Younique 3D Mascara Review

Younique 3D Mascara Review

This blog post started out as a makeup tutorial, but as soon as I applied Younique 3D Mascara, I knew I had to change the focus of the post.  Yes ladies, Younique's 3D Mascara is that good.

Currently, I am learning to do eyelash extensions...however, I must admit, I abhor fake eyelashes.  Well, I like them for couture makeup looks and for drag shows...but for everyday? No! Not at all!  I totally understand wanting thicker, fuller lashes and its amazing effect on your face, however, as an aspiring makeup artist, I encounter the dreaded...baby doll lashes. 

This is what I mean, and it's not a good look.  It doesn't look good on the doll, imagine how horrible it looks in real life.  It's usually too much.  WAY TOO MUCH!  Unfortunately, the eyelash extension thing has taken off beyond control and not everyone is receiving quality eyelashes. 

When, I looked up Younique's 3D Mascara needless to say I was intrigued.  Now, there are some good mascaras out there...and some not so good ones, and I have tried all of them.  When I received the Younique 3D Mascara, of course, I was expecting results, but the finished product blew me away.  I like my lashes as they are, I have very few complaints, but Younique's 3D Mascara made my lashes so much fuller and longer with just one application!  See for yourself!

See what I mean?!  This stuff is like lash crack.  Seriously. It looks like I have lash extensions without the fake lashes!  Younique's 3D Mascara has become my favorite mascara and I recommend it to all my clients.  Short, thin eyelashes?  Not a problem.  Younique's 3D mascaras thickens and lengthens all at the same time! Click here https://www.youniqueproducts.com/PattiVaillette/products to learn more about Younique's 3D Mascara.

Furthermore, Younique also offers everything from primers, to lip glosses, to concealers to BB Creams! Click the pictures to browse now

Besides providing awesome cosmetics, Younique also has a fabulous offer for you to finally start your own business! Start selling Younique products from the comfort of your own home!  With comprehensive sales support as well as a great business model for social media marketing and success, you could earn huge commissions with out changing out of your pajamas. Click here for details https://www.youniqueproducts.com/PattiVaillette/business/presenterinfo   about this exciting business opportunity.

From the Younique website, 

"[Younique is] the first direct-sales company to market and sell almost exclusively through the use of social media. Our pioneered Younique Virtual Parties bridge the huge world of social media and the traditional home-party business model. A Younique Virtual Party has no limits to your reach or who you can invite. This makes it so the traditional home party is not even necessary unless you choose to do it. We provide the innovative and interactive tools and invite you to tap into your own resources and connections that you already have. You can run your own business from the comfort of your own home without ever having to physically have people in your home."

Furthermore,  unlike some other direct sales companies you get paid instantly!  From the website:

"We believe you shouldn't have to wait for your commissions. If you make a sale, we think you deserve your money instantly! Once your commissions reach $50 we provide you your own Younique Debit Card. We've made it easy for you to spend your money - your way! You can receive, transfer, or spend your money with you making the decisions and controlling your earnings."

How awesome is that?!!!  To get your own lash crack aka 3D Mascara visit my personal Younique Representative, the lovely Patti Vaillette here! (Or copy and paste https://www.youniqueproducts.com/PattiVaillette/products in your browser) She is absolutely fabulous and will help you get your Exclusive Mini Collection containing some of Younique's most popular products: 3D Fiber Lashes, Luxe Lip Gloss, Angelic and Confident pigment powders, included in a limited-edition Younique makeup pouch for only $50!

If you are interested in starting your own home based business with unlimited earning potential, visit Patti here https://www.youniqueproducts.com/PattiVaillette/products.

As Always, Happy Shopping (and Business Starting!)

PS You can connect with me on:

Instagram: @IHEARTRetailTherapy

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IHEARTRetailTherapy

Twitter: @HEARTRetail

Pinterest: RetailTherapy1

Google+: +I HEART Retail Therapy 

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Guest Post: 5 Unique Fashion Trends and Make up Tips to Look Fresh

5 Unique Fashion Trends and Make up Tips to Look Fresh

 

Image taken from hotelbelleclaire.com

“Less is more” is the in thing this 2014. Simplicity is key whether it be in makeup or hair this year. Looking fresh and young will definitely amp your personality.

Celebrity stylists prefer simpler looks this year. “Simple is edgier and sexier,” so they say. Their advice is to focus on accentuating only your eyes and lips.

Here are 5 unique fashion trends in hair and makeup to keep your cool and look fresh this season.

1.      Shimmer and glitter are so last season. Tri-colored correction creams are better than last year’s BB cream craze. Heavy foundation should be avoided. Applying moisturizer before foundation or creams is the key in achieving a fresher look. You must remember that in attaining that fresh look is through flawless complexion.

2.      For your puckers, choose colors that match your skin tone. Later this year, radiant orchid and plum are going to be a hit. Dark-colored girls should consider orange and bright coral for their lips. While white-skinned girls can try matte and red.

3.      In fashion, the bright, electric shades of the 80’s funk are your best bet this year. But pastels such as light pink and blue will still make you look elegant and classy.

4.      The short and textured hairstyles of the 70s will be your “throwback look”. “We're gonna see a lot of shorter cuts from like, Pamela Anderson, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Hudson,” said Louis Phillip Kee, owner of the salon of the same name. Meanwhile, longhair is still your staple winning look.

5.      Start sporting low ponytails for that simple yet fresh look. Braids will make a comeback especially those styles that wraps around the head and looks like a crown.

You can always experiment on your looks and styles depending on the occasion, season, and mood you are in.  Make sure that you won’t regret it if you decide on changing something for good, more especially when it comes to changing your hairstyle. If you badly need a new one but just want it to be temporary, you can make use of wigs and hair extensions so that you can just remove it whenever you want.

About the Contributor

Mariliz is one of the beauty and hair care writers at BeautyHairtoToe.com.  Aside from that, she’s also one of the beauty gurus at Arreis Cheveux.  Her passion for beauty and make-up inspires her to share her knowledge and help women with beauty woes. Follow her tweets at @ ArreisCheveux in Twitter.

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Adventures of a Makeup Misfit

Adventures of a Makeup Misfit

I have the pleasure of introducing my new co-blogger, Ani Baraka!   Besides being my BFF (in real life) she is an amazing poet, true southern belle, music & wine connoisseur and mommy with a fetish for heels!  While she has been into fashion for quite awhile, she really didn't do the makeup thing until her stylist cousin turned her into a glamazon for a poetry show (see left).  I don't know if she's hooked yet but she's getting there! So without further ado, The Adventures of a Makeup Misfit!

 

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Have you ever been to a foreign country? When you get off the plane you want to try everything. You look around at all the sights and try to decide where to go first so that you get the maximum experience possible. However, there are obstacles in your way, such as language barriers and general lack of direction. To your dismay the people stare at you like you're an alien, because honestly you are.

Well to my surprise, this is what buying makeup was like for me. I entered the cosmetic aisle with all of this great optimism. I mean, I know what I look like and I know what looks good on me. I've always been pretty fashion forward, however, this experience for me was quite awe-inspiring. As I approached the "great wall of makeup", it became clear to me that I did not speak the language of the natives! 

I walked up and down that aisle looking at makeup references and color palettes (my compass) and having no idea where was north. I quickly exited the area and called my sister who lives there so that she could give me directions. She giggled a little to herself, not because she was laughing at me, but because her, my mother and every other woman in my life speak makeup fluently. Me on the other hand, I never really showed an interest in makeup beyond a neutral lip gloss and finger nail polish.

Well, as I was begging my sister for assistance, a local ( she worked in the store) finally asked me if I needed help. By that time, my sister had given me some pretty basic steps to reach my destination; manageable makeup that even I couldn't mess up. She first asked me where I was, what makeup I owned and then told me what I needed to try. Considering I don't have damaged skin or many breakouts and the only blemishes I have are freckles, she told me to try a tinted moisturizer. This is basically lotion with color added (who knew?!). She also told me to pick up some mascara, an eye pencil and eye shadow that I was comfortable with. Thus began my adventure into the world of makeup art.

For many people applying makeup is overwhelming. I mean seriously, I looked at everything that I purchased and was thinking, what do I put on first? I didn't want to look like a clown or the heroine from a bad 1970s movie. So once again I called for reinforcements. I had my mother in the room with me and got my sister on the line promptly. By this time she was in tears laughing at me. Mostly because she's so used to me being confident and having things under control or at least having a contingency plan. Well, I had nothing. Eventually, with the help of my mother and sister, I found my place in the makeup world. I am officially a Makeup Misfit.

This Makeup Misfit will share with you all of the perils and fashion havens I encounter as I venture into the uncharted territory of makeup shopping, application and the affects it has on me in my life and skin. From the mind of someone who has never before traveled to the lands of L'Oreal or seen a Covergirl up close, this will truly prove to be an exploration for us all.

You can find Ani Baraka on Twitter @AniBaraka or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/IHEARTRetailTherapy

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Product Review: Khroma 24K Prime

Khroma display NOT from CVS from KK's Celebuzz page

Product Review: Khroma 24K Prime

Last month, CVS had super cosmetic sales, and because of this, I spent entirely too much time there.  Don't judge me.  During my countless hours there, I kept passing the Khroma Beauty display and was surprisingly intrigued. 

For those unfamiliar with Khroma, it is a cosmetics line by Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian. Or more appropriately, it "was" a beauty line by the Kardashians.  A lengthy lawsuit has halted Khroma, so now the sisters' line is called, Kardashian Beauty.

Back to the product review, it was on sale at CVS, plus I had a $10 CVS ExtraBucks Reward, so I ended up paying about $3 for the K24 Prime.  (It retails for about $16 at my CVS) I really don't know why I picked the K24 Prime over any of the other Khroma products; I have a sneaking suspicion it was the shininess of the bottle that got me . (I love goooold...again, don't judge me)

It's gold and sparkly!

Before I rinsed picture.  You can see
 the sparkles all over my face.

Embarrassingly enough, when I first tried it, I applied it wrong.  I assumed because it said "makeup primer", it was like all other makeup primers.  Meaning, you slather it on under your makeup.  WRONG.  The vital step I missed is washing it off, BEFORE you apply.  See, you can never underestimate the importance of reading directions.

According to the bottle, "Increase your face value. 24k Gold Dust Make Up Prepping Primer 5 minute gel treat instantly adds smoothness and radiance to complexion. Perfect for red carpet events or every day celebrations. Prepares skin for makeup and leaves behind a subtle, illuminating sheen, which reflects light away from skin imperfections so makeup application looks flawless. Now you can prep your make-up and look like a million dollars!"  When you apply it it looks like a sparkly gold translucent gel.  While it's drying, you do feel a "tightening" of the skin that lasts, even after you apply your makeup.  I used the Revlon Nearly Naked (review coming soon) as my foundation.

After pic.
 I tried to give good face... you see
it didn't work out too well

The positives of K24 Prime is it does seem to tighten pores and from a distance you do look radiant.  However up close you can still see the little gold sparkles here and there even after rinsing it off.  As the product suggests it is best for red carpet events and every day "celebrations", basically meaning, this shouldn't be your daily primer.  Unless you are the WWE wrestler Goldust. 

 Furthermore, it doesn't smooth your skin imperfections.  Not really.  My pores did look slightly smaller but I expect a primer to smooth pores, lines, bumps, cracks, crevices and railroad tracks more than 24K Prime did.  If you already have smooth skin then this may give you the "added" oomph you need, but if like me, you need a primer to conceal your sins, this may not be the product for you.

So all in all, K24 Prime is a decent product.  It's "meh".  Don't get me wrong, I will be using it again. Most likely in the summer, when bronzers are a way of life...but, I would not make a special trip to pick it up...nor do I think I will buy it again...unless I get an insanely huge discount...or the Dollar Tree starts selling it.

On a side note:  you only have 5 more days to enter for your chance to win Valia Skin Care Cleansing Milk.  Click here for 7 different chances to win! http://bit.ly/18qCUno

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Olivia Mae Beauty

Olivia Mae Beauty

Olivia Mae Cosmetics is a leading anti aging cosmetics and skin care company.  They offer a wide range of anti aging products and kits to minimize and reduce wrinkles, improve complexion and skin tone, as well as firm and tighten loose skin.

From their website

"It’s important to understand that skin ages in two distinct ways. First, your genetic make-up causes certain aging processes to trigger at certain times in your life. Second, your skin is impacted by environmental influences. These influences can be from the sun, smoking, stress, lack of sleep and even lack of exercise. These factors can break down the collagen in your skin, causing skin to sag and droop, forcing lines and wrinkles to appear, and causing uneven skin tone. Skin science points out that even dead skin cells can cause tiny lines and wrinkles to appear.

Working with chemists and dermatologists, the founders of Olivia Mae Beauty set out to develop a proven skincare package that would promote healthy, radiant skin. Using advanced technology.  Our health and beauty products are designed to slow down the natural appearance of aging and repair surface damage from the environment.

Our products are made using the finest ingredients available and a tested formula that promotes youthful skin that looks and feels softer and firmer. The skincare line includes an anti-aging exfoliating cleanser, an instant facelift formula with peptides, and a moisturizer. The product has a mild, rejuvenating fragrance. Your skin will feel soft and supple, never greasy or oily when using the Olivia Mae Beauty line.

We value our customers and strive to provide the highest quality products to help you maintain a youthful appearance. We have worked hard to provide these exceptional products at very reasonable prices that will work with almost any budget. At last you have products to help you maintain or regain your youthful skin tone. Using Olivia Mae Beauty products gives you a healthy, youthful skin tone with fewer signs of aging." - 

If you act soon you can save 25% Off Olivia Mae Beauty Products Using Promo Code: OMB25!  Or, you can invite Friends to Olivia Mae Beauty & Receive 20% When They Make a Purchase!

Just click the banner or links to receive these discounts!  You have nothing to lose except wrinkles!

As always, Happy Shopping!

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Blog Crushes, Red Couches and Frida Kahlo

Blog Crushes, Red Couches and Frida Kahlo

So, I have red couches.  (I have no fancy introduction.  I feel with red couches you need to get to the point, quickly.)  Yes, red couches.  I love my hubby very, very much.  However, sometimes his overly frugal nature (with the exception of large flat screen t.v's) gets a tad bit annoying.

Now there is really nothing wrong with red couches, but in our case...most of our furniture is thrifted or hand me down...so it's not like we have an interior design plan.   My home looks slightly better than a college bachelor pad.  You know the type, awesome electronics, rent a center couch and not too much else?

On top of the red couches and the huge flat screen t.v., I do have a 5, soon to be 6 year old, whom leaves his mark around the house, with whatever colorful drink, crayon or anything that has the greatest possibility of staining. Yeah, this job is going to be great!  So again, I am working with red couches, a lot of wood, white carpets (well- now they are off white due to the wear and tear only males can inflict) and white walls...and better yet, a limited budget!  I have some great pieces, however uncoordinated they are, and am most likely going to keep them.

I am ready for a makeover.  A married couple with a child should not have a bachelor pad!  (An ugly one at that!) I want to entertain and not be embarrassed by my decor and colorful hand prints and grape juice embellishments my son has lovingly added, everywhere!  I want my home to be my castle...an oasis!  Since I am on a budget, I will not be purchasing all brand new items...ugh!  I need help!

Before, I wallow in self pity...I need your help.  Since, I will be working with said red couches and I am a bit eclectic, my motif will definitely be Mexican, African and Indian inspired.  Yes I know I have a lot of cultures going on, but I can't get rid of Ganesha!

My inspirations for my living room and dining room are Frida Kahlo and my two blog crushes, Key Interiors by Shinay and The Curatorial.

Now Shinay at Key Interiors by Shinay is awesome and she is an interior designer.  Unfortunately, due to budget issues, I can't afford to fly her down here from upstate New York, nor pay her for her services...so she will just have to serve as an inspiration.  Every Friday she does a runway inspired interior design look.  IT.IS.AWESOME.  One of my favorite looks is this:

Check out the original post here

Tell me Shinay isn't fierce!  She has such a great eye and her completed projects are awesome!  Make sure you visit her at Key Interiors by Shinay.

I chose this look because my kitchen is this same color orange (I inherited this color) so I could definitely integrate some of these colors and design accents.

My second blog crush and design inspiration, is The Curatorial's own Rachel Pheasant.  Besides being just purely awesome, Rachel is also a fabulous artist.  From her site,

"Rachel Pheasant is an active member of the art world and Latin American policy community in New York City. She has a B.A in Political Science and Latin American Studies from Bard College and a M.A in Latin American Studies with an Advanced Certificate in Museum Studies from NYU (ok this is a little bit of wishful thinking, she graduates from the program in December 2012).

Rachel has always had a passion for fashion, especially the intersection of fashion and art. She started this blog in order to explore this passion further and elaborate on her thoughts on fashion, art and culture. 

Rachel sometimes exhibits her artwork in NYC. If you are interested in attending any of her gallery shows you can check for updates here."

She serves as an inspiration because I love (I mean LOVE) her artwork and have my eye on a few pieces that could quite possibly work with my sofas.

Pure awesomeness!  Make sure you support Rachel and her art!  Again, please visit her at The Curatorial.  She never disappoints!

Lastly, my beloved Frida Kahlo.  For those who don't know, Frida is my favorite artist ever.  EVER!  Besides her artwork, I always was fascinated by her personal life.  It is easy to be fascinated by her personal life and art-because her art was her autobiography.  In 1953, when Frida Kahlo had her first solo exhibition in Mexico (the only one held in her native country during her lifetime), a local critic wrote: "It is impossible to separate the life and work of this extraordinary person. Her paintings are her biography."

She was severely injured in a traffic accident as a teenager and had numerous painful surgeries which resulted in a lifetime of pain.  She also had a tumultuous marriage to Diego Rivera, the famous Mexican muralist.  "Their stormy, passionate relationship survived infidelities, the pressures of careers, divorce, remarriage, Frida's bi-sexual affairs, her poor health and her inability to have children."  She said it best,

"I suffered two grave accidents in my life…One in which a streetcar knocked me down and the other was Diego." 

I chose her to be an inspiration because of her use of earth tones and the emotion conveyed in her artwork.

Here are my design challenges:

1) I have an oddly shaped living room dining room combo

2) BUDGET!  I am on a serious budget, so most items will be thrifted, gifted, or found!
3) I have two separate sliding glass doors to the balcony and in the middle is this weird elevated fireplace stove dealie.

Positives:
1) I can paint the walls
2) I can't think of any more positives. smh...

Now for the living room pictures...hold on, I am hyperventilating in preparation for exposing this foolishness, I call a living room...whew...okay, here it goes

Weird fireplace thingy

No the vacuum cleaner doesn't have to be a part of the decor...but then again I do have a five year old son!

Weird living room dining room shape.

Two sliding glass doors to balcony

Weird space 

Glorious red couch with wall stain

Ofcourse, the flat screen t.v

Now you have the flavor of what I am working with!  (Don't judge me)  So what to do?  I really have no clue and am hoping you can help me out with suggestions and ideas!

Okay here are a few looks I am totally in love with:

So what would you do Mangoes, with a limited budget, red couches, blog crushes and Frida Kahlo?!  I need help!  

Once I decide on a direction (smile) I will keep you updated on the progress and the final result!!!  

As a thank you I am raffling off a Rimmel London gift!  You will receive one Sweet Stuff Lipstick #200 Be Seen; one Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow #003, one Vinyl Jelly Gloss Lip Liner in #004 Sorbet and one Shock Gloss 3D Magnifying Lip Gloss in #208 Amp'ed!
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To Enter, Simply:

- leave a blog comment with your decor suggestions-

or

-follow Mocha Makeup on Twitter @mochamango1-

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-like Mocha Makeup on Facebook-

Make sure you enter through the Rafflecopter widget above!If you do all three-you will have 3 entries!  Giveaway ends September 1st!  Good luck and thank you for your help!

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