For the compulsive cosmetics gal

Gifts under 50 for the compulsive cosmetics gal by momo-san92 featuring tarte makeup

Buried under all my schoolwork, I hadn't realized that Christmas is upon us. I'm not so much for receiving gifts as I am for giving them, so every year I have fun creating gift lists and guides for my friends. This particular occasion I've decided to start with cosmetics, because I believe it's the easiest one. Make up stores this time of year are filled with value sets and it has been my personal experience that these are always a good buy. There's also a great variety of sample and travel sizes that are perfect for stocking stuffers. Here's what caught my eye this season:

1. Tarte's Fantastic Foursome 12 hour Amazonian Clay Blush set($39)- This has been one of the most impressive sets I've seen in a while. Each blush can run up to $24 by itself and here you have a selection of the 4 most popular shades for only $39. The pigmentation in these is incredible and the lasting power is superb!

2. OCC Lip Tars Set($50/$16 if you buy individually)- If you're looking for a vegan lipstick that just won't quit, then you have to get your hands on these. The selection of shades and the color payoff are great.  

3. Korres Lip Butter Collection($19)- These have been going around the blogger community for a quite a while and I found them quite interesting. They offer a very sheer color and some of these have a really lovely scent.

4. Urban Decay's Basic Naked Palette($27)- This palette is supposed to be the matte companion to the very famous Naked and Naked2 Palette. I think this is a perfect palette for someone who is in a more professional setting and needs something clean and classic.

5. Origins Minis($10-$17)- Origins has been a very sought after skincare brand recently, and the fact that they offer smaller versions of their most popular products is definitely a plus.  

Organizing and De-cluttering

I've been on a mission to organize my make up collection and de-clutter my dresser. If you're anything like me, you just line up your products on the dresser. Now what happens when the products don't fit in your dresser? You start stuffing them into a random drawer. After you realize that you're dresser looks like a hot mess and you can't find anything in that random drawer, you go on an emergency organizing spree. Luckily I was able to find a very cute organizer from Tokidoki on sale at Sephora. It has been my miracle worker. It has 4 divisions: a detachable make up bag, some elastic loops for brushes, 2 joined pockets for smaller things, and a zippered pocket.

Isn't it adorable?

Review: Maybelline 24H Tattoo Eyeshadow

Maybelline 24H Tattoo Eyeshadow in Tough as Taupe

Left: Blended with a brush |  Right: Swatched with finger

There was a lot of buzz surrounding these eye shadows and they were being compared left and right to MAC's Paint Pots.  I've never tried the MAC Paint Pots, so I can't really comment on that. At the moment of buying this I was just looking for a nice cream eyeshadow. I was very surprised with this one. The formula is very creamy and can just as easily be used with a brush or with your fingertips. The color payoff is great, but with this particular shade I feel that the name is a bit off. I see this shadow as being more of a light grey than a taupe color. The most remarkable feature of this shadow is the lasting power. While I cannot testify to it lasting 24 hours (I find that a bit odd), I can say that this lasts from when I put on my make up till I take it off. Overall, I would say that these are great cream shadows regardless of whether they are similar to the MAC ones. I'm looking forward to trying some other shades, particularly Bad to the Bronze.

Hair Care Routine

L'oreal Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner

Tresemme Nourishing Rituals Rejuvenating Mud Masque and ArganMagic Nourishing Hair Cream

 Not too long ago I noticed my hair was looking pretty dull and fried. I kept trying to control my hair using product after product and my hair did not take kindly to that. I learned my lesson. Hair that's unhealthy is more likely to frizz. Piling on product after product only managed to dry my hair out even more so I decided to change my routine: 

• L'oreal Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner- I decided to switch to sulfate-free because these are gentler on hair. I really like this combination. The shampoo has a floral scent while the conditioner has a peppermint scent and when they mix together they smell amazing. I specially the fact that the shampoo is very creamy, because I haven't actually tried one with that kind of consistency. I haven't noticed anything outstanding, but they do a good job keeping my hair moisturized. 
• Tresemme Nourishing Rituals Rejuvenating Mud Masque- I started using this every week. What I do is I wash my hair and replace my conditioner for this masque. After using it for almost a month, I think it really has helped to hydrate my hair, smooth it, and give it a nice amount of shine.
• ArganMagic Nourishing Hair Cream- There's been a lot of rave lately about the wonders of Argan oil and I was very curious to try it. I must say that this product takes the cake! Every time I use it my hair looks healthy and shiny. It has a very nice citrus fragrance and a nice consistency. It's a very thick cream that you apply to all of your hair and comb through (combing it is a necessity, if not you end up with patches of this stuff over your hair). When I wear this I don't have to worry about frizz, it keeps my hair in place and it remains soft and manageable. 

What are your tips and tricks for healthy hair? 

D.I.Y: Galaxy Print T-shirt

I've been looking at some galaxy print stuff on the internet for a while now. Even though I've been oddly transfixed by the stuff, I haven't been able to commit to buying a piece. I find that most things are ridiculously overpriced (last item I checked was a pair of leggings that went for a whopping 80 pounds!). Knowing this I set out on a mission to find a good tutorial. I couldn't help but noticed that most tutorials use bleach to create the effect. I didn't really like this technique because I think that handling the bleach is pretty complicated, one wrong move and your clothes disintegrate.  After experimenting for a while, I realized that you can create a very similar effect just using fabric paint, a sponge, and some very clever blending.

Review: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Candy Coral

I got this little blush as an impulse buy. I feel in love with the bright coral shade and just had to try it. However, my experience with this product was very disappointing. The packaging looked really adorable. At first you get this really smooth looking product, but after a while it deflates and looks pretty messy. I did find that the texture of the product was very interesting, it felt very soft and airy. Maybelline suggests that you apply the blush with your fingertips and I must agree. The only way to really blend the blush is to use your fingers and well I didn't really find it too easy to blend. Another thing that disappointed me about the product was the pigmentation. I feel like it barely shows up on my skin tone, and for it to be noticeable I need to pile on the product.

Korres Mango Butter Lipstick

Mango Butter Lipstick SPF 10 in Purple

I picked up this little guy at TJ Maxx for just $4. I've been hearing a lot about the Korres products so I thought I would try this one out. The packaging is very simple but still attractive. It claims to be a "lipstick with a rich, intense colour for a brilliant high shine and wet look" and I couldn't agree more. The color payoff is good, it's not exactly as dark as it looks in the packaging but it's still a pretty good match on the lips. It does have a very shiny finish that reminds me more of a lip gloss than a lipstick but I don't mind. I think the shine makes the color look a little bit lighter and a bit more wearable (I am really afraid of dark lipsticks, but I stepped out of my comfort zone to try this one). The lipstick is also very smooth. It glides on effortlessly and it keeps my lips moisturized as long as I wear it. It has very good lasting power, it keeps the shine and color for around 5 to 6 hours.  This product left a very good first impression of the Korres brand. I'm definitely very excited to try some of their other products, specially their famous lip butters.

Favorite Revlon Lip Products

Revlon has really stepped up its game with regards to lip products. These past few months I've rotating between these 3 products and I have rarely used anything else. All of these feel very hydrating and haven't dried out my lips. The color payoff is great, especially with the lip butter (it almost feels like a hydrating lipstick and not like a lip balm product). However, my favorite part is the shade selection.

From top to bottom: Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Precious, Rendezvouz, and Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

Precious- I mainly use this shade when I'm going for a dramatic eye. It's a very lovely nude shade that makes my lips pale enough.

Rendezvouz- I always shied away from orange lipsticks, but this shade took all my fears away. The shade is very build-able, so I apply until I'm comfortable with the look.

Pink Truffle- This is my go to shade and I use it for my everyday make up look. I think it's one of those shades that are "your lip color but better".

Everyday Look for School

School is starting next week, so I have to start getting my act together. This means very early mornings and very little blogging time. Hopefully with some very thought out organizing and scheduling I can keep this blog from suffering. Seeing how I have to get up ridiculously early every day I've been making some changes to my make up routine to keep it on the 5 minute range. I don't really like to look "made up" so I mainly wear a little eyeshadow to brighten up my eyes, a little blush for some color, and a lip stain or balm on the lips. I've always liked to watch "get ready with me" videos and filmed one, so without further ado my school make up routine!

Products Used(in order of appearance): 

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light/Medium 

Almay Clear Complexion Powder in Light 100

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (oops I forgot to show that in the video) 

Naturale Beauty Mineral Eyeshadow in Elegant

Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara 

Diorblush in Peechy Keen 

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

D.I.Y: Faux Turban

Summer isn't over yet, so I thought it would be fun to create a fun and easy to wear faux turban. I created one with an elastic band so it'll be sure to be no fuss. Let's get to it! (Image heavy post ahead)

D.I.Y. Inspiration: Turbans

Turbans have become quite of a staple this summer. They're perfect for hiding the not so manageable beach hair. Also, they give off an effortlessly chic vibe. So for the next d.i.y. post I'll be showing how to create your own faux turban that's no fuss and easy to wear.

Review: Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks

Sultry Sensuelle(left), Delish Regal(right)

Delish Regal

Sultry Sensuelle

I had been searching for some nude lipsticks for a while and recently my mom picked up these two shades for me. She actually chose the lipsticks because they don't dry out her lips and seeing how they worked for her I was happy to try them. These actually claim to smooth out your lips in a period of 7 days. I didn't actually see any difference but my lips don't dry out when I use these. The formula is very creamy, I would say that maybe a little bit too creamy. I try to use these with a light hand because they can buildup and look a bit gooey. If I go a little bit overboard, I just blot with some paper towels. As for wear, they're not really that extraordinary lasting around 4-5 hours. Overall, I would say these are good not great.

Skulls and Bracelets

This is a quick one! I've been playing around with seed beads for a while now. I made some bracelets and added these quirky skull charms to them. I think these are a very fun way to add some uniqueness to them and they're perfect for stacking. Are you stacking bracelets this season?

Review: Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser

I talked a little bit about this cleanser in my previous skincare post so I thought I'd do a complete review. First off, the packaging. It has really simple no fuss packaging and a pump. Personally, I do prefer cleansers with a pump because I feel like you end up wasting less product. Another thing I really liked about the packaging was that it doesn't feel like a gimmick. There are tons of brands that are jumping on the natural and eco-friendly bandwagon and at the end of the day they don't really tell which ingredients they're using. The back of this cleanser has a sort of glossary of ingredients which I found very nice. I would say the product itself is great. It removes all of my make up easily and it leaves my skin looking brighter without that feeling of tightness you get from other cleansers. It has a very faint herbal scent which is plus for users with sensitive skin. The cleanser also claims to be suitable for acne prone skin and I must agree with this. I've been using it for almost two months and I've seen an improvement on my break outs and the frequency in which I get them. All in all I would say this is a suitable cleanser for all skin types and I am definitely going to repurchase.

What's your favorite cleanser?

Skincare routine

Skincare routine by momo-san92 featuring Neutrogena face cleansers

 Spending time at my friend's house this weekend, I realized the importance of having a skincare routine and sticking to it. We pampered ourselves with different cleansers, moisturizers, and masks and I definitely saw an improvement on my skin. I decided that I was going to set up a skincare routine and here's my wishlist:

1. Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser- I've been using this cleanser for almost a month now and I'm very pleased with the results. It removes all of my make up and it leaves my skin brighter and refreshed. I'm definitely restocking.

2. Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner- I've always skipped toner on my skincare routine and what a mistake that was. Toner can really make a difference of the evenness and texture of your skin. I haven't tried this particular toner, but I've heard good things about it and I haven't had any problems with this brand.

3. Neutrogena Naturals Multi-Vitamin Moisturizer- I was also very impressed with this moisturizer. It has a very light and refreshing scent. I've always been afraid of moisturizers because they tend to leave my skin feeling very oily, but this one absorbs very quickly and doesn't leave traces of oil on my skin.

4. Make Up Forever HD Microperfecting Primer- This is also a step that I've skipped before. I've never tried face primer so I've been looking at drugstore options, but I haven't really been convinced by any of the products. I've reading up on reviews and decided to go with a high end option. I chose this one specifically because it covers up redness and has a light feel to it.

5. Mary Kay Timewise Matte Wear Liquid Foundation- I don't consider foundation to be a daily option in regards to skincare, but I will be trying to use it more often. I've never really tried foundation until now because I always had this idea that it would feel heavy and mask-like on your face. This foundation has calmed all of my fears, it feels very light on my skin and it removes all of my oiliness. I just ordered mine and I can't wait to see how it will work for me in the long run.

6. Facial Clay Mask with Avocado and Oatmeal- I decided that I was going to pamper myself every week with a mask. I tried this one at my friend's house and I fell in love. It's not a peel off mask but I do feel like this does tighten skin when it dries. After I rinsed it off, I felt that my skin was softer and my pores did look a tiny bit smaller.

What's your skincare routine? 

D.I.Y: Neon Headband

The summer is as hot as ever and the neon trend is still going strong. Here's a twist on the nautical rope headband. So let's get to it!

I wasn't able to find neon colored rope so I bought nylon rope and freshened it up with two coats of acrylic paint. 

1. Cut three 18-inch strands of rope and glue them together. Cut an 8-inch strand of elastic.

2. Sew on the elastic. 

3.  Glue a small piece(around 4 inches) of ribbon and wrap around a couple of times to cover up the stitches.  

4. Braid the rope and after you're done repeat the above steps on the other side. Your finished headband should look like this.

Summer 2012 Trends: How to Wear Neon

Trend report: neon by momo-san92 featuring satchel handbags