BB Creams: What's the Hype?

Hey Dolls! If you guys are all into beauty and makeup, I'm sure you've been seeing plenty of beauty companies and brands coming out with Beauty Balms or BB Creams....but you might ask, "What's the hype?" These new innovative skincare-meets-makeup is not far fetched from the tinted moisturizer, which essentially has similar ingredients and skin-rejuvenating effects, including SPF factors. Although I've never used a BB cream, I don't think it's something I will run to the nearest department or drug store for. I'd probably just go the cosmetics counter and ask for a sample! LOL Well, ladies, this is just one of those products you will have to try out for yourself in order to comment on it. Below are some of the top selling BB creams.

Of course there are tons more brands out there, but these were voted best by national beauty editors whose jobs is to be hypercritical on anything beauty related. So if these BB creams have their stamp of approval and honest critiques, they must be pretty good. Try 'em out!

Tell us what you think!

Beauty News: AZEALIA BANKS GETS HER OWN MAC LIPSTICK

Harlem-born rapper Azealia Banks joins Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga as the new face of a limited edition MAC lipstick. Yung Rapunxel, a trendy matte plum lipstick, is just in time for the Fall and I'll be sure to cop this when it hits MAC stores September 6 to 20 at MAC stores and on maccosmetics.com. 

Will you cop too?

Beauty: Makeup Substitutes

Since Spring is rapidly approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips and advise on how to achieve sexy and easy looks without looking too overdone and cut your makeup routine in half! These are some great ways to look super cute AND  use less products on your skin since some people tend to perspire in the warmer months.

Instead of Foundation  - Tinted Moisturizer

Instead of Blush  - Bronzer

Instead of Black Eye Liner  - Colored Liner

Instead of Lipstick - Tinted or Colored Lipgloss

Instead of Black Mascara  - Clear Mascara or Eyelash Curler

Hopefully, these are of some help to your guys. Instead of using heavy makeup, lighten it up to make your look more natural. It's all showing your natural inner beauty in the Spring, ladies!!

You can buy all these products at Sephora and CVS!


Be beautiful!

Beauty: New YSL Mascara is SHOCKING!

For all the beauty lovers, YSL has launched a new mascara: Volume Effet Faux Cils SHOCKING!

It's a mascara made of pro-vitamin B that exaggerates lashes with excess volume from every angle with an amplified helix brush that provides instant volume to the lashes. I'm a big fan of YSL mascara because it coats the lashes perfectly and the product stays on all day without smudging and smearing.

It only comes in black, but hopefully they add various colors like the Volume Effet Faux Cils. I LOVE the purple...favorite mascara ever!

"Violent Lips" Lip Tattoos

Just ran across this interesting lip creation from Violent Lips. I personally think the usual lipgloss re-application will do...but hey, somebody out there will want to try this out!

What it is:

A set of three temporary lip tattoos.

What it does:

This innovative line of temporary lip appliqués will keep the glitter on your lips and out of your mouth with its smooth feel and glossy finish. The vitamin-enhanced appliqués last four to eight hours and are easy to apply to lips of all sizes.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

- Parabens
- Sulfates

- Synthetic Fragrances

- Synthetic Dyes

- Petrochemicals

- Phthalates

- GMOs

- Triclosan

What else you need to know:

Follow the instructions on the back of each application or watch Violent Lips' online tutorials to help apply the product. The tattoo itself is applied and sealed using water, much like a temporary tattoo. The patent-pending appliqué removes easily with mineral or baby oil and a textured wipe.

Hmmmmm...your thoughts?

source

MAC Posh Paradise Collection

Another MAC Collection is on its way!!!! Introducing MAC's Posh Paradise Collection, which hits retail stores September 15.

"Succumb to temptation in a Paradise that invites taboo encounters. Rare and exotic, these delights are divine; fig leaves meet fashion beneath a jungle canopy where Seeds of Desire sprout. Discover Unknown Pleasures with lavishly lush Nail Lacquers and Mattene Lipsticks. Semi-matte lips get ultra-pure colour in a slinky, slither-smooth formula that feels as light on the lips as lust. Trespass tantalizingly with pearlized Paint Pots in shades that create seamless coverage while blending smoothly over the lids. Indulge yourself with a plush, posh and provocative collection of hypnotic hues!"

Keyshia Dior's Lipstick Line KA'OIR

Hey Beauties,

The video vixen turned entrepreneur Keyshia Dior has her own line of in-your-face lipsticks and glosses, called KA'OIR which have a rainbow of colors, including whites and glitter colors. I must admit, I have worn blue lipstick out before...when I was bartending and I got soooooooo many compliments on it! I wore it with a long black maxi dress and feather earrings!

I am actually feeling all of these colors. The line in unique with an array of colors for that girl who loves to live and dress outside of the box. Some of these colors aren't for the safe at heart, but I wouldn't recommend it for the office lol!

Nars Summer 2011 Collection

Beautiful Ones,

 NARS' Summer collection is in full effect and it is to BEEEAUUUUTIFUl! Francois Nars has done it again with his bright collection reminiscent of the tropics...features bright blues, sea foam greens, pale pinks, and even bright fushia pink lipstick. There's even a touch of metal with the chrome nail polish. The pigments, the boldness, the unapologetic colors...need i say more? If you are a true beauty girl, this collection is for you. It features everything from shadows to blush to lipstick and glosses. 

Peep the goodies...

Drugstore MakeUp

Hey ladies! So I am sooo not the make-up guru, I always go to Miranda with all my questions because she knows everything! But I have been searching for a good bronzer for my skin and a new drug store brand mascara. I have oily skin so it's hard using different bronzers but I recommend Covergirls Queen Natural Hue Bronzer! As far as mascara goes, Maybelline never disappoints me. They have their new Volum Express the Falsies mascara, it never clumps and created so much volume! It works!

Just thought I'd share with you all :-)

-Y

Hello Kitty. Hello Pretty!

Hey Glamazons!

Hello Kitty is a HUGE sensation all across the world. The Sanrio brand has definitely made its mark in every facet of fashion, beauty, and paper products. Hello Kitty, who seems to be a favorite among the characters, is now launching a makeup line at Sephora. The infamous pink kitty has a range of products from eyeshadow quads, brush sets, lipglosses, and perfumes. It's such an adorable concept, and I'm sure Hello Kitty fans will be running to scoop this line.

Here are some fun finds:




Say Hello Pallete - eyeshadow and lipgloss $35



Sweet Gloss $16




Charmmy Kohl Liner Pencils $25 - 7 colors.

Blotting Papers $12 - great for oily skin!



Hello Kitty frgrance $55 - notes of green apple, Japanese fruits, and warm vanilla




Hello Kitty brush set $49





Get the Looks:



Smooches!

~M

DiorShow 360 Mascara: Gimme it! or Gimmick?

I'm a big fan of clump-proof, long-lasting, and reasonably-priced mascara, especially the kind that lengthens and gives me va va voom DRAMA! Dior recently launched its DiorShow 360 Mascara ($36), an innovative new wand that spins 360 degrees to coat lashes and also thicken, lengthen, and curl.

So, the big question is "Does it work??" Hhhmmmm...

As an avid makeup and beauty lover, I'm not a follower of the hype. I work as a Beauty Advisor and I've seen better mascara at CVS. As a matter of fact, I am absolutely in love with Maybelline's Lash Stilletto! Dior's wand does, however, coat and thicken, but I just think the 360 degree spin brush is a gimmick, not really giving you that "false lash" look that is seen on the model promoting the product. I've tried it, and my lashes look the same as if I put on the regular DiorShow mascara or the Lash Stiletto...just my opinion! Don't get me wrong, I love DiorShow, but this here is just another way for you to spend $12 more on a mascara that doesn't quite fulfill its promise of fantasy lashes.

This is how your lashes should look with the new 360 mascara:

Applied false lashes at its best! Nice try though!

Your opinion?

*M



New Years Makeup and Lash-a-thon!

Hey Dolls!

The new year is rapidly appraoching and that means it's time to get beautified! I'm sure everyone is scurrying around trying to find that last minute freak-um dress and some dazzling makeup and lashes for the big countdown. Well, the Pampering Junkies is at your service.

Pampering Junkies is a full service mobile spa and beauty event planning company comprised of professional wellness and beauty professionals. For the New year the Pampering Junkies are providing lash and makeup application from Dec 30-31, just in time for 2011. Email Stephanie McKenzie at smckenzie@pamperingjunkies.com to schedule your appointment and recieve more information.

The Pampering Junkies services include:

• Massage
• Nutritional Services/Diet
• Makeup Artistry
• Tanning
•  Eyelash Extensions
•  Fitness Services
•  Spas

Enjoy!

~M

 

Sephora Endless Color Blockbuster

Are you a makeup-aholic? Just can't have enough eyeshadows and lipglosses? Well, you are like me! The Sephora Endless Color Blockbuster is for all the glamour girls who love color and bold looks! And the best part is that it only costs $48!!!! You get over 187 products all in one handy, foldable case replicating a Sephora shopping bag.

Sephora Endless Color Diary $48

What it includes:

• 98 eyeshadows
• 70 shiny lip glosses
• 6 cream eyeliners
• 2 lip liners
• 3 eyeliners
• Mascara
• 4 makeup applicators



Sephora Color Diary $25



This is definitaly a must have for your makeup collections. I have the smaller Sephora Color Diary, and it's awesome. it comes with 5 separate eyeshadow compacts, each with a mini lipgloss. Sephora colors are highly pigmented too, so it's a great buy! 



Sign up to become a Sephora Beauty Insider, and earn points for each dollar you spend. They will also send you emails on the latest trends and even discounts and coupons on products!

For more fabulous makeup kits, brushes, and brands, visit Sephora.

~M

PURPLE...The "IT" Fall Color

Happy September Readers!

Wow! So i Can't believe it's already September...gosh how time flies! What are everyone's Fall fashion updates??

The color purple is all over the fashion scene this Fall, especialy in the makeup arena. So, of course I had to post on some of the yummy plums and purples that are all the rage.

Chanel and YSL have new collections featuring the pretty hue:

Chanel:

Others Favs:

The Smashbox Masquerade Collection is awesome! They have pretty smoky, deep purples, plums, blacks and grays that are sure to give you a beautiful look this Fall season.

Urban Decay Matifying Blot Powder...good for oily skin and erasing natural shine in the T-zone.

Have fun and experiment with your faces, Ladies! You are all DIVAS!

*m

Makeup MUST HAVES!!

Ok Ladies...
Time to run down the checklist on your makeup bags. If you haven't already, here are some must haves to throw into the bag. Since we are transitioning into Fall, now is the time to clean out that bag, (and possibly get a new one lol) and add some new fun stuff!

1. Smashbox Foundation Primer $36

This stuff is the truth! It was rated #1 Beauty Buy by Allure magazine. It really works wonders because its oil free and fragrance free, plus it keeps foundation in place all day long. I have it and i LOVE it!

TO APPLY: Dab a dime size all over the face with your middle and ring fingers. Sweep on powder or liquid foundation.

2. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick $34

My, My, My...this lipstick is the BEST! you know how some lipsticks aren't as bright as they look in the tube? Well, you will definately get all your $34 worth with this YSL...its super true to color and the gold case is uber fabulous. What girl doesn't want a gold lipstick that packs the punch and color? We do!

TO APPLY: as liberally as you want! At least 2 coats with lipliner.

3. MAC Haute and Naughty Mascara $18

I usually don't like MAC mascara, but this is actaully pretty and cool. It's a 2-in-1 mascara that builds and defines lashes for extra volume, with an added bonus of conditioner that prevents flaking and clumping. Check!

4. DiorShow Azure Blue Mascara $24

By far the best colored mascara on the market. I know it's not new, but I'm in love with this stuff! Just adds a pop of color to your lashes and it smells good too!

TO APPLY: Sweep on lashes a few times...Voile! Beautiful!

5. Bare Escentuals Buxon Lip Gloss $18

Peppermint anyone?? lol. This tingly gloss is infused with bare minerals and plumping agents to give your pout some plump. Kanani and Destiny are my favs!

TO APPLY: the more the shinier! Non-sticky and long lasting!

6. MAC Paint Pot $16.50

Great eyeshadow base. They come in different colors, so they make your eyeshadows more colorful. It really makes eye colors more vibrant without creasing. Colors stay in place all day. I use Painterly. Check!

TO APPLY: Brush on with a concealor brush. Apply eyeshadow on top and have fun! Experiment with fun colors and create a fun smoky or colorful eye.

7. Estee Lauder Pure Color Lip Glosses $20

I'M IN LOVE with these hi-shine glosses. I wear them everyday, literally. They come in a million shades of sparkling colors and they stay on forever (seriously). My fav is Raspberry Pop, Wired Copper, and Peach Sizzle. They are all amazing. Try 'em on!

TO APPLY: Slick it on! They're super hi-shine, you can even put over top your favorite lipstick. LOVE!

8. Mario Badescu The Moisture Magnet moisturizer $22

Mario Badescu is a great skin care line made of botancials and plants. The line has a bunch of products for problematic skin and all skintypes. I would highly recommend their products. Visit the site for skincare that suits your skin type. I use this one and the Aloe Vera Toner.

TO APPLY: Use alone or under makeup. Make sure you cleanse and tone, then smooth in moisturizer.

9. Chanel Le Pinceau Poudre Brush $52

Used this brush today and I fell in love. Made of 100% natural hair, it picks up powders and bronzers and deposits on face for a smooth even coverage. Soft and gentle over eyes, too.

TO USE: sweep on your favorite powders, foundations, and bronzers with this light brush!

10. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation $45

Best liquid foundation I've ever used. I don't use anything but powder, but this light-weight liquid is fantastic because it gives a sheer, even coverage and it has spf 15 to help from sun rays. It doesn't leave a cakey finish...super sheer and wonderful for the skin 'cuz its dermatologist tested!

TO APPLY: Use a foundation brush and smooth on over foundation primer!

11. Shu Uemura False Lashes $25

Falsies are always a great addition to your fabulous look. Shu Uemura has great lashes that stay on and come in different colors and styles. Worth the $25 because you can use them up to 10 times, depending how you take care of them. Go from simple to chic in a few moments!

TO APPLY: Apply with tweezers and DUO lash glue on the lash line as close as possible. Sweep on clear mascara for added drama. You go girl!!

12. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer $28

Excellent coverage for those problematic and red areas. Dual colors are used in conjuntion for a flawless finish for your complexion. You can use alone or under foundation.

TO APPLY: use a concealer brush to mix the colors. Stroke the lighter color over the darker until it blends evenly and matches your skin. Ta-Da!

 

Have fun with all these products to look and feel your fabulous best!

*M