Merry Christmas!

Hello my lovelies! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad and Bom Natal!

Stay beautiful!

Nikki

Before and After Hair

The difference a hair cut makes. Especially when it's done by someone who works so naturally on hair like Tree Vaello. I met Tree at a braid bar at a beauty event in Neiman Marcus and I think we immediately clicked because she is pure positive energy and happiness, bottled up and ready to go!

This is the braid I got from Tree at the beauty event. I think it took her 5 minutes!

She will make you laugh, keep the conversation lively but most importantly: your hair will look amazing! Check out the big difference with the subtle cut she gave me.

Thank you Tree!

Dear Teacher: I'm sorry for being a beauty junkie

I never struggle with college and I'm that rare breed of student that highly enjoys giving out a presentation in front of the class: I practice beforehand, I get giddy and full of adrenaline because I enjoy it so much. And shouldn't everybody?

So, when I got a "B" this semester I totally flipped. I looked for my professor immediately because I desperately needed to know why after being an enthusiastic presenter, turning in all my assignments and excelling in my last portfolio I got such undeserving grade (I am getting a degree in a Digital Photography Specialization).

When the professor gives me an answer I am in utter shock and awe, " "You got a "B" because you're always putting make-up on in my class and that is so rude." I think to myself: that is so unfair, considering I don't apply my make-up chanting or giving my less beauty savvy classmates tips.

Worst words after that: "You are an "A" student, you do "A" work but even if you have the best photos and work in the class, you get a "B".

I'll be honest: I have no clue how one thing affects another because they don't. I never compromised the quality of my work with a little bit of corrective make-up application at 9:00am.

As of right now, I'm writing a letter to my teacher apologizing for being a beauty junkie.

My Philosophy: Love Your Face!

Philosophy brand has by far the cutest and best feel-good thoughts on their prepackaged gifts like their 3-in-1 body washes, shower gels, and shampoos for all your girlfriends this year but, did you know they also have an amazing oxygen peel for your face?

I had an appointment at a Philosophy event and am blown away but how radiant and soft my skin feels after this 5 minute facial which started with their uber-delicious Purity facewash (a spa in a bottle like Philosophy consultant Jennifer Martinez described it)!
I had never tried Philosophy skincare products in the past so I was surprised about how gentle yet brightening this oxygen peel was.

I'll keep you all updated on how my skin does during a 10 week oxygen peel treatment which will get rid of dark spots, brighten my skin and basically make me look younger!

High End Beauty at a Wholesale Price

Andrea Pomerantz-Lustig (beauty editor at Glamour mag) recently talked about getting quality products at places like COSTCO and Sam's. I couldn't resist (it sounded like an urban myth!) and went on the hunt and found products from Philosophy, Moroccan Argan Oil from Organix, Cinique and Bliss!

So maybe they won't have the cute packaging like at the department store but you will pay a fraction of the cost for more product! They also make for great stocking stuffers and gifts.

Pantone 2013 Color Revealed

PANTONE has named the official color of 2013: Emerald!


Photo: SEPHORA

Cocktailing (Part I)

Cocktailing (verb) The act of mixing cosmetics to create exciting, customized beauty products.

On a recent visit to an Estee Lauder counter my eyes were tired from staying up late the night before (blame it on SANTACON!). They offer Signature Services (free mini make-overs on the spot!). One of them is a Fatigue Fighter for eyes. At the end of the service my eyes looked rested, brighter and just much better!

DD, the consultant explained everything she was doing step by step. (Apply concealer after applying foundation, you will apply less concealer if you do it in this order.)

1) Using the Cooling Eye Illuminator' s (an awesome depuffing and highlighting creation) unique ergonomic applicator, apply around both eyes. Avoid your tear ducts and the inside of your eyes. (Tip: Don't overdo it with the amount of product. The cooling applicator feels so nice and cold under eyes though, this you can overdo!)

2) Next, put two pearl size amounts of the Cooling Eye illuminator and same amounts for the Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concelear on the front part of your hand and mix!

3) Using a concealer brush, dab this concoction around all your eye area. Don't be scared to extend this over your upper cheek and side of your nose. Just remember to blend it well into your skin. You don't have to use all the product mixed on your hand, use what you need.

4) Using a big powder brush, seal with mineral or translucent powder. Avoid using pressed powder because it may come on too heavy and make your eyes look wrinkly.

There! Our first lesson of cocktailing and beautiful eyes!

QUICK TIP!

Often times when you rub serum or a defrizzing oil on your hair you're left with greasy hands. Don't wash your hands! Rub your elbows with the remaining product and moisturize those often neglected rough spots.

QUICK TIP

Wash your make-up brushes once every 2 or 3 weeks to make them last longer and eliminate any icky, germy residue caused by cosmetics residue. Use a little bit of shampoo or brush cleaner (bareMinerals has a good one) under warm, running water and very important: lay flat to dry (on a double layer of paper towel) while giving them back their shape.

Brushes: Sonia Kashuk available at Target

Gold Shatter Nails

This season is all about black and gold in fashion and make-up. Gold and black smoky eyes, black lace and gold outfits just scream the holiday seasons are here! I started this season by giving my nails a gold shatter look.

1) I buffed my nails and removed dust by washing my hands (I use sugar and body wash to create a scrub for extra soft hands!). Buffing your nails makes polish last longer.

2) I used RIMMEL London's 60 Seconds polish in Deliciously Dark as a base. I only apply one coat.

3) Then, use one coat of the OPI Gold Shatter.

4) Last, apply a quick dry top coat to maximize the life of your ultra hot fingertips!

Ta da! Beautiful and too easy not to try! Your nails will definitely be a conversation starter.

Hair Savers

Tired, thirsty hair? These are a few products I use to keep my color treated hair healthy. If your hair isn't color-treated these are still great tips to keep your hair shiny and manageable.

My Hair Savers!

Remember these easy tips:

1) Do not sleep in a ponytail, it tears your hair out and makes split ends more noticeable.

2) Give your hair a blow dryer and flat iron break! Let your strands air dry. I usually do that all week and I'll flat iron my hair on the weekend-----big difference!

3) Treat your hair to a hot oil treatment like Alberto V05 Hot Oil (I know, so old school! But it works so well!)or hair mask weekly. They usually only take 2-5 minutes in the shower so don't be lazy.

4) Untangle your hair with a wide comb brush (this one is Conair) in the shower with conditioner or outside of the shower with a leave in treatment like the L'Oreal Moroccan Oil.

5) When you do flat iron, apply a heat protect spray like No.4 Super Comb Hair & Protect focusing on the bottom half of your hair and tips.

Look at my hair looking so healthy and shiny!

My photo taken by Abraham Velasquez.

Lights, Mirror, Make-up!

My husband had been taunting me and hyping up the awesome birthday gift he had ordered for me...only it didn't arrive on my birthday or even the week after! Finally, last week, the box was on our door and I couldn't wait to rip it open.

One phrase for all of you: ultimate make-up mirror. This mirror is equipped with natural light lamps for the best make-up application. My pocket mirrors can't compete with that!

The Ott Light comes in a range of colors and patterns for you to choose from. It has a regular side and a 5x magnifying side for all of you who like to see their pores up close (not me!) or achieve a flawless smoky eyeshadow application.

Prices vary from $38.00- $80.00 on Amazon.
Thank you so much Miguel! I loved it!

Give Thanks

I hope everyone's had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. I sure have had a blast and am enormously grateful for everything that this year has brought into my life: my husband, being able to see friends I hadn't seen in a long time and the blessing of meeting new ones. I am very grateful for my health, family and all of you who read this blog. Since we're not Black Friday fans with my hubby, we've just been
enjoying quality time with friends and family on this beautiful Friday.

Check out all the delicious eats we've had in this holiday break.

Happy Holidays!

Inexpensive Holiday Make-Up

If there's someone who knows how to look expensive without breaking the bank it's Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, contribuiting beauty editor at Glamour magazine. On a live Facebook chat she had Monday, she answered my question and recommended some awesome holiday palettes and kits for the girl on the bargain who wants to look like a million bucks!

Thanks Andrea! Those are great suggestions. There you have it! Which one will you get first?

Healthy Strands

Ironing, blow drying and coloring can mess up the look of our hair this holiday season when we're all trying to look cute for all those family and company parties. Check out my live chat question on Facebook with Glamour magazine contributing beauty editor, Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, telling us about the one product that will keep hair healthy this season.

Follow her on Twitter @AndreaPLustig and on Facebook!

It was great to virtually meet you as well! I'm a huge fan of all your advice on Glamour magazine.

This is the product Andrea is talking about:

My Interview Makeup (and cute outfit!)

Last week I went to an interview for an internship I really, really want. Lucky for me, it was unusually chilly in Houston and I got to wear tights and my favorite boots. My hubby picked out the dress, I accessorized with a leopard-print berry purple scarf and my green vintage earrings (a birthday gift from my friend Michelle). My make-up was lots of mascara,black liquid liner and berry lips. What do you think?

Sensationails!

Just wanted to share this at home gel manicure kit that I got at Kroger (Yes! At the supermarket!) No dry time and it includes the LED lamp. The kit brings one shade but they have a variety of colors to choose from. Fast, easy, more affordable than the gel manicures at the beauty salon (kit was $44, it last for 10 uses). Of course, only drawback is you have to paint your own nails.

The Unsmearables

Nothing grosses me out more than seeing my make-up right splat on my cellphone screen. Runny eyeliner, feathery lips and transferable foundation are my nightmare. In my quest of long lasting make-up,these are my winners:

1)Kat Von D Foundation-even in the stickiest, hottest of Houston days this foundation never stayed on my cellphone.Yay!

2)MakeUp Forever Aqua Rouge-Apply the lipcolor. Let it dry. Apply the attached clear lipgloss. Sip,eat,chew,talk...your lipstick will still be there!

3)Benefit Cha Cha Tint- Crave that coral, dewy glow on your cheeks all day long? You must lighty and quickly apply this stain; 3 dots on the apple of your cheeks and rub in for a natural looking flush.

4) Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Liquid Eyeliner- Perfect liquid liner. Long lasting, won't rub or flake off not even through tears. Must use a waterproof eye make-up remover to take off though.

5) Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil- I love wearing this liner on my lower lashes because it never comes off or gives me raccoon eyes. I can wear it and forget about smearing or reapplying.

This is me reporting for HCCTV in scorching Houston weather wearing all of the products above! This is after finishing the report and my make-up was still flawless!

I'm so excited to show you THE MOST AMAZING MASCARA that transforms your gaze with a faux lash look! Can't wait to show you with a video tutorial soon (like tomorrow or Monday)!

"Beauty with a Purpose"

Meet Nicole, an Austin,Texas native and the successful creator of the Radiant Cosmetics line. She is sweet, bubbly and a self-proclaimed "eye shadow girl" and she's on a mission:

Nicole created an awesome fusion with the creation of this cosmetic line, her passion for make-up and her desire to help women who have suffered this misfortune. Unfortunately, 80% of the people being trafficked are women and girls.

Every time you buy one of their awesome gel liners, lipsticks, mineral make-up, blush (shown above) or eyeshadow,Radiant Cosmetics gives 20% of their profits to Redeemed Ministries who provide support and rehabilitation to victims of human traficking.

To learn more about human trafficking and how it not only affects women but kids and men of all walks of life, to check out their on-line shop or just donate to the cause visit their website.Some of their products are currently available at Myth & Symbol in Rice Village in Houston.

Photo of Nicole by Nicole Kestenbaum

Product Photography taken from Radiant Cosmetics website

Inside Pili's Beauty Bag!

Bilingual TV host, actress, columnist, and music lover Pili Montilla is not only multi-talented but incredibly beautiful. This boricuan beauty resides in L.A. and maintains an active and healthy life style which translates to her glowing complexion and killer bod.

Luckily for me, this past week, Pili was in Houston for the LATISM (Latinos in Social Media) convention as a speaker for the Successful Hispanic Social Media Campaigns conference. She rocked the panel sharing her experience as a social media host for Heineken's 2011 Latin Grammy's as well as her on-screen hosting gigs for Pepsi, Chrysler and Fashion's Night Out, among others.

What products make her look stunning when interviewing celebrities like Ricky Martin, Gwen Stefani, and Sofia Vergara?

Let's take a look!

(click on the photos for a larger view!)

1)Oclipse Sunscreen+Primer SPF30 by Dr.Zein Obagi2)CHANEL Face Powder3)TRUCCO Sebastian Eyebrow Kit4)MAC Lipmix (highly pigmented lip cream)5)L'Oreal True Match Foundation6)MAC Lipliner7)L'Oreal Power Volume Collagen Mascara8)Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette

We also want to know...

1) What is your night-out beauty must have?

Mascara! I have deep set eyes, so I always like to highlight them and make them pop out as much as possible.

2) Do you treat yourself to any old-fashioned beauty treatments at home?

I drink tons of water on a daily basis. I believe it's THE oldest, easiest and best beauty treatment any one could have!

3) What is one product that you've used for a long time or one that you highly recommend?

I use Dr. Zein Obagi's products and love them. His treatments are intense, so I choose to use the entire regimen on a bi-monthly basis. When I'm off the complete program, I only use his cleanser, toner and amazing primer.

Check out her website and take a look at her hosting and acting reels. Pili knows how to rock a red carpet and be super funny, now that's beauty!

Thanks for sharing Pili!

BIBI Bridal Make-up

Yesterday, I had the privilege to do the models's make-up for the 19th Annual BIBI Bridal Show at the Sugar Land Town Square Marriott Hotel. This event is unique because as a South Asian show, you will not witness the white, lace or pouffy bridal attire you're used to seeing. Rather, colors like green, red and orange are the perfect hues for the South Asian bride. The models were an international crew from Colombia, Persia, India, and Mexico. I love Houston's diversity! All the girls were stunners!

Even though I did not get to stay for the actual fashion show ( I had a date with the Houston Contemporary Art Fair ) I had so much fun doing the make-up for these lovely ladies. The look for that day was kohl-rimmed eyes and red lips.

Models from left to right: Jakaline, Afrouz and Neha (click on the photos for a larger view)

Persian model Afrouz shows me her finished look

This is a photo from last year's BIBI Bridal Show:

Products I used:

1) Urban Decay All Nighter (make-up setting spray)

2) TOKI DOKI Pittura Brush Set (cute, statement-making and great quality brushes)

Mozzarella Eyeshadow Brush,Adios Amigos Crease Brush,Donutella Angled Eyeliner Brush

3) L'Oreal liquid liner in Black Mica (so easy to apply, long-lasting, and inexpensive)

4) Revlon Color Correcting Primer

Check out BIBI Bridal Magazine's website or their Facebook page and stay tuned for their next bridal fashion show!

Last but not least, thanks to Elvia, from BIBI magazine, for contacting me to do the models's makeup for the fashion show.

BIBI 18th Bridal Show Photo Credit: My Block Media 11

Lady in Red...Lipstick

Red is the color of fire, love, passion and it makes lips look oh-so-sexy!These are three formulas I've found that are versatile and fit different needs. Take your pick!

I tried this lip stain and fell in love with the non-sticky,non-transferable,just bitten color that it gives your lips. My fave stain color is Beauty Queen. Find it here.

This is a lipstick I've bought over and over. It's matte, long lasting and highly pigmented. This particular color is Revlon Matte Really Red (number 006) Remember to use a good waterproof lip liner to prevent feathering and bleeding of color.

This particular lipstick is really a cream that goes on like matte lipstick but its also moisturizing and super soft, a contradiction in itself. Can't wait to get my hands on all of their shades. Their sultry red is called Amsterdam which I initially saw on beautiful fashion blogger Julia Engel (Check out her blog, you're going to love her!).