Christy's Mac Viva Glam Gaga GIVEAWAY!!!

The lovely Christy is having a giveaway! Check out her awesome blog and enter!

Why?
- Sharing is caring
- 100% of the proceeds go to the M·A·C AIDS Fund
- Met some awesome bloggers so far!
- Want to meet new bloggers :)
- I hope you all go "gaga" over this.. heh.. get it??

Here's the dealio:
- Must be a follower of HER BLOG
- My awesome "old" followers automatically get an extra entry
- 1 extra entry if you blog about this giveaway
- Say "Christy rocks my socks!"-- I need an ego booster! HA!
- Comment on her giveaway post and answer

"Three unique facts about yourself..."

Open Worldwide! Entries will be accepted until March 1, 2010, Midnight EST. She will notify the winner the following day! Winner will be randomly chosen by brothertard!

ENTER HERE!!!

Cleaning makeup brushes...my way

I decided to clean my brushes today and thought, why not make a post about it. Here's my way of cleaning the brushes. I know a lot of people have various ways to do it using special brush cleaner and whatnot but this is what works for me. I learned how to do this by watching videos on Youtube and i forgot which one specifically but you can find them.
Here's what you need:

Baby Shampoo (any will do)

Olive Oil (yep)
Paper Towel
AND
Your dirty brushes (of course)
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These are the dirty brushes i decided to clean today. I didn't do all of them in case i was in need of a brush. Once these dry, i will work on the others. I don't have too many brushes that needed to be cleaned anyway.

Step 1:
Pour some olive oil on a folded paper towel and smudge the brush in the olive oil. This really helps get the color out (as you can see by the nasty eyeshadow dirt lol). It also leaves your brushes really soft that's why i love using it.
Step 2:
After you feel you removed the makeup from the brush, go ahead and pour a little baby shampoo on your palm and run the brush through it. Once you washed the brush hair go ahead and rinse it with lukewarm water (not hot and not cold)
Step 3:
Make sure you lay them flat on a towel or whatever works for you. This is to avoid letting the water drip into the brush handle and damaging it.

Look at all the dirt from all the brushes!!!
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That's basically all i do. I haven't really thought of investing in a brush cleaner yet. For now this is what works for me.
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What are some of your methods?

Update + FOTD = Gold/Brown Smokey eye

I know it's been forever since i posted anything! Thank you everyone for the comments you leave me ( i read every single one) and to the new followers =) .I've been so busy with school lately. Papers on top of papers and exams, so i had a lot to study. I'm also close to getting a job (finally!) working for my dad but that's ok lol at least i'll have a salary and some money woohoo. I'm hoping i can get more hauls because i haven't even had time to shop or anything. Anywho! i decided to share this look i did today. It's simple and looks natural to me. Gold and brown go great together so i really like it, especially for brown eyes. That's about it hope you like it =)

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FACE:
Revlon Colorstay in Golden Beige
NYC translucent powder
Sephora Sculpting Disc

EYES:
Mac Paint in Bare Canvas
Urban Decay Oil Slick (outer V)
NYX trio Gold (all over the lid blending the Oil Slick)
Urban Decay Stray Dog (crease and blending harsh lines and under waterline)
Estee Lauder in Vanilla (highlight)
L'oreal Voluminous Mascara
Ardell Wispies

LIPS:
Revlon Lipstick in Smooth Nude
Stila Glaze in Citrus Mint
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Miss P first giveaway!!! (+200!)

The gorgeous Miss P is having her first giveaway! Here's what the winner will get

CLICK THE PICTURE TO GO TO HER GIVEAWAY AND ENTER!

Prizes include:

• Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Glitz & Glam Travel Brush Set with Case (1 blusher brush, 1 eyeshadow brush, 1 angled eye shadow brush, 1 crease brush and 1 black zippered case)
• Revlon Fantasy Length Lashes in "Flirty"
• NARS Duo Lip Gloss in Boogie Nights/Giza
• MAC Eye Shadow in "Straw Harvest" from the 2010 MAC Spring Colour 2 Forecast Collection ("Straw Harvest" is a gorgeous shade of warm peachy gold in a pearl finish)
• Maybelline Eye Studio Eye Shadow in Ivy Icon

All you have to do is:

1) Be a follower or subscriber
You will be disqualified if you are not a follower or subscriber

2) You must be at least 18 years old to participate

3) Leave me a comment with your email address and also tell me what is the one makeup product that you can not go without

4) Spread the love!
Blog about the giveaway with a picture of the prizes and include a link back to this post on my blog. You must leave a link to your post in the comment section as proof. The contest will close on February 28th @ 11:59 pm Eastern Time.

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Good luck!

OOTD - Outfit Of The Day

I don't think i've made a post like this before but i felt like doing one today so here it goes.
I put together pieces of clothing and accessories that are similar to what i wore today. I am aware they look nothing like what i have one but it's just to give you an idea of what i had on. You don't have to have exactly what i have. You can make it your own that's the point of it lol I used Polyvore. If you don't know what it is check it out. It's a way to put things together and make your own outfits or whatever you want. Its fun lol

I had on a pair of jeans. They're not skinny jeans but you can wear whatever works for you. A gray shirt that has three quarter sleeves and is tight. Over it i wore my new white cardigan and threw on a belt to hold it all together. Wearing a belt like that can make your waist look smaller and works as a great accessory. I had on chandelier earrings and pearl bracelets. And on a weather like we have lately i wore my black uggs. That's basically it =)

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Thoughts?

FOTD - Brown and Purple!

This was my look for today. I just wanted something neutral and i added some purple since it's my new thing lol That's about it about the look

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FACE:
Revlon colorstay in Golden Beige
NYC translucent powder
Stila Bronzer Shade 1
Stila Illuminating powder

EYES:
Mac paint in Bare Canvas
Urban Decay in Stray Dog (all over lid and crease)
Mac Vanilla (blend with Stray Dog in the crease)
Estee Lauder eyeshadow in Sugar Cube (highlight)
Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Lust (below the waterline, smudged)
Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Zero (waterline and above lash line)
L'oreal Voluminous Mascara
Ardel Wispies

LIPS:
Mac lipstick Creme D'Nude
Nars lipgloss Turkish Delight
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NOTW - Easy Going

I recently got a new nail polish while at Walgreens. I really am in love with these Sinful Colors brand. For only $1.99 they're really great. I wanted a neutral color, nothing too crazy, so i picked up Easy Going which is a pale pink. I love this color! I used about three coats to get a strong color. It makes my skin look really tan and i love that (LOL!). I did not use a top coat and it's still shinny and gorgeous.

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What do you think of Sinful Colors? Have you tried any?

What's in my purse?

Finally! I got around to making this post lol I always love when i see posts about purse content. It's so much fun and interesting to see what people carry with them. Although i dont find what's in my purse interesting, maybe you will?

Here's the purse i use at the moment. It's very wintery looking because of the fur around it. I love it. Its a medium size Maxximum purse and i believe i got it from Aldo a long time ago. I'm in need of a new bag really badly but this will do for now

Here's everything that's inside

1) My makeup bag
2) Fancy pen from Borders lol i like to carry a pen with me. You never know when you might need it
3) My keys and too many keychains
4) Hair clip for when i need to put up my hair or just get it out of the way
5) Puffs tissues! Love these... yes i do have a preferance when it comes to tissues lol
6) Cottonelle Fresh wet wipes
7) People laugh at me for this one.. My first aid kit lol I have in it band-aids, a tube of neosporin and some cleansing wipes for first aid. Its handy believe me lol
8) My mini pharmacy lol I have some tylenol, advil, midol and vitamin.
9) Tide to-go pen.. i haven't used this yet for anything but i feel cool having it with me (LOL!)
10) Britney Spears Fantasy lotion.. i love how this smells so i always have to have it with me
11) My iPod!
12) My wallet that fits all my cards ...i belive its a Guess

And now for the real goodies...my makeup bag!

I have everything in this silver Stila clutch...
1) "Elizabeth Arden" tiny palette with two eyeshadows, two lip colors and gorgeous blush. It came with a set once but im not sure exactly. It's great if i need a touch-up
2) Nail files, in case of nail accidents
3) Compact mirror/brush
4) Mac sample container and in it i have my Juicy Couture lotion lol instead of carrying that huge jar i just put a little in this sample container
5) Sephora tweezers
6) Nail clippers ...its just good to have one
7) My mini brushes (face and eyes)
8) Minty waxed floss ...i usually dont use this but i have to be prepared anyway lol
9) Purell hand sanitizer .. i like to keep my hands clean
10) Burts bees lip balm .. i love this stuff i have like 3 of them lol
11) Revlon lipgloss in "Pink Whisper" .. my to-go lipgloss
12) Revlon lipstick in "Smooth Nude" ...love this lipstick!
13) C.O. Bigelow "Raspberry mentha lip shine" ..perfect shine and amazing fresh smell/taste
14) Beauty Rush lipgloss ...yummy bubblegum lips
15) Urban Decay 24/7 eye pencil in "Zero"...look how tiny it is! lol

I forgot to take picture of what's in my sides pockets but it's usually a pack of Orbit gum and about three sugar packets i keep for when im with my dad because he's a diabetic.
That's basically it! =)

Fashion Haul!

So i went shopping the other day with my mom and wasn't expecting to get anything for myself but i grabbed a few things that were cute. My mom shops at Dressbarn sometimes. I usually don't find anything i like there but i couldn't help looking through the 60%-70% sale rack. I found two turtleneck shirts, one with long sleeves and one sleeve-less (purple/blue; black) and two cardigans, a short in the back/long in the front gray one and a short sleeve white one that i really liked. I payed $50 for everything here! I love good deals!

Treasure Chest Series - Top 6 earrings!

So this is my jewelry box and its filled with the most random jewelry ever lol I decided to share a few that i really love. I'll be starting off with earrings. I love earrings i would buy them all if i could. My favorite kind are hoops or chandelier earrings. For every day simple one i wear studs but here are my special ones...

(click to enlarge)

1) These are my simple large hoops that work with about anything. I got them from Claire's. I call them my Kim Kardashian hoops lol
2) These are my favorite chandelier earrings i own. They're so gorgeous and work great with grays and black outfits. They sort of brighten up the look and make it look more glam. I got them from Target a long time ago.
3) I call these my Greek rings lol they remind me of Greece i dont know why exactly. I love the design and how they look on me. I forgot where i got them from.
4) These are sooo pretty. My dangly tiny hoops lol They're simple yet so complex with the favrious designs and shapes. I think i got these at Target.
5) I got these last summer from New York and Company. I have a matching scarf and skirt. They dont really go with anything but i love them for the summer or anything blue/gree.
6) These to be honest i wore once in my life lol at my highschool prom! But i love them they're so gorgeous. I got them at a boutique in NY, where i also got my dress.

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Do you have any favorite earrings?

Estee Lauder - Deluxe Eyeshadow Palette

Ever been in one of those situations where you re-unite with long lost makeup that you always had but only now do you realize the preciousness of it? Well... it happened to me today! lol I was organizing my makeup a bit and thought of going through ones i put away in a box. I found this Estee Lauder palette and its sooooo pretty ..why haven't i used the whole thing yet?!?! I have absolutely no recollection of how where and when i got this palette so i can't inform you on that part. What i can tell you is that if you go on the Estee Lauder website you can find the individual shadows, duos and other palettes. This one though is a Deluxe Eyeshadow Palette with 15 eyeshadows - 13 Pure Color Eyeshadow and 2 Estee Lauder Signature (Roseberry Duo). It also has 2 sponge applicators which i don't use, and a mirror which is very handy.

Here it is...

(you can click to enlarge and see more clearly)

Top: Vanilla, Ginger Drop, Sand Box, Amethyst, Bronze Cube
Middle: Camouflage, Cinnamon, Honey Drop, Mocha Cup, Pale Moon
Bottom: Mink, Ivory Box, Roseberry Duo (Berry), Roseberry Duo (Rose), Sugar Cube

All of the colors are very soft, pigmented and easy to blend and work with. Shadows are a combination of metallics, sheer, glitter and matte. I can't wait to use it for different looks, it's very exciting lol If you have any questions about the shade of specific colors let me know.

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Ever tried any of these eyeshadows? What are your thoughts?

My In-n-Outs

In:
- Making a makeup wish list ... its long ... will take forever
- Purple eyeliner ... makes my brown eyes stand out
- Longer nails ... i stopped my bad habit!
- Adam Lambert ... still can't get enough of him
- Strawberry scented candles ... yum yum
- Studying for school ... psychology can get difficult
- Cardigans ... they go with everything
- Wispies falsies ... i wear them everyday
- Simple natural makeup ... less is more
- Coral colors ... so pretty

Outs:
- "Snooki" from Jersey Shore ... seriously?
- Edward/Jacob war ... im kinda over it
- Perfect even eyebrows ... they're sisters not twins
- Sleeping very late ... i'm finally productive during the day
- People who panic about everything ... just chill
- Love ... yup

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Thoughts?

Healthy Skin

I've been having some minor issues with my skin for a few weeks. I get these random pimples and little bumps on my forehead that make my foundation look so ugly by the end of the day. So i decided to take some action and take better care of my skin. I have sensitive oily skin so it reacts very fast to dirt or if i don't take care of it on a regular basis. Here's what works for me.

First i make sure that at night i remove ALL my makeup. I use the Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes for my eyes. I usually cut the whole towelette in two and use just one half to remove my eyeshadow and mascara. Next i wash my face with Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser. Aside from being a cleanser, it's also a makeup remover, so i use it specifically to take off my foundation and whatever dirt is built up on my skin throughout the day. These are the two main steps i follow every night when i wear makeup during the day.
Next i have scrubs and masks i use about three times a week. I love St. Ives Apricot Scrub. This is a very popular scrub that is cheap and works great. It removes all the dead cells on my skin and leaves it smooth and fresh i love it. You can get it at your local drug store if you haven't tried it yet so check it out.
Sometimes, when i don't use the scrub, about once a week i use Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque. This tightens my pores and leaves my skin refreshed and so smooth. I put on the minty green paste, let it dry, then remove it using a soft towel and warm water. After it i use a toner on a cotton ball. The one i use is Beyond Belief Witch Hazel that i got from Sally's. Its a huge bottle so its lasting for awhile and its really good.
When i have a random pimple or anything pop out of nowhere i like to use something that focuses just on that and not disrupt my entire face. I'm absolutely in love with Burts Bees Herbal Blemish Stick with tea tree leaf oil. It's a roll on liquid solution that you can feel work on that one blemish. It gives your skin that tingly feeling. I usually put it on at night and when i wake up either the pimple is gone or a lot better, depends how bad it is in the first place. I highly recommend this product if you want a quick fix for your pimple surprises.
Another thing that works for me, though i don't use it all the time, is the Aspirin Mask. I've heard a lot of things about this but i wasn't sure about it until i saw it on Natty's blog . I then tried it myself and it worked wonders. I always recommend it to people who don't want to spend too much on products that might not work.

That's basically all the products i own and use for my skin. You have to know your own skin because everyones is different. What works for me, might not work for you so please make sure these products are the right choice for your skin. The number one tip that i would give to everyone about getting clear skin, no matter what type you have, is to drink plenty of water. Keeping your skin hydrated is very important. I make sure to drink water throughout the day and that's how i keep my skin looking clear. If you have any questions or any other suggestions of products that you use and would recommend please let me know =)

My Favorite Perfumes!

I thought i would share with you the fragrances im obsessed with. The reason i don't have actual pictures of them is because i ran out of the first two and it would've been a very empty picture and i have to mention them lol Vanilla is my main favorite scent that's why the first two are critical faves! lol Here they are...

(Left to Right)
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Lolita Lempicka Lolita Lempicka - This is my all time favorite perfume. I got through it soooo quickly. I think i went through three bottles in a year lol I always buy the small bottle and i don't know why! lol The smell lasts for such a long time and even if i put my clothes back in the closet, the smell lingers onto the one next to it. It's amazing and i still keep the empty bottle because its so gorgeous lol It contains: Ivy Leaves, Aniseed, Amarena Heart, Violets, Iris Roots, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Musk.

Britney Spears Curious: In Control - This i believe it was limited edition back when i got it in 2006. I had the huge bottle with the spray pump thingy. It was my favorite at the time. I've actually seen it at TJMaxx and im thinking of going to get it because im in love with it. It's very sweet and smells a lot like vanilla, which is why i like it a lot. If you're not into the sweetness smell of vanilla heaven then it is not for you lol In contains: loquat fruit, midnight orchid, creme brulee, black vanilla bean, sugared sandalwood and musk.

Juicy Couture Couture Couture - I had this as my my monthly favorite last month because i've used it every day since i got it for my birthday. It's so fresh and floral and i get a lot of compliments on it. I like to shake it and spray it all over and it lasts all day long. And can i point out the gorgeouness bottle please one more time? Seriously it's gorgeous. My brother actually saw it and was "This looks like a genie bottle" LOL! Love it! In contains: top notes are mandarin orange, African orange flower and grapefruit; middle notes are jasmine, honeysuckle and plum; base notes are amber, vanilla and sandalwood.

Britney Spears Believe - This is still have like a tiny bit left. I went through a medium sized bottle, then i got the full sized one and it's almost done. It's such a weird smell, like almost no smell at all but yet it's sexy. Very subtle, nothing sweet or anything. It makes me feel fresh i love it. The bottle is precious it looks like a jewel to me lol It contains: Guava Pulp, Golden Tangerine, Honeysuckle, Linden Blossom, Patchouli, Amber, Pink Pralines.

Ed Hardy Women - I still have like half this bottle left. I was intrigued with the packaging to be honest lol the smell is quite strong and very tropical yet sexy. I like to use it as a body spray because i don't feel it lasts as long as i'd like. So i spray it as a body mist and it makes me happy lol I'm glad i have it its great. It contains: tropical fruit scents including, mango, strawberries, ruby red grapefruit, and apples. mixed with freesia petals and muguet, along with linden blossom

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What are some of your favorite? Are any on this list?