Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Looks for Any Occasion

I'm so happy to kick off 2018 with a partnership with Sephora inside JCPenney and Fenty Beauty for my very first Los Angeles meet-up that took place on January 13 at the Glendale Galleria. Not a lot of people might know this, but the Glendale Galleria was my old stomping grounds back in high school. I remember getting dropped-off by my parents at this mall, so I can hang out with my friends. Who knew that I'll be having a meet-up here years later! It's a bit surreal.

I had such an amazing time meeting some of you in person. I really appreciate every single one you who took a couple of hours out of your day to hang out with me. It really warms my heart that I was able to finally meet some of you IRL. And I'm so happy that I got to share with you some of my favorite Fenty Beauty products, especially the new Mattemoiselle Lipsticks (and the 14 creamy matte shades to choose from!) Ever since I've tried them out, these lipsticks have been a staple in my purse and the ones I reach out to the most lately. I'm a little obsessed with how comfortable and non-drying these matte lipsticks wear throughout the day.

5 Ways to Keep Your Skin Soft and Smooth This Winter

Winter is coming, but it doesn’t have to be rough on your skin. Even though our skin may be hiding underneath our winter layers, it doesn’t mean that we have to completely forget about taking care of it.

I’ve teamed up with Kroger to share their Winter Beauty Event, so you can shop and save $20 on your winter beauty essentials by downloading their digital coupons on Kroger.com/beauty. I was excited to see extra savings on my favorite bodycare products, so my skin doesn’t have to rough it out this winter.

Here are five ways on how I keep my skin soft and smooth and my favorite bodycare products for winter season:

1. Use lukewarm water 

During the summer season, I made it a habit to shower in cold water to 1) wake me up in the morning, 2) refresh my skin, and 3) prevent my skin from drying out. Of course, it is easier to shower in cold water in the summer when it’s sweltering hot outside. This winter, as much as it’s nice to take a nice, hot shower after a long day, opt to using lukewarm water to avoid stripping your natural oils away.

Empties II: Makeup, Skincare, & Other + Sephora VIB Spring 2017 Sale Recommendations!

The Sephora VIB Spring 2017 sale starts today, April 18, for VIB Rouge members. So what better way for me to make some product recommendations than by sharing some of the empty beauty products that I've used up over the years. These are some of the things that I've tried, tested, and love. These are some of my holy grail beauty products that I've used up to the last drop and have even repurchased the second time.

Sephora has their big sale twice year, and today kicks-off their 2017 Spring VIB sale. Check-out the sale dates below for your current Sephora status (VIB rouge, VIB, or Beauty Insider). Make sure to also check your e-mail or mail for your invitation in case you might want to shop in-stores.

VIB Rouge: April 18 to April 24 (take 15% off)
VIB: April 19 to April 24 (take 15% off)
Beauty Insider: (take 10% off)

The Sephora VIB sale is a great way to shop and stock up on some of your staple beauty items or to replace any of your old ones. It's also a good time to try-out the more expensive skincare products that's been sitting in your shopping cart for awhile.

Below are some of the products that I've mentioned and the time stamp for each category from the video. Share on the comments below what you're planning to buy during the sale!

Full Face Using Drugstore Products ONLY!

Here's a video tutorial of how I did my makeup using drugstore products only for an "everyday" glam look. Who said that you have to spend an arm and a leg to do your makeup and feel glamourous? Drugstore brands have been really amping up the quality of their products, and giving the high-end makeup brands a run for their money.

In the video, I show you step-by-step how to achieve a very simple yet glam look using affordable drugstore products. The look is meant to enhance your features while still some what keeping it natural. It's a very easy makeup tutorial without doing too much.

February Favorites 2017 (Fashion & Beauty)

*Click the images to shop my February Favorites*

Here are some of the fashion and beauty products that I've been diggin' lately for the month of February. Find out what my favorite tote and sneakers are when I'm on-the-go and running errands. As well as my favorite skincare product that has helped my skin look its best. Press play to watch the video!

Fashion Favorites

Leith Stripe Shirt / New Balance '574' Sneakers (Big Kids)

• Leith Stripe Shirt - This shirt is one of my staple items in my wardrobe. I've always liked the simple and clean lines of a windowpane print, but I haven't seen one that I liked until I found this shirt. I like the light, crepe material of this fabric that makes it breathable for warmer days. It's also a great layering piece for the cooler months. I've layered this underneath a dress, a crop top, and by itself. It's a very versatile top that can transition throughout the season depending on how you style and layer it. You can wear it to work or when you want to look cute while you're running errands.

Click to read more of my February Favorites...

January 2017 Beauty Favorites

Sharing some of my favorite beauty products in my first favorites video for 2017. Here's a quick round-up and and mini review of some of the beauty items that were sent to me by PR. You might have seen me unbox some of these in my unboxing snaps (username: yummiebitez) or Instastories. Find out what I think about these products after I've been trying them out by watching the video!

Click more after the jump...

November 2016 Beauty Favorites

I've rounded up some of my favorite beauty products for November. Watch why I've been loving these beauty items. Let me know if you have tried them out too!

November Beauty Favorites

• bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash* - This is my current face wash that's part of my skincare routine. I like how this face wash cleanses and gently exfoliates your skin at the same time. It has very fine exfoliator bead that doesn't feel abrasive on the skin which makes it a great exfoliating cleaser for everyday use. I didn't find the cleanser drying on my skin; however, I haven't been using my Foreo Luna (review: February 2016 Favorites) as much while using this face wash since it becomes a little too much for my skin to handle.

• Benefit Cosmetics It's Potent Eye Cream* - I've only recently incorporated eye cream into my skincare routine. I've previously tried one other eye cream before this and didn't get a good experience on it as it left little tiny bumps around my eyes. I've been loving the Benefit Cosmetics It's Potent Eye Cream because you really only need a little bit of it to moisturize both eyes. I light dip my ring finger into the jar and simply lightly dab the eye cream under my eyes. I've noticed that my eyes look much more refreshed after using it.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Sweet & Savory Lipstick Swatches

Here are some lip swatches on most recent Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks addition that were part of their Sweet & Savory collection released earlier this summer. I didn't swatch these lipsticks when I received the PR package back in May since I thought they were more appropriate for fall.

When I had open up the box with the new lipsticks, I was a little concerned on how the colors would look on me as they're something I normally wouldn't pick out for myself. However, I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved some of the colors in this set.

Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks - Sweet & Savory

(Available in 42 colors)

Price: $26

Available at: Sephora and Sephora.com

What it Claims: Swipe on bold, creamy lip color with Bite Beauty’s Amuse Bouche. Created and crafted by hand, Bite’s small batch, low-heat process preserves a balanced blend of lip-quenching nutrients, vitamins, and omega oils that are essential for achieving healthy-looking lips. Made with 12 edible oils and triple milled pigments, this lipstick provides saturated lip color with weightless coverage and a citrus flavor made from fresh pressed fruit. Formulated WITHOUT: Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates (from the Sephora website)

Formula

The formula of these lipsticks are very creamy and comfortable to wear. Every color that I swatched were extremely pigmented with one swipe. It also applied very smoothly while providing moisture on my lips and left a satin finish. The lipsticks has a pleasant yet citrusy scent and taste to it that's not too overpowering.

Overall Wear

The lipsticks have amazing color payoff. However, they easily transfer on my mug and when I did a kiss test on the back of my hand. Even though the lipsticks easily rubbed off after I had my lunch, the darker colors left a stain on my lips. I also I want to point out that the color does settle in the crease of my lips, so something to be aware of when you're wearing this as you might need of a touch-up. Even though the color doesn't last as long, I didn't experience any feathering on the edges of my lips even without using a lip liner prior to applying the lipstick.

Watch the Video

Photos of the lip swatches after the jump...

How I Do My Brows (Brow Routine)

Benefit Cosmetics BrowVo! Conditioning Primer / Precisely My Brow Pencil / Goof Proof Brow Pencil / 3D Browtones

One of my least favorite things to do (before) when it comes to my beauty routine was probably doing my brows. I've always had a problem filling them in and could never get them to look "on fleek". I've always envied nicely groomed thick brows and wish that mine would at least look half way decent.

Then, my friend Heart invited me to be her guest to attend the Benefit Cosmetics reveal in Las Vegas earlier this year. Back in May, Benefit Cosmetics released their new brow collection that changed my brow game.

If you're wondering how I've been doing my brows lately, I've created a video showing you my brow routine step-by-step. Benefit Cosmetics' brow products are currently my latest brow arsenal to achieve a full and bold brow look. For reference, I'm currently using Shade 4 for Benefit's brow products.

August 2016 Beauty Favorites: Skincare & Makeup

Neutrogena leave-on mask / L'Oreal peel pads / TULA mask / Benefit Cosmetics Browvo! primer + eyeliner / CLEAN body splash / Lancome lip crayons

Happy Labor Day! August has come and go, and we're now on to September. It's crazy how summer just went by like a blink of an eye.

I'm going to start rounding-up my favorite beauty products every month, so I can share some of the beauty items that I have been testing and loving lately. Watch or read which products made my August beauty favorites list...

Back-to-School Drugstore Makeup Tutorial

Back-to-School has officially begun for some, so I've created a makeup look to help you look your best (or at least awake) in school using drugstore makeup. Here's a look that I would wear to school (if I were still in school). I created a simple look that's easy to recreate even if you're in a rush in the morning. When I was in college, I mainly used drugstore products when it comes to doing my makeup. Being a college student, buying makeup can be a bit of a luxury. But with good drugstore makeup options these days, you can enhance your look without breaking the bank.

On-the-Go Glow

Living in Los Angeles, we’ve been blessed with almost year-round of sunshine. However, summertime still holds a special place in my heart. I have always looked forward to the longer, warm days it brings. With numerous fun summer activities happening, the last thing you want to worry about is your glow, and Dr. Jart+ Illuminating BB brush provides an easy and quick summer glow fit for my lifestyle.

My ideal summer usually consists of catching up with friends over brunch or exploring neighboring towns for a festival or a quick getaway weekend. I’m usually out and about for the whole day, and having the Dr. Jart+ Illuminating BB stashed in my bag makes it much more convenient for me to touch up my makeup anywhere. Sometimes you just need a quick swipe of highlight to brighten up your look.

After I’ve completed my makeup routine, I like to add an extra brightening glow on my cheek bones, bridge of my nose, and my brow bone. The product is so easy to apply. Simply squeeze the tube to dispense some of the BB product into the brush for that nice sheen of highlight on your skin. It’s also easily blendable for a more natural finish

Three highlights of this product (no pun intended):

1. Portable: Ready for those spontaneous on-the-go moments. Even when you’re in a rush to head out to meet up your girlfriend for brunch, you can easily throw this in your bag for an easy fresh glow. It’s also great for those mid-day touch ups.

2. Contains SPF: Gives me an added protection from the sun!

3. Easy to use: Just a little squeeze from the tube can instantly brighten up your face with one quick sweep.

Even when I’m already out of the house, I can easily touch-up my highlight without stashing a separate brush for my highlighting powder. I can easily pop the lid off the brush, and apply it wherever I am. I’m all about no-fuss products that won’t hold me back from enjoying my summer activities.

 *** FTC: Thank you Sephora for partnering with me on this post. As always, opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that I love that help make my blog possible. ***

Artis Elite Collection Oval 4 and Oval 8 Brushes Review

Artis Elite Collection Oval 4 and Oval 8 Brushes

Available at: Artis.com and Net-a-Porter.com

What it claims: "Has 100’s of thousands of fibres in an oval shape to provide applications to a large area of the face. Artis brushes are made exclusively with CosmeFibre, a revolutionary engineered fibre made for applying cosmetic and makeup products" (from the Artis website).

Watch my First Impressions Video:

More photos and full review after the break...

February 2016 Favorites (Beauty, Fashion, & Food)

It's that time again where I wrap-up some of my favorite products for my monthly favorites. Here are some of the beauty and fashion items that I found myself reaching out frequently for February.

Beauty Favorites

• Foreo Luna - I have been using this gadget ever since I got it in my Sephora Holiday Haul when Sephora had their holiday gift sets. This was my first skincare gadget, and it has been a part of my skincare routine ever since. I never owned the Clarisonic system since the price of the replacement brush head turned me off ($27 a pop) especially since you have to replace them every three months. I have been using the Foreo Luna for a couple of months now, and even on the first two weeks of using it, I have seen major improvements on my skin. Last year, I was battling acne break-outs, and I couldn't figure out what to do with them. But since I've implemented the Foreo Luna, I rarely get any pimples on my face. It does a great job of getting deep into my pores and leaving it clean and smooth.

• Origins Clear Improvement Mask - On the days I do forget to take off my makeup, and my skin decides to punish me for it, I use the this mask on my face before I go to sleep once I see a pimple forming. I leave this mask on for about 10-15 minutes and wash it off before I go to bed. I do see a reduction on my pimple after using this mask.

• shu uemura Light Bulb foundation (read full review here) - As I was cleaning out my makeup stash, I came across this foundation and gave it another go after my current foundation ran out. I started using this foundation during the warmer weather, and wasn't that impressed by it since it left my skin really greasy at the end of the day. However, after rediscovering this again during the cooler months, I've been using this everyday. I love how it gives me a nice dewy and glowy look. The shade Modern Beige is also a perfect match for my skintone.

• MakeUp ForEver Pro-Sculpting Brow Pencil - I've been all about my brows lately, and it's all because of the new MakeUp ForEver Pro Sculpting brow pencil. Prior to having this brow pencil, I've always just used a brown MAC eyeshadow brush to fill-in my brows. The MUFE brow pencil makes it so much easier for me to do my brows in the morning because the formula and slanted tip of the pencil just glides like butter as I apply it. I use short feather strokes to fill-in my brows and brush it with the spoolie that's on the other end to blend the product for a more natural look.

• NYX Cosmetics Tinted Brow Mascara - In conjunction with my brow pencil, I've also been using NYX Cosmetics Tinted Brow Mascara to keep my eyebrow hairs in place. I like how this doesn't look gel-y on your brows like it was the early 2000. The slight tint also makes it a better color match for my hair.

• Laura Mercier Highlight-01 Powder - Like I mentioned earlier, I've been really into a more glowy look. The Laura Mercier Highlight powder just gives me that glow for days look and never leaving me looking greasy. This doesn't have any glitter particles or any crazy shimmer only a nice sheen which makes it even more perfect for everyday wear.

• NYX Cosmetics Lingerie liquid lipstick in "Teddy" and "Exotic" (read full review here) - I think I've raved about these liquid lipsticks enough. But these two colors are the ones I've been reaching out for February.

NYX Cosmetics Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks (Review & Swatches)

As promised from my last beauty post, a product review! If you haven't seen my latest video yet, I did a first impressions and swatch video on these NYX Cosmetics Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks. You can watch my reactions as I apply these liquid lipstick one by one for the first time. This is a more in depth review after I've worn and tried it out for a few days. I'm also providing photos of me wearing these liquid lipsticks on this post (so you can see how they photograph as well).

Before I begin, I also just want to mention that I almost forgot how much time it takes to draft a product review (from taking photos, writing this post, etc.), especially if it involves swatches. I quickly realized this as soon as I started working in this post. It's been awhile since I've done a beauty product review, but after working this one out, I think I figured out a method. But, it made me appreciate other beauty bloggers who does this on the daily. I mean, just swatching 12 different lip colors was a feat itself.

NYX Cosmetics Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks

(Available in 12 colors)

Price: $7

Available at: NYXcosmetics.com and Ulta.com

What it claims: Slip into something seductive with Lip Lingerie, our new weightless liquid lipstick with a plush matte finish. Available in a range of color-kissed nudes—from cinnamon pink and chocolate brown, to warm mahogany red and classic nude beige—each sultry shade will coat the curves of your lips with irresistibly creamy color (from the NYX Cosmetics website).

Photos, swatches, and review after the break...

Empties I: Body and Skincare

So it's been awhile since my last beauty product review post on this blog (read my last beauty review). If you have been following this blog for awhile now, you probably know that I started this blog as a beauty blog after discovering a community of beauty bloggers. One of my goals this year is that I'm going to try to bring back and incorporate more beauty reviews in the future alongside with my fashion/outfit posts. I'll be reviewing some of the products that I'm currently using and provide my thoughts on it. I actually sometimes go back to my old product reviews to see which products I've used before that I used to love that I might think of maybe using again.

After almost three years since I first started collecting empty product containers, I've finally posted the first batch of my Empties video. The first batch of empties contains the body and skincare products that I've used to the last drop. Even though these took up space in my tiny closet, there was something satisfying about putting an empty container in my pile. In the sea of beauty products that's available to us that we love to try out, it's gratifying to be able to say that you didn't waste a drop of it.

I'm hoping to be able to provide a review for reference next time I do an Empties video. Hopefully the empties video will be sort of an update on the product after I've used it all up. So you'll be able to get a better idea what my thoughts are on the product a little bit more.

But for now, below are some of the products I've mentioned in this video with a little bit more insight on what I thought about the product.

BODY
» The Body Shop Body Butter (mark 0:54) - There was a point in my life where all I wanted was to slather my body with Body Shop's Body Butter. My two favorite scents were the Pink Grapefruit and Moringa scents. I tend to gravitate to Pink Grapefruit during the summer because of its citrusy and fresh scent, and the Moringa when I'm feeling a little bit more sexy and sassy because of it's floral aroma. I've loved their Lychee Blossom scent, but has been unfortunately discontinued. I bought two tubs of it during their sale to clear them out. I wish I had stocked up on it because it because it became a favorite. I wish they'll bring the Lychee Blossom scent back.

Read more after the jump for the rest of the products mentioned

April 2014 Favorites

With April being said and done, here's a wrap-up of my favorite things for the month of April. Read more or watch the video after the jump!

shu uemura the Lightbulb Fluid Foundation and Sponge Set Review

shu uemura Lightbulb Fluid Foundation and Sponge Set Review (744 Moderate Beige)

Price: $55

Available at: ShuUemura.com (use code LIGHTBITTEN 15% off + free shipping on orders on any shu uemura purchase)


What it claims: "GLOW UNDER ANY LIGHT Perfect Coverage – 12h Moisture and mineral pigments. The innovative lightbulb fluid foundation and sponge. Stemming from shu uemura's expertise in oleo technology, multi-glow oil complex and buildable oil complex signal a new way forward for natural glow yet with high coverage. Includes a revolutionary sponge, "the lightbulb", designed and shaped for tapping and creating a glowing finish. Side A (the wide side) is a glow enhancer. Use a tapping motion to spread the foundation around your t-zone, cheeks and neck. Side B (the pointed side) is a glow controller. Lay the sponge and adjust the glow to control the radiance." (- shu uemura website)

Product photos, swatches, and review after the break...

My Top Five Summer Nail Polishes (Review and Swatches)

For some, Labor Day marks the end of summer even summer doesn't officially end until September 21. I suppose it's because after Labor Day is usually when school is back in session for my U.S peoples.

Some maybe wondering, "why are you just posting this?" Just think of it as my monthly favorites, except this is for the summer season. Regardless, I still want to share which nail polishes have been in heavy rotation for me. So as I bid adieu to summer, here's a recap of the nail polishes that I kept loving this summer. Hopefully, some of you would love and save this list for next year, or pick-up a color or two in the last few days before summer officially ends. Or your summer is just about to begin, and you can't be any happier to find this list :). 

1. Revlon Brilliant Strength Nail Enamel in "Provoke" - I think that there is no better time to wear coral on your tips than in the summer. It's a fresh color and just reminds you of a fruity drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic... whatever you prefer) that you might be enjoying beach or pool side. This creamy coral-peach color just adds femininity on the days you're feeling sweet and girly. The application of this nail polish is pretty good for a drugstore nail polish brand. It took about two even coats to achieve a nice, glossy finish. The nail polish brush also made it easier for me to apply since the brush has a flat edge with rounded corners.

2. Nicole by O.P.I (Selena Gomez collection) in "Hit the Lights" - A canary yellow nail polish that just screamed summer. I loved the boldness and brightness of this nail polish which made me really happy whenever I looked down on my nails. What didn't make me too happy is the horrible formula of this nail polish. It was streaky and a pain to apply. This swatch took four coats just to get that even and opaque finish. However, my love for the color trumped the pain of application, so it still made the list. It's like a cute puppy that you can't really get mad at.

3. Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in "Coastal Surf" - Blue was never my first choice when it comes to nail polish. For some reason, I've associated the color blue with dead finger nails (weird, I know). But this nail polish changed my mind and made me love blue nail polish, especially in the summer. It's the perfect blue that mimics the blue, picturesque beaches that you see in the travel channels or vacation websites. It would really make you want to take that tropical vacation or just hit the beach to relax and enjoy life. The nail polish is very opaque and only takes two coats to get the sea on your nails. Just like the Revlon Provoke nail polish, the brush makes application a cinch. Although, keep in mind, that after two weeks of wearing it, the color changes it's color to a bluish-green. Yes, the nail polish was actually long lasting that I had it on for two weeks before I decided that it was time to change the color.

4. Essie Nail Polish in "Fifth Avenue" - A great red-orange color for the working ladies in a conservative office environment. It's a little different than your classic red nail polish as it has a little punch of orange that makes it so summer appropriate. This is also makes a great transition color for fall season. Essie's Fifth Avenue is super opaque that one coat and a top coat can do the trick. The only nail polish I've used so far that's able to make that happen. Since it's such an opaque nail polish color, make sure to use a good base coat before applying because it will stain your nails. 

5. CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant in "Snow Storm" - And last but not the least, the white polish. Like the blue nail polish, white was the other color that didn't really strike my mind. But after seeing white nails make a statement on fashion show photos or editorials, it grew onto me and eventually led to me really loving it. I love the clean, simple, and sleek look of white nails. I have stayed away from white nail polish because it reminds me of the days when I used to paint my nails in liquid white-out (my mom was strict about using cosmetics when I was younger. I had to pretend some how). This nail polish has changed my mind and my life. And, you bet I'll still be wearing white after Labor Day.

What was(were) your favorite nail polish(es) this past summer?

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Halloween DIY: Selina Kyle/Catwoman Costume (The Dark Knight Rises) - Mask, Makeup, and Hair

Halloween is fast approaching! And since this year, it's in the middle of the week, you probably have a Halloween party to attend to this weekend. If you're still looking for a last minute Halloween costume, here's a possible idea for you just in case you don't want to spend a fortune on your costume.

Click after to jump to find out how I recreated Selina Kyle's alter ego, the Catwoman, from the movie The Dark Knight Rises. With a few items from your closet and art supplies, you'll have your costume this year in no time!