Wednesday, January 21, 2015

My Go-to Make up Products


Hey Fashionistas!!

I know I've been lost, but this Christmas Break I decided to take some family & Friends time, no distractions allowed.  I'm back now so let's talk beauty! I've received some questions on both Facebook and Instagram about the makeup products that I use on a daily basis. When it comes to makeup, there are certain products and brands that I stay loyal to, but there are also ones that I frequently change. (like mascara & blush) I am constantly experimenting with products and I suggest doing that until you find the ones that work the best for you!   Below you will find a guide of the ones that I tend to keep going back to.  Keep in mind that doesn't mean I don't try other brands or products, these ones are mostly the ones I buy again and again Knowing I will love them.


Like you know I'm more of a BB Cream type of girl, however I do own foundations that I use on special occasions and days.  For years, I was using MAC foundation mostly because I was just used to it.  However, as I have gotten older I realized that it was not really working for me and my skin.  It was too thick and I wanted something much lighter.  I started using Make Up For Ever over a year ago and now I don't think I want to use any other foundation.  It's light, matches my skin tone perfectly and the best part is that it doesn't even feel like I have foundation on.  The downside is that it's a little more expensive, but for me it's worth it! 

This is a little trick that I learned from one of my friends who is a make-up artist. Are you the type of person that has a lot of concerns with the dark circles under your eyes?  This is all based on a color theory.  Since our dark circles are typically "blue," the opposite color would be orange so they cancel each other out. I have been using this for a few months now and it's made a big difference.  You only need to use a little bit so this has lasted for a while. 

I have the same story with my concealer as I do with my foundation.  Previously for years, I was using MAC concealer and then I made the switch over to Make Up For Ever.  This is definitely one of my favorite concealers and I've seen a big difference from when I started using it. And don't get me wrong, I still love me some MAC products, and I definitely L-O-V-E their Pro Longwear Concealer, in fact its one of my favorites also.

I incorporated this into my makeup routine earlier in 2014 and I love the soft glow that it leaves on my face.  I put it on my cheekbones and by my brows and a little under my eyes as well.  It's a cream-to-powder highlight making it very easy to manage and blend. 

I thank GOD and my friend who got me this as a birthday gift.  I use this every single day after applying my concealer.  It can be used as a highlighter, concealer or an all around touch-up tool.  I use it as a highlight specifically underneath my eyes and it really helps to brighten up that area much more. 

I have used a bunch of different bronzers and so far this is one of my favorite ones.  I started using it back in November 2014 and I've been hooked ever since.  I love the fact that it's matte because sometimes bronzers can make you look way too shiny.  It also works really well with my skin tone.

I was previously using a blush from MAC that is always sold out whenever I try to get a new one, so in the meantime I got this one.  I actually like it though! This one is very pink so it needs to be blended in well. 


I have all 3 palettes but I tend to use this one the most.  I love the neutrals for every day wear.  I tend to mix a lot of different colors together my favorites being Virgin, Half Baked, Smog, Dark Horse and Hustle.  I use Virgin as the highlight and I love putting Half Baked on my lid near the corners of my eyes for a golden shimmer. 

I tend to use this palette frequently too.  Some days I use this one instead of the Naked1 or I pack it in my makeup bag along with the Naked Basics and use it for quick touch ups on the go.  

This is a must!  I've been using it for over a year and it's one of my favorite products.  It goes on ultra sheer and is perfect for priming your eyes before applying any shadow.  It also helps to keep the eye makeup stay on longer. 

As I said I love trying new stuff and products.  Thanks to a friend I came across this little friend.  I must say this is a great way to fill your brows in a bit more.  I then blend it with an eyebrow brush. It's pricey for such a small bottle but it actually lasts awhile.  Make sure you don't put too much on! 

I swear by this liner.  I've been using it for a very long time and have no complaints. It comes in different colors and they all last a very long time. I apply it on my lower lid and it really helps to define my eyes.  It stays on majority of the day too and I rarely have to touch it up.  

I am constantly trying out new mascaras, but this one just made it's way to the top of my list.  I have only been using it for a couple of weeks, but it's made a big difference with my lashes.  It doesn't clump, it spreads out my lashes perfectly and makes them appear much longer.  

When I want to do a little cat eye, I use this liner.  I like it because It definitely makes it much easier to achieve that cat eye effect we all love. NYX its an affordable an easy to find brand so you will have no problem getting it. I just wish there was more liquid in the tube so that it would last longer.  

This is my every day liquid liner for my top lid.  The felt tip makes the liner go on super smooth and the black is very bold.  It doesn't smear and it lasts a really long time. For liquid Eye lines I MUST say I also LOVE LOVE the Stila All Day Waterproof Eye Liner.    

I am lipstick obsessed and as much as I love my reds, wines and dark colors, I tend to stand to neutrals and pinks for every day  and office wear.  I have a couple of favorites that I keep on rotation, but lately it's been all about Turn On, a rosy pink and Rush a beautiful neutral that goes with every skin color.

I know this post was a long one, but I hope you enjoyed it!

Happy Wednesday & Happy Styling!!!

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Sunday, November 16, 2014

MAC Keepsakes Holiday Collection 2014

MAC Keepsakes Collection-Holiday 2014
Give your look the royal treatment this holiday! 
Hey Dolls!! Like we all know by now the holidays are here which means one more excuse to go shopping, buy make up, and have the Glam look all the time & every time.  And if somebody knows about making Glam happen is M·A·C.  They have introduced a collection of chic, coordinated sets for eyes, lips and face in a variety of color combinations for easy gift-giving options.  Eye and Lip Bags, Face Palettes, Brush kits and a limited-edition Viva Glamorous Lip Palette housed in special-edition cameo adorned cases that give your gifts a look that is positively resplendent.
 The Limited-Edition M·A·C Keepsakes Collection includes:
MAC Keepsakes eye palette
M·A·C Keepsakes Eye Collection includes 3 palettes ($39.50 each):  Plum Eyes (my favorite!),Beige Eyes and Smoky Eyes. There are 8 coordinated eyeshadow shades in a glittery keepsake box adorned with a cameo.
MAC Keepsakes Lip Bags
M·A·C Keepsakes Lip Bags ($39.50 each) feature posh shades of Lipstick, Lipglass and Lip Pencil in three colour palettes: RedNude and Coral (online only).
MAC Keepsakes Eye BagM·A·C Keepsakes Eye Bags ($39.50 each) make the perfect evening accessory. Included are Eye Shadow, In Extreme Dimension Lash and Eye Pencil in three majestic palettes: SmokyPlum and Brown.

MAC Keepsakes Face Kits
M·A·C Keepsakes Face Palettes ($49.50 each) in Natural and Smoky, feature three Eye Shadows, one Iridescent Pressed Powder, a Cream Colour Base and two Lipsticks, in an elegant range of hues to keep you regally refined both day and night. Sleek, glittering compacts in black and white are accented with a cameo medallion.

MAC Keepsake Brush sets
There are three M·A·C Brush Kits ($52.50 each):  Mineralize, Studio and In Extra Dimension. I always recommend buying these limited-edition brush sets; they’re an excellent value and I absolutely love them!

MAC Keepsakes Exclusives
Each of the Keepsakes Silver Lip & Eye Bag and Keepsakes Gold Lip & Eye Collection (The Gold one is a Nordstrom exclusive!) sets ($59.50 each) contain a Mineralize Eye Shadow Quad, Mineralize Rich Lipstick, Mineralize Glass packaged in a sleek glitterized grey clutch with a cameo-embossed zipper pull. Love these!
MAC VIVAGLAMOROUS Bag and Palette
Viva Glamorous Bag ($30) and Lip Palette ($40) – a first edition lip palette with six iconic Viva Glam shades! Every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM Rihanna goes toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
I've seen several items from the Keepsakes Collection and they’re beautiful.  The Studio Brush Kit is definitely one to pick up — for yourself, as well as a gift! The pearlized handles in winter white are so elegant. I also love the ‘Beige Eyes‘ Eyeshadow Palette. This palette is great for the neutral lover (and who isn’t!?!). Also shown is the Objects of Affection Nude + Red Cremesheen Glass & Dazzleglass set ($35), which is seriously gorgeous, even for Matte lipsticks lovers like me.
The Limited-Edition M·A·C Keepsakes Collection is out now in department stores and on  maccosmetics.com. I love buying M·A·C gifts; everyone loves them and they’re always memorable. Most of these sets will sell out, so I wouldn’t wait long. Are you planning on picking any of these collectibles up? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Styling!!

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Saturday, November 8, 2014

Its Starting to smell a lot like Christmas.....

Hello My Beautiful Fashionistas!!! 
   I KNOW I've been totally MIA, lost from the blogging world and I apologize for that.  As some of you may know I recently graduated from Law School, and in the past months I had to  hide myself in my house and study for the Bar Exam.  This required all my time and attention which kept me away from all of you for quite some time.  After that I took a little vacation to rest from all the studying, reading and long nights, and to catch up with family and recent changes that were taking place around me.  Anyways, I'M BACK and for the perfect season, The Holidays.  This is by far my favorite season of all.  I love Christmas, family gatherings, and parties.  I just love everything that surrounds the Holiday Season.  This of course includes gifts.

   I don't know about you, but for the past 2 years I have shop for at least 90% of my Christmas gifts online. This requires research and time, but keeps you away from the mall madness and the never ending lines.  Whether you do your shopping online or at the Mall, you must likely have run into a zillion Holiday Limited Edition Beauty Products, I know I have.  Every year, picking out the very best gets harder and harder, but lets not panic, take a look at my picks for the top holiday Limited Edition Beauty Products. 
Charlotte Tilbury Genius Talking Gift Box

(1) Charlotte Tilbury Genius Talking Gift Box ($265, Nordstrom). Here is what I know about this from the press release: “Gift the ultimate in “makeup made easy” with this exclusive talking video box. Combining the vintage wonder of an old-fashioned Ballerina jewelry box, and the technological ease of an iPad, you can watch, learn and apply makeup just by opening the lid. Charlotte shares her secrets step-by-step, bringing her artistry to your fingertips. For a limited time only, you can get The Supermodel Look – the perfect smoky eye that looks good on every skin tone.” Need I say more?! The set includes The Supermodel (Luxury Palette in The Fallen Angel, K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Confession, Lip Lustre in Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (or L.S.D), Cheek to Chic Blush in Sex on Fire, Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eye Pencil in Bedroom Black, Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk & Full Fat Lashes Mascara). Basically all of your CT must haves but in one set with a newly released quad. 

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lipstick Charms


(2) Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lipstick Charms ($35, Nordstrom).   I you follow me for sometime now you know I LOVE lipsticks.  These are smaller versions of the the Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick and are perfect to keep in a small purse or even your pocket. The shades included are So Marilyn, Penelope Pink and Bitch Perfect.


NARS Brushes

(3) NARS Kabuki Brush Set ($149, narscosmetics.com). Three of NARS iconic brushes in a gorgeous keepsake box – Mie Kabuki Brush Mizubake Kabuki Brush and the Kabuki Eye Brush. I don’t own any NARS brushes, so I feel like I’m totally justified  in buying this. Definitely.


NARS Lipstick

 (4) NARS Vault ($500, narscosmetics.com). You guys this is so expensive but could you imagine owning it?!  I think I died a little when I saw this amazing set.  It’s got 10 Audacious Lipsticks (Raquel, Anita, Jane, Claudia, Michiyo, Grace, Lana, Carmen, Vivien, Sandra) and 10 Nail Polishes (Ecume, Ithaque, Orgasm, Trouville, Schiap, Hunger, Dovima, Jungle Red, Purple Rain, Back Room) all in a keepsake box with a mirror. Yes, please.... Totally IN LOVE!

rudolph

(5) LUSH (prices vary, lushusa.com). Anyone you talk to knows I’m obsessed with cute packaging,  and LUSH  and their  holiday offerings are buying their way into my hearth. This year they have even more adorable sets going on… my faves are Rudolph ($37.95)Little Snow Fairy ($13.95) and WOW! ($299.95) because it contains everything! What’s particularly nice about the LUSH sets is you can find one to fit any budget – big or small.


UD lip set
(6) Urban Decay Full Frontal Lipstick Stash Set ($39, Sephora). I’ve got such a thing for lipsticks, I know!! And if their mini and fit into any purse, I mean why not?! This set includes six miniature shades of the Revolution Lipstick (Ladyflower, Crush, Illicit, Gash, Liar and F-Bomb) and a full size 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Ozone.  If you have read previous post you know I love the Revolution Lipstick, their pigmentation, and texture is amazing on the lips. I was going to include the Naked Vault but it’s already sold out! You guys work fast!

MUFE set

(7) Make Up For Ever Makeup Station ($300, Sephora). This is full of all the things you need to beautify your face for holiday festivities and anything in between – 30 iconic bestsellers for eyes, lips, and the complexion. Other sets worth mentioning (because they’re definitely more budget friendly) are the Studio Case ($59.50 – 12 Artist Shadows and 1 Matte Liner) and the Beauty Kit ($39 – the six bestselling makeup artist essentials).

Tarte set
(8) Tarte Bon Voyage Collector’s Set And Travel Bag ($59.00, Sephora). A lot of Tarte’s finest goodies all housed in a portable and gorgeous travel case. A chic, portable travel bag filled with limited-edition, over sized must-have beauty essentials for the eyes, lips, cheeks, and complexion. I love this because the shades are perfect for more than just the holidays and are the types of colors that are flattering and easy to wear.

Laura Mercier set


(9) Laura Mercier Into The Wild Book Collection ($125, Sephora). I love Laura Mercier, I have to say every product I have tried I have fallen in love with.  This gift set set contains three complete palettes – Safari Chic, Jungle Chic and Tribal Chic. With a total of 16 eye shadows, highlighters, eyeliners, cheek colors, and more it’s definitely a fantastic collection for beauty lovers that like to switch up their looks.



(10)  I often give philosophy’s gift sets for the holidays; everyone loves these adorable sets. This year, one of my favorites is the philosophy pink marshmallow buttercream trio ($24). This set includes a lightly-fragranced (a cross between frosting and marshmallows!) Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, body cream and lip shine.
(11) The holidays are the best time to buy fragrances; special sizes and extras give you a lot for your money. Daisy Dream is the new fragrance from Marc Jacobs. Think of it as ‘Daisy’s’ more sophisticated older sister! The Daisy Dream Gift Set ($99) includes a large fragrance, Radiant Body Lotion and rollerball packaged in a keepsake box

Yeah… I’m going broke this year for sure. Must buy all the pretty things. 

Tell me which Gift set is your favorite and where can I find more of this pretty things!! 

Happy Styling!!
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