New Chapter in My Life

I'm finally starting my journey as a freelance Makeup Artist.  I have been super busy doing some photoshoots this month (to add pictures into my portfolio), creating a logo and name, and trying to get a business card together.  All this while working a full time job, coming home to take care of my 3 kids, and trying to get some gigs to build up my status/skill.

I must say, I have never been more excited about anything in my life!  I'm starting a new chapter in my life that I see big things for.  I have a great husband who is behind me in this and my 3 kids who are not such babies anymore so I can have the time to do what I LOVE to do.

Here is my Facebook page HERmakeup if you guys want to check out my work so far and for future work.  I am planning on getting a website set up too but that won't be in the works for a couple months.  Facebook will do for now.

Here's a little preview of the shoots I just wrapped up with my cousin, Xocha, as the photographer.

This one was done on 4-19-14

Models are from L to R: sister-in-law, Suesee, Kelly's friend Kaelani, and my baby sister, Kelly

This one was done on 4-26-14

Models are from L to R: Gao Na & Amy

I hope that you guys will continue to support me in my new journey!

xoxo,
Pangie
contact via email: hermakeup82@gmail.com
find me on instagram: hermakeup82

Dealing With a Sty

Since Wednesday, I have been dealing with a small irritating sty on the bottom of my right eye.  I wanted to share with you my tips on getting rid of a sty and the makeup I wear to coverup my irritation of it (a girl still has to look decent enough to go to work ok).

This is the Mayo Clinic's definition of a sty:

A sty (hordeolum) is a red, painful lump near the edge of your eyelid that may look like a boil or a pimple. Sties are often filled with pus. A sty usually forms on the outside of your eyelid, but sometimes a sty can form on the inner part of your eyelid.

In most cases, a sty will begin to disappear on its own in a few days. 

When I first start feeling a sty, the eye that is getting the sty usually feels sore, irritated, achy and itchy. As soon as I feel that, depending on what time of day it is and if I'm at work or not, I start using a warm washcloth (sometimes a hot washcloth) before bed.  I set the washcloth over my eye so it can help ease the pain of the sty and gets some of that gunk out.  I leave the washcloth on until it loses the warmth/heat of the warm/hot water.  Like I said, depending on the time of day and if I'm at work or not, I will do this at least 2-3 times before bed.  This is one of the best methods for me since it's the easiest and cheapest way.

Another thing I like to do but don't anymore (since I need to get a prescription for it) is using erythromycin ointment.  This medication works wonders on your sty.  It's messy but it's well worth it.  All you have to do is wash your hands so they're clean, squeeze out a little bit of the erythromycin on your finger and rub it on your sty and the base of your lashes so it really gets into the root of the sty.  But remember to always wash your hands after using this ointment on your eye.  You don't want to infect your other eye or anyone else.  This method usually cuts down the time of the sty by at least a day or two.  

So on to the makeup.  I know you're not supposed to wear eye makeup when you have a sty but I personally still do so I don't look super plain.

I still do a full face of makeup but leave my eyes pretty bare.  This week, since the sty is at the bottom of my lid, I have only been brushing on my bronzer to the "crease" of my eyes, for definition, and then I only do one coat of mascara.  I think this is fine since I am using it on the top part of my eye that isn't infected.

When I get a sty on my top lash line/eye, I only do a liner on the bottom lash line and that's it.
I ONLY WEAR MY GLASSES when I have a sty so I don't have to waste my contacts.  Besides that, it's NOT good to get your contacts full of the infection and the sty not healing due to you wearing contacts.

I get them every once in a blue moon (nowadays compared to 2-3 years ago) to know how much they SUCK and how much they can ruin my confidence. I hope this helps you fellow sty victims to stay looking beautiful even though you have a sty buggin' ya.

Have a good night!

xoxo,

Pangie

My "Sweat Proof" Makeup Tips

Per special request from my friend, Amy.  I am posting today on my take on "sweat proof" makeup for the heat and humidity we get here in the Midwest.

First thing you need is: FOUNDATION PRIMER.  Primer is essential to starting great makeup application and to keep your makeup on for a longer amount of time during the day/night.
My picks: Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer and Benefit POREfessional Foundation Primer

Second thing you need is: A GOOD FOUNDATION, BB CREAM, CC CREAM OR  TINTED MOISTURIZER.  Whichever is your preference, you only need a thin layer so it doesn't melt off your face in the heat and humidity.  Also remember to find something that has a good SPF in there so you don't get sunburn.
My picks: Buxom Show Some Skin Weightless Foundation, Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream Broad Spectrum CC Cream, and IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream.

Third thing you need is: SETTING POWDER.  Whether it's a translucent powder or a mineral foundation powder, a little bit of it is all you need to set your foundation, BB cream, CC cream, or tinted moisturizer.  This step is the first step to lock in your foundation so it doesn't move around.  Remember to not use a lot so you don't end up looking cakey.
My picks: Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder

Fourth thing you need is: GREAT EYE SHADOW PRIMER.  If you are one who likes to wear some eye shadow out in the heat, you definitely need eye shadow primer to keep all eye shadows in place all day.
My picks: Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer, Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion (I think the original is great also), and Wet N Wild Fergie Eyeshadow Primer.

Last thing you need is: FINISHING/SETTING SPRAY.  A finishing/setting spray locks everything you've done in place so it doesn't budge.  There are many out there that I have heard great things about but have yet to try so I will not mention them to you.  The only one I use and have been using for the past 3 or so years is elf Studio Makeup Mist & Set Spray.  This setting spray is by far THE BEST I've tried and I love it more than the MAC Fix +, which I tried before the elf one.

Hope this helps answer your questions and concerns about wearing makeup in heat and humidity.

Have a great night!

xoxo,
Pangie

**UPDATED 4/23/14**  I forgot to mention that when you're out in the heat, also don't forget to wear your favorite waterproof mascara so you don't get raccoon eyes and waterproof eyebrow products for those who like to do their eyebrows.  My pick for brows: Make Up Forever Aqua Brow

Current Night Time Skin Care Routine

Since I shared my morning skin care routine with you ladies, I thought today I'd share my night time skin care routine with you guys.

After taking my makeup off with the Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover (a good travel size bottle comes in the Lancome set I mention below) and Equate Original Clean Facial Cleansing Towelettes, I wash my face with the simple moisturizing facial wash.  Same first step to my morning routine.

Then on the days that I need to exfoliate (usually Monday and Friday nights), I use whatever I have left from sample sizes I have received in either my monthly ipsy bags or samples from Sephora and Ulta purchases.  I go between the Michael Todd Pumpkin Nutrient Mask and the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash.  Last night, I tried the dr. brandt microdermabrasion skin exfoliant that I received from this month's ipsy bag (I just looked this product up and OMG the original price on this product is ridiculously expensive!  I will sparingly use this mini sample I got.  lol).

On the nights that I exfoliate, I use the Glamglow THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment and call it a night.

For the nights that I don't exfoliate, I start off with the Clean & Clear advantage acne spot treatment on any blemishes and zits that have sprouted either from the day or has been lingering on for a few days.

Then I use the Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate that comes in the Genifique Light-Pearl Skincare Set that I purchased. Also included in the set is the Genifique Eye Light-Pearl Eye-Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate and the Bi-Facil eye makeup remover.

I have been in love with this serum since I got a sample size for Christmas from my sister-in-law.  The little sample bottle lasted me what seems to be about a little over a month and I was really surprised at how long it lasted and how great it made my skin look.  After finishing that sample, I caved and bought the 1 oz. size.  Only one drop of this serum covers my whole face and neck, which is a major plus since this is a spendy product.

I switch on and off with the Lancome Genifique Eye Light-Pearl concentrate and the Lancome High Resolution eye cream since both target different issues for me.

The Genifique Eyes is more geared towards puffiness and dark circles.

Where as the High Resolution Eye Cream is a combination for puffiness, dark circles and fine lines/wrinkles.

Then after that, I use my Pond's Nourishing Moisturizing Cream.  I am on a hunt for a really good night cream and so far, I haven't found one I like or want to try so this Pond's cream will work for the moment.

As far as a toner goes, I haven't found one I liked either.  I have tried the Clarins Toning Lotion but don't like it too much since it dries out my skin more if I use it daily so I use it only when I really need it (since I don't want to waste the product).

Then I got two little Estee Lauder toner samples when I bought their pore minimizing serum.  I'm thinking it's the Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Toning Lotion but I could be wrong since the saleswoman didn't tell me the exact name of the product.  I like this toner since it smells fresh and makes my skin feel awesome.  I have yet to go buy the full size bottle and probably will go purchase it sometime in the near future.  I just recently ordered The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner since my youngest sister uses this and likes it.

Well that's it for this post.  Hoping everyone gives more love to their skin after reading both my posts.

xoxo,
Pangie

Current Morning Skin Care Routine

I wish I took better care of my skin when I was in my 20's but....sadly I didn't.  Now I've noticed more changes in my skin than I did back then and I'm sad that I didn't learn more about skincare to kinda prevent all this "oldness" that catches up to all of us.

To start off my morning routine, I wash my face with the simple moisturizing facial wash in the shower.  I bought this a couple months back and stopped using it so I could try out the Shiseido IBUKI Gentle Cleanser (mentioned in the starter kit below).  But once I finished the trial size of the Shiseido Gentle Cleanser, I went back to the simple face wash to finish it up.

I read reviews on the simple facial wash and wanted to try it since I'm always up for trying out different facial cleansers and I read some pretty good reviews on it.  Honestly, I felt like it was an OK cleanser.  I felt like it did the job to clean my skin but still kind of left my skin dry in certain spots.  I didn't want it to go to waste so I will use it up before my new cleansers come in for me to try.  :P

After getting out of the shower and debating if I'll wear my contacts or glasses for the day, I start to prep my skin for my makeup routine.  I start off with Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher.  I have been using this serum every morning and only in the mornings for about a month now.  So far, I don't see too much of a difference in the size of my pores but let me tell you how great this makes your skin look and feel after application.  The description you read on Macy's website is what you basically get after apply this serum to your face.  It just makes all your pores smaller and makes your skin feel soooo silky smooth!! This is a great way to start prepping your skin for the day and for makeup application.

  

After the Estee Lauder serum, I apply my eye cream.  I have been using the Lancome High Resolution Eye Refill-3X for 2 weeks.  This eye cream has good components to keep my under eye area hydrated but I haven't seen too much change in the small wrinkles under my eyes.  I will have to update after a month to a month and half use of this product.

FYI for you ladies that don't use eye creams yet.  YOU NEED TO!  I believe you can start as soon as you're 18, just as long as you're finding one that suits what you need for your age.  It will be one of the best things you invest in since the skin under our eyes thins out more as we get older.

While I let the eye cream soak into my skin, I go start my coffee and apply some lip balm/chapstick to my lips.  Then I go back to my skincare routine and use the Shiseido IBUKI Softening Concentrate from the Shiseido IBUKI Smooth & Trouble Free Starter Kit that I purchased a while back when searching for new skincare kits to try out.

After the Softening Concentrate soaks into my skin, I use the Shiseido IBUKI Refining Moisturizer.  For both of these products, you don't need to use a whole lot of product.  I pour about a dime size of each into my hand and pat it onto my skin and then lightly rub it all over my face and down my neck.  I am loving both of these products together and these trial sizes have lasted me quite some time.

I sometimes end it there with the Refining Moisturizer.  But for days when I feel like my skin is a bit too dry, I use Pond's Nourishing Moisturizing Cream on the areas that need more hydration.  I have been using the "travel size" for a couple years now and it helps with the dry patches on my skin. 

While waiting for everything to set, I go get dress for the day and then it's on to makeup.  

I know it's a lot of steps but hey, when you find skincare that works for your skin (and as you get older) you just find the time to apply every product to keep your skin looking great for the day.

Hope this helps some of you on some different types of skincare products.  Don't be afraid to try new skincare to find the right one for you because if it doesn't work out for you within a week's time, you'll definitely know and you can always go return the product for something else.

Have a great night!

xoxo,

Pangie

Orange With Envy

Hello Beautiful Ladies!  Just wanted to do a quick post and share my warm weather outfit and makeup from today.

Outfit Details:

Jean jacket from Debs

Yellow floral print dress with belt from Forever21 (one of my fave spring/summer dresses)

Shoes from Target

Accessories from H&M and Forever21

MOTD:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lavish Pallet - Ballet all over the lids, Orange Soda on the crease, Sienna on the outer V color, Moss on lower lash line, the gold color in Anastasia Beverly Hills Catwalk pallet as the inner corner highlight.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and Brow Powder

Lorac Pro Liner

Maybelline Falsies mascara

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream

Bobbi Brown bronzer

Benefit Rockateur blush

Kat Von D concealer

Milani lipstick in 01 Sweet Nectar (my new love)

Below is a couple snap shots from taking breaks at work.  haha

Have a great night everyone!

xoxo,

Pangie

Confessions of a Shoeaholic: Steve Madden Heels on an Aqua Kind Of Day

We've been having some beautiful, warmer, sunnier days in the Midwest and I'M LOVING IT!!  Since the cold, cold winter, I have not worn heels, let alone stilettos.  I honestly have to say, I feel like I don't know how to walk in them anymore.  LOL  I definitely do have to break in wearing heels again!!

For my makeup today, I used my Lorac Mint pallet on my eyes, my IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and Brow Powder, Kat Von D concealer, Bobbi Brown bronzer, Benefit Rockateur blush, and Mac Brave lipstick.

Outfit:

Neon Yellow Silver necklace from H&M

Bracelets from H&M and Forever21

White Tank from Forever21

Aqua Blazer from H&M

Jeans from H&M

Steve Madden heels from hautelook.com

close up of the heels (this pic is from a couple months ago when I first got these babies)

I just LOVE everything about these heels but really do need to break them in.

My little photographer (my son, Mitchell) wanted to take some pics of me making bubbles so here's 2 good shots from his little random shoot.

Hope everyone enjoys their night!

xoxo,
Pangie

My Go To Makeup Look for the Weekends

My husband hates it when I put on makeup over the weekends but I still like to look lively when we go run errands.  Here's my go to makeup look for weekends when I have to be out of the house.

Products used (from bottom to top, then left to right goring down the pic):
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light 1
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream in Light
elf High Definition Undereye Setting Powder
City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon
Make Up Forever HD Translucent Powder
Kat Von D Lock It Tattoo Concealer in Medium 22
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Dark Brown
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Brunette
Mac Studio Finish Concealer in NC30
Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer
Maybelline the Falsies Volum Expres Hrydofuge Waterproof Mascara in Very Black

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

xoxo,
Pangie

March Favorites

I've been wanting to do a monthly favorites on my blog since the beginning of the year but I somehow don't end up doing it due to either my busy mom schedule or I just forget.  So better late than never, here's my favorites that I've used for most of March.

1. Lorac Pro Pallet - What I love about this is that it's a great pallet for every day simple eyes and/or semi-smokey looks.  It's the easiest pallet I have where I don't have to think too hard on what I want my look to be like for the day.

2. Mac Prolong Concealer in NC20 (I think) - I didn't want to invest in this concealer so when my sister bought another one since she loves it so much, I asked her to give me a good amount to sample to see if I would like it or not too.  Surprisingly, I like it.  It's great as a highlight under my eyes.  Might have to go get it to add to my collection.

3. Zoya Nail Polish in Odette - I just love this color on my nails.  For me, I think it's a good color for the season changes.

4. Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer - Got this sample from one of my Sephora hauls since I hear a lot of people rave about it.  I like the primer a lot.  I find it that if I do the primer and foundation tricks that I learned from watching YouTube guru gossmakeupartist, it makes my foundation last a lot longer and my oily T-zone not so oily.  I will have to share his secret with you guys in a future post. 

5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Anti-Aging - I loved the original primer potion from UD but when I tried this anti-aging one, I was in more in love.  This little sample tube has lasted me a good amount of time since you don't need that much product and because I misplaced it for a while.  Glad I found it again!

6. Anastasia Beverly Hills Catwalk Pallet - When I want a more shimmery look for work, I go to this pallet.  I just love the lighter shimmery shades in this pallet a lot more than other shimmery shades in other pallets that I own. The shades in this pallet is just not as shimmery as others, even though it looks like it just as shimmery.

7. Benefit Blush in Rockateur - This is hands down my favorite blush.  I wear it daily because it's just simply beautiful.  It gives me a nice flush of color and I was told by a coworker that she likes it when I wear blush because I look more alive.  haha 

There you go.  My first post on my monthly favorites.  Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what your thoughts are on them.

Have a good Friday night!

xoxo,

Pangie