TotalBeauty.com: Oscars '09--Best Hairstyles & Makeup Looks

Oscars 2009: Best Hairstyles and Makeup Looks

Soft curly hairstyles, fuss-free updos and colorful makeup made the Academy Award nominees, winners and presenters shine

Though not all of our fave celebrities got to walk the Oscars red carpet (boo!) we did manage to snag photos of our most loved hair and makeup looks. Miss Angelina Jolie wins the award for most gorgeous all around (not shocking, we know). Though we must admit without the striking green jewels she may have been too blah. Proof, once again, that fashion and beauty are not mutually exclusive. See looks

Academy Awards 2009: My picks for gorgeous makeup/hairstyle/gown

The Academy Awards is probably the only awards show I see in the whole year, if not one of the few. I'm not a huge follower of the "Red Carpet" and all the award season craziness but I do like to watch the Oscars. Very emotional and all that. I get to see the dresses, makeup and hairstyles during the show, not the red carpet. Silly, I know, since it is in the red carpet that everyone says "my dress/hair/jewelry is from...". LOL

This time I saw more gorgeous gowns than previous years. My fave for both hairstyle and incredibly romantic/gorgeous!-gorgeous! evening gown have to be Nicole Kidman...just WOW! This lady is so classy, has such a classic beauty, it is surreal most of the times. And only someone as pale as her can pull off a dress like this. And her bob, with oh-so-soft curls, simply perfect.

Image: Gettyimages.com

CLICK HERE FOR A LARGER IMAGE (BEAUTIFUL!)

Her gown was by L'Wren Scott
Her hairstyle was done by David Babaii (read more about it and how to copy it here!)

Here is a video a YouTuber made about Mrs. Kidman at the moment she was presenting an award.

My choice for makeup is Anne Hathaway. This young girl has a brilliant future in Hollywood, she is just an excellent actress. She looked royal in her white Armani Prive dress (my second favorite dress of the 2009 Oscars). She look very elegant indeed, but I do wish her hairstyle had been different. She looks older than she really is.

The good thing is she kept her makeup very simple, it "balanced" her whole look. About her makeup:

"[Anne Hathaway's] makeup look was sophisticated and elegant. Anne’s perfect brows framed her face and her long, lush lashes really made her eyes pop. She donned a deep berry-toned lip to complete her look. To get Anne’s look, try Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre in Sable to fill in and shape the brows. Lightly dust Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Ciel du Soir over the entire eyelid followed by Le Crayon Khôl in Black Ebony applied to the upper lash line. Lightly smudge so there are no harsh lines. Apply several coats of Lancôme Ôscillation Mascara for a faux-lash effect. For just a hint of color, dust Lancôme Blush Subtil in Sheer Amourose on the apples of the cheeks. To create her berry stained pout, apply Lancôme Color Fever Lipstick in Brickhouse."--E. Cerminara, Lancome

Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre

Lancôme Blush Subtil

She had the most natural light makeup, though the MA did played with her eyes by defining her eyebrows and also applying black eyeliner on top for a sexy classic look. Her skin looked incredible. Her whole look was flawless.

Image: Gettyimages.com

'Til next time.


¡Vivan, amen y rían!
(Live, love & laugh!)

LOOK/FOTD: Neutral using MAC EMBARK+CONCRETE+SHROOM

So yesterday I did this look because I wanted my eye makeup to match the gray color of my Classic Mickey Mouse shirt. The red lips were inspired on Mickey's red pants. I used neutral shades, my go to look for almost everyday. I applied MAC's Vanilla as a base, then on the crease I applied Concrete with the MAC 224 to obtain a soft look. On top of Concrete, but on the outer crease, I added Embark with the 217. I liked the results.

I wanted soft red lips, so I applied Loreal Colour Riche l/s in Red Rhapsody very lightly on top of lipbalm and then I put some Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Pink Bouquet (which is more of a reddish pink).

And my hair, oh yes...well, it is the curl I get when I use styling products. My hair is normally wavy as you may have noticed in previous posts, but when I add curling creams I get a soft curl. In this case I used a Garnier Curling cream mixed with Garnier Leave-In conditioner cream. But I need even more definition, still looking for the right product.


FACE
MAC Prep+Prime SPF 50 mixed with Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control Gel (got this tip from one of Petrilude's videos; I think he actually mixed the prep+prime with MAC Matte Cream, but this is similar)---worked like a charm!
REVLON Colorstay Makeup in Toast mixed with MAYBELLINE Instant Age Rewind Foundation in NUDE (Yay, found a bottle!)
MAC Full Cover Foundation in NC35 (used as concealer under the eyes and some other dark spots)
MAC Loose Blot Powder in Medium Dark
MAC Mineralize Blush in Merrily

EYES
MAC Soft Ochre P/P as base
MAC E/S in Vanilla, Embark, Shroom and Concrete
MAYBELLINE Line Express Eyeliner in Ebony Black (really creamy eyeliner, I like it)
MAC Mascara X in Black X
MAC Eyebrow pencil in Stud

LIPS
Carmex Lipbalm
Loreal Colour Riche L/S in Red Rhapsody
Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Pink Bouquet

NOTE: I actually took these pics hours after applying my makeup. My face was not as oily as I would have expected. I'll keep experimenting with the primer mixed with the Clinique gel and see how it goes on the long run.

This pic looks different from the others because
the camera is a bit more farther

My hair with many flyaways...
at least it felt soft, lol

Lovely weekend!


¡Vivan, amen y rían!

(Live, Love & Laugh!)

TotalBeauty.com: 14 products that won't keep your skin young

14 Products That Won't Keep Your Skin Young

Skincare addicts beware: These won't likely smooth away your wrinkles and age spots -- so save your money

With proper skincare habits, a little product can go a long way to help reduce signs of aging over time. But before you invest, make sure you're getting your money's worth: Avoid these overhyped, overpriced disappointments. See products

No. 14: Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel, $45

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.9*

Why: "Week 1, no results. Week 2, still nothing. Week 3, I saw something and it's a frown on my face from seeing that this wasn't a very effective product...

No. 13: Burt's Bees Evening Primrose Overnight Creme, $14.99

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.4*

Why: "It felt very thick and oily and didn't do dramatic things for my skin..."

No. 12: Principal Secret Reclaim EyeMazing Eye Serum, $36

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 4.6*

Why: "It just makes my eyes puffier and I have noticed looking more tired than usual..."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

Lancome on HSN: Pink Irreverence Collection

So, from drugstore goodies to HE products. Hahahaaa.

Erin from Lancome-USA sent a note about the brand spotlight tonight (2/19) and tomorrow on the Home Shopping Network. Joan Poulton, VP of Education and makeup artist Robert Cook will be talking about the new spring color collection Pink Irreverence and other Lancôme favorites.

The show times are as follows:

Thursday, February 19^th

8 p.m.

Friday, February 20^th

6 a.m.

1 p.m.

8 p.m.

I'm sure going to watch the presentation, just because it is a great way to see more about the new products and learn new tricks and tips. Besides, I have my eyes on that La Laque Fever Lipshine in Electric Pink. I've seen swatches that just left me drooling all over.

I confess I am pretty new to this brand, so let's see if I start a new collection...shh! my husband is going to kill me! LOL


¡Vivan, amen y rían!
(Live, love & laugh!)

Do you use toner?

I use toner. I love to use toner. It's a very important part of my skincare routine. Some experts say it isn't necessary. Well, for me it is, specially because I use liquid and cream foundations and toner removes the very last trace of dirt/makeup.

With so many products out there, choosing one specific toner can be confusing (as with many other products---ahh, you gotta love skincare/cosmetics companies and their advertising techniques). My main suggestion? When somebody ask me about toner all I said is "Alcohol Free!", no matter your skin type. I have combination/oily sensitive skin (t-zone is extremely oily) and up until some years ago I used toners for "oily" skin that contained alcohol. I always ended with a very red nose, forehead and cheeks. BUT I thought that was supposed to be like that...yeah, I know...

When I took makeup seriously about a year and a half ago, I updated my skin care routine because I was worried makeup would "damage" my skin (that is funny, because now my face feels better than ever!). So I did my homework and after reading great reviews and watching videos and all that, I decided to use Nivea Visage Moisturizing Toner.

Wow, that is good stuff. Well, was good stuff. Nivea discontinued the VISAGE line last year (in the US and PR at least--they added a note about that on their website).

I was so glad I found a drugstore product that had such great quality. It was also super cheap--about $5 USD for about 7 oz. This toner received great reviews in sites like Makeupalley.com and it really deserved the gained reputation. SO, SO, SO Moisturizing. And I don't mean it left a greasy residue, no no. It simply left my face clean and soft. Not only did I use it to finish cleaning my face, but I also sprayed it on my face after doing my makeup or whenever I needed to feel refreshed. Nivea has a line of face-care products in other countries, I hope they bring it here soon.

Right now I am using the one by Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner.

You can get an 8.5 oz bottle for about $8 USD wherever Neutrogena Skincare products are sold. Sadly for me, after using Nivea's toner for a long time, I did notice that this toner is not as moisturizing. It's an okay toner, plus Neutrogena doesn't claims it is moisturizing. They just say "it won't strip your skin of its natural moisturizers". It is a nice product and does the job by leaving your face simply clean.

What I do now is that I spray my MAC FIX+ after using the toner and doing my makeup (but remember, FIX+ is $17 USD for 3.4 oz! --but yeah, it feels so good...) I still want to change to another toner. I have read that Alba Botanica Hawaiian Hibiscus Facial Toner is also very moisturizing, I think I will give it a try if I find it here in PR or trusting websites *cross my fingers** . If that doesn't work, well, I will have to head to beauty counters at Dept. Stores...ouch.

Yeah, yeah, I am so cheap sometimes. You know me, I am always looking for a good drugstore deal.

'Til next time.


¡Vivan, amen y rían!
(Live, Love & Laugh!)

Makeup by Carolina (Facebook Group)

I just wanted to share with you all the work of an internet friend, a makeup artist who is also boricua like yours truly. Her name is Carolina and her makeup abilities rock. I consider her a true artist. Visit her facebook group page:

MAKEUP BY CAROLINA

You don't have to have a Facebook acct. to see her pics. I absolutely love the photo entitled "Gold lashes" Fantastic!

Go there and get inspired.

Guys + Makeup

Go to BELLASUGAR.COM to see pics of guys wearing makeup. Come on, makeup is not only for ladies anymore! Nowadays actors, news anchors and many public figures use makeup to look their best. Isn't that what makeup is all about? LOL

Click HERE for a direct link to this article.

I think some of these guys got their makeup right, others...ufff!


¡Vivan, amen y rían!
(Live, love and laugh!)

BBB receives the triple award <3<3

The lovelies Lakish (Anjela) from BlaqVixenBeauty and Bella from Café Beautique gave BBB the triple award: The Lemonade Award, Sisterhood Award and the Best Friends Award. The sisterhood and best friends awards are self-explainable and the lemonade award is for sites that demonstrate great attitude and/or attitude in general.

Thanks for considering my blog (and me!) worthy of this triple award. I take it very seriously! <3<3

As I commented on Anjela and Bella's blogs, I think this is a great way to know other beauty bloggers or bloggers that share similar interests. Some of you may know that I don't like chain letters, but there are always exceptions to this, since I want to share with you blogs that I consider to be cool,

There are some rules to follow when giving this award, but you know me, I don't like rules (that's the 17 y/o girl in me!). So in general, pass this award to other bloggers you think are worthy of it and don't forget to share the details with me!!!!!

I do wish to give this award to these next blogs:

1. Beauty Spot

2. The Girly Show

3. Reflections of a Rêve Noir

4. Diva 4 Less

5. Looks de Maryland

Don't forget to visit Anjela and Bella and the blogs I mentioned. Have fun my friends!

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

(Live, Love & Laugh!)

TotalBeauty.com: Great Drugstore Buys!

So you know I love a good deal and may have read my posts about drugstore products I love (look for the "So Cheap" tag or do a search on my blog about "drugstore"). Total Beauty has listed some of the best rated products you can find at your local store.

20 Best Drugstore Buys

Save money with cheaper (but just as effective) beauty products!

Aiming to improve your look and cut your budget? Do it wisely with honest feedback from your fellow shoppers. According to their beauty product reviews, these budget-friendly buys are your means to cosmetic and financial bliss. See products

20. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $8.09

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9*

Why it's great: "I bought these wipes to do a 'once over' before cleansing and I will never be without them again!"

19. Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara, $5.99

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*

Why it's great: "I've spent top dollar on mascaras -- but I keep coming back to this."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!

OMG!!! Why Maybelline, WHY?????!!??!

Yeah, I am almost hysterical, for real! Maybelline has discontinued one of my fave foundations: the MAYBELLINE INSTANT AGE REWIND CREAM FOUNDATION. WHYYYYYYY????!!!!

At first I wasn't sure if they had discontinued it because it was still advertised on their website, but I kept reading on different websites/blogs that it wasn't going to be available anymore. So I sent them an email. Here's the response I got from them:

******

February 13, 2009



Thank you for visiting Maybelline New York on the Web.

Instant Age Rewind Cream Foundation SPF 18 has been discontinued. We regret that we are unable to suggest where to purchase it as stock is no longer available.

We understand how disappointing it may be when a product you have enjoyed is no longer available. Although we do not have an exact alternate to replace this product, we continually introduce new products. We welcome you to call our toll free guideline at 1-800-944-0730, Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, ET for advice. We would be happy to assist you in choosing another product that may offer you results that are similar to Instant Age Rewind Cream Foundation SPF 18.

We appreciate your interest in our products and look forward to helping you in the near future.

Sincerely,
Aliya
Consumer Affairs Supervisor
Ref # 4954275

******

I hate that! You guys know how difficult is to find a good foundation, the right color and the right formula for your skin type with the coverage you desire. This foundation provided all that. It's also frustrating that Maybelline discontinued this product without having an good alternate to replace it, as they state in their email. I sure hope they provide a similar product soon.

I use Honey Beige but I am also looking for Nude and Caramel (they are quite different, I have a yellow undertone but Honey Beige provide just the right+minimal amount of pink. I want Nude and Caramel to mix them and get my perfect shade). If someone knows of a website that sells those shades, let me know. I have found some sites that sells this foundation, just not the ones I need.

Meanwhile, I will still using my other love, Revlon Colorstay. I can get the luminous effect by adding some of my MAC Strobe Lotion to it, but it's not the same "moisturizing", creamy feeling... =(

LOOK: Dark Purple Smoky Eyes (Lots of pics)

For this look I used Maybelline's Expert Wear Eyeshadows. Now, I am not a big fan of these, but I've had them for quite some time now and decided it was time to put them to work!. The look is very shimmery so if you like more matte smoky eyes, this is def. not for you, LOL.

I felt so good about this look, I took way to many pics. But hell, is not everyday that my skin behaves well.

Oh, I did a tutorial. I am still editing the video. =)


I used...

EYES
No concealer
UDPP
REVLON Illuminance Cream E/S in Vavava Bloom (only used the less darker purple shade on the lid area)
MAYBELLINE's Expert Wear E/S singles in: Silken Taupe, Night Sky and Amethyst
MAC Eyebrow pencil in Stud
MAC Mascara X in Black X
ARDELL Eyelashes--Wispies
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack
REVLON Colorstaly Liquid E/L in Black

FACE
No primer
MAYBELLINE's Instant Age Rewind Cream Foundation--Honey Beige-->LOVE this foundation, makes my skin feel so soft and moisturized
NARS Orgasm Blush
L'OREAL Translucide Loose Powder in Translucent

LIPS
Carmex Lip Balm

MAC Hello Kitty L/G in Fast Friends

PHOTOS (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Revlon Illuminance E/S -- Vavava Bloom
(I used purple shade, second from your left)

Maybelline Expert Wear e/s: Amethyst (top),
Silken Taupe (bottom left) and Night Sky

Crazy!! (mmm, I did not know
what to do with my bangs...)

No Flash
(Fluorescent Lighting)

BYE!

¡Vivan, amen y rían!
(Live, love and laugh!)

My latest "new" love: Ardell Wispies--Thoughts and Review

Ardell Wispies----LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM!

Very lightweight lashes, most of the time I forget I have them on. Oh, and I am using now DUO dark glue. I've found it helps to obtain a more natural look than with the clear glue. I thought it was going to be a mess when applying the lashes but no no no! I let the glue dry for 1+ min and place the falsies on my eyes. NOW it's really easy. LOL!

As always, I started by experimenting. I added the eyeliner after I put on the lashes (which of course I normally do b4 applying them, but I was playing). The next pics are a big close-up of my eyes, so of course, you can notice the false eyelashes. But when I apply E/L first then the lashes, the result is amazing!

These lashes are really great. Very soft. They come off pretty easy. I wash and sanitize them and keep them on their package for later use. Watch THIS VIDEO from Enkore on YouTube on how to clean your used "faux" lashes.

ARDELL WISPIES ---> 5/5

Photo comparisons between my natural lashes (they are cute, aren't they? hahaha) and the Wispies.

¡Vivan, amen y rían!
(Live, love & laugh!)