Shop Your Stash: Spring Beauty

Spring is coming! Well, it will eventually. It is inevitable and therefore you can certainly start dreaming of warmer days ahead. Most importantly, you now get to plan your Spring makeup looks!

Before you reach for your wallet--I urge you to "shop your stash" and see the makeup you already own. While companies release gorgeous new collections every season, if you are strapped for cash the chance are you already have a color that reflects the current trend.

Seasonal makeup trends mimic the "feel" of the season. For example, holiday collections always up the glitter factor, and summer collections always have self-tanners and turquoise-colored shadows or liners. For Spring, collections are always full of soft pastels.

Spring Makeup

Eyes 

Ditch the heavy liner and cat eye for a lightly defined eye with lots of mascara. Spring is all about looking fresh and young. The wide-eyed look will always be "in." If you use liquid liner, try using a long-lasting pencil liner instead; it gives a softer look. For your eyeshadow, lightly apply any of the following colors over the lid to brighten the eyes in a Spring-appropriate fashion: lilac, mint green, sky blue, light purple, baby pink

Face/Cheeks

Your skin should like fresh and cheeks should look rosy. It's time to move away from matte powders and thick foundations. Try using BB or CC creams, tinted moisturizer, or a light-coverage foundation to even out your complexion. Use concealer on any areas where you might need extra coverage. Unless you are oily, only powder your T-zone (nose, chin, forehead) to keep the rest of the face looking natural. On the cheeks, think of the following colors when looking through your cream blushes and powder blushes: coral, baby pink, soft rose, soft peach, and pinky-plum.

Lips

Lip gloss and tinted balms are a great alternative to lipstick in the spring time. Give your lips some moisture and color without having to worry about having a perfectly-defined lip. Spring lips should be fast and easy. Keep the formula simple and don't be afraid of shimmer! Some great colors for tinted balms, glosses, and sheer lipsticks are: bright pink, baby pink, rose red, pale rose, lavender-pink, coral, and light berry.


What are some of your favorite products for Spring?

101: Product Finishes

Image from www.fontcrafts.com. I happen to love glitter, so I agree!

There are a lot of positives about online shopping. If you live in a rural area, online shopping gives you access to beauty brands typically found in big cities and department stores. You can shop from anywhere at any time, but when it comes to determining if a color is right for your complexion, many shoppers run into trouble.

If we are given a color swatch, chances are it is digitally painted and not an actual photo of the product. We have to rely on the product description accompanying  the photo to pick the product we want to purchase. If we're lucky, the swatch is accompanied by a description of the product's texture and finish--but what if you don't understand the description?

Matte? Cream? Satin? Shimmer? What does that all mean anyway? Here is my quick breakdown:

Matte - The color is flat without any gleam at all. Think of a chalkboard/black board--all you have is a non-reflective surface in a certain color.

Satin - A step up from matte. While not completely flat, the product displays only the slightest gleam. Think of the slight sheen of an egg.

Cream - The product looks rich and, well, creamy! Think of the texture and shine of yogurt, but in a lipstick!

Gloss - This is the most reflective finish of all. Usually only found in lip products, gloss is very shiny and reflective--think of the shine of cooking oil.

Shimmer - Have you closely examined a pearl? It has a beautiful, glowing surface. But if you really take a moment to look at it, you will notice very small particles that sparkle.  This minuscule twinkle is shimmer. Subtle and elegant; perfect for eye shadows.

Sparkle - Think of the facets of a diamond. They reflect light beautifully. You can see the facets sparkle as you move around. Products with a sparkle finish behave in the same way.

Metallic - The shiniest finish of all. Think of the intense, gleaming color of peacock feathers--it almost looks like colored foil, right? Well, that's what most metallic finishes look like as well.

Beyond MAC

(Image from ShuUemura.com) 

I've noticed a lot of women head straight to the MAC counter for their first big step when it comes to makeup. I understand the appeal. MAC is everywhere and it has become the instant go-to when you think of graduating from the drugstore makeup aisles. There is a large community of makeup artists that does not like MAC because (they say) MAC has monopolized large industry events like NY Fashion Week and put a lot of freelance artists out of work. Also, since MAC was purchased by Estee Lauder, there is another argument that the quality of the product is no longer what it used to be.

Then there are those who love MAC no matter what and drool over every collection. I used to be a huge MAC addict and then life got in the way of my love of makeup and I laid off the shopping sprees quite a bit. I still love the products I have but I realize that there are a lot of women out there that don't know what lies beyond the realm of MAC. Hopefully, this post gives you some ideas! In case you're wondering: I still love MAC! I just don't buy as much of it :)

The goal of this post is to give high-end alternatives to what MAC offers for those of you wanting to venture out of the black box. The prices of these products might seem high, but all you need to do is head to the drugstore for a reality check. The price of drugstore makeup is climbing rapidly, and if you're going to buy makeup of a similar price, you might as well get something of good quality. I will only mention brands I have experience with, but feel free to suggest products or a category I forgot in the comments. Let's get to it!

Instead of MAC Foundation and Powder...

Make Up Forever (MUFE)

I don't know about you, but MAC Foundation and powder has ALWAYS broken me out. I have sensitive skin but there is something about MAC foundation that kills me. MUFE has a variety of formulas (dry skin, oily skin, face & body, HD) just like MAC and also has a fantastic color range.


Instead of MAC Lipglass...

Fresh, Urban Decay, Lancome, NARS

MAC's Lipglass goes tacky on me. I don't know about you but I don't want my lipgloss clumping on my lips...that's just nasty! MAC has a beautiful range of color with their "lip glass", but the texture can be very thick and sticky. The above brands have great colors and go on a lot smoother than MAC's. Urban Decay's can have a strong scent--a head's up for the "scentsitive."

Instead of MAC Blush...

Lancome, Shu Uemura, NARS, Stila

Shu Uemura has to be one of, if not my favorite, makeup brands. They have a crazy selection of blush colors including purple and bright red. They do a great job of acting like blush...meaning the color it gives you looks like it comes from within. NARS is famous for their "Orgasm" blush and they have beautiful colors as well. Lancome's range is smaller but the color goes on great.

Instead of MAC Eyeliners...

Urban Decay, Christian Dior, Shu Uemura

Urban Decay's pencil liner is great. The pencil liner has a better variety of color selection since the creme liners are fairly new but they last a VERY long time. Christian Dior's pencil liners are also good as are Shu Uemura's. I stick to MAC's gel liners, Urban Decay's cream liners and of course, my SANA Maikohan Liner.

Instead of MAC Eyeshadow...

Shu Uemura, Urban Decay, Stila, Laura Mercier, Christian Dior

All of the shadows above have great color ranges and pigmentation. The Christian Dior quads are expensive, but gorgeous, and Laura Mercier is great for those of you that love natural looks. Stila also comes out with great promotional quads like their popular Barbie line, and of course there is Urban Decay. I would have to say Shu Uemura and Urban Decay are my two favorite makeup lines ever. I can use almost everything from their lines. Go to Shu Uemura for gorgeous quality and check out Urban Decay when you want edge and sparkle.

Instead of MAC Mascara...

Chanel, Shiseido, Lancome, Benefit, Christian Dior, Givenchy

Let me break it down this way: I have small eyes so the mascara brush size DOES matter. Benefit BadGal and Christian Dior's DiorShow are both amazing mascaras but application is difficult because of the large brush. That doesn't mean it's bad for you! The formulation of the mascaras are great, the size is just inconvenient for me.

If you want a mascara that wears like iron check out Shiseido's Lasting Lift. My god, getting that stuff off is HARD! Lancome always makes great mascaras but it irritates my eyes so *I* can't use them (but maybe you can!) My favorite mascara is Chanel's Inimitable...pure mascara magic right there. Givenchy Eye Fly is exceptional for lengthening.

Instead of MAC Lipstick...

Besame, NARS, Urban Decay, Shu Uemura

Besame Lipstick is the best lipstick if you're looking for retro reds that will last a very long time. The packaging is gorgeous, the colors are heavily pigmented and non-drying, and the reds are beautiful. I love Urban Decay's formulas and gorgeous new packaging (Gash is my all time favorite UD lipstick) and NARS also has a beautiful color selection and formulation. Do I need to explain why Shu Uemura is listed? ;)

Instead of MAC Lipliner...

Anything?

I have never been picky about lip liner so I couldn't give a fair commentary. I'll use just about anything really. If you can find Prestige in your drugstore, their lip liner is great and cheap!

Instead of MAC Pigments...

Urban Decay, Bare Escentuals

Who DOESN'T make pigments now? MAC does make amazing pigments though, but they pissed a lot of people off when they made their packaging smaller for the same price. There are a lot of companies, including indie ones, that make makeup pigments. Bare Escentuals has some great pigments as does Urban Decay. For a wonderfully gothic and indie fix check out Morgana Minerals.

*Drugstore Goodie: NYX (Available at Ulta)


Feel free to add your makeup favorites in the comments section!

Top 10 Under $20 Drugstore Products for Oily Skin

1.  Revlon ColorStay Foundation - $12.99


The old standby remains the best drugstore foundation for combo to oily skin. While some complain the finish is too thick, using your fingers or a damp sponge to apply the product results in a more natural finish.

2. Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets - $6.49

These babies are a god send. Ladies, if your skin is shiny there is no use in attacking it with powder. The oil will break through soon enough and your makeup will cake. Now, if you gently press one of these sheets over the oily area you eliminate your main culprit and a dab of powder seals the deal.

3. e.l.f. Mineral Infused Primer - $6.00

Primers can be extremely expensive. Before giving this one a try, I was using Mister Mat by Givenchy. The tube lasts forever (and I still have some left) but it goes for $34. This primer has not broken me out, helps for a smoother foundation look, and helps keep the oil at bay. This is a great alternative to Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer, with a slightly lighter texture.

4. e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set - $3.00 

I discovered this after running out of my MAKE UP FOR EVER Mist & Fix (absolutely fantastic!) that, again, was a bit expensive at $29. While I still prefer the MUFE setting spray, this one does a great job for being $3.00!

5. Revlon ColorStay Concealer - $9.99

This is a great, blendable concealer from the ColorStay family. Although it is a long-wearing formula, I haven't had any issues using it in under the eyes. It doesn't settle into any lines or cake up. Considering you can use this product all over the face, it is definitely a great drugstore deal.

6. Cetaphil Derma Control Oil Control Moisturizer (SPF 30) - $17.49

SPF is incredibly important, especially here in South Florida. But, as many of you with oily skin might already know, finding a non-greasy SPF is a nightmare. While this product feels a bit thick at first, it absorbs into the skin leaving a matte finish. There is a bit of a "sunscreen smell" but it quickly goes away. If you are extra oily, definitely try this product.


7. L'Oreal Paris Ideal Moisture Sensitive Skin Day Lotion (SPF 25) - $9.99

If your skin is a bit more combination than oily, you might enjoy this moisturizer. It is very lightweight and absorbs quickly, but doesn't leave a completely matte finish. It just gives you soft skin and sun protection. I use this under the e.l.f. primer and never experience pilling.


8. Milani Eyeshadow Primer - $6.99

You might have a heard time finding this item in drugstores, probably because this is the latest primer being raved about in the blogosphere. But if you see it peeking out of the Milani display, make sure you grab one for yourself!

9. Glam Eyes Liquid Liner by Rimmel - $5.49

I love liquid liner, mostly because I have yet to find a pencil liner that really stays on and gel liner always requires a brush. One of my favorite liners is Kat Von D's Tattoo Liquid Liner. That stuff is indelible once it dries. However, this post is all about saving some money, right? This Rimmel liner features a small brush tip that allows for a precise line. The liquid is a very dark black (perfect for vintage  looks) and you can feel it setting. Unless you rub the heck out of your eyes, this liner is not going anywhere.

10. Coty AirSpun Loose Powder - $7.49

This powder has been around for ages. The original comes with that floral, powdery smell of your grandmother's beauty products. There is also a sensitive skin version of the powder. Either way, this is a popular powder amongst performers and those that wear heavier makeup. Of course, you can still benefit from this powder by using a fluffy powder brush to set your foundation. For a heavier application, use the puff that comes with the product.


What are some of your best tips and products for dealing with oily skin?

Control Your Makeup Stash

If you're reading this blog chances are you have a massive makeup collection and if you don't, you probably want one. Either way, my goal for this post to help you get your stash under control and/or keep it from getting out of hand in the first place! These tips should involve things you already have on hand and stuff you can get from the dollar store. Of course, you can always buy better quality items or items of a nicer design if it fits your budget. Work with what you got!

Use a Permanent Marker

Whether it's Sharpie brand or not, a permanent marker will become your best friend when keeping your stash under control. There is a general set of parameters when it comes to the shelf life of makeup. I don't automatically toss something once that said expiration date comes, but that is my choice. Everyone is different and you must follow your own gut and use common sense. Anyway, back to the permanent marker.

From now on, anytime you buy a product you will write its expiration date somewhere on the product. 

While you might not be able to do this on existing products, you could certainly give it a shot if you remember when you bought it. If you don't have an emotional attachment to your collection, feel free to go toss happy! Then, when the time comes you can toss the item (or give it away, whatever you decide).

Check out this link from Elle magazine for a great makeup expiration infographic: Click Here

Keep the Boxes

This is perhaps the biggest mistake I have made and continue to make, only because I'm not sure how to "go back" now after years of collecting. 

The next time you purchase a beauty product, if it has a box KEEP IT!

I've worked in retail on and off for various lines. Product boxes not only help with displaying the item to potential customers, it also helps keep things in order behind the counter and in stock drawers. So, why wouldn't this work at home? Product packaging is (usually) labeled with product names and colors, which would make it a breeze for you to find then store when you're done.

Note: I know some products, especially from the drugstore, are not going to come in an easy-to-store package. That's where the next point comes in...

Hit the Dollar Store

The dollar store is a great place to find items to help organize your stash. I like to buy shallow baskets to put loose items (or drugstore items) in and keep them from flying around in a drawer. Unlike every other blogger on the planet (it feels that way ;) ) I don't have an IKEA drawer for my makeup. That's definitely a goal for me, but right now it isn't feasible. I use my dresser drawers and plastic drawer bins to keep things in check. You can also find cute jars for pencils, mascara, lip gloss, and other items that might work better standing up--not to mention brushes.

Note: I love to use pretty boxes from holiday gifts and perfume sets to organize things at home from stationery and pens to makeup.  These can be used to house specific looks, like a "pin up look box", or to house your daily makeup. That way you reuse an item and stay organized at the same time.

How do you like to keep your collection under control? Let me know in the comments!

Review: Primal Elements Candles & Body Lotion

I am going to make you a promise early on in the youngling phase of Beauty Regalia: You won't see any other beauty blog reviewing candles as much as I will--unless, you know, there's a CandleGirl(dot)com.  Is there?

Anyway, I love candles. I love it when amazing burn time, fragrance, and presentation all come together to make for an amazing experience. I know most people would be fine with a 99 cent candle from the supermarket, but I confess to you now that I am a candle snob.

Candles are a dime a dozen out there, so it takes a lot for me to consider one special. Like I mentioned before, all of the right elements have to combine. So, when I saw a picture of Primal Element's J'aime Paris candle glide across my Instagram timeline, I did a double take. I had not seen a candle look like THAT before! I knew I had to experience these for myself.

The lovely Nicole of Primal Elements sent me 3 amazing items to try out and review for you all. I told her about my scent preferences and she sent these lovelies my way. I will go over each of them for you.

First is "Chandelier" from their Gold Icon Candle Collection. This is the same series J'aime Paris comes from, and upon exploring their website you will find a series of gorgeous candles with sparkling motifs from the J'aime Paris candle's Eiffel Tower design to a set of glittering lips on their S.W.A.K. Wish Candle, to match any decor. You know a candle is amazing when you don't even want to light it. This has to be the most elegant candle I have ever come across. The smooth metal-like surface and subtle sparkle of the studs make this candle perfect for any room in the house. The scent of this candle is described as a "sparkling sugar fragrance; a delicate blend of vanilla, caramel and cotton candy" I could get into the olfactory details of it all but believe me when I say it smells elegant. Think of a beautiful boutique, dimly lit with the fanciest of lace garments and beautiful jewels. This is the candle you would find burning there--or if you make a delectable ambrosia of vanilla, caramel, and cotton candy!

Next was their Vanity Candle in the scent Citron Elixir. If you're on Pinterest every day like I am, I know you've seen the DIY projects that feature a repurposed candle jar that now holds makeup brushes or cotton balls. You'd better believe I am going to use this jar for something like that! The surface of the top is almost mirror like, and the bauble on top sparkles at every angle. As for the scent, the official notes are "crisp citrus, herbs, and amber". If you're a Floridian like myself, imagine being in the middle of an orchard of citrus trees that feature both sweet and bitter oranges as well as limes--that is the essence of Citron Elixir.

Finally, as an extra treat, Nicole was kind enough to include their lotion in Tahitian Vanilla. I don't know if you've realized it already, but vanilla is probably one of my favorite scent notes ever. There are so many variations of vanilla out there. Some are more gourmand (foody) and others are richer and darker as if mixed with liquor (like Diptyque's Vanille candle). However, there is also a type of vanilla I absolutely detest, and it is called "obviously-cheap-fragrance-oils-were-used" vanilla. It's a guaranteed nausea inducer for me. I want the real deal and the Primal Elements Tahitian Vanilla Moisturizing Lotion is it.

As for the lotion itself, it's light and fast absorbing. If you have extremely dry skin, this might not be for you, but I live in Florida so any cream can quickly cross the line to Crisco. The consistency is perfect and has noticeably softened my elbows which are a trouble spot for me. The vanilla scent doesn't linger, so if you get headaches easily like I do this is perfect.

Before I go I wanted to leave you with some candle tips. What, you mean there's more to it than just lighting the wick? If you want optimal candle burn then yes.

* Never place your lit candle near or under a source of wind like a fan or an air vent. Not only is it s potential fire hazard but the flame will burn wildly and possibly scorch the candle surface, your wax will burn unevenly and it will affect your candle burn time.

* When you first get a candle, trim the wick down a little less than half of an inch. You want the wick long enough to be able to burn over the wax but not too long. When the wick is too long it could also cause an uneven burn and affect the burn time.

*Finally, and this will seem like an extra step here, but get yourself a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. You won't disturb the wax by blowing out the flame which will help your candle last much longer. If your candle has a top, you can alternately use that and cover the candle so the flame is extinguished slowly. Both of these methods also reduce excess smoke in the room.

That being said, which Primal Elements candle will you be picking up? Follow them on Instagram for great pics of their soaps, candles, lotions, and more. Let me know your favorites in the comments and always feel free to ask a question!

Introduction

Who am I and why should you bother reading yet another beauty blog?

I know, the net is inundated with beauty blogs and Instagram feeds everywhere are turning into sales pitch after sales pitch. Some days, I just want nothing to do with it.

Beauty is a multi-faceted concept for me. It's more than just the latest trend and it's definitely not all about what color lip gloss a celebrity is wearing. I look at the concept behind a product, the packaging, the design, and its execution. It's so easy to binge buy products that are more affordable and then lose your appreciation for the entire process of that product's creation. I want to highlight how special and artistic beauty and style are on this blog.

That's not to say I will turn up my nose at every trend, but the posts at Beauty Regalia and any reviews I do will be carefully curated. Basically, if something makes it to this blog, that's because it's special to me in some way, shape, or form. You will find reviews, my thoughts on trends and other happenings in the fashion and beauty industries, and highlights of special life moments that deserve to be documented before they are forgotten.

At Beauty Regalia, I also plan to connect with you, the reader, as much as possible. You can email me (click here) or leave a comment on my posts and I will try my hardest to answer every question you might have. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, where you can connect with me faster and I can get to know you as well.

I hope you enjoy the blog and find something you don't find anywhere else. Use the hashtag #beautyregalia on your social media channels to show me the trinkets and treasures you love the most. And don't forget--adorn yourself!

Sincerely,
Lourdes