SKIN CARE ANDS MAKEUP MUST HAVES

The first product I MUST review, is from Peter Thomas Roth's new Firmx line and its called Instant Firmx. I am a fan of ALL of the products in this line, but the ones that make it to my list are these two:

(I wish I was brave enough to post before and after pics of myself pre and post using this product, but my vanity wont let me, so you are just going to have to take my word for it, or better yet, try it for yourself!). Simply spread an even layer of this mask on your entire face (they have a similar formula for the eye area) and let it dry and tighten (takes about 5 min). Then you rinse away the mask with water and the tightened affect stays behind!I love using it prior to an event or photoshoot because it gives you a fresh, tight feel and makes your face look younger by at least 5 years! Although its kind of a temporary effect, there are long term benefits to using this product. Active firming agents remain in the skin after the tightening mask is rinsed off. These agents work beneath the skin’s surface to help tighten, firm and smooth the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles and pores. Its amazing ladies! Prepare to be wowed.... I was!

Next product is also from the Firmx line, and is a night Retinol treatment. This product has bumped up the moisture level on my skin so dramatically! I truly feel a difference when I am using this product vs. when I am not. Retinol Fusion PM is a microencapsulated retinol at 1.5% that helps to encourage cell turn over while moisturizing skin with vitamins C and E (also protects from free radicals). I love it and am SO glad I discovered this little miracle product!

The third product is an amazing scrub by Benfit. Contains natural clay & seaweed extract rich in minerals, nutrients and sugars, known to purify the skin. I love how invisible my pores become after using it and love the grain (not too coarse or too soft- just right!) and it smells so good!

Next comes MAKEUP!!! I love love love all Lorac blushes, but my two most lust worthy are blush/bonzer compact duos that are AMAZE. Here they are:

Hot Flash (pink shimmer/bronze shimmer)

And Hot & Spicy (peach shimmer/light bronze shimmer)

 I wont leave home without BOTH of these in my makeup bag! They are the most beautiful blush colors and photograph BEAUTIFULLY!!! I love the slight shimmer (very subtle though, almost more of just a satin finish). The bronzers they are paired with work PERFECTLY with the blushes.

Must Have Hairspray

Victoria's Secret is once again doing the Free Secret Rewards Card (with any $10 purchase you get a card that could be worth $10, $50, $100 or $500), and whenever this event is going on, I try to make as many purchases throughout the month at VS as possible! I mean, why not? If its a $12 hairspray, its actually $2 because the card you get with your purchase is worth at least $10! Its a steal and is fun to go in the following month and find out how much your cards are worth.


Last week I went in to VS and picked up this Hairspray. Love the bottle, its pretty! And love the smell- doesn't smell like hairspray at all but more like a delish body spray. This hairspray is MAGIC. It leaves your hair so soft, so much shiner, and creates great volume. I didn't think that my curl held as well as it could have, but I liked the way my hair felt and looked so much that I didn't care!

 Defiantly recommend!!!

My Oscar 2011 "Best Dressed List"

I have to go in the order in which my breath was taken away, as one by one, these gorgeous power-houses glided down the red carpet in the wonder that was the fashion they wore, skillfully assembled by a posse who, obviously, knew almost without flaw, what they were doing.

My first "WOW" came when Mandy Moore stepped into the view. She literally dazzled in a nude sparkling Monique Lhuillier dress. It was sheer perfection! I love how it looks like she is nearly naked and just dipped in diamonds! So princess. I didn't hate her hair and makeup.... but also didn't love either enough to expound on... so we will just leave it at: gorgeous dress.

Just the words "Lavender and lime" are somehow so delicious... as was Cate Blanchett's dress which was a Givenchy Couture beaded work of art. This dress is STUNNING!!! Her hair and makeup was lovely... the jewelery got an "ehhh" from me but gosh... that dress!!!

Ahhhh Gweenie.... she is so adorable yet so rarely gets it right on the red carpet! This Oscar night was an exception to her fashion opps routine however, as she glided past the flashing lights in this liquid silver Calvin Klein Collection dress. I loved the sleek, simple design and the sensually fluid way it fell over her svelte bod. Her jewels, Louis Vuitton, were perfection with this dress! Loved the brooch at her hip and her earrings... so glam. As for her hair and makeup, well, lets just say she had the right team handle her goods!The silky straight strands paired with her fresh glowing skin and nude lips were so beautiful. I love everything about this look for her.

Next came the glowing and graceful Halle Berry. Now I am a girl that loves sparkle and in the "sparkle department, Ms. Halle did not disappoint. I love the tulle which gave an angelic sort of super soft look to her gown and made he almost appear to be arriving in a cloud. Her hair: flawless. Makeup: gorgeous. She got it right in this Marchesa... yes she did.

Lastly (but never lastly!) is the fabulous Oprah Winfrey. I don't think I have ever seen a more gorgeously dressed curvy woman before! This Zac Posen dress made me want to cry! So gorg. It fit her PERFECTLY and I love the ombre sequin color graduation.... just amazing. Love the not-so-perfect hair (a little mess makes a look so much more interesting and sexxxy in my opinion!) and her makeup... well, whats new. She once again had not-so-great makeup... but I LOVED the dress and hair so much that I will not rant makeup woes this time. : ))

Playboy Miss Social December

 

I am in the running for Playboy Miss Social December and I NEED YOUR VOTE!!! If you have not voted already, please do so by clicking here.

Thank you so much!!!

 

Inspired by Peace, Love, Juicy Couture

This season's Juicy Couture ad campaign for their new fragrance totally has me inspired! I love the gilded butterflies, soft fur, wild hair, crisp, clean minimal makeup, and angel-eyed model that is the face of this campaign. So much beauty to take in! Makes me want to inhale deeply of this tantalizingly packaged fragrance!

Peace, Love and Juicy Couture is inspired by earthly beauty and far fetched things - and captured the free spirited, hippy vibe of Malibu. Inside, meyer lemon tree blossom, wild hyacinth, sweet apple accord, black currant bud absolute, sambac jasmine absolute, star magnolia, malibu poppy, honeysuckle, linden blossom, orris extract, sheer patchouli flower, and enveloping musks. All of this is bottled up with a turquoise gems adorned with bohemian charms and girl tassels.


It is every bit as good as it sounds... take my word for it! 

The Perfect Pink Pout

I have never been a huge lipstick wearer... I tend to opt for a chap-stick, preferably cherry flavored, with a tinted gloss applied atop. However, lately I have been rocking M.A.C.'s Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick with M.A.C. lip liner in Whirl. I am totally obsessed with this combo and have gotten so many complements on my lips- its insane! It totally does make my lips appear to be fuller... maybe because its a light color and light colors make areas appear larger (where as dark makes them look smaller).

This particular campaign strikes a chord in my heart because all proceeds go to those affected by HIV and AIDS. I have been closely affected by the suffering caused by HIV and AIDS, having worked as a volunteer for 6 months in the jungles of Cambodia. The particular orphanage I worked at had mostly AIDS or HIV positive children, and I saw ones in a great deal of pain and even die while I was there. If buying a lipstick means I can help buy medicine for a child - I'm all in! Give me 10!

The bonus to this great buy is that the shade is absolutely lusty. The perfect light blue-pink with a nice sheen, vanilla scent, and moisturizing properties that keep pouts supple and smooth for hours.

I wont leave home without this little autographed lipstick, and neither will you once you try it. The perfect pink addition to any lipstick collection!

The Falsies Mascara

 I am the most Mascara obsessed person I think I have ever met. Ever since I first started gobbing on mascara, I have been in search of the perfect one that will add length and volume and ultimately enhance my lashes to the point of false-lash status. This, as most girls probably know, is a near impossible feat considering that falsies add a drama to the eyes that is unmatched by any  mascara on the market today. However, I have found a close contender to the false lash, and it is called "The Falsies Mascara" by none other than the leading mascara brand, Maybelline. 

 I have been a bit of a snob when it comes to drug-store brands, but after being wowed by Maybelline's oh so convincing commercial advertising this new wonder product, I put my snobbishness on hold and rushed to the nearest CVS to pick up this little tube of "false eyelashes". Now this little tube holds something great inside. Let me expound:
Firstly you have this gorgous shiney containter in my favorite shade of purple; and the name "the falsies" is kind of brilliant, don't you think? Inside is a brush that looks full and promising on two sides. On the other two sides you will see a bit of a "hacked" bristle which somehow combs through the freshly mascaraed lashes, making them thicker and smoothing out clumped areas. This bristle placement makes the brush a bit "spoon shaped", which makes me think of spooning on mascara, which is appealing for some reason...
I like the little "flex point" on the wand, which allows the brush to be slightly moved when pressure is put on it, making the application seem more action packed. The mascara formula itself is non-flaking and waterproof, yet easily removed with my daily Facial Cleanser.

I still apply my real falsies, but consider this a great topper for them. On days when I don't have a strip lash, on I can be found beneath several heavy coats of this brilliant mascara, still feeling like my peepers are pretty : )
Happy lashing and let me know what your fav mascara is and why you love it!

Just a little obsessed with GAGA

So a few weeks ago I had to extreem thrill of soaking in some Lady Gaga in this two hour interview from showstudio. Now I know that this is a BEAUTY BLOG, and that everything you see up until this point has been all things make up & fashion; so this new post may seem as though it would better fit on another site or blog better than mine... but in all reality, what this encompasses is everything that this blog is about. BEAUTY. Everything about Gaga (to me) is beauty. She has a brilliant mind, and what could be more lovely than beauty that comes from the inward and transcends the physical body in such a spellbinding way?

Watch as Lady Gaga answers from her heart all the questions asked, and graciously endures the endless typing that her interviewer subjects her to.

This interview inspired me to pull out the red lipstick and black liquid liner and dance in the dark. Truly fabulous!

Enjoy and post your thought post viewing!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

For the perfect red lip go to M.A.C. and watch Fatima create a Red Lip to die for, in this step-by-step video.

Two of my favorite red shades by M.A.C are "Ruby Woo" (also a favorite of Dita Von Teese), a vivid bluish-red, and "Lady Danger" a bright matte coral-red.

Knock out the look with a solid black-lined cat-eye. I love Fluidline (also by M.A.C.) in "Blacktrack". This smudge-proof, long-wearing gel formula is so easy to apply (a simple dip and stroke action!) that you can't go wrong. This product has a super silky soft finish that its brand calls "foolproof" (and I agree!). I have used this one little pot for years for photoshoots, runway shows, whole bridal parties, friends and myself and I still have plenty left- it really does last forever. Watch the video on this page to learn how to do an eyeline with this product.

Smokey Eye

I am an absolute sucker for a hot smokey eye and when I saw this photograph of the lovely Kim Kardashian I was inspired!!!

When I have smudged smokey eye makeup I feel super sultry... like a sex-kitten, ready to pounce ;) 

There is absolutely no reason to be intimidated by the smokey-eye look, you can do it in minutes. Its really not that hard and the more you practice and play, the better you will get. I have found that the best smokey-eye applications I have done, were done when I wasnt trying hard and when I wasnt trying to get it super perfect. The whole idea of a smokey-eye is rock-and-roll glamour. That "I slept in my makeup and woke up looking this hot" look.

Some of my favorite smokey eye makeup products are:

Baked (rich bronze)

Gunmetal (grey with silver glitter)

Lounge (reddish brown with green pearl sheen)

Maui Wowie (Med Gold with silver glitter)

Smog (deep coppery bronze)

All of these shades are by Urban Decay and are super rich in pigment and demensional tone.

I love to first line my eyes with Aveda's Petal Essence Eye Definer in 920 Black Orchid. It is creamy and blendable and I like to use it to make a blotchy slightly messy line around my eyes which I smudge and blend in with my finger. It isnt a percise line near my lashes, but rather blends up into the lid and creates a creamy base for shadow. Your eyeshadow will meld into this liner and the staying power will be ten-fold! Plus the effect is total smokey-smudged-sexieness! (I almost like the look of just the liner smudged in so much that sometimes Im tempted for forgo the shadow alltogether!) Dont forget to line your water line (top and bottom) with this black liner as well, before applying your mascara. (Your water line is the wet line between your lashes and eyeball).

Follow with several coats of Zoom Lash Mascara by M.A.C. and then apply some individual or strip lashes for ultimate drama.

Remember: There are no rules to creating your glam smokey-eye look. If you want to pair dark grey and black shadows with dark lipstick... do it! (just keep your blush extreemly light!) If you want to keep your lips nude and go with dramatac dark shades on the eyes... do it! Give yourself bold brows to frame your smokey-eyes or keep the brows natural and bare. Either way can be beautiful. Use a light-ish hand when it comes to bronzing your face and go with dewy or matte finish on the skin. Either is really beautiful with dramatic eyes. Having smokey-eyes does not mean black or grey and silver. You can use any color and make it smokey with darker shades of the same color (and black liner) or accent your color with a black shadow. Have fun with it and allow for some mess to make this look sexy by letting your hair be a bit untaimed and your clothes a bit deconstructed! Loves it.

Here are some great images I found to spark your creativity and inspire your next smoked-out look!

This is a great example of a pale lip paired with a smokey eye and bronzed/blushed cheeks.

These smoked out brown peepers are to die for! Love the smokey bronze colors with the mega lashes.

Simply devine! This look is so sexy. Notice there is little or no blush on her cheeks and her lips and brows are quite natural. The eyes alone bring the intinsity and drama and really are the focal point of the face.

Here Jennifer Lopez shows off her pretty peepers with a smoked mossy green color which is electric! I love the soft peachy lips with the green shadow and the peach cheeks.

You dont have to go dark to have a smokey-eye as you see here in the picture of the beautiful Drew.

Notice what some lashes can do to sex up your eyes! Love this look for day-time glamour.

Whenever I see this add of Drew, I am breathless! Her makeup and hair is ravishing! I adore a warm reddish brown shadow palet on light blue or green eyes.

Use shimmery shadows that have warm undertones to create this look. Love Love Love!

Love the pinky purples. The shadows look like cream shadows - which are easy to blend. Just use a primer like Benefit's Stay Don't Stray to keep your shadow from migrating or creasing.

See what I mean about incorporating color? Pinks, Purples, Blues, Greens... there is no limit to what you can create with color. Love the white lined waterline in this picture. Makse the eyes appear wider yet the eye is defined with the lower lash liner.

Love the bright blue with the soft pink lip.

Saturate the lashes with coat after coat of mascara! Cake it on girl! Dont be shy of clumpy dramatic lashes when you are sporting the smokey-eye. Love the exaggerated liner in this pic and the brows are enhanced with dark color and the inner eye area/sides of nose are darkened with shadows. Sex Kitten to the max!!!

Last but not least is my most fav fav fav lady rocking the bold brow paired with a smokey-eye, pink cheeks and Barbie pink lips! I die. Absolutely glam-gasmic!

Here is fusha smokey eye that I created on myself using my Dinair Airbush kit.

 

Another shot of the same application. I just layered the dark atop the bright pink and exaggerated the "cat-eye" out past the end of the brows.

Here I used Urban Decay's "Gunmetal" and M.A.C. eyeshadow in "Greensmoke" with black liner and false lashes and tons of mascara! Darkened my brows with M.A.C.'s Quite Natural Paint Pot and angle brush #266 (also by M.A.C.) and used M.A.C blush in "Sunbasque" and "Viva Glam Gaga" Lipstick (M.A.C.) with M.A.C. liner in "Whirl".

FOLLOW & COMMENT TO WIN!!!

Do you follow Confessions of a Beauty Addict blog already? Have you posted a comment within the past month? Well, if you have, you are already entered to win a charming quintet of brushes in a shimmering beach inspired wallet-sized case! If you are not a follower and have never commented on one of my blog posts before, do both now and you will have a shot at winning this adorable little prize!!!

Here is what you will get if you win:

This set contains:

- Complexion (blush/powder/bronzer) brush
- Professionnel Platinum Cream Eyeshadow Brush #25
- Flat eyeliner brush
- Pointed eyeliner brush
- Dual-sided brow brush and comb

Airbrush Tanning

So... here we are, back to talking about tanning! Really though, have you ever pondered why being tan is such a desirable feature to have?

I was recently in a Dinair class learning the techniques of airbrush makeup and air-tanning; and during the introduction, the husband of Dina (creator of Dinair) gave a bit of a talk about tanning. The perspective he gave to the idea was that of tanning being a desirable thing because it is like youth: it gives options.

When you are young, your options are endless... your dating potential and that "finding a mate" ability is higher, you are a desirable asset to many workforces and you have that YOUNG beauty, that innocence that is still on your side as well as the charming naivety of not knowing and of not being jaded yet by any number of life experiences.

Now I think that a whole new set of desirable qualities come in to play once you are more mature and "aged", but I understood the point the speaker was trying to make about options. Being tan is a "illusion" as he put it, of being youthful, thus making you have that "young appeal" which makes you feel as though your chances of success in any category of life have just been tripled.

After the introductory talk, Dina asked for a model for the spray tan demonstration. When I first sat down in the class I took a quick inventory of the students and estimated there were well near 30 students in the class... and none of them were jumping up for the chance of a spray tan - which surprised me! So... I volunteered myself! After all, who doesn’t want a free spray-tan, right? The thing I failed to consider in that moment was the possibility that I would have to stand naked for nearly an hour in front of everyone, and make-up-less at that (personally, the sans make-up part was more scary than the naked part)!

What I felt in that hour, wearing only a pair of paper panties (which were see-through) was quite interesting! I actually felt more naked before the tan than after. This proved the speakers point. Before being tan, I felt less attractive and more naked than I did after being sprayed down with the tanning formula. I probably could have gone through the whole day naked once I was tanned! I felt sexier, thinner, and more confident.

When I was told to expect my new air-tan to last a good 10 days, I laughed. No spray tan I have ever had lasted even HALF of that! But here I am, 11 days later with still a slight hint of Dinair tan. Best of all, my tan has not faded into what could be mistaken as a skin disease as all the other spray tans I have had do. Don’t you hate that patchy sun-damaged look that faux tans seem to turn into right before vanishing all together? I sure do!

Now, on to the actual tanning formula that I experienced... Dinair is a company that has been around since 1981 (born the same year I was!) and is a pioneer in the concept of airbrush makeup. With celebrity clients such as Tom Cruise and Pamela Anderson, it is no secret that their formulas are second to none, and the air-tan systems are no less amazing than their makeup!

I was astonished also to find that there was no less-than-appealing odor that developed as my tan deepened (something that you will find happens with most sunless tanning formulas!). Also, minutes after being air-tanned, my skin was smooth and soft and not in the least bit tacky. I actually went the rest of that day without feeling that "dirty" feeling that spray tans tend to give you. I also was particularly glad that my tan did not have the least bit of an orangey hue.... but rather was a true bronze, streak free and with a believable depth.

 

I have nothing but good things to report about this product and am happy to announce that I am now a certified air-tan artisan! I have yet to get my actual machine (but it’s on its way!) and will be making house calls very soon... making pale beauties into bronze goddesses...and white-skinned men into Greek gods! No more standing in a pod-like massive machine and getting an in-personal spray down from jets, (hello Mystic Tan!) while inhaling most of the solution! How unhealthy that is and what possible health risks are we putting ourselves in danger of by going that route!?! No thanks. Also, with air-tanning you can get muscle definition enhanced with tan contouring... something that fitness buffs LOVE.

So what are you waiting for? Get your tan on! You will love your Dinair tan, no question about it! (But of course if you were to have a question, you can post it in the comment box below and I will be happy to answer it!)

Shadow & Concelear Primer Confession

SO... I have tried them all! Primers that claim to keep eye-makeup in place... every makeup line has them, right? Well, I have finally found the perfect one and I am here to present it to you! Please welcome Stay Don't Stray by Benefit.

NOTE: I am not a huge Benefit user. In fact, I only use and love their lipsticks... untill now!

Last week I was in Sephora (my favorite store on earth!) and they were having an in-store event for the launch of Stay Don't Stray.  I decided to try it... why not right? I have done quite well (for the most part!) at resisting buying their products just cause they are in such cute wrappings. This time I was buying it for the sole purpose of getting a benefit!

For the past two days I have used this primer and have to say- this product works! It doesn't dry my skin out like other primers I have tried. Quite to opposite actually; It hydrates the skin with sodium hyaluronate and also fights signs of aging with Vitamins C & E.

My skin is far from perfect and on occasion I get a blemish... I actually had one this week so I decided to try using this primer on my blemish. It worked amazingly! No creases or funny looking circles around the blemish... it blends seamlessly in the skin. In the eye area I noticed an immediate brightened effect and my fine lines were minimized. After applying the primer, I layered three different shades of shadow and then set out to give the ultimate test to this little primer... 16 + hours of wear. I can honestly report that everything is in the same place I put it, and my eye-makeup still looks just as pretty and fresh as when I first applied it.

 

Watch this video to hear about the results other have gotten with Stay Don't Stray!

This product comes in only ONE universally flattering shade.

Buy it at Sephora or at Benefit.

Or buy it here! I only get credit for items purchased from these Amazon links that I place in my blog.