[Video Tutorial] Blue Smoky Eye

I just can't get enough of the Smoky Eyes! I swear they are my favorite look to do and I don't think I could ever get tired of doing it [hehe]. So here is my most recent [and by most recent I mean today lol] Video Tutorial I just posted on my Youtube Channel. Check the product description in the description box, I listed everything that I used to create this look. Please don't forget to subscribe to my channel.

Check it out and let me know what y'all think.

p.s. Don't forget about the Urabn Decay Book of Shadows IV giveaway!

[Review] Kawaii TOKYO - Pore Solution

Do you hate Keratin build up on your skin just as much as I do? I've tried tons of scrubs, soaps and anything else you can think of. Some felt like it left a greasy residue, and some just didn't feel like it did anything at all. I was definitely in need of a good scrub. I was extremely excited when I was given the opportunity to review Kawaii TOKYO's Brighten-Up Pore Solution.

Here's a brief 101: The Pore Solution is a non abrasive face and body peeling gel that has organic acid derived from natural fruits [also known as natural Alpha Hydroxy Acids, AHA]. It mobilizes a gentle effect to remove that unwanted and annoying Keratin buildup. The peeling gel has generous amounts of an antioxidant known as Vitamin P that helps fortify properties of Vitamin C. The Pore Solution has ingredients of multi-fruit extracts that is highly beneficial for your skin. It also contains Gold Leaf that's blended with 98.91% of pure gold.  The Gold Leaf stimulates skin cells and balances circulation for soft, even tone. The results include skin turnover that restores your skin to become smooth, moisturized and even toned. Check out my other post for more information on all of their products here.

Review

When I first opened the Pore Solution I noticed the fragrance. It's apple scented and smells amazing. I love it! At first I thought it was used as an exfoliating scrub, but after reading the directions it's used as a peel without having to peel it off. The consistency is great, it comes out of the squeeze tube like a gel but when I put it on, it goes on thin and distributes evenly without having to use a whole lot of product. I massaged it into my face and immediately I started noticing clumps of Keratin come off of my face. It was awesome and kind of gross at the same time [haha]. I didn't have to scrub hard at all and I didn't feel like I was rubbing my face with sand paper. The results are instantaneous. I noticed my face brighter, smoother and not as dry. After the first treatment I did notice some left over Keratin residue, but it was easy to just wipe off. After a few treatments, I didn't notice anymore left over residue, so with consistency of use you won't be noticing any residue at all.

What I love most about the Pore Solution is the effectiveness of it and how quickly it worked. I didn't have to spend a ton of time massaging and I didn't have to put a whole lot of pressure. Not to mention that it smells amazing. I would totally take a picture of my face with clumps of keratin build up but it's kind of gross [haha], so I won't torture you guys with that. My skin is soft, smooth and moisturized and I am in love with Kawaii TOKYO's Brighten Up Pore Solution.

Would I recommend this product to my friends and family? You know it! I actually even had one of my friends try it one day and she noticed the spot on her face was a lot smoother. You'll definitely want to keep an eye out for Kawaii TOKYO to hit the shelves in the US soon!

[Introduction] Pomé

Do you wish that you could have that sleek and shiny hair? Lately I've been noticing how damaged my hair looks and feels - which is really kind of gross to me. When I was younger, my hair was super duper long, shiny and healthy. It was as healthy as ever, until I was introduced to the world of hair coloring treatments. Although I love changing my hair color, I hate that hair gets damaged so easily. I've recently been in contact with a brand that originates in Australia called Pomé. If you haven't heard of Pomé then you definitely need to get on this knowledge train and enjoy the ride.

 

Here's a brief overview: Pomé has a unique all-in-one rejuvenating serum that can be used on both your skin and hair. How awesome is that? The formula has the potent combination and anti-oxidizing properties of Pomegranate Seed Oil and Argan Oil. Argan Oil is also known as the oh-so popular Moroccan Oil. The Pomé Serum is full of vitamins to help boost hair and skin.

For Skin
The Pomé Serum is beneficial for the skin because it has a high concentration of the Pomegranate Seed Oil that contains Punicic Acid which is rich in Omega-5. It can be effective in reducing the signs of aging, appearance of scars, dry cracked skin, Eczema, Psoriasis, uneven skin tone, collagen damage, UV damage and the appearance of stretch marks. If your skin lacks the luster that you so long for, then this could be just the right product for you to use.

For Hair
Pomé Serum can be used on all hair types on a daily bases. Pomé's Serum has a light consistency, which easily gets absorbed by the hair instantly with no left over residue. It will leave your hair hydrated, soft and shiny. The combination of Aragan Oil, rich in Omega-6, and Pomegranate Seed Oil, rich in Omega-5, works perfectly together to give you those good-hair-days. Pomé Serum helps repair damages to the hair caused by hair styling tools, chemical perming or straightening and color treatments. For colored hair, it provides a protection layer from UV rays that effect hair color. It also helps provide a heat protection layer from hair styling tools like a blow dryer or styling irons. What's also great about the Pomé Serum is that it reduces frizz. You can replace your shine, curl, anti-frizz, de-tangling, thermal protection and voluminizing proudcts with the Pomé Serum. Let's get on that spring cleaning and de-clutter those shelves.


I am super excited to be given the opportunity to review the Pomé Serum that is not here in the US yet! Don't fret my lovelies, they are making their way to the US soon so that we all can have beautiful luxurious skin and silky sleek hair. Also, don't forget to 'like' Pomé's Facebook Fan Page and you can also find updates and product info. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the review!

[Review & Giveaway] Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV

I was browsing around on HauteLook and found an awesome deal for Urban Decay's Book of Shadows IV [originally $64, purchased for $24]. It includes 16 eye shadows [10 new shades], a full size 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, a travel-size Eye Shadow Primer Potion, a travel-size Super Curling Mascara and a portable speaker. You can create a variety of looks from a sizzling hot smoky eye to a subtle natural look with this all-in-one Book. I love the style of the box, it's decorated with laser swirls and butterflies [love butterflies]. It also has a small mirror attached when you open the lid of the book. The only downfall for me is that the pop up butterflies are kind of in the way of using the mirror, other than that the box is perfect.

I apologize for the bad picture quality

I had a job interview today [yay me!] so I used the products from my Book of Shadows to create my look for the day. I decided to go for a teal smoky eye using the color Hijack because it just looked so pretty. Hijack was the color that stood out to me the most because I haven't played with a teal color in what seems like forever. I absolutely LOVE Hijack it's such a beautiful color. For the inner corner of my eye I used Midnight Cowgirl [funny name right?], another beautiful color that is a  light gold-ish color with glitter specs. Lastly for my highlight color I used Skimp - a nice neutral matte color. The eye shadows are quite nice, I like them a lot especially for my first time using them.

I won't stop at loving the eye shadows. I also LOVE the Eye Shadow Primer Potion and the Super Curling Mascara. My eye lashes are naturally pretty long, but not as curly as I would like them to be, this mascara did a pretty good job of curling my lashes. The Primer Potion is amazing! I love that it's creamy and thick but not super thick. I've tried some primers that are thin and did not like them at all. Speaking of Eye Shadow Primer Potion, my eye shadow is still intact from 8 hours ago! Love it! I also used the 24/7 Liquid Eye Liner and sadly I must say I did not like it at all. I mean it went on just fine, easily glides on with a thin bristle brush. The reason why I didn't like it because it flaked on me, I wanted it to be awesome, but I really dislike flaky liquid eye liners. 

Overall, I am glad that I purchased Urban Decay's Book of Shadows IV. The eye shadows are really pretty and the looks are endless. Not to mention the amazing Eye Shadow Potion Primer and Super Curling Mascara. Check out the picture below for my look of the day =).

I do have a surprise for my lovely fans....... I purchased 2 of these! So that only means, drum roll please, it's GIVEAWAY time! Check out the Terms and Conditions on the Raffle-copter before you enter please!

==== Open to US and Canada Residents only====
== For those of you who clicked on 'Leave A Blog Post Comment and has NOT left a blog post comment on this post, I will be deleting your entry ==

[Arts and Crafts]

I don't know if you guys know this, but I LOVE Arts and Crafts. I've been getting my thoughts together lately to put some things together to create something really awesome! I'm actually meeting a friend and one of her friends on Friday. You know that saying 'Two heads are better than one' well in our case it's 'three heads are better than one' LOL. We'll be doing a lot of brainstorming and putting our ideas together. We want to make this a profitable hobby and who knows how far it will get, hopefully very far! Anyway, here's a small glimpse of what I've done so far. It's just a trial run to see how easy/hard it would be to create. Check out the picture blow =).

[Guide] Eyelid guide

Click on the pic for a tutorial on this look

Putting on eye shadow can be extremely easy or super tricky. I know that when I first started my addiction to eye shadow, I had no idea what I was in for. I just thought 'oh I'll just put one color on my lid and that should be fine' - WRONG! Now a days I consider applying eye shadow as a technique. You really have to have the patience to practice applying because you don't want to look like 'Mimi' from The Drew Carey show - I know I don't want to look like her LOL! Fear not my fellow beauty junkies, I have created an eyelid guide.

Definitely check out the Les Blogueurs De Beauté Facebook page for the latest tips and tricks that have anything to do with beauty. I've come together with 2 other beauty bloggers who love beauty products just as much as I do, so check out our Les Blogueurs De Beauté Facebook Page.
 
Check out the picture below [please excuse my eye brow mess =)]. I put a blank slate next to my guide to so that you can see some parts that are not visible in the guide. Hope this helps! Check out my Youtube Channel for the latest eye shadow video tutorials.

Guideline:
1.) Inner corner lid - I basically start with a light shade here.
2.) Middle lid - Depending on what look I'm going for, I'll either progress to a little bit of a darker shade here or keep it light like my #1 section.
3.) Outter corner lid - Here is where I go darker than the last 2 sections.
4.) Crease - With my crease, I usually go a few shades darker than my section #3 or I will even use a black shadow.
5.) Above Crease - Here I will blend in a lighter shade of #3.
6.) Highlight (brow) - Here I almost always go for a neutral shade that matches my skin tone. It can be shiny or matte, whatever floats your boat.
7.) Inner lower lash line - I usually match this with section #1
8.) Outter lower lash line - I usually match this with section #3, but it also depends on what look I'm going for.
9.) Lower water line - This is where I put my liner. Sometimes I will dip my angled brush into water, then into a shadow and line my waterline this way.
10.) Upper water line - Same as section #9.
Then lastly, let's not forget the mascara. You can never leave home without it on! Seriously, having on mascara makes such a HUGE difference.

[Manicure] Fishegg Manicure

So, I don't know if y'all heard about the controversy over Ciate's "caviar manicure". Check out The PolishAholic's blog to read more about it. Anyway, I think it's totally ridiculous that Ciate sent out cease and desist letters to bloggers who put out their own DIY versions of the "caviar manicure". This look is super easy to create and for heck of a lot cheaper to do at home. I honestly would NOT pay $25 for this look when I can get nail polish for $1 and 6 different colors of the Recollection brand microbeads at Michaels for only $6.99. So much cheaper than $25 and the looks are endless! You can create whatever you want with whatever color you choose. Definitely check out the tutorial on The PolishAholic's blog, it's seriously super easy. I love the FishEgg Manicure, it's different, funky and just my style =).

For my own manicure I used Opi [Black], Zoya's Phoebe [Matte Blue] and Recollection Micro-beads [Ocean]. Seriously, it's so easy to get this look, and best of all you choose whatever colors you want to do! Don't forget to check out The PolishAholic's blog for more inspiration on manicures, she has a ton of neat ideas and designs. Enjoy!

A little bit of a closer look at the "FishEggs"

[Tutorial] Eye Kandy Cosmetics - Purple Smoky Eye

I have another video tutorial for you lovelies. Today it's a Purple Smoky eye using Eye Kandy Cosmetics. I LOVE their Sorbet [medium Purple], the pigments are beautiful and go on super easy. The Glitters are absolutely gorgeous too. You guys should definitely check them out, pricing is decent. I found them over a year ago and I was torn going with Eye Kandy or Lit Cosmetics and guess which way I went? Yup, Eye Kandy! They are half the price of the competitor and I am really glad I went with a company that had the best price for great quality makeup. Beautiful colors and amazing quality for the right price, who wouldn't go with Eye Kandy? Don't forget to check out their Facebook page at Eye Kandy Cosmetics too! Anyway, I feel like I'm just blabbing. Check out the video below. Please don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel. Thanks so much for watching!

[Tutorial] Eye Kandy Cosmetics - Gold and Brown look

I don't remember if you guys knew but I did start doing video tutorials using Eye Kandy Cosmetics. I'm super stoked that I was given this opportunity and also because I just simply love their eye shadows. Their mineral eye shadows  are fantastic, super pigmented and super duper pretty. I love their glitters too because they last seriously all day long and does NOT flake! Anyway, check out the video tutorial I did for a Gold and Brown look. I love it, it's a wearable look and using the glitters gives it such a nice pop. Hope you guys enjoy!

[Introduction] Kawaii TOKYO - Brighten Up Skincare Line

One of the girls on the Beauty Collection blogging team, Claudia [who I now consider a good friend - you can also check out her blog at I Like To Talk A Lot] introduced me to her contact with Kawaii TOKYO. He is also the contact person for Le Edge. I've seen Le Edge around and sadly have not tried it yet but have heard some awesome reviews about it. Anyway, I am super stoked to be given the chance to review some new skincare products.

Kawaii TOKYO is a beauty brand that launched in Japan to embody the essence of Tokyo's pop culture with their multi beneficial skincare products. What does the word Kawaii mean? Kawaii in the Japanese language means 'charming' and 'adorable' - which is absolutely suitable for the name of this skincare line. Kawaii TOKYO has become the first line of Japan produced skincare products to earn certification under the "Halal" standards of Islamic Law. All of Kawaii TOKYO products are certified under the Islamic Law standards of 'Halal' and FREE from animal-based ingredients and alcohol.

Kawaii TOKYO's Brighten Up skincare line was designed for women who live active lifestyles. The Brighten Up skincare line uses ingredients such as; EGF [Epidermal Growth Factor] - eliminates spots and helps stimulate skin resilience, Arbutin - prevents the formation of melanin and brightens the skin by inhibiting tyrosinase, Aldenin - to protect skin from free radical damage, and Marine Collagen - diminishes signs of aging. Not to mention the natural ingredients of fruit and plant extracts. With ingredients like this, who wouldn't want to try these products? Check out below for more info on each product that Kawaii TOKYO carries [pictures are posted under the descriptions of each product]. You won't be disappointed!

Brighten Up Pore Solution [Juicy Smoothies]
Packed with Peeling action without the use of abrasive agents. You can use this juicy peeling gel for the face and body. It has Organic acid derived from natural fruits and helps get rid of hard to remove makeup, dirt and keratin from skin pores. You can use this once or twice a week and improve the condition of your skin and it also helps conceal signs of aging. Apple scented - I'm sold! I love fruits and anything that smells fruity!

Brighten Up Spot Solution [Cupid's Arrow]

Say au revoir to damaged skin! With the lipstick-style application beauty serum and it's easy application, you can  prevent chapping and aging. With key ingredients such as; Vitamin C Derivatives - has low irritation properties that continue to function in the depth of your skin for over 24 hours, Licorice extract - gentle on skin to bolster skin-brightening powers, and Chromabright™ - proven to deliver significant photo-protective effects on human epidermal keratinocyte cell cultures, preventing the skin-damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.

Brighten Up Junsui [Blossom Foundation]

Produced by blending natural vanadium water from the mineral-rich realm of Mt. Fuji with 10 flower extracts that contain high skincare effects. With it's spray-style application, it releases a soft mist to perform a luxuriantly healing floral fragrance [Orange Flower]. The Junsui has many multi-beneficial uses. You can use this on your face and body to instill moisture in dry prone skin. It also soothes the hot skin sensation caused by ultraviolet rays. You can also use it to finish your makeup, just a light spray allows the makeup to spread easier and take nicely to your skin. Also use it to freshen up your makeup by the sebum rising to the skin surface and removed in a quickness, which then in turns tightens up loosened pores.

Brighten Up Makeup Remover

This makeup remover is a water-based formula that helps keep the skin moist. It has a blend of five plant derived extracts with natural essential herb oil and using it will revitalize your skin without any damage. It has a subtle sweet aroma of geranium essential oil - great to know that your face won't smell like alcohol after being cleansed!

Brighten Up Wash

A facial cleanser that contains beauty essence to gently revitalize fatigued skin from UV rays and other environmental stress. It removes dirt form your pores making your skin moist and supple. With it's rich cream-type wash, using only a small amount can go very far. It has 11 combined botanical herbal plant extracts that will make you one with the earth. It's also filled with the A, C and E vitamins, with this combination the vitamins interact to maximize their functions to efficiently raise anti-oxidation powers. This wash is also fragrance free!

Brighten Up Gel
With skin being constantly exposed to stress, Kawaii TOKYO has created a product that address the every day anxieties that we go through. Kawaii TOKYO's research has paved the way to the use of cutting edge technology to blend thin-film oil content into gels and instilling them with a smooth application. What's great about the Brighten Up Gel is that it's an all-in-one step for those super busy women that are always on the go. It helps tone, moisturize, brightens and energizes the skin. Brighten Up Gel comes in the Herbal Forest and Citrus Paradise.

Brighten Up Wrinkle Solution

The Wrinkle Solution [daily defense] is formulated to reduce photo-aged wrinkles in the eye areas. This is the perfect addition to your daily eye care regimen and specially blended for the delicate skin area around the eyes. Infused with Adenin an ingredient developed for use at the first signs of aging. We all hate the puffy eyed culprits, with Brighten Up Wrinkle Solution [overnight repair] it is the perfect solution for those all-night study sessions, or if you're just simply sleep deprived. With this dynamic duo, you'll have the most refreshed eyes out there!

Brighten Up UV Blocker

The Brighten Up UV Blocker [daytime resue] contains a blend of prune, bilberry, star fruit and amongst many other plant extracts that acts deep within the skin to protect it. It's light based, blocks harmful UV rays, waterproof and resistant to perspiration, which is especially designed for women on the move. The Brighten Up UV Blocker [Sun Survivor] has a blend of Vitamin C derivatives and arbutin, which gives the skin an enhanced luster. Other key ingredients are hvaluronic acid and olive squalane, which helps moisturize the skin while participating in outdoor activities.

Kawaii TOKYO products are currently available in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia... and hopefully soon in the United States! This is why I am super stoked to be in contact with a distributor because the products are not available in the United States yet. Stay tuned for reviews of Kawaii TOKYO. Check out their Facebook page and 'like' them! They also have a giveaway going on right now at Le Edge's Facebook page!

Sammie

[Video Tutorial] Orange and Black Smoky Eye

So I went out and bought a new HD Cannon video camera because I wanted to start doing video tutorials. I was super excited about but also VERY nervous. I'm surprised I wasn't sweating [insert nervous laugh]. I did an Orange and Black Smoky Eye tutorial, check it out on my Youtube Channel.  I promise you, next time I won't be so nervous and not be so quick to turn off the camera haha! Please don't forget to subscribe to my channel and thank you if you do subscribe =). Hope you guys enjoy!

Sammie