The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small businesses everywhere. This is an unfortunate & extremely challenging time for many of us as we’ve had to close our doors, cancel events & stop working.
As we practice social distance & shelter-in-place let’s also take a moment to show support & send love to a small business that needs it more than ever during this time of uncertainty.

“𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚊 𝚜𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜, 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖“

Here are some ways to help support a small business without spending a dime:
✨ LIKE & SHARE their Instagram & Facebook business page/profile or website

✨ Give them a LIKE, HEART &/or SHARE if they post content on social media

✨ Write a positive comment or review on Google & Yelp

✨ Refer/Tag a friend or family member
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✨ Send a shout out on your IG/FB stories


I miss all my clients & beauty fam so much. I miss the hugs & smiles. I can’t wait til this is all over and we can connect again. Thank you to all my clients (past & present), family & friends who support me in any way possible. The sweet & kind gestures do not go unnoticed. If you’d like to continue to support my small business I’d appreciate it if you please leave me a REVIEW.
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Let’s continue to uplift each other, be patient, kind, positive & pray that this too shall pass. If you have a small business or would love to refer one please be sure to tag it in the comments & I’ll be happy to check it out 😘
Sending you much love & light during these dark times. Xx

​Kat Von D Beauty recently came out with 30 (yes, 3-0!) new lip liners called the Everlasting Lip Liner. 

If you're a fan of KVD's lipsticks than you will most likely be a fan of these. The 30-shade range contains a match for every single Everlasting Liquid Lipstick and Studded Kiss Lipstick. Each lip liner shade features a custom formulation to max out pigmentation while maintaining the high-performance you expect from Kat Von D.​

​I received a complimentary #EverlastingLipLiner from @Influenster & @KatVonDBeauty in the color LOLITA (chestnut rose). I have Lolita in the everlasting liquid lipstick so I was thrilled that I got to try the matching lip liner. Lolita is a beautiful color and is pretty universal. It looks great on just about any skin tone. Lolita is definitely my go to for an everyday lip color. 

Everlasting Lip Liner $18 -- SIZE .025g/ 0.009 Oz

Details: (via katvondbeauty.com)
Line, design and define with a lip liner unlike any other! Everlasting Lip Liner is the first of its kind to combine 24-hour, water-resistant wear with truly weightless color for super-comfy long wear. 
The everlasting lip liner is a mechanical twist up so you don't need to a sharpener. 

Verdict:
I loved how lightweight and buttery the everlasting lip liner felt on the lips. The Kat Von D lip liner had a nice creamy texture that's easy to apply. It glides on effortlessly with a quick matte dry down. I personally don't wear makeup for more than 10 hours, so I can't speak for its 24 hr wear but for the amount of time I had it on, it didn't budge. I also loved that this line has many color options to choose from. Some might argue that there is less product in mechanical liners, while this is true, keep in mind this product is meant to stay on longer, therefore touching up throughout the day would be minimal. 

Have you tried the Kat Von D Everlasting Lip Liner? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. xo

Mini facials are great to do when your skin needs a little attention. I love doing at home mini facials. There is nothing more relaxing than getting pampered in the comfort of your own home. I do a mini facial about once or twice a week (depending on my skin condition). ​

To treat yourself to a mini facial you'll need:

(Use your favorite products that are suitable for your skin type)

- oil cleanser or makeup remover wipes
​- facial cleanser
- facial scrub
- mask
- moisturizer/serum(optional)
​- eye cream
​- lip exfoliator/conditioner

additional - wash cloth, dry towel

Step 1: If you're starting off with a full face of makeup, I recommended breaking down all your makeup with an oil base cleanser. I like using the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water to remove stubborn waterproof makeup. If you don't have an oil base cleanser, a makeup wipe will work.

Step 2: After you've removed most of your makeup, thoroughly cleanse your face with a facial cleanser. It's best to use luke warm water during this process. Use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type (normal - dry, oily, sensitive, etc) Pat dry before the next step.

Step 3: Exfoliate. A facial scrub will further remove dirt and dead skin. If you're lips are dry don't forget to exfoliate your lips too. For a simple DIY - lip scrub, mix some extra virgin olive oil & brown sugar.

Step 4: Steam. Steaming will help your skin sweat out any impurities that are stuck in your pores. There are a few ways you can steam - boil hot water, remove from heatplace a towel over head & stand above the steam. Be careful not to get too close or you'll burn your skin. The other method is to use a hot facial towel & leave it on your skin for a few minutes.

Step 5: Apply a mask all over the face or on any problematic areas (break outs). If you're skin type is combo, I recommend doing 2 masks. A clay mask in the t-zone & gel mask or something not so drying on the other areas of your face. Leave the mask on for the suggested time and rinse it off completely.

Step 6: If you have a serum, apply that first. Allow to dry and then apply your night cream. Use a "pat in" motion, instead of an up and down/circular motion.

Step 7: Apply eye cream around your orbital bone.

Step 8: Lastly, don't forget about your lips. Apply a lip conditioner/balm.

​I hope this little step by step guide helps you enjoy a relaxing mini facial at home. I would love to know what some of your favorite skin care products are. Please share them in the comments below. Xo.

Lancome recently added to their Teint Idole Collection & came out with NEW concealers & correctors.

​Concealers are a must-have in my daily makeup routine. Even on my "no makeup" days, I still find myself reaching for some concealer. I just love how it brightens under the eyes & hides unwanted scars/blemishes. I was excited to try out this new product because, let's be real, we're all in search for that perfect - can't live without - holy grail concealer. I have been playing with the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Concealer & Corrector for about a week now & I have decided to share my thoughts...

What it is: 
An ultra-pigmented, full-coverage, long-wear concealer that hides imperfections with a weightless, comfortable feel. 

What it does: 
Just one drop is all it takes to achieve full-coverage and lasting wear with a second-skin feel. Hide the look of imperfections all day with this high-pigment, full-coverage, lightweight concealer. It’s easily blendable and buildable to reveal an even skin tone with a natural-looking, matte finish that will not cake or crease. 

Which skin type is it good for? 
✔ Normal 
✔ Combination 
✔ Oily 
✔ Dry

Tips on How To Use:
-  Squeeze a pea-sized amount of concealer on the back of your hand, use your fingers to warm up the product before application.
- Use your favorite applicator- a concealer brush, beauty blender, or your fingers- to dab the concealer on skin. Wait a few seconds, then blend the edges into your skin.

Concealer is available in 16 shades. Corrector is available in 5 shades. 

90 N Ivoire - fair complexions with neutral undertones
110 C Ivoire - fair complexions with cool/pink undertones
215 N Buff - fair complexions with neutral undertones
220 C Buff - fair complexions with cool/pink undertones
250 W Bisque - fair to medium complexions with warm/yellow undertones
260 N Bisque - fair to medium complexions with neutral undertones
310 C Bisque - medium complexions with cool/pink undertones
320 W Bisque - medium complexions with warm/yellow undertones
360 N Bisque - medium complexions with neutral undertones
370 W Bisque - medium complexions with warm/yellow undertones
415 W Bisque - medium complexions with warm/yellow undertones
420 N Bisque - medium complexions with neutral undertones
435 W Bisque - medium complexions with warm/yellow undertones
465 C Suede - medium to deep complexions with cool undertones
510 C Suede - deep complexions with cool undertones
555 C Suede - deep complexions with cool undertones

Lavender: Brightens sallowness for light to medium skin tones 
Green: Neutralizes redness for light to medium skin tones
Orange/Red: Minimizes dark spots, dark circles, and acne scars for deeper skin tones 
Yellow: Brightens dullness for light ot medium skin tones, minimizes dark spots and circles for fair complexions 
Peach: Minimizes dark spots , dark circles, and acne scars for medium skin tones 

Price: $31 USD - SIZE 0.40 oz/ 12 mL

The Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Concealers and Correctors are currently available at Sephora & Lancome-usa.com

Verdict:
I used the corrector under my eyes & some areas where I have some discoloration. The concealer was mainly used under my eyes & I have to say it's coverage is quite amazing. It is no joke that "one drop" is all it takes. With this formula, a little goes a long way. They recommend using a pea-size but honestly, I'd start off with about half a pea-size. Less is definitely more with this one. I have tried all 3 forms of application - concealer brush, beauty blender & fingers. The consistency is a bit thick and tacky, similar to the It Cosmetics bye bye under eye concealer. This product works best when it is warmed up prior to application. With that said, I definitely prefer using my fingers rather than a brush. If you don't like working with the back of your hand to warm up the product, I would recommend using a flat steel mixing palette. After I apply the product onto my skin I wait a few seconds and blend it out more with a damp beauty blender. 

I personally found all the claims to be true: ultra-pigmented, full-coverage, long-wearing & weightless. Note - I did only wear the products for about 6 hours (max), each day so I can't speak for an all day (more than 6 hr) wear. I would say in the 6 hours, it did not move or separate. I did find this to crease a bit where my skin folds right under the eye, but that tends to happen when I wear any type of makeup in that area. When this happens I usually just take a q-tip and blend it out.

I wore the products with and without an eye cream. I did notice the concealer didn't sit as smoothly without my hydrating eye cream. I definitely recommend prepping/priming any areas on your face prior to wearing this concealer. I wore the products with and without a setting powder, just to see how well the natural-looking matte finish held up. I think when they say, "natural-looking matte" they really mean, semi-matte. I personally liked wearing it with a setting powder. If you're skin type is oily, I would definitely recommend setting it. 

As far as shades go, there seems to be a good range of color for just about everyone. There's a shade for those with neutral, warm and cool undertones. I picked up 310 C, 370 W, 415 W, peach cc & orange/red cc. 370 W matches my skin tone pretty well & is perfect for any blemishes. I do like the lighter shade for highlighting & sometimes mix the two since I like to conceal with a more neutral tone under my eyes. For reference, I'm currently an NC40 (NC42 in the summer). As for the color correctors, I'm still a little iffy on the colors. I don't color correct on a daily basis, just when I need it the most. I found the peach to be a little too light for my skin tone and the orange/red to come off more like a deep pink & a little ashy once blended out.

Each tube is $31 and although that seems like a lot, one tube will honestly last you a very long time. I don't think I would go through an entire tube in less than 6 months, given that a little product goes a long way. 

Overall I would rate the corrector and concealer 4/5 stars. What I liked most was the coverage. I wasn't too fond of the tacky consistency & slight creasing. 

Have you tried the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Camouflage Concealer? Leave me a comment, let me know what you think!

Makeup's best friend aka The original beautyblender just turned 15. Happy 15th Anniversary to beautyblender. 

Although beautyblender has been around for 15 years, I only started to use these amazing sponges for the past 5 years. I swear it has been a game changer in the beauty industry & in makeup application. If you own one, then you know what I'm talking about!

I use the beautyblender for personal use and professional use - on all my clients. When I use them on my clients I get weird looks and often get asked what's that?! And sometimes I get clients who say, I have one of those, but not sure if I'm using it right. Well, for those of you who aren't sure what a beautyblender is and why makeup artists swear by it, keep reading.

What is a Beautyblender?
An edgeless, non-disposable, high-definition cosmetic sponge applicator. 

What does it do?
beautyblenders exclusive material available only with beautyblender ensures impeccable, streak-free application with minimum product waste. Use it with primers, foundations, powders, cream blushes, and any other complexion product. 

How to use a Beautyblender?
- Before you get ready to apply your products run your beautyblender through some water. The beautyblender works best when it is damp, so make sure to squeeze out all the excess water. A damp beautyblender creates a flawless, airbrush like finish. A dry beautyblender will often apply foundation quite heavy & create a more cakey look.
- Apply foundation onto a sanitized palette (the back of your hand works great if it's clean) or you can apply a few dots of foundation onto your face prior to blending. (I don't recommend pumping your foundation directly onto the sponge.)
- "Bounce" the sponge onto your skin to blend the product out smoothly. 
- Use the pointy side to focus on smaller areas.

Just remember: WET. SQUEEZE. BOUNCE

There are a few different colors/sizes sponges that beautyblender makes. They are all made with the same exclusive beautyblender material however if you're not sure what color to get here is a little guide to help you:

Original (hot pink) - sponge ensures flawless application of any complexion product, powder, cream blush and more.
Nude (nude) - specifically created to apply all foundations.
Pure (white) - made for a product conserving, silky application of skincare and makeup. Great for sensitive skin and to apply serums and moisturizers.
Pro (black) - made specially for professionals and best for applying darker toned, long-wear cosmetic products, as well as self-tanners.
Beauty Blusher (grey) - medium size, made for applying cream and powder blush.
Micro Mini (green) - made especially to highlight, contour, conceal. Micro.Mini
Red Carpet (red) - exclusive edition in an iconic sephora red. Same size as the original.
Royal (purple) - limited edition. Same size as the original.
Bubble (light pink) - this is a limited edition color made especially for beautyblender's 15th anniversary. It is the same size as the original.

How to clean your beautyblender?
beautyblender has a great how-to pictorial on how to clean your beautyblender.

I personally use the blendercleanser solid & find it amazing at cleaning & removing foundation stains. Cleaning your beautyblender will definitely prolong the wear of your sponge. Beautyblender recommends replacing your beautyblender every 3 months. I don't use mine everyday & found mine to last about 6 months. 

Also, just a note - it's ok to use your beautyblender right after you have thoroughly cleaned it since your beautyblender is meant to be used damp anyway. 

DO NOT USE ALCOHOL on your beautyblender. This will ruin your sponge completely.
(This has never happened to me, but I've heard horrifying stories from fellow artists. Make sure your alcohol, water, brush cleaner, etc spray bottles are labeled correctly. ​

Thank you to all my amazing friends, family & clients for all your love and support in my artistry! You guys are the reason why I absolutely love what I do!

Hello 2017!

Cheers to a New Year! May the next 365 days be filled with lots of love, laughter, beauty, good health & great success!

Here are a few personal goals of mine that I thought I would share:

• Master the art of calligraphy
  I've always had a thing for calligraphy. I remember when I was a little girl my mom had calligraphy pens. She would let me play with them & I thought they were so cool. If you know me, you are aware of my penmanship. I've always been told my handwriting could be a font. I think my handwriting became so noticeable because in middle school & high school I used to take a lot of notes. Sometimes if my notes were sloppy, I would rewrite them. Also, I would never turn in sloppy homework. My teachers always wrote little notes about how neat my handwriting was. I took pride in those comments :) I don't know why I haven't mastered calligraphy yet because I'm so obsessed with fonts, calligraphy & typography. Well, this is my year to get on it. 
  
  
• Explore more of my city
  There is so much beauty in my neck of the woods. People are often traveling from all over the world to my city to explore. And although I've been living in San Francisco/Marin for over 10 years, I still haven't done all the touristy things. Tourist activities usually only happen when friends or family from out of town come and visit, but this year, I would like to explore more of my city. This year I want to see more attractions & document all the memorable adventures with my family.
  Here are some places on my list:
  Muir Woods, Tour of Alcatraz, Exploritorium, Take a hike on Mt. Tam, Alamere Falls, Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, Pt. Reyes Light House, row a boat in Stow Lake & the list goes on.. 
  
  
• Use my crockpot (more)
  This goal may seem a little silly but I really need to start using my crockpot. Last Christmas, not last year but the year before that (2015), I got a crockpot. I was excited about it & that was pretty much it. Sadly, I didn't even open the box until last month. The first thing I made was a hawaiian dish called shoyu chicken. Omg, it was fall off the bone delicious! It was so good & so easy to make, I am now inspired and motivated to make more dishes in my crockpot. Also, this will cut down on eating out so much. 

I can't wait to see these goals make some progess. I actually have the crockpot on right now, woo-hoo! I probably won't share much crockpot posts on here since I'm still a newbie. I mean, if I make something extra spectacular, then maybe? But I will try to blog about the rest throughout the year. If you have any suggestions on any of the above, (favorite calligraphy pens, other hidden gems located in San Francisco/Marin I should see, maybe some awesome crockpot recipes, etc., please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below! Thanks!

Hope you all have a wonderful year! Xo.