skincare • selfcare • lifestyle

12.31.2012

What 2012 Has Taught Me

Today is the last day of 2012 and I have been thinking for weeks that I wanted to write this post but wasn't sure how or what I wanted to say exactly. I have been through so much lately and the entire process is life changing as it alters everything you have known to be true.  The normal is unknown.  I am scared and confused of what lies ahead.....I'm on a new path, a new journey! 

At this point I am nowhere near healed and I know it will take time.  I have learned some things along the way so far that help to keep my chin up and get me through each day..... 
I am not broken! 
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12.29.2012

Etude House Precious Mineral Powder Review

Today I want to review the Etude House Precious Mineral Brightener.  This is a highlighter compact with four different colors that when blended, gives a brightening effect to the skin.

I was looking for a radiant/sheen highlighter to brighten up on the tops of my cheek bones, down the bridge of my nose and around my lips but this was way too shimmery/glittery....

The 4 colors do blend well together creating a very nice and bright shine on the skin but I found this to be way too shimmery! Disco ball anyone!! It didn't look very natural! I was hoping that this would look more subtle and soft but it was a bit chunky and almost had a glittery look to it.  It is not very finely milled and didn't flatter my skin at all! Someone with mature skin would probably not like this because it will accentuate any fine lines making them stand out due to this having way too much shimmer.



The packaging is cute and pink and comes in a standard round flip lid compact with a mirror inside.  No puff or sponge but they wouldn't work well with this product as it would apply too much product in one area.  This is best applied with a brush or your fingers! Overall I wasn't impressed and would not repurchase!

Have you tried Etude House???


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12.21.2012

Sigma Holiday Giveaway


Holiday Giveaway Time!!!

So I know I am a little late for a holiday giveaway but I really wanted to give back to you all for all the support I have been receiving lately :)  This time in my life has been extremely difficult but reading your comments has lifted my spirits and has made me feel like I am not alone in this big scary world!

Here is a little something from me to you showing my appreciation...I know it's not much but it's a little something!

What you will win:  $25 E-Gift Certificate Code to Sigma Beauty

How do you enter: Just follow the rafflecopter below

This giveaway is open to everyone worldwide!! Good luck to everyone and Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

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12.20.2012

40 Before 40




I saw this going around the blog community and thought to myself....this would be a good opportunity to get some resolutions out on the table going forward.  I am going to dedicate this to life after divorce and moving on, writing a list of things I want to accomplish before turning the BIG 40!!   Here it goes!

1.  Finish a grad degree
2.  Change career
3.  Meet a nice man who will love me for who I am
4.  Write a novel
5.  Travel to Europe
6.  Travel throughout the US
7.  Learn Korean more fluently 
8.  Blog more often
9.  Read more
10.  Learn how to design blogs
12.  Learn how to do media art
13. Buy a house to raise my son and take care of my family
14.  Lose 20 pounds and keep it off
15.  Start doing yoga again weekly
16.  Work on my clothing style
17.  Get a tattoo
18.  Make love in the Caribbean!
19.  Pay off my car
20.  Pay off debt
21.  Have a savings of at least 6 months salary
22.  Earn a good salary to support my family
23.  Learn how to forgive 
24.  Learn how to love again
25.  Take 5 cooking classes
26.  Go on a cross country road trip 
27.  Go to a nude beach and be nude!
28.  Take communion in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
29.  Drink Tequila in Mexico
30. Sing karaoke
31.  Go camping
32. Spend more time praying than worrying
33.  Host an ugly xmas sweater party
34. Get more organized
35.  Start a journal and keep it up
36. Go to the Monterey Aquarium 
37.  Take my son to the Redwood National Forest
38.  Take a photography class
39.  Learn to be more patient
40.  Visit the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam


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12.04.2012

Skinfood Parsley and Mandarin Cream Review


Today I wanted to review the Skinfood Parsley and Mandarin Cream.  This is not really a cream but a very light weight hydrating moisturizer for those with troubled skin. It is an easily absorbed gel that relieves skin troubles and controls sebum with long lasting moisturizing effects.  It is gentle and refreshing and contains anti-baterial properties.

It is made with parsley and mandarin extracts as well as dandelion and lily.  It also contains nano technology for clearer, faster results.

Instructions: Apply an adequate amount to face (preferably after the Parsley and Mandarian Essence) during day or night time regime.  Gently pat for absorption.


This gel cream is meant for someone with acne and oily skin.  It is a very strong herbal scented gel that is very refreshing and cooling to the skin and helps to reduce breakouts and kill bacteria as well as reduce inflammation and redness.  While this was extremely light weight, I found that it did not hydrate my skin enough! I have a skin that is easily dehydrated and more combination than oily.  This product would be better recommended for someone with a true oily skin that has light acne problems.  I do feel that is did help reduce the inflammation of active acne spots and did reduce redness in my skin...it just wasn't moisturizing enough. I feel that the Naruko Tea Tree Oil Out Night Gelly is a much better product with better results and more hydration!

Have you tried Skinfood??
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11.27.2012

NOTD - Nail of the Day

I picked up this Butter London Nail Polish in Toff this past summer but thought it was too deep to wear until the fall and winter! It is a beautiful creamy grayish grape purple color, very opaque and rich :-) I do love the cooler under tone as it looks good against my pale skin! My hands look super dry in this pictures...sorry for that :)




You can even spice this up by applying a thin layer or glitter :)  

Butter London Lovely Jubbly over Toff

Have you tried  Butter London?

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11.26.2012

Drugstore Finds!

Recently a local store called Fred Meyer was having a sale on all color cosmetics and I have been wanting to try out some new goodies and with the sale going on, it was the perfect time!



So I know you all know about the Maybelline Color Tattoo cream shadows because they are everywhere!! Literally...everyone is talking about them but to be honest, when they first came out I wasn't that impressed with the color selection....until I saw this display for the new Fall 2012 collection! These are LE, limited edition colors and they are amazing colors :)

 Here are the colors I picked up! (Left to Right) Mossy Green, Barely Beige and Gold Shimmer
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11.09.2012

Get Nailed Giveaway

Hooray...another blog giveaway for you all ^.^

If you have been following me and this blog you will know that I have been struggling lately, in many aspects of my life.  I was going to wait until I hit 3K subscribers on my YouTube channel but I have received so much love and support from you all that I really wanted to give back!! So here is a little something to say thank you!

This is a Zoya Nail Polish Sampler including 3 full size polishes...

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10.05.2012

OPI My Throne for a Cranberry Scone Dupe

Monday I posted a picture of my nails on Instagram and got a big response.  I decided to dedicate an entire post of my nail color today because "Houston, we have a problem!" The color I had on my nails is unfortunately discounted!




The color, OPI's My Throne for a Cranberry Scone is an amazing color! It's best described as a true rich creamy berry cranberry.  This polish is unfortunately not mine! I went to get a back fill on my solar nails (which I recently got and have been absolutely loving BTW) and the nail shop had this color available and I fell in love with it immediately.  How can you not...what a fabulous color :)

So I did a little research and there are some places you can still purchase this color (ie Ebay) and the prices are not too overboard! However, I wanted to find a good dupe that was readily available as I really do love this color especially for the fall season and it looks great with my skin coloring.

So here is what I found....

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9.23.2012

Tarte 2012 Holiday Collection Sets

It is not even October yet and the holidays are sneaking up on us! Don't get me wrong, I love the winter season! Baking cookies and pumpkin pie :) Yum!  But can we at least get through Halloween :)

Anyway....I recently began spotting some Limited Edition sets at Sephora and Ulta and wanted to share some of the LE items from Tarte as they are a brand I love!

There are a few Tarte exclusive holiday sets on their website :)


Here are the Sephora Exclusive Sets!

 Tarte LE "Carried Away Collector's Set $54 ($512 value)

This set contains:

Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Adventurous (shimmering rose)
Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder
Maracuja Lip Glosses
Light, Camera, Lashes! 4-In-1 Mascara
Face Brush
Amazonian Clay Eyeshadows
Adventurer Bag


Tarte LE 5 Piece LipSurgence Set
$34 ($112 value)

Contains:
Lip Luster Natural Matte Lip Tint in Escape, Enchanted, Exposed, Sweet, Elite


Tarte LE Fantastic Foursome 4-Piece Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush Enthusiast Set
$35 ($60 value)

Contains:
Angelic (shimmering champagne), Fantastic (soft fuchsia) 
Magic (pink coral) Stellar (shimmering nude)
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9.21.2012

DIY "Do It Yourself" Facial Masks

I know a lot of you out there struggle with acne.  Acne is a pain in the ass and has many causes! There is no "quick fix" and there are so many treatment options.  Facial masks can aid in healing and clearing acne when used frequently.

Here are a few DIY facial mask recipes I personally use and love.

Strawberry Mask
4-5 very ripe strawberries
1-2 teaspoon of honey

Rinse strawberries and place out to dry on a paper towel.  In a small bowl mash fruit with a fork.  Add honey and mix well, adding more honey for a desired consistency.  

Apply immediately on clean skin.  Leave on 20 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.


Banana Mask
1/2 to 1 ripe banana

Apply mashed banana to clean skin and leave on 5-10 minus. Rinse with lukewarm water

Honey is also great to add to this mask!!


Aspirin Mask
5-6 uncoated aspirin 
a few drops of water

Brake aspirins in halves and place in small dish.  Add 4 drops of water and crush aspirin with a spoon until you have a smooth white paste (adding more water drops to desired consistency)


Oatmeal Honey Mask
1/2 cup of cooked plain oatmeal
1-2 table spoons of honey
a few teaspoons of water to make paste

Cook plain oatmeal as directed and let cool.  Add in honey and warm water to mix together and make a paste.  Leave on 5-10 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.


Yogurt Mask
1/2 of plain yogurt

Apply to face and let sit for 10-20 minutes.  You can add honey to make this mask thicker.  Strawberries and also a great option!





Have you tried any of these masks?? What are you favorite DIY masks??



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9.12.2012

Boots No7 Poppy King Lip Crayons

Have you heard of Poppy King?? Well, she is an Australian Entrepreneur and creator of Lipstick Queen, a 1940's inspired lipstick brand that she created at the age of 17!! Pretty crazy :)  Throughout her years, she has partnered with several companies including Kate Spade and J.Crew to bring luscious lips around the globe! And now....she can be found at Target!!
Poppy has done it again! This time partnering with UK brand Boots to bring us her inspiring colors to the drugstore market.
These are very similar to the whole "crayon" style lipsticks we have seen recently from brands like Revlon, Tarte and Clinique.  These crayon lipsticks come with a built in sharper in the cap which is the only downfall I see. I do wish these were the twist type as it can be a pain in the ass to sharpen but this is actually more hygienic!
This "Rain Drop" is a 70's inspired collection available in five bold colors! Playing (coral red), Singing (berry pink), Skipping (sheer brownish pink), Dancing (raspberry pink), Smiling (a bright red)
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8.31.2012

Acure Organics Firming Body Lotion

I am about the finish a new body lotion that I picked up at iHerb.com awhile ago and wanted to review it for you because I am completely in love!

First a little background....overall my skin is super dry, itchy, flakey with bouts of eczema from the chest down! From the chest up it's another story :)  I have tried so many lotions and body butters from drugstore to high end to all natural. So while browsing around on iHerb I noticed this lotion and decided to purchase.  

What intrigued me most about this lotion aside from it being completely vegan, organic and fair trade was the firming claim.  If this lotion could help to firm my skin, especially the thigh area (you know what I talking about ladies) then it would be worth gold! 


Meet Acure Organics Firming Body Lotion with lemongrass and moroccan argan oil.  Evening primrose, cranberry and roseships help tighten while argan oil and cocoa butter moisturize.  It retails for $9 for an 8oz / 240ml tube! So does it work??
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8.10.2012

Caudalie Review

Awhile ago, well about a month ago I was buying a few things for a friend at Sephora and I picked up one of the 500 point Beauty Insider perks by Caudalie.

Caudalie's Beauty Essentials

This collection are Caudalie's Top Picks.  This includes the Cleansing Water, Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum and Vinoperfecting Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15.
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8.08.2012

bareMinerals Ready Foundation SPF 20

image courtesy of beauty junkie unite
Yes, you heard it right!! bareMinerals will be launching a new pressed foundation!!!! YAY ^.^ It's about time right!! Launching next month in September the new foundation will include two makeup brushes, the Precision Face Brush one of which will be retractable for on the go touch up. 


What is it?

It's a hydrating solid mineral foundation with SeaNutrtive Mineral Complex.  This complex includes  a highly concentrated, mineral- rich algae and seaweed with antioxidants, cold-pressed rose hip seed oil which contains vitamin A that helps accelerate cell turnover along with vitamins C and E for a healthy looking and firmer looking complexion.
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8.02.2012

Skincare 101 Pt. 1

One of the biggest and most common questions I get on a daily basis is how to achieve great skin! People search high and low and spend so much money to find the perfect skin care regime.  But what is great skin??

Although the right facial products will improve your skin, it is what you put into your body that really counts!! The skin is the largest organ in your body and in order for it to function properly, you need to feed it properly!

Ok, so you are probably saying to yourself "yeah yeah" or "whatever"but it is so true! What you feed your body will have much more of an effect on your skin and overall health.  You can use the most expensive creams and serums but if you are not eating a well balanced diet you are basically throwing your money away!

A little background....I have been a licensed Esthetician for over 10+ years (Wow...that really dates me) and I have taken many extended education and advanced skincare courses to help further my knowledge of the skin.  Yet the best teaching I have received regarding the skin has been from my Chinese doctor and acupuncturist!
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7.09.2012

Lioele Brow Pencil

If you follow me on Youtube then you have most likely heard me talk about my favorite eye brow pencil from Lioele before many many times ^.^  Although I have mentioned this product a thousand times before, I wanted to post a review here and show you up some up close photos!
To start off, let me give you a little background about my brows! I don't have any ^.^ Just kidding...but really I have very sparse, thin brows due to a bad waxing experience!! In middle school, the cool thing was to have your brows in what I refer to as the "Golden Arch" style....
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7.03.2012

Skinfood Eye Mask Review

So after returning from my trip to LA ( IMATS update coming soon ) I decided my under eyes needed a little TLC. Traveling can really take a toll on your skin, especially air travel.  Even though I did take very good care of my skin while visiting Los Angeles, the skin around my eyes looked tired and dull.


That very night of arriving back in Portland, I pulled out the Skinfood Carrot Collagen Eye Sheet from my stash and after washing my face and toning, I applied the eye sheets and relaxed!
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7.02.2012

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Makeup

Awhile back I was browsing around my local Rite Aid and I happened to notice a new Revlon display for their new foundation.  I am sort of obsessive compulsive about foundations although powder foundation work better on my skin, I am always willing to try the newest!



For reference, my skin is very pale....I wear a N3 in MAC's Studio Fix Powder Foundation.  I ended up purchasing the color #150 Buff which turns about not to be the lightest color. However, the Ivory, the lightest seemed a bit too pink for my skin tone ( I'm more neutral ) Anyway, here is what Revlon states about this new foundation....

  • Buildable to full coverage for flawless skin
  • Soft, matte finish for all day wear
  • Time release formula balances skin
  • Withstands heat and humidity
  • Comes in 16 shades


As you can see, this foundation is a cream like texture, not a mousse consistency Revlon claims.  It's not a whipped, airy feel! It's definitely a slightly fluffy cream that does glide on well without a ton of effort.  

My biggest problem with this foundation other than the fact that the color is not a match for my pale skin was the end result...It didn't look good on my skin!! I have combination skin that can have dry patches from time to time and this foundation seemed to accentuate any dry areas.

Another issue I had with this was the fact that it looked cakey and heavy, like I was wearing a mask.  As I stated above, I prefer a powder foundation because I feel I have more control over the coverage I get and this foundation it seemed that no matter how I applied it, it looked like a mask. 

I personal feel that this foundation would be best suited for someone who has an oilier skin type. This formulation contains silica, a component to control and absorb oil. An oily skin type would benefit from this formulation and it's ability to keep the skin more balanced throughout the day. It also provides a matte finish, an oilier skin's necessity! Esthetically, a drier skin would benefit more from a foundation that gives a more radiant and dewy finish.

Rating: 3/5

What do you think of this foundation??


Please check out my video review here:



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7.01.2012

Hello Everyone!!

Welcome to PDXBeautiful.com!

After almost two years on Youtube, I have decided to take another direction, blogging ^.^ Although I have enjoyed making videos, it is extremely time consuming as you can imagine.  Don't get me wrong, I will still continue to make videos as often as I can but I will update this blog regularly!

What can you except on PDXBeautiful.com....anything and everything! I will blog about skin care, makeup, health issues and random things that pop into my head.  This is gonna be fun!!

I invite you all to join me on this new journey and I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I will enjoy  blogging! If you have any questions or suggestion, don't hesitate to leave a comment or contact me at any time!


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