May Faves

I love May! It’s seriously my favorite month, there’s my birthday, mothers day & it’s the unofficial start of summer. So I have been enjoying myself. I hope you all have had a fabulous month as well.

So let’s get into my May Faves!

1. Nars Lipstick in Dolce Vita – this has been my go-to lip color this month. This lipstick is super moisturizing it feels like a lip balm. The color is simply gorgeous & will suit all skin tones.

2. Kissing Elixirs – I recently discovered this product & I am loving it. It’s an all natural breath mist. It has a very subtle but refreshing vanilla mint scent. I love the packaging it is very dainty & compact. I picked this up at Nordstrom, so check it out.

3. Chanel Perfection Lumiére Foundation – I have no words to describe it. If you are in the market for a foundation go to your Chanel counter and get a sample…. enough said.

4. Urban Decay DeSlick – This is a great primer and makeup setting spray. It keeps my makeup in place all day and it also controls oils beautifully.

5. Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette Accessoires in Monogram Canvas – I debated about getting this because of the size but it has been perfect. The best part is that its multi- functional. I use it has a pouch in my bag. I also use it as a wristlet to run errands. It also makes an adorable evening bag. It also holds a good amount. Love it!

Giveaway Winner

Hello Lovelies,

I hope you enjoyed my review of the Louis Vuitton Josephine wallet. As always after every product review, there is a giveaway!

The winner of this giveaway will receive:

ASOS Mesh Ring

The winner is: Mrs Vickers!

Congratulations!

I hope you the love the ring.

In order to be automatically entered in my giveaways, you must be subscribed to my blog.

Product Review: Louis Vuitton Josephine Wallet

Hey Guys,

I am feeling so great, I just celebrated my birthday last week! I am also just finishing my finals and wrapping up my semester. So I am just really looking forward to summer and I hope you all are having a great week.

So I am back with a review of my all-time favorite wallet, the Louis Vuitton Josephine Wallet. I purchased this wallet about 2 years ago now and it’s just as gorgeous as the day I got it. This wallet is brilliantly designed and very practical which is why I got it.

The Josephine Wallet contains four credit card slots. It also has 2 bill compartments and one extra-large compartment. Finally, my favorite feature, it contains a removable coin purse. This wallet measures 7.48 by 3.94 inches. It’s extremely compact and yet it can hold a lot, including my iPhone! The extra-large compartment is great for storing your phone, important papers and even your keys. It’s so functional that you can easily turn this wallet into a clutch.

Another beautiful detail about this wallet is that it comes with either red, blue or green leather on the inside, which just makes this wallet very fun yet still classic. One thing that I also love about this wallet is that it’s design was inspired by Louis Vuitton’s first wallets.

At the time that I purchased this wallet it retailed for $390. However, now with Louis Vuitton’s recent price increases, this wallet currently retails for $450. Honestly, this price is still an amazing value for a Louis Vuitton wallet. Most of Louis Vuitton’s regular size wallets are priced much higher due to the amount of time that goes into the workmanship.

I also got my initials hot stamped on the wallet, which is very nice if you are interested in personalization. Overall, I love it and looking at the other wallets this would still be my top choice.
Also this wallet was just released in the two Damier Canvas at beginning of May.

I hope you enjoyed this review. As always stay tuned for a fab giveaway. Also remember in order to be automatically entered into my giveaways, you must be subscribed to my blog.

Thanks and please remember to comment. I love to hear from you and read your feedback.

Have a beautiful day!

Zara

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April Faves

Hey Guys

It’s May! I would like to wish all my fellow Taurus a happy birthday! I will be celebrating my birthday this upcoming week & I am very excited for the festivities.

So its time for April Favorites, I hope you enjoy.

1. YSL Faux Cils Shocking Mascara – This is literally the best mascara I have ever used. It adds tons of volume to your lashes without clumping. It also lengthens your lashes and holds your curl all day. Most importantly, no smudging. This became an instant staple for me.

2. MAC 109 brush – I used this brush just about everyday in April. This is an essential all around face brush. I use it mostly for blush and highlighter, but it can also be used for foundation and contouring.

3. Target Debit RedCard – I am so happy I got this card and I have been just enjoying the savings. $$$

4. My iPad2 – I seriously can’t put the thing down. I love gadgets and this is the ultimate one.

5. EOS lip balm – this lip balm is so conditioning, that once you apply it your lips stay moisturized all day. I love it!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Target Debit RedCard

Hey guys,

I just wanted to share with you my new favorite shopping tool, the Target Debit Card. Ok, so I just recently learned that in addition to Target’s regular store credit card they now offer debit cards!

The perks of the debit card include 5% off all purchases as well as free shipping when you shop online. I shop at Target all the time so this was very appealing to me.

The way the card works is that it is linked to your checking account and when you make purchases the funds are electronically debited from you account. This is much better than a credit card, because it’s the same as using your cash but with added bonuses.  You can also get cash back up to $40, which is also great. It can save you the trip to the ATM!

Ok, so you can apply for the card in-store at a register or guest services. I went into my local target. I handed the store associate a blank check along with my ID. I also had to provide my social. I verified all of my information on the keypad and that’s it.  I got my approval and temporary card instantly, the entire process took about two minutes,  it was so easy. They returned the voided check to me and I was done. I was able to start taking advantage of my card’s perks that day! You can also mail in your card application if you prefer.

I got my real card in the mail within a few days. I am really happy with this debit card, it’s a great money-saving tool for me. I hope this was helpful.

Have a beautiful day!

Zara

Giveaway Winner

Hello guys,

I hope you guys enjoyed my review of the Sigma Cleansing & Polishing tool.
As always after every review there will be a giveaway.

The winner of this giveaway will snag:

•Aveda Hand Relief
•Ahava Mineral Botanic cream wash & lotion deluxe samples.

The winner is:
MaryH.

Congrats!

Product Review: Sigma Beauty Cleansing & Polishing Tool

Hey Guys,

So I have a really exciting product review to share with you. It’s the Sigma Beauty Cleansing and Polishing Tool. Sigma Beauty is an online Beauty store that sell tons of goodies.
I recently discovered this product because I was exploring getting a clarisonic for exfoliation & deep cleansing. However, a clarisonic costs $200+ and honestly I couldn’t imagine spending this much for a cleansing tool.

While browsing Sigma Beauty’s website, I came across this product and what immediately intrigued me was the very affordable price of $39. Also when you spend more than $30 at sigma you get a free gift, which made this an even better value.

So because of this fabulous price I decided to give it a try and I am so happy I did. So this a cleansing tool, it can be used for deep facial cleansing, face & body exfoliation.
So it is basically the same concept as the clarisonic. The sigma beauty cleansing & polishing tool comes with 3 brush heads. Each brush head has a different level of firmness which provides different levels of exfoliation.
I use the softest brush head for daily facial deep cleansing and exfoliation where as the firmness brush is intended for body exfoliation.
This tool is water resistant not waterproof meaning it is ok to use in the shower, but not ok to fully submerge in water.
This tool is battery operated. I use rechargeable batteries in order to save on the added cost of replacing batteries. I use this tool twice a day for about 2 weeks before the batteries began to loose power.

Overall, I am very pleased with the performance of this product. It has two settings a slow speed and a high speed.
One warning though, when you switch to high speed, it spits water and soap all over. This took some getting use to, but it can be controlled.

I love the packaging and case it comes in, it’s very feminine and chic. You know I am sucker for cute packaging.

I think this is an amazing product at an even more phenomenal price.

Check it out:

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Cleansing_and_Polishing_Tool_p/cpt01.htm?Click=250036

Giveaway winner

Hello Lovelies,

It’s giveaway time! As always after a product review, there is a giveaway!

The winner of this giveaway will receive:

•An ELF eyelash kit which includes a pair of false lashes, lash glue, lash applicator as well as a lash stand to store your lashes.

• Givenchy Photo Perfexion Foundation Sample in color 5 perfect praline

The winner is: lmpotenza

Congrats!

Product Review: Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

Hey Guys,

I hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend!

So I am very excited about the Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation. It was originally released last summer, however it was not available in the US. Just recently Sephora started carrying this foundation and I had to try it. Since last year I have heard such wonderful things about this foundation. It was inspired by the Asian BB creams and is described to be a very natural skin-perfecting foundation. Unlike BB creams this foundation does not contain SPF. However, it does primes, help control oils as well as hydrates your skin.

This foundation comes in variety of shades, so I am sure everyone will be able to find a match in this foundation. I choose number 17, which turned out to be a great match for me. The texture of this foundation is very smooth and creamy. When you are applying this foundation it goes on very creamy, however it is also extremely light-weight and blends out beautifully. I use a buffing brush to apply this foundation. You only need about a pea size amount to get full coverage. Just like the rich liquid foundation this one is also very pigmented. When I wear this foundation it covers so well that I don’t need concealer at all.

The finish of this foundation is not dewy or matte, it is described as a skin-match finish. I would describe it as a very natural satin looking finish.

I have very oily skin and this foundation has been working amazingly well for me. I have worn it without needing to touch up for 12 hours and it stayed in place perfectly. Due to my oily skin I did wear this foundation with a primer. However, I have also tested it out without a primer and it still held up pretty well. Even though this has worked well on my oily skin, it is also a very hydrating formula. I would recommend this foundation for all skin types.
This foundation also has a nice fragrance. It smells very sweet, like a caramel scent. Once the foundation sets on your skin the scent goes away, it does not linger.

This foundation retails for $42 at Sephora.

Overall, I am loving this foundation. I am very happy with my purchase and I am glad it’s now available in the US.  This foundation provides a very natural, long-lasting coverage; which is everything I look for in a foundation.

March Faves

Hey Guys,

Time is flying, it’s April! It’s time to recap my March Faves.

So surprisingly, in March I tried a few new things & they all were amazing!

1. Sigma Beauty – Cleansing & Polishing Tool. I refuse to pay $200 for a clarosonic. So instead I got this tool from Sigma Beauty & it only cost $39. Sigma created this tool & it’s the same concept of the clarosonic. I use it nightly for a deep facial cleansing and it’s amazing. My skin is glowing. Full review on this to come.
Check it out at Sigma Beauty.

http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=250036

2. MAC paint pots – I totally overlooked this, but it’s now a must- have for me. It’s a cream eyeshadow that sets to a nice powder finish & it doesn’t not crease all. It can also be used as a great base for your eyeshadow look. I like groundwork & quite natural both are very neutral colors perfect for everyday. I just sweep it across my lid with my finger & I am done.

3. Illamasqua Rich liquid foundation – I have been constantly reaching for this foundation. It’s just soo beautiful and is very versatile.

4. Chanel Chance Eau Tendre – I was in the market for a new perfume. I picked this one up & I am really loving it. It’s very fresh & sweet perfect for everyday and a great addition for the spring.

5. Lush Body Butter in Buffy – Buffy is an exfoliating body bar. I use it in the shower and it’s great for exfoliation and it contains Shea Butter. So when I rinse off my body is already moistrized and incredibly soft. This is a great mult- purpose product.

What is a BB cream?

Hey Guys,

I thought I would offer you guys a quick overview of BB creams, as they are becoming increasingly popular now in the US. So BB cream stands for Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm. BB creams originated in the Asian beauty market and is described as an all in one product. A BB cream can be used as a primer to be worn under your foundation to help your foundation last and control shine. It provides coverage, so it can be worn alone. BB creams also protects the skin from UV exposure with SPF. BB creams may also offer other skin care benefits. So its not exactly a tinted moisturizer because of the added skin care benefits. So basically, it’s a cross between makeup & skin care.

BB creams have becoming increasingly popular in the US and several brands are now offering BB creams. However, because BB creams were originally created for Asian women they only came in one shade. Although the product type has become very popular most companies are still only producing one shade. Smashbox is one of the few companies that offers more than one shade. I believe Smashbox makes their BB cream in 6 different shades. If you would like to try out BB creams I suggest checking out Smashbox because they offer more options.

Giveaway Winner

Hi Guys,

What all this chatter about BB creams & tinted moisturizer. I thought I would do a giveaway that incorporates all the products needed to create an easy fresh face look.

This winner of this giveaway will receive:

•Kiehl’s #1 Lip balm
•Boscia BB cream
•Sephora Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara

These items are perfect for travel or just to toss in your bag for everyday use.
You will be able to effortlessly create a beautiful natural look!

The winner is: fairyhealthylife

Congratulations!

 I hope you enjoy!

As always after all product reviews, I will do a giveaway. In order to be entered all you have to do is be subscribed to my blog.

Product Review: Illamasqua Brand Overview

Hey Guys,

Since I mentioned Illamasqua a few times recently, I decided to do a product review on my thoughts of the brand.

Illamasqua is a makeup brand based out of the UK. Illamasqua is credited for their bold concepts and innovative makeup creations. I first heard about Illamasqua from Pixiwoo on YouTube. When I saw Illamasqua at my local Sephora I just had to give it a try.

I have tried their:

• cream & powder blushers
• the rich liquid foundation
• intense lip gloss
•cream pigment
•Pure pigment

So I feel like I can form a pretty good opinion on Illamasqua’s products. Alright, so you guys know that I love the Rich liquid foundation. One of the main reasons I like it, is because it is extremely pigmented and can cover anything including tattoos.

I think that pigmentation is what makes this brand stand out to me. All of their products are highly pigmented and display a very vibrant color. Their products never look chalky or dull.

Their lip gloss has great staying power. Even thought it goes on sticky, it is surprisingly moisturizing.

The cream blusher feels like silk, it’s freakishly smooth and light.

I got the pure pigment in color ore, which looks like a very fine gold glitter. Its gorgeous, check out my swatch below.

I must say that I am a sucker for packaging. If a product’s packaging is not appealing, I won’t be eager to buy or even try the product. I feel as though packaging is an important representation of the level of quality you are getting in the product. I must say I love Illamasqua’s packaging. All of the packaging is sleekly designed and yet very practical. For example, the foundation bottle is a squeeze bottle, which I think is brilliant. Pumps on foundation can be flimsy and bulky. They can also either pump too little or too much product, however with the squeeze bottle you have full control. Overall, I think Illamasqua has very “smart” packaging.

Illamasqua is also well-known for their latest foundation released last year. The Illamasqua skin base foundation, is inspired by Asian BB creams. This foundation is suppose to be great for every skin type and their best foundation yet. So of course, I have wanted to try this. However until just recently you could only buy this product from the UK, which discouraged me from getting it.

Just this week I noticed that the skin base foundation was listed on Sephora’s site! Yes, you can now get this highly anticipated product here in the US! Since Sephora was having their beauty insiders sale this week, I took advantage of the discount and ordered mine!
I will definitely offer you guys my feedback once I get it and use it for a bit.

Overall, Illamasqua is an exciting brand that offers something for everyone. Illamasqua has definitely made my faves!

Look out for more about Illamasqua!

Swatch of Ore pigment

How to Make your Own Tinted Moisturizer

Hello Lovelies,

I wanted to share with you a quick and easy tip. With the increased popularity of BB creams and tinted moisturizers I wanted to offer you guys a very inexpensive and convenient alternative.

So, I do this technique when I am in hurry or I don’t want to apply full-on makeup. This is just a super quick and easy way to achieve a very natural fresh face look. Clearly, you can invest in a BB cream or tinted moisturizer, but why spend the money when you can achieve the same effect with products you already own!

Ok, so to create my own tinted moisturizer:

I take about pea size amount of foundation and put it on the back of my hand. I use Illamasqua’s Rich Liquid foundation, because this foundation offers full coverage I find that it works best with this technique.

Then I add a moisturizer on top. I add about 3 times the amount of moisturizer to the foundation. I use Embryolisse Lait- Creme Concentre, which is a very popular cream used by makeup artist worldwide.

Then with my fingertip I mix the products together on the back of my hand. I am using my fingers and hand, because the warmth from my finger allows the products to almost melt together.

Once the product is mixed I dot the mixture on my forehead, cheeks and chin. Then with my fingertips I blend it all in. I use very quick short strokes to work the product into my skin. I DO NOT rub it in, as that will cause streaking and most of the product will end up on your hand rather than your face.

Once you have evenly distributed the product on you face your are done! You skin will be even, moisturized & basically flawless. This entire process takes me no more than 2 minutes. Its just a simple way to achieve a fresh-face look without a lot of time and effort.

Hope this was helpful.

Zara

One word… Illamasqua

 

Hey guys,

I am very excited to share with you  a new discovery. Recently, I have been on the hunt for my holy grail foundation. So in the process I have picked up and tried quite a few foundations. I have definitely discovered some gems but the one I am really excited about is Illamasqua’s Rich Liquid Foundation. I picked this up at Sephora, which only carries a limited line of products from Illamasqua.

This foundation is very thick and creamy for a liquid foundation. Although it’s very thick it blends beautifully and does not appear heavy or cakey on the skin. I recommend applying this foundation with a very dense foundation brush, because this foundation is so thick you need a dense brush to distribute the foundation evenly. I use the Philosophy Supernatural Airbrush to apply this foundation, which is the most dense brush I own. I feel as though something like a MAC 109 or 187 is too loosely packed and will be difficult to work with to apply this foundation.

This foundation is very pigmented, it gives you maximum coverage. It offers such great coverage that it can also be used as a concealer. Due to this product being highly pigmented you only need to use a tiny amount. I use about half of a pea size amount for my entire face. This small amount gives me a full coverage flawless finish. Be careful not to use too much of this product because you only need a minimal amount to get full coverage.

Also I was initially scared of this product because I have oily skin and with a name like rich liquid. I thought this was just not going to work for me. I was completely wrong. It gives me a semi-matte finish and it takes longer for my oils to break though this foundation in comparison to other foundations.

I would summarize this foundation by saying its full coverage, long-lasting & surprising light-weight. Overall, a great addition