Sunday, January 11, 2015

Mixed Crush using Orange, Red and Blue Colors



FACE:
  • Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre 
  • CaudalieVinoperfect Radiance Serum
I mixed the two products using my fingers and massaged it onto my face.
  • Michael Todd True Organic - Antiox Serum (only on my fine lines around my mouth)
  • BECCA Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme Foundation in Nude using Sedona Flat Top Buffer Brush#FB 07
I dabbed the brush in a stippling motion
  • Using a damp beauty blender, I repeated the step above.  This step helps blend your foundation evenly. 
  • Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer to highlight my t-zone using Sonia Kashuk Synthetic pointed Foundation Brush #121 & beauty blender
  • MAC Pro Sculpture to sculpt using Real Technique's Angle Foundation Brush.
  • Shades by Gal in Sunlit and IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation illumination in Medium Powder - go over the areas I highlighted using Sigma Brush #F 35
  • Buxom Bronzer in Tahiti using Real Technique's Contour Brush
  • MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Dark using Sigma brush #SS 150
  • MAC Limited Pro Longwear Blush in Make You Mine using Crown Brush Small Chisel Brush #C403
  • Buxom luminzer in Bankroll using Crown Brush Small Chisel #C403
  • MAC Fix +
EYES:
  • Tarte Maracuja C-brighter Eye Treatment
  • NARS Larger than Life Eye Primer
  • ColourPop e/s Sunnies on the crease and above the crease using MAC Brush #224
  • MAC e/s Red Brick on the crease using the same brush 
  • MAC Pearlglide Intense Eyeliner in Petrol Blue starting on lower lash line & working to outer crease
  • Urban Decay e/s Evidence from the Smoked Palette using Crown Blending Fluff Brush #C433, I blended the outer crease and lower lash line over Petrol Blue pencil. 
  • Urban Decay e/s Kinky from the Smoked Palette using a flat shader brush (no name) on my lid and brow bone
  • MAC Pigment Naked using the same flat shader brush (no name), I applied wet on my lid
  • Urban Decay e/s Black Out from the Smoked Palette using Crown Brush Large Gel Liner #C471 on upper lash line
  • Buxom Hold The Line Waterproof eyeliner in Call Me on water line
  • Urban Decay Subversion Lash Primer
  • Urban Decay Perversion Mascara 
LIPS:
Kat Von D. Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick 'A-Go-Go'

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

ColourPop Cosmetics

Colourpop is a new sensational brand that is affordable retailing at $5 each.  It has hit all over social media and everyone praise the brand for its pigmentation, long lasting and don't forget affordable products.  

It's an online brand located in California and currently sells a variety of eye shadow (pigment) colors in mix textures such as matte, metallic and satin; lip liners; and lipsticks.   They're also an animal free cruelty organization.  I strongly believe this brand will continue to grow to much more and I wish them all the best!

I first heard of ColourPop on YouTube by Danni from CoffeebreakwithDanni - she's so adorable.  She gave a very good review and I was immediately hooked, but didn't jump on the band wagon until December.  It was my treat for Christmas.

Although I've never tried the pigments until now, I always compared it (in my head) to MAC's limited Electric Cool Eye ShadowsThe texture sure does resemble since they're both soft and buttery. However, ColourPop is even softer, pigmented and cheaper.  You can use your finger or a brush to apply.  I find it easier using your finger when applying the metallic finish colors and a brush for the others.



The products are nicely packed in a white box and has big purple lettering.  The inside is surrounded by foam and paper for protection.  I love how Colourpop insert a personal note thanking there customers.  I was even more happy that they spelled my name correctly, lol. 

Swatches - no primer or based applied

I purchased a small order (for now) that includes: Limited Holiday 4 pigments set by Megan Naik; 3 pigments from the permanent collection; 1 lip liner & 1 lipstick.  

The Megan Naik collection was a collaboration.  I am not sure who is Megan or if she's a blogger and/or YouTuber.  I goggled her name, but never found her.   
The set includes (swatches above)/Left to Right: 
  • Onai - white w/blue violet opalescent duo chrome (Satin Finish)
  • Amira - antique gold (Metallic Finish)
  • Lectra - deep burgundy w/pink violet glitter (Metallic Finish)
  • Farah - deep brown (Matte Finish)
This collection is beautiful!!!  I love the color combination and how it's mix with matte, satin and shimmer.  Great job Megan!  This set cost $20. 

Lip Pencil 'LBB' and Matte Lipstick 'LBB"

The lip pencil and lipstick are a matte finish, but has such a rich and creamy texture that it softly glides on your lips.  The color is described as a rich plum wine and it's so pretty.
 


L to R: Sunnies; Get Lucky; and Amaze

  • Sunnies - Juicy vibrant orange with a satin finish
  • Get Lucky- intense ultra-metallic, liquid-like true gold
  • Amaze - Metallic rose gold with multi-colored multi-dimensional glitter.
Swatches (no primer or based applied) 

It is very important to keep the lid on and closed at all times when not being in used.  The texture of these pigments are so soft and buttery yet "wet" it can dry quickly.  In addition to it's texture, you must be careful where you store it because it can easily break.

Monday, January 5, 2015

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).



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 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

Thursday, January 1, 2015

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.....