September Favorites!

Hi beauties!!! It's been a while I have not done my monthly favorites, so now I think it is time to get back on track again :) These products that I am going to show you in a second are mostly things that I have been using for the past three months, and I am loving them! Definitely will repurchase all of these in the future. So lets get started!

First is the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation ($55). It is a medium to full coverage foundation and it dries into powder. But since I have oily skin, I dust a little bit of translucent powder from Make Up For Ever just to set everything up. I wrote a whole review about it, just click here if you have not seen it :) The downside of this is the price ($55!!!!), and the pump does not work (I have exchanged it twice at Sephora). But now Hourglass is working on a new pump since so many people have been complaining about it. 

These two products have to go together: Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer and Sephora Pro Airbrush Concealer #57. This concealer has changed my skin (and my life....). If I only wear the foundation, you'll still be able to see my imperfections. This concealer covers everything like cray cray.. It makes my skin looks flawless! Plus it is non-comedogenic and fragrance free. This is the only concealer that doesn't break me out. And the brush is like a holy grail.. I used to use Sigma P80 brush to apply it, but the finish does not look natural, it is like you can see I try to cover my imperfections. With this Sephora brush, I just dab the concealer onto my face, and it gives me a flawless result. 

Of course I have to include this awesome palette into my September favorites. It is the Smashbox Limited Edition Masterclass Palette (click here to read its review). I have been using it everyday, and I can create so many different looks with this. Everything here is so pigmented, I love it! I hope they make this as a permanent product :) 

That's about makeup, now move on to my new favorite hair product! It is the Ojon Rare Blend Oil ($35). It makes my hair so silky smooth, and you just need a tiny bit of it. There was one time I put more than usual (just because I thought it'd make my hair SUPER soft), and it makes my hair super greasy :( Anyway, I use it in the middle of blowdrying my hair. 

I literally can see a dramatic difference on my skin after I use this cleanser from Philosophy called Clear Days Ahead. I got a sample of it, and it lasts me a long time. My skin has less breakouts and it is clearing up. I only use this in the morning though because it is a little bit drying up my skin, especially on the jawline area. I never tried so many Philosophy products before, except the Hope in A Jar moisturizer and Purity cleanser, but this made me want to try more of their products. 

I never liked eye creams before because I thought they were useless, haha! But this one, I am in love. It is the Origins GinZing, and it makes my under eye area so much brighter. I will never skip eye cream anymore! Click here to read its review. 

Like an eye cream, I hated sunscreen before. I just did not like the feeling and the smell of it. I have been using this Diorsnow UV Shield White Reveal SPF 50 for the past three months and I never skip sunscreen even a day. It does not have weird sunblock scents, and it is not sticky either. The downside of this is the price, which is $50 for a small tube. I use two pumps for the entire face after I put on moisturizer. It is good under my makeup as well. 

Bracelets are my favorite jewelry of all time! I saw this from Jewelmint for $29.99, and it is called Barefoot Anklet. If you are not familiar with Jewelmint is, it is basically a monthly jewelry subscription for $29.99. You can skip month if you don't like any of the jewelry they picked out for you. I have subscribed to it since two years ago, and this was my second purchase, haha. This is actually an anklet, but I don't like how it looks on my ankle, so I wear it on my wrist and I am loving it :) 

Now for my random favorites! 

Favorite apps: still the Smurfs!! I am on level 32 now! Woohoo! and I also love Lumie, it adds sparkles and glitters on your pictures. Here is a silly picture of my smurf riding on red guinea pig, haha. 

Favorite food: Special K Fruit Crisps - I love the strawberry and the blueberry ones. YUMMMM..! My friend brought it at work, and I am hooked. He described it as mini pop tarts (which I loveee pop tarts!), but healthier. And he is exactly right! I have also been loving Auntie Anne's Pretzel. To be honest with you, I never like its pretzel. I do not know why, I just never had a good experience with it. My friend asked me to taste the Original ones and oh my god... Can't stop eating it now. I like it with salt! YUMMM!! (and yes... I love Tootsie Roll. Can't get over with it...) 

Favorite beverage: Hot chocolate! The weather has been weird lately.. Sometimes it is cold, then it is hot again. It is cloudy, yet sunny.. But anyway.. when it is cloudy and cold, I always stop by at gas station to get hot chocolate. Yes, gas station's hot chocolate is the bomb. Also, I have been loving Pomegranate Iced Tea from Nordstrom Cafe.. It is not that sweet, but it has that yummy flavor. Plus, pomegranate is good for your skin! :) 

I think that's all my favorites! Let me know what are your favorites in the comment below! :)

Lets be friends! 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexandraubymakeup 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexandrauby 

I'll see you in the next post!! 

I love you, 

Alexandra 

June Favorites

Hi beauties! It is the beginning of the month, and it means for June favorites! My favorites of this month include new stuffs and old stuffs.. So I want you to let me know what are your favorites of June because I love to know it too! 

First thing first is this Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer ($32). I love this concealer because it really covers imperfections well, and it does not break me out! It does not make my blemishes worse or add more pimples. More reviews on this coming soon! 

I use this Hourglass Immaculate foundation ($55) for the whole month of June, and I am loving it! I know I have promised you to do this review, but I wanted to try it out for a while to see how it reacted to my skin. Well apparently so far so good.. So, look forward to its in-depth review! 

I have owned this Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder ($32) for the longest time in my life and it even has not reached the bottom yet. Seriously this is the most cost efficient thing I have ever purchased, haha. Anyway, I use this powder to set my makeup. The Hourglass foundation dries into powder and I actually do not even need powder to set it. But it's summer, 100 degrees outside.. so I just dust a little bit of it. It has no color and the powder is so fine, but it still gives you that HD look. 

It is summer and you can't skip bronzer on your makeup routine, haha! My favorite of this summer is NARS Laguna Bronzer ($34). I mean c'mon.. who doesn't like this bronzer? It gives the perfect color to get that summer goddess glow (so cheesy... :p) 

I do not know why, but recently I do not like to do dramatic eye looks. I just keep it settled and neutral. So what I usually do is just use a black eyeliner to line my upper lash line, and sweep this MAC Cork eyeshadow onto the crease. Then apply mascara, and I am good to go! MAC Cork is a medium brown with matte finish, so it is such a perfect to-go eyeshadow. 

Last but not least is the combination of Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash ($23) and bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing ($18) mascara. I only have the travel size though (I have a lot of travel size mascaras, so that I can review many of them, and use them up!) Anyway what I like about this combo is I put the bareMinerals mascara first because it separates my lashes and gives me volume, then I put the MUFE Smoky Lash because it gives me length. I love how they make my lashes long and volumized! 

So that's all my favorites of June. Don't forget to share what's yours too! I usually found a lot of new things just by knowing others' favorites, so please do let me know and I might buy it and do the review! 

Don't forget to add me as your friends :) 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexandraubymakeup 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexandrauby 

I love you, 

Alexandra 

May Favorites!!

Hi beauties!! Long time no talk! I don't wanna start this post with excuse why I have not been posting lately because there is only one reason that is my work schedule has been so crazy!

Anyway, it is still the beginning of June so I hope I am not that late for May Favorites! I tried quite a few new things this month and I have been loving it. So lets get started! :)

First thing first is my old Revlon ColorStay Foundation ($10.39 at drugstores). I found this foundation back in February and I have been loving it since then. I did not wear this unless there was a special occasion before, but lately I have been wearing it everyday! I love the matte finish it gives and how long wearing it is. Also, it is a full coverage foundation so it will cover any imperfections! I did a full review on this, you can click here to read it :) 

I swear to you I had this L'Oreal HiP Duo Eyeshadows in Poppy from last year but I never used it. I was kinda skeptical about yellow eyeshadow. I bought it because I really wanted to try a yellow eyeshadow but I did not have the courage until last month, haha. But let me tell you guys... I love this combo colors. I wear this look almost everyday! Tutorial coming soon :) 

This is the sample of YSL Shocking Mascara ($30 at Sephora), that's why it is in the small black tube. The original size is in a beautiful elegant gold tube. LOVE LOVE LOVE this mascara... It does what I expect - legthening, volumizing and it holds curl for a long period of time. I am almost running out of it, and I don't know if it is worth it to purchase the full size one. Click here to read its full review :)

Ahhh.. I know I know I have been rambling about this Revlon Lip Butter in Creamsicle ($6.49 at drugstores). I did three posts mentioning this little baby. It is a tinted lip balm, and it is very creamy, pigmented and hydrating. It will look good when your lip is not chappy! It looks horrible when I put it on my dry, chapped lip. It won't fix it, so you have to moisturize your lip in advance. Click here to read a full review on it :) 

Next favorite is the Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 ($30 at Sephora). Basically it is a sunscreen in powder formula, so you can just dust it on your face whenever you want. You don't need to wait for 20 minutes to go out to the sun. I loveeee this baby! I have been applying it for maybe once in two hours because it is just so easy and quick. More in-depth review on this coming up soon! :)

Last but not least is Organix Coconut Milk Anti Breakage Serum ($6.99 at drugstores). Since my hair is so long, it keeps breaking apart. Even though it is an anti-breakage serum, I could not see the improvement, I still have major breakage problem. However, my hair becomes so soft and weightless after I put this on. It smells so good too!! :) 

Random Favorites:
Favorite food: OH MY GOD, I have been eating chicken noodle soup every day!! I eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper! You know chicken noodle soup the one in the can.. Ahhh so good! ;) 

Favorite App: still not changed.. the Smurfs!! 

Favorite Snacks: Snapea! Have you guys tried Snapea yet? It is baked peas and it tastes salty just like chips, but it is more healthy ;) 

What are you May Favorites? Let me know in the comment below! I'd love to hear your favs ;) 


Have you guys entered my MAC Giveaway yet? You still have one week to enter!! Simply click here to enter for FREE! :) 


Lets be friends! 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexandraubymakeup 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexandrauby 

Love YOU, 

Alexandra 

April Favorites!

Can you believe it is already May? I swear I felt April went by too fast, it is crazy knowing how time flies! May is a good month for me because it is my birthday month (my birthday is May 18 if you're curious, hee hee). But also May will be a hectic month because my apartment lease ends on May 31st, and I have not decided yet whether to move or to stay. But if I choose to move, I need to pack, load, and then unpack, and bla bla bla. OMG... I already freak out just by imagining it.

Since it is still the first day of May, I decided to do my April Favorites now. Honestly, April has been weird for my beauty routine. Probably I only wore makeup 10 times during April, how crazy was that? So there are not so many products I have been loving during April. So, lets just get started!

I have been obsessed with this Caudalie Beauty Elixir water spray since the day I got it. It is basically like a facial spray mist but with lots of benefits. It sets your makeup, refreshes your skin, and moisturizes your skin too! When the weather gets too hot or dry, or I just need a boost, I just spray this onto my face, and I am fully awake again! I did a review on this, click here to read. 

Where to buy: Sephora, $18

IQQU Advanced Sunscreen is my all time favorite sunscreen ever! I have used it for years but I was not serious about using sunscreen at that time, but now I apply this religiously (click here to read why sunscreen is important!). It can leave a white cast if you apply it too much though. There was one time I looked like a ghost due to too much of this product, haha. But after a few hours, the white cast will be disappeared. I also did an in-depth review on this sunscreen, just click here to read :) 

Where to buy: IQQU, $28.99

You guys know my favorite face powder to set my makeup is the bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Powder Foundation because it has been featured on my monthly favorites twice! However, during the month of April, I have been using Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder more because it is a translucent powder and it feels really light on my skin. Yes it is white powder, but it won't make your face looks like a ghost. It actually smoothes out your skin giving you an HD look. The powder is super fine and so soft. It is great for setting my makeup :) 

Where to buy: Sephora, $32

Next favorites are a pair of L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara and MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork. I told you at the beginning that I did not wear makeup a lot these days, so if I just needed an oomph, I just apply Groundwork on my lid and apply this mascara. Groundwork really evens out your lid and just gives it a hint of color. I am actually going to show you how I did it soon (click here for the tutorial), and a review for this mascara is upcoming next (click here for the review)! :) 

Where to buy: L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara, any drugstores, $7.99; MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork, MAC, $17.50

Last but not least is a mask from Caudalie Vinoperfect Enzymatic Peel Mask. I have not seen a huge difference yet, but I saw a small improvement on my skin already just by using this mask. This mask is really different than any others, the texture of it is not clay-based, so it applies smoothly like you apply lotion. The color is not an opaque white, but it seriously feels like moisturizers. It is supposed to brighten up and even out your skin after ten minutes waiting time. 

Where to buy: Sephora, $48. 

Other random favorites: 

My favorite iPhone apps are still the Smurfs Village! OMG I have been playing it nonstop!! This is the first time of my life that I am obsessed with a game. I am not a game girl, but the Smurfs Village really gets me into it. Another app that I have been loving is Instagram. I mean who does not love Instagram? It makes your pictures look professional! Follow me on Instagram, my username is alexandrauby ;) 

My favorite food is still frozen yogurt. I have been eating frozen yogurt almost everyday during April. I really need to cut it off ><" Oh and I also have been loving Subway! I used to eat Subway everyday last Spring, then I got bored. Now I am back loving it! Have you tried Flatbread yet? If you haven't, you should try it out! The bread tastes sweet and it is just so delicious! I like Flatbread with tuna jalapeno, or with chicken parmesan.. YUMMY!!!

My favorite TV Shows: Biggest Loser (still!). This week is a final week, so I really look forward to it! Do you watch it too? If yes, who do you think is going to be the 'biggest loser?' Also, I love Big Bang Theory to death, and I have been re-watching old episodes every night before I go to bed. It is good to have a laugh before you sleep so that you'll have a nice dream, haha. 

I think that's it.. I can't think of any favorites anymore. You can ask me anything in the comment below, or follow me on Twitter and Facebook, so that we'll stay connected (I mean, that's what the Internet for, right?)

What are your April Favorites? Share them with me! :) 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexandraubymakeup 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexandrauby 

Love you all!!!! ;) 

Alexandra 

March Favorites

Hi lovelies! I am going to start with a short intro this time because I found out I rambled too much in the beginning most of the time, haha. I apologize for that and I hope you didn't mind. So anyway, I am going to show you my favorite products/things of the month of March.

So my first favorite is a skin care product from dr.brandt Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Face Cream . It is basically an exfoliator/face scrub that would give you in-office results although you are doing it at home and by yourself. I love this product because I really can see the difference on my face right after I used it. My face looks brighter and less redness. You know I have so many red spots on my cheeks, and after I exfoliate with this, I could see the redness becomes less and my face feels so fresh! It removes dull skin and gives my skin radiance. You can only use this one to twice a week, I really wish I could use this everyday! But you know exfoliating your face everyday is bad for your skin.

Where to buy: Sephora, dr.brandt site, $75 for 1.7oz. 

You might have guessed that this BB Cream will be featured on my March favorite since I have done a few posts featuring this product. It is the Lioele Triple the Solutions BB Cream (click here for its comparison with Skin79 BB Cream, and click here for its comparison with Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream). I love this BB Creams more than any other ones because it has the medium to full coverage, and it has great benefits for your skin, such as whitening, wrinkle free and UV protection.

Where to buy: Pretty and Cute, $28.60

You might also have guess this was going to be featured on my March favorite, haha. I did a post on this NARS Blush in Exhibit A  (click here to read) and since then I could not stop using it! Don't be afraid of bright neon blush, the trick is to dab your brush as light as you can and then apply it onto the apple of your cheeks. It will give you a healthy natural cheek look.

Where to buy: Sephora, NARS site, $28.

In the spring and summer, I love to highlight most features on my face such as above cheekbones, nose bridge, chin and cupid's bow, while in the fall or winter, I like to keep my face look matte. I tried this highlighter from theBalm called Mary-Lou Manizer and I fell in love with it. It is hands down the best highlighter I have ever used - very pigmented, good quality, very smooth, and most importantly it really gives you a natural glow on your face, especially when the lights hit it. I am not gonna go too much about it, please click here for further reviews, photos and swatches.

Where to buy: Sephora, Beauty Brands, theBalm site, $24. 

I never tried bareMinerals products before because I thought it was for elder people. Well I was wrong... Apparently bareMinerals' products contain natural ingredients that are better for your skin. My best friend uses this bareMinerals original powder foundation SPF 15 and her skin looks great! I purchased this in January (it is on my January favorites too!) , and I keep using it until today. I love it, it gives you good coverage, and does not break me out at all. Even though it is a powder foundation, I use it as face powder to set my foundation. This won't cover my imperfections or whatsoever. So if you already have a clear nice skin, you can just put this on, and you're good to go! :)

Where to buy: Sephora, $26

I did a post on My Top 5 Bronzers (click here to read), and this is one of them. Usually I like to change bronzers weekly, but I use this bronzer from Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzing Powder most of the time. I used to hate this because it has a strong cocoa smell, don't get me wrong, I love cocoa. But I just could not stand this smell, so I stopped using it for a while. Then I saw this on my makeup drawers, used it and love it since then. The smell does not bother me as much as it did, and I love it because it gives you a really natural tan look. Most importantly, it is a matte bronzer!

Where to buy: Sephora, Too Faced website, $29

This one is not my favorite, but I used it throughout the whole March. If you've seen my January Favorites, you knew I love MAC Kabuki Brush 182. The thing is MAC 182 is freaking expensive and I want to always keep it like new because I wash my brushes everyday and I am afraid it will strip off the bristles. So I need to get another less expensive kabuki brush that I can use daily. I purchased this Kabuki Brush from theBalm because it was on sale on Hautelook the other day without knowing the quality of it. Well apparently the bristles are not as soft as MAC 182, I did not really like it. But I use it anyway since this is the only back up for a kabuki brush that I have. This is featured on March favorite simply because I wanted to let you know the quality of it and I have been using it during the whole March.

Where to buy: Sephora, $24.



RANDOM FAVORITES

I am addicted to Smurf game! My nephews introduced this game to me and they asked me to download it. At first I hesitated to download it because I never stick into a game, but it is a free game anyway.. so why don't I try it out. Well, now I can't stop playing it! It is basically a harvesting game, you harvest your crops, gain gold coins, level up, etc. It is so fun! 

Last but not least is lemonade! I loveeeeeee making lemonade since the weather is so hot right now! I just purchased natural lemon juice at Walmart, it is really cheap, $2 for a medium sized bottle. I pour it like a quarter of the cup, then mix it with cold water. Put ice and a little bit of sugar. Ahhhh soo refreshing!!

So that's it my March favorite! What is your March favorite?? Share with me in the comment below, or just tweet me on Twitter, or you can also post on my Facebook wall. Looking forward to knowing your favorites of the month! 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexandraubymakeup

Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexandrauby

Love, 

Alexandra 

February Favorites

Happy March 1st babes! It is so unbelievable how time flies so fast. It seems like I just celebrated new year last week, and it is already the third month of the year! OMG!

Anyway, February is over and it means it is time for me to tell you what beauty/non-beauty things I've been loving during February (click here to see my January Favorites). I am so excited and lets get started!

First and foremost is honey and extra virgin olive oil (you all must be like "whatttttt!??"). Well, let me tell you these two products are SO beneficial for your hair and skin. I have been doing hair mask and face mask with these two. Honey is anti-bacterial, so if you have acne, honey can kill those bacteria that causing your acne. Honey is anti-inflammatory as well, so it reduces the redness on your skin. Olive oil has so many benefits for your skin and hair. I can keep going on how good they are, so if you want me to do another post for this, let me know! But anyway, my skin feels so smooth and my hair feels so soft after using it! :)
You don't need to use raw honey or organic extra virgin olive oil. You can use regular honey and extra virgin olive oil (regular olive oil does work too!)

If you've been following my blog, you might predict the tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 will be in my monthly fav, haha. I did a review for this (click here to read), and I love it! It gives me a good amount of coverage and it won't make your face look cakey. It has SPF 15 too! 

I also did a review on Make Up For Ever HD Primer (click here to read), and seriously it does make a difference on your makeup. My makeup looks smoother and long wearing. I put this on and let the skin soak it for a couple of minutes. Then I will go ahead and apply foundation. I just use my hands to apply it :) 

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal mask was my favorite last year, but then I forgot about it! I have no idea why I stopped using it. But starting February, I found it and decided to try it out again. OMG I feel this is the best mask in the world. Your face will feel so tight when you have this on, but don't worry, it means that this mask goes into your pores and clears whatever dirts and toxins inside that causing the pores clogged! My skin feels so clean and soft after using it, and I really can see the difference on my skin. LOVE IT!!! Let me know if you want me to do a more in-depth review on this. :)

Next is MAC Eyeshadow in Motif. I have had this eyeshadow for a long time and never been a favorite. At that time, I was in a hurry and just picked a random MAC eyeshadow and it happened to be this one. I was like, "why did I always ditch this baby?" haha. Anyway, from then on I can't stop using this eyeshadow. I put it on my lid, under brow bone, inner tear duct, lower lash line, basically everywhere! haha. I love it because the color is so unique! It looks golden yellow in the picture, but if you look closely, you'll see a pink iridescent on it. When the light reflects to it, OMG I can't believe how pretty is that. 

Next favorite is two things that I always use it together. During the month of February, I love to use a liquid eyeliner on my upper lash line (you'll see it in my whole February tutorial). My all time favorite is L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eye Liner in Carbon Black. Seriously, I have tried so many different kinds of liquid eyeliner, and they can't win this baby over. This really makes applying liquid eyeliner so easy. Next one is Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion (click here to read my review about it), and I like to apply this on my waterline. This is the blackest black eyeliner and it is really long wearing. That's why I love it :)

Last but not least is my all time favorite mascara!! I have been loving COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume for the longest time in my life. I keep changing my mascara, but I always go back to this baby! It really volumizes my lashes, make it bigger and longer! I can't describe how I love this mascara, I have gone through probably ten tubes of it. It is affordable too! 

So, that's all beauty things I love during the month of February. Anyway, let me tell you some non-beauty things as well. My current favorite TV shows are the Bachelor and the Biggest Loser, haha. It is sad how the Bachelor season almost ends! I like Biggest Loser not because I wanna lose weight or something, but I like to see the drama going on there. I get so emotional every time I watch it, haha. What else? Favorite food? I like Jello Pudding Snacks in Milk Chocolate. OMG! LOVE this stuff. I do not know why I just figured this out. And I also have been eating the King's Hawaiian Sweet Roll bread. This bread has been my favorite for forever, but there was a time I was kind of sick about it because I ate it everyday. But now I start eating it again, and OMG.. I am not gonna ditch it anymore, haha.

I am so sorry this post is so long! I can keep going on, you know. Alright, I am gonna stop now and thank you so much for visiting my blog! I hope you have a great day!

What is your February Favorites? Leave in the comment below because I always love to read it! :) You can always tweet me, or post on my Facebook wall! We can have a chit-chat there :) 

Love you all!!

Alexandra