BFR Blog

Many of you may recognize Louisa Raske. She's posed so many times for us at Beauty For Real that we like to refer to her as our “In House Model.” There's no one better to represent us as she truly is a real beauty inside and out. Read what she has to say about her model life.

Thanks Louisa!  xxoo, Leslie

Feeling confident, beautiful and sexy are obvious assets you want to bring on set with you. I'm going on twenty years now as a model so I am no stranger to being in front of the camera. But I am also no stranger to feeling the lack of confidence, beauty or sexiness. Hey! Models are human too! The makeup artist is probably who you end up spending the majority of the day with from start to finish. Last thing you want is to butt heads with the person in charge of transforming you! But it happens.  What’s great about working with Leslie is she usually asks if me if I like the makeup or look she’s going for. In the end, she wants you to feel as beautiful as you look!I have been fortunate to shoot with Leslie for Beauty For Real a handful of times now. We first met on a job in the Dominican Republic four years ago where we bonded over our love for horses and our goofy personalities. One of my favorite personality traits that tells me “This person and I will get along,” is to not take yourself too serious. Leslie has the ability to have fun and make the most of whatever situation in which she is shooting. This can be a talent within itself, because contrary to popular belief, photoshoots are generally far from glamorous. That particular little personality trait that I appreciate so much produces more than just friendship gaining qualities.

I keep my ear to the ground in hopes of a BFR shoot on the horizon. I make out pretty well in the product department at the end of the day, so that is always a plus! My bathroom mimics their showroom and I love it! Shoot days with Beauty For Real always end up being one big social event that yields beautiful pictures. It can get hectic but we’re all equipped with hectic coping capabilities.  My most recent shoot was for the Home Shopping Network (HSN).  The other girls who are a part of the shoot who represent the various shades and skin tones are all great friends and have also been modeling for twenty years more or less. I think George Kamper, the photographer, might need a gaggle of girls detox after a full day of all of us. Come to think of it, I don’t feel too bad for him having to stare at beautiful girls all day!

Depending on what products Leslie needs to shoot that day, we usually do a before and after. Yup, that’s what I said…BEFORE! No makeup. No photoshop. Nada! And I will repeat: Models are humans too! While I question my career choice as the images pop up on the monitor, I know I will spring back to life momentarily. Remember that whole confidence and feeling as beautiful as you look? Well, this is where the makeup artist skills kick in. It doesn’t take much. I'm not talking full Kardashian contour and smokey eyes. Who has the time or patience or lets face it, the skill set to do all that…I know I don’t.

Leslie has been using her MVP Perfect+Protect Tinted Moisturizer and Concealer on me since the beginning of its existence. She had it in little sample tubes for a while trying to perfect and test it out. I loved it from the get go! If she didn’t know it would have been me, I would have “dropped” it in my bag. It seemed like forever but I finally got my own right before they launched it. I had it for three days and another makeup artist friend of mine “dropped” it in her bag so Leslie replaced it. I made the mistake of showing my mom over Father’s Day and once again I was left empty handed.

Once Leslie covers some sun spots (hard to avoid being active and living in Miami), adds a little mascara and straightens out my eyebrows, I am joyfully off to shoot the after shot! Feeling like a Stella, I got my groove back! Because it is focused on the makeup, the shot is typically from the neck up, so not too much goes into clothing. Leslie can be seen bouncing from one girl to the next doing touch ups rattling off all the different shades like a Sherwin Williams paint chip. When we all finish our single shots, all the girls pile in for a group shot. I always love these. Who wouldn’t appreciate a photo of their friends all from diverse backgrounds and looking beautiful in one shot?

It is always a long day but never long enough! I'm sure Leslie wishes there were a few extra hours crammed in there, but we get what she needs. Giggling and being silly, we all scurry on our way with new products to add to my in home showroom. Once the pictures are chosen and edited, she sends them to us to use for our book or social media. George does great lighting, which is not as easy as it seems, and the makeup is perfect. With the BFR shots we do, I'm never lost in the makeup. It’s there and you see it but it is just enough to bring out what I already have.

I can mark off another day with BFR for the books and soon the quirky boomerangs and behind the scenes candids pop up on our Instagrams. Being friends with Leslie, I know there are more products on the horizon and more photoshoots to come. In the mean time, I am sure we will work on other projects together outside of Beauty For Real, possibly on some Caribbean island or maybe Mexico. What ever it may be it is guaranteed to involve wise cracks, laughter and beautiful makeup.

Xoxo, Louisa 

By Portia Enriquez

If you didn’t already know, working out really helps clear your skin.  Increasing your heart rate increases your blood flow, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout your body, including your face.  Not only will you look like you have a natural blush on, but you’re also helping your body rid of blemishes or acne that you hate so much.  Who doesn’t love getting a two for one deal?

I’m thankful that I’ve been blessed with amazing skin (not tooting my horn at all) so working out at the gym is helping extend the life of my young-looking appearance.  In addition to my gym routine, I have my very own skin care regimen that I follow before and after I get my sweat on.  This way I ensure I don’t have any breakouts and can apply my makeup on a smooth canvas.

Mornings are the best times for weightlifting in my gym, which is my favorite form of working out.  When I wake up at 4am, I make sure to cleanse my face with a gentle cleanser and put on a light moisturizer.  My favorites right now is Origins Frothy Face Wash and Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Moisturizer with White Tea. I don’t wear anything heavy because I know that I’ll break a sweat and I don’t want my pores to get clogged.  I don’t like going to the gym with just a bare face because I believe in feeling your best whenever you walk out the door so I always put on a little Beauty For Real Blush+Glo.  My go-to shade is the Coral Crush and Hi Beam pair.  This blush and highlighter duo gives me a look of life so early in the morning and just makes me look great!

Leg days are the sweatiest days as I’m working out the largest muscle groups in my body and lifting about 100 lbs when I squat and do deadlifts!  It’s an exhilarating feeling when I complete my last set; I can feel my body working its hardest as the perspiration trickles down my temples when I’m finishing my last few reps (Phew!). But I have to be careful not to wipe that sweat off my forehead because I’ll spread bacteria all over my face.  My recommendation is to pat the sweat off using different parts of your towel as you move across your face and neck. This way you’re absorbing the sweat into the towel and not spreading it.

Driving home after a good day in the gym is a wonderful feeling of achievement!  As soon as I get home I make sure have a full glass of water and fully wash my face (again)!  I know, it’s a little repetitious, but I have to do it to guarantee that I’m taking the best care of my skin.  Once I’m done cleansing I move on to my full on routine.  Once I’ve dried my skin I use Aveda’s Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist to help balance the pH of my skin after cleansing.  Using a toner allows your skin to absorb product so it doesn’t just sit on the surface.  Now depending on your skin type, make sure to apply a moisturizer with a good SPF and let it dry before you start your makeup routine.  You might even find a great tinted moisturizer with SPF like our new Beauty For Real MVP Perfect+Protect Tinted Moisturizer and Concealer duo so you can knock all of this out in one application!  This is what I use and it eliminates a few minutes from my morning routine and allows me to enjoy my fresh cup of joe while I plan for the rest of the day.

So I’ve walked through my skin care regimen during my preferred workout routine, but for all you outdoor workout gurus who enjoy running, yoga in the park, and CrossFit, there’s one thing that you must do if you’re going to be out in the sun.  Make sure you’re putting on some sunscreen with a high SPF! Ensure you’re applying this to both your face and the parts of skin that will be exposed to the sun to protect your epidermis from harmful UV Rays.  You can definitely put to use Beauty For Real’s MVP Perfect+Protect on your face during this time.  We’re launching 5 beautiful shades that will just make you look and feel beautiful wherever or whatever you’re doing.  Make sure to mark your calendars on the day it launches!  This is a must-have product!

Last but not least for all you sweaty glammed-up gym rats, when you get home at the end of the day, do not forget to wash your face before you head to bed; whether you’re coming home from work or the gym.  It would be a shame to put all your hard work to waste to just fall asleep and wake up with day old makeup…then to put more on for the new day.  Our skin needs to breathe and regenerate some new skin cells so we always look bright, vibrant, and new!

Now, go on you BFR Beauties!  Take on the world looking fabulous in the workplace and in the gym!  

Written by Guest Beauty Blogger Aubrey Boyle @maidofbeauty

Want to learn how to 'UP' your lip-selfie game? Read on. Lip product junkies LIVE for those swatches. Swatches are typically just a quick swipe on the inner forearm. But as you can tell from social media, makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts have taken it to a whole new level. We all want those crisp, even, smooth-skinned photos. WAAAA!! How do they do it? I'm here to tell all - Revealing some tips and tricks of my very own.

Bright as midday ...

Natural light or artificial? Well...both! I use artificial lighting, mainly because I do all my makeup, swatches and lip art at night (two kids = zero time for makeup play during the day). I'm not saying you have to go out and buy lighting, but if you're ever in the market for it, Glamcor and Diva Ring Light have some amazing lights.

For natural light, find the biggest window in your home that brings in the most light, or just step outside.

I spy ...

There is nothing more awkward and distracting than having your gallery wall in the background of your worthy, double-tap Instagram photo. Instead, use wrapping paper, or a yard of sparkly fabric (from Walmart, Hobby Lobby, or Jo-Anne Fabric) and simply adhere it to the wall. All in all, you want your lips to be the main attraction. Of course, you can always have the physical product in the picture as well - Be sure it is not blocking the beautiful application that took you 5 hours. And if you're anything like me, I loath painting my nails. We often fail to notice how they truly look. If you choose to showcase your hands holding the product, keep up with those at-home manicures ...or grab some stylish press-on nails.

You can even be a little flirty. Don't be afraid to blow a kiss, strike an Elvis lip (my fav!), or whatever it is your little heart desires. 

Take aim ...

We don't want to see what's up your nose. Angles are key! If you choose to have a full face shown in your lip-selfie, dig into that makeup bag and cover all areas of the face. You want to make sure to tilt your chin down, eyes up, and hold your camera above you. You can also turn your head slightly to the right or left as if you were looking over your shoulder. You can go the other route, of course, a frontal view of just your mouth. When you do this, hold your camera straight out in front of your lips. This is going to you take more than just one attempt. So a tripod (for your phone or camera) is not a bad idea either.

If you use a camera, head on back to that manual that you've never laid a finger on. There you will find different camera settings to really make your photos pop!

Be a perfectionist ...

Let's rewind to the part where it took you 5 hours to apply that lip color. Whether you're showing off a soft pinky-rose, or a vibrant red, some products may make lip creases look more defined.

For example, my lips are more on the wrinkly side so I always use: a lip balm (Vaseline Lip Therapy), a lip mask (Nugg Hydrating Lip Mask), oil (Tarte Maracuja Oil), and I ALWAYS exfoliate (Beauty For Real Lip Revival Sugar Scrub) those bad boys. Another great thing to do, is to conceal around the mouth. Take a little bit of concealer (Tarte Maracuja Concealer or Tarte Shape Tape) onto a thin, flat brush (Sigma F66 Angled Buff or Sigma F75 Concealer Brush) and go around your lips and correct any uneven lines.

Tech to the rescue ...

Here's where you can go the extra mile. There is no such thing as perfect skin. I've been an Esthetician and Makeup Artist for 12+ years, and I have YET to see perfect skin, let alone lips. Not everyone can afford Photoshop because let's be honest, everyone edits their photos nowadays. But never fear, there's an app for that! For you iPhone users: Facetune is an app that costs $2.99. There are endless tools in this app, and it's actually pretty amazing. Photos really do look professionally edited. There is also a free version of Facetune called Facetune 2. This one works just as good as the paid version minus some tools here and there. Although, it still gets the job done. For those android users: Airbrush is a wonderful editing app. It reminds me a lot of Facetune 2. And for those laptop/desktop users: Pixlr is a free online editing tool. This is is probably the closest thing to Photoshop, but way easier to use.

And last but not least, roll with it and have fun. Be your amazing, creative, true self - And the rest will follow!

Written by Guest Beauty Blogger Aubrey Boyle @maidofbeauty

By Leslie Munsell

In the 25+ years that I’ve been a makeup artist, I’ve been very fortunate. It’s an incredible career that has allowed me to travel all over the world. I’ve worked in China, Korea, Italy, France, Norway, England, Canada, nearly every state in the US and all over Mexico and the Caribbean. I’ve worked with celebrities from every arena. Victoria”s Secret and Sports Illustrated models, Academy and Emmy award-winning actors, Grammy-winning musicians, Olympic medal-winning athletes, political candidates and royalty have all sat in my makeup chair. It always fascinates me to meet someone famous and at the top of their game. The experience of doing their makeup is thrilling; it’s so interesting to see what they are like in “real life”.  I’m happy to report that in most cases, my experience with celebrities has been pretty fantastic.  I do have some good dirt, but one must never kiss and tell!

As exciting as this part of my work has been, equally important to me, and probably more gratifying has been meeting the thousands of women who aren’t famous.  You know, the “everyday women”.  I hate that expression, it makes us all sound so ordinary and as women, none of us are ordinary.  We are all extraordinary in our own way, and part of my job is to bring it out front and center.  I love how makeup can do that. It’s not just lipstick, blush and powder. It’s a very powerful tool that when done well, gives us an incredible feeling of confidence and assurance. I’ve seen women look in the mirror after having their makeup done and their whole demeanor changes. They stand taller, bolder and stronger. To have the opportunity to affect someone that way is a gift and the very best part of my job.

This is where the idea for Beauty For Real came from--I found over the years that most women are having a difficult time when buying and then applying their make up.  Not just the “everyday” women either.  It’s also those in the beauty and fashion business. Beauty editors, PR agents and models will all ask me for advice to up their makeup game. They wanted to achieve easy, fast and effective makeup routines that look current but not trendy.  They’d spent a lot of money buying things from a vast and overwhelming selection of products marketed to be the next great find only to get them home and not know how to use them. So, in the drawer they go. In frustration, many women wear none or a minimal amount of makeup, like some mascara and a maybe lip gloss. The truth is, it shouldn’t be so complicated and, come on, make up should be fun!

Beauty For Real is about simplifying make up routines and offering the very best makeup in each category. I’ve selected and perfected a few essential products (like the best water-resistant mascara, the best waterproof eyeliners and eyeshadows, etc) that every woman needs and can easily use to look her best. And sometimes I know it’s not just about selecting it and knowing how to apply it, but also finding the time in our jam-packed days to get it done. With this in mind, I’ve developed great packaging that makes applying on-the-go easy and formulas with the best ingredients that once applied, provide long lasting wear so we don’t have to worry about our makeup as we go about our days. From dropping off the kids, to the gym, to the office, to lunch and through dinner, this makeup is built to last. Go to our Beauty For Real YouTube channel for quick how-to application videos, tips and tricks that will streamline your routine.

Beauty For Real is a modern approach to beauty created from my years of experience as an artist and a woman. It’s high performance makeup for modern, active women.

By Caitlyn Halliburton

I pulled up to a seemingly small, boutique hotel nestled in the corner of two high rises off of mid-beach. I thought, “CaroleAnn told me the 11th floor; how can there be an 11th floor?” As I walk in, I’m stunned by the eclectic, open lobby with an expanded view of the bar and pool. Stylish people are laughing and chatting, carefree as they stroll around their beachside retreat.

Entering the popular SoHo Beach House was just the start of an awe-inspiring weekend.

We were assigned to work The Retreat, and event sponsored by Funkshion Swim Fashion Week meant to promote a healthy lifestyle done in good fashion. For participants, the weekend was filled with fitness workshops, beauty treatments, and fashion presentations. For us, the weekend was filled with ocean views, friendly chit-chats, and makeup, lots of makeup for lots of clients and lots of models.

It was great.

Once I found my way up to the 11th floor, I opened the suite door to an incredible wrap-around view of Miami Beach. Once I got my breath back, I took a closer look around, and noticed the chic athleisure wear hanging on display throughout the suite. Wow, these leggings and sports bras were stunning. Most fabrics felt like butter in your hands, which I can only imagine makes a good and sweaty work out that much more fulfilling. I wandered through the room to get to know the vendors before CaroleAnn, our Creative Director, and therefore, my boss, excitedly called to me and showed me around. The first day, I was responsible for holding down the pop-up stand with Natalie, my colleague-in-crime, so we got the chance to enjoy the view and acquaint ourselves with the other vendors.

This was merely the start of an eventful weekend.

After a few pushes of our latest eyeliner, 24 Karat, the Aviator Nation fashion presentation was about to begin. Well, lucky us, it just happened to take place at the pool, which was right in our line of view from the suite’s balcony. Fashion presentations are great. You’ve got music, fashion, beautiful models, and passionate designers. The models strutted down the runway with a spectacular Miami sunset painting the background and classic tunes like Guns n’ Roses "Sweet Child O’ Mine" blasting from the speakers.

I strolled back into the suite Saturday morning, full of anticipation for the day that lay ahead. For awhile, things were slow. People don’t get going early on Miami weekends, so this was no surprise. I made sure our pop-up was in good order, made friends with some of the other vendors, and occasionally got the chance to excite a participant with our sweatproof and water resistant Hi-Def Mascara.

At this point, I thought I was in for a chill and enjoyable day. Portia arrived just in time, so I rushed downstairs to catch the Ultracor presentation. It was short, sweet, and full of good looks. After I arrived back upstairs to get my stuff, Portia told me Leslie needed me. “Uh oh...what’s going on?” I thought to myself. I headed down to the back room where there were makeup and hair artists, models, and absolute madness. People were running here, changing there, yelling for something. After pushing my way through the crowd, I found Leslie, our superhuman founder and celebrity makeup artist.

“We need you to help with makeup,” she said.

“Like...get you stuff?” I asked tentatively.

“No, there’s not enough of us for the number of models we have and there’s still two more presentations.”

“Oh...okay,” I said.

Without a beat, Leslie told me to call Natalie and see if she can get here ASAP.

And that’s how I became a makeup artist for the day.

I’m not going to lie--I was nervous at first. Sure, I’ve done a good job with our customers at small events and such, but these were models, and this was a high-class fashion show.

Thankfully, it was an athleisure fashion show that required minimal and natural makeup.

After very carefully working with the first model, I started to get more comfortable. Eventually, I was just having fun, talking with the girls and getting them ready for the show. So now I’ll take the chance to blast a stereotype: models are not stuck up. I’m sure there are some, but the models I worked with were sweet and cool.

I couldn’t relish in my experience for too long, because once we finished with the first set of models, we had to high-tail it out of there to another location where the final presentation by Luli Fit would take place.

By this time, we were running on fumes. The most we’d eaten were a bunch of snack-size protein bars, but we didn’t have time to order real food from anywhere or even to sit down to enjoy it. So we kept pushing.

The Nautica Hotel was incredibly spacious, and we had this huge event room to get the models’ hair and makeup done. We made it as fun as possible with good conversation, lively music, and boastful laughter. We even managed to sneak away for a bit to get some croissants from the hotel cafe. Never in my life has one little croissant tasted so good.

After about 2 hours of preparation, the girls were ready.

We headed upstairs to the  penthouse level, and were ushered into a small hallway where the girls had to change outfits. The show was taking place on the rooftop, so there really was no other place for them to change. Since our jobs were done, we rushed outside so we could see the show begin.

The rooftop was positively luxurious, with a full view of  the ocean and a delicate breeze easing the Miami heat. “Despacito” began to play, and the show was on. The girls were amazing, and I was proud of both myself and them. After all of those hours of running around and trying to figure things out, it was so rewarding to see that hard work pay off. 

Afterward, we got our trophy pic with the models, and finally called it a day.

Trying to downsize on your makeup routine would be so much easier if dark circles didn’t exist. If you’re like me, you’ve tried 20 different combinations of concealers and foundation but they just aren’t enough to cover them up. It may make up for discoloration but it doesn’t make up for hollowness or puffiness… not even close. Not to mention that heavy cover-up may look great in pictures but in person, it looks cakey. Last month, I tried my millionth peach concealer that claimed to be “the best concealer for under eyes” and once again, came out disappointed. I decided to put my foot down. Enough with the cover-up! There must be another way…

After hours of research, I was happy to find out there is a solution! For a month now, I’ve transformed my routine to include less heavy makeup and more skincare. Here’s what I’ve found:

First of all, not all dark circles are created equally. There are puffy dark circles AKA bags under your eyes, hollow dark circles, dark circles from stress, dark circles from lack of sleep, dark circles from sleeping too much, hereditary dark circles, and more. The good news is there are preventive measures and ways to remove your dark circles! Before you start trying all the remedies in the book, you must identify why you have bags under your eyes in the first place.

For example, I had puffy dark eye bags in the morning and hollow throughout the rest of the day. They were probably caused because I work long hours in front of the computer, I sleep too much on weekdays and not enough on weekends, and my diet was not the best. Because I know this about myself, I’ve been able to treat my under eyes with appropriate treatments and in just a month, the difference is pretty remarkable.  I apply cucumber slices to refresh my eyes whenever I get the chance and apply ice when my eyes are very swollen. In addition to this, I’ve tried a couple eye creams and have found that Clinique All About The Eyes during the day and Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circle Cream are the most effective for me.  They are gentle, unscented (some have such a strong scent it burns your eyes), and the skin really absorbs it. The ingredients increase blood circulation and constriction, attack dark pigmentation by slowing melanin production, and reflect light thus, brightening the skin. These are all common body processes that cause dark circles and they target them all!

I’ve identified 10 common causes and found pertinent solutions for each. Remember that your dark circles may be caused by multiple factors and therefore, you may have to try multiple treatments. Also, because there are so many factors involved dermatologists say you can’t remove them permanently. Unfortunately changing your sleep schedule and controlling mental or physical stress, hormones, or genetics aren’t always feasible solutions if they are your root culprit for puffy dark circles, but these quick-fixes definitely help minimize them.  Best part about it is these solutions are natural, they are low to no cost, they’re simple to do and they’re easy to implement in your daily routine!

Cause 1 - Dry skin under eyes

Solution: The skin under your eyes is the most sensitive part of your face because it is so thin. Instead of washing your face with hot water, which strips the eye area of essential oils, wash your face with lukewarm or cool water. Steer clear of alcohol-based products such as makeup remover, which is especially irritating and drying to the skin. After your face cleansing routine, don’t forget to moisturize! Again, be sure to avoid applying any alcohol-based product near the eyes, you may want to consider a different, more natural moisturizer for the under eyes such as coconut oil or almond oil.  Dabbing it on with cotton pads soaked with the moisturizer is better than using your fingers to apply moisturizer because you’ll be tempted to rub which is detrimental to the under eyes.

Cause 2 - Long hours in front of a screen

Solution: If you work with computers daily or binge-watch TV (I’m guilty, too), your eyes strain and muscles around the eyes are activated. This causes your eyes to become tired and unable to relax. When you do this, you should take a break at least every 10 minutes to give your eyes a chance to relax and focus on something else. Also, cup your eyes in your palms every hour to relax the muscles around your eyes and improve circulation of the blood. Remember don’t rub! This area is extremely sensitive and rubbing will cause redness, dryness, and puffiness.

Cause 3 - Sleep habits

Solution: Lack of sleep and too much sleep can both cause dark circles but this is sometimes inevitable. Something to note is that regularly sleeping on your stomach or on your side causes fluids to pool in your eyes. Try sleeping on your back with your head elevated!

Cause 4 - An unhealthy diet

Solution: As with most skincare solutions, cleaning up the inside can really reflect in your appearance. A diet high in salt causes fluid retention, you can combat this by not only ensuring your sodium intake is low but also to drink ample fluid to prevent dehydration.

Other foods you should implement in your diet are fruits, green leafy vegetables especially kale, cabbage and spinach which are high in Vitamin K and Vitamin B12, which help with blood circulation. Liver, broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, spinach and strawberries are also great for this.

Iron carries oxygen so a lack of it can give the cells under your eyes a dark appearance. Lack of iron also pales your skin which accentuates the darkness of the under eyes even more. Red meat, pork and chicken, beans, and dried fruit, such as are high in iron.

Consume foods that are rich in vitamin E such as nuts, milk, eggs, fish and vegetable oils. Vitamin E’s antioxidant capability serves to protects cell tissues from things like environmental pollutants and harmful sun rays.

Cause 5 - Change of medication

Solution: Vasodilators dilate or widen blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily through. The more blood that flows the more you can see through the skin, therefore, showing up as dark circles under your eyes. Common vasodilators are Hydralazine, ACE inhibitors, and Minoxidil.

The best way to constrict the blood vessels under the eyes is with a cold compress. Wrap a washcloth around an ice cube and hold against the lower lid. You can also keep a spoon in the refrigerator and gently hold it against the area.

Cause 6 - Allergies

Solution: For some people, dark circles occur when the skin under the eyes becomes inflamed as part of an allergic reaction to particular foods such as dairy and gluten. First, you’ll want to try to eliminate foods that contain these allergens as much as possible. Touching or rubbing the skin makes it worse, so try eye drops soothe the itchiness. Lastly, try sleeping with retinol eye cream overnight. By stimulating the production of collagen, the swelling will be less obvious.

Cause 7 - Consumption of coffee and tea

Solution: I found multiple sources that consuming it can cause exhaustion, which in turn contributes to dark circles. That being said, avoid consuming caffeine-rich fluids and replace them with water or non-caffeinated herbal tea. However, applying caffeine-rich products onto your under eyes can actually be helpful! Check out this amazing DIY Coffee Eye mask:

Cause 8 - Excessive alcohol intake

Solution: Alcohol dehydrates your skin as much as it dehydrates the rest of your system. The first thing you should do after a night out is to drink lots of water so you can get rid of the toxins fast and then moisturize. To fight dullness of the skin, eat foods rich in vitamin C like oranges and grapefruits.

Cause 9 - Makeup Routine

Solution: When applying makeup, treat your under eyes with extra care. For example, when applying concealer, pat or dab it on, do not drag. Also, use your ring finger which is the weakest of them all! Sleeping with makeup is also a habit you should aim to get rid of. It’s yet another thing that dries out the skin. Remember, oil-based makeup remover is better than alcohol-based for this same reason.

Cause 10 - Excessive exposure to the sun.

Solution: Sun exposure makes your body produce more melanin and causes pigmentation under the eyes. If your under-eye circles are blue, it’s probably genetic but if they’re brown, they may be due to excessive exposure to the sun. Try using a cream containing citrus, or even lemon juice, which has brightening properties. And of course, sunglasses and wearing extra sun-block under the eyes every day is the ultimate preventative measure because the older you get, the darker they will get.

Another great treatment for dark circles is vitamin E gel. Clip off the tip of the capsule and use a cotton swab to apply it under the eyes every night. It soothes, moisturizes, and protects the under eyes.

Now, remember, there are dozens of more reasons for the dark circles under your eyes, and you can (and should!) try multiple of these treatments. Also, it’s important to be consistent because you’ll see results faster! You should see significant changes within 14 days.

Leave a comment and let us know what worked for you, we’d love to hear how our busy beauties keep fresh-faced and bright-eyed.

By Caitlyn Halliburton 

It’s the most exciting time of the year...wedding season! If you're anything like my friends and I, you have a wedding to attend every other weekend (actually, I just went to two weddings, two weeks in a row). But this article isn't about the tales of supportive guests...it’s about our shining star...the bride. Yes, you beautiful, glowing-in-love woman, you, we're here to help.

No other day is special quite like today, and you know in a few short hours, heads will turn and all eyes will be on you. This is the beginning of your new life. Well, you can’t begin a new chapter without a flawless look. Your bridal makeup is a key component to stunning your friends, family, and of course, your anxious groom. Achieving your flawless wedding day beauty comes in just a few simple steps, with or without a makeup artist.

We know the weeks leading up to the big day can jam-packed and super stressful, so in order to ensure your skin is glowing and ready for the spotlight, it’s important to prepare a few weeks before you say “I do!”

First Thing’s First

This is your wedding. Treat yourself and your skin to a facial. By cleansing your skin, you can sleep easy knowing you won’t wake up with blemishes or pimples that even the best bridal makeup artist can't remedy. Reserve a spa day for you and your bridesmaids 4 or 5 days before you walk down the aisle so all the red and scarring that occurs post-facial will be healed and your face will be perfectly smooth.

Since you’re getting a facial anyway, go ahead and rub away pre-wedding stress with a massage or aromatherapy treatment. You’ll feel good, and looking good on your big day starts with feeling good.

If you decide to go with a makeup artist, make sure you schedule a few consultation appointments in advance, that way you and your artist have a good idea about what look you want to go with and what products will best suit your purpose and your skin.

However, if you’re the DIY bride, you can still achieve bridal beauty with these makeup tips below.

Bridal Makeup Tips and Tricks

With cameras flashing, nerves tingling, and plenty of dancing, primer will be your bridal makeup’s best friend. Primer goes on before your makeup, and it not only keeps your makeup fresh all day long, it also helps enhance pigments in your products, so you glow more.

Next, go with a concealer and foundation. Even if you don’t normally wear them, they will give your skin a pristine look in pictures. It’s important to note you’re going to apply more makeup than usual because of the flash photography. Those pictures are forever, and we don’t want you paying your photographer for more “touch ups” than necessary.

Now that you’ve got the basics, it’s time to figure what look you want to go for. If you’re anything like my happily-wedded girlfriends, you’ve perused Pinterest for hours searching for a bridal look to match your style. To make things easier for you, here are a few trendy bridal looks with some helpful tidbits to ease your mind.  

The Glamorous Bride

Are you the woman who says to yourself, “The more makeup the better?” Or perhaps you just want to go for a dramatic look on your big day, one that no one can take their eyes off of. This might be the look for you. The smoky eye with gold and black shadow are bound to shimmer down the aisle and through the dance floor, making their way to drop-dead gorgeous photos (like this one). The luscious red lips are sure to leave their mark, not just on your groom’s lips, but on everyone who encounters your smile.

Achieve this look:First highlight your brows with Beauty For Real’s Ever Starstruck Shadow STX, then trace your lids with All Day Latte. Use our all-time favorite Black Magic waterproof I-LINE to line the lids and fill in the corners of your eye. Act quickly! You will have to blend the eyeliner to achieve your desired look, and it sets fast. If the red seems like a little too much, no worries! Switching it out for Beauty For Real’s Nudist Lip Gloss + Shine will easily transform the look to a golden glam.

The Classic Hollywood Bride

The aisle is your red carpet, and this is your chance to shine superstar! You simply cannot go wrong with this timeless, elegant look, and you’ll be admiring your wedding photos for years to come. The light eye makeup and dazzling red lips will turn heads, and most importantly, stun your incredible groom. Now, all you need is the perfect dress to complete this understated enchanting look.

Achieve this look: Our 24/7 waterproof I-LINE in Black Magic paired with our D-FINE Mascara make for the perfect minimized eye look. Paint your lips in our Really Red Lip Cream and you’re ready to strut your stuff all the way down to happily ever after!

The Sun-Kissed Bride

Are you the bride who dreams of a bright, springtime wedding? And you know nothing would complete your daydream more than equally beaming bridal makeup? Then this is the look for you. The natural eye and pink lip pair will highlight that charming smile of yours, making your groom melt for you like it’s the first date all over again.

Achieve this look: Delicately swipe on some of Beauty For Real’s D-FINE Mascara and highlight your cheeks with Blush + Glo to give your cheeks that radiant springtime glow. Complete the look with our Kiss Me Lip Gloss + Shine, and your groom will be pleading “kiss me” every chance he gets ;)

The Natural Bride

With just a little attention to the eyes and a natural lip, your beauty will sparkle even more than that gorgeous dress of yours. A natural look like this will go with any dress style, during any time of day, and you know it will remain incredible for years to come. If you’re not a big fan of makeup to begin with, this look might make you feel more comfortable for your big day, which means you get to have to more fun.

Achieve this look: Line your eyes with Beauty For Real’s I-LINE in Black Magic, smudge it a bit on your outer corners. If you’d like a little shimmer, apply Ever Starstruck Shadow STX first. Highlight your cheekbones with Blush + Glo and give your lips a naked shine with Nudist Lip Gloss + Shine.

Now all that's left is an elegant updo, your final dress fitting, and a deep breath before you head down the aisle into the arms of forever! Congratulations on your big day!

As a self-proclaimed festival guru I must say, festival fashion is definitely one of my favorite parts about festival season. Even though I’m stoked about seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radio Head, Lady Gaga, and Justice perform live, planning my festival look and looking for makeup inspo is equally exciting.

As I plan for my festival season lineup, I think about my favorite festival-loving celebs like Vanessa Hudgens, my favorite Coachella fashion goddess, and the Ultra Angles, the super sleek rave queens. I think about my rave fam and all the tips we’ve learned throughout the years and wish we’d known to spare us those embarrassing pictures of looking a hot mess. These are the essentials of Festival Season 2017... simplified.

With experience comes wisdom, and I’ve learned that sometimes your perfectly put-together ensemble looks great for that first picture but by the end of your 12-hour sing-a-long dance-a-thon in the blazing sun...well, not so much. So here’s the 411 on how to keep your face looking fresh and put-together all day at your favorite summer festivals.

Now, I love beauty products and my makeup collection is pretty extensive but I’ll admit I’m no make-up artist. Whenever I try something too crazy, I instantly regret it. It doesn’t look quite how I pictured and in a couple hours it definitely won’t look how I pictured (yikes!). I’ve learned that if you want to look amazing from start to finish, less is more! Plus, fuss-free looks are guaranteed to last longer. This is especially convenient considering there’s no mirrors in the bathrooms, you definitely don’t want to be there longer than you need to, and you wouldn’t want to miss any second of your perfect setimes schedule anyway.

Long Lasting Music Festival Makeup is easier than you think. Start off with a good waterproof SPF and then you’ll want something light for your cheeks. Heavy makeup will not only melt off but also clog your pores and cause breakouts so you’ll want to leave the foundation and contour kit at home. For beautiful skin all 3 days of non-stop fun, you need to let your skin breathe. Cream blush and cream highlighter, like Beauty For Real’s Blush + Glo, are perfect because the creamy consistency works over sunscreen and can be layered on to achieve your desired pigment. Don’t forget to bring face wipes with you in your fanny pack or satchel to freshen up every couple hours!

Now for the eyes. The ultimate staple for any festival makeup look is colored eyeliner, and of course, it’ll need to be a sweat-proof, waterproof eyeliner pencil. Swap out your basic black or brown eyeliner for electric blue or metallic gold. The Beauty For Real I-LINE are absolutely the best colored pencils on the market. I wore my In The Navy to Ultra Miami, the absolute hottest and humid festival in the US, and I didn’t have to touch up once.

 As for the lips, lip care should go above everything else. Lip scrub and moisturizing, long lasting lip gloss is all you’ll need to beat the heat. I prefer lighter colors on the lips because they won’t smudge and it’s easy to apply. My first time at EDC Vegas, my lips were chapped no matter how much chapstick I put on, even days after coming back from the festival. If only I’d known about Beauty For Real Natural Sugar Scrub. Since I discovered this amazing lip scrub, I always bring it with me and I’ve gotten all my friends hooked!

Finish it off with some bling and setting spray! No rave outfit is complete without gems and glitter, my absolute favorite makeup accessory. The best part about it is there’s no wrong way to do it. I hold my gems with clear eyelash glue and they really don’t move (I may have fallen asleep with them and woke up like a true Glitter Queen once or twice…). Chunky glitter is all the rave right now, pun intended. Put it above your cheekbones, under your eyes, on your chest, go crazy with it. You’ll look fabulous, regardless. Lastly, every beauty-conscious ravers’ secret weapon for maximizing longwear makeup: setting spray.

For hair and body, you should still go for low maintenance. Flash tattoos are on my list of must-have festival accessories, along with a bandana and some sunnies. Flash tattoos stand out more on bronzed skin and last longer when your skin is moisturized. Last month at Coachella, both guys and girls were rocking these shiny temporary tats. In lieu of a choker or statement necklace, try a metallic strip on your neck or a couple accents on your collarbone. A fancy pattern on your sternum, back, or shoulder will have people blinded by your shine from all angles!

Beach waves hair, “the messy look,”  or a man-bun inspired lady bun are all trendy and easy-to-do festival hair looks that will hold in place with a texturizing spray. And if you’re doing a camping festival you’ll definitely need to consider this option. This year for Okeechobee Festival, I curled my hair with a wand Friday afternoon before heading to the festival and the curls held all weekend with the help of my handy-dandy texturizing spray! It keeps hair from getting greasy and really holds.

Braids are another great up-do option. A simple french-braid is a great quick touch-up or if you want to get really edgy get box braid or corn rows with colored hair-add ins. You won’t have to worry about your hair all weekend! Another great festival tip is to start hair down on day 1 and gradually start picking up your hair. So maybe do some Zenon or Miley buns with your bangs on day 2, and a high pony on day 3. Bandanas are amazing because you can wear it around your neck for the pre-festival pic, use it on your hair when it gets too hot (it’s practically an outfit change right?),  and even use it protect your nose and mouth from that dreaded festival dust.

My last festival tips is that every festival has it’s own culture, a certain vibe, a certain look. I love this about festivals because it gives me a chance to get creative. Not to mention my makeup and outfit perfectly coordinate with the surroundings for that perfect Insta pic.

For example, when you think of Coachella or Lollapalooza, you’ll definitely want to go for Boho Chic. Bring out the brown eyeshadow and brown eyeliner, some gold eyeliner on the waterline, a statement hat, denim and boots.  For EDC Vegas, Ultra, and Tomorrowland, you’ll want to go for street-style meets rave babe. Try a bodysuit with psychedelic print, space boots and colored eyeliner.  For Burning Man, be bold, get creative! Desert weather is unpredictable; you have to be prepared for anything. Don’t be afraid to show some skin during the day and show off your bronzed body in the Playa and bundle up at night. Are you a techno girl? Go for grunge. Black eyeliner, black harness, throw in a green alien somewhere,  black boots, and some more black wherever else you can fit it! Do some research, pick a theme, and make it your own! This will give you a starting point and plenty of ideas to work with.

Last but not least, whatever you wear, whatever you do, remember to be you! One of the best things about any music festival is how accepting the community is. My biggest mistake I made in my early festival days was trying to hard to fit the mold with my look. For example, when I went to Coachella for the first time, I over-accessorized. On Day 1, my outfit consisted of flowers, a hat, a lace top, rhinestones… it was just too much and poorly coordinated. As it turns out I had the best time on day 3 and snapped the best pictures in my last outfit, the one I put together last minute pulling random items from my luggage. I was comfortable, my look held up, and most importantly, I looked like me. You don’t want to be unrecognizable, you want to be the most beautiful version of yourself. Think of it like your wedding day but sooo much better. So remember, less is more!

Ultra and Coachella marked the beginning of summer festival season and if you’re following the looks like I am, on every social media imaginable, you’ll agree the FOMO is real. So how do you cope? Start planning your next festival venture and start shopping for your Festival essentials (this includes in your friends closets!). Try on outfits from head-to-toe, practice your makeup, take pictures and look back at the pictures a couple days later, don’t settle until you’re absolutely in love. That’s what I do! As for me, I’m off to Europe for Awakenings Festival and Ibiza Season. Beauty For Real, Bikinis, and Techno. Can you say LIVING?!

Leave a comment with your favorite festival look, the ultimate festival tips, or what you’re most excited for this festival season!

By Lyss Hollywood

At this point, we’ve all seen or heard about the new unicorn trend floating around the internet, making it’s way into the fashion, beauty, hair, and even food industries. If you’ve never heard of this trend, essentially, you must be living under a rock. Unicorn themes are being seen all over Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube as well as ruling the red carpet and runways at fashion weeks. So where did this trend start, how did it grow into a phenomena, and how long will the unicorn trend be sustainable?

The first signs of the unicorn trend are seen as far back as 2012 with OG unicorners Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, and Lisa Frank. Perry, a self-proclaimed unicorn,  has always maintained a unicorn look with her ever-changing and multi-colored hair, but the singer can be seen upping her unicorn game since back in 2012. Around this time, Miley began wearing unicorn onesies, featuring them in her music videos and debuting a lot more colorful hairstyles as well. The ultimate unicorn look though, comes from none other than Gaga herself who transforms into one for an editorial shot by renowned photographer Steven Klein.

A collaboration between Lisa Frank and Urban Outfitters in 2012 gave a huge push on 90s nostalgia. Specifically, with colorful prints and animal themes, spawning a Lisa Frank nail art micro-trend during that time. For his Fall 2012 collection, Jeremy Scott even featured a look that was composed completely of Lisa Frank stickers. These are the beginnings of the unicorn trend that exploded into the phenomena it is today.  

Unicorn love laid dormant for a few years before making it’s way to the masses and exploding into the trend we see today. This trend splashed into the faces of the public once again in spring and summer of 2016. We began to see unicorn inspired fashion on the red carpet and runway, unicorn liner, highlighter, brushes, glitter, the works! Valentino and Alexander McQueen debuted unicorn themed pieces on the runway in 2016, which were then seen styled on celebrities walking the red carpets and cruising around town. Nicole Kidman was photographed back in early 2016 on the red carpet of the American Country Music Awards wearing a colorful Alexander McQueen gown covered in unicorns and other animals. Later in the year, at the premiere of Suicide Squad, Margot Robbie was also seen in one of McQueen’s remarkable unicorn gowns. The unicorn embellishments and colors on the gowns added a whimsical and fantastical feel to the actresses’ looks. Jennifer Lopez and Emilia Clarke were also seen wearing unicorns on their ensembles in 2016, both rocking pieces from Valentino. From there, the fashion cycle commenced and the trend began to trickle down and across the fashion system amongst everyone--including both fashion leaders and followers.

The trend transcended into the beauty world with unicorn makeup, liners, highlighters, hair color, and many more products aimed at the unicorn lover in us all. Gigi Hadid debuted unicorn makeup during summer ‘16, blending iridescent blues, greens, pinks, and purples around her eyes with opalescent highlights on the cupids bow, cheek and brow bones. More recently, we’ve seen a unicorn hair trend featured many times on Chrissy Teigen and Shay Mitchell’s Instagrams. The look is a braided ponytail that resembles a unicorn horn when finished.

(To Get The Look: Place your hair in a high, tight ponytail. Spray your ponytail with Beauty For Real’s South Beach Spray to add texture and volume. Separate the ponytail into two pieces and twirl them together so they swirl and look like a horn! Now that you've transformed your pony into a horn, all that's left is makeup!)

Shay Mitchell then teamed up with makeup artist Ariel Tejada to create a unicorn inspired Coachella look on YouTube. The look consists of pink tones on the upper lid and blue tones on the lower lash line, all of which are shimmery and give a lustrous look to the eyes. Ariel finished off Shay’s look by adding small dots to her forehead which resemble a unicorn horn and she was ready for Coachella.  

(Get The Look: Place Beauty For Real’s Shadow STX in All Day Latte all over the upper eyelids and blend with your fingers. Then take the Shadow STX in Ever Starstruck underneath the brow bone for a highlight. For the lower lashline and waterline, take the 24/7 I-LINE in In The Navy and smudge it under the lashes. To give the unicorn horn effect, take the I-LINE in 24 Karat and create dots which get slightly smaller as you go towards the hairline. Top it all off with a luminous highlight on the high points of the face using Blush + Glo in Coral Crush + High Beam. And that’s it! You’ve recreated Shay Mitchell’s flawless unicorn Coachella look.)

At this point, you can’t help but ask yourself, “Why unicorns?” Well, fashionistas of the 20th and 21st century aren’t the only mystic-magic-lovers around. Unicorns have been revered for their beauty and grace since ancient times. In most accounts, they represent purity and strength, while commanding respect from mankind. The funny thing about unicorns is they actually aren’t considered mythological because...well, they don’t actually appear in any myths. Unicorns are documented in natural history by ancient Greek explorers who recounted their trips to the mysterious, exotic, and far-off land of India. We can’t be sure of what these travelers actually saw, but anthropologist have their theories. So...are unicorns real, then? Nothing wrong with holding on to a little bit of hope.

Whether you love it, hate it, or have a love-hate relationship with it, the unicorn trend is here to stay awhile. It's made it's way across industries into facets of our everyday lives as this millennial obsession continues to grow. Millennials have long been known to follow a “retro-fashion” cycle by reverting back to moments of nostalgia. Trends that reflect this retro feeling ultimately do extremely well and have a strong following. As an example, just take a look at the Polaroid boom that's also going on right now. Although we have modern technology that allows us to share our photos instantly, it's become trendy to go back to using Polaroids and getting an instant printed photo. The unicorn trend brings back feelings of our colorful childhood which is why it has stuck around and will continue to grow. In the age of 80s and 90s nostalgia, the unicorn is king, bringing millennials back to the time of Lisa Frank. Unicorns have officially taken over the fashion and beauty worlds, and have now begun their big move into the food industry. With hot cocoa, and cake, and coffee, oh my….  

If you’re looking for local Miami fun, no one knows the scene like celebrity makeup artist and our founder, Leslie Munsell. Whether you’re hitting the gorgeous beaches playing in the turquoise waters or strolling down Lincoln Road shopping the hottest trends, Leslie takes you through the city like a true Miamian and shares products that can beat the Miami heat.

Treat yourself - Check out The Raleigh Hotel Pool

As a Miami Beach hot spot for over 70 years, it’s safe to say The Raleigh Hotel has South Beach's most beloved pool. The Raleigh Miami Beach pool has been a South Beach icon since it served as a backdrop for many Esther Williams’ films, but it’s the Pool Bar that has kept visitors coming back over the years. Sip a midday mojito as you float around the pool or enjoy a fresh, creative cocktail while lounging poolside. 

Treat Yourself- Unwind at a spa right on Miami’s world-famous South Beach

Spa Ricci is the place unwind with wellness. Not only is it conveniently located on South Beach, Spa Ricci is a wholistic wellness center that ensures you’ll be pampered with the utmost quality care. 

Beauty Tip: After your facial, you’ll want to let your skin breathe. Avoid foundation and simply apply Blush + Glo on your bare skin for a refreshed, natural glow.

Treat Yourself to the most delicious seafood in the country

Joe’s Stone Crab is so good it’s always packed, but you don’t have to wait for takeout. World famous- some celebrities even get Joe Stone Crab flown out to them! But if you do want to stay and dine, you'll want to look good for the crowd. A quick red lip and mascara is all you need. Leslie even reported a Tom Cruise sighting there!

Views, brews, and shoes- Visit Wynwood, Miami’s hot new art district for the scenery at Wynwood Walls, a bite to eat at any of the various eclectic restaurants, and shop at boutiques and shops offering one-of-a-kind selections.

The Wynwood Walls are an amazing collection of graffiti murals in the Wynwood district of Miami. Located just south of midtown and so worth a quick Uber drive, the walls attract natives and tourists alike. The 2-mile span of murals are unique to Miami, and with over 50 artists from 16 different countries being represented, the walls completely exude the diversity of Miami. It’s a great place to shop, eat, and people watch, too.

Beauty Tip: Don’t let the famous Miami humidity get the best of you. Try our Miami-proof makeup- if it’s good here, imagine how good it will be back home. I-LINE, HI-DEF Mascara, Shadow STX and South Beach Spray.

Views, brews, and shoes- Visit Midtown and relax with a handcrafted cocktail at SugarCane.

Once you’re done wandering through Wynwood, stop at the Shops at Midtown for a drink at SugarCane. SugarCane is an eclectic spot with an indoor/outdoor bar.  Take advantage and enjoy the beautiful weather. Leslie recommends you try the Moscow Mule. The food is tapas style so you can try several dishes- the best brussel sprouts ever!

Views, brews, and shoes- Enjoy a cocktail with an Extraordinary Miami View at Juvia.

Want an amazing rooftop view of South Beach? Then Juvia, right off Lincoln Road is the place to have an evening cocktail and feel the fresh ocean breeze. Who said you can’t have it all?

Wind down and go for lunch- Need some serious lunch after those late night cocktails?  Leslie’s favorite pizza place is Andiamo Pizza and it’s highly recommended to try the Portobello!

Wind down and soak up the sun- You don’t see Miami if you don’t see its gorgeous beaches. If you're looking for family fun, Mid-Beach, between 32nd and 79th streets is the way to go. For all of you party animals, take on Miami’s famous South Beach. You'll have to arrive early to get parking in one of the public lots or private garages, otherwise it’s best to Lyft or Uber.

Beauty Tip: Don't forget to spritz on our South Beach texturizing spray so your locks look lavish all day long--Miami heat and all.