COSMETICS AND MAKEUP: February 2011

Monday, 28 February 2011

Are You Washing Your Face the Wrong Way?

Iiiiiiiiiit's MONDAY!!! Time for our pearls of wisdom from the Daily Glow =). Today Dr. Jessica Wu teaches us how to wash our faces...the RIGHT way! This is what she says:

Seems obvious, right? Add water, lather, and rinse. After all, you've probably been washing your own face since you were 5 or 6 years old. But have you had any lessons on face washing since then? One of the first things I ask of my new patients is to describe their skin care routines. While most are picky about eye cream and sunscreen, many don't know the brand of cleanser they use, or they simply make do with the bar soap in the shower — the same one they use on their feet and armpits. There's a better way, and it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here's how to wash your face, in five easy steps:

1. Remove your eye makeup. If you don't, it will smear all over your face, get into your eyes, and take twice as long to remove, especially if it's waterproof. Plus, you'll ruin your towels. I use Clinique's Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips. If you wear contacts, take them out first.

2. Splash with lukewarm water. This will help your cleanser spread over your skin, so you won't have to use as much. Avoid hot water, which can dry out your skin.

3. Use a liquid face wash. Many bar soaps contain strong detergents that make a lot of suds — great for removing grime from dirty hands and feet, but not so great for your face. For normal to oily skin, try a gel or foaming wash, like Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser, to help lift off oil and makeup. If your skin is dry or sensitive, your best bet is a creamy or milky cleanser like Boscia Soothing Cleansing Cream.

4. Massage with fingertips and rinse with lukewarm water. Then pat dry with a soft towel; rubbing can redden your face and aggravate breakouts, rosacea, and rashes.

5. Skip the cleanser in the morning. Unless your skin is very oily (or you forgot to wash your face the night before), just splash with lukewarm water to get the sleep out of your eyes.

More tips at the Daily Glow (dot) com =)

Good Question...

Becky asks:

"As for your cleaner recipe, I loooooove it and it's all I use now. I'm sure you've mentioned this like 5 million times but do you deep clean your brushes every day? I've been doing that and am wondering what you do. I've tried just spraying on like a washcloth and wiping back and forth but I don't feel like my brush is totally free of shadow since I use a lot of dark or bold colors. It seems to work okay for face brushes though for a couple of days."

Okay Becks, here's the lowdown. I wash my brushes at LeAsT once a week, as in deep clean. I don't do it everyday. My process? Use olive oil to treat the brushes that have remnants of gel or wax based products i.e. lipstick or gel liner brushes. Just dip them in and wipe back and forth on a rag. Then disinfect all brushes with the homemade brush cleanser. Then to get my brushes SuPeR white (for the ones that are) I clean them again with Clearasil and warm water. After cleansing them all I put the brush guard on them so they look like new and don't fray everywhere. If I need a brush super quickly, sometimes I'll just use the Clearasil and dry it with the blow dryer. Don't recommend that like crazy but sometimes a girl's gotta do ya know?

Saturday, 26 February 2011

Wisdom From The Glow.Com

Don't fret Ethel, help is on the way! She looks like an Ethel right? =)

I was introduce to the Daily Glow website about a week ago and I must say that I am in LOVE!!!!! I get an email from them about everyday and I can honestly say that not one topic hasn't had me HoOkEd. Dr. Jessica Wu (dermatologist to the stars) talks about how to wash your face (I'll be sharing soon), how to de-frizz your hair, how to get red carpet skin, how to "feed" your face, etc. It even has a quiz to see which beauty icon YOU are. I'm Sophia Loren, who are YOU???
(pssst take it here)

It's just PACKED full of goodies. I think that I am going to share some pearls of wisdom for them once a week for your listening pleasure. I think that Mondays are PeRfEcT because we can start the week off with an awesome tip that will get us going and keep us confident! Are you excited??? I am!!!!!

Thursday, 24 February 2011

B-Priceless Clothing Giveaway!!! CLOSED

I am SO excited for this giveaway!!! Brittany, of Brittany Rae Boutique and I have been talking about this for over a month and now it's HeRe!!! I've introduced you to her before and she's even sponsored another giveaway at Classy and we are SO glad to have her back. Here's Brittany to tell you about her clothing line =):

"B-Priceless was founded in 2009 as a way to bring great fashion to women for less. All items are ALWAYS under $30! It's a company committed to bringing you quality items for less. You can always count on b-Priceless to find the latest fashions at a price you can afford."

What can you win you ask???

The winner of the b-priceless giveaway will win one of two prizes.

First Prize...CLOTHING OF COURSE!!! A top and bottom from Brittany's clothing line!

Second prize...ACCESSORIES!!! A purse and jewelry of which you can choose!
Because Brittany's clothes are in high demand and she is getting new goodies ALL the time, the winner will be selected March 17th, then sent options to choose from.

Here's how to enter and ReMeMbEr each entry requires a different comment.

1. Leave a comment telling us how YOU try to b priceless everyday and which prize you would choose (i.e. the clothing or the accessories).

2. You must show your complete and utter devotion to us by being a follower of our blogs/subscribe to my RSS Feed. You can find Brittany's blog here.

3. Share the link on Facebook and or Twitter

4. Blog about this giveaway and send them here to enter. If you have more than one blog post about it there too for an additional entry.

Remember to leave your email address in your comment if you can't be reached via your blog! Giveaway starts 2/24/11 and ends 3/17/11 at midnight MST. The winner will be selected using random.org and will be announced on March 18th. GOOD LUCK! Here are some pics to get you drooling!!!

Beauty Spring Feature: Hello Kitty! Hello Pretty!

Spring is around the corner - I can feel it in my bones! I don't know about you but I'm so ready to shed my puffy winter coats and mits all for something breezy, Spring-y, and sexy. To ease the drag of this cold, grey winter I've been turning to my Spring makeup collections. To kick-off Makeup Junkie Spring faves, I'm getting pretty with Hello Kitty for Sephora!

When I was between the ages of 7-10, I was obsessed with Hello Kitty. My BFF is still obsessed and she's in her mid 30's! Every time I see anything Hello Kitty, it makes me feel all fuzzy and warm. I feel like a kid again. So, when Sephora announced they were launching an exclusive Hello Kitty beauty line I was ecstatic. Even if you're not a fan, you can't help but love this cute kitty face!

Hello Kitty Charmmy Kohl Eyeliner Kit ($28 USD): This set of pencils in a reusable tin set reminds me of a pencil crayon set I had when I was in school. I had assumed that all the Hello Kitty products would be all cuteness and little quality but I'm really happy I was wrong! These kohl pencils are highly pigmented and has a smooth, velvety glide. It doesn't tug or pull at the skin. The pencils have exceptional staying power, but I did find it smudged a tad on my bottom lash line. However, the colour didn't fade at all.

L-R: Good Night Dreams (black), Grape Juice (purple), Chocolate Milk (brown), Happy Cloud (white), Bicycle (teal green), Blue Sky (bright light blue), Blueberry (navy)

I adore the range of shades in this kit. There is something for everyone. You have a mix of neutral and really fun, bold shades. This Spring is definitely about playing with pretty colours so go with it and have fun!

Hello Kitty Charmmy Eyeshadow Stick in Teacup ($16 USD): I LOVE makeup products that make my life easier. I haven't used shadow sticks in while, but with a new baby on the way I will probably be stocking up on more of these quick sticks. Hello Kitty's version reminds me of M.A.C.'s Shadesticks which were a staple in my kit. These shade sticks apply a gorgeous pearlescent finish that brightens up the eyes. I love the smooth and easy-to-blend texture - no need for brushes! These are fab for layering underneath a powder shadow for intensity and dimension. With an eye primer, the shade stick didn't budge one bit but without one I did notice it crease and fade a tiny bit towards the end of the day.

Eyeshadow Stick in Teacup (shimmering golden medium brown)

The collection again offers a wide range of shades so you'll be sure to find something you love. Seriously, Teacup was made for me! This shade of bronzey-brown goodness is usually my go-to everyday shade. I have been using this almost exclusively ever since I received it. It looks great paired with a bold lip, pinky or a muted peachy lip. To have it in a shade stick is a woman-on-the-go's dream! Just swipe on and you're out the door. You can apply as sheer or as heavy as you want - a definite must have from the Hello Kitty collection!

The Hello Kitty line is sweet and good for you. Products contain powerful extracts of strawberry, apple, and grape seed to hydrate and soften skin. They are packed with powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals, and improve skin's elasticity and youthfulness.

Hello Kitty for Sephora is now available at Sephora locations worldwide.

http://sephora.com

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly adore them.

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

NYFW F/W 2011 Beauty: Trend Report: Elie Tahari

NYFW F/W 2011 Elie Tahari

The runway beauty look for Elie Tahari was very reminiscent of a porcelain doll. Kimberly Soane for Bobbie Brown played up the look with luminescent cheeks, plush rosy lips, and barely-there shadow. Even the hair--a sleek center part pulled into a low ponytail--reinforced this play on minimalist chic. Esther Langham for Moroccan Oil finished off the locks with a few spritzes of shine spray for a glossy, polished look.

NYFW F/W 2011 Elie Tahari

Photos provided by beautypress.com.

NYFW F/W 2011 Beauty: Trend Report: Badgley Mischka Makeup

NYFW F/W 2011 Badgley Mischka

Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics created a 40's Hollywood glam makeup look (with some edge, of course), using black and silver metallic shades on the eyes. Eyebrows were defined, cheeks were contoured and lips were a lighter shade of red.

NYFW F/W 2011 Badgley Mischka

Photos provided by beautypress.com.

NYFW F/W 2011 Beauty: Trend Report: Anna Sui

NYFW F/W 2011 Anna Sui

At Anna Sui, 60s-mod makeup and big, retro hair complemented the Boho chic style of the Fall 2011 collection. Pat McGrath for CoverGirl traced a bold dark line into the crease of the eye and applied white eyeliner on the inner bottom lids for a wide-eye effect. Cheeks were flushed with a hint of color and lips were neutral and glossy. Garren for René Furterer amped up the volume or the hair, heightening the back of the crown for a retro look.

NYFW F/W 2011 Anna Sui

Photos provided by beautypress.com.

Monday, 21 February 2011

Stylish Blogger Award!!!!!

Katie from The Sweet Paper House (check out her site!) has nominated me for a Stylish Blogger Award!!!! Are you kidding me?!? I am so stoked =)!!! I love feeling that I am helping you guys and getting feedback is the BEST! Be it sweet emails that are meant for only me, requests or an award you guys make me feel ToPs! I'm supposed to share 7 things about myself and recommend blogs that I love. So here goes nothin...

1. I have been married to my sweetheart for seven years and am LoViNg the ride =). We met in Siberia while doing service work in 2002 and have been buddies ever since. In the short time we have been married we have lived in 6 different states and now live in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Kev is a graphic designer for a medical training facility and we couldn't be happier here. We have two cute, smooshy little boys that keep us on our toes =). Kayson (K-Diddy) is 5 and Branson (B-Bear) is 3.

2. I {heart} dancing. I danced for MTV when I lived in Southern California and just LOVED it! We got to dance on the set of That 70's Show and under the Hollywood sign. Alas my hubby doesn't like to dance so I haven't been able to do it
very much...anyone wanna go clubbing?????

3. I used to sing at a bay side restaurant. You know those jazzy tunes by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald...just thinking about it makes me want to do it again =).

4. My birthday is coming up (March 8th) and I'm so excited to celebrate with friends and family. I love any excuse to get everyone together. It's also National Women's Day and they celebrate it everywhere, it seems, but here. This card was so Russian I had to post it LOL!

5. Shows I love to watch (some shamelessly) are:

the Bachelor

Glee

the Office

the Hills (when it was on and OnLy with Lauren)

So You Think You Can Dance!!!

Heroes (watching it on Netflix for the first time)

LOVED LOST! =)

6. I could be the HaPpIeSt person on Earth if you would let me just live at Disneyland!!! It's where I used to perform, I went every year with my family, have had bachelorette parties, Kev's and my first date, honeymoon and we love to take the boys! It was such a happy time in my life growing up and I think it's so magical that whenever I go there I am transported back to those times and feel like a kid all over again. Oh, Dis...can't wait for November to come =).

7. I LOVE SHOPPING!!!

And I love me a good deal! My fav places to shop?

- Ann Taylor (love the 40% off sale!)

- White House Black Market. I get most of my jeans from there and have NeVeR paid over $35!!! It's all about discounts, coupons and going when jeans are already on sale =).

- Forever 21!

and

- Sephora duh =)

For the crafty girl and home decor girl in me I love Michael's, Robert's, Ross, Tai Pan and Hobby Lobby =).

Now onto the blogs that I adoooooooooore!!!!! =)

Blue Cricket Design

Becca shares her own crafty ideas as well as promotes others on her fabulous blog. I love it when bloggers support each other and highlight other people's amazing"ness" =)

Sawdust and Paper Scraps

This woman is WONDER woman. I can't believe all the stuff she makes by herself. I can only aspire to be so hard core and amazing. Her kitchen renovation BLOWS my mind!!!

Tiffany D Makeup

I think she is so great at makeup application. She is VeRy easy to follow and I hope to meet her...is that weird? =)

Ruffles and Stuff

Everything she makes, makes me want to have a little girl. She can take scraps, old clothes and make the CuTeSt stuff!!! For SURE check her out!!!

Cotton Candy Sugar Rush

LoVe seeing the fashion on this girl's site and how she is expLODING on the fashion scene!

Wish Wish Wish

enough said, this girl is dArLiNg (I guess not enough said) I love that her fashion is ruled by HER thoughts and ideas. She refuses to conform and would rather live in a Beatrix Potter world than anything =)

Craftily Ever After

Jessica comes up with the most inventive stuff eVeR! One of my favs was the one with the Valentine Balls. SO cute!!!

Show & Tell

Can you tell I like DIY blogs? I'm sorry if you were expecting makeup but I LOVE these kinds of blogs!!! This one I could (and have) spend hours at seeing what she does with cheap furniture from Goodwill.

Go check these sites out and you may be stuck for hours enjoying yourself! =)

Givenchy...Color Me Colorful!

Givenchy just came out with an amazing line to break through the icy winter that we have been enduring. Look at those warm oranges melting under her eyes into the pink blush. I think it is so fresh and makes me want to have summer sunny days right NOW!!! For those of you with blue and green eyes these hues would be fanTASTIC on you. Am I asking you to sport them down the grocery aisle in the exact way you see them below? No, but try them...pretty please??? Step outside that comfort zone and apply a coral lightly to those cheeks and just "swish" some on your lids. You will LOVE it!!!