Beauty {Cosmetics}: BB (Blemish Balm) Creams

photo via

The biggest make up trend to come this summer are BB creams.  BB short for blemish balms, are all the rage in Asian culture and are sure to be the next big thing come state side.  The creams are an all in one skin care regiment that works to conceal, moisturize, treat dark spots and provide high SPF protection.  It serves the same function as a tinted moisturizer providing better coverage as it blends well with your natural skin tone minimizing the need for concealer or foundation.  I have yet to try these products but as a person who has yet to find a tinted moisturizer that has made me want to give up on my foundation, this cream seems like it might actually be perfect in terms of the coverage I am looking for.  Tinted moisturizers for me always seem to do a horrible job of blending well with darker colored skin tones and I feel like it grays out my complexion more than anything.  What do you guys think, are you ready to give up on your favorite foundation in exchange for BB creams?

Cosmetics {Video}: Bobbi Brown 10 Step Make Up Lesson

I love Bobbi Brown's approach to make up and I could never tire of this video.  I love the practicality of this look, it is an everyday basic look that enhances the natural features and can be worn out on the town or at work alike.  I also have her book as well with pictures and step by step instructions.  Bobbi Brown really makes this look easy doesn't she?

Cosmetics: Bright Eyeliner Video Tutorial

 

I am not a fan of colored eyeliner.  I tend to stick with black or brown but this video tutorial has me really wanting to experiment with some colors (especially the blue used here).  What do you guys think would you ever try the bright eyeliner look?

Cosmetics: Blush + Bronzer Video Tutorial

I came across this video on Sephora's YouTube channel and found it to be very helpful.  Blush and Bronzer are my everyday make-up look when I don't wanna go full on lip and eye.  I have to start using the illuminating cream more it really does make the skin glow.

Cosmetics: Bold Eye + Lip

Photo credit: Keiko Lynn

Blogger Keiko Lynn did a DIY post on how to achieve a bold eye + lip combo.  Most make up pros will tell you that if you go bold with one then you should have a more subdued/neutral color for the other.  While I agree with this generally, I think Keiko did an excellent job with the bold eye + lip combination.  Head over to her website for complete step by step instructions on how she created this look. 

Cosmetics: Lumieres Byzantines De Chanel Palette

Chanel has produced only 1,500 pieces of this new palette with five creamy shades from rose gold, antique bronze and pearl.  The colors are meant to make your eyes and cheeks luminous.  There are plans to only have 130 available in the United States at select stores for a retail price of $250 starting in June. 

This palette is gorgeous and is an extremely limited edition good luck finding it to anyone who is willing to spend that kind of money on makeup. 

'Mad' About Blogs: LC's 'The Beauty Department'

The Hills alum, fashion designer and author Lauren Conrad launched a brand new website/blog The Beauty Department not too long ago dedicated to all things beauty.  She gives great makeup, hair and DIY tutorials and from what I have seen so far I like.  This website has quickly become my second favorite beauty blog behind Anna Miya's C-Thru My Eyes makeup blog. I highly recommend adding this one to your favorites tab or blog list.   

Beauty & Cosmetics: Achieving a Look for a Formal Event

left: me; right: my sister

For my look I made sure I washed my face first to give a nice clean canvas.  I used Clinique's 3 Step Cleaner system.  Next I applied Clinique's Undereye Cream all over my eye lid and underneath.  Apply Bobbi Brown's undereye Creamy Concealer Kit  underneath the eye covering dark circles.  Then I applied Sephora's dual compact eye shadow in Golden Kaki No 06.  Not pictured I applied Bobbi Brown's Sheer Liquid Foundation.  MAC bronzer on my cheek bones as blush.  Also used Nars Multiple Use stick in Orgasm on the bridge of my nose, hairline and chin.  I decided to go with a nude lip in the

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Tashkent.

 For my sister I used less product because she doesn't wear much make up.  She also cleaned her face before application using Carol's Daughter Bring in the Moisture Skin Care Set.  Her face was plenty moisturized so I applied MAC pressing powder in Select Sheer all over her face to give it a more matte finish.  On her lids I applied Sephora's Dual Compact Eye Shadow in Hot Brown No 03.  I also applied a little bit of Sheer Cover under eye concealer.  On her cheeks I added a little bit of MAC mineralizing blush in Love Thing.  For the lip I added NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga with a little bit of moisturizer. 



For all of the makeup product suggestions, application instructions and tips I visit C-Thru My Eyes makeup blog by Anna Miya.  Make sure you check out her blog as well as twitter @cthrumakeup.  Her advice and product recommendations gave me the confidence to get into doing my own make up. 

NARS Product Review Follow-Up

So I wanted to update you guys following my post on C-Thru My Eyes product review for NARS.  I have plenty of blushes so I decided to go outside of my comfort zone and try something different.  I decided to get some bold colors for my lip.  When I got to Sephora I didn't know what to expect so I looked around to gather my thoughts and then proceeded to bombard the sales associate with plenty of questions.  This is very important for novice makeup artists or do it yourself makeup artists.  I always want to make sure I am buying the best products for my skin tone.  Lip color is one of those things that if you don't adhere to what is right for your skin tone it has the potential to be a disaster.  I decided to try the matte lip colors.  I was so surprised by how much I loved color on my lips.  I am a pink and nudes type of chick so this really is a big deal for me.  A few things about matte lipsticks:

• The are very rich colors 
• The texture of the coverage is dependent on if you apply a gloss or moisturizer.
• They operate like a lip stain so colors stay on longer

So there you have it folks I am no expert but this is a just a bit of information I gleamed from reading and talking to different artists.  I decided to go with the Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga.  It is a bit of a wine color and absolutely gorgeous.

 

Cosmetics and Beauty: NARS Product Review via @cthrumakeup

I have a slight obsession with all things pretty.  Basically beauty products, cosmetics and fashion!!  One of my absolute FAVORITE blogs to read is Anna Miya's C-Thru My Eyes blog.  Folks you should definitely check out her current post and her NARS Product recommendations.  While you are there make sure you follow the blog and her twitter over @cthrumakeup. 

'Mad' About Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics are quickly becoming my favorite cosmetics line.  Their products are so light weight and natural looking.  I wanted to share a few of my favorites as well as some of the new products she has out as well. 

Bobbi Brown Liquid Foundation with SPF15 - I use it religiously it gives me even tone and coverage and a nice golden look.  I love this stuff.





 Treatment Lip Shine with SPF 15-  all day coverage, light weight and keeps my lips plent moisturized. 




 


Creamy Concealer Kit- I love this product, it is a make up secret that I picked up from an up and coming make-up artist check out her blog C Thru My Eyes.  It gives a bright eyed look and it gets rid of those dark under eye circles. 



Rich Lip Color SPF 12-  I haven't tried this lipstick out yet but I am dying too.  I have one lipstick from MAC and I love it and I am looking forward to adding to the brand with this new one. 

These are just a few of the great products that Bobbi Brown Cosmetics have to offer head over to http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/ to check out more. 

'Mad' about Mixed Chicks & Miss Jessie's

So summertime is fast approaching which means heat, humidity and FRIZZ!!  I have always had natural hair, no chemicals or relaxers, just a blow dryer and flat iron.  The older I get the thinner my hair becomes when I straighten it so I have started to embrace my natural thick curly hair.  I have been getting a lot of compliments on my hair of late and wanted to share my hair care regiment with you guys. 

I wash and condition my hair with Mixed Chicks Shampoo, Deep Conditioner and Leave in Conditioner.  I braid my hair with the leave in condition for greater than 24 hours, some folks may require less.  My hair is extremely thick and soft so it takes longer to air dry.  If I don't leave it braided up for at least two days it becomes a big curly fro.  After a couple of days I remove the braids and I have my luxurious natural curls.

I also use Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue and Curly Buttercreme products to touch up my curls.  My hair stays this way for at least two weeks when I use these combination of products. 

Remember results will vary and I recommend the Mixed Chicks products for those with naturally curly hair and Miss Jessie's products for those whose hair isn't naturally curly.  They both work well and give you the desired result.

Check the websites for products:
http://www.mixedchicks.net/
http://www.missjessies.com/index.htm

'Mad' about Carol's Daughter

Okay so I was watching Oprah recently and Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith were on there.  I was fascinated by Jada's skin, it was so flawless and beautiful, so naturally I had to figure out her secret.  I did some research and learned that she uses Carol's Daughter's Products.  I immediately rushed out to Sephora to find it and I was extremely surprised and excited to see that they carried an entire line of products.  I am currently using the Wash Away the Oil Skin Care set.  It comes with Face Wash, Face Toner and Face lotion.  If you use all three products in that order I promise you will be extremely happy with the results, I know I am.

Check out the Carol's Daughter website for more skin care and hair care products:  http://www.carolsdaughter.com/home.do