Lavender Foaming Hand Soap

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Making my own bath and body products has been something I've been wanting to do for such a long time, but to be honest, it's kind of intimidating. Over the years, I've bought many books, studied essential oil properties and talked to a lot of experts, but I've just never made the move - until now! I'm starting off really simple...seriously, anyone can make this foaming hand soap. It's natural and frugal and cleans without chemical or antibacterial agents - what's not to love!

Ingredients

Fill jar with water about one inch from the top then add liquid castile soap, almond oil and essential oil in that order. 

Prepare pump top. Whatever you do, don't buy this one! It's not for foaming soap. I made this mistake once. 

Close and lightly swish to mix. 

Use regularly to wash hands, remembering to shake before each use!

Five Must-Have Makeup Brushes

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What's in my makeup bag, you ask? These five brushes. Here's why they need to be your staples:

1. Blending Brush - this round tip eye shadow brush is used for detailing and blending in the crease of your eye to add depth and contour. A great starter palette to create the perfect natural eye look is this one from Urban Decay.

2. Eyeshadow Brush - this flat head eye shadow brush is used for all-over application from lashes to brows. My favorite shadow combo is this Kalahari duo from NARS.

3. Angled Liner Brush - this stiff brush helps to create a perfect line when applying a gel liner like this one from Bobbi Brown.

4. Angled Blush Brush - this versatile brush is made for contouring and blush application using a palette like this one from Urban Decay - it's my favorite!

5. Kabuki Brush - this soft-bristled brush should be used for face powders and bronzers like this one from Bobbi Brown.

I know that most of these brushes are for the eyes and I typically don't do a full eye look every day (laziness), but I'm telling you these tools have been a life saver for when I do want to glam it up. Plus, the products above are perfect for a more natural look, which I prefer day and night. 

Latest Beauty Faves

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john masters organics rose & apricot hair milk - a leave-in conditioner, this heavenly smelling product leaves hair nourished, free of frizz and oh-so-shiny! 

fresh Soy Face Exfoliant - a natural microdermabrasion, this ultra-gentle formula is the perfect mid-week lifesaver for a smoother, radiant complexion. I'm obsessed!

L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream - a classic of mine, this moisture-rich cream is a fall/winter staple for the hands.