Ace of the Face: Cheeks

Accenting your cheeks and cheekbones can give truly a gorgeous, radiant glow. So here is my Pretty Little version of the Allure's Best of Beauty List...minus all the expensive products.

These products are actual AFFORDABLE, DRUGSTORE brands that won't break the bank.

POWDER BLUSH:

Maybelline Fit Me Blush

It's your perfect, regular, everyday blush. Beautiful colors consist of colors that will fit anyone(:

CREAM BLUSH

NYC Blushable Creme Stick

Easy to apply, beautiful colors, and super quick to apply. These blush creme sticks are cheap too...their only $4. They have 6 colors; but they all suit every beautiful tone.

P.S. Need blush but don't have any? Well try taking your average red lipstick and just tap a teeennyy tiny bit on your cheeks. There you go..the same effect!

HIGHLIGHTER

Wet 'n Wild Mega-Glo Illuminating Powder

This amazing illuminating powder (highlighter) is great for your regular highlights at the cheekbones, brow bone, the nose, and the cupid's bow (upper lip). Amazing powder...at a price you can't beat(:

P.S. You can also use your regular eyeshadow for highlighting(:

FACIAL SELF- TANNER

Loreal Sublime Bronze Self - Tanning Lotion

I'll be honest to you guys...I'm not the best person to talk to about tanning. I actually have an olive - ish skin tone; so I don't tan at all (or use self tanning). However, my friend Lauren does; and she always uses this in the summer. So this one was all thanks to Lauren(:

And if you are looking for a "gradual" tan; try the Jergens Natural Glow lotions.

BRONZER

NYC Sun 2 Sun Bronzing Powder

This has been really popular (several great ratings) and it gets a great rating from me (and Lauren! :D ) . It's pretty cheap compared to other brands; and it's your simple, basic bronzing powder that does it's job. Everyone's skin tone changes throughout the year; so you have 2 shades to keep your covered (: How awesome?

P.S. Here is a "guide" to bronzing powder: http://tsorain.blogspot.com/2010/11/touch-of-gold-defining-cheekbones.html

I hope this helps! (I know...this one was short!)

Here are some links:

Allure's Best of Beauty List (that has inspired me:) ) http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/best-of-beauty/2010/best_of_beauty_cheeks#slide=1

Link to Ace of the Face: http://tsorain.blogspot.com/p/ace-of-face.html

Intro to Ace of the Face: http://tsorain.blogspot.com/2011/04/cheap-guide-to-allures-best-of-beauty.html

Ace of the Face: Lips

A bold red? Or a light nude? Or maybe a fushcia?

Whatever it is, this "guide" is going to help you find your perfect lip color shades...that are only AFFORDABLE, DRUGSTORE products.

This little "series" of the Ace of the Face, is inspired by Allure's Best of Beauty List. Except, this is all drugstore products...that won't break the bank!

LIPSTICK: RED

Loreal Color Riche Lipstick

The classic red, that's true, beautiful and ... gorgeous actually. Red lipstick is great for some time to be bold, or it can be your classic everyday lipstick too!

LIPSTICK: PINK

Cover Girl Lip Perfection Lip Color in Delight

This is an absolutely gorgeous color! It's a beautiful, rosy kind of pink, and it's the perfect compliment of color...not too bold, not too boring...just right.

LIPSTICK: NUDE

NYX lipstick in Summer Love

A great lipstick...in a bargain price. This is your perfect deal for beautiful, nude lips. The color is true, and it applies like a department store price.

P.S. (a little tip) try using a nude LIPLINER to first give your lips a little definition, then for color add the lipstick.

LIPSTICK: NUDE (for darker skin tones)

Cover Girl Queen Lip Color in Bronze Goddess

This color is bee-tea-ful on darker skin tones! It doesn't look tacky, and it adds a modern, feminine touch to your lips. (This is also the one that Allure has chosen(: )

LIPSTICK: DARK

Loreal Color Riche Divine Wine

The color riche series is amazing for rich, beautiful, bold colors. This lipcolor has it all...the color is the REAL color, it's moisturizing, and the perfect shade of the dark wine.

LIPSTICK: SHEER

Boots. No 7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick (attract is shown above)

I lovee this lipstick! If your looking for a natural, sheer lipstick ,but with moderate color this is it. It hydrates your lips, it's much like a tinted lip balm, except it has more color pigmentation.

LIPGLOSS

Jordana Pretty Shine Luxury Lip Gloss

This is my mom's and mine favorite lip gloss. We have used other department lip glosses and this, and we don't quite see the difference. This is your perfect, cheap, RICH color, gorgeous applications, ...it's perfect!

Review: http://tsorain.blogspot.com/2011/04/jordana-pretty-shine-luxury-lip-gloss.html

LIP STAIN

Cover Girl Outlast Lip Stain

Beautifulll lipstain! This is perfect for the ones who want some color to their lips in their busy lifestyles. The color lasts for a good amount of time, and there is such a HUGEEE selection of colors..so you can find your perfect one.

LIP BALM

Soft Lips Lip Balm

Smells great, great hydration, and leaves your lips soft and pretty(:

TINTED LIP BALM

Burt Bees Tinted Lip Balm

Such a gorgeous compliment! The colors are beautiful, and they had only a splash of color. So for the ones that don't want such a bold look, this one is for you.

And that's all! I hope this maybe helped you guys find your perfect fit for your lip colors.

Here are some links:

Allure's Best of Beauty List (LIPS) inspired me(:

http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/best-of-beauty/2010/best_of_beauty_lips#slide=1

Ace of the Face:

http://tsorain.blogspot.com/p/ace-of-face.html

Intro to the Ace of the Face:

http://tsorain.blogspot.com/2011/04/cheap-guide-to-allures-best-of-beauty.html

Please subscribe (in that little box) or you can follow the blog by your email!

Ace of the Face: Base Makeup

Base makeup is referring to primer, foundation, concealer, setting powder...things like that; that are used to perfect and make skin glow.

But since everyone has different needs from their base makeup, and everyone has different skin, it's important that whatever foundation and concealer you use; go in harmony with your need of coverage and your skin type.

PRIMER

L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base

This is the only primer you'll ever need, literally. This primer is perfect for teens, moms, and even women over 40. Why? It covers pores and fills in wrinkles, creating a gorgeous canvas ready! And...Allure has also chosen this!

FOUNDATION -- LIGHT COVERAGE

Almay Nearly Naked Liquid Foundation

This is it. If your just starting to wear foundation; or if you are one of those who just want a light coverage; then this is it. It is really...nearly naked, and it doesn't even feel like you have makeup on. It's just the right amount...gives you coverage, and leaves a nice amount of dewyness.

FOUNDATION --- MEDIUM COVERAGE

Loreal True Match Liquid Foundation

My friend is a makeup artist, and she deals with department store and high end foundations all day long. But, she loves this, and she says it's definitely department store worthy!

It's true; this foundation is really the complete package. It has like a zillion shades, so you get covered no matter what; and it covers to a point where it doesn't cake, but it does hide your little imperfections!

FOUNDATION--- OILY SKIN

Cover Girl Clean Liquid Foundation, Oil Control

This foundation is pretty lightweight, and it has oil absorbers. So if you have oily skin, this will keep it all in control...without completely drying out your skin.

MINERAL FOUNDATION

Loreal Bare Natural Mineral Foundation

I'm not a fan of mineral makeup, because I have super dry skin already; and mineral makeup just makes more patchiness and dry skin.

However, I'm pleased with this product. It doesn't dry out skin too much...and it gives a nice, natural look.

TINTED MOISTURIZER

Wet 'n Wild Tinted Moisturizer

Cheap, great coverage, and adjusting shades. What more can you ask? This tinted moisturizer is about $5-7 in drugstores, and it has great coverage. Bottom line: Covers like a foundation, feels like a tinted moisturizer. You might be thinking...does it only have 4 shades? Well yes, but those shades adjust to your tone! (review on this in review tab)

PRESSED POWDER

Maybelline Fit Me pressed powder

I'm in love with their new line! Their shades really do fit any tone; and this powder is perfect. There are no oil, no waxes, nothing. It fives you nice, flawless skin.

CONCEALER

Maybelline Dream Matte Concealer

This is my favorite concealer in the world. It covers your dark circles well, and it doesn't settle in fine lines. It also covers blemishes, and goes great in harmony with any foundation and powder.

That's it! That was ACE OF THE FACE: BASE MAKEUP. I hope you guys liked it! And email me at tsorain@gmail.com, if you have any questions/suggestions.

Here are some links:

Allure's Best of Beauty List (base makeup) the one that inspired me(:

http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/best-of-beauty/2010/best_of_beauty_base#slide=1

Ace of the Face:

http://tsorain.blogspot.com/p/ace-of-face.html

Intro to the Ace of the Face:

http://tsorain.blogspot.com/2011/04/cheap-guide-to-allures-best-of-beauty.html

Please subscribe in that little (orange) box at the right. Or you can follow by email! :)

Ace of the Face: HAIR

Up or down? Or half down or up? Straight? Curled? Wavy?

Styling hair is so much fun...but sometimes, a real pain in the neck. But here is the list of AFFORDABLE products that do amazing wonders to your hair...and make you life...just a tad bit easier.

SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER - NORMAL HAIR

Suave Shampoo & Conditioner- Rosemary and Mint

This is the bargain version of Aveda's Rosemary and Mint. And it works! Just for a regular clean...this is perfect..and it leaves your hair with a touch of natural rosemary, which gives it a nice, pleasant smell.

SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER- FINE HAIR

Pantene Pro-V Flat to Volume Shampoo & Conditioner

My friend, Jane has flat, fine hair; and recently she had va va boom volume. So I asked her the other day, and she told me all about this shampoo and conditoner, and told me she could never live without it.

Also, Allure has also picked this! (:

SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER- DRY HAIR

Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner

This is a really really really good natural shampoo for dry hair. Sometimes, dry hair is rather damaged too. So this coconut milk shampoo and conditioner, is going to immensely hydrate your hair, gently.

SHAMPOO - COLOR TREATED HAIR

Dove Advanced Color Care Shampoo

I had dyed my hair a nice brunette when I was in middle school ( it was fun!), and I liked it so much that I wanted a really nice shampoo to get really good care of it. And I went searching for lot...and then I found this. This shampoo really is the complete package...and it feels like a salon shampoo....minus the price. ( my hair is a really dark brown/black)

MASK - DRY HAIR

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask

I love this so so so so so much! If your hair is damaged of all that straightening or heat products...then this is it. This revives dry hair, and it's also effective for color treated hair. If you have really dry hair, try doing this once a week. If not, then try this once in 2 weeks, or on month.

HOME COLOR - single process

Clariol Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10

This is the perfect home coloring system. This is also the one that Allure has chosen(: I really like this too, because it's just 3 steps...and it can be done under 15 minutes. The instructions are clear and the color is rich too.

HOME COLOR - HIGHLIGHTING KIT

Loreal Touch on Highlights

This highlighting system has given me easy, simple highlights. (this is the one Allure has chosen also) . it's simple, and it looks like you spend $500 on your highlights!

VOLUMIZING MOUSSE

Herbal Essences Body Envy Mousse

I use this every weekend to get volume hair! This seriously works wonders! When your using mousse, just remember to put it on your ROOTS; because that is where volume is most effective. Here you go! great hair with volume!

VOLUMIZING MOUSSE

Garnier XXL thickening mousse

Mmmm...this mousse is the wonder for hair! Just put some on damp hair, blowdry it. And there you go....va va boom volume!

ANTI FRIZZ STYLING PRODUCT

Tresemme Smooth and Silky Anti - Frizz Secret Creme

Great creme secret! Just take a quarter size in your hand, and sleek it on your hair. Smooth, sleek, sexy hair....without the frizz!

MEGA HOLD HAIRSPRAY

Aussie Mega Hold Hairspray

Got a updo that you crave? But your scared everything is gonna come apart? No worries! Now, Aussie is gonna take care of that. It has a great scent, so you got your locks in place, and you have great smelling hair!

HEAT PROTECTANT

Tresemme thermal creations heat tamer protective spray

Now you can easily protect your hair, and get away with heat. This is a nice spray, and it doesn't let heat damage your hair! Woo...finally! And this spray has also gotten many great reviews!

SHINE

Suave Vibrant Shine Spray

Something affordable, and really does work. This is it! just hold it about 6 inches from your hair, and spray!

DRY SHAMPOO

Psst

Love at first try. There are a lot of dry shampoos out there...but this is love. It's so great...it gets rid of greasy hair AND adds texture and volume right away. It looks as if you just had a shower.

So that's it!

I hope this helps you guys finding YOUR perfect hair solutions!

Here are some links:

Allure's Best of Beauty List (hair) the one that inspired me(:

http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/best-of-beauty/2010/best_of_beauty_hair#slide=1

Ace of the Face:

http://tsorain.blogspot.com/p/ace-of-face.html

Intro to the Ace of the Face:

http://tsorain.blogspot.com/2011/04/cheap-guide-to-allures-best-of-beauty.html

Please subscribe in that little (orange) box at the right. Or you can follow by email!

Have a beautiful day!

Ace of the Face: EYES

Eyes are powerful. They can sometimes say what exactly is on your mind. They can express feelings and emotions.

So this Ace of the Face is all about the eyes. Playing up your eyes and having your creativity to the max!

This is the 2nd post of the series: The Ace of the Face

I have been inspired by Allure's Best of Beauty...and so this is my little version the list, except they are all DRUGSTORE products.

Check out the first post, about skin care:

http://tsorain.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-ace-of-face-skin-care.html

EYESHADOW

Beige/Peach:

Revlon Luxurious Color in Peach Sorbet

This eyeshadow stays on matte and has really good pigmentation. Beautiful color, and looks amazing!

ELF Duo Eyeshadow in Butter Pecan

A bargain for the price! Two colors, you can contour and have fun with the colors!

Brown:

Jordana Brow and Eyeshadow Powder Single in Brown or Brunette (darker brown)

Simple price. But really great, rich pigments, stays on for a really good amount of time, and the color is really rich and beautiful!

Gray:

Maybelline Eyeshadow Extra wear in Grey Matters

Two colors for a beautiful eye. One a steel and another, carbon. Beautiful colors create a gorgeous smokey eyes, or just simple gray pretty eyes(:

ELF Duo Eyeshadow in Black Licorice

Another similar one by ELF. Really really nice pigments, and it's not too boring, and got the budget in control!

Earth Tones:

Revlon Colorstay 12 hour quad in Priceless Metals

Beautiful metal colors are now all in one quad. Comes with a really nice eyeshadow applier, so 4 swipes and you got a GORGEOUS earthy eye shadows. Again, really beautiful pigments, and seems to work as well as the higher ends.

Beautiful Scene:

Revlon Colorstay 12 hour quad in Sunrise, Sunset

With this quad, it's simple to create stunning sunset eyes that look soft yet bold on any eye color.

Creme Eyeshadow:

Maybelline Color Gleam Cream Eyeshadow

Rich color, rich stay, and blends in easily and beautifully!

MASCARA

Lengthening:

Cover Girl LastBlast Length Mascara

I love love love love this mascara! It's the same one as Allure has chosen, and I completely agree with them. They really give you long lashes to create a stunning look.

Volumizing:

Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Mascara

Every noticed how the brush is slightly curved? The brush is one of the secrets of how they make your eyelashes look dark. This is also the one that Allure has chosen, and I agree it's one of my favorite!

Dramatic:

Maybelline XXL Bold Mascara

This mascara has it's 24 hour label, and it creates a feathering bold look. Pumps up the volume with bold makeup.

Waterproof:

CoverGirl VolumeExact Waterproof Mascara

Can you keep up with this daring mascara? It's waterproof and seriously looks like your wearing false lashes.

Eyeliner:

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner

When it comes to eyeliner, I think for it to NOT creep on your crease or somewhere else you don't want is really important. So this one has its colorstay powers!

Here's a post all about eyeliner: http://tsorain.blogspot.com/2011/04/eyeliner-101.html

Another great one is Line Express by Maybelline

Liquid Eyeliner:

Avon Perfect Wear

This liquid eyeliner really stays on for a long time, doesn't smudge easily, and is precise and detailed. My favorite(:

Gel Eyeliner

Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

This is probably the only gel eyeliner that I will ever love! This is one is also the one that Allure chosen. It's really nice precise, detailed eyeliner, that you won't regret!

Eye Makeup Remover

DIY EASY eye makeup remover

-All you need is just some olive oil. Take a cotton swab or cotton pad, and dip it in some extra virgin olive oil. Olive Oil will take your dramatic smoky eye or your simple eyeliner off in a flash!

And there you go! That was your ACE OF THE FACE: all about the eyes

Hopefully this little post helps you guys a lot...and help your budget too!

If you have any questions/comments/suggestions...please comment below or email me at tsorain@gmail.com

Here are some links:

Allure's Best of Beauty List (Eyes) ..which has inspired me:

http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/best-of-beauty/2010/best_of_beauty_eyes#slide=1

Link to Ace of the Face:

http://tsorain.blogspot.com/p/ace-of-face.html

Intro to Ace of the Face:

http://tsorain.blogspot.com/2011/04/cheap-guide-to-allures-best-of-beauty.html

Have a beautiful day everyone! Keep expressing your creativity with makeup and having fun with it! Keep dreaming! And believe that you are beautiful with or without makeup. Because it's true. (: