Usopretty!

Welcome to my makeup and beauty blog! I want to share with you my tips and tricks I have learned throughout the years. Come follow me on a glamourous journey to learn about the simplest tricks to get beautified. I'll tell you about all the secrets I have learned from working with Chanel and Christain Dior. Im looking forward to sharing my knowledge with you! <3 var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-23933669-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })();

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Halloween Makeup Tutorials

Halloween Makeup Tutorial

Every year I’m always indecisive wondering how I’m going to do my makeup for Halloween.  So I thought I will gather some of my favorite Halloween makeup tutorials to share with you guys.  It’s not in any specific order they are all equally loved and admired. 1.  Sexy Cat Halloween Makeup This tutorial is from MissChievous, I love how she did a sexy spin on this Halloween cat makeup tutorial.  Its simple easy and definitely a head turner!  Her technique of drawing leopard print was quick and effortless. For those who have trouble drawing on eyeliner with a liquid liner, try drawing it out with eye shadow first and then go over it with a liquid or gel liner.  I learned this trick because I cannot draw a straight line for the life of me!  So I take an eyeliner brush and dab it in some eye shadow and outline my eyeliner before applying liquid liner.  This way, if I don’t like the way my liner is coming out.  I could brush off the eye shadow (or areas I don’t like) and redraw it again till I get it to my liking.  And voila, a perfect straight liner without the hills and squiggles in between.   Here is the link to her cute video; I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYKuHEwr5yI

2.     Zipper Makeup Tutorial

You don’t always have to be pretty on Halloween.  I always seem to like the ugly and gory makeup for Halloween.   I came across this video a long time ago and I thought it was the coolest thing!  Petrilude is the makeup artist of this video and I thought he did an amazing job.  This is a great Halloween makeup tutorial for those who want more of a horrifying look.  Petrilude applied the zippers on his eye area, but if you don’t want anything near your eye.  You can always place it in other areas of your face.  I also linked other zipper videos to give you guys ideas of different areas you can place the zipper.  Use Petrilude’s example of how to apply the zipper because in the other tutorials they don’t explain how they got their look.  I just wanted to showed you those videos to give you guys an idea of different zipper placements and looks. 

Petrilude Unzipped Makeup Tutorial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AOEjCwM18k Zipper Face Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ju9MGtbRu4&feature=related Zipper mouth Tutorial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-i0yY9TkOM

3.      Mystique From X-men Makeup Tutorial

This makeup tutorial is for those who want to be a little more daring this Halloween.  I randomly came across this video and was shocked to see how simple it was to create this look.  Promise Phan used a lot of affordable products that won’t break your piggy bank.  I get excited to see wonderful makeup transformations without spending so much on product.  We all know how costly makeup can get.  This makeup look is great for you X-Men lovers!

Promise Phan’s Mystique Tutorial

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6WujTvwZ0c  

  4.  Sexy Clown/Doll Makeup Tutorial

I absolutely love this Halloween makeup tutorial!  Like most women, I love glitter and anything sparkly.  I did this look last year and had a blast doing it.  I didn’t do my eye shadow exactly like how Sarah did it but I did something similar that would look good on my eyes.  Remember with makeup, its not always going to look the same on us.  So I tweaked the eye shadow part and did my own look that works for my eye shape.  The rest of my makeup was the same as the tutorial. 

The hardest part of the makeup application was to draw perfect circles on my cheeks.  I don’t know about you guys, but I’m pretty anal when it comes to everything being flawless and symmetrical.  So what I did was, I took something round and placed it on my cheek.  I then traced the circle on my face with eye shadow and then go over it with my liquid eyeliner.  I had to do this a few times because my circles were not aligning the way I wanted it to.  Other then that, everything else was very simple and fun to do.  Ahhh gotta love glitter!

Sarah Victor’s sexy clown/doll video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VncOjFZNGO8

 5.  Zombie Makeup Tutorial

What is Halloween without Zombies!!  Lately I been infatuated with zombies, it’s probably because I been watching too much of The Walking Dead on AMC.  I found a pretty cool website that gives you all the information you would need to become a gruesome zombie.  Check out the link and zombify yourself!

http://www.zombiehub.com/zombie-makeup.html

Hope you guys liked some of my favorite Halloween makeup tutorials, and got some good ideas of what you can transform into this year.  Have a safe and happy Halloweeeen!   

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Gothic Lolita Makeup

This Gothic Lolita look came from my love of the Japanese culture.  The Lolita fashion became popular with the Japanese youth in the 1990’s.  Although I decided to do a gothic look, there are other style types.  Such as, Sweet Lolita, Punk Lolita, Classic Lolita, Sailor Lolita etc.  The Gothic Lolita style consists of darker make-up and clothing.  You could see them wearing red lipstick with smoky/defined eyes and others with dark clothing and fairly natural makeup.

I decided to do my makeup with the red lips and a smoky eye.  The makeup application was easy and not that difficult to do.  I actually came across a YouTube video of Michelle Phan doing a Gothic Lolita Doll tutorial and I got my inspiration for my makeup through her.  The only thing I did different was that I did my eye makeup before I applied my foundation.  The reason is, if I get fall out from my eye shadow, it’s easier to clean up without messing up my foundation.  Other then that, I used her technique to do my eyes and lip to create my Gothic Lolita makeup.  Maybe this can be your Halloween makeup look this year!

Here is the list of products I used.

Foundation Makeup: Chanel Pro Lumiere Makeup – Shell

Press Powder:  Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Powder – Sand

False Eyelashes: Lash Royalty Lashes - 2 Luxe Lashes and 1 Pacha lash on top, 2 Ballerina Lashes, and Pacha Lash on bottom

Eye Lash Glue: Duo Glue

Eyeliner: NYX white eye liner, NYX Skinny Marker liquid liner (I used liquid liner instead of gel liner)

Eye Shadow: Mac eye shadow - Carbon Coastal Scents eye shadow palette

Lip Liner: Elizabeth Arden lip liner – True Red Maybelline Waterproof Eye Liner – Onyx Chanel lipstick – Fire (color was discontinued) Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss –  Cherry Fever

Link to Michelle Phan’s tutorial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk6lWXSE5IY

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Introducing Chanel's new Rouge Allure Velvet matte lipstick collection!  Say goodbye to the shiny lipsticks and say hello to the mad men era of matte lipsticks.  Think of the 50's and early 60's where the natural look was top off with a strong matte lip.  Particularly a red, but since we're in the 21st century.  We could dress our lips with any color we want!!  There are 8 new colors that range in beige, pinks, reds, and brown!  Take your pick and let me know which one is your favorite! 

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Capture Totale One Essential Skin Boosting Serum

This detoxifying and anti-aging serum is a must have in your skincare regiment.  Why, you ask?!  Well, did you know each day our skin accumulates 7 billion toxins that weaken and suffocates our skin cells?!  Yes you heard right, 7 billion ugly toxins are suffocating and weakening our cells.  This means that whatever moisturizer or skincare product being used, it's not working at it's full potential.  Just think of it this way, we detox our bodies to be healthier and function better.  Cause if we don't, our bodies may seem more sluggish or out of sync.  So, the same goes for our skin.  Our skin is not going to function at it's best if the toxins are weakening our cells, slowing down repair, and regeneration.  This is why you should try One Essential, it is absolutely amazing!  Within the first few days of using this product.  I found that my skin was becoming more polished and radiant.  I started to see more clarity and my makeup was going on  smoother and flawless. 

One Essential not only detoxifies the skin but helps repair and corrects all signs of aging like wrinkles, loss of firmness, and uneven skin tone.  Its going to intensely repair the skin by stimulating cellular regeneration all the way down to the stem cells.  It will also boost your skincare products so it can be up to 4 times more efficient.  

For those who are wondering if they are suppose to replace their current face serum with One Essential.  No, you are not replacing it, you are applying One Essential first then your daily serum on top of it.  Your skincare process should look like this....... 1. Cleanse your face 2. Apply your lotion toner  3. Apply One Essential detox serum (One pump should be more then enough) 4. Apply your daily facial serum 5. Apply your moisturizer 6. Then apply your eye cream

I really do loooove this product and its one of my favorite skincare products that I can not live without.  Just remember, its going to repair your skin, boost your existing skincare, and prolong the benefits for your skin.  It is higher on the price range but you do see results.  I'm getting close to my 30's and I'm honestly becoming so anal about taking care of my skin and preventing the horrrriiibblllleeee signs of aging!  Im starting to see fine lines! :(  Do you know how scary that is!?! I was so use to having my teenage youthful skin.  But now that I'm getting closer to 30, everything is starting to go down hill.  My metabolism is slowing down and I don't have the energy as I use to.............  Seeing these horrible effects of aging, I can definitely say I need to be on top of my skincare regime and find wonderful products that will help prevent these signs of aging.  Maybe this way I can look young forever!!!  Haha, I can only wish!  But seriously, One Essential is uh-maz-ing! 

Here are the prices for it 1.0oz - $95 1.7oz - $120

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Debloating and detox green drink

Most mornings when I'm not feeling lazy, I will make this green drink for breakfast.  It's super healthy, low in calories, rich in vitamins, high in fiber, and a great way to debloat and detox. 

I first discovered this drink on the Kathie Lee and Hoda show.  I heard debloat and I was like whhaaa?!!!  I was so excited to hear about this magical drink.  Anything to relieve bloating is good in my book! 

As I was watching the show, Kathie Lee and Hoda stated that they have a glass every morning before the segment to debloat.  They love the taste and benefits.  So with curiosity, I tried making the drink.  It's definitely refreshing and different from any type of smoothie I have ever had.  But I'm not going to lie, it took a few tries to perfect the taste to my liking.  So when you try making it, keep playing around with the ingredients until you find your perfect balance of taste.  

Here's the list of ingredients and instructions.  The recipe is for 2 servings 16 ounces each.  Ingredients 1 1/2 cups water 1 head organic Romaine lettuce, chopped 3-4 stalks organic celery 1/2 head organic spinach 1 organic apple, cored and chopped 1 organic pear, cored and chopped 1/3 bunch organic cilantro (stems OK) 1/3 bunch organic parsley (stems OK) 1 organic banana Juice of 1/2 fresh organic lemon

Directions Add water, chopped head of romaine lettuce to the blender. Starting the blender on a low speed, mix until smooth. Gradually moving to higher speeds, add the celery, apple, pear, cilantro and parsley. Add the banana and lemon juice last.

Side Notes - I added ice because the first time I made the drink the blender made it so warm. 

- If you add to much banana it may over power the drink.  I tend to only put half of a banana because I don't like the way it taste with a full portion.

- Adding honey or truvia will help sweeten the flavor.

- And lastly, if your are experiencing some bowel movement issues.  This drink will really clear your problem.  

It's such a great drink with so many benefits.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  Go get your green on!  Also remember, healthy body means healthy and glowy skin!

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Fashion's Night Out @ the Beverly Center

Maybe past due, but I wanted to share with you guys my wonderful experience during fashions night out in L.A.  It was such a great night with great music, glamorous runway shows and beautiful people.  I was honored to be apart of Dior's makeup team to  beautify the lovely models for the runway.  Posted are pictures of me and some of my models I glammed up for their catwalk moment.  It's always awesome to watch your work come to life at the end of the night.  :)  Favorite products used on my models were Dior Airflash foundation and Lipglow.  I am absolutely in love with both items!!!  I'll post details on them in my later posts.

Designer and Stylist Keylee Sanders along with T.V personality/event planner Brain Worley hosted the fashion show.  Then you were able to find DJ Sky Nellor spinning live on the ones and twos.  She definitely brought allot of energy and good vibes throughout the night.   It was a great to end my night with good music and amazing people.

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Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

     This is one of my favorite affordable hydrating creams.  It's light weight, hydrates your skin for 24 hours and a great moisturizer for the upcoming winter. 

I was out shopping for a new cream, and a sales associate introduced me to this.  I wasn't very familiar with the brand but I decided to give it a shot!  My skin tends to be a little dehydrated, so I needed something that will be moisturizing without being too rich in texture.  The cream gives me the right amount of hydration and leaves my skin very smooth.  It's also really affordable!  I bought the large 4.2 oz for $46, but if you dont want to go big, the regular 1.7 oz jar is $24.50.  The only con with this cream is that it doesn't have any SPF.  So remember to wear your sunblock on top!

Heres how Kiehl's describe their cream •24-hour, light-textured daily hydrator leaves skin comfortable and visibly well-balanced, particularly in harsh weather conditions. •Unique combination of ingredients helps reduce moisture loss while drawing and absorbing moisture from the air. •With continuous moisture replenishment throughout the day, skin is smooth and healthy-looking.

And if your looking to find out the cream's key ingredients and functionality.  You can find all the information on this link :)

http://www.kiehls.com/Ultra-Facial-Cream/622,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=whats-new

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Chalize Theron the face of Dior's perfume J'adore.  She is absolutely gorgeous and stunning.  Check her out in Dior's new commercial for J'adore!  Love her! 

http://www.dior.com/beauty/usa/en/minisite/fragrance/jadore_2011/tf501-13.html

Did I mention J'adore is one of my favorite scents to wear?  It's a floral, feminine and delicate. 

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Are you a Dior Diva?!

     I dont know about you guys, but I am the biggest Diva you seen thus far!  How do you become a Dior Diva you ask?  No need for sky high heels, LV purses, full lips, or attitude.  All you need is to log on to www.diordivavip.com to become a CD Diva!  Dior Diva is a program that allows you to earn diva points.  Every dollar you spend with Dior, you get back in points.  After accumulating a certain amount of points, you will receive free deluxe travel sizes of Christain Dior best sellers or full size product.  If you already use Dior why not register and become a Diva! 

Heres the point system, but the rewards are subject to change at anytime. 

Adorable Diva - 100 points Receive deluxe travel sizes of Dior best sellers in an adorable mini Dior shopping bag. Diva Deluxe - 250 points Receive a full size Diorshow Extase Mascara in Black and a deluxe skincare miniature in a must-have pouch. Runway Diva - 500 points Receive a full sized Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum and Primer, Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Awakening Lipbalm, and a deluxe fragrance miniature in a chic makeup pouch. Divine Diva - 1000 points Receive a full size Diorshow Extase Mascara in Black, Dior Addict Lip Polish in Fresh Expert, 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection, and two deluxe skincare miniatures in a signature Dior makeup trunk.

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I think, I’m still the only girl in the world, that doesn’t get their eyebrows waxed or threaded.  I’m kinda scared to do it.  What if they mess up?! Until I grow the balls to go, I’m stuck plucking my own eyebrows.   For this reason, I’m glad I came across the best tweezers ever! Like ever! The Japonesque tweezers are the ish!  Hands down, the best I have ever used.  I've tried Tweezermans and other brands, but none of them could compare. I had my tweezers for years now.  It's in perfect condition and hasn't lost its edge.  Even if it did, I could simply send it back to Japonesque and get my tweezers recondition for free. 

Here's the link to the Recondition Program:

http://www.japonesque.com/prog_Tweezer.cfm

The tweezers are extremely precise and allows me to grab the shortest hairs in one try.  I recently just bought another pair, just because, I saw it on sale at ULTA.  It was buy one get one free on top of a 20% coupon. I could not pass up a deal of buying two amazing tweezers for 16 bucks.  Woot!  I highly recommend you try them out, you’ll be impressed with the results.

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Amazon has been my go to place, to purchase some of my cosmetics, at discount pricing.  I get makeup at sales prices, with free shipping and zero sales tax (in most states). You seriously can't beat that!

If your a student, than you can really take advantage of the discounts.  Amazon offers a program called "Amazon Student".  You simply register by entering your university/college email.   With Amazon student, your able to get free two day shipping on most items, or one day shipping for $3.99.  On top of that, your memberships free for a full year!  Mine just ended, so I'm pretty bummed, that I cant take advantage of the two day free shipping anymore.  It's pretty awesome to buy my makeup or whatever else I need, for no sales tax, free shipping and all for discounted prices.  Let's just hope that law doesn't pass, where amazon will start charging sales tax in all states.  I believe, right now, Kansas, Kentucky, New York, North Dakota and Washington are subject to tax.  :(  So, take advantage of the Amazon Student account, before its too late!  Any way to help save money, is always good in my book.  :)  Here's the link where you can get started!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/student/signup/info

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Chanel UV Essential SPF 50 - $52

This is my must have for the summer! I la la la la la love this sunblock.  Yes, its' a bit higher on the price spectrum, but, I just cant part from it!  So, let me tell you why: its light weight, non greasy, contains vitamin E, plant extracts, its oil free and has Licorice Extract; which helps to diminish and prevent dark spots!  It also helps to prevent premature aging!

I'm able wear this under my makeup without my face feeling greasy or oily.  It protects my skin from the environment and it helps diminish the look of sun spots.  I'm getting older so I have to worry about these things now. :(  It's honestly the best sunblock I have ever used.   Remember, the sun, is what gives us our wrinkles, sun spots, dark spots, and what makes our skin age.  Its better to protect your skin now, so when your older you could still look like a million bucks. Trust me, this is definitely a must have!

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Chanel Liquid Eyeshadow $32

This is my summer must have!  The only way I could get through the summer without my eyeshadow creasing, is by using this magical creation.  What makes this so magical is that no other products I've used has kept my eyeshadow from creasing. I have tried it all, and this bad boy is the only thing I have found that will keep my eyeshadows from forming that horrid crease.  You can use it as a eyeshadow or use it as an eyeshadow base.  Either way, your going to fall in love with it while being crease free!  Chanel has a variety of colors to choose from.  I like the color "Delta" because its a neutral tone that would go with anything.  Try it out and tell me how you like it!

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Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips

If you dont have time to go the nail salon or go get your Minx nails. This is a great alternative! Its fast, its easy to apply and theres no drying time.  Each box has 16 nail polish strips. Its divided up to 8 strips per container.  I normally use 1 container per application.  Being that the nail polish strips are so long, I could reuse the same strip for the other hand.  This way I could save the other container for another day.  You buy one box but you can get two manicures out of it.  Just as long you keep the second container sealed.  The Sally Hansen Nail Strips runs about $9-$10 and lasts for about 10 days.  You can pick them up at Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Ulta.

I've also worn the "Check It" and "Cut It Out" and every time I rock em, I get so many compliments.  Hope you guys like them as much as I do! :)

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Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I like to try all different makeup brands, to see which one I like the most.....or to see which one would give me the same benefits as major makeup lines.  I dont know about you guys, but I'm pretty frugal.  Plus its fun to look for bargains! 

Okie, on to my review.  I decided to try Neutrogena's makeup remover towelettes when I got tired of buying expensive towlettes from major lines.  I wanted to see if it will give me the same benefits as the towelettes I been buying and sure enough, it did!  It removes my waterproof eyeliner, mascara and everything else I like to pile on my face!

Heres the best part to this review, you can go to costco and get these bad boys for only $14.99!!!  It comes with 114 towelettes!  One pack of 25 towelettes at Walmart is $4.97.  If you do the math Costco will be your best spot to grab these towelettes.  You get more bang for your buck when you buy it in a value pack!   

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4th of July Nails!

Minx has a great selection of 4th of July Nails to choose from.  It has been a trendy nail craze that all women love.  You can go on their website to find a Minx Stylist near you.  Hurry and go get your nails done for the holiday! http://www.minxnails.com/findastylist.aspx

Happy 4th everyone and be safe!

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Glowly Skin Using the Sauna or Steam Room!

Yes you heard that right, if you sit in the suana or steam room you could have beautiful glowly skin.  This is my secret before I head off to an event where I have to look snazzy.  The heat opens up your pores and the sweat will help your body eliminate toxins and other gunk that clogs your pores.  Some say the sauna is good for acne prone skin, it can help with weight loss and boost your immune system. The steam room is a little bit different from the sauna.  The sauna uses dry heat and the steam room is moist heat.  They both give the same benefits except the steam room will help with respiratory problems like asthma or sinus congestion.  The steam room also helps to hydrate your skin.  I remember the first time I got out of the steam room, I kept touching my skin because it was so soft!  Its seriously awesome how one session can make a huge difference.  I was totally hooked! Are you guys seeing why I love the sauna and steam room?!?!!  Just remember to hydrate yourself before and after.  Also I wouldnt recommend staying in there for no more then 20 mins.  I find 15-20 mins is good enough.  See which one you like better and do what works for you. I will guarantee your skin looking glowly!  And remember, if your skin looks good your makeup will look amazing!