Shortly after her 25th birthday, Stephanie Madsen of Derailing My Diagnosis received news that changed her life forever — she was diagnosed with a rare form of cervical cancer and given a less than 20% chance to survive. After four years, 55 chemotherapy treatments, 28 radiation sessions and four major surgeries, her perspective on life has been radically altered. “Believe it or not, she says, heaping amounts of good can come from a terminal diagnosis.”

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie. Learn more below about this Bigger Than Beauty™️ whose mission is to inspire women around the world to thrive!

Q. Tell us more about how your triumph over cancer has changed you personally in a positive way.

A. Prior to my diagnosis, I was a twenty-five year old newlywed. My husband and I had our lives all mapped out. We planned to buy a home, have kids and live happily ever after. But when cancer entered the picture, everything changed. Once the dust settled, we realized the magnitude of our loss. Yet through the rubble of grief, we've discovered a joy so profound that now looking back over the last four years, we wouldn't change the journey in the slightest. Cancer has brought tremendous loss, pain, and suffering, but it's also brought immeasurable joy and gratitude as well. We live our lives differently—making sure to keep our priorities in the right order, and not get too wrapped up in the meaningless facets of life. We celebrate frequently, as each day is a gift. We love deeper and laugh often. We no longer run through life, we stroll, careful to observe and appreciate everything.

Q. You are taking over the world! From public speaking to writing for some of the top journals, what has been the highlight of your year so far?

A. While being on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” is quite incomparable, I can say that each opportunity is different and wonderful in its own way. From writing for multiple organizations and publications around the world, to speaking to survivors and hearing their stories of victory over cancer, every experience is treasured. However, solitary moments pale in comparison to the relationships I have gained by sharing my journey. Most people fighting this disease don't feel like they have a voice. The truth is, we each have a story that could profoundly impact and influence those around us. Though I have chosen to be public about my story to inspire others, my readers and viewers inspire me more than they know. The emails and messages I receive daily encourage me immensely. We aren't meant to live this life alone and our community is often far greater than we realize.

Q. If you could give a fellow Thriver any advice, what would it be?

A. Oftentimes I hear fellow thrivers express that cancer has immobilized them not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Though it feels like cancer has pressed the pause button on your life, know that your life isn't paused at all. These weeks, months, and years are all a part of your story. Stop waiting to be cancer-free to live the life you want. Your moment is now. There will be days that bring overwhelming sorrow. Allow yourself to cry, process and grieve. And when your tears have dried, pick yourself up and choose joy. Joy will not just happen to you. Unlike happiness, joy is not an emotion, but rather a conscious decision. Decide to be joyful despite your circumstances.

Q. What is one beauty tip you that you think the world should know about?

A. Beauty is redefined upon diagnosis. As women, our entire lives have been shaped by what the world says is beautiful. Cancer will either shackle you to the conformity of society's standards, or propel you to break through and transform your view. Our hair is not what makes us beautiful. Our size is not what makes us beautiful. I encourage women daily to look beyond the mirror to find their beauty. Your strength, courage, and determination is beautiful. Your kindness, compassion, and love is beautiful. Don't let your beauty be defined by what you have or don't have. Let it be defined instead by who you are. The greatest beauty tip I can share is do what makes you feel your best. For me, it's brows, lashes, and lipstick. When not a single hair remained on my body, I felt my best when I drew my eyebrows on, donned my Jackie Lashes by Thrive Causemetics, and added a hint of lip color. Simplicity is key.

Q. What is your favorite quote or mantra that you live by?

A. People follow your grief. Where are you going to lead them? You don't have to have a public stage to be on a platform. Whether your story is being viewed by your immediate family and friends, the community that surrounds you, or people from around the world, you have a voice. Have you ever seen someone so enveloped in their trauma that they have become bitter and angry? We've all seen someone overcome by the grip of grief and swallowed whole by sorrow. Some people often become so defined by their circumstance that they completely lose themselves in it. We have the opportunity to usher people into the freedom that hope provides. Let your joy be contagious. Lead people to hope.

Q. What is your ultimate dream, or are you living it now?

A. I once longed to someday be a stay at home mom with a white picket fence around a beautifully manicured lawn. Now, I want to unlock the gate and walk beside those who are trapped in their grief and circumstance. My dream is to continually inspire others to realize that they are more than their diagnosis. Cancer can cripple, yet hope can heal. No one should walk a journey alone. Through my chaos, I have been called into a purpose much greater than myself. The life I'm living is my dream. After four tremendously challenging battles against cancer, I am now fifteen months free of the disease. My life has been forever altered, and I am privileged to share my story. I continue to travel and speak to those fighting similar battles. I also share my heart as I write on my blog, derailingmydiagnosis.com. I'm currently working on my first book, and look forward to witnessing the lives it impacts. My husband and I have also begun our adoption journey and are excited to welcome the beautiful children that God places in our family. Life doesn't end upon a cancer diagnosis, it truly begins.

Tonight marked the 73rd Annual Golden Globes Awards and the stars came out in full force for this iconic event! One of most buzzed about looks of the night was Kaley Cuoco, her stunning red dress and fresh-faced glam. 

When Kaley Cuoco hits the red carpet, she makes sure to bring her trusted glam squad including celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg and celebrity hair stylist Christine Symonds.

Photo credit: Jamie Greenberg. Pictured left to right: Christine Symonds, Kaley Cuoco, Jamie Greenberg. 

Jamie used our Infinity Waterproof Brow Liner in shade Audrey (our most popular shade!) along with our Infinity Waterproof Lash Adhesive to complete the beauty look.

Here are a few of our favorite behind the scenes pictures taken by Jamie and Kaley at the Golden Globes and InStyle’s Golden Globes party.

Awards season is officially among us and the Golden Globes are one of our favorite shows! This kicks off a whirlwind of awards shows where we get to see all of Hollywood’s elite walk the red carpet and show off their amazing beauty looks.

Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg took to Yahoo Beauty’s Instagram and Snapchat to give us all a sneak peak at the look she’s creating for Kaley Cuoco. Here’s a first look at what you can expect to see on Kaley Cuoco this evening.

Jamie used Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Brow Liner in Audrey to sculpt the perfect eyebrows for Kaley. She trusts our  to keep Kaley’s eyelashes in place thanks to our 24-hour hold.

Here’s a look back at one of Kaley Cuoco’s best Golden Globes red carpet beauty looks from the 2013 Golden Globes.

Stay tuned for a complete breakdown of Kaley’s look once she hits the red carpet!

Tell us in the comments below, who is your favorite star to watch during awards season?

We get it. Cleaning your makeup brushes is a total pain, but washing them weekly is essential to maintaining their shape and removing bacteria that can cause breakouts. Well-maintained brushes also allow for flawless blending and even makeup application.

Here’s the DIY makeup brush cleaning recipe we use at Thrive Causemetics to maintain the integrity of our favorite makeup brushes:

• ½ cup witch hazel
• 2 tsp castile soap
• 1 tsp nourishing oil (jojoba oil, olive oil, almond oil or avocado oil)
• 1 cup water
• 2 mugs, drinking glasses, or bowls

Try it: Combine all ingredients in a bottle and shake until blended together. Store extra brush cleaner for future use.

To clean your brushes:

1. Start by running your brushes under warm water to rinse out all residual makeup.

If your brushes are especially dirty or stained from highly pigmented makeup, using your second mug, let your brushes soak in a small amount of warm water.

1. Pour a small amount of your DIY makeup brush cleaner into a mug or class. Add a small amount of water and swirl your brush in the solution, then keeping the brush in at a downward angle to avoid getting water into the handle, also know as the farrell. 

For natural brush bristles, use a sweeping back-and-forth motion.

For synthetic bristles, swirl in a circular motion.

1. Rinse brush under running water once again. Repeat steps two and three until water runs clear from your brush.
2. Wipe your brush clean with a cloth or paper towel.
3. Twirl brush at a downward angle to remove any additional water, then reshape and lay flat to dry.

And if all else fails, call Ryan Gosling to clean your makeup brushes for you. 

If you’re like me, you may believe that more is better when it comes to skincare. Even after nearly a decade in the beauty industry, I still find myself layering serum upon serum, plus a cream, plus two different sunscreens. Yes, I have a problem.

To keep myself from pouring money down the drain and potentially harming my skin, I created this all -star ingredient guide to reference any time I am tempted to layer irresponsibly.

Vitamin C

Why we love it: Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants and skin brighteners out there which is why we use it in our Infinity Brow Liner. Using Vitamin C in the morning will neutralize free-radicals and prevent environmental damage while encouraging cell turnover to brighten and smooth skin.

Best time of day to use it: Morning

Ingredients to avoid combining with:

• Salicylic Acid
• Glycolic Acid

Both salicylic and glycolic acids alter the pH of the skin and products you mix them with. Even the most stable form of Vitamin C which is L-Ascorbic Acid breaks down very easily, so it’s important to let this star antioxidant and skin brightener shine on it’s own.

Works well with:

• Peptides
• Glutathione
• Copper
• Hyaluronic Acid or it’s sister ingredient, Sodium Hyaluronate

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best hydrating ingredients because it holds 1000 times it’s weight in water meaning you get a ton of hydration without making your skin produce more oil. We use it in both our Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner and Infinity Brow Liner because it helps to keep your skin looking younger, longer! Glutathione is a battery charger to your cells and helps to enhance any other antioxidant you are using.

Glycolic Acid

Why we love it: Glycolic acid is a triple threat: it smoothes and brightens skin while treating clogged pores.

Best time of day to use it: Evening

Ingredients to avoid combining with:

• Retinol or any form of retinoids

On their own, Glycolic Acid and Retinol are powerful exfoliators. When combined, you run the risk of over-exfoliating your skin which can cause irritation, redness, and sun sensitivity.

Works well with:

• Green Tea
• Resveratrol
• Hyaluronic Acid or it’s sister ingredient, Sodium Hyaluronate

Green Tea and Resveratrol are super-stable antioxidants. When combined with the exfoliating benefits of Glycolic Acid, you benefit from free-radical protection and a brighter and more even-looking complexion. Hyaluronic Acid, the holy grail of hydration helps to seal in the benefits of Glycolic Acid and keep your skin from drying out.  

Salicylic Acid

Why we love it: Another triple threat, salicylic which is famous for treating acne also helps to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots along with fine lines.

Best time of day to use it: Evening, but if using twice daily, make sure to pair it with your favorite sunscreen.

Ingredient to avoid combining with:

• Retinol

Retinol helps to regulate oil production and smooth skin, but can be unstable. Combining Retinol with Salicylic Acid can cause redness and irritation. If your skincare routine calls for both Salicylic Acid and Retinol, opt for Salicylic in the morning and Retinol in the evening.

Works well with:

• Licorice Root
• Bearberry
• Soy

As natural, botanical brighteners, Licorice Root, Bearberry and Soy enhance the brightening benefits of Salicylic Acid.

Let us know how you layer your skincare products in the comments below!

YouTube star and celebrity makeup artist Jkissa is a Bigger Than Beauty™️. She uses her platform to teach the world cutting-edge beauty tips and tricks, but her mission is more than skin-deep. She wants to support those who are bullied and is working to eliminate bullying, one YouTube video at a time.

We were lucky enough to sit down with Jkissa, get her expert beauty tips and the inspiration behind her career as a makeup artist. Read below and prepare to be inspired!

Jkissa (pictured above) is wearing our vegan silk Faux Lashes in Robin, Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner in Lauren + Infinity Waterproof Brow Liner in Audrey. 

Tell us what inspired you to start as a makeup artist!
I was a young girl, bullied for my big eyes and even bigger forehead, and I never felt beautiful. I would come home after school and escape into this world of beauty tutorials, everyone kept talking about a huge beauty brand and being from the small town I am from, I thought for sure that it would not be available in my city. To my surprise, it was! I convinced my mom to take me, and I walked in there seeing all of the colors and was instantly entranced with everything. A makeup artist there came up to me and ended up doing my makeup, and I felt beautiful for the first time. Ever since then I knew I wanted to help someone else feel that way.
Then when I was bullied at school, I would come home and paint on my face and it was a world to escape in and what people would say about me didn't matter anymore because I felt beautiful. Fast forward to now, and here I am! Hoping to provide an escape for my friends (I hate the word fans and followers, the people who support me and watch my videos are much more than that)!

Who is your makeup muse?
I get a lot of inspiration from different things, I feel like my muse is my best friend/boyfriend Chris, the way he observes the world and sees things is something I wish I could do! He looks at everything with such love and light in his eyes and is constantly amazed by everything. It truly inspires me and I think that comes out in my makeup. He has taught me so much about life and various interests we both now share, like space!

Who inspires you to thrive?
My mom! She is a person that thrives, down to the core meaning of the word. When my parents were going through a divorce, she also found a lump on her breast and we went through many doctors appointments until we got the fortunate news that it wasn't cancerous. I have never met a person that can take on so much all at once and still smile and laugh like she does.

Tell us your favorite quote/mantra!
"You always fear, what you don't know." This rings so true to home for me, I am judged for my appearance and my tattoos at times and I always think those people are unfamiliar with my art expression and that is okay, let me introduce them to this and show them the positive light on something that is foreign to them. I always try to go into situations with that quote in mind, so my mind remains open!

Tell us more about your anti-bullying campaign.
With my artistry being so closely affected by bullying, my goal is to raise awareness about this and to help eliminate bullying. It would be a dream of mine to go back to my old high school and speak about being bullied and not feeling good enough and turning that into a positive. I hope to relate to people that have been bullied or are being bullied right now! I want everyone who feels like they don't belong to know they have a place in the world, and that place is with me and my friends I have made! They do have a place in the world and are important.

What is your favorite makeup trick or technique you can't live without?
I love to wing out my eyeliner, but I love to clean it up after with a small detail brush and some concealer, it makes everything super sharp and nice. So even if I mess up (which I do quite a bit!), it takes care of the mistakes. :)

Wondering what to do with the extra champagne you have post-holiday? While we 100% recommend popping open a bottle of bubbly to keep the party going into 2016, it also makes a fabulous facial toner!

Facial toner is an excellent way to detoxify and balance the natural pH of your skin post-cleansing. Toner also helps to soften skin, unclog pores and even out your complexion.

Champagne contains high levels of grape seed extract, which means it is packed with antioxidants! Grape seed extract contains more vitamin C and E than most anti-aging products and it helps to slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin by protecting against environmental free radicals and oxidative stress. Our Infinity Waterproof Brow Liner contains L-ascorbic acid, the most stable form of vitamin C. 

Your favorite bottle of bubbly also contains tartaric acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid found naturally in many plants. Alpha-hydroxy acids help to lighten and even out hyperpigmentation in the skin due to overexposure to sun (sun-spots) or melasma. Grapes, cranberries, tamarinds and bananas have significant sources of tartaric acid.

Try it by simply soaking a cotton pad with room temperature or chilled champagne, then apply to your face after cleansing making sure to avoid the eye area.

Let’s be honest, creating a precise cat eye look is extremely intimidating. Symmetrical wings aren’t easy! Just like riding a bike though, practice makes perfect, and we’ve broken it down into four simple steps to get you started.

Begin at the inner corner of your eye and glide your Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner™ along the top lash line to the outer corner.

After sharpening your liner with its built-in precision sharpener, hold the tip vertically to your lash line and draw a thin line outward from the outer corner of your eye.

Draw a small, v-shaped line back toward the middle of your lid.

Tip: The line should point upwards towards the edge of your brow and stop underneath your crease.

Finish your look with falsies or mascara. We use Kristy lashes for the perfect, flared out cat eye every time.

If you need extra assistance getting those lines perfect, position a business card at an angle and draw along the edge.