Category Archives: how to

Tokidoki Soda Shop Collection Review & Tutorial

I got more Tokidoki makeup! I purchased the Soda Shop palette along with a Kabuki Brush and Pittura angled blush brush. As you will find from my review, I liked everything except for the eyeliner. I hope you enjoy my review and natural bronze tutorial using the Tokidoki Soda Shop palette!

Pick of the Week…Makeup Remover Facial Towelettes

It’s late. You’re tired. You’re too lazy to take off your makeup. All you want to do is flop face down on your cold fluffy pillow and clock out. There’s only one problem. That voice in your head nagging at you about the breakout you’ll probably wake up with because you slept with your makeup on. The solution? Makeup remover facial towelettes. It’s a fast, convenient way to remove all your makeup and sleep stress free. It’s ideal to remove makeup and thoroughly cleanse your face and moisturize every night, but let’s be honest…it doesn’t happen that way.



Here I review my top 3 picks for facial towelettes. The first is MAC Cosmetics Wipes (maccosmetics.com, $19.50). These remove makeup very well, have natural botanicals to help sooth and brighten skin, and have glycerin to attract moisture. The second is the Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes (Drug Stores, $7). I love these wipes because they have Dead Sea salt which help to tone, brighten and clarify skin for a radiance boost. The third pick is The Body Shop Tea Tree Wipes (www.thebodyshop-usa.com, $12). In the summer, my skin tends to get a little oily and I break out occasionally. Tea Tree helps to keep skin clean and clear of acne without stripping any natural moisture.

Enjoy my video review of my top 3 makeup remover facial towelettes!

Maker Faire NC 2011 Video


I had the wonderful opportunity to be a volunteer at North Carolina’s 2nd Maker Faire. The Maker Faire that originated in my hometown of San Mateo, CA in 2006 is the largest DIY Festival in the world! Unfortunately, I had already moved out of the Bay Area in 2004, so I never got a chance to go to one until last year in Durham, NC. The Maker Faire NC 2011 was held in Raleigh at the fairgrounds and more than double the amount of last year’s attendees showed up! I got to meet some inspiring Makers and I wanted to share a little of my experience with all of you. If there is a Maker Faire near you I highly suggest you go. It’s great for little kids too! Enjoy my video!

NARS Orgasm Tutorial

I recently purchased Nars’ Orgasm line of makeup at Sephora. They had a box set with lip gloss, blush, highlighter stick and nail polish. I was reluctant to buy it for a really long time because I didn’t want to give in to the hype of the name. I finally gave in when this value set came out. I’m am a coral fiend, so this line was pretty much made for me. I love how perfect the blend of pink and orange pigments look on my neutral yellow skin. Please watch my NARS Orgasm Tutorial video to see how you can wear these products.

Pick of the Week…Best Drug Store Mascara

I really didn’t want to hop on the “Lash Blast” Bandwagon, but I decided to give it a try (mostly beacause it was orange). I had returned every drug store mascara I purchased because they were all pretty horrible, but this one’s a keeper! It wasn’t clumpy, flaky or dry. It separated, volumized dramatically and lengthened my lashes. This will definitely be the mascara in my makeup artist kit. LOVES IT!!! Watch my tutorial below that shows my very first time using Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara.

List of products (all purchased at Target):
Cover Girl “Tropical Fusion” shadow quad -avg. msrp, $4.50
Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Mascara “Black Brown” -avg. msrp, $6
Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Stain “Cherry Pop” -avg. msrp, $6
Maybelline Shine Sensational Lip Gloss “Peach Sorbet” -avg. msrp, $5
Sonya Kashuk tapered blending brush -$10.99
Sonya Kashuk blending brush -$7.99