October Glam Bag

October "Bombshell"

Items Included:

1. The Balm Cosmetics What's Your Type? "the body builder" Mascara

2. Mirenesse Lip Bomb Glossy Lacquer Stain in #4

3. Pequi Oil Treatment

4. Be a Bombshell Black Eye Liner

5. Coastal Scents Eye Shadow 

Dior DiorSkin Forever Liquid Foundation

Dior DiorSkin Forever Liquid Foundation ($47)

I cannot believe I didn't try Dior's foundation before.  I wish I could have sooner.  I have to say this foundation is so luxurious.  It is expensive, but I think it will be worth to splurge on this foundation.  I have two other foundation samples from this brand that I haven't try yet, but I will do a blog post once I do try it.  I will do a comparison and see which one I like more.  I wear this foundation in the shade Linen 021.  For now, this foundation is awesome.  I love how smooth this foundation goes on, how natural it is on my face, and it doesn't cake.  When I wore this foundation, it is so light weighted and natural.  It gives me a beautiful coverage while it look like I have no foundation on.  I wore this foundation on a humid day and my makeup didn't smudge at all.  This foundation is just so amazing!  This foundation is definitely worth the $47.

Pros: Luxurious, smooth & velvety, easy to blend, last all day, it doesn't cake, moisturizing, silky, SPF 25, light-weighted, and it gives you a healthy natural look.

Cons: Expensive, but I think it is worth the splurge :)

Naked Foundation Review

UD Naked Foundation ($38)

I am in love with this foundation!  I got a sample in the shade 4.0 from Sephora and I definitely like how it look on my face.  It is definitely light-weighted and natural looking.  I have this foundation on all day and it didn't even cake at all.  To my surprise, the foundation last on until I washed it off.  Results may vary because everyone has different skin type.  I definitely recommend this foundation and will consider on buying the full size.  If you are not quite sure if you're gonna like it or not, go to Macy's or Sephora to get your sample now.

Pros: Light-weight, paraben free (this is a plus because it doesn't contain harsh chemicals), easy to blend, packaging is gorgeous, last all day, and doesn't cake.

Cons: I don't have any :)  

*Have you try this foundation?  What are your thoughts?

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation

I have tried other MAC foundations, but I haven't try this one yet.  By the way MAC does have a reputation for full coverage foundations.  I dropped by MAC and got a sample of this foundation in the shade of NC25.  Here are my thoughts.

Pros: Easy to blend, matte finish, and long-wearing.

Cons: It emphasize my dry areas on my face.

This foundation is a little different from other MAC foundations that I've tried.  This foundation is gel-based and is suitable for those who have very dry skin (I have combo skin).  Around my nose area is normally drier than the rest of my face, but somehow this foundation didn't moisturize that area.  Instead it emphasize my dry areas around my nose which was not gorgeous at all.  Other than  this matter, this foundation is a matte finish which I like.  When I swatch this product at MAC it appears shiny, but it actually goes on matte after you blend it.  I wore this foundation all day and it didn't fade. This is a light to medium coverage and it is buildable for a full coverage.   

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

I read a lot of good reviews on this tinted moisturizer so I went to Sephora and got a sample in the shade Nude.  Here are my thoughts on this product.

Pros: light-weight, oil-free, doesn't cake, it is very moisturizing, it applies on smoothly, and it gives me a slight radiant glow.

Cons: very pricey.

Other than the price of this tinted moisturizer, I love this product overall.  This product goes on smooth and it is very sheer.  I wouldn't recommend this product to those who want full coverage because this is a tinted moisturizer.  I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good tinted moisturizer that would give you a natural finish without looking like you have a lot of makeup on.  I like this product, but I wouldn't buy this product because I don't want to splurge on a high end product that would just sit around in my makeup drawer. 

July Glam Bag

"Beach" Theme

Items Included:

1. Andreaschoice Circus Nail Polish in Reverso- an opaque white polish

2. Juice Green Apple Moisturizer

3. NuMe Hydro Punch Hair Conditioner

4. Josie Maran Cheeks & Lipstain Marker in Jitterbug- bright pink

5.  Yes to Cucumber Soothing Face Towelettes

Summer Beauty Vox Box

Summer Beauty Vox Box

Items included: 

1. Quaker Banana Nut Bread- This soft baked nut bread was delicious!  I would recommend this to anyone!

2. Sally Hansen Nails & Cuticles Hand Creme- This hand creme was totally awesome!  I have been using this hand creme for 3 days and my hand and cuticles are already softer.  I am glad that I got this mail to me to test and review because I love this product!

3. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 (haven't test this product yet)

4. Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Shampoo & Conditioner- OMG, this is another product to love.  I saw this new hair care line at Wal Mart and have been dying to try it, but I didn't buy it because it was over my budget.  Somehow for this summer voxbox, it was included and I was super thrilled about it.  I love the smell of this shampoo & conditioner.  It has a nice rosy, fresh fragrant.  I have been using these products for 5 days and I realized that my hair was not as oily compared to using the Suave brand.  My hair does not break as much.  This product is wonderful.  I am considering buying the full bottle even though it does not come in a big size.  I think it is worth the money now. 

5. Always Tampax Radiant Collection- 1 purse pouch, 1 pad, 3 liners, and 2 tampons- I have only test the pad so far.  I have always been a big fan of the Always brand.  I love the comfort of their foam pad.  It is super comfortable and it is lightly scented to kill odor.  Love, love the new Radiant pad.  I will definitely be looking forward to this new pad.

6. Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color- at first I thought this nail polish is definitely cool, but it didn't go on as smooth as I wanted it to.  You have to do two layers and it is definitely thick.  It said to place your nail under the magnetic for 10 seconds, but when I did it, it didn't turn out as good.  I won't be purchasing these nail polish.

*This month box was one of the best box that I've got so far.  Most of the items for this months were good.  I am one happy gal :)

June Glam Bag

"Out All Night" Glam Bag

Items included:

1. NYX Round Lipstick (in shade Saturn)

2. Living Proof Nourishing Styling Cream

3.  Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Gel Moisturizer

4.  Marbella Permanent Eyeliner Pen

For this month bag, the items came in a beautiful sparkling gold clutch.  First of all, I was super amaze about the Living Proof styling cream this month because their hair products work ahh-mazing!  It does so much for my hair as I apply it on.  My hair was instantly softer and it smells wonderful too.  I love hair products that smells good.  Philosophy's Take a Deep Breath moisturizer reminds me of Lancome's Aqua Bienfait gel moisturizer.  It is a gel texture that goes on lightly onto my face without that heavy sticky feeling.  This moisturizer has no fragrance and it is oil-free.  The NYX lipstick I received is in shade Saturn and it is a medium reddish color with a hint of pink in it.  It is very pigmented and smooth.  Marbella eyeliner is a plus for summer.  It is a long wear liquid eyeliner which is perfect for the summer for a no touch up makeup.

Clarisonic Mia

Clarisonic Mia in Baby Pink.

1. One Speed

2. Waterproof

                                3. Easy to store (size is convenient)

                  4. Gentle for sensitive skin

5. Soft bristles

I love this Clarisonic Mia!  I was skeptical at first, but after reading reviews on this, I decided to take a risk.  I have been using this Clarisonic for 5 months and I am not disappointed.  I see better results in my skin.  My face was smoother and I break out less.   

Maybelline Illuminator

 

Maybelline Illuminator in 500 Blissful Pink.

Pros: The color pigmentation and oil-free.

Cons: The frost texture makes it difficult to pick up the product with a brush and it is pricey.

When I found this illuminator at Wal Greens, I was super excited because I have been looking for a pink illuminator for the longest time.  For a drugstore product, I think this illuminator is pricey.  I bought this at the price of $8.99.  When I swatched the product with my middle finger, it didn't exceed my expectation.  I was expecting this illuminator to be smooth, but this illuminator is a frost finish.  It is hard to pick up products with a brush.  When applying this onto my cheeks, it looks like I have chunks of glitters on my face.  I don't think I would be buying this product again.    

Wet N' Wild Matt Lipsticks

1. 965 Cherry Picking: deep fuchsia pink (New Shade!)

2. 907C Mauve Outta Here: pale mauve (New Shade!)

3. 902C: light brown

4. 911D: blue red

5. 903C Just Peachy: pale peach (New Shade!)

Pros: Affordable, long-wearing and pigmented.

Cons: It drys out my lips and the lipstick breaks easily.  

Since these lipsticks are matte, I recommend adding lipgloss on top to decrease drying out your lips. Other than that, these lipsticks are wearable and under the budget.  The packaging is cute and petite, making it easy to carry it along with you anywhere, but these lipsticks break easily.  The bottom of the lipstick tends to break so before you buy these lipsticks, shake them.  If you hear no clicking sound then the lipstick haven't break yet.  The Mauve lipstick broke when I got home from the store.  I was a little disappointed, but what can I say because you do get what you paid for.  I didn't do any research on these lipsticks before I bought them so  I didn't know that these lipsticks break easily.  I still recommend these lipsticks, but check for breakage first.  Other than the poor packaging, these lipsticks are highly pigmented and long-wearing.  

May Myglam Bag

In this month glam bag, the theme is Love is in the Air.  It contain the items: Philosophy Sweet Love Spray Fragrance, a full sized Studio Gear Complete Color Lipstick, Miss Beauty Nail Bling, and myglam concealor brush and defining eyeliner brush.

  

Philosophy Sweet Love Spray: it feel smitten and irresistibly pretty with a flirty and fruity fragrance. 

Studio Gear Complete Color Lipstick in shade Cuddle Up: a creamy soft brown lipstick.  The purpose of this lipstick is to hydrate and plump your lip.

Miss Beauty Nail Bling: nail art that make you fall head over heels in an instant.

myglam concealor and defining eyeliner brushes

My Current Face Collection

As you can see, my drawer is a complete mess.  I need to reorganize them.  My foundations are in the back, powders and blushes are scattered together everywhere.  My collection is consist of drugstore products to high end products.  I like to try different products and find deals all the time.  There is always an alternative to a product if you really look and explore.  Sometimes you can find a drugstore product that work as great as a high end product.  Call me Kia, the beauty explorer :)    

Enchanting Green Prom

To achieve this beautiful look, I prepped her face with Maybelline Age Rewind face primer.  The primer is going to help smooth out her face for her foundation.  I used Neutrogena Skin clearing foundation in the shade Natural Beige 60 and set her foundation with MAC MSF in Medium Plus.  To achieve her vibrant eye look, I used BH Cosmetics 120 Eye Palette.  Of course, the look won't be complete without a flirty pair of false lash.  I contour her cheekbones with NYC Bronzer in Sunny and highlight her top cheeks with ELF Luminizer.  For her coral lip, I used NYC duo lipstick ( I forgot the name of the lipstick).

The complete look from head to toe.

Model: Molly

xoxo, Kia

Girly Pink Prom

This is a very simple look to achieve.  I primed her face with Maybelline Age Rewind face primer.  I used Lancome Tient Miracle foundation on her and set her foundation with MAC Studio Fix in NC 30.  To achieve her eye look, I used the Naked 2 palette from Urban Decay.  I apply the shade Chopper on her first half of her eyelids.  I then went in with the shade Tease and contour her lids.  I went in with Blackout to intensify her outer lids for a smokey effect and along her lower lash to balance out the look.  I finished the look off with the shade Bootycall, highlighting her brow bones and inner corner of her eyes.  Moving on to her cheeks, I contour her cheek bones with NYC Bronzer in Sunny and highlight her cheeks with Revlon Colorstay Finishing Powder in Brighten.  To complete her look, I used Revlon Lipbutter in Lollipop on her lip. 

This is the complete look from head to toe.

Model: Kalia

-hugs&kisses, Kia

Purple Prom

To achieve this look, I started out by priming her face with Maybelline Age Rewind face primer.  Never skip this step because it will help your foundation apply on smoother and last longer.  Since she will be taking photos in the dark, avoid a high SPF foundation.  I used Maybelline Smooth Mousse Dream foundation in the shade 240 and set her foundation with MAC Studio Fix in NC 40.  Since her dress is purple, I used hot pink as her base color for her eyes.  I contour her lids with a dark purple shadow.  To make the eyes interesting, I lined her lower eyes with a blue liner from Urban Decay.  For a glowy face, I contour her cheek bones with Revlon Colorstay Finishing Powder in Sunkissed.  Don't skip out on highlighting the cheeks for that dewy look.  On her, I used Revlon Colorstay Finishing Powder in Brighten.  To finish off the look, I used a fuchsia pink lipstick by Lancome.

The complete look from head to toe.

Model: Stacy

-hugs&kisses, Kia

Naked Palette 2

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette ($50).

Finally! I was able to grabbed this product. It was sold out everywhere when it first launched. These shades are more taupe and darker than the first palette (which I haven't own yet, which I might consider to purchase). There are 3 matte shades in this palette just like the first palette. This palette is awesome!  This palette does the job for me.  It is very light and convenient for me to take with me for touch ups.  Urban Decay never disappoint me with their shadows. They are highly pigmented!  I am not going to do swatches because I don't have time to do. I am pretty sure you gals had already seen the swatches from other beauty gurus so I am not going to swatch these shadows. What do you think of this palette? Naked or Naked 2?

A Romantic Spring

Model: Krystal

Products Used:

Face-Missha Perfecting BB Cream in No. 27 and MAC Studio Fix NC 40.
Cheeks: MAC Blush in Harmony, E.L.F. Blush in Fuchsia Pink and MAC MSF Soft & Gentle.
Lips: Revlon Lipbutter in Cotton Candy.
Eyes: Coastal Scent 88 Shimmer Palette, E.L.F. Liner in Turquoise, and Maybelline Eye Studio liner in Midnight Master.
 

Spring is here and it is all about vibrant colors.  Indulge yourself with a hint of pink, blue, purple, and green.  These vibrant and fresh colors will instantly brighten your face.

Lancome Idole Ultra 24 Hr Wear Foundation

This is one of my new favorite gig from Lancome.  I wear the shade in 230 Buff (W).  This foundation cost $44 and you can find this on their website or at any department store.  I suggest you go to a Lancome counter and get a sample first because not all foundation is for everyone.  I like this foundation and you might not.  The packaging on this new foundation is lighter than the Teint Miracle foundation that I also owned.  This packaging is more on the plastic side compare to the Teint Miracle foundation which is glass.  I love Lancome's packaging as always. 

Since this foundation is a prolong wear, I might not recommend this foundation for those who have dry skin because it will bring out your dry areas.  This foundation is perfect for normal and oily skin.  I love this foundation because it is long wearing.  I didn't have to retouch my makeup.  The texture is velvety and easy to blend.  This is my new favorite foundation for the summer!

Sephora Liner Rebellious Eye Inspired

This is the other look for the rebellious eye ad campaign from Sephora.  This is more of a natural look with minimal eye makeup.  I finished the look off by giving my sister a natural dewy glow with a finishing touch of a berry shade on her lip.  Like this post if you like the recreation of the liner rebellious eye look.

Products Used:
1. Neutrogena Healthy Skin in Natural Beige 60
2. MAC MSF in Medium Plus
3. Loreal Souffle blush in Cherubic
4. MAC MSF Soft & Gentle
5. Loreal Intense Liner in Carbon Black
6. Maybelline Illegal Waterproof Mascara in Black
7. 88 Warm Palette
 8. Revlon Lipbutter in Berry Smoothie

Sephora Smokey Rebellious Inspire Look

As I was looking through Sephora's website, I came across the rebellious eye looks. I fell in love with this smokey look. It is simple, but yet dramatic. I recreated this look on my sister. Do you guys like this look?

Products Used:

1. Mac Prolong Wear in NC30

2. Mac Studio Fix Power in NC40

3. NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow in Black Bean

4. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette (Blackout)

5. Mac Blush in Harmony

6. Mac Blush in Pinch o' Peach

7. Mac MSF Soft & Gentle

8. Revlon Lustre Lipstick ( I forgot the name)

Influenster Vox Box

Influenster Love Vox Box

I was super excited to receive my first vox box from Influenster.  It is totally free to sign up at http://www.influenster.com.  All you have to do is unlock badges by answering surveys about your lifestyle.  Once you unlock enough badges to qualify then you will receive an invitation from Influenster to participate in receiving a vox box. Each month has a different theme so therefore, you will receive different boxes, but you HAVE to be an active member in the community to continue receiving the vox boxes. You will have to blog and make a video reviewing each of the products.  I signed up last month so I was invited to get a vox box in the theme of Love.  Here are the products I received from the Love box.

1. Gillette Venus & Olay razor:  I must say that this razor is amazing.  I haven't really invest in good shavers, but this one is fantastic.  This razor has 5 blades for the closest touch to get that smooth results anywhere.  The other thing I love about this product is that there are two big moisturizer layers to give you that soft and smooth shave without having to use cream.  Having a stick-on for the shower wall makes it a plus for convenience.  

2. Kiss Nail Dress: I haven't try this out yet, but this nail press on design is very similar to Sally Hansen's press on nail design.  This product included 28 stick on for toes and nail tips.  Once my nail grow longer then I will give this a try.  Basically all you do is stick them on to your nails and shape them to fit your nail shape with a filer. 

3. Stash Tea Herbal Sampler (caffeine free):  This sampler included a total of 18 tea bags with 2 flavors each.  There are 9 different flavors: acai berry, blueberry superfruit, chamomile, cinnamon apple chamolie, lemon ginger, licorice spice, mango passionfruit, peppermint, and wild raspberry hibiscus.  Honestly when I opened the tea box, the fruity fragrant of the tea bags remind me of fruity gum flavor which I am not a big fan of.  I am not big on fruity tea, but I will give it a try to see if I like it or not. 

4. Ghirardelli Gourmet Milky Creamy Devotion bar:  This is my favorite by the way.  I am huge on chocolate so this chocolate bar made my day.  This chocolate bar was super delicious!  It is smooth and creamy.  It melts right into your mouth.  Mmmmm..I couldn't asked for more.  Sit back and enjoy.  

5. Truvia Natural Sweetener:  I haven't try this sweetener out yet, but I will when I have time to make myself coffee in the morning.  I am super lazy so I always have a hard time getting up in the morning.  I tried sweeteners in the past, but haven't come across this brand.  Let see how this product go for me.

***Note: These products are given for me at no cost from Influenster to test out and review them.  These are my most and honest opinions on first impression of these products.  For more info. go on influenster.com to become a member and start receiving free cool stuff!

March Glam Bag

My March Glam Bag

For this month bag, the theme is repair and restore.  As you can see, this month is all about repairing and restoring our skin to get back our dewy moisturize skin that we lost during the cold weather.  This is why all you see is a hair care product and skin care products.  I am disappointed because I was expecting this month bag to have better products because the February bag wasn't as great.  Most of the products came in a small sample packet. I hope April's bag will have more makeup products. This month bag came with:

1. Pur-lisse Pur-protect SPF 30 Essential daily Moisturizer

2. Murad Eye Lift Perfector

3. DermStore $25 gift card

4. Murad Absolute Bronzing Boost SPF 15

5.  Keracolor Color enhancing Leave-in Treatment

***Myglam Fluffy Eyeshadow Brush w/ Pouch