Lo...WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN???

                                   Hello out there...is anyone still reading my blog???

Well, if you have then you know everything beauty related for me came to a huge stand still about mid September...and I prefer to give more of the update here on my blog...verses going into it on my YT channel. So I might direct those who are wanting to know the who, what, where, how, when and why...but for those of you who actually pay attention you will know before everyone else!!!

                   SO HERE'S THE QUESTION: WHERE THE HECK HAVE I BEEN????

Alright, so as everyone knew...I was in Germany with my mister who was Active Duty Military...well all of that has changed. AND NO, I'm still with my mister...we are just no longer military persons.

That's right, my mister separated from the military late last month...which means I am NO LONGER a Military Spouse or Dependent. I am NO LONGER living in Germany...I am NO LONGER a stay at home housewife.....Boy that was a mouthful.

                           QUESTION: WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

Me and the Mister are currently living in southern California...with my family at the moment. So, if you know where my home town is...then you know where I am at. 

                          QUESTION: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?

I actually just started a job, October 24th...as an Administrative Assistant/Receptionist for a local Sheet Metal Company that does alot of jobs with NASSCO (military related company) and Solar Turbines (another large company).  I see there being alot of potential for professional growth, plus it allows me the time to get back in touch with my roots. Also a huge perk is it's a Monday through Friday job, which means I will still have the weekends and evenings to do my own thing (whether it;s YouTube videos, freelancing still with my Make Up Artistry, or hanging out with my mister, family and friends).

                         QUESTION: ARE YOU STILL GOING TO BE DOING YOUTUBE?

Of course I still plan on doing videos..and blog postings. I'm trying to get into a routine of things...and with getting off of work before 5 pm it will make it nice to have some "me" time. Although I do need to figure out a work out schedule as well, considering I really am not a fan of trying to fight people at the gym for cardio machines...as I am SO NEEDING the gym! Coming back and trying to find a job was pretty stressful and I really didn't get to the gym as much as I liked. 

                         QUESTION: WHAT'S IT LIKE LIVING BACK AT YOUR PARENT'S PLACE?

Needless to say it's been interesting trying to adjust to being back in my parents place...as I really haven't lived here longer than 3 months (when I was a student...as I went away to college) or 2 weeks (as an adult...living on my own or being married to my mister). With five different personalities in a house...plus 4 dogs...Yup, Reckless has buddies to hang out with now. And 1 cat...it's been alot going on. Plus trying to figure out chores, dinner schedules and actual space/privacy as been sooooo fun to deal with...hence why it has taken me so long to finally get a video recorded and uploaded to my YouTube channel. 

No matter what though, I am very thankful that my family has been here for my mister and I....it's been a very rough transition going from military life to civilian life...and it's good that someone has our backs. 

         QUESTION: WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGES TO YOUR YOUTUBE WITH RELOCATION?

Of course, things always need to change up..so that things do not get boring. I am very sad that we have left Germany...as I won't be able to properly finish my Living in Germany Series...nor In the Bar with my bestie..Chrissy...My lovely Jew. But I will try to come up with some fresh ideas of what people might be looking for. I'm thinking of doing more blogging in regards to what it's been like trying to adjust with life out of the military...cause it is strange. 

                 QUESTION: HOW IS JOE DOING? WILL HE BE MAKING APPEARANCES STILL?

Considering Joe had put in 7.5 years in the military...he is taking a bit longer to get adjusted to things. Plus he is doing alot of classes offered by California's EDD to help him prepare for job searching, resume working, interviews..etc. Had I not been lucky and got hired..I more than likely would be joining in with those classes. But someone has to bring in the bacon, so I'm taking care of my family.

But yes, I think he will still make an appearance in a video every now and then...more than likely my younger brother might be doing so as well. Considering he is another YouTuber...and likes to do extreme costuming and characters...so perhaps my channel  will be in for a treat.

              QUESTION: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN?

Not certain yet, the other weekend Joe and myself went with my parents to a Halloween themed party at a local veterans office..I was Lady Gaga from her Born This Way video (yup skeleton face with a suit...I had quite a bit of interesting reactions with that outfit). I think Joe and I might end up passing out candy that night, as it's a week night. Don't know if we are going to dress up...and so far no other major party invites. Guess I'll have to keep you updated.

              QUESTION: WILL YOU STILL BE DOING FREELANCING IN THE STATES?

I honestly can not wait to do freelancing here in California...although I will have to do alot of TFP/TFC (Time for Print or Time for CD) to get my name out. Considering I had a handful of photographers who liked to use me for shoots, besides the random military wife who wanted make up lessons. 

                                                    PLANS FOR FUTURE

Going to do a small giveaway on my SoCalSwthrt1107 FaceBook Fan Page when I get to 50 likes...and another giveaway for a MAC Cosmetic's goodie when that page gets to 100 likes. Plus I will keep regular updates all related to my YouTube channel on that page.

I plan on doing a small giveaway for my YouTube channel  for my birthday, anniversary, Joe's birthday...as sharing is caring...details will be up soon for that.

And I will be hoping to do more reviews of products that I have been using faithfully since our move from Germany to the States. 

**Side Note**

If you at all wonder why my product selection for items for favorites, if and when I do tutorials, and reviews is somewhat limited is because I have had to condense and have mostly basics for my own personal make up collection. I know how is the world is a make up addict suppose to survive without her goodies or space to showcase all her goodies. Trust me, I have been slowly but surely having to deal with this. However on a good note I have been slowly and steadily using the products that I want to finish up (IE Project 2011 Finish what You Started). Considering most of the items I have had in my collection have been with me for a bit, plus they are drug store brands. I think it will make for interesting reviews.

Anyways, just wanted to give you the 411 on me...if you have any questions, comments or concerns...you can leave them in the comment section or send me a message on my Youtube channel. Facebook me...or tweet to me!!

XOXO

             

Update: Finish What You Start Make Up Project...OMG MY HG CONCEALER IS OUT!

Now this update...I'm sad to post just because it is talking about my HOLY GRAIL concealer that is now GONE!

I have had my Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer for what seems like forever...and it has made several appearances in my monthly Favorites besides being listed in my description bar for any recent make up tutorials.

I am seriously quite saddened that Maybelline decided to discontinue this particular product...I never really understood why...if it was to introduce FIT me into their brand that was the STUPIDEST mistake ever! You can still find random ebay stores or sellers that have a few jars of this type of concealer, but the mere fact that I will now have to be on the search for a good drug store concealer is just a pain in the butt. Don't get me wrong...as a make up addict I should be really excited about it...means I get to try out different products.

However once I find a product I really really really like...it's hard to find a second..or another to replace the first. Shoes are one thing...shirts another...but make up....I don't know.

My HOLY GRAIL CONCEALER

May You Rest in Peace!

Why I liked the Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer:

First, the texture of the product was nice...it seemed like it could be rather thick if you applied to much. However the coverage was AMAZING...it could and would cover any redness I had from any random break out (or pop up of a cynst acne). Besides of course cover the dark circles under my eyes.

Second, the amount of product for the price is pretty good. It literally took me months to finish this concealer...and that was using it everyday...sometimes even twice a day (ie redoing my face for going out in the night with friends to the pub or dance club). I do not like spending alot of money on drug store products, however this concealer was one of the few items I would easily purchase (again and again...if I could).

Third, again the coverage on this product was amazing. I heard alot of people say that it would cause break outs or that it would be horrible for under the eye (as it would crease or make that area greasy...because it was a bit thicker than the type of concealer you want under you eyes). But I love this concealer...it seriously ruins my day that they had to discontinue it!!!

What I will be using now

ELF Studio Complete Coverage Concealer is next in my little box of items that I will be reaching for in my make up dresser. I was not a fan of the correcter by ELF but I'm hoping that the Complete Coverage Concealer will be something that budget savvy girls (like myself) will be able to use.

Major KUDOS to ELF for giving a variety of shades within the quad...I decided Medium would be the best bet for me to use during the summer. Fingers crossed that it will work out for me...as well as they don't dry up before I have gotten an good opinion of what they can and can't do!

Hopefully this new concealer will at least give me decent amount of coverage...perhaps even correct..as I notice that there is a apricot/peachy color in the mix (which would work to help correct the darkness of my circles under my eyes). Only time will tell!

This update of another product done from my make up collection is bittersweet. Just because I am very sad to see one of my favorite and HOLY GRAIL products finally bite the dust!

Another Item DONE: Update Finish What You Started Make Up Project

Yup...About that time again!

Another beauty product down in my arsenal of items that need to be used! Though with this being a facial product...and it being so small compared to what I have used before...I figured it would be done a whole lot faster than the regular sized product (boo to trial sizes for that reason...though they are good to let you know if you will like them or not...plus of course for travel).

I know I stated I would keep y'all updated on my overall thoughts and skin results from switching from one face wash to another. As I was originally using Clean & Clear BlackHead Eraser..which I do really love! So I started out using my Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser..and it was quite different that the Blackhead Eraser (as it is a cooling effect and doesn't have the scrubbie beads).

Now I did have a bit of a skin break out when I first switched to the Deep Action Cream Cleanser as I think my skin was like...what the heck is this?! It took about a week for it to get back to normal..and overall I liked the Deep Action Cream Cleanser...would I repurchase it (which I received this travel size version in a Swap with another YouTuber last year) more than likely not. It reminds me alot of the Noxzema Face products...even down to the tinglying cool freshness it give to the skin.

As the Clean & Clear website states "Deep Action Cream Cleanser removes dirt, oil and make-up deep down to the pores as you wash. Its oil-free formula won’t clog your pores and a special cooling ingredient leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean."

Overall, I do agree that it leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth and clean..however that is after about a week of using it everyday. I say a week, because with switching to this product...the skin needs time to adjust..and if the product is doing its job properly. It should be deep cleaning the pores of any dirt, grime and nastiness so that the skin will be looking fabulous!

Since I finished off this product, I figured it was time to finally hop on the band wagon...as when i first got into YouTube I noticed everyone was talking about this face product.

That's right, the St Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub (which was voted 2010 award winning product from Glamour Magazine).

Again another product I hadn't used before...but I was very very interested in...as I have seen even knocks of this particular product sold at the military exchanges on our bases (sad I know huh?). Plus like I said everyone and their mother was talking about this product back when I first started to sit down and watch Monthly favorites and what not!

According to the St Ives Website "From America's #1 Scrub brand, this award-winning Apricot Scrub deep cleans, instantly leaving skin smooth and glowing. Exfoliates to reveal smooth, radiant skin"

Again I will have to keep you updated on the overall experience of using this product...though I did want to point out that when people say they use this scrub, they normally use it once to at most three times a week. While mind you, I will be using the scrub everyday as my day to day face wash.

I personally think I will have a bit of break out when again switching to a different product....I will let you know...when I switch to my next facial product!!!!!

Update: Finish What You Started Make Up Project 2011

So another two products done in my arsenal of beauty products...however I do already have new items to change out to since these two are done.

The first being my Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Facial Scrub and the second being a travel size perfume of Paris Hilton's Can Can.

I have talked about my Clean & Clear Blackhead eraser scrub in my February Favorites video as it has been my GO TO facial cleanser for about 6 months. It just worked out to where I was using this after trying out the Proactive Line for my Acne Prone skin.

This product had a total of 5 ozs of product and I used it religiously once to at times twice a day with my facial scrubbie from Mayra's Cosmetics. I know, I know you aren't suppose to use a scrub everyday...but I do and I have had no major issues to my skin. Other than it staying for the most part pretty clean (with the occasional time of the month break out..I blame that on my choice of eating sweets before and then being lazy the first two days of it that I usually don't wash in the evenings before going to bed).

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The website states "CLEAN & CLEAR® BLACKHEAD EARSER™ Scrub has unique exfoliating multi-action beads that work to gently remove the trapped dirt, oil, and dead skin that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Three sizes of multi-action beads allow surface exfoliation and a deep down clean. Salicylic Acid, an acne fighting medicine, clears blackheads and helps prevent new ones from forming."

Overall, I do agree with the statement, I do notice that the beads in the facial scrub...which is a good and bad thing (as they do like to get caught in my facial scrubbie pad). However it is a small price to pay for the nice, fresh, clean looking skin that I have been having for the past 4 to 5 months I have been using it. Plus the fact that it is a drug store product, thus it is easily found and semi affordable makes this scrub a nice addition to my daily facial routine.

What I'm planning to switch to

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I plan on trying out a product that I received in a swap from last year..this one is the Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser...this has only 1 oz of product so I think it won't last me nearly as long as the other. However with the 1 oz size it gives me enough product to get a good sense of what it can do...yay for trial sizes!

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The website states, "Deep Action Cream Cleanser removes dirt, oil and make-up deep down to the pores as you wash. Its oil-free formula won’t clog your pores and a special cooling ingredient leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean."

I am going to be using this product tomorrow, so I will have to update in a few days of what I think of it overall. I'm hoping that the change from one facial cleanser to another wont cause a huge difference in my skin. But only time will be able to tell!

The other product that I finally finished up is one of my favorite perfumes...and I do already have a replacement of that particular scent already. However I wanted to use up the smaller bottle so that I could try and use a different perfume (as I carry this size in my make up bag...and once I throw a perfume in there...I normally don't take it out).

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Paris Hilton's Can Can is definitely in my top 5 favorite perfumes...coming up at a top 3 position!!! I think sweet scents always smell pretty good on me (at least that is the consensus from others as I always get a comment when I wear this one...or freshen up with it).

The perfume is described as "Can Can opens with the vibrant notes of clementine flowers, blended with cassis and nectarine. The ‘naughty but nice’ floral heart blends orchid and orange blossom. The dry down brings harmony, with soft musk, amber, and woods.

Top note: Clementine, Flowers, Cassis, Nectarine

Middle note: Orchid, Orange Blossom
Base note: Soft Musk, Wood, Amber

Bottle: The sheer bottle is adorned with a pink feather. The bottle is encased in a white box embossed with feathers as a background pattern."

I will be sad not to have this in my make up bag but I do have another lovely Paris Hilton perfume to use instead.

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These two perfumes came in a set of various Paris Hilton perfumes that I got sometime last year...a bit after her Siren perfume came out...as I wanted to really try it...and seeing as I really liked several of her other scents. I figured money spent on getting a little set was well worth it.

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I will be now using Paris Hilton's Paris Hilton perfume, one of her first perfumes launched when she started her line back in 2005.

The perfume is described as "At first scent, an ethereal halo of delicious Apple and juicy Peach. A luminous floral bouquet evolves with Mimosa, sheer Freesia and Jasmine petals. Warming down to a creamy texture of Sandalwood and Oakmoss laced with feminine Ylang-Ylang and a touch of sensual Phermones.

• Top Notes Frozen Apple, Peach Nectar, Wet Ozone, Muguet
• Middle Notes Freesia, Mimosa, Jasmine, Tuberose
• Base Notes Skin musk, Sandalwood, Ylang-ylang, Oakmoss, Pheromone"

I have used this perfume before..though I do not need to nearly refresh with it as much as I did with the Can Can. I guess I will have to see if anyone notices the difference in my new go to scent...as well as if I will get as many compliments using it. As we all know...perfumes smell good on different people skin...and as sweet scents smell good on me (ie Can Can) something a little more floral (ie Paris Hilton) might be a bit different!

Sorry for the long winded update..but I figure it's good to get everything out about a particular product and why I like it. Perhaps it will help someone else formulate an opinion or interest!!!

XOXO

Yup, Make Up Project Update again!!!

Just wanted to quickly let ya guys know that I finally finished my ELF Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips today!!!!

No lies I am ubber excited to have actually finished a lip product to entirety!!! I have actually never accomplished this feat before...and it is a feat considering how many lip products I do have now in my extensive collection.

Thank Goodness I am really sticking to this project, I think I might actually get through more of my products this way.

Now as it worked out, I did allow myself the luxury of ordering a new lip product...when I receive it in the mail I will be for sure making a small post on it with swatches as well.

But I did want to show you some physical evidence that my lipstick is done!!! So here we go!!!

Yup, totally holding up my empty for everyone to see!!!

Comparing a full ELF Liquid Lipstick to an Empty

Top: ELF's Cherry Tart Liquid Lipstick

Bottom: ELF's Baby Lips Liquid Lipstick

Although I have ordered a new lip product, I have decided to make my new product to use up from my lip collection the Cherry Tart Lipstick from ELF...as I believe it will take me about a month to use it up. Plus I have been wearing complementary colors on my lips the past week, so I figure I can just keep doing so.

**I hope anyone else who is doing the Finish what You Started Make up Project is doing alright. I'm nearly done with my foundation and I have finally hit pan on my drug store concealer.I'm just waiting now to see how long it takes me....as I started this project whole heartedly about a month ago.**

I will again update when I am closer to finishing off a product again...I'm thinking it will be my foundation that will finish off next over my lip products...unless of course I keep my lips moisturized with this winter weather!!!