Damn Earth Day to hell.

Really, I don't care anymore. At this rate, EVERYDAY might as well be fucking Earth Day. Everywhere I turn, I'm being bombarded with green-ness and it kills me. I'm not saying that the idea behind earth day is bad, because it isn't at all! What irks me is how green is now some [extremely annoying] trend. I'm afraid that eventually, it'll fade away like all trends do.

Plus, I'm tired of celebrities that don't even practice what they preach force-feeding me green tips that I've been doing for ages. "Turn off the water when you brush your teeth!" says Hannah Montana. Bitch, get away from me and do some more Madonna spoofs to pass the time, before I set one of those ninjas on yo ass.

I can say, however, that Earth Day wasn't terribly bad - in celebration, Mum is buying some energy efficient light bulbs - to this, my father said, "Not one household gonna save the whole damn erff, damn it" - she thinks that they'll pay for themselves in the long run, since pops is all iffy on the price ["You can get fo' lite bulbs fo' 88 cents!"], but hey, why not?

Sadly, I wasn't so earth friendly. I kept lights on; I didn't plant a tree and I didn't save an earthworm from a hungry birdy. And tonight, I'm gonna drink water from a container that will take forever to decompose in a landfill. Cause you know, I'm a rebel.

Courtnee isn't using the right lightbulb!

The other great thing about today is that Toya - of the Life of a Ladybug phenom - posted her interview with me today! I feel so special! Only one other blog has made a full post about me, and that was WLB - so I feel totally loved.

In other news! Tomorrow, I'm FINALLY going to make a new video! The first in almost six months! I'm so excited! A brand new video all about Tarte's Lock and Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo - I even did a look for it that can transition from day to night using this product, and I'm SO excited to share it with you. I even have a Tarte Wishlist now, which I'll tell you all about in the video!

the Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder Compact with SPF 8 is just one thing on my wishlist, as well as the Double Sided Foundation Compact!

Oh, and remember, Tarte is taking off 20% on all orders up to May 2nd - so hop to it and order some fantastic products from the brand while you still can, using the code EARTH08. Cause you KNOW you want some of those neat looking glosses!

And as a forewarning: in this video, you're going to see me wearing my favourite hat. Why? Because I've been having a horrendously bad hair day life. And I'm hiding it until I relax it and put in extensions! So don't tease me!

my hat, its so rockin; my hat, its so cooool

Lastly, I just want to share this awesome post from Beauty In Real Life - she's a Chanel fan and proud! I can safely admit that I DO need touchups with my trusty Cargo primer [at least one or two, no more], but still. That Chanel sounds simply divine. I wonder if I could pull that off with my greasy pores!

I hope you all enjoyed Earth Day, as commercialized as it is. Have a rockin ED story or blog link to share? Tell me here!

xx le'Puffmeister

College...or Cosmetics?

For almost a year, I've been planning my life for when I graduate - and I'm only a junior! I've been so jumbled: wondering if I should try to get into Centenary, my dream college; or maybe if I should try to find a cosmetics school to go to to become a makeup artist. If I go to college, should I get a dorm, or move into an apartment with my boyfriend? If I go to a cosmetics school, I'll have to move - and if beau comes with me, then how would that affect us financially? What if we can't find jobs to support ourselves while I attend school in a state we aren't familiar with? What if because of wanting to follow my dreams and ambitions, I fuck us both up?

Centenary: The college to end all colleges in Louisiana.

This all started when I was college hunting in the counselor's office, and I stumbled upon tonnes of stuff on the school. I'm a Choir Girl, so I was in awe when I found out that one of the choirs [there are two or three] had performed at the White House numerous times. What really sold me though, was that my own choir teacher had graduated from Centenary herself, and was well known there.

Look closely, and you can see the Concert Dome.

I noticed that they were having an open house soon - in two month's time! I was able to reserve my spot and prepare right then, and all I had to do was wait patiently for January 19th to arrive.

Beau at the Open House with me.

Upon arrival, I was...dumbstruck. Centenary is a small college, but its annoyingly beautiful and relaxed. You can literally start a conversation with anyone - and everyone, from students to staff, are friendly and approachable.

At this rate, we'd already met with the choir director of the main choir, and the head of education, I believe [I decided that maybe it would be good to study to be a choir teacher] - and I was sold. The people, the food, the atmosphere - it was everything I pictured college to be, and more.

Dorms reserved for Juniors and Seniors.

But now - I have second thoughts. I can't say that my grades are super fabulous, with a 2.7 GPA - and moreso, Centenary is a super competitive school. What if I don't get in? Can you say "super failure"?

Beau's shirt was perfect for the occasion. Mrrr.

There's also the fact that I'm afraid that if I get the teaching degree, I...won't want to teach! I'm not sure if music is what I'd want to focus on for the rest of my life. And if I decide not to get my degree, what if I regret not going ahead with makeup? What if I decide to go into makeup, but then want to go to college? I don't want to regret the decision I'll eventually have to make.

I'm so lost. Yes, I know I have another year to think about it - but that year will be up before I know it, and I don't want to take any chances. I'm not sure if my counselor is really helping much at the moment, although she is trying, I can't lie.

I only hope that the decision I make will not only be best for me, but will be best for beau as well.

The OMG-Im-Gonna-Be-So-Fucking-Late Face: A How To When You're Pressed For Time

You know what the hell I'm talking about - you just woke up, and you have no more than 20 minutes to get dressed, made up, and out the door to your destination.

And you're freaking the fuck out.

Never fear, Puffy is here [and so is Beauty Snob - she has great tips]. There isn't much I use to achieve a minimal, pulled together look - through trial and error, I've figured out what works and what doesn't work. And I'm here to tell you just what what to do in a situation like this!

First off, remember how your makeup will look in different forms of lighting. Many a day I have tried applying my makeup at school, but to no avail - all of my flaws seem to look so much more obvious under the fluorescent lighting! So I do more to try to hide said flaws. Instead of looking neat and refined, I end up looking like a caked up clown! Do your makeup at home, and save yourself some pain.

Second, use only the minimal amount! Don't try to apply three eyeshadows, liquid liner, and lipstick when you're pressed for time. Its just not gonna work!

Third, don't panic because of the clock. If you wash your face and moisturize when you first wake up, by the time you're dressed and your hair is pulled back [I like hiding my hair under a beret], you'll have enough time to do a quick, effortless face.

The following is what you should have time for! These are the absolute basics for the OMG-Im-Gonna-Be-So-Fucking-Late face! The asterisks indicate what I use for those 5 minute moments.

- Primer, Foundation, Etc: In the summer, I prefer the primer/powder combo. However, if you're a woman that has to have foundation, you should use a STICK foundation - not only is it quicker and more convenient, you can skip concealer [and even powder!] all together. Tinted moisturizer is also a great option, but if you have oily skin, you'll have to use powder after the fact.
** Cargo's Blu Ray Mattifier

- Concealer: You need to look rested, no matter how late you are!
** CGs Invisible Concealer, Honey

- Powder: Like I said, I like the primer and powder combo! I know you all seem baffled that plain powder can give medium to full coverage, but remember - the consistency of the primer gives it something to hold on to, which plays a role in the amount of coverage you get. Remember my post on MSFNs and you'll be right as rain!
**MSFN, Medium Deep

- Stick Blusher: Everyone woman needs one in her makeup bag. A few swipes of this on your cheeks blended out with your finger, and a quick swipe over your lips, and you're set!
**Tokidoki For Smashbox Blush Tint, Bella

- Mascara: Some ladies, like Beauty Snob, can't IMAGINE walking out without mascara. Me, I've done it, and its not TOO bad, but at least a coat of this will make all the difference in how rested you look.
**Maybelline's Lash Discovery

- Lip Balm or Gloss: Luckily for me, I get the best of both worlds with my trusty Aquafina Lip Oil! A swipe of this and I'm all set. No matter what you use, you need something on the lips to look refined and pulled together.
**Aquafina Lip Oil or Benefit's Her Glossiness Duos

And that's all I use! Seriously! I don't even need anything else, because everything is nice and neat. However, if you simply MUST have eyeliner and eyeshadow, try...

- Eyshadow: Wear a neutral tone, something light or close to your own skintone!
**Tarte's Lock and Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo. They have great colours, and they're easy and simple to use. You can even use the rollerball shadow or the cream shadow on their own for a light wash of colour on the lid, which will offset any liner you use beautifully.

- Eyeliner: Honestly, black liner has never done me wrong; but if you're pale, go with brown. You can even use other colours like green, purple, or blue - coloured liners add a nice pop when you still want to have a little brightness, but without the tacky aspect.
** Maybelline Unstoppable Liner

I hope you all got GREAT use from this post. I tried to cover as much as I could without killing myself! Do you have any early morning tricks of the trade? Hated everything I had to say? Drop a line and tell me all about it.

Hugs! xx

The MSFN: a scolding and review in one

Listen up, people. I've been hearing a lot of complaints about MSFNs, and I just can't take it anymore.

So I'm just gonna come right out and say it:

Stop saying that you can't get coverage from this powder! PUT DOWN THE 187, AND PICK UP A 182! Seriously, you MACcies should know that 187s are mainly for applying products that are pigmented lightly and sheerly. So uhm, if you use that brush on something that's already light and sheer, you're asking for disappointment!

Also, if you plan on using this on its own, you're nuts. IF YOU USE A PRIMER UNDERNEATH, the powder then has something to adhere to, therefore giving you more coverage from the powder!

And this isn't just with MSFNs, ya'll - I've tested this with powder foundation [MAC], loose powder [Mark.], and pressed powder [CG], and I always get better coverage when I follow the above.

Its so simple, Puffies. Why must you hurt me so? And don't even give me that "I can't afford primer!" crap, either; cos you know you can walk to Walgreens and get you some Monistat Chafing Gel. If Vanessa at Nessasary Makeup can do it, you can too!

*whew*

Now, as of an actual review:

This is the best powder I've used. It works even better with my primer than my CG did, and with my flat head bronzer brush, I get the right amount to look effortlessly flawless. I can apply it lightly to set foundations or tints, or heavily to get a more made up look on the go. Its a multitasker, and that's why I love it.

Its worth the $24.50, and honestly, I'm thinking it may be better to have than the Mineralize Foundation.

All in all, it really is a great product once you learn how to work with it. If you're having problems with this stuff, then hightail it to CVS and get you a Essence of Beauty brush and some Monistat Gel!

Happy Mineralizing!

Philosophy, you had me at SPF.

So QVC is showcasing Philosophy right now, a brand famous for its skincare [you know, Hope in a Jar!]. I haven't been lucky enough to try this great brand, but honestly, what stands out the most for me are the cosmetics, and right now, I'm TOTALLY lemming the Supernatural Airbrush Canvas Foundation with SPF 15.

I always wondered what my shade was for this stuff - I fall in the medium deep range, which is not too dark, but not too light. So when this foundation popped up on the screen, my eyes and ears perked right up, because I just had to know!

As soon as I saw the model, I knew that my shade was Bronze. The girl had my EXACT same skintone! I was floored at how well this foundation matched the deeper toned models. My mum and I could really use this stuff!

mineral lovin, yawl

Now get this: I was going to buy MAC's Mineralize Foundation [also with SPF 15], but not anymore. Yes, its cheaper than the Philosophy, but their shades [for some goddamned reason] run darker than regular MSFNs. For example, since I wear Medium Deep in MSFN, I'd probably have to buy the loose foundation in Dark. I find that to be a horrendous inconvenience for MACcies that already know their shades for the brand. Plus, there isn't a mirror for on-the-go touchups, which is a must for me.

I'm above that MSFN shit, yo

Now look at Supernatural: the puff is already attached to the container - and its removable; the shades are easy to select [looking at sephora, I see the words medium to dark glaring at me], and its so travel friendly its insane. And hello, mirror attached to the top! Perfect for on the go, and they're pretty compact.

lol at mai skillz

All in all, I think this stuff is so worth buying, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Its perfect for summer, and its great for those days when I don't even have time to pick up a brush to apply my MSFN [which I'm wearing in that photo you see in the top left - more on that in my next blog].

What else is on my Philosophy wishlist? The Big Mouth Lip Gloss, which comes in two sheer, barely there shades: nude and pink. I've been lusting for a damn long while, and I think my beau would like them, too... ;)

gurl, them lips is sexy sexy
go big mouf, go big mouf
*jigg*

I'm also feeling this Mineral Blush Duo. This comes in two shades as well, but I'm leaning more towards the Pink and Bronze shade.

that's my prerogative philosophy

Sadly, I'm not so sure if the pink would really suit me, but the bronze would be great for a nice glow on the cheeks. This reminds me of a slimmer [and much cheaper!] version of my Hourglass Blush Duo in Brazilian!

HBIC = head bronzer in charge

What do you guys think about Philosophy's beauty products and skin care line? Tell me here!

Reviews to Look Forward To:

Tarte Lock and Roll Creaseless Eyeshadow Duo: I won a contest on SugarShock's blog, and ended up receiving this in Rosegold today! I'm excited to give you guys the scoop on this useful little gem.

This is not a drill! Stop, Lock, and Roll!

MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural: Need I say more? Haha. Everyone ALWAYS says, "This doesn't give enough coverage! Waa!" Well, if you bastards didn't try to use 187's to do so, you wouldn't be complaining. You'll learn a pretty simple way to apply this to get more bang for your buck.

Stop talkin all that mess, ya'll!

And don't worry, I'll still be giving that PurseGloss review!

What are your thoughts on these products? Love em or hate em? Drop me a line.

xx Puffy

Cargo Alert!

Hey there everyone! It seems that cargo has a brand new collection!

Sadly, the Melt-Proof Makeup Collection does not appeal to me!

The CARGO Melt-proof™ Make-up Collection makes it easy to beat the heat this summer. Makeup stays on with a special Melt-proof™ formulation that uses a mixture of emollients and waxes to form a water-resistant film on the skin. Look gorgeous poolside or at the beach with this long-lasting makeup, created for easy application with the bonus of giving a natural summertime glow even in the heat.

This limited-edition, Sephora-exclusive collection features a Better-than-waterproof™ Mascara, a Melt-proof™ Bronzer, and a Melt-proof™ 3 in 1 Eye-Cheek-Lip Palette in Coral/Shimmering Apricot/Bronze.

The mascara sounds promising, but I can always stick to my trusty waterproof Maybellines. And I love a good bronzer to contour, but I don't think that one is really the best for me! I'd prefer to use their powder bronzer in Dark over their fab primer [which I am so buying more of] than use that stuff. And as of the Eye-Lip-Cheek trio, I'd rather go for the Blu_Ray Lip quad, a huge blusher tin, and maybe even this eyeshadow duo in Oregon [over UDPP, ofc]. More expensive, but at least I know they'll work.

Overall, I think this collection could use...a LOT more. With more products in flattering shades and travel friendly packaging [how about a creme blush/bronzer stick?], more people would jump all over it.

What do YOU think of Cargo's latest collection?

Cargo's Blu_Ray High Def Mattifier.

Hey, hey now. Don't you get snippy with me! So maybe I've been a bit busy with school, and procrastinating, and being a lazy ass. Its tough being me. I mean, you've got to constantly be awesome, and battle acne at the same time - bet you can't do that, huh? Huh?

Yeah, that's what I thought. ;)

Now, on to the review!

First off, I gotta say, the colour in the tube is VERY off-putting, but it blends on clear! I thought it would be clear, you know, like the way its advertised on Sephora. For a second, I was like, "Holy shit, ya'll. Moxie betrayed me!" But don't worry - when you finally apply it, it goes on clear! Just as Moxie said in her review, it does instantly blur pores and gives your skin a refined look. You'd be really surprised.

I like wearing the primer with concealer and powder for a no fuss look that actually gives light to medium coverage. Not only does it look great, it shortens the application time of my routine - and that's an upside for le'Beau.

mi manicure es muy muy caliente.




Fufill all your wishes with mi primer flavored kisses!

This stuff does dry to the softest, powderiest finish ever. Kind of like DiorSkin Icone. But much, MUCH more smoothly. And that's saying a lot, because I fuckin love DiorSkin Icone, ya'll. Court even tested it on her hand and said, "oo, its all blendy and soft!"

My first time trying the primer, I applied my foundation with my angled foundation brush, and then blended it out with my hands - its a little tough doing it just with the brush, but I blend out my foundation with my hands anyways, so its no problem for me at all. It didn't change my foundation colour, and looked even better than usual. I finished up my usual routine with no problems, and headed on out.

I didn't check my makeup at all when I was out and about, so when I got home, I was pleasantly surprised. My sunnies rubbed against my face a lot, so I blended out parts that the glasses rubbed against, and I looked just as good as I did before. Did I note that this stuff even made my lids totally dry? THAT is a rarity for girls with oily skin. This is a base for foundation and eyeshadow all at once!

It was even better with my powder foundation [Studio Fix is mah buddy]. I looked so warm and glowy - that was the best my SF had ever looked on me.

Oh, I should mention the on setback to this stuff:

If you have oily skin, you MUST apply extra to your super oily spots - for me, that's my nose and cheeks - otherwise, your efforts [and spending of $26] will be in vain. I always forget to add extra to my nose, so I still end up powdering all day - which defeats the purpose!

Otherwise, its a VERY worthy buy. And to further prove just how well it blends, here's what happened when I blended it onto a frickin plate:

oh hay thare mr. primer!




wait, whare you goin?




oh no, he done vanished!

See what I mean? This stuff will even work for the palest of Puffies. And you know, I tried desperately to find out where I blended this stuff, and I couldn't. But the plate did look damn sexy.

All in all, this primer has been nothing but good to me. Its long lasting [up to 6 hours until I have to blot!], blends beautifully, and blurs imperfections like no other. Its worth the money Beau spent on it ["You better do a review, it cost me 26 bucks"], and it'll be worth yours too! Total Puffy Seal of Approval.

Got thoughts? Questions? Wondering how the hell that plate absorbed primer? Leave a comment and I'll get back to you!

With love!