Wednesday, June 29, 2011

My Ruby Kisses collection




So here is all of my collection of Ruby kisses products.  I discovered this brand about a year or so ago in my local beauty supply store.  The first thing I purchased was the "Pot O'Miracle" Lip remedy.  And shortly after I picked up a few shadows.  They were no more than $3.00 ea and I love them.  The pigment is pretty good.  As long as you have a good base to make the color pop your good.  I plan to get more of the shadows and as I get more I will add to the collection.  
LEVEL 11


About a month ago I picked up the foundation which is the 3D Face Creator.  I got 2 of them because I figured I could mix them if needed and wasn't sure of my shade.  Each one has 2 shades in them.  you can use them how ever you see fit.  I am Level 11.  I also got the shade Porcelain RDF12, however.  That one is too dark for me.  So that will probably be going in my kit. 
PORCELAIN RDF12




You would think the Porcelain 12 would be my color....but the dark is too dark and the light has green undertones so its a nogo for me, but like I mentioned you can mix them.  I'm not sure how many duos of shades there are but I know there are at least 7.  They are about $6 If I remember correctly and well worth it.  The coverage is awesome and so far I have no complaints.



CHESTNUT
BLF14

I was in the beauty supply store yet again yesterday because I saw Beauty Blogger RachelO's video of some things she picked up form the MUS in Chicago and she had a few products I wanted to try.  Needless to say I flew over to my local BSS (Beauty Supply Store) to see if I could get my hands on the HD translucent powder.  They were out so I have to check back later in the week to see if they got any in.  In the mean time I came across more things I had not paid attention to.  One of them was the liquid foundation.....OMG.  Just tried it today and for the beautiful price of $4.99 Its fantastic.  It has awesome coverage as well. And again its about 6 or 7 shades you can mix and match.  The color range for WOC (women of color) is great.  not too orange, not too yellow.  A perfect mixture of both.  I'm loving it!

Blow I have swathed the eye shadows I have and when I get more i will be adding to this.......


SUNBURST


TWICE THE SPICE


COPPER CRAYON




ORANGE CRISP



RASPBERRY TRUFFLE


During one of my many visits.....I also picked up a gel liner in the color Green Shimmer.  I think there are about 4 or 5 of the gel liners. Yes I will be going back to get others and I will add them as I get them.  So far I only have this one.  And I love it.  It has awesome staying power.  no smudging or anything.  Very....Very smooth.  And ...$3.99 is the best price for me........:-)



GREEN SHIMMER

I also got a all over body shimmer.  So far I have used this in conjunction with my body lotion for an allover body glow and just today I used it in my cheek bones for a little highlight effect.  Very pretty for the beautiful price of $4.99  Its called All over Glow Bronzing cream.  There are about 4 different shades I got the darker of the 4.  Wonderful summer bronze look for the body......


ALL OVER GLOW
BRONZING CREAM

Tho I'm not a fan of this particular gloss (because its too thick and sticky) It is very pretty and shimmery if that what you like.  It is $1.99 and even tho I won't purchase another one of these......I didn't loose out on a bunch of money.....


TOTALLY DELISH

So this gloss is a winner.  It has Aloe Vera & vitamin E. Not overly sticky or too thick.  its just right.  I must get more and the once again beautiful price of $1.99



CHERRY



SPICY APRICOT

As you can see.  The polish if very much the color in the bottle.  I will keep you posted on how long it lasts and when it starts to chip.  So far so good.  The way it dries tells me its a long lasting polish.  Its a large variety of colors and for $1.99 I will probably get more. 





UPDATE 8/2011
So I went to my local BSS (Beauty Supply Store) today hoping they would have the HD powder and the Bronzers.  I have been waiting for them ever since my last RK post.  I wanted to buy more but my plan is to pace myself.........*side eye*
Below you will see that i swatched everything and did not use a base so what you see is what you get.  I already had a couple of other RK shadows that I will also show. 


These are the All Over Glow Bronzing Powders.  From left to right: Bronze Glow, and Deep Glow
As of today I have not had a chance to use these I only swatched them, and from the look of it......They are beautiful.  A nice shimmer which looks like glowing skin once its buffed in or lightly dusted into the skin.  





HD setn'Forget setting powder 


This is a 16 hr flawless rub proof wear setting powder.  I also have yet to use this but the texture feels like silk.  It reminds me of the Smashbox photofinish setting powder.  Its very soft and feels hydrating if you know how that feels.  Not like a powder but water in a powdered form.  With just a light dust it is translucent and leaved no trace of color.  Ill keep you guys posted once I start using it.....



MORE EYESHADOWS


So these are the new eyeshadow I picked up today.  From left to right: Blue Ocean Brownie and Sugar Cookie.  I got them for $2.99/ea  I didn't swatch these with a base but I still think the colors have nice pigment.  Looks coming soon!


NEW AS AOF 8/18/11

From left to right: Cast a Spell, Mickey Mouse Me

Flushed Glow

So far this is my Ruby Kisses HD nail polishes.  I got them from the BSS for $1.99 ea I have no problem with these polishes chipping.  They last just as long as my O.P.I. polishes.....if not longer.  Can't wait to get more colors. 

Saturday, June 25, 2011

SKIN CARE FIRST

     I think skin care is the number one thing you should do before any makeup of any sort goes on your face.  I believe that if you want your makeup to look beautiful and flawless, you must start with your SKIN FIRST. 
     I am not a Dermatologist or an esthetician.  However I did get my cosmetology license in 2003 and I feel that I have been in the beauty world long enough to know the basics of the skin care.  With that said......
     I'm just going to discuss what I know and what Ive learned that works for me. 
I cleanse my skin 2 times daily.  Once in the a.m. and Once in the p.m.  I don't always use the same products.  But, I usually complete what I have before I switch to a different product/brand.  So....the product I use know are subject to change but, when I change them Ill keep you posted. 

A.M. CLEANSE



FOAMINGLY CLEAN FACIAL WASH
1 step gentle facial wash.  It retails for $21.00 at http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/b/2633679011

Its also sold in Ulta stores.  (where I got mine)  This cleanser is from the b.right!  Radiance skincare line.  I must say.  I am in love with this cleanser.  It foams up really nice, its creamy and they makes for a nice rich lather.  You only have to use a very small amount of product and yes...... you will still have a nice without using allot of product.  I like how it leaves my skin fresh clean and squeaky feeling.  It also makes your skin brighter and leaves it glowing....no joke.  I give it a thumbs up! 
     I want to try the FACIAL POLISH as well.  Its a surface facial exfoliate.  I will keep you posted when ever i get my hands on it.  It retails for $22.  Perfect price for an awesome product. 


TONE

As a toner I use T.N. Dickinson's witch hazel.  I came across this idea also from a YouTube video a couple of years ago.  I have had no problems what so ever.  It retails for about $2.48 (?) in Walmart.  And I believe Target sales it as well.  For that price I may never buy a cosmetic toner again.  Why spend more when you get the same affect for less?  (just my thoughts)


This is what Witch hazel is said to do:Our pharmaceutical formulation of witch hazel gently cleans and refreshes skin without removing essential moisture. This exclusive multi-use formula temporarily relieves skin irritations due to minor cuts, scrapes and insect bites. Also useful to calm, cool and cleanse your face and body. Keep a bottle in your bathroom medicine cabinet, and one in your First Aid kit!




100% natural astringent for face and body



Won’t dry like alcohol



Contains no artificial fragrances or dyes



Dermatologist tested and recommended




Let me know if you guys try this.  I use this a.m. and p.m.


 










At the moment, this is the moisturizer I'm using.  Its an oil free moisturizer with SPF15.  So far so good.  Its not too oily it locks in moisture and it doesn't make me any more oily and it does not clog my pores.  You only need to use a little bit and it goes a long way.   You should always have a moisturizer with SPF in it or if it doesn't already have it you should get something separate for sun protections.  Not matter what time of year it is.  This retails for about $28. 

So for the most part this is my skin routine.  I may change up products sometimes but everyday twice a day I Cleanse, Treat and Moisturize.  As should you.  :-)

Thursday, June 23, 2011

SMASHBOX SOFTBOX EYE PALETTE

I saw this palette in Ulta and I wasn't sure if I "needed" it.  I thought the colors were just o.k. and didn't want to spend the $48.  However.....I am still trying to build my MUA kit and you can always use some soft neutral colors.  The quality is awesome.  very pigmented, beautiful color pay off and I know it will be worth it.  So this purchase is not for myself but more so for my clients.  I do however play around with the colors every now and then to see how many different ways they can be used and I can gage how the colors will look on different skin tones. 

It came with a double ended brush.  One side for the liner that comes in the palette and the other for the eyeshadow.  I think its more like a large blending brush. 

It also came with a small lid primer.




On each side there are eyeliners.  On the left it says BRONZE LINER  On the right it says TAUPE LINER  I don't really use the liners much but I'm sure they will come in handy someday. 


  • NECTAR, VANILLA, FLIRT
  • LUCKY PENNY, SUGAR, STONE
  • SIENNA, NUDE, TRUFFLE

I did some swatches of how they appear Blow:

TOP ROW
NECTAR, VANILLA, FLIRT



MIDDLE ROW
LUCKY PENNY, SUGAR, STONE


BOTTOM ROW
SIENNA, NUDE, TRUFFLE


So if you notice....they appear a little different on the skin then they do in the container.  That's why I wanted it.  I don't have eye shadows like it.  So, I thought they would be a good fit for my kit.  (lol)  I figure there are shades for all shades.  From the lightest to the darkest.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Foundations I LOVE!

Black Opal



Loooooove Black Opal stick foundations.  I have been using this for a couple of years and it never disappoints.  My shade is "Nutmeg"  and its perfect.  Its not oily.  The coverage is build able and it leaves a matte finish but still lets your skin breath.  Its my #1 go to foundation for all seasons.  It retails for about $9.99 at Walmart.  I'm sure its sold else where but I picked mine up from my local Walmart.

IMAN
This is another foundation I am in love with.  My shade is "Earth 2"  I can also get away with "Earth 1"  Compared to Black Opal, I notice that this foundations is a little more oily.  That dsnt stop me from using it, just something I noticed.  The two are very much the same.  With minor differences.  I'm in love with them both equally.....(maybe Black Opal better)  But this is one of my go to everyday foundations.  It finishes perfectly and I also wear this through any season.  I got it also from Walmart for $9.99 as well.  I know IMAN is sold in some Ulta stores as well. 

Mayballine Fit Me
So.....I got this a couple months ago and thought it was pretty awesome.  AT THAT TIME!  I still like it, however.  It will probably be better on normal to dry skin.  I have normal to oily skin and it got waaaaay more oily than I would care to deal with on a daily bases.  If it was the last foundation on the face of this earth and i needed something.....yes i would totally use this but because its not........I'm o.k. with out it.  I'm glad i tried it But am very sad about how oily it is.  I hope they come out with one for oily skin.  Then it would be perfect. 

Ruby Kisses 3D Face Creator

So, I came across this foundation at my local beauty supply store.....I think (not sure) it was $6.  I picked it up about 2 months ago.  O.M.G.......I am so convinced you don't have to spend a lot of money to get flawless beautiful results.  A little goes a long way and the coverage is awesome.......:-)  The shade I use is called Level 11.  I'm not sure the range of the colors, Ill have to check it out when i go back to the BS store.  The picture above on the left is the duo I have (Level 11) I used the shade on the right but you can mix the colors together ore use the lighter shade as a highlight.  This duo has so many options its become my new love.  I also got Porcelain 12 as well.  Its a shade darker than the Level 11 check out the color chart below.  This is also an awesome product for a MUA (make up artist) kit.  ;-)





Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Face Primers

These are the primers that I have used and or are currently using and these are my thoughts only from experience.



I know your probably thinking.....WTH?  Yes, I have been using M.O.M./Milk Of Magnesia for over a year know.  I first heard of this on YouTube and heard it was a tip from Sam Fine.  All I can say is..."Genius"  I have very oily skin and I still have yet to find a face primer that works just as good if not better.  This bottle cost me about $7 and some change and it works wonders.  I have never had a bad reaction from it.  So far its a cheapest oil control product and works the best for the price.



So I picked this primer up in Walmart for $6.  I saw it, wanted to try it, I figured couldn't go wrong for $6
It reminds me of the smashbox photo finish primer.  The texture is a somewhat clear substance and is very smooth.  Its non greasy and it does not make me any extra oily er.  I like to use this over the M.O.M with stick foundations because it helps it blend better and makes the application easier.  Perfect combo.  I give it a thumbs up!!!


So, I was given this primer at a meeting we had at work.  There are a few different ones.  This says it does this:
Prime, protect, and correct in just one step! This anti-aging primer creates the perfect canvas for foundation application. Worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity, this unique formula helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for visibly softer skin. The revolutionary formula contains DERMAXYL COMPLEX™, an advanced peptide treatment clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time, SPF 15 to guard against harmful UVA/UVB rays, vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea for antioxidant protection.

So, I used this for about a month and Its ......o.k. If I had to choose i would get the primer in (lite) and not the Dermaxyl complex.  I like the fact that it has SPF 15 but everything else dsnt apply to me.....(yet)  if you are thinking about spending the $36 do your research because Smashbox has a few primers that will fit allot of skin concerns.  Over all its a awesome product but if you can get away with the Hard Candy it works the same in my opinion. 


This is an AAAAMMMMAAAAAZZZZING product.  I got it from Ulta for $28 and its also sold in Sephora stores.  I don't use this on my entire face, I only use this on the area of my face where my pores appears larger.  After my makeup is done is when I apply this.  only a small amount will go a very long way.  This should last you at least 6-8 months with daily usage.  this mattes about any oily area and makes your skin look flawless. Love, love, love this.  I think its an awesome investment and would strongly recommends you to get it.