Beauty Blender Dupe

LeCosmetique blending sponges are a perfect dupe for the Beauty Blender. They're not only more affordable but it blends foundation like a dream! For only $5.95 USD, this sponge will become your new best friend! Since I've started using this blending sponge (I would say about mid 2012), I haven't been reaching out to my normal foundation brushes *ahem* Sigma F80 *ahem*. Also, unlike Sonia Kashuk's blending sponge, which I know we've all probably tried before, LeCosmetique blending sponges expand when they are wet. They are soft and bouncy and make applying foundation so effortless. Right off the bat I noticed how even my foundation was. Since it doesn't absorb my foundation, I find myself using less foundation on my face.

This also works amazing for concealer. It conceals areas without lifting the product from your face. On the other hand, it is less pointy at the top than the Beauty Blender, but nonetheless the product itself is just too amazing. I should also add that I use this blending sponge to set my foundation with loose powder. It works amazing for that too, believe it or not! Sometimes adding powder can make you look cakey but using this blending sponge wet and dipping it into your setting powder creates a really flawless and poreless finish for my face.

The longevity of these blending sponges are pretty great too. I don't understand someone who throws away a blending sponge after using it one time. I've used this so many times and washed it countless times and it has still maintained its shape and quality. There is no tearing in the sponge whatsoever. I say as long as you take care of it and wash it regularly, I don't see why you can't use this over and over again.  Blending sponges are a necessity for every makeup kit out there especially the ones from LeCosmetique. You honestly won't know just how much a difference it makes until you try it for yourself.

DISCLAIMER: THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THIS PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED BY THE AUTHOR AND IN NO WAY WAS THIS REVIEW INFLUENCED BY THE COMPANY OF THE PRODUCT.

Daily Face Routine for Oily Skin

 

When it comes to my face routine, I have to find exactly what's right for my skin type. I have used numerous products from both low and high end, and although I do have my set of high end products to keep face matte for those special occasions, I find that these products save me from looking like a disco ball when it comes to my daily face routine. Most of these products you might have already heard of but there may be some of you that question the different products I use. Because believe it or not, they're not at all face products!

These items are simple to get your hands on and for the most part inexpensive!

1. TN Dickinson's Witch Hazel. The name sounds a bit odd but the product itself works amazing as a toner. It works great for oily, irritated, damaged, blemished, red, or inflamed skin. It absorbs all the excess oils on my face, helps soothe any irritation, all while making my face smooth and supple.
   
2. Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 30. This non-greasy formulated moisturizer works great for my oily skin. It provides me with a nice balance of moisture without feeling heavy. This moisturizer absorbs into my skin really fast so you're not stuck with that sticky feeling. It has a high SPF and you honestly cannot go wrong with that!
   
3. Milk of Magnesia. Yes! This wonderful bottle of magnesium hydroxide is a laxative! But holy moly does this product work amazing for oily skin! Although this product is used to alleviate the you-know-what, it can be used as a face primer. Applying this after your moisturizer helps to retain the oils on your face from seeping through your foundation. Besides a primer and a laxative, M.O.M. has so many other uses to it. Wikipedia that thing girl!
   
4. Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel. You're probably thinking, "what the heck is this girl putting on her face?!" But girl let me tell you! This product has the same consistency and the active ingredient of all the major primers we know and love, Dimethicone! This not only keeps me matte all day but it fills in my pores without clogging them.
   
5. Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Oily/Combination Skin. This is my go-to foundation for both daily and long-wear use. This truly keeps me matte all day, gives me amazing coverage and doesn't feel heavy on my face.
   
6. Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer. This waterproof concealer works amazing at concealing dark circles and blemishes. It stays put all day without fading no matter how oily or sweaty you get!

Smokey Cat Eye Look

Hi everyone! Sorry again for the lack of posts. I was able to take a few photos of my makeup I had Saturday night so I thought I would post it. It's late/early Sunday right now and I have to be up early so I will probably update this again with what all the products I used. Or you can leave a comment and I'll get back to you. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! Take care :)

My Glossy Box Package - April 2012

GLOSSY BOX is a monthly online subscription service that provides various samples of luxury products of various brands from hair care, skin care, and makeup. Glossy Box is only available in a few select countries and it was first introduced to the US not too long ago. I was very excited to see what kind of products they would provide in their first American Glossy Box. :)

Upon receiving my Glossy Box in the mail, I was really impressed by the packaging. It looked very high end, classy, and chic, which I am pretty sure is the kind of look they are going for. It was a very well put together package. :)

I love the fact that their packages consist of more high end luxury products. It gives us a better opportunity to try something, especially pricier items, rather than spending a lot of money on something to try for the first time. For this particular package I like that the products pertain to different parts of our body like nails, lips, eyes, and skin care.

Below is a list of all the products that I received.

Erno Laszlo Hollywood Collection
OPI Kiss Me on My Tulips

C.O. Bigelow Lavender & Peppermint Body Lotion

Cargo EyeBronzer

Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine in Toffee

Basq Cucumber Tea Eye Gel

INCLUDES:

□ Erno Laszlo Hollywood Collection
Sample of 5 creams: Morning Beauty Rescue, Refresh Moisture Infusion, Instant Eye Cream, Intensive Porcelain Veil, and Velvet Night Cream.

□ OPI Kiss Me on My Tulips
A creamy hot pink shade from OPI's new Holland Collection

□ C.O. Bigelow Lavender & Peppermint Body Lotion
This lotion was once only available in hotel rooms. Can you believe that?! It is a lightweight lotion that is non greasy, yet very moisturizing.

□ Cargo EyeBronzer
A shimmery bronze shade perfect for Spring and Summer. This works good for an "all over the lid" color.

□ Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine in Toffee
A "my  lips, only better" type of gloss. Gives a really great nude lip with high shine.

□ Basq Cucumber Tea Eye Gel
A gel based eye cream that feels and smells cooling on the eyes. The smell of it has quite a bit of a strong scent of menthol.

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS POST WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

Everyday Smokey Eyes

EYES:
Urban Decay Naked 1 & 2 Palette
MAC Saddle eyeshadow
Elf Gel Eyeliner
Covergirl Lashblast Mascara

CHEEKS:
NARS Laguna Bronzer (contour)
MAC Gingerly Blush

LIPS:
MAC Viva Glam VI Lipglass

Hair Therapy Wrap Product Review

Hi everyone! Today I have a hair care product to review for you all. The Hair Therapy Wrap is great for people who are into using deep conditioners, hot oils, scalp treatments or if you are just looking for an innovative way to restore your hair. I also read that it can be used to activate hair dye! I have never thought of trying this for hair dyes but maybe someday!

I have never heard of this product before and I thought it was really interesting because it reminded me a lot of childhood. (I'm about to go off topic right now.. lol) I remember growing up as a kid I remember seeing my mom use hot oils in her hair. She would put a damp towel in the microwave and wrap her damp hair in it after applying her hot oils. She would then place a plastic bag over her head! So when I started to use this wrap I couldn't help but think of my mom and how much I think she would have loved this product if she knew about it back then. :)

Anyway, as I was saying.. I have been using the Hair Therapy Wrap for about 2 months now and I would use different hair care products from deep conditioners to hot oils. I don't use this wrap that often but I would say I've used this about four times since I've gotten it and I really enjoy using it! My favorite part is rinsing out my hair and being able to run my fingers through it because of how smooth it is! It's kind of rewarding. :)

The Hair Therapy Wrap is intended to be worn up to 20 minutes. I would take full advantage of those 20 minutes especially if you experience dry, brittle hair like I do.. or if you hair is really long line mine. The longer the better. :)

The Hair Therapy Wrap includes:

□ Reusable heated hair wrap

□ Three gel packs

□ Three disposable plastic caps

PROS:

□ Helps deep conditioners penetrate your hair more deeper because of the use of heat.
□ Perfect for all hair types
□ Stays warm for about 20 minutes
□ Reusable
□ Gel packs can be heated in the microwave or in boiling water (I prefer microwave!)
□ Affordable! I know to some it might seem more than what you would want to spend on a hair care product but you get so many uses out of it so I think it is well worth the investment.

CONS:
□ A little bit uncomfortable
□ Feels pretty snug especially if you have a lot of hair like I do.. or I must have a really big head :\

FINAL THOUGHTS:
□  I have noticed my hair looking and feeling a lot more silkier and a lot more shinier. Some might think that this is caused by using a deep conditioner. I do believe that the deep conditioner has been a contributing factor to the overall health of my hair. On the other hand, I did experience my hair feeling healthier for a longer period of time and for that reason I believe was because of the use of the Hair Therapy Wrap. I like the fact that this is meant for all hair types and textures so I think that everyone can take full advantage of this product because all hair can use a little bit love!

Available at Brushlove.com for $29.95

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS REVIEW WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

ES Natural Eyelashes from KKCenterHk

Hello all! I have another pair of false eyelashes to review for you. It's been a while since I've gone out wearing false eyelashes because 1) my eyes have not been liking them. They're always irritating my eyes and making them watery and 2) I've been going out bare faced lately. Giving my face a break just feels good :)

Anyway! These lashes are from KkCenterHk and they are style ES A533. These run for $14.50 for a box of 10 pairs.

These lashes remind me of Ardell Demi Pixie lashes but not nearly as attractive or easy to put on. These lashes are quite flimsy and I'm not a huge fan of the shape or design. I don't particularly lean towards false eyelashes that are thick and thin in some areas. I prefer them to be consistent throughout the entire lash but that's just my personal preference. Some of the lashes aren't 100% symmetrical to their corresponding half so I end up having to pick and choose which individual one I feel like matches.

Other than that I think they look really good once they're one. They look natural and they're pretty comfortable to wear. I do think for this particular pair, it is a bit expensive especially since I don't necessarily see that many uses out of one pair. I usually wear the same pair of lashes quite a few times but these lashes are more of a one time use.

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS REVIEW WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

ES Luxuriant Spiky Tail Eyelashes from KKCenterHk

Hi everyone! Long time no blog! It's been really crazy the past few months with work and buckling down to my last few classes before I graduate. I've been putting my blog aside and I feel bad because I every year that I blog I always do more than the previous year and it's not looking too great right now! But it seems like my schedule is only getting busier; however, I've made time to update a blog post that's been sitting in my drafts for a few weeks now.

I received these lashes for review from KkCenterHk. These are in the style A510. They come in a pair of 10 lashes for $15.44 (USD).

I haven't worn lashes (or even eye makeup) for a few weeks now because my eyes have been real sensitive lately, which is why I've been putting these reviews off until now. After wearing these lashes it makes me miss wearing the long and voluminous lashes that I'm always so fond of. These lashes are right up my alley as far as drama and length goes. It does require a little bit of trimming in the corners but other than that they're fairly comfortable.

Style ES A510

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS REVIEW WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

A Bride's Night Out at FLUXX

Hi dolls! I wanted to share with all of you an upcoming event that's coming up. I'll be joining with Ah! Le Party Wedding and Event Planning for A Bride's Night Out at Fluxx Nightclub in Downtown San Diego on March 14, 2012.

Bride's Night Out is a special night for future brides-to-be (and her bridal party) to come together to get pampered, receive complimentary hair up-do's, get beautified by professional makeup artists, receive skin softening treatments, and to learn more about the wedding and event industry. There you will be entered into to win some amazing prizes for your wedding including gift cards, makeup application, hair styling, and more! You will also meet some amazing vendors including:
□  Ah! Le Party Wedding & Event Planning
□  Barliz Flowers
□  Beauty Addiction (eyelash extensions)
□  Buca Di Beppo
□  Exquisite Wedding's by San Diego Magazine
□  Flavio Photography
□  FLUXX
□  Hyde Edwards Salon
□  Lovely Photobooths
□  Makeup by Cynthia
□  Mia Bella Couture
□  Mobile Music Plus
□  Shadow Boudoir
□  Sweet Thoughts (desserts)
□  Sweet Ribbon (linens)
□  Touchstone Crystals

Details for A Bride's Night Out:
□  When: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 6:30 PM
□  Where: Fluxx Nightclub
□  Cost: Prepaid tickets $5, At the door price $10 (purchase tickets here)

I'm looking forward to this event and I really hope to see some of you there!
Click here to check out A Bride's Night Out on Facebook!

Here are some photos from the last BNO event

Urban Decay Naked Palette Look - Tutorial

So here's a look and a tutorial for you all using Urban Decay's Naked Palette. I realize it's pretty similar to my first Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette tutorial but I know not everyone has that palette which is why I wanted to do one similar with the Naked 1 Palette. I get requested on Youtube to do more tutorials with the Naked Palettes so hope you all like it. Thanks for reading :)

EYES:
□ Urban Decay Primer Potion
□ MAC Painterly Paint Pot
□ Sin eyeshadow (inner corners & inner lower lash line)
□ Toasted eyeshadow (middle lid & middle lower lash line)
□ Hustle eyeshadow (outer corner & outer lower lash line)
□ Creep eyeshadow (outer corner & outer lower lash line)
□ Buck eyeshadow (transition & crease color)
□ Foxy eyeshadow - Naked 2 Palette (brow bone highlight)
□ Elf Black Cream Eyeliner
□ Covergirl Lashblast Mascara
□ ES False Eyelashes - style A510

BROWS:
□ NYC Browser Brow Kit
□ MAC Carbon eyeshadow
□ NYX Concealer in a Jar (shade beige)

CHEEKS:
□ Wet N Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Princess
□ NYX Mauve blush

LIPS:
□ NYX Round Lipstick in Thalia