Super Extra Brutally Expensive Face Creams

Enters Bart Simpson..."Ay Caramba!!"

Image: www.barneys.com

USD $875 for 1.7 ounces!!!!

Would you spend so many $$$$ on your face cream? If you had, do they work like it's a frickin' miracle in a tub? Tell me please.

Oh my. This is insane to me, no offense if some of you have bought them. It's just...WOW.

Check out this Beauty Bubble from TotalBeauty.com:

What's Really In A $900 Face Cream?

Ever wondered what goes into those ultra luxe moisturizers? We break down exactly what makes them so pricey.

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article It's reasonable to be skeptical of a beauty product with an exorbitant price tag, especially when you can get a similar product at a fraction of the cost. Maybe we'd be more willing to shell out the whopping $275 for La Mer's cream if we knew what made it so special. See what ingredients go into the priciest face creams on the market and read our verdicts. Are they worth it? Find out now. Should you splurge?

SAY WHAAAAT??? 

Vive.Ama.Ríe

TotalBeauty.com: How to Pronounce Tricky Beauty Brand Names

FUN / GOOD TO KNOW POST:

Hahaha. Check this Beauty Bubble on how to pronounce correctly many brand names (it can be tricky, ey?). I you want, you could also go to this link I posted about 2 and a half years ago. It takes you to an online talking dictionary. SUPER helpful. 

You'll impress your friends in the world of beauty, =D

Learn How to Pronounce Tricky Beauty Brand Names -- Finally

Stop butchering the names of your favorite beauty brands with this helpful pronunciation guide.

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup tips article Saying "N.Y.X" instead of "nix" (for NYX) can make for an awkward moment at the makeup counter. Mispronouncing a beauty brand is a simple mistake -- but it doesn't have to be one you make again. Here's how to pronounce those hard-to-say brand names correctly. Get the guide

L8R!


Vive.Ama.Ríe

Video Tutorial: Foundation for Acne & Skin Problems (from Youtuber DiamondAndHeels14)

So you probably know about Cassandra Bankson for her very famous and very helpful video tutorial about "flawless skin foundation routine for problem skin (scarring and cystic acne)". 

I really like this young lady and all her tips for a better skin and also about healthy eating/healthy lifestyle. She decided to make something about her situation with a very aggressive case of acne, a skin condition that affects millions of people, and help others by showing how she deals with it. Basically by first showing her bare skin, which I know can't be easy.

Anyway, she's back with another version of her foundation routing, using the same foundation (MUFE HD) but with a lighter application. Check it out!

Have a happy Friday! 

Vive.Ama.Ríe

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you all had a great time today. I spent the day with family, family, family :)

And eating pavo, arroz con gandules & pasteles! Yummy.

I'm sick. My throat hurts so much but I can't stop talking. Which is funny 'cause I can barely talk, my voice is just not 'there'. Maybe tomorrow I'll let it rest, LOL.

Today my makeup look was the no-makeup look, literally. I just felt sick and makeup was the last thing on my mind. So here comes the huge, bug eyes sunglasses look.

Have a great weekend and take it easy on Black Friday!

--B.

Vive.Ama.Ríe.

Look: Neutral E/S with Bright Pink Lips

My makeup yesterday, for my son's 15th birthday dinner. (Oh my God, I have a 15 y/o already!!) Honestly, the emphasis in this look were the pink lips...

Oh, we had a great time. ;)

My lip liner and l/s:

 

Products used for this look

FACE

• LANCOME La Base Pro Primer -- Good product, very similar to Smasbox's Photo Finish Primer MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation in 128--Almond 
• AMAZING COSMETICS Concealer in Tan -- Love it!!!!! You can still see some of my skin's dark spots *in my forehead for example* but I forgot to apply concealer there...oops.
• NARS Powder Blush in Orgasm 
• L'OREAL Translucide Loose Powder in Medium -- Pressed against my skin with a makeup puff to make my skin texture look softer and pores look smaller. You can see in the pics that is not perfect, specially using a HD Camera, but I'm practicing!
• SKINDINAVIA The Original Makeup Finishing Spray 

EYES

• UDPP
• MAC E/S in Ricepaper (from lashline to under the brows); Texture (crease); Hocus Pocus (L.E.; top and lower lashlines, just a touch).
• REVLON Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen in Black -- Pretty good product. 
• MAC Zoom Waterfast Lash Mascara on both upper and lower lashes 
• NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Dark Brown as for my eyebrows -- I couldn't find my MAC eye brow (seriously, where is it!?!); I blend it with a spoolie brush. I'm letting my eyebrows grow a bit more, so yes, they look a bit messy. ^_^ 

LIPS 

• ROSEBUD Strawberry Lip Balm -- Yeah, not a fan. This one does nothing for my lips; maybe I need to buy the original one that does has oils in it.
• RIMMEL 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner in Indian Pink -- This is a great lip liner. This color looked more on the red side in my skin and lips, but it was perfect for my l/s of choice. 
• MAYBELLINE Color Sensational L/S in 140-Fuchsia Fever -- Still deciding if I like this lippies. Pigmentation is good, but the texture...IDK. I need more time. 

Happy Birthday to my son! Que Dios y la Virgen te cuiden siempre mi amor. (Pic taken w/ the front camera of my iPhone). 

Have a great week and a beautiful Thanksgiving Day! / ¡Que tengan una semana grandiosa y un hermoso Día de Acción de Gracias!


--B.

Vive.Ama.Ríe 

TotalBeauty.com: 15 Best and Worst Face Scrubs

I totally love face scrubs. They help me to clear my skin, make it feel super soft and clean and my makeup always looks best just after using a facial scrub.

Fave ones? Mary Louise Cosmetics Restoration Clear Gel (bit pricey but lasts a long time!) and Philosophy's The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash (use it every other day).

Which one do you like/don't like?

15 Best and Worst Face Scrubs

Don't waste money on a scrub that doesn't deliver. See the scrubs you should try -- and the ones you should avoid.

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care products article Scrubs can rid your skin of dead skin cells and deep clean your pores -- a good one that is. Our readers say the worst ones will leave your skin feeling raw and your wallet empty. Don't waste any more of your time and money on a bad scrub by checking out this list. Our readers separated the winners from the losers to bring you the best and worst face scrubs. See list

The Worst No. 6: Burt's Bees Peach & Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub, $8

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.9

"This product leaves an oily, greasy residue on my face. It feels like I rubbed a thin layer of Crisco on my skin."

The Worst No. 5: Mario Badescu Strawberry Face Scrub, $15

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.7

"This is the messiest face scrub ever. After washing my face, I find little bits of strawberry seeds in my hair and nails."

The Worst No. 4: St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub, $9.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.4

"I'm glad I bought this on sale because it has done nothing for my skin."

Want to see what was No. 1? Click here!

Have a great day!

--B.


Vive.Ama.Ríe

LOOK: Smokey eyes with a touch of color!

I always feel confident with smokey eyes.  Very easy to do and fast. A colorful e/l just add some fun to this look.

Oh, I actually took these pics around 3hrs after applying all my makeup (I was at a family gathering first). Also, I used my new Canon EOS Rebel T3i. This baby takes HD to a new level, way up from what I am used to. Makeup can become a challenge with HD pics like these. I had to update my application techniques to get decent pics (for example, deal with my enlarge pores and rough skin texture) and I used my camera's soft focus effect (or something like that -- I'm still learning all about this baby). Lot of work I tell you, LOL!!

Products used:

FACE

• COVER FX Skinprep FX Nourishing Foundation Primer & Anti-Aging Serum -- Love it. My skin felt kinda dry and this was my choice for primer; never fails me.
• MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC37 mixed with half a pump of AVON's Extra Lasting Liquid Foundation in Soft Honey -- NC37 is a bit light for me and Soft Honey is too dark now so...yeah, I just mix them to get my own customized shade.
• L'OREAL Translucide Loose Powder in Medium -- Always one of my faves.
• NARS Powder Blush in Orgasm -- Hello dear, long time I haven't see you. Beautiful color as always! =P
• CLINIQUE True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer in Sunkissed
  EYES

• UDPP
• MAC E/S in Blanc Type (all over), Brun (eyelids, close to lash line), Jealousy Wakes (L.E.; lower lash line, as eyeliner)
• Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero -- waterline
• Black Radiance Fine Line Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner Pen in Black Velvet -- It's w/p already but the tip is too stiff. Not impressed. =/
• MAC Zoom Waterfast Lash Mascara -- Only in my top lashes; Liking this mascara for now...
• MAC Eye Brow pencil in Lingering -- I use this color in daytime and it works, but I see it's no good for my eyebrows in flash photography. Gotta keep that in mind.

LIPS

• Sally Hansen Healing Butter for Lips
• Wet-n-Wild Mega Shield Lip Color SPF 15 in 368S-That's Berry Beautiful -- This lippies are really nice, feel really good on the lips. I love reds and this one is very sheer and lovely.

For questions about the products I used, just leave a comment or email me. 

Lovely week!

--B.

Vive.Ama.Ríe

Review+Swatches: REVLON PhotoReady Blush in 200-Flushed

PRODUCT: REVLON PhotoReady Cream Blush in 200-Flushed (~USD $12.00 -- $13.00 for 0.44 oz or 12.4 g)

I bought this a couple of months ago at my local drugstore; it grabbed my attention at first sight! 

This cream blush is a very vibrant cool pink. I'm not a PhotoReady fan, but this color is really interesting. Don't get scared. To get the color intensity for my swatches, I had to add a lot of product on my skin (my lower forearms are maybe NC 30-35?). It's very buildable.

I do find I had to apply it on very moisturized skin for this to blend well. I apply it with my fingers or a foundation brush (buy I prefer my fingers).  No strange smell. The color is very very pretty.

I do not like it does not  wears more than 3hrs on me before it starts to 'separate' on my skin. Mind you, I first try products alone, then over primer and/or with/without setting powder before I can make a statement like that. I do live in a tropical island where it is very humid and hot almost everyday, but I've tried similar products with better results. I find this blush is very pricey for a drugstore product.  Better check out weekly Revlon specials.

RATING: 3/5 (It's okay. Cool color but it does not lasts much on my skin. I suggest waiting for a sale to get this if you haven't yet. I will not buy it again).

Here are some swatches (as always, click on pics to enlarge).

Natural lighting

With flash

Natural Lighting

I hope you are having a great weekend. 

--B.

Vive.Ama.Ríe.

Too Faced and Beauty.com F&F Sale!

If you don't already know about it, both Too Faced Cosmetics and Beauty.com are having their Family and Friends sales (a.k.a. 20% off!). I have not bought directly from Too Faced but I had ordered from Beauty.com before and my experience was good. =)

Note: For the Beauty.com sale, you must enter promo code FF2012 at checkout.

Beauty.com

Note: For the Too Faced Cosmetics sale, you must enter promo code FFSALE12 at checkout.

Too Faced Cosmetics

Just so you know!

Have a great week.

++Please note: clicking on the images and links will take you to another website that is not related to BedasBeautyBlog. I do not gain money or anything like it if you click them. You may as well go to these websites directly. Thank you!++

--B.


Vive.Ama.Ríe.

Elecciones 2012: Puerto Rico!!

¡Boricuas! 

Hoy es un día muy importante: ¡las elecciones generales! 

Hoy lo que importa es que salgas a votar, a EJERCER TU DERECHO al voto.

Vota por tu Puerto Rico querido, por tu familia...en fin, por lo que creas es lo mejor para todos.

 ¡Saludos a tod@s los hermanos puertorriqueños!

--B.

Vive.Ama.Ríe.

FOTD: Nov. 3rd, 2012

Wow! It's been a long time since I've put on foundation (I've been using Too Faced BB Cream and loving it). After watching these pics, yes, I do have to tone it down a bit.

I don't know why I think I still have the wonderful darker skin I had this past summer. =(

Yep, my makeup mistake ;)

Anyway, yesterday I went for a neutral look since I was going to a pool party with my kids, but at the same time I wanted to do a full face of makeup to cover a bit more my dark spots and heck, just for fun --yes, fun...and then I noticed I totally forgot to apply concealer, LOL! 

I have been using so little makeup for months now that I feel like I'm lost. o_O

ETA: Just for comparison purposes, I added a "before" pic (it's a couple of years old...long hair... =/ ). Notice redness, dark spots and uneven skin texture.

Before / After

Classic Duck Face!

Product breakdown:
FACE
COVER FX Clearprep FX Matte Foundation Primer + Anti Acne-treatment (just tried a sample today, very impressed! I feel it softened my skin texture and made my huge pores look smaller)
LANCOME's Teint Idole Ultra (discontinued) in Bisque 6W mixed with half a pump AVON's Extra Lasting Liquid Foundation in Soft Honey
NARS Amour Blush
NARS Laguna bronzer
MAC Set Powder in Invisible
SKINDINAVIA No More Shine Makeup Finish Setting Spray 

EYES
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (one of the best eye primers!)
MAC E/S in Phoolf!
L'OREAL Voluminous Power Volume WP 24hr Mascara in Blackest Black (this is a keeper!)
MAC Eye Brow Pencil in Lingering

LIPS
SALLY HANSEN Healing Butter for lips (Ebay)
MAYBELLINE Color Sensational Pearls L/S in 735-Champagne Shimmer mixed with 750-Bronze Beam (as you can see, these lippies are not too pigmented and MUST BE used over a lip pencil; if not, you just see some sheen in your lips)

A pic of me and hubby goofing around while the kids were having fun at the pool party:

If you would like to see swatches of any of the listed products, let me know.

Hope you are having an awesome weekend.


--B.


Vive.Ama.Ríe.

Yep, we all make mistakes (makeup mistakes, that is)

Just saw these makeup mistakes horrors by celebrities in Toofab.com. Me? Almost everyday, though technically I'm not a celebrity, LOL. These past few days I've noticed I need to tone down my foundation shade...too dark I think.  =/

Gorgeous lady who does not needs lots of bronzer

Anyway, check it out. You may have seen some of these mistakes pics before. I guess sometimes celebrities don't want to work with a M.A. or maybe they did have one...who probably got fired. Ouch.

TOOFAB.COM BAD MAKEUP MOVES GALLERY

What do YOU think?

--B.

Vive.Ama.Ríe.

TotalBeauty.com: Makeup Mixology: How to Create Your Perfect Blend

Have any of you guys try one of these "mixes"? I do the Lipstick/Lipbalm all the time.

I'm not sure about foundation and sunscreen. I'm afraid the sunscreen could lose some of its efficacy. Better check the web first.

Makeup Mixology: How to Create Your Perfect Blend

Having a tough time finding the right shade of foundation or lipstick? You may already have the solution -- and it's in your makeup bag.

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup tips article Before you head out to Sephora for a long and possibly unsuccessful trip to find that perfect match, try makeup mixology. By combining your favorite go-to staples, you can customize your products for all of your beauty wants and needs. See how you can get the DIY technique that experts are using now. Customize now

Later!

--B.


Vive.Ama.Ríe.

Yay, my new Crocs finally arrived!

These are my everyday (literally) ones, love them. Super comfy. Had them in brown. They died because, again, I wear them everyday.

This is the Olivia model and I bought them through Ebay. :)

--B.

Vive.Ama.Ríe