The foundation rule & getting ready for those summer months

Rule of thumb is, you should always have at least two different foundation colors.  As the seasons change so do our color.  You tend to loose color on winter months, but gain color during the summer.  Hence as your color changes so should your foundation color.  Always blend foundations a little past the beginning of your neck, this tends to make your foundation look more natural because chances are its not an exact match.  Always remember you want to look as natural as possible so much so that people would not be able to exactly tell that you are even wearing a foundation.

Liquid, powder, cream foundation...how do I choose?
     This is up to preference.  I personally like to wear liquid & cream foundation during the winter and strictly powder only during the summer months.  I choose this because liquid and cream usually provides more coverage and my face is more pale during the winter.  During the summer I choose to be free and extremely lightweight.  Powder gives me the barely there feeling.  Also during the summer also try only using a bronze and blush.  Many times the natural sun will hide our subtle imperfections. 


My choices:
Favorite winter foundation: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra
Favorite summer foundation: Loreal True Match Powder


Tools: Sonia kashuk Foundation Brush Large & Medium (liquid)
          ELF Studio Line Powder Brush (powder)




Until next time divas :)

ROCK AND REPUBLIC COSMETICS 80% OFF MAKEUP SALE TODAY (link bellow)!!!

Yes, ladies the makeup Gods are being extremely good to us this week.  We not only have had the Vincent Longo sale now we have Rock and Republic.  For those unfamiliar with it...lets just say its a few steps up for all you MAC fans.  We all love MAC and they do produce some of the best products but the key to a great makeup collection is variety.  What's better than variety at a bargain price. 

Their all natural brush set which retails for $301 yes, over three-hundred dollars is now on sale on HauteLook for $60
Eyeshadows retail $28 now $8.40
Their individual brushes that range from over $60 to about $30 are now on sale for steal prices as low as $6.01 a brush.  I mean you really can't beat that.

As you guys know I'm the queen of cheap but quality so I just thought I would share for all you makeup lovers.  Follow my link to get in on the members only savings... and yes the queen of cheap speaking: ITS FREE...http://www.hautelook.com/invite/NSci154

I promise Rock & Republic will never let you down.  Warning: these items do go extremely fast

Until next time divas :)

Good Beauty Deals: Vincent Longo Cosmeitcs on HauteLook today!!!

    What some don't know about me is that I'm possibly one of the cheapest people in the world.  My dad taught me from a child never pay more for what you can get for less.  So if you haven't noticed already by my blog, I'm always out for a deal on a quality item. 
     Ladies the makeup Gods have answered again today, this time on HauteLoook (this site has the best daily sales).  Vincent Longo cosmetics is a line by a famous and well respected makeup artist.  His eyeshadow trios are the best.  They definitely take the brain work out of eye makeup and are extremely pigmented and of high quality.  They retail for $30 and are on HauteLook today for 65% off and are going for $10.50.  There are other items also available...just about everything I have tried has been amazing.  So check it out!!  follow the link for member only access http://www.hautelook.com/invite/NSci154

This is my favorite combination called: Chariot Wings..its a discontinued color (but, its being sold on http://www.hautelook.com/ today)

link to his direct site in case you miss the sale today and still want to check it out: http://www.vincentlongo.com/

Giveaway 1st Place Winner !!!

Congrats to id: Pau1a !!!

2nd place still to be determined

How to stay beautiful with sensitive skin?

Many suffer from a condition they cannot avoid because it’s believed to be attributed to heredity.  We all want to be beautiful so there are solutions.  Stay away from products which have fragrance, dyes, and harsh chemicals.  Even if you do not have the luxury to go to a Clinique counter and have them pick out dozens of overpriced cosmetics that are believed to "take care of the problem".  First, sensitive skin is not a problem it’s just something to consider when buying cosmetics.  NOT the end of the world.

1) Make sure you use a good moisturizer at night before bed and it will work overnight to nourish the pores.

2) Stay away from harsh cosmetics, the best products are mineral based and these do not have the ingredients that will irritate your skin

3) Apply a moisturizer always prior to makeup application...this builds a small wall between your face and the makeup.

What brands to wear?

-Almay is one of the best drugstore brands.  Their line is catered to those with sensitive skin. 

-I also highly recommend ELF mineral line.  The only problem with ELF is they do not have a great variety when it comes to shades and finish.  There are not many matte finish eye shadows and most are overly sparkly and not fit for daily use.

-Neutrogena is also a brand that has items catered to the sensitive consumer.

What about higher end brands?

-Clinique is a great brand which will assess your skin before you buy (but, warning its not cheap)

-Bare Minerals which is sold at Sephora also works.  Buy one of their "Get the look sets" which are sold at Sephora & Ulta (where I live we do not have Ulta but it can be purchased online at www.ulta.com- they also carry many mineral based drugstore brands) 

There are also many others.  I recommend trying some out, but if you are going for a high end brand try to get a sample size first so you are not left standing with a bottle of something you spent good money for that you cannot even use.  If you suffer from oily skin and/or lids don’t forget to apply primer and a decent translucent powder (it doesn’t have to be overpriced either).

Remember you are not missing anything when it comes to choosing to wear only mineral based makeup.  Chemicals are only put in products to preserve shelf life.  You are defiantly better without it no matter your skin type.  Also get regular facials, seeing an esthetician regularly can make all the difference.

Until next time divas :)

IMAN Second to None Cream Stick Foundaton: Pros, Cons & Review



IMAN Second to None Cream Stick Foundation
Price: Walmart $13.37  Walgreens $15.99

Curiosity was getting the best of me and I just had to try a cream stick foundation.  I had heard things about the IMAN cosmetics line which caters to women of color.  That is one thing that I love in a cosmetic company, variety when it comes to shades of foundation.  I also wanted to try a cream stick foundation. 
-For those who do not like liquid or powder foundation this may be perfect for you.
-I highly recommend if you like foundations that provide complete coverage.  It has a creamy texture that does not have that heavy feeling. 

While I do not like it so much for myself (a bit more coverage than I like to wear) I do recommend trying.  The only negative I see is it is a bit hard to evenly spread without looking clownish.  I recommend spreading with a flat top foundation brush buy spreading product on the brush vs using stick straight to your face and/or a good foundation brush will work with the same technique especially to get in places close to your eyes and nose...this way will allow you to get an even spread and is also more hygienic.  It can also be depotted to use (shoot me a comment if you want to know how).  This one I have to say is up to matter of opinion and taste. 

This is the full size of amount of product

I will say this was a bit hard to find.  I went to a few drugstores and walmarts before I finally found it at Walmart.  They didn't have many left on the shelf...Popular product I'm guessing??

Swatch of coverage

Recommended tools to use with this foundation:
-ELF studio line flat top powder brush (purchase at http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ or target)
-Sonia Kashuk Foundation brush (available for purchase at target stores and online http://www.target.com/)
(there are others that will work but I'm giving you the least expensive for the quality for all you bargain hunters)



How do I get my eyeshadow not to fade or crease?

It has happened to all of us... You leave the house looking movie star wonderful and a few hours later you look in the mirror and your eyeshadow is a complete mess.  Either it has faded to completely noting or it is creasing and causing the eyeshadow to clump together.  You always wondered why some peoples eyeshadow looks alive and vibrant, truth is they probably have on a great base or eyelid primer.  If you browse the Internet you see most giving credit to Urban Decay Primer Potion which runs about $18 a bottle.  What if you are a teenager in school and simply can't convince your parents it is essential to your life.  That's where I come in...I'm always up for giving you alternatives.  I must say my favorite base is Lancome Nude Eyelid Primer which runs $28 a pop so yes in some cases I am guilty of going with the expensive stuff.  But, the great thing about Lancome is they always have a special rotating between department stores and it gives you a 7 piece giveaway package free if you spend $39.50 and I am a pro of rotating with the bargain.  Anyway, I am going to give some alternatives that I have tried and the pros & cons.

-NYX Eyelid Primer in White -($6 on http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/) eBay seller -$4.89 info will be below-  this is made to make your eyeshadow stand out the most because it is white so its like your eyeshadow going on fresh paint.  While I think the idea is great the results do not impress me to much.  I noticed my eyeshadow began to crease after about 6hrs (and I have normal eyelids not oily, etc)...I do keep this on hand for times I simply want my eyeshadow to pop and I don't need it to last a full day.

-NYX Eyelid Primer in White Pearl ($6 on http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/) eBay seller -$4.89 info will be below -  this is intended to make your shadow brighter and gives sort of a sparkle effect.  It does have the same quality of the one mentioned above with the same results.

-Elf Eyelid Primer ($1 line) http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ - Total waste of time...your eyeshadow completely disappears...I tried it a few times to make sure it really was trash...don't buy!!

-Elf Mineral Eyeshadow Primer (on mineral line,  $3) http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ ... One of the best out..my eyeshadow didn't fade or crease for 12hrs +...the only reason my eyeshadow came off was because it was time for bed and I used remover...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.  I guess for an extra $2 E.L.F is willing to give us the good formula.  Totally worth it.

-Lancome Eyeshdow Primer Nude ($28) - I used this and love it but I think with the price tag unless you are buying with the sale to get lancome eye makeup remover free (best remover on the land I might add)...do not waste your money because their are other options.

-NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil ($4.50 each according to http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/)... a seller on eBay that I have used and had no problems sells them for $2.45 (will provide info below)- Pros comes in many colors and can add to your eyeshadow and doesn't last all day... maybe 6hrs tops. Kind of hard to blend but for beginners its a go because you get color and staying power. The colors Milk (white) & Black Bean (black) are a any collection must.

EL.F Eyeshadow/Eyeliner stick (studio line $3) http://www.eyeslipsface.com/ - similar to NYX Jumbo pencils...when layered with eyeshadow after (not too much or it will crease) it does have staying power.  Definite plus because it is a double end and has a thin eyeliner twist up at the other end.

NYX info: the seller I purchase from on ebay is embraceit1004...they always list way below value and everything comes in tack, on time, they are really professional.


Until next time Divas :)

The truth about colors...

We all want to stand out but some people go too far.  They forget that makeup is supposed to enhance your look not make you look like a clown.  Follow the old rule if your makeup took longer than 5 min chances are your wearing too much.  Sometimes a little makes much more of a statement than multiple colors and cakey foundation.  Neutral colors are defiantly "in" and people are taking advantage of this "matte lip idea".  You must realize that even though everyone is doing something is ultimately what is best for you and what makes you feel like 1 million bucks +.  The "smokey eye" has been around for years and many love & rock it well.  For me sadly, it just doesn't work.  No matter how I try to change technique etc I ultimately end up looking like I have 2 black eyes (or whatever I choose my main color to be).  Most likely because I have a small frame head and average size eyes.  Maybe its my completion, or just the distance between my eyes.   Who knows, but I encourage you to find your own niche and do what makes you happy.  Do not be afraid to experiment but know when to just admit this look is not for me.  We all want to be creative, We all are beautiful, makeup or no makeup attitude is worth more then beauty.

Until next time divas :) 

How to make your eyebrows look movie star wonderful for $3

Eyebrows are the one thing that can take on a look of their own and when they do it transforms our total look.  We sometimes buy pencils to do what the eyebrow lady couldn't quite get.   What happens when you pencil a little too much of an arch and you start to look like a scary monster?...Ladies push those pencils to the side the makeup Gods have answered and their is a eyebrow kit out that works and will not break your pockets.  E.L.F studio line has an eyebrow kit that is both effective an very inexpensive.  Actually it is only $3.   To top things off elf frequently has sales so you may be able to catch yours at 50% off like I did.  Similar kits are sold for $20 +... Urban Decay Eyebrow kit $29.50, Sephora Kit $34, Lorac $24, Benefit Cosmetics $30.   I think you need to check out e.l.f  and be left with some extra spending money for something else.   I have checked out the lasting power of this kit and had it on all day and  left it on to see if it would last until morning and...IT PASSED...24hrs of looking great!! Amazing!

Whats the difference in a pencil vs this eyebrow kit some ask.  Well lots...First, it has a side for powder and a side of wax.  This not only gives your eyebrows a non harsh color but tames them as well...oh did I mention it includes a mini double sided brush as well and a mirror.  With a pencil you are left to fend for yourself and often times that leads to looking like the scary monster.  Avoid all that and visit http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/eyes/eyebrows/eyebrow_kit and order that kit.  

Until next time divas :)

How to get MAC quality brushes for less

So everyone doesn't have the money to fork out $20+ per brush, but don't worry there is a solution.  Check out your local craft store.  Yup, you heard right the craft store.  There are many complete dupes to MAC brushes and guess what most are under $5.  Here I will tell you 5 essential brushes that will completely take your makeup look to a new level.  Loew-Cornell are the best painting brushes on the market so of course it would be the same quality for makeup.  They are made from 100% natural hair and the same quality (if not better to your MAC brushes).   So you ask what is the difference in the MAC brush and the Loew-Cornell Dupe...only one thing the handle is about an inch longer...the quality of brush still the same.

(on top regular makeup brush & below Loew Cornell for you to see small length difference)

5 Essential brushes:

Loew-Cornell Maxine Mop 1' (known as the dupe to MAC 134 or 136) great for your mineral makeup $11.99
Loew-Cornell Maxine Mop 3/8 (known as dupe to MAC 139) eye brush $3.99
Loew- Cornell Maxine Mop 1/4 - (MAC 228 dupe) Mini shader brush good for eye and can be used for conceler as well $3.49
Loew-Cornell 3/4 (MAC 216 dupe)- multi purpose brush - good for mineral blush, concealer, and can be used on larger eyes $4.99
Loew- Cornell 1/2 (MAC 252 dupe)- eye brush $4.99

(Loew-Cornell brushes)

When I went to purchase they were sold out of many of the other dupes as well as the Maxine Mop 3/8 (listed above).  I also purchased and got 40% off one and buy on get one free on 2 others...so the price at Michael's is always lower than the listed price just go with a coupon.  In total for the 4 brushes I own I paid $22.24 including tax...at MAC I would only have gotten 1 brush for that price. 
Below I will list some of the other known dupes you can find in your local craft store, but the ones below I have not tried for myself.

(L) loew cornell 277 round mop wood handle- MAC 129

(XXL) loew cornell 277 round mop wood handle- MAC 150

#8 American painters 2500 filbert clear w/glitter handle- MAC 194

#4 American painters 2200 fan clear w/glitter handle- MAC 205

1/4 royal soft grip sg160 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 208

10/0 American painter 2650 spotter clear w/glitter handle- MAC 209 or 311

#6 royal soft grip sg255 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 211

#6 American painters 2450 chisel blender clear w/glitter handle- MAC 212

1/4 loew cornell amm mini mop green handle- MAC 217

#10 royal soft grip sg255 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 219

(M) royal soft grip sg999 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 225

1" royal soft grip sg1400 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 227

(S) royal soft grip sg995 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 231

#10 royal soft grip 3020 clear w/orange tip handle- MAC 249 

3/8 royal soft grip sg160 clear w/glitter handle- MAC 263

1/4 American painters 2440 angular clear w/glitter handle- MAC 266

3/8 American painters 2400 angular clear w/glitter handle- MAC 269

1/4 royal soft grip sg393 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 272

3/8 royal soft grip sg393 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 275

#8 royal soft grip sg170 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 316


Until next time divas... :)

TIRED OF NAIL CHIPPING?? Sally Hanson: Salon Effects vs. Sally Hanson Quick Color

Nothing is worse than going to get that manicure and a few hours latter you notice you already have some chipped nails.  We have been lead to believe for so many years that nothing can change that.  Finally, someone is hearing our prayers and starting to make products that work.   They allow us to have our natural nails but get the benefits that only fake nails used to provide.   I have tried two drugstore "do it yourself" products that I found really cool.

1) Sally Hanson Salon Effects- $10.99 (can be found in most drugstores)

I didn't have high expectations when I picked up a box of these.  I found them very easy to apply...some what similar to applying stickers to your nails.  The instructions given in the box were more than accurate.  I actually spiced up mine and mixed 2 boxes to create the look I wanted.  A small plus to these is that each box comes with a nail filler that you can reuse after you apply.  I have put the nail filler in my personal kit.  The box says that they last up to 10 days.  I actually found that accurate and I will go a step further to say it can last a bit longer.  I removed mine on the 10th day but they were still in pretty good shape.  The only thing the box doesn't tell you to do is apply a top coat of clear nail polish after applying.  I noticed that this made them have a bit of shine and possibly helped them stay longer.

2) Sally Hanson Color Quick- $10.49 (can be found in most drugstores)

This is a quick pen application of nail polish which is supposed to be fast drying.  The idea for the pen is to be an on the go application that is portable and comes out through an easy to use brush/pen idea.  I was excited to use this because I thought it would possibly last longer than nail polish (I mean for the price tag you would think so)...sadly it let me down.  The brush is cool the first time you use it but when you go back for touch ups it is a bit clumpy and stiff due to the dried nail polish that was there from the last application.  It isn't long lasting.  I noticed that while the nail polish didn't chip away like other polish it started a weird disappearing act on my nail...the polish doesn't chip but it fades away...weird!  Overall it is a good idea and it can be good if you just want something on the go but it isn't the best.

WINNER: Hands down I would go with Sally Hanson Salon Effects.

Are you new to makeup? Is high end better??..what are some other options

People always rave about M.A.C & other highly respected brands but sometimes we have to think...are they always better??  You might answer yes, but I can promise you their are other brands available that are of high quality but won't take the high cost out your pockets.  I am one that goes for quality over name; therefore, my blog I will try to give you insights to allow you to do the same.

 

If you are new to makeup and do not know what colors compliment your style:

1) purchase a good palette first.  I recommend a full palette vs a eyeshadow palettte so you will know where to begin with makeup and application.  Just because someone you know needs a pencil to fill in eyebrows and blush, etc does not mean you need the same.  You may be sucessful in creating the look you want with just a light eyeshadow and a mineral powder foundation. 

2) THERE ARE NO RULES...simply do what makes you happy.  (& also what makes you look good hehe...just for others sake...we have to look at you, lol)

Recommendations for someone new to makeup:

NYX "All I Ever Wanted Box"- cost $28 (on amazon)...can also be found http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/

(78 eyeshadow, 6lip colors, 4 blush, highlighter, bronzer, powder)

while i'm not to fond of the pigments of the eyeshadow, the lip colors are AMAZING, love the highlighter and the bronzer)...this is deff a set you can take on vacation and have everything in one box

Coastal Scents 26 Neutral and Blush Combo palette- 19.95 (on amazon)...can also be found on http://www.coastalscents.com/.

(26 eyeshadow and 5 blush colors)..these can be also interchanged and the eyeshadow used as a blush highlight color.   I recommend for those not to into colored eyeshadow...extremely pigmented and of high quality without the price tag.

I hope this helps some of you and questions feel free leave a comment response :)