Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Sigma Pro Partners

Finally the day is here where you can actually become a pro member and get a discount for sigma products. I figured for a while why they never had a program to begin with. But they finally jumped on the bandwagon, and I couldn't be more happier! Nowadays, you're within half a degree of knowing a makeup artist. Its become a pretty big deal over the past 5-6 years. Social media has given more insight and inspiration into the business, causing many people to hop onboard. From tutorials, to workshops, the possibilities are endless on what you can learn, and how to be successful. That alone is a topic within itself that I'll blog about one day. So before I get off topic. Lets cut to the chase.
There's not much here really, haha! But it's much appreciated to not only become a pro member, but to receive a free gift!  They sent some sample highlighters and eyeshadows, along with my favorite e25 blending brush (my 5th one :p). There's also a membership card for the sigma store (that I'll probably never go to, I live in Atlanta). I did notice the e25 brush is a little different from the ones I have. Instead of natural bristles, the newer one is synthetic. I don't feel it affects the performance of the brush. I have my pros and cons for synthetic and natural for many different uses and reasons. Personally, this one blends the same as the others. *Kanye shrug* ok I'm done. Thank you Sigma! Xoxoxo

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Monday, June 15, 2015

Oh, I just want a trim! :-/

If you're a stylist, you get it. Ha ha!  These are a few of clients clients that I've done over the past couple of weeks. One was a "trim" and the other some gracious highlights!

For the highlights,I didn't go too drastic, as it was her first time working with color. I did a partial focusing mainly in the center crown because of the way she normally styles her hair. I used 20 volume developer with Redken's blonde dimensions lightener. Then toned with shades EQ gloss in 1 oz 7 GB and 1 oz 8 WG with 2 oz processing solution.Then end result of both, welp, FLAWLESS. XOXO . Let me know what you think!

Monday, April 27, 2015

FOTD Sigma Creme de Couture

I was feeling extra springy today! It was a beautiful day. Went to the World Of Coke, and visited the High Museum of Art for the first time ever. I live in Atlanta so that's sad I've never been but,alas! Bucket list checked off. Too commemorate this wonderful day I went with Sigma's Creme de Couture palette. It has tons of fun colors. Annnnddd herrrre we go!

Eyes:
Almond pear (inner corner)
Creme de Menthe (center lid)
Lavender Honey( crease)
Cassis (outer corner)

Foundation: Kat von D lock it tattoo in shade 66
Blush: Tarino Tarantino in Candy Cameo
Lips : MAC Please Me and NYX Lip liner in Mauve


Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Sephora VIB Sale Haul: Josie Maran, Boscia & More

I caved. As usual. I mean when you get a VIB coupon, and ebates has 4% cash back. It kinda makes you, cave. Haha! So I really used this opportunity to not only stock up, but try new things. I'm really skeptical about paying full price for things I've never tried before. Mainly, for fear of not liking the product, allergic reactions,etc. So the result of that "fear" is that I purchase most of my beauty products in sets. Aside from the fact that they help you save money, they open you up to a while new world of  products!

What I got:
Josie Maran Pure & Free
Too Faced Sugar Pop Eyeshadow palette
Boscia Japanese Cleansing Ritual
Benefit's Blended with Benefit kit
Boscia cleanse & peel trio
Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk
Clinique moisture surge extended thirst relief (100 point gift)

Josie Maran Pure & Free
This set comes with a travel sized argan oil light, infinity intensive creamy oil, bear naked wipes, whipped argan oil in sweet citrus, argan black oil mascara. My staple of this kit is the original argan oil itself. It really keeps my skin supple, and I've even noticed it helps diminish the look of blemishes. Plus it's multi purpose and can be used for cuticle oil, hot oil hair treatments, fly aways, frizzies, etc. The infinity cream can be used in an infinite number of ways, hence the name. I mainly use it on my face as a night cream, but I also use it on my hands before bed after a hot shower as well. It's pretty greasy, and that's why I stick to using this before bed, because I don't wanna leave my grease prints everywhere you know? The whipped cream I've used before but in a different scent. I love the cream, it's very moisturizing. Nothing spectacular, but it does the job and leaves a fresh scent. I haven't tried the bear naked wipes, or the mascara, so stay tuned for a review on those later.

Too Faced Sugar Pop

These shadows are so yummy to look at! It makes my heart skip with joy and think of all things spring and summer and beach! Although I think I have a palette similar to it already,I really don't care. Lol. It's a limited edition spring Lorac palette from a few years ago. I believe I've got a review of it somewhere on this blog. But yeah,I love the colors! One sidenote though...Too Faced has very innovative ideas. I can always get where they're coming from and where they're going, but I feel their shadows are pretty inconsistent sometimes. Some have wonderful color payoff, while others, you may have to dig into a bit more. Whatever. *Kanye shrug* I tried the shadows and the ones from this palette apply beautifully, are pretty pigmented.

Josie Maran Pure Argan Milk
I commend Josie for all of her efforts in creating a product line that promotes work, especially for women, in Morocco. I already am a true fan of her argan oil, and this milk just makes me more of a zealot. I switch up my night routine quarterly. Then I go on a rotation of my staples, and newfound loves. I do this because skin, like hair, can sometimes become accustomed to the same ol same ol, and appear to no longer give the effects they once had in the beginning. Switching up your routine every once in a while prevents this from happening. This milk is an "oil & water" mix. The concoction  of purified water and droplets of argan, is said to help better penetrate and hydrate the skin. Therefore, sealing in moisture for a youthful glow.

Boscia Cleanse & Peel set

I have yet to buy me a full sized Boscia luminizing black mask because I keep getting them in kits. Lol. You really have to layer it on thick, otherwise, you will not be able to peel the mask off of your face. It really helps to draw out the impurities from your skin. Since the mask is black, you can see all the gunk extracted from your face once the mask is peeled. It really does help to brighten your complexion. Give it a go. You won't regret it. :) Next, it came with an exfoliating peel gel. It's a pretty interesting thing this gel. You see, it has these exfoliating agents that bond to the outer layer of the skin to gently remove dead skin cells. It contains aha's and enzymes to firm, remove and brighten. Alert: my face feels some kinda way after rinsing. The exfoliating agent causes the product to "clump"up and the little chunks are difficult to rinse off. I woke up the next morning with these tiny pieces on my face and was like,wtf? It's still a good product, just have to put some more oomppf into rinsing next time I guess. And last but not least, this set came with a detoxifying black cleanser which I have not tried yet, but I have faith that it just might amaze me.

Boscia Japanese Cleansing Ritual set

This purchase is a result of a restock. The makeup breakup cool cleansing oil is my staple for removing a long days face of makeup. It doesn't tug our pull on the skin like many other oil cleansers out there do. I have yet to try the tsubaki exfoliating powder, and the purifying cleansing gel. ( reviews later ;) ) Then there's the konjac sponge. I really don't use this sponge alone, although I do make it apart of my cleansing routine. Contrary to what it seems it may feel like through pictures, it's fairly soft. A little too soft for me really. I still like to use it as my first wash after removing my makeup. Then I use my clarisonic right after to finish the job. I've read great reviews about it evening the skin tone due to the konjac root that is infused in it. I have yet to notice a difference. I'll give it a while though. Who knows.

Benefit's Blended with Benefit kit

This kit comes with two beauty blenders. A pink one and a "white"one, but it looks more like a cream color to me. I have a beauty blender already, and I love it! It's super fast, and easy and provides an airbrushed finish in literally, like, 2 seconds. The egg shape helps it to work around the crevices of your face. Eyes, nose, jaw, etc. Next it comes with a POREfessional primer. One of my favorites, but I still love my smashbox. I think I love both equally honestly. It's good stuff. Last but not least is the classic staple benetint. I think any and every women , whether rookie or veteran should have this. It's very versatile and easy to use, all while producing a completely natural look. You can sheer it out, or build it up for a more dramatic finish. Get it, you'll love it, the end.

Phewwwwwwwwwww! Goodness, I feel like I've written a book! But, I hope it was detailed enough to give enough info on your purchasing decision. The sale of course is over by now, but many things ate sick available for grabs (I hope). Let me know what you got, what you didn't get, and what you think I should get! And don't forget to share!
XoXoXo

Konjac Sponge (Dry)

Sunday, April 19, 2015

My Favs! Urban Decay

Really though, the description on the B6 bottle is the truth. This truly is that it really is that one thing you don't think you need until you try it. It has definitely improved the size of my pores, evened out my skin tone and controlled much of the oiliness of my skin. Another plus is the refreshing minty feeling you feel once you spritz it onto your skin. Some people claim they don't notice a difference, not everything works for everybody. *shrug*but, it works for me.

I decided I'd get the naked 3 eye pencil  duo. I noticed how nice blackheart looked on a co-worker and realized...I.NEEEDDD. Probably don't need, but definitely want.So I got it.

24/7 liquid liner in siren was on sale, and I honestly, I used it as a filler item so I could get free shipping. Ha! But I love it! I like to pair it with a black liner and have a double liner look.

And then of course there are the samples. I got some naked skin samples. None of which are in my skin tone so I just throw them into my kit for clients when duty calls for it, or I just simply give them away. I received the All Nighter spray which is another must have as it really does help to seal in your makeup making it last through monsoons and things of that nature.

If you plan on copping something from this list, try the B6! Hopefully out works for you! :) :*

Left to right: Blackheart, Siren, Darkside

Too Faced Chocolate Bar FOTD

It's been rainy all week. No lie. I've been having my hair on fleek, and makeup on fleek, just trying to be extra fleeky this week. (Ha! That rhymes!) But....I can't do it with this rain. So anywho, I've been doing an afro this week since its easier to keep up with during crazy rainy days as these. But to no avail, my burtiful bantu knot twists became a frizzball mess. Whatever! At least my makeup remained on point (with my greasy face and all).

Products used today are *drum roll puhlllezzz*

Face: Kat Von D lock it tattoo foundation in 66, NYX wonderstick contour and highlight in deep.
Cheeks: Nars Orgasm
Lips: Urban Decay Sheer Revolution in LadyFlower
Eyes: UD primer potion,
NYX jumbo pencil in rust as base. Too faced salted caramel as a blending shade MAC Brown script as a transition shade. Too Faced Chocolate Bar Cherry Cordial ( inner & outer corners, blended crease) Amaretto center lid.

Hope you enjoy! Follow my blog and comment below of you yay or nay!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

EOTD Sugarpill "Burning Heart"

Created this wonderful look using SugarPill's Burning Heart Palette. Wanna recreate this look? Products are listed below! :-)

Lid: Love +
Blending shade in crease: MAC Rule
Crease: Flamepoint
Crease/Highlight: Buttercupcake
Outer corner: Poison Plum

I prepped my lid with Urban Decay's primer potion, and used NYX jumbo eye pencil in cherry to intensify the red.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Amber Nectar & Hermosa Rose

Good day to you! I just received these in the mail yesterday. Welp, I've always used this product, but this is my first time trying the hermosa rose.

I only took a picture of these two because I just got them and didn't feel like digging for the other one actually(my bad) but if I remember, I'll definitely post the face powder in beautys touch.

Hermosa Rose is a really nice warm-taupey-bronze. It seems like it would fair well with most skin tones as it has a very subtle sheen.

Amber Nectar is my favowitttt! I get the most use from this one because it has a beautiful peachy golden sheen that truly does make you look lit from within. This highlighter photographs PERFECTLY in all of my photos. It doesn't look like I'm wearing any highlighter. My skin just looks flawless and dewy.

These powders are best applied with a dense face brush, preferably a synthetic kabuki brush(in my opinion). It's a pretty "hard"powder, and natural bristles, wouldn't be able to pick up enough product to be able to buff and blend for a seamless finish. They can be applied to the tops of the cheeks, bridge of the nose,cupids bow, and chin. In cases of the fairer skin tones, these can be used as a blush as well.

Comment below if you've tried ! How was your experience? Would you buy again?


Friday, April 3, 2015

Mini Ulta Haul

So I must admit that I'm a little addicted to Benefit's new Roller Lash mascara. You remember mortal combat? And when you're about to beat down your opponent and that voice yells, "Come herrrreeeee!" Yeah, thats what this brush does to my lashes, I swear. It grabs every lash, almost forcefully, but in a good way. Im already a big fan of Benefit's They're Real, but this just miiight become my new fave.

Furthermore, I went along to get some brand new goodies I've never tried, and restock a couple of my other favorites. My restock items are the NYX Mineral Matte Finishing Powder, and the NYX Wonder Pencil. I love the NYX mineral powder to set my foundation. Its VERY finely milled, applies evenly, and leaves no pasty caste that most mineral setting powders leave. I use the color medium dark, (I think). Then my next restock is the wonder pencil. I love this pencil because its very multi purpose. You can use it to highlight your brows, or highlight other smaller areas of the face such as your cupid's bow, etc.

Some new things I picked up were the NYX Satin Finish Black Liner and the NYX Matte Liquid Liner, along with NYX A Push Up Bra For Your Eyebrows, and NYX highlight and contour WonderStick. The satin liner applies wonderfully to the lash line. Gives a slight sheen and doesn't tug or pull. It does not work too well on your waterline though :/. It just doesn't stick or apply evenly. The Push up bra is what it says it is, hahaha. I dont think I'll get much use from the brow pencil side, unless I'm in a huge hurry. The pink higlighter blends wonderfully. It's not chalky or pasty looking. Lastly, the Wonderstick. I love....one side of it, hahaha. I love the darker contour. Its blendable and not too dark, light, red, beige. It's a perfect warm brown for my skintone.As for the highlight, there isn't anything wrong with it per say. I was just expecting it to be less sheer. I felt I had to layer it in order the get the result I wanted. Nothing wrong with it, just more work.

Planning on getting any of these? Let me know how they work out for you, as I just might be crazy and not know what I'm talking about. :P

Loves & Besos! Xoxoxoxo

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Moroccan Oil, Redken, Ben Nye, Clinique, Clean Apothecary HAUL

Just a nice little haulage for you. :). I'm really feeling Moroccan oil products right now. They leave my fine limp hair so full of body and life. Plus, it smells divine! The frizz control really helps to tame frizz and block humidity. While the glimmer shine really adds a beautiful non greasy sheen to the hair, enhancing your current hair color at the same time.
The Redken pillow talk is one of my new favorites as a primer for the hair during blow drying. It cuts down drying time in half, and gives the hair subtle conditioning and shine all while adding heat protection up to 450°.
The Ben Nye banana powder is just a recurring purchase for me. Since I love it so much to set my concealer and highlights, I decided I'd try some more products from the line of luxury and translucent powders. I got banana, dark cocoa, and topaz. The topaz I use to set my whole face, or just my concealer when I'm feeling a slight subtle highlight. The dark cocoa I got so that I can contour with my powder foundations. When I use powder foundation I use powder contour, and when I use liquid foundation I use cream contour. I feel when you use "like"with"like" it blends better as opposed to using powder foundation and a cream contour you get "streaks" and it doesn't blend as well, if that makes sense. I was a little disappointed in dark cocoa. It was extremely hard to blend into my skin for contouring. I'll try a different technique now that I know how it works. I'll give it another go, and hopefully I'll have better luck next time. :)
Clean Apothecary....mmmmmmmm... I love the way this stuff smells! I got a 2 oz. In the scent of grapefruit. This my dear is an all natural brush cleaner made of goat's milk. They have a goat milk formula which is intended on whitening brushes. And they have an olive oil formula intended on conditioning your brushes. Whichever you choose, you won't be disappointed. This cleans so well with just the wetting and a couple of swirls of the brush. It really takes out the "leg work" of brush cleansing. The scent isn't too strong. It's just enough to actually make you feel like you enjoy washing your brushes! :)

Oh yeah, and that's my Clinique acne solutions. I breakout from time to time and,uh. It really helps with that, ha. I've been using it for years. It's good stuff. This is just a repurchase as I ran out, but yes, I do use the complete set. Daily.
 

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

My new Zuca Artist Pro

I've wanted a new case for a while now as the makeup/stylist train case I have is falling apart. :(. I researched long and hard and heard many great reviews about the Zuca brand. One thing about me is that I love shopping around for good deals. When I tried to look for a deal on these bags I couldn't find a "deal" that I felt secure with. When I invest in certain products, especially high priced items as this, I like the security of having a warranty and return/exchange flexibility if the issue ever arises. With that being said, I just decided to go ahead and purchase my Zuca directly from the source itself.
Now check this out. I go online to pay for my bag, and my card kept declining! I'm like wtf, I know there's money on here. So I call up my bank and we "fix" the problem at hand....or so we thought because when I entered my info again my card declined again! At that point I'm like wtffffff. So I took a few breaths (Insert inhale/exhale here) told the devil get thee behind me, picked up my phone and called Zuca.
The representative on the phone asks for my name blah blah, you know so I can buy my dearly beloved. I say Sephora (cuz duh, that's my name) then she goes on to say how the Sephora retailer and makeup artists and stylist love Zuca bags. At that point I inform her that that's my intended use and purpose for the bag. Then the great Lord from up above spoke to this woman and she said, "Sephora, you were meant to call me today. We offer makeup artists/stylists etc. a 25% discount on all of our products!" Ta daaa! The deal I had been looking for all along! Isn't it funny how when you just let go and let God, good things happen!?! So when she said that, I decided I'd add the seat cushion as well since I was expecting to pay more in the first place.
The total price I paid for the Mystic Black Zuca Artist Pro case and seat cushion was $175.50. All orders over $100 get free shipping. There are so many pockets to this thing, I don't even think I've discovered them all. Now that I've ordered the case, I feel like I need the stylist backpack to go along with it. I think I'll also need one that I can use as a dual purpose for traveling and such, ooooo and I can get one for my daughter since they have cool designs. Oh! And the wheels light up! Its so exciting! Zuca.....you have created a monster. Thank you for such an amazing case. I'm amazed by your top notch customer service. Keep it up!

Ombre Pravana ChromaSilk Neon Pink

So, this young lady comes to me with a picture of a woman with level 2 hair and deep magenta ombre at the ends. (Insert black stare here). I recommended something with pop, but still subtle. So I decided to keep her natural level 8 and lighten the ends with Redken blond dimensions 20 vol developer. Then tone the ends with Pravana ChromaSilk Neon Pink. I let that sit for 30 minutes (no heat). And viola! I got this. You like?

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Guess who's back!?!

And look who I brought with me!? Sike, she was always there (my daughter). I've been on hiatus. School and work took a priority for a minute, but now I'm back to dive into some beauty blogging! I dunno, I thought I had lost my motivation there, but Im ready to get it back.

I've actually been thinking about not only just blogging about makeup and hair, but my travels as well. I made it a goal of mine to travel more in my figure, as there are soooo many places that I want to visit and experience.

I've got so many wheel turning in my head this time around, and I'm not going to just sit on it, I'm gonna be like a Nike sign and just do it! So be ready, and stay tuned. =) XoXoXo

FOTD

Eyes: Naked 3- Dust( inner corner), burnout(lid),nooner(crease), darkside(outter corner)

Liner: Mac fluidline blacktrack (upper lash line and wing)
-Urban Decay Ransom on waterline

Mascara: Benefits They're real

Face: Kat Von D Lock it tattoo foundation in 66

Cheeks: Inglot ( I don't remember the name, sorry:*

Lips: Urban Decay Sheer Revolution