St. Ives Green Tea Face Scrub

Out of all the drugstore face scrubs, St. Ives is one of my favorite brands. I tend to use their Apricot Scrub, but recently, their Green Tea Scrub caught my eye. As green tea is so wonderful for the skin, I was very excited to try it.

The first thing I noticed about this was the sweet smell. The apricot version has a very soft, creamy fragrance. This one smells bright and fruity, more like kiwi than green tea, but with just enough of a hint of matcha that I can buy it. I also noticed that the scrubbing agents were a lot finer than the apricot's crushed nutshells.

After washing my face with it, I couldn't help but notice how gentle it was, yet my face still felt clean and refreshed afterwards. I also have noticed a significant decrease in my blackheads when I use it, though I get the same results from the Apricot Scrub. Though I tend to prefer slightly more abrasive scrubs, I will happily use this one as a gentle alternate when my skin is feeling delicate.

Final Verdict: Like It!

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Hooficures (Fluttershy)

If you liked our Twilight Sparkle tutorial, check out our latest hooficure, this time starring everyone's favorite shy, little pegasus!

Tools:

Pale yellow polish (Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Mellow Yellow)
Turquoise Polish (L.A. Colors Art Deco Nail polish in Sea Foam Green)
Baby Pink Polish (Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Light Pink)
A nail art tool/brush, if necessary

Step 1:
Paint all of your nails yellow and wait for it to dry thoroughly.

Step 2:

If you only have regular polish, use your nail art tool with the pink color for this next step. If not, use your pen. Outline butterflies on your index, middle, and ring fingers, by connecting four teardrop shapes at their points.

Step 3:

Fill in the butterflies with the pink polish and let them dry.

Step 4:

The particular turquoise polish I used has a nifty thin brush for creating fun designs. If yours doesn't have this, use a nail art brush again. Paint a stripe in between the butterfly wings for the body.

Step 5:

Paint little antennae on your butterflies. When they're dry, apply top coat and enjoy!

EOS Pomegranate Raspberry Smooth Sphere

When I first purchased eos's on-and-off Pomegranate Raspberry smooth sphere, I was rather hesitant. I'd already tried that flavor in their stick-shaped balm and I hadn't been very impressed by it.

Let me tell you something, though...

This product rocks! All of the delicious moisture I've come to expect from eos, plus a sweet, juicy pomegranate scent with just a hint of raspberry. My only issue would be that it could have used a little more raspberry (yum!) but this fun little ball will fit right in with any other eos aficionado's collection.

Final Verdict: Like it!  

Xena Warrior Princess Make-Up

Since viewing my first episode of Xena, I totally fell in love with her butt-kicking, sarcastic ways. However, it didn’t click until much later that unlike real women sparring night and day, Xena always managed to look flawless, even in the middle of a fierce battle. In honor of warrior princesses everywhere, I’m going to provide a tutorial to mimic her awesome look. While this make-up may not hold up in, say, a sword fight surrounded by fire… it’ll certainly be at home at your next cosplay event.

Part 1- Face

Xena’s face was always perfectly smooth (no scarring at all, fancy that.) You’ll want to look matte and velvety for this look.

Tools:

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup in 3.5

Benefit Benetint

bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Medium Beige (Used here as a bronzer.)

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

The Body Shop Brush-On Radiance

Step 1:

Ok, so this is technically eyes, not face, but to get Xena’s piercing blue stare, I’m wearing my new blue contacts. Skip this, of course, if you already have lovely blue eyes.

Step 2:    

Apply foundation to your face. Make sure it is even all around and since we already know that Xena has no imperfections on her face, be sure to use a concealer if you need to.

Step 3:

Apply your powder. I like this one from Laura Mercier because it’s very mattifying without being cakey.

Step 4:

This bareMinerals powder used to be my foundation when I was all about tanning. As it is now too dark for me, I use it as a bronzer/shadow contour.  Be sure that whatever you use it doesn’t have a shimmery finish. Xena has very defined cheek bones. To make yours stand out more, smile a bit and apply the bronzer in a C-shape around your cheeks.

Step 5:

Apply bronzer at your temples to mimic her face shape further.

Step 6:

You’ll want a natural flush for this look. Swipe some Benetint over the line created by your contouring. Quickly spread it by dabbing it with your finger before it dries.

Step 7:

This highlighter works for this look since it isn’t as overbearing as others. Swipe it down your nose, across your forehead, and dust it over the apples of your cheeks. Now we move onto the next phase!

Part 2: Eyes

Tools:

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Urban Decay Double Ended 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils in Rich Black

Xena’s power came from her gaze. Her eye make-up was tastefully applied and never overdone (unless a disguise was necessary) so we’ll be using neutral earth tones. Some of these will have a hint of shimmer to catch the light and brighten up your eyes.

Step 1:

Apply a light brown to your lids. If you’re using the naked palette use the Naked shade.

Step 2:

Use a deeper reddish brown (Buck on the palette) and do a small, upward sweep on the outer corner of your eyes.

Step 3:

Use a burnt, shimmery color (Toasted) on your crease.

Step 4:

With a pale gold, highlight the uppermost area of your brow bone.

Step 5:

Black liner would be too harsh here, so line your lower lines and water lines with a brown pencil.

Step 6:

Apply a mascara that thickens your lashes. We are nearly done!

Part 3: Lips

Tools:

YSL Rouge Volupte in Ultimate Beige.

Step 1:

You’ll want to select a nude/skin toned lipstick that is just half a shade deeper/pinker than your natural color. Err on the side of caution if the color appears too peachy or pink. Your make-up is now done!

Part 4: (Bonus) Hair

Tools:

Clip-in bangs

Braid headband

Now you may choose to wear a wig to save yourself the hassle or just wear your normal hair down. I personally am going to combine my actual hair with extensions to give me the ideal style.

Step 1:

(I did this part before I started my make-up, so there was no picture.) Flat iron your hair, but don’t obsess over making it perfect. You’re a warrior, after all!

Step 2:  

 Brush the hair at your temples and the top of your forehead back.

Step 3:

Clip your bangs on. Make sure they are not too high up, but don’t obscure your vision. If you’ve never done this before it may take a little practice.

Step 4:

Carefully slip your braided headband over your bangs and use it to hide the extension clips in your hair. If you’re using an elastic band, make sure that neither your hair, nor parts of the band are stuck behind it.

You are done! Go forth with her infamous battle cry and wield that chakram proudly!