Check out these awesome bloggers! (September)

Hi everyone! I am back with another referral post! I wanted to share with you some of the blogs that I love to read. There girls are amazing bloggers and really deserve some credit!

My featured bloggers this month are:

• Chloe - Not From Concentrate
• Ashley - Ashley Allure
• The Beauty Blogger
• Amelia - Amelia Blogs Off
• Miranda - Miranda Loves Makeup 

Check out their blogs and go follow! Tell them I sent you!

Want to be featured in next month's referral post?
Post a link to my blog somewhere on your blog. Comment on this post, or the one I will have up in a few weeks. You don't have to be a new follower of mine to be in it. You will be seeing yourself on here!

Let's help everyone get recognized!

Click here to see last month's.

Follow me on Twitter or re-Tweet this!

XOXO,
Gena

Face of the Day- Sunday Makeup

Sundays I hardly go anywhere. I use the day to get everything done that I don't have time for during the week. Usually grooming things lol. I actually have time to shave, do my self-tanner, and give myself a manicure and polish change. Sometimes I use this day to experiment with new makeup, but typically I just do a quick, simple, natural face. It literally took me like 15 minutes. I usually take 30 minutes, but that is when I wear eyeshadow.

Cick to buy!

I used:
MAC's Studio Finish Concealer in NC20
Bare Mineral's Matte Foundation in Medium
Revlon's Cream Blush in Berry Flirtatious
Revlon Mineral Finishing Powder in Brighten
Maybelline EyeStudio gel liner in BlackLoreal Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara in Blackest Black
Loreal HIP Jelly Balm in Ripe


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Wanna gain some more followers? Click here!

XoXo,
Gena

Best Drugstore Self-Tanner - Loreal Sublime Bronze Review & How to use

If you have not read Part 1 for this yet click here. It is about my whole tanning bed experience and why I have tried self-tanner.

I decided to try the Loreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion in Medium Natural Tan.
Click the links to buy all the products mentioned!

I loooove this! I never used self-tanners because I was always scared I would be streaky or it wouldn't look natural. But this one is the most natural looking tanner that I have ever used.
It makes a streak-free tan that goes on great and doesn't have an icky smell. It does not rub off at all on clothes and doesn't come off in the shower. It is slightly tinted so you can see where you are applying it and if you have not even rubbed it in somewhere. The tan takes about an hour to develop. And if you make a mistake, like finding a dark spot that did not get rubbed in, you can easily scrub it off or use alcohol to blend it (i used my facial toner and it blended it right in)!

How I Use It:
First i exfoliate! This is a must! It gets all the dead skin off and preps your skin so the tanner applies evenly all over and not cling to dry patches. I use Burt's Bees Cranberry and Pomegranate Body Scrub. I love this stuff. It works so well and is not too harsh. 
After exfoliating, I shave my legs. I find that I get the best application on my legs when there is no hair.  After exfoliating and shaving, wash everywhere good with a body wash or soap that does not leave a residue on skin. I use Dove's Go Fresh Body Wash in Pomegranate. Any Dove product does not leave skin sticky. You want your skin completely clean for the best application.
Then I use gloves. I prefer to use gloves because I don't want my palms to get stained. If you don't have gloves, you just need to keep washing your hands while your putting it on because if it sits for a while it will stain. 
I apply it starting from my legs and work my way up. I do not directly apply it to my knees or elbows. I just blend what is left across them. This is the same with my hands and feet, I just use what is left on my hands. I found that this works best so you don't have dark knees or elbows.
When you apply it to each section of your arm, let it dry before you even move your arm! I just kept applying it all over and I got crease lines on the inside of my elbows from where I was bending my arm when it was wet. It made the inside of my elbows white with like a dark ring around it. So let areas dry before you move! 
Also, let it fully dry before you get dressed. Even thought this does not come off on clothes, I like to wait about 30 minutes and then put on something loose.  I like to do this at night and not shower until the next night, or even the next morning. 
I think it fades a tiny bit after each shower. If you keep applying it, you will get darker and darker. I find that I get the best color after 2 to 3 uses. I do it about every 2 days until I get my color then stop for a week. This will last you about a week before you have to fully reapply. 

It might be a pain to do this every week, but that is a LOT better than 20 minutes in the tanning bed every other day! 
YAY to tan skin, without the cancer, wrinkles, leather, and damage! :)

Don't forget to read my last post on my tanning bed experience. 
And read this one to see how you can gain more followers!

XOXO,
Gena

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My Tanning Bed Experience- Please read if you tan in one

I really wanted to share my tanning experience with you all because I’m sure a lot of you struggle with not wanting to be pale or whether to use the tanning bed or not.

            I always hated looking pale. I felt like it just made my clothing look bad and made me not want to show skin. I tried Jergens Natural Glow Body back when it first came out and I didn’t like it. It left me patchy and orangey I am sure I was just not applying it right and did not even know what exfoliating meant. I also tried a spray tan. I hated that too because someone did it who was practicing on how to do it and left me with a horrible unnatural stain. I just wanted a natural tan and I was going to do whatever it took to get one.

In middle school, I started lying outside to get a tan everyday almost. I got a little dark, but it was just too much of a hassle and took forever to see results. I wanted something quicker.

I started using the tanning bed in 8^th grade. I did it about 15 minutes every other day. This was around the time that it was really getting popular to tan in a bed, and people never really told me it was bad. I had heard some things, but I didn’t really pay attention. I continued tanning throughout the next couple years. At some points, I was tanning for 20 minutes every day or every other day. I was pretty dark. I was paying between $100-$150 for only 6 months of tanning. Way too much!

I was happy with my skin, but I was getting a lot of new freckles, which I hate. I kind of ignored then and none of them really looked harmful. I layed off on how often I was tanning about a year or two ago. It was becoming an inconvenience for me to go as often and I really just didn’t want to make the time for it. I started doing the stand up bed because it was more powerful and you can use it for 9 minutes and still get the same results. I cut my frequency down to about once a week for a while.

I started to notice one of my freckles was getting really dark, almost black. Before, I never even knew it was there it was so unnoticeable. I just kept an eye on it but continued to tan. It started to get a little brown around the outside, but was still a round circle, so I assumed it was okay. I started tanning less and less, because it was such an inconvenience. I was only going about once or twice a month because I was also worried about the mole. I was even applying sunscreen to it when I did tan and it kept changing. I knew I needed to get it checked, but I kept thinking it was probably okay.

I got it checked out anyways, and the dermatologist said they needed to take it off for testing that it did not look good. They were worried because it had changed so rapidly in 6 months. I was terrified to get it removed because I’m a huge wimp when it comes to pain. But it hardly even hurt. It was just a huge pain afterwards to take care of the stitches. About a week and a half later, I got the stitches out, and the results were in.

The doctor was not even sure on how to describe it to me. It is kind of confusing but basically, the mole had not turned to cancer, but it was on the severe side of a regular mole. To really tell, they would have to remove more on the lower layers of skin to see if there is more. But to do that, it would lead to more surgery and more scarring. My doctor said that most of the time, they do not find anything when they do that. So they left it up to me. We decided to just wait for it to heal and keep an eye on it. If more starts to come up, then it could be cancer. The only problem with waiting too long is it may have spread too much, or be hard to get rid of.

A lot of girls think that it will never happen to them. I used to think it was possible, but if I did get a bad mole I could just get it removed and be done. But the scary thing is, it might still be there. Also, you don’t know if it will show up later in life. I was hardly even tanning around the time it showed up. But it came up from the previous years where I was tanning a lot. People also tend to think it is just genetic, which it doesn’t always have to be. Or they think that since they don’t have fair skin, they don’t have a chance. I don’t have fair skin at all, and I still got a bad mole. Even though I was not diagnosed, I still have to keep watching it. It is not something that any of you want to go through and it is not worth it to be tan. 

EDIT: It came back a few weeks later and I had to have it removed again! It was more painful and now I have a scar over an inch long. Not cute.

So! I have decided to try at home self-tanning! I never did it before because I thought I would look orange. But I found an awesome product that doesn’t leave me orange and is easy to use. I will be doing a part 2 post on a review of it!


Do any of you use a tanning bed? What has been your experience?


XOXO,
Gena

Follow me on Twitter! Or re-Tweet this! Please spread the word and link this post to people. It is very important and people need to know.

Check out my previous post on how you can get more followers!

Wanna gain some more followers? And get recognized!

Tweet

In a week or so, I am going to be doing another monthly other bloggers referral post. I love doing these because it gets people recognized and shares followers. I love reading the blogs that I follow, and I want you all to get to find them too! Its kind of like a link exchange! So...
comment on this post if you want to be featured in my next referral post. Include a link to my blog (http://glam-me-upxo.blogspot.com) somewhere on your own blog. It can be a post or a sidebar. Comment on here telling me where to find it and you will be in my referral post!
Here is the last post I did on it if you want to see how it worked.
I want to leave room for new people so if you were in it last time don't request a referral.
And I am going to have that sidebar up soon with everyone's links!

Follow me on Twitter! Click!

XoXo,
Gena

A Super Easy Hair Tutorial

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I don't know how else to describe this look besides super cute and easy. It literally took like 2 min max.
I used to think that with curly hair I couldn't really do my hait any other way but wearing it down because it looked funny in a ponytail. But this way totally worked and was cute.
Here's how I did it:

I did my hair like I normally do when I wear it natural, (click here to see my post on my routine and how to control curly hair). After it was almost all the way dried, I parted my hair to the side, pulled it all to the side and secured it with a hair tie. I left a small section of hair from underneath out and wrapped it around the hair tie so you can't see it. That is it!
I added this black bow headband from Forever21 with the bow on the side with the least hair. Click here for one similar.
You could also leave bangs out or small sections in the from and curl them with a small curling iron. By hiding the elastic and adding the headband pulls the whole look together and makes it look like you put some effort :)

What are your easy hairstyles?

XOXO,
Gena




Follow me on twitter! Just got an account going! Clickkkk!

Fall 2010 Fashion Trends/Haul

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Hey everyone! Fall is just about here and I am so excited for the new styles and fashions. Some things I am loving this fall are:

• Lace
• Bows
• Jeggings
• Neutral Colors
• Jewel Colors
• Color Blocking
• Floral (this is never going out of style for me)
• Sweatshirt-sweaters
• Pearls
• Blazers
• Ankle Boots
• Wedges

Here are some things I have picked up so far for fall..

 Forever21 Click $22.80

This is a gray shirt that feels like a sweater but looks like a thin sweatshirt. I love this look for fall because it is thin so you don't get too hot, yet it still keeps you warm. The bow and rhinestone detailing is just gorgeous!

Shirt Forever21 Click $17.80  Pants Forever21 Click $15.50

I love the sequin bow on this top. It looks kind of white in the picture, but it is actually a soft pink color. The jeggings are black and slightly high waisted. You can where them on your hips or pull them up. Here I wore the shirt tucked in and the pants up with a skinny belt.

These are bow earrings, a necklace, and a ring, They did not come together. The earrings are from Charlotte Russe, but I couldn't find them online. Same with the necklace which is from American Eagle. The ring is from Forever21 Click for $3.80. Great deal!

Forever21 Click $19.80

This sweater looks slightly gray in the photo, but it is camel tanish color. Forever21 describes it as "cocoa". But I think of cocoa as brown. Its a more khaki color. It has a relaxed look and slouchy sleeves. I would wear this with brown leggings or even dark jeans.

Forever21 I couldn't find it on the website but it was $19.80

This is an example of the colorblock look. It has gray on the top, a crean ribbon that ties in the back, and a navy bottom. This is a tunic so it can be worn with gray leggings or jeans.

Shirt is Xhilaration from Target Click $14.99

Necklace is Forever21 Click $10.80 

This is a gorgeous top I found at Target. It is a cream color with lace sleeves. I am loving lace this fall. 

The pearls are layered and very long with a flower attached to them. They are a cream color.

Xhilaration from Target Click $14.99

This whole tank top is black lace. I have worn this with a black tank top under and a white one and they both look good.

Forever21 Couldn't find this online either. $13.80

I love that black and white graphic look. And of course the lace on the back is cute. To me, it looks like a rose. What do you all think?

Forever21 Click $15.50

I have a black tank on under this, but it has that see-thru look. It would also look cute with a neon tank under it. It has a pearl and chain necklace hooked onto the shirt that you can remove.

Forever21 $15.80 I couldn't find it online

This is one of my favorite shirts. It might not be exactly for fall, but its so cute I'll wear it anytime with a sweater. The back is pretty too.

Forever21 Click $17.80

Belt Forever21 $5.80

This is also a favorite of mine. It has some pastel pinks and blues in it and some red. I wear it up high because it fits better. It also makes your waist appear smaller when you wear it higher and belt it. The skirt came with a skinny belt, but I like the thicker one better. The belt was not on the website, but here's a link to similar ones.

And that is it for this collective haul! I am sorry I couldn't link them all for you. I am sure you can still find everything in stores. Most stuff was purchased about a week ago but some things I got a month or so ago. 

What are you all wearing this fall?

Just got a Twitter! Follow me! Click the pic! :)

XOXO,
Gena

Check the sidebar for some fall nail colors!

Follow Me on Twitter!!!

I finally set up a Twitter account for Glam-Me-Up!!
Click the picture or here for the link!
Let me know if you all have any suggestions for it.

Go Follow!!! :)


P.S. A fall fashion post is coming ;)

XOXO,
Gena

A Neat Way to Organize Your Brushes

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I saw this at Target in the kitchen stuff and right away I thought..brushes! I'm pretty sure its made for silverware. But this is perfect for brushes. And it looks totally cute on your vanity. It spins, which makes it easy to get your brush. They also had it in a few other colors like pink and green. I put my face brushes in one, my blush and highlight brushes in another, and my eye brushes in the last one. Its so convenient!
I would check your Target store for it because the only one in stock online is here.

Click the banner for Free Shipping!






What do you think?

XOXO,
Gena

Sigma Makeup Brush Review

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As you all know, i ADORE my Sigma Makeup brushes. They are awesome. They're affordable and very high quality. There is a brush for everything. I own the Complete Kit and a few individual brushes which include: E45 Small Tapered Blending and F10 Powder/Blush. Sigma has recently updated their website where you can buy individual brushes. So if you only own a kit and want you want more brushes, they are available now.
What is also awesome is that they come in pink too instead of just black. I got the E05 Eyeliner brush in pink which is only $9.00! If you buy them individually, they only come in black. If you want it in pink, they are in a kit- here. Even though its not black it still looks really professional. Its a gorgeous light iridescent pink color. This is great for applying gel eyeliner. It is just the right size and is firm enough that you can control the precision of your eyeliner. You can hold it flat for a wider line, or hold it straight for a precise line. This brush also cleans really easily. After using it i just wipe it on a tissue that way i can use it in another color the next day.
I even use it with a black eyeshadow to set my eyeliner or my waterline and it does not scratch it. When you spend $30 at Sigma they add a free E25 Blending Travel size brush to your order. These are awesome crease brushes for that faded effect. When you order from Sigma, the brushes come with a brush protector for each brush and a mesh bag. They also include a brochure about the brushes and cleaning instructions. And of course the shipping does not take long at all. Mine came in about 3 or 4 days.
Click HERE to go to Sigma's website!
Let me know if you are thinkin about purchasing or if you own any Sigma brushes!

XOXO,
Gena

FTC: Sigma has provided me with the eyeliner brush and the travel size blending brush. All other brushes mentioned were purchased by me. My opinions are 100% honest.

The Ins & Outs of August

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I cannot believe August is over all ready! I pretty good luck with products this month. Click the links to buy the products for a much cheaper price!

Ins:

-Shu Uemura eyelash curler! I got this off of Amazon for $25! I think it is around $30 at Sephora. I did not like it at first because I felt like it was not applying enough pressure but after using it for about a week it kind of broke in and is perfect! This does not pull out my eyelashes and curls amazingly. 

-Hot Tools 2 inch curling iron. I got this off of Amazon as well for $25.

-Neutrogena Deep Clean Daily Face Scrub. This has the perfect amount of exfoliants that won't irritate skin for every day use. It also controls oil all day. I have this also in the Cream Cleanser, which is awesome too.

-NYX For Your Eyes Only Smokey Eyes Palette. I have been using this everyday. It has the best browns, blacks, and neutrals.

-Loreal Infallible Lip Color . This stuff lasted forever! All day and night! 

-Beauty Secrets Nail Polish Dryer Spray. I got this at Sally Beauty Supply. After you apply polish and spray this on, your nails are dry!

-Sally Hansen Hard As Wraps in Clear. This stuff has acrylic gel and nylon it it that makes manicures last for like a week and a half, maybe two! It also makes them shiny.

-Conair Makeup 3-Way Mirror . This is so much better than the normal round ones. It has so much better lighting and different setting so you can see how your makeup looks in all light.

-Lace clothing! It is so cute for fall

Outs:

-Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelette in Night Calming. I LOVE the regular, but the calming ones have an awful strong scent.

- School! I just started back!

What are your Ins and Outs of Aug? Any good products? Comment!!!

XOXO,

Gena