NEW: Lioele Lip Color Stick

It's finally here! This is a must-read... 

Lioele Lip Color Stick is an innovative multi-functional lip pencil that offers long-lasting color. Not only does it come in four eye-catching colors but it also:

1. Applies as pigmented as a lipstick 
2. Shines like a lip gloss 
3. Moisturizes like a lip balm 
4. Long lasting like a lip tint
5. Can be used as a cheek tint and eyeliner!

Unlike other lip products that promise a crease-free application but then fails you by making the small creases in your lips more apparent, the Lioele Lip Color Stick stays true with its soft and creamy texture to smooth out fine lines which results in a fuller appearance of your lips!

 
What's even better?
There is no need to sharpen this bad boy! With its easy to use screw-like form, you can adjust the product to the desired height for usage and just wind it up for more! No need to invest in a giant sized sharpener or deal with messes.

Photo via Pretty&Cute Instagram > Follow us on Instagram

 

Each shade has its own name! Meet: Elly, Jessie, Candice and Rebecca!

Elly - She is bright, upbeat and joyful. With a bright hot pink like this, you will definitely not go unnoticed and will be the center of attention in any room!

Jessie - She is gentle, happy and has a sweet girl character. This perfect shade of peach is great for the warm seasons. A unique blend of orange and red for an irresistibly adorable look.

Candice - She is sweet, girly and simply cute. This baby pink is a perfect shade for an every day look and great to be used as a blush as well! With a pink like this, you can't go wrong.

Rebecca - She is fierce, bold and beautiful. If you are looking for the perfect red pout, look no further. With all the added benefits with such a bold color, you won't have to worry about creases or fine lines - all you have to do is rock it!

Fill in your lips, create an ombre effect, use two complimenting shades or even use it as a blush! This one pencil allows for many uses and its convenient form will leave you with endless possibilities.

Shop the Lioele Lip Color Sticks Here

Waterproof Your Look this Summer

Heading to the beach or somewhere warm this summer? The season is in full gear which only means one thing: water and heat can be our best friends as well as our worst enemies when it comes to makeup. The heat can melt off your makeup and the water can wash it away during a fun water balloon fight with your friends! What is the solution?

SOLUTION: Waterproof Your Look!

If you haven't already, check out this great video with helpful tips on how to do so this summer with YouTube beauty guru, Michelle Phan: 

But of course, there are many additional amazing products that you should consider when it comes to waterproofing your makeup! Take a look at our top recommendations in this category:

EYES: You want something that will hold your look throughout all your events without giving you the "panda eyes" look. When eye makeup smears, it does not only look unflattering but it could smear and get into your eyes. It is extremely important for makeup, particularly eye makeup to stay put when it comes to participating in rigorous or high activity. Check out some of our recommendations in this department:

1) HOLIKA HOLIKA Jewel-Light Eyeliner  a long lasting waterproof eyeliner that stays on your eyes without smudging through sweat or sebum. This eyeliner contains shimmer and glitter to really highlight and define your eyes. Use this eyeliner for a bold eye popping look by accentuating certain areas of the eye.

2) HOLIKA HOLIKA Magic Pole Mascara
The special spherical wand is the feature that made this mascara the best seller item amongst other Holika Holika products. It has rounded ball at the tip of the wand. The ball is to separate your lashes. When you remove the mascara, it comes off by pieces because of the fiber formula. It  will not give you "panda eyes", its waterproof, strong black lashes and curls your lashes.

3) CUORE K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner 24h WP 
This is the finest eyeliner in Japan's market! It will last all day, which is why it is given the name "one day tattoo". However, it is still easy to remove with eye make-up remover. This brush-type eyeliner allows you to make very fine lines that will stay and not crumble off like most sponge type eyeliners. Many of beauty experts have raved over this product but you don't have to be an expert to enjoy the benefits of this great eyeliner! 



FACE: Don't let water, sweat or the heat affect the way you feel about your look this summer! Try out these recommendations - it doesn't get more waterproof than this!












4) FAIRYDROPS Candy Bar BB Cream 
was produced by Mayumi Yasutomo, a newscaster, who desired to have a product that made her skin look flawless while on camera. This shine-free, oil-free and waterproof product was the perfect solution. The product itself is a lightweight formula allowing you to apply the amount of layer you would like without feeling like your skin is being weighed down. Micro- gold pearl hides scars and freckles. Soft focus powder uses light diffusion not to show wrinkles and makes skin smooth. Cover with thin film, and protect from dry and rough skin. 



5) ETUDE HOUSE Precious Mineral Sun BB Cream  
promotes a silky complexion and brightened look with Pearl Mineral Powder infused sheer coverage.  Arbutin and Adenosine ingredients help whiten skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while powerful SPF50 protects skin from harmful UV rays. This long-lasting BB cream is waterproof for better all day protection and wear.



6) MIZON Watermax Moisture BB Cream 
a lightweight moisture formula which provides a natural look and feel, yet covers skin with a hydrating finish. The High-tech water like texture gives your skin rich moisture and keeps it smooth and silky all day without irritation. This BB cream is also waterproof and contains SPF 25 PA++ for adequate UV protection, making it perfect for warmer weather.

SHOP ALL WATERPROOF BY CLICKING HERE

CURE Natural Aqua vs. Mizon Apple Peeling Gels

If you are in need of a new facial wash but aren't too fond of paying a huge price, take a look at this fantastic gel that is often compared to its more expensive competitor. 

First, let's talk about the competitor:  many of you have probably heard of the CURE Natural Aqua Gel, the skincare product that was voted the most popular in 2012. The reason for this is due to its ability to slough off dead skin cells without irritating or harming the skin in any way. But the downside? It costs anywhere from $40-50+

Here at Pretty&Cute, we've had many customers walk into our shop asking for the CURE gel. While we strive to provide products to our customers that are of reasonable price, we currently do not carry this item; therefore, we refer them to the Mizon Apple Smoothie Peel, a nearly exact product that has even more beneficial properties for nearly a third of the price of the CURE gel.

Mizon Apple Smoothie Gel contains apple extracts, obviously, which are great for keeping the skin hydrated and plump. When rubbed, impurities left on your skin will roll away with the gel without irritating or stripping any natural oils on your skin. Also included in this product's list of ingredients are sugar cane maple extract and vitamins which help to add moisture into the skin while brightening it for a healthier skin complexion. It's even suitable for sensitive skin types!

What's the best part? Get the full-sized bottle for only $15 at Pretty&Cute! (Click Here)

Put down the harsh scrubs that can irritate your skin and dry it out and pick up this amazing peeling gel and literally watch your skin clean itself of impurities right in front of your eyes! Soft, smooth and an even complexion in one step.

How to Use It:

After cleansing face, apply gel on face and neck. Gently massage gel into skin and see the dead skin cells immediately peel off into tiny white balls. Rinse well with water and then pat skin dry. Check it out!

Most Common Foundation Mistake

The Scenario: We're sure this has happened to you: After applying your makeup, you notice you have excess redness or a blemish or two that seem to peek through. What do you do? Add an additional layer of foundation or BB Cream, duh!

*Buzzer goes off* "WRONG!"

This is one of the most common mistake of most makeup users. By adding too many additional layers of foundation to your skin, it could

1. Cause breakouts due to pore clogging 
2. Dryness/ dry patches
3. Excess oil if your foundation/BB contains oil
4. Creates that "cakey look" that no one wants 

What to do?

Use concealer.  
Sounds like common beauty sense right? Some girls may think that concealer is nothing but another product that is on the market that they will not ever need. Well, there is a great reason why concealer was produced and that is to provide additional cover up in areas needed. This is something typically your BB cream or foundation can't do, even if it is buildable. For a foundation to be buildable is a great benefit but often times you can only do so much after a couple of layers. The more you add, the "cakier" your skin can look, especially throughout the day as your skin absorbs the natural oil and moisture it provides.

Many concealers provide additional benefits such as moisturization and brightening properties to diminish the look of blemishes as well as dark spots, so ideally, a concealer would be a better choice over another layer of foundation or BB Cream. 


How Do I use a Concealer? 

There's no shame if you are unsure! As concealers come in several types and forms, it can be challenging. Typically, you will find a concealer in a liquid form that looks much like a liquid foundation. You can also find ones that come in a "stick" form that look like pencils or large crayons such as the one pictured. And there are also palette types. Before applying foundation, dab some concealer onto the spots you wish to conceal or areas that you wish to brighten (such as under your eyes) and smooth it out until the blemish seems to have disappeared. Afterwards, apply foundation over and you'll have yourself flawless, stress-free skin!

 How do I choose a concealer that is right for me? 

 The number one rule to finding a concealer that will work for you is to use one that is a shade or two lighter than your normal shade/foundation shade. This will best conceal the spot and brighten up the area. Concealers don't have to be exactly matched to your skin tone, any concealer lighter should do the trick of hiding the imperfections!

Find Your Concealer Now  

Everything You Need to Know About Toners

 

 

Interested in Toners but aren't sure exactly what they are and what their purposes are? Take a read! We'll inform you of everything you need to know about them.

You've got your daily skin care routine. It usually goes something like this: wash, dry and you're done. You might throw on some lotion if your face is really dry. But little did you know, that's just not enough.

Maybe your skin still feels oily after you wash it, or you wish your skin and pores could be a little tighter. Adding a skin toner to your daily regimen might be the perfect solution.

Chances are that you've seen skin toner on the shelves at your beauty supply store, sitting next to the bottles of cleanser and moisturizer that you buy. If you're not sure what exactly skin toner does or how to choose the right one, keep reading!

 First, you should know that the term "toner" is often loosely used. You might have shied away from toner in the past because you've heard of it drying out skin in some cases and moisturizing it in others. The confusion can be attributed to the fact that the toner label has been applied to a few different kinds of products. An alcohol-free toner will do you best, for all skin types really. If you have extremely dry skin, this is most ideal.


Benefits of a Toner?

• Helps to balance your pH level to encourage more of an even skin tone. For example, if you have dry patches on a particular part of your face, or a very oily section or two, a toner can help even it out after continuous usage to make your skin become more balanced.
• It removes any makeup, dirt or residue on your skin that your makeup wipes, face washes and scrubs might have left behind. Just because your face appears clear doesn't necessarily mean that it is! After usage, check out the cotton pad you used. It is likely you will find some dirt that was left behind. 
• Using a toner helps to not only clean out the pores and any blackheads and dirt within it, but it helps to refine them. By removing the dirt, your pores are instantly shrunken. With continuous usage, the pores will eventually shrink and reduce the chance of more blackheads and dirt. 

 How do I use a toner?

• Typically, toners are a thin fluid like water. This type will require a cotton pad or cotton ball for application. After you have washed your face, saturate the cotton and cleanse all over your face evenly. This works best when your face is still a bit damp, not dried all the way. 

What part of my skin care routine should I use a toner?

• After you have washed your face, a toner would be used to soak in the excess water and truly hydrate your skin. Think of a toner as the final step of cleaning that ensures your skin is spotless before applying anything else. Afterwards, follow with your regular moisturizing routine and makeup if desired.

How often should I use a toner?

• This could depend on your skin. Typically, toners are ideal for those with oily skin with excess shine and those with several blackheads and dirt within their pores. But either way, we suggest using a toner each time you wash your face. If this feels like too much, you can also use it just in the morning or at night, or both. 

Check out our collection of toners and skin care by Clicking Here!

Best Blush Application Method for Your Face Shape

BLUSH is intended for your cheeks; however, this does  not necessarily mean applying rosiness of any area of your cheeks will work. Blush is intended to appear natural and to provide a glowing and healthy look. If your blush is in the wrong area, your entire look may look to "made-up" since your natural blood circulation that causes  natural blush may be in a different area of your cheeks. Here, we provide you a chart of different shapes of faces to help you  determine yours for you to apply your blush on properly. 

 

 

 FACE SHAPE & METHODS

Oval - If your face is on the "longer" side with an oval shape, it's best to enhance your cheeks without creating illusions. Take your blush brush and gently apply at the center of your cheeks. Start with a slightly stronger wrist at the middle and blend outwards.

Round - Having a round shaped face is actually a great thing. It allows you to create a beautiful blush look while defining your face and cheek bones. Start at the inner most part of you cheek and pull out the color towards the sides of your face and finish by moving upwards at a diagonal. This truly will give you structure or really enhance the structure you already have.

Square - For this facial shape, you will need to work with it without making any alterations in shape as the blush may look unnatural. Using your brush, stroke from the inside of your cheeks and pull straight out to the sides of your face.

Long - This is probably the most classic method of applying blush. But little do some blush lovers know, this method is most suitable for those with a longer face shape. It is also recommended that you "smile" while applying the blush so that the curve of the blush blends perfectly with your natural expressions.

What's your face shape? Find Your Blush

All about BB & CC Creams

Heard the latest in cosmetics lately?  This post will focus on the latest in cosmetics and one of its newest additions, the "CC Cream". For those who are scratching their heads and thinking, "wait, what? You mean BB Cream right?", give us a moment to explain. It can get a little confusing, we know!

What's the difference between the CC Cream and the beloved BB Cream? 

To start, "CC" in this sense stands for "color-correcting". A CC Cream's key function along side of providing great coverage is to address issues such as redness, sallowness of skin and uneven skin tone.

BB Creams, which stands for "blemish balm" are "like" foundations with several benefits and specific functions for the skin such as whitening, brightening, anti-wrinkle properties, SPF protection, etc. while covering undesired blemishes. 

Additionally, CC Creams tend to start off at a very light shade even white then adjust to your skin tone to best match it after it is blended in. Depending on the BB Cream you use, most BB Creams remain the shade in the bottle but some can oxidize after application once again to best suit your skin tone.



Does this mean I need to switch over to a CC Cream?

No, not necessarily. A CC Cream is not necessarily an "updated version" of a BB Cream either, if that is what you are thinking. It was simply designed to really work with those with uneven skin and skin tone while providing the skin with mild coverage. Since it focuses more in tone correcting, a smaller amount is needed for application in comparison to BB Cream which is mainly used for covering. Overall, both BB and CC creams both provide an improved look to the skin after continuous use such as whitening and brightening properties, but have slightly different functions. 

What's the difference between Asian BB/CC Creams and American BB/CC Creams I'm seeing in drugstores?

Of course, we can't say for every CC Cream on the market. However, we can say that after lots of testing of CC Creams, we know that Asian CC Creams tend to have more benefits for the skin and stay true to the functions that they state they will serve. A typical Asian BB Cream will typically include the following properties: whitening/brightening, SPF protection, anti-wrinkle, moisturizes and/or oil-absorbing and stay true to the statement. 


How do I know if a BB or CC Cream is right for me?

If you have generally smooth skin and only want to cover blemishes for a flawless look or want more coverage in general, go with a BB Cream. There are many aspects you also need to consider in selecting your ideal BB Cream including your MAC skin tone shade, the skin type and preferences you wish in your BB cream. If you need more help in smoothing and evening out your skin/tone, go with a CC Cream. You can think of a CC Cream as more of a 'correcting primer' or a cosmetic item with skin treatment benefits and could require a bit more to cover darker areas. Most CC Creams tend to be more suitable for all skin types as well. 


If you have questions, feel free to leave us comments on our Facebook Fan Page! 
Find our entire BB/CC Cream collection here BB CREAMS & MORE