Tips for Avoiding Bed Head

Hi lovelies! 

Don't you just love how sometimes we wake up with beautiful bed head & we're ready to take on the day? We all have those days where we wake up with fabulous hair or we wake up looking like a hot mess! Sometimes, our mattress can be to blame, especially if you have a really good one that you don't want to get out of. Casper is a mattress company that sends you latex memory foam mattresses in a box the size of a mini fridge! Because bed head can follow a good night's sleep, I have put together some tips about how to make sure you can have sleep well and perfect hair.

We've all experienced those mornings where instead of trying to work with our bed head, we pull it back in a pony tail or top bun. I know I've had plenty of those days! While other days (with certain night time steps) I'm waking up and ready to take on the day!

Here are a few of my tips:

Style your hair at night: (really!) 

Sometimes if I want loose curls in the morning, I'll use my curling wand before bed to add to some tight curls, add some deep conditioning serum to the tips of my hair, and hop into bed! In the morning - TA DA, beautiful wavy curls! This is probably the #1 step I love to do for fab hair in the mornings! 

Go to bed with dry hair:

When busy days take over our energy at night, we usually shower really quick, don't put any treatments into our hair and knock out. That usually leads to frizz and tangled hair in the mornings. At least that's what I have encountered. To avoid that, let your hair air dry or even blow dry it before sleep. No matter how tired you are, it will help decrease major frizz in the mornings! 

For volume, add some hair mousse:

If you're hoping for some extra volume in your hair in the mornings, add some of your favorite hair mousse or beach wave spray before you hit the sack! By adding some texture to your hair at night, your hair will have more fullness in the mornings! 

      

Sleep with your hair in a ponytail or braid:

If sleeping with your hair in a ponytail leads to headaches, skip this step!

If not, try sleeping with your hair in a loose side braid, not only will you wake up with some nice waves but you'll also wake up with less frizz and tangles! 

Use a good leave in conditioner:

Using a good leave in conditioner at night can really help out of control frizz in the mornings! Not only that, but you'll wake up with healthy looking hair as well, BONUS!

I RAVE about this product ALL the time, it's a MUST for me! Try it out. Worth the money, trust.

Want to avoid baby hairs in the morning?

Easy. Use your straighener at night on the top of your roots to settle down the baby hairs from flying around in the mornings! 

*all photos found on google.com*

Using any of these steps at night will help with time management in the busy mornings! All you'll need to do is take 5-10 mins to add some touch ups in the morning & you'll be ready to take on the day!

What are some of your favorite bed head tips?

I'd love to know!

Hope you all enjoyed the post & don't forget to check out Casper ! 

IG: Purechaos_xo

Twitter: xoxoPureChaos 

Business Inquires: MrsNatashaMarie@gmail.com 

The #1 Most Important Beauty Product

Hello beauties! 

Today, the topic is over SKINCARE! 

I'll be discussing the MOST IMPORTANT and cheapest beauty product out there that everyone (men, women, and young teens) should be using! 

Let's get started...

Taking care of my skin has always been a huge priority for me - & by that, I don't mean just taking off my makeup at the end of the day with a makeup wipe. I do the entire morning/night time routine with all my favorite skin care products -  but the most important step in the world to me: SUNSCREEN.

Every. Single. Day. No. Matter. What. 

That's right, Sunscreen.

We hear it all the time. How important it is for us. What it can help avoid. But how many of us really take the time to put it on every morning?

I've made it a habit. An everyday habit. I'll leave my helpful tip at the end of this post that helps remind me to put it on every morning! 

Before, I was definitely anti-sunscreen at the beach and in my daily life. Now that I've gotten older, I really take into consideration caring for my skin. Like I've mentioned earlier, a morning/night time routine has always been huge for me since high school (even in middle school!) But really researching about sunscreen has opened up my eyes to the bigger picture. 

Here are some reasons why sunscreen is important:

Skin Cancer: Sunscreen has been proven to help decrease the development of skin cancer. Each year more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the US, over 90 percent of which are caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays. 

Aging: Sunscreen can help prevent wrinkled and premature aging skin. 

Here's a little proof...

This popular photo & statement (found on theblaze.com)

"For years, the American public has been warned of the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays.  As children, we may have run around sunscreen-less (the horror!), but now, one photo demonstrates what countless other scientific studies have failed to convey.

In the picture an unnamed truck driver is directly facing the camera, and one side of his face looks decades older than the other.

Care to guess which side?  Yes, the side exposed to the truck’s window and therefore, the sun."

Skin discoloration: Sunscreen can help prevent sun spots on your face, arms, and hands. 

(photo credit: healthyskin.com)

My GO TO, never leave the house without it, every morning sunscreen/moisturizer...

(Around $10-$14 depending which store you purchase it) 

Product description:

Healthy Defense® Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 provides superior protection from skin aging effects of the sun, when used with other sun protection measures. It keeps skin hydrated all day. This innovative formula contains Helioplex® Technology that helps protect from the harmful UVB-burning rays and UVA-aging rays which can cause premature lines and wrinkles. This daily moisturizer has an exclusive anti-oxidant blend with pure Vitamin E, which helps prevent environmental damage. Lightweight, non-greasy, it's powerful protection and hydration you can rely on all day, every day.

• Non-greasy
• Lightweight
• Contains Helioplex^®
• SPF 50

This has been my most favorite sunscreen/moisturizer! Whether I'm out running errands with my husband, dinner with my girls, Starbucks with my bff, movie night, or doing some shopping: I'm wearing my sunscreen! It's become such a habit, that I'll wear it every morning/day even if I end up staying home and my plans for the day are just to relax and take my dog out for a long run.

Does the brand of sunscreen matter? Not at all, just make sure you are wearing it! Your skin will thank you 10 years from now with the little steps you do on a daily basis. When you're 50 & your skin is looking like you're 30 - you'll be happy you started when you did. 

How do I make sure I don't forget to put on my sunscreen?

• I leave my sunscreen near my toothbrush. That way, every morning I'm brushing my teeth, I'm reminded to not forget to put some on! I don't just put some on my face. My neck, chest, and arms are all covered as well. Did you know your neck is one of the top body parts wrinkles are formed as well? It's also the least body part we tend to forget about. So, don't forget the neck! 

Teri, the owner of The Carriage House Day Spa..her hands are beautiful, omg, she has the hands of a 20 year old and she is 50 & fabulous. Her secret? Sunscreen growing up! 

Take care of that skin of yours, trust me - you will be grateful you started doing it NOW. It only takes 10 minutes every morning to apply it. Make it a habit in your daily routine, your skin will thank you later.

Until next post. 

Stay positive. Stay humble. and Stay fabulous. 

IG: purechaos_xo

Twitter: xoxopurechaos

The Importance of Networking!

Well, hello beauties! 

How is everyones week going by so far? Great & productive I hope!  :)

Todays post is a little different than normal but it's over a topic I am very passionate about! 

Do you have your very own business? Want to start your own business? A talent you know you're great at and want to take it to the next level? Or even a creative baker that wants to show the world your cute cupcakes? 

Todays post is dedicated to all the hardworking women out there, the independent women that know what they are good at and are confident in following their dreams! 

Promoting & networking is the most important element you can do for yourself. Once you advertise your work or products (makeup, photography, baking, creative chalkboards, painting, custom jewelry - whatever it is you're great at) you start to open more and more doors for yourself and your business. Taking pride in your talents will help you grow as a person and guide you to a road of success! 

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, I know it sounds very cliche to say, but its the honest truth. If you truly want something to happen - you need to get your cute booty up and work for it girl! We only have ONE life to live & we never know when it can all be taken away from us. So, might as well, go out with a bang! We are all so capable of achieving so much in our life. We need to sometimes be our own #1 fan to push ourselves and remind ourselves "I can do this!" Sure you'll feel nervous & scared but once you step out of your comfort zone - you'll be surprise at the outcome you will get! Get out there - show the world what you are capable of doing! You can do it, trust me. 

I have always always always dreamt of being my own boss, make my own hours, my own rates and be able to work from home. With a lot of hard work, networking, and dedication: I now am my own boss & it is the greatest feeling in the world to work from home. 

Business Cards:

Business cards are a great way to promote your work! Keeping a large stack in your purse is always important because you never know who you will be running into or which businesses will allow you to drop some off! Having your title, website, and contact information is a must. You also want your cards to be a reflection of you, you want people to look at your cards and automatically think "they are sooo you!" 

Here is a glimpse at my newest business cards! I am sooo proud of them :) 

Being in charge of your own business is a non stop job, but if you love it, you'll have fun with it! Social Media is one of the top ways to promote your work - you see it everywhere, Facebook, Twitter, and especially IG. Updating your work on a daily basis does not only advertise your latest work but it shows you take pride in your work, which is very very important. You want the world to know you are proud of your hard work, and future clients will take in mind the energy and time you put into your projects. Building your clientele is essential to your business, once one person hires you, the domino effect takes place and leads you to success! How will people recognize your work? Promoting & networking! The #1 way to build your business. Don't stop putting yourself out there because you never know who is watching! Take pride in your passion & don't ever give up on your dreams!

Here are a few extra tips I found online to help any future entrepreneurs out there~

Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others.

Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what youare looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.

Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.

Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.

Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.

Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.

Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.

Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, "How may I help you?" and no immediate answer comes to mind.

Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.

Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.   

                                                 (tips found on businessknowhow.com)

I hope this post helps anyone out there looking for some guidance with networking! :) 

Until next time beautiful people,

Business email: MrsNatashaMarie@gmail.com

IG: Purechaos_xo

Twitter: xoxoPurechaos

Hello, Mint Nails!

Hello gorgeous world! 

& HELLO to the most beautiful Mint shade! Where has this color been all my life?

I knew I wanted a fun summer shade since Fall is going to creep up on us faster than we think - can you believe it's already about to be August! Time is flying quickly! 

I love summer, but this heat is a little over the top...so I wouldn't mind Fall to get here fast! Come on leggings & cute cardigans! :)

Now, let's talk nails!

This afternoon at The Carriage House Day Spa, we went with this absolutely beautiful shade called

 'Re-Fresh MINT' catchy name huh?

These photos do no justice to how beautiful the shade is in person, it's so different & stands out so much!

& might I add that I am in love with the way Rosie shapes my nails? It's always so perfect,  her and Teri are the Queens of Gel Manicures! 

I really love the square shape nails, especially since my nails are a medium/long length. I love when my nails are a bit longer, they give my hands a more feminine look, when they are too short - I feel like they look like little boy hands. LOL

Here are a few other different shapes of nails:

Which shape is your favorite & why?

& here's a little FYI on the description of your nails..

What shade do you have on your nails this week?

I hope you all enjoyed this quick Gel Manicure of the week post! 

If you're interested in this shade - Stop by The Carriage House Day Spa or call (956)544-4111 to book your appointment! :) 

Enjoy this beautiful Tuesday & I will see you in my next blog post !

ALWAYS.

Top 5 questions answered as a Makeup Artist!

Hello beautiful people!

Today's post will consist of the top 5 questions I get asked as a Makeup Artist. Whether they are questions asked through email, FB, IG, or Twitter I've gathered the most common ones to share you all.

Now, let's get started!

1.) Why do you spend so much money on makeup?

As a makeup artist, you need to have different shades of all products. You have to think of all & future clients that may come your way, not everyone will have the same skin tone, not everyone will be dry, oily, or combination skin too. You have to think of every little thing when it comes to your clients: foundations, concealers, mascaras, primers, lip liners, lipsticks.. the list can go on forever. As a makeup artist, it is our job to provide EVERYTHING - which is why people hire you, they expect to come to you with a bare face and leave feeling wonderful and beautiful. In the makeup industry, you need to spend money to make money. This is an investment for me, what I spend I make 3 times back with clients. I enjoy trying out new products, high end and drug store too! (Target is my weakness!) As a beauty blogger as well, I love to try out new items to share with all my followers and friends - what works wonders, what not to spend your money on, what is a MUST HAVE, what you need to drop what you're doing and head to the nearest CVS or Target! So having 15 shades of pink lipsticks, 20 different concealers, and over 50 brushes.. is completely normal for us makeup gurus!

2.) How did you gain so much confidence to put your work out there? 

(This is definitely a #1 question I get asked many times)

I have come to realize, that life is far too short to care about what others think or will say. If I didn't make the effort to put myself out there which is either my blog, my makeup looks, my photography; I wouldn't have had the chance to experience all the opportunities that have came my way. In the world we are living in, you have to have a strong mind set - especially when you're working for yourself #bosslady heyyyyy! You have to be realistic and know some will love your work and some will find any little thing to critisize, BUT at the end of the day - you have to follow your dreams, you got to take care of yourself and your goals! You can't spend forever thinking of what others will say, that's no way to live your life, and if you continue to allow that fear to get in the way, you may never know how good something can turn out if you don't put yourself out there. You never know who you are inspiring when you put your work/yourself out there, you never know who is looking forward to reading your work, you never know who you could be a hero to! Once I really started to realize what I wanted to do with my life and started allowing my work to speak for itself - my life changed. Endless opportunities started coming my way, inspiring messages filled up my inbox, and I was happier than I had ever been! You need to be proud of yourself & the work you are doing, it makes you feel on top of the world to show everyone "This is what I love, this is what I do!" Try it, don't be afraid. It's life changing. 

3.) Do you always wear makeup? 

Another popular question I am sure all MUA's get asked. 

The answer: definitely no. As much as I love love love love makeup, I also love love love being bare face and letting my skin breathe. I am BIG on skin care, skin care is the MOST important routine I do every morning & every night. I'll write a whole blog post over skin care if you'd like (leave a comment down below!) Letting your skin breathe is so important. Do I enjoy my makeup routine & enjoy going glam or doing a minimal look at times - of course! I make that extra time in the mornings to get ready, do my hair, do my makeup - because there have been many times I run into individuals & I get "I hear you're a makeup artist (while examining my face/makeup to see if I really know how to do makeup) and then they will make an appointment with me right then and there! Just like a hairstylist, you wouldn't hire a hair stylist that had bad hair, right? I see makeup as a way to express yourself, not as a disguise. I love playing around with colors, trying new techniques, and sharing my looks with you all for inspiration. Once I'm home for the day & done with my errands, the makeup comes off. Not just with a makeup wipe, a full on skin care routine! And taking off your makeup doesn't necessarily mean it has to be done at night time, whether it's 3pm, 5pm, or 10pm - just make sure it comes off, all of it. The faster you take off your makeup from your day, the longer your creams get to settle into your skin and work. I loveee taking off my makeup as soon as I'm home and done for the day - even if it's 3pm. 

4.) What is your favorite part of a makeup routine whether on yourself or on a client?

EYEBROWS! Eyebrows are everythinggggggg! I can't explain it enough - eyebrows frame your entire face, they make you look younger when shaped properly & brighten up the face! Did you know the thicker your brows are the younger you look? The thinner they are, the more older you look? Yikes! Careful on the tweezing girls! A lot of people are scared to do their brows, but practice makes perfect when it comes to filling them in. The trick? Small strokes! You don't want your brows to look like they are drawn on with a pencil or sharpie, you want to gently fill in your brows to give them a shape! If you have a round face, go for more of an arch. If you have an angular face, you may find a rounded brow works better for you. 

Tips: 
-Don't remove to much. 
-Pluck one at a time. 
-Pluck in the direction of hair growth or new growth might stick out. 
-Remove stray hairs every 2-4 days as needed.

5.) Where did you learn how to do makeup?

I'm a self taught make up artist, but till this day, I am still learning something new every single day! Even when I am doing my normal makeup routine; I like changing it up, trying out a new way I normally do a certain routine. I learn new techniques with every single client as well, what works for oily, dry, or combination skin. You can never stop learning when it comes to your passion, there's always room to learn something! For anyone out there wanting to learn how to do makeup: practice makes perfect! Practice something new every day on yourself, or give yourself a weekly goal. An example "This week I will focus on perfecting my winged liner!" Little by little, you'll get it down! 

I hope you all enjoyed this post! If you have any other questions, comment down below & I'll make sure to answer them soon! Have a fabulous weekend!

If I had my very own Julep polish...

Hello there beauties! I'm so excited about todays blog post!!

First of all, for all your nail polish junkies out there like myself, I'm sure you are aware of Julep Nail Polish?

The one thing that has always caught my attention on these beauties is the packaging! Unlike the other typical packaging that I have seen for a polish, these always stand out to me.

Recently, I was contacted by Julep (amazing!) and they interested for my inspiration for a new nail polish color! Imagine having your very own custom nail polish?!? Imagine even picking the name of the shade?! Well, that could totally be me! 

*screams due to excitement*

That would be a dream come true...

I instantly knew what would inspire me for the shade, the meaning behind the name, and why it would mean so much to me.

If I had the opportunity to name my very own custom nail polish it would be called:

The City of Love

Why?

My husband & I recently came back from a dream honeymoom to my bucket list destination: 

Paris, France. The City of Love. It was everything I had ever dreamt of & more. The way you feel being across the world, not knowing a single soul, finding your way around the city by a map, getting lost together, not quite sure what you are ordering on the menu, getting poured on because you aren't familiar with the weather, having your sleep pattern completely opposite than at home, taking a million photos, trying every piece of food, trying your best to speak French but knowing you probably sound idiotic but you try anyway, signing up for every tour because you want to observe every piece of Paris, getting a little anxious at night to ride the metros - but knowing it's all worth the ride because you're with the one you love, that is magic to me. For as long as I could dream, Paris has been that ONE place I promised myself I would go, no matter what. Little did I know it was always meant to be, I was always meant to visit Paris, with my husband, a day after our wedding. That's right, we ran away the next morning and got on a plane together. It was perfect. The City of Love will forever live in my heart.

I fell in love all over again in Paris. The atmosphere, the scenery, and the history was all breathtaking. It makes you view life differently, how beautiful it really is. 

Knowing we got to experience all of this together felt like a dream. 

What shade would I pick?

A bright Fuchsia with a pop of shimmer. I have painted my nails countless times and then I've had to find that extra nail polish to add on top to give it that little sparkle. A bright fuchsia reminds me of love & Paris. A girl can never go wrong with some shimmer on her nails!

This is similar to what I envision, how lovely. 

The City of Love is the most beautiful place in the world. Paris will forever be in my heart. 

If YOU had the chance to create your custom shade what would you all pick?

You can never stop dreaming :) 

Check out the newest nail color page from Julep right here, perfect for summer time!

New shades of Julep! 

Until next time lovelies,

"The best is yet to come.."