bits of spark...

ALWAYS apply ANY cream product BEFORE powder! When you apply cream products on top of powder it creates a horrible cakey (AKA “Cake Face”) mess. I apply my foundation, then concealer, then cream blush, cream bronzer, cream highlighter. I blend all of that in. Next I apply my face powder (sometimes it’s translucent, sometimes it is powder that matches my skin tone- depends on my mood) once my powder is on, then I apply powder blush, powder bronzer and powder highlighter. I find it’s best to apply a setting powder all over my face BEFORE I apply powder blush- this helps the blush apply more smoothly and evenly to the skin.Just remember (NO MATTER WHAT):Creams/liquids BEFORE powder.

I have had this blog for 2 years and it was my world. Last fall my husband committed suicide due to alcoholism. It destroyed me and it became impossible for me to even look at this blog. He always supported me, Bitsofspark and my makeup addiction. He was AMAZING. He would carry my purse and wait patiently while I got lost in sephora or ulta. He would go into the Mac store alone with a list after work and pick up the latest lipstick I had to have. He knew what I meant when I said "I'm swatching in the store right now" he knew what "contouring" meant. He would lay in bed with me while I watched makeup tutorials on YouTube and make comments like "she's good" or "why does She talk about her damn dog so much. Isn't this makeup?" Lol. He even let me practice new look on him when I had a difficult freelance client. He was patient and kind and one in a million. When he died I lost my motivation and stopped doing what I love. This was natural grief, but unhealthy for me. I'm just now starting to find my feet. This is my first log in since September 2014. Almost a year. I look back and I'm flooded my memories. Every picture on this blog I took. I had a makeup addiction that no one understood, but I found my place on Tumblr with all my fellow makeup junkies💕 And I miss buying and taking pictures but it's been too hard. But lately I realized that makeup is my art and faces are my canvas and doing makeup on myself and others is therapy to me. So I'm going to sum up this rambling by saying I am sorry for my absence. And I want each and everyone of you to appreciate life. Appreciate what you have. Don't care about the things you don't have. Don't sweat the small stuff because in the grand scheme of things- life is meant to be enjoyed. You only get one shot so don't waste it trying to please others. Figure out what makes you happy and go for it. Love to you and thanks for the vent dears 💋

Yes. -Always wash your face twice a day. Morning a night. Don't over do it though, too much washing can dry out your skin-Find face wash and moisturizer that works with your skin type and ignore product hype (example? Purity by Philosophy broke me out like nobody's business, yet everyone raves about it)I have dry acne prone skin, it was a nightmare finding acne treatment for very dry skin. I ended up at Sephora doing the skincare IQ and found the Shesido Ibuki line. I've been using it faithfully for 2 years. I feel paying more for great skin is worth it and I now spend less on makeup. -when you start using a new product give it time! 6 weeks is usually when results are really noticeable -always use moisturizer -Wash your hands before applying makeup. -Wash your makeup brushes weekly or at least once a month (such a pain to wash them all, I know lol)...-don't touch your face during the day nor pick or pop pimples/blackheadsAnd the golden rule:Never go to bed without taking your makeup off 💋

Ipsy Glam Bag September 2014

Ipsy Glam Bag August 2014

Bronzing foundation primer. Adds a light touch of color.

The pore things are foundation primers. They fill in pores, smooth out lines, can have a blurring effect and provide a great base for foundation- helping it go on smoother and last longer. After moisturizing, pat gently onto the face, focusing around the T Zone (forehead, nose, chin) or wherever your pores and problem areas are. Let it dry and then apply foundation.

Why thank you dear. There was an Ipsy bag, I believe last holiday season either November or December, that I really loved. It was all high end products and a couple full sizes. Smashbox, urban decay, etc. I enjoy all Ipsy bags because I always discover something new.

Mac Paint Pot "Let Me Pop"

Benefit Cosmetics Erase Paste Concealer

Ipsy Glam Bag June 2014