LOOK: MAC Goldmine, Amber Lights & Sketch

Yesterday I felt much much better and I needed my "therapy": Makeup! I decided it was time to step out from my "comfort" zone, I was getting bored with neutrals. So I took a look at my palettes and thought Goldmine, Amber Lights and Sketch would look good together. I love the results.

One thing I have noticed is that I'm more pale than usual for this time of year. But I'm afraid of the sun because of the dark spots and freckles on my face. Gotta get my bronzed skin little by little or learn how to correctly use bronzers . I'm not a fan of them (neither cream or powder).

So...I had to mix Revlon Colorstay Makeup in Natural Tan with Golden Beige to get my shade. Although Natural Tan looked as a perfect match for me in flash photos, in real life it was a tad too dark. I applied L'oreal Translucide Loose Powder in Translucent, which I like because it provides a nice subtle glow...unfortunately it is not good for flash pictures =/.

In the pics without flash I'm posting below you may see the foundation shade is great for me. The difference between my face and neck is not that much in flash photos, but next time I have to remember to use a matte loose powder like my MAC Blot Powder if I'm going to use a lighter shade of foundation. I would hate to appear on pics like I have a gray or pink mask on my face (have you seen pics of ladies like that...Yuck!). L'oreal Translucide powder in Translucent is good to tone down Natural Tan if don't want/have time to do my "customized" shade, lol.

I'm editing a tutorial about this look, will be posting it soon.

FACE
BORGHESE Prime Viso Face Primer---->love it!
REVLON Colorstay Makeup (Combo/Oily) in Natural Tan mixed with Golden Beige
L'OREAL Translucide Loose Powder in Translucent
NARS Blush in Orgasm
MAC Powder Blush in Blunt to contour cheeks

EYES
TOO FACED Shadow Insurance
REVLON Illuminance cream shadow Quad in Vavava Bloom (marked shades) as a base for e/s
MAC e/s in Goldmine (1/2 lid), Amber Lights (outer 1/2 lid), Sketch (crease+outer crease), Ricepaper (inner lid) and Vanilla (highlighter)
MAC Blacktrack Fluidline
ARDELL False Lashes--Wispies
L'OREAL Voluminous Mascara in Blackest Black

LIPS
CARMEX Lip Balm SPF 15
REVLON Super Lustrous L/S in Black Cherry
L'OREAL Colour Riche Lipcolour in Mica
L'OREAL Colour Riche l/g in Sugar Coated

Some of the products I used

Mix this:

To get this:

The eyes:

The Look (lol!):

NO-FLASH PICS:

Bye sexy ladies!

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

Review: Revlon Colorstay Makeup w/ SoftFlex

ETA: 

♥ For your reference -- I'm MAC NC 35/37 to NC40 (if I have been sunbathing ;) ) ; Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup in 3W1; Revlon Colorstay in Warm Golden or Natural Tan+Golden Beige (DAY) & Natural Tan (NIGHT)<--I do have many others shades that I just mix to get my customized color.
♥ I have Combination Skin--My T-Zone is super oily and my cheeks are normal to dry.

♥ I have dark spots, sun spots, freckles, acne scars and huge on-your-face pores.

******************

I can't believe I haven't done a full review about one of my favorite DS foundations, Revlon Colorstay Makeup!

Colorstay is the foundation I always go back to when others (DS or HE) fail. Granted, I haven't tried many HE ones. MAC Studio Fix was beautiful on me, but broke me out and transferred terribly. Select SPF15 was horrible and I'm still undecided on Studio Sculpt. I went to try EL Double Wear the other day but I'm still hesitant about the color match...*sighs* In the mean time, I am happy with Colorstay, my DS-HG foundation.

Anyway, here it goes:

♥Product Name: Revlon Colorstay Makeup with SoftFlex

♥Description: As per Revlon website--"Makeup looks fresh and feels great for up to 16 hours thanks to the lightweight, comfortable feel from the Patented SoftFlexColorStay™ formula". This foundation comes in two formulas for different types of skin: Combination/Oily and Normal/Dry. The combination/oily skin formula helps you control shine; the normal/dry skin formula is "moisture-balanced". Both formulas are oil-free and give you flawless looking skin.

Colorstay Makeup provides medium to full coverage. The Combo/oily skin formula comes in 20 shades with SPF 6 protection (though the darkest shades do not have SPF); the normal/dry skin formula comes in 12 shades with SPF 15 protection (the 3 darkest shades have SPF 12). Revlon assures the foundation does not "rub off" with normal use.

♥Price: $10-$14 (price varies by location)

♥So...: Wow, so many claims--to control shiny faces, keep dry skin fresh and will give us flawless looking skin for 16hrs!?! That's a lot of promises. My experience with it? It works. Love the formula, the coverage and I have used this in hot+humid weather for more than 8hrs and at most, I had use blotting tissue on my t-zone around mid-day. The makeup remains intact and looks so fresh!

My first experience with this foundation wasn't the best. I really didn't understand why so many ladies liked it! I first used the shade called "Golden Beige" and now I know it is too light for me. I originally used a sponge to apply it on my face and yuck, is not the same. I felt like I had a mask on and my skin was itchy. No no no!

Then I decided to give it a try again about a year ago, if I remember well. I had seen videos and read about different methods of application. I changed the shade to Toast (which is too dark for me now, but good for summer--I mix it with moisturizer). I first used my bare hands (which sometimes still do---I'm not against it) to apply it on my primed skin, something I didn't do b4, and I liked how natural it look. But since I needed more coverage, I got the 187 brush and voilà! I truly got that "airbrush finish".

If you have seen pics here of me without makeup, you know what I mean about coverage. Most of the times I even skip concealer. I feel this foundation gives me such beautiful skin. Oh, I currently use both formulas.


♥PROS:
√ Medium to full coverage
√Most of the time I don't need to use concealer when using this
√ You can mix a dark shade with moisturizer to make your own tinted moisturizer; It works beautifully and is very refreshing
√Matte finish--I do mix it sometimes with MAC's Strobe lotion to get a "glowy/dewy" finish that really lasts
√Really last for hours and I mean that my makeup looks as if just applied
√Doesn't transfer and ruin clothes
√Comes in two formulas for different skin types and has SPF (not much, but always welcome)
√Many shades to choose from; I also mix some of them to get my perfect one

♥CONS
×It doesn't has a pump, it can get a bit messy
×It has an awkward, strong smell -- it does dissapears a few minutes after application
×Dries really fast, it is better do small areas at a time when applying with a brush
×There are no real options for neutral skintones with yellow undertones (like mine).  I use Natural Tan when I'm tanned and Warm Golden seems to work the rest of the time. Since I have many shades of this foundation I mix them to make my own shade
×Drugstores don't have testers so you have to buy then try it on; I have quite a collection, just trying to get my perfect shade or at least one I can work with. Thank God for BOGO-free sales, just once I have paid full price
×Oily/Combo skin formula can dry your skin, so remember to always moisturize first!  I don't recommend to use it daily
×Wish the Oily/Combo Skin formula had higher SPF. Then again, maybe that would change the quality of the product...IDK

♥IMPORTANT!
Both formulas have shades with the same name, but the colors ARE NOT the same. Normal/Dry formula tends to be darker than the Combo/Oily skin one. I read somewhere that this was a quality issue, but I have been using this for a long time and still the colors are different (I e-mailed Revlon about this but got no reply). I have noticed that, at least on me, when the Combo/Oily formula dries (and oxidizes), the color seems darker. So you better be careful when choosing them based only on recommendations.

Watch these two bottles, same shade, different formula:

As I mentioned, I have bought many shades looking for one that suited my skin. Right now I am between Golden Beige and Natural Tan, so I mix the two of them and get a beautiful shade.  Warm Golden also works for me.

You may ask: Why bother mixing diff. shades? Because I consider the formula is so good, I really don't mind doing so.

I did bought really light shades like Buff and Fresh Beige on purpose, I use them with Toast and get another customized beautiful shade. I think I'll eventually just use Natural Tan+Golden Beige (if I don't get any paler, geez!) and also Toast to make my personal tinted moisturizer.

From left to right:
Buff(c/o), Fresh Beige (n/d), Natural Tan (n/d), Natural Tan (c/o),
Rich Tan (c/o), Toast (n/d), Toast (c/o), Active Light in Toast
(Click to enlarge)

Also wanted to mention that in my experience, if this foundation looks/feels like a mask on your face, you probably applied to much. Less is more with Colorstay! Start by applying just a drop. Then build it up.

You do have to apply this on well moisturized skin or it will emphasize dry areas on your face. I have found that MAC Prep+Prime face primer or BORGHESE Prima Viso face primer works really well for me. I used Smashbox Photofinish on winter months--which in Puerto Rico means cooler temperatures-- and it was okay, not perfect, but okay. I will not be using Photofinish with Colorstay on this summer season.

PLEASE NOTE: I can't stress enough how much difference it makes to apply Colorstay with a MAC 187 brush or similar brush (I also have the Ulta version of the 187---good buy!). The finish is unbelievable! With my fingers I get a more natural finish.  Just experiment with different methods of application to get what you're really looking for.

♥Rating: 4/5 (I would love if Revlon made it fragance-free and if at least it had a pump...LOL).  All in all, awesome foundation.

From left to right:
Buff(c/o), Fresh Beige (n/d), Natural Tan (n/d), Natural Tan (c/o),
Rich Tan (c/o), Toast (n/d), Toast (c/o), Active Light in Toast
**n/d=normal/dry formula
**c/o=combo/oily formula

No flash--Indoor Lighting

No Flash--Natural Lighting

I also have Golden Beige (Indoor):

(It seems Golden Beige is a decent match,
but this is the back of my arm. It looks too light on my face)

I hope this post is of some use to Colorstay lovers! =D


¡Vivan, amen y rían!

TotalBeauty.com: Best "As seen on TV" Makeup

Hmmm...interesting. I've never bought makeup on TV...

=D

The Best "As Seen on TV" Makeup

These hits, from channels like QVC and HSN, have our readers running for the phone

We've all done it: you can't sleep, turn on the TV, watch a spokesperson rave about some new makeup, and the next thing you know you're pulling out your credit card. Problem is, not all of those late-night impulse buys are that great. However, after checking out this list of the top "as seen on TV" makeup, you'll know what's worth the splurge. See makeup

No. 12: Dior Mascara Diorshow, $24

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4*

"It gives me the most dramatic and thick lashes, and makes them look so long..."

No. 11: Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup/Foundation, $24.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9*

"It is a snap to apply, lasts a long time, doesn't look cakey or dry and really appears natural..."

No. 10: Laura Geller Balance & Brighten Compact, $29.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.2*

"This is my go-to foundation whenever I am in a hurry and... don't have time for a full face of makeup..."

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!

Quick Review: Revlon Colorstay Quad in Coffee Bean

Feeling a bit better, not much, but I hope to feel better tomorrow because of the drugs and antibiotics the doctor gave me today. So, since I can't sleep well, I decided to make a review about this Revlon quad, one of my favorites. These pics are from about 2 months ago.

♥Product Name: Revlon Colorstay 12hr Eyeshadow Quad in "Coffee Bean"

♥Description (for all quads): "Silky smooth, blendable powder shadow with SoftFlex™ won’t crease or smudge, staying flawless and beautiful for up to 12 hours. Color coordinated quads provide expert mix and match ability for your most gorgeous eyes ever. Available in 18 beautiful quads." (Revlon.com)

♥ Price: around USD $5-$7 at most drugstores/Walmart/Kmart (but I have always bought my quads when they are BOGO free!)

♥My experience with it: You may have read my thoughts on these quads. They are fairly pigmented, but I do recommend applying them on top of a good eye base (UDPP, TFSI or even Revlon Illuminance cream e/s) for them to show even more. I don't know about the 12hr claim, but I think they last about 8hrs, that's my experience. Please remember that I live in a very humid environment and not all products behave the same in different type of weather condition.

This specific quad is one of my favorite and for what I've seen online, many people love it too. Why? Well, in my case is simple: I love neutral eye looks and this quad provide different versions of it. You could even do a fast day-time neutral smoky eye look. This is perfect when you are traveling. The little sponge applicators are very helpful, specially the long one. That one can be use to define the crease or apply e/s as eyeliner (though I do use my brushes most of the time).

This quad has a variation of beige/brown/bronze colors that are so pretty and perfect to apply when you are in a rush. That's what I love about neutral looks. Three of the colors are more like matte/satin finish and one (third from the top) has a frost finish --I am posting a pic with swatches of it. As always, Revlon provides the instructions about where to place the shades on your lids. If you are like me, you will end up doing a minimum of 4 different looks with it.

♥What I would change about it? In general, some of the matte e/s feel too "powdery", that's why I recommend a good base. About this specific quad? Nothing, this one is perfect for me.

I really like this quad, it is the one I use the most these days. I will leave you with pictures now.

♥Rating: 4/5

(Please, excuse my ugly pajama! Most of the time I
do my makeup first, then put on my clothes)

(No flash)

'Til next time.



¡Vivan, amen y rían!

I'm a sick person

Well, some of you already knew that...LOL

Nah, really, I have been down with asthma and a cold these past few days, my chest hurts, the sinus are driving me crazy. Hate it.

I have some things I want to post, but just don't feel like it for now. Maybe tomorrow or Thursday I'll start posting again. I've just been writing a little on my other blog: GIRL, IT'S OKAY.

Being sick really sucks.

But, not all is bad. There are really good news! --And nothing to do with makeup: I'm an aunt again, my SIL just gave birth to a beautiful baby boy!!! And I will have a niece --the first baby girl on my side of the family-- next October. All right!! Yep, we are all very happy.

¡Vivan, amen y rían!

AllCosmeticsWholesale.com Haul (+ Swatches & Comparisons)

After months of lurking on ACW and reading/watching reviews from many people --including online friends-- I finally decided to place an order. Yes, I believe everybody should do their "homework" b4 placing orders on the net.

Anyway, I'm interested in this website mostly because they sell discontinued MAC items (those only found at CCOs) and products from other brands for a few bucks less. Since shipping was USD $7, I waited for interesting items so I could get the most of those $7. The downside to waiting is that the products you are interested in could be gone at the moment you place your order, so yes, you have to decide what is more convenient for you.

It took sometime for the order to arrive (about 12 calendar days if I remember well) but I was expecting that since it was shipped from the state of WA, USA. I checked all the MAC E/S and L/S and I do think they are the real deal, not fakes. In general, I am very satisfied with the products, not so much with the shipping costs, but for now I think this is a good website to get discontinued MAC products and will probably buy from them in the future if I see another good deal.


Here is what I bought:

1. MAC Neo Sci Fi Lustre L/S--Electro (discontinued): Talk about an orange lipstick, but I love it has a lustre finish, so with a light hand, it can look pretty nice on my lips. OR I can go all the way and have lips people could notice from the moon, hahaha.

2. Laura Mercier Lip Glace--Ambre Rose: This one I bought because it was about USD $9 and I was curious. Such a beautiful color, like a burgundy rose maybe? Non-sticky (yays!) and surprisingly pigmented for a "glace".

3. MAC Emanuel Ungaro E/S--Phloof! (discontinued): Frosty off white that looks somehow similar to Naked Lunch...well, less pinkish than it.

4. MAC Pro E/S--Bright Sunshine: SOOOOO PRETTYY!! Super soft, has a frost finish and looks like a mix of Golden Lemon, Gorgeous Gold and Chrome Yellow (see swatches below).

5. MAC eyeshadows in Typographic and Kid: Two e/s from the permanent line that I bought not because they were cheaper, but because they were there already...and I wanted them. I didn't had to wait to make an order on MAC or go to a store, lol! Kid is a bit lighter than Wedge e/s, but softer and Typographic looks gray on the pan but believe MAC when they say is "asphalt" black. Love this e/s! Waaaayyyyyy more softer than Carbon e/s. Gonna love it for smoky eyes or to darken the crease with minimal blending (Carbon is amazing, but you do have to work it). Typographic is much more pigmented than Carbon, it is after all part of the matte2 family.

6. MAC Alexander McQueen E/S--Pagan (discontinued): Similar to Bitter, but more on the green side and much more pigmented (Pagan has a satin finish, while Bitter belongs to the velvet family).

(***CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE***)

That's all for now!



¡Vivan, amen y rían!