Two Years Later...

It has been TWO YEARS since my last post. To the awesome few still around who give enough craps to actually notice or read what I write: virtual brownies, my dears. Many virtual brownies. If you're reading this now, even if it's for the first time, you're beyond amazing. Seriously. Welcome, or hello again! 

No lie, extreme gaps between my posts are nothing new. I unplug when there's nothing special to report. So, what brought be back this time? Well, readers, a lot of things have happened. Wonderful, incredible things, that have pushed my excitement to the limit and got me back on the 'ole websites again. But before I make the big announcement--announcements, actually--let me tell this story from the very beginning.

Three years ago, Jan. 31st, 2014, I was this girl:

Awe. Such cute.

Mentioned in the video are details of my life, prior. To reiterate more vividly, I come from Mt. Pleasant, an extremely small town in the country. There, I was home schooled until the time I was old enough to attend my local high school. Not to polish my medals, but I always considered myself a very hard-working, "straight-A," student. I graduated with honors, got my diploma, and was headed to Cedar City's, Southern Utah University, with a full-ride scholarship in hand at 18 years old. I was ready to find similar success there, but college life hit harder than expected.

It wasn't that I couldn't keep up, it was that I didn't know what to do. My family never was, nor will be, on the wealthy side. I struggled with one dead-end job after another during this time, as anyone can attest who has seen my resume. Had it not been for my scholarship, school wouldn't have been an option at all. Where financial struggles didn't concern me, my lack of focus did. Every semester, my major was changing. Nothing felt right. Money and time started to feel like a waste, so the decision to leave was made.

I packed up my things and chased better employment in St. George. It was the time I needed to stop, think, and ultimately choose what I wanted to put my mind to for the rest of my life. Art, theater, and writing--among other things--skimmed the top of a long list of things I favored. It wasn't until a chance opportunity presented itself that my passion would be realized.

Taylor Andrew's Academy of Hair Design was hosting a makeup artistry certification course. It was two weeks long, and $2,000 out of pocket, but I had the savings, time, and--honestly--not much more than a, "Well, what the hell, why not?" attitude that had me waltzing into class, day one. By night one, I was sold.

Makeup artistry was so many things I wanted, combined. It was complete artistic freedom, spread across a million different mediums. The passion was born. I completed my certification, and was determined to put it to good use.

My job focus shifted. I relocated again, this time to Salt Lake City, on an extremely small job offer from Macy's cosmetics' department. It was flex scheduling, meaning indefinite hours on minimal pay. After a few, late night conversations with Mom, I decided to risk it all and take the plunge. On the charity of a friend, I was able to share an apartment until a solid pay-rate was achieved. Within a matter of months, I became an official Estee Lauder/Clinique employee.

The risk paid off. Salt Lake City brought some of the most enjoyable times I had in Utah. I was eventually tossed into the artistic community, connected enough to participate in a variety of creative photoshoots. Armed with my certification, cosmetic employment, a portfolio on the rise, one might think I had hit the jackpot and was set for life. Alas, not just yet.

I got the MAC Cosmetics itch. That's not an uncommon itch in the cosmetic industry, but mine was fierce. The MAC aesthetic was everything I embraced: not just beauty makeup, but pushing the boundaries--artistry, under the creed, "All ages, all races, all sexes." However, with only so many MAC locations available in Utah at the time, I was a greenhorn up against an extremely competitive market.

I knew I had to move on. I also knew that meant going back to square one.

I moved home, and in the process left Estee Lauder, Clinique, a financially promising hotel reservations job with Marriott; a beautiful apartment, and most difficult of all: the art community I had grown to love. It was St. George all over again--stopping and thinking--but I this time, I had a plan: I was going to move home, find work, and take the midnight train going anywhere as soon as I had the money. It didn't matter where I went from there, really. The world was my oyster, but I had a very close online friend in Houston, TX, that agreed to take me in. She believed in me, and on that confidence, Houston was where I headed. I just needed to means.   

The most work I was able to find in Mt. Pleasant was at a Walmart an hour away from my home on holiday pay. I was confident I could survive the mundane labor until I became financially fit. However, not a month in, (on Christmas Eve, of all days,) Walmart informed me I would not be keeping my job when the holidays ended due to position unavailability. Well, by then, I already had it. I wasn't going to stick around any longer.

$1,000--one month's worth of Walmart pay--was all I had to my name, but it was going to get me to Texas. 85% of my personal belongings were sold to make up for the rest. I kissed my cat goodbye, my family and loved ones; then mailed whatever couldn't fit in my bag to my friend's home in Houston.

My friend and I were able to establish a job for myself there at a nearby Kroger grocery store. Times were good for a while, but I will forever consider this my "cosmetic dark period." While I told myself in the video above I would utilize YouTube as my artistic outlet, the new home atmosphere wasn't fit for it. I'm also not the most video-savvy, and still don't own a decent camera. Excuses aside, I instead succumbed to Kroger, to focus on finding cosmetic employment once again.

I was eventually able to purchase a car, and therefore, seek out the employment I had come all this way for. Naturally, MAC was the first place I went. I'll spare the gritty details, but unfortunately, the interview process did not go well. It went so badly, in fact, and on part of MAC employees in one instance, my MAC fire had been completely snuffed. I was devastated, but reminded myself I had been out of the makeup swing of things for a while, and perhaps just wasn't ready yet. I turned to Sephora for solace, and found a literal family in the process. Just in time, too.

Friendships don't always last. The friend I was living with and I called it quits, and have not spoken to this day. Again, no nitty-gritty details necessary, but it was a split for both our benefit in the end. It was time for me to go. I had been working both the Kroger and Sephora jobs at the time. The stress and extremely demanding schedule had stretched me to a breaking point. I moved out as soon as possible.

Nothing wrong with a little, happy, pampering time. I left Kroger to commit to Sephora. It was the big, soft, squishy pillow I needed to cry into. I loved everyone I worked with, was able to reestablish myself as a competent makeup artist, and got a wealth of product knowledge in the process. But time ticked by, and I was feeling that desperate need to stretch all over again. I'm, admittedly, an impatient soul. I don't give myself time to settle, but I also think that's how I got this far. I don't settle for less than I feel I deserve, so push until I get it. I was ready for more.

Another MAC employment opportunity presented itself at this eerily convenient time. Like the force that had me walk into an over-priced, two-week makeup class on a whim; next thing I knew, I was filling out an application. Two eventful interviews later, I received a call from MAC, offering me a part-time position.... This was 6 months ago.

Dear readers, I AM A MAC ARTIST, AND HAVE BEEN ONE FOR SIX MONTHS. But wait, there's more! Within the past couple of weeks, I have been contacted by Houston's RAW Artists community, offering me a spot in their showcase; and received the more demanding of my required initial MAC artistry certifications.

I may not be at the fairy-tale ending of this story just yet, but this is the most accomplished I have felt in years, and I've caught myself explaining my story to a number of people recently because of it. I realize I haven't written for so long, and I didn't talk about my life, because I didn't want to ramble on about my struggles, unless I knew I made it in the end.

So, this post is my gift to you, dear readers: a novella-worthy post, because there aren't enough words to describe how happy and grateful I am for the position I'm in today, and the experiences I've had--for better or worse. This story has a happy ending for now, and because of it, I can tell you this:

- Hard work pays off.
- Do not settle for less than you deserve.
- You are perfect, beautiful and important.
- Everything happens for a reason.
- You have a purpose.
- You have to risk failing in order to succeed.
- What makes you successful and happy should be the same thing.
- If you have to pretend to be happy, you're only fooling yourself.
- The triumphs you'll appreciate most are the ones you give everything for.

I hope, if nothing else, my story can be of some comfort. Better yet, an inspiration. A little hope and cheer is the least I can do for someone who has read into my life this far. You never know who's listening. Just know that I'm an ear if you need one.

Thank you so much, and from the bottom of my heart.

I couldn't get by without the support of my family, friends and loved ones. I have all sorts of exciting new challenges ahead, and will be making individual posts on them soon. For now, I'm bracing myself for Thanksgiving/Black Friday week. God speed, fellow retail workers!

Until next time!

Perfectly Posh in Review

Hey hey!

Long time, no see (again.) Long story short, I've been preoccupied. It's hard to focus on makeup artistry as much as I'd love to when my priorities must unfortunately be placed elsewhere. But here we are! Let's get the long-awaited review of some Perfectly Posh products underway. Myself, Traci and Kylene Overstreet, have given these bad boys a try.

 We begin with the BFF Face Wash. This, by far, was my favorite product. I struggle finding a face wash that leaves my skin feeling comfortable. My skin is very dry and tends to peel, so keeping that in check is no easy task. There's no questioning how this made the Posh bestseller's list. IT. FEELS. AMAZING--and will for the entire day. Micro-beads give your skin the sandpaper treatment it needs without causing damage. I've never had a product make my face feel that polished, soft and fresh after one use. Instantly addicting, and the Overstreets agree.

Thank you for existing.

Similar complements go out to the Under Wonder Pore Primer. It has such a glossy texture and comfortable wear. Kylene described it "powder soft," which hits it on the nose. This primer gives your skin a smooth finish, perfect for makeup application afterward. Breathable with a gentle touch of scent, you won't want to wear makeup without it. Long-lasting, too, which is a bonus for those who--like us Texans--tend to sweat makeup off.

Texans also have high humidity keeping their Southern skin plump. I haven't been here long, but have yet to go a day without moisturizing. Perfectly Posh had a few for us to try. You get exactly what you ask for in terms of fragrance. The Lemon Rice Body Butter in particular delivered a zesty scent that lasted longer than expected. The Shameless Flirt Hand Creme and Sister, I'm a Poet, had tasteful floral undertones that were sweeter on the senses. Delightful scents, less than delightful application.

While successful in delivering a healthy dose of deep moisture to the skin, these moisturizers were less absorbent than what I am accustomed to, and tended to leave a sticky residue. These were thick, heavy duty. The effects took some time before kicking in, but were well worth the wait. I'd be more comfortable wearing these at night, where they can work their magic without my minding them; and after a fresh, soapy cleanse, of course.

Bar soaps were also on the menu. The Chatter Chunk Bath Bar had a fair scent, less than fair lather, but ended on a high note with its moisture retention. Combine this with one of the deep moisturizers, and you're on your way to a supple-faced day. The same can be said of the Snarky Bar, but with the added benefits of a scrub, thanks to micro-beads, and much better lather. Snarky took the cake in comparison. I'm in the mood for scrubs, apparently. Traci and Kylene, too.

Well, yeah, okay ... definitely feelin' it.

Mutual, positive feelings returned for our last product: The Tree Hugger Detox Body Scrub. This bad boy has an amazing, summer-ready scent with a touch of fruit sweetness, and will give you the deepest clean of your life. While the BFF Face Wash is designed to pamper the more delicate skin of your face, Tree Hugger takes that clean to the next level with a slightly rougher texture to penetrate the thicker layers of your skin and leave them feeling brand new. We loved this product! We love Perfectly Posh!

Sometimes you just need a hug.

Would I recommend Perfectly Posh? Yes. They deliver up-to-snuff, natural-based products, that easily compete with top brands. They are reasonably priced and deliver. You get what you ask for with plenty of room for pleasant surprises. Their passion for their product shows. Express thanks to makeup-artist, Brandie Seifert, for giving myself, Traci and Kylene the opportunity to dip our toes in the Perfectly Posh world.

Perfectly Posh

Some more technical difficulties later, here we are with a post at last! I've missed you, my pets, (few as you are at present.)

Be happy in the knowledge my computer is fully functional, I'm settled into a job and I'm ready to try new things: like Perfectly Posh! Got my hands on some samples, thanks to Brandie Seifert, makeup extraordinaire. They were unfortunately shelved for a time, but I'm excited to put them to the test. Kylene and Traci Overstreet have also volunteered to be guinea pigs, so we'll be trying them out together! Yay!

Product samples we received are:

- BFF Face Wash
- Under Wonder Primer
- Shameless Flirt Hand Cream
- Lemon Rice Body Butter
- Sister, I'm a Poet, Butter
- Chatter Soap
- Snarky Bar Soap
- Tree Hugger Detox Body Scrub

Please visit the Perfectly Posh website for more detailed information. They focus on natural-based, high-quality products; sans animal testing, petroleum, paraben, paraffin, sulfates/sls, gluten or soy fillers. Does my heart good to see a product line that isn't out to wreck your skin and harm animals in the process.

Thank you, Perfectly Posh! Test results coming soon.

Lord Vader Tutorial

Hello, everyone!

Next tutorial is up for your viewing pleasure, inspired by Darth Vader from the Star Wars franchise!

Now, before you get too cranky: yes, I'll be putting up some "Back to Basics" videos, featuring foundation application, contouring, etc. I'm not going to want to have to mention or explain the basics for every tutorial when we can jump right into the fun stuff! I might have been smart and done that first thing, but . . . PFF! Way too excited to get my hands dirty. 

Basic videos are next on my to-do list. Promise. I just have so many other fun things in mind! Keep an eye out for them. In the meantime, I'll be looking for a job. I'm such a bum right now. 

Thanks for watching!

First Makeup Tutorial

Waaaaaay too excited for bedtime tonight, kiddies! I'm all settled in after a successful move to Houston, and haven't felt more at home. Technical difficulties are holding things up a bit, but I already have a job lined up and life's lookin' good! It just needs to happen! So, what have I done in the meantime?

MY FIRST MAKEUP TUTORIAL!!
(Complete with blooper reel!)

It's been a long night, but I've finally worked past my technological short-comings and have produced this golden little milestone. Couldn't have had better help to do it, either. Traci made a fitting model to help celebrate--not only my big move and a makeup artist landmark--but her very own B-DAY today! Happy Birthday, Traci, and thank you!

Our subject for the day: a look inspired by HIM's song, Join me in Death; a Traci favorite. A very sexy, smoked out look that isn't too hard to pull off, whether you're out for the evening or belting out a rock ballad. If you haven't checked HIM out, it is quite the delicious band. 

MMmmmm... <3

And with that, Sara must bow out. Good night/morning, everyone! Enjoy!

I'm on my Way!

Here we are, a whole month since my last post, but you won't believe what's happened to me: this girl's moving to Texas!

Crazy, right? Biggest New Year's resolution is already getting checked off. I was able to snag a job at Walmart over the holidays--lucky me. I knew it was a temporary/seasonal position going in. They told me that. They also told me I wouldn't be needed anymore on Christmas Eve. Yikes. Da nerve.

So Walmart was out. I applied for multiple jobs as soon as I got the news, stretching as far as Las Vegas in search of something that would roll in the dough. Nothing. I have yet to hear back from any of the places I applied, regardless of the countless times I called to follow up on each one. Tragedy, but I had something now that I didn't when I first moved back home: a little pocket change.

I looked up plane tickets, and sure enough, found an incredibly inexpensive one-way ticket to Houston, TX--where I have planned to go for years. That month at Walmart gave me just enough money to feel confident about the move, so here I am, ready to take off! I leave tomorrow morning!

What will be in store? Heck if I know. There's a lot riding on this. It's a big risk, but honestly, I've never felt better. People ask me all the time, "Why Texas?" before divulging the details of why Texas is so terrible. (To those who have been more positive, thank you!) I'll be living with my friend, Traci, and her family out there. There are so many more opportunities in Texas--just about anywhere--outside of Utah for makeup artistry. The economy is great, the people friendly and the cost of living will be similar to Utah's. But what takes the cake is just how right it feels. Do I need more excuses?

The day I found the ticket, I had three weeks before take off. Just enough time to prepare for my departure, and things have been going smooth since. I've never had trip preparations go this well. Sure, I have things to be worried about, but if everyone spent their time being too scared to try, where would we be? If nothing else, I've got to give it a shot. I'll regret that more for the rest of my life than any failure Texas could throw at me.

In the spirit of jumping into things, look what else got done today:

T'yah daaaah! My first YouTube video. Pure introduction, so if you don't know me at all, here's your chance to get started. Let's get the warm and gushy, getting-to-know-you, "blah" out of the way. From here on out, you'll be seeing makeup tutorials, but with all my makeup artistry supplies sitting in flat-rate boxes in Houston, you'll just have to wait a little bit longer.

Wish me luck, friends and fam! I can't thank you enough for the support I get from you every day. Here's to my next big adventure.

Starting Fresh

It's almost the new year, everyone. Time to take some time and get sappy. I've had a good year. No, it hasn't ended exactly how I dreamed, but I take a walk down memory lane and can't feel bad about any of the wonderful things that have happened to me during it.

I have found my passion. This happened some time ago. Thinking about it, the passion to create has been with me since the beginning, but has grown more this year than I ever could have imagined. I've learned so much. I haven't made bank, doing what it is I love. Makeup artistry is a very subjective, competitive field, after all; like so many other things. But I have grown. I made the big move to Salt Lake City, had a job at an Estee Lauder/Clinique cosmetics counter. I met more people this year than I feel I have since high school, each of them a support and inspiration in one way or another. I'm not on a pedestal or bathing in riches, but that should never be what matters most.

My dad chose a movie to watch recently: You Can't Take it With You. No truer words. Also a very personal memory for me, because it was a play of the same name I participated in during high school. Such a powerful message to come from a simple story. When it's all said and done, what are the things we are going to keep? The acts we perform, the friendships we create and the joy we find in life. Makeup artistry is my joy. 

I'm living at home now, unemployed and without immediate access to photoshoots and other artistry outlets due to distance. I'm back to square one. For a while, I was ready to let this get the best of  me, but focusing on the negative never got anyone anywhere. I'm going to make due. I am alive and loved. All that's left to do is live. To help get me started: a game-changer. What better time to switch things up than at the beginning of a new year?

I'll be joining the YouTube community. About time! I'm pretty iffy when it comes to film editing and what-not as of now, but we've all got to start somewhere. With less pictures to put up on Facebook, I figure it's time to hit the big screen. Technology willing, I'm going to shoot for one video a week. No promises, but that's the goal. Otherwise, we'll be toning down to a bi-weekly gig. Resolutions, for the win.

Other resolutions?
- Have my makeup in a magazine.
- Attend Salt Lake City's FanX (Comic Con) with a boss-um costume.
- Weight loss. Duh.
- Leave Utah. I've got bigger places I wanna be.

To the friends I've made, the ones I've had and the friendships yet to come: you have my love and thanks. Where would I be without you? I've never felt more positive about the start of a new year. Let's make it a good one!