Current Favorite Foundations

I don't wear much makeup on a regular basis, especially now since the weather is getting unbearable warmer in Florida. But when I do, I like my makeup to feel light and comfortable. Today I will be sharing with you my top foundations!

 Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 PA+++

I was introduced to this foundation by Fenny. She sent me a travel size and I loved it so much, I ordered this full-size shortly after. This BB is thick when it comes out but spreads easily and looks very natural on the skin. Don't let the "BB" fool you. This stuff is full-coverage. I absolutely love how it has high SPF, although I never rely just on SPF on a foundation. I always add a high SPF under makeup during the day. 

Preferred method of application: fingers.

By Terry Sheer Expert

This foundation is definitely sheer, as the name suggests. I like to use this on "good skin days" when I just want to even out my skin tone. It has a soft, creamy texture. The silicones in it help the product spread with ease. I personally hate silicones in skincare, but don't mind them in makeup. 

It has a "natural" finish, in my opinion, but I feel like it looks even prettier as I wear it througout the day because it becomes a bit dewy. This is perfect for someone who has minimal skincare issues and is just looking to get a hint of color with some radiance. 

Preferred method of application: fingers.

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

This foundation is beau-ti-ful. I gravitate towards it when I want my skin to look gorgeous for a special event. Add to that a great bonus: it photographs so well! No flashback. It has a liquid consistency and medium (but buildable) coverage. Expensive? Yes, but totally worth it (unless you have oily skin). 

Preferred method of application: damp Beauty Blender.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

Oh, Bourjois. If only you were available in the US...

I love Bourjois. I feel like if I had more access to it, I would own so many more things by the brand. My sweet friend Anne kindly sent this to me from Dubai. Even though it has a low SPF (15), you can actually detect a sunscreen smell in this foundation. It doesn't bother me, but it's something I thought was worth mentioning. Just like the Missha BB Cream, don't let the whole AA BB CC DD EE FF thing get to you. Look at this as a tinted moisturizer. One with great medium coverage that makes skin look juicy, luminous and gorgeous. 

Preferred method of application: buffing brush. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum 

Sweet Aleja knows how much I love Bourjois foundations (Healthy Mix is ANOTHER great one) and got this to me from Portugal, where she now lives.

This foundation is so, so lightweight. From the texture to how it feels on the skin. This is the lightest foundation I own and one I grab when I don't want to feel like I'm wearing anything, but still want to even out my skin. It has light coverage but it's just so, so beautiful and natural looking. This would be a great one for young women/men or anyone who hates the look or feel of thick foundations.

Preferred method of application: buffing brush. 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer

I really think that everyone would benefit from having this in their collection. Yes, it's thick and yes, it can be tricky to apply, but it can be sheered out easily by mixing it with a drop or two of any facial oil or by blending it in with a damp Beauty Blender. This is the most full-coverage foundation I've ever come across. It always comes in handy when I want to conceal any pesky hyperpigmention. A couple years when I got it, I was obsessed with wearing it all over my face. I still do sometimes, but not as often as before because it is more of a "heavy" foundation. Regardless, it looks natural on the skin. 

I still remember when my friend, Fiorella, was filming a makeup tutorial I was doing and as soon as I put it on she gasped and said, "That thing is PHOTOSHOP!" and she's right: this is so powerful, it can conceal and blur everything, making skin look absolutely PERFECT.

Preferred method of application: buffing brush/damp Beauty Blender. 

Natural Dewy Makeup Look

This post is all about juicy-looking skin. Radiant. Dewy. Healthy.

As always, I begin every look with my eyes. I used Mac Paint Pot in the shade "Painterly" to even out my eyelid's skin tone. Paint Pots are not primers, contrary to what you have heard. They crease easily, so you should use the slightest amount. I applied it with my ring finger. 

I then applied Inglot #77 Gel Liner to my top lashline creating a flick; this creates the illusion of bigger eyes. I followed with three coats of mascara on my top lashes using Lancome Hypnose Drama and one coat on my bottom lashes.

I took my time with my eyebrows; more than usual. Brows is one of those things that may seem easy to "do" but I find it extremely difficult. I brushed my hairs up and filled any gaps with Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in the shade "Granite".

As you can see below, Lancome Hypnose Drama adds a good amount of thickness.

Prepping the complexion is always important. You should never, ever apply foundation to a un-moisturized face. My go-to day serum is Tatcha Deep Hydration Firming Serum which not only quenches the skin, but also adds a believable healthy glow thanks to the 24-karat gold it contains.

Since I wanted minimal foundation on my skin, I blended a bit of concealer under my eyes -- my favorite, Bourjois Happy Light followed by half a pump of Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream. I applied it and blended it with my fingertips. I've talked about this BB Cream before. It is an ACTUAL BB Cream - not a simple tinted moisturizer. My skin always looks a lot better after I've used this. It also provides a good amount of hydration, and if I don't powder it, it will leave a luminous finish. 

The beautiful blush on the picture above is from Anna Sui, a Japanese brand and the shade is 300. 

A highlighter is a must for a dewy appearance to the skin. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in the shade "Opal" on the top of the cheekbones adds the perfect glow while a bit of Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium creates the perfect contour.

As for the tools I used:

1. Spooly to brush my eyebrows up

2. Anastasia Beverly Hills #15 brush to fill in brows

3. Mac 210 to apply gel liner

4. Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Blush to apply concealer

5. Real Techniques Contour Brush to apply highlighter

6. Mac 168 Brush to apply blush

7. Artdeco Foundation Brush to apply contour

For lipstick I went with Mac Ablaze which was limited edition. If anyone knows of a good dupe for this lipstick, please let me know! I rarely use it because I love it so much.

This is the only picture I edited on this post (PicsArt for anyone interested) because my bathroom objects were too obvious on the background #selfiefail.

Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder

For the longest time I was contouring with Benefit Hoola - a warm toned matte bronzer. Sure, it did a good job of accentuating rather untraceable contoures on my face but it was still a bronzer, hence it was just a tad too obvious it was there. 

I also tried a darker shade of the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick but it had too much red in it.

A contour should be ashy in color with a grey cast to it to fully imitated the natural shadow on hollow areas of the face. 

Kevyn Aucoin - I had read enough about his Sculpting Powder in Medium and how it was the perfect shade for those with light to medium skin tones. People were right. This is worth the hype.

The Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder will give the illusion of a slimmer face with more dimension. Don't know what to do with that bronzer you were using before? Use it for what it's meant to be used as: to warm up your complexion.

What is your favorite contouring product?

New haul + skincare fail!

So you know I got a new camera -- well, actually it was a generous family graduation gift! Anyhow, I love interacting with others, with you but I am no pro at this. I have no idea what I'm doing! Blogging, YouTube... I just try my best to deliver information to you which I hope will be useful. Having said that, I have a new video out. I mentioned an SPF by Murad which I need to urgently warn you about: it broke me out bad. Turns out (thank you, Rita for this information) that it contains two very comedogenic ingredients: isopropyl isostearate and sweet almond oil. 

Rita, please come with me when I shop for skincare. Check her out by the way. She's a skincare expert and a sweetheart. 

The Princess Tag

About a month ago, Tati created the "Princess Tag" which featured all her favorite high-end products that make her feel like a princess. I selected six products in my collection that, well, make me feel like a princess. 

Hope you enjoy.

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!

My Birthday Makeup

Hi dolls! My birthday was yesterday (July 13th), and I would like to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who congratulated me on Instagram. I was in shock to see how many of you wrote some kind words. So really, thank you.

This will be a quick post just showing you which makeup products I used. Enjoy!

There's Something About Kevyn Aucoin

I have never felt so strong about a foundation before. Actually, I have never felt so strong about a makeup product in general. Most things come and go. I fall in love with a blusher, and then the feeling subsides as my attention shifts towards another makeup product.

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! 

Friday Night Makeup: Lorac Pro Palette Smokey Eyes

Hi dolls! Quick post tonight to talk about last night's makeup which I loved. I was aiming for a dark, grungy-smokey eye. 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 (16.05.13): Teal and Gold

Hey gorgeous! 

I've been waking up pretty early these days, so I have been experimenting with makeup before going to school. Today I created a look inspired by lots of pictures I have seen on Instagram lately. Basically, you pick two colors-- one added on the inner and outer corner, and the second color should pop on the center. I chose to work with teal and gold. If you're interested in finding out how I achieved this look and which products I used, please continue reading.

Happy Birthday, Mami!

Hi my beauties!

Today (April 27) was my mom's 60th birthday... 

She's the reason why I'm obsessed with skin care, and she's one of the sweetest people on Earth. I've got a few pictures for you aside from, of course, my makeup.

My sister wasn't home on her birthday, which was on April 7th, so we celebrated both birthdays. It was very intimate-- only our closest relatives came over, but we had a beautiful day.

THE MAKEUP

You wouldn't believe it after seeing a bunch of products organized together, but I only had about 15 minutes to do my makeup today-- which is nothing to me, since I usually take a long 40ish minutes. 

I used the Make Up For Ever Aqua cream in the shade 15 as a base, which I applied with my ring finger. I have mentioned before how it's important to work with one eye at a time when using Aqua Creams, because they're completely waterproof and once they set, they set. Moving on to eyeshadows, I used the shades in the Givenchy Travel Palette, blending the darker colors into an outer V. I skipped gel liner today and just used a black kohl liner on the waterline-- Rimmel London Scandel Eyes in the shade "Black". After curling my lashes, I applied two coats of Benefit They're Real Mascara. I filled in any gaps on my already super dark eyebrows using the Clinique Super Fine Liner for Brows in the shsade "Soft Brown". 

I then moved to my face, which I primed with Smashbox Photo Finish Light. I mixed a dot of Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer in the shade SX 08 with a drop of Fresh Seaberry Face Oil, blended both together on the back of my hand and then applied it on my face using a Real Techniques Buffing Brush. To conceal my dark circles, I used the Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer in the shade "53 Dark Radiance", and then I set everything in place with the Face Powder in the Givenchy palette. I then sculpted my face with MAC Sculpting Cream in the shade "Richly Honed", applied the blush from the Givenchy palette, and highlighted the top of my cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid's bow with Benefit's Watts Up. 

I had already moisturized my lips using Lush Whip Stick Lip Balm prior to doing my makeup so they would be smooth by the time I applied lipstick. I used Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in the shade "Dolce Vita".

PS: My nose was peeling due to a mask I had used the night before, and I didn't have time to exfoliate this morning, hence the flaky skin on my nose! If you already know about my OCDness, you then already know that, yes, the flakes are gone by now. 

MY FAMILY

My mom, Zulay, and my sister, Paola

That's it for tonight! Keep your eyes open for tons of reviews this week...

Thanks for reading! Have a lovely night and a lovely morning to my sweet followers on the other side of the world! XOXO

Huge Beauty Haul

Hi dolls!

I have made a video for you about my haul. Initially, it was going to be a blog post, but I felt like making a video. 

Products I didn't mention in the video are the Koh Gen Do Cleanser, just because I have not used it yet and I bought it because I forgot to bring my Bioderma Sensibio. I'm using something else at the moment to remove my makeup, but I got a small bottle of the Koh Gen Do cleansing water to correct any mistakes while I am doing my makeup and my family's makeup for my brother's wedding. 

I also didn't include my new Mac Palette. I got mostly neutrals. I have to depot the ones I have at home when I get back. 

Shades in no particular order: Wedge, Ricepaper, Shroom, Saddle, Soft Brown, Samoa Silk, Beautiful Iris, Stars and Rockets

Onto the video now:

MAC Ablaze Matte Lipstick Limited Edition Review + FOTD

Hola!

Not much to say of this lipstick other than...GO GET IT! It is beautiful!

I have a picture of a swatch compared to other lipsticks and I wore it on my lips today to show it to you.

It has a matte finish, yet it feels creamy. Much creamier than both the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick and the Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick.

Interested? Keep reading!

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer & Other Florida Experiences

Hi my beautiful dolls!

Sorry I haven't been on Blogger lately. We don't have internet upstairs, simply because this is our vacation condo. I get online downstairs at a recreation room. It's a funny situation right now. I feel like I'm in an episode of Seinfeld. Remember Del Boca Vista?! (You will understand this only if you're a Seinfeld fan). Next to where I'm sitting, there are five lovely ladies in their 70's well dressed, with their makeup done...and from New York or Jersey. This area is known for having a very Jewish, and retired community... The ladies are playing cards and gossiping. I just wanted to share the scenario with you because I thought it was funny... :)

Onto my post. I have so many things to talk to you about! I've been testing many products (and asking for samples is a great way to try things out). For instance, I have to share with you my Inglot experience. I fell in love with that store and the way you can design your own palettes with so much freedom...without anyone behind your back being annoying. It's just a little room in heaven.

That's the makeup I had on yesterday morning. I tried a lipstain by Hourglass which I LOVED but I haven't gotten it, so I put it on at SpaceNK that is inside Bloomingdale's at the Aventura Mall. 

Excuse my weird, awkward facial expression. I tried taking it quick so no one could see me! Anyway, the lipstain is called Hourglass Opaque Rouge and the shade I'm wearing is called Muse. The picture does not do justice to the color.

This is today's Face of the Day. Now, the real purpose of this post was to express my ABSOLUTE LOVE FOR THE KEVIN AUCOIN SENSUAL SKIN ENHANCER. IT IS AMAZING.

I want to make a proper, separate post for the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, but I wanted to talk to you about it really quick before I head out.

I first heard about this foundation by Wayne Goss on YouTube. It was on my Instagram wishlist for 2013, and I can't believe it's finally mine. When you first see the pot, you question yourself: how in the world would I purchase that tiny little thing? It's not going to last a week. But this product is extremely, extremely pigmented and concentrated. A rice-size amount covers your entire face. What is so neat and different about this product is that you have full control over the coverage and the finish. 

The lady at SpaceNK was extremely friendly and collaborative in teaching me how to properly apply this. 

She suggested using a little spatula or Q-tip for hygienic reasons. She grabbed a rice-size amount and mixed it with a facial oil. She then blended it on her hand and used a big, fluffy brush to tap the product from her hand onto my face, beginning at the center. Tap, buff. Tap, buff.

So today I used a Q-tip as well, grabbed a tiny rice-size amount and added half a drop of my Fresh Seaberry Facial Oil. I buffed it onto my skin using the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. 

You can use this product by itself, but it is thick. It's not waxy, it's actually very creamy. Adding a little something else makes it easier to maneuver on the skin. You can add anything you want. Your current facial oil, your current moisturizer, a skin enhancer, whatever you want. Everyone has their own personal preference. You just have to play with it. 

The coverage is very buildable. It can be sheer, but it can definitely be full coverage. The finish is satin, but you can alter it depending on what you mix it with. No SPF = no flashback in photography. Honest to God, this is the best foundation I have ever tried so far. I know I have only tried it twice, but man... you can just tell a difference. 

If you're interested in this foundation, I strongly recommend going to a store and get matched. The lady had to apply three different shades until we were finally satisfied. She said to me sometimes you have to mix two shades, but come on, I didn't want to buy two of them. I got the shade SX08 which is good for someone who is NC30-35. 

I have a very good website for you if you're interested in more in depth information about this foundation from a lovely blogger I found last night :)

http://www.shamelessfripperies.com/video/kevyn-aucoin-sensual-skin-enhancer-review-and-demonstration/

Definitely check her video and post out. 

Have a lovely day everyone! Much love.