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!



Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel Kit

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.

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

Find Holiday Dresses, Trendy Tops, and More at AX Paris USA

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!



Mini Leather Look Skirt, $19.99



Color Block Knitted Top, $34.50

Batwing Sleeve Tobacco Jumper Sweater, $39.50

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!

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.

(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

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.

Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick with Anti-Aging Antioxidants

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!

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.

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:

Geneva Stud & Rhinestone Leather Wrap Bracelet Watch (leopard)

Check out the other colors after the jump!

Rock & Republic Haul

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!

Glam Bow Accessories and Cool Tees on Sale at YOOX

Lollipops and Lips Big Bow Headband, $25 (Last one left!)

Cafe'Noir Sparkly Pink Sequin Bow Belt, $20

Grey Tulle Big Bow Headband, $25

Vintage Barbie Black Satin Bow Headband, $55

More after the jump!

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!

This Week's Forever 21 Haul: F21 x Hello Kitty Ring and More

Today's Haul from Forever 21

Hello Kitty Collection Double Finger Ring, $9

Love & Beauty Goldie Tones Palette, $5

Neutrals and Metallics

Love & Beauty Cat Eye Felt Tip Pen

Love & Beauty Shimmer Shadow

I went a little crazy at F21 this week- I got up early this morning for the Hello Kitty Collection but my store didn't have a lot of the new HK stuff in yet, which was doodoo, and the bracelet I wanted wasn't there :( Another girl was looking for it, too, and I'm pretty sure we shared a moment where we both wanted to cry. (LMAO I'm just kidding. Not really.) Anyway, I'm going back this weekend to see if they get any new shipments.

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...

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

Pigment-palooza!

Etsy.com is one of my favorite sites because I can find tons of homemade products, from handcrafted jewelry to blended mica mineral pigments. Sellers have their own online boutiques where you can browse all of their products and goodies. On a hunt for duochrome eye shadows recently, I discovered two great cosmetic lines on Etsy: Caustic Cadets Cosmetics and Spectrum Cosmetics.

I decided to purchase 5 duotone pigments from each line:

Spectrum Cosmetics charges $3.25 per 3 gram jar or choose any 5 for $15
EOS: Looks like burnt copper with tons of white glitter in the pot but shifts to a gorgeous, sparkly mix of light green and blue with a deep reddish-brown base
EOS-2: (A less glittery version of the original EOS but still shimmery) It looks like a dark reddish-brown in the pot but shifts to a turquoise blue with a reddish-brown base
Mystic: Looks like a medium reddish-brown with moss green iridescence but shifts to a metallic teal-green with a reddish-brown base
Briar: Looks like an almost completely matte light rose-violet in the pot but shifts to a light blue shimmer with violet flecks
Sassy: Looks like an almost completely matte light peach but shifts to a light violet shimmer with light blue flecks

Caustic Cadets charges $3.99 for each jar of 2 grams of powder
Volatile: Looks fuchsia in the pot but shifts to electric violet with flecks of blue
Dreamweaver: Looks peach with green glitter in the pot but shifts to reddish brown with flecks of olive green
Pillow Talk: Looks like rose in the pot but shifts to medium rose gold
Black Magic: (my FAVORITE duochrome!)  Looks deep periwinkle blue with gold and blue glitter in the pot but shifts to electric teal, blue, and gold with a matte black base
Siren: Looks pale pink with blue shimmer in the pot but shifts to a dusty lavender with flecks of light blue

I tried my best to describe the colors accurately and display the right shades in the pictures, but the pictures don’t really do these pigments justice. They are absolutely stunning and so affordable that you’ll definitely want to check out several colors at a time. Happy shopping!

*All of the swatches were brushed on top of Clean & Clear Finishes Pore Perfecting Moisturizer to help the loose pigment powders stick.

***UPDATE: Caustic Cadets Cosmetics are now sold on Facebook here.

If you try any of these pigments, let me know what you think!

Rimmel Stiletto Red x WnW Party of Five Glitters

Rimmel Stiletto Red and Wet n' Wild Party of Five Glitters

No flash, no sun

Rimmel Stiletto Red x WnW Party of Five Glitters (in the sun)

I looove this mani! It's so festive and Christmas-y (I don't care if it's too early!)


I like Stiletto Red because it's on the warmer side, so it doesn't make the yellow undertones in my hands look weird. I only needed 2 coats but I did 3.

I applied 1 coat of Party of Five Glitters, which is becoming one of my favorites. It gives such a chunky sparkly look to any nail polish. It also makes an amazing top coat because my nails barely chipped over the last week and a half (which is unheard of for me when it comes to drugstore polishes.)

Definitely pick up these two colors, they're both must-haves! And this mani was sooo quick and easy- you won't need to spend a lot of time applying a lot of coats. It looks so pretty because the huge chunks of glitter really catch light... I got lots of compliments on this one. :)

This Weekend's Pink Mini Makeup Haul

Isn’t my mini haul from the drugstore this weekend so cute? Everything is so…PINK! xD To find out what I think about each product, read on!

[Image via Temptalia]

The Wet n’ Wild Spoiled Brat Eye Shadow Trio ($2) caught my eye because not many drugstore brands sell this vibrant fuchsia color (sorry that my first pic doesn’t do it justice, I did the best I could with rainy-day outdoor lighting). I applied all of them over Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion and all of the colors have great color payoff for a drugstore product! They are a bit powdery, though, and do fade, even with primer. Oh, well, I really just bought this for the pink color, anyway, so I’ll give this a 4/5. I can’t wait to do a pink smoky eye shadow look with this!

The Wet n’ Wild Mega Brilliance Lip Gloss in Crushed Grapes ($1) is a very sheer Barbie-pink with multicolored glitter. The good thing about this gloss is that it is NOT sticky at ALL and it also tastes amazing. It’s not gritty, like most glittery glosses, either. That said, the color payoff is non-existent and the glitter is barely there once you put it on… I feel like you’d only be able to tell that there’s glitter on my lips if I was in direct sunlight. Boo… This gets a 2/5.

Wet n’ Wild FuchsiaRama ($2) is such a pretty medium-toned purple-pink color…(a bit more pink than it looks in the pic above). It’s perfect for Fall! I love that I finally found a purple that doesn’t make the yellow undertones in my skin look weird… (Cool-toned nail polishes make my hands look like a corpse.) This is a warm purple-pink, though, and flatters warm undertones! The formula is very sheer, but it’s pretty much a given that drugstore nail polishes need at least 3 coats, so I’m okay with it. I give it a 4/5.

Finally, we have Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Strobe Light ($3), which is STUNNING! I love Disco Ball, which is snowflake-colored glitter, but this is a close second! It’s a rose pink multi-colored glitter top coat and makes any nail polish more glam Love this! It gets a 5/5.

If I had to recommend only one of these products, I would definitely say to buy Strobe Light. You'll get the best quality for your money there. Hope this helps!