Monday, September 02, 2013

MAC Indulge Collection

Oh my goodness...it has been 2 years since I have posted anything!! It has been insanely busy the past 2 years and now I am back to blogging! :-)
Have you all checked out the MAC Indulge collection that was released in the end of August? I have attended a makeup event at the MAC Pro store on Robson and to be quite honest, this collection was not all to die for. However, there are some good items that I ended up purchasing (Eyeshadows: Sex and the Oyster, Three Ring Yellow ) and a lipstick (By Design). I believe a lot of the items are sold out online, but you can still check out some of the items in stock at a MAC Store near you! 

-XOTICA-
                             




Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Makeup Foundations


There are many different makeup foundations for different skin types on the market. Some women will only shop by brand, while others are more concerned with what makeup foundation is best for their skin type. This Post will discuss the different types of Foundations, which will hopefully help you decide which type is suitable for you!

Mineral Foundation
 
Mineral makeup, and especially mineral foundation, has turned the cosmetic industry upside down. It's easy to use and works for most skin types. The benefits of mineral foundation are:
  • Sheer coverage, that's easily buildable.
  • For all skin types.
  • No makeup line.
  • Non-comedogenic.
  • All day smooth coverage.
  • Easy color matching for all skin tones.
  • So light-weight that it's feels like you are not wearing foundation.
  • Can be purchased with and without talc.
  • Natural mineral foundation is available for people who prefer fewer chemicals in their cosmetics.

Liquid Foundation
  • Most commonly used foundation for many years.
  • Formulated for all skin types.
  • Sheer coverage.
  • Last longer if finished with a dry translucent powder.
  • Many professional makeup artists prefer to use a foundation brush to apply liquid foundation evenly on the skin. A foundation brush is similar to an artist's paint brush.
  • For additional coverage, use short strokes with a foundation brush; for less coverage, use longer strokes.
  • Can be applied with a cosmetic sponge. To prevent streaking, do not overload the sponge.
  • Lighter shades can be used to conceal bags under the eyes.

Airbrush Foundation
  • The ultimate foundation suitable for all skin types.
  • All day, flawless finish.
  • Used by international professional makeup artists.
  • Airbrush systems are now available to the public.
  • Must purchase cosmetics specifically formulated to be used in airbrush tools.
  • Loose Powder Foundation
  • Excellent choice for oily skin.
  • Sheer coverage.
  • Loose powder foundations may be too dry for dry skin.
  • May exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Apply with a soft powder puff or soft natural bristle brush.
Cream-to-Powder Foundation
  • Because the formulas are much drier than liquid foundations, cream-to-powder foundations are a favorite for women with oily skin.
  • Covers more flaws than a liquid or powder.
  • If you suffer from dry skin, cream-to-powder foundations may not be a good choice.
  • Apply with a dampened cosmetic sponge.
  • To prevent streaking, do not overload the sponge.

    Thursday, November 10, 2011

    Brow & Lash Tinting


    Tinting temporarily dyes the brows & lashes for about 2-3 weeks. The dye used to color is usually a vegetable-based. This is to minimize the irritation around the sensitive eye area.
    This is done to achieve the look of wearing mascara without having to apply makeup daily. This is more suitable for people with lighter lashes & brows and I have tried this a few times in Esthetic School and does not work much for me as I have naturally dark hair. It`s also suitable when people color their hair and want their Brows and Lashes to match as well.


    This service is not currently approved by the FDA. This means that it is very important to do research on a good salon & esthetician that is qualified to tint, since it is not federally regulated. It may cause temporary blindness and eye irritations the procedure is not done right.
    Most salons charge between $15-$20 for either lash or brows or $25-$30 to get them both done as a package deal.

    Monday, November 07, 2011

    Tips for Beautiful Healthy Hair

    Having lustrous, healthy hair is the dream of every woman. Hair is the reflection of our health and personality. Hair and the scalp need proper care regularly, as they become brittle and rough over the years if proper care is not taken.

    Diet: To reduce hair loss, a healthy, balanced diet, rich in calcium, iron and silica is a must. Fresh vegetables are good sources of minerals.
    Iron rich foods like eggs, dates and organ meat should be eaten.
    In taking a protein rich diet is good advice if you want long hair, as the hair is made up mainly of portions.
    Eat whole foods as they are high in silica.
    For vitamin C, include a good portion of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, as vitamin C improves the absorption of iron.
    Vitamin E is good for growing hair. Include nuts, seeds and olive oil in your diet on a regular basis.

    Hair washing routine: While washing your hair, ensure that the water is neither too hot nor too cold. Fingers should be used to scrub the scalp. Never scrub with the nails. Rinse your hair properly to completely remove the shampoo. Wash your hair while leaning as it improves the blood circulation in the scalp.

    Combing: Always untangle your hair with a wide tooth comb to avoid tearing of the hair. Comb the hair from up to down. Never pull the hair. Use a brush on dry hair only, as the hair is weak when it is wet and the brush can damage it.

    Drying: Use a blow dryer only when most needed. Try to dry it naturally. This is because the hot air damages the hair and the moisture is lost, resulting in rough hair.

    Environment: Use a conditioner when going out in the sun, as it protects the hair from the sun. Wear head gear when going out. When going swimming, wear a swimming cap.

    Trimming: Trimming on a regular basis is a must as it removes the split ends and makes the hair look healthy.

    Shampoo and conditioning: Choose a shampoo which is not very complicated in its ingredients, as they are expensive and do no good to the hair. Conditioners make the hair look healthy and shiny. Use a conditioner on dry hair only. Go for a mild shampoo and don’t wash your hair too frequently. Try to avoid the scalp while conditioning.

    Styling: Choose a style that makes your hair look good in its natural fall. If using styling products, then go for products that provide vital botanical and vitamins to the hair.

    Sleep: When going off to sleep, comb your hair and tie a ponytail on the top of the head with a cloth wrapped rubber band. A peaceful sleep is essential for healthy hair.

    Products used: Look out for hair care products keeping in mind the scalp problems. Scalp test it first before you buy it. You should also consult a dermatologist for the right product.

    Monday, October 31, 2011

    Essie 2011 "Cocktail Bling" Winter Collection


    Fall Season is almost done and Winter is around the corner...My last post about the Essie "Carry On" Fall Collection had more softer neutral shades...and Essie now has released their new "Cocktail Bling" Winter Collection which has more dark, richer shades suitable for Winter.

    This Collection has 6 Shades: 
    Bangle Jangle: Lavender Amethyst
    Bobbing for Baubles: Deepest Darkest Sapphire
    Cocktail Bling: Precious Pale Grey Jewel
    Brooch The Subject: Creamy Cashmere Cameo
    School of Hard Rocks: Midnight Malachite
    Size Matters: Blazing Hot Ruby Red

    This is a great idea for those who are looking for Stocking Stuffers for their girls for Christmas! :-)