A Place Made for a Queen

A Place Made for a Queen

by amayarousseau ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hey guys! I know have been absent for quite some time now but a lot of big changes have been happening. I had finals, for one, I had graduations, and I moved out of my college apartment. So yes big chances in what seemed to be a small amount of time.

I know this is different from my usual posts but I’m currently sitting in this incredible coffee shop in Charlotte, North Carolina and I felt inspired. Why am I in the Queen City you ask? I’m in town for a day to interview for what could be an amazing opportunity so please wish me luck even though you’ll be reading this long after my interview! For this post I wanted to vision on goals then I’ll get back to the beauty and glam.

Now that I am no longer in school I’ve had a lot (I mean a lot) of time to think about what I want to do with my life. Okay that’s a loaded question to ask yourself so I felt just as overwhelmed as you might this very second. So I broke it down into long term and short term goals.

Long term (5 years+) I want to have my own business and my own empire. PERIODT. But my short term (6 months – 4 years) goals consist of different intricate steps to not only get there but to tackle the obstacles that are already in front of me. It’s June 4th, meaning that I have 6 months to make a dent into my short term goals.

Right now I’m looking to move to the Queen City, Charlotte, North Carolina. I honestly don’t what is really drawing me to this place but whenever I come here I get a strong energy and I hate to say it…good vibes. Ew, I sounded very millennial there. Anyways, there’s just something about this place that draws me to it. I have a few friends here and I’ve made a lot of connections every time I come. I definitely do not see this move as permanent but I definitely feels like a good temporary home until my next adventure.

Okay I’ve blabbed enough! Thank you for listening and I will keep you all updated on this journey. Just know I’m super excited and ready to take the first steps 🙂 NOW BACK TO BEAUTY!

Are We Charmed? – The Review

Are We Charmed? – The Review

by amayarousseau ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Hey guys! As you may have read last week I recently became the proud subscriber of BoxyCharm, a monthly makeup subscription box!

Click the video below to see what was inside 🙂

I just wanted to right a little reflection on my experience filming fo rht efirst time. I have been putting off creating a YouTube channel for about three years now and I regret waiting for so long!

This experience was very beneficial and helped me be okay with my quirks. I love blogging but there is something about talking to someone or millions of people that I can relate so much too. I really enjoyed using this program and enjoyed the experience of editing and adding cool effects.

For this being my first video I am so proud of it and the scary thing is I have so much more I can learn! I will definitely be using this platform more than ever. Actually…I’m filming another video for you guys next week!

So just like I mentioned last week, I filmed an April BoxyCharm box unboxing and guys I am SHOOK by the products I received!!! I cannot wait to share this with you all!

Also please go ahead and hit that subscribe, like, and bell notification buttons!!! Feel free to leave comments on either my blog or under my YouTube video itself! If there’s anything you would like me to review or even a tutorial let me know!

I hope you all enjoy!

Until next week,

Amaya

Are We Charmed?

Are We Charmed?

by amayarousseau ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Going to school in Radford, Virginia has increased my online shopping by 10000000%. I am constantly putting off participating in the latest beauty launches because the closet Ulta is almost an hour away. There is always a little hesitation when buying beauty products online in the fear of getting a product you either don’t like or doesn’t fit you and your needs.

One day, my roommate got this pretty pink package and I had noticed that she had been getting the SAME package for the last 3 months. She told me “Oh that’s my Ipsy bag!” Huh?. After doing some research I figured out that this so called Ipsy bag is a monthly subscription where you receive a mix of high-end and drug store gems!

Ipsy Pink Packaging
(medium.com)

It seems like makeup subscriptions or just subscriptions in general blew up throughout 2018 and are still relevant now more than ever. After discussing with other friends and getting a lot of suggestions I decided to join the bandwagon.

In March I started my journey with a company called BoxyCharm and so far I’m OBSESSED! Yes, it a little pricey at $21 dollars a month compared to the $10 Ipsy bag. BUT I love it because you receive 5-6 cosmetics, skincare, beauty tools from some of the most iconic brands! And the best part is…4 of those items are FULL SIZED.

Yup. You read correctly.

April 2019 BoxyCharm Box
(boxycharm.com)

Not only do I love the sizes of these products but each month every ‘charmer’ will receive a variation of products. For April they are taking a festival theme in honor of Coachcella. When you set up your account, you complete a survey that will narrow down your wants and needs to ensure your box is right for you! Your items are shipped around the same time each month and every unwrapping is a surprise!

There are SO many different types of monthly subscription companies. Of course I would recommend asking your friends, doing your research, or even looking at some reviews on YouTube.


I actually will receive my April BoxyCharm this Friday and I plan to film an unboxing video, JUST FOR YOU ALL! So make sure your subscribed and tuned in next week.

Below I have attached an article by My Subscription Addiction that includes a detailed list of her favorite companies!

(mysubscriptionaddiction.com)

A Star Heist

A Star Heist

by amayarousseau ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

The beauty industry is not always as glamorous as it may seem on social media. It is not uncommon for ideas to be leaked, stolen, or copied but recently, one of the biggest heists in the beauty community occurred.

Jeffree Star, a self-made YouTube celebrity, makeup artist, and owner of Jeffree Star Cosmetics, revealed in a 16-minute video that nearly $2.5 million worth of product was stolen from one of his production and distribution warehouse. The suspects are allegedly black market makeup distributors and walked away with many products, including products that have not been released. One product in particular that is causing major stir is the unreleased Magic Star Concealer which is now being released in late April! This line will include 30 shades of concealer but unfortunately the robbers took an ENTIRE shade from Star’s warehouse.

“Shade C5…I have only a few hundred left,” Jeffree remarks in his video posted on Tuesday.

YouTube: Jeffree Star

Mind you Jeffree has been dealing with this incident for over a month now and just recently broke his silence to confront the issue. Not only were those units completely taken from his warehouse, they began popping up on Facebook, Ebay, and various other selling websites.

Finally the box [of concealers] pops up online. We’ve been waiting for this moment,” Star explains.

YouTube: Jeffree Star

Posts like the one pictured above flooded the internet with users trying to sell the stolen products. Star’s fans quickly dragged these accounts and posts and they were quickly removed. In real time, Jeffree kept his silence but still posted tweets here and there that hinted at the robbery.

In his video, Star explains how some of the products that were taken were stored in a specific area which made me think it was an inside job. Fortunately for that, Jeffree confirmed that this was solely down by an outside source and none of his warehouse employees were involved.

While this is been quite the whirlwind for Jeffree and his company but he is not fighting this battle alone. With his millions of loyal fans flagging any suspicious content and the help from the FBI, Star is slowly narrowing down the sources of all of these leaks.

Years of planning and design go into the making of these products and Jeffree even mentions in his video that he had been working on this concealer a little over a year and just recently finalized the design. Unfortunately this launch was a huge spoiler for fans but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Like I mentioned earlier this concealer and his new setting powder will be available for purchase at the end of this month! All in all things like this happen; it might not be to the tune of $2.5 million but they do happen! I’m just glad that Jeffree took time to keep his fans in the loop and still promising them a good product!

All Good Things Must Come to an End

All Good Things Must Come to an End

by amayarousseau ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Nooo we’re not completely getting rid of makeup, just the products that have expired! Yes, I said it, your makeup does expire so it is time to throw away your lipstick from junior prom…its 2019.  Many people will keep makeup products LONG after they have expired. This is not only hoarding but it can potentially be bad for your skin. So, we’re going to run through a list of products that have interesting life spans that might want you to rethink using that same lipstick from 2014 again!

I have been guilty of this so many times and it was not until recently that I found out that a tiny symbol we all see on our favorite products, stands for something! WOW! Who would have thought?

(aminoapps.com)

If you think you’ve seen this symbol before you’re probably right! The period-after-opening symbol or PAO symbol identifies the useful lifetime of a cosmetic product after its package has been open. The actual number inside of the jar symbol indicates the number of months or years of that products expiration. Although a PAO is not required by law from the FDA, cosmetic companies owe it to their customers to ensure that their products are used safely within the means of their expiration.

Okay so let’s break out our makeup bag and dissect some of the products who have probably seen better days.

MASCARA: 3-6 MONTHS

Most of us think that mascara lasts forever and that we can still salvage the remaining bits of it on the sides of the container. This usually results in us continuously pumping our mascara in hopes of getting more product out, but did you know that dries out the formula a lot quicker because it lets air in! This is way the expiration date of mascara ranges from 3-6 months. If you take care of your mascara you could get it to last the whole 6 months!

(reviews,com)

BLUSH, EYE SHADOW, OTHER POWDER COSMETICS: 1-2 YEARS

(hellogiggles.com)

When researching this topic, I came across an interesting fact: powder last longer than wet formulas. In order to get the most out of your powder-based beauty products, experts recommend you cleaning your makeup tools regularly and never leaving it exposed to air.

FOUNDATION: 1 YEAR

(Modern Makeup)

Obviously depending on what type of foundation you use (powder, cream, or liquid) the expiration date will very. For liquid or cream foundations, its lifespan ranges from six to 12 months because of all the chemical agents it contains. Personally, one tell-tale sign that its time to toss the foundation is when it begins to separate. If you can see the different layers of oils, water, and agents, just think twice before putting it on your skin!

Dupes that are DOPE!

Dupes that are DOPE!

by amayarousseau ♥ 2 Comments

I get it, we can’t all afford the high priced products ESPECIALLY if you’re like me and balling on a college student budget! Over the past few years I have really embraced the beauty world with full force. My freshman year simple mascara and Vaseline has evolved in the senior year bake my face beat down. My collection has grown so much over the years so I have seen my fair share of “ooou that’s the price?…” and “OMG ITS ON SALE LETS BUY FOUR!”

So, today I will bringing you a few of my favorite makeup and skin care dupes that will not break your bank or your face!

Farsali Unicorn Essence Serum ($54) vs. NYX Professional Honey Dew Me Up ($11.99)

The most popular beauty gurus on the internet have recently incorporated serums into their makeup routine. Serums are used to give your skin a glow under your makeup through much needed vitamins and antioxidants. One of it’s most popular benefit is its ability to minimize signs of aging in your skins. Farsali’s is one of the most popular serums but also the most expensive, setting you back $54! An alternative I have found that is much most cost effective and gives my skin the glow it needs is NYX Professional’s Honey Dew Me Up that goes for around $12.

Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara ($24) vs. L’Oreal’s Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara ($10)

Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara has been rated the #1 rated mascara for years and has the review to make it up. Although, this is one of my personal go-to’s it is getting harder and harder each trip to Sephora to purchase one for $24. I discovered L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise mascara actually on accident when going to my local CVS. When I first used it I couldn’t believe it gave me the same (if not better) results than BTS. With this product you will definitely get a full lash look for over half the price.

Tatcha’s the Silk Canvas Filter Finish Protective Primer ($52) vs. E.L.F’S Cosmetics’ Poreless Putty Primer ($8)

Silk Canvas as become a STAPLE recently in primers. I discovered this product scrolling through Youtube where I also saw many videos comparing it and the dupe I have here. Putty Primer seemed too good to be true and many influencers have been raving it about it over Tatcha’s much loved primer. Both of these primers do an amazing job preventing breakouts by ensuring that they will keep makeup out of your skin and limit clogged pores. E.l.f.’s putty primer left my skin so velvety that it felt like I actually spent the $52 I would have on Silk Canvas…but I only spent $8!

These three are only a FEW of my magically dupes I’ve discovered along my makeup journey! I believe there is always a cheaper alternative and that you do not have to pay an arm and a leg just for the brand name!

Until next time!

Amaya

Listening to Your Undertone

Listening to Your Undertone

by amayarousseau ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Okay, ladies! We’ve all been there, you run into your favorite Sephora or Ulta to grab the latest foundation launch. You think you found your perfect match without any assistance from an associate and confidently send all your coins on ‘perfect skin in a bottle.’ The time comes to finally use your new foundation to get the ultimate “beat” look and…bam…the dream foundation you raved about is orange. So why is that? When finding your perfect match, the biggest mistake people make is understanding their undertone.

Your skin’s undertone is the natural color underneath the surface of your skin. To think of it in a different way, imagine taking the surface color of your skin off, the color left behind is considered your undertone. I know, gross right but I had to give an example for our more visual learners! Anyways finding out your undertone will change the way you purchase some of your most important products including foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick, and even clothing and jewelry.

Undertones are unique to EVERYONE! You and a friend may share the same natural tone but have completely different undertones in your skin. So how many undertones are there? There are three main categories of undertones: warm, cool, and neutral.

Cool: blue, pink, red
Warm: yellow, peachy, gold
Neutral: a mixture of the two (may also include some olive shades)

I know what you’re thinking, Amaya how do I figure all of this out? Do I need to go to a professional??

NOPE. You can test your undertone shade right from the comfort of your own home and here are the key ways that I figured out what undertone I am.
(Disclaimer: you do not have to use EVERY test in this list, but it is a fun way to figure out what looks best on you!)

Step 1: CHECK YOUR VEINS.
One of the easy and quickest ways to figure out your undertone is just by checking your veins. No, we are not checking pulse. Look down at your wrist, what do you see? If the veins you see are green, you are a member of the warm family. If the color, you see is blue – sometimes purplish – you are cool toned. Neutral undertones are identified if your veins are very hard to see or match the color of your skin.

Step 2: LOOK AT YA BLING.
You’ve probably been in tune with your undertone without even knowing it especially when you purchase jewelry. If you feel as though silver jewelry looks best on you and really brings out your skin, you are cool toned. Now if you like a more glam gold you are of the warm family.

STEP 3: TURN UP THE HEAT.
Now the third and final test that I use to determine undertone is whether you tan or burn. With the assistance of the sun, you can easily solve the question of undertones. If you find yourself burning or getting red a lot easier after spending time in the sun, you have a cool undertone. If you’re like me and tan for days, you have a warm undertone. For the few people who neither burn or tan quickly, you are of the neutral undertone fam!
***Disclaimer: Just because you are a part of the warm or neutral family does not mean, I repeat, DOES NOT MEAN you can go out in the sun without SPF. ALL UNDERTONES ARE AT RISK TO BURN OR SUFFER FROM SUN DAMAGE. ***

Okay, now you’ve found your undertone, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH IT? When it comes to makeup, I recommend members of the cooler tones to find products that have a little bit of pink or hints of red. Warmer tones are more likely to look best with products that have hints of gold and peach. Neutral tones…you are the lucky ones, you can (almost) do whatever you want!

Alright, you guys I hope you enjoyed this post and that you were able to listen to your newly found undertone! I will see you all in the next post!

XO
Amaya

Ready, SET, Go!

Ready, SET, Go!

by amayarousseau ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

2018 has come and went but in the beauty world we are still living for some of the most popular products. It has taken me a lot of trial and error to find the perfect products to keep my make up last all night long. Setting, is exactly what like it sounds it sets you make up so you can get the most out of your products lifespan!  

Ready, SET, Go!!

We will be exploring a list of my makeup setting sprays that I must always have. To be honest, there are some products on this list that I initially passed on and later discovered I had made a grave mistake. You do not have to spend millions to get the ‘perfect’ spray. I have included sprays of all price ranges so you may be able to find the right one for you!

10. MAC Prep + Prime Fix +, $27

(MAC)

What I like: Very hydrating, slightly scented, non-acnegenic

What I don’t like: I have oily skin so this spray will add too much moisture to my face.

9.  L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Setting Spray, $16.99

(L’Oreal)

What I like: Provides a true matte finish, evaporates quickly, easy to use

What I don’t like: Stay away if you have dry skin! If you do, use additional moisturizer because this spray is a little drying

8. Bobbi Brown Face Mist, $36

(Bobbi Brown)

What I like: Travel friendly, leaves skin smooth with hydration

What I don’t like: Made with essential oils so be careful if you have sensitive skin!

8. NYX Professional Makeup Matte Finish Setting Spray, $7.19

(NYX Professionals)

What I like: THE PRICE, light mist, leaves makeup looking more natural

What I don’t like: The alcohol contents will dry out skin.

7. Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray, $35.95

(Clinique)

What I like: Lightweight, hydrates and repairs skin

What I don’t like: Expensive 

6. Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50, $28

(Supergoop!)

What I like: SPF 50, rosemary and mint scent, travel sized

What I don’t like: Poor oil control

5. L.A. Girl PRO High Definition Matte Finish Setting Spray, $4.49

(L.A. Girl)

What I like: Lightweight, affordable

What I don’t like: Small packaging

4. Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Oil Control Fixing Spray, $8.00

(Makeup Revolution)

What I like: Oil control, contains healing ingredients, travel friendly

What I don’t like strong fragrance

3. Maybelline Superstay 24 Makeup-Locking Setting Spray, $8.99

(Maybelline)

What I like: oil-free, mattifying, dries quickly

What I don’t like: You can over do it with this product, and it may cause your makeup to look uneven.

2. e.l.f. Matte Magic Mist & Set, $6.00

(e.l.f.)

What I like: Infused with vitamins, cruelty-free and vegan, affordable

What I don’t like: Nothing…

1.Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray, $32.00

(Urban Decay)

What I like: Lightweight, lasts for hours, all skin types will love this product!

Exclusively Inclusive ~ The New Wave

Exclusively Inclusive ~ The New Wave

by amayarousseau ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

For years now, foundation has seemed to come in the basic three colors: light, medium, and dark. Even in the year 2019 we are STILL having this problem. Companies from all over the price spectrum have been put under the microscope to measure their inclusion factor. Many brands have received major back lash for their blatant disregard for all shades and poor range of choices.

2018 was the year of inclusion in the beauty world, more influencers shared their raw opinion on the good and the bad of shade range launches. I believe this movement is the most iconic in the history of makeup because it brings a call to action by some of the beauty brands we have come to love. In my opinion one of the most openly inclusion forward beauty blogger is Jackie Aina. She has really shook the YouTube beauty world by reviewing and “calling out” the most exclusive makeup brand (here’s the link to her page where all the tea is spilled: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzJIliq68IHSn-Kwgjeg2AQ ).

Anyways, after one of Jackie’s videos specifically calls out the brand, Too Faced, about their lack of range and unrealistic shade names for their foundation. Too Faced later removed that brand of foundation and partnered with Aina to create a line with more expensive options for many skin types.

This led to me wanting to do my own research to find makeup brands with the most inclusive shade ranges!

Here’s my top 3:

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation ($38)

(Fenty)

Rihanna had us SHOOK in 2017 by launching 40 shades of her Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation. This was one of the most popular foundations in the world and set the beauty standard up high for the rest of the community. If you though she was done with 40…how about 50. In 2019 Fenty launched and extended line with 50 shades and a corresponding concealer line to match. Wow!

NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation ($49)

(NARS)

One of my go-to’s, never let you down, ole reliable: NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation. NARS is notorious for their amazing products that have proven to survive both day and into the night. This line has 33 shade ranges that consider both shade and undertones. This is a MUST HAVE.

Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation ($8)

(Maybelline)

WOW. What a name. Last on my quick list is the Maybelline New York Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation. This line is something that I recommend everyone have in their collection. Not only is this foundation super affordable but they are one of the only drugstore brands to offer such an extensive line and range of shades. This product is amazing and if you’re every struggling with those peek-a-boo pores then this is the right foundation for you!

Year of the Who??

Year of the Who??

by amayarousseau ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Now only in our 2nd month of 2019 the ‘New Year’ is still widely celebrated. No, not the New York City ball drop with lights and confetti, but the Chinese New Year. February 5th marks what the Chinese culture knows as the Chinese Lunar New Year. This holiday is celebrated by more than 20% of the word and is deemed one of the finest and most important holidays in the Chinese culture.

Each Chinese New Year is named after one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dogs, and finally pig. This year is known as the year of the pig. I know what you’re thinking…a pig…really? According to the Chinese Zodiac, a system of counting years, pigs have great personalities and are naturally blessed with good fortune! (I hope they’re right.)

Designers from all over the world have done their part to pay homage to the pig by incorporating it in some of their finest, most signature pieces. Today I will be taking a closer look at one of the most beloved fashion houses, Gucci.

Gucci Chinese New Year Debut

This collection took the virtual and fashion world BY STORM and has recently been spotted on some of the famous celebrities. This backpack (pictured below) is one of my personal favorites from this collection. Gucci was inspired by Disney’s Three Little Pigs and it has been featured on backpacks, shoes, scarves, literally anything you can put a design on!

(Gucci)

Another piece that I personally thought was not only cute but unique to Gucci. The flying pig brooch is a product that Gucci made specifically for the Chinese New Year. This brooch is made of resin with mother of pearl effect as the website describes. This brooch would set you back $820, but rumor has it, there are only going to be a few available in the world.

(Gucci)

It would not be Gucci if there was not footwork involved. I believe this piece is the only shoe designed by Gucci that includes our three porky friends. The household Ace sneaker is actually the cheapest item on our list, selling for $670.

(Gucci)

Gucci is not the only brand to take on this homage to the year of the pig, but they are the ones that are making this trend extremely famous! The Disney collaboration helped Gucci execute this collection because the Three Little Pigs were easily recognizable and spoke to our inner kid. I also believe that this collection makes people more aware of the Chinese New Year and encourages them to learn more about it. To be honest, I didn’t even know it was the CNY until I saw Gucci’s post on Instagram…

Like I mentioned before Gucci is not the only fashion house doing this. There are tons of different variations like Coach, Nike, and Moschino!

(Coach)
(Nike)
(Moschino)