tartecosmetics.com 30% off code

Hello lovlies!  I just wanted to write a quick post to let you know that Tarte Cosmetics is offering a 30% discount on any order of $40+ on their website now through Dec. 12th!  Use code: FFDEC.  Great timing now that I'm sure we're all hustling to get our best girlfriends gifts for Christmas!  =)  Happy Shopping!

15-Hour Makeup Day

So I just washed off my face of makeup that had been on since 7:45 am today and I must say, most of it barely even smudged.  IMPRESSIVE.  Here's what I wore:

• Urban Decay Primer Potion in original
• 2 Urban Decay shadows from the BOS IV
• Mary Kay Lash Love mascara-- Favorite mascara in the WORLD!!!  I hope it never get's DC'd...
• L'oreal Lineur Intense in black.  (Not carbon black.)  This lasts waaaay longer and is just as dark!
• MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC42.  I love me some cake!  I felt like I needed full-coverage today.

Beauty Marks for all of these faves: A+

Good night lovlies!

Dipdown Fluidline (brown) + MAC brush #210 = Eyeliner Pro! =)

Best Long-Wearing Foundation

Aloha beauties!  I just wanted to write a beauty quickie to let y'all know about an amazing foundation that lasted all day long through a few of my Hawaiian vacation days (the days I actually wore makeup).  I didn't even have to use a primer either!  This wonderful foundation was MAC's Pro Longwear Foundation!  I went to a MAC counter in Hawaii and the girl gave me sample of this (in NC42) and she said that she loved it because it lasts through Hawaii's humidity- she wasn't kidding!  I applied it early morning around 8 am and after a day FULL of sightseeing and being outdoors in the heat, the foundation still looked good at 10 pm that night!  Craaaazy right?  I still have some of my sample left, so I'm going to also test it out at work under normal conditions and I'll let you know how that goes.  So far though, I am totally sold on this foundation and I will be purchasing it very soon!

Click on this link to get the scoop!

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/158/10180/Pro-Longwear-SPF-10-Foundation/index.tmpl

1 oz. bottle - $29.50 (and the pump is already included!)

*Tip- Apply this with a dampened beautyblender sponge (stay tuned for a rave review on this) for a flawless complexion!

Cover Girl Intense Shadowblasts

Hey beauties!  OK so last night I went out and bought 3 more of these drugstore gems!  (Haha I love that phrase!)  I now own 4 of them and I will buy the other 2 very, very soon!  Here's the scoop:  These are lipgloss style cream eyeshadows which have primer built in.  They come in 6 colors: brown, blue, silver, pink, green, and beige.  I had the brown one for about a week and I used it a lot!  The application is easy, the wear time is all day, and the colors are so pretty!  They aren't as dark as the tube shows, but that's what I like about them...  They all give a pretty wash of color!  I haven't done this yet, but I am sure you could use these as primers for other shadows!  (Think Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin and Greed style!)  These sell for $8 a piece, BUT there are buy one, get one 50% off sales at Walgreens, Rite Aid, KMart every week and you can clip $1 off coupons in every Sunday paper, so you'll be able to get these for very cheap!  I'll post a pic of the product for now and later on today when I put my makeup on, I'll snap another shot.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Milani Baked Blushes- A must buy!

Hey lovelies!  So, I'm here to write a mini review about some drugstore blushes which are definitely a must-buy!  They are the Milani Baked Blushes and they run from about $7-$8 depending on where you buy them.  I bought mine from walgreens.com because I knew I'd have no problems with finding colors there.  I got Luminoso and Berry Amore.  So far, I have tried Luminoso and love it!  I have worn it almost every day.  It is a gorgeous peach color with a slight shimmer.  I also ordered Berry Amore, which is a darker pinky plum color which I will wear tomorrow and update you all after I try it.  I have no doubt I am going to love it as well.  I am so very impressed with these blushes!  I think I'm going to have to buy a few at a time until I own them all.  Yay!  Check them out if you're looking for a new blush the next time you're at Target or Walgreens.

Beauty Mark: A-

Goodnight, beauties!

Left to right: Berry Amore and Luminoso

Beauty Quickie- Drugstore HAUL

Hey dolls!  I'm going to have so much fun tonight playing with my new stuff!  After sales, coupons, and my employee discount the total for all of this came out to: $16.48!  That's the cool thing about working in a retail pharmacy.  The employee discount works for everything in the store!  =)

At the end of the day, from the new makeup I've tried my favorite product is the Mary Kay Lash Love mascara. Thank you Mary Kay! No smudges, yay! =)

I'm Hoping for a Chance to Enhance Beauty-Full You!

Beauty-Full Price List

Full Face Makeup- $40

Makeup Lesson- $30

Bridal Makeup & Trial- $75

Bridesmaids Makeup- $40

Just the Eyes- $20

Just the Face- $20

Eyebrow Shaping (mini tweeze, cut & shade-in)- $10

Hair (straighten or curl)- $20

Add ons

Travel fee- $5+

False Lashes- $5

Use Your Own False Lashes- $2

Nail Designs by Belle- $8

 Additional Perks- FREE!

Prep, Prime, & Set

Model-for-a-Day Pics (to add to my portfolio)

Use of Mainly MAC Products

Alcohol & Antimicrobial Sanitation Techniques

Fun =)

Can’t Wait to Make You Beauty-Full!

20% off all of Benefit's Top Sellers today & tomorrow!

Use code SOPOPULAR for 20% off all of Benefit's "Top Sellers" on benefitcosmetics.com.  Coupon expires 09/01/11 at 11:59 pm.  Happy Shopping Dolls!

Do cosmetics expire? Yes, they do! Find out when here...

Hey beauties!  I really wanted to write a post about the shelf life of cosmetics and when you should be replacing your favorite products.  Below I have a few highlights from a convo I had with a beauty consultant from Benefit Cosmetics.  For the most part, I agree with what she said, but always keep in mind, that if your products isn't performing as it normally does, they it's probably time to throw it away (or recycle if it's from MAC).  Hope this list is useful for you!

Most skincare products have a small image of an open jar with a number such as "6M". This number is the life of the product after the container is opened, with the M standing for months.

Here are some general cosmetic shelf life lengths:
•Powder: 18 months
•Concealer: 12 months
•Creams & gel cleansers: 12 months
•Eye liner: 18 months, sharpen regularly
•Eyeshadow: 18 months
•Brushes: Wash every month in a mild detergent
•Sponges: Wash weekly & discard monthly
•Foundation: water-based 12 months, oil-based 18 months
•Lip liner: 3 years
•Lipstick: 18 months (If you store lipstick in the refrigerator, it will last longer.)
•Mascara: 4 months (If you don't want your mascara to expire faster than its fresh date, don't pump the wand in & out, you're only exposing the product to drying air.)

So, like I said, I don't agree with every point here, but it's a great guideline to begin with.  For instance, I know (just based on my bio background) that you don't really have to throw out an eyeshadow after 18 months because it can last much, much longer than that.  A rule of thumb I like to follow is that if it is moist or contains water, then it runs the risk of becoming contaminated.  Also, it's smart to disinfect products that you will be sharing.  Need further clarification?  Just ask!  =)

Sally Girl Hydrating Lip Gloss

Hey dolls!  So I am so freakin' excited to share this great find with y'all!  I found a mini lip gloss at Sally that is part of their "Sally Girl" collection and it impressed me so much, I decided to write a post dedicated to only it!  These glosses are orignally $0.99 each, but when I went in, there was a special for 6 Sally Girl items for $5 and so I got 4 mineral eyeshadows, a black eyeliner pen, and a pink lip gloss.  The lip gloss was the first item I tried and I LOVE IT!  (Maybe I'll do another post about the other products if I fall in love with them!)  It's so pigmented and moisturizing and very comfortable to wear!  They come in about 10 colors, so I'm sure you'll find at least 1 or 2 that you'll want/need to add to your collection.  Here are some pics of the glosses for your viewing pleasure.  (If you check out my "Casual Lunch Date" post, you'll see me wearing the pink gloss.)  Thanks for spending part of your evening with me!

No names, only numbers.  388459 for a pink blush!

388426 for a clear, pink shine!

Or, try layering them for an ultra-glossy lip look!  =)

Casual Lunch Date Look

Hey dolls!  Recently, I've been on this "cheap makeup" high and I wanted to do a look that incorporated some of these items.  The look I was going for was fun and casual.  I had a lunch date today with my old best friend from 5th grade and I wanted to look cute, but then my effort went to waste because he ended buying food and bringing it over to eat, hahaha.  OK, so here is the look in regular and close-up views.  (I hate these pics 'cause you can really, really see the scar above my lip, eeek!)

Face-

L'oreal Face Secrets Magic Perfecting Base (#1 best primer ever!  I have recently also tried UD's face primer and Smashbox's cult favorite face primer, but both DO NOT measure up to L'oreal's.)

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation NC40

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NC35

MAC Blush in Blushbaby (All-time fave blush color.)

Eyes-

E.L.F. Eyeshadow Pigments Trio ($2.99 at Ross!)

L'oreal Carbon Black Eyeliner Pen

L'oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara (I love all of their Carbon Black products!)

Benefit Brows-a-go-go (This has been my go-to brow color as of late...)

Lips-

Sally Girl Lip Gloss (83 cents at Sally, yes 83 cents!  I'm going to write a separate review about this and another cheapie gloss that I'm totally in love with right now.)

The colors on my eyelids are gold, cranberry, and smokey blue.  You can't really tell, but they were really cute together.  These 3 colors came in a set.  A primer is a must for these though because they're "sticking power" is not very strong.  Actually, I recommend using a primer every time you use any type of shadow.  Thanks for checking out my casual lunch date look.  Hope you like it!  Take care beauties!

Mascara Dilemma

 Hey beauties!  I am in desperate need of help...  Your help!  I am looking for a mascara that doesn't end up smudging under my eyes after only a few hours of wear.  The mascara can be volumizing or lengthening or both. I don't really mind, just as long as it doesn't smudge.  I feel like I have tried a lot of different ones, but I always end up looking like a raccoon by the end of the day.  =(  If you don't mind sharing your favorite mascara and whether or not you have the same problem as me, please do tell!  If I find that I love your mascara too, I'll award you a prize!  (Not sure what yet though, but I'm thinking I'll buy you a tube of the mascara) as a way to say "Thank you and I love you for introducing me to a bomb mascara."  =)  Thanks for reading!

benefitcosmetics.com: BUH-BUYS! I know my shopping cart is full!

Hey guys!  I just wanted to inform you that benefitcosmetics.com is having a huge sale on their site and the items I am so excited about are their [old-style] brushes.  Their brushes are 50% off and such a great deal!  I believe they are being discontinued because they have newer brushes out now, but the old ones are still really good, high-quality brushes!  If you check on sephora.com, these brushes are actually still full price, so...  I recommend you start your shopping on benefitcosmetics.com in the "BUH-BUYS" section!  Happy shopping!

#1 Recommendation: Hard Angle Brush $8- As Liza put it, "You can never have too many hard angle brushes!"  =)  Beauty Mark: A

#2 Recommendation: Lip Gloss $13- They aren't 50% off (they're actually 28% off), but still a great deal!  I love these glosses because they are nice wearing and non-sticky.  My favorite color is: I'm with the band.  Beauty Mark: A

#3 Recommendation: Lip Liners $10- Although I've never tried these liners, I have 2 of their old-style liners and they are amongst my favorite!  Definitely worth trying at $10!  Beauty Mark: A+ (if they're similar to the old ones.)

***Free shipping on ANY order!  Code: BRSHONUP***

Who says you can't be Seventeen* again?!

Hahaha, OK.  What I meant was "who says you can't try and look like you're seventeen again?!"  =)  And that's exactly what I did with my makeup look today.  I was browsing Maribelle's latest edition of Seventeen magazine and I found a look that was called "beach goddess" that I really liked, so I copied it!  It was a look that boasted tropical colors and it also gave me another chance to wear my fave summer lip color (a hot red-tangerine).  Hope you like this fun look!

*Disclaimer- please excuse my hair!  It was still wet from the shower and for those of you who know me, I don't really do much with my hair besides part it and throw it up in a ponytail.  Maybe in future post, I'll do a hairstyle! Also, excuse my big face in the close-up again.  =)

Face-

Lipstix Mineral Foundation- Country Beige

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Bronzer Trio- Golden Lariat

Lipstix Blush- Coral Sun

Eyes-

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer- (Only on my lids and lower lash line.)

ULTA Eyeshadow Palette- Turquoise and Teal (Sorry, they don't have names.)

L'oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Mascara

Lips-

MAC Lip Liner- Redd

MAC Lipstick- Vegas Volt

MAC Cremesheen Glass- Richer, Lusher

Bath & Body Works Liplicious Sheer Lip Color- Pineapple Juice (Gold gloss to give lips that super shine!)

So, what do you guys think?  Could I pass for seventeen?!  Haha, j/k...  Wishful thinking...  Byee!

Easy Everyday Makeup

Hello Lovelies!  Today I'm finally going to post a few pics of me in a makeup look that I did!  The look I was going for was a natural, everyday look that you can wear out to run errands, have lunch with friends, or even to work!  I hope you like it and don't get scared of my big face in the close-up!  Love you!  (I will also list all products used.)

Face-

MAC Mineralize Satinfinish Fluid- NC42
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer- NC 35 (Great concealer!  My favorite ever.)

Benefit Bronzer- Hoola (I used to hate this product, but now I LOVE it!)

NARS Blush- Orgasm (I wanted to put to use the blush that everyone is crazy about.  So far, I like it.)

Eyes-

Ulta Ultimate Brows Brow Pencil- Warm Brown (I only use this pencil for the top of my brow.)

MAC Eyeshadow- Cork (To fill in the rest of my brow.)

MAC Fluidline- Dipdown (Something about brown eyeliner for everyday use...  It is Amazing!)

Shu Uemura Lash Curler- No mascara needed!

Lips-

Lipstix Lip Liner- Mocha Mauve (Lipstix is my friend's own makeup line and it is very cute!  Ask me for more info!)

MAC Lipstick- Faux (My all-time favorite color.)

Lipstix Lipstick- Mauvelous

NARS Lipgloss- Orgasm (Had to match of course.)

Close-up to really see the colors.  Hope you like this look!  P.S.  I'm not wearing that shirt out.  It's one of Seth's old tees that I wear for sleeping!  Have a good weekend!

I got lucky and scored a MAC brush 235 yesterday!

So happy to have bought this limited edition brush from MAC!  Funny story, I had dinner with a couple of my girlfriends yesterday, and oops! I forgot my wallet...  But, I did still have my Macy's card, so I headed over with the hopes of finding this brush (#235- $30), and guess what?  I got their very last one!  Yay!  Why is it so awesome?  Well, it's a duo fiber eye shadow brush that has synthetic hair on one side and real [probably goat] hair on the other.  I bought it to use for my concealing needs and after trying it today I must say that I am very satisfied with my purchase!  If you haven't gotten one already, head over to your nearest MAC counter and buy one too, because it's already sold out online.  Check out the rest of this amazing collection too, called "Semi-Precious Colour and Skin"!  Goodnight beauties!

Beauty Quickie- SUPER Soft & KISSABLE Lips!

Hey dolls!  Follow this super quick regimen before your date tonight and a few times a week as well and you'll have super soft and kissable lips!  =)

Gently scrub your lips with LUSH Bubble Gum flavored Lip Scrub ($8.95) and lick- yes, LICK- or tissue off the rest of the granules, then finish with CO. Bigelow Apple or Blueberry flavored Rose Salve ($2 at Bath and Body Works right now!) to ultra moisturize your lips.  Follow with your favorite lip look or nothing more!  Your man (or woman) will love you for it!  =)  Happy Kisses!

MAC "Dittos" for Urban Decay NAKED Palette!

Hello lovlies!  You do not understand how excited I am to bring you this posting!  But first let me start off by saying...  HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!  =)  Hope you're all having a fun and safe holiday so far!  =)

OK, so for the longest time I have been fantasizing/contemplating about buying the Urban Decay Naked Palette ($48) because of all the raves and reviews I have heard on YouTube, but I held off for a couple of reasons...  First, I'm not that big into neutrals & browns and $48 is A LOT of money.  Mostly though, I held off because it is always so hard for me to stray from MAC eye shadows, which I feel are the best on the market.  With that said, I came up with this idea to create my very own "NAKED Palette" using MAC eye shadows and I finally had time to do this today!  (Oh and just a side note, I'll be using the term "ditto" for an item that is similar, identical, or duplicate, just 'cause I think it's cute!)  So, first I'm going to share with you pics of both palettes, swatches, and then the listing of each color so that  if you're like me and have a ton of MAC shadows, you can pull them out and do the same!

Urban Decay Naked Palette

MAC "Dittos" for NAKED Palette

UD NAKED Palette Swatches

MAC Dittos Swatches (Gosh, my arm looks fat!  Bad angle, I guess...)
Dittos:  (UD listed first, then MAC)
Virgin = Chill
Sin = Crystal Avalanche
Naked = Symmetry
Sidecar = Phloof!
Buck = Cork
Half Baked = Goldmine
Smog = Bronze
Darkhorse = Smut
Toasted = Wood-Winked
Hustle = Charcoal Brown
Creep = Carbon
Gunmetal = Waft

Again, I cannot tell you how happy I am to have put this ditto together for you and for myself!  Now, I seriously don't have the urge to go out and buy the NAKED palette and I will consider myself $48 richer, hahaha!  Thinking about doing an eye look with these colors right now and if I do, I'll post pics!  Hope you enjoyed this post and have a wonderful night!  Love you guys!

I never put on two coats of mascara. Does it really make a big difference???

Super Must Buy!!! Wet 'n wild coloricon lip pencil in Willow. On sale for $0.69 @ Walgreens! Sufficiently pleasant substitute for MAC's subculture & sublime culture liners. So pretty for such a cheap price! I've been wearing it every day lately. Yay! Had to share this via mobile w/ y'all!

Hey beauties, guess what?! At the forever 21 jewelry store I just saw that they have the retractable face/makeup brushes that I love so much for only $3.80 and.. They have diff colors! Black, gold, silver and pink! Go out and get one! I know u will love it too! =) Byee!

New Posts Coming Soon!

I am so sorry for leaving you guys hanging!  I am almost done with school for this year and I PROMISE to post after this Thursday!  New posts to come...

1. Results from the "Best Eyeliner" competition

2. NYX- haul and review

3. Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Strips- rave and review

4. My makeup collection and organization (I am so proud of this!)


Love you beauties and I will be back soon!

Everyday Makeup Bag Must-Haves

Hello beauties!  I wanted to write a post about what I think are the must-have items for your everyday makeup bag.  Think "makeup-on-the-go"!  I hope you all enjoy this and find it useful!

1. MAC Studio Fix (or any pressed powder or powder foundation)- for daily touch-ups or for applying quick all-over foundation on the go.

2. Retractable powder brush (Forever 21 $3.80 a must buy!)- for applying your powder quickly.  Retractable brushes usually have a cover, which are great to have since a non-covered brush could get crushed in your bag.

3. MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer (or any concealer in stick or "lipgloss" form)- helps when you need more coverage over blemishes or under eyes.  Apply concealer first, then powder, especially under your eyes to help "set" the concealer.

4. MAC retractable brow pencil (or any brow pencil)- to darken or fill in brows on the go.

5. ELF All Over Color Stick ($1)- this product can be used on cheeks or lips, but I prefer using it as a creme blush on the go.  Apply a few "dots" and then blend up and out with your middle and ring fingers.

6. Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner mini in black (or any other liner in black or dark brown)- pencil eyeliner is the easiest to tote and to apply in a hurry.  Apply a perfect (or not so perfect) line to upper eyelids and blend/smudge out with your ring finger, if needed.

7. Sephora mascara mini- plain black mascara to help your eyes pop a bit more.

*NOTE* I'm sure all of us have mini-versions of products that we have collected from free gifts or samples, so why not use their size to our advantage to help de-bulk our makeup bags and ultimately our purses?!  =)

8. MAC Plushglass in Ample Pink (or any other non-sticky/moisturizing lipgloss)- could even be a tinted lip balm, but definitely something with a little color.  I choose Ample Pink time and time again because it is a perfect beige-pink that can be worn alone and still look natural and beautiful.

If you prefer to wear lip liner and lipstick, you can throw these two products in your bag as well, keeping the colors in a neutral pink range so that your lips aren't too overdone.  One of my all-time favorite lipsticks from MAC is Faux and I have used this as a cheek color creme blush as well.  (Think DMV and finding out I had to take a new pic for my license renewal and I didn't have any makeup on!)

Thanks for spending a few minutes of your day with me and my thoughts!  =)  <3 you!

Review: ELF Cosmetics

Hey all!  Happy Easter!  I just wanted to share with you a very short, but sweet review on a new(er) makeup brand that's now at Target called ELF.  What's best about this brand is that most of their items are only $1!  Yup, just $1!  So, head to your local Target and go crazy without feeling guilty!  The items that I have used and love so far are...

False Lashes in Natural and Dramatic- $1 each
All Over Color in Pink Lemonade and Golden Peach (think creme blush)- $1 each
Blusher and Bronzer Duo- $3 (BUY THIS!!!)
Eyebrow Groomer brush- $1
Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips- $1

I'm so excited to buy more!  I'm going to buy their eyebrow wax and shadow set ($3) next for sure!

Back 2 MAC Recycling Tip

Hey beauties!  Sorry it's been such a long time!  I promise to be better from now on!  OK so first, I just wanted to give you all a tip of mine that I use when using the Back 2 MAC recycling program.  I'm sure you all know that MAC will accept 6 empty, plastic containers for recycling and give you a free lipstick, right?  Well, I'm not sure if you know this, but if you take your 6 empties to an actual MAC store, you are able to get a lipstick OR single eyeshadow OR a lipglass!  Wow!  So, what I do is only recycle my empties for a Plushglass at the MAC store (if that's what I want) because it costs the most out of the 3 they offer!  (Plusglass is $18.50, while a lipstick is only $14.50.)  It's just a way to get more bang for your buck!  Hope this little tip helps!  Take care and tty again real soon!

Skin (& Life) Changing Lotion

Hello beauties!  I've missed you!  I guess I should've mentioned before about what the frequency of my blogs would be during my block exams.  Pretty much non-existent, as you have now experienced.  But, I will say that once blocks are over, it's Beauty time!  =)

OK, so first I wanted to announce that if you are love Benefit's brow bar @ Macy's Sun Valley, they are offering FREE brow waxes ($20 value) this Saturday with every $50 purchase!  I bet you can imagine how I felt when I told the lovely gal from Benefit who called me to book me for this event that I couldn't make it.  =(  If you can attend, however, I would call them now to reserve your spot!  (925) 689-3333 Sun Valley Macy's.

All right, so I wanted to dedicate an entire blog to this wonderful product that really can be life-changing.  Especially for those who are concerned with: dryness, rough-ness, and saggi-ness (hahaha are those words?!).  This product is Nivea Body Skin Firming Lotion Q10 Plus.  I have been using this product for almost 10 years now and my skin thanks me for this!  This body lotion is creamy and lightweight and ultra moisturizing.  When I bought this product I wasn't looking for a firming body lotion, but guessed I could give it a shot.  Shortly after using it daily (~2 weeks) my skin was 100% different.  It made my skin soft beyond soft, smooth, and even.  I wouldn't describe my skin as being "firm", but rather to comment on what I think this product is targeting, my skin does not look its age!  =P  Plus, my husband still can't get enough of how soft my skin is!  This lotion is on sale this week at Target, so I suggest you pick some up and try it for yourself.  One bottle lasts a long time ~3 months.  Or if you want to go for the value size, I bought mine at Costco and it's been going strong for the past 9 months so far...

Just wanted to also share my exfoliating routine with you too...  When I shower, I prefer washing with a washcloth and soap (Oil of Olay Body Quench.  I freakin' love this bar soap!  Try it out too!)  and then I exfoliate with a mesh body sponge with body wash.  I do the exoliating step as often as every to every other shower 'cause sometimes I'm lazy, hee-hee.  I believe this routine followed by the Nivea lotion both contribute to my soft skin.  (Sorry if it sounds like I'm bragging.  I'm just really, really pleased with these products.)

If you already use these products or try them after reading this post, please share your thoughts with me!  Thanks!

***Beauty steals & deals- 50% off all Rimmel London Cosmetics @ Walgreens.***

How to Shop for Cosmetics Online

Hey pretty girls!  Or should I say pretty people?!  =)  I just wanted to give you all a really quick browsing tip that I use when I shop for cosmetics online (which is OFTEN), that actually will work for basically anything that you're shopping for online!  First off, make sure you're browsing on a site that has purchaser ratings ie. sephora.com or ulta.com, then instead of just reading the reviews the way they are automatically listed, change the review rating sort order from "low to high".  By doing this, you'll get to read the reviews from the people who didn't like the product and why they didn't like it.  Those reviewers may dislike a product for the exact reason why you're looking for it, which would help you tremendously in deciding whether to buy it or not.  I ALWAYS use this technique and I find that it does deter me from adding things to my basket and I like that.  Because, think about it, if you only read the highest reviews on a product (which are the ones that are usually listed first) then you're going to get a biased opinion given by only the people who loved the product.  I say, read a few bad reviews, get an honest opinion, then read a few good reviews and make your decision.  You'll be happier with your purchases, I'm sure!  =)

P.S.  I just thought about this and you really don't even have to use this technique just for shopping/buying online.  You could do your research online and then head to the store and buy it instantly if you want!  =)  For drugstore products, ulta.com, walgreens.com, and target.com all offer online ratings.  Happy Shopping!

Weekly Deal: All Revlon cosmetics and tools 40% off at Walgreens!

First super beauty quickie posted from my iPhone! Review for L'oreal De-Crease shadow primer: Love it! It helped my everyday eyeshadow stay on all day. Is it better than UD Primer Potion? No, but it is an acceptable substitute for it! I would recommend this product to beginners or for those who are trying to save money! Beauty mark: B+

Rock & Republic Review

Hey lovlies!  So, I received my Rock & Republic makeup order from hautelook.com yesterday and I was able to try the powder and the lip gloss this morning and I wanted to tell you about them...

I LOVE THEM!!!

Rock & Republic Pressed Powder in Satin- It is a great color for me, smooth and silky formula, and a great price ~$13- all in the CUTEST, METAL compact ever!  I feel like a *ROCKSTAR* holding it!

Rock & Republic lip gloss in Sexy Beast- Highly pigmented, super comfortable feel, gorgeous, opaque color (I'd describe it as raspberry with a slight irridescence) at a great price ~$7 and in a super cute tube too!

I am so happy with my purchases from Rock & Republic and definitely will be buying from them on hautelook.com again in the future!  =) 

Beauty Quickie- Makeup Shopping Spree!

OK so don't tell my husband this, but since Ash Wednesday is coming very, very soon, I have felt the need to makeup shop A LOT more than usual to try and get it out of my system before I give it up entirely for lent this year.  I just can't help myself!  Plus, I don't want to be without any makeup necessity during those 40 days and 40 nights and/or be in a sticky situation where I can't go out and buy what I need!  Anyhow, here is a quick and dirty list of what I've bought this week so far!  Hope you all have a great week!  Not sure when a full length blog will come again since exams are coming up and I won't have time to write...  But, I will definitely fit in another beauty quickie one day soon though!

MAC Fluidline in Dipdown

MAC Select Sheer Foundation in NC 37

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Medium Plus (*A new product, I cannot wait to try!)

Kiss Brand Luxury False Eyelashes- 4 pairs #'s 02, 03, 07 & 08.  On sale for $1.99 at your local Walgreens now!  They look super cute!

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Peach- Love the way this formula feels on my lips!  Sheer and pretty, but remember that most sheer colors aren't that long lasting...  Beauty Mark: B+

Revlon Matte Lipstick in Nude Attitude

Revlon Colorstay Lipliner in Rose

Revlon PhotoReady Translucent Finisher- Matte setting powder with this line's signature sparkle/light-reflecting pigments.  Beauty Mark: A-

Revlon PhotoReady Compact Makeup in Cool Beige

Revlon Matte Blush in Wine with Everything- Matte blush indeed.  Pretty plum color!  Beauty Mark: B

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner in Brownish Black and Black- Long lasting, intensely pigmented, classic liquid liners.  Beauty Mark: B+

L'oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black- Thanks Zee for the recommendation!

L'oreal De-Crease Eyeshadow Base- I read on ulta.com that this product is comparable to UD's primer...  I'll just have to test that out!

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Pencil in Tiramisu and Spice- Super inexpensive and super pretty!  I am in love with both of these now!  The color selection of these liners is great too!  Beauty Mark: A

Wet n Wild coloricon Eyeshadows in Silent Treatment and Comfort Zone- Drugstore gems!  I've tried one of these palettes and I was super impressed!  I bought these palettes for $2.54 & $4.24 after my 15% off discount.  Such a great buy!  Thank you Zee for introducing these to me!  (Btw, check out my gorgeous friend Zee's YouTube page @ jzmalaia)

Maybelline Mineral Power Finishing Veil- I needed something that would just set my makeup without adding or taking away from my foundation's color and this does just that.  Great price tag too of $8.99!  Beauty Mark: A

Conair extreme focus Compact Mirror- Extra large, jumbo compact mirror with two maginfications: 1x and 10x!  Another one of those instances where something larger than usual turns out to be cute!

***This week's Beauty Deals & Steals- 40% off all Cover Girl Makeup @ Rite Aid!***

OK I think that's it for now...  Goodnight beauties!  =)

Beauty Quickie

I think I'm going to call all of my really short quick posts "Beauty Quickies"!  Cute, right?  And in these I'll just post really short and sweet reviews or acquisitions or tips as they come to mind!  I'm also thinking of posting by texts, but we'll see how those look.  OK well here's my first beauty quickie...

MAC Lady Gaga 2 lipstick and lipglass- Both are very nude and very brown.  Muddy actually, but pretty mud.  I always feel great when I buy a Viva Glam lipstick because 100% of the proceeds benefit the MAC Aids fund, so when I bought these I just thought of them as a gift that came with my donation!  =)  As for the colors, they are only OK.  I have to wear them with a liner that has more color to warm them up.  I tried and liked the MAC Spice lip pencil with them, but I basically filled in (almost) my entire lip (upper and lower) with it and then swiped the lipstick on and dabbed the lipglass on to finish.  If you love Lady Gaga and want to buy one of these, I would recommend the lipstick over the gloss.  JMO.  Beauty Mark: C+

{Beauty Mark definition: I figured that because I am a professional student (not just a student in professional school, but a professional at being a student, lmao) that it would make more sense if I rated products by giving them a beauty grade, or rather a "Beauty Mark", hee hee.  So cute, right?  I'll have to trademark it!}

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer Stick- 004 Medium.  Ooooh it has sparkles!  Hahaha, well kinda.  I love the texture of this concealer and love the yellow-ness of this shade.  It is true it does have a little shimmer in it, but that's only because it's supposed to make you look "photo ready" in any light.  Hey, I'm down with that.  Beauty Mark: A-

MAC Cremesheen Glass- Richer, Lusher.  Very cute coral shade for spring/summer.  Falling in love more and more with the Cremesheen formula, which is super moisturizing and super comfortable.  Can't wait to wear this to my IPPE tomorrow!  =)  Beauty Mark: A

The Products I Cannot Live Without

Hello beauties!  I wanted to dedicate this blog to all of the products that have become my favorites through the years and the reasons why they are my favorites...  In this post (and in all of my posts) I promise to give you my HONEST and TRUE opinion on products 'cause I would never want to lead you down the wrong path to beauty.  Even though I love MAC and other more "expensive" brands of makeup, I am still the type of gal who LOVES finding bargains and I get really excited when I find quality makeup at drugstores (have you noticed?!).  All in all, I just want everyone to be happy with their beauty finds/purchases.  With that, here we go!  =)

Just FYI- My skin type: Combination/Dry.  I still get occasional breakouts too (ugh, when will they ever end?!).  My skin tone is in the C40, NC35-NC40 range.  (I only say C40 because only Studio Fix Powder comes in C's. I "wish" every MAC foundation formula came in C's...)

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Face Wash- In the blue pump bottle.  Have been using this product since 2004. Why I <3 it: it's lightly foaming, non-drying, and it takes off ALL makeup from foundation to liquid eyeliner.  Cost: $6

Clinique Mild Exfoliating Lotion- Toner for sensitive skin types.  Have been using this product since 1999.  Why I <3 it: it is the mildest/least harsh of all the exfoliating lotions from Clinique, it is alcohol free, and it contains beta hydroxy acid 0.5%.  (Trust me on this.  I am studying to become a doctor!)  This is a great exfoliating agent and at this strength it is not irritating at all.  Helps my skin "feel" soft and less tight.  Best prep for moisturizer.  It also de-flakes visible flakes instantly.  Absolutely cannot live without this product!  Cost: $11

MAC Studio Fix Moisture Lotion- Buttery rich moisturizer without SPF.  Have been using this product since 2004.  Why I <3 it: Best moisturizer for dry skin PERIOD.  One bottle lasts for about 6 months too.  It is thick and buttery, but NOT greasy.  It never leaves my skin looking oily even after a full day of wearing it.  In love with this moisturizer, for real.  However, I just found it on the MAC Good bye list, which means they are taking it away, so if you can still find it at a MAC counter, you should buy a few to stock up!  Buy a few for me too, hee hee!  Cost: $29.50

MAC Select SPF Foundation- NC 37.  Why I <3 it: It's the best foundation in their entire line because it is the most natural looking when applied, IMO.  It is basically a simple, everyday foundation with a wonderful texture and finish.  Coverage is medium and beautiful.  My only complaint (if you would call it that) is that it runs light, so I have to buy a darker color than my norm.  No biggie though.  Cost: $26.50

MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation- C 40.  Why I <3 it: Old school powder foundation.  Cake at its finest.  Have been using this since senior year in high school and I still love it.  I keep it in my purse for when I need touch ups anytime.  Great beauty tip- I use this with the puff to nude out my lips before apply lip liner and lipstick.  Helps the colors to pop and helps colors to last really long!  Cost: $26.50

MAC Sheertone Blush in Blushbaby- Pinky, nudey blush.  (MAC describes it as beige-pink.)  Why I <3 it: Long wearing, highly pigmented (but never too much), matte and PERFECT.  Cost: $18.50

Urban Decay Primer Potion- Cult favorite and my favorite.  Why I <3 it: This is the best eyeshadow primer in the world.  When I describe it to my friends I always say that you can use this primer along with your eyeshadows and even after a night full of clubbing you can come home and it will still look as though you just applied your eye makeup!  It IS that good!  Cost: $18

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer- More like a concealer really.  Why I <3 it: I actually use this product EVERY DAY as an undereye concealer and eyelid prep rather than a primer.  It is about a shade lighter than my skin tone- which I think a concealer should be- and it mattes and brightens my eye area instantly.  Very dry texture, so if you have dry eyelids, I would not recommend this.  For days when I only wear eyeliner and mascara (which is often) this is the only thing I will use on my eyelids.  As a primer for shadows, it is only OK.  (I'd rather apply my UD Primer instead!)  Also, the bottle lasts forever!  I've been using mine for a year so far and it still has a lot of product.  (I realize the package lists the lifetime of this product as 6 months, but I don't care.  I only go by the lifetime duration of 6 months for mascara, which gives me an excuse to buy a new mascara at least that often!)  Cost: $28 (a little expensive, but worth it.)

C.O. Bigelow Rosebud Salve- Not just a lip balm, an everywhere balm.  Why I <3 it: This is my all time favorite lip balm! But it's actually more than a lip balm, it's a balm you can put anywhere...  Your face, your hands, your cuticles, your eyes, your butt (hahaha, inside joke with Maribelle and me)!  But seriously, I love this little tin of rose scented goodness!  Cost: $6

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler- Best on the market.  Why I <3 it: I used to think the Shiseido curler was the best until I bought this one.  Wow.  It's so wonderful.  A must have for everyone!  Cost: $19

MAC Brushes 263 & 266- Sisters, but not twins.  Why I <3 them: These brushes are essentially the same.  Both are angle brushes for the eyes, but the 263 is synthetic hair while the 266 is natural hair.  I own two 263s: one for my fluidline eyeliner and the other for outlining my eyebrows.  This brush is best for making thin, very precise lines.  It helps me achieve what I call the "MAC eyebrow" and the best line (thin or thick) on my eye!  The 266 is the classic brow brush and I use it for filling in my brows.  It's totally awesome.  Cost: $17.50 & $19.50 (FYI the 263 brush is $17.50 in MAC stores, but $20 online.  Weird, huh.)

MAC Plushglass- Ample Pink.  Perfectly nudey, pinkey gloss.  Why I <3 it: Signature MAC vanilla scent with a very, very slight tingle.  Not as sticky as lipglass, which I think is a good thing.  This gloss is the bomb.  I'm almost positive that this color will look beautiful on anyone.  Cost: $18.50

I think that's the end of the list for my must-haves.  I appreciate you reading this long ol' list!  If I think of any other products, I will be sure to add them here.  Please comment back and list your favorites too!  Thanks and goodnight!

Make Up For Ever HD Primer vs. L'oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base

Hello lovlies!  So, tonight I wanted to write a review about the two facial primers I tried and put to the test this week.  I think you are all going to be surprised by the results...

Drum roll please...  And the winner is...  L'oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base!  And it wasn't even a close call.  This drugstore primer is the [IMO] BEST PRIMER ON THE MARKET!  It costs about $11 and it is worth every single penny!

I've used it about 3 times this week, like so...  After washing, toning, and moisturizing, I use a small amount and smooth it lightly over my entire face with my fingertips.  A few minutes later, I apply my foundation (MAC Mineralize Foundation and/or MAC Studio Sculpt).  I usually get ready at about 7:30 am each morning and, here's the amazing part- when I arrived home each night around 7:30 pm, my makeup still looked and felt as though I had just applied it!  I could not believe it!  I literally looked in the mirror and smiled widely because I was so pleasantly pleased with this product!  (Thank you so much Anh for convincing me to buy one!)  I have normal to dry skin and this product is both not too drying or too greasy at all.  The consistency is like a dry cream (if that makes sense) and it makes your skin feel so velvety!  A magic perfecting base indeed!  You ALL should definitely try this product for yourselves!  5 stars.

As for Make Up For Ever HD Primer (neutral) it just didn't impress me at all.  (I actually think this is worse than MAC's Prep & Prime foundation primer- which happens to be one MAC product that I do not like.)  MUFE's primer did nothing to make my skin feel smooth or help my foundation to last.  Thank goodness I got this as a deluxe sample only.  It sells for $32 a bottle and I do not think it is worth that much.  The one good thing about this primer is that is smells wonderful.  Maybe I'll wear it alone one day and hope people can smell it on me!  =)  2 stars.

As a disclaimer, I just want to say that this (and ALL of my other) opinions are just that- OPINIONS.  If you decide that you disagree with me or think I am totally crazy for what I post, I want you to let me know!  I am totally open minded and always want to know I'm using the absolute best products out there, so leave a comment, 'cause I want to know your opinions too!  Thanks!  Goodnight everyone!

Sneak Peek- Next post: Walgreens, Ulta & MAC Acquisitions.  Think "Lady Gaga".  =)

Rock & Republic Makeup 75% off on hautelook.com today!

OMG it's couture makeup at drugstore prices!  If you aren't already a subscriber to hautelook.com you should definitely sign up!  It's free!  And every day they have new brands from which they offer fat discounts on!  Today I placed my first order on Rock & Republic (think high fashion denim co.) Makeup!  I ordered a powder, a lipgloss, and a mascara and paid only $30!  I would've spent $100 at retail price!  Yay for me!  I'll be sure to review the makeup as soon as it arrives!  Take care and ttysoon!

Recent Acquisitions- MAC and Drugstore =)

I decided that I should list my most recent makeup purchases here and give mini reviews on the items that I've already tried.  Enjoy!

MAC Wonder Woman Mineralize Skinfinish in Golden Lariat- LOVE this!  I love everything about it from the jumbo sized packaging to the trio of gorgeous colors inside!  I have used it twice this week and I feel gorgeous when I have it on!  I deepened the blush look with Prism yesterday and it worked really well.  5 stars.  (I plan on coming up with some type of rating system for products in the future.)

MAC Wonder Woman Lipglass in Emancipation- This is a baby pink lipglass with a very slight shimmer.  Very cute, very girly.  In love with the packaging and jumbo size!  It's about twice as big as the regular lipglass and you know how sometimes things that are larger than their regular sizes seem cute?!  Hahaha, well that's the case with this!  4 stars, because I dislike how much product comes out on the wand, so make sure you open this product slowly.  Next purchase- same collection lipglass in Secret Identity, I really loved this color too!

MAC Cremestick liner in Sublime Culture and Lipstick in Cherish- Kim Kardashian's lip look achieved (with a little C-Thru lipglass).  5 stars.

MAC Blush in Buff- Love this color for an everyday medium nude/peachy cheek, however I sold it to a good friend of mine (Liza) who also fell in love with it.  I'll have to purchase another one later!  5 stars.

Maybelline FITme blush in Deep Nude and bronzer in Medium Bronze- They are buy one get one 50% off at my work (Walgreens) now through Saturday 02/26, so I couldn't resist.  The colors look very pretty though!  Matte with a tiny hint of shimmer.  Can't wait to try them!

Wet n Wild Megalash Mascara AND Clinical Serum in Very Black- this product was only $6.99 at my work too and it boasts that it will give you longer, thicker, fuller-looking lashes in just 4 weeks!  I cannot wait to see if this comes true, haha!  The price was definitely worth it anyhow!

Ardell Duralash Starter Kit lash extensions- Bought this at Target for $9.99 and it comes with enough lashes for me and Maribelle (my 14-year-old daughter) to try them out.  It states that these last for weeks on the package, so I'm hoping that this will be a very cheap alternative to going to the salon and spending $40+ on lash extensions.  We shall see!

I may be going a bit crazy with my makeup purchases right now because I am planning on giving up purchasing makeup for lent which begins on Ash Wednesday next month...  I am not Catholic, but I am Christian and I always give up something each year to show my Love for Jesus.  It'll be tough, but worth it.  Yay!

OK well thanks for reading again!  Goodnight!

This Background is SOOOO ME

I just had to comment that when I chose and saw this background up, I thought it was perfect because not only is it PINK, but also because it reminds me of a MAC Mineralize Blush Duo!  Hahaha!  Love it!  Byee!

Brands I ADORE

Since this is my first beauty blog, I thought it'd be fitting if I shared with you the brands that I adore the most so that you all know what I'm workin' with!  =)  I'll also list the products that I generally go running back to in these brands.

1. MAC- And not just 'cause it's the coolest brand either.  I have been a loyal MAC customer for 14 years now, so I can definitely attest to their quality products.  Must haves: EYESHADOW, BRUSHES, lipglass, lipstick, lip pencil, foundation, all powders, blush, mascara, fluidline, moisturizer, face wash...  Let's just say, all of it!  (There are only a few products by MAC that I dislike and I will share those with you sometime in a later blog.)

2. Benefit- Another brand I've used for a LONG time.  Must haves: mascara, blush, lipstick, lipgloss, brow zings, moon beam, high beam. 

3. Nars- I just bought my first products from them and I am completely impressed!  Must haves: lipgloss, blush.

4. Flirt!- Exclusively at Kohl's, this brand will surprise you!  A well-kept secret gem, indeed!  I plan on dedicating an entire blog to it later!  Must haves: eyeshadow, eye liner, lipgloss, lipstick, lip pencil, any gift set ('cause they are such a great buy)!

4. Revlon- I stand behind the drugstore brands as well!  Revlon is actually the first makeup brand I ever used and I still use!  Must haves: makeup brushes, liquid eyeliner, powder bronzer, powder and liquid illuminator, tweezers.

5. Sephora Brand- Let it be known that when I want to try and save money on a certain item, I check out the Sephora Brand item most identical to it and most of the time I am satisfied!  Must haves: BRUSHES, lip pencil, powder.

6. Coastal Scents- I found out about this inexpensive makeup secret on YouTube and I am so ecstatic that I did!  Must haves: BRUSHES, eyeshadow palette, blush palette.

7. Sigma Beauty- I will confess that I do not own any Sigma brushes (yet) because I am set with the brushes that I currently own, BUT I have had the pleasure of ordering and using these amazing brushes, and if I ever do need to replace my brushes, I would certainly not think twice about ordering from them!  Must haves: BRUSHES.

These are just my top favorite brands of makeup and brushes.  Thinking about it now, I do have favorite PRODUCTS from other brands, which I plan to write about in another blog.  If you think I'm missing out on something wonderful, tell me about it!  What are YOUR ultimate favorite brands?!

Hello and Welcome!

Hello and Welcome to everyone!  This page has been in the works a long time because I kept telling myself that I didn't have time to do it, but I just can't hold back any longer because I have SO MUCH that I want to share with you!  I do truly hope you enjoy reading what's on my mind and can share my appreciation for makeup and basically, all things beauty!  I urge you to share your tips with me as well!  I am always up for learning new things!  Well, *deep breath*, here I go...  Yay!  =)