The oil cleansing method (OCM) has been raved about by various bloggers and beauty addicts alike. I first heard about OCM from Mrs. Lynne and Christiana, and after doing some research online (the internet truly is a wonderful place!), I've been using it ever since. It's definitely made a difference in my skin routine, and I just can't help but rave about it. I'm probably going to sound like a broken record and write about what you guys already know, but hopefully at least one person gets something out of this!

So like anyone with combination or oily skin, I was hesitant about the idea of putting oil on my face. However, if you go back to basic chemistry, you'll remember that oil mixes with oil but water and oil doesn't. As Stephanie sums up:

Oil, alone, will not bring you blemishes. Pimples, cysts, zits, blackheads, whiteheads...these are a result of several different factors including hormones, bacteria, dead skin cells and the buildup of these factors. Your skin naturally produces oil because it needs it.

You will need:

• Castor oil
• Oil of choice (sunflower seed, jojoba, EEVO, grapeseed etc.)
• Essential oils (optional)

To explain, castor oil is the cleansing oil of the process. It penetrates deep into the skin, and has excellent cleansing properties but can be drying for some. It also is rather thick, so we need to dilute it with a thinner oil of choice. I personally use a mixture of grapeseed and castor oil, but many are also fond of sunflower seed oil and jojoba. Many also like to add essential oils for the fragrance and properties, but make sure not to add too much because essential oils are very strong and can actually irritate the skin if too much is added. To create your own mix, you should customize it according to your skin type.

• Dry skin: 10% castor oil/90% oil of choice
• Normal/balanced skin: 20% castor oil/80% oil of choice
• Oily skin: 30% castor oil/70% oil of choice

I mix up about 8 fl. oz. of cleansing oil at a time with 25% castor oil to 75% grapseed oil, and when I have breakouts, I add in about 3-4 drops of tea tree oil per fl. oz. of liquid (tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties and is great for acne). If you're unsure of your skin type, try the 20/80 blend and customize it from there. Please remember, though, that sometimes moderation is key. Castor oil may be cleansing, but adding too much can actually dry out your skin, and even create pimples or sebum. Same goes for essential oils - each have great properties for the skin, but adding too much can irritate and burn your face. When I tried tea tree oil for the first time, I attempted to wash my face with equal parts of face wash and tea tree oil. The result? It burned. It left no permanent damage or marks, but the burning was definitely not pleasant. 

The process itself is very easy:

1. Pour a good amount of your mixture into your palm, and massage it into your skin. Take your time - this will dissolve any makeup and impurities.
   
2. Wet your washcloth with hot (but not scalding) water, and lay it over your face.
   
3. Let it sit - you're effectively opening the pores to cleanse out the impurities.
   
4. Once the washcloth has cooled, rinse and repeat. There's no need to scrub - you'll find the oil and gunk will come out naturally.

Most people use the OCM 2-3 times a week, but I actually use it every night (or nights when I have foundation on) because I find it to be the most effective cleanser. I cheat with the actual process by skipping the steaming part because I don't feel I need it daily, so I usually follow up with a facial cleanser to get rid of any residual oils. Those with drier skin actually find the oil itself to be useful as a moisturizer, but feel free to experiment. So where can you buy these oils? Almost all organic health stores will have oils and essential oils, but there are several places to purchase online. I personally prefer Garden of Wisdom, but there are also:

• http://www.mountainroseherbs.com
  
• http://www.sunrosearomatics.com/catalog/essentialoils.asp
  
• http://www.vitacost.com/

I hope this was useful! It is most definitely not a miracle method/product by any means, but used over time, you'll definitely notice a difference. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask. If you have tips that you'd like to share, post away!

I made this tutorial a long time ago; it was originally posted on Specktra, but I realized that I probably should post it here for those that don't frequent Specktra as much. The original post can be seen here (as well as larger images).

Someone asked earlier if there was a reason why I do my eye makeup before foundation, and frankly, it's all up to personal preference. I like to do my face makeup last so that I can sweep away any residue from the eyeshadow, and also so I don't mess up my face foundation accidentally.

Any plans for New Year's (Eve)?

Falalalalallala! Hi everyone, long, long time no talk! I've been partially lazy, and partially busy with school and life and whatnot, so needless to say, I've been neglecting the blog. I've also shifted my focus towards skincare (smokey eyes and false eyelashes have been put on the backburner for going out nights), since I'm trying a more natural approach. I'm still experimenting with different products, but once I get that down, I'll be sure to post about it. :)

Anyway, red lips seems to be what comes to everyone's mind when it comes to the holiday season. I'm currently visiting family and friends up in the Bay Area, so instead of packing a lot of makeup that I'll never get around to using, I brought only an eyelash curler, mascara, black eyeliner, tinted moisturizer, and red lipstick. I love red lipstick because you don't have to put in a lot of effort to look made up (as long as you apply it carefully), and you can dress it up and down for different occasions.

My favorite red lipstick of the moment is MAC's Russian Red. It's a true bluish-red, and apparently Madonna's favorite red lipstick in the 90s. Madonna's in a league of her own, but I can see why she loved the lipstick! All I used above was MAC Cherry lipliner and (hastily filled) Russian Red, and a little black eyeliner and mascara on my eyes. No eyeshadow, no highlighters, nada!

Images courtesy of Lancome.com

One of the biggest trends this year has been the black lipstick/gloss phase (I know, I'm a few months late - but bear with me here). Many designers have come out with their own version, and the one pictured above is Lancome's Piha Red, coupled with a Color Fever Piha Black gloss. Unfortunately, this was a limited edition release (only 500 sets was released), and I didn't want to spend $50 for experimenting purposes...so in comes Lipstick Queen's Black Tie Optional gloss ($22).

Lipstick Queen says:

"Total Seduction - think black lace stockings for your lips. This shade was designed to be extremely wearable, Super SHEER and oh so chic.

Sexy on its own, seductive layered over any lip shade for extra incredible depth.

Straight from the Boudoir to you."

It looks very dark in the jar, but applies very sheer. It's not as tacky/sticky as regular pot glosses, but it's still a complete pain to apply, LOL. One layer applied (above) gives a very glossy look with more depth, but nothing like Lancome's version above. Your best bet would be to apply it with a lip brush; fingers do work, but it ends up being messy very fast. There is also a lipstick version, but I don't know if you would get the same effect layering the black lipstick over red lipstick. If you're looking to experiment, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives out there (e.g. Wet 'n' Wild, or Manic Panic), but if you're looking for quality, Lipstick Queen's (or YSL) version is the way to go. My only gripe is that the pot is unsanitary and difficult to use; it would be better in a lipgloss tube, OR if it came with a brush applicator.

For those of you a little more shy about bright red lipstick, try a tinted version instead. Lipstick Queen's Medieval ($20) is a sheer red that's flattering on many skintones. It feels like a lipbalm, without the greasy feeling, and also contains vitamin E to moisturize lips. This is actually more pigmented than your average tinted balm, which I find to be perfect for those days when matte lipstick is too drying on the lips, and an actual stain is too much fuss.

Lipstick Queen products can be purchased online at their website , or in Barneys and Bloomingdales.

So makeup aside, I thought I'd share my fashion-related gifts this holiday season. Shoes are my biggest weakness, so ever since the Christian Louboutin (tidbit: Lancome's Piha Red was inspired by Christian Louboutin's red soles) boutique opened at South Coast Plaza, it's just been downhill from there.

Violet Greasepaint Decolzep

Black kid C'est Moi booties

I am slowly getting back into the blogging scene (one quick look at my Google Reader shows that I have missed out on alot!), and can't wait to catch up on everything! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your loved ones, and happy new year!