From the desk of Jhenelle Neon: Whats in my makeup Bag ???

1. YSL 24 Hour Foundation with Sunscreen

This new 24-Hour, full coverage foundation instantly blurs pores and fines lines, and provides uninterrupted flawless wear that looks and feels just applied, all-day. No-touch ups required. I use the shade mocha in the summer time and Honey in the winter.

All Hours 24-Hour advanced formula won't cake, dry, flake or fade. Transfer-proof, oil-free and non-pore clogging, this foundation stands up to makeup meltdowns by combining move-with-you flexible pigments and skin-loving ingredients for better flawless coverage and skin that feels fresh and comfortable day to night.

Instantly blur and erase imperfections, pores, dullness and unevenness. Skin looks flawless up to 24 hours thanks to the highest concentration of ultra-fine, oil absorbing pigments that cover and smooth perfectly yet resist fading, heat, humidity, dryness and touch.

2. Shea Moisture Makeup Removing Wipes

I’ve used these makeup wipes for years, and if you’re an avid reader of the blog or one of my clients you probably know how much I love them!!! The Shea Moisture Makeup removing wipes are one of Allure’s Best of Beauty picks for 2017. Allure’s editors try thousands of products and announce the best of the best, mass and prestige, every October. (It’s kind’ve a big deal!) These makeup wipes are so gentle on the skin and remove every trace of makeup, even waterproof mascara. It’s easy to see why they made it into Allure’s Best of Beauty picks this year.

3. Gloss Bomb By Rihanna

An ultimate, gotta-have-it lip gloss with explosive shine that feels as good as it looks. I love anything with Shea Butter in it! I use the shade FENTY GLOW!

This universal lip luminizer delivers explosive shine in three shades that flatter all skin tones. One swipe of Gloss Bomb’s XXL wand leaves lips looking instantly fuller and smoother. The non-sticky formula is super shiny, and has an addictive peach-vanilla scent you just can't get enough of. Rihanna was obsessed with creating the perfect gloss that makes you want to put it on over and over again.

“I made it because I wanted the girls to get kissed more.”—Rihanna, Brand Founder

4. La Mer Sheer Pressed Powder

If you’ve been a reader on the blog for awhile, you probably know how much I love the La Mer Translucent Loose Powder. When they released their Sheer Pressed Powder I was so excited, because it’s perfect for traveling! This powder has all of the same blurring effects as the loose powder, but it’s so compact and mess free. That’s exactly what to look for when packing a travel makeup bag!

5. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Color

This product has become my holy grail bronzer ever since I first tried it on my channel. I have the shade deep and it’s absolutely amazing for warming up my complexion. I use this bronzer almost every single time I do my makeup, I seriously couldn’t travel without it!

6. Pérsona Cosmetics Identity Palette ($32)

Of course I can’t travel without my Persona Cosmetics Identity Palette, it has every shade I need to create eye looks for day or night.  The twelve warm buttery neutral shades compliment my brown eyes so well and blend so effortlessly on the lid. This palette is also great for travel because it’s so compact and fits perfectly in my makeup bag. It’s definitely at the top of my travel makeup bag essentials!

7. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè

This should have been NUMBER 1! It’s so important to be applying and moisturizer on the daily, and this Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè  is absolutely amazing. It’s great for sensitive skin and is so lightweight! 24-Hour Miracle Cream The must have product for makeup artists, models and celebrities. A cult favorite that has found its way onto countless photo shoots, television and film sets internationally. This creamy lotion is three products in one: primer, moisturizer, and make-up remover. Its formula remains extremely simple and effective with nourishing ingredients that restores the skin’s natural glow and gives a boost to tired dehydrated skin. Non oily so it sits perfect under makeup. Great for the whole body!!!!

8. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

This Too Faced mascara is a great product to take with you on your next trip! It creates such a thick, long, voluminous lash look that really opens up the eyes. I love wearing this with a full face of makeup, but it looks just as beautiful on the lashes with minimal shadow. I can’t say enough good things about this mascara.

9. Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint

This is another product I’ve raved about endlessly over the past few months, and it’s the best lip balm with a sheer tint I’ve ever used! When I’m not sure what lip product to wear, or my lips need a boost of hydration, I always gravitate towards this product. It’s a lip product that I always am glad is in my makeup bag.

How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

We paint, contour, and flush our faces with makeup brushes every day, but how often are those brushes being cleaned after the fact? Turns out, not enough. (Shocker.) According to dermatologists and makeup artists, we should be sudsing up our tools on a weekly basis — at least — in order to prevent bacteria buildup, which can ultimately led to unwanted breakouts. We here at Neonfix have to clean our brushes after EVERY client. We are a bit OCD. Read on to find out how to clean up your makeup brushes the right way.

First of all, how often should you clean your makeup brushes?

Most dermatologists will tell you to soak your tools, especially foundation and concealer brushes, once a week — at minimum — to prevent product buildup. Because these brushes are used on your face, the cleaner, the better, says Bobbi Brown. "Brushes that are used around the eyes should be cleaned at least twice a month," she says. "All others can be washed once a month." We definitely think you should wash weekly if not daily.

According to makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci, soaping up your makeup brushes regularly can extend the life of the bristles and make for a better makeup application. "Brush hairs and sponges are porous, so they hold onto oils, debris, and bacteria," she says. "If your brushes are dirty, your application will be spotty and blending will be difficult."

What should you use to clean your makeup brushes?

The best (and most thorough) method for cleaning your tools requires only water and either a basic shampoo (nothing with too much protein /keratin which can stick to brush hairs and make it difficult to apply product.), gentle soap (regular soap formulas can dry out the brush's bristles, especially if they are made of natural hair) or brush cleanser. (Easy, peasy.)

How do you actually clean the brushes?

Follow these seven steps for cleaner, good-as-new brushes and blenders.

1. Wet the bristles with lukewarm water.

2. Place a drop of makeup brush cleanser, shampoo or soap into the palm of your hand.

3. Gently massage the tips of the bristles in your palm.

4. Rinse the bristles.

5. Squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean towel.

6. Reshape the brush head.

7. Let the brush dry with its bristles hanging off the edge of a counter, thereby allowing it to dry in the correct shape. Never let your brushes dry on a towel — the bristles can become mildewed.

Mid-wash, keep the base of the brush head away from soap and water. The bristles are glued to the base, and water and detergent can cause the glue to disintegrate and the bristles to come loose and shed. Do not dry vertically — this will cause water to leak into the ferrule [the piece that joins the bristles to the wand], which will also loosen the glue and lead to bristle loss.

Do you recommend any makeup brush cleaning products?

Three products stand out: My personal favorite is the Mac Cosmetics Brush Cleanser, the 2X Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove and Vera Mona Color Switch.

-Jhenelle Hill

ISSA MAC Cosmetics Summer. . .heat proofing your makeup. . .

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Barely there makeup down to a science--from glowing skin to groomed brows and tinted lips.

The emphasis on natural, barely there makeup is more evident than ever this year. Beauty experts and opinion makers are fixated on creating looks that highlight glowing skin. And were not talking about the overly “strobed” cheekbones of reality TV stars. The direction this season subscribes to the kind of glow that one gets post-workout or after a thorough facial. Think pinkish-gold flush. Dewy finish. Minimal coverage. And maybe, a show of adorable freckles.

Glowing Skin In Seconds. Start with MAC’s Strobe Tone Up Cushion Compact SPF 50. A spin off from the beauty label’s iconic Strobe Cream, this compact creates luminous radiant skin that easily glides onto skin. Fine pearl particles helps to achieve that glow from within. Use a sponge, brush or fingers when applying all over the face or on elevated parts. Top off your look with a spritz of MAC’s Prep and Prime Fix. This mother of all water mists now comes in two variants: Goldlite (for a bronzed finish) and Pinklite (for a subtle flush). Prep and Prime Fix is specifically formulated to hydrate and refresh skin, leaving a soft sheen. It may either be used alone or as a setting agent.

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

MAC Strobe Tone Up Cushion Compact

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

MAC Strobe Prep and Prime Fix Plus comes in Goldlite or Pinklite for a radiant, sheer finish

Brows For The Win. To compliment a look that celebrates skin that breathes, MAC makeup artists say, “eyebrows on-fleek are so last year.” For a while there, it felt like hyper-stenciled brows would be a beauty staple. It appears, however, as though women today are keen on celebrating their natural beauty and that would include brows that are less than perfect but well groomed. This is not to say that strays are not on-point. On the contrary, with this new direction, it is essential that one is able to keep brows shaped and in place.

We each have a distinct way of styling brows. Some like to fill them while others are partial to recreating texture. The Eyebrow Styler from MAC aids in precision application so that users are able to create hair-like strokes. A spoolie on the other end of the pencil makes it easy to groom and blend this long-wear formula. MAC’s Shape and Shade Tint, meanwhile, is a dual ended pen ideal for filling in brows. A sponge tip feature makes it easy to shape brows and keep them in place.

Vars City wants to Party and they have no chill!!! We just showed up with the airbrush, glitter and hairspray !

Makeup & Hair by #Teamneonfix 

From the desk of Jhenelle Neon: My Fave Winter Must Haves!

1.     Solution for Pale Legs & Arms.  I raced into Bluemercury Rittenhouse Square to figure out what to use on my pale winter legs, pre- a black tie wedding to which I was wearing a short dress. They team recommended the new NARS Laguna Body Tint SPF 30 Sunscreen. It did the trick! I used it on my legs and arms once I had my LBD on. Someone even commented on my “tan” and asked me where I had been! This would be great on the beach, given the SPF! Even brown girls need their legs bronzed sometimes!

2.       Neroli Love. Those of you that know me, know that my all time favorite fragrance is the original Acqua di Parma Colonia. A neroli and rose fragrance, I adore the light citrus scent. Neroli is extracted from the bitter orange tree and was made popular by a 17th century Italian ‘IT” girl, Anne Marie de Nerola. I have two new loves – Jo Malone's Basil Neroli, which has classic neroli but is spiced up and more green with the peppery basil addition. I have also always loved Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino, which has more depth and amber undertones! I can never have too much neroli!

3.       Teen Insight.  I’m always watching what teens are loving – they are the future. They are addicted to Glamglow’s Supermud Clearing Treatment. They swear it takes out all of their blackheads and completely clears their pores. My lil sister also loves her Foreo Luna 2 facial cleansing brush!

4.      New Creation. PowerGlow Eye Cream - which Blue Mercury has been working on for 4 short years - is finally here. Yes, glycolic in an eye cream! I am a glycolic addict. It is my favorite ingredient for line reduction, skin resurfacing and the “glow” we are always searching for. It was hard to get right -  I LOVE this, for under-eye luminosity and the reduction in the appearance of the laugh lines around the eyes. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

5.       Currently Using.  A quick list of what I’m grabbing for these days: Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Creamy Colourbalm in Cinnful - great evening nude with smoky eyes.  Lune+Aster RealGlow Primer - I've been using this with nothing over it on the days I feel like the No Makeup look. Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Lip and Cheek in Perfect Perfect Rose- my daytime go-to. ReVive Soleil Superieur SPF50- glorious under CC cream, tinted moisturizer, or any foundation.

Rihanna's New Fenty Galaxy Collection!

The new Fenty Beauty by Rihanna holiday collection is officially available at Sephora, guys, and if you thought it was gonna be some cheesy-ass red and green bullshit, you thought WRONG!

Seriously, how many times does she have to tell y'all she's a savage?!

The latest release is called the Galaxy Collection and it includes the Galaxy Eyeshadow Palette, Starlit Hyper-Glitz Lipstick, Cosmic Gloss Lip Glitter, Eclipse 2-In-1 Glitter Release Eyeliner, and the special 2-Way Eyeshadow Brush. 

@fentybeauty / Via instagram.com

The packaging is also AMAZING!!! Like, we kinda just wanna keep it on our vanity for decoration!

The Galaxy palette is a major standout with "14 celestial-inspired colors that range from sheer, glittering topcoats to smoky, shimmer-drenched hues."

@fentybeauty / Via instagram.com

Price: $59

Here are all the swatches on @lucinda212 so you can ~really~ see the pigment!!!

@lucinda212 / Via instagram.com

And since the first collection didn't have lipstick, we are SUPER hype that this one has four! The Starlit Hyper-Glitz shades have a shimmering chrome finish, but the formula is super creamy so you get sparkle without drying grit.

@fentybeauty / Via instagram.com

Price: $19 each.

If you're more of a gloss person, the Cosmic Gloss Lip Glitter also comes in four shades. Each color is "packed with iridescent glitter and drenched in mirror-like shine."

@fentybeauty / Via instagram.com

Price: $19 each.

And then there's this super cool Eclipse 2-In-1 Glitter Release Eyeliner that gets more intense as you blend it. For a more subtle metallic finish, apply and leave as is. But for a high-impact sparkle, blend it with the Galaxy 2-Way shadow brush! It's available in three shades.

@fentybeauty / Via instagram.com

Price (liner): $20 each.

Price (brush): $24

XOXO Neon

An Explainer On Fashion's New It Model, Alexis Ren

Last month, New York magazine's The Cutpublished an article titled "Instagram’s Teen Idol on What It’s Like to Be ‘Perfect,’" which catalogued the heavily documented (read: public) life of 19-year-old model Alexis Ren. Her social media feed, though followed by more than 7 million people, looks less like a fashion insider's and more like that of a lifestyle blogger. In the past few months, however, Ren has decided she's ready to change that.

"In the future, Alexis hopes to transition her bikini success into more high-fashion jobs," Allie Jones writes, adding that the model has some big-name ambitions. "I look up to Gigi Hadid," she said. "I love where she’s taken herself, I love what brands she’s working on. I respect her because I understand… I mean, girls like her open the doors for girls like me. So all I can do is thank her.” Gigi’s entrée into the fashion world was also nontraditional; she started racking up Instagram followers after appearing with her mother on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Now she and fellow reality star Kendall Jenner are two of the top models in the world. Alexis could be one TV appearance away from that mainstream success."

Sure, she may not have a dedicated Models.com page just yet, but what Ren does have is a growing list of industry commitments; she made the rounds at New York Fashion Week in September, sitting front row instead of walking, she's attended a slew of parties and events, and she's earned one major seal of approval from photography maestro Mario Testino himself. If you ask us, she's following the Hadid/Jenner route (minus the famous family) to success — and we're going to guess it's only a matter of time until we see her face in a L'Oreal campaign, or on the Victoria's Secret runway.

Since we're bound to start seeing Ren everywhere, we suggest getting to know the It Girl du jour. Click through for 10 reasons why she might just be the next big thing.