Makeup renewal

I did a little haul to replenish my kit. 

You can never go wrong with some fix+. 

Mac and makeup forever

Cynthia

An inspiration...

Here I am on IG, just like everyone's mother, Aunty and 2 year old toddler. Lol. Back to the story....I came across a woman who's work struck me at first glance [now it's starting to make to sound like a wedding speech hahaha]. 

There are no words to explain her talent and how she inspire me to think out side of the box. 

Check her out on IG @lapetitevengeance

Inspiring dreams 

Cynthia 

Look what I found!

[sound of angels singing, hence the halo lights all over]. Yes that's right, I found the must-haves and holy grail for most MUAs. They say that this could only be found in London or other Europian countries, and now here in Hawaii in a store called Don Quijote. You can be sure that I'll be back there buying them in bulk. 

Bios and derms

Cynthia

Hair and Makeup Haul

Today I received some packages from my purchases thru Hautelook. Let me rant again about how freakin awesome Hautelook is and how amazing their discounts are. Did I mention the the variety of merchandise they offer? You just have to check it out. 

Now to the good part...

RIGHT?!! I think I spent a little over $100 and it's Sultra hair wand and KEVYN AUCOIN cosmetics! Did you hear me? KEVYN AUCOIN. I couldn't believe his products were on there. 

Some of the products are over shadowed and the colors aren't exactly true. I will do swatches later and a hair outcome using the Sultra Bombshell Reverse Wand [i wanted the regular wand but wanted something Sultra since they're brand are so highly thought of]. Shopping addiction I know. But nothing beats sharing the products out there. 

Sultry dreams and Aucoin night

Cynthia

Makeup For Tired Eyes

How many of you suffer from tired, fatigued eyes?  There are many factors to this - result of a sleepless night (something I'm too familiar with), fatigue from a hard day at work, a restless child, or just plain tired eyes.  There are numerous remedies that can help, but when this is not an option, there are makeup tips that can hide these unpleasant effect.

 1. Apply concealer - salmon colored concealers are perfect for color correcting dark circles under the eyes, yellow colored concealers are great for the brightening effect.

2.  Use a beige eyeliner in your waterline - this gives an illusion of bigger, wider eyes, and brighter.  Beige is more natural as opposed to white.  Beige looks more natural especially on more deeper skin tones.

3.  Emphasize your eyelashes - curl lashes and apply black mascara on top and bottom lashes.  However, for mature skin and puffiness, avoid applying mascara on bottom lashes as it will only accentuate it.

4.  Use a warm, neutral eyeshadow - using taupe, beige or a pastel color of your choice.  If applied correctly, applying any of these colors can lift your eyes resulting in a youthful, more awake appearance.  Avoid glittery or shimmery eyeshadow on mature skin as it can accentuate fine lines or wrinkles.

5.  Illuminate your eyes with a touch of shimmer - the slightest hint of a shimmery white or beige eyeshadow applied to the inner corners of your eyes and just under the the arch of your eyebrows can really brighten your makeup and minimize the signs of fatigue.  Make sure your eyebrows are neatly groomed, otherwise stray hairs will stand out more.



Your tired eyes friend (hahaha),
Cynthia

p.s. sleep well and sweet dreams to all

Vitamin C, MAC, Crown Brushes, etc

As you can tell, I've really been trying a whole array of products to peak different people's interest.  Lately, my skin has been on overdrive with my time of the month coming up and hearing information about myself that is kind of out of my control - and in God's hands.  So you can say that yes, I've seen better days.

 

As you can see, I've got some bags, acne marks, lack of sleep, tired, etc etc you name it.  I have so many high-end face products but because I know that skin gets used to products that it sometimes doesn't have the same awesome effects it used to have like 3-4 months ago.  My skin is a true testimony to that.  I have a different regime for each phase my face may be going thru.  I have a regime for my breakout phase, one for my dullness-face-needs-rejuvanating phase, anti-aging phase, and the on-going oily face regime.  

From the look of the pic up there [I know its terrible and I really don't care what you think because I've heard all of the horrible names growing up and that's why I am a licensed esthetician and make-up artist today to help those who were bullied or felt they were not beautiful enough], I could tell I needed something different for my skin.  I was tired of trying all the high-end stuff and wanted to op for something more affordable and organic.  So I did some research and walked into my local Walmart and purchased these:

 

I went home and put these new bad boys to the test.  Within the next morning, I noticed the acne spots started to shrink and had indeed lighten, in a matter of a night.  I'm continuing to use it and will post an updated pic after 2 weeks to see if there is a significant change. 

Went to MAC to pick up some eyeshadows that I ran out of and to pick up another 217 brush

I ran out of my favorite brush cleaner (Japonesque Parian Spirit) which was previously sold at beauty supply stores so when I ran out of my 16oz, I figured I could just run to the beauty supply store.  I walked in and to my surprise, THEY WERE OUT!  This was not the only beauty supply store (Aloha Beauty) that ran out, but also Island Beauty Supply.  So I was told by a fellow MUA friend who also is my boss and BFF to try Merle Norman since I was in desperate need of this for a bridal makeup.  Thank God they were equipped with at least the smaller size. So, I bought 3 bottles knowing that the Pearlridge Merle Norman would be closing down in Feb 2013

 HAUTELOOK PURCHASE from CROWN BRUSHES

I also received my Hautelook purchase in the mail.  Hautelook is an awesome website where you can purchase high-end merchandise for 50-70% off.  They have womens, men, childrens apparel as well as furniture and decorations and last but not least - MAKE-UP and SKIN CARE lines **crowd cheering**

 (from left to right)
8 color eyebrow palette, no number angle powder brush (really soft), kabuki fan brush (really soft), eyelash definer 

 with flash

 no flash

 with flash

without flash

I wasn't too impressed with the eyebrow palette because of the or lack of color payoff.  I guess I need to factor in that fact that I'm medium dark and swatched these without any primer.  I will continue to use these and come up with a good combination to get its best payoff and maybe even try as eyeshadow instead.  Will keep you posted

SONIA KASHUK CONTOUR BRUSH from TARGET $12.99

Bristles are soft but the brush is dense enough to do some major contouring.  I'm excited to try all these and will update and do picture tutorials with these products.

Products and shmoducts,

Cynthia

Visiting Papa's "Christmas" House

Ho, Ho, Ho - Christmas Galore!

Every year for the past 5 years, I've always looked forward to going to my father-in-law's house during the holidays. Not only for the scrumptious food and great qt with family but [almost] more importantly, my husband and I [and of course our daughters] could not wait to see all the Christmas decorations dad would bring out. Pictures are the only way to describe it, but these pictures barely even justify the beauty and ambiance you feel while there. 

Of course, this year was no different - except for the new additions of a train and its tracks around dad's beautiful Christmas tree.  Being there always brings out the kid in me. How I love seeing my kids face light up with excitement, curiosity, and pure joy when they get to experience all this.  

 

Found Nemo!

With love, light, and Christmas memories,

Cynthia