Monthly Fav: January

Yes, that is me in my pajama and no makeup! haha!

Hey everyone! 

Basically in "Monthly Fav," I am gonna be telling you what products what I have been using and ended up loving it during the related month. So, for example, this post is going to show you what beauty products that I love throughout the January, and I have been using it nonstop. I will be posting Monthly Fav in every end of the month. Get it? Alright, so lets get started! :) 

You guys all know I have been nonstop talking about these L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hr Eyeshadows (I even made a two posts for this. Read here for the first one, and here for the second one). Seriously, I have never been impressed by drugstores eyeshadows, but these babies are different. They are really good quality eyeshadows. The colors are so intense and long wearing. I got them at my local CVS for $7.99. But different places different prices, Walmart sells the cheapest! The pictures above are:

 Up: Iced Latte and Sultry Smoke, Bottom: Continuous Cocoa and Amber Rush. 

Two years ago, I was a fan of this kabuki brush by MAC (MAC 182). Then, I lost it so I repurchased it again. However, I then felt in love with powder puffs, so I had been using powder puffs since then and forgot this little baby. Now I am back to it again! This kabuki brush really gives you a nice, flawless finish of your makeup. I use this to apply powder, then I just buff it onto my face in circular motion. The downside of this brush is the price. It is $49.50 :( 

I never trusted drugstores foundation before because they never have testers on the counter. So it is like a guessing game which one will match with your skin tone. I hate guessing game! Anyway, my skin gets really dry during winter. No joke, my skin was flaking. Cream foundation is better than liquid foundation when you have dry skin. I do have cream foundation from Bobbi Brown and Eve Pearl, however, those make my skin breakout! So, I came across this COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless cream foundation in Classic Beige. When the first time I applied it on my face, I was like.. WHATTTTT!!! It has a full coverage until it can cover all my imperfections, but this foundation will not make you look cakey. This foundation is actually meant for covering fine lines and wrinkles, but I don't have those (yet). But it does a great job on covering blemishes and redness, and it feels so silky and makes my skin looks really smooth. I have been using this since the beginning of January and never go back to my old foundation, even one time! I apply it with a foundation brush like Sigma F60. You can find this foundation at any drugstores, I got it at CVS for $13.99.

I have been using this concealer palette from Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Set from the same day as the COVERGIRL&Olay Simply Ageless foundation. They really fit when are used together. This concealer is so creamy and has medium coverage, but you can build it up how much coverage you want. I got it at Target for $9.99.

I picked this powder foundation from Bare Minerals at Sephora was because I did not own a powder foundation, so I wanted to try it out. Also, I heard mineral makeup is better for skin. There were two kinds of Bare Minerals powder foundation: the original SPF 15 and the matte SPF 15. I picked out the original in Light because my skin is already dry, I do not want to look flatter. If you have a lot of blemishes like me, this thing won't do anything for your skin. It is really for those who have a great and clean skin, and just need a quick make-up application in the morning. So, I use this as my powder to set my foundation and concealer and it works wonderfully. I apply it with MAC 182 (the kabuki brush I mentioned before). 

I purchased this Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color in Pink Please a long time ago! I even did not remember when was the last time I used it. I was looking for a lipstick, and came across this baby. So, I picked it up, applied it onto my lip and I am in love! I directly put it on my purse and became my everyday lipstick. As you can see in the swatch picture above, the color is not too pink - it has a hint of coral in it. Very pretty! I got it a Walmart, but I could not remember how much it was. I know it was affordable!  

Not only my face gets dry, my hands are even worst! Now my face is not that dry anymore, but my hands keep drying and drying. It is really frustrating! So, when I went to Bath and Body Works with my friend, this hot pink tube really attracts me (hot pink is my favorite color FYI!). Even better, it is a hand cream! It is from True Blue Spa Super-Softening Hand Lotion - Look ma, New Hands. So, I tried it on my hand with the tester, and it hydrates my hand in one second. I swear! I purchased it for $12. My hands are still dry, but I will apply this directly onto my hand and it will save me! 

Last thing is not a beauty product, but I thought it would be fun to show you. I love Bath and Body Works Wallflowers Fragrance, but I kept purchasing the same scent, which was Sweet Pea (it is still my favorite though!). So, I wanted to change the scent and now I love the Fresh Cotton smell! If you like Fresh Cotton too, leave in the comment below! Each Wallflower is $6.50, but if you buy four, it will cost $20. Even better, if you buy six, it will cost $24. 

So, that's it my January favs. What are yours? Leave in the comment below! 

lOve, 

Alexandra 

Updated L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hr Eyeshadows

Hey beautiful ladies! 

As you've seen my previous review post for L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hr Eyeshadows, I purchased three of the neutral colors because I wanted to see and try them out first whether they were good or not. Well, they turned out pretty good eyeshadows! Therefore, I went to CVS to get some more colors. 

They are really pigmented, high quality, and long lasting hold! I did not try it for 24 hours, but I tried it for 17 hours. The eyeshadows did not smudge at all. I was really impressed by these products. So, I really highly recommend these eyeshadows for you to have on your make-up collection! 

My favorite colors are Amber Rush, Iced Latte, Sultry Smoke and Continuous Cocoa. Prices are vary in different places. CVS sells it for $7.99 each, L'Oreal website sells it for $7.95. I have not checked Walmart or Target yet, but I heard Walmart sells it cheaper. 

Here are some pictures with the swatches:

Iced Latte

Bronzed Taupe

Golden Sage

Sultry Smoke

Continuous Cocoa 

Infinite Sky 

Eternal Sunshine

Amber Rush

Left to Right: Bronzed Taupe, Amber Rush, Eternal Sunshine, Iced Latte

Infinite Sky, Sultry Smoke, Continuous Cocoa 

Golden Sage

loVe, 

Alexandra 

New Love: MUFE HD Microperfecting Primer

Hey y'all! 

If you have seen my Sephora haul post (click here if you haven't seen it), you know that I would write a review about Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer. Well, guess what? It is my new love now! :) 

Trust me, I have been trying all different kinds of face primers from low-end to high-end brands. I have tried L'Oreal Studio Secret Magic Perfecting Base, L'Oreal Magic LUMI Primer, Physician Formula Correcting Primer 3-in-1, MAC Prep & Prime, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, Benefit POREfessional, and many more. I discontinued using these primers either because it broke me out or I just simply don't like the feeling of it. 

However, this MUFE HD Primer is different. It does not break me out and I feel my skin is moisturized after I am applying it onto my skin. Most importantly, it makes my makeup stays all day - not even move a little bit! I have a lot of acne on both of my cheeks. This primer helps smooth out that area so that concealer and foundation can be applied smoothly and evenly. How incredible it is! 

The consistency of the HD Primer is very lightweight and oil free. My T-zone is the most oiliest area of my face. The HD Primer helps to control oil so that my face won't be greasy throughout the day! 

Here is what the box says: 

"HD Primer is light, non-greasy skin perfector that improves the skin's appearance and primes it for make-up application. Enriched with Argatensyl, the Microperfecting Primer smoothes out the skin, minimizing lines and pores. The spherical Silica particles and Phycosaccharide give a soft, velvety finish for even make-up and long-lasting hold. HD Primer genuinely energizes skin cells, moisturizing and bringing radiance to the skin." 

MUFE HD Microperfecting Primer comes in seven shades: Neutral, Green, Mauve, Caramel, Blue, Yellow and Pink. Each color has different functions. For example, green is to conceal redness, yellow is to lighten dark complexions, etc. I bought the shade Neutral because it suits every skin tone and it can add natural luminosity to the complexion. 

A face primer is definitely a luxury item, you don't have to have it on your make-up collection. If you like to wear make-up daily, need a long-lasting make-up, and want to make your pores look smaller, fill in lines and smooth rough textures, then you can have a primer. However, a make-up setting spray can also do the same thing. I do not use a primer everyday, sometimes I even just use a moisturizer before I apply my face make-up, and that will do the same thing as well. But, if you want to invent a good primer, this is definitely the one :) 

You can buy this at any local Sephora stores, or Sephora website. It costs $32. 

Have you ever tried the HD Primer yet? What is your favorite primer? 

Hope you all have a wonderful day! 

lOve always, 

Alexandra 

Haul: Sephora Vol. 2

Hello all the beauties out there! :) 

Yesterday I asked you on Twitter, which post would you like to see first? Some of you responded with a haul post! You answered, I listened, so here you go! (follow me on Twitter if you have not @alexandrauby)

All these items were purchased by my own money, Sephora does not send me anything, it does not even know me :p I purchased these through its website. 

I know I got a quite a few things, but I think I would end up returning some of them. First is the HD Primer from Make Up For Ever in Neutral. LOVE LOVE LOVE this primer. I will write a review post about this more in depth because this little baby deserves its own post! (Click here for the review). But seriously, this is the best primer I have ever used! The downside of this is the price, $32. However, you get a big bottle and I am pretty sure it will last for a long time. 

Next is the latest product of Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 ($39). I got it in Light, and it is supposed to moisturize, prime, perfect and control oil all in one step. I will also post a review on this product, but let me tell you.. unfortunately this is not as exciting as the primer :( I might return it soon. (Click here for the review)

The third thing that I got is the Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum ($28). It is basically a lash primer - you put it on your lashes right before you put on your mascara. I have used this for a week, and I can see that my lashes are more curled, thickened and lengthened as if right now. The hyaluronic acid molecules formula has plumping properties and its ingredients help stimulates lash growth as well. This is also perfect for amplifying mascara effects and optimize hold. If you have had a thick, long lashes, you definitely do not need this. :) 

Next is a new waterproof eyeliner from Urban Decay called Perversion ($18). It is a really deep blackest black, even deeper from Zero. I personally do not like Zero, but I love Perversion. Zero does not stay on my waterline for a long time, but this one stays for forever! It is also creamier than Zero. I will also write a review about this baby! I will be demonstrating it with water and comparing it with Zero. Looking forward to that! :)

I bought this Sephora Pore Perfection Kit  ($18) because I honestly only want the cleansing pad, which is only $5! They do sell the cleansing pad separately, but I don't like the color! :( So I was thinking, lets buy this kit so that I also can try all the tools. Well, I end up only like the cleansing pad. What I do just wet the pad, and put my cleanser on it (I am currently using Fresh Soy Cleanser). Then, just gently use the pad on your face with a circular motion. OMG guys, this really makes my skin so clean and radiant. I really can see the difference right after I finish washing my face. It has tiny bristles that help to invigorate the skin and effectively clean pores. The bristles are so soft, so you can use this every day to help you exfoliate and soften your skin. I have tried the face brush, but oh boy.. the brush are so rough it hurts my skin! I directly discontinued using it. It also comes with a double-ended blemish extractor. I honestly never extract my whiteheads or blackheads before, and I am afraid it will leave acne scars. So, I decided to stay away from it. 

Last thing is not a makeup product, but a hair product! One thing about me, I never dye my hair. My hair is naturally black. The reason why is because I am afraid the chemicals will ruin my hair and that's not gonna be fun. However, I always wanted to dye my hair though. Maybe someday... . Anyway, back on this last thing. It is a One Night Highlight from Alterna. I got it in Shimmering Blonde. So basically it has temporary color mousse, and you apply it onto dry hair starting at the roots a section at a time. That's it! The color will go off when you wash your hair the next day. So it is a really easy apply highlight. I thought this product was really interesting, so I decided to try it out. But now I kind of hesitate to do it. Ughh this is a weird side of me. The box comes with the highlights with the brush, a bamboo shampoo and a conditioner. It costs $29. 

So, thats what I got. I hope you enjoy reading it. I will definitely return the Smashbox BB Cream, and I am still in doubt whether to try the one night highlight because it says that the blonde highlights will show on light brown hair, but I have black hair. I don't think black hair would match with blonde highlight. I don't know.. what do you guys think? They do sell it in Sweet Caramel, so I might exchange to that instead. I think my brain did not work when I ordered this, why did I order Shimmering Blonde? :\

Hope you all have a great day! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter (@alexandrauby), and subscribe to this blog! :) 

lOve always, 

Alexandra 

A Job Interview Makeup Tutorial and Tips&Tricks

Hello Beautifuls! 

Today's post is going to be all about make-up for a job interview. You can also use this tutorial for when you are going to work or a job fair, basically when you go to places where professionalism is needed :) 

The one thing and probably the most important you need to know when you go for an interview is you want to look as natural as possible. Don't use too much eyeshadows or dark color eyeshadows because you don't want to scare away the interviewer(s). Don't put too much effort on your eyes, but on your face instead. You want to look clean but also to look dewy at the same time. 

For the eye tutorial, I only use a creamy brown eyeliner, mascara and an eyeshadow that one or two shades darker than your skin tone. I use a brown eyeliner because it looks more natural. A mascara is to help open up your eyes so you look more awake. The eyeshadow is to help create a dimension on your crease so it looks deeper. This is an option by the way - if you have had a deep crease, you can skip this step. Since my crease is not deep enough, so I want to make it more defined. 

For face, which is the most important one, conceal any imperfections like blemishes, redness, puffy eyes, scars, etc. Use a full coverage concealer. I am using Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Set (for complete face products, keep scrolling down). Then, apply your favorite foundation, but not too thick please! As long as you have covered everything, then don't add more foundation. In order to avoid shiny face, set your face make-up with a little bit of powder. This one is optional: if you want to have a slimmer face, use bronzer (cream formula is preferable), but just a little bit! Just use bronzer to contour your face, apply it onto below of your cheekbones. For blush, use a plumy cream blush or cheek stain. The reason is because plumy cream blush or cheek stain looks more natural and creates a glow on your face. If you want to apply a highlighter, go for it, but only in the inner tear duct of your eye, above cheekbones and cupid bow. Again, not too much! 

So that's it for the face, now lets move on to the eye tutorial. It is really simple and quick I promise! :) 

Oh, one more important tip: clean your eyebrows a day before! A clean and defined eyebrow shapes your face. If you have little eyebrow hair, filling it in with an eyebrow pencil that two or three shades lighter than your skin tone :)  

Products Used

Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Tiger's Eye 

COVERGIRL Lash Blast Mascara in Black 

Brush: Urban Decay 24/7 Blending Brush 

Steps by Steps 

Finished Look 

Face Products 

Foundation - COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Cream Foundation  in Classic Beige

Concealer - Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Set 

Face Powder - Bare Minerals Original Powder Foundation SPF 15 

Bronzer - COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Foundation in Classic Tan 

Blush - COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Royal Plum 

 Overall, for those of you who are about to go to interview, good luck! Do your best and be confidence. Don't be nervous, because if you are, you won't be able to answer the questions well. Take a deep breath if you get a hard question, then answer it slowly. :) 

loVe always, 

Alexandra