November and December 2014 Favorites

The Body Shop - Olive Body Butter    

Early December

Current

One word - Obsessed!!!!!  I have never ever used body butters or any other products from the body shop.  It's an amazing product and this specific one works great for dry skin.  It also smells DeLiCiOuS.... It's on sale right now for $12 and The Body Shop just released a "Jumbo" size.  I'm waiting for my order in the mail :)

Michael Todd - Cleanse and Tone

 

I heard so many people rave about this brand on YouTube and blogs, but it never called my attention until now.  This is a 3-N-1 Cleanser, toner and makeup remover.  I love how soft and clean it leaves my face with no irritation (red).  It works great on all skin types and it's affordable.  I still like to use a makeup wipe to remove my makeup prior to cleanse. 
This new baby kicked my previous cleanser's ass to the side.

Lush - Hair and Ocean Salt Scrub

Top - L to R: Retread Hair Conditioner and Curly Wurly Shampoo / Bottom - L to  R: Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub and Superbalm Scalp Treatment

Lush is another company I have been obsessed with.  I love there facial masks and now there hair products.  I have dry scalp and skin so during winter I must use "heavy duty" items and so far these products have been working for me.  In addition to BIG shampoo (I've been using for while now), Curly Wurly shampoo works great for my curls.  The texture is very thick so a little goes a long way...even on my bee high.  
The Superbalm hair treatment comes in a small container but again a small amount goes a long way.  It leaves my hair "oily" once applied (thankfully I have dry hair), but if you have oily hair this product is not for you.  After applying conditioner it leaves my hair soft and helps with tangling.  
And last, the face and body scrub - O.M.G!  Now, I haven't used this on my face, but it feels like whip cream, smells delicious (I wonder if it tastes good?!) and leaves my skin feeling so nice.  It doesn't have any fall outs like other body scrubs so it won't leave any residue or fall out in your tube.

Caudalie - Instant Radiance Set

I had to pick up this holiday set because last year I made the mistake to wait thinking it would be "the last item sold at Sephora."   The set includes a full size Vinoperfect Radiance Serum and a small 1oz Beauty Elixir (mist).  This brand is pricey, which is why I like to purchase it during the holiday.  This set was $79  (the serum alone is $79 and the 1 oz mist is $18 = $97 plus tax) and I like the white box it comes in because it's magnetic and I can recycle it to use for something else.  

The Vinoperfect is an anti-aging serum that works great for people who suffers with dark spots yet it provides a luminous and hydration to your skin. It smells nice and leaves no irritation.  I actually use this as a primer and mix it with my facial lotion.

The Elixir is a soft mist and is described to help tighten pores and smooth your skin.  It can be used alone or over makeup.  It works as MAC's Fix +.  This is my first time ever using this product and I know I really like it but am still playing with it to see if it's effectively working to tighten my pores.  I do love the soft mist. 

IMPORTANT: This is glass so you need to be careful where you place or store it.

IT Cosmetics -  Concealer and illuminizer

Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer

Thankfully, I don't have under eye circles, puffiness or darkness.  What I do have is a nerve damage on the left side of my face called Bell's Palsy.  My left eye is constantly tearing and interrupts my makeup application grrrrrrrr.........
Therefore, I purchased this concealer because it's described to be "waterproof."  I purchased it in 'LIGHT' to use as a highlighter and see how it would stand up.  The first day I tried it, my eye was tearing out of control.  I wasn't sure if the concealer was irritating my eye being it was my first time trying it.  Overall, it held up to its bargain.  I didn't experience no crack, creasing or dryness.  The best part it didn't move my makeup application.  After a few re-applications, I experienced  eye irritation and long time tearing so I had to stop using this product.  I still think it's a great product.  The texture is light and feels like milk (soft yet watery).  Keep in mind that VERY LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY!

Hello Light Anti-Aging Creme' illuminizer

I LOVE my Shades by G.A.L (Grace Ann Long) illuminator powder in SUNLIT and will need to be replacing it soon.  Therefore, I picked this up during IT's Friends and Family 25% off.  I must say it works very well and has a nice sheer.  The compact comes in white with a mirror and a tiny soft brush (not for disposal).

Kevyn Aucoin - The Sensual Skin Enhancer

I purchased this product in May at the NYC Makeup Show, but I just recently started to use it.  The texture is very thick so it can be mixed with your foundation, however, I purchased a shade lighter than my skin so I am currently using it as a highlighter.  It doesn't irritate my eye and I love the finish look.  

MAC Limited - Pro Longwear Blush

'Make You Mine' Matte Blush

I must say the colors in The Matte Lip Collection were beautiful.  However, this blush is the one that caught my eye.  It's the only blush I continue to reach for since I purchased it in November.  The color is described as a dirty salmon.  

Bobbi Brown - Limited Highlighter - Pink Glow

This is my first Bobbi Brown purchase.  I picked it up in November with a gift card I received by Ebates (it's good to shop online :) I love the packaging, the color and texture is so smooth. It resembles a bit to MAC's limited edition Extra Dimension SkinFinish in 'Superb'

Bobbi Brown 'Pink Glow'

MAC Extra Dimension SkinFinish in 'Superb'

Sephora - Cream Llip Stain #04

Sephora Lip Stain in #04 and Maybelline Matte Lipstick in 'Touch of Spice'

I have been loving this combo and have been using it since November.  The colors are in the same color family except when it's combine it gives more of a pop yet prettier color on your lips.

Top to Bottom: Touch of Spice and #04 (Wet)

R to L: Touch of Spice; #04; and the two colors combined

Happy New Year - Welcome 2015

I hope you had a beautiful and safe New Year!  May 2015 bring a new journey full of goals!

My NEW Year's Resolutions are:

• limit from future purchasing
• try to complete current own makeup
• work more on networking, working on my blog and communication 
• stay more positive 
• move forward.....  

Novemeber Haul from Sephora VIB (20%); Beauty.com (20%) and NuMe (65%)

Sephora had a back-to-back discount with there Friends and Family and VIB Sale (20%) in the month of November

Beauty.com was also having there Friends and Family (20%) for the month of November.

Sephora:

This bag is not as big as it seems.  I just put all my products from Sephora and Beauty.com in 1.

I shopped online twice and during one trip I didn't use the VIB discount code because combined codes were not allowed.  I wanted  this bag full of travel and sample size products. Sephora was offering 3 different types of bags with different products.

Red snake pattern plastic bag 

Too Face La Belle Carousel

The set includes 12 eyeshadows; 2 blushes; 2 bronzers and deluxe size mascara (picture above)

Although the packaging reminded me of something you would find in a 5 year old girl's room the set overall is cute.  It includes 5 mini palettes, which 2 palettes are just blush and bronzer (the reason for my purchase), 3 eyeshadow palettes that consists 4 eyeshadows per palette and a deluxe size of Better Than Sex mascara.

Another reason I purchased this product is because it was a perfect stocking stuffer.  On the back of each palette it has "To:" and "From:" that made it so easy and friendly as a gift giver.

 

I purchased the oil-gel cleanser and scrub last year and really liked it.  Therefore, I was super excited with this year's holiday set because it came with the oil-gel cleanser, beauty oil and scrub.

I'm not big on perfume and have own very few in my life because I am allergic to most scent.  Yet, I love Chloe' and bought it as a stocking stuffer.  As a makeup junkie, I had to keep Roses of Chloe' for me :)

Benefit The Porefessional Primer

No matter how many primers I have used in the past, I always return to what I consider the BEST primer!  It's a silicone primer that works GREAT to reduce large pores, it's lightweight and dissolves easily without leaving any residue.  It even smells nice. 

Caudalie Vinoperfect Anti-Aging Serum

This is an expensive brand but worth every penny.  It's an anti-aging serum that helps with dark spots, dry skin and leave your skin looking and feeling rejuvenated. 

Soap & Glory Flake Away

I have repurchased this product about 4-5 times just in this year alone.  I can't get enough!  It leaves your skin fresh and soft and it smells delicious!  

I also purchased the other Flake Away that doesn't have Shea Butter (didn't take a picture - it was a Christmas present).

Beauty.com:

 

I only picked up 2 items from Beauty.com, which of course I regret because I usually buy my M. Kores perfume and I didn't :(

The Body Shop - Xmas 5 mini body lotion set

I bought this set as a gift giver for my coworkers at work.  The packaging is so cute that I really didn't want to open it :)

Lorac Holiday  3D Liquid Lustre

I think everyone should own at least 1 of these babies!  First, I want to point out the packaging - Beautiful!!!!   It comes in a red velvet box with large gold prints.  This is a great product especially for people who loves glitter but hate to deal with fall out because it enhances your eye application without the mess.  
* The one outside of the box is a re-promo from last year's holiday set.

L to R: Opal; 24K; Rose Quartz; & Platinum

• Opal is a white iridescent color mix with blue sparkle
• 24 K is obviously a gold color
• Rose Quartz is my favorite color.  It has a silver/white and a bit of gold sparkles
• Platinum is a gun metal color 

I posted this picture on my instagram (francesortiz80) the other day.  Yes, it's a horrible and out of focus picture, but you can see the true colors.  I was having so much problems getting a good shot and I guess its because I only used a primer and should have used a shadow as a base too.  Sorry :(

NuMe

These tools are my new 2 best friends - it's just PERFECT!  Now of course the Megastar iron is my favorite since it's the tool that I would get more use out of since I have natural curly hair. However, when I do have my hair straighten, I can now curl it to my desire.

October Favorites @Sephora/MAC/Drug Store

Sephora
Many cosmetic companies launched there Holiday palette/gift sets early this year.  I love shopping during the holiday for this same reason. You get products in a set value, which is usually at a great deal.

Buxom Holiday Dolly's High Roller Collection Palette

Front

Inside

L to R: Swatches of the eye shadow; Blush; and Bronzer

Back of the box (not on the palette)

My friend Anna gave me a Sephora gift card for my birthday so I saved it for the holiday shopping.
This palette includes (names of each shadow listed in the picture above):

• 4 eye shadows (2 matte and 2 shimmer)
• 3 cheek colors (blush, highlighter and Bronzer)
• 1 waterproof eyeliner (matte black) that works perfect on the waterline and for those who have sensitive eyes
• A duo lip gloss (sultry mauve/shimmering sultry mauve) 
• Face Chart Guide (it shows you how to create 2 different makeup application)

The Palette (Pros and Cons):

• The theme is obviously based on the game POKER.  Overall, I like to design and how it is compacted.
• The palette is bulky so I thought it had a compartment or compartments (like a jewelry box) to use for storage, but it does not.  
• It's not travel size friendly only because it's a large palette (air only) but if you're traveling local it's fine
• Palette is light weight
• The colors are organized and compliments one another well for use
• I love the fact it has 4 eye shadows - 2 matte and 2 with shimmer and it compliments any skin color

Hourglass - The Indestructible Matte Liquid Lipstick in 'Icon'

Travel Size Liquid Lipstick in 'Icon'

I love liquid lipsticks and when I first saw this lip color last year I have been obsessed.  However, this brand is a bit pricey.  I was so glad to see that it came in a travel size at Sephora for $10.00.  
*The color is similar to Kat Von D Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick 'Outlaw.' Hourglass 'Icon' 

Limited Ambient Lighting Blush Palette 

L to R: Luminous Flush (champagne rose); Incandescent Electra (cool peach); & Mood Exposure (soft plum)

I was so happy when Hourglass created this palette because you get 3 blushes in a palette for the price of 1 individual.  The palette is designed the same as the powder palette released in 2013 (currently permanent).  The blush palette is limited.  It's great for people who are not "blush" users, but would like to add a bit of color on the cheeks.

MAC 
Limited Rocky Horror Pigment and Lipstick

The Box

The Packaging

Top to Bottom: I.N.E.H.A.G.T & Cranberry eye shadow

Can you tell the difference?  
The two colors are very similar so if you didn't get your hands on this limited pigment you have an alternative with permanent eyeshadow 'Cranberry'.  

The lipstick 'Strange Journey' is my ultimate favorite. It's a red/orange matte color.

Sorry for the incomplete look. I was playing with eyelashes :)

Limited Lipstick 'Strange Journey'

   Drug Store Cosmetics 

Milani - the color is so pretty more like a rose-red, but when I arrived at home the lipstick broke after I swatch it on my  hand :(

Maybelline's NEW Matte lipsticks are beautiful, but #660 Touch of Spice is the color that caught my eye.  It's a beautiful rose/plum.  The color lasts a long time on the lips, glides on smoothly and compliments any skin color. 

Halloween 2014

Zombie Bride

Every year, I allow my children to choose our Halloween theme.  This year, my son Ethan chose 'Zombie' inspired by one of his favorite movie 'World War Z."  The only thing is that Ethan had trouble keeping to one theme this year because he changed his mind about 2 times.  At last, he chose to be -

I don't know what costume is this but Ethan loved it and had so much fun this year

and I stayed with the zombie theme.  I didn't know how to go about with this look, but I knew that I wanted to have a hanging eye and I didn't want to overdo the look using massive blood. I wanted the look to be spooky yet a bit pretty.  If you're interested on how I created this then keep on reading :)

All the tools I used

I first started out with creating my eye patch using:

• Toilet tissue
• Elmer's glue stick
• Mehron Liquid Latex - Skin Color
• Cotton ball 
• Blow dryer
• Mehron Paradise Body Paint Palette
• Spatula  

-I first colored a cotton ball to create an "eye ball" by using my Mehron palette.  Once I was done, I put it on the side to allow it to dry.  
-Then, I applied Elmer's glue stick on my brows (this helps when using liquid latex on the brow hair) 
-Next, I placed layers of toilet tissue on to my face using liquid latex (be caution when applying it especially in sensitive area like your eye.  This product can burn or irritate) and spatula 
-Used a blow dryer on "cool" to help dry the wet areas
-Once dry, I removed the entire patch (I used my blow dryer again to help remove)

Now, it's time for the fun part - makeup!

FACE:
-Used the "white" color from my Mehron palette, I filled in my eyebrows
-I mixed "Lo-Fi" (discontinued) lip tar from O.C.C, grey paint from the dollar store and my EX1 foundation using a beauty blender and applied it over my face, ears and a bit on my neck.
-I set it with MAC's loose Prep & Prime loose powder
-I used MAC's eye shadow 'Fig1' to sculpt my cheeks, forehead, nose and jaw.  I added a bit of Urban Decay eye shadow 'Blackout' on my cheeks and forehead to add more dimension as well as MAC's eye shadow 'Nocturnelle'

EYES:
-MAC Pro Paint Pot in 'Paintly' as a eye base
-MAC's eyeshadow 'Fig1', 'Nocturnelle' and 'Purple Haze' and blend all over crease, above my crease and lower lash line
-Urban Decay eyeshadow 'Asphalt' from the Smoked Palette on my lid
-Inglot Matte Collection AMC Eyeliner Gel Liner #79 on lower lash line
-Neutrogena and L'Oreal waterproof mascara 2 to 3 coats on upper and lower lashes
-I placed the eye patch back over my eye using liquid latex and touched it up with the same colors used on my face and eyes.
-Used my tweezers to cut a few holes on the tissue to make it look dramatic (BE CAREFUL doing this step)
-I added the fake "eye" ball back on the eye patch
-I added blood (not too much) 
-Last, I popped in a color white contact and my zombie bride look was done

LIPS:
-Stila Kajal Eyeliner 'Onyx'
-OFRA lip gloss 'Bordeaux'

Oh, I forgot to mention that I colored my teeth using gold and black tooth paint.

A few pics on Halloween Day -

I love my skeleton hands hair clip that I purchased at Target for $4.00