HD Beauty: Age Reverse System Review

IMG_8345Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of having the most amazing facial at HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique with the owner and Master Esthetician Melanie.  If you didn’t read about it, check it out.  After my facial she sent me home with an amazing gift bag of goodies including the HD Beauty: Age Reverse System a regimen that helps diminish the signs of aging and increase luminosity.  Which my skin could absolutely use and I decided I would try it out at home and see if my skin would continue to look amazing even after my facial.

I did take a pre-facial, no makeup picture before going in to the skincare boutique, so that I would be able to compare pre-treatment and post-treatment and for all of you to decide if my skin looked better.

The HD Beauty Age Reverse System has been developed by Melanie and are part of her own skincare line, that is a cosmeceutical skincare line.  She has several skin care systems and collections in addition to individual products that will help many different type of skin care concerns.

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(Photo Courtesy of HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique)

The Age Reverse System is 3 Easy Steps.  Step 1: is HD Pure, a gentle cleanser.  Step 2: HD Revitalize C-Serum 7 in 1 Rejuvinator, an anti-aging serum which improves brightness, texture and pores.  Step 3: HD Perform Multi-Complex Creme, an antioxidant moisturizer to reverse and prevent visible aging changes.

I have been using the system both in the morning and evening.  I love how the cleanser really cleans my face but it is a light cleanser so it doesn’t feel heavy afterwards.  The Serum 7 has a satin feel so I do have to say it is my favorite part.  In the morning I also add the HD Sunscreen on top of the moisturizer which Melanie was so kind to give me a sample of that.

After a week and a half of using the products, I immediately have noticed that my face is much more hydrated and the spots on my face where my skin was so dry it was flaking, and yes before I went to HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique, I was using a moisturizer daily and it was not helping.  My foundation is going on so much cleaner and smoother, which proves the point good skin makes makeup application much easier.  Another skin problem that I have is mild acne, a few key places that they pop up and that has diminished, and I could not be happier.  Also my line in between my brows, which drives me crazy looks better!  And I did not have botox, yet!

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(Photo Courtesy of HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique)

Curious about your skin type?  What could help your skin?  You can take the Skin Care Quiz and learn more or Melanie does offer Virtual Consultations and you can chat one on one and ask her questions, which is perfect if you are busy during the holiday season but need a professionals help.

An Oasis in San Diego: HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique

I had the pleasure of finding an oasis in the midst of San Diego County, a relaxing getaway that will make you feel beautiful inside and out.  Where is this oasis, you might wonder, right off of Rancho Bernardo at HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique.

The spa is peaceful and quiet from the moment you walk in and the owner Melanie White is not only warm and inviting but a Master Esthetician.  However, let’s start at the beginning, before you go to the spa, she offers a Skincare Quiz that is only a few minutes long and asks questions so she knows a little about your needs and concerns prior to your facial and it also gives you a diagnosis about the type of skin you have.

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(Photo Courtesy of HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique)

I answered the skin care quiz about my skin issues however, I went in to see Melanie with no makeup on, which never happens, and knowing that as much as I love makeup and good skin is the best key to makeup application, I am not the best about caring for my own skin.  When it comes to my clients I will help and give tons of tricks and referrals but my own is not as cared for.  So, I was worried that I may be a little more work and trouble for her.

IMG_8333 (1)When I walked in the spa I loved how fresh and serene the atmosphere was.  A sitting area and product displays for you to look at.  I immediately was open about not having a facial in a while and that I was going to need all the help she could give me, and she smiled and told my not to worry that she could help my skin and I would immediately see results after leaving my face in her skillful hands.

She told me to go in the treatment room and put on the half robe and get comfy in the bed and all would be IMG_8336taken care of while I relaxed and enjoyed some me time.  The treatment room is a mix of light pink and white, tremendously clean and inviting.

Melanie and I chatted like girlfriends, but I was curious about her background and immediately could hear her passion when we were talking about the HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique.  We instantly bonded over makeup artistry as she began in makeup and worked for several major brands for many years.  She told me that as much as she loves makeup that helping people with their complexions and correcting their skin was her calling.  She has state of the art equipment for her clients and gives her clients customized facials that are never the same for them or for others.  Melanie also worked with doctors for years and has developed her own skincare line HD Beauty, that is a cosmeceutical skincare line.  Her really focuses on the needs of her clients and corrrecting issues they may have.

My Custom Facial:

  • Cleanse – Melanie cleansed my skin to prep it and to examine what her professional eyes saw that I would need and asses what my skin was in need of.
  • The next step was a Mandelic Peel. Which is a type of alpha hydroxy (AHA) peel, it was to help with my pH Balance and because it is a gentle peel it is  perfect for people with acne-prone skin and rosacea.  My skin tingled in a good way for a few minutes during this part of the treatment.
  • Melanie could not have known but I love pumpkin scents and the next step was a Pumpkin Peel Masque to help refresh my skin.  Pumpkins contain a naturally occurring fruit enzyme with high levels of proteases, which exfoliate dead skin and clean pores of debris.  Perfect for my very dry skin.
  •  Steam was next on the menu and I relaxed
  • Melanie decided that the Apple Stem Cell Scrub was next in the facial cocktail she was creating for me. By stimulating aging skin stem cells, this apple plant extract has been shown to lessen the appearance of unsightly wrinkles and a tremendous ability to rejuvenate aging skin.
  • After the scrub it was more steaming and extractions for my face.
  • HD Beauty Toner was then applied.
  • A Phytosome Mask Treatment was then applied and while that was on it was 15 minutes of the LED PhotoFacial .  I was so curious about this part of the treatment.  LED is a gentle light therapy treatment that helps increase collagen, treat acne, even out the complexion and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.  It can be used in place of an IPL treatment and far more cost friendly and gentler.  For me it was like laying out on a tropical beach and repairing my skin at the same time.  Melanie also told me that she uses this LED light treatment regularly and that 10-15 minutes can make all the difference for skin.
  • With a custom oil Melanie created she gave me a Lymphatic Massage.  The Lymphatic System is part of your immune system and carries a fluid which is essential om fighting sickness in your body.  Besides what one may think of soreness, swollen glands it can effect your skin in the way of being itchy or dry.  I had no idea but thank goodness Melanie did.
  • Sadly to say the last piece of the custom facial was the Blueberry Recovery Mask, it was to hydrate, condition and soothe my skin.  The final step in helping my skin get to a radiant glow.

IMG_8345Melanie sent me home with an amazing gift bag of the HD Beauty: Age Reverse System a regimen that helps diminish the signs of aging and increase luminosity.  Step 1: is HD Pure, a gentle cleanser.  Step 2: HD Revitalize C-Serum 7 in 1 Rejuvinator, an anti-aging serum which improves brightness, texture and pores.  Step 3: HD Perform Multi-Complex Creme, an antioxidant moisturizer to reverse and prevent visible aging changes.  She also added a sample of HD Defend SPF 15, an HD Beauty chapstick and the “True Beauty comes from within” baseball cap which I already have worn out and love.

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(Photo Courtesy of HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique)

HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique is more than just a spa that you get a facial at, it is an experience from start to finish with a Celebrity Esthetician who is passionate about her clients skin and making it look amazing on the way out and helping you keep it gorgeous long after.  I am so excited to go back and see Melanie for another custom facial and my skin is a million times better.  From the girl that has mild roscea, flaking skin in some areas, lines and a few wrinkles and a little acne.  Like I said I needed an expert to help me, I have been other places and never seen results like this that last more than a day.  Book a session at HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique and check out her amazing skincare line as well.

HD Beauty, The Skincare Boutique

16486 Bernardo Center Dr, Ste 120
San Diego, California 92128

(619) 838-5353

Stay tuned for a Follow up post about the products and how my skin is doing after a week of using the HD Beauty: Age Reverse System.

 

 

 

 

How to Apply False Eyelashes

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Photo Courtesy of Ardell

Lashes are an amazing way to frame and make your eyes pop in person or in photos.  However, many of us are not blessed with long and lush lashes.   While a great mascara can help in your goal, sometimes nothing works better than false eyelashes.  Makeup artists use them for photo shoots, weddings, and event makeup, and they seem easy to apply when makeup artists use them. I promise that with a few great tricks and a practice run, you can do it just like us.

Picking Your Lashes: Decide what your overall look is, whether you want drama or just want to add to your lashes but not make them too big.  Ardell Lashes are a good choice and give you options such as individual or strips.  If you get a strip, an alternative use is to cut it in half and add lashes on the end for a winged look made easy. For a more natural look try Babies or #109.  For a more dramatic look, I love MAC Cosmetics #8, or their half lash #20.

Measuring – Testing:  Once you have picked your lash, take the lash out of the package and hold it up to your eye.  Based on your eye size you may need to trim it to fit your lid.  It is much easier to do this before you glue them on.

Prep:  To protect your own lashes apply a thin layer of mascara.  Squeeze a small amount of lash glue in a fine line.  Gently run the seam of the lashes in the glue. You do not need it to be covered in glue.  I recommend Duo Eyelash Adhesive in Black.  The glue will dry clear but while its drying it will blend in with your lashes and eyeliner.

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Photo Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Apply:  Wait twenty seconds so that the glue gets a little tacky before you apply.  Position the false eyelashes as close to your lash line as possible.  It is easiest with a strip to start at the corner of your eye and move toward the center.  If you need to re-position, no problem.  You do not need to press on them, as the glue will do the job.  Wait a minute for glue to dry.

Once they are on:  Once you have got them both on, use an eyeliner to go over the seams.  This will give you a lined look, as well as conceal the seams of the strip.   Lastly, apply mascara to the lashes to blend them all together.

Removal:  An eye makeup remover will take them right off.  Just lightly apply some remover with your finger.  Focus on the outer corner to start and they will easily come off.

Stila Cosmetics is Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

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Photo Credit: Stila Cosmetics

Stila Cosmetics is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness in the month of October!  Stila is asking for clients to help support by purchasing handpicked items by Sarah Lucero.   Sarah is Stila’s Global Executive Director of Creative Artistry and in 2010, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  The bonus is these items are 40% off with code BCA.

All proceeds from these items will be donated to The Foundation for Living Beauty, which helped Sarah when she was battling.  “That’s why this year, we’ve teamed up with The Foundation for Living Beauty to remind all women that it’s not about what you’ve lost, it’s about enhancing and loving what you have.  Makeup isn’t just about outward appearance, it’s about helping you feel beautiful!”

Nicki Minaj and MAC Cosmetics Collaborate on Two New Lip Colors

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Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics

Anyone who loved the first lipstick that MAC Cosmetics and Nicki Minaj created, they are back and working together to release two new lipsticks in September.  While the first one was a pink shade, these two new lipsticks are going to be nude shades.

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Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics

THE MAKEUP SHOW ORLANDO BRINGS TOP CELEBRITY ARTISTS!

tms-orlando-2017-600x760_161130105019The Makeup Show is one of the biggest and best shows that gives beauty professionals a platform to be educated, inspired and opportunities.  Over 75 beauty bands and 30 keynote speakers and seminars with top beauty professionals will be at The Hyatt Regency in Orlando taking the sunshine state by storm on March 18th & 19th.

The Makeup Show is produced by The Powder Group founded by Michael DeVellis and developed by James Vincent.  The focus is to inspire, strengthen and create a global makeup artist community with not only The Makeup Show, but other classes and events throughout the year all over the world.

The show is an opportunity to learn from celebrity artists, see the latest products from the top professional cosmetic brands and network amongst artists from all over.  Artists such as Eugenia Weston, Reggie Wells, Jordan Liberty, James Vincent and so many more will speak about how they took their craft into a career as well as teach tricks and give advice to the attendees.

Saturday, March 18th Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist Reggie Wells will showcase his steps to creating the perfect face and share his 30 years in the business with attendees. n artist, if not don’t worry I will be sharing tips, tricks, and of course must have’s from the show!

Master the Brow with Eugenia Weston the original brow guru on Saturday and she will give her secrets on basic brow color to advanced techniques.

There is still time to attend The Makeup Show if you are an artist, if not don’t worry I will be sharing tips, tricks, and of course must have’s from the show!

 

 

 

 

 

MAC Cosmetics is Coming to Ulta this Summer!

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MAC Lovers, great news is coming your way.  This summer you can get your favorite MAC products at Ulta.

MAC Cosmetics realized that it is not always easy for brand lovers to go get the products and they also heard customer requests to place it in Ulta Beauty Stores.

“This is a great opportunity to bring M.A.C. on stream to a whole new audience,” Karen Buglisi Weiler, M.A.C. global brand president, told WWD. “In my mind, there’s maybe a customer who shops at Ulta, but has never walked into a M.A.C. store. Maybe she’s never walked into a Nordstrom to purchase M.A.C. or maybe she’s never walked into a Macy’s.”

Ulta.com will have MAC Products available in May and customers will start seeing MAC in Ulta Stores mid-June.

 

MAC Cosmetics Pays Tribute To Selena

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(Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics)

MAC Cosmetics has created a new limited edition collection that represents the music and style of singer Selena Quintanilla.  “Inspired by the devotion of all those who continue to be touched by the young legend 20+ years after her untimely passing, M·A·C Selena is a makeup collaboration tenderly curated by Selena’s sister. Selena not only taught us to move, she moved us — let’s keep that rhythm alive!”

Lipstick / Selena: $18.00 USD

Amor Pinky midtone brown (Glaze)
Dreaming of You  Deep Wine (Matte)
Como La Flor Dirty Cherry Red (Amplified)

Lipglass: $17.00 USD

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom Bubblegum pink with silver pearl (Lipgloss)

Eyeshadow: $17.00 USD

Missing My Baby Light pinky nude beige (Matte)
Fotos Y Recuerdos  Bright warm pink (Satin)
No Me Queda Mas Warm dusty brown (Matte)
Selena  Intense pearly violet (Veluxe Pearl)
Is It The Beat Deep black (Matte)

Powder Blush Duo: $29.00 USD

Techno Cumbia Two shades in one compact (Matte)

129 SH Brush: $21.00 USD

Selena All-Purpose Brush for blush or face powder limited-edition purple design

Liquid Eyeliner: $21.00 USD

Boot Black Intense black

Opulash: $18.00 USD

Selena Intense black

The Selena Collection will be available online for pre-sales starting September 28. The collection will be available to the public online October 1 and in stores from October 6 while supplies last.

4 Beauty Must-Try Products Discovered At The Makeup Show Orlando

The Makeup Show Orlando brought together 50 plus beauty companies and 30 keynote orlando Logo line insidespeakers comprised of celebrity and theater makeup artists in a pro makeup artist event. There were brands that are household names and new makeup companies hitting the scene. It was an overwhelming and amazing trade show that I had the pleasure of being at. That said, I tested and tried out many new products and some favorites in new colors. These are the five must-have products that I saw at the show that you need to know about.

 

The Multiple by NARS  

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(Photo Credit: NARS Cosmetics)

I am a fan of NARS cosmetics, however I had never seen the Multiple.  This multiple purpose stick is perfect for use on cheeks, eyes, lips and body and has a creamy texture so it is easy to apply, blend and comes in multiple shades so its uses are endless.  It is the perfect travel companion as it is compact and cuts down on products in your travel bag.  The three colors that I fell in love with are South Beach (Light Shimmering Apricot), Copacabana (Pink Pearl Highlight) and Portifino (Shimmering Coral).

 

Eve Pearl Flawless Face Palette 

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(Photo Credit: Eve Pearl Cosmetics)

I was so lucky to once again have the pleasure of learning tricks from the Emmy Award Winning Eve Pearl of Eve  Peal Cosmetics.  A few years back I fell in love with her salmon concealer and still find it to be amazing for my clients and myself.  This year I was introduced to her Flawless Face Palette.  The Palette contains 2 HD Foundation Shades, 2 Salmon Concealer Shade, 1 HD Cream Blush, 1 Mattifier/Eye Primer and 1 Illuminator.  The palette gives you great coverage, perfect for any skin type and gives a matte finish.  This palette makes it so easy to have everything you need all at your fingertips for a fresh face.

Bdellium Tools: Studio 729 Duet Fiber Bent Mascara Fan 

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(Photo Credit: Bdellium Tools)

Finding great mascara and getting the perfect lashes is always a mission of mine.  Part of achieving that perfect look comes with the told that you use.  I came across a fantastic way not only to apply mascara but the tool that will make it so easy and not only for the top lashes but the lower lashes as well.  The mini mascara fan with a bent angle by Bdellium Tools.  The bent angle will give you a clean application and easy to maneuver all the way to the lash line and root.  The thin fan helps keep the mascara from clumping.  Try it and you will find better than a mascara wand.

Moyou London Nail Art 

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(Photo Credit: Tracie Rosales)

Ever want to do nail designs but you find that you can not do anything complicated and it ends up looking more like a pinterest fail?  I know that feeling, so I was super excited when I came by and saw this Moyou London and the stamping nail art.  It is a process that uses engraved steel image plates and a silicone stamp to transfer the designs to your nails in only a couple of minutes.  They have hundreds of plates and  thousands of images  to choose from.

Get the Look: Jaimie Alexander’s 2016 Golden Globes

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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Jaimie Alexander stunned on the red carpet and as a presenter for the 2016 Golden Globes.  We are very lucky that Kiehl’s and IT Cosmetics, makeup artist Jeffrey Paul shared with us the products he used to create the beauty look.

“To compliment Jaimie’s luxurious and royalty status dress, I wanted to give her an elegant look with a touch of drama. Jaimie’s features are all stunning so it was hard to decide what should be the focal point but we went with her gorgeous eyes as they are the windows to the soul. I framed them and emphasized the light color with a little bit of drama so she could shine like the star she is on the carpet.”

SKIN:

“A bit of moisture was added first on Jaimie’s lips with Kiehl’s Facial Fuel No-Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm.”

“Her skin was prepped and refined with Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing and Radiance Masque to quickly prime Jaimie’s skin in dry areas. I then began hydrating her skin with Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Essence Treatment, and then made her skin shine with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, and Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado under her eyes.”

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(Photo Credit: Kiehl’s)

SKINCARE:

FACE:

EYES:

LIPS:

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(Photo Credit: IT Cosmetics)

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