Reviews
Review: Yaby Creme Foundations
Have you heard of Yaby cosmetics?? If not, you need to know about them asap! It’s a makeup line designed for makeup artists by a makeup artist and everything I have tried from from the line has been amazing! I am always on the lookout for new foundations because my favorite thing to perfect is the skin. After being completely impressed with their pearl paints and eyeshadows, I decided to try Yaby’s creme foundation palette and have been testing it out on set (and on myself) for about a month. It’s slowly becoming my go-to foundation palette. If you are on the hunt for awesome coverage with a lightweight feel, definitely look into Yaby!
What is it?
A waterproof, silicone based, full coverage foundation with a lightweight feel and amazing texture!!
Why is it Amazing?
Ohhhh, where do I begin?? 
Texture and Pigment
I decided to buy the yellow-based foundation palette after hearing rave reviews from other makeup artists. The first time I used it I fell in love with the texture!! It is sooo buttery and smooth! At first, I was a little disappointed in the size of the refills but once I used it for the first time, I realized why they are so small… They are so pigmented so a little bit really does go a long way. You don’t need much at all to cover the whole face and if you decide that you need more coverage in certain areas, simply go over them again with another thin layer and viola!
Staying Power
After using these foundations several times on set, I decided to try it on myself because I was getting jealous! lol. Let me tell you, I’m super picky when it comes to my own foundation and this is the best foundation I have ever found for my skin! No exaggeration. I have really rosy cheeks naturally (that I hate, and cover as often as possible), and this foundation completely erased the red. It was full coverage but I didn’t feel like I was wearing any at all! As the day went on, I kept checking the mirror and nothing changed! No oilyness, none of it rubbed off, nothing!! That reminds me, since I don’t usually dig into my kit to do my own makeup, I need to buy myself my own color asap!
Great for Pale Skintones
Another thing I loved is that their palest shade is super pale! Sometimes it’s hard to find colors to match really really light skintones, and this is my new go-to foundation when making up super pale models that haven’t seen sun, ever.
Two In One
If you’re a makeup artist these are perfect because you get a full coverage foundation, but if you desire a lighter coverage, they can be thinned down with a silicone based thinner. It’s like two products in one!
Price
Oh, and did I mention that they are only $8.75 each! SUPER CHEAP! You can’t even buy a Revlon foundation for that cheap.
Where Can I Buy it?
You can purchase Yaby on their website at www.yabycosmetics.com (they are a Canadian based company). If you’re looking for a retailer in the U.S, www.camerareadycosmetics.com carries it too!
Any Cons??
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There’s not a lot of darker shades.
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You have to buy online so you can’t test the colors on your own skin. Major bummer.
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Each color is designed to fit inside of a palette, so when you buy 1 shade, there’s not a set compact that it comes it.You basically just get a refill (great for makeup artists, not for consumers) so you will have to get creative.
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Some of the shades may be a bit too yellow for regular consumers who don’t have the means to mix different shades to get the perfect match. (Again, I only tried the yellow palette, I’m not sure what the pink palette looks like).
I used Yaby Creme Foundation for this shoot!
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Have You Tried Yaby?? What Do You Think?
LEAVE A COMMENT
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Important: I pride myself in providing my readers with honest feedback of the products I am testing. I will not recommend something I would not use personally or professionally. For this particular product, I have not recieved any compensation, incentive or product for a positive review.
Review: GHD Hair Straightener
GHD Flat Irons – Worth the Money?
I love how it matches my room 
What’s All the Fuss Over?
GHD produces one of the top selling hair straighteners on the market. Folica.com rates it as one of their top 10 straighteners and professional hairstylists have been using them for years. One of the coolest things about GHD stylers is that they are not just for straightening! The rounded barrel allows you to curl, flick and add volume all with the very same iron. The advanced ceramic technology senses the porosity of your hair, applying the perfect amount of heat each time (eliminating too much heat on areas of your hair that are damaged). Another cool feature is that it has universal voltage for travelers! GHD stylers seal in your hair’s natural oils, moisture and color and they have a “Sleep Mode” that shuts the styler off after 30 minutes of no use! This is one of my favorite features of the straightener. I can’t even count the number of times I have left my curling irons and straighteners on alllll day long because I forget to switch them off before I leave the house. Last but not least, the irons go into “shiver mode” if the room temperature drops below 5 degrees. Shiver Mode fights condensation that occurs in such low temps, which could damage your iron. Cool! Now you can straighten your hair inside your igloo with no worries! 
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Does it Work As Well as it Claims?
Yes! I have been testing my flat iron out on set for s everal weeks, on all different hair types. The first time I used it, I was shocked at how quickly it heats up! I usually turn on my hot tools way before I actually start using them, to give them enough time to heat up. In less than 30 seconds, my GHD made a chirping sound, letting me know it was hot enough for use! It straightens hair perfectly, leaving it shiny and soft. Last week, I was working with Asian model who had very straight hair already. The photographer wanted to add a little bit of body to her hair, while keeping the straight style. I used my GHD to add lift at the roots and curl the ends under. It was so easy, and made her hair look voluminous and full. The other day I was experimenting on myself, making curls and crimps, it’s insane how many styles you can create with just this one tool! Definitely makes my job a lot easier! I have already replaced my current straightener, and my GHD is my new go-to flat iron.
Which Styler is Best for Me?
There are three different sizes of the GHD stylers. The regular size is their most popular, and will work with all hair types. They have one with wide plates which is great for super long hair, or really thick hair. The wide styler will create larger curls. Lastly, they have the option of a ministyler for short hair. This one is also great for men!
regular
wide
mini.
Any Cons?
- The price! Unfortunately, GHD stylers are on the more expensive side. Expect to pay between $200-300 depending on where you buy from 
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**I haven’t owned the iron long enough to vouch for it’s lifespan. A lot of flat irons (from all different companies) have a reputation for dying too early. GHD does offer a two year guarantee though which gives me some confidence.**.
Check out GHD’s website. They have styling videos as well!
www.ghdhair.com
Disclaimer: From time to time, companies will send me products to review. I pride myself in providing my readers with honest feedback of the products I am testing. I will not recommend something I would not use personally or professionally. Sending me product does not guarantee a review and I accept no monetary compensation for in exchange for reviews.
Do you own a GHD? Do you want one? Tell me what you think!
LEAVE A COMMENT!
Review: MUFE High Definition Elixir
MAKE UP FOREVER HD ELIXIR
MAKE UP FOREVER’S High Definition Elixir is a relatively new product for the brand. I have been carrying it around in my kit for several weeks waiting and wishing for the perfect opportunity to whip it out and finally see what all the fuss is about. Lucky for me, I was given two opportunities this past week to test out the product.
What is it?
MUFE Elixir is a serum desinged to hydrate and brighten your skin.
What it Claims to Do:
MUFE says that their Elixir boosts the skin’s hydration levels up to 520% after 15 minutes, and lasts throughout the day (175% after 6 hours)!!! The unique formula is also said to restore skin’s radiance and leave a super smooth surface for the rest of your makeup.
Does it Really Work?
Yes, yes and yes!
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The Skinny
Test 1: On a recent photo shoot, I was working with a model who has been taking Accutane (an intense acne treatment), leaving her with extremely dry, flaky skin. Obviously, any makeup I put on her would not glide seamlessly if the canvas was not properly prepared. I began with the Elixir and applied it to her whole face using a foundation brush and I let it sink in for a few minutes. A little goes a long way!! It is very lightweight and it absorbs into the skin really quick. After the Elixir, I applied a heavier creamy moisturizer and finally, foundation. I kept a very close eye on her skin throughout the 8 hour shoot and it held up amazingly! I barely had to touch it up.
Test 2: During the same week on a commercial shoot, another model with dry skin sat in my chair. Her skin was not as bad as the first model, but she had flakiness in corners of her nose and dryness underneath her eyes and around her chin. I massaged MUFE’s Elixir into the dry spots with my finger tips and they disappeared completely allowing the rest of the makeup to glide on. There was no hint of dryness anywhere, and we were shooting in HD! HD sees EVERYTHING.
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I definitely recommend this Elixir if you suffer from dryness anywhere on your face. When your skin is flaky and dehydrated, makeup tends to get caught and gather in the dry areas. If you massage in a little bit of the Elixir, the dryness disappears! It’s not greasy at all and it’s oil free. I cannot say I really noticed a change in the overall radiance of the skin, but I usually work on brightening the skin with other products so maybe they masked it
The only con about MUFE’s magical Elixir is the price At $38 a bottle, it might be out of budget for many customers, especially if you are already using moisturizer and primer in your skincare routine.
However, if you can afford to try it, I recommend that you do! You’ll be hooked.
Twilight Volturi Makeup Swatches
Twilight Makeup
I was in Hot Topic the other day and spotted this! I heard that Twilight was coming out with a line of makeup, but I didn’t think the rumor was serious! haha. Anyway, I swatched a few of the products because I figured that some people might care
The Low-Down:
The eyeshadows were nice, a little flaky but the colors were pretty pigmented.
The lipglosses on the other hand, were not that impressive. Enrapture wasn’t bad but it reminded me of the kind of gloss you give to children to make them feel grown up, but it’s really just a creamier chapstick with a hint of color.
Feel me?
And don’t even get me started on Arsenic! Who wants grey lips??? I know that black lips were trending last year, but this is not what they were talking about lol! The color is super sheer and it just made my hand look really dirty.
Needless to say, I’ll be passing on the collection. I am however more intrigued to see the movie! If a movie inspires a makeup collection (good or bad), it must be doing something right!
Review: NARS Albatross Highlighter
Albatross Review and Pictures
I finally bit the bullet and bought NARS’ infamous highlighting powder, Albatross. While it’s no secret that I am in love with their Copacabana Multiple for highlighting, this gorgeous powder definitely gives an old stand-by some new competition!
At first glance this highlighting powder looks white, so I was pleasantly surprised when it went on perfectly golden and warm! I placed it on the tops of my cheekbones, and it gave me a gorgeous candlelit glow that wasn’t too glittery. I have heard some people compare it to MAC’s Vanilla Pigment, and while I can definitely see the similarities, Albatross is less gold and way more velvety.
Most of my highlighting products are liquid, and I love that Albatross is pressed! It’s perfect for those who want easy highlights without dealing with the mess and hassle that some liquid ones cause. It’s also small enough to throw in your purse for touch-ups.
When applying Albatross, I recommend using a fluffy large blending brush, or a small blush brush. The key to highlighting is placement and if you use too big of a brush, you might get it everywhere. Swipe some along the tops of your cheekbones, and down the bridge of your nose, and you’ll be glowing in no time!
On a personal note: I really like Albatross a lot, and I am definitely going to be putting it in my makeup kit BUT I still love Copacabana more The foundation I wear on an everyday basis is very matte and I feel that Copacabana gives me the dewiness I need in order to counteract that.
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It’s not the easiest product to get to show up on camera! If you look on my upper cheekbones, you will be able to see a subtle golden glow…
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
10 Beauty Products I Am Thankful For:
Paying Thanks to the Products that Make My Life and My Job Easier!
1. Embroylisse Moisturizer
Thank you Lait Creme Concentrate Moisturizer by Embroylisse for hydrating the skin of my models and actors so perfectly! Thank you for providing smoother, firmer and softer skin and for being the ultimate moisturizer in my kit!
2. Artificial Light by Smashbox
Thank you Artificial Light for helping my achieve dewy skin and radiant highlights. Thank you for looking even more amazing on camera and for being my favorite go-to highlighter!
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3. Banana Boat Self Tanner
Thank you Endless Summer color for being the best self tanner I have found in my quest to be tan but not leathery. Thank you for making me look bronzed and not orange, and for only needing one application to achieve the perfect color.
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4. L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara, you are my best friend lol!! Thank you for making my lashes thick, long and black. Thank you for living up to your name and for not breaking my bank account.
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5. Yaby Cosmetics
THANK YOU YABY for making being an amazing addition to my kit!!! I love your eyeshadows, pearl paints and freestyle palettes. Thank you for helping me condense my kit into a more manageable load to carry.
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6. Beauty Blenders
I love you Beauty Blenders! Thank you for helping me achieve perfectly blended foundation and concealer. You never give me lines and you always help me make skin look flawless and gorgeous.
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7. MUFE HD Powder
MUFE HD Powder, you have been a God-send. Thank you for being truly transparent and for working on every skin color I have ever used you on. Thank you for providing a soft, natural finish and for not ever looking “powdery.”
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8. Eve Pearl Salmon Concealers
Thank you Eve Pearl Salmon Concealers for being the perfect answer to dark circles. You are a miracle product and every time I use you, I am thankful for my decision to buy you.
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9. OCC Lip Tar
Lip Tar you are my favorite new product this year!!! Thank you for your incredible pigmentation, versatility and performance. Thank you for being the only lip product I really ever need and for being so easily mixable. I LOVE YOU!!
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10. Sunscreen!
Kind of broad, but so important. Thank you sunscreen for protecting my skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Thank you for reducing my risk of skin cancer, wrinkles and sun spots. Your long term benefits completely outweigh the annoyance of having to apply you everyday
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Review: Smashbox Wish for the Perfect Palette
Smashbox’s Wish for the Perfect Palette!!
Smashbox has been coming out with some great gift sets this season!! I recently received an email about their newest “Wish for the Perfect Palette” and didn’t really look twice at it, until I heard rave reviews from other makeup artists. I just purchased mine today at Ulta and I’m REALLY happy that I did!
What is it??
This palette has it all! 64 eyeshadows, 8 creme eyeliners, 6 brow tech powders, 1 brow wax, 8 lip glosses, 2 blushes, 1 complexion brightener, 1 bronzer, 4 mini brushes (eyeshadow, eyeliner, brow and lip). All compactly held together in a portable palette that closes up into a little box.
Why is it amazing??
I love this palette because of how much you get for a VERY reasonable price! The quality is the exact same as item that you would buy separately from Smashbox. It comes with all colors of their brow tech powders (which I LOVE). It’s totally worth it for these alone, especially if you are a makeup artist.
How much is it??
It’s only $59!! (A $225 Value!)
Where can I buy this??
This is an Ulta exclusive item. You can only get it at Smashbox.com, Ulta.com, and at any Ulta retail store. If there is no Ulta near you, Smashbox.com is offering free shipping right now!
Are there any cons??
The only thing that I’m not thrilled about is the packaging. It looks super cheesy and cheap like the enormous makeup palettes you can find at Wal-Mart or CVS during the holidays. I wish I could take it apart somehow and arrange it in my makeup kit how I want it. Also, the brushes are kind of cheap and not that great of quality. HOWEVER, these are only cons for ME because I’m planning on using this palette professionally. It could definitely be great for women on the go because the palette is still small enough to throw in your car, or your bag to touch up, or change your makeup mid-day. It has everything you need in a compact set-up.
One other negative is that the complexion highlighter, and blushes are suited more for lighter skin. Ladies any darker will probably not be able to use these items. Laaaaaame
Creme Liners/ Brow Techs
Lipgloss/Blush/Bronzer/Highlighter
Overall Rating: 9/10!
Is Vibrating Foundation Really Necessary??
I Don’t Really Want My Face to Vibrate…
Now, I thought that vibrating mascara was useless and unnecessary, and now they have come out with vibrating foundation. What’s Next?! I am all about new innovations in the beauty world, and if something that comes out makes my job easier, I will snatch it up in a heartbeat. However I am highly questioning the practicality of Lancome’s new Oscillation Power Foundation.
Released earlier this month, Lancome’s new mineral foundation has been far from a breakout hit in the beauty world. People seem to be questioning it more than singing it’s praises. It’s said to pump out 7,000 micro vibrations per minute to “break down” the powder for seamless blending. It also claims to provide baby smooth skin that lasts for up to 14 hours. It comes in 12 shades and costs a pricey $48.
I’ve been trying to understand what the vibrations are good for, but I’m at a loss. It could be to stimulate the skin in a Clarisonic type way? However, when I apply foundation to models and actors, I get the best results by lightly buffing it in, and I feel like vibrations might be too rough, especially at a speed of 7,000 a minute!
I’m not going to be testing out this foundation, but I would love to hear reviews of those who have!!
Review: Jergens All Purpose Face Cream
An Unexpected Yet Effective Eye Makeup Remover!
I saw this face cream sitting on the shelves at Target and picked it up out of sheer curiosity. I was drawn toward the old-school looking jar (hello 80′s!), the words “all purpose,” and the $3.99 price tag! Not quite sure what I was going to use it for, or what it even did, I ended up buying a jar that day and fatefully, it has turned out to be one of my absolute favorite items in my beauty routine!
Sooo.. What is It??
The jar says that it “deep cleans to remove makeup and dirt and provides a radiant, dewey base for makeup. Also, softens and moisturizes to help smooth skin and prevent dryness.” I have heard rave reviews about this item being a life saver for ladies with very dry skin. It is very emollient and great for sensitive skin as well. It doesn’t irritate or burn. I don’t think I would use it as a makeup base, as the jar suggests, because it is a little greasy and I can picture makeup sliding off of it quite easily.
How I Use It.
I use it as an eye makeup remover, and let me tell you, this cream is fabulous!! It gets off even the toughest mascaras and leaves my eyes completely clean. I wear a lot of eye makeup and tons of mascara, and this is one of the best removers that I have come across. To use, I pick up a little of the cream on a cotton ball and swipe across my lid. It picks up the makeup instantly, and I usually only have to go over it, a maximum, of 2 times! No harsh rubbing that could irritate the soft skin around your eyes. It’s also great because it doubles as a moisturizer so you don’t have to worry about getting all of the remover off your skin. The leftover cream just softens and moisturizes!
I’ve never used it as a full face moisturizer because I have somewhat oily skin, but as an eye makeup remover I give it 5 out of 5 stars! And did I mention its only $3.99 for 15 oz!??!
Pros:
- Price!!
- Size (I’ve had my jar forever. I should probably get another one just because I’m sure the shelf life is almost up. I use it everyday and it’s only 2/3 gone!)
- Great Eye Makeup Remover
- Very Emollient
- Amazing Moisturizer for Dry Skin.
- Soft, Clean Scent.
- Gentle. Non-Irritating or Burning.
- Absorbs quickly.
- Leaves Skin Feeling Silky Smooth.
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Cons:
- A Little Greasy
- The Jar is Ugly and Outdated (IMO).
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Who Should Use It:
-Women with Dry Skin.
-Women with Sensitive Skin.
- Mature Skin.
-Anybody that Wants a Bomb-ass Makeup Remover for Super Cheap!
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Who Should Avoid It:
-Women with Oily Skin (you can still use it as a makeup remover though!)
