Sunday, August 2, 2009

REVIEW: MAC STUDIO FIX FLUID

Hey girls!!

The foundation that I've been using for the last couple of months is MACs studio fix fluid (and sometimes fix powder to set). I am loving this foundation! It covers up all my uneven spots, discoloration and acne scarring. The great thing abt it is that it has buildable coverage. If I had a certain that needs a bit more coverage I will just go ahead and use a concealer brush to apply more product to that aread. If you blend it out with a buffer brush or a kabuki it'll give you a really natural look. Its blends like a dream. My only issue with this is that it dries to a total matte finish and I know that is a huge benefit for many people but since I don't have oily skin I don't appreciate it too much. So in order to give some depth and luminosity. I apply my Smashbox photo op under eye brightener as a hi-lighter from my cheeks to my temples and it is a very natural looking hi-light. So I give the studio fix fluid ***** 5 stars!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

ROSE WATER!!

Hey girlies!!

I've started opting for a more natural approach to the products I use. I found my regular toner "Biore" toner to be very drying and stripping to my skin. So I researched and found out that rose water is actually a great natural toner. I've been using it for almost 2 months now. A single bottle 250ml usually lasts about a month or so and costs about $2.00 but you can really cut the cost by making your own by simply taking rose petals and bringing them to boil in water. Rose water is great because you can wash your face with it aswell. I like to keep my rose water chilled especially in the summer months, its refreshing. Some people also like to put rose water is spray bottles and use it to freshen up around there home.

Try it out!!!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

TIPS FOR OILY AND ACNE PRONE SKIN

Hey Girls! If your like the majority of the population and have oily - acne prone skin then you know how hard it can be to achieve a smooth shine free canvas.Having a matte finish on your face is ideal to ensure a great application of make-up. So here are some tips!!

1. Always make sure you wash your face with a cleanser specifically formulated for oily skin.

2. When moisturizing look for creams that have "oil free" on the packaging. Also stay away from products that contain mineral oil. (Mineral oil is a form of refined crude oil and blocks pores, in turn creating acne).

3.Use an Aspirin mask at least 1-2 times away took diminish excess shine and ruddiness.

4. BEST TRICK EVER!!
When applying liquid foundation instead of applying primer THEN foundation. Mix the two together to almost achieve a concealer like consistency. This MATTIFIES your skin to a powder shine free finish. You don't even need a setting powder.

5. Carry powder and only dab the oily areas on your face instead of all over, for a more natural look. (I like to use the Studio Fix Powder Plus foundation in NC40)

6. Oil absorbing sheets are also a great way to help with excess oil build up.

Hope you guys enjoyed these tips :)

Sunday, May 17, 2009

MY SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Hellooo =)

My skin care routine is really very simple!! The basis of any good make-up application is definitely a great skin care routine.


1. CLEANSING/EXFOLIATING/REMOVING MAKE-UP

First things first. I'm addicted to hand sanitizer. I have Purell with Aloe Vera and One Step Pink Blossom Minis every where. In my locker, at work, in my make-up tote,beside my make-up brushes and in purse. Before applying or taking off my make-up I ALWAYS sanitize my hands.

I remove my make-up with the Mac make-up removing wipes (you know the ones that they have laying around the Mac counters) I use to buy them in the regular size which was like 50 sheet I think for around $20, but now they came out with the HUGE jumbo pack that looks like baby wipes and they have twice the amount like 100 sheets for $30 which might seem like a lot but if you do the math is a total steal!! Then i remove my eye make-up with some Baby oil on a cotton pad if (I have on eye make-up).

I have over 10 cleansers sitting in my bathroom. But I always go back to the same ones. "CremeWash" by Mac and Cetaphil Cleanser. "CremeWash" is basically a Cream cleanser that goes on really liquidy but takes off any residue left over from the Mac wipes. I use Cetaphil for the days when I'm not wearing a lot of make-up or don't really need a deep clean because its a really gentle cleanser.


To exfoliate I use some good old St. Ives Apricot Scrub or the "Biore Pore Minimizing Exfoliater". Although you should only exfoliate at the most 3 times a week. I find that if you dilute the St. Ives scrub in water for a bit it can be gentle enough for everyday use. The "Biore Pore Minimizing Exfoliater" is more like a micro dermabrasion so I only use it once a week (if its needed) since it is highly potent and concentrated.


2. TONE!!

Most people think that a cleanse and a moisturizer cream is all you need. But toning is very important. Toner helps put your pH balance back in check after you've cleansed. Its locks the pores, and in doing so it prevents further Blackheads and whiteheads from popping up, also prevents new pores from being clogged up. I use the "Biore Triple action astringent for Blemish Prone Skin". It helps keep away pimples since it contains 2% Salicylic acid. (which is the main ingredient in acne fighting products such as Pro Activ) its good for people with oily skin because it'll help keep the oil away but at the same time don't over do it since the Salicylic acid can be very drying to all skin types.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!!!

I have a lot of different moisturizers. Right now I'm rotating between 3 different kinds. I have the "Biore pore minimizing moisturizer with SPF 15" ( bought it for the sun protection), the Mac "Moisturelush Cream" only at night since its very hydrating and the Mac "Moisturelush Eye Cream" once again only at night. they are both way to heavy to use during the day plus they don't have any SPF so I would never use it as a day time moisturizer. The Mac Mositurelush products are only good for people that have Normal to Combo skin like myself, it would be hell for people with oily skin. Don't use this if your prone to acne break outs or have oily skin because its super hydrating. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the "Cetaphil moisturizing lotion with SPF 15" I use it in the mornings before I head out. It really helps with blocking the UVA and UVB rays.


Lastly I drink tons of water. Way more then the recommended 8 glasses a day. I'm peeing all day, but water hydrates your skin from the inside out and lets your skin lock in its natural moisture.

MY FIRST POST






Hellloooo =)

Yaaaay this is my first post on my new Blog =).... Well I started this Blog so I can basically express all my thoughts and opinions on my love (more like obsession) with everything make-up and skin care!!!! I'm over the moon in excitement. I don't know what I should do first. So I'm gonna think about what I should do my second post on.