At home devices that I am loving!

So I recently received the baby quasar to try out.  Let me tell you, this little thing is amazing!  I have been using it for 4 weeks approximately.  The instructions are super easy to understand.  It comes with a guard so that you dont get your device dirty by the bulbs.  Which I recently have found extremely helpful because of how dirty it was!  WOW!  Anyway, I have found that I have less wrinkles, less brown spots and plumped up face in general...definitely around my lips!  Its crazy!  There is a little built in timer so that you know when to move from section to section.  The only thing I really dont like about the device is that it does not run on batteries.  You have to be plugged into a power source while using it.  It is super small, however I find the portability of it not as great because you have to be close to a plug.  The top set of pictures is before the use of the device and the bottom set is today.  Both no makeup, not retouched, etc.  You can tell the difference in my face.  HANDS DOWN!  http://www.babyquasar.com/

Also, about two weeks ago I purchased the Clarisonic Mia 2 from Sephora.  I have been using it about 3-4 times per week in the shower.  I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this device.  I didnt believe my friend when she said how great it was....but it is.  If you are going to buy one device for your face...the clarisonic should be it.  My skin is silky smooth after and less acne and overall I have a better appearance.  I got the detox set.  What I love about it is that it is rechargeable.  You can bring it directly in the shower with you.  There are all sorts of heads for all of your needs.  Two speeds.  I absolutely love it.
 http://www.sephora.com/mia2-detox-kit-P383460?skuId=1566256

Chicago Fashion Focus Runway Show! October 2013

I had the pleasure of attending StyleChicago's Art of Fashion.  It is the finale runway show of Fashion Focus 2013.  The show consisted of ten Chicago based designers showcasing ten pieces from their Spring Collections.  The setting was a tent in Millenium Park with the music bumping, cocktails flowing and bites all around. 

There was a ton of black and white in the show.  I was actually kind of surprised at how much was there because it was the Spring collection and wasn’t black and white so two years ago?  Well, it’s back, just like all of the 80’ styles.  

Also, lots of different textures, whether it be with ruffles, leather or lace.  M2057 seemed like a black, white and blue show.  The pieces were accentuated with lots of bone like structures for jewelry.  The skeletons and skulls caught my attention more than the pieces.    Most of Swarby's pieces looked like they walked right off the set of "Hunger Games.  The pieces had high collars, sleek pants, and a futuristic feel to them.  Lily and Migs was one of the designers that stepped out of the box with color, flowers, and lots of cute dresses.  Michelle Tan had a lot of ruffled bottom dresses with the strapless top.  The collection reminded me of an upside down flower.  Borris Powell's collection was sleek, minimalistic and most definitely would have to be a model to wear any of the clingy dresses :)  Calvin Tran stepped it up with lots of flowy pieces on the top and bottom that then converted into another style.  You can get a two-for with some of these pieces.  Shalini really played up the leather and dark hues.  MonArrez was another designer that had lots of color and leather.  Cut out dresses on top and fitted on the bottom.  Eva Pazola had all black and white pieces that did not seem to fit right to me.  They looked boxy, even on the models.  Mark Roscoe had an Asian feel to most of his pieces with brocade finishes and glitz.  They were absolutely gorgeous gowns, but the only problem I would have with them would be where can I wear these fascinating pieces?? 

It was amazing to see all of the local designers in a runway show with my lady friends.  The event was a packed house with lots of style in the crowd as well.  Overall, a wonderful event hosted by StyleChicago!  You can like StyleChicago on facebook to see more pictures or find them here as well http://stylechicago.com/Category.asp?ID=22824

Going out on the town!

Here is my new favorite look.

I used the Hourglass mineral primer on my face first.  Next up, MAC mineralize foundation.  My undereyes were concealed with Benefits erase paste, and the Sonia Kashuk palette.  I had the Anastasia eyebrow palette with the Chella blonde pencil. On my cheeks I used MAC cream and Tarte Amazonian Clay.  Lips was a mix of NARS crayon pencil and then Turkish Delight.

I curled my hair with a mix of curling irons.  The underneath was with an 1 1/4 inch and then most of the top pieces were with a 3/4 curling iron using the spiral method.  I loved it and it held all night with the Sebastian Shaper Spray!

Manicures in the CITY

BOSCIA brightening mask

BOSCIA Brightening mask

So I got this to trial out.

First, let me say that when I was applying it, it was like tar.  I thought there is no way this is going to peel off my face.  It is super thick.  BUT I was pleasantly surprised!  It was actually pretty easy to peel off and came off in large pieces.  I was only left with a few remnants of the mask post peeling.  I was able to just wash those off.  My face felt super smooth after and was slightly red.  After about 5 minutes, the redness was gone and my skin did look radiant!  I am definitely a fan and plan on buying this one once I use up some of my other products.  I have had my eyes on this for awhile!

Questions?  Contact me sleopold22@hotmail.com

Baby Foot Peel

So I was skeptical of the baby foot peel.  Was this thing worth the $25 price tag??  Would my feet peel and look like a baby's?  I mean, I dont have horrible feet, but I would use a little more sloughing of the skin than the standard pedicure.

Well this was the process of putting it on.  I have to say, it is slime-y and gel-y.  Overall, difficult to walk in.  I kept the "booties" on for about 1.5 hours.  The instructions said for an hour and I figured it wouldnt hurt for an extra little bit.

HOLY HECK!  I got out of the shower on Monday and BAM!  My feet were peeling everywhere!  It was awesome!  I followed the instructions though...only soap and water on your feet...no lotion, creams, etc.  It works.  Today is Wednesday and my feet are like 95% peeled off.  CRAZY!

Also, I know that the package says its a one time use, however, I definitely think that you can seal the booties and share with a friend.  I actually did this and gave them to my mom to try out.  This way, you get more bang for your buck.  I can vouch that these things work if you follow the instructions!  The photos dont lie.  The hardest thing that I found was that I wanted to peel off the skin.  I did a little and it didnt hurt at all while doing it or after, FYI.  But I tried to refrain from doing so.  Now there is peeled off skin all over our condo.  HA!  But it was worth it!

Contact me with questions!

Julep Freedom Polymer Top Coat

I purchased it!  I tried it out today.  It dries in like 3 minutes, even without curing it under a 60 watt bulb.  It acts like regular polish and smells like regular polish.  I actually put it over my OPI no chip.  I will update this post in a week or so with details on how well it works and if its work the $18!  :)



UPDATE:  So I put this over my no chip and my no chip lasted FO-EV-VA!  It lasted 2+weeks which never happens because I am constantly washing my hands due to my job.  My no chips usually only last for about 1-1.5 weeks so this definitely extended the life of it.  It did start to peel off the top on day 13ish, but my no chip was still fantastic underneath.  I am a fan.

I am going to try it on a regular mani this weekend and will update how long that lasts for me.  Updates to come!


UPDATE:

So I just got a brand new pedi today.  I put the Julep polymer coat over the top coat.  It was dry in about 2 minutes.  I did notice this time, it was a little thicker when I applied it.  A bit more difficult to smooth out...however super shiny!  See below pictures.  I will keep you posted on how well it stays with normal polish!


BEFORE

 

AFTER Julep Polymer top coat

Face makeup LOVES!!!

Ok so since I have been getting ready for my wedding, I have been trying out all of the newest, latest and greatest stuff.

My first new find...MAC Mineralize Foundation with SPF 15.  Let me tell you, this stuff melts into your skin that causes a smooth and perfect finish!  I absolutely love it.  I actually even bought the stippling brush for that airbrush effect as well.  Its great!  Go to MAC and enjoy.  It also doesnt feel heavy.  I never wear foundation and I love this one.




Sonia Kashuk Concealer is a great drugstore buy!  I saw this on a youtube video (actually on like 3 different ones) so I knew that I had to try it out.  I found it at Target.  It is great.  There is 3 different cream concealers that work to neutralize, cover, perfect my imperfections...including my eye bags...BOOO~!  Also, there is a powder to lightly dust over top.  It hid my under eye bags great and it goes on smooth with awesome coverage.


Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge Concealer...amazballs!  Be careful though because it is thick.  I usually use this stuff just where I need it over top of my Sonia Kashuk Concealer Palette for extra coverage.  I also like that there are two colors to blend it out over my cheeks.


Chella Beautiful Blonde Eyebrow Color Kit.  They are the most amazing company.  First I was addicted (and still am addicted!!!) to their Anti Fatigue Eye Masks.  If you havent tried them, DO IT!  You wont regret it.  But, this pencil, brow gel and highlighting pencil is amazing!  I usually use a brow powder and was slightly hesitant to try a pencil because I think of my grandma with the thick, drawn in brows BUT this pencil was great.  It was a perfect color for my lighter brows.  Also, I like it because I can create a more natural brow with the pencil and small strokes.  Also, I liked the highlighting pencil because I was able to have more control over where it went and smudge it in as needed.  The brow gel definitely was easy to apply and it held my brows in place all day.  I like that is like a mascara brush as well.

Lash Extensions

My new favorites:

Eyelash extensions...I go to 
One Stop Salon 

4355 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60651

(773) 698-7411

Bibi does an amazing job!  Also, there is very frequently deals on www.lifebooker.com/referral/sleopold22  It usually costs around $79 with a free fill!!!  Awesome!  Before on the left and after on the right.  I LOVE!  I also have been to several other places as well, but this is by far the best place for the best price!  A little bit of a shady area, but its worth it!

Other places that I would suggest:

Art and Lashes

100 E Walton St, Room 119, Ste 101
Chicago, IL 60611

(773) 332-2007

Bella Bronze Tan and Body Spa

1503 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605

(312) 427-6693

Restaurant deals in Chicago:

First, always feel free to check out my Yelp Profile for suggestions :) sleopold.yelp.com

Second, there are lots of discount websites were you can wine and dine for cheap in the city!
*www.savored.com
*www.gdine.com
*www.restaurant.com
*www.blackboardeats.com/chicago
*www.scoutmob.com

ENJOY!

Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask

I received this product from the bloom ambassador program (http://www.bloom.com/makeupmaniac), and I was not a huge fan when I first tried it.  After several uses, I started to like the product.

First, the mask is creamy and does not harden with time.  In the beginning, I found that it was difficult to remove from my face, however over time I got used to it.  When you put it on, there is a slight tingling sensation.  It smells fantastic...like berries!  YUM!  Also, you can see in the pictures below, over time the mask gets darker.  After, my face is definitely moisturized and looks great.  I usually have a slight flush to my face that just looks healthy.  You can read more about Alchimie here: http://www.alchimie-forever.com/

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

"New Simple® Cleansing Facial Wipes are a convenient way to cleanse and refresh the skin - while removing even waterproof mascara. They are oil-free and alcohol-free and do not contain any dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants that can upset your skin."
http://www.simple.co.uk/categories/Wipes-49.aspx

Well I received these in my beauty test tube from NewBeauty.  I love the idea of being able to use wipes to clean off my makeup, however all of the previous brands I have tried have not been great.  Simple is great!  They are large enough wipes to get your whole face.  They easily remove eye makeup without irritation.  I actually really liked these wipes.  I often work nights and I dont always have access to a sink to wash off my face so these wipes are an excellent product for me!  If you look below, you can see there is no irritation from the wipe and all of my makeup is removed.  I am in LOVE!

CoEnzyme Q10 Essence Mask

So I am trying to get wedding ready and my skin has really been breaking out.  I am on the hunt for the best mask at home.

One of the masks was a collagen mask from  LUS.  It is a CoEnzyme Q10 Essence Mask.
So I purchased this mask from my favorite spa...www.kingspa.com.  My face was breaking out and dry.  What is going on here!?!?!!??  What I really loved about the mask is that it was dripping wet with product when I pulled it out of the package.  I also find it funny that there are cut outs for your eyes, nose and mouth.  Haha, I could go about my day with the mask on.

Post 20 minutes of having the mask on, it was almost dried out.  I slowly peeled the mask off my face.  It seemed to really help with the dry patches of my face.  I really liked how moisturized my face felt.  I actually loved this mask because it really moisturized my face and my skin felt silky and soft.  Not to mention, any puffiness that was there was most definitely gone.  Love :)

Blue Eyeliner & Smokey Eye?!

So I have decided to go with the new trends...vibrant liners, white and black trends.

I love, love, love Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.  I then used Pop's dual bronzer to give me a little glow.  Over that I layered Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush...which I love (Thank you New BEAUTY!)  On my eyes, I used a combination of my Urban Decay Naked Palette and Urban Decay Anniversary Palette to create a bold, smokey eye.  I then lined with my new vibrant NYX electric blue liner.  Wow, what a pop!  On my lashes, Diorshow mascara, layered with my Cargo Texaslash.

Halo Couture!

So I was at America's Beauty Show and I got wrapped into the section of hair extensions.  A friend pointed out this piece...it was like a hair bra!  The girl asked if I wanted to try it on.  I figured why not??  I had no idea that I would love it soooo much.  It made my very fine, thin hair look amazing, full, voluminous.  I was shocked.  Not to mention, it was super easy to put on and take off.  Its extensions without the commitment!  I had to have it.  I went back and bought it.  Its human hair.  You can wash and style as normal.  I guess the only thing is that you need to wash with sulfite free shampoo.  More photos to follow and possibly a video to show how easy it is to put on and off.  I want more!  I love it.  http://www.halocouture.com/

New Spa Stuff for Chicago!

So I have been slacking on my blog, but I have lots of great new reviews of products!!!

First, if you live in Chicago, check out my Yelp page for reviews to restaurants, spas, nails, etc.

I would like to share with you my two new favorite websites.

http://www.lifebooker.com/referral/sleopold22
This site is amazing.  They have loot, which is similar to Groupon, BUT they also have lifebooker which is an online booking site.  I love this feature because you can book directly from the site.  This way, you know that you are getting the price and deal.  Sometimes when I buy the coupons (loot, groupons, etc) I have such a hard time getting an actual appointment.  This takes away that step.

www.prettyquick.com
You can log in and search for appointments near you.  Its great.

So as far as my new favorite craze products...well I have to say that I love, love, love Essie Sleek Stickers.  These are perfect for a night out when you dont have time for a mani.  I personally cannot paint my nails.  I try and try and every time it looks like a two year old did it.  I just cant do it so these are really perfect.  Not to mention, the sizes of them fit my nails.  I also have tried the Sally Hansen brand, which I am a huge fan of as well and Modicure...which I did not like at all.

Also, I have signed up for New Beauty...this magazine is great and I love the test tube.  Check it out here...http://testtube.newbeauty.com/
I loved the tarte cheek color that was included in this test tube.  It is such a great pop of color, easily blendable, and overall, a great product.

So I am getting married this year and I have taken a liking to eye products.  I think by far the best eye mask is Chella.  http://chella.com/products/line/anti_fatigue
These bad boys work like a charm.  I love putting them on.  They have a great cooling sensation.  After I take them off, no joke, wrinkles are reduced, bags are gone.  Its really amazing.