Review: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation

PACKAGING:

+Comes in a plastic container with a bamboo cap

+Inside there is a net sifter that allows the product to come out only when a brush is pressed against it (NO MESS). Probably one of the smartest packaging out on the market today when it comes to powder foundation 

FORMULATION:

This foundation is honestly one of the best powder foundations ever dare I say even better than Bare Minerals. It applies so smooth and evenly onto the skin and doesn't leave any powder splotches along the way. It offers such a great full coverage that one doesn't expect from a powder foundation. The weight of the powder is also very light and you don't feel in on the skin. In terms of wear time I have had this on all day and it still looked like I just applied it.

-Great for dry and oily skin

-Comes in 11 Shades

-Kabuki brush sold separately (however you can use any flat top brush to apply this )

OVERALL: 5/5

WHERE TO PURCHASE: 

TARTE Cosmetics

Sephora and Ulta Stores 

(both online and in-stores)

Weekly Playlist 7/29

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEusLI9-6r2Hrb6eOudNz9pn49d-DUZ75

1.) Love Lost- Mac Miller 

2.) Love Someone- Jason Mraz

3.) Show Me What I'm Looking For- Carolina Liar

4.) Black Widow- Iggy Azalea ft. Rita Ora

5.) 3005- Childish Gambino

6.) Don't- Ed Sheeran

7.) I'm Not Over- Carolina Liar

8.) It Was Always You- Maroon 5 

9.) Runaway- Self

10.) I Believe In You- NSYNC & Joe

Hotel Review: Hyatt House Dallas/ Lincoln Park

Hyatt House Dallas/Lincoln Park

8221 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas, USA, 75225

(214) 696-1555

Hotel Area/Building Structure:

The location of the hotel is a very nice and peaceful area yet it is super convenient. It is located near places like the Northpark Mall, Barnes & Nobles, and many local restaurants like In and Out Burger, IHOP and etc... The building has a very simple architecture nothing too fancy but generally a nice looking building. 

Dislike: $12/night for parking (The hotel doesn't have too many parking spaces out in the front but has a parking garage where the payment comes in)

Rooms:

I stayed in both a one bedroom (king size bed) and a double bed room (double beds). Both rooms were spacious and had a fully equipped kitchen. The rooms were generally clean. There were some stains on the carpets and in the sinks but not bad enough that it wasn't livable. The beds and pillows were very comfy. Both rooms also had a living area with a pretty decent size couch that folds out into a bed. 

Dislike: Their site failed to disclose a $50 charge for using the kitchen and when I posted a review on Yelp the manager said that the fee doesn't exist. I have the bill to prove it so not sure what the manager was saying was actually true or not.

Staff:

This was my biggest issue with the hotel. The staff all had friendly depositions and were all polite and nice. However when it came to service I have to say this was probably one of the worst. The room above mine have been making some loud noises for quite awhile 3 days straight to be exact and the noises went on for hours into the night. When I went down to talk to the staff about it they said they would help and nothing happened. They called the room and asked it they were hearing any noises I mean come on why would they hear noises if they were the ones making all that clatter? 

There was also a time during my stay where the water in the entire hotel shut down and guests were not given any warning only when we asked they told us.

The cleaning staff also skipped my room and I had to track down a staff member.

And of course the manager calling me out on Yelp saying that there's no charge to the kitchen equipment, my bill says otherwise. (Next time just message me personally) 

Other Amenities: 

Fitness Center: Pretty decent and spacious (Open 24 hours)

Pool: Small pool and pool area but the hotel isn't that big so the size works

Guest Market: Not sure why they call this a market it is the size of a closet and just sells some drinks and snacks and some travel amenities. Convenient if you want a snack. (Open 24 hours) 

Breakfast: Nice little spread. (Eggs, bacon, pancakes, omelets, yogurt, fruit, pastries, bread, juices etc...) 6:30 am- 9 ish

Overall I would only recommend this hotel for short stays or business trips definitely not something long term.

3/5

NEW!!! LORAC PRO PALETTE 2

PACKAGING: 

Comes in the original Lorac Pro Palette cardboard palette except in a light gray instead of black

Palette contains 16 eyeshadows like the original palette and a Behind the Scenes Eyeshadow Primer (not pictured).

FORMULATION:

Much like the original pro palette, the eyeshadows in this second one are all very nicely pigmented and easy to work with.

The palette ranges from mattes to satins and shimmers. Compared to the original palette, the shadows in this palette has more cooler undertones while the first one had warmer undertones.

Swatches:

Top Row: From left to right

Buff- Matte creamy beige

LT Brown- Light matte brown

Cool Gray- Matte brown with cool gray undertones

Nectar- Light matte peachy coral

Plum- Matte plum

Navy- Matte dark navy blue

Charcoal- Basic matte charcoal gray

Black- Soft matte black

 Bottom Row: From left to right

Snow- Shimmery white

Beige- Champagne beige w/a satin finish

Rose- Satin finish rose gold 

Mocha- Shimmery mocha brown

Chrome- Satin finish gray with purple undertones

Jade- Shimmer/satin dark hunter green (FAVORITE COLOR IN PALETTE)

Cocoa- Satin finish cocoa brown

Overall I really love this palette and shadows. Not sure though if I like this one or the original better. The original one does have more "everyday" colors while this palette plays it up with a bit of color.

You can purchase this palette...

LORAC Website 

Ulta (Online or In-stores)

Retail $42.00

Top Affordable Brush Brands

A trade is only good as its tools... In the beauty industry many believe that when it comes to investing brushes are always on the top of the list and while that is somewhat true. It isn't absolute necessary to shed out hundreds of dollars. Here are a few of my favorite brands of brushes that are not only inexpensive but also work amazingly well.

1.) Eco Tools: This company has been around for quite sometime and is mostly known for their eco friendly sustainable makeup brushes. The handle of their brushes are made from bamboo and the hair is all synthetic (great for vegans).  Their line has face brushes, eye brushes and even sponges! You can purchase these brushes at drugstores like Walgreens and Rite Aid and also Walmarts. 

Price Range: All brushes under $20 (even brush sets) 

2.) Real Techniques: Designed by popular YouTube beauty guru Samantha Chapman aka Pixiwoo, these are one of the best affordable brushes out on the marked today. All the brushes have synthetic hair and are very well made. They are super sturdy and very easy to work with from beginners to experts. The line includes face brushes, eye brushes, and makeup sponges. These are mainly found at Ulta in their "drugstore" section but are also in some drugstores and Kohl's.

Price Range: Brushes by itself are all under $20, brush sets go up to $30 

3.) Sonia Kashuk: Exclusively at Target, Sonia Kashuk is not only known for her makeup line but for her brushes as well. Like the other two brands mentioned Sonia also has synthetic hair brushes. Her brush popularity comes from her brush sets which always have a beautiful design on the handles. Her line includes face brushes, eye brushes and recently beauty sponges.

Price Range: Individual brushes are all under $20 brush sets can go up to $30 + 

Weekly Playlist 7/16

http://youtu.be/sq17NCjKlQM?list=PLEusLI9-6r2FE5vqgIJP4CNUmsfiDNGaz

1.) Don't Tell Em- Jeremih ft. YG

2.) Touchin, Lovin- Trey Songx ft. Nicki Minaj

3.) Yonce- Beyonce 

4.) Kissed You Goodnight- Gloriana

5.) Foreign (Remix)- Trey Songz ft. Justin Bieber

6.) Photograph- Ed Sheeran

7.) Break Free- Ariana Grande ft. Zedd

8.) Maps- Maroon 5

9.) Everything I Didn't Say- 5 Seconds of Summer 

10.) No One Else Like You- Adam Levine

Summer Skincare Routine

Morning Routine:

Cleanser: Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Facial Cleanser

This stuff is awesome! I been using this particular line for years and it is one of those products I always come back to. There are tiny beads that burst once it hits water and cleans deep not to mention also waking you up in process!

Moisturizer: Simple Protecting SPF 15

Just like the name, this is a simple moisturizer that contains SPF. It is very light weight yet gives just enough moisture to last you throughout the day.

Evening Routine: 

Cleanser: La Roche Posay Brightening Facial Cleanser

A lightweight cleanser that takes off all your makeup and dirt collected throughout the day. It leaves your skin soft and bright. It also has exfoliating properties without the beads like most exfoliators have, so this is great for those of you who have sensitive skin (GREAT FOR AGES).

Moisturizer: Olay Anti- Aging Evening Facial moisturizer

This is actually a product that I stole from my mom and just complete fell in love with it. It is a great evening moisturizer that is light weight yet super nourishing. It also has a nice perfumy scent that lingers so if you are not a fan of scents I wouldn't recommend this. You are also never too young to start using anti-aging products. The secret is prevention. By using products like these at a young age you are slowing down your skin's aging process and who can complain about that?

Eye Cream: L'Oreal Revitalift 

Eye cream is one of those products we tend to take granted and also tend to leave out in our skincare routine. No matter what season it is, it is extremely crucial to use eye cream. It helps with discoloration, under eye bags and circles. The skin under your eye is very fragile and sensitive and one of the first places that can give away a person's age. This particular eye cream is very light on the skin and feels very nice however I haven't noticed too much of a difference so this is one that I would not highly recommend.

Hope you guys enjoyed this post and took away something from it. All the products mentioned above can be purchased from drugstores nationwide! 

ChefSisi: Summer of Food

SUMMER OF FOOD

 Strawberry Refresher

Great for those hot summer days without all those extra calories!

What You Will Need:

-1 Cup of fresh strawberries

-1 Cup of Ice

-Coconut Water

-Juice of 1 Lime

-Stevia or Sweetener of your choice

How To Make: 

Simply blend everything together to your desired consistency. To make this for the 21 and over crowd add 2-3 ounces of vodka or light rum.

HEALTH FACT: Strawberries are filled with vitamin c, potassium, fiber and a whole bunch of other goodness. Studies have said eating a cup of strawberries everyday can help prevent heart disease and are great choice of fruit for diabetics.

Review: Murad Hydro-Dynamic Moisture

Packaging:

- Comes in a sturdy plastic container

- Contains 1.7 fl oz

Formulation:

This is one of the BEST hydrating moistures out on the market today. It is super rich, non greasy and is great for all skin types from the most sensitive to acne prone. Unlike a lot of other products out on the market today, this moisturizer works as soon as you put it on your skin. The thick texture is super absorbent yet doesn't feel heavy on your skin. The moisture locks in for about 8 hours. I prefer to use it at night but it is also good to use during the day with a sunscreen underneath. 

Price and Where to Purchase:

Because of how well this product works, it does not come cheap. It retails at $65, however because the product is so rich you don't need much at all so a bottle should last you about a month or so depending on how much you use. 

You can purchase this product at the following retailers

Murad

Sephora

Ulta

ChefSisi: Summer of Food

SUMMER OF FOOD:

COOL WHIP FILLED STRAWBERRIES

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

-Fresh Strawberries (As many as you want!!!)

- Vanilla and Coconut Extract

- 2 Small Piping Bags or 2 Small Ziploc Bags 

HOW TO MAKE:

1.) Wash your berries and cut off the green stems

2.) Carefully take a small pairing knife or steak knife and remove the center pit of the berry (you can usually feel it right in the middle of the berry. Please be careful not to cut yourself or cut through the berry.)

3.) Take some cool whip and put it into 2 separate bowls and add a drop or so of the vanilla extract to one bowl and coconut extract to the other one. Mix throughly 

4.) Take your two mixtures and spoon them into your piping or ziploc bags. Squeeze the mixture to one end of the bag and cut a small hole

5.) Pip the mixture into the berry

6.) Put the filled berried into the fridge for about 1/2 hour and ENJOY!!!

NOTE: If you don't like cool whip you can substitute it for whipped cream, cream cheese, or ricotta cheese.  

NEW! Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer & Blush Duo

Packaging:

-Very similar to the other Wet n Wild Color Icon face powders except in white

-The Bronzer is the base product and the blush is the palm tree/sun design

-Comes in 3 shades this one being the darkest

Formulation:

I was quite disappointed with this product. I love Wet n Wild products especially their bronzers and blushes, however this summer collection was a pretty big fail. 

The first issue I have is the shade range. This was the darkest shade out of the three and yet when swatched 

Available @ drugstores like CVS and Walgreens for $3-4

These are limited edition.