BH COSMETICS: FLORAL BLUSH DUOS & WILD PALETTES

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FLORAL BLUSH DUOS & WILD PALETTES

By Jessica

Floral Blush Duos: I have really enjoyed using their Rose Duo. It has a blush and highlighter, so you can use one or the other as well as use them together. The blush is extremely pigmented, so be careful not to overdo it or you will look like Bozo the clown...lol. The color lasts all day and really stands up to sweat. I am not as fond of the highlighter, but only because I feel it makes my already enlarged pores seem more prominent, but that may be self consciousness, though from other's view I look "glowing". It is so easy to blend too, which is very important when buying blush, because you don't want lines or splotchyness. I like to use them both together to make my blush shimmery, but occasionally I just need a matte finish. With these duos, you get the best of both worlds. The color on screen is not the true color of the blush. It has a coral hue to it, but it is oh so gorgeous.

Wild Palettes- I bought the Wild Child palette and I would have to say, it is some of the richest baked shadow I have ever used for the price. There are 3 in the collection: Wild at Heart, Wild & Free and Wild Child. They cost $19.95 on the website (currently on sale for $11.95) and have 9 eye shadow shades. The packaging is pretty cute and has a good size mirror.  I am amazed at the quality I have to say. I definitely recommend this palette is you have amber eyes or hazel eyes. The only problem I had with this palette was how easy it was to break the shadows. They are so soft and so I do not carry this palette with me as I am worried the inside of my handbag will turn a purple color from shattered eye shadow. Other than that, this is a must purchase. The colors are beautiful for Fall and even Spring! I would have done swatches, but my daughter and I are sick and I'm not spreading germs to my makeup.

DERMALOGICA OILY SKIN KIT REVIEW

By Amanda

So I bought this Oily Skin Kit thinking “oh boy another one” … I’ve been using it since August and have decided it is fabulous.  It actually works.  I was completely surprised when I had to use the Multi-Active Toner and the Oil Control Lotion.  I’ve never used lotion in my life – especially not on my face.
The starter kit is perfect and considering the quality of the products, 37.00 is not a bad price at all.  I found that I only needed to use the Dermal Clay Cleanser, Skin Prep Scrub, Multi-Active Toner, and the Oil Control Lotion.
My skin is better and it actually does get rid of oil, the best part is wearing makeup is better and lasts longer since the products actually do their job.  So in short, I’d say check out Dermalogica products they are excellent and if they can get rid of my oily issues chances are they can help with anything!

OSCAR DE LA RENTA: BALLGOWN FAVORITES

All images are copyrighted by their respective creators.

By Jessica

As we remember this fashion icon, we think of all the beautiful and breathtaking masterpieces over these many years. Since I couldn't show them all, I just listed some of my favorites. I hope you admire these pieces as much as I do. Swoon.


1. Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2013 Collection: Jessica Alba served as a host for the 70th Annual Golden Globes Awards held in Beverly Hills, and she dressed to perfection for the evening.

2. Oscar de la Renta Fall 2009: Ruffled Sweep Black Gown

3. Oscar de la Renta Spring/Summer 2013 Ready-to-Wear Collection: Embellished strapless ball gown with asymmetric hemline

4. Oscar de la Renta SS 2014

5. Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011 RTW Collection: Emma Watson Looks Beautiful In Oscar de la Renta At "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2" Premiere

6. Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2013 Party Collection: Green Mermaid Long Gown with Peplum

7. Oscar de la Renta Fall 2013

8. Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011

9. Oscar de la Renta Fall 2014: Polka Dot Strapless Gown

10. Oscar de la Renta Fall/Winter 2014 RTW Collection: Bustier Gown

HOW TO: MAKE EYE SHADOW MORE PIGMENTED

By Jessica

Sometimes our budgets force us to settle on cheaper cosmetics, though there are drugstore brands that are quite vibrant, I feel you don't know what you are missing until you purchase high quality eye shadow. It is so much more true to it's color in the container and it blends so much easier. However, since, as I said, this is for those of us who want to get all they can out of what they have. This will not improve how easy it is to blend, but will it will make your colors more intense.

Usually, I either use primer or shadow primer (the tackier, the better) or you can also use foundation. I feel like primer is the better option.

Other options include using a white or matching color liner under your shadow and using a black liner for darker hues like navy, black, ect. Also, applying your shadow wet either with water or a product like MAC Mist & Fix. If you use saliva, keep in mind how many bacteria are swarming your mouth on the daily. We won't judge, but it is not recommended.

You may also use all of these methods together or in different combinations. Whatever suits you. I use foundation, primer, liner and most of the time apply wet, depending on the brand I use.

NOTE: I have heard of some people using Visine eye drops on their brushes to apply shadow wet. Do NOT do this. Yes, it is safe for eyes, but it is not meant to be put on the sensitive area of the eye lid. It can irritate or inflame the delicate lid, dry out the skin and may even cause an allergic reaction to some depending on what ingredients are in the drops. So keep that in mind when deciding whether to chance it. Stick to plain ole H2O.

COVER FX PRIMERS & CC CREAM REVIEW

I would have to say when I received these from Cover Fx, I thought, ok, here's more stuff I won't use. I have had trouble finding primers that work for me in this humid weather we have in the south. As far as CC creams go, I have never liked using them because they didn't have enough coverage and felt oily. Boy, was I wrong. Before I continue, it is worth mentioning, none of these products caused any breakouts even with my extremely oily skin. I hope you enjoy! - Jessica

1. First up is their CC Cream Time Released Tinted Treatment. I washed, moisturized and put this on my face with my fingers and it was oh so creamy and easy to blend. It didn't settle into my pores, and to be honest, it felt like my skin. It was so light, it literally felt like just skin there. I didn't use any finishing powder and it looked so natural. I would definitely make this a staple in my makeup kit.

2. Next up we have their SPF 30 Protection Primer. I normally don't use anything with sunscreen unless I have no plans to have my picture taken, but I just thought I would try it and put my normal foundation over it and take a picture to see how it did. I didn't notice any flashback. It doesn't feel like silk like some primers do such as Smashbox and MAC Primers. It's more of a gel cream and is thicker than I was used to. However, It spread easier than the silky primers I felt. and just like the CC Cream, it was light and not sticky. My foundation went on beautifully and I even noticed I had much less creasing under my eyes. That is normally an issue for me .

3. Now we have their Mattifying Primer. We have yet another win with this one. It went on just as easy as the rest of the products reviewed in this article. The mattifying power of this primer is amazing. Even after sweating in hot Louisiana weather for hours, as soon as I came inside to cool off, I checked my makeup and it was flawless as if I had just applied it. This would be my holy grail primer. I absolutely love it, so I will be buying this when I run out.

4. Last but not least, we have their Anti-aging Primer. It has the same quality as the other primers. I wouldn't use this during Summer, but as a Fall/Winter primer, this would be amazing. It kept my makeup from settling into my laugh lines, which is a problem for me lol. All in all, this is a really great primer and seems it would be great for all skin types.

GRUNGE IS BACK! - BY AMANDA

The 90's are back, only shinier! This outfit can be dressed up or dressed down. Work to festival - just slap on a bracelet.

[1:31 PMWork to festival - just change your shoes and slap on a bracelet!

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#SQUATOBER FITNESS CHALLENGE

FEATURED MUA: CECILY KAYTLAN TORRES

"I'm originally from Florida, but now reside in Newport, NC. I have two beautiful daughters. They are 4 and 5 and also share my love of makeup. Makeup has been my passion since I was little. I grew up watching my mother do her makeup and it sparked my passion for it. I hope to inspire my children the same way. Makeup is such a beautiful art and I love being able to share that with my children."

You can find Cecily on the following social networks: @cecilykaytlan & YouTube



Cecily's Top 5 Must Haves:

1. M.A.C.- Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in Medium Plus
2. NYX- Matte Lipstick in Aria
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills- Dip Brow in Ebony. 
4. Coastal Scents-Hot Pots
5. NYC- Liquid Liner

Products Used- 1. M.A.C.: Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC30 2. Cover Girl: Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer in Light 3. BH Cosmetics: Matte Bronzer 4. BH Cosmetics: Take Me To Brazil 5.Hard Candy: Glitter 6. M.A.C.: Lip Liner in Nightmoth 7. M.A.C.: Lipstick in St. Germain and Happy Hibiscus

Products Used-  1. L'Oréal True Match Lumi in W6 2. Cover Girl: Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer in Light 3. M.A.C.: Mineralize SkinFinish in Medium Plus 3. NYX: Blush in Love 4. Coastal Scents: Hot Pots in Tangelo Tint, Dark Mango, Marmalade, Volcanic Blast, and Maroon Berry 5. NYC: Liquid Liner 6. L'Oréal: Voluminous Manga Mascara 7. Physicians Formula: Eye Liner 7. Gold Pigment from Amazon 8. M.A.C.: Lip Liner in Nightmoth 9. Milani: Power Lip Stain in Cabaret Blend 10. The Balm: Mary Louminizer for my highlight 

Q & A:

• Why did you choose to become a makeup artist?

It is something I've been passionate about since I was a kid. Doing makeup is actually therapeutic for me. It relaxes me like nothing else can. Also there is nothing better than seeing a clients reaction when they look in the mirror. I love empowering other women and making them feel beautiful.

• Do you remember your first experience with makeup?

My first experience with makeup was when I was about 9 years old. I wore bright red lipstick to school and got in trouble!

• Did you attend a cosmetology school or are you self-taught?

No. I am completely self-taught.

• Do you work with a team or solo?

Right now I work solo, but I hope to put together a team one day.

• What MUA would you love to work with and why?

I would love to work with Jaclyn Hill. She seems so down to earth and is such an inspiration to me.

• What celebrity would you like to work with and why?

I would love to work with Katy Perry. She is so beautiful and seems so sweet!

• Who has been your biggest influence in the makeup industry?

Jaclyn Hill definitely. She got my makeup game on point for sure. Her YouTube videos have taught me so much.

• What advice would you give to budding makeup artists?

Practice practice practice.  Have patience and don't give up. The more you do something the better you'll get. And have fun with it. Makeup is art so each person interprets it different.  Just do what makes you happy.

• Where are you located and how can the public access your services? 

I am located in Newport, NC and I can be reached by email: makeupbycecilyk@yahoo.com. I also
travel all over eastern NC.







We would like to thank Cecily for joining us to be our first featured mua of 2014. We hope to make this a monthly post, so follow our social networks to keep up to date on new posts! - Jessica & Amanda

BB MENDING MASQUE REVIEW - BY AMANDA

BB Mending Masque $37.00 – bought at Luxe Apothetique

Yes, it’s expensive but you get what you pay for and this is the case with this product.
I have been using this hair mask for a month now and love it.  My hair is colored and suffers from split ends, I use this twice a week and my hair is completely repaired.  I only use it twice every other week (or as needed depending on how your hair is doing) since it is concentrated you don’t need to use much.  When I purchased this product I told Jessica, “This better work miracles”
Well, it definitely does.  Would definitely buy this again. - Amanda

HOW TO: GET SHINY NAILS WITHOUT POLISH - BY JESSICA

Want to give your nails a break from constant color changes or acrylics? Try this tutorial on getting shiny nails without polish, the natural way. Pardon the state of my hands, I was never meant to be a hand model. ;) I hope you enjoy! - Jessica

What you will need:

buffing block

olive oil (coconut oil will also work)

small bowl

Note: If you wish to file your nails and smooth them, now would be the time. 

1. Dip your fingers in the olive oil and massage the oil into your nails. Allow oil to soak into

your nails completely for about 15 minutes. (now would be a good time to remove cuticles if desired)

2. Wipe off any excess and begin using your buffing block. There should be a numbered step on each

side. Start with the buffing step and continue with the rest of the steps. Do not bare down too hard.

3. Finish off with a last coat of olive oil if you like, I did not.

DIY: MINERAL VEIL - BY JESSICA

I really like using mineral makeup, because of the finish and because it's a lifesaver for oily skin. I don't know if I was cursed or blessed with oily skin. The jury may still be out on that question, but I have found a great recipe to make my own. I don't know about you, but I am one of those women who doesn't always have the budget for high end cosmetics, so I am always looking for a DIY version. This is one of my favorites. Organic ingredients are preferable, but that is up to you. I didn't use organic for this DIY.  - Jessica

What you will need:

small bowl

small whisk or fork

1 tbsp Cornstarch

1/2 tbsp baby powder

cocoa powder as needed (to match your skin color)

1. Add your cornstarch.

2. Add your baby powder.

3. Add your cocoa powder as needed. A little at a time, so that you don't overdo it and it becomes too dark.
Mix together gently (otherwise it's a dust storm) with a small whisk or fork.

4. You're done! Apply with a powder brush over your foundation.