Long-lasting Red lips

What you need:

(lipscrub, choice of lip balm, lip pencil, lippie, concealer, brush and powered)

Prep (exfoliate +moisturize) Start off with a clean fresh base so your lipstick will go on smoothly. Least thing you want is to have dry chapped red lips.

take your time. Trust me, it pays off (use lip liner and fill in) this creates a base/foundation not only for long lasting color but it also amplifies and prevents your lipstick from "bleeding".

lipstick time! then blot on tissue then set with powder to stay on for at least 6 hours. (yes, even if you eat and drink)

then CORRECT. smooth things out just to give that flawless look!

**** go easy on shine. you dont want to look like a sloppy mess. so if you do want shine, add a little bit only at the center of your lippies :)

xo,

Denise

Makeup: Keep or Toss?

Do you ever wonder why you're still getting pimples despite of amazing products you use?
Remember, dirt and Bacteria can cause a lot of complications on your skin.

Just like food, make up have expiration dates too. Do you know when to toss them out?

MAKEUP EXPIRATION DATE

MASCARA (3 MONTHS)
- It's liquid consistency makes it more vulnerable to bacteria that is why it needs to be replaced often. (I am pretty strict with this because i don't mind spending a couple of dollars to buy a new tube rather than get bacteria on my eye area or my clients' eyes)

LIQUID EYELINER (6 MONTHS)
- Same with liquid eyeliners, due to its consistency, need to be replaced often. Pencil eyeliners though can last up to 2 years but sharpen often to keep it bacteria free.

FOUNDATION (6-12 MONTHS)
- Toss it out if you start to see a difference in the smell of the product, texture and color, TOSS it! if you're acne prone or have sensitive skin like me, toss it out after 6 months.

LIPGLOSS (1 YEAR)
- consistency (sticky liquid) and lips... need I say more?

CONCEALER (1 YEAR)
- liquid concealers are more prone to bacteria.
-creamy ones can last up to a year.

NAIL POLISH (2 YEARS)
- again, if you see a difference in color and texture, toss em out!

LIPSTICK (2 YEARS)
- better than lip gloss, consider tossing them out if it becomes dry or changes hues/color.

POWDER/EYESHADOW/BRONZER/BLUSH (2 YEARS)
- As long as you keep your brushes clean, not mixing any liquid then it can last up to years!


*** I know it requires maintenance but in my opinion, #1 is HYGIENE. not worth the bacteria or the skin damage. :)

Now is the perfect time to toss out products---- summer clean up! ohh makes you re-do your makeup collection :)


good luck!

xo,
Denise

May monthly stars

1) Uniq One
- I really dont do a lot of reviews or have favourites when it comes to hair products but this stuff is amazing!!!!!! I have been using it for about 3 months consistently though and i could see fast, visible results! This was recommended by my hair stylist. i was actually skeptical at first because i have tried hundreds of hair products...but i gave it a shot. AMAZING!! this is what it claims :repair for dry and damaged hair, shine and frizz control, heath protection, silkiness and smoothness, hair color protection, easier brushing  and ironing, incredible detangling, long lasting hairstyle, split ends prevention and adds body)----- i give it a 8/10 :) plus it smells good! a lil spritz is all you need after washing your hair. Would definitely repurchase.

2) Olay fresh effects moisturizer
- With very oily skin, i was looking for a moisturizer that didn't seem heavy or sticky or oily. this stuff is okay. its a satin finish, pretty light , which i wanted especially for a day moisturizer. smells good too! once applied, it actually feels like a balm...it moisturizes your skin and itstantly disappears...satin-y, silky finish. i give it a 7/10. i would repurchase but not for now...would want to try different moisturizers once i'm finished with this.

3) NYX's beige
- Its not exactly "beige" or nude, but its a perfect baby pink, natural-looking gloss. its inexpensive, tastes/smells so good and non-sticky.. (thats my #1 when it comes to lip glosses). i could basically wear it with anything! i love nyx lip glosses in general and this is one of them. Easy to apply, loving the applicator, handy and many more! i give it a 8/10.

4) UD's de slick
- This is a must have for people who have oily skin. Just bought  this last month and its amazing. I could definitely tell a difference on my skin when i use this. it keeps my make up in place throughout the day and when i blot, it doesn't produce much oil as to when i dont use it. definitely a staple in my makeup routine. 9/10.

5) Maybelline Falsies mascara (waterproof)
- My all time fav. mascara! always a favourite. loved the applicator, the formula, the staying power, how it volumizes and separates my lashes. 8/10 for me!

6) Stila waterproof liquid liner
- Another all time fav. love how its a pen, so easy to use, easier , lazier way actually to  create sharp lines aka cat eyes, i love how its so handy and lasts really long! (mine was at least 6-8 months of use everyday) worth every penny!..and its waterproof, doesnt budge/smudge after long hours at work, gym etc. love love! 9/10.

7) Nars duo (oragasm/laguna)
- I ve had this for such a long time but its been just this month i used it consistently..I actually love the LAGUNA bronzer! used it for countouring this month. Although it fades in a couple of hours, i love how its perfect for my skin tone. i can build it up, tone it down etc. 7/10.

8) Dove's dry shampoo
- Finally a dry shampoo that works! Decided to give this a try and amazing! It gives volume, i love how it sprays, smells good (but too strong though), its cheap (6.99$), doesnt leave a white residue. I have used the  tresemme....and its nothing compared to this! close to batiste but this is better... Still looking for that perfect dry shampoo but this still works..especially compared to other brands 8/10.

9) MUFE cover concealer
- I originally thought of buying this for under my eyes.. i thought that having it drier compared to eye concealers, my search for the perfect one is solved...but this works better on your face to cover up hyper pigmentation, pimples. having oily skin, this does the job of covering my pimples/scars at the same time lasts long. its thick, waterproof and a little goes a long way! For the face though, not for under the eyes. (too dry). 8/10.

10) Naked basics and Naked palette original
- May has been one of the hectic months and most of my work days, id rather sleep in and use that extra 20 mins of getting ready than putting my make up on. hence i wake up late and i have 5 mins of makeup time. This palette saved me so much! one sweep, easy to work with and so natural! love it! having me not look oh so tired and the same time polished and decent. For days that i can prep and spend a little more time with fixing myself, Naked palette is the one that i grab. versatile, mix and match goes with anything. always a fav! i give these babies a 9/10!

11) Dior amber lights
- eyeshadow.highlighter.blush. love the versatility of this! worth every penny! amazing colours. just so different and perfect highlighter day-night. You can build it up, tone it down depends on what kind of look youre going for. It difinitely gives you a candlelit effect.  9/10.

12) Maybelline Rocket Mascara
- when i first got this, i didnt like it at ALL. i thought it was too wet, didnt do what it claimed and it was just an imitation of covergirl's lashblast. actually the more i used it, i grew out of it and kinda sorta liked it. i got the non-waterproof one and its pretty good staying up. although im having a hard time with the brush on my lower lashes. this does volumize. it does the job . 7/10

and those are my favourites for the month of MAY. will they cut it for the month June?? We'll see :P

T.O.T.W. (TRICK OF THE WEEK): 2

Setting your lipstick: Dab transluscent powder to the tissue and press against your lips! It will last longer :)