How to Highlight and Contour (One Method)

There are probably a million different methods for highlighting and contouring out there, and just a many products to do it with.  For me, alone, this is my second tutorial on this trending topic. 
Basically, Highlighting and Contouring is the process of giving yourself a facelift without the surgery.  With makeup.  So, no, it's not permanent. But the results... addicting.
Think of highlighting as putting a spotlight on the features that you want to stand out, or making them bigger, if you will.  Like those cheek bones and the apple of your cheeks (the most common spot), your chin, your forehead, and the bridge of your nose.
Contouring, on the other hand, is how you would minimize certain features, or make them smaller and even thinner appearing.  Basically we're adding more shadows to your face.  Most people think to do this in the hollow of their cheeks, but you can also do your hairline, your temples, your double chin (yes), and the sides of your nose to straighten or thin it out.
The whole process pretty much puts your old flat foundation into 3D.  Do you see why you would want to do this?  Good.  Let's move on.
You can do this whole process with pretty much any type of foundation product: liquids, creams, powders... whatever.  It's more about what you like to work with and choosing the right shades to work with.  And then blending.  Lots of blending.  Don't not blend. 
For your highlight color, you want a foundation 1-2 shades lighter than your base shade.  For contouring, you'll need a something 1-2 shades darker.  And of course, you'll need something to blend with.  Yes.
The best way for me to explain it all is to show you, thus the video.  But, here are the products I used in the video today.

Concealer: Mineral Touch Cream Foundation in Taffeta
Highlighter: BB Flawless BB Cream in Cream
Contour:  BB Flawless BB Cream in Caramel or Carob (I discuss the two colors in the video)
Blend and Seal: BB Flawless BB Cream in Bisque and Mineral Touch Pressed Powder in Taffeta
Application:  Blending Buds

Have fun with your 3D face!

 

How To Find the Right Foundation

Now that you know how to find your undertone and color match your skin (if you don't know how, check out this article), it's time to choose the perfect foundation for your skin type and coverage needs.  Ask yourself this:

• Do you have oily or acne prone skin?  You may tend to become an oil slick, especially in your T zone, as the day wears on, and you might even have extra blackheads or pimples because of it.
• Do you have dry skin?  Those little flakes you get?  Those can be exfoliated away, but they mean you have dry skin.  More mature skin often tends to be dry, as well.
• Do you have dry patches and pimples?  There're always those of us who can't make up our minds and have dry skin with oily areas too.  Or, for many, skin type can change with the season. Like, for me, I have dryer skin in the winter, and I'm a top oil producer during the summer. 

On top of that, you also need to make some decisions:

• Do you need full coverage all over?
• Do you need fuller coverage on specific areas, but not as much everywhere else?
• Do you only need or want something that will lightly cover your skin?
• Do you only want a one (or two) step process and you'll be done, or are you willing to do whatever it takes to get that perfectly highlighted and contoured complexion?

So, here we go... a full range of foundations that can meet any of these needs.  Let's find the right one (or more) for you.

Liquid Foundation

• I like BB Flawless BB Cream from Younique.
• BB stands for Beauty Balm (or Blemish Balm, depending on who you're talking to).
• This is a very creamy foundation, but also lightweight.  It's like a close cousin to tinted moisturizers.
• It's best for normal to dry skin. Acne prone skin can tend to break out with this.
• It offers a lighter coverage.
• Can be applied using a brush, your fingers, or a Blending Bud.

Loose Powder or Mineral Powder

• I like Moodstruck Mineral Concealer from Younique.
• This is a loose mineral powder
• Although it's a powder, it's not dry or drying.
• It's great for all skin types.
• It offers a lighter coverage.
• It can be applied using a fluffy brush or a Blending Bud.

Pressed Cream

• I like Touch Mineral Cream Foundation from Younique.
• This is a pressed cream foundation.
• Although it's a cream, it still has a lightweight silky feel on the skin.
• It's best for normal to dry skin.
• It can be used for spot coverage, especially if you have oily skin.
• This offers a nice full coverage.
• Can be applied using the included sponge, a brush, or a Blending Bud.

Pressed Powder

• I like Touch Mineral Pressed Powder Foundation from Younique.
• This is my go to foundation, and my top pick for most people.
• I know what you're thinking. But, it's not your cheap powder compact. This is a pressed mineral powder that does not feel dry and does not dry out your skin.
• It's great for all skin types.
• This offers a full coverage.
• Can be applied using the included sponge, a brush, or a Blending Bud.

You can use these in combination with each other or alone (although I recommend sealing any liquid or cream in with some form of powder.  Personally, I use all of these in some form.  On an easy day, I like to use a pressed powder all over, and, if needed, a pressed cream or liquid under the powder to spot cover.  On days I really feel like being artistic with my face (ok, that's most days for me), I start with a pressed cream to spot cover, a lighter shade of BB cream to highlight, a darker shade of mineral powder to contour, and pressed powder to blend and for all over coverage.

If you're unfamiliar with the highlighting and contouring process, you can check out my tutorial here.

So, do you feel more comfortable picking out a foundation now?  If you need more help, feel free to hit me up by emailing teampirateprincess@gmail.com.  And, you can watch the video here:

Reflecting on my Leadership Retreat

A little over a week ago, I was coming home from a Younique Leadership Retreat and Certification that I earned through working my business.  I feel like it's important to share some of my experience with you, because, although you may not have been there, you may be looking for the same things I didn't even know I was looking for.  You may need what I needed deep down.

Now that I'm home, I'm a bit overwhelmed with the numerous things I have to reflect on, and the fuel that I have for my fire going forward.  I seriously don't even really know where to start with it all.

Through the weekend we had the opportunity to tour our corporate offices, like really tour and talk to the people who make things happen for us behind the scenes.  These are some amazing people who truly care about not only their jobs, but the people involved in and affected by them, as well.  After, our CEO and his beautiful wife had us all over at his home for dinner and just visiting and fun.  What CEO does that?  Not many.  But ours did.

 

 

I don't want to go into too much detail where the bulk of the retreat is concerned, because I would love for every woman to get to experience this for herself.  But, in a gorgeous lodge in a snowy setting, I bonded with 25 other women and I really got to know the heart of this company.  Our CEO, Derek, and his sister, Melanie, who cofounded the company, shared their personal trials and triumphs with us, as well as their vision for why they started this company. 

 

 

I know we hear fluff talk all the time, but trust me when I say, this is not fluff.  I don't do fluff, I don't sugar coat things.  I now know that these are truly the most genuine people with their hearts in the exact right place.  They are not here for the money; they don't need it.  This was started to help women like their sister who needed to earn money but weren't able to, and needed something to validate them.  This was started to help fund a foundation for women who have been dragged down by life in the most horrible ways so that they may be lifted up again.  I now have an absolute belief in this company and the people involved.

 

 

I know I needed this as a woman, a wife, a mom, and leader.  I needed to be given perspective on all the hats I wear in my life, and to be given permission to put my priorities in the right order.  But mostly, I needed to understand that I am in the right place now and this company is right for me.  With Younique I have gained something I didn't know I was looking for.  I have my confidence back, I have to tools to be the person I need to be, I have a business I have always wanted, and I have a family made up of fellow presenters, amazing support staff, and founders who truly strive to uplift women everywhere.

If this sounds like you, if this is something you need for yourself, I am going to ask you to trust me.  We are going places, as a company and , more importantly, as individual women, all with our own story.  This company has the ability to change lives.  Let yours be one of them.

 

 

How To Find Your Undertone to Color Match Your Foundation

With the advent of mineral based foundations, color matching is easier, as they tend to blend to your skin easier.  Still, determining what foundation color to purchase seems to be a mystery to so many.  So, here we go, some easy tricks to figure out what color of foundation you need.  By the way, if you'd rather watch a video than read this, here you go...

First, let's talk terms.  We constantly hear the terms Warm, Cool, and Neutral, as this is what many cosmetic companies use.  I personally prefer the terms Yellow, Pink (or Red), and Neutral.  It just makes more sense to me.  Need a translation between the two?  Your skin has a mix of Pink and Yellow pigments in it, at varying levels for different women. Warm just means you have more Yellow in your undertone of your skin, Cool means you have more Pink in your undertone, and Neutral means you have a closer to equal balance of the two.

How do you tell what undertone your skin has?  There are tests for that.  Lots of them.  Here are my 3 favorites.

• Start with some natural light (meaning outside, go get some Vitamin D). Hold a white paper up to your wrist.  What color are the veins in your wrist?  If they appear more green, you have a Yellow undertone.  If they appear more blue/purple, you have a Pink undertone.  And if you are having a hard time telling, you may be Neutral.
• What color jewelry looks best with your skin?  If you love that gold necklace against your chest, you may have more Yellow in your undertone.  Is silver jewelry more becoming on you?  You might have a Pink undertone.  And, if you rock both equally well, you're probably Neutral.
• How about when you're really soaking up the Vitamin D?  Does your skin tan easily and rarely burn?  You most likely have a Yellow undertone.  Do you burn like nobody's business and can't seem to get a tan for the life of you?  You've probably got a pink undertone (even without the pink sunburn).  Do you burn a little, but it turns into a tan really easily?  I bet you're neutral.

Great, now you know your undertone!  Be careful to not think that your overtone (say you have some ruddiness after washing your face) is your undertone.  That's not necessarily the case.  It's all about your undertone.  Also, I want to caution you not to try to cancel out your undertone by using a foundation that is the opposite. That's not how this works.  It just looks bad.  Match your undertone.

Most cosmetic companies have Yellow, Pink, and Neutral (Warm, Cool, and Neutral) foundations in varying shades of Light, Medium, Dark, and Deep.  Once you have your undertone nailed down, you can pretty easily determine which shade you need. Sometimes, if you tan during the summer, you might need to move up a shade (say from light to medium), but be careful doing that, you don't want those awful lines at your jaw.  The point here is always to match your skin.

As always, if you want to check out my favorite foundations (incidentally categorized as Yellow, Pink, and Neutral), click here.  If you need more help finding your color match, contact me at teampirateprincess@gmail.com.

Starting a Younique Business Q&A

If you've found your way to this article, you're probably thinking a little about Younique and the possibility of starting your own business.  I know for a fact, because I've been there, that there are a boat load of questions that go along with that.  No worries, I'm here for you.  Ask away.

So, let me tell you about Younique.

Oh my goodness, so many amazing things to say here.  This is not just your grandma's makeup company.  For starters, we have the world's greatest mascara (for real, I'm a lash junky, I know this).  Our 3D fiber lashes are our best seller and the very first product that most people try.  It's actually the product that most people assocciate with the name "Younique."  But trust me, there is so much more than that.  We have a complete line of cosmetics and skin care that are naturally based.  Many of our products are even gluten free, soy free, and/or vegan.  Plus, nothing is tested on animals and the majority of our products are now made in the USA.

What about Younique as a company?  You want to make a good business decision, here.

Well, we were founded by a brother and sister team, Derek Maxfield and Melanie Huscroft.  Their vision, which seriously resonates throughout the organization, is to uplift, empower, and validate.  And they seriously do.  Having just recently celebrated their second anniversary, Younique is the fasted growing network marketing company.  They are debt free, so no investors and banks controlling things.  There is still no market saturations at this point, meaning plenty of room for your own business to grow.  Younique just expanded to Australia, New Zealand, and The United Kindom, and we're working on further expansion as we speak.  Growing, growing, growing!

How do you sell the products?

We are a social media based network marketing company.  That means you can use your existing network of friends and followers in Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest - the possibilities are endless here -  to help market the products.  You also get a free - yep, free... forever - website where you can sell the products and run your business.  At it's very simplest, all you have to do is give people the link to your website and let them order.  How easy is that? 

Of course, you can also market to people in person, whether you want to do in home parties, vendor events, or just share with your friends.

Parties... how does that work?

We have a virtual party system on our websites, so all you have to do is start a party for your hostess (or even for yourself, because we like to party, too) on the site.  Then, whether you do a party at your house, your hostess's house, on the internet, or just with a catalog, your hostess can give the link to her party to all of her friends and they can order from her party.  The party link will track the hostess's points, and put her hostess rewards (it only takes $200 in sales for her to earn half price items and cash to spend on products) in her name when the party is over.  And, of course, Younique provides the hostess rewards... you don't have to worry about that.  For real, can it get much easier?

Do you have to do parties?  Are you not really sure that's your thing?

Wait, you're not a party animal?  It's cool.  This is your business, you get to build it however you want.  The possibilities are endless, all you have to do is talk to people.  You choose how.  Of course, I recommend you take advantage of the hostess rewards for yourself, at least.  You can get your own makeup for free!

Ok, so how much money can you make?

This question is a toughy, because it's all about how you work your business.  You start off earning 20-25% commission, plus you can earn even more as you help others start their own businesses.  We're ranked by color in our compensation plan and we get paid at those different levels as we achieve them, and a good business plan will help you max out the compensation plan.  It's all about what you want to do.  You can earn great residual income, from diaper money to vacation money to dream home money.  We have people who earn in all of those ranges on our team. 

How would you get paid?

Oh, I love this part.  We get paid 3-4 hours after every sale on our websites (that's right, pretty much immediately) onto a cute little purple debit card.  You can take that card to the store with you, out on your date, or to your favorite shop on the internet.  Plus, if you build a team, you get paid monthly royalties as well.

What does it cost to get started?

The kit is $99 for over $200 worth of fabulousness.  It's all full sized products that you can use, sample out, or sell.  There are literally no other fees.  Of course, I recommend that you try the other products that don't come in the presenter's kit, because their amazing, but $99 is all you need to start your business.  Do you want to see the current kit?  Here it is... isn't it beautiful?  Oh, and that black faux leather box is exclusive to new presenters. You are seriously the only people who can get that right now.

Will you have to keep an inventory or make deliveries?

Nope.  Not if you don't want to.  Like I said, you can do all your sales through your website, it's that simple.  There is no required purchase on your part after the starter kit, and you can sit at home and do this business on your computer (or tablet, or phone).  But there is an option to have inventory or place orders for your customers if you prefer to do that.  Remember, it's your business to run how you want.

What happens if you don't sell anything?

Well, nothing.  Of course, you won't make an money if you don't sell product, but it's ok if you don't sell anything.  There is a requirement of $125 in personal sales every 3 months to stay active as a Younique presenter.  You could seriously do that with yourself, your mom, and maybe your grandma.  If for some reason you do not have that $125 in sales in 3 months, you'll simply go inactive as a presenter.  That's all that happens.

So, will there be anyone to help you get your business started?

Yes!  We have great support from Younique to help train us, but the best part is the support of your team.  My team is the Pirate Princesses (I named it that because we are Fierce and Fabulous).  Once you start your Younique business by joining the Pirate Princesses, you will be added to our training group, where you can find information and graphics, ask questions of our crew of presenters and leaders, and take advantage of team emails and webinars.  Our greatest wish is to help you build your business and become the leader you are meant to be, and you will have accesses to the resources you need for your business growth and personal development.  If you want to be successful, we can help you build a business plan that will help you achieve your personal long term goals.  Plus, I cannot tell you how valuable the friendships I've gained on the team have been to me.

Why should you start a business with Younique?

Like I said, this is not your grandma's makeup company.  We have a full range of very high quality products with a marketing plan for today's business builders and consumers.  There are so many reason's people start a business with Younique.  There may be a stay at home mom out there who sees a post on Facebook and wants something for herself and to help with her family finances.  Or, someone who's working a 9-5 job and is tired of it and sees the amazing mascara on a co-worker.  Some start because they saw the presenter's kit and loved it and thought they might as well get a discount on their own products, then ended up building a business out of it.  Or maybe they needed diaper money and loved the fact that you get paid onto your own little purple card 3-4 hours after a sale.  Some started because they wanted to earn a couple hundred extra dollars per month, and others because they wanted to go all the way to the top.  And guess what.  Any of those people can do this with some hard work and dedication.

Did you try network marketing before and it didn't work?  Why would this be different?

Because this is a proven company with a good, simple setup.  We already have our first Millionaire after 2 years in business.  And we have training in place to help you succeed.

I'm Nicole Dupont, and I'm an orange level presenter.

Now, let me tell you a bit about my story.  I'm a mom of 2, ages 3 and 5.  I'm a wife.  Oh, and I'm one of the most shy and self conscious people you will ever meet.  I had done a little with direct sales before, but not much really happened for me.  I found Younique because of the mascara (like I said, I'm a lash junky).  I really wanted to share the products, so I started by hosting my own party, then deciding to go ahead and sign up for the presenter's kit and the discount.  I didn't really understand the business side of network marketing at the time.  I got into my sponsor's team group and started exploring (and having fun, I didn't imagine it would be this fun!).  I found info on Younique and Network Marketing, and I began to branch out and learn from other network marketing leaders like Sarah Robbins and Eric Worre.  Before I knew it, I had built this great knowledge base, I was selling the products, I was building a team, and I was having so much fun doing it all.  I was coming out of my shy little shell, so much so that I even started doing makeup tutorials on YouTube and training webinars for my team.  The tutorials and trainings, I've discovered, are where my personal passion lies in this business.  We all find our own way, and sometimes it's surprising!

How can you find out more? 

Simple.  Let's get in touch.  You can email me at teampirateprincess@gmail.com.  You can find me on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.  You can even check out my website at www.piratelashes.com.  I would love to hear from you, answer your questions, and help you build your business.

How to Make S'more Kits for Christmas Gifts

I'm always on the hunt for Christmas gifts for my favorite families, and treats can be a cute and inexpensive option.  This year we settled on S'more Kits, something that would provide a little family activity and be yummy at the same time.

Here's what you'll need:
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
Chocolate Bars
Food Packaging (cellophane bags, bakery boxes, etc.)
Closures (ribbon, twist ties, or adhesive)
Scissors
A Hole Punch
A Pen (for curling the twist ties)

I listed the families I needed gifts for, along with the number of family members.  I then put into piles 1 large chocolate bar, and enough graham cracker squares and marshmallows to make 1-2 s'mores per member of each family, depending on the size of the family (1 each for large families, 2 each for smaller families).

Then all I had to do was slip them into some cute packaging and seal it all up.  I also put together a few extras, because, if you're like me, there's always going to be someone you forgot to get a gift for.

tsū, the newest social network!

Have you seen this?  I'm giving it a try, so you'll see a review soon, but this is tsū, a social network that apparently shares the revenues with us. I'm playing with it right now and I'm excited to see what it can do. 
First impression: I kinda like the clean look of it!  It's refreshing!

Check it out: www.tsu.co/NicoleDupont

How to get Huge Lashes!

We all want long lashes, right?  It's like the new boobs.  Everyone wants a bigger pair. I am not into lash extensions, and I don't love taking the time to put on false lashes every morning (plus I usually tend to mess it up somehow).  With that in mind, this is how I do my lashes when I want them BIG BIG BIG (and not spidery). 

You need:

• 3D Fiber Lashes (no worries, it's just the worlds greatest mascara, not extensions or falsies)
• Lash Comb
• Blowdryer (you read right, no lash curler for me)

The basics... there are 2 tubes in the 3D Fiber Lashes, Gel and Green Tea Fiber.  You start by coating your lashes with gel, brushing fibers onto the tips, and then coating again with gel (that way the fibers don't flake off).  You can do this for as many coats as you want to get the results you want.  You can use the comb to get rid of any clumps as needed.  Then, when I'm done, I use my blowdryer on high heat, low speed to blow my lashes from below for about 15 seconds (this curls them, I swear), then I give them a blast of cool air to set the mascara.

You know what, just go watch this... it will make so much more sense.  Seeing is believing.

To see more, please subscribe to my YouTube channel, follow me on Facebook, or visit my website. Or, you can email me at teampirateprincess@gmail.com with any questions. :-)

Warning... a potty training post

My Tiny Princess has been using the potty. Finally. No, she's not perfect. Yes, we have accidents. But she's, like, majorly proud of herself. And we celebrate that like crazy in this house.
Now, since I know there will be flames from some out there, here's my philosophy on potty training: it doesn't need to be a fight. True, she's 3, and I would have loved to have her trained at 2. But she just didn't care.  And to me, I would so much rather not have the experience be traumatic for both of us. Yes, you know it's traumatic for you to have to beg your child to use the potty, force then to wear big kid undies, then throw those undies that you paid good money for into the trash because they were pooped in anyway.  And I'm not a fan of washing out poopy undies.  So we waited until she was confident that she could hold it and tell me when she had to go.  That's when we broke out the big girl panties (she flat out refused to give up her pull ups when I offered panties to get before). Sure, she pooped in them once (so far), but this is her choice now to wear them, which, I think, makes her want to do good at this way more than if I had forced it.  And of course, I diligently inspect every bit of poop and pee that goes in the potty, then we high five, fist bump, hug, and sometimes even call daddy.  Oh, and her brother celebrates with her, too.
So, for us, we're way proud!  And way less stressed about it, too.

Moms Cry, Too

I spend so much time trying to help my children learn and grow, and hoping they'll catch on to life soon, that sometimes I forget to just watch them. And then I run into a day like today where I can't help but cry a little and wonder when my babies grew up.
Two weeks ago, Davin started Kindergarten. He's been doing fabulous, by the way. Here's hoping it stays that way, but I think his teacher is a much better fit for him (and all around teacher) than his preschool teacher was.
I've been hanging out with Charis a lot more since her brother is in school, and let me tell you, she's a pretty cool little chick. Her personality just shines and she really has matured a bit even in just her two weeks of exclusive mommy time.
Yesterday, Davin had the first practice of his second (SECOND!) season of soccer, while Charis went to her very first dance class. They both did great. Amazing. Conducted themselves well.
What the heck happened here? When did they decide to grow up on me?  When did they turn into the coolest kids ever?
So, that's why this mom had to shed a few tears today. Hormones? Maybe. I don't know. But I know I'll be paying much closer attention from now on.