Innocence, Beware!

It's here!!! and I'm so excited because I have been wanting this lipstick by MAC since the day I found out this line was coming out.  I am a sucker for nudes, pinks, and peaches so I knew I'd love this one.  The packaging isn't bad either, although that wouldn't matter.  How cute is this?

You can see Cruella De Vil a lot better in this next shot.  

I wish I would have gotten a back up of this same shade .. oh well.  

Is there an item in this collection that you are loving?

-Hizles

Taco Tuesday!!

I realize I am doing this post on a Wednesday but this is what I did yesterday ...

Last night I thought I would put a little more effort into Taco Tuesday night and this is what I came up with ….

I read DulceCandy’s blog last week where she posted her recipe for her favorite tacos, al pastor tacos.   Those tacos looked so good and it have been a very long time since I’d had some that I couldn’t resist.  Instead of adding a green sauce, like she did, I added a red sauce to my tacos, they were amazing.  I tweaked the recipe slightly but followed her instructions on cooking method.  These tacos will be made on another Taco Tuesday night. Yuummmm!  Do you have a special food dinner night?

-Hizles  

Doped by a Dupe

While out today at my local drug store I came across this beautiful grey nail polish.

There he was sitting all alone next to the Halloween makeup and promotional items.  I thought to myself how cute it would look on my toesies now that it’s officially fall.  As I stood in line waiting to pay I looked at my new found treasure and thought I had something similar already but quickly talked myself out of it noting it had to be a shade lighter (or darker).  Once I got home I fetched my bin full of nail polishes and found this …

I could have kicked myself in the rear.  A dupe doped me.  One was $8 USD while the other was $2.99 USD.  Take a guess, which was more expensive?  The best part of it is that I prefer the Revlon shade; it looks so much better once swatched than the OPI.  True they are slightly different ... OPIs Sheer Your Toys looks a little more on the purple side, while Revlon's Silver is more of a grey.  

I’ve wanted to try the Grey Suede by Revlon but have had no luck finding it.  

It’s also a little more on the brownish side but I’d still like to give it a go.  Don't forget to apply a base and top coat for longer lasting color and to get your polish's true color.

-Hizles

YOU COMPLETE ME ...

I cannot believe I forgot to mention my most favorite beauty product.  Must be because I use this every single day since I bought it that it’s just like putting on my contacts … an absolute necessity!  So I purchased this along with the DayWear Moisturizer and boy do I love it.  If you have combination skin, especially a T-Zone with sebum, you will know what I am talking about when I say that your pores are just big.  Plain and simple - Idealist.  No matter how much primer I use it still shows those pores.  I’d wanted to get this item for some time now but wasted money on other things hoping that it would be just as good.  There is just no replacing this.  Sorry, if you know of anything that is just as good for less, please share.  One pump of this and it’s all I need.  Like I said, I have combo skin so I focus more on those areas where my pores just look bigger and do see a difference.  My main focus is my gonzo. 

Is there any item you’ve got that is a staple in your beauty skin regimen?

First Day of fall

It’s hard to believe that with this beautiful weather we had today it was actually the first day of fall.  Hopefully in saying that tomorrow won’t be raining.  I suppose I should start looking at a fall wardrobe rather then wearing my summer gear and flip-flops for the next few months.  It will be interesting to see what the locals wear during the harvest season especially since there is no sign of the weather cooling down.  I can’t wait to start wearing boots, long sleeves, scarves and hats. 

As I mentioned in my last post, this past week was very busy in preparation of my guests arrival and though out their stay.  During this time I did very little, if anything, to my make-up look.  Just days before I headed over to my local Macy’s and took advantage of their gift with purchase deal and got my hands on Estee Lauder’s DayWear Tinted Moisturizer.  I was surprised to find that there is only one color for all skin tones.  The product out of the tube is a pasty green tone that blends seamlessly into the skin leaving no traces of the green tint.  Since I have some rosy areas in my skin (around the nose and mouth) I find that it neutralizes my skin tone and gives me a slightly more even complexion.  Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t perform miracles, nor am I saying it hides my freckles … it just evens out my skin without looking caked on or greasy.  During this past week I have been using this along with Double Wear powder, also by Estee Lauder (my shade is Shell Beige).  My skin gets use to certain products after constant use and I like to switch it up, alternating is probably a better word for it.  At the moment this is working for those days I need to put it on, powder, define my brows, curl my lashes, then mascara, apply a little bit of blush, and finish off with a soft color lipstick – just to head out the door.  All this and it only takes me 5 minutes.  On days I want to spend a little more time dolling myself up I will apply foundation and a bit of eyeliner.  For the most part I enjoy keeping it easy and letting my imperfections show, it makes it so much easier at night when I’m washing it all off.  The sooner it’s off, the sooner I can get in bed. 

A friend of mine recently reminded me of our younger years when we’d party late and come home and couldn’t wait to hit the pillow.  My friends would always fall asleep with their make-up on, except for me, I was too afraid of wrinkles and all the yucky stuff that would end up on my pillow.  YUK! So no matter how tired or how many cocktails I might have had, I make it A MUST to take off all my makeup before bed.  This rules is still practiced and it’s a darn good one J

Before I say good-bye and hit the pillow, I want to share this picture.  This is me getting some TLC from my little person.  Awwwwwwww.  I even got the Spiderman band-aid, that’s love!  My little person was so worried and insisted that I take care of my cut inflicted by my four-legged friend ….  It’s the little things ….

-Hizles

I'm Back!

So this past week I had guests which is why I was unable to post anything.  My family came by to pay us a visit and as any host would do, I showed them around.  We had a couple trips to the beach ... thank goodness the sun was out and they had a chance to experience what most days are like here in Florida.  Some did better than others when it came to the humidity but all in all they had a good time.  They headed back home a few shades darker and dehydrated I'm sure.  We had a few nights (and days) of drinking, not to mention the ones we had at home ... ha ha ha haha!  

Now I miss them terribly :(  just as I was getting use to having them back home now it's like I've taken a step backwards.  But fortunately I can pick up a phone and always hear their voice.  

-Hizles

Beach Day

I wanted to share my weekend pics ... I had such a relaxing weekend.  Can't you tell?  This was my view for the afternoon.

I'm not sure what this person was thinking on the boat ...

And this is a picture of me ...

Hope your weekend was just as great!

-Hizles

Retail Therapy **ON A BUDGET**

This week has been a bit stressful for me so I thought I would take it to the shops to relieve some anxiety – I do not recommend anyone using shopping as an outlet and spending all your hard earn money – which is why I did it on a budget. 

Without getting into the reason for my stress, I will just say that I forgot how much work it takes to work, especially when it's for free.

So let’s move on to the two treats I got ….

Being that Fall is soon upon us I thought I would get my feet use to being covered and get these grey semi-flats.  Notice how they are not fully flat?  I tried them on with a pair of jeans and they looked so cute.  They made me look so girly!

Then the next item was this handbag … I love how comfy and light this bag is, and check out those studs.  I am definitely going through a stud period, not too long ago I purchased a really cute pair of  shoes with studs too.  Back to the bag, all my junk fits in it lovely.

What I loved most about my purchase was that it all ran me under $100 bucks … YAY! FOR T.J. MAXX!

-Hizles

Brows Update

A few days ago I mentioned that I had purchased Anastasia’s Brow pencil at Sephora and because I have used that brand before I was sure it would not disappoint.  Boy was I wrong!  To get the color on to my brow I had to do a lot of tugging to the already sensitive area and the brush was so hard and stiff hard.  So very disappointed with that product but I have to say I am back to my Anastasia Brow Powder in Brunette, the wax pencil does help tame those bad boys down though, so I am still happy there.  Fortunately Sephora takes back items if you are not satisfied, I wish Target would do the same. 

Here is a picture of my brows and how I shape them.  Like my catty eye?

When I want to change it up or try something different, I use the Anastasia powder with the MAC brow set in Mink.  Sadly enough MAC only had that shade for a limited time but when they come out with the brow set in Mink again, I will be sure to stock up. 

- Hizles

Moroccan Argan Oil

So I have been seeing Moroccan Oil being used by many beauty gurus on TV and Online and thought I would give it a shot being that my hair has dry ends due to years of dying, bleaching and just damaging my hair with heat.  I realize I might be late to the game with this products but I had not bought into the hype until now.  For the past month I have been using coconut oil and it seems to be doing the job but I am always on the hunt for the next best thing.  At the moment I am trying to let my hair grow long, extensions are just not an option … have you seen the balding that it’s caused women who obsess over extensions, NO THANKS! My hair is mid-way down my back and with an every 3-month trim it seems to be stuck and not growing any more than where it is now.  Now I understand this oil is not going to make my strands grow any longer but I hope it will reduce my morning blow drying time and also have it appear less dry - hence the purchase of Argan Oil. 

I happen to be at a Sally’s this week and thought I would give this oil a try since so many have raved about its wonders.  Keep in mind that my 3 fl oz. bottle was a little under $10, no, I did not spend the money on the $30+ brands … I’m not 100% sold on this yet.  As soon as I opened the bottle I could tell it had quite a distinct scent … very woodsy.  The brand that I purchased was One‘n Only and it looks like this …

I think I will put this on my hair tomorrow after washing it to see if in fact it does reduce the amount of time drying my hair.  If not, I will be going back to my coconut oil. 

Has anyone tried the Moroccan Oil or Argan Oil?  What brands and did you like it?

-Hizles

Must-have brushes and Nail love

Hi All!  I wanted to share with you my favorite foundation brush when applying it on my face.  Weather I am using a stick foundation, fluid foundation, crème foundation or even powder foundation, this is my favorite type of brush and gives me that airbrush finish - MAC's 183.  I’ve tried MAC’s 187 but find it to leaves streaks on my face, not a good look.  If that brush works for you, great! But if you’re looking for something different or just want to give a brush like this a try then these are my two favorites.  I have tried many and will probably try anything new but I always find myself going back to these two.  They have both been used for my foundation application lately which is why they have color ;)

Notice how they both have flat tops.  The Kirkland one was purchased at Costco and came with a set of other brushes, don’t be fooled by the white bristles, they all the same length … it’s more of white tip on the black bristles.

As for my primer, I have been using L’Oreal’s Studio Secrets Primer.  It gives me a great base and preps my skin for foundation.

Now for my favorite nail polish at the moment - Revlon's Plum Seduction.  I am also sporting this color on my fingers and toes now.  Don’t mind my sloppy attempt to polish my finger nails, I was in a rush and needed to be out the door.  Enjoy and I hope everyone had a wonder long weekend.

-HIZLES

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend is finally here and marks the ending of summer, for me at least.  When I was a kid I remember thinking that once Labor Day was here that meant school was not far away.  Summer is at its end and school starts for many, if not already.  Being that this will be my first Fall here in Florida I can’t wait for this heat to be over with.  Today this is what my car read (that's right, 99 degrees, right after I took the picture it went up to 100) …

I kicked off my long holiday weekend with Season 2 of Jersey Shore.  Since I DVR all of my shows and watch them all at once I have a few hours, sometimes days to get up to date. 

You can clearly see that there was no cleaning done on this day.

Lastly, I just found a lizard inside my house .. the pleasures of living where people vacation.  The best part is that it is still out lose … blagh!

-Hizles

Happy mornings are here again!

I wasn’t planning to blog about this but I couldn’t resist.  Do you find yourself sometimes at the store wondering what some of the gadgets you see are used for?  Well, I’ve seen this item many times but always thought it was part of a much bigger machine.  It was only until I watched someone online using this fine piece that the light bulb went on in my head.  Ah ha! Coffee for one!  Personally I hate instant coffee and because I am the only coffee drinker in my household I am forced to either have instant, use a French press (but who wants to pull that thing apart to clean it each time), or use the coffee machine for one cup.  Sucks!  Until I got this ….

Where have you been all my life?!!!  Yes, now I have my coffee every morning … even though I should be having more tea now that I’m sick … but this is so much easier to do and clean.  I know this may seem pointless to some of you, especially if you are not a coffee drinker, but man was I happy to have made this discovery.

Now every morning is filled with a nice cup of coffee.  My favorite coffee at the moment is Seattle’s Best, I have a weak tummy and this is just the right blend for me. 

It’s the little things that make me happy <3

Enjoy your cup o’ joe! … or tea if you’re boring … hehehehe .. kidding.

Prayers for New Zealand

Two days now and I’m still feeling sick … blaaagh.  My throat is extremely dry and no matter how much tea or water I drink I can’t shake this dry cough off.  The last time I felt like this I lost my voice for a couple of days, go figure I’d lose my voice again. 

So a bit of sad news, if you keep up with what’s going on around the world you might be aware that New Zealand suffered an earthquake earlier today.  By the coverage I’ve seen on the Internet it looks like buildings that went down were brick type older buildings.  CNN is reporting 100 people being treated for minor injuries, 2 more critical and no fatalities … click here to get the full story.  I pray for all the Kiwis living in Christchurch (and the southern island) and that they get through this tough time.  I've seen some of the pics that have been posted online and it just looks like something out of a movie.  Thankfully there have been no deaths reported.  

Now off to bed as I feel my voice starting to fade away..  nite, nite and sweet dreams.

-Hizles