Makeup Brush Cleanse.

If you wear make up, you're going to want to read this. This is my personal PSA about the importance of cleaning your makeup brushes regularly! I've fallen victim so some of the plights that come with not cleaning my makeup brushes, so I'm writing this because I really don't want others to have to experience it!

I'm sure most of you avid makeup users/artists already know about this and clean your makeup brushes anyway, but for someone like me who is just getting into doing more elaborate makeup and watching tutorials and using all the brushes in my kit, I didn't realize what happens to not only your brushes but to your skin when you don't wash the brushes regularly.

1. First, and most obviously, your pores could get super clogged up from dirty brushes when they are used over and over again and it could cause some serious breakouts on your face. This is what happened to me and I kept wondering why. The dirt spreads from your face to your makeup and back and forth again! Washing the brushes you use closes some lanes of that bacteria highway from your makeup to your face.

2. Next, it is not unlikely that you could get a staph infection from a dirty makeup brush! Gross. Makeup brushes accumulate oils, dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria, and that all goes right on your face and into your skin. It is a possibility so its better to be wary of it.

3. It affects the way your makeup turns out on your face! Think about it...how can the brand new pigment you bought look like its supposed to when there are weeks of loose makeup still on your brushes? They blend into other colors and you never get the color you intended to.

4. Aside from breakouts, your skin can get easily irritated from dirty makeup brushes. When dirt builds up on them, they become more abrasive and stiff, which can cause them to be rougher on your skin when used.

5. Brushes that are well taken care of last longer! If you want to save your money in the long run, clean your brushes. A few dirty bristles ruin the whole brush and will need to be replaced faster.

6. You can risk getting wrinkles! Dirty brushes can expose the skin to "oxidative stress", which causes a breakdown of collagen and result in premature aging.


Now that you know why to clean your makeup brushes, I'll share with you how! You really should be doing this every 2 weeks. A lot of makeup brands sell their own brush cleaners like these:

I, personally, like to use Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo. I like that there's more of it in the bottle than the other makeup brush cleansers and I like that the chemical content of it is low. It leaves the bristles on my brushes extremely soft.

I treat the brushes I use for different products separately. I use two different methods: one for my brushes I use with liquid/oily products like foundation and pigments and one for my brushes I use with powder products like eyeshadow and blush.

For liquid/oily product brushes, the leftover makeup really builds up...like a crazy amount. And since it's liquid product, it clings onto the brushes. So to get it all out, I first start by dropping a nickel size drop of olive oil onto a paper towel. Then before the brush even touches water, I rub the brush into the spot of oil on the paper towel and brush it back and forth 4-5 strokes then I continue brushing it on the areas of the paper towel without oil. I repeat this until most of the product is out and when I stroke it on the paper towel, there is not much color coming out of it.

Instead of using a paper towel, you can also invest in a silicone makeup cleanser pad that has ridges that help to get everything out of the bristles. This one, for example, is a really great product:

After I do this, I fill a shallow bowl with lukewarm water, enough so that when you vertically put the brush in it, the metal part of the brush that holds the bristles doesn't get wet. **This is super important! Make sure the metal part holding the bristles doesn't get wet because it causes the glue holding them to wear down and can cause rust on the metal**

So when I fill the dish, I squeeze in 2-3 drops of the baby shampoo. Then I place the brush in the water and swirl it around to mix the shampoo but also it releases the dirt and grime from the bristles. I keep swirling it and stroke the brush onto a clean paper towel and alternate between the two until there is no color coming from the brush.

With the brushes used for powdery products, don't use oil at all! For these, begin by running the brush bristles under lukewarm water to get rid of as much product as you can. Remember again to not let the metal part of the brush touch the water! After this, repeat the same thing as before by placing 2-3 drops of baby shampoo or brush cleanser in a shallow bowl of lukewarm water and swirl each brush in it until the brush comes out clean and doesn't leave residue when you stroke it on a paper towel.

This is all the makeup and dirt that came off one brush, which I use for eyeshadows.

It's wise to dump and refill the water+cleanser solution every so often (maybe like after cleaning 2-3 brushes at a time) so that the excess dirt and makeup doesn't end up back on your brushes.

After you're done cleaning all the brushes, you want to make sure they dry properly and are the same shape as they are started out as. While they are wet, reshape the brushes with your hands to the shape they are supposed to be.

To dry them, place them on a kitchen tea towel in a well ventilated area and place the brushes over the edge so they are sort of hanging. Just like this:

This will give the bristles air ventilation to dry and it won't stay damp and build a funky smell.

I again cannot stress how important cleaning your makeup brushes are! If you can't do it every 2 weeks, at least do it once a month...your skin will thank you, your wallet will thank you!

Sephora Play!

I love subscription boxes and I've tried a few ranging from beauty products to even food. I've tried boxes that deliver healthy snacks, boxes of candy from Japan, and boxes of different hair and makeup products. They were all great, but when I heard Sephora was going to jump on the subscription box train I had to get my hands on it!

Its called Sephora Play! and because Sephora is my favorite place to test out and buy makeup and hair products, I was pretty excited about the news. I had to stand on a waitlist for a while, but I think the option to subscribe is more readily available now.

Like with most subscription boxes, when I signed up for Sephora Play! I had to fill out a quiz asking things like what type of skin I have, the texture of my hair, and my skin tone. I filled out that I have fair skin that's normal to oily and that one of my main desire from skin products was age defying and anti wrinkle creams. Then you get a box filled with Sephora goodies that are tailored to you and what you like. Getting the box in the mail was like an exciting surprise gift.

And when I opened it, it got even better! Here's what I got in my October box...

Nude Stix Intense Matte Lip+Cheek Pencil in Belle

All-In-One Egg Mellow Cream (firming moisturizer)

Smashbox Lip Gloss

Verb Leave In Mist (hair conditioning spray)

Ski Inc. Pure Revival Peel

Tom Ford Orchid Soleil Perfume

The best part of all of this is the card that comes with the box, which you can take to any Sephora store and get a free one to one tutorial on how to use each product!

This is what, in my opinion, sets this subscription box apart from other beauty boxes like Birchbox. And for $10 a month, it is practically a steal! Who wouldn't want this, honestly? And its a great gift to consider giving someone this holiday season.

I absolutely cannot wait for my November Sephora Play! box!

Halloween Treats!

A lot of people know that Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year. I love everything about it from pumpkins to costumes to candy and more, this holiday is so much fun. I went to a few costume parties this weekend, but I'm planning on spending my Halloween watching scary movies and giving trick or treaters candy with some of my friends.

My unicorn pumpkin and my boyfriends driving skeleton pumpkin.

To spice the movie night up, I made a few really spooky treats, because what better way is there to celebrate Halloween than with Halloween themed snacks?

Starting out with these simple take on cheese and crackers with these string cheese witches broom sticks.

I simply took sticks of string cheese and cut each one into 3 equal pieces. Then I cut each piece vertically to look like strands on a broom. Lastly I cut into those pieces twice horizontally to make the piece of cheese look frayed and more like an actual broom. I added a pretzel stick on top for the handle and voila, a broomstick!


The next snack on my party list are these super cute jalapeño popper mummies!

Find this recipe at the bottom of this post.

They're made with roasted jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and olives for the eyes.


Finally I made these adorable and extremely delicious spider cookies! They're basically snickerdoodle kiss cookies, but with a mini Reese's cup instead of a Hershey's kiss. 

Recipe at the bottom of this post.

However you are celebrating today and even if you're not, these snacks can be altered for any occasion. Cook away!





Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

Ingredients:

• Crescent rolls or puff pastry
• 10 jalapeño peppers halved lengthwise and seeded
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 8 ounces grated pepper jack cheese
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• Black olive slices for eyes

Directions:

1. Halve and seed the jalapeño peppers.
2. Combine the two cheeses and green onions and mix well.
3. Fill the mixture into the jalapeño pepper halves.
4. Use a pizza cutter to slice strands of the dough. Wrap the strands of dough around the jalapeños to resemble a mummy. Leave space for the olive eyes.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and immediately press olive slice eyes in the spaces for the eyes.

Spider Snickerdoodle Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk (I used almond milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
• Mini Reese's cups, frozen
• Candy eyes
• Melting chocolate or frosting in a tube

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, beat together shortening, peanut butter, egg, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and milk.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture and beat until blended.
5. Form into 1 inch balls.
6. Roll in sugar and place a couple of inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden.
8. Immediately, gently press an upside frozen Reese's cup on top of each cookie and move to wire rack to cool.
9. After placing and moving all the cookies on the wire rack, put in place the candy eyes while chocolate is still slightly soft.
10. Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow cookies to firm.
11. Melt chocolate in a bag and cut the corner to pipe the spider's legs on to the cookie. I used frosting in a tube.
12. Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow legs to set.

Buzz Button.

When you go to a bar, do you peruse menu to find a cool cocktail created by a "mixologist" or do you have a go to cocktail that you always order? I kind of do both, it really depends on my mood, but when I'm in Las Vegas, a culinary creative mecca, I always want to try specialty cocktails that I can't find at home.

One of my favorite bars in all of Las Vegas is the Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan hotel and I'm a big fan of their Bloody Mary, but this past time I was there, I wanted something more fresh and light for a nightcap. I asked the bartender what he could recommend to me and he let me in on a drink that's on their "secret menu". I'm letting you guys all in on the secret, because it's too awesome not to share! And trust me, you will love it.

The drink is called the Verbena and it is only served on the second floor of the chandelier bar. It is a basic margarita, but with a little extra something...a small flower resides on the surface of the margarita and its not just for show. The flower is a Sichuan flower and in the culinary world, its also referred to as a the buzz button.

When he served it to me, the bartender mentioned that this drink came with instructions. The instructions were to drink the margarita and get a good taste of it, then to put the whole flower in your mouth and chew on it for 15-20 seconds making sure to chew on both sides of your mouth and swallow it, and then to finally drink the margarita again. I didn't know what to expect, but I definitely could not have anticipated what happened.

It's called a buzz button for a reason. In the first 5 seconds I began chewing it, my whole mouth started to tingle, then that tingle turned into a prickle, until my whole mouth was buzzing and numb. After I ate the flower, I took another sip of the margarita again and the taste was completely different! I could definitely taste the flavors and ingredients in it a whole lot more, and this is exactly what the flower does. It speeds up your salivary glands and makes you a supertaster. 

Its unlike anything I've every tried and its an absolute must if you're in Vegas! It was so cool that I'm actually considering buying some of those Sichuan flowers and seeing what else it could open my tastebuds up to. But take it from me, this is a drink on a secret menu you'll be happy I told you about. 

Page, AZ.

Some of my followers may have noticed that I've taken a small hiatus from writing new posts and it's because I've recently been under a lot of stress with some personal things so much so that it has affected my moods and creativity. I was in a creative slump from the stresses I was under so I thought a change of scenery and a new experience would make me feel more at peace and start up my creative flow again.

Growing up, I had gone camping a few times through the girl scouts group I was a part of, but I never really grew a penchant for it. I hate being dirty and sleeping on the ground, but I thought that it might be just the thing I need to be one with the Earth and relieve some stress. It was time for me to try it again. Reluctant at first, I really took my time deciding where to go camping, but ended up deciding on a little place called Page, Arizona.

I had heard so many great things about it and seen amazing pictures so I landed on that! Many parts of Page are on Native American reservations and a lot of the sites to see are lead by Native Americans, which I think is so cool.

From LA to Page is an 8 hour drive...yes 8! Due to an appointment I couldn't miss in the morning, we ended up leaving late and arriving to the campground at 9PM. Pitching a tent in the pitch dark of the wilderness was such a struggle!

The campground was called Wahweap and it was directly on the border of Arizona and Utah. You could be sitting on one side of the campground in Arizona and walk over to the other side of it in Utah. What was even more interesting was that the time jumped one hour from Arizona and Utah, so it was kind of hard to keep track of what time it was. But it was a really nice campground, with clean bathrooms and showers and everything. It was right around the banks of Lake Powell, which made for a great view to wake up to in the morning. After setting up our tent, we just made a quick campfire dinner and ate under the stars, which was so relaxing, and went to bed.

Page is a place that, fortunately for us and our timing of arriving so late, has activities that can all be done in 1-2 days. We started out in the morning by going to Antelope Canyon. There are two canyons: upper and lower Antelope Canyon. The upper canyon is the more popular, touristy one and requires reservations a day or so in advance. The lower canyon is just as beautiful but less crowded. There are a few companies that offer tours tours to the canyon. We didn't have reservations, but luckily we found some spots with one of the Native American guides. I was told that the lower canyon was much easier and less expensive to get into, but the upper canyon is the most recommended one. It was so awesome to be lead by a Native American guide who explained every aspect of the canyon and what each turn and lighting effect was about.

To get to the canyon, the guide drove us 10 minutes in an open air vehicle through sand and dunes, and if you didn't keep your mouth closed on the way there, you were sure to get a mouthful of sand.

Upon getting to the canyon, I was in literal amazement of what beautiful things nature can create. The canyons were formed and are constantly being altered by wind and water that flows through it.

Entrance to the canyon.

"Sitting Bear". There are so many shapes and colors that are formed by the sunlight that hits the canyons, the interpretations are endless.

Another Bear.

The literal "Heart" of the canyon. 

Different interpretations of this rock: a mummy, angel wings, or a butterfly.

The canyon runs about 15 miles total, including the lower canyon, but the upper canyon was about 0.6 miles and with the guided tour, and took about 1 hour. Unfortunately, you can't go into the canyons without a guide because a few accidents have happened there during flash floods.

After we finished this trek, we were starving so we headed over to Big John's Texas BBQ, a really popular spot in the area. I highly recommend it, I haven't been to Texas to know if it compares, but I know it was really yummy.

One of the other sights to see in Page is Horseshoe Bend. It is an overlook of a giant rock that the Colorado River circles around. The river runs through the Grand Canyon and goes all the way up to Horseshoe Bend and it's the most amazing view.

It is a bit of a hike to get to the view, about 1.25 miles, but it is a really easy hike with gradual inclines. It took us about 25 minutes to get to the bend, but that's because we were rushing to get there before sunset.

We did both of these in one day, because we were on a schedule but you could stretch it out over 2 days. In fact, I kind of wish we took more time to enjoy the camping experience and hang out at the campground more, so I think 2 days is better than 1. Either way, though, the whole experience was so calming and it really gave me a chance to assess what is going on in my life and really relieve my stresses about them. I am strongly recommending this experience, camping and all not only for being at peace, but also for just having some fun in the desert. That said, I think my creative juices are starting to flow again and I am planning more new posts in the upcoming weeks! Thanks for bearing with me, followers.

N.SALE.

RThis time of year is one of my favorite times because of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! This is the one time a year I splurge a little on myself because you can find things up to 50%...yes, I said 50! I've gathered some pieces that I think are to most deal worthy, meaning you'd probably never find it at that price again. Everything from clothes to shoes to beauty has an amazing find that you can't miss out on.

This is my favorite find at the N Sale, this gorgeous 70's inspired jumpsuit by ASTR.

I got this for a steal at $58.90 and its regularly priced at $88.

When the N Sale started, I went on the first day and roamed in the store for longer than I'd like to admit haha. And after that, I went back 2 more times and not to mention, I browsed the Nordstrom website too. From all that, I found the most awesome deals in my opinion and here they are!

Click on the photos below to shop the looks...

1. Tory Burch Heidi Ballet Flat: Everyone and their mom has the typical classic black style Tory Burch flats, but these ones are a little more unique, and that is what I'm all about when I shop...getting unique, eye catching pieces. These flats have a a really cool metallic/pewter snake print with a silver Tory Burch embellishment. This shoe, and even the classic black version, is normally $250-300, but during the N Sale you can cop these for $164.90.

2. Phase 3 Double Banded Wool Fedora: I've wanted a wool fedora like this for a long time, but I was never able to find one that I thought had a proper sized brim...I know, I can be really picky! But this one was the perfect size and I loved the color. It's a really great accessory to have for the upcoming fall. On sale, this hat is $19.90, but after the sale ends it will go back up to $38.

3. Movado Bold Crystal Accent Watch: Leather strap bands on watches are really in style...it's time to retire you Michael Kors watches. This Movado watch is really modern and the rose gold makes it also really chic. My favorite part is the crystal accent on the face! Movados usually have a high price range, this watch is normally $550, but during the N Sale you can get it for $329.90.

4. Kate Spade Forever Stud Earrings: These earrings are simple but really elegant. It adds a really great pop of bling to literally any outfit. Before the sale, these earrings are $38, but get them before the sale is over for $24.90.

5. Alice + Olivia Katt Print V Neck Caftan Minidress: Alice + Olivia is one of my favorite designers, but most of their stuff is a little out of my price range, so I was so thrilled when I saw this super cute dress on sale. It's the perfect dress for upcoming Labor Day parties. This dress is on sale for $265.90, and after the sale ends it will go back up to $398.

6. Foreo Luna Mini Compact Facial Cleansing Device: There's only so deep your hands can clean your face and that's what electronic face cleaning devices are for. This one is compact and really great for travelling. For the low price of $74, you can't miss out on it. After sale price: $99.

7. Louise et Cie Jael Suede and Leather Bag: This two toned bag is so perfect for a fall look. The juxtaposition of suede next to leather is so beautiful and so is the geometric shape of it. It's on sale for $169.90, regular price $258.

8. Tom Ford Makeup Set: This is probably my favorite find, because Tom Ford anything is usually through the roof expensive so I was so shocked to see a full makeup set on sale. And you'll be happy to know...they are all full sized! No mini lipsticks or tiny mascaras. This is the real thing people! It comes with a full sized lipstick, full sized mascara, and illuminating primer. It's on sale for $98.

There are 2 weeks left of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so get out there and shop! Don't miss out on these amazing deals and more. Happy shopping! 

Summer Vacation Essentials.

The summer solstice is coming up, everybody...it's in 5 days! I know you are all getting ready for summer and planning your weekend getaways or even bigger trips. I, for instance, am getting ready to go on a vacation to Spain in a couple weeks, and I've been planning the essential things I need to take with me for weeks. Whether its an international trip or a weekend getaway, there is always a way to travel in style and I'm here to tell you how!

I've gathered 9 products that are perfect for vacationing smart as well as in style. I'm sure you know that sunscreen is important to take with you on vacation, but do you know which one has the most protection and the least amount of oil? Airports give you paper luggage tags, but wouldn't a stylish luggage tag do a better job of lasting and standing out among a sea of luggage? That's what this post is for...

Without further ado, let's begin our holiday!

1. Do Not Disturb Hat: This hat is the perfect way to lay by the beach and get lost reading a book without being interrupted. The floppy brim is also a good protector from the sun! This hat is a bit of a splurge, but you can make your own DIY version by reading this tutorial here. Or buy the hat here.

Eugenia Kim Do Not Disturb Hat. $219.95

2. Tortoise Shell Sunglasses: When packing for a vacation, space is key! There is no room to take 3 different pairs of sunglasses, nor should you try to find room. Tortoise shell sunglasses flatter every outfit, every color you wear. They are a universal accessory that looks good on almost everyone and matches with literally anything you wear. They are the perfect accessory to take on vacation. Get the pair pictured here.

H&M Sunglasses, $12.99

3. Comfortable Sandals: Let's face it, when you're off to go on new adventures in a new place, its going to be hot and you're going to do a lot of walking so you need to perfect shoe that is ventilated and also comfortable. These Birkenstock sandals are both of those things. I used to think they were really manly shoes, but there are a bunch of new colors incorporated now that make them more feminine and stylish. The arch support on them are also great for those touristy days where you'll be walking a lot. Get them here.

Birkenstock Madrid Birko-Flor Sandal, $69.95

4. One Piece Swimsuit: Bikinis are great for laying by the beach and getting a great tan, but if you're going to a place where a lot of swim activities are available, you're going to want a swimsuit that you won't have to worry about falling off or having an accidental, unwanted body exposure. Get your adventure on with the peace of mind a one piece swimsuit gives. And it doesn't have to be a boring, sporty one piece. This swimsuit's scallop detailing gives it a girly look, while still covering the right parts. Get it here.

Everything But Water One Piece High Neck Halter, $319.00

5. Rose Bud Salve Lip Balm: The summer, in general is really hot and it dries out your skin, including the skin on your lips! Being in airplanes also dries them out. So to remedy this, Rose Bud Salve is one of my favorite lip balms that gives your lips a ton of moisture and shine when you want that dewy summer look. Get it here.

Rose Bud Salve, $6.00

6. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen: Don't learn the hard way...take sunscreen from home when you're going on vacation because everywhere else you go will sell it to you for an insane markup! This Neutrogena sunscreen goes on super light, but protects like crazy. It has Helioplex technology, which protects from UVA and UVB rays, is water resistant, and doesn't clog your pores. Find it in stores here.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70, $11.49

7. Long Kaftain: Kaftains are the perfect thing to wear over your swimsuit to cover up when you're on your way to or leaving the beach or the pool. This H&M kaftain's print is Middle East inspired and so cute. Get it here.

H&M Patterned Kaftain, $34.99

8. Large Tote Bag: When you are on vacation, you are going to want to have a lot of things on hand. A large tote bag carries a lot of items, perfect for the beach. It can even double as a carry on bag, if it is big enough. This striped tote bag from Forever 21 is a large enough bag with a bunch of tiny compartments inside of it as well. Get it here. 

Forever 21 Striped Canvas Bag, $22.90

9. Colorful Luggage Tag: Have you ever mistaken someone's luggage for yours on the carousel because they all look the same? With a bright, unique, and colorful luggage tag, you'll be able to spot your suitcase right away. This bright Kate Spade luggage tag cannot be missed in a sea of suitcases. Get it here. 

Kate Spade Petula Stripe Luggage Tag, $14.00


Happy Summer!!

NYX Beauty Haul.

Growing up, I was never really taught how to do my own makeup, so I wasn't really into it and my standard go to brand was MAC. Recently, however, I've been experimenting more with my makeup and different brands and I've been watching makeup tutorial videos to learn as much as I can. One brand that has stood out to me is NYX, and it's slowly becoming one of my favorite makeup brands in the business!

Last weekend, I ventured to the Santa Anita Mall in Los Angeles where there is an NYX store. I used to only see NYX as a drugstore makeup brand, but it has been growing globally and fortunately still being sold at drugstore prices! During my visit, I stocked up on different products that I want to share with you all. All of these products have great formulas and really hold their own against department store brands like MAC and Urban Decay.

Here's what I got on my haul!

Strobe Genius Illuminating Palette: Contouring is (apparently) out and strobing is in! What is strobing? Think Jennifer Lopez's beautiful glowing and illuminated face (strobing) vs. Kim Kardashian's sculpted cheekbones and other facial features (contouring). Strobing is creating a glowing look on your face by illuminating the parts of your face that get the most light, like your cheekbones, forehead, and bridge of your nose, and this Strobe Genius palette is the perfect product to do it. I love that it comes with different shades, which can be used for different skin tones. With summer coming, skin tones change in the sun and having the different shades in the palette can keep up with your busy summer lifestyle.

Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette, $19.00

Here I am rocking the strobe look by highlighting my cheekbones for a wedding.

Prismatic Eye Shadow in Fireball: I've been seeing this copper look everywhere on the red carpet and on celebrities so I really wanted to try it out. I think the bold color would pair well with my fair skin. It's super pigmented so the color remains bold on your face and doesn't go on lightly. It stays all night too! This look on Khloe Kardashian is what inspired me to try out this copper color.

Fireball Prismatic Shadow, $6

Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes and Amsterdam: With the recent craze for matte lips, possibly fueled by Kylie Jenner, these lip creams have really pretty matte colors that stay on for hours. The names of the lip creams are of different cities around the world. I like this red color cream called Amsterdam and this pinkish beige color called Cannes.

Soft Matte Lip Cream, $6

Intense Butter Gloss in Black Cherry Tart: Sometimes when I'm putting makeup on, I like to go for a gothic and rebellious look and this Black Cherry Tart color is the perfect compliment to that look. It's a deep purple color that goes on glossy and stays that way. It's more hydrating than the soft matte lip creams too.

Intense Butter Gloss, $6

All these products and more are of great quality and reasonable price. They can be found at drugstores and makeup stores like Ulta, but the most variety can be found at the NYX stores in the Santa Anita Mall and the Sherman Oaks Mall or on their website, www.nyxcosmetics.com!