Three Subtle Tricks for a Noticeably Radiant Look

Sometimes you see someone you know, someone you haven't seen for some time and she looks stunning. She is beautiful, gorgeous and glowing, but you can't pin point the difference. Nothing is different, yet everything seems to be. How can you achieve that look? That subtle, dashing beauty? Sometimes it is best to get noticed without getting noticed at all.

1. Add a rosy blusher to your cheek. Don't go overboard, just a tad bit of color will give you a flush of life. Use a creamy blusher for that dewey look. Top it off with a tiniest light-reflective highlighter for the youthful glow. You'll look more awake, more alive, but no one will be able to understand why!

Be careful not to overuse blush. Subtle is sometimes best for getting noticed.

2. Clean and exfoliate your skin. You may think it doesn't matter much what lies beneath the foundation or concealer, but it does. A clear, exfoliated face glows naturally and radiantly. It allows makeup to blend in rather than build up and clog. Just as you may use Dial body wash for your body, you should consider using a good facial cleanser and exfoliator for your face. Scrub well and scrub often!

Properly exfoliated skin will result in more natural looking makeup.

Sigma Resort Single Eyeshadow, Sigma May Coupon & Free Gift

Sigma May 2013 Coupon Code & Free Gift

RSR2013 »   Take 10% off  your Sigma Beauty order when you use the Sigma coupon code RSR2013 at checkout. Also get a FREE gift with orders of $30 or  more. This Sigma coupon is valid through May 31, 2013.

For more Sigma coupons, free gift details and discount tips, see the Sigma coupon page.

Sigma Resort Palette Individual Eye Shadows

Sigma has just released individual eyeshadows from their Sigma Resort Palette. (Click here to see swatches, photos and review of the Sigma Resort Palette.) Each eyeshadow is $11 before the 10% discount code. An individual Sigma eyeshadow is basically half the price of a MAC eyeshadow by weight and quantity. Makeup prices really are rising everywhere.

Previously sold in the Sigma Resort Palette, these eyeshadow colors can now be purchased individually: Muse, Fawn, Luna, Topaz, Papaya,Moonbeam, Neela, Midori.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. All opinions expressed herein are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Sigma or any other party. Images are the property of Sigma Beauty.

Small Blogs Are Necessary: The End of CISPA and Anti-Privacy

Stay afloat, small blogs. You are the future of news.

Most people remember SOPA. The large media benefited from this anti-privacy bill being passed, so they didn't report one bit of it on the news or papers. Opposers can't oppose if they don't find out about it. Tech companies like Facebook and Google were harmed by it, so they opposed SOPA. Then came CISPA, a different anti-privacy bill for the Internet. This one didn't infringe on Google's or Facebook's rights, so they silently supported it. In fact, this bill could potentially give private sectors the power to buy, sell and share our private online information. Without a warrant, our emails could be read for security purposes. You can't legally read people's paper mails without a warrant, but you want to read our emails?! If that happens, we can stop trying to save trees and revert to using paper statements, fax machines and telegrams.

News outlets are large corporations or are owned/backed by large corporations. They have not only their interests at stake, but also investors. Even thought the left wing and right wing media may have opposing ideas, they still have to work for the money. It's either that or lose profits and shut down. We understand why businesses must do what they do. But we don't have to like or support it!

This is why freedom of speech on the Internet is just as - if not more - necessary than any other form of freedom. Small bloggers, freelance writers, or people who have no monetary gain can still have influence and spread the news that the big media outlets don't want spread. These are real people who have true interests, love and concern for each other and their country.

Isn't it frightening that the media has so much power? If the news wants to cover the stories of killers and bombers so that all of America will know and think about it, they can. The news can simply not cover something and most people will not know of it. I admit that I tend to rely on TV for news and was late to learn about both SOPA and CISPA online. SOPA obviously got more coverage by the big tech companies, but CISPA was almost drowned. If not for the true nonprofits and social media users, perhaps many people would never learn of it.

Sometimes all it takes for an unfavorable bill to pass is that the people it affects never learns about it. If the media doesn't tell, most people won't ever know.

If you have ever wanted to write a blog, don't wait. Start now. Whether you write about food, hats or politics, your opinion matters. If you don't put the information out there, who will?

Best of Kabuki Brushes: What Type Should You Get?

What kind of kabuki brush do I need? Which is the best brush to buy if I only want one brush? These are some questions I have been asked ever since Sigma released their whole lot of kabuki brushes. (I'm talking to you, Synthetic Kabuki Kit.)

The five kabuki brushes I use most often - as evident by the discoloration. (They're all dirty right now, but watch out for my "brush cleansing" post.) From left to right: two Sigma F80 brushes, Sigma F82, Sigma F84 and IT Cosmetics flat top kabuki brush.

Kabuki brushes used to be the standard round brush. Now they come in various types, including: flat top, round top, angled top and tapered top. The idea is the same, but the application processes and usages differ slightly. Unless you're a professional makeup artist or some sort of odd brush lover (raises hand), you will not need all four brushes.

As evident from the fact that I have three flat top kabuki brushes in my often used brushes selection, the flat top kabuki brush is my favorite kabuki brush. (For the Sigma brands, that is the Sigma F80 brush, which roughly translates to the MAC 180 and MAC 183 - both discontinued.) The flat top brush applies makeup quickly, evenly and thoroughly. It makes a smooth application and finish simple. If you want one face brush, let it be a flat top kabuki brush unless you use a lot of mineral makeup. The rounded kabuki works a little better with a rounded kabuki brush.

The Sigma F80 is by far my favorite makeup brush. From left to right: two Sigma F80 brushes, Sigma F82, Sigma F84 and IT Cosmetics flat top kabuki brush.

Guest Bloggers Wanted (And the Unwanted PR Spammers)

You probably notice we don't have too many guest posts on Handmade Reviews. It's not because we don't accept them - because we absolutely do! I am just generally too lazy to set up the wanted signs and sort through the emails. In the past, I received so many spam emails from pseudo-PR representatives and companies just trying to advertise their own brand. That is not okay. If your company does this, I will never work with you. I'm looking for guest posts from lifestyle, fashion, beauty bloggers and the likes.

Please submit only original writings meant to be published exclusively on Handmade Reviews. Spellcheck, proofread and format the post as much as you can. HTML is acceptable. We reserve the right to make edits to your submission. You can optionally include an author byline, attribution link and headshot. If you have high quality photo for the guest post, Wikimedia Commons is a great place to search for public domain photos. (We prefer images that are wider than they are tall and at least 400px wide.)

I apologize ahead if I do not reply to your email. I try my best to respond to each and every email, but sometimes I get very overwhelmed or things get stuck in my spam folder. If I do not respond to you within 2 weeks, please feel free to submit your guest post elsewhere, publish it on your blog, or do whatever it is you like to do with your writing.

Live Young with Evian: Connect Your Baby-Self

Evian, the French brand mineral water sourced near the Évian-les-Bains, lives by its Live Young motto. Their popular Evian Mineral Water Spray is popular amongst the makeup lovers who use the cool mist to rehydrate the skin and to revive makeup throughout the day. (If you ever feel too made up after applying makeup, spray a light mist over the face to give a more dewey and refreshing look.) Water itself is always replenishing, but Evian takes it to another level with their new Baby & Me campaign. Because you can't look youthful forever, but you can always tap into that spontaneous youthfulness. And by tap, we kind of mean that literally.

Many of you have probably already seen the popular Evian commercial featuring the dancing babies (even though it just launched on April 21st). If you haven't seen the cutely hilarious video, watch it below. You'll find it hilarious - unless you don't like dancing babies. But honestly, who could resist dancing bundles of joy?

Three Things to Inspire Bloggers to Blog More

It's difficult to blog on a daily basis when you're managing a full time job, family, or any sort of chaotic life. I'm a rather lazy blogger myself and often find myself panicking when I realize my blog hasn't been updated for two weeks or more! I keep telling myself that I'll make up all the post during the weekend when I am at home with all the time in the world. In truth, I'm rarely home on the weekends - and even when I am, I just lie in bed to watch reruns of 30 Rock, Arrested Development or the likes. Planning ahead is definitely the way to go. If you can't plan ahead, leave some things out next to your laptop or desk to inspire you to blog. This works particularly well for the lifestyle, beauty and fashion bloggers because our topics tend to be less structured and more on the spur of the moment.

Inspirational photographs, notecards, graphics

I picked up this Polaroid Notes set, which contains 20 different notecards and envelopes curated by Jenifer Altman. The polaroids are all beautiful and each have different stories to tell. Just looking at them makes me want to take some photographs to write about something. Look for something that makes you think, I want to be like that or I want to accomplish this. It really works!

The great thing about these notecards is that you can use them as greeting cards or just to write notes to others. Even the envelope is really cute!

Earth Day 2013: Green Recommendations

Tomorrow is Earth day once again. If you're not much of an environmentalist but still wish to observe this holiday, may I recommend some of our environmentally-friendly product posts and reviews? Maybe you'll find something you like to replace your less eco-friendly items.

1. Beauty WIthout Cruelty Lipstick are made ethically, naturally and cruelty-free. (See my post on Beauty Without Cruelty lipstick and nail polish swatches.)

2. La Isha Nutrient Rich Face Creme is a natural and environmentally-friendly face cream that's perfect for mature skin. (Read the review here.)

3. The Robby Wash Ball is an eco-friendly detergent that washes many times over without wasting like the traditional detergent. (Robby Wash Ball review here.)

4. Green is the new gold, according to Prive. Their organic and eco-friendly haircare products are not only effective, they're pretty too!

Posts will be a tad short this week. Let's all step outside and enjoy mother nature! Earth day is a day for showing support of environmental protection, but it should also be a day to reduce your carbon footprint by simply enjoying the finer and greener things in life. Unplug and enjoy!

Scrumptious Saturday: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

I'm not a healthy eater, but I take great pleasure in eating my vegetables with hummus. In fact, I'll eat almost anything with hummus. Because really, I don't need an excuse to eat this delicious, creamy goodness. Hummus is great because it can be paired with most things to make it better! Baby carrots and hummus is an interesting combination at first, but it'll grow on you. Obviously pita, breads and carbs also go great with hummus. Most vegetables (like carrots, celery, cucumber, tomatoes, peas and broccoli) will taste wonderful as well. If you're a meat eater, slather it on your meats. If you are like me, just whip out a spoon and gobble it down.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Israel

For about 1 cup of hummus, I typically use:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 16 ounce chickpeas, drained
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2.5 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Just add all the ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth. Add roasted red peppers and lemon juice last and reprocess until the red peppers are finely chopped or completely smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Eat.

Fashion Friday: Charlotte Russe Super Secret Sale

I just ordered 14 tops at Charlotte Russe for less than $70 and got free shipping too! Unfortunately, things are getting sold out left and right at the Charlotte Russe's (not-so-secret) Super Secret Sale. One of my favorite selections was sold out while I was browsing. I still managed to order 14 adorable tops for $70 - which means less than $5 per top! That's all the bargain shopping I need to pull myself through this season.

This olive-brown woven-back floral tee is one of my favorite. The sweater (right) is out of season, but how am I to resist an adorable $5 sweater?

If you are ever going to shop at Charlotte Russe, the best time is probably now. They just released a coupon code (SUPERAPRIL2013) that takes 40% Off your order. This discount combines with the buy 1 get 1 half off offer for all tops, which also applies to already discounted and on sale stuff! Excited? I don't think I've seen a sale this good by Charlotte Russe (or any of their competitors like Forever 21, Rue 21 and H&M). This offer expires April 22nd. If you are looking for additional discount codes or offers, visit the Charlotte Russe Coupon page over at KT Coupon.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Please read our policies for more information. All opinions expressed herein are those of the author. This is not a paid or sponsored post. Happy Friday!

Sneaky Price Increase of Clinique & Beauty Brands

I'm not one to notice finer details, but something was definitely amiss when I made my Sephora order. (Sephora currently has a 15% VIB discount I'm trying to take advantage of!)

A 6.7 oz bottle of Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion cost me $14.00 at Sephora in January of 2012. Sometime between then and now, the price has increased to $15.00. While it isn't much, it came to me as a surprised as I've been buying this particular product for years now. It got me thinking, what else has gone up without me noticing? Looking back at my purchase history, the same 6.7 oz bottle of Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion cost me $13.50 in August of 2010. In three years, the price has increased by $1.50 (over 10% of its original price).

Sigma Beauty has also increased their prices over the years. Their product quality has increased dramatically (remember the SS brushes?) - but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt our wallets. As of November of 2012, some of their brush prices has increased up to 10%. The permanent 10% off coupons help curb the pain, but Sigma went from being an affordable MAC alternative to being an expensive brand in itself.

It seems like the standard of the industry. Estee Lauder and L'Oreal brands have been competitively increasing their prices in recent years. Due to inflation and skyrocketing production costs, it's understandable why some prices must rise. It is just really surprising to me how little we tend to notice. The economy has slowed, but the prices of beauty and fashion products continue to rise. Not only that, but their sales have not dropped! So wherever money is tightening, it doesn't seem to be tightening around our beauty and fashion closet.

What does this mean for consumers like us? I'm not a financial expert in any sense, so I won't recommend you go out and buy up brushes, makeup and clothes at this point. Just realize that values can drop, prices can increase and the cost of today won't be the cost of tomorrow. A extra dollar here and there may not seem like much, but watch your wallet carefully.

Disclosure: Images are property of Sigma Beauty. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author.

Three Things in My Home Office

I have a lot of junk floating around my home office, but three things are definite favorites right now.

I have been diligently filling up my Fly Agaric notebook with journalistic thoughts. I haven't been quite so good with my journal writing in recent years, but having a notebook nearby sure helps. Right on top of the notebook is my new C-3PO flash drive. It even omits Star Wars sound effects when you eject it! 

My friend picked this up for me on her trip to Nepal. She is such a sweetheart! I love this book so much. It's so cute that I don't have the nerve to use it. But great things, no matter how cute, are meant to be used and not saved. That has always been belief. If only I can bring myself to use it now!

The paper is handmade! Another reason why it is so difficult to ruin it with my writing.

After Spring Cleaning: The Must-Have Fashion, Food & Tidbits

As I am tossing out old magazines, unused knickknacks and tattered handbags, I feel the need to fill the void they leave behind. I've donated a lot of clothes sitting in my drawers, a lot of makeup I never reach for, a lot of books I've grown tired of reading. I have a mental list of things I want to buy, but I have also organized this list of things I really wish for this Spring. Because really, what am I going to do with all this space in the closet and in my life now?

This Pretty Smitten Hello Darling iPhone 4s Case is so simple yet I fell in love with it at first sight. The Pool & Green color is vibrant enough but not overwhelming. I found this selling for $54.95 on Joss & Main, but then found the original seller (Pretty Smitten on Etsy) selling it for only $50.00. I don't understand why websites like Joss & Main and One Kings Lane tries to rip off it's buyers with overpriced products that they pretend are discounted. Rather than shopping at these "members-only site that offers limited-time sales", I would suggest a more traditional approach such as a department store or boutique.

With the weather getting warmer and beach season approaching, a cupcake should not be on my wish list - but it is! A little indulging can do wonders to the mind. These chocolate cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery are deliciously moist chocolate cupcakes with a smooth velvety texture and dark chocolate flavor, vanilla butter cream and assorted sprinkles. And if you ever visit Magnolia Bakery in New York, I definitely recommend the pistachio cupcakes with pistachio meringue butter cream.

This one is not so much a must have as it is a must read. My friend recommended Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express to me after seeing my obsession with Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. I haven't gotten around to reading much of it as of yet, but I like what I see so far.

Scrumptious Saturday: Cheesy Garlic Bread, Coconut Water

I think I've babbled about my obsession with coconut water before, but it is making a full comeback. There is nothing quite as refreshing and satisfying as coconut water after a fun Friday night. What could be more satisfying? How about garlic bread choked full of cheese?

Stuffed Cheesy Bread on Crack is one of the most carbelicious and satisfying food I've ever had the pleasure of trying. I don't know what crack is like, but I can only assume this cheesy bread is way better. You can find the recipe on JoAnn's blog. Be forewarned: this recipe includes bread, butter, cheese, garlic, cilantro and all of the good stuff. You will want to make it.

You've probably noticed a trend by now: Fashion Friday, Satisfying Saturday... I am trying to blog more by fulfilling weekly assignments. Since Mondays are my least favorite day of the week, I will post the Three Things series, which is my favorite type of blog post to make! I think it's a great way to start off a Monday. I will try to dedicate my Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays to writing reviews. I can't guarantee that I'll always have something to post, but it's worth a shot.

What has been satisfying about your week? New recipes? New products? New love?

Fashion Friday: Are Hairbands Back in Style?

I truthfully don't know if hairbands are coming back to make a statement in the fashion industry, but I know they are making a fine comeback for me! I'm not sure why I gave up on them after my middle school years. They are fantastic at keeping hair out of the face and they are just as much a fashion statement as any other accessory. Surely hairbands are more useful than a necklace and much less burdensome than a ring or heavy bracelet?

The thin glitter headbands look great to brighten up any dull look. And the flower headband is just a favorite all around!

Hey, I'm just here to show off the head gears.

Three Things to Dress Up a Poorly Decorated Room

I'll admit, I'm not big on decorating. When I was in college, I left the four walls of my dorm room barren and filled up only about half the closet space. A minimalist, I would call myself. Truthfully, I just didn't want to waste my time putting things up only to take them down later. Why move in only to move out? I will live out of a suitcase if I must. That was my logic.

Now that I am considering a more permanent fixture, I find myself eyeing furniture and decoration pieces everywhere I go. I doggy ear magazines that advertise decorations and kitchenware I like, I observe other people's homes and I look at interior design blogs.

These mirror feather wall decors reflect light and create interesting reflections on the wall.


This bird wall print a personal favorite. It is a poor man's art, but art nonetheless.


These natural, scentless tea light candles look great in any candle holder and are (probably) less toxic to the respiratory system than regular candles.

So yes, I guess I do like decorating. As I haven't found my ideal home to settle down in as of yet, I can't exactly plan out my new dining area or master bedroom. For now, I pick up small pieces of goodies here and there to spruce up my otherwise boring apartment.

Sigma Resort Palette Swatches, Photos, Review

Sigma's latest release for the 2013 year is the limited edition Sigma Resort Palette that everyone has been raving about on Twitter. I wasn't going to get it myself until everyone started raving about it and pictures started showing up all over Tumblr. I finally gave in a ordered myself a palette - and I'm so glad I did. The colors are bright and refreshing, much needed for Spring.

The eyeshadow colors include (from left to right): Muse, Fawn, Luna, Topaz, Papaya, Moonbeam, Neela, Midori. Also included is the pink Heavenly blush, the highlighter Luminescence and the duo eyeliner in Daydream and Earth Goddess.

As it always is, Sigma's packaging is refined, clean and luxuriously beautiful.

The eyeshadow swatches from left to right: Muse, Fawn, Luna, Topaz, Papaya, Moonbeam, Neela, Midori.

The Sigma Resort Palette includes some of the most beautiful eyeshadow colors Sigma released in 2013. The eyeshadow colors range from neutral to striking, making Resort the perfect name for this palette. Of the 8 shadows included, I can see at least 4.5 becoming a favorite at Handmade Reviews. To be fair, I loved them all with the exception of Muse. Muse is grayish ash color that contains some fall outs and does not blend as smoothly as the other shadows. My favorite eyeshadow would have to be Neela because it is so vibrant and different. It could be a little difficult to wear this color without looking like Mimi from the Drew Carey Show. Luckily, the Sigma Resort Palette comes with an instructional tutorial guide on how to achieve different looks with the eyeshadows! And the winner of the cutest eyeshadow name award? Papaya!

Bold Lips That Stick

Bold, statement lips are always in - even when they're not. This Spring, try something new. Mix in some new colors, add sparkles and shines and bare those lips.

Try some of our tips for bolder, stronger and longer lasting lip colors. The following bold lips video tutorial, Runway to Realway features Napoleon Perdis.

Of course these popular colors researched and surveyed to death won't help you if you don't suit the colors to your look and style. Look to some of these runway makeup looks for inspiration.

Sigma Beauty Coupon Code April 2013 Free Gift, Summary

Sigma Beauty coupon codes for April 2013 has been updated on the Sigma coupon page.

Use code AAM2013 to take 10% off your order at Sigma Beauty now through April 30, 2013. This Sigma coupon code works for all orders, regardless of order size or international location. In addition, Sigma also offers free gift for orders of $30 or more (prior to shipping).

The free gift for April 2013 is a mini (pink!) Sigma E05 travel brush.

For more Sigma deals and sales, see the Sigma Beauty coupon page. Any questions? Ask away.

New Aging Research Reveals How Color & Contrast Ages You!

Psychology Professor Richard Russel of Gettysburg College Revealed collaborated with researchers from Chanel Research and Technology to study skin related issues and facial appearance. Last week, Professor Russel revealed that his research found that the contrasting nature of facial features is one of the signals that people unconsciously use to decipher how old someone looks. It is an invisible sign of aging that no one can easily discern or point out, but it is prominently present.

As a face ages, the difference in redness between the lips and the surrounding skin decreases, as does the brightness difference between eyebrow and forehead. This is why lipsticks and highlighters work! Contrasting colors of eyes, hairs and other features can make one look youthful. (Young children and babies have brighter looking eyes and paler skin!)

The only difference between these two photos is that the left one has more color contrast. The lips have a little color added and some features are slightly darkened. No wrinkles or sunspots have been changed at all. The under eye circles and other aging signs remain the same, but the left one still looks younger because of the color contrast.

In one research experiment, Russell and his team measured images of 289 faces ranging in age from 20 to 70 years old, and found that through the aging process, the color of the lips, eyes and eyebrows change, while the skin becomes darker. This results in less contrast between the features and the surrounding skin -- leaving older faces to have less contrast than younger faces.¹

To sum it up, increase the contrast in your face to look younger without getting any work done! If you are a Photoshop-my-face kind of gal, increase that color contrast before you send your family photo newsletter out. Or simply add a touch of blush, lip color or anything that gives you a bit more color where age has robbed color from you.

This study isn't a reason to rush out and buy tons of makeup, but it is reassuring to know that some signs of aging can be slightly countered.

Vivid Lip Colors for the Spring 2013 - Pantone Shades

All throughout the runway and streets are models donning some of the brightest and most visit lip colors for the Spring season. Pantone, the world authority on color trends discovered this Spring's hottest colors favored by females. Look familiar? Perhaps you've seen these popular shades throughout the runway. Incorporate these colors into your makeup look for the modern and seasonal look.

PANTONE 16-4120 Dusk Blue   #7DB6D4
PANTONE 14-6011 Grayed Jade   #97CEB7
PANTONE 12-1008 Linen   #F1D8C2
PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald  #00A78E
PANTONE 16-3520 African Violet   #b896c6
PANTONE 16-1360 Nectarine   #F68E51
PANTONE 17-1664 Poppy Red   #EF3131
PANTONE 13-0756 Lemon Zest   #FEE05C
PANTONE 14-0446 Tender Shoots   #BCD74C
PANTONE 19-3964 Monaco Blue   #154478

Of course these popular colors researched and surveyed to death won't help you if you don't suit the colors to your look and style. Look to some of these runway makeup looks for inspiration.

This model wears a fusion of the poppy red and nectarine on the lips. (via Harpers Bazaar)

A bold red against pale features and minimal look is both classic and modern. (via Harpers Bazaar)