I needed something wild. And colorful. A reverse peacock eyes, if you will.

Base: Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Inner Lid: Fyrinnae Sorceress

Outer Lid: OCC Bitmap

Browbone: La Femme Candlelite

Lower Lid: Fyrinnae Picture It Sicily

Liner (upper lid): Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Iridescent [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

I needed something wild. And colorful. A reverse peacock eyes, if you will.

Base: Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Inner Lid: Fyrinnae Sorceress

Outer Lid: OCC Bitmap

Browbone: La Femme Candlelite

Lower Lid: Fyrinnae Picture It Sicily

Liner (upper lid): Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Iridescent Emerald Green

Brows: NYX Eyebrow Cake in Taupe/Ash

Mascara: Too Faced Size Queen

*MUFE provided for consideration.

Hello Ladies! In the past week or so of my Au Naturale makeover, I’ve discovered a few more awesome natural products to share with you that actually work!

Crystal Stick Deodorant

It may not technically be a beauty product, but this deodorant is so great that I had to spread [...]]]> By Monika Cancilla

Hello Ladies! In the past week or so of my Au Naturale makeover, I’ve discovered a few more awesome natural products to share with you that actually work!

Crystal Stick Deodorant

It may not technically be a beauty product, but this deodorant is so great that I had to spread the word. Crystal stick deodorant is really just a bar of natural mineral salts that neutralizes bacteria to prevent body odor. Just wet with water and apply. It works on underarms, feet, and anywhere else you may need it. I always feel dry (even though it isn’t an anti-antiperspirant) and it doesn’t leave white streaks on your clothes.

Crystal stick deodorant is:
• Hypoallergenic and unscented
• Gentle on skin
• Never tested on animals
• Recommended by cancer treatment centers nationwide (<—awesome!)
• Contains no Aluminum Chlorohydrate, Aluminum Zirconium, Phthalates or Parabens

Not to mention, it costs about $6 and one stick last for a year! How’s that for natural, cheap and effective?

———————————–

The Oil Cleaning Method

Yes, I was skeptical of this too, but trust me. Trust.

I have acne prone skin, and have since I was about 18. I’ve been on Accutane, anti-biotics, birth control, and many topical medications to get my skin under control. It took years. Imagine my horror when I heard that women were actually washing their face with OIL.

Yes, oil. Oil is actually a very effective, natural, gentle skin cleanser and has been used for thousands of years. Different oils work for different skin types (see list below) and I have found that after washing my face with the Oil Cleansing method for 2 weeks, my skin really does look and feel better. It feels softer, looks happier, and no I haven’t broken out once. It also removes eye makeup, even liquid eyeliner and waterproof mascara.

Your preferred oil should be mixed with Castor Oil as a base. Castor oil is very inexpensive and has anti-bacterial properties. It can be drying though, so use more or less depending on your skin type. For example, my current ratio is 1/3 jojoba oil and 2/3 Castor oil.

Best oils to choose from:
• Jojoba (acne-prone skin)
• Sweet almond (oily skin)
• Grape seed (oily skin)
• Avocado (dry and aging skin)
• Sunflower Seed (all skin types)
• Olive (all skin types)
• Apricot Kernel (dry, aging, and normal skin)

So here’s what you do.
1. Mix up your preferred oil combination (I put mine in a squirt bottle)
2. Squeeze about a quarter sized puddle into your hand, rub your hands together, and rub all over your face.
3. Take your time. This feels good! Plus the more you rub, the more dirt you remove.
4. Wet a washcloth with very warm (not hot) water, and place it over your face until it cools.
5. Wipe off.

Viola! That’s it! I like to wet and apply the washcloth a few times just to make sure my face is clean. The washcloth gently exfoliates as well.

Over the weekend I glanced though InStyle’s annual Best of Beauty issue and found the same old, same old. Nothing new and of course, we all know what made it on the list. That Nars blush with the stupid name we all agree to ignore, Laura Mericer Tinted Moisturizer, Smashbox prime, and [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

Over the weekend I glanced though InStyle’s annual Best of Beauty issue and found the same old, same old. Nothing new and of course, we all know what made it on the list. That Nars blush with the stupid name we all agree to ignore, Laura Mericer Tinted Moisturizer, Smashbox prime, and MAC’s Kohls. While I do like MAC’s Kohl liners, they aren’t the be all end all. Having said that, I am finding myself deeply attached to Powersurge, a deep gold that verges on bronze. It’s  perfect.

Base: Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Lid Base: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Fierce & Tangy

Lid: Make Up For Ever #25, Apricot Orange Sheen

Outer Corner: Darkest color from Wet n Wild Knock on Wood trio

Lower Lid: MAC Powersurge pencil with NYX Oro pigment

Browbone: Sweet Libertine Sweet Lady

Liner (upper lid): Clinique Egyptian

Brows: NYX Eyebrow Cake in Taupe/Ash

Mascara: Too Faced Size Queen

*MUFE provided for consideration.

On Tuesday, May 22nd, the video submissions for the third challenge, “FANTASY”, will go up on www.nyxcosmetics.com for anyone to vote on until May 26th.

Make sure to head on [...]]]> If you’ve been following the NYX FACE Awards, the top 12 contestants that will continue on in their Beauty Vlogger Contest have been chosen.

On Tuesday, May 22^nd, the video submissions for the third challenge, “FANTASY”, will go up on www.nyxcosmetics.com for anyone to vote on until May 26^th.

Make sure to head on over, check out the videos, and vote for your favorites.

As far back as the ancient Mayans, Aztecs, and Incans, avocados have been used as a natural sunscreen, moisturizer, and curative for the skin.

Benefits

This odd fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, D, B-complex, C and E, panthoneic acid, and the essential fatty acid, Omega-3. The [...]]]> By Lorraine Sabbia

As far back as the ancient Mayans, Aztecs, and Incans, avocados have been used as a natural sunscreen, moisturizer, and curative for the skin.

Benefits

This odd fruit is loaded with vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, D, B-complex, C and E, panthoneic acid, and the essential fatty acid, Omega-3. The oil of an avocado contains a high concentration of sterolins, a type of protein that can provide protection and intense moisture to the skin. Avocados aid in the regeneration and rejuvenation of dry, damaged, aging skin. They are an extremely good moisturizer and skin nourisher because the oil from the fruit is so easily absorbed into the deep tissue of the skin. Avocados are effective in boosting collagen and elastin cell growth, giving your skin a smoother feel and firmer look.

Uses

Avocado oil is made by cold pressing the actual pulp of the avocado, not the seed, like most other oils. The pulp closest to the peel of the avocado holds the most oil. Avocados are good for the treatment of skin discoloration due to inflammation, sunburn, or uneven skin tone. The oil can be used to prevent sunburn or as an after burn remedy. Massaging your face with the inside of the peel works as a great moisturizer. To soften and nourish dehydrated, sun/climate damaged skin, you can also mash up ½ an avocado and apply to the face directly. Wash off after 15 minutes to reveal soft, supple skin. As tempting as it may be, you’re not making guacamole, so the smoother the mixture is, the easier it is to blend across your face.

The anti-inflammatory properties and wrinkle fighting powers in avocados make for a great eye treatment. For puffy, tired eyes, slice a peeled avocado half into ¼ inch crescent shapes. The slices fit perfectly under your eyes. Lie down with slices under each eye and relax for 20 minutes while the avocados do the work.

I couldn’t resist the combo of my new favorite gold with one of my all-time favorite greens.

Base: Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Inner Lid: Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette Honeymoon

Outer Lid: theBalm Jealous Jordana

Browbone: Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette Soulmates

Liner:  Urban Decay Zero

While I’ve most certainly been overdue to replace my mascara stash, it’s something I’ve been procrastinating solely because I was completely in love with the ones I had in rotation. Having used Revlon Photoready 3D Volume and Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash for several months, I realized I was not fulfilling my [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

While I’ve most certainly been overdue to replace my mascara stash, it’s something I’ve been procrastinating solely because I was completely in love with the ones I had in rotation. Having used Revlon Photoready 3D Volume and Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash for several months, I realized I was not fulfilling my obligations as an intrepid beauty blogger and set out to add new mascaras to my makeup kit.

When I’m testing new mascaras I choose one high-end and one low-end to keep things interesting. For this cycle of testing I chose Too Faced’s Size Queen mascara as my higher-end option. At $21 I’m expecting it to help my lashes curl, separate, and add tons of volume.

The wand on Size Queen is one of the biggest I’ve ever used. 

Here it is next to Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash as a comparison.

This wand is cumbersome and after weeks of use I’m still not entirely used to the enhanced size to the point where it’s a distraction. To evenly apply mascara I find myself relying on the tip of the Size Queen wand.

As far as the end result of the mascara I can’t say that I’m all that thrilled. It’s just … okay.

Maybe I’ll grow in to the mascara but as for now the mascara hasn’t earned a permanent spot in my makeup loving heart.    You can find Too Faced Size Queen mascara at Ulta.

What mascaras are currently in your mascara rotation?

I have to say that I am hooked on the gold shade Honeymoon from Too Faced’s Romantic Eye palette. Completely, and utterly hooked like any typical beauty junkie. So much so that I’m looking at the palette and hoping the dent in the pan doesn’t mean it’s already running out. What’s [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

I have to say that I am hooked on the gold shade Honeymoon from Too Faced’s Romantic Eye palette. Completely, and utterly hooked like any typical beauty junkie. So much so that I’m looking at the palette and hoping the dent in the pan doesn’t mean it’s already running out. What’s an obsessed person to do?

Base: Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Lid: Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette Honeymoon

Outer Corner: Too Faced Romantic First Dance

Lower Lid: Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette Ever After

Browbone: Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette Soulmates

Liner (upper lid): Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner in Diamond Multicolor Black

Brows: NYX Eyebrow Cake in Taupe/Ash

Mascara: Too Faced Size Queen

*MUFE provided for consideration.

I can’t resist shimmery eye shadow the same way I cannot resist intricate packaging. With that being said it’s no wonder Too Faced’s Romantic Eye palette ended up in my makeup loving hands.

This beautifully packaged palette contains 9 shadows (5 matte, 4 shimmery) to help create sultry, [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

I can’t resist shimmery eye shadow the same way I cannot resist intricate packaging. With that being said it’s no wonder Too Faced’s Romantic Eye palette ended up in my makeup loving hands.

This beautifully packaged palette contains 9 shadows (5 matte, 4 shimmery) to help create sultry, smoky eyes. Honeymoon, a yellow gold, is my absolute favorite.

There are even mini cards in the package with application techniques, an extra sweet touch.

The verdict? I’m on the fence on this one. Priced at $36, it’s not a must-have by any means and I think you can find similar palettes with better quality for a little bit less. While I love Honeymoon, Ever After, and Soulmates, the quality of the rest of the shadows is just ok. Mattes are a hard texture to conquer and the ones in this palette are streaky and patchy.

If you’re waffling between this palette and Urban Decay’s Naked or Naked 2 palettes, get either of the Naked palettes (and this is coming from someone who owns neither).

You can find the Too Faced Romantic Eye palette at Ulta.

Just a little colorful fun for Mother’s Day.

Base: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Inner Lid: Fyrinnae Pyromantic Erotica

Outer Lid: MAC Aquadisiac

Outer Corner: Fyrinnae Faerie Glamour

Browbone: MAC Ricepaper

Liner (upper lid): e.l.f. Liquid Liner in Black

Liner (lower lid): NYX Slide On Liner in [...]]]> By Sheila Arkee

Just a little colorful fun for Mother’s Day.

Base: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Inner Lid: Fyrinnae Pyromantic Erotica

Outer Lid: MAC Aquadisiac

Outer Corner: Fyrinnae Faerie Glamour

Browbone: MAC Ricepaper

Liner (upper lid): e.l.f. Liquid Liner in Black

Liner (lower lid): NYX Slide On Liner in Green Papaya

Brows: NYX Eyebrow Cake in Taupe/Ash

Mascara: Jordana Best Lash Extreme (in the beginning stages of test driving)