Summer Beach Essentials

Hey girlies,

Summer is in full swing! You know what that means? A lot of days Will be spent at the beach....preferably Maracas Beach.
So, the question is what will you bring the beach? What are your beach essentials?

I usually wear my swimsuit and a coverup to go.....so in my beach bag, I will bring:

• Sunscreen SPF 30
• Towel
• A change of clothes which are usually shorts and a top
• Deodorant and body spray
• Sunglasses
• Water
• Money (to buy that bake and shark) lol
• Cellphone
• Lip balm 
• Hair brush 

That's about it... Pretty basic I think

XOXO,

Kris

Makeup Dupe- Lipsticks

Hey Girlies,
About a week ago, I posted a Makeup dupe post on Foundations. This week, let's look at lipsticks.- comparing the ever popular and beautiful MAC lipstick shades to drugstore lipsticks.

Affordable dupes

Amazing right? I found this on Pinterest.

Sometimes you just don't want to spend over TTD$125.00 on a MAC lipstick and To find this; something that is more affordable yet looks quite similar in shade is great. I absolutely love this.

Hope this post helps you ladies ☺️


XOXO,
Kris

Makeup Starter Kit

Hey Dolls,

A couple of posts ago, I showed you my makeup collection and storage and I received questions like: How did I start with makeup?

I have been getting some requests to do a post a Makeup Starter Kit so here goes:

• Primer- A base for Face Makeup
• Foundation or Tinted Moisturizer- This would depend on the type of skin you have i.e. oily or dry skin. Tinted moisturizer is lighter than foundation and can be used to even out your skin if you're not into the heavy feel of foundation
• Concealer- to cover your imperfections
• Face Powder- to set your makeup/to prevent creasing
• Blush
• Bronzer- I use this to contour my face but can be used to give that sun kiss glow
• Eyeshadow Primer- Base for eyeshadow
• Eyeshadows- I would recommend a palette that has both neutral/natural eyeshadows (day wear)and colorful eyeshadows as well (for a different look)
• Eyeliner- To Line both your top eyelids and bottom. I recommend you start off with an eyeliner pencil
• Mascara- to coat your eyelashes
• Eyebrow kit- to create a more finished eyebrows
• Lipstick/Lipgloss
• Makeup Finishing Spray
• Makeup tools- sponge, brushes, eyelash curler 

Where can you purchase this? at stores like Pennywise or centres like Sacha Cosmetics Image Centre or MAC Cosmetics Centre.

So you purchase all of this, the question is how do you store this? Well you can purchase makeup bags at Pennywise or SuperPharm or you can buy makeup containers at Excellent Stores or IAM & Company.

FYI, I have my makeup stored in containers. I also look to Pinterest to view cute ways to display cosmetics.

I hope this post helps my makeup newbies :)

XOXO,
Kris

Eid OOTD

Hey Dolls,

This weekend, T&T with the rest of the world celebrated the Muslim Festival, Eid-Ul-Fitr.
So, I was invited by one of my friends to visit and to partake in the festivities. I had a great time, catching up with her and of course eating lol......

Also, I dressed for the occasion.

me in Indian wear

My shalwar was purchased a few years ago at Priya's Creations located at Grand Bazaar. Unfortunately I cannot remember the cost of it. However, as you know there are many options to choose from if looking for indian wear whether you decide to purchase at Priya's or Preetanjali's or any other indiain boutique. 

So, how was your weekend? 

XOXO,

Kris

Makeup Dupe- Foundation

Hey Girlies,

I've always believed in finding cheaper alternatives to my favourite products. Don't you? If something is cheaper and works exactly the same, won't you want to buy it??
When it comes to foundation, I am always looking for that product that offers full coverage and works well with my oily, acne-prone skin. 

Enter MAC Studio Fix Fluid....fyi I am an NC 42. I use this on my "special" days...you know when I have to go out. This retails at MAC West mall for approximately TTD$250.00 (pretty expensive for a foundation). 

Here's what else it offers:

• Comes in 35 different shades with cool & warm undertones.
• Helps minimize the appearance of pores & blur my imperfections.
• Provides moderate coverage & helps to cover my blemishes/uneven skin.

So what do I use on a day to day basis?....my Revlon Colorstay Foundation- Combination/Oily in Golden Caramel which works almost the same as MAC. Depending on where it is purchased, it can retail for approximately TTD$70.00. 

Here's what else it offers:

• Comes in 20 shades with warm, neutral, & cool undertones.
• Oil free formula helps to control oil & provide a matte finish.
• Feels very lightweight on the skin.
• Provides amazing coverage which can be sheered out to light or built to true full coverage.
• The finish of this is beautiful!! It dries to a nice satin/skin like finish (especially when applied with a beauty blender)

Comparable Revlon Colorstay and Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation

If you ladies, have used either one of these products, let me know. Hope this helps you :)

XOXO,

Kris

Kris' Beauty Spot

Hey Dolls,

So you girls have seen how I stored my nailpolishes (in an earlier post). I wanted to show you how I stored my makeup collection. Check out this short video below (from my Youtube Channel, krissylovesmakeup) and if you have any questions please let me know. FYI...all makeup was purchased by me at MAC, Pennywise, and local Facebook online stores. The Sterilite containers you see in this vid, I purchased at Excellent Stores and IAM & Company Ltd.

My Makeup Collection

Andddddd these pics below.....how I currently store my eyeshadow palettes:

Eyeshadow palettes in Napkin Holder (Napkin Holder purchased at IAM & Company Ltd)

More Eyeshadow palettes (container purchased at IAM & Company Ltd)

So this is my personal beauty spot...What do yours look like?

XOXO,

Kris

DIY- Beach Wave Hair Spray

Hey Dolls,

So, I just wanted to share with you a DIY I did a while ago- to make your own Beach Wave Hair Spray. I have naturally wavy/curly hair however I love how my hair looks after when I come from the beach...don't you? Sexy, Tousled Curls!

I came across a DIY YouTube Video from Trini YouTube Guru, Roannavm that is pretty simple.....to make your own Beach Wave Hair Spray.

Roannavm YouTube Video- DIY Beach Waves Spray

I tried it:

My Version- DIY Beach Waves Spray

I love it....I hope you try this simple DIY!!

XOXO,

Kris

Spoil Yo'Self Friday- Hair

Hey Dolls,

This weekend I am attending a wedding and you done know ladies, we always have to look on point!!!
My aunt owns a hair salon located on the Eastern Main Road, Arima called the Hair Folio Unisex Salon and WOW!!! she did an awesome job on my hair.

My hair is naturally wavy/curly, kind of thin, and red/brown in color.

Before 

However I have always preferred darker hair on me. She trimmed my hair, dyed it and applied some streaks to it.
LOL......She also wanted to try out different hair styles for the wedding :)

After

I absolutely love it!!! What do you girls think?

XOXO,

Kris

Skin care Regime

Hey Girls,

First things first: I am not an Aesthetician, nor a Dermatologist, however I have been dealing with my oily, acne prone skin for many years and what works for me may not work for anyone else. Don't you agree? This is what I use:


Day Time

1. Cleanser- Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser
2. Toner- Biore Blemish fighting Astringent
3. Serum- Olay Regenerist  Regenerating Serum 
4. Moisturizer- Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 15
5. Eye Cream- L'oreal Revitalift Eye Cream (this changes) and Garnier Skin Renew Anti Puff Eye Roller

Night Time

1. Makeup Remover- Cala Make-up Cleansing tissues- Aloe Vera
2. Cleanser- Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser
3. Toner- Biore Blemish Fighting Astringent
4. Serum- Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum
5. Moisturizer- Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Night Firming Treatment
6. Eye Cream- L'oreal Revitalift Eye Cream (this changes) and Garnier Skin Renew Anti Puff Eye Roller

I also use once a week:
Mask- Pretty face Strawberry Smoothie Mud Mask
Face Scrub- St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Control

When I break out, I use:
Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment

All of the above were purchased from Pennywise Cosmetics. 

What type of skin do you have? What products do you use?

XOXO,

Kris

DIY Cubicle Decor

Hi Girlies,

I've come to the realization unfortunately that work is like your second home, your home away from home if you will, I mean I spend more than 40+ hours per week here I should feel comfortable, yet inspired, to get the work done.

I've been employed here for more than a year and all I had brought from home, were little knick knacks to be placed on my desk however, during my organizing/decorating phase last week, I came upon Pinterest, other ways to decorate your cubicle.

Because of certain restrictions there are in the office, I decided to have temporary decorated wall art be placed around the cubicle.

All the wall art that you see here were printed from http://chicfetti.com/decorate/
So....... I'm thinking of adding a plant probably a Chinese Bamboo and that's it.....

What do you guys think?
What do you do to make your cubicle/office feel more like home?



XOXO,
Kris

Spoil Yo'Self Friday- Sushi

Hey Dolls,

Stepping away from the norm beauty posts.....

I'm always in the mood for sushi! Who's with me? lol.... and after a crappy couple of days, I decided to treat myself for sushi at Samurai Grill & Sushi Bar at One Woodbrook Plaza, https://www.facebook.com/samuraitrinidad

Spicy Tuna Roll-TTD$85.00

This tasted so amazing, and the service albeit slow was quite friendly. 

What are you ladies doing to spoil yo'self this Friday?

XOXO,

Kris

Work OOTD

Work OOTD

Hi Dolls,

Looking back at my previous posts, I realized that the Wedding OOTD post was quite popular so I figured I would do another OOTD however what I would usually wear to work, my "signature look" at least when it comes to dressing in the work place: Something professional, yet simple, classic and most importantly comfortable.

All of these pieces are ironically purchased from the same store, J&K Signature Styles, located at the Grand Bazaar Mall -  https://www.facebook.com/jksignaturestyles

So.....I'm curious.... what's your signature style?




XOXO,
Kris

Nail polish Storage and Organisation

Hi Girlies,

Over the past weekend, I did an entire purge of items in my bedroom, which included, clothes, jewelry, shoes and makeup and then re-organised everything (took about the whole of my afternoon period) but definitely worth it! I wished I had taken a "before" pic so you could have seen the carnage that was my room....lol

I went to IAM & Company Ltd, located in Trincity Industrial Estate, and purchased a bunch of cute storage items.

Example: I used to store my nailpolishes in an old shoe box.

Now, they are organised and stored on a Spice Rack (from IAM & Company Ltd) as well as a glass container (from Excellent Stores). It is easily accessible as all colors are visible to me.

There are many other cute ways to store your nailpolishes. Check out this link: http://www.topdreamer.com/10-brilliant-nail-polish-organization-storage-ideas/ 

So, I'm curious....how do you store you nailpolishes? or makeup?....

XOXO,

Kris

Spoil Yo'self Friday- Nails

Hey Girlies,

It's the end of the week....TGIF is all I gotta say!!! Plus it's Pay Day! 

I believe in spoiling oneself at the end of the work week whether it's drinks with your girls, sushi with your guy, doing your hair... or nails........it's definitely needed (especially if you have a job like mine). 

So I decided to visit Instinct Body Spa & Hair Salon, located at St. James to do my nails. I never did acrylic gel nails and wanted to try it. 

Acrylic Gel Polish- TTD$300.00

As you can see, I decided on the ever classic french tip. I absolutely love it. And the service was amazing as well (very rare to find in T&T).

Oh and there's a special going on right now till Saturday 27th June 2015- Gel Mani Pedi combo for TTD$400.00!!!

Check them out at: https://www.facebook.com/InstinctBodySpa

so... I wanna know, what do you do to spoil yourself?! 

XOXO,

Kris

Splurge or Steal?!

Hi Dolls,

If there is one item that you don't mind shelling out your money for, no matter how much it is, what would it be? High brand makeup? Bags? Shoes? Clothes? For me,......it's ALL of them!!!! LOL (told you I'm a Shopaholic)!!
But my current obsession, as of now are bags!! Yup! I'm that girl who has Coach, Michael Kors and Kate Spade purses hanging at the back of her door.

I know it's not about how many brand-name bags you own, but a good structured handbag. And believe me, I know a good deal when I see it.

So, imagine my surprise, when I passed through Payless ShoeSource, located at Price Plaza, Chaguanas and saw this gem!

Christian Siriano handbag- TTD$285.00

Kinda looks like a bag I wished I owned! Feast your eyes on:

Celine Mini Luggage Tote- TTD$19,840.00 (USD$3100.00)(yeh I know!)

Looks quite similar doesn't it? and Yes I grabbed the Christian Siriano handbag immediately. It's a great piece! Holds alot! and I have received quite a few compliments on this too :) 

I consider this a WIN and a STEAL!!!

XOXO,

Kris

DIY Lipstick Storage Container

Hi Girls,
So.....confession time. I am not creative at all!! When it comes to DIYs, some people have a knack for it, me?...... not so much. Are you one of those people who can build a bird house out of like toothpicks? SERIOUSLY, I swear I've seen that!!! Lol.
I was perusing through Pinterest and You Tube, looking for storage solutions for my lipsticks because it was getting out of hand! I was thinking.....should I shed out USD$15.00 for a lipstick acrylic storage container? or TRY and make one?

My colorful Mountain drawer full of lipsticks

And I came across a "Trini" YouTube guru, Roannavm's DIY Lipstick Storage Container. It seemed so simple that even I could do it.

Roannavm DIY Lipstick Container YouTube video

And so I did: 

DIY Lipstick Storage Container

SUCCESS!!!!!! 

Looks like I will have do a couple more!

Let me know what you girls think? If you tried it?!

XOXO

Kris

Kris Summer Picks

Oh Hey girls!

Summer is here! OK yes I know, Trinidad does not have summer....it's either the wet season or the dry season! However seeing that I live on a Caribbean Island, it's summer all year around. So What's catching your eye this summer? The hot bikinis? The makeup trends? or are you like me? whatever makes you feel comfortable! whatever stands that blistering sun (heat).

Check out my picks for this Summer 2015.

China Glaze Nailpolishes- TT$35.00 @ Wonderful World (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderful-World/185834088175424) 

Maxi Dresses and Sandals- Dress 1- TTD $325.00, Nude sandal- TTD$150.00, Dress 2- TTD$295.00, Yellow sandal- TTD$135.00 @ GlamStar (https://www.facebook.com/glamstartt/photos/pb.138174849530244.-2207520000.1434561349./1092812847399768/?type=3&theater) 

MK Sunglasses @ The Designer Outlet (https://www.facebook.com/designeroutlet.tt/photos/pb.296491623834715.-2207520000.1434560688./451801118303764/?type=3&theater) 

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock @ Pennywise Outlets, Drugstores or Beauty Stores

White Shorts- TTD$199.00 @ Hot Stuff Styles (https://www.facebook.com/hottstuffstyles/photos/a.977182812293049.1073742123.180524208625584/977277235616940/?type=3&theater)

Wedding OOTD

Wedding OOTD

Hey dolls,
We are in the month of June! You know what that means! The wedding season has officially begun! I have already been invited to one wedding earlier this month and I wanted to share with you my OOTD.
This outfit was specially made for me by local designer and CAFD alumni, Adrian Foster. As soon as I saw this particular collection, I swooned over the wrap skirt. His design fit my hourglass shape beautifully. I felt comfortable but looked so elegant in the outfit. I received so many compliments on how I look and alot of people wanted to know where I purchased the outfit.

This outfit is so versatile. It can be worn quite casually let's say with a crop top or formal like what I did. Shhhhhhh!  I do plan on wearing this same wrap skirt to another wedding I have to attend next month however will wear a plain black top and dress it up with accessories.

If you are interested in perusing Adrian's collection, check out his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AdrianfosterAF

Cara Mia Cosmetics Compact Pressed Powder Review

Hey Dolls,

So I was given Cara Mia Cosmetics Compact Pressed Powder-Tobago Tan in a goody bag during UTT''s Fashion Week when I visited Neha Dawar's Designer Space at UTT's Creativity Campus, previously known as John Donaldson Technical Institute. The pressed powder is too dark for me to use as an all over powder, therefore because the product is matte, I decided to use the product as a contouring powder. This particular shade works quite well as a contouring powder (for reference I am a MAC NC 42) and is quite comparable to my MAC Bronzing Powder- Bronze that I would usually use. By using a darker pressed powder as a contour powder, it looks more natural than using a bronzer with slight shimmer. Amazingly this shade does not look grubby on my skintone. Because I was given Tobago Tan, I cannot review this as an all over face powder however, its website boasts that it stops shine and sets make-up beautifully. This pressed powder also delivers natural, skin enhancing coverage, leaving a soft matte finish and is excellent for all skin types.

The packaging is quite small not at all like the size of a regular shaped faced powder. I can only assume that I was given a sampler.

Cara Mia Cosmetics is available at all Pennywise Outlets and other beauty department stores located in Trinidad and Tobago. If you are interested in any more of their products, you can visit, www.caramiacosmetics.com

                  Have you tried any of Cara Mia Cosmetics? I would love to hear your thoughts!!

Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup Setting Powder Review

Hi dolls,

I have been using Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup Setting Powder for months and I can honesty say I absolutely love this product. I have used many setting powders including the ever popular Ben Nye Banana Powder to set the concealer under my eyes and it ends up creasing during the course of the day however, Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup Setting Powder does not do this. For reference, I am a MAC NC 42 and it blends beautifully into my skin. The buttercup powder is finely milled in texture, it literally dissolves into your skin and does not cake like the banana powder. No matter how much you pack on, the product does not look dry or accentuate your fine lines any further and most importantly, sets areas it's applied to. If you are of medium olive to deep skin tone, and have issues trying to get the banana powder to work for you, you need to try the buttercup powder as it does not give off a white cast nor is it ashy. I have also used this as an all over setting powder and it works OK in keeping my oily skin at bay. I do not blot my face as often as I previously did throughout the day.

A major issue I have with this powder is the packaging! I absolutely hate it. It is quite bulky and it has a sifter but it still can be quite messy and considered not very travel friendly. 

The Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup Setting Powder is available at all conveniently located Sacha Cosmetics Outlets, Pennywise outlets and other beauty department stores in Trinidad and Tobago. It is also available at www.sachacosmetics.com (for all international customers).

Price will vary depending on where the product is purchased.

Has anyone tried the Sacha Cosmetics Buttercup setting powder yet?