Model in a Bottle: A love story

I have searched far and wide for a product to help my makeup last all day. A few years ago I tried a setting spray from Cinema Secrets. It was very easy to use. You simply misted your face with the spray, let it dry, and Voila . . . you were ready to go. At first the formulation seemed perfect, but the more I used it, the more I began to notice its imperfections. The spray would feel heavy on my face, and during the application process, instead of spraying out of the bottle as a gentle mist, it shot out like a laser beam. . . you could imagine the danger I put myself in every time I used it. Another issue that came up was the fact that my makeup would look really blotchy anytime I had to touch it up. Not a good look! The idea of a setting spray was appealing, and I wanted it to work, but I found myself back to square one on discovering the perfect product that would help my makeup last all day.  

It's a 2oz bottle, and it holds over 300 sprays per bottle. With camera flash. 

You can see the packaging a bit better in this one. Without camera flash.

It was not long after that I crossed paths with perfection. Every year I go to IMATS Los Angeles, and if my memory serves me correctly (I usually like to add a little drama & pizazz to a story) this is how I was introduced to Model in a Bottle. I was walking down an aisle at the convention aimlessly and as I looked up past some vendors there was a light beaming on a particular booth and a choir singing right next to it. I thought to myself, "I wonder what that is," and I felt the sudden urge to run over to the warm and captivating booth. As I dashed over to the booth it was like I warped into another world: the world of Model in a Bottle. My outfit was transformed into a beautiful ball gown; my hair and makeup were flawless. I was greeted with a spritz of Model in a Bottle on my face to help my flawless look last all day. As the fine mist landed on my face, it didn’t feel heavy, and it had a lovely scent. So many things were happening all around me; I couldn't help but be fascinated. For example, they served cupcakes that were ZERO calories and other tasty treats and offered champagne that flowed from a fountain. Every person that walked by had flawless makeup that looked like it was freshly applied. I knew it had something to do with the magical spray! Then finally, there it was on the display, Model in a Bottle. Once I had it in my hands I could feel it was special, and it really was! I’ve been using it for the past 2 or 3 years and I’ve never looked back. The real story of my introduction: I walked up to the booth and decided to try it and I fell in love.

This is my makeup at the end of the day. I did NOT touch up. Although, maybe I should have applied at least a little lip color. I did use paper blotters to take some of my shine away. Also, it was a warm day, and it lasted.

My eye makeup didn't crease at all! I did have on more blush, but the flash from my camera washed me out.

What I love about it:

·         Helps my makeup last all day

·         The mist is fine, and settles nicely onto the skin

·         I do touch up, but not nearly as much as I did before I started using it

Tips:

·         If it does happen to leave droplets on your skin, a quick fix is to lightly blend using a tapping motion with a duo fibre brush.

·         Apply it once your makeup is done and your mascara is completely dry and keep your eyes closed when you spray it

·         I usually do about two to four sprays for my whole face

Perfect for:

·        Everyday use

·         Traveling, I always take mine when I travel, it’s a must

·         Weddings or any special occasion

·         Clubs or lounges or just going out

Quick note: I know to some people the scent is strong (it’s a fresh/clean scent), I really like it though. Also, before I forget, if you have sensitive skin they make a sensitive skin formula of Model in a Bottle. If you go to their website they have a list of retailers that sell Model in a Bottle, just type in your zip code. Check it out, Model in a Bottle. If you’ve tried it tell me what you think in the comments below.

Nail of the Day- Yummy Mummy

Today’s NOTD is a color called Yummy Mummy by butter London. It’s a really pretty nude color. It has a slight shimmer, but it’s not noticeable unless you really look at the nail. It’s an opaque color, after one coat it covered my nail. I applied a second coat for safe measure. This is the first time I’ve tried butter London. I’ve seen it around, but couldn’t get myself to pay that much for a polish. They carry it at Ulta and I was able to use a coupon on it. I’m happy I got it. Have you tried Yummy Mummy or any butter London? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Nail of the Day- Pick your favorite

Today’s nail of the day is two different nails. I want to know which nail look you like better. They are two completely different looks. The first is an all black nail with a gold glitter accent nail. The second is a purple polish with silver shatter polish over it.  

I would love to hear your thoughts, please comment below and let me know which you like better. Thanks! 

Summer/ Beach Essentials

Summer is fast approaching and most of us are getting ready to spend some time at the beach! I don’t always wear makeup to the beach, but sometimes I like to look more polished and put-together when I go. Also, I’ll take some products for a quick application, in case I need to go somewhere after the beach. Here are some of my summer/ beach must-haves and tips.

Before I leave the house:

·         I wear bright color polishes on my toes and finger nails in the summer; I love a bright pop of color!

·         Hair: I have naturally wavy (thin!) hair; after I wash it I add Moroccan Oil to give some shine and let Mother Nature handle the rest. It usually gets wavier at the beach

·         Prep my skin (cleanse and moisturize) I like to mix in my SPF with my moisturizer

·         Prep my lips: I use the Mary Kay satin lips lip mask. It makes them extra soft and moisturized. Then I apply my chap stick (preferably one with an SPF)

·         Add a little base: Tinted moisturizer or Origins VitaZing. A touch of bronzer and a pop of cheek color

·         Then I’ll add some definition to my brows, otherwise they look sad

·         I prime my eyes and sweep a light color across and coat lashes with some mascara

·         A quick swipe of gloss and I’m ready to go!

·         Quick note: I know it seems like a lot of steps, but I’m usually done in less than five minutes when I do a quick application

Colors with a pop! From left to right: island girl in Waikiki Color; Sinful Colors in Frenzy; China Glaze in Pool Party

Just an idea for a bright color with an accent nail. I did this as my NOTD in my last post.

Gives my hair shine, conditions it and smells great.

I use Obagi or Neutrogena as my sunblock and mix it with my moisturizer.

I love the Mary Kay Satin Lips, it softens and smoothes my lips. I add chap stick after to keep them moisturized.

To even out my skin I'll use Origins VitaZing or Smashbox Cooling tint (I sometimes add a luminator to Smashbox for an extra glow)

Bronzer! I love them all! (Right to left: Bourjois Bronzing Powder in 52; Physicians Formula in Light Bronzer; Hourglass in Mirage) at the moment I'm using the Hourglass a lot and it says it's waterproof.

 

What I take with me (to the beach) that I’ll need there or to add on to the look for later:

·         Travel brushes

·         Makeup touch-ups: gloss, blush, powder, chap stick with SPF

·         Palette for eyes: to give them a little more definition. Since I prepped my eyes earlier I just add some more definition and I’m ready to go out

·         Sunscreen for my body

·         Sunglasses

·         WATER: I try to drink a lot of water, especially in the summertime

·         Hat or small towel: I don’t like to tan my face, that’s what bronzers are for! And I’ve burned my scalp before and it really hurts!!!

·         Face spray: The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist, it feels great and freshens up my skin

·         Perfume or body spray: something easy to travel with

For a pop of color and to touch up with I really like Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in adored or Nyx mosaic blush in #6 Rosey.

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette. This is a great palette for light natural look or a dramatic smokey look. 

Products that are always with me especially in the summer: My skin tends to get shiny and sometimes my makeup feels like it might melt away, so I like to touch up throughout the day.

·         Powder

·         Blush + brush to apply

·         Lipstick and gloss

·         Chap stick

·         Eye brightener or concealer: if my eyes need to wake up!

I hope you enjoyed reading my summer must-haves and tips. Let me know if you have any other must-haves or tips that you would like to share in the comments below. Thanks!!

Nail of the Day

This is a fun look I wanted to try out. I didn’t know how it would turn out, but I love it! Accent nails are really popular right now, and I wanted an extreme glitter accent nail.

Products I used:

·         China Glaze: Pool Party

·         Gold Glitter

Tip: After I applied the last coat of color polish, before it dried, I dipped it into the glitter container. Then I pressed lightly on the glitter to secure it on my nail. I let it set then I applied a clear top coat, and voilà! Gorgeous nails!!

Hope you enjoyed the NOTD. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Also, let me know if the tip helped you create your accent nail. Thanks!