How to Get the Best Makeup Look for the Hot Summer Weather

Although the official start to this Summer season has not yet arrived, we have had a few extremely warm days. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining! I am originally from the Caribbean - I am all about hot tropical weather. I LIVE for the summer sun!

Even if you are not as comfortable with warmer temperatures as I am, there is ONE thing that we all need to consider : Learning how to get the best makeup look for hot weather.

Deciding what makeup to use during the summer season does not need to be a difficult process. One option is to start using a mineral makeup. Mineral makeup is made from natural ingredients, the two main ones being titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Titanium dioxide is a waterproof, light mineral which is ground into a very fine powder and is the principal ingredient in the makeup. As it lies lightly on the skin, its tiny plates cover the pores of the skin and protect them from bacteria-feeding moisture. This is the reason dermatologists tend to refer to mineral makeup as a “potential acne fighting makeup.”

Titanium dioxide is also not absorbed in water, and it can thus be applied when going to the pool or beach because it is waterproof and will maintain the flawless complexion. You will be able to swim and play at the beach while maintaining the finished look the makeup had when you first put it on in the morning.

Additionally, mineral makeup will not run down your face when you sweat because it is waterproof and will not be absorbed by the sweat on your face. This is especially important to those of us who have extremely oily – acne prone or sensitive skin types.

Zinc oxide, which is the other main ingredient of mineral makeup, is a natural sunscreen which is used in most of the sun protections products that are on the market. Thus, zinc oxide makes mineral makeup the perfect sunscreen. The most common SPF found in most mineral makeup products is SPF 25. You can certainly wear extra sunscreen under the makeup for additional sun protection in summer if you are planning to be in the sun for long periods of time.

In a nutshell, mineral makeup is a natural way to fight acne, help your skin stay matte, protects your skin from the sun, and it is also waterproof which makes it excellent makeup option for the summer season.

To help you further, here are our top mineral makeup pics for you to consider purchasing:

KORRES WILD ROSE MINERAL FOUNDATION (0.26 OZ)

Price: $28
Where to Buy: Click Here


BAREMINERALS  ALL-OVER FACE COLOR BARE RADIANCE (0.03 OZ)

Price: $19
Where to Buy: Click Here


ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE-WEAR MINERAL-RICH LOOSE POWDER

Price: $36
Where to Buy: Click Here


Now it's YOUR turn: Have you tried wearing mineral makeup before? If so, do you have a favorite brand? Let us know in the comments!


main photo credit: we heart it

disclosure: This post is not sponsored, however the links provided for each suggested product are affiliate links. Purchasing any item via these affiliate links posted helps support this site and keep it online. For more detailed information please refer to our disclosure page at the top of this post. Thank you.

Get flawless skin coverage with L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream

Earlier this week we shared tips on how to keep makeup looking fresh longer {to see post click HERE}. We mentioned that before executing the simple four step makeup application it is important to apply a foundation or BB cream to your skin.

Several cosmetic companies, both high end and drugstore brands, have given into the beauty balm craze by designing their own particular version. There are so many different BB Creams in the market that trying to keep up with them can be frustrating, not to mention time consuming. Here in the offices, we have certainly had a "go at it" by playing with several different versions of BB creams as well as comparing them to one another. Some are just okay, while others are just awesome products.

One of the BB Creams that stood out the most was L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream.

This is not the only BB Cream that L'Oreal has in the market, however this one is special - This is an all -in-one beauty solution that is formulated to do all of the following: prime, perfect, hydrate and correct skin. 

When the BB Cream is released from the tube, it is white in color; however when you look at the cream up-close you can see that it has tiny gray beads in it. The texture of the BB Cream is very thin,  light, almost on the watery side of liquids.

After a few stokes of blending the BB Cream, the color of the liquid begins to change. The little gray beads in the cream are self adjusting - meaning that with the help of these tiny beads the cream will instantly transform into your skin tone.

As you can see in this photo, just after a few blending strokes, the BB Cream went from white to a beautiful medium skin tone.

Now let's take a look at what L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream looks like on your skin.

In this photo, you can see that the BB Cream definitely gives your skin an even color and texture. What I prefer to do is put a dot or so of BB Cream on  the back of my hand, then using my ring finger I dab the cream on my forehead, cheeks, chin and neck.

Then in gentle blending motion, using the tips of my fingers I proceed to blend in the cream into my skin just the same way I apply any other type of facial lotion. I noticed that the BB Cream does not take long to blend and when it has fully dried, your skin does not feel wet or sticky. The texture of your skin is soft and hydrated.

One of the four beautifying actions that this BB Cream is supposed to do is correct skin. At first, I will admit that I was very skeptical - thinking that the cream is so light in consistency that it is going to be impossible for it to correct my skin because unfortunately, I have been dealing with adult breakouts on my jawline and neck of all places.

I was proven wrong. The BB Cream not only provided a good coverage, but it also helped camouflage the redness around the breakouts.  I did use a tad bit of concealer on top of certain areas, but that was only because I do that regardless of what product I use. However, with that being said, the BB Cream gave my skin such a flawless look, I only used a little loose powder on my t-zone to avoid excess oil from forming as I have very oily skin.

So, if I had to rate the L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest rate possible, I would certainly give this BB Cream a solid 5.  Not only does the product perform the way it is formulated to, but this BB cream can be used everyday either as a primer or completely by itself.  I love that!

To get your hands on a tube of your own, you can check out the makeup aisle at any Drugstore or order it here and save about 50%.

Now it's YOUR turn: Have you tried L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream yet? If so, or even if you have not had a chance yet, let us know in the comments!

Did you enjoy this beauty related product review? 
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Disclaimer: As an active member of shespeaks network, I received a complimentary tube of L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream to review and provide an opinion. As in all reviews posted on this website - my opinions and photos are all 100% my very own. To see a detailed copy of our Disclosure Policy, please refer to our disclosure page at the top of this website. Thank you.

Get the Look: Covergirl Glam Makeup worn by Sofia Vergara

Did you watch the SAG Awards this past Sunday? I was not able to watch the entire award ceremony, however I did catch pieces here and there. As you can imagine I was very happy to see that Modern Family won for Best Comedy. The show has so many talented actors, how could they not win?

As if you have not noticed yet, Modern Family is one of my favorite TV shows. Trust me, in order for me to consider a show to be a "favorite" entails a lot! I am not the TV watching type of person. I am a bookworm by nature, however, every once in a blue moon I will make an appearance in the family room by sitting next to Mr. Man and Lil Diva.

Now let's get back to the SAG Awards, shall we?

Not only did Modern Family win an award, but Sofia Vergara also won Best Beauty. Did you see the stunning white Donna Karan gown she was wearing? Gasp! And how about her COVERGIRL glam makeup look? I have two words to describe Sofia - Simply Flawless!

Makeup artist, Kayleen McAdams, shares how she applied Sofia's COVERGIRL glam makeup look step by step:

· Quote: “I wanted to do something fresh and new on Sofia. Her white dress gave me a bare canvas for her face, and I was able to bring an element of color with a purple eye shadow. We have never done a bright color shadow for an award show so this was our first!”

1. I started by applying COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in Classic Tan (#860) all over Sofia’s face, and then used COVERGIRL + Olay Pressed Powder in Medium along her T-Zone to set the product so it would last all night.

2. I then applied Cheekers Blush is Classic Pink to make her look bright and fresh.

3. With the eyes, I applied SmokyShadowBlast in Purple Plume all over the lid and then smudged Queen Collection Vivid Impact Eyeliner in Cabernet all along her top and bottom lashes.

4. I finished the look with three coats of Very Black Clump Crusher by LashBlast Mascara.

5. On the lips, I applied LipPerfection Lipliner in Beloved over the entire lip and then topped with the LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Rose Twist to give a hint of glossy sheen.


All you need are a few essential COVERGIRL makeup products and you too can get the COVERGIRL Glam Look for your next special night out.

By the way, have you tried the NEW LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm yet?  I haven't yet, but I am very excited to get one or two, on my next shopping trip. The gloss comes in 16 different shades and are fortified with shea and mango butters {ingredients that are crucial for taking care of our lips during these cold winter months} making these glosses a must have makeup item, right?  

Now it's YOUR turn:  Have you joined the COVERGIRL online community?  Find them here: 
facebook / twitter / youtube / instagram/ pinterest/ and COMING SOON: #COVERGIRLbus (to a city near you!) 


Disclosure: The links included in this press release are NOT affiliate links. These are only used for the purpose of showing our readers the correct makeup product used by the makeup artist to "get this look". 

Product Launch Exclusive: Defining Eyes Palette by Tiffany D

Last night I found myself sitting in bed with my IPAD2 nestled in its keyboard working through my inbox when I received a particular email notice. At first, I was going to ignore the email however as I took a closer look, I immediately noticed what the topic of the email was: a new product launch exclusive! 

To give you an idea of exactly how excited I was, I leaped out from under the covers jumping to the side of the bed  doing my happy dance all around the bedroom! Does that ever happen to you? You get that overwhelming feeling of finding something new?  I love it when that happens!

By now you maybe wondering what new product am I referring to, right? I am referring to the New Defining Eyes Palette by Tiffany D.

The Defining Eyes Palette is an all-in-one kit design to enhance, amplify and brighten your eyes. Everything you could possibly need to get a neutral smokey look.  In the palette you will find:

1. eight (8) eye shadow shades (In the Dark, Midnight, Fog, Halo, Brunette, Chestnut, Smoke and Beam) These neutral shades are universal - The colors will look amazing  
2. two (2) gel liners (Blackout and Chocolate) 
3. a dual ended brush - With this brush you can easily blend the shades together with the eye shading end, then using the pencil dual edge to apply the gel liner along the lash-lines. Having just one brush that does double duty is extremely convenient!
4. a dual ended eye liner pencil - I love the idea of the dual ended eye pencil, especially because of the brightening effect you can easily create by applying the white pencil on the lower inner waterline as well as the inner corner of the eye. 
5. The palette also comes with a booklet featuring five (5) of Tiffany’s favorite tips and tricks for using the palette.

In my opinion, this palette is a MUST have for anyone who thinks of themselves as a beauty enthusiast (like me!). Which is why I just had to share this product launch information with you.

The Defining Eye Palette  would also make a fabulous gift - The kit has all the tools needed already included in it, so there is no need to buy anything additional.  The Defining Eye Palette is a limited edition and will only be available until supplies last, so you know what that means!

Now it's Your turn: I placed my order earlier this morning - I can't wait for it to arrive so I can try these shades out. Don't miss out so make sure you order yours today! 

PS. Check out Tiffany D's post on her blog for up-close photos of her swatches and a DISCOUNT CODE for The Defining Eye Palette!  

Throwback Thursday: A Closer Look at Covergirl P!nk at the MTV Awards

Of all the beauty brands out there, Covergirl has certainly made positive strides in selecting women who are not only beautiful but that are successful, happy with who they are, relate able, confident and unique.

Personally, one of my favorite Covergirls has to be P!nk hands down. (My first favorite is Sofia Vergara, but I think you already knew that!)  I always have enjoyed listening to her music so to see her now in all her beauty really is a sight to see.

Last week I shared a photo of P!nk for Wordless-Wednesday - which you can see again here. At the end of that post, I mentioned that I would be sharing a sort of "Throwback - Thursday" post about P!nk's makeup look she adorned at the MTV Music Awards last month.

Here is a close up shot of P!nk walking down the Red Carpet:

She is simply glowing. Her makeup is truly flawless. The makeup has a very natural appearance - P!nk does not look overdone.  Makeup Artist, Kathy Jeung, did an outstanding  job putting P!nk's entire look together for the Red Carpet and her onstage performance.

Here is exactly how Kathy Jeung created this Red Carpet look: 

"I applied COVERGIRL Natureluxe Silk Foundation using a foundation brush and moistened blender sponge. I then set with a dusting of COVERGIRL Professional Loose Powder. We used
COVERGIRL Clean Oil Control Pressed Powder for touch ups throughout the night."

How eye products were applied:

For the eyebrows: 
"I used a few soft strokes of COVERGIRL Brow & EyeMakers Pencil in Soft Blonde to define, then brushed into place with COVERGIRL Professional Natural Lash Mascara in Clear."

For the eyes:   
"I first applied COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Champagne all over the lid and brow bone as a base color. Next, I applied COVERGIRL SmokyShadowBlast in Onyx Smoke, using the dark grey side over the lid and into the crease. Over this I added COVERGIRL Queen Collection Eyeshadow Quads in Lionqueen, using the grey color to intensify and add more dimension."

Along the lower lash line: 
"I used COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Silver Spark and to add a little more dimension and to further blend; I added COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Golden Sunrise in the area just under the brow bone with a medium fluffy brush. Over curled lashes, I applied two coats of COVERGIRL LashBlast 24HR Mascara in Very Black."

How lip products were applied:
"I prepare the lips with a lip balm when I'm doing skin preparation so it has a chance to absorb into lips. I then lined the lips with COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipliner in Smoky and applied COVERGIRL OutLast All-Day Lipcolor in Faint Hue." 

Although the makeup used for P!nk's Red Carpet entrance was beautiful, my favorite was the way she looked when she came out on stage for her performance.

The change in P!nk's make-up was more dramatic - very fitting of  her normal "punk" style.  This is probably why this look was my favorite. 

Here's how P!nk's performance make-up look was created by Kathy Jeung:

"I added COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Shimmering Onyx along the lower lash line, then lined the inside upper and lower rims of eyes with COVERGIRL Queen Collection Vivid Impact Eyeliner in Midnight. Using clear eyelash glue, I adhered appliqués onto her eyes that I cut out of red patent leather."

How cheek products were applied:
"I first applied COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Pretty Peach on the apples of the cheeks and blended outward and up. Then I applied COVERGIRL Cheekers Bronzer in Copper Radiance along the upper outer cheekbone area and also on outer temples (upper sides of face near eyes)."

How lip products were applied:
"I started with applying COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipliner in Passion to define the lip edges then lightly powdered the edges to set, especially since I was working with a strong color.
After applying COVERGIRL Queen Collection Lip Color in Ruby Slipper, I blotted the lips after the first coat with a tissue, lightly powdered the edges with a powder puff and re-applied the lip color using a lip brush for extra staying power and intensity."  

Now it's your turn:  Which was your favorite P!nk makeup look? Her Red Carpet "natural" look, or her Performance "dramatic punk" look?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

#LatinaBeauty Vox-Box 2012 Revealed

Happy #WW Wordless-Wednesday Beauties!

Here are a few photos revealing the amazing beauty product samples I received in the #LatinaBeauty Vox-Box from Influenster.

Here is the full list of all the samples:

VEET Ready to Use Wax Strips, Leg & Body
Always Radiant Infinity Pads
Always Tampax Radiant Collection
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen
NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine
NEW Bath and Body Works Shea-Enriched Signature Collection Shower Gel (Twilight Woods)

Please stay tuned for further posts where I will be sharing my thoughts and reviews!

Now it's your turn:  Have you tried any of these products?  If so, which ones? 

Please feel free to let us know - we really enjoy hearing from you! 

Get the Viva el Color Look: Video Tutorial

Do you ever feel that sometimes it is easier to watch an expert makeup artist put a look together rather than just reading an article? At times I do.

Today I wanted to share a video tutorial of makeup artist, Mai Quynh, putting the Viva el Color Look on a model using mark. products, which are both affordable and high quality cosmetics. (I can say this with a straight face because these are the cosmetics that I have used for a few years and I highly recommend them to all my beauties!)

Take a few minutes to watch how easy it is to pull this look together.





How easy did that seem? Easy enough right? I thought so too. Here is a list of the products Mai Quynh used to get this look:

Primed for Perfection Face Primer
Min-A-Real Cream-to-Powder Foundation
Min-A-Real Cream-to-Powder Foundation
Good Glowing Mosaic Blush Custom Color Palette
Keep It Going Longwear Eyeliner & Shadow
Lash All You Want High-Volume Mascara
Lipclick SPF 15 Color Shine Lipstick

Now it's your turn: 
Interested in getting any of these or all of these products? Please let me know via email
put "Viva el Color Look" in the subject line with your request.   Keep in mind, registration is FREE - There is FREE Shipping for orders over $30 and FREE gifts included in every order!

How to get the Violet Femme Fatal Look

Wearing bold colors on eyelids is not the only trend noticed on the runway this year. Another eye beauty makeup trend is using hues of pink, purples and lilacs blended together for a smoldering seductive stare.

violet femme -face chart

To achieve this look, there are a few products that are needed.

I-mark Violet Femme shades

Application:

(1) apply a thin layer of eye primer to eyelids and under lower eyelashes

(2) using the i-mark shade violet ink (darkest shade) over the lids going up to the crease and along the lower lash lines

(3) apply i-mark shade pink dust on lids from crease going up to brow bone - make sure to blend this shade in as well as you can

(4) apply third i-mark shade mystical (lighter purple) in the inner corners of eyes

(5) apply eyeliner to the lower lash line

(6) apply mascara to both upper and lower lashes


Next, to achieve the over-all face Highlights, you will need this product.

all the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator

Application:

(1) Lightly dust all the highlights over entire face - concentrating on cheek bones & chin. This will give you the "glow" effect.


About these products:

The I-mark Violet Femme Shades are long-lasting color shades which can be bought individually. Doing that you can easily combine shades to create different eye-looks.

The All the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator is the perfect powder to use in getting the complete "glow" effect on entire face without going overboard! The colors in the illuminator palette can be worn by all skin-tones.



Where To Buy:  mymarkstore
Product Names: I-mark Violet Femme Shades & All the Highlights Soft Glow Illuminator

Now It's Your Turn: Where would you wear this look to? Everyday, for the Office, or just for a Date-Night?

Video How-To: Making Lipstick Last

How simple is this? Less than 60 seconds - Every Maven can do this!

Now It's Your Turn: Are there any video makeup/beauty tips you would like to share?

Loud Lids

One of the makeup style trends making its appearance this season, has been inspired by the Bold Eye as seen displayed on the runway.

loud lids

To get this same look - this is the color palette you will need:

on the dot - eye color palette

Application:

(1) apply a thin layer of eye primer.

(2) using the palette above - use shade #1 ( the first dot in first row) applying it to the entire eye lid.

(3) using the palette above - use shade #8 ( the second dot in third row) applying it to the upper lash line going into the creases, then extending the color to the outer corner of the eye.

(4) apply water-proof mascara to both upper & lower lashes



For a more dramatic finish:

(1) using palette above - use shade #4 ( the first dot in second row) applying it to the lower lash line


About on the dot palette:

Each of the nine (9) shades have metallic finishes. The shades can be used together to achieve high - impact looks, such as this Loud Lid.


Where to Buy: mymarkstore
Product Name: On The Dot

Now It's Your Turn: Which shade of On The Dot color palette do you like best?

Mastering Three of the Hottest EYE Looks

Some of the hottest spring makeup trends this year are concentrated on the Eyes. The three (3) trends that have us jumping for joy are the "cat-eye" liner, big bold luscious lashes, and bold eyebrows.

Here to help us master these Eye trends is the team at bloom.com They have put together the three (3) makeup products essential in achieving these looks. To give you an idea, please take a look at the photos below.

The Feline Flick 

Bold Brows 

Defined Lashes 

To see these product suggestions in depth just click on the caption to go directly to the web page for detailed product information and product pricing. 

Now It's Your Turn: How do you feel about this Eye Trend? Do you think you can master these looks?

PS. If you like this posting and wish to join bloom.com - Please click on the "special invite" link below located in the Let's Go Shopping section at bottom of page

Get The Look via Hard Candy: Glamour Eyes

For the second post in our four part mini-series of  Get The Look! via Hard Candy  we are going to learn hot to create a gorgeous Glamour Eyes: Rock Star.

Here's the Look:  

Hard Candy Tips:

1. Apply Eye Def Metallic Cream Shadow in Knockout from the lash line to the crease and up to the outside corner of the lid.

2. Apply Walk the Line Liquid Liner in Licorice along the upper and lower lash line.

3. For an added flair to finish off that Rock Star look, apply Lash Tinsel glitter mascara in Spellbound to lashes.

*to get these items just click the product name to be directed to the main website*

Stay tuned for our next post in this mini-series of "Get the Look via Hard Candy" where we will be sharing tips for the Puur-fect Cat Eyes.

Get The Look: Smoked Eyes by Hard Candy

Hard Candy

This morning after taking Lil Diva to the bus stop, I made my way to Walmart. While in the retail store I walked through the cosmetics aisle. I really was not looking for anything in specific, but I came across Hard Candys' makeup display. After browsing the collection, I noticed that they have this little booklet called: Get The Look!

I looked at it briefly. In the inside of the booklet, Hard Candy has 4 styles of eye makeup: Smokey Eyes, Glam-our Eyes, Cat Eyes, and Glitter Eyes.

Of all the makeup out there, I love to play-up my eyes with fun, funky but stylish eye-shadows. My favorite eye looks are smokey, cat and glam-our. I found the tips to be quite helpful, especially for those who are not quite sure how to achieve these eye looks. Which is the exact reason why I chose to share them with you in four (4) individual posts.

Today it's all about the Smokey Eyes:

smokey eyes

Hard Candy Tip:

1.Using Kaleyedescope in Bad Reputation, apply a dark shade along the lash line and blend up to the outside corner of the lid. Add a highlighter shade just below the brow bone and to the inner corners of the eye for a brightened effect.

2. Apply Walk the Line liquid eyeliner along the upper and lower lash line.

3. To complete the smoked look, apply Ginormous Mascara in Black Out  to upper lashes.

*to get these items just click the product name to be directed to the main website

Stay tuned for our next post in this mini-series of "Get the Look via Hard Candy" where we will be sharing tips for the Glam-our Eyes Look.

Do You Do Sally?

Bummed from the winter storm?  Do not fret, my Luvly! I have the perfect solution to get you out of the slum and get you feeling like a champion.

One thing that can usually get me into a better mood almost instantly is sitting in front of my laptop with a cup of cafe in one hand, with my free hand I am searching the web for deals. Any deal that I can find, especially on makeup, body & spa products, basically anything and everything!

Guess where I visit the most? If you said, SallyBeauty.com , you must know me very well because you are absolutely correct!  I can be on their site for hours looking through their products without even batting an eyelash.

Anyway, getting to the point, I want to share a great sale that SallyBeauty.com is having this weekend, ending on Monday the 16th.  Take a look for yourself:

click here to go directly to sale

Don't forget, offer expires Monday, 1/16/12 at 11:59pm EST  use PROMO CODE 555533                                                
Come back and let us know what goodies you bought over the weekend!