Sunday, August 29, 2010

Beauty Crave: Sephora

Hey Dolls!

I hope you are all enjoying this fab weekend. I am sorry that I have been slacking on posts lately. I haven't really been doing too much shopping when it comes to makeup lately. I am trying to calm down on the makeup-shopping for a bit-but I know it's hard, because I am a makeup junkie LOL!

Here are some beauty products that have caught my eye available at Sephora:


Everybody in the beauty community is raving about Urban Decay's new packaging for their famous primer potion. I have longed for this day for a really long time, and it has finally happened! The squeeze tube is simply perfect-you get a lot of product, it's sanitary, and it ensures that you squeeze every bit of product out (I am so over disecting the potion bottle packaging-ugh!). I read on the Sephora website that this product is limited edition...I hope it isn't.



I am a sucker for finding the next best thing when it comes to concealers that battle dark under eye circles. I am almost running out of my MAC Studio Finish Concealer, so pretty soon I will be on the hunt for a new one. This concealer from Too faced has been receiving good reviews on the Sephora website, and it seems to be promising for dark circle coverage. Too Faced Absolutely Flawless Concealer contains vitamins A and E, and it claims to help with puffiness, and the firming of the skin. This concealer is available in three shades which I am worried about-hopefully they have a good color match for everybody (this concealer claims to have "self-adjusting shades").


My lips have been so dry lately, I don't think my regular use of lip balm is helping much. I really like the fact that this conditioning lip treatment is all natural and does not contain sulfates, parabens, etc....Ingredients that our skin and bodies can do without. Josie Maran's beauty and skincare line at Sephora has been getting quite the buzz. Her products are all natural, and they contain Argan Oil. Argan Oil is a great moisturizer that contains vitamin E and is said to help with anti-aging as well because it contains fatty acids.


How pretty is this iron from ghd? It is available also in the colors purple and green, and comes with a heat quilted heat-resistant pouch, and a black case.


I really hope to finally own my very own, much raved about-Clarisonic. This product is said to work wonders when it comes to removing ALL of the gunk off the face such as clearing the pores and reducing their size, and this handy tool helps deep clean your face so that your skincare products and treatments sink into your skin better, so that it does what it needs to do. Have any of you tried a Clarisonic? Let me know how it works for you all, I would really love the feedback.

All Image Credits-www.Sephora.com






Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Nail Of The Day: Navy Blue and White Cheetah Print

I have not been doing many Konad nail designs as I used to. I guess it's because lately, I have been preferring one solid color on my nails. But while I was wearing one of my favorite nail polishes ever by Zoya in Indigo-a beautiful deep Navy with glitter (that hardly even shows up on the nail-boo!), I could not resist to Konad it.

Here are some pictures (click to enlarge):






Products Used:
Zoya Nail Polish in Indigo (2 coats)
Cheetah print from Konad Image Plate m57
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Whirlwind White used for design color
Konad Top Coat


Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. All of the products used are from my personal collection, for my personal use only.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Fashion Crave: Forever 21

Hey Dolls! 

I hope your Tuesday is off to a great start. Are any of you familiar with the site www.polyvore.com? I just discovered it myself and it is quite fun! You can create your own outfit and looks and piece them together in what looks like a little clothing collage. I am addicted!
Check out my first  outfit creation. What do you all think of it? I was going for a more fun, casual and comfy style. All pieces of clothing and accessories used are from forever 21. Check out the site for yourself, and I am sure you all will have fun with it. It is also a great place to let your fashion imagination roam free and run wild!

I think from now on I am going to use Polyvore design boards for my Fashion Crave posts. It is so much easier that way, and I think this way everything looks more organized. 
 
Braided Leatherette Bag ($28.80)
Lavish Antuique Cuff ($7.80)
Shutter Suedette Wedges ($26.80)
Nerd Hello Kitty Pullover Top ($15.80)
Soft Crinckled Skirt ($6.99)

Monday, August 23, 2010

Fashion Crave: American Eagle-Back To School Edition

Happy Monday!

Welcome to another installment of Fashion Crave. For today's post, I will be featuring clothing from one of my favorite stores for when it comes to comfort-American Eagle. I start school on Thursday and I don't know about you but, when it comes to dressing up for school I prefer to dress cool and comfy. I just throw on some skinny jeans, a tee, a cardigan and I am good to go. Oh, and did I mention that all of my jeans come from American Eagle? I just love the way they fit so perfectly. Shopping for the perfect jeans was a mission-but not anymore. American Eagle saved me from my jean dilema LOL!

Here are my cool for school comfy picks!


I am a huge fan of plaid shirts! I think they look great on everybody and they are super comfy as well. I like to wear shirts like these with skinny jeans tucked in a pair of black biker boots.


I love graphic tees-more so than plain ones. I don't know why, just something about different words or images on tees make me feel happy and giddy (I hope that didn't come off dumb LOL!). I just pop one under a cardigan or a hooded sweater and I feel cool and comfy for the day. These tees come in many different graphic prints, and colors...it is so hard trying to not buy them all-well, at least for me hahaha!


I like how this cardigan has a flowy feel and look to it. Would look great paired with jeans, flats or boots. To add some shape, try belting it as well. I like to wear cardigans and hooded sweaters to school because sometimes my classrooms can get a bit chilly because of the high air conditioning going on. I wish they would lower it down sometimes, it is so annoying and not to mention, hard to concentrate when the room feels like it's below 0 degrees!


I love destroyed denim. I have been a fan of that sort of ripped look for many years now. I think it adds a tough edge to your look. I also really like this gray colored jean. Such a nice change from your usual dark rinse, and blue denim. 


When it comes to accessories for school, I like to play it up as much as I can. I think this watch is perfect for adding a little touch of sophistication to any outfit I am especially loving the gold links. And at $29.50, you can't beat the price.


You can't go wrong with scarves this upcoming fall/winter. They add a little extra something to your outfit, and they keep your neck snug and warm on those chilly days and nights.


Do any of you all like shopping at American Eagle for some essentials? What are your favorite stores to shop in when it comes to back to school shopping? Let me know in the comments section :)

All Image credits-www.ae.com



Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the company mentioned above.

Beauty Crave: NYX Cosmetics

Welcome to another edition of beauty crave-a weekly series that showcases products that are currently on my beauty wish list. In this post, I will be featuring a makeup company who is much loved and raved about-NYX Cosmetics. I don't own many NYX products, but what I do have, I love and am not disappointed. I am a huge fan of their eye shadows as well as their famous Jumbo eyeshadow pencils-they make great eyeshadow bases.




Since I have just discovered the greatness that is cream blush, I want to try all the cream blushes that are out there! This NYX cream blush looks very creamy and there are lots of fun colors to choose from. 



How fun do these glitter liners look? I am so loving the green, and blue. I am sure these will add fun to any eyeshadow look in a snap!


I have been in a never-ending battle when it comes to trying to conceal these dark circles of mines (they have made it very clear that they are not going anywhere! Ugh). I wonder if this concealer will help conceal and tame them down. I love how the concealer comes in many shades, as well as having color correcting shades as well such as yellow, green, and now orange! I am curious about the orange shade as I have read that orange is a good color to help conceal dark circles.



I love the how there are so many shades available of NYX nail polishes-150! There are many different polishes finishes to choose from such as cremes, some frost, and I think I see some glitters as well.


I have read many raves about this new NYX eyeshadow base. This comes in 3 shades-white, which helps eyeshadow colors pop out even more while appearing more vibrant, pearl, which is used to make eyeshadow have a more pearled iridescent look to it-I am guessing that this gives shadows a frost/sheen look to them. Lastly, this base is available in skin tone, which is your basic skin-tone colored base that helps shadows last longer.
 

I am still a false-eyelashes newbie, but how fun are these awesome looking lashes? They are available in such a huge variety of styles and lengths that would surely spice up your eye look weather you are going for a neutral daytime look, or a smokey dark look for a night out.

Have any of you tried any of these products by NYX? What are your favorite NYX products? Let me know in the comments section, I would love to hear your thoughts.


All Image Credits-www.nyxcosmetics.com

 
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the company mentioned above.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Fashion Of The Day: Field of Flowers

Hey Dolls,

I was looking through the clothes in my closet and tried to come up with some cute outfit ideas. I purchased this flower print dress from Forever 21 and can you believe I have never even worn this dress out? I want to wear it before summer ends, but it would have to be for a night out with the hub...I think it is way too short for me LOL! Maybe I could wear it with some black tights or leggings and that way I would feel more comfortable wearing it out.

I paired the dress with my favorite black knee-high suede boots by Steve Madden that I purchased last winter, and a black cardigan from Old Navy.Overall, I like how this outfit looks-very sexy and flirty for a night out...let me know what you all think.





Thanks for stopping by and have a great Sunday!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Look Of The Day: Autumn Gold and Brown

Hey Dolls,

Autumn is quickly approaching, and I can't wait! I like summer and all, but I think I have had enough of the hot and sticky humid weather.I would say that fall is one of my favorite seasons because well, first of all we get these awesome new makeup fall collection releases, and lastly, I think the fall weather is just ideal to me. It's not too warm, but not too chilly either-just very comfortable weather. Do any of you have a favorite season?

Here is a look of the day that was inspired by the fall. When I think of Autumn I envision warm colors such as brown, gold, forest green, bronze, and beige. For this look I kept the eyes warm using shadows from the Wet n' Wild Color Icon eyeshadow palette in Vanity, and paired it with a peachy/pink cheek, and a nude lip.

Here are some pictures and products used listed below. Thank you all for stopping by, and I hope you all enjoy!

Click All Images To Enlarge:






Wet n' Wild Color Icon in Vanity

Face:
Revlon Photo Ready Foundation in 005
MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NW25 for under eyes
Wet n' Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Princess used to contour hollows of cheeks
N.Y.C. Blushable Creme Stick in Plaza Pink applied to apples of cheeks

Eyes:
1. Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden applied to lids
2. Color A (warm frosty gold) applied to the inner 2/3 of the lid
3. Color B (matte dark brown) applied to the outer V and outer crease, and blend in with the gold
4. Color C (matte light cream) applied to the brow bone as highlight color
5. Stila Smudge Pot In Black used to line the upper lash line and wing out
6. Urban Decay 27/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero applied on the water line and lower lash line
7. Cover Girl Lash Blast mascara applied to the upper lashes

Lips:
MAC Creme D' Nude Lipstick


Disclaimer: All of the products used are from my personal collection, for my use only.

Product Review: SK-II Skin Signature Cream

Hey Lovelies,

 I was contacted a few weeks ago by a very lovely PR representative for luxury brand SK-II, and was given the opportunity to try the Sk-II Skin Signature Moisturizing Cream ($205.00 for 2.8 FL. OZ). The Sk-II Signature Cream is intended to help with anti-aging issues. This cream contains Vitamin B3, Pitera (TM) which is a rich formula that contains age-defying properties, and Oil-Vityl (TM)-all combined to help condition, and hydrate the skin while at the same time helping it retain it's firmness and elasticity. This cream can be used as part of your daytime regimen, the night time, or both. According to an information sheet I received along with the cream, it read that "In an Sk-II consumer study, respondents noticed a visible improvement in skin firmness after four weeks." (Note: I was sent a 2.7 Fl. OZ size, but on the Sk-II website it reads that the product amount for this cream is available in 2.8 FL. OZ).

Click all images to enlarge:


 SK-II Skin Signature Cream

I have been using this cream on my face for about 3 weeks now as part of my daytime regimen. I don't really like to apply any sort of creams to my face come night time, except for my acne creams and such. Since I don't really have concerns about aging at this time in my life, I can't really say how well this cream would work for improving skin firmness and elasticity. I have based my review on my experience with the product.

Mini SK-II Spatula
 
First and foremost, I love the red jar packaging. I think it looks very luxurious, and fancy. I also appreciate that a spatula is included with this cream. This is great for those who are concerned with hygiene when it comes to dipping fingers in jars. I decided that I would use this cream as my daytime moisturizer. When I first opened up the jar of the cream, I noticed there was no smell to it, so I like the fact that it is unscented. I must admit, the first time I applied this moisturizer, I got a little carried away and used a lot of product-bad idea! My face felt sticky, and I felt as if the moisturizer was never going to sink into my skin. The next time I applied the cream, I used just a bit of product-boy, did that make a difference. I felt as if the cream gave my face a cooling sensation as I was applying it into my skin, and it felt really nice. After application, my face was left feeling smooth, non-shiny, and non-sticky. I liked how healthy my complexion looked. Texture-wise, this cream feels very rich, and creamy-it does not feel heavy at all.



Ingredients on back of the box


I have very dry, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Imagine my surprise when this cream did not cause any breakouts for me. This cream is semi thick and creamy in texture, and most rich and texturized creams tend to break me out and cause my skin to go in a frenzy! But I did not experience any of the sort with this cream by Sk-II.

What really sold me was how easily my mineral foundation glided on my face, and how good it looked. Sometimes my mineral foundation can go on powdery, which sometimes leaves my face looking cakey. To fix the caked-on foundation look problem, I usually spritz on some sort of skin-refresher and that seems to do the trick.Since using the Sk-II Skin Signature cream as my moisturizer before applying my foundation, it makes the foundation go on more easily and my face looks smooth and flawless.

Pros:
1. Unscented
2. Feels very moisturizing and hydrating
3. Contains a rich and creamy texture that does not feel heavy on the skin
4. Sleek packaging
5. Contains spatula
6. Makes foundation go on smoother
7. A little bit of product goes a long way 

Cons:
1. The price is a bit steep as this is a more luxury brand-but the amount you get is pretty generous, and a little bit of product goes a long way.
2. I wish this cream contained some sort of SPF in it. I did use this moisturizer in the daytime, but my mineral foundation contains SPF in it.
3. If you use too much of the product, the face can be left feeling a bit tacky to the touch.


Overall, I really like this moisturizing cream by Sk-II. I have never tried a high-end luxury brand when it comes to skin care. This cream is like my little lap of luxury, and I am impressed :) If any of you are looking to find a nice and rich textured moisturizing cream, that can provide anti-aging benefits (it's never too late or early to prevent and treat aging skin), and don't mind the high-price tag, then I definitely suggest you give this product a try.
have any of you tried any products by SK-II? Let me know in the comments!

To find out more about Sk-II Skin Signature Cream and their other products, check out their website at www.shop.sk-ii.com


Disclaimer: I received this product by PR for review purposes only. I am not getting any compensation for my review. All opinions expressed are from my experience with the product, and they are comprised of my honest thoughts. For more information about my disclosure policies, please click the disclaimer link above.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Huge E.L.F. Deal!

Hey Dolls!

I wanted to let you all in on a great sale E.L.F. is having on their site. With any purchase of $20 or more, you will receive 10 brightening eyeshadow quads of your choice FREE! Just enter code EGEYEFREE at checkout. They are also offering free shipping on orders over $30 with code THIRTY. This sale is only good till August 23, so get those orders in!

Are any of you planning on taking advantage of this great deal from E.L.F.?




Image Credit: www.eyeslipsface.com

Fashion Crave: Payless-Back To School Shoe Edition

When it comes to cute, chic, and affordable shoes-Payless has you covered. For this edition of fashion crave, I am going to be featuring some of my show picks from Payless Shoe Source. These styles would be perfect for school. Isn't it great how Payless, quite often has a BOGO 1/2 off sale? Love! While writing this post, I am sort of having a flashback moment when back when I was in middle school people would be harassed (including me!) constantly, if our shoes came from Payless...like really? Shoes are shoes-back then I really did not feel the need to buy a pair of sneakers that cost $100. Why would I? I was not out to impress anybody. If the shoes look good, and are decently priced-why not? Kids...LOL! Thankfully, times have changed and we can all buy shoes from anywhere without getting picked on-even if they are $1.00! As it should be. Ok, enough of my rant.

Here are my faves!





I love the look of these booties. The zippers give a rocker chic vibe to these booties that I love-especially in the fall/winter months. These booties have a chunky, and short 2.5 Inch heel that I am sure would make for very easy, and comfortable walking. I can see these shoes looking great with leggings, and skinny jeans, or jeggings.



I am sure you all remember who Christian Soriano is. He is the was the winner of season 4 of Project Runway. He has his own show line for Payless and I love all of the shoes in his line. They look very high-end, and best part is that they are at a great price point. I know these pumps would probably be a little too much for school, but I had to include a sexy shoe for those weekend night outings with friends. These pumps are to die for. The patent leather Croc texture, the gold lining in the shoe, and the gold detail on the shoe, gives them a more luxurious look. These pumps would look great for the office, or paired for a night out with a dress or some dark skinny jeans. 




Isabel Toledo Metallic Ghillie Flat ($34.99)

I have been seeing many of shoes like this in style for the summer-often paired with shorts or a pretty and flirty summer dress. I love how the pop of metallic silver gives one a sudden pop of color, and the drawstring lace sort of gives the flat a sporty vibe. I can definitely see the flats working in the fall with a skirt, dress, skinny jeans, or leggings/tights. If metallic silver isn't really your style, these flats are available in the color black as well.




Wedges are a must in everybody's shoe closet! They add height, while at the same time being comfortable and stylish. I love how this wedge is a peep toe and has a fun and flirty knot tie at the front. Some of my favorite ways to wear wedges is with a pair of jeans, a dress, or a skirt.



I love the look of these peep-toes flats. I guess what attracted me is the way there is a beautiful braiding detail on the shoe. Very fun, and unexpected. Would pair really nicely with a pair of skinny jeans and a rolled up sleeve checkered blouse.


What do you all think of Payles shoes? Love them? See anything you like from my shoe picks? Let me know in the comments section.

All Image Credits: www.payless.com



Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above.

August Favorites

Hey lovelies,

I have not done a monthly favorites post in a really long time. I know it may be a bit too early for August favorites, but if I don't post this now, I have a feeling I will never get to it LOL!




From left to right: (click image to enlarge)

1. Zoya Nail Polish in Indigo- I am a fan of dark polish colors for the fall. I know it isn't fall yet but Indigo is a gorgeous dark navy blue that contains red, green and gold glitters. The only thing that I don't like about this polish is that the glitters don't really show up on the nails-they seem to drown in the polish. But overall, I really love this color and I know this is going to be a staple polish come fall. In fact, it is what I am wearing on my nails at this moment. Click HERE for a nail of the day post I did awhile ago where I show you all nail swatches of Indigo.

2. N.Y.C. Blushable Creme Stick in Plaza Pink- I have literally been using this cream blush by N.Y.C. everyday. I love Plaza Pink that much! It is a soft coral/pink blush that applies easily, flatters my skin tone, and looks natural on my cheeks. Click HERE for my review, and swatches of Plaza Pink.

3. SK-II Skin Signature Moisturizing Cream- I have been using this facial moisturizer for a few weeks now and I am really liking it so far. Stay tuned for a complete review coming in a few days.

4. Calvin Klein Volumizing Mascara- I got this mascara as a Christmas gift from the hub's parents. It came in a Calvin Klein makeup set and I really love it. It volumizes my lashes and best of all-no clumping or smudging.

5. MAC Lazy Day Lipstick- I got this lipstick when it was released with the MAC To The Beach Collection. This soft pink lipstick is very moisturizing and I get a pretty pink pout every time! This lipstick looks really pretty with neutral or dark and smokey shadows.Click HERE to check out a swatch of this pretty lipstick.

6. Hard Candy Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Peace- I love using the lighter side of duo all over my lid and then applying the darker bronze shade on the outer V and into the crease. I get a pretty frosty/shimmery neutral eye. Click HERE to checkout swatches of this gorgeous baked shadow from Hard Candy.


What are some of your favorite products for the month of August?



Disclaimer: All the products mentioned in this post were purchased by me for my personal use, except for the SK-II Moisturizer which was provided by PR for reviewing purposes only-I am not getting paid for my upcoming review of the product.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Product Review: N.Y.C. Blushable Creme Sticks in Urban Spice and South St. Seashell

Ever since I first purchased the N.Y.C. Blushable Creme Stick in Plaza Pink, I instantly fell in love, and decided to try some more shades from this fab line of creme blushes.This time around I purchased two more creme blushes in Urban Spice and South St. Seashell ($3.99 each).

N.Y.C. Blushable Creme Sticks in Urban Spice, and South St. Seashell

Urban Spice, South St. Seashell

Urban Spice, South St. Seashell

Left; South St. Seashell, Right; Urban Spice


Urban Spice is a beautiful gold and bronze that contains a frosty shimmer. I initially purchased this shade because it seemed like it would be a great contouring shade for me, but when I tried to contour with it, it did not look as nice as if I would contour with a powdered bronzer or blush. This creme blush does not seem to show up much on my skin tone, when I put it on my cheeks I just see a soft wash of color with loads of shimmer. So, if you are a fan of shimmer then this is the product for you. I don't dislike Urban Spice, I am sure using it as a highlight on my cheekbones or anywhere else I want some shimmer would work great. But for me, this does not work as a contouring color or a cheek color.

South St. Seashell is a pretty dusty rose color that contains a hint of brown in it. It looks brown in the swatch picture above, but in real life, it has a dusty rose color to it. I like how natural this color looks on my cheeks and shimmer does not show up on me. For me, when it comes to cream blushes, I prefer them to be shimmer-less. I think they look more natural that way. This color would look amazing paired with a smokey eye and nude lips.


What do you all think of these creme blushes by N.Y.C.? Let me know in the comments!


Disclaimer: I purchased this product at my local CVS for my personal use. 

Beauty Crave: Sephora

Welcome to another installment of beauty crave, in where I feature beauty products that interest me and are on my must-have list. I think every Friday I will be featuring a beauty crave post. I feel so much more organized when it comes to having consistent post schedules LOL! For this beauty crave, let's take a look at some products from one of my favorite makeup destinations-Sephora shall we?


Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths ($20)


I love Philosophy's Purity Made Simple cleanser-check out my review HERE. I am very excited that now the many lovers of Purity Made simple Cleanser can now enjoy this in wipe form. These cleansing cloths are free from parabens, sulfates, and other ingredients that may be harmful to the skin. I love using cleansing wipes because well, for the most part they are quick and simple to use. The Purity Cleanser removes all of the makeup and grime already-imagine what these cloths could do in half the time. Genius! I am definitely picking up one of these on my next trip to Sephora. Did I mention these wipes are great for traveling when on the go?

 

I am a huge fan of Tarte Cosmetics. I love that their products are natural, and free from harsh chemicals. I also love their multiplEYE mascara and the Smooth Operator Tinted Moisturizer. This kit contains many full sized products such as their lock and roll eyeshadow in burnt bronze, a clay shadow/liner in plum, a waterproof mascara, nude lip gloss, powdered bronzer, and a face primer. I think that is a great deal for $45. I am very interested in the Park Ave Princess Bronzer that is included in the kit. I have heard many raves about it. I think a bronzed look is great for summer, and heck-all year round!



I usually don't really think about color correcting when it comes to my complexion. But I know many people have certain things they are looking to correct such as redness on the cheeks or anywhere else on the face. This swirled moisturizing primer from Stila is very interesting because it contains not one, but three color correctors that help "color correct, brighten, prime, and nourish the skin". 


I love these Face Fashion kits that Bare Escentuals always bring out. I remember I purchased one awhile back, and I loved it. I think you really get a bang for your buck when it comes to Bare Escentuals makeup kits. They are pretty generous because believe it or not, these babies last forever! A little truly goes a long way when it comes to loose minerals. This Face Fashion kit is perfect for fall beauty. It contains 2 beautiful violet and soft peach eye shadows, an eyeliner in a beautiful dark teal color-great for bringing a pop of color to eyes, a pink blush, and a pretty plum colored gloss.


I have read nothing but great things about this new product from Make Up For Ever. These aqua creams come in many beautiful colors and can be used as a cream shadow, and eyeshadow base, and I am sure these aqua creams would look great as an eye liner as well.


Do any of you see anything you like? Have any of the items mentioned above? What did you all think of them? Let me know in the comments section.



Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. 

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