What's In a Name?

So, this is a topic I've been trying to avoid.  I spent some time thinking about this business before it became a business and I really love French (see hobby list #3).  I wanted a cool french name that also gave meaning to this process I am going through of turning wasted time into a productive hobby!  Then "Les Temps Nouveaux" was born, which translates to new times (also pronouced lays taumps newvoe) .  It was a new time for me, for the biz, and for the way that I view my many half-hearted attempts at being good at everything (not possible, by the way).  So, a couple weeks later, after the blog was born and I was already browsing business card templates, I decided I should check to see if this title was related to any other business.  The first google search brought up some disturbing news.  From 1895 to 1914, Les Temps Nouveaux was a French anarchist newspaper!!  At first I was thinking, eh, maybe the time gap will eradicate any negative connotation.  Also, I am not in France and will not be working with many clients that are from France.  Then, Carrie brought up another counterpoint: if you don't speak french then A) You cannot pronounce it and B) You cannot translate its meaningful depth.  So, I am looking for a new business name.  I have a couple in the running but nothing that really seems to fit.  A couple that have been thrown around include Fresh Face Artistry, Fresh Artistry, and BonTemps Artistry (this passes in New Orleans because of our city's catch phrase "Laissez les bon temps rouler" or let the good times roll.)  If you have any ideas, please post a comment!!  There is a push to find a name because some business opportunities are in the near future (expect blog post at a later date). 

Tuesday Tip!

Wash your face with mild cleanser before bed.  Leaving sunscreen on your face can lead to clogged pores and breakouts (eww!).  Sleeping with mascara takes SEVEN days off your eyes!  No one needs more wrinkles.

Tuesday Tip!

Tuesday Tip: If you are using a product on your eye, especially on the inner rim of the eye (also known as the water line), make sure the product says ophthalmologist tested.  This will avoid any damage to the eye and ensure the product is of good quality!

My Good Things

As requested by a dedicated follower (thanks sis!), I am sharing a few of my favorite products!  This list is composed of products I use everyday, or have used a LOT, and work for me.  The effectiveness of products may vary due to differing skin types.  I have oily skin, which means most of my time is spent fighting my extra shininess.  If you have dry spots and are oily in others, you have combination skin.  If you leave small trails of dead skin cells everywhere you go, you have dry skin.  You will notice that many of these products are from Clinique.  I am a strong advocate of the brand, not only because every product I use is absolutely amazing, but because the products are developed by dermatologists.   So with that, we will start the favorites list!

1. Mary Kay Night Solution- This product has done miracles for my skin.  Not only did it lock in moisture all night and leave my skin feeling amazing in the AM, but I noticed fewer fine lines (at 25, I only have fine lines so I can't say for deep wrinkles).  Using Night Solution daily also took away my mild cheek rosacea (I don't think it was really rosacea, but they were always an angry, uneven red color).  Because I have oily skin, I did not moisturize in addition to using this product.  My night routine was simple: cleanse, then apply Night Solution.  Currently, my night routine includes: cleanse, Clinique Moisturizer (no SPF, because SPF damages the skin if left overnight) mixed with Oil of Olay Regenerating Serum.                                                                                  

   
2. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap-This facial cleanser is mild enough to use morning and night.  Clinique provides different facial soaps depending on skin type.  Not sure what is your skin type? Just ask the ladies at the counter.  Not only do they usually know what they are doing, but they also provided me with several fun tips I will share with you!  I use this cleanser twice (sometimes thrice) a day and it never dries out my skin.



3. Chanel Prolumiere Liquid Foundation- The best foundation I have ever used.  It is great for all skin types, which is why it is the only foundation in my professional kit (and because I am poor). It has a slight dewey finish, but not enough to make you look too shiney (like Chanel Vitalumiere Foundation).  A slight dewey texture to your foundation is great because you can powder spots you do not want to look shiny (your nose, forehead, and chin) without looking too matte.  If anyone doesn't believe there is such a thing as too matte, I will refer to the beginning of Carrie Underwood's career.  Do not worry about the SPF, because this product includes light reflecting pigments for beautiful pictures.

4. Smashbox Photo Perfect Primer- A great primer that smoothes on like butter.  It is fast to apply and all you need is a dime size, which means less money  you are spending.  If you have an even complexion, you can probably skip this step but it makes your makeup last for long hours.  Smashbox includes primers for correcting skin tones as well.  I just use the good ol' fashion one seen below.            
5. Dior DiorShow Blackout Mascara- One word: AMAZING!  I had never used anything but drugstore mascara before I picked up this sweet sweetness at Sephora.  The HUGE applicator makes for big lashes and it is the blackest black I've found yet.  If I am going for a less dramatic look, I'm back to my drugstore brand, but this product is safe to use everyday.  It also comes in waterproof if sobbing is expected.                                                                                                      
6. Eucerin Smoothing Essentials Lotion- While somewhat greasy at first, this lotion feels amazing all day long and I never reapply.  This product is also used by dermatologists to treat Keratosis Pilaris, a common condition of tiny raised, red bumps found on the arms and legs.  This condition is hereditary (Thanks, Mom) and may not be totally erased, but I noticed a significant change on the backs of my legs with long term use (several months).                                                                       
 
7. Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream- This product is a great exfoliator that is gentle enough to be used everyday.  Exfoliating is recommended twice a week.  I use a chemical exfoliator everyday, which will be discussed in number 8.  I use this product after cleansing my face in the shower about twice a week.  Certain products use particles to remove dead skin cells that can scratch the surface of your skin.  No worries here!                                                                                                       
8. Clinique Clarifying Lotion- After talking with the Clinique counter lady one day, she convinced me that I was using way too much moisturizer and needed to try a toner.  She could not have been more correct.  My face, even after a couple days, felt smoother, had less dry skin, and I went from using a quarter sized amount of moisturizer to a dime.  I use this product on a clean face in the AM before applying my moisturizer.  It is THE most important step besides cleansing and sunscreen and can be used on any skin type.                                                                                
9. Dr Brandt Skincare Pores No More- Seriously works miracles.  If you have large pores, or even small pores, this product will erase them instantly.  There are several cons: cost ($45) and there is no treatment involved.  This product covers up the problem but does not treat large, or clogged, pores.  If you need a quick fix, it is definitely recommended!              
         
10. Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel- I have used many products for acne over the years.  While my problem is minimal, one or two blemishes here and there, nothing seemed to keep my face consistently clear.  I started using this product several months ago and it seems to do a great job and fix the problem quick.  If I have a blemish, I apply this product AM and PM.  I also use it several times a week under my makeup and over my moisturizer for areas I am prone to breaking out.  If you have heavy acne or cystic acne, visit your dermatologist to evaluate your specific needs.

Tuesday Tip!

I am starting a new post that will be featured every Tuesday containing one tip about makeup, skincare, or hygiene.  I hope you enjoy!

Tuesday Tip: If you are attending a flash heavy event (wedding) or just have a camera-happy friend, use products with little or no sunscreen.  Your powder should not contain titanium dioxide (also known as the sunscreen component), because it can whiten foundation up to five shades!  No one wants to be known as ghost girl or look like a vampire.

A Birthday Explosion!

Thanks to my wonderful girlfriend and family, my 25th birthday brought a plethora of makeup!  I am dangerously close to having a complete professional kit.  I should back up and tell about how this kit came about.  When I decided to talk about makeup until everyone stopped listening, my girlfriend (Carrie) decided to steer me into direction (any cause I was all over the place).  She suggested that if I was serious about starting a makeup artistry business that I develop a business plan.  This idea intrigued me and helped quell the hours of online shop browsing (I say browsing because I will search for products for hours without making any actual purchases....that would be going over the edge).  So, there I went, on the internet (again) researching how to create a business plan.  Creating the plan took several hours and when Carrie came home from work, I presented her with my finished product.  She was probably surprised that A) I took it seriously enough to actually make a plan and B) that making business plans was what I did on my days off instead of laying on the couch watching TV.  The first page of the plan included a detailed list of everything I would need for a complete professional makeup kit.  My dreams were pretty much demolished when I discovered the cost of this kit.  But through minor adjustments, I have brought the cost down significantly and stand today almost close to finished!  Somehow, I have made out only spending $30 of my own money!  There is plenty more to get but for now I will look (mildly) professional to strangers.  I have included a picture of my birthday gifts!!