Pomps n' Gloss

2011-04-07T10:53:00.000-04:00

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Pick of the Week...Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream

2011-02-25T13:48:00.000-05:00

Pick of the Week...Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream

Kitschkween's Makeup Videos on Vimeo!

2011-02-22T11:08:00.000-05:00

Kitschkween's Makeup Videos on Vimeo!

Wonder Woman Makeup Tutorial

2011-02-18T09:56:00.000-05:00

redirect: Wonder Woman Makeup Tutorial

Pick of the Week - M.A.C. Gloss Texture

2011-02-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

Pick of the Week - M.A.C. Gloss Texture

Tokidoki Makeup Review & Tutorial

2011-02-01T10:34:00.000-05:00

I've always loved the super kawaii clutter of Tokidoki Designs. Now they have a whole cosmetics line available at Sephora that I couldn't refuse. I really didn't expect much from makeup in packaging so cute it made me want to vomit rainbows and unicorns, but I was pleasantly surprised. My video shows what I love about the eyeshadows, brushes, mascara, lip stain and lip glosses. There are also swatches and an application tutorial. Tokidoki!!! SQUEE!!!

How to Spot Fake MAC Cosmetics on Ebay

2011-01-31T20:02:00.000-05:00

My new video shows you what to look for when shopping for MAC Cosmetics on eBay. There are thousands of counterfeit M.A.C. Cosmetics in the world, and the internet makes it that much easier to dupe people into thinking it's the real thing. In my video, I cover brushes, eye shadow palettes, and the Hello Kitty collection. I've learned from my mistakes, and I now know that there's no better deal than buying MAC from real MAC counters, real MAC stores and the MAC website. They are extremely reasonably priced, and the US sells it for less than any other country in the world. This tutorial is meant for those of you who seek out those discontinued or limited edition products that are no longer available. A tip for brushes: JUST DON'T DO IT. The video explains why...

Ask Marissa..."I Hate My Big Nose!"

2011-01-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

Jane Doe: I hate my nose. I think it is big and well just don't like it. Are there any make-up ideas that could draw attention away from my nose and mouth maybe to my eyes instead?

Me: Shading (or contouring) should do the trick. Use a matte bronzer or brown eyeshadow. Use a fluffy tapered shadow brush like M.A.C. #224 ($29), and blend the powder on the each side of the bridge of your nose. Make sure you blend well, so it doesn't look like there's makeup there.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - M.A.C. Lip Pencils

2011-01-21T14:30:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love M.A.C. Lip Pencils ($13)! They glide on smoothly, wear for a long time and have great coverage. I like wearing these more than lipstick because you get more precise results. I like to wear 2 lip pencils; one for the liner and one as the lipstick, then top it with a Lip Glass ($14.50) or Tinted Lip Conditioner ($14.50) Some of my favorite combinations are:

Bright Hot Pink-
Line: Cherry
Lip: Magenta
Gloss: Viva Glam Gaga lip Glass

Neutral Brown-
Line: Cork
Lip: Subculture
Gloss: Soothing Beige Tinted Lip Conditioner

Red-
Line: Brick
Lip: Cherry
Gloss: Viva Glam Cyndi Lip Glass

Nude-
Line: Stripdown
Lip: Oak
Gloss: C-Thru Lip Glass

Ask Marissa...Good Full Coverage Foundation and Masks

2011-01-20T11:33:00.000-05:00

Jane Doe: Can you recommend a good foundation for covering up redness and acne scars? Another silly question to is about masks I have never used one are they beneficial for my skin what do they do?

Me: As for a foundation, MAC Studio Sculpt ($29.50) would be great for those concerns. It's also oil free and sets itself so you don't need a powder.

Masks do different things. For a deep cleansing (sucking all the crap out of your pores and preventing acne) I would suggest Clinique Acne Solutions Oil-Control Cleansing Mask ($20). For a moisture boost, I really like Laura Mercier's Intensive moisture mask ($32). It's oil free, so it's safe for acne prone or sensitive skin. If you want to brighten your skin, Clinique Turnaround Instant Facial ($36.50) is amazing! It promotes rapid cell renewal (the birth of new skin cells to replace old dull ones), so your skin will be bright and radiant.

Hope this Helps,
Marissa

Looking Greasy in the Club?

2011-01-19T14:35:00.000-05:00

In the 6 or so years I've maintained social networking profiles, I noticed a horrible epidemic plaguing a lot of young women: pictures of them in night clubs were REALLY bad. Their heads were whiter than their bodies and their faces were greasy looking. Camera flash is not very generous to our features, but super generous to our flaws. All these pretty girls were looking deathly ill.

I didn't go to school for makeup artistry, so everything I know is basically through trial and error. Here are some things I've learned about flash photography:

DO contour appropriately

DO use a foundation and powder a couple shades darker than your skin tone, or cover your neck and shoulders with your normal foundation

DO use matte finish foundations, concealers and powders. This includes blush. Eye makeup isn't as important to be matte, but it does make a more beautiful picture.

DON'T use shimmery finishes on your face. This will make you look greasy and gross.
DON'T use foundations or concealers with pink undertones. This will make you look pale or ashy.

Here is the difference between a do and a don't:
DO

I used a matte finish foundation, concealer, powder and blush.

A light colored lip gloss with no shimmer and minimal glitter will accentuate you natural lip color.

On my eyes is just a black crayon that I blended upwards. I didn't use a highlighter.

When you contour correctly, there's no need to highlight.

DON'T

I used my normal radiant finish foundation with a satin finish concealer.

I used a shimmery loose powder followed by a sheer coral blush and shimmery highlighter on my cheekbones.

You can see that I look really greasy and my face is lighter than my neck. This makeup is beautiful in person, but doesn't translate well in flash photography.

Here's what it looks like without flash:

Ask Marissa...Clinique Discontinued Clarifying Makeup!

2011-01-19T10:23:00.000-05:00

Jane Doe: Clinique stopped carrying the foundation I use, what do you like as a medium coverage foundation for oily skins? I've been looking around and nothing has jumped out at me yet. I am almost out, so I am going to need to get some soon.

Me: Which foundation did you use? Have you tried their Acne Solutions foundation ($24.50)? It's pretty amazing. I also like Teint Idol Freshwear ($32) by Lancome. I know you don't have a MAC near you, but if you ever make it Louisville, try Studio Fix Liquid foundation ($26). Studio fix controls oil throughout the day and has buildable coverage.

Jane Doe: I can't remember the name of it. It was their last acne one that was in tube. It always separated if it sat for too long. I am sure that's why they got rid of it.

Me: It was either Continuous Coverage Makeup or Clarifying Makeup.

Jane Doe: Clarifying. You are on it!

Me: Some people use their brains for money. I use mine for beauty. It's way less shallow. LOL.
You would love the new Acne Solutions one then. Its not thick. It's actually kind of creamy. It has a natural finish so you don't look all dry and cakey. Plus it controls oil and keeps skin clear with salicylic acid.

Jane Doe: Cool. i will have to check it out. Thanks for the advice!

Me: Clinique gives foundation samples now too. :D

Kitschkween Jewelry

2011-01-18T14:49:00.001-05:00

I will be permanently adding my Kitschkween jewelry and accessories to this blog. :D

Ask Marissa...Facial Hair

2011-01-18T10:54:00.000-05:00

Jane Doe: When I use foundation, which I have to.. When I apply it under my nose and above the mouth I am left with a darkened area where it sticks to the other wise invisible small hair there all women have it I think, but when I apply foundation it suddenly becomes noticeable and looks like..well like I have the start of a mustache =( How can I prevent the foundation from sticking to the hair and still cover that area of skin up?

Me: The best suggestion I have is hair removal. Either wax or get one of those mini facial hair groomers, such as the Conair 2-in-1 Fine Line Trimmer (drugstores, $8.99). I use the hair groomer b/c wax irritates my skin, and it's expensive to keep up. The hair groomers are very gentle and won't leave bumps. I even use this on the little fuzzies around my eyes so makeup goes on smoother.
If you don't want to do hair removal, stick to powder foundations. They are less likely to give that shadow. My favorite one is Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Powder Foundation ($24).

Ask Marissa...Eye Primer for Red Eyelids

2011-01-17T12:50:00.000-05:00

Jane Doe: I'm looking for a good eye primer but can't decide which one to go for. I want something that neutralizes the skin on my eyes (I have a lot of redness) but also gives my shadows mega staying power.

Me: I have 3 favorite eye primers; M.A.C. Paint Pot in "Soft Ochre" ($16.50), Lancome's Ombre Perfecteur Pen ($23), and Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($18). All have yellow undertones to neutralize redness, and the staying power of shadows are amazing!

Ask Marissa...Moved to the Desert

2011-01-14T13:20:00.000-05:00

Jane Doe: Do you have any recommendations on skincare products. I have been using Clinique, Shiesido, and other stuff, but looking for a good affordable one to try out. The weather here in Vegas is dry so something new will be good. Thanks for your help!

Me: It depends on what your main skin concern is. I like different brands for different things.

Jane Doe: I have sensitive skin but mainly dry out here in the dessert. Funny, my skin was oily in the Bay (Area) haha. Any good suggestion on moisturizer?

Me: For the day time, I would stick with Clinique. I love their Superdefense cream for very dry skin ($42.50). Here's my blog about it:

http://pompsngloss.blogspot.com/2010/07/marissas-pick-of-week-moisturize-your.html

At night, I love Origins Night-A-Mins cream ($36). It's really thick, but it won't break you out.

I know you wanted something less pricey, but you really get what you pay for in a moisturizer.
Cleansing can be a little cheaper though. I like either Aveeno Positively Radiant cleansing pads (average price, $7) or Oil of Olay Daily Facial Hydrating cleansing cloths (average price, $6).

Hope this helps.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Lioele Pore Clean & Tightening Pack

2011-01-14T12:46:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago Promise Phan (one of the most talented makeup gurus on YouTube) posted a link to http://prettyandcute.com/ on Facebook. There, I discovered a magical brand of Korean cosmetics called Lioele. It's a fairly new company whose business model is the Cinderella story (evident in their packaging). Lioele believes that true beauty can be found in everyone.

Lately, I've been seeing pores that I never saw before.
"Great," I said. "I'm aging."

Thus began the search for pore shrinking skincare products that wouldn't dry me out in the winter. On the Pretty and Cute website, I saw the Pore Clean & Tightening Pack ($20). The picture showed 2 tubes so I thought,
"This looks interesting. It's like a 2-step pore tightening system."
Well I was wrong. Only 1 box came. So then I thought,
"Okay? So maybe it's like a gel peel or something."
Wrong again.
What it actually is, is a mask. Yup. Just a mask. I was really disappointed, but then I tried it.

The clay mask was a dark gray color that had the same consistency as other masks I've used. It did have a distinct smell of leeks. Leeks aren't in the ingredients, but I don't know what else to compare it to. It was very fresh, crisp, and green smelling. Not quite grass. Not quite celery. just plant like.

Here is a list of some ingredients and what it's supposed to do:

During application, the scent of the mask started to calm me. I was liking it more and more. When it started to dry, I could feel it going to work. It felt almost as if there were little suction cups sucking all the crap out of my face. It didn't hurt or feel itchy like some other masks do.

(Ever wonder what your skin would look like when you're 80?)

Rinsing off the mask was easier than other masks. I didn't have to scrub or rub it off. My skin felt really smooth and soft. I didn't feel any film or oils or anything at all, just my skin. Even though it felt clean, it wasn't squeaky and tight. I could easily glide my finger across my cheeks without skipping. It's hard to explain. My skin just had a nice slip to it without being slippery? My skin looked brighter and more radiant.

Here's how I knew it worked:

After I completed the process, I noticed a little blackhead and blemish that I didn't have before.

Here's a tip- If you use a deep cleansing mask for the first time and you don't have any new blackheads or blemishes, then it's probably not working all that well.

In the end, I really liked this mask. I would have never tried it, if it wasn't for the misleading picture and mysterious lack of info on the website. I already have a couple masks that I like, but this mask is definitely a favorite. It's fresh, gave great results, and is perfect for my acne prone skin that turns dry in the winter. *Two thumbs up*

Ask Marissa...Balancing Extreme Combination Skin

2011-01-13T12:10:00.000-05:00

Jane Doe: I have normal / combo skin and in winter it usually gets a little dry...but this winter it's behaving very differently. My skin is very dry in the cheeks and around the eyes, enough to where it is tight and uncomfortable most of the day. But my t-zone is just as oily as it would be in the summer and seems to be more prone to breakouts than usual. Any suggestions for how to tackle this? My current system is to cleanse with a normal cleanser, use a mild alcohol-free toner and moisturize with philosophy hope in a jar / eye hope for the eyes. I also exfoliate 4x a week and do an at home peel every other week.

Me: I would say stop using Hope in a Jar. Any oil on your face will make the oily areas worse. I don't want you to waste your money though, so just use it at night with an oil control lotion on your t-zone. During the day, I would suggest MAC's Studio Moisture Cream ($32). It's safe for oily skin, but is very moisturizing. It gives time released moisture throughout the day and has spinach to help circulation. It will also add radiance to dry dull skin. Keep using your cleanser for normal skin, but switch to one with a toner in it. A toner's main purpose is to pH balance your skin after using a cleanser that is too acidic. All of MAC's cleansers a pH balanced, so you don't need a toner. No tone r= no irritating dry skin and no under-toning oily skin. Try MAC's Creamwash ($19.50) or Green Gel cleanser ($19.50). Both are ok for all skin types.

Jane Doe: Perfect thanks! I haven't tried any of MACs skincare maybe it's time to give it a go. I think I'll have to grab something from the Champale collection too.

Me: Champale was made for you! All of MAC skincare is made with natural ingredients. No synthetics. No animal testing. All cruelty free.

Jane Doe: I love everything in that collection, I really want the quad though. It reminds me a little of my fav MAC quad Liza eyes which is really really old but just very pretty neutrals. Does the MAC skincare smell good?

Me: Some of it has no fragrance. I don't remember what Studio Moisture cream smells like, but the Green Gel cleanser is very crisp and clean. It's got green tea and algae extract.

Ask Marissa...Acne Scars & Rosacea

2011-01-12T23:23:00.001-05:00

Jane Doe: I have horrible skin and I have tried a lot of cleansers and toners ect for it I look forward to trying a mask I hope it will help, 'cause so far nothing works and it is embarrassing. I have even had women tell me you need to wash your face more. It's Rosacea and acne scaring I tell them but still get the looks of question .

Me: I can only really tell you how to cover up and soothe rosacea. Only dermatologist prescribed treatment can cure or control it.

As for acne scarring, you might want to try Stri-Vectin. It's pretty pricey ($135), but it lasts a long time and works wonders. Within 2 weeks of using stri-vectin, my purple stretch marks turned white. Stretch marks are scars too. For something less expensive, start out with Maderma (you can get it at Walgreens, $30) until you notice results are not improving anymore, then move up to stri-vectin. You will need to use a very good moisturizer on top of Maderma and Stri-Vectin, because there is a lot of retinol in it and will make your skin feel dry and uncomfortable.

When you cover up acne scars, always wear a makeup primer underneath your foundation. This will fill in any lines, wrinkles, pores and acne scars so that your skin will have an even texture. Since you have a lot of redness, I suggest using the Sephora brand green corrector primer ($15). The green hue will neutralize any redness. Follow with your foundation, and setting powder.

Jane Doe: Ok I will do when I can find one in my area and TY for the advice. Doctors are way to expensive for me right now to go to for skin care. I used to have a face wash with tea tree oil in it that worked wonders for the Rosacea but it is no longer made I have looked for a new one to try but can't find anything like it. Never thought of using Maderma on my face I have some and will be using it thank you.

Me: If you can find pure tea tree essential oil, one drop in your cleanser and/or moisturizer should do the trick.

Hot Topic Makeup Haul (with videos)

2011-01-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

Yes. Yes. I know. I know. Hot Topic is just another corporation that exploits a subversive culture, and flourishes off the allowance of adolescent posers.

Whatever.

Remember the Kitschkween (that's me for those of you who don't know) motto: "Like what you like and don't be sorry for it."

A person shouldn't have to prove their authenticity to anyone. If they like Britney Spears AND Siouxsie and the Banshees, leave them alone. If they have torn clothing with safety pins all over the place AND like to wear Nike shoes, leave them the hell alone. We are all trapped in a world where if a subculture is discovered by a greedy corporate monster, they will find a way to make it mainstream. So please. If you shop at Hot Topic because you don't know where else to find awesome clothes and accessories or discover music you can't hear on the radio, then don't be ashamed. You can just quote the above highlighted statement when someone busts on you for being a poser.

Moving right along...

Here are parts 1 and 2 of my review:

Since you can't really get a full sense of the swatches, here are some pictures:

Lip/Eye Pencils

Eye Crayons

Integrity. Love. Unity. - Why I Am a Kerli Fan

2011-01-11T10:37:00.001-05:00

Deep in the woods of Estonia, a little Moonchild was born. Her free spirit, big heart and artistic soul could hardly confine this whimsical creature to such a tiny place in the world. Keeping her integrity, her passion for self expression made her into the surreal beauty known as Kerli.
Jay (hair guy for Pomps n' Gloss) was who first told me about Kerli. Knowing my love for gothic-lolita style he said
"You have to check her out on myspace. You would just DIE!!!"
And I did. I swear I couldn't stop squealing. Then something magical happened. I pressed PLAY on the music box thingy, and it was all over. Not only was she the closest thing to my perfect doll, but her music was awesome too! I was hooked- a Kerli fan for life.
As I did a little more Kerli Googling, I found that I was drawn to her makeup (which she does herself). It was so clean, yet fantasy like. Everything she wore (which she mostly makes) and sung (which she writes all of) was an inspiration to me.

Now for the icing on the cake...
Kerli started the movement of The Moonchildren. A Moonchild is "one who belongs to a community of integrity, love and unity." She is very spiritual and grounded. She is crafty and resourceful. She is original and generous.
If you know nothing about this amazing artist, you can learn more about her on her Moonchild Academy website where my makeup tutorial was featured. She offers free downloads of her music and you can see all her videos (all the concepts are hers) on youtube. She makes music videos, craft tutorials and video logs.
I hope you all fall in love with her like I did. She really is amazing. There is something for everyone to like about Kerli.

Kerli Inspired Gothic Lolita Makeup Tutorial from Marissa Rhoades on Vimeo.

Buy a lipstick for World AIDS Day

2010-12-01T09:59:00.000-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day. I know not everyone has time to volunteer, but it only takes a couple minutes to buy a lipstick. One MAC Viva Glam lipstick ($14.50) can really make a difference. 100% of every Viva Glam Sale goes to the M.A.C. AIDS Fund. Here are just some of the things 1 lipstick can contribute to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS:

ONE Viva Glam Lipstick=
8 home cooked meals
1 b-day or x-mas party pack for a child who lost a parent to HIV/AIDS.
A year's worth of school supplies for a child affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa
3 boxes of a weeks supply of fruits and veggies in Canada
2 meals for 2 children at an orphanage affected by HIV?AIDS in South Africa
1 weekly grocery shop (4 bags of food) for 2 people affected by HIV/AIDS

to see more info, visit www.macaidsfund.org

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Moisture Mask for Acne Prone Skin

2010-11-19T11:25:00.001-05:00

"Moisture" is a scary word for people with acne prone skin. The fact is, that even the oiliest skin needs it. Finding the right balance can be difficult, though. Too much moisture causes breakouts. Lack of moisture causes excess shine. Well, for those of you who always have at least one breakout somewhere on your face, but feel dehydrated at the same time, Laura Mercier has the perfect moisture mask for you.
Laura Mercier's Intensive Moisture Mask ($32) is an oil free water-based hydrating formula that will leave your skin feeling baby soft. It's a green gel that feels super light weight, so you can pile it on as thick as you want and won't breakout. After cleansing your face, wear the mask for 5-10 minutes then rinse or towel off with warm water. After using this mask, not only did my skin feel soft and extremely comfortable, I was also more radiant. I've broken down some of the ingredients so you all can see that this mask is truly for all skin types and addresses all concerns.

moisture:
sunflower oil
sweet almond oil
shea butter

clarity/radiance:
grapefuit extract
rice protein
saxifragra extract

soothing/calming:
cucumber extract
barley extract
wheat germ extract
rose water

antioxidants:
tomato extract
vitamin e

firming:
coneflower extract

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Pure Vitamin C

2010-10-15T12:59:00.001-04:00

Freelancing for a wedding last week really opened my eyes to a truth I thought I wouldn't realize for at least another 4 years; I'm aging. We all are. Everyday. The whole day I thought the bridal party was my age. They were young and fun and radiant. Later that night I asked how old they were, and as it turned out, they were a few ears older than me. Smoking, having 3 kids, living an emotionally stressful life, staying up late, bad eating habits...all of those factors can be read on a woman's face. Women know that looking 25 is very different from 29 even though it's only a 4 year gap. At that moment I decided it was time to step up my skincare from basic prevention to early correction. Aging is inevitable and irreversible, but it can be slowed down, and it can be corrected.
After expressing my aging concerns, friend of mine who works for Kiehl's gave me a sample of their Dermatologist Solutions Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate ($56). I know you all probably think I'm crazy and don't need an extra-strength anti-wrinkle serum, and you're right. I don't. What drew me to this product was the continuous delivery of 10.5% Vitamin C, or L-Ascorbic Acid. Kiehl's was able to stabilize the highest dose of Vitamin C available without a dermatologist's prescription. Since my second pregnancy, I've been looking for a product that gave retinol results without the retinol. This Concentrate tested the same against retinol without the sensitivity and irritation. That means this is a safe anti-aging treatment for pregnant women.
So why would a 25 year old need this? Vitamin C (aside from correcting wrinkles) improves skin texture and radiance; my 2 main concerns. Since using this Line-Reducing Concentrate, I noticed a brighter, more youthful complexion. I look healthy and energized. I actually feel like I look my age.

Eye Serum

You can wear this serum day and night under a moisturizer. I suggest wearing a SPF of at least 15 on top of the Concentrate because of the rapid exfoliation taking place. There is also a formula available for the eye area, which I also love. Your eyes are where you see the first signs of aging, so I highly recommend the Dermatologist Solutions Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate ($40) as well.

Beyonce Inspired B.B. Homemaker Makeup Tutorial

2010-10-14T12:01:00.000-04:00

Here's my latest makeup tutorial based on one of Beyonce's looks in her "Why Don't You Love Me?" video. I have it on YouTube, but they disabled my audio due to licencing issues, so I had to replace the soundtrack with one of their pre-authorized songs. The Vimeo version has the original soundtrack; a tribute to Miss Eta James.

Beyonce Inspired B.B. Homemaker Tutorial from Marissa Rhoades on Vimeo.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Lip Stain!

2010-10-01T15:36:00.003-04:00

On my venture to buy makeup for my Drug Store Beauty Queen Tutorial, I found a precious gem. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstain in Cherry Pop (Target.com, $6.49). I've tried department store stains like Benefit's Bene-Tint ($28), but I like this one better for 2 reasons; convenience and price point. To me it looks just like the product that costs $21 more, except instead of having a messy loose liquid, it's all contained in a little pen. The coverage is buildable, so you can keep coloring until your lips are as dark as you want it. It stays on all day. I've even slept with it on and my lips were still red the next morning. Color Sensational Lipstains are perfect for someone who doesn't like to reapply lipstick or gloss though out the day and wants a natural looking lip. I like to wear it with a moisturizing lip balm on top. Even Chapstick would work. Love it!
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstain Demo:

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Brighter By Nature

2010-09-24T09:59:00.003-04:00

Radiance and clarity are my main concerns for my skin, so naturally I had to try Origin's new Brighter By Nature High-potency brightening peel with fruit acids ($37.50). These mini-peel pads are loaded with skin brightening, anit-oxidant packed fruity acids from blueberries, Goji berries and grapes. Chamomile, aloe and lavender soothe redness and sensitivity. Test results showed that this treatment can be comparable to a 30% glycolic peel.

While this product claimed to be a "glycolic peel without the redness," I did see a little red. The box also indicated that a "tingling" sensation is normal, but what I felt was more of a sting. It wasn't unbearable, just a little uncomfortable. Both of those side effects are well worth the face I woke up to the next morning. My skin was noticeably brighter and acne scars were faded.

I recommend only using the peel pads two nights a week. Don't use them in the same 24 hours as your regular scrub and mask. You should use a broad-spectrum SPF everyday, but it's especially important after this treatment. Your face just shed several layers of dead skin, so your skin would be more vulnerable to UV rays.

Remember: Not every cosmetics counter girl knows what they're doing. The employee turnover rate in cosmetics is high, and most don't get formally trained until they've been there for a few months. It's not rude to ask how long they've been there and if they've gone to class yet. This is YOUR skin. Don't put its care in the hands of an untrained sales person who hasn't got the proper product knowledge.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Cream Blush is All You Need!

2010-09-17T12:24:00.000-04:00

These days, the average woman is on the go all day long. Whether you are a student or a carpool mom, there is always somewhere we have to be. Most days I don't even wear makeup, but sometimes while I'm driving around I'll get a call that sounds something like:
"Hey, Hunny. I left my phone charger at home, can you drop it off?"
or
"Hey, Marissa! I need you to come to work and sign some papers."
I'm not trying to go to my husband's office looking all haggard, or to my job looking like everything BUT a makeup artist. So I always have two things in my purse: face powder and cream blush. You don't need powder if you don't have oily or blemished skin, but I keep it just in case.
The real must have is cream blush! You can use it to add a natural flush to your cheeks, brighten your eyes, and add color to your lips. Cream blushes are truly an all-in-one freshen upper.

Favorites:
M.A.C. Blushcream ($18.50)
Lancome Color Design Blush ($27) Hurry! These are being discontinued!
Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick ($18.50)

Now enjoy my mini tutorial on how you can quickly apply cream blush no matter wear you are!

Marissa's Pick of the Week - The Perfect Red!

2010-08-27T13:40:00.000-04:00

So, a few days ago I made the mistake of walking by a Sephora. I swear that store pulls me in like a magnet. I left with a list a mile high of everything I wanted, but what stuck out to me the most was Make Up For Ever's new Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick called "Moulin Rouge." ($19)
I remember the whole magical experience exactly how it happened. I walked into Sephora and headed straight for the Make Up For Ever counter (naturally). I was excited to see that they finally came out with some new stuff. As my eyes wandered up to the new lipsticks, the perfectly shaded red was the first I snatched. I swiped it on the back of my hand, then gushed over that little stick of color as if I just gave birth to it. Not too orange. Not too pink. Just red.
I know everyone has a different perfect red, but I am positive "Moulin Rouge" will be red red red on most of you who try it. So if you "can-can-can," stop by a Sephora store to try it or buy it.

Beauty Junkies CAN Travel Light!

2010-07-26T11:40:00.000-04:00

Leave those train cases at home! With a few of tips, we Beauty Junkies won't have to sacrifice any part of our makeup regimen when we travel. I remember the days when airlines allowed each person 3 pieces of luggage and 2 carry-ons. Now, we're restricted to 1 suitcase under 50 lbs. Anything over 50 lbs. costs extra. With all our skin care and makeup that won't even fit on our vanities, how do we choose what to bring? I hope this short video will help. Happy Travels!

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Double Duty

2010-07-23T11:24:00.000-04:00

Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat (average MSRP, $5.00) by Sally Hansen is the best top coat I've ever used. My polish usually didn't last for more than a week without chipping, but this has helped my nails survive cleaning and making jewelry for over 2 weeks. It's also a money saver because it's a strengthening base coat.

Marissa's Pick of the Week- Moisturize Your Stress Away

2010-07-16T12:37:00.001-04:00

YES! YES! AND YES!!! Clinique's Superdefense Triple Action Moisturizer had everything i wanted in a day cream. Then they went and changed it on me...for the better! The original formula launched back in 2005 when I was a proud lab coat wearing skin care geek. Since then, I haven't tried a moisturizer (almost a dozen) that I liked better. I loved it it because I was a fresh faced 20-year-old concerned with preventing skin damage and signs of aging such as fine lines, age spots and loss of radiance. The original formula was a skin care technology break through, offering broad spectrum protection and pollution filters in 3 formulas for different skin types.
Jammed packed with potent antioxidants, Superdefense shielded you from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays with an SPF of 25 (the highest SPF I had seen in a basic daily moisturizer at the time), and had IPF (Immune Protection Factor) technology.
At the time, most moisturizers with SPF only protected you from UVB rays, leaving your skin vulnerable to the harsh effects of UVA damage. Remember that UVA are the sun rays that age your skin. It attacks the layers of your epidermis that can attribute to age spots, wrinkles, and The Big "C." Yes cancer. The Langerhans cell, which identifies skin cancer cells, is a big fat target without UVA protection. Can't get much better than that! But wait...
The new formula IS better than that! This amazing face armor, now called Superdefense SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer ($42.50) does all of the above PLUS battles emotional stress damage and repairs signs of aging. How? I don't know. That's the stuff only Clinique people know, but it's pretty awesome!

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Brush Savers

2010-07-09T11:31:00.000-04:00

I love, love, love The Brush Guard! ($5.50 per pack) They help to expand the life of your cosmetic brushes by preserving its shape and allowing upside down dry time (!) after washing.
Caring for your makeup brushes the right way can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. The most important thing to know is how to wash them. Use baby shampoo, antibacterial dish soap, or makeup brush cleanser to thoroughly cleanse each bristle until water runs clear. Never leave your brushes to dry standing upright. This can cause water to drip back into the ferrule (look at the diagram below), loosening the glue that holds the hairs together. The result? Your $50 powder brush starts balding. Until I discovered these money savers via Michelle Phan, I laid my brushes flat to dry.

To use, slip the appropriately sized Brush Guard over your cleansed brush extending the tube about 1/2" over the bristles. Place the brush upside down in a cup over night. When your brush is dry, slip the tube off (upwards, not down the handle) and your brush is good as new!

If you can't purchase brush guards right away, you can do wonders with rubber bands! :)

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Nail Art Pens!

2010-07-02T09:50:00.000-04:00

Since I'm currently between jobs, I've been a little less into makeup and more into nail art. As a true beginner with no knowledge of anything that had to do with nails, I swiped a couple of Nail Art Pens by Sally Hansen. You can pick these pens up at drug stores and beauty supply stores for an average price of $6.99. They come in 8 colors and dry fast. It takes some practice to draw designs that actually look good. I started off horrible, but now I'm kind of good. Well, good enough to not have to go to a salon and pay 3 to 4 times more than a couple of these pens cost. This picture shows the first batch of nails I'm not embarrassed to show. Hopefully with enough practice, other people will want me to do their nails for them!

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Solid Serum for Oily Skin

2010-06-25T11:09:00.000-04:00

My new love is Lush skincare. Everything is handmade with natural, perishable ingredients. The most interesting of my purchases is the Saving Face solid serum ($13.95). I have to admit that the bizarre idea of a solid serum is what initially attracted me to this product. After reading the ingredients and viewing a demo, I took one home with me and fell in love after the first use. I have now been using it for 3 weeks and still get as excited to use it as I was the first time. This vegan wonder tablet is loaded with so many skin delicious ingredients, I can't believe it all fits into something I can hide in the palm of my hand.

Super Awesome Face Saving Yummies:

On top of powerful antioxidants found in all the cirtrus oils, shea butters give just the right amount of moisture oily skin types need while kaolin clay and talc absorb excess oils.

Thyme - This key ingredient helps with acne because it is a natural astringent, helps keep skin clear due to its anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, and protects skin because it's a free radical crime fighter (powerful antioxidant).
Jojoba Oil - lasting moisture and antioxidant
Chlorophyllin - Naturally derived from plants, it is a great antioxidant and repels pollutants such as cigarette smoke, smog, and diesel emissions.

Don't let the the "oils" in this recipe scare you. What a lot of oily skin types don't know is that natural essential oils are good for us. It's mineral oil that is our enemy. My skin started clearing up when I added Saving Face to my regimen. Try it out at your local Lush store. They are VERY generous with samples.

Yay! Contest!

2010-06-22T08:22:00.004-04:00

I will be hosting 2 drawings for 2 awesome prizes!

Contest #1 Youtube!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel, KitschkweenDIY, and once I reach 100 subscribers, I will randomly pick a winner using Raffle King. The winner will receive 3 mini Lancome Juicy Tubes (about a $20 value) in "Simmer," "Dreamsicle," and "Magic Spell." After this iconic lip gloss launched 10 years ago (stumping the sales of every other lip gloss on the market) almost all other cosmetic lines had to release a similar product to keep up with the trend. After 10 years and some tough competition, Juicy Tubes are still a best selling brand.

Contest #2 Blog Comments:
Comment on any of my blog posts here (not on Facebook), and I will draw a name after 100 comments. The winner will receive A full size Arbonne NutriMin C RE9 RElease Deep Pore Cleansing Masque ($31) This vitamin packed mask sucks all the yuck out of your pores while it tones and firms your skin.

I need a lot of participation for this contest to work, so please tell your friends about it. The more entries I get, the sooner I pick a winner!

Good Luck!

Ganguro Girl

2010-06-15T13:11:00.000-04:00

Ganguro girls in Japan are often perceived as trashy. So I thought, "This is perfect for me!" Stay tuned after the credits for a short Japanese lesson. ^_^

I hope you enjoy this tutorial!

Ganguro Makeup Tutorial from Marissa Rhoades on Vimeo.

A shorter youtube version is also available here:

Bahirah's Pick of the Week- Milk Pencil

2010-06-11T15:51:00.000-04:00

The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in "Milk" ($4) Has become a staple in my makeup wardrobe since I first saw it used in a video makeup tutorial. It is the perfect brow bone highlighter, giving a natural matte finish. If you are lucky, you can find a Milk pencil at your local beauty supply store for a cheaper price. If you do, get a bunch at a time. They are always sold out at the store I go to. You can of course get them on the NYX Cosmetics Website. $4 is still a steal for this professional quality must have.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Charcoal Mask

2010-06-04T12:29:00.000-04:00

Using a deep cleansing mask at least once a week is important for acne prone skin like mine. Luckily, Origins has their Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask ($21). Activated charcoal is a great skincare ingredient used to detoxify and clarify. It works as a filter, trapping impurities in the skin (kind of like how a water filter works) therefore leaving your face squeaky clean. The added benefits of White China (Kaolin) clay stimulates circulation, heals acne and removes dead skin cells for a clear and bright complexion.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - "Aqua Net for Your Face"

2010-05-28T11:32:00.000-04:00

Fix + by M.A.C. Cosmetics ($18) is a must have in every makeup artist box! I also recommend this product for the Party Girl or someone with a 14 hour or more work day. You can use it alone to re-freshen your skin, or on top of makeup to set everything in place. With ingredients like green tea, chamomile, and cucumber, even sensitive skin would enjoy this thirst quenching cocktail. I have used Fix + on every client I freelanced for. Such events include weddings, parties, and funerals. When I followed up with my clients they all said their makeup stayed in place until they washed it off. I did makeup for a party at 11 AM, and they said their makeup was still fresh at 2 AM. As strong of a sealer as it is, it feels just like water. It's not sticky or heavy, so you won't even realize you sprayed it on after it dries. It's like glue for your face, or as a friend of a friend said, "It's like Aqua Net for your face!"

Bronze Beauty Makeup Tutorial

2010-05-18T10:52:00.000-04:00

My favorite summer look is a monochromatic bronze face. Your complexion is flawless and tanned. You shimmer in the sunlight. You glow in the moonlight. It looks like the sun just melted on you.
To give a natural sun-kissed look, I didn't use any pencils. I wanted everything to blend together without any hard lines. All the makeup and brushes in this tutorial is Lancome.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Best Sunscreen!

2010-05-14T11:36:00.002-04:00

Since May is both Skin Cancer Awareness month and Asian Pacific American Heritage month, I thought I'd ~~kill two birds with one stone~~ feed two birds with one pine cone for this week's pick.
IQQU Advance Sunscreen ($28.99) by Michelle Phan is unlike any other sunscreen I've seen. It's oil free, paraben free, fragrance free, and won't clog your pores. The consistency is kind of dry- not so much powdery, but not creamy either. (You have to feel it for yourself.) It's got an SPF of 35, protecting you from both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (skin burning rays) damage. What makes this formula even more special? You can apply it on top of makeup without messing it up!

Important Sunscreen info:

SPF doesn't last all day. In fact, to calculate when to reapply your sunscreen, take the SPF and multiply it by itself. The answer is how many minutes your protection will expire. For example: SPF 35 x 35 = 1225 minutes (just under 21 hours). So for those of you who think SPF 15 is enough, I hope you are only outside for 3 hours a day. Remember that some indoor lighting is also harmful to your skin.

Putting a foundation with SPF 10 on top of a moisturizer with SPF 20 does not equal SPF 30! This is a common misconception. You will only have the protection of the highest SPF you are wearing.

Sunscreen is not sunblock. Sunblock disables your skin from absorbing almost all sun rays. Sunscreen actually absorbs some of the ultraviolet rays. This allows for a tan, but protects from burning.

Marissa's Pick of the Week! -Tweeze Me, Baby

2010-05-07T13:58:00.001-04:00

I really loathe plucking my eyebrows, but since waxing regularly doesn't fit in my budget, I might as well get some good tweezers to make the process easier on me. Tweezerman makes excellent quality grooming products to fit the needs of everyone. My favorite product is the Pointed Slant Tweezer ($30) recently released by Benefit cosmetics. These are super sharp, therefore precise. You can pluck out super short hair and thin hair with these. If you want save $5, you can get the simple stainless steel ones on the Tweezerman site.

AIDS WALK & RIDE 2010

2010-05-04T14:42:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately, Jay couldn't be with us because of major surgery the previous day.

Thanks to everyone who donated money on behalf of Pomps n' Gloss, and to Bahirah for joining me this year.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Tapered Shadow Brush

2010-04-30T12:00:00.001-04:00

The Tapered Eye Shadow Brush is my favorite eye shadow brush ever! In fact, I love it so much, I have 4 of them- 2 for me, and 2 for my artist box. I only own Lancome's Blending Brush #17 ($27.50), but other lines carry similar brushes. This brush gives the perfect shape on your outer corner and crease everytime. I also use it to apply shadow all over, and to flawlessly blend colors together. Another great use for this brush is settling your under eye concealer with a loose powder. Holding the brush vertically, roll it across under your eyes with just a little bit of powder. To see the use of this brush in action, view my last video tutorial.

Smoky Eye Tutorial

2010-04-27T17:06:00.004-04:00

This was a very unplanned, spur of the moment video tutorial of how to create a smoky eye. I've never edited video, but I tried my best. Please try ignore the lame Musak, and occasional whining child in the background.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - NYX Pigments

2010-04-16T12:56:00.002-04:00

NYX Loose Pearl Powders are sold as eye shadows, but work like pigments, and for only $2.50 a pop, why spend up to $20 more on department store brands? The highly concentrated powder can be used on your eyes, face, lips, and eyelashes. You can find NYX products at www.nyxcosmetics.com, Ulta stores, and Ulta's website.

Here's a rundown of my NYX Loose Pearl Powder look:

Eyes:

All Over - Yellow Pearl

Outer corner, fanned out from the top of my cheek bone to the temple - Orange Zest Pearl

Under eyeliner and lashes - Jade Pearl

Face:

Apples of cheeks & bridge of nose- Very Pink Pearl

Lips:

no lip liner- Orange Zest Pearl on top of Make Up For Ever Lipstick #201

Marissa's Pick of the Week- Asian Beauty

2010-04-09T10:04:00.002-04:00

Yes. My pick this week is a book, but not just any book. What I have chosen for you is the best beauty book I have read so far. This includes books by Bobbi Brown, and The African American Women's Guide to Successful Makeup by Alfred Fornay. Not only is this a great reference for makeup application techniques, but it also has suggested skin care regimens, beauty tool knowledge and lifestyle recommendations for better looking skin.

Margaret Kimura (pictured right) has finally put a guide out into the world that focuses on the unique texture, skin tone and features of the Asian Woman in her book, Asian Beauty ($30). Her book models range from Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean to Indian, Filipino, Malaysian, and mixed races. Other ethnicities can benefit from this book, as her techniques have been used on hundreds of people in Hollywood and skin care tips are universal. Known as the "Blending Queen" in the makeup artist industry, her book is 210 pages of how to achieve a smooth, natural looking complexion to build the perfect canvas for color.

Check it out at the library first. Chances are, you'll want to buy it. It also makes a beautiful coffee table book at the very least.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Glitter!!!

2010-04-02T12:56:00.005-04:00

1. I like glitter.
2. I like inexpensive, quality makeup
3. I LOVE NYX Glitter Cream Palette!

The website says it's 6.00 USD, but I purchased my pallet in "Sureal" for only 4.00 at a beauty supply shop (probably because "palette" was spelled wrong). I like using this formula with powders because it intensifies the pigments while adding a glittery effect. After experimenting with this cream shadow, I learned a couple things. It does not play well with other cream formulas, and it's a must that you pat it on, not stroke or rub. I like using a foam tip eyeshadow applicator or a concealer brush. It can be a little frustrating to get the hang of it at first, but once you figure out how to apply it, you will love it.

Here are the shades on my bare skin:

With a black base:

With a white base:

You can see how the glitter is subtle so that it's fun and pretty, not strippery.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Turnaround Concentrate

2010-03-26T11:56:00.000-04:00

I can't stress enough how important exfoliation is for your skin. It clarifies, cleanses, and brightens skin better than just washing. What most people don't know, is that for optimal results, they need 2 kinds of exfoliation: manual and chemical. Manual being an abrasive scrub or facial brush/towel/loofa, and chemical being a topical beauty product.
Clinique's Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer (39.50) has been a staple in my skincare regimen since it debuted in 2005. An improved formula from the original Total Turnaround cream, this serum penetrates deeper into the epidermis to speed up cell renewal. The result: clarity and radiance. Because Total Turnaround Concentrate continuously exfoliates from the inside out, your skin will look younger, fresher, and brighter. It even helps acne scars fade faster.
Apply twice a day under your moisturizer avoiding the eye area. Continue to use your manual exfoliator 3-5 days a week. I also like to apply this serum to my decolletage, for a more youthful looking neckline. You will definitely notice a difference within a week.

Marissa's Pick of the Week! - Big Sexy Hair

2010-02-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

My hair is Super Asian Straight and can't hold product for more that 10 minutes, but Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus (about $15.50 at salons) changed all that. For the first time, I saw volume that reached a height I've never been in my life. Stilettos for hair is the best way I can describe this humidity resistant volume booster. Take a look at what Jay has been able to do with Big Sexy Hair.

Marissa's Pick of the Week! - Best Gloss Ever!

2010-02-19T11:56:00.000-05:00

My pick this week is a triple threat gloss by Lancome. La Laque Fever Ultimate Lasting Full Color Lip Shine ($26.50) has the shine of a gloss, coverage of a lipstick and wear of a lip stain. This amazing 3-in-1 gloss has several patents including one for the exclusive applicator that shapes lips and gives just the right amount of product for one application. The unique formula has moisturizers and is silicone based, so it stays in place without feathering for up up 8 hours.

La Laque Fever works best when it is applied to a clean, dry lip. Lip liner should go on after. For extra shine, apply another gloss on top such as Juicy Tubes ($18) or Lip Glass (M.A.C., $14).
Since this product came out, I hardly use lipstick and regular lip gloss anymore. This is all you need. I personally own 6 of the 27 (and growing) colors. I've even converted women between ages 30-55 who say they are "not a lip gloss person." Try it! Believe it!

Marissa's Pick of the Week! - The Fantail Brush

2010-02-12T11:41:00.001-05:00

The Fantail Brush by Benefit ($22) is a multipurpose must have in your tool box. Specifically made to brush away excess powders, this brush is also great for applying makeup. I love this brush because I use dark eye shadows that tend to fall under my eyes as I apply them. The soft pony hair sweeps the fallen shadows away without blending any of the pigment onto my skin. I also like to use this brush to apply blushes, highlighters and bronzers. I can shade and create shapes easily and precisely. On days that I want a more natural finish to my foundation, I use the Fantail to apply my loose powder. One Fantail brush is not enough for one brush collection!

Amazing Artists: Michelle Phan

2010-02-11T14:52:00.000-05:00

Michelle Phan is my hero! With over a million hits on YouTube, Lancome has just made her the official video makeup artist for the company. Phan has amazing application skills that range from basic enhancement to complete transformation. Among my favorite tutorials are the Lady Gaga Bad Romance Look, the Sailor Moon Transformation and Lunar New Year Tiger Eyes. If you are an aspiring makeup artist, or just love makeup, you have to subscribe to her YouTube Channel. You can also see some of her video tutorials on Lancome's website.

Brand Spotlight - Ayelet

2010-02-09T09:56:00.003-05:00

Ayelet, a former chef from NYC, started making her own beauty products out of frustration and necessity. She was diagnosed with Mayasthenya Gravis, and her weakened immune system left her with rashes, allergies and very sensitive skin. This lead to her research of natural skin care remedies. Now, with greatly improved health, she has a successful Etsy shop filled amazing bath and beauty products.

I stumbled upon Ayelet's shop while searching for a Dead Sea salt and mud spa bar. I found it amidst a beauty box of treasures! So far, I have made 2 orders and tried 10 products. Her prices are a steal, she ships at the speed of light and her postal rates are always fair. Ayelet also includes a soap sample with every order! I was lucky enough to interview her via email for my bloggity blog...

What is your favorite product and why?

"I don’t know if I have favorite products. I love all the products that I create, but I have to say I am so ecstatic and proud of my facial care line. I was one of those girls that used to shop for the most expensive brand name facial care for hundreds of $$$ until I said, "enough is enough." I need to give it a shot. After researching for a very long time, I am so happy I did. They are healthy, nourishing , healing, and most of all natural."

Does your brand have a mission statement or philosophy?

"Currently some of the ingredients in my products are organic; my goal is to use all organic ingredients or at least almost all organic which I am working on."

Handcrafting beauty products takes a long time to perfect. How long (or how many trials) does it usually take you to finally perfect a recipe?

"Some of my formulas were perfected in the first ,or second try, but natural botanical skin care is very dynamic field and there are always new ingredients out there to help perfect a natural product. I need to keep up with what’s new, so it’s never ending perfecting ."

Any advise for people who want to convert to natural beauty products?

"A person who (wants) to try natural botanical products first needs to learn to read and understand the ingredients in case of any allergies one may have. There are so many (brands) out there claiming their products are natural when they are not. If one product didn’t work for you try a something else from the same seller brand or shop, but don’t give up. You (might) find another maker. For an example, my facial creams have a slight scent of olive oil, and one customer didn’t like the scent, she is probably used to commercial products that contain some fragrance."

Quote the most rewarding feedback you've ever received:

"This is a feedback I got that keeps me working hard!

'Ayelet I read your blog and I really dig it! It's super cool how you showcase the steps in creating CP (cold process) soaps and body butters. I normally don't get scrubs right away from a shop that I'm new to but I felt that I could completely trust you and that's the whole idea of the Buyer/Seller relationship in personal care products. This scrub is super delish. I layered it beneath a Burberry fragrance today...and it was amazing! Thank you so much again and not just for the products and the shopping opportunity but also for helpin' me out by teachin' me about Paypal. You're truly a rockin', lovingly patient person and I'm happy to know our paths crossed on this vast network called Etsy. Xolovexo'"

My Favorites:

Tea Tree & Honey Gentle Clarifying Exfoliating scrub ($10) - read my blog about it!

Detoxifying Pure Sugar Cane Body scrub with Dead Sea Mud ($10) - Love It! It smells good, softens rough spots, detoxifies, and moisturizes. My shower gets a little messy, but nothing spraying it down with water can't fix. There is no added fragrance, but the combination of lemongrass, apricot seed and almond oils give it a crisp citrus aroma. It's not too oily, so this is a great pre-tanning lotion scrub.

Dead Sea Mineral Mud - Natural Spa in a Soap ($6) - "The ultimate spa soap" that consists of 2 layers; one to detoxify the skin and the other to help the skin absorb all the minerals in this bar. This is the first salt and mud bar I've tried that actually smells pleasant. I wasn't even expecting it to, but it it sure put the icing on this cake. I can't boast enough about how invigorating and nourishing Dead Sea ingredients are. All I can say is to try it for yourself. I promise you will love it!

Green Tea and Bamboo Olive Oil Enriched with Shea Butter soap ($5.50) - Once you try handmade soap, you will never go back to those mass produced detergent bars (ick). I was converted 6 years ago when my aunt gave me some of the best handmade soaps I've ever tried. Since then, it's been hard to find any I like as much until now. Ayelet's soaps are so creamy without sacrificing lather. Green Tea and Bamboo, my favorite scent so far, is a crispy fresh, citrusy scent that awakens your senses.

Reviews:

Sandalwood Vegan Deodorant ($7) - I originally purchased this for Mr. Kitschkween (what the online communities call my husband), but he sweats too much to not use an antiperspirant. I, however, like it. The scent is a perfectly balanced unisex fragrance. I don't sweat that much during the winter and spring, so why not avoid all that aluminium as much as possible?

Brightening Under Eye Cream with SPF 15 and Green Tea & Green Coffee Extract ($15) - While I didn't really notice any real change to my under eye shadows, the compound of ingredients couldn't have been selected better. It contains the above mentioned along with avocado oil, wheat germ oil, rosehip oil, and evening primrose oil. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide give sun protection. The consistency is very thick and a little oily, but it didn't cause me to break out.

Soap Samples I've Received:

Black Raspberry Vanilla Olive Oil soap Enriched with shea butter ($5.50)

Fresh Cut Roses Olive Soap Enriched with shea butter ($5.50)

Bay Rum Soap w/ Dead Sea Mud ($5.50)

-All of her soaps smell good and feel great! I even like using her Bay Rum soap because it doesn't smell too much like a man.

What I'm trying next:

Face:

Pineapple Papaya Brightening Gentle Exfoliating facial scrub with Jojoba Beads ($11)

Soaps ($5.50):

Ginger Lime Verbena

Anise & Yuzu

Tea Tree & Lemon

Body Scrubs ($9.50):

Green Tea Bamboo

Vegan Deoderant ($7):

Cherry Blossom

Green Tea Bamboo

Ginger Peach

You can also find Ayelet's products on Artfire and stay updated by reading her blog.

Makeup Mondays: Neon!!!

2010-02-08T09:55:00.000-05:00

It’s no secret that I LOVE the 80s. The 2010 summer trend definitely brings it back with bold neon colors that make me squeal with excitement! Hot pinks, vivid tangerines and shocking yellows will blind you with such ferocious fierceness, you’ll want to get out your metallic leggings and rubber bracelets.

Available Now:

M.A.C. of course has a variety of neon colors. I plan to get the following on my next visit:

Eyeshadows ($14.50) in Rule (vivid orange) and Bitter (vivid green)

lipsticks ($14) in So Chaud (intense reddish orange), and Morange (loudmouth orange)

Then I went on a mini neon splurge at Sephora yesterday and looky what I got (From Left to right):

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadows ($19) in #75 Neon Pink, #18 Tangerine, and #2 yellow 2;

Sephora by O.P.I. nail color ($9) in Hi Def

Kat Von D. Painted Love lipstick ($18) in A Go Go

Brands to look out for:

Chanel has a stunning 2010 summer collection coming soon. I’ve seen it, but don’t have a picture (boo!) due to the super special agents making sure online pictures don’t leak before it is released. You can, however, pre-order the nail polishes here. Keep checking Chanel.com for updates.

Also available soon: China Glaze's Poolside collection.

Marissa's Pick of the Week! - Tea Tree & Honey Scrub

2010-02-04T17:12:00.000-05:00

My New favorite facial scrub is Ayelet's Tea Tree and Honey Gentle Clarifying Exfoliating Facial Scrub ($10). It's an all natural, handmade (!) scrub formulated for people with problematic skin. Using this scrub is such a pampering experience. I felt my skin being stimulated, cleansed, and soothed.

Having normal to oily skin, I don't ever show shine, but I do always have at least one breakout. This scrub is perfect for me because the tea tree oil naturally kills any bacteria, while honey heals and adds essential moisture to my skin. To top it off I was left with a great cooling sensation and the antioxidant protection of grape seed oil.

At first the oily consistency of this scrub scared me, but I knew the ingredients would help me, not clog my pores and make it worse. The Multani Mitti clay absorbs excess oils (and stimulates blood circulation) while pure cane sugar scrubs all the dirt and oil out of my pores . If your skin is sensitive to scrubs, the aloe vera will calm any redness and irritation.

This scrub is so gentle I could use it everyday. However, I would recommend starting at 3 times a week, adding a day every other week.

This product is paraben and formaldehyde free.

Marissa's Pick of the Week- Dry Shampoo?

2010-01-29T09:43:00.000-05:00

I am in love with Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo by Rockaholic! Created by TIGI (Bed Head, Catwalk), this product is perfect for people who don't shampoo everyday. Sometimes I'll go 2 to 3 days without washing my hair for 2 reasons: hair color preservation and I like my texture better when it's dirty. The cons to not washing is the yucky greasy look closer to my scalp. Not only does Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo mattify by absorbing excess oil, it also adds volume. I just spray, tousle with my fingers, then walk out the door. You can find Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo at a salon for about $18.95.

Beauty on a Budget Tip #3 -Tea Tree Oil

2010-01-29T09:21:00.000-05:00

Tea Tree is a natural antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial essential oil. You can find pure tea tree oil at your local flea market, apothecary, natural food store, and even the dollar store. Instead of spending a bunch of money on zit creams, foot powders and anti-dandruff hair products, try applying some of this natural alternative. A little goes a long way, so here are some ways to use it:

For body irritations such as rashes, stings, bites, burns and soreness:
add about 5 drops to your bath and soak for about 15 mins.

athletes foot or nail fungus:
rub a small amount on the target area

dandruff:
add a drop to your shampoo or
mix with water (1 tbs tea tree oil/1 cup water), spritz on scalp and wash the next morning

acne:

add a tiny amount to the target area after moisturizer

Last Minute Shoppers

2009-12-23T09:43:00.000-05:00

For those of you who still have presents to buy, or have husbands that still don't know what to get for you, here are my Top 10 (in random order) women's fragrance picks this year:

1. Chance Eau Fraiche (Chanel, $50-$90)

2. Daisy (Marc Jacobs, $20-$72)
3. Love (Harajuku Lovers, $18-$15)
4. Music (Harajuku Lovers, $18-$50)
5. Envy Me (Gucci, $38-$85)
6. Pleasures Exotic (Estee Lauder,$49.50-$72)
7. Beyond Paradise (Estee Lauder, $39.50-$69.50)
8. Miracle (Lancome, $41.50-$74.50)
9. Cashmere Mist (Donna Karan, $10-$98)
10. Japanese Cherry Blossom (Bath & Body Works, $5-$29.50)

Marissa Pick of the Week! - No More Dark Circles!

2009-12-04T09:34:00.000-05:00

I love my concealer! It covers those pesky dark circles that my family has so graciously passed down to me. I've tried dozens of eye brightening creams that didn't work, and until this day haven't found one. Thanks to the geniuses at Lancome, I now have a remedy.

Genefique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate ($59) is a serum that you apply before your eye cream. This amazing little jar holds a magic potion that transforms dark, baggy, tired eyes into radiant, smooth and youthful windows to the world! I know that sounded completely corny, but I really do love this product. After three weeks of using Genefique Eye twice a day, I went to work without wearing concealer for the first time, and I wasn't self-conscious about it. I actually noticed that my dark circles were getting lighter.

Genefique is a scientific breakthrough different than any other eye serum in the market because it attacks genetic aging. Every other anti-aging formula targets environmental and/or chronological aging. Lancome's Bio-Lysat cocktail supports the skin's barrier while Phytosphingosine-SLC promotes rapid cell renewal, and buckwheat extract reduces bags and brightens dark circles. There's nothing in the world comparable to this product because it works with your genes from the inside out.

Genefique Eye serum is worth the $59 for the results you get. This is by far my favorite eye product Lancome has ever released. It's a universal serum that is compatible with any skin type, any age, and any skin care regimen. So, if you love your Estee Lauder eye cream, you can still use Genefique Eye serum underneath. Visit your Lancome counter and ask about the "7 Day Challenge" for a free 7 day supple of Genefique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate.

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Ocillation Powerbooster

2009-10-09T10:14:00.000-04:00

I'm not a "mascara everyday" kind of girl, but when I do wear it, I go all the way. If I'm going to be suffocating my precious lashes, I want to make sure they have the best protection and nourishment. Oscillation Powerbooster (Lancome, $39) protects and enhances your lashes using the best ingredients and technology at a reasonable price. This first vibrating mascara primer separates and coats like no other primer on the market. With just one coat, your lashes are visibly longer and thicker. Another coat boosts the effects of your mascara dramatically. Other comparable products on the market average at $100 per tube, but they can't boost the effects of your mascara like Ocillation Powerbooster.

Benefits:

vibrating wand - 7,000 oscillations per minute give better separation, wiggles out clumps, and coats lashes 360 degrees so you don't have to apply a layer on top of your lashes.

Cresentia Complex - Lancome's exclusive cocktail with ingredients like jojoba oil and Vitamin B5 strengthen and condition lashes. Fragile or damaged lashes are nurtured and protected, and less hair falls out during mascara removal.

How to use:

Holding the button down, start at the base of your lash line and slowly comb upward. Don't wiggle the wand from side to side (as most women do out of habit) or you won't achieve the best results. Apply 1-3 coats, then immediately follow with your favorite mascara.

You can also follow this video tutorial on how to apply the Ocillation mascara: http://www.lancome-usa.com/beautyschool/videos/oscillation.aspx

Marissa's Pick of the Week - Anti-pollutant Cleanser

2009-09-11T10:41:00.000-04:00

My pick this week will definitely put a dent in your bank account if you use this product regularly. Mousse Douceur by Chanel ($45) is by far the best cleanser I have ever used! Less than a pea size amount creates more lather than you need for your face and neck. The creamy plush cleanser (recommended for normal/combination skin) is gentle enough for dry skin, but cleans well enough for oily skin.

What makes this cleanser unique is Chanel's use of tulip tree extract and tulip tree concentrated water. The beautiful and amazing tulip tree has a natural resistance to pollution and bugs due to its waxy shield. Its water and extract attracts impurities like a magnet and traps them. So basically, this is the only cleanser that washes the dirty air off your face!

Chanel does not spare any expense when it come to fine ingredients. Bio glucan, a sugar/protein complex, boosts the cleansing action and balances combination skin without stripping the natural barrier. Mallow Extract is an anti-inflammatory that when combined with water, creates a protective gel.

Mousse Doucer is part of Chanel's Precise Skincare line. I have also tried the Mousse Exfoliante Purete exfoliating cleanser for oily skin, and I love it just as much. Mousse Confort is for dry and/or sensitive skin types.

Brand Spotlight: Urban Decay

2009-09-08T09:31:00.000-04:00

Urban Decay is a Newport Beach, CA based cosmetics brand that catches the eye of funky, offbeat fashionistas across the globe. The cleverly branded line was created by Wende Zomnir in 1996. Her distaste for mainstream makeup exploded into an entire collection of grungy greens, blazing blues and punky purples. Urban Decay is available at Sephora, Ulta and Macy's.

My Urban Decay Faves:

Eyes

Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($17) - This was the first eyeshadow primer that I got excited about. It matched my warm skin tone (most primers are too pink on me) and kept my eyes popping all day long.

Sustainable Shadow Box ($36) - This eye shadow palette has a lot of my favorite colors such as Flipside, Oil Slick, Kiddie Pool, Grifter and Uzi

Eyeshadow ($16) - Aside from the colors mentioned above, I also love these; Chains, Gash, Mildew, Minx, and Mowie Wowie

Deluxe Eyeshadow ($18) - My favorites are Graffiti, Electric Blue, Peace and Ransom

Loose Pigment ($20) - I prefer loose powders to pressed because the colors appear more vibrant. My favorite shades are Rockstar, Protest, Shattered and Goddess

Ink for Eyes ($22) - This cream eyeliner has 6 colors to choose from. It glides on smoothly and absorbs oil, so it stays on all day.

Lips

Lipstick ($22) - My favorite shades are Confession, Gash and Oil Slick

Lip Envy ($17) - I love lip stains! I like to put them on under my gloss as a backup because I hate re-applying makeup.

Beauty on a Budget Tip #2 -Vaseline

2009-08-19T19:30:00.000-04:00

Vaseline should be in everyone's medicine cabinet, diaper bag and purse. Here are some uses for this wonder jelly:

Don't waste money buying those expensive glove treatments for hands and feet. Slather on the Vaseline, slip on some socks and gloves, then wake up to baby soft skin.

Vaseline smoothes rough patches, knees and elbows better than any body butter I've ever tried.

Vaseline is also a great lip balm. Mix in some colored mica and sweet almond oil and you've got a tinted lip gloss!

If you have dry skin, Vaseline is great for removing makeup. I don't, however, recommend keeping petroleum jelly on your face over night.

Apply Vaseline around your hair line before coloring your hair. This will prevent the dye from staining your skin.

Mix dark eye shadows with Vaseline and apply to eyes with your finger. This gives that Old Hollywood glamour look.

Got anymore ideas? I'd love to hear them!

Makeup Mondays: Unpenciled Eyeliners

2009-08-17T09:59:00.000-04:00

I love cream, gel, powder, and liquid eyeliners. They last longer, glide on smoothly, and are easier to manipulate. "Unpenciled" eyeliners are perfect for creating shapes and effects such as cat eyes or smokey eyes. I generally use an angled liner brush for all these formulas (except liquid), but most companies have a brush specifically made for their cream/gel eyeliners. When it comes to liquid eyeliner, I prefer the foam tips as opposed to the brush applicator. It's less messy and more precise. Here are some of my favorites:

Liquid eyeliner:

Artliner (Lancome, $28)

Liquidlast Liner (M.A.C., $16.50)

Metal Eyed Liner (Too Faced, $17.50)

Cream eyeliner:

Brush On Cream Liner (Clinique, $14.50)

Ink for Eyes (Urban Decay, $22)

Aqua Cream Liner (Make Up For Ever, $20)

Gel eyeliner:

Fluidline (M.A.C., $15)

Ink Artliner (Lancome, $23.50)

Powder eyeliner:

Carbon Eye Shadow (M.A.C., $14.50)

The New Black Color Design Eye Shadow (Lancome, $16.50)

Brushes:

266 Small Angle Brush (M.A.C., 19.50)

Get Bent Brush (Benefit, $16)

Smudger Brush #10 (Lancome, $24.50)

Marissa's Pick of the Week - 18 Uses for $15

2009-08-13T11:56:00.000-04:00

It's gratifying when you find a product that exceeds your expectations at a great price. It's even better when you find one that works 18 different ways! Peach Nut Oil Liquid Soap 18-1-Uses (C.O. Bigelow, $15) is a must have in every home! I have used this wonder soap on my face, hair, and body, and I've given my children a bath in it. It's great for sensitive skin and smells so good! I've also used it to clean my leather couch and car dashboard. The oil makes the leather and vinyl soft and shiny while effectively cleaning.

C.O. Bigelow has been selling this product since 1905 in their little West Village apothecary in New York City. The main ingredient, peach kernel oil, is a fast absorbing moisturizer perfect for sensitive skin. This essential oil soothes itching and irritations such as eczema. Lavender extract is an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic that balances, soothes and heals. This added ingredient can help treat acne and balance oily skin. Since ancient times, Lavender extract has been used as a household cleaning agent. Other ingredients include glycerin to retain moisture and vitamin E for antioxidant protection.

List of uses:

body wash
shampoo
face cleanser
shave soap
hand soak
nail soak
foot soak
dish soap
laundry soap
floor cleaner
car washing
boat washing
surf board wash
pet baths
jewelry cleaner
comb and brush cleaner
household cleaning
carpet shampoo

Beauty on a Budget Tip #1

2009-08-10T11:25:00.000-04:00

Baby wipes are great for removing makeup. The best ones are cotton and fragrance free. My favorite wipes are Parent's Choice Organic Baby Wipes (Walmart, around $2 for one pack or $8 for a wholesale box of 6 packs). These biodegradable wipes are made with organic cotton. If you want to "splurge" a little, Pamper's Sensitive Wipes (drugstores, around $3 for a tub of 60 or $13 for a wholesale box of 6 packs). These alcohol free cotton wipes are hypoallergenic and soothes irritated skin with chamomile.

Makeup Mondays: The Matte Movement

2009-08-10T09:02:00.000-04:00

Remember when the cool, special makeup colors had shimmer, and matte color was the normal boring stuff? Nowadays it's the opposite. Of course shimmer and glitter and sparkle are everywhere! The girls love it! Supply and demand, right? I'd like to present a challenge to all you millennium kids: leave the shimmer behind. Don't get me wrong, I love shimmer too, but there comes a time for change. I personally think matte makeup is more sophisticated and does a better job at defining facial features. Maybe it's my inner goth, but deep merlot lips and black shadowed eyes exude seductive, mysterious and inviting. My softer side thinks matte neutrals are perfect for achieving a romantic, vintage look. The best brands I've seen for matte makeup are Make Up For Ever and M.A.C. Matte will probably be a new trend this fall, so keep a look out for limited edition matte makeup from your favorite brands.

My faves!

Eye shadows:

Carbon (MAC, $14.50) - the blackest black. I also use this as an eyeliner.

Orange (MAC $14.50) - the perfect orange.

Fuchsia (Make Up For Ever, $19)

Teddy Bear Colour Surge Eyeshadow Quad (Clinique, $25) - I wear this quad on simple days to brighten my eyes. It enhances a very naturally.

Lipsticks:

Plum (Make Up Forever, $19) - a deep burgundy

Rust (Make Up For Ever, $19) - warm nude

Pink Chocolate (Clinique, $14) - neutral warm pink

Diva (M.A.C., $14) - reddish burgundy; this is my favorite plum ever!

Viva La Glam I (M.A.C., $14) - intense cool red; %100 of the profit goes to M.A.C.'s AIDS find

Viva La Glam III (M.A.C., $14) - warm plum; %100 of the profit goes to M.A.C.'s AIDS fund

Sephora Flame (NARS, $24) - the perfect red for warm skin tones

Blush:

Peach Apricot (Make Up For Ever, $19) - a light coral for a natural look

Pumpkin (Make Up For Ever, $19) -orange for bright and kind of crazy

Dusty Pink (Make Up For Ever, $19) - warm dusty pink for a natural look

Fever (M.A.C., $18.50) - Intense reddish burgundy for a vampy look

Melba (M.A.C., 18.50) - soft coral

Foundation:

Teint Idol Ultra (Lancome, $40) - oil free, buildable coverage, and wears for 14 hours

Perfectly Real Makeup (Clinique, $23) - long wearing, light weight, natural finish

Studio Tech (M.A.C., 29.50) - compact makeup that diffuses light and had a powder finish

Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation (Make Up For Ever, $34) - oil free, controls shine, water-resistant

Dream Matte Mousse Makeup (Maybelline, $8-$10 available at drugstores) -super matte finish, light weight, buildable coverage

Marissa's Pick of the Week! - Modern Friction

2009-08-07T10:50:00.000-04:00

Exfoliation and Rice - Origins put 2 of my favorite things together a little piece of Heaven called Modern Friction ($37.50). This natural, oil-free facial scrub is gentle and effective showing a visible difference after the first use. Using Modern Friction 3-4 times a week brightens skin, and evens out texture and discoloration. It also helps to reduce the size of pores and the signs of aging.

Why I love Modern Friction:

The vegan formula is made without parabens, phthalates, propylene, glycol, mineral oil, PABA, petroleum, paraffin, DEA, and fragrance.

The cushy, plush consistency is made with all natural ingredients that each have a little job of its own. The rice starch gently sweeps away dead skin cells, brightens dullness and evens out skin tone. Lemon oil illuminates lack luster skin and has antiseptic benefits. This is great for oily and acne prone skin types. Comforting aloe soothes and calms inflamed skin, preventing post scrub redness. Bergamot was added to stimulate your senses, but it also has the ability to fade scars and marks. Peppermint, a natural stress reliever, brightens dull skin, helps balance oiliness, stimulates blood circulation, and keeps you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. The icing on the cake...recycled packaging!

Brand Spotlight: Make Up Forever

2009-08-05T09:47:00.000-04:00

In the magical year of 1984, the Make Up For Ever cosmetic line was created by sculptor and painter, Dany Sanz. Since the 1970s, Dany's Parisian Makeup Academy has taught makeup application that range from basic to advanced stage effects. Because of the quality of her makeup formulas and special techniques, her services as a makeup artist were high in demand. Later, she was able to create a line of quality cosmetics available to the public.

Why I LOVE this brand:

My career fantasy is to be a makeup artist for music artists and bands. I love to be creative and to transform people. Make Up Forever is perfect for photo shoots and television because they offer their HD Generation collection. This line of complexion perfection (includes foundation, primer, concealer and powder) makes skin look flawless on camera no matter how close up your close-up is. They also provide a large selection of matte colors for eyes, face and lips.

Make Up For Ever is also perfect for live gigs thanks to their long lasting, highly pigmented formulas. They carry the widest selection of waterproof cosmetics I've ever seen. Their Face and Body Liquid Makeup ($38) is a super light weight water-based gel is long lasting and waterproof. Their Aqua eyes eyeliner ($17) comes in 25 shades, Aqua Creamliner ($20) has 6 shades. Tested by professional synchronized swimmers, Pro Waterproof Eyeliner is only available in black at Make Up For Ever boutiques. To top it off, (as if their makeup wasn't awesome enough already) Make Up For Ever carries a sealer for face and eyes.

All fantasies aside, I love Make Up For Ever because of the quality and selection. My favorite formulas of makeup to use are cream, gel and liquid. Major department store brands only offer a few colors of these textures. With Make Up For Ever, I don't have to bounce around from counter to counter to get every color of cream shadow I want.

Here is a list of my favorite Make Up For Ever products:

Face:

HD Invisible Cover Foundation $40
HD Microperfecting Primer $32
UV Prime SPF/PA+++ $30
5 Camouflage Cream Palette (available in 3 intensities) $36
Face & Body Liquid Makeup $38
Mist & Fix $8-$27

Eyes:

Aqua Creamliner $20
Pure Pigments $19
Matte Eye Shadow $19
Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow $22
Smokey Lash $22

Lips:

Makeup Mondays: Concealers

2009-08-03T10:43:00.000-04:00

Concealer; a girl's best friend. A great concealer can hide acne, scars, redness and darkness. There are so many choose from. What color? What formula? What brand? Stick, wand or cream? Why is this one green? Every pesky imperfection has a concealer made just for it.

Let's start with the basics. Aside from the hundreds of flesh tone colored concealers, there is also green, blue, and yellow. On a color wheel, the colors that are directly across from each other cancel each other out.

You can see that green neutralizes red, blue cancels out yellow, and yellow cuts purple. Knowing what color you need is the first step to choosing your concealer. In most cases, a flesh tone is desired to hide mild discoloration, but corrective concealing will require green, blue or yellow for the best results. I suggest using a corrective color with a flesh tone on top.

Choosing a flesh tone concealer is where most people have confusion. It's a common misconception that the lighter the concealer is, the better it will be at hiding discoloration. I can usually see where the concealer is on a face, and while it does hide the discoloration, it also shows where they are hiding it. Just remember this: You wear foundation to even your skin tone. You wouldn't pick a shade lighter or darker than your natural skin or your neck would be a different color. Why would you choose a concealer that makes light or dark spots on your face? You should only go 2 shades max lighter than your skin. If it's still not a good enough coverage, then you need a corrective shade of green, yellow or blue.

Concealing your eye area is a little different than hiding a blemish or sunspot. The eye area is more sensitive and the skin is less dense. It's hard to brighten the eye area without caking on

the makeup. Of course, to neutralize red eyelids, use a yellow concealer like Lemon Aid (Benefit, $20). Something that isn't shown on the color wheel is the magic of pink. I used to use yellow to brighten my dark circles and it always looked unnatural. Then I discovered pink eye brighteners. They do a much better job of cutting the blue and purple under my eyes than yellow ever did. It looks natural and

smooth. My favorite eye brightening concealer is Maquicomplet in the shade, "Brightener" (Lancome, $27.50). Just a tiny amount instantly and naturally brightens the inner corners and dark circles under my eyes. If you have fine lines and wrinkles, patting concealer over it (even if you use a concealer brush) will make the wrinkles stand out more. That why I use Ooh La Lift (Benefit, $22). This remarkable miracle in a tube brightens darkness without giving the

appearance of raccoon eyes or enhancing wrinkles. This cream, although the consistency is more of a liquid, has light reflecting pigments and cell protecting raspberry extract. If I've had a good night's sleep, Ooh La Lift is all I wear. On a normal day, I will apply Maquicomplet on the inner corners and under my eyes keeping it below my fine lines. I follow with Ooh La Lift on top of the Maquicomplet, as well as directly under my lash line. Finish with a loose powder to set.

Concealing different things calls for different formulas. For acne, you want a concealer with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or tea tree. My

favorite is Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer (Clinique, $13.50). It comes in 3 flesh tone shades and green. For age and sun spots, birth marks and scars, a brightening flesh tone concealer would be best. Look for a radiant finish concealer like Airbrush Concealer (Clinique, $19.50) so light will deflect and scatter darkness. Airbrush Concealer is also great for under the eyes and as a flesh tone topper to corrective colored concealers.

As for applying concealer, I like to pat it on with my index finger after putting on my foundation. The ring finger gives the least amount of pressure, so it is ideal to apply anything to the eye area with it. After applying to target areas, smooth over with a concealer brush. Don't stroke or it may look streaky. Just pat gently until it blends flawlessly with your foundation. If you use a powder foundation, apply your concealer first. Finish with a loose powder to set your makeup.

Skincare Safety for the Pregnant Ones

2009-08-01T13:42:00.000-04:00

Swollen ankles, blistering back pain, restless nights, and bad skin. If it weren't for the over ecstatic joy in my heart, I would've have never gone out in public. The best attribute to my physiology was that glow. No, it's not a myth. Pregnant women actually glow. Okay...HAPPY pregnant women glow. Glowing made it easier to look in the mirror despite the acne and bruised bags under my eyes. I wish I knew about skincare what I know now. I knew what I needed to avoid (salicylic acid, retinol, most herbs), but I didn't know what I could use instead.

The following information is simply suggestive and based on personal experience. While these ingredients are usually topically safe, I am not a doctor so please consult yours for more specific details and recommendations.

What to stay away from and why:

Salicylic Acid -
What it does: In skin care products, this ingredient is added because it is strong enough to penetrate the skin's natural oils and clean out pores, exfoliate dead skin cells more proficiently than an abrasive, and reduce redness and inflammation.
Why to stay away from it: Being a form of aspirin, high doses can cause birth defects and complications. Most doctors will give the okay to use as a topical treatment as in face toners and cleansers. However, most first time mommies to be will take the extra precaution to avoid this ingredient.
What to look for on the label: Sometimes salicylic acid will be identified as beta hydroxy acid (BHA) on the list of ingredients
Substitutes: Tea tree oil, witch hazel, patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), and benzoyl peroxide are great for oily and acne prone skin. Use a manual exfoliant (facial scrubs, buffing bars) 3-5 times a week to keep skin uncongested.

Retinol-
What it does: A common ingredient in anti-aging skincare products, retinoids speed up cell renewal and prevent the destruction of collagen. In other words, super rapid exfoliation guarantees that your newest brightest skin is always at the surface, and protected collagen slows down the inevitable forming of wrinkles.
Why to stay away from it: In large doses, this form of vitamin A can cause birth defects and complications. Some doctors will give the okay to use retinol in over the counter products that contain retinol.
What to look for on the label: retinal, retinoid, retinyl, retin-A, Retinoic acid, retinyl ester, adapelene, tretinoin, Tazarotene, Retinyl palmitate, and Retinyl linoleate
Substitutes: Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Use an spf of at least 15 to keep your skin protected from sun damage. Use a manual exfoliant 3-5 times a week. Great anti aging ingredients include; beta carotene, vitamin a, zinc, vitamin e, neroli oil, green tea, rose hip, and patchouli (Pogostemon cablin).

Aloe Vera-
What it does: Medicinal Aloe is used to soothe cuts and burns. Aloe Vera extracts have antibacterial and anti fungal qualities to help speed up the healing process. In skin care, aloe vera is used to moisturize as well as kill acne causing bacteria.
Why to stay away from it: This strong purgative can cause serious birth defects including (although not proven) abortion. Topicals are fairly safe in moderation, but DEFINITELY ABSTAIN FROM ALOE VERA JUICE.
What to look for on the label: aloe barbadensis, curacao aloe and lily of the desert
Substitutes: rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, peroxide, tea tree oil, honey, grapefruit seed extract pineapple and eucalyptus

Soy-
What it does: With vitamin E as a natural component, soy protects skin from free radicals, boosts collagen production and is an anti inflammatory. Skin appears brighter, more even toned and more radiant.
Why to stay away from it: Soy will not cause birth defects or complications, but it does make cases of melasma worse. Melasma, also known as the "Mask of pregnancy," is identified by dark discoloration of the skin. It usually goes untreated until post delivery due to the use of retinoids.
What to look for on the label: Lethicin, Phosphatidylcholine, soya, soya bean, glycine

Substitutes: If you have melasma, just avoid soy all together. Other that that, it's ok to use. Rice and milk are other great ingredients that help with radience and exfoliation.

Marissa's Pick of the Week!

2009-07-31T09:17:00.000-04:00

Ick! Acne! It never fails to surprise me. There are times when my skin is flawless and smooth as butter. In the summer, it just feels like butter was spread all over my face. My

favorite remedy? Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body (Clinique, $12.50). This is by far the best acne targeted soap I've used. It also comes in liquid form, but I'm partial to bars. They last longer, it costs less, and you get more product for your buck. Think of how much water is added to liquid soaps, yet they are more expensive. ??? I don't get it either.

Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar can be used on most problematic skin types due to it's mild salicylic acid formula. (If you are pregnant, please consult your doctor. Salicylic acid is known to cause birth defects and complications.) My skin literally squeaks after cleansing with this bar. After one wash I notice an improvement in my skin's condition. It's recommended that you either only use this bar once a day (I prefer night so my skin can regenerate at it's cleanest time.) Or every other day. If your skin is extremely oily (you can go through a pack of blotting sheets in a day) it's okay to use twice a day every day. No matter how often you use this acne bar, remember to always follow up with toner and most importantly, MOISTURIZER. Remember, oily skin that doesn't moisturize WILL produce more oil.

Blushing Bride

2009-07-29T10:51:00.000-04:00

We all have pictured our dream wedding. Everything is perfect, from the cake to the flowers, and especially the Bride. Enveloped in the gown she had been dreaming about since she was 7 years old- her makeup is flawless, not a single hair out of place, and her skin... glowing.

So how do you get that seraphic radiance that everyone envies? First of all, I have to say, STAY AWAY FROM SHIMMER on your face as much as possible. Shimmer on your eyes is okay, but any on your face will translate into oiliness on camera. The best way to achieve a healthy glow is with primers and highlighters. My favorite wedding day primer is Spotlight Skin Toning Perfector (Estee Lauder, $32). Instead of using this primer the conventional way, I like to mix it in with a

long lasting, matte finish foundation such as Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra (Lancome, $40). Mixing the formulas, I don't have to sacrifice my La Base Pro, and radiance is optimal.

After smoothing your foundation and illuminating primer of your choice over your face (as well as concealer in choice areas), apply a liquid highlighter to the parts of your face that the sun would naturally kiss. Your forehead, cheek apples, nose and chin are the most common areas. I like to add a little to defined jawlines and cheekbones for a softer look. My favorite highlighters are the Up-lighting Liquid Illuminator collection by Clinique ($22.50). These highlighters come in 4 shades; Natural, Blush, Peach, and Bronze. Follow with a matte finish loose powder.

Now that your base color is set, you can proceed with blush, eyes and lips. Minimal shimmer blush in shades of light pinks or corals work best to enhance a natural glow. My favorites are Estee Lauder's Silky Powder Blush in Peach Nuance and Rose Nuance ($26). These variegated pressed powder blushes are shimmer free and have buildable coverage. A soft natural lip and eyeshadow in demure shades of pink and peach give a pretty touch to dewy perfection.

Makeup Mondays: Pink!

2009-07-27T09:27:00.000-04:00

Until a few months ago the color pink made me uncomfortable. It was so feminine, so demure, so "girly." To me, "girly" was a bad thing. It meant giddy, air headed, boy crazy and shallow; everything I didn't want to be. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I would tell people "no pink please," in fear that she would inherit those traits by simply wearing the color. Well, just a few weeks ago I admitted to the Facebook world that I liked pink! What really triggered my admiration for the color was Aaron de Mey's debut color line for Lancome, Pink Irreverence.

I was practically forced into liking pink. As I looked through my Lancome spring business planner, I stopped jaws dropped on the pages gushing with hot pinks and sparkly blacks. I could hardly contain my excitement...for pink? A couple months later the line launched, and I was surprised to find out that I actually looked good in it! I then declared that anyone can wear pink. It's just a matter of finding the perfect shade for you.

I would go into detail about how to chose and wear the right pink for you, but cosmetiholic already interviewed me for this very subject. I was featured on her "Makeup Artist Monday" article back in June. You can view the blog here: http://cosmetiholic.com/2009/05/31/makeup-artist-monday-marissa-rhoades.aspx

Here are some of my favorite pinks:

Eye shadow:

"MMM...Brains" by Coffin Color
"Romping," from M.A.C.'s Hello Kitty "Too Dolly" eyeshadow quad ($38)
"The Pink Carpet" by Lancome (unfortunately this color is discontinued, but you can search eBay for it.)
"# 26 Fuchsia" by Make Up For Ever ($19)

Lips:

"Bamboo Pink" Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick by Clinique ($14),
"Rock Icon Fuchsia" Color Fever Lipstick ($25), and "Electric Pink" La Laque Fever Gloss ($26) by Lancome
Posie Tint Lip and Cheek Stain by Benefit ($28)

Blush:

"Iced Lotus" Blushing Blush by Clinique ($18.50)
"Rose Fresque" Blush Subtil and "Shimmer Pink Pool" Blush Subtil Shimmer by Lancome ($29.50)
"Thrrrob" cheeck powder by Benefit ($28)

Marissa's Pick of the Week

2009-07-24T09:36:00.000-04:00

La Base Pro by Lancome (www.lancome-usa.com, $42) is a must have for anyone who wears foundation. I have La Base Pro at home and in my freelance box. This silicone based makeup primer is oil free and has a satiny smooth texture.

Using a makeup base is important to keep your skin healthy. The benefits of adding this extra step to your makeup routine are worth the end result. Not only does this oil free formula help to reduce shine, but the silicone sets a canvas on top of your skin to prevent your foundation from absorbing into your pores. Think of La Base Pro as a shield filling in pores and fine lines so nothing can slip through the cracks. Your makeup color stays truer longer, while your skin stays protected.

Applying La Base Pro is very easy, but there are some tricks that will help you love this product even more. One pump is enough for your entire face. It may not seem like it, but its silky consistency spreads well.

Pump the product onto one hand.
Dip a finger from the opposite hand into the base only acquiring a small amount, then blot on your forehead.
Repeat this again dotting your cheeks and chin.
Using your index and middle finger gently blend the base with a light touch until you getthe coverage you desire. Try to be as quick as possible without rubbing too hard.
Wait 60 seconds before applying the foundation of your choice.

If you see rolling ( the product collecting and rolling off your skin), there may be one of a few things wrong.

you are rubbing it in too hard
you are taking too long to apply the product and it's starting to dry while you are still blending
you didn't wait long enough before applying foundation
you didn't cleanse tone and moisturize your face before applying La Base Pro
you need to exfoliate using a face scrub or pad

La Base Pro is safe for all skin types and great for all foundations (including mineral makeup). I use it on myself and all my clients. I personally would rather not wear foundation than wear foundation without a makeup primer.

AIDS WALK & RIDE 2009

2009-07-13T11:12:00.001-04:00

Pomps n' Gloss would like to thank everyone who supported us with their donations for Raleigh's Aids Walk & Ride 2009. J and I walked 3 miles in downtown Raleigh on May 2nd along hundreds of other participants. We had a lot of fun, and I got to pet a llama!

Petting Team Llama's mascot

All Done!