Spring Fling: Skin + Makeup Faves

It’s been way too long since my last post or video. I’ve been putting it off and getting distracted much too easily lately, and I’m sorry. As if that’s not enough, I’ve gotten quite a few requests for posts that I’ve been meaning to catch up on. The latest question by Alex on Facebook finally made me sit down at my computer and put together this post about my favorite products for this winter to spring transition!

“Hi Marina, could you please list some of your favourite skin care and makeup products and what they are good for and also make a video about everyday makeup (and how to make eyes big)”

Dear Alex,
We’ve been talking about a lot of skin issues lately. In this crazy weather that’s happening right now with the transition of the dry winter to the sunny spring, nobody’s skin is looking or feeling ship shape. Let me give you a break down of my favorites:

For blackheads and pores, Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Stress Control collection has been doing it for me since high school, specifically the Power-Clear Scrub! For someone with dry to combination skin prone to random break outs, this is a life saver. When using a facial scrub, I recommend applying while in the shower, so your pores are open. Squeeze out a penny sized amount of product and apply to your damp face in circular motions. Once you feel clean, rinse. Don’t forget to apply a facial moisturizer immediately after you get out of the shower. My favorite is Ahava Time to Hydrate

.
.
.

Next, you’re probably going to want to hide the pores & blackheads you’re still trying to get rid of. For that, my advice is to use a primer serum. Serums are good for your skin, and add a buffer between your face and foundation, smoothing out any blemishes on the way. I love this one by Hourglass, but it can be pretty pricey. For alternatives, click here.

.
.
.
.

Now that spring is here, our skin is changing. In the winter, my skin is pale and dry (perfect for something like the Nars Sheer Glow foundations!). But now that the sun is out and my skin is catching a little bit of color, I like to go with something a little lighter on the coverage and higher on the moisture… not to mention SPF! This is where Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizers come in. For sunny months, I swear by LM’s products.

.
.
.
.
.

If you’re still looking a little pale and want to cheat in some color, definitely use a bronzer. As I mentioned before, for all my sunny weather needs, I turn to Laura Mercier products, but lately I’ve been digging this less expensive alternative from Covergirl. These are great if you’re looking for a light spritz of color with gold or copper undertones.

.
.
.
.

And here’s a shout out to all the pale girls out there (like me and Alex)! If bronzer isn’t your thing, or you’re just more about getting some of your blush on, look no further! I’ve been digging on Illamasqua Powder Blusher for a few months now, and honestly have to say it is amazing. If you’re looking for a wide variety of stand out colors, longwear (12+ hours), and absolutely NO shimmer, this is the way to go.  But if you’re looking for something a little more wallet-friendly and don’t care too much about it lasting all day, Covergirl Cheekers blushes are great.

.
.
.
.

Spring is, of course, the season of romance and awakening. That means you’ve got to look fresh and awake too! This can be hard when you’ve got to stare at a computer screen for some 10+ hours a day. But have no fear, I have a solution for you! You may have noticed this trick in some of my videos already, but just in case you haven’t, I’ll say it here: white eyeliner in the waterline. Doesn’t matter what brand, as long as you line your waterline with a light color, your eyes are sure to look bigger, more alert, and definitely intense. Give it a try and let me know what you think :)

 

Hopefully that helps answer some of your questions about how to get fresh and sexy for spring (and summer!). If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me on Facebook.com/MarinaSays and don’t forget to share with your friends :)

Rock on,
Marina Says

PS- The video I promised is a little late, but don’t worry, I’ll keep you updated on my FB and Twitter.

 

My Makeup Travel Essentials

Traveling overseas can become difficult if you plan on lugging all of your makeup with you. This is why I suggest purchasing some inexpensive makeup bags for your trip to keep your things organized, clean, and neat.

At home, I keep my makeup in a standard professional grade train case. Upon attempting to stuff the case into my check-in luggage, a screw went missing and the case could not longer close. Instead of trying to find a whole new train case, which itself can weigh up to 8 lbs., I decided to separate my favorite makeup items into individual containers suitable for traveling.

I searched on several websites for something affordable and cute, but wasn’t very happy with the results. Finally I decided to walk in to a Forever 21 store, where I have seen makeup bags before. I ended up purchasing three bags: two square shaped ones, one small sized pouch.

Next, I thought, what would be my actual travel beauty essentials? Off to Sephora I went to find some travel-friendly sized items that would keep me feeling comfortable and clean as well as feminine on the long journey to Central Europe. I ended up with:

  1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20: To stay hydrated and even-toned during my fight.
  2. Laura Mercier Brozing Pressed Powder, Dune (Matte): To avoid looking overly pale and sick upon arrival. Avoid shimmery products while traveling! They will get all over your clothes and face, leaving you looking messy and kiddish. When traveling, go matte!
  3. Illamasqua Powder Blusher, Thrust  : The blueish tint of this magenta color adds color without creating the illusion of heat and sweating.
  4. Sephora Lush Flush (on sale), 02 Pinot: A lip stain that works well under lip gloss. Gives your lips color that doen’t wear off in 5 minutes.
  5. Sephora Jumbo Liner Waterproof, 10 Green: Put on some color to take away from the blandness of traveling. Especially if you need to go straight to a meeting or event after landing, this is essential to upgrading your look.
  6. Sephora Retractable Foundation Brush (on sale): Travel friendly because of its retractable features, this little guy is great for touch ups and on the go looks.
  7. OCC Lip Tar, Black Dahlia: Trendy color, had to have it. Perfect for a vampy plum lip.
  8. Nails Inc. London, Hampstead Gardens: An interesting mustard color for your nails that doesn’t chip as easily as other cheap brands.
  9. Sephora Glossy Gloss, Marquisette: For adding shimmer and moisture while waiting at the terminal of your connecting flight. Believe me, it gets pretty dry.
  10. Sephora Eyeshadow, Mad for Macaroons N62: A great neutral color for your crease tha isn’t too dramatic or too soft as not to recognize.
  11. OCC Lip Tar, Beta: A nice bold lip can never go wrong, and this color looks great with the green eyeliner above.
All the makeup bags seen in this post can be found at Forever21.com
 

Pantone Color of the Year 2013: Emerald

 

Pantone has come up with a color for 2013. As we all know, their color selected for 2012 was Tangerine Tango, which we saw all over the place in the form of clothes, makeup, and home furnishings.

The color is described as energetic, radiant, and historical. Well, as for historical, yes, it definitely gives homage to Celtic cultures, but I’m not too sure about anything else.

Are you ready to take on Pantone’s new selection or will you just ignore the trend? Get inspired:

 

 

Jet-Setters Know Best

If you’re traveling anywhere this holiday season, you’re probably in a bit of a scurry to get all your things packed and ready. But how do you know just what you’ll need? And what are you going to wear on that long and dreary flight? I’ve got you covered with a few tips and tricks I’ve been using for years.

  • You need a suitcase you can recognize from a terminal away that will also last you at LEAST a good 6 years.

For $144.97 you can get this super cute, and very appropriately themed suitcase. It’s a hard-shell case, I recommend this for overseas travel.

  • If you’re traveling overseas you simply cannot leave without a universal travel adapter. Believe me, you will not be happy if your fancy blow dryer stops working and it’s -30 C degrees outside!

    This universal travel adapter by CB2 is only $22.95 (Really good price). It comes in pink, green, blue, and orange, so it’s easier to spot among your other travel appliances.

  • Never underestimate the importance of a backpack. Though you may think it’s dorky, it’s such a load off your poor right (or left) shoulder and it saves you all the self massaging once you get in your assigned seat. Be sure to get one that’s easy to slip your laptop in and out of for those security check points!

Thin canvas backpack is one of the most useful Etsy purchases you can make. It comes in 38cm(W)*39cm(H)*9.5cm(D) and can be yours for $60.00

  • You will also need a handy place to keep your documents; ID/Passport, Tickets, Hotel Info, Rental Car Info, etc. I usually just use a mediumm sized makeup bag (like the gift with purchase ones from Lancome). But if you don’t have any around, here’s a cute floral one.

    This floarl zip pouch is just the right size for keeping your docs together. Snag it for $25

  • If flying gives you the creeps, there’s no better idea than to get some bubbly in your system. Here’s a cool kit that can take some of the edge off, if you know what I mean.

    This mini travel bar goes for $59.50. But if you’d rather not risk spilling anything, have at least the same amount ready to spend on some of that duty-free airport booze.

  • Another fear of flying comes from those horrific, “all of my luggage got lost,” stories. Well, there’s a few things you can do about that. One of them is getting a noticeable name tag that’s easy to read. That’s why I recommend getting your custom made.

    This luggage tag really is lost without you. It comes in a wide variety of colors from yellow to cyan, it’s made of plastic (weatherproof), and will only cost you $14.00

  • Taking a snooze is often the best part about travel, whether it’s on a bus, train, or airplane. And if your luck is anything like mine, you’ll get stuck next to the guy who really wants to read during lights out. When all else fails, use your eye mask.

    Sleeping masks come in many different ranges of quality and design. I like to stick to something simple and inexpensive just in case I lose it somewhere. Here’s the one I’m loving right now for only $6.50 from Etsy.

  • What to wear, what to wear?! I hate looking like a slouch when I travel because I immediately notice the difference in the way people treat me. So when I travel, it’s all about comfort with style.

    The zip up bootie is your best option when it comes to winter travel. It’s easy to take on and off for security, it’s easy to walk in, and it looks fabulous. Snag these DV Dolce Vita Booties for $130.

    For the rest of your body, don’t forget to get clothes that can keep you warm, but also breathe when they turn off the air conditioning.

The Bella Sweat Pant was practically made for travel comfort. They look great with boots, come in a great earthy brown color, and are most of all, warm. Snag these from Asos while you can for $70.36

  •  Never ever, ever, forget your blanket scarf. It is a lifesaver against a sore throat, rain in between terminals, and cold legs when the flight attendants run out of recycled blankets.

    This Chloe blanket scarf by Banana Republic is made of 100% Acrylic. It’ll keep all the warmth within its threads until the very moment you slip it off. It’s yours for $60

  • Make use of those fuzzy socks your grandma sent you last holiday. Believe me, you feet will get cold (yes, even if your boots).

    These Chevron socks by Alaska Knits come with a tightened mid section for extra comfort and support, in case you’ll be traveling through Paris because their airport is literally two miles confusing. $8.00 from Target.

Now you’ve got a pretty good idea of what you should wear and what luggage you should have for your trip. Stay tuned for more on packing the perfect Travel Beauty Bag.

 

New Beauty Purchases, December!

A few days ago I came home to broken makeup brushes lying all over the floor. My dog, Ruby, decided to play “dress up,” with everything I forgot to move off my vanity table. And though I was upset about my kabuki brush being torn to shreds, I was also optomistic about finally purchasing some new brushes (I’d been eyeing a few at Sephora already).

I finally made it to a shopping mall yesterday. At Sephora I was lucky enough to get the very last box of the Pantone Faux Cashmere brushes. They are wonderfully soft to touch and carry a luxurious weight with the gold handles. I opted for the white bristles brushes as opposed to black or brown (natural fibers) because this way I’ll be able to know when it’s tine to clean them. With sensitive skin like mine, prone to break outs and allergic reactions, I like to know that anything that touches my face is free of grimey bacteria.

Next, I got some new eyeliners. To add some sparkle to the holiday rainy season, I opted for Sephora’s Gold Liquid Eyeliner. I’ve used Sephora’s liquid liners before and liked them, so I thought this might be a good purchase to make. Then, for the sake of trying something new, I decided to give a try to the Too Faced 3 Way eyeliner. This one seemed really cool when I was buying it, but after trying it at home I realized it’d probably ever help me out when I’m going for a really “natural” look (which I don’t do too often). It’s a cool idea, but it’s hard to use and therefore I don’t really recommend you buy it.

My final beauty splurge for this shopping trip was on this Korres Matifying Primer with Pomogranate.

I was already almost out of primer, and I wanted to try something new. The Korres representative sold me with the label, “94% natural.” If you have sensitive skin, I recommend you try Korres. The product comes in a tan-colored tint, but applies clear. I find that by using this product, I get rid of nose-shine while also achieving an incredible lightness to my face, even under the driest foundation. This primer is not exactly low cost, but a little really does go a long way.

 

To see these products live, watch my video: 

 

Marilyn Monroe Inspired Look is Here!

I’ve been seeing a whole lot of Marilyn on Tumblr lately, and after impulse purchasing pin curling pins I felt that it was necessary to create this look!

Marilyn Monroe was a glamorous, beautiful, and inspiring woman. Her look is not only classic, but a sure-fire winner when it comes to sexy.

The look is good for any occasion from Winter Ball/Formal to everyday (sans mole, of course).

For styling, I suggest a form fitting dress with peeptoe heels and a matching clutch bag. If you have a vintage coat or one with a faux fur collar, go for it! I’m wearing false velvet form fitting dress from H&M and gold shoes from Bakers.

 

A Week in Photos

Last week I started a new job, so I decided to get some new clothes to start a fresh beginning. If you follow me on Instagram, you already know what I’ve been sporting on my face and on my person. Here’s a quick break down on the things I wore to what:

 For my first day on the job I wore bright colors balanced out with some sleek, wet-look leggings that I picked up at a second hand store several days before. I was going for something upbeat, yet techie.

To get this look, go for a magenta button-down, black tie, moss green cardigan, and sleek wet-look leggings (or leather pants).

And though you can’t see my shoes in this photo, I was wearing a pair of taupe sneakers from H&M. Black would do just as well.

 

For the annual “Family Christmas Photo,” I was in charge of choosing the colors.  Though most people go for reds, greens, or golds, I went for a more trendy option. Purple was the winner in the instant that I laid eyes on this amazing Rachel Roy jumpsuit.

To take the look to a new level, I paired it with my favorite booties ever, the Chelsea from Asos Amuse, a black wide brim hat I bought at a yard sale, and a black H&M blazer.

My purse is Marc Jacobs and the necklace is Forever 21.

 

After a rough night with less than little sleep, I needed an outfit that was comfy and chic. I opted for a two layered maxi dress in a cool gray color, worn again with my favorite Chelsea by Asos shoe.

This look goes well with white or yellow gold, as long as you put on all the pieces. I wasn’t wearing much jewelry, but next time I definitely will.

And, of course, if you’re chilly don’t forget your extra maxi cardigan!

 

For Thanksgiving I decided to stick with traditional fall colors, pairing up a burnt orange belted tunic from Forever 21 with the same wet-look leggings from a few days before. With this outfit I wore wooden jewelry from Etsy and again, Chelsea booties.

 

 

 

I had to work on Black Friday (no big deal because there’s always Cyber Monday!). Since the weather was nice and sunny I went for a nice powder pink blazer (ebay, brand name Bershka), magenta button down, black sheer scarf, and forest green leggings from Zara. My shoes are from H&M and shades from ASOS.

For makeup, I took a spin with layering an earthy brown color in my crease with a fall Purple by Sephora brand. The blue glittery tips are NYX glitter eyeliner.

December is right around the corner, don’t forget to start your layering. Nobody likes catching a cold ;)

 

 

Walk Like an Egyptian… Beetle

It was one of those boring rainy days when I was perusing through some manicure ideas that I found this video of a scarab beetle nail look. I was impressed enough that I thought I ought to dedicate a makeup look to it!

I recommend wearing this look with an all black outfit and gold accessories. Statement shoes and rings would really pull the look together, especially for an evening out on the town.

Products Used:
Nars Eyeshadow Duo, Dogon: http://tiny.cc/dogon
Mac Eyeshadow, Thru The Night: http://tiny.cc/thruthenight
Sephora Eyeshadow, Armelle: http://tiny.cc/armelle
Makeup Forever Metal Powder, #1: http://tiny.cc/goldmetal
L’Oreal HIP, Bright Eyeshadow Duo, Flamboyant: http://tiny.cc/flamboyant
Mac Liquid Eyeliner, Black: http://tiny.cc/macliner
Maybelline, Line Express, Soft Black: http://tiny.cc/blackpencil
Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara, Carbon Black: http://tiny.cc/healthyvolume
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, Light 2.
Nars Multi-Purpose Stick, Orgasm: http://tiny.cc/orgasmstick
Hourglass Liplipner, Reveal: http://tiny.cc/hourglassreveal
Buxom Lipgloss, Dolly: http://tiny.cc/dollylips
Stila Liquid Eyeliner (Waterproof), Jet Black: http://tiny.cc/waterproofline

 

 

The Much Requested Angry Birds Look

A few months ago I was getting ready in the morning, when I messed up my eyeliner. The first wing was too chunky so I added another. Then that looked weird, so I added a third. By then I just gave up and left for work.

I’d been typing away at some article when my assistant commented on the look. “Nice! I like the Angry Birds thing,” he said. I had no idea what he was talking about. He then told me to Google search for a photo of the yellow Angry Bird… and so the look was born.

Products Used:
Sephora Eyeshadow Primer: http://tinyurl.com/primer-gel
Bare Minerals Eyeshadow, Soul: http://tinyurl.com/soul-shadow
Makeup Forever Matte Eyeshadow, Bright Yellow (n2): http://tinyurl.com/yellow-shadow
Mac Liquid Eyeliner: http://tinyurl.com/mac-liquid
Sephora White Eyeliner Nano 03 Pure White: http://tinyurl.com/white-liner
H&M Eyeliner Pencil
Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara, Excessive Black: http://tinyurl.com/a6y6778
Nars Blush, Desire: http://tinyurl.com/nars-desire
Makeup Forever Aqua Lip, 17 C: http://tinyurl.com/aqua-lip
Sephora Rouge, The Red: http://tinyurl.com/bk8rsjs

For Music, please see video description.

 

My First Video: The Frida Kahlo Costume

So it was the Saturday before Halloween when I suddenly got invited to a Halloween party. I didn’t have a costume yet, nor had I even really thought I would have one. What could I possibly whip up in so little time?

I thought, and I thought, and I thought… artist! I can be a painter! And who better than Frida Kahlo, who is not only a famous painter of the 20th century, but an icon of women in arts.

So I whipped together some colorful shawls, dresses, and flowers and came up with my first ever makeup tutorial. I hope you enjoy :)