Read before you buy....

Hermanas!!!

As a product lover with a very very limited budget; I must really think out every purchase carefully. Actually, I think we all should. And not only because it takes us time to earn our dinero, but because there are few things as annoying than coming home after spending "x" amount of money only to find out that the foundation is too oily; the eyeliner does not glide, the lipstick shade is wrong, the mascara clumps.... bad.

So yes chicas, before I buy anything; I take my sweet time doing some serious research. Do I make faux passes? Of course I do. Sometimes even if I do my homework; the product will just not agree with me. But hey! I find researching products to be quite fun.

Now, what kinds of things do I do? Here's a quick list:

1. Observe and ask.

I am known for stopping mujeres in Seattle and asking point blank: "what mascara are you wearing?" or "love that lip shade, what is it called?" Not only is this a good way of getting good info; it also makes someone else's day (come on, we a ll love being complimented in our makeup, hair, looks, brains....). A lot of my best buys and staple products are result of this interviewing strangers.

This includes bloggers. I know only one or two bloggers who ignore their readers questions (if they do, I stop following). Ask your fave blogger what her staple products are; or send them on a quest for the perfect concealer!!! I recently did this!

2. It is on the interwebzzzz.

If you are -and I know you are- a savvy browser; not only do you read blogs; you also check out product review websites. I dutifully check out Total Beauty, Makeup Alley (which has a FAB swap section), Sephora, and other sites that have personal reviews. I trust reviewers that are not paid by the manufacturer. Hermanas like you and I.

Another great source of information is, of course, the manufacturer's website. Some of them include reviews from users; others do not. I tend to be careful about the claims that sound way too crazy; and lucky me, I live with an organic chemist that withstand my gunning him with questions.

3. Panic-shopping is bad for you.

This Saturday, I spend about 25 minutes in Target deciding which new mascara to get; since I am on a mascara+with+primer binge. I rarely buy makeup alongside groceries or anything else: they are both too important to interfere with each other. I would not like to buy a crappy eyeshadow as much as I would definitely not enjoy buying a bad lettuce head because I am in a hurry.

If I know I need something, I take my time. Case in point: About 3 weeks ago I realized my hairdryer needed to be passed on to la suegra (Rojo's mamma has short hair) and I should invest a bit of doolah in a new one. I read online reviews, I checked prices, and I asked my beloved Hairnista for her advise. Result? I paid 18 dollars for a Revlon Tourmaline Ionic hair dryer that makes me smile. Saved money, and I am sure I got the best dryer for me.

So, once again. Makeup is not a chore; but a quest, an adventure. So, if you have time and want to spend your dinero wisely; do a bit of research!!!!


Siempre, Bella.

Revlon Matte Collection... Checkmate!

Hermanas!!!

First, gracias to all of you who showed me so much love and support through these past days; I really appreciate it. Things are coming back to normal slowly, and our lives go on.

A couple of weeks ago I did a post on my 1-2-3's for looking younger with makeup tricks; and one of those tips was to use matte eyeshadows. And I can tell you, it works like a charm. Not only does it make you look younger; it also makes you look oh! so much sexier.

I got a hold of Revlon's Matte Eyeshadow Collection after a weekend talking to some younger hermanas who love makeup but didn't know if they could pull a midnight blue smokey eye; so I offered to try it for them....

Checkmate!! I am in desperate and absolute love with these eye shadows chicas. From Revlon's website:

Soft, suede-like texture glides over lids smoothly and evenly.
Provides high-impact color and a soft matte finish.
Feels smooth and luxurious on the eyes.

Check, check, check. Three out of three.

These babies are highly pigmented, but you can certainly monitor how much to apply without much hassle, and hence avoid looking like a scared raccoon... which happens only too often to divas-in-training who have not mastered the smokey eye look. They feel smooth and do not go powdery like other e/s; but you do need to be subtle when you first try them. You can always add more color; but taking it off is a b.i.t.c.h....

I bought only two shades: Riviera Blue which is my first ever blue eyeshadow (before this I avoided blues like the plague, and in general I still do); and Aubergine is the most luxurious deep purple you can think of. Sexy, I tell you.

For those chicas who favor a Spring natural look; Revlon also makes pastel colors like Pink Innocence and Luscious Lime; and -oh yes!- neutrals that you can use as an all-over base like Peach Sorbet and Vintage Lace.

Now, they of course come with an itty bitty applicator. But, if you have followed the Café Beautique and other beauty blogs for a while; you know that those are made to throw away and be replaced by brushes, right???? For more info on brushes, cheack out this post. I cannot then report on the applicator because by now it is somewhere far, far away.

And, if that alone was not good enough reason to try them.... they last forever. I kid you not. I always test new e/s without primer to check out the durability; and these ones beat any other I have tried. After all, Revlon did create ColorStay....

So go matte, go misteriosa, go sexy. But, more importantly, go happy.

Siempre, Bella.

Café Review: Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup

Hermanas!!!

After years and years of being a 100% devout of MAX Factor pancake foundation; I decided to venture and check Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup out. Why? Because a long time ago I was also a follower of Revlon's color stay foundation; so there. That, and Jessica Alba looked fab in the advertisement --- shameless victim of advertisement, eh?

I bought the foundation in Medium + the primer. The claim for the foundation is:

Weightless foundation that goes on white and self-adjusts to match your exact skin tone. In 5 shades with a flawless finish. SPF 15.

Rojo, our resident chemist and beloved husband immediately cracked into a laughter so evil I felt like a high school dropout without a clue... He claims that there is no way that "skin matching thingie" can happen [insert 45 minute lecture on the properties of carbon and radicals and godknowswhatelse]. I used it anyway; and gave the offending man one of my mean Furia Mexicana looks (he has since redeemed himself).


I don't know about the matching your skin thing; but both the primer and the foundation are quite nice to apply. And my skin looks quite dewy and radiant. Now, if you have oily skin, DO NOT use this: it has the potential of making the dewy look become something greasy and nasty. It is-I think- quite oily. I took a look at my foundation brush after applying and it felt, well, greasy.

It did last all day and looked uniform. Coverage is not as good as my usual foundation; or maybe I am not used to the dewy look (I'm all about matte finishes). But I did not hate it (or you would have heard about it quite fast).

I would much more like if the packaging was with a pump; since something tells me I will not be able to squeeze everything out of the tube (toothpaste, anyone???). Same would apply for the primer, but that one has a transparent tube casing, so I shall forgive them.

Speaking of the primer; it works like a charm; and it does the trick. It feels almost like Smashbox's Photofinish (yup, for like 30% of the price!) and I quite liked it. This will most definitely be repurchased, si si si. From Revlon's website:

Evens skin for a smooth, virtually poreless appearance and creates a smooth base for lasting foundation.

-Lightweight, gel-like formula fills in pores and lines
-Clean, fresh fragrance refreshes your senses.

In short (because I sprained my wrist during an escapade to Trader Joe's today and I can't type), love the primer, semi-love the foundation. But for the price, it is quite the deal! Now, if you have serious discoloration going on, I would recommend you learn how to become a concealer mage. Like Rojo said: magical claims are usually suspect.

Siempre, Bella.

Good to Great Hair: Celebrity Hairstyling Techniques Made Simple

Hermanas!!!

I have been busy reading, reading, reading beauty and hair publications. My latest public library shipment came in and I must review this book.

Good to Great Hair: Celebrity Hairstyling Techniques Made Simple was written by the amazing Robert Vetica, who does -ahem- Salma's hair. He just outdid himself in the last Golden Globes, where this fiery and talented hermana looked (no surprise there) like millones de pesos....




I know, I know, I know. I am Salma obsessed (so sue me). But it must be said that this hermana represents so many of us. She has more cojones than many people I know. And when Salma puts her face in the cover of a book and writes the foreword, I notice; read, and learn.

Robert's book is so not like most celebrity hair stylist publications (thank the Goddesses for that!!!). He has a way with words that does not make us feel like complete idiots; or leaves us wondering "what the blip did he mean by...?" He tells it with grace and little verbosity, and takes us by the hand all along.

Roberto does not -like many others- plaster his book with celebrity looks that are impossible to copy unless you have an arsenal of products+tools+time. Some famous women are portrayed of course (Hillary Swank, April Avigne = talk about different women and styles!), but they are not the center of the book. Roberto does not mention brands, either (with the itty bitty exception of his upcoming flat iron line, but that's ok I guess). He gives us all simple steps to not only make our manes look better; but doing so in a *gasp* affordable manner.

Tools, products, care, color, style.... it is all there. I did learn a few tricks; and did not end up feeling completely inadequate, or hopeless. Roberto does not go on the typical "I will make you look 20 years younger, and yada yada yada" tirades. He just shares with us how HE does it; and is quite aware that most of us will not and should not buy, say, 6 different curling irons.

The language is easy as everyday talk. No hidden meanings; no impossible to follow suggestions. It is simple... as simple as beautiful hair should be.

So chicas, you can either get this book for somewhere in between 15 and 25 USD; or you can be smart and get it from the library... saving those pennies to maybe buy some of what Roberto tells us we must have in our hair beauty kit (and no, you will not go broke).

I will say no more. Check this libro out. You will be hapy you did!!!


Siempre, Bella.

Café Review: Sally Hansen Microwaveable Eyebrow, Face & Lip Wax Kit

Hermanas!!

When I come across a good product, it might just take me a while to get it on the to-blog-about list. But when I spend my hard earned dinero on something that is nasty and bad; I can't wait to post about it. I bought Sally Hansen's Microwaveable Eyebrow, Face & Lip Wax Kit for several reasons:

1. It had a set of tweezers.
2. Came with eyebrow stencils.
3. It looked like a quick quick quick way to go about retouching my brows in between threading sessions.

BAD, BAD, BAD idea. I have been using waxes and sugaring kits (plus professional threading, my all time fave method for eyebrow shaping) for a very long time. And when I tell you this has to be the worst possible product, I do so with ample knowledge.

First, the wax should take about 45 seconds to heat, tops. It took me now one or two but five -cinco- minutes to get the tiny pot to heat up. Five minutes of my life I am not getting back.

Second, this wax and nothing have about the same results. It did not work on my brows at all; it was a gooey mess to apply; and it left traces behind like it was a fashion statement.

Third, it was an absolute pain to remove said residues.

The idea behind the product is quite good (stencils + tweezers + small pot + analgesic cream); but the execution was just poor. I was -am- upset. I am writing to Sally Hansen about this gaffe in their line of products. So save yourself some bucks and a free headache -- do not buy this.

Siempre, Bella.

Liquid Eyeliner.... pen or brush????

Hermanas!!!

After quite a well deserved loooooong weekend, I am back! Missed you tons chicas. Rojo et moi had a relaxing weekend at home, with lots of love, good food and other things non-blog friendly **blush**. I cannot tell you just how much I adore my husband; though something tells me you know that by now!!!!

As I told you all last week, I have received a couple of E.L.F. shipments that have kept me busy trying and evaluating these amazingly cheap products. Amongst the multiple goodies I received were liquid eyeliners in both brush and pen form. So I took my time and tried them both in different styles and colors and "faces". I must say I like them a lot. But this post is more about when and how to choose one form over the other; so here are my consejos.

Brush Liquid Eyeliner

This type of eyeliner is the best if you have a bit of experience applying it. When I was young (I am still restless and fabulous), liquid eyeliners actually had brush-wands; and I spent way too many minutes learning how not to look like Elvira Mistress of the Night. Once mastered, applying liquid eyeliner is like riding a bike: you never forget. Nowadays, brushes are way more friendly.

If you want a fine-fine line, this is the way to go. With a steady hand (tip: always place your elbow in the counter while applying to avoid shakey hands that will ruin the fun), you can create the loveliest cat eye ever. Just please be careful with the wing at the end. I don't care what people say, eyeliner that almost touches your ears is not flattering. No, no, no.

Also, this kind of eyeliner has usually more pigment than the pen styled one. I try to limit use of brush eyeliner when I am going for a more dramatic look; and of course at night. I usually dab a bit of eyeshadow before I apply the eyeliner, again to minimize the harshness.

Pen Liquid Eyeliner

If your are a makeup baby; or a supreme diva on the run; go for the pen style; hands down. Example: I had to apply mine on the bus this morning, and the pen gave me quickness, precision and no errors.

Pen eyeliners usually have less pigment than brush style ones, so they are perfect for your weekend looks. I rarely buy black pens, but always keep stocked on brown and dark grey -ash-. I just bought E.L.F. Midnight Blue, which is lovely and I highly recommend for a quick polished look on Sunday morning. I liked the colors so much I will absolutely get the plum shade on my next E.L.F. extravaganza.

A couple of tips....

never use liquid eyeliner in your lower lashes. Unless you are wanting some serious, serious shazam effect. Liquid eyeliner is not for the faint of heart, neither for the chicas who love their natural look. For lower lashes, go with either eyeshadow or pencil liner.

Chances are you will get some eyeliner in your lashes; and that can make mascara application a bit of a pain. I find that looking down while applying liquid eyeliner is a face-saver. Also, as soon as you are done with the application; comb your lashes and get rid of the excess. NEVER pull on your lashes. EVER. If you do, I will have to take some disciplinary action against you... and you will not like that.

For those hermanas who are makeup babies (divas-on-the-making); do not try to apply liquid eyeliner on a rush. First, because chances are you will not like the result and, since eyeliner usually goes after eyeshadows; if you make a mistake, the whole "face" will have to be redone. Second and most importnat: I have said it before and will continue: Makeup, hermanas, is not a chore. It is your moment of artistry. So enjoy it!!!!


Siempre, Bella.

Café Review: Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mascara

Hermanas!!!

I gave in and, after the total fiasco with Lash Stiletto ; I decided to give Rimmel's Glam'Eyes Mascara a well deserved try, since Rimmel usually has pretty innovative products that I have favored over the years.

The packaging is quite cute, there is just something about pink on black I can't say no to. My friend Amby says I dress in pink way too much (shame on me, but i realized it was kinda true, so I am expanding my wardrobe hues). In their webiste, they advertise it like this:

Seductive Volume. Turn heads. New VolumFlex Brush styles lashes for sensational volume and instant separation. Ultra supple elasto-bristles groom each lash, lacquering them from root to tip for a spectacular 7 x more lash intensity. Big Lash Seduction. High Definition. Maximum lash impact. Impeccable definition. Smoothing formula glides through lashes, wrapping each one for ultimate volume yet perfect separation. Lashes look dramatically amplified yet sleekly defined - even up close and personal

The much lauded 'VolumFlex' brush is, well, flimsy. Apparently that is the idea, to have the brush 'boing' along and don't pull on your lashes. The real reason for doing so beats me. It took me a long time to get used to it -- I like my brushes more on the chubby and firm side.

7x times lash intensity? Errr.... not quite. Although I did notice my lashes looked a tad bit longer; the volume and drama I was expecting has yet to come.

I also found that it can get clumpy when layering coats. I had to apply about 4 coats to look anything like I would with other volumizing mascaras; so maybe Glam'Eyes is for hermanas who like sleek lashes rather than really voluminous ones.

It does provide nice definition, speically in the lower lashes. there! Maybe i will use it only on my lower lashes and go back to other mascaras for the upper lash effect I like.

So chicas, Glam'eyes is a good mascara. Not a HG, and not a must-have. At least not for moi. Stay tuned, for I will keep on the lookout for drugstore finds. So i f you want to hook up for some mascara shopping, look for me in the beauty aisle at Bartell Drugs (which has great sales every week on beauty and health products).


Siempre, Bella.

p.s. I almost forgot to wish Happy Anniversary to my prima Danny G.; who celebrated one year of marital bliss with a really cool guy and a visit to Lake Placid. Danny lives in NYC, couple of blocks from Sephora. I am most certainly envious of that. Danny: Feliz Aniversario Chiqui!!!!

Café Review: E.L.F. Brightening Eye color

Hermanas!!!

As promised earlier in the week; I have been conscientiously using my E.L.F. cosmetics shipment; and I have a lot to say about them. This will need several posts; so let's start with the Brightening Eye Color quad eye shadows.

Eye shadows are my favorite makeup item. Love playing with them to get new looks and try out stuff. So how do these ONE DOLLAR quads fare in Bella's routine? Let's see. I bought Butternut, Drama, and Luxe.

In general, E.L.F. e/s are a bit powdery and certainly do not have tons of pigment. If you are going for a precise look or want a really deep coloring; I suggest you use your MAC or Maybelline goodies.

They look shimmery in the itty-bitty packaging; but when applied they turn a bit matte, which I totally adore: us mujeres who are a bit over 30 benefit way more from matte eyeshadows. Though they are not perfectly matte, either. Some of the colors reminded me a bit of MAC's Lustre finish.

They blend quite easily, and I found that they actually transform when combined- they do not look like one color on top of another one; but have some serious mixing power. That means with 4 swatches you can get as much as say, 7 colors with mixing!!! I know, coolness.

I think these little ones can be used day or night (unless, again, you are going for a punch and hyper accentuated eye look); and they stay in place: but they do need a primer for all day haul, no question. Without a primer, they tend to not disappear completely, but do loosen up after a while.

Here are my quick comments on the ones I bought:

Butternut

Butternut could just be the perfect weekend set, or the one to carry in your makeup bag for when you don't have time to get ready and need a quick pick me up. The peachy color is fantastic as either an all over base or a lower eyelid color. The lightest one works wonders as a highlighter for the inner part of the eye (yup, right next to your nose) or as a brow bone enhancer; and the other two are a delight to blend for accent.

Luxe

I must say, this one looked a bit off-putting when I opened it. I mean, RED eyeshadow? Oh my, I could not have been more wrong. The reddish swatch is the perfect burnt rose when I brush it on top of the pink one (which I use as all over base), and makes my eyes pop like you would not believe.

The brown and coppery tones are becoming my faves. The darker one sets in like a nice smokey touch and adds mystery to the eyes; and the other one helps it not look too strong for a day at the office. Love it, mucho love it.

Drama

I know I told you before that silver eye shadow is just not for me; but I risked it with this one and was pleased. Last Sunday I did my first ever attempt at a smokey eye look. While Rojo was a bit surprised at the change in my usual palette and style, he confessed to like it. Fetching, he said.

Not only is this a great set to make baby steps in smokey eye craft; but it is replacing (yes, you heard right) my MAC carbon as my eyelining choice. Combining the darkest tones, I get the perfect blend for lining my eyes and not look like Morticia Adams (who is a belle, but I bet she did not have office hours).

All in all hermanas, I will absolutely recommend E.L.F. Brightening Eye Color. Both to the make up newbies who are beginning to try out which colors agree with them; to more experienced chicas who like to expand their stash and save money at the same time.

I will continue the E.L.F. reviews tomorrow and next week. Right now, E.L.F. sent me a coupon code to get a free lip gloss with any order. Check them out and use the code ECHYPAY when you check out.

Siempre, Bella.

CARGO beach blushes

Hermanas!!!

I am in luvz. Luvz n' blushed that is. I found a CARGO Beach blush on hyper sale at amazon (special thx and luvz to Legally Smart who financed my spree with a gift certificate!). And I mean hyper-sale.... almost $10 off the regular $26 price. I bought it through Beauty in Style in the amazon beauty section - they seem to have discounted stuff; but limited selection.

Anyways, from the CARGO cosmetics website:

CARGO BeachBlush™ combines four complementary shades that when swept together, provide a perfect balance of color - the radiance of a newly flushed face and the glow of a lasting summertime tan.

At first I thought -sure, right, come on-; but fell in love with the packaging (I LOVE tins) and the concept of having several colors in one blush made me really, really curious; so I got it in Cable Beach. Like I said.... luvz.

OMG. This is so creamy for a powder --- this glides hermanas, glides. The brush loves this baby. And my face looks indeed all flustered (sexy fluster, not creepy old lady with too much blush flustered), and I love it.

Another point in favor is that it is supercharged with pigment. WOW. Plus, I find it goes with most my outfits -- so this takes the decision time of 3.5 seconds as to which blush to wear. Love it, love it, love it. I can direct my brush to the darker or the lighter side depending on the look I'm going for!!! Magia, magic, magique.

You can buy CARGO at Sephora of course. So go for it! You will have fun with it, I promise thee.

Siempre, Bella.

Cover Girl Lash Blast ~ review and giveaway!!!

Hermanas!!!

After yesterday's post on the not-so-fab Maybelline Lash Stiletto; I thought I would come back today to talk about one of my 2008 fab finds. Cover Girl LashBlast Volumizing Mascara gives me more volume than any other mascara (drugstore or brand) that I have tried; with just a couple of coats. I bought this mascara on impulse after seeing the commercial once too many times... and I bought it first in the "wrong color" - Brown Black instead of my usual Black.

At first, I didn't even notice it was the wrong color. I just loved how my lashes looked and how, even with so much volume, I did not look as "serious" as I usually do. Later in the day I figured out the lashes were dark brown. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. I have since bought the Black one, but keep both of them in my stash; and alternate depending on the rest of my outfit (sí, I am that obsessive).

The brush is different - it is chubby and has a short handle. The first few times I used it it was so strange; and even when I love the product, I would change the handle's design. Love the bristles, although the blunt end of the brush makes it difficult to reach corners and; for mascara newbies, it must be a drag.

Another thing I love about it is that my lashes stay up and sexy all day long, with no clumping at all; and when it is time to say buenas noches, it is a breeze to get off. Lash Blast not only gives volume, but also picks your lashes up.

This was one of the best drugstore finds of 2008; and Cover Girl has just released a version with shimmer. I shall try and report soon.

Thing is... I love it so much, that I will give you hermanas a chance to win it. Just leave me a comment on this post, with your best eyelash tip. I will choose and announce the winner next Friday!!! Giveaway open to all the hermanas who reside in the continental US.


Siempre, Bella.

p.s. Mascara is the beauty product with the shortest shelf life; so remember to switch at least every 4 months; or if it gets dry, clumpy, etc.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara

Hermanas!!!


I am back after a not so nice trip to the hospital on Monday. Nothing to be afraid of, there is still some Bella left to blog and send you some luvz.

I bought this adorably cute mascara (probably the best and most sophisticated packaging of a drugstore buy) after reading B's review at Clumps of Mascara (CoM is a MUST READ hermanas).

What do I think after a couple of weeks? Well, that is why I waited for this review. I wanted a whole week and so of using it everyday.

The advertisement for Stiletto promises long long lashes, reach of all angles, and a hypoallergenic product. I must say the length was pretty dramatic; but it gave me a sense of looking scared. Surprised or something to that effect. Just not my style. My lashes felt harsh and stiff. Again, nothing like the silky feeling I crave.

The brush is pretty nice; it is elongated and red, so you can see how much product you are carrying; unlike regular black brushes. That gives it a couple of good points. Now, to reach all angles you have to work it, and it takes time to get used to it. But all in all, the brush is cool.

I have long eyelashes so I need volume, my length is just fine gracias. Though I would asume that for hermanas with minimum lashes this would be a must try. I had to apply several coats to get any volume; but then again, this is not advertised as a volumizing mascara so I shouldn't really complain.

Also, my eyes were super itchy throughout the day. I stopped wearing it and went back to another mascara and bye bye itchiness. So the whole "hypoallergenic" thing did not work for me at all. Taking it off was also a bit of a hassle.

This is a Maybelline product I will not buy again. If I ever get another Maybelline mascara, it will be the usual Great Lash.

Siempre, Bella.

Maybelline Expert Eyes Eyeshadows

Hermanas!!!

While cleaning last Sunday, I discovered I am running out of certain MAC faves; and began reconsidering what my favorite base eyeshadows are - in this time of crisis and all.

Maybelline Expert Eyes Eye Shadows. Say no more. For a loooong time now I have been using their Champagne Frizz and their Earthy Taupe as the all-over base for my eyeshadow canvas. Both are matte tones, and I mean matte. But for those of you who are all about the shimmer, they also have what they call a "high pearl" touch (I have not used those, so I can't really say much).

Expert Eyes is one of the creamiest -if not THE creamiest- and easy to apply e/s ever. It glides beautifully hermanas. Love that feeling of silkynessssss. It does not pulverize all over my eyes, stays put (even before I went on to wear e/s primer) and it helps me neutralize any mishaps.

Another good point is that it lasts forever. And mind you, I use this every day. Some hermanas have told me it takes several strokes of the brush to get more pigment on; though I am quite happy with it. And it all depends on using the right brush, remember?

Last but not least, the gamma of colors is one of my faves. All of them on the neutral side of things; with no surprises when applied. Do note: if you are going for dramatic eyes, Expert Eyes is not the way to go. But if you are looking for a base or something subtle, this is it. I buy only singles, but they also have trios, duos, and palettes.

Right now you can get the singles for $2.70 at Buy Me Beauty; or for $3.50 at ULTA. The price is quite reasonable; and you will not regret it. At all.

Siempre, Bella.

Anastasia Brow Express Kit

Hermanas!!!

Back in 2008, I dragged Legally Smart to one of my Sephora binges. We had a jolly time, and I must say I am having a makeover effect on this relentless lawyer, since she has appeared with makeup on outside of Court. WOW. But back to topic chicas.

A nicely kept set of eyebrows is a must-have if you want your face to look cleaner, and your morning make up time to really pay off. Unruly eyebrows are not sexy, neither are over-plucked eyebrows (unless you want to look perpetually scared when they overdo the tweezing). At all. A long time ago, I had *gasp* a uni-brow with deliriums of thinking I looked like Brooke Shields. That is now past. Since then, I have learned the importance of keeping my brows clean and tailored.

I have tried waxing -ouch!-, threading (my fave method); and I tweeze as often as I remember to do it. I had heard wonderful things about Anastasia's Brow Express so I plunged into the bandwagon with a passion and got myself the kit, without much thought... worst $38 mistake I have ever made. Not impressed. At all. For $38, I had really high expectations.



The kit comes with four brow stencils, of which I could only make "use" of the High Arch one, and with so much difficulty I thought about flushing the thing down the toilet. You somehow have to hold both ends of the stencil while applying the shadows. When I grow hand number three, I should be able to master it. Not now though. Since the stencils have nothing to hold them in place and are quite slippery; this becomes the perfect scenario for a panic attack.

Say you have the stencil in place... then you fill in with the shadows that come with the kit; pluck whatever is outside of the shadow and you are ready. The kit also has a pomade to keep your brows tamed, which is actually very nice and works fine. Plus a "highlighter" for the brow bone that I have yet to notice when I apply it.

In all seriousness, I was very, very, very disappointed. This kit does nothing for me, besides sending me into a homicidal rage. I will just go back to using my regular Clinique Brow Shaper in Shaping Taupe (or whichever matte eye shadow that matches your brows) and get as far away from the stencil fad as I can.

Now I have to find a good Hindi threader in Seattle and make an appointment soon. I will leave the shaping to the professionals, and do the upkeep myself. Hmpfh.

Siempre, Bella.

NEW Urban Decay Potion w/a twist!

Hermanas!!!!


Sephora just released for sale the new Potion Primer from Urban Decay. This one has a bit of a hint of shimmery color.

As I've said before, this is the BEST primer for eyeshadowsI have ever tried. Worth every penny of the $17. I mean that!

I wantz zome!!!

To sparkle or not to sparkle...

Hermanas!!!

I was looking at my eye shadows this morning and came to the realization that I have way too many shimmery ones and less matte eye shadows. It did not come as a surprise though was the fact that the shimmery ones I use way less than the matte ones. This got me wondering on how to choose the right finishes and colors for eye shadows.

I *think* as we age, shimmery eye shadowsdo us a dis-service; although some hermanas get away with it with more ease. I also believe it depends on your skin's condition and skin tone. I read somewhere that brunettes can get away with more color combinations than blondies, but I have my reservations. I just cannot wear silver e/s. I look awful.

When talking about finishes, the folks at MAC have categorized them like no one else. MAC has seven finishes to seriously fit every taste and need; and the swatch samples on their website are fabulous. I have tried five of them (matte, frost, lustre, satin and veluxed pearl) and love them all. MAC eyeshadows are amongst the most blendable, and the variety is amazing.

• FROST - An iridescent shine that adds a highlight quality to any colour.

• LUSTRE - Smoothly pearlized; intensely frosted with a deluxe ultra-fine finish.

• MATTE - High-color pay-off in a no-shine matte finish.

• SATIN - Pure color in a satin-style finish. Provides a soft subtle non-frost, light-refractive sheen.

• VELUXE - Superfine texture. Pigment rich, silky smooth matte finish.

• VELUXE PEARL - Vibrantly tones and velvety soft with a metallic shimmer. Overlaid with high-shine pearl.

• VELVET - Soft look finish with high-color intensity. Has a velvety look and feel.

My palette is mostly neutral and towards the bronze/golds. My favorite tones are:

Embark (matte)
Carbon (matte)
Rice Paper (frost)
Saddle (matte)
Honesty (lustre)
Antiqued (veluxed pearl)

I wear the matte finish both as an accent shadow and also as an upper lid eyeliner. My veluxed ones I use sometimes as a lower lid all over shadow and also as an under-eye-liner (more fun than the usual blahness of either maroon or black, and more subtle). Frosts and lustres I olnly use for under my brow bone, or for an all-over highlight.

What are your favorite finishes? Do you shimmer away or are you from the matte-est-mysterious clan? Do tell.

Siempre, Bella.


p.s. Don't forget your primer and clean brushes!!!!

Treat me beautiful... or chop me down!!!

Hermanas!!!

Today I did go not to Sephora; but to Super Supplements to stock on vitamins for both Rojo and me, and coconut oil. This got me thinking of hair care and the different products I have used over the years. I have really long hair; and have come to the conclusion that there is nothing that turns me off more than an opaque, brittle, strawy appearance. Really. Healthy long hair is just sublime. Unhealthy long hair is disgusting. This applies to both hermanas and hermanos.

I usually wear my hair down; and therefore the need for haircare is a must. Now; once upon a time I would spend recklessly on hair treatments. I would actually go and get them "done" at the beauty parlor. Times change. Income changes, too. I am now more budget conscious and a bit more savvy about looking good without going broke.

Here are my favorite hair treatments.... in spendy to cheapo order (aprox. prices). There is a treatment for every budget.


Kerastase Masquintense ($50+)

This used to be my staple hair mask when I was young, restless, and non-thrifty. To this day, I sigh for its absence. During my years in Canada; it was impossible to get my hands on Kerastase, so I let go of it slowly.

I needed to use this only once a month or so; and it worked beautifully. Would I go back to buying it? Not really. I have found fantastic products that do the trick at a fraction of the price. Not that if someone gave me a pot I would say no to it.

But if you can afford it; don't second guess yourself and go for it. It is worth every penny.



LUSH Jasmine & Henna Fluff Eaze Hair Treatment ($20+)

I cannot say enough good things about LUSH's hair treatments. I have used all of them but the Marylin for Blondes and this is, by far, my all time fave. Another really good one is H'Suan Wen Hua (yes, that's the name), but I am set on this one.

For brunettes or redheads, this is the one you want hermanas. You really, really do. You can either follow the instructions and be done with it in 30 minutes, or you can be like yours truly and leave it overnight.

The shine I get from LUSH's Fluff Eaze is beyond WOW factor. Love it, love it, love it. But, like with a lot of LUSH goodies, some hermanas are put off by the smell (I know my internet hermana A cannot go into LUSH though she loves it!!) so make sure you check the smell before buying it.

This one is also highly recommended for all the hermanas who are fabulous and henna their hair. It is like a henna wash with a kick ladies!!! (btw, LUSH also has their Henna dye collection, in case you didn't already know...).




Virgin Coconut Oil ($10)

I just bought my latest pot at the vitamin store, so the price is accurate. Make sure the ONLY ingredient in it is -duh- coconut oil. Some cheaper versions, like the ones you find at the supermarket, have god knows how much "other stuff" (including -yikes!- mineral oil) in them.

Coconut oil has a long and ancient tradition as a hair dressing tool. It should have an almost transparent look to it; and be solid in the pot. When you apply it; rub a bit -a bit- in between your palms; and run it down your hair. I always pass a comb through so I can be sure it gets everywhere.

If you leave it overnight as I often do; get yourself one of those really cute satin bonnets to sleep in. And no, it does not look creepy. It looks cute. Morning after, make sure to rinse out with your fave shampoo.

You can also use jojoba oil as above. I find it that I like to use coconut oil as deep night treatment and jojoba oil in the mornings as a sun-barrier. Whatever works for you. Legally Smart uses only jojoba oil, and she has a lovely mane.





Infusium 23 Repairologie Leave-in Treatment ($6.99)

I must say this was one of my life savers during the Canadian winters and even before. The folks at INFUSIUM know what they are talking about.

Their whole line of products is something to look at; and they are quite affordable compared to some really overpriced supermarket/drugstore haircare brands.

What I loved about this treatment was its lightweight. The 3 treatments above are heavy. Infusium 23 is something you can't even feel it's there. It also works as a detangler, and leaves you ready for either heat styling or au-naturel drying. Love it.





Aussie 3-Minute Miracle ($4)

What can I say? The "put some roo to your do" works. It really does. I was much more of a 3-Min. fan back in the Canadian prairies where the water was hard and the weather was really harsh on my hair. But this little staple of beauty is always in my heart.

If you have seriously neglected your hair with too much heat, nasty winter weather, too much chemical processing; run and get yourself the 3MM. You will be glad you did.

The only drawback with Aussie's "Miracle" is the 3 minute wait in the bathroom. I don't know about you hermanas, but I have my time really measured for a quick morning routine; and 3 minutes are, well.... 3 more minutes with Rojo in the balcony. What more can I say????


So those are my pics for most memorable hair treatments of all times. Which are yours? Any home made magic you would care to share with us???


Siempre, Bella.

Prestige Non-Creasing Eyeshadows

Hermanas, es viernes!

Fridays are cool. Very cool. I usually go for coffee with la suegra, my mamma in law who is as sweet as they come; but today shall be different since el suegro, Rojo's dad, is turning one year dolder. Happy B-Day, G!!!

I am always on the hunt for drugstore cosmetics that do the job the spendy brands do, without hurting either my skin or my wallet. One day, back in Deadmonton; I stumbled across Prestige Cosmetics. They were on sale so well... you know the story; got Self a couple of lip liners; which worked wonders in the Canadian winter that did nasty things to my lips.

We moved to C-@-TL and I sincerely forgot about Prestige until about 2 months ago when my MAC e/s in SwissChocolate went ciao ciao and I was not going to splurge on MAC. Again, Prestige was on sale so I got the single Ebony and was just amazed. As in W-O-W. It goes on smoothly; blends like a charm (who likes e/s that does not blend well???) and lasts forever (even without my not-so-secret weapon Urban Decay Potion Primer). They honor their name and do not crease, ever. Not even the frosted ones.

They have a nice selection of tones. Singles duos, quads. The duos are fab because you can mix them right there in the pot (today I am dolled up with Cinnamon Stick Duo plus their Flushed as a browbone highlighter). Packaging closes nicely and is clean. Some hermanas have told me they are sad these babies do not come with an applicator, to which I always reply: "Appli-whats????Get yourself decent brushes!" Seriously. Applicators are the best way to cultivate icky life-forms in your products or, like Legally Smart told me once, a "primordial soup" (and mind you, she uses Sephora applicators but swears she throws them away often).

You can find them in most drugstores and supermarkets. Sad to say, Sephora does not carry them.Singles go for about $3.99 USD and quads for $5.99, if you are wondering where to get them; check out their store locator feature. Their website is not very nice to look at (swatches are poor), but the retail locator makes it worth it.

After finding this brand, I bid adieu to all but one shade of Revlon ColorStay; and to my Maybeline singles.

Now hermanas... go get prestigious !!!

Siempre, Bella.