City Chick Online

About 2 weeks ago I went to Mac to pick up my foundation(Pro Longwear NC50) . Unfortunately, they were out of my shade as usual so instead I picked up a few items that I was either running low on or wanted to try out. Here is what I got:

*Pro LongWear Concealor in NC50
*Mineralize Skin Finish Powder in deep
*Ruby Woo Matte lipstick
*Prep + Prime
*Painterly Paint Pot
*Studio Moisture Fix
*Empty Pro Palette
*Embark Eyeshadow
*Sketch Eyeshadow
*Antiqued Eyeshadow
*Texture Eyeshadow

P.S Everything is fabulous btw :-)

It's technically still only spring, but with temperatures averaging in the high 70's and 80's recently (and reportedly will be in the high 90's in the next few days), we have to make sure that we get an early start on our summer skin regiment. Most of us, including myself, are so glad that winter is finally gone and have already pulled out our shorts, sundresses and flip flops. But what we sometimes forget is that this beautiful weather can also wreck and damage our skin. Heat, humidity and the sun's rays can cause wrinkles, age spots, breakouts, clogged pores, rashes and of course, skin cancer. Here are my top 10 summer tips that will not only keep you looking but also feeling fabulous, all summer long.

1) Exfoliate

Actually its a great idea to exfoliate all year long, not just in the summer because our skin sheds dead cell everyday, all day. In the summer though because of the sun, sweat and sand, we shed even more and if we don't remove these dead cells, they will just continue to build up all over our face and body (I know, that's not an attractive thought!). All you have to do is just use your favorite exfoliator 2-3 times a week while you are in the shower (mine is St. Ives Apricot Scrub) and you'll start seeing beautiful glowing skin in no time.

2)Moisturize

Just because the weather is hot outside does not mean that we should skip moisturizing our skin. Au contraire, my friends! No, you no longer need to slather on tubs of body butter like you did in the winter. Instead opt for lighter, water-based fomulas for both your face and body. Also, if you are use to using heavy face creams especially at night, switch to a light serum such as Lumene Time Lift Instant Serum.

3)Balm it up, baby!

Don't forget to keep your kisser supple and sun safe by using a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15. Lips can get cancer too you know..plus no one wants to walk around with dry, cracked lips in the summer anyways.

4)Sunscreen

Another thing that you should be using year round but it's even more important in the summer. Make sure that when you are searching for a sunscreen, that you pick one that provide broad-spectrum protection because they block both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The minimum SPF (sun protection factor) that it should have is 15. Sunscreen should be applied liberally all over before you go outside and it should be reapply every two hours and always after swimming. Remember, don't leave home without it! My sunscreen of choice is Aveeno's Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70.

5)Get a summer glow-Safely!

The best way to minimize your chances of getting wrinkles, age spots, etc is to minimize your exposure to the sun (and/or tanning beds). A few great alternatives are sunless tanners, spray tan, airbrushing or by using a lotion with an invigorating glow such as Jergen's Revitalizing Natural Glow.

6)Shaving

There is no law that said that you have to keep your legs shaved at all time in the winter but in the summer it's a must if you plan on donning shorts and little dresses. The key to shaving is to find a great razor. Getting nicks and razor burns from a cheap razor is just as bad as having hairy legs, if not worst. Personally, I like Gillette's Venus razor. Oh and while you're in the store picking up your razor, make sure to get a great shaving cream also. If you don't have one or can't find one, simple use whatever conditioner you have in your bathroom. This will ensure that your skin is nice and hydrated while you are shaving.

7)Switch up your makeup

Because it's so hot in the summer, no one wants to run around with a pound of makeup melting off their face throughout the day. If you like liquid foundations or full covered creams, trade them in temporarily for something lighter such as mineral based makeups or my favorite, airbrush makeup. Or, you can go even more natural looking by simply using a bronzer in place of foundation. It evens out the skin and gives you a nice healthy glow. Add a coat of your favorite waterproof mascara and a bit of tinted gloss and you have the perfect sun kissed summer face.

8)Pamper those feet

If you haven't been keeping your feet in tip top condition this past winter, don't fear! You can still run to the nearest salon to get your feet sandal ready or you can give yourself an at home pedicure. All you really need is a foot scrub such as Feet's Sake Foot Scrub, and a file that you can use whenever you are in the shower. Do this a few times a week and your feet will be looking great in those sexy sandals in no time.

9)Wear protective clothing

Protecting yourself from harmful sunrays goes beyond sunscreen. Whenever you are outside, throw on wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and even a long sleeve shirt. Contrary to popular beliefs, you should be wearing darker, tightly woven fabrics instead of lightweight, light colored garments in the summer. They are better at blocking your skin from the sun.

10) Drink Plently of water!

The last tip is also the simplest but the most important. You must stay hydrated all summer long and nothing is better for you and your body than those 8 glasses a day. Try and stay away from all that sugery stuff such as sodas and juices. Yes, they taste great but they are loaded with calories and do not keep you hydrated.

Follow these 10 tips to summer proof your skin. All my favorite, recommended items can be found in all the CVS's and Rite Aids here in Glen Cove. And speaking about Rite Aid, they just launched a summer skin care campaign, with the support of the Skin Cancer Foundation, which comprises of free informational guides in all of their stores and online, money-saving promotions on skin care products. Make sure to stop by your local Rite Aid to pick up one of your free guides and check them out online at riteaid.com. Have a fun and safe summer,

Samantha

I love CVS...no, I mean I really, really love CVS. It's definitely one of my favorites store and a guilty pleasure of mine. So today on my daily trip (yeah, you read that right...daily lol) I came across 2 items that I just simply could not resist. Actually it was four items...technically. The first item is a set that includes both the Nexxus Humectress shampoo AND conditioner for only $16.99!!! Now, I'm not at product junkie at all. I feel if somethings not broken, don't fix it especially when it comes to my hair. I currently use Organic Root Stimulator as my deep conditioner and Suave Humestress as my shampoo but honestly, I've been secretly dying to try the Nexxus conditioner but because its normally so pricey, I usually pass on it. But today, after seeing that I could try both for one price, I immediately grabbed it up. Tomorrow is my wash day, so I will try them out and hopefully they don't disappoint (don't you just hate when that happen? when you've been so hyped about a product and it just let you down?).

The second items that I got was the Eye Collection Kit by The Color Workshop in Browns, Greys and Blues. I was talked into buying them by a sales person after she saw that I was eyeing them. I figured that since they were only $4.99 each, why not give them a try. Let me start off by saying that these were the worst makeup that I have ever tried and I'm a Makeup Artist, so you know I've tried more makeup than the average person. First off, even with primer, the eyeshadows do not show up. They are also very chalky and flaky. I opened only one pencil in the Blue kit and the tip immediately broke off then crumbled in my hands. The only thing that was decent was the eyeliner. I knew that I shouldn't have been shocked that these were so bad, especially because of the price but I am. I use NYX and ELF, both pretty cheap brands but with superior quality makeup. These kits are sub-par and I would never, ever recommend that anyone buy them. I will be returning them first thing tomorrow on my next daily visit :-)

Ok, ya'll don't even know how excited I am about going to this show. It's my first time and I can't wait! For anyone who don't know The Makeup Show is the largest PRO-ONLY event in NYC (they travel to different cities also) that brings the professional beauty industry together. At the show there are top industry artists and pro-driven companies presenting the newest products, seminars, forums and hands-on workshops. Everyone who is anyone in the makeup biz will be there such as Billy B, Sam Fine, Crystal Wright, Michael DeVellis, James Vincent, just to name a few. And there will be tons of companies such as Make Up For Ever, Temptu Pro, Inglot, Stila, Crown Brush, Alcone, Mac, etc.

I'm seriously putting myself on a budget before I even get there because I know myself lol. I really want to attend the seminars more than anything though. These are the ones that I will be attending:

*Working in NY
*A Career in Makeup with Sam Fine (LOVEEEE HIM!!!)
*The business of Beauty with Billy B (I love him too *sigh*)
*HD Bridal Tattoo Coverage

The event is from 9am-6pm at the Metropolitian Pavilion (125w. 18th street) and I'll probably be there all day. I need to pick up a Pro Airbrush Kit and I'm on a serious quest to find the perfect mascara, since I have yet to find one that I can't live without. I will be taking alot of pics that day and will be posting them here. :-)

If you are in the beauty biz (Makeup artist, salon owner, etc) and want to learn more about The Makeup Show, please visit www.themakeupshow.com

(One of my favorite works...an oldie but goodie :-)

I just became the Organizer/Owner of NY's Pro Fashion Meetup with over 1,300 members..so excited! I've restructed the group so that we will be doing FREE portfolio building with each other so if you are an established/up and coming photographer, MUA, stylist, whatever and want to work on your book..join now :-)

http://www.meetup.com/Profashionshoots/

Hey guys,

I just started 2 meetup groups. One for industry insiders such as photographers, makeup artists, models, etc and another for women only. Check them out and join if they apply to you :-)

Industry: The Click NYC
Women Only: Long Island Suburban Goddesses

On Saturday, I stopped by my local Harmon store (I LOVE THAT PLACE) and decided to pick up a few items from NYX makeup. I've been dying to see what all the fuss was about over this line because all over the internet, i.e blogs, youtube, makeup sites, etc..people are always going crazy over it. I decided to try out the Glitter Cream Palette, 2 lipstick from the black label line and the eyeshadow base...Here are my opinions:

The Glitter Cream Palette 09 in Sweet Chocolate Browns

Description: NYX Glitter Cream Palette is a Multipurpose gel-based glitter combination in a pallet. NYX Glitter Cream Palette comes with 5 shades of glitter, 2 applicators with 3 sponge tips and 1 brush tip. Apply to eyes, lips and face - anywhere you want that sparkling effect!

Price I paid: $6

My Take: I actually really like this product. I've been looking for some new glitter to add to my kit and the really cool thing about these is the fact that there is no fall out at all because it is gel based. Basically, all you have to do is swipe it on and it stays in place. This item have been getting some bad reviews because some people find it difficult to use, creases up on them or just doesn't show up. Well, here is a little tip/trick to make this item work for you.

1)First, make sure that you apply it over eyeshadow...preferably one that matches the color of the glitter.
2)Then, only use the sponge applicator that it comes with. If you try and use a regular makeup brush, its not gonna work very well.
3)Make sure that you press the sponge applicator in the glitter and swirl it around. Doing this will ensure that it picks up enough glitter on the sponge.
4)Apply it on the lid only and apply about 2-3 coats.
5)To finish it off, make sure to dab some translucent powder over the glitter. One coat will be sufficent. Doing this will make the glitter stay in place and not crease up.

Like I said I really like this item and you can't beat it for the price!

NYX Eyeshadow base in White

Description: To get the maximum brilliant color of eye shadow on your eye, an eye primer is a must! Apply eye shadow base to eyelids, then apply NYX's high-pigmented eye shadows and see the colors pop with vibrant and sparkling luster. Eye shadow base grabs and firmly holds finely milled powder so the color in the pot is what ends up on your eye - without a pinch lost.

Price I paid: $7

My Take: I don't like this at all. This base comes in 3 colors...white, pearl white and skin tone. I decided to get the white because "Apply before eye shadows for 100x's vivid color". I know some people swear by this but honestly, it doesn't do anything different than my other eyeshadow bases and actually, it doesn't even last all day. I wore it yesterday and by the end of the day, my shadow was creased. I will not be purchasing this again.

NYX Black Label Lipstick in Citrine (103) and Dusty Rose (108)

Description: NYX's elite new line. The Black Label. This lipstick is super creamy, velvety, silky smoothand moisturizing. After you use it, your lips will be begging for more!

Price I paid: $7.50

My Take: I think they are cute. Nothing special. I bought the Dusty Rose, which is a medium pink, really for myself because I live for pink lipstick! I bought the Citrine, an orange color, for my kit.

Dusty Rose

Citrine

So overall I am not at all excited about NYX...I might give a few of their other products a try in the future but we'll see.

So last week, I went on www.eyeslipsface.com to buy one face brush..but instead I got all of these lol. I really do think that I have a shopping problem but for these prices, who could blame me? My entire order, with shipping, only came up to $31.45 for EVERYTHING!!!!! Here is what I got:

1 Smudge Eye Sponge Brush $1.00
1 Lip Defining Brush $1.00
1 Total Face Brush $1.00
1 Slant Tweezer $1.00
1 Super Glossy Lip Shine w/SPF 15 in Angel $1.00
1 Eyeliner Brush $1.00
2 Natural Lash Kit-Black $1.00 each
2 Dramatic Lash Kit-Black $1.00 each
1 Essentials Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Midnight $1.00
1 Essentials Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black $1.00
1 Dramatic Lash Kit-Brown $1.00
1 Essentials Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Iconic Ivory $1.00
1 Essentials Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Precious Pink $1.00
1 Essentials Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Gunmetal $1.00
1 Essentials Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Twinkle Teal $1.00
1 Essentials Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Black Bandit $1.00
1 Limited Edition Essentials Dramatic Length False Eyelashes in Teal Blue $3.00
1 Limited Edition Essentials Dramatic Length False Eyelashes in Purple $3.00
1 Limited Edition Essentials Dramatic Length False Eyelashes in Neon Pink $3.00
1 Essentials Day To Night Collection $5.00

So far I've used about half of these items and I absolutely love them! From the shimmer pencils, to the eye primer and brushes..everything is a hit with me. I can't believe that makeup and tools this cheap are actually this good. I highly recommend ELF and will be purchasing from them again very soon.

Oh and on top of getting $7.50 off my order because of a special that they were running that day, I also received this as a free gift:

The Essentials Brightening Eye Color in Butternut valued at $1.00. Fast shipping and a little free gift always makes me happy :-)