Sunday, February 28, 2010

A PERSONAL FAV

Spring Break is just around the corner and I've been trying to get in shape for it! But trying to squeeze in a good workout anywhere my schedule will allow doesn't always leave me with enough time to go home and shower/change before running errands, heading to a class, etc...

Having said that, LANCOME'S EAU FRAICHE DOUCEUR has recently jumped to the top of my "beauty-favorites" list. This stuff is incredible! It's a cleansing water that comes in a pump (so no leaking) and it smells INCREDIBLE. I pump the product onto a cotton ball and wipe my face/neck/chest area, throw on a clean t-shirt and I am good to go (I promise I shower when I do go home :)). It is super fresh and light so it does not leave you feeling sticky or oily like many "cleansing products" do. Also, this product is great if you live in an urban or hot environment where you're often exposed to pore-clogging elements (I'm even going to bring mine to the beach!) It is easy to carry and can be used throughout the day.


*Always remember to apply your moisturizer + SPF after you clean your face.


Give this stuff and try and let me know what you think!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

A Quick Question?

Hello Pretties!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week and trying to stay warm AND pretty in the cold! I had a couple of questions about different products and wanted to know if anyone had tried them... I was in Nordstrom's over the weekend, perusing the cosmetic counters and noticed Chanel's liquid eyeshadows! At first glance, I thought they were nail polish colors but, indeed, they were not. Have any of you seen/tested this peculiar little product?

Admittedly she's a guilty pleasure, but I really am DYING to sniff out Kim Kardashian's new perfume?!?! I'm intrigued to see what the vixen has put together and regardless of their outrageous tv personalities- ALL three sisters are trend setters in the world of cosmetics. Also, I'm personally in the market for a new scent- any suggestions? I have been wearing Narciso Rodriguez for her but I'm up for something new! I don't care too much for anything powdery or toooo floral. I like more of a musk/cologne -esque scent.

Finally, I just recently saw Neutrogena's commercial with Gabrielle Union for a new product. It's a spot reducing skin cream. I have a freckle spot on my cheek that I've had for a while and I'm anxious to see if this would help it fade... Have any of you tested this product?

I'll be out with a good "how-to" post soon but just wanted to put out some beauty food for thought! PLEASE comment with feedback/suggestions and as always... ENJOY!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Tired Eyes... NO More

Hello Everyone! So, it has been one of those weeks for me where my teachers have PILED on the work... tests, quizzes, papers, etc. and after 4 nights of late studying, I've started wearing the evidence. Luckily, I have some easy makeup tricks to help hide those dark-droopy-I really need to be sleeping right now- eyes!

First, when doing your morning beauty routine, wash your face with some type of exfoliating/ invigorating wash (Many drug store brands, like Clean&Clear make great morning washes). You should not exfoliate your face daily, but once or twice a week will help rid your face of dry, dead skin and expose a fresh layer. Wash your face with warm water and then finish with a splash of cold water, helping to close up your pores and wake you up!
Second, MOISTURIZE! Be sure and use a great moisturizer with SPF, and when applying around the eyes, DO NOT RUB (this pulls on your skin+lids making them sag even more). Instead, use your 3rd and 4th fingers, together, to PAT moisturizer ALL around the eye area. Next, choose an under eye concealer that is right for you. I use Lancome's Maquicomplet in Camee (this product should be 1-2 tones lighter than your face foundation color). Give the area a good swipe of the concealer, and use your concealer brush (looks like a flat paint brush) to spread the product out over the area. I go under my eye, across my brow bone, and in my inner eye (next to the the bridge of my nose) by turning the brush on its side and using the tip. Then, I use Lancome's Maquicomplet in Correcteur to give the inside and outside creases of my eye a tiny dot. Using your concealer brush again (preferably a smaller one if you have it) and gently spread this product in the creases. Next, I use Bobbi Brown's Eye Blender Brush along with her eye shadow in "Bone" and apply the light high lighter color ALLLL over. I go under the eye, eye lid, brow bone and creases. This color is great because it high lights the eye area without using a shimmer (I don't really like to wear sparkly eye color to school or in the morning). Finally, I curl my lashes with Revlon's eyelash curler (available at the drug store). Curling your lashes gives them a lift and makes your eyes look bigger, wider and more awake! BE CAREFUL WHEN DOING THIS STEP and do it VERY slowly so that you don't pinch your lid. I give the curler a good squeeze and count to ten for each eye. It's important to do this step BEFORE you apply mascara because if you have dry product on your lashes and then curl them, THEY WILL BREAK!! After I have curled my lashes, I use Lancome's Definicils mascara in Deep Black. This mascara, in particular, is good for the morning because it wears well all day without chipping and separates the lashes making them look longer.
The greatest cure for dark circles and tired eyes is certainly sleep, hydration and nutritious foods, but these tricks are great for those days when coffee is the only thing keeping you awake!
**This process is a great prep for any normal eye makeup routine and is a great pick-me-up for those who travel often!

Enjoy and please feel free to comment and share your fav beauty secrets!