Yes, I'm moving my blog (again)... No one said keeping up with social media was easy! *sigh* ;)
This time I'm heading to Tumblr, where I'm building a site for my image consulting business in New York.
Click here to go to Evolve Image Consulting.
Thanks!
J
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
How to Get Golden Globe-Worthy Voluminous Hair
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| Salma Hayek's Luxe Hair Volume at the 2012 Golde Globe Awards |
Sexy, voluminous hair makes anyone look instantly more glamorous- but finding the right product to get your hair to stay up can be a pain in the ass. Usually, people with limp or thin hair need a boost of volume- but my hair is the opposite. My hair is ridiculously heavy... so heavy that my scalp actually hurts from the sheer weight of my hair when it's up in a ponytail. A hairdresser once told me that I have like 4 times as much hair as an average human... so, clearly, those weaksauce drugstore hair volumizers don't work well enough for me.
Luckily, someone up there must have noticed how horrible I look with flat hair and decided to let me catch a break. I tried a new salon a few weeks ago and the girl who did my hair introduced me to Michael O'Rourke Size Matters Big Volume Root Pump Spray. I believe her exact words were: "Girl, let me tell you- if you stick your head in a wind tunnel you won't get as much volume as this stuff will give you!" And, after she used it to style my hair, I was sold. (And I mean that literally because I paid $21 for it and saw it on Amazon and at TJ Maxx for $10 the next day- but I digress.)
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| Michael O' Rourke Size Matters Big Volume Root Pump Spray, $10, Amazon.com |
Michael O'Rourke Size Matters is a mousse spray that comes in a glamorous pink aerosol can with a rhinestone heart on the front. (Honestly, I probably would've bought it just for the Barbie-like packaging so the fact that it makes my hair defy the laws of gravity is a bonus). It smells amazing and it's so easy to use:
1. While your hair is damp, part your hair where you normally do.
2. Use a comb or your fingers to create another part about two inches under your normal part and spray the foam along the second part. Rub the foam into your roots.
3. Create another part about two inches under that part and repeat the spraying and rubbing.
4. Repeat these steps all over the top and crown of your head, making several parts in your hair and spraying and rubbing the foam into the parted areas.
5. Blow dry your hair upside down or with a round brush and style as usual.
This product creates and holds volume REALLY well without making my hair too crunchy, like other mousse products I've tried. I also love that it sprays a relatively thin line of mousse (just enough to cover each part) so you're not applying too much product and wasting it- so this 13 oz can should last me a few months.
Short & Sweet: I definitely give this mousse spray a 5/5 for volumizing, holding volume, fragrance, amount of product, and packaging. ;]
Tip: For even more lift, tease your hair a bit at the crown and then spray with got2b Voluptuous Volume Hairspray to set and to tame flyways.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Review: Revaleskin Skin Firming Serum and Replenishing Eye Therapy
I've heard a lot of good things about the antioxidant coffeeberry, one of the active ingredients in Revaleskin's skincare line, so these products have been on my wish list for years. A few weeks ago, I finally got my hands on the
Replenishing Eye Therapy
and the
Skin Firming Serum.
The eye cream is great, it helped lighten my dark circles overnight and it definitely helps get rid of under-eye bags from retaining too much water. The serum is the best I've ever tried- it brightened and evened out my complexion after only a few uses. Before using it for the first time, I exfoliated with my favorite scrub and then applied the eye cream, let it absorb for a few minutes and then applied the serum.
I love that the serum isn't full of silicones so it doesn't break me out. The serum absorbs easily and definitely improved the look and feel of my skin after only a week of use. My skin was glowing after using this! It works even better than my ex-favorite brightening serum, Lumene Energy Cocktail, and the Revaleskin serum isn't greasy and doesn't clog my pores! I only use it at night so it won't clog my pores and, by the time I wake up, my skin looks healthy and radiant! I believe that it will help firm my skin over time, too, because I've been doing the pinch test (where I pinch the skin around my lower cheeks and then release to see how fast it "bounces" back) and it's already looking a bit less "jiggly".
The eye cream is great but I do have a minor complaint. First, the packaging. It looks really cool because it's a twist-top airless pump but each pump squirts out wayyyy too much product, which leads to a lot of product waste. I've read that other people have had the same problem, so I know I didn't just get a defective one... it took me a few tries to figure out how to make sure only a little bit comes out each time. Once I twist out the top of the pump, I hold the bottle like a joystick and press down on the top lightly (and slowly!) with my thumb. So far, that's worked pretty well for me, but I definitely already wasted a lot of product before I figured that out.
I still love this eye cream because it actually works- so the packaging problem isn't enough to make me stop using it. I will still continue to buy it for as long as it keeps working =)
I've read some complaints from online reviewers who don't like the coffee smell of Revaleskin products. I actually like the mocha aroma and it's not as strong as people would lead you to believe- the smell is gone a few minutes after you apply them. Don't let that stop you from trying these amazing products! I highly recommend these to anyone who wants to brighten/even out their complexion, get rid of dark circles and under-eye bags, and protect their skin with antioxidants.
 | |
| Revaleskin Replenishing Eye Therapy, 0.51 oz, $90 |
The eye cream is great, it helped lighten my dark circles overnight and it definitely helps get rid of under-eye bags from retaining too much water. The serum is the best I've ever tried- it brightened and evened out my complexion after only a few uses. Before using it for the first time, I exfoliated with my favorite scrub and then applied the eye cream, let it absorb for a few minutes and then applied the serum.
 |
| Revaleskin Skin Firming Serum, 1 oz, $70 |
I love that the serum isn't full of silicones so it doesn't break me out. The serum absorbs easily and definitely improved the look and feel of my skin after only a week of use. My skin was glowing after using this! It works even better than my ex-favorite brightening serum, Lumene Energy Cocktail, and the Revaleskin serum isn't greasy and doesn't clog my pores! I only use it at night so it won't clog my pores and, by the time I wake up, my skin looks healthy and radiant! I believe that it will help firm my skin over time, too, because I've been doing the pinch test (where I pinch the skin around my lower cheeks and then release to see how fast it "bounces" back) and it's already looking a bit less "jiggly".
The eye cream is great but I do have a minor complaint. First, the packaging. It looks really cool because it's a twist-top airless pump but each pump squirts out wayyyy too much product, which leads to a lot of product waste. I've read that other people have had the same problem, so I know I didn't just get a defective one... it took me a few tries to figure out how to make sure only a little bit comes out each time. Once I twist out the top of the pump, I hold the bottle like a joystick and press down on the top lightly (and slowly!) with my thumb. So far, that's worked pretty well for me, but I definitely already wasted a lot of product before I figured that out.
I still love this eye cream because it actually works- so the packaging problem isn't enough to make me stop using it. I will still continue to buy it for as long as it keeps working =)
I've read some complaints from online reviewers who don't like the coffee smell of Revaleskin products. I actually like the mocha aroma and it's not as strong as people would lead you to believe- the smell is gone a few minutes after you apply them. Don't let that stop you from trying these amazing products! I highly recommend these to anyone who wants to brighten/even out their complexion, get rid of dark circles and under-eye bags, and protect their skin with antioxidants.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Winter Beauty Secrets
Now that I'm back in New York, I have to use different skincare products because of the harsh, dry, cold air. I tried using the L'Oreal RevitaLift cleanser that worked really well for me in L.A. but it dried out my skin too much here. =( So, now, I'm using Olay Daily Facials Hydrating Cleansing Cloths to keep my skin soft and hydrated.
To get rid of the dead skin cells that make my skin look rough and splotchy, I give myself an exfoliating treatment with Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System
. I apply the thick, gooey scrub with an electric toothbrush and run it over my face in small circles (a trick I learned from a Michelle Phan video a long time ago). I don't usually use the Activator afterwards, because my skin is sensitive to Lactic Acid... but if your skin does well on AHAs then I would definitely recommend trying it. The mini crystals in this kit are the BEST- nothing makes my skin smoother or more radiant!
After scrubbing my skin, always use a pampering face mask so that my skin won't get irritated. I use Kinerase Pro + Therapy Ultra Hydrating Repair Mask, which plumps my skin with moisture and makes it as soft as a baby's butt. It's a little pricey but it's the most luxuriously rich moisturizing mask and there's nothing else like it! The morning after I use it, my skin looks so healthy and glows. It's well worth the money and you only need a tiny bit each time. It also comes in a hygenic airless pump jar.
My lips also need extra moisture because they're always extremely dry, especially in the winter, so I've been using a thick lanolin ointment (ok, it's a nipple balm for breastfeeding mothers) and it works WONDERS! I use Lansinoh Lanolin ointment, which I found on Amazon for $7. You can buy Lansinoh at Walmart, too, for under $10. It seems pricey for a lip balm but each tube contains 1.41 oz (which is a TON of product) and you won't find a better healing ointment for dry, cracked lips. The consistency is very thick at first but it melts right into your lips and stays put, even while eating or drinking. You can even dab it on minor cuts to help heal and protect them.
To get rid of the dead skin cells that make my skin look rough and splotchy, I give myself an exfoliating treatment with Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System
 |
| Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel Kit |
 |
| Kinerase Pro + Therapy Ultra Hydrating Repair Mask |
My lips also need extra moisture because they're always extremely dry, especially in the winter, so I've been using a thick lanolin ointment (ok, it's a nipple balm for breastfeeding mothers) and it works WONDERS! I use Lansinoh Lanolin ointment, which I found on Amazon for $7. You can buy Lansinoh at Walmart, too, for under $10. It seems pricey for a lip balm but each tube contains 1.41 oz (which is a TON of product) and you won't find a better healing ointment for dry, cracked lips. The consistency is very thick at first but it melts right into your lips and stays put, even while eating or drinking. You can even dab it on minor cuts to help heal and protect them.
 |
| Lansinoh 100% Natural HPA Lanolin Ointment |
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Find Holiday Dresses, Trendy Tops, and More at AX Paris USA
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| Cute dresses a AXParisUSA.com |
AX Paris USA is a UK-based online boutique that sells glam, on-trend clothing at an affordable price point. I know that most of your dough is going to be spent on presents, so your budget for gifts for yourself is pretty tight. Don't worry- there are lots of cute pieces here that won't interfere with your Christmas shopping :)
More after the jump!
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| Mini Leather Look Skirt, $19.99 |
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Color Block Knitted Top, $34.50 |
Sequins, one shoulder, polka dots, lace, bodycon, drapey, trapeze, animal print- name any trend and AX Paris USA's got it. The sale section has some cute tops and dresses at even better prices, so don't forget to check that page out, too!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Borghese x Kirkland Signature 2011 Brush Set and Stila Ulimate Color Palette
I've been back in NY since Thursday, so I've been pretty busy helping my mom put up the Christmas tree and doing the family thing. One thing my sisters and I always do when we come home is hit up Costco.
I haven't been there in forever so I never saw the 2011 Borghese Kirkland Signature Brush Set. I still use some of the brushes from my 2009 set (the angled brow brush, eye shadow brush, angled foundation brush, and the crease brush) but the brushes in the 2011 set are totally different.
This brush set includes 10 brushes and a black faux-croc case:
1. Big powder brush
2. Flat cheek brush
3. Stipling/skunk brush
4. Angled kabuki brush
5. Flat tip eyeliner brush
6. Highlighting brush
7. All purpose eye shadow brush
8. Tapered blending/crease brush
9. Tapered foundation/concealer brush
10. Angled contour/eyeshadow brush
I'm so in love with this brush set! I love that the foundation/concealer brush is designed to mimic your fingers. It's perfect for blending my Hard Candy Glamoflauge under my eyes. I also love the highlighting brush for contouring the sides of my nose. The skunk brush is great for blending bronzer at my hair line and jaw line. All of the brushes are really soft and the handles are thick and easy to hold. IMO, this set is excellent for the price.
I also picked up a Stila Ultimate Color Palette for $19.99, which includes 39 eye shadows, 15 lip colors, 4 cheek colors or blushes, 4 double ended applicators, and 4 lip brushes. I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep it for myself or give it to a friend for Christmas, but if I do keep it I'll definitely do swatches of all the pretty colors. There are so many options for different looks with this palette because of the range of colors. Also, the eyeshadows and blushes come in both shimmery and matte colors so there's a lot to play with in this kit.
I haven't been there in forever so I never saw the 2011 Borghese Kirkland Signature Brush Set. I still use some of the brushes from my 2009 set (the angled brow brush, eye shadow brush, angled foundation brush, and the crease brush) but the brushes in the 2011 set are totally different.
(Sorry for the crappy pic but I haven't unpacked my good camera yet.)
This brush set includes 10 brushes and a black faux-croc case:
1. Big powder brush
2. Flat cheek brush
3. Stipling/skunk brush
4. Angled kabuki brush
5. Flat tip eyeliner brush
6. Highlighting brush
7. All purpose eye shadow brush
8. Tapered blending/crease brush
9. Tapered foundation/concealer brush
10. Angled contour/eyeshadow brush
I'm so in love with this brush set! I love that the foundation/concealer brush is designed to mimic your fingers. It's perfect for blending my Hard Candy Glamoflauge under my eyes. I also love the highlighting brush for contouring the sides of my nose. The skunk brush is great for blending bronzer at my hair line and jaw line. All of the brushes are really soft and the handles are thick and easy to hold. IMO, this set is excellent for the price.
I also picked up a Stila Ultimate Color Palette for $19.99, which includes 39 eye shadows, 15 lip colors, 4 cheek colors or blushes, 4 double ended applicators, and 4 lip brushes. I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep it for myself or give it to a friend for Christmas, but if I do keep it I'll definitely do swatches of all the pretty colors. There are so many options for different looks with this palette because of the range of colors. Also, the eyeshadows and blushes come in both shimmery and matte colors so there's a lot to play with in this kit.
 |
| Stila Ultimate Color Palette, $20 |
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
HauteLook Sunday Night Blowouts
Forget Sunday Night Football, HauteLook is where you can really score on Sunday nights. At 4pm, HauteLook puts their extra inventory up for sale- jewelry, shoes, bags, clothes, and more. But there is a catch. There are only one or two of each item in stock, so you'll probably have to battle it out with other shoppers for the good stuff and grab shit really fast (just like a NY sample sale). If you have a dial-up modem, forget it.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick with Anti-Aging Antioxidants
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| Bite Beauty Lipsticks in Champagne and Fig |
I was given these two Bite Beauty Lipstick Minis for free in a swap. The ingredients in their Luminous Creme Lipsticks are unique because each tube contains the same amount of resveratrol as 5 glasses of red wine as well as food-grade argan oil. The first color I received is Champagne, a light peachy-beige with iridescent pink shimmer. The second color is Fig, a medium-toned rose pink.
Both lipsticks have a sheen finish when applied. As far as color payoff, you need a few coats to get the true color, so I would rate the pigmentation a 7/10. The formula gets a 6/10 because it contains antioxidants and doesn't dry out my lips but it does tend to settle into lines. The packaging gets a 10/10 from me, though, because they come in really cute matte black tubes with a "Bite" logo on the base.
Overall, these are decent lipsticks but they're not the best. The retail price is $24 for a full-sized tube. You might think the price is worth it to get a good dose of antioxidants every time you reapply your lip color but, me, I think I'd rather just take a multivitamin.
Have you tried any Bite Beauty cosmetics? How did you like them?
Baby, It's Cold Outside!
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| Village Naturals Aromatherapy Relax Vanilla & Cinnamon Body Butter, $8 |
Brrrr! I'm sitting at the computer with a winter coat and fuzzy boots on as I'm typing this post. It's COLD! Turkey Day is tomorrow and the Indian Summer that we had in L.A. last month is looong gone. :( I get cranky when the weather changes because I usually get sick. I always complain and mutter something about how "island people" aren't meant for the cold, but the real reason I hate cold weather so much is because it's so DRY.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Look for Less: Rhinestone Studded Wrap Watches
La Mer wrap watches caught my eye in a magazine a while back- watches with long, embellished leather bands that that wrap around your wrist a few times. I never liked those chunky gold men's watches that girls started wearing, so I liked that La Mer kept their watches feminine, with small faces, but added a unique twist (literally). The only thing was that they were over $100 a pop on Karmaloop. Why spend that much money on one thing when I could get a bunch of cute bangles, bracelets, and cuffs instead? But then, everytime I went on Karmaloop, I kind of regretted not having the money to get one.
Now, I'm glad that I didn't buy a La Mer because I found these gorgeous wrap watches at 15dollarstore.com for only $15 each:
Check out the other colors after the jump!
Now, I'm glad that I didn't buy a La Mer because I found these gorgeous wrap watches at 15dollarstore.com for only $15 each:
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Check out the other colors after the jump!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Rock & Republic Haul
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| Rock & Republic Haul: Top- CASHMERE. Middle- Wrath, Alloy. Bottom- Corset, Privilege, Love Rocks. |
The Rock & Republic eye shadows and powder that I ordered from HauteLook a week or two ago just arrived!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Love & Beauty Swatches: Bronze Shimmer Shadow, Goldie Tones Palette, and Cat Eye Felt Tip Pen
Here are the swatches that I did for the makeup I bought from Forever 21:
Top Row (with flash)
Bottom Row (without flash)
*ALL APPLIED OVER URBAN DECAY EYE PRIMER POTION*
Get the detailed review after the jump!
Top Row (with flash)
Bottom Row (without flash)
*ALL APPLIED OVER URBAN DECAY EYE PRIMER POTION*
Get the detailed review after the jump!
This Week's Forever 21 Haul: F21 x Hello Kitty Ring and More
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| Today's Haul from Forever 21 |
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| Hello Kitty Collection Double Finger Ring, $9 |
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| Love & Beauty Goldie Tones Palette, $5 |
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| Neutrals and Metallics |
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| Love & Beauty Cat Eye Felt Tip Pen |
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| Love & Beauty Shimmer Shadow |
 |
I did get the pave Hello Kitty 2-finger ring I wanted, with rhinetones and a gold bow, though! It's such a big-ass ring but I don't careee! It's so cute and glam.
I picked up some other jewelry, too: a pair of pave curved triangle earrings, a pair of square pave hoops, a pave double heart ring. Of course, I couldn't resist buying a few beauty products: a Love & Beauty Cat Eye Felt Tip Pen, eye shadow, and the leopard Goldie Tones palette. I also bought a Clueless tank (love that movie!) and a Spoiled tank with Pebbles on it.
The black HK bracelet was the one thing I really wanted from the HK collection (I wouldn't really wear any of the clothes) so hopefully I'll be able to find it this weekend because I'm pretty sure it's already sold out online.
Stay tuned for swatches of the makeup I bought...
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Rockstar Pink x Purple Panic Neon Nails
Sometimes a girl just needs a shitload of pink and glitter. This mani would make even Barbie proud.
Polishes Used:
China Glaze "Purple Panic Neon" (matte neon fuschia)
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear "Rockstar Pink" (clear polish with pink and blue glitter)
Sally Hansen Hard as Wraps Acrylic + Nylon Clear Topcoat
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