First Impressions ~ GlamGlow’s Youthmud Tinglexfoliante Treatment

Well, Makeup Maniacs, I finally used the deluxe sample of GlamGlow’s Youthmud Tinglexfoliante Treatment that came in my first Glossybox!  For more about Glossybox, click here.

Prior to receiving this bad boy, I had heard so many good things about it.  So much so that I actually bought another one without having sampled this one!  (Yikes) To read about that recent haul, click this link.

So, I began this process by washing my face using my Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser.

After drying my face, I followed the directions and applied a thin layer of the youth mud all over my face.  Of course I was careful to avoid the eye area, as well as, the mouth area.  Immediately, I could feel a tingly sensation on my mug.  It was refreshing and invigorating.

This stuff actually had chunks of leaf-like material in it.  I am assuming it was green tea leaves, as that is one of the ingredients in this concoction.

As the product dries, it becomes a hardened, clay mask. After 10 minutes, I wet my hands and face a bit and began to wash the mask off, using circular motions (per instructions).

Let me tell you, my face felt extra clean and looked extra clean.  The product did not irritate my skin or leave redness.  It cleared my face's dry spots and made my skin looked even in tone.

So, on my 5 star scale, with 5 being the best score, and 1 being the worst, I give this facial treatment a perfect 5 star score!  It's a great, quick facial that cleans your skin and leaves it looking & feeling smooth.  The downside is the price for the full-sized product...$69...YOWZERS!  But you know what, that is less than what you will pay for a spa facial.  And you will get more than just 1 use from it.  So, depending on your taste and budget, this may be a great product for you to splurge on!

Hope this was helpful!  Go check out my YouTube channel!  Mel's Makeup Mayhem!

Breaking Bronze!

Hi Makeup Maniacs!   Can you believe how fast this year is going by?  It's officially fall now and soon winter will be here!
A nice autumn face is great when the color bronze is added to the mix.  Here are some simple steps to achieve a nice, bronze appearance.

Complete your foundation and eyebrow routine as usual.  Then, use Maybelline 24 hr. Color Tattoo in 25 "Bad to the Bronze" all over the lid.  After that, use Milani's Satin Matte Eyeshadow in 01 Bella Ivory on the brow bone and inner corner of the eyes (near tear ducts). After that, take some of Milaini's Shimmer Eyeshadow 16 Bella Champagne and buff that into the crease, as well as, a little bit over the crease.

Once you are done with that, use a bronze eyeliner like Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Nude Eyes (comes in a pack of 3 shimmer liners) on your upper lash line and half of your lower lash line.  Then use 2 coats of black mascara on the top lashes and 1 coat on the bottom lashes.  (Physician's Formula Organic wear in Black Organics is EXCELLENT!)

Bronze and contour around your face and the hollows of your cheeks with one of  e.l.f.'s new bronzers like #6412 "Tan Toffee".  Cheeks should be swiped with e.l.f.'s Baked Blush #40310 in "rich rose".

Top off your bronzed glow with some of NYC's City Duet 2-in-1 Lip Color in 424 "The Madison Bronzes".

So, there you go, a quick tutorial on Breaking Bronze!  And go check out my YouTube channel...Mel's Makeup Mayhem!

Get to Know Mel!

Hey Makeup Maniacs!  I figured I'd answer some questions so that you can get to know me a bit better!

1. How old are you?

I am 41 years young :-)

2. What is your ethnicity?

Well, I was born in New York and so were my parents.  My grandparents (both sets) were originally from Puerto Rico.  I refer to myself as a New Yorican.

3. What do you do for a living?

I am a case manager that works with disabled adults.

4. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I've always wanted to do a tour of Europe. I particularly want to visit Spain & Italy.  Europe is so rich in history.

5. What is your favorite place to shop for clothing?

I LOVE White House Black Market.

6. What's your shoe size?

 I have big feet - I'm an 8 and 1/2, sometimes a 9 depending on the shoe.

7. How tall are you?

I'm 5 feet, 6 inches.

8. What is your favorite color?

Purple!

9. Do you have siblings?

I have 1 brother who is 4 years younger than me.

10. Do you have any pets?

No, not now.  I used to have a Yorkie name Gizmo who lived 17 years.

11. Do you have any children?

I have 4 children.  Two are my birth children and the other 2 are my step-children.

12. Favorite makeup brand?

A year ago I would have said BareMinerals.  But, currently, among all the drug store and high end brands, I'd have to say that my favorite (right now because this could change in 5 minutes, LOL) is Tarte.  I am loving the BB Cream, Eyeshadows, and Blushes.

13. What do you do in your free time?

Blog, make YouTube beauty videos, hang by the pool with my kids, and go out for dinners.

14. Do you leave the house without makeup?

No, I try not to, but I've recently taken my son to his drum lessons without makeup and I think I scared some instructors. LOL!

15. Do you still live with your parents?

No.

16. What's your favorite movie?

The Shawshank Redemption

17. Favorite food?

Anything my mother cooks.  She is the best cook!  No, really, she is.  I particularly love her rice, beans, and baked chicken - Puerto Rican style, of course!

18. Tent or Hotel?

Hotel.  Tents are NOT my thing!
19. Favorite Television show?
I miss it already, True Blood :(

20. Favorite YouTube channel?

I never miss any of Tati's (The Glam Life Guru) videos.  Love her prescence, style, and attitude.

There you go people.  If you have any other questions for me, leave them in the comments section.  Meanwhile, go mozy on down to my YouTube channel - Mel's Makeup Mayhem!

First Impressions ~ FROWNIES

Makeup Maniacs I have this really deep furrow that sits in between my eyes.  Kinda where a person with unibrow would have hair, LOL.  Well, it's one of those things that kinda bothers me.  I mean, I'm all about aging gracefully, but dang, why does it have to go down this way?  Anywho, I spotted this product called "Frownies" on Instagram one day and I was totally curious.  There are several different kinds of Frownies.  There are some for forehead and between the eye wrinkles, there are some for lip lines, and others for the corners of the eyes.

Basically, these are adhesive facial patches that help the wrinkle lie smooth and flat while you sleep.  So, after wearing them several times in a row, the wrinkle gets accustomed to lying flat and stays semi-smooth permanently.  So, of course your girl Mel had to try them out!!

Well, so far it's only been 2 weeks and I actually see a slight difference!  The only problem is that they tend to fall off by morning.  (About 1/2 the time the darn patch is lying next to me when I wake up)  I think the combination of my facial moisturizer and the adhesive is not a good mix.  I guess the moisturizer makes them less sticky, causing them to slide off while I'm asleep.

Another problem I have is not knowing what this adhesive is made from.  I don't want to be putting something really toxic on my skin.

So, on my 5 star scale, with 5 being the best score and 1 being the worst, I give the Frownies Facial Patches for wrinkles on the Forehead & Between Eyes 2 stars!

I paid $14.99 for an 8-16 week supply (you can wear them larger if you want to smooth out all forehead wrinkles so that would only be an 8 week supply).  I just happened to spot them at my local Stein Mart after seeing them on Instagram.  Prior to going to Stein Mart, I was thinking about ordering them online.  Do I think they are worth the $14.99?  Hmm, no.  I believe you can try to achieve this same idea using medical tape.  Yes, I tried it, but I must sleep wild or over moisturize because that slid off my face before morning as well.  Meh.

What do you think?

Check me out on YouTube people!  Mel's Makeup Mayhem!

September Makeup Challenge!

So my good friend Lisa Bruce (check her out on YouTube - here) challenged me to complete different looks every day for the month of September!  The lazy in me did not like this, LOL!  This was the "tag" she sent me:
Although this was fun, it did prove to be challenging at times.  Maybe some of you Makeup Maniacs would like to try something like this next month!
These are some of the looks I completed:

Celebrity Inspired Sept. 4th

Runway Inspired Sept. 5th

The 1920 s Sept. 7th

The 1930 s Sept. 8th

The 1940 s Sept. 13th

I did the best I could with the knowledge I had about these different looks/eras. What do you think?

Check out my YouTube channel!  Mel's Makeup Mayhem!

Jenna Hipp Nail Polishes!

Makeup Maniacs, months ago I was shopping at Costco and spotted 2 mini nail polish collections by Jenna Hipp!  They cost $9.99 each and are so worth it!! 

Of course when I first scooped these up I wasn't sure how they were going to perform. After all, I had never heard of Jenna Hipp.  But 8 mini polishes and a cute nail file in each box, I couldn't resist.

Let me tell you, I was not disappointed.  These polishes come in the prettiest colors.  They have cute names like "We Are Mint to Be" and "Jenna and the Giant Peach". 

The formula is liquid-y, but they dry fast and have great pigmentation.  When used with a good base coat and top coat (I used OPI's base & top coats), these polishes almost last a week without chipping.  Not bad in my opinion.

So, if you are at your local Costco's don't hesitate with these great finds!

We Are Mint to Be

Jenna and the Giant Peach

 

Go visit me on my YouTube channel!! Mel's Makeup Mayhem! 
XOXO

First Impressions ~ Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Glow Powder

What's up Makeup  Maniacs?  I tried a new product and I want to give you the scoop on this one.  It is the Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Glow Powder.

I believe this is an item that can only be found at Target stores.  (Me, shop at Target?...Nooo, LOL)  It costs $12.99.  I became interested in this product when Tati, the Glam Life Guru (an awesome YouTuber - you should check her out), talked about it on her channel.  Since I am getting up in age, I'm well aware that having that "glow" takes some time off the face.  I figured this product would be a great addition to my repertoire.

My thoughts?  Well, originally, I figured this would be something I'd use to highlight my upper cheeks, forehead, and bridge of my nose. However, upon using it for the first time, I realized that it was extremely finely milled, like a regular pressed powder that I would use for setting my liquid foundation.  Apparently, that's exactly what it is.  For some reason I thought it was for highlighting.  I guess I didn't pay too much attention to what Tati was saying about it.  I also let the word "luminosity" get the best of me.

So, this is a good face setting powder that has a very sheer brightening effect.  As far as specifically highlighting areas, this is not the product for that, because the "glow" is not glow-y enough.  If you want a good, inexpensive highlighter, get yourself the Wet n Wild Fergie Shimmer Palette in Rose Champagne Glow!  For $5.99 that particular product will not steer you wrong!

On a 5 star scale with 5 being the best score and 1 being the worst score, I give this product 3 stars!  I feel like the product's name is quite misleading.  I think they should have called it pressed powder with a slight glow, or something along those lines.  It worked well as a pressed powder, giving an ever-so-slight-glow-from-within look to the skin, but it is not good as a stand alone highlighter.

If you have a different opinion, feel free to let me know what you think in the comments section.

As always, thanks for reading & go check me out on YouTube!  Mel's Makeup Mayhem!  awaits :-)

What's the Deal with MAC Products?

How can I possibly call myself a Makeup Maniac, when I've never tried one product from MAC?  Honestly, I don't know what the deal is with me and MAC.  I have loved makeup and beauty products since I was in high school, yet I have somehow avoided this particular brand.

MAC is a brand that started in Canada.  The first MAC store opened in New York City in 1991.   Estee Lauder is it's parent company as of 1998. The brand was originally geared to be sold to makeup artists only, but then it branched out to the general public.  Many professionals continue to use MAC products for movies and theater.  A lot of men and women like MAC products, because most of the cosmetics' line is oil free.

Based on what I have seen at mall MAC counters, it seems like a very relaxed atmosphere.  There is always loud music.  The young men and women that work there always seem happy and nice; however, they are wearing so much makeup.  I mean A LOT of makeup.  I know they are showcasing the products and creating unique looks, but I guess I am simple. It all seems a little "over the top" to me.

So, I guess I have never given myself the opportunity to really get to know the MAC product line.  I am not against it at all, I just think that it's not something that excites me - not YET anyway.  I would never say never.

What is your favorite MAC product?  If I could only buy one thing from the line, what should it be?

Don't forget to check me out on YouTube people!  Mel's Makeup Mayhem! is waiting for you...You may just see me reviewing a MAC product (or 2) on the channel soon ;-)

Changing My Hair Color - PASS or FAIL?

Well, Makeup Maniacs, I recently decided to change my hair from Medium Golden Brown to a Light Golden Brown.  The reason for the change is due to having lots of gray hair.  I say if I'd let my hair grow naturally, my hair would be about 40% gray.  Yup!  GRAY.  Lol!

A lot of the gray is at the temples, but I guess that is typical.  I figure, the lighter my hair color, the better the gray will blend as the new growth emerges - especially at the temples.

I had used the Clairol Expert Collection Age Defy hair dye before, but this time I was going a shade (or maybe 2 shades) lighter.  So, I wasn't sure how this would turn out.   Because my hair is thick and medium length, I needed 2 boxes of the Light Golden Brown shade (6G).  The total time you are supposed to leave this on your head is 25 minutes, but my gray hairs are very stubborn, so I left the solution on my hair for a total of 35 minutes.

This product comes with a pre-application gel which I had to put all over my hair.  Then, I mixed both bottles of color.

Instead of starting on the roots, I used the first bottle for all hair below the roots.  This is because the hair at the roots tend to pick up hair color faster due to that new growth or "virgin" hair.  I left the product on for 20 minutes.   Then after 20 minutes, I put the second bottle all over the the roots and worked the color into the rest of the hair as well.  This time I left it in for 15 minutes.

The moment of truth...

I washed this stuff out my hair until the water ran clear.  My felt a little hard and dry as I ran my hands through it.  I then used the conditioner that the dye comes with and let that sit in my hair for 5 minutes before washing it out.  That conditioner worked well to soften and tame the dryness.

The end result was strange.  Initially, my hair looked darker than it did before I dyed it. Then I realized that it must look that way because it was wet and well-conditioned.

Later, it still looked dark!  This was such a fail!  My hair seemed to end up the same as it was when it was Medium Golden Brown!  Ugh!  Does anyone know why this did not go well, LOL!  Thank goodness my hair doesn't look like an absolute hot mess, but the result is definitely NOT what I was looking for.  Oh, well.

Hair color BEFORE

Do you dye your hair?  What brand do you use?  Or do you go to a salon and have it professionally done? Let me know in the comments section and don't forget to visit Mel's Makeup Mayhem! my YouTube channel.  Thanks!

Hair Color AFTER :-/

I know it's hard to see a difference in these pictures, but there really wasn't much of a difference, LOL!

First Impressions ~ Nugg Face Mask

Are any of you Makeup Maniacs using face masks these days??  I have been so into using face masks lately.  I do them once per week and I'm checking to see if their claims ring true.  Some of them are supposed to lighten dark spots, some of them are supposed to energize, and others claim to brighten the skin.

I want to talk about one that I recently used.  I found it at Target for $2.99 and figured that I'd give it a go.  It is called Nugg Face Mask.  The Nugg brand has several varieties, but the one I tried was for Revitalizing.  It contains flaxseed and peppermint oil.  On the package it says it "Revitalizes & plumps dull, tired skin for a radiant look".  Plumping the skin on my face always sounds good, because I think of it as decreasing the look of fine lines.  And who isn't for that?

The mask comes in this convenient little 0.33 fl. oz. pod which looks like something you'd stick in your Keurig machine, LOL.  The foil lid opens up like a yogurt cup and this creamy, thick, white substance is inside.  I layered it all over my freshly washed, dried mug (per the directions).  I really liked the smell and tingly sensation the peppermint oil was exuding.  After leaving it on for 10 minutes, I began to wash it off.

As I washed my face, I noticed that my skin looked brighter.  I just didn't like the feeling of my skin.  It felt kind of gooey, as if there was a silicone-type film left behind.  But, I have to admit my skin did feel more alive and looked radiant. Or maybe it was just my imagination ;-)

So, on my 5 star scale with 5 being the best score and 1 being the worst, I rate the Nugg Revitalizing Face Mask 3 stars.  This is because of it's peppermint smell, it's ability to make my skin look brighter, and for making my skin feel "alive".  I took 2 stars away for that funky, "gooey" feeling I had on my skin after I rinsed off the mask.

Not sure if  I would purchase this product again.  However, because of it's price, it may be worth it in order to give my face a quick pick-me-up!  If you've tried this mask before, tell me your thoughts in the comments section.

And don't forget to check me out on YouTube - Mel's Makeup Mayhem!

My Chrysalis Eyeshadow Palette

Well, Makeup Maniacs, it's been a long time coming...a quick tutorial using that Chrysalis Eyeshadow Palette by Kat Von D.  This thing seems so intimidating with it's 3 large base shades and 9 cool tones.  You can create anything from a simple eye look to something more hot & heavy!

This palette came from Sephora at a whopping $46.  So, you know it has to perform well if I dug that deep into my pocketbook :-)

I always start with the lighter colors first and work my way to the darker colors. Maybe I do it wrong, but remember folks, I am NOT a makeup artist, aspiring makeup artist, or a cosmetology student.

So, I have my foundation and eyebrows done.  Next, I'm gonna sweep that cream, matte color called "Lifelike" all over my lid as a base for this particular look. I also swipe this into the inner corner of my eyes to brighten them.

After that, I sweep "Transition" onto the lower lids. This is a nice, pearl mauve color, which is perfect for the lids. This color would look great on it's own for a quick, romantic look.

After that, I put the color called, "Mezzanine" in the crease. This is a pretty, sparkly violet color. I then buff that into the crease with a fluffy blending brush.

When I'm done with that, I use the deep matte purple color, called, "Hybrid Moments" on the outer "v" corner of my eyes. That creates a smokey shadow which blends into the crease, as well as, into the lid color. I really like that effect, and I also tend to wing out my eyeshadows to create a lifted illusion to my eyes.  Again, I used "Hybrid Moments" on the lower lash line (halfway) to pull everything together.

I then used an E.L.F. black shadow stick to do a little lining of the upper lash line. I put it as close to the lash line as possible and did not wing it out or do anything fancy to it. I'm not a big fan of this shadow stick, I notice over time that it flakes and then ends up emphasizing the fine lines and darkness under my eyes. :-(

After curling my lashes, I applied 2 coats of Physician's Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara in Black to the top lashes, and 1 coat to the lower lashes.

I did minimal contouring to the face, using Too Faced Chocolate Soliel Bronzer to lightly frame my face, jawline, and cheek bones. I then used Maybelline's Dream Bouncy Blush in "Pink Plum" (40) on my cheeks. I'm not a big fan of this blush. I have been trying it out and don't think it will be something I'd repurchase.

I have now been using Rose Petal Water as a setting spray, as it is supposed to help tone oily skin and set powders. I learned this trick from Wayne Goss, a very popular YouTube makeup artist. So far, this has been working very well for me.

Let me know what you think of this look. Remember, I keep things simple. I try to do "everyday looks for the everyday woman" type tutorials. Thank you so much for your support!

Don't forget my channel on YouTube !!  Mel's Makeup Mayhem

My Nighttime Skin Care Ritual

Are any of you Makeup Maniacs night owls??  Ah, that moment finally hits when you realize you should be getting ready to hit the sack.  You know you have to prepare for tomorrow, but first you must take care of that skin.

I wanted to give you an idea of  what my nighttime skin care ritual looks like - well, at least what it looks like these days, LOL!

Before getting in the shower, I wipe the days makeup off with makeup remover wipes. Recently, I've been using the ones by ELF.  They are affordable, sturdy, and a good size.  Then, I hop in the shower.  This is where I use my Clarisonic, along with a gentle natural cleanser like Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser, to wash and lightly exfoliate my mug.

Once I cleanse the rest of my body and I'm out of the shower, I use Up & Up (Target brand) Witch Hazel as a toner.  I don't feel it's necessary to spend money on fancy toners, when Witch Hazel does a pretty good job tightening, toning, and refreshing my face.

After that "toner" I put on some eye cream.  You are totally going to laugh at me, but for the past few weeks, Mel's Research Lab has actually been  using one eye formula on the right eye, and a different product on the left!  The things I do for my blog ;-) These products are totally different consistencies and one is not a "dupe" for the other.  My right eye is currently being slathered with Olay 7 in One Anti-Aging Eye Treatment, which is about $15.79 at Target.  The left eye is using the much fancier, more expensive Algenist with Alguronic Acid Complete Eye Renewal Balm.  This stuff is 65 bucks at Sephora!  But hang tight folks, I did not pay for the one I have.  It was a deluxe sample that I received by using my Sephora VIB Rouge points.  Honestly, I cannot tell the difference between the two eyes.  Yet.

Then it is on to moisturizing the face, neck and decollete.   Right now I'm using another sample.  It is a Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial. This stuff is so good!  The proteins and minerals are supposed to moisturize, smooth, and refresh the skin.  Not sure if I'd purchase a full size because it is kinda pricey - $45 at Sephora- OUCH!

From the face I move on to moisturizing the body and now that my Jergen's BB Body Cream has finished, I'm using Bath & Body Works lotion in the Forever Red scent.  Love this fragrance because it has pomegranate and vanilla undertones.

Thanks for joining me before bed.  And don't forget to check out my videos on YouTube.  Mel's Makeup Mayhem! is waiting for you...