It may be time to give your product stash the update it needs |
 Is your cosmetics bag overflowing with dried-out mascaras, cracked eye shadows and a tube of lipstick from 2002? If so, it may be in need of an overhaul. Take this quiz to find out how much TLC it needs. |
New Year resolution! -- Makeup major overhaul
Yep, it's the New Year and you start making all kind of resolutions. In my case, I forget about them in less than a day. I'm terrible, I know. So I will stick with the ones I know I have big probabilities to keep...makeup! I like to check my makeup every month or so, to see if all the products are good. I even write on them the date of purchase. Check your makeup, remember: it is something you apply to your skin so yeah...better be in the best condition.
My best wishes for you on the New Year!
I hope all of you are having a nice Xmas and that this new year 2009 bring all the best for you and yours, many blessings, love and fun!
I thank God for a wonderful year with my family, we had our ups and downs but yeah, that is life and I am glad to have the chance to live it. I just know I have been given many blessings and I am so grateful.
Don't forget everyday we have an opportunity to help those less fortunate. A simple act of kindness may mean so much for a person.
As I always say, don't forget to LIVE, LOVE & LAUGH!
I thank God for a wonderful year with my family, we had our ups and downs but yeah, that is life and I am glad to have the chance to live it. I just know I have been given many blessings and I am so grateful.
Don't forget everyday we have an opportunity to help those less fortunate. A simple act of kindness may mean so much for a person.
As I always say, don't forget to LIVE, LOVE & LAUGH!
Wishing You a Beautiful 2009!
This will be my last post in 2008. The next time I write will be in 2009. Ah, a new year. A fresh start. While I am not a fan of making resolutions, there are a few beauty related things I am going to do with the start of the new year. Among these are:- Starting Olay's 14-Day Skin Intervention on January 1st. I've used the 14-day system in the past and liked the results. Ideally, I should be doing this once a quarter...but time goes by and I forget. The start of a new year seems to be the perfect time for giving my skin a little more attention than usual.
- Cleaning all my makeup brushes. Again, this is something I should be doing more frequently. But like many of you, I put this task off and the next thing I know, it's been ages since my brushes have been thoroughly cleaned. I'll be following my own advice (here) and take the time this week to clean my brushes and beauty tools so I am ready for a new year.
- Cleaning out my makeup cases. We all do it and we know better. We keep tons of old makeup products around because we just might use them one day. I'm especially bad. I get so many samples and products to try out that my many makeup cases are filled to the brim. I think now is the time to tidy things up a bit!
I'll be back in no time with tons of beauty news. Until then, if you have any big resolutions or plans for 2009, I'd love to hear them, so leave a comment. Here's to a happy and healthy 2009!
TotalBeauty.com: My Fine Hair
I like my hair...well, most of the time. I have wavy/very fine/dry-at-the-ends hair. If I use lots of products I could get more curls, but I hate using mousse and gels everyday...yuck. I like to stick to some minimum leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum, since my hair gets horrible with all the humidity around here. And it helps to get a great haircut, depending on your face shape and what you are willing to do every day when its time to style your hair.
TotalBeauty.com provide some celebrity hairstyles for fine hair, along with some tips and recommended products. I absolutely love Jessica Biel's hairstyle. Simple and sexy. Maybe you'll find one who could work for you!
TotalBeauty.com provide some celebrity hairstyles for fine hair, along with some tips and recommended products. I absolutely love Jessica Biel's hairstyle. Simple and sexy. Maybe you'll find one who could work for you!
These haircuts and updos added oomph to flat-haired celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Biel |
 Fine hair can be tricky to style -- do it wrong and you wind up with flat, lifeless strands. To save you from yet another hairstyling headache we got celeb stylist Nelson Chan of the Nelson J salon in Beverly Hills, Calif., to dish on what celebrity-inspired cuts and styles will pump up your fine-textured strands. |
Drugstore products I love! Part 3: Mascara
I ABSOLUTELY love mascara. Mascara gives so much definition to your eyes, makes them look so sultry and sexy. I will pay for a good mascara, preferably one that isn't waterproof and won't smudge or flake (yeah, that is what we all want on our mascara right?). I have use many brands, pricey or cheap. I gotta tell you, you can find some damn good mascara on your local drugstore/convenience store. I don't think I'll pay more than $11-$12 USD for a mascara ever again (that price includes my favorite MAC Plushlash Mascara).
Here are my favorite drugstore mascaras. Bear in mind, I have naturally curled+decent length lashes, so I look for volume. I love big mascara wands.
COVERGIRL LASH BLAST--VOLUME BLASTING MASCARA
This mascara rocks. It isn't waterproof, but it hardly smudges! And I mean that, I live in a pretty humid environment (70%+ Relative Humidity almost everyday) and it just stays put. It does come in a waterproof version, but I found that one makes my lashes feel so hard and tight. I just prefer the regular version. Covergirl claims this mascara has "a volume-busting formula" that gives you the "the ultimate big lash look". I agree. After one coat you get more noticeable, long lashes, but you can build more dramatic lashes if you use two coats. I LOVE the brush, I like how it grabs the lashes while you apply. Yes, many people find it huge and terrible to get the smaller lashes, but I don't know, I just work my way with it.
The only con? I does clump a little when you are applying it, but I just use a lash brush to separate them and remove any excess, which I always do.
I use this in very black.
One Coat of Covergirl LashBlast Mascara:
MAYBELLINE FULL & SOFT WATERPROOF MASCARA
Image: Maybelline.com
Oh, this mascara is so soft! (duh!) But really, for this to be waterproof, you wouldn't believe how nice it feels on your eyelashes. I decided to try this one after reading reviews on MakeupAlley.com and I am so glad I did. The wand is also soft and I think it has a good size.
This mascara is perfect if you are looking for more natural looking lashes on a formula that will not smudge or run, just like Maybelline claims. It comes out pretty easy (considering it is WP). If you want to try a WP mascara but are afraid of them (some people just hate how hard they are to remove---I don't know why, Olive Oil does an excellent job) I would suggest this one. The Very Black shade is perfect for almost everyone.
Again, most of these products you could get on drugstore or other stores on those BOGO Free sales, which means sometimes you can get this for about $4 USD.
This mascara is perfect if you are looking for more natural looking lashes on a formula that will not smudge or run, just like Maybelline claims. It comes out pretty easy (considering it is WP). If you want to try a WP mascara but are afraid of them (some people just hate how hard they are to remove---I don't know why, Olive Oil does an excellent job) I would suggest this one. The Very Black shade is perfect for almost everyone.
One Coat of Maybelline F-n-S Mascara:
Again, most of these products you could get on drugstore or other stores on those BOGO Free sales, which means sometimes you can get this for about $4 USD.
Look: Bright Matte Greens (+Tutorial)
I promised brighter looks and well, I did! Super bright look with matte greens. I got inspired by this video from ItsLiz89. I used my Coastal Scents regular 88 piece makeup palette, ah, it is so amazing.
Watch the video tutorial for a description of the products I used. For my lips, I mixed Revlon's Certainly Red L/S with the Coral Glow L/G. Well, I really just tainted my lips with the Certainly Red l/s so I could get an even color when I apply my lipgloss (my lips are darker on the edges). I loved the results.
Pictures (click):
Oh, later on, I went to the beauty salon and got a haircut and my hair blown out. I have bangs now...still don't know if I like them, hehe.
CUL8R!
¡Vivan, Amen y Rían!
(Live, Love & Laugh!)
Watch the video tutorial for a description of the products I used. For my lips, I mixed Revlon's Certainly Red L/S with the Coral Glow L/G. Well, I really just tainted my lips with the Certainly Red l/s so I could get an even color when I apply my lipgloss (my lips are darker on the edges). I loved the results.
Pictures (click):
Oh, later on, I went to the beauty salon and got a haircut and my hair blown out. I have bangs now...still don't know if I like them, hehe.
CUL8R!
¡Vivan, Amen y Rían!
(Live, Love & Laugh!)
"The long distance is killing me"
Brandy always give us good music to listen to, that always has a message. To me, this goes in the category of "FEEL GOOD" music. People who lives for music, because of music and turns to music for everything, you know what im talking about. trust me add this one to the list. New Years is coming up and unfortunetly everyone is able to be with the ones they love. Perfect song and Perfect video to explain the feeling.
plus she look great in the video.
BRANDY- LONG DISTANCE
ENJOY
plus she look great in the video.
BRANDY- LONG DISTANCE
ENJOY
01.16.09
A movie about one of Brooklyn's Best Rapper who ever lived, people of all 5 boroughs, you wont want to miss this.
MOB sure wont! =D
R.I.P. BIGGIE!
MOB sure wont! =D
R.I.P. BIGGIE!
If you like the ring ladies, then buy it your damn self.
"All the single ladies.. if you like it then you should've put a ring on it" yeah yeah yeah blah blah blah, fuck that. not every guy is willing to put a ring on it. lets be serious. soooo, instead of waiting around for the perfect wedding ring from the perfect guy, then go out and buy the perfect cocktail ring for yourself. and all the single ladies again, your expecting when they do put a ring on it, for it to be a little pricy, soo go be pricy on yourself. you deserve it. ( pat your self on the back ). Black diamonds are of course the most elegant, chic and a little but of edgiest type of cocktail rings to wear. you can throw it on just to finish and complete a look. here are some perfect cocktail (replacement) rings you can go out, think about or dream about buying.
(IPPOLITA onyx and gold ring, $2,200, ippolita.com)
(GUCCI onyx and pave diamond with a white gold band, $3,900, gucci.com)
(CARTIER onyx and diamond ring with a white gold band, $51,600, cartier.com)
then you can always go check out VBH, N.Y.C. and ask them about their exclusive black diamond ring for $69,500 but that's totally up to you.
so enjoy being single you single ladies out there and go treat yourself! =]
what about me? nah you good.
(IPPOLITA onyx and gold ring, $2,200, ippolita.com)
(GUCCI onyx and pave diamond with a white gold band, $3,900, gucci.com)
(CARTIER onyx and diamond ring with a white gold band, $51,600, cartier.com)
then you can always go check out VBH, N.Y.C. and ask them about their exclusive black diamond ring for $69,500 but that's totally up to you.
so enjoy being single you single ladies out there and go treat yourself! =]
what about me? nah you good.
2008: The Beauty Year In Review
It's almost time to ring in a new year! As such, now is the time for thinking about future plans while reflecting on the past year. And what a year it's been! I've been looking over 2008's posts here on Kiss and Make-up, and here are the highlights from the year...
IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID
The economic downturn has been big news this year. With a great deal of uncertainty out there, most of us don't feel comfortable spending a lot of money on beauty products. Here are some tips I've given on how to stay beautiful and keep cash in your pocket:
Here are some tips on achieving hot looks from 2008...in case you're feeling the need to relive the last year through your makeup or you're wanting to update a bit:
My goal is to review a beauty product every week for you...this doesn't always happen! Regardless, here are my BPOWs (Beauty Products of the Week) for 2008 (I had a thing for mascara this year!):
Move over, Oprah! Click here to see my favorite products...or at least the beauty products I use on an almost daily basis.
Wow. What a year! It seemed to just fly by. I have high hopes for 2009 and will be back soon to help you get ready to face a new year.
IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID
The economic downturn has been big news this year. With a great deal of uncertainty out there, most of us don't feel comfortable spending a lot of money on beauty products. Here are some tips I've given on how to stay beautiful and keep cash in your pocket:
- From January 2008: How to pamper yourself without breaking the bank (click here).
- While you're out shopping and trying to save money, why not also try to save the environment? Click here for tips.
- Save some bucks but keep your nails looking great. Do your nails at home! Click here to do it right.
- If you still want to indulge in spa treatments, here are some ways to save money.
- $5 for beauty? Yup...here are some great buys under $5!
- Get an entire face of beauty for less than $32. Here's how I did it.
- There are some products that, in my opinion, are way too pricey for me to consider buying. Click here to learn more.
- Sometimes spending more money on a product to get high quality isn't necessary. Click here to see what I mean.
- Do you really know if you're getting a good deal when you're out shopping? Click here for tips.
Here are some tips on achieving hot looks from 2008...in case you're feeling the need to relive the last year through your makeup or you're wanting to update a bit:
- Rock out with metal-inspired makeup beautifully, not brutally.
- Your face is your canvas and here are makeup tips based on major fine art movements
- Click here for tips on applying eyeliner, here to apply mascara like a pro, here to be a blushing beauty, and here for all you need to know about concealer.
- Smoky eyes are always hot. Click here to pull off the look perfectly.
- Look like a vintage pin-up beauty. Click here for Bettie Page-inspired glam.
- Even though it's winter, you can still get inspiration from this post on fall beauty. Or click here to keep your look hot during these chilly days. And don't forget: this winter, purple is in. Click here for some great purple beauty picks.
- Keep your look work appropriate during the day with these tips.
My goal is to review a beauty product every week for you...this doesn't always happen! Regardless, here are my BPOWs (Beauty Products of the Week) for 2008 (I had a thing for mascara this year!):
- Lorac Lotsa Lash Mascara
- L'Oreal Professional Colorist Collection
- Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream
- Nexxus Humectress Luxe Leave-in Spray
- Sally Hansen Smile Brightening Lip Treatment
- Kiehl's Creme De Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish
- Sephora Matte Blotting Film
- Smashbox Bionic Mascara
- Lancome Hypnose Mascara
- Kiehl's Epidermal Re-Texturizing Microdermabrasion
- Imju's Fiberwig Mascara
- Aveeno Positively Ageless Lifting & Firming Eye Cream
- Cover Girl LashBlast
- Frederic Fekkai's Salon Glaze Clear Shine Rinse
- Maybelline Intense XXL Mascara
- Tassi Headband
- Sephora Nail Patch
- Cover Girl Outlast All Day Lipcolor
- Anastasia Brow Pen
- Federic Fekkai's 3-Minute Hair Mask
- Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Pen
- Smashbox O Gloss
- Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips
- Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes
- Rimmel Glam Eyes Mascara
- St. Ives Apricot Scrub (Blemish and Blackhead Control)
Move over, Oprah! Click here to see my favorite products...or at least the beauty products I use on an almost daily basis.
Wow. What a year! It seemed to just fly by. I have high hopes for 2009 and will be back soon to help you get ready to face a new year.
Quote of the Day
"My father just let my family and I know, amongst others that he had another child after my little sister Aliana, or maybe he had it before Aliana?? Either way, he cheated on my mother and that really sucks," - Lindsay Lohan
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!
Hope you guys have a lovely time this Xmas and Holiday Season!
Image: Photobucket.com
¡Vivan, Amen y Rían!
(Live, love & laugh!)
The Sexiest Guys & Sexiest Gals
When asked by Fandango.com which hot stars they were most excited to see on the big screen in 2009, men and women showed their differing opinions. Check out the results:
Sexiest Women
Voted on by men:Megan Fox
Jessica Alba
Scarlett Johansson
Charlize Theron
Salma Hayek
Kate Beckinsale
Jessica Biel
Jennifer Aniston
Nicole Kidman
Halle Berry
Voted on by women:
Megan Fox
Jennifer Aniston
Halle Berry
Jessica Alba
Salma Hayek
Kate Beckinsale
Scarlett Johansson
Charlize Theron
Kate Hudson
Julia Roberts
Sexiest Men
Voted on by men:Hugh Jackman
Johnny Depp
Brad Pitt
Christian Bale
George Clooney
Matthew McConaughey
Vin Diesel
Ryan Reynolds
Denzel Washington
Matt Damon
Voted on by women:
Johnny Depp
Robert Pattinson
Denzel Washington
Hugh Jackman
Brad Pitt
Christian Bale
Matthew McConaughey
Clive Owen
Vin Diesel
Keanu Reeves
TotalBeauty.com: More Makeovers!
Yay, more beautiful TotalBeauty makeovers!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
TotalBeauty.com reader Jennifer discovers the hot hair she should have been born with
|
 TotalBeauty.com's makeover dream team -- celeb stylist Ted Gibson, owner of Ted Gibson Salon in New York City, and celeb makeup artist and Beauty.com spokesperson Tina Turnbow -- give Jennifer modern hair and gorgeous makeup. Check it out! |
She's had the same hair since high school. TotalBeauty.com's about to change that
|
 Check out this hair and makeup makeover -- you wont believe the transformation -- and find out how to get a makeover yourself! |
Mary-Kate Skates!
Spotted!
Who: Mary-Kate Olsen
Where: Rockefeller Center's ice rink in NYC
When: Friday
Why: Skating with friends
Who: Mary-Kate Olsen
Where: Rockefeller Center's ice rink in NYC
When: Friday
Why: Skating with friends
Happy Holidays!
My house in the snow. It will be a white Christmas this year.Even though I am not feeling particularly in the holiday mood this year for a number of reasons, the holidays are now upon us. I'll be taking the next few days off, but when I'm back I'll bring you all sorts of new info like:
- A new installment of my Reader to Reader segment
- Beauty Product of the Week reviews of a hand lotion candle, mark skin care products, etc.
- A new Anastasia product is hitting the market soon and I have the scoop!
- Product reviews of the next featured items at HSN's Faces of Beautiful You
- Review of White Sands hair care products
- And much, much more.
Updated to add: I'm going to be doing some cleaning up of my blog in order to start 2009 on the right foot. If you have a blog and you want to link up with me, please send me an email and I'll try to get you on either my favorite sites list or my Links to Keep You Beautiful as appropriate. Note: sites that I am currently linked to that have not been updated lately will be deleted. Thanks!
Rihanna to Rock Out at Charity Inaugural Ball
On January 20th the songstress will headline the Recording Industry Association of America's charity ball benefiting Feeding America. She'll be joining the likes of Will Smith who says he will also be in D.C. for the Inauguration. ""We'll go there and just cry - probably two, three days in a row. Just lots of crying. We'll probably cheer a lot, too," he told reporters at the L.A. premiere of Seven Pounds.
