Top Findings in 2011 and My Wishlist

Top 10 Things of 2011

These are the top items I received or invested in that I absolutely adore.  These are life changers (not in any order)...

1. MacBook Air- I'm small and the size is perfect for me to carry wherever.  It's been wonderful to me. 

2. Ipad 2- I have my MacBook Air but this is perfect to use in bed laying down.  I love that it is touch screen which makes browsing so much easier.  I am thinking of even getting one for my mom. 

3. Make Up For Ever HD Foundation (128)- The best full coverage foundation out there that looks extremely natural.  And it's awesome for photography!  $40 a bottle well spent. 

4. Hair Tinsels- So much fun for the summer and in the sun play.  I like the subtle black ones.  I get tons of compliments when they are in.  I am definitely getting them put in for the cruise.

5. Sony Waterproof Camera- An awesome gift I got for my cruise.  Last time we went I had to make sure the camera did not get wet... well with this one I will have no worries.  I love it.   

6. MAC Acrylic Paint (in black as liquid eye liner)- I almost wear liquid eyeliner everyday and its a pain when it runs out.  I discovered that I could use the acrylic paint in black (.6 oz) because it is water proof and safe to us around the eyes.  Its been great to me. 

7. Cosmetic Mirror with Light- My biggest annoyance with applying making is lighting.  Prior to getting my cosmetic mirror with a light, I was using just a large mirror with my room light.  It was always too dark and did not shine directly on my face.  With this new item I can easily see what is going on, especially because it has a magnification mirror on the back where I can rotate.  Awesome!

8. Ipod Nano in Graphite- Jogging would be so boring without it.  It's awesome to transfer music from my MacBook Air and it clips on my shorts.  I love that I can easily switch songs with two clicks.  Its the perfect gadget for a runner.

9. Dinair Airbrush System- This airbrush machine definitely makes applying makeup fun.  It's fast and does make your skin look flawless.  Its great for airbrush art of all kinds.  It was a really good investment. 

10. Chanel Large Flap Bag- It's Chanel and it's a classic.  Need I say more?

Wishlist

These are the top items I either want or want to try out (not in a specific order)...

1. Carisonic Cleaning System- Because I use makeup everyday, I need a good cleaning everyday.  This little tool is suppose to deep pore clean and exfoliate the skin leaving it polished and feeling lovely.  I believe it would be awesome for someone like me who uses cosmetics everyday. 

2. Nike Running Shoes-  Nike has the cutest running shoes that are lightweight and comfortable. 
My shoes now are worn out and I am in desperate need of some new ones. 

3. Ipod Speakers (works with nano)- I really want some for travel or just to use at home while I am getting ready.

4. Inglot Eyeshadows-  I heard they are comparable to MAC's and come in a variety of colors.  I love their palettes and how they give you so much product for much cheaper than MAC's.  

5. Chanel Quilted Wallet (with a zip pocket)- I cannot have a purse without a matching wallet.  Their zip pocket ones are the perfect size. 

6.Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation in 215- I heard that its an awesome full coverage foundation that would also be good for photography.  I love how Illamasqua's products are extremely pigmented and a little goes a long way.  I really want to test this product out. 

7. Face Steamer- Like I said prior, I love a good cleaning.  Face steamers open up your pores for some good cleaning. 


8. La Mer's Creme De La Mer and Concentrate Serum- I have always wanted to try La Mer's product since it has such a cult like following.  It's just so darn expensive and have not gotten the guts to fork out the cash for it.  Someday though...

9. Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips- Two hours?  Hell ya!  I hate using the old white strips for 2 weeks everyday to get results.  Convenience is the way to go and if it only takes 2 hours, I'll do it. 

10. Diamond Earrings- Yes... I can't resist putting it on my list.  There is nothing more beautiful yet still so simple.  I envy all the ladies that already has some. 

MAC Foundation Comparisons

I normally hear “MAC foundations don’t work on my skin, they are too heavy” or “MAC foundation looks unnatural”.  People! MAC has a variety of foundations, not just one.  I decided to do a short breakdown of all ten of their foundations with my opinion since I have own and tried all of them:

Matchmaster- ($32.50 for 1.18oz) Their newest foundation addition.  This product supposedly has technology in it that will adjust to your natural skin color.  It is a medium coverage that is "demi-matte", meaning that it matte but not over drying.  On my skin it looks pretty natural looking.  The colors do not follow the typical MAC color system of NC or NW.  Instead it uses a number system, 1 being lightest and 10 being dark.  I am normally a NC30 to NC35 and can pass for a 3 or a 4.  Either of them work for me.  I actually really like this foundation.  It is pricier than the regular foundations but it comes in a larger container with a pump.  I would say it is good for people with combination to oily skin who want somewhat of a coverage.

Face and Body- ($32.50 for 4 oz) When first using this product I hated it.  It was runny and hard to work with.  I used it for a couple weeks and liked it.  It is a water based product that is sheer when first applied.  However, it is buildable.  MAC claims that it is for your face and body but it does smear if touched.  Therefore, it is not a good product to use near clothing.  It normally gives me a dewy look and has a sheen look to it.  I recommend this product for people who want a sheer look with minimum coverage who have combination to dry skin.  I do not recommend for oily skin.  It is a good product to mix with other water based foundations to thin them down.

Studio Sculpt- ($29.50 for 1.3 oz) This is my very favorite MAC foundation.  It is normally looked passed because it does not nearly get enough recognition.  When people say they dislike MAC foundations, I normally introduce them to this product and they love it.  This foundation is gel based.  It is medium to full coverage and has a natural finish to it.  I would say it has the most coverage for a foundation that has fuller coverage.  It feels lightweight and has enough coverage for my skin.  This product is good for people who have combination to oily skin who like a fuller coverage but want a natural look.  It is also great for photography.

Studio Moisture- ($30 for 1.3 oz)  This is MAC's tinted moisturizer.  I am not a big fan of tinted moisturizers.  However, this would be a good product for people who are typically on the go who want a little coverage with some nourishing factors.  It is good for people who have combination to dry skin who isnt looking for a full on heavy look.  MAC tries to sell it by claiming it has SPF but it only has SPF 15, which is similar to their other foundations.

Pro Longwear- ($29.50 for 1 oz) First I hated this foundation and then after using it for weeks and later months, I have grown to love it.  It literally lasts for 9 hours on me but MAC claims it lasts for 15 hours.  It is wonderful for oily skin but not so friendly for dry skin.  It is their mattest foundation that they have.  It definitely controls oil and clings to skin like no other.  It is medium coverage in my opinion so it is great for those who with oily skin who want a bit of a coverage that will last all day long.  It also comes with a convenient pump.

Studio Fix Fluid- ($26.50 for 1 oz) This is MAC's most popular foundation for a very long time.  It is also my mom's go to foundation for everyday wear. It dries matte and is medium to full coverage.  I find it to last on my skin for about 6 hours.  This may sound like a good foundation for teens who want a lot of cover up but I have found that it is not so friendly for ache prone skill.  It has silicone products in it that may clog pores.  I get a lot of people who claim to say that this foundation makes their skin break out.  It can be a turn off for some, but it is still a good everyday foundation for those who have combination to oily skin who want a good coverage.  My biggest complain of this foundation is that it does not come with a pump.  When you get to the bottom you have to get a thin enough brush to take out the product.  MAC do have pumps that you can buy.  I think they are around $4 per pump.

Select- I find this product very similar to the Studio Fix foundation.  It is also medium coverage and does not come with a pump.  The only difference is it is an water-based product.  I find this more suitable for for those who are allergic to silicone or have ache prone skin.  It is a good everyday foundation for those who have combination to oily skin

Mineralize Satinfinish- ($26.50 for 1 oz)  This foundation came out when mineralize products became popular.  It probably the least selling right now and I can see why.  It is too shimmery.  It contains light reflecting particles that may make you look oily.  I have to be honest and say it is my least favorite.  The coverage is sheer to light.  It may be good and work for people who like that "dewy" look who are not looking for a foundation that covers too much.  Normally it works with people who already have fabulous skin who want just a little.  I did not find that it lasts as well as the other foundations.

Studio Fix Powder Plus- ($26.50 for .52 oz) This is the reason I fell in love with MAC.  In high school, this was my go to product every single day.  It is a powder that comes in a compact.  It covers extremely well for a powder and lasts for about 6 hours on my skin.  It does contain silicone so again it may make ache prone skin break out.  It glides on very smooth and is great for blotting oily skin.  Nowadays, I typically use it for touching up.  It is quick and I can carry it around everywhere.  It is full coverage so it may not be preferred by those who normally like a sheer to medium foundation.  My biggest complaint of this product is the sponge it comes with.  You need to wash it with soap and dry it every so often (because it can collect and build up oils from your face).

Studio Tech- ($29.50 for .35 oz)  This is a foundation that has the least amount of products out of all the products.  It is a cream foundation that comes also in a form of a compact.  It feels lightweight on my skin and smells pretty fab.  When it drys it leaves a cooling semi matte look.  This product is good for those who want a foundation on the go but do not like Studio Fix's Power Plus foundation.  It is more light weight and works for those who do not want a super full coverage.

There is my quick (or long) breakdown of all the different foundations that MAC has to offer.  I hope you find a foundation that is right for your skin.  Remember, how your skin looks with foundation also depends how how well you take care of your skin, what primer you use, what you use on top of foundation, the right color, and also how you apply it.  I hope you have found this helpful and please feel free to leave any comments or questions

The BB Cream Trend

You may heard of BB creams and if you have not, you will.  BB creams or Blemish Balm Cream started in Korea and is the hottest thing in Asia right now.  It is slowly becoming popular in the U.S. as well.  It is a beauty product that is formulated to be soothing and contain skin-regenerating properties.  Many companies claim that they contain ingredients that are helpful to the skin, such as caffeine, Aloe Vera, and SPF of 30 and higher.  Some even have whitening agents and anti-aging ingredients.  BB creams are generally not heavy and feel nourishing on the skin.  When I first heard of BB creams my first question was “what is the difference between a BB Cream and tinted moisturizer?”  I learned that they are in deed very similar, however, generally, BB creams have higher SPF and anti-aging agents.  That is not true for all BB creams since many tinted moisturizers contain similar products.  I believe that BB creams are a new selling point and everyone loves something new.  Therefore different cosmetic brands are catching on the trend to compete with other brands.  For example, MAC cosmetics joined the trend by recently adding their own BB Cream to their Prep + Prime collection, the MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm.  The beauty balm claims to be “lightly tinted in a nearly sheer beige tone to work on an array of complexions, it creamily re-texturizes the skin and then goes on to excel at being a face primer with high everyday UVA/UVB SPF 35 defense”.  The 1 ounce tube is a whooping $30.  I have learned that MAC reps have been telling people that their new BB cream actually works well as a primer rather than what most BB creams claim to work as.  I have yet to try the new product but find that it is not a true BB cream.  

Overall, BB creams are still fairly new in the states and I am waiting for that perfect product that will do everything.