older self will thank you for later in life. These tips aren't anything ground breaking or new but I hope they serve as a reminder that prevention is key when it comes to aging. If you take good care of your skin it will be reflected later on in life.

1. Wear SPF daily. This one might seem like a no brainer to some of you but it's amazing how many people my age I find still don't wear it on a regular basis. Time and time again I hear more mature women telling me stories about how they baked in the sun with baby oil instead of using any sunscreen and they wish they had known how much damage it would cause later in life. Not only is the sun one of the largest contributers to aging your skin but HELLO! SKIN CANCER! Let's make sure we all make it so see ourselves wrinkle. Whether it's in your foundation or a separate step don't skip the SPF ever (even in the middle of winter).

2. Establish a skincare routine. This one is another vital aspect to aging gracefully. If you haven't established a skincare rountine yet it's time to do so. This doesn't mean you have to have 20 steps day and night, but you need to make sure you are at least covering the basics. When we properly cleanse, tone and moisturize our skin, we maintain the health of the acid barrier of our skin. So why is this important? When the acid barrier of our skin is healthy, it can protect us from all sorts of environmental factors and impurities that we encounter on a daily basis. The skin does so much for our bodies and if we take good care of it, it will keep us protected and help us age slower. 

3. Learn about your skin. Whether this means going to see an esthetician or visiting your dermatologist, make sure you take the steps to learn about what is actually happening specifically on your face! We are all unique and even if you think you know what's going on with your face, you might be completely off. With the guidance of a professional you can make sure you are using the correct kinds of products.

4. Drink more water. This one might seem like a no brainer too but most of us have dehydrated skin which can contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's pretty rare that when I check someone's face for dehydration they aren't even slightly dehydrated. Our skin is the largest organ of our body and also the last to get water so it's important to make sure that we drink enough of it. If you are really active or under a lot of stress, it's crucial to drink even more! 

5. Use an eye cream. The skin under our eyes is thin and fragile and completely different than the rest of our faces. This is why it's vital to use a separate product on it that is also approved for the eye area. The eyes are also one of the first places you will notice fine lines and wrinkles, so starting early with an eye cream can help keep that area looking young and fresh, longer. 

If you are already doing some or even all of these things, keep it up! You're on the right track to aging gracefully. If not, pick a few and start adding them all in slowly.

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a 5 Minute Fall Transformation

I wanted to create a really simple look that only required a few extra minutes added onto your normal face routine to be fall ready. The focus of any quick look for me will always be my lips because it is the quickest way to add drama and let's be real...fall is all about the drama on the lips. 

When I think of fall makeup I think of warm earth tones; oranges, reds, plums, berries. All of these shades work really well with trying to extend your summer bronze and still look ready for the fall season. Below you'll see that I did my normal face routine (let me know if you want to see exactly what that looks like recently), and then used ONE eyeshadow and ONE lip product to transform my look.

For my eyes I simply applied my normal primer (Benefit's Stay Don't Stray in Light/Medium) and then packed MAC Cosmetics' Amber Lights onto the lid. It's a beautiful metallic orangey bronze color that compliments the warmth of fall so well. The thing that I love about metallic colors like this is that if you just buff out the edges with a blending brush, you look like you have a complete look because the metallic sheen giving so much dimension on your lid. Apply your mascara and you're done!

For the lips I used one of my favorite products ever; the Lorac Pro Matte Lip Color in Merlot. These lipsticks are amazing because they go on so smoothly, are so pigmented, don't require a liner to stay put, and they last forever. I love how this deep shade screams fall. 

There you have it! I took a really basic look from natural to dramatic with the use of only two products. I highly suggest you go through your collection and find duos like this that work well together and take note of them. This way when you're running late in the morning or at night, you can quickly amp up your look in no time at all. You could even wear just the shadow for work and add the lips just in time for happy hour with your friends!

Let me know if you find any great combos! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does Empties #3 (Shower Edition)

I have been trying very hard recently to use up the products I've already purchased. It's been really difficult since new launches are always greeting my Instagram feed, but as you've probably guessed it with this empties post, I've been doing a pretty decent job of getting through them. I seemed to run out of everything all at once in my shower thus the reason this post is shower themed!

If you've never read an empties post, they are one of my favorites because my opinion on the product comes only after I have completely used it up. I then share whether or not I would repurchase the product which hopefully helps you decide if it's something you would want to spend your hard earned money on.

Without anymore rambling....let's talk trash (beauty trash)!

Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath: I'm not going to lie. I was always hesitant to purchase any of these Philosophy 3-in-1's because they seemed over hyped and not worth the $18-25 price tag. I'm never going to use a product like this on my hair, and sadly don't take the time for baths like I used to so I figured they were too much for a shower gel. However, when I was still working at Ulta last winter, they did an amazing sale on these and I picked up this one in Cinnamon Buns and also Christmas cookie (currently in my shower). The thing that surprised me the most is how long they really last. I just finished up Cinnamon Buns about a month ago and used it in every single shower since last year. The product is very concentrated so you don't need much but still get a good creamy lather. I like how both of these scents aren't too intense so I didn't mind smelling sweet cinnamon all year long. I even tried making the recipe on the front of the bottle and the cinnamon buns were tasty!
Verdict: If I could get a good deal on them like last year I would definitely repurchase them seeing as you get so much product for your money! (You can purchase Philiosophy at Ulta, Sephora, and Macys!) Definitely keep your eye out for holiday gift sets like this one from Sephora. You can score mini sized bottles in multiple scents to split up into multiple gifts or to give to one lucky friend!

Enjoy Sulfate-Free Shampoo: The main line carried at the spa/blowout bar I work at is Enjoy, so I was really excited to try out some new products. The first thing I wanted to get was a new shampoo and I am LOVING this one. I love that it is Sulfate-Free so ladies if you haven't tried one before free of sulfates, don't be surprised when you don't get a significant lather. You will always feel like you need to use more than you actually do, but don't overdo it. Your hair will get clean!
Verdict: I would easily repurchase this product, I just want to try out the Volume line next! If you're interested in purchasing Enjoy haircare items please email me at andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com and I would be more than happy to help you find the products for you from our blowout bar!

Lisa's Hair Elixir Clarifying Shampoo and 7-in-1 Conditioner by Carol's Daughter: This duo will always be a holy grail of mine. Before I donated my hair, I was trying to get my hair to the healthiest and longest it could be and I have to give credit to this combo. The shampoo is described as the ultimate detox for your hair and while also sulfate-free, it smells like eucalyptus, sage and lemon oils to give you a really invigorating cleanse. The conditioner does 7 amazing things; it purifies, oxygenates, replenishes, moisturizes, fortifies, softens, and detangles. It also smells amazing because of the combo of rosemary, orange, and spearmint oils. There's no parabens, no petroleum, no mineral oil or artificial colors in either! The combo seriously gives me baby soft hair and really makes it as healthy as can be. I know it sounds like I'm obsessed with these two but there is something that I absolutely cannot stand about Carol's Daughter shampoos and conditioners..THE PACKAGING! I hate the way you twist the top and try to get the product out. You have to squeeze so hard, can't get it all out at the end, and I've had multiple bottles break on me.
Verdict: I feel like I will always keep these on hand for when I need a really good cleanse or if I'm trying to grow my hair out quicker, but if I keep discovering more Enjoy products that I'm loving, which will probably happen, I would skip purchasing these because of the packaging. The shampoo and conditioner are $20 and $22 respectively and you can purchase them at Ulta or on the Carol's Daughter website.

Ulta Once Upon a Time Ginger Cookie Sugar Scrub: I don't feel like I even need to talk much about these because I have shown so many in my empties, but in case you like to know what scents I like or dislike, here is the latest I have finished up from last year's holiday collection. If you like a good grit in your sugar scrub, this is one to try! I like to use them to exfoliate before shaving since I can't use a shave cream on my sensitive legs, but I really love them for exfoliating where I have Keratosis Pilaris as well (only use this on the body though, never the face)!
Verdict: If they bring it back again this year or something similiar make sure to pick this one because the scent is yummy. Make sure to wait until they do some good deals though!

Monoi Repairing Hair Mask by Carol's Daughter: I probably picked up this deluxe sample when purchasing the full size Lisa Hair Elixir's (as Ulta loves to give away free gift with purchases).  I love how Carol's Daughter deluxe sample's always give you a great amount of product so you can try the product multiple times. I liked to save this mask for times when I've used heat on it, since I rarely curl or damage my hair, and I felt like it always brought my hair back to feeling soft and conditioned.
Verdict: At $32 for 7 oz, I'm not sure I would purchase this with my own money but I would definitely ask for it as a gift for the holidays!

I hope you enjoyed this special shower edition Empties post! Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment below and let me know if this helped you!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a Fresh Fall Start

There's something about the fall that I absolutely love in terms of productivity. I don't know if it's because the start of a new school year was ingrained in me for so many years, but I always feel like come September, you get a fresh start. 

I have recently made some changes in my life that have helped me feel like I'm more organized and getting more done, so I thought I would share what I have been doing in case you would like to take some ideas and incorporate them into your own daily life. 

1. Establish a morning routine. I have always loved starting my days with productive mornings but the older I've gotten the busier I am and the easier it is to hit that snooze button and skip things that I know I should be doing. A few months ago I decided to change up my mornings and start with a workout. I always feel more productive and energized throughout the day when I get my butt out of bed early and get to my gym. I leave myself enough time to get ready and plan my day when I'm done which sets me up for an accomplished day. I like working out in the morning because even if the rest of my day doesn't go as planned, I don't have to worry about fitting a workout in. I find that doing this every morning makes for a more productive week. So whatever you choose to do in the morning, try to establish a routine so that you get in the habit of starting your day successfully. 

2. Get a planner. This may not seem like a necessity once you enter into post-grad life, but I find that there's even more to keep track of in my life now that I am no longer in school. Having a planner helps me make sure I'm staying up to date in every aspect of my life which can get rid of a lot of unnecessary stress.

3. Adopt a new habit. This is a trick I learned from my dad. He took something he wanted to improve at and challenged himself to be disciplined enough to do it for a little bit every day. This is actually how his blog was born, but I think it's a great way to introduce something you want to get better at, or just get back to doing. I'm sure you have plenty of things you wish you had more time to do, so I challenge you to create a list and then tackle the one most important! You could even change it up every month. For me it's reading. I started reading just 15 minutes a day (sometimes longer if my schedule allows for it and I don't fall asleep first...haha). Whether it's right when I wake up or before I go to bed, I try to get my 15 minutes in every day.

4. Do it at night. I do this all the time. I have a million little things I want to get done at night and then I tell myself I'll do it in the morning because I just want to get to bed. But then morning comes along and you run out of time or completely forget to do it so it gets pushed off until night time again and then the  cycle continues. Just do those little things at night. Whether it's putting away my laundry that I've just folded or unloading the dishwasher, if you simply get these tasks done at night, you can start your day with a shorter To-Do list and a clearer head in the morning. 

When do you feel like you get a fresh start? At the beginning of the year in January or during the fall?

Please share your tips below for creating a fresh start!

Have a beautiful start to your week,

Dre

 

Dre Does Makeup Inspiration

Just in case you don't already follow me on Instagram, I thought I'd post some inspiration photos of looks I have been wearing recently. All are polished and professional looking, yet still quick and easy in the morning!

Lips: Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red 01

Eyeliner: NYC Liquid Liner (The cheapest and best liquid eyeliner! MUST HAVE)

Highlighter: MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle

Lips: MAC Cosmetics Limited Edition Matte Lipstick in Mangrove

In all three photos my foundation was the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation.

Enjoy and follow me on Instagram @drefontana!

Have a beautiful week,

Dre

Dre Does Skincare Tips for the Active Woman

It's no secret that living an active lifestyle means you probably spend a portion of your day sweating. This can lead to breakouts, excessive oilliness, etc., so I've decided to share with you some tips on how I keep my skin clean and reduce my likelihood of breaking out. 

1. WASH YOUR FACE: I always head to the gym with a clean face which also means that I never wear makeup. I personally hate the feeling of makeup on my skin when I'm hot and sweaty in the gym so instead I do my usual morning skincare routine (since I normally workout every morning) and make sure to use a mattifying moisturizer to help combat some of the excessive oiliness. 

2. HEADBANDS ARE YOUR FRIEND: I like to wear a headband always when I'm working out. Not only does it help keep flyaways out of my face but it catches some sweat from dripping on my forehead. If you use hair products they can travel down your face and potentially clog your pores, so I like to prevent some of that with headbands (This also works well if you have bangs that could spread sweat and bacteria while working out). My favorite are the kinds with the rubber grips on the inside so that they don't move anywhere. 

3. BLOT YOUR FACE: While working out, I like to use papertowels to blot the excessive sweat from my face so that it stays clean. My gym luckily has a paper towel dispenser so I use those to get rid of sweat so that I don't have to touch it with my hands. Think of all the bacteria that your hands are touching from the machines to the weights. It's much better for your skin to use something disposable that you won't keep reusing like your hands or your shirt. 

4. KEEP YOUR GYMBAG STOCKED: I like to make sure to keep my gym bag stocked with some necessities to make sure I can always keep my face clean. It's crucial to have cleansing wipes because if you don't have time to immediately hop in the shower or wash your face again, you can at least clean your face quickly and remove sweat and impurities. Also if you're someone who gets excessively oily, I recommend keeping oil blotting sheets on hand to mattify your skin on the go. 

5. DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE: This may seem a little obvious but some of us need to consciously think about it to stop doing it. Our hands carry so much bacteria around as we go from machine to machine at the gym, so make sure to keep your hands off of your skin. This is a tip for anyone trying to reduce breakouts, but it's expecially crucial when you're sweaty and in the gym.

6. DRINK WATER: Always make sure you rehydrate your body after working out. It's important for your skin's health to drink plenty every day but it's even more important when you workout because you are sweating so much. 

I hope these tips help you maintain cleaner skin while being active. Remember, your skin is your body's largest organ so while it's important to be active and healthy, we can't forget to take care of our skin as well! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does an Update

I'm here! I'm here! I promise. I'm back with an update because it doesn't feel right starting back up again after a month and not giving you some sort of explanation.

Long story short, I've been extremely busy working. Whether it has been doing makeup for weddings or being at the spa, I have been immersing myself in all things beauty. The spa that I work at (Remedi Spa and Wellness) is completely up and running which has been amazing, but it also means my hours have been unpredictable and extended (not that I mind completely devoting myself to something I believe so much in!)

With that being said, as days start to normalize, I'd like to get back in my habit of posting content for all of you beautiful people who love it and support me so amazingly. If you have ideas or requests, email me at andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

If you'd like to come see me at the spa please feel free to visit remedispaandwellness.com for information on where to call and book an appointment and location! I do all sorts of services as a licensed esthetician that include facials, body treatments, brows waxing, full facial and body waxing, makeup, spray tans, and much more!

A little while ago I went back to using just one Instagram for both my life and Dre Does so feel free to click here and follow me to stay updated with every day things!

Have a beautiful weekend,

Dre

Dre Does Friday Favorites

I'm going to start integrating Friday Favorites posts a few Fridays a month to share what I love with you more frequently instead of monthly favorites posts. Whether it's a makeup product or lifestyle item, I think it would be nice to share them as I fall in love with them, instead of waiting for a list to compile and sharing it at the end of the month.

1. I can't get enough of this Skinny Cauliflower Man and Cheese recipe that a wonderful friend shared with me. I highly recommend trying it. I might have made a double recipe the first time so I could have plenty of leftovers...haha

2. Just like the rest of the beauty world, I love the Sephora Cream Lip Stains. I have about 5 of them, but this week I've been loving the shade Always Red 01. They stay on so well and don't move.

3. Masterchef. If you know me personally, it probably comes as no surprise that I love this show because I love any type of cooking competition. I love Masterchef specifically though because the main judge is Gordon Ramsey and because it is a competition just for home cooks that have no previous culinary training or schooling. It's on Hulu if you've missed it and want to catch up but it's currently about half way through the season.

4. With all of the self tanning I've been doing recently I've been trying different foundations in my collection because I feel like some days I'm more than others so not all match me. For days when I want something light, I've been loving the Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Liquid Veil Spray Foundation. It gives light to medium coverage and a satin finish that doesn't look like I have makeup on. I love how light it feels. I prefer to spray it on the back of my hand and use a damp beauty blender to apply it to my face.

Happy Friday all you beauties! Have a great weekend,

Dre

Dre Does a Warm Smoky Eye

I decided to keep the bronze theme going from my two previous posts (facial self tanning routine and makeup to enhance your tan) with this photo tutorial that will compliment a tan perfectly. I prefer super warm and smoky eye looks over cooler ones for tan skin, especially on my skin tone. I used only three shadows to create this look so it is really easy. All three shades were from the Stila 'In the Know' and 'In the Moment' palettes. You can still order the In the Moment palette on Stila's website if you're interested but to be honest, you could find shades like these anywhere. The rest of my makeup is the routine I shared in my last post on enhancing your tan. I hope you enjoy!

1. The first step for any eye look is to apply a primer or eyeshadow base. For this look I used my Stay Don't Stray Eyeshadow Primer from Benefit Cosmetics and applied it from my lash line up to brow.

2. Next use Desert (In the Know) as a transition color on a fluffy brush and blended it into the crease. This adds a little dimension but it's purpose is mostly to make blending darker shadows easier. 

3. Add Fire (In the Know) on a fluffy brush a little at a time, blending as you go. I know this color looks intense on its own, but I promise it won't be after you add your lid shade. I love using these types of oranges to warm up a look. It's always easier to add shadow, so rather than accidentally getting it too intense in an area you don't want, apply a little at a time. 

4. Using a flat shader brush, pack Whim (In the Moment) onto the lid. Go back in with the fluffy brush and blend the edges of the brown with the warm burnt orange color. You may loose a little bit of the intensity of the brown when you do this, so pack a little extra color on the lid if you need you. 

5. On a pencil brush mix the burnt orange and brown and blend them into the lash line. Depending on your skin fine you might have to be careful with how much of the orange you use. It can sometimes make your eyes look sick, so definitely add a little at a time and don't smoke it out too crazy the first time you try it. 

6. Lastly, add your eyeliner (I just used a brown pencil in the upper and lower water lines), and mascara and you're good to go! 

Let me know if you like the format of this photo tutorial and if you'd like me to do them this way from now on! Also if you have any requests as usual, be sure to let me know!

Have a beautiful week,

Dre

Dre Does Makeup to Enhance your Tan

On Wednesday I shared my facial self tanning routine that involved two wonderful products from Tarte Cosmetics (click here if you missed it), and I promised I would share the products I've been using to enhance my tan to look very glowy and natural.

 When I have a fake tan on my face, I find that I need to do a few key things with my makeup to make sure it doesn't come off as fake. I try to keep things as simple as possible because adding a lot of  bronzing and tanning will eventually be impossible to pull off as natural looking.

Above are the key products that I have been using in a simple bronzed makeup routine. It's focused mostly on my skin since the tan is what I'm enhancing, with nothing much on the eyes.

The first thing I do is apply my foundation. I love MAC Face & Body because it is a light coverage that is waterproof and natural looking. I want my tan to shine through so I think it's important to find a foundation that compliments my skin tone rather than covering it up. I use a brush to buff this into my skin really well.

Next, I use my Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer to cover any blemishes or areas that need a little more coverage. I love how light this concealer feels on the skin and how natural it looks. I really agree that it is weightless and complete coverage.

After concealing, I work on bronzing. I found this Sephora Collection MicroSmooth Baked Bronzer Duo in 01 Honey Heat in my collection that I remembered that I used to love and decided to put it to work. I love how one half is really shimmery and the other is more of a matte finish. I think it's important to use different tones and shades of bronzers when trying to use makeup to enhance your tan because they create dimension. The more dimension, the more natural your look will be. I use a large powder brush to mix the two shades in a 'E3' pattern. This simply means that if you trace from your left temple, down to the hollows of your cheeks, to your jawline, it creates the shape of an E. If you do the same on the right side it creates a number 3. Google this method if you need a little more explanation. It's really easy! I find this method is the quickest and easiest way to add a beautiful bronzed glow to the skin in the areas where you would naturally tan. I then take a smaller fluffy brush and use the darker, less shimmery side to contour my cheeks a little bit.

Next, I apply Benefit's Dallas blush because it is a very natural warm brown tone. It looks less like blush and more like a natural flush on the skin and it complements a tan really nicely. After blush, I move on to highlighter. I've been loving the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Rose Gold because it is such a rosy highlight shade. It looks beautiful applied to the high points of the face.

Lastly, I apply my brows and mascara. For these I use my favorites both by Benefit; Gimme Brow (a tinted brow gel that voluminizes and keeps my brows in place) and They're Real (my holy grail mascara). As with all of my makeup looks, I always spray a setting spray to hold the looks in place for the rest of the day. For this one I used Urban Decay's All Nighter.

There you have it! My quick, easy, and natural makeup look to emphasize a beautiful fake (or real) tan! As usual, if you have any questions please let me know!

Have a beautiful weekend,

Dre

Dre Does a Facial Self Tanning Routine

I am just like every other girl who wants to be bronzed and glowing in the summer time. However, as a licensed esthetician I know the consequences that can come from sun exposure and they are simply not worth the risk. For this reason, I am RELIGIOUS with my SPF 45 or higher on my face and neck region. While I do wear it on the rest of my body when I'm in the sun, I am the strictest with my face because that is where the aging and fine lines are going to show the soonest and the most. Due to the SPF 45 that is constantly applied, my face is always paler than the rest of my body.  I have developed a facial self tanning routine that I love to combat this issue and it couldn't be easier. 

The two tanning products that I have been using are both from Tarte cosmetics. I swear they do not pay me to talk about all of their products. If you've noticed how much I mention them, it's because they are truly one of my favorite brands. I am talking about the Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Facial Towelettes and the Maracuja Bronzing Serum. I use the facial towelettes once a week and when not using a facial towelette I use the bronzing serum.

As you can probably imagine, I start my facial self tanning routine with cleansing. I remove all of my makeup and then cleanse my skin. I recommend exfoliating your skin next so that the self tanner develops evenly and doesn't cling to any dry patches. I prefer to use a chemical exfoliant rather than a mechanical exfoliant. Next, I tone my skin. After toning if it's a night that I am not self tanning, I will apply all of my serums or treatments for that particular night and my eye cream. Next, I use the Maracuja Bronzing Serum by applying a few drops evenly all over my face and neck. I will admit this doesn't smell good at all, but most self tanning products don't and the smell fades pretty quickly. This is a gradual bronzing serum that I like to use to extend the wear of my tans. It's not something that you will notice overnight, but I do really like the glow it gives my skin. Lastly, I apply my moisturizer, which right now is still the Maracuja Oil, also by Tarte. 

If it is a self tanning night (by this I mean that I'm using a facial towelette), I do the same routine, except I skip the treatments and serums because I find that everything looks better when I self tan right after I cleanse. The Brazilliance Facial Self Tanning Towelettes are seriously as easy as opening up a little packet, unfolding it, and wiping your face and neck evenly. You don't have to be perfect with this at all. I am not a pro self tanner and I have never had anything but great results! Then I just let it absorb and I'm done (No moisturizer or oils on this night)! I go to bed and wake up with a tanner face and neck that matches the rest of my body! I haven't noticed any residue on my pillowcases at night which is one thing I was concerned about. 

The Maracuja Bronzing Serum is still available on Sephora and Tarte's websites but I'm not sure if it is a permanent product. It is $47 and is 1.7 fl oz. I would say that if you use a few drops on your face and neck every night, it should last you at least 6 months. 

The Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Facial Towelettes are $21 for 10 towelettes which I think is a pretty good deal, since that would last you 2.5 months if you use one a week. 

Make sure you come back Friday because I will be sharing how I've been enhancing the fake tan with makeup! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre