★ STARLETLADIVA ★

" The Magic Of Milk Of Magnesia "

2012-03-18T20:04:00.001-07:00

You've probably heard of this Before!...
And I bet it's no secret... It's amazing how a bottle of indigestion relief solves our problem to oily skin and the solution to long lasting makeup!

What? For Real???!!...

Read more after the jump...

So, Milk of magnesia for oily skin...?? " for real? " well I'll tell you... "yes!!! for real!!!"
Back then when I lived in asia I was so anxious about the humidity making my skin so oily!...
I put on foundation and go out for 15 minutes the oil already starts to melt my makeup... :(
It's so gross seeing the powder and pigments floating on top of the oil on your face... Girls who understands my pain please raise your hands!...

I did as much research as I could... from the best blotting powders to all kinds of blotting sheets.
Then I see this girl on youtube talking about how milk of magnesia made her makeup stayed on for 10 hours...
Turns out this is one of the secret tricks of many professional makeup artists... It was so famous the topic reached millions of hits and reviews...
So as soon as I landed in UK I had to buy one and see for myself! ... Serious guys... It made my makeup stayed matt for the whole day...
Here's an experiment to show you guys that it works...

Using Olive oil on my nose first...

Okay... I know I look scary without makeup on but bare with me in this... :)

Now here's what I did... I soaked my nose with olive oil to make it shiny and oily... And then I used a cotton pad soaked with Milk of magnesia... and gently wipe it on my nose.....

Here's another scary old me... lol...
If you wonder how do you apply before your makeup, well it's easy!... Just soak the cotton pad with it and gently apply on the places that needs it like your T-zone... cheeks or chin, just anywhere that's oily... Just remember, always moisturize before you apply cos this has a very drying effect!... But it's fab. <3

Here's the before & after...

See how the milk of magnesia just suddenly absorbed all the oil on my nose...?
It's magic isn't it... and it left my nose a dramatic matte finish !
Do this step once everyday before you apply makeup can make it last all day and night...
no kidding... it works... <3
If you have oily skin why not try it yourself and love me after wards...lol

Just in case you don't know where to purchase Milk of magnesia... you can purchase in Boots, Superdrug, Tescos...etc
If you live in the U.S , I'm guessing you can buy it anywhere you go...:)

Have fun and stay matte!

XOXO Yves <3

" Get Beach Body Ready! "

2012-03-14T17:07:00.000-07:00

March & April's the best time to work out and start to love your healthy beautiful body...
When it's time for bikinis... You'll thank me....lol

Read more after the jump on how to be " Summer Ready "...

Winter's fun and the perfect season to enjoy junk food...lol
That's the point of the season right? Eat what you want cos you're always gonna be covered up with sleeves and layers of jumpers & coats...
Here's this... Every March ~ April is when I get summer & Beach ready !

When it comes to summer all we think about is the Beach , bikinis, Ice-lollies and boys right?
and some of us are finding it hard to lose all that junk food karma from last Christmas...
Well think about it... If we wanna get our old bodies back " Just Go opposite against junk food "
Three months is just enough time for you to get it back!

Healthy diet is the main key to getting your hot body back...
Stay away from sugar and processed food and embrace the " Organics "... If you have trouble finding the right food or just purely clueless... This is when a dietitian comes in handy... But I think we all know the simple common stuff like drink lots of water... do more exercise and no fried foods...

Well this is what I know... No matter what size you are, if you eat healthy you are always gonna look good. You don't have to be skinny to look good, you just need to be healthy and toned...
It's not the size that makes you out of shape... it's when you're not toned!...

Going to the gym, swimming does help... Toning is very important if you're a bikini lover...
If you're in a bikini you're gonna want to show off those abs....
A minimum of exercises a day can help you burn off those unwanted excess fat...

Here's the last step... " Firming " ...
If you've lost weight then your skin is gonna stay saggy if you don't firm it... and that's not pretty... lol
This step is totally prevention!... Never do it when it's too late!.
My tip is, always use firming cream while you're still working out and on your diet... so you're firming while you're shrinking,
makes sense right?...

I don't encourage people starving or taking pills but a healthy diet is ideal... It's all about being healthy and beautiful...
Plus... I'm such a lazy person and I only get summer ready once a year... coz I love junk food way... too much... XD

To my summer hotties... This is how I get summer ready...
are you ready?

Can't wait to put your bikinis on?... summer's not here til another 3 months... lol

Wish you all with beautiful toned bodies...

XOXO Yves <3

" It's Time To Be Colorful "

2012-03-14T16:23:00.001-07:00

Spring & Summer's here... And it's time to be colorful... Put away your neutral tones coz it's time to be creative!

Pink, Purple, Blue, Green, yellow
show off your colors!...
Read more after the jump...<3

Well hello to a new season... If you live in Britain... " I know it sucks "... it still rains alot.
But it's the season of the year that you can wear crazy color clothes, makeup and can actually get away with it! so why not have fun and make the most out of it right?
Here's a look that I've came up with recently, it's all about floral... the colors and of course the floral print on my cheeks. If you guys noticed... yes I PSed my hair green, just to create that themed look... I would wear a wig if I had one...XD

It's interesting how bright colors can make you look younger and more joyful... and also give you that extra pop! of energy... Even looking at yourself in the mirror makes you happy!

If you're uncomfortable trying bright colors you can also try colors that's more sheer or with a bit of shimmer. You can also try stick with just one color or add some neutral tones to the sockets of your eyes and blend to make it more natural... But if you like to party...then I say paint those colorful babies on all the way..

Remember... it's all about having fun!

I don't know about you guys... But I have a huge crush for " ORANGE " recently... I've seen alot of artists use it for runways in these two years... If you have blue eyes...Orange is what makes those blues pop!... If you have brown eyes... try the almighty " Electric Blue ",
If you have hazel eyes... Try " Malve & Purple"
Different colors enhances different eyes...
Just Make sure your lashes don't stand out more than your pigments.

Here's a Picture of me without the green hair... lol
Have fun with it while you can...
Be colorful and stay beautiful....<3

XOXO Yves <3

More Samples More Option...!

2012-03-11T14:06:00.000-07:00

We all have a few products we bought but it's just sitting on your dressing table and never used... Or bought something then later found out it's just not what you expected it to be?...

Read more after the jump... <3

Yes! I have those habits too... I've bought alot of skincare, makeup that's just not working for me or had a terrible allergic reaction to it...! I ended up had to give it to someone else as a gift and sigh....and think " Why is it just so disappointing? " ...

I recently came up with this idea of going to department stores or go online to sign up for all sorts of samples. Either it's skincare, makeup, I collect before I think whether it's right for me or not... One of the crucial thing that needs trying is either tinted moisturizers, foundations or skin creams & serums... They are the most effective products and likely to be the more expensive ones... This prevents me from buying the full size at a high price and end up having breakouts or allergic reactions!!!... and have to toss it at the end...

It is also a good tip to save money if you're on a budget!... Trying out free samples until you know which ones are the best for you... and when you buy the full size... you'll be buying it with no regrets! God knows how many samples are out there for you to try... it's also a good way to experience all the makeup brands that's out there...

Have fun with experimenting...:D ... next time when you go shopping... don't forget to ask for free samples... you may be suprised by the product and end up loving it...
Here's a product I've recently tried and fell it in love with...

Estee Lauder - Invisible Fluid

Tried it for a week now and absolutely in love with it... can't wait to purchase the full size...

Have fun & Good Luck.....

XOXO Yves <3

" Pastel All The Way ! "

2012-03-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Pastel's what's hot this season and that's no news...
It's about time I catch up with fashion... But if pastel's hot this season then I'm going pastel all the way......

Read more after the jump ...

So What Does it really mean when I said Pastel all the way?...

Well Simple!... If we can have pastel outfits and makeup... then why not " Pastel Hair "...
Yes! Real pastels on your hair... either purple, pink, green or blue... they're all fabulous...!

Here are some behind the scene photos...

The make up is all about softness and looking natural... no eyeliner... just pastel eye shadows... and of course the trendy rosie flush...> <...

We've been scouting all morning... and thank god we found this model " Amy Nell " ... She's just the face we're looking for. A face that's just the fit for the " Less Is More " makeup...

Here's another finished result...

See the Pastel colors slightly showing through the hair?... Cute right?...
Try this at home...!

XOXO Yves <3

John Galliano Inspired Hair & Makeup

2012-03-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

Randomly on a Wednesday afternoon me and Laura grabbed two girls and said... Why not do a John Galliano styled hair and makeup...!
It was fun and challenging...
Finger waves and haute couture makeup are hard to come by these days...

Read more after the jump...

Every time I watch " FTV " when it shows John Galliano fashion shows I'd jump in front of the TV...
The hair and makeup they do just some how gets me excited... And some how I just wanna try it myself and discover the fun!...
At first the models were terrified by our inspired ideas... but maybe after they see this photo maybe they'll have a change of mind...lol... Well yeah... not all of us understands the weird side of beauty... or in my case... " Art ".

The Galliano makeup has been famous for quite a while now... It's got it's own weirdness of beauty and the creepy vibes of a gothic doll...
Some how I still wasn't able to master the vibrant pigmentation of the makeup...hmm... That means I need to visit the nearest MAC store...innit!

Finger waves are hard to come by now days... since no one actually goes to the salon and ask for one anymore...
And they don't teach them in most hair & beauty schools anymore... If they had teach me I'd probably be far more pro at this...> < ...

Here are some behind the scene picetures....

Hmm... I wonder what looks should I come up with next time...

Any requests?

XOXO Yves <3

" HomeMade DIY Makeup Remover "

2012-03-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

If you're a girl who loves natural cosmetic products then this is what you'll love...
A home made all natural ingredient gentle makeup remover and perfect for you if your on a budget!

Have you ever gone home one night and while removing your makeup and the remover you're using makes you go " Urghhh..." cos is too oily? Well same here!... that's why I prefer oil & water combined based makeup remover, the oil wipes of the makeup while the water cleanses & freshens...
Here's a DIY tip of mine to make a " Decent Natural Makeup Remover "...

Let's start...<3
Here are the ingredients you'll need...
Extra virgin olive oil, rose water, your favorite pure essential oil and an empty bottle.

Easy right! Everything you need you might already have in your kitchen cupboard... or not? something you can also buy in health food stores...

Step 1.

Pour the olive oil into the empty bottle... the ratio is 1:4

With different bottle sizes the ratio is still the same, the oil should be less then the water or else it might be too oily.

Step 2.

Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil

Make sure your essential oil is 100% authentic and it's made for skin use. My favorite essential oils are rose & Jasmine... It adds a pleasurable scent and that extra anti-oxidant benefit. I added 2 drops each, you don't need alot cos it's 100% pure.

Step 3.

Pour the rose water in to the bottle

This is the last step guys... pour the rose water in the bottle til the bottle's full then you're done!... make sure to give it a good shake before use. The oil and the water will separate after it's been settled.

Because this is an all natural remover, it's best to keep it in a cool dry place with no direct sunlight. The finish result should look like this....

Easy and simple!... Turns out you don't really need to buy those expensive removers after all... Although there are products out there that is just as good... but hey!...gotta love the naturals too... It's optional that you can also change your water to witch hazel , cucumber water or whatever's natural you can think of!

Now here's the fun part... here's a demonstration to show you how it's used...

Shake your remover until the oil & water are mixed well together, soak a cotton pad with it and gently place it on your eyes. Wait for 10 secs for the remover to dissolve your make up then slowly gently wipe it off and you're done!

Impressive aye?... So shocking how it wipes off all the makeup so easily...
Believe it or not, try it yourself!... It's natural and affordable, nothing to loose at all!
Cleansing is so important , my makeup lovers!...

Enjoy experimenting and wish you good luck!

XOXO Yves <3

" Bigger Eyes Tips For Asian Eyes "

2012-03-05T10:19:00.001-08:00

Here's a request for you my pretty Asian ladies...
Once a girl asked me about the secrets to getting big eyes...
Well...it's no secret... Recently browsing online seeing chinese girls doing makeup
which totally suprised me... It's like an extreme makeover!

Okay! let's start...
There are so many types of eye shapes and eyelids which works with different methods,
most Asian girls prefer to have double eyelids and some girls embraces their singles...
Both of them are just as beautiful as each other but just with different techniques to enhance.

Here are some techniques you probably already heard before... " Circle Lenses"
There are so many types of them out there that enhances your eyes... but alot of you are
allergic to them? With my experience I can't wear most brands cos my eyes are so picky...
But here's one that doesn't give you dryness or pain and it's extremely natural...
Johnson Acuvue...

If you ever feel let down by your single lids well here's something you can try! " Eyelid Tapes".
There are different types and sizes of eyelid tapes out there designed for different types of
lids. I know! some lids are just so stubborn even tapes don't work... Don't worry there are
tapes out there now that's designed for stubborn lids.

The picture on the right is the classic ones for just any eyelids which also comes in different sizes and widths depends on how deep you want your eyes to be.
This one is ideal for those who has thinner eyelids, thicker eyelids may find it not supporting enough to hold the lids up.

For thicker and stubborn eyelids I would personally suggest the double sided invisible string tapes.... which it has a stronger bond that works with any eyelids and also seems more natural.

For extra methods you can also try eyelid glue, the glue may not work with any eyelids, it's most likely to work with thinner eyelids.
It takes alot of practice to be in control of the gluing technique.

For those girls who loves to embrace their single eyelids! There are also makeup tips to enhance your eyes!

Try sticking to neutral toned eye shadows like brown, beige, olive etc... these colors will make your eyes stand out and give it more depth. Stay away from redish tones cos it will make your eyes look puffy... The thinner your eyeliner is the bigger and awake your eyes will look.
You don't always have to use black as a liner , try dark brown or just wet your brushes and use your eye shadows as liner! A thin layer of mascara or natural false lashes would do the trick too... Just stick to natural :D

Last but not least... The " Magic White Eyeliner..."
This trick is used by so many people including professionals , this is what really brightens your eyes... Use the white eyeliner and highlight your brow bones and inner corners of your eyes...
and the most important part..." Your lower eye rims "... This will definately give it a super awake illusion...!

Try these tips and experiment and discover what works for you!
Wish you beautiful eyes my Asian hotties...

Good Luck! XOXO

Yves <3

PS. If any of you wonder where to buy eyelid products... If you're from Asia you'll probably find it in your local drug store... If you're from UK or else where try Ebay!... :D

The Salvation To Extreme Over Processed Damaged Hair!

2012-03-04T13:19:00.001-08:00

Hello Boys and Girls... It's a new season in 2012!
Bleached and Colored your hair from black to Blonde back and forth?
The price you pay is to have it all fried and had it all chopped off right?
I know! It Sucks! and we've all been down that road before!
Well guess what! Getting your clippers out isn't the only solution anymore.
This article will help you understand the structure of your hair!

So, what is our hair really made of?
Simple! Protein, Keratin and fiber!...
When you're stripping color off your hair it's not just the
color you're stripping, you're stripping everything out of it! Ouch! I know it sounds a bit harsh.
But hey! no pain no gain right? here are some home DIY tips to safe your locks!

Step 1. The Hot Oil Treatment

Moisture is what keeps our hair silky smooth and shiny,
but when we bleach our hair it's like saying goodbye to the friendly H2O...:(
Oh well, hot oil treatments helps you to get it all back!
My favorite tip, "Almond Oil" with "Extra Virgin Olive Oil" ....These two Oils are well known for
treating dryness. Shampoo your hair and towel dry,
mix two oils together and heat it in the microwave for 30sec. It should be warm but not too hot,
slather it all over your hair and wrap it with a hot towel and let it sink in for 20min then rinse, and hello! Moisture!

Step 2. Restoring Protein

Believe it or not "Protein" is what strengthens our hair, bleaching hair takes it all away...
no wonder it snaps off easy...
One of my most effective tricks and what we all have in our kitchen! " Eggs "!
What? Eggs? For Real? Yes! For REAL!...
Egg whites contains a rediculous amount of protein that will help
restore all that strength back into the hair and prevents it from further breakage.
Beat one egg white til foam and slather it on damp hair and leave it for 15-20min then rinse,
twice a week is recommended it but no more then that.
Too much protein can also make our hair become too hard and causebreakage.

Step 3. Sealed it all in so it stays!

Ever heard of the P.H scales? Acidic and Alkaline?
Alkaline opens up cuticles and Acid closes it, when bleaching hair the peroxide opens it and
here's a natural way to close it! Something we have in our cupboards again...
Tah Lah..." Apple Cider Vinegar "
Apple Cider Vinegar is a gentle acid and it's super hair friendly, using it to rinse hair has been very common
for the past few years.
This is the major trick to soften that poor locks of yours and seals up all that goodness you've restored.
Simply rinse it on damp hair and leave it for 10min and rinse with water then you're done!

Simple easy tricks that's ideal if you're on a budget,
Try it! I double dare ya!... If you wanna stay away from scissors then you definitely will!

Stay Beautiful and Keep your Goldie Locks!

XOXO Yves <3

Oily & Combo Skin is just like any other skin!

2012-03-04T13:14:00.002-08:00

For my Gals who's suffering from oily skin...:(
No tears, No fears... I've got good news for you!

Ever wonder why other girls has such balanced skin?
I sometimes is just as jealous of those girls who has normal skin as you are!
Well here's this, it's all about the right ways to cleanse and moisturize and finding
what's friendly to your skin.

Oily skins & Acne prone skins maybe genetic or stress related but no worries...
let's see what are the messages your skin's trying to tell you.
Washing off the excess oil won't stop it from being oily! In fact it's gonna make it more oily...
In this case it's all about balancing, lack of moisture will trick your skin to produce more oil so
moisturizing is just as important as cleansing.

Here are a few steps to balance your skin :

1. Choose the right cleanser!
    Try to use a cleanser that has a more neutral P.H, for skin it's 5.5.
    The less it foams up the more gentle it is, in my case I like to use gel cleansers, it's
    gentle and it does the same job.

2. Exfoliate!
    Now girls... This is a must...!
    Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and prevents it from clogging the pores that could
    lead to acne...ooo...not pretty!
    Twice a week will do the job and leaves skin super soft and smooth...but remember peeps...
    Don't over do it! or else it might cause irritation...

3. Tone is just as important as cleanse.
    A toner purifies and cleanses any traces of residue dirt and little extra of that freshness.

4. Last but not least...."Moisturize" !
    The right type of moisturizer prevents the skin from thirst and produces more oil...
    If you have oily skin why not try a gel based moisturizer, it's lighter and pore clog free.
    If you have combo skin then there's no worries if a moisturizer can be too rich, as long as if
    you are using the right amount.
    Different people suits different types of moisturizers, what works for me might not work for you.
    But hey! Try for yourself and you might be amazed of the difference it makes!

If you have no idea where to start, I have some recommendations for you!
Here are some of my all time favorite products that I love to bits!

No.7 Beautifully Balanced Cleanser -

Jurlique Citrus Toner for oily-combo skin ,
This one is too natural to dislike!

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Cream,
This is my all time fave!!! Full Honesty!!!
Super moisture and cleared all my scars!

Garnier Aqua Defense,
This one is very fresh and gentle, I recommend to super oily skins...
Slather loads on as mask and sleep with it on and you'll really see the difference!-

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer,
now if your a makeup gal then this is your thing! this one works with your
foundation and it's light and matte! -

No.7 Total Renewal Exfoliator,
My first time using this was a huge suprise...the micro beads were so fine I can't
even see... and it left my skin too smooth to be mine...lol -

Try these methods and discover the difference!
Stay beautiful my Galz!

XOXO Yves <3