DIY Beauty | How To Dupe Lush Coalface

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics has some amazing products.  One of my favorite products has always been their Coalface Cleanser, especially during those times I am breaking out and need a face wash that really deep cleans and exfoliates.

Why not be a little thrifty, get creative, try out a really fun DIY Dupe?

This recipe has only three ingredients: coconut oil to hydrate and moisturize, charcoal capsules to exfoliate, and baking soda to cleanse.

DIY Lush Coalface: Ingredients

1/2 cup Coconut Oil

3 Charcoal Capsules

1 tbsp. Baking Soda

DIY Lush Coalface: Directions

1. Grab a small bowl and small plastic spatula.

2. Place the half cup of coconut oil in the microwave for approximately 15-20 seconds, or until it is liquefied, and pour it into the small bowl.

3. Next, add in the contents of three charcoal capsules.  You can accomplish this by either untwisting the middle of the capsule, or by cutting off one end of the capsule.

4. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your mixture.

5. Using the small plastic spatula, mix and crush everything until you are left with a nice thick paste.  If you find that your mixture is too liquid, add more baking soda 1/2 tablespoon at a time until you are satisfied with the consistency.

6. Storage: place a lid on the small bowl and store in the refrigerator.  When you go to use the product again be sure to re-stir as ingredients may separate.

Ready To Apply!

You can use this recipe as either a face mask or a face wash.

As a Face Wash

1. Keep the jar of product directly outside the shower.

2. When you are ready grab a good amount with two fingers and apply in slow circular motions to your face.

3. It is ok if any ends up in your mouth, but do avoid the eye area.

As a Face Mask 

1. After you have finished showering pull your hair pulled back in a bun or wrapped towel.

 2. Using two fingers pick up a little product and start dabbing it onto your face, starting at the top of the forehead and working your way down to the chin.

3. Leave mask on for 10-15 minutes and wipe off with a warm textured wash cloth.

Interested in MORE DIY Beauty?  Check out my YouTube!

    

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

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5 Long-Lasting Beauty Essentials To Get You Through The Holidays

The holidays, no matter which one you are celebrating, can be a multi-day marathon of cooking, eating, drinking and socializing.  Whether you are hostess or guest, you're going to need a makeup strategy that is long-lasting while still fabulous for those inevitable awkward family photos.

Beauty Essential #1: Primer For Those Pores

A good primer is absolutely necessary to keeping your face looking matte and pore less through the holidays.  It will help your makeup wear longer and erase any fine lines and pores.  Always do your research and find a primer that is suitable for your skin type.  My favorite for long-lasting wear has been Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer, which helps to balance the skin's texture and tone.  

Beauty Essential #2: Foundation That Stays

You need to count on your foundation lasting all day when it comes to the holidays, but want something lightweight on your face that still covers what it needs to.  One of my favorite drugstore foundations is Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation in Soft Tan.  It's affordable, medium to full coverage, that applies like a high end brand.

Beauty Essential #3: No-Fuss Lip Stain

You want to spend time with family and friends on the holidays, not spend time reapplying your lipstick.  I recommend a lip stain for it's pigmentation without the fuss and ability to last through dinner.  My personal favorite is Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Lip Stain and Shine based on the fact that it is made for long wear and hydration, and is very pigmented on the lips.

Beauty Essential #4: Powder To Set Your Hard Work

Set, Set, SET!  If you want your makeup to last all day without sliding down your face, make sure to set everything with a powder.  My all time favorite setting powder is the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.  I apply this with a setting brush everywhere I place concealer, including beneath my eyes, my forehead, my chin, and the bridge of my nose.  A great affordable alternative is the NYX HD Finishing Powder in Banana. 

Beauty Essential #5: Setting Spray To Finish The Job

A few squirts of a good setting spray is a quick and easy way to ensure that your makeup will stay for the entire day.   It helps prevent melting, cracking and fading, and ensures your makeup doesn't seep into fine lines or pores.  The Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray does just that: sets your makeup for hours.  Standing over a hot oven or sitting in an over crowded family room?  This baby will keep your face looking fresh and oil free.  A great affordable alternative (and one of my recent favorites) is the Mario Badescu Facial Setting Spray.

 

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November Loves and Favorites

Starbucks Red Holiday Cup

Starbucks: your winter specialty drinks have stolen my heart once again.  The Skinny Peppermint Mocha is my absolute favorite, but I have been changing it up every now and then with the Holiday Spice Flat White.  The Peppermint Mocha is perfect for when I am craving something super sweet and chocolate, and the Flat White for when I am in need of something soothing.  The Holiday Spice Flat White is basically Christmas in a cup.  I have yet to try the Gingerbread or Chestnut Praline, but it is only a matter of time.

BH Cosmetics Long Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick

When I received an email a few weeks ago that BH Cosmetics had just released these, I knew I had to try them.  I purchased Muse, a nude pink grey-beige, and Endora, a bright pink.  The formula isn't over-drying on my lips, but I always make sure to exfoliate and moisturize before applying any kind of liquid lipstick.  The texture is similar to Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick and the colors are similar to Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick.  I plan on ordering many more when colors come back in stock.

Honeywell Console Humidifier

You may be thinking: what the hell is a humidifier doing on a beauty favorites list?  I have been waking up every morning this fall and winter struggling to breathe through a stuffy nose, and when my nose is stuffy is stays that way all day long, which means I am constantly using tissues and ruining my makeup.  No bueno.  At first I was stunned by the size of this particular humidifier, as don't have a lot of space to work with at the moment.  But the performance and efficiency of this humidifier quickly outweighed this slight inconvenience.  I actually like the size of it now because it holds a lot of water and I do not have to worry about refilling it for a few days at a time.  My bedroom air is more comfortable at night, allowing me to breathe easier, and the makeup I put on my nose in the morning will continue to stay on my face **double thumbs up.***

 

The Time Chamber by Daria Song

The sequel to The Time Garden, a beautifully designed magical story and adult coloring book, The Time Chamber is another outstanding work of ink art by Daria Song. 

The red haired fairy returns again in this book, but this time it is the fairy that is visiting the little girl's land.  Feeling restless, the fairy desires to explore outside her beautiful time garden inside the clock.  The fairy packs beautiful treasures to bring the little girl each time she visits her.  As she explores, the entire world feels enormous in size to the tiny fair, and everything is new and beautiful.

The designs that fill this book illustrate the magical and charming objects the tiny fairy finds so beautiful: tea kettles, dining ware, silver ware, powder boxes, spools of yarn, and more.  The intricate details featured on each page will leave you mesmerized and captivated with the story and it's beauty.

Luxe Beauty Brows Eyebrow Growth Serum*

My brows have consistently remained sparse, thin, and difficult to grow for years now.  A constant reminder of the over-plucking and torture I put them through during middle school and high school.  I was really excited to try out this eyebrow growth serum when Luxe Beauty sent it to me for review because I have never used any type of hair growth serum before (although I have always wanted to try an eyelash serum).  I apply this to my brows every morning before makeup and again every night after I remove my makeup.  After a few weeks I actually have seen a great difference in the growth of my eyebrows.  While they haven't grown in any thicker, they are actually growing, which is an awesome improvement!

 

Where's Karl by Stacey Caldwell

This book illustrates in beautiful detail a "fashion-forward parody" from cover to cover.  Cleverly designed and gorgeously illustrated, the artwork brings to life some of the best known names in the fashion industry.  We follow quirky and interesting characters around the world, to cities like Dubai and New York, and to fashion week in all of the most fabulous locales.

In your search for Karl you will also find a sea of different celebrity, lifestyle and fashion personalities.  Despite the book's title and main character (Karl), the real hilarity lies within the overall portrayal of the fashion industry.  You see Grace Coddington, Naiomi Campbell, Giselle Bunchen, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Anna Wintour, Alexa Chung, Bill Cunningham; the character legend is intense and wonderfully amusing.

This book makes an excellent gift to any style lover in your life or a great addition to your coffee table books.  A must buy for anyone who follows the fashion industry.

 

Micro Pedi Electric Callus Remover*

I had been debating about getting one of these electric pedi devices for months (because what woman doesn't need smoother feet?) when I was sent this from Care Me to review.  This thing works miracles on my feet, no lie.  The pumice roller is gentle but powerful, and much more effective than the Ped Egg that I have been using for years.  I like the fact that is is not battery powered and actually comes with a charger.  You can detach the roller head and hand wash it to clean.  Honestly, I've never seen or felt my feet so smooth and soft before.  This will definitely save me some money from getting pedicures at the spa.

 

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A Beauty Lover's Comfort Guide To Thanksgiving

 

On this day, one of the busiest travel days of the year, we are going to talk about the one thing that everyone (including you, beauty lovers) want for their holiday: comfort.

I don't know about you, but I have never eaten a Thanksgiving dinner in a dress and heels.  Knowing I will be gorging myself on turkey stuffing the inevitable food coma that will follow, I always opt for some of the most comfortable clothing pieces and makeup products I own.

 
Madewell Aya City Cotton-Jersey Sweatshirt

Soft and stylish, but loose enough to hide my bloated after-dinner food baby.  This charcoal and white cotton-jersey is going to be perfect for when my over-stuffed American arse hits the couch for a nap, but will still look great during dinner.

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation

 This foundation is guaranteed to last you throughout Thanksgiving day and well into a night of Black Friday shopping.  This full coverage foundation has long been one of my favorites and keeps my skin smooth and matte.

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask

  Holidays, as wonderful as they can be, can also be stressful.  I notice my face breaking out in my T-zone even more during the holidays, which is probably due to a combination of poor food choices along with stress.  Use this at least once per week or whenever you want a nice skin refresher.

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter Body Butter

 This body butter makes my skin feeling amazingly hydrated and moisturized, and I absolutely love the scent.  I usually keep this body butter handy for special occasions when I want my skin to remain smooth and soft for long periods of time.  While I'm standing out in the freezing cold in a Black Friday line at Target, my skin won't be cracked or dried out by the time I make it inside.

Zella Live-In Slim Fit High Waisted Leggings

  High wasted yoga pants on Thanksgiving.  Need I honestly say more?  I have basically been living in yoga pants for the past year.  Pair this with the cotton-jersey sweatshirt and you can go right from the dinner table to the couch after your Thanksgiving buffet meal.

Beauty Blender

 I cannot live without my Beauty Blender on a daily basis, and Thanksgiving is no exception.  Even when applying a small amount of makeup (which is my usual for Thanksgiving) it will evenly blend and cover your entire face.

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash

So, you've just woken up from your food coma and it's time to get ready for some shopping.  If I have absolutely no time to get ready, I am reaching for this bad girl.  This mascara is lengthening and curling, allowing you to appear wide awake and refreshed (even if that could be further from the truth).

UGG Australia Ansley Knit-Bow Suede Slipper

I don't know about everyone else, but I wear my slippers to the dinner table on Thanksgiving.  Again, the goal here is ultimate comfort.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

While wearing stylish and classic red lipstick is what we would all like to wear on this American holiday, it's not realistic.  I do not need red lipstick smeared across the side of my face while I'm shoveling food down my throat.  This lip cream adds the perfect touch of color while being able to easily remove and reapply after dinner.

Too Faced Primed and Poreless Face Primer

Apply this primer before your foundation and you will have no trouble taking your makeup into Black Friday shopping.  It will keep your face smooth, oil-free, and long lasting, so that instead of worrying about your makeup sliding down your face, you can instead worry about those fantastic deals.

 

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