I'm obviously not really good at keeping up with this blog life or if I even consider even having a blog life, but it's been a good year since I've touched this page and it feels so good to be back because the many exciting things that has change in my life. I know last year I was crazy about my Estee Lauder Double Wear Max, but believe it or not those days are over and I'm happily married to my Dermablend Custom Cover Creme. It's crazy how I found this foundation a little later than Estee Lauder, but I never picked it up to try it. But now that I know how to use and apply it, my life has changed immensely because of it and the compliments on my foundation is going off the charts. My make up game is so much different than how it was a year ago and I'm glad to say that my artistry skills on myself and clients are improving as well. There is no end point in make up artistry because the trends are constantly changing and there's always different techniques and styles to be learned. I'm excited to do a full review of Dermablend and a show of all their products!
But as we say hello to May and good bye to April, I'd love to do to a monthly favorites of products I could not put down in my make up routine whether if it was getting ready for school or getting glammed up at work.
So as I already mentioned Dermablend earlier, I'll save my full review for a separate post for that. But as for the month of April, it was all about complexion. In the image above most of the things I've picked out to make my monthly favorite list are all about face, complexion, skincare, and of course I had to show the lippies that was starred in all my selfies this month.

BOSCIA DETOXIFIYNG BLACK CLEANSER- I just went and bought another bottle of this cleanser the other week because of how much I love this product. When using this cleanser there is a warm sensation when first hitting the skin because of the way it detoxifies the skin. There's a warming effect because it helps the pores to loosen and open up making it easy for impurities like make up and dirt to be removed. Can I also mention how long this product lasted me? It lasted me about 5 months till I had to buy a new one and keep in mind that I use make up about 4-5 days a week. The fragrance of this cleanser is phenomenal and if you don't know much about the Boscia line, they are skincare line based in Japan and so all the ingredients they used are derived from natural plants and sources. I've been trying other Boscia skincare products and so far so good!

MAC 'OH DARLING' HIGHLIGHT- Do I even need to talk about this highlight!? I was so lucky to buy one of the last ones at the MAC boutique at the Macarran airport terminal while traveling back home this past year. This highlight is pure gold shimmer that I use alone or on top of another highlight. The intensity brights so much glow and dimension to the skin. Too bad this highlight was limited edition because I would totally recommend this in every highlight collection.

BENEFIT AIR PATROL BB EYE PRIMER

NYC SMOOTH SKIN BRONZER 'SUNNY'

AIRSPUN LOOSE FACE POWDER

BENEFIT POREFESSIONAL MATTE RESCUE

MAYBELLINE AGE REWIND CONCEALER

DOSE OF COLORS 'CORK'

KAT VON D LIQUID LIPSTICK 'LOLITA II'

SUGAR SPORT

Eyeshadow Favorites

Spring Cleaning

Spring has finally arrived! How will you be doing your spring cleaning this year? Fresh new wardrobe? Colorful home decor? Well, as for myself I've decided to "clean" up my skincare routine by switching to Dermalogica this spring season.  I haven't been too happy with my skin care routine lately because it has been all over the place with different brands. My skin felt congested and under stress for a while until Dermalogica© was introduced to me. Dermalogica© is what I've been working with since the start of March [When I started esthetics] and my knowledge about this brand has been growing not only within itself but with skincare in general. I've been learning about different ingredients and their benefits as well as the digging deep into each and every product/treatment catering to every kind of skin type and condition. Developed by highly passionate professional skin therapists, Dermalogica uses ingredients that keep "skin at an optimal level of fitness" which keeps skin at its healthiest showing amazing short and long term results. With MANY products to choose from, they are customizable to fit every kind of lifestyle routine and skin. Our skin is the largest organ of our body and is also the last organ to receive any nourishment you consume/exert to your body. Skincare is an essential understanding because skin reflects who we are today and who we will be 10 years from now. I've learned that having the proper education about your skin and body has to be the best investment of your time. Honestly guys, anyone can talk make up and beauty, but it takes energy and proper understanding to know skin skin deep. How can you get a gorgeous make up application without a beautiful canvas?

Another reason why I've switched to Dermalogica is because I've been recently taking clients for face/body treatments and waxing services. Why would I prescribe my clients with products I have no experience with myself? For those of you "product jumpers" who have a consistency of switching products every week because "it doesn't work", that's probably it. It take approximately takes 60-90 days to see an actual result [Good or bad] with consistency use of a product within that time frame. Also, I've learned that using the same skincare brand within products works best because they are all formulated to work together giving you a better system to see results you want.
There are many myths people swear by when it comes to skin care and that is also why people don't see good results in their skin. So I've made a list of the top ten common mistakes/myths people make within their skincare. Each week I will go down the list [I won't go in order] talking about each topic and I will dive deep into the specific to give you guys a better understanding. I will talk about ingredients, include skin anatomy and biology if I have to just so I can make a difference in skincare regimens! Stay tuned, guys, I think this will be fun. It's never too late for education because twenty years from now you don't want to wish you could have started today.

1. Skin Conditions

2. Sun Protection

3. Skin Diseases

4. Oils

5. Exfoliants

6. Free Radicals and Antixoidants

7. Parabens and Silicones

8. Chemicals, Acids, and Active Ingredients

9. Melanin and Tanning

10. Waxing vs. Shaving

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor know everything in the world. I just want to share with you guys the amazing education I've been receiving because for the past eight weeks I've been having such an incredible experience at SFIEC. The way I'm intrigued into every demonstration and lecture, I've never experience in any other classroom.  I know most of you don't have the opportunity to experience what I'm experiencing, so I want to give you guys a little piece of that.

Once I made the discovery that Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover was my gonna be my "forever" foundation, I've been getting a lot of compliments and questions about my foundation routine. If I haven't mentioned in my previous posts, I do have a Port Wine Stain that covers my entire right cheek. A Port Wine Stain is a skin disorder that I was born with and had also dealt with growing up [That's a whole different story]. Anyways, I hence the term camouflage because I actually don't recommend this foundation for everyone because not everyone needs this heavy of a coverage for their skin especially when they have nothing to camouflage [That's a good thing!]. It's called Double Wear MAXIMUM COVER CAMOUFLAGE Makeup for a reason. If you really want a coverage of level 900, go for it, it's that you're desired look but ideally this formulation is for birthmarks, intense bruising/hyper pigmentation/scarring, tattoos, Vitiligo, and Rosacea.  Whether if it's on your body or face, this foundation will cover without a corrector/concealer or building it with layers. But if you guys don't have any of which I mentioned, I highly HIGHLY recommend the Estee Lauder Stay in Place Foundation; I've read amazing reviews and seen beautiful results.
I am in the shade N42 Spiced Sand and I've actually went through three shade changes when I was back home in Hawaii. I'm gradually getting a bit lighter now that I'm back in the bay area, so hopefully I'll be back in store for a lighter shade and restock. For $37 you're paying for 1 FL. OZ/30 ML that will honestly last you 4-5 months. I go to school and work, so I use make up at least 4-6 days a week. Guys, trust me when I say a little goes a long way, because it does. And of course, if you wear makeup less than I do it'll probably last you triple the amount of months.
Oily and oily/combo skin types out there will love this foundation because this is MATTE to the wall. Not semi-matte, not satin-matte, this is TRUE 110% MATTE because of the fullest coverage it will display.  What I recommend to my dry and normal skin types that do want to try this foundation is to moisturize moisturize MOISTURIZE [This goes for you oily people too!] You do not want your skin look drier than it already is and you're face will thank you even more if you top it off with a hydrating setting spray as well.
Let's talk more about how matte this bad boy is. When a foundation like this is this matte, your face will be flat and lifeless because it'll take away the dimensions and contour with one all around shade. Like other traditional foundations, this is NOT the foundation you slap on and you're ready to start your day, NO [Unless you want to look like the moon emoji then by all means]. This foundation will need at least a touch of blush, bronzer, or contour on your face. Guys, I promise that this foundation will give you an AMAZING canvas for your make up but blending some life and color back onto your face will do you even better. I love using shimmer sheen blushes and gold/orange tone bronzers to give my face that glowing complexion that will balance out that matte finish.
It claims to wear for about 12 hours and that can true because depending what you're doing throughout the day/night it doesn't hurt to touch up here and there [Why else do we go to the bathrooms?] And how does a foundation go wrong when they have SPF 15 Broad Spectrum? Here's a tip: When your sun protection/moisturizer/foundation does not have "Broad Spectrum" it has not been tested to defense against UVA/UVB protection.
This is honestly my skin in liquid form inside of a 2 inch tube. I know that I can finally trust in the beauty industry to cater to different skin types, conditions, and even colors because it's challenging finding the right foundation for you skin type, condition, and shade. Many people struggle with foundations because of the different tones and formulations to keep in mind. So overall guys, don't give up. Don't give up finding something that'll make you feel confident or accomplished because in the end when you do find it, it'll be worth it all. It's like finding the right pair of jeans that'll fit like a glove. Perfect jeans is too a hard one to find right? When I did some styling work at Macy's a couple years ago, it broke my heart meeting woman that didn't like trying jeans on because they thought that their search for the perfect jean was impossible. But when I got them into that fitting room and kept pulling sizes and styles for them to try on, I was able to change some lives because I never wanted them to leave another store feeling defeated. Who knows how ONE thing can make a woman feel beautiful and confident. Listen guys, no matter what shape, color, length you are there is something out there MADE FOR YOU.

http://www.esteelauder.com/product/643/13015/Product-Catalog/Makeup/Face/Foundations/Double-Wear/Maximum-Cover-Camouflage-Makeup-for-Face-and-Body-SPF-15

http://www.esteelauder.com/product/643/22830/Product-Catalog/Makeup/Face/Foundations/Double-Wear/Stay-in-Place-Makeup

March 2015 was seriously MAD. I started my esthetics program at the San Francisco Institute and landed a job with Sephora in Union Square. So much has been going on and my urge to blog killed me inside. But honestly guys, the amount of information I've received in the past five weeks was insane and my inspiration to blog more is growing and growing because I have so much to tell you guys! So, with 35 hours a week of school plus another 25 hours a week with work including sleeping and eating, I think I want to challenge myself to a blog post at least ONCE a week. Think I can do it? Let's see. Well anyways, HELLO APRIL! Yesterday was Easter day and I thought I'd post these Lush bath bombs in honor of colored eggs and bunnies [Can't wait to try these cuties out!] Spring is here. The season of blossoming, colors, and fresh warmth. If mother nature is blooming, why can't we as well? Spring is a time where we can "shed" and wake up from the cold, dry winter . Whether if it's shedding away our current wardrobe and replacing it with fun colors or even shedding the things that hold us back from being happy and achieving our goals. I think this spring I wanna shed into something new and different and really start making things happen for myself. How 'bout that Estee Lauder foundation review I promised?

FEBRUARY FAVORITES

As we say farewell to February, I think a "favorites" post would be very much appropriate. I am so stoked for March to arrive because my first day at SFIEC is next week! I'm excited to get back on that school/grind because this has seriously been the longest Winter break I've ever been in [TWO MONTHS!] and although laying around, watching Netflix all day has been relaxing, I think I'm ready to get back to reality. Before going into my face favorites, let me mention the release of the MAC Viva Glam lipstick by Miley Cyrus that raged this month. I just needed this lipstick in my collection because it's a such a gorgeous, fun bright pink that can make a statement on any skin color. I've also been loving my nude lipsticks this month as well [I love them every month to be honest], shout out to my NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in the shade Abu Dabi has been my absolute every day lip that I go to; A matte brown nude with a soft pink undertone. NYX just released their Intense Butter Glosses and you guys need to check them out because they are everything!
Towards the ending of this month, I also fell in love with another style of lashes by House of Lashes. They are called Heartbreaker. What I love about these lashes is that they are natural, they blend easily with my natural lashes, and they are so light compared to my Iconic lashes from the Premium Luxe collection. Heartbreaker is dense which I really love in a lash, but the ends flare out so softly and in a way that they look like you're lashes with more length.
My Fresh Cream Lotion from Philosophy was on the low this month so I decided to pick up the Lemon+Sage Body Butter by Bliss. I've heard a lot hype about this butter butter and I see why! I am in love with the citrus smell, thick texture, and how it gives my skin so much moisture. A definite repurchase because for 14 oz the price is worth it and I think Bliss is just an amazing brand to do a lot of experimenting with as far as skin care.

After doing research and purchasing the Josie Maran's Winter Dreams Skincare collection, the Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil really stuck out to me because of how versatile of a product it is. It claims to balance, moisturize, de swells, highlights, prime and prep, and more. Well, I've been using this as a primer and it does an amazing job. I found my foundation gliding on so easily over this primer, it locks in my foundation all day, and it minimizes my pores around my nose area. Definitely a favorite and repurchase!
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have finally found my holy grail foundation that I know I'll be reaching for... forever.  I found the Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover foundation back at the ending of 2014 when I was still back home in Hawaii. It took me 3 shade changes to find the perfect shade and when I did, it was literally my skin in a tube [NO JOKE]. I am in the shade Spiced Sand and this foundation is a creme texture, easy to blend, full and concealing coverage and easily covers my PWS [Port Wine Stain].  I honestly have so much to say about this foundation I can seriously go all day so I think I might do a full review on this foundation by itself. The brush I use to buff out this foundation is my Sedona Lace FB07 flat kabuki brush. I believe any flat or round top kabuki brush is perfect for getting a fuller coverage with your foundation because you're pressing the product onto your face rather than rubbing it on sheers it out.
Tarte Cosmetics has been on their game this month launching new products so I decided to pick up their Amazonian Pressed Clay Tinted Finishing Powder in the medium shade. This powder locks in my foundation all day as well as their Amazonian translucent powders for setting concealer. Favorite blush of the month goes to MAC Gingerly. I picked this up in Hawaii as well and it is such pretty effortless rosy pink, beige shade with a coral undertone that brings so much life and dimension onto my face.
On those days where I don't like to wear make up and I'm leaving the house, a pair of shades is what I reach for. Rest in peace to my old Dolce and Gabbana shades that Sophie [Family chow dog] chewed up but say hello my new pair also by D&G. I am in love with this pair because I'm more driven to those cat eye, big frame, glamour shades that make me feel more stylish when I go bare faced.

It's been a while since I've posted something on this thing. Just got back to the city about a month ago and it's been such a grind change.  So just for a little warm up before I start actually committing to blogging [We'll see...], I want to do a mini Lush haul because my hair and skincare products needed restocking.  I decided to ditch my H'suan Wen Hua mask and try Roots out. I found the smell of H'suan Wen Hua too strong and bothersome to me, especially with the other overwhelming scents with the Lush shampoo and conditioner I use. The smell of Roots is much more mellow and compliments Cynthia Sylvia Stout and American Cream much more. I've used it only once, so give me a month to review! Dark Angels was another pick up, not for me, but for Colton. Colton's skin is acne prone and very oily. He was on Coalface for a while and since he also was running out, I picked up Dark Angels because it has the same Charcoal base which does help absorb excess oil.  The consistency is a mud exfoliant that also contains black sugar and rhassoul mud for brightening complexions and opening up blocked pores.  I haven't masked my face in decades so I also picked up two new fresh face masks; Brazened Honey and Cupcake. We tried reaching for BB Seaweed, but I guess we picked up Cupcake on accident. I love how fresh face masks feel on the face because since we do have to keep it fresh in the fridge, it feel so cooling on the face. Reviews coming soon.... and hopefully more blog posts!

 

Roots http://www.lushusa.com/Roots/03741,en_US,pd.html#start=2

Brazened Honey http://www.lushusa.com/Brazened-Honey/06092,en_US,pd.html#q=Brazened%2520Honey&start=1

Cupcake http://www.lushusa.com/Cupcake/06095,en_US,pd.html#q=cupcake&start=2

Dark Angels http://www.lushusa.com/Dark-Angels/9999906954,en_US,pd.html#q=dark%2520angels&start=1

We all know how ladies get when it comes to chocolate. But when it comes to chocolate AND make up, things can get a little bit crazy. Too Faced has recently launched their new "Semi-Sweet" Chocolate Bar [Their second chocolate bar eyeshadow palette] and this past Christmas I was fortunate enough to receive this from Colton [Thanks bae!] First impression, the box packaging is too adorable.  It's Too Faced, their packaging are always too cute so pass on! The palette is a metal container just like the first chocolate palette but because it's "Semi Sweet" its packaged as a milk chocolate brown rather than a dark chocolate brown like the first one is [That was clever]. And of course, just like the first one the aroma of this palette is... Hmmm... Let's just say... Delicious because of the hydrating antioxidant-rich cocoa powder the shadows are made with. Can we talk about the names??? Talk about candy for your eyes! Now, before purchasing an eyeshadow palette I always like to swatch the pigments because we all know how expensive these palettes can get and we want to make sure we get our money's worth [Right? RIGHT!] When I first swatched a couple of these pigments I'll be honest, they were a bit disappointing because of how dull and lifeless they were [ I'm talking about the nude browns and pinks].  But maybe I thought that's why it's a "Semi Sweet" [Way to be clever again, Too Faced]. But what wasn't disappointing were the darker browns and golds! They are gorgeous for the crease and even for the lids.  Perfect for those New Year's parties coming up.  Below I swatched my absolute favorite eye shadows with a flash camera. This palette always comes with two highlights.  One is matte and the other is shimmer. The matte [Coconut Creme] I had a hard time liking because it took me multiple swatches to get a rich pigment and the shimmer [Butter Pecan... Again the names!] is three times pigmented than Coconut Creme and it's actually pretty gorgeous.

Price: $49
Pros: THE NAMES! | Shimmers > | Good for literally NUDE looks... Trust me
Cons: 75% of palette is not pigmented rich | Not worth the price | Packaging could be sturdier
Repurchase: Most Likely Not

Rum Raisin | Caramel | Bon Bon | Peanut Butter | Hot Fudge | Cocoa Chili

Also on Cyber Monday, I had a lash bash and totally took advantage of House of Lashes sales [20% off + Free shipping].  Of course my lashes that I've been always wanting [Heartbreaker + Temptress Wispy] were sold out and STILL IS sold out [HOW?] I still got a really good deal on 4 sets of stunning lashes for only $70!  Each set of 3 pairs ranges to about $18-$30 depending what styles you get, but for this sale I seriously got each set for about $17.50 [without tax] and that's pretty amazing especially if you're looking for quality lashes.  Now, I'm all about lashes with thick bands [Iconic, Pixie Luxe, Starlet].  But what I didn't know is that the lashes in the cute, blue and pink packages are NOT [Which I didn't know... but now I frickin do] and I didn't know how I felt because I'm not use to putting lashes on with clear and flexible bands.  But they do give a really pretty, natural pop to your eyes [Let me emphasize NATURAL... no joke] and if you ladies are into that natural and effortless look [I picked up Bambie, Bohemian Princess, and Bombshell]. Of course Bohemian Princess and Bombshell are a tea bit denser than Bambie, they still look natural [Not too long, not too short, and still very natural].  What I love about Bambie though, is the clear band and how every other cluster of lash is long which allows your natural lashes to poke through and ugh, it is absolutely adorable.  I did also pick up a set of lashes with the thick bands that I love wearing.  They're called Noir Fairy in the pink packaging.  Very similar to the Iconic's [My absolute go to!] except there are a tiny bit more and longer hair towards the center of the band which I love, whereas the Iconic is just a perfect gradient of short to longer lashes toward the ends.  Overall,  I love the both and they're perfect for cat eyes, smokey eyes, or even just an oomph on the eyes. You guys, they are also out with three  pink, blue, and lavender] premium / limited edition lash gift sets perfect for duh, gifts! They are $65-$70 for seven of their lashes [Original retails $80-90], utterly amazing deal, and the packaging on the website looks too cute to pass up! Check them out on the link below and can I get a hell yeah to lashaholics?!

http://houseoflashes.com/

Cyber Monday sales surely did kick off this holiday season! Since I was in SoCal that weekend, I decided to skip the crazy crowds and endless lines & finally take part of Cyber Monday sales instead. Who would pass up Sedona Lace's 50% everything and anything sale?!?! I had my eyes on their Vortex Professional Make up brushes for the longest time and my wait for them to come in the mail was agonizing! They originally retail for $99.95 and I got them for half the price before they were sold out the next few hours! The new year calls for new brushes and I am too stoked to try these suckers out especially with new techniques with the new shapes and densities the brushes entail. I also checked out their 12 Concealer palettes as well for about $7 [Talk about a steal right?] What I absolutely love about the concealer is the green [on the far left bottom corner].  I have to almost always use a green concealer to cover up my port wine stain on my right cheek and I'm also stoked to finally try a new cover up. Reviews?

http://www.sedonalace.com/Cosmetic-Brushes/53/Vortex-Professional-Makeup-Brushes-without-Belt.aspx
 
http://www.sedonalace.com/Cosmetics/247/12-Color-Camouflage-Concealer-Palette.aspx

 

I'm not sure the reason, but it's always around the holiday season that I get more crazed and obsessed with make up and beauty products.  This past Thanksgiving weekend, I was in SoCal and although this wasn't the best shopping trip ever, I'm still happy and excited with the pick ups I got from Lush, Sephora, and MAC [Thank you boyfriend!].  My lippie game has been lifeless for the past several months and so I dedicated my whole MAC/Sephora trip to some new lip liners, lipsticks [If you don't know MAC products, they are absolutely rich in application and longevity] and I also collected the TooFaced Lip Injection Extreme. I'll be sure to do a review on the long term results with the lip plumper, but already trying it for one night has been an experience. Now when looking for a new conturing palette, my urge to Smashbox's was killing me but I just went with my gut and picked up  Nars' contour blush. Overall, the conturing is effortless and natural looking. Not forget to mention the highlight that it comes with is absolutely gorgeous! Can't wait to try new looks and I can't wait even longer for my cyber monday packages to come in the mail!

I've always been a huge fan of Lush's bath bombs and bubble bars [Who isn't?] But when I heard the hype about their hair products, I knew I had to get up on that hype. I picked up a shampoo, conditioner, hair treatment/mask, and also a body/face mask. Swatching them in store, they smell absolute fresh and organic [Because they are!] and I guarentee that they won't leave my locks disappointed. Review coming soon!