BEAUTY BLOG: Face Products

   Woohoo! The first beauty blog is in the books! I decided to split my beauty blogs up into sections so I could cover all aspects of my makeup routine which includes: brushes, face products, skincare routine, eye products, lip products, and my hair routine! So stay tuned for more beauty blogs in the future! Now let's get into all of my favorite face products.

   The following products are a mixture of drugstore and professional makeup products, so this just goes to show you that you don't need to shell out a ton of money for good makeup! 

 

- FOUNDATION - 

   1. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion:  This is my absolute favorite foundation I have ever used! I love this foundation because it is affordable and has an absolutely flawless finish. You do not look "cakey" or dry and it has build-able coverage.  I wouldn't use the foam applicator that comes in the package though, I suggest buying a brush (Favorite brush coming in a future beauty blog).  You can get the True Match Lumi Cushion for $16.99 at Rite Aid. 

   2. MAC Studio Fix Fluid: Be warned, this foundation is only for those of you who want a very matte and full coverage foundation. I only use this when I compete in pageants because it is very heavy on the skin.  It tends to break me out if I wear it daily.  It has a flawless finish for stage wear and keeps oils at bay.  Plus it has an SPF 15! It is $27.00 at http://www.maccosmetics.com/.

- CONCEALER -

   1. Fit Me Concealer by Maybelline: I love this concealer because it does not crease in my under-eye! It is light but provides plenty of coverage and hides dark circles. Plus, it is very affordable! $6.19 at Rite Aid.

   2. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer: Again, if you are looking for heavier coverage this one is for you! You can wear this on a daily basis and it is great for covering up acne. I advise putting all concealer on with a beauty blender for a more flawless finish. $21.00 at http://www.maccosmetics.com/.

- POWDER -

   1. Hello Flawless by Benefit: I love this pressed powder because it is build-able and soaks up any oil that is on your face. Provides a beautiful finish! $34.00 at http://www.sephora.com/.

   2. Bye Bye Pores by It Cosmetics: This is a good setting powder and it is great for baking as well. It just give you a flawless and pore-less finish! $24.00 at  http://www.ulta.com/brand/it-cosmetics.

- BRONZER/CONTOUR -

   1. Chocolate Soleil Bronzer by Too Faced: Oh my goodness! Not only does it smell like chocolate, it is gorgeous to contour with! The formula is so smooth and creamy so it just glides on, I love it! $30.00 at http://www.sephora.com/too-faced?node=1050000. 

   2. Hoola Bronzer by Benefit: This comes close second to Chocolate Soleil! It goes on gorgeous and pretty much looks good on everyone! $29.00 at http://www.sephora.com/benefit-cosmetics.

   3. Butter Bronzer by Physicians Formula: This bronzer smells like the beach!!! I love that it gives you such a beachy glow.  It is definitely affordable! $14.95 at Rite Aid. 

- BLUSH -

   1. Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink; I loveeeee this blush! It goes on so smoothly and the color is absolutely gorgeous! It is a shimmer blush so it gives you a beautiful glow. It is my absolute favorite! $8.29 at Walgreens. 

   2. Marc Jacobs blush in Obsessed: This is such a pretty coral/peach shade and is perfect for summer. It is not too harsh and not too soft. It gives you that healthy color in your cheeks. $30.00 at http://www.sephora.com/marc-jacobs-beauty?node=10222316. 

- HIGHLIGHT -

   1. Watt's Up Highlighter Stick by Benefit:  I love this little highlighter stick! The glow is stunning and the stick makes it easy to apply. I blend it in with a beauty blender! $30.00 at http://www.sephora.com/benefit-cosmetics?node=1050010. 

   2. MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish: This is a powder and it is amazing! It is so shimmery and picks up the light so well! It is gorgeous! $32.00 at http://www.maccosmetics.com/. 

Like please just take a look at how gorgeous it is! 

- SETTING SPRAY -

   1. De-Slick Setting Spray by Urban Decay: This is my favorite setting spray of all time! It keeps my makeup on and keeps the shine away! 10/10 would recommend, it is a must have! $14.00-$30.00 at  http://www.sephora.com/urban-decay?node=1050001. 

   2. NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray:  This comes in close second to the De-Slick setting spray. It does the job, but just does not last as long. It is more cost effective though! $8.00 at http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/setting-spray. 

So that is the end of my first beauty blog! Let me know what you think and what you want to see next! Make sure to follow me on Twitter/Instgram: @cheerfulheart_! 

Through the Grape Vine

   Gossip, oh how it sucks us right in sometimes.  I know at one point we have all been gossiped about or maybe we have even been the gossiper. Gossip is so insidious and it creeps in between relationships in your personal, work and church life. So I just wanted to share some thoughts on gossip and what God says about it.

   God has given us a voice to bless and encourage others with, not tear them down and slander them. Romans 1:28 says "Since they didn't think it was worthwhile to acknowledge God, God abandoned them to a defective mind to do inappropriate things."  The people spoken about in this passage are listed under gossips, slanderers, and haters of God.  A lot of people use their words for deceit, pride, malice, slander, and unloving things. God created us to use our words to encourage, build up and love one another.

   God says gossip is a sin no matter what.  Often times it is disguised as "Oh I have this prayer request" and then people proceed to tear down the afflicted and share it with everyone. Or "I'm only saying this because I care and want you to know".  We have to be careful that we only share true prayer requests with trusted prayer partners and our close family and not fall into that trap of gossiping.

   In Proverbs 6 there are seven things that God hates which include: Haughty eyes, wicked plans, false witness, spreading strife, and feet that run rapidly to evil. When you think about it haughty eyes are one of the main foundations of gossip. They know something you don't and they are so proud of that and they feel the need to make it known. Wicked plans are the exact definition of gossip. Gossip is intended to tear down and slander someone else. Gossip is meant to destroy people's reputations.  People who gossip want who you have in your life and can't have them or they want what you have and can't have it.  They resort to trying to destroy you and what you have because of jealousy. A false witness plays a key role in gossiping.  Nine times out of ten there are untruths involved in gossiping because it is passed along the grapevine and people add lib to make the story more dramatic. Gossiping spreads strife in churches, the work place, home and friendships.  So many relationships are destroyed by gossip and malice.  We may think that by gossiping we aren't being feet who run rapidly to evil, but how quickly do we run to the computer or phone when we hear a story to tell others without even thinking twice? All of the things listed that God hates tie right into gossiping!

   You cannot gossip about someone and love them at the same time.  There is no way we can truly walk in the spirit saying we worship God and slander people with the same mouth.  People who gossip only want to pull people down to their level or express anger and hostility without confrontation.  It is extremely cowardly to go about things in that way. When people gossip it reveals the true hate and jealousy they have in their hearts.  Gossiping indicates a heart issue and is brought to full light when people tear others down. Gossip pushes Godly people away and destroys fellowship.

   It is better to walk through the fire than be the one who started it.  I personally have lived through this as for the past 10 years people have constantly tried to tear me down, spread rumors, and destroy my reputation.  God has given me the grace to forgive those people and press onward towards what He has for me.  He will bless you just like He has blessed me for enduring the fire with grace and forgiveness.  God only puts us through the flames to refine and purify us, so please remember that next time someone is putting the heat to you. Also when the true heat is applied, the truth always comes out just like impurities come out of gold when it is put through the fire.  You are priceless.

   In conclusion God has given us mouths and voices only to edify and encourage others, so this is a call to stop the gossiping and start building each other up and praying for each other. We should use our voices to bring God joy and should never use them to cut people down. EVER.