March '13 Wishlist

Hello readers! I thought I would make a wishlist today, never really have before and gave it a try. I wanted to film a video; however, I am very sick and have barely any voice, along with quite the cough.

I have been eyeing up a few of these products lately. While I have no intention of buying them, I can admire through the screen. This wishlist is especially centered around what I want to pack for a big trip this summer (haven't told you all about it yet, but am so excited to).

All links will be posted below in case something..or a few things catch your eye.

http://www.dailylook.com/p/All-Products/Illuminated-Time-Watch/76783.html

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2240123&productId=xlsImpprod4130089&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=2grammysjlo&categoryId=cat80030%20cat80032%20cat80054

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=Outerwear&ProductID=2030187810&VariantID=

http://www.bodyc.com/products/maxi-skirt/

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nars-the-happening-palette/3447117

http://www.forever21.com/product/product.aspx?br=F21&category=Promo_Top_Rated&productid=2040496176&variantid=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2021840118&VariantID=

http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-24-powder-blush.aspx

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation Review/Demo

      Hey everyone! I recently purchased some products from Ulta with coupons and sales going on.
I had seen some wonderful reviews about this foundation and it seemed like just the right fit for what I needed from a foundation. I purchased the Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in 120 Vanilla.

      I filmed a first impression/demo of the foundation and reviewed it as well.

Price: 9.99
Amount: 1 fluid ounce
Shade selection: 16 shades
Claims: ''Blends seamlessly, build-able coverage."

                                 Pros:                                        

• SPF 20
• large shade range
• lightweight
• build-able coverage
• blends well
• natural looking

                           Cons:

• no pump for dispense
• lacks darker shades
• quite liquidy 

       Everywhere I've seen this foundation advertised in stores has a small booklet and color wheel to help people find their shade of this foundation. Personally, I brought my current foundation with me and compared it to the shades to find my match.

       The foundation lasted for 12 hours, which is wonderful in my eyes for a foundation. I asked a few people what they thought of my makeup, I didn't specify if I meant my eyes or face, I just wanted their honest opinion. Two people said my skin looked luminous, and that they didn't realize I was wearing foundation. That's what I want from a foundation, a natural glow that doesn't even look like makeup.

       I have been using this foundation for a few days now and I haven't noticed any changes in my skin (good or bad).

       Another awesome thing about this foundation is that I think it is an excellent dupe for my Nars sheer glow. The Nars is $42, this Revlon foundation was $10. The Nars is more creamy, while this is quite liquidy, but I had the same results with both foundations. I plan on filming a comparison video and will write an accompanying post including photos.

       I purchased this foundation for around 6.50, it retails for 9.99 at www.ulta.com and I used a 3.50 off a 10 dollar purchase.

       I have applied this foundation with my fingers, a brush, and a sponge. It applied evenly with each different technique. Layering with this foundation is also an option, just make sure you let it dry for two minutes before adding another layer.

       If you like foundations that give you a natural luminosity and medium coverage, I highly recommend this foundation for you!

      I think that's it for my review, I hope that each and everyone of you reading this has a wonderful day.

                                                                                                                 Chels

Beauty Secret: Cold Showers!

 

    As some of you may know, I have long hair, very long hair. I don't want long damaged hair, I want long,  lustrous, healthy locks! Maybe this isn't really a secret per-say , but it truly is a helpful tip!

   Cold showers did not sound appealing the first time I heard of them, I love my hot showers; however, my  doctor noticed my love for them instantly, which I didn't love... She told me they were drying out my already damaged (scarred) skin. I immediately took her advice and began the switch.

   The process of switching to cold showers isn't over for me, I've advanced to the point of warm -> lukewarm -> cold. Essentially I wash first with warm water, then shampoo my hair to lukewarm water, and rise it out then condition with cold water. Cold water is great for the skin as a last step too, especially if you shower in the morning, nothing invigorates you like cold water in the morning.

   Why? Hot water as a last step in the shower leaves pores open to get dirty and dries out the sebum (top layer of the skin). As for hair, the cuticle is open as well. Cold water seals the cuticles, ensuring some extra shine!

   I gave this tip to friends at school all the time when they'd ask the ''secret'' to my hair. I'm thrilled to say that I always got positive feedback when they tried it! My hair has definitely appreciated the lack of heat in the past months. :)

   Need more convincing? Here are some of the many reasons cold showers are great for you:

• strengthens the immune system
• increases circulation, which flushes toxins out!
• anti again benefits (keeps skin tight and elastic)
• saves money (are you going to take a longer hot shower or longer cold shower?)
• improved sleep

   One more reason, this builds self confidence! Honestly, when I get to the point where I can say I take cold showers, I will be so proud of myself! It shows I committed to making a healthy change, and have the will power to stick with it!

    Thanks for reading, if you try this, tell me in the comments!

                                                                                                        - Chels

A weekend away

 My final week of summer, I went to visit my Aunt and Uncle in New Jersey. Going there is always a treat. 

One of the days my Aunt and I went to Bridge Water Mall and got some beauty goodies.

  I thought I'd share some photos from my trip!

We had an amazing lunch at Lambertville Station. This sparkling lemonade was amazing. 

♥

My uncle and I went to the Farmer's Market that Saturday morning and got some fresh veggies and fruits. 

After we went to this great Italian Bakery. It's even been in the NY Times.

 I loved how rustic and sentimental the whole shop was.

♥

Mini Fishtail breads exude summer to me.

♥

I just thought this looked beautiful.

yay tea

♥

Thanks for reading.

Have a lovely day, whatever you do.

 chels

Miley Cyrus Inspired Tutorial

   About a month ago I posted on my youtube a Miley Cyrus inspired hair and makeup tutorial. In her video she did covering a Bob Dylan song, "You're gonna make me lonesome when you go" I thought she looked so beautiful, her entire look inspired me, even her outfit!

   The main product I used was my Urban Decay 15th anniversary palette. One could easily use the Naked palette too. If you wanted to do this with drugstore products I'd recommend the Comfort Zone palette or Vanity palette by Wet n Wild.

   As for the music, I think she and Johnzo did a terrific job with the song. When I was editing my video I wanted to keep up that "folk vibe" of the song and video. I chose to use the song "Unlucky Skin" by Shakey Graves. (purchased on Bandcamp.com)

   I am fairly new to making my videos on youtube so I am still finding my style when it comes to editing. The possibilities seem to be limited, yet endless. Some viewers want a full speaking tutorial, which I did my first few videos. Others want fast forwarding through blending, which I prefer too sometimes. I tried doing a voice over recently and boy was that a challenge! It's worth it if that is what my audience wants, I'll continue to try new video styles till I find what I think ""fits"'.

   Here is my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxaZw9Dm1yA&feature=plcp

 I hope you enjoy the tutorial :) 

                      - chels 

A new blog beginning

 After hours of working on finding the right buttons and flags for my blog, I am happy with the way it works (for now...) Most of the social media pins I don't even have an account with, but that will soon change! 

 I plan on having posts along with each new video I upload on youtube. I linked my youtube videos to the "Beauty" flag. As soon as I write more posts I will add more flags and have relevant links in accordance with  them from my blog. 

My desire for this blog is to be a creative outlet; writing about cosmetics, hair, health, and just thoughts of mine in general. 

I do not have a signature goodbye or anything like that yet, so I'll end on this note: thanks for reading, have a wonderful day. 

Elf Haul!

I recently purchased a hauls worth of products from ELF with their 60% off sale.
I only spent $36 on all these products including the shipping cost, a great deal!

Essentials Lipstick in Sociable

I really enjoy the essentials lipsticks. They are very creamy and pigmented. The Sociable shade is quite bright, and stains the lips a bit, which is a bonus in my book. 

Essentials Lipstick in Captivating

Studio Matte Lip Color in Tea Rose

The matte lip color is my new favorite lip product. It does not dry the lips, leaves great long lasting color, and is a wonderful buy for 3 dollars max. 

Studio Blush in Blushing Rose

Essentials Tinted Moisturizer (blended in second photo) order left to right, Ivory, Light Beige, Rosy Beige

I wear this tinted moisturizer every day during the school year. I swear it helps keep my skin relatively acne free. It gives very light coverage, and blends very well. It also of course gives the "dewy effect". For a tinted moisturizer it does photograph well. I really recommend this product!

Essential Cream Eye Shadow in Olive

Essential Cream Eye Shadow in Sugar Cookie

These cream shadows are honestly not the greatest quality, but with the proper primer and a shadow to set, really do have a nice effect. I love the olive set, it is much more pigmented than sugar cookie. 

Mineral Lipstick in Rich Raspberry

These lipsticks are wonderful. They are quite pigmented, and last long. I plan on buying all the shades, as I have not been disappointed once with them.  The color is a nice, rich, rosy color. I only use one coat, as it is very pigmented.

Studio Radiance Enhancer in Sunrise

I am not sure the real purpose for this product, it is too thick for a highlighter, and too liquidy for a cream blush. The pigmentation is wonderful, and it blends well. Maybe it will work well on the eyes...?

Essentials Nourishing Cuticle Pen

This product does what it says, nourishes the cuticles. I use it every morning now, and I see a difference after 4 days. The cuticles are somehow...brighter and much softer.

Essentials Bronzer in Matte

I really needed a matte bronzer for summer and to contour with. This bronzer builds quite well and lasts. I do not think this is completely matte, but I see no shimmer on my face when I use it. 

  

Mineral Booster (Large) in Tinted

I love this product. My skin feels like silk after applying it, and the tint is just enough color. This is one of my top summer products. 

Let me know what you think, any feed back is greatly appreciated!! Thanks for reading.