Dolce & Gabbana Make-Up Class

I love make-up and even though you might see me wearing hot pink lips or a deep plum lipstick I'm kind of scared of color on my eyes, specially if it's something I haven't used before. Let this post inspire you to wear pink and purple! This class took place at Saks and we got to pick out our make-up palette and put it on ourselves.

I highly recommend their Cleansing Oil, even for oily skin. The make-up artists told us about how this oil breaks down the oil in your skin and it really makes it feel great!
I've also been using their creamy foundation; one word: flawless and a little goes a long way.
The nail polish I got in my goody bag in "amethyst" is to die for and it stays on without chipping! Look at it here!
Have I inspired you to wear pink? I hope so!

Soft & Girly Spring Looks

Pink & Girly

Nars duo eyeshadow palette in Bouthan,NARS Eyeliner in Black Moon and NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Rue Saint Honor

Soft and Sophisticated

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Potion in Sin and the classic Urban Decay eyeshadow palette in NAKED

These are two very wearable looks that can transition from day to night. I love how Crystal (the Sephora make-up artist) managed to use the NARS palette from the new summer color collection and use my favorite color so delicately, I was so scared of using pink on my eyes! It was a first! TIP: Combine your blue and black eyeliners to make your eyes pop!

The smoky shadow/natural look was also a first and using the Urban Decay NAKED palette she created this amazing brownish smoky eye! Smoky eyes don't always have to be black. Another thing: we did not apply liner of the bottom lash line. This makes it day-friendly make-up. Add some liner to the bottom lash when you grab cocktails with your friends at night. Tip: Using the Urban Decay eyelid primer in SIN makes your shadow stick, essential for a smashing smoky eye.This primer in particular is a new discovery that I love! Both looks were created by Crystal Mateos in the Meyerland SEPHORA inside JCP. Thanks Crystal!

Stay Beautiful!

My Skin Update & Meet Your Skin Specialist

Last week I visited IOMA to get my skin analyzed and found out I had some redness in my skin and some clogged pores. This week, Jessica, the skin specialist at IOMA, along with the IOMASPHERE suggested the 4 IOMA moisturizer which soothes redness and swelling. Not only did the moisturizer tone down the redness in my skin it also made my make-up wear so much longer during the day, without retouching, even in this Houston humidity.

Me inside the IOMASPHERE, getting my face analyzed!

I also got the privilege of experiencing a facial with Jessica and my face was soft and looked brighter the day after. I had also woken up that day with a rash on the side my face, probably a reaction to some other product I was using and it completely disappeared the day after. The facial is completely non invasive and 100% relaxing; it made my skin feel hydrated and soothed.

Meet Jessica

Jessica, the skin specilist at IOMA inside Saks Fifth Avenue in the Galleria trained at the London School of Beauty and Make Up in 2009. She's also been trained by the IOMA French specialists in Houston that ensure her techniques and knowledge are of the highest standard.

She's originally from South Africa (which you will notice from her lovely accent), the home of Bio-oil(the popular and miraculous oil that helps with scars, skin problems and dryness).Her goal at IOMA with every client is to personalize a skincare treatment and regime to the specific needs and lifestyle of each individual.

Jessica's skin really glows! She uses an IOMA skincare regimen and never sleeps with her make-up on.

Jessica's current favorites:

Lipstick- MAC lipstick

Face Cleanser- Ioma Moisturizing Cleansing Milk

Hair product- My hot rollers and anything by Fekkai

Skin lotion- Ioma Youthful Moisture Cream Day and Night

Hand lotion- Ioma Cocoon Hand Cream (I keep this in my car and my husband loves it too!)

Visit the IOMA counter at Saks Fifth Avenue for a skin analysis and complimentary 3 day trial samples. No purchase necessary.

For the purchase of an IOMA product you get a complimentary facial by Jessica at the SAKS spa room.

Stay Beautiful!

IOMA in Houston

The IOMA skin care line has arrived to Saks 5th Avenue in Houston and I can't be more excited to get my skin evaluated and have my skincare products customized according to my exact needs. The IOMASPHERE is unique in its kind and you can only find it in Saks inside The Galleria.

As you can see, the IOMASPHERE analyzes TONE, TEXTURE, PIGMENTATION, UV DAMAGE & PORE CONDITION,factors that can age us if we do not treat our skin properly. I'm ready to target my clogged pores!

Even though I'm wrinkle free (yay!)and my tone and texture looks great I have many clogged pores that IOMA is helping me target with their 5 Repairing Gel. After analyzing your skin, the IOMASPHERE dishes out a receipt-like prescription with the recommended products for your skin, no guessing or assuming, just a deep analysis of your skin revealed. I'll be back to the IOMASPHERE in a week to track my changes. I'll keep you updated!

Stay beautiful!

Macaron Shades

In my book,there's no better time for color in make-up than Spring season! Lately I've really been in love with all the buff, romantic pastel shades on nails and lips, so pretty and fresh. My parallel obsession have been the perfectly crunchy and chewy concoctions at Macarons by Patisse in the same powdery and delicious hues as my make-up. Sukaina, the owner, is responsible for my frequent stops at this sweet spot in River Oaks; she doesn't only know how to whip up the perfectly crunchy and nougaty macaron but she's also a delight to sit down and chat with.(Click on any of the photos for a larger look.)

from left to right: Essie St.Lucia Lilac, OPI My Vampire is Buff,Essie Go Ginza and L'Oreal Colour Riche in Tweet Me

Sip on a sugar-free Peach Italian Soda or an Italian Nespresso while you're there and you'll be in macaron heaven.

Polish Color: L"Oreal Colour Riche Royally Reinvented

Essie In The Cab-Ana

Special thanks to Sukaina for helping me with her scrumptious macarons, my beauty obsession and of course, my sweet tooth!

Jouer Giveaway!

Ever since I came across Jouer through my Birchbox subscription it was love at first application! Their tinted moisturizer glides on smoothly (their best-seller product) and their lip gloss is any girl's dream with all the shine and intense color (I'm talking about my fave, their Peony lipgloss).

This week, I've teamed up with them for a giveaway! I'm so excited and I'll be giving more details on my My Beauty Bag's newly opened Facebook page.

Like my Facebook page for one entry into the contest* and leave a comment on this blog post for a second entry into the contest. That's two entries! What we'll be giving away? I'll let you know very soon!

have you liked Jouer Cosmetics on Facebook? Their page is packed with tips and tricks from founder and creator Christina Zilber!

*Restrictions apply: Contest open only to residents of the USA

The Perks of Being a Beauty Junkie

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!

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 .

Stay Beautiful!

Flirty Lashes

Last week I did a first: I got eye lash extensions.It's a 90 minute procedure where you have to keep your eyes closed, keep still and not cry if all of a sudden your wedding song comes in the background (it happened to me).

Look at how amazing my eyes look!It saves me tons of time in the morning since I'm a huge mascara fan (I applied up to 3 different mascaras to get the effect I wanted!).

Let's see how long it takes before my first refill.Be aware: for the first 48 hours of applying them you can't get them wet! Yikes! It's been hard washing my face but I've managed using my favorite Neutrogena make-up remover wipes.

Stay beautiful!

What's Inside Dominique Sachse's Beauty Bag?

She's a face that everyone knows from the 5, 6 and 10pm KPRC Local 2 News (and what a beautiful face!) and from her involvement in different charities and constant emceeing gigs, Dominique Sachse is the sweetheart of Houston news. Ever since I saw her on TV (3 years ago when I moved to Houston) I really wanted to know more about her make-up tricks and how to look flawless in this era of HD TV. And what about her rockin'bangs that she unveiled earlier this year? So sleek and sexy, I was immediately inspired to cut my bangs as well!

(Click any of the photos for a larger view)

1)Is there a certain beauty regimen or skin care line that you swear by?

I'm a drugstore beauty queen. I really don't spend a lot of money on products. My neighborhood Walgreens started carrying a higher-end line of skin care products, so I've been dabbling with those. Otherwise, I love Neutrogena foaming face wash and towelettes. Getting the "war paint" off at the end of the night is critical!

2)How did you learn to do your own make-up for television?

I've always enjoyed experimenting, even as a young girl. I used to do my friends' hair and make-up for dances and proms. Through my TV years, my style has morphed depending on trends and what looks best on me. I find that a softer, muted palette looks nicer on TV. It's cleaner looking and not distracting.

3) Who is your beauty icon and why?

I think Angelina Jolie is exceptionally stunning. She was born with great features and plays them up nicely, never over-doing it.

Aren't Dominique's bangs to-die-for?

4) What beauty tricks did you learn from your mother?

Sleep. My mom values her rest and what it does for her looks and health. I wish I had the luxury of 8 to 10 hours a night, but that's just not in the cards right now. My only hope is that I don't ruin the good genes she passed down!

5) Did you have any awkward beauty moments in your teens?

Who didn't! Teased bangs and braces, need I say more?

The first photo on the upper left corner is her most recent look. Which is your favorite?

6) What beauty products would we find in your beauty bag?

A combination of "Face Atelier" and "MAC" make-up. Both lines are great for TV. Also, lip balm and hand moisturizer.

Thank you Dominique! I'm sure we'll all be getting a lot more beauty sleep and feeling less bad about our own awkward beauty mishaps in our teens.

Tune into Dominique at 5,6 and 10pm on KPRC Local 2 Channel, follow her on Twitter and tune into her newly opened Instagram account @dominiquesachse for an exciting backstage pass into her daily life.

Photographs: Nicole Kestenbaum Photography, Dominique Sachse Facebook Page,Dominique Sachse Twitter, KPRC Website

Review: Lorac On-The-Go Concealer/Foundation

I immediately wanted to try this product when I saw it on the pages of Allure and not be disappointed! A concealer, foundation and brush in one was just too good to be true!
Once having tried it I discovered it has a medium buildable coverage. A few pumps on the clicker is enough for the product to come out the brush the first time and then only two times every time after that first use.
You have to start with a little bit of product and "paint" it on your face; I use it as a concealer under my eyes and to highlight a tired face, around my mouth, around my nose and basically wherever I need to conceal redness or even tone my skin. I love to set it with a translucent powder and a powder brush for perfectly beautiful skin.
I was hoping to use it as foundation but it does not provide full coverage.

Other than that it's a great value and a mess-free life saver to keep in your beauty bag!

Upside Down Beauty Tips

Sometimes I read stuff that is so crazy in magazines but then I try it just to prove them wrong or to share the knowledge with you guys if it actually works. Here's two things I recently read and tried and was pleasantly surprised!

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)