Apr 022013
 

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Oh how I love being a Beauty Blogger!!!

I went to Saks in the Houston Galleria Mall to attend a Beauty event for Ioma Cosmetics but ended up learning about a new fragrance counter named Le Labo.

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Le Labo has previously been very exclusive. Saks in the Houston Galleria Mall has the only counter in Texas. They are based on custom made fragrances and is the only counter in Saks with absolutely no boxes of perfume on the shelves. All fragrances are handmade at the counter and freshly made for customers. They also make body moisturizers and candles

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They don’t spend a lot of money on advertising. Most of Le Labo’s business is due to repeat customers & word of mouth. They don’t use fancy packaging because the focus is on customized fragrance and their customers having a great experience. They even have a recycling program. If you bring back your container, you get 20% off for recycling. That’s pretty cool!

I was extremely impressed with the way the trainer, Benoit, and the workers took time to educate me on the fragrances, chemistry, ingredients, notes, and a bit of chemistry. :-) Benoit explained how so many of us associate fragrances with memories. This makes an impression & influenced what we tend to like/dislike.
–example: you may hate amber b/c the smell reminds you of a perfume your mean teacher used to wear.

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They believe every fragrance has a “recipe”. The workers use a scale to measure the correct amount of ingredients. I was able to have the full experience of the process of making a custom fragrance.

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Everything is individualized for customers, even the packaging. They make the labels at the counter for each bottle. This makes the products work great as gifts!

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The price range is estimated around $125-$220

There will be a big event at Saks in May in which the creator of Le Labo will be here.

Nov 092011
 

What’s the one moisturizer I can count on that has a high SPF and helps me keep a matte finish?  It’s Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream!!

It comes in two sizes 1.5oz retails for $34 and the 4oz retails for $75.  Now I know this sounds super expense however, it’s totally worth the money.  You only need a small amount so this product will last you a very long time.  My mom introduced this product to me last spring and I promise you the 4oz lasted me til this spring.  This is the amount that I usually squeeze out. 
On the left was my initial squeeze.  On the right is where I rubbed it a bit just so you can see how it spreads out.
She ordered a special value package off of QVC and it came with an eye moisturizer that doesn’t appear to be available anymore because I didn’t see it on the website. :-(
It looks like this 
I guess it was limited edition or made specifically for QVC.  Not sure if you can tell from the reflection of my flash, but there’s STILL product in here.  I’ve been using it for about a year and a half now. 
Don’t be deceived by the name. I’ll admit that I was at first.  I tend to stay away from any product that says it’s a cream.  In my mind I’m already thinking this is not meant for my skin type and I’ll be a greasy mess in 30min.  Well I’m not sure what magic Dr. Denese uses, but whatever it is causes this Day Cream to dry down to a perfect matte finish.  The product does have a bit of a tint that’s supposed to blend with your skin.  I honestly don’t feel it blends with all skin tones.  If I put on too much, it’ll show up as too light.   It does NOT provide coverage so I don’t see it as a Tinted Moisturizer, it’s just that the product has a color to it.  (Hopefully that made sense. Ha ha!) As long as I don’t use more than I showed you in the picture above, I’m fine.  This product works even better for me than M.A.C. Oil Control Lotion and most importantly, it has a SPF of 30.  That’s higher than any other moisturizers that I’ve ever used.  
In conclusion, I can honestly say that I love this brand so far.  I’ve only tried one other moisturizer which is the Hydroshield Hydrating Dream Cream
It retails for $43.50 for a 3.4 oz.
 I like it and it does have the gel consistency that I prefer but since it doesn’t have an SPF and doesn’t have the matte finish, I don’t use it as much.  I’ll use it sometimes at night, but I use it sparingly since I already have other moisturizers that I use at night and due to the price I don’t want to have to buy more right now. :-)
Aug 232011
 

I’m always on the hunt for cosmetics that will help reduce my oiliness.  I went to Kiehls with my mom for my birthday, 6/26/11, to see if they had any new products to offer me.  The last time I went to the Kiehls store, I remembered seeing products for Acne, but not for just regular oily skin (This is a common problem I run into. I don’t know why companies don’t realize that just because you’re oily doesn’t equate acne).  I ended up buying a masque and lip balm.  Well this time, it just so happened that Kielhs had just launched a new line of skin care for oily skin. They had starter kits available for $24.50! This is amazing because Kiehls tends to be on the more expensive side.  Of course I was a bit weary because I’ve heard for years that this product will really help keep you matte, or that product will control the sebaceous gland, blah, blah, blah.  The guy working there was very thorough in explaining how the products worked and said they guaranteed results so if I tried it and wasn’t satisfied, I could bring it back. So I figured, cool!  I absolutely love my masque and my lip balm so there was a strong possibility that I’d like this new skin care system as well.

Below is info about my new skin care system.  It’s taken from the Kiehls website.  I’m guessing this kit has gotten pretty popular because the site is currently out of stock.  They do have the regular sizes though.  Kiehls is currently allowing free shipping with purchases over $35 and free samples with purchases over $50.  If you’re interested in purchasing this system, you may want to go ahead and get the regular sizes since they’re offering the special promos. :-)
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer Starter Kit

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer Starter Kit

3 Steps to No-Shine Moisture. Step up to 24hour No-Shine with Kiehl’s portable Ultra Facial Oil-Free Moisturizer Starter Kit that includes 3 steps to healthier skin.


Step 1: Cleanse with Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser – Compliments of Kiehl’s! Our quick-lathering cleansing foam removes oil and impurities resulting in a shine-free finish.
Step 2: Tone with Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner – Compliments of Kiehl’s! pH-balanced toner visibly reduces excess oil and maintains proper moisture levels.
Step 3: Moisturize with Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion – This 24-hour lightweight hydrating lotion rebalances oily skin and seals in moisture.

So it’s designed in a 3 step system, similar to Clinique.  There’s a Cleanser, a Toner, and a Moisturizer.
While listening to the guy explain the products in detail, I got a bit worried because he stated it works to hydrate the skin and hold it’s moisture throughout the day.  That kind of talk is usually geared towards people with drier skin.  He reassured me though that with this updated technology, it holds in moisture to help balance the skin without being greasy. Balance is what I want and what I hope to achieve…some day.

It’s taken me a while to review this because I still had some M.A.C. Lightful products I wanted to finish first.  I used this for the first time yesterday morning.  I think this kit is a month’s supply. At the end of Sept. I will give my full review.  I wanted to at least let you know that I was trying something new.  I will say that so far I’m highly impressed!!!  I was not a greasy monster yesterday and that was just from one use. Woo Hoo! Could it be that I’ve FINALLY found the perfect skin care system? Oh God please let it be.  The only major con is that the moisturizer doesn’t have SPF so I have to use a separate one or wear a foundation with it. That means an added step to the morning routine. :-(

I mentioned that I really loved the masque that I purchased from Kiehls.  Here it is below. This was taken from the Kiehls website.
Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque

Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque

Our Rare Earth masque helps purify and detoxify skin while minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. Formulated with Amazonian White Clay to gently draw out oil, dirt and toxins that can clog pores. The addition of Oatmeal and Aloe Vera will help soothe, hydrate and protect sensitive skin.

It retails for $23 for 5 oz.  Kiehls has an entire Rare Earth line.  I only opted for the masque  I use it about 2x/wk.

I tend to prefer masques over scrubs because they tend to be more gentle and can still be used when you have break-outs.  Scrubs are not good to use if you have pimples because the beads will just spread the bacteria to the rest of your face.  You’d want to use a non-manual exfoliator such as a masque instead. #Royalbeautytip :-)

This is the lip balm that I purchased along with the masque.  Below that is the lip balm I purchased with my new skin care starter kit.
Lip Balm #1

Lip Balm #1

A Kiehl’s classic and #1 bestseller, soothing lips since 1969.

•Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked lips.
•Helps protect lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather.
•Formulated with soothing emollients Squalane, Lanolin and Sweet Almond Oil as well as Vitamins A and E.

It retails for $7. It would be the best I’ve ever used if…it had a better applicator.  It has a flat screw top that’s uncomfortable and messy to apply from the tube.  I started using it with a lip brush, but I’d prefer to just be able to squeeze it out and apply it directly to my lips.  As a result, I wanted to try another one so I purchased this one below.
Lip Balm SPF 15

Lip Balm SPF 15

Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked lips. Helps protect lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather. SPF15 sunscreen provides UVA and UVB protection.

It retails for $9.50 and has the nice slanted applicator. I haven’t used this yet because I wanted to finish some other lip balms that I have.  On a good note, both of these are fragrance free.  They do have other lip balms that are tinted and have flavors and scents to them.  I don’t like those.

Another great thing I found out after talking to the guy in the store (wish I would’ve gotten his name, he was really good) was that they have a recycling program.  After 3 empties, you get a free lip balm.  That’s better than M.A.C.!  I think after six, you get a discount on a purchase, I just don’t remember what it was.

Have any of you used Kiehl’s products before?  What are your thoughts?

*The images and descriptions were taken from Kiehl’s website*

Aug 202011
 
These are the products I used to create my look
These are before and after looks (well almost finished without the lashes)
I started off with M.A.C. Prep and Prime Skin.  If possible, I’d recommend you using a primer before your make-up.  It really makes a difference in your application and it helps it last throughout the day.  Depending on which one you use, primer may or may not help with oiliness, it may help with color correcting, it may have SPF.  There are many out there on the market.  
 Prep and Prime Skin is geared towards reducing the appearance of pores, redness, fine lines/wrinkles, and it’s supposed to help control the sebaceous gland which is what produces oil.  It doesn’t control it enough for me to use it alone, but I can say I can see a difference when I wear it from when I don’t wear anything at all.  I definitely have to re-apply more often if I don’t wear anything.  
You should think of primer with make-up the same way you would when painting.  If you had to paint a car or a wall, you’d prime it first right?  Well it’s the same with your make-up.  Think of your face as the canvas you’re painting.  
I added my Cover Girl Foundation to my palette.  I don’t like wasting product so I love palettes.  This still ended up being too much.  That foundation does really well and it was under $5 at Kroger’s Grocery Store.  It’s just the regular Cover Girl Clean foundation for Oily skin, of course.  I used one of my favorite face brushes, the Elf flat powder brush. (LOL! my baby girl getting in the picture at the last minute.  She’s so nosey. Ha ha! :D )
First I had to work with my brows. They’re really thick so I’m using M.A.C. Girl/Boy Brow Set.  It does a great job of holding my brows in place and adding color.  
My brows really need to be done.  I’m using my Black Opal Stick as a concealer to help clean them up. 
I added Urban Decay Primer Potion 
Then NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk (Yay! I FINALLY got this.  It was at H.E.B Grocery Store for $3.49.  They seemed to always be sold out of this pencil when I would go look for it.  They only had 4, I should’ve bought two, but since this was my 1st time using it, I decided to just get one.)
I used my #239 brush to add Junkshow to the middle of my lid
I added Tainted to the inner lid and the inner lower lash line
I added Omen to my Inner Crease
Then Evidence to my outer crease.  I also put this color on my outer lower lash line using my Coastal Scents pointed crease brush.  It’s amazing for adding shadows/pigments to the lash line.  It’s very precise but soft.  I like using this way way more than the M.A.C. #219 which is bigger and can be a bit scratchy sometimes.  

Next was Flow as my Brow Highlight with my new limited edition blending brush #234.
Of course blend, blend, blend.  I used my Sonya Kashuk blending brush for this.  I used this brush instead of the #224 because it’s smaller.  I didn’t want to take away the boldness, just blend them together. 
Deep ended was added to the middle of my lower lash line 
This is Vanilla.  I put it in my tear duct area
Then I used my new UD 24/7 black liquid liner in Perversion.  After using this liner for a couple of weeks, my opinion of it has changed a bit.  I love the long lasting effects and the shine, but I’m not very fond of the applicator.  If it would’ve been a long thin sponge like M.A.C. Superslick or Elf’s liquid pen liner, it would’ve been perfect.  The fact that it’s a short brush makes it a bit more challenging to get a pretty& straight line. :-(  I think the next time I use it, I’ll just try to pour some out and use an eye liner brush.
The best mascara I’ve ever used is Lancome’s Oscillating Mascara.  It’s also the most expensive I’ve ever used. LOL! I think it retails for $36.  I never paid that much for it. ( I can’t ever imagine spending that much on mascara. ) I bought it when I still had my employee discount at Dillard’s.  Even then, I waited until we had our extra discount and stocked up. (I did the same with Dior Extase) When I worked at Macy’s, either I’d wait until we had our extra discount or wait until Lancome had GWP. Even though it’s hands down the best mascara I’ve ever used, I don’t think ANY mascara is worth almost $40 w/tax.
Can you believe I got these lashes with just one coat? Guess that’s a con of leaving the department store. :-(  I would’ve been fine without adding lashes, I just figured since it was a bold look, I might as well go all the way out.  I’m probably one of the few MUAs who actually prefer natural lashes over false ones.  I  love good mascara.  However, I totally understand that falsies take your look to the next level.  As usual it always comes down to personal preference.  I’ll admit though,  it does take me a lot longer to use mascara to get my desired look (except for the Oscillating Mascara) than it would for me to just pop on some falsies.  So I guess, time frame and preference is key. 
For concealer I still used my Black Opal Foundation stick. The color is Heavenly Honey.  I used my Sonya Kashuk Pointed Foundation Brush, which is my fave for under eye concealer.
My cheek highlight Elf Candid Coral, My Contour Cover Girl Queen Collection in Ebony Bronze, My blush & bronzer Nicka K Bonze/Chocolate
Ha ha! Note to self, don’t move the brush while trying to take a picture. LOL! :-) I used my Coastal Scents Angled brush from the Jubilee brush set for all of these products
I also contoured my nose with the Cover Girl Queen Collection Ebony Bronze Bronzer.  This powder is phenomenal!!!   I highlighted my nose with Elf Candid Coral Blush.  I used my Coastal Scents Deluxe blending brush.  I love this brush.  It’s made for the eyes but I use it for highlighting, contouring, and for setting powder under my eyes over my concealer.
For my lips, I kept it light.  No liner. I used my beauty supply Ruby Kisses lipstick in Shiny Nude and Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Sunset Peach (also purchased at Kroger’s).  This lipstick is really, really nice! It’s very pigmented and lasts for hours.  I’m so shocked that it only cost $1.99.  Shocked and pleased, I must say.  Go check out Ruby Kisses.  They’re highly underestimated.  I need to mention that I truly HATE this applicator on the gloss.  Why would they ruin this great gloss with this weird sponge tip.  Do you see it?  It’s almost as if it’s been squeezed in the middle.  Who does that?  It doesn’t pick up a lot of the gloss so you have to keep putting it back in to get a good payoff.  On a good note, for this look, I didn’t want my lips to look overly glossy, however if I wanted to wear it buy itself, it would take a while to get the color to show.  Boo! :-( For this reason, I will not be buying anymore Colorburst glosses.  Ughhh!  
This is the lipstick before I put on the gloss.  Isn’t it pretty?  I can’t even think of another color that I have like this.  I need to go back and get another one for my kit.  It feels really good too.  It’s creamy, but not really glossy.  I forgot to take a picture of me putting it on, I guess you get the idea though. ;-)

Revlon Colorburst  Lipgloss in Sunset Peach
I only placed the gloss in the middle.  Maybe 4 little dots of it at the most was used.
I added M.A.C. Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder all over, I just forgot to take a picture. This is the almost finished look before falsies.

I added Ardell #105 lashes.  I purchased these from Kroger’s Grocery store for less than $3.  Who would’ve thought that my favorite places to buy cosmetics would be grocery stores. Ha ha! :D

Finished look

Close up of the eye

Aug 162011
 
Here’s a look I did wearing colors from my new Naked palette.

Full face view
Eyes opened 
Eyes Closed
Face
Dr. Denese Day Cream Spf 30 (the best tinted moisturizer I’ve ever used)
Isomers H.D. Primer (this stuff is amazing and kept my make-up on all day)
Black Opal Foundation Stick in Truly Topaz
Cover Girl Queen Collection Mineral Hue Powder in Brown Bronze 1
Cheeks
Highlight M.A.C. Pigment in Vanilla
Coastal Scents Sunless Body Art in Dark on cheeks
Cover Girl Queen Collection Bronzer in Ebony Bronze for contour
Lips
M.A.C Lipstick in CB 96 
Revlon Colorburst lipgloss in Sunset Peach
Eyes
Brows:  Girl/Boy Brow Set
Brow Highlight:  Virgin & Naked
Crease:  Buck & Gunmetal
Lid:  Sidecar, Half-Baked, & Gunmetal
Top Liner:  24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liner in Perversion
Bottom Liner:  Creep, Gunmetal, and Sin 
Waterline:  24/7 Pencil in Zero
Mascara:  Loreal Voluminous Million Lash

Aug 152011
 

I played with my brand new Urban Decay Naked Palette.  It retails for $48 and is sometimes challenging to get.  Ulta and Sephora tend to sell out of them consistently.  I purchased it last month with my Urban Decay Haul along with my Ulta Haul.  I’ll post looks I’ve done using this palette in separate posts.

The Naked palette comes with their top selling UDPP (Urban Decay Primer Potion). 
Here’s what the inside looks like.  The palette also includes an eyeshadow brush
These next two pics are close ups
Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck
Half-baked, Smog, Toast, Darkhorse, Creep, and Gunmetal

I swatched all of the colors to give you a better idea of what they look like below.
From left to right: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half-baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, and Gunmetal
Here are close ups of the swatches
Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck
 Half-Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, and Gunmetal

I swatched the colors using my M.A.C. #239 brush.  I chose that brush because it does a great job of picking up color and packing it on to intensify pigment.  When I swatched them on my arm, some of the colors didn’t show up as well as others.  That made me a bit nervous.  I had to apply some of them a few times in order for them to show up as you see it on the pictures.  The only colors that showed up instantly were Sidecar, Half-Baked, Creep, and Gunmetal.  Buck, because it’s almost my skin tone, was the hardest to build up on my arm.  I didn’t use any type of shadow base because I wanted to see how the  shadows worked by themselves.