Current Beauty Favorites + Mini Reviews

Face Products

 IT Cosmetics CC + Cream Illumination SPF 50+

(My Shade: Medium)

I recently finished up my CoverGirl BB cream (will post a review later) and wanted to pick up another foundation within the lines of a BB or CC cream. During school and work days I rarely wear heavy foundation due to the humidity of Florida and the dryness of my skin (I know this sounds odd). I find that BB and CC creams provide just enough coverage for day to day use without that heavy feeling that foundation has. 

IT Cosmetics has some of the best CC creams, They have the coverage of a liquid foundation but feel like a feather has touched your skin. They are also incredibly easy to blend (I prefer to use a beauty blender sponge with this). The Illumination is the newest in their collection and what makes it different from their original formula is that this one adds a little glow to your skin as well as some hydration. It lasts very well and I have not had any trouble with it caking on my face. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish

in the shade Medium Plus

This is an oldie but a goodie. I was cleaning out my makeup (much needed) and found that I had some backups still in their packaging (#lifeofamakeupaddict). I remember loving and using this powder religiously in high school. It not only sets my makeup but gives it a natural finish to my skin (not too matte but still controls any shiny problem areas). Plus it also adds a little extra coverage. Sometimes I just wear concealer and this powder alone without any foundation. 

Lip Products

Bare Minerals Gen Nude Under Over Lip Liner 

in the shade On Point

I have never been a huge fan of lip liner until I found this product. For a pencil lip liner I was shocked at how creamy and smooth it is. It glided on my lips so effortlessly. The color is also pretty great. There are 5 colors in this collection and out of all of them On Point is my favorite. It is a nude terracotta with some pink undertones. I actually like to wear it all on its own. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was how difficult it was to sharpen. If you are not careful it will melt down inside the sharpener. I suggest putting it into the freezer for a little bit before sharpening. 

Milani Color Statement Lipstick

in the shade Naturally Chic

This has been my go 2 nude lip color for the past 2 months. The lipstick itself is creamy and feels nice on the lips. It doesn't over dry or flake. I find that you can wear this with or without a lip liner underneath. 

Fall '15 Favorites

I don't usually do these types of posts but I have been seriously using these things like crazy so I thought I share them with you guys! Hope you guys enjoy and happy fall!!! 

Beauty Favorites 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation - Great medium coverage but light enough for everyday wear

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream - For those lazy days where I just need a little quick pickup

Khroma Beauty Lipgloss in Black Honey - Pretty dark plum color perfect for the fall and also smells like honey!

NYX Highlight and Contour Pro Palette - Has every bronzer and highlighter you will ever need. I am normally not a huge contour person but ever since this palette came out I have been obsessed. Not to mention a great dupe for the Anastasia Contour Palette which is around $40.

Tarte Matte LipSurgence in Envy - Dark pinky nude great for everyday fall wear. This has been my go to lip color. It pretty much goes with every look and outfit and works great on all skin tones.

Hask Macadamia Oil Hydrating Hair Treatment - I am currently in the process of lightening up my hair to prepare for a color (will reveal later on). Because of the chemicals used my hair has been pretty dry lately and this treatment has been a savior. It basically is a deep conditioner that is enriched with macadamia oil. 

Misc Favorites 

iPhone 6s Plus in Space Grey - I recently updated my phone a couple weeks ago from an iPhone 6 in Gold to this big boy. I gotta say I am very impressed. The changes in this phone makes quite a difference in how you use it now. Plus I really wanted a big phone.

Beauty Tips For School

With school starting or for some of you who have already started getting ready in the morning can be such a hassle. We have way less time to get ready and deciding on a cute makeup look can get pretty daunting. Here are a few of my favorite tips for getting ready in the morning faster AND making you look cute all at the same time.

1.) ONE-STEP PRODUCTS

One Step Products are essential for getting ready fast. During the school year who has the time to apply primer, foundation, concealer yada yada yada... Find products like BB or CC creams that have all of this in JUST ONE BOTTLE. This will give you more time on the rest of your makeup and outfit for the day. If you don't want to spend anymore money just mix your foundation into your moisturizer and apply. Spot conceal if needed. And remember you are getting ready for school not the catwalk.

2.) USE LONG LASTING AND WATERPROOF PRODUCTS

Just because summer is over doesn't mean you have to stop using your summer makeup. Any products that you have that are long lasting and waterproof that you used throughout the summer, use it for school! This will ensure that your makeup will stay on throughout the day and you won't have to worry about touchups. Just makeup sure you don't use any crazy colors save the blue eyeliner for the weekend!

3.) MINI EYESHADOW PALETTES

For those of you who do like wearing eyeshadow to school, try to stick to a routine and natural colors like browns, beige, champagne etc... School is not a time to be playing with your makeup. Try to find neutral mini eyeshadow palettes that have 3 or 4 colors in it and stick with this palette throughout the year. This will save you time and you still get a nice little variety of looks plus it will also save you $$$. 

For an even faster eyeshadow look try cream eyeshadow sticks. All you have to do is swipe on your lids and add a little mascara and liner and you are good to go! 

4.) SET YOUR MAKEUP OUT THE NIGHT BEFORE

Before you go to bed every night along with planning your outfit plan out your makeup look. Lay out the makeup and brushes you are going to use. This way you won't scramble around looking for things in the early morning and gives you a little bit of extra sleep time! 

5.) LEAVE THE FULL FACE AT HOME

I know that we all want to look good but when it comes to school or work there is no need to be wearing a full face of makeup. Keep it simple and leaving out the intense contouring, highlighting etc... save those for prom and other special occasions throughout the year. Believe me you will be surprised at how much time you save just by eliminating those steps.

ChefSisi: Top Favorite Beauty Foods

In today's society, we tend to relate the term beauty in relation to outward appearances. However beauty comes in many different forms and it is what makes each of us unique. Beauty cannot be defined by outward appearances alone but rather working together with what is inside as well. If we don't take care of ourselves internally or are not emotionally happy with ourselves chances are it will show on the outside. Here are my top favorite beauty foods that are not only good for the outside but inside as well and remember beauty comes from within. 

AVOCADOS:

Great on toast and in face masks

Beauty Benefits

-Helps reduce wrinkles

-Great frizzy hair treatment

-Helps with dehydrated skin

Health Benefits

-Lowers cholesterol

-Good fat 

-Helps with digestion

-Reduces high blood pressure

STRAWBERRIES:

Delicious alone or in smoothies and awesome in facial cleansers

Beauty Benefits

-Vitamin C in strawberries as an important building block of collagen which supports the structure and elasticity of our skin

-Can be mashed and used as an natural exfoliate

-Contains elegiac acid that helps protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation

-Helps with hair thinning

Health Benefits

-Vitamin C to help support a healthy immune system

-Good for protection of the eyes (strengthen the cornea and retina)

-Good for bone health (strawberries contain about 20% of manganese that helps keep our bone structure intact)

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:

Try it in salad dressings and dilute it with water for a natural toner

Beauty Benefits

-Can be used as a toner to reduce skin inflammation

-Sunburn remedy

-Teeth whitener

-Acne remedy

-Wart remover

Health Benefits

-Soothes sore throats

-Helps with bad breath

-Helps with indigestion and other stomach troubles

-Clears stuffy noses

-Helps with hiccups

DARK CHOCOLATE:

Eat it alone or put into a face mask w/avocado

Beauty Benefits

-Protects skin from free radical damage

-Skin detoxifier

-Dark cacao powder can be used as a natural vegan bronzer

Health Benefits

-Mood improver

-Contains antioxidants such as flavonoids that help prevent heart disease

-Reduces bad cholesterol  

HONEY:

Use as a natural sweetener in cooking or add it to your face masks for healthy glowing skin

Beauty Benefits

-Pore cleanser

-Moisturizing

-Scar Fader

-Acne Treatment

Health Benefits

-Cough suppressant

-Boosts memory

-Treats wounds and burns

-Alleviates allergies 

NEW!!! Too Faced Sugar Pop Palette

Too Faced Sugar Pop

PACKAGING:

- Comes in the traditional Too Faced plastic tin covered with an adorable macron design

- Includes a mini look book showcasing 3 looks 

- The 3 larger eyeshadows are 6 g each while the 6 smaller eyeshadows are 5.4 g each

- Retails $36.00

Available at Ulta, Sephora, and Too Faced online

FORMULATION:

Not much has changed with the Too Faced formulation over the last couple of years. They are one of the few beauty brands out there that has maintained a consistent formulation of their products. The Sugar Pop palette is inspired by the ever so yummy and delectable French cookie, the macron. The palette has a great mix of mattes and shimmers with a variety of fun bright colors that is perfect for the upcoming summer. 

Like most of Too Faced palettes, each palette contains 9 colors. 3 base colors for all over the lid and 6 colors that can be mixed and matched to use however as you please. Each palette provides you with a little booklet that shows you 3 different looks using the eyeshadows. If you aren't a big fan of color all over the eye feel free to use the shadows as colored liners.

These shadows have great pigmentation and are soft and easy to blend. They have a decent staying power especially with a primer underneath. If you are planning to wear the shimmery colors wearing an eyeshadow primer is highly recommended. The shimmer does have a little bit of fallout. 

Sweet & Spicy (top row from left to right)

Rock Candy- off white (shimmer)
Macaron- bright coral orange (shimmer)
Malted Milk Ball- cocoa Brown (shimmer/satin)

Sugar Plums (middle row from left to right)

Strawberry Ice- light lavender (satin)
Sugared Violet- deep violet (shimmer/satin)
Blackberry- plum (matte)

Candy Coated (bottom row from left to right)

Peach Fuzz- yellow beige (shimmer)
Bubblegum- bubblegum pink (satin)
Blue Raspberry- aqua blue (satin)

NEW!!! COOLA SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a plastic spray bottle (Very sturdy)

-Contains 1.7 oz of product (TSA APPROVED)

-Retails for $36.00 @ULTA as well as COOLA online.

FORMULATION:

COOLA is a fairly new brand to the skincare market. They are well known for their great smelling sun care products. All their products are eco-friendly, natural, organic, and sustainable. A very refreshing change to the world of skincare products. Not only good for you but for the world as well.

Recently they have expanded their venture towards the cosmetics industry with their SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray. This is the first organic SPF makeup setting spray on the market and with summer right around the corner this is a perfect product to go pick up.

This product doesn't really need an explanation it basically is what it says to be... a makeup setting spray. But for those out there who are not as familiar with makeup setting sprays all they are is a liquid that helps your makeup adhere to your skin for a longer period of time. It is really great for those who wear foundation but don't like the feeling of powder in order to set their makeup. The COOLA SPF 30 Makeup Setting not only sets your makeup but also contains green tea and aloe to provide nourishment and also help with sunburns on your skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid which helps moisturize your skin. It sets matte and is completely weightless. It does have a sunscreen smell right after you spray it however that fades and a more delightful refreshing scent sets in. You can use it before or after your makeup routine as well as taking it on the go for quick fixes throughout the day. You can also just use it as a spray sunscreen for your face no makeup necessary. This is a great product to have in your purse or beach bag this summer.

The only downside to this product is that it is quite pricey for a sunscreen and the packaging is pretty bulky for the amount of product it contains. 

Great for all skin types

New Beauty Items Worth Checking Out

I have been on a little shopping frenzy the last week or so. There has been a lot of stuff going on and retail therapy, for me at least, is one of the very few things that can calm me down. But even on a shopping frenzy I do try my best to behave. Here are a few new products I saw that I wanted to share with you guys. They are definitely worth checking out for the spring season! 

BARE MINERALS COMPLEXION RESCUE $29

The newest addition to the Bare Minerals family, this foundation has been all the craze lately in the beauty community and believe me it is worth the hype. If you guys would like to know a little more on this product check out my previous post! 

Available in 10 Shades

HOURGLASS MODERNIST EYESHADOW PALETTE $58

Hourglass has done it again and they FINALLY released an eyeshadow palette! Hourglass is very well known for their Ambient Lighting Powders and Blushes (These are also AMAZING products). These eyeshadows have the same soft texture as their powders and are very pigmented and luxurious. They are pricey like all Hourglass products but the quality is worth every penny. 

Available in 7 other color patterns

DR. JART DERMACLEAR MICRO WATER $32

It is no secret that Dr. Jart has become a very popular beauty brand over the last year. Dermaclear micro water is just another fancier term for toner. However unlike toners out on the market today this one contains 90% all natural ingredients and 85% active hydrogen mineral water delivering a pure cleansing solution for your skin. It will remove dirt and makeup while keeping your skin nice and toned and bright. 

REVIEW: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue (NEW)

BARE MINERALS COMPLEXION RESCUE TINTED HYDRATING GEL CREAM

PACKAGING:

- Comes in a light bronze tube

-Available in 10 shades

Sold at Bare Minerals shops and online as well as Sephoras & Ultas

Retail $29.00

FORMULATION: 

Complexion Rescue is a combination of a BB cream, CC cream AND a tinted moisturizer all in one. I was fairly surprised at how much I loved this product. Over the years I have not been a huge fan of Bare Minerals' foundations. There was something about them that never looked 100% right on my skin. This foundation however I LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! It is very hydrating and feels very light on the skin. The texture is a gel like consistency which makes for easy application and blending. 

It wears on skin for quite a long time especially with a primer underneath. The coverage is pretty great and adjustable to your preference. Layer as much or little as you like. The finish is a natural glow within look, not too matte or too shiny. It also contains SPF 30!!!

GREAT FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

This is a great grab and go product. You can use your fingers for application so no need to fuss with so many brushes in the morning. It is also a one step product meaning you don't have to layer your moisturizer, SPF and foundation just put this on clean skin and you are good to go! 

OVERALL 5/5

Get To Know Me WOULD YOU RATHER BEAUTY TAG- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 18, 2014

1.Would you rather go out with messy hair and nice make-up or Nice hair and no make-up?

Messy Hair & Nice Makeup (Messy Hair is def. more laid back and plus I'm not much a hair person)

2.Would you rather shave your eyebrows or have your eyelashes fall out?

Shave my eyebrows, I can always draw them back in but putting on false lashes everyday... nope.

3.Would you rather be forced to shop at only MAC or Sephora for the rest of your life?

Sephora, they have a variety of brands.

4.Would you rather wear lipgloss/lipliner look or 80's perm?

Lipgloss/lipliner look

5.Would you rather leave the house with an obvious foundation line or overdone blush?

Overdone blush, I can always lie and say it's a new trend, there is no excuse out there for poorly blended foundation.

6.Would you rather wear MC Hammer pants or biker shorts in public?

MC Hammer pants duh (can't touch this)

7.Would you rather have a bad orange-y spray tan or really weird tan lines that can't be covered?

Weird tan lines, I love sports so I can always say I got these tan lines from playing soccer

8.Would you rather have a bad haircut or bad hair color?

Bad hair color, you can always find some way to change it.

9.Would you rather have youtube or twitter taken away forever?

Twitter, YouTube is too entertaining. 

10. Would you rather give up using makeup brushes or mascara? 

Top 5 Favorite Beauty/Fashion YouTube Gurus

1.) Michelle Phan- One of my biggest inspirations of all time. She started out with nothing and has become one of the biggest beauty icons of this century. She begun her career making beauty tutorials on YouTube and from that grew an empire. She now owns beauty related businesses like IPSY which is a monthly subscription service that offers people the chance to try out popular beauty products for just $10. She also recently launched her own makeup line Em Cosmetics currently being sold online for the time being (She will be opening up a store soon!) The majority of her videos are beauty related but she does throw in some life vlogs and hauls now and then.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MichellePhan 

IPSY: http://www.ipsy.com/

Em Cosmetics: http://www.emcosmetics.com/

2.) Emily Noel- A lot of successful beauty gurus today on YouTube tend to focus a lot more on sponsorships and money now and days. And don't get me wrong that's great I mean who doesn't love getting paid for doing something they love to do. However with money and fame people tend to change a lot with personalities and quality of their videos. Emily however is definitely not one of them. She is probably one of the most down-to-earth people I have come across in the beauty community. She has this bubbly personality that is just contagious. You cannot not be happy when you watch her. She is also very honest with her opinions when it comes to products. She never fluffs them or companies up. If a product is bad she will tell you. Her channel is mostly beauty related with a bit of fashion. She also has a vlog channel which she gives us peeks into her life with her husband Tyler.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/emilynoel83 

Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/beautyvlogcast

3.) Meghan Rosette- She is one of the youngest beauty gurus that I have come to love. She is really fun to watch and just lights up the room. Meghan does a mixture of videos from beauty to fashion and she also has a vlog channel as well. She has also been seen on TV most recently on Nick.

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/meghanrosette

Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/moremeghann

4.) Bethany Mota- Another young beauty/fashion guru. She is a joy to watch. She never fails to deliver no matter what type of video she makes. Her fashion sense is never too over the top and is very relatable for the everyday girl/woman. She is also launching her own clothing line with Aeropostale this month. 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Macbarbie07

Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/BethanysLife

5.) Evelina Barry- One of my favorite fashion gurus here on YouTube. Her fashion sense combines the best of trends but always adding a bit of her into it. Her outfits are flawless and beautifully put together. Her videos are great quality and you can tell she puts a lot of effort into them. Evelina also does beauty and vlog videos. 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/Evelinicutza

Vlog Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/EvelinaBarry

Would You Rather Tag: Beauty Edition

1.Would you rather go out with messy hair and nice make-up or Nice hair and no make-up?
Messy hair and nice make-up (Always a fan of a grungy look)

2.Would you rather shave your eyebrows or have your eyelashes fall out?
Have my eyelashes fall out (You can always wear fake ones losing your brows and having to draw them in everyday... not so nice)

3.Would you rather be forced to shop at only MAC or Sephora for the rest of your life?
Sephora

4.Would you rather wear lipgloss/lipliner look or 80's perm?
Lipgloss/Lipliner look duhhh

5.Would you rather leave the house with an obvious foundation line or overdone blush?
Overdone blush

6.Would you rather wear MC Hammer pants or biker shorts in public?
MC Hammer Pants

7.Would you rather have a bad orange-y spray tan or really weird tan lines that can't be covered?
Weird Tan Lines (I use to dance and play soccer I'm very familiar with weird tan lines lol)

8.Would you rather have a bad haircut or bad hair color?
Bad hair color (my hair does not grow out fast)

9.Would you rather have youtube or twitter taken away forever?
Twitter

10. Would you rather give up using makeup brushes or mascara?
Makeup Brushes 

Too Faced Beauty Blogger Darlings

Recently Too Faced came out with a sample kit of their best tried and true products from their line. Not only these products are the best selling from Too Faced all the products in this kit are beauty blogger approved. If you are a fan of watching beauty videos on YouTube all these products will be very familiar. The kit includes 4 deluxe size:

1.) Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Medium- A chocolate scented, antioxidant- rich cocoa infused matte bronzer that is great for all over the face or just used for contouring. It neutralizes any red tones on your face and evens out the skin tone. Very easy to blend out and nicely pigmented. Unlike some other bronzers this one does not have any orange undertones that will make you look like an oompa loompa. This product is also cruelty free, paraben free and vegan friendly. By itself this product in full size retails for $30. 

Chocolate Soleil

More pigmented in person that on camera

2.) Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer (Little pink squeeze tube)- A vitamin infused face primer that contains vitamins C & A, mulberry extract, and retional. This primer not only preps your skin for makeup but also banishes pores, hydrates, firms and detoxifies. Your skin will appear brighter, fresher and younger. Makeup will stay put all day with this underneath. This product retails for $30 on its own. Contains no parabens. 

3.) Better than Sex Mascara (Pink Tube)- The name isn't exactly accurate (lol) however this is a pretty great mascara. It lengthens and volumes giving your lashes a luscious, sultry and fuller look. The brush has a curve to it that allows you to get into those annoying little lashes in the inner and outer corners. I wasn't a fan of Too Faced mascaras until I tried this particular one. Even those with sparse lashes will fall in love with this. Retails on its own for $23

4.) Shadow Insurance Eye Shadow Primer (Teal tube)- This is a long time favorite of mine. I been using this stuff for years since it was first released. It keeps your eyeshadows bright and vibrant and also long lasting. The texture is very nice not too thick or thin and keeps any shadows from creasing throughout the day.It comes out a creamy beige color but it does not show up on the eyelid or change the color of the shadow you are using. Retails for $20 on its own. 

This kit retails for $20 at Ulta which may seem steep for deluxe product samples however if you were to purchase these products in full size it would retail to about $50+. This kit allows you to try out these products and see if you want to commit to the full size later on. 

What's New At The Drugstore #1

1.) Rimmel London Exaggerate Eyeshadow Primer ($4.99 @ CVS and other drugstores nationwide as well as Target and Walmart stores)

Eye primers are used to keep eyeshadows not only lasting longer but also keep the colors more vibrant. They can be pretty pricier to come by these days because most brands who create eye primers are usually more on the higher-end side. Drugstores only recently in the last year or so have begun coming out with eye primers. I have tested pretty much all the ones out there in the drugstores and compared them to the higher- end ones and they honestly do not compare at all until now.

Packaging: Long white tube with a doe foot shape applicator

Formulation: The formula is very wet and thin but dries in a couple seconds after application. It feels very light on the lid and doesn't add anymore "weight". Works better with people that have normal to dry eyelids. Oily lids will have an issue with the wet formula. The formula is very similar to NARS Smudge-proof eye primer which retails around $26 a bottle.

Overall this product works very well. I have tested this primer wearing light eyeshadow looks as well as dark smokey looks and by the end of the day my eyeshadows still looked great and very little to no creasing. Only complaint is the wet formula. If not given some time for the primer to dry and set your eyeshadows will crease like crazy.

2.) Maybelline Color Elixir ($7-9 depending on which drugstores) 

Maybelline Elixir in the color Dashing Orchid (Plummy rose)

Packaging: A small plastic rectangular tube comes with a small doe foot applicator

Formulation: At first I thought this product would be like a liquid lipstick. The color with the first application comes out sheer but you can still see the color. The color is build able but does not go very dark like the packaging shows. The consistency is very sticky and drying on the lips. Definitely wear some kind of lip balm under it.

Overall I had high hopes for this product. Maybelline comes out with pretty great lip products so I do not know what happen with this one. The colors with this line are gorgeous and there are also many colors to choose from however the formula is just too sticky and drying on the lips. It was very uncomfortable to wear. The price is also another issue. For something this small along with the formulation it definitely isn't worth the money. I would say skip this product.