skinDEEP

ROSY CHEEKS FOR WINTER

I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t really a huge blush girl throughout life. I think it’s because I never thought I would find a color that would really make my cheeks pop (being that I have tan skin). Once I started contouring my face, I realized the importance of blush in the process. This is when I discovered Clinique’s Blushwear Cream Stick. Here’s what I love:

• Texture: I harp on this all the time, but I have dry skin, so any creamy product works great on me. 
• Easy Applicator: The fact that it is in stick form makes it perfect to apply the perfect line across your cheek for blending
• Color: I found that 03 Rosy Blush works perfect with my skin tone. 

Winter is a great time to discover the perfect blush. Your cheeks are already looking rosy, so you might as well even out your skin by throwing on a color that goes well with your skin type. If you’re wondering where the blush should be applied on your cheeks, check out my blog post on contouring your face here. 

Do YOU use blush?  If so, what’s YOUR favorite?

PAINT THE TOWN PINK THIS SPRING

I know it’s still a month away, but I am so excited for bright Spring fashion! I love Spring because it’s the time when you say bye to the neutrals you’ve been wearing all winter long and hello to loud, vivid colors. I wanted to share a new lipstick I bought today that I’m so excited to wear out. I tried it on at the store and had to get it. It was so out of my comfort zone and screams Spring 2012:

MAC Girl About Town Fuchsia Amplified Creme Lipstick

I plan to pair this lip color with a floral print blouse for more of a day time look or pop green dress (green was the first color I thought of when I saw this lipstick) with chunky gold jewelry for a night on the town. You can take it a million different directions! I don’t care how much guys hate bright lipsticks, they are too fun to not wear, and might I add that they are right on trend. Get out there, experiment, and be bold this Spring!

For those of you wondering how this color looks on my complexion (tan with yellow undertones), here you go! Please excuse the extreme and WAY too up close and personal picture on the right, but hopefully it’ll help you decide whether this is a shade that’ll work with your skin…

More Spring favorites to come…

What are YOU most excited about this Spring?

I’M A CLINIQUE BEAUTY INSIDER!

A few months ago, I got asked by Clinique to be a beauty insider for them as apart of their “Clinique Insider’s Club”. Being as obsessed as I am with makeup, I was ecstatic! What was even more exciting was this huge assortment of products they sent me in my ‘Welcome Kit’! Here they are: 

The kit included:

• A flip cam to record my reviews
• Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer
• Clinique Pore Refining Solutions
• Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus 
• Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Concealer
• Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream 
• Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector 
• Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage (excited for this one!)
• Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
• Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm
• Clinique Quick Liner For Eyes
• Clinique 3 Step Skin Care System
• Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator 
• Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick (my new favorite blush!)
• Clinique Eye Shadow Brush
• Clinique Lid Smoothie
• Clinique Instant Lift For Brows Crayon
• Clinique High Impact Mascara
• Clinique Almost Lipstick

If there are any products from my ‘Welcome Kit’ you want to learn more about, be sure to ‘Ask’ me by submitting your questions (on the right side of this page). Otherwise, I will be reviewing a new product that they will send me every month. I promise to keep my reviews honest and concise!

Over the course of the year, I will post the videos of my reviews on my blog, but if you ever want to check them out on Clinique’s YouTube Page, click here. Go to the Insider’s Club tab, and look for Deepica (me!). 

More updates to come soon…

Are YOU a fan of Clinique Products? 

5 FOR 5: TOP 5 PRODUCTS FOR UNDER 5 BUCKS

It’s nice to have some fancy shmancy beauty products, but when it comes to certain items that we use day to day, it’s important to find brands that are not only affordable but are trust worthy. Being that it’s the holidays and we all have a million gifts to buy, I figured now would be the best time to share my favorite five beauty products that you can get for under 5 dollars. Here they are:

1. FACIAL SKINCARE: St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub ($3.03): I LOVE the St. Ives apricot scrub. What’s great is that all the different scrubs in the product line have different levels of intensity. For those of you who want to get a gentle day to day cleanse, they have a product for you. For those of you who are looking for more coarse Apricot beads to get a deep down cleanse, they have a product for you as well! My personal favorite for my specific skin type is the Invigorating Apricot Scrub, but you may find that the Renew and Firm Apricot Scrub works best for you (my sister loves this one!). Every beauty magazine raves about this product with good reason. You will definitely get the most bang for your buck with ANY St. Ives Apricot Scrub you pick. 

2. HAIRCARE: Garnier Fructis Curl Shaping Spray Gel ($3.19): If you’re not a fan ofhairspray but are looking for a product to reduce frizz and maintain hold, this is the product for you. I tried it for the first time a few weeks ago and fell in love. The product feels very light on your head and works perfect for the days that I want to leave my hair naturally wavy. I am able to control my hair’s natural frizz and increase shine with a few sprays of this affordable product. 

3. COSMETICS: Maybelline Line Express Eyeliner Soft Black 902 ($4.79): I am always on the hunt for affordable makeup. What I love about this Maybelline eyeliner is that it works great for smokey eyes, believe it or not. The sponge on the other end of the liner allows for blending in the corners of your eye so the liner doesn’t look so harsh. Sometimes I like using a pencil liner because the smudge sponge at the end makes blending really easy. If you’re not a fan of the pencil liners and are looking for an affordable stick liner, I recommend my favorite liner of all time L’Oreal Paris Pencil Perfect Ebony ($8.49). If you’re a loyal Maybelline girl, they have a great stick liner for under 5 bucks as well called Maybelline Define-A-Lash Eyeliner ($4.79).

4. BODY SKINCARE: St. Ives Body Moisturizer ($3.99): I have extremely dry skin, so it is important for me to find a moisturizer than keeps my skin hydrated. What I love about the St.Ives brand is the results it gives for the price you’re paying. This lotion in specific is great because instantly after you put it in your hands, you can feel the moisture. I know that my skin is getting a quality product and a moisturizer that lasts longer than most. If you’re okay spending a little more money, the Aveeno Natural Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($8.79) is a favorite of mine as well. The Aveeno brand carries great natural products that don’t feel harsh against skin. I recommend trying both to see which works best for your unique skin type. 

5. BODY SKINCARE: Caress Daily Silk Body Wash ($3.59): I have a million different body washes, but to be honest, the scent of the Caress body washes are unbeatable! Every time I’m in a drug store and see Caress line of body washes, I never know which one to pick, but I’ve finally narrowed it down. My two favorites are the Daily Silk and the Tahitian Renewel. The Daily Silk is nice because for someone like me with dry skin, it makes my skin feel rejuvenated. The Tahitian Renewel is great because of the beads in it. Both will make you come out of the shower feeling refreshed and smelling radiant!

To all the drug store product haters, try them before dismissing them. I truly believe that half of the stigma against drug store products are in everyone’s head. We are trained to believe that pretty packaging, higher prices, and fancy department stores carry the best of the best. Don’t get me wrong, I have to have my Sephora fix everyone once in awhile, but we are in a recession people! You can get all the products above and more at your local CVS right now on sale for the prices listed above. Click on the links above to see my top 5 for 5, and look around their website to learn about more great products you can get for under 5 bucks!

What’s YOUR top 5 for 5? 

NARS & MARC JACOBS COME TOGETHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Believe it or not, Christmas is right around the corner, and I have to say that I found my favorite stocking stuffer! How genius is this partnership? 

Marc Jacobs Gloves Set with NARS Nail Polish ($52)

It’s an easy gift idea for everyone and anyone who loves when beauty comes together with fashion (aka every girl in the world), and it’s just in time for the holidays! Get it exclusively at NARS Bleecker Street boutique on 413 Bleecker Street.

BTW, the black gloves above are paired with the nail color ‘Night Clubbing’ named after an eye shadow off of the NARS ‘Night Series’ collection. Read more about NARS nail colors and the ‘Night Series’ collection here.

What do YOU think of the NARS and Marc Jacobs collabo? 

MAKEUP DO’s AND DON’Ts: EMMY AWARDS EDITION

DO: Modern Family star Sofia Vergara looked absolutely stunning in a red (seemed to be the theme of the night) Vera Wang gown and chandelier emerald stoned earrings. I love the way her eyes pop because of her full lashes (used CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara, but I’m sure some fake lashes helped do the trick too!) and her lip color (CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipcolor Rapture #280) looked as if it was made for her dress. #perfect

DON’Ts: I feel like don’t is an understate for this look. Boardwalk Empire star Paz De La Huerta looks as if she doesn’t own a mirror. I want to give her a napkin to wipe that lipstick off of her lips and I don’t even know where to begin with her eye makeup (or lack thereof). I can’t think of a red carpet look that has gone worse in a very long time, and what’s with the pose? You’re at the Emmy Awards- try to be, or atleast pretend, to be a little happier! I get the smoulder look for the red carpet and all, but she took it to another level! #disaster 

ARE YOU A NARSISSIST? GRAB THE DUO!

Eyeshadow lovers everywhere can sympathize with me in the dilemma that I always face whenever I go shopping- wanting it all! The NARS Duo Eyeshadow is one my favs because it solves my problem of not knowing which ONE shadow to pick by giving me TWO. The shadow lives up to the NARS name and glides on smoothly with an almost buttery feel. 

NARS DUO EYE SHADOW:

The best part is the combinations are endless. There are over 40 different color combos to pick from. Here are some of my favorite ones that go perfectly with my skin color/type: 

• Rajasthan: Combo of a smokey black/blue with golden/champaign brown. Being that I am a fan of the smokey, smoldering eye look, this shade is my number one favorite pick. The color combo is GREAT for Fall and has a more matte finish compared to the other shades in the collection. For some reason, the color is no longer sold with the collection at Sephora or Nordstrom anymore, but if you want it, you can order it on online for cheaper than the other shades by clicking here. 
• Bellissima: Combo of shimmering beige and grey/brown. When I am looking for an eye shadow that makes me glow but doesn’t stand out too much, I lightly apply this shade. It blends GREAT with my skin tone!
• Violetta: Combo of smokey lavender and soft metallic violet. There are some super fun shades in this collection, but my favorite of the more bold shades was Violetta. It’s not too out there (such as the Rated R shade which is a bright green and cobalt blue combo), but still adds an extra flare to your eyes from your everyday shades without going too crazy. I recommend Violetta for those who are wanting to experiment with new colors but don’t want to be THAT extreme.

Why do I love this shadow so much? A few reasons:

• The dual concept is great and the colors paired together work well blended with one another OR worn separately. In most eye shadows that come in pairs, I’m never really a fan of both shades, but NARS does a great job of combining colors that work! There is is a color out there for everyone varying from bright, vibrant colors to more neutral tones.
• Works GREAT as a powder liner. If you don’t like the liquid liner look or you want to thicken up the appeal to your eyes, the shadow was created to work for that purpose as well.
• For those of you who prefer cream shadows because you have dry skin, the NARS Duo eye shadow comes in a cream form. My favorite cream shadow in the collection is Madagascar. 

Downsides?

• It’s not the cheapest shadow out there, but it is a value pack being that it comes in two shades. It’s $33 dollars at Sephora (unless you want the Rajasthan which is on Amazon for $24), great quality, and comes in conveniently thin packaging. 
• Most of the shades have a glittery look to them (not usually a fan), but the colors work well with a little shimmer. It will def add a pop to your eyes for a night out on the town! 

P.S Don’t forget to apply primer to your eyes before the eye shadow to get the best, long lasting color possible. Read about my fav. primer here.

Are YOU a NARSissist? Have you tried the Duo?

MAKEUP DO’s & DON’Ts: TCA EDITION

MAKEUP DO: SUMMER GLOW

LOVING Blake Lively’s look at the Teen Choice Awards this year. Her skin has the ideal summer glow and not to mention her gloss and blush accent each other perfectly. I love how she didn’t go heavy on the shadow or liner (notice how she started the bottom liner at the middle of her eye instead of in the corner) and really focused on the mascara. What better place to rock a fresh summer look than at the TCAs?  #serenalove

MAKEUP DON’T: OVERKILL MUCH?

I am a fan of heavy eyes, heavy cheeks, and heavy lips, but not when all are worn together! I don’t understand how a supermodel/host and creator of ANTM could go so wrong on the red carpet. How did her style team let her walk into an event looking like this? She has some of the most sought after features and def does not need all that makeup caked on her face for the Teen Choice Awards. This award show is the perfect chance for celebs to dress young and embrace the summer time. I can’t tell if that is liner smudged or eye shadow in the corner of her eye but it def stands out to me like a sore thumb. Beyond just the makeup, I’m not a fan of the entire look including her hair do (or lack thereof…). Tyra, I know you retired from the hardcore modeling thing, but you were still a style icon- live up to it! 

What’s your favorite summer look? Did you like how Blake and Tyra looked at the TCAs?

OLAY DID IT AGAIN: BEST, AFFORDABLE EYE CREAM

Bags, dark circles, wrinkles, and dryness- I don’t understand why any of these problems exist, but the fact of the matter is that they do, so as women we go on the hunt for the best possible way to treat the problem. There are thousands of eye creams out there that promise the same thing. They say they are the best out there and no other cream can compare to what their magic cream can do. I’ve fallen for the same tricks most of you have, and 50+ dollars later, was heavily disappointed.

After trial and error, I finally found an eye cream that helps with moisturizing, dark circles, and anti-aging (yet to be determined and hopefully won’t be for a very long time!). SO here it is: 

OLAY Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream:

I’ve always been a fan of Olay for the simple fact that the brand makes quality products for the mass market. This is the first eye cream I’ve come across that doesn’t cost a fortune and gives me the results that I am looking for. You can learn more about this eye cream including key ingredients that make this cream work the way it does and application instructions on their website.

BTW, if you happen to have $130 dollars to spare (nbd), I have another recommendation that I’ve tried out. Shiseido Future Solution LX  has unmatchable hydration and has been rated as a top eye cream by virtually every beauty magazine. I just don’t think it’s worth it, especially when I think about how many MAC eyeshadows I could get for the same price (it’s 8 incase you were wondering). 

What’s YOUR favorite eye cream?

PACKAGING PERFECTION: BURBERRY LIP MIST LIPSTICK

I came across this lipstick a few months ago and couldn’t stop staring at it… #suckerforfabpackaging 

Burberry Lip Mist Natural Sheer Lipstick:

Every detail about this lipstick is perfect. From the outer packaging to the intricate details on the actual shade itself. Beyond that, the texture of the long lasting lipstick is noticeably creamy. The idea behind the name of the lipstick is the moistening element, leaving your lips feeling hydrated. It def on the pricier side, but if you’re a designer buff, I recommend trying this line out! If you’re looking for more affordable shades, check out my posting on the perfect pink lip or the safe yet sexy nude lip. Below is a picture of my four favorite shades in the line that I have found look great with my skin/lip pigmentation:

• 202 Brown Sugar: If you are looking for a neutral color that can be worn often, this is the shade to go with. It blends well with the natural color of my lip and adds a little more luster than most of my lip sticks.
• 207 Camelia Pink: This one is a fun fuschia shade that screams personality. It def takes some getting used to as most bright pink lip colors do, but if you are looking for a color that’s diff from your regular shades, I’d go with this one. Depending on your skin color, 207 will be your best bets for a bright, fun pink! 
• 208 Stormy Pink: This shade didn’t have as dramatic of an impact on my lips as 207 did, but still added a noticeably pinker tone to my lips. 
• 209 Feather Pink: This shade showed up on my skin as a lighter pink. I think this shade would look better on someone that was a shade lighter than me, but you could def make it work if you have a darker complexion as well!

For tips on how to wear pink shades, read my blog on what clothes and hair dos go best with this look!

What do you think of the Burberry lip mist? Are YOU a fan of designer lipsticks?

LIQUID SOAP, THE BRUSH CLEANER?

Most people just keep using their brushes and never take the time to clean them (I used to be that girl). It’s really gross thinking about the bacteria/natural oil that accumulates on your brushes within a few days, let alone the dust in the air that the brushes pick up before you put them on your face! For those who aren’t cleaning your brushes because the cleaners are too expensive (only reason I could see why anyone wouldn’t!), remember that cleaning them is the best way to preserve them for long term use. More importantly, there are cheap alternatives to use to clean your brushes that you already buy for other purposes.To be honest, the brush cleaners sold at stores are way over priced and unnecessary. I’d rather spend that money on some new products.

If you’re like me and know the importance of cleaning your brushes but looking for a more recession friendly way to do so, I have the solution for you. There are a few items that work great on makeup brushes, and the best part about them is that you should have them around your house: 1) Shampoo/Baby Shampoo 2) Liquid Soap

As long as the soap is mild, not thick, and relatively light weight, you can use it to clean your brushes. Here’s how:

1. Wet the brushes under the sink with water. Make sure to get all the bristles in order to get the best results.
2. Instead of putting the soap directly on the brush, put a small amount (the size of a penny or less depending on how many brushes are being cleaned) into your hand.
3. This step is key! Lather the brushes into the liquid soap just as you would if you were washing your hair. Continue this for 45 seconds at minimum.
4. Softly rinse the brushes under water and remove all of the soap. Keep rinsing until the water appears clear.
5. Press the brushes with a paper towel (to help them dry quicker)
6. Place the brushes onto a hand towel to sit flat to air dry before using for a few hours.

No matter what soft soap you use, you will feel much better about applying your makeup after doing this. Take the time to do this around every 2 weeks to ensure the longevity of your brushes. 

Do you clean your brushes?

POWDER POWER

Many people wonder whether they are suppose to wear foundation, powder, or both? It really depends on how much coverage you’re trying to get. Unless it’s a special occasion, I usually just put on powder. This is for a couple reasons: 1) I don’t want to look caked on 2) the powder I use happens to give GREAT coverage. I use MAC Studio Fix (my specific shade is NC42 which works well with tanner skins that have a yellow undertone). This powder also works well OVER foundation to help set the liquidly texture of the foundation while giving off a silky, soft finish. Also, I’ve never had the problem of a break out with this product. For those who have oily skin, this product can help cover up that issue and has great lasting power and for those who have dry skin (like me), it doesn’t make my skin flake. I put it on when I start my morning and don’t feel the need to touch up throughout the day (granted I do like to add a little bronzer/blush over the powder mid day). Beyond the quality of the product, the packaging is sleek. As I’ve said before, the key to full coverage with powder is using a large application brush rather than the sponge provided in the product. 

For those of you who like a light powder, this product is NOT for you! The coverage and lasting power is high. If you are looking for a lighter powder, I recommend trying Bare Minerals Matte. You can find it on Amazon for $10 dollars cheaper than at a department store. I have tried this product and although it is not what I am specifically looking for out of a powder, it feels as though you relatively have no powder on. The product does NOT weigh down your face and works great as a setting powder for foundation. As all Bare Minerals products, it is relatively better for your skin than most products. I recommend applying this product with a kabuki brush. 

HEAVY COVERAGE: MAC Studio Fix

LIGHT COVERAGE: Bare Minerals Matte SPF 15

Do you prefer a powder with heavy or light coverage?

5 MINUTE MAKEUP

There are so many days when I am already 10 minutes late for class, 30 minutes late for an appointment, or hours late to meet up friends for dinner. I’m out of the shower, my hair is still soaking wet, and I have NO idea what I’m going to wear. It’s times like these that my 5 minute makeup routine comes into use. I think it’s great for women to develop a quick and efficient way to apply their makeup for those days where every minute counts. You don’t want to neglect putting on any makeup, but at the same time you don’t want to feel SO rushed that you mess up (which sometimes leads to more time wasted!).

A few months ago, my friends were annoyed of how long I was taking to get ready. I told them that I would be ready in 5 minutes (obviously thinking 5 min in girl code means 15..or maybe 30?). Being the impatient friends that they are, I was put to the test. They told me they didn’t believe that I could do my makeup in 5 minutes so they actually timed me! This is when my makeup in under 5 minutes routine developed. I ended up finishing right over four minutes. This made me realize how convenient and necessary it is to have a quick makeup regimen that still still gives the results as if you spent hours doing it. Here is MY 5 minute makeup routine: 

   CONCEALER-00:35 (35 seconds)

• Place under your eyes to cover up dark circles. I use my finger.

   POWDER-01:20 (45 seconds)

• Use a big brush to apply over the entire face. 

  BRONZER-01:45 (25 seconds)

• Focus on the cheekbones.

   EYE LINER- 03:00 (1 minute and 15 seconds)

• It’s okay if this part takes you the longest. Mainly because if you mess up top liner, you have to remove it and it ends up taking more time. I usually make my liner thicker when doing makeup in five. Since I am not adding as many products to my face, I try to highlight the products I am using drastically. 

    MASCARA-04:00 (1 minute)

• I don’t compromise time here either. If it takes me 15 extra seconds to make sure my lashes don’t clump together, then so be it! 

    LIP GLOSS- 04:11 (10 seconds)

• I normally put lipstick with a bit of gloss over it, but in my quick routine, I changed it up and ended up discovering that I like the way gloss looks against my lips without applying lipstick first. It gives a more natural look.

Everyones routine should be different. With five minutes, it’s important to focus more time on the features you want to highlight.  The key isn’t putting everything on quicker, but putting on the items that matter the most. So on a day where you have an hour to spend getting ready, you may put on some primer, lip stick, lip liner, blush,  eye shadow, a highlighter, etc..but when you’re in a rush, focus on the core items that really make a difference on your face. I challenge you guys to do your makeup in under 5 minutes without compromising the quality of the routine. You may discover a new look that you previously didn’t know you could create. It’s amazing what being on a time crunch can do to your skills!

COMING SOON: Travel friendly makeup 

What’s apart of your 5 min makeup regimen? 

HOW TO ROCK IT: PINK LIPS

Heres a few tips to follow when wearing pink lips:

• MAKEUP: Pink lips work with the same rules as red lips or anyone other dramatic lip color. You can’t overdo the eye or face makeup if you’re wearing it or they look will go from glamish to clownish. 
• CLOTHES: When picking out an outfit to go with your pink lips, try something different too! You’re already going out of your comfort zone, so why not go all the way? I like how pink lips look with leather items (leather jackets, tights, or accessories). If you’re feeling really bold, mix and match the pink lip with a different color outfit rather than the standard white or black pieces. Pink lips with an yellow blouse? Pink lips with a green jumper? The sky is the limit!
• HAIR: This depends on the occasion, but if you really want the pink lips to stand out, wear your hair up. This will bring more attention to your face and specifically to your lips. If you are still trying to get adjusted to the look, wear your hair down but try something different. If you normally wear a side part, change it to the middle. If you always wear your hair straight, do some soft waves.

What do you wear and pair your pink lip with?