A few of my Beauty Classics

It probably comes as no surprise to most of you that I have been addicted to beauty products since I have been a little girl. My mom used to buy me a Hello Kitty lip balm that I used to rub on my lips until it turned bubblegum pink. Of course with this look I had to accessorize; so, I would  press sticker earrings on face to resemble a beauty mark. I was 6. But, fast forward a few years and I'm still addicted to all things beauty. 




Hello Kitty at Sephora, $5-$350 
sephora.com
I was over the moon when I discovered the Hello Kitty beauty set (for adults!) at Sephora. This is like having all of my little girl fantasies come true. There's everything from shower caps to Swarovski adorned mirrored compacts. It may not be the most extensive beauty line on the market in terms of colors and variety, but it has made my list of my favorite cosmetic lines.


This set conjured up memories of nostalgia and recently I decided to revisit a few of the other beauty classics that made me happy as a child and teenager.

Clear Lip Gloss
When I was 14 for some reason I went through a phase where all I wanted to wear was clear lip gloss. This phase lasted right before I discovered my Brooklyn girl dark lip liner and iridescent lip gloss phase. But, the clear lip gloss was truly my favorite. Now as an adult and professional I can understand why. It enhances your natural lip tone and lights up your whole face effortlessly. It also goes with any makeup look from natural to smokey. Best of all it's a beauty product that can be bought anywhere so you never have to worry about not finding that perfect shade.
Here a few of my favorites:
Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gloss, $14
The BalmShell-Today's the Day, $11 
New York Color Roll-On Lipgloss (Left), $2 My favorite type of clear gloss. This one is cheap and comes in strawberry or a watermelon flavor.

Michael by Michael Kors perfume, $48-$95
For starters if I were ever stranded on a deserted island  the only beauty tools I would need are mascara and perfume. I am a perfume whore.  I will try high end perfumes, low end perfumes, light perfumes, heavy perfumes international perfumes, unisex perfumes...you get the point.  But, my interest was piqued when I rediscovered my beauty oldie but goodie. Since Michael Kors perfume makes my list of my iconic perfumes that I wore in my life, I decided why not give it a go again. Surprise, I still love it. It has a classic peony,tuberose,and musk smell that's feminine and sexy at the same time. It's a scent that's perfect for this weather in between cold and warm. During the warmer season it makes a great nighttime perfume.  A little goes a long way with this perfume (a lesson I learned the hard way). Also be careful, because it can stain, but it will last for hours.

New Beauty Addictions

Since it is the first week of March, I thought it was a good time to restart my blog after an extremely long hiatus. To all of my followers I am so sorry for the very long lapse,  but I am back now with a full new set of products to review and my blunt opinion. First up my new makeup obsessions.

Sephora Collection Advanced Airbrush Set; $ 65

First off, I know that this is a pricey set to buy for five small brushes. But, considering that the full sized foundation brush and powder brush are both $32 and the full sized concealer brush is $24, this set is a bargain. Plus, these makeup brushes are beyond amazing. The way they apply your makeup is impeccable. I feel that it was well worth the splurge. If you can't afford the entire brush set at least try to purchase the foundation brush and the concealer brush. Your face will love you for it. The set includes five brushes that come in a small leather pouch.They are short handled and what I really like about them is that they don't shed. Unlike a lot of makeup brushes that tend to shed when you use them these stay perfectly intact no matter how much you use them or wash them. The crease and shadow brush I find are very good for your eyeshadow. They pick up a generous amount of eyeshadow color and applies the color very smoothly. The Airbrush Powder, Foundation and Concealer are my three favorites. I love that they are domed shaped, densely packed, synthetic brushes that apply your liquid or cream  makeup seamlessly, just like an airbrush! All of the brushes can be used wet or dry and when used properly in circular buffing motions your skin truly looks like it has been airbrushed. For anyone who has ever used airbrushed makeup they know how drastic the difference is compared to manual hand application and these brushes recreate that look perfectly.

M.A.C. Cosmetics Fast Response Eye Cream; $30
Ever since I have discovered this beauty product it has become my beauty crack. I am beyond addicted to this eye cream it is truly a wonder product. Anything that promises to depuff your eyes I will buy and test out as fast as possible. There are millions of eye creams out there that claim they fill in fine lines, depuff, get rid of dark circles, etc. This one absolutely does all those things and beyond FOR REAL. I have used it on myself, I have used it on my clients and there is not one person who has not fallen in love with this product and gone out and purchased it immediately. The best part about this eye cream is that it somehow manages to make your eyes look even better as the day goes on. I can rave about this product forever. If you need extra help pair it with the MAC Prep+Prime Line Filler ($19.50).

Eye See a Pot, See a Pot, See a Pot

Eye pots happen to be one of my favorite eye makeup beauty items. The gel based formulas provides multiple uses and I use this product for all three of its benefits. Eye pots can be used as a great base for layering your dry eyeshadow to intensify the color, can help easily create a smokey look, and can be used as their initial purpose for eyeliner.

BEAUTY TIP: IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO BUY EYE POT THEY'RE ALWAYS GOING TO BE SHELVED WITH OTHER EYELINERS.

The Cheapies:
It's so great that many drugstore brands have been increasing the quality of their products by constantly staying up to date with new beauty trends. On top of that the products are not only on point with the trends but, they are really good quality
at a cheap price as well.


Maybelline EyeStudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner $6-10
discountbeautycenter.com

Comes in four incredible colors (black, brown,gray, and plum), is smudge proof and water resistant, and last for 2 hours. It even includes a really good quality eyeliner brush with each of the eye pots.

L'oreal Paris HIP Studio Secrets Professional Color Truth Cream Eyeliner $12
discountbeautycenter.com
L'oreal offers five shades in this line which are a part of their new Studio Secrets Collection (stay tuned for reviews on the Studio Secrets Collection). The colors are black, brown, navy, teal, and deep purple. I happen to love the consistency of the product but, not the brush that it comes with. I purchased the navy and deep purple, and each eyeliner brush was different. One was to flimsy and the other was two stiff, so I gave up and used my own eyeliner brush. I probably just got defective boxes, because it is a really good product and actually lives up to the hype of being long lasting, with deep pigments, and easy to remove.

Sephora Brand Collection$10
sephora.com

I haven't tried this new product from Sephora yet, but I am looking forward to purchasing it for a review since it claims to offer a lot of beauty benefits. It's rich in antioxidants, it comes in ten shades with very cute names(my personal favorite Bewitch Witch Me- a metallic deep purple)  offers a variety of textures from matte to shimmer, and is a waterproof formula.

The Luxury

Stila Smudge Pots $20
sephora.com

MY FAVORITE PRODUCT in my personal beauty box. I own this eye pot in black, brown, and bronze. It's incredible. It lasts forever, doesn't irritate me, offers rich color, and "smudges" perfectly for a smokey look. I discovered this brand one day while shopping around in Sephora, when I noticed that the sales clerk had the most beautiful dark Cleopatra eyeliner look going on. Naturally, I stalked her life and demanded that I have a lesson on how she achieved such a look and all the products that she used. I braced myself to be told that she used at least a minimum of five different eye products and ten different brushes; but, I was shocked when she walked over to the Stila counter and handed me a miniature jar of magic. Even better she gave me my lesson, then proceeded to tell me that the gel formula  dries quickly, comes in eight shades, and has a a million multi- functions.

Here are some other brands that make really good eyeliner pots:
*All available at Sephora

                                                                     Makeup Forever Aqua Cream $22

Buxom by Bare Esscentuals $15

                          Tarte $22









Kisses!
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Mascara, Mascara, Mascara

Here is a little secret of mine for those of you that don't know me. Mascara is one of my beauty weaknesses. It is my obsession. My piece de restiance. On the days that I do wear makeup, I can not go without piling on at least 4 coats of mascara.So, when the summer and the fall come around (those are the two biggest season for new mascara launches) I am as giddy as a schoolgirl. Here are some of my new favorites:

Maybelline Volume Express Falsies, $7

Maybelline.com

Amazon.com

Drugstore.com

Incredible, Incredible, Incredible mascara. If you ever struggled with applying false eyelashes this is the mascara for you. It was first launched in the UK and finally make its way states side, the brush is spoon shaped which is a combination of a curved brush and straight brush, but the design helps to space your lashes out, giving them the fanned effect that comes from false eyelashes. The consistency of the mascara is a true deep black ink, that gives a glossy finish to the lashes even after it has dried. It dries fast, washes off easily, doesn't clump no matter how much you put on, and lengthens and volumizes in way that no other mascara has done. Surprisingly, with all of those dramatic benefits, my lashes stayed soft and unbelievably supple. Move over, L'oreal Telescopic, because truly this is my new favorite mascara.

Revlon Grow Luscious
revlon.com
riteaid.com

A lot of new mascaras are jumping on the organic/natural bandwagon to help lashes naturally grow and promote healthiness with the use of a mascara over time. Revlon is the latest to join the brigade. I didn't use this product long enough to tell whether or not it does actually make the lashes grow up to 96% longer over 4 weeks, but I did use it enough to tell you that it does clump. However, the brush is thick and the bristles are dense which help to pull the lashes out to the full desired length and thickness. Even though Jessica Beil looks gorgeous in the ad I'm going to have to pass on this mascara.

Too Face Lashgasm, $21
sephora.com
amazon.com

First off I love the name of this mascara. Every time someone gives you a compliment on your lashes you can say "Thank you darling, I'm wearing Lasshgasm." Adorable. But, aside from the name, this mascara is actually pretty good. Which doesn't surprise me considering that I love the other two mascaras from this brand ( Lash Injection and Lash Injection Pinpoint). The color is deep and intense and the small micro hooks on the brush (sounds scary, but I swear 100% you cant even tell they're there) grab each individual lash and actually multiples them so that it appears as if you have more. The best part is, it's filled will essential oils and vitamins which are good for your lashes.

L'Oreal Lash boosting Double Extend

ulta.com

drugstore.com

lorealparisusa.com

Unfortunately, the worst of the bunch of mascaras for me. This mascara is also apart of the new collection of mascaras from various beauty comampies that is supposed to promote and grow longer fuller healthier lashes; and while it may do just that, I didn't like the product enough to find out. First, I'm not a big fan of dual ended mascaras that offer fiber white tubes on one end. To me it just makes a mess and takes too long to apply and usually you always forget to cover all the lashes well enough. Secondly, applying the primer and then applying the mascara creates clumps and its hard to come off even with the best of makeup removers. Lastly, it doesn't offer any noticable difference in the lashes. If you like a very natural look this is the mascara for you (Although you would better benefit from Maybelline Great Lash BIG and L'Oreal Bare Naturale) the only thing I did like was that it give me unbelievably soft lashes.

GREAT TIP: SEPHORA IS HAVING A BEAUTY SALE! I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT'S GOING TO LAST BUT CHECK IT OUT! sephora.com

Kisses!
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My Lips are Burning

Just as I swore I would, I spent this entire weekend roasting on the beach. While I enjoyed every second of not breathing, sweating, and feeling like i was going to pass out from heat exhaustion; I did not enjoy getting dry chapped lips. Which of course got me thinking about the best lip balms that are out there and some other essential beach beauty items.

 

Nivea A Kiss of Protection SPF 30, $ 6

niveausa.com

amazon.com

I have been in love this company's lip balms since about three years ago when I discovered the original formula during the winter. Now that they have  a new product for the summertime I  am hooked all year round. This lip balm is infused with SPF 30, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter, and prevents the drying effects of the sun!

   

Softlips Lip Protectant SPF 20, $3

drugstore.com

amazon.com

Personally, I 'm not a huge fan of this lip balm. I used it this weekend and felt like my lips were a little dry. But, I know lots of people who swear by it and love that it comes in a variety of flavors. Plus, since it is so small you can fit it in any bag or pocket. It isn't sticky, offers great shine, and moisturizes with incredible SPF.

Goody StayPut Elastics $5 for a pack of 20

goody.com

amazon.com

Nothing helped me feel cooler at the beach than being able to pull my hair up and out of my face. These scrunchies from Goody Stay Put line are fantastic because they have little grips around the whole base of the holder which helps prevent any hair (even thick hair like mine) from slipping. Unlike other scrunchies these don't snag or pull your hair when you remove them.

Hawaiian Tropic Mango After Sun Creme Lotion, $10

hawaiiantropic.com

amazon.com

The spray lotion happens to be my favorite. It's convenient and manages to moisturize even really dry skin like mine. It's light, it's incredibly moisturizing,  it enriches your skin to enhance your tan and combats dry patches/peeling. Best of all the mango smell makes you feel like you never left the beach.  I love the whole Hawaiian Tropic line, especially their after sun care products. There's an Exotic Coconut Body Butter, for those of you that want extreme moisture. A richer Lime Coolda flavored lotion infused with aloe to help cool the skin. A vitamin enriched Burn Relief cooling gel with Lidocaine to offer immediate relief.

Kisses!

qianadmakeup.com

Fashion Friday

Since this is my first Fashion Friday post I will dedicate it to my lovely friend Nicole. Nicole falls into a special category of women and I may never know the joys and woes of her plight. Nicole's fashion problem? She complains that she can't find a sexy, pretty, supportive bra for her large lady lumps. Since I do not have this problem, I researched over the hills (get it?) and found this amazing company that many women who were in Nicole's dilemma are raving about. Freya, freyalingerie.com is a lingerie company designed exclusively for woman with larger breasts. Their bras range from size 28F to 40F; and come in bright colors, lace, and sexy sheer styles. The company doesn't just stop at bras. They also make a line of active wear and swimwear to keep you supported no matter what the activity.

Here are a few others to try:

victoriassecret.com

fayreform.co.nz

lemystere.com

hipsandcurves.com

Kisses!
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Red,White, and Blue

This weekend is July 4th and in honor of our countries Independence I will be spending it in true American gal form with fireworks, hot dogs, and roasting myself at the beach. Since many of you will probably be spending your holiday the same way it seems only necessary that I list a few essential beauty items that will get us through this sweltering weekend. 

Aveeno Sunblock Lotion For face, $11 aveeno.com 
This works for all skin tones and types. Plus it doesn't give a chalky look to the face or alter your makeup. The best part is it only retails for $11 and can be found in any drugstore.

Physicians Formula Healthy Wear, $20 physiciansformula.com Who ever created this product is a genius. This line of makeup comes with tinted moisturizers, pressed powders and bronzers with up to SPF 50 already built in. Best of all it's hypoallergenic and isn't tested on animals.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes!, $18 Sephora.com
I love the original formula of this mascara (Lights, Camera, Lashes) and the fact that it comes in a waterproof version is even better. It volumizes, lengthens, and defines your lashes. Unlike other waterproof mascara this one actually comes off easily with makeup remover and leaves your lashes in tact. The trick to applying any waterproof mascara YOU CAN NOT LET IT DRY IN BETWEEN COATS, that's when all the clumps happen and your lashes become dry and brittle.

Mark Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain , $9 meetmark.com
Mark never fails when it comes to delivering great products at a great price. I have three of these really great lip gloss/lip stain hybrids and they are the perfect thing to wear in the summer when you don't want to feel like you're wearing heavy goopey gloss. It's mess free, goes on like a gloss, tastes like mint, and after a while wears down to a stain.

Kisses!

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