.

Lali Amora's Kiss Awards 2011

2012-01-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

So many new items in our glamorous world and yet so little time! In 2011 not only did I pay close attention to the products that were recommended to me but I did take notes of those that I will be trying this year :) The 'Kiss Award' is given to my personal favorite picks...Believe me there were many 'nominees' but in the end there is only 1 winner.....or winners in this case!

So a round of applause for the big winners of 2011...Every beauty product favorite of mine deserves a big Kiss!!!!

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic eye liner pencil in Black

Yuko Gold Repair Through spray

L'Oreal Youth Code skincare

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Sephora Lash Plumper mascara

Tarte Amazonian Clay blush

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing system

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor

..............

Giveaway: L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara

2012-01-21T12:11:00.000-08:00

Is it possible to love a mascara so much? Yes it is! Here is my official review and thoughts....Don't forget to enter my giveaway for this wonderful gem...Details at the end of the review :)

Price: Depends where you buy from, but I have seen them retail between $7 and $10.

Pros: Packaging is beautiful, formula is great, no smudging, no flaking, affordable, easy to use.

product: 5 stars out of 5

packaging: 5 stars out of 5

quality: 5 stars out of 5

overall : 4.9 stars out of 5

would buy again? Yes

My thoughts:

Sent to me specifically to try out and review, I was super excited at the chance to try this mascara that as soon as I received the package I tried it on and loved it, haha. Ok so many of us have this 1 mascara in our lifetime that is a holy grail item, we go out and buy 3 at a time and have gone through so many to count.....Well....I have a feeling this mascara is going to be mine :)

Packaging - Isn't it gorgeous! I was using it in my office and a couple of people came in and asked me if it was Chanel or Gucci or something, lol....I love the gold tube, so shiny! I think the best part of the packaging is that it doesn't look cheap or gaudy instead it looks elegant and expensive.

Formula - I find this formula to be perfect. I always tend to wait a few days before using a new mascara because I can't stand to use a new one since the formula always tend to be watery. This formula was actually very nice, it wasn't too watery nor too dry. The formula doesn't create a glob on the wand, the wand holds the perfect amount needed to do the lashes. There is not a weird smell or scent in the formula, I know scent is a concern with some. When you first look at the wand you can see the small fibers in the formula, they are not large or too small, they are perfect.

Applying - This is the easiest to apply! I like to curl my lashes then apply it. I can see both length and volume, maybe more length than volume but still they come out gorgeous! I don't see any odd fibers in place and as a matter of fact I don't see them at all as I am applying which is great since they blend very well while applying to create the false lash effect.

Wear - There is no flaking nor smudging. The hold lasted all day, I usually put on makeup between 8 and 9am in the morning and I take it off as soon as I get home which is in between 6 and 7pm. The hold is pretty good, lasting the curl nearly all day, by 5pm the curl was still there but not as great as it was in the morning.

Notes:

The wand is comparable to the Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara. As you can see I am merely comparing the 2 side by side as I find the wands look similar in shape and size.

The formula is available in waterproof and in black-brown color as well.

Lash Stiletto and Voluminous False side by side.

In these pics I tried to capture the fiber on the lashes, as you can see on the above picture. Of course when blended well it looks alot better. The other 2 pics are with 2 coats.

Win one Voluminous False Lashes Mascara - GIVEAWAY!

All you have to do is 'Like' Lali Amora Beauty Blog's on Facebook and you are entered to win a tube of Voluminous False Lashes Mascara! Deadline is January 31, 2012..... I have plenty to give away so make sure you enter today!

Good Luck gals!

Makeup Diary: Collective Haul

2012-01-17T12:52:00.000-08:00

With the holidays finally over I've been able to enjoy my cash for important stuff: Makeup! I placed a Hautelook order to finally retrieve some Jane blushes that I really love, I also dropped a few eyeshadows in my shopping cart. The 2 OPI's and NYX gloss I bought on a extended lunch break and I've been looking for a metallic blue eye kohl since losing my MAC one so I found one by essence that is really great :)

Jane Blush - Babydoll, Petal, Orchid Shimmer
Jane eyeshadows - Clubbing, Midnight
OPI - Sparrow me the Drama, Play the Peonies
NYX - Sweetheart
Essence - Heavy Metal

Lots of new polishes have been catching my eye lately so I managed to buy only the unique ones to add to my collection....But I am most excited about the light blue Revlon in the front there which is called Whimsical - a dupe for Deborah Lippmann's Glitter in the Air.

Sally Hansen - Glass Slipper
Nicole - Snowman of my Dreams
WetnWild - On a Trip, I need a Re-fresh Mint
Revlon - Buttercup
Revlon - Smoldering, Graceful, Mischievious, Chic, Whimsical

I can never have too many lipsticks! :) Don't know how I could have missed a few from Covergirl but I picked up Flame and from Maybelline Red Revolution and Pink Me Up. I found those new 14 hr lipsticks from Maybelline but only picked up Perpetual Peony to try. Had to pick up WetnWild's Megashield lipstick in 'It's a Girl'....seems like it would be a great color for the summer.

I ran into the new Rimmel lipsticks by Kate and picked up 08. That same day I passed by the Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush display and decided to get Hot Tamale. Something tells me to keep the Maybelline Color Tattoo cream shadow which I got in Painted Purple, but I feel like I should return it because the amount in the pot and the amount said it contains doesn't add up. Finally I fell for another blue eyeshadow, WetnWild in Stagedive.

Gotta love Sephora and their clearance sales plus free shipping with tons of samples! I picked up a Tarte for Trueblood Liptint, Hello Kitty nail polish in Red Sparkle, 2 Hello Kitty Glittercute eyeliners in Grapesoda and Telephone and a Tokidoki glitter eyeliner in Skeletro. I finally got around to trying the newest and lovely Tarte Amazonion clay blush which the color Blissful was calling my name. Wanted to try the Lancome L'Absolu Rouge lipstick so I picked up Fleur de Lis.

My Apothica sponsorship giftcard came in handy this month so I picked up Too Faced shadow insurance, my first Paul and Joe product ever, which is the undereye concealer in 01, and Deborah Lippmann's nail lacquer in Happy Birthday.

The Balm and the Beautiful palette I picked up at a recent trip to Marshalls, and at more than half the price off the original I couldn't resist getting it... I'm glad I did, the eyeshadows and creme blushes inside are amazing.

Both orders gave an array of samples: Tom Ford edp Violet Blonde, Skyn Iceland eye cream, Smashbox Photofinish primer and luminizing primer, Tocca edp Cleopatra, Ahava Extreme day creme, Nuxe body cream, Cartier edp Baiser Vole, and 2 Super Melon cartenoids eye creams.

Review: NARS Outremer

2012-01-11T13:25:00.000-08:00

Quality: 2 stars

Would repurchase? No

Recommend? No

Pros: The color is very pretty

Cons: NARS packaging, Chalky, Fades, Sheer, Bad Pigmentation, Blotchy, Too expensive for below standard quality.

My thoughts: I bought this color because I collect eyeshadows that of the Blue color wheel. I was attracted to the color first seeing it on Flickr and knew that I had to see it for myself. I will say that the color is nice in the pan and is sheer when on the skin. Because of my own preferences (I prefer bold, bright, and rich in pigmentation eyeshadows) I find that this color is not my cup of tea. That doesn't necessarily mean that others may not like it....Some people do prefer a muted -sheer soft blue, of which I would say that Outremer would be perfect for. So depending on your own preference you may or may not like Outremer.

What strikes me odd is that Sephora had many colors in stock, everything looked very neat for being around the holidays, all the colors had testers, but yet this color was the only one that did not have a tester. I did not test it in the store because I would have had to open and swatch a new shadow.....I am not willing to do so because I want to avoid confrontations with Sephora's staff. As soon as I swatched it at home I quickly decided that this shadow would be going back. NARS, you really disappointed me! I am surprised at the quality of this shadow because everything else you make seems great, except this...

Outremer is chalky, fades after 5 minutes, and is blotchy on the skin. I tried it with 3 different eyeshadow primers (UDPP, Michael Todd, ELF) and it still looks gross. I admit though, it is a very nice color in the pan but I just can't add to my collection I'm sorry.

I took the time to compare to other similar blue eyeshadows. Here I used Cargo's Quad in Tahiti, MAC eyeshadow in Submarine, and my favorite Tokidoki in Skeletrina. Look at how the colors compare. Of course the sheer chalky one is Outremer. These are swatched on eyeshadow primer.

Comparisons with flash

Comparisons with natural light

Skeletrina, Submarine, Tahiti

My advice: If you happen to like Outremer then go for it, but if you happen to want a bold, bright, better blue then try MAC, MakeUpForever, or Inglot :)

ELF Shadow Pans Project

2012-01-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

I like to have my palettes simple and easy to grab and use...While I do love my ELF Beauty books I don't always have the time to haul them out of my vanity and pick and choose the prettiest colors from each book to mix and match....I find it's a hassle! So I decided to toss the paper packaging and magnetize them into a empty MAC palette. Ah! So much better! and I use them now! In this post I show you my way of how I did it!

Step One: I gently pulled off the black foam outline, I started from the top but I held onto the mirror so it wouldn't pop off along with it.

Along the way and thru the shadows I kept gently pulling....On 2 books some of the shadows came up with it but that was ok and I gently pushed them out the back and set them aside.

Here is what it looked like - the aftermath LOL

Step Two: I only pulled off the shadows that I really liked. I must admit not all of the shadows in these books are worthy, so in this step I only pulled off the ones that were awesome. Some of them came up with ease while some of them were more difficult to take off. I had to use a small fruit knife to slide under and pull up. I gently did this because even the slightest dent will ruin the pan and the shadow.

Here is what it looked like after I pulled it off. Some shadows came up with the foam while others came without which was great because it was ready to clean and apply the magnets.

Here I demonstrate how I would pry the foam off the back. Some shadows were a pain to seperate from the foam as the adhesive was way too strong, but I did this gently being extra careful not the warp the pan.

Step Three: I cleaned the back of the pan with a dampened paper towel and applied a plain white sticker (which I bought from Office Depot, like mailer labels) to the clean surface of the pan. I had to trim the stickers the right size for the pan. Last but not least I applied an adhesive magnet to the back.

My daughter wanted to help! :)

Step Four: I put them all in an empty MAC palette. I did remove the wells because obviously they would not fit in the circular space! Inside the palette the black metal sheet was glued on but I did add more glue so that it would stay put better....All in all I think it came out great and I enjoy using all of them!

If you have any questions or like more of these DIY projects, comment below and let me know! Thanks for reading and Happy New Years! :)

Holiday Haul

2011-12-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

I began my Christmas shopping on a good note, my friend Trish had brought a bunch of MAC stuff to work and wanted to sell it cheap, so I bought the new white packaging lipstick from Glitter and Ice col. in Creme dNude...I mainly wanted it for the packaging so I could add it to my collection. Next to it is the newest Balm by Loreal and it's pretty good, it has Argan oil in it. And how come I have never seen this quad? I love Maybelline's Charcoal Smokes quad! I wore it yesterday while doing some shopping, I love it!

EOTD - Charcoal Smokes

I added falsies for a finished glamour look :)

I'm super excited about my early Christmas gift from my husband, he bought me my fave, The One by D and G. I ran out of this years ago and never could get myself to spend the money on another (it's $75 and up!) I can't even describe the scent, all I can say is that it's divine! I ran into this cute glittery nail polish by Color Club but I don't know what it's called but looks very similar to China Glazes Ruby Slippers. Over at CVS one day I picked up Big Money from the new Gems Crush SH col. which is a gold glitter base with sporatic lavender glitters...Very pretty, but why Big Money? I also got Essie's Ladylike which is ok, and Revlon in Graceful, which is a unique creme taupe grey.

CG's PR sent me the new Sofia Vergara collection for me to try...The Lashblast is a 24hr mascara and the lipstick is a duo ended wand with pretty colors to mix and match....Lip color is called Glimmer.

I had been watching some Youtube videos and decided to do a dollar store haul! I went on Friday and came home with lots of goodies...I got 4 NYC liquid eyeliners in Jet Black and Sable, a couple of colors of CG Smoothers which is a very soft and moisturizing lip color, 2 pairs of the very natural Kiss eyelashes in 02 which are super comfortable to wear! I wore them on Saturday in the picture from earlier! Love these and just may have to go get more! Last but not least I found a PopDuo pencil by Loreal which has a shadow stick on one side and a kohl eyeliner on the other, I love this! I only got one because I wanted to try it first but I may go back for the grey and the lavender :)

My local Texas Dollar had these crackle polishes for $1.50, I have tried them and they seem to be good but as it turns out I am not a fan of any crackle polish whether it be from OPI or China Glaze or even SH. I just don't like the way it looks :(

I found my first love of nail polish from like years ago! I began to get into cosmetics I'd say around 2005 and around that time I bought Rainyday Red, which is a gorgeous reddish Fuchsia Pink. I still have my first bottle which is dried out. I could never really match the color but I found it again! I found it and grabbed it costing me only 50 cents. I also bought this bracelet that I've been trying to find in unique colors, I still would like to find a pink one but only found red that day, so I decided to get it :)

Last but not least is a couple of designer imposter perfumes. I got the Harajuku Lovers col. and love the scents! I have tested out the real deals and I can't remember which one it was that I liked so I just decided to get all of them, except for 'Love'.

If you're a Movie Aficionado....

2011-12-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

Maya Entertainment will be giving away 5 DVD's per day!

Excited about Latin film-making? I sure am :) Excited, that is, because latino film makers have recently dominated the film industry, not just with short-films but more so big pictures. As a latina I am proud of this accomplishment! Latino's and/or film enthusiasts please take note, this campaign is one that has to be talked about! I long for these opportunities to share the info with my readers! Today and for the next few weeks Maya Entertainment will be giving away 5 films per day on their Facebook. Most importantly, there is reason behind it...that is to have a broad range of appreciation for Latin film making... What a great way to get the word out!

Here's the giveaway page:

https://www.facebook.com/MayaEntertainment

Good Luck!

Remember Jane?

2011-12-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's for sale on Hautelook!

Wow! I feel like its been ages since I saw Jane cosmetics. I do love their blush and eyeshadows! If you love your Jane cosmetics too then head over to Hautelook, they have Jane makeup on sale now thru Wednesday. I just may have to snag a few items myself!

Recap: Beauty, Hollywood, and VS Fashion Show '11

2011-12-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

So, who watched? Sad to say as much as I wanted to, I did not...booo!!!! I get so busy at home with the family and then I'm so super tired that I just want to pass out and fall asleep by 7pm!

One thing is for sure, I am going to do some research on VS models diets! I heard about it on the radio and I am super excited to find out their secrets....I am constantly on a diet so I thought I could learn a thing or two, lol!

If you watched, what was your favorite part of the show?

Terra was present for coverage and if you too would like to see pics, read interviews, watch videos and learn about those diets visit the Terra website here.

And

Beautiful and pregnant Roselyn Sanchez had her baby shower recently in LA! It was hosted by Johnson's....Super cool, I would love to be hosted by Johnson's for my next baby shower! *hint hint* lol

Look at those cute bears in the background...Oh yeah and the beautiful Puerto Rican Roselyn.....She has always been a favorite of mine :)

With her husband, Eric Winter

Pic credits: StarTraks

Last but not least..AMA's were on recently and I totally forgot that Taylor Swift is a spokesperson for CoverGirl....her skin looks nice here and she wore that new NatureLuxe silk foundation that I've been wanting to try. I have to admit this isn't the best pic of Taylor Swift as of today but just wanted to share.

And who doesn't love a little Katy Perry to soothe the eyes? I swear every time I see a pic of her I just wanna call her up and say, "Hi Katy, can you do my makeup...and hair...and design my outfit?"......Fact is her makeup artist Jake Bailey is the one who does it and always seems to do a phenomenal job! Luckily for CoverGirl, that night they got to team up with him.

Super pretty as always, and I wish I hadn't known that they used Guerlain for her finishing powder because I love it and now I want to try it!

What they used on Katy:

Guerlain's Les Viollettes loose powder

NARS blush Madly

NARS shimmer blush Orgasm

Liquid liner marker from Le Metier

COVERGIRL LashBlast 24HR mascara (Not yet in stores)

COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast eyeliner, Violet voltage

COVERGIRL Lip Perfection lipcolor, Flame

Multi-tasking Brush: Sedona Lace Synthetic Blender

2011-12-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

It was a video on YouTube that prompted me to purchase the lovely Sedona Lace Synthetic Blender Eb 13 brush. I had to see it for myself! Ok, so this little gem can pack on shadow on the lids, blend, and apply highlight for the brows all in one, and it can have other uses. I have been using the same brush to do all three and I'm loving it :)

There are 2 of them in the picture because when I ordered it there was a promo when you buy one you get one free....How cool is that?!

According to them:

"This brush is not only great for eyeshadow but concealer as well. Makeup artists have been using crease brushes for years to help blend out creamy product like concealer or eyeshadow base. This brush was formulated with synthetic bristles to apply the perfect amount of product. The bristles are also nice and dense to for easily blending out darker crease colors. Tip: Use this as brush for contouring the nose. The shape and tapered bristles will help you blend out hard lines easily."

Price:

$8.95 each

I say:

It is very soft. Ferrule is of good quality. Very easy to use! Has become one of favorite eye brushes.

They have other products to offer...Check them out at Sedonalace.com!

COVERGIRL's Newest with Sofia Vergara

2011-11-28T15:15:00.000-08:00

She's so pretty!

It seems as though many celebrities are creating their own line of products lately! Here is another that I am excited about....

The beautiful, talented, and funny Sofia Vergara will be promoting her Holiday Hotlist of colors by COVERGIRL!

Want to buy one before they hit stores? You can starting today and the best part is no shipping fees!

You'll be able to get your hands on these cute products before they launch January 2012. If you are interested, visit COVERGIRL on Facebook or you can click on the links I've provided below.

Shop here
http://www.facebook.com/covergirl?sk=app_131977193574848

and RSVP here
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191788490905489

Like COVERGIRL at
http://www.facebook.com/COVERGIRL

and follow us on Twitter!
http://www.twitter.com/COVERGIRL

If you happen to take advantage of this deal, let me know what you got!

Autumn Hauls and Gifts

2011-11-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

A haul? It's seems like it's been ages!!!

Profusion Sparkle Palette

I have been looking for sparkling eye-catching shadows lately especially for this holiday season and found this $5 palette at my local dollar store. I really like it, there are 24 glittery shadows in this palette and not one of them are chunky! Which is great considering whenever I have dealt with glitter shadows most of them tend to be chunky which fall out and end up on your cheeks or elsewhere!

Wet n Wild I (heart) Matte

At my recent trip to Walgreens I ran into this 8 shadow palette by WnW which holds 8 very nice matte shadows, I had never seen it before but chose to buy it and try it out. I like it but I have yet to create a look using it, I will probably try it out sometime this week! Speaking of WnW, I got one of the newest limited edition holiday palettes in Bake off Contest which comes with a shimmering eye pencil. I really like it but I feel 2 out of the 6 aren't pigmented instead powdery and blotchy.

210-Light

200-Plush Peach

Covergirl and Olay Simply Ageless eye concealer in 210 is Simply Awesome! Let me start out by saying that I love love love this concealer. A review is in the works. I picked this up using my $8 off coupon and also grabbed the CG SA sculpting blush in 200. I am still trying out the blush so I will let you know how it works out. Please let me know if you have tried it and share with us your thoughts :)

I've been wanting to try out the Maybelline Liquid Mousse so I took a chance and bought the color Medium 2.5 - it's a perfect match, lol. I also bought the Physicians Formula gel eyeliners for Blue Eyes, and 2 cream shadows from Urban Decay which were on clearance for $3 each.

I had a strange craving for some more art brushes

Master's Touch

-3/0 Spotter

-1/4 Angular Shader

I have used the Angular Shader for gel eyeliners and it works extremely well

I was sent the newest additions to Covergirl as a gift among other things but I am eager to try out these:

-Intense shadowblast in Blue Bomb

-Simply Ageless foundation

-Simply Ageless Serum Primer

So far I have tried the foundation which I really like, the color Soft Honey is an exact match but I still see a tad bit of pink undertones which don't exactly agree with my yellow undertones in the face. I will do a review and let you know my thoughts.

More Polish! The new Essie color in School of Hard Rocks, Revlon's Gold Charm and Carbonite, Orchid and only because of the name is the reason for buying, lol, called Royal Engagement.

I was sent the newest L'Oreal Youth Code skincare line and I can say this, I am in love with the Day/Night cream which is so reminiscent of MAC's Studio Moisture Cream and has almost the exact same scent. I will do a full review, can't wait!

MonroeMisfitMakeup

2011-10-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Three words to best describe her: Talented, Original, Beautiful

Don't underestimate the power of Makeup! She is one of my favorite Makeup Enthusiasts...please take the time to sit and watch her latest concoctions of makeup looks.

You may have seen some good ones, but I tempt you to see the best :)

Blog http://www.monroemisfitmakeup.com/

Miami Fashion Week: Makeup and more...

2011-10-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

If you have passed the CoverGirl section without so much as a glance recently I might have something that will change your mind next time you go shopping....which may have you creating a wishlist, lol

Lourdes Stephen (above) at the Magia De La Moda fashion show.

She among all models there had makeup and hair completed by makeup artist Jessica Rivera and Pantene's backstage hair styling team. All products used were from CoverGirl and Pantene!

List of products used on the gorgeous Lourdes....

All by CoverGirl:

Simply Ageless primer

Simply Ageless concealer #215

Simply Ageless foundation #255

Clean pressed powder, normal skin #165

Simply Ageless Sculpting blush #210 and #230

Shine Blast lipgloss in Glow

Intense Shadow Blast in Beige Blast

Eye Enhancers 4-kit shadows in Drama Eyes

Liquiline Blast eyeliner in Blackfire

Lashblast fusion mascara in Very Black

And her hair!! I love it :) According to the hair styling team:

Before drying hair they sprayed Pantene Heat protection and Shinespray, they created the open waves and then sprayed Pantene's Anti-humidity hairspray...

Coupon Alert for CoverGirl - There is a P&G coupon that was in the P&G coupon insert from last Sunday's paper for $8 off any 2 CoverGirl Face products, that is a phenomenal deal, I'm definitely taking advantage! If anyone needs one of these coupons (or two!) I have a few extra :)

The Magia De La Moda is a fashion show brought to you by Isabel Toledo & Televisa’s Vanidades Magazine and is part of Miami Fashion Week.

Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/covergirl and www.facebook.com/pantene

Pics credit: Martine Morcillo, Fleishman Hillard Miami

Genes Day Friday, October 21

2011-10-20T06:37:00.000-07:00

Did you know….

On Friday, when you buy Lancome's Genifique, Lancome donates $7 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?

And did you know that this Friday marks the 2nd annual Genes Day?

By now, you are probably going ‘Ok, what are you talking about, what is this?’ but I have something exciting to share with you all! Genes Day happens to be a very important day for Lancome. It is the day that they will donate $7 to St Jude Children’s Hospital from each sale of their Youth Activation Concentrate called Genifique.

Genifique info:

“Our first skincare that boosts the activity of genes1 and stimulates the production of youth proteins2. A true skincare innovation with 7 worldwide patents pending, Génifique is the foundation of every woman’s skincare at any age or for any skin concern. In-vitro test on genes. Clinical study on skin proteins associated with young skin - France.

Result: Visibly younger skin in just 7 days. Skin looks as if lit from within – breathtaking radiant. Its youthful quality returns: cushiony soft and velvety to the touch. Drop by drop, skin is vibrant with youth, its tone becomes astonishingly even, its texture dramatically refined.”

For all of those that use Genifique and have just ran out please consider holding off buying one until Friday, I’m sure those from St. Jude’s would appreciate it! If you have never tried Genifique you can visit the Lancome counter this month for a 7 day sample.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital info:

“When late entertainer Danny Thomas opened the doors to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 1962, he was not just changing the lives of children who would walk through its doors—he was changing lives across the world. More than 70 years ago, Danny Thomas, then a struggling young entertainer with a baby on the way, visited a Detroit church and was so moved during the Mass, he placed his last $7 in the collection box. When he realized what he'd done, Danny prayed for a way to pay the looming hospital bills. The next day, he was offered a small part that would pay 10 times the amount he'd given to the church. Danny had experienced the power of prayer. Two years later, Danny had achieved moderate acting success in Detroit, but he was struggling to take his career to the next level. Once again, he turned to the church. Praying to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hopeless causes, Danny asked the saint to "help me find my way in life, and I will build you a shrine. Throughout his successes, Danny never forgot his promise to St. Jude. From Danny's pledge that hospital care would be accessible to all children, regardless of their ability to pay, grew ALSAC, one of the most successful fund-raising organizations in American history.

When St. Jude completed its $1 billion, five-year expansion in 2005, it bolstered the hospital's efforts to find cures for the catastrophic diseases of childhood. The growth more than doubled the size of the hospital’s original campus. The expansion included the Children's GMP, LLC—the nation's only pediatric research center on-site facility for production of highly specialized treatments and vaccines—an expanded Department of Immunology and more. Now with the addition of the Chili’s Care Center, a larger, rejuvenated Kay Kafe cafeteria for employees and patients, and renovations to the medicine room and rehabilitation areas, the hospital is more poised than ever to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.”

For more info visit http://www.lancome-usa.com/ and http://www.stjude.org/

Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/stjude and www.facebook.com/lancome
Join us on Twitter www.twitter.com/stjude and @lancomeparis#Genesday

I have children of my own and it makes me anxious to know there are children at the hospital with bad diseases and cancers. Treatment, especially in a hospital setting is expensive, and without insurance it can be hopeless. It makes me happy to know that St. Jude's helps all children stricken with these diseases regardless of financial status.

As ambassadress Julia Roberts says “the partnership between Lancome and St. Jude Children Research Hospital is a true celebration of the beauty of giving’. My thoughts exactly, Julia! :)

Lali Amora Beauty Blog 3rd Anniversary...

2011-10-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

What this means is that something cool is coming...something in terms of a giveaway? Yeppers! :)

Stay tuned for more details coming up

:)

My Top 5 Beauty Sins

2011-10-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Saw this Tag on the lovely Christiana's blog so I decided to put together a list. I tag anyone to do the same....Ok here goes! :)

Sin #5. I use to add hair gel to my nearly empty mascara tube.

I don't do this anymore but I use to back in my high school days when I didn't have enough money to go out and buy another. I have no idea what prompted me to add in the hair gel, I thought that it would somehow mimic the mascara formula!

Sin #4. I scratch off my white heads and squeeze out my blackheads.

Only on my nose but nevertheless this is some strange habit of mine that I'm not proud of. If I see them on my nose I am so quick to squeeze them out. I think it all started when I would use those blackhead nose strips which for me is a love/hate relationship, sometimes it gets them all out and sometimes it doesn't!

Sin #3. I don't take off my makeup every night.

I know, I know, 'Never be too busy to be beautiful'....It is a motto that I stand beside and have said many times but seriously I have 2 kids and a toddler at home and I work full-time, Most days I am so exhausted I go into dream mode putting my 1 yr old to sleep with a plan of getting up about 30 mins later to wash my face, paint my nails, etc BUT when I DO wake up it's time for me to get up and start the day all over again! lol

Sin #2. I use to wear face powder that was too light for me.

Those ghastly white casts in the old photos, and the favorite compact puff tucked neatly inside by the mirror. Yep I was one that fell victim to this classic! This was back in the day before we cherished makeup brushes and drugstore makeup companies were ho-hum about selling makeup and powder that matched REAL skintones!

AND my #1 Beauty Sin......I use to share my makeup with my friends all the time.

Ewwww....now that I think about it, what the hell was I thinking? lol :)

Winners are...

2011-10-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Winners are Stephanie and Mia!

Congrats ladies!

Enjoy!

MAC, is this some sick joke?

2011-09-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Recently received a MAC email I guess to promote the new Fall Colour collections and I open the email and to my disbelief a picture of this woman pops up...This is what they used for marketing? Seriously?

It may be just me but I am not impressed and find the picture disgusting. Anyone out there that received the same email? What do you think about it? Please discuss....

Bargain Alert: Sally Hansen Complete Salon manicure for 0.62 cents!

2011-09-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday dear readers! Here's another bargain for those with a nearby H-E-B store!

I just paid .62 cents plus tax for the color Without a Stitch at my nearby H-E-B store. Here is how to get the deal:

Fortunately those limited edition colors like from the picture above are scanning on clearance for $1.62, I think H-E-B stores are trying to get rid of these stray items, but there isn't a price tag on them....H-E-B currently has a Big Savings coupon (yellow coupon) for $1 off any Sally Hansen nail and tools (expires on 9-20-11), so you end up paying .62 cents plus tax!

Just wanted to share with you all, I know my postings have been sporatic lately, I apologize, as I am extremely busy! :)

Have a blessed Sunday!

Bargain Alert: Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss for $1.47

2011-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

For all of you that have a near-by H-E-B store please take note that the Revlon Colorburst Lipglosses are on sale for $6.47 and even better H-E-B has a Big Savings coupon for $3 off any face, eye, or lip product....and get this, the Revlon Colorburst Lipglosses currently have a 'Peelie' coupon attached to itself - with an additional $2 off, so you are saving $5. Total retail you end up paying $1.47 + tax.....

(You are allowed to stack the H-E-B coupon with the Manufacturer coupon because the H-E-B coupon is a coupon code 'B' or 'S' not an 'M'...if your cashier does not want to take your stack please ask to speak to a supervisor!)

That is an amazing deal!!! I got the color Pink Ice yesterday and plan on getting more today!

Just wanted to let you all know, have a great day!!

Maya Indie Film Series: Win a copy of 'Forged' and 'All She Can'!

2011-07-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

The 3rd annual Maya Indie Film Series has made way to our cities. The seven city, seven movies, seven days occasion is one that is marked for cultural diversity and leadership in the film industry. What more can you ask for in an array of diverse films? Whimsical comedy, inspiring and scintillating drama, moving and compelling action, the films say it all, but the one thing that has stood out most about these films is that it speaks of different generations within our community with authentic situations.

If you are interested in partaking in this annual milestone please check the Maya Indie Film Series website to see trailers for all 7 films and to check the movie times and schedule!

---The Seven Films---

(Summaries by MIFS website)

All She Can

Director: Amy Wendel

Starring: Corina Calderon, Jeremy Ray Valdez and Joseph Julian Soria

In a small south Texas town, there aren’t many career options for young people besides oil rigs, the military, or fast-food restaurants. Luz Garcia, a fiery high-school athlete, is determined to forge a different future; she’s gained admission to the University of Texas at Austin. The problem is she can’t afford to go. With her one shot at a scholarship riding on the state power lifting championship, she sees no choice but to bend the rules to ensure her victory. Although Luz’s rashness and frustration land her in increasingly hotter water, they also fuel her with courage and empowerment.

Blue Eyes

Director: José Joffily

Starring: David Rasche, Erica Gimpel, and Frank Grillo

Before his compulsory retirement, a JFK airport's chief Immigration officer, detains a group of Latin Americans and expose them to a series of humiliating situations.

DiDi

Director: Bigas Luna

Starring: Elsa Pataky, Ana de la Reguera and Peter Coyote

Di Di Hollywood tells the tale of an actress whose wish for stardom comes with much sacrifice. Her name is Diana Diaz, a young woman with a wild yet familiar dream: to become a star. And to win it all, she is willing to lose herself. Tired of working night jobs as a bartender, Diana finally decides to leave her homeland, her best friend Maria, and all of the bad memories Spain holds for her. She heads out for the bright lights of Miami, and despite its glamorous first impression, this new paradise proves anything but. Fed up with casting calls, hunger, and near-poverty, Diana continues to push forward, and with the help of new friends, makes it out to Hollywood. As Diana Diaz transforms into Di Di, the once ambitious bartender truly learns the price of stardom

Sympathy for Delicious

Director: Mark Ruffalo

Starring: Christopher Thornton, Mark Ruffalo, Juliet Lewis, Orlando Bloom, Laura Linney

SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS marks acclaimed actor Mark Ruffalo’s first foray into directing. This inspired and unusual film tells the story of Dean O’Dwyer (Christopher Thornton), also known as “Delicious D,” an up-and-coming DJ on the underground music scene in Los Angeles. When a motorcycle accident leaves Dean paralyzed, he abandons his turntables for a wheelchair as his once promising career disappears before his eyes. Forced to live out of his car on skid row, Dean begins his descent into depression when he meets Father Joe Roselli (Mark Ruffalo), a passionate young priest. Father Joe introduces Dean to the world of faith-healing, an unlikely way for him to begin his quest to walk again. He soon discovers that he possesses the otherworldly power to heal people, but in an odd twist of fate, he is utterly unable to heal himself.
Despite Father Joe’s warnings, Dean angrily decides to use his newfound gift for fame and fortune. He joins a rock band led by charismatic front man The Stain (Orlando Bloom) with bassist Ariel (Juliette Lewis), and manager Nina Hogue (Laura Linney). But his newfound notoriety is unable to cure the hurt that encompasses his life. To find true healing, Dean must ultimately confront his worst demons and come to terms with his own humanity.

Where the Road Meets the Sun

Director: Mun Chee Yong

Starring: Eric Mabius, Will Yun Lee, Fernando Noriega, Laura Ramsey

Takashi, a Japanese hitman who wakes up from a four-year coma, moves to LA to escape mysterious traumatic memories. He strikes an unusual friendship with Blake, the hotel manager who still mourns the loss of his wife to an affair he ended up regretting. Meanwhile, Julio, an illegal immigrant who works at an Indian restaurant to provide for his wife and kid back in Mexico, befriends Guy, a young British backpacker who lives off his estranged father's ATM card and sleeps with any girl who crosses his path. The film intercuts between the blossoming of these two friendships. Takashi attempts to help Blake break from his past, but in the process is forced to confront his own violent memories. Julio and Guy hustle for day to day survival and forge dreams of a better future, but after Julio steals Guy's passport and sells it for a grand, not only is their friendship at stake but also their lives. What follows are the at times wild and often gut-wrenching adventures of four men trying to survive both emotionally and physically.

Without Men

Director: Gabriela Tagliavini

Starring: Eva Longoria, Christian Slater, Kate del Castillo and Oscar Nuñez

Without Men is a comedy about the women of a small and remote Latin American mountain village that’s forever altered the day all of its men are recruited to go fight in the country’s civil war. Left to fend for themselves, the women of the town, led by Rosalba (Eva Longoria), slowly emerge from their supporting roles as wives and daughters to become unwitting founders of a remarkable new society: an all female utopia. When the men, led by an American reporter (Christian Slater) return to try to reclaim their power, a clash of sexes ensues with unsuspected consequences. A sexy, fun, irreverent exploration of the age-old question: What would the world be like if it were run by women?

Forged

Director: William Wedig

Starring: Manny Perez, David Castro and Margo Martindale

An ex-thug (Manny Perez) and his son attempt to find a way to move past impossible circumstances to forge a bond that has been forever broken by the murder of the child's mother.

Last but not least, let us not forget :)

DVD Giveaway!!

Win a copy of 'Forged' or 'All She Can' on Lali Amora Beauty Blog!

How to enter the giveaway:

1. Leave a comment on this post only.

2. Remember to include your email in the comment.

For additional entries!

Let others know of this giveaway! Link back to Lali Amora Beauty Blog.

Giveaway rules:

Entries must be in no later than August 19th 2011.

Winner will be announced August 19th 2011.

Include your email in your comment.

You can email your entry at lali_amoramakeup@yahoo.com

Only 1 entry per person.

2 winners will be chosen.

Fromm Hair Shaper Razor

2011-07-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

My new found love! I'm saving my money for other things and handing my own hair cuts now! Sorry hair stylists, I gotta do it!

The Fromm Hair Shaper Razor #107:

-Traditional Stainless Steel
-Blade guard
-Light weight
-From Sally's, only cost me $4.49 plus tax

I have always cut my own hair as far back as I can remember because my issue with hair stylists is that I have attempted a hair appointment for a cut and have been disappointed miserably many times! It seems as though I can never achieve the cut I am aiming for, Talk about frustrations! So to put an end at future hair fiascos I decided to cut my own hair....

-Save money (and gas!)
-Achieve the look you want
-There are sites (Google) that offer step by step instructions how to cut your own hair as well as youtube tutorials

The medium size hand held razor looks like this, is not heavy nor is it cheap looking. I love the way it has grooves as to skip and add dimension to the hair.

I love to razor my hair beforehand and then use a flat iron to create a straight look that is sleek just like in the pic below:

So I'm sold.....I tried it and loved it and I continue to razor my hair every 2 weeks or so. Here is just one example of how my razored ends look:

What is your favorite hair styling tool? :)

Neutrogena Wave Sonic Power Cleanser: Win a new Wave Sonic on Lali Amora Beauty Blog!

2011-07-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Time for a skincare gadget review! Today’s feature product is the new Wave Sonic by Neutrogena (not the original vibrating Wave). It has been a real treat testing out this new thing, I have gotten the hang of it and consider it a nice addition to my skincare routine! Lets talk more about it shall we?

The Wave Sonic Power Cleanser

"-Clinically proven to provide unsurpassed cleansing eddicacy, by even a $200 Professional at-home Sonic Cleansing system.

-Delivers softer and visibly brighter skin in just 1 use.

-Outperformed traditional cleansing, with the leading cleanser, at removing waterproof makeup - cleaning skin 50 x's better."

So basically it's a spinning face scrubber with nifty removable facial pads that are pre-moistened with face cleanser. The sonic wave has 2 speeds -Gentle Daily Massage (slow speed) and Deep Pore Cleansing (faster speed). Personally I prefer the fastest speed just because I feel it cleans better than the slower speed.

This is what it looks like, it is about as big as my hand but is incredibly easy to hold and use.

I love that it is pink!

Since the cleansing pads are to be used only once, the packaging comes with 13 extra refills and refills can be purchased separately that come in a set of 30.

What I love about it: It leaves my face clear and bright. With each use I visually saw my skin clearer and more evenly toned. You can use in the shower as it is water proof.....you can drop this in water and it will still work afterwards. The small pad produces alot of suds and feels wonderful on the skin.

My dislikes: The replacement of the pads can be a little bit pricey especially for everyday use. To constantly have a cleansing pad on hand for daily use is a bit much that is unless you plan to only use Wave Sonic once or twice a week. The pink round part of the cleanser that grips the cleansing pad seems to pop off each time I remove a pad - which is ok because it is really easy to pop back on but having to constantly do so is a little annoying.

My Experience: I didn't really see a gradial improvement in my skin tone, texture, or clarity being that I used it for about 10 consecutive days but it really seems to be perfect just for 'on the spot' or immediate results....Just like I mentioned beforehand the brightness of my skin was noticable right away, but over time my skin didn't really look all that different than to begin with. I really like the way it makes my face look after usage so my favorite time to use it is right before I apply foundation as it gives my skin this smooth and clear palate to work on.

Info:

-It is gentle enough to use everyday but I do not use mine everyday instead I use this once every 2-3 days.

-Does not have a strong or weird scent.

-Uses AA batteries to operate and makes a quiet sound.

-Don’t confuse this one with the original Wave. The original Wave utilized vibrations - The new Wave Sonic utilizes rotating scrub action.

-Is available in most drugstores, Walmart, Target, and select grocery stores.

-Cost $14.99, refills $5.99

Win the Wave Sonic on Lali Amora Beauty Blog!

Yes, a giveaway! 2 readers will win (See below picture!) Read on for details...Enter today!

How to enter the giveaway:

1. Leave a comment on this post only.

2. Remember to include your email in the comment.

For additional entries!

Let others know of this giveaway! Link back to Lali Amora Beauty Blog.

Giveaway rules:

Entries must be in no later than September 29th 2011.

Winner will be announced September 30th 2011.

Include your email in your comment.

You can email your entry at lali_amoramakeup@yahoo.com

2 winners will be chosen.

How to glow like a supermodel!

2011-07-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

You asked so here it is! I love the way makeup is done on supermodels...they have this sheen or 'glow' to their cheeks, something I adore! Fortunately achieving that look is fairly simple. While I'm not certain exactly how the real supermodels do their cheeks I can definitely share with you how I achieve that glowy-sunkissed look on my cheeks.
I am excited to share this makeup tip with you all because it's just in time for summer! Perfect for breaking out all those pretty nudes, pinks, and shimmers for the face!

#1 Concentrate on applying blush where you normally would apply the so-called 'highlighter'.

I depise when I'm told to smile and apply blush on the apples of the cheeks. While makeup is there to beautify us all we must also look at the other reason why we apply makeup: To look younger. Because of this I apply blush higher than the apples of the cheeks. Gossmakeupartist explains this quite well in his video below, check it out.

#2 Instead of using a matte blush use a blush with shimmer.

....But be careful to not use a blush with shimmer overload. Pick one that has a nice sheen and pretty shimmer. I have one too many blushes with shimmer so my choices are endless but my favorites at the moment are Neutrogena healthy skin custom glow blush/bronzer duo, MAC blush in Peachtwist, and MAC Mineralized skinfinish in So Ceylon. The shimmer creates a distinct glow on what would be the highlight area of the cheek bone for that glowy look.

#3 Brush a tiny bit of blush on the top portion of your forehead.

This step is totally optional but I love the look it creates. A few centimeters below your hairline is where sun normally hits on your forehead so I love applying a little bit of blush on this area as it gives my face this cute and beautiful glow.

#4 Last but not least, don't contour.

We are trying to achieve a glowy look, not contour our bones out like in drag LOL but seriously just for this Glow like a Supermodel look, don't contour your cheeks....save the contouring for another day!

Pic examples below.....

If you love to apply 'highlighter' just by habit go ahead and do so but apply it with a light hand so that you do not cover your blusher.

Have a great summer!!