Makeup Brush Holder

In the new year, I am focused on keeping my surroundings organized at all times. It's pretty weird that I'm not a super organized  person because my mom has always been OCD when it comes to clutter, organizing and cleaning. She's quick to throw things away or move something because its not in the right spot for her liking.. I would explain the old Joia as living in an organized mess, lol. Now I have a spot for everything.

Here is an inexpensive way to organize your makeup brushes, eye and lip liners, lips glosses etc. These are my go- to items that I like to have quick and easy access to. The other 3/4 of my collection is stored other ways (I will do a full vanity tour soon.)  Very stylish and only $4 for the materials, found at my fave- Dollar Tree.

2- glass vase/ candle holders
2- Bag of rocks, (or you can use marbles)

That's it :-)

Smith's Rosebud Salve

Rosebud Salve- The best lip moisturizer EVER. You can use this pretty much everywhere on your body as well. I like it especially for my lips, and sometimes I even put it on my eyelids and check bones for a glowy look. There's a "Hidden Gem" Salon and Spa in Beverly Hills, MI called Emile  and this is where I first discovered this product probably in 2003. I even recall an Allure Article on Beyonce  and her go to at-home beauty products.Rosebud Salve made the list! Now if Beyonce uses it, We know its legit. Make sure its the one in the Blue Tin, as they have others that have added fragrance, as well as tinted ones. I prefer the original.
Purchase it at Sephora, or HERE.

Must Have Beauty Products- Cosmetics

I’ve never been big on wearing makeup, but these products are a must have (at least try) for all women. Since I am not the one to wake up every morning and allow enough time to “put on my face,” I would say I am a qualified judge of whats great and whats not, seeing how I only allow myself 3 min max to get it done. And if it looks good in that short amount of time, its a must have. My results are always the same… Fabulous!

I don’t use foundation very often, only if I'm going out on the town, and even then its very minimal. This is the only product I will experiment with. Also, in the summer my skin tone changes, so I'm always trying to find a new one. Lately I have been using Maybelline’s Fit Me and I like it. For now.

Victoria's Secret Airbrush FX face primer. Primers are used to creat a smooth canvas (face) so all makeup applied goes on smooth, and lasts longer. Generally, they diminish pores and fine lines creating the illusion of baby bottom smooth skin. When I use this VS primer it controls my shine and creates a matte finish as well.

Benefit They're Real Mascara is so official! This is THE BEST MASCARA IN THE WORLD. Never clumps, its super intense, easy application, lasts all day.. I swear I could go on and on. Anything you can think of good to say about mascara- It applies to Benefit's They're Real.

As you see, most of my go to makeup is MAC- I really love this line. Nothing I’ve ever tried has disappointed me- (except I tried their matchmaster foundation- I would never recommend this to anyone.. in pictures it looks terrible. And everyone knows I love me some seflies.)  

MAC Mineral Skin Finish- Most days this is my “foundation” (according to MAC, A luxurious domed face powder with minerals, slowly baked to provide a dimensional yet natural-matte finish. Provides perfect low coverage. Use to set and fix foundation or as a touch-up throughout the day. ) It's the bomb!

Face contour- I use the MAC blush in Blunt . If you are unfamiliar with contouring, google it. It gives you a more chizzled look. I only spend about 1 minute, doing the hollows of my cheeks, and the sides of my nose\, So we're aren't talking Kim K contoured, lol.

Photo cred- Makeup By Nakimah & GGF

Lipstick- MAC Ruby Woo- I wanted to show yall this red lipstick because its so perfect. I remember back in my day (90's and 2000's,) red lipstick wasn't very popular, especially for us Brown Sistas. Making the biggest comeback from when M.A.C was first debuted by Madonna on her "Like a Virgin Tour in the 80's," in 2009, Lady GaGa made it the new "IT" lip. Just in case you needed a suggestion on a goo Red Lip, you're welcome. I will do a more detailed post soon, but in the meantime check out this cool article in ELLE MAGAZINE, History of Red Lipstick

Rockin Ruby Woo- Makeup by Donoma

Eyeshadow- Im not really big on eyeshadow so I havn't spent my coin on the Urban Decay Naked pallette. Why? $50 for eyeshadows is a lot to me especially when I can get 500 colors from sephora for $20. I can create the same looks (if I knew how lol,) with my Physicians Formula Naturual Nude Eye Palette. This baby was $10.99 from CVS and I'm sure I used Extra Bucks so it eas even cheaper. Love it!

Untitled #8 by joiastarr featuring Physicians Formula

MAC Cosmetics blush
nordstrom.com

Victoria s Secret makeup
victoriassecret.com

MAC Cosmetics concealer
nordstrom.com

Benefit mascara
bloomingdales.com

Physicians Formula eye makeup
target.com

Maybelline makeup
maybelline.com

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish SOFT AND GENTLE
amazon.com

Non Negotiable- Must have Beaty Product Week

I'd like to say that products I am going to highlight this week, I will ALWAYS have on hand. I never run out and have a backup on reserve. Every girl has those beauty products that they feel they could never live without, and even though they are loyal to these particulars, they will wander off into product land to find the next best thing- Not me. I don't want to try anything new, or find one better, because there isn't any replacement. What are your Non-negotiable beauty must haves?

I'll start off with my face cleansers and moisturizers.

Buf Puf / exfoliating pads - I have only got a facial once in my life. After dishing out $65 dollars the best part to me was the head an shoulder massage. Aside from having Eczema, which causes dry areas(The reason why I can not live wthout emollients) in various places of my body, my face is pretty normal. Due to the Eczema, particularly when the seasons change I have flare ups which affect my face. Using the miracle face exfoliator helps to keep my face smooth and gets rid of any dry areas instantly. I like to buy the disposable ones in bulk from Amazon, or if you want to try them ASAP and can't wait, they sell them also at CVS. They are very exfoliating so I use only once a week. Since I have my other products I alternate between, its not necessary for me to use them everyday.

                 

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Cleansing Pads- These are so convienent and perfect for all skin types. One side is more abrasive for the perfect gentle exfoliation. I alternate washing my between these, and Simple Facial cleansing wipes. I love the simple wipes just as much as the Aveeno pads. There's no specific reason I alternate, I just like to switch it up.

Moisturizer- I don't have a specific one I stick to. I'm always trying defferent ones. I use a lot of Vaseline, and Eucerin cream, but lately I have been loving the Simple Vital Night cream.