25th Birthday Skincare + Makeup

First of all, I want to thank everyone who congratulated me on Instagram and Twitter. I was overwhelmed by the amount of kind comments. I feel truly blessed to have such sweet followers and friends. 

July 13 was my birthday and I wanted to share with you the beauty products I used. 

I had been feeling under the weather the last couple of days and my eyes were showing it. I popped some Tatcha Eye Masks and let them sit for a good forty minutes (though you're supposed to leave them on for a lot less). I enjoy its cooling cooling sensation and it immediately hydrates my under-eye area while at the same time getting rid of puffiness. I then used the Tatcha Deep Hydration Firming Serum as it plumps my skin, leaving a beautiful radiant finish. I love using this serum for special occasions. Makeup sits so well on top of it. You can read more about both of them here.

I finished off the "prep" phase by spraying some of her Dewy Mist - my favorite hydrating mist - all over my skin. It's so lightweight yet provides the perfect amount of moisture. As you can see, lots of Tatcha. It was my birthday! I wanted to use the very best.

I used the Lorac Palette on my eyes - by far my favorite neutral palette and it has been for over a year. Sable and Espresso on the crease, Cream as a browbone highlight and the gold shade on my lid. I created a subtle flick using my Estee Lauder Gel Liner and the Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Perversion on my waterline. I wanted my lashes to look thick and long, so I used the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara which I've talked about here.

For brows, I went with Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo, as always. 

I used two Bobbi Brown Foundation Sticks - one to even out my skin tone and another one to contour. I absolutely adore them and I've raved enough about them. I concealed my dark circles with the By Terry Touche Veloutee and then highlighted using the Mac Prep + Prime Highlighting Pen in Radiant Rose, set with Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in the shade Light. I set my contours with Benefit Hoola. To add a pop of color on the cheeks I used Illamasqua Excite Powder Blush. To give a glow to my face, I used the Too Faced Candlelight Highlighting Powder Duo.

Lastly, I wanted a flattering lipstick and coral is my favorite color, especially on the lids. Peach Club Velvet Matte Lipstick from Bourjois was a no brainer.

I know. The cake. My aunt makes the best Nutella cakes. 

Weekend Pop of Color

If you read yesterday's post, you know I've been pulling out my bright colors lately. I've been really inspired lately which I tend to reflect on the makeup I wear. 

I did my makeup while listening to one of my current favorite songs: Titanium (cover) by the band The Piano Guys which I discovered about a week ago. I've always wished I knew how to play the cello, violin or piano, so I fell in love with these guys. Enjoy the music video and read more to find out which products I used to achieve this colorful look!

Summer, Boho-Chic Inspired Makeup Look

Hi everyone! I feel like I've been so neutralish lately makeup-wise, that I wanted to go for something different. Something colorful, happy and... summer-ish. If you're interested in seeing how I created this look, keep reading! 

Colors of the Rainbow Tag

Hi beauties! I was tagged by my friend Anne a while back to show you my "Colors of the Rainbow". I am a little late to the party, but feel free to continue reading if you're interested in seeing what I picked! Enjoy!

Father's Day Makeup (16.06.13)

Hi beauties!

I hope everyone had a great day today. I spent the day with my family for Father's Day. I'll be sharing with you the makeup I used today. Enjoy!

May Favorites

Foundation Series: Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer

I'll say it right away. This is hands down my favorite foundation. I call this my little pot of gold. Continue reading, you're gonna wanna!

Face of the Day (22.05.13): Easy, Natural Makeup

Hi dolls!

"Natural Makeup" to me equals a better you. Something that looks fresh and doable. This type of makeup is excellent for students because the makeup is not over the top-- meaning no crazy bright shadows, nothing too exaggerated. 

If you're interested, continue reading. 

Summer Blushes

The sun seems to be shining a bit stronger these days as summer is just around the corner. I was tagged by Gorkem on Instagram to show my favorite Summer Blushes. I then decided to share it with my blogger followers. 

1. Illamasqua Excite: a beautiful matte peach powder blusher which I've reviewed here. The sweet Argentine beauty blogger, Flo, has also reviewed it here, in case you want to see more of it. 

2. Nars Orgasm: not much to say about this. It's gorgeous. It suits all skin tones. It never fails. 

3. Dior Diorskin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder in 002 Sunlight: an "all-over" powder which I personally use as a bronzer. It's beautiful, and it does give you that "healthy summer glow." 

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Splendor: a very pretty rosy-pink with shimmer. Yes, it has shimmer, so I would stick to using this product when you know you'll be indoors or at night. It's beautiful, regardless. 

Which are your favorite summer blushes? Share! xoxo

Illamasqua Excite Powder Blush Review + FOTD

For those looking for a beautiful matte, peach blush, this post is for you. Illamasqua's blushes are well known for their sleek, modern packaging and incredibly pigmented formulas. This blush is no exception. If you're interested in pictures and a quick review, continue reading.

April Favorites

Products Mentioned
- Illamasqua Cream Blusher shade Brazen
- Dior Creme De Rose
- Urban Decay Naked Palette
- Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick shade Beso
- Pureology Serious Colour Hair Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
- Desert Essence Coconut Soft Curls Hair Cream
- Kate Somerville Eradikate
- Lush Mint Julips
- Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
- Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough
- Deep Steep Rosemary Mint Dry Oil
- Aura Cacia Peppermint Harvest Refreshing Aromatherapy Mist

Don't Be Afraid of Red Blushers

I posted this picture on Instagram about a month ago when I found the Real Techniques Stippling Brush at my local drugstore. 

I have an obvious adoration for my Illamasqua Cream Blusher in the shade Brazen because you see it in almost every post. It is such a great product. First of all, it does look scary in the pan! It is a bright red and it is extremely, I mean extremely pigmented, which can be hard to work with. 

Many women stick to traditional pink-toned blushers, not knowing that red can look absolutely fabulous when applied the right way - a color similar to the natural shade on your cheeks after a long run our after a day out during winter. 

I'm sharing this post with you today because the Real Techniques Stippling Brush works amazingly well when paired with the Illamasqua Cream Blush. The bristles need to barely touch the product, and simply tap the brush onto your cheeks, then blend. Trust me, you need the tiniest amount. This product will last you ages, making it a product of good value. 

Here is a picture of today's Face of the Day where I'm wearing the blusher. 

Full List of Products

1. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream in Light/Medium

2. Illamasqua Cream Blush in the shade Brazen

3. Laura Mercier Secret Concealer shade 3

4. Dior Amber Diamond 

5. Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Emerville

6. Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows shade Soft Brown

7. Bourjois Ultra Black Volumizer Mascara

8. Tarte LipSurgence in the shade Envy

PS: The Tarte Lip stain is amazing. It has a matte finish and it is definitely plumping...as you can see!

I'm off to the US tomorrow to visit my family. But I will take my laptop with me to continue blogging. Have a great day everyone!

Face of the Day (20.03.13)

Hi everyone!

Today's Face of the Day features elongated eyes with brown tones on the lids and some light gold glitter. 

Continue reading to find out which products I used!

Mac Eyeshadow for Brown Eyes/Olive Skin Pt. 1

I was asked to write about the best Mac eyeshadows for olive skin, but I twisted it a little bit and incorporated two other requests: eyeshadow for brown eyes and a smokey eye look. Smokey eyes can be done in various ways, so for this post I'm focusing on smokey eyes using colors other than black. In this entire look, I'm using three eyeshadows only, followed by other products that can be used to enhance the eyes. 

If you're interested, keep reading!

Me pidieron que hablara sobre las mejores sombras de Mac para piel morena, pero le agregué unas cosas más: sombras que resaltan ojos marrones y un look smokey eye. Smokey eye significa maquillaje de ojos ahumados y se pueden hacer de diversas maneras. Hoy me estaré enfocando en un smokey eye utilizando tonos que no sean negros. Utilicé un total de tres sombras nada más, seguido por otros productos que podrías utilizar si quieres aun más énfasis en los ojos. 

Si estas interesado/a, continúa leyendo! 

Get Ready With Me!: Dewy Skin

Hi gorgeous!

I've been asking and coming up with different ideas myself for my blog and Instagram. Please feel free to leave any suggestions on the comment section down below. 

I've always thought that healthy looking skin is what stands out the most. Whether you're good or mediocre with your eye makeup skills, what matters is a flawless looking base. It makes no sense to have beautiful eye makeup if your skin looks cakey or dull. 

Which is why I have a pictorial for you on how to get flawless-looking skin. Dewy skin. Yep, even for combination skin! If you're interested, keep reading!

Face of the Day (02.03.13)

Happy Saturday everyone!

Earlier today, I posted a couple of pictures on Instagram showing the eyeshadows I used for today and today's Eye of the Day. 

From left to right: Mac Sunny Spot, Lucky Green, Espresso

Sunny Spot blended along the crease, Espresso blended on the outer crease, Lucky Green pressed on the eyelid.

Onto the whole look now!

Face

Primer: Benefit Porefessional

Foundation: Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation shade 56 Light Bronze

Concealer: Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer shade 53 Dark Radiance 

Contouring: Mac Pro Sculpting Cream shade Richly Honed 

Blush: Illamasqua Cream Blush shade Brazen

Eyes

Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion

Eyeshadows: Mac Sunny Spot, Lucky Green and Espresso

Eyeliner: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Gel Eye Liner shade Onyx

Mascara: Rimmel London Lycra Lash Extender

Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder shade Dark Brown

Lips

Buxom Lip Tarnish shade Busted

Face of the Day (15.02.13)

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a beautiful weekend and a happy Monday.

Today's Face of the Day features a mostly-matte-brown-smoky eye very wearable for the day. I used my "signature" black, thick liner just because I love a cat eye, but left it simple at the bottom by not applying any shadows or eyeliner.

I hope you like it!

Eyes

I primed my eyes using the Lorac Behind The Scenes Eye Primer. 

I worked with six shades from the Lorac Pro Palette.

Taupe all over the lid

Sable on the crease blending upwards

Espresso on the outer crease and lashline (blended, added more, blended...)

LT. Bronze on the lid

White below the brows

Nude on the tearduct

I drew a thick line on my upper lashline with a flick at the end using Mac Fluidline in the shade Blacktrack.

I curled my lashes and used Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara in the shade Black.

I filled in my brows using Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder in the shade Dark Brown.

Face

I used Clarins Beauty Flash Balm as a primer, then Dior Forever foundation in the shade 030.

I love this foundation by the way, it gives a good medium coverage. 

To conceal those naughty, dark circles, I used the Estee Lauder Double-Wear Stay In Place Concealer in the shade 08 Warm Light Medium

I set my tzone with the L'oreal Translucide Naturally Luminous Powder in the shade Translucent. I do this step before adding blusher & highlighter because I like to keep my cheeks dewy-looking for a more natural appearance.

To bronze my face, I used Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder which by the way does smell like chocolate and I want to eat it. No, I won't eat it. But it does smell yummy!

Scary on the pan, but beautiful on the cheeks, I added a pop of color with Illamasqua Cream Blush in the shade Brazen. 

I highlighted the top of the cheekbones using the Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizer in the shade Spotlight.

Lips

I wanted to keep my lips fairly nude, that is, adding a hint of color that looks very similar to my lip's natural shade, which is a rose pink. So I used Bourjois Lipstick in 08 Rose Delicat. 

The Result

Thanks for reading! Have a lovely day xx

January Favorites

Hi everyone! I'm a little late on my January Favorites. But here I go! These were the products I reached out the most/I was most impressed with this month. Let's begin!

1. L'oreal Translucent Powder with Vitamin C: An excellent drugstore powder. It's very finely milled and I have been really impressed at how good it is at controlling oil. I tap this on my T-zone and I am shine free for more than six hours! It also makes my skin look healthy.

2. REN No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm: a lovely rose-scented balm infused with natural oils. It is a dream to work with if you are patient enough to massage your face for a few minutes. I don't want to write so much about it because I will review it soon. 

3. Diorskin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder: I have the shade 002 Sunlight. It's a soft, sheer bronzer that is so easy to use, you will never look like you've overdone it. A combination of peach and warm tones instantly make me look healthy and awake. I like to use my Make Up For Ever Kabuki Brush to apply it - going stronger on my cheekbones and lighter on the rest of my face. 

4. Kerastase Elixir Ultime: It smells divine, leaves my hair soft and manageable and it is very versatile. You can use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, a leave-in treatment (which is the way I use it), a pre-blowout treatment or a post-blow out treatment to add shine and tame frizz. It can be applied on dry or wet hair. 

5. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Eye-Roll On: Tightening, cooling, moisturizing, firming, de-puffing, amazing. I'm on my second tube and I know I will be repurchasing it. I use it every single day when I wake up and before I apply make-up. 

6. Illamasqua Cream Blush: I have the shade Brazen. It is a bright red that looks scary on the pan, but it looks extremely natural on the cheeks. It reminds me of how my skin looks after being out in the snow for a long time. Tip: Be extremely light-handed with Illamasqua's cream blushes because they are EXTREMELY pigmented. 

7. Mac Studio Finish Concealer: I have the shade NC 30. I am very glad I got this. I was really hesitant and dubious about buying this because there were mixed reviews about it when using it on the under-eye area. Some people said it was horribly cakey, while others loved it. I love it. I really do. I think a little goes a long way, the coverage is pretty good, I love the fact that it's water resistant and that it has SPF. I find the texture really light. It does not feel heavy nor cakey. 

8. Mac Pro Sculpting Cream: I have the shade Richly Honed. I love, love, love this for contouring. It's a cream-to-powder formula, giving me the cheekbones I've always wanted to have. I love to apply this using my Real Techniques Contour Brush.

8. La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat: A mattifying moisturizer with a gel-like consistency. It hydrates and tightens the skin. People with combination to oily skin will love this. I do not recommend this to people with normal to dry skin. It does an excellent job at keeping the skin shine-free, and with prolonged use, it reduces the size of pores and decreases sebum production. Yes and yes. It does both. I'm on my second tube. PS: It makes an excellent primer. 

9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder: I have the shade Dark Brown. I never really paid attention to my brows til last year. I thought they were too dark and thick as they were. Usually I would see that those who used brow products were women with very thin and light brows, but after using this powder, I learned that groomed eyebrows look best. Anastasia offers two shades - the dark shade is meant to cover any spots that need filling, while the lightest shade is meant to be applied all over the brow. Even though this is a powder formula, the color does not fade at all. 

10. Yves Rocher Aqua Tonic Masque: A yummy-scented moisturizing mask that works in just three minutes. Inexpensive, effective and plumping. 

11. The Body Shop Neroi Jasmin Body Lotion: Probably one of my favorite scents ever. You have to smell this. It is divine. Seriously. Go to a store and just smell it. You'll thank me later. PS: It's light but moisturizing enough, and the smell lingers. 

What were your January Favorites? 

Which products do you strongly recommend?

Face of the Day (01.02.13)

Happy February everyone!

Today's Face of the Day is very simple. I have noticed I've been going for very neutral/minimal makeup. I am currently very happy with my skincare regime and I'm embracing my clear skin days. 

1. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream in Light/Medium
2. Mac Studio Finish Concealer in NC 30
3. Illamasqua Cream Blushes in Brazen
4. L'oreal Translucent Loose Powder
5. Make Up For Ever Lipstick in N45
6. Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Emerville

Embrace Good Skin Days (Video)

Hey beauties!

I recorded a short video giving some tips on how you can pull off a radiant look with no foundation. Make the best of your "good skin" days!