Dont fret, buy a gift set - Holiday shopping suggestion!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Starting to look a lot like Christmas

If you follow me on twitter, Facebook, or instagram you know that I have already started my holiday shopping! I can't stand in lines without wanting to hurt myself and the lord knows my arms can only hold so many bags. When I am out shopping, I also like to pick up a few things here and there that I need for the house. Gift sets are the best kinds of gifts and the biggest deals! Since you all know I am working with Caress, it’s only natural to mention one of their fabulous new gift boxes for the holidays which are ready to place under your tree. 
It comes with the following: 2 body washes with amazing scents, duo ended pumice stone / body brush, and loofa. The scents vary from set to set. 
Other gift ideas for your fabulous friends and family are:

Wine wrapped in a scarf





Makeup Palettes / Sets
Cookie / Cake mix in a Jar



Aside from the gifting ideas, there’s also a new sweepstakes you all should know about!  If you’re like me and have your eye on a statement necklace or an amazing pair of heels this holiday season, then you should check out the The Caress Holiday Wish List application on Facebook. It allows you to hint what you want for the holidays to your family and friends (amazing!). Simply scroll through our Fabulista-certified wish list and find whatever it is you like, and then send it to your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or via email with a personalized message. Make sure to enter the daily sweepstakes, too…you could have the chance to win a $25 gift card and a Caress holiday gift pack. It is so simple and I can't wait to participate! 

Stay tuned to my channel on YouTube for more holiday videos and more!


*Latina Kisses*

Latin Grammy's GET THE LOOK + Products!

Friday, November 16, 2012


Now that I am back home, I wanted to share some Glam looks and haute styles took center stage at last night’s 13th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.  Beauty’s biggest winners were the side chignons and loose waves paired with smoky eyes , neutral lips; and chocolate-inspired hair hues. These stylish looks were spotted on Karen Martinez, Giselle Blondet and Nelly Furtado.

Want the inside scoop on how to re-create these looks at home? 

Below please find product picks from celebrity hair and makeup artists Claudia Betancur (makeup) and Marcos Carrasquillo (hair) to help your readers achieve radiant, wow red- carpet - worthy looks at-home, compliments of L’Oréal Paris.

GET THE LOOK:  LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS

GET THE LOOK: Karen Martinez




MAKEUP
Step by Step “How-to” tips from Celebrity Makeup Artist, Claudia Betancur: 
v  Keep skin simple and fresh with a bit of L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Light Ivory to give skin a light glow 
v  Apply a small amount of L’Oréal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Celestial (Pink) to the apples of cheeks
v  Highlight eyes with a hint of L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte. Apply vaseline over the top because it allows the eye shadow to seep through and last longer as well add in shine.
v  Use L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Eternal Black at the outer corners and smudge thoroughly with your fingers to prevent blotchiness.
v  Apply L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Caresse in Cotton Pink for a sheer rosy, natural lip color.
v  Finish off with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black around the rim of the eye and add several coats of L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Power Volume 24H Mascara in Black to complete the look.
Products Used:
v  L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in Light Ivory ($10.95)
v  L’Oréal Paris Magic Smooth Soufflé Blush in Celestial ($12.95)
v  L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Iced Latte and Eternal Black  (Price: $7.95)
v  L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Black ($8.95)
v  L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Power Volume  24H Mascara ($9.95)


HAIR
Step by Step “How-To” tips from Celebrity hairstylist, Marcos Carrasquillo
v  To achieve Karen’s brilliant side chignon, part hair completely down the center and pick a side for the chignon to rest on.
v  Apply L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Sulfate-Free Finishing Crème to damp hair, which makes it more manageable and sustainable for an updo.
v  Pull hair to one side and create two ponytails, one in each hand.
v  Wrap one side around to the right and stick a hair pin in to hold. Repeat on the left side.
v  Finish off with hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hairspray to leave your hair firm and frizz-free.
v  If you want an ash brown hair color with a touch of golden highlights like Karen’s, try using L’Oréal Paris Touch-On Highlights in Toasted Almond

Products Used:
v  L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Sulfate-Free Finishing Crème ($8.99)
v  L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hairspray ($14.99)
v  L’Oréal Paris Touch-On Highlights in Toasted Almond (Price: $13.99)



STYLIST SECRET/GET THE LOOK AT HOME (SANS STYLIST):
This look can sometimes be hard to achieve due to hair length and texture.  One way around is fail and foolproof – a tousled twist extension.  These stylist secrets are a staple in Hollywood’s “hair bag” and an easy solution to achieve length, style and that sleek, classic pony look.   Try using LUXHAIR WOW Tousled Twist by Daisy Fuentes.
Price: $18.69, available on wigs.com

GET THE LOOK:  LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS


GET THE LOOK: Giselle Blondet
MAKEUP
Step by Step “How-to” tips from Celebrity Makeup Artist, Claudia Betancur: 
v  Giselle’s look was all about the bold eyes and natural lip. Start off with applying  L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation in Natural Beige, which glides onto skin, providing an impeccable canvas for seamless makeup application.
v  Highlight your cheekbones with L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Blush in Baby Blossom for a natural flush.
v  Afterwards, start with the eyes by applying L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe on the entire lid.
v  Highlight eyes with a hint of L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Eternal Black but also mixing it with Sultry Smoke so the eyes don’t seem too dramatic yet attention-grabbing.
v  Since this look is all about the eyes, use a gel liner to achieve that wet, fresh look. Try L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lacquer Eye Liner 24H in Blackest Black.
v  Add a subtle color to your lips such as L’Oréal Paris Infallible Le Gloss 8HR in Petal, which leaves a nice glossy touch yet not steering the attention from your bold eyes.       
v  Finish off with a mascara that will flatter your lashes like L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Black Lacquer Mascara.

Products Used:
v  L’Oréal Paris True Match Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation in Natural Beige ($12.95)
v  L’Oréal Paris True Match Super Blendable Blush in Baby Blossom ($10.95)
v  L’Oréal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in Bronzed Taupe, Eternal Black and Sultry Smoke (Price: $7.95 ea.)
v  L’Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lacquer Eye Liner 24H in Blackest  Black ($9.95)
v  L’Oréal Paris Infallible Le Gloss 8HR in Petal ($9.99)
v  L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Black Lacquer Mascara ($8.95)




HAIR
Step by Step “How-To” tips from Celebrity hairstylist, Marcos Carrasquillo
v  To achieve Giselle’s loose waves, start off with a hair volumizer on your roots for a seductive mane. Try L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Volume Root Lifting Spray.
v  Ensure hair is hydrated to achieve the perfect blow out. Use L’Oréal Paris EverCrème Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner to add in moisture to your hair.
v  Once hair is blown out, use a curling iron for the ends.
v  Apply L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment with Argan Oil from Morocco to the ends to add shine.
v  Finish off with L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra-Strong Hold Hairspray.
v  To get Giselle’s chocolate brown hair color, try using L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Dark Golden Brown 4G.

Products Used:
v  L’Oréal Paris EverStyle Volume Root Lifting Spray ($6.99)
v  L’Oréal Paris EverCrème Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner ($6.99 ea.)
v  L’Oréal Paris EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment with Argan Oil from Morocco ($12.99)
v  L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra-Strong Hold Hairspray ($14.99)
v  L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Dark Golden Brown 4G ($8.99) 


I am just too excited and have so much to share. The most exciting part is yet to come! I will make sure to let you know when my blog goes live! Until then,

*Latina Kisses*


Latin Grammy Predictions!!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

So since I got the BIG call from L'Oreal telling me they wanted to fly me out for the Latin Grammys, thats all I have been able to think about! All things beauty is what I live and die for! I wanted to share a little insight to what is to be expected of the celebs we are tuning in to see Thursday night:
L’Oréal Paris got the predictions from the beauty expert for L’Oreal Paris, celebrity hair stylist Marcos Carrasquillo (pictured above).He shares the trends and different hair dos that we can expect to see on the 2012 Latin Grammy Red Carpet.

Heres a quick Q&A :

L’Oréal Paris: Which trends have you seen this season?
Marcos Carrasquillo: “The loose waves will dominate the red carpet this year. We will see a lot of volume, a very retro look which is so stylish right now. The waves will be like in the 50s with dark colors.”

L’Oréal Paris: Do you have clients that always ask you for the celebrity looks they’ve seen on the red carpet?
Marcos Carrasquillo: “Lately I’ve received a lot of orders to get to loose waves look. Jennifer Lopez uses this look a lot with honey highlights. To get this look that we will see on the red carpet, I recommend  L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference in UL63 Hit Lift Gold Brown. This hair dye from L’Oreal Paris is specially formulated for dark hair and it helps you lighten it up to obtain the sun kissed look. These hair tones give a natural and traslucid effect.
Get the look:
Light Brown Hair: L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in UL63 Hi Lift Gold Brown, $9.99



L’Oréal Paris: And
 for this year's presenter - what can we expect from Lucero?
Marcos Carrasquillo: “The grogeous Lucero never lets me down. This is not her first year as the presenter of the Latin  Grammy so I’m sure she’ll want to surprise us with a new look. My prediction for Lucero is that she’ll go back to her dark hair look that is very trendy this Fall/Winter season. Dark Brown tones and honey are very trendy this this season and you can have that look by using L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème in 4 Dark Brown.”



Get the look:
Dark Brown Hair: L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème in 4 Dark Brown, $8.99
                


L’Oréal Paris: Is there a look we always see in the red carpets that you think many celebrities will use this Thursday in the Latin Grammy?
Marcos Carrasquillo: “Aside from the loose waves, I predict there will be a lot of updo hairstyles on the red carpet. I think some presenters such as Giselle Blondet, Barbara Bermudo, and Chiquinquira Delgado will wear their hair up.  It’s easier for them because they’ll be changing clothes constantly.”


L’Oréal Paris: What is your favorite updo hairstyle look?
Marcos Carrasquillo:  The messy updo is one of my favorites and I love it because it makes your neck look longer. I always recomend to wash your hair before making an updo so that your hair looks clean and healthy. Use the L’Oréal Paris EverCrème Cleansing hair conditioner to hidrate the hair and to give you that luminous and thick look and make it more easy to manage. Even though it should look messy, i suggest using a hair spray after you’re done with your updo. A hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett will make sure your hair do lasts all night.





Get the look:
L’Oréal Paris EverCrème Cleansing Conditioner, $6.99
The first clieansing conditioner that works as a shampoo and as a deep conditioner in one step, so that you can experience the latest trend in healthy and hidrated hair in the most natural form. Ideal for women with think, curly, or dry hair because it smoothly cleans and deeply hidrates without decreasing volume.


L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Unscented,  $14.99




And thats all I have for you tonight! Gives me ideas to tell my stylist how to do my hair! Raise your keypads if you are now tempted to hit the drugstore to try some of these products! Lord knows my hair needs some moisture. Stay tuned for more, and thank you GOD and thank you subbies for all of your support!!

*Latina Kisses*

Im going to the Latin Grammys!!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Big news! L’Oréal Paris has partnered with the Latin GRAMMYs this year as the Official Cosmetics Sponsor. The L’Oréal Paris division of L’Oréal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care company that combines the latest technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in luxury beauty at mass. The brand’s iconic philosophy, ‘Because You’re Worth It’ celebrates women’s self-worth and inner and outer beauty; this message is represented by more than 25 International Spokespersons among whom include Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, and Ximena Navarrete. 


            And in even BIGGER NEWS:
I’m so excited to be heading to the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas as a beauty correspondent for L’Oreal Paris! I will be staying at the world famous MGM GRAND Hotel!! I can't wait to vlog and blog my trip for you guys!
Latin Grammys are such a big night for us Latinas and I know the majority of you will be watching!

As a beauty correspondent for L’Oreal Paris, I’ll be bringing you insider access straight from the biggest night in Latin Music and backstage where I’ll be chatting with the pro’s bringing you beauty secrets and tips. Im so excited!! I am also very nervous!
Hopefully, I run in to a celebrity or two… :) Make sure to follow @SoniaCCastaneda and @LorealParisUSA for pictures and updates!
Let me know what celebrity looks you would like me to recreate for you by tweeting me. I will be there for 3 days so I will have tons to share down to the makeup I am wearing! I need to make sure to pack my signature lip color:
Fairest Nude! 

I am so blessed with all the opportunities that have come to me thru my dedication to my youtube channel, and supported by my loyal and encouraging following! Thank you guys! I feel like I am just getting started!!

*Latina Kisses*

Latinos in Hollywood - COVERGIRL / LATINA

Friday, October 12, 2012

If you follow me on my YouTube channel you would know that I had the amazing opportunity to work with COVERGIRL for the LATINA magazine Young Latinos in Hollywood event at the LONDON HOTEL WEST HOLLYWOOD. If you haven't seen my video coverage you can view it here

I had a long day a head of me, hair and makeup needed to be started in the hotel before I got in front of the camera. I didn't realize how much work filming with a full crew was, and also how fun it would be. These next shots of me looking crazy is because the camera guy said "teeth" to smile with teeth, then he quickly said "no teeth" hahaha like he changed his mind! I was ready to karate chop him till explained his method of capturing a natural smile, it worked. I also didn't need very much blush cause I turned radish red from laughing so hard. 
 Im getting my makeup prepped for filming by celebrity makeup artist and super friendly Latina Elizabeth Ulloa. I had to practice her name so many times haha. I love the VIP treatment just like the rest of you! I got to order whatever I wanted from room service, that sounds silly but it makes me feel "cool" haha. Its the simple things in life that get me excited. 
 Next we hit the rooftop for footage of the makeup application before the party began.
 The scene was quickly transforming from rooftop comfortable to hollywood chic. 
 Flowers! There were arrangements everywhere!
 The event was sponsored by MOET, I had a couple of glasses and it was pretty good!
 While I was being directed where to stand, sit, and do my thang haha I noticed my favorite DJ and fellow Latino Anthony Valadez setting up! I was so excited to hear a lot of my jams. He's got a new album out too, check it out here. My favorite song is "Asleep".
 This is what one of 3 or 4 beauty stations set up for guests to receive complementary products and makeup pick-me-ups. 
  RED CARPET TIME!! I was so nervous when I was told I would be doing interviews on camera! I have zero experience but I am comfortable having conversations with strangers, and I was talking about makeup, so I quickly got over it. Here are a few celebs that I interviewed:

The beautiful Melissa Marty, who had the most amazing body! Makes me want to dump my pumpkin late down the drain and do some squats lol.
 Eric Valadez knew so much about makeup it was awesome, he explain in detail what he loved women to wear.
 Crash - She was really nice and I loved her hair style!
Singer Sohanny - I asked her if she could only have one lip color for the rest of her life she said bright red! I would pick a plum red ;)
 Disney star Bella Thorne, She was so pretty I couldn't get over it! Her fresh makeup is "everyday makeup" worthy.
 I wish there was more footage of my interview with Diego Boneta, he was really nice and serious with the eye contact haha. He loves girls natural with their hair pulled back.  All guys say that but like I told Diego, guys go after the girl who is all dolled up when they are out and about. 
 Actor / Dancer Ryan Guzman, he was the friendliest of all of them and dressed the most casual. He loves women who wear red lipstick and apparently doesn't mind it getting all over the place. This made me think if thats ever happened because red is not easy to remove from your face! I wish I was wearing his boots and not my heels because my feet were ready to disown me by this point. 
 Super nice and energetic Carla Santiago. She was lead of this project and I was so blessed to work with an amazing brand like COVERGIRL even if it was just for the day. 
;) CALL ME!! *Hand at face*
 A little peek at the party. It quickly got packed. I was interviewing for a while so by the time I got up there, I got to say hi to a few people, but then it was time to head home.
 Latina Bloggers represent!! WOOT WOOT!
 One of my favorites to interview, Gina Rodriguez, and Jose Resendez!
 I really enjoyed this post because I got to sit and remember how much fun this was. I can see myself interviewing for a living, it was so fun! I can't believe how much my life has changed in a few years thanks to YouTube and simply being Latina and proud! God is good!
*Latina Kisses*