twoaverageladies-blog

[twoaverageladies-blog]

WE'RE MOVING!

As of 02-11-2017 Two Average Ladies are no longer on Tumblr.  We will be leaving this up for a few days but if you want to keep following us, head over to: twoaverageladiesblog.wordpress.com

[twoaverageladies-blog]

Makeup Revolution Eye Shadow Palettes

Written by M Sorry for the post delay, I have some computer issues I'm working on, none of my pictures are able to be attached. It is starting to be a bit of a hassle.  As for this post, I've attached links to the palettes on Ulta.com  Come back Monday for a bonus post from me! <Right NOW (02/09/2017) Makeup Revolution is B1G1 50%!!!> I own 5 eye shadow palettes from this brand and love them dearly.  They are all very blendable, affordable, and work with my sensitive skin.  They are also highly pigmented.  Only one of the palettes, the Iconic 3, did I purchase with my own money.  The rest were gifts or cast-offs from J. (Don't worry, as my makeup loving bestie, we both know to sanitize makeup before sharing it. 1) Iconic 3 ($7.00) This is the first Makeup Revolution Palette I ever bought. I was looking for a good dupe for the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette.  While this palette doesn’t quiet deliver, it’s still a good rosy toned neutral collection.  It is similar to the New-Trals vs. Neutrals palette (see $4) but that one has more rose and this one had more brown. http://www.ulta.com/iconic-3-redemption-eyeshadow-palette?productId=xlsImpprod12781049 2) Unicorns Unite ($10.00) This was a delightful "Grateful You Didn't Die" gift from J after last summer hahahaha.  I have not yet played with this palette but I plan to very soon.  I will possibly be doing a purple eye look with this palette in the very near future.  http://www.ulta.com/unicorns-unite-salvation-eyeshadow-palette?productId=xlsImpprod12781061&sku=2288601&_requestid=11932430 3) Girls on Film ($10.00) This palette is one that I am actually wearing today! Check Instagram to see the pic!  I love this shadow a lot, it’s mostly metallic with the neutral mattes at the bottom. I absolutely adore this palette! http://www.ulta.com/girls-on-film-salvation-eyeshadow-palette?productId=xlsImpprod12781065 4) New-Trals vs. Neutrals ($12.00) I love this palette for its rosy tinted neutrals. I have cool-toned skin so it's nice to have some neutrals that aren't too warm, to play with.  I reach for this palette at minimum once a week when doing a neutral look with my Urban Decay Naked 2.  I like to get a little rose in there. http://www.ulta.com/new-trals-vs-neutrals-eyeshadow-palette?productId=xlsImpprod13661069&sku=2299880&_requestid=11936308 5) Essential Day to Night ($7.00) This palette was a Christmas present form J this past holiday season and I just LOVE the pop of teal and the dark purple in here.  I haven't had the chance to play with this palette like I want to.  SOON though! http://www.ulta.com/essential-day-night-redemption-eyeshadow-palette?productId=xlsImpprod12781051&sku=2288596&_requestid=11936856

[twoaverageladies-blog]

Eye Mask First Impression

Written by J

Hey there, precious angels!

As I have mentioned in a previous post, I have a bit of eczema around the corners of my eyes. My eyes have been super itchy lately, partially due to the eczema, and partially due to discovering I am allergic to Burt’s Bees makeup remover wipes--yikes!

A few days ago, I did a small Sephora haul. One of the items I purchased was the Sephora brand Pomegranate Eye Mask. I’ve seen a lot of people on YouTube and Instagram using eye masks, so I wanted to try one out for myself. 

I picked the pomegranate mask because it says it helps with fatigued skin. I have really bad dark circles under my eyes, and they are definitely exacerbated when I don’t get a lot of sleep (which was last night because I have the flu).

I had some time this morning and my eyes were looking extra dark, so I decided to give the mask a go. Let me warn you now: if you don’t like slimy things, DO NOT BUY. They are extremely slimy and kind of odd to the touch. I got myself past the texture, though, and placed them on my under eye as the directions said. Then I laid on my back for 15 minutes so I didn’t have to worry about the patches sliding off.

THEY WORKED!!! The darkness around my under eye was almost completely gone, like I had put on a ton of concealer. I also noticed my eyes weren’t itchy and my eczema was barely visible, which was a plus!

So, these eye mask patches are definitely worth a re-purchase! They have them in all kinds of formulas, so if you’re looking for something specific, they probably have it. YAY SEPHORA!

#sephora #eye mask #pomegranate #eczema #fatigue

[twoaverageladies-blog]

M's Foundations

NOTE: Due to some unforeseen life circumstances, there will be no Saturday Joint Posting. Come back Tuesday to read what J's got going on! :) Written by M So, like J I am also a very pale person.  But, whereas J is very warm toned, I am extremely cool toned.  I'm what someone once affectionately referred to as "milky Irish blue." My pale skin journey has led me to try and find the palest foundations ever.  And, as a person who loves a good bargain, I tend to stick to drugstore foundations.  Below you will find my favorite drugstore foundations.  Please keep in mind none of these are a PERFECT match for me, I seem to have an unusual skin tone.  Most of the time I have to blend down my entire neck, as my face and chest match better and my neck is this weird white plain in-between hahaha. Maybelline Fit M Shine-Free Foundation Stick - 110 Porcelain This is probably the one I reach for the most, as it is the easiest for me to apply and it blends out well enough.  This is the foundation I get when I'm on the go and don't have a lot of time to contour but I want a decent base for a little blush and/or highlight.  The finish is matte, but not smoothly, like it feels tacky to the touch until you finish it with a little setting powder.

CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation - 805 Ivory I ran out of this foundation sometime ago and have been meaning to grab it again from my local Ulta or Walgreens.  While I cannot wear this foundation every single day, I think two to three days a week at most is good. (My skin tends to break if I CoverGirl wear foundation more than 3 days in a row, no matter how much I may vigorously cleanse.)  The finish is demi-matte and wears really well.  It also oxidizes so it will settle to be even lighter than in the bottle.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation (Oily/Combo Skin) - 110 Ivory

THIS FOUNDATION is the best, THE BEST, at staying on through my sweat on a hot summer's day.  Honestly, if I didn't like wearing a thicker foundation in the winter, I'd wear this year round, it's THAT good.  I love it, the only complaint I have is that it wears a TINY bit around my nose as well, but touch-ups work well.

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Crème Foundation - 110 Ivory

A tiny bit lighter than it's liquid equivalent. This is a FULL coverage foundation. I wear this ONLY in the winter because it's so thick. (By winter I mean late September to end of March or so. Aka, when it's cold.)  Stays on longer on my forehead and cheeks than it's liquid equivalent but again, thicker foundation, so it requires more work.  And sometimes I'm lazy.

That's it, those are the drugstore foundations I use.  When I find another I love I'll let y'all know.  Thanks for reading!

#foundation #beauty #makeup #makeup addict #maybelline #Maybelline foundation #cosmeitcs #beauty blog #makeup blog #revlon #covergirl #makeupjunkie

[twoaverageladies-blog]

Hiding Acne Redness

Written by J

Let’s face facts, guys....everyone gets acne. Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. As Sanders Kennedy points out in this video, humans just don’t have natural filters. You can ALWAYS see the bumps. However, there are ways to at least get rid of the redness that comes with those pesky pustules! Here are my steps for getting a less-red face.

1. PRIME I use the Benefit POREfessional primer, especially on the front part of my face. Tapping it in helps fill in those fine lines and pores.

2. COLOR CORRECT Color correcting is KEY in getting rid of redness. I use the Wet N’ Wild Coverall Correcting Palette. With a fine brush (an extra lip brush I have laying around), I apply the GREEN on every pimple or redness spot. Apply it heavier than you think you need to, because then you will buff it in with a beauty sponge. Be prepared for some of it to come off!

3. CONCEAL Once the correcter is blended, I then go in with my Tarte Shape Tape Concealer in FAIR and cover wherever I’ve put green. This is also when I go in on my undereye.

4. FOUNDATION After waiting a few seconds for the concealer to dry down, go about your normal foundation routine.

5. CONCEAL AGAIN Yep, that’s right, go back in with your concealer over those spots, then buff it in with a beauty sponge. I like to tap mine in--or, as some beauty Youtubers say, beat my face.

6. SET Set your face as normal, but put a little bit extra on those bumps. I like to use the Ben Nye Neutral Set powder, but this might leave a white cast if you are darker than I am (which, let’s face it, I’m a ghost....) This will help the coverage stay put. Let it sit for a minute or so, then brush off the excess. (This is called baking....but that just makes me hungry.)

7. Finish the rest of your makeup. Don’t forget your setting spray!

As you can see here, my little bumps are still visible, but at least the massive redness that comes with them has been tamed. (Please forgive my crappy iPhone camera.)

#acne #acne redness #redness #makeup #ben nye #tarte #tarte shape tape #wet n wild #benefit cosmetics #sanders kennedy

[twoaverageladies-blog]

Lucky Rainbows

Written by J

M and I decided to each do a take on a rainbow eye look. In these crazy political times, we feel like it’s good to show support for the LGBTQA+ community!

M went for a bit of a Harley Quin/duo look. I’m loving the black lip!

Base: -Maybelline Age Reqind Concealer in “Fair” -Nyx Jumbo Ee Pencil in “Milk”

Green Eye: - Inner Corner: Revolt by Urban Decay (done last) - Thrash, Freak, Fringe, and Chaos from the Urban Decay Electric Palette - BH Cosmetics Take Me To Brazil Palette [Row 3/Column 4] - Waterline: Green Ulta eyeliner

Red Eye: - Inner Corner: Revolt by Urban Decay (done last) - BH Cosmetics Take Me To Brazil palette [Row3/Column 2] - Slowburn, Savage, Jilted, and Urban from the Urban Decay Electric Palette - Waterline: Purple Ulta eyeliner

Mascara: Benefit “They’re Real!” in Black Tightline: Smashbox Black eyeliner Lipstick: Colourpop Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Friday"

I wanted to recreate a look I did for Unity Demonstration Day. Please ignore my weird face.....it was a weird day.

Urban Decay Vice LTD Reloaded Palette:  -Anonymous for a base (I usually use Anonymous as a base color) -Gash -Hot Pants -Goldmine -Mildew -UV-B -Freakshow Eyebrow highlight: Roadstripe

Mascara: Benefit Roller Lash Eyeliner: Sephora eye pencil in Dark Grey

#urban decay #eyeshadow #eyeliner #bh cosmetics #rainbow #makeup of the day #makeup #lgbtpride #gay pride #lgbtqia #lgbt #lgbt+ positivity #lgbt pride #beauty #cosmetics #benefit cosmetics #colourpop

[twoaverageladies-blog]

M's Nightly Face Routine/Makeup Removal

Written by M I am really picky when it comes to face cleansers.  I also tend to have sensitive skin, eczema, and overall skin allergies, so I tend to be cautious when trying face products (makeup included).  Because of this, when I find something I love I tend to use it until my skin becomes used to it and it's no longer effective.  At that point, I rotate one product out for a while before reintroducing it.

Yes, it is as annoying as it sounds.

As such, I have my favorites and have listed them below. Face Cleanser/Scrubs: - St. Ives Green Tea Scrub For when I have more acne than usual.  (Use it in the shower.)

-

St. Ives Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub

Use this more often in the winter when my skin is dryer and my acne isn't as bad. (Use in the shower.)

-

Shea Moisture African Black Soap

When my skin is REALLY bad and yet, is still sensitive, I turn to this. (Use this in the shower.)

-

Philosophy Purity Cleanser

When my skin has taken a beating or I've been wearing makeup every day and I need a deep clean.

Facial Moisturizer:

-

Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Oil Free

Self- explanatory.

Makeup Remover:

-

Pond's Cold Cream

An oldy but still a goody.  I grew up watching my grandmother use this and I've been hooked on it since the first time I tried it.  Doesn't work well around my eyes which can be annoying.

-

Green Goo Face Wash

A recent (as of Dec 2016) addition.  Was given to me as a gift and it's the most amazing product I've used.  It smells DIVINE and doesn't irritate my skin in ANY way.  LOVE.

I usually use a microfiber cloth to remove my makeup, with the products listed above.

#beauty #cleanser #face cleanser #facecleanser #makeup #ponds #greengoo #stives #facescrub #facialscrub #cosmetics #beautyjunkie #neutrogena #philosophy #sheamoisture

[twoaverageladies-blog]

Hair, Hair, Everywhere

Written by J

The concept of not washing your hair everyday had been alien to me most of my life. Why not wash your hair? Won’t it get greasy? Won’t it smell?

All the way from elementary school to college, I thought people who didn’t wash their hair everyday were dirty or lazy. I would sit and ponder how people handled this before modern showers were invented. Did people just have greasy, smelly hair all the time?

After many stern talkings-to from friends on the subject, I decided to try washing my hair every other day to see what it would be like. 

Last week, I washed my hair on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. I used dry shampoo on the in-between days.

My hairstylist also suggested that I start using a heat protectant on the days I do wash my hair, since I typically flat-iron it. 

I have noticed that my hair seems to be much fuller and healthier-looking since I started doing this. 

I saw a headline for an article about co-washing hair. I’m not quite sure what that is, so I’ll do some research on it for a future post.

#hair #haircare #hairwashing #dry shampoo #heat protectant

[twoaverageladies-blog]

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette - Joint Looks

Written by M Our first Saturday Post!  J and I are so excited to bring you two distinct looks from the BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic palette.  J's is more warm toned and mine (M's) is more cool toned.  Keep reading to see how we used the shadows!

J's Look: Warm Toned J is a ginger with warm yellow undertones to her skin so I think this colored combination looks AMAZING on her!

 Crease: Asteroid Lid: Aphrodite with Prometheus for added shimmer and dimension Outer V: Pluto Inner Corner: Cosmic Under Eye: Mars Rest: Sephora Full Action mascara in black, Sephora diamond eyeliner in Pat Rock on lid and waterline. *********************************************** M's Look: Cool Toned M has very cool toned, almost blue-wish pale skin so she tends to wear cooler colors on her lids.  Not all the time, but usually, and today's look is no exception.

*Note: Pluto and Electra are the new names for Eclipse and Uranus respectively. I have the newer palette, so I will be referring to them as Pluto and Electra. Lid Base: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser in Fair, Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. Crease: Urban Decay Tease, then Pluto and a little Lid: Urban Decay Foxy, then a mix of Comet and Electra with Moon and Meteor added for extra shimmer.  Cosmic topped at the end to make the color more purple. Outer Corner: Neptune topped with Pluto Under Eye: A mix of Pluto with a little Neptune Highlight/Bow Bone: Meteor and Moon Rest: Benefit Cosmetics mascara in black, Smashbox black eyeliner on waterline and tight line.

#eyeshadow #bh cosmetics #makeup #motd #makeup of the day #beauty #cosmetics #eyeliner #black eye liner #black eyeliner #sephora #benefit cosmetics #revlon #revlon cosmetics #nyxcosmetics #nyx #urban decay

[twoaverageladies-blog]

Wet n Wild Megalast Lip Color

Written by M I feel it is important for y'all to know that I love lip color.  It is the one type of makeup that I have the most of.  Some beauty enthusiasts collect eye shadow, some collect face products.  For me it has always been the lips, the weirder the better.

I find myself to be strange and unusual, so I like my lip colors to be the same.  This habit however, can be expensive.  As such, when I want to try a new shade, I tend to go for a cheap brand that has color options.  That way, if I really like the color, I can save my money and find a high end alternative.

Sometimes, though, the brand can surprise me and the cheap lipstick can be a winner.  This is the case with the Wet n Wild Megalast Lipsticks. I grabbed some at my local Walgreens for $2.29, although on the website they retail for $1.99.  I got 3 colors: 918D - Cherry Bomb A dark red

965 - Cherry Picking A bright cool toned red, almost pink.

916B - Vamp it Up A dark plummy purple

Here is what Wet n Wild's website says about them: "This is basically our Magnum Opus of lipstick—it’s the one thing we absolutely MUST put on when we’ve got a cocktail party or black tie event. This 4-hour, longwearing lip color leaves a semi-matte cream finish in one stroke. Glides on easily with rich, velvety color that doesn’t cake, feather, or bleed. Made with hydrating skin-care ingredients: Hyaluronic Microspheres provide extraordinary adhesion to lips, an exclusive polymer complex offers cushion-like feel and texture, and natural marine plant extracts coenzyme Q10 and vitamins A & E help smooth lips." I found them to be an excellent value given their price.  Are they perfect? No, but that is not saying they aren't good.  The darker colors definitely need a lip liner underneath to make the color more even on my lips, as you can see with the last picture, it's patchy because I didn't use one.

They're a bit difficult to apply, there is a waxy texture to them, but once they're on they stay on pretty well.  Yes, they do transfer, but I've eaten two whole meals with only having to reapply once.   I'd confirm the 4 Hour wear and bump that up to a 5 or 6 for me, depending on what I'm doing. I'd buy these again, and if there's a B1G1 50% off sale on Wet n Wild at Walgreens (as they tend to do) I probably will.

#wet n wild #wetnwild #lipstick #redlipstick #red lipstick #red lips #redlips #purplelips #purple lips #plumlips #plum lips #dark lips #darklips #darkslipstick #makeup #makeup of the day #motd #makeupoftheday #cosmetics #beauty #beautyrelated #drugstore makeup

[twoaverageladies-blog]

Foundation: A Ginger’s Worst Nightmare

Written by J

Being a ginger has its ups and downs. Sure, I have pretty hair and freckles, but I’ll be damned if I can’t find a foundation that fits my skin tone!

Most drug store brands have a range of 6-10 tones, usually the lightest being Ivory. As a younger, more immature ginger, I thought Ivory was perfect for me...until I stood in decent lighting. I would have a very clear foundation line with an orange cast. Of course, I thought this made me look tan, but looking back on old pictures I realize how god-awful it was!

After listening to me complain, M took me to Sephora. For those living under a rock, Sephora has Color IQ, which is a skin tone matching machine. They will determine your skin tone and then match you to a foundation in the store.

I was matched with Make Up For Ever’s Mat Velvet formula in No. 15 Alabaster. Since I also have redness around my mouth, this was the PERFECT foundation for me! It has medium coverage and goes on very light and smooth. I have since found a drug store foundation that is fairly close--Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Foundation in Light Porcelain. 

#makeup #foundation #ginger #sephora #make up for ever #rimmel london