Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara

A little spikey ball thing is supposed to apply my mascara and lift and curl my lashes?!  No way!

I wasn't sure about this mascara when it first launched.  Once I actually learned how to properly use it, I fell in love.  Its designed to curl and separate with precision.  You are able to give each of your lashes individual attention with their patented sphere tip.  I start and the root and coat my lashes with the product then push and wiggle up.  As I'm pushing up on the lashes, I notice them getting longer and holding a curl.  I'm able to work the mascara in every direction...pushing and pulling until I get the fanned out lashes I want.  I have very typical straight and short Asian lashes so it is very difficult to find a mascara that will do anything to them.  I used to always curl my lashes and use only waterproof mascara to try to hold the curl. This mascara is totally worth trying at least once.  It comes in black and brown, a waterproof formula and retails for $29.50.


Pros:  precise application, very black, curls, doesn't smudge, no clumps

Cons: takes a little more time, price

I DO NOT curl my lashes anymore.  It is all mascara!

 One eye with Phenonmen'Eyes and one without.

Both eyes are done!

Shatter shatter!

I received a little package yesterday from my Lil' Sis and inside was a bottle of OPI Black Shatter nail polish!  It was part of the Katy Perry collection.  They've been sold out of shatter everywhere.  The little box made my day!  It is a quick and easy way to add some fun to your finger tips.  Just paint it over any nail polish and watch it shatter.  I can't wait for the color Shatter collection to come out.

Thank you Tena! xoxo

Foundation

Foundation isn't just foundation anymore.  It comes in all shapes and forms and so many different ways to apply it.  There are powder foundations, minerals, liquid, cream, mousse, sprays...and they're all applied differently.  So what is the perfect foundation?  It is all personal!  I have learned that what I think looks good on someone doesn't mean a thing if the person wearing it doesn't think so.

I personally like lighter foundations that I can build coverage with.  Many people like a full coverage foundation.  Some of those people just like the look of "foundationed" skin even if they have nothing to cover up.  My latest foundation love is from NARS.  They have 3 formulas; Sheer Glow, Sheer Matte and Skin Firming.  Sheer Glow has a dewey finish, Sheer Matte has a matte finish and Skin Firming has firming peptides that helps reduce the look of creases associated with aging.  Glow and Matte comes in 20 shades and Firming comes in 16 shades (beautiful deeper shades.)  I like the Sheer Glow and Skin Firming foundations.  They give me a natural looking coverage, brightens and goes on easily with my fingers.  It doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything.  If you insist on using a brush, it works well with an air brush (Sephora makes one) that buffs it on.  If I haven't tried it on you yet, check it out for yourself.  Everyone that tries it, buys it!

A tinted moisturizer that I like is from Tarte.  It's a naturals line and it has a beautiful dewey finish that I like.

My favorite foundation tools are my fingers.  I use brushes and sponges too, but on my own face, I always use fingers.  I like being able to control how much goes on and how your fingers warms the product to blend easily.  I start in the middle of my face and blend out, adding in areas that needs a little extra love.  You always want to set your foundation with a powder.  I like setting mine with NARS powders or HD powder.

I will do more product reviews and pictures later.  Feel free to ask me about other foundations I like because there are many.      

The Perfect Complexion

There is a first time for everything and this is my first blog.  I would also like to say that these are just my personal opinions and I'm not paid by any brand or company to express my views about their products.  I have been lucky enough to work around so many lines and have had many opportunities to try a wide range of products.  If you have any specific questions on any of the products I've listed, please ask away.  I can do smaller, more specific posts later. So let's start with your skin.  


How well can an artist paint if his canvas isn't pulled tight?  How nice would your living room wall look if you painted over the holes and marks without sanding or primer?  What if you never fully removed old nail polish and just painted over old polish...?


You cannot achieve a perfect looking complexion with your makeup if you don't take care of your skin.  Washing, exfoliating and hydrating your skin will help you get the most out of your makeup and maybe even go makeup free....NAH! Makeup is too much fun!  


Cleanse: You should wash your face daily even if you're not wearing makeup that day.  There is dirt and oil that collects throughout the day can clog your pores just like makeup.  Some of my favorite cleansers are Kinerase - Gentle Daily Cleanser; Peter Thomas Roth - Anti Aging Cleanser; Boscia - Purifying Cleansing Gel and Make-up Break-up Cleansing Oil; and DDF - Brightening Cleanser.  I have found that these don't dry your skin and they remove all of my makeup!  They all work great with the Clairsonic.  I'll cover that in another post :)

Toner: Toners bring your skins ph balance after washing.  They shouldn't be used to take off what your cleanser missed.  If that is the case, you need to find another cleanser.

Treatments/Serums:  This is when we treat our skins specific problems like fine lines and wrinkles, acne, hydration and discoloration.  I use a daily serum that brightens and tightens so I look for Vitamin C and glycolic acid.  I like to use a weekly exfoliating mask with active enzymes to remove the dead skin cells revealing new skin.  Serums are lighter and more concentrated to penetrate beyond your epidermis. 

Moisturize:  Moisturized skin is different from oily skin.  Many people that have an oily skin type will not use moisturizer because they think that their skin is already hydrated.  That is what you should NOT do.  Your skin produces even more oil because it thinks that it is dehydrated.  If you are oily then look for moisturizers that are oil free.  They will feel lighter and some even have mattifiers that will help control shine (Ole Heneriksen - Sheer Transformation is awesome!)  If you are on the dry side then you'll like something a little more rich.  I use different moisturizers for different seasons and at night (thats when your skin works its magic.)  I'm oilier in the summer and dryer in the winter.  Also, makeup always looks better on hydrated skin!


Sunscreen:  Everyone needs to use sunscreen year round!  You can get it in your moisturizer or add an extra one on top.  Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2-4 hours to be fully effective.  Not only do you need to be protected from the sun but also from indoor lighting and computer screens.  I know what you're thinking; who can really do that?  There are great products that offer sunscreen in mineral powders and sprays.  My entire family (an 11 year old son and husband) uses the Peter Thomas Roth - Instant Mineral Powder Spf 45.  Its in a translucent mineral powder that goes on easily and doesn't feel like you're wearing sunscreen.  My son doesn't fight me on this one!


This a lot of information and a lot of products but if you can narrow down your skin concerns and establish a daily routine, you will see a difference in your skin's texture and appearance.  The products don't have to be from a high end department stores as long as they have active ingredients that treat your concerns.  We take the time to take care of so many things on our lives so why not 5 minutes a day on our largest organ, our SKIN!