Sunday 17 November 2013

Hourglass Ambient Powder


I finally have my hands on these babies! I was able to purchase a couple of the Ambient Powder which is in Dim Light and Radiant Light.  There's no right or wrong of how and where to apply these products.  The intent of it is to diffuse any type of light giving a soft focus glow on the skin, therefore it minimizes the appearance of imperfections and pores.  This product is also great for photoshoots because your skin will look flawless in front of a camera.  The texture on these are soft like velvet and it blends out seamlessly.

Radiant Light - this is described as a "Golden Beige Powder" it definitely adds warmth and radiance on the skin.  This can be use as a hightlight or a bronzer or even to apply over an eyeshadow again to add warmth.

Radiant Light


Dim Light - this is described as a "Neutral Peach Beige Powder".  This works well as a setting powder especially on medium skin.  I also have oily skin but when I use this, it last for more than 8 hours without touch ups.


Dim Light

Overall, I highly recommend these products.  It comes in 6 shades that will enhance and suit any skin type.  The price is slightly expensive, I almost choked when I first saw the price but I wanted to try them and see if it does the job that is intended to do and no regrets here, so far I pleased with it.

Friday 15 November 2013

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee


I purchased this blush in Berry Bliss.  The product contains 50% coconut water and Vitamin E rich Argan Oil.  All natural ingredients which is good for your skin.  

The product is simply amazing because it's easy to blend.  I use my fingers to dab on my cheeks and use a duo fibre brush to blend with.  This is more of a stain which looks like a natural glow on your skin or it seems like you're blushing.  The shade that I chose may look scary because it appears quite dark in the pot but it's actually the opposite.  I was contemplating between this product or a creme blush but I prefer the texture and finish with these cheek gelee better than a creme blush because it gives a smooth finish, it literally feels like water on the skin, so there's no stickiness to it.  This product is good for cold and humid weather places and it does last for a solid 10 hours.  

The only thing that I'm not too impress with is the packaging.  The container or the pot is quite small that it makes it difficult to use a brush to get the product,  like I said earlier I have to use my fingers to apply on to my cheeks but other than that it's a product that it's worth purchasing again.  The price is a bit on the splurge side as they sell for $26 cdn at Sephora.  I hope you find this review helpful.


Berry Bliss

Saturday 28 September 2013

Wet Look Made Simple

Having a lustrous lids makes your look more edgy.  But sometimes topping them off with petroleum jelly or lip gloss is not always the right way to go unless it's for a photoshoot.  But if you're planning to wear it for the whole day it will eventually crease.  So there is an eyeshadow that you can use to achieve the illusion of a wet look.

1. Spray a MAC Fix Plus on an eyeshadow brush and press it on to the MAC Pressed Pigment, I used the Pink Pepper.  Distribute it evenly to your entire lid.  Next, take another eyeshadow brush and add the same shimmering eyeshadow over top, apply it dry this time and just dab it all over the lid.

2. Define your eyebrows using a pencil or shadow.  Boost your lashes with a few coats of Black mascara.

3. Finish the makeup by warming your cheeks with a matte bronzer or a matte soft peachy pink blush.  Apply a nude pink lipstick or a velvety dark red lipstick.




Sunday 15 September 2013

A Style is Created by Nicole M.

Over the few years that I've been doing photography, I have met and worked with the most talented people in the city.  About a couple months ago, my friend and business partner, Cherry and I have been scouting for a hairstylist that we can collaborate with for photoshoots.  We did a few screening with some hairstylists and who stand out the most to us was Nicole M.  She has a great personality, so easy to work with and a truly an artist.

I also went through a ton of hairstylists in the past because no one did not know how to work with my thick and bulky hair until I met Nicole, I had a really bad haircut last May, it's to a point where I did not want to look at myself in the mirror and a couple of days after, we met Nicole at the studio to do a photoshoot.  I guess I took advantage of it while she was there to do a bit of consultation with my hair, I showed her a photo of the hairstyle that I wanted and she said she'll make an appointment with me to do a little bit of 'fixing'.  So a week after I was sitting in that chair, nervous.  But I was so happy with the result, I finally found a hairstylist that I can go to and trust with my hair.  She was able to cut and style my hair almost as identical as the photo I showed her.  Since my hair is thick and bulky, she was able to follow the style that I wanted working with the texture of my hair.

 If you're looking for a hairstylist for an event, photoshoots or you just  need a change of a hairstyle, she's your 'go to' girl.  You can also check out some of her creations on her facebook page, Nicole Alexandra Markowski and feel free to message her.

However, I will leave you with some of my favorites:










Friday 30 August 2013

Dior Shimmer Powder in Rose Diamond

Hi everyone,

I want to share a product that I just discovered recently, I know this is a popular product on beauty channels for quite a while now but it's something that I decided to try and see if it's worth the hype.  And my verdict is .... I am currently obsessed with this product!

This has 5 different shades of pink which creates a rosy, peachy sheen when mix together with a blush brush or a contour brush.  I use it as a highlighter which I apply the 3 lighter shades on my cheekbone, under my brow bone and on my cupid's bow.  I also use it as a blush and sometimes as an eyeshadow using the 2 mid-toned shades.

The formula is really good, it transfers well but it's not too shimmery that you'll look like a disco ball once applied.  The texture is smooth and soft and it's easy to blend.

If you have the budget to splurge on this product either to experiment or to use it as an everyday type of thing then I say it's worth every penny.

Dior Shimmer Powder in Rose Diamond

Wednesday 31 July 2013

Beach Beauty Summer Essentials ...

It's been a while since my last post, summer has been always the busiest season to most of us and it's almost over so we better make the most out of it.  Anyway, when I go to the beach, I prefer to use a little bit of makeup, where I can achieve a natural-flawless glow.  I skip using foundation so I just go straight to these products:

1. BECCA BEACH TINT - this is a water-resistant, creme stain for the lips and cheeks.  I have it in Watermelon and Fig, it actually came in two. This is great for the summer because when it gets really hot or if you decide to go swimming, this really stays on your skin and it gives that healthy glow.

Becca Tint in Watermelon and Fig

2. MAKEUP FOREVER CONCEALER - this is a full coverage concealer.  it's waterproof so it won't go anywhere when you decide to go under water.  The consistency is quite thick so it's great for hiding dark circles, redness around your nose or cheeks and covering blemishes or acne.

Makeup Forever Concealer
3. RIMMEL WATERPROOF SCANDAL EYES MASCARA - I have mentioned this a few times, I'm not blessed with thick, long lashes but when I apply this product it definitely gives that illusion.  I've used this underwater and it stayed put, it didn't smudge at all.

Rimmel Waterproof Scandal Eyes Mascara
So there you have it, I do recommend these products, they're worth it not just for the summer but all year-round.

Thanks,
Kat

Thursday 4 July 2013

A Must Have: Maybelline Shine Free Oil Control Loose Powder

I love being outdoors during the summer months but what I don't like is having a greasy, oily skin.  For about 2 years now, I've been reaching for my Makeup Forever HD Microfinish Powder and it works perfectly.  But just this past weekend, we were in North Dakota and I forgot to bring my Makeup Forever powder so I head to Ulta and purchased the Maybelline Shine Free Oil Control Loose Powder, this product is under $8.00.  I don't own any powder from a drugstore because I pretty much relied on my Makeup Forever, but when I tried the Maybelline loose powder, I was surprised that it delivered a no-shine look basically the whole day, I didn't touch up at all and it held my makeup well.  This works as good as my Makeup Forever HD at a cheaper price.  Let's face it sometimes we don't want to spend $30 on a powder and the Maybelline loose powder is a great alternative and with the price, it gets the job done.  This product is worth purchasing.





Monday 1 July 2013

Trish McEvoy Makeup Planner





This is a great way to organize your makeup whether you're on the go or at home.  This is designed to hold refillable eyeshadows in, with what's called "Makeup Wardrobe Pages".  I put my MAC eyeshadows that is available in a pan or my Makeup geek's eyeshadows and it holds it in place.  




Makeup Wardrobe Page

Another photo of the makeup wardrobe page with refillable MAC eyeshadows
At the back, there's compartments that has enough room to put your brushes, mascara, eyeliner etc.


And a removable pouch with zipper that is good for additional beauty stuff.

I take this with me everywhere I go.  I find it very convenient because I can put a lot of my makeup without looking 'crowded' because the way it keeps it together.  The only downside to it is the price, it is a jaw dropper but the quality is great which will last for years.  For more information on this product, you can visit www.trishmcevoy.com

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Blending Sponges

What are blending sponges?.... What are they use for?... Is there a difference between brands?...


Blending Sponges are a soft sponge that is designed or shaped for a controlled and flawless finish application.  Primarily, this is used for liquid and cream makeup products.

To use this, you are suppose to wet the sponge first with warm water and squeeze the excess water.  For application, dot the foundation onto the skin and dab or pat the sponge onto the skin in circular motion.

I owned 3 blending sponges, all from different brands which are Sonia Kashuk, Joe Fresh and the Beauty Blender.  Since I have a few of them, I can easily compare the products and help you purchase something worth your money.


Above is the Sonia Kashuk blending sponge, this was the first sponge that I have purchased, this is under $11.  Since I didn't have any other sponges to compare it to, I think this was an okay product, the pointy tip, is good for blending around the crevices around the eyes and nose.  The downside to it, because of its shape, it's quite difficult to roll the product onto the skin.  The texture is dense and stiff, even after wetting the sponge, the shape remains the same and it does not blend well.


Above is the Joe Fresh blending sponge, this has an egg-shape which rolls onto the skin well but the texture of it is pretty much the same as the Sonia Kashuk which is a bit dense but not as stiff as the Sonia Kashuk.   The shape of it doubles the volume after wetting it but it does not get any softer.  I must say it does distributes the product evenly.  This cost about $10.  

Between the two, I do prefer the Joe Fresh blending sponge.


Lastly, is the Beauty Blender, this is what mostly makeup artists carries in their kit.  The price is in the high end for a sponge, $26 cdn.  but it's worth buying it.  This was given to me by a friend who's been recommending this product to me for the longest time but I kept on holding off because of the price and I didn't really see the purpose of buying another one if they all feel and work the same.  However, after using it, now I completely understand why this is such a popular product.  This is not just an ordinary sponge.  This also has an egg-shape and it expands after damping it with water but the texture gets softer as you use it.  It's gentle on the skin which makes a flawless finish.  Because of the shape, it allows you to roll the foundation onto the skin preventing any streaks.  This is also great for toning down blushes, bronzers when applied too much.  Honestly, this is what I've been reaching for lately putting my other foundation brushes onto shame.  This is a multi-task sponge, I use this for foundation, concealer and cream blush.  I recommend this blending sponge to anyone.

Monday 3 June 2013

CoverGirl Clean Whipped Cream Foundation


I purchased this product a few days ago at Walmart for $7.97 cdn.  My shade is in 325 Buff Beige.  This offers a medium coverage with a dewy finish and it feels light on my skin.  I also noticed that a little amount goes a long way.  I dab about a size of a pea on my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin and blend it with a foundation brush or a stippling brush and it covers my entire face.  For those who has the same skin type like I do which is an oily skin, you will need to apply a primer to help control some shine.  I use the MAC-Matte and this works well this foundation.  This foundation last for about 7 hours without any touch ups, which is AWESOME! I do give this product a two thumbs up, and with the price I think it's a steal! I definitely recommend this product to anyone.


Wednesday 29 May 2013

Most Wanted for the Month of May

Hello everyone,

Here I am again with another post on my most wanted for this month.  May just flew by so fast and we're entering June already!  Anyway, below are the stuff that made it to my list:


1. Real Techniques Eye Starter Kit - I was happy to find these at Walmart, no need to cross the border... just kidding! I absolutely love these brushes, they're high quality and affordable, this cost me $18.97 for this kit.  It comes in 5 essential eye brushes:  From left to right:

Base Brush - good for cream shadows.
Deluxe Crease Brush - I actually use this for concealer, I find it quite large for my crease.
Eyeliner Brush - this is a little thick for me, however, I use it to put some shadow on my lower lash line.
Brow Brush - good for defining your brows.
Accent/Detail Brush - great for highlighting the inner corner of your eye or smudging on  lower lash line.


2. Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede in High heels - the color pay off is quite sheer but it's definitely buildable.  This is great for an everyday look.  Although you can barely notice the shimmer on them.  It's also hydrating and to me it lasts for a couple of hours.  This cost me $10.99.

3. Rimmel ScandalEyes in Bullet Proof Beige - it has a creamy finish so it glides on easily.  I use this own its own or as a base.  For daytime look, I would apply this all over my lid and a Brown eyeshadow in the outer crease.  Finish it up with a mascara.  This cost me $7.99.


4. MAC eyeshadow in Expensive Pink - this is like a coral, pink shade with shimmer.  In my opinion, this is a universal eyeshadow, it looks great in every skin tone and it's a perfect companion for most shades.  This cost me $15.


5. MAC PaintPot in Constructivist and MAC Pigment in Antique Gold - I love this combination for an evening look.  MAC Constructivist is a deep brown cream eyeshadow with a tint of shimmer and the MAC Antique Gold is a brown shade of pigment with gold shimmer.  I apply the MAC Constructivist all over my lid, blending the edges and I dab the Antique Gold on top of the Constructivist.  I then line my lower lash line with a black liner and finish it with a mascara.  

The last 2 are my most worn wardrobe:


1. Military Jacket - this is a light weight jacket, great for spring and fall.  This was $40 at Garage.


2. Wedge Sneakers - this is a cross between  high top sneakers and high heels.  This enhance the look of leggings or skinny jeans.  This was $20 at Ardene's.

There you have it! See you next time, KAT


Thursday 23 May 2013

My Journey to Weight Loss

Hello Everyone,

Today I want to steer away from reviewing makeup products, and tutorials and talk about something that most people can relate to which is LOSING WEIGHT.  I want to reach out to people who are struggling to lose weight or people who wants to lose weight but do not think they can.  I hope with what I'm going to say would not offend anybody but to serve an inspiration to most of you.

First of all, when I got married and after having 2 wonderful kids that my body has changed tremendously.  My heaviest was 145 lbs and I stand 5'1", with my height, I was considered obese.   I love shopping and I usually go out with my sister to a mall and we would walk in at a clothing store and see something on a wall or on a mannequin and I would try it on and didn't like what I see, to me, it didn't look right.  I was upset and frustrated for a long time.  So that's when I started to turn to makeup, bags, purses and accessories, everything else but clothes.  A year later, in 2010,  I remember coming out from a camera store and I saw a weight loss program which is JENNY CRAIG that just opened in our area.  I walked in with no hesitations, I didn't know what to expect, all I was thinking of that day that I was desperate to find a solution to my weight problem.  I signed up just to try it out.  To be honest, with the membership and the food that you buy from them, it is not the cheapest, we're talking about $15-20 a day.  I considered it as an investment and I was doing it for the right reasons.  Besides living healthier, I wanted to feel good about myself and not to shy away from shopping for clothes and have that confidence to wear what I want.  Before signing up with the program, I was eating about 2500 calories or more a day with no physical activity and when I joined the program, my calories intake was cut in half, we're talking about 1200 calories a day! I was hurting for awhile and wanted to give up after a month but I pushed myself everyday that I can do it with the help and support from my family and friends.  As a JENNY CRAIG client, I was and still am happy with the program.  I learned a lot from them to eating right, fitness and the consultants are great supporters which I needed to reach my goal weight.  JENNY CRAIG food consist of all portion size regular meals and they're all delicious especially the desserts!

With the amount of food you take in, you have to balance it with a physical activity.  All you need is 30-45 minutes a day.  I know most of you are saying "who has time to work out?, I have a busy life etc".  I was in that state as well, that's how I got to that weight.  I was juggling between being a wife, a mom and having a full time job but I learned that you don't make the time to work out but you have to find the time to work out.  At that time, I chose to work out before everybody wakes up which was from 5:30-6:15 a.m. and I'd be done just in time to make breakfast and get my kids ready for the day.  I work out 4-5 days a week.  All I'm saying, find something that will work for you, choose something that you enjoy whether it's walking, or any physical activities with your kids, just choose something that you can commit to and not think of it as a work out.  Also, make sure you change your work out routine every 3-4 weeks to avoid hitting plateau.  My work out routine from Day 1 consists of walking on the treadmill, playing with my kids, Hip Hop Abs, Body Boot Camp, Kick Boxing, Taebo, Jillian Michaels, Turbo Fire, Tap out and I just started doing Insanity.  I'm not a gym person so I usually buy home videos which works just the same.

Anyway, not everybody can afford weight loss program but it doesn't mean you can't live a healthier life.  I don't think there's such thing as bad food, i think minimizing what you eat is a great way to start, cut your carbs in half, plan your meal, which I find this very important that way you can track your calories intake... TRUST ME, YOU'LL BE SURPRISE! I'm also not saying to cut out all your favorite food such as sweets, savories, etc. just don't over indulge yourself, for instance, if you're craving for a slice of cake, just eat half a slice of a cake.  The key is portion wise.

Nobody said it will be easy, it took a lot of discipline, determination and motivation and a change of lifestyle to reach my goal weight.  It will take time, just do it one day at a time, one pound at a time, you'll get there.  I understand that sometimes we fall off the wagon, it happened to me a few times, we're just human, but make sure you get back on track.  

Overall, I've lost 39 lbs in a span of almost 2 years, I started at 145 lbs and I'm now 106 lbs, I couldn't be happier. My weight still fluctuates every now and then but I manage to get back on track.  I am no expert or a professional dietician, I just want to share what worked for me in losing weight and maybe it will work for you too.  So for all the moms or for the people in general who are in the same situation as me that think you can't do it or you're making random excuses that you can't do it, the only person that can stop you from living healthier is YOU!  


Here's a BEFORE and AFTER photo of me:

  
           BEFORE                             AFTER


Best of Luck, KAT



Monday 20 May 2013

Sonia Kashuk Makeup Brushes and Look of the Day


Target has opened a couple of stores in Winnipeg and one in Brandon which is good news to most people that lives around here.  It sure saved me a few dollars from crossing the border this summer.  So far from what I've seen,  Target in the states has more selections than what we have here unless there's still expanding as it's still relatively new.  But I'm quite satisfied.

Anyway, I did a few of my weekly groceries and stopped by at the Beauty Aisle... I couldn't resist skipping that section! I picked up a couple of the Sonia Kashuk brushes which I'm excited to share with you guys. The one's that I purchased,  I find more use from the bunch.  Also I decided to do a Bronzy, Summer Look using the brushes.


1. Synthetic Flat Top Blusher - the original intent of this brush is use as a blusher but I've used it with my liquid and mineral foundations and it applies perfectly.  This cost me $15 cdn.

2. Duo Fibre Crease Brush 205 - this is a fantastic brush since it's a duo fibre, it does not pick up a lot of product so if you like a softer look or a light dusting of powder on your eye lids, this is good for that.  The angled shape fits well into the crease and in the outer corners.  The quality is great, I've used this with clients and it applies flawlessly.  I've washed it a couple of times and I have not experience any shedding.  This cost me $7.00 cdn.

ON TO THE BRONZY, SUMMER LOOK:




Ingredients: 
L'OREAL Magic BB Cream in medium, 
MAC Pro Sculpting Cream in Pure Sculpture.

Application:
I applied the L'OREAL Magic BB Cream all over my face and applied the MAC Pure Sculpture on the high lights of my face (cheekbones, temples, and just a bit in the outer corner of the bridge of my nose).  Both using the Synthetic Flat Top Blusher.



Ingredients:
Maybelline Color Tattoo in 25 Bad to the Bronze (cream eyeshadow)
MAC PowerSurge Eyeliner

Application:
Using my ring finger, I applied the 25 Bad to the Bronze all over my lid using it as a base and I applied the MAC PowerSurge on my water line.



Ingredients: MAC Woodwinked eyeshadow (labeled as #1 above)

Application: I applied the Woodwinked eyeshadow on top of the Bad to the Bronze cream eyeshadow for the color to pop more using the Sonia Kashuk Duo Fibre Crease Brush 205, to darken the crease a little bit, just dip the pointed edge of the brush on the eyeshadow and lightly apply it on the crease, blend, blend, blend.  Apply your favorite Mascara to the top and bottom lashes to finish the look.




Ingredients: Andrea Mod Lash in 53

Application: You can definitely skip this step, but I wanted to add some false eyelashes.














There you have it, a soft bronzy look for the summer, and a great must have brushes from the Sonia Kashuk line.

See you guys next time, KAT

Thursday 16 May 2013

Beauty Storage

Hello everyone,

I hope you guys are doing great and looking forward to Victoria Day long weekend! This weekend we're having some family over for some barbeque and hopefully enjoy the sun that's if we get to have a peak of it.

Anyway, before I start rambling on and on about another topic, I'll get back in focus of this post.  It's all about BEAUTY STORAGE.  As some of you know me, I have a good collection of makeup and I like to organize them where I could see them because if they're not near my sight then I would completely forget about them.

I found a form of storage where it's classy, fresh and serene with a pull out drawer that is spacious enough to fit in a few partitions to keep it inside to store most of my makeup products in sections.  With a color being White, it blends in with everything I have in my room.  This dressing table is called the MALM Dressing Table from IKEA, this was a Christmas gift from my hubby.


My husband have installed 2 inexpensive fluorescent lights on each side of my mirrors.  They're from Walmart at $14.99 each.  The mirror was from Home Depot, it was on sale when I got it, I believe it was $30.


On the surface of the dressing table, I have decided to put a few things that are on my reach.  On the left hand side, I've kept a couple of clear drawers from Staples given to me by my sister.  This is where I store my powders, blushes, and hair accessories.  On top of that, I have some of my skin care and other essentials that I use on a regular basis.  


Next to it are my makeup brushes, I put them in my Sigma makeup brush cup holder (Left) and 3 clear, plastic boxes from Michaels ($4.99 each) and filled it with vase fillers from Dollarama at $1.00 each.


This is the large pull out drawer, like I mentioned earlier, this a great place to store most of my makeup, the drawer organizers are all from Dollarama which again cost me $1.00 each.  Below is a closer view of what each of them look like:  This is where I keep my lip products



On to Eye products, below is another closer view:



Last but not the least, I had my eye on this for quite a while, it's actually a white book shelf also from IKEA with 3 black, foldable boxes and a hot pink box, just to add a pop of color from Dollarama... can't you tell how much I love Dollarama as well? This is where I store the rest of my beauty goodies, camera accessories, makeup bags, and some of my favorite books.

    



       
I hope you guys enjoyed having a little preview of how I keep my stuff as organized as possible and hopefully it gave you some ideas of what to use for storage.

See you guys next time, Kat