My Current OBSESSION- Smashbox BB Cream

Hello pretty ladies!
I wanted to type out a quick little bloggy blog post about something I've been currently obsessed with!

But before I get to that I wanted to share with you what I have been doing for the past couple of weeks...MOVING!!! I have been moving my stuff, packing, cleaning, trying to figure out my life.

These bins be full of makeup... #problems.

Although no excuse for my blogging absence, I am the definition of unmotivated of late... Moving will do that to you!

Alright alright, I'm moving on from my complaining to share the actual point of this post... MY OBSESSION! To preface, I love to use different kinds of makeup products all the time.  I never stick to just one this or one that, but I have used the SAME foundation for the past 7 MONTHS every single day!  This is saying something people!  Also, while using it I get compliments on my skin. This. Never. Happens.  So to finally introduce, I'm talking about this bad boy right here:

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream (My shade is Medium)

I use a dime size amount applied with my hands over my Origins Vitazing moisturizer and I set with a light dusting of powder.  It leaves the most beautiful finish, my skin truly looks "glowing" but not oily, which is a hard combination to achieve! This foundation stood up to the hot and humid climate in Puerto Rico and has been performing great back home in Texas! 

I've experience no sensitivity or breakouts from consistent use which is a definite plus!! And the sunscreen is an added benefit of course! 

Who would I recommend this foundation to?

This foundation is for someone who is looking for medium coverage and is not excessively oily.  I would consider this a "day-time" foundation that is comfortable to wear but if you are looking for a "flawless"or "full-coverage" look this is not the foundation for you.  It looks best when applied with hands so it is definitely a low maintenance foundation great for the on the go girl! (Like me!)

Is it long lasting?

I find the coverage to be a full 8 hours, but sometimes I experience some break down because of oil later in the day.  It is necessary (in my opinion) to set this foundation with powder.

Is it full coverage?

It is a solid medium coverage and can be built up to a medium/full coverage due to the thin consistency of the formula.

Where can you buy it?

Sold anywhere Smashbox is carried! I purchased mine at Sephora. And it's a fantastic investment: my bottle is still going strong after 7 months!

I hope y'all found this helpful!

I want to know:

Have you hopped on the BB train?  What are your feelings about switching up your foundations- do you stick with one or switch around?

Take care!

IE

Let's chit chat about MAKEUP!

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Gel Nail Polish Review

Hello Beautiful!
I am alive!!!! (In case anyone was concerned) I know I have been epically MIA for the past couple of months but I have been itching to post a blog and I now have the perfect topic!

I received a gel manicure a couple of weeks ago from my local nail salon and I walked out looking too legit with these bad boys:

If you can't tell, I absolutely love Valentine's Day! 

My manicurist used the CND Shellac base coat and layered coats of hot pink and white gelish gel polish on top. The topcoat was also the gelish brand.  It's hard to tell, but the white nail on my middle finger has a gorgeous finely milled blue/pink glitter gelish polish.  The heart on my pointer finger has silver glitter of REGULAR polish! How cool is that? It dried just fine on top of my dry gel manicure and lasted the entire time! Very cool to know for the future.

Anyways, here's a one week update:

No chips!!! Just my nails growing out.

                                              

And here's a two week update:

Yet again- not a single chip!!! Just my nails growing cray cray fast.

                                             

Overall I absolutely loved this manicure and ended up with compliments out the wazoo from it! It was so beautifully shiny and the glitter was so sparkly.  I must say this could definitely be a DIY design, no manicurist required! 

My only downside with gel manicures is the removal.  It's absolutely no fun soaking your fingers in acetone for 15 minutes and no good for the health of your nails either.

I hope y'all liked this post and you learned something from it!

And just so you can see what I'm rocking right now:

Nothing like some baby pink to finish out February!

Makeup Vocabulary List

So many words are used in the makeup industry that can cause quite an issue for the average person.  When it comes to makeup- I find that knowledge is power and I would like to pass some on to y'all.  I have compiled a list of some of the trickiest words you may find me (in my youtube videos or this blog) or any other makeup savvy person you may come across using!

 Matte (eyeshadow): This form of eyeshadow contains no glitter or shimmer particles.  These colors are usually highly blendable and act as a great base to sparkly eyeshadows.

Matte (lipstick): Matte lipstick means that there is no shine in the lip product.  It is a completely flat color that doesn't catch any light.  Matte lip products are usually lipsticks and lipliners.  Lip glosses are by nature not matte because of their shine.

Shimmer: This implies the product (usually lipgloss/lipstick, eyeshadows, or illuminators) contains very finely milled glitter particles so it is not "glittery" at all.  The shimmery effect catches the light, but does not contain visible glitter particles.

Sparkle: Sparkle is almost a direct translation for glitter- if a product is described as sparkly there are usually full glitter flecks in the product. 

Dewy: This is used to describe foundation or cream cheek product (usually blushes).  A dewy foundation means that the foundation gives a sort of glow to the skin, usually without an shimmer particles.  The foundation retains its dewy consistency by being a more hydrating formula.  This formula is usually chosen by people with dry skin and avoided like the plague by people with oily skin.

Natural: Natural foundation means that the effect of the foundation mimics your natural skin.  These are sort of rare in the world of foundation in the sense that most formulations are either matte or dewy.  You'd have to move on to higher end formulas for the consistency of a "natural" foundation.

Matte (foundation): Matte in the foundation sense means that it is a flat foundation with no shine in the skin.  This option is usually chosen by people with extremely oily skin.  The dryness of the foundation helps to counteract the oil production in the skin.

Check out this chika for a perfect example of the following 3 definitions!

Cupid's bow: The slight dip in the shape of your upper lip. This area can be highlighted to make the lips appear much fuller.

Highlight: Referred to when a shimmery (see definition above) product is added to the high points on the face.  These high points include under the brow, top of the cheekbones, down the bridge of the nose, and in the cupids bow (see the pic of JLo above and notice the glowing areas on her face).  This brings light into those area of the face and provide a much more luminous and sculpted appearance.  Highlighters are either in cream, liquid, or powder form.  

Contour: Contour is done with a matte bronzing powder.  Contouring allows you to slim the face by applying a darker shade than your natural skin in areas that you would like to reduce.  For example- above the temples along the hairline, under the cheeks, along the jawline, and down the neck (once again, reference the JLo pic above and the darker areas on her face).  An easy way to think of this is to imagine an E and a 3 on each perspective side of your face.

Buff: Buffing is an action usually used to describe foundation application.  Foundation can be "buffed" in to the skin in circular motions to allow the formula to blend into the skin instead of resting on top of it. It is usually achieved by a synthetic round top foundation brush.

Stipple: Stippling can also describe a foundation application technique.  It is the quick up and down motions of applying a foundation using a synthetic stippling brush.  This technique allows you to create a super flawless face with liquid foundations. 

I hope y'all find this super helpful! I know when I was first learning I would have loved a list like this! :)

Let me know if y'all have any questions!

I want to know:

What formula foundation do you prefer?  Do you like applying foundation with brushes?

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The Concealer Secret

My cousin K recently asked:  “What is the concealer secret? E.g. what is the best color for your skin? Undereyes? Blemishes? Can I use the same for all of these? What is that weird green s*&%? Is that for everyone?”

I know a lot of people have the same question- thanks for the asking cuz!

Skin

First off, a foundation should cover all of the pigment imperfections you may naturally have in your skin: sun spots, age spots, birth marks or pregnancy staining. If your foundation is not doing a good job at that and you find that you need to conceal everywhere on your face (not including under eye and blemishes) it may be in your best interest to invest in a more full coverage foundation. Sometimes you find your spots still show through and it's time to look into a concealer to work in conjunction with foundation.  This sort of concealer should actually match your skin, and foundation, perfectly- most brands market foundation and concealer together so you shouldn't have a problem finding a match.

Application: For hyperpigmentation areas- spot apply in the area of darkness then blend out with either your fingers or whatever method you used to apply foundation. For blemishes- dab a small amount of concealer onto a small brush (lip brushes work great for spot concealing of blemishes!) and then dab exactly where you have the blemish. Blend in with your finger by gently tapping. Make sure to cover all around the sides of the blemish if it is raised!

Now I am going to point your attention to this sneaky little tool 

to use as a reference for the following topics: 

Under Eyes

Concealer for under the eyes is one of the easiest ways to completely change your look and immediately brighten your face.  If you have severe dark circles under your eyes, I recommend a corrector.  This is a very pigmented type of concealer in the shade ranges of pink or orange that can cancel out the color under your eyes. 

Application: I recommend applying corrector in a very sheer layer with a synthetic dome shaped eye brush but only in the area where you have the actual darkness, not the whole under eye area.

Dark blue under the eyes? Go for the neutralizer on the left.

Sallow green under the eyes? Try the brightener on the right. 

image from: musingsofamuse.com

The next layer should be the actual concealer you would use for your skin.  It is your personal preference if you would like this concealer to be lighter or match your skin.  Going just a shade lighter can add more brightness to your undereye area (check the Kim K pic below).  It is extremely important that you blend this in well! No obvious concealer allowed around these parts!!

Application: I usually tap a small amount in with my ring finger under my

eye. 

Now if you really want to get fancy with the under eye concealer you can also use a brightening powder to help conceal under that area.  This is a completely additional step, but since you need to set all of those cream products with a powder anyways you can go the extra mile and set it with a brightening powder such as this bad boy from Laura Mercier (I don’t recommend this if you’re going to be photographed- the slight sparkles definitely show up in pictures):

Or this yellow toned Ben Nye Banana Powder coveted by Kim Kardashian (this is an excellen option for people with more medium to dark skin):

Notice the triangle of brightness under Kim's eyes?? Achieve that with your own concealer by going a shade lighter than what you'd normally use and apply in a triangle going down the side of your nose and up to each side of your eye as below.

Green Concealer

As you’ll notice on the color wheel, green is opposite of red.  Green concealer is great for people with redness in their cheeks.  I’m not talking about when you get mildly flushed when you’re hot, I’m talking about you get flaming red when you’re warm.  Big difference. This is a condition that only some people experience and I would not recommend green concealer for everyone; however, if you have an area on your face that is plagued with inflamed blemishes, dab on some green concealer under foundation to help cancel out the redness caused by inflammation.

Appication: This should be applied under foundation rubbed in with fingers (as you would a primer) to generally cancel out redness in the skin.

*Important Tips*

-It is very important to make all the layers of products under the eye very sheer so you do not end up with a build up of product that could crease.  

-Under the eye, after application of all liquid products (but before powder) gently roll a q-tip to collect any product that may sit on the surface and cause creasing. Do not wipe! 

-NO CONCEALER ON EYELIDS: that is the quickest way to get creased eye shadow for sure!! (Veins or redness on eyelids? Try a tinted eyeshadow primer instead such as Primer Potion in Sin by Urban Decay).

-Don’t forget the makeup dogma: Primer à Liquidà Powder (i.e. ALWAYS SET A LIQUID OR CREAM PRODUCT WITH A POWDER)

Concealer is the secret ingredient in every girl’s makeup bag- I hope this post makes you more confident in concealer shopping!  

I want to know:

What is your go to concealer?  Have you experimented with correctors?  What is your favorite way to apply concealers?

Follow me!

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Sephora Friends and Family 2012 Conundrum

I am not even going to begin speculating on when this sale is happening...Sephora is being extra sneaky (and in my opinion ridiculous) about the whole thing.  From what I have gathered it is happening "sometime in November"...gee thanks for the specifics. And just a heads up, I've also heard it is only for VIB's and Beauty Insiders.  AH! It sounds like I’m speculating…Regardless, I have been a little too excited every time a Sephora email pops up on my phone and needless to say I have my shopping cart filled to the brim, my fingers just itching to press CHECKOUT.

In the meantime, check it out below!

1.) Makup Forever HD Cover Foundation

http://www.sephora.com/hd-invisible-cover-foundation-P217905?skuId=1097070

- I already own this bad boy, and I super LOVE, but I need a shade a little closer to my now tanned skin. Gee thanks Caribbean sun! :P

2.) Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in Opal

http://www.sephora.com/shimmering-skin-perfector-spf-25-P375987skuId=825802

-Since Lisa Eldridge swears by this product, I pretty much have to own it (any body else have this problem??). I figured the shade Opal would enhance my NC 42 skin with a nice golden finish- here's hoping!

3.) Dermadoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated AHA/BHA Cleanser

http://www.sephora.com/ain-t-misbehavin-medicated-aha-bha-acne-cleanser-P181704?skuId=1000454

- THAT’S IT! I need something else for my skin- I love my Origins A Perfect World Cleanser, but it is just not doin’ its job.  This cleanser had great reviews on Sephora.com

4.) Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve

http://www.sephora.com/rosebud-salve-P42204?skuId=683490

-Getting this baby in both the tin and the tube.  I AM ADDICTED!

5.)  bareMinerals Multi-Tasking Face powder in Well Rested

http://www.sephora.com/bareminerals-multi-tasking-face-P61006?skuId=1221621

-Emily from BeautyBroadcast on YouTube swears by this. She uses the color “Bisque” but I like the idea of a yellow tone for under the eye!

6.) Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial

http://www.sephora.com/wild-rose-vitamin-c-advanced-brightening-sleeping-facial-P306883?skuId=1411925

- Alright alright, this is the impulse buy of the bunch.  MakeupByTiffanyD talked about it in her Sephora FF haul and it sounds too good to be true butttt I’m a sucker and it’s on the list.  Brighter skin by morning?? SIGN ME UP!

7.) Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner

http://www.sephora.com/black-vanilla-leave-in-conditioner-P137914?skuId=1356484

- This is probably my #1 recommended product of all time.  The scent is something else. I get a compliment every time I come out of the shower with wet hair after spraying it- it’s definitely a guy approved product ladies!!  Also, a MUST BUY for anyone with curly hair.

Well- that’s it folks! I hope y’all enjoyed this! Happing Hauling to everyone!

I want to know: what are you pining over? Any new beauty products catch your eye? Do you have any of the same products on your list?

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A Beautiful Beginning

As anyone first meeting someone for the first time, I will start off with the customary HELLO! :)
This is my first blog post...ever.  I am not sure what has taken me so long to do this, but I am BEYOND excited to enter the beauty community and begin posting my thoughts and ideas and learning from all of you!

A little bit about myself:  I am a post-college, pre-medical school kiddo with a serious addiction to MAKEUP! My family always says "You are so good at makeup, why don't you become a makeup artist??" As valid as that thought process is, I have always felt a calling to medicine and helping others through that method, I know I will one day be a doctor but I just happen to love makeup.  My dad can spend hours in home depot piddling among the isles, my mom can immerse herself in a green house, and I can name colors off the top of my head of almost any makeup brand in Sephora.  We all enjoy different things- hence the beauty of being human.

My makeup philosophy: I truly enjoy makeup and I love watching other people find joy in it as well.  Especially when they realize that a certain lip or blush color can brighten their face and immediately change their mood! Having said that, I don't believe makeup should be used to cover every little thing (you wouldn't believe that last sentence if you'd seen my concealer collection first ;P ).  Makeup should be used to enhance what makes each and every one of us beautiful and that would be our differences, imperfections, and what we consider flaws within ourselves.  I hope all of you can learn from this site and I embrace the opportunity to learn from you.

Last note: Bear with me while I work on figuring out how to make this blog even better!
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