10 Beauty Secrets From Around The World

Goodmorning my pretties!
 I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I didn't do anything exciting except jot down some ideas that I have swirling around my head, I will fill you in on those ideas as soon as I have everything organzied and ready to be revealed.

I wanted to share with you all an article from BellaSugar about 10 beauty secrets from around the world. I find it fascinating to know what other cultures do in their beauty routines, what best kept secrets they have that can finally be shared with all you beauty junkies out there.  For millions of years, people have found various of ways to keep their nails, skin, hair etc in the perfect shape. From the Ancient Eygptians using dead sea salt to combat stress & aging of the skin to the pure white faces of Roman women using white lead and chalk to achieve a porcelain look. The promise of beauty and wellness can do wonders for a person’s wellbeing.

Here are the top 10 Beauty Secrets from around the globe. Published by BellaSugar. (I think I might try all of these secrets!)

China: Camellia oil
Worried about stretch marks? Camellia oil is one of the most common cooking oils in southern China, but it's also renowned for its ability to prevent stretch marks and discoloration.

Mexico: Tepezcohuite
The bark of this tree has tons of astringent tannins in it, making it great for preventing infections and keeping scars from forming.

The Dominican Republic: Garlic
Here's a smart secret from the DR for strong, healthy nails: chop up some garlic, throw it in a bottle of top coat, and then, after letting it soak for about a week, start using it as normal. It makes your nails stronger and also has antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

India: Neem
Want glossy, strong hair? A weekly head massage with neem and coconut oil is Indian women's go-to treatment for gorgeous hair and a healthy scalp. Recipes for the combination have a long history in Ayurvedic medicine.

Japan: Sake
Want an easy skin softener? Try a sake bath. Sake is high in kojic acid and enzymes that soften skin and help reduce hyper-pigmentation.

New Zealand: Manuka honey
People have been using honey for its antimicrobial properties (and its deliciousness) since prehistoric times. The Kiwi type of honey, however, is even better as an antibacterial and antimicrobial than the regular kind, and it's even used in poultices to protect wounds.

Ghana: Black soap
This great Ghanian soap is legendary for its gentle cleansing properties and skin-softening abilities. It's made with plantain skins, which have loads of vitamins A and E, and moisturizing shea butter. What you get is a cleanser that removes dirt and oil but doesn't strip skin of any natural moisture.

France: Milk
Milk is full of gentle lactic acid, which exfoliates and softens without the harshness of stronger acid types. Pour some fresh whole milk or cream into your bath along with honey or lavender to get a gorgeous glow.

Morocco: Argan oil
This antioxidant-packed oil is great for hair and skin, and it absorbs much more easily than common skin oils like apricot and avocado.

The Amazon: Passion flower oil
Passion flower oil, aka maracuja, has been used in the Amazon for thousands of years because of its anti-inflammatory abilities, but it's also high in fatty acids and vitamin C.

The Skin You're In

Specific products don't make a huge amount of difference to be honest. Cleansing well, rinsing very well (at least fifteen times), and making sure my skin is moisturized as needed seems to produce consistent results, regardless of the specific products.

I read recently that dermatologists are stunned at the amount of makeup residue that they see under their patients' eyes when they look at them under magnifiers. These traces contribute hugely to an old, tired look. Why would you spend tons of money on treatments and products if one of the easiest ways to look fresh is so cheap and easy?

Don't smoke, eat fairly healthy, and use at least SPF 15 every day, while not spending much time at all in the sun. (drinking alcohol can cause stress to the skin.) DRINK MORE WATER!

For those stubborn cystic acne, I had a choice to go with Accutane. I chickened out from what I've read on the side effects, of course the lawsuits against them was another thing on my mind. I decided to try "Natures Cure" that you can get at your local Walgreens or Walmart (I'm sure other places as well). I can say that it has helped with my face dramatically.

With that as a side note, I'd like to discuss what you should  use regularly on the skin

The 4-step skin care regimen:

Step 1: Cleansing
Simple is key here. You need to find a good cleanser that your skin responds well to, and stick with it. You can find a good cleanser at the drugstore. There's no need to spend $40 on a fancy wash. Avoid bar soaps because they tend to dry out the skin. According to Rona Berg, in her book, "Beauty," a French cosmetics executive once told her, "Soap should only ever touch your skin from the neck down." I agree. Choose a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin or a clear gel like cleanser if you have oily skin but you have to becareful not to cleanse too often. Washing at night is the best. If you have dry skin, consider cold cream like Pond's, which the French people use. Apply cream, then wipe off, no water needed. Use warm water to loosen dirt and clogged pores. Use a dime-sized bit of cleanser, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. You'll also want to take off your makeup with a proper makeup remover. Make sure no trace of makeup is on your face.

In the morning, a splash lukewarm water on your face, that's all you need (I find it's great for removing excess oils from your nightly moisturizing). Never wash your face with hot or cold water (both can cause broken capillaries). Also be careful about over cleansing skin.

Step 2: Exfoliate
Most people skip exfoliation in their weekly skincare routine but trust me, if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an almost immediate difference. Wonder why men's skin looks more youthful than women's? Its because men tend to exfoliate when they shave. There are several ways to exfoliate skin: Microdermabrasion, chemical peels and retinoids.

Scrubs work by removing the top layer of dead skin cells that tend to dull your complexion. We find exfoliating skin once a week with a microdermabrasion kit keeps skin glowing year-round. Make sure you use a gentle scrub with tiny grains. Big grains in cheap scrubs can tear skin and cause more harm than good (St.Ives tends to be a scrub with big grains).

In the hour it takes to get a chemical peel, you can take off five years from your face.
Retinoids can be a miracle skin save. It removes the top layer of dead skin cells while generating collagen to the skin. (Collagen is the skins structural fiber)

Should you use a toner? Some people swear by toners, but many beauty experts do not (I once read a skincare expert claim, "toners are only for copy machines"). Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup and dirt, but a good cleanser should do this. I believe it's up to you. If you like the way your skin feels with a toner then buy it and enjoy it :)

Step 3: Moisturize
Everyone I've read disagrees and is a believer in it. A basic law of beauty is that everyone, no matter her skin type, should moisturize. Even if your skin is oily, it will benefit from using moisturizers. (The only exception is people with acne). Why? Moisturizers seal moisture into skin. So how much should you moisturize? Your skin will tell you. When your skin is tight, it's crying out for moisture. Be careful not to over moisturize because that can clog pores.


Step 4: Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen was the most important part of your skincare regimen. A secret you should pass on to your daughter(s).

The number-1 cause of wrinkles is sun damage, so it's important to use sunscreen from your early years on even in winter and on cloudy days. A great trick is to purchase two moisturizers: One for night and one for day that includes UV protection. Don't use moisturizers with sunscreen at night, the ingredients are not meant to be used and can aggravate skin. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure it contains Mexoryl or Helioplex, found in Neutrogena products.

I would really like to find something to stop my monthly, menstruation-related breakouts, but I have a feeling that's something I'm going to have to learn to live with until pregnancy or menopause.

The key to my skincare is that I keep my expectations of specific products quite low, which I think is something that most women would benefit from doing.

No matter what, Love yourself and Love the skin you're in!

Are eye creams necessary? Maybe. Some beauty experts strongly recommend eye creams. Why? The skin around the eye contains no fatty tissue and is therefore very thin and prone to wrinkles. Special eye creams are formulated to "thicken" this area. Yet other experts claim your daily lotion works around the eyes just as well.

Cosmetic Shelf Life

Concealer up to 12 months


Eye liner should be sharpened regularly and Will last up to three years and Eyeshadow will also last up to three years. Extra tip: A dark eyeshadow can double as eyeliner. You’ll need a super-flat eyeliner brush for this. Get the brush a little damp and dab in dark eyeshadow.

Foundation: Check the ingredients, a water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months. You may find you need two different shades of foundation each year: When your skin is naturally darker and when you’re lighter. Extra tip: If your water-based foundation dries out before its expiration date, just add a few drops of alcohol-free toner and shake to get rid of clumps. No need to do this to oil-based foundations. Because they contain oil, they will tend to separate. You have to shake anyway.

Lip liner Up to three years. Extra tip: Skip the push-up lipliners. They’re expensive, tend to break and you never really know how much you have left until you run out. No need to spend money on lip liners, there’s no secret to greatness for this product. Save your money for powders and foundation.

Lipstick Up to four years. Extra tip: If you store lipstick in the refrigerator, it will last longer. Bonus tip: Want your lipstick to last longer during the day? Shade in lips with lip liner before applying lipstick.

Mascara This product expires the fastest: Throw out after three months. Extra tip: If you don’t want your mascara to expire faster than its fresh date, don’t pump the wand in and out, you’re only exposing the product to drying air.

Nail Polish Up to 12 months, depending on the quality and how many times you apply it.


Powder up to two years.

(LATE) but HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

I know I'm a day late and haven't been blogging up a storm lately but thats because I've been pretty busy & also working on some new ideas (that I will tell you all later) but right now. I want to to tell all the moms out there aka mommy/mum/mami/mama/mamaita that i wish and hope you all had a beautiful mothers day! What makes you all beautiful? The way you love and care about your children. Raising them to be good people who will make a difference in the lives of others (hopefully). No one can love and nourish your child quite like you can, even if they arent babies anymore!  Your love is beautiful, and thats something makeup can never enhance :) 

I would also like to say to all the women who are pregnant or adopting and are worried about whether they will be a good mom or not. Dont worry, you'll know. You'll take it day by day, everyone makes mistakes. Just enjoy each other and be the best you can be.

To all the women with babies and toddlers, they grow up quickly, i'm sure its a chaotic time, but you'll regain your life again. You'll think back and remember their first steps, words, walk, etc. My mom tells my siblings and I stories of us when we were little all the time and with a smile on her face as if she wishes we were still that age again. 

 To all the women who are stuck with the teenagers who talk-back, talk-shit and feel that they know the world more then you do (I was one of those teenage rebels). The phase will pass. 

To all the women whose children have moved out into the real world of Adulthood. They still need you no matter what, I'm an adult and cant picture a moment where I wont require the love and support of my own mother.

To all the women whose children have passed away. My heart goes out to you and I know no words can ease your pain but please know that you're not forgotten on mothers day or any day. Your children arent forgotten either. I think of you all especially on mothers day. I wish nothing but peace in your lives. 

To all women who suffer through infertility. I pray that the next mothers day finds you holding the child you always dreamed of.

To everyone who never felt the love of a mom. I'll give you a few words of love. PLEASE know that life is beautiful, even if mothers day doesnt seem beautiful to you... you are loved and if you feel you are loved by no one, then you are loved by me. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. 

GOD BLESS

and a special Happy Mothers Day to my mom.

CONGRATS TO THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE

Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

April 29, 2011 

The moment I've been waiting for. The wedding of Prince William to his long time college sweetheart Catherine Middleton. If you were as obsessed as I was, then you waited up since 3am central time, to watch this historic moment come together. Let me just say, everything was beautiful. I bet designers and dressmakers all around the world were planning replicas of a gown they'd never laid eyes on. Is it possible to duplicate Sarah Burton's masterpiece? We'll see. Kate, now Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, went for both traditional and elegance in a lace and ivory silk gown.

Although the dress was simple and elegant. I would have gone all out if I was going to marry Prince William and be future Queen of England.  I would've chosen Michael Cinco to design my wedding gown. His work is so stunning and breathtaking. Let me tell you, this dress SPARKLES.

and did we all hear about kate doing her own makeup for her wedding? Thats a no no, Kate. You want to look radiant for your wedding, especially when 2 billion people have their eyes on you. Although she did look very pretty, she just had her every day look. Plain ol' makeup and hair done the same way she always does it. Why woman? Why not have a beautiful updo? and a glowing face with radiant makeup to highlight all your beautiful features? THATS WHAT US MAKEUP ARTIST CAN DO FOR YOU! well anywho, she didn't wow me like I hoped for.

Again, if I was in her glass slipper, This would've been my ideal hair and makeup (along with the dress above)

Now this is a Princess look I envision. Beautiful.

but, with my opinions aside. She did make a beautiful bride and she did look amazing. I hope they live a long and happy life together. It was a beautiful wedding and I hope you all got to enjoy it as much as I did.

And so they lived Happily Ever After

HAPPY EASTER!

 HAPPY EASTER

and what a beautiful day it is today. the sun is out, the weather is lovely, the birds are chirping, people are with their family & friends. It is a perfect Sunday.

So, I hope you all are looking fabulous and wearing your best easter sunday dress. Like Tracy Dimarco from Jerseylicious is doing. Doesnt she look HOT?! I think so, and i'd so rock this outfit any day!

So, I'd like to give you all 3 spring beauty trends of this year. 

Best spring color? CORAL! I love coral and it reminds me of the ocean. Probably why I've  been a huge fan of coral jewelry and why I literally jumped for joy when I started spotting coral as the color for spring 2011. Wear it on your lips, cheeks, eyes, even as an accessory in your hair, coral really warms up your look. But be cautious; as I always say, don't go crazy with any trend and, the last thing you want is matchy-matchy coral. So keep the color to one area, like on your lips or cheeks not both.

Easy-to-do hairstyles: I love trendy hairstyles where you dont have to do much with your hair. Like the high ballerina buns (thanks to "Black Swan")or the slick back ponytails. Both styles look really polished and sophisticated and don't require a lot of work. Take slicked back hair. Just use a little gel and comb in through wet hair, then pull back and secure tightly in a low ponytail. For the high bun, allow your hair to air dry and then comb it back tightly and secure it up high into a bun. Finish with hairspray to keep it in place and tame those annoying flyaways.

Neutral nails: I love color but I'm kind of over the high maintenance and easily chipped bright mani/pedi. Plus, I'm equally tired of seeing dark, vampy nails (it is so last season). So, neutral nails are back this spring. Look for colors that are milky and sheer. (I've been a fan of Essie Nail Polish in "Sugar Daddy", $8. I LOVE essie nail polish) They are soft, feminine and most of all, you don't have to plan your weekly calendar of outfits around your manicure. Neutral nails match anything. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter Sunday. God Bless. xoxo

Easter-Inspired Eyes

Summer Goddess

2011 summer is coming soon and it's probably the most fun and enjoyable season for a lot of people (including myself.) It‘s the time where we go out and socialize, do more activities, walk instead of drive etc. Who wants to be cooped up inside the house when the sun is shining brightly and the weather is hot?. And since you SHOULD be outside, why not wear beautiful makeup to show off your beautiful face?
　
The makeup you wear in summer will be a lot different than the makeup you wear in other seasons like winter, spring, or fall. This is because in the summer, you have to think about the hot temperature, the humidity and the dryness (depending where you live of course).

It is important to apply primer before you wear makeup and after using moisturizer on your face. When you wear a primer, it will hold your makeup in place even after wearing it for several hours. People who are active in the summer wear primer to keep their makeup intact all throughout the day. Remember to also switch to light makeup. You don’t want to wear tons of gunk on your face because it will be too hot and heavy for the summer weather. Keep it light, just like what you would with your clothes. (LESS IS MORE) ;-) also, keeping it light will prevent your makeup from becoming cakey because of the heat and humidity.

And you do not want to look pale and sickly while everyone else looks tanned and healthy. So bronzer will be your best friend in the summer. It does not only make you look more attractive and healthy. It also can give you that fun and sexy look. (a beautiful self-tanner like “ST.TROPEZ” will give you that lovely tanned color without streaking or turning your skin orange, I LOVE LOVE LOVE St.Tropez and can say it’s the best self-tanner).

As requested, I'm going to share a makeup look that would look gorgeous on just about any skin tone/eye color. Specifically this look on Charlize Theron. A beachy gold summer look.

The first thing you want to do is wear sunscreen to protect your face from the suns rays and environmental damage. Then apply your moisturizer and then your primer. (please wait a few minutes in between layering).

Eyes: For the eyes, you'd want to start with applying an eye primer all over the eyes. I'd recommend urban decay primer potion or E.L.F eyelid primer. Then as a base, you'd want a nude eye shadow color applied all over the eye area.(Revlon Luxurious Color Satin Eye Shadow Nude Slip). You'll then want to use a buttery yellow eyeshadow color (Butterfly eyeshadow by Bare Escentuals), and with a fluffy eyeshadow brush, apply the shadow all over the lid and under the eyebrows.

Next you’ll want to take a gold eyeshadow (Goldmine by MAC) then take your fluffy brush and place the gold shadow in the center of eyelid and pull out towards the outer corner of eyes and then with a light stroke, pull the eyeshadow color towards to inner corner of your eye.

Use a brown eye liner pencil (powersurge eye kohl liner by MAC) on your top and lower lash line. Then using a flat brush, dab brown eyeshadow (Bronze eyeshadow by Mac) above lash line and gently blend upwards, use bronze on crease to add dimension and depth to the eye. Also apply it to lower lash line. Take your fluffy brush to blend the brown crease. You can also take black eyeliner and line waterline, and to go an extra step to get a more sultry look, take black shadow and dab it onto the lash lines to hold liner. Curl lashes, and put on black waterproof mascara to complete the eye look. Your complete look should look similar to this

Face: Moisturize your face (Clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel), face primer (studio gear prime objective for oily skin, if you have dry skin then MAC prep & Prime), Tinted moisturizer all over your face(you rebel lite tinted moisturizer available at sephora), concealer to cover imperfections and dark circles (studio sculpt concealer by MAC using MAC 196 brush), then you'll use powder all over your face to set the makeup (MAC skin finish natural using MAC 182 kabuki brush in a circular motion ), last but not least, use your bronzer (nars laguna bronzer using MAC 134 brush) dust off access and apply to your face.

If you want to take an extra glam step, then you'll want to contour your face. The picture below will show you the areas where you should contour and highlight (Dark Shadow: places where you'd want to hide/minimize - White Shadow: Places you'd want highlighted/to stand out) the key is to BLEND BLEND BLEND!.. you can use your bronzer to contour and a good highlighter to use is Benefits Cosmetics High Beam.

Cheeks: Use a gold or tan cream color on the cheeks (Maybelline Dream Mousse in Coffee Cake or Peach Satin)

The area within the triangle is where you would ideally like to keep within the triangle. Blend the blush outwards from the initial blush application to the edges of the triangle. Make sure that there are no harsh lines



Lips: Nude lip liner (optional step; keeps lip stick/lip gloss from bleeding out), Nude lip stick (revlon color burst soft nude, and then lip gloss (Turkish Delight lipgloss by NARS)

and there you have it! I'll be posting up tutorial videos soon so you can all visually see what i'm doing and get a better understanding of it. Until then, I hope all of your summer nights bring heated love, with lots of rum in your blood <3

XOXO

Sleeping Beauty

I’m AWAKE. Wide awake. I really can’t blame anyone but myself, I did nothing but sleep and drink tea and eat sugar all day, so I sort of saw this coming. Anyway, I figure, if I can’t sleep, BLOG. and since i'm up while everyone else is sound asleep. I think we should discuss sleeping beauty tips. :)

Wonderful things happen to your body while you sleep. Damaged cells (including skin) are repaired, your brain is recharged while you rest, your immune system is revitazlized but sometimes, you need an occasional boost in the T.L.C department, especially after daily battles with enviromental monsters like air pollution, stress, the suns rays and of course,Time.

Here are some things you can do to care for your skin before bed.

Want to be the fairest one of all? Start by being fair to your face. What kind of Princess has clogged pores? to start taking care of that, YOU MUST remove all of your makeup before retiring to the royal chambers and getting your beauty sleep. Wash your face with a cleanser for your skin type, but be please be gentle. Harsh rubbing will only irritate your skin so use a soft washcloth or your bare hands. Then use a good moisturizer. Bedtime is also the perfect time to use wrinkle-fighting creams with vitamin A or retinol. Using it during the day can make your skin sensitive to the sun.

Acne. The evil witch of the skin who curses us with a zit. Bacteria and oil cause breakouts (and no, having acne does not mean you're dirty), you should treat pimples at bedtime with a good product containing an antibacterial ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, those ingredients can dry up those bad boys while you sleep. If you have no acne treatment available, then the old school way to treat them is with a dab of toothpaste (not gel), it can work. Of course, if you have chronic acne problems, visit a dermatologist. Most importantly, resist the urge to pop! it can spread the bacteria and cause even more breakouts. (trust me, I KNOW)

It's also important to treat your lovely hands and feet. Do you know a Princess with dry, rough hands and gross looking feet? I DONT, all the disney princesses seem to be following all the hand and foot treatment routines (Kate Middleton looks like shes on top of it too!). Pretty hands and feet are trademarks of a true princess. You can prevent chipped nails and untamed cuticles by rubbing them with olive oil, vitamin E oil or sweet almond oil before you sleep. To soften rough hands and feet, put on petroleum jelly, cocoa butter or shea butter and if you want to take an extra step, wear cotton gloves and socks to bed.

Please rest your pretty head on a good and comfortable pillow, a good pillow is key to having a good nights sleep. Try satin pillowcases too!. The satin fabric lets your hair sweep across the pillow, which keeps your lovely mane looking fresh in the morning. =)

Want those perfect kissable Briar Rose lips? Your Prince Charming wouldnt want to wake up to his sleeping beauty with a morning kiss when she has chapped lips. So, to prevent that from happening, at night, remove dead, flaky skin by lathering lips with petroleum jelly and gently scrubbing them with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Afterward, cover lips with petroleum jelly or a moisturizing lip balm to keep them irresistible. MWAH!!!!

Those are my insider tips for all you beauty geeks out there. Follow it and you will be just as happy as Jalissa and I are in this OH SO sexy pic.

Time to count some sheep and get some shut eye.Tomorrow is going to be a busy day for me. Goodnight my gorgeous friends. Makeup tutorial videos will be coming soon. I promise.

My top 15 drugstore products

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

I'd like to discuss beauty products. To splurge or not to splurge? that is the question.

Yes, we all know the economy is pretty shitty (excuse my language) right now, and the last thing we should be doing is spending a ton of money on our makeup. BUT FEAR NO MORE MY PRETTIES, there is some great products out there that won't melt your wallet. The products i'm going to list can be easily found in your local Walgreens, Target or Wal-Mart.

Here are my top 15 drugstore products (in no specific order)

MONISTAT CHAFING GEL

Now I know this isn’t a makeup product, but it's great for a face primer! an amazing face primer might I add. I use this almost everyday to give a smooth finish to my skin before applying my foundation. I am confident enough about this product to say that it is very comparable to Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer.

MAYBELLINE NEW YORK FULL 'N SOFT WASHABLE MASCARA

I've spent top dollar on mascaras, but I keep coming back to this one. It doesn't clump, it goes on smooth, it builds and lengthens, and it stays all day without irritating my eyes or flaking off. It's pretty much a perfect mascara with a perfect price. There are several color choices also.

REVLON COLORSTAY FOUNDATION

Revlon colorstay liquid foundation is a matte finish foundation. It covers really well and even better than some of the high end foundations! There is a wide range of colors and formulas to choose from so have a beauty advisor help you find the one that is right for you. Forumulas are for both dry skin and combination/oily skin.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA SHIMMER STRIPS IN VEGAS STRIP

I use this shimmer strip as a highlighter along my cheekbones. It's super frosty looking in the pan but applies sheer (use a light hand when applying). It is definitely comparable to Bobbi Brown shimmer bricks and a fraction of the price. You may use it as a bronzer but I found it is way too shimmery for me to use it as a bronzer, with my combination skin, it looks too oily. So, using it as a highlighter is the best way to go.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA MAGIC MOSAIC PRESSED POWDER

I do love Physician Formula products, and another one of my drugstore favorite is the mosaic pressed powder. This pressed powder is great for setting the foundation OR for contouring. Since the powder isn't heavy, it doesn't appear cakey like some other powders.

SALLY HANSEN LIP INFLATION EXTREME GLOSS

A majority of us women (or men) want fuller lips, a kissable pout without the bottox, well I must tell you, I love the Sally Hansen Lip Inflation glosses. They're a very affordable alternative to department store lip plumpers and they actually work!

RIMMEL LIQUID EYELINER

Liquid eyeliners are the way to go. Liquid eyeliner has lasting power similar to that of a waterproof mascara. This particular eyeliner is by far the best in that category. it somehow masters the art of not being running, streaky or clumpy.

PRESTIGE WATERPROOF EYELINER

This was my first eyeliner when I was a wee little lassie (13yrs old). Let me tell you, I absolutely love this eyeliner. It is so smooth and glides on the eyes. Its texture is very similar to Urban Decay's 24/7 eyeliners. Love Love LOVE this product.

REVLON MATTE LIPSTICKS

My new Love. I have been a dewy girl throughout my life and matte never interested me very much. But this? OH MAN! I have never loved mattes so much. The Revlon Matte Lipsticks are creamy, non drying (however I suggest that you apply lip balm before you apply lipstick) and they are long lasting. They have a fabulous range of colors to choose from (my favorite is "Nude Attitude" and "Really Red"). It's a little pricey for drugstore brand but it's worth every penny.

MAYBELLINE MOUSSE BLUSH

The texture of it really is whipped, like a mousse, which makes it light on your skin and easy to apply. The blush doesn't have any shimmer or glitter to it, and looks very creamy on the skin, much like a cream blush. However, it isn't as pigmented as a cream blush, so there is less of a chance of applying too much of it and ruining your look!. (I wear the peach-satin color)

ARDELL FALSE LASHES

If you want lashes that are relatively easy to apply and have a seamless appearance. Look no further! Ardell cannot be beat, especially with the price. Don't forget to also buy duo lash adhesive which comes in a clear formula as well as dark, it'll keep false lashes on all night!

MAYBELLINE ULTRA BROW BRUSH-ON POWDER

The powder defines brows softly and naturally. Its lasting power is great, lasts all throughout the day and the pigmentation is pretty rich, so if you have even medium or dark brown eyebrows, the light powder would work just fine.

SALLY HANSEN NAIL ART PEN

LOVE LOVE LOVE these. These pens make it so easy to do cute designs and fast. So if you want to do some mad cute and easy designs then I would totally recommend getting these! (make sure you don't use them as regular nail polish because that is not what they are for, and when you do apply your coat of nail polish, make sure it is completely dry before you start doodling away!)

CETAPHIL DAILY FACE MOISTURIZER

Cetaphil has a great facial moisturizer for the colder months--I don't love it for summer because I feel like it's a bit too heavy (I have sensitive skin so I'm careful about these things), but it's great if you're feeling dry and you need a quick fix. And the SPF that is added in doesn't feel too much like sunscreen which is always a plus. And always remember that moisturizer is best applied right after you step out of the shower, up to twice a day.

SOFT LIPS - VANILLA LIP BALM SPF 20

THIS IS THE BEST LIP BALM I HAVE EVER USED. This is what I coat my lips with when I am at home and before I go to bed. It smells wonderful and is like rubbing a light creamy oil on your lips; it keeps my lips moisturized all night! It's doesn't rub on hard like chap stick (eww). It doesn't really have a taste, but would you really want one? I'd lick something that tasted awesome right off my lips, and licking your lips when they are dry is one of the worst things you can do- it makes them drier. Plus, for me, it doesn't break my lips out like other lip balms. I love, love, love it and will always buy it!

Lovely Hair Accessories

Flower hair clips made by my artistic & creative sister Jalissa.

beautifully done sista!

(yes, the leopard print one was made especially for me)

I'll be the first to admit that when it comes to having perfectly done hair, i'm FAR from it. I can never style my hair to my liking no matter how much effort I put into it. If you ever see me having my hair straight or curled with volume and no frizz, then I most likely came back from a salon. I do however, love to accessorize my locks, by doing so, I add an extra special touch to my look  (and it is perfect for distracting my not-so-cute hair day)

Flautning a stylish hair doesn't always need to happen in a beauty salon, especially when you consider the millions of choices of hair accessories. You can have a whole new look just in the comfort of your home. Try on different looks in the mirror by simply putting on those little cute hair accessories.

Hair accessories are not only chic but are one of the most practical and easiest ways to create a new hairstyle and an over-all look. With the right mix and matching, hair accessories could also serve as perfect accents too.

Indian Hair Jewelry

I persoally love to look a little bit more different then the average person. I'm thinking about rocking the Indian hair jewelry. I do love all the Indian style tops, which I can mix with modern jeans and skirts. I love exotic looks and can picture myself with stunning Indian costume jewelry. why not? Why would anyone want to look like everyone else, be different, be fabulous, be unique :-)

Feather HairPiece

(not just for the birds)

I am loving the feather trend thats been happening. In their day (1920s-1940s),  the feather hairpieces and wraps were dignified and dressy. These days, only certain people can get away with it, most likely if it is a special occassion of some sort. I really want to rock the feather hair accessory for any occassion (and I will). We'll see how it all turns out.

Swarovski Crystal Hair Accessories

Simply adding Swarovski crystal to your hair can make your outfit and give it that little bit of "oomph" that it needed. Start your own unique style by adding crystals to your hair accessories collection. It adds some glitz and I think it will be worth the investment. Buy a good piece so it will last you a lifetime and you can leave it as a family heirloom to your children. GET CREATIVE! have some fun, especially if you were given the gift of wonderful hair.

flowery hair clips by Jalissa