The Beauty Blender

Now you can look like a movie star without the pricey services of a major make up artist. Introducing Beautyblender, the ultimate make up sponge applicator. Invented by top Hollywood make up artist Rea Ann Silva, Beautyblender has been created to leave you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. The key to a perfect face is simple: a perfect blend. So forget your fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges, these application methods waste make up and can leave visible streaks.

 

Its fool proof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable. Beautyblender is latex free, non-allergenic and odor free.

 

First you soak it in water, Make sure the blender expands. Squeeze it dry and towl dry the outside so your not spilling in water.

 

I apply my foundation to my face directly first with a brush so I wont waste it and use a lot on my sponge. Then I use the round part of my sponge and set my makeup in by pushing the sponge onto my skin. The feel of this is awesome.

 

After this I apply my concealer/highlighter and use the pointy part of the sponge to drive it in nicely.

 

If you smudge your makeup while working on your  eyes or cheeks, you can count on using your blender to correct it.

 

You can get the original blender at Ulta and Amazon for about $20. I've seen a copycat one at Walgreens for $10, and I've seen small colorful ones for $5 at Marshalls which work just as well.

 

Remember to clean these at least once a week. The solution specifically for this is sold but I use baby shampoo.

 

 

This is @nicoleguerriero.. She is a Youtube makeup guru who I follow and admire.. See for yourselves  She is the one that got me started on it

YOUTUBE

I dont really remember when I first started getting into the beauty guru industry. I have always been one to research something until I can be able to write an essay on it.
I think I started doing this 4 years ago when I needed new hairstyles and I would see many of the YOUTUBE videos on how to curl your hair, tease it, straighten it etc..
Ive come a long way into knowing who knows what theyre talking about in YOUTUBE because let me tell you there are many girls that just shouldnt be on there.

Here are a few of my favorites.
-Ramona Michelle
-Pala Foxxia
-Kandee Johnson
-RhaeEstelle (she\'s beautiful)
-AnneorShine (DIY stuff)
-Marianna Hewitt
-Tanya Burr *one of my favorites
-MakeupbyCamila -Brazilian beauty with both an English channel and a Portugese channel.
-YAYALifestyle (mostly Hair tutorials)
-Nicole Guerriero *Favorites,shes so funny
-Pixiwoo (another fave)
-SMLx0
-Maryeriika
-Dope2111 (more of costume makeup)
-Missmavendotcom
-CarliBel55 *Fave shes gorgeous

Current sKin Care*

As many of you know, I work for a dermatologist and have access to many products that are popular, expensive, and a hassel. For now, I keep my skin squeaky clean by washing it TWICE a day, yes TWO times with a cleanser (OBAGI) and using my clarisonic one of those times. Use Albolene to take off my mascara.
After I wash my face at night the first thing that I do is use a toner with Salicylic Acid 2%. Topical salicylic acid is used to help clear and prevent pimples and skin blemishes in people who have acne. I don't necessarily have a lot of acne but I do have pores and blackheads. I am really fond of the ZO Cebatrol Pads which for one, keep the oil down, and two, tone my skin until it feels fresh!

Immediately afterwards I follow up with a Glycolic Acid cream from the same company (ZO).

Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA) used in skin care and is derived from sugar cane. Studies have shown glycolic acid to be the most effective fruit acid for cosmetic application. This works to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other forms of sun damage.
It’s a fundamental part of a skin care maintenance program that will keep your skin healthy throughout the years.
In the morning, I wash my face yet again, and then apply my OBAGI Vitamin C serum and Elta Sunscreen.

Ready for makeup afterwards...........

Unfortunately Zo products are exclusive to doctor's offices but there are many over the counter products containing these 2 acids which are very beneficial

BEST CURLING WAND EVER

Since February I have been in Heaven with a new curling iron. I did so much research into this product and after many many good reviews and tutorials, I bit the bullet and bought this for myself. $150 at that time (normally$249.00) (valentines day special) and it has been so worth it. I think its $199.00 right now.

The NuMe Signature Titan 3 uses negative ion technology to get you the lasting look you want, quickly and without the damage of conventional irons and curlers. ...

This 3 part titanium curler set comes with 3 different interchangeable barrels (19mm/ 25mm/ 32mm) and utilizes the latest titanium and digital technology.

The smaller the wand the tighter the curl. I used the biggest want (32mm) in the next picture and love the loose waves.
I will warn you, this wand gets pretty darn hot so be sure to wear the awesome glove that comes in the box.

Buy your wand here:Nume Titan Wand

Watch MaryErikas review on YOUTUBE just click here http://youtu.be/gQNHdFmdE-A

Brushes

I am in love with a brand of makeup brushes. REAL TECHNIQUE Brushes are very affordable and easy to get. Not only that but they are amazing! Perfect size, application is amazing and the brushes are very affordable. I bought some on AMAZON and some at ULTA.
Favorite brush has to be the REAL TECHNIQUES Expert Face Brush to apply foundation. It gives your face that flawless look.

At #2 I like the setting brush. Perfect for the concealer and highlighter

The powder brush is also amazing and SO FLUFFY

I have tried many brands including MAC and Bobbi Brown and this brand wins by alot.

Buy yours at Ulta: Click here to be redirected to the website (ULTA)

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

Recently, I have been seeing alot of my beauty gurus on INSTAGRAM rave about this line called OCC. Its not a lipstick but more like a lip stain. LIP TAR is what they advertise as. They are about $18.00 @ Sephora and are in many many colors and shades. It also includes a PRIMER OIL to be used before the lip tar is applied. There is also a Feathered tar thats like a white paste which lightens the color of the lip tar you use. You can lighten it up alot or a little by just mixing it. It goes on glossy and then sets in matte. Its not very permanent I do feel like I need to apply this very often and it could get messy.Once you get the hang of it the tars are very appealing.

Here are some swatches

 

IN Order from left to right:

Pretty Boy (hot pink), Lovecraft (Metallic lilac), Ophelia(Pale Pink), Grandma (Orange), Femme (Neon Baby Pink)

 

Add a little bit of ICED and you will get a lighter swatch

Mix and VOALA...

All Lip Tars come in a little plastic clear bag and its own lip brush.

Spring Colors for MAKEUP

Its been a long time since Ive blogged. I recently got engaged and I have been bridezilla for the last few months.
Anyways, Ive been literally stalking all these beauty gurus on INSTAGRAM and YOUTUBE like crazy. A very popular look right now has been the spring colors on your eyes lips and cheeks
Ive been trying Green, Blue, Turquiose and purple.

Its making a statement on the lower eyelid only and I compensate the color by using a black eyeliner on top with heavy mascara. In order to set the color on the eyelid, you need to apply the eyeshadow of the same color to the eyeliner to set it in.
For example:



WARNING: DO not use a bright eye, bright blush and bright lips unless you want to look clownish. I would stick to bronzers instead

Bright lips are a MUST though and with colors like candy yum yum from MAC and LIMECRIMES Cosmopop are incredible for this look.

Ive been rocking this look for work, Easter and daily use.. Dont be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Start with a thin eyeliner and then build up to where you can push the limit on thickness. Ive seen it so thick and low and I love how it looks.