Beauty on a Budget: Nails

I remember my very first paycheck I ever received in my life, the first thing I did was buy a Nokia cell phone.  You know, the one that had the "Snake" game on it,  interchangeable buttons & faces, an antenna you had to pull up to get good service, and T9 texting.  If you don't know about this phone, I feel bad for you son.  I still, to the day, think it was the greatest phone ever made.  The second thing I did with that paycheck, was went straight to the nail salon, Paris Nails in Smyrna to be exact, and got a full set of acrylic "fake" nails with airbrush letters, hearts, and even bedazzled them with rhinestones.  It looked like Valentine's Day threw up on my hands.   I added absolutely every extra you could possibly get, because let's face it, I made $5.15 an hour and I was feeling super rich.  I literally spent every penny I had to my name on those two things, but I sure was happy.  I was fourteen years old at the time, it's fifteen and a half years later and I've never stopped getting my nails done since, until a month ago.  I have several reasons I stopped getting them done, but the main reason is my new budget.

As many of you may know from my "Changes" blog, I recently quit a job that made me miserable.  The downside of that was that working there paid me really good money, so I knew immediately I was going to have to make a few lifestyle changes.  I never thought a single thing about spending money every 3 weeks to have my nails and toes done, but when you add it up, it sure is expensive.  The first thing I did after quitting my job, was to take off my fake nails.  I had to think of some things I could live without, and they definitely made the list.  This brings me to the moral of this story...I have GOT to tell y'all about this amazing creation I bought today the "SensatioNail Starter Kit" .  

I first heard about the SensatioNail a few weeks ago, ya know, the day after I took my nails off.  I had a friend over who lives right down the street from me.  Her nails looked pretty, so naturally I asked where she got them done at, that's what us girls do.  I have yet to find a good nail place close to where I live (another one of of those reasons).  She told me she did them herself with an at home gel nails kit.  I don't want to say I didn't believe her, but it was hard to seeing how good they looked!  They looked exactly like they would as if she got shellac or any type of gel nails done at a salon.  I waited until my ugly, and super brittle, nails healed from being peeled and broken off, and I'm a 100% satisfied customer!  

If I were to go to a salon, which requires lots of time and possibly even a wait (another one of those reasons), and got gel nails, I would spend about 30-35 dollars plus a tip.  This kit was only $24.88 at Walmart and the extra color of nail polish I got was $7.88.  It looks like Target online has them for $24.99 and the extra nail polish for just $5.49.  I know they are also sold at Walgreens all over the place, but their website tells me their starter kit is $59.99, so I would definitely recommend Target or Walmart.  The kit alone has enough supplies to do a complete gel manicure 10 times, so you do the math on that.  I'm all about some savings! 

The SensatioNail starter kit comes with everything you need to do your nails from the beauty of your own home, on your own time and wearing whatever the heck you want (which I love).  It includes the gel LED lamp light, primer, base and top coat, polish color, cleanser, nail shields, manicure stick , wipes, and a double sided nail buffer.  If you don't like the color your starter kit comes with, they have a whole collection of colors you can choose from. I'm seriously so happy I found this product!   If you're "ballin' on a budget" like me, or just want to be smart and save some money, you will be happy you found it too! 

SensatioNail in "Babydoll Pink" 

Above is my first manicure I did today and I'm very impressed with the way it turned out!   If I showed you the before picture of them and what they look like underneath, you would see why.  I will tell you, make sure you don't get any of the product on your cuticle, before placing under the LED light.  As long as you read the instructions, this is a pretty easy system & will save you lots of money in the long run.  I love nails, I always have, and I'm so happy I'll be able to have pretty ones and not have to feel bad about spending the money.  Thank you all for reading!  XOXO- Amber

PS: head over to @NativeInNashville on Instagram for an adorable "Nashville" necklace giveaway!!  

GET GLOWING: Kalahn Harmon at Glow Medspa

I'm always looking for ways to make myself look and feel a little better!  As a woman in the South,  there are literally gorgeous girls everywhere you look.  I don't think I can even  think of one who is not beautiful.  I guess you could say it's almost a little bad for my self-esteem at times how pretty you all are!  I think the most important thing a woman can have is her own self confidence and self-esteem.  If something makes you feel more beautiful, I say go for it!  At the end of the day, you are the only person whose opinion really and truly matters. If other people don't like you because of something that has to do with your appearance, you definitely don't need them in your life anyways and I can promise you your life will be much better without them in it!  I've been feeling a little blah lately which is why I'm so glad I found Glow Medspa for a little... ok maybe a big pick me up!!  

Glow Medspa, owned by Dr. Jeffery Marvel, Tonia Gibson and Gail Hayes, is located in historic downtown Franklin in the most charming and sweet old house.  I actually used to work about 50 steps from there and I honestly never took a second look at it.  From afar it simply looks like a home.   I just so happened to be at one of my favorite coffee shops right next door and luckily one of the lovely ladies who works there, Leigh, invited me to come over and see it.  I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in and realized that this is actually a spa, not just a house, and definitely my kind of place.  The decor is welcoming, comforting & simply beautiful!  It helps that the staff is so friendly too. 

I was so excited to realize that this was the place that a lifelong friend and aesthetician,  Kalahn Harmon, is always raving about because she loves working there so much! I can tell you from experience if you work somewhere and still love it, it HAS to be a great place!  Kalahn set me up for an appointment and I left feeling more than fabulous.  I was honestly really impressed by everything, so I want to share with you all about my experience at Glow Medspa and talk about all the services I got done because trust me, you all need to know about this place.  It was like finding a hidden treasure! 

I want to start by saying it can sometimes be  a little awkward getting services done by a friend, but Kalahn actually made me feel like a client, she took everything seriously and I really appreciate that.  For example, I know sometimes when I have gotten my hair done by someone I know in the past I don't always feel as if I'm getting the full treatment that I'm paying for and deserve, which can lead to stress.  When you're going somewhere to be pampered that should NOT be the case!! I left feeling a million times better than when I walked in and was highly impressed with her level of professionalism. 

HydraFacial MD  & Dermaplaning

When I first walked in Ginger offered me wine, water or coffee, which let's be honest... it's always nice to be offered wine any time or place!  I decided to be healthy and go with water though which also impressed me because it was VOSS water and it made me feel fancy ;).  Kalahn had me change into a spa towel and dipped my hands in paraffin wax.  That stuff is the best! My appointment was on Friday, it's now Monday and my hands still feel so soft.  She had me lay down on what is like a massage table which was very comfortable and the temperature in the room was perfect.  She cleansed my face herself and before she began the HydraFacial asked me if I had ever had dermaplaning done.  Dermaplaning is a method of exfoliation that consists of gently scraping off the top layer of dulling dead skin cells in order to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion.  It also removes that annoying peach fuzz that you sometimes see when the sunlight is beaming down on you.  I was all in!  I was a little scared at first but definitely glad I added this service on!  You hear the word scraping and it sounds scary but I promise it's completely safe!  Next, she did the HydraFacial which was absolutely amazing and I wish I could get one every single day of my life!  

Great for all skin types, the HydraFacial MD® Treatment is not only highly effective at improving overall skin health, but also excellent for correcting fine lines and wrinkles, elasticity and firmness, the evenness of your skin tone and vibrancy, skin texture, enlarged pores, oily skin and the advanced signs of aging.  This multi-step treatment cleanses, evenly exfoliates and extracts to remove impurities and dead skin cells while at the same time replenishing vital nutrients including Antioxidants, Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid.  My favorite part was the  third step which was the extraction part!  Kalahn was able to remove something from my face that has been there for years and not even a dermotologist could remove.  Y'all have no idea how excited I was over this !! I don't get many breakouts, I have more of an issue with blackheads than anything and she was successfully able to remove them all!!  My second favorite part of this treatment was that I got immediate results and my face is still glowing 4 days later!  It was a pain free and super relaxing experience and I already want to go back!!  This service is $199 and you can add on Dermaplaning to a facial for just $50.  Dermaplaning alone is $85. 

 Eyebrow Tint & Wax

After we were done with the HydraFacial me and my face were feeling amazing.  It was then time for her to work her magic on my eyebrows.  I never realized the importance of eyebrows until Kalahn first did my eyebrows a few years back and she actually gave me some shape and filled them in some.  When done properly they can really help frame your face and make your eyes pop.  She tinted them, sort of like a dye for your eyebrows, but it basically just picked up the little baby hairs that were there making my eyebrows look a little more full without drawing them on like crazy.  I swear some girls these days look like they draw them on with sharpies and that's just not my style.  I was shocked the difference that just the tinting made.  She also waxed them and really took her time doing it.  I love them !! The eyebrow tint is $20 and the eyebrow wax is $20.  

Makeup 

Then we got to the really fun part, makeup!! I have always admired Kalahn's makeup.  Every time she posts a picture I secretly wish I had her skills!  Her makeup always looks flawless without overdoing it, almost like a natural look.  She was nice enough to list all of the products she used on me too for y'all! 

Neocutis Bio-Cream moisturizer

Cover FX Mattifying Primer

MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NW 25

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW 20 blended with a moist Beauty Blender

Cover FX Illuminating setting powder

Anastasia Beverly Hills powder contour palette

Sephora Collection Banana Powder

Anastasia Beverly Hills brow powder in soft brown

MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC15 under brows

MAC Painterly Pro Longwear Paint Pot all over lid

MAC shadow in Amber Lights & Creative Copper

Morphe shadow and liner from 35N palette

MAC Fix + Spray

Sigma brushes F80, E15, F10, P84, F35, E65, F75, E30, P86, E55, E25, F05

MAC brushes 239, 184

BECCA champagne pop highlighter

Shadow on inner eye is from the Tarte Energy Noir palette

Ardelle Demi Whispies Lashes

They're Real Mascara by Benefit Cosmetics

NYX Dewy Finishing Spray

Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray

MAC Soar Lip liner  

MAC Honey Love Lipstick  

Makeup application with lashes is $95.  

This is the look she created on me but please excuse my hair! I left there feeling beautiful, confident, refreshed and days later my skin is literally still glowing!! Everyone there was so warm and friendly.  They made sure to explain everything in detail, building my trust, and made me feel extremely comfortable.  I'm not the best at taking good care of my skin so I'm sure my skin probably loves me for finding Glow Medspa!  I will definitely be back!!  

They offer many more services such as Botox, Juveder, Restylane, Kybella, Micro Dermabrasion, chemical peels, many different kinds of facials, Microneedling, full body waxing and Coolsculpting !! They also sell various products such as Latisse, Glo Therapeutics and NeoCutis.  Visit their website at www.GlowFranklin.com and Kalahn's website is www.FacesByKalahn.com Check out their Spring specials below and tell them Native in Nashville sent you :)

I hope you guys go see them & love them as much as I do !!  Thanks as always for reading! XOXO- Amber  

Top 10 Can't Live Without Beauty Products

Y'all know those products you find and you try out once, then can never live without them again?  No matter how much they cost you, you have to have them?  Well I wanted to share with you guys some of mine!!  Some of them are a little on the pricier side and I almost wish I never tried them, but it's too late now and they work perfect for me so here we go.

1. I will start with my most favorite makeup wipes in the history of ever.  You can buy them at Target and a pack of 45 will run you about $10.  I love the way they make my face feel and the smell is awesome!! The brand is YES TO.  I like to make them last so I actually tear them in half so I don't have to go back to Target so often.  You know how that goes, walk in for one thing (a $10 dollar pack of makeup wipes, leave with a new chair for your living room, 12 picture frames, 17 bags of candy, 5 new shirts for a grand total of $1542. Yeah, I try to stay FAR away.

2. EVO "Water Killer" Dry Shampoo.  This product will run you about $25 and its the absolute BEST dry shampoo I've ever found in my life.  I use to be the girl who had to wash my hair every single day, but lets be honest, who really has time for that?  I know if I have to make the decision between wash my hair or sleep an extra 30 minutes in the morning, I'm going with sleep, EVERY time.  I can go about 4 days until I have to wash my hair again.  This gives you body and fullness as well as makes your hair look and smell clean.  It's basically like magic.  I buy mine at Parlour 3 in Brentwood.

3. Strobe Cream from MAC.  I love this face lotion.  It makes my face shimmery like Edward Cullen, and I mean c'mon who doesn't love a good shimmer? This moisturizes and makes your skin more radiant.  I guess you can say it takes away any dull or tired appearance.  It brightens your skin with vitamins, green tea, andioxidants and iridescent particles.   So in a nutshell I would say it gives you a healthy looking glow, without even being pregnant. Ha . This is $33 for 1.7 ounces , so it will last you awhile !! 

4. Anastasia Beverly Hills contour kit (powder version) .  I bought mine at Ulta for $40.  This kit is amazing for contouring and highlighting, and quite frankly making my cheek bones look way cooler than they actually are.  I have the light to medium shade kit and it includes 3 highlighting shades and 3 for contouring. Using this can help emphasize your cheeks, jawline, nose and even your eyes.  A complete game changer !  

5 and 6:  Honey Love lipstick & Nightmoth lip liner both from MAC.  I actually tried this combination out by mistake and ever since I've been hooked.  When you see these next 2 pictures y'all are going to think I'm crazy but I promise people ask me what lip color I'm wearing almost every day. It is a nude lipstick with a very dark lip liner . And put together it makes (for me) the perfect shade of mauvey nude. 

7. "They're Real" mascara by Benefit.  This mascara is $24 and can be purchased at Ulta or Sephora.  I've tried a million different mascaras it seems and this is the one that works best for me ! It actually makes you look like you're wearing fake eyelashes. It seperates your lashes perfectly and makes them look super long. Not like tarantulas like other pricey mascara I have tried.   

8. "Burgundy times 9" eyeshadow palette by MAC. $40 I'm a BIG fan of eyeshadow palettes in general because I love a good bargain. When you think of how much this would cost if you bought all these colors seperately, your head would spin.  As I said in my last blog post I have green eyes and I really like to wear colors (when I wear eyeshadow) that make them pop.  Mauvey, pinkish or purple shades really do the trick ! I love this palette in particular because it has some shimmery colors and some matte colors and I like to change it up sometimes. My absolute favorites I wear are the top 2 on the left and the bottom middle.  

9. Frankie Rose "matte perfection foundation" in the shade neutral.  I was only introduced to this foundation Saturday and I'm already addicted. Same with my item number 10.  I've been getting compliments ever since I got it. I have heard things like "it's not as cake like" (yes apparently my face looked like dessert before) and "your face looks a lot more smooth".  It doesn't feel like I'm wearing a lot of makeup and it matches perfectly. So happy I found it!!  $33 and I think it can only be purchased online or at Parlour 3 in Brentwood.

10. Amazing Cosmetics "Amazing concealer" in light beige.   $42 and I purchased at Parlour 3 as well.  I have naturally very dark circles around my eyes and I can't ever seem to figure out how to cover them up!  This has actually done the trick!  I apply my foundation first and the concealer afterwards.  It's definitely the best concealer I've ever used. It says "The World's Best Concealer" right on the box & I like a company confident enough to put that right on the product!  Seriously where has this stuff been all my life !? 

I hope if you get the chance to try any of these amazing products you love them as much as I do and as always thanks for reading and sharing !! XOXO- Amber

In the Name of Beauty: Cali Jeffries at Parlour 3

Meet Cali Jeffries.  She is a very talented hair and makeup artist at Parlour 3 salon located at 144B Franklin Road in Brentwood, TN.  Cali specializes in hair styles, Blowouts, braids, updos and makeup.  I was fortunate enough to have Cali work her hair and makeup magic on me yesterday, to help get me ready for a special night.  She truly made me feel beautiful.    

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I hardly ever wear eye shadow anymore and couldn't tell you the last time I even wore eyeliner.  I knew if I wanted to feel really pretty I needed some serious beauty help.  I honestly don't remember how to properly apply makeup.  I feel like I use to be fairly decent at doing my own makeup, but like anything else that you don't practice for awhile, you forget how.  I have known I wanted Cali to do my makeup for awhile.  I met her while she was doing my best friends hair and her mom's makeup on her wedding day.  Both looked perfect.  It also happens to be a plus that she just so happens to work at the most stunning and beautiful salon I have ever stepped foot in.  If you are getting your hair or makeup done there, you will be sitting in front of Hollywood style lights.  It almost makes you feel as if you are a famous actress and you are in your dressing room getting ready.  There are tufted couches, plush chairs, marquee lights and chandeliers hanging everywhere.  It is the epitome of glamour.  I posted some photos below but you need to see this place for yourself, my pictures don't even do it justice. The owner, Melissa, not only has an eye for making people beautiful, she decorated this entire two story salon, herself.  I seriously wish she would come decorate my house.  Parlour 3 is a full service salon and offer a wide variety of services from facials and waxing to hair cuts and color, makeup, airbrush tanning and extensions.

Tips and products from Cali for the look she created on me

Always start with a nice clean face and a good moisturizer/primer that's correct for your skin type (if you're dry you would want a hydration, and if you're oily you'd want a matte)

EYES: I used the self made *Anastasia Beverly Hills* eyeshadow palette / *Anastasia Beverly Hills* gel liner/ *Anastasia Beverly Hills* brow pomade in medium brown / *too faced* mascara and *red cherry lashes* in DW.

FACE: *Frankie Rose* foundation and *Amazing Cosmetics* concealer (those two products are MUST HAVES of mine. Best concealer and foundation combination) set the concealer with *amazing cosmetics* setting pressed powder/ contour with *Anastasia Beverly Hills* powder contour palette/ *Frankie Rose* 3 blush in 1 set and highlight in *Anastasia Beverly Hills* So Hollywood highlighter

LIPS:  I chose to use my normal lipstick/ lipliner combination so that I could have it with me for touch ups all night.  I use "Nightmoth" liner which is a very dark liner and mixed with a nude shade "Honey Love" both from MAC.  It sounds like an odd combination, but when blended together, it makes a nice color and people frequently ask me what color I wear.

HAIR: Cali curled my hair with a wand and teased it up at the crown.  I wanted to incorporate braids of some kind into it so she did two small braids back around the sides and pinned them in the back almost if my hair was pinned up. (photo in slideshow below)

This is the look Cali created on me and I absolutely loved it.  I have naturally really dark circles under my eyes and she was able to cover those up, which was my main concern.  Secondly I have green eyes and I wanted them to pop.  Any coppery or pink to purple shades look great on green eyes bringing out the color.  I showed her a picture of the eye I was going for and she nailed it.  I always love trying new makeup products and will be purchasing several of the products she used on me.