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Thursday, February 10, 2011

Valentines Day Special

Are you and your sweetheart doing anything special this Valentines Day?

Valentines Day is so fun to celebrate and many beauty lines always have special gift sets and products that I think are just wonderful! This is probably going to be more of a reference for the men out there who need last minute gift ideas, but I just thought I would share some cute and fun products I found for this lovely occasion.

  • Baby Bear Shop, 'All The Better to Kiss you With' Lip Balm Set $20


The packaging for Baby Bear products are always so cute!! Its a brand not talked about often but I just thought that this set of lip balms was perfect for Valentines Day! It comes with 3 lip balms, you can either get the Eco Kiss Kit: Lavender Vanilla, Chai Mandarin, and Pepperminty or you can get the Holiday Kiss Kit: Pomegranate, Chai Mandarin and Pepperminty they come singly also for only $6 each and their products are made with all natural and organic ingredients! Available at BabyBearShop.com

  • Philosophy 'Sweet On You' $25


Philosophy always comes out with fun and pretty sets for every occasion and their products smell fantastic! I picked this particular set because it smells like the candy hearts that are so famous and a classic Valentines Day candy. It brought me back to my childhood when I would get the Candy Hearts every year from my parents. It comes with 3 different products, Shampoo & Shower Gel, Body Lotion, and Lip Gloss. Available at Sephora or Philosophy.com

  • Nars 'Tainted Love' Set $59


Nars is probably in the top 5 of my favorite makeup brands because I love all their colors and I love all the names they have for every single product which makes it so fun and easy to remember. This gift set is their newest set and was made just in time for Valentines Day. It's surrounded around one of their newest colors called 'Angelika' which is like a hot pink color. The set comes with The Multiple, Lip Gloss, and Nail Polish in 'Schiap'. The Multiple is just amazing to say the least, its a creamy stick which you can use on your cheeks, lips and even eyes. Available at NarsCosmetics.com

  • Victorias Secret 'Ravishing Love' Gift Set $15


I have always loved Victorias Secret 'Secret Garden' Collection, they have such a wide variety of scents to choose from and they always look so sexy and stylish in my shower and bathroom. The scent for this gift set is called 'Ravishing Love' and its a mix of fruity and floral but not too overpowering its very pleasant, kind of reminded me of 'Sweet Temptation'. Comes with a Body Mist, Body Lotion and Shower Gel. Available at: Victorias Secret Stores or VictoriasSecret.com

  • Lavanila 'I Love Lavanila' Gift Set in Vanilla Grapefruit $49.50


Lavanila has one of the best deodorants out there and its such a unique product they always seem to be sold out when I go to Sephora. This gift set includes the deodorant (full size!) in 'Vanilla Grapefruit' which you would think would smell a bit sour because of the grapefruit but it actually has a really fresh smell added with the vanilla to sweeten the smell a bit. It also comes with a Body Butter and Fragrance. Another all natural and organic brand which is a plus! Available at Sephora or Lavanila.com

  • Pacifica Perfumes 'Chocolate and Roses' Set $50


Wow, this set comes with so many products and its such a great value for what you get. Pacifica Perfume is also an all natural and organic brand and I think I caught on to the 'Go Green' craze! I love the name of this set, 'Chocoalte and Roses' which sounds so romantic, but also fits the scent of the products included. It comes with Pillar Candle 3x6 (huge) in Mexican Cocoa, Pillar Candle 3x3 in Persian Rose, Mexican Cocoa solid perfume, Persian Rose Spray and Persian Rose Soap Bar. Available at PacificaPerfume.com

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Dior: Unique Products and Review

Yes, Dior is an expensive luxury brand. A lot of people havent tried Dior products very much because of its high price point but I think there are a few products that are unique that I think are worth mentioning. I used to work for Dior for over 2 years, which is why I got to try a lot of their products! They have their advantages and disadvantages so I will try to tackle each one with an unbiased approach =) So lets get it cracking!

  • Airflash $60



This is truely a unique product and I havent seen any other product that comes close to it.

What is it?

A finely spun powder foundation that goes on wet but dries with an airbrushed finish. Its a sheer to medium coverage foundation.

How to use?

It comes in an aerosol spray can so you want to start about 6 inches away from the face. Spray in a zig-zag motion starting from the top and moving down. Keep doing this to get the right amount of coverage.

Alternative uses?

You could spray it on a foundation brush or a kabuki brush and buff it on to get more of a full coverage. They have two bronzing ones which creates a nice natural glow. Not recommended for the body because it will come off on your clothes and it is not waterproof.

Disadvantages?

Can be messy and can get on your hair and clothes if your not careful. Only lasts about 3-4 months if used everyday.

Worth the price?

In my opinion, probably not =(

  • Dior Addict Lip Glow $29



Another unique product, but I found that a lot of other brands are starting to do this as well.

What is it?

A lip balm that changes color according to your natural body chemistry.

What does it do?

Moisturizes lips, creates a nice base for lipcolor, and lasts throughout the day.

Disadvantages?

It can run out quick if you use it often, the stick isnt very long so you might want to save this for when you just need something quick to play up your lips.

Worth the price?

Two thumbs up for me!

  • Universal Brow Styler $28



I use this when I really want to add definition to my brow.

What is it?

Like the name itself, it is a brow pencil that is suited for any hair color or skintone. It is an automatic pencil so you dont have to keep sharpening it, but since it is automatic the formula can be hard and too rough for some people.

How to use?

You can either use it to shape your brow by outlining your natural brow shape to add definition, or you can use it to fill in brows using light small strokes that imitate your natural hairs.

Disadvantages?

I found some people didnt like the color it turned out on them, especially if you like your brows to be really light. It does come out like a true taupe color so you might want to try before you buy. Also, like most of the Dior products mentioned, it doesnt last very long if you use it often.

Worth the price?

I would settle for something more affordable.

  • Diorshow Mascara $24.50



Yes, Dior's #1 seller and most popular product!

What is it?

Extreme volumizing and thickening mascara. Comes in waterproof also. Available in black, brown and electric blue.

Does it really work?

YES it does really work! If you have thin short lashes like I do then this mascara will definetly be your saviour for plumping those lashes up. They claim to give lashes a false lash look and I must say they are correct! The brush is extra thick which creates the volume (makeup artists back in the day used to use toothbrushes to volumize lashes and the Diorshow brush mimics a toothbrush).

Disadvantages?

The non-waterproof one smudges on me throughout the day. Its also a more dryer formula so you might have to replace this mascara more often than usual.

Worth the price?

Yes if you want drama lashes!

  • Skinflash $36



This product is comparable the YSL Touche Eclat Concealer Pen but works just as well in my opinion.

What is it?

Undereye brightener and highlighter. Comes in a pen form also with a click on the bottom that pushes the product up. Contains mother of pearl in it reflects light and brightens the skin. Its a creamy formula so it glides on well.

How to use?

This is a multi-use type of product so you can use it pretty much anywhere on the face that needs a little brightening action. I mainly use it for under the eye area, around the nose and mouth, above the brow bone, between my brows, and sometimes as an eyeshadow base. You could also use it to fill in fine lines and wrinkles which will lessen the appearance of them or you could use it on your cheek bone as a highlight.

Disadvantages?

I dont really care for the pen tip of this product because it doesnt help to blend it in nicely. Best if used with a concealer brush or fingers to apply. Wont last long if you use it a lot. It doesnt work for blemishes because its not a heavy concealer, mainly for brightening.

Worth the price?

Hmm.. I think so!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Artist Spotlight: Yung Rizzo and J Fran



Jose Dumlao III aka Yung Rizzo is from San Jose, California who released his first mixtape back in 2008 and has since been rising to the top as one of the most talented Asian American music artists. He got his degree in Sociology at San Jose State University and has family that lives in Hawaii as well. He has toured throughout the states as well as the Philippines and Hawaii gaining fans and creating buzz for his versatility and ability to reach a broad audience. He not only is a rapper but also a talented songwriter and producer for Fly High Music Group. His brother is also the creator of 'Ps and Qs' urban clothing line which is popular in the Bay Area and will be sold for the first time on Karmaloop.com by the end of this year. Yung Rizzo's first album 'Back of My Mind' is being released also this year but his first single off the album called 'Game Over' is now available to download on iTunes and Rhapsody. Enjoy!


To learn more about Yung Rizzo and hear his other songs, visit his website @ Yung Rizzo
For Ps and Qs clothing line --> Ps and Qs



James Francisco aka J. Fran is originally from San Diego, California and now resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was an accomplished basketball player winning player of the year in San Diego when he was in high school and went on to play for Cuyamaca CC and then Chaminade University to get his Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. He had the opportunity to play basketball in the Philippines first when he graduated high school and then after when he graduated Chaminade. He had a challenging upbringing and has came to overcome all that he has been through. James always had a passion for music but never thought it would become a reality, he is now working on releasing his first mixtape, and he is now part of Fly High Music Group with artist Yung Rizzo. This is the first song ever released by J. Fran feat. Yung Rizzo called 'My Time'. Check it out!

February Beauty Wishlist

I mentioned in my last blog post a few tips when shopping for beauty products, so I decided I would post up my own personal shopping list for the month of February. Hopefully I can save enough money to buy all of these, but if not, I can always buy it another month!

NEEDS

I only have a couple of need items this month because there is one big purchase! Hopefully worth the money and hopefully it will last me a long time! I need a rolling case now since its been getting too ridiculous carrying around 3 different bags and cases for all my hair and makeup products. Need black bobby pins for a wedding I am assisting with since I ran out of black!
  • Rolling Train Case in Zebra Print - $200 from Yazmo.com
  • Black Bobby Pins
Yazmo Zebra 4 in 1 rolling train case



WANTS

I realized I dont have too many hair products which I am in desperate need of because I havent had time to cut my hair for a long long time and its starting to look and feel damaged. My hair has also started to look limp and dull so I really need a good hair mask and spray that will give me some body!

Haircare:
  • Origins Rich Rewards $18.50 Macys or Origins Store
  • Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray $25.99 Macys Salon
  • Moroccan Oil Treatment $23.95 Nordstrom Rack or Beauty Supply Stores



Makeup:

Waterproof those eyes!
  • MUFE Eye seal
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliners 15 Year Anniversary $92 currently not in stock at Sephora =(

MUFE EyesealUrban Decay 15 year anniversary



Try

I have sensitive skin so I still havent found the right balance for my moisturizer and face wash.. Also need to find a new foundation since I got lighter from the last time I bought foundation.. ugh.. I should also put on my list that I need a suntan!
  • Origins Vitazing Moisturizer
  • Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash
  • NYX HD Foundation
Origins VitazingOrigins Checks and Balances

Friday, February 4, 2011

January Favorites

How many of you love to shop? I know I do!! I am always scouting out the best beauty products on the market whether its online, in store, sampling, swatching, etc. Like most of you, I am on a tight budget, but I always set a side a particular amount every month to spend on beauty products and I always have a list ready. I keep track of the products I Need, Want, and Try so I dont overspend or buy something I already have. So, for this month I will give you an overview of my January favorites, or just products I am currently loving =)

(in no particular order)

Nars Lovejoy
  • Nars Blush in 'Lovejoy'
I have so many Nars blushes, but this is my favorite at the moment. It has kind of a mauve pink look to it when you put it on with gold flecks that give your cheeks an instant glow! It isnt too strong so its great for an everyday blush where you just want a hint of color. I have been using this color everyday for the past couple of months because its just so pretty! I found its best used on fair to medium skintones otherwise it just acts as an illuminator for darker skintones. I did notice they upped their prices by $1 this year =( the norm for most cosmetic companies, but c'mon!

Price: $27

Mac prep and prime lip
  • MAC Prep + Prime Lip
This is a must have for anyone! This product isnt talked about a lot but I have fell in love with it and will probably be using this for a while until I find something better! It fills in lines, smooths lips, amplifies lipstick and lipgloss color, and helps to prevent lipsticks from staining. Great for any age, definetly would recommend if you have dry lips or if you have a lot of lines. For photoshoots I have been using this when there are many lipcolor changes because it helps when you need to wipe off lipstick, kind of acts like a shield for your lips.

Price: $14.50

Mac Cream Cup
  • MAC Lipstick in 'Cream Cup'
This month was the first time I have ever used MAC lipsticks. I know I know.. being a makeup artist, I should have right? The reason being is because I had sooo many other lipstick colors in my huge makeup pile that I never needed any other lipsticks since I had pretty much every single color. I finally gave in and bought 'Cream Cup' for a photoshoot I was doing, and it is such a pretty pretty color! Its a light pink color which gives you that sort of Kim Kardashian pout. Its creamy and moisturizing and tends to last pretty long considering its creaminess. I think anyone could use this color mixed with the right eyeshadow and blush.

Price: $14.50

Dior Skinflash
  • Dior Skinflash in 'Candlelight'
I always had this product in my makeup stash but never started really liking it until now. Since I dont get much sleep, like a lot of us out there, I started noticing some dark circles forming under my eye and I couldnt find the right consistency or color concealer to brighten my eyes. This works miracles! I use it for my undereye circles, around my nose to conceal redness, and between my eyebrows for an added highlight. It is multi purpose so you can either use it for concealing dark circles, redness, or anywhere else you might need a bit of a glow and its light reflecting! Not good for blemish though so dont try using it cover acne, scars, or major discolorations because it will not cover. They dont have a color for darker skintones but the #3 works well with medium skintones, #2 works with light and medium with yellow undertones, and #1 works well with fair to light skintones with a pink undertone.

Price: $36

Mark Mist Opportunity
  • Mark Mist Opportunity Spray
This is a great spray for setting makeup as well as moisturizing! I have pretty sensitive skin and this does not make me break out but it does moisturize surprisingly well for a spray! It doesnt leave your face greasy but just refreshed. It is alcohol-free and it contains a bunch of natural ingredients like kiwi and grapefruit which also helps to prevent deter free radicals like pollution. Great alternative to MAC's Fix+ Spray! I think if your on a budget go with the Mark spray, anyone can use it and smells good too!

Price: $8

Clinique 7 Day Scrub
  • Clinique 7 Day Scrub
I would use this scrub off and on because I had another scrub I was trying to use up before I tried this one. I have always been hesitant to try Clinique products but this scrub is great to use once or twice a week leaving your skin feeling silky smooth after. Its a bit more on the rougher side than some scrubs that are sometimes more gentle and creamy but for me it works well. It lasts really long too, you only need about a dime size to scrub your entire face, you could even use it to exfoliate your body but considering the size, it would run out a lot faster.

Price: $18.50

Gilly Hicks Calla Bluff
  • Gilly Hicks Hand and Body Lotion in 'Calla Bluff'
I absolutely just love love love the scent of this lotion! It doesnt smell fruity or flowery but it just smells fresh! Also, it isnt super thick so you arent left with that greasy, slippery feeling on your body but it moisturizes amazingly. They are pretty affordable also, I bought mines online when it was 40% off so it was 40% off of 3 for $15 so it was like $3 a piece! They have other scents also which are nice but my favorite is Calla Bluff. Who would have thought Gilly Hicks would sell great body lotion? I didnt!

Price: 3 for $15

Paul Mitchell Smoothing Super Skinny Shampoo
  • Paul Mitchell Smoothing Shampoo
Now I know this product might seem a bit on the expensive side, but at Walmart you can get it for a great deal! Shampoo is the most essential part of haircare so you want one that is perfect for your own hair and the results you want. My hair can be poofy and frizzy but this shampoo leaves my hair soft, silky, healthy, and it also straightens it a bit. I even air dry my hair and it still doesnt poof up anymore! The only thing to be careful of is that you need to wash it out thoroughly otherwise you will have some product left on the hair which could cause it to feel heavy. Great for those of you that have coarse, dry or frizzy hair and you want to tame it down a bit.

Price: $11.48 @ Walmart