So many people have trouble fining Milani. Trouble no more my loves, Cherry Culture to the rescue! They even have the throw back single pottted shadows that made Milani famous! 
Cherry Culture Now Sales Milani!
So many people have trouble fining Milani. Trouble no more my loves, Cherry Culture to the rescue! They even have the throw back single pottted shadows that made Milani famous! 
NIVEA Touch of Happiness Moisturizing Body Wash
NIVEA's Touch of Happiness Moisturizing Body Wash ($6) with it's orange blossom scent and bamboo essence is nourishing and energizing!
Claims made by NIVEA:
Foams without Pouf
Skin Sensation Technology
Moisturizing Formula
Claims made by NIVEA:
Foams without Pouf
Skin Sensation Technology
Moisturizing Formula
Mild cleanser
I like this body wash as it is moisturizing, but doesn't feel slippery and soapy after your rinse. That's the Skin Sensation Technology at work! Moisturizing you without leaving you greasy. It has just enough moisture to keep you from feeling tight and dry once you've dried after your shower. I especially love the scent- fresh citrus! The aromatherapy qualities of this shower gel is uplifting and helps you to remember the small things- taking time to cleanse your mind and your skin is a small touch of happiness.
The is ideal as a Summer moisture wash, but if you have severe dry skin and need something heavier, this may not fit the bill. As far as the claims, it lathers decently without a pouf, but not a lot of foam and suds as you would be lead to believe. It has a decent moisturizing formula for normal skin, but again may not be enough for severe dry skin.
I like this body wash as it is moisturizing, but doesn't feel slippery and soapy after your rinse. That's the Skin Sensation Technology at work! Moisturizing you without leaving you greasy. It has just enough moisture to keep you from feeling tight and dry once you've dried after your shower. I especially love the scent- fresh citrus! The aromatherapy qualities of this shower gel is uplifting and helps you to remember the small things- taking time to cleanse your mind and your skin is a small touch of happiness.
The is ideal as a Summer moisture wash, but if you have severe dry skin and need something heavier, this may not fit the bill. As far as the claims, it lathers decently without a pouf, but not a lot of foam and suds as you would be lead to believe. It has a decent moisturizing formula for normal skin, but again may not be enough for severe dry skin.
Touch of Happiness is one in a line of NIVEA's three moisturizing (skin sensation technology)body washes: Touch of Bliss (apricot blossom) and Touch of Smoothness (tea rose blossom).
Have you tried this body wash? Do you have a favorite that you are loyal to?
Thank you Connie and Blog Awards!
A few weeks ago, it was my birthday. In advance, I got a special birthday package from my blogging buddy Connie. Even though she gave me a heads up to expect a package, it was still a wonderful surprise to actually get the package. Before I opened the bday mail, we (the kid, myself and I showed my dad) oogled over the Malaysian stamps and all, hehe. She packed the envelope with lots of RMK love!! I didn't know of RMK before reading about the line on her blog, but of course she had me intrigued! Everything isn't pictured here because I've either used it or it's in rotation in my purse or on my makeup station. How special is this guys??? I mean, I know Connie is great from her blog, but she really out-did herself.
Thanks B for giving me some bday love in a shout out on your blog! You are too special for remembering my day!
Connie! Look what I found in my neck of the woods- Maybelline's Pulse Perfection. I hope this is still on your wishlist. I'll be grabbing one for you as a thank you.*winks*
Ohhhh look what else I found... MORE. NEW. MILANI. I love it! Keep cranking it out Milani! Gotta try one of these too! I love their inspirational promo pics! It would be awesome to do makeup for their promos! Didn't get the price point for this item. I hope it doesn't exceed ehhh $6?? *crosses fingers*
Caramel Diva gave me these awardS! Yes with an 'S'! Thank you mama! I appreciate the love!Before passing on this award, you must follow the RULES:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link.
2. Pass the award to other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
The Beauty Chick
The Makeup Snob
Jae Boogie (silly me doesn't know her link until it pops up on google reader!)
I was gifted this award by some fab blogging ladies: Milan Rouge, The Informed Makeup Maven, and The Beauty Chick! You ladies are too sweet!
The Adorable Blog Award rules are as follows:
--Include the logo in your blog or post
--Nominate as many blogs which you like
--Be sure to link your nominees within your post
--Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
--Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received this award
Shizznizzle
Rural Glamour
Beauty Blvd
Getcha Nails Did
Makeup Bliss
AskMeWhats
Update: Drugstore Beauty Jane AquaCeutical BlushStix and Wet N Wild Speed Gloss
During a Drugstore Paparazzi Raid back in May, I came across the Jane BlushStix and Wet N Wild's Speed Gloss. I've tried them out since then and here are my quick thoughts :
Jane BlushStix in Shimmering Brown. The cream blush stick is easy to apply. You dab a few dots on and blend with fingers or other desired tool. It dries down pretty well, leaving a dewy finish, but not as tacky and wet as some other cream/cheek stain products. The color may be a shimmering brown on very fair skins, but on my 'in the middle' NC40 skin, it is barely a blush with a cool silver sheen to it. On my sister who is a wee bit darker than myself, it adds no color and is pointless for her. The only other color available is a lighter pink and I feel safe in assuming these aren't brown girl friendly. (roughtly $7)
Wet N Wild Speed Gloss. I picked up two of these glosses enticed by their shimmering iridescence. The one pictured, which I use the most is 942 Frenzied- a goldish green gloss. It has menthol in it as it calls itself an 'energy boosting lip shine'. Does that mean it's a plumper, or just gives a kick? Either way, I love it and use it daily. I add it over nude color to give that subtle green flash of iridescence like one of my fave Dior lip glosses (Beige Linen? I never get the numbers straight on those Dior glosses). Surprisingly, the tip of the gloss isn't rounded, but has a hard plastic slanted tip. Not common, but not uncomfortable. I think I need to buy a back up! It comes in a variety of colors! ($3.99)
Have any of you tried these out yet? How do you like them?
International Make-up Artist Trade Show LA 2009
ATTENDEES: Swipe some gloss for the homies that couldn't make it (like me!) to the IMATS *wimper, sob, snort*
Are you going either day? Did you go? Share!! ....And what gloss are you swiping in my and other's memory/absence/spirit? ;) Nymphette lipglass
I love yall even on the West Coast!
Influencing Beauty Bloggers!
Even though I discover my own treasures and wax poetic over cosmetics gems, the beauty blogosphere has a horrible effect on us from time to time (**cough** all of the time!) when they create crazy buzz and hype!
Here's a list of items I've bought and plan to buy with 'pressure' from the beauty blogosphere:
1. most recent- the Stila palette from Sephora
2. Lancome's Pixel Pink- Toya @ Life of a Ladybug had me all over this
3. Mehron Aqua palettes
4. MUGE #92- at Ren's urging
5. Revlon ColorStay foundation- planning to buy*
6. Manish Aurora for MAC
7. OCC lip tars
8. green polish and Milani's Totally Cool
9. Chanel's Ceramic Noire polish
10. Coastal Scents 88 Palette
11. Ebay 120 palette-planning to buy thanks to QueenBMakeup!*
I'll add as I can remember (and the item's review links from my blog)!
What have you bought after succumbing to beauty blogosphere hype and pressure??
Clean & Clear Makeup Dissolving Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser
This product has haunted me in the beauty aisles of the drugstore, Target and Walmart. I finally picked up Clean & Clear Makeup Dissolving Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser ($5.99 on sale -$7.99)to put this product to the test. I had to find something cheaper, but comparable to the ever loving Philosophy's Purity Made Simple face cleanser!
Because of my constantly changing life, I've been rough on my skin this week committing all type of beauty sins: sleeping in makeup, not even removing mascara at the least. Well lo and behold, Clean & Clear to the rescue.
With a few pumps, I wash my face, make sure the mascara softens and rinse. No dry skin and most importantly no mascara residue! Lately, I've been applying my toner with my hands so I haven't had the opportunity to see any 'left over' on cotton pads. However, I think it's safe to say that if it rinses clean of mascara, it surely must have gotten rid of all traces of face makeup and dirt. This has replaced my other favorite face wash that I will tell you about in another post! No more lusting after Purity Made Simple!
Followers and My Foundation Saving Secret!
Hi family!
I wanted to take a second out to say hi and thank you to all of my new followers! If you guys are returning love, found me in passing, whatever.. I'm glad you are here, taking the time out to read my content and following my blog. A big thank you to you all and I hope you enjoy! I love to hear what you guys think, so comment, let me hear your thoughts and let's talk makeup!
Next, I wanted to tell you guys about my star product this week: Ben Nye Translucent Face Powder!
From Theatrical Makeup Supplies: "Ben Nye Face Powders absorb oil, moisture and gently set creme makeup. Ben Nye Powders are silky smooth and contain just a hint of color to naturally soften contours. All are translucent, with the exception of Super White Face Powder. Available in sizes ranging from 1.5 oz/42gm. Shaker Bottle; TP 1.75 oz./49 gm Shaker Bottle; 3 oz./85gm. Shaker Bottle; 3.5 oz./99gm. Shaker Bottle. 8 oz./226gm. Jar. EXPECT 35 - 100 APPLICATIONS PER OUNCE."
With all the foundation and makeup shopping I did at The Makeup Show, I got a few hits and misses. While all of the foundations I found were incredible in application, consistency, coverage and wear, most of the shades were off by a touch (a bit too light, a bit too pink or gray). Bummer! Because most of these companies aren't accessible other than online, I can't exchange, but can only.. work it out! I would have added some darker foundation, but didn't want to change the impeccable consistency. I've used liquid bronzer, but I do better using it at different high points of my face than all over. Lastly, I resorted to my finishing powder. I usually use my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish, but putting a mineral silver sheen over already too light, gray, or pink foundation doesn't work.
I had to resort to my makeup kit and see what I had or to recall how I would remedy these situations during a shoot or any other scenario. I remembered one of my favorite face powders- Ben Nye in Topaz (for my MAC NC40 skin tone). Just yellow enough to give me the tint I needed to correct the color in the foundation, but translucent enough not to cake up my face. Works like a charm every time! My BECCA, Face Atelier, and Bobbi Brown foundations that I didn't love (the color matching) are now awesome thanks to my Ben Nye powder!
A pro artist fave, one of my kit staples, and my hardest working makeup item this week. All of the claims are true! Oil absorbing, flawless finish and color range are the reasons that I love this product. This can set any foundation, not just cremes. I especially love it with my BECCA tinted moisturizer. Need it for your kit? I have the small bottles, but the product can definitely be transferred to stackable sifting jars for ease with packing your kit. I usually don't like loose products, but this I can tolerate and I don't have any loose cap issues with these jars. Also, since I've added this to my kit over a year ago, I'm not close to replacing any of the jars (granted I'm not on a gig multiple times a week). Must mention that THE PRICE CAN'T BE BEAT!!! (I've also found this remedy in IMAN finishing powders, even her ultra pigmented blotting powders!)
Have you tried this powder? What do you think of it?
*Links I provided are for illustration purposes. I have not personally used any of these online sites, though Alcone Company is a reputable source.
Quiz:What's Your Ideal Foundation?
Find the formula that will finally give you flawless-looking skin |
 We talked to celebrity makeup artists Gita Bass and Molly Stern and Procter & Gamble senior scientist Sarah Vickery to help you figure out the perfect formula for your skin type. Take the quiz to find out what kind of makeup your skin really needs and get expert tips on making your skin look its best. |
5 Tips with Eve Pearl Makeup and ThisThat Beauty's Felicia
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
I was so excited when I was over at ThisThat Beauty and saw Felicia's special feature!! I'm a big Eve Pearl fan so this was more than a treat to see these gals in the video on the NBC's Today Show!! Like many 'beauty segments' on tv these segments are usually about 30 seconds long! Long enough for a quick tip, but not long enough for what the segment claims to accomplish. You may say, "That was so quick, I'm not sure if I remembered what she said or can do what she did!"For this segment with Eve Pearl, it was about Makeup 101: Eyes and "mistakes that many women make". While Eve gave some great tips, here's a break down of what Eve probably would have told you if she actually had more time.
1. Great makeup is not a rushed job (though it doesn't have to take forever either). These were simple soft looks, but sometimes even getting to things like "blending the crease" and "a dramatic color in the v" takes more than 5 seconds especially on TWO eyes and before foundation.
2. The blending tip at approx. 2:43 'cleaning it up with a light color' is a superb tip. This won't always be your highlight color (unless you don't have a lot of space between your crease and brow), but it will be what some of us call a transitional color or a color to simply help blend the crease. You don't want harsh lines or a 'race track' in your crease. Use a color very close to your skin tone or a touch darker for dimension. My favorite color for this purpose is MAC's Soft Brown eye shadow (for my complexion). Not always necessary, but for it gives a bit more dimension on a simple look.
3. For #2 above, use a soft fluffly brush to ease blending (ex. MAC's #224 or #217).
4. Putting the more dramatic (richer or darker) color in your 'v'- the color will be dramatic depending on your brush. You can use a dense small brush to place the color and blend out a bit, or you can apply the color with a small fluffy brush that will apply the color lightly.
5. Hey! Her lining tip was my lining tip! Do you remember this post on eyeliner help?
3. Some of you may say, "Those are her tips on focusing on eyes?" In the online beauty world, many of us are used to YouTube and the artists' dramatic looks there. Eve Pearl's tips were more general for the average woman wanting a clean and polished eye. However, a simple eye like Eve created can look just as hot (as other more dramatic looks) with the help of flawless skin and complimentary tones on the face (blush and lips)! Oh and don't forget the drama that is adding faux lashes! Falsies take any look from great to FAB!
5. Lastly, the tip "putting too much on, you can take it off was a tip Eve gave lead by one of the anchors. Not the best tip, but it is possible. You would rather add little by little to build intensity, but in the event you add too much in the crease (since the segment is about eyes) use a clean brush like MAC's #217 and the brush will absorb and almost 'erase' some color. Go in and clean up with your lighter shade or blending shade (as mentioned in tip #2).
Pop Nail Polish Sale!
Remember you can also use code Yummy411 at BeautyTicket.com for 10% off of your entire order now through 6/15/2009!
Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar Grandma
**Not sure if this post is a waste of time because the colors in the images aren't true to life and that's the main thing that I need to convey. Well, I took the pictures so I shall post =(((( I need to get my photo game skills up!**
This was item #2 on my haul list for The Makeup Show NYC 2009, after #1 Crown Brushes, #1a Face Atelier foundation.. oh forget it. I wanted everything and I wanted it in minutes of being there!
After so much cyber drooling, I got my hands on some of the infamous lip tar. When I got home with my lip tar, witness how it went down:
"Yo son, check it! My OCC lip tar in Grandma! Wooo weeee!"
"Yo son, check it! My OCC lip tar in Grandma! Wooo weeee!"
"Ugh, what in the holy colorful caca craziness??" Wet, slick, neon paint!(I cannot stress enough how the colors are inaccurate. Much brighter in person! *sigh*)
Let's work on this by experimenting.MAC's Brave New Bronze lipstick + OCC lip tar Grandma
=a bit muted and a satin finish
MAC's Gladiola lipstick + OCC Grandma (in the middle)= Fuschia, coral, tropical, summer goodness! LIKEY (FAVORITE!)
MAC's Gold Rebel lipglass + OCC Grandma (everso lightly in the middle of my lips)= orange popsicle lips.. LIKEY
[**EDITED TO ADD**]: I will say that THESE ARE MY INITIAL REACTIONS and more on a consumer level, than an artist level (since I straddle the fence daily)
I would love to wear this out one night, all made up with my lips as my focus...OMG!! What would glitter look like on these babies.. holy cow!
Pros:
Colorful, creative, for the pro makeup artist, great for photoshoots, can be mixed, lots of fun!
100% vegan, cruelty free, paraben and preservatives free.
Made of castor oil, Vitamin E, peppermint and hemp oil with pure pigments!
[**EDITED TO ADD**]: If you want that 60's monochromatic, IT girl look.. BINGO you have it in an OCC Lip Tar!
Cons:
Maybe not for the everyday consumer.... (unless you are the 'I wear Ruby Woo lipstick alone everday' type)
Tips:
Use very little!
Be careful of squeezing the tube when removing the top
Don't use when going out on a date (if ish gets on some clothes.. oh no! Actually I don't know how it will wash out. It just looks dangerous lol)
Cons:
Maybe not for the everyday consumer.... (unless you are the 'I wear Ruby Woo lipstick alone everday' type)
Tips:
Use very little!
Be careful of squeezing the tube when removing the top
Don't use when going out on a date (if ish gets on some clothes.. oh no! Actually I don't know how it will wash out. It just looks dangerous lol)
This is a full coverage lip, use with a FULL face of makeup (if you are wearing the tube color and not sheered down)
Check out Jude to see her work these babies!
Have you tried these? What do you think as a makeup artist? Or as a regular consumer?
Update: Glowelle Beauty Drink 7 Day Supply (via BeautyFix)
Just wanted to give an update to those that were wanting to know how Glowelle was working out for me.
1. See how it comes with a cute little pouch so you can carry your drink mix around with you and never forget it? How cute!
2. Glowelle has a pleasant fruity drink taste, but with the added 'nutritious' taste to me. Yeh, I drink fast and hold my nose.
3. I was deterred by the smell a bit, but when I found this info, man I decided to stick with it! I'm only on my third pack, but I feel good about it!
4. Did you know this was a Nestle product?
Check that nutritional value list!
Want more information that's actually a good read (breaking down why these ingredients are great for you, etc.)? Click here!
Glowelle ($40, 7 day supply box)
The Makeup Show NYC 2009 Make Up For Ever
MUFE was in charge of creating a masterpiece on top of this masterpiece! He was giving up the Tyra the entire time. Fierce!!
I was spying in the on the set up of the MUFE booth! I wanted to know what goods they had ahead of time. I wasn't much of the sleuth, but I did spy...
Kevin Bennett as well! He let us in on the fact that this Fall we should be looking for the new HD concealer to debut .. yippeee!!!MUFE was the most visited booth, but had the weirdest set up! It was narrow and small. You placed your written order (if you could actually see the products and be stable enough to write downa thing or two), stood in a ridiculously long line and they would bring your order to you. WOW what an experience. Next time I'll be ready with elbow pads and a game plan! lol
Top 10 Summer Must Haves
What are your Top 10 Summer Essentials? Tell me in the comments! Check Total Beauty's list and see if any of your items are on the list!
Beauty products and tips for great beach hairstyles and glowing skin |
 New bathing suit? Check. Cute beach tote? Check. Glowing skin from head-to-toe? Ummmm... If you're not quite ready for the sand and swim season, check out this guide to look and feel your best all season long. |
Mine? (in no particular order)
1. A great deodorant
2. comfy stylish open toe shoes
3. sunscreen
4. sunglasses
5. arsenal of items to help me refresh
6. great mani and pedi colors
7. popcicles!
8. awesome bronzer
9. a casual easy going summer dress
10. 2 all out celebrations =p
B*Slap Cosmetics vs. B'Lush Cosmetics
Highly popular all over YT, interesting, and owner of the line Kathy is a master with the brush and a face.
THEN there's...
I guess I'm late! Ha! B*Slap vs. B'Lush. I knew I wasn't crazy! LOL I guess it's like choosing one makeup artist over the other, a drugstore product vs. counter (not saying that one line is inferior to the other, but similar and comparable products are being sold in the drugstore and behind the counter). You have to decide which you will use.
Happy Bday Loreal Paris!
"Happy birthday L'Oreal Parisssss...."- in my best Marilyn Monroe singing voice. Yesterday, L'Oreal Paris turned 100 years old. Thanks for bringing us beautifully through the years!
To celebrate the occassion look for sales and deals on some of the top selling, iconic products:
Colour Riche Lipcolour
Voluminous Mascara (Carbon Black was my holy grail for so many years!)
True Match Makeup
Excellence Haircolor
EverPure haircare
Revitalift skincare
Pluz Sized Romper
I love checking out fashion sites, especially over at Brown Girl Gumbo. I love when she features the latest trends and fab celeb photos. However, many times after viewing numerous fashion sites I'm left saying, "I wish that were in plus sized" or "I wonder if I can get the look in pluz sized fashion?"
Recently, BGG featured a cute style that I would love to wear, the romper!
Well, guess what I found with a bit of Google sleuthing? Yes.... 1 DARN FRIGGING plus sized romper! Well one that's actually cute and that I would wear! Wish it had short dolman sleeves or something of that nature.
RocaWear Romper. (Yes, the hideous urban wear brand, except that they make the CUTEST kiddie clothes!) $53.28, Amazon
Have you seen any CUTE plus sized rompers any where else??
Drugstore Cosmetics Bonanza
No clever alliteration or anything, but it still sounds like a blast, right? Hahahaa!
So the Drugstore Paparazzi is back.. yes still with fuzzy photos, but is looking to upgrade in the summer of '09. Hmmmm. Check out what I found! I was so excited to see new products. Waiting for the drugstore to debut new products is like watching grass grow! (But I def can't keep up with MAC's speed!)
Halle Barry! Halle Berry! New Revlon goodies: ColorStay Mineral Mousee Makeup and Powder Finishers!
16 hour makeup and an array of shades!
Do we see some MSF dupes? Marble, baked, mineral powders are quite popular. Glad Revlon jumped the band wagon!
This ColorStay Mineral Finishing Powder comes in 3 shades. One appears to look like a Refined MSF dupe! I shall buy it soon and find out! (eeks $13.99 each, CVS)
Milani Vintage Collection! All the drool worthy pastels! Oh I can't wait to buy these!
Yes, another Milani product that I read about over at Nessa's blog and couldn't wait to see in person! Check out her review here.
Milani Vintage Collection! All the drool worthy pastels! Oh I can't wait to buy these! ($4.99)
I had to show you this. This is the 'new' Sally Henson HD polish display.
This isn't LA Girls latest collection, but it was LA Girls period. A fun collection
I had to show you this. This is the 'new' Sally Henson HD polish display.Pathetic.
This isn't LA Girls latest collection, but it was LA Girls period. A fun collection that I grabbed a couple of colors from.
($2-3, beauty supply)
Yes, another Milani product that I read about over at Nessa's blog and couldn't wait to see in person! Check out her review here.($8.99, CVS)
Have you seen these items? Have you tried them? Is my store late at stocking the goodies? What did you think of them? What should I buy or stay away from??
16 Beauty Myths Busted!
We dug up the facts on everything from fighting cellulite to getting a "safe" tan |
 Beauty info gets passed through the generations but is some of it urban legend? See if you can determine what's myth and what's not. |
Beauty Accessory: My Ikea Mirror
Maybe this mirror is simply supposed to be used for decoration, but I use it for my makeup. Yes, I have one of the lit up mirrors (I need a huge one now!), but I like this mirror for a broader view of what I'm doing. The mirror reflects a big enough image that I can see what I'm doing, with better perspective. One of my best Ikea purchases.
(In true Ikea form, the base is a bit wobbly, but I don't move it that much to worry.)
The Makeup Show NYC 2009: Blogger Highlights Clumps of Mascara
(B is pictured here with the 'Luminesse Man'.. don't be jealous that his skin is more flawless than yours!) Ms. B of Clumps and Mascara was my roomie during my stay in NYC for The Makeup Show. After our infamous Hotel Hunt of '09, it was on- blog talking, makeup show frenzy and a good ole night in, prepping for our next day of events.
Meanwhile, I got to take a look at her makeup goodies and what she thought were necessities for her NYC trip!
Awww cute Hello Kitty Bag!
Palettes! Smart cosmetics traveler!
Wow this little bag goes a long way! Great packing B!Here are some of the items I-Spied:
Brit didn't feature this product, but Danyelle suggested LoveRush blush by MAC and I think she heard the call! (Research much? ;))
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