BEWARE: Buying Cosmetics Online(ebay, amazon, etc.)

Everyone nowadays is looking for some type of discount on the things they normally buy anyways. Like fake Channel and Coach purses, fake Jordans, fake designer anything is being sold from overseas, fake cosmetics have been popping up everywhere! A great rule of thumb is that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. In the past I've looked at products online but have never actually purchased because I was afraid of getting duped! I have looked up MAC brush sets that seemes to have ALL the brushes for a good price as well. After hours of research, comparing the brushes, and talking to the MAC counter, we agreed that they were more than likely NOT real MAC brushes. Same goes for eyeshadow pallets, lip gloss sets, etc. Just because it has the label doesnt mean its the real deal. Generally I stay away from EBay, amazon, and other sites like that offering discounts. I would rather pay the full price from the actual MAC/Urban Decay website knowing its the real thing and saving myself alot of research time.

But if you feel the need to give it a try, here are some guidelines for not getting screwed:
1. Always, ALWAYS ask questions, especially if you are concerned.
2. Buy only "New in Package"(NIP) products. If its not in its original packaging, RUN!
3. Always check seller reviews
4. If you do find a ligitimate person selling REAL cosmetics, I would continue to buy from the same people, that way you know already know the quality.
5. If you ever feel unsure about a transaction or get a "fishy" feeling, listen to your gut and pass on the product.

Remember, it isnt REALLY a good deal if you buy fake products! And because these products are being replicated overseas, you really dont know whats in them or the quality of them! You or the person you apply makeup on could have a bad reaction to a chemical they used in the product. Remember like fake purses, they are not using high quality materials to cut costs, thats why they are able to sell them so cheap.

Be good to your face, and it will love you back! Beware the online sellers and dont get duped! Like I said, if it doesnt feel right, walk away!

DIY: Pumpkin Inspired Beauty/Spa Recipes

I don't know about you, but Fall is one of my favorite seasons! The weather is perfect for comfy oversized sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes! On those particularly chilly nights I love to whip up some fresh pumpkin spa recipes and treat myself to a night in of pampering! Pumpkins actually contain therapeutic properties and is already a key ingredient in many of our favorite beauty products!

Did you know that pumpkins contain natural UV protectors, anti-inflammatory benefits, and is a great exfoliant for those with sensitive skin? Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, Zinc and natural enzymes, all great things for your skin!


In honor of Pumpkin season try out these DIY beauty recipes inspired by pumpkins!

Pumpkin Sugar Scrub: Combine 6 Tbsp of pumpkin pulp, 3 Tbsp of sugar, and a 1/2 Tsp of pumpkin seed oil to make a thick paste. Apply to your face and relax for a few minutes to let things kinda soak in. Then gentle use your fingers to massage the scrub on your face as it gentle sloughs away dead skin!

Papaya Pumpkin Facial Mask: For this you will need some sort of mixer or blender! Combine 2/3 cup of mashed papaya(be sure to scoop out the seeds first and mash it pretty well), 1 pre-beaten egg(the egg should be beaten until frothy), then add a 15oz can of pure pumpkin and mix well in the blender! Apply to clean face except the eye area and let it sit for 10 mins. For best results rinse and follow with toner and moisturizer!

Pumpkin Body Butter: Combine 1/2 cup of cooked pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of solid creme(the solid creme that forms at the top of a can of coconut milk), and a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. Massage gently into skin and after 15 mins rinse with warm water. Pumpkin Spice latte optional :)

Happy Fall!

XOXO,

Lisa Teller | Makeup + Hair

Lisa Teller is a professional makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup and high-end makeup & hair experiences for bridal in the San Francisco Bay Area, throughout California, and destination weddings. She is extremely passionate about each of her bridal clients and is currently booking for 2015!

For more information, services, bridal portfolio, or to book her for a session, www.lisateller.com

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Lemons!

Lemons! Lemons! Lemons!!

Lemons arent just a beautiful color, they are power packed with natural ingredients that help you look more beautiful too! Lemons are great for cleansing and clarifying and can also help restore the PH balance in your skin. However, lemons can be used for a variety of beauty tricks!

Lemons are rich in natural fruit acids that not only remove dead skin cells but can also lighten discolored of dark areas of the skin. Think of it as a cheap, natural peel, similar to a chemical peel you'd get in the dermatologists office.

Lemon-sugar scrub: Cut a lemon in 1/2 after you've washed your face with a cleanser. Begin rubbing and massaging the lemon on your face. After you've got a decent about on your face either apply sugar on the lemon or directly on your face and then rub lemon and sugar into skin. The lemon juice acts like an acid peel and the sugar exfoliates those nasty dead skin cells away!

Healthy Nails: Soak your fingers or toes in lemon juice for 10 minutes.**Make sure you dont have any cuts or this will be painful!!** Then brush you nails with a nail brush(or toothbrush-for a cheap version!) with an equal of mixture of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 warm water. Then just rinse with warm water and you'll be surprised at how bright and clean they look.

Brighten Skin: Not only will the lemon juice brighten your face you can use it all over your body! You can apply it directly or relax for 20 minutes in a warm bath with 1 cup of lemon juice.


Healthy Hair: You dull, damaged hair will LOVE this treatment! Prior to shower mix 3/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup raw honey, and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. shampoo hair first, towel dry hair, then add the mixture evenly throughout hair, cover with a shower cap and let the magic work for 30 minutes. Shower AGAIN, shampoo and rinse as normal.

Bleach Hair: Most people are aware that lemon juice can be used to bleach hair. Simply use 1/2-1 whole lemon and squeeze directly in your hair(dont worry about those seeds you'll rinse them out later). Then grab a book, beach buddy, go poolside, or anywhere the sun shines and relax in the sun for 25-35 minutes(dont forget sunscreen though!) Then shampoo and condition as usual.


So grab your lemons girls, and get to work! :)

Hugs and lemon juice,
Lisa Michelle