Browsing Category: Beauty

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2022: Self-Care

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2022: Self-Care

STAINED COUTURE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES 2022

I’m having a hard time believing that Christmas is only 10 days away. Although I’ve scratched off most of the top gifts I needed to get this year, I still feel overwhelmed that I may be forgetting someone. In cases like, this I try to buy a couple of self-care gifts. I think of self-care gifts as items that help people relax and feel good – mentally and physically. Therefore, I tend to buy a few of these for those people that slipped my mind while trying to play Santa Clause for my loved ones.

So, here are lovely gift options for the self-care queen or king on your list. Also, perfect for anyone that you think deserves a relaxing gift.

SC Gift Guide 2022 self care

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2022: Self-Care

  • Dry Brush – You can find a dry brush for an affordable price, but this body brush from Tata Harper would make a nice luxe gift for the self-care lover on your list that prioritizes bath time. The benefits of a dry brush are great for your health, but the process is so relaxing. A dry helps to exfoliae your skin and leave it nice and smooth.
  • Body Serum – This Necessaire body serum contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamides, which the skin loves. A body serum that would jazz up even the simplest of body oils and moisturizers.
  • Hand Cream Set – One thing L’Occitane knows is hand creams, because they are so hydrating and luxurious. This set of 3 of their limited holiday collection creams is perfect for anyone, actually.
  • Comfy Slippers – My BFF bought me a pair of these slippers for my birthday, which I loved. I loved them so much that I bought my sister a pair for her birthday. These slippers keep your feet warm and the sturdy sole make them okay to wear outside.
  • Bath & Body Set – Can’t narrow down which beauty and bath item to get someone? This gift set is perfect, because it has a little of everything – from bath bombs to jade rollers.
  • Chill Pill – I feel like everyone knows a few people that could use some help chilling out from stress. The Chill Pill is a device that helps to manage stress from various aspects of life.
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LUST-HAVE LIST: December 2022

LUST-HAVE LIST: December 2022

LUST-HAVE LIST: December 2022 | STAINED COUTURE

Happy Holidays! It’s the last month of 2022 and I’m ready to wrap it up! LOL Nothing bad or detrimental has happened this year, but I just love the fresh start of a new year.

As for this month, I’m actually feeling a little more festive this year than past years. I even put my tree up this past weekend and planning to buy some decorations this weekend. As usual, this month’s Lust-Have List is basically my Christmas wishlist and I’m going to try to get them all. Yes, even if I have to dig in my wallet, too.

Keep reading to see the items that I’m wanting this month and year for Christmas!

LUST-HAVE LIST: December 2022

  • Black & Decker Cordless Handheld Vacuum – One Consumer Reports top rated handheld vacuums. Asking for a cordless vacuum for Christmas is peak adulting, but this is a need. This is the only gift that I asked my sister and brother in-law to get me this year. So, I feel confident I will be vacuuming with this beauty in 2023.
  • REPLICA By The Fireplace perfume – I recently treated myself to the Sephora Perfume sampler set, which features samples of their top seller perfumes. It also comes with a certificate so that you can get a full size of any of the scents. This scent by REPLICA was in there, but I opted for different scent. However, this is the perfect warm vanilla perfume and I want it so bad.
  • Rice Dispenser – This is definitely a “TikTok made me want it” item. Not only is this functional, it would look great on any kitchen counter. I’m West African and Mexican, which means rice is life.
  • ORLY GELFX Builder in a Bottle Kit – I’ve been trying other gel nail builders, but the ORLY GELFX is still the best one I’ve tried. So, I hope I can get one of my Santas to get another kit for me.
  • ME Manifesters Satin Jacket – I’ve been wanting a satin bomber style jacket for awhile and this one by Melody Ehsani is just right. Lowkey obsessed with this!
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EMPTIES: October 2022

EMPTIES: October 2022

EMPTIES: October 2022 | STAINED COUTURE

October felt really long, which I think helped me used up a lot of products. Of course, that doesn’t make sense, but I still used up a nice amount of products. So, please keep reading to see which products I emptied out last month.

First up, I have to start with this bottle of Donna Karen Cashmere Mist, which I scored on sale back during the pandemic. Back in mid-to-late 2020, I found some really good deals, including this bottle which I paid about $20. Nice. However, the price wasn’t the only reason I got – this is one of my favorite winter scents. Cashmere Mist is a warm fragrance that has floral, jasmine and vanilla notes. Plus, it was one of my mom’s favorite scents, which also makes me think I will buy this again.

Honestly, I can’t say enough about how Olaplex has really helped my hair over the past couple of years. In the past, I didn’t consistently used it, but I would notice some good changes. However, this past summer and early fall, I was using it at least once a week – mostly twice. The combination of washing my hair twice a week with Olaplex definitely helped my color-treated hair grow. Even my co-worker pointed it out to me. I’m an Olaplex girl now and I’ve already bought and started using a new set of Olaplex shampoo and conditioner. Not to mention, the Olaplex hair oil is superior, too.

The next item is Bliss Makeup Melt, which I did buy as a quick fix. I usually use the Dermaflage Makeup remover, which is an oil cleaser. Although I tend to prefer oil cleansers, I did enjoy this cleansing melt. It has a jelly texture and did do a pretty good job melting and removing makeup.  My waterproof mascara gave it a hard time, but it still did a decent job. What I didn’t like was having to remove it, because it didn’t easily rinse off. I had to actually use a face wash to make me feel like it was removed. Still, I would buy it again…IF there wasn’t an oil cleanser available.

I’d been wanting to try some scents from Mix Bar, which is only found at Target. On an impulse, I picked up the Sparkling Hibiscus body and hair mist on initial sniff. The scent was floral, but juicy thanks the mixing of hibiscus and bergamont. I use body sprays like they are meant to be worn – on your skin. I sprayed it on as soon as I hop out the shower, which means I didn’t smell it. However, I did love the scent enough that I will probably buy the perfume version next summer.

Another beauty brand exclusive to Target is Jozi Curls, which caters to all different types of curly hair. I picked up a couple of their products to give it a try, which included their Jozi Curl Refresher spray. Jozi Curls is a clean brand that’s vegan and sustainable. Honestly, the refresher spray was alright and pretty similar to most curl refreshers. I tried to use it as a detangler, which was nice since it helps smooth the hair as well. Unfotunately, I don’t think I’ll buy this again.

The COSRX Snail Mucin moisturizer is too good! The perfect daily moisturizer that helps soften skin and keeps it glowing. So, obviously, I will be buying this again!

The last 2 products are eye products – a newbie and throwback. I’m a liquid eyeliner girl and I’d been wanting to try the Benefit Roller Liquid Liner. I got the mini option to give a test run, which I’m glad I did. Although this liner claims to be waterproof – it wasn’t. It started to smudge within an hour. So disappointing!

Next up is an oldie that I hadn’t bought in years, but glad I picked it up a few months ago. This Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser concealer had late 20s and early 30s me in a chokehold. When bright undereyes and “baking” became a thing, this was my go-to concealer. Thankfully, it’s still really good and I will buy it again.

Have you tried any of the products in this EMPTIES post? Share below.

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LUST-HAVE LIST: November 2022

LUST-HAVE LIST: November 2022

LUST-HAVE LIST: November 2022 | STAINED COUTURE

It’s seriously already November! It’s apparently also Christmas time as well since so many people have decided to break out their Christmas trees and decorations. I can’t lie, I’ve been thinking about dragging mine out of storage and getting started. I might pull the boxes out this weekend, but putting it up is a couple of weeks away for me.

Despite me not being super ready to put up my decorations; I am starting to plan my shopping lists. Ideally, I would like to keep my list short and only 1-2 gifts per person. However, I know that’s a dream, but I’m trying. Ugh…I can’t believe I’m already talking about Christmas and stations are already playing Christmas music. Insane, but when in Rome.*shrug*

For the past month or so, I’ve been feeling very blah in my style. So, I’m ready to turn it up a smidge and look like I care, if that makes sense. I need to work on my personal vine and aesthetic, which you may be able to tell in this month’s Lust-Have List.

LUST-HAVE LIST: November 2022

  • Plus Size Plaid Skirt – I’ve visualizing so many outfits for fall around a plaid skirt and this one is perfect. It also has an elastic waist; great for carb filled holiday feasts.
  • Vintage Philadelphia Eagles Sweatshirt – The Philadelphia Eagles are my team and are having an amazing season. So, I need this vintge shirt to represent.
  • Classic Slouchy Socks – Slouchy socks over leggings was my favorite outfit in junior high and they are back in style. This pack of all black ones will work instead of the white ones from junior high.
  • The Ordinary Matrixyl Serum – I’m starting to notice some fine lines around my mouth. So, I’m eyeing this new serum to see if it can help me not look too close to my age.
  • Copper Color Depositing Conditioner – I love a good color depositing conditioner and this new one from Biolage comes in the perfect copper option for my hair. I have to try it!
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Favorite Red Lipsticks for Fall

As soon as I feel those temperatures drop, I start reaching for my favorite red lipsticks. Now, I might randomly break out one throughout the year. However, in the fall and winter, these are my go-to lip products.

Favorite Red Lipsticks for Fall | STAINED COUTURE

Keep reading to full list and details.

First, I have to apologize for the first one because it was a limited edition that came out a couple of years ago. Initially, when MAC announced that they were doing a collaboration with the estate of Selena, I knew that there would be a red lipstick. A fierce red lip was one of Selena’s trademarks and I was right. The collection had a red lipstick and red liquid lipstick. I went with the liquid lipstick ‘Siempre’ and it’s so good! It’s medium-dark red lipstick with cool undertones. The undertones makes it great red lip for all year round, but I’m very selective about when I break it out.

Let’s talk about the NYX High Voltage lipstick in Bordeux, which is a very deep red burgundy. This lipstick is very pigmented. Sometimes, I use this as a lip stain, because it gives the perfect bitten lip shade that’s similar to Clinique’s Black Honey – just pigmented.

Another deep burgundy lip product I love is The Lip Bar liquid lipstick in Bawse Lady. This shade is a true red shade that compliments most complexions. This formula applies and initially looks like a gloss, but dries into a velvety, matte texture. The only thing that I don’t like about it is that it can start to crack later in the day if you move your mouth a lot. However, it does last all day, which is a win.

If you’re looking for a true blue red lipstick, MAC Brave Red is it! Most people probably think of Ruby Woo as the ‘it’ red from M.A.C.. However, too many people sleep on Brave Red. It’s a semi-gloss and that has the right amount of sheen. To me, this the shade and texture I think of as a classic red shade that looks good on practically everyone.

Finally, FENTY lip paint in Stunna has become one of my faves! One of my favorite things about this liquid lipstick is that it looks like a different shade on everyone, but it’s equally fabulous. It’s a soft matte finish that lasts and holds up well all day.

What is your favorite red lipstick for Fall? Share below!

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