40 Beauty Questions Tag! *Tag week!*

Hey beautiful ones!

For Day 3 of tag week, I found an awesome beauty tag " the 40 Beauty Questions Tag". Let's dive right in!

SKINCARE -
How many times do you wash your face daily?
Normally twice, once if I feel lazy in the morning.What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
Combination

What is your current facial wash?
Loreal 360 clean .. the peach one...Do you exfoliate?
My daily facial wash has very tiny exfoliating beads, but I properly exfoliate once a week!

What brand do you use?
Venus! 

What moisturizer do you use?
My favorite is the Pond's Dry Skin Cream

Do you have freckles?
Not too many, but a few!
Do you use eye cream?
I do! I think it is so important, start as soon as possible! Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
I did when I was 13/14, but it was just puberty, It evened itself out when I was about 15.Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
Yes, and I loved it. It worked well with my skin, and cleared it right up!
MAKE-UP
What foundation do you use?
Clinique's Superbalanced MakeupHow about concealer?
I am curretly using Astor concealerDo you know your undertone color?
I don't know the exact color, but I do know that I have cool undertones.What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I like them, but I don't use them often. I was blesses with long, full lashes!

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
Of course! I am very on top of my makeup expirations!

What brand of mascara do you use?
My ultimate mascara is Maybelline Falsies Mascara.

Sephora or MAC?
uhm, both! Please don't make me choose! ;)Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
NoWhat makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Brushes, sponges, q-tips

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Always! It makes a HUGE difference!For the face?
I only prime my face if I am going out for a special event, or will be exposed to extreme temps, etc. Not every single day, though.

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
I ave tons of favorites, but I am currently obsessed with Benefit's Pink Fancy. I have been using it daily!.Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Pencil most of the time, liquid rarely.

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Not often, I poke myself in the eye with my mascara wand more frequently than I prefer, though.What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
I Enjoy them, but some are too intense for everyday! 

Do you use mineral makeup?
I have honestly never tried it...

What is your favorite lipstick?
My lipstick of the moment is Rimmel London's Vintage Pink.

How about lipgloss?
Art Deco, and the number is rubbed off, but it is a fuschia pink with lots of glitter! It is too fabulous!What is your favorite blush to use?
I can't choose! I have been using UMA cosmetics blush in Pink Rose quite often.

Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
No, and I don't care to.Do you like drugstore makeup?
It depends. I really like drugstore mascaras, and I like alot of lipsticks, and some eyeliner. My makeup collection is a mix of expensive/drugstore.

Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
I haven't ever been to one.Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Yes, and I fully have plans to soon! 

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Not ususally!Name a makeup crime that you hate?
I hate when girls wear a foundation that is too dark, then they don't blend it. It looks like they're wearing a mask, yuck!

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
It all depends on what I am doing and how I am feeling.Which celebrity always has great make up?
I have always loved Kate Winslet's makeup. It's always striking!If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?
Mascara!
Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
It depends on where I am going. Running little errands, I don't mind. But I love makeup, and getting ready is thereputic for me!Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
Yes, but I like to add some color to my skin. I am naturally gohst white, and I actually look sickly without blush. I am extremely pale, but not "oh she has beautiful milky skin" pale, more like "she looks like she is gonna hurl" pale.In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
I really love clinique, but that's a hard one!

What do you think of Makeup??
I  am obsessed. I collect it, and I am creative with it.

Wedding Things: Week-of Tips !

Hey Beauties,

For today's post, I want to share some tips for you for the week of your wedding! I even have tips for the grooms, since they are kind of important, too ;) These tips will help you de-stress, keep things running smoothly, and of course, keep you looking your best! Enjoy:)

Brides:
~Several days prior to the wedding, confirm all beauty appointments.

~ Make a schedule for the week-of. Write down a to-do list for each day. Delegating yourself a small list of things to do each day will provide for a more stress-free week. Leave yourself next to nothing to do the day before! You need to get lots of rest that day:)

~Pamper yourself everyday. Take bubble baths, use lots of lotion, face masks, etc. This will help you relax and look fab!

~ RELAX. Here's the thing: something (small or large) is bound to not turn out just how you wanted it to. Have backup plans for anything possible, but try not to freak out when things are out of your control. Weddings should be a fun, exciting time. Remember the purpose of this day : you're marrying the man of your dreams! Take a moment to reflect on the most important thing when things get crazy.

~Confirm details with all of your vendors!

~Create a day-of schedule. This can take alot of stress off of your plate!

~Chill with your fiancee! Go for a walk, watch a movie, try to spend some quality together before the big day!

~ Create a day-of bridal emergency kit!

 ~Take care of yourself. Drink tons of water, eat nutritious foods, take vitamins, and  get plenty of rest!


Grooms:

~ Take care of yourselves. Get lots of sleep, eat well, drink lots of water, and take vitamins! You don't want to fall ill for your wedding day!

~Good grooming(hehe). Put more effort into your appearence. Make sure your nails are in good condition( yes it DOES matter,you will likely have photosof your hands) make sure you are clean-shaven, use lotion

~Be as helpful as possible. Help your bride with last-minute tasks!

~ Spend some quality time with your bride:)

~Work on your speeche(s)! DO NOT TRY TO IMPROVISE! :p



Diary July 25, 2012:
Today involved alot! I did alot of cleaning, baking, and last minute projects! Tomorrow is the day before, and there is so much to do! We are having Andre's aunts and uncles over tomorrow for a barbeque, I am having a step in my hair process done, I am pulling my emergency kit together, doing a final cleaning of our place, a little first dance rehearsal,  and of course, we need a good night's rest! I will update tomorrow!

Are yoou enjoying the Wedding Things series?

X's and O's,
Amanda

Wedding Things: In Case Of Emergency

Hello Hello!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday! Wedding season is here, so I plan on doing alot more "Wedding Things"  posts. One topic that has been on my mind is wedding emergencies, and how to cope. Although I certainly hope nothing goes wrong on mine, or anyone else's wedding, let's face it; it's bound to happen. Normally it's something minor(i.e. your flowers aren't exact, a member of your wedding party is late for beauty appointments, etc) Or, it could be a more complicating situation. Here are a few tips for how to deal, along with a emergency check list for your emergency kit!
Tips:
~ Try not to stress too much. Sure, you want everything to be absolutely perfect, but if the flowers aren't EXACT, what is it hurting? Your guests probably won't take notice, and there's no use stressing over things beyond your control.

~ Accept help. It's totally ok to ask your maid of honor or other bridal party members to deal with mini dillemas, or just help out. You should be happy and care-free today. Ask for help when things get crazy.

~Have a back-up plan. Planning for the worst can help ease our mind the day-of. Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception? Have an indoor venue in line, just in case. If there happens to be rain, you won't be stuck outside figuring out what to do. Same goes for entertainment, etc.

Next, and very importantly, every bride should have a Bridal Emergency Kit. This kit should contain all essentials you might possibly need. From fashion emergencies, hair emergencies to falling ill, all brides should be prepared. Here's what you need:

~ A bag for all of your essentials. You can give this to your maid of honor or other VIP. It should be easy to access throught the day.
~ Stain remover pen
~ Bobby pins
~Hairspray
~blotting sheets
~ makeup, for touch ups
~ Tissues
~ Gum, dental floss
~ Mini sewing kit, including threads that match your dress, and your bridal party's dresses
~ Pain reliever
~ Saftey pins
~ fashion tape
~ tampons, pads, pantyliners
~ bandaids
~ perfume, deoderant
~ hand creme
~ clear naill polish for stocking runs
~ the nail polish you are wearing for touch-ups
~ cash (just in case)
~ a cell phone
~ A list of all vendors, and phone numbers
~ easy to pack snacks
~ makeup remover wipes and q-tips
~ your moisturizer, and other essential skincare products

I know it sounds like alot, but if any emergency occurs, you'll be thankful you brought these things.
Bonus tip: learn the basics of your hairstyle with your stylist, and bring someone with you. That way , you can fix your hair if something goes wrong! Same goes for your makeup!

Hope this was helpful! Anything I left off of the list?
X's and O's,
Amanda

*photo courtesy of google*

Summer Beauty Kit Essentials

Hey Pretties!

The weather is warming up! Who is stoked for summer?

Summer brings hot weather, and if you're not careful, raccoon eyes! Today I want to talk about some must haves for your summer beauty kit. Personally, these items are things that are ALWAYS in my kit and I use almost all of them daily. But if you are missing any of the following, defintely get them for summer!

1.Face and eye primers. I use primers daily, but they are crucial during the summer. Eye primer will help your eye makeup last longer, and reduce the smearing and smudging. Face primer is awesome because it fills in your pores, evens out your complexion, and gives foundation and concealer something to adhere to. I like to just spot conceal when I can in the  summer, and face primer evens things out! Plus, the concealer isn't melting off of my face.

2. Waterproof mascara. Summer activities call for this beauty essential. Sweat, water, 'nuff said.

3. Liquid liner. A liquid liner stays put much better and longer than a pencil. It is also less likely to run!

4. Sunscreen! Honestly, this should have been first, and you should use it everyday. I use it daily, no matter the weather, but especially in the summer! Protect your skin from sun damage. You'll thank your sunscreen when you are older and virtually wrinkle free! Make sure that the product can be placed under makeup. Some formulas can be placed over makeup as well! Be sure to re-apply every 3 hours if you're in the sun.

5. Lightweight skincare. The last thing you want in the summertime are products that are heavy on your skin. I reccomed a light cleanser, and a very lightweight moisturizer. Olay Beauty Fluid is my fave lightweight moisturizer.

6. Translucent powder. This is necessary for blotting excess oil on the skin, and setting foundations and concealers so that they don't slip and move around!

What are your beauty kit essentials?
X's and O's ,
Amanda

Spring Makeup Trends!

Hey Beauty Babies!
Today, I really want to talk about Spring makeup trends that I am just loving! Spring is definitely my favorite time of year: the blooming flowers and trees, the awesome weather, and of course, fashion and beauty!

My number one favorite makeup trend this season is the Bright Pink Lip. I can't get enough of this look! I finally got the guts to purchase a bright pink high-shine lipgloss about a month ago, and it is my favorite! I think it is really pretty for spring. Another cool thing is that when rocking bold lips like these, you can( well, you should) keep the rest of your makeup simpler, so that the lips stand out. I love being able to keep the eyes to a minimum, then throw on the hot pink lipgloss! A bold lip makes you look like you put alot of effort into your makeup; it's the quickest way to look more done-up. I like to wear brown shadows and eyeliners while sporting these lips. It really makes the color pop!

The other trend I cannot get enough of is the pastel colors for eyes! Especially shades of lavender. I really think it compliments most eye colors really well. It is soft, but gorgeous, also perfect for spring. I love wearing the purple shadows with a dark brown liner. It looks nice for a night out, and I am sure I will wear purple eyes for my upcoming Spring wedding!

What are YOUR favorite spring trends? Comment below!

X's and O's,

Amanda

Review: Clinique's Superbalanced Makeup

Hey Cutie Pies,

So today, I am going to do  a review on Clinique's Superbalanced Makeup. This is a foundation that I use daily, and I am completely in love with it!
I cannot say enough good about this makeup. It gets its name because it absorbs excess oil where there is, and moisturizes dry patches on your skin. Superbalance! I like to call it "Smart Makeup". The formula is creamy, and blends like a dream. It is good for dry, oily, normal, and combination skin! I think the colors are beautiful as well. The coverage is light, and does not feel heavy whatsoever. I have combination skin, and I am really impressed. It NEVER shows patching(sighhhh of relief!), and I never look greasy. It is foundation perfection!

The only downsides are that it is a light coverage, and depending on your budget, pricey. Light coverage is perfect for me, but if you need a heavier coverage, this may be too light for you. A bottle costs $21.50. This bottle usually lasts me about 3 months or so, and I feel like it is worth the price. I have heard beauty gurus say foundations are "inexpensive" at this rate. While I personally don't find it to be too expensive, everyone's budget is different. I defintely remember when I was younger and didn't have much money- $12.00 drugstore foundation seemed like a lot to me. However, if this is within your budget, I defintely reccomend giving it a try! I adore it, and use it every day:)
Now to do the fun stuff, like iron my boyfriends laundry and unload the dishwasher:p
X's and O's,
Amanda

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder.

Hello Hello! :)
First off, I want to apologize for not updating in a few days. My flights to Germany were all delayed, and I am horribly jet lagged. All things aside, I am finally here, and my adventure begins!:)

There's a topic that has been brought to my attention alot recently, and I've been feeling it alot as well. So I wanted to ask you guys: are you 100% happy with your looks?
If you answered yes... i'm going to go out on a limb and say that's probably not 100% true. Sure, many of you are probably happy with your appearance, but we all have things about ourselves that we consider to be flaws. For example, I have very short legs. I have always wished for them to be longer and leaner. I am also self concious because I am very busty, and I think that it makes me look top heavy in photos. I have never spoken to a person who loves every single inch of themselves. We all have aspects of ourselves that we wish we could change, or that they would disappear. I have been kind of depressed about my body lately, wishing I could be thinner, more attractive, etc.

Then, reality hit me. This is the body that god gave me. This is the body I am going to have for the rest of my life, and if I don't begin to love and accept it, my life is going to be miserable. I started to put things into perspective. I wish to be thinner, but the reality is, I am at a healthy weight, and I wear medium sized clothing. I have a gorgeous boyfriend who thinks the same of me. So why do I end up feeling so insecure about my looks?

We all know that models and actresses are airbrushed a thousand times over before their photos grace the pages of magazines. Actresses spend hours in makeup before appearing on camera. They all look flawless. Their skin is perfect, their hair is glossy, their smiles are perfectly white, they don't have a hint of cellulite or fat, their nails are perfectly manicured, their outfits perfect. But even though we know that they undergo hours of makeup and airbrushing, we tend to forget and compare ourselves to them anyways. We even see real life people who we perceive to be more attractive then ourselves, and endlessly compare ourselves. Comparing yourself is one of the most destructive things you can do to yourself. When you do, you are only making yourself feel down, and ruining your own confidence. You are also forgetting that the person you think is so flawless has things about him or herself that they feel insecure about.

Like I mentioned before, you better make peace with yourself, because there is only one of you, and you're stuck in your body forever. Having confidence and loving yourself is beautiful. There is also beauty in personality. Maybe your tummy isn't so flat, but you are the most forgiving person in the world. Maybe your skin isn't perfect, but you enjoy helping others. Just because you will never be a supermodel does not mean you aren't beautiful. The most beautiful girl in the world who is also selfish and mean, has an ugly heart.

So instead of comapring ourselves to others and moping around about our looks, start finding things about yourself that you love and focus on those things. Surround yourself with people who love you for you, and remember that confidence is the most beautiful thing in the world. Underneath a beautiful person, is a beautiful heart. What makes you feel beautiful?
X's and O's,
Amanda

New Year's Resolutions!

Hellloooo:)
Although we are halfway through January, I thought I would share with you some of my New Year's resolutions. I love New Year's. It's a chance for a clean slate, for new beginings. I am blessed to have a COMPLETELY clean slate this year, since I moved out of the country. I don't know about you guys, but 2011 wasn't exactly my golden year. I have high hopes for 2012 though! My resolutions are:

1. Try my absolute hardest to not judge others. Everyone has a story, and nobody is better than anyone else.

2. Learn a totally new skill. Who knows? Maybe I am a champion skiier or something ;)

3. Try more daring makeup looks. And share with you of course! :)

4.  Take skincare more seriously. I didn't really have a solid skincare routine until this past summer. Now I have learned so much, and I need to maintain my skin!

5. Try out some new recipies. I love cooking and baking, but I rarely step outside of the box, because I am unsure if it will taste good. I need to have more confidence in the kitchen and go a little crazy sometimes! :)

6. Use forgiveness, and let things go.

7.  Become involved in a cause.

8. Be more creative with fashion! And again, share !

9. Stop comparing myself to others. Nobody is perfect, and nobody else can be me!

10. Count my blessings and realize how lucky I am for all of the things that I have, and remember that love will ultimately set you free

11. Have a totally crazy/ epic night with Andre( The boyfriend)

What are your New Year's resolutions? Any you think you might have a hard time with? Let me know!:)

Side note.... I have been tracking, and realize that I get quite a bit of viewers, but no comments! quit being so shy people!!!! :) I don't bite. ;)

X's and O's,
Amanda

Manda Likes...

Hello there pretty people!:)
    This is the first of the Manda Likes entries. I hope to do these about twice a month( at least once) to let you know what my current product obsessions are. Here are a few things I just cannot survive the day without:

1. 12 Benefits Rapid Blowout Spray. I seriously use this stuff everyday. There are so many benefits( hence the title:p) and my hair looks so healthy. It gives your hair a really beautiful, natural shine.

2. Clean and Clear Daily Pore Cleanser. This cleanser is amazing. It makes my skin feel squeaky clean, but it isn't drying. It has little micro scrubbers for gentle exfoliation, but don't fret. The exfoliators are so small, it won't strip your skin. :)

3. EOS Lipbalm. I was originally drawn to this because I am a sucker for cute packaging. But once I started using it, I was hooked. It makes my lips feel baby soft, and hydrates for hours. It is all natural ingridients, and it smells so good :P

4. Pond's Dry Skin Cream. I am completely obsessed. It is extremely hydrating, but not too greasy. I use it morning and night, and my skin never shows dry patching! Plus, I got a big tub for just under $5. Affordable and effective?  Win! :D

5. Palmer's Deep Conditioning protein pack.  I use this once( sometimes twice!) weekly to deep condition my hair. At just $1.50 a pack, it is a total steal.

6. Rimmel London's Mpisture Renew Lipstick. This lipstick is super hydrating, and there are beautiful colors to choose from!

So that is the first of the Manda Likes  series. Keep your eye on these for contests! What are you obsessed with? Let me know below:)
X's and O's,
Amanda

Intro To my Blog :)

Hello Everyone!
My name is Amanda Christine, and this is my blog. What's up with my blog name? Glad you asked...
   I am a makeup, beauty, fashion, travel enthusiast who has just moved overseas to Germany from the good old United States. My blog is going to contain alot of makeup/ beauty advice, reviews, etc, as well as me blogging about the lifestyle in Germany, and other random stuff that happens in my daily life.
  As an intro to my blog, I thought i'd fill out a "get to know me" quiz:

1. Favorite food as a child: Mac and Cheese( still up there on the favorites list!)
2. Favorite quote: " A girl should be two things: classy, and fabulous"- Coco Chanel
3. Favorite outdoor activity: being at the beach!:)
4. What chore do you absolutely hate doing?: Taking out the garbage! It smells gross.
5. Favorite time of day: I don't have a favorite. I love something different about every time of day.
6. Favorite Color: Pink. Almost everything I own is pink. I live in pink.
7. Least Favorite Mode Of Transportation: Subways. They're dirty.
8. Favorite Sound: Waves crashing against the shore at the beach.
9. Favorite Indoor Activity Shopping. Shopping and getting ready. It's my therapy.
10. If you had a chance to change your name, would you? : No, I am rather fond of mine. :)

A picture of the boyfriend and I in Koeln Germany :)

Please leave your answers to the questions in the comments, as well as suggestions for future posts! This is the begining of a beautiful friendship, I can tell :)
X's and O's ,
Amanda