❤The Best Mascara Ever❤

I have always been a fan of makeup, as you may already know, but mascara unfortunately has always failed me.  Every time I need mascara, I buy a new brand, in hopes of finding THE one, but never did.  That's not to say the other mascaras that I have tried in the past have been horrible, but none of them wowed me to the point of wanting to buy it again.  Also, having super thin and small eyelashes did not help at all.  I had so many recommendations from magazines, make up artists, friends, and sisters, but none of them made the cut.

After many years and MANY tubes of mascara I finally found THE one.  I went into Sephora with a brand in mind, but they did not have it, then to Ulta where one of the make-up artists asked me if I needed help.  I told him the mascara I wanted and told me they did not carry it.  He asked what I was looking for and I told him my eyelash problem.  He then suggested a mascara that although I own several products from that brand, I had never tried the mascaras.  He then opened it and showed me the brush, and I must admit, I was a bit scared when I saw it.

I took it and couldn't wait to come home and try it!  As soon as I walked in, I tried it, and SURPRISE!!!! Oh God was I in love, after so many years of looking, I finally found THE one...for me!  Don't worry, I am willing to share! Drum-roll please!  It is the Mesmer-Eyes Mascara by Napoleon Perdis.  This is a paraben free-formula and uses natural products as preservatives.  It has vitamin E, Panthenol and bamboo. This mascara does it all, it lengthens, volumizes, curls, and does not smudge or clump.  Although I don't wear contacts, it is very suitable for contact lens users because it does not cause irritation due to the paraben-free formula.  It costs $25, and it is totally worth it!

That said, the reason why I was scared of the brush was because it is not a brush, it is a double-sided comb wand.  Use the wider comb first, then the fine-tooth side to separate.  Hope you have fun and hope you are as happy as I am to have finally found my perfect match! Try it, I promise you will love it!  It is like a miracle bra for your lashes! ❥Napoleon Perdis.

Make Your Face Glow!

There are some products to make your face glow by reflecting the light in your face. This is called iridescent powder. Iridescent powder often comes in a big container, and since you only need a very small amount, it will last you a very long time.

What you want to do is apply the powder wherever the natural light hits your face. These places are...
-the apples of your cheeks, apply it all across towards your hairline.
-the bridge of the nose.
-a little on the chin.
-the forehead.
-on the brow bone, underneath the eyebrows.
Use a highlighter brush such as the 187 Brush by MAC (the one with the natural and synthetic blend).

You will see the difference once you apply the powder. Your face will look healthy, young, and fresh. My favorite iridescent powder is by MAC (Silver Dusk) but a cheaper alternative is the Revlon Skinlights Loose Powder. Again, these might be a little expensive but they will last you a very long time. Have fun and enjoy your glowing skin!

Eyeshadow That Lasts

     Does your eyeshadow last as long as you would like it to last?  There is a trick to make your eyeshadow last all day.  The trick is simply water!  Grab a Q-tip and wet it.  Then apply it to where you will be applying your eyeshadow you don't want to wet it too much.  Finally, grab your eyeshadow brush and apply your eyeshadow.  The results, a more pigmented, richer eyeshadow application that will last all day long! Be careful not to wet your eyeshadow itself, because it may ruin it and don't wet your eyelid too much.  Another alternative is a primer, I like the to use one by Urban Decay, but if you can get the same results for free then why waste your money?!

Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes are one of my favorite things in my makeup case.  I have a brush for EVERYTHING, to include one to wash my face, an eyeliner, blush, powder, bronzer, and many others! They make a huge difference when it comes to makeup, so unfortunately this is one of those things you will have to splurge on, but trust me it's worth it!  

There is a brush for everything, you have Powder brushes, Contouring, Eyeshadow, Concealer, Foundation, Eyeliner, Lipliner, and the list can go on and on; and all these have subdivisions, which means you can end up with an endless amount of brushes you will hardly use on a daily basis. 

So, this post is to get you started on which brushes are essential and which ones are just for the luxury of having them.  

When you do decide to get yourself a set of brushes, you need to remember most brushes need to be made from natural hair, not synthetic.  Synthetic brushes can be used for the lips, foundation, Eyebrow (definer brush) and concealer, all others should be made from natural hair, otherwise they won't blend as well.  

I will separate them in different parts and you can decide which one is best for you.  First, you have the Survival Package, which are all the essential brushes.  The next one is the Standard Package, which is the normal level package and last the makeup artist package, for those of us who need it all!

The Survival Package:

Powder brush- I have two of these, one is for translucent powder and the other is for pressed powder.

Eyeshadow brush (medium)- I know sometimes the eyeshadow applicators that come in the compact might seem like enough, but it is much better to get a special eyeshadow brush!

Blush brush- invest in a good blush brush! There is nothing worse than seeing some girls with a miniature synthetic brush that is all matted by overuse! In order to blend well, you need good brushes, synthetic, or not well taken care of brushes will leave streaks and you will end up wasting time trying to fix it.

Flat Definer brush- This brush can be used for eyeshadow, for a more precise application such as the eyeliner line.  This brush is very dense, so it gives you lots of control.  I also like to use it for eyebrows.

The Standard Package

The Survival Package plus...

3 Eyeshadow brushes (small, medium and large)The large one is used for all-over eyeshadow, medium for lids, and small for more precise application.

2 Blush brushes (one flat, and a regular one) I like to use the flat one for blending the contouring lines in the face and for bronzer, and the other for blush.

Angled brush (small)-  This brush works wonders when applying eyeshadow to the crease of the eye.

Lip Brush- For mixing and applying different shades of lipstick or lipgloss.

The Makeup Artist Package

The Survival and Standard Package plus...

Angled Blush Brush-  Used for contouring and blush for a more precise application.

Concealer Brush-  This brush is necessary for getting a perfect concealer application.

Highlighter Brush- This brush has a combination of synthetic and natural hair brush, it can be used for many different things such as foundation (for that lightweight cover) bronzer,  or iridescent/translucent powder.

Kabuki Brush-  You will immediately fall in love with this brush if you've never used it, you will want to use it for everything (powder, blush).

Eyeliner Brush- This one is used for cream eyeliners or this eyeshadow lines.

Eyelash brush- This can be a dual brush/comb brush that can be used to separate eyelashes or to groom eyebrows.

Foundation Brush- Great way to apply foundation.

Smudge Brush- This one has a sponge tip and is essential for a smokey eye look.

As you can see, there are many different types of brushes and I have not list them all, the point is, if you don't take much time doing your makeup, go with the survival package.  Don't have one single brush for everything, I know it can be convenient but you don't want to mix powder with blush for example, otherwise you will end up with a pink/orange toned, glittery face.  I will be writing another blog on how to maintain your brushes.

Powder

The golden rule is that for every liquid or cream based makeup, you apply a powder to seal it; otherwise it won't last very long.  Originally, I used the Napoleon Perdis powder, which is great.  However, if you use a translucent powder (finishing powder), it will have many other uses other than a cover-up powder that you are used to.  

You can use translucent powder to seal cream blush, cream eyeshadow, foundation, eyeliner, etc... Since it is translucent it won't cover the other product.  This powder looks completely white but when you apply it, it is almost colorless.  

I like to use one by MAC but I recently discovered one at Target by Sonia Kashuk (Barely There Loose Powder, $9), that works exactly the same, which saves you about $15!  If you like your powder with color, there is also a lightweight loose powder option by Sonia Kashuk that works wonders.

Shiny Lips

I can never go on a day without having something on my lips, lipgloss, lipstick or lip balm.  I love a glossy lip, and for that I use Physicians Formula Plump Potion Needle, it is a clear gloss without any glitter and gives the perfect plump.  I have tried many different types of plumping glosses including some pretty pricey ones like the LipFusion XL and this one works much better at only $8.50 at . target.com so get yours now!

Favorite Foundation, and Tips for Choosing the Right One!

I like a foundation that can cover-up but it's not so heavy that creates a plaster on your face (medium coverage).  This foundation lasts all day and makes your skin glow Make Up Forever HD foundation.  It is meant to be used for the spotlight, which tells you your face will look flawless in any situation; it is also great for pictures.  The foundation is a bit expensive at $40 but it lasts a long time and it is totally worth it.  When you are purchasing foundation regardless of the brand; always remember this...

-Test it before you purchase it, you may not like how it looks on your skin.

-Always do a color match.  Different brands look different once you put them on, so just because the color matches when you put it against your skin, it might look different once you put it on.

-Don't trust the reps completely, although they are very helpful, they might not give you what you are looking for.  If you see that it is too white, but they tell you it is a perfect match, don't be afraid to tell them you don't like it!  I always do color match myself, but the rep came by and asked if I needed a color match and I thought why not?  I had already chosen the color I liked the most and I let her know, but she took many different shades except the one I had told her.  She tried about 5 different colors and for each one told me that they matched, but didn't.  I kept telling her I didn't like it, until she finally went to get the one I had told her at the beginning and then said "oh, you were right, this is a perfect match"  Duh! Also, when color matching, remember to match it to your neck rather than your face, and never match it to your hand since your hands are not the same color as your face/neck.  When you color match make sure it's on the lowest part of your cheek, towards your neck.

-Look for alternatives, if the foundation you like is too expensive, ask the rep if they have a more budget friendly version of the foundation you like, chances are, they do!

-Take your time, don't rush this process, finding and matching the right foundation might take a little longer than you think.  So plan to stay a little longer than expected.

-Know what you are looking for. What I mean by this is, have an idea of what you want, a tinted moisturizer, medium coverage, or high coverage.  There are also sheer foundations, that add a sheer glow to your skin.  If you don't know what looks best, turn to a rep or trust your own judgement.

Favorite Hairspray

I have two favorite hairsprays.  One is for when I want maximum hold and the other for flexible hold.  For maximum hold I like to use Osis by Schwarzkopf.  This is a mega hold hairspray that will last all day long.  The other one is Chi Magnified Volume.  This finishing spray is great for when you want hold but still want to be able to move your hair around.  I like to use it for windy days or when I simply want to set my hair and it works great!

Styled Hair

For styling products, I personally like using pomades or serum. and for this I have a couple of favorites.  One is Molding Mud by Sebastian to actually style my hair.  I also use Grease by Sebastian as well, just to give shine to the hair.  And the last one, which you can get at Sally's is called Wax it Up by Beyond the Zone, I love this one because it molds and it gives shine at the same time.  They all work well, but just make sure you don't overuse the products, otherwise you will end up with extremely greasy hair.

Hair + Good Blowdryer= Volumized, Silky Hair

Your blow dryer is very important if you want volume in your hair so make sure you get one with positive and/or negative ions, with a ceramic plate, and with hot and cold settings (the cold to lock in your style). 

 Also, look at the watts, you want as much power as possible, so don't settle for less than 1875 watts.  My favorite one is by Bed Head, but there is many, many choices to choose from. You can read my last blog about volume for another great product.

Healthy Hair

 I discovered this product thanks to my hair stylist.  It is called Due Faccetta Massimo by Tec Italy.  This is a magical product, it completely restores damaged hair! This product (actually, a combination of all these products) is what kept my platinum hair alive and healthy.  Unfortunately, you cannot find this product at the stores (I get mine every time I get a chance to see my stylist) you can get it online.  It smells great, and leaves your hair silky smooth.

Conditioned Hair

I love this conditioner.  I always make sure I have a mint shampoo or conditioner available for when I feel stressed out, it is very relaxing!  My favorite one, which I get at Bath and Body Works, is Mentha Hair by C.O. Bigelow. (you should also try their body wash!).  This conditioner is invigorating to your scalp, and after you use it your head will feel very fresh, it is great!

Favorite Lip Balm

If you want the best lip balm in a super cool container think EOS (Evolution of Smooth).  I first saw this in a hair salon magazine, and didn't know what it was because of the sphere shape.  When I found out it was a lip balm, I immediately got online and ordered all of the different flavors!  Now they are available at most stores, including Wal Mart, Target and  Walgreens.

This lip balm gives you super soft lips for only about $4, not to mention the sphere shape will make you look super chic.  It is made with 100% natural products, and it is 95% organic and is also very practical and easy to find in your purse.  They actually have some of the flavors on clearance right now at Target.com, so go get yours now!  To see more of their products go to evolutionofsmooth.com.

Favorite Things- Eyeliner!

Ok, so many people ask me what type of eyeliner I use because it never smudges and lasts all day.  The answer....it's not a fancy or expensive eyeliner, it is one that you can get at any drugstore, or Target!  I use the Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner by Rimmel.

This eyeliner has a very rich color that will last all day, and it also comes with a built-in sharpener and smudger at the end.  I have all the different colors(purple shock, deep ocean, precious gold, and emerald sparkle) and they are all wonderful!  I buy about four at a time since I go through them like crazy, but I absolutely love them! I was a fan of pencil eyeliners before but ever since I tried this one, I forgot about pencil eyeliners, and at only about $3-$4 who wouldn't?!

Favorite Things- Styled, Healthy Hair!

I love styled hair and sometimes hair products do more damage than good to your hair.  So, here is a list of some products that help maintain your hair's health and styled all at the same time:

You have to start from the very beginning, which is shampoo and Conditioner.  My favorite shampoo and conditioner are by L'anza Healing- Colorcare.  There are several different options for the Healing line, but if you dye your hair often, this is your best choice.  My shampoo choices also change according to my hair color.  When I used to have platinum hair, I would alternate using a violet shampoo (since it neutralizes the yellow) and the L'anza shampoo.  So just make sure you are using what works for YOU!


I also make sure I always have a mint shampoo or conditioner available for when I feel stressed out, it is very relaxing!  My favorite one, which I get at Bath and Body Works, is Mentha Hair by C.O. Bigelow. (you should also try their body wash!).


Ok, Now that we have a clean head, we move on to another great product that I discovered thanks to my hair stylist.  It is called Due Faccetta Massimo by Tec Italy.  This is a magical product, it completely restores damaged hair! This product (actually, a combination of all these products) is what kept my platinum hair alive and healthy.  Unfortunately, you cannot find this product at the stores (I get mine every time I get a chance to see my stylist) you can get it online.  It smells great, and leaves your hair silky smooth.




Your blow dryer is very important if you want volume in your hair so make sure you get one with positive and/or negative ions, with a ceramic plate, and with hot and cold settings (the cold to lock in your style).  Also, look at the watts, you want as much power as possible, so don't settle for less than 1875 watts.  My favorite one is by Bed Head, but there is many, many choices to choose from. You can read my last blog about volume for another great product.

And now, for styling products, I personally like using pomades or serum. and for this I have a couple of favorites.  One is Molding Mud by Sebastian to actually style my hair.  I also use Grease by Sebastian as well, just to give shine to the hair.  And the last one, which you can get at Sally's is called Wax it Up by Beyond the Zone, I love this one because it molds and it gives shine at the same time.  They all work well, but just make sure you don't overuse the products, otherwise you will end up with extremely greasy hair.


Favorite hairspray...I have two.  One is for when I want maximum hold and the other for flexible hold.  For maximum hold I like to use Osis by Schwarzkopf.  This is a mega hold hairspray that will last all day long.  The other one is Chi Magnified Volume.  This finishing spray is great for when you want hold but still want to be able to move your hair around.  I like to use it for windy days or when I simply want to set my hair and it works great!

Favorite Things- Volume

     I love hair with great volume, but teasing can be a hassle and very time consuming if you want to get it right.  So, this product is definitely in my favorites list, L'anza Powder Up Texturizer (about $18 online)!  This is a powder that you simply sprinkle in your hair, and then massage/style it with your fingers, and voila you have got perfectly volumized hair as easy as that.  This powder absorbs all the oils in your head making it super easy to move your hair any way you want it.  The bottle is fairly small, but a little goes a long way.  



     I am trying to have cheaper alternatives to all the products I list, so for this one it is Beyond the Zone-Rock On Volumizing Powder that you can get at Sally's.  Although it does not work as well as the L'anza one, it delivers almost as much volume for more than half the cost (about $8).  Now there are no excuses for perfectly volumized hair, have fun!

My Favorite Things- Red Lips

Russian Red by MAC

I just love a pair of red lips, and what better way to display this, than with MAC's Ruby Woo lipstick! This is an intense matte red color and it looks completely amazing.  I also love Russian Red from the fairly new MAC Wonder Woman collection  If you are a bit scared of red lips, as many people are,  all you have to do is make sure you find a red color that matches your skin tone.

Ruby Woo by MAC

Remember these rules:

*Fair Skin- Use blue- based reds a coral color looks wonderful on fair skin!


*Medium Skin- These people have the biggest range of reds to choose from, anything with a pink, or even blue undertone works great but avoid orange-y undertones!


*Dark Skin- Use purple-based reds.  Darker reds look great such as a burgundy.

Remember you can always stop by a MAC makeup artist and have them suggest the best red tone for your skin color.*  Don't be afraid to try on different shades until you find the right one.  For me, Ruby Woo works wonders, plus, it gives me that confidence that no other lip color can!  *Just a heads up, if you are going to a makeup counter to ask for help and use their time, please be courteous and buy at least one thing!  Also, you don't need to get MAC to get fabulous red lips, there are cheap alternatives to everything, Wet n Wild's Hot Red also works wonders and it's less than a dollar!  I know red lipstick can be a bit daring sometimes, but as you can see, EVERYBODY can wear a nice, confident pair of red lips, just make sure to get the right tone!  

My Favorite Things

All this week I will be posting some of my favorite products and things.  I will start with this one, because if you have as much clothes as I do, you want as much room in closet as possible.  With these Skinny Hangers, you will have more room in your closet, plus, they are made from a suede like material, so your clothes will stay in place.  They sell them at Target and Wal-Mart but the best deal was at TJ Maxx (18 hangers for $9.99), and they are PINK!!! :D  Remember if you have any questions or suggestions you can put them in the comment box or send them to my inbox on Facebook, (facebook.com/aguenaga).

Nails, Nails, Nails!

I wanted to do a post on nails because nails say a lot about you.  You might get negative perceptions if your nails are not well taken care of.  Another thing, the more I see acrylic nails, the less I like them.  Nails are supposed to make your hands look beautiful, and although acrylic nails can give the length, they can make you look just like what they are, FAKE.  Most importantly, your real nails will be completely ruined when you remove them.  So next time, go with a nice mani instead.  Remember, nails are a way to enhance your hands and feet, so always keep them nice and neat (hey, that rhymed!).  Here are some key points to remember:
-Don't get acrylic nails.  If you notice, models and celebrities (the glamorous ones) never wear acrylic nails.  Not that I look up to them, but they do have access to the best stylists!  Thalia once said, "Nails are like orgasms, they should never be fake."

-Nail Polish can be used for fun; you can do colorful designs, or simply a clear coat.

-Always make sure you can upkeep your nails, if your nail polish rubs off, you must either fix it, or remove it completely.

-Try to keep all nails the same length; you don't want to have nine long nails and one short.

-Don't bite your nails! I used to bite my nails, and I got rid of that nasty habit by getting a nice mani, I didn't want to ruin my nails!

-When you are ready to put nail polish on, always use a base coat.  You might think salons take this extra step just because but it actually protects the nail from discoloration.  You might have seen this when you remove your nail polish, they look a little yellow.

-A top coat can make your nail polish last a lot longer, so consider using one.  If you want to use the best of the best you can buy Seche (it's a bit expensive but it is worth it!) which runs at about $10 at Walgreens.

-Carry your nail polish with you, that way if the nail polish rubs off or chips, you can always fix it on the go.

-Don't overlap nail polish colors.  I once knew someone that whenever they were in a hurry, they would just overlap their old manicure with another color.  It is best to simply remove the nail polish, and it takes the same amount of time.

-Moisturize! I like to rub Vitamin E on the cuticles of my nails, olive oil works just as good, and if you want to get fancy you can use a variety of oils such as almond oil, which is perfect for nails, plus it smells great!

-Take Vitamin B.  This helps your nails stay strong, grow faster, plus they do the same for your hair!

You don't have to wear nail polish to make your nails look pretty.
You shouldn't go too fancy with your nails if you won't have the time to upkeep them.  Instead, opt for a buffer such as the Revlon Crazy Shine.  It makes your nails super shiny, naturally, without nail polish and it can last up to two weeks.  It's only about $3 at Wal-Mart or Target.  You will be amazed when you see the results and even more when you see it does not rub off!  Don't forget about your toe nails, they are just as important (if you are going to show them off) so please, don't use open toe shoes if they are not looking neat.

So ultimately, your nails should always give a positive perception about yourself.  After all, your hands are one of the first things people notice in you. Think about it, you use them when you give that initial handshake, when you talk, eat, write, etc.  So always remember to keep them looking beautiful!  And, if you choose to use acrylic nails, please avoid looking like this.

Awesome Deals!

Fashionistas, I just thought I'd share with you that the William Rast line (Justin Timberlake line) is on clearance at Target, everything is 75% off.  I got some jeans for $10! So run to your nearest Target or look online before it's all gone. If you have any questions about any of my posts so far, please don't hesitate to ask in the comments box.  Have a fabulous weekend!

The Art of Makeup

Well, just as I am fascinated with fashion, I am with makeup.  I love the magic of it, you can fix mostly anything if you know how to do it (without looking like you have a plaster of makeup on).  Playing with makeup is very fun and easy, if you don't like it, it is as easy as washing your face and starting all over.  So dedicate a day just to play with makeup, try different looks, the only witness will be you and your mirror, and always remember, you can just wash your face and it will all be gone.  If you like it, you now have learned something new, you can try whenever you want.

One of the things I have learned in the past few years is contouring.  Contouring is used to slim down the face and make it seem more defined.  You didn't think those models had perfect bone structures on their face, did you?  This is a fun step and it makes a great difference when you apply it. Once you master it, and with the right tools, it can be done in as little as 3 minutes-and it's worth it!  So, what you want to do is grab a small brush such as this one...

Next, find any matte shadow, concealer, or makeup that is at least 5-10 shades darker than yours. I like to use one by Physician's Formula called Canyon Classics, which comes with 4 different colors (remember, it has to be matte, no shimmer in it whatsoever). Concealer or foundation sticks are perfect for this, but cream products need a lot more blending. 

Born to Shop

As far as I can remember, I have been fascinated by stores, shopping, and everything that has to do with fashion and beauty.  I remember the long days of shopping with my mom, we would have breakfast and dinner at the mall, and I loved it.  I remember seeing my mom taking money out of this "magical" machine and thinking, "someday I will grow up and take out enough money to buy the entire mall."  I always wondered why my mom never thought of that idea!
In high school, there was a lot of experimentation, and $200 would only buy a pair of jeans and two shirts, three if I was lucky.  Today, with all those years of experience I learned many things along the way, one of them being to shop smart, $200 now buys about 5 to 6 outfits, which is perfect for a girl who shops as much as I do.  I have learned the arrangement of my favorite stores-I can scan through a store in about 30 minutes and spot all the "hidden" treasures.  All this comes with enough practice of course, but I will try to share all of my secrets with you, so you too can be a bargain shopper and still look fabulous.  There are of course some things that unfortunately you have to splurge on, which I will share with you later on.
In this blog I will share all the things I have learned throughout the years, my favorite products, stores, beauty secrets, makeup tricks and answer any questions you might have.  After all those years, today, all grown up, I now know that magical machine is called an ATM and I know that unfortunately, it is not magical, but I still have the same dream of someday taking out enough money and buy an entire mall, and little by little I am getting there!