Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: the Hidden Treasure

Let's talk about the classic look, shall we? Inducted to the Classic look of fame are: the little black dress, the red lipstick, the pearl necklace, the Chanel tweed jacket, the pair of black high heels, the bottle of Chanel no. 5, the smokey eyes look, and this<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sS_s6MyJM95NKd4eqdcQVO5XXariwQY5VNERcBYt2ItlLDaqIto0VgpVBorgRvgs5ngih8JBkvL70n2HN9T0AwBwaz7yuMfnPqt0O8gc0uamDCEz8DDPK6Uy7xDMPDb_tVypVfi7RJI/s1600-h/facial_mask.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229346707556476882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sS_s6MyJM95NKd4eqdcQVO5XXariwQY5VNERcBYt2ItlLDaqIto0VgpVBorgRvgs5ngih8JBkvL70n2HN9T0AwBwaz7yuMfnPqt0O8gc0uamDCEz8DDPK6Uy7xDMPDb_tVypVfi7RJI/s400/facial_mask.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Yup, you're right. The green facial clay masque!<br />Except you can't wear it outside haha<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Back in my freshman, sophomore year, I was deadly broke. My beauty budget was near zero as most of the money went to tuition, books, rent, and food (I didn't have a car yet and some of my friends were nice enough to give me carpools.) Needless to say, the freshman 15 plus my lack of a skincare regimen really brought havoc to my face. At that time somehow I got a tube of Queen Helene mint julep masque on my slimy hands. It was about 1 dollar and gas was about 99 cents/galon! The good ole days!<br /><br />Since those days, I did not use this green masque again, partly because I thought I got older, hence a better and more expensive skincare regimen is good for me. Wrong! What was better is I ended up paying more but my skin did not even get any better from the mint julep days. Recently, my face gone wild on me and I had to dig deep into my memory to pull out my all-star skincare lineup and my quarter back player is...tada! Queen Helene mint julep masque!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbsa1KH_BqmcwgA0-_iuApSdak47h14wf29k6FrAwey_caFW88cYyhnH62Q3K1Zwt2Srlh8-PCaBfoGJE-iAPAMq7lB4Vf3r7COQKjgLlIZATGLeVX4Jc1ANnELr461_V2ttzT5STmQ0/s1600-h/fotd1+075.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229346434979373122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbsa1KH_BqmcwgA0-_iuApSdak47h14wf29k6FrAwey_caFW88cYyhnH62Q3K1Zwt2Srlh8-PCaBfoGJE-iAPAMq7lB4Vf3r7COQKjgLlIZATGLeVX4Jc1ANnELr461_V2ttzT5STmQ0/s400/fotd1+075.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Notice how big it is on the palm of my hand.<br /><br /></div>I got this big tube o' Queen Helene at Sally beauty supply for $5 USD! It weights 3/4 pounds and guarantee to last me a long time. I did a quick internet research and found out this formula was created 70+ years ago since the 1930s. This product was developed before synthetic materials were used and the manufacturing process is still the same. I guess the company realized "if it ain't broke, why fix it" and let the masque be.<br /><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia;"></span>According to Queen Helene website, this product aims to "dry up acne pimples and rinse away blackheads. This original masque treatment helps to dry up acne pimples, rinses away blackheads and even shrinks enlarged pores. Relaxes tired facial muscles and eases tension lines on the face and neck."<span style="color: #333366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 100%;"></span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-VNt4PWYw3knjhSh9kPSMOuYmm7AlRrKqzR7Xww4rc-BiVql0jH9gRrqIOujZfsicfotXOwmZ6RGjdl74T1a9vtilkSgpKu1007l45R-kHhiDt69Si8XgL1VsMkFAjSg-u1hLPIH6X4/s1600-h/fotd1+076.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229346438278699842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-VNt4PWYw3knjhSh9kPSMOuYmm7AlRrKqzR7Xww4rc-BiVql0jH9gRrqIOujZfsicfotXOwmZ6RGjdl74T1a9vtilkSgpKu1007l45R-kHhiDt69Si8XgL1VsMkFAjSg-u1hLPIH6X4/s400/fotd1+076.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The green gooey goodness inside the jar is what you put on your face<br /><br /></div>The mint julep masque comes in three different types of packages: plastic tube, small and large plastic jar. At Sally beauty supply, the small jar is sold at $2.39 USD (I think) and the large jar is sold at $4.99 USD and it's about 3 times larger than the small one. It contains a mixture of green clay and other ingredients that aim to treat acne. The smell is minty and quite relaxing to me. Upon application, the masque feels cool and as it gets to work, you can feel the pores on your face constrict slightly. It takes about 1/2 hour to dry up and can be washed off with water and a washcloth. I simply skip the washcloth and use my hands.<br /><br />The wonderful thing about this masque is the ingredients. There are not a lot of them but the ones included are solid ingredients to treat acne.<br /><br />List of ingredients: purified water (aqua), kaolin, betonite, glycerine, zinc oxide, propylene glycol, sulfur, chromium oxide green, fragrance (parfum), phenoxyethanol, methylparaben.<br /><br />Notice:<br /><ul><li>Kaolin clay is the 2nd most abundant ingredient. </li><li>Betonite is a compound naturally found in clay so these two actually go together. </li><li>Glycerine and propylene glycol are moisturizing ingredients commonly used in cosmetics. </li><li>Zinc oxide is a natural ingredient often found in the earth's crust and also used in mineral makeup. </li><li>Sulfur is one of the ingredients used to treat acne. You can find it in some anti-acne masques from Murad's, Mario Badescu, and Pro-Activ. The mint julep masque is simply much cheaper than the above products.</li><li>Chromium oxide green is a natural pigment that gives the color green (duh!) This company does not use synthetic color, kudo to them!</li><li>Fragrance: to give out the nice minty smell. I don't know if it's synthetic or natural but based on the claim of the company, it may be natural.</li><li>Phenoxyethanol is a bactericide, preservative, and topical antiseptic.</li><li>Methylparaben is an anti-fungal that used as a preservative.</li></ul>I use this masque twice a week; whenever I need to dry up an acne spot overnight I just spot treat it with a bit of the mint julep masque. When the mask dries, the green color changes to a slightly lighter color and the masque also cracks a bit. It takes about 30 minutes to dry and I'd like to apply a goopy layer so that the color of my skin does not see through. During the waiting time, I either lay down and relax or wait until the masque crack a bit and sneak around to scare people off (it's fun, you know!). And in my mind, I imagine myself as the Incredible (Edible) Hulk. Luckily, my roommate does not have a faint heart as I tried to sneak attack her many times.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My rating:</span> A+, bonus point for the price and the fun it brings to me. Your kids will love you in the masque and I don't think they can pass a chance to see mommy as the Hulk at all!<br /><br />A note for dry skin people: this masque is quite drying, thanks to sulfur, so I don't think it's suitable for you. However, Queen Helene also has a mud face masque you can try. I've heard good things about it as well.<br /><br />For less than 5 dollars, you can get a very good (and big) jar of facial masque to use for about a year. The Queen Helene mint julep masque is truly a treasure to me because it is effective in treating my pimples. It also gives me a nice glow after I wash it away. I highly recommend it to oily and acne proned skin people since you do not need to spend a lot of money to get nice skin.<br /><br />Have you used this product? If you experienced it before, please share! I want to hear about it.<br /><br />Have a lovely day everyone!<br />Your Makeup Blogger

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: the Hidden Treasure

Let's talk about the classic look, shall we? Inducted to the Classic look of fame are: the little black dress, the red lipstick, the pea...

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Pumping Up the Heat with LORAC Hollywood Heat

Besides palettes, I like to buy makeup sets because the colors are well-coordinate and often time they are cheaper than buying each product individually. So far the best set I've ever bought is LORAC Hollywood Heat and I love each and every bit of it!<br /><br />The kit consists of 4 products: Bronzed Bomshell eyeshadow trio (full size), Hot and Spicy blush and bronzer duo (mini size), mocktail lip gloss in Tropical dream (mini size), and a travel size bottle of TANtalizer body bronzing luminizer. All of the products are wrapped in a nice leather makeup bag. Created by Carol Shaw to create a sun-kissed glow, this set is what she uses on Hollywood celebrity on Red Carpet events.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZtwzt-dfGmEIyCp1IDQb9qq3moJVzdnyzD-iC7Vzodt9eMmu8U4a8b4S5BhFxLOcE2z1d0cC2jVzE0ZPClIp8rtArjb13k_Y1DKhEgp5Hgd9X6YcoW23AkMLYdvbMc_ZotlSYEjdbK0/s1600-h/Sephora+Order+008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229332138642041602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZtwzt-dfGmEIyCp1IDQb9qq3moJVzdnyzD-iC7Vzodt9eMmu8U4a8b4S5BhFxLOcE2z1d0cC2jVzE0ZPClIp8rtArjb13k_Y1DKhEgp5Hgd9X6YcoW23AkMLYdvbMc_ZotlSYEjdbK0/s400/Sephora+Order+008.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />L-R: TANtalizer bronzer, Mocktail lipgloss in Tropical,<br />Hot and Spicy duo, Bronzed Bombshell trio<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Bronzed Bombshell eyeshadow trio</span> perhaps is the most valuable assest of this kit. It's a full size item which is sold at $26 USD by itself at Sephora. This trio has nice, bronzy colors that complement each other very well. The colors are very pigmented and velvety, makes blending a very enjoyable activity. Although I have a lot of the brown and neutral colors, this trio is not something redundant in my stash. It also comes with a mirror s<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTC2aFhdGJ6wC0HIn20wWp8C-O3G4G5xokJlrsDNl32RzUasBqFdIhN78GAouc63SiHFO3TMNW-lv3J1sxRGJTngClnNAHt_WV6vtOpYQ96TFCHjGaFu2KATK8ZaKqrrXY9A9sZuLDz1M/s1600-h/Sephora+Order+009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229332135861333538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTC2aFhdGJ6wC0HIn20wWp8C-O3G4G5xokJlrsDNl32RzUasBqFdIhN78GAouc63SiHFO3TMNW-lv3J1sxRGJTngClnNAHt_WV6vtOpYQ96TFCHjGaFu2KATK8ZaKqrrXY9A9sZuLDz1M/s400/Sephora+Order+009.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The Bronzed Bombshell eyeshadow trio<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1fIQ1Y-MN8hCPoPsR0Zdalm83cGoLcVtyJSBPcoBTb_zOLBUVouM6mz1rEqDYPQcdhjF42T4LOmzEZwPXWTdwoJRUJRJodAeIavcdco6Pt3ONK2VjFSx03bSli5k-COg5IaYrYisQy8/s1600-h/Sephora+Order+019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229333575005270866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1fIQ1Y-MN8hCPoPsR0Zdalm83cGoLcVtyJSBPcoBTb_zOLBUVouM6mz1rEqDYPQcdhjF42T4LOmzEZwPXWTdwoJRUJRJodAeIavcdco6Pt3ONK2VjFSx03bSli5k-COg5IaYrYisQy8/s400/Sephora+Order+019.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>A swatch of the trio<br />I don't know why Picassa likes to put my picture side way once in a while!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My rating:</span> A+ for the Bronzed Bombshell!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Hot and Spicy blush and bronzer duo</span> is something interesting to me. First of all, I quit using bronzers for about 4 years already so I did not enjoy buying a kit with a bronzer. However, as the whole is more enjoyable than each part, I purchased anyways and to my surprise, I actually like both of them.<br /><br />Hot is a peachy pink blush color that gives me that glow like I just did...ahem...cardio exercises. Although my favorite cheek color is pink, this peach blush is very flattering and gives me a natural glow. Gotta love it! Spicy, on the other hand, is a non-shimmering bronzer so I pretty much use it to contour my face. Both of these colors are very soft and pigmented. They glide on like silk and stay on for a long time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxihKq5OYgoUbkwPYXpjalLXAxWS-8fe-THEbHtuNWna9CQ1R6p8h9mNeXKD0uOQJAKVib2bh2fJqVvmEJCgPWv7e_N18Cyui9R50TSaYuGCRTddpwYMypx6G4jGPMJbD-Dr3T6lj0gw/s1600-h/Sephora+Order+011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229332140906451794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxihKq5OYgoUbkwPYXpjalLXAxWS-8fe-THEbHtuNWna9CQ1R6p8h9mNeXKD0uOQJAKVib2bh2fJqVvmEJCgPWv7e_N18Cyui9R50TSaYuGCRTddpwYMypx6G4jGPMJbD-Dr3T6lj0gw/s400/Sephora+Order+011.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The Hot and Spicy duo. They should name it "Hot and Heavy" ;)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtD-eAUAC6pn67MTM0bTaY5Qddmmsju7C2Lzbn6nQHVp8I81-oyfaGyyBoncK1LDzyiePbQ3Rlnm9vdeFuIIhOKDCZMZNXDbgna4qX4dfOvDIP86bdgk9Rhi2K937i6lIekQ5kfoIlQY/s1600-h/Sephora+Order+020.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229333576528443122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtD-eAUAC6pn67MTM0bTaY5Qddmmsju7C2Lzbn6nQHVp8I81-oyfaGyyBoncK1LDzyiePbQ3Rlnm9vdeFuIIhOKDCZMZNXDbgna4qX4dfOvDIP86bdgk9Rhi2K937i6lIekQ5kfoIlQY/s400/Sephora+Order+020.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>A swatch of the Hot and Spicy duo on the right, TANtalizer on the left (talk about it later!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My rating: A+ for the duo being fabulous!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mocktail lip gloss in Tropical</span> is as cute as a candy! I'm serious, this thing in the mini size is as small as a candy, and it smells like one too! The color complements Hot blush very well as they are peachy pink. However, when it is applied to my lips, this lipgloss just disappear but it is very moist and feels nice to my lips. On the day I had the picture taken, my lips were chapped but did they look like that in the picture? No! I actually like the squeeze applicator but do not love the brush, it's a bit scratchy to me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXiZ-ITEGFeH36mOKz3Ku2au2hEYBAA6EOoTAypwSRr8Auo-EwUQ0wnzeOfiYoy83lFIjCvPMW8nMjzEciE7JSofysFTA-WLx6BqxAx7ogz3ajb2ddszizvljwsmjw8sU1QD2Hos5IcM/s1600-h/Sephora+Order+012.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229332146036013762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXiZ-ITEGFeH36mOKz3Ku2au2hEYBAA6EOoTAypwSRr8Auo-EwUQ0wnzeOfiYoy83lFIjCvPMW8nMjzEciE7JSofysFTA-WLx6BqxAx7ogz3ajb2ddszizvljwsmjw8sU1QD2Hos5IcM/s400/Sephora+Order+012.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>It is very tiny, looks like my thumb finger is about 1/3 of the tube!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSzXKen04LmYlzBNa3QV1en2HlkeXVY9QLefPi6SxiNzog96ciVnPVcvE0_5gqU45l5krpF1RHnZgs5yc3XKhAM9Wj7yTFfbh7MqiacdwDXutNIt8czLAwjBGC_RY0-9BP6izVA39NKQ/s1600-h/Sephora+Order+013.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229332151393396370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSzXKen04LmYlzBNa3QV1en2HlkeXVY9QLefPi6SxiNzog96ciVnPVcvE0_5gqU45l5krpF1RHnZgs5yc3XKhAM9Wj7yTFfbh7MqiacdwDXutNIt8czLAwjBGC_RY0-9BP6izVA39NKQ/s400/Sephora+Order+013.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Close up shot at the brush applicator, it is kind of scratchy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3urHJVt4tdrXpaZjCnVXg_aqFSQIdmeZj6FDCKJhRvd9GPZsYWHBEeh6Vq63lFN_FxTQTIIIQz5sBW6Ay4bj6HYGG1o0AJdq2mkkUt2_WDYM-7OlakWeAfCGaDiwVmHcwFQcQQU-aCA/s1600-h/Sephora+Order+016.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229333570276148786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3urHJVt4tdrXpaZjCnVXg_aqFSQIdmeZj6FDCKJhRvd9GPZsYWHBEeh6Vq63lFN_FxTQTIIIQz5sBW6Ay4bj6HYGG1o0AJdq2mkkUt2_WDYM-7OlakWeAfCGaDiwVmHcwFQcQQU-aCA/s400/Sephora+Order+016.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Lip swatch: this lip gloss is extrememly moisturizing to my lips although the pigmentation is low.<br />The color you see is the natural color of my lips<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My rating: B+, points taken off on the scratchy brush applicator and low pigmentation. This lip gloss feels like a lip balm which is a plus; however as it is a lip balm, it is doomed to be sheer.<br /><br />The last item on the kit is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">TANtalizer body bronzing luminizer</span>. To all of y'all out there: I do not enjoy or condone tanning as it is one of the most horrendous action one can do to his or her body. I do not go to the beach to get a tan and I do not lay around the pool for a tan either. And with all that said, I did not buy this kit for the TANtalizer.<br /><br />However, this TANtalizer is the product I immediately felt giddy after opening it up! And you're rolling your eyes wondering why. I know, it's that good to make me feel like a lil' girl all over again. First of all, it smells awesome! Ms. Carol Shaw, if you read MMB, please put the smell of TANtalizer in a perfume bottle and sell. I promise I will buy! It's very yummy, part cupcake, part cocktail, part chocolate. After I applied it, I went around on my daily routine and found myself <s>gnawing</s> sniffing my hand all day. The smell is just addictive! Secondly, upon applying it to my leg, I all of the sudden felt like Gisele Bundchen. My legs were practically glowing at me in a very interesting way that I had to take a picture.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5vDJvdtB9zVGidiTUdzDZEJ9x6A4GLFHFfSg3uHK5rrggfSDUs5kkBNLjGAgUCiqkJ-VjtdYltPhrVUC8eent6q4Au_qFf_OmtHqUIO0aD6qxtJlNKukTDbGptoMrSODxuKSmwzIcAU/s1600-h/Sephora+Order+021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229333580895863282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5vDJvdtB9zVGidiTUdzDZEJ9x6A4GLFHFfSg3uHK5rrggfSDUs5kkBNLjGAgUCiqkJ-VjtdYltPhrVUC8eent6q4Au_qFf_OmtHqUIO0aD6qxtJlNKukTDbGptoMrSODxuKSmwzIcAU/s400/Sephora+Order+021.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>I did not apply TANtalizer on the upper area of the picture. You can notice the difference.<br />The skin with TANtalizer glows like mad!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now I know all those Victoria's Secret angels' little secret: body bronzer! This TANtalizer, now <span style="font-style: italic;">the</span> TANtalizer, made me feel and look instantly glamorous upon application. A little bit of it goes a very long way and it's also as moisturizing as heck! However, if you decide to apply it to your legs, exfoliate first. Otherwise it'll look patchy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My rating:</span> A++, an extra plus for making me fell like Giselle and my legs look like those of a VS Angel on the Christmas show.<br /><br />Honestly, I don't think I will buy a body bronzer after this. Although this TANtalizer bottle is a travel size, it will last me a very long long time and the smell is just awesome!<br /><br />Although the Hollywood Heat kit is marketed for the summer, I do strongly believe it can be used year round. The colors are flattering enough to be used for both day time and night time. Currently Sephora is selling it as a limited edition product and it's going fast so please run to your local Sephora and grab it! Fast! Or order online at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/">Sephora.com</a>. At $35 USD for the kit, it's a very good quality set that will entertain you for a long time. I'm lovin' it, how about you?<br /><br />Take care and have some TANtalizer in your life!<br /><br />Love,<br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /><br />P.S: some trivia for you guys<br /><br />LORAC is "Carol" spelled backwards! And guess who Carol is? (hint: the makeup artist who created LORAC with the last name Shaw!)<br /><br />My first purchase ever (!) from Sephora was a LORAC lipgloss. It was in a pot and I bought a brush to apply it. LORAC lip stuff is really moist!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Pumping Up the Heat with LORAC Hollywood Heat

Besides palettes, I like to buy makeup sets because the colors are well-coordinate and often time they are cheaper than buying each product ...

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Shape Magazine Predicts Makeup Trends for Fall 2008

I love Shape magazine! I've been a subscriber since 2002-2003 and the magazine has changed a lot. Back in the day, it used to be heavy on machine exercise routines and expensive makeup. However, I did not drop my subscription after year one because this magazine is at the very front of its field and I find the information in exercise, makeup, nutrition, and lifestyle very useful. In a couple of days, Shape's September issue is going to be on sale but for the subscribers, it's already delivered.<br /><br />To celebrate the "Back to School" month, Shape ran an article on Fall makeup trend. Usually, I rely on other makeup and beauty heavy-hitters such as Allure, Vogue, Cosmo, and Marie Claire on trend predictions but this time Shape is pretty spot on.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trend #1:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Metallic Eyes and Nails</span><br /><br />Shape advised to use sheer, shimmery makeup to add shine and radiance. The two prominent colors are gold and silver (and I have both of them, so anticipate to see some of these in the future!) If you're shy, just wear metallics on your nails. And guess what, my toes are decked in silver metallic nail polish this week!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gl87P_pYyRhtDKHU393bxKrPy2sjHp-8ZZ6R0AcMK9H4WQw-TfYHHx8t2AES5Kl6cb2hwMJebl64I9UWEUZ4Sei9OyefDr6kF9RIx5PmhaARcLd9kmFw3l6iDZlChffhv1EQydMCgG0/s1600-h/gemma+ward.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229327416454865714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gl87P_pYyRhtDKHU393bxKrPy2sjHp-8ZZ6R0AcMK9H4WQw-TfYHHx8t2AES5Kl6cb2hwMJebl64I9UWEUZ4Sei9OyefDr6kF9RIx5PmhaARcLd9kmFw3l6iDZlChffhv1EQydMCgG0/s400/gemma+ward.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Gemma Ward sported the metallic eye look<br />Image from Teen Vogue</div><br />Shape suggested:<br /><ul><li>Jane Iredale liquid eyeliner in Gold</li><li>OPI nail lacquer in Happy Anniversary</li><li>Orly nail lacquer in Dazzle</li><li>Chanel nail colour in Gold Fiction</li><li>MAC pigment in Mega-Rich ($20 USD! Increased by 50 cents, aha!)</li></ul>I suggest:<br /><ul><li>Any gold/golden pigment you have, chances are you already have some of<br />'em in your stash;</li><li>Cash Flow paint pot, yummy!</li><li>$$$$$ Yes (pronounce "Cash Yes") nail lacquer from Lustretwins collection.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trend #2: Loose Curls</span><br /><br />When you think of loose curls, think about Jennifer Aniston with John Mayer, not Rachael in "Friends". Seriously, this girl's hair is amazing!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMldtNVfmkw0psOeIU3Z4OJo3753uBQsaDpR-NraR3G1TJhHwORYJnWGuwecO5NeC9TS9ajSJcM6sazPh3uspGWnolEcOu990sDVySuLFvSf_pfASdeQc1G_Tk7QD7oSIeabyG57jI0XY/s1600-h/JenniferAniston.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229325689945728930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMldtNVfmkw0psOeIU3Z4OJo3753uBQsaDpR-NraR3G1TJhHwORYJnWGuwecO5NeC9TS9ajSJcM6sazPh3uspGWnolEcOu990sDVySuLFvSf_pfASdeQc1G_Tk7QD7oSIeabyG57jI0XY/s400/JenniferAniston.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Look at Jen's hair! Amazing, isn't it?<br />Image from Greenville online</div><br />To achieve this look, Shape suggested:<br /><ul><li>Oscar Blandi wave enhance spray</li><li>Sunsilk De-frizz conditioner</li><li>Ricky's NYC Clips ($5 USD for 4)</li></ul>I suggest:<br /><ul><li>Your curling iron, unless your hair is already curly</li><li>Some texturizing/wave enhancing spray</li><li>Some clips you get at Sally's for about $3 USD/pack of 6 (save you about 4 dollars from the Ricky's brand)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trend #3: Deep, dark lips</span><br /><br />Back in 1999-2000, I remember this dark lips trend was so in! My cousins sported the look which prompted me, a smart-ass teen, to ask this question, "Who hit you on your mouth?" According to Shape, this look is not for everyone, only the young-uns of 30 and less can sport it. Why? Because their lips are still full, nice, and do not have lines. According to me, those who have small mouths (including myself) should not wear the dark lips unless they want their lips to disappear into a thin line.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgxhrF7ut0tsimCv0hRnOMPCsZDq59KYv-ruZcuDfpgJjKhlCVavRPk1hkbUCjc41gMobA4GC8mEFKv3pMgo6te_vzl8AHVawkx1PME6KR3GAIWAZSeUASdpYA6N_ZPxlfvhHvVmNlYI/s1600-h/marion.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229327415555645810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgxhrF7ut0tsimCv0hRnOMPCsZDq59KYv-ruZcuDfpgJjKhlCVavRPk1hkbUCjc41gMobA4GC8mEFKv3pMgo6te_vzl8AHVawkx1PME6KR3GAIWAZSeUASdpYA6N_ZPxlfvhHvVmNlYI/s400/marion.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Oscar winning actress Marion Cotillard with dark lips<br />Image from Elle UK</div><br />Stuff to try, according to Shape:<br /><ul><li>Smashbox lip gloss in Sultry</li><li>Sally Hansen lip color in soft red</li><li>Aveda lip color in Passion Flower</li><li>Lacome Juicy Tubes in Autumn Jasmine</li><li>Any lipstick/ lip gloss you've kept since the last wave of dark lips hit the Earth!</li></ul>I suggest:<br /><ul><li>MAC Russian Red for those who love the red;</li><li>Mary Kay signature lipstick in Raisinberry: the darkest lipstick I've ever used and believe me, this color is universally flattering;</li><li>Elizabeth Arden Exceptional lipstick in Autumn: dark and lovely brick/rose red color that is oh-so-chic but ages me 10 years! But for some of you with more luscious lips, this baby will work wonder.</li></ul>I highly encourage you all to go get the September issue of Shape magazine. This month's content is actually fun and informative. There's an interview of supermodel Veronica Webb and Amber Valetta is on the cover.<br /><br />I guess it pretty much sums up fall 2008 trend watch. I hope Shape doesn't miss anything and these trends are not too complicated to do.<br /><br />Have fun y'all and take care!<br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /><br />P.S: related entries in the past<br /><a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/mac-paint-pots-my-pride-and-joy.html"><br />MAC Paint Pot featuring Cash Flow</a><br /><a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/mac-starflash-and-lustretwins-launched.html">Lustretwins collection with $$$$$ Yes</a>

Shape Magazine Predicts Makeup Trends for Fall 2008

I love Shape magazine! I've been a subscriber since 2002-2003 and the magazine has changed a lot. Back in the day, it used to be heavy o...

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Sephora Beauty Fever Palette in Action

I've been liking the <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/sephora-beauty-fever-palette-home-away.html">Sephora Beauty Fever Palette</a> a lot lately. It's like my "home away from home" palette as it makes me feel safe and secured when I can't bring the whole makeup stash with me. The most wonderful thing about this palette is the purples, they are simply the most gorgeous and wearable purple eye shadows I've ever used! Before this palette I've tried my best to embrace this royal color but failed miserably. I either looked like I was punched in the eyes or partied hard in the AM. Not desirable at all!. So I was totally bathed in glee when I swatched the purples from this palette. They are simply gorgeous!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjtgk8je08qQha-kCvp8zhZkpz6jPhaJTQAVfVcL1Yv5DU5wC8zFUJR-d0ShZDYJ8qeq2s4Or4iqqjD1wghJfyf2TN5hnMhXADcQXTrEkt_X_Rqmaj-LPsMIc5HfKDifmFu0TccPI7kY/s1600-h/Sephora+purple+003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226616098702651634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjtgk8je08qQha-kCvp8zhZkpz6jPhaJTQAVfVcL1Yv5DU5wC8zFUJR-d0ShZDYJ8qeq2s4Or4iqqjD1wghJfyf2TN5hnMhXADcQXTrEkt_X_Rqmaj-LPsMIc5HfKDifmFu0TccPI7kY/s400/Sephora+purple+003.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>FOTD: the lightning was awesome!<br />I didn't use any flash so what you see is what you get</div><br />What I used:<br /><br />On my eyes:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oURfFYneZ5mKDUazFCrP_rA2QoTo9kQ4pMZU7IO3LnrTKpkzIUL2ZCgzM0qIePSOuITw-4ai7V65NwQjUdlxjCxMiOyhhql0Qj59-06eep9rgfIfTEfRcEE2-VfpSchFD0ChdRYiow4/s1600-h/Sephora+purple+palette.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226616096146113586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oURfFYneZ5mKDUazFCrP_rA2QoTo9kQ4pMZU7IO3LnrTKpkzIUL2ZCgzM0qIePSOuITw-4ai7V65NwQjUdlxjCxMiOyhhql0Qj59-06eep9rgfIfTEfRcEE2-VfpSchFD0ChdRYiow4/s400/Sephora+purple+palette.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm4z9PLt_rxew4GmR-DHvnvFZr6u6p4OyJV9HHhxEgG4hzJHgu-bWA-7v_c6W8jhclncLgPkBk0wohfORwfLnISKPECj2PuGji2WcFX7_FJ_EL-ooXBX6OUUi8W6iF6UWhQ18shJ4znQ/s1600-h/Sephora+purple+014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226616103258137394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm4z9PLt_rxew4GmR-DHvnvFZr6u6p4OyJV9HHhxEgG4hzJHgu-bWA-7v_c6W8jhclncLgPkBk0wohfORwfLnISKPECj2PuGji2WcFX7_FJ_EL-ooXBX6OUUi8W6iF6UWhQ18shJ4znQ/s400/Sephora+purple+014.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Schematic for those who are visual learners</div><ul><li>Color #1 applied to the eyelid area using a regular eyeshadow brush like MAC #239;</li></ul><ul><li>Color #2 applied close to the lashes and the outer-v area using a pencil brush like MAC #219;</li><li>Color #3 to the crease using a blending brush;</li><li>Color #4 on top of color #3 using the same blending brush;</li><li>Color #5 applied underneath the brow bone using MAC #239.</li><li>Black eyeliner</li><li>Clinique High Definition Lashes mascara.</li></ul>On my cheeks:<br /><ul><li>Darker shade of blush on the right panel of the palette;</li><li>Dark contouring powder to the hollow of my cheek and highlighting powder a bit above the blush to shape my cheek area. These colors are in the palette.</li></ul>On my lips:<br /><ul><li>A rosey color in the palette as a lipstick. It is quite thick so I used a lip brush to apply (MAC #316)</li><li>Some lip gloss on top of the lipstick (I forgot the name!)</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLemQph2m3f8vB1AKTD0qinleqG03wSnimxDz4ECqHofML7moK3lLRZbOReC9MB9vB1hovE8IstwMHJxb4Na_h4SRJU7h4Cf5HUNaI-SFA9Vzgv40G2onszS7g-_l-ceurhZ2iwv0so0/s1600-h/Sephora+purple+011.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226616105178031506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLemQph2m3f8vB1AKTD0qinleqG03wSnimxDz4ECqHofML7moK3lLRZbOReC9MB9vB1hovE8IstwMHJxb4Na_h4SRJU7h4Cf5HUNaI-SFA9Vzgv40G2onszS7g-_l-ceurhZ2iwv0so0/s400/Sephora+purple+011.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Bonus picture: I tried to wink ;)<br />and then realized I don't know how to wink!</div><br />Overall, I'm more than happy with this palette. The colors are pigmented and soft so they're very easy to blend. I highly recommend this palette because it's affordable ($20 USD) and has a lot of colors to play with. In the pictures I used the same tinted mineral moisturizer method I described here. The coverage is not so bad, aye?<br /><br />That's it for today, folks! Until next time, have fun and be gorgeous, alright?<br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /><br />P.S: related blog entries<br /><br />My inspiration came from <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/ancient-news.html">Rihana who rocked the purple eyeshadows</a>.<br />My review of the <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/sephora-beauty-fever-palette-home-away.html">Sephora Beauty Fever Palette</a>

Sephora Beauty Fever Palette in Action

I've been liking the Sephora Beauty Fever Palette a lot lately. It's like my "home away from home" palette as it makes me...

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Wexler MD MMPi 20 Anti-Aging Acne Serum Revisited

It's been about a month since I first introduced the <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/this-may-help.html">Wexler MD MMPi 20 Anti-aging Acne Serum</a> in this blog. Since then it has become my go-to anti-acne product and I use it almost everyday. So how does it stand up with my occasional flare ups? Pretty good, I have to say.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3tPgsXOrB9SJFmDJZPnAdpFLKVh55DuLpl7pZdNcsNKYbkL-_U-J6nseaEQ8VPg6DMQrqmmpP8e_ynUmF9BR7-QQFpY0sFKKtDILZhkVObjJyb6vVMVG-M8uuNSF1SYR_oay3vIOqEI/s1600-h/Wexler+001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228473507356463074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3tPgsXOrB9SJFmDJZPnAdpFLKVh55DuLpl7pZdNcsNKYbkL-_U-J6nseaEQ8VPg6DMQrqmmpP8e_ynUmF9BR7-QQFpY0sFKKtDILZhkVObjJyb6vVMVG-M8uuNSF1SYR_oay3vIOqEI/s400/Wexler+001.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />This product claims to "actively treats and helps prevent breakouts, diminishes redness associated with acne, visibly reduces blemishes, boosts skin's own powers to diminish the visible signs of aging". Let's go over all the claims, shall we?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Actively treats and helps prevent breakouts:</span><br /><br />Before the MMPi 20 serum, I had a lot of breakouts along the jawline and after one died down, another one poped up at almost the same spot! Very annoying! And we all know scarings come after the acne spot left and they are even more damaging than the zits themselves. However, after a month of using this serum, that jawline area of zits was finally unclogged. Yay!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Diminishes redness associated with acne:</span><br /><br />I do notice this serum reduces redness somewhat and most of my zits are not hot, red, inflamed acne spots anymore (thanks to this product).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Visibly reduces blemishes:</span><br /><br />I did not see it strink a zit at all. Once a blemish came up, it would stay there until it popped. However, the MMPi 20 serum does reduces the number of blemishes on my face and now I have maybe 2,3 spots on my face a day. And that's a big difference from say, 10-15 zits a day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Boosts skin's own powers to diminish the visible signs of aging:</span><br /><br />Since I do not have wrinkles yet, I cannot testify on this point. However, I do notice the pores look smaller and my skin also looks and feels smoother.<br /><br />How I use it:<br /><br />I've been refining my skincare routine to 2, 3 products a day and this serum is a part of my daily grind. At night, I put a couple of drops of the MMPi 20 anti-acne serum on my face after washing it with the St. Ives Olive Scrubs and that's it. I only use this serum once a day as twice a day proved to be too drying for me. Plus since this is a serum, it does sink into my face faster and serums delivers better than cream/lotion.<br /><br />The only complain is the smell: it smells very synthetic but not too offensive or annoying at all! Moreover, the smell quickly goes away in about 10 minutes. But since I am used to fragrance-free skincare products, this took me quite a while to get used to.<br /><br />List of ingredients for those who are interested:<br /><br />Active ingredient: salicylic acid 2.0% as an anti-acne ingredient<br /><br />Inactive ingredients:<br /><br />Water, alcohol denat, ethoxydiglycol, cyclopetasiloxane, butylene glycol, PPG-14 butyl ether, polysilicone-11, myristyl nicotinate, octyldodecanol, steareth-21, polyquatemium-37, pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract, Palmaria Palmata extract, Glycine Soja (soybean) seed extract, Rheum palmatum root/stalk extract, Cinnamonum cassia bark extract, Calluna vulgaris flower extract, Haslea ostrearia extract, Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, caffeine, sucrose, dimethicone, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicarprate, delphone, methyldihydrojasmonate, Steareth-2, ethyl 2,2-dimethylhydrocinnamal, Laureth-12, PPG-1 tridecenth-6, Cyclamen aldehyde, dimethylcyclohexylethoxy isobutylpropanoate, triclosan, Red 33 (CI 17200), Red 40 (CI 16035).<br /><br />So if you're searching for parabens, there is no parabens in this product. There may be other preservative ingredients but in very small quantity. The fact that this product is contained in an air-tight pump bottle also says that not a lot of preservatives is neccessary since the container itself is also designed for preservative purpose.<br /><br />I actually love this product as it approached its one-month mark without losing its efficacy on my skin. Most anti-acne products just stop working after a month or so and more zits would pop up after that. This one is still going strong, thank God! Beside the fact that it is quite expensive ($45 USD at Bath and Body Works), it is an excellent anti-acne and anti-aging product. I got mine at 75% off and I really count my blessings.<br /><br />Have a nice Sunday y'all! Take care, be restful and have gorgeous skin!<br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /><br />P.S: related posts in the past, please read them!<br /><br /><a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/this-may-help.html">My first impression on the Wexler MD MMPi-20 Anti-Aging Acne serum</a>: more detailed information on this post as it was the first to introduce the product.<br /><a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/scrub-down-with-st-ives-elements-olive.html"><br />St. Ives Elements Olive Scrub</a>: the only face scrub that I use and love. I find that it keeps my face smooth and clean when using in conjunction with the Wexler serum.

Wexler MD MMPi 20 Anti-Aging Acne Serum Revisited

It's been about a month since I first introduced the Wexler MD MMPi 20 Anti-aging Acne Serum in this blog. Since then it has become my ...

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BLV: The Smell of Success

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OWq-PwdYj-QctwGsSUMu78leGTKopcyUomYZjd0pTPiC4dJKbnEjfVhaL8szlnp0SFFJS7PE8dfRmq4to1vsQg2-4tzSRS1hiN0CvQZEn5ZcZtjKBMiXsiRIFAkvZ_HfpgK-X_zbjHQ/s1600-h/BLV.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227536575115059266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OWq-PwdYj-QctwGsSUMu78leGTKopcyUomYZjd0pTPiC4dJKbnEjfVhaL8szlnp0SFFJS7PE8dfRmq4to1vsQg2-4tzSRS1hiN0CvQZEn5ZcZtjKBMiXsiRIFAkvZ_HfpgK-X_zbjHQ/s400/BLV.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 395px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 353px;" /></a><br />Like Makeup, perfumes are very personal. While many people believe in finding a signature fragrance, I strongly believe in the spontaneity of the person when it comes to perfume. As we get older and become more mature, our taste (and wallet) also change. I do not think having a signature perfume is a good thing because who wants to stick with a very fruity-floral for the rest of her life, right?<br /><br />However, for those of you who are still looking for The One perfume, I have a suggestion: try some perfumes from Bvlgari (pronounced "Bulgari" as the "v" is the replacement for the "u"). The company Bvlgari started out as a high-end jewelry business and then branched out to perfumes and clothings. I remember some years ago, before Lil Kim went to jail she had a song where she sang something about this line like this "Black Barbie dressed in Bvlgari". From what I heard, Alicia Keys is another celebrity fan of Bvlgari, her favorite scent is Bvlgari Omni.<br /><br />I was introduced to BLV in 2001 from a cousin. She gave me a sample vial and simply told me, "It's good!" At that time I was neither a makeup or a perfume addict yet but I took the sample as well as some of her makeup anyways. I remember drawing hard to this scent as it is soft but strong, smooth but heady, feminine but masculine. It's like an iron grip wrapped in velvet, you will never know how it turns out to be until using it.<br /><br />BLV was created by <a href="http://www.fragrantica.com/index.php?view=nose&nose=Alberto+Morillas">Alberto Morillas</a> in 2000 and also launched at the same year. According to <a href="http://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Bvlgari/BVL-156.html">Fragrantica</a>, BLV is a mixture of "the cold accords of ginger, pure freshness of gorgeous wisteria and translucent musk are in harmony with the warm depth of sandalwood, feminine sweetness of flax flowers and softness of vanilla and acacia." I got a lot of nice compliments whenever I use it and this perfume truly gives me confidence. It's like fire on ice to me: hot but cold. When I first applied it, BLV just felt fresh but as it dries down, the sadalwood, vanilla, and musk starts to bloom and that is when this perfume gets very interesting.<br /><br />Around 2004, I acquired Absolute BLV which is the special edition of BLV. This perfume is more concentrated and suitable for winter.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8Xh5nxP6a6xTYMQJyNyn4ZCOildKXh4Ux6CKIXJPe0I8K-muMzrSd_DlFMmh9ZroRYx5zEhnS1onPJXiPxFR3nYt9ZTvbu6srtuycEdMKxkEmihqtZAQyCBosYwBEkvQhTPrf7Hm8OI/s1600-h/blv+absolute.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227532551258098578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8Xh5nxP6a6xTYMQJyNyn4ZCOildKXh4Ux6CKIXJPe0I8K-muMzrSd_DlFMmh9ZroRYx5zEhnS1onPJXiPxFR3nYt9ZTvbu6srtuycEdMKxkEmihqtZAQyCBosYwBEkvQhTPrf7Hm8OI/s400/blv+absolute.gif" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Absolute BLV, the fire on ice, is my favorite perfume on days I need to stand in front of a bunch of people to make speeches (ie presentation days). It's the smell of success to me as it gives me the fire that I need in my talks. It also keeps me cool when situations get heated up like when some of my pesky friends/colleagues/professors started bullying me about one grain of detail that I miss. With BLV, I can stare them down and proceed with the rest of the presentation. No perfume has given me such an edge like that.<br /><br />When it was just in the market around 2000-2001, only a handful of stores sold it as it was classified as the high-end perfume. I remember asking a lot of sales associates about this perfume and most of them did not even know how to pronounce "Bvlgari". However, as it became a favorite among many women, now you can find it in a lot of department stores, fragrant depots, and even online. Regardless, I've never seen a bottle of BLV in drugstores or mass market stores like Wal-mart or Target. I think the people of Bvlgari still wants to keep their luxurious and high-end, prestigious status in one way or another. But once in a while I'd see a bottle of BLV at T.J Maxx or Ross. So it's kind of ironic, isn't it?<br /><br />Unfortunately, I no longer wear this perfume although I still have a full bottle. In a way, a bad relationship also sent a favorite perfume to the graveyard. Again, perfumes are very personal.<br /><br />My rating: A+ not because it is unique but because of what it did for me.<br /><br />If you like BLV, consider other ones from Bvlgari as this company makes great perfumes. Most of them are available in online stores where prices are much cheaper. I can imagine this perfume getting the legendary status in one day as it is a classic.<br /><br />That's all folks! What is your favorite perfume? Do you like BLV? Dish out in the comment box 'cause you know I want to hear.<br /><br />Love,<br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /><br />P.S: I went to watch "The Dark Knight" yesterday and it was awesome! After almost 3 weeks of release and the theater was still packed. The Joker is not as scary as I thought, he's more of a loon I guess. Good movie, you all need to go see it!

BLV: The Smell of Success

Like Makeup, perfumes are very personal. While many people believe in finding a signature fragrance, I strongly believe in the spontaneity o...

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Creme de la Mer: Miracle in a Jar or Not?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56ZwHHAkAafLwXChe8AYxvoh01JzJUacHW0SA0ecAkoBjEutDZGzlpBwlXYqsMJ43_ZdailsH88Y7Z90OzjIDuozBlgT_cCxAxaUTTTAI6FIGmTzYqVJd8P6OfbYWcqy-0743WL8mol0/s1600-h/La+Mer.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226660467217698370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56ZwHHAkAafLwXChe8AYxvoh01JzJUacHW0SA0ecAkoBjEutDZGzlpBwlXYqsMJ43_ZdailsH88Y7Z90OzjIDuozBlgT_cCxAxaUTTTAI6FIGmTzYqVJd8P6OfbYWcqy-0743WL8mol0/s400/La+Mer.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 284px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 284px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Yesterday marked the end of my first month as a blogger of My Makeup Blog. Without your encouragement, I would not be still writing here so a big "THANK YOU!" goes to all of you!</span><br /><br />Creme de la Mer (CDLM) is probably the most coveted product in this beauty world. You turn left and you hear J.Lo talk about it, you turn right and you hear Kimora Lee Simmons rave about it, you look up and you see Sarah Jessica Parker praise it, and you look down you notice Jessica and Ashley Simpson chime about it. Ever since I heard of it, I just wanted to give it a try as it may solve my problems (mainly zits and enlarged pores).<br /><br />This creme was created by Dr. Max Huber, an aerospace physicist, after a horrible experiment happened that caused him some chemical burns on his face. The miracle in his creme is called the Miracle Broth which is created through a fermentation process that takes 3-4 months to complete. The story sounds really amazing to me and after I saw such a long list of prominent celebrity followers, I just wanted to add my name in there too, not like I'm a celeb or anything, I just wanted to try!<br /><br />As I am a scientist-in-training who loves to read the ingredient list, I realized why CDLM is the way it is from the look at the first 5 ingredients:<br /><blockquote>Top 5 ingredients are: Seaweed extract, mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin, and isohexadecane.</blockquote>Usually, the top 5 ingredients in your skincare product takes about 60-90% of the volume of your product. From the first 4 ingredients, we can see this CDLM is not a water-base creme as Aqua (or water) is not listed as one of the main ingredients. In fact, it is a petroleum-base creme. This type of creme has its own advantage of not needing a lot of preservatives such as the parabens. And CDLM is true to its words: it does not contain any parabens!<br /><br /><ul><li>Mineral oil or liquid petrolatum is the by-product of petroleum distillation to produce gasoline. In this distillation process, all the products and by-products are mineral oil, petrolatum jelly (aka Vaseline), tar (to patch up the roofs, driveways, and build roads),... All the petroleum by-products are used one way or another and mineral oil is actually quite abundant and cheap. Baby oil is made out of mineral oil with some fragrance and maybe color added.</li><li>Petrolatum is what <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/frugal-beauty-tips-of-day.html">Tyra uses on her eyes</a> as an eye cream. It is a fancy name for your tub o' Vaseline. So it's also cheap and available.</li><li>Glycerin is a humectant, and like the other two: is also cheap and available.</li><li>Isohexadecane: if you remember your organic chemistry 101, it is an alkane or a single-bonded hydrocarbon. The IUPAC name for this compound is heptamethylnonane for those who are interested. Therefore, this compound is highly branched and highly hydrophobic.</li><li>So how about its first ingredient, seaweed extract?It is unclear to me if the seaweed extract is in solid or liquid form. However, further down on the ingredient list has microcrystalline wax which is an emulsifier so I think this seaweed extract is in a liquid form. But there's no Aqua (water) in the list so what kind of solvent is it extracted to? Thin air?</li></ul>From the first 5 ingredients, it is clear that this cream is very heavy as most of the components are hydrophilic compounds (petrolatum, mineral oil, and isohexadecane). It also has a humectant (glycerin) and some seaweed extract. Further down in the list, there are some other plant-base oils but they are not as abundant.<br /><br />So do you see the problem here? It is a very heavy cream. Whoever said that it is an excellent moisturizer is correct because the hydrophilic compounds really seal the moisture to your skin and you will definitely wake up with a very moist face. However, mineral oil and petrolatum make the creme very sticky, so you have to use a certain technique to liquefy the creme before applying to your face. I found out this is a waste because most times regardless how much I rub, there is plenty of products sticking to my palm.<br /><br />I thought it would be a “miracle crème” that solves all my skin problems but I was wrong. At first, it gave me this very soothing feeling upon application. But then as days went by, I noticed some zits popping up in areas that I applied CDLM a bit heavier (because I wanted to heal them!) I stopped using it and everything came back to normal. But the moment I started using CDLM again, zits came back!<br /><br />So I do not recommend this creme for those who have acne prone and sensitive skin. This creme is expensive and does not always deliver. If you want some seaweed extracts in your life, eat some sushi. It'll do some good to your skin and fill up your stomach as well. For mineral oil, petrolatum, and glycerin, just go to your drug store and look for a bottle of baby oil, a jar of Vaseline, and a bottle of pure glycerin. Those three will not cost you more than $10. You can mix them and rub them all over your body, although I do not recommend this practice.<br /><br />Creme de la Mer: $125 USD for 1 oz, $220 USD for 2 oz, $1350 USD for 16.5 oz. It did not work any miracles on me but gave me more zits. So I saved up my money and got myself some sushi and Olay face lotion. This time my face is happy and I'm happy too.<br /><br />Last but not least, my experience is mine and I just want to share with you. If you've used it and love it, by all means continue using it. However, if you're on the fence of buying and have sensitive and/or acne-prone skin, I suggest you to keep your money in your pocket and find something that's less thick and expensive.<br /><br />Those are my 2 cents. I hope you enjoy it. If you've used La Mer and want to share your own experience, please share by commenting. If you just want to dish, dish anyways.<br /><br />Take care and have fun. TGIF everyone!<br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /><br />P.S: one related post since I mentioned Tyra Banks on my <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/frugal-beauty-tips-of-day.html">frugal beauty tips</a> entry.

Creme de la Mer: Miracle in a Jar or Not?

Yesterday marked the end of my first month as a blogger of My Makeup Blog. Without your encouragement, I would not be still writing here so ...

Read more »