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“Finally, here is a skin care line that is inspired by and responsive to the seasons, so your skin can adapt seamlessly to nature’s cycles.” – Perianne web site

As we dive full-force into spring, I’ve noticed that my winter skincare routine isn’t going to cut it much longer. I apply the heavy moisturizer I used through the cold months, and I feel like I need to mop it off with a paper towel 20 minutes later.

It’s time to switch from 3 different kinds of heavy creams to a toner and a light moisturizer. I started my search on the Internet, and thank goodness! I ran across what is probably the most genius beauty invention since the false eyelashes.

Let me introduce you to Perianne skincare. Perianne has specific lines of products that correlate with the seasons, so that your fall/winter routine and spring/summer routine work together in harmony, without failed attempts at finding the next great brand. Best of all, the products are all natural and organic. Way to go green, Perianne!

Here’s some of what founder and creator Cora Michael has this to say on the Perianne web site:

“No single line offered what I needed, which was basically two versions of itself: one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter. But switching products and brands too often led to unpredictable results, and at worst irritation or allergic reactions. My skin was always confused, and the cost of trying all those new products was high!

I created Perianne to answer these problems. Finally, here is a skin care line that is inspired by and responsive to the seasons, so your skin can adapt seamlessly to nature’s cycles. This is especially important in today’s world, with climate change leading to more extreme and unpredictable shifts in temperature and weather.”

Right now, only the fall/winter line is available for purchase online. I’ll be checking back often to see when I can buy the spring/summer line! Once I’ve tried it, I’ll give you all an update!

Looking for more information on the Perianne skincare line? For The Love Of Beauty blog has a question and answer session with Perianne Skincare Founder and Creator Cora Michael. Check it out!

As a cosmetology professional, you need to make sure that you always present yourself in the best way possible. It makes your clients feel more comfortable. No matter if your personal style is punk rock or polished & preppy, it’s important to always look “current” – but more importantly: put-together. This way, clients can trust you as an authority on beauty.

So what happens when you sleep through your alarm clock and have to be to the salon in 20 minutes? It happens to the best of us. But as a beauty authority, you have to do a better job of covering it up than most people!

Learn how to make the most of a few minutes when you’re running late. Youtube user tmmkitten has put together a video tutorial that includes hair and make-up tricks for a fresh, wide-awake look in under 6 minutes.

Her tutorial includes step-by-step video of how to achieve hair and make up that looks like it took longer than it actually did. Textbook tips, including “… now curl those lashes! It will make you look awake and less tired better than any cream or concealer” and “no hats; they scream ‘I didn’t wash my hair!!’” are proven true in her quick routine.

Even if you don’t get any new information out of this tutorial, tmmkitten’s video is worth watching solely for the rockin’ background music. That in itself will make you feel more awake!

Do you have any tried and true tips for beauty in a hurry? Share them here!

When you enroll in a cosmetology school, you’re ready to train for a creative career with an exciting future. Cosmetology education is the most important part of reaching your career goals. Still, most cosmetology schools work differently than traditional universities.

You will probably work less in classrooms and more in real salon environments. You may get a faster, more targeted approach to learning. And you may have to commute to school instead of living on campus.

Many cosmetology and beauty schools are designed to get you into a career in a short amount of time. This means that it may not make sense for them to offer lease agreements that correspond with their short program lengths.

What does this mean to you?

If you are heading to beauty school straight from high school or from a different city, finding a school that offers student housing assistance might add to your experience.

If your cosmetology school doesn’t offer school-owned student housing, don’t worry! If you need somewhere to live, your school can help you find it.

Almost all cosmetology schools have staff available to help you find a convenient, affordable place to live. Some schools can even help you find a roommate to share experiences and living costs.

Before you enroll, you can make an appointment with an advisor to discuss living arrangements. Most schools keep a list of recommended area apartments that will make your cosmetology school experience more enriching.

There are some cosmetology schools that offer traditional student housing, in the form of dorms or communal homes. These schools include La’James International College in Mason City, Iowa, and Model College of Hair Design in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

Where is your cosmetology school? Did their staff help you find somewhere to live while you were taking courses? Let us know!

I’ve been curious about mineral makeup for years now. The first time it crossed my radar was a little over 4 years ago. I was a bridesmaid in an extravagant wedding, and the bride brought in a pricy makeup artist to transform us all into a picture-perfect wedding party.

As the makeup artist spread out her stash of goods on the counter, she was raving about the new mineral makeup she had just started working with. She was anxious to try it out on all of us.

Mineral makeup looks like loose powder, and is touted for being more natural-looking, as well as better for your skin. Instead of containing harsh chemicals and animal products, it’s made of natural minerals like mica and potassium. (Learn more in this USA Today article.)

She dipped her brush in the powder and glided it over my cheek. The mineral makeup went on smooth, sheer and gave my skin a soft glow that I instantly fell in love with. I had to have some.

I hunted around for some mineral makeup of my own and found that, 4 years ago, it was only sold at high-end department stores. I found it, alright, but one small compact cost more than I was willing to spend on a nice pair of shoes, let alone some crushed powder. I gave up the dream.

Fast-forward to now. Turns out mineral makeup has staying power. As with most advances in fashion and beauty, it started out in the high-end market and has made its way into the mainstream. Now, cosmetic companies like Revlon, Neutrogena and L’Oreal are marketing affordable lines of mineral powder, eyeshadow and blush.

I picked some up. For the same price as a sticky liquid foundation, I now have a light, airy powder that I can dust on and feel good about. It makes me feel fresher than regular makeup, and less like I need to wash my face.

What do you think? Are you ready to jump on the good-for-you, environmentally-friendly bandwagon when it comes to your makeup? What does your make-up training school teach you about mineral makeup?

I recently picked up some L’Oreal High Intensity Pigment (HIP). With spring right around the corner, it seemed time to put away my muted pinks and get a little funky.

I’m completely torn about this product. 

 On one hand:

• Price -It’s inexpensive. You can pick some up for around $7 or $8.
• Color! - They pulled out all stops. High intensity is exactly what you get.
• Staying power - This eyeshadow stays put throughout the day.
• Eyeliner - You can apply them with an angled brush, and they work terrific as an eyeliner.

On the other hand: 

• Blending - Or, rather, the lack of. If you want to cover your lid with one color, these are great. I’d rather use them paired with other colors, and they just won’t play nice.
• Pairing - The colors that are paired together don’t complement each other very well. At least not on my pastey, pastey skin. The colors shown above induced 80’s flashbacks.

All in all, it’s a decent product. I’ll keep mine around to use as eyeliner, and I admit I’m thinking about trying the pink/brown combo. Other people seem to love it. Maybe someone with cosmetology training would have better luck, but I just keep asking myself - “Will it blend?“