High-End Beauty Kit - Gift Ideas for Christmas

Here's my list of the best high end makeup products for Christmas beauty gift ideas. Hope you like them!


BEST FOUNDATIONS

Light /Sheer coverage: Chanel Vitalumiére Aqua (Liquid)

Medium coverage: Make Up Forever HD (Liquid)

Full coverage: MAC Full Coverage (Cream)
                      Estée Lauder Double Wear (Liquid)


BEST PRIMERS

Eye primers: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Face primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (Light)


BEST CONCEALERS

Spot Concealing: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, Make UP Forever 5 Camouflage Cream Palette, MAC Studio Finish Concealer

Under Eye Concealers: Bobbi Brown Corrector, Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer, Clinique Airbrush


BEST POWDERS

Mineral Powder: MAC Mineralize SkinFinish Natural

Powder + Foundation: MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

Loose Powder: Nars Loose Powder

BEST BLUSHES

Powder blushes: Nars blushes, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blushes, Chanel Joues Contraste blushes, MAC blushes

Cream blushes: Make Up Forever HD Blush, Ben Nye Cream Rouge, Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge

BEST BRONZERS

Powder bronzers: Kevin Aucoin Sculpting Powder, MAC Bronzer, Bobbi Brown Bronzer

Cream bronzer: Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate

BEST HIGHLIGHTERS

Cream highlighters: BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector (Pearl), MAC Cream Color Base (Shell)

Powder highlighters: MAC Iridescent Loose Power (Silver Dusk), Mineralize Skin Finish

BEST EYESHADOW BRANDS

Best eyeshadows from MAC, Make Up Forever, Dior, Bobbi Brown, Urban Decay (Naked Palette)

Best cream eyeshadows: Make Up Forever Aqua Creams, Chanel Illusion D'Ombre

BEST EYE PENCILS / LINERS

Best pencils: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencils, MAC Eye Pencils

Best gel liners: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, MAC Fluidline (Blacktrack)

BEST MASCARAS  (I actually prefer drugstore ones)

Best mascaras: Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara, Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara, Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara

BEST LIPSTICKS

Best lipsticks: Chanel Rouge Coco, MAC lipsticks, YSL lipsticks, Bobbi Brown lipsticks, Armani Rouge   D'Armani

BEST LIPGLOSSES

Best lipglosses: MAC Dazzleglass lipglosses, Nars Lip Glosses, Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lipglosses

Links: shop.nordstrom.com, sephora.com, allcosmeticswholesale, debenhams UK, MAC, makeupforever, urbandecay, Nars EU, bobbi brown, Chanel, eve pearl, eyeko

Drugstore Beauty Kit - Best Drugstore Buys for Christmas

I love surprising my loved ones with personalized beauty gifts. I think it's so easy and convenient going to a drugstore and picking out some great products and then putting together a makeup kit for someone special. 

I listed below the best drugstore products in my opinion which might be of your interest when you are wondering about the drugstores in the holiday season.

BEST FOUNDATIONS & CONCEALERS

Medium Coverage Foundations: L'oréal True Match, Neutrogena Healthy Skin, Bourjois Healthy Mix

Full Coverage Foundations: Revlon ColorStay

Concealers: Revlon PhotoReady (Stick), Maybelline Fit Me


BEST PRESSED POWDERS

Powders: Covergirl TRUblend, Physicians Formula Mineral Wear, L'oréal True Match

BEST BLUSHES

Blushes: ELF Contouring Blush&Bronzing Powder Palette, Milani Baked Blush, Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush, Sleek Blushes, NYX Blushes

BEST BRONZERS

Bronzers: Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder, Rimmel Natural Bronzer, Revlon PhotoReady Bronzer (Bronzed&Chic)

BEST PRIMERS/BASES

Eye Primers: NYX HD Eyeshadow Base, Avon Eyeshadow Base, ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer, Artdeco Eyeshadow Base

Face Primer: Rimmel Fix&Perfect Pro

BEST EYESHADOWS / EYESHADOW PALETTES

Singles: Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows, L'oréal Infallible Eyeshadow, NYX Singles

Palettes: L'oréal Wear Infinité Studio Secrets, Wet n Wild Color Icon Collection, Isadora Smoky Eye Palette

BEST EYE LINERS

Liquid Liners: Wet n Wild MegaLiner (Black), Revlon ColorStay, Milani Infinite

Gel Liner: Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner

Pencils: NYX Slide-On Pencil, Avon Supershock Gel Eyeliner (Black)

BEST MASCARAS

Mascaras: L'oréal Volume Million Lashes (Extra Black), L'oréal Voluminous Carbon Black, Maybelline Colossal, Max Factor False Lash Effect, Max Factor 2000 Calorie

BEST LIPSTICKS & LIPGLOSSES

Lipsticks: Revlon Super Lustrous, Rimmel Kate  Moss Collection

Lipglosses: Bourjois 3D Effect, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss, NYX Megashine

Lipliners: Jordana Lipliner Pencil, Essence

Almost all of the products displayed can be found in drugstores, here are some links if you want to check them out online: drugstore.com, ULTA, cherryculture, ELF US, ELF UK, ELF Hungary, Bourjois UK, Bourjois (extended countries), Isadora Global, artdeco, jordana cosmetics

ALL ABOUT BB CREAMS

What is a BB Cream?

BB Creams have been enjoying a continuing success and popularity since the day they were introduced to the Asian beauty market, then later on to the rest of the world. By now almost every makeup brand have launched their own BB Creams from high-street brands like Garnier, L'oréal, Maybelline to high-end ones such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, Bobbi Brown and Dior.

BB can stand for blemish balm/beauty balm/beblesh balm, originating from Germany, where dermatologists originally used them to heal scars on patients who went under laser surgery. 
BB Creams were first popular in Asia that's one reason why most creams come in only light shades; Asian women have rather fair complexions. 

Why are they so special?

BB Creams are multifunctional creams which work as moisturizers, offer coverage, conceal spots, brighten the skin, have UV protection, and some include skincare and anti-aging properties. Basically, what the labels claim is that a BB Cream is a moisturizer, a foundation and a concealer all in one. 

Obviously, no BB cream is able to live up to such expectations because we all know these are different formulas and textures, and a moisturizer cannot replace a foundation or a concealer. 

How can we define a BB Cream then? Foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer??

I'd define BB Creams as tinted moisturizers that even out the skintone and contain SPF. 
No BB Cream will give you as high coverage as a foundation does, instead provides a light coverage to cover uneven skin tone and redness. Do not expect a BB Cream to cover spots and blemishes because creme concealers work best for that, while most BB Creams are liquid formulas. Due to their beneficial skincare ingredients they work great as moisturizers. 

What are the pros and cons?

They are definitely outweigh regular moisturizers because they cover, protect and moisturize at the same time. Those people who don't want to wear foundation every day but would still like some coverage, a BB Cream is a great base.

Depending on the brand they tend to be less expensive than regular foundations.

However, due to their initial target being the Asian market, they usually come in either one, two or three shades: light/fair, medium/normal, dark. The universal shades won't fit everyone individually; therefore, it's not easy to find the perfect shade. 

Also, most companies don't offer BB creams for different skin types, so always make sure you choose the one that suits your skin type.

It is still a formula under development and definitely needs improvement. Companies are constantly trying to come up with improved formulas, more shades and skin-specific qualities (for dry, oily, mature skin).

How to use them and which ones are worth the hype?

You apply them the same way as you apply foundation: with fingers or brushes.

The most popular ones are the Asian ones (especially Korean ones) which are both makeup and skincare products: they are enriched with fabulous skincare ingredients and tend to have a higher coverage level.

In my personal opinion the best one for fair/light skintone is Hot PinkSuper Plus Beblesh Balm by Skin79. Interestingly, it has a grey undertone but when applied it oxidizes and adopts your skin color. It has beneficial skincare ingredients and really make my skin feel soft and hydrated. It has a medium coverage level that evens out my skin really well, while being very long-lasting. 

I'm honestly not a big fan of the European drugstore ones, but Maybelline's Dream Fresh, Sleek Be Beautiful Blemish balm, No7 Beautiful Skin are among the popular ones. Missha, another Korean brand is also very popular.

Links:

skin79 north america

the bb cream shop (international)

Hungarian link

Pimples and Pillows

This is a quick acne prevention tip. Have you ever experienced that on certain days you find a lot more pimples on your face than usual? Even if you don't have acne-prone skin, you can be targeted by dirty pillows!

It is very important to wash your pillowcase regularly, as well as your face towels and basically anything that comes into contact with your skin. The dirt from your hair and the bacteria that sits on your skin - if you don't cleanse well, gets stuck on your pillow; therefore, promoting skin infections such as acne. 

From personal experience, I can tell that clean linen promotes a clean face.

Also remember to always remove your makeup and cleanse your skin thoroughly every night. You can use any cleanser of your choice, but once a week include a face exfoliator as well to really deep cleanse your skin.

SAY NO TO DRY & CHAPPED LIPS

As soon as winter arrived in my part of the world, I had to face with a big lip problem due to the cold temperatures . My lips got incredibly dry, chappy, red, and very sore. My lips are naturally very dry, so I'm used to putting on some hydrating balm on a regular basis, however, now I needed some extra lip care.

Lip balms won't probably work...

what needs to be mentioned about lips is that you lose more moisture through the lips than through any other part of the body. When you have very dry and sore lips, ordinary lip balms won't work. Also, lip balms has a very addictive nature; any lip balm containing eucalyptus, camphor, menthol, and alcohol can make you become addicted to re-applying it over and over again. Some lip balms are also known to dry the lips instead of moisturising them. 

Body Shop Lip Butter

Atomic Garden Organic Lip Balm

I personally prefer organic lip balms because they contain natural  extracts that help seal in moisture; the key ingredients you need to look for in a good lip balm are beeswax, hempseed, coco butter, shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba, petroleum, and vitamin E.

How to treat extremely dry and sore lips?

Organic & unrefined shea butter or vaseline works wonders on chapped and extremely dry lips. Coconut oil is also fabulous! These all have very natural, hydrating properties and worked really well on my dry and sore lips. Make sure you really work these goodies into your lips! You can use them as regular lip balms as well.

Alaffia Handcrafted Shea Butter $8.95

Walmart Vaseline $3.24

Trader Joe's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil $5.99

Hun links:

Body shop ajakápolás

shea vaj

kókuszolaj

vazelin - gyógyszertárban

How to prevent lipstick from smudging, instead making it last all day??

There are different techniques to achieve a smudge proof application of a lipstick but obviously highly-pigmented lipsticks will do the trick. 

OCC Lip Tars

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics is most famous for their lip tars - created by David Klasfield, which are these small tubes of lipsticks (10 ml) which have a gloss like consistency, but they dry as a lipstick. 

They are incredibly pigmented, so you only need to use a tiny bit of the product which is good because they sell for $16 but they will last you a long time. 

They are very long-lasting and come in a wide variety of colors. This is the type of lipstick that when you look at the color in the tube, the color will translate exactly when you apply it to the lips. 

You can always add some gloss on top if you're not a fan of matte lips. They actually came out with a metallic lip tar collection also.  You can also mix and create your own colors.

Also, OCC is a vegan company; therefore, their liptars are 100% vegan and cruelty-free and contain hemp oil, peppermint and vitamin E as well.

This shade is Marion which is a true nude color. I love it!

You do need to apply the lip tars with a lip brush due to the glossy texture, but OCC includes a small lip brush when you purchase a lip tar. This is not the best lip brush on the market, it's a little too small, but works really nice.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

Cocktail Cosmetics

High End Lipsticks vs Drugstore Lipsticks

I do want to tell you that NO LIPSTICK will ever last you all day, because you move your mouth constantly for various reasons. A lipstick usually lasts about an hour or two, if applied the right way even 4-5 hours. 

High end lipsticks (MAC $16, Bobbi Brown  $24, Chanel $32.50) contain much more pigment than the regular drugstore ones (Revlon $9); therefore, the color payoff and durability is much better. The colors are more intense with high end lipsticks that's why you need to use less of them, while the drugstore ones need to be re-applied over and over again. 

However, you can make a drugstore lipstick stay on much longer if you apply it the right way. 

STEP 1

Prime the lips with a lip primer or with some lip balm. Let it dry. You can also put some concealer on and around the edges of your lips to create a base and barrier for the lipstick.

STEP 2

The best and most precise application is done with a lip brush. First work the lipstick really well into the lips. Basically, you want to create a stain of the color on your lips. You can achieve this by using a lip pencil as well. Just work it in really well, but do not use too much product on the lips.

STEP 3

Blot your lips with a tissue, and apply a second coat of lipstick. This time you can work with the shape and create the finished look. This step can be done all over again, you can blot again and apply another coat. 

STEP 4

Add some lipgloss if want a glossier finish. Then pat some eyeshadow (in a similar color) or regular powder on the lips to give it extra stain power. 

6 USES OF BAKING SODA 

Everybody is aware of the benefits of baking soda when it comes to cleaning and baking; however, this inexpensive product does wonders for our bodies too.


For acne and blemish treatment

Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with half a teaspoon of lemon juice and apply it straight on your blemishes. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then remove it with water. Both ingredients are great cleansers and disinfectants, so they will help healing and eventually vanishing those unwanted spots.

Pore cleansing and tightening

Put a tablespoon of baking soda into a bowl and add one and a half tablespoon of water to it until it becomes a white paste. Do not make it too thick though. Apply it on your face, it will cleanse and tighten your pores. Do not use this mask more than once a week, because baking soda if over-used can dry your skin.

Exfoliation and cleansing

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a little water. Dip a cotton pad into this paste, then scrub your face with it. Leave it on for 5 minutes, then wash your face. Your skin will feel smooth, soft and refreshed as baking soda removes the dirt from your skin as well.

Shampoo additive

Add a tiny bit of baking soda each time you shampoo your hair. It will help remove the dirt from your hair as well as the chemical buildup from hair products such as conditioners and sprays.

Refreshing Bath Salt

When you are having a bath, add 8 tablespoons of baking soda to your bathwater. It will soften and exfoliate your skin and if needed relieve skin irritations.

Teeth whitening

Add a teaspoon of baking soda into a bowl and add the same amount of water to it. Then dip your toothbrush into this paste to soak up the product, then brush your teeth as regular. Afterwards, rinse your mouth with warm water. Do this everyday or every other day for 2 weeks and you should experience some positive changes.

Coconut Oil is AMAZING!!!

It truly is! Though it had always been common to appear in tropical areas, people come to learn more and more about the wonders of this versatile product! Coconut oil has deep moisturizing, nourishing, anti-aging, and antibiotic properties.

Hair Care Benefits

- the most natural deep conditioner for all hair types
- nourishes, moisturizes, and softens hair like no other
- adds a natural shine to the hair
- promotes hair growth
- great for anti-dandruff treatment
- helps damaged or very dry hair

Coconut oil can be used weekly as a deep hair conditioner, as well as, applied as a repairing hair mask occasionally.

Skin Care Benefits

- the best moisturizer for the face and for the whole body
- great when used as a lip balm
- helps with acne problems
- prevents wrinkles
- natural makeup remover
- great alternative for a shaving cream
-strengthens nails and moisturizes the cuticle

Use it as a regular moisturizer or a lotion on the desired areas.

Diet / Health Benefits

- promotes weight loss (increases HDL cholesterol)
- boosts metabolism
- supports the immune system
- stops cravings for sweets
-eases digestion
-great relief for high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems

Replace your regular cooking oil with coconut oil which melts real fast and adds a nice flavour to any dish. It also can replace butter as a spread on your sandwiches. 
Coconut oil also comes in a powder form as well which is great for smoothies.



Coconut oil can be purchased from health food stores, grocery stores, supermarkets and also online.

Limited Edition Favourites

Urban Decay 15th Year Anniversary Eyeshadow Palette - highly-pigmented, fantastic quality of eyeshadows, apart from a matte black and a navy blue all of the eyeshadows are shimmery. It includes neutral colors, highlight colors, pinks and purples and a gorgeous metalic grey shade. 

The colors are Midnight Rodeo, Midnight 15, Vanilla, Flow, Chase

                       Tainted, Junkshow, Omen, Evidence (matte), Deep End

                       Deeper, M.I.A., Ace, Blackout (matte), Half Truth

My most used colors are:

Fortunately, some of the eyeshadows are still available in singles: Midnight Rodeo, Vanilla, Chase, Omen, Evidence, Deep End, Blackout. 

I would definitely recommend getting Chase (gorgeous bright golden-bronze), Omen (bright metalic purple with blue shift), Evidence (matte deep navy blue).

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Still available!!!! the third Naked palette that includes 6 basic, all-matte shades. You really have the absolute basics in this travel-friendly, sleek palette. Great palette for every day looks.

The colors are Venus, Foxy, Walk of Shame, Naked2, Faint, Crave (deep brown-black)

Foxy and Faint are also available in singles.


theBalm Cosmetics Balm Jovi Rockstar Face Palette - comes in the cuttest packaging which includes 12 great high quality matte, shimmery and mettalic eyeshadows, as well as a luminizer, a pinky blush and two lipglossses/cheek colors. Such a cool and fun palette with a great combo of colors!

Bobbi Brown 20th Anniversary Lip Palette - includes 20 Bobbi Brown lipsticks from nudes, pinks, corals, peaches to plums and reds. Unfortunately it's no longer available, however, you can still find similar colors in the current lines. These lipstick are richly pigmented, creamy, and long-lasting all with matte finishes. 

The 10 colors you see on the top were the original lipsticks that Bobbi Brown first launched; these are mostly browns, nudes and reds. There's a salmon color and also a pink.

Below you can see 10 more modern, more colorful lipcolors that were part of the lipstick range. There's a lot of pinks, plums, corals and a bright red.


My favourites from the palette are:

I also LOVE Salmon but I'd run out of that color already, so I can't give you a swatch!


Some similar colors currently available are: 

1) Raisin  2) Desert Plum (Bobbi's Essentials Line)

3) Calypso 4) Pink Lilly 5) Red Carpet (Creamy Matte Lip Color Line)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette, Bobbi Brown lipsticks

Castor Oil Natural Hair Mask

During the week I'm quite busy with work and things, so apart from conditioner sprays I don't really do much with my hair. However, at least once a month I tend to use hair masks which make up for my lack of hair care on the weekdays.

My favourite homemade hair mask of all time is the CASTOR OIL HAIR MASK which makes my hair super soft, very nourished, shiny, and adds a silky touch to it. 

What you need for the mask:   

1)  castor oil  (can be purchased from pharmacies, beauty/health supply store)

Wallmart Castor Oil

2)  egg yolk  (probably not hard to find :))

It's a very easy mask to make. You pour about 2 tablespoons of castor oil (for long hair) into a bowl and mix it with the egg yolk, then you apply it to the hair. You shouldn't use too much of the castor oil and avoid putting any on the roots if you have oily roots to begin with. Then put a plastic wrap around your head to keep it warm. Then leave it on for 2-3 hours for your hair to really absorb all the goodies.

Castor oil (which derives from ricinus communis) has tons of benefits; its antibacterial properties  protect your hair from infections, helps with hair breakage, promotes hair growth, softens and nourishes your hair. The same benefits apply for skin care too. 

Egg yolk is a perfect conditioner as it repairs, strengthens, and moisturizes damaged hair.

Do this mask once or twice a month and you will see and feel the difference!

7+1 Essential Makeup Brushes

I realized early on how greatly makeup brushes contribute to the outcome of my makeup looks. To achieve a beautiful makeup look it is essential to use the right tools. Think of yourself as a painter, you cannot just use one brush to finish up a picture. You might do some detail work, you might need some smudging, etc...the point is you need tools for all sorts of purposes.

I'm in love with makeup brushes!!!  I could buy a million of 'em!! haha! You can select from a wide range of makeup brushes, but you do not need to have each and every of them. Unless you're a makeup artist you only need a basic set of brushes that will help you to 'paint your own canvas' for any occasion:

Powder brush /a very soft, large fluffy brush /

-  for powder and bronzer application

AVON All Over Face Brush

Stippling brush /soft, dual-fibre brush/

- for applying (liquid) foundation, cream blush, cream highlighter, cream bronzer

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Cheek brush  /soft, dome, rounded tip brush/

- for blush and highlighter application as well as for contouring with a bronzer, or even powder application to smaller areas

OCC Vegan Small Powder/Blush brush

Angled Eyeliner brush /small brush with dense bristles cut on an angle/

- strengthen the eyebrows, applying gel liners

OCC Angle Synthetic brush

Eye Shadow brush /soft brush with rounded bristles with beveled edges/

-applying eyeshadow wet or dry onto the eyelid

MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush

Blending brush /soft, fluffy, dome brush with long bristles/

-blending eyeshadows, crease work, and buffing concealer under the eyes

MAC 217 Blending Brush

MUG Stiff Dome Brush (cheaper alternative)

Detail Brush /soft, tiny brush with dense bristles which are curved to a point/

-  for any detail work such as smudging eyeshadow under the lower lashes, highlighting in the tear dot, as well as gel liner application, lip lining, and concealing small blemishes

MUG Eyeliner Smudge brush

+ Eyelash curler  

(this is not a brush, but a must have makeup tool for fabulous eyelashes)

ELF Eyelash Curler