Get Ready With Me: Natural Look for the Summer Heat

Here's a new look where you just want a minimal amount of makeup to last throughout a hot, sweaty summer day.  Today is perfect to post a new video because as the sun is beaming through my bedroom window, it reminds me that today is Father's Day.

As I did for Mother's Day, I'm going to write a small blurb about the fathers in my life...

Everyone in my life knows that I'm Daddy's little girl (even though I have a younger sister).  Everyone who knows me knows that I'm my father's "mini-me" and my daughter is my father's "mini-him".  I've inherited a lot of my Dad's personality and mannerisms.  He raised me to always put family first and to deal with life issues once "we cross that bridge".  He has been so supportive in every decision that has changed my life.  My Dad has that special touch when he does anything whether it's the movement of his finger or a word out of his mouth.  Let me explain- on the day of my wedding, I was getting anxious and nervous before the ceremony began.  I was up in the bridal suite with my mom and future mother-in-law pacing back and forth from the room into the hallway and back again.  I haven't shed a tear yet, but I just wanted things to start already.  Suddenly, I heard someone play a song on the piano that brought me back to my childhood.  It was my Dad playing a tune that he would play every morning to wake us up.  I didn't have to lean over the balcony to know that it was him- rather, I started to break down in tears sobbing like a little girl.  Geez, as I'm typing this, I'm already starting to tear up.  Anyway, throughout the wedding, I didn't see my Dad shed a tear or try to keep it together.  He just had that great smile and great host personality with all the guests who were enjoying the wedding.  It wasn't until our "father-daughter" dance that I felt like I was still his little girl.  The world froze around us as we danced to "Butterfly Kisses".  Even though I married the love of my life, my Dad knew that he would always (and forever be) the first man in my life.

Sleeping beauties circa 1987 (?)

Wedding day circa September 2011

So to all the fathers out there, you are the only man in your little girl's life.  You will never be replaced. Rather, you crafted your little girl to be tough and independent so that when she meets "her" man, she expects them to be as great as you.

Here's the video that you've been patiently waiting for.  The items I used are below:

- Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream (Light/medium)
- Maybelline Erase Dark Circles (Medium)
- Make Up For Ever Pro Finish (163)
- Ck One Brow + Gel Duo (400 Crafty Raven)
- Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Trio (Walking On Eggshells)
- Urban Decay Naked Basics
- Tarte Multipleye Liquid Eyeliner
- Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless
- NARS blush (Rotonde)
- Mary Kay True Dimensions lipstick (Color Me Coral)

Get Ready With Me: Coral & Brown for the Day

I've been in a coral crush lately and my makeup can stand up for that.  Every time I see a coral makeup product, I get this sudden urge to purchase it.  Coral has become such a spring/summer fashion and beauty statement.  There's a great range as to how deep or soft you want coral to be.  Well, I've been mixing the colors coral and peach and have created a soft, daytime look that's very easy.

I have a video posted on my YouTube channel for steps to re-create this look.  Items I used are listed below.

- Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream (light/medium)
- MAC Oil Control Lotion
- NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (Stromboli)
- Maybelline Erase Dark Circles (medium)
- Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
- CK One Brow + Gel Duo (400 Crafty Raven)
- UD Naked Palette (Naked, Buck)
- UD 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil (Sin)
- UD Single Eyeshadows (Freelove, Secret Service)
- Tarte Multipleye Liquid Eyeliner
- Maybelline One by One mascara
- Rimmel Lash Accelerator mascara
- Benefit Hoola bronzer
- MAC blush (Peaches)
- Mary Kay True Dimension Lipstick (Color Me Coral)
- Bobbi Brown lipgloss (pink lemonade)

Enjoy the video and this beautiful weather we've been having!

A Tribute to Mothers

This post is dedicated to my daughter; she's the reason why I'm a mother.

On a plane to Boracay, Philippines 2012

For most of my life, I was always the responsible one among my group of friends.  I was the one whom everyone talked to for advise or just needed someone to hang out with.  I had motherly instincts that peaked my maturity beyond my age.  I guess my actions and instincts were just natural.  Looking back at it now, I feel that my "motherly" instincts were rubbed off from my grandmother who was the person everyone flocked to if ever they needed someone to talk to, someone to laugh at their jokes, or just needed pure company.  I still am that same person, but now my "motherly" instincts are put to the test by my 4 year old daughter on a daily basis.

When I hear my daughter say "mom" or "mama", my heart skips a beat because those words only have life in it when your own child says it.  On the day my daughter was born, it was such a crazy day in a sense that everything happened so quickly.  I think there was a point in the middle of the night after giving birth that I started crying hysterically due to the realization that I'm a mom.  I mean, the thought was lingering in my mind while I was in labor.  But, I just couldn't believe what happened to me knowing that my life has completely changed.

Kangaroo time with mommy at 2 weeks old

The restless nights, multiple trips to the hospital to see specialists and therapists, the expensive trips to Babies R' Us for a certain formula or diaper run and constant laundry are things you never learn in a motherhood book.  Granted I never picked up one, I had a lot of moms (including my own) coach me along the way.  It's even tougher when you're a mother to a premature baby.  My 2 lb 13 oz baby girl came into this world as a fighter.  She helped me become a stronger mother and person.  I was always by her side throughout her time at the hospital.  I always kept an eye on her when she first arrived home.  I was always paranoid for her health because she wasn't in an incubator anymore.  But I guess that's what moms do- we worry for our children.

Bride and flower girl 2011

Mom and me sipping mango shakes in Boracay 2012

My little girl means the world to me.  I bet my mom felt the same way when I was her little girl.  Being a mom is definitely the greatest gift.  I'm so grateful for my mom and teaching (still teaching) me to be a better person and mom.  I love my daughter and love being her mom.  So cheers to all you moms who love doing what you do!  We do have the toughest job out there, but only we can do it the best.

Happy Mother's Day!

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick in No.6 (Pink in Devotion) Review

I'm going to start apologizing now for this tardy post about one of my items I purchased during Sephora's Chic Week last month.  I have a few minutes at work to edit and finalize my thoughts on this item so here it goes...

When Sephora posted their "15% off all purchases" deal, I immediately thought of purchasing my first YSL lipstick.  I've been eyeing this product for such a long time and thank the beauty gods for bestowing this opportunity for me to take advantage of it.  Let me introduce my Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine lipstick in No. 6, or Pink in Devotion.  First the gold packaging (box and tube) is priceless and chic!  It's breathtaking and nothing compares to it.  Also, it's seductive in a sense that when you see that barrel, you know the woman who's applying the lipstick is fearless and knows what she wants.  Am I right?

 

I've been loving bright pink lipsticks lately, and this color hits the spot.  The lipstick is very hydrating, infused with vitamins for visible softer lips, and has a sweet scent that's not irritating but delightful.  It lasts only a few hours, but I don't mind reapplying at all.  If it wasn't for Chic Week, I would've waited for this baby till Christmas or my birthday.  Even though I'm working now, I would've needed a real good excuse to buy this lipstick (ahem, I have bills and school loans to pay just like every other person out there).

 

Anyway, I really love this color.  It really compliments my skin tone even though I haven't done any faux tanning (it's skirt season already).  When I wear this lipstick, I feel like I'm about to conquer the world whether I'm going food shopping, clothes shopping or just walking around town.  With any lipstick you own, you should always feel this way.  This lipstick comes in 19 shades and retails for $34 (at Sephora).  YSL is infamous for their other lipsticks, lip glosses highlighting pen, and other makeup items.  I figured I'll splurge on other items when I'm in the mood.  For now, I'll just stick to my lipstick.

It's Friday everyone!  Enjoy the weekend xoxo

Makeup Review: Drugstore Exfoliating Apricot Towelettes

I've been working for about a month now and I think I've finally adjusted to my daily routine.  There are things I look forward to at work and other things I look forward to at home.  The biggest thing I look forward to while I'm at work about to head home (besides pay day) is getting rid of all the makeup and dirt on my face.  I have a simple routine when I come home from work where I immediately remove my makeup before anything else.  When you work long days in Manhattan and pile on top of that a rugged commute, all you want to do is wipe your face (and maybe body) clean.

I did a quick run to CVS last week in a mission to purchase makeup remover wipes.  I amwas a Neutrogena makeup wipes user until I saw the CVS ones that are about 50% cheaper.  I'm not sure how many different towelettes that are of the CVS brand, but the ones that I purchased are real interesting and have a sweet scent.  The Exfoliating Apricot towelettes are pre-moistened wipes that are oil-free and remove dirt and oil from pores.  One side of the apricot-scented towelette is smooth to remove makeup.  The other side has textured beads to gently exfoliate and deeply remove dirt from your pores.

For someone who deals with deep pores and acne-prone skin, these wipes pretty much take care of my nighttime skincare routine.  These wipes are not harsh on the skin and I haven't had a terrible breakout since using these.  With the Neutrogena wipes, I use it to remove all of my makeup including my eyes.  With the CVS wipes, I feel that the wipes are a bit rough to use on the eyes.  The only reason I say that is because the other side has the exfoliating beads.

Overall I'm pretty impressed by these wipes and certainly plan on purchasing more in the future.  Like I said earlier, I'm not sure about the number of towelette variations there are with the CVS brand.  If you're strolling through the beauty aisle of any CVS store, check out the CVS makeup towelettes.  These are pretty inexpensive so even if you have wipes, pick these up and just try them out.  All of my (face) makeup is removed leaving my face smooth as if I just washed it with a face cleanser.

Philosophy Hands of Hope Hand and Cuticle Cream Review

Finally the spring weather is here!  Even though the cold months are of the past now, my hands and cuticles somehow still look dry during the warm months.  My cuticles look worse than my hands because I'm always changing my nail polish every week and am always picking on a hang nail or something else.  Because of this, I carry a hand cream with me everywhere I go.

I've been loving this product from Philosophy but have never used it until after winter.  I received this as a free item from one of my online Sephora purchases a long time ago.  This 1 oz. bottle is great to throw into your purse.  Don't fret, there's a 4 oz. bottle too.  This cream helps moisturize and soften dry hands and rough cuticles.  It contains shea butter and a blend of natural oils to help provide long-lasting moisture and prevent hands and cuticles from getting dry again.  This absorbs quickly so you won't feel any greasy or sticky texture on your hands.

I haven't seen this at my local Sephora (at least the small size).  This miracle item costs $10 for 1 oz. ($20 for 4 oz.) at any Ulta store.  I think you should give this a try if you need a cream to save your dry hands and cuticles.  I believe this will be a summer life saver especially if you like to paint your nails frequently (like I do).  I wonder if they make something like this for your toes?

Anyway, I hope you like this quick review.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

NOTD: Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Polish in Lingering Spice

This is my first drugstore nail polish and I'm so happy that it's from Covergirl.

Covergirl claims you don't need a topcoat when painting your nails because the formula combines base coat, high gloss color and a chip-resistant top coat in the polish.  The packaging is classy and sophisticated as it resembles the same packaging as Chanel and Dior.  The polish is very opaque so you can get away with just 1 coat.  I follow a 2 coat rule so I feel like the 2nd coat with this polish will give extra shine on your nails.  The color lasts at least a week without any chipping.

I really like Lingering Spice (265) for spring.  It's a soft mix of coral and dark orange that is so beautiful.  I also have Tickled Pink and Out of the Blue.  I'm not a huge fan of Out of the Blue as the color doesn't quite suit the "cobalt" blue I'm searching for.  These go for $4-$6 depending on what beauty store you purchase them at.  Other than that, I definitely want to get more polishes since there are 45 colors to choose from!

I highly suggest you try these polishes out if you haven't.  If you're a nail polish hoarder or junkie like me, then you need to have these!

Makeup Buddy Trade Off

This past week has been so busy for me that I haven't had much time (if not any time) to film and update my blog. I just started a new job in Manhattan so of course, my 24 hours in a day has been consumed by work plus a 3 hour commute (round trip). I don't want to sound like I'm complaining, but rather I'm grateful that I can now provide for my family again. I can finally pay off my financial burdens and buy more makeup... Nah, I have too much as it is.

So I've been obsessed with a few ladies on Instagram who have the best Chanel collection ever. I'm jealous of their makeup gems and all their friends who also have the same fascination with this high end brand. I wish money grew on trees so that I could try these beauties out. I know I could just pop over to a beauty counter and have someone put makeup on me. But I would at least want to leave that counter with a product so I would have made my time and the saleswoman's time worth it.  So I propose finding a  buddy/friend to trade off makeup items that I don't have. I've seen this done between nail buddies and now it's being done with makeup.

So if you want to become my makeup buddy (whether US or international), leave a comment below. I think this would be a great way to try out different products that aren't necessarily found at the drugstore or department store.

Let me know friends :)

Happy Thursday... I need a drink!

Face of the Day

Morning! Big girl is taking on the Big Apple today.  I want to have this up before I head out to New York City for a job fair with the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority).  Hopefully my luck will change by working in the public sector.  My dream job before going to college was to work for a public agency because I wanted to make a difference in a person's life in an indirect way.  I'm just crossing my fingers that the MTA will take me in since I worked on a project with them before...

Anyway back to what I really wanted to say- I posted a picture on Instagram yesterday (@elaiine27) of my face of the day which I'm wearing this morning.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (Stromboli)
NARS Concealer (Ginger, this is the old packaging)

Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo (Barely Branded)
Korres Lip Butter (Jasmine)
Maybelline Define A Brow
Lorac Front of the Line PRO
Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner

MAC Blush (Small Vanity)
Urban Decay Theodora Palette
Covergirl Clump Crusher
Maybelline One-by-One Mascara

This is another natural all-day look that's simple and easy to put together.  I wonder if I should do a tutorial on this... Have a great day everyone!

DAILY GRINDS

♥ What is up with the weather last night?  Despite my weather app telling me it was suppose to snow, I didn't expect a ton of it to be on the ground.  Man, mother nature doesn't want us to enjoy the fact that spring is just around the corner.

♥ I'm obsessed looking at other people's vanities.  People are so creative with a budget of $100 or $1000.  My vanity is currently a work in progress, but I love seeing pictures on Instagram.

♥ I want a makeup sleepover.  Can someone arrange that for me?

Just Another Manic Monday

This is a review of an eye cream I've been using for the past few days.  This comes from Origins where I was using their VitaZing moisturizer for a while.  I wanted to test another item from this brand to truly see how these products are.  I picked up the GinZing eye cream a while ago when I was in New York City.  Before I continue, please excuse the background of my pictures as this was taken on my bathroom counter...

GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream is "clinically-proven to instantly de-puff eyes and reduce dark circles". This 0.5 oz jar (retail price $30 at Sephora) contains coffee beans that provide antioxidants and age-fighting ingredients and ginseng that enhances vitality.  Meant to be used in the AM and throughout the day if needed, this pearly pink cream product gives the illusion of well-rested eyes.  Most of Origins skincare items are natural and are of organic ingredients healthy for your skin.

Usually before I purchase any makeup or skincare product, I do intense research as to whether or not it has received good reviews.  This eye cream was an impulse purchase based off of one person's positive review on YouTube.  After using this for a while, I wish I did my homework.  Before knowing what this product was all about, I was using it as a nighttime eye cream even though the directions clearly say "to use in AM".  The cream has a slight scent (if you smell the open jar close to your nose) and is lightweight that it instantly absorbs onto your skin.

My previous eye cream was Boscia's Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment which is awesome.  When I first started using that, I applied the cream directly underneath my eyes at night.  In the morning, my eye area would look like I was crying all night long.  Then I started to apply it along the orbital bone (the bone just above the cheekbone that circles underneath the eyes).  That's when I saw a difference in my eyes when applying the Boscia eye cream properly.  I expected the same results using the Origins product.  But alas, I saw no change in my under-eye area.  It does lighten up the darkness, but I still need to use a concealer.  I don't have heavy bags under my eyes, but it doesn't get covered up either.

Overall, I would not repurchase this product once I'm done with the jar (if ever I finish it).  I definitely plan on repurchasing the Boscia eye cream but I have another eye cream waiting to be tested.  Have you used Origins GinZing before?  Do you feel the same way about this product?

Let me know!

NOTD: OPI Pamplona Purple

Sorry for my absence everyone.  Moving isn't easy though I'm 90% settled in my new home.  There are a few straggling boxes that take up some space, but overall, I'm happy to be in the new house.  My mother- and brother-in-law drove up over the weekend with most of their furniture from Florida.  So it's been busy moving BIG furniture and unpacking item after item.  I haven't had any chance to follow up on fellow beauty blogs and channels on Youtube.  The only reason I have this time is because 1) my daughter is napping and 2) everyone is lounging in the living room watching tv.  I figured I could do a quick post on my latest polish obsession.

Meet Pamplona Purple from OPI.  I'm not over winter just yet so I'm trying to make much use of all my dark, winter nail polish colors.  I remember purchasing this at Ulta thinking this is a great plum color.  It's not too dark like eggplant purple and not too royal purple.  I only needed 2 coats for full opaqueness.  This does dry a tad bit darker than what it looks like in the bottle so definitely test the color before you purchase it.

Happy painting!

Just Another Manic Monday

Have you tried liquid lipsticks?  I never heard of this lip product until I purchased it during this month's haul. [link] I've been wearing Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Aria all month.  I love the product and color so much that I picked up another one in Fiore.

The concept behind the liquid lipstick is interesting and may or may not be for everyone.  This subtle cotton candy scented lip product is denser than a lipstick and not as glossy as a lipgloss.  In my opinion, it's a better version of a lip stain which tends to be watery (at least the ones I own).  These liquid lipsticks are weightless, highly pigmented and leaves a matte finish (at least these 2 colors do).  They don't leave my lips dry and are not sticky at all.  The soft sponge tip applicator is softer than any lipgloss I own.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Aria

Aria is a magenta plum color.  I highly suggest lining your lips with a lip pencil.  The pencil helps create a border and you have a lesser chance in messing up.  The lip pencil I use is NYX Deep Purple.  When applying the liquid lipstick, you only need one application.  It blends smoothly over your lips.  Give it a few seconds for it to stain onto your lips and you're set for the day.  No need to touch up at all!

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fiore

Fiore is a hot pink color.  I remember while swatching a few colors at Sephora, I knew I wanted my second liquid lipstick to be a bright color for summer.  This color is perfect where it's not too "Barbie" pink.  Yet it reminds me of Reese Witherspoon's "Legally Blonde" outfit in the courtroom towards the end of the movie.  Again, line your lips with a lip pencil before you paint your lips for the day.

Have you tried liquid lipsticks before?  I don't own a lot of Stila makeup items, but so far I love these.  One downside about this is you see all the fine lines and dry skin on your lips.  Don't forget to exfoliate your lips and/or wear a lip primer so your lips don't look wrinkly.  Other than that, I'm absolutely in love with these and highly suggest you try these out!  These retail at $22 at your local beauty store.

I'm considering whether to test these against YSL glossy stains and L'Oreal wet shine stain.  All 3 lip brands have the same brush applicator (at least that's what it looks like).  I've heard great things about the YSL glossy stains and mixed reviews about the L'Oreal lip stains.  I think this will be a great future blog post if I compare all 3 brands.

Let me know what you think!  Enjoy your day :)

Get Ready With Me! [ Winter Edition ]

Here's my go to look for this winter season.  My signature look is simple eyes and face with a bold red or berry lip.  My lip collection has doubled since the holidays with the bountiful amount of dark lip colors that I've purchased nonstop.

Check out my YouTube channel [link] for the tutorial.  Don't forget to thumbs up and subscribe so you are up to date with my latest videos.

- Mary Kay Timewise Matte-Wear Liquid Foundation (Beige 8)
- Maybelline Define a Brow
- Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo (Barely Branded)
- Urban Decay Naked Palette (Sidecar, Buck, Darkhorse)
- Lorac Front of the Line Pro
- CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara
- Maybelline Rocket Mascara
- MAC Eye Kohl Pencil (Powersurge)
- Maybelline Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Mascara
- NARS Bronzer (Casino)
- MAC Blush (Small Vanity)
- MAC Prep+Prime Lip Primer
- MAC Lip Pencil (Soar)
- Tarina Tarantino Lip Conditioning Sheen (Floriculture)

NOTD: OPI Euro Centrale Collection

You know that I'm a big OPI nail polish hoarder so this comes as to no surprise that I have a couple of new polishes from their latest collection.

This collection showcases colors that are playfully named after a few cities throughout Europe.  Two colors that I picked up are Can't Find My Czechbook and Polka.Com.  The first color is my first ever turquoise polish.  It's vibrant and is a true turquoise color.  You need 2 coats to make it opaque because 1 coat will leave streaks on your nails.  The second color is a top coat with big and micro glitter chunks of blue, magenta and purple.  Layering this color on top of the turquoise makes the blue glitter really stand out.

(L) Can't Find My Czechbook; (R): Polka.Com

After reviewing a few swatches from other bloggers, I think I might pick up a few more colors.  You can purchase these at any local beauty store at $9.  Have you tried any of these?

DAILY GRINDS

♥ What drew me to this specific collection is the name of the turquoise nail polish.  I had the privilege to travel to Europe during my senior year of high school.  One of the cities I went to was Prague in the Czech Republic.  The city is absolutely PHENOMENAL!  It's a city that I want to go back to with my husband and daughter some day.

Prague, Czech Republic 2005

♥ Lately I've been busy trying to be a productive Mary Kay consultant.  I started this adventure back in October and I'm starting to take advantage of the makeup products as a makeup artist.  I challenged myself to do 30 makeovers in 30 days which I was just short of my 30 makeovers.  Outside of my family and circle of friends, I hope to create a bigger clientele pool and maybe get some wedding/engagement gigs for the summertime.  It isn't easy taking care of a 3 person family with only 1 income.  Maybe I should look into how to become a successful salesperson...

♥ My moving countdown is now at 9 days.  Time is flying!