Sephora Friends and Family 2011

Sephora Friends and Family. Follow the link below and instructions to receive your 20% off discount code via email. The offer is valid until November 2, 2011 11:59 pm. This offer is valid only in the U.S. and online.

Enjoy!

http://www.sephoralove.com/friendsandfamily/?_requestid=81257

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Products Used:

Siege Daily Cosmetic Brush Cleaner
Tissue

Instructions - Fold you tissue in half and then fold it in half again, spray the tissue, then gently stroke brush back and forth on the tissue, unfold the tissue to find a clean spot to repeat the above steps until you brush is clean

I bought this cosmetic brush cleaner at a drug store near me (Face Values).
I do not think I would ever buy it again, because I found I had to continuely spray the tissue multiple times in order to get the color off the brush.

I know there are more expensive brands out there. BUT it probably would be better to pay because they work much better, faster, and you use less of the product.

Aqua Blue & Shimmer Pink

Products Used

NYX Jumbo White Eye Pencil
Coastal Scents 88 Ultra Shimmer Eye Shadow Palette
(Colors used - From the right 7 column Shimmer Pink, 6 column 5th one down aqua blue, bottom row 5th one in electric blue)
Naked Cosmetics EB-02 (Blue) mixed with some water to apply as a liquid liner

Stila kajal eye liner in sapphire
Loreal Paris double extend eye illuminator (for brown eyes)
MAC ideal pink studio lights concealer
MAC soft and gentle mineralize skin finish
MAC cremesheen glass in right image

Pink & Grey

Products Used:

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer in Light Medium
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle
Estee Lauder Tender Blush in Rosewood
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in White
Naked Cosmetics in Blushing Bronze #BB-01 (light pink color)
Naked Cosmetics in Ebony # EB-01 (Metal/silver/pewter color)
Stila Eyeliner in black
Revlon Lash Fantasy Total definition Mascra in black
Naked Cosmetics Clear base glossy lips and then I applied Naked #BB-01 over it
The liner applied to my lower and upper lash line was Naked #EB-01 applied wet

Friends and Family Retraction

I'm so so so sorry. I had to retract my post regarding Macy's east friends and family event. The reason why is because I stated that you can use the 25% off coupon on fragrance and cosmetics, and you can NOT. In the past I have used it numerous times on fragrances and cosmetics, that it why I assumed you could. I guess this year they decided to change things up. I received my friends and family coupon in the mail this week and looked at the back and it clearly states EXCLUSIONS cosmetic and fragrances.

So much for a "magical" shopping experience.

I'm so bummed out, I was really looking forward to it.

Review: Naked Cosmetics

"Naked cosmetics are the purest, most natural make-up that exist. Made of 100% oxidized mica Naked cosmetics do NOT contain talc, oil, wax, or other filler that can be harmful to you skin. It is 100% color to give you a pure product that is non allergenic, non perishable, and simply beautiful. If it's not naked...it's not natural..."

I couldn't decide if I should blog or vlog on this product. I started a video and I felt there was too much information and the video was going to be way to long. So here are my thoughts on Naked cosmetics loose powder....

I went to IMATS on Saturday April 9, 2011 here in NY. I had a great time BTW. I went to the Naked Cosmetics counter and was instantly attracted to the beautiful bright colors of the loose powder. The makeup artist showed me the various things the loose powder can do.

For instance the powder can be used as:

Eye shadow - apply right to eye lid, or dip your brush in water to intensify the color, or blend it with  eye primer for a matte finish

 Eyeliner - dip a wet angled brush into the powder and apply to you lash line

Starting from the left side -  powder applied over a cream shadow, dry, wet

Blush - mix with a face primer or apply it directly to your face with you finger or brush and blend well


I mixed these with Too Faced face primer



Lipstick - mix with a clear gloss, or neutral lipstick







I mixed these with Naked clear lip base



Bronzer - use a white lotion and desired loose powder color

Temporary hair highlights - apply the powder to hair with a brush, set with hairspray

Nail polish - with a clear base polish dip it into the powder and apply it to nail

At IMATS they were selling them a box of (6) 1.8g/.06oz containers for $30.00 or 2 boxes of 6 containers for $50.00. I bought 2 boxes (I got a discount because I purchased them at IMATS). One boxes is called Ebony  http://www.milazzobeauty.com/product/ebony-collection which is more dark colors, blue, green,black. The second box I purchased is called Blushing Bronze,  http://www.milazzobeauty.com/product/blushing-bronze these are more pink and brown colors. I also bought the clear lip gloss http://www.milazzobeauty.com/product/clear-lip-gloss .  The dark colors I figured I would use on my eyes as shadows and eyeliners. The pink colors I will use more for lipstick and blush.

Here are the Pros and Cons:
Pros
Multiple uses of the product
Amazing intense colors
All natural
Non allergenic

Cons
Can get messy using loose powder
Comes off easily, staying power is not good at all when apply directly to skin
Time consuming
Expensive

Would I recommend this product?
Not if you are the kind of person who likes to get ready one, two, three. Or can't be bother with mixing and messes. The average person would find this product to be a nuance.

On the other hand, if you like working off a palette, mixing and creating different colors you might like experimenting with this product.

I'm a little upset with how easily the powder comes off. Especially when you consider the price of the product.

Although, I'm still having fun with the product and I know I will get the most use out of it using it as a lipstick, blush, and color eyeliner.

My recommendation if you are interested in getting Naked cosmetics loose powder is buy only a few containers, not 12 like I did. Buy the colors you know you can work into your everyday routine. Then get one color that is dramatic, for when you feel like spicing things up.

Here is the link to the Naked cosmetics website http://www.nakedcosmetics.net/. Note: when you click the link and click products you will most likely be brought to this website http://www.milazzobeauty.com/ . They state "We are a premiere wholesale distributor of Naked Cosmetics and other Professional Beauty Products. "

Thank you for reading and I hope you find this information helpful. Bye everyone.

IMATS: NYC Pictures I took

How to Apply Red Lipstick

How to Apply Red Lipstick

Items You Will Need

• Concealer
• powder foundation and brush
• lip liner (nude or red)
• Red lipstick

Products I used

Mac Studio Lights Ideal Pink Concealer, Mac Minerilize Skin Finish Medium, Revlon Color Stay Lipliner Nude, Revlon  Creme Certainly Red Lipstick

The products mentioned above were paid for with my own money. I am not endorsing or receiving compensation for the above mentioned products. I do not work for any company mentioned above. I am only suggesting the use of the above products based on my own experience with the products.

Apricot&Brown

Products Used:

FaceMaybelline Fit Classic Ivory 120
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Medium
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Soft and Gentle (on Cheeks and Temples)
Benefit 10  Bronzering &  (on Cheeks, temples, sides of nose) highlighting (down the center of nose and under the eye right above the cheeck bone) Face Powder Duo
CheeksClinique iced lotus blush
Eyes
Mac Bare Study Paint Pot
Coastal Scents Shimmer 88 Palette (from my left side in video 3rd row 4th down) apricot
Coastal Scents Warm 88 Palette (from my left side in video bottom row 1st color)dark brown
Mac Dazzellight
Loreal Black Liner Intense (liquid)
Revlon Lash Fantasy Total Definition Black
Mac Espresso to fill in my eyebrows

Product Review: Lush

Lush review.

What's Lush?

Lush sells fresh handmade cosmetics. They are against animal testing. They use little but mostly no packaging for their products. When they do use packaging it is from recyclable materials. The ingredients in their products are from organic plants and veggies. Bottom line, they are a "Green" Company.

I've just recently learned about Lush through some You Tube gurus. I never came across a store or the products until a few days ago. I went to Macy's East and was in the cosmetic section and out of the corner of my eye I spotted the big Lush sign on the wall. They've been there for 3 years, how did I miss them all these years?

I bought two items.
The first product I bought is called Pop In the Bath Bubble Bar
I bought it for my 2 1/2 year old daughter, based on the fact that it was pink and made bubbles.
I asked the sales associate if it was safe to use on a child, she said yes and to just use a third of the bar.
I did as she said and the abundance of bubbles was amazing. But is was the beautiful scent that has me hooked. I can't believe how beautiful the fragrance is, and how it lingered on her for so long. Here is the link to the product if you want to see what it looks like and get more product information.
http://www.lushusa.com/shop/flypage_new.html?s=02471


The other thing I bought was a Twilight Bath Bomb
I picked this because I liked the lavender scent.  Lavender is supposed to calm you, so that is another reason I picked this one. After I drew my bath I dropped the bath bomb in. It started out purple and change to a pink and then blue, the end result was twilight. I didn't see any stars twinkling in the water like some other user stated. I have to admit it was pretty cool. The scent is a good one (for my senstive nose anyway). If you use this product, my only advice is be careful getting out of the tub, and rinse it well after you are done. The tub can become quite slippery from the oils that are released.  For more information on this product follow the link below:
http://www.lushusa.com/shop/flypage_new.html?s=03157



The sales associate gave us a sample of a soap called Porridge Soap.
It is a mild soap, with chunks of oats. The oats feel coarse, but the soap happens to be gentle on your hands. The bar was fragile at first but after I used it a couple of times and left it in the soap dish it became sturdy.  Unfortunately, I didn't like the scent, it reminded me of a Glade Plugin.  I think I will stick with my Dove soap the smell is mild and it keeps my hands from drying out. For more information on this product see the link below:
http://www.lushusa.com/shop/flypage_new.html?s=02795


I believe locations are limited but if you would like to see if there is a store near you go to their website www.lush.com to find a store in your state and/ or country. If there isn't a store in your area, you could order directly from the website.

My next purchase with them is definitely going to be some sort of face scrub/cleansers. Check back for that review.

Bye and thank you for reading.

This post is based on my opinion and personal experience with the product. I bought this product with my own money. I am not indorsing this product or receiving any compensation for the products mentioned above.

Product review: Origins Vitazing

Recommended        Origins VitaZing. I absolutely love it!

I don't like to wear foundation for everyday wear for two reasons.
First it can be time consuming, and second, it can feel a little heavy on the face (especially during the summer).

VitaZing is a tinted moisturizer with an added SPF 15. The tint is so slight, it just give off a dewy natural glow. Plus it protects your face from harmful rays.

The lotion is a white creamy base and it has tiny specks of brown in it. It adjust to you skin tone to even it out. I bought mine the middle of January and I have a months worth left (maybe more).

How I use it
I apply a little less than a quarter size amount on the back of my hand. With a foundation brush I apply it to my entire face and neck (I even put a bit on my brow bone). If you prefer to use your hands that is fine too. You can apply it as you would any regular moisturizer. The only reason I do not like to use my hands to apply it is because the tint gets on your hands and if you touch your clothes by accident or a towel it may stain, so be careful.
Then I let in seep in my skin for 5 minutes or less and I apply a mineralize powder over it. Then I add my blush and highlight. The finished look is a dewy natural glow.
My skin type is normal, but oily in the T Zone area and I have no breakouts or irritations using this product. However, my sisters skin is more sensitive then mine and the product was not a fit for her. But then again another VitaZing user said her skin is prone to breakouts and the product works wonders for her.

If your looking for a product like this but don't want to invest the money for uncertainty of how it will react to you skin type, go to the origins counter and ask if you could take home a sample and try it out. If they don't have samples then ask if you can return the product if you are not satisfied.

I bought mine at Macy's for $35.00 and I will attach the link.
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=498705&CategoryID=33668
 I will also attach the link to the Origins website.
http://www.origins.com/product/3858/13004/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Moisturizers/VitaZing/SPF-15-Energy-boosting-moisturizer/index.tmpl


This post is based on my opinion and personal experience with the product. I bought this product with my own money. I am not indorsing this product or receiving any compensation for the products mentioned above.

How to Intensify Purple Eye Shadow video

How to instensify purple eyeshadow

Eyes
Revlon Creme Illuminance Wild Orchids
Revlon Custom Eyes Party Pops e/s
Loreal e/s midnight sky
Revlon Lash Fantasy Total Definition Black
Mac Studio Lights concealer ideal pink
Stila kajal eye liner sapphire
Face
Maybelline Fit Classic Ivory 120
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish natural Medium
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Soft and Gentle
Cheeks
Clinique iced lotus blush
Lips
Nivea A Kiss of Shimmer
Mac Frozen Dream Lip Glass

EverydayNeutral

Items used
On face:
Origins vita zing face lotion
Mac miniralize skinfinish medium
Mac mineralize skinfinish soft and gentle highlight cheeks, temple, center of nose
Estee lauder blush rosewood

On Eyes
Revlon Creme Illuminance Black Magin (white matte shadow)
Mac Grain (lower lid)
Mac Espresso (crease)
Mac Carbon (outer corner)
Loreal Liner Intense Black
Revlon Total definition Lash Fantasy Black
Mac Espresso to fill in brows

Lips
Revlon Cocoa Bronze
Mac Frozen Dream

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Dk1djQUL4

JewelToneStraightLiner

Jewel tone straight liner

Items used
On face:
Origins vita zing face lotion
Mac miniralize skinfinish medium
Mac mineralize skinfinish soft and gentle highlight cheeks, temple, center of nose
Estee lauder blush rosewood

Eyes:
Revlon creme illuminance wild orchids lower lid
Mac grain e/s brow bone
Mac peacock eyeline lower lash line
Estee lauder gel eyeliner black lower & top lash line
Mac espresso fill in brows
Stila onyx eye kajal upper & lower water line
Revlon total definition black mascara

Lips:
Mac lip glass Frozen dream

Product Review: Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow

Absolutely one of my favorite products Revlon Creme Illuminance Creme Shadow. I only have 3 palettes so far (I say so far because I know I'm going back for more). The palettes I bought are Wild Orchids, Black Magic, and Precious Metals. They have update the compact since my first purchase (precious metals) and added a mirror to it (this extra bonus comes in sooooo handy). I bought all mine for just under 7 bucks, and if you are savvy like me there are usually coupons in Sunday papers or watch for when drugstores have special promotions and you can get a couple of bucks off the retail price.

How I use it:
I normally use it as a base for my eyeshadow.
If I'm wearing a neutral look for the day, I like to apply the white matte shade all over my entire lid.
If I going to go a little more dramatic I like to layer and build with products. For example, if I what to intensify a color I will apply the creme shadow on the lid/and or under the lower lash line and apply powder eyeshadow on top of. The color comes out amazing and the staying power of eyeshadow increases.

Here is the link to Revlon if you want to check out other color pallettes. http://www.revlon.com/Revlon-Home/Products/Eyes/Eye-Shadow/Revlon-Illuminance-Crème-Shadow.aspx

I am not endorsing this product. I am only recommending it based of personal experience. I bought this products with my own money.

SultrySpiderLashes

Sultry Spider Lashes

Products Used
Face:
Origin Vitazing
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Medium
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Soft & Gentle
Cheeks:
Estee Lauder Tender Blush Rosewood


Eyes:
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Gold
Sephora e/s Creme Caramel (applied with Sigma Brush E60)
Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow Black Magic (applied with Sigma E65)
MAC carbon
Revlon Lash Fantasy Total Definition Black


Under Eye Concealer:
MAC Studio Lights Ideal Pink


Lips:
Clinique Tender Hearts (Which looks pink in the video, but in real life looks nude)

To see the runway models From the Fall 2011 Lanvin Collection that inspired me, click the link below(my favorite is the 4th picture in)

www.style.com/fashionshows/beauty/F2011RTW-LANVIN

Gold and Green EyeShadow

Pink Pink! Sephora Inspired 2011 Spring Catalog