Sunday, August 14, 2011

" FAVORITE THINGS " Part 1

Hello everyone !

It's been a long long time since my last post. 8 months went by in a blink of an eye ! Where have I been.. WORKING WORKING WORKING. That is the story of my life. BUT that doesn't mean I haven't been testing a great variety of products and as you know, I don't recommend anything unless I believe it 100%.

Last night I was watching season 25 on Oprah's new channel and it happened to be on episode of this years " OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS" So I think it's a good idea to being my comeback with a list of my own.

Because I love everyone product so much I have decided to do a post for each. Come back each week for a new one !

Now let's jump in and start with the most important tool that you will ever use on your face and by far the one thing EVERY woman should have....

THE CLAROSONIC PLUS - AKA: THE MIRACLE WORKER

This is the kit I purchased from QVC . It included the Clarosonic and products from Philosophy.



The clarosonic is the ultimate face cleansing tool. For me this has become the foundation of my skin care routine. The concept behind it is very simple. Start with clean skin and everything you put on after will work better.
I have been using the Clarosonic for 6 months every night with the Philosophy cleanser that came with my kit. Let me just say real quick that this will work with ANY cleanser is your favorite, I just so happen to have an 8oz bottle of the PURITY cleanser so that is what I have been using. The Purity cleanser is a great cleanser but too expensive for my taste. There are plenty of other cleansers out there that cost less and are just as good. So moving on to the star of the show.. The Clarosonic.

In the 6 months I have been using this heaven sent tool, my skin has changed in way I have never imagined. I believe its a combination of the deep cleansing and that now my products are working as they should. The Claronic uses sonic waves to deeply cleanse your skin. On the skin it feels like a massage and although it's not an "exfoliator" per say, team this up with your favorite face scrub and it gives you spa quality results . Speaking of SPA's that is where I actually meet the Clarosonic, at the famous FOUR SEASON SPA In Miami. I got a fantastic facial and they used the Claronic PLUS on me and when I was done I was determined to get one of my own. The Clarosonic PLUS is a professional quality tool that has a built in timer and different speeds ( you can get it on QVC.com ). The Claronic Plus comes automatically programmed for a 60 second routine ( 40 on forehead, t-zone chin and 10 seconds on each cheek ) at speed 1. I have sensitive skin so I have not changed the speed but you can change it to your hearts desire. This is what makes the Claronic PLUS so great.

In 6 months I have seen: ( in combination with a good moisturizer )
A dramatic reduction in fine lines ( especially a pretty deep one I had on my forehead.. it's almost GONE )
My skin in supple and softer than ever
and most important... I no longer need the heavy creams I had become dependent on using. I am now good with
a light moisturizer ( I am using the HOPE IN A JAR by Philosophy which also came in the kit )
I no longer need the RETINOL nor the heavy night creams I had previously been using. In short, because I no longer need it. My skin is better than ever.
No more dry patches,No more big pores, No more flaky or oily skin. My skin is balanced and blemish free.

For all your makeup lovers I have good news for you ! As you know when you start with clean, smooth skin your makeup will go on smoother and give you a great finish. But one thing that I learned.. that thanks to my Clarosonic I need LESS makeup ! I can now get my foundation done with about 1/2 as much product as before.
My use of concealer has reduced to pretty much only those "times of the month" when I have something to hide. My current bottle of foundation has lasted me about 6 months !! Unbelievable !

So when it's all said and done you will actually SAVE money buying this machine. Now I have seen some imitations out there such as Olay one. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. Nothing compares to the real thing.
Only the Clarosonic has the sonic techonology that is key to what makes this work.
The Claronic Plus will cost about usd 200.00 dollars. ( don't fall of your chair just yet )
There is a smaller version called the Clarosonic MIA that is half as much. But I suggest if you can make this one time Splurge and buy the PLUS, it's worth every cent.As an added bonus the PLUS comes with a Body Brush that is great for all self tanners and also for those who enjoy a body good body exfoliation from time to time. I personally like to use it on by chest, arms and legs at least once a week ( if you use it on your bikini area it will help prevent razor bumps)

If you are a professional makeup artist, you have to have this in your kit, no exeptions ! This will give you the perfect canvas to make that ultimate face.

I hope this have been a good introduction to the Clarosonic and I hope you give it a try.

Up next time my new favorite skin care product to use in combination with CLAROSONIC -
The Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate- Throw out all those creams, retinols, AHA ... this is the last skin care product you will ever need !

Until next time

Karen G.




Sunday, December 12, 2010

Taking it old school !! The cure for your damaged dry hair..


Hello Everyone !!

Just when I thought I had the upper hand on this cold weather.. Winter played the wild card on me.. he played the HAIR Card !! ( enter here dramatic horror music ) Last week I went to get my hair trimmed and the stylist could not believe how dry my hair was, and to be honest I was surprised myself. I mean.. I thought I was taking care of my hair, weekly treatments, good shampoo/conditioner.. good hair creams.. what more was a girl to do ?? Well I over estimated the power of my hair cream and thought it would be enough to battle this cold weather, unfortunately it failed miserably . Well shortly after my hair cut I dashed to Sally for some serious hair treatments and while I was looking for a good leave in conditioner.. I ran into this:


Yes ladies !! They still make the original Infusium 23 leave in conditioner !!! OMG ! I have never been more excited to see a bottle of product before in my life ! For all those who don't know this product.. Infusium 23 is a leave in treatment that you spray into your hair. This product was a cult favorite back in the 90's and I think the reason why our hair didn't fall out after using so much hairspray and LA looks Gel.

Here is the product description:

"Infusium 23 Original Formula Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Conditioner corrects, restores, restructurizes and infuses hair with 23 essential pro-vitamin and treatment ingredients"

I have been using this leave in for the last 4-5 days and I can't believe how wonderful my hair feels. It's soft, hydrated and it does not weight down my very thin hair which is hard to find in a leave in conditioner.

Back in the 90's this product used to come in a bottle with a spray not anymore so what I did was some into a small sprayer bottle for easier use. I spray a bit into my hair after my shower and it also works great as a touch up spray when you want to refresh your hair in between washes.

Last night my husband even asked me what I was doing to my hair because it looks great.. Now if that's not confirmation that this product works, I don't know what is.

You can find this liquid hair potion at Sally's Beauty Supply for about 5-6 bucks. In my opinion this is definitely a must have product on everyone's beauty arsenal.

Check it out and let me know what you guys think !

Until next time - K



Friday, December 3, 2010

How to help you skin beat the winter blues...

Hello There !! I love winter ! I love getting getting all bundled up with my favorite scarf and enjoy the smell of the crisp night air. What I don't love is this itchy dry skin !! So here are some of my favorite items to keep my skin from suffering from winter blues...

Hands and Body - Eucerin Moisturizing Cream and Lotion


This cream is an oldie but goodie. What I love about this cream is that is does a great job in not only moisturizing but also protect it against the elements. This non-irritating , fragrance free cream and lotions are clinically proven to be effective on extra dry and sensitive skin. For those whose skin is not as dry as the sahara, check out their Intensive Repair Lotion which is great for all over the body.

Face - Olay regenerist micro sculpting night cream
Dear Olay, Thank you for finally putting out something that is worth spending money on !
This night time cream is an Allure Magazine Readers Choice award winning cream. Its super hydrating and packed with amino acids to help the with the regeneration of our skin.
Added bonus ** If you are a Costco shopper you can find a 2 pack for under $ 50.00. Check it out !

and lots but not least.. LIPS- Korres Lip Butters
Now I am about to talk some craziness.. I am about to tell you to go RUN to your nearest Sephora and pay $ 1o.00 for this gold in a jar. YES I said pay 10 bucks for a lip balm ! You must be thinking.. " that's it.. she lost her mind" Well I might have.. or I might have just found the most amazing lip product of all time !! ( I say the second option sounds best ) . Korres lip butters are 100 % natural lip smoothing goodness. This stuff is so hydrating, so absolutely smoothing that you will throw away that Carmex and never look back. This stuff is so great that me and my husband fight for it ( at $ 10.00 bucks a jar you know I am territorial with mine ) A great and added bonus is that they come in 7 amazing shades ranging from a beautiful wild rose to clear. These can be paired up with you favorite lipstick or worn alone. Ohhh and the smell ... THE SMELL !! AMAZING !! My favorite is Jasmine ( Sheer Neutral Pink ) with it's cotton candy like scent.. really it's worth every dime. Check it out here at Sephora or Sephora.com

Well that's it for now.. What are your favorite winter time beauty products ? Leave a comment below !

Until Next Time- K

Sunday, November 28, 2010

The Ever Famous.. URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE



There is not much more that I can say about this wonderful palette that thousands of other bloggers or gurus have not already said. This palette is AMAZING period.

The reason for my post is that believe it or not ... there are people out there who still do not know about it. Just this weekend at a girlfriends house, she saw the palette and loved it. So I wanted to write this post for all my gals out there who still have not meet the ever famous.. URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE.

This will be the best $ 44.00 you will spend in your life. Now in addition to getting 12 of the creamiest most pigmented eyeshadows around, you will get their double sided 24/7 eyeliner in brown and black. ALSO you get a mini urban decay primer potion which is a great way to get to know the wonders of using an eye primer.

This has been my go to palette for the past month and it still looks as good as when I got it. We are talking some serious pigment my friends.. a little goes a long way ! and they all blend so beautifully together making it easy for even beginners to dive right in and start playing !

This palette will be your go to neutral palette. It is perfect for taking it from day into night with just a few strokes of the brush.

Trust me... you will love it !

Until next time - K




Wednesday, November 24, 2010

EVE PEARL SALE ALERT !! SALE ALERT !!

EVE PEARL BLACK FRIDAY SALE !!

With all the makeup lines around I bet it's confusing what to colors to choose, what primer to use etc etc etc.. Well Eve Pearl has made it easy for us, whether you are fair, light, medium, tan, dark or deep.. there is a foundation, magic salmon concealer ( it's called magic for good reason ), powder just for you. Each foundation shade comes with a lighter and darker shade so you can customize your foundation anytime of the year. Let's not forget her creamy lipsticks and eye shadows.

Did I mention that her products are amazing ! They are so easy to apply and get that airbrush finish ( without the airbrush ) we are all looking for.

Check out her youtube video for details on the most amazing sale !!

If you could only try one thing.. check out her Salmon Concealer for under eyes.. the most amazing, creamy concealer around. In my opinion much better than my old favorite Bobbi Brown ( and you all know how good that one is ) It's worth ever cent and with this sale you can by one for you and one for your mom ( or is that just me who buy my mom makeup lol )

Happy Thanksgiving everyone !! Happy Shopping


Until next time- K

Sunday, November 21, 2010

New Website !!

I am happy to announce my website is up and running..

www.makeupbykareng.com


Follow the link to check it out !!

MAKEUP BY KAREN G.


Until Next Time- K

Monday, November 15, 2010

Makeup by Karen G.




On August 28th, 2010 I married my best friend... ( Well call him Mr. G.)
We got married on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Southern California surrounded by family and friends. It was just amazing.

I will share with you that in addition to getting married that day.. I was also my own makeup artist.Hair was done by Stephanie Pino.

Now I can tell you from personal experience that doing my own makeup was my best and worst idea. It was great because I was able to achieve the look I wanted BUT it was also more stressful that what I thought it would be. Finding a quiet corner to do my makeup in the midst of the madness was almost impossible to find. Now I understand why everyone says to have someone do your makeup.. not only because of the final outcome but because it's one less thing you have to worry about on this day.

On this day your only role should be that of BRIDE nothing else. Trust me with that alone you will have your hands full.

I am excited to be able to apply everything I have learned from my own wedding to my clients. It's a whole new perspective now.. one that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

Until next time- K