MalibuBarbie

Fake It!

2011-09-01T01:07:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to admit that on my quest of attaining the perfect bronze goddess skin tone, I've tried many self-tanners and laid in tanning beds for longer than I'd like my dermatologist to ever know about. I've had my fair share of streaks, splotches, missed spots, orange palms, white hands, and burns. Yet I keep trying (just like the little engine that could, will this one work? I think it can... I think it can..) and before you know it I've turn from Snow White into Snooki! - Not the look I was going for... Some experiences have turned out pretty hilarious, but luckily I was always smart enough to make sure I didn't have a big event coming up when trying new products!

Today's review is on Fake Bake self-tan mousse.

This was my first time trying the brand Fake Bake and also my first time using a mousse formula. Included was the can of tanner, gloves, and instructions. Directions recommended applying self-tan to clean, exfoliated skin allowing 4-6 hours for tan to completely develop and I did just that.

The mousse formula was really nice, in the past I've tried lotion, aerosol, and gel formulas before but the mousse is my favorite. What I like is that the mousse drys faster then gel & lotion and I get a more even distribution then aerosol types. I simply shake the can, turn over dispense some product in my hand, and apply. While the box claims it dries in seconds I'd say it dries in minutes, but quicker than anything else I've tried. I want to also mention that when you're applying it may look a little streaky but that's only the dye they add to the product so you can see where you are putting it. After your tan develops and you shower that dye will wash off and you'll be left with your beautiful tan. I was a noticeable 2-3 shades darker (not a drastic change but I've learned gradual tanners give you a more even application) and the color is golden and natural not too orange not to brown. I even got a compliment on my skin today! She said I had, "perfect golden tan skin" and I replied "thanks, it's fake!" ha ha

Some of my tips for application:
1. Tan at night, apply after you shower and let your tan develop over night while you sleep, it's great multitasking ;)
2. Always were gloves, this prevents the palms of your hands and fingers from getting stained.
3. Work from bottom to top (in sections) starting with your legs working up to arms.
4. Make sure to rub in that product, and be extra careful around tops of feet, ankles, knees, and elbows.
5. For hands (the area I always had the most trouble mastering) start with the bottom of the wrist rub the product and blend with the palm. Gently pull glove up reveling top of hand (keeping fingers covered) and apply a small amount of product on top of hand blending with wrist and following areas where your hand would naturally tan. Repeat.

If you've tried self-tanners before you know the scent can be an issue; this formula had a mild scent it was there but not overbearing. Would I recommend? Yes! Would I use it again? Yes! Would I repurchase? Yes! Overall score: 4.5 out of 5 the only thing that I would have preferred was a darker color, but I can't complain I was very pleased!

XOXO
-N

How I'm getting rid of my Acne!!

2011-02-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

I've struggled with acne for the past couple of years, and recently I have found a few products that finally cleared up my skin! About a 2 months ago I started doing some research on acne and how other people were able to clear up their skin. One of the things I learned that I didn't know before was that it's not necessarily the cleanser you choose that's going to clear up your acne, it's the treatment you leave on your face that's going to do most of the work. Another important tip is that washing and treating your face is like brushing your teeth you have to do it everyday, and don't stop the routine when your face gets clear keep it up! Think about it, you don't just brush the one tooth with a cavity you brush all your teeth for prevention; same goes for your face.

Here is a list of products I use to cleanse, treat, and exfoliate my face:

To remove all my makeup (including eye makeup) I use:
boscia MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil

Facial Cleanser:
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (either one is fine)

Acne Treatment:
Walgreen's brand
Maximum Strength Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 10%

Skin Treatment and Exfoliator:
Walgreen's brand
Alpha Hydroxy Face Cream 8% AHA of 70% Solution

Exfoliating Face Brush:
Clarisonic Classic with the Sensitive brush head

*These are products that have worked for me. You may not have the same results.

My Skin Care routine is as follows:

Night Time

Remove MakeUp with the cleansing oil

Rinse

Wash face using Cetaphil cleanser with Clarisonic

Rinse

Pat Face Dry

Apply a fingertip size amount of Benzoyl Peroxide Gel all over face

Let Dry

Then apply Alpha Hydroxy Face Cream all over face

Let Dry

Then Sweet Dreams!

Day Time

Wash face using Cetaphil cleanser without Clarisonic

Pat Dry

Moisturize (if needed sometimes I leave out this step)

Then apply your Make-Up!

I have found that this routine works best for my skin and I have had great results. Personally I never had a problem with these products irritating my skin, I think it's because I only apply the treatments once a day. And every couple of weeks I'll use a face mask (one of my favorites are the Freeman facial enzyme mask pineapple).

Some helpful links:

http://www.acne.org/

http://www.youtube.com/user/dermTVdotcom

I hope this helps in your fight against acne!

Nichole xxoo

My Contest Entry for Lorraine's (TheCurrentCustom) "Everyday Make-Up Contest"!

2010-04-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

This is my Contest Entry for TheCurrentCustom's "Everyday Make-Up Contest"!

Lorraine is my FAVORITE guru on YouTube!

The products I currently use everyday:
Face-
Smashbox Photo finish color correcting primer (green)
Mac Studio Finish Concealer
Nars Sheer Glow
Nars Irresistiblement Bronzer
Milani Minerals Blush Sunset Beach &
Mac Blush Peachykeen
Highlight Nars multiple Luxor

Eyes-
Mac Painterly Paint Pot
Chanel quad in Mystic Eyes
Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Zero (water line and tight line)
L'oreal liner intense felt tip eyeliner (on the lash line and winged out)
LOTS and LOTS of Mascara!
Rimmel Max Volume Flash Mascara &
Covergirl Lash Blast

Lips-
Mac Peachstock (great nude color!)
Mac lip glass Underage

Fragrance-
Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

Thanks again!

Playing in the mud =) & LUSH

2010-02-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting in front of my MacBook trying out a new face mask. It's the Cupcake fresh face mask by Lush. I got a generous sample last weekend during a little shopping trip and have finally gotten around to using it, I'll later post how I like it.

I thought you all might get a kick out of this picture the cocoa in the mask makes it look like I was playing in the mud lol!

Well the whole reason I went to Lush in the first place was to get Grease Lightning it's their "Super effective spot cleanser for acne-prone skin." I heard great reviews on YouTube (it was in deanne5253's December favorites video) and I was eager to get my hands on it. I've used it for about a week now and I have seen an improvement in my skin. My current nightly skin care routine is this: Cleanse with Clinique's liquid facial soap oily skin formula followed by the step 3 toner for combination/oily skin and then last I put one squirt of Grease lighting all over my face. This seems to be clearing up my skin so I'm going to stick with it. One last thing from Lush I have been loving is the Candy Fluff dusting powder. I've been using this almost everyday! It makes my skin feel sooo soft and I can't get enough of the sweet candy scent :). It has glitter in it so I like to put it on my skin before I go out at night and I have also been putting it my shoes and socks to absorb moisture. I'm a big Lush fan I think it's such a fun store with great products.

I'm wondering what are the favorite face masks in the blog world? What are your favorite Lush products? Please leave a comment below XOXO

For the Love of Glitter

2009-12-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

UPDATE I have been looking forward to winter break and now it's here! I've been really busy lately and I'm excited to finally have time do things I love, like beauty blogging of course!

Today's topic is nail polish! Up until this past year nail polish was never something I was really in to. Sure I would go and get the occasional mani/pedi but I never had the desire to start my own nail varnish collection. I'm not sure what changed in me but this fall/winter alone I have doubled my nail polish collection, started following nail trends, and I'm constantly changing the color on my fingers and toes...

Here are some reasons I think girls love nail polish...

1) No sizes (they all fit!)

2) They offer style without sacrificing comfort

3) With so many different colors and finishes you'll never get bored

4) Takes you back to the memories of sleep overs, slumber parties, and girl-friends

5) The Names of Nail Polishes are so cute and clever!

6) Weather you go every two weeks or twice a year a manicure/pedicure is always a nice treat to pamper yourself :)

One of my recent polish collection additions is "Too Good for Him" SEPHORA by O•P•I
Well all know that in fashion the 80s are back with shoulder pads and sequins. So why not sprinkle a little sparkle on your nails as well this winter? If you love glitter you will love this...

(I'm wearing "Too Good for Him" over top of "Dark Room" also a SEPHORA by O•P•I color)

Designer Lips

2009-10-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

I did a lip cosmetics haul a few weeks ago where I got YSL Rouge Volupté 7 Lingerie Pink and Chanel Glossimer 98 Galactic. I love pairing these two products together! Chanel's glossimers are some of my favorite glosses they have give your lips shine, sparkle, and moisture with out being sticky! Galactic is a gorgeous clear gloss with iridescent glitter (My mom and me each got one of these she loves it as much as I do :). Now for the lipstick, YSL's Rouge Volupté is one of the best lipsticks I have ever tried. The packaging is pretty and smart; rich gold exterior with color coded ring (so you always know what color you're pulling out of your bag) and there is also a mirror on the cap for a precise application every time. The formula is so smooth and creamy, I love the scent, and the color has good pigmentation. To sum it up YSL was love at first swipe :)

XX Nichole

Clinique even better

2009-09-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

If you read my last post you know that I have discontinued using MUFE HD Foundation due to the fact it was causing my skin to break out. I had planned on trying one of the new NARS foundations but since they are not yet in stock at my local Sephora, I scanned the shelves to find a foundation that will hold me over.

I looked at a few different brands Smashbox, Laura Mercier,........ and then I remembered a brand I often overlook! CLINIQUE! The brand is known to be dermatologist developed, allergy tested, and 100% fragrance free. I thought that's exactly what I need! I decided to try the Clinique even better foundation, it's their newest and received good reviews. It has SPF 15 and is supposed to visibly brighten and restore even tone.

I started using this product Saturday and since then.... I have seen an improvement in skin :). I like the packaging (the bottle top is similar to puff paint packaging lol) it keeps clean. I apply it by pouring out small amounts directly on to a foundation brush then blend into my skin. I have been very impressed with the color match it's the closest match I have ever had to my skin (I'm the color 03 ivory). One thing I have noticed is compaired to MUFE HD I do have to use more product, the Clinique does not go as far. But for about half the price ($24.50) I don't mind! It's long lasting, feels light, and offers medium to full coverage with out looking cakey!

I recommend this foundation to anyone with oily, acne prone, and/or sensitive skin!

XX Nichole

P.S. I know the picture is backwards lol I was a bit lazy and took the picture with my iSight camera on my MacBook.

Maybe it's the foundation?

2009-09-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

So for the past couple months I have been have lots of trouble with my skin, constant breakouts! My skin has never looked so bad. I have changed everything about my skin care routine and have been very adamant about taking off all my makeup every night, cleansing, masks, creams, lotions (I even bought a clarisonic) but nothing was helping... So today I had an "AH HA" moment. What product did I purchase and start using 2 months ago? MUFE HD Foundation! I think this might be the culprit! I read some reviews today on the Sephora website and saw a couple reviews that said MUFE HD Foundation caused break outs. I have decided to discontinue using this product and I am going back to my NARS Power Foundation. If I see my skin improving, I'll let everyone know. I'm hoping this will be the answer to my skin issues.

P.S. I am considering purchasing either NARS Sheer Glow or NARS Sheer Matte foundation. Has anyone tried these? Let me know how it worked for you or if you have a preference! Thanks :)

Hope this was helpful!

XX Nichole

Plum Yum!

2009-09-16T17:35:00.001-07:00

I'm wearing Madison Mauve from the new line of color sensational lipsticks by Maybelline.
Trend I'm loving? Statement lips! Especially PLUM lips :) I'm pretty sure every makeup line has come out with a plum lip color for Fall 2009 from NARS to Maybelline. Looking at the magazine ads made me want to give it a try... and I have come to love the look I think these plum/mauve/berry tones are universally flattering and it's a great alternative to the classic red. So girls join me on bandwagon!
Wishing everyone pretty pouts for fall
XX Nichole

Back to School Shopping :)

2009-09-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

The following is a Forever 21/PacSun haul.

My favorite purchase of the day was this floral dress and pewter belt (above photo). I think it is adorable and I can wear it with leggings this fall, when the weather cools.

Another Forever 21 dress. I had been wanting one of these dresses that look like two pieces, but most them were too short. I found this one and it's long enough for tall girls.

Brown belt from Forever 21

This striped gray cartigan from Forever 21 will be great for layering this fall.

I got this gray sleeveless vest from Forever 21. I've seen so many girls wear these and I think they are so cute and versatile.

This gray skirt is from Forever 21, I like the high waistband I think it's flattering.

I got this pink and gray button up plaid shirt from PacSun. The shirt is made out of a soft flannel material, a great outfit for school.

This is a long plaid button up shirt is also from PacSun. It's teal and gray, I bought this to wear with some gray leggings I have for a cute fall look.

I hope you all enjoyed this clothing haul! And I could use your help! I'm looking for knee-high flat or 1" heel riding boots for fall, but I don't want to spend a fortune, so if you have any suggestions or links to cute boots please leave a comment below! Thanks!

XX Nichole

VS Make Up!

2009-08-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

The other day I went to Victoria Secret and picked up some makeup items. I got two LUSTRE eye shadows in the colors Darling - a pretty light pink that has hot pink reflective/shimmer and Wanted - a navy blue shimmer. I loved both colors when I swatched them in the store and for $10 each I thought I was getting a good deal. I was expecting them to be good dupes for NARS (Example: VS Wanted for NARS Night Flight) but that sadly wasn't the case. I find these shadows hard to work with. With a MAC Paint pot underneath they creased and I had to resort to patting on the color with a flat brush, because it would make funny lines when I tried to sweep it on. I will have to experiment with other bases or maybe no base at all. So I give them a 3/5 rating. They are beautiful colors, they have a decent price tag, but hard to work with.

I also got a Perfect Lipstick VS lipstick in the color Wish ($12). I really like this color its a pretty bubble gum pink. It's very wearable, creamy, and nicely pigmented. I will probably get more of these :)

[In this picture I'm wearing Darling on my lid, eyes lined with Wanted, and Wish on my lips!]

XX Nichole

My Favorrite Nail Polishes of the Moment :)

2009-08-23T17:02:00.000-07:00

My three favorite nail polishes are all from the SEPHORA by O•P•I line. I highly recommend this line! The colors are beautiful and the formula is so creamy and easy to work with! On the Sephora website they're described as being, "long-lasting, chip-resistant formulas that ensure flawless results every time" and I have to agree, 2 coats and you're good to go!

The 1st shade 'Because I Said So' is a beautiful metallic burgundy. A great fall color, I love wearing on my toes!

The next shade is my new favorite finger nail color 'Call Your Mother'. Described as lavender putty, it's a creamy matte smokey purple, so lovely :)

And the last shade is a fun neutral color I like to wear on my nails 'Let's Do Lunch' a muted coral beige, that is matte with a hint of shimmer.

What are your favorites?
XX Nichole

I'm back!

2009-08-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

I must first apologize for being M.I.A. these past two weeks! I've been so busy with moving and school has just started! With all this stress my skin has just been awful lately! Skin care has become a recent interest of mine and I want to have perfect skin! So if anyone has any secrets, tips, tricks, or miracle products that will help with oily/acne prone skin... I want to hear about it! Please post comments here and together we can solve the mystery of perfect skin! I look forward to hearing from you all!

XX Nichole

Update

2009-08-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't had any new posts lately but I have been so busy! I'm moving Friday so I've been packing, shopping, and saying goodbyes all week. But as soon as I get settled in my apartment I'll start blogging more again. I want to say THANK YOU to all my followers :) (17 now!) I get so excited to see every new follower! It's so encouraging to know someone has taken interest in my blog! I hope everyone is enjoying the end of summer!

XX Nichole

MAC Haul

2009-08-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

So I am a huge fan of MAC's recycling program! I had six empty containers so I thought it was the prefect excuse to stop by my local MAC counter after Church :)

I wanted to get Snob lipstick but they were all sold out :( So I got the next best color Angel O:) lol. This color is really pretty, a nice wearable pink.. I'm a late comer to the Angel fan club but I love this lipstick already, I find myself reaching in my bag to reapply it all day long!

But of course I couldn't go to MAC and just get one lipstick, I had to check out the 'Love That Look' collection. I'll be honest the first time I saw the collection I didn't pay much attention to it I just kinda skimmed over it and looked at other things. I think what turned me of was the picture they have posted above the collection.. It's a girl with a pale/white face with greenish yellow makeup (that didn't spark my interest lol).. But I saw a couple reviews of the shadows online and after that I felt like I had to get some! The YouTube guru's said these starflash shadows were creamy, highly pigmented, and blend well.. They were right! These shadows are great I picked up two of them I got Strike A Pose (blue/teal) and Fashion Groupie (purple). I went outside my comfort zone purchasing these colors (because I usually wear neutral colors like All That Glitters and Sable), but I wanted to add some color to my collection :) I'm curious to know what colors anyone else picked up, I love comments!

XX Nichole

Makeup First Impressions

2009-08-08T00:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of me before I went out, flash got in the way lol (Top: Forever 21)

So far so good I am loving my new HD foundation, MSF Natural, and Blush! Everything is working well which makes me happy :) the make up lasted for 5 hours with out one touch up, and it looked as good as it did when I first applied it! The HD foundation has a really nice texture it gives good coverage with out feeling heavy. This is only my first time wearing the makeup so I will have to use it a bit longer before I can give a full review.. So stay tuned :)

XX Nichole

Get to Know Me!

2009-08-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

The Vital Statistics -

Me - Nichole

Nicknames - Nic

Birthday - February 22nd

Place of Birth - Fresno, CA

Zodiac Sign - Pisces

Male or Female - Female

Occupation - Student

Residence -Fresno soon to be San Luis Obispo

Screen Name -

Appearance -

Hair Colour - Blond

Hair Length - Long, just below my shoulders

Eye Colour - Blue

Best Feature - Legs

Height - 5'9"1/2 I'm tall

Braces - Had em

Glasses - Nope 20/20

Piercings - Ears

Tattoos - No

Righty or Lefty - Righty

Your 'Firsts'

First Best Friend - Ashley

First Award - Um I don't know probably something school related

First Sport you joined - Gymnastics when I was little

First Real Vacation - The beach

First Concert - I don't remember

First Love - my ex

Favourites

Movie - Breakfast at Tiffany's

TV Show - Gossip Girl

Song - too many to pick from

Candy - I love just plain Hersey's milk chocolate or skore/heath bars

Restaurant - I can't pick just one I love food lol

Store - Nordstrom or Bloomingdale's I love department stores

School - SCCCD

Book - Bible

Magazine - Style

Shoes - Heels!

Currently

Feeling - Sleepy

Single or Taken - Single

Eating - Nothing

Typing - This

Online - Yes

Listening to - The noises my MacBook makes

Thinking about - Future posts

Wanting - A Boy lol ;)

Watching - Nothing

Wearing - T-Shirt and Abercrobie & Fitch pj shorts

Future

Want Children? Yes
Want to be Married? Yes

Careers in Mind - Something Business related

Where do you want to Live? Um I like California but Florida might be nice too

Have you ever..?

Kissed a Stranger? Ha No

Had Alcohol? Yeah but it's not for me

Smoked? Hooka once lol Smoking is a nasty habbit

Ran away from home? No

Broken a Bone? Yes

Got an X-Ray? Yes

Broken someones heart - Yes

Broken Up with Someone - Yes

Cried when someone died - Yes

Cried at School - Yes

Do You Believe In:

God - Definitely

Miracles - Yes

Love at First sight - Yes

Ghosts- Boo!

Aliens - No

Soul Mates - Yes

Heaven - Yes

Hell - Yes

Kissing on the first date - Yes

Yourself - Sometimes

Makeup Haul

2009-08-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the mall to pick up some makeup items that I have been eyeing for a while. It's nothing exciting but I'm definitely looking forward to trying these new products out!

The first thing I got was Make Up Forever HD Foundation (I'm color 117), I am really looking forward to using this product. I have been searching for a really good liquid foundation, and I have been reading a lot of beauty blogs and watching YouTube guru's, and the HD foundation seems to be a must have on every ones list so I thought I would give it a try! I stopped by the MAC counter yesterday as well and picked up 3 items. I got a Mineralize Skin Finish Natural (light), I have never used this product before, but it's worth a try. I like the versatility of it because you can use it on it's own for a light coverage face powder or you can use it to set your liquid foundation. I also got a blush in the color Well Dressed this is a pretty popular blush by MAC, I love it! It is such a pretty light pink color. And last but not least I picked up a MAC brush number 219 and it's a pencil brush perfect for putting shadow under the eye, in the inner corner, or for any precise shadow work.

I'm going out with my friend tonight, so I'll be trying out my new purchases and let you know how I like them and I might even post a picture.

XX Nichole

New Blogger!

2009-08-06T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I'm a 20 year old girl whose starting this blog to share my interest's, thought's, opinion's, and life with anyone who cares to read it... (I will probably mostly be blogging about make up , clothes, and my life in a new town :) ... P.S. If your curious about the blog title I just love Barbie lol and thought it would be cute/creative to have that be my title instead of something boring like "Nichole's Blog"

XX Nichole