Wondering where I've been the past few days? Well I haven't been able to blog much this week because I had to travel to Atlanta for a shoot for an upcoming project. Here's a couples of shots, hope you enjoy.
XO Adel
My obsession with Cake Mascara!
My obsession with cake mascara began when I started building my kit. I always look for that mascara that's going to define, volumize and darken my lashes for a natural look without clumps. After researching what other Makeup Artists use, I stumbled upon cake mascara. Honestly, I had no clue what it was... did it smell like cake? No no, that's not the cake I'm talking about!
Before the invention of tube mascara, women in the early 1900's wore cake mascara which back in the day was composed of ash or lampblack and elderberry juice. Cake mascara was "the" mascara that Marilyn Monroe used herself.
So what's in this tiny box your asking? It is an early 1950's cake mascara by Maybelline. It's crazy to think that this exact product has been used since 1917! Wow, guess Maybelline has been around longer than I thought.
These days cake mascara isn't very easy to find, trust me even the cosmetic stores online are out of stock on most cake mascaras. I found the Maybelline cake mascara at random for sale, obviously it's still new and totally vintage and unlike anything I had in my makeup collection, so I got this for the joy of looking at it and hopefully 100 years from now someone else can enjoy the beauty of owning such a cute little pice of makeup history.
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| Maybelline Cake Mascara |
Maybelline's cake mascara includes an instruction paper along with a toothbrush-like application brush. Honestly this piece just tickles me every time I see it. Below you can see how small it is compared to my M.A.C 179 brush. It's smaller than a lighter or a pack of gum.
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| Maybelline Cake Mascara next to M.A.C 179 brush |
Now, to the actual cake mascara that I currently use on myself and also my clients is LONGCILS BONCZA By Vitry cake mascara l'original in noir. I keep 1 in my personal makeup bag, 1 in my kit and an extra incase they sell out.
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| LONGCILS Cake Mascara in Noir |
The LONGCILS mascara comes packaged differently than the Maybelline but it's still a small compact compared to most compacts these days. The cake comes in a round shape and can come out to fit a refill which is pretty handy. It too comes with the same toothbrush-like applicator of which I find does a nice job at applying the product. The cake is a bit tricky to use at first but a couple of practice runs will leave you working it into a stunning feathery like lashes.
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| LONGCILS Cake Mascara in Noir |
Tips:
1. Don't use too much water or apply the water directly to the brush as it will thin the cake too much and it will become runny.
2. After a couple of coats take a brow comb and comb through the lashes to ensure all lashes are separated and any remaining product that is there will be swept away.
3. While this mascara holds very well even in hot climates, if you sweat or become very active I advise you to use a sealer to ensure a full day's wear.
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| Left eye has bare lashes / Right eye has LONGCILS Cake Mascara in Noir |
As you can see above the left eye picture has my bare lashes and the right one has one coat of cake mascara. What I love about cake mascaras is the flexibility on application. I've never used a mascara that gave me so much control on how much and how I apply it and how much I can apply to achieve the right look I'm going for. From a light natural look to a full volumized lashes cake mascara has your back... not to mention it's TSA friendly.
Because Cake Mascara's can be a bit hard to find here a some links on where you can purchase. I am NOT affiliated with any of these companies.
LONGCILS Cake Mascara: http://www.amazon.com/Longcils-Boncza-Cosmetique-Cake-Mascara/dp/B001279Z0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371946417&sr=8-1&keywords=longcils+cake+mascara
DIY Cake Mascara Recipe: http://blog.ecoetsy.com/2013/02/14-days-of-green-crafts-diy-homemade-cake-mascara/html
Kryolan Cake Mascara: http://camerareadycosmetics.com/products/kryolan-cake-mascara-1351-1352.html
Etsy Vegan Cake Mascara: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82306520/creamy-cake-mascara-black-cake-mascara
Hope you've enjoyed. Feel free to comment, request and subscribe.
Huge hugs!
Adel
Hard Candy All Glossed Up
A while ago I stumbled upon Hard Candy's new hydrating lip stain and after a couple of weeks of testing it out, I definitely have to say these are the best lip stains I have tried.
These hydrating lip stains come in 8 shades and cost somewhere around $5 at Walmart. These hydrating lip stains come in a twist-up chubby stick like tube and require no sharpening. The hydration and the bright color lasts about 3 hours after that you end up wearing a nice stain on your lips. For glossy all day lips I would recommend re-applying it after 3 hours.
I usually get a tingle or irritation with lip stains but these have proven to be gentle and non irritating or drying to my lips. I would highly recommend these! My two favorites have to be Pout and Orange You Sweet.
Have you tried the All Glossed Up Hydrating Lip Stain by Hard Candy?
Happy Father's Day!
To any dad's who read my blog I wish you a Happy and Amazing day with whomever you are with today!
Today was a wonderful day here! We ate, laughed, talked each others ears off and even danced around. I know my honey had a great Father's Day. Here's a couple of pictures of our shenanigans...
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| My hubby and I & my mother-in-law... obviously laughing too much to take non-blurry pictures but we had a blast! |
Hugs,
Marisa
Sephora's 2013 Sun Safety Kit
Summer is here and I'm excited about Sephora's SunSafety Kit. Every year Sephora comes out with Sun/Skincare protection kits, this years is probably my favorite! The kit contains 18 Deluxe samples of some wonderful products, along with a brush and a great makeup case to boot!
Unlike my teen years when I didn't care about my skin and would fry my skin in the sun windsurfing for hours. These days I take a bit more precaution with my skin and treat it much better than I used to. I know every summer Sephora has my back with a sun/skincare protection kit.
The 2013 Sun Safety Kit by Sephora contains:
- Boscia Self-Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Sarah McNamara Miracle SKIN Transformer SPF 20 for Face
- Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer SPF 30
- Bare Minerals Mineral Veil SPF 25
- Bare Minerals Mini Flawless Application Face Brush
- Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion Oil-Free SPF 30
- Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanner
- dr. dennis gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad
- Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Sunscreen Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Lotion
- OLEHENRIKSEN Protect The Truth SPF 50+
- Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
- Clarins UV Plus HP Ecran Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Sunscreen
- Sephora Age defy moisture cream SPF 15 Sunscreen
- Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen for Face
- L'Occitane Brightening Hand Care with Immortalle SPF 20
- St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion
- Origins A Perfect World SPF 25 moisturizer
- dr. brandt Flexitone BB Cream SPF 30
Included in the SunSafety kit is the cute and generously sized make-up bag. I like the size of which because it fits nicely in my Zuca Pro and it's clear so I can see exactly what is inside much like my Zuca clear bags. This kit is pretty wonderful when you consider the size of some of the products and the fact that Sephora donates part of the proceeds to The Skin Cancer Foundation is a plus in my book.
Here is a look at Sephora's Sun Safety Kit for the previous 3 years...
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| Sephora SunSafety Kit 2012 |
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| Sephora SunSafety Kit 2011 |
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| Sephora SunSafety Kit 2010 |
The kit if currently sold out at sephora.com but I have still been able to find it in Sephora stores.
-Marisa
Empties of June 2013
At the rate I'm using these products, I've decided to start my June empties. I didn't realize how much I had this month but I guess it's considerably less than my last empties. Hope you enjoy.
1. Purity by Philosophy
2. Bioré Blemish Treating Astringent
3. Peter Thomas Roth Radiance Oxygenating Masque
4. Hoboco Soap Co. Hand Soap in Pink Jasmine
5. Key West Aloe Mango Hand & Body Lotion
6. L'Occitane Ultra Right Body Cream in Shea Butter
7. L'Occitane Immortalle Brightening Hand Creme with SPF 20
8. Key West Aloe Aloe Max 100 After Sun Skin Gel 98% Pure Aloe
9. Bath & Body Works Stress Relief Eucalyptus Spearmint Bath Soak
10. Scents of Creations 100% Pure Oil in Baby Powder
11. Oscar Blandi Dry Styling Heat Protecting Spray
12. Macadamia Healing Oil Spray
13. LUSH in Pink Fun
14. Marvis Toothpaste in Classic Strong Mint
15. Anew Genics Treatment Concentré
16. Tarte Amazonian Clay Mascara
17. Olay Fresh Effects {S'WIPE OUT!} Make-up Removal Cloths
18. So Fresh So Clean Make-up Remover Towelettes
19. LUMENE Finland Sensitive Touch Wipes
20. GlamGlow YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment Mask
21. Beauty Blender Solid Sponge and Brush Cleanser
22. Estée Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume Lifting Mascara
23. "The Masters" Brush Cleaner and Preserver
24. LUSH Ultrabland Facial Cleanser
25. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in the Professional Size
26. Kenzo Amour Perfume
27. Deva Curl 3-Step Cleanse, Hydrate and Define
28. Alterna Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist
29. Avon Perfumed Liquid Deodorant
#29 was finished today as I was completing this post so I figured I would include it even though it's not in the main picture.
Products # 1, 9, 13, 23 has a tiny amount of product left when I took the picture a couple of days ago, they are currently all used up so they are truly empties as of 6/13/13
What are your June empties?
-Marisa
Etude House Collagen Moistfull Firming Eye Cream
After receiving a couple of free samples of the Collagen Moistfull Firming Eye Cream from Etude House I was immediately hooked. This eye creak has knocked the socks off all my other eye creams and then some! The samples I received where tiny little tear packets and honestly they where so good that they where gone in 3 days. Both my hubby and I love this eye cream.
The eye cream has a funny texture, it's thick and rich with almost a snail slime kind of feel but it feels AMAZING on the eyes. When we first tried this product we thought that by the texture that it would sit overnight and we would be sticky... wrong! The product just went right into the skin without leaving the eye area feeling sticky or clogged up.
When we woke up the next morning our eyes felt like we got a treatment at the doctors office. After three days saw my fine lines diminish and my hubby's wrinkles (sorry babes) diminish as well. Now, in my experience men don't usually pay attention to how a product works but my hubby noticed this one. It was him that finished the samples I got from my CC cream order from Etude House.
Now we find ourselves back to our old eye cream, which at the time we thought it was great. We have officially been spoiled by the Etude House Collagen Moistfull Firming Eye Cream and had to place a full size order immediately (sits by the window and waits for mail man).
On a side note: We ordered the face cream as well. I'll let you guys know my thoughts when it arrives.
Hugs,
Marisa
New Beauty Cream by L'Occitane Iris Angelica
With all the new BB and CC creams coming out I would have never thought L'Occitane would have ever come out with one. For many years L'Occitane has been one of my favourite brands. Back in the early 2000's when I discovered their Shea Butter line was the breakthrough of my psoriasis on my elbows and knees, I felt like a new person. Nothing worked at soothing my skin except their Ultra Rich Body Cream in Shea Butter. It's easy for me to say that I've been in love with the company and all of it's new products as the years have progressed.
Today I got an email from L'Occitane that almost made me fall off my chair, a L'Occitane Beauty Cream... WHAT! I have ordered it, have yet to try it but if this product is as lovely as the rest of their skincare line I will probably be in LOVE.
The new beauty cream from L'Occitane contains an SPF of 30 and comes in two shades: light and medium. Along with the beauty cream L'Occitane has also come out with a product called Sublime Essence which is a silicone free serum that is supposed to enhance and correct skin irregularities. Sublime Essence acts like a primer helping smooth the skin, minimize the appearance of blemishes and pore size.
Both the Beauty Cream and the Sublime Essence contain the new patent pending white and blue iris extract along with their organic angelica water to help with skin hydration, promote cell renewal, reduce redness and prevent the appearance of blemishes.
L'Occitane is known for using rich and organic ingredients that are good for the skin. At $34 for the Beauty Cream it's comparable to other high-end brands but with the purity of natural ingredients. I had to jump at both the serum and the beauty cream out of curiosity on L'Occitane take on the beauty balm/cream world is.
Have you tried any products by L'occitane? Which one is your favorite?
Huge Hugs,
Marisa
Shiseido Limited Edition Powder Foundation Cases for Summer 2013
The Shiseido compacts for summer of 2013 are so cute, they look almost like macaroons. With their cheerful bright yellow color and three design selections, how can you not be tempted to sport one this summer?
At just $8 per case (not including the powder foundation) it's a bargain and a great way to spice up your summer makeup bag. I like that these can be refilled, so once your foundation is gone you can pop another foundation pan in with a brand new sponge and your off to go. The compact is lightweight, adorable and fit's nicely even in a small to-go makeup bag.
These compacts are only compatible with Shiseido Sun protection Compact Foundation SPF 36 (Refill Pans) which come in 7 shades. The foundation refills are $27 and come with 1oz of product. While I'm not a huge powder foundation fan because of my dry patches, this one doesn't accentuate them and somehow feels cooling and moisturizing on my skin. I've really enjoyed wearing this to the beach for extra sun protection or alone for every day running around.
I do want to point out that I just recently started tanning and while I'm not super dark I've had to get the darkest shade in the foundation because they run a bit on the light side. If your fair, light, or tanned you will be able to color match. If you are dark tanned, olive or ebony you will not find a shade in this foundation line. It's sad to say this as I feel everyone should be able to wear this.
The powder foundation itself is lightweight but does give a medium to a buildable full-coverage. It feels cooling to the skin and doesn't accentuate dry patches on the skin as most other powder formulas. Normal, Combination, and Oily skin types will enjoy this the most. If you have extremely dry skin, I'd highly suggest to test the product before purchasing and to wear a primer underneath.
If your wondering which one I purchased, I got the one with the star that looks like a sun. It was hard to choose between all three but I loved that design the most.
You can find these at Macy's, Nordstrom and most department stores.
You can find these at Macy's, Nordstrom and most department stores.
What's in your summer makeup bag?
Cheers,
Marisa
Limited Edition Too Faced Loves Sephora 15 Year Anniversary Palette
Oh my love for Too Faced palettes and Sephora will be never ending. Sephora and Too Faced are
celebrating 15 years of partnership and what an amazing way to celebrate than with a lip and cheek
palette. The Too Faced Loves Sephora palette is exclusive to Sephora so you bet this will sell out fast.
celebrating 15 years of partnership and what an amazing way to celebrate than with a lip and cheek
palette. The Too Faced Loves Sephora palette is exclusive to Sephora so you bet this will sell out fast.
Upon opening the box I noticed how similar in packaging it is to the Naked 2 Palette by Urban Decay. It has the same long sleek look with the hard casing for the exception of the closure. The Too Faced palette is magnetic of which I have to say if a bit weak so be aware when traveling with this.
Inside of the palette you get 10 eye shadows, a matte bronzer, a shimmer duo bronzer, a blush, brush, and a small shadow insurance primer. I was so pleased with the pigmentation of the shadows. I love how Too Faced stepped it up and added quite a few vibrant colors and included the bronzers, blush and primer all in one sleek palette.
From Left To Right
Top Row: Piano Keys, So. Cal, TF Loves The Cast, Jer Jer and 525 Market
Bottom Row: Behind The Counter, SOHO, Envy, David & Merg and 1998
Piano Keys is a white with pink undertones which looks like a like sheen shadow with very light silver micro-glitter in it.
So. Cal is a beautiful peachy pink with a satin finish.
TF Loves The Cast is a yellow with gray undertones that has a veluxe pearl finish.
Jer Jer is a orange gold with a veluxe pearl finish.
525 Market is your beautiful vibrant copper with a veluze pearl finish.
Behind The Counter is a matte cool brown.
SOHO is a light pinkish/purple satin.
ENVY is a deep and very opaque purple in a veluxe pearl finish.
David & Merg is a blue that is also in the veluze pearl finish.
1998 is a might magenta color that is matte with silver fine refined glitter.
Jer Jer is a orange gold with a veluxe pearl finish.
525 Market is your beautiful vibrant copper with a veluze pearl finish.
Behind The Counter is a matte cool brown.
SOHO is a light pinkish/purple satin.
ENVY is a deep and very opaque purple in a veluxe pearl finish.
David & Merg is a blue that is also in the veluze pearl finish.
1998 is a might magenta color that is matte with silver fine refined glitter.
The eyeshadows are on the lid of the palette, so be careful when closing it as a hard close could break the shadows.
In the bottom of the palette you will find Too Faced most famous bronzer in Chocolate Soleil (matte finish), it's Sunny Bunny Bronzer (Shimmer finish) and a beautiful coral blush in "Who's Your Poppy" (Shimmer finish). Along with the bronzers and blush you will find a small face brush and a small sample tube of Too Faced Shadow Insurance. Like other Too Faced palettes, this one comes cards that contain 15 different looks and instructions on how to achieve them. I absolutely love the package they put together and the vibrant colors. As an owner of almost every Too Faced palette, this one is my favorite palette for a good night out.
Cheers!
Marisa
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