BeautyBlog39 - February Favorites 2010

Hi my lovelies,

Time flies! It's almost March 1st, which means February Favorites is coming right at ya!

- Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream: During February I've fallen back in love with one of my first beauty-related loves! I primarily use it to moisturize my lips, for small scratches and to soften my hands. It's perfect. Some people don't like the scent, it's very herbal - I however love it. I remember back in my senior year in High School (1.G) I and a friend thought we'd read somewhere that it was being discontinued and went to our Elizabeth Arden counter to stock up big time. The sales women almost panicked...lol! But it was just a rumor, thank God!:)



- My Cetaphil facial cleanser! Can I just say: LOOOOVE! It's perfect for my skin! I've never had softer skin! I am simply in love with this product. Mine is for normal to oily skin. I use it twice daily and it's so great. It's very gentle, has practically no scent and is used in hospitals as well.



- In February I've sort of gone from my NYX blush in Angel ( a soft pink) and back to my amazing Clinique Blushing Blush Powder in 107 Sunset Glow. It's amazing. Described on the website as a mid tone redish bronze, on my skintone it comes out as a coral reddish bronze color! It's amazing I love it. I was inspired to go for a blush flushed tone when I was watching my fave Lipstick Jungle, where the character Victory Ford wears blushes similar to my Clinique one all the time!



- Sunsilk Care & Repair. Normally I'm not a fan of leave in things in my hair. It makes it greasy and kills any volume! However, I love this for the ends (okay, the split ends!) of my hair! It makes it silky soft and it has the best smell. I use is once a week! - Could not find a picture - the bottle is small, orange and is part of their Care & Repair line - 24/7 Day Care Cream.

- Since it's so cold, wintery and snowy outside my lips need a lot of protection! They crack all the time! :( I've therefore also been loving my Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment. It makes my lips instantly smoother and softer!



- Since discovering I had this hand sanitizer from Bath and Body Works - brought it back from the U.S in Nov 09, but it was hidden in a bag of make up I did not open until I returned to my apartment in the beginning of Feb ! It's the Winter Candy Apple scent, and I absolutely love it! It's the sweetest apple scent with pops of Christmas right there inside of it! I've been using it daily ever since!



- Another lip product is my Revlon Super Lustrious Lip Gloss in 010 Shine City. It's a bubble gum pink (almost sheer when put on) lip gloss with tons of glitter! I only use a little right on the center of my lips for that extra pop:)



I think that's about it for Feb 10! Let me know what your favorites are!

xoxo

msbeautyblogger

(photos: amazon.com, sephora.com)

BeautyBlog38 - The 40 Beauty Related Q & A

Hi my lovelies,

This will just be a Q & A that is going around...40 Beauty Questions Tag!

Feel free to do you own!

So on to the questions:

SKINCARE:

-How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice, morning and night - morning with Cetaphil, evening eye make up remover, cleanser make up wipes and Cetaphil.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
Normal to Oily - especially my t-zone!

-What is your current facial wash?
Cetaphil and I just looooove it!

-Do you exfoliate?
Yes!

-What brand do you use?
Either Clinique 7 Day scrub or my Lush Ocean Salt. I've been out of my St. Ives Abricot Scrub for a while.

-What moisturizer do you use?
Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion

-Do you have freckles?
Nope!

-Do you use eye cream?
Yes, Clinique, All about eyes.

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Yes - and it sucks.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
I tried it once a few years ago for three months and it actually made a difference, I was quite sceptical! However, I only liked the cleanser and toner - the lotion did nothing for me!

MAKE-UP:

-What foundation do you use?
Revlon Color Stay in 350 Rich Tan - since it is winter, I'm a bit lighter and since I don't have a lighter shade, I sometimes use a Clinique foundation mixed in or by itself if I need minimum make up!

-How about concealer?
YES! MAC Studio Sculpt!

-Do you know your undertone color?
Yep, yellow! I'm Asian!

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
Looks great! Have yet to try them though!

-Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months?
I do...and I'm not that good at actually remembering!

-What brand of mascara do you use?
Lash Blast by Cover Girl

-Sephora or MAC?
I am in love w both stores!

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
Nope....I wish but I would spend way to much money...:)

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Sigma and Coastal Scents brushes

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
Yes - too faced eye shadow insurance - am using it up and moving on to Urban Decay Primer Potion

-For the face?
Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
I love neutrals! So possibly Caught in the Act Courtney by The Balm or Satin Taupe by MAC

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Pencil

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Rarely!

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
Never really used them.

-Do you use mineral makeup?
Not really...I have some but never really tried them out!

-What is your favorite lipstick?
Airy Fairy from Rimmel or Circe from NYX

-How about lipgloss?
Honey, NYX

-What is your favorite blush to use?
Right now Clinique in Sunset Glow with NYX in Angel.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
Nope!

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
YES!

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
I would if I lived in the States!

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
Not really.

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
Gotten a lot better over the last year or so, so no not really.

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
Left-over mascara marks! Q-tips people!

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
I do like purples and some greens and blues but I primarily use neutral tones.

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
Hmmm....Beyoncé often has it down!

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
Mascara or concealer!

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Usually no, but I actually did in the US a couple of times...I was kinda proud!

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
No not really, I think it makes a tremendous difference, particularly to my eyes. Make me look more awake, and concealer + foundation clears up my skin.

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
MAC

-What do you think of Makeup?
I love makeup - it's a constant source of inspiration and when put on correctly it can make you feel great! It's something to play with and to get exited about but it is still just makeup! However, it's been a great thing to get into for me over the last year and an half:)

Okay, so this is it for my 40 Q's - let me know the answers to yours!

xoxo

msbeautyblogger

BeautyBlog37 - My love affair w/ Sigma Brushes

Hi my lovies,

If you are a make up addict like me you've probably heard about Sigma Brushes! No? Then let me tell you more about the wonder that is Sigma.



Sigma Makeup - from 2009 - originally sold quality brushes, think MAC quality and the best part is that they are 50 % cheaper than MAC brushes and the quality is just as good! They are handmade and practically dupes of MAC brushes all they way down to the number of the brush.

I first got the 188 and the 187 - the two stippling brushes. I used them for foundation and blush and loved them! For a flawless finish! I then got the 217 - small eyeshadow contouring brush and the 150 big powder brush! They are soooo soft and they come packaged so nicely!








I still dream of the smaller 109 for perfect application of Mineralized Skinfinish from MAC.

According to Sigma Makeup they offer a full line of "professional brushes specifically designed to highlight eyes and face. Each brush was individually tested for performance, resistance, and durability."

One of the things I love most is the Sigma Brush roll, which makes it easy to transport and store your brushes! I bought my first Sigma brushes after having watched dozens of reviews online. Particular by Makeupbytiffanyd - SIGMA! Affordable MAC-Quality Brushes

Now Sigma Makeup also sell make up - they new line launched in November 2009 and it's supposed to be very good. However, for me it's all about the brushes! I love them! And you will too;)

They just launched new brushes - I've got my eye on the 131, 134 and the 138!



Check out Sigma Makeup here!

Let me know what you think of these!

xoxo
msbeautyblogger

(Photos: Sigma.com)

BeautyBlog36 - Mini haul

Hi my lovelies,

I've been shopping a bit...but I was good. No make up! Yesterday I went shopping and to lunch with a great friend. We went to the MAC store - and I was proud that I did not buy anything. I did however sign up for a free make up session. More on that later.

Yesterday I got some great things.

My favorite thing was a pair of shoes! On sale 60 % off!

They are from Pieces Accessories - Keni Pu Pump Mountain! Love the grey color! I swear by black shoes but when I saw these I just had to get them and for 25 dollars I was sold!




Then I went shopping for a bit of accessories!

I got a pretty pair of earrings from Pilgrim!



And a very nice bracelet from H&M for next to nothing!



I just HEART shopping!

xoxo
msbeautyblogger

BeautyBlog35 - My Go-To-Products

Hi my lovelies,

As you already know, I love make up and trying new stuff. However, there are days, when I just reach for what I know will work, and these are some of the products that always makes me feel good and gets me out the door that much faster!

Primer: Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer from Rimmel. I love this product, and even though I use my Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation primer at the moment, the Rimmel is a go to for me. Like a tinted moisturizer it smoothes out my skin and makes my foundation last all day!



Foundation: Revlon Color Stay Foundation in 350 Rich Tan! I love this product! Have like four back ups in my make up drawer! It gives me great coverage and blends in very smoothly.



Concealer: MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer w/o a doubt! I just love that product!



Setting Powder: NYC Translucent Setting Powder - it's great for mattifying my oily skin! Here compared to Clinque!



Blush: Hard one! I shift almost daily....but I would probably have to go with either the red part of ELF's - Warm Bronzer or NYX's blush in Angel.





Contour/bronzer: NYC's bronzer in Sunny



Cream Highlight: Don't really use cream highlights.

Highlight: My beloved Cover Girl eyeshadow in Champagne and the lightest color in my ELF Warm Bronzer





Mascara: ALWAYS Cover Girl's Lash Blast!



Eye Shadow: Hmm....I tend to use a bit of Carbon on the outer V every day.



Eye Liner: Almay Eyeliner in black



Lip Liner: Don't use lipliner

Lipstick: Airy Fairy by Rimmel or my MAC Viva Glam V





Lip Gloss: NYX Round Lipgloss in Honey (second from left) or Whipped (fourth from left)



Eyebrow: A bit of Carbon Eyeshadow



Makeup Brushes: Sigma and Coastal Scents





Nail Polish: Sally Hansen in Sheer Strawberry or Essie in Ballet Slippers





What are your go-to-products?

xoxo
msbeautyblogger

(photos: ebay, amazon, redbook,mag, comparestoreprices.co.uk, newyorkcolor.com, 4.bp.blogspot.com)

BeautyBlog 34 - Love Lipstick Jungle

Hi my lovelies,

I wanted to share a recent favorite of mine. It's a tv-show - written by Sex and The City's Candace Bushnell - and it's called Lipstick Jungle.

It's a jungle out there....dress accordingly!




The show is basically about the female Mr. Bigs of the Big Apple. According to The New York Post Nico, Wendy, and Victory are three of "New York's 50 Most Powerful Women" and I love them!

Nico:



Played by Kim Raver, Nico Reilly is editor-in-chief of Bonfire Magazine. She has her eyes set on the CEO office. Married to Charles, they married when she was his student in college. Nico may still love Charles but things get kind of complicated when she sets eyes on man candy photographer Kirby Atwood - played by the gorgeous Robert Buckley.

Wendy:



Played by Brooke Shields, Wendy Healy, is the president of Parador Pictures. She is married to British musician Shane and they have two children together. Wendy is at the top of the game and the one who's got all the answers. At least that's what she thinks.

and my personal favorite:



Victory:

Played by Lindsay Price, Victory Ford is an up and coming fashion designer. Her first show is not as big a success as expected and she spends the show trying to succeed and fend of a very persistant billionaire, who's not necessarily asking her to chose between love or money...

"Based on the best-selling book by Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), this sexy drama follows three high-powered friends as they weather the ups and downs of lives lived at the top of their game.
Movie exec Wendy (Brooke Shields, "Suddenly Susan") does everything she can to balance career and family. Nico (Kim Raver, "24"), editor-in-chief of a hot fashion magazine, has her eye on becoming CEO. And free-spirited designer Victory (Lindsay Price, "Beverly Hills, 90210") longs to make her dreams come true -- and maybe find "Mr. Right" along the way.
Armed with humor and strength, these three modern New York women support one another through the triumphs and tears that are all part of making it big in the Big Apple. Also starring are Andrew McCarthy ("Joy Luck Club"), David Noroña ("Frasier") Paul Blackthorne ("Big Shots") and Robert Buckley ("Fashion House")" - nbc.com description

Unfortunately, the NBC show only lasted two seasons, but OH! what two seasons! AND what amazing fashion and great musical coverage!

I love it and you will too! So go get it!

Catch the trailer here!

xoxo
msbeautyblogger

(photos: nbc.com, bittenandbound.com

BeautyBlog 33 - My latest fashion buys;)

Hi my lovelies,

Sorry, I've been MIA for a while...but now I'm back in the blogging universe and ready to dazzle you with my newest favorites and picks for you to check out!

First of all I went shopping last week, and this week....sigh...I know but the stores are calling for me! :)

I went to Gina Tricot, H&M and Bestseller! I know I'm a sucker for high street bargins;)

At Gina Tricot I picked out a basic black cardigan and a new dress!

I will take pictures and upload later today!

I am loving the dress! It has a graphic-like pattern in black, white and light grey. I have this fondness for Danish Crown Princess Mary's simple but still often perfect sense of style (I know, I know, she has a stylist but she is doing a pretty good job:)

At H&M I picked up a pair of black stilettos, very basic, but it's the kind I use the most. And I know my dear grandmother used to say: "Never buy cheap shoes" - but I go though black stilettos like a kid in a candy store. My favorite pair ever was also from H&M - the Madonna collection - and they lasted me years!

And then I had to get a men's blazer. I got a really nice one from Bestseller! It will be perfect for the transition between Spring and Summer! And blazers always look good;)

xoxo
msbeautyblogger

BeautyBlog32 - Signature Scent

Hi my lovelies,

As promised here is my blog about my signature scent! I the kind of person who really cares a lot about, which perfume I'm wearing. Usually, I go for floral and very subtle sweetish scents. And I am pretty stringent about sticking to the scent I've chosen but at the same time, each scent carry strong memories of events and people in my life at that point in my life. And I think that is the most precious thing a signature scent can give you. Good memories and of course nice compliments.

For years - back in senior high, I used to love Cool Water by Davidoff and Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana




Then came my love affair with Lancôme's Miracle. For years, throughout my senior year and then off to college, I was in love with this scent.



Eventually, I grew kind of tired of Miracle, even though that is the one a lot of people still seem to connect me with. I then moved on to Romance by Ralph Lauren and I absolutely loved it!



After some time, I began switching around a bit between all of the above, I was still kind of searching for my signature scent.
Then almost five years ago, I fell in love with Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker, and it's been my scent ever since. Like Miracle, people have told me they associated me with this scent.



Now after five years, I'm moving on again!

This time I've fallen in love with a stronger scent than ever before. It's still floral and still with a hint of sweetness. To me it represents the woman I've become over the years and the woman I want to keep on evolving into. I'm loving it!

It's as some of you more loyal readers may have already guessed: Parisienne by Yves Saint Laurant.



So what is your signature scent?

xoxo
msbeautyblogger

(photos: imgg2.store.pchome.com.tw, magazincosmetice.com, talay.psu.ac.th, tinypineapple.com, hk.image.auctions.yahoo.com, , 2.bp.blogspot.com)