MakeupByCrystalS

Aveda: The Story of Nepal & The Gift of Pure Relief Giveaway!!

2012-01-03T22:16:00.000-08:00

Sustainably sourced from the hills of the Himalayas in Nepal, Aveda shares the story of their special holiday gifting paper--lokta bark paper. This beautiful, hand-crafted paper not only wraps Aveda's gift sets but it employs 3,800 people, allowing families to provide for themselves and their village by helping women, strengthening families, educating people, supporting the art of papermaking, as well as protecting 34,000 acres of forest and thus fighting climate change; a beautiful gift for us all:

And while the holidays may be over there's still one special gift sitting underneath the Christmas tree..could it be yours? ;)

The Gift of Pure Relief

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($56 value)

Enter below via Rafflecopter to WIN this very special Limited Edition Aveda Gift Set covered in hand-crafted lokta bark paper from Napel!

Rules & Terms:
**This giveaway is open to US residents only**
**Must be a follower of my blog via GFC**
**Must have parental/guardian permission to enter if under the age of 18**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will end 01/17/2012 @ 12:01 EST

Best wishes!!

Happy New Year!!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Disclosure: This post contains products gifted by Aveda. I do not do paid reviews nor guarantee reviews.

Beauty From the Inside Out: A Quick & Simple Recipe for Hydration & Energy!

2011-11-27T22:10:00.000-08:00

I love starting my day off with a mug of warm water and freshly squeezed lemon juice!

Here's how I stir up this simple beauty brew:

*Turn on the tea kettle.

*Pour hot water into a mug.

*Squeeze in the juice of a quartered lemon.

*Stir, sip and enjoy!

**Allow the water to turn warm before squeezing in the lemon juice; ensures all the enzymes and vitamins!**

This yummy lemon water brew has been around for ages and is known for its endless beauty benefits, just to name a few:

♥ warms, awakens, and hydrates the body

♥ delivers electrolytes (potassium, calcium, magnesium), Vitamin C, and antioxidants

♥ boasts immunity

♥ supports liver function

♥ enables tissue regeneration

♥ dissolves mucus buildup

♥ filters out toxins

Have you gave this beauty recipe a try?! I'd love to know what you think!!

When life gives you lemons, make lemon water ;)
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

You're Invited to a High Fashion Holiday Party & Charity Event!!!

2011-11-06T22:35:00.000-08:00

Hello beauties!

You are invited to a High Fashion Holiday Party & Charity Event on Saturday, December 10th, 2011 from 5-8p.m. at the Bellus Academy in Poway.

Come join us for a night of fun, dress up, beauty, and pampering!! Enjoy gel nail manicures, deep treatments, massages, hairstyling and makeovers; gifted to you by Bellus Academy (pampering value worth over $200).

Come meet and greet with Lauren of Queen of Blending, Elessa of Pursebuzz, Lisa of LMNmakeup, and myself. ;)

Super special guest: Daven Mayeda, agency represented celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist, who I've been honored to meet and mentor under (see my post on The Artist Labs here), has styled Mariah Carey, Nikki Minaj, Adele, and more!

RSVP is a must!

We will be giving out 100,000 worth of BEAUTY SCHOLARSHIPS!!

Anastasia Brow Bar!! Come join us as we stencil the town with brows. Everyone is welcome!!

Eye Kandy Cosmetic Bar!! Get ready for some glitter!!!

This holiday season take a few hours to get dressed up and pamper yourself like you deserve. We are going to have bows, balloons and cupcakes so bring your beautiful self and all your friends for a Holiday Party you won't want to miss!

This is a holiday networking event for makeup artists, bloggers, youtubers, and beauty enthusiasts!

It's time to get fancy!

Expect a fun photoshoot!!

Shopping. Shop at the Pursebuzz Store, Rose Rags, and others while you are there. Some may only accept cash so be prepared.

$20 Pursebuzz accessory grab bags will also be available: Bows, bracelets, earrings, and more...

Silent Auctions. All proceeds will be donated to Beauty Changes Lives Foundation.

If you are interested in learning more about how Beauty Changes Lives, this is the place to be! In a social environment you can learn more about the education and see what goes on Behind the Scenes.

**Click here and here to see photos from our last event**

More info to come. RSVP so you don't miss out!!! Must be on the guest list to attend.

~August & September Beauty Product Favorites~

2011-11-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've been loving these past two months:

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Jeune d'age Organics Moisturizing Eye Creme- In August, I reviewed a few products from Jeune d'age Organics, the skincare I currently love and use daily. In that post, I announced I was going to test drive two more products from the line: the moisturizing eye creme and the pumpkin peel mask -see below-. Since then, I've been using both products and am happy to say that I have found my holy grail eye creme, at last! This eye creme is so lightweight in texture yet incredibly moisturizing which allows it to glide on the skin so effortlessly that the smallest amount is needed. Because of my combination skin, I find myself only using this eye creme at night before bedtime. Come the morning, the delicate skin around my eyes feels so smooth, looks supple and brighter! LOVE!

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Jeune d'age Organics Glycolic Pumpkin Peel- This warm gentle and tingly pumpkin mask smells so delicious with its cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice aromas. My skin looks fresh, renewed, vibrant, and feels smooth, supple, and hydrated every time. With its rich antioxidants and exfoliating enzymes, all it takes is five minutes; making it perfect for a nice cozy at home spa treatment during the autumn months. It also serves as instant inspiration to whip up some good'ole pumpkin pie! ;D LOVE it!

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Myrabelle Mascara Shield- Elessa of Pursebuzz introduced me to this little pink gadget and Koren of Enkore Makeup used this little number on me during his PRO airbrush workshop in San Diego. After experiencing how comfortable it sat above the eyelid while Koren coated my lashes with mascara and seeing the 'no-mess' results despite the natural instinct to blink, I knew I had to have it for my clients! This pink plastic mascara shield quickly made it into my IMATS bag for $8; money well spent as this little gadget comes along with me on every job. It works so well with various eye shapes and allows you to coat the base of the lashes without the need to worry about clumps or smudges. It's also super easy to sanitize!

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Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil- I have to give it to the lovely and beautiful Josie, she bottles thee best Argan oil! I have tried numerous brands, various oils and while many have been very good and some even great, I always find myself coming back to Josie's Argan Oil. The quality is like no other: it's ultra lightweight, fast absorbing, fragrance free (major points in my book), nourishes dehydrated skin and makes it just glow, glisten, and radiate off the charts! This is one of my top favorite products of all time! Major love!

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Youngblood Hi-Def Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Set Powder in Warmth- When I was gifted this sheer tinted loose powder at the Youngblood Endless Beauty Event, little did I know just how a-m-a-z-i-n-g this product was going to be until I used it on one of my clients with medium-toned skin who also suffered from very oily skin. As some of you may know, translucent powder can sometimes turn medium-toned skin and beyond very ashy, which is not the desired effect we want to achieve! This silky powder truly performed beautifully as it absorbed the oil, allowing her skin to look fresh, semi-matte, hydrated, and flawless without appearing dry! It's absolutely incredible and the latest must-have in my kit!

I'd love to hear about your August & September favorites!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

The Beauty Social presented by Beautylish: RECAP

2011-10-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hi lovelies,

I had such an unforgettable time at The Beauty Social this past Sunday and wanted give you guys a quick recap of the event!

Where to even begin?! First, I want to say that Beautylish did an absolute fabulous job of putting together this event: from the chic white, pink, sparkly, decor to the low-lit ambiance, to the nine fantastic beauty booths offering free services, to the inspirational panel of speakers and the most incredible, unbelievable swag bag of goodies ever--Christmas in October, anyone?!

My sparkly glitter tattoo from the Urban Decay booth!

My first ever super fun CNDWorld shellac manicure!

With my fellow beauty bloggers/makeup artists

Left-Right: Gloria Yang, Raquel Casillas, Nicole Rofeim & I

Photo courtesy of Nicole

The sweet & stunning Romee Ham of Beautylish & I

Annie & Maggie Ford Danielson of Benefit Cosmetics & I

*Unique Fact: Benetint was originally created for an exotic dancer in the 1970s..she needed something to make her n*pples rosier. Yes, you certainly read that right, ladies and gents! The women of Benefit Cosmetics believe in meeting the needs of their customers by "never saying no". Today, Benetint is a best-seller, best known as a rose-tinted lip & cheek stain.

My beautiful Kandee & I

The very talented, Sharon Gault & I

With Maxine of Vanity Girl Hollywood & Jeffrey Paul
Photo courtesy of Beautylish

The amazingly talented & humble, Billy Brasfield & I

It was such an honor to hear Mr. BillyB share his words of wisdom & encouragement with us on stage and have the opportunity to meet him directly after. Here is one piece in particular that I wanted to pass onto you:

"The rules that people impose on you and the rules you impose on yourself..are going to get in your way..what you have to do and what you have to get in the habit of doing..is taking the time to be present..in the moment..and look at the face that you're working on." -Billy Brasfield, On How to Be the Best Makeup Artist that You Can Be.

Claire Wineland took the stage with a beautiful inspirational speech on Valuing Your Inner Beauty.

There is nothing more rewarding than being able to connect with my fellow beauty bloggers, readers, makeup artists' and industry pros in person; I am so thankful I had the opportunity to attend this Beauty Social. It was absolutely refreshing to witness a beauty event that truly embraced and celebrated both outer & inner beauty.

I can't wait to see what Beautylish has in-store for next year! Be sure to click here to receive the latest updates on the next Beauty Social and if you haven't already, join the glam members of the Beautylish community!

Here's a peak at my goodie bag:

Thank you so much, Beautylish!!

Glitter & Glamour
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

P.S. See even more photos here!

The Beauty Social presented by Beautylish: A Glamorous 2-Day Beauty Event in Santa Monica

2011-10-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Beauties!

As some of you may know, the beauty world is buzzing about this weekend's..

It's anticipated to be,

'The most glamorous beauty event of the year'

..say no more, I'm there! :)

The Beauty Social is a two-day event that will bring together editors and experts, founders and ambassadors, and blogger and vloggers with one passion: Beauty. Also, it's a fabulous opportunity to meet and mingle with industry pros, online gurus, celebrity makeup artists, and beauty brands!

I am so excited to be attending the event this Sunday and I am looking forward to seeing you there!

Also, to celebrate the countdown to The Beauty Social, Beautylish is giving away one ticket a day to a lucky Beauty for the rest of the week!

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To enter, tweet @beautylish and tell them which featured panelist or sponsor you'd like most to see at The Beauty Social using this phrase:

"I'm so excited to see _________ at the @beautylish #beautysocial http://bit.ly/qulbAY"

Rules and Regulations: Contest runs from Tuesday, October 18th to Friday, October 21st, 2011. Winner(s) will receive two-day passes to The Beauty Social, and will be chosen at random by Beautylish.

Best of luck and I hope to meet you there!! Please say hi and introduce yourself, I'd love to meet you!!

Let the countdown commence!

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

Bdellium Tools: Professional Eco-Friendly Makeup Brushes: Green Bambu Series REVIEW

2011-10-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

Bdellium Tools, pronounced bdel • li • um [del-ee-uhm, -yuhm], the "b" is silent, is a professional makeup brush line designed by a group of talented makeup brush experts in California and handcrafted by skilled artisans in China to ensure the quality and integrity of each piece.

Bdellium Tools offers 4 different brush lines each with very distinctive features: Maestro Series, Studio Line, Travel Line, & Green Bambu Series. The Green Bambu Series is the brush line I will be focusing on today:

Aren't these so pretty?!

I love the lime green bamboo handles contrasting w/ the seafoam aqua bristles!

The Green Bambu Series features eco-friendly makeup brushes with sustainable bamboo handles and soft vegan synthetic bristles secured with anodized aluminium ferrules (in other words, ferrules treated with an anti-corrosion coating).

This past week, I took advantage of Bdellium's wicked online sale & purchased the following brush sets & brush:

Smoky Eyes 5pc. Brush Set for $7.95! Originally, ~~$31.90~~.

Mineral 5pc. Brush Set for $9.95! Originally, ~~$49.50~~.

Bent Eyeliner Brush for $7.04! Originally, ~~$8.80~~.

Unlike Bdellium's other 3 brush lines, the Green Bambu line is not treated with the antibacterial agent. Since synthetic bristles are non-porous and non-absorptive they are less likely to accrue and grow bacteria on them thus they have been left untreated, making them hypoallergenic in addition to being 100% cruelty-free.

First impression: Sooo soft! The craftsmanship of these brushes is also very neat and flawless. I love how lightweight yet sturdy these brushes feel in hand. The bamboo handles are short in comparison to regular MAC, Sigma, or Crown Brushes; making them especially great for travel!

First wash: While it is common for most bristles to bleed during their first wash, I did not see that to be the case with these brushes. They also did not shed one single fiber! How incredible! All dried within just a few hours of deep cleaning*, with the exception of the largest brush of this bunch (#959B Powder Blending).

I was also thrilled to find that even after washing these brushes and allowing them to air dry, the precise shape and angles of these synthetic bristles were not compromised as they remained soft yet dense; a great indicator of quality!

If you "Like" MakeupbyCrystalS on Facebook, you may have seen my Bdellium Tools sale announcement earlier this week! Though the sale price has increased a bit since I've purchased, it is currently still on!!

These Green Bambu brushes are not only perfect for the eco-conscious and eco-chic consumer, but for anyone who wants high-quality professional eco-friendly vegan baby soft brushes! And now, for a heck of a steal! I'm not too sure exactly how long the sale will last but if you're interested in purchasing, I absolutely recommend you get'em while you can!

Keepin' it Gorgeously Green!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

*Quick Care Tip: Simply wash bristles with regular shampoo, rinse and lay brush flat to air dry. There's no need to condition synthetic bristles since they're already baby soft. :)

Lash Royalty: FREE Shipping Promo Code for Pro Quality Vegan Lashes!

2011-09-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hello beauties!

As you may have noticed, I love me some Lash Royalty lashes and I am so excited to bring this news to you: Elizabeth Le Pek, Creator and Owner, of Lash Royalty has been so generous as to create a very special promo code just for MakeupByCrystalS readers & followers--that's you!!

Which are your favs?

With October events & Halloween parties quickly approaching, what a perfect time to try out these gorgeous, luxurious, vegan & cruelty-free lashes!

Wearing Lash Royalty Luxe-1s (my favs)

Lash Royalty has a lash style for just about everyone: if you're looking for some fun, whimsical lashes, try MissCherie. For sultry drama, try the Luxe-1s. If you just want to add a touch of flare, try the Patcha's. Feel free to browse the Lash Royalty website to see even more high-quality lash styles!

And don't forget to enter this very special promo code to get FREE Priority Shipping w/any lash purchase:

* mubcs *

Vaild only at www.lashroyalty.com

For a limited time!

I cannot wait to hear which lashes you pick! Enjoy and feel free to share & pass along the promo code love!

Thank you, Lash Royalty!

Lashes & Ogers & Skulls, Oh my!

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: Who Let the Dorks Out?

2011-09-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

Along with Mash Up, this is another favorite of mine from the Glee collection:

This gorgeous sheer shimmery metallic mermaid teal shade reminds me so much of Disney's The Little Mermaid! In some angels, you can catch a glimmer of an iridescent purple shimmer--so pretty! Though, it took three coats to achieve opaque coverage, I love it!

♫Under the Sea♪
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Beauty From the Inside Out: Kimberly Snyder's The Beauty Detox Solution

2011-09-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Achieving optimal health, sustained energy, and radiant glowy skin have always been great aspirations of mine. When I recently caught wind of A-list celebrities and doctors buzzing and raving about Kimberly Snyder's book, The Beauty Detox Solution: Eat Your Way to Radiant Skin, Renewed Energy, and the Body You've Always Wanted, I knew I had to explore its contents and see for myself the possibilities of a better lifestyle.

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In just the first few chapters, already are its pages lined with an abundance of excellent health, beauty, and food knowledge and education. Kimberly's approach is a very simple but revolutionary one with her plan beautifully supported with numerous examples rooted in mother nature, backed up by scientific studies, and strengthened by success stories from clients of all lifestyles.

Kimberly goes on to share her secrets for cleansing and healing the body naturally with the best nutrient rich foods. Kimberly outlines her three-phase program clearly and details: the order in which to consume these superfoods for maximum nutrient absorption, how to combine them for optimum digestion, how to achieve radiant skin, lustrous hair, and strong nails, as well as explains the importance of minerals, enzymes, and probiotics for cellular rejuvenation; reversing the aging process and finally, provides healthy delicious recipes that can be personalized to fit the needs of all.

For the past week, I have incorporated Kimberly's famous Glowing Green Smoothie into my daily routine, for breakfast each morning:

Get the Recipe

My first Glowing Green Smoothie was surprisingly quite good and keep me nice and full until lunch time; a definite first. The moment of truth came to be later that day when I suddenly became aware of how much energy I had and still had even hours later. Rather than having sluggish uninspired moments, I experienced complete clarity of mind and determination to complete any given task at hand--amazing.

While a freshly made Glowing Green Smoothie is always best, there are times I find myself on-the-go, so to keep on track, I prepare a larger batch the night before, freeze portion sizes in serving size glasses and store what will be consumed the following morning, in the refrigerator. Come the morning, all I have to do is take out the glass, pop in a straw, and sip away; it doesn't get any easier than that.

I am astounded and so grateful; this morning ritual has transformed my mood and my days. Because of this new found energy, I find myself making better food choices throughout the day and not craving junk (pre-packaged or processed foods). I am truly happy with how I feel and how quickly I've seen results--and this is just the beginning. I'm looking forward to seeing which additional beauty benefits will manifest as I continue to follow Kimberly's Beauty Detox Solution.

As you can see, I absolutely recommend this beauty book; it contains invaluable information on how you can transform your life, overcome illness, and achieve the healthiest best beauty version of you.

Be sure to follow Kimberly on Twitter & Facebook for daily beauty tips!

GGS & Radiant Skin!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

"True beauty lies within and shines throughout." ~CrystalS

**Update: 10/2/11**

Since blogging about The Beauty Detox Solution, many have asked which benefits I've seen unfold from having the Glowing Green Smoothie daily. Today marked Day 30 of following Kim's plan and I wanted to share with you a photo, taken earlier in direct sunlight, of how amazing my skin is looking as a result:

It's Glowing Green Smoothies for me for life xo

**Update: 12/2/11**

Hooray!! A milestone has been reached!! Today marked Day 90!!! At this point, the Glowing Green Smoothie recipe has become second nature and is the part of my morning that I truly look forward to. I’ve discovered that I prefer mixed greens in place of romaine lettuce and I also like to add just a few purple grapes (it adds a lovely sweetness). Finally, fresh mint leafs just add that extra feeling of refreshment!

I cannot tell you just how many flattering compliments I have received on my glowing skin; from friends, family, clients, and even strangers; it’s incredible! Recently, I worked with Vanity Girl Hollywood and Makeup Mandy for a blogger beauty event where I had the opportunity to meet two of my fellow beauty bloggers/vloggers, April and Jessika. They both wanted to know my secret and so I revealed to them the power of the Glowing Green Smoothie and Kim’s amazing wisdom and knowledge!

Below are their videos sharing their experiences thus far:

I’m so thrilled that so many of you are joining me on this journey to health!! I love to hear about your progress, experiences, variations, and I want you to know that you have my support and I'm so proud of you!! You deserve a colorful, radiant, and healthy life!! xo

Jeune d'âge Organics: My NEW Choice of Facial Skincare

2011-08-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, Michael Lamb, owner of Jeune d'âge Organics, introduced me to this amazing organic botanical skincare line. The first product I tried was the serum; it was love at first try! Fast forward to present day and I am still hooked!

Here's what I use every day and night:

Premiere Cleanser and Gentle Exfoliator, Marin Toner Mister, & Anti~oxidant Moisturizing & Firming Serum

The Premiere Cleanser is a rich and creamy gentle effective soothing lotion cleanser. Additionally, it is ultra rich in antioxidants and natural exfoliants such as organic papaya and pineapple. Formulated with MSM, Roobios Tea, Jojoba, and DMAE, this cleanser helps to balance and heal the skin.

The Marin Toner w/ Mister is incredibly refreshing and stimulating! If you're not a fan of mists, you can also get this same amazing toner in a tub form with exfoliating pads; I love'em both! This is perfect for acneic and combination skin as it helps to balance the skins pH level, feeds the skin with an abundance of vitamins and minerals from sea kelp, blue green algae, and dead sea salt.

The Anti~oxidant Moisturizing & Firming Serum is my must-have skincare product! Before this lovely airless pump came to be, I was using the 30-single dose packets (which are great for traveling). The new airless pump formula is a tiny bit different in that it does not have the original Acai berry. Nonetheless, both are fantastic formulations containing Aloe Vera, CoQ10, and Vitamin A. The new airless pump also has a convenient twist and pop-up dispenser.

This serum gives my skin the perfect amount of moisturization that I don't find the need to use an additional moisturizer.

Never before have I received endless comments and compliments on my skin; how it looks radiant, healthy, and glowy! This, my friends, is my biggest skincare secret revealed!

Next, I'll be taking the moisturizing eye cream and pumpkin peel for a test drive. ;)

Invest in your skin and it will care for you!

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by Jeune d'age Organics. I do not do paid reviews nor guarantee reviews.

The Artist Labs--Live Beauty Editorial Photoshoot 8/8

2011-08-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

On Monday, August 8th, I had the honor and pleasure of attending a truly unique event presented by The Artist Labs. Fashion Advertising Photographer Sean Armenta, NYC Editorial Makeup Artist Roshar, and Los Angeles Agency Represented Celebrity Hairstylist Daven Mayeda, came together to create and produce a four-page beauty editorial.

Photo courtesy of Sean Armenta

As silent observers, myself as well as a few other artists, were able to witness this beautiful creative process from start to finish: beginning with the concept, to watching Roshar and Daven prep the model on set, to witnessing Sean's approach to lighting, and finally, to witnessing this concept emerge and birth as it transformed before our eyes and was then captured onto the monitor.

Getting to Work

One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience, for me, was to witness such a raw organic synergy between the artists, as they communicated and collaborated to produce a cohesive beauty story.

A sneak peak into Roshar's makeup arsenal for the day:

*Roshar's Beauty Tip: Take a full set of false lashes and a pair of scissors, customize and shape them to achieve an entirely new and unique look.

Stellar handmade pieces

Daven's setup for the day:

*Daven's Beauty Tip: Wig not enough bang? Seamlessly adhere hair tracks by layering and stacking to create a fuller and finished look.

An array of wigs, hairpieces, synthetic hair and poly fibers..

To see even more photos from this journey of start to finish, please visit my Facebook page! Thank you Artist Labs for inviting me to participate in this exquisite event!

Lisa Nunez, Daven Mayeda, & I

Lisa Nunez, Roshar, & I

Be sure to check out The Artist Labs for upcoming events you won't want to miss!

Lights, Camera, Action!

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

~June & July Beauty Product Favorites~

2011-08-01T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've been loving these past two months:

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Lash Royalty (Luxe1 black lashes)- These gorgeous luxury lashes may just be my favorite pair of falsies, ever. I've been rockin' these sultry lashes all summer long! These are the pair I wore to IMATS LA and in this twitpic ;) Aside from getting so many compliments on these beauties, these are, hands-down, the best synthetic lashes I've ever worked with, tried and tested. The lash band has a lovely natural curve making application quick and effortless. If you're searching for intense volume with just the right amount of length, and sexy wispy ends, look no further! LOVE!

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MayaWater Facial Mist- You may have seen this product previously reviewed here, though I feel compelled to add how this product has saved me this summer! One week our air condition completely stopped working; we had to wait over 14 days before it could be fixed, during which it just so happened to be one of the hottest weeks in SoCal! Needless to say, I am so glad I had this on hand to mist my face, chest, and arms to keep cool! Another occasion, minutes before my Bride headed down the aisle, overcome with emotion, she suddenly became hot in her gown; I quickly misted her neck, chest, and arms with MayaWater and instantly it helped to keep her cool and calm. Fantastic!

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Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover- As you may have noticed with all of my NOTDs as of late, I've been really into nails! I read that if you take care of your nail beds and cuticles, your manicures and pedicures will last longer, so I decided to try this cuticle remover! I apply a thin strip of this gel to each cuticle, wait about 30 seconds, and begin to gently push back my cuticles with a cuticle stick. I am amazed at how quick you can see dry dead skin just roll off the nail beds. I wash my hands immediately and revealed are beautiful clean nail beds; this gel is amazing! I love that it does not burn, have a heavy scent, nor dry out my existing cuticles. My nails grow pretty fast, so I find myself using this product about once a month and I do find that my manicures last longer. ;)

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Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (Makeup Brushes)- You may have seen me feature a few of these makeup brushes in my brush cleaning video. I must tell you that out of all the brushes I own, these are thee softest!! For the longest time, I've steered away from complete sets of synthetic brushes simply because the quality was just not up-to-par in comparison to my animal hair brush sets, but I am thrilled to say that those days are long gone! As a make-up artist, it is essential to have a set of synthetic brushes to cater to clients with sensitivities and/or allergies to animal hair. These 100% synthetic, cruelty-free, vegan brushes are my absolute favorite!

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Stila One Step Makeup- For those days when I literally have less than 5 minutes to get ready and out the door, I've been wearing this makeup; it's a primer, foundation, concealer, and powder in one! How awesome is that?! Now, I am a full coverage foundation gal so I was very happy to find how much coverage this product delivered while still being lightweight and a natural mineral formulation that sets to a powder finish. I also wore this to the beach last week (over my moisturizer/sunscreen) and though it does not say that it is waterproof, after swimming in the ocean, it did not go anywhere! I found the best method of application is to use your clean fingers and apply like a moisturizer; if you need a tad more coverage under the eyes or over blemishes, just dab a little bit more, the formulation is seamlessly buildable. Perfect for everyday wear!

I'd love to hear about your June & July favorites!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Youngblood Endless Beauty Event hosted by Celebrity Artist James Vincent

2011-07-24T01:50:00.000-07:00

In honor and celebration of their 15th anniversary as a luxury mineral brand, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics presented their first-ever Endless Beauty Event, hosted by Celebrity Artist James Vincent on Friday, July 22nd. This Hollywood event was exclusive to Youngblood distributors, accounts, and professional artists.

A sneak peak of the mainstage

I had the pleasure of attending this daylong event packed with informative and inspiring presentations on everything from getting to know Youngblood, its core values and corporate culture, to self-promotion as a business professional, to exclusive product previews and demonstrations.

Pauline Youngblood, creator and former medical aesthetician

Valerie Hernandez & Philip Luque demonstrating flawless foundation coverage

Valerie ready to demonstrate tattoo coverage using minerals and innovative application technique

What tattoo? Impressive, eh?

Orlando Santiago sharing his skin perfecting techniques for Hi-Def television

Orlando sharing which products he used on his model to recreate the Diesel Swimwear Fashion Runway look

Valerie with her Red Carpet Ready model

Myself & Lisa Nunez just a little excited about the Showroom..

Just a few of the fab products from the line..My #1: Mineral Primer (LOVE)

One of the many pre-party make-up touchup stations

It was such a pleasure to meet and connect with James Vincent, Orlando Santiago, Valerie Hernandez, Philip Luque, as well as Daven Mayeda; each uniquely inspiring individuals. It was also wonderful to catch up with both familiar and new beauty enthusiasts and industry professionals.

The night finished off with a fabulous hors d'oeuvers and cocktails party. Lastly, we were gifted a New Beauty magazine and goody bag!

Pressed individual eyeshadow in: Ora, Pink Diamond, Czar, Sapphire, Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder in Warmth, Mineral Radiance in Riviera, Lipgloss in Coral Kiss.

I was so very pleased with how incredibly organized this event was; it truly showcased Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics as not only an option for the everyday consumer but also the make-up artist professional working in all aspects of the industry including print, film, tv, runway and bridal.

It was refeshing to witness the enduring compassion and integrity of the Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics brand through its educators as they highlighted the importance and demand for pure, natural, high quality ingredients. The Youngblood innovative signature blend currently addresses this need for skin health and improvement, setting the brand apart from other mineral cosmetic lines on the market today.

For me, the icing on the cake, is knowing that Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics is free of parabens, fragrance, and is non-acnegenic as well as never tested on animals. Youngblood also contains a number of 100% vegan products; making it suitable for all skin types and lifestyles!

You may learn more about Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics by visiting their website. Be sure to "Like" their Facebook page to stay up-to-date with future events!

I hope you enjoyed this exclusive sneak peak behind-the-scenes event and remember: Beauty is Compassion.

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Nails of the Day: SpaRitual: Knowledge is Power

2011-07-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

Another lovely shade from SpaRitual:

Three coats & top coat

This neon pink creme shade reminds me so much of a bubblegum Barbie pink; I just loove it!

Natural summer tans & hot pink nails,
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Disclosure: The sponsor for this post is Apothica.com.

Nails of the Day: SpaRitual: Solaris

2011-07-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

I first heard about SpaRitual from Holly Annaeree whom I met at World of Dance in April while working for Lash Royalty Pop Up Lash Bar. When I found out that Apothica.com carried these organic nail lacquers, I knew I had to try'em!

Three coats

This neon orange shade is soo beautiful! I love that the formulation is 100% vegan, free of DBP, Formaldehyde, and Touene! I quite like the smooth creme finish, so I skipped a top coat this time around. At $5 each, I picked up a few minis! Glowing neon nails just scream summer fun!

Have you tried SpaRitual nail lacquers, have any favs?

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Disclosure: The sponsor for this post is Apothica.com.

Make-up Artist Series: How to Deep Clean & Spot Clean: Brushes & Sponges!

2011-07-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Recently, I met up with a client to give personal make-up lessons. One of the first things I like to do is have them share with me their personal make-up bag. Simply by having a quick peak into what they currently have can give a lot of insight into what their skincare and make-up routine consists of as well as which brands they like to use and which shades interest them most.

In the years that I have been doing make-up, I can assure you that almost every single make-up bag that I have inspected is guilty of one or more of the following: dirty make-up, dirty make-up bag, dirty brushes, and dirrtaye sponges!!

I'm callin' an intervention, ladies!! I am going to personally show you how to deep clean & spot clean your make-up brushes & sponges!!

You will be amazed at how much smoother your make-up glides on and how much softer your brushes and sponges feel! With frequent cleaning, you may even notice some of those pesky blemishes no longer hangin' around. ;)

The Clean Make-up Police,
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

New Beauty Additions: IMATS Los Angeles June 25th & 26th, 2011

2011-06-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

My girls♥

IMATS weekend always seems to zoom by way too fast! It's most likely because every second spent is like an adventure in a candy store: taking in all the creative energy surrounding you, seeing, feeling, touching all the new beautiful sparkly items, and most rewarding of all, reuniting and connecting with amazing individuals who share the same passion for all things art and beauty!

Eve Pearl & I

She recognized me from my beauty blog! Yay!

Gage Hubbard & I

He's the sweetest person!! I love him!

My Kandee♥ & I

As usual, I purchased more than originally planned..though, funny enough was not able to make it to every single booth nor pick up everything I wanted due to crazy long lines and items selling out like hot cakes! Here is what I received/purchased:

I cannot wait to play with all these goodies!

not pictured: LA Splash eyeshadow base

As you can see, I picked up some kit essentials: Parian Spirit, BeautySoClean, Collyre Blue eyedrops, pointy cotton swabs, and some new makeup remover wipes that I fell in love with at the show!

They're by Beauty Treats and they have 6 different scents; I picked up the Cucumber, Rose, and Green Tea (that black bag in the photo is full, goes to show you how much I loved'em!). I'll be reviewing these in the future!

I had to pick up some more Youngblood Mineral Primer (it's still my #1) and the Eve Pearl lip palette! Some new things I wanted to try: the Myrabelle Mascara Shield, Gleam by Melaine Mills, and LA Splash eyeshadow base for glitter!

I also had the opportunity to meet (with endless gratitude to my dear friend, Lisa Nunez) and connect with David Klasfeld, founder of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I cannot thank him enough for his kindness and generosity. I am very excited to share with you just how amazing his synthetic brushes are; there really is no comparison..I will be purchasing the rest!!

Thank you so much to everyone who came up and said hello! I love to meet new people, especially my readers/viewers! Please, don't ever feel shy! If you have any photos of us, please feel free to send'em on over to my e-mail: makeupbyCrystal.S@gmail.com.

To see even more photos from this years' IMATS, visit my Facebook page!

Have a safe and fun 4th of July weekend!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

At LAST! My YouTube Début!!

2011-06-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a looong time comin' and it's just the beginning!!

Thank you all for your endless support, love and friendship!

Here's to my 1st YouTube video! YAY! Let me know what ya think! ;)

See you at IMATS!!!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Beauty From the Inside Out: That's it.™ Fruit Bars REVIEW

2011-06-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for delicious healthy snacks to carry with me while on-the-go or while working on set, so when That's it.™ fruit bars contacted me asking if I'd like to try their new fruit bars, I gladly accepted!

Source

So what makes these fruit bars unique? That's it.™ fruit bars have only 2 ingredients: fruit and fruit! They contain 3g of fiber and are only 100 calories!

They are also all natural, made with GMO-free fruit, NO preservatives, NO added sugars, NO fat and NO nuts. These are fantastic for various lifestyles as they are: Gluten-free, Diabetic friendly - low glycemic index, Vegan (yay) and Kosher!

The best part: you get 2 whole servings of fruit from just one That's it.™ bar and trust me, they are delicious and satisfying!

My absolute favorite out of the bunch:

Apple + Pear

Yum! You can find these soft chewy scrumptious fruit bars at Thatsitfruit.com along with more information and nutrition facts. ;)

Be sure to visit That's it.™ Facebook page to enter their giveaway!

Would you like to see more health related posts? Let me know in the comments. ;)

Stay healthy, strong and vibrant!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by That's It. I do not do paid reviews nor guarantee reviews.

IMATS Los Angeles June 25th & 26th, 2011

2011-06-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Source

Just one week until the International Makeup Artist Trade Show Los Angeles 2011! Just as last year, I am as excited as ever to be attending and am looking forward to all that this spectacular make-up convention has to offer!

Since attending last year, I've gained some insight into what to expect and how to be prepared for make-up heaven! For those of you who may be attending IMATS for the very first time, I've put together a few quick tips:

* Be sure to purchase your tickets as soon as possible! Tickets sell like hot cakes and there's no tellin' when they'll completely sell out nor how long the lines will be for purchasing tickets at the door!

* Create a list of items you wish to purchase/exhibitors you wish to visit, classes/seminars you wish to attend and print out the floor plan--prioritize!

* Though most exhibitors accept cards, it's best to be prepared for anything and bring some cash.

* Ask exhibitors questions about their products, what's new, and what their show prices are for the day (chances are some exhibitors will have thee exact same product but one booth may offer a bundle deal or better show price--shop around).

* Now this the time to try before you buy! Swatch and compare products, you may end up finding a new product that's even better than what you had in mind.

* Be sure to throw some travel make-up wipes in your handbag for quick and easy clean up of swatch crazed hands and arms.

* If you can't possibly part with your high heels, be sure to bring an extra pair of comfy footwear. Trust me, you'll thank me.

* Bring your camera to capture the fun!

* If you're a beauty blogger, make-up artist, or industry professional, take your business cards! You never know who you'll meet or want to exchange info with--network!

* Soak up as much inspiration and education as you possibly can and most importantly, have fun!

Booths I'm Looking Forward to Visiting:

* Alcone
* BeautySoClean
* Eve Pearl
* Glimmer Body Art
* Myrabelle
* Migi Nail Art
* Napoleon Perdis
* Nuturing Force
* NYX
* Parian Spirit
* Sugar Pill
* Youngblood

I'll be sure to share with you my 2nd IMATS experience and beauty additions!

Feel free to add any more tips; I'd love to hear'em! Also, if you're attending and you see me (I'll be there Saturday and Sunday), please don't be shy, come up and say hi! I would love to meet you and take a photo! ;)

Happy Friday!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Fotolia REVIEW & Giveaway!

2011-06-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

As a make-up artist, beauty blogger, and amateur photographer, I strive for high quality images whether I photograph them myself or search for them online. As you may have noticed, if an image is not my own, I always give credit to the source underneath the image.

At times, it can be quite the task sorting through (sometimes irrelevant content) to find beautiful high quality images to feature here on MakeupByCrystalS, so when Fotolia contacted me with their trial offer, I was very interested to see the difference between their website and a simple Google search.

Fotolia is the largest image bank of free and most affordable royalty free photos which can be used for all kinds of professional documents like media, print, websites, web banners, and blogs, with no limit on time or copies.

So what did I think of Fotolia? I was so very impressed! As soon as I began searching, pages and pages of beautiful professional high quality striking, relevant, and inspiring images appeared!

Here is just one delicious example:

Fotolia was so very generous as to offer 5 of my readers a FREE two-week subscription so you guys may try it and enjoy it yourself!

All you must do is comment below: "Please, enter me." Friday, I will randomly pick 5 winners and contact each privately via e-mail with further instruction on how to obtain and began using your FREE two-week subscription to Fotolia! Please, be sure to include your e-mail addresses! Best wishes!

Also, be sure to "Like" Fotolia on Facebook to get FREE images daily!

Have a lovely weekend!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by Fotolia. I do not do paid reviews nor guarantee reviews. This post also contain affiliate links, which gives us commission when you click and purchase something from that link. When you shop through an affiliate link on MakeupByCrystalS, you help support the site. :)

Bridal Consultation: Margara

2011-06-12T01:35:00.000-07:00

My beautiful Bride-to-Be wanted a shimmery yet smoky nude eye and pretty pinky nude mouth for her special day:

Before & After

Doesn't she have the most beautiful smile?

I am so happy she loved her final look!

Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your special day, Margara!

I cannot wait to share the Wedding Day photos with you! :)

Smoky Eyes & Summer Love,
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Nails of the Day: Deborah Lippmann: Girls Just Want to Have Fun

2011-06-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

I have been longing to try Deborah Lippmann nail lacquers for quite some time! Though, I must admit the price ($16 each) definitely kept me from splurging. But when I saw this new beautiful creme coral color, while browsing Apothica.com, I couldn't resist!

Three coats with Seche Vite Top Coat

The formulation is so smooth; luxurious, very easy to work with (you can get away with two coats), dries to a shiny finish, contains aucoumea, biotin, and green tea. It is also toluene, formaldehyde, DBP and cruelty-free!

This is one hot shade for Summer as it is currently temporarily sold out on Deborah Lippmann's website as well as backordered on Apothica.com. If you can get your hands on this chic shade, I absolutely recommend it; it's well worth the price!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Disclosure: The sponsor for this post is Apothica.com.

MayaWater Facial Mist (Organic White Tea) REVIEW

2011-06-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

Source

MayaWater Facial Mist Organic White Tea consists of Norwegian thermal spa water along with organic white tea which contains great anti-oxidants for the skin, prevents and repairs sun damage, and also helps fight wrinkles and skin discoloration.

MayaWater Facial Mist is naturally pH neutral, odor-free, and suitable for all skin types. Its specially designed nozzle is made to produce the finest mist available which allows the skin to absorb the water immediately. In addition, the Norwegian Spring used for MayaWater Facial Mist has been studied, tested and approved for use by hydrologists, owing to its extremely low mineral content and stable temperature throughout the year.
150 ml
US $35
(mayawater.us)

There are some products that you try for the very first time and instantly find yourself in love! After a fine soft gentle spritz of mist here and a hydrating spritz there, I wondered how I did so long without this product!

Now, I have seen other facial mists on the market but none quite like MayaWater. MayaWater is sourced from a spring called Skogshornkilden over 300 feet below the surface of Skogshorn Mountain in Hemsedal--one of the best natural water sources in Norway. This mineral rich water is pure and infused with powerful healing organic antioxidants for the skin, not to mention, it's incredibly refreshing and energizing!

MayaWater is a definite handbag must-have especially for those hot Summer days ahead! It's also the perfect travel companion for those long stuffy car rides or flights, vacations, beaches, or whenever you want to awaken your skin or refresh your make-up midday without having to worry about touch-ups.

This fine mist immediately soaks into the skin, leaving a healthy dewy glow and revitalized sense of well being. I love to mist my face, neck, and décolletage. I can see why MayaWater is a beauty favorite among celebrities; I'm lovin' it!

Goodbye dry tired skin,

Hello fresh beautiful skin!

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

Disclosure: This post contains a sample product sent for consideration by MayaWater. I do not do paid reviews nor guarantee reviews.

~April & May Beauty Product Favorites~

2011-06-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've been loving these past two months:

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KORRES Lip Butters- Jasmine, Pomegranate, Wild Rose: I love'em all! Though, I must say I find myself wearing the Pomegranate the most. ;) Perfect for a shiny tint of color, yummy light scent, and smooth luxurious hydration. These lovely potted balms are natural, organic, vegan and fab for everyday wear.

Source

Organic Fiji Pineapple Coconut Soap- ♫If you like pina coladas..♪ and feeling deliciously clean and moisturized as soon as you step out of the shower, then you will love this bar of pineapple coconut goodness! I'm a huge fan of all things coconut: coconut water, coconut milk, coconut yogurt, coconut ice cream, coconut meat, and now coconut soap! We can be coo coo for coconuts together! haha

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LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter- More than just a cuticle butter, it's the one butter I cannot live without; it heals dry cuticles, hands, elbows, knees, heels, etc. like no other! Its fresh lemony citrus scent is divine! This thick pale yellow paste melts instantaneously (like buttah! ;) upon skin contact so not much is needed to achieve awesomeness! Best time to apply it: before bedtime.

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LUSH Ocean Salt Cleanser- I love all things scrubby and this sea salt scrub is my latest love ~~addiction~~ addition to that list of scrubbies. Aside from its amazing softening and brightening properties, its scent takes you away to a tropical island, sipping margaritas on the beach..mmhm! I use this heavenly scrub once a week on both my face and body in the shower. Be warned: it can be a bit abrasive and is certainly not for the faint of heart. LOVE!

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LUSH Dream Cream- After scrubbing away dead skin cells with Ocean Salt, I especially love to use this lightweight, soothing, fast absorbing body cream. Its scent is very nice and calming, of herbal nature with notes of oat, chamomile, lavender and rose. It's great to help wind down after a long day; it's also vegan. ;)

I'd love to hear about your April & May favorites!

Remember: Skin is Always in!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

KKcenterhk: I Love Beauty Lucky Draw! (Open Internationally)

2011-05-31T09:10:00.000-07:00

KKcenterhk, I Beauty Lucky Draw

Beginning June 1, 2011 to August 1, 2011

Hello, beauties!

Have you purchased eyelashes, eyeshadows, wigs or nails from KKcenterhk online shop?

KKcenterhk is a one-stop online shop based in Hong Kong and they are holding a prize draw!

Here is how to Enter:

Place an order on KKcenterhk.com, of any price, be sure to keep your order number handy.

"Like" KKcenterhk on Facebook and

share the "KKcenterhk, I Love Beauty Lucky Draw" banner with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=228548650491371&set=a.130356886977215.23003.126944437318460&type=1&_fb_noscript=1

Leave your order number on KKcenterhk's Facebook, below the event message. Your order number will be your own lucky draw number.

KKcenterhk will include 10 categories for the prizes:

1. Natural Lahes (Prize Amount US$ 20)

2. Criss-cross Lashes (Prize Amount US$ 20)

3. Long Full Wigs (Prize Amount US$ 24)

4. Clips on Ponytail (Prize Amount US$ 20)

5. Make Up Kits and Tools (Prize Amount US$ 18)

6. Nail Patch (Prize Amount US$ 6)

7. JHMJ Nails (Prize Amount US$ 3.5)

8. 81-120 Eye Shadow Palette (Prize Amount US$ 30)

9. 11-40 Eye Shadow Palette (Prize Amount US$ 22)

10. Health Care "BIA" Skin Analyzer Water/Soft/Oil Tester (Cost US$ 10.48)

Here's what you can WIN!

Part 1 of 2

Part 2 of 2

Terms and Conditions

-Event begins June 1, 2011
-All beauties must order before August 1, 2011 on kkcenterhk.com to qualify.
-The winners will be notified August 15, 2011.
-KKcenterhk will notify the winners via video, with a total of 10 winners.
-After notification, the winners of each video, will have 2 WEEKS to choose their favorite item(s).
-KKcenterhk provided 10 categories for this event, each category will be a fixed prize amount.
-Winners may choose their favorite item in the category which belongs to them.
-There are different prize amounts for different categories, they range between US$ 24- US$3.5

(Free Worldwide Shipping)
-There will be no exchanges to other categories and the prize(s) may not be exchanged for currency.
-KKcenterhk will contact the winners via e-mail.
-After the winner chooses their favorite item in the specified category, they will e-mail KKcenterhk with their favorite item(s).
-KKcenterhk will reply with a confirmation e-mail.
-If KKcenterhk does not received a reply, KKcenterhk shall cancel the prize(s) and its winner automatically without any notice.
-The shipping address shall be in accordance with the participators' Billing Address. Please clarify the billing address and do not change it.
-All prize(s) are free and have worldwide standard shipping.
-All the parcel will ship by normal air mail without tracking number, shipping will take more than 15 working days (extra: pay US$3 to include tracking number).
-If mail is lost or the product is damage, KKcenterhk will not re-send or refund.
-One order number = one chance and the order number will be used for the lucky draw.
-Any dispute arising of this event, KKcenterhk will make the final decision and conclusion.
-KKcenterhk reserves the right to change terms and conditions upon notice.
-If you have any problems or questions, live_chat with us or contact us or leave your message on KKcenterhk facebook fan page HERE.

Visit KKcenterhk.com to place your orders! Best wishes!!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which gives us commission when you click and purchase something from that link. When you shop through an affiliate link on MakeupByCrystalS, you help support the site. :)

VLUX Cosmetics Lipgloss REVIEW & Giveaway!!

2011-04-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

VLUX Cosmetics is a new and upcoming Los Angeles based company offering professional, premium quality cosmetics to inspire art and fashion through beauty. I was first introduced to this cosmetic company at The San Diego BBC Beauty Mixer where they sponsored lovely gift packages.

Photo courtesy of Lash Royalty

It was while working at the Lash Royalty Pop Up Lash Bar at The World of Dance, earlier this month, that I had the opportunity to view and play with the VLUX collection, including the lovely sleek shadow boxes.

Vivian, creator of VLUX Cosmetics, recently provided me with their beautiful lipglosses:

Sheer color-high shine. Instantly refines the silhouette of lips and is infused with Vitamin E to add age defying benefits. Versatile shades compliment all skin tones.

(VLUXCosmetics.com)

Here are the swatches:

Click to Enlarge

I've only included two because I'm giving away ONE of these luxurious vanilla scented lipglosses to a lucky winner!!

Here's how to enter:

Rules:
- You must be a follower/subscriber of this blog.
- You must be a follower of @makeupbyCrystal & @VLUXCosmetics on Twitter.
- If under the age of 18, you must have parental /guardian permission to enter.

Entry:
- Tweet: "Please enter me! I want to WIN Tweet lipgloss from @VLUXCosmetics and @makeupbyCrystal! http://oork.com/wwpxy".

Giveaway closes Friday, May 6th, 2011!! Winner will be chosen using Random.org and notified via Twitter.

Best Wishes!!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by VLUXCosmetics. I do not do paid reviews nor guarantee reviews.

Eve Pearl Magic Salmon Concealer REVIEW

2011-04-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

Concealer Trio "A" (Light/Fair/Medium)

This luxurious, lightweight cream provides the most versatile sheer - medium - full coverage with a non-greasy texture that glides on the under eyes area or face, while allowing your skin to breathe. It blends into the skin and the universal spectrum of color in the pigments adapt to the skin tone and the changes caused by body chemistry, weather and sun exposure. Ideal for use when flawless precision is required with High Definition Cameras, Lights and REAL LIFE…for all ages.

Net Wt. 15 g / 0.5 oz.

US $50.00

(EvePearl.com)

I am thrilled to find that the infamous Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer has proven to be truly magical! I remember watching Eve years ago work her magic on t.v. shows like The View and The Today Show, transforming every day women into total bombshells and dreaming that one day I'd get to learn her tricks of the trade! Well, my friends, this product is just one of her secret beauty weapons!

The first shade in this trio is my perfect shade for concealing under my eyes! I gently tap just the tiniest amount with my ring finger (after primer, before foundation) and it completely neutralizes my purple/green veins! See this product in action here. Its pigmentation is fantastic; my days of layering tons of concealers are over! The consistency is light, smooth, blends beautifully, and sets to a natural finish. The formulation is infused with potent natural antioxidants, nutrients, and sunscreen, making it a concealer and treatment in one.

The Salmon Concealer also comes in Tan, Dark, and Deep. It is also Oil Free, Water Free, Paraben Free, Petroleum Free, Fragrance Free, Mineral Oil Free, and Cruelty Free!

If you're still searching for your perfect concealer, I absolutely recommend checking out this product!

You can also find my review on the Eve Pearl Smudgeproof Black Liquid Eyeliner here.

Say Goodbye to Undereye Circles!

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: Slushied

2011-04-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful nail polish from the Glee 6 Piece Mini Kit:

This opaque turquoise blue matte shade took two coats to achieve maximum coverage. Due to the quick dry formulation, you can't be afraid to lay it down thick. It photographs a bit lighter/whiter than it truly is..it's a fun spring/summer color!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

F.O.T.D: Sunflower Inspired

2011-04-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today, I wanted to wear something summery and bright! Sunflowers came to mind and this is what transpired..

Products Used:
FACE:
Youngblood Mineral Primer

Makeup Forever Camouflage Cream Concealer Palette
Eve Pearl Light Salmon Concealer
Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo

MAC Sculpt & Shape

Graftobian light pink blush

EYES:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
MakeUpForEver Flash Palette Yellow (lid color base)

MakeUpForEver Cream e/s (highlight)
Inglot Bright Glittery Yellow AMC60 e/s (lid)

Inglot Shimmery Bronze DS464 e/s (crease)

MakeUpForEver Brown, Black e/s (outer crease)

MAC Chartreuse pigment (between double liner)

Eve Pearl Liquid eyeliner
Urban Decay 24/7 Zero eye pencil (waterlines)

Urban Decay 24/7 Mildew eye pencil & MakeUpForEver Green e/s (lower lash line)

JCJ Stage Black Lashes from KKCenterHK

REVLON Precision Lash Adhesive
Bad Gal Lash Mascara

LIPS:

Concealer
MakeUpForEver Aqua Lip in 7C
MAC Myth Lipstick

NYX Diamond Sparkle Lipgloss in Bronze Sparkle

May you have sunny days, no matter the weather!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

FTC Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by KKCenterHK. I do not do paid reviews nor guarantee reviews. This post also contains an affiliate link, which gives us commission when you click and purchase something from that link. When you shop through an affiliate link on MakeupByCrystalS, you help support the site. :)

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: Express Yourself to Yourself

2011-04-05T21:55:00.000-07:00

This is just one of the nail polishes from the Glee 6 Piece Mini Kit. This shade in particular is exclusive to the mini set:

Though, it did take up to three coats to achieve opaque coverage, I just love this hot summer coral pinky-purple glitter shade! It compliments my skintone nicely; bringing out those 'tan' undertones and makes me feel like gettin' some more sun! haha

Pops of Color,

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

~February & March Beauty Product Favorites~

2011-04-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've been loving these past two months:

Source

Jeune d' age Organics Anti-Aging Serum- While this product alone deserves its own post (upcoming review soon), I just couldn't wait to tell you guys about it, so here it is! I've been using this product religiously for about one month, morning and night, and I am hooked! Most serums I've used in the past have been very sticky and goopy; never really absorbing into the skin.. So when I tried this serum for the first time, I was amazed at how beautifully it absorbs, leaving the skin looking glowy and feeling healthy! I can't wait to tell you guys more about it! IN LOVE!!

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Youngblood Mineral Primer- Typically, I'm not a fan of silicone foundation primers, but this one is fantastic!! It truly has that silk-to-powder finish within seconds of application, it's clear and lightweight in texture, feels amazing on the skin and helps foundation to just glide on! The best part is that it is richly formulated with vitamins and minerals, protects skin from environmental damage, and is also paraben and cruelty-free! I've also never experienced that 'roll off' or sticky feel that you sometimes get from silicone primers, which is great! I've been wearing this primer everyday and I just LOVE it!!

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Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tints- It all started with getting Lucky..and then I had to have the rest! I am very impressed with the natural formulation and pigmentation of these lip tints; they glide on effortlessly! I also noticed that while using these and even after, my lips felt very moisturized, which is fantastic for a matte finish! I love these matte ones because I can wear them as is or dab some gloss over'em to make'em shiny and/or sparkly like I did here. As with any lip product, you just have to be sure to prep your lips well before applying.

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REVLON Precision Lash Adhesive- The last event I worked, I used this lash adhesive on all the girls to apply their Lash Royalty lashes. The brush tip applicator made application quick and easy; I'm still so very impressed with this product and think this will be a long time favorite of mine! You can see my full review on this product here.

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PT BWS Purbalingga False Lashes- The more and more I test out these lashes, the more I find new favorites! If you missed my full review on these lashes, you can find it here. I'm looking forward to ordering more of these beautiful, well made lashes!

I'd love to hear about your February & March favorites!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

F.O.T.D: One of My Favorite Versions of a Fuchsia Lip

2011-03-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

I've gotten a lot of questions about the lip color and lashes I was wearing at the BBC Beauty Mixer, so here is the breakdown:

First, I used a Waterproof Lipliner Pencil by MakeUpForEver in 16C, making sure to outline and fill in the entire lip:

Then, with a lip brush, I went over it with a lipstick by MAC in Show Orchid:

Lastly, I topped it off with a few dabs of Lab Shine Lip Gloss by MakeUpForEver in Pearly Peach:

I just love the Aqua lip liners from MakeUpForEver, they're so rich, pigmented, and last all day long! As for the lashes, I wore this lovely pair:

You can see where I purchased these babies here.

Hope this helps! Do you have a favorite Fuchsia lip color?

Happy Fuchsia Days!

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

San Diego Weekend: Elessa's Marketing Seminar, BBC Beauty Mixer, & Koren's PRO Airbrush Workshop!

2011-03-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I spent in beautiful San Diego to attend a Beauty Mixer hosted by Elessa Vovan and Koren Zander at the Bellus Academy in Poway. The morning of the event, I attended Elessa's 'Marketing Yourself as a Makeup Artist' Seminar; a seminar filled with invaluable industry and marketing information from both Elessa and Lynelle Lynch, the President at Bellus Academy. It was such a pleasure to connect with genuine fellow beauty bloggers and makeup artists alike.

The Bows, Ballons, and Cupcakes Beauty Mixer later that day was just as fabulous!! I love attending beauty events; it really gives us all an opportunity to come together, talk beauty, and have fun! And we definitely had FUN!

Bellus Academy offered us complimentary beauty services, one of which was a lovely hand treatment massage! It was like a mini spa day with facials, massages, hair treatments and styling, manis, makeovers and more! So fun!

Elessa & I

OMG! I WON A CLARISONIC!!!!!!!!!!

I had such a blast meeting new beauties and reuniting with awesome friends as well as getting to hear about soo many upcoming exciting fun products that will be hitting the beauty world soon from Elessa and Koren!!

Look out for Koren's latest collaboration with NYX that will hit all Ulta stores April 10th, 2011!

Elessa & Koren will also be launching their own make-up palettes at the Makeup Show NYC 2011!! They will be sold separately but will essentially connect together!! How awesome is that?! I cannot wait to see and play with these palettes!

Lastly, Elessa and Koren have teamed up with Crown Brush to release their own fabulous brush sets! At the nights end, a few of us headed out for dinner and it was there that Koren shared with me some very touching and exciting news about his collaboration with Crown Brush!

Koren & I with his new 15 piece brush set

of AMAZING MAC comparable brushes!

I know you guys are going to LOVE these; they are truly amazing..soo soft!! Koren worked closely with Crown to create these beautiful quality brushes at an affordable price!

These will become available Thursday at CrownBrush.com!

I cannot wait to tell you guys more about them in my upcoming review!

The very next morning, Koren invited me to attend his 02B2 Tour PRO Airbrush Workshop...as the model!! Of course, I was honored and it gave everyone a chance to see the real me, without a stitch of make-up! So here I am, make-up free:

Elessa transforming me into Bam Bam

haha

Koren demonstrating 'What Not to Do to Your Client'

Beginning the airbrush process with complexion..

Adding blush..

Adding lip color..

Adding highlight..

Moving onto eyes..

It just was amazing to me how quick and relaxing the airbrush process was; Koren personally guided me, along with the class, through the steps of dismantling and putting together an airbrush gun, how to clean and maintain it, adjust the pressure settings for different situations, and more!

Getting familiar with the Airbrush Gun with Distance Exercises

Now I can add an airbrush gun to my list of things to get at IMATS LA! :) This was such a fun hands on class and I am so thankful and grateful to Elessa and Koren for providing me with the opportunity to learn from them; they are amazing inspiring individuals and I look forward to the next time around!

I hope you enjoyed coming along with me on my San Diego weekend, for even MORE event photos, please visit my MakeupByCrystalS Facebook page!

Bows and Beauty!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

REVLON Precision Lash Adhesive REVIEW

2011-03-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Source

0.17 fl. oz. 5 ml

US $4.99

(REVLON.com)

If you read my last Revlon review, you'll know that I did not particularly fancy the lash adhesive that was included in their fabulous false lash set. So you can imagine my excitement when Revlon contacted me to try out their new recently released lash adhesive!

(Click to Enlarge)

As you can see, this lash adhesive is full size and includes a fiber brush tip applicator. This makes precise application quick and easy! This adhesive itself is reminiscent of the Urban Decay lash adhesive in the way that they both have that opalescent quality about them yet dry to a clear finish. They also are both latex-free, amazingly waterproof, and cruelty-free! (As of now, you can only get your hands on the Urban Decay lash adhesive if you purchase a pair of their false lashes.)

Wearing Revlon Beyond Natural Precision Lashes & Adhesive

Overall, this is a fantastic inexpensive lash adhesive with convenient packaging; you can simply travel with this one product and have everything you need to touch up lifting corners.

Have you tried this new Revlon lash adhesive? If so, what are your thoughts on it?

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

FTC Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by Revlon. I do not do paid reviews nor guarantee reviews.

The Wonders of Baking Soda and its Beauty Benefits!

2011-03-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Source

This classic orange box of super fine white powder crystals has been a household favorite for many moons! Whether it be stored in the kitchen pantry for baking, in the bathroom for scrubbing, or in the laundry room for removing odors and stains, baking soda is a fantastic item to have on hand, especially for those who want to reap its multi-tasking beauty benefits!

One of my favorite ways to use baking soda is as a face scrub! Much like the sugar lemon scrub I shared with you earlier this week, all you have to do is add a few drops of water to create a paste, apply to your damp skin, and gently exfoliate away--it's a natural, inexpensive, gentle mini microdermabrasion scrub that you can safely use at home! LOVE it!

Another way to use baking soda is as a teeth whitener! You can make a paste, by adding water or hydrogen peroxide, apply to your tooth brush, and gently scrub away--you'll have a brighter whiter smile and odorless breath!

Speaking of odor, you can make a quick paste to eliminate stinky underarms or look for a deodorant that contains baking soda for daily use and protection:

Source

This is the only natural deodorant, that I've come across, that actually works! I also love that it's paraben free and aluminum free!

So there you have it--a household favorite that will renew, whiten, brighten, eliminate odor and tons of other amazing things!

Happy Baking Soda Days!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

PT BWS Purbalingga False Lash Manufacturer REVIEW

2011-03-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

I was recently contacted by the owner of PT BWS Purbalingga, a leading false lash manufacturer in Indonesia. He kindly offered to send me false lash samples to test the quality of their product prior to making a bulk purchase.

Here's what was included:

(Click to Enlarge)
Various false lash samples

Recognize some styles from popular false lash companies? That's because false lash manufacturers, like PT BWS P, offer private label packaging services to those lash companies. So what's the difference between buying from lash companies and buying from lash manufacturers? None other than cost & quantity!

My order

Buying straight from the lash manufacturer is going to save you soo much money!! For example, one pair of false lashes from the store will cost you around $3-5 whereas one pair of false lashes from the lash manufacturer will cost you around $0.40-$1.00!! So what's the catch? When buying from a lash manufacturer, you will have to buy in large quantities--so if you're a lash lover and/or make-up artist, this is the way to go!

For my first order, I purchased the following 4 lash styles:

These were my favorites!

PT BWS P has such amazing customer service that I was able to order 100 pairs, 25 of each style (see above) for only $84.00! A chunk of the payment was for overseas shipping ($30.00), but even then where else can you get such quality and quantity?! I am very pleased with my experience as well as purchase and will definitely be a returning customer.

I hope this helps some of you out there who are searching for false lashes in bulk! Please, visit their website for more information--they will answer any questions or concerns--they also accept Paypal. If you happen to purchase anything from this wonderful company, please let the owner, Awan, know that you heard of their company from little ole' me. ;)

Rest assured, you'll be seeing these lashes star in future face of the day posts!

To bulk lashes & saving money!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

A Quick Natural Homemade Scrub for Soft Glowly Skin!

2011-03-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

Spring is quickly approaching, so why not start it off with fresh glowing skin? This quick natural homemade face scrub has been around for yeeaarss and has an unlimited amount of variations! For my oily/combo skin, I like to keep it way simple and just use two ingredients: a fresh organic lemon & organic cane sugar!

Approx. 1 teaspoon of cane sugar & 1/4 of a lemon wedge

Just squeeze a few drops of lemon juice from 1/2 of a lemon until you have a paste like consistency. ((If you happen to have really awesome juicy lemons, like I had, you may find that even 1/4 of a lemon wedge is more than enough!)) Apply the mixture to your damp skin and begin to gently massage it in circular motions.

If you find the mixture to be too thick, dampen your fingers a bit with water; that should get everything movin' nicely. :) Once you feel you've massaged the mixture in well, rinse with warm water, pat dry and see just how glowy and smooth your skin is--finish off with your favorite serum or moisturizer.

I love this scrub because it is so quick and easy to make and best of all, it truly works! You can even use this mixture all over your body for complete smooth skin! Keep in mind, if you have any open wounds, cuts, scrapes, irritation or burns, be sure to avoid those areas and/or wait until all is healed.

So why lemons and sugar you ask?

Lemons and sugar both naturally contain alpha hydroxy acids which help to: mattify the skin by absorbing oil and exfoliate the dead surface skin cells. By doing so, smooth fresh clean skin is revealed and blemishes are further prevented. Lemons also contain a natural bleaching agent, which help to brighten the skins surface by fading sun spots and scars.

Have you tried this timeless scrub? Are there any homemade beauty recipes that you love?

To Lemony Sugar Goodness & Soft Glowing Skin!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

F.O.T.D: Using Urban Decay's Vegan & Naked Palette's & GIVEAWAY!!

2011-03-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

I can never get enough of Urban Decay; love their eye shadows, eye liners, and lip liners! To create this look, I used the Vegan palette and just a tad of the Naked palette.

And for the LOVE of Urban Decay!! Someone is going to have their very own VEGAN palette to enjoy!

Yes, you heard that right!! All you have to do is leave a comment below telling me why you would like to own Urban Decay's Vegan palette! Be sure to leave your e-mail address in your comment so that I can contact you if you're the lucky winner!!

As always, you must:
- Be a follower/subscriber of this blog.
- If under the age of 18, have parental/guardian permission to enter.

Giveaway closes Friday, March 18th, 2011!! Winner will be chosen using Random.org.

Best wishes!!

Happy Friday!
♥ your Vegan friend,
CrystalS

The 2011 Los Angeles Makeup Show

2011-03-02T00:10:00.000-08:00

This was my 1st year attending The Los Angeles Makeup Show and I am so glad I did! I had the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow artists, bloggers, business owners, preview up coming product launches, attend seminars from senior artists, and do a little shopping at discount prices. :)

Photo courtesy of Leticia

David & I

First and foremost, I knew I had to attend David Hernandez's seminar; this being my third class with David, I was eager to experience what he had in store for us this time around. And as always, he continues to amaze and inspire me.

Here are just a few individuals I got to spend my day with:

Elessa (Pursebuzz) & I

Koren (Enkore Makeup) & I

Maxi (from the Lifetime reality show "Blush") & I

Sara (The Makeup Snob) & I

Leticia (Eyetastic Makeup Artistry) & I

A few of my Glam♥Sisters & I

Looking back on my photos, I realized that I should have taken a lot more! I was so captivated in the moment, absorbing everything I possibly could! We shall do better next time. ;)

And finally, here's what made it into my bag:

Z Palettes, MakeUpForEver Set Powders, MakeUpForEver Lipliner, Disposible Mascara Wands, Inglot Freedom Palette

Like IMATS, it is ridiculously tempting to go absolutely nuts and spend every cent on all the beautiful matte, sparkly colors and tools you could ever imagine when you're in makeup heaven! So to keep your wallet happy and your mind somewhat clear, I definitely recommend going in with a list and some self control! haha

Photo courtesy of Robyn

I was determined not to add any further shadows to my collection, but after some major convincing from Robyn and what felt like endless hours swatching beautiful Inglot shadows on any patch of skin that was readily available, how could I resist and pass up such a deal?!

My customized Inglot Freedom Palette

You see my point? haha I'll have swatches and looks up using these shadows as soon as I get some down time! As you may have noticed, I've been a busy bee! I have lots in store for you guys, just wait til ya see!

In the meantime, you can visit my Facebook page to view more photos!

I hope you enjoyed taking a peak into my day at my very 1st Makeup Show experience!

Wishing you a happy Wednesday!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

**Also, if you haven't heard already, you can read my exclusive interview with Nineveh Makeup Ministries where I reveal how my journey began as a Makeup Artist.

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: Mash Up

2011-02-24T20:45:00.000-08:00

This beautiful glowy opaque opalescent gray shade is a chameleon; you just have to see it in person to appreciate its loveliness. In various lighting, it can appear silver, pink, purple, or green; LOVE!

Here you can see a hint of the pink, it's quite difficult to capture its unique beauty on camera!

This nail polish applies very smooth and dries almost instantly. One coat is great for some sheer spice; if you like a more intense look, two coats is sufficient.

If you have to choose just one nail polish from the Glee collection, I recommend this baby!

Pearly nails,
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

DuWop Crush Heavy Metal Metallic Eyeshadow Trio in 18 Carat REVIEW & Swatches

2011-02-14T20:55:00.000-08:00

A trio of jewel-toned, talc-free, eyeshadows that give you breathtaking velvet metallic intensity. Crush is paraben-free, sulfate-free, petro-chemical-free, free of synthetic fragrance, free of pthalates, contains no GMO's, no PPG's, no MEA's, DEA's, TEA's and is formaldehyde donor-free, and triclosan-free.
US $18.00
(Apothica.com)

In April, I was gifted this lovely metallic eyeshadow trio. These shadows blend so effortlessly (you could easily just apply with your fingers) and are nicely pigmented; they definitely give the look of cream shadows.

Swatched over a thin layer of Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Bronzy-Gold, Burgundy-Plum-Copper, Pale Champagne Rose

This photo really does not do these shadows justice; they are so beautiful glowy and would look amazing on tan or dark skin tones! You can wear them as is or over a colored base (perhaps a golden one) for a beautiful metallic intense look.

I'll be rockin' these beautiful shades come this spring/summer!

Do you have any favorites from DuWop Cosmetics?

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Nails of the Day: My Nail Polish Creation using MAC Pigment!

2011-02-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

Today, I decided to get creative and make my own nail polish! What I love about doing this, is that it's so super easy and a ton of fun!

All you need is a:
*Base/top coat
*Loose pigment(s) of your choice
*Spatula
*Disposable lip brush (you can also use a paint brush)
*Paper plate

Then, all you have to do is mix it up like Bob Ross!! haha

And here's what you get:

MAC Ruby Red Pigment (PRO color)

Ruby red pigment is a beautiful fuchsia berry pink shade with a purple undertone, tons of pretty vibrant golden shimmer, with a beautiful pearlescent finish! I just love this pigment and it's so beautiful as a nail color!! It's exactly what I was looking for, for Valentine's Day and what do ya know, I've had it all along. ;)

To creativity and loving what you got!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Stylish Blogger Award & 7 Things About Me!

2011-02-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much Jessica, from Beauty, Fashion & Life, for awarding me with the:

*Stylish Blogger Award*

To accept this award, one must:
- Thank and link back to the person whom awarded you.
- Share 7 Things About Yourself.
- Award 10-15 recently discovered great bloggers.
- Contact these bloggers and tell them they've been awarded!

*7 Things About Me*

1. This year, my work has been published in Social Culture IE; an Aesthetics Firm & Publication! So exciting!

2. I love to create; and when I'm not creating, I'm thinking, dreaming about creating.

3. I think in color, texture, shape.

4. I have the cutest Hello Kitty purse that was gifted to me for my birthday from my beautiful friend, Zarah!! (Should I do a 'what's in my purse' post??)

5. I've always wanted to be on an Ambush Makeover show; doing the make-up, of course. ;)

6. When I'm in Sephora, I always wonder if I'm standing next to another beauty blogger. haha

7. I love to run!

*Amazing Blogs*

Carrie from Carrie Fabulous!

Amy from Black and White Collage

Debi from Nineveh Makeup Ministries

Jennifer from Jennifer James Beauty

Sunny from Vegan Beauty Review

Brittnie from MUD Bloggin'

Chelsea from The Cosmetic Girl

Samantha from makeMeupGirl

Jena from Makeup Adventures with JennyB

Ashey & Amber from Lipstick and Candy Cigarettes

Wishing you a fantastic Friday!

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

My Top Favorite Mascara's!

2011-01-31T18:30:00.000-08:00

Like most women, I've tried soo many mascara's!! Out of the ones I've tried so far, these are the ones that have worked best for me and my straight, sparse, long lashes. They're the ones that I will happily repurchase!

Source

Dior DiorShow

The best mascara I've ever tried for my lashes! With this mascara, my lashes are thick, long, curled, and dramatic in seconds; I love it!! It also comes in brown and blue; which I can't wait to try!

Source

MakeUpForEver Smoky Lash

The second best mascara for my lashes; it gives that intense carbon black dramatic false lash look!

Source

Too Faced Lash Injection Pinpoint

The best lash separating, defining mascara I've tried that uses the 'tubing' technology; this mascara will last and last, keeping your lashes long and conditioned!

Source

CARGO 3 Triple Action Mascara

You can see my full review on this mascara, here.

Source

MAC Splashproof

I love this mascara for that glossy soft natural lash look; it's also perfect for beach and summer weather, no smudging!

Source

Almay One Coat Triple Effect

This is my favorite inexpensive, drug-store brand mascara! It gives full and long lashes without clumps, holds a curl like no other and is perfect for contact lenses wearers; it's also cruelty-free!

I'd love to hear about your favorite top mascara's!

To luscious lashes!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Quick Beauty Tip: How to Make False Lashes Last!!

2011-01-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

You all know how much I love my false lashes!! They finish off any make-up look by helping to enhance the eyes! Today, I want to share with you a way to make your false strip lashes last and help save you money!

Guess how long I've had and worn this lovely pair of lashes for??

*Hint: You've seen these lashes featured here.

Don't worry, they're perfectly clean and sanitary--but I've had these and worn them for well over 6 months! So how do you clean and sanitize false lashes, you ask?

Here's how:

First, you'll need the following:

Parian Spirit, Your Used False Lashes, & Spoolie

All you have to do is:

~ Gently, peel off any adhesive residue left behind on the lash band.
~ Spray your clean spoolie with Parian Spirit.
~ Gently, comb through the lashes, with the spoolie, until all traces of mascara are gone.
~ Gently, pat dry the false lashes with a paper towel, reshape, and store them in their lash container!

And that's it! They're ready for their next use! Just remember to work them lashes!! ;)

Happy Lash Cleanin'!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Beauty From the Inside Out: Owning Your God Given Beauty

2011-01-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

My Glam♥Sisters & I

"The most powerful beauty is within you; when you lovingly accept and own that beauty, only then can you fulfill your limitless potential." ~CrystalS

I love make-up, but what I love more is the transformation make-up can help create. When you see something beautiful, it takes you to a place of wonder, where you find the heart of true beauty; the non-physical beauty.

Things I wish every woman knew:

♥that they are beautiful.

♥that they are loved.

♥that they have worth.

♥that perfection is imperfection.

♥that the most powerful beauty already lies within them.

♥that it's okay and healthy to look in the mirror and say, "I am beautiful." and mean it.

♥that it's okay to say, "Thank you." when given a compliment and mean it.

♥that's it's wonderful to give compliments to others, especially if it will brighten their day.

♥that most of the magazine and motion picture images they see have been altered.

You have the power to think positively and gather all of the negative, toxic, ugly, mean things that have ever filled your mind and weighed down your heart and throw them in the garbage. It's spring cleaning time, ladies and we don't have time to think about garbage; we have an awesome life to live!

Positivity starts with you and only you have the power to say, "I'm going to make this day a great day, whatever may come my way; no one (not even myself) or any situation is going to steal my joy."

When we speak positively into our lives, we feel better, we look better, we're healthy, we create new beautiful opportunities for ourselves and we radiate the most beautiful hope for others.

So today, I want you to take the garbage out and begin to feel like you, the real beautiful, worthy you.

You are beautiful, you are loved, you are worthy,

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

Eyes of the Day: Kim Kardashian Inspired

2011-01-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

I was inspired by the lovely Kim Kardashian and her bold neutral eyes accompanied by lots of lashes!

Products used

EYES:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

MAC Vanilla e/s (highlight)

TheBalm Jet-Setting Jennifer e/s (inner corner)

MAC Pearl Cream Color Base Pot & TheBalm Shameless Shana e/s (lid)

MAC Vanilla pigment (upper crease)

TheBalm Caught in the Act Courtney e/s & MAC Carbon e/s (crease)

Stila Kajal Eye Kohl (upper waterline)

MUFE AquaEye liner 2L & TheBalm Shameless Shana e/s (lower waterline)

Laura Mercier Black Thickening and Building Mascara

DUO dark tone Adhesive

M158 Lashes (upper) & ES A020 Lashes (lower) See complete lash review here!

Have a Fabulous Wednesday!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

KKCenterHK False Lash REVIEW

2011-01-24T23:55:00.000-08:00

As a make-up artist, I'm always on the search for false lashes in bulk so when I was contacted by KKCenterHK, an online shop based in Hong Kong, to try out their false lashes, I was stoked! As I browsed their website, I discovered their excellent array of false lashes for an unbeatable price!!

Here's just a few false lash selections they carry:

1 Box 10 Pairs ES A22

US $2.80

See what I used for this Eye of The Day, here!

1 Box 10 Pairs ES A200

US $5.20

1 Box 10 Pairs ES A020 (Bottom Lashes)

US $3.50

See what I used for this Kim Kardashian Inspired Eye of the Day, here!

1 Pair Thermidor Extra Long Cross M158

US $1.50

1 Pair Super Luxuriant Cross M134-A

US $1.50

Bulk packaging makes my job so much quicker as I could easily put a few boxes of lashes in my kit without having to take up so much room as I have been with various individual plastic lash containers. The bulk packaged lash bands are extended and lightly adhered through the cardboard by a glue strip, so taking the lashes out is easier than ever.

Just snip away the extended ends and you're good to go!

If you're using these lashes for your own personal make-up kit, one disadvantage you may find with the bulk packaging is storage after use.

Easy solution: just be sure to have an empty lash container on hand.

Depending upon your preference, it may be a pro or con, but I've noticed slight inconsistencies in the lash designs. Our real lashes are not perfectly symmetrical anyhow, so I don't tend to mind. ;)

From Hong Kong to CA, it took 18 business days to arrive. Since my package was shipped during the holidays, it may have taken a bit longer to arrive than usual.

Overall, I highly recommend that you check out KKCenterHK's website to see just how many lash designs they carry; you're bound to find a favorite!

Happy Bulk Lash Shopping!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

FTC Disclosure: This post contains sample products sent for consideration by KKCenterHK. I do not do paid reviews nor guarantee reviews. This post also contains an affiliate link, which gives us commission when you click and purchase something from that link. When you shop through an affiliate link on MakeupByCrystalS, you help support the site. :)

~December & January Beauty Product Favorites~

2011-01-17T23:30:00.000-08:00

Here's what I've been loving these past two months:

Source

Alba Kukui Nut Body Cream- During the holidays, I could not find my beloved John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk, so decided to give this body cream a try! The yummy vanilla, macadamia, and caramel scent reminds me so much of Christmas time! It's lovely rich and works great for dry skin!

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Pureology Hydrate Complex System- One of my bests friends is also my darling Hairstilista! She first introduced me to Pureology's Shampoo & Conditioner. They contain jojoba, shea butter, and UVA/UVB sunscreens along with all kinds of good for your organic botanicals, they're also 100% vegan, and awesome! I've been using these non-stop and I won't run out any time soon because these bottles are humongo! The conditioner is my favorite; it leaves your scalp and hair feeling tingly clean and baby soft! LOVE IT!!

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Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre- This creamy, white, hydrating and fast absorbing moisturizer was the savior of my unusually dry winter skin. I completely understand why this product has been a make-up artist favorite for years; it's fantastic! Not only is it excellent for moisturizing the skin, but for priming and removing make-up. (I even used this on my models' legs at a recent magazine shoot!) Needless to say, Embryolisse has won a comfortable spot in both my personal and freelance kit!

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LaVanila Vanilla Grapefruit Fragrance- I got this little beauty in roller-ball form as a Christmas gift! This natural fragrance is infused with great for your skin antioxidants and is made up of nothing but pure goodness! Not to mention, it has good karma written all over it as it is not tested on animals. The best part is that it smells so sexy! The notes are: Grapefruit (the youthful scent), Bergamot (sweetness), Lime (freshness), Orange (uplifting), Cedarwood (warmness), Heliotrope (vibrancy), Madagascar Vanilla (seductively rich--"we like to move it, move it"..haha). I love it!!

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Urban Decay Adhesive- This has to be the coolest eye lash adhesive, ever. You can see the beautiful iridescent shade through the clear tube that 'glows' opalescent yet dries to a clear finish. This adhesive is latex free and comes with a wand tip applicator to apply the adhesive with the most ultimate precision. I really hope that Urban Decay makes this baby full size! I adore it; applying falsies has never been easier!!

I'd love to hear about your December & January favorites!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Birthday Celebrations: Disney, Teacups, & Cupcakes, Oh My!!

2011-01-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

Friday was my birthday and I spent my special day with my family at the happiest place on earth!!

Source

I even got my very own Disney Birthday Pin! I forgot I was wearing it and someone said, "Happy Birthday, Crystal!!" I was like, "Omg, you know my name!" ahahaha I love Disneyland; I always leave feeling so inspired! Mr. Walt Disney forever changed the world and it all began with a dream. :)

My mom bought me this beautiful Alice in Wonderland Tea Set!! I just love it to pieces!!

It came with 4 different types of teas:

Mad Tea Party Blend, English Breakfast, Lemon Honey Chamomile, & Earl Grey

My thoughtful, talented sister-in-law surprised me with my very own (made from scratch) Harry Potter vegan cupcakes!!

If you look closely you can see the pretty edible glitter!! The chocolate frosting on these cupcakes is soo yummy!! We'll see just how long these babies last in this house! hahaha

Well, I hope you enjoyed coming along with me on my birthday weekend!!

Wishing you a wonderful week!

Hugs, Tea Parties, & Birthday Cupcakes!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: I'm with Brad

2011-01-15T23:50:00.000-08:00

This metallic wine over dark coffee polish is very opaque; you can easily get away with just one coat..

Photos taken w/ flash

Nailene Acrylic Strong Protecting Base

Sephora by OPI: I'm with Brad (Two Coats)

Though, I always like to apply two coats, just for good measure..

With Seche Vite Top Coat

I then added the Seche Vite Top Coat and I love the high gloss finish it gave!

I must say: I do not paint my nails hardly ever simply because I am constantly using my hands, whether it's cleaning brushes, working on a client, typing up a blog, etc..so the thought of waiting for nail polish to dry, drives me crazy! hahaha

This Christmas, I received the much loved Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat from my dear friend Lisa. I cannot believe I waited this long to try Seche Vite; it's a-m-a-z-i-n-g! Even though I managed to put a small dent in my nail, as soon as I applied this top coat over, it filled it in and fixed it..you can't even tell it ever happened! Genius! Thank you so much, Lisa!!

X♥X♥,
Your freshly manicured friend,
CrystalS

EOTD: Artifact & Ransom

2011-01-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

And for this years' 1st Eye Of The Day! I wanted to wear something simple yet dramatic for my bests birthday celebration!

Products used
EYES:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

MAC Vanilla e/s (highlight)

MUFE Diamond Powder in Rue La Boetie (inner corner)

MAC Artifact Paint Pot & Urban Decay Ransom e/s (lid & lower lid)

MAC Shroom e/s (upper crease)

Urban Decay Fishnet e/s (crease)

Stila Kajal Eye Kohl (waterlines)

MUFE AquaEye liner 0L (upper & lower lid liner)

Sephora Lash Stretcher Mascara in Black

Urban Decay Eyelash Adhesive (LOVE)

ES A22 Lashes

Quick trick: I used the same exact shadow (Ransom) that's on my eye lid, underneath my lash line as well. The difference: On my lid I used MAC Artifact Paint Pot as a color base first, then added Ransom. Underneath my lash line, I just used Ransom. This is one example of how you can maximize your shadow choices by using different color bases!

Something to look forward to: I'll be reviewing these lashes along with some others very soon!

*Update: Click here to see the lash review!

Have a great week!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Crown Brush 15 Piece Professional Set w/ Designer Case REVIEW

2011-01-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

Model 619

Chisel Powder • Chisel Blush • Angle Blush • Foundation Angle Blender • Oval Shadow • Blending Fluff • Flat Liner Concealer • Lash Fan • Brow/Lash Groomer • Angle Liner Oval Lip • Mini Smudger • Round Crease • Faux Reptile Case

US $43.99 (I paid $29.99 with Kandee's Discount Code)

(CrownBrush.com)

Last month, Crown Brush offered Kandee's subbies a major discount on select pro brush sets! Seeing as I've been needing an additional brush set for my freelance kit, I just couldn't pass up the deal at $2 a brush! So I purchased this lovely red handle brush set and here's what I found:

Click to Enlarge

First impression: I love the idea of a brush clutch rather than a roll! It's way cute and you don't have to worry about your brushes getting mashed together. While the clutch is well made I did experience a strong toxic fume smell as I unfolded the brush clutch. Perhaps it's the adhesive that mends the velvet to the clutch? Thankfully, with a little time and fresh air, the fumes seemed to dissipate!

First wash: With a new brush set, it is always a great idea to give them a deep cleanse with shampoo and conditioner (I love Pureology), especially the fluffy face brushes. Deep cleansing will remove any build up and allow the brush hair to become softer. To disinfect, I like to mix in a little of BeautySoClean Brush Cleanser with the shampoo.

Nice & Soft after a Deep Cleanse

As with most brushes, shedding and ink bleeding is to be expected; these did shed and bleed as normal.

I must say that I love the red handles and I also love how they taper at the ends; making them look sleek and lightweight.

Overall, I am impressed with the quality of these make-up brushes and am happy with my purchase!

Did you take advantage of the Crown Brush Kandee Discount? If so, which set did you get and how do you like them?

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

"The Most Beautiful and Dazzling Diamonds Have Endured the Greatest Pressures." ~CrystalS

2010-12-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I hope you had a beautiful Christmas and are having a wonderful holiday season spent with the ones you love! After much anticipation, I've finally got to see and spend time my little brother who's been serving overseas for the past year! My heart couldn't have been happier!

Christmas Circa 1990s

My brother & I wearing our super C-O-O-L

T-shirts that our daddy airbrushed for us!

Our Christmas tradition every year since we were kiddos:

Watch Home Alone and laugh hysterically at all our inside jokes. hahaha

I'm so happy and blessed that I got to spend another Christmas with my little brother, I love you!

For those of you who may not know, my precious Grandmother has been ill; battling cancer.

My Grandma Lina, looking fab&glam at her friend's wedding

back when she just graduated from Cosmetology school

Don't you just love her coat?!

Now, you can see where my leopard print obsession came from!

hahaha

My Grandma Lina has always encouraged me to follow my dreams; she gifted to me her passion for glamour, beauty, elegance, and life through fashion, make-up, and most importantly, love. She continues to show me the greatest strength and faith; I know that God will take care of everything♥.

Thank you so much to those of you who've poured in your love and prayers. I cannot thank you enough!

If you're going through some tough times this holiday season, just remember:

"A diamond♥ cannot be polished without friction,

nor a man perfected without trials."

You are loved,

X♥X♥,

CrystalS

FOTD: Green Smoky

2010-12-19T19:40:00.000-08:00

This was yesterday's face of the day! I was on my way to Nigel's Beauty Emporium for a MakeUpForEver Pro Class on Global Complexion with celebrity make-up artist, David Hernandez.

David is so fun, knowledgeable, and incredibly talented! If you ever have the opportunity to attend a class with David, take it! You'll be inspired!

Here's a little behind the scenes of a previous class I attended with David.

I hope you all are enjoying the start of a wonderful Holiday season!!

Also, don't forget to enter my ~*12 Days of Christmas Giftaway*~!! Lots of fab prizes yet to be won, including some MakeUpForEver!

Wishing you lots of hot coco and sweet surprises!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Quick Beauty Tip: How to Take Down the Dirty

2010-12-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

As a make-up artist, I'm always looking for new ways to get my tools clean and sanitized efficiently.

Source

Pencil sharpeners have always been my least favorite tool to clean. Usually, I would soak them in isopropyl alcohol and detail all the nooks and cranes with a toothpick; it did the job, but it took ages. Today, I tried and discovered something new on a whim: while I was cleaning my make-up brushes, I took a Dixie cup, tossed in my sharpener face down, and filled it with just enough Parian Spirit to where it was submerged. I slightly jerked the Dixi cup, agitating the solution, and what do ya know, make-up residue was just melting off like butta! Brilliant!!!

So there you have it! Just be sure to rinse it with water throughly and let it air dry...and now you have a squeaky clean brand new looking sanitized pencil sharpener!

To clean tools and trying something new!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

~My Twelve Days of Christmas Giftaway~

2010-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy December, everyone!

I want to thank you all so very much for your continued support, love, and friendship; it means so much to me! I wish I could meet every single one of you and give you a huge hug! As a thank you and in celebration of the holiday season, I want to begin my:

~*12 Days of Christmas Giftaway*~

Source

Each day, up until Christmas Eve, I will giftaway a surprise present to one of my loyal readers! As the days approach closer to Christmas, the presents will be bigger!! I'll be giving away brand new sparkling presents from MakeUpForEver, Ardell, NYX, & Urban Decay!!!

Rules:
- You must be a follower/subscriber of this blog.
- If under the age of 18, you must have parental/guardian permission to enter.

Entry:
"Like" MakeupbyCrystalS on Facebook & Complete the Christmas rhyme of the day!

For example, on Facebook, I will post:

"On the first day of Christmas,

My true love sent to me..."

Then, you will complete the Christmas rhyme:

"A partridge in a pear tree."

When you leave your comment on Facebook completing the Christmas rhyme, it counts as your entry!

You may enter each day, but only once a day. That gives you 12 chances to win in total!! Winner for each day will be randomly selected from the day's poll thus the day's entry must be submitted by midnight. This giveaway is only open to US residents.

Have fun and best wishes!

Let the giftaway begin! ☺
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

HUGE Love Glam Weekend!!

2010-12-06T22:15:00.000-08:00

I cannot even begin to tell you what an a-m-a-z-i-n-g love filled weekend this was! My heart is so happy and so thankful for being able to spend time with my Glam Sisters at the glam~tastic Glaminar Reunion, Kandee's Cupcake Baby Shower, and the very last Los Angeles Glaminar where I met so many beautiful hearts with amazing stories!

I have soo many photos to share with you, but here's a quick photo recap of all the love and joy:

Glaminar Reunion & Kandee's Cupcake Baby Shower

I have the most amazing beautiful sister~friends!!

Glaminar Eve

Kandee & Shannon worked so hard to get these amazing gift treats to you, so please thank all of the companies that helped make this possible!

Tiffany glams up momma in a whole new way!!

Kandee, Cupcake, & I

In the presence of amazing women who I love dearly

Glaminar Day (Los Angeles)

Beautylish definitely hooked us up!

Checkin' in the Glam Attendees!

Kandee's Grand Entrance!

Prize Winners!!

A few of the lovely ladies from the Glam Team

The amazingly talented and lovely Carmen Reese performs!!

Glen surprises Samantha with a proposal in the most romantic way, aww!

Yay! I won a Set Bag!!

~*Glam Alumni*~

Our last photo, after a very long beautiful day of inspiration, happiness, tears, knowledge, beauty, and love!

Thank you, everyone!! I love you all so much and cannot wait until we can see each other, again!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Minerals Mate REVIEW

2010-11-22T18:20:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Debi, and founder of Ever After Cosmetics, first introduced me to this amazing make-up application palette: the Minerals Mate.

Source

It's a (non-toxic and recyclable plastic) palette that enables you to use loose mineral make-up in a convenient and sanitary way. You simply shake the amount of loose minerals that you need into the wells and apply! You can also mix loose minerals, powders, glosses, or even eyeliners in the wells to create your own unique shades, foil eye shadows by simply adding water or a mixing medium, and even clean your make-up brushes in the ribbed well!

Say goodbye to the loose mineral mess and product waste!

You may purchase your very own at: shop.mymineralsmate.com now, for only $6.99!

You may also watch Debi demonstrate how to use the Minerals Mate as well as ENTER for a chance to WIN one for yourself:

I absolutely recommend this handy dandy palette! It's perfect for loose mineral make-up lovers and make-up artists alike. It also makes for a fabulous inexpensive beauty Holiday gift for under $10!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

~October & November Beauty Product Favorites~

2010-11-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

Here's what I've been loving these past two months:

Source

MakeUpForEver 12 Flash Color Case- This is my baby. 12 beautiful vibrant creamy pigments that can be used as is or transformed into new unique shades; the possibilities are endless. I've been using this palette a lot as of late to create bold lip colors, Halloween masks, eyeshadow bases, concealers, etc. It's a make-up artists' dream palette!!

Source

MakeUpForEver Metal Powder in Honey Gold (3)- Meet my favorite tan gold! It is amazingly pigmented and soo gorgeous! For Halloween, I used this on one of my clients, she was a Sexy Cowardly Lion. First, I applied an even layer of cream Gold (from the Flash Case above) on her lids, then patted the metal gold powder on top, contoured the crease with a matte brown, highlighted the brow bone with a vanilla shade, and very lightly dusted the brow with the gold metal powder, added black liquid liner, mascara, and luscious lashes; she was smokin' hot!

Source

The Beauty Blender- The amazing pink spongy sponge egg. I'm so glad I ended up purchasing this cutie at IMATS. Normally, my clean fingers are my tools to apply foundation to myself, but since using the Beauty Blender, I've noticed a significant cut down in my application time and a beautiful natural finish. Instead of purchasing more wedge sponges and creating unnecessary waste, I'm going to invest in these to add to my freelance kit; much more eco-friendly and cost effective in the long run. The cleanser is also fantastic for cleaning synthetic brushes!

Source

L'Bel Délice Pour Les Mains- This intensive moisturizing hand cream took me by, as the French say, surprise sucrée (sweet surprise)! Its scent is of lovely almond oil and I'm so amazed at how well it hydrates the skin, leaving it fresh and smooth without any greasy residue. Must try!!

Source

MAC Rebel Lipstick- This beautiful bold deep fuchsia-purple shade is gorgeous for fall! Please, don't let the dark color in the tube alarm you; once applied, the finish is a smooth, flattering plum berry shade. You can wear it glossy or blot it down to a lip stain. I love pairing Rebel with a simple neutral eye; very chic.

Source

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Perfume- Warning: I've become addicted to all things blood orange./ So when my husband pointed out to me this natural perfume at our local health food store, I had to try it!! And well, the rest is history. ☺ It's fresh, complex, sophisticated, and delicious. It's also 100% VEGAN and gluten-free, very sexy.

I'd love to hear your October & November favorites!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

SkinCareRx.com Friends & Family Sale!

2010-11-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

♫♪It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, every where you go..♫♪ and with the holidays fast approaching who doesn't wish to save some money?!

SkinCareRx.com is having their annual Friends and Family Sale! SkinCareRx sells a variety of excellent skincare products from brands like: Boscia, Korres, Clarisonic, SkinMedica, and more!

To receive 25% off your order, at checkout, use the coupon* code below:

FF25

Be sure to check out SkinCareRx.com on Black Friday and Cyber Monday for more sweet deals!

Also, don't forget to enter my Apothica giveaway, if you haven't already. ☺

Happy Holidays!

X♥X♥,
CrystalS

Disclosure: The sponsor for this post is SkinCareRx.com
*Expires December 1st, 2010. Coupon may exclude some brands.

New Month, New Sponsor, New Giveaway!!

2010-11-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies,

I am very excited to announce that Apothica has offered to sponsor MakeupByCrystalS! To kick off their sponsorship, they want to give one of my gorgeous readers (yes, you!) a $25 gift card!! Woo hoo!!

Apothica is a luxury beauty boutique outlet carrying some of the best make-up brands like Cargo Cosmetics, DuWop, Too Faced, NARS, Stila Cosmetics, theBalm, and much more! You're definitely bound to find some thing you really ~~need~~ want.

So here's how to enter:

Rules:
- You must be a follower/subscriber of this blog.
- If under the age of 18, you must have parental/guardian permission to enter.
- You must complete the entry form.

Click Here to Complete the Entry Form

Winner Information:
- I will be selecting the winner via Random.org.
- I will be providing Apothica with your contact information.
- Apothica will contact you to verify if your information is correct.
- After their verification, Apothica will e-mail you a code for a gift card to be used at SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com, and SkinBotanica.com.

It is very important that you save SkinCareRx.com as a contact in your e-mail so that any communication with them does not go to Spam/Junk Mail.

This giveaway is open internationally* and ends Friday, November 26th, 2010.

Best Wishes!
CrystalS

Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Apothica.com
*International entrants may be subject to custom fees.

L'Bel Beauty Event Gift Bag!

2010-11-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope you're doing well and enjoying November! Can you believe Christmas is next month?! ahhh I have to start Christmas shopping!! Speaking of gifts, I wanted to share with you what I received in the mail today. Last week, L'Bel held a beauty event in Los Angeles and yours truly was invited. Unfortunately, due to prior engagements, I was unable to attend. Well, the lovely people at L'Bel offered to send me a gift bag and here it is:

WOW! It literally is a BAG; and a good size one at that! How amazing! (I love their catalog, by the way.)

Essential Moisturizing-Softening Cleansing Lotion, Intensive Moisturizing Hand Cream, Regression Yeux Eye Cream, Delicious Lip Gloss in Grape Lumiere, Essential Moisturizing-Softening Lotion Toner, L'Bel Product Informative Flash Drive

I'm very excited to try these products out! Thank you, again for your kindness, L'Bel!!

So, I wanna know: were you able to attend the L'Bel beauty event?? Have you tried L'Bel products? Is there anything you would recommend for me to check out?

Happy Friday!
X♥X♥,
CrystalS

MakeupByCrystalS

Aveda: The Story of Nepal & The Gift of Pure Relief Giveaway!!

Beauty From the Inside Out: A Quick & Simple Recipe for Hydration & Energy!

You're Invited to a High Fashion Holiday Party & Charity Event!!!

~*August & September Beauty Product Favorites*~

The Beauty Social presented by Beautylish: RECAP

The Beauty Social presented by Beautylish: A Glamorous 2-Day Beauty Event in Santa Monica

Bdellium Tools: Professional Eco-Friendly Makeup Brushes: Green Bambu Series *REVIEW*

Lash Royalty: FREE Shipping Promo Code for Pro Quality Vegan Lashes!

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: Who Let the Dorks Out?

Beauty From the Inside Out: Kimberly Snyder's The Beauty Detox Solution

Jeune d'âge Organics: My *NEW* Choice of Facial Skincare

The Artist Labs--Live Beauty Editorial Photoshoot 8/8

~*June & July Beauty Product Favorites*~

Youngblood Endless Beauty Event hosted by Celebrity Artist James Vincent

Nails of the Day: SpaRitual: Knowledge is Power

Nails of the Day: SpaRitual: Solaris

Make-up Artist Series: How to Deep Clean & Spot Clean: Brushes & Sponges!

New Beauty Additions: IMATS Los Angeles June 25th & 26th, 2011

At LAST! My YouTube Début!!

Beauty From the Inside Out: That's it.™ Fruit Bars *REVIEW*

IMATS Los Angeles June 25th & 26th, 2011

Fotolia *REVIEW* & Giveaway!

Bridal Consultation: Margara

Nails of the Day: Deborah Lippmann: Girls Just Want to Have Fun

MayaWater Facial Mist (Organic White Tea) *REVIEW*

~*April & May Beauty Product Favorites*~

KKcenterhk: I Love Beauty Lucky Draw! (Open Internationally)

KKcenterhk, I Beauty Lucky Draw

Beginning June 1, 2011 to August 1, 2011

Hello, beauties!

Have you purchased eyelashes, eyeshadows, wigs or nails from KKcenterhk online shop?

KKcenterhk is a one-stop online shop based in Hong Kong and they are holding a prize draw!

Here is how to Enter:

Place an order on KKcenterhk.com, of any price, be sure to keep your order number handy.

Place an order on KKcenterhk.com, of any price, be sure to keep your order number handy.

"Like" KKcenterhk on Facebook and

share the "KKcenterhk, I Love Beauty Lucky Draw" banner with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=228548650491371&set=a.130356886977215.23003.126944437318460&type=1&_fb_noscript=1

Leave your order number on KKcenterhk's Facebook, below the event message. Your order number will be your own lucky draw number.

KKcenterhk will include 10 categories for the prizes:

1. Natural Lahes (Prize Amount US$ 20)

2. Criss-cross Lashes (Prize Amount US$ 20)

3. Long Full Wigs (Prize Amount US$ 24)

4. Clips on Ponytail (Prize Amount US$ 20)

5. Make Up Kits and Tools (Prize Amount US$ 18)

6. Nail Patch (Prize Amount US$ 6)

7. JHMJ Nails (Prize Amount US$ 3.5)

8. 81-120 Eye Shadow Palette (Prize Amount US$ 30)

9. 11-40 Eye Shadow Palette (Prize Amount US$ 22)

10. Health Care "BIA" Skin Analyzer Water/Soft/Oil Tester (Cost US$ 10.48)

Here's what you can WIN!

Part 1 of 2

Part 2 of 2

VLUX Cosmetics Lipgloss *REVIEW* & Giveaway!!

Eve Pearl Magic Salmon Concealer *REVIEW*

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: Slushied

F.O.T.D: Sunflower Inspired

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: Express Yourself to Yourself

~*February & March Beauty Product Favorites*~

F.O.T.D: One of My Favorite Versions of a Fuchsia Lip

San Diego Weekend: Elessa's Marketing Seminar, BBC Beauty Mixer, & Koren's PRO Airbrush Workshop!

REVLON Precision Lash Adhesive *REVIEW*

The Wonders of Baking Soda and its Beauty Benefits!

PT BWS Purbalingga False Lash Manufacturer *REVIEW*

A Quick Natural Homemade Scrub for Soft Glowly Skin!

F.O.T.D: Using Urban Decay's Vegan & Naked Palette's & GIVEAWAY!!

The 2011 Los Angeles Makeup Show

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: Mash Up

DuWop Crush Heavy Metal Metallic Eyeshadow Trio in 18 Carat *REVIEW* & Swatches

Nails of the Day: My Nail Polish Creation using MAC Pigment!

*Stylish Blogger Award & 7 Things About Me!*

My Top Favorite Mascara's!

Quick Beauty Tip: How to Make False Lashes Last!!

Beauty From the Inside Out: Owning Your God Given Beauty

Eyes of the Day: Kim Kardashian Inspired

KKCenterHK False Lash *REVIEW*

~*December & January Beauty Product Favorites*~

Birthday Celebrations: Disney, Teacups, & Cupcakes, Oh My!!

Nails of the Day: Sephora by OPI: I'm with Brad

~August & September Beauty Product Favorites~

Bdellium Tools: Professional Eco-Friendly Makeup Brushes: Green Bambu Series REVIEW

Jeune d'âge Organics: My NEW Choice of Facial Skincare

~June & July Beauty Product Favorites~

Beauty From the Inside Out: That's it.™ Fruit Bars REVIEW

Fotolia REVIEW & Giveaway!

MayaWater Facial Mist (Organic White Tea) REVIEW

~April & May Beauty Product Favorites~

VLUX Cosmetics Lipgloss REVIEW & Giveaway!!

Eve Pearl Magic Salmon Concealer REVIEW

~February & March Beauty Product Favorites~

REVLON Precision Lash Adhesive REVIEW

PT BWS Purbalingga False Lash Manufacturer REVIEW

DuWop Crush Heavy Metal Metallic Eyeshadow Trio in 18 Carat REVIEW & Swatches

Stylish Blogger Award & 7 Things About Me!

KKCenterHK False Lash REVIEW

~December & January Beauty Product Favorites~

Crown Brush 15 Piece Professional Set w/ Designer Case REVIEW

~My Twelve Days of Christmas Giftaway~

Minerals Mate REVIEW

~October & November Beauty Product Favorites~