Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Beauty: A Clean Face is a Happy Face

My skin has been on point lately and I hope to eventually tread into the flawless skin category of the Naomi Campbells and Viola Davis(es) of the world (alllll this yaaaasss). I owe it all to two things, 1. a cleansing facial brush and 2. a gentle toner.



I have been toying around with the idea of buying a Clarisonic brush forever but honestly, I am way too cheap to purchase one (aka I would rather buy shoes).  I have used the Olay Pro X face brush in the past and loved it. However, the brush stopped working and this is when i stumbled on the Sephora Dynamic Duo Face Brush . The brush features two sides, a nylon brush and a silicone brush. I tend to use the silicone side daily because its a little less harsh. I use the nylon brush when I wear more than my typical amount of makeup. What I like about this brush is that it leaves your skin feeling super clean and soft.


After cleansing I use the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner. I like this toner in particular well because its alcohol free (duh!). There is none of the typical stinging or dryness that is associated with alcohol based toners. Toners are amazing because they pick up where cleansing left off. You would be amazed at the dirt and grime that is still left over on your skin. 

(crappy iPhone pic)


All in all these two products have left my skin clean, clearer, and brighter. 
Do you use a toner and face brush?
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Current Obsessions: Smell Good/Look Good


1. Elizabeth and James Perfume Oil - Nirvana Black
2. Avalon Organics Vitamin C Serum
3. Nars Matte Lip Pencil - Train Bleu

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Winter Skin Staples

The mornings are getting cooler and crisper, an obvious reminder that winter will soon be here. If your skin is anything like mine the very thought of Winter zaps your skin of all moisture. I combat "Winter Ash" using three simple things. 1. Cetaphil (word to Naomi Campbell), 2. a loofah 3. Shea Moisture's  Raw Shea Chamomile & Argon Oil (not just for babies). I drench my self in a combo of  moisturizing cream and oil directly out of the shower. Words cannot even express how amazing my skin feels all day after doing this. I also exfoliate 1-2 times a week depending on how my skin feels.





What is your winter routine?
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Current Beauty Faves

My makeup has always been really simple, mainly due to the fact I dont understand eyeshadow lol. I would describe my makeup as bronzed and fresh faced with a pop of color on the lip. These are my current go to products that help me achieve this look.



1. NARS Lip Pencil - Dragon Girl
2. Lancome Teint Ultra 24h Foundation - 550 Suede 
3. MAC - Ambering Rose Blush
4. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish - Gold Deposit 
5. Makeup Forever - Smoky Extravagant Mascara
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What's In a Simple Face?

The products below have been my staples for the past couple of months. I have always been into a simple face when it comes to my makeup application. This is probably because my makeup application knowledge is lacking lol. Either way just give me a great foundation, mascara, liquid eyeliner (not shown but im currently using Revlon), Rubywoo, and bronzer. This is a simple, quick, and effective everyday face :)
 



<3
MM
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Im Loving It: MUFE Mat Velvet

Lately I haven't been feeling my staple foundation, MAC Match Master (in 9.0). I find that after a couple hours of wear it leaves me as an oil slick and oxidizes a little to red for my taste. I suppose my skin texture has shifted from dry to super oily. Whatever the case maybe I wasn't feeling the MAC anymore. After reading several reviews and stalking YouTube for a new foundation, I decided to try Make Up Forever's Mat Velvet (in 80). So far im loving it. MUFE's Mat Velvet is an oil free foundation that has a beautiful matte finish that leaves skin looking flawless. It feels great on the skin and the match is pretty dead on. The coverage is medium to full yet it looks super natural. 


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Congrats Gabby

16 year old, American, Gabby Douglas made history at the Olympics and I could not be more proud of her. Some people tried to dampen poor Gabby's accomplishments by attacking her hair calling it "nappy" and other names. The fact is she is gymnast! I'm not sure how you maintain your hair when you are flipping and jumping. But what do I know? Not only is Gabby a fierce competitor but she is also a beautiful young woman both inside and out. She is a lovely role model for both woman and little girls around the world.




Photo:  http://www.listofimages.com/

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M.A.C Matchmaster

Even though I am not a huge fan of MAC foundations. I decided to try MAC's Matchmaster foundation and I am glad I did. Usually I find MAC's foundations to be heavy. I hate feeling the weight of the makeup I am wearing. (does that even make sense?) 


 This foundation feels light and  it is buildable. It provides medium coverage and a natural finish. A little goes a long way also. I think out of all the foundations I have tried this is a pretty good match for my skin tone. (I am a 9.0) 


I think i'll be using this for a while until I am tempted by another foundation. I would definitely recommend it to a friend. Have any of y'all used this foundation? I'd love to hear what y'all thought of it.

(Sorry for the craptastic photobooth pics...hopefully ill be getting a camera soon)

xo- Mel
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Olay Prox Advanced Cleaning System

As I a Christmas gift to myself I bought the Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleaning System facial brush. I have always wanted a Clarisonic ever since my cousin gave it rave reviews. However, being in my current state of brokeness I just couldn't see myself paying $100+ on it. I head over to Google to find myself a good dupe and this is when I discovered the Pro-X brush. It received rave reviews on Amazon and that was good enough for me! (LOL)


The brush is suppose to cleanse skin 6 times better than using your hands. Many people have stated that after using the brush it allowed for the moisturizer to seep into their skin much better. Also reviewers have noted brighter clearer skin.

My package ended up being stolen by the goons that live in my neighborhood! I was sooo upset! Amazon quickly replaced my package, which I got today. I cannot wait to use it. Be on the look out for a review. 



UPDATE: I LOVE THIS THING! I highly recommend it. I am seeing improvements in my skin already. :)
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My Fix

Every girl needs MAC's Fix + in their makeup bags!!!! I swear buy this stuff. It's like a reset button for your makeup. Just a couple sprays and not only does your skin feel refreshed your 12 hr made up face looks renewed and less greasy. (maybe that's just me with the oily face lol)


 

I also use Fix + to set my foundation. Sometimes I have a tendency to look a little ashy with certain foundations which isn't a good look at all. I dont know what it does to take away that ashen look but its all good with me :-p
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F A I L ...

I had this awesome idea to do a makeup tutorial video showcasing my everyday look with a red lip. Sounds super cool right?! Well... I did the WHOLE video and I WASN'T RECORDING. (ummmm yeah i know epic fail!)

Buuuut I can show y'all the final product!




Products used:  1. Neutrogena Intensified Day Moisture
                           2. MAC Studio Fluid Fix - NW 50
                           3. Set Foundation w/ MAC Blot Powder - Deep Dark 
                           4. Contour cheeks w/ Cover Girl Queen Collection's bronzer in Q120
                           5. Cheeks MAC - Sweet as Coco and on apple of cheeks Estee Lauder Wild Rose
                           6. Fill in brows w/ MAC Embark eyeshadow
                           7. Line eyes w/ liquid eyeliner in black and mascara - Bare Essentials             
                               Flawless Definition Volumizing  in Black
                           8. MAC Lipstick - Ruby Woo


Sooo....what do you think?!

♥ Mel
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To Dye For...

Lately i've been getting the urge to dye my hair. I currently dye my hair Oriental Black which I love but I have been dying my hair jet black for ages. I want to lighten things up a bit. I'm just terrified of the outcome.

Gabby Union is my go to women when it comes for hair color inspiration as she is a fellow dark skinned beauty.

 

I wish I could just commit to a color besides black lol
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Drug Store Vs. Brand Name...The Beauty Edition

I've finally ran out of my MAC and MUFE foundations and I found myself in a bind. My cash was low (student life...love it) and I needed foundation with the quickness. So guess where I ran. CVS! I picked up Black Opal's True Color foundation. I had my reservations but the product is pretty on point. A little definitely goes a long way, its build-able, and it doesn't feel heavy on the face. My only gripe is i couldn't a shade to match my skin tone...i had to go with a slightly darker color. I cannot remember how much I paid but im pretty sure it was not over $13.00.




I tested out MUFE HD at Sephora, I asked for a sample and tried out the foundation for about 3 weeks. YES that sample size foundation lasted me 3 WHOLE WEEKS! So it goes with out asking that a little bit goes a long way. I really enjoyed the finish and texture of this foundation. I did get a little oily but i cannot avoid that no matter the foundation :(. Compared to Black Opal, I'd have to but this ahead of it. MUFE HD retail for about $40.00 pricey but worth it.


I'd have to say that MAC's studio sculpt would be my least favorite out of the three (shocker...i know) it was just too heavy for me personally. I felt like I had mud mask on. Don't get me wrong the finish was wonderful and my face looked flawless but I couldn't get over over the heaviness. This isn't a summer time foundation at all...well at least for me. 


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Drug Store Finds: Just The Basics Makeup Wipes

CVS is right across the street from my job and im always in there looking for a new beauty product. I recently ran out of my M.A.C makeup wipes and decided to try something else. I decided to try out just the basics because i was attracted to the simplicity of the packaging LOL!


These wipes are only $2.99 for 30 wipes and boy are they amazing. The wipes are large and sturdy. One wipe will definitely remove an entire face of makeup with ease. I think i may like them more than my M.A.C wipes...you really cant beat the price.
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Steal of a Peel

Today was a semi-stressful day at work (ahhhhh) so i decided to treat myself to toiletries (dont judge me) I picked up Freeman's Cucumber Peel-Off Mask and I am in love. The mask left my face feeling firm, fresh, and soft. The kicker here is the mask only cost me 3 bucks, you really can't beat that. While the peeling off of the mask took multiple times...im sure with practice i'll be able to peel the mask off in on piece.

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Signature Scents

I believe every woman should have a signature scent, a calling card so to speak. Besides no one really likes anyone who has a serious case of B.O. (yuck!) if you get my drift ;). Here are a few of my favorite perfumes.



1. Chanel No. 5 (a must have)


2. G - Harajuku Lovers (My everyday fragrance pretty much)


 3. Princess - Vera Wang (Light and feminine) 

 4. Romance for Women - Ralph Lauren (A non-over powering floral)

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Le Cheap Pinks...

Since black isn't a color per se, I'd have to say my favorite color is definitely pink. This is especially true for lip color. Every time I'm shopping at cvs or any other drugstore i gravitate towards the lip color. Here are a couple of my favorite drug store pinks.

from left to right: 1. Wet n Wild #521A 2. Wet n Wild #511B 3. Neutrogena Coral Dream #500 4. Revlon Rosey Nude #065
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Viva GaGa

My current fave lip combo is Viva Glam GaGa 2 and Revlon #065 Rosy Nude.  Ive been searching for a soft pink FOREVER, so im really hyped about this combo. I use either currant lip liner (MAC) or Espresso (NYX).

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Moistuizing My Situation...

Yesterday I was in Walgreen's shopping for a new lip balm. I had become tired of my usual Carmex, it had become uber drying and in general an all around bad look. I decided to go with Eos and I must say im glad I did. My lips are kissable (not that I have anyone to kiss...but thats another story...lol) and moisturized for a lengthy period of time. I also really dig the shape of the balm its fun and easy to find in my purse. Another plus is that Eos lip balms are 100% natural. If you ever find yourself in the market for a new lip balm I recommend Eos.

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Reddy or Not?

Idk when my love affair with red lips began but im pretty sure its here to stay. Currently my go to red is MAC's Ruby Woo (i liiiiiive for this lipstick!!!!!). 

Ruby Woo is a matte lipstick and its perfect for a classic red lip. I tend to tone it down it down by using Current lip liner, as I am darker.





(W/O liner...sorry for the cruddy camera phone pic)


(My usual w/Current lip liner)
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