Milk Bath DIY

Did you know milk can be used for your skin? Yep! It's a natural toner which can keep your skin supple and soft. Its natural lactic acids are responsible for this!

So imagine if we could submerse ourselves in a whole milk bath. The skin would come out so moisturized and soft; unfortunately, a whole tub of milk is expensive, so here's a DIY recipe with other ingredients involved to give additional skin-quenching goodness.

1. 1 cup (or more) of milk. Whole milk is the best recommended; skim milk is too watered down for the task.
2. 1-2 tablespoonfuls of honey. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and retains your skin's moisture, also trapping the new-found moisture of the milk.
3. 1/4 cup of oatmeal. Oatmeal calms the skin and relieves it of redness, itchiness, and dryness. You can use regular oatmeal for this, but I use colloidal oatmeal from the drugstore (Aveeno makes a great oatmeal bath).
4. 3-5 green tea packets. This is probably the most unheard of out of the ingredients, but green tea fights inflammation, radicals, and soothes acne. 

As you fill your tub of water, slowly pour this in and mix it into the bath well. Be sure to squeeze out the last of the juices before you take out the green tea packets and enjoy your bath. This bath is also great for those with eczema or psoriasis. Please keep in mind of your allergies, because the last thing we want is for you to jump into a histamine bath!

Let me know what you think!

Aruba Blue - Fall 2011 Trend

The Fall 2011 trend calls for dark, midnight blue--I've found the perfect polish for this! It's Essie's "Aruba Blue". It's so dark, darker than the picture, with an oh-so-subtle shine. I'm actually more impressed with this polish than the other Essie polishes because it had higher pigmentation; if I did it right, I might be able to get away with just one coat.

Let me know what you think!

Urban Decay Sale

Don't miss it! UD is having a huge sale on their cream shadows, loose pigments, and even some palettes/sets! Free shipping for $50 or more. I got one of each cream shadow, loose pigment, two eyeshadow transforming potions, and their blush in Quickie. UD always does a great job getting my stuff to me in no time, and I'm sitting here depotting my makeup as I write.

Good luck!

L'Oreal: Color of Hope collection

This collection seems really hard to find... I'd been to many Walgreens, a Target, and a few CVS's (even an Ulta) and this was only in one Walgreens. So this collection was created to raise awareness for ovarian cancer.

Top to bottom: Faithful, Color of Hope,
Courageous. No flash.

Images: 1. Lipsticks.
Images: 2. Swatches top to bottom:    Faithful, Color of Hope, Courageous. With flash.



I have to be honest; despite the cause, I really don't like this collection. The colors were pretty and I admit that the simplicity of the packaging got me... but the lipstick formula is just not creamy at all. They're long-lasting, I will admit, but they neither taste nor smell pleasing.

The eyeshadows are much too powdery with little to no color payoff. Especially the matte shadows. The shimmery shadows were much too frosty. Still, I will keep them for the cause that the collection represents, but if L'Oreal is reading this... I don't really respect the product that you're putting out for a cause as important as this, but kudos for the efforts.

415 - Nostalgic Beauty

215 - Sentimental Splendor

Milani Liquif'eye Eyeliners

Left to right: Milani Liquif'eye, UD 24/7, Lancome Le Stylo

I'm a huge fan of tightlining my upper lashline and also the outer third of my lower lashline; it makes the eyes look so much more feminine and flattering. Your eyelashes look fuller, too. Naturally, a long-lasting, waterproof and creamy eyeliner is essential.

Top to bottom: Lancome Le Stylo, UD 24/7, Milani Liquif'eye.
One stroke only.

Lancome, "Le Stylo Waterproof" 
in Noir 
0.28g/0.01 oz ($25.50 at Sephora)
Retractable; I'm not really a fan of that... I don't know why.

Urban Decay, "24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil" 
in Zero
0.8 g/0.03 oz ($18 at Sephora)
I know it looks small here, but that's just because I've used that much of it! Love this pencil.

Milani, "Liquif'Eye Eye Pencil" 
in 01 Black
1.2 g/0.04 oz ($6.49 at Walgreens)


All of these pencils are pigmented, long lasting, and creamy. Waterproof, too. I'd actually go as far as to say that the Milani pencil is the most pigmented, but note that UD came out with an even blacker pencil ("Perversion") which I don't have at this time. The Milani Liquif'eye pencil's price is less than a third of the Lancome pencil and does the exact same thing; it's also found in so many drug stores, so it's accessible. Oh, and just look at the amount of product in each pencil.... I go through black eyeliner like you wouldn't believe, so paying one-fourth of a Benjamin just doesn't make sense, especially since something is just as good at a fraction of the price (with even more product).

If you haven't yet, give it a shot and tell me your thoughts!

PS: I've also got the other colors of Milani's Liquif'eye Pencils... I feel a growing obsession coming on soon haha. Let me know if you would like swatches.

What skin type are you?

We don't all have the same skin, and consequently the products which work for your friend (or even family member) may not suit you! Nowadays, most skin products will label whose skin type the item is created for, so how do you know which is best for you?

As you work with your skin, you will figure out what seems to work best and what doesn't, so you are able to adjust your skincare routine accordingly and understand what to avoid (for me, I need to avoid the sun not just because of its aging detriments but also because I'm so sensitive that I break out!) Here are some general guidelines to get your footing on what skin type you could be.

• Do you feel that your skin is stiff after a hot shower? 
• You could have dry skin if you said yes! Chances are, you must also need to reapply moisturizer throughout the day (if you don't, maybe consider doing so).
• If not, you may have normal or oily skin. You know if you have oily skin because after a couple hours, your face might seem a little greasy; sometimes bothersome-ly so. Water-based moisturizers (such as gel consistencies) might be your preference.
• Normal skin will usually feel comfortable after a wash and even after a couple hours after that. Lucky you! Chances are you only have occasional outbreaks.

• Do many products break out your skin? Or even environmental factors?
• If you answered yes, your skin may be sensitive. Yes, you can be both oily/dry/normal skinned and still be sensitive! Watch out for hypoallergenic/non-comedogenic products that will not irritate your skin nor block your pores!
• Also note that sensitive skin persons tend to experience redness often.

• Do you find that your skin is particularly oily/dry in certain areas? Such as your T zone (forehead, nose, chin).
• If you said yes, you probably have combination skin. Although there are products out there targeted at this skin type so accommodate the different areas, some people like to pay special attention to each area depending on its needs; it's really up to you. 

Stress

We live in a world where stress is almost inevitable; it's a guaranteed price of life. It costs us our bodies, our money, (heaven forbid) our relationships, and sometimes our sanity. Beauty spawns from what's inside--never mind the "beautiful personalities" conversation, let's talk about relieving ourselves of some stress. Pamper ourselves.

I don't know about you, but when I'm stressed, it shows on my body. My skin is less soft, my eye sockets are darker, and I feel so much more bloated. Stress spawns even more from these events, and it becomes an endless cycle.

First, forgive your body's responses to stress; don't get stressed over that as well! It's hard, I know, because we see the world face first and we don't want the presentation tarnished, but stress will spawn from stress.

Secondly, treat yourself. You don't have to explain to anyone in the world why you need a bubble bath, a massage, or an extra hour of sleep (of course, that's not to say you should neglect your responsibilities).

I hope this helps!

Spot a fake Shu Uemura eyelash curler

The Shu Uemura eyelash curler is a cult favorite, praised by beauty junkies and makeup artists alike. It grabs each lash with precision and curls even the most stubborn hairs. Of course, with good things comes knock-offs, right?

I made the mistake of ordering mine on Ebay one day, knowing that it is no longer sold in the United States (I know, I know...). I don't have the real thing anymore to compare the differences with you, but there are a few notable features I would like to share.

First, notice the metal front. Shu Uemura should be engraved, however, that "w" at the end should not be there. It should be a small "s" instead.

Secondly, Shu Uemura should be engraved into the rubber. This is not the case on the fake.

Along with these two signs, the fake should be bigger than the real deal. There are a few differences on the box, like the real one has illustrated directions on how to use.

I hope this helps!

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E is good for several health aspects when ingested (respiratory health, heart health...), but what about when applied topically?

You may recognize this better under it's other name: tocopherol. It might be under the ingredient list of some of your skincare products. It can prevent and treat sunburns, have anti-aging benefits, prevent skin cancer (because of its antioxidant properties), and reduce the appearance of dark skin marks.

Before using, consult with your physician.

EOS for the lip's SOS

At first glance, do these look like lip balms to you? They didn't to me, and that must be why I got them. They're so cute! These are the EOS (Evolution of Smooth) "Lip Balm Smooth Spheres". They come in a variety of flavors, but I was only able to snatch four of them: Sweet Mint, Summer Fruit, Lemon Drop, and Honeydew.

I love what these do for my lips. They hydrate so well without that greasy feeling. The half-sphere-like shape of the balm itself is great too; that design gets both lips with one swipe. These were about 4 dollars each at Walgreens.They claim to be all-natural though, so the higher price is to be expected.

I do have one complaint though... I don't like the way the Summer Fruit tastes. It smells great, as does the Honeydew (Sweet Mint and Lemondrop smell a bit strong) but I can barely describe the taste. It doesn't taste fruity, but it does taste sweet... maybe too sweet for my taste? 

Still on the lookout for a balm that hydrates, but still tastes and smells great! Just think of all the boyfriends/girlfriends out there that have to put up with it, right? 

Covergirl needs more coverage...

From left to right: Extreme Green, Beige Blaze, Forever Pink, Brown Bling

So I was in CVS the other day and I came across a huge display that screamed NEW!! (seriously). Standing upright were six new Covergirl eye products. I only got four shades because the other two were blue and platinum, though honestly, swatched they don't look that different from each other...

From left to right: Extreme Green, Beige Blaze, Forever Pink, Brown Bling

I wish I could tell you what the prices of these were, but I threw out the receipt thinking that I'd hit the jackpot (it was a buy one, get one half off sale on all CG makeup that day). What I can tell you though is that I won't ever understand why this got four out of 5 stars on Covergirl.com .

Swatched, this looks so pretty doesn't it? Especially the Brown Bling on the far right. Now, this product says it's a long lasting eyeshadow and primer in one. As an eyeshadow, the product sucks! It's so streaky on the eyes, even if it doesn't look that way on the hand. It doesn't last long at all--by the end of the hour it's only shimmer--and takes so long to dry. I tried using it as a primer and it didn't work... I guess it was a hint when the primer creases, the shadow would crease along with it.

I would rather spend an extra couple dollars for my UDPP.

So I thought it would be great for the girl on the go, but I was wrong. Wish I could return this!

Edit: After this blog post, I wiped it off clean with a paper towel. Sigh. Good news is that you don't need a strong makeup remover, right?

Turquioise and Caicos

Okay, so it may be towards the end of summer... but so what? This nail polish is gorgeous! I just had to share it. The name of the item couldn't be bullseye enough--turquoise. 

I got this at Ulta for about 8 dollars. Keep a look out though! Sometimes Ulta will do a buy two, get one free sale (or was it a buy two, get one half off? Cheaper is cheaper either way!)

Now, I have to admit that I don't typically like Essie polishes as much as, let's say, OPI. Essie tends to be more liquidy, which means you need more coats to achieve full coverage (I used about 2-3 coats). The upside to that though is that runnier coats provide for more even coverage, since it isn't so thick that it dries as an uneven lump on your nail. Plus, Essie has an amazing range of colors! They must have over fifty shades of pink alone!

Pop on a layer of Seche-vite's quick dying top coat and you're good to go.