Vivid MD Skincare- Satin Cleanser

Hi pretty girls, 

I'm back with another product review, and this time it's up-and-comer Vivid MD Skincare's Satin Cleanser. I came across Vivid MD Skincare while at a mixer for the Hair & Makeup Artists Network. Vivid was created by Hollywood makeup artist Kim Greene. According to the site, "Vivid MD Skincare are natural products that were developed under the direction of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, clinical estheticians, and make-up artists. It is a unique and effective line that repairs and renews damaged skin. All our products are paraben free and come in 100% recyclable packaging. It is enjoyed by both the medical industry and top celebrities." 

I have to say that the satin cleanser is very gentle and removes makeup and dirt from the skin with ease. Being of oily skin, I'm always wary of creamy textures in my cleansers, but this one left my skin feeling soft, not greasy. With ingredients like Rosemary, Chamomile and Seaweed extracts, this is great for sensitive skin. One thing to keep in mind is that because Vivid MD Skincare's products are all-natural, they do have a shelf life, and will go expire if you don't use them up right away. 

Satin Cleanser $25

I would absolutely buy the Satin Cleanser again. I'm also interested in their Purifying Whipped Cleanser, which doubles up as shaving cream for me and women, while also cleaning your skin. I did have a chance to try a sample of  the Perfection C Serum, but to be honest with you, the smell was too much for me. It's a super strong orange-y scent, and unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of citrus or even perfume for that matter. I guess I can blame it on my allergies. 

BITE Beauty

After perusing Sephora.com, I came across a new makeup line called BITE Beauty. With it's sleek black packaging, BITE Beauty is a collection of lip products made from all natural and food grade ingredients that help improve the appearance of aging. 

BITE Beauty makes a good point: your lips age too, and it's just as important to take care of them as well as the rest of your face. BITE Beauty's secret weapon is Red Wine Resveratrol (a powerful antioxidant found in red wine) which is found in all of their products. A fun fact: each Bite lipstick has the antioxidant equivalent of five glasses of red wine. 

As a makeup artist, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative products that not only have lasting power, but are good for your skin. If you're interested in trying Bite Beauty out, check out my top three picks below.

High Pigment Matte Pencil- $24
This pencil gives a long lasting, matte color using all natural products that are "good enough to eat" (literally)

Superfruit Butter- $18 
Right now this is only available via the Spring Cleaning Trio on the Sephora site. The Superfruit Butter contains concentrated whole superfruits for antioxidant age-repair. This all-natural butter is also scent-free. It comes in Acai, Blueberry, Cranberry and Pomegranate. "Use it on lips, cuticles – anywhere skin could benefit from a super boost of antioxidants and intensive conditioning." YES PLEASE!

Vitamin Gel- $18
This yummy vitamin gel is made with 5mg of vitamin C and 100% pure essential oils, helping to soften your lips, while the red wine Resveratrol improves your mood and smooths fine lines. Comes in Blood Orange, Ginger, Pink Grapefruit, Mint and Pineapple. This sounds weird but I would totally mix the Mint and Pineapple together!

January Shop & Tell

Hello my beauties! I had sworn off purchasing non-essential cosmetics to save money for my upcoming nuptials, but lucky for me, I received a ton of Sephora and MAC gift cards for Christmas, and even scored a few "Groupons" to Naimie's so I had an excuse to go this month. I tried not to go overboard, so this video isn't very long, but I definitely hit the jackpot with all these superb products!

PRODUCTS FEATURED

Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Gel

Makeup For Ever Mat Velvet in 30

Poo-Pourri Heaven Scent

Lime Crime- Cherry On Top Carousel Gloss

Mini Color Wheel

Philosophy Micro Delivery Peel

My Christmas Stash- Product Review

Happy Holidays, everyone! I got some great beauty gifts for Christmas this year and wanted to share them with you. I also gave the makeup studio walls a makeover with my sister-in-law Corine, check them out in the video below! Special shout out to Youtube for always choosing the ugliest photo stills of me for each vid. lol

PRODUCTS

Chantal's Lush Gifts

Comforter Bubble Bar

Blackberry Bath Bomb

Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

Allyson's Gifts

NYX Lip Liners

Urban Decay 24/7 eye liners

Urban Decay Naked Palette

My Purchases

Beauty Blender Sponge

Lise Watier Base Miracle Pore Minimizing Primer

Brazilian Waxes Feel Better than this Brazilian Peel

Advanced Home Actives Brazilian Peel: $78 --- This product touts itself as "An at-home, professional-strength peel with four once-a-week applications" and they weren't kidding. The second the peel touched my skin my eyes started burning. It was worse than cutting into a room temperature onion. My skin felt tingly, and not in a good way. I lasted maybe two minutes before splashing cold water all over my face. I don't have sensitive skin, but for some reason, this peel was way too strong, and didn't do squat for my skin. It looked exactly the same as before, with the exception of feeling a little burnt and sore. For the steep price, I'd rather just cut into a juicy onion and rub it into my skin for torture. Never again.

I'm giving this product an O for Ouch.

MAC Fall Launch

My good friend Jen and I attended MAC's Pro event at their Hollywood and Highland location last night, where we got to see and play with their three fall launches.

POSH PARADISE- Click here to view

This launch features 8 paint pots in neutrals, blues and plums. I don't love the paint pot's formula as a base for eyeshadow, but I did like the range of colors it came in. Also included were 10 slim Mattene lipsticks. These lipsticks promise a semi-matte, velvety finish without drying your lips out. I adore them and wish I had a reason to rock the deep dark purple one, Potent Fig. Two frost-finish nail laquers complete this launch, a gold and a dark purply blue. Not a fan of frost nail polishes, but they did compliment the trends we saw during NYFW.

MATCHMASTER SPF 15 FOUNDATION- Click here to view

This new foundation comes in 14 shades and features a different shade-numbering system than the typical MAC "NW15" or "NC30." Instead, the colors are numbered 1-10. This new foundation is made of translucent pigments to enable "a fully personalized finish influenced by the subtleties of your own skin's undertone." It's a demi-matte, medium finish. I tried a little on my hand. It has a velvety soft texture which leads me to believe it's a line-reducer, but not sure how/if this "new technology" really works. I like the pump-bottle. Although I can't wait for MAC and Makeup For Ever to start making foundations with higher sun protection- SPF 15 is like wearing a bridal veil: the sun can still see and get to your skin! Either way, if you like medium coverage, Matchmaster is worth a shot.

STYLE DRIVEN- Click here to view

This launch showcases 15 Pro Long Wear eye shadows which came in the old-school bigger size. The colors were all lovely and seemed to stay on well. I'm sure you will still need a basic eye primer to go underneath them, but still, that's just a fact of life. The only thing I didn't understand was why on earth they were so...big. Everyone knows a regular sized MAC eye shadow lasts forever, are you supposed to bury this one in the grave with you?! 12 ProLong Wear LipCremes join this launch. Again, the colors were gorge, but I didn't try any on, so I can't comment on how they feel or wear. They did look creamier than the normal ProLong Wears which you paint on with a wand, and seemed more user-friendly. 9 ProLong Wear LipGlasses accompany the LipCremes and might I say I am in love. They are super creamy, incredibly pigmented and look like vinyl on the lip! I bought one in Whoops! Let's talk about the ProLong Wear Lip Pencils- I wish I could have bought all 10 of them, but I settled by getting What a Blast! Long wearing and creamy. It's like the creme liners, except it doesnt smudge or move.

Aqua Sun Tan- Product Review

I received this product in an Emmy party bag a couple of years ago, and totally forgot to use it until last week. Aqua Sun Tan is basically a do-it-yourself airbrush tanning system. The Aqua Sun System costs $50 and includes a can of their sunless tanning mist, the barrier cream (to rub on your elbows, knees and in between your fingers and toes), the patented application wand that attaches to the sunless tanner can, eye goggles, a shower cap, and scrub gloves. 

The Process:

1) Scrub your body down pre-tan in the shower with the gloves on, using any shower gel/body scrub your own. Make sure you shave as well.

2) After you have toweled off and are dry, wear either a bathing suit, or like me, a tube top and boy shorts.

3) Apply the barrier cream between your toes, fingers, on your actual finger and toe nails, and a little on the elbows and knees.

4) Put the shower cap on, covering your hair, but exposing your ears and forehead. Wear the eye goggles.

5) Go outdoors (a backyard will work) to avoid spraying and breathing it in.

6) Attach the wand to the spray can (super easy) and spray away. The wand is bendable and allows you to get the hard-to-reach areas like your back and shins!


The Result:

The color will slowly appear over a few hours. I took a shower about eight hours after I applied this stuff, and I have to say, the color was SUPER even and gave me a great glow.


Survey Says: THUMBS UP! And refills of the cans are only $18. Way more efficient then slathering on bad smelling tanning lotions.

KollegenX Face Mask

I picked up this awesome 24K Gold Collegen Mask at the International Makeup Trade Show last month from KollegenX's booth. They come four in a pack. Click HERE to find out which salon near you carries their brand.

I don't look as glamorous as the girl in their ad, but I still felt like a rock star.

The mask is a silicone, rubbery texture covered in liquid. The liquid consists of Collegen and 24K Gold to boost your skin's cell renewal process as well as reducing wrinkles and puffyness. I laid down while wearing the mask to keep it from falling (my face is pretty small, apparently, because the mask was sliding all over the place and the holes were way too big). 20 minutes later, I threw away the mask and gently rubbed the remaining liquid into my skin. It dried in about 10 minutes total and man, did my skin look radiant and even-toned! Love this stuff...I'm so glad they were at the IMATS!

Big Bizzounce!

MAC recently came out with a line of Big Bounce gel eyeshadows. I was extremely skeptical of this item, until my fellow artist, Bay Area-based photographer and friend Ashleigh (you can follow her @stayreddy on Twitter) pointed out their Trophy shade.

These gel eyeshadows are extremely sheer, which is why I initially didn't like them. Ashleigh swept the Trophy's champagne-pink shade on my hand and said to use it on my cheek bones and T Zone for a highlight, and my eyes lit up. It's now an everyday staple for me. I adore dabbing it on brides' collarbones and cheek bones for a subtle and long-wearing highlight that truly looks lovely in photos.

Anastasia Pro Wax Kit-- Product Review

Hola Senioritas!

I wanted to share my thoughts on a poquito (sp?) little wax kit that was given to me by a friend to try. Anastasia is known for coming up with great tools and products for perfecting your eye brows. The Pro Wax Kit is an unbelievable $12 at Sephora. It's third of an ounce of wax is easily microwavable and manageable. Surprisingly, this small amount of wax lasts quite a while. Contrary to its name, you don't have to be a "pro" to use this. While I consider myself a connoisseur at plucking and trimming brows, I have never ventured into the wax arena and was a little nervous. However, the tiny little birchwood sticks the kit came with made it easy to control where the wax went, and how much of it went on my skin. I use one muslin strip each time I have to wax my brows (about once every 3 weeks). You can use them over and over again in one sitting.
I rubbed a little baby oil to the areas I waxed immediately after to help remove any stickyness and soften the skin, then finished off with a creamy moisturizer. Done and done.

DISCLAIMER: when waxing, do not re-wax the same area -your skin will be highly sensitive and may form a rash from being so raw. Again, I am by no means an esthetician, but simply a Middle Eastern girl with facial and body hair expertise.

Sisley-Paris Product Review

I was given some Sisley Paris products to sample by my lovely mother. I have to credit a lot of what I know about makeup and skincare to my mom. She has always been very good with her makeup. I won't say how old she is (because she will kill me) but her skin looks radiant! Growing up, Mom always did my makeup for school dances and dance/piano recitals. She gave me the "winged eyeliner" gene, which basically means we can both do liquid winged eyeliner with our hands tied behind our backs, haha. Mom is from Lebanon, so she was exposed to lots of expensive overseas creams and beautiful pricey makeup from Europe that I could never afford. She lets me borrow her stuff and gives me the products she won't use anymore, which I totally appreciate. I sampled the four (expensive, I'm talkin' $100 for 3 ounces) Sisley products below and here are my thoughts...

Looks like: Thick ivory cream

Smells like: Soft-spicy

Survey says? This is a great product for someone who wants to lighten their skin (very popular in the Asian culture, not so much in USA). It's also ideal for someone who has discoloration due to sun spots and wants to fade them out.

Looks Like:A smooth, white cream
Smells like: Very green, woodsy
Survey says? With Juniper and Salvia oil, this is a very strong-smelling cream that moisturized really well. It may not be the best for someone with oily skin or a sensitive nose...like I said, it's very strong!

Looks like: clear watery gel

Smells like: fresh flowers

Survey says? LOVE this stuff, it was super hydrating. I applied a heavy amount of the gel all over my face and around my eyes. I waited 5 minutes, removed the excess with a tissue, and left the rest on. I woke up with the softest skin ever. And it smells AMAZING

 Looks like: Sheer white serum

Smells like: Intoxicating rose-milk

Survey says? Milk and Sage make this a pleasant serum ideal for any skin. It was so soothing. I would describe it as Chamomile Tea for the skin.

Crown Brush Set

My sister (and everyone else who has seen my kit) is annoyed that I bought more makeup brushes, because according to them I already have "a thousand." But everyone knows I can't resist a good deal! Crown Brush is known for having the highest quality makeup brushes among the pros in the movie industry. I have heard about them for a while now, and after noticing a limited-time sale through a fantastic Youtube makeup artist, Kandee Johnson, I just had to try them. My  "thousand" brushes that I already own are all from MAC. I have to say that these brushes are AS good as MAC's, if not better. The quality of hair and the handle are about the same. These brushes are a little pricey regularly, but I got my 15 precious babies in this cute clutch with Kandee's deal for....$29.99!! That's less than $2.00 a brush!

What I really truly liked about these brushes is the shapes and textures...I had never seen a pencil brush that wasn't stiff, but super soft and bend-y. Or an angle brush that was so flexible. Or a contour brush so angled. Or... well I could go on for days. Crown Brush does sell the brushes individually for about the same price as MAC's. I can't express enough how important it is to have GOOD BRUSHES. If you are willing to invest in any part of your cosmetic routine, it needs to be A) Good Brushes and B) Flawless Foundation.

I wish this deal was still going on, I would have loved to share it with you, but it ended Dec. 31. I'll try to be more timely next time I see a deal like this with my blogs!

Winter 2011 Product Review

Happy December!

I am excited to share with you a plethora of beauty products that I recently got on my last (few) trip(s) to Sephora. I've recently started branching out and trying different brands. Most of my makeup career, I've relied heavily on MAC Cosmetics products, mostly because of my training there for 5 years and also because I get a SWEET discount with them. However, lately, I've felt a craving for more... variety. I mean, I can't call myself a good makeup artist if I mainly use one line of cosmetics! This recent urge has taken me on many trips to Sephora and several beauty counters, as well as poring through Youtube tutorials and online reviews. Every waking moment I have had the last few weeks has been spent educating myself on all the different brands and TRYING everything! I feel like I have a whole new world at my fingertips, but also, like I am doomed because of course all of this is COSTLY up the wazoo. Anyway, below are my new findings and what I thought of them.

Makeup For Ever HD Foundation-- $40

 I don't know where this foundation has been all my life, but I am AS excited about this as I was about NSync in high school. For the first time in my life, I am applying foundation on with my fingers. It glides on smoothly and gives beautiful coverage without feeling heavy. The color dries down true to what it looks like in the bottle, which is hard to find, as most foundations end up drying down darker than they look, or more yellow or pink. It looks gorgeous in photos as well as in person. Long-wearing and even a little sweat-proof. 

FRESH Magic Wands Mini Mascara Duo -- $10

I bought these in the checkout line at Sephora. Fresh's full size mascaras are a bit pricy, so I wanted to try them out before I committed. Supernova (the black one) looked beautiful at first, then slowly weighed my lashes down. It also doesn't dry fully..it feels like gel even hours after you apply it. Firebird (the blue one) however, is AMAZING. The wand can whip any flimsy lash hair into shape and LIFT your whole lashline. Dried down well and stayed on all day. 

Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Pure Gold -- $19

This is part of Tarantino's limited Gold Collection and is simply divine. The light reflects off the mineralized crystals in this golden dust and just heavenly. I applied some MAC Cream Color Base to my cheekbones and dusted it on with a flat-tipped blush brush. The result? ETHEREAL 

Makeup For Ever Waterproof Eyebrown Corrector-- $19

Once again, where on God's green earth has this been all my life? I have always been very disappointed with the quality of eyebrow-filling products in the market, until this. I've tried everything: eyebrow waxes (too greasy), eyebrow liners (to harsh), eyebrow gels (crusty and pointless), and eyeshadow-as-eyebrow-filler (not strong enough). I hate when people's eyebrows dissappear in photos because of the flash, or just look faded or even worse SHINY because of the product they put in them (mine included!). This silicone-based gel feels more like a cream and is applied with an angle brush. The color STAYS PUT (even through a workout at the gym), stays MATTE and stays SOLID. Washes off with soap and water. One tube will probably last you a lifetime, and no, I'm not joking. The only jest I have is that it only comes in 4 shades. I'm hoping they expand this line because it's honestly amazing.

Attention Blondies: This product also doubles as a lash darkener when applied with a clean mascara brush! And on graying sideburns and mustaches, so Grandpa and your Dad will be happy campers as well. 

FRESH Prime & Glow Duo-- $10

Freshface Primer and Freshface Glow

Once again, I was trying not to break the bank, so I bought the sample-sized version of these two products in the checkout line of Sephora. The Freshface Primer smells amazing (like roses!) and a tiny bit does go a long way. I'm not sure if it's worth the hefty price though ($36) , since there are so many other primers that are cheaper and can do the job just fine. The Freshface Glow  ($36) is a moisturizer with a red pearl glow. It's really gorgeous, but reminds me of MAC's Strobe Cream ($29), which is slightly cheaper. My thoughts? If you got the $$ go for it. If not, there are cheaper options.

Sephora Face Wipes (25)-- $8

What...an utter dissappointment. I jumped at the price-- 25 wipes for eight bucks!-- but gravely regretted it later. First of all, the wipes feel like they are SOAKED in Palm Olive. Secondly, it didn't remove jack sh*t. After using one wipe, I looked like Heath Ledger's The Joker. I still had to wash off the remainder of my makeup with my Philosophy Purity cleanser and warm water. I still stand strongly by MAC's wipes (45 for $18).



Holiday Gift Ideas!

Click the name of the cosmetic brand to find the link to these great gifts! Enjoy...

 

 Candy Cane Lane

PHILOSOPHY

$22.00

Includes Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Lip Shine all in Candy Cane Flavor



Great Skin Home & Away   

CLINIQUE

$59.00

Includes Full-Size Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula, Full-Size Clarifying Lotion, Full-Size Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Travel Size Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula, Travel Size Clarifying Lotion, Travel Size Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.

 

Sugar Plum Let It Glow!                     FRESH                                                                                     $28.00                                                                                     Includes Sugar Plum Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, Supernova Mascara, Twilight Freshface Glow, Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum                                      

Beauty In A Box: NARS Junkie      NARS             $69                                                                                              Includes Essential Eye Palette, Ophelia Lip Gloss, mini Orgasm Multiple, mini Bronzer in Laguna

                                                                                                                   Rock For Ever                                        MAKEUP FOREVER                                             $49                                                                                              Includes HD High Definition Microfinish Powder, Sens' Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eyes Cleanser, HD High Definition Microperfecting Primer, Smoky Lash mascara in Extra Black and Aqua Eyes Mat Black 0L

12 Days of Christmas                                LUSH                                                                                           Price ranges from $20 - $300                                                      Includes a variety of Lush bubble bars, bath bombs, shower gels, etc 



Baghaus.com Review #2

Hello fellow ShOpAhOLiCs!

As I mentioned in my last blog, I received my second BagHaus handbag in the mail last week and have been toting it around all over Northern California on a trip to a friend's wedding. It comes in a variety of colors (I chose tan) and from first hand experience I can tell you that it's heavy-duty. From carrying my regular stash (wallet, phone, lip gloss, etc) to stuffing the bag with last-minute things I forgot to pack, snacks, my ten pound planner and later jamming every kind of makeup item you can think of while getting seven women ready for a big wedding, it did me proud. The Nila Anthony Alessandra tote is made of VEGAN leather, which is really important to me, as I try not to use any kind of animal byproducts in daily use. It's the same reason I love MAC products so much, because they are animal cruelty-free and made to last. It comes with two carrying handles, big enough to hold up to your shoulders as well as an adjustable strap. Gold colored hardware and side zippered pockets for your keys, phone etc. Best of all, it doesn't dig into your shoulders, even if it is full to the brim. It goes for $58.00 on the site, which qualifies for (drumroll here) FREE SHIPPING! 

Check out how cute the inside is! Silky floral print to brighten up your day :) Don't mind my neon yellow nails.

Capuccino thought the bag was for toting him, which in hindsight, I suppose I actually could do. There was enough room in there for seven-pounds of doggy love and the rest of my stuff.

Even my mom, visiting from Vegas, got in on the action. She wants the same bag and is already planning on borrowing mine. Here she is modeling the adjustable strap and Cappy going along for a ride.

I know...my life is ridiculous. And thanks to companies like BagHaus, I can be a little more prepared. I just love how versatile this bag is. I can use it for every day (and you bet I do) , carry my dog, throw in extra items like food and clothes, or use it as a traveling makeup kit. What uses for your hangbag do you have?

New Under-Eye Products

Lately, the most frequently asked question I get is "how do I get rid of these puffy, baggy, wrinkly under-eyes?" While plastic surgery is probably the only answer to that, I can vouch for these two products below to help improve the look of said "puffy, baggy, wrinkly under-eyes." Both are relatively new products, one being the higher-end and the other a more affordable, lower-end. I like to provide at least two options when it comes to skin care because the ingredients are not always the same, and may affect your skin differently. Both are super simple to use (just ROLL away!) and mess-free. Both will also smooth out and fill lines while providing cooling caffeine, which is known to sooth irritated skin and depress those under-eye balloons. Happy Shopping!

Clinique All About Eyes Serum
De-Puffing Eye Massage

How To Use With gentle pressure, roll under each eye from inner corner to outer corner

Ingredients Caffeine, antioxidents and botanicals. Oil free and ophthamologist-tested. For all skin types

Price $25.50

Where to Purchase any Clinique counter at department stores nationwide, or click here CLINIQUE






Olay Regenerist
Anti-Aging Roller

How to Use Roll underneath your eye from inner corner to outer corner

Ingredients Caffeine, Squalane (the hydrocarbon of a plant) and peptides (known for their wrinkle-smoothing effects)

Price $17.99 and up

Where to Purchase This product is sold at a variety of drugstores and markets, however Target is offering it for the lowest price. Click here to purchase TARGET or hit up your local Target

LUSH at Universal

Ok, I have finally jumped on the LUSH train. Why did I ever go to Bath and Body Works or Body Shop?! Not only does this company have amazing products, but they use all vegan, organic and animal byproduct-free  ingredients. I think we all sometimes forget how incredibly important it is that we pay attention to what goes on our skin, and how it's our responsibility to keep products as natural and as cruelty-free as possible. Below are descriptions of each product I purchased after going crazy at the Universal City Walk store in L.A.

.

Big Blue Bath Bomb (top left): Atlantic sea salt crystals, seaweed,  lavender and lime. Apparently it also turns your water BLUE!

The Comforter Bubble Bar (top middle): Blackcurrant fragrance. This one is big enough to be broken in half for two baths.

Flosty Gritter Bubble Bar (top right): Swirls of glitter,  pink sparkles and fluffy white bubbles. Vanilla with lavender.

Sultana Soap (bottom left): Olibanum and bergamot oils. Topped with dried apricots, dried currants and dried cranberries. I rub this on my loofah and might I say I don't even need lotion when I get out of the shower!

Alkmaar Soap (bottom right): Jasmine and Honeysuckle, can't wait to try it!