Get In the Know: Beauty Brushes

Picking out brushes can be overwhelming! Here is a cheat sheet to help you decide which brush you need! Using the right tools to apply your makeup can make a world of difference! Check out Glam Academy for all the tools you need to create your perfect look! 

Easy Contouring

Let's face it, most of us don't have the time or money Kim K has to spend on having her face beautifully contoured every day of her life. Here is an easy approach to contouring that takes no longer than doing average everyday makeup! It's so simple!

Here is what you are going to need:
1. Maybelline Fit stick foundation. You will need a shade that matches you skin tone to apply all over and a very dark (I recommend a shade lighter than the darkest shade they make) shade for contouring.
2. Liquid stick concealer. You will need a very light shade concealer to highlight!
3. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. This thing works magic. You can find cheaper contouring brushes but I find that nothing works quite like this one and it is still relatively cheap compared to others!
4. NYX HD Studio finishing powder. This is a white fine powder!
5. Real Techniques Setting Brush

How it works:

1. Apply Maybelline Fit foundation (the color matching your skin) all over the face and use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to blend it in. Buff the foundation into the skin by moving the brush in circular motions all around the face.

2. Once the foundation is rubbed in, apply the darker stick foundation to the areas you see in dark brown in the photo above. Do not rub it in yet.

3. Apply the liquid concealer to the areas in the photo above that are light colored.

4. Using the Real Technique Expert Face Brush, blend the areas of dark and light together in circular motions. Be sure to blend very good against the hairline and creases on the face.

5. Once all of that is blended in, use the Real Techniques Setting Brush to lightly apply the NYX powder all over the face. Be careful not to put this on too thick or you will look ghostly. 

6. Check out Glam Academy for everything you need to create this look!

The Truth About Pastel Hair

As you know, pastels are in, especially when it comes to hair! But achieving that perfect Pinterest pastel color can be harder than you think! From my experience, the color turns out way different than you expect.
First Attempt:
My first try was with Ion Pastel (color: Rose) Semi Permanent Dye. I applied it all over, left it on for an hour as directed, and then washed as directed. As I washed my pink locks, I noticed pink water washing down the drain.. I checked my hair and no sign of pink remained! I was shocked! Not even the slightest tint! So I waited a few months to go to a salon.
Second Attempt:
I spoke with my hair stylist, whom I have been visiting for over ten years now, and she had a plan to give me the pastel pink hair I had been wanting. She ordered me a color called rose (not sure of the brand, but it was the lightest pink the shop offered) and applied a test strand.. IT WAS PURPLE. I freaked and would not let that on my head. So after 8 hours of trying different techniques, the final technique they used was mixing the original color with a product called "Pastelisize." (this was basically a clear gel diluter) I left the salon with hot pink hair, NOT pastel pink! And I must say it was quite scary looking!
Third Attempt:
After the salon, I went home and washed my hair with Dandruff shampoo containing Tar ingredients. This faded the color a good bit! After a week of washing my hair, I returned to the salon and they applied the Chi Chromashine Pastel Pink. This product pretty much washed right out of my hair and the faded original color remained.
Conclusion:
I left the color as it was and it faded almost completely out within 3 weeks. Pastels do not last long, but they are fun! Be prepared to run into problems. It is difficult to find what works right for your hair! Don't expect too much when going into it! But if you do run into some of the same problems I have had remember:
1. Shampoo with tar ingredients (within the first 48 hours) works miracles!
2. Your hair is fragile, don't over dye it/bleach it!
3. Time heals everything! (& a lot of hair washing)
4. YOPYHO ( You Only Pastel Your Hair Once, ok, well unless you love it and decide to keep on going)

Summer Nails

We absolutely love Essie's new 2015 summer colors! Pastels are sooo in this summer, whether its hair, clothes, shoes, nails, anything you can think of! These fun summer shades are the perfect accessory to any outfit. Also, if you love the look and long wear of gel nails, Essie now has a gel setter topcoat to give your nail polish shine and long wear! Look out for some fun samples of these shades in our upcoming summer box! Subscribe now at Glam Academy!

What is Glam Academy?

Glam Academy is the ultimate school of beauty! We are here to introduce you to new products and how to use them; and also teach you how to use the products you already love! With a subscription to Glam Academy you will receive a box full of samples monthly. What sets us apart from the other beauty subscription boxes? Glad you asked! In addition to your monthly box of samples, you will also receive a code to unlock exclusive tutorials on how to use the products you are receiving! But these aren't just your average tutorials... They are tutorials from THE Lauren Curtis. Yep, thats right, YouTube beauty tutorial guru. And the best part is, she is only sharing them with members of the Glam Academy! So, if you want to achieve the hottest new looks with the hottest products, check out Glam Academy today!