TheFabZilla

Before you and I get pretty excited and busy for the Halloween, 'thought I'd showcase what I finished for the month of October, beauty-wise! Ready? I sure am *insert witch laugh*

pr sample, affiliate

'Twas a pity party of three in June so I waited for July to make this post rather engaging. So without babbling further, here are the products I finished, which in the world of beauty blogging a.k.a hoarding, remains an absolute challenge! 

press sample, affiliate 

So it's officially summer! More outdoor activities means more exposure to sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. Be a skincare ninja! Drink water, moisturize, load up on sunscreen. And please, don't forget your precious puckers. Flaky and sunburned? double ouch! Here are some tips to keep your lips in tip top condition all through summer.

affiliate  press sample

We're few days away from summer, my least favorite season. I can't get past the extreme humidity and relentless heat wave so if I'm bitchin' for no apparent reason, blame the climate not moi, haha! So how do you look your best if you're sweating like a pig? scroll down for zilla's suggestions.

sent for  feature consideration

Any vacation plans this summer? whether you're traveling outside the country or driving cross-country, don't forget to pack your skincare essentials. As a beauty enthusiast, I encourage you to continue your regimen regardless of the time zone you're in. Look fabulous, wherever.

press sample

I am a very busy woman and I know you are too. While our definition of "being busy" is relative, multi-tasking is obviously a way of life for us. So much so that I get bored or finicky when I don't do anything productive. My mantra: constant mind and body stimulation or wither to obscurity.

Given this frame of thought, I tend to gravitate towards products that also multi-task. Time is a factor; if it can perform several things simultaneously, you bet I'm in! I was recently introduced to Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield ($65, 1.0 fl oz/ 30 ml) a primer, sunscreen and anti-aging treatment in a pump bottle.

samples affiliate

 

Products come and go but there are those that swept me off my feet, wowed me in mammoth proportion, and made me repurchase numerous times this year. I'm releasing my Annual Best in Beauty few weeks early because they are worth adding to your Holiday Gift Guide or Wish List. So ladies and zillas, here are my Top 14 in 2014 (reviews are linked for your reference) *drum roll please*

::    affiliate    ::

Let's face it, skincare is a touchy subject when it comes to gift-giving. Unless you know the person by heart, you don't want to give something which may potentially offend the recipient. Anything that connotes criticism is a big no-no to moi (anti-perspirant, anti-acne, anti-dandruff, anti-fungal). But this minor setback shouldn't hinder you from shopping because nothing beats radiant and clear skin this time of the year! So sit back, sip your pumpkin spice latte and scroll down for my suggestions...

::    press samples    ::

Over dinner not too long ago, Hubzilla uttered "bey, your skin looks glowing and bright". 'Must be the new skincare line I'm testing for over a month now, flattered moi responded. Of course I believe the guy who can read my mind, understand when I'm hangry, laugh at my sarcasm, support my lipstick addiction, enjoy zombies like I do, and who gets nervous every time I'd say that I'm going to cut my hair pixie-style. Ha! the same guy who tried to scare me by putting these clowns all over the house last Halloween....

On its fourth year now, skincare brand Murad joined forces with City of Hope to raise funds for awareness and treatment for women cancer programs. City of Hope is a leading treatment and research center for cancer, diabetes and other serious health conditions which helped patients and their families for over 100 years. 

For the month of October, Murad created a limited edition called Hydrate for Hope featuring Hydro Dynamic Ultimate Moisture, a great moisturizer for dry and dehydrated skin. 10% of the proceeds will be funneled to City of Hope's research, treatment and educational programs. 

Source

::    press sample    ::

So let's tackle facial cleansers this time. Do you use a specific brand or line that caters to your skin type because you're cool like that or you don't bother at all because you're not-so cool like that? But seriously, which one are you?

Press sample

Once an acne-ridden duckling. I have suffered from acne for as long as I can remember. And yes, it did affect my self-esteem when I was a teenager. The night before our senior high pictorial, I was looking at the mirror and cried in silence "why me? why do I have all these zits?" I've always felt alienated because my friends were blessed with beautiful and flawless skin.

Was it a face with acne or acne with a face? So Ms. Whitehead and Mr. Blackhead inaugurated Zitville, and around it they scattered oil and drilled craters. Humor became my outlet in dealing with this curse, after all what would self-pity do? With my wallet drained, no thanks to uneventful treatments, I accepted the fact that even in my adult duck years, acne is etched in my destiny.