Archive December 2009
A Look Back at 2009′s Red Carpet
Best Red Carpet Looks From the Past Year
Can you believe 2009 is almost over?! Well, it already is over for a lot of you… I sill have and one more hour left :) Some of the looks on the red carpet have been gorgeous and I would love to recall them one more time before next year’s award season starts! Take a look at my favorite looks from 2009.
Angelina Jolie looked radiant at this years Academy Awards. I am in love with the “whole package,” from the hair, to the earrings, to the makeup. I know the makeup looks pretty simple, but it compliments her natural beauty and her skin looks amazing! I think her makeup artist created the perfect look for her here.
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Another natural look, but let me tell you, natural is the HARDEST look to create! Look how GORGEOUS Megan Fox looked at the Golden Globes! Glowy, perfect skin and flawless eyebrows, I really couldn’t ask for anything more 
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Kim Kardashian took a makeup risk at the Golden Globes this past year, but I think it totally worked for her! She moved away from her usual sultry, smokey eye, and went for a frosty blue/white makeup look with extreme false eyelashes. It complimented her long white gown beautifully.
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A lot of people argue that younger girls should stay away from red lipstick because it ages them, but I disagree! Taylor Swift looked so pretty at the MTV Video Music Awards this year and her red lipstick is totally working for her! Her neutral colored dress makes that pucker pop. Love it.
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I couldn’t get over Mila Kunis’ makeup from the 2009 Emmys. Her mauve/brown eyeshadow makes her eyes POP and looks great with her skin tone. I always think she looks great, but I really did love this look!
Jennifer Hudson looked like a rock star at this years Grammy Awards. Her silver and black smokey eye was so glamorous but still fun. You can get Jennifer’s look by following my step by step guide here.
Happy Holidays
Hello Beauties!
I just wanted to write you a quick note to wish you all some Happy Holidays! I have been uber busy this week and haven’t had much time to sit down and post. I came home to San Diego for the holidays and it has been a non-stop whirlwind of adventure. I will get back into my regular posting routine after Christmas, and hopefully I will be able to bang out a few more posts before then too! I have another holiday makeup idea coming up, as well as a few product swatch posts and hopefully I will get some new makeup for Christmas that I will be able to review
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Get the Look: Jennifer Hudson
Holiday Makeup Idea!
I LOVE Jennifer Hudson’s makeup in this picture! I think it was for the Grammy’s, but the silvery smokey eye would be perfect to add a little bit of pizazz to your holiday makeup. Whether you are going to a company party, Christmas Eve dinner, or ringing in the New Year with friends, this sexy look will set you above the rest!
What You Need:
Silver Eyeshadow or Pigment
Matte Black Eyeshadow
Matte Chocolate Brown Eyeshadow
Black Eyeliner Pencil
False Eyelashes (Medium Length)
Shimmery Mauve Lipgloss
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How To Get The Look:
1. Start out with your foundation or tinted moisturizer. Add a drop or two of luminizing lotion to add a healthy glow to your skin. Smashbox’s Artificial Light and MAC’s Strobe Cream are great for this technique.
2. Take your silver eyeshadow and begin to apply it to the inner half of your eye. Look at the diagram below, the red dotted line shows where you should carry the silver to. I like to use a firm flat brush to “pack” the color on. It will show up more vibrant this way. Do not go past your crease with the eyeshadow.
3. Add a little touch of the silver to the inner corner of your eyes (near the tear ducts!) It brightens your eyes and looks amazing.
4. Now, take a matte black eyeshadow and apply to the outer half of your eye, picking up where the silver leaves off. Extend the shadow out a little past your eye and blend well into the silver with a clean blending brush.
5. Once your silver and black shadows have been blended, take a matte chocolate brown eyeshadow on a clean brush and lightly contour your crease. Use the windshield wiper motion, back and forth. On the diagram, the yellow line shows where to apply the brown. Up until this point, you shouldn’t have gone past your natural crease with the other shadows, so now is the time to give it a little definition and to make your eyes pop.
6. Take your black eyeliner (pencil, gel, liquid, it’s up to you!) and line the upper eyelid, don’t worry about getting it too perfect because you’ll be adding lashes on top of it.
7. Now it’s time for the falsies! Apply these to your eye, and wait for them to dry completely before moving on.
8. Once the eyelash glue has dried, go BACK over the strip with your black eyeliner. This will help to hide fake eyelash band, and will define your eyes even more. Also apply two to three coats of black mascara to plump them up a bit.
9. Next, line your lower lash line with the same black eyeliner and smudge softly with a q-tip, just so the line doesn’t look too harsh. Don’t forget to line your waterline too! Jennifer’s lower eyeliner is not dramatic or too smokey, so just a little definition will do.
10. Sweep a plum or berry colored blush on your cheekbones.
11. Apply a shimmery mauve lipgloss like Jennifer’s, or make the look your own by wearing your favorite lip color! Nudes, burgundy’s and berry’s would all look stunning with this silver, smokey eye!
Nicole Kidman’s Makeup Disaster EXPLAINED
I Would NOT Want to Be Her Makeup Artist Today…
Everyone has been buzzing about Nicole Kidman’s makeup malfunction last night at the New York Premiere of her new movie, “Nine.” The story even made the front page of Yahoo News! Ok, come on…. Really?? People keep slamming Nicole and her team for not looking in the mirror before hitting the carpet but do you really believe that NOBODY noticed two pounds of powder masking her face before she stepped out her limo. I don’t think so…
While I do not know exactly what happened, this ismy best theory on the “disaster.”
Nicole’s makeup artist probably used a product with large amounts of mica. Mica is highly reflective when subjected to flash photography, and creates the “ghost face” effect we see on Nicole. Chances are her makeup artist used a mineral powder, since the main ingredient in mineral makeup is, you guessed it, MICA.
Based on the placement of the whiteness, I’m guessing the culprit is probably the powder her makeup artist used to set the foundation. Especially since the majority of the white is under her eyes, and eyes tend to crease the most.
I’m pretty sure it’s not ACTUAL powder because:
a) An A-list celebrity like Nicole has SO many people around them at all times, and there is no chance that not a single person saw the mistake.
b) The severity of the whiteness is different in each picture, depending on the angle.
c) There are other pictures from the event showing Nicole’s face powder free.
One pictures shows the malfuction, while the other displays Nicole powder free!!
I feel soooo bad for her makeup artist!! I can’t even imagine having to do damage control for this mistake.
Tokyo Nail Expo
Amazing Nail Designs!
November 30th marked the annual Nail Expo in Tokyo Japan, and the event’s attendance has grown to over 50,000 people! Nail art is huuuuge in Japan and makes over 200 million yen a year (Over 2.2 million dollars!!).
So, while I was going crazy over O.P.I’s new Suede line, the Japanese were painting murals on their fingertips! Check out the amazing art work!
Boost Your Immune System!
5 Natural Ways to Avoid Getting Sick
Tis’ the season… for cold and flu outbreaks! 
Just about everyone I know has been sick this season, and H1N1 is still a legit scare in the U.S. Recently, I have been keeping taking extra care of my immune system because I cannot afford to get sick. Even though this is a beauty blog, healthy=beautiful, so here are several of my tips to keep yourself cold and flu free for the holidays!
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1. Echinacea
Echinacea is the best known herb for strengthening your immune system and warding off infection. It comes in the form of capsules and tea, but I take the liquid drops. 20-30 drops in a glass of water, and you’re good to go! I wouldn’t recommend taking Echinacea everyday because your body starts to get immune to benefits of the herb. Once a week is a good dosage during the season, take it more frequently if you start to feel yourself getting sick.
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2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is at the top of many people’s immune booster lists for a reason. It makes your body produce more infection fighting white blood cells and anti-bodies and helps to prevent the entry of bacteria and viruses! You can get your daily dose of Vitamin C by taking a daily vitamin supplement, and Emergen-C powder is also really good! Of course, natural fruit and veggies is the absolute best way to get this vitamin! Broccoli, Papaya, Oranges and Kiwi contain the most Vitamin C.
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3. Airborne
Chances are, you know what Airborne is and you probably have taken it before. Many don’t know that it actually is all natural and contains a special blend of over 17 vitamins and minerals that help support our precious immune systems! I am a believer in these miracle tablets, and take them at the first sign of sickness.
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4. Apple Cider Vinegar
As an age-old, home remedy for tons of ailments from diabetes to acne, of course Apple Cider Vinegar is on the master list of immune boosters. It works by balancing your body’s PH to make it more alkaline (instead of acidic). Disease, cold and flu have an almost impossible time living in an alkaline environment, so trust the ACV! Make sure you buy raw, unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar with “the Mother,” which are just live enzymes. I use Bragg’s version and take 2 tablespoons in a glass of water (add honey for taste).
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5. Acai
Although Acai has gained recent popularity as a weight loss supplement, the berry has been around for ages as an immune system ally. It destroys free radicals (pollutants that can damage your cells) and is a natural protector against disease and bacteria. My favorite way to take Acai is through this juice available at Sam’s Club. I take a shot of it twice a day and it taste sooooooo good!!
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Of course, exercise, enough sleep and a healthy diet are the best ways to ward off sickness, a little outside help is always appreciated and welcomed
Review: Cetaphil Moisturizer
The Perfect Moisturizer at a Price You Can Afford!
I bought Cetaphil about a year ago after hearing tons of people raving about it, and have been using it everyday since. I must say, I am officially in love! Cetaphil is also the #1 dermatologist and pediatrician recommended brand of cleansers and moisturizers! I love finding amazing products like this at the drugstore, truly makes my day
If you have extremely sensitive skin, or are looking for a product that is gentle, wallet friendly and non irritating, this moisturizer should definitely be on your beauty shopping list. The formulas are so mild and fragrance-free, that they are often recommended to women who have just gotten facial or chemical peels. They are also non-comedogenic, which means they will not clog your pores or make you break out!
I use the “Moisturizing Lotion for All Skin Types” because I do not have sensitive skin, but they also have one specifically for sensitive skin. I love the way it soaks into your skin but still makes you feel moisturized. I hate when moisturizers soak in too fast and you feel like you need to add five more coats to even feel like it’s working! It also acts as a great makeup primer, I feel like my foundation glides on after using Cetaphil.
Tip: Apply your moisturizer and give it a chance to soak in before moving on to foundation. Brush your teeth or do your hair while you wait!
The best thing about Cetaphil is the size! The moisturizer is 16oz. and it’s under $12 (in most stores)!! At that price, you can pretty much coat your whole body in it!
I use Cetaphil a lot on set because it works well with most skin types and will not irritate, which is especially helpful when doing several looks!
CONS:
So obviously, nothing can be perfect, so here are a few of the cons I could come up with:
- If you have oily skin to begin with, it might make your face a little greasy looking mid-day. Combat this by using blotting papers to take away the shine, or by using a smaller pump. You really only need a little dollop anyways.
- They test on animals :( :( NO BUENO
Holiday Gift Idea #3
Great Gift Sets From Stila!
Smudge Pot Collection
This Smudge Pot Set from Stila is a great deal at only $32 (a $95 value)! You get four different smudge pot colors and a travel sized eye-liner brush. If you’ve never tried this bestselling item, now is time to jump on the bandwagon. The set comes in black, violet, starry night (deep shimmery navy) and Kitten, their iconic champagne color.
I use the black smudgepot in my kit and I like it a lot! It’s water resistant and is very hard to get off, which is great. My only gripe is that it starts to flake when I go in for touchups, which is something my MAC fluidline and Bobbi Brown gel liner don’t do. All four shades can also be used as eyeshadow, I love product versatility!
Lip Glaze Collection
Stila’s lip glaze gift set comes with eight lip glazes! If you’re on a budget, this is the perfect item to buy and pass out to you friends/co-workers/ cousins etc for the holidays.. It’s only $25 and contains four of their bestselling colors, as well as four brand new ones! It’s also a great gift for the lipgloss lover. The glosses are mini versions so they fit perfectly in a holiday clutch, and can be a great way to try out some new colors. Love.
New Beauty Shots
A Few New Photoshoots To Share..
I recently got two shoots back that I worked on a few months ago. I love shooting beauty! Especially with photographers that know what they are doing I hope you like them!
Makeup: ME
Hair: Nicoletta Gauci
Photographer: Olesja Mueller
Model: Marie
Makeup: ME
Hair: ME
Photographer: Baokhanh Hoang
Beauty on a Budget
99 Cents Only Stores = Unexpected Beauty Goldmine!
I was running errands today and decided to run into a 99 Cents Only store to pick up a few things for cheap. I got sucked in so deep and winded up buying way more than anticipated but I probably saved $50!! The beauty section is always hit or miss in these stores but today I left with six pairs of eyelashes for $4! If you are on a strict budget, don’t worry! 99 Cents Only Stores are an amazing resource to pick up some great beauty items for practically nothing!
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I Reccomend:
Eyelashes. If you can find them, I definitely recommend picking some up fast! At $4.99 a pop in the drugstore, these are amazing finds.
Anything With a Name Brand. A lot of times, 99 Cents Only Stores get shipments of items that do not sell in the stores, or may have broken containers. I saw some Banana Boat self tanner (not the kind I use) in perfect condition! They also had a lot of L’Oreal.
Hair Accessories. The store I went to had SO many combs, brushes, bobby pins, rubber bands, clips etc. This is a great place to stock up on hair items, and you could potentially save tons of money! I’ve gotten an economy pack of combs before and the quality was great. The brushes look a little sketchy so take a good look at them before you decide to buy. This time, I bought 100 black bobby pins (see pic above!).
Sunscreen. I saw soo many bottles of sunscreen it was insane. Banana Boat and Coppertone in Sport, Waterproof and spray! I was excited to see the spray kind because I use it on set to make skin shiny, and it’s usually over $8! Since it’s winter, they were way overstocked on sun protection.
Random Items. I bought a small bottle of glycerine (I use it to simulate sweat and tears) in CVS it’s a few bucks awhile back, and just bought a big one today for of course, 99 cents. There were also random items that could save you a few dollars here and there such as loofahs, nail polish remover, brand name toothpastes, Chapstick, Q-Tips, cotton balls and hydrogen peroxide.
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I Would Stay Away From:
Shampoo and Body Wash. Not that it would be bad to use, just not ideal. I think all the shampoos and body washes were the 99 Cents Only Store brand and I cannot imagine them being the best quality.
Skincare. Unless it’s a recognizable brand name, I would stay away from the generic skincare that line the shelves of the store. I took a look at an “Aloe Vera” moisturizer which looked good, but discovered there was no aloe vera in the ingredient’s list! Only mineral oil and a bunch of other chemicals. No bueno.
My Eyelash Purchase:
These eyelashes came in packs of two, so I was able to get two pairs for 99 cents! They look pretty cool; definitely for more dramatic looks since they are on the long side. I can also use them to layer over other eyelash strips too since they are pretty sparse.
These pairs came individually so I spent $2 on both. I like these more because they are a lot shorter and more natural looking. They look almost identical to the lashes I buy a lot from CVS. I would have gotten more pairs but I literally picked up every pair they had. You’ll have to look hard to find them since they seem to be a hot ticket item!
