Friday, October 23, 2015

Fall Makeup Tutorial with McKenna Leininger


With autumn in full swing, it’s that time of year again to add a few new Fall shades to our beauty collections. I know I’m not the only one who’s been anxiously awaiting berry-bitten lips, bold brows, and earthy shadow tones!

 This month, I’ve partnered up with the ever talented, 18 year-old self taught MUA and MAC freelance artist, McKenna Leininger. Using a few of her Fall favorites by MAC, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Jaclyn Hill, and more, McKenna captures the perfect look for a family photo shoot, Halloween party, or day at the pumpkin patch. She also gives us the inside scoop on which products you can use to achieve the same look! Be sure to check out her Instagram (@malonemua) to see even more makeup ideas.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

DIY Pumpkin Body Scrub


Whatever you do, don't start making this pumpkin body scrub while hungry. Not only does it have great nourishing properties for the body, it smells so delicious that you may just want to take a bite! The tasty ingredients include pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon and coconut oil. 

Although this scrub is perfect for the Fall, we all know that keeping our body silky smooth is a must, all year round. Whether we’re prepping and exfoliating our skin for that perfect tan, or sloughing away that dry winter skin, body scrubs are always the perfect solution.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Trend Alert: Bold Berry


I love the dark, rich colors of Fall. Deep burgundies, burnt oranges, crisp reds, and the hues of berry are just gorgeous for the season. I love adding autumn touches to my beauty routine, and berry is an easy Fall fix. Checkout my list of berry colored Fall favorites below!

Friday, October 16, 2015

Fall in Love with Essence


See what I did there? It’s Fall! It’s always fun when the seasons change. Our moods change. The beauty around us changes. Our makeup changes. Today, we’re going to dive into some new-ish products from Essence.

Monday, October 12, 2015

The Best Drugstore Lip Products for Fall


Seasons are changing, and beauty trends are too! That doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to stay on trend. To go along with this season's statement-making looks, I have included some of my favorite berry and matte lipsticks from the drugstore. The best part? They are all less than $8 a piece!

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Hair Color Inspiration to Dye For

Image Source (from top left clockwise): Eslamoda/Callina Marie/Bling Goddess Boutique/Elite Daily

Fall is in full swing, friends. The pumpkin spice lattes have made their way back into our hearts, flannels have replaced t-shirts, and change is on the horizon. What better way to bring in this new season than with some new locks? Read on for all of the newest trends in hair color!

Monday, October 5, 2015

Nail Polish Trends You Need to Try This Fall


Playing with nail polish trends is always fun, but I tend to favor Fall colors a bit more. I just love all of the rich, deep tones that go hand in hand with this time of year. Some of the top nail color trends this Fall are warm neutrals, deep reds, and metallics.

In the spirit of these Fall statement shades, here are some of my nail polish picks for this season:

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

The Beginner's Guide to At-Home Waxing


I hate razors, shaving, and the general process of hair removal. Though it’s a necessary evil, I always find myself searching for products to make the process easier. One of the methods I had never tried was waxing, other than the occasional brow touch-up. Thanks to Veet, I finally got to try an at-home waxing kit. Read on for all my tips and tricks! 

Monday, September 28, 2015

The Best Face Scrubs for Every Budget

Image Source: Frank Body

Facial exfoliation is essential to any skincare routine, and finding the best product for your budget can be difficult. I've tried out many different brands over the years, and slowly discovered all of my favorites for any budget. From high end to the best drugstore, read on to find your new holy grail face scrub!

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Graceful In Gray: How to Rock the Gray Hair Trend

Image Source: LeColoriste

I’ve always been one of those gals who danced to the beat of her own drum, but something about turning 24 really pushed me over the edge into who I want to be. Within a months time, I pierced my septum, shaved half of my head, and dyed my hair gray. And my personal style is transforming along with my beauty routine on a daily basis. So today I've decided to share some tips on how to gracefully transition into the grey (or any other crazy color). 

Monday, September 21, 2015

DIY Bubblegum Lip Scrub


Fall is just around the corner for most of us, and we all know what that means! Pumpkin flavored everything, cozy flannels, and gorgeous scenery. If you couldn’t tell, I’m a huge fan of the Fall season, but there’s one thing that comes hand in hand with this time of year, which I’m not so fond of– chapped lips. 

One of the best ways to counteract this issue is with a good lip scrub. My personal favorite is by LUSH Cosmetics. Let's be honest, everything in their line is my favorite, but that can get a little pricey. I did some research and came up with a (budget friendly) lip scrub DIY that is very similar to LUSH and works just as fabulously! Keep in mind, if you aren’t a fan of bubblegum flavoring, you can always substitute the bubblegum extract for something like mint. Happy scrubbing!

Friday, September 18, 2015

The Life-Changing Hair Oil You Need to Try

Image Source: Neil George

Confession time: I have damaged hair. I do a lot to it. It’s naturally curly, but I do keratin treatments regularly (these actually dry out your hair, unlike they would have you believe). I go back and forth between dying it red for winter and then blonde for summer. And it goes through the occasional flat ironing. Now, my hair is certainly not near as dry as straw, but not like silk either. But thanks to my new holy grail product, it feels like silk.

I have tried many a hair oil. I want heavy duty moisturization, light control, sunscreen, and to bring "life" back to my hair. Remember, your hair is not alive. Your scalp gets nutrients, but not your hair follicles. There is no way to mend split ends or repair extensive damage. However, oils are wonderful at bringing back some oomph, which is exactly what many of us need.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

The Best Lip Products for Fall

Image Source: Sephora

Fall makeup trends typically go a bit bolder and darker than those light summer looks. This time of year is my favorite for playing with new products, as I can really experiment with dramatic trends.  I’ve found that one of the easiest ways to change up your makeup look is with a different lip color. A bold shade can take your look from work, to after work drinks, to date night drama. 

From bold and brazen to subtle and sheer, here are some of my favorite Fall lip products:

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Back to School Makeup Must-Haves

Image Source: Sephora
Whether you’re already in school or headed back soon, we've all been there! The pressure to “look good” and fit in can be a struggle– especially when you need to wake up early and throw on your makeup before hitting the books. I’ve gathered a few of my personal favorites to help your makeup make it through those long hours in the classroom, and even that sweaty gym session. These five awesome items will have you looking flawless in no time on busy school mornings. 

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Scrub


Here in Florida, we don't exactly have the traditional Fall season. Nevertheless, I still embrace everything autumn: pumpkin candles, anything with apples, Chanel’s iconic Vamp polish, Halloween decorating, and Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Nothing says Fall like the release of Pumpkin Spice, and I jump on the pumpkin bandwagon as soon as September begins. If you're itching to get your hands on that Pumpkin Spice Latte like I am, whip up this easy DIY pumpkin spice latte sugar scrub. With coffee, pumpkin, and warm fall spices, this caffeinated scrub will keep you buzzing all autumn long.

Monday, September 7, 2015

Boscia Skincare Review


I’m not one to fall for a hyped up product or pretty packaging. At least, not until I walked into Sephora a few weeks ago and discovered Boscia. What makes Boscia so different? Read on for all of my thoughts on their line!

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

17 Lazy Girl Beauty Hacks You Need to Try

Image Source: Nasty Gal

We all have those mornings where we jump out of bed like a ninja, realizing we slept in too late. Or those nights when our significant other is impatiently waiting in the next room for us to get ready. Today we’re going to keep things short and sweet, as we discuss seventeen of the best beauty hacks that will speed up your daily routine.

Monday, August 31, 2015

Get Your Glow On: Self-Tanning Tips

Image Source: Daily Mail

Over the past few months, the beauty bartenders have provided some wonderful guides and product recommendations for self-tanning. Today, I'd like to share a few additional tricks to help you get the most out of that healthy summer tan. Follow these tips to further the longevity of your faux glow!

Friday, August 28, 2015

DIY Mineral Foundation

Image Source: Instructables

I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to makeup ingredients, I generally have a "what I don't know can't hurt me" philosophy. However, I have been making an effort lately to become more conscious of what is going on my skin. And I have to tell you, the stuff that's in most big-name formulas is kind of horrifying.

So a few weeks ago, I decided to try experimenting with creating my own powder foundation. The idea of concocting your own makeup sounds a bit intimidating at first, but I promise it's not so bad. In fact, the most difficult part was just tracking down the ingredients (I'll help you out with that).

Keep in mind, this powder is not meant to provide full coverage. It gives a light dusting of coverage and color, which is just fine for most of us. The color of the powder can be tweaked depending on the ingredients and quantities used, but we'll get into that more in a bit. Read on for the recipe!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

How to Fake Freckles


To some of you, this may sound silly. Faking freckles? What is she talking about? To others, you know exactly where I’m going with this one. Everyone wants what they can't have. Whether it’s hair color, eye color, or height, we’ve all wanted to change something about ourselves at one time or another. For most of these things, there’s a fix. What about freckles? Or lack thereof. Believe it or not, freckles are actually in right now. Natural, youthful looking skin is popping up in beauty magazines and runways all over. Here you’ll find a simple tutorial on how to look like you have those enviable little sun spots.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Beauty Bar-gains: 4 Drugstore Products You Need to Try


Once upon a time, I refused to wear drugstore makeup products. Call me snooty, but I was madly in the love with the way high end products made my face look. Then the real world knocked me off my high horse and back into reality. As I started browsing the drugstore makeup game again, I realized that not only was I crazy for overlooking their products because of the price, but the quality of drugstore makeup has stepped up immensely in the last few years. Read on for some of the best in drugstore beauty!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

L'Oreal Le Matte & La Lacque: Review & Swatches


If I were to dream up the perfect lip color, it would be smooth, creamy, comfortable, long-wearing and pigmented. But can you ever have all of these things in one little package? Not possible right? Wrong. L'Oreal has done it, and they’ve done it twice.

Monday, August 17, 2015

5 Helpful Hair Accessories for Your Workout

Image Source: Shape

If working out is part of your weekly routine, then you know the struggle of keeping your hair out of the way. With flyaways, bangs, and sweat, finding the best functional and cute accessory can be a challenge in itself. As a fitness product junkie, I have discovered some of the best hair accessories out there for a workout. These products will help keep your hair sweat-free and out of the way, while also keeping you stylish.

Friday, August 14, 2015

The Best Waterproof Eyeliner


What’s not to love about summer? Beach days, pool parties, patio drinks, and so much more! With all that fun and sun, a waterproof eyeliner is key for keeping eye makeup in place. Read on for all of my top waterproof eyeliner picks!

Monday, August 10, 2015

DIY Beachy Waves Salt Spray


Beachy waves seem to be the most sought-after summer hairstyle, even for ladies who are nowhere near the sun and sand. Some are blessed with this effortless look naturally, while others (myself included) aren't so lucky. There are all sorts of ways to go about achieving this beachy look, but here you’ll find my favorite. This quick, easy, and healthy-for-your-hair salt spray serum will have you looking like you just got done shredding killer waves along the SoCal surf.

Friday, August 7, 2015

The Ultimate Guide to Makeup Brushes


Whether you're makeup newbie or have a full-on obsession like I do, we all need the right tools to apply our products. With so many sizes, shapes, bristle types, and brands, finding the perfect makeup brush for your needs (and your budget) can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, The Beauty Bar has you covered!

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

10 Hot Weather Beauty Hacks

Image Source: Peace Love Shea

During a recent power outage that lasted a little too long for comfort, I was desperately searching for ways to cool off in sweltering 90 degree weather. There is nothing worse than living in unbearable heat day and night without any relief. During this outage, I started thinking up creative ways to keep cool during Florida’s hot, humid months. My nightly gel moisturizer feels cool and soothing on application, so this got me thinking of other beauty tips and tricks to beat the heat this summer. Read on for all of my best hot-weather beauty hacks!

Monday, August 3, 2015

BECCA & Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Shimmering Skin Perfector: Review & Swatches


If you're as much of a makeup lover as I am, I'm sure you've been hearing all about the Becca & Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop. I was curious to try this new Shimmering Skin Perfector (and I also love to support inspiring beauty bloggers), so naturally I snatched one up as soon as possible. Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfectors are by far my favorite highlighters, and this most definitely includes the limited edition Champagne Pop.

Friday, July 31, 2015

Your 5 Minute Post-Workout Makeup Routine

Image Source: Aelida

After breaking a sweat in the gym, the last thing you want to do is cake on makeup. However, sometimes life gets hectic and you don't have time to fully freshen up. For those days when you need to throw yourself together in a hurry, here is my go-to makeup routine after a workout:

Monday, July 27, 2015

Is Wearing Makeup to the Gym Really That Bad?

Image Source: Cosmopolitan

The short answer: Yes! Pre-gym primping is considered a major no-no, but sometimes we simply do not have the time to stop and re-beautify after hitting the weights. It’s no big deal since we’re going to wash everything off later, right? Wrong.

Friday, July 24, 2015

How to Highlight & Contour


We've all seen that gorgeous girl on the street with chiseled cheekbones and glowing undereyes. Up until a couple of years ago, I always had serious contour envy. Highlighting and contouring is certainly not an easy process to learn. However, with a lot of practice and many trials, I feel as though I have finally mastered this beauty technique. 

Contouring will take your everyday makeup look to the next level. You can go for a dramatic Kim Kardashian-style look, or you can use a lighter hand to achieve more subtle results. So for all of you newbies out there, I wanted to share my simple steps to the perfect highlight and contour.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

How to Give Yourself the Perfect Summer Pedicure


I find it doesn’t officially feel like summer until I have a bright pedicure. However, before I slip on those sandals and show off my toes, I follow these steps for perfectly polished feet:

Monday, July 20, 2015

3 YouTube Beauty Gurus You Should Be Watching


When I was younger, my mom didn't wear makeup. She had 5 children, and she barely had time to breathe let alone contour her cheeks. So it wasn't until I discovered online beauty tutorials that I really started playing with makeup. And after that, there was no turning back! These three beauty vloggers changed the way I looked at makeup, and the concept of beauty in general:

Friday, July 17, 2015

Trend Alert: How to Wear Flash Tattoos


Flash tattoos, a temporary metallic body art, have been taking social media by storm lately. If you've somehow missed this trend, simply search the hashtag #flashtattoo or #flashtat on Instagram, and you will find over 162,000 posts. While it may seem impossible to pull off flash tattoos like those effortlessly chic girls on Instagram, this new trend is surprisingly easy to work into your personal style. Here’s how to wear the shimmering summer statement for any occasion:

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

DIY Sweet Lemon Body Scrub


Summer is here for most of us, and what could be better than a fresh, zesty body scrub DIY to make your skin look and feel smoother than ever? Trust me when I say this lemon body scrub will have you smelling almost as good as summer feels. I’ll even let you in on a little secret: for a fraction of the price, this DIY totally measures up to The Body Shop's Sweet Lemon Scrub.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette: Review, Swatches, and Tutorial


Kat Von D recently released the highly buzzed-about Shade & Light Eye Contour Palette, a collection of all matte eyeshadows. This palette is genius for creating dimension on the eye. It has all the shades you could possibly need to create the perfect look for every eye shape and skin tone. You can use this palette alone, or you can mix the gorgeous mattes with more shimmery shadows from another palette of your choice. I personally love pairing it with Urban Decay or Makeup Forever shimmer shadows, so that I can add a sparkly highlight to my look for an extra pop.

Friday, July 10, 2015

The Life-Changing Mascara You Need to Try


"Last night a DJ saved my life" ... have you heard that song? It's a dance song from the 90s. When I think of this mascara, I sing it,  but I sing, "last night this mascara saved my life!" Isn't that being just a bit dramatic, you ask? Not even remotely.  This mascara is chock full of drama! 

Oh, you meant me. Well, I stand by it. I have spent 20 years trying to make my lashes look this good. I've finally achieved that enviable length and volume with a regular mascara that I can just whip on every day. 

What is this life-changingly good mascara, you ask? It is...

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Know Before You Glow: How to Apply Self Tanner


Image Source: Makeup.com

Once upon a time, I was a self tanner virgin. Nothing scared me more in the beauty world than being streaky and orange. However, after I received the Jergen’s Natural Glow Instant Sun Deep Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse in an Influenster Vox Box, I threw my self tanner v-card out the window and never looked back. Today I will be sharing my step-by-step guide to self tanning, featuring this affordable, easy-to-use self tanner.

Friday, July 3, 2015

The 10 Best Highlighters for Glowing Skin


Contouring and highlighting has recently swept the beauty industry by storm, and for good reason. It’s a simple addition to anyone’s beauty routine, and a dash of these products can work wonders on tired or dull skin.

Personally, highlighting is my favorite part. Every girl wants that radiant glow, which a highlighter will help you instantly achieve. With these ten highlighting products (in no specific order), you’ll have that gorgeous, lit-from-within glow in no time!  

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Red, White & Beauty: 4th of July Tutorial


Summer officially began in June, but we all know that 4th of July weekend is the true kickoff to the summer season! Pool parties, beach days, cookouts, and the celebration of our beautiful country. Independence Day Weekend is one of the best times of the year. As the days get hotter and longer, our calendars fill up with all sorts of fun things to do to celebrate the season. So with the 4th just around the corner, we decided to team up to bring you a fun and festive look from head to toe for barbecues, parties, fun in the sun, and all things America the Beautiful!

Monday, June 29, 2015

The Best Sunscreen for An Active Lifestyle

Image Source: Target

As an avid runner and resident of the sunshine state, I can appreciate products that help keep me cool and protect my skin from the harsh, damaging rays of the sun. I am always on the lookout for a sunscreen that will stay put in the sweaty summer months, but also won’t clog my pores. I recently picked up some new sunscreen on a beach trip, and it quickly became a staple in my sun care routine.

Friday, June 26, 2015

DIY Mega Moisturizing Lip Balm

Source: Martha Stewart

With so many varieties of lip balm out there, it's often difficult to find that one perfect balm. The one that has the perfect scent, the perfect texture, and the perfect list of ingredients (free of chemicals). So if we can't find the perfect lip balm, why not make it?

This DIY lip balm recipe is surprisingly simple and fun. I felt like a chemist in my kitchen concocting the perfect flavor and color combination, and the end result is more than worth the extra effort. Gather up some beeswax and shea butter, and get ready for some mega moisturized lips!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

The Best Self Tanners for Every Budget

Source: Sephora

As a naturally pale girl, I love me some self tanner. I started way back in the dawn of self-tanning products, when they were all smelly, streaky, and orange. But you do what you need do when you’ve got pale, reddy (a word I created to mean red and ruddy) skin that doesn’t tan. 

Self tanners have since come a long way, and I could not be more thrilled. I took to the tanning bed for years to get my glow, as self tanners were often just way too difficult to get right. However, I finally decided to give them another go. And I am so glad that I did. I have tried many, many brands. And I’ve got the goods on which self tanner is the very best, and which one I found remarkably disappointing.

Monday, June 22, 2015

7 Travel Beauty Essentials for Your Carry-On


It’s that time of year (thankfully!). When the sun is high and we don our cutest swimsuits for those summer vacations. I don’t know about you, but when summer is here, there are some definite changes to my beauty routine to accommodate this season’s weather.

Frizzy hair, dehydrated skin, and chapped lips are just a few of the challenges I face while traveling to and from warm weather, and I can only assume that I am not alone. In the past, some of my most significant beauty issues have occurred while I travel. Wouldn’t it be nice to walk off the plane feeling and looking just as refreshed and ready to go as when you walked on?

Friday, June 19, 2015

How to Apply Foundation Like a Pro


Brushes. Oh, brushes. How do we know which one to choose when there are so many these days? And now that makeup sponges are in the mix as well, it seems like the options are just endless. Well, here's the key to getting it right:

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

5 Online Shopping Hacks All Beauty Junkies Need to Know

Source: Sephora
Over the years, I have amassed quite the beauty product collection. When friends see my vanity, they often ask me how I'm able to afford so many products. The simple answer is: I almost never pay full price.

Thanks to all of the online shopping hacks I have picked up over time, I always find a sneaky way to get a great deal on my beauty products. And now, I'd like to pass along some of my best-kept secrets to all of you. Get ready beauty junkies, online shopping is about to get a whole lot easier on your wallet!

Monday, June 15, 2015

Beauty Bartender Must-Haves Giveaway!


It is crazy to think that just a few months ago, The Beauty Bar was simply an idea floating around in my head. Our team is grateful every day to have the opportunity to write about what we love, and we can never thank our readers enough for allowing us this platform. As I mentioned in the first article ever posted on our website, The Beauty Bar is nothing without its community. That is why we have decided to host our first giveaway as a thank-you for all the support!

For this giveaway, we filled a makeup bag with some of our all-time favorite beauty products. You've seen many of these items mentioned in articles, and now we'd like to give one lucky reader the chance to try them out. In total, the prizes included in this giveaway are worth over $150. Here is a quick break-down of everything the winner will receive:

Friday, June 12, 2015

Bloke Body Review


It's an exciting and sad moment when you find product that you really, really, love. Exciting because, well, you love it (duh). And sad because you know that's exactly where your next paycheck is going. With that being said, let me introduce you to your newest addiction Bloke Body. They're an all-natural and cruelty free makeup, skincare, and hair product line. I was lucky enough to try out a product under each category; the "Restore+ Hydrate" Hair Treatment, "Green Tea + Sea Salt" Face & Body Scrub, and the "Sweet Mint" Organic Lip Balm

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

8 Beauty Hacks for Oily Skin

Source: Sephora
It’s that time of year again! It’s humid, it’s hot, and makeup doesn’t stand a chance out there. Or does it?

I have exceptionally oily skin. Oily is my name, and grease is my game. I used to complain about my oily skin, but now that I am in my mid 30s, I don’t mind it. It has kept my skin hydrated, and keeps the wrinkles at bay. The only issue is, it keeps the makeup at bay as well.  

Fortunately, today I have some new hacks for you! That’s right, you haven’t seen these on every other webpage you visit. These tips are for all those times when primer just isn't nearly enough!

Friday, June 5, 2015

Dry Shampoo Showdown


As a woman on the go, sleeping in is nearly impossible. But with the help of dry shampoo, I can hit snooze and still look fab. So today, I'm sharing some of my all-time favorite dry shampoos for that pesky second-day hair. 
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