• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Makeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To MakeupMakeup and Beauty Blog | Makeup Reviews, Swatches and How-To Makeup

A beauty blog blooming with fresh makeup reviews, swatches and beauty tips from your friendly neighborhood beauty addict

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Advertising & Media
  • Categories
    • Product Reviews
    • Makeup
    • Skincare & Fragrance
    • Style & Fashion
    • Hair
    • Nails
    • Tips & Tutorials
    • Just for Fun
  • Brands
  • Store

Marcella Yakalis

5 Hair and Skin Care Products I Currently Can’t Live Without

May 31st, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 8 Comments

Best Hair and Skin Care Products
Dove Advanced Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil ($5.99), Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes in Evening Soothe ($5.49), Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser ($9.99), KMS California Stay Dry Xtreme Hairspray ($19.50), and Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask ($15.99)

I spent a few lonely days this month keeping myself occupied while my boyfriend was out of the country for work. While he was away, I tested some new products and, of course, I had my cats and friends for company, and not to mention you lovely readers!

I thought it was high time to share some of the hair and skin care products I’ve been absolutely loving lately, so here they are. A lot of these are things I didn’t necessarily expect to like, but now I’m singing their praises.

1. Dove Advanced Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil

When Dove Advanced Regenerative Nourishment Serum-in-Oil ($5.99) caught my eye, I was interested…but I wasn’t convinced I actually needed it. I only wash my thin, often flat hair once or twice a week to avoid excess oil, so adding more oil to my hair wasn’t something I was inclined to do. But it has actually helped.

The pump dispenses the perfect amount for my hair!
One pump dispenses a perfect amount!

Normally I use about one pump, and then I flip my hair upsidedown and massage that through my ends — but only my ends, and maybe to around the middle of the length of my hair, but never to the roots.

That’s been the key to not having the oil increase the oil already atop my head.

My ends do tend to get a little brittle at times, and Dove Advanced Regenerative Nourishment Serum uses a mixture of palm, coconut, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oils. Oddly enough, it actually does leave my ends feeling light and fluffy.

2. KMS California Dry XTreme Hairspray

I don’t have a ride-or-die hairspray, so I usually bounce from brand to brand. KMS wasn’t a brand I’d previously heard of before, but now thanks to KMS California Dry XTreme Hairspray ($19.50) it’s one I will definitely repurchase from.

Dove Advanced Series Regenerative Nourishing Serum-in-Oil and KMS Dry Xtreme hairspray.
Dove Advanced Series Regenerative Nourishing Serum-in-Oil and KMS Dry Xtreme hairspray

This hairspray tames my flyaways and still leaves me able to run my fingers through my hair at the end of the day. Seriously, there’s nothing more annoying than trying to brush your hair or run your fingers through your hair quickly and actually pulling out strands. 🙁

3. Ponds Evening Soothe Cleansing Towelettes

When my boyfriend was out of town, I spent a lot of time with friends, and that often involved being out late. Several of my friends are leaving the city after graduate school, so I took the week to spend time with people I haven’t seen in a while. Getting back to my apartment at 2 a.m., though, didn’t leave a lot of time for skin cleansing.

Front and center, Ponds Evening Soothe Cleansing Towelettes
Front and center: Ponds Evening Soothe Cleansing Towelettes

I mentioned liking the original scent Ponds cleansing towelettes in my post about wearing makeup at the gym, and the Evening Soothe ones ($5.49) are just as great when your skin needs a quick cleansing.

Like the regular ones, they aren’t the best at taking off my makeup, but as far as getting off that grimy feeling from the subway and the city in general, they’re top notch.

[Continue reading…]

There are 8 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Hair, Skin Care

What I’ve Been Using to Rehabilitate My Nails After Quitting Gel Manicures

May 30th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 14 Comments

help nails gel manicures
Clockwise from the top: Lauren B Beauty Polishing Handscrub ($20, 2 oz.), SpaNature Hand and Body Lotion ($11.55, 28 oz.), Ciate London Mini Nail Treatment in Knight in Shining Armour and Nail Gym ($10.50, 0.17 oz.), and Nail Magic Hardener and Conditioner ($6.50, 0.25 oz.)

As some of you might remember, not too long ago, I wrote a short piece about trying to quit gel manicures. Well, shortly after, I did it! I took them off myself at home…and it was terrible, and I don’t mean terrible in terms of how my nails were feeling before I took them off. I mean terrible in terms of “My nails actually hurt for several days afterward, and it has taken over a month for them to show any visible signs of improvement.”

To recap, here’s a (rather bad, admittedly) photo of what my nails looked like immediately after I removed my gels about a month ago.

Be warned, it isn’t pretty.

help nails gel manicures
A picture from the same night I removed my gel nails; I was left with brittle, paper thin, aching nails.

Since that fateful night, I’ve tried to take good care of my nails to help them recover. I was in Sally Beauty Supply just after removing the gels and asked an employee to recommend a product to rehab nails after removing gels, and she recommended Nail Magic Hardener and Conditioner.

She told me to use it for two full weeks with nothing else on my nails, and then after that to keep using it as a base coat, which I’ve done.

After the initial two weeks, my nails weren’t feeling all that much better, so I also added some other products to my gel manicure repair arsenal, including these mini treatments from Ciate London below…

help nails gel manicure
Ciate London Knight in Shining Armour (left), Ciate London Nail Gym (right), and Nail Magic Hardener and Conditioner (top)

[Continue reading…]

There are 14 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Nails

Wearing Grey Lipstick on the Subway in New York Gave Me a Confidence Boost That Has Lasted for Days

May 24th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 22 Comments

MAC Halsey and Sephora Collection Liquid Eyeliner
Wearing MAC Halsey and Sephora Collection Liquid Eyeliner while sporting my public transit “perpetual gaze…”

I didn’t grow up in a big city, and getting used to riding public transit here was very difficult for me.

Dealing with massive numbers of anxious people in very close quarters is not something I enjoy doing. Sometimes it can be very stressful for me, and it can also make you feel incredibly invisible at times, which is sometimes for the best…depending on how I feel.

But I’ve been wanting to see what would happen if I called more attention to myself.

I regularly take the subway, and I’ll often ride the bus when I’m just going between neighborhoods close to home. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been experimenting with wearing bolder colors while I’m out, and that includes while I’m riding public transportation.

Calling attention to myself has never been something I’ve been comfortable with. I’m very unlike my astrological sign that way. As a Leo, I’m supposed to be an attention seeker. I’m supposed love being on center stage — dramatic, creative, and outgoing.

In some ways, I think that fits me, but not in terms of me being outgoing. I think I’m a contradiction in the way I present myself — how I dress, choice of clothing, style of hair, choice of makeup.

By choosing bolder colors these past few weeks, I’m trying to be more “present” in my own world. Even if I’m the only person who notices, someone is still noticing and appreciating, right?

From top to bottom MAC Versicolor Lip Stain in Perpetual Holiday, Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Berry Boost, Manic Panic Lip Locked Lipstick in Mystic Heather and MAC Halsey
A selection of my color choices over the last few weeks, from top to bottom: MAC Versicolor Lip Stain in Perpetual Holiday, Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Berry Boost, Manic Panic Lip Locked Lipstick in Mystic Heather and MAC Halsey

[Continue reading…]

There are 22 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Just For Fun, Lips

Making Memorably Relaxing Moments With the New CND SPA Collection Scrubs, Masques and Lotions

May 19th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 20 Comments

CND Spa Collection Bright Citron and Gardenia Woods Scrubs and Masques
CND Spa Collection Bright Citron and Gardenia Woods Scrubs, Masques and Lotions

There aren’t many luxuries I long for at my age. As a millennial living in New York City, there are only a few things I really, really want. Mostly, I’d like a steady income, lower rent, an endless supply of Trader Joe’s Turbinado & Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds and Spindrift Seltzer…

I digress.

When it comes to trying spa and luxury skin care treatments, however, I have many big dreams that have yet to be fulfilled. I have super sensitive skin, as you may have heard me talk about in my previous posts here on Makeup and Beauty Blog, so I am VERY hesitant to get any sort of commercial facial, but one thing I would love to do is have a sensory deprivation session. Unfortunately, they’re rather pricey, especially in this city.

Until the day comes when I can afford fancy spa visits and other amenities, I make due with things I can do at home.

These are some of my recent favorite products, the new CND SPA collection, available at Select Ulta stores. I’ve tried the Bright Citron Lotion, and the Masque, as well as the Gardenia Woods Scrub, and the Soak.

I’d never used any CND products before trying these. I don’t believe there are any of their salons in NYC yet (correct me if I’m wrong!), but these, which are part of a new line, have been satisfying in every respect.

You may have read about my addiction to lotion and how my lotion kingdom has overtaken my nightstand. Well, these new products have mostly stayed in my bathroom, but they’ve already worked their way into my regular bath-time routine.

CND Spa Collection Bright Citron Scrub and Masque
The CND Spa Collection Bright Citron Masque and Lotion are my favorites

[Continue reading…]

There are 20 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Guest Post, Skin Care

The Three Scintillating Scents That Are Singing Me Into Summer

May 18th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 7 Comments

Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau de Parfum ($124), The Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Body Oil, and Mixologie ($99)
Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau de Parfum ($124), The Body Shop Atlas Mountain Rose Body Oil, and Mixologie ($99)

Here in New York City, the weather has officially broken out of what seemed to be a neverending cold snap, and I am loving it. The evenings and early mornings can still be a little chilly and, much to my mom’s chagrin, some parts of the state are still getting snow days! But that’s way up in the Adirondacks. I’m extra happy to be downstate at the moment dousing myself in these three floral, feminine scents.

These have been putting a little extra spring in my step since before the weather got warm.

The first one is…

Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau de Parfum ( $97 for 1.6 oz., or $124 for a 3-oz. bottle)

I’m a sucker for packaging, and this bottle is everything my little heart (or should I say my eyes?) desires. Like the scent itself, it’s feminine, it’s pink, it’s delicate — everything I secretly love while trying to retain a hardcore princess persona.

Narciso-Rodriguez-for-her-Eau-de-Parfum-2

Also, can we talk about this bottle? As someone trying to expand her style into more of a sophisticated look, this bottle could not be better. It feels heavy in my hand, and that beautiful creamy pale pink? That’s the bottle, not the liquid. 

I am mildly obsessed with the bottle… .

Narciso-Rodriguez-for-her-Eau-de-Parfum

As for the fragrance, the brand describes it like this: “Radiant notes of rose petals, iris, and hints of amber, the result is a pure fragrance of soft florals and powdered musc.” The only argument I have with that is the spelling of musk. 😉 The outcome is a soft, ultra-feminine fragrance that lingers on my skin and clothes and kind of makes me feel like a woodland creature.

[Continue reading…]

There are 7 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Fragrance, Guest Post

Unsung Makeup Heroes: Makeup Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara and Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder

May 13th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 10 Comments

Makeup Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara in Black
Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara in Black ($12)

The long-running Unsung Heroes series here on Makeup and Beauty Blog features some of our all-time favorite permanent collection products.

Price and ease of use: two of the main, biggest things I factor into my makeup buying decisions. If something is way too complicated or doesn’t apply well, I’m not going to use it. And if it’s overly pricey or not worth investing in, I’m not going to buy it, which is why I love both of the two products I’m showing you here.

I first encountered Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara a year (maybe two?) ago when it was the birthday gift at Sephora. It came in a mini version with a nude lipstick, the shade of which I can’t remember now, unfortunately. I’ve since finished the lipstick, and I’m almost done with that particular mascara, but I also have a second one that I keep in my purse.

Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant Mascara
So tiny and convenient

This mascara has served me SO well. The mini one has been perfect for my purse (and, let’s be honest, I kind of love the mini versions of most things). It’s great daytime and nighttime looks.

The wand is also a perfect shape, in my opinion. Wider at one end, it tapers down to a really nice point that gives me lovely, fanned out lashes every time. It also deposits just the right amount of product.

And the color is another factor for me. It’s a gorgeous inky black. If you like brown mascaras, you’re out of luck, because this one only comes in black, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it released some other colors.

Bonus: It doesn't make my lashes push up against my glasses!
Bonus: It doesn’t make my lashes push up against my glasses!

[Continue reading…]

There are 10 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Drugstore Beauty Finds, Guest Post, Make Up For Ever, Makeup, Rimmel, Unsung Heroes

How I Wear Nude Lipstick (A Collaboration With Anna)

May 12th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 11 Comments

From the top, clockwise: Wet n Wild Velvet Matte Lip Color in Hickory Smoked ($3.49), Colourpop Lippie Stix in Lumiere ($5), and Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Thrill ($6.99)
From the top, clockwise: Wet n Wild Velvet Matte Lip Color in Hickory Smoked ($3.49), Colourpop Lippie Stix in Lumiere ($5), and Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Thrill ($6.99)

When I first started wearing lipstick, I was a sucker for a red lip, particularly matte red lips, and I still am. If I had to wear the same lip color for the rest of my life, it would probably be something red.

But my tastes have grown over the years to include many other colors, including nudes. A change of pace is nice sometimes, and some nudes are just too good to pass up.

I tend to go for the bolder nudes, like pink nudes, or a nude with brownish red undertones.

To go along with Anna’s favorite nude lippies, here are three of my favorite nudes that I’ve been wearing on the regular (when I’m not going for my signature red).

The first one is one of the Maybelline Vivid Mattes, and Adia did an amazing review of these a little while back, so I’m not going to spend too much time on the particulars. I will say that it’s one of my favorite everyday liquid lipsticks for a few reasons. The color lasts, it’s not overly drying, and it’s truly a universally flattering shade.

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Thrill
Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Thrill

It can easily be worn with just a bit of mascara for a daytime look or something like a smoky eye for night.

My second favorite nude is my go-to pink for when I feel like wearing something other than red, but don’t want to wear anything particularly bright. It’s Colourpop Lippie Stix in Lumiere, a dusty mauve.

Colourpop Lippie Stix in Lumiere
Colourpop Lippie Stix in Lumiere

[Continue reading…]

There are 11 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Colour Pop, Drugstore Beauty Finds, Lips, Maybelline

Elie Saab Rose Couture Le Parfum and Ralph Lauren Tender Romance: Two New Fragrances 100% Approved by Me and My Scent-sitive Boyfriend

May 10th, 2016 by Marcella Yakalis 10 Comments

Elie Saab Rose Couture Le Parfum ($93) and Ralph Lauren Tender Romance Eau De Parfume ($96)
Elie Saab Rose Couture Le Parfum ($108, 3-oz. bottle) and Ralph Lauren Tender Romance Eau De Parfume ($96, 3.4-oz. bottle)

There’s a lot to consider when sniffing out a new fragrance or scented product to love, like…how it makes me feel, what memories it calls to mind, how well it works (if it’s something other than a perfume), how much it costs, etc. — but I also take into account the people around me — mainly, my boyfriend. He’s highly sensitive to scents! And also allergic to avocado…so anything made with avocado oils or butters (which rules out a LOT of things from Lush, for instance) is a no-no in our household.

Both of these two new fragrances that I’ve been wearing lately — Elie Saab Rose Couture Le Parfum and Ralph Lauren Tender Romance — are not only 100% recommended by me, but they’re also 100% approved by my scent-sitive (ha!) boyfriend.

First, there’s Rose Coutour, and we all know how much I love rose scents. 🙂 As I’ve said it time and time again.

I have a hard time describing individual rose scents nowadays because of how popular they are at the moment. This one’s top notes are blended with peony, and they circle down to a rose nectar base and a finish with just a dash of vanilla and jasmine.

That I would I fall in love with this fragrance was a no-brainer, but it’s all of the little details that really bring it home, like the beautiful bottle.

“The perfumer Francis Kurkdjian has harvested this Rose Couture from the heart of ELIE SAAB Le Parfum, whose radiant Orange Blossom is brightened by rose petal honey. Magnified and showcased in the new eau de toilette, the rose asserts itself more majestically.

“In the soaring top notes, it blends with fresh Peony into a whirlwind of silken petals. The delectable dew melts into an exquisite Rose Nectar, enhanced with fruity facets and softened with a dash of Vanilla. This addictive accord is carried by a breath of Jasmine as sheer as silk chiffon…

“A sumptuous woody base bolsters the airy composition, just as a tight-woven fabric adds structure to a flowing sheath. The voluptuous satin of Sandalwood. And the dark velvet of Patchouli which, by contrast, exalts the freshness of these radiant floral materials…”

— ELIE SAAB

Like a rare, precious jewel, the multifaceted bottle also adds to the overall effect when I put this on.

ralph lauren, elie saab, fragrance, perfume,
Floral and romantic, two of my favorite elements…

[Continue reading…]

There are 10 comments on this post. Leave yours.

Categories: Elie Saab, Fragrance, Guest Post

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Go to page 5
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog

Welcome to Makeup and Beauty Blog! My name is Karen, and I’m a freelance writer obsessed with makeup.

Makeup and Beauty Blog features daily product reviews, makeup tips and beauty news — like an interactive version of a monthly print magazine, except with occasional pictures of my cat.

Recent Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 878

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 894

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 893

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 892

Makeup and Beauty Blog Monday Poll, Vol. 891

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things – do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Featured Posts

Sundays With Tabs the Cat, Makeup and Beauty Blog Mascot, Vol. 771

Lady Unicorn

Weird Things I Like to Do

brows fill out beforehand

Before You Pluck or Wax Your Brows, You Must Do This

current bare skin status

What’s One Thing That Drastically Changed Your Skin for the Better?

Copyright © 2025 Makeup and Beauty Blog. Get in touch.