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Whether in Life you need to put your game face on, your sad face on, your happy face on, your mean face on, your dream face on, or your best foot forward...Personality is an art form. Makeup is an art form. And so the two meet.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Review: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup


Okay, so I have to admit this is probably my favorite foundation available at the drugstore. It cost ranges from around 11-14 dollars, depending on where you shop. I've been using this on and off since I was 16. I am now 18. Forewarning, this foundation isn't for everybody. If you need lots of coverage..this probably isn't for you.
Pros.
1. Low Cost
2. Cute Packaging
3. Gentle on your skin
4. Kickbutt staying power for a drugstore found.
5. SPF 20 in the product
6. Product claim: Rich in antioxidants and improves skin..( which it did for me)
Cons.
1. Shades lean towards people with warm undertones more so..so some ppl might have problems trying to find the correct shade for their skin
2. Runny formula can get messy trying to apply with a brush
3. Neutrogena doesn't offer too many dark shades I think the darkest is around tan, which is a bummer because everybody should able to try this awesome foundation
4. Light to medium buildable coverage...which might not suit some people..because a lot of ppl have problem areas to cover...BUT I will say this foundation does improve your skin tremendously...wearing it everyday helped even out my skin even when I washed the makeup off.
5. Difficult to apply with cheap makeup sponge...some of the product absorbs into the sponges I use unlike some thicker formulas..you might want to use a stippling brush for great application..But If you can purchase a better quality sponge..it works great. I recommend Sonia Kashuk blending sponges.
Overall, one of my favorite foundations for going to work...it reminds me of a tinted moisturizer because the formula is so light. Even out of the higher end cover up products I use, I keep coming back to this foundation every now and then, you should definitely try it! My shade is honey beige, and I bought it at CVS for 12 bucks. Can't go wrong!

Friday, March 12, 2010

Moroccan Oil, What's the Deal with this stuff?


Hey beauties! So, several weeks back I was super excited to receive all my Moroccan Oil products I purchased from Amazon..I only bought it because of the free shipping...I bought the trial size of Moroccan Oil..just in case I hated it..its 12 bucks for the tiny bottle. Then I bought the Moroccan Oil intense hydrating mask, and then the styling creme for my moms which she hasn't used yet...First off, I am 100 percent aware that this isnt 100 percent pure argan oil lol..but I didn't care. If it has silicones in it, and its going to make my hair look better...then more power to the product...only...after using this for awhile...I am definitely not amazed. I actually hate this product! I've found that products people complain about, I find to be lovely...EX: MAC foundations, Bare Minerals Foundations, Herbal Essences Hair Mousses, and that cheap Maybelline mascara in the pink and green tube which my best friend despises haha...anyways off topic...At first, I thought it might be because I was using too much of the product....so by the time I cut the amount used..i got down to a little less then dime size. This did nothing for my ends. It cuts the drying time for my hair...which for some people that's great, but I hate it. I'm used to having thick hair, and after getting out of the shower..being able to do a few things without even brushing my hair and applying product, but with this by the time I get to style my hair it has already started drying. It also makes my hair feel much thinner than it is..it loses body..and my hair becomes too "pliable" if this makes sense. I'm such an oddball. First, I hated Biosilk, and now I hate this stuff. The 4 dollar Garnier Fructis Oil does my hair so much more justice... I won't even go into the mask ...I will do a review on it..But...not the greatest mask either...I am going to try Eden Allure 100 percent Argan Oil...everyone who I have chatted with said Moroccan Oil, was great..

What do you think about Moroccan oil???

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Top Products for a Natural Face

Hey all! I know to all of us on blogger and YouTube, makeup is our complete hobby! When I think about it, 3/4 of my makeup is rarely touched. It's just a hobby to collect all of these goodies. When I like to look fresh faced, which is 70 percent of the time...after showering I moisturize my skin and see my face is just missing "something" here are the products I use just to even out my skin tone and make me look alive...On a daily basis my makeup is minimum.

1. Evening out my Skintone.... I use one pump of Revlon PhotoReady Foundation in Golden Beige mixed in with Olay Complete Plus Ultra Rich Moisture Lotion which I stole from my mom lol. I like the light reflecting pigments in this foundation..but I feel the concentrated amount goes on way to shimmery. So, mixing this with a moisturizer is the way to go for me..to still look natural but get some coverage. If, I don't have this moisturizer, I have also used Lancome Paris Imance Environmental Protectant Cream in Bronze..which I also stole from my mom...it is way too dark for my skintone..but I use it anyway..I just use a very little amount..and it makes me look tanned.
2. For my lips...I always apply Essence of Beauty Lip Butter in Peach Apricot..with a lip brush.
3. For a sheer flush....my favorite blush in Nars Gina, but the pigment formula is too concentrated for everyday. With one swoop of the brush you get crazy color payoff..and I don't like to blend for days...so My favorite blush for everyday is Mac Springsheen...just a little amount on the apples of the cheeks.
4. As for eyes, I don't wear eyeshadow on a day to day basis...all I do is apply 2 coats of Mac Plush lash...and if I look really tired...I will apply a brown liquid eyeliner and wing it out to make my lashline pop.


That's the products I use when I am going to school, out for errands, work, and those many study sessions at the library. Only place I wear no makeup is the gym.. and to bed..

What are some of your everyday natural products you like to use? I love the input of others! I am getting bored with this 3 minute makeup routine lol

Monday, March 8, 2010

Green Neutral Smokey Eye


Hey all! I've been playing with greens lately trying to make my eyes pop without the use of purples..so, I substituted green. Up top were my results, I think my eyes look greener than usual, and below is how I did this look!

Face- Revlon PhotoReady Liquid Foundation in Golden Beige
Cheeks- Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Highlighting Blush in Vibrant
Lips- Essence of Beauty Peach Apricot Balm, Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Sheers in Sparkling Nude
Eyes.
All over lid color-Lancome Paris Color Design Single Eyeshadow in Latte
All over lid color- Urban Decay Single Eyeshadow in Urb ( Shimmery celery shade)
Corner of the eye-Sephora Collection Colorful Mono Shadow in Paris Romance ( deep jade)
Liquid eyeliner- Prestige Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner in Black.( wing it out =)

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Curly Girl Haul =)






















Hi !! So, lately I've been abusing my hair lately and I realized when I shop for hair products, I only purchase products for damaged hair or a hydrating product..besides cheap curling mousses from the drugstore I use when I don't feel like doing my hair. So, I've decided to try to get my curls to look their best. My curly hair inspiration is definitely leona lewis, because they are so springy and shiny. I have a similar hair type to her, so maybe i can get my hair to look as healthy as her. A lot of ppl say I look like her..and I can kinda see...but she has bone structure to die for ! I was unfortunately not blessed with that =( Anyways, I hit TJ Maxx and Trade Secret and Regis Salon..3 days ago.










Heres what I purchased....










1. Bed Head Foxy Curls Conditioner $ 11.99( for a 25 oz) - TJ Maxx





2. Chi Iron Guard Heat Protectant Spray - $5.99 TJ Maxx ( Protect my curls from heat)





3. CatWalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier - $12.99- Trade Secret





4. DevaCurl Moisture Lock Set It Free Spray- $17.95- Trade Secret





5. CatWalk Oatmeal and Honey Shampoo and Conditioner Duo ($22.00 set to prevent damage)




















Okay, now to speak about my experience with these products.










First off, I highly highly recommend the Foxy Curls conditioner...it smells EXACTLY like Skittles, and it has thicker texture unlike the majoirty of Bed Head conditioners which have that "slick quid..." texture. The texture reminds me of Pantene Prov, only this conditioner actually does something for your hair and doesn't just lay on the hair shaft. Also, when combing my hair the knots came out like butter..I don't know if it protects the ends though..










Chi Iron Guard smells amazing, and it helped my Chi flat iron glide through my hair more smoothly than a serum does. I'm not using serums for heat styling anymore.










Catwalk curl amplifier is okay..smells really good..but if you use too much it leaves your hair crunchy..didn't expect this with a creme...i would expect that for a gel..but a lot of ppl love this so im going to experiment more with this before I completely give up on it...It does inflate your curls...which if they dry frizzy its not attractive. If they are smooth it is..I feel this product is trial and era =)










DevaCurl works wonders...if you know how to use the product which a lot of people do not...I use this as a curl refresher..and curl shaper when diffusing..it has a lemon lime scent that works wonderfully in conjunction with the Foxy Curls...my hair is bouncy, and shiny..and smells like skittles all day.










Oatmeal and Honey Shampoo and Conditioner...smells like Gingerbread cookies. Awesome...to use around the holidays. Kinda rich smell for summer which is approaching...it smoothed my hair but I think Bed Head Moisture Maniac Duo did a far better job...

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Favorite Winter Products

Hey =) The weather is getting warm outside...so I'm starting to retire all of my winter products...They have served their purpose and help me survive the winter. Some of these products I use all year, so if the product says retire next to it, I only using it during the winter season. If it says keeper, it means I use it all year round!

1. Palmer's Cocoa Butter. Retire. ( This heavy lotion was helped my skin from cracking during the cold weather..but I opt for a lighter moisturizer in the summer)
2. Biosilk. Retire. ( I don't like using a lot of heavy product in my hair in the summer because I feel like the sunshine makes my hair look healthy and shinier. My hair is in better condition in the summer because I heat style a lot less because I actually have the time to style my hair curly
3. Loreal Paris Matte Lipstick in Fired Up. Retire. This is a brick, matte lip that is more suitable with a foundation finished face. Look's to heavy in the winter. I don't wear that much cover up to avoid makeup meltdown
4. Tigi Catwalk Curls Rock Curl Amplifier. Keeper. I love this stuff. It had so many uses. Sometimes it makes my hair a little to curly...but the humid air in the summer relaxes my curl a little..but does cause frizz. It is an excellent smoothing creme after heat styling..and great as a wave separating creme. It smells awesome too!
5. St Ives Apricot Scrub with Hydro Acid. Retire. When the sun becomes brighter, my skin becomes more sensitive. On the warning label it says to avoid going out in the sun while using this product
6. Forever 21 Black Beret and Scarf Set. Retire. No use using this stuff in hot weather!
7. Ed Hardy Perfume Hearts and Daggers. Keeper. It smells strong and sexy, but light enough for going out in the summertime
8. Mark Shine Fighter Oil Control Mask in Apricot and Sugar Cane..keeper. This mask is light, and washes off a lot easier than your typical green mask.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Makeup and Hair Tutorial: Brigitte Bardot Inspired Look







Makeup.
1. Start off with a clean face. Apply Mac Studio Fix Fluid(I'm NC42) with a cosmetic sponge. If you are acne prone, substitute with Revlon ColorStay for Oily/Combination Skin. Brigitte had a matte, photofinished look.
2. Apply a lightly-pigmented, nude blush lightly on cheeks. I used a Bare Escentuals All Over Face Brush. For tanned to dark skin tones chose Nars Blush in Gina, for fairer skin tones try CoverGirl Cheekers in Natural Shimmer
3. Now to apply her famous black liner... I used Prestige Liquid Eyeliner in Black. Start at inner tearducts tracing the whole eye until you get to the end of the eyelid. Then, sculpt an extended, curved line. Use Brigitte's picture for guidance.
4. This step is optional. Usually Brigitte stuck to the black cat eye, and nude lips, but sometimes she would play with navys on the eyes to add to this look, like the second picture. If doing this step, Apply Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Riviera Blue to the inner corners of the eyelids with an eyeshadow applicator.
5. Apply your Nude lip color. I used Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Warm Me Up..it is still a nude lip...with a touch of raisin. I felt the touch of raisin would help me make the look my own. I 1st lined my lips with Jordana EasyLiner in Rockn Rose.You could go with your traditional nude lip as well...whichever I feel like doing that day.
You could also use Revlon Lipstick in Just Enough Buff, or MAC Lustre Lipstick in Hug Me
6. Set this look with a powder! I used Revlon PhotoReady Powder in Translucent


Hair.
Brigitte, had long tousled, hair with waves and massive volume. I realize everyone does not have the same hair type, so I have made different options to suit all hair types. I have 3a curly hair, that is long, somewhat thick and light brown. To get this look I did this...
I shampooed and conditioned my hair with Catwalk Oatmeal and Honey Shampoo and Conditioner for damaged hair.
I applied 1 1/2 pumps of Victoria's Secret So Sexy Shine Serum to the hair.
I applied a dime sized amount of Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave in Cream
I let my hair air dry for 20 min.
I blowed my hair dry with a round brush concentrating on pushing up on the roots for volume.
Using a Chi 1 inch Iron, I created random tousels on my head, not doing every single piece. I had a sea of big bouncy curls.
Then, taking a half dime sized amount of Moroccan Oil...I ran the oil through my hair to separate the tousels and heal my ends.
I finished the look with Victoria's Secret So Sexy Hairspray
Straight Hair.....
Shampoo and Condition with your choice. I recommend a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, which causes the hair shaft to "swell"
Spray Sunsilk Volumizing Spray into the hair evenly.
Blowdry the hair....while you scrunch until dry.
Using a curling iron....Try an Enzo Milano 1 Inch...make big curls throughout your whole ENTIRE head. fingercomb them out with either a hair balm or moroccan oil.
Finish with hairspray.
WAVY HAIR.
1. Shampoo and condition hair. I recommend both from a moisturizing line
2. Apply a smoothing creme like Loreal Paris Vive smoothing creme
3. Either air dry, or blow dry with a diffuser attachment
4. Use a CERAMIC curling iron...try a Hot Tools one....and curl random pieces...mostly the crown
5. Hairspray the look.
6. Put hair in a low bun..Dont brush!!! Keep for 5-10 mins. Take out shake head..
7. Finish with a shine spray. Try Catwalk Camera Ready.
Coarse/ Very Curly Hair
1. Shampoo and DEEP condition hair I recommend Moroccan Oil Deep Hair Mask
2. Apply Dime sized amount of Moroccan Oil, and Chi Heat Tamer
3. Blo Dry with a soft bristle brush
4. Flat iron with a 1 inch Chi Iron...
5. Set with rollers. I like the hard plastic Conair rollers, set with clips.
6. Hairspray. Wait one hour, at least
7. Take out rollers.
8. separate curls with a hair balm..try Loreal Nature's Therapy Balm