The August issue of Atelier Indigo Magazine is here! Grab a cup of coffee and have a look; my ad is towards the back.

A.I. is a new 'indie' style guide filled with lots of artistic and vintage inspired fashion. The all women team behind it did a stellar job, support them if you like what you see and show some blogger love.

My favorite spread from this issue is The Breakfast Club outfits that are tweaked to be relevant in modern times. The clothes are spot on, and it's fun to imagine the cast wearing them if they were in school today.

To be completely honest, I'm not really sure where to begin my hair update this month. I had an insanely busy month, which caused me to not pay attention to my hair that much. Whenever I go through a rough time, I find that my hair and skin sort of mirror how I'm feeling.
My hair has been a bit more oily at the roots and more dry at the ends, which is anything but desirable. It's at sort of another awkward length for me too, so I'm hoping in the next few months I can get it looking more healthy and back to normal.

Part One

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been fascinated by mystery of makeup. I remember watching my mom at the mirror applying her foundation with her fingers, running Maybelline's Great Lash mascara through her lashes, and dabbing off her pearly pink lipstick with a tissue. "How did she learn such things?", I would wonder.

As I grew older and developed my own techniques, I found that there is more to the aesthetic of makeup than I had learned just through observation. With the help of beauty magazines, the internet, and skincare school, I discovered that there is an endless amount of secrets that even your wise mother might not even know.

Here are some that I was enlightened with over the years and now follow religiously:

Clean Brushes

This has to be the most important and most often broken rule. It may seem harmless to reuse a brush even on a clean face, however bacteria is always lurking; especially if there are active breakouts. A weekly cleanse is a must, and can help to prevent the spread of acne, clogged pores, and poor application caused by dirty brushes. A simple wash in baby shampoo or dish liquid followed by an alcohol mist is an affordable way to maintain your brushes as well as save your skin from harm.

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Expiration Check

As with brushes, makeup itself can expire as it collects and grows bacteria. If ever a product starts to change shape, color, smell, or look off when applied, then it's time to repurchase or try something new. It's always good to go through your collection every 6 months and toss out things that either you haven't used in awhile, or are older then this standard guideline:

Powders - 3 years

Creams - 12 to 18 months

Lipstick and lipliner - 2 years

Mascara and eyeliner - 3 months

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It Starts with Skincare

Starting out with a blank, fresh canvas is vital for a flawless makeup application. Prepping what is underneath will help any products on top look more smooth and natural, as well as improve lasting time and evenness. Regular cleansing, exfoliation, toning and moisturization is not only proper skincare, but also a perfect base for makeup.

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Facials are Vital

Although most of us like to go the DIY at home route, there is nothing better for your skin then visiting a spa every month or so for professional pampering. There are more technical things that an aesthetician can do to deep clean and treat the skin that aren't achievable with basic tools. I didn't believe that spending money on a facial was worth it until I tried my first one, now I am completely hooked and my skin as well as the makeup on top of it has never looked better.

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Using Primer

Applying primer is one of those essential steps of a makeup routine that make all the difference. Creating a base for everything including the face, eyes, lips, and even lashes is one of the best ways to keep products on longer. It also helps to smooth out or mattify the skin, while preventing the unevenness, creasing, or cakiness.

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Part Two will be out soon!

What is a makeup secret you wish your mother had told you?