Make Up For Ever BRIGHT Tutorial Coming Soon

Sephora 2014 VIB Rouge Event Haul + Misses

My apologies for the bad angles in this video, bad focus and lack of editing. I have no editing skills whatsoever but I recently got a new camera and am in the process of experimenting. Having said that, here is my haul video. Feel free to watch it and if you wish, continue to read this post to find out which were some immediate fails. 

PS: There was thunder while filming!

Fail

I had used Make Up For Ever's Sens'Eyes in stores a lot. It's probably the most effective and quickest product to remove heavy-duty makeup. I took it home with me to use it on my eyes but I am saddened to report that this burned my eyes and left them feeling sore for hours. I'm going to have to return this one. 

Disappointment

I wasn't able to get Nars' And God Created the Woman last year, so when I heard it was going to be re-released this year featuring a new Nars brush, I was excited. Unfortunately this was a hit or miss. Some shades, especially the lightest one blended with ease while the darker shades were uneven, patchy, powdery and hard to blend. It's nice that the kit comes with the Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, however the included brush feels stiff and scratchy. It's a shame -- I really wanted to like this.  

Honorable Mention

I forgot to talk about one of my favorites from this haul -- the Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Turquoise. Oh my! First of all, the color is gorgeous. The best part though is that this does not budge. Literally. Once it sets, it sets. It's a beautiful shade that I think would compliment anyone, but especially those with olive undertones. I will soon be featuring an eye look using this and share it on the blog. 

Orange Eyes With Gold Glitter Tutorial

#nofilter

Hi my lovelies! If you are an old follower then you already know I never plan out my makeup looks. Makeup for me totally depends on my mood that day. I never really know what I am going to come up with. I was inclined towards orange hues today and wanted to add a bit of sparkle since I was going to film my last (camera died) a YouTube video. This was the end result. If you like what you see and would like to know which products I used, keep on reading.

Foundation SOS

We've all come a cross a few problems with our foundation... Here are some tips that might help you if your foundation isn't quite working well. 

My Summer Vacation Ramble

Hi everyone! Welcome back. I haven't been here in forever. This post will summarize my summer vacation, which has been great. I'm currently in Michigan visiting my family. I'll be going back home to Venezuela in a few days. This post is also somewhat a goodbye? I am going to be so busy when I get back, I don't think I'll have much time to blog as I used to before. I will though, continue to read all of your great blogs. Always feel free to leave your links below.

I'll be sharing with you some of my Instagram pictures and write a bit about each of them. You can follow me if you'd like -- due to the fact that it's such a quick way to share info, I'm always posting random beauty things. 

Make Up For Ever shade 99 is a gorgeous apple red. I don't have a shade like this in my collection, which is what originally caught my attention. If you want true color pay-off, I recommend the MUFE eyeshadows. Yes, they are a bit pricier than lets say - your traditional MAC eyeshadow, but the quality is definitely a lot better. 

Another gorgeous eye product to look after is Stila's Cobalt Liquid Eyeliner. Oh-my-God. I saw this on Stila's Instagram and I immediately fell in love. This blue is so gorgeous! And Stila's eyeliners are super easy to apply. It's a felt tip pen, giving you precision and control. Color pay off = incredible. 

Ooooh! And what about my August Favorites? 

Yes, I'm a big Ojon fan, and I'm also a big fan of Desert Essence's Curl Cream which I have raved about numerous times (get gorgeous curls without silicones or nasties!). But I tend to get bored of using the same products all the time and like to switch things up. So I went back to Moroccan Oil products which I used around five years ago. The combination of their oil and Curl Cream smells divine - of course - but also leave my curls bouncy and soft without any crunchiness. It was very, very humid in Detroit a few days ago, and my curls survived. 

The Lorac Pro to Go is a fabulous palette and in my opinion, highly worth it. You get six eyeshadows, two blushes, a bronzer and two small brushes. The quality of the makeup is superb (yet it doesn't surprise me, it's Lorac!) but the brushes are OK. 

The Ojon Rare Blend Tamer is a product that hasn't had a lot of mention. It's available on Ojon's website, not on Sephora (online nor stores) although I got mine at an Origins store. Yep, it seemed weird to me as well! I asked the ladies why they were carrying another brand and they said that Ojon shares their same philosophy. I dunno. Anyway - a must have as well! I always carry it in my purse. It immediately gets rid of any flyaways. I love using this whenever I'm wearing a ponytail or bun. Much better than adding water (to further enhance the annoying little curls) or gel (nobody likes that sticky, wet look). 

Stila's Liquid Lipstick in the shade Beso is another product I've raved about before. Opaque, matte, gorgeous... 

The By Terry Touchee Veloutee concealer won the battle against the Mac Pro Longwear Concealer (I wanted to get a new concealer and was in between those two). I like the coverage and love the fact that it does not crease at all. 

Anastasia Brow Whiz. Yes, she's the queen of eyebrows. 

I'm in love with REN. I really am. That rhymes. It's hard to find nowadays brands that are genuinely clean yet good. REN does it. I learned on this trip that my skin is actually normal. The combination aspect of it has more to due with my skin's response to weather (heat, humidity) and not using the appropriate products. The REN Vita-Mineral Day Cream is lovely. A little goes a long way and it skin drinks it up quickly. (PS: I've been using the REN Frankincense Night Cream [sample] and it is divine! And the Glycolactic Mask is worth the hype.)

Talking about skin - my skin has never looked this good before!

I had a skin consultation with a Sephora beauty advisor who gave me samples of what she tried/recommended. I give credit to Perricone MD Blue Plasma and Ole Henrikesen Truth Serum. I'll actually be getting the full sizes. All I can say is: Wow. Thank you Mr. Perricone and Mr. Henriksen. 

Best part of having better skin? Makeup goes on better, and you use less of it!

My sister-in-law, my sister and I. 

My mom, my sister-in-law, my sister and I

To end things on a sweet note, if you're ever in the US and you're a chocoholic like myself, go to Cold Stone and order the following:

"Chocolate Devotion, but Reese's Butter Cups instead of chocolate chips."

Chocolate ice cream, fudge, brownie and Reese's Butter Cups. You're welcome.

Have a beautiful week everyone! xoxo

Friday Night Makeup

I wanted to go for a pop of green today, so I used my trusty Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow Box paired with some Sephora Waterproof Jumbo Liners. If you're interested in my review of the liners, click here. 

L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow Review: Amber Rush and Endless Sea

Cream eyeshadows are becoming more and more popular nowadays, and we're finding great drugstore alternatives. The L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadows are a great example of them. Though they run on the more pricey side at the drugstore, they're still more affordable than higher end brands.

If you're interested in the L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadows, continue reading.

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.

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!

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. 

Plum Smokey Eyes

I barely wore any makeup last week. It was one of those "blah" weeks, you know? So starting on Monday (yesterday) I decided I would begin the week trying out some make-up looks that had inspired me. I recently started following Little Kiva on YouTube and fell in love with her tutorials and her taste in make-up. One of the looks I liked the most was her Pink and Burgundy Make-Up Look, so I decided to create my own look inspired on it.

If you're interested in seeing the final results and a list of pictures of the products I used, 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

Face of the Day (26.04.13)

I am still in awe over the quality of the Wet N Wild eyeshadows. For $4, you get eight, yes, eight ultra pigmented eyeshadows. Today I used the left column in palette called "Comfort Zone" .

EYES

1. Urban Decay Primer Potion

2. Wet N Wild "Comfort Zone" Palette

3. Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner shade "Deep Black"

4. L'oreal Voluminous Original Mascara shade "Black"

5. Clinique Super Fine Liner for Brows shade "Soft Brown"

6. Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Kohl Pencil shade "Nude"

FACE

1. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

2. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Compact Foundation shade 30 Beige

3. Estee Lauder Stay In Place Concealer shade Warm Light Medium

4. Benefit Hoola Bronzer

5. Nars Orgasm Blush

6. Nars Orgasm Illuminator

7. Make Up For Ever HD Powder

LIPS

1. Nars "New Lover" Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil

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:

2AM Face of the Day

Hi beauties!

I'm currently stuck at the airport in Maracaibo because our flight to Miami is delayed. I had to get up at 2am this morning. I have been suffering from insomnia on and off my whole life, and it's currently back, so I was able to sleep thanks to some meds until my sleep cycle normalizes. 

Anyway! Thank God I brought my laptop with me. I did bring my little Sony camera with me to take shots and share them with you. Nothing too exciting to see here at this airport. It's tiny...and boring. 

But I want to share with you the makeup I chose this morning to look less...zombie-ish. 

The Product List 

1. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer shade Sand: I wanted something lightweight, yet glowy, and I find that this tinted moisturizer has a dewy finish despite being oil-free. 

2. Dior Diorskin Nude Concealer shade 2 Beige: it doesn't have the best coverage for dark circles, but it  goes on very natural.

3. Clinique Airbrush Illuminating Concealer shade Fair: I dabbed some of this over the Dior concealer for extra highlighting. 

4. Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush shade Natural: I wanted a little glow to my cheeks. 

5. High Beam by Benefit (Not included in the picture): Instant dewiness to the skin!

6. L'oreal Carbon Black Telescopic Liquid Eyeliner: A true black. I believe this is blacker than Mac's Fluidline in Blacktrack or my favorite Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Gel-Liner. It also stays on for a long, long time (+10 hours) without smudging. Travel-friendly!

7. Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream shade 16 Plum: Cream shadows are excellent to wear when you're in a rush, and since this product is 100% waterproof, it won't budge, smudge or fade. I love this.

PS: I wear contact lenses, so I have to put on eyedrops everytime I travel because my lenses get very dry. My eyeshadow ain't going nowhere with this Aqua Cream!

8. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara in Black: My mom gave me this as a gift a couple of months ago and I love it. You can build up volume and length without spider-looking lashes.

9. Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Tarnish shade Busted: a moisturizing, cherry red lip stain that has a glossy finish. It feels minty when you first put it on... and it does plum quite a bit. Remember, a pop of color on the lips instantly gives light to the skin!

I actually tried taking a picture to show you my look, but I am surrounded by strangers and it just got a little awkward. I hope you all have a lovely day! xoxo

Get Ready With Me!: Bronzy Eyes + Announcements

Hi my loves!

I worked hard for today's post because I wanted to deliver something helpful since I will be away for a few weeks. I'm going to the US for vacation before I start school in May. Oh, and my youngest brother is getting married in Puerto Rico! I'm so excited! I will take lots of pictures, so you are all coming with me! 

I also might... Well, I'm bad at surprises! I will have a giveaway when I'm in the US. Everything in Venezuela is ridiculously expensive because we have really high inflation, which is why I hardly buy anything here and I would not be able to afford a giveaway. But let's not get political here, because I hate politics and this is a beauty blog. In conclusion, I will work on getting goodies for a good giveaway to thank all of you for supporting me though I'm a "newbie". I have a lot of things I would like to get off my chest by writing a post about it but I worry I might get corny and you might get bored... but I really am thankful to all of you. 

If you want to see my Pictorial, keep reading!

Easy, Simple Romantic Look

I was asked to do a "romantic look" and when I think "romantic", I think: a better you. 

If you're going on a date, you don't want to be wearing too much, otherwise, it will be obvious that you're trying too hard. 

Keep it natural and keep it simple. Focus on the areas on your face you like the most. Your eyes? Lips? Cheekbones? Whichever the area is, let it be the main focus. 

If you're interested in seeing what I came up with, continue reading!

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!

Makeup Products for Busy Moms

There are plenty of women out there I admire, and a lot of them are busy moms. Wonder-women who suddenly develop an amazing way of multi-tasking and keeping home in order. 

I wanted to help those busy moms out there by suggesting specific makeup products to look feel more confident and look presentable in little time. NO brushes are needed to apply these products.

Interested? Keep reading!

Sweat-Proof Makeup

I typed that title and then I was like ugh.. eek...gross.. why throw in sweat in there? Here's the thing, I'm about to go to a little cousin's birthday party/pool party and it is currently:

Thank you, Wunderground.com. Yes, it's that hot here. We have no seasons in Maracaibo. It is simply, always ridiculous hot. Although I dislike the snow... so.

I'm not getting in the water by the way, I'm just attending. I would not wear any makeup if I was getting in the water. I don't understand why some people do that. 

Anyway! Onto what this post is really about. I want to show you which products I used to guarantee my makeup is not smudging/moving/caking.

I suggest you use as little makeup as possible. Just use it where you really need it. Luckily my skin is pretty clear right now, so I skipped foundation and just applied some concealer where I needed it (undereye, redness around my face).

1. Sunscreen: the most important product of all. I used a two-in-one for this. A moisturizer with SPF. My Vichy Aqualia Thermal Moisturizer which I've reviewed here.

2. Mac Studio Finish Concealer SPF35 in NC30: I picked this because it's not only great for covering my under-eye discoloration, but it's also water resistant and it has SPF.

3. Benefit Boiing Concealer: I dabbed this anywhere else on my face where I needed a bit of coverage. I like it because it's a cream-to-powder formula. 

4. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush shade blissful: it lasts a long time. Great for people with oily skin, or people that are going to be out in the sun. 

5. Make Up For Ever HD Powder: to set everything in place and get rid of shine.

6. Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream Powder shade 15 Taupe: a beautiful wash of color. I've swatched it here. 

I took a quick pic to show you how it looks on the lids:

7. Rimmel London Lash Lycra Extender Mascara: not a fan of it, meh. Just grabbed it because I didn't want anything too special.

8. Mac eyeshadow shade Blanc Type: I applied this below my brows.

9. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo Shade Brunette: doesn't smudge! And it's a powder.

10. Urban Decay De Slick Setting Spray: a setting spray for combination/oily skin that reduces shine and makes makeup last longer. 

11. Dior Creme De Rose Lip Balm: I forgot to include this in the picture, but I like it because it's very moisturizing and creamy and it has SPF10. 

Time to go! I hope this was helpful x