December 20, 2017

#EverydayMasking with SkinForum's Botanical Fuse Masks

This post is for all the men & women out there who loves to pamper themselves before an upcoming Holiday party or wedding or dinner date or girl's night out or for whatever occasion.

We all know it takes more than a day or two to get to that healthy, glowing skin that's ready to party! So for an upcoming Holiday Dinner gathering, I wanted my skin to have that happy, healthy glow so 5 days until the night of the dinner, I used one face mask every night from
SkinForum's Botanical Fuse Masks collection

!!! use the code: fivetwobeauty15 to get 15% OFF your purchase !!!
 **excludes subscription boxes**

December 11, 2017

Gift Guide: The Luxury Edit

We are at the end of this 2017 Gift Guide, and I hope it helped you get some ideas on what to get for friends, co-workers and loved ones.
So for those who are willing to splurge; who have no budget for their favorite people here are some ideas you may want to get 'em! But not all luxury gifts have to be over $100 and so you will find some items below that are still pretty affordable with a luxury quality to it.

November 30, 2017

Gift Guide: $100 and Under


November 15, 2017

Gift Guide: $25 and Under

I have never done a gift guide before but after doing my own gift shopping and getting overwhelmed with all the cool products out there, I thought a gift guide would help me narrow down what I should look at and give me ideas on what to shop for that particular person.
This will be the first of the Gift Guide series as we also need to look at gifts under $50, $100 and $150, and maybe for those feeling generous a Luxury Gift Guide as well. 
Each gift guide will cover gifts for Her, Him, the Hostess, the Gym Buff and the Pet Lover. I thought we all have that one friend under one of those categories, so shall we get started!

November 8, 2017

How to Limit Your Stress Around the Holidays

*this is a sponsored guest post by Alex Berger.

Holidays are a time for relaxing...or at least we hope they will be. A lot of the time, especially over the past few years, the holidays have seemed to become so stressful. Between holiday shopping in massive crowds, splitting your time between family and friends, and cooking for huge groups, it just is not as stress free as it used to be, unfortunately. This year, however, I am determined to make my holidays as stress free as possible and I hope you will do the same. Think about it - you work so hard everyday and you deserve some time to relax. The best time for this is during the holidays, surrounded by the people you love. Will you join me in my mission to make the holidays relaxing again? I hope so! Here is what I am going to do to make this happen:


October 4, 2017

M•A•C Girls: Rockin' Rebel & Power Hungry


You probably have seen the M•A•C Girls Palette collection all over social media as these launched around August 2017. I am way late for this review but I still want to share with you my thoughts on two of the six palettes from
M•A•C Girls Personality Palettes:
Power Hungry & Rockin' Rebel

September 21, 2017

Desi x Katy Dose of Colors Haul

This collection is a collaboration with two of the biggest YouTube beauty gurus, Desi Perkins and Lustrelux (aka Katy). I have been watching these two beautiful ladies since Lily (from Beauty With Lily) told me about Desi Perkins channel. I love how they are BFFs in real life, and they actually met through YouTube! My makeup techniques have improved because of these two ladies. I love how much they adore their fur babies, and how supportive their husbands are with what they do. They don't seem to fake or hide anything on their channel and their social medias. You could say that they're my favorite YouTube Beauty Gurus and to support these ladies, I purchased a few items from the
Desi x Katy Dose of Colors collection

September 18, 2017

Look As Good As You Feel, Feel As Good As You Look with eShakti


Women comes in different sizes, and I don't mean by Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large sizes nor size 0 to 14. I may be a size small at one store and a medium at another store. One clothing store may categorize me as a size 8 but when I tried a dress from another brand, I'm a size 4, but these clothes still don't fit me right in all the right places. I hate that these size charts just puts us in these categories. We come in different shapes, heights and sizes! We have curves in different places. We have different boob sizes, torso, leg and arm lengths.

This is when eShakti got my attention because they have changed my online clothes shopping to a more personal level.


September 14, 2017

Personal Post: My Fashion Week Story

I was inspired by Aimee Song (fashion and interior design blogger & Youtuber behind Song of Style) recent Fashion Week videos on YouTube to write this post. On her videos she shared really great tips on how to get invited to fashion week; how to get your start into the fashion industry, and her personal experiences after having attended so many years of fashion shows in New York, Milan, London and Paris. I actually do get similar questions about fashion week from friends and family who have seen my social media, and from a few of you as well- how do you get invited to the show? how do you get to go backstage? how can I do that?

September 1, 2017

Day Glam Glow with Suzanne Somers Cosmetics

After being diagnosed with cancer years ago, Suzanne Somers (famous for her "Thigh Master" infomercials) immediately decided to cut toxin from her life. She was shocked to discover how many chemicals were used in the name of beauty. To give herself and others a healthier alternative, she launched 


August 14, 2017

Zap Zits with Zapzyt

*This post has been sponsored by the PRIMP Network. All opinions are my own.

Besides my monthly hormonal breakout *physically and mentally (#adulting), the one way I can tell that a beauty product isn't working for my skin is when I start breaking out. My skin goes on defense mode by having acne breakouts and giving me extreme dry skin. I do wait out another week or two once this happens to see if my skin will adjust and go back to normal but once it stays as it is, I stop using the product or products and go on "clean-and-hydrate mode".



August 9, 2017

M•A•C Dazzleglass


M•A•C Dazzleglass is a collection that "...dazzles with light and brings an exciting dimensional pop to your lips."

August 1, 2017

Marc Jacobs Beauty Haul Review

Back in May, Marc Jacobs Beauty website was offering 20% OFF on your entire purchase + Free Shipping over $50 and on top of that, Ebates was having a 15% cash back, saving me $37.14!
I thought it was a great deal to try more products from this brand. And I've been wanting to try one of their foundations, because of all the reviews I have read and seen on YouTube.
And finally after using these products for a few months now, I can finally share you my in-depth review on the following
Marc Jacobs Beauty products

July 27, 2017

Emile Cordon Cashmere-On Lip Pots


If ever there comes a time that I can only keep one beauty product for the rest of my life, that would be a lip balm. The right lip balm will not only keep my lips soft and moisturized but I can use this on any dry parts of my skin as well. Every handbag, every coat pocket and every corner of my house, there's a lip balm. I'm also a sucker for beautiful, vanity-worthy packaging so how can I pass up on the offer of trying out the
Emile Cordon Cashmere-On Lip Pots

July 25, 2017

Urban Decay Naked HEAT Palette

I was seeing this all over my Twitter; my Instagram and my Facebook feeds.
I knew I wanted this palette since it came out, and not because of all the hype - I don't get affected by that. I knew I needed to have this palette once I saw the mix of coppers, burgundies, and purple shades. All these warm shades just complements my skin tone really well, and I could visualize tons of different looks with it from day-to-night, simple-to-sultry, all matte-to-all metallic eye looks. It's a palette that I could wear all year long!
 Keep reading to see if the
is for you.

July 18, 2017

How I Edit My Instagram Pictures


As a blogger, I have used my Instagram as an extension of my blog. I share products there that I have written a post about, and outfits I have styled on the blog as well. I look at my Instagram as part of my resumé as well hence mine is focused on beauty and fashion (sometimes food and my fur babies!). I am more particular now with what I post on my Instagram because I want to give a good first and lasting impression. 
As a fan of beauty and fashion, how do I get you to want to see more from me? to follow me?
As a beauty and fashion company, how do I make you want to work with me?
As an Instagram browser, how do I make you check out my Instagram profile and stay?
 Questions I ask myself before I hit that "share" button. 
This is going to be a long one since I'm about to share with you some tips and tricks that I use.

July 10, 2017

Head-To-Toe Black For The Summer

Though my house is full of cat and dog hairs, and how this easily shows in all my dark clothes, this doesn't stop me from wearing my black clothes. I do try to find fabrics that won't attract pet hair just like the pieces here from www.TOBI.com.
Black is my go-to color when I'm feeling insecure of myself or bloated or really moody. I do feel more confident when I'm wearing black. And when I want to wear a red lipstick, I always go for a black ensemble head-to-toe.


July 5, 2017

What's Your Style Game?


 I like easy-to-wear, easy-to-style pieces.
I like to pick pieces that I can wear all year long to not waste any closet space.
I like lose fitting clothes that I can easily layer with in the colder months. Plus it hides my tummy especially after having a huge brunch or dinner. With every top or dress that I buy, I make sure it is flattering in my stomach area. My stomach is what I'm insecure the most.
I can deal with showing my no makeup face, my cellulites and scratched up legs (from my fur babies), and my mild eczema spots on my arms and legs but not my stomach.

I do love showing off my collar bone/ shoulder area and any tops that will show off my tattoos.
That tattoo of Keiko by the way gets more compliments than my shoes or lipstick!

June 27, 2017

Cyantific Skin Care


Every skincare review I do here on my blog, I always mention that my results may not be the same as yours if you use the same products. Unless you are taking the same acne medication (Spironolactone tablets and Tazorac cream) as I am, then maybe you may get the same results.

For this review, I have asked my Sister to try it out with me to see if it works differently with her skin.
And after weeks of using it, here's what we think of the
Cyantific Complete Anti-Aging Kit
image taken from cyantificskincare.com

June 19, 2017

Why Invest on a Leather Bag?


I don't define myself as being against items made from animal by-products as I do have leather shoes, leather bags and a car with leather seats; even my german shepherd's leash is made from leather. I do own handbags made from good quality real leather and faux leather. I don't discriminate, but when it comes to pieces I want to last me for a long time, I do prefer to look into high quality leather goods.

June 13, 2017

Go Classic With a GRAYTON Watch


A classic accessory never goes out of style nor out of trend. It goes well with every outfit in your closet and any arm candy you pair it with. It can be dressed down for a rooftop brunch or dressed to the nines. CLASSIC is what I think of when I see a pair of
GRAYTON Watch

June 5, 2017

Best of Kenra Professional: Hairspray


Sponsored by Brandbacker

I was never a hairspray user since my last experience with a hairspray was how it gave me such stiff, untouchable hair! I like combing my fingers through my hair throughout the day. I have a habit of playing with my hair when I'm thinking or watching TV or reading a magazine. I can't be held back with touching my hair, hence my ban to all hairsprays.
Until lately when I was sent this set of
Best of Kenra Professionals Hairsprays
that now I don't let a day pass I don't use one of these hairsprays. 

June 2, 2017

More Confessions of a Beauty Blogger (part II)



Thanks so much for your feedback and for sharing your own confessions with my last Confessions post. Just click the link above to read the first part of this series. I liked that it opened up a conversation with my fellow bloggers hence here we are with part 2 since I have 
More Confessions 
to share with you!


May 25, 2017

What's New from The Makeup Show NYC 2017


One of my favorite weekends of the year is when The Makeup Show (TMS) is in town! This is an event for all beauty students and professionals where they learn more about the beauty business, learn more makeup tricks and tips from a lot of great makeup artists, network with fellow beauty professionals and shop for beauty products with a PRO-discount price.

I have covered this event for many years now. And as a beauty blogger, I am introduced to a lot of new products that just launched. I am able to speak with either the company's owner or their head of PR to talk more about their company and products, and share this experience with you all. I'm very fortunate to be able to attend such an amazing event and meet great people in the beauty industry. I always leave the event feeling more inspired and motivated with what I want to do.


Better have a cup of coffee or tea ready (and maybe some snacks) because this is going to be a long one!

May 15, 2017

M•A•C Extra Dimension Blushes


Fan-favorite, incandescent M•A•C Extra Dimension formula is amping up the innovation with new permanent shades of Extra Dimension Blush. From soft pastels to corals, it delivers textures that reflect light, leaving a smooth second-skin finish. 



May 11, 2017

IT Cosmetics for Mother's Day


Need a last minute gift idea for Mother's Day? Why not grab these beautiful products from IT Cosmetics?

May 10, 2017

SiO Beauty + GIVEAWAY !!!

Now the weather is getting warmer, and we're showing more skin from turtlenecks to deep plunging neckline tops, I realized I have ignored my décolleté area the last few months. 
 Such a perfect timing from SiO Beauty when they emailed me about their new
SiO Three-Step System
which targets wrinkles in our décolleté!

April 26, 2017

FLOWER Eyewear Spring 2017 Collection

"You're already beautiful, now let's play"
- Drew Barrymore, Creator/Designer
photo taken by: Rachman Photography

April 24, 2017

FabFitFun Spring 2017 Box

I swore not to sign-up to anymore subscription boxes until I have used up all the products I have purchased and were gifted or sent to me BUT I surely couldn't resist this subscription box!
Most of the items in this box caught my eye and I admit seeing the ad on my Instagram feed and Facebook didn't help. The total price of the items in this box was way more than the prize of the box plus the discount offer you get when you first sign-up. And lastly, there was nothing in this box that I would not use, hence I gave in and signed up for the
FabFitFun SPRING box

April 18, 2017

The Makeup Show NYC 2017

The Makeup Show NYC will take place on 
Sunday, May 7th from 9am-6pm and Monday, May 8th from 9am-5pm 
at Metropolitan Pavilion - 125 W. 18th St, New York City.

 And The Makeup Show announces "Colors of Beauty" with Moises Ramirez.

April 12, 2017

Charlotte's Magic Cream


When celebrity make-up artist, Charlotte Tilbury launched her brand, I was obsessed with her rose gold, art deco packaging. Once I purchased a few of her makeup, I just fell in-love with this brand. The pigmentation on her eye shadows and blushes are just great, and her lipsticks goes on creamy and doesn't dry out on me. The only thing I haven't tried are her skincare products.

I've always had my eye on this one product since it's the most talked about one when she launched, and one she swears by she uses with all of her clients. And so who wouldn't be sold after knowing that? Now that I finally have my hands on this, time to test out
Charlotte's Magic Cream

April 7, 2017

SMASHBOX Cosmetics - Cover Shot Softlight Palette + Be Legendary Liquid Metal


No matter how many eye shadow palettes or foundations or lipsticks a beauty blogger has. It's always a treat when there's a package, waiting at the front door, filled with beauty products waiting to be opened, to be tried and worn. It's that excitement and happiness you feel when you come home with your new jewelry, kitchenware or that sweet cupcake from the newly opened bakeshop close to your house. That's how excited I was to receive the
Smashbox Cover Shot Softlight Palette and
Be Legendary Liquid Metal

I received these products for free from Influenster for testing purposes.
If you've never heard of Influenster, it's an online community where you share your reviews with fellow Influencers, and also get a chance to receive samples of products that interests you!

March 28, 2017

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger


I thought we take a break from all the product reviews and have an honest "conversation" here.
I have been blogging about beauty and fashion for years now. Since 2012 in fact, and you probably have thought...
"You must wear makeup everyday with all that products you have?"
"Do you really write about ALL the products you've used?"
"Do you even finish ALL those products?"
"What's so great about being a beauty blogger?"
Keep reading to see my
Confessions as a Beauty Blogger

March 15, 2017

BeautyPress: Winter 2017

Last week, I attended a Beauty Press event and was introduced to a few different brands and products that recently launched. Most of the brands that I meet from these Beauty Press events are brands that are trying to get retailers still, and so most are only available to purchase online, on their websites.
I try my best to share my events through Snapchat and Insta-Story but it's honestly hard when you're speaking to the representatives of the brands. It's such an intimate setting that you sometimes may even be speaking with the owner of the company, and so I can only share a bit of it. To further share you the beauty products that I was introduced to, please keep reading!

March 10, 2017

M•A•C Cosmetics and Ulta Beauty Announcement Partnership


Beginning in May 2017, shoppers can purchase M•A•C on Ulta.com and in select Ulta Beauty stores in June 2017. During the 2017 calendar year, M•A•C will open in more than 100 Ulta Beauty locations.
 A lineup of M•A•C's most popular and iconic products, specially curated for Ulta Beauty, as well as makeup services to complement Ulta Beauty's existing hair, skin and brow services.


*Images and information used on this post were sent to FiveTwo Beauty. 

March 3, 2017

Eyes On M•A•C


The Eyes x 9 palettes features a wave of coordinated hues, offering countless combinations.
Four new Eyes x 9 palettes join old favorites, featuring rich smoky browns, frosty metallics, red-hot shades and lush tropical-inspired hues.
Available in-store & online Mar. 2 - April 13, 2017


February 28, 2017

M•A•C #WorkItOut


This is a limited collection where high-perfomance colour meets the art of fitness.
Available at all M•A•C locations and maccosmetics.com
March 2, 2017 - April 13, 2017

February 24, 2017

Artís brush Oval 7


Ever since the Artís brushes came out, I have always been wanting to try it out. How is the makeup application different from the makeup sponge and the usual makeup brush? Will this cut the time of my makeup application? What is so special about this brush that it is designed like a hair brush? But I couldn't get myself into spending that much money on it. Over the holidays, BeautyBar.com was having a 20% off site wide and that included the Artis brushes, and so here I am with the
Artís brush Oval 7
This is not a BeautyBar.com sponsored post by the way. I just want to give you my personal experience on this brush excluding all that design engineering and professional makeup talk. 

February 7, 2017

Charlotte Tilbury Seductive Beauty

A few things I like about face palettes are how they don't take up a lot of space on the vanity. They're travel-friendly, super easy to use, and you are done with your makeup in no time!
One of my favorite high end beauty brand, Charlotte Tilbury recently launched this 
Instant Look In A Palette
5 Minute Face On The Go

February 3, 2017

Men's NYFW F/W 2017: Steve Aoki x Dim Mak Collection


Steve Aoki's recent hit song "Just Hold On" with Louis Tomlinson (from One Direction), has been on repeat on my playlist. Steve Aoki has been a regular on my playlist, and yes dance music helps me think and write, as well as workout, cook and clean faster, and walk faster to the subway. 
I honestly, have never seen him played live. I don't really like those dance concerts in the park, I think I'm too old for that anyways. BUT when I saw he's showing his DIM MAK Collection at Men's NYFW, I knew I had to see it. 

"Do It Yourself... By Any Means Necessary."  -Steve Aoki

January 27, 2017

HASK Chia Seed Oil Volumizing Collection

*Powered by Brandbacker*

I think the first time I've heard of chia seeds is from a Dr.Oz episode. He mentioned how this is a great superfood. Superfoods are foods that are nutrient powerhouses. They're fully packed of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and chia seeds are fortified with proteins, antioxidants, calcium and nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids. 
I hate taking vitamin supplements, and since these were tasteless, I easily just add these seeds to my oatmeal or sandwich or make a yummy chocolate pudding with it. A few years back, I had put myself on a strict diet (not now, not anymore), and I read how this will help with weight loss as well. It helps you to feel full, eat less and shed pounds! I still am adding this to my oatmeal or any meals I have but not as often as I did before. I do like how this keeps me full so I'm not craving for an unhealthy snack mid-day.
Besides the great health benefits chia seeds have, I was very excited when I found out one of my favorite drugstore haircare brands, HASK has incorporated it to their new haircare collection,
 HASK Chia Seed Oil Volumizing Collection

January 24, 2017

The Body Shop Make-Up Collection


100% vegetarian ✔
cruelty free ✔
no petrolatum, no mineral oil, no carmine ✔✔✔
What else can you ask for from the new
The Body Shop Make-Up Collection

January 19, 2017

M•A•C VIVA GLAM Taraji P. Henson

*In partnership with M.A.C Cosmetics*

Since 1994 every cent from the selling price of M•A•C VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass has gone toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/ AIDS.

Available online & in-store February 2, 2017 until February 1, 2018
 

January 12, 2017

HOURGLASS Ambient Edit Palette

Every year, every month, days and every second there are always new makeup products coming out! I surely can't keep up with all of them. I don't follow trends but if it's a very raved product from all the beauty bloggers and beauty editors, I start looking more into it, and see if I really WANT it. I don't just want to buy it for blogging purposes but will I be really using it a lot? 
In the case of this product, I know I love the brand already, and it's very raved about, and so
during the SephoraVIB 20% Off Event, I treated myself to this beauty.
HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Edit - Surreal Palette 

January 9, 2017

BEYOND at Liberty View

*This post is in partnership with Bed Bath & Beyond.* 

My trips to Bed Bath & Beyond (BBB) are the kind of trips, I come in with a list and come out with more than what's on the list. Yes, I do need that cherry pitter and that "Coffee before talkie" mug, and those laundry drying balls, and oh yeah more straws besides the blankets from my list. And so, when another BBB in Brooklyn opened which was closer to us, I couldn't wait to check it out! I had no idea
BEYOND at Liberty View
will be so huge, and offered more than one store! 

January 5, 2017

Lee Stafford CHoPstick STYLER + GIVEAWAY!!!


When it comes to hair, I keep my hair style to a minimum like in a bun or a high pony or a half bun or a hat or plain ol' bed hair. I can't do those Pinterest-worthy braids either, I keep it simple with a fishtail braid on days I can't have my hair flying all over the place. I like the beach wave curls but I hate applying heat on my hair too often. I'm definitely not the girl you go to for hairstyle tricks, but if you're like me and like styles that are quick and easy then keep reading because the
Lee Stafford CHoPstick STYLER
is a great way to change your look dramatically without all the fuss.
"Get corkscrew curls straight from the catwalk with Lee Stafford Original CHoPstick STYLER."