What's in my makeup bag?

This seems like a very popular post here in the Beauty Blog world so I thought, why not hop on?  I don't carry a lot of beauty items with me daily, but I do have a couple of things that might help you.

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Este parece ser un "post" muy popular aquí en el mundo de los blog de belleza así que pensé, ¿por qué no seguir la corriente? Yo no llevo conmigo muchos artículos de belleza a diario pero tengo algunos productos que si llevo conmigo que le pueden ayudar.

This is the makeup bag that I use on a daily bases which I received from Sigma and you might have seen it in an old post: How have I been applying my Foundation lately?

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Esta es la bolsa de maquillaje que uso diariamente que recibí de Sigma y es posible que la haya visto en un post anterior: ¿Cómo he estado aplicando mi Fundación últimamente?

I always have with me/ Lo que siempre tengo conmigo:

• My blotting powder which happens to be the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder/ Mi polvo con un acabado mate para no lucir luminosa, Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
• A powder brush/ una brocha para usarlo con polvo
• The lip product I choose that day and maybe an extra if I want to change it/ El producto que decido usar para ese día y uno adicionar por si acaso lo quiero cambiar
• A lip balm, usually my EOS Lip Balm Smooth Sphere in Sweet Mint/ una acondicionador para los labios que usualmente es EOS Lip Balm Smooth Sphere en Sweet Mint.
• Some bobby pins/ unos pinches
• A hair tie/ Una goma para el pelo

It may not be a lot of things or maybe it's a lot compared to what you may be carrying but this is the perfect amount of items for me.  Maybe I will add something else every so often but these are my essentials.

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Puede ser que no sea mucho o tal vez le parece mucho en comparación con lo que usted lleva consigo mismo pero esto es la cantidad perfecta de artículos para mí. Tal vez añado algo de vez en cuando pero estos son los esenciales.

Quick Tip: If the powder you use every day breaks but you still want to use it and take it places just put it in a Zip Lock baggy.

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Consejo rápido: Si el polvo que usted utiliza se rompió y usted todavía quiere usarlo y llevarlo a sitios sólo hay que poner en una bolsita Ziplock.

:(

This way it won't get your makeup bag dirty and you won't lose any product.

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De esta manera no se ensucie su bolsa de maquillaje y no perderá ningún producto.

XOXO,

Diane Cristi

Beach Smart and SwimSpot Giveaway!

Since it is summer in most places in the world I thought this would be a perfect time to write a post on what are my beach essentials.  Now I know most people take either very little (just a towel and their swimsuit) or take way too much, but I have always been a person who takes a couple of items that won't weigh me down but is just enough.  

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Debido a que es verano en la mayoría de los lugares en el mundo pensé que sería un momento perfecto para escribir un "post" sobre lo que son los artículos imprescindibles de la playa. Ahora sé que la mayoría de la gente lleva muy poco (sólo una toalla y su traje de baño) o llevan demasiado, pero siempre he sido una persona que toma un par de cosas que no me pesan pero son lo suficiente.

You should always be hydrated!  I usually take a little cooler with a bottle of water, aloe Vera to keep cool, and maybe a soda or two.  This is very important since you will be sweating and be exposed to the sun.

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¡Usted siempre debe estar hidratada! Yo usualmente traigo  una botella de agua, aloe vera para mantener la calma y a lo mejor un refresco o dos. Esto es muy importante ya que va a sudar y estar expuesto al sol. 

SUNBLOCK, SUNBLOCK, and more SUNBLOCK!  Now with everything that is happening with our environment (especially the ozone) it is a must that you wear some sunblock.  Now it really doesn't matter what brand it is but as long as it's at least 30SPF and up you should be fine.  This will prevent wrinkles, sunspots, cancer, etc. in the future.

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¡BLOQUEADOR SOLAR, BLOQUEADOR SOLAR, y más BLOQUEADOR SOLAR! Ahora, con todo lo que está pasando con nuestro medio ambiente (especialmente la capa de ozono) es un deber usar algún protector solar. Ahora bien, realmente no importa qué marca es, pero siempre y cuando es por lo menos 30SPF. Esto evitará las arrugas, manchas solares, cáncer, etc. en el futuro.

A towel is a must, I also like to bring some leave in conditioner just so my ends won't be so damaged by the sun, some hand sanitizer, and  of course a lip balm (my favorite EOS in sweet mint).

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Una toalla es una necesidad, también me gusta traer un poco de acondicionador sin enjuague para que mis puntas no se dañan por el sol, desinfectante para las manos y por supuesto un bálsamo para los labios (mi favorito EOS en el dulce de menta).

And of course you cannot forget the sunglasses!

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¡Y por supuesto no se puede olvidar las gafas de sol!

Now for the exciting part the GIVEAWAY!  Swimspot as so generous and offered a giveaway for my readers, YAY!  Swimspot is a swimsuit boutique and online retailer located in California that specializes in women's swimwear. I particularly like that they have a variety of brands and swimsuits that fit almost anyone.  What is awesome about it is that the swimsuits are very affordable, WIN!  The winner will be receiving a $50 promo code for a swimsuit, how awesome is that! All you have to do is be a follower of mine (Click on Join this Site on the right hand side and then click follow this blog), like my Facebook page, and leave a comment telling me what is your favorite bathing suit from Swimspot.  This is open internationally as well! There are others ways you can also up your chances but these are the mandatory ones.  Good luck!

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¡Ahora viene la parte emocionante, el SORTEO! ¡Swimspot fue muy amable y ofreció un regalo para ustedes mis lectores, YAY! Swimspot es una boutique de trajes de baño y el minorista en línea ubicada en California que se especializa en trajes de baño de las mujeres. Me gusta especialmente que tienen una gran variedad de marcas y trajes de baño que se ajustan a casi cualquier persona. Lo que es impresionante de todo esto es que los trajes de baño son muy económicos, WOHOO! ¡La ganadora recibirá un código promocional de $50 para un traje de baño, que brutal! Todo lo que tienes que hacer es ser seguidor mio (presiona el botón a mano derecha donde dice "Join this Site" lo oprimes y luego le das Follow this blog), darle like a mi página de Facebook y dejar un comentario diciéndome cuál es su traje de baño favorito de Swimspot. ¡Esto está abierto también a nivel internacional! Hay otras maneras que también pueden subir sus probabilidades de ganar, pero estos son los obligatorios. ¡Buena suerte!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

XOXO,

Diane Cristi

PS. When I choose the winner (at random) I will be verifying that you followed all the rules.

PS. Cuando elija el ganador (al azar) voy a verificar que usted siguió todas las reglas

How to apply False Lashes

Love the look of full lashes but aren't satisfied with your own? Have you thought about applying false lashes but don't know how to?  I've struggled with the same things before I really got into the beauty world.  I thought it would be a good idea to show and give some tips on how to apply false lashes in a quick and easy manner.  Now it may be a but over whelming or just uncomfortable at first, but trust me you will get use to them after a couple of uses.  Now before you do anything you want to curl and apply mascara to your own lashes.

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¿Te encanta pestañas grandes, pero no está satisfecho con las suyas? ¿Ha pensado en aplicarte pestañas postizas, pero no saben cómo? He luchado con las mismas cosas antes de que realmente entre en el mundo de la belleza. Pensé que sería una buena idea mostrarles y darles algunos consejos sobre cómo aplicar las pestañas postizas de una manera rápida y fácil. Ahora bien, puede ser abrumador o simplemente incómodo al principio, pero confía en mí que después de haberlo usadas un par de usos ni lo vas a sentir. Ahora, antes de hacer cualquier cosa tienes que rizar y aplicar el mascara a sus propias pestañas.

First step: Place the false lash on top of your lashes to see how they fit your eye shape and how much you need to cut off.

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 Primer paso: Coloque la pestaña postiza en la parte superior de sus pestañas para ver cómo se ajustan a su forma de ojo y la cantidad que necesita para cortar.

Step two: Trim the lashes to your eye shape.  Always cut off the outer corner part off.

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Paso dos: Recortar las pestañas a la forma de su ojo. Debes siempre cortar la esquina de la parte exterior.

Step three:  Bend the false lashes inwards so they will curve to your eye shape easier.  

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Paso tres: Doble la pestañas postizas hacia el interior para que tenga una curva como la forma de los ojos.

Step four: Apply a thin coat of glue (my personal favorite is the Duo Lash Adhesive in black) to the strip making sure to get a little more on the ends are where it is more likely to lift of of the skin.  Wait 30 seconds to a minute so the glue gets tacky.

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Paso cuatro: Aplique una capa fina de pega (mi favorito personal es Duo Lash Adhesive en negro) a la tira pero asegurase de echar un poco más en los extremos; donde es más probable que se levante de la piel. Espere 30 segundos a un minuto para que la pega este pegajoso.

Step five: Apply the false lash on your lash line, try and put place it in the middle first and then work with the edges.  It may be easier with tweesers.  It may take you a couple tries to get it right so don't give up.  Then curl and apply mascara to blend your lashes with the false ones.  Optional: Apply some liner just in case you can still see some lash glue. 

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Paso cinco: Aplicar la pestana postiza en su línea de las pestañas, primero tratando de colocarla en la mitad y luego trabajar con los bordes. La aplicación puede ser más fácil con pinzas. Puede ser que le tome un par de intentos antes de hacerlo bien para que no se dé por vencido.  Luego rizar y aplicar mascara a sus pestañas para que se mezclan con las postizas. Opcional: Aplique un poco de delineador en caso de que todavía se puede ver un poco de pega.

Lashes are resusable, they can last up to 5 uses if you take care of them well.  You can find them at any drugstore or beauty supply.  My personal favorites are Ardell, Kiss, and Eylure (ones I used here).  Hope this helped, if you have any questions you can reach me on my facebook, twitter, or e-mail.

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Las pestañas son reutilizables, pueden durar hasta 5 usos si usted las cuides. Usted puede encontrarlas en cualquier farmacia o tienda de belleza. Mis favoritos personales son de las marcas Ardell, Kiss y Eylure (son las que utilice aquí).  Espero que esto le he ayudo, si usted tiene alguna pregunta puede comunicarse conmigo en mi facebook, twitter o por correo electrónico.

XOXO,

Diane Cristi

DIY Oatmeal Mask

One of my readers and friends Wilniady sent me this wonderful homemade oatmeal mask recipe which is ideal for all skin types.  This helps with acne, treats mild irritations, opens the pores so dirt can be removed, and even helps soothe sunburn.  I also changed the recipe that I received a bit.

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Una de mis lectores y amigas Wilniady me ha enviado esta maravillosa receta casera cual es una mascara de avena y es ideal para todo tipo de piel. Esto ayuda con el acné, puede tratar irritaciones leves, abre los poros para que la suciedad se pueda remover e incluso ayuda las quemaduras solares. También cambie la receta que he recibido un poco.

Ingredients (ingredientes):

1. Water (Agua)
2. Plain Oatmeal (Avena)
3. Small mixing bowl (Recipiente pequeño para mezclar)

Instructions (Instrucciones):

1. Add 2 tablespoons of Oatmeal to the bowl. (Añadir 2 cucharadas de avena al recipiente.)
2. Add 3 tablespoons of water to the bowl. (Añadir 3 cucharadas de agua al recipiente.)
3. Mix the ingredients together until you have a liquid paste. (Mezclar los ingredientes hasta obtener una pasta líquida.)
4. Apply a generous amount to your face. (Aplicar una cantidad generosa de a tu cara.)
5. Wait 15 minutes or until it's dry. (Espere 15 minutos o hasta que se seque.)
6. Rinse with cold water. (Enjuague con agua fría.)

What me and my friend Elvira did while we waited.

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Lo que yo y mi amiga Elvira hicimos mientras esperábamos.

Also Elvira made us some wonderful fruit smoothies! 

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¡TambiénElvira, nos hizo unos frappes de frutas maravillosas!

If you have dry skin you can substitute the water for milk so it nourishes it better.  you can repeat the mask once to twice a week for optimal results.

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Sitienes la piel seca puedes sustituir el agua por leche lo que la nutre mejor. Puedesrepetir la mascara una o dos veces a la semana para obtener resultados óptimos.

XOXO,
Diane Cristi


ps. Have instagram? My username is dianecristi
ps. ¿Tienes Instagram? Mi nombre de usuario es dianecristi

DIY Tinted Moisturizer

Have you been on the hunt for the perfect tinted moisturizer? Tired of wearing foundation everyday when all you really want is minimal coverage?  Don't have the money to spend on one right now? Well I've got your answer!  Make it, and the best thing is that you most likely already have the ingredients in your home.  Here's what you need:

• Moisturizer
• Your favorite foundation

Procedure:

• Put about a pea size amount of moisturizer on your hand 
• Add half a pea size of foundation to it and mix
• Apply to your face and blend out

It's that easy!  I do this the days where I want to have a little more color on my face other than just some powder.  I do this a lot when I go out during the day or even when I go to college because I want minimal makeup but I still want to even out my skin tone and have it look polished.  

The end product

XOXO,

Diane Cristi

Valentine Gift ideas from Her to Him

Only two more days until the holiday of love comes around and I know there are some of you who still haven't gotten around to buying that special someone out there their present.  Here are some gift ideas for this holiday season.

Go to my Polyvore so you can find out where to find these items and what are the prices.

• Dinner- Cook your loved one a homemade romantic dinner.  Some ideas could be:
• Lasagna
• Pasta
• Steak
• Salmon
• Cologne- Who doesn't love a man who smells yummy?  For this holiday give the gift of cologne and pick out the one that you want him to wear so every time you see him you will fall in love again.
• Cupcakes- Every man loves himself some cake!  I would personally opt for cupcakes since it’s such an imitate occasion (eating a whole cake, not cute).  I would recommend red velvet for Valentine's Day as well.  
• Shirt- Get your man a clean button down shirt for those nights out on the town or any occasion you want him to look put together.
• Watch- Every time he looks to see what time it is he will be reminded of you. 
• Shoes- Every man needs a good pair of moccasins. It would go wonderfully with any outfit.
• Chocolate- Signature Valentine's Day staple.  Even guys love getting pampered sometimes.
• Body pillow- I came across this on the internet and I couldn't take my eyes off it! I      mean really how adorable is it?! The website also has individual pillows that are if not as adorable as this one better.
• Adventure- This might appeal to some more than others but this is an activity that both or you can enjoy together.  Take him hiking or kayaking or whatever you have your mind set on.  The point is it is something both of you will have fun doing.
• Sweater- Get him a sweater so when you're cold you can steal it from him ;)

XOXO,

Diane Cristi

*Disclaimer- These photos do not belong to me.  Credit given to Polyvore.

Economic Valentine Gift Ideas from Him to Her

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and most likely your secret admirer is in a rut and doesn't know what to get you. I've come up with some gift ideas that are romantic and as always economic.

Go to my Polyvore so you can find out where to find these items and what are the prices.

• Flowers- Is the staple for this holiday.  I recommend red roses but any will do. For those of you who want to be a little different orchids are also a very good alternative.
• Dress- I just think that this simple sunflower dress is beautiful and very feminine and would be a very cute and sweet gift.
• Gift Certificate for the Spa- Us women are always multitasking and sometimes just need a day off.  Surprise her with a day at the Spa and she will love you forever.
• Chocolate- Another staple Valentine’s Day present that is a must!  Even if you get the cheapest of chocolates it is something that you cannot do without.  My favorites are the Godiva chocolates. 
• Candle- Vanilla candles are a signature scent for Valentines because they are so sensual and relaxing.  This Yankee candle in French Vanilla is to die for.  Give this to her and when she is just hanging around her house or what not her surroundings will smell like heaven.  Any vanilla candle will do.  Another option would be lavender.
• Red Glitter Polish- I actually own a bottle and this is a beautiful color that with a couple of coats gives you that complete glitter nail.
• Voucher Booklet- This just may be the cheapest item on the list, well because it's FREE.  Yes, all you need is paper, a pair of scissors, a marker, a stapler and your creativity. Some ideas could be:
• Free kiss
• Free hug
• Night on the town
• Ring- Gorgeous ruby ring that I'm in love with!  I think it's just one of those staple pieces that every girl should have in their collection. You can purchase this at the Silpada website.  
• Purse- Simple black crossover bag that is a dupe for the signature Chanel bag at a fraction of the cost.  This is also a staple item. I mean this goes with literally ALMOST anything.
• Mary Janes- These red Mary Janes are to die for and for only $33! I mean HELLO!  Your valentine will be swept of her feet when she sees these and will look gorgeous.
• Earrings- It's the classic stud with a twist.  This has been a trend for a while and I don't see it going anywhere soon.  It's such a delicate and a cute gift that she will be touched.  Personally I am a sucker for anything with a bow on it!
• Bangles- Such a beautiful set of metallic bangles that will compliment any outfit.  They are great to accessorize practically every outfit; either day or night.

XOXO,

Diane Cristi

*Disclaimer- These photos do not belong to me.  Credit given to Polyvore.

How to clean your dirty brushes

The brushes that we use daily are usually full of product but what many people don't realize is that they are full of dirt and bacteria.  This may cause breakouts, styes, allergic reactions, rashes among other things. Over the past year I have tried different methods of deep cleaning my brushes and finally found a way that suits me. 

Ingredients:

1. Olive oil
2. Liquid soap (preferably anti-bacterial)
3. Mixing bowl
4. Paper cloth
5. Dirty brushes

Instructions:

1. You want to make a mixture of both the soap and olive oil; half and half.
2. Wet the brush making sure not getting the upper part the barrel (because the glue will loosen and the bristles will shed).
3. Dip the brush in the mix and swirl in your palm and rinse with water.
4. Repeat part 3 until the water is clear.
5. Then squeeze out the excess water with a towel.
6. Set to dry on top off the paper towel.

You should deep clean your brushes once a week to two weeks and spot clean right after you clean your brushes.  A good spot cleaner is Mac's Brush Cleanser. And a BIG must is that you should never share brushes and if you do CLEAN them right after.  Hope you found this helpful!

XOXO,

Diane Cristi

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