Urban Decay Vice 3 review

Colorful Graphic Eyeliner Look

Ok Bebes, camera is changed but I missed the day light.  I can tell you this--the white light bulbs improves the look of your skin tremendously.  I would hang one on top of my head if I could.  Because, my skin sucks these days.   It protests lack of vitamins.  So this weekend,  I am going to punish my freewill with apples, blackberries, and orange juice ( this one is a yum) but the blackberries-- I hate sour and I hate biting the apple (the noise and the juice and my face getting sticky).

I start to work.  At least I am sitting at a desk 40 hours a week trying to promote my absolute start up.

URBAN DECAY VICE 3 REVIEW

I announce you the best of the best make up palette ever created.  I give you Urban Decay Vice 3. Now quit reading and go to Ulta or Sephora to purchase this gorgeousness.  Too dramatic?  But, think about a 34 year old jumping with joy like a little kid again, hugging the palette with teary eyes.  I do not know how the first and the second one looked and I never feel excited about their ever famous Naked palettes.  But I could not resist to this one after seeing it on ULTA magazine.  On top of it, receiving a Sephora $20 off coupon was an enough sign.   The palette retails for $60.

I want to swatch it for you but it is not going do any just. I get tempted to make purchases when I see hand swatches, which is a great help, but on the eye lids they look different. But I am going to do soo many makeup looks with it....


 

Starting with the very left column from top to bottom:

Truth: a pale matte pink perfect for highlighting

Undone: and iridescent, light, peachy pink perfect on its own with an eyeliner or as a transition.It is one of those can-never-go-wrong-with-it kinda color

Downfall: a soft, iridescent camel, soft toffee color. This is perfect as a transitions and pack it under the lower lash line for a romantic hue

DTF: Have seen a million of this tone. What makes it different is the urban decay quality.  This one actually shows itself on the eyelid.

Dragon: Emerald with gold infusion.  Designed even for natural loving gals. Reminds me summer but you can create a contrast at the inner part of the crease once you finish your heavy smokey eye: Just a light swipe would do.  No one will be able to tell why they can not take their eyes of your smokey.

Freeze: My fave.  I actually never use this type of colors but it was because of this color that I got this palette. Again gold infused. I can not wait to use this eye popper.

Heroine: I already have dupes for this color.  It looks exactly like MAC contrast but thanks to UD there is no dupe for the quality.  The MAC one is such rough textured and the color pay off make me wanna cry.

Brokedown: Khaki and sexy.  I personally can never get enough of this color

Vanity:  Ok. Butter in a cup. This blended all over up and beyond the crease and a black eyeliner in the water line. Healthy skin and black faux leather motor cycle jacket.  Adios!

Lucky: Everybody needs it. Can not have too many of it. Eye popper. 

Reign: Brown smokey stable.   

Bobby Dazzle: Iridescent white.  How unique, right? Good to have it handy with the rest. Most used usually. 

Alien: Cool toned candy pink. So fun with purples or grays or pitch black

Alchemy: How should I describe it? Pink or purple but I can tell that this is a unique one for the addicts

Bondage: A fig color. What? It may even be burgundy. Just a perfect match to many of the other colors in this palette.  

Sonic: Redish coral and if I see this on a blue eyed girl, I may die from jealousy. It is a iridescent version on Sephora's 2015 color of the year Marsala.

Last Sin: Iridescent champagne pink.  Great all over, as a transition, inner corner....

Angel: Iridescent taupe to accompany darker companions.  Great as transition to soften the darker shades.

DEFY: Staple nowadays in every palette.  Most earthy tone. Dark taupe under the lower lash line is just soo rocker chic.  It is like a little secret. 

REVOLVER: Dark pewter gray with hint of navy blue and an amazing black alternative. 

If you like to emphasize your eyes like me, this palette is essential because it has all the staples and also fun colors in it.  The quality is absolutely amazing: such soft, blandable colors, with amazing color payoff.  

I would like to see a matte version of it with Sephora's 2015 Color of the year Marsala. And I can never get enough of the burgundies and purples. 

Soo excited...  Best Christmas ever! Now I will be back to searching non-disclosure agreement sample.  Trying to build a company from scratch.  

Making up my mind

Ok, this is soo very much personal and I do not know if it is the right thing to do to share this. I am losing my personality when I hold back for the sake of what other's will think about me.  So apologies. Pouring my heart is my coping mechanism and feels good.

I am little bit disappointed.  I have been trying to get pregnant-- for two years now.  Before, I used birth control pills for a considerable amount of time.  We never seriously planned for a baby until we were certain to take responsibility of another human being.  There was always pressure from the families but it never interfered with our decision making.  We enjoyed each other, traveled, felt ready, and I stopped taking the pills.

For about a year I was not worried.  Maybe it was because of the pills I used for years.  I believe about one and a half year later, I stated to visit gynecologist. It turned out that I have something called endometriosis which reduces my chances of natural pregnancy seriously.  So serious that, we were suggested not to wait any longer and send to a fertilization clinic.

And nightmare started. Around that time, I started to develop resentment to everything including my own routine like going to work.  Every time a coworker got pregnant, I was scared to hang around too much, because inevitably the moment will arrive when someone would look at me and say "You are next" and "hahaha". It was not funny.  I can not tell you how heart melting it was not being able to shout out that I just got a hormone shut to increase my fertility up to 300x. Even with close friends,  every now and then, there are these awkward moments where I feel like me and my husband are in an interrogation room being asked when we are going to have kids. It  is so difficult to tell them that we just can not.

Meantime issues started with marriage. Not that I was sharing with anyone, I would not let my husband share it with anyone either.  Since we were not able to have child because of me, I forgot that we were going through these troubles together. Neither of us would spend any money for pleasure because we had to save for an ivf or some other hormone shut series.  And sex sucked.  Anything other than missionary position felt guilty as if I was wasting some important time. I am serious.  Not exaggerating at all. One time in the middle of it, I told him to change his position "you have to be on top". And another time, I rushed into the living room and told him that we had to do it right at that moment because I was ovulating. Not so healthy you can imagine.

Right before the start of ivf procedure, I suddenly fallen into this idea of certain pregnancy.  Because there is no other way.  They are not telling me that I can not get pregnant. And the only way to get pregnant is the ivf. So this time my mind switched from irrationality mode to absolute rationality.  After bunch of hormone shuts, egg collecting, and sperm wasting, we had three healthy embryos.  Each time I had a good news, my mind convinced me more into that this was it.  The doctor transferred two healthy embryos, so in my mind I was going to have twins.  I named them Yum Yum and Bam Bam. The last stage of ivf is the pregnancy test and I took it 15 days after the transfer.  For 15 days I did not had my period. How can I describe my situation? I was high like on dope.  We only needed to wait an hour to learn that I was not pregnant. In couple of hours, my period started. I had cold shivers caused by pain but I refused to use any pain killers.  Physical pain suppressed the mental. I cried a river for a day.

Things are changing since than though.  I do not feel ready to go over it again just yet.  But, I talk about this with my family and closest friends.  My husband and I bonded at a different level now. At the beginning he was supporting me by saying I matter the most.  Now he also expresses himself showing his sadness and frustration but most if the time he is hopeful and motivating.  He still had to deal with my nonsense crisis here and there (still crying ever time my period starts but also it feels like I still have a chance).  Sometimes, I get so stressed before we get together with friends or family members with kids. And I refuse to go last minute.  I can not help doing that. I am trying to convince myself to act like a grown up woman but I could not win over my emotions just yet.

Honestly, I feel so happy for my family members and for my friends when we celebrate their newborns.  But, it breaks my heart when they wish the same for us right when we are about to leave.  As if we can not share their joy in full until we know what it is like to be a parent.  See how my mind works. Makes me sick.

 I put some highlights for my self ;

• Never forget that you are going through this with your partner. Your partner feels as much frustrated as you are.  Thrust your partner.
• Share your straggle with people you thrust.   
• Your chances for pregnancy improves with repetition.  Be dedicated, but for now stop saving and start taking salsa classes. 
• You are only on this Earth for a limited time.  Do not accuse yourself or feel guilty. Even if you waste your time with all those negative feelings, life goes on.  There are so many great things you can do like learning to dance, traveling, climbing to Everest....   

I go to gym, take my dog to a walk, go out with my sister, read, and of course do make up videos but always thinking about my last healthy embryo.  Maybe in couple of months....

Romantic smokey eye for winter

Winter in Cali is awesome: Minimal, occasional rain infused with cold to enjoy cozy clothing but no snow to froze your lip stick or force you to put your blushes away.  I once did the mistake of wearing pinkish/reddish blush on a snowy day.  My aunt started screaming at her doorstep, assuming that my face got severely burned.

By the way, I am amazed by Maybelline Color Tattoo performance.  After trying different cream eye shadows as a primer and failing so many times, I was convinced that Shadow insurance and Primer Potion was the only options for me.  However Dears, Color Tattoo in barely branded performed excellently for hours (yes) after followed by bunch of other powder shadows.  I gave up on soo many MAC Paint Pots due to their probable performance anxiety on my oily lids but maybe they would perform just as well as the color tattoos. I like to know it.  This invention would start a new era on my counter.  

Also I love orangey, red, shiny hair and darker brows.  I needed this. Polished roots and brows make me feel good.  When times are troubling you and your problems are too much to bear, distract yourself.  Get your hair done, cook some healthy meal (I focused on soups), read something fun until you fall asleep. And definitely make up yourself, color by color. 

My daily routine on my way to work

No, I am not the one who is driving!  My make up routine when my husband drives us to work. I had so much fun doing this video.  If someone is driving you to work, doing your make up on the way is a great way to save time.  Do not forget your cleansing wipes. Big thanks to my sister for recording.

Bne Nye Mojave Matte HD foundation Review

Think about getting a selfie in the middle of 50 live security cameras and some security guy, you have never met before, but whose only job is to stare at them.  I did took a shy one outside anyways.

I want to talk about my Ben Nye Mojave Matte HD foundation in 02- Almond. Describing foundation performance is a tough one for me becaussseeeee I have oilyyyy skin. Am I even eligible to review, right?  

This is about 2.5 hours later without anything to set it.  My nose is still defending against greasiness and about to lose the battle.

Before pros and cons, fast facts about me:

• oily skin, 
• yellow under base, 
• redness from acne scars and around the nose
• large pores , 
• aged 34; fine lines around the eyes, nose,and mouth
• no eczema issues
• no major discoloration

Preparation before foundation with my most reliable products:  Skin Ceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, Becca skin resurfacing primer on the T-zone. 

In order to be fair, oiliness may be triggered due to hormonal factors and type of food consumption.  (yes, I must admit; InandOut for lunch and I have not taken a sip of water yet).

This foundation is so different than any other drugstore and high end foundations I have used so far. The difference of this foundation is its color; pure yellow paste.  With other foundations I usually select colors in beige tones.  The foundations usually look good under artificial light, but in day light they would turn into some ashy color.  The other interesting fact I discovered is; this product is heat activated. With body heat it starts to melt and turn into an easily blendable formulation. So, it best applies with fingers.

Pros:

• interestingly super light weight
• blends seamlessly onto skin
• looks amazing during day light
• has color correcting properties, erases redness
• there is no color transformation from oxidization
• no break outs 
• pictures awesome

Cons:

• different texture; powdery finish (Ben Nye is a professional make up brand designed for stage use.  The products have powdery texture to resist heat from artificial light.  If you prefer dewy finishes, this foundation may not be for you)  
• there are so many ways to wear this foundation; you need to be patient until you find the one that works for you
• whichever way you apply, do not wear it when you will be exposed to sunlight more than lunch break!
• it lasts up to 3 hours if you do not set the product with a powder or finishing spray
• it looks too powdery close up under artificial light  
• when it melts, it slips and settles into fine lines
• cheap but hard to find brand.  You can buy it from online retailers like www.camerareadycosmetics.com

Hint hint HINT:



This foundation lasts quite a long time and covers everything, if you apply it over banana powder.  Just make sure you are applying with finger tips in small motions.  Actually, this is a trick I just learn from ever famous YouTuber "gossmakeupartist".  He mentioned that powdering before foundation has magical effect in diminishing the pores and making your foundation last longer.  I tried the tip right away and it works wonders.  The only problem is, it may not work with every foundation texture but definitely worth a try.  It has been 3.5 hours so far and I am in the shine free zone.

Now and then

Now that my Youtubing is under control on a steady pace, I have time for writing.  Best part of being broke and not have any much to do is the re-realization of the TIME concept.  When I did have a job, losing time meant losing money.  Time spent was the only aspect to come up with a budget and proposal and grant and all that shit--I can not believe I said that-- But seriously, now that I am not doing anything, it seems like TIME is actually free and it still passes fast.  I slept so well last night after a concert and seriously I did not go to grocery shopping for two weeks in order to adjust for the ticket cost.  The silver lining was when my nine-years-younger sister asked about my future expectations.  It is so sweet that she was worried for me.

Nars- Dolomites

Even though I am only reduced to vital essentials ( lets remember what are those: smart phone bill, internet, HBO GO), my territory is still throwing up excess.  For a little while, I was dreaming about getting into depression because I have to have NARS Dolomites. I mean look at that.  Pink champagne shimmer in buttery formulation, perfectly infused with gold flakes, combined with brownish burgundy to pop any eye color.  I want it attitude flared up even worse with "Oh, NO! Limited addition!" aspect and turned into a scene that can only be performed by a spoiled five years old not getting what she wants for the first time.   

 Learning to say NO! to myself sucks.  Because there are no tricks I can play against myself other than facing the reality --" You are so pretty but I can not have you. Sorry love.  Life has to go on without you. Bye now! "

The best part of not being able to afford is to realize what I already have.  I looked into my collection and it does not look too shabby.  After all, I call it a collection for a reason.  To my surprise, my stash has quite a few items from Nars which I have never got a chance to use as much due to buying and buying.

I am planning to do a future YouTube video with the babes pictured below in about two weeks.  I will also take a risk of reviewing the eye shadows. Yes it is risky to claim they are not to die for. After all, Nars is the cult fave of many gurus and who do I think I am to say otherwise.  Below is the majority of my stash.

Single Cream eye shadow in cosmic girl
Single Matte eye shadow in a discontinued fuchsia color
Duo eye shadow in Melusine
Duo eye shadow in Brousse




I am eyeing Nars with one and the other one is fixed on Inglot. But the most fun is shopping my own stash and remembering the mood I was in when buying all these (especially the fuchsia- Nars single eye shadows were $22 back then- No comment).

Kisses.

Soft Black Smokey Eye

This never gets old. It is a cult fall and winter trend. Actually, for many, there is nothing else.  This week I did a look which I never tried before and than went to Boiling Crab and to literally eat crab.  It is totally day time proof so do not get discouraged to go little bit bolder than usual.  Society can handle it gals.

By the way, September Vogue is 856 pages.  Damn! 

Fall Trends in Full Bloom

Ok, when it is about makeup, let me grab a cup of coffee because I am going to be here for a while.  My husband did a huge favor to me and subscribed to bunch of magazines for a year in effort to spent points we have collected from some millage program. It is only for a year and I am hoping we do not have to call them one by one after a year to cancel the subscriptions.

But anyways, that is later.  Now I am enjoying Glamour, Vogue, Instyle and I am telling you they are still inspirational even if you are dead broke.  I always had that miss perception about these extravaganza magazines: I mean they were just magazines that remind me a restroom break.  And I was showing some resentment to the appearance of gorgeous, skinny models, far from reality.  C'mon how many times you can get polished in a month?

Now, my perspective has changed in a strange way.   I know my realities and they work for me. In stead of asking why I am not that gorgeous looking woman, I question my pessimistic side asking what would you change about you if you were that woman?  Believe it or not, the concept of constant partying and  maintenance terrifies me.  I like my Saturday mornings at my backyard reading.

To my fascination though,  these magazines are not just about those women.  There are real, inspiring, lively stories in them about women with a purpose, perspective, a goal to do something bigger than themselves, or simply just broke their chains to live a life worthy of living; politicians, writers, students, activists.... So these stories are in the same magazine with bunch of thousand dollar dress ads. Let me ask myself this, would you rather gain a glimpse of  intellectualism from Vogue or Time?  I would get the Vogue. Because I can only handle one article once in a while from Time, but when I sit with a Vogue in my hand I get inspired.

So now back to the intellectual staff; fall make up trends. It is actually hard to tell: it is a combo of all.  Mostly, barely there makeup.  I am looking at some ads and seriously it looks like the model has nothing, maybe just a smidgen of a blush.  Thanks, but no thanks. Also, smokey eyes meet with matte bold lips which used to be kept strictly cream-sheen-nude up until now.  I can summarize the trend as either put some effort to it, or do not bother at all.   Yeah!

I will start to upload my fall inspired make up next week.  Today, I am going for an Emerald Smokey Eye and, yes, from the Nyx Be Free Palette.

Coral me mine!

Something about these crazies! I am breaking from my chains and going for orange/coral. I love these fun colors for summer: for one because I keep the eyes simple due to morning rush, secondly they spice up the self confidence department.

The other thing I love on my aging phase is actually loving shinny skin. It is like I do not ever want to get mattified anymore. Thanks, but I want to get the glowing one for the day. Pack on your shimmers gals, summer is not over!

 

When it comes to shimmer there is one I can not get my hands off: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectorrrr in Moonstone .Worth every penny kinda deal.  Probably is going to last me forever.

Summer weather is still at full force in Cali. Drugstore counters are packed with vivids when it comes to lips.  Go explore just for fun.  Get out of your comfort zone and do it for work.  My current gems are Maybelline color sensation lips stick #885 and the elixir lip gloss #015

NYX Be Free Palette - Brown Smokey Eye

NYX Be Free Palette

Love love love!  This palette is my ultimate play toy.  It is not one of those ever expensive, intimidating palettes.  Does not appeal at one quick look but reveals it self once you started to get around each color.  Smartly put together.  Have your day time and night time covered.  Combines three aspects: Eye shadows, blushes, lip glosses

Eye shadows:  Some of the colors in the palette are very similar, I mean same.  But those are the colors you can use the most on their own or as a transition.  Four third of my makeup collection  consists of these colors and I do not get sick of them.  .

Formulation is very powdery and color intensity is definitely not like a pressed pigment.  Actually, I prefer this to crazy pigmentation which may go all wrong with morning slappiness.  So, when I want it to be more defined, I use some sticky, nude base on top off my too Faced Shadow Insurance.  For that, I highly recommend Rimmel Scandaleyes in Nude.  12 hour foolproof Gorgeouses!


Blushes:  Stunning!  What else can I say?  True to the color, no transformation to ashiness or muddiness ( I do not know if some of my words make sense in English.  Excuse, please!)  There is this peach with golden shimmer but very subtle, no pore enlargement effect.  And we have a bright pink, which makes me feel 15.  And of course some bronze peach color which gives just sun kissed look.

Lip glosses:  Rubbish!  What else can I say?  Cheap palette.


Here comes the fist application.   Brown smokey eye for day time.  You can watch the video at Youtube

Ever hated body hair situation....

My August 4th started with a refreshing workout routine; just a little kick to remind my muscles that they are alive.

Than I hit the shower and voila!  Just when I was thinking what to trouble my soul with, there they were.  Millions of them. Bothering me with their ugly appearances: BODY HAIR. In fact,  UNWANTED BODY HAIR!

I have it all ladies: Wax kit, tens of razor heads, some other unspeakable torture tools --worst purchase of all times NO!NO! hair removal system.  I mean seriously no!no! do not do the same mistake I did. 

So here is my body map for complete and practical solution from head to toe:

• Eyebrows with tweezers
• mustache (not ashamed) - may ever beloved Bliss Trim and bare it
• under arm - wax or bliss but never a razor
• special area (c'mon you know what I mean) - whiskey and then wax the suckers
• legs - shave but wax once in a while

Ok, I come to conclusion. I love my razors because it makes it so easy but the itching kills me.  So, I am dedicated to go all the necessary steps:

1. Scrub
2. Shave
3. Moisture it like there is no tomorrow

I promise, the itching will be less and I also promise there will still be some itching.  So make sure you hit the shower once in two days.

With Love,

Jasmine And Cocoa

Gorgeous Me Me Me Days...

I am living by this quote: " You can not create solutions to your problems with the same mentality you created them"

So, I needed a little time off from being me.  First I throw a party, with a non conservative attitude and yes, I smoked too.  I had the time of my life running around in a bikini and doing ballet to a Marc Anthony song with a beer bottle in my hand.  And comes the new hair. 

I feel gorgeous my own way.  For the first time in my life, I have a hair style I enjoy very much: a dramatic bob with a totally transformed color and highlights.  I look at myself and ask "where have you been all my life?"  Million thanks to the creator, Armina!

And I can not believe how much positive effect a good hair can make to your mood; fluffy, light-weight, all over the place. It is like you become the most beautiful creature in your very own world. So I am settled with the hair for the time being.  I am nor ashamed to feel gorgeous or enjoy taking a selfie.

I am  so excited about my new beginnings.  My first motivation: generate an income to be able to afford this style. Great news is that my stylist gives discounts to devoted customers.

To the new Beginnings

    I willingly quit my job. August 1st is going to be my last day at work where I used to work for almost six years now.  It was a tough decision. As soon as I gave my way advance notice, I started to feel all excited again.  For the first time after I can not remember how long, I will not have a steady income.  I will be all on my own and dead broke.  I am thinking about couple of alternatives but at the end I have no idea how the August 4th is going the feel like.    And I do not care.

   All I know is I want to read until I pass out, write things I never even talked about before, do make up videos just for fun, and share and share and share, flare up my marriage just because I truly believe my sweat husband deserves better, eat healthy which never happened, work out until I burn my tights, study math because I enjoy it, and beyond all have a friend.
 
   Ok, I know we all have to work for money and we can not possibly be irresponsible and lazy.  But I need to take one more look and breath the fresh air before I tumble off a cliff.  I am going to use this blog as a diary to motivate my self.  Organizing and balancing and finding and starting the new beginnings.

More Simplistic, More Holistic... New rules

Always the case with me: I want it all and right NOW! Good, then what happens?  Confusing the priorities. The last couple of months has been such a fast-paced time frame for me.  I want to slow down. 

 

Transition to slowing time requires some life style changes.  Fist step is to think simple things that makes you happy: reading a funny book, reading British Glamour, smell of coffee, getting a new hair dye, new make up, swimming at night while watching the stars.... Impressive, so you are not desperate :)

 

Let's think of a common case: " I am unhappy because I do not like my job."  Do not share this with your mom because you will stress her and eventually make her sick.  If you do not like your job, like some of us, and if you are doing it for the money, like the rest of us, it is not a good reason to give up on happy side of life.  Some people are big time entrepreneurs with blogs and vlogs but someone still has to clean horse shit for a living. 

 

Now, I am going to give you couple of tips that is going to ease the situation and help you embrace yourself as who you are. Find things that will motivate you to wake up in the morning:

 

1. Dressing up to work.  Do not assume that just because it is a boring looking government institution, it has to be black and white.  Your style and colors are going to energize others as well.  We all need positive attitude in our lives.  And all of a sudden you realize, women complementing you and even getting into conversations with you on fashion tips.  Am I hearing laud laughs? Keep your tight and sexy BEBEs for your after-work wardrobe if you do not want trouble but ZARA is always an inspiring option for any occasion. 

 

2. Do not sacrifice on dry cleaning. I used to hate my clothes.  Pants just washed and waiting for weeks for me to iron them.  Or sleek blacks looking greyish and sloppy after one wash.  No, I did not put them in dryer.  And yes, I washed with cold water in gentle cycle. 

 

Then I finally had enough with my money saving habits.  I decided to splurge on dry cleaning.  Best decision ever.  Now I love my closet and I never knew I have so many clothes.   Shirts are washed, ironed, pants are as slimming as brand new.  The time I save from clothing arrangement leads to a healthy breakfast, and saved calories. 

 

3. Delish and healthy breakfast is a mood booster.  I am giving you three options.  Do not take them lightly because these are choices adapted by Coco Cola Zero, fast food, lots of Kit Kat addict. If it is fried, probably I like it. But things are changing for me.  The more I used to eat fresh fruits and produce, the more I crave things like grilled egg plants instead of French fries or honey instead of a cheesecake. 




Option #1: OATMEAL BOWL: instant oatmeal (plain), peanut butter (not reduced fat please), blueberries (can be enriched or replaced with any other fruit of your choice)














Option #2: GRANOLA BOWL: yogurt, granola, honey.  Magic.

 

 Option #3: EVERYTHING JUICE: freshly squeezed orange juice(2), frozen strawberry (4), banana (half), spinach (hand full)

 

3. Make up.  Do something about this.  Even if you do not have time at home, have a dummy makeup bag in your bag.  With minimal afford, you can enjoy your looks the rest of the day.  Looking at a fresh, awake, confident face is going to change your attitude without any extra effort.  You need just a couple of staple products that will instantly lift your face like Bobbi Brown hydrating eye cream (www.nordstrom.com), Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic (www.dermstore.com) , Omorovicza Skin Enhancer (www.omorovicza.com), cream blush like Stila Petunia (www.sephora.com), eyelash curler (Shu Uemura, www.shuuemura-usa.com), mascara, and complete with any lip balm.

 

4. Use your lunch brakes, seriously.  Walk, get some fresh air even if it is not fresh but change the scenery. Please do not spend it in front of Internet because it is not relaxing.  You want to read World news, magazine, happy book.... Fine!  But, not in front of your work computer.  Move away from it.

I like to go to a local café with my UK Glamour or US Elle, order some smoothie or salad, and do not bother me.  Sometimes I enjoy the company of work friends but do not get too cozy if you really need the job. 

 

5.  Most important and Mandatory :  GYM!  You got to do it for a better you.  Swim, cycle, walk the dog, golf, beach walk.... Please do not come with an excuse.  I promise you without a hesitation, once exercising become part of your routine, work things will only be work things.  Happiness and joy will be your common sense.  And you will remember what matters the most: love will be your priority. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purple maniac

 

To me, the whole purpose of getting Lasik surgery was to be able to tight line my waterline without smudging eyeliner all over my contacts.  Well mission accomplished after 6 weeks of make up break.  This is the fist time I messed with my makeup jewels freely.  My obsession, like if anyone asks me my favorite of all times, is purple.  In my opinion and based on various occasions within the last 18 years of makeup infused years, purple works with brown eyes. 

 

 



 

 

 

The object above looked pretty awesome on a date night according to her husband of two years.  Faux leather pants might have helped a bit. 

I really enjoyed this color combination a lot.  It is a smoky, smudged application without using any difficult, aggressive colors.  Below is the picture of almost everything I used.

I recently purchased a makeup brush set from ECOTOOLS, my all time fave.  This brand is cruelty-free, exceptionally affordable, environment friendly, and even though they are done with synthetic bristles, they are superb in applying make up.   The case can also stand on its own like a brush holder.  It is one purchase I am proud of.

I started with my new Becca resurfacing primer.  Well, it is really good.  It is not a magical potion that makes you look matt all day.  But putting foundation over this primer is a dream for my comb/oily skin.  It is not packed with too much powder like L'oreal magic touch.  No white cast kind of color change or any residue.  It just blends in like any moisturizer but keeps the greasy situation under control for couple of hours.  I would say somewhere around four to five hours. I love it so far.  I tried with different foundations and like the results so far.

Urban decay is the next runner-- as usual.

Maybelline color tattoo in Barely Branded is very blendable.  It is a champagne color with shimmer, sticky, and easy to spread.  Any color you put on top gets a glossier, creamier, smoother finish. 


Followed this with the rose gold color in my Rimmel Quad#19 -- another genius purchase.  I put MAC cranberry into the crease and smudged underneath the lower lash line.  I used the brown shade in the Rimmel quad to define the outer crease region. I used Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill #2 as a eyeliner and under the lower lash line. I also used black eyeliner in the water line.


 For the face, here is the list in order: Revlon Airbrush foundation, Bobbi Brown under eye concealer set from color correcting to erasing and setting....Physicians Formula setting powder together with mosaic bronzer in medium to contour, Milani blush in coralline.  Lastly, Smashbox brow liner.  Well not as good as the powder when it comes to create drama but very good choice for a quick fix.

Lips are kept simple with Maybelline Color Elixir # 060 -- little suckers, love love love these.  I hate the smell though. It smells like Bengay.  Seriously!


For some reason I am losing interest in strongly defined brows.  They are key to frame the face as much as contouring but I am more into defining lips nowadays. 

I am inspired by fresh face, natural, energic looking glossy eyes, and some killer color lipstick like orange red, and organic fruit/vegetable juice for lunch.


What are your inspirations nowadays?

LIFE AFTER LASIK EYE SURGERY

It has been tough times for a makeup addict.  My doctor told me this procedure will be simple, I will be able to function the very next day, and I can absolutely put makeup after a week.  Beware the last claim is a little bit too optimistic. Of course burning, itching, and blur vision not stop me--well, completely.  I managed to smidgen some things on my face and enjoyed some gilt free motivational makeup shopping.

Above enjoying my fist time make up attempt after surgery.  Not putting makeup for a little while honestly improved my skin condition, Oooppssss!  

• Smashbox eyebrow pencil in Brunette  - no surprise great buy
• Rimmel waterproof eye pencils in 008-Light Blue, 003-Brown, 290-Precious Gold - could not try them out yet
• Becca Resurfacing primer - I am so confused when it comes to primers.  I really like my L'Oreal magic touch, but I liked this one too because this is more lotion like.  So if you would like to use powder on top or some other mattifying liquid foundation, it does work with them very good as well.  Saying that, I only feel comfortable with liquids. 
• Benefit Plum Bad Gal Mascara - If you do not use this with a lash primer, the color pay of is not some ridiculous plum which is what I prefer at this age.  It shows hint of plum during sun light and pops your eye color. 
• Kevyn Aucoin lip pencil in Medium - Great purchase, no comment.
• Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light to Medium Peach - No try yet, my eyes hurt as hell
• Bobbi Brown creamy concealer in warm beige - No try yet, my eyes hurt a bit now
• Marc Jacobs nail polish #14- in terms of color waste of money because it is nothing special, some sheer nude color.  But it stays forever.
• Maybelline Color Tattoos on 45, 35,70 - good purchases.  Matte colors are drier but it is nothing new.  Just pat the colors on your eyes rather than straggling with swiping.

I wanted to post a picture with my new products on but I could not try most of it yet.  You can watch my video on YouTube for my interactive review.

http://youtu.be/Usa-jo5OCLQ

Going back to Istanbul for a quicky....

In six months intervals, I become dead bored from my 8 to 5 job and my boss kindly asks me to get lost.  After six years of commitment to the same job ( I don not know when I quit the fight), I decided to make it look like this trip had a reason: getting my LASIK eye surgery for one fourth of the price in Istanbul, Turkey.  


There is always something kinky going back home.  You know the streets, the people, where to eat, where to shop, where to get drunk, how to solve the city of puzzles... but then the family: missing you terribly, dying to spoil you-- and the week flies away like the wind.  After arriving the very missed home in Cali, I wonder was I even in Istanbul at all: I do not remember shit from jet lack.  So I will walk you through briefly just to remind myself I was actually there. The problem is; even though I am pretty sure I had a Lasik (because it burned like a mother pucker after the 1 min 20 sec of surgery), my vision is still blur. No, I am not panicking, just wondering at this stage. 

 

I got blown away at the newly restored LAX with all the posh stores.  Ironically, I did not have any money to blow away on a designer goody as usual, so I did what I can afford: get drunk starring at Michael Kors.   

 

Every time I go to Istanbul, I give a day to visit Grand Bazaar.  Freaky: no one can explain you the experience.  I go to the same coffee house and just watch.

Attached above is my husband.  When we are in Istanbul we walk everywhere for miles and miles. Falling in live with Istanbul is like falling in love with the impossible: there can be no end to the story, no purpose, yet unconditional.

We visited KOC museum. It was fantastic.  This guy is not in charge anymore but supposedly a replica of a Sultan.  Kings in Ottoman era was referred to as Sultans.  People think democracy was the end of theocracy but it was actually the Ottoman army.  Power wars as you can imagine.

 . 

Disabled car from old days.

Me and husband at the museum.  I look like a borrowed wife. 

Totally diet.  I mean the total diet you need for a week or so.   This is called Buryan Kebab.  Smells so mean.

There is rice in that dough as well as almonds and chicken. Picture illiterate person was taking pictures.  I know so much about her.

Traditional yogurt drink.  Awesome!  Drink two of those in a row and it will put you to sleep for hours.  Do not drink this on a day you need to look pretty or sharp.  Only down side: FARTING!

 Here is my mom.  Look at the adorable fashion sense at age 55. 

Life with my family is a paradise: I want no other.  Whole gang will be under radar with upcoming posts.

Nars Love Joy....

This color is the sexiest of the sexiest.  Actually what orgasm should be given that orgasm is more on the elegant side.  I can not take my eyes off complex combination of the bronzy, rosy colors. It is infused with different tones of subtle shimmer.   It does not spread any glitter on the face but adds just the right amount of glow.  Here are the two picks: one in broad day light right after I finished my make up and one in dim light after some time.

 If you would like to watch how I applied this literally all over my face, here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1DipHHpe_Y&feature=em-upload_owner  















To be honest, given that I have medium beige tones with a distinct yellow undertones, the fist time I put it on it just looked like another corally peachy blush.  BUT, BUT, BUT, AND HOWEVER after little bit, the blush started to settle on my face and showed its true colors.  I believe the light reflecting shimmers work double shift as face lifter and contourer based on how the light hits your face.  Ours  is not love at first site but is a one with strong foundation and it grows and grows.  I have been using the damn thing all over my face (cheeks, eyes, and lips) for days now. By the way, Rimmel Scandaleyes Nude eyeliner in the waterline is one magic trick to open up the eyes.  It is like I purchased 8 hours of sleep for 4 bucks. 

More Simplistic, More Holistic- RULE#1

Immediately serious action required!


Have you ever had one of those moments when you turn the light in your closet and you feel like you literally have nothing to wear?  I have been having too many of these miserable moments recently; during when, I despise every single piece hanging on the hanger or sweeping the floor, I feel fat as usual, and ugly on top of that.  On those days, every piece of item I pick from the hangers or from the floors does not fit, does not look right even if it was a recent purchase. 

Closet matters: it is very important.  I am going to make a statement now but it really reflects your current state of mood.  If your closet is messy, I bet your house is unorganized too (just like me!)  Things are just rushed, dumped to be corrected later on and that time never arrives.  Than, you realize the weekend is over and you still do not have a proper set up for your jewelry and you did not shave.

Enough!!!!! with this misery. It is never too late to take action and it is my life I am wasting not anyone of those ideal prototype ladies in my mind.  Let's get started, shall we!

I started with my new year's resolution list which included things like rubbing my face with ice to stop the aging, drinking a gallon of water everyday (Yeh, right!), never go out with chipped nails.... and on and on. 

I trashed the ever ambitious list.  Through inspirations from bloggers and reporting results on my blog, I will create a more realistic and eventually more useful list.  As a women on a budget (there is no such thing), I will focus on my current wardrobe, and my mom's, and my sister's.

RULE #1 when it comes to essentials, make a purchase after convinced that it is a must have.  Honestly, I am dying to quit writing right now and go to www.nanettelepore.com and click on sale. But, not yet.  You are going to make a use out of your closet first! Remember the twill skirt from Milly collecting the dust from every corner in your closet?  Enough is enough lady, get your act together!

I chopped my head off because I was having a bad hair day ( I can not organize everything at once). It is winter in California, could you believe?   Anyways, light blue shirt and navy, granny trousers for a government job is not a boring choice believe me. Usually it is black and white, and gray time to time to jazz the look up.  Belt is brown , shoes are black, and there is no proper jacket to match the blue outfits in my closet.  Wow! My husband would be ashamed for lecturing me.

Based on this picture, here is the list of what I am going to do:

• Check mommy and sisi to see if they have any classic navy jacket I can borrow to match my bluish outfits.
• Organize the shoes so I don't have to look for a matching pair. 
• Organize the belts as well because I am sure I got this in black also and I have not seen it since the day I bought it (two years ago).

Daily wake up recipe...

Make up is my motivation; one of the reasons that convince me to wake up at 5:30 am.  It is magical on my mood as well.  If I reflect A+ in the mirror, suddenly I feel up for anything that comes with the new day. 

Of course, time to time, 5-6 hour sleep is not enough to recharge my battery so I fail to give myself the extra 15 minutes.  So I developed a quicky recipe to get me going, feeling great for the day.

Here is how it goes:

1) Start with some sort of serum: face lifting, face exfoliating, collagen boosting... whatever suits you best. 

2) Layer your sunscreen: physical, mineral... whichever one you trust.

3) Dab some L'oreal magic perfecting base on the T-zone.

4) Spray some EVIAN water on to the face

5) Apply foundation with a soaked BEAUTY BLENDER when the face is still wet for a luminous, natural finish.

6) Use Maybelline age rewind concealer if there are any uninvited friends lingering under the eye area.

7) Then apply Rimmel blending blush in #8: matt pink for brow bone highlight, champagne shimmer on the lids, mauve color to create contour on the crease and under the cheek bones.

8) Apply Milani blush in #8 corallina, but lightly, but lightly, but lightly, but... Extremely intense.  Be aware!

9) Put clear gloss on the lips (mine is from L'Oreal) and top it with same Milani blush for a dry, sexy, plumped finish. WOW!

10) Maybelline gel liner in charcoal unless you run out of time by now.

11) Curl the lashes as usual by Shu Umuera, and

12) Mascara : Mine is Meybelline rocket eyes: Good job with thickening up the lashes but damn thing does not come off with literally anything cheap.

13) For oil prevention: go over your T Zone with Neutrogena Shine Control Powder

and VOILA! 

 

 

That is how may daily make up looks under artificial light.  Yeah, that was all the buzz about!

 

If you would like to watch it on Youtube; here is the link  http://youtu.be/eOCq4VvUSmA

Omorovicza Complexion Enhancer

 I first heard about this product from one of my all time favorite YouTuber and blogger  AModelRecommends.   Well, she is a model and super knowledgeable about skincare.  Within all the instant purchases I made after watching her videos, just to get one tenth of her glowing skin, only this one  become a luxurious, HG, staple. 

 First of all, it is NOT a beauty elixir that is promised to end skin discoloration, shrink large pores, and make your complexion so flawless and natural that you will decide to divorce your husband.  But, the difference on your skin will be noticed and acknowledged with compliments.  Because your skin will look naturally healthy.  If you are wondering "How Is That?", here is the list of genius components inside the product:

Zinc Oxide to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays (SPF 15) 
As you can see, the product has a tint, universally matches almost all skin tones.  This tint of color is actually not designed to give your skin a color and cover.  This tint works as a balancer to off set the white cast resulted from a natural sunscreen; Zinc Oxide.

 Ruby Crystals
 Usually, products of this sort packed with bunch of glitter to give you so called luminosity.  Well, the ruby crystals infused in this product are undetectable on your complexion.  Once the day light touches your face and crystals reflect the light back, your face instantly appears like it is lifted.  Your imperfections become less visible and your skin glows not like a crystal ball but like a healthy skin from within.

Hungarian Thermal Water
The whole brand is actually build on this mineral pact thermal water. I am not sure if this mineral infused water is the reason why this product does not oxidize and looks like recently applied throughout the day. 

More facts:  the product has a thick, mousy texture. It has light coverage but eases the appearances of imperfections.  It is absolutely suitable for oily skin as well as dry skin.  If you have oily skin, you may experience some shine after couple of hours but nothing like foundation melt.  Usually, I blot my foundations 3 times a day, but with this one I do not blot. You may need extra coverage around your nose and under your eyes. If you go over it with a heavy coverage foundation or concealer, you will waste the product.  This is not an illuminizer. 

Honestly, I do not have money to try different products from this brand.  I only buy this product when it is on 15% sale at around the end of July.  When you shop from their website www.omorovicza.com , they send you samples. They are very small in size. I usually use them as if I have never seen a face product in my life. So, not enough to give a review. If you sign up to their newsletter, you will hear about the special deals.  On one occasion, I got my hands on to their mud mask.  Worth every penny!   

Morning geniuses

Ok, I hate oily skin.... I have it.  It is a stubborn mess.  Recently, to my surprise, it is more cooperative than ever. In addition to drinking lots of home made lemonade with honey or brown sugar and lots of water instead of a gallon of soda, I have also found some HG products. 

     

 After I wash my face with a mild gel, my morning routine continues like this:

 

• apply oil free Thomas Roth sunscreen spf 30
• apply L'Oreal perfecting base to the T-zone.  It also helps with the never ending visible large pore problem
• instead of a foundation, apply an oil-free tinted moisturizer for the 12 hour long work day--including commute.  My all time favorite is Omorovicza skin enhancer (full review on that one is coming)
• apply concealer if needed for under eye circles. My love goes to Maybelline Instant age rewind
• set with Neutrogena shine control powder.

And Voila!

You are set for 6 to 8 hours of grease and crease free make up.