More from Mario

Clearer Skin Ahead...

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

 

 This is by far my favorite acne spot treatment. Like most of their products, this one has very few ingredients but still packs a major punch. It is visible through the packaging that these ingredients separate with the solids settling to the bottom. As tempting as it is... Don't shake it! This is where the magic happens. All you do is dip a cotton swab into the "pink stuff" on the bottom and apply where needed. Leave over night and voila!

I'm back!

After a bit of a break...

Between changing jobs, traveling, and hosting parties, my life has been a little hectic lately. No worries though, I'm still here!

Yesterday, my cousin sent me a text asking about hair dryers and flat irons... There are so many on the market right now that it can get completely overwhelming. Here are a few things to to keep in mind when shopping for each.

Hair Dryers:

• First of all, how often do you dry your hair? If you're like me, and wash & dry several times a week, It might make sense to invest in a higher quality dryer that won't kill your hair.
• What is the "core" made of? This is the heating element inside the dryer. Many bargain brands use a metal or plastic element that delivers extremely high, uneven heat. This dries your hair by getting it so hot, the water literally "cooks" off of it. Your hair will eventually get very brittle and be more prone to breakage. Instead, look for a hair dryer with a ceramic heating element. Ceramic produces an even "radiant" heat that dries your hair from the outside-in. 
•  Learn a thing or two about "ions." Positive ions are produced by metal or plastic heating elements. They cause the cuticle covering the hair shaft to open up causing damage and frizz. Look for a dryer that produces negative ions that tighten the cuticle and lock in moisture. Tourmaline combined with ceramic is said to produce more negative ions and can dry your hair up to 70% faster than traditional dryers. 
• Wattage will vary greatly from dryer to dryer but look for one 1600 or higher.
•  Additional features to consider: Find one with multiple heat & speed settings or a cool shot button. Also figure out what attachments you want... I like to look for one that comes with both a diffuser and a concentrator tip. I also like to look for one that is as light weight as possible without sacrificing any of my desired features. 
• Some brands to consider: T3, Solano, Chi, Hot Tools.

*** Look for coupons and special pricing before making a purchase. Places like Ulta occasionally offer deals that could save you up to 20%***

Flat Irons:

• Most of the same rules from above can still be implied here.
• Look for one with a ceramic, tourmaline, or combined core. (some cheap brands have ceramic plates but still have a metal core... make sure you look into this before making a purchase.)
• Find one with multiple heat settings. You don't always need to cook your hair to straighten it... Learn what settings work best for you. 
• I learned very early that the auto shutoff can be an amazing thing. If you tend to be on the forgetful side, this feature is worth the extra money! 
• Play around with the display models to figure out which ones are more comfortable to use. 
• Check the warranty info. from both the manufacturer and retailer. Some retail stores offer extended warranties on specific brands. 
• Brands to consider: Croc, Babyliss, T3, Rusk, Sedu, Solano.

My Top Mascara Picks Plus: 

BUDGET FRIENDLY FIND #2!

Lately, I've been on a mission to find the best mascara... Here are my top 4 as of right now:

#1: Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara $20: This one tops my list for several reasons...

• a) The brush. It has an hourglass shaped, rubber bristled brush that really grabs and separates the lashes.
• b) It dries really soft and gives your lashes a really flexible lift.
• c) Its infused with a conditioning growth serum that actually helps your lashes grow (it is recommended to use the mascara in conjunction with their growth treatment if you want more noticeable growth results, but if you're just looking for a good conditioning mascara, the system is not necessary.) 
• d) its build-able without clumping or flaking... great for any occasion.

#2 and my favorite waterproof: Napoleon Perdis Mesmer-Eyes Waterproof Mascara $25. Here's why I like it...

• a) When they say waterproof they mean it... This stuff doesn't budge. 
• b) The brush. The first time I used it I hated the double sided, comb style brush but once I got used to it, I can really see the benefits. The wider side is amazing for grabbing each lash and pulling them sky high while separating while the narrow spaced side is great for the bottom lashes. 
• The color. This mascara is such a great deep black with just a little shine.

#3 and my BUDGET FRIENDLY FIND: Maybelline Volum' Express Mega Plush Mascara $6.99. This one is great because:

• a) The price! Any time I can find a great product that's affordable, I'm happy.
• b) It dries super soft and feels like you're not wearing anything on your lashes at all.
• c) unlike a lot of bargain brand mascaras, you can really layer this one on for extra volume without it clumping.

#4 and my favorite going out mascara: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! mascara $19. Here are the pros:

• a) its a 4-in-1 mascara that curls, lengthens, conditions, and adds volume.
• b) its free of any parabens, sulfates, fragrances, etc... So its really gentle and great for anyone with sensitive eyes.
• it sets a little harder than the others I mentioned making the lift and curl you get last all night. 

**I'm still searching but for now these are my faves!**

 

A tiny liner that creates HUGE drama...

Tarte emphasEYES inner rim eye pencil

I've worn eyeliner every day for almost as long as I can remember and could never master the art of applying it right against my lash line (especially on my lower lid.) I bought this today to try it out because I was curious to see if it actually worked. Here are my thoughts:

• If you are sensitive about anything touching your eyes or even if you're just extremely ticklish, this may take some getting used to... Drawing on the inside of your eyelid is not exactly and everyday feeling and it really does tickle like crazy.
• For a really casual, not too made-up look, this is great all by itself with just a tiny bit of mascara to open up your eyes.
• The pigment is not super rich unless you go over the line a few times. Even with one coat it does fill in any gaps you may have between your lashes though.
• When applied in conjunction with a thicker liner, you get a really bold, dramatic look which I LOVE.
• The tip is really tiny and fine so don't expose too much of it or it will break. One or two clicks is all you really need to bring up at a time.

• Because this brand uses natural ingredients in all of their products, it doesn't feel like it would be irritating to sensitive eyes. 

Here are a few creepy, up-close pictures of my eyes so you can see the results. I have it along my inner rim with a heavier line on the outside.

Cost: $18

Tarte products can be found at Ulta, Sephora, online, and are sometimes featured on QVC.

 

To Prime or not to Prime?

Answer: Always Use Primer!

It's taken me a really long time to find a face primer that I really love... Most of the ones out there today have a silicone base and because my skin is on the oily side, they just slip right off my face taking my makeup with them. Kind of defeats the purpose of a primer right?? Don't get me wrong, these are amazing for people with dryer skin but for me, I need one with a water base. 

You can tell the difference right away by just running a tiny amount between your fingers. If it feels gel-like and slippery, it's got a silicone base (they are usually clear colored.) If it looks and feels more like a lotion and absorbs into your skin instead of sitting on top of it, it's water based. I suggest trying samples of both to see what works best before purchasing. 

The purpose of a face primer is to not only make your makeup stay in place longer, it also keeps it from settling into your pores of any fine lines. Lately, I like Napoleon's Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Primer because it's really light weight and easy to wear during our humid summers. 

I also use an eyelid primer everyday. If you don't wear a lot of eye makeup, it's really not necessary, but if you like to play around with shadows, it will change your life. The idea of an eyelid primer is really about the same as your face primer... just much more concentrated. It keeps your shadow in place and from creasing. It also controls oil on your eyelid so your eyeliner and mascara won't end up all over your eyelid by the end of the day. Also, a little goes a long way with this stuff so just a small drop is really all you need.  Right now I'm using Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

 Pictured:
Too Faced Shadow Insurance: $18 (I've had this .35oz tube since before Christmas and it's still at least half full)

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre Foundation Primer: I got this .5oz size in a kit that included a full size mascara, lipstick, eyeshadow, and primer for $39. Always check for these kits first when making a big makeup purchase but check the sizes first... If they're all miniatures, I usually pass. But if you get full size items like mascara (that you will always use), lipstick (as long as it's a shade you'll actually wear), and a good neutral shadow or blush, I say go for it. Then the trial sizes (like this primer that I'm completely obsessed with now) basically end up being free.

Other good primers:
Smashbox makes a whole line of primers for varying skin types and finishes.
NYX has some great ones that you can pick up for around $12
Mary Kay actually has a great eyelid primer if you know a consultant
Urban Decay also has amazing eyelid primers 

Budget Friendly Find #1

Maybelline Super Stay 10hr Stain Gloss

Unlike most lip stains, this "stain gloss" is soft, shiny and doesn't make your lips feel tight and cracked. I've been wearing it in a bright coral color that's fun for summer. Because it's a 10 hour stain, you can put it on in the morning or mid-day and still be able to change your color for night (because let's be honest, it's not really going to look the same after about 5-6 hours anyway.) But for a good long-wear lip color that actually feels good on your lips, this one is fantastic. And the fact that you can buy it for around $6 makes it even better!

Are your brows "Arch Enemies?"

Benefit BROWS a-go-go 

I love this little kit for creating a full/natural-ish looking brow. It allows you to define your arch without looking "painted-on" or "penciled-in." The set includes a brow shaping wax, 2 shades of setting powder (so you can change your look without changing your brows,) a double sided brow brush, mini tweezers, a highlighting powder, eye brightening cream, and a mini black eyeliner. It also includes a "how-to" to teach you what to use and where. 
If you really want to get serious about perfecting your brows, make an appointment with a Benefit "Arch Expert." They'll wax, arch, shape and transform your brows better than most salon or nail parlor stylists (in my opinion) and use this kit to lengthen your time between visits. 
Personally, my brows don't have a lot of natural arch but I've recently learned how to "fake it" and I'm pretty sure I'm hooked... Give it a try and you will be too ;)

Benefit Brows a-go-go kit: $38
**You can also buy the pieces individually but I'm a sucker for buying things in bulk.**

Runners Up:

NYX Brow Kit: around $6
CK One Cosmetics Brow Pencil/Gel Duo: $22 (this is one of the only lines I've seen that carries a brow color for red-heads)