I love events that are a result of my committed beauty addiction. Sephora, all I can say is: thank you for recognizing that I would rather buy make-up than anything else! The Sunday Funday event was exclusively for Sephora VIBs (Very Important Beauty Insider); the make-up paradise partnered up with recognized hair brand Bumble and Bumble for an exciting day full of mimosas,hair styling, new friends and fresh eats. Yes please!
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A day that had started gray and chilly in Houston turned into a sunny great hair day at Cutloose Salon (where I'll be going for a trim later this week)!
Perfectly styled hair, raffles, brunch and tons of Bumble and Bumble goodies to pick from made for the perfect day for this beauty junkie .
Conditioner First Shampoo Second
For fine and thin hair this trick is one I read about and just didn't trust. But, it works because it doesn't leave your hair flat and limp. The trick is to condition your hair first, shampoo second and then, I love to end with a dry shampoo for extra added volume and maybe a few of my favorite serum drops at the tips of my strands. Try to use a volumizing conditioner and shampoo (like the Dove Volume Boost line) to maximize the effect of a wild mane!
Wash Face First & Then Take Your Eye Make-Up Off
If you wear as much mascara as I do you know it might seem like it never comes off! I despise that little trace of mascara under my eyes in the morning. But, here's the trick: wash your face first with your favorite creamy or foamy cleanser. You might have to repeat a second time and then wipe your eye make-up off with your make-up remover. What happens here? You've already loosened that mascara or eyeliner that's dried on your eyes all day and the eye-makeup remover works better. Try it and tell me about it.I haven't seen a trace a mascara in the morning since doing this! ( I have to mention that I use Bifacil eye-make-up remover by Lancome, its gentle, doesn't irritate my eyes and takes off those last traces of mascara)
There's really no medicine in my medicine cabinet. There's a mess, that's for sure. I have all sorts of beauty products that need to be visible to me so I can actually use them.
I found these cool little plastic organizers at Target for $6.99 and they work like a charm. Makes my medicine cabinet look like a beauty junkie's little haven for facial masks, toners, moisturizers and peels (did you notice three of my products say 'peel'? LOL) So, get busy and clean up that mess, your face will thank you,oh-and your husband will too if he's OCD.
Stay Beautiful!
Carla Valencia is the creative editor in chief at 002houston magazine, a publication that keeps Houston updated on the hip, current and cool happenings in the city. This loving wife and mother of a gorgeous toddler always manages to look fresh-faced and fashionable. With a sneak peak inside her make-up bag, I found out her minimalistic approach towards her skin care and her self-proclaimed "lip stuff obsession."
1) Is there a certain beauty regimen or skin care line that you swear by?
It changes. But I am currently in my longest beauty relationship with La Prairie. I've never gotten as many compliments on my skin as I do now. My cleanser regimen hasn't changed since I discovered Japanese Yu-Be. I alternate washing my face with Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish and Derma Topix's 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash.
2) What is something you like to indulge in?
Massages with Kim Hamilton!
3) As the mommy of gorgeous toddler Pascual,how has your beauty routine changed?
It hasn't really! I still use all the same things and seem to have the same time I had before, except now it's more fun because usually Pascual is hanging out with me in the bathroom dancing around to Bruno Mars' 'Locked out of Heaven' while I put my face on!
4) Any beauty mishaps while growing up?
Um,yes. You've seen that Letter from the Editor picture of me from 10 years ago when my eyebrows were waxed WAY TOO THIN!
5) If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring 3 beauty essentials, what would you pick?
By Terry lip treatment, Yu-Be Foaming skin polish and LaVanilla's Vanilla/Grapefruit deodorant.
6) Is there anything beauty related that you would not try because you think it's too outrageous?
Not if I get an editorial sample! Ha! Ha!
7) Who is your beauty icon and why?
My mom, because I remember watching her get ready when I was little. She's always been so elegant and timeless. We have SUCH different tastes which is odd since I've always wanted to grow up and be just like her!Ha! Ha! We have such different skin; from our coloring, to sensitivity, etc. But she's always perfectly done. Never too much, never too little...I can't say the same for me all the time!
Carla's Beauty Choices
FACE La Prairie Extrait of Skin Caviar Firming Complex leaves my skin with the perfect texture to apply long lasting makeup.
LIPS Lip balms with super natural color - By Terry, Korres and Kiehl's
BROWS Eyelast+eyebrow brush to keep me groomed & Benefit's Instant Brow Pencil + Speed Brow to keep them in place.
COLOR Estee Lauder shimmer powder in a limited edition. I don't know what I'm going to do when it runs out! It's the perfect bronze shimmer to keep me looking sun kissed even when I'm not.
EYES Jouer eye shadow in Cappuccino
Want to keep up with Carla and 002houston?
Follow their instagrams: @valencarla & @002houston
What is the best thing that could happen to a beauty junkie/beauty blogger like me? How about a week full of beauty sampling? My oh-so wonderful boss who's been handing me a variety of make-up and skin care products to try out! I have to admit that I almost a got a mini heart attack every time she handed me a foundation, eyeshadow and lipstick to try and get a description of each. The guys at the office have also been having fun trying out lip balms and shampoos.
Here's some photos of the stuff we've been trying and loving here at the office.
Oh, by the way, have I mentioned how much I love being an intern here?
My younger brother and his bestie,Caroline, are seeing Lady Gaga tonight in concert and they are utterly psyched! She has to be their ultimate idol because last night they withstood 39 degree weather with their Snuggies and uncomfy folded chairs so they could score some special "Monster Pit" bracelets (aka Lady Gaga-esque mosh pit). This will grant them a front row view of all the action! So exciting! By the way, considering we are in Houston I hope Beyonce makes an appearance to sing with Queen Gaga herself. Almost makes me remember my concert hopping ways back in Honduras when I was a teen...
I got to have a little fun and do some make-up on Caroline inspired by Lady Gaga for the concert tonight.Doesn't she look amazing?
I used my favorite L'Oreal liquid liner pen for the eye art and a limited edition Victoria's Secret palette and mixed two colors for her lips.
Stay Beautiful!
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.
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!
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!).
