I Was Nominated for the "Kreativ Blogger" Award!

Hi Ladies,<br /><br />Yesterday I woke up as the happiest blogger on Earth! <a href="http://estellarina.blogspot.com/">Estellar</a>, a fellow blogger and my blog reader, nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Thank you Estellar for this, I am very moved as this is my first award I've ever received in the blogsphere. Hopefully more will come after this.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_888lITXcOhMbYjhi2JQCM1uYE9YStKhfM2Ph2sopmQ7iKiOUcyrXQIB52HsuaLMx6aNGY08Sa3MzGusdFh9nZPNtv_kF5zaubUQ28gfXmHqcDY1t9O6KRBzv0JN9fF_xvX9Sviq3Hw/s1600-h/kreativbloggeraward.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234743440788381362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_888lITXcOhMbYjhi2JQCM1uYE9YStKhfM2Ph2sopmQ7iKiOUcyrXQIB52HsuaLMx6aNGY08Sa3MzGusdFh9nZPNtv_kF5zaubUQ28gfXmHqcDY1t9O6KRBzv0JN9fF_xvX9Sviq3Hw/s400/kreativbloggeraward.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br />Here's my acceptance speech (just for kicks, hehe):<br /><br /><blockquote>When I was little, I used to love writing and wanted to be a novelist when I grew up. However, I went into a totally different direction and do fine with it. But somehow my passion for writing does not die down totally and with my lust on makeup, I decided to open this blog as a gateway to unleash my creativity and to meet new friends. Receiving this award means a lot to me and I will do my best to keep up with what I've been doing. Thank you Estellar for nominating me and I humbly accept it.</blockquote>The award requires me to nominate 5 other bloggers and here are my nominees (in no particular order):<br /><br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Karen</span> from <a href="http://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/">Makeup and Beauty Blog</a>: she's the sweetest beauty blogger whose blog I've been <s>stalking</s> following for a while now. Karen does not mind answering my sometimes silly questions and her cat Tabs is really cute.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Muse</span> from <a href="http://www.musingsofamuse.com/">Musings of a Muse</a>: the Muse cracks me up all the time with her witty comments on makeup products. Who knows beauty blogging can be so fun?</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jaimie</span> from <a href="http://www.justkissnmakeup.com/">Just Kiss 'N Makeup</a>: Jaimie is a very talented makeup artist and her blog is informative. She's also a reader here and she is very nice. If you live around her area and need your makeup done, make sure you go to her, ok?</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stephie</span> from <a href="http://stephienese.blogspot.com/">Stephienese</a>: her blog probably is the first beauty blog I've ever read. Make sure you check out her YouTube channel, she has the best tutorials on the web. And she's so nice, too!</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Alienman</span> from <a href="http://goldfishcake.com/">Gold Fish Cake</a>: I did not remember how I found her website out but she is a very funny person. She does not do a lot of makeup tutorials anymore and just moved to a new blog.</li></ol>If I could, I would have nominated all of y'all, however, the rule limits to 5 nominees only. So nominees, start your engine and see the rules below:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rules of the award:</span> to receive this award,<br /><br />1. The winner may put the logo on her blog.<br />2. Put a link to the person you got the award from.<br />3. Nominate 5 blogs.<br />4. Put links to the blogs.<br />5. Leave a message for your nominees.<br /></div><br />Also, All Women Stalk quoted me on their <a href="http://allwomenstalk.com/best-lipstick-top-10/">"Best Lipstick-Top 10"</a> post. Thank you Helen for letting me know. I was quoted on the Clinique Almost Lipstick (their #8). Please go and take a look at the list.<br /><br />Again, my big "thank you" goes to everyone who have been supporting me through my short beauty blogging time here. This means a lot to me and I hope you will continue following me.<br /><br />Take care and love you all,<br />Your Makeup Blogger

I Was Nominated for the "Kreativ Blogger" Award!

Hi Ladies, Yesterday I woke up as the happiest blogger on Earth! Estellar , a fellow blogger and my blog reader, nominated me for the Kreati...

Read more »

Home-made Facial Masques from Milk

As we all know, I am addicted to facial masques (or masks depending on what side of the pond you reside!) Although the real benefit of masque is still on debate, giving yourself a masque is a very relaxing way to take care of yourself and your skin. Beside using Queen Helene mint julep masque, I sometimes whisk up some home-made facial masks myself just for kicks. Believe it or not, you probably have the ingredients at home that are ready to use.<br /><br />Introducing to the world the secret ingredient: MILK! Yes, milk to be used as facial masques!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZF2i_j6Xm0dHobqWBGVFLBfSil1LypIjGKWsmSlImYzBQseQr8crGdT2-nKAVdBSqhgH_t4JtO01ehFk1HIh4a3PgFsUBOgVMJAw31nDXS1E_YPE092IpKnvuk7adfJeo9qS2LFqZHg0/s1600-h/milk_325.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231477891270822770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZF2i_j6Xm0dHobqWBGVFLBfSil1LypIjGKWsmSlImYzBQseQr8crGdT2-nKAVdBSqhgH_t4JtO01ehFk1HIh4a3PgFsUBOgVMJAw31nDXS1E_YPE092IpKnvuk7adfJeo9qS2LFqZHg0/s400/milk_325.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 357px;" /></a><br />Believe it or not, this masque saved me during my last flair-up when Auntie Flo came for a visit. During that time, not only I became sensitive and moody, my face also behaved in a very naughty way. All of the sudden, everything became harsh and my favorite face scrub felt like sand paper on my face. The inspiration came when I had milk for breakfast and a little bit of it stayed at the bottom of the glass. Being stingy, I went to get a cotton pad to absorb the milk and put it on my face!<br /><br />The cold milk felt very soothing upon contact to my skin so I kept on applying layer after layer. Finally, after about 5 layers, the milk had a good thickness on my skin and started to dry up. I just let it stay for about 15-20 minutes while pounding my fingers away on the computer keyboard. After that, I just washed off the milk with warm water and voila, my face felt and looked better.<br /><br />One of milk's ingredients that gives benefit to your skin is lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). AHA is a group of carboxylic acid with hydroxy (-OH) group on the adjacent carbon with glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk), malic acid (apples and pears), citric acid (lemons and oranges), and tartaric acid (from grapes). The function of AHAs is to exfoliate dead skin cells on your face. Perhaps AHAs is better known as glycolic peels at the dermatologist office. If you use milk as a face masque, the concentration of lactic acid is smaller and irritation is less. However, I do not recommend using milk masque everyday.<br /><br />If you're still reading at this point and thinking where am I leading you, the next part is about how to do <s>it</s> them. Yes, I'm going to provide more than 1 masks for y'all because I love you and because you're still reading.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Facial masque #1:</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Pure milk masque</span><br /><br />Use anything but skim milk, believe me when I say "no skim milk". The extra fat will give you some moisture while the lactic acid gently exfoliate your skin. Also, it's better to keep the milk chilled so you'll feel more soothing and relaxed.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You will need:</span> about 1/4 cup of milk and some couple of cotton pads/balls.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Direction:</span> dip the cotton pad in the milk, then apply all over your face. Repeat 4-5 times until you feel some strong, sticky sensation on your face. Keep for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Facial masque #2</span>: <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Milk and Sugar masque</span><br /><br />This is a super-power version of the first masque as raw or brown sugar is added. I love to use the raw sugar packs that I got courtesy of Starbucks in this masque. However, if you want a finer version, brown sugar can be substitute. No pure white crystallize sugar please, as the glycolic acid is stripped down during the production of white sugar.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">What you need:</span> about 1/4 cup of milk, a pack of Starbucks raw sugar or 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, some cotton pads/balls.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Direction</span>: mix milk and sugar together, do not worry if the sugar does not dissolve. Apply the liquid on your face and lay down, this mask is quite drippy. If you want a scrubbing masque at the end, apply all the sugar crystals to your face as well. Rinse with warm water after 10-15 minutes and watch your face glow.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Notice:</span> this masque is quite tasty so refrain yourself from drinking it! Also, as AHAs are irritating to your skin, do not use it on broken wounds and acnes. However, it's quite good to use as a face peel though, just don't use it too often (once a week is good enough!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Facial masque #3:</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Oatmeal and yogurt masque</span><br /><br />This is the all-star facial masque as oatmeal is a moisturizer and skin comforter while the AHA in yogurt acts as an exfoliator. This masque is very comforting to use and I sometimes reach for it just because of this particular reason.<br /><br />Direction is provided by <a href="http://www.smartskincare.com/tips/skinrecipe_revital_20050923.html">Smart Skincare</a>:<br /><b><br /></b><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">Ingredients:</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> 2 tbsp. plain yogurt; 1 tbsp. oatmeal; 1 tbsp honey </span><p style="font-family:georgia;"> <span style="font-size:100%;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">How to prepare:</span> Simply mix ingredients together to form a paste. To avoid clumps, you may grind oatmeal into a powder (using a coffee grinder, for instance) before mixing it with other ingredients. </span></p><p style="font-family:georgia;"> <span style="font-size:100%;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">How to use:</span> Wash your face. Massage face with the paste in a circular motion. Keep on for a minute or two then rinse off. </span></p>That's it, ladies! Milk, regardless how you slice it and dice it, is an awesome ingredient for your skin. While applying it on your face, feel free to give yourself a cup of milk as well. My father always said, "When you apply it inside and outside, it will meet somewhere in the middle and you will look very good!". So get yourself some milk to have gorgeous skin and strong bones as well.<br /><br />TGI Friday! If you decide not to go out tonight, just crack open that bottle of milk and pamper yourself. After all, Cleopatra was known to bathe in milk and I'm just sayin' :)<br /><br />Take care and have a nice weekend,<br />Your Makeup Blogger.

Home-made Facial Masques from Milk

As we all know, I am addicted to facial masques (or masks depending on what side of the pond you reside!) Although the real benefit of masqu...

Read more »

You're Gonna Love Me: MAC Emanuel Ungaro

As I promised y'all yesterday, today I'm posting something that we're all looking forward to next month: the MAC Emanuel Ungaro collection! Thanks to the wonderful Marie Claire magazine, I was able to see two products of this collection that were used in the Ungaro fall fashion show runway. And Oh. My. Gawd, my mouth hung open and I tried my best to wipe the drool off my face. Marie Claire teased us with an image of a lustre lipstick in Pure Rose and an eyeshadow called Mineral and both of them are gorgeous. See for yourself, I can't help but took some couple of snapshots at the image.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKUBdnkqxe7aV03wAhFpUTA460BYp6n7iziaY2I_J21Ox6r4WcZMM6wrnYkrExryzYzeYmqBsTjkVxoCbXu6D3Cv7ypHOh1gSGKUHu1yL942GXRHHywDmyT0hMYMoBxwPuG6NFgDSF3U/s1600-h/Ungaro1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233315288661676114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKUBdnkqxe7aV03wAhFpUTA460BYp6n7iziaY2I_J21Ox6r4WcZMM6wrnYkrExryzYzeYmqBsTjkVxoCbXu6D3Cv7ypHOh1gSGKUHu1yL942GXRHHywDmyT0hMYMoBxwPuG6NFgDSF3U/s400/Ungaro1.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>The piece about MAC Ungaro in Marie Claire<br />(Click to view a bigger image)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9x6Mr_j6ortMpzQkufX_pdQtnbyp_fCVDX8MMFb34X6R-u2tc9DOIFVMPP56u5xJS5OrpUkDrar0cSp3ZHjLIaiLzbpA2vkZ-kyEfoII52EaGOEzuxXtU-6Qw0KRP-CMSFDdDZ5MNVU/s1600-h/Ungaro2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233315294025013714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9x6Mr_j6ortMpzQkufX_pdQtnbyp_fCVDX8MMFb34X6R-u2tc9DOIFVMPP56u5xJS5OrpUkDrar0cSp3ZHjLIaiLzbpA2vkZ-kyEfoII52EaGOEzuxXtU-6Qw0KRP-CMSFDdDZ5MNVU/s400/Ungaro2.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Pure Rose Lustre Lipstick (L) and Mineral Eyeshadow (R)<br />The package design is kinda eh for a designer LE, don't cha think?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatHe-0nsorhg7uESoLyvWSFTeKlVzfMLsbqgtXkNBD7HhqS1Kt1c34UrUOnZqHryjyfoBs1eLqqe0Ckxz78yuKvdnKp-BsxY1EjuBV54FkLAL95gbDOjUy5BN6tACLc1Pkw8BUj-WaPY/s1600-h/Ungaro.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233315294293646770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatHe-0nsorhg7uESoLyvWSFTeKlVzfMLsbqgtXkNBD7HhqS1Kt1c34UrUOnZqHryjyfoBs1eLqqe0Ckxz78yuKvdnKp-BsxY1EjuBV54FkLAL95gbDOjUy5BN6tACLc1Pkw8BUj-WaPY/s400/Ungaro.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Close up at the model's makeup<br />Muy romantica, si?<br /></div><br />Ungaro designer Esteban Cortazar was inspired from Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" and wanted an earthy, smokey eye look. He mentioned that the brown is not flat but "a blend of green, blue, lilac, and fuchsia. The lips were stained with a pink that looks like crushed flower petals". Interesting! And by the way, Monet was one of my favorite artists and I love the serene of his paintings.<br /><br />Can't wait for MAC Emanuel Ungaro to hit the store! I'm aggressively saving my money just for this collection and praying it won't disappoint me.<br /><br />That's all for today. Now y'all need to give me some love by hitting that comment button down below. Come on now!<br /><br />With love,<br />Your Makeup Blogger

You're Gonna Love Me: MAC Emanuel Ungaro

As I promised y'all yesterday, today I'm posting something that we're all looking forward to next month: the MAC Emanuel Ungaro ...

Read more »

MAC News: MAC Limited Collections of August-September

Attention all MAC addicts! Please save your money accordingly because in the next couple of weeks, things are going to be hot! Here are the preliminary information plucked straight from Specktra blog regarding the upcoming 5 LE collections.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collection #1:</span> Cult of Cherry, August 21st, 2008<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrslz-4BYXaWiphB5h-bheiCWZMiX8m3rzjQ65WkNmbXSRwlR2qnwE_xgK7OH7DfcCtD64TUwjq9Hac9RgKYy9ljuStv1ff7CKX37PTz994rgN_GuLN1xHYlci849MOUWGKwuOaml7YC8/s1600-h/CultofCherryPromo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230742215545048450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrslz-4BYXaWiphB5h-bheiCWZMiX8m3rzjQ65WkNmbXSRwlR2qnwE_xgK7OH7DfcCtD64TUwjq9Hac9RgKYy9ljuStv1ff7CKX37PTz994rgN_GuLN1xHYlci849MOUWGKwuOaml7YC8/s400/CultofCherryPromo.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>This collection sends me straight to Temptation Island as the three quads are equally drool-worthy! On top of that MAC will also release 5 lipsticks and 5 lip glasses that look so awesome! Brokesville, here I come!<br /><br />Read more about it <a href="http://specktra.net/f250/mac-cult-cherry-collection-aug-08-a-99094/">here</a> at Specktra!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collection #2:</span> Overrich, also on August 21st, 2008!<br /><br />For those who collect pigments, this collection is for you. MAC will release 8 pigments in this collection and from the way it sounds, these guys are interesting: gold, green, bronzed, burnt orange, brown, deep burgundy, and me saying "oh my god"!<br /><br />Read more <a href="http://specktra.net/f250/mac-overrich-collection-aug-08-a-98984/">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collection #3:</span> Suite Array, September 25th, 2008<br /><br />MAC introduces 2 novel products: eyeshadow suite and pearlglide liners. According to the good people from Specktra, the eyeshadow suite is a duo of a lighter and darker eyeshadow while the pearlglide liners are soft and safe for contact lense wearer. Read more <a href="http://specktra.net/f250/mac-suite-array-collection-sep-08-a-105085/">here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collection #4:</span> Gold Fever, also on 9/25/08<br /><br />This collection is going to be sold at Nordstrom and it has a little bit of everything: slimshine, shadesticks, glitters, pigments, liners, fluidlines, brushes and lashes. Not much information available at this point but you can read about it <a href="http://specktra.net/f250/mac-gold-fever-collection-sep-08-a-105084/">here</a> at Specktra.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collection #5:</span> Ungaro for MAC, also on 9/25/08<br /><br />When I heard about this collection about um, 4 months ago, I decided to aggressively save up some good amount of money for it. After all, Ungaro is one of the famous fashion houses in Europe and i remember growing up glueing to the French fashion magazines like a magnet. So yeah, I'm definitely going to get myself some Ungaro!<br /><br />However, the catch is this collection is only available at selected locations such as Bendels, Bloomingdales, Gibbons, MAC Stores, Nordstrom, Saks, maccosmetics.com in the U.S. It's also not available in China, Indonesia and the Philippines. So you bet I'm going to head to... online to order myself some of those. Btw, it has at least a paint pot! Yay!<br /><br />Read more about Ungaro for MAC <a href="http://specktra.net/f250/mac-mac-ungaro-collection-sep-08-a-105089/">here</a>.<br /><br />Disclaimer: all the information and photo credit go to Specktra. I just arrange them in a condensed manner.<br /><br />I'm really looking forward to these collections. I've been ignoring a lot of LEs for the past few months and it's been good for the soul and the pocket. I hope that I'm not going crazy during these two months because winter collections are right ahead!<br /><br />That's it for hump day, y'all! Take care and save up for MAC!<br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /><br />P.S: Ladies, please come back tomorrow because I have something great for you and I promise after you see it, <span style="font-style: italic;">you're gonna love me!</span>

MAC News: MAC Limited Collections of August-September

Attention all MAC addicts! Please save your money accordingly because in the next couple of weeks, things are going to be hot! Here are the ...

Read more »

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Blusher Brush: My All-Star Favorite!

For a brush hoarder like myself, it is very difficult to pick one brush to be the prima donna over the others. Believe me, it is an almost impossible task until God stepped in and introduced me to the Sonia Kashuk synthetic blusher brush. Since then, my life has changed, I've been losing weight, and become much happier! (I sound like Oprah, don't I?)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBZXWdaVnIsZXmA62KKm-MkYG9HMRYkKpguq-_rW0vNVigwXuKEoV4OEWwFweyb7bwlQAPjQEeSjXYaFpOH4bt2TqD9QUhTz9FuDJzJ4g2PxK8cI_ef9B4XkAt9QdXBiJA7Ytz6OEVdM/s1600-h/sk+blush+brush+001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230719683571219026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBZXWdaVnIsZXmA62KKm-MkYG9HMRYkKpguq-_rW0vNVigwXuKEoV4OEWwFweyb7bwlQAPjQEeSjXYaFpOH4bt2TqD9QUhTz9FuDJzJ4g2PxK8cI_ef9B4XkAt9QdXBiJA7Ytz6OEVdM/s400/sk+blush+brush+001.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The prima donna brush itself!</div><br />Ok, the losing weight part is true but it was not because of the brush. However, the happier part is relatively true if we just talk strictly about makeup here. This brush, first of all, is as soft as a teddy bear! I'm not kidding, it is very very soft and when I first bought it, I could not stop brushing it on my skin.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTMPji4ChQRNeQx5vyXtTaNiZgZ3E_UF2y-ptWny6vDSqekC8489lB0DlIqJQqyvgKB5k61tFhzG7TETN4czUM5qZysmJx7C1wKwdOTac2l4Nvv2q6d2FO-Kl1bt-2z1SZYYZ-9DluYY/s1600-h/sk+blush+brush+002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230719685030035986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTMPji4ChQRNeQx5vyXtTaNiZgZ3E_UF2y-ptWny6vDSqekC8489lB0DlIqJQqyvgKB5k61tFhzG7TETN4czUM5qZysmJx7C1wKwdOTac2l4Nvv2q6d2FO-Kl1bt-2z1SZYYZ-9DluYY/s400/sk+blush+brush+002.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Introducing Nini Bear, the brush keeper<br />"Kiss me and I'll release the brush!", he said.</div><br />Secondly, Sonia Kashuk's team did a good job in designing this brush: the handle is egornomically designed to give you more grip and support to your wrisk. At first it felt kind of strange holding the lacquered handle with this design but after a while, my finger likes it very much. To be honest with you, this brush looks like a piece of art that can be proudly displayed on your vanity.<br /><br />However, the main selling point of this brush is not the softness or the design. It's something much better: the versatility of usage! Don't let the name "blusher brush" fool you, this brush is anything but your regular blush brush (say "blush brush" really fast for 10 times!) The hair on the brush is synthetic and packed very densly and it's also a flat top brush. Therefore, this brush has a capacity to pack on color extremely well. I have this one mineral blush color that does not seem to show up on my skin when I use a regular blush brush. Just when I was about to throw it away, I decided to use this brush on it and bam! The most gorgeous blush color I've ever seen appeared on my cheeks!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5k0vGrdM2fbwKCR-pPvj-wPXQO95cM8-N-30o4JhG50PqYq8IbnP3aQBlYuB-DSDms3w0cCyV_nFsRBU_K_D8fGYIQwxetoQDpBs_p6qKKVQx9PSudXsd3pOi6uV8UKhWflB4B7iE1o/s1600-h/sn+fotd+040.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230719679311158946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5k0vGrdM2fbwKCR-pPvj-wPXQO95cM8-N-30o4JhG50PqYq8IbnP3aQBlYuB-DSDms3w0cCyV_nFsRBU_K_D8fGYIQwxetoQDpBs_p6qKKVQx9PSudXsd3pOi6uV8UKhWflB4B7iE1o/s400/sn+fotd+040.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The head shot, the brush head is not bigger than a quarter</div><br />So with this brush, less is more. You can save a lot of money on your blushes as well as foundation. Wait, did I just say foundation? Yes, m'am, I just did! I've been using this brush as my mineral foundation brush as well and like a good flat top brush, it gives me the best coverage I've wanted. You can use it with your liquid foundation as well, just make sure you sprit a bit of Fix+ on your brush first before dipping it to the liquid foundation. And by the way, if you want that flawless airbrush look, this brush is for you, baby!<br /><br />To summarize, here are the pros and cons:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pros</span><br /><ul><li>Soft, egornomically designed, and versatile: can be used as a blush, and powder brush for liquid, powder, and mineral makeup. I also use it as a concealer brush for my mineral concealer.</li><li>Affordable: you get this brush with the awesome design and softness of a teddy bear for $14.99 USD at Target! Think about it, guys, it's 49 cents more expensive than a MAC eyeshadow.</li><li>Available at your local Target and exclusively for Target.</li><li>Designed and used by Sonia Kashuk, makeup artist to stars and supermodels. One of her clients is Cindy Crawford, y'all! If she used it on Cindy, I don't think it's not good enough to use on us, right?</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cons</span><br /><ul><li>The head of the brush is kind of small if you intend to use it as a foundation brush. However, it is the perfect size for a blush brush. It fits right to the apple of my cheeks.</li><li>Takes a longer amount of time to dry since the brush is very dense.</li></ul>In conclusion, I love this brush. If I need to save spaces on my luggage by not bringing a lot of brushes, I will definitely bring this one. It's a foundation, blush, and concealer brush in one, holla!<br /><br />So ladies, don't walk, run to your Target store and grab this brush. I guarantee you makeup happiness for a long time!<br /><br />That's it for Tuesday, y'all! Have you guys watched the Olympic Games yet? Michael Phelps is muy caliente! Go Michael!<br /><br />Take care,<br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /><br />P.S: the book on the background is Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's "The Book of the Dead". It's a very interesting book with New York Museum of Natural Science as a setting. Also has a bit about mummies, Egypt, and Egyptology. I really enjoy reading it and also suggest it to you.<br /><br />P.P.S: related brush post about the <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/mac-basic-brush-set-great-brushes.html">MAC basic brush set</a>

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Blusher Brush: My All-Star Favorite!

For a brush hoarder like myself, it is very difficult to pick one brush to be the prima donna over the others. Believe me, it is an almost i...

Read more »

Smokey Eyes the Easiest Way!

Perhaps the smokey eyes look is one of the classic looks that never goes out of style. Once in a while it came back and dominated the runway. For the past two or three fall seasons, the smokey eyes look has been there. This year, although metallics is in, smokey eyes look is not totally out of trend just yet!<br /><br />I love doing smokey eyes very much because it gives me the instant-sexify look à la Angelina Jolie without a lot of mess. Recently, Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog (link on my blog roll) posted an entry about super lazy eye makeup that prompted me to do a smokey eyes look with the least amount of effort and materials.<br /><br />What I used on my eyes:<br /><ul><li>Bare Canvas paint pot applied all over the lid about 4 thin layers</li><li>Clinique high impact eyeshadow in Carbon, or any dark eyeshadow that you have (no need to use black if you don't like the color!)</li><li>Cover Girl LashBlast mascara</li><li>MAC 237 brush</li><li>MAC 219 pencil brush (optional)</li><li>Sonia Kashuk blending brush (crucial brush in this look!)</li></ul>I used only 2 colors and 3 brushes for the whole look, as simple as that! Here's the walkthrough<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB7WKRvZ-OB7MbuWVzpzZRWDyxRG0vOjBjuNtemx833oxcfNiuDxa4pW-tub9hI0qmCZ3Z0a77puNObabA13wJNBGOOi-_XRGDsLJ0gymSgBE0lux6GzScaF0hkVbEL_r6VF2xHQzgok/s1600-h/sn+fotd+105.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230707404520622482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqB7WKRvZ-OB7MbuWVzpzZRWDyxRG0vOjBjuNtemx833oxcfNiuDxa4pW-tub9hI0qmCZ3Z0a77puNObabA13wJNBGOOi-_XRGDsLJ0gymSgBE0lux6GzScaF0hkVbEL_r6VF2xHQzgok/s400/sn+fotd+105.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>After applying Bare Canvas, I used my MAC 237 (or a regular shadow brush) to apply the black eyeshadow like in the picture. It looks really weird at this point but do not worry, it's going to look better after blending<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRsHX2mAegdWvGyczUo3cEn0lnvomyEywFSI39RlqxrZgIoHYOcaS2ZnBdJ7d0XFPBel2Rkaz84VBcbl8TCuKu8cDzsGxXXrNG48hDs5qcMMNbopqwvT4YkTyrUSR8n5_5PmdXEyxAZc/s1600-h/sn+fotd+106.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230707402001897602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRsHX2mAegdWvGyczUo3cEn0lnvomyEywFSI39RlqxrZgIoHYOcaS2ZnBdJ7d0XFPBel2Rkaz84VBcbl8TCuKu8cDzsGxXXrNG48hDs5qcMMNbopqwvT4YkTyrUSR8n5_5PmdXEyxAZc/s400/sn+fotd+106.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Using my blending brush, I start blending the black color away from where I initially applied it and more toward the inner corner of my eyes...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeQN9ABnu9ASgVO4SbeIMBegQxTnroOG_rZyFuWmCfRgHTchtWMmsq8OyHWqYY0HYQxoTCfshMZKaBKARfJKn-dZe1Ak8vtqw9MTd_n13ln4dwhO20EbgHUFCjPqCCLlGtfVH8Zv4JSM/s1600-h/sn+fotd+107.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230707406945684162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeQN9ABnu9ASgVO4SbeIMBegQxTnroOG_rZyFuWmCfRgHTchtWMmsq8OyHWqYY0HYQxoTCfshMZKaBKARfJKn-dZe1Ak8vtqw9MTd_n13ln4dwhO20EbgHUFCjPqCCLlGtfVH8Zv4JSM/s400/sn+fotd+107.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>...to look like this!<br />The key idea here is to blend the crap out of the black eyeshadow to make it look smokey, like how smoke comes up to the air.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtHfZT8O3Fn12prrCnjjid1rnV8WWtrVTgzVKeDIks8W9ezcTjlStWGGfLLn5vQNGKFqydV8q2VO7ZNBE0mCncd5LCz1LyXu-BmcmkjnKs-rP_emCF_SuCWJJEFYAwLZuy5teg4tnA3A/s1600-h/sn+fotd+108.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230707406917890130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtHfZT8O3Fn12prrCnjjid1rnV8WWtrVTgzVKeDIks8W9ezcTjlStWGGfLLn5vQNGKFqydV8q2VO7ZNBE0mCncd5LCz1LyXu-BmcmkjnKs-rP_emCF_SuCWJJEFYAwLZuy5teg4tnA3A/s400/sn+fotd+108.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>This is how my eye looks when opened<br />Optional: you can use the pencil brush to line the lower lashes.<br />Since I have deep set eyes, I just skip this step.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCrhO7-TJUQ5ixnZzrDdUg_zXi_ydCFneuINVQL9lcxzUcPR7a2yBiPN-HC5i0v_eYD4mrTuoz3FOWvD2S4Zj5M3PrVJYq8RJyiEKm1-G-Pp9ZEwbvf0PCEQAvnVtMvrHs9ZrY_8lVbk/s1600-h/sn+fotd+122.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230707410070922498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCrhO7-TJUQ5ixnZzrDdUg_zXi_ydCFneuINVQL9lcxzUcPR7a2yBiPN-HC5i0v_eYD4mrTuoz3FOWvD2S4Zj5M3PrVJYq8RJyiEKm1-G-Pp9ZEwbvf0PCEQAvnVtMvrHs9ZrY_8lVbk/s400/sn+fotd+122.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The finished look: I paired with pink blush and nude lipstick<br />et voila, c'est fini!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Note: when you do the smokey eyes, feel free to apply as much mascara as your heart desires. I usually just go wild on the mascara and apply about 4 coats! It really increases the drama on the look.<br /><br />The whole time I spent on this look, including taking photos, was less than 10 minutes! It's simple and super easy yet very elegant and also dramatic. This look is perfect for a night time event. If used a dark shade of brown, it's a very elegant daytime look.<br /><br />My big "Thank You" goes to Karen for inspiring me. I skipped the champagne eyeshadow and just used paint pot, it saves me some time and the color stays better.<br /><br />This is the easiest way to do smokey eyes, y'all! Unless there's another way to do it with 1 color and 1 brush, this shall remain the easiest (for now!) I didn't need to line my lashes either since the dark shadow took care of it very well. Easy and lazy, that's kind of my style.<br /><br />Take care and happy Monday! Wishing you a productive week ahead!<br />Your Makeup Blogger</div></div>

Smokey Eyes the Easiest Way!

Perhaps the smokey eyes look is one of the classic looks that never goes out of style. Once in a while it came back and dominated the runway...

Read more »

TGIF FOTD!

For those of you who are shaking your head and wondering what I said, the code is decoded as "Thank God it's Friday Face of the Day!" The "FOTD" part is a common makeup acronym for "face of the day." Couple of weeks ago I mentioned how much I love Silk Naturals (SN) mineral makeup but I did not show any FOTD to back me up. Since then, I ordered their new medium coverage powder to try and did an all-SN FOTD just to show.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUj_uFbHSS2vwPrU21GOyBAJYQBH0I3E6ghpz_o_zZKx-09Zy0wi5JS-Dq2i6i1Xou6A0ZC-b7qhSj7bAuCTNn1ATFR3Txv-BfYJWOChCbjdV_55qWZW0G-lon991y4GUs1HfS7WE4js/s1600-h/sn+fotd+001.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229365953074723874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUj_uFbHSS2vwPrU21GOyBAJYQBH0I3E6ghpz_o_zZKx-09Zy0wi5JS-Dq2i6i1Xou6A0ZC-b7qhSj7bAuCTNn1ATFR3Txv-BfYJWOChCbjdV_55qWZW0G-lon991y4GUs1HfS7WE4js/s400/sn+fotd+001.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEK7PMfzxwPc1FjUFzf_HCSJW-MPqu-qnO25RZT9bZnMldP7-v-hXp3_kfwjUIrbH9m_OGh_etUvU6UhyphenhyphenHSoLSixwh9u6kMoWiOhBvv8LlHUtSpoAYInVJ2Oqn1AEsL1rhrGWPogyO-w/s1600-h/sn+fotd+009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229365952207403730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEK7PMfzxwPc1FjUFzf_HCSJW-MPqu-qnO25RZT9bZnMldP7-v-hXp3_kfwjUIrbH9m_OGh_etUvU6UhyphenhyphenHSoLSixwh9u6kMoWiOhBvv8LlHUtSpoAYInVJ2Oqn1AEsL1rhrGWPogyO-w/s400/sn+fotd+009.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Here's how the eye looks, most of the colors got washed out (again!)</div><br />What I used: all products are from Silk Naturals unless otherwise noted<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eyes:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9zDXtGLPtVd74yMfjl1doQBCmi-YPLJS1JGuS9cx9rbjUToUqTMi1neosYb9YE28zeE0-Suo5x6uciVGR8d0EKFPLXzZnV16pSYGzqlIE_YcETGvi_uq48e_igxI77Ca1Mzw8pbgxAA/s1600-h/sn+schema.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229365956340291650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9zDXtGLPtVd74yMfjl1doQBCmi-YPLJS1JGuS9cx9rbjUToUqTMi1neosYb9YE28zeE0-Suo5x6uciVGR8d0EKFPLXzZnV16pSYGzqlIE_YcETGvi_uq48e_igxI77Ca1Mzw8pbgxAA/s400/sn+schema.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The schematic that looks like some sci-fi works of art!</div><ul><li>Grassroot green e/s applied wet on the eyelid with a MAC 239 brush</li></ul><ul><li>Chocolate twinkle e/s applied dry on the outer-v with MAC 219 or a slanted eyeshadow brush</li><li>Halo mineral glow applied wet at the center of the eyelid with MAC 239 brush</li><li>A bit more of grassroot green applied dry with a blending brush to contour</li><li>Bargain pink e/s applied dry on top of grassroot green</li><li>Boom e/s applied with a fluffy brush as a highlighter</li><li>Almay Navy eyeliner</li><li>Cover Girl LashBlast mascara</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheeks:</span><br /><ul><li>Tarte blush on the apple of my cheeks</li><li>Halo mineral glow a bit above the cheekbones to highlight</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Face:</span><br /><ul><li>Medium coverage foundation in Buttery Gold: this color actually matches my skintone better than Ebony</li><li>Perfecting powder</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lips:</span> Pout lip gloss<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi061A-t3pVkzi7lJHO_k48IdhhT0KpOmHdB-BfT5NY9wLtuM9ot6AACryScZi4uU1AS4tZHl4jWip4NNZhFUUXwS_fyGB42UZHGJ4UzG1T9J60WTDJbzk0Cyi7rpFESwQqDG-G5MDACCo/s1600-h/sn+fotd+019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229365959807442034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi061A-t3pVkzi7lJHO_k48IdhhT0KpOmHdB-BfT5NY9wLtuM9ot6AACryScZi4uU1AS4tZHl4jWip4NNZhFUUXwS_fyGB42UZHGJ4UzG1T9J60WTDJbzk0Cyi7rpFESwQqDG-G5MDACCo/s400/sn+fotd+019.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Bonus picture of me looking slightly evil ^_^<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">That day my face was kinda patchy with some old scars and 2, 3 new zits popping up. The medium coverage foundation gives about 2 times more coverage than the regular one and I used it as an under-eye and zit concealer. It works quite well that way, believe it or not! Moreover, SN formulated it to be comfortable on the skin and the lasting power is much longer. It blends quite well with my skin but the oil controlling power is not as good, probably because I used less material to cover my face. Overally, I enjoy the new coverage and I think medium coverage is more than enough. SN also offers a higher level of foundation coverage that is pretty much the same as their concealers.<br /><br />Again, TGIF y'all! Today is the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games and I'm going to watch. How about you?<br /><br />Take care and have fun!<br />Your Makeup Blogger<br /><br />P.S: here's my first post about Silk Naturals with swatches. <a href="http://mymakeupblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/7-days-and-7-nights-of-mineral-makeup_17.html">Read all about it</a>!</div></div>

TGIF FOTD!

For those of you who are shaking your head and wondering what I said, the code is decoded as "Thank God it's Friday Face of the Day...

Read more »