LOOK: MAC Goldmine, Amber Lights & Sketch

Yesterday I felt much much better and I needed my "therapy": Makeup! I decided it was time to step out from my "comfort" zone, I was getting bored with neutrals. So I took a look at my palettes and thought Goldmine, Amber Lights and Sketch would look good together. I love the results.

One thing I have noticed is that I'm more pale than usual for this time of year. But I'm afraid of the sun because of the dark spots and freckles on my face. Gotta get my bronzed skin little by little or learn how to correctly use bronzers . I'm not a fan of them (neither cream or powder).

So...I had to mix Revlon Colorstay Makeup in Natural Tan with Golden Beige to get my shade. Although Natural Tan looked as a perfect match for me in flash photos, in real life it was a tad too dark. I applied L'oreal Translucide Loose Powder in Translucent, which I like because it provides a nice subtle glow...unfortunately it is not good for flash pictures =/.

In the pics without flash I'm posting below you may see the foundation shade is great for me. The difference between my face and neck is not that much in flash photos, but next time I have to remember to use a matte loose powder like my MAC Blot Powder if I'm going to use a lighter shade of foundation. I would hate to appear on pics like I have a gray or pink mask on my face (have you seen pics of ladies like that...Yuck!). L'oreal Translucide powder in Translucent is good to tone down Natural Tan if don't want/have time to do my "customized" shade, lol.

I'm editing a tutorial about this look, will be posting it soon.

FACE
BORGHESE Prime Viso Face Primer---->love it!
REVLON Colorstay Makeup (Combo/Oily) in Natural Tan mixed with Golden Beige
L'OREAL Translucide Loose Powder in Translucent
NARS Blush in Orgasm
MAC Powder Blush in Blunt to contour cheeks

EYES
TOO FACED Shadow Insurance
REVLON Illuminance cream shadow Quad in Vavava Bloom (marked shades) as a base for e/s
MAC e/s in Goldmine (1/2 lid), Amber Lights (outer 1/2 lid), Sketch (crease+outer crease), Ricepaper (inner lid) and Vanilla (highlighter)
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
ARDELL False Lashes--Wispies
L'OREAL Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black

LIPS
CARMEX Lip Balm SPF 15
REVLON Super Lustrous L/S in Black Cherry
L'OREAL Colour Riche Lipcolour in Mica
L'OREAL Colour Riche l/g in Sugar Coated

Some of the products I used

Mix this:

To get this:

The eyes:

The Look (lol!):

NO-FLASH PICS:

Bye sexy ladies!

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

Review: Revlon Colorstay Makeup w/ SoftFlex

ETA: 

♥ For your reference -- I'm MAC NC 35/37 to NC40 (if I have been sunbathing ;) ) ; Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup in 3W1; Revlon Colorstay in Warm Golden or Natural Tan+Golden Beige (DAY) & Natural Tan (NIGHT)<--I do have many others shades that I just mix to get my customized color.
♥ I have Combination Skin--My T-Zone is super oily and my cheeks are normal to dry.

♥ I have dark spots, sun spots, freckles, acne scars and huge on-your-face pores.

******************

I can't believe I haven't done a full review about one of my favorite DS foundations, Revlon Colorstay Makeup!

Colorstay is the foundation I always go back to when others (DS or HE) fail. Granted, I haven't tried many HE ones. MAC Studio Fix was beautiful on me, but broke me out and transferred terribly. Select SPF15 was horrible and I'm still undecided on Studio Sculpt. I went to try EL Double Wear the other day but I'm still hesitant about the color match...*sighs* In the mean time, I am happy with Colorstay, my DS-HG foundation.

Anyway, here it goes:

♥Product Name: Revlon Colorstay Makeup with SoftFlex

♥Description: As per Revlon website--"Makeup looks fresh and feels great for up to 16 hours thanks to the lightweight, comfortable feel from the Patented SoftFlexColorStay™ formula". This foundation comes in two formulas for different types of skin: Combination/Oily and Normal/Dry. The combination/oily skin formula helps you control shine; the normal/dry skin formula is "moisture-balanced". Both formulas are oil-free and give you flawless looking skin.

Colorstay Makeup provides medium to full coverage. The Combo/oily skin formula comes in 20 shades with SPF 6 protection (though the darkest shades do not have SPF); the normal/dry skin formula comes in 12 shades with SPF 15 protection (the 3 darkest shades have SPF 12). Revlon assures the foundation does not "rub off" with normal use.

♥Price: $10-$14 (price varies by location)

♥So...: Wow, so many claims--to control shiny faces, keep dry skin fresh and will give us flawless looking skin for 16hrs!?! That's a lot of promises. My experience with it? It works. Love the formula, the coverage and I have used this in hot+humid weather for more than 8hrs and at most, I had use blotting tissue on my t-zone around mid-day. The makeup remains intact and looks so fresh!

My first experience with this foundation wasn't the best. I really didn't understand why so many ladies liked it! I first used the shade called "Golden Beige" and now I know it is too light for me. I originally used a sponge to apply it on my face and yuck, is not the same. I felt like I had a mask on and my skin was itchy. No no no!

Then I decided to give it a try again about a year ago, if I remember well. I had seen videos and read about different methods of application. I changed the shade to Toast (which is too dark for me now, but good for summer--I mix it with moisturizer). I first used my bare hands (which sometimes still do---I'm not against it) to apply it on my primed skin, something I didn't do b4, and I liked how natural it look. But since I needed more coverage, I got the 187 brush and voilà! I truly got that "airbrush finish".

If you have seen pics here of me without makeup, you know what I mean about coverage. Most of the times I even skip concealer. I feel this foundation gives me such beautiful skin. Oh, I currently use both formulas.


♥PROS:
√ Medium to full coverage
√Most of the time I don't need to use concealer when using this
√ You can mix a dark shade with moisturizer to make your own tinted moisturizer; It works beautifully and is very refreshing
√Matte finish--I do mix it sometimes with MAC's Strobe lotion to get a "glowy/dewy" finish that really lasts
√Really last for hours and I mean that my makeup looks as if just applied
√Doesn't transfer and ruin clothes
√Comes in two formulas for different skin types and has SPF (not much, but always welcome)
√Many shades to choose from; I also mix some of them to get my perfect one

♥CONS
×It doesn't has a pump, it can get a bit messy
×It has an awkward, strong smell -- it does dissapears a few minutes after application
×Dries really fast, it is better do small areas at a time when applying with a brush
×There are no real options for neutral skintones with yellow undertones (like mine).  I use Natural Tan when I'm tanned and Warm Golden seems to work the rest of the time. Since I have many shades of this foundation I mix them to make my own shade
×Drugstores don't have testers so you have to buy then try it on; I have quite a collection, just trying to get my perfect shade or at least one I can work with. Thank God for BOGO-free sales, just once I have paid full price
×Oily/Combo skin formula can dry your skin, so remember to always moisturize first!  I don't recommend to use it daily
×Wish the Oily/Combo Skin formula had higher SPF. Then again, maybe that would change the quality of the product...IDK

♥IMPORTANT!
Both formulas have shades with the same name, but the colors ARE NOT the same. Normal/Dry formula tends to be darker than the Combo/Oily skin one. I read somewhere that this was a quality issue, but I have been using this for a long time and still the colors are different (I e-mailed Revlon about this but got no reply). I have noticed that, at least on me, when the Combo/Oily formula dries (and oxidizes), the color seems darker. So you better be careful when choosing them based only on recommendations.

Watch these two bottles, same shade, different formula:

As I mentioned, I have bought many shades looking for one that suited my skin. Right now I am between Golden Beige and Natural Tan, so I mix the two of them and get a beautiful shade.  Warm Golden also works for me.

You may ask: Why bother mixing diff. shades? Because I consider the formula is so good, I really don't mind doing so.

I did bought really light shades like Buff and Fresh Beige on purpose, I use them with Toast and get another customized beautiful shade. I think I'll eventually just use Natural Tan+Golden Beige (if I don't get any paler, geez!) and also Toast to make my personal tinted moisturizer.

From left to right:
Buff(c/o), Fresh Beige (n/d), Natural Tan (n/d), Natural Tan (c/o),
Rich Tan (c/o), Toast (n/d), Toast (c/o), Active Light in Toast
(Click to enlarge)

Also wanted to mention that in my experience, if this foundation looks/feels like a mask on your face, you probably applied to much. Less is more with Colorstay! Start by applying just a drop. Then build it up.

You do have to apply this on well moisturized skin or it will emphasize dry areas on your face. I have found that MAC Prep+Prime face primer or BORGHESE Prima Viso face primer works really well for me. I used Smashbox Photofinish on winter months--which in Puerto Rico means cooler temperatures-- and it was okay, not perfect, but okay. I will not be using Photofinish with Colorstay on this summer season.

PLEASE NOTE: I can't stress enough how much difference it makes to apply Colorstay with a MAC 187 brush or similar brush (I also have the Ulta version of the 187---good buy!). The finish is unbelievable! With my fingers I get a more natural finish.  Just experiment with different methods of application to get what you're really looking for.

♥Rating: 4/5 (I would love if Revlon made it fragance-free and if at least it had a pump...LOL).  All in all, awesome foundation.

From left to right:
Buff(c/o), Fresh Beige (n/d), Natural Tan (n/d), Natural Tan (c/o),
Rich Tan (c/o), Toast (n/d), Toast (c/o), Active Light in Toast
**n/d=normal/dry formula
**c/o=combo/oily formula

No flash--Indoor Lighting

No Flash--Natural Lighting

I also have Golden Beige (Indoor):

(It seems Golden Beige is a decent match,
but this is the back of my arm. It looks too light on my face)

I hope this post is of some use to Colorstay lovers! =D



¡Vivan, amen y rían!

TotalBeauty.com: Best "As seen on TV" Makeup

Hmmm...interesting. I've never bought makeup on TV...

=D

The Best "As Seen on TV" Makeup

These hits, from channels like QVC and HSN, have our readers running for the phone

We've all done it: you can't sleep, turn on the TV, watch a spokesperson rave about some new makeup, and the next thing you know you're pulling out your credit card. Problem is, not all of those late-night impulse buys are that great. However, after checking out this list of the top "as seen on TV" makeup, you'll know what's worth the splurge. See makeup

No. 12: Dior Mascara Diorshow, $24

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4*

"It gives me the most dramatic and thick lashes, and makes them look so long..."

No. 11: Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup/Foundation, $24.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9*

"It is a snap to apply, lasts a long time, doesn't look cakey or dry and really appears natural..."

No. 10: Laura Geller Balance & Brighten Compact, $29.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.2*

"This is my go-to foundation whenever I am in a hurry and... don't have time for a full face of makeup..."

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!

Are You Paranoid?

I love it. I love it. I love it. I love it. Do you?

Quick Review: Revlon Colorstay Quad in Coffee Bean

Feeling a bit better, not much, but I hope to feel better tomorrow because of the drugs and antibiotics the doctor gave me today. So, since I can't sleep well, I decided to make a review about this Revlon quad, one of my favorites. These pics are from about 2 months ago.

♥Product Name: Revlon Colorstay 12hr Eyeshadow Quad in "Coffee Bean"

♥Description (for all quads): "Silky smooth, blendable powder shadow with SoftFlex™ won’t crease or smudge, staying flawless and beautiful for up to 12 hours. Color coordinated quads provide expert mix and match ability for your most gorgeous eyes ever. Available in 18 beautiful quads." (Revlon.com)

♥ Price: around USD $5-$7 at most drugstores/Walmart/Kmart (but I have always bought my quads when they are BOGO free!)

♥My experience with it: You may have read my thoughts on these quads. They are fairly pigmented, but I do recommend applying them on top of a good eye base (UDPP, TFSI or even Revlon Illuminance cream e/s) for them to show even more. I don't know about the 12hr claim, but I think they last about 8hrs, that's my experience. Please remember that I live in a very humid environment and not all products behave the same in different type of weather condition.

This specific quad is one of my favorite and for what I've seen online, many people love it too. Why? Well, in my case is simple: I love neutral eye looks and this quad provide different versions of it. You could even do a fast day-time neutral smoky eye look. This is perfect when you are traveling. The little sponge applicators are very helpful, specially the long one. That one can be use to define the crease or apply e/s as eyeliner (though I do use my brushes most of the time).

This quad has a variation of beige/brown/bronze colors that are so pretty and perfect to apply when you are in a rush. That's what I love about neutral looks. Three of the colors are more like matte/satin finish and one (third from the top) has a frost finish --I am posting a pic with swatches of it. As always, Revlon provides the instructions about where to place the shades on your lids. If you are like me, you will end up doing a minimum of 4 different looks with it.

♥What I would change about it? In general, some of the matte e/s feel too "powdery", that's why I recommend a good base. About this specific quad? Nothing, this one is perfect for me.

I really like this quad, it is the one I use the most these days. I will leave you with pictures now.

♥Rating: 4/5

(Please, excuse my ugly pajama! Most of the time I
do my makeup first, then put on my clothes)

(No flash)

'Til next time.



¡Vivan, amen y rían!

FABOLOUS; just how I like it ! =)

"Throw it in the bag"



"It's my time"

Who's next series?

Hot 97’s Who’s Next Series Featuring Drake at S.O.B.’s in New York City on Tuesday night.



Drake & Bun B

Drake & Hot 97's Miss Info


there were also appearences from Kanye West, Ryan Leslie, & your boy Big Sean..lol but I'm to lazy to put them up. .=D

Beauty Product of the Week: Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask

What is it? REN's Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask is "a peel mask made with 100% natural fruit acids. This gentle but potent peel mask is formulated to dramatically remove dead cells, smooth lines, and help prevent the appearance of spots and blackheads. Formulated WITHOUT Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals, or Phthalates, this peel contains natural AHA from fruits, and does not irritate the skin like its synthetic counterparts" Available from Sephora (and has been awarded Sephora's Natural Seal) for $55.

What did you think? You know I'm budget minded, so I always worry that when I try out a pricier item, I'll get hooked. And damn if that wasn't the case with this product! I used to be really diligent about giving myself a facial once or twice a week. I'd pull out one of my many masks or use an at-home microderm kit. In the past few months, I've fallen out of the habit of doing this. When I got this mask, I made a point to use it regularly. I've been using it at least once a week for about a month now, and I'm so glad I'm back in my facial habit.

The mask has an orange tint to it and smells like it's just packed with vitamins. The scent is fresh, somewhat citrus-y, and pleasant (in my opinion!). It feels cool and nurturing when it goes on, but what I really like is that it tingles a little when it's on. The mask stays on for about 10 minutes and then you just wash it away with some warm water. No need to pull it off like messy peel off mask, and there's none of that hard drying you get with mud.

My face feels thoroughly cleansed with this product. My skin is soft, supple, and looks refreshed. I don't feel like my skin's been stripped of its oils or anything like that. I feel dewy and clean after using the mask.

The final verdict? I hate recommending pricey items, but I really like this mask. The only thing I might change would be for REN to give you more mask for the same price, because even though one squirt of product is typically enough, I could see going through this very quickly.

Married To The MOB's - "Lost Summer" '09 Collection.

I'm fuckin in love. Leah never ceases to amaze me when it comes down to this line.
Peep the "Lost Summer" collection.

Are you official enough? Married To the MOB.

Ask Lydia x2: Face Cleansers and Foot Care!

I've had two questions from readers lately. If you have anything to add, please leave a comment. I appreciate your thoughts, and so do two of your fellow Kiss and Make-up readers! And if you want to ask me anything, shoot me an email (asklydia@hotmail.com).

Question #1: I have normal to oily skin. What facial cleanser would you recommend that could double as a makeup remover?

Even though I did a "Battle of the Eye Makeup Removers" awhile back, I never use a special makeup remover. I don't have the time for it, and honestly...unless I'm wearing a ton of makeup, I don't see the need for it. Who wants to buy a special product when they don't have to?

When it comes to face cleansers, my first rule is stop using soap. Soap makes your skin too tight, drying it out and leaving it in need of extra moisturizer later. Instead, try a gentle product specifically designed for the more sensitive skin on your face.

If you want a high end product, I'd recommend Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. It effectively removes makeup--even tough to get off mascara and eyeliner--without striping away your skin's natural (healthy) oils. If you're looking for a drugstore brand, any of Olay's facial cleansers are worth a try. I usually keep a tube of Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Cleanser in the shower and a bottle of Purity Made Simple by my sink. And on days when I am really lazy, I swear you cannot beat Boot's 4-in-1 Quick Thinking Face Wipes, as I've said many, many times before!

Question #2: I've been wondering if you know of any good pedicure products. The heels of my feet are in awful shape (really rough), and it always tickles too much to have them filed or whatever when I get a pedicure. Do you have any recommendations for a good pumice stone that will really do the trick? My foot filer thing hasn't been working too well.

I try to get regular pedis in the summer (once a month if I can swing it), and I always worry that I am going to laugh when getting worked on. Sometimes I can't help it, but I can usually quash my giggles with the latest edition of Town & Country magazine (for some reason, reading a snooty magazine while getting a pedicure seems like the right thing to do!).

If you don't have the time or resources to go in for a pedi--or if you're ultra ticklish!--there are plenty of products you can try at home. Look for high end, high quality (high priced) products from Tweezerman. Their Pedro Callus Stone has a decent handle and is easy to use. If you don't want to invest in an expensive tool, all you really need is a decent pumice stone. They're typically pretty cheap and readily available. Look for affordable products from Earth Therapeutics (I adore their foot wipes in the summer time!), ecoTOOLs, or the ultra cute, budget friendly Ms. Pedicure line of goods.

One word of caution, and this is coming from me, a beauty enthusiast, not a professional: avoid callus shavers. They shave off the skin from your feet and are very effective in the short term. I forget where I read it, but supposedly over-use of callus shavers can actually worsen your callus problem. I've only had a callus shaver used on me once--in a salon I won't be going back to. The whole thing freaked me out for some reason. But hey....maybe that's just me.

So readers: if you want to add your thoughts, please do so!

Don't Forget: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Here are a few more tidbits for Skin Cancer Awareness Month:

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is partnering with the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) for the month of May in honor of National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Dermelect will donate the May net sales of its two best-selling products, SPF 20 Facial Armour and Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF 15, to the MRF. These SPF products are great because they protect against the sun while also targeting wrinkle reduction and signs of aging.

The SPF 20 Facial Armour sells for $42 and the Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF sells for $36. Both products protect against UV sun damage and free radicals and are available for purchase at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans were expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2008, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths (approximately one every hour). Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults age 25 to 29 and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults age 15 to 29.

ABOUT DERMELECT
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is a forerunner when it comes to easy-to-understand, multi-tasking cosmeceutical skincare, developed with the most effective and innovative ingredients on the market. With a refreshingly realistic beauty philosophy, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is the must-have brand if you want to treat your skin with the latest product innovations that provide actual results. Availability of Dermelect treatments includes high-end apothecaries, specialty retailers, department stores, medispas, and pharmacies. Dermelect is distributed in over 12 countries globally and is also available online at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.

BECOME A MELANOMA MESSENGER
If you want to do more to fight melanoma, head over to MRF's Melanoma Messenger page. The MRF Melanoma Messengers program is a national network of volunteers that help educate, build awareness, and raise money for melanoma research in their local communities. As a MRF Melanoma Messenger, you can bring the national voice of the MRF to into your local community. Check it out--get involved!