Ben Nye Banana Powder

It took me a while to actually make up my mind and get this baby into my make-up collection. i tried many set powders for under eye concealer or all over the face, like Make up forever HD powder, as well as the Maybelline Shine Free Oil Control Loose Powder.

• MU HD powder does the work, but I have to be careful of not putting too much because it would show up in pictures as a white veil (not cute at all).

Retails $34.00 at sephora.

I still have it in my makeup drawer, I just don't use it as much, I would use it as my last resource.

• Maybelline Shine Control Loose Powder, works wonders. I would place this around my under eye area with a makeup sponge to set up the concealer and whipped off any fall outs at the end. It is affordable, but i do not like the package. Its too bulky, and not a great idea to have it in your purse, it creates such a mess. Definitely a powder that must stay at home.

Retails $6.00-10.00 at Walgreens/Walmart/Target/CVS .

• I found out about the Ben Nye Banana Powder a year ago through Kim K's make-up artist Mario, and how perfectly works as a set powder but as well as a highlight under your eyes, bridge of your nose, Cupid's bow, etc. To be honest, I dislike purchasing things online, you never know what you get at the end. Kept getting information, different opinions, and looking at different websites. All of them have same price, maybe shipping rate changes a bit. This powder was manly created for theatrical makeup. A powder that would last for hours without retouching. It leaves a silk smooth flawless finish that can be used on any skin type. You can find it in different types of shades: Banana, Cameo, Beige Suede, Cocoa Tan, Topaz, and Sienna. These powders will not clog pores, but they set makeup and reduce shine! I finally got it, decided to purchase this bad boy through makeupmania.com. I highly recommended this product. You actually get a lot of product, and also have options of 3 sizes of bottles. Shipping was fast, and in great condition. I paid $14.94 including shipping, and I purchased 3.0oz bottle Banana Color. I used it under my eyes to set my concealer and bridge of my nose to contour. I apply it with a damp beauty blender in a tapping motion, and then I would use a fluffy powder brush to blend it around my face to disappear any harsh lines.

Retails around 7.00 (different websites)

I would def. recommend this product. Its amazing, I do not use it every day but just whenever I go out with my friends/ and special ocassions.



Make-Up Top Secrets: No more Brush, Beauty Blender

There are many brushes to apply foundation, whether you are looking for a full coverage, light coverage, airbrush look, smooth flawless finish, etc. This makeup tool has been very popular lately for foundation application, as well as, concealer application. First time I bought this product was actually from Marshalls. I think it was 4.99.  I know there is one call the Original beauty blender but it retails around $15.00, probably does a better job at application, but I wanted to give it a try and not waste my money...

I paid 4.99 (different colors/sizes option avail.)

I was a bit scared at first to damp the sponge, it sounded weird to have it damp for a better application, and great coverage. I used it dry for the first time and I would say for a week. HUGE MISTAKE, i didn't like how it worked, obviously I knew I was doing something wrong. So then I decided to go ahead and give it a try as a damp sponge. ABSOLUTELY in LOVE with it. I love how my foundation looks, I even use it as a concealer applicator. Very natural flawless look. This blender is also amazing to apply any under eye setting powder. I do apply my Ben Nye Banana Powder with my damp beauty blender, same motion. (Tap Tap Tap.) I recommended to everyone, even if you wanna try the cheap version, it is the same concept.

Spring Nail Polishes!

So in Love with any bright bold color. Im ready for spring, and I cannot wait for summer. I think nail polishes complete an outfit and give more of our own character. I went to a local Walgreens, and took a look to some SinfulColors polishes... I believe it retails 1.99.
I bought 4 of them: Innocent (lime green), Mint Apple (mint green), amethyst (purple), Easy Going (white/pink)

Im currently using Amethyst, 2 coats! Im not soo sure about the days w/o chipping bc this is the first day using this color.

Make-up Top Secret... Face Primers

Hello mis amores,
Before purchasing any products, I like to navigate around the web and search for good reviews. I always try to check few websites and compare reviews from consumers. I know each one of us have different reactions, and skin types. But it gives a more information of the product and what to expect.
Youtube is a great source of finding honest reviews, but you could also find the affiliated videos (video featuring the products to get credit for it).
I've been watching a lot of gurus (I was one of them back 09) on youtube  using the Benefit Porefessional...

This product would help you to minimize pores and fine lines, especially around the nose and cheek areas, leaving your skin smooth and flawless. Perfect as a primer, and it works perfect for any type of skin (combination, dry, oily, or normal)
It retails around $30.00 for 22 mL/ 0.75 US fl. oz
Key Ingredients are Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, and more (Please read ingredients before using product)

And this is why I went ahead to read for some reviews... All reviews were great and positive. No doubt! it works perfect as a primer, and smooths out the skin for a perfect foundation application. But the price was not convencing me at all. The small tube was actually going to last me less than a month.
3 months ago, I worked at a Spa, and we had a variety of skin care. and I found the Sonya Dakar Pore Minimizer



Same as Benefit Porefessional, Works perfect to minmize pores and instantly elimanates shines creating a matte finish. It retails around $48.00 for 20 mL. Key ingredients are  anti-oxidant blend of Organic açài;, copaiba, and andiroba from the Brazillian rainforest, Salicylic, Zinc, Menthol. I did try this for like a week before making a decision, it works perfect, I would use it as a primer. I do have combination skin, and it elimantes the shine and oil from my face for several hours. If I was a regular costumer $48.00 is too much for me!! but I do get 50% off so that works perfect.

I kept reading, searching for an alternative just in case. And I found something very interesting!!

MONISTAT Chafing Relief Powder-Gel Yes Yes YES... Shokinggg. But hey this is the fun part. IT IS PERFECT as a primer before foundation. It smooth out skin, leaving a nice flawless face. And as a primer too. You get more product 1.5 OZ (42 g) for only $5.98 (Walmart) yes girlfriends. You cant beat that!!! and Of course, it works as a feminine care.

Key Ingredients are Dimethicone 1.2%. Inactive: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trisiloxane.

So I didn't doubt myself and went straight to walmart and give it a try! I've been using it for like a month, and let me tell you... It does the job. Creates a very thin film from gel to powder feeling. Minimize the pores and fine lines. I use it every day, and no allergic reaction! I used it on one of my last clients for a shoot. Of course, I explained to her that it works as a primer and leaves the skin very smooth.

I am looking into purchasing the Benefit Porefessional as soon as I'm done with the Monistat Powder Gel.

I do recommend it based on my experience of using this product. I hope this was helpful! Xo



Few Make-up Looks!

I have over 2,000 pics saved on my phone! (Embarrassing) but hey!!! I love to keep good memories of places, friends, my work, and inspiration. i could always go back and better myself! Here are few of my makeup pics i did last year.
Ill be going back into details later on, probably in another post! Enjoy... Besitos

Welcome

I tried way back in 2009 to keep up with a blog, but i got lost in between trying to find a way of expressing myself. But I have decided to take this back as journey of my life, and share great ideas, beauty secrets, travel documentary... A little of everything. I'll be creating a list of subjects, keeping myself organize to write at least twice or 3 times a week. :)