tarte Amazonian Clay Full-Coverage Foundation

I haven’t blogged about make up for awhile, but I recently purchased this foundation and I love it. It has full coverage and SPF 15. I love this flawless finish it gives, and though it is full coverage, it really doesn’t give you a “cakey look”.

tarte claims their product used Amazonian Clay and that it is good for your skin.

This is the product description on Sephora.com:

What it is:
A long-lasting foundation powered by Amazonian clay.
What it does:
Get 12 hours of flawless coverage with this long-wearing, skin-perfecting formula with UVA/UVB SPF 15. It's full coverage with a weightless texture. With a broad range of shades available and a supremely blendable and buildable formula, everyone can achieve skin that looks healthy and natural.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
What else you need to know:
Whether oily, dry or combination, "skin-smart" Amazonian clay will intuitively adjust to meet and address your skin concerns for makeup that wears better, longer, and truer. This revolutionary foundation reduces the appearance of pores, discolorations, and imperfections and ensures a perfectly flawless complexion every time.
Research results:
Clinical results reveal up to 12 hours of perfect wear time.

I almost bought this product on QVC, as they have a package deal where you can get the foundation AND the brush for $34.56. That is an AWESOME deal as the foundation itself is $38, and the brush is $32. I’m kind of relieved that I didn’t buy it through them as QVC does not carry my shade which is Tan Deep.

I am really happy with this product.

Z–Palette Sale

If you have ever been thinking about getting a Z-Palette, now is the time. The pink and leopard designs are 30% off! I recently posted on Instagram pictures of items on my wish  list – secretly hoping I would get some of them as birthday gifts next month. Well, I can scratch this one off the list as I bought it for myself!

I’m so excited to get my order and start depotting some of my Wet N Wild eye shadows and putting them in one big palette!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

New Lease on Life

I had a scare these last few days. I was taking a shower last week and felt a lump on my right breast. I almost dismissed it like I usually do with little problems I have and hoped it would go away, but it didn’t. I went to my doctor’s office as soon as I could to have it checked out and I was referred to their breast clinic. I scheduled myself for a Diagnostic Mammogram the next day.

I lost a lot of sleep thinking about it and I scheduled my appointments after my 12 hour shifts at work. I swear I fell asleep on the exam tables on both days! But it had to be done and done as soon as possible. Although I was really worried I tried to maintain my composure. I needed to stay strong for my job and my family. I did a lot of praying.

I almost broke down yesterday as the ultrasound tech was visualizing the mass and taking screen shots. I really felt like I was a walking time bomb since I turned 35 and the bomb finally went off. Scenarios kept running through my mind. I couldn’t help but think about dying.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33 and passed away when she was 36. I felt I was so lucky to have surpassed her lifespan but always had the feeling I might not have much longer. With aunts on both sides of my family that also have been diagnosed with breast cancer,  I had the feeling of doom looming over me.

The lump turned out to be a “degenerating fibroadenoma 1.2 cm in size”, which is basically calcified tissue. It has been there at least 7 years but for some reason I am just able to feel it now. It has grown a little in size, but that’s expected as it is a degenerating tissue like the rest of my aging body.

I thank the Lord for blessing me with this good news. I thank everyone who was aware of my dilemma and prayed for me. I will take this lesson to heart and start living like each day is my last.

 

 

Me and my Mommy

My Glam Controversy

I was going to post about my February Glam Bag and how I was enjoying my subscription, better than my previous BirchBox subscription. So far the items I received seemed worth the $10/month.There were enough full-sized items to say the bag was worth the $10. Every month also came with a little make up bag, I like the fact it came with something that you can use over and over.

BUT, this last month came with a lot of controversy. I heard some bags were mailed to the wrong addresses, and some subscribers even received TWO bags. There are issues with the website, new subscriptions are no longer available. You are unable to change billing info on the website and with the CS email. My credit card number had recently changed and I needed to change it on my account, but I was unable to through the website. I sent them an email and they still could not help me. Then there’s this issue about the packaging of one of the items.

Apparently, the X-Out Shine Control came in a tube that originally for the Meaningful Beauty Deep Cleansing Masque (both made by Guthy-Renker, Same people who make Pro-active). This is the My Glam Statement sent out on their Facebook page:

I’m still contemplating whether to keep my subscription or not. I’ll let them decide. If they can fix the issue with my credit card, then I’ll stay. If not, then I guess it’s not worth keeping since I won’t be able to pay my monthly fee if I can’t change my card…

Anyways, these were the pictures that I was going to post when I planned on posting about the February Bag…

I need to keep trying this roll on shimmer more coz it won’t work for me…

I haven’t tried this. We’ll see…

Trying this one tonight

I didn’t see much results after using the Instant Stretching and Revitalizing MaskThis item I will use for sure!

I ate these as soon as I took the pictures:

Garnier Moisture Rescue

I recently picked this item up at CVS. I was watching a YouTube video (a make up guru I subscribe to) and this item was briefly mentioned. I’ve been trying it for a few days and I really like it. I think it is a really inexpensive alternative to a couple of my favorite moisturizers, Clinique’s Moisture Surge – which retails for $36 for a 50 ml jar (1.7 oz) and The Body Shop’s Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream – $16.50 for 50 ml (1.7 oz) jar. I bought this for about $7 and it comes in a 50 ml jar.

It has a slight cooling effect to the face. Not a menthol feeling, but more refreshing. It seems it comes from the consistency with is gel-like. I like that it is not greasy at all. It’s almost like you are applying a solid form of water on your face.

It did not break me out. Yay!

I love this stuff!

 

Thanks for stopping by!

The Illusion of Thick Hair

I have really thin hair. I have tried so many things to try to make it thick and long, but I guess I have to accept the fact that I was born with it and it’s not gonna change.

I have limited options on how to style my thin hair, and for the longest time, I have been wearing it straight. My hair is not only thin, it’s also wavy. I’ve been double-cursed.

When we went to the Philippines last year, I had my hair straightened (Bonding). That lasted for about 4 months, then the waves started showing. So, I was back to using my handy flat iron.

I have tried curling my hair with a regular old-fashioned curling iron, but it just made my hair look wild and frizzy. Then I found the Revlon double-barrel Wrap to Waves!

I used this by weaving small sections of my hair around the barrels in a figure-8 motion. Then I sprayed my entire head with hair spray to hold the waves. It turned out pretty good.

Then I found a gadget to help my with an up-do, if ever I needed one. When I tie my hair into a pony, I get this sorry-looking thin tail. I hate it. It just makes my thin hair even more obvious. Then I read about something called a “Bun Maker” by Conair. I love it!

Eco Tools Limited Edition Kabuki Set

Trying out my Blogger app on my iPhone right now. Kind of a challenge to type...

I got this Kabuki brush set at Target a few days ago and I'm enjoying them so far. Ecotools make really soft and affordable makeup brushes. These are no exception. They're also sort of cute. I find them ideal for travel. I just wish they had slightly longer handles so I can store them in a cup on my vanity.

They cost about $15 for the set.

My Broken Blush

I bought a bunch of stuff from E.L.F. a while back when they had a sale and was really disappointed when one of my blushes came broken. It was no surprise as they are only $3 each. At that price, I knew I still had a good deal. The blush itself had good pigmentation. I kept the blush and used it occasionally. My only issue was making sure it didn’t make a mess when I opened the case or dipped my brush in it.

One day, I was strolling around YouTube and found some videos on how to press eye shadow pigments and repair broken make up. All you need were a few items, mainly a bottle of alcohol.

My Broken Blush ( Berry Merry from E.L.F.)

I used the handle-end of a makeup brush to crush the blush into a fine powder, getting rid of the “clumps”

Next, using any common rubbing alcohol, I poured some onto the blush. Careful not to put too much.

 

Using a t-shirt cut out and the cap of my perfume as a flat surface, I pressed the blush powder back into the pan. I used a makeup spatula before that to scoop some of the blush that may have spread out of the pan.

 

The texture of the t-shirt left a pattern on the surface, which is alright. Maybe next time I try this I need to find a smoother textured cloth.

                BEFORE                                                     AFTER

I cleaned up the edges with a cotton tip and let it dry overnight. Now I don’t have to worry about the blush making a mess on my vanity!

 

I bought a bunch of eye shadow pigments from Urban Decay’s website when they had a sale. I think the pigments were about $2 each. I plan on pressing them into pans then storing them into palettes when I get the time and supplies.

 

Thanks for stopping by!

My Holy Grails of 2011

I can’t believe the year is over. This coming year is a big one for me. I am hitting a milestone – my 40th birthday. Oh wow, I just admitted to being over the hill! I still feel like I’m in my 20’s anyway – mentally at least. Physically, the signs of age have been revealing themselves since I turned 30. I have slight arthritis, lower back pain, a slight droop in my eyelids and more freckles under my eyes – which is a familial trait. And not to forget the little pooch in my lower belly left by my two beloved children.

I don’t want to make any resolutions for the new year, but instead I need to make a list of things I should do this year. I feel that I have been a little overwhelmed by work and home responsibilities this last year and I need to be organized.

June 2011 I rediscovered the world of make up thanks to YouTube. My addiction is now about 6 months old. During the last 6 months I have been experimenting with different products, testing them out and I have made some picks of items I have decided are my Holy Grail beauty products.

Number 1 – Acne.org

This system cured my acne! I wish I knew about this sooner. I use this system twice a day. I remove my makeup after work with my favorite eye makeup remover and facial wipes. Then I wash my face with the cleanser. After I dry my face, I apply the benzoyl peroxide gel (treatment). I wait about 2-5 minutes for the benzoyl to dry then I apply the moisturizer.

Number 2 – Make Up Forever Eyebrow Corrector

My post about this

Number 3 – Revlon Lip Butters

I think I have 9 of the 20 colors by now. My favorite is PINK TRUFFLE!

 

Number 4 – Philosophy’s The Present

I love this primer!

Number 5 – Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup remover

I have tried different eye makeup removers and this one so far has performed the best. It takes off all of my waterproof eye makeup without irritating my eyes. It’s $9.99 at Target.

 

Number 6 – MAC Painterly Paint Pot

So far this is the best product to use as an eye shadow primer. I have the least creasing with this compared to other primers I use – this is over a 12 hour night shift at work. I also own UD Primer Potion, Lime Crime’s Eyeshadow Helper, Too Faced Shadow Insurance, NARS Eyeshadow base and others. They all work well for 8-10 hours but I still get a lot of creasing after 10 hours. I don’t think anything can really prevent my creasing for the whole night since I have really oily lids, but MAC’s Painterly Paint Pot does the best job.

 

Number 7 -  Physician’s Formula’s Eyebooster Eyeliner

The main reason I love this product is that the tip is so fine that I am able to line my upper lash line with such precision!

 

Number 8 – Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Foundation

I love the fact that this is a drugstore brand foundation that actually works well for me. I have used MAC’s Studio Fix for the longest time, and it can get expensive. I’m in the shade Tan. Most of the time, you can buy this at CVS for buy 1 get 1 50% off!

 

Number 9 – Maybelline’s Falsies Mascara

During these last 6 months, I have been trying out various mascaras. I have never curled my lashes or used mascara for my whole life, until now. I have always relied on eyeliner. I never knew how bright and open your eyes can look when your lashes are curled and wearing mascara. I recently learned that waterproof mascara holds the curl better than other types of mascara. Maybelline’s Falsies does the best job for me.

Number 10 – You Tube

I love watching YouTube gurus for make up tips, reviews and tutorials. I have a bunch of favorite gurus, most are Asian with the same skin tone as I so I have an idea of what shades go well with my skin tone. I would love to give a shout out to Rebekkah Celeste of Everyday Make Up Blog and MissBecky0207 on YouTube. She is such a sweet girl. We have been leaving each other comments on our blogs and tweeting each other. I encourage everyone to follow her as her tutorials focus a lot on drugstore brand make up which is awesome coz it’s so affordable. I wish her all the best.

Happy New year everyone! Be safe and healthy. God bless!

My Glam Bag December–Book of Shadows deal!

I am sooooo late is posting this but work, the kids and the holidays have kept me away from my blogging. I really don’t have much to blog about but I do want to some how share what I have been up to lately.

I recently signed up for My Glam (Click here to go to website). I tried BirchBox for a couple of months but was not really into the random items that came with the monthly subscription. Then My Glam was introduced and I was more interested. The monthly subscription are items that consist only of make up.

My first bag came weeks ago and I am now just getting the time to share what I got.

The mail package it came in was really cute – pink foil!

Full Size Urban Decay Eye shadow in Sin

 

Sample size Urban Decay Primer Potion

NYX Soft MatteLip Cream in Istanbul

Tarte sample size Lights, camera, lashes! mascara

Mai Couture blotting paper (with Salicylic Acid)

Mai Couture Blush in a Rush – Sunset Blvd.

(I kinda like this concept!)

 

Coupon code for the Urban Decay Book of Shadows. It retails for $64 but just went on sale for $44 and the $15 coupon code still works, knocking the price down to $29 (plus shipping) Shipping is free with purchases over $35!

Thanks for stopping by!