Honest Beauty Launch

I write with very exciting news, Honest Beauty has launched! I was able to attend yesterday's NYC launch event on behalf of BeChicMag. I got to meet Jessica Alba! It was a dream come true for me. After having a rough winter with my sensitive skin, particularly my face the nightmare is finally over. I have been waiting for this moment all year. Finally an affordable, healthy and safe domestic beauty line that I can use on my skin! 

Every single item that was on display is my new favorite -even if it included Sodium Benzoate which I am allergic to. 

I had a beauty love at first sight moment with Honest Beauty's "Truly Lush Mascara + Lash Primer". It's an awesome dual gem! First you apply the primer on your eye lashes. The fluid will appear the color white-give it a few seconds for it to dry. Once your lashes are dry it will turn clear. Then you apply the mascara and magic happens. The primer helps prevent clumpy eyelashes from appearing with a dramatic eye lash look. I have very long natural eye lashes so this will be fun to use!

I was able to sit on the makeup chair yesterday and have even more fun. I still have my summer tan and I  was color matched with two different "Everything Cream Foundation" colors. One to highlight which was Almond and one to contour which was "Camel" . This foundation can look medium to full coverage depending on how you apply. Once my tan fades I will be closer to the "Sand" color. I have yellow under tones and an olive skin complexion which is hard to find a good match with other beauty brands. As Jessica mentioned yesterday "as a woman of color" she wants to celebrate diversity. The diverse colors available definitely made me feel like I can be myself.

One more touch up that was added during my makeup chair session was the "Beyond Protected Daily Sheer Tint" on top of the foundation as a way of bringing out a brighter fresh face. It looked seamless and not as if Tinker Bell sprinkled tons of pixie dust on my face. You can use this under or over your make just like the "Concealer Duo".

Last quick favorite was the "Creme Blush"! It's another silent duo, you can dab it on your cheeks or on your lips for a pop of color- how cool is that! There were so many different colors on sight yesterday! One that caught my eye was "Truly Charming". It's a raspberry/ coral color and very pretty in person.

All in all I can write for days on yesterday's fun! Please check out BeChicMag for more fun beauty and fashion tips! Before I go I must say that what makes me hold onto Honest and Honest Beauty truly are the toxic ingredients that are not included in their products. I feel healthier and happier knowing that I don't have to feel guilty or afraid of harming my body. I am looking forward to seeing what will come next!

Until next time! :)

-V

Post Allergy Blues & Makeup

It's been a month since my last post! I missed writing on here.

Allergy Update:

After my skin allergy patch test I have about ten common allergies due to fragrances, chemicals and dyes found in day to day cosmetics and home products. Since my test I have tried the Dry Bar "Mudslide" and discovered that I am allergic to a chemical that is used within the Dry Bar products and will have to discontinue using them. I was bummed (it smells so good) when I went through the ingredients and found one of my allergens on the list. #sensitiveskinproblems This chemical triggers the eczema on my face which is not fun.

The positive news from post allergy blues is The Honest Company's products. I have switched my hand soap, shampoo and hand sanitizer so far. One wee of using the foam hand soap I have yet to see any itchy bumps on my hand! I love that they use natural and safe ingredients and that I am not allergic to it! I will be trying out their laundry detergent next. If I were a new first time mom I or anyone who has sensitive skin to definitely look into Honest. I wish they had make up as one of their products and I would definitely try out some foundations and blushers.

Speaking of make up, I have not worn liquid foundation in over two months almost. It has been very rough with work, date nights and weekend fun. Now that my skin is bouncing back for the better I have been reading every ingredient possible online before walking into any store! I am considering  having a testing day at Sephora with my list of sensitive skin products. I will update you all if I find a new product that is life changing for me. Until then au natural is the way to go for me and more confidence has been gained with my bare face.

I will continue to embrace my pale olive skin. :)

Allergy & Children's Fashion Update

I've missed writing on my blog! Quick update-I've taken a hiatus on makeup! About three weeks ago I had a bad allergic reaction on my face. Thank goodness that nightmare has passed. I will have my allergy skin test soon to find out what ingredient caused my double allergic reaction from my MAC BB foundation and my medicated ointment.(I miss using my MAC BB foundation.) For now I have been on strictly eye concealer and mascara as my face bounces back to normal.

In other news, I am excited to start my new hobby-PHOTOGRAPHY! I've been noticing how fast my daughter is growing and I need to start capturing all of these priceless moments. I hope to share some of my shots with you once I have my new camera.

New to me and maybe to you too: I have started following a few children fashion blogs and magazines. What a treat and great break I must say it is. Reading and seeing new designs makes me fall in love each day with more little girl clothes ( I try not to break my wallet buying everything insight for my kid) that I wished fit me. One of my favorite children blogs is Babiekins. I love their print magazine as well and so does my Kay. It's a great blog to follow and magazine to read that we can both share and enjoy. We get to do one more favorite thing together which is shop and look at all the pretty girly things out there!

Babiekins has been an eye opener when it comes to dressing Kay now. For me it has inspired me to explore all of these different fashion designers that you do not get to see in the day to day department stores. Everything on the blog and magazine has the most nicest things for your little girl or boy. I think every trendy, fashion, shopaholic mom should take a peak. Even if you want to get a nice outfit for a special occasion or fun birthday party, you will definitely get inspired. I always get tired of shopping and having clothes that don't seem to fit Kay. Little by little I am revamping her wardrobe and with her birthday near I might get a little crazy with it.

Those are my quick updates for today! I will keep you all posted with me and Kay's wardrobe. inspirations! :)

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Drybar

Hi Everyone,

It has been a very long time since my last post. I got caught up with the holidays and work. I hope everyone reading this had a good holiday break.

I wanted to write about my Drybar experience during the holidays. I never thought about going until one day I decided what the heck let me take my mom and try this out. My mom and I have very fine hair which is extremely easy and quick to dry. I already go to a hair stylist who has been doing my hair for over a year. He has colored and cut my hair the best compared to anyone else in my past. He is very talented and awesome! In between months when he's off or I don't need a cut I have been going to Drybar. I usually go on my lazy/busy days.

The first time my mom and I went was right before the holidays in December. She was going to a wedding and I wanted a mom break. I loved their FlatIron location. They were very attentive and we didn't wait that long at all to be seated. I didn't drink any bubbly because my mom is not a drinker, but the H2O was perfect. What made me a fan was the products being used right away. The hair technician used "Hot Toddy Heat Protector Frizz Fighter" and the "So Belle Volumizing Mousse". The scent is sooooooo nice and nothing like I have smelled before. Right away I was beginning to relax and enjoy my blowout.

I was pretty much sold after my first experience. I booked another appointment right away before new years eve. I always get stuck at work very late and never have enough time to do my own hair due to work hours. I was amazingly able to find a spot and get my hair done! The second technician was just as friendly and attentive as the first. She styled my hair and pinned it exactly as I wanted it. The next day I still had my hair pinned and when I took them off before the party all of my curls were still intact and lovely. This hair technician added the "The Sheriff Firm Hold Hairspray". I so purchased the hairspray right away. It sprayed on smoothly and also smells sooo good. I highly dislike those smelly and rough hair sprays that crinkle up your hair and kill your nostrils.

My next purchase that I might try is the "Mud Slide Nourishing Hair Mask". I've been using the Jafra Spa "Scalp Massage and Hair Treatment"  for about five months. I have noticed it protecting my hair, but I have to order it online through Amazon or  through one of the Jafra agents. My current Jafra jar is almost finished. As soon as I make the switch I will let you all know my thoughts about this product. *I am so excited.*

I definitely recommend everyone to try Drybar at least once. It's super fun and the staff was spectacular. I even got to watch Mean Girls as I had my hair done one night. I don't know about you but, that's one of my favorite movies from my college years. I already booked my next appointment for myself and my daughter. Yes, they even have a children's hair menu. For all you mom's who want to get a nice blowout with your little girl check it out!  :)

Laser Hair Removal

It's been a while since my last post, life got a little busy! I wanted to write about my first laser hair removal treatment a few weeks ago. I have done waxing for the past decade and it has been a bit painful but, I became use to it over time. For the past few summers I notice I began to have ingrown hairs more often (gross I know!) and I decided to do something. I went to see my dermatologist and even GYN about tips to prevent any future in grown hairs. Lase hair removal came up in both conversations. Hearing laser hair removal and LASER period freaked me out a bit. I did procrastinate through out this summer and gave in when I saw a nice deal on Groupon and purchased a package. I scheduled an appointment at Skin Spa New York which was recommended to me.

I enjoyed Skin Spa's services, I was nervous going into the laser room. The laser hair technician was great, she did an amazing job. It was much faster than waxing, it felt as if it was under 5 minutes! The pain is a little different but, not as painful than a wax. I have to go through a few sessions before seeing it take full effect. I have noticed most of my new hair coming in falling right off. I am looking forward to the next 6 sessions or so! I hope by the end of this new year I gain more progress and awesome results. If you have ever considered having laser hair removal I recommend it. It honestly feels like a tiny ticking/pinching sensation and your done before you know it. It's much cleaner than a wax and saves so much more time! If you have any questions feel free to comment below.

PS: There's a Holiday sale going on their website! I hope you take a look. :)

Post Contour Trial & Hourglass Makeup

I have been busy for the past few days was not able to upload my blog. I wish I had a nice picture of me with the Motives contour palette. Sad news bears, I had a small allergic reaction to it around my chin and mouth area. I didn't get to apply it as much once I started to feel the tingly sensation.

 I am almost sure it was due to the fragrance. The make up was very easy to apply and looked awesome until my allergies kicked in.

After letting my face breathe and I went to my favorite retail therapy store ever, Sephora. I was on the hunt for a fragrance free, oil free and paraben free foundation. I came across Hourglass and it has been smooth sailing since. I purchased the Hourglass "Veil" mineral primer, the Hourglass "Immaculate" liquid powder foundation "Nude" and the Hourglass "Hidden Corrective" concealer in "warm". I feel my skin softer and more comfortable in it, especially with the primer. I do have a powdery finish which is a nice change during the week. I will continue to alternate this with my Makeup Forever HD foundation.

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I ended up snagging the "Sculptor Contouring Face Slenderizer" pencil from Tarte.

This will be for my Holiday trial, I will update you all how it goes! Wish me luck and no allergic reactions. :-P I love

NoMakeUp MakeUp

MI recently purchased a blush palette from Toofaced called "NoMakeUp MakeUp". I've been using it for work as a way not to use so many products each day. So far I love it, it's simple and quick! I might need a darker concealer for under my eyes (thanks to recent acne scars, dark circles and bags) but besides that everything I need is on it! 

Morning Make up routine at Work!