MEILANI'S BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

On the 24th of April, God gave me the greatest gift any woman could receive...the gift of motherhood!  And to help celebrate the birth of my baby girl, I'm going to be sharing gifts with some of you!!!  I'm having a fabulous makeup giveaway on my Instagram account! There will be three great prizes for three lucky winners, check out the pictures below of what you could win!

PRIZE NUMBER ONE!!!

PRIZE NUMBER TWO!!!

PRIZE NUMBER THREE!!!

Each prize consists of one (1) BH Cosmetics palette from the new California Collection, one (1) new Maybelline mascara (The Rocket, The Turbo or The Falsies), one (1) Maybelline Baby Lips Balm, (Cherry, Grape or Quenched), one (1) pair of Cherry Blossom 100% human hair lashes #100, one (1) Milani Baked Blush, (Rose D'Oro or Bellissimo Bronze), one (1) Revlon Lip Butter, (Gumdrop, Lollipop or Tutti Frutti), one (1) Maybelline Color Whisper, (Pin Up Peach, Berry Ready, or Mad For Magenta), and one (1) Funky Fingers Nail Polish, (Mermaid Lagoon Glitter,  Neon Blue Crackle, or Primrose). 

PRIZES MAY VARY SLIGHTLY FROM PICTURE, BUT WILL HAVE ONE OF EVERY ITEM LISTED.

The giveaway starts today, and ends on my daughter's birthday April 24th, at midnight, so hurry and get your entries in now!  Click the link below to view the giveaway details and submit your entry (look for the giveaway photo pictured above)...good luck and stay beautiful!!! :-)

CLICK TO ENTER HERE!!!

FRIDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas!  Those of you who follow me on Instagram saw this last night, but here is my face of the day featuring a gorgeous eyeshadow pigment from Pure Envy Cosmetics!  She can be found on Facebook by clicking HERE! 

I won this pigment from a giveaway that was being held by Pure Envy Cosmetics on Instagram, and I must say I absolutely love it!  It was smooth and very easy to blend, and the color was super bright, just like it is in the container!  I will definitely be adding more colors to my eyeshadow collection...and did I mention that she makes these BY HAND??? Her prices are super affordable as well, and a little goes a very long way!  Check her out on Instagram or on Facebook and tell her Carmen (Platinumdoll74) sent ya! Till then, stay beautiful! ;-)

MONDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas!  Those of you who follow me on Instagram saw this last night, but I did a little practicing and came up with this look!

 I basically used the same technique from my Sunday's Look Of the Day post, but just used different colors.  Also with this look I tried an ombre lip for the first time using the products pictured above.  For a full listing of the products I normally use, please refer to this post by clicking here!

This time around I used my Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in color #355, Ruby Kisses white eyeliner on my inner waterline, (not pictured) my Butterfly human hair lashes #48 and for the ombre lip, I used my Milani lipsticks in Sangria on the outer edge and Rose Hip on the inner portion of my lips.  At the very center of my lip, I used NYX lipgloss in Gold Mauve.

And there you have it! Please feel free to contact me for any questions, and be careful if your in Jersey and going out today!!! (crazy weather, right???) Stay beautiful! :-)

SUNDAY'S LOOK OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas! Today's look is actually from a few nights ago, but I just wanted to share a more detailed description of what I used.  For step by step instructions on the process, click here!

For this look, I used my NYX Pearl Mania Pigment in Oro in the center of my lid, my #30 Miss Adoro human hair lashes, and my Kat Von D Foundation, color #70.  I actually had bought a set of 12 pigments from Ebay about 3 years ago and just now got around to using them because I was nervous about using pigments, lol!  I love the smooth, intense color, and now that I'm more confident using pigments, I will definitely be using them more often! I was inspired to try this look by a photo I saw on Instagram.  I wanted to branch outside of my usual method of doing my makeup and try a technique I've never done before!

On my lips I used Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in Black Cherry.  This is a rich, deep, burgundy brown color that I personally felt this color was a bit Goth on me, but I was experimenting with different colors and wanted to try something new. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Milani Cosmetics and welcome any new addition to my collection, especially the new line! 

So that's basically it, if anyone has any questions or even requests, feel free to contact me!  I will be working on a new look tonight to post sometime next week...until then, stay beautiful!

NYX ROUND LIPSTICK SWATCHES!!!

Hola Chicas!  I know I've been away for a little while, but I've been preparing for my daughter's birthday next month and also preparing a huge surprise for you guys! Stay tuned for that one, it's gonna be a big deal!!!

I recently had the chance get a few goodies from Ebay! I found a seller by the name of Joy's Cosmetics  who has lots of NYX stuff.  I found a deal for 12 NYX Round Lipsticks of your choice for only 26.59! (comes out to about 30.85 with shipping, but still not a bad deal!) Below is a picture of my haul and some swatches of all the colors I picked.  None of these are with liner and sorry they are so sloppy but I was wrestling with my daughter at the time, lol!  

Starting with the top left corner going clockwise, the colors are: Pandora, Medusa, Haute Melon, NYX, Chaos, Shiva, Eucalyptus, Haute Coture, Hades, B52, Violet Ray, Black Cherry.

Most of these went on very smooth and creamy with a luxurious feel and were highly pigmented.  Out of the 12 lippies I only ended up keeping 7...two colors were just terrible on me, and the others I gave to my mom. :-)  I will be doing some looks in the future featuring some of these colors, so be on the look out for that, and be sure to stop by Joy's Cosmetics on Ebay! She's a doll and a pleasure to do business with! And make sure to tell her Carmen sent ya! Till then, stay beautiful! 

MONDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas! Instead of a "mom rant" today I wanted to share a face of the day!  I actually created this look last night using most of my usual favorite products, and featuring two new ones!  For a detailed description of the products I normally use, click here.

With this look I used two products I've never used before, LA Colors shimmering Loose Eyeshadow in the color Lollipop (inner corner of eyelid) and new eyelashes from True Or False Lashes.  I used a style called "Cat Eyes". (pictured below)

I discovered True Or False Lashes through their profile on Instagram...they have really great prices and are almost always running some kind of special, so I wanted to check them out!  Upon further investigation, I could not have been happier with my purchase from them! I ordered the "Cat Eyes" style and the "Home Wreckers" style and received two free pair of "Monroe" style lashes! The lashes are gorgeous and lightweight, and 100% human hair.  Hurry and check them out and take advantage of the super-low introductory prices while you can!

I also found the LA Colors Shimmering Loose Eyeshadow in the color Lollipop at my local dollar store.  I thought it was a pretty color so I picked it up and gave it a try...not too bad for a dollar store product!  You just have to know how to work with it! The only downfall is that there is alot of glitter "fallout" so I would suggest using an eyeshadow primer to help hold it in place and do your foundation after you do your eyes. I know there are alot of MUAs' and makeup enthusiasts that swear by "high-end" only products, but when you don't have "high-end" money, you have to learn to work with what you can afford!  That just proves that with proper technique and the right combination of products, you can make almost anything work.

I will be talking about some of the products that I received from Influenster for review really soon, so stay tuned for that!  Till then, stay beautiful! :-)

MY INFLUENSTER SUGAR 'N SPICE VOXBOX!!!

Hola Chicas!  I'm so excited, my box from Influenster finally came in today, and I just wanted to post a quick unboxing video of all the great goodies that came inside!  

I hate my stupid phone! I don't know why the video is sideways, but OMIGAWRSH!!! I can't wait to try this stuff out!  I received the Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer, Nectresse sweetener, Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes, BelVita Breakfast Biscuits and the Colgate Optic Whitening Regimen. (toothbrush, mouthwash and toothpaste.) I will be testing and blogging about each of these products separately very soon, so stay tuned for that!  Until then, stay beautiful!

disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for review.

MY CURRENT FOUNDATION FAVES!!!

Hola Chicas!  I know I haven't been posting that often, been dealing with mommy stuff (behavioral issues) as my daughter is rapidly approaching her birthday and the terrible two's! Not to mention I can't do a face of the day right now as I have this zit on the side of my nose that I can't hide without my glasses, so... :-)

Today, were going to be comparing and showing swatches of some of my current foundations!

Ok, I've been learning alot about foundations through watching YouTube and through my own trial and error, and I'M STILL LEARNING.  This is merely my personal experiences with these foundations, which were purchased with my own money, and in no way reflect on the quality of any of these products.  Everyone's experience will be different, of course, but I'm hoping that the little bit that I've learned will help someone who was curious about any of these foundations.  With that being said, let's get started!  

REVLON COLORSTAY

Ok, I jumped on the Revlon Colorstay bandwagon a few years ago, and I feel it's a pretty decent product.  It is a liquid foundation which offers medium to full coverage and is buildable.  I personally wished that they offered a few more colors in the deeper end of the shade spectrum.  I chose the color Caramel, #400 in the Combination/Oily skin formula, which was still a bit too light for me.  At the time I bought this foundation, I wasn't educated enough on using other foundations, or powders to customize the color, and make it a closer match, which resulted in my not using it that much.  Compared to my other foundations, I would say that it's my least favorite, only because it dries too fast before you can blend it in properly, and its not completely transfer resistant. That doesn't mean its a bad product, just not my favorite.  As I learn more about foundation, and different techniques, perhaps I will use it more often.

MAYBELLILNE FIT ME

I know I'm so frigging late talking about some of these foundations, but for the longest time I've only been using one of these, and I'm the type of person that if I find something that works for me, I stick with it.  But I digress, lol!

This is the Maybelline Fit Me liquid foundation in color #355.  It's a liquid foundation with sheer to light coverage which is buildable.  The whole concept of this line was to supposedly have a color match for everyone, but of course, I was skeptical. Any woman of color out there who is in the darker complexion range, like myself, knows that this is not always true, but I was pleasantly surprised by this foundation!  I especially enjoyed the lightweight feel and would recommend this for anyone who has pretty decent skin, fairly free of blemishes and discolorations, as the coverage is pretty sheer.  This would be perfect for anyone who just wants a polished, minimalistic, natural look.  My only issue with this foundation is that after a few hours of wear, the oil in my skin did start to show through, so I would definitely suggest either using an anti-oil primer and/or matte setting powder when using this foundation.

MAYBELLINE DREAM MATTE MOUSSE

 

 This is the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation in Cocoa/Dark.  It's a semi-cream consistency with medium to full coverage.  This foundation has been my go-to foundation for years, but until my recent discovery of the Naked Skin and Kat Von D foundation, I may have to switch it up, lol! This is one of the few foundations that matches my skin perfectly and dries to a matte finish.  It's weighless and very blendable, however, it is not transfer resistant and after a few hours of wear, oil does have a tendency to show through.  Now that I'm learning more about foundations, I would consider this more suitable for "Winter wear".

BLACK RADIANCE PERFECT BLEND

This is the Black Radiance Perfect Blend foundation in Cafe #6814. It is a cream stick foundation with medium to full coverage.  I bought this foundation from Ebay, as it is difficult to find Black Radiance products in my area, and it was pretty decent.  It goes on very smooth, and has a velvety feel, but has a tendency to be a bit heavy or cakey if too much is used.  You would also need to use a mattifying primer or powder when using this product.  I recently checked the Black Radiance website and discovered that this color has been discontinued, but I'm sure there is another color very similar to it in the range, or perhaps they just renamed it and changed the packaging. ;-)

URBAN DECAY NAKED SKIN

 I recently had the opportunity to splurge on this and honey, IT WAS WORTH IT!!! I absolutely love this foundation!!!  It is a liquid foundation with light to medium coverage that is buildable, I got it in shade #11.0  (I don't know what the heck happened to my swatch picture, sorry about that.)

 It's weightless, a perfect color match and dries matte.  Even after several hours of wear and sweating running after an active toddler, I was still mostly matte, even without setting powder! I don't think I've ever used a better foundation besides the Kat Von D foundation, which I will be talking about shortly! I would say that this is a great foundation for summer wear, as it is so lightweight and will help to keep oil and shine down somewhat.  I would still recommend using a mattifying primer or powder just in case. ;-)

KAT VON D TATTOO FOUNDATION

OMG!!! I can honestly say, this foundation is the bomb too!!! The Urban Decay foundation is my top fave, but this runs a very close second!  It's a liquid foundation with medium to full coverage.  And when I say full, I mean FULL!!! 

 Those of you who follow me on Instagram have seen this photo already, but the picture on the left is of my arm with a tattoo.  On the right is a picture of that same arm after using one pump of the Kat Von D foundation...ONE PUMP!!! So needless to say, a little bit goes a very long way!  I am shade #70 in this foundation, and I love that it has a very lightweight feel, despite having such full coverage.  It's very blendable and easy to work with, and also dries to a matte finish.  I could recommend this foundation for year round wear, as it can easily be adjusted for a lighter or fuller coverage, depending on the weather or circumstances.

And that's it!  As I previously stated, I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL. These are merely my humble and honest opinions on these products.  I am in no way stating that any of these products are bad, just perhaps not my cup of tea.  I am not being paid to endorse any of these products, however, should any of these companies see my little blog, I would be open and honored to review anything you have to offer, lol!  Just throwing that out there... ;-)

I hope that this has been a help to any of you reading this, I tried to include as much information as I could, sorry if I left anything out!  I will try to post a look of the day tomorrow or Saturday, toddler permitting, lol!  Till then, stay beautiful! 

FRIDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas!  I did some practicing last night and just wanted to share the look and the products I used to achieve it!

Ok, as usual, I started with my brows, which I primed with my Urban Decay Primer potion, (at the top of the picture) a random brown liner, and filled them in with a brown shadow from my Manly Cosmetics 120 palette.  After cleaning up my brows with concealer, I then based my lids with the Primer Potion and my Maybelline Color Tattoo shadow in Fierce and Tangy and  used the Wet and Wild Fergie Centerstage Collection Palette in Desert Festival on my eyes.  I finished off the look with my Maybelline gel liner in black, and my Miss Adoro lashes #117. (I used Rimmel mascara on my real lashes before applying the false ones to get rid of the shadow fallout.)

For my face, I used my Urban Decay Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Foundation in shade 11.0 for the first time.  It was a bit of a splurge for a budgeting mom like myself, but I must say, the results are worth every penny!  I was a bit nervous about choosing a shade just going by the swatches on the website, but I ended up with a perfect match.  This foundation truly gives smooth, weightless coverage and makes my skin look incredible!  

After my foundation, I highlighted and contoured using my BH Cosmetics contour palette and set it using my Ben Nye powder in Sienna.  I then set the remainder of my face using my Cover Girl Queen Collection Lasting Matte Pressed Powder in Golden Medium.  I highlighted my face with the Fergie Collection bronzer in Carnival in Rio and used NYX blush in Cinnamon.

I completed my look by lining my lips with NYX lip liner in Hot Cocoa and filling them in with my Maybelline Color Vivids lipstick in Vibrant Mandarin.  I also used Milani lipstick in Creamy Cocoa #20 (not pictured) in the center of my bottom lip for added dimension.

And that's basically it!  Hope you enjoyed...stay tuned for another outfit of the day...till then, stay beautiful! ;-)

FABULOUS FASHION FRIDAY,

WELCOME SPRING EDITION!!!

Hola Chicas!  This is the first time I've been able to treat myself to a few outfits in a very long time, so I wanted to share one of my recent purchases with all of you!  

you can find the jeans here

you can find the blazer here

you can find the shoes here

Ok, ya'll have to forgive me for not doing my makeup today, I really didn't  feel like beating my face! I got everything you see here except for the earrings and necklace at Deb Shops online. (click the captions under the pictures for the links to the items.) I wanted to try something flirty, and fun in some of the popular shades and patterns for spring this year!  This is definiately outside of the box for me, because I never really considered myself a pastel or floral type of girl, but the older I get, I guess my tastes have changed.  I love this outfit because it can be dressed up or down, depending on how you accessorize it. I'm still experimenting with that. :-)

My necklace and earrings I found at Dots, my other favorite store.  Hurry and stop by, they are currently having an extra 30% off all clearance sale!

FABULOUS FASHION TUESDAY!!!

Hola Chicas!  OMIGAWRSH!!! I'm so sorry it's been so long since my last post, I've really been bombarded with mommy duty these past weeks but I'm gonna try to get caught up with you guys!  I just wanted to share what I wore to church last Sunday, and a few other goodies because it was such a cute outfit and such awesome prices!

 

Ok, I found this super cute dress at my local Dots store and my draped blazer at Walmart for only 13 DOLLARS EACH!!! Can you believe it?  I love this dress mainly for the pockets, but it's cute and comfy, it fits well and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.  I love Dots, they have to be one of my favorite stores for cute fashion on a budget.  Plus, right now for a limited time, you get a free scarf with any 40 dollar purchase!  The necklace was actually given to my daughter from one of the nice ladies at the church! The belt I grabbed a few years ago for 2 dollars at my local beauty supply store and my shoes are from Payless.

I also scored a few more goodies from Dots...this adorable wristlet and fabulous pair of houndstooth heels!

The wristlet was only 10 dollars and the shoes were 13 dollars at Dots as well.  The last pair in my size in this style, in the entire store...BOOYAH!!!  Can't wait to wear these with this great houndstooth dress I found at Walmart online!  As soon as that comes in, I will post the look for you guys to see. Till then, stay beautiful! :-)