Mini DR/Beauty Hauls

I got some cool stuff from the Dominican republic as well as some beauty essentials once i got back to NYC.

The first on the left are some chocolates that are filled with tequila, the middle is the offcial rum of the DR; Brugal. I love it, it's one of the few strong liquors I'll drink. The last is a doll called "Muneca sin Rostro" or "Doll without a face". The reason why they have no faces is because Dominicans have no defined race since we are so intermixed.

This is a hand-painted shot glass. "Santo Domingo" is the capital of the Dominican Republic.

Just some tuff I picked up from the drugstore and beauty supply: a neutral NYX palette, ELF powder puffs, epsom salts (for soaking my feet for DIY pedicures), emery block, NYC transluscent pressed powder (I had the loose powder and I liked it but the mess was unbelievable!)

The shadows in the NYX palette were neautral, matte browns. The colors are pretty pigmented and the shadows are really smooth. I'll be using it for highlighting and contouring.

I also picked up some baby lotion for my son because I was all out and I also bought this cute little pedicure set. It costs 5 bucks and it comes with salts for soaking, foot cream, foot scrub, foot spray and a cute little brush. I tried it out and I liked it. The smell was a little strong but then it fades and it becomes more pleasant.

I also bought these nail polishes. the first two are by Revlon: Midnight Navy and Silver Lining (they were buy one, get one free). The third is by Wet & Wild and it's basically pink glitter. I plan to post a NOTD with this nail polish.

All About Brows

Eyebrows are sometimes neglected in beauty routines but having nicely groomed brows can add more glamour and elegance to your overall look. They can easily add or damage your features so it's important to have them maintained. I have some easy-to-follow tips for eyebrow maintanence and upkeep.

Shaping

I would advise going to a professional to get them shaped for the first time since it can be very easy to mess up when doing it yourself. But if you choose to DIY, I would say to watch a video on youtube so you can see exactly what that person is doing.

Eyebrow Maintanence

I like to get my eyebrows threaded 1-2 times a month and I tweeze them every week to clean up any stray hairs. I also sometimes wax them if i'm in a hurry since threading takes a little longer. I have semi-thick brows so I like to use a clear brow gel (ELF Duo Clear Mascara & Brow Gel $1) on my brows so they can stay neat throughout the day.

When I go out I like to use the Wet & Wild Brow Kit (about $3.99 in drugstores) to fill in my brows so my overall look can be more polished. This kit is awesome, it comes with two shades of brown eyebrow powder, a slanted brush and a wax. It's especially good When filling in your brows, use 2-3 shades darker if you have blonde to light brown hair and 2-3 shades lighter for medium to dark brown hair. Same thing goes for when you dye your hair. NEVER match your eyebrows to your hair color, it won't look natural.

Wet & Wild Eyebrow Kit

Tools to Have

tweezers- I love love love the tweezers by Tweezerman. they are very good quality and they come with a lifetime guarantee. They cost between 12-15 dollars.

brow gel- I like to keep some in my makeup bag for touch-ups throughout the day. You can also use clear mascara.

brow scissors- to cut any long or out of place hairs.

brow pencil or powder- I prefer the powder. Eventhough it takes longer, I feel that the pencil goes on too heavy on me.

Thanks For Reading!

I'm Baa-aack

I got back from the Dominican Republic last week. I had fun and I wish I could've stayed for the holidays but I have an appointment coming up that I can't miss. Anyway, I have a mini haul but my sister has my memory card with the pics..grrr. I have lots of things to post so stay tuned. Some pictures from my vacay:

My mom and me at a restaurant/bar called La Jungla (the jungle) in Santiago. I'm standing on some steps, that's why I look mega tall but my mom's pretty short anyway (she's 5'2).

My mom's house in the Dominican Republic.

Dominican currency, isn't it pretty?

At a river called Fula. Check out my mom washing her hair lol. The water is sooo clean.

Saw this rainbow outside my window and since they're very rare in NYC, I took a pic.

Polka-Dotted Apple's Giveaway

I'm excited about this one because she is giving away the Urban Decay Book of Shadows one of the prizes. Click on the link below for rules and instructions if you want to enter:

Polka-Dotted Apple Giveaway

And now my entry..

What is your prized possession?
My phone!

What is your definition of beauty?
Someone who is not afraid to be different and embraces his/her quirks.

What makeup item (Brand name and product) would you recommend to me?
Benefit's BeneTint. It's so easy to apply and looks great on everyone.

What is your favorite KIND of makeup item and why?
Mascara, it can instantly make you look fresh and pretty.

A weird factoid about you.
I am scared of heights.

What is the fondest memory of your childhood.
Cutting up my dress socks with my little sister to make clothes for our barbies.

Describe yourself honestly.
Sarcastic, loyal and very very strange :-P.

Tell me something I could do to my blog.
Hmm maybe change the color of your font to add some pizzaz.

This was fun and good luck to you if you enter!

Shakespeare and Stilettos' Giveaway

I'm posting a lot today, I know. I will be going on vacation to the Dominican Republic tomorrow and I don't know if I'll be able to post a lot while i'm over there. Anywho,I'm posting an entry about the giveaway featured on Shakespeare & Stiletto's (how cool is that name?) blog. Click on the link below to participate:

S&S' Giveaway

Good luck!

Wet & Wild Creme Liner & PedEgg

Wet & Wild never ceases to amze me. I've been trying out their products a lot more since the quality isn't bad for the price. The creme liner however is my favorite product from the line. I've been wanting to write a review on this for a while but I am super lazy. Anyway this liner can easily compete with liners from higher-end brands it's really good and the staying power is amazing, it did not come off until I applied makeup remover to it. I told my best friend about it and now she loves it too. The best part is that it's 2.99! Definitely can't beat that.

Pros: easy to apply, long lasting, doesn't smudge, great price

Cons: the brush it comes with is too stiff and it's terrible but I use my slanted eye brush to apply it.

I also tried out the PedEgg after I saw it at the 99 cents store for two dollars. It does work but it did make me gag when I opened the little compartment. I like to use it when my feet are a lttle wet since I'm very ticklish and it works better on wet skin.  I will not be posting pictures, I don't think you would like to see my pulverized calluses.

I Finally Found It!

The perfect shade of grey..a grey that's not shimmery and yet it doesn't make my hands look like they belong to a cadaver. The shade is called Chin-Chilly by Essie and i'm definitely buying tons of this stuff to have on hand. I found it at the nail salon because the drugstores don't carry alot of Essie shades. This color is the new beige for me..at least for now.

Princess Livia's Giveaway

I just started following Princess Livia and she is so cute and cool! She's doing a giveaway, this is my first time participating so let's see how this turns out. Check out the link below to participate:

http://princesa-livia.blogspot.com/2009/11/princesa-livias-first-giveaway.html


Good luck!

My Wish List for Winter

Just some of the stuff I'm craving...

Jimmy Choo for H&M Rhinestone Crystal Dress ($275.00 H&M)
Days after the line debuted, it got sold out! I really want this dress, I love the crystals on it and it would be perfect for New Year's Eve.

image by babeebling @ ebay.

Essie Nail Polish in Perky Purple ($8 essie.com)

Purple's my favorite color and this shade is lovely and a way to brighten up those dreary winter days.

Tashkent by Cheyenne grey suede ankle boots ($375 bluefly.com)

These are great because they go with everything. Great to wear to hang out in the weekend, they go perfect without either skinny jeans or a cute dress and tights.

Sequined Jacket as seen on Karl (below)

I love it! It's so flashy and a great statement piece. Too bad it's so crazy expensive but I hope to find a dupe.

Sedu Pro Ionic  Creamic ProTourmaline Flat Iron ($120 folica.com)

I have naturally curly hair which I'm not too fond of. I know I should love my hair the way it is but I just have too much hair and it can be a pain in the butt so I like to keep it straight most of the time. I'm planning on getting one of these since I've read the great reviews.I ope to review it too once I get it.

So what are you looking forward to purchasing this winter? Let me know!

Dakota Fanning at "New Moon" Premiere

I am not a "Twilight" fan. To be honest, I think it's overrated and that the Harry Potter series is more imaginative. However, at the premiere for the second installment of the "Twilight" saga, Dakota Fanning stepped out looking beautiful in a lacy Valentino dress and two-tone Dolce and Gabanna shoes. I really love the shoes, they're fun and the red satin looks great with the dress. She looked very elegant and sexy and I love how she showed some skin but didn't go over the top. Many celebrities in her age group (ahem Miley Cyrus!) try to look too mature but with this look Dakota nailed it. She managed to look sophisticated and didn't look like she was raiding her mother's closet.

Beyonce & Lady Gaga Team Up for "Video Phone"

Beyonce and Lady Gaga have teamed up for the song "Video Phone" but the fierceness was only halfway when it came to the fashion in the video released for the singles. Beyonce's ultra-feminine and sexy style had an influence on Lady Gaga since her wardrobe was a little more tame than the wild attire we are so used to seeing her in. I was a little disappointed about that, I found some of the outfits to be kind of tacky. I would have loved to see B emulate Gaga in some crazy get-up, the whole leotard thing is getting kind of old for me. The make-up was awesome, with Beyonce rocking lots of eye makeup and contrasting lip liner. Lady Gaga looks a lot thinner, she looked tiny next to curvy Beyonce.

One of my favorite elements of the video is the hot male entourage that B has in the beginning of the video, a reference to the film "Reservoir Dogs". This is a hot collaboration and I hope to see more Lady Gaga-Beyonce collaborations. You can check out the video below:

Rihanna's New Video "Wait Your Turn"

This is unlike her other videos, it's more gritty and tough. It really reminds me of rap videos in the 90s and there's a part where she has her midriff out that really reminds me of the late Aaliyah. Maybe that eye patch she's sporting is some kind of tribute to her or maybe Slick Rick because it's an odd choice for an accessory. Rihanna certainly likes to take risks but she looks great for the most part. I really like the ultra dark eyeliner she's sporting, it goes great with the black and white. If you want to check out the video, click on the link below:

Rihanna-Wait Your Turn

Hav's Pick for Best Dressed at the 2009 Latin Grammys

The Latin Grammys were held on Novermber 10th, 2009 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. There were a lot of great looks but this one was my favorite:

Photo by © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez looked AMAZING in a nude-colored one shoulder dress with jeweled detailing. She completed the look with a chic side bun and glam make-up. I love how the red lips look with the dress and hair. It all went wonderfully. So elegant and not to over the top.

Forever21 Promo

Forever21 is debuted their first makeup line Love & Beauty. I'm curious to see what they come out with.  I'm surprised that a few beauty bloggers have turned up their noses. There's lots of great inexpensive makeup out there. Anyway, in honor of their new line, they're offering a 10% discount on their makeup items, just enter the code MAKEUP10. Also if you spend 75 bucks or more, you get a sample of their lip gloss.

This Year I Will Dress Up As..

One of the biggest stye icons of all time: Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly. Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my favorite movies so this year I will finally dress up as the classic Holly Golightly for Halloween. I'm thinking of adding a zombie twist to make it a bit creepy.  An oldie but a goodie. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, dressing up is so much fun and I love going trick or treating with my son and niece and nephews. I have a great appreciation for creative costumes, some people think up genius get ups. Though I do cringe whenever I see a sexed up version of a cop or nurse. Be more creative ladies!

image from www.recycledlovelies.com

I already have a black dress as well as the tiara. For the necklace I will be attaching a brooch to several strands of pearls. All I need is the gloves and the cigarette holder which should be easy enough to locate. I will be doing a tutorial this week on Audrey-inspired make-up. What will you be dressing as? I would love to know!

ta-ta for now,

Hav

My Favorite Drug Store Beauty Products

There's a lot of great finds at the drugstore at insanely cheap prices. Anybody that says that they don't love a good bargain is definitely in denial. Here are some of my favorite beauty products:

1. CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara ($8.49)- The best mascara ever! It can easily compete with higher end brands. I use the regular formula though since I find the waterproof formula to flake off a bit. My lashes look extra lush, I already have long lashes so I don't try to make them longer.

2. Essence of Beauty Make-Up Brushes ($5-$12)- These brushes are terrific! They're nice and fluffy and blend make-up well. I am a big fan of the domed eyeshadow brush and the fluffy blush brush. They come in these cute little pouches that you can store them in to keep them clean.

3. Phycisian's Formula Multi-Colored Eyeshadow Pearls in Natural Pearl($7.49): I love using this to illuminate my eyes because it has a great pearly sheen without it being too shimmery. It blends well and doesn't crease easily. A great value!

4. Brucci Nail Hardener in Explosive Meteorite ($2.29): I fell in love with this color the moment I saw it. It's a beautiful dark grey with a hint of silver flecks. It looks sexy and vampy without looking to Dracula-ish. A great alternative to black polish.

5. Wet & Wild Nail Color in Craze ($1.99): This shade of dark emerald is very pretty and a nice change from the burgundys and purples you see during the fall. The color doesn't chip easily with a topcoat ( I always wear a top coat so I can't say if i works without it).

6. Wet & Wild Mega Liner in Black ($1.99): This liquid liner is easy to apply and stays on all day.  It would not come off until I actually swiped some makeup remover on my eyes, I was really impressed. No smearing or smudging.

7. N.Y.C Transluscent Powder ($2.99): I love using this for my T-Zone area to keep the shine under control. I also like putting it on over foundation to set it.
Hope you enjoyed!

xo

Hav

Must Have: Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Clutch

I am in love with this little clutch! It is so cool and I love the glam-goth detailing at the top and the guarantee you won't lose it after you had one too many cocktails. It's available at Saks Fifth Ave, Bergdorf Goodman and various websites. It comes in a variety of colors, I love how it looks in red and in black. I'm predicting a lot of knockoffs.

xox

Hav

Fashion's Night Out

I'm so excited! The first day of Fashion Week promises celebrity appearances, makeovers and creative window displays at the participating locations. All in an attempt to generate more interest in the fashion industry. What a great way to support the economy! For more information on Fashion's night out, go to www.fashionsnightout.com

xox

Hav

How To Choose A Red Lipstick

Red lips are a classic look that will never go out of style and it's something that every woman should attempt to wear at least once. With the right shade, red lipstick can make anyone look instantly glamorous but women tend to shy away from this look because of its boldness. Red lips can look good as long as you know how to choose the right shade.

When picking a red lipstick, the main factor is the undertones in your skin. A quick way to determine your skin's undertones are by looking at your veins on the inside of your arm. If they are more blue-hued, you have cool undertones, if green then you have warm. You can also take this quiz available at http://www.bellasugar.com/1843402 to determine whether you are cool or warm.

Women with warm undertones look better in shades that have orange or brown undertones (brick red or fire engine red). The darker your skin is, the deeper the red should be. An example of a warm red would be "Love That Red" by Revlon.

Women with cool undertones in their skin look good in reds that have blue undertones. A great blue-toned lipstick is "Russian Red" by MAC. It's a beautiful color that made me think of the Vargas pin-up girls instantly.

A great neutral red is "Retro Red" by N.Y.C. It is available at drugstores and the best part is that it's only a dollar! I tried it out and the formula is very nice and creamy and not dry at all. It also doesn't come off that easily and will look good on almost anyone. A great value!

Remember not to wear too much at once when wearing red lipstick. You don't want to look overdone.

xox

Hav

Contact Info

If you have any questions or comments please contact me at theglamournerd@aol.com or IM me at theglamournerd on AIM. Can't wait to hear from you!

xox

Hav

Tutorial: Super Easy Smokey Eyes

A super easy make-up look that is both sexy and glamorous. It goes with almost any outfit so it's pefect for a night out. You can go to www.temptalia.com/tutorial-black-smokey-eye as a reference point. Her method is slightly different but the end results are breathtaking.

What You'll Need:
-Matte black eyeshadow
-shimmery grey eyeshadow
-highlighter close to your skin tone
-eye primer
-black pencil eyeliner
-domed eyeshadow brush
-regular eyeshadow brush
-fluffy eyeshadow blending brush

Step One:
Prep your face as you normally would (foundation, concealer etc.) and apply eye primer all over your eye lid.


Step Two:
Using the domed-tip eyeshadow brush, apply the matte black eyeshadow to your eyelid all the way to the crease. Use the flat sides of the brush to pat the shadow on your lid, do not swipe the brush back and forth because it would make the shadow look uneven.


Step Three:
Holding your brush at an angle, gently swish it back and forth along the crease to soften the harsh edges of the black eyeshadow.


Step Four:
Using a seperate brush (regular eyeshadow brush), apply a matte highlighter similar to your skin tone; starting at your brow and ending at your crease.



Step Five:
Brush some of the highlighter into the black eyeshadow.


Step Six:
With a fluffy blending brush, blend in the highlighter and the black eyeshadow.

It should look like this after blending:


Step Seven:
Using the same brush you used to apply the black eyeshadow, very carefully black eyeshadow to your lower lashline, starting from the outer corner of your eye. Then, apply eyeliner to your lower waterline. You can also apply to your upper waterline if you wish (I skip the upper because it is super uncomfortable for me).




Step Eight:
Once again using the same brush you used to apply the black eyeshadow, take a shimmery grey shadow and apply it over the black. Then blend as much as you need to.


Apply mascara to complete the look. To clean up any powder fallout or other goofs, use a make-up remover wipe or a q-tip dipped in some eye make-up remover. The final result:



I also have a video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd2qZQIQPQ8. Enjoy!

xox

Hav

My Fall 2009 Wishlist

I am not a big fan of summer which is why absolutely cannot wait until fall. There's nothing like walking through New York and smelling the crisp (and heavily polluted) air. Fall has Fashion Week and my favorite holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving. Let's get to the list..

The Barbie loves Stila Make-Up Collection- Remember the fab Barbie loves Mac collection? Now Stila came out with their own line inspired by the first-ever Barbie runway show that's taking place in September. The smudge pots and lip glosses look great, I can't wait to get my hands on them. Stila is offering free shipping with any Barbie loves Stila purchase until September 5th. You can check out the collection at www.stilacosmetics.com


H&M Fall Collection- H&M has some great pieces that are versatile and really affordable. I am particularly fond of a sheer lace tank top, it can be worn so many different ways and it would look great under a slub tank.

Here's a picture of someone in the tanktop:

picture courtesy of www.appelflauwte.blogspot.com

The OPI Matte Collection- OPI has a great line of matte nail polishes and I am in love with the Russian Navy. I am definitely going to experiment with matte shades, it is so refreshing from all the shininess.

The shades (fom left to right): Alpine Snow, You Don’t Know Jacques!, Russian Navy, La Paz-itively Hot, Lincoln Park After Dark and Gargantuan Green Grape.

Christian Louboutin "Monica" Boots- Are these hot or what! I am DYING for a pair of thigh high boots and these are gorgeous. Too bad I can't afford them so I will be searching for something similar. It sucks not being fabulously rich.



A Big Bold Piece of Jewelry- A statement necklace would look great with a monochromatic outfit. Great for parties or for a little touch of cool at work. Just check out these below, I'm especially fond of the Nina Ricci:


Can't wait for Fall!

xox

Hav