Bianca's Beauty Faves

Colored mascara fun

2011-12-09T12:58:00.001-08:00

A friend on Facebook asked me to look up some colored mascara from Wal-Mart and while shopping there the other day I found some interesting mascara from the brand "Hard Candy".

Hard Candy Mascara

There were a variety of colors and I chose purple. I was a little skeptical about it because the price was so low and I thought it would turn out to look more "costume" than regular make-up but it was great! I did a bit of gold eye shadow with some purple eye shadow on the outside and then black liquid eye liner, last was the mascara. This was the result:

Purple lashes

I love the end product of it all

What was great was the brush:

Fiber textured brush

The brush has these little fibers that elongate your lashes and adds texture to your lashes too.

THE BEST PART: The mascara cost me about $5 at Wal-Mart. Fantastic! It is a great way to switch up your look a little, Halloween or not.

New Mascara Fave!

2011-11-30T06:26:00.001-08:00

I have tried, it feels like, almost every new mascara out in the market and some have impressed me and some have really disappointed me. I get most disappointed when I spend $18+ dollars on a mascara that delivers poor results. Recently I saw a commercial for Maybelline's Great Lash line called "Lots of Lashes" and the shape of the brush got me thinking that it would be great to try out. I went to Wal-Mart to find it and was surprised to find out it would only cost me a few dollars to get it. I LOVE THAT.
It was a plus so far but I got nervous thinking that maybe a cheap mascara would mean awful results. The following day I broke into my new mascara and as soon as I did the first swipe I said, "Oh wow." It was brilliant! I absolutely loved the results of this mascara. It's all about the shape of the brush, like a tear drop, fatter on one end and smaller on the other in order to get the smallest lash possible. I don't have very long lashes so this brush worked really well with them. After a couple swipes I was glad to see the volume I wanted and the thickness all without the dreaded CLUMPS.

My Mascara Fave

My result after a couple applications of the mascara

THE BEST PART: the mascara costs about $3.80 depending on where you purchase it, so you don't have to break the bank for nice lashes. I like to use the "very black" mascara.

The brush is great! The smaller end grabbing all the little lashes that the larger end can't get. and vice versa.

For the best results with your mascara, sweep the brush from the root of your lashes to the tip. I have found that the best volume for me is built when I blink while applying.

Your Face: Let People See It

2011-09-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest pet peeves is seeing girls with too much foundation and concealer. The majority of the girls that I see that violate this have perfectly fine skin, so why cover it up so much? They end up looking really fake and I know that most guys prefer girls that have a more natural look.

The product that I have used and love is Bare Minerals powder foundation. I use this product along with a light concealer for certain areas that I need a little more cover up. I have a little bit of redness around my nose that I can't seem to get rid of and I use a little bit of liquid concealer to cover it up. I like to use the Bare Minerals foundation with a kabuki brush, it's small in length and large enough in width to get an even application to my face.

On the Bare Escentuals website this is their explanation on how to apply the foundation:

1. Swirl
a small amount of bareMinerals in the lid with the brush until all the bareMinerals are tucked into the bristles.

2. Tap
away excess. There should be no visible bareMinerals on the outside of the brush.

3. Buff
bareMinerals onto the skin in a circular motion, starting on the outside of your face near the cheekbone and swirling as you go. Buff around your face and then approach your forehead, cheeks and nose. Buff until you are satisfied with the coverage.

That's it! Leaves you looking natural and your face also doesn't feel caked with make up.

My foundation fave

This is the kabuki brush they offer at Bare Escentuals, mine is similar to this one

THE BEST PART: There are two foundations, the original SPF 15 foundation or the matte SPF 15 foundation. You can choose which look you prefer. They will also last quite a long time (if you aren't caking it on of course). You can purchase them in different department stores and online. It's about $26 depending on where you purchase it and the kabuki $8 to $30 depending on where you buy it and what kind of hair the brush uses.

ALSO, remember to take care of the brushes you use. To prolong the life of your brushes make sure to cleanse them regularly with brush cleaner or a gentle shampoo or soap.

Eyebrows: They Are So IMPORTANT

2011-07-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

I am really picky about my eyebrows. I remember the first time I wanted to get them waxed, I knew that I had to go somewhere that I could trust because if your eyebrows get ruined, it's hard to grow them back and hard to cover them up (without looking like a clown painted them on). Eyebrows really do make a difference when it comes to your look, I'm always surprised when I get mine waxed how different my face looks afterward.

I only trust going to Benefit's Brow Bar. I watched their workers do people's eyebrows and they do a really great job. Since they're only around in certain places I usually have to wait until I make a visit to California to get them done. So in between that time I just follow the line that the person that did my eyebrows has left with my fabulous Tweezerman tweezers. Tweezerman is great because they can grab the smallest hair imaginable.

Fortunately for me, thicker eyebrows are really popular right now. I have a lot of hair so my eyebrows are really thick. The girls that do my eyebrows always comment how mine are really nice to work on because I have so much to work with. Now, not all eyebrows should look the same, it all depends on the face shape and positioning of the eyes.

Here are some examples of good eyebrows I found in google images:

For me personally I like to keep my arch and length kind of like this.

A good guide to length and where the arch should be.

My eyebrows after being waxed 2 weeks ago...not perfect but kinda the idea (sorry for the shine, it was hot today).

Benefit has a brow kit (called brows a-go-go) that has some colors to help fill in the parts of the eyebrow that is a bit thinner. I usually don't like to use a filler because it often makes your eyebrows look fake, I really like more of a natural look, however, one of the girls that did my eyebrows showed me how to mix their two colors in order to make it look more natural and even, it looked pretty good but the kit is a little pricey ($38)so it will have to wait for now.

Final thought: PLEASE if you dye your hair, make sure your eyebrow color matches or is close to it. I always hate it when I see girls with really dark eyebrows with platinum blonde hair, at least lighten them a little.

THE BREAKDOWN: Benefit's brow waxing is about $20 and includes the waxing, trimming and tweezing. After, they'll ask you if you would like your redness covered up and sometimes they'll do a makeover for you too (which is always nice). You don't have get a wax a lot if you keep up with your waxing by tweezing what grows in and then every couple months you can go get your wax.
The Tweezerman basic slant tweezers start at $20, and it may seem like a lot but they will last you forever. They have some cute designs for tweezers and really cool brow tools and accessories.

Benefit website: http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ on the site you can look up a brow bar near your area.
Tweezerman website: http://www.tweezerman.com/index.cfm

Hair Update- Suave With A Diffuser

2011-05-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

I was reading the back of my mousse bottle and it recommended to use a diffuser with the product. I usually don't use a diffuser for fear of heat damage, but I was curious about what it would do to my hair. The directions say for 24 hour touchable curls, "Squeeze mousse into wet hair. Gently blot excess water out of hair with a squeezing motion and thin towel. Blow dry with a diffuser on low setting. Tilt head from side to side allowing heat to flow from ends to root. " I did what it said and I was really happy to see the results:

I would like to add that I touched it up in between drying and finishing with the lightweight hairspray so that I could ensure that it would stay. I love it! It didn't take me very long to get the curls I wanted and I didn't have to put the blow dryer on high, which is nice because I hate it when your scalp feels like it's being burned. If you have curly hair and want some nice controlled curls I recommend trying the Suave Captivating Curls line with a diffuser.

My Fave Skin Care Line & Routine

2011-05-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

Growing up I didn't have too many skin problems (thank goodness). My mom and my grandma have always had great complexions even into their older age and despite having good genes, they take the time to take good care of their skin. I have found that I LOVE the Neutrogena line. It is gentle and gets my skin looking great. My skin care routine consists of a cleanser (which I use in the morning and at night), a daily moisturizer for day and a light night cream right before bed.

Neutrogena's 'Fresh Foaming Cleanser' is fantastic. It lathers very well and I only need to use a small amount for my face. What I love most about it is that it removes make-up really great and cleanses my skin all at the same time.

Neutrogena's 'Healthy Defense' daily moisturizer is another favorite of mine. I love the consistency of the moisturizer and especially how it contains SPF 50. It is important to protect your skin from the sun, too much sun exposure without protection leads to early aging of the skin. The product contains something called "helioplex" which is their patented sunscreen complex with anti-aging sun protection.

Neutrogena's 'Light Night Cream' is what I use for night. It is also important to have protection during the night so that the skin keeps moisturized.

Another tip for great skin is to keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Not only does it help with digestion and overall health but it makes your skin look its best. When applying the creams don't forget the NECK. Not a lot of people consider the neck when thinking about skin care but it is important to apply there.
My mom told me that she was told by her dermatologist when applying cremes to the face to apply moving upward from the bottom of the neck up and on the face from the middle of the forehead over and down under the eyes in an arc movement in order to avoid getting too many wrinkles.

My skincare faves

THE BEST PART: The cleanser comes in a 6.7 fl oz bottle for about $5 depending on where you purchase it and lasts quite a while. The moisturizer comes in a 1.7 fl oz bottle for about $12, which is a little more but provides excellent protection and is lightweight and doesn't leave a greasy feel on your face. The night cream comes in a 2.25 oz tub for about $9-$10 and leaves the skin feeling fresh and it won't clog your pores.

For more information and to see the other products that Neutrogena offers go to: http://www.neutrogena.com/

Sometimes Expensive Is Better- My New Fave

2011-05-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

I just received new nail polish in the mail from my mom (she's the best) and I just put it on last night. I was so happy with it I just HAD to write about it. Sephora's "Sephora by OPI" collection is fantastic! They have tons of different colors beautiful shades that last for a long time. I LOVE OPI for their quality polish and large array of colors. I was excited to know that they have a special collection just for Sephora. One of the colors that I have is called, 'Flurry Up' which is a sparkly top coat. My mom gave me the idea to use it only on the tips of my nails, kind of like a french manicure look.
The result:

Not the best picture but in the sun it looks amazing!

I don't like to use a lot of color on my hands but I love this look. I used this on the tips of my nails and then covered the entire nail with another top coat.

Nina Ultra Pro top coat (it's fantastic!)

The nail color I decided to put for my toes is called, 'Shiny Dancer' I put the color as a base and then the sparkly top coat on the tips of my toes for some glitter.
The result:

Shiny Dancer with Flurry Up on the tips

The trick with the glitter top coat is to be patient and balance out the small glitter with the big pieces by picking the big pieces out one by one for the look that you want.

Flurry Up

Shiny Dancer

THE BEST PART: The polishes are about $9.50 a bottle for 5 Fl oz which is a little more on the expensive side but if you think about it, you only pay it once and can use it over and over again. This beats having to pay $25+ for a manicure and pedicure every time you want your nails done.

As a side note, I have heard a lot of about OPI's Katy Perry collection with the shatter nail polish and when I get some extra money I plan on purchasing it and you can count on me writing about it!

Sephora's site for nails: http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P273905&categoryId=B70

Offical OPI site: http://www.opi.com/

Lets Talk Eyeliners

2011-05-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

I've tried many eyeliners and have concluded that I absolutely love liquid eyeliner. For me, pencil just wasn't giving me the darker dramatic look that I wanted. It took me a while to get the handle on free handing liquid eyeliner but I figured out that if I place the palm of my hand on my face while applying my eyeliner then my hand would not be as shaky. Another thing that I have to mention is that the line for eyeliner must cover from beginning to end or else it looks incomplete.

A little example of a good eyeliner line that I found from google images:

Eyeliner example

Eyeliners are another thing that does not have to be expensive. I was in the mall one day and a sales lady at MAC tried to convince me that their liquid eyeliner was amazing, so I bought it thinking, "Why not? It could be amazing." I tried it and the minute that any kind of moisture hit it I had black smeared in the creases of my eyelids and on the side of my eyes. UGH, I spent $17.50 for 2.5 ml of mess. I know that I could have purchased waterproof but honestly I hate how waterproof make-up is almost impossible to take off. I was curious about Maybeline's Stiletto ultimate precision liquid eyeliner. I purchased the one called 'Blackest Black' because I love eyeliner that has a shine to it. LOVE the eyeliner, not only does it last but it does not smear and I can get the line that I am looking for.

Here's an example of my eyeliner after an entire day of running around with an infant and doing chores (please excuse my eyebrows, I am growing them out):

My eyeliner after 8+ hours

My fave

Flexible felt tip that won't fray with use

THE BEST PART: It costs about $5.90 depending on where you purchase it for a 1.5 ml bottle. It has lasted me a long time and they come in three different shades, brownish black, black and blackest black. You can see them here: http://www.maybelline.com/products/18/eyes/eye-liner/line-stiletto-ultimate-precision-liquid-eyeliner/blackest-black/501?shadeId=121

Expensive Isn't Always Better- My Hair Salvation

2011-05-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

My first post will be about my most recent discovery: Suave Professionals.

A couple months ago my hair started to fall out because I am nursing my baby. I was using a shampoo and conditioner for curly hair that was actually making the situation worse and ruining my hair. What is worse is that the shampoo and conditioner I was using is $12 a bottle and each bottle is 10oz! The hairspray was horrible, every time I used it I had to run out of the room in order to breathe. I tossed the bottles in the garbage and saw that my mother-in-law had a Suave shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom and I used it. MIRACLE! It made my hair soft and manageable. I have thick, curly, medium length hair and the hardest part for me is to detangle it after showering, I usually have to use a detangling spray to get it all combed out. I told my mom about Suave and when I went to visit her she had bought some for herself and some for me. I then found out that Suave actually came out with a new Professionals line. My specific shampoo and conditioner is called "Captivating Curls" for curly or wavy hair. I tried it and it was amazing, the bounce actually came back to my hair and my hair was not falling out as much, the best part was that I didn't need a detangling spray!

I then discovered that they came out with new styling products to match their line of hair care. I tried the Touchable Finish lightweight hairspray and the Captivating Curls styling whipped cream mousse. This tied my hair together beautifully. I always thought that I needed a heavy hairspray in order for my hair to stay in place but this hairspray was light and it didn't have the harmful fumes that most hair sprays have. The mousse is incredible. I have used a lot of different mousse and it either evaporates in my hand or turns into liquid when I rub my hands together. Suave's 'whipped cream mousse' is exactly what it says it is, thick in consistency and it actually feels like homemade whipped cream but not so much that it never comes off your hands. I only need to use about a golf ball sized amount and that's not nearly as much as I have used with other mousse products.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Hairspray and mousse

Find which shampoo and conditioner will work for you. Go to: http://www.suave.com/professionals/shampoo-conditioner and see which one best suits your hair needs. There are tabs on the page that also show their styling products for the Professionals line. I recommend it!

THE BEST PART: The shampoo and conditioner is about $2.80 for a 14.5oz bottle depending on where you purchase it and styling products about $4-5 a bottle. You don't have to spend a ton to get quality products.

There's a world of beauty products out there and I want to explore them all

2011-05-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated with beauty products. Ever since I was a little girl I watched my mom and the women in my family put on make-up and get "dolled up" for a party or outing. As soon as I could start wearing make-up I became a fanatic of everything that is beauty. I am constantly looking for great and affordable products to use and have come to learn that the more expensive a product is doesn't always mean it is better. I want to write about everything that I have encountered that has worked wonders for me. So here I am about to begin on my journey, not knowing where this will take me but I know I am going to love every minute of it.