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Val

Beauty, Makeup, Skin

You Might Not Want To Swatch That Lipstick In Stores After Reading This!

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Last Sunday was spent not only sipping and supping on Dos Caminos‘ amazing brunch menu but also perusing the shelves at Sephora in pursuit of its bevy of beauty-inspired enamel pins (VIB points well spent!). But as I was scoping out the shelves, I spotted a slew of shoppers applying tester lipsticks directly to their pouts, and in one instance, someone creating a smoky eye using a shadow from a tester palette (Insert pearl clutching gif here). As horrifying as all that sounds, new findings from Sitejabber, which specializes in customer ratings and reviews of businesses, might gross you out even more!

The review-aggregating site told PopSugar that it discovered that of its 24 swab tests taken from three anonymous beauty retailers, the average beauty tester has almost 200 times the bacteria of the average toilet seat! To compare, a beauty tester is about 20 times germier than your own cell phone, which a 2017 study found has over 17,000 bacterial gene copies on the phones of high school students. A toilet seat tends to have around 20 colony-forming units (CFU) or bacteria per square centimeter since they’re cleaned fairly frequently while cell phones and beauty testers don’t often receive the same treatment.

I seriously suggest keeping any test eye products as far away from your eye as possible (I’m talking to you random stranger I saw swiping on that test shadow!). Eyeliner was found to be the germiest of the bunch with 98,000 CFU, and mascara came in second on the gross factor with 32,000 CFU, which Sitjabber says is dirtier than a pet toy. And those germs can cause some serious illnesses beyond a bad breakout or pink eye, as PopSugar noted that a woman filed a lawsuit against Sephora in December claiming that she had contracted herpes from a sample. It’s a suit similar to the one MAC dealt with in 2013 when a woman claimed that she had also contracted the STI from a tube of Riri Woo lipstick during the star’s Diamonds tour.

But there are plenty of ways to stay safe while you swatch. First, carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag so you can start and finish with a clean slate since our hands have loads of germs that can easily be transferred to everything you touch. Second, use new and clean applicators — they’re often readily available on the endcaps for shoppers to use when trying on the formulas. Third, keep the swatches to your hands and arms, not your face or near any broken skin to prevent any harmful bacteria and virus from entering the body, and you should be set. Keep it clean, folks!

April 27, 2018 by
Beauty, Makeup

Becca Wants to Send You On a Sweet Escape — But You Have to Find a Glow Ticket First!

Ever since we first watched Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, we’ve all dreamed of opening up a treat to discover we’ve won a golden ticket to win an amazing opportunity. And Becca Cosmetics’ newest makeup must is helping all of us to fulfill that childhood dream!

The brand recently released a limited edition highlighter exclusively available in-store and online at Sephora, aptly called Dreamsicle. The powder swirls peach and vanilla shimmer to create a warm glow. But that’s not all! Housed inside of 100 of the boxes are Glow Tickets — our Golden Tickets, if you will — that makeup mavens can exchange for a special gift from Becca Cosmetics, a brand rep exclusively revealed to Bustle. And two of those ticket holders will be chosen to win a trip with the company, so don’t be so eager to toss the box as soon as you get your hands on the highlighter. Though the location of the trip has yet to be revealed, I’ve got my fingers crossed for somewhere with surf, sand, and sunshine, so that highlighter can really pop!

So how do you score this trip for yourself? According to the above Instagram post, all you have to do is snap a selfie with you holding the Glow Ticket, explain what your Glow Mantra is and what it means to you, using the hashtags #BECCAGlowTicket and #BECCAContest, and tag who you’d want to be your +1 on the trip of a lifetime. But keep in mind that the contest is only open to US and Candian residents and submissions need to be received by 11:59 pm EST on May 31st, 2018 when the contest ends.

While I’m rooting for everyone vying for the incredible excursion, it’s not like you’re totally losing out even if you don’t win the trip. The tangerine-toned highlighter looks gorgeous on a variety of skin tones, but it looks especially beautiful on dark skin tones who often struggle to find highlighters that suit their shade. Plus, the citrus-inspired shimmer is the sweetest way to kick off your summer beauty routine whether you decide to rock it on your cheeks or even your lids. To those on the hunt for the Glow Tickets, may the odds be ever in your favor and let the games begin!

April 27, 2018 by
Beauty, Hair, Makeup, Skin

Walmart Is Branching Out Into Beauty Boxes Too — And For Less Than $10!

Photo via Walmart.com

Chances are that when you sign up for a subscription box — whether it’s for hot sauce, snacks, or beauty buys — you’re not going to get anything bigger than what is allowed through airport security. Aside from weighing down the box itself, scoring something full-sized can send the price of the subscription skyrocketing. But that’s not the case for Walmart which just announced the debut of its own line of beauty boxes!

Priced at $9.98 each, the Walmart Beauty Favorites Boxes offer some of its most popular must-haves for your eyes, lips, skin, curls, and more valued between $20-$40 with a mix of mini and full-sized products. Housed in electrically vibrant boxes, each handles a different beauty need whether it’s a dramatic eye look, a plush pout, gorgeously glowy skin, defined and frizz-free curls, or a way to clean up your beauty routine. But you’re not going to want to wait to pick one up while you shop since, according to Bustle, there’s a limited number of boxes available both online and at 3,000 store locations.

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April 26, 2018 by
Beauty, Skin

Is This The Secret To Making Face Masks More Effective?

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When it comes to skincare, we tend to treat face masks as miracle workers in the pursuit of flawless skin. Not to mention it offers an opportunity to snap a selfie mid-mask, or if you’re like me, share your weekly skincare routine on social media (so if you’re not tuning in, you’re totally missing out!). But regardless of whether the mask is meant to moisturize, detoxify, brighten, or lift, we might not be making the most of the stuff we put on our faces.

While sheet masks do an amazing job of softening, smoothing, and brightening on skin’s surface, Sumbody Skincare Founder Deborah Burnes recently told SheFinds that those mid-pore masks, which feed skin with vitamins, nutrients, and other active ingredients, and deep-pore masks, which break up all the old dirt and grease, need more effort to be effective. Letting your mask of choice dry as you scroll through your social media feed won’t do as much as you’d expect as it only works on the surface. And in some instances, it can exacerbate skin issues like acne and make skin look worse. “Using a mask this way reverts it back to a powder which clogs your pores rather than feed them; that means your pores are being filled with more gunk,” she said.

Her suggestion? Slather on your face mask after stepping into the shower. It helps open up the pores and allows the mask to penetrate the pores even deeper. It’s why facialists use a steam machine during every treatment so that whatever’s been lurking deep in your pores will come to the surface allow whatever skincare products to sink in further. “It’s the beautiful moist heat in the shower that acts like a gentle steam and creates this skin-loving magic,” Burnes explained to the site. “The steam also keeps the active ingredients alive and viable and keeps the mask potent.”

Talk about an easy and cost-effective way to get that spa experience! It looks like I’ll have to start snapping my #SkincareSunday Showdown stories from my shower — hey I’m already prone to taking pictures in my bathroom anyway.

April 24, 2018 by
Fashion

Will Rihanna’s New Lingerie Line Come In Plus Sizes?

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Inclusivity has been at the core of Rihanna‘s brand since she began building her beauty empire, but will it translate to her latest line?

Signs point to yes — and I couldn’t be more psyched! After weeks of teasing the brand on Instagram, Mic was the first to discover that when you head to the brand’s official site to sign up for the brand’s newsletter, it also asks for your bra and undie sizes via a drop-down menu. The bra sizes included in the menu range from 32A to 44DD while undie sizes go up to 3X! That means that similar to her ground-breaking foundation range, she’s had more than the straight-sized set in mind from the start.

That’s an amazing start for any fashion brand, let alone an intimates line, which The Lingerie Addict‘s Cora Harrington called it “impressive” as lingerie has a more complicated production process than makeup. Harrington notes the fact the line isn’t even more size-inclusive than it already is, points to limitations in intimate apparel, regardless of the brand, rather than a lack of effort. “[M]aking bras is nothing like making foundation,” she said in a blog post about the line. “Literally the only thing connecting Fenty Beauty to Savage x Fenty is Rihanna. She’s using two different companies with two different infrastructures for products in two different categories.”

Harrington says that since Savage x Fenty is the first intimates brand from TechStyle (which also produces Fabletics‘s range, including sports bras) and the brand’s maximum cup size is a DD, they might not have the resources yet to go beyond that bra size without causing a break. Going past that size break would mean researching and revamping the bra patterns and construction to accommodate a larger bust — and that still aligns with the line’s aesthetic. This wasn’t the case with Fenty Beauty, as Rihanna had linked up with Kendo Beauty, a long-established company that also owns Kat Von D Beauty, Marc Jacobs Beauty and many more, which has the resources and distribution to produce such a huge range right out of the gate.

Aside from learning about the size range of the line, we’re starting to get a sense of what the pieces will actually look like. The Instagram teasers offer some insight, as we get a peek of Rihanna in a classic underwire bra in one of the clips while another model is seen in a sheer lacy bra or bralette with a cutout front. So I feel like her new lingerie might mix a bit of athleisure ease and comfort from Fenty x Puma with the decadent details of her Fenty for Stance sock line, which make for not only a sold-out situation but also a slew of sexy selfies (though whether you choose to share them is totally up to you — no one else).

Here’s hoping there will be DDD-G cup sizes and larger underwear sizes are already in the works for this highly-anticipated and seriously chic line (??) because we all want to look and feel as luxe and lovely as Riri herself!

April 23, 2018 by
Beauty, Makeup

Besame Cosmetics Is Creating An Avengers: Infinity War Collection!

Photo: Marvel/Disney via YouTube.

Hold onto your popcorn, kittens! In the week leading up to the release of Avengers: Infinity War, Besame’s throwing down the gauntlet on cosmetic collaborations with a mini Marvel collection!

The brand made the surprise announcement in a livestream of its Agent Carter collection launch during Disneyland’s Dapper Day celebration. It’s an annual celebration at Disney parks where guests are invited to show off their “refined style from yesterday and today with fun accessories and events.” (Which my pal Misti, who also runs CousinsWhoDisney, told me about) The collection is modeled after the highly coveted Infinity Stones that we’ve seen pop up throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe that are tied to different aspects of the universe. And with Thanos having all of those all-powerful and brightly colored gems in hand, the universe is in for a world of hurt unless the Avengers and the Guardians of The Galaxy can save it.

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April 22, 2018 by
Beauty, Makeup

Bite Beauty’s Latest Zodiac Lipstick Taps Into Taurus’s Sensual Side

Photo courtesy of Bite Beauty.

Taurus season has finally arrived, and Bite Beauty has already found a way to indulge: a new lipstick!

The brand has added another lipstick to its Astrology Amouse Bouche collection, and it just hit stores today! As with the others signs released so far, this limited-edition launch uses the signature traits of each sun sign to customize the color. While Aries had everyone seeing red with a fiery hue, Taurus taps into the sign’s element for a muted white-chocolate rose hue that the brand says is the perfect way to treat yo’self.

Thanks to Taurean’s penchant for earthly pleasures, a chocolate-inspired nude seems like a perfectly suited shade for the season. After all, Tara Greene, the astrologer who helped the brand select the shades, says, “[A]ll the finer things in life are essential to beauty-loving bulls.”

They’re the definition of “down to earth” as they’re known to be generous, dependable, ambitious, practical, independent, and reliable — basically, they’re the kind of people you always want to have in your support system. So it’s no wonder why Internet baes like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Channing Tatum, Dev Patel, Megan Fox, Henry Cavill, Rosario Dawson, and many more give us heart eyes.If you’re looking for one of your own, Greene says you can “find them running a florist shop, decorating and re-decorating their stylish abodes, or whipping up a delish new dish.” Yum!

Don’t expect this sultry nude to stick to shelves for long since Taureans love to treat themselves though makeup mavens will likely snap up this nude since it works for a slew of skin tones. With the shades sticking close to the signs’ most significant aspects, I expect to see something light and slightly shimmery for the airy Gemini in the next few weeks, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a shade that’s totally out-there, as the sign is known to do the unexpected (we’re looking at you Kanye!). We’ll just have to wait and see!

April 20, 2018 by
Beauty, Makeup

Show Your Stash: Susie Wang’s All-Natural Beauty Routine and Much More

Photo courtesy of Susie Wang.

I know I’m not the only one curious about celebs and influencers’ favorite beauty buys as well as who and what shape their view of beauty in the biz.

I’ve always believed in happy accidents — you know, those seemingly innocuous events that become the catalyst for something bigger, something that sets you on a completely different path from what you originally thought. It could be a product with an unexpected benefit or (unfortunately) a bad reaction or a beauty look that you might’ve questioned while you played but makes a splash on social media (or IRL). That’s essentially what happened to Susie Wang, founder and chief creative officer of 100% PURE. She famously purchased a Vitamin C serum when she was a freshman at UC Berkeley that oxidized, lost its potency, and converted to free radicals — the very thing the serum was meant to prevent!

It set her on the path to several patents to help stabilize those vitamins to prevent that oxidation from occurring, which led to a slew of job offers from a number of beauty brands. But it also led to another happy accident when she knocked over a chemical that corroded the table she was working off of and was meant to be part of an eye cream! The incident not only pushed her to look into product development practices and eventually launch the brand. The brand has become an authority when it comes to natural beauty, thanks to its effective plant-based formulations, like their fruit-based color cosmetics, but also its cruelty-free commitment. Plus it’s even received a dose of star power thanks to the likes of Big Little Lies’ Shailene Woodley (I can hardly wait for season two, can you?!).

I’ve already fallen in love with the brand’s new Tomato Lycopene SPF 20 Moisturizer that offers a physical blocker without the same grey cast that I’ve experienced with other formulas. KillaCrystal also introduced me to their natural base and top coat polishes! And after getting a chance to chat with Wang to learn more about her beauty journey and her brand’s latest array of innovations, I had to ask her to be the latest to show her stash. Not only to help everyone clean up their act (hey, it’s Earth Month, after all) but also to discover the people who inspire her (and 100% Pure’s) purpose and swipe a few of her natural beauty secrets.

On her approach to style: “My approach to beauty is all about healthy, glowing skin and minimal makeup. My fashion style is very casual, classic and easy. I’m pretty low maintenance but still prefer mostly high-quality products.”

On her idols: “I don’t necessarily have any beauty idols; however, I have a huge passion for helping animals, which is why 100% Pure is entirely cruelty-free, and I’m inspired by women who are doing great things for animal rights. For example, I’m a big fan of Ingrid Newkirk, the founder of PETA. I also admire a woman named Yang XiaoYun who rescues dogs from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China.”

On her first beauty memory: “My first beauty memory was wanting to buy a vitamin C serum so desperately that I skipped eating lunch for a week to buy it; however, once I did, the vitamin C serum oxidized. This was so disappointing but inspired me to figure out how to stabilize vitamins from oxidizing in skincare. My patent for this is what launched my career in the beauty industry.”

Photo: lola lenska via Pinterest

On her first beauty buy:“I bought my first beauty item when I was five years old, and it was a Rachel Perry strawberry lip balm. I was a child so I loved the fruit scent.”

On the best beauty advice she’s received: “Apply facial oil on damp skin to increase absorption.”

On her favorite beauty tip to share: “Visit steam rooms frequently and apply a facial mask while in the steam sauna.”

On her favorite beauty buys of 2018 (so far): “My favorite beauty buy has been the 100% Pure Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm. It gives me intense age correction plus deep moisture. We also have two great products coming out this month that I’m excited about — a purifying Charcoal Clay Cleanser and Tomato Lycopene SPF 20 Moisturizer.”

Check out Susie’s favorite beauty buys below:

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April 18, 2018 by
Beauty, Fashion, Makeup

Puma Partners With MAC For Makeup-Matching Sneakers

Lucy Hale’s known for making monochromatic magic by matching her heels to her lipstick whenever she steps out, but MAC is making it easy to pull off the look yourself by partnering with Puma.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the footwear giant’s signature suede sneaker, the brands have come together for a capsule collection of shoe hues based on MAC’s most beloved lipstick shades. Yup, that’s right — you can now rock kicks in the coral-red Lady Danger, the peach-beige Crème d’Nude, or the deep burgundy Sin. Vogue says the color-matched kicks will be available for purchase exclusively in the U.S. at puma.com starting May 17th with each pair going for $90.

The beauty brand has always had collaborations at its core, with curated collections from our favorite stars, movies, and more dropping on a regular basis. Not to mention its annual celebrity partnerships for its Viva Glam Lipstick, whose full proceeds benefit women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. But regardless, all of the previous partnerships have been mostly confined to the beauty counter, so this collection is certain to shake things up. As Elle noted, the brand team-up was teased back in November with MAC captioning the sneak peek snapshot on Instagram with: “Your favorite hues take a big step in a whole new direction.”

I can easily see Hale herself or her stylist snapping up all three styles to pair with their respective lip shades for her next red carpet event. But she won’t be the only one, as plenty of beauty buffs (like myself) and streetwear all stars clamoring for the collection. So be sure to set your alarms early so you don’t miss out! In the meantime, head over to either Elle or Vogue to get a closer look at the upcoming collection and choose your favorite color. Which one(s) are you planning to pick up? Let me know in the comments below!

April 17, 2018 by
Beauty, Makeup

Here’s How To Get Your Hands on Free Too Faced Mascara Today!

Photo via TooFaced.com

If Beyoncé’s veritable takeover of Coachella hasn’t prompted you to try a flurry of glitter-encrusted festival looks, a new deal from Too Faced just might. And don’t worry; you won’t even to have to leave home to snag it.

According to the brand’s site, when you spend $55 or more, “the ultimate mascara & remover kit” will automatically be added to your cart. The kit includes the ever-popular and slightly scandalous Better Than Sex Mascara as well as its waterproof counterpart for lashes that look long, lush, and lust-worthy. But that’s not all, as the kit also contains the brand’s Mascara Melt Off, an oil-based formula to remove even the strongest waterproof formula and infused with Rice Extract and Green Tea to condition and protect lashes from irritation when you take off your makeup at the end of the day. Plus the mini-sizes make it super easy to touch up — or take it all off —  on the go!

Since there’s no word when the offer will end, according to HYPEBAE, now’s the time to stock up on our spring beauty arsenals. After all, scoring a plethora of products that would normally cost $63 (for the full-sized version) is a damn good deal to snap up while you can!

Let me know if you manage to snatch one of up for yourselves in the comments below or tag me on Insta!

April 17, 2018 by