Glowing Skin

One major regret in life for me is, I did not start skincare earlier in life. I am obsessed with my skincare regiment.

When I first started I was so bamboozled on the proper steps. What order do these products go? Is it moisturizer then serum or serum before moisturizer? Do I even need serum and a moisturizer? Can one substitute the other? What's a toner? 

 Let me help you :)

First, I always cleanse my face. One of my favorite face washes (hands down) has to be "Philosophy's Purity Facial Cleanser."  The milky wash that coddles as it cleanses, gently removing makeup and decongesting pores without stripping skin.

I personally switch up my cleanser during the week. My second favorite to use is Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash.

Two times a week I make sure to exfoliate. This helps cleanse out my pores and shed any dead skin.

My number one has to be DR. BRANDT SKINCARE microdermabrasion skin exfoliant.

Next, TONER!! Toners are meant cleanse faces and remove any excess makeup residue. This always helps balance the pH level in your skin also, helps control oil.  And because it is alcohol-free, this formula will not strip delicate facial skin of its own natural moisturizers.  Your skin will feel fresh and clean without tightness, dryness or stinging.

Toner dries and it is time for my amazing SERUM. 

The main reason you'd want to use a facial serum is to get added nutrients into deeper layers of your skin that a regular moisturizer is not able to reach. 

Algenist Retinol Firming and Lifting Serum is my number one.

Every once in awhile my skin looks and feels dull. Bliss's triple oxygen radiant protection energizing serum gives the best illumination and hydration ever.

Finally, Moisture!! 

Typically, your skin soaks up moisture to keep itself young and vital, but you lose the ability to do that as you age. Most commercial face creams are oil-based and work by blocking the release of water from the skin. Fine lines come from your skin cracking due to lack of hydration. I moisturize either morning or night to avoid build up of oil. 

 

Morning: Philosophy "renewed hope in a jar"

This product is lightly whipped and does not leave residue. Renewed Hopr helps with fine lines and pore reduction.

Night: Philosophy "Miracle Worker" Overnight 

Miracle worker overnight  is a age-resetting, anti-wrinkle moisturizer that works in perfect harmony with nighttime rejuvenation cycles to help visibly reset the age of your skin. This product has a cream texture, I can feel it penetrating into deeper layers of my skin. 

Hands down my all time FAV " Eye Cream is; Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm"

This rich, nourishing eye cream visibly diminishes signs of aging around the eyes, while decreasing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.  Otherwise, known as " Magic in a Jar."

2015 Fall Makeup Trends

 Wine stained lips were stomping all over the runway. Goth dark lips matched with natural fresh faces were Marc Jacobs inspiration.

Out of line Eyeliner also will be featured in all beauty ads. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this trend yet. 

However, I enjoy stepping out of the box!

Bold lines plus, bright color liners are taking risks. How daring are you?

Say goodbye to bronze chizzled cheeks, instead it's all about soft pinks and highlights.

Smoky eyes are making a deep impact to the fall season. Best tip giving for this look is blending until you think your unable to blend anymore. The intensity is still there but, it has a soft appearance instead of being harsh with lines. 

It will be hard to part ways with contouring. Can't wait for the deep pigmented lipsticks to be acceptable already.

Contour EXPLOSION!

 With one image from Kim Kardashian in 2012  her contour debut, caused a huge media frenzy. Why does she look so crazy? What does that do?

Now, you see everyone is chiseled  and highlighted EVERYWHERE!

I was completely caught off guard at how easy this flawless step is. I am unsure what exactly I did for years without highlighting my cheek bones.

My favorite Contour Palette currently is: 

STILA

Shape & Shade Custom Contour Duo

I find the application plus, blending with this product is easy as it comes. Of course, you need to set this with powders to receive the full effect.  We will discuss that in a few more paragraphs.

Everyone is different.

The goal with contouring is to both define features, like cheekbones, but also to get the face closer to a balanced oval face shape, which is considered the ideal look.

  I found this chart very helpful. 

Photo from: Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin

How did this originally start? 

A wise makeup artist by the name Kevyn Aucoin. Kevyn Aucoin was legendary. Kevyn moved to New York and began his dream by doing free makeup on test models to build his portfolio. In 1986 after working side by side with the phenomenal "Vogue" photographer Steven Meisel, he met supermodel Cindy Crawford. Kevyn exploded into the makeup scene from that day on. We all should thank Kevyn, he is after-all the man credited with 'inventing' cheekbones using contouring techniques, which at the time were revolutionary. 

Look forward to a blog about Kevyn Aucoin. His work is undescribable, best when seen. 

M.A.C Collections I love ❤️

 Have you ever had a favorite Makeup Collection by M.A.C? 

I absolutely adore how much attention to detail, goes into these amazing pieces. Visually, M.A.C knows how to grab your attention. 

I have a few that I just can not get over EVER!! 

I'm a Huge MARILYN fan so, of course..

       

MAC x Marilyn Monroe Collection (2012)

         

The collection consisted of :

Large Eyeshadow

• How to Marry Soft white (Veluxe Pearl)
• Preferred Blonde Pale champagne beige (Veluxe Pearl)
• Silver Screen True silver (Veluxe Pearl)
• Showgirl Dark blue grey (Veluxe Pearl)

Lipstick 

• Pure Zen Frosted warm nude
• Scarlet Ibis Bright orange red (Matte) 
• Love Goddess Mid-tone pink red (Satin)
• Charmed I’m Sure Dark true red (Matte)
• Deeply Adored Deep scarlet (Matte)

 False Lashes Mascara 

• Extreme Black Black

Powder Blush 

• Legendary Pale soft coral (Satin)
• The Perfect Cheek Neutral pink beige (Matte) (Repromote)

Lip Pencil 

• Beet Vivid reddish-pink
• Redd Clearly red
• Cherry Vivid bright bluish-red

NEXT COLLECTION 

(My ULTIMATE FAV😍)

        Barbie Loves M.A.C (2007)

Lipstick

• Style It Up Light muted pink with subtle gold pearlized pigments (frost)
• Real Doll Light bubblegum pink (lustre)
• Rocking Chick Frosted fuchsia with blue pearlized pigments (frost)
• Modern Ms. Mid-tone brick red with silver pearlized pigments (frost)
• Sweet & Single Neutral silvered plum with multi-coloured pearlized pigments (lustre)

Lipglass

• Fashion Pack Light neutral peach (cream)
• Sweetness Light baby pink with multi-coloured pearlized pigments (frost)
• Malibu Barbie Frosted fuchsia with multicoloured pearlized pigments
• Happening Gal Mid-tone reddish plum with gold pearlized pigments (frost)

Eyeshadow

• Magic Dust Soft white gold (frost)
• Beauty Burst Rich reddish brown (satin)
• Whistle Pastel pink (veluxe pearl)
• Playful Bright pink (satin)
• Springtime Skipper Mid-tone minty gren with gold pearlized pigments (veluxe pearl)
• Moth Brown Smoky charcoal grey (frost)

Powder Blush

• Fab Mid-tone plum with gold pearlized pigments (satin)
• Don’t Be Shy Bright pink (satin)

Glimmershimmer

• Fashion Leader Rich reddish bronze
• Loves Pink Mid-tone pink with gold pearlized pigments

Beauty Powder

• Pearl Sunshine Soft peach with pink pearlized pigments
• Pearl Blossom Light pink with silver pearlized pigments

Nail Lacquer

• Steamy Bright pink (cream)
• Toast of the Town Tarnished brown with green and red multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (frost)

Cremestick Pearl Liner

• Honey B. Light neutral beige
• Plum Royale Mid-tone plum with bronze pearlized pigments
• Cranapple Vibrant red pink

Liquid Last Liner

• Classic Cream White gold
• Visionaire Baby pink
• Point Black True black

Last but, not least "The Heartbreaker" 

This collection had me in "awe"! Deep pigments complete me.

      MAC introduces -

‘Venomous Villains Collection’(2010)

Maleficent (LOVE LOVE LOVE❤️)

Minearlize Eyeshadow Duo

My Dark Magic Deep pink with pink pearl / Deep plum with purple pearl 

She Who Dares Deep navy with blue pearl / Deep forest green with lime green pearl 

Lipstick

• Violetta Bright clean violet purple 
• Dark Deed Burgundy plum

Lipglass 

• Revenge is Sweet Light yellow purple 
• Wrong Spell Deep plum with pink purple 

Beauty Powder 

• Briar Rose Soft violet pink with pearl 

        2016 MAC is launching:

The only samples of what to expect are of course her "Como La Flor" classic red lipstick and a sweet baby pink blush! 

What else do you think MAC will release with this launch? Maybe a killer liquid eyeliner? (EXCITED 😍)

Life Hack for Makeup

LIFE HACK...(I just adore that term) 

Anything to give me a few more minutes to the day. Enjoy this :)

Make an eyeliner template with a post-it note. If you absolutely have to wear eyeliner every morning, a cut-out template for winged or cat-eye liner is much more foolproof than freestyling it.

Charcoal is MAGIC

Charcoal is everywhere in skincare lately, have you noticed??

Charcoal is known to absorb 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities, making it an excellent natural ingredient to help purify and deep-clean skin. Activated charcoal draws bacteria, poisons, chemicals, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of skin, helping you to achieve a flawless complexion and fight acne. FUN FACT!! Charcoal's ability to adsorb harmful substances is so strong that the ingredient is often used in water filters and gas masks for blocking toxins. Trust it for your skin and hair now?

So, what's the best products?

FREEMANS Black Sugar & Charcoal Mask is my NUMBER ONE!!!

LUSH "Dark Angels" cleanser

A lot of people talk about this brand  and this product.

BIORE Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar.

Infused with natural charcoal and jojoba beads the charcoal bar draws out impurities and gently exfoliates for smoother skin!! 

Have you experienced this greatness? 

I recommend using some form of charcoal two times a week at least. 

Beat the Heat

Waterproof!! Waterproof EVERYTHING!

If your going to be by the beach or in the extreme heat this Summer. Things run smoother when you do not have to worry about you mascara running or your foundation melting.

I'm going to give you the BEST product to keep ready for anything.

Before you pick up any of these products, remember these must-know tips:

Always use an eye and foundation primer. These are the first steps in ensuring your look holds.

Setting sprays seal in everything from eye makeup to your foundation. Use them, especially for special events and outdoor activities.

You can waterproof some of your existing products with helpers like (Make Up For Ever Aqua Seal, e.l.f. Makeup Lock and Seal and Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat.)

Lipstick will last longer when a lip liner is applied first and all over lips.

  

Okay, down to the business: 

Best Waterproof:

Foundation

1. Revlon ColorStay Makeup

2. Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation

3. Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Foundation

Blush

1. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

2. Smashbox Halo Long Wear Blush

Brow Product

1. Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade

2. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Color

Mascara

1. They're Real Mascara

2. L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

Lip Color

1. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

2. Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge

3. Too Faced Melted lipgloss 

Setting Sprays

1. Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

2. NYX Cosmetics Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray

24k Gold Masks

    

Have you seen the 24k Gold facial mask?

It's been known as "The Royal Treatment".

I was curious can someone like myself actually get this treatment? What really works and ...why do I want gold on my face?

 

Let me explain:

Gold is one of the softest metals known to man and is easily absorbed into the skin.  It has also been used for its medicinal properties throughout history as well.  As an antibacterial and antimicrobial agent, gold can help to draw toxins and impurities out of the skin making you look more youthful and radiant.

In many Eastern cultures, gold was said to be the key to youth and was applied to the skin as a means to reduce the signs of aging.  Because gold increases blood flow, it helps slow down collagen depletion and elastin breakdown thus making skin look younger, smoother and more youthful.  Gold has also been known as an anti-inflammatory agent for ailments such as arthritis but, when applied topically as a facial, can also firm and tighten the skin.

So, I actually found Peter Thomas Roth, I adore him! $80 is not bad at all specially after one facial you can see INSTINT results.

PETER THOMAS ROTH

24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask

$80  5 oz

Is this anything you would be interested in?

Kiss Me

I was looking thru a few magazines. Keeping up on my makeup research. You can barely blink and something new is invented.Somehow, I ran across a article about :

"HOW TO KISS WITHOUT SMEARING YOUR LIPSTICK"

It's Spring, love is in the air! How does one be affectionate but, stay flawless?? I found a lot of interesting pointers.

Which lipsticks do you rely on for on-screen kisses, which are sort of rare on 'SVU'?

Certain formulas will always hold up over others through the tough job of a kissing scene. A rich stain, like Tarte Power Pigment and LipSurgence pencils or pretty much any matte fromNars or Face Stockholm.

How important is prep work?

It's very important to remember to blot after applying the color. Blotting pre-kiss retains the pigment but removes the transfer-happy moisture.

Are certain shades and textures more long-lasting than others?

Matte lipstick moves less because it's less emollient; the key factor in what makes things move around. So even if you are afraid of the high maintenance touching-up required for a bolder lip, remember that they tend to last longer so you actually need to touch up less frequently!

What do you always use on set before an on-screen kiss?

The number one thing an actor will do before an on-screen kiss is check their breath/teeth. A good on-set makeup artist always has toothpicks, floss, Altoids, Binaca, gum, and a hand mirror at the ready. It's a glamorous business. As for lipstick, the truth is often they yell 'cut' right after the kiss for the exact purpose of touching up lipstick or wiping it off the non-lipsticked kisser.

How do you clean up smears?

When it is a red, it can be so hard to get off that we use Barbasol Shaving Cream. It's a super-concentrated formula that can remove fake blood stains as well as red lipstick transfers. For most other color lipsticks, we can use a sponge with a bit of creme concealer on it to lift the transferred makeup away. This not only lifts the redness of leftover lipstick pigment, it deposits a bit of correcting tone at the same time.

How did you discover that shaving cream removes lipstick?

It's one of those tricks that you learn pretty early on when you work with a lot of special effects blood which is very stain-y. My background is in special effects, so I just thought if you can use it for fake blood, why not red lipstick red lipstick, too? I worked on an episode of a show that involved a man in a Halloween costume with a full face of blue makeup kissing his ex-girlfriend before deciding to get back together. In between every take she had blue makeup ALL over her face from her nose to her chin. That was a definite three-minute reset in between takes with the assistant director breathing down my neck to hurry up!

REALLY SHAVING CREAM REMOVES LIP STAINS?!?!?!  

Were you impressed? 

Burning Masks

This is seriously AWESOME!

You must do this...!!

Burning Face Mask

Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon organic cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon raw honey
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:
1. Mix all together into a thick paste.
2. Apply and let sit for 30 minutes … or 10 if you can’t handle the burn! It should only burn for the first 5 minutes or so and then it’ll wear off.
3. Rinse the mask off with warm water and moisturize. NOTE: If you have sensitive skin, leave out or dilute the lemon. If you leave it out add a bit more honey to make the mixture paste-y. This is a mask and not to be used to exfoliate your skin. It’ll hurt if you try!

Keep in mind that this is a mask that works gradually. It won’t move mountains overnight, but if you are consistent with applying it two times a week you will see a huge improvement to your skin. With consistent application it will lighten up marks, blemishes, and scars. It will reduce fine lines and wrinkles, it will also help your skin to glow and look healthy. It’s the best mask I’ve tried — refreshing and it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. Now go on and give it a try!

Here's my favorite NYX products

I'm a huge fan on NYX Cosmetics!

This line has been compared to MAC and Urban Decay plus, many other amazing cosmetic lines. That's insane when the price difference is phenomenal.

Let's rearrange our whole makeup case with ONLY NYX products.

Plus, we can compare these to other Presitage (High End) products.. Enjoy the price difference. 

❤️Primer- 

NYX COSMETICS

Angel Veil Skin Perfecting Primer ($15.99)

Laura Gellar

Spackle Primer  ($30.00)

-The satin finish is almost identical. Both help with pores and longevity in your makeup application.

❤️Concealer-

NYX CONCEALER WAND- $5.00

Urban Decay Naked Concealer-$29.00

❤️Foundation-(matte)

NYX Stay Matte Foundation- ($7.49)

BECCA

Ever-Matte Shine Proof Foundation ($42.00)

- Both have the best matte finish ever!! Oil spots and Melting makeup no longer exists. Becca has a lot more skin shades but, NYX did pretty well with master the 6 key colors.

❤️Setting Powder- 

NYX COSMETICS HD Studio Finishing Powder Translucent Finish - $9.99

Dermablend Translucent Setting Powder- $26.00

❤️My Personal Fav Eyeshadows:

PRISMATIC SHADOWS-$6.99

Liquid Gold

Golden Peach

Bedroom Eyes

❤️Matte Single Shadows-$3.99

Stripped

Maybe Later

I Have a Headache

Kiss The Day

❤️Eyebrows-

NYX  MICRO BROW PENCIL- $10.00

Anastasia Brow Wiz- $29.00

❤️My favorite Lipsticks:

EXTRA CREAMY ROUND LIPSTICK

Snow White

TERRA COTTA

B52

BEST ILLUMINATOR EVER!! (8.99)

NYX Illuminator

 "Ritualistic"

All of NYX eyeliners are AMAZING!! 

Currently I'm in love with the shadow eyeliner :) check it out❤️