I'm known for being funky.  It might be a phase, a very long phase since it's been years, but I am all about bright colors.   Especially for the Summer and Spring!  And since it's right about that time again, I thought I'd show you all my favorite nail polish shade from BB Couture!  It's called Zuma Wave Rider and it's a pale blue.  It's loud, but it's not screaming!  I like that.  This shade would probably make great contrast with yellow, purple and hot pink shades of clothing.  If you're a girl with edge, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

BB Couture not only carry nail lacquers, they have an extensive line of additional products such as the very unique Massage Moisturizing Candles ($24.95) which are infused with healthy oils to moisturize the skin.  Their Grip Base ($10.95) polish also sounds like a must-have for the nail freaks because it helps the nail polish stay on longer all while conditioning the nails.

Their color nail polish sell for $8.95 each and I do have to say that I love how smoothly it went on my nails and it wasn't really necessary for me to apply a shine coat afterwords.  Their colors do not dry dull which is a plus if you're lazy and want to skip the finishing step!  To check out their wide range of lights, brights and darks plus other nail essentials, visit their website at www.bbnailpolish.com!

 I felt the need to create this article because I believe that all of us should always investigate, research and question what we read on the internet.  Keeping in mind that the internet is accessible to almost anyone these days, we should always go look for a "second opinion" as we would with doctors.  And maybe a third, or a fourth just to confirm.

The main reason for this piece is having seen a fellow "beauty expert" make several videos about Olive Oil being a great cleanser for the face.   She has advertised it as a great make-up remover and also claims that Olive Oil does not clog your pores.  UNTRUE!

Not only can I testify based on my own experience, but there are plenty of articles online (like this one) that can tell you the same thing:  YES, OLIVE OIL DOES CLOG PORES AND WILL POTENTIALLY CAUSE BREAKOUTS.  One can use this naturally conditioning oil maybe to remove eye make-up, and even then, it should be washed off right after.  In fact, if we're going to look at the bigger picture, I'm sure CRISCO can remove make-up as well.  Most people tend to have sensitive or acne-prone skin.  Not everyone out there is blessed with resiliently flawless skin like that "beauty expert" I mentioned.  I mean, she puts kitty litter on her face as a mask and recommends that we use a cheap battery powered toothbrush to exfoliate our faces.   I actually did try the toothbrush thing, only to regret it deeply 3 months later when I still couldn't get my face to stop flaking and feeling like sandpaper.  So needless to say, I hardly listen to any of her "unique" tips any more.  

Like everyone else, I had also heard about how great Olive Oil can be for the skin.  And in a desperate attempt to make my own skin flawless, I actually tried to use it as a make-up remover for about a week.  Big mistake.  My already existing zits flared up like crazy and new ones came popping right out.  Never again.

So, before you go following every bit of beauty advice that any self-proclaimed beauty expert gives you, DO YOUR RESEARCH.  That's what Google is for.  Hell, you can even question this very article.  Just always remember to do YOU, do what works for YOU and never go by a pretty face.  Your skin is nothing like mine, so what works for me may not work for you.  Be safe about your beauty, ya'll! : )

 Too Faced's Starry-Eyed Liner  ($17.50)  is probably one of the most fun products I have tried and own.  I discovered it while freelancing for the company and getting familiar with their products last year and I fell in love instantly.  Every single time I wear this, someone asks me what it is and how to get it.  As I described in my review, it looks like I have my lids lined with little diamonds and I feel like a princess : )   Check out the picture above (ignore how shiny I look, sometimes my oily skin doesn't get along with the flash, hehehe)... isn't that gorgeous?  When I put this on, I try to keep my eyeshadow as neutral as possible because too much going on can make you look like a drag queen.  If you look closely at the left eye, you will see tiny little glitters on my eyelid although the base color is very close to my skin tone.  I felt like this glittery yet bare eyeshadow would go perfectly with the liner... and guess what?  It's by none other than Hard Candy!  Probably the cheapest make-up brand you will find at a highend store like Sephora.  These used to cost $12.50 ea. but I see that Hard Candy cut the price in half and I'm surely going to stock up.  Don't sleep on that "Licorice" shade!  It is probably the blackest, sparkliest black you will ever find.  Compare it to NARS and any other black and this one will win, I assure you.  So here's a full list of products I used for this picture, even though it doesn't seem like I have on much : ) 

1. Trish McEvoy Eye Base Essentials in "Bare" all over lids. 
2. Hard Candy Eye Candy Eye Shadow in "Buttered Popcorn" all over lids.
3. Hard Candy Eye Candy Eye Shadow in "Caramel" in the creases.
4. Too Faced Starry-Eyed Liner in "Mad Mad Love".
5. 100% Pure Ultra Lengthening Mascara in "Black Tea".

 Simple with an oomph!

In the video below this entry, I discussed what great value it was to get the 100% Pure Ultra Lengthening Mascara and the Pretty Naked Face Palette both for $34.90 @ QVC.  I felt like the video didn't do the showing-off of this wonderful mascara enough justice, so I took close-ups for my before and afters. 

PROS:
Lengthens and fills beautifully.
Dries quickly.
Does not crumble.
Smells Good.
Makes lashes firm.
Decent sized brush for comfy application.


CONS:
none!








As I also said in the video, this mascara completes my new top 3 because it's right down the middle of Sue Devitt's Black Widow and Fresh's Supernova when it comes to its effects.  Sue Devitt is more of a natural look while Fresh is more dramatic.  This one is riiiiight in between!  Definitely a great buy.