My Beauty Journey - Huge Pores & Dry Patches

Hola mis Chicas bellas!  So I've decided to take you on my new beauty journey. Two weeks ago, I decided to tackle 2 annoying skin issues that I've been dealing with for a while now.  GINORMOUS pores and dry patches.  *embarrassed*  At least I know I'm not the only one in the world who has to deal with these uglies. :P


After stopping by to say hi to my friend Erica over at the MAC counter.. I went over to the Clinique counter and explained to them my 2 major skin problems.  They suggested I try their Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief ($34) for my dry patches.  It promises to hydrate skin for a full 24 hours.  Next they suggested I try their new Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum ($39.50) for my HUGE pores.  It promises to make pores look 58% smaller in 2 weeks.  (0.0)!


It's now 2 weeks later ... and at first (looking at myself in the mirror) I didn't see a real big change in my skin... but after looking at my before and after pictures... I can definitely see an improvement!!  Wow!  So I guess I'll continue using these products and give an update in another 2 weeks.  :)

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

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December's GPR (Guest Product Review)

MAC Lipglass in Pink Fade  ($14.50) - Pink fade is a pale bubblegum pink lip gloss. This lipglass glides on so smoothy and leaves a nice coverage over the lips. I was surprised at how opaque the coloring was because most light colored lipglosses I buy from other brands have a hard time covering my very pigmented lips. Pink Fade is a gorgeous cool toned pink color and is comparable to the coloring of NYX Athena Round Lipstick but with a glossy finish. The lipglass lasted longer than most glosses, and it left a nice pale tint to my lips once all of the glossiness wore away. I am normally not a fan of such pale lip colors but this was so gorgeous that I find myself reaching for it more than most of my other glosses.

PROS
    •    Has an opaque finish
    •    Lasts much longer than most of my other glosses
    •    Unique color
    •    Formula isn't on the sticky side

CONS
    •    A bit expensive when it comes to lip glosses.
    •    Settles into the lines on your lips
    •    Has a strange scent
    •    Bottle is small / Not a lot of product


    •    APPLICATION: 4/5
    •    PIGMENTATION: 4/5
    •    LONGEVITY: 4/5
    •    TEXTURE: 5/5
    •    VALUE: 4/5
    •    OVERALL: 4/5   
 


I would definitely purchase this product again. If not in the same color (since it is a limited edition) I would definitely choose a lipglass. The coverage is amazing and the quality of the product is well worth the money. If you are looking for a long lasting lip gloss with a beautiful light pink color, Pink Fade is definitely the product for you!

Similar Products:  MAC Lipglass in Enchantee,
Where to Buy: MAC stores, Maccosmetics.com

PICTURES

 Packaging

 Lipglass Bottle

Applicator

On Lips

Wearing Pink Fade

e.l.f. Oil Shine Erasers (50 sheets for $1.00) - When it comes to oily skin, I pass with flying colors. I have a problem with the oil somehow creeping through and appearing after only a few hours of applying my make-up. A great way for me to prevent people from staring at shiny face is by using the oil blotting sheets to pick up a bit of the oil before it gets too out of control. 

If you have oily skin, you'll suffer no matter what but these sheets work pretty well to save yourself some time. If you have an extra $1 I would definitely pick these up!!

I can't speak for those who have dry skin, but they seem to be pretty pointless for those who don't need them.

Similar products: Clean and Clear Absorbing Sheets ($4.99)

Where to Buy: Target, K-mart, eyeslipsface.com

The casing is just a thin piece of cardboard, and is pretty flimsy.

 The actual sheets are spotted (not exactly sure why) but they work well for only being $1!

(Before and After sheets)

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Tip for the Holidays: Foundation & Photography

With the Holidays here.. we all want to look our best, right?  Especially with everyone taking photos!  So here's a tip..  Avoid using foundation with SPF because the light will reflect from the SPF and lighten or whiten your face in the pictures.  The same goes for mineralize foundation!


You may also want to apply your blush a little bit heavier so that it shows up in the pictures.  Just .. please.. don't go all crazy with it .. and end up looking like a clown!  *lol*  (^.^)!




*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Face Value: Spoil - Splash - Save

Today's Face Value will be focused on los ojos.  Here are a few options for every chica's budget.

LIQUID EYELINERS:

1.  Chanel Ligne Extreme - $40

2.  Illamasqua Precision Ink - $28

3.  Almay Liquid Eyeliner - $6

GEL EYELINERS:

1.  SUQQU Creamy Eyeliner - $67

2.  MAC Fluidline - $15

3.  Maybelline Eye Studio - $6

WATERPROOF MASCARA:

1.  Lancome Hypnose Drama - $25

2.  Make Up Forever Aqua Smoky Lash - $22

3.  Maybelline Great Lash - $4

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

NEW News: Bobbi Brown Pro Membership

Guess what chicas!?  Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is now offering makeup artists a Pro membership!!  Woo hoo!


You'll need to submit an application along with 2 pieces of professional makeup artist criteria, such as:  Composite card - Business card - Editorial page with name and credit - Union card - Professional valid license - Crew Call list on production company letterhead - Reference letter from employer.


Click on the following link to get more details and to apply:


Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Pro Membership

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Quick Product Review - Mega Shine Nail Polish

I don't normally do reviews on nail polishes.. however, I'm so disappointed with this product .. that I just HAD to.  I had read another product review from one of our wonderful bloggers.. which convinced me to spend $7.59 (+ tax) on this nail polish.

It states it will dry in 60 seconds - FALSE.. I waited a couple of minutes before I did anything and I got smudges (with ONE coat applied).

It states it has a Micro-Diamond formula that add mirror and shine - EH.. Looked the same to me compared to the original nail polish coat.

It states it will keep manicures beautiful up to 10 days - BLAH.. I'm returning it today so this part I won't know if it's true or not.

*lol*  Thank you for letting me vent.  :)  I feel better now.

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

November's GPR (Guest Product Review)

We had Amber do this month's product review on 2 items.  Rimmel's Extra Wow Lash mascara and NYX Eyeshadow Base.

See what she had to say!

Thank you Amber!

If you're interested in learning more about how to be one of our Guests for Product Reviews.. comment or send us an email:  MUA@VisualeyesDesigns.com!

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Apply Foundation Like The Pro That You Are

Hola!  Get your notepads and pens ready!  *lol*  Here are a few tips on how to apply foundation to get a natural, flawless look.


1.  Before applying your foundation (or primer), make sure your skin is cleansed.  Moisturize your face and wait a few minutes to give it time to dry.  (Do the same after you've applied your primer.)  If your face is still damp and sticky.. it may cause your foundation to clog up and look uneven.


2.  Speck your face!  *lol*  Dab small amounts of foundation on your forehead, down your nose and on the chin and cheeks.


3.  Always, always apply in downward strokes.. whether you decide to use the warmth of your CLEAN fingers, a foundation brush or a sponge.  If you have facial hairs (like peach fuzz), this will help you achieve that natural look because it's going in the direction of your facial hairs.  Don't forget to sweep over your ears and under your jaw.  If you have freckles or rosy cheeks, try not to cover them up.  That's natural beauty!  Flaunt it!

4.  Be a perfectionist!  Blend, blend, blend!  Make sure you blend well and apply quickly and lightly.  To prevent the foundation looking clogged, do smooth and even strokes.


5.  Check your foundation in natural light to make sure you blended well.  If you need more coverage, apply concealer in the specific areas rather than piling on more foundation.


Eso es todo!  :)






*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Makeup Hygiene - Part 2: An Excuse to Buy New Makeup!

Another important part of keeping good makeup hygiene.. is keeping up with your makeup.  By that I mean, going through your products at least every 6 months and throw away the expired, old, stale or even smelly makeup.  :)  Woo Hoo!  A great excuse to buy new makeup!!

You can go by what makeup books say is the lifetime of a beauty product ... OR... just look at the back of your beauty/health products.  Look for the PAO - Period After Opening - symbol:

The above symbol is letting you know that the product will remain "fresh" for up to 12 months .. after you've opened it.  Here are more examples:

Some of the MAC products don't have the PAO symbol.  However, I contacted their Consumer Care department to get the information.

MAC Eyeshadows - PAO is 24 m

MAC Lipsticks - PAO is 24 m

MAC Lipgloss - PAO is 24 m

MAC Blushes - PAO is 24 m

I was able to find the PAO on all their other products, either on the container itself or the packaging.  I had also asked them why they didn't provide the information on ALL their products.  I was told because of limited spacing on the label.  (>.<)  Unacceptable!  *lol*  I'll be writing to the corporate headquarters.. :)

Here are other tips on when to go shopping - oops, I mean.. when to throw away expired makeup.  ;)


Lipstick / Lipgloss - If their smell changes, throw it away.


Mascara - Also if the smell changes, throw it away.  You should replace your mascara at least every 5 months .. regardless.


Pressed Powder Products - If you notice a glazing over your powder, don't use it.  This can mean that the oils may have compromised the product.


So girls, go through your cosmetic bags and see what's good to keep and what needs to be replaced!


YouTube video now up:

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

Makeup Hygiene - Part 1: Sharing is NOT Always Caring!

Hey chicas!  So let's talk makeup hygiene.. Now, I know we all like to play makeup when we have our girlfriends come over and we're getting ready for a fun night.  Pero.. have you thought about the germs you guys may be sharing as well??  Eeek!  So here's a way to keep your germs to yourselves.  =P'

When sharing a new eyeshadow (don't share ones that you've already used!).. get a disposable mascara wand and a tissue.  You're going to scrape the eyeshadow with your mascara wand and let the "crumbs" *lol* fall into your tissue.

Then use your brush to apply the eyeshadow using the "crumbs" on the tissue.  Don't worry, you'll still get a good amount of product on your brush!

To share anything like creamy foundations, creamy blushes or paint pots.. get a mini spatula and scoop out the product.  You can either use your hand (sanitize first!) as a palette or get a small paint palette you can find at your local art store.  You can use this same technique when sharing a lipstick.  Once you have your scooped amount, use your lip brush to apply.

For a lipgloss.. use a disposable lipgloss applicator and DON'T double dip after you've applied it on the lips!

For lip pencils or eyeliners.. sharpen a layer away and then spray (or pour) some alcohol into a tissue to disinfect the tip.  Make sure you wave it to dry - DON'T blow on it.  Once it's dry, you can go ahead and use it.

For mascara... use a mascara wand and never double dip!


Now, there are other ways to keep your makeup clean .. but I feel this is a sure way to keep good makeup hygiene.  As a makeup artist, you definitely want to take all precautions ... 'cuz your reputation is everything.  You don't want clients saying they got a pink eye after you did their makeup!!

If for some reason you can't find any of the disposable applicators, let me know and I'll send you a few!

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)

She's Such a Doll! - Halloween 2011

We did it again and this time I think we did much better!!  We started off with a good amount of foundation and then went on to add blush.  From there, you'll see the photos of what we did next.  :)

We outlined the muñeca eyes in black.. just a rough outline to give us something to work with.  We used black face paint but in the end we used MAC Fluidline in black to finalize the outline.  (The black face paint goes on a bit lighter than the Fluidline.)

We then added white paint face in the white part of the eye and inside the eye (this will help the color of the eye pop).

Now we added the darkest shade of green (green face paint) that we will be using.  By using the darkest green in this part of the eye.. will give us dimension.

Next we filled in the eye using NYX and Too Faced green eyeshadows.  See how you can already see some dimension?  :)

Next, we filled in the pupil with the black face paint (later we filled it in with MAC Fluidline to make it look really black).

We continued to add dimension to the muñeca's eyes by blending in black eyeshadow to the top part of the eye.. causing the illusion of shadow.

Now, we thickened the outline above the eye... preparing it for the eyelashes.  We also went over the whole outline with the Fluidline.

With the black face paint, we added eyebrows.

Next, we added the eyelashes and the light reflections in the pupil.

Finally, finished it off with a nude shade of lipstick.

  

*This blog is intended to be viewed within www.VisualeyesDesigns.com website.  Please click on website link to view full website!  :)