sheR0XX.blogspot.com

Electronic Accessories

2012-01-18T01:42:00.001-07:00

I've really calmed down a lot with buying make up and clothes, but I guess in a way you could say I replaced that with electronics - which might be worse! I get really and at accessorizing too because I'm so indecisive with what I want that I end up getting everything - so bad, really. I thought my old iPad case would fit perfectly over my MacBook Air since it was a little loose for my iPad but it's just barely too small!! -____- So I've been debating between a clear crystal case or just getting a sleeve for it but again, I can't decide so I'm holding off on it. Instead I ended up getting a vinyl sticker for it:

I call it the "Gangsta" Snow White, but it's the "Snow White's Revenge" sticker from Etsy. I ordered from Heart & Vinyl Design because they were the cheapest I found at $7.49 including shipping. Some other Etsy shops were selling it for almost $20! I'm thinking I might just get a clear pink crystal case to protect Snow White, but we'll see. I'm super picky with the sleeves too and I really don't want to pay more than $30 for a case!

I also got a new Hello Kitty iPhone case from eBay for around $5! I've seen it sold some places online for $20+! It took a while for shipping since I think it came from Asia, but I'd definitely rather pay $5 than $20. I really like how it's a rubbery material instead of a hard case but the only downside is that my makeup sometimes rubs off on the side borders of my screen! I'm slowly learning to cover my face with my hair before I use the phone. LOL I'm still a little worried that it'll get dirty from general use, but I love the way the white on white looks with my phone.

My FAIL purchase is the Privacy Screen Ward, which I also purchased off of eBay. I think I got it for $2 maybe? I know people can be nosy looking at what you're doing on your phone so I thought I'd try out this privacy screen but DON'T get a privacy screen if you have a white iPhone! It defeats the purpose of the white iPhone and honestly it just looks retarded because it looks like you're trying to make your phone black! -____- I ended up just ordering clear matte screens and gave the screen away to a friend. Definitely recommended if you have a black iPhone because the privacy screen works really well, but if you have a white one.. it just looks funny. But if you don't care about aesthetics, be my guest!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-15T01:32:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year! I know it's two weeks in, but better late than never right? It's a new year and I'm hoping to start fresh with everything. I don't know if it's that new year fever or something but lately I've been feeling really motivated and inspired to get the ball rolling with everything. I always get discouraged pretty easily so I'm trying to keep my motivation steady by constantly doing things but I'm always so easily distracted! I really feel like this is my year though and I feel like I can do it all! =P

I've been getting into makeup again and I already have quite a few posts in mind. I'm excited! Also recently bought a MacBook Air

my new baby!

For educational [and recreational] purposes! It's kinda helped with the blogging motivation. I'm definitely a mac noob though so any advice is definitely appreciated. I want to revamp my whole blog layout but I'm not sure what I'm gonna do with it yet. I've always gravitated towards simple layouts but we'll see. Colors are definitely gonna have to change though.

Hope everyone has been doing well, I've missed my blogger girls! ^___^ Cheers to a New Year! Be on the look out for more updates, reviews, and just blogs in general!

ShoeDazzle Sale!

2011-12-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

Bought these shoes today from ShoeDazzle! I don't buy every month just because $40 is kind of expensive for shoes so I usually grab some when they have a sale! Three of their pump styles are on sale for $19.97 INCLUDING shipping! I lost my plain black pumps so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to grab a pair. I know I've been MIA but hopefully I'll make a comeback this Christmas :)

OPI Ogre the Top Blue

2011-08-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

OPI Ogre the Top Blue

I'm stuck in Guam for a little since I'm on standby so I thought I'd make a quick post! I got this polish from Ulta a month ago but I completely forgot about it until now. I'm pretty sure it's one of the leftovers from their Shrek collection a few months back. It's such a bright blue, PERFECT for Summer. (Even though it's almost over!) I tried swatching white OPI Shatter and China Glaze Crackle polish over it to compare the two and I'm kinda partial to OPI, although the difference isn't huge to me. I alternated fingers in the swatch.

OPI White Shatter, CG Lightning Bolt, OPI, CG

I've been obsessed with painting my ring finger a different color! Here's OPI Ogre the Top Blue and OPI's Sexy Lady on the ring finger:

I wish I knew how to take better pictures!

July 2011 Favorites

2011-08-08T00:09:00.000-07:00

+ Sugarpill Sweet Heart Palette $34 at sugarpill.net
I've really been loving this palette ever since I got it from IMATS in June! The colors are super bright and it really was a steal considering how pigmented the colors are and how huge the eyeshadows are! The packaging is cardboard, which a lot of people might see as a negative but I find it really sturdy for cardboard. I'm just a little worried that the flap might start to get flimsy after a while. My favorite color from this palette is Midori (the green) it looks gorgeous on the lid or smoked out!

+ Sugarpill Hysteric Loose Eyeshadow $12 at sugarpill.net
I really love the way this shadow looks on my outer v. It's dark enough to be used alone but light enough to be a nice lid color. I don't know why but I like how the packaging reminds me of the older MAC pigment packaging.

+ Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Black Ink $21 at Sephora
After my fluidline collection video a lot of people recommended Bobbi Brown gel liner so I snatched up this one at IMATS since it was at a discount. The price kinda puts me off since it's $21 a pop! (Fluidlines are only around $16?) But I do like how smooth these apply. AND I just heard that you can use these on the waterline! I haven't tried it yet but that definitely is a +1 in my book.

+ NYX Retractable Liners in Purple & Aqua Green ~$4
Drugstore liners are generally miss for me but I love how smooth these apply and the best thing is it actually goes on my waterline! I've yet to find a drugstore liner that will apply to my water line so this one totally tripped me out. The fact that it's only around $4 makes me wanna go out and buy all the colors!

+ NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams $5-6 @ cherryculture.com
I don't own too many matte lip products because my lips are always super dry and it makes it end up looking kinda weird so I was kind of skeptical about these at first but they're not completely matte. Their the most moisturizing matte lip products I've tried. I still have to put on lip balm before I apply but I like the way it looks on. I like the smell too, it kind of reminds me of cinnamon with something else. I want all the colors of these, too!

China Glaze Swatches: Sneaker Head, Sexy Lady, & Ruby Pumps

2011-08-03T23:08:00.000-07:00

Sexy Lady, Sneaker Head, & Ruby Pumps

I bought these China Glaze polishes a week ago from a store called Natural here at the mall in Guam. I don't really do much shopping whenever I come out here because either I can't find anything OR the prices are really expensive! All the China Glaze polishes were $8 each and they don't charge taxes here! So I grabbed these 3. I really wanted some of the OPI polishes, too, but they were $10 each! o.O I tried to get some good swatches of them but I'm pretty bad at swatches in general so don't mind if my fingers are all in awkward positions and whatnot! I picked the pictures with the truest color which all happened to be the weirdest posed one! LOL

Sexy Lady

Sneaker Head

Ruby Pumps

I can't pick a favorite of the three but I think that Sneaker Head was my least favorite. Don't get me wrong I love the color! It's a mix between hot pink and red, but in the bottle it's more hot pink but on my nails it pulls more red. I really wish the hot pink showed a lot more and it's slightly less opaque than the other two - I can still kind of see my nails underneath. I really like Sexy Lady, but the color isn't really unique. (There are TONS of other hot pink polishes out there!) Ruby Pumps is really pretty, but comes out a little lighter than in the bottle. The glitter kinda sticks to your fingers/nails when you take it off, but since the glitter is pretty fine it's not that bad. Some of it still sticks to your nails afterwards, but after I washed my hands it was almost completely gone except for a few specks. I LOVE China Glaze polishes, so I'm really pleased with what I got.

Gelish Nails

2011-08-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

Before I left or Guam a couple weeks ago, my mom and I got our nails done and the nail techs showed us this Gelish Polish and I really wanted to try it! My sister tried it before and she really liked it so I thought I'd give it a shot. Normally, if I do get my nails done - which is once every few months! - I get simple french tips with the gel beds. The Gelish polish is a relatively new kind of polish from Hand Nail and Harmony. It's basically a heavy duty nail polish that's cured under the UV lamps to harden. The nail tech told me it would last me 2 - 3 weeks and to take it off I just had to soak my nails in nail polish remover. They come in a various amount of shades - you can see the complete description/application/removal on the Hand Nail & Harmony website here

a few of the colors

I'm actually really pleased with these and I think I'll definitely get them again if I could. I like getting french tips + gel done on my fingernails because they last a really long time and these definitely last a while, too. It lasted 2 - 3 weeks for me, as expected. Towards the end of the second week my nail beds were showing really bad - even the hubby noticed! - but my nails do grow pretty fast. It took me around 15 minutes to get them off, but I'd already peeled off a few of my nails already. I'm pretty impatient with the soaking but once you soak them for a while in nail polish remover, they're pretty easy to pick off. My nails were a little weaker, but they were a lot stronger compared to the regular gel nails I get done. The thing I LOVED the most about it was there was absolutely NO CHIPPING and I didn't break a single finger nail! I wash/clean all the time (where most of the chipping happens) and I didn't have any problems at all. I believe it cost around $30 to get these done, which is kind of pricey, but getting your nails done by pros usually costs you. Hopefully I can find a salon that does these in AZ because I'll definitely be doing them again!

my nails after about 1.5 weeks. I think this color is called June Bride

my video review!

PRODUCT REVIEW: MAC Opulash Mascara

2011-07-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

PRODUCT: 5/5
PACKAGING: 5/5
QUALITY: 5/5
GRADE: A
PRICE: $14 from MAC counters, stores, and maccosmetics.com
WOULD I REPURCHASE? Yes

WHAT MAC SAYS
Superlative style & state-of-the-art science merge. A new formula in a more saturated intense black with extra-volumization, expansion & curl delivered dramatically with our most bodacious brush yet. Lasts 15 hours!

PROS
+ Lengthening
+ Volumizing
+ Really lasts 15 hours!
+ More 'affordable' higher end mascara

CONS
- Brush may be too big for people with smaller lashes
- Can be a little difficult to come off

I've been using this mascara to the very end of its 3 month term and I love it! MAC mascaras get a lot of flack for not working to well but MAC's Plushlash has been my HG ever since I discovered it a few years ago. One of my MAC MUA's described Opulash as "Plushlash on crack" so I had to have it. But like most products, I was really skeptical in the beginning. I feel like a lot of gurus/bloggers say they "love" a product without thoroughly testing it or just saying it because they're sponsored but I feel like I'm the other way. I always dislike it in the beginning, keep using it because I don't wanna waste and discover I like it!

I have longer lashes so I appreciate a bigger brush, but it might be a problem for those of you with shorter, thinner lashes. The brush is pretty dense and I feel like it packs on a lot of mascara without clumping and adds a lot of length to my lashes. The tube itself is pretty big and even after 3 months, I think there's still a ton of product in there. MAC claims that it last 15 hours - and it definitely does for me! Sometimes I fall asleep with this mascara on - I know, it's bad! But don't act like you don't once in a while! - and it's still perfect when I wake up in the morning. In fact, its harder to take off then other mascaras. Usually my MAC wipes will take most of my mascara off, but I have to wash my eyes with baby shampoo to get these off.

I thought this review might be helpful since MAC is releasing their Opulash Optimum Black next month (but for $1 more!). At $14 a piece, it's one of the more affordable "higher end" mascaras which I think is pretty reasonable considering a lot of them are $20+. I think it's worth trying and I'll definitely be repurchasing this again.

FOTD: Sugarpill Hysteric + MAC Crazy Cool

2011-07-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

I've been using the Sugarpill make up I hauled from IMATS a lot and I've really been loving the colors and pigmentation of the shadow! I find that the pressed powders are way more pigmented than the loose pigments but all the colors are really pretty! I used Sugarpill's Hysteric on the outer v and it's a nice purple color. I didn't feel the need to smoke it out and it's light enough to be wearable during the day and you can always smoke it out and wear it at night. Sorry again for the picture quality, this is from my iPhone camera!

FACE
+ MAC Studio Fix Foundation in NC43
+ MAC SWEET WILLIAM Cream Blush
+ MAC DAINTY Mineralized Blush

EYES
+ MAC PAINTERLY Paint Pot [primer]
+ MAC SCANT Eyeshadow [highlight]
+ MAC CRAZY COOL Eyeshadow [lid]
+ Sugarpill HYSTERIC pigment [outer v]
+ Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in BLACK
+ MAC Opulash Mascara in BLACK
+ MUFE Aqua Eyes Liner in 0L

LIPS
+ MAC MIMMY Lipglass

NEW Sigma Brush Holder

2011-07-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

It's funny how when one company has a new product, a lot of companies jump on to make the same one! I've been loving the MAC brush holder I got from IMATS and today I saw that Sigma has just released their brush holder!! I'm pretty sure it's the same one from their Make Me Up brush collection but just sold separately. I actually contemplated buying one of the sets just because I wanted the brush holder! For now, they only have the black brush holder up for sale, but maybe they'll release the different colors soon. The brush holder is $20, which is cheaper than the MAC one that I bought, and seems a lot sturdier. Use code HB2011 for 10% off your purchase!

FOTD: Sugarpill Midori & MAC Browns + New Hair

2011-07-20T02:45:00.001-07:00

It's been ages since I posted a FOTD! I've just had lack of inspiration and I really haven't been in love with the way my make up looks have been coming out lately so I just kinda gave up for a little. But I've been playing with a lot of my goodies from my IMATS haul and I'm sooo in love with my Sugarpill make up! I've been using Midori a lot because it's such a pretty green. (And if you didn't know Midori means "green" in Japanese!) I really liked the way this came out because the green is so vibrant but the browns make it wearable during the day. Sorry if the pictures aren't as clear, I had to use my iPhone since I left my camera in Hawaii! >___<

Aaaand I wanted to show you all my new hair cut! I trim my hair regularly because I've been trying to grow it out but I'm always getting split ends and my hair grows so fast I have to trim my bangs all the time. I wanted to try out the "front bangs" (as I call them) or "fringe bangs" idk what they're officially called? I've had sideswept bangs since my senior year in high school and I wanted something different but I kind of regret it! I'm not really feeling the fringe, idk if I just have to get used to it or what but I'm going back to sideswept ASAP! Oh yeah and I dyed my hair super dark brown. It's so dark it looks black! I wanted to go back natural because I'm having a hard time keeping up my hair color since it grows so fast so I think I'm gonna leave it dark for a while. It was so odd to have my hair dark again! Especially with the bangs! But I guess it's nice to have some change every once in a while.

FACE
+ MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC43
+ MAC Cream Blush in SWEET WILLIAM
+ MAC Mineralized Blush in DAINTY
+ MAC Blush in STRADA [contour]

EYES
+ MAC PAINTERLY Paint Pot
+ MAC SCANT Eyeshadow [highlight]
+ Sugarpill MIDORI Eyeshadow [lid]
+ MAC SMUT Eyeshadow [outer v/crease]
+ MAC COPPERPLATE Eyeshadow [crease]
+ Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in BLACK
+ MUFE Aqua Eyes Liner in 0L [waterline]
+ MAC Opulash Mascara

LIPS
+ NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in STOCKHOLM

Charlotte Russe Shoe Sale

2011-07-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

I LOVE buying shoes from Charlotte Russe because they're affordable, and they hold up really well for the price! I especially love when they do buy one get one 1/2 off or get the second one for $10 because let's face it - being a college student in a recession there's NO way I'll be able to afford those Louboutins anytime soon! From now until Wednesday, Charlotte Russe is having a sale on ALL their shoes! This includes those cute summer sandals to their boots and the prices range from $5 - $30! I'm so tempted to buy a few pairs but after my IMATS haul I really can't! But here are some pairs that I would totally buy if I could!

30% Off Karmaloop

2011-07-17T03:32:00.001-07:00

Got this email from Karmaloop for 30% off and thought I'd share! ;)

PS yay for microblogging from my phone! =P

MAC "MAC Me Over" Collection

2011-07-17T01:44:00.000-07:00

I remember a few months back MAC had the "MAC Me Over" contest where anyone could enter to be one of the 6 faces for their Fall 2011 make up line and the collection is finally here! (or almost here!) The collection debuts August 25, 2011 in the US and September 2011 internationally and I think I'm actually excited for this collection! The collections lately haven't got me really interested, I thought I'd love the Semi-Precious collection that came out last month, but when I saw it in person, none of it really stood out to me so I completely passed. Hopefully this one doesn't disappoint because there's a few fluidlines and shadesticks I'm eyeing out!

Fluidlines: Dark Envy, Dark Diversion, Midnight Blues, Avenue$15.00

Shadesticks: Butternutty, Heirloom, Tundra, Cakeshop, Street Cool
$17.50

Lipglass: Curvaceous, Illicit, Plum Fun, Social Light
$14.50

Lipglass: Wee Coquette, Good Times, Spite
$14.50

Lipsticks: Runway Red, Rebel, Prince Noir, Smoked Purple
$14.50

Polish: Purple Majesty, Deep Sea, Fatigues, Quiet Time
Brushes: 226, 214, 211
Polish $15.00/226 $24.50/214 $24.50/211 $18.00

Seaside CCB, Take Root CCB, Stunner Blush, Equilibrium Blush, Studio Fix PowderCCB $17/Blush $19.50

Eyeshadows: Creamy Bisque, Moleskin, Outre, Satin Taupe, Mythical, Carbonized
$15.00

Evil Eye Quad: (clockwise) Palace Pedigreed, Spellcaster, Moody, Evil Eye
$38.00

Lady Grey Eyeshadow Quad: (clockwise) Tendersmoke, Lady Grey, Hazy Day, All Races
$38.00

I'm eyeing out all the fluidlines (except Dark Diversion since I already have it) but Dark Envy and Midnight Blues look really similar to Ivy and Siahi but I'll have to see it in person to decide. Heirloom and Tundra Shadesticks look like pretty colors. Curvaceous is probably the only lipglass I'm interested in and maybe Runway Red lipstick. I think I'm missing 3 lipstick colors I couldn't find the promo pics for it. Definitely passing on the polishes because I'm not a fan of MAC nail polishes. Seaside CCB looks like a nice base color but I barely use the CCBs I already own. I kinda want Stunner Blush but I don't know how different the color is compared to the blushes I already own so we'll see. None of the eyeshadows really stick out to me but maybe when I see it in person I'll change my mind. Are you eyeing anything out from this collection?

IMATS Haul

2011-07-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

The post you've all been waiting for.. my haul post! It took me a while to get the swatches together and plus I wanted to film a haul video too >__< but it's finally ready! Like I said in my IMATS post, I hauled a crap load because I knew there was a lot of stuff I wanted so I held back from buying make up and just aved up for IMATS. This is the result...

the motherload! LOL

The sad thing to say is that I wish I got more! Kidding.. (half) I only wish I was able to get a bigger palette from Inglot and I wish I got the other palette from Sugarpill! This post is going to be really picture heavy since I decided not to break it up, so click for swatches & pics after the jump!

MAC Brush Canister

I was kind of disappointed with the MAC booth, they weren't selling a lot of their staple products like paint pots and fluidlines! They were selling mostly pro products which is understandable since it's a "Makeup Artist Tradeshow" but I just wanted a 224 brush and Contrast eyeshadow and they were completely out! My sister ended up getting a couple things but when we were leaving I saw this brush canister! One of the MUA told me that this canister was brand new and it hasn't even been released to MAC stores yet! It's actually a pro product so I believe they'll only have this in pro stores. Don't quote me on that though. It comes in 2 sizes I believe? I got the bigger of the two but I really like it because it's adjustable. I know it seems like a silly idea but I originally wanted a Cozzette brush vessel and at the show it was $17 and with the 20% off at MAC this came out to $20. I picked this out over the Cozzette one because it's adjustable! So you can make it longer or shorter and its significantly wider than the Cozzette vessel. I think this would be really great for traveling and so easy to pull out and throw in your bag.

brushes in the canister

closed canister

Parian Spirit brush cleaner set

I bought this brush cleaner at last year's IMATS and I loved it a lot! It cleans my white brushes really well and it smells so clean! But I lost the little plastic things that go inside the little bottle and I needed more brush cleaner so I just bought a whole set. I'll probably do a video demo on this!

Model In A Bottle: Eye Makeup Remover, Brow Sealer, & Matte Finishing Spray

I heard really good things about the Model In A Bottle Brow Sealer and I wanted to try it out for myself. Then (of course) the lady tried to sell me on the matte finishing spray but I hesitated before finally saying yes and she threw in the makeup remover for free! Haven't tested any of these out yet but we'll see.

Pink Z-Palette

The Z-Palette retails online for about $20 and several booths were selling this palette. I was really surprised at how sturdy it actually feels and how big it is. The outside is cardboard but the magnet feels pretty strong and I like how the top is clear. I tried to put a few shadows/blush in the palette and shake it around and it did not move! I'm definitely pleasantly surprised by this palette but I'll have to do more testing with it. It comes in black, pink, leopard, and zebra and it comes in a large and small size. I chose the larger one, of course!

opened Z-Palette

size comparison to MAC palette - its huuge!

Unii Palette

cute packaging!

My friend told me about the Unii Palette and she wanted me to get check it out for her at IMATS. I really haven't heard much about it before but I looked it up before I went and it's $29 regular price! But when I saw their booth, I realized how small the palette is. It's like a baby! I do like the concept of it though. The palette is a sturdy plastic and I LOVE how it has a little clip to keep it securely closed. I think this would be really great for traveling, but I do wish it was bigger! At least the size of a MAC palette! But it's super cute and I love how it has a huge mirror in it too. I'll definitely be trying this out during my travels this summer.

open palette

size comparison to MAC - it's a baby!

Bdellium Brushes: 965, 787, 995

Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner

Make Up For Ever: Duo Mat Powder in 209, Aqua Cream in 9, Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in 1, & Aqua Liner in 0L

Aqua Cream in 9, Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in 1, Aqua Liner in 0L

Crown Brushes: brush roll, spoolie brush, eyebrow brush

From Naimie's: Lime Crime + Bobbi Brown

Lime Crime Lipsticks & Bobbi Brown Gel Liner

Coquette Lipstick, Centrifuschia Lipstick, Black Gel Liner

Coquette & Centrifuschia Lipstick

Stila Kajal Liners: Topaz & Onyx

Onyx & Topaz Liners

Sugarpill Make Up!

LOVE this packaging

Sweetheart Palette, Hysteric Pigment, Lumi Pigment, & Paperdoll Pigment

Sweetheart Palette: Dollipop, Afterparty, Midori, & Tako
Pigments: Hysteric, Lumi, & Paperdoll

Dollipop, Afterparty, Midori, Tako, Lumi, Hysteric, & Paperdoll

Lumi, Hysteric, & Paperdoll

OCC Lip Tars: Anime & Trollop

Trollop & Anime

NYX: Grinding Blush in Sangria in Madrid, Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm, Antwerp, San Paulo, & Amsterdam, Eyeliners in Purple and Aqua Green, Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown, HD Concealer in Nutmeg, Photo Loving Anti-Redness Primer

Stockholm, Antwerp, San Paulo, & Amsterdam Soft Matte Lip Creams

Sangria in Madrid Blush, Aqua Green & Purple Liners, Medium Brown Eyebrow Pencil

Inglot: AMC Matte Eyeliner Gel in 88, Matte AMC Lip Pencil in, Sleeks Lip Gloss in 63

10-Pan Freedom Palette
TOP ROW: Matte 345, Matte 385, Matte 371, Matte 366, Matte 391
BOTTOM ROW: Matte 346, Pearl 440, Matte 388, Pearl 446, Matte 318

Lip Gloss in 63, Lip Pencil, Matte Liner Gel in 88

Matte 345, Matte 385, Matte 371, Matte 366, Matte 391

Matte 346, Pearl 440, Matte 388, Pearl 446, Matte 318

watch the long ass video! lol

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale

2011-07-05T16:07:00.000-07:00

Urban Decay is having a Friends and Family sale! 25% off all products (except the Naked Palette) and there's a limit of 5 of the same pieces/shade per order. Just enter code FFSUMMER2011 at check out

IMATS LA 2011

2011-06-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

**WARNING** this post is REALLY picture heavy!

waiting in line at IMATS

Last weekend my sister and I drove out to California to attend IMATS LA in Pasadena. We were so ready to take a break from this desert heat! I originally wasn't planning on going this year because I wasn't going to be out in the states for the whole summer but plans changed and my sister and I ended up coming back. I went to IMATS LA last year and I had a lot of fun but I didn't get to buy everything that I wanted so I came armed with a plan! (Obviously, lol) I knew exactly which booths I wanted to hit up and what products I wanted to get, which helped a lot but don't think that you're going to get everything because a lot of products sold out really quick. I'll have to separate my haul post because this is going to have a TON of pictures in it!

the line at 8AM!

We went on Saturday and since there was soo much hype about IMATS this year and with all the tickets selling out we planned to get there early. We stayed at a hotel in Arcadia which was 10-15 minutes away and we planned to leave at 7 AM but I am not a morning person at all so we didn't get to the convention center until 7:30. But even at 7:30 the lines was ridiculous! They had everyone waiting outside at first and by the time we found our spot, the line was starting to wrap around the building. I guess the line was getting too long because the doors weren't supposed to open until 8:30 but they started letting people get their wristbands and get into the convention around 8! I saw JRose and Tia when we were standing inline but it was so hectic in there that we didn't get to take pictures with each other! =(

in line for wristbands/registration

MUFE booth already crowded!

My first stop was the Make Up Forever (MUFE) booth because I was really sad that I missed out on the 40% off last year! When I tried to get in line to order they told me it was too late because the line was still 2 hours long and the convention was going to close for the day. I was disappointed this year because I had a looong ass MUFE list that I wanted but I found out that the discount was 20% off unless you had a Pro Card then you got the 40% off. I ended up getting a pretty good amount of stuff though, esp since I needed refills on the Duo Matte Powder. I waited in line for an hour and a half - lucky thing I had my list or I would've taken longer! Then I hit up Inglot next because I knew it was going to be crowded!

me trying to squeeze in to pay! LOL u can see how bad my roots are

The Inglot booth was insane! We stood in line for a good 30 minutes before one of the Inglot ladies came over and said we should just try to squeeze in because we're gonna be waiting forever! FOL (F Our Lives lol) we should've started trying to squeeze in from the beginning! You really had to hold your own in those lines everyone's annoyed just trying to get swatches and get one of the booth worker's attentions to place your order. The only thing I liked about the Inglot line was you could give them the order, pay, and then come back. You didn't have to wait in line the whole time like MUFE. Of course, I'm sure some people got things mixed up, etc. but it worked for me. I really wanted to get a 20 palette but they were sold out by time I got there! (It wasn't even 12 yet!) I would've bought more 10 palettes but I was just too annoyed trying to get through the crowd.

We made a set plan the day before so we had a list of exactly which booths we needed to go to and in what order just because I knew we had to expect a huuge crowd. We spent a lot of time inline but I think my plan worked out really well because we got mostly everything that we wanted. I originally wanted to attend some of the classes but we were so caught up buying things and walking around that we were already tired by early afternoon. I honestly don't know how some of those women were walking around in heels because I wore flat sandals and my feet were sore! We took a break 30 minutes before the student competition and ended up sticking around for that. I wish we got close ups with the student's artwork but we ended up leaving not to long after.

Overall, it was a great experience. I think a lot of people went for the discounts and to take pictures with YouTube gurus, but I wasn't too interested in that. It was kinda cool seeing EnKoreMakeup, petrilude, shrinkle, etc. in person but we weren't one of those people who were like "OMG can I take a picture with you?!" I love watching YouTube vids but I wish the "real" makeup artists got more credit because their work is AMAZING. By real, I mean the ones who do special effects and just completely transform people into something else! Not that regular makeup artists aren't "real" but I'm just saying that there are some really talented artists out there who should be more recognized. If I went to makeup school I totally would wanna learn how to do the whole crazy transformation makeup kinda thing! (lol I have no idea what that's called)

This year's IMATS was definitely way more crowded than last year's. The tickets completely sold out for Saturday I think a week before? So they ended up releasing 300 more tickets the week of and THOSE sold out too! It's crazy how big this thing blew up and I think a lot of it has to do with YouTube gurus. In a way I liked last year's better, but this year's was pretty good too. It was just kinda weird seeing all these really young girls at IMATS that I don't remember seeing last year! I don't think I'll get to go next year, but then again I said that about this year! If I have the chance, I'll definitely go but I'm kinda bummed that they raised the prices from this year! You can actually buy IMATS LA 2012 tickets online now! It'll be June 23-24, 2012 so if you're that serious you could buy tickets already!

I'll do my haul posts after I take pictures of everything, but I think I might have to break everything up unless you guys want one giant haul post! =P I'll probably have it up in the next couple of days, but for now here's some pictures we got from walking around! [normally I don't like using the jump link but there are just TOO many pictures!]

this lady had glitter on her tattoo, the camera doesn't show it very well

LOL my sister taking random pics of me - my face looks fat! ew

person getting transformed into a bird! we didn't realize he was pointing at us until we looked at the picture

random pic of my sister

a pig walking around!

the only made up person we took a pic with

lady getting made over

me and my sister

bird man got closer

colorful devil guy

Sugarpill booth! Definitely the cutest booth there

swatching - SO pretty!

creeper pics of shrinkle & petrilude lol

we would've asked to take pictures but I really did NOT want to stand in line with the crowd! haha

golden glitter guy @ the MAC booth

she looked like a stone lady all cracked on her head

EnKore

the MUA painted her whole body with clothes!

red devil guy - totally creeped me out walking around!

gnome lady? lol

it looked so real

Mehron booth

Mad Hatter lady @ the MUFE booth

so cool!

the girl's full "clothing" - we saw her when she only had underwear on! lol

the winner from the student competition - it looked AMAZING in person!

they had some runway thing

taking a break

purple glitter guy @ the MAC booth

Frankenstein

Tiffany D @ the Sigma booth

alien guy

just wanted to show you how UGLY the drive back to AZ is! lol

IMATS Haul Sneak Peek

2011-06-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

Got back from Cali a few hours ago and unpacked my goodies! Yeah, you can say I did some MAJOR damage at IMATS this year! I don't know when's the next time I would get the opportunity to go so I totally took advantage! But it's time for bed so just wanted to show you a sneak peak ;)

NEW Sigma Eyeshadow Palettes!

2011-06-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Sigma just released their new eyeshadow palettes today! They've been hyping it up for quite some time now and we finally get to see what the new product is! I believe it'll be also be shown at IMATS LA, but I'm not entirely sure. The packaging looks really similar to the Urban Decay Naked Palette but slightly smaller and a little modified. In fact the Bare palette at first sight looks like a dupe of the Naked Palette! There are 8 shadows per palette and each comes with a double sided brush. The brushes it comes with depends on which palette you purchase. I kind of want to try one of them just to see how it is because I'm always curious about new products! But with a $35 price tag I'm not sure. If I had to choose one it would probably be either the Flare! Maybe I'll change my mind when I see them in person at IMATS but if you can't wait just use code ALL2011 for 10% off your order!

Dare Palette
comes with E20 (short shader) and E45 (small tapered blending)

Bare Palette
comes with E30 (pencil brush) and E25 (blending brush)

Flare Palette
comes with E55 (shader) and E40 (tapered blending)

MAC Fluidline Collection + Swatches

2011-06-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

I posted my MAC Fluidline collection video on my YouTube channel and I took picture swatches too because sometimes it's just easier looking at the pictures! I've been meaning to post my entire MAC collection but break it down in sections so this is the first part of that little series. I always meant to do it before but my collection was constantly growing and now that I've slowed down buying MAC (even make up in general!) significantly, I thought it'd be the perfect time to start swatching everything! My shadows and lippies are going to be the hardest to swatch so I'll probably have to break those up into groups too! These swatch pictures didn't come out as nice as I'd like them to but I think it's the best I could do with my camera!

TR: Blacktrack, Dipdown, Dark Diversion, Frostlite, Blue Peep
BR: Nightfish, Rich Ground, Macroviolet, Ivy, Siahi

TR: Blacktrack, Dipdown, Dark Diversion, Frostlite, Blue Peep
BR: Nightfish, Rich Ground, Macroviolet, Ivy, Siahi

Like I said in my video, I LOVE MAC Fluidlines! I'm still open to trying out other brands but I've yet to come across one that makes me completely forget about fluidline. It's so smooth and for the price, it's reasonable to me. I like paying more for higher end make up brands because I think it does make a difference most of the time but I'm not willing to shell out $20+ all the time! MAC Fluidline retails for $15 at MAC and the great thing about it is you can B2M (Back 2 MAC) the packaging after you're all done!

Blacktrack

My Blacktrack is really drying out now because it's practically gone already! But this was my first Fluidline and definitely most used. I honestly didn't experience drying until the glass bottom started to show a lot. This color is permanent at MAC.

Dipdown

I've heard a few women use this to fill in their brows but I've never tried it since I don't need that much filling in but I do like using this on lazy make up days when I feel like wearing liner but want a more natural look. This brown is darker and more matte than Rich Ground. This is also a permanent color.

Dark Diversion

Dark Diversion is an LE and came out with the Stylishly Yours Collection at the end of last year. It's a dark plum-y brown and in brighter lighting, the plum shows more. In this swatch it looks dark purply, brown.

Frostlite

I believe this came out with the Holiday 2007 collection but I'm not entirely sure. It's white with a gold sheen to it and I like to use it in the inner corner of my eyes to brighten it up. This was LE.

Blue Peep

I think Blue Peep used to be a permanent color, but like I said in my video they discontinued all the colorful fluidlines and just kept the basic dark colors. This one applies smooth but definitely dries matte. It's super bright and I actually haven't used it yet, but it's so pretty!

Nightfish

Nightfish came out with the Lure Collection I think back in 2006? It's black with a sheen to it and can read slightly lighter than Blacktrack. I use this whenever I can't find my Blacktrack.

Rich Ground

Rich Ground is a permanent color and is described on the website as "reddened coco with frost. It definitely looks frosty but to me the color looks a tad bronzey compared to Dip Down.

Macroviolet

Macroviolet is also a permanent color and shows more purple than Dark Devotion. I love the way this looks when I'm wearing a DARK smokey purple eye.

Ivy

Ivy came out with the Mickey Contractor collection at the beginning of this year. The collection only came out to a few MAC stores and online and I almost missed out on this! The collection was based off of Bollywood make up and had a lot of bright colors. It was described as "bright green" and to me it looks grass green.

Siahi

Siahi was also LE from the Mickey Contractor collection and is a deep turquoise color. The shade reminds me of peacock feathers and has a slight tinge of glitter in it.

REVIEW: Essie Turquoise & Caicos

2011-06-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

PRODUCT: 3.5/5
PACKAGING: 5/5
QUALITY: 4/5
GRADE: B
PRICE: $7-8 at Target (also at other drugstores)
WOULD I REPURCHASE? Yes

PROS
+ GORGEOUS color!
+ Lasts a week or longer on (which is great for me!)
+ Love the brush

CONS
- Not pigmented by itself, need at least 3 coats to get a solid color
- It's a little pricey for nail polish

I've been eyeign out this specific shade of Essie nail polish ever since I saw Target got Essie nail polish in. This minty turquoise color is probably my second favorite color but I was totally avoiding buying it because $8 for a nail polish from Target seemed kinda pricey to me, but I finally caved and bought it! The down side is that it's really sheer. I had to apply 3 coats to get it completely opaque, but it isn't as streaky as MAC nail polishes (wish are the worst!). After the first coat, you can see through it. The second, you can still see parts of your nail through it. Third coat and it's completely opaque. Since 3 coats is pretty thick, my manicure lasted me longer than a week which is really good for me considering I'm always washing dishes, cleaning, etc. and manicures start chipping really quickly.

Overall, it kind of sucks that you have to apply a few coats, but for me the color payoff is worth it because I LOVE this color. $8 for a bottle of polish is a little pricey but it's right around the range of China Glaze and OPI polish (my fave polish brands) so I really can't complain. The color kind of reminds me China Glaze For Audrey, but leans more green than For Audrey. This was my first Essie nail polish and I'm not sure if every Essie polish is like this, but I would definitely buy this shade again.

one coat

two coats

three coats

EOS Lotions @ Walmart!

2011-06-16T23:57:00.002-07:00

I found eos lotion at Wal-Mart today! I've been looking for these lotions FOREVERRR I've only seen the eos shaving cream at target but I've never seen the lotions! I didn't like the EOS Lip Balms but the lotion packaging is so cute I thought maybe it might be better? For some reason I thought they would've been bigger (the little pocket lotions). I was thinking they'd be around the same size as a VS lotion but they're little travel size things. The shape reminds me of L'Oreal kids shampoo! I kinda like that they're small so you can bring them everywhere! The big pump lotion is around $7 and the mini sizes are around $3. I'm hoping these are good because I'm always ashy!

regular scent & cucumber melon

size compared to my hand

Summer, Summer, Summertime

2011-06-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

I had a short two week vacation before coming back to school & work again for a month. =( lol I was supposed to have a REAL Summer this year, but things came up and I decided to take a class over the Summer last minute so I'm back in the desert again! I spent a week in Guam and a week in Hawaii and let me just say that I love being an island girl.

I'm not much of a swimmer, but me & the hubby took our babies to the beach! The little fat one is Paka and the big white one is Batu! It's so funny because Batu LOVES the beach but Paka, not so much (as you can tell!). Paka's my first baby, I think you can see him in some of my older posts. And yes, I'm one of those weirdos who call my dogs my babies! They really act like it!

view from our hotel room

The hubby and I stayed at the Outrigger on Guam for a night since he won a night for free at his Christmas party last year and it was kinda fun staying at a nice hotel. It was way nicer than I was expecting and the view was so pretty. I really wish that I could've stayed the whole Summer but it's just more beneficial for both of us if I came back.

no make up!

I'll be going back again to both islands in a month and I seriously can't wait! All this time apart has only made me anxious and made me realize how much I dislike it here! I have fun and most of the time I don't mind it, but you know what they say, "home is where the heart is." I've been meaning to post a lot more but I completely lost my camera charger so I had to wait until my new one came in the mail but I'm ready to start posting regularly again! Just thought I'd share a quick update while I had time! =)

OOTD: Denim Top & Floral Skirt

2011-05-29T14:48:00.004-07:00

I'm posting this from my iPhone! :) I always have more OOTDs when I'm on vacation because I feel like I CAN dress up now!! I mentioned this skirt in my last haul video & this is the outfit I was talking about. I did a quick video yesterday and I'll probably be posting it soon too! I trimmed my hair last Friday because its been about 3 months since my last trim and my split ends were REALLY bad! It always looks/feels so much healthier when I trim it. Anyway here's the outfit of the day!

Tube Top: Jeans Warehouse
Skirt: Papaya
Belt: Papaya
Shoes: Charlotte Russe
Necklace: Juicy Couture

-----EDIT
posted OOTD video on YouTube

White iPad 2 & iPhone 4

2011-05-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

I know it's been SO long since the last time I posted! School has been kicking my ass this semester and I'm almost done! I have a week left of finals then it's home free! Well a few weeks before summer school again. =( Anyway just wanted to share some cool things I got! I got the Apple iPad 2 and the iPhone 4!! Not in the same day of course! I bought the iPad 2 the weekend it came out as a late birthday present to myself and I got the white iPhone 4 last week when it came out.

I got Hello Kitty cases for them! (Of course)

white iPad 2 and white iPhone 4! :)

I'm such a sucker for white products idk what it is about it but it just look's so clean! I SERIOUSLY needed a new phone! I had the iPhone 3G for almost 3 years and my poor baby was dying out on me! The back case was all cracked and scratched up, my speaker was blown and I couldn't hear ring tones at all! It was on vibrate foreverrr. I swear it's been a year! So when I finally got my new iPhone I was sooo amazed! LOL It's wayy faster compared to my old 3G, but I just wish that AT&T was already on a 4G network!

The iPad 2 is basically a giant iPhone, which seems kinda eh when you already have an iPhone but the main reason I wanted it was for those long flights! I kind of travel a lot always going back and forth from here to Guam or Hawaii and those flights are killerrr! Since the battery life is about 10 hours on the iPad, I can load it up with movies / TV shows and NOT have it die out! I only started noticing recently when I was trying to watch Weeds on my classic iPod and the battery just died out after a couple episodes!! I'm kind of excited to bring it on the plane! I love watching YouTube on it, it's so cool! :)

my blog on the ipad ;)

smart cover!

I got the pink smart cover that they've been advertising! I love it cause it protects the screen and doubles as a stand when I need it to!

I haven't been hauling a lot of make up because I gave up buying make up for Lent! And I did it! No make up for 40 days and 40 nights! Of course I got a few things here and there, but no big hauls like I used to. Plus nothings really been amazing me and I chose to spend my money on other things! (OBVIOUSLY! lol) I love my iPad & my new phone though! :) I've been uploading a few videos to my YouTube channel and I'll post them up here next!

Hello Kitty x Sanrio Happy Fun Palette

2011-03-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

As a late birthday gift, my best friend Dez bought me a Hello Kitty x Sanrio palette!! I was really happy because I gave up buying make up for lent anddd I've been wanting to get more HK x Sanrio make up ever since I bought the eyeliner and lip balm.

the box

the palette

Ice Cream, Peppermint, Airplane, Chocolate Milk Eyeshadows

Baby Pink, Strawbery Jam, Peach Pudding, Springtime Lip Glosses

Ice Cream, Peppermint, Airplane, Chocolate Milk Eyeshadows

Baby Pink, Strawbery Jam, Peach Pudding, Springtime Lip Glosses

The palette is super cute! It's really shiny and her bow is silver. I know Hello Kitty stuff kind of borders on childish but I don't care! I'm such a sucker for the cute stuff. The big disappointment were all the lipglosses because they're all so sheer! It was kind of surprising considering the apple balm I bought was pretty pigmented. I doubt I'll be reaching for the glosses. I don't know why I've been reaching for browns so much but Chocolate Milk has definitely got to be my favorite from the palette! I haven't used these yet, but the other 3 colors seem like they would be great lid colors. When I swatched them, Ice Cream and Airplane look really similar but like I said they would be great lid colors.

The palette is $35 at Sephora which isn't a bad price for Sephora. I really want to get the Hello Kitty brush set but I'm on my no buy :( and I really don't need any more brushes!! What do you guys think? Have you tried any of the Hello Kitty palettes?

Inglot Palette and Swatches

2011-03-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

in the box

Here's the palette I got at the Inglot Store in Vegas! The round pans come in 10 or 5 palettes and the square pans come in 20, 10, 5, 3, and 2 palettes. I chose to get the round pans because the square seemed like they have a LOT of product in it and with all the make up I have, I really don't think I need all that much. Although, I do like that the square palettes have so many choices of how many pans can fit in it.

covered palette

I really like the design of the palette. It's so sleek and compact! I'll probably do a video on it later so you can see for yourself, but each corner of the top cover has a pretty strong magnet and when you open it you can stick it on the top [like the picture below] or stick it on the bottom. The palette feels really sturdy and I think it'll hold up way better than a MAC 15 pan palette when traveling. (I've had a few MAC shadows crack on the plane!) The only thing that I don't really like is you can't just pop the shadows out like a MAC palette. The palette is actually a magnet on the bottom so there's no magnet under the pan. I like the clear cover, too, because you can see the colors through the top.

"opened" palette

I've only used a couple of the shadows but so far I love it! They're so pigmented and really blendable. You can choose eyeshadows, concealer, brow powders, or lipsticks to put in the palette if you choose the round form. The square form is only shadows I think? This brow powder might be my new favorite! The concealer is super creamy but I haven't used it yet, other than to just do swatches.

AMC 64, DS 494, PEARL 414, MATTE 372, CREAM CONCEALER MW 101

PEARL 444, PEARL 423, DS 502, MATTE 390, BROW POWDER 563

Instead of naming everything interesting colors, they name everything with the finish and the number. Matte and pearl are pretty much self explanatory but DS and AMC kind of confused me at first! But I found out AMC stands for Advanced Makeup Component. Supposedly it's sweat resistant and is talc free. It also contains vitamin E. DS stands for Double Sparkle and like the name says, it has extra glitter.

I couldn't get over how cheap the palette was! It was $50 for the palette including 10 round pans, but I did hear that they were planning on increasing their price? After I've used the palette for a while, I'll probably decide to pick up more shadows, OR if I end up finding an Inglot Store again! I bought a lipstick, too, but I completely forgot! I'll do swatches later. If you don't have an Inglot store near you, you can order online at www.inglotusa.com

Spring Sandals at Charlotte Russe

2011-03-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Even though I'm trying to do Project 10 Pan somehow I always end up buying one make up product or another so I decided to give up buying make up for lent! 40 days and 40 nights of no make up! I went into Sephora and was soo tempted to buy the Hello Kitty make up but I didn't! I did, however, end up buying 4 pairs of sandals from Charlotte Russe! -___- I haven't really gone shopping in months and they put out their Spring Sandals! I've always loved Spring fashion over Fall because of the colors and the shoes! They were having the usual buy one get one for $10 sale and I ended up liking so many I walked out with four pairs!

Glam Ribcage Platform Sandal -$35.50

I chose the brown over the black because it looks more casual and I really don't have that many casual shoes. They looked heavy on the shelf but when I put it on they were sooo light!

Cross-Strap Wood Platform Sandal - $30.00

They don't have the white version online, but like the first pair, they seemed heavy but I was really surprised how light they were.

Uber Covered Platform Pump - $30.00

These pumps were kind of weird. I ended up getting the last pair but I was a 7 1/2! I'm usually an 8 1/2 or 8 at Charlotte Russe, but these sizes run REALLY big! The heel is super tall, I think it has to be 6 inches but I needed some plain black pumps.

Bow Tie Caged Platform Sandal - $40.00

They only have the black platforms online but in store the had the tan color I bought and a nice army green color. I LOVED the green but I only have one top that I could see going with it so I ended up choosing this one.

Charlotte Russe is my favorite place to get shoes! And just FYI they're having a 25% off sale online at charlotterusse.com. There's no coupon code just throw stuff in your bag and it automatically takes it off!

Vegas Trip & Inglot Store

2011-03-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

Between school and work and mostly school, I REALLY haven't had time to update my blog! But since I said I'd be more personal and my BFFs, Jer and Dez, said it was okay to post them on here I was just gonna share some pictures from my Vegas trip a couple weeks ago. My two best friends from Phoenix and I drove up to Vegas for a weekend to hang out with some of our other friends. We always have an epic weekend but I'm just sharing a little of it. ;]

driving up! painted my nails while in the back of my own car lol

I <3 LV!

I didn't drink that yard by myself! I shared with Dez! We would've finished it if it didn't melt by the end! It was sooo strong at the end we couldn't take it! There was a group of about 10 of us just hanging out so you know it was crazy! We hit up one of the malls (I forget which one) but imagine my surprise when I found an Inglot Store!!! I was in heaven! I originally wanted to buy a shadow, a lipstick, and a lipgloss but the saleswoman total sold me on getting a palette! Here's a few pictures from the Inglot Store.

foundations on one side & eyeshadows on the other

nail polish wall

make up bags and brushes

boo bad picture :(

picking colors for my palette

idk why I'm so in love with this color

picking colors

Jerika and I

my BFFs!

in the zone

picture on the wall in Inglot, looked kind of cool

The palette is so cool! I'll do a completely different post with swatches and everything but you basically pick 10 colors and stick it on the giant magnet and they get the colors for you and stick it in the palette for you or you can ask to do it yourself! I tried to check the Inglot website to see if I could order online but you can't. =( The sales lady told me they're trying to expand and make a store in Phoenix, but who knows when that'll be!

Desza's eye make up

One last thing, I don't really advertise my blog on facebook or to my friends but a few of my friends read my blog once in a while and when we went out one night she insisted that I take a picture of her make up and post it on my blog! She bought a palette from Inglot, too, and she's using it! Not sure which colors exactly, but I'm so amazed at how pigmented they are and for so cheap! (each pan was only $5). I'll try to post swatches of my palette tomorrow! =) BTW I'm so annoyed that uploading from blogger makes my pictures smaller! Does anyone know how to fix that?

$10 Off Sigma Premium Kit & 10% Off Code!

2011-03-07T16:50:00.000-07:00

The Sigma Premium Kit is on sale for $10 off for the next two weeks! The original price is $149 so it's going for $139 AND if you enter code STYLE2011 at check out, you save 10% off your entire purchase! It'll come out to $125.10 [tax & shipping not included] which is a STEAL if you ask me! I really wanna get it for myself for my birthday but I really wanna get the iPad 2 instead! AHH decisions, decisions. LOL The Premium Travel Kit in Hot in Pink, Sweet in Pink,Stylish in Black, and Classy in Silver are all on sale for $49, too. Just thought I'd share in case anyone wanted a St Patty's Day gift for themselves ;]

Physican's Formula Happy Booster Powder

2011-03-03T22:46:00.001-07:00

I'm hella late with it because I think these powders came out sometime around Valentine's Day but it took me forever to track these down! I finally found them at Ulta, so I grabbed the translucent powder and the natural blush. There's another blush color and two bronzers but the bronzers didn't really interest me so I took these. I didn't see the other blush colors when I found them, so I just took this one.

Happy Booster Powder & Blush!

translucent powder & natural blush

The packaging is super cute - it's what sucked me in! I actually really like the translucent powder for setting my concealer or foundation and I LOOOOVE the smell of these. It smells like flowers! The description is kind of over exaggerating when it says it'll make you feel happier, but the smell definitely does make you think 'MmMMm' The Natural shade of the blush is perfect for everyday, I've been using it A LOT since I first got it and it still looks like I haven't dented it. I hate that when I took them out of the packaging, the gummy things were SO strong it ripped off the label, so I'll probably forget later on what color they are but it's not that big of a deal.

labels ripped off :(

the brushes on the bottom

The powders come in a pink case with a clear top so you can see exactly what's in it. If you glance at the powders quickly (the bronzers/translucent) I don't think you could tell right away which is which because the color difference isn't really obvious since all of them have a pink heart in it. It comes with a little brush on the bottom, but I tried to use it to apply the powder and blush but I really didn't like it at all so I just use my blush/face brushes. The powder was $13.99 and the blush was $11.99 at Ulta, but you can use their $3.50 or 20% off coupons on them or I've heard you can get them at Walgreens for cheaper if you have some of their coupons. I definitely LOVE the blush but the powder is pretty good. I can't stand cosmetics with funky smells so these are definitely right up my alley.

Semi-Project 10 Pan

2011-02-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

my 10 pans

So, maybe a month or two ago I started my "semi" Project 10 Pan. I say SEMI because I know I'm still going to buy make up! If you don't know what Project 10 Pan is, it's when you pick 10 beauty products you own and you're not supposed to buy any make up til you've used them all. I know I'm totally cheating the system, but I honestly have been buying less make up since I started it, and I've been using the products I chose a lot more than I normally did. I chose mostly my MAC products just because I've had some of them for a while and I need to get rid of them! Plus the idea of B2M the empty prodcuts sounds pretty good as part of my reward!

PRODUCTS I CHOSE:

+ MAC Studio Fix Powder (in NC43) This is my third studio fix powder, definitely always been one of my favorites! This lasts me forever though! I just want to use this up so I can start using all the other foundations I have sitting around.

+ MAC Strada Blush This is the first MAC blush I hit pan on and I still haven't finished it! I use this for contouring since it has that "shadowy" color.

+ MAC Brow Gel in Clear This is my second brow gel and I don't know why I bought another one because I could just buy a clear mascara! I bought this when I was really into my MAC products and I just need to get rid of it.

+ MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack I swear I could use this EVERYDAY and it loks like I barely touch it! I'm just now hitting the bottom! I don't know why I get excited when I use my products up. LOL

+ MAC MSF Natural Duo This came out with one of MAC's Limited Edition collection and it's half MSF natural and half shimmer. I used up the natural side pretty quick to set my liquid foundation and I even use the shimmer side as a highlighter all the time but it's still ther!!

+ MAC Studio Finish Concealer (in NW35) I didn't realize how much product was in this little pot! The pots look the same size as a regular MAC eyeshadow, but they fill it up to the brim. I use this to conceal under my eyes (to counter the dark circles).

+ MAC Moisturecover Concealer (in NC42) I didn't realize how much product was in this little tube either! It's the same size as the lipgloss but I really don't need all that much product to conceal blemishes.

+ MAC Studio Fix Foundation (in NC44) I LOVE this stuff, but I only use it when I go out not for everyday use. I have maybe 1/3 of the bottle left?

+ MAC Matte Creme I bought this to put on my t-zone to keep the oilies away but it honestly doesn't work all that well for it! So I started using it before I put concealer under my eyes so it doesn't look as cakey (kind of like primer) and I really like it for that, but I've just had this forever and I wanna get rid of it too!

+ Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturizer I actually finished this last week!! I did a review on it a few months ago and I do like it, just hate the price tag on it! I chose this for one of my 10 products before I finished it, but I didn't get around to doing this post til now.

I've been going through these products a lot quicker than when I didn't tell myself I was doing Project 10 Pan! Hopefully this will make me use more of my make up products because nobody who isn't a make up artist doesn't need all the mae up I own! LOL

MAC Mini Wonder Woman Haul

2011-02-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

The MAC Wonder Woman Collection came out last week and when I went to look at the products in person, I was overall disappointed. Even though some of the products were extra huge (like the lipglasses and powders) they didn't WOW me and I just opted to get two of the lip products. I did get a mailer from Dillard's sent to my house, which was kind of cool because I rarely get mailers from them other than their holiday collection!

mailer opened up

Obviously, they went with the whole comic book theme, which was kind of cool. But I really didn't like how cheap the packaging of the mineral powders/blushes felt. They were EXTRA HUGE like bigger than the palm of my hand huge, but the cover felt like the plastic that kid's toys are made out of. They did supersize the lipglasses and MSFs, but they upped the price significantly, too!! The lipglasses are $20 and MSFs are $35 which is kind of what turned me off to buying more from this collection. I don't know if you fellow MAC addicts noticed, but MAC upped the price of their lipsticks permanently from $14.50 to $15.50. =( Even 4-palette eyeshadows which are normally $36 went up to $40!!! Higher end brand are pretty slick with their price increases - most people barely notice, but damn as a college student on a budget I notice! I saw the make up bags in person, too, and they didn't look that great quality to me for $30. They ARE cute though! I didn't see the brushes or the mirror but they were probably sold out by the time I went.

outer packaging

without the sleeves

I ended up getting the lipglass in Emancipation and the lipstick in Russian Red. I know, I know, Russian Red is a permanent color! But it was between that or Spitfire, and even though Spitfire is gorgeous I just couldn't see myself wearing it that much. Red is way more in your face than hot pink, but I've always wanted it and I really don't have too many reds in my collection. Plus I'm a sucker for the LE packaging! But check out how big the lipgloss is!

WW Lipglass next to WW Lipstick

WW Lipglass next to regular sized lipglass!

standing up

doefoot comparison

It's SO HUGE! Can you imagine whipping one of these out to touch up your lipgloss?! It looks like a toy!! lol There's 10g of lipgloss in this baby which is more than 2 times more than the regular size (4.8g)! So I guess the $6 increase is justified.. I guess.. I picked Emancipation over Athena's Kiss because I thought I'd get more use out of it and I really do like this color! It's pretty nude for me and the pigmentation is just enough that it doesn't look like I'm wearing too much. I couldn't get a good lip swatch of it though, my lighting just sucks!

Russian Red [see how weird my lighting is?]

Russian Red L/S & Emancipation L/G

Russian Red lip swatch

That's not a very good lip swatch either, but in person it looks AMAZING! I've never owned any of the matte lipsticks from MAC and it only amplifies the red! It's a total pin-up girl red and I wish I had more places to wear it out! Overall I'm pretty happy with my haul. I thought about getting the pink palette because the darkest color in that palette is SO pretty, but I decided against it. I probably won't get it but who knows. I'm so proud of myself for really cutting back on my MAC purchases! I'm gonna try to not buy anything MAC until Summer, but who knows - I'm going to Vegas this weekend so you know what that means - CCO!!! =P

25% off Sigma Kabuki

2011-02-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Sigma is having a sale on their Something About Marilyn Kabuki! It's originally $25 but now on sale for $18.75. Seems a little pricey but it looks a lot like the Too Faced Retractable Kabuki (which I bought for $30!) and knowing Sigma, they're probably pretty comparable. I personally haven't tried it though, but just thought I'd share!

Recent Hauls: Sigma, MAC, Coastal Scents, Physician's Formula

2011-02-14T22:50:00.001-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!! This is the second year Brian and I are separated for V-Day ;( I just stayed in and baby sat for a friend - pretty uneventful. I'm not complaining though Valentine's was never really a big deal for me! I meant to do a FOTD but I ended up being lazy.

I am a total procrastinator/perfectionist which is such a bad mix! I always make mental notes on what to blog about and even take pictures, but I never get around to it and when I do, I look at the pictures and I'm like ugh I don't wanna use these pictures anymore! Or I think I should take better/more pictures and by that time I'm too lazy to blog. LOL It's way harder for me to do videos too because I think I wanna do videos AND post on my blog at the same time and.. you know how that goes. So I'm gonna try to post things when I think of it (as long as I don't have school stuff to do!) School has seriously been kicking my butt this semester but I really wanna stay on top of EVERYTHING because I always think about how much time I waste being lazy and it drives me insane!

Another side not before I bombard you with haul pictures, but I was thinking of making my blog a little more personal - not completely - but I didn't know if anyone really cared. But when I read blogs, I do like when they make it more personal so I thought maybe you guys might too? I have another more personal blog but I don't really post pictures on it and I thought it might be kinda cool to post it here.

Anyway.. on with the hauls! These are just a bunch of stuff I got from January to now. I made it my New Year's Resolution to cut back (not completely stop!) spending so much money on make up because everytime I look at my collection I remind myself that I DON'T need anymore make up - it's just ridiculous! Seriously, anyone who's not a make up artist doesn't need this much make up! But I can't stop myself from completely buying otherwise I'll go crazy!

brush roll

I got the Sigma Complete Kit with Brushroll in pink when it was only sale for $79 on Sigma Makeup back in December but I didn't see it til I came back from Guam in January because I sent it to my sister when she was in Hawaii (the shipping to Guam was RIDICULOUS!) I don't think the pink set is on ther anymore, just the black set but they're basically the same thing except pink! I'm really happy with this set! I plan on doing a full review & video on it after I've used all the brushes a few times.

brush roll open

the brushes! 4 face and 8 eye brushes

MAC Fluidlines in Siahi and Ivy

These two I got from the MAC Mickey Contractor collection - the one that was based on Bollywood make up. There were so many bright colors but the only one I really wanted was the fluidlines! They rarely come out with new fluidline and paint pot colors so I'm always on it when they come out! I'll post swatches of these later or you can see them in my January Haul video.

Coastal Scents Winterberry Palette!

One of my really good friends bought me this palette for Christmas! I always eye out the Coastal Scents palettes because they look so pretty but always talk myself out of buying them! I wanted the creative me palette ever since it came out but when I saw this I thought it was so pretty! My friend got it for herself and she was showing me the palette and I told her I really liked it. I found out later she ended up buying it for me! I LOVE the colors in this palette, especially since I tend to gravitate towards purples with my make up. My only gripe is that all the colors are shimmery and there's no matte or satin finishes, but the pigmentation overall is pretty good. I'll do a video and swatches of this later too.

Physician's Formula Gel Liners

Last but not least, I won Tammy's Physician's Formula Giveaway!! I got thes fluidlines and a black/brown mascara which I swear I had the picture of but I can't find it! =( I'll probably find it later and post it or do a review on both the products. I showed my sister when I got it in the mail and she said, "No fair I never win contests!" LOL If it's an easy contest like a giveaway where you just comment and leave your email, I do it - might as well! I've won a couple giveaways that way, it's kind of cool!

That's pretty much it for my hauls! I have a couple lippies I got from the MAC Wonder Woman collection but I'll post those later. =P

Product Review: Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara

2011-02-01T00:07:00.000-07:00

PRODUCT: 5/5
PACKAGING: 4/5
QUALITY: 4.5/5
GRADE: A
PRICE: $19 from sephora.com
WOULD I REPURCHASE? Yes

WHAT BENEFIT SAYS
Sexy, sultry, pure unadulterated black mascara for full, voluminous lashes. It's as BAD as you want to be! Famously big, bodacious brush coats lashes with our super black formula. [from benefit.com

PROS
+ Lengthening
+ Somewhat volumizing
+ A lot of product
+ Easy to take off

CONS
- A little pricey [$19 for full size]
- Huge brush - might be hard to use for people with short lashes

OVERALL
As you can tell I REALLY liked this mascara and I think it's saying a lot because I'm not easily impressed at all by make up products. In fact, at first I didn't think this mascara was anything special! The thing about people who make reviews right away, I feel, is that they don't really get the full experience using the product for a couple days and then judging it, which is why I don't do reviews right away. But I used this for a good 3 - 4 months and I definitely liked it a lot. I didn't start liking it til after a few weeks of use because as it got exposed to air, it got a little thicker and I started to notice a lot more volumizing and lengthening. I didn't fully see the difference until I stopped using it and started using MAC Opulash and realized it didn't work as well as Bad Gal Lash!

I have thick, long-ish lashes and I could REALLY see the difference. I think you can really tell in my August 2010 Favorites Video and I think you can really see my lashes there. I tried to think of major cons with this mascara, but I really don't have any. It didn't give me racoon eyes, clump, or crack when I wore it. The only thing I really didn't like about it is the price, but I think in terms of size, it has more product than Dior Show Mascara. I've heard some girls complain about how huge the brush is but I actually liked the big brush. If you're not too keen on spending $19 on a mascara either, you could always opt for the mini sizes that Sephora has in it's little bins or even online. Mascara is kind of easy to grade because you either love it or hate it and Benefit's Bad Gal Lash was definitely love!

the huge brush

my youtube review

Product Review: Maybelline Fit Me Powder Foundation

2011-01-24T23:48:00.000-07:00

PRODUCT: 3/5
PACKAGING: 3/5
QUALITY: 3/5
GRADE: B
PRICE: $6 - $8 at drugstores [I got it for $7 at Target]
WOULD I REPURCHASE? No [read my overall for reasons!]

WHAT MAYBELLINE SAYS:
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
It's makeup that doesn't mess with you.
• Natural coverage that leaves skin the way it was meant to be…fresh, breathing, flawless
• No oils, no waxes, no nonsense

"Flawless that lets the real you come through. Beyond matching: fresh, breathable, natural, natural finish."
[from maybelline.com]

PROS
+ Affordable
+ Feels lightweight
+ Wide range of colors for light to medium skin tones
+ Doesn't look cakey, even with a lot of layers

CONS
- Doesn't last all day
- Packaging is kind of cheap
- Not a wide range of colors for darker women

OVERALL

I thought it was just OK. I like that it's really affordable (under $10!) and that it doesn't apply cakey at all. If I keep layering MAC Studio Fix, it starts to look cakey, but with this foundation, if I applied 3 layers with a dense kabuki brush, you could just barely tell that I have make up on. I really like that for everyday use because nobody wants to look like a cake face! I couldn't tell that I was wearing powder at all when I had this on. The powder is light to medium coverage, which might explain why it doesn't look cakey.

The "Fit Me" line seems to have expanded the color choices for light to medium skin tones, but the darker skin tones are SOL. I'm an NC42-44 in MAC and in the fit me line, I was shade 325 which is the 3rd or 4th darkest one. I'm pretty sure women of color have as much variety in shades as lighter women do, so it kind of annoys me when brands claim that you can find your "perfect match" and they don't really have a huge variety. The packaging feels like cheap plastic, which doesn't bother me, but I'm sure if you dropped it enough times, it would crack. Another thing I noticed was it doesn't last all day. I have an oily t-zone, but it's not as oily in the winter, and I noticed the foundation faded first from there.

I personally wouldn't buy this foundation again just because I prefer the way higher end foundation works with my skin and this didn't wow me enough to get HG status. But if you're on a budget and you don't need a lot of coverage, this foundation is definitely worth at try. But if you need heavier coverage and especially if you have oily skin, I don't recommend this at all. I did a short review video on YouTube, too, if you wanna check it out! I'm not sure why it looks like there's a little cloud in front of my face though... lol

Urban Decay Book of Shadows III

2011-01-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

UD BOS III Cover

I bought this palette more than a month ago when Sephora had their friends & family sale and I haaate doing swatches and taking pictures because it's so time consuming, but I finally got around to it! I've always wanted a Book of Shadows, but they usually put so many permanent shadows in them that I already have that it feels like it's not really worth it to me. This one caught my eye because I really wanted Haight, Radium, and Psychedelic Sister because they're super bright and I don't have them. If I bought them individually, they would've cost $51 and the palette is $54 and with the discount it was $44 which is the same price as the UD Naked Palette! I know, I'm such a nerd with all these numbers, but I can't help it!

pop up picture

Personally, I think the packaging is really bulky. It's not bad to have on your shelf or make up table but if you're traveling it's really inconvenient. It won't fit in my Sephora train case so I just kind of have to leave it lying around in my luggage or in my purse if I travel. It takes up a lot of space and personally, I think the pop up thing is kind of unnecessary. I haven't even opened it other than the first time I got it in the mail and to take these pictures! It lights up and it's kind of cute - it's supposed to be a little snapshot of NYC (hence, NYC palette) - but it's unnecessary. The pop up kind of blocks the mirror so I don't even use the mirror.

cracked mirror =(

Traveling with make up is so tricky because you always risk damaging product! I didn't realize until I took these pictures that the mirror was cracked! I'm going to (hopefully) do a post on traveling with make up, so I'll talk more about it then.

the shadows!
Perversion, Uzi, Loaded, Kush
Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Last Call, Rockstar, Money
Haight, Maui Wowie, Smog, Bordello
Radium, Snatch, Suspect, Psychedelic Sister

Uzi, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Last Call, Haight, Maui Wowie, Smog, Snatch and Psychedelic Sister are all permanent. The rest are all limited edition. It comes with Ransom and Zero (of course) 24/7 liner and a mini UDPP. I have Smog, Uzi, and Midnight Cowboy Rides Again in my other UD palettes and I haaate having duplicates but since I don't have the other colors in the palette, it really makes it worth it for me. My FAVORITE from this palette is Psychedelic Sister! I always get complimented when I wear purples and I love the way this one looks in a purple smokey eye. It's so vibrant and soo... purple! Haight and Radium are really pretty and they caught my eye but I don't use them as much as I thought I would. I love that this palette came with Perversion instead of Zero because I prefer using matte black to smoke out and this can double as a liner too. I haven't played too much with the other colors but I do really like Snatch and Suspect.

shadows with flash

Perversion, Uzi, Loaded, Kush

The swatches of the last two rows aren't too good because Haight and Radium kind of look alike? And the purple in Psychedelic Sister isn't too bright. I think it's the flash! -__- I love wearing white on my lids but I've never been a fan of Uzi because of the chunky glitter! Midnight Cowboy Rides Again has pretty chunky glitter too so those are my least favorites (not to mention they're in every other UD palette!) Kush looks like a grass green to me and Loaded kind of reminds me of MAC's Plumage but I haven't swatched them together. Perversion looks kind of brown in my swatch but it really is matte black!

Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Last Call, Rockstar, Money

Last Call is a kind of mauve-y pink and Rockstar is a dirty plum. Money really looks like the light green color of money which I thought was kind of cool. I haven't played around with these colors too much but I like them. Most of the colors in this palette are shimmery but I like the shimmer wayy better than chunky glitter.

Haight, Maui Wowie, Smog, Bordello

Haight is a greenish turquoise that kind of reminds me of the ocean. Smog is one of my favorites for neutral looks and Maui Wowie is a great lid color. Bordello is a really light pink, I like it as a lid color with purples.

Radium, Snatch, Suspect, Psychedelic Sister

I don't know why Radium reminds me of that song "Radium Eyes" from one of the older Guitar Hero games! But it's an electric blue. Snatch is really pretty by itself on the lid - its a really light peachy orange color - or it does great with browns. Suspect kind of reminds me of Sidecar from the UD Naked Palette, but I think its slightly lighter. And of course Psychedelic Sister is my favorite! I would describe it as grape purple.

MAC Greasepaint Stick in V, Psychedelic Sister, Psychedelic Sister over V

I really love the way Psychedelic Sister looks over MAC's Greasepaint Stick in V (from the DSquared Collection). It makes it 5 times more vibrant! I can't remember if I already did a FOTD with this but it'll probably be my next FOTD.

Ransom 24/7 Liner

My idiot self forgot to take a swatch of this next to Psychedelic Sister and I didn't wanna swatch Zero next to it because I have a few already and I wanted to sell the one that came in this palette instead of letting it sit in my collection. Overall, I think its worth it. It doesn't come with as much repromotes or permanent colors as other Urban Decay palettes do and even though $54 seems a little pricey, like I said earlier 3 individual shadows pretty much almost add up to the price of the palette which has 16 shadows + 2 liners and a mini UDPP.

MAC Stylishly Yours & Champ-Pale Collection Haul

2011-01-13T21:38:00.001-07:00

I was in Guam when this collection launched and I felt like it took forever to come out! I was kind of grateful that they at least had MAC there because they don't have Sephora or Ulta! Brian always warned me that they don't really have the same things they do out in the states, but I thought since they have MAC, I'd be OK. I'm so used to hitting up MAC the day the collection comes out (because I'm an addict like that!) but I went the day after Christmas [when Stylishly Yours was supposed to launch] and they told me they didn't have it yet! I went for the next couple days after and they still didn't have anything! They said they were waiting for the shipment to come in. I didn't go back to MAC until the weekend after and they finally had it, but even then they were missing a lipstick and one of the cream colors! They said they "didn't get that one" - which is kind of weird to me, but I picked up a few things since I got a gift card from Brian's dad for Christmas! :)

in the boxes

I picked Rose Ole Highlight Powder instead of Chez Chez Lame because the latter did not show up on my skin at all! Rose Ole is like a perfect highlighter for me because it kind of blends with my skin but you can still see the shimmer. You can tell from my swatches without flash you can barely tell it was there. I took the pictures in daylight so it kind of washed it out a little. Dark Diversion Fluidline is like a deep plum color - I think it would look really pretty with a neutral eye, but I haven't tried it yet. Madly Personal Pigment isn't super pigmented like I expected it to be, but I really liked the color! And Movie Star Red Cream Color Base is more pinkish red than red red but I like it. FYI if you use your CCBs for multiple things this color isn't safe for lids! Don't think anyone would use it on their lids, but just in case.

Rose Ole, Movie Star Red CCB, Madly Personal, Dark Diversion Fluidline, Chilled on Ice PP, Let Me Pop PP, Vintage Selection PP, Dangerous Cuvee PP

I ended up getting all the paint pots from the collection because MAC rarely comes out with new colors! At first I was only planning on getting Dangerous Cuvee because it's gray and I'm always doing a smokey eye, but I ended up liking all of them! They seem to have a lot more shimmer than all the other paint pots I own. Most of the ones I have are like Painterly or Soft Ochre where they're kind of matte in color and just solid and I have a few like Rubenesque that have a little shimmer but all four of these have more shimmer than that.

Chilled on Ice, Let Me Pop, Vintage Selection, Dangerous Cuvee

Overall, I'm really happy with what I got. The Cham Pale collection was more neutral / light colors and I think a lot of stuff from it would look great on lighter skin tones (hence, Cham-PALE) which is why I skipped on the lipsticks and the eyeshadow quad, but the paint pots are great if you like doing a lot of neutral, everyday looks. The Stylishly Yours collection looked better in the promo pics than they did in person but I still picked up what caught my eye. I know a lot of people are getting disenchanted by MAC because they do a lot of repromotes, but I'm still a MAC girl through and through! I've toned down a lot in what I choose to buy but I still manage to find a few things that I like from every new collection.

Rose Ole, Movie Star Red, Madly Personal, Dark Diversion

Chilled on Ice, Vintage Selection, Let Me Pop, Dangerous Cuvee

Dark Diversion, Madly Personal, Movie Star Red, Rose Ole

Mini Haul: Kim Kardashian Perfume, Sephora x Hello Kitty, & Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

2011-01-13T00:58:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share my recent hauls with you! I didn't shop much when I was on Guam, except for the MAC Champale and the Stylishly Yours collection (I'll be posting those next) but I did order a couple things from the Sephora x Hello Kitty collection but I had them sent to my sister because apparently Sephora doesn't ship to Guam! I picked up a couple things when I got back to the mainland too and I actually took pictures kinda fast so I thought I'd share them with you.

Kim Kardashian Perfume Set

At first I really didn't like the smell of this perfume because it really reminded me of plumeria leis and I was never really fond of them growing up in Hawaii but for some reason this scent really grew on me. I hope it works well with my body chemistry! I've hesitated buying it for the past couple of months just because of the price, but when I saw this on sale at the BX today, I had to have it! It was only $29.08 for a 3.4 oz bottle, lotion, and body wash! That is a freaking steal because I know the bottle itself costs around $50. Check out how big this bottle is compared to my hand:

I'm sure you Hello Kitty fanatics have already heard a lot about the Sephora x Hello Kitty collection, but if you haven't already, I don't know what rock you've been hiding under! The collection should be launching this month in Sephora stores but it was released online to Beauty Insiders a couple weeks ago. I personally don't like ordering online unless I've seen what it looks like in person before so I only ordered a couple things. I got the Apple Balm and Pen Pal Eyeliner in Goodnight Dreams.

balm & pen liner

I would say the balm is more peachy in color than apple-y and applies pretty sheer. It's really soft and the first time I touched it I thought it would be more firm and I ended up getting more product than I needed to. It applies pretty sheer and as a first impression it's kind of moisturizing but I haven't worn it for a few hours to actually test the moisture factor. The first thing I noticed about the pen liner was how black the line came out in my first swatch. It needs some drying time because I tried to wipe it off maybe a minute later and it still smudge so you might need to be careful with that. Again, these are just first impressions but I'll let you know what I really think about them.

liner first swatch, thin line, apple balm

I went to Target to pick up some school supplies because I start school tomorrow -___- and of course, I went down the make up aisle. I saw the new Maybelline "Fit Me" Foundation collection and I thought I'd try it out. They actually have a pretty broad spectrum of colors and I was pleasantly surprised. There still isn't that much choice for the darker women out there, but there's quite a few for the ones in between. I'm hoping this one matches me perfectly but we'll see. It was only $7 so I thought, why the hell not? I picked shade 325 Honey Beige.

I'm hoping to post up my MAC Collection soon, but I haven't even begun taking pictures yet! Just looking at all my make up is a constant reminder that I really don't need any more make up [even though I know I just bought some!] but I semi-kind of started doing Project 10 Pan, but obviously I'm not doing too good. I am almost done with a few of the things I picked out though! I start school tomorrow so I really need to head to bed. Let me know if you've tried anything from the Sephora x Hello Kitty collection or the new Maybelline foundations!

Brazilian Wax at the European Wax Center

2011-01-06T02:27:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by Christine to check out this new waxing center in Tucson called European Wax Center. She told me that if I wanted to blog about, I could try out one of their services and take pictures of the place for my blog. Of course, I said yes! It took me a while to schedule something because of my busy schedule but I found time before I left on vacation to schedule a Brazilian Wax. I know right, OUCH! This may be TMI for some people, but I've had a Brazilian done a few times and I remember the first time I was SO scared and nervous I Googled other people's experiences with Brazilians, but they're pretty hard to find! There's a bunch of advice on how to prepare and how to take care of it after but I wanted someone's personal account, so I thought I would share my experience as well as talk about European Wax Center!

the front desk

The facility itself is small, I almost missed it when we were driving there, but since they only do waxing services, I wouldn't think you need a huge place! I like the color scheme of the place, the yellow/tan is calming and the red adds a little spice. To me it's calming, but not boring. I especially love the hallway how it has the arches made of bricks so it kind of an older feel to it. I think it gives it character.

hallway to all the rooms

I personally like waxing better than shaving because it's a lot cleaner and it takes longer for the hair to grow back. You're supposed to arrive I believe 5 - 10 minutes before your appointment but I showed up late! >___< I swear I made an appointment for 7 PM but they had me down for 6:45 PM and I came right at 7. I know I'm horrible! If you're more than 10 minutes late, they put you down as a no show but they were nice enough to take me in anyway. It's been a couple weeks but I think my waxer's name was Kayleigh? They said she was quick and she really was - it was the fastest Brazilian I ever had done. Kayleigh took me into one of their rooms which was a nice, clean room with one of those salon beds with tissue paper covering the top. They definitely don't waste any time - she had me strip and lie down right away! Idk if it's because I was late and we were in a rush or that's just how they do it.

door to one of the rooms

The couple other times I had it done, they would leave the room while you strip and come back in after 5 minutes when you're lying down or sometimes give you a cloth to cover yourself. At first I was kind of like whoa because I stripped down with my waxer in the room and it's kind of awkward but when I thought about it, you want it done ASAP. She did have her back turned and waited for me to give the OK, so it wasn't too bad. In my experience, the longer you wait, the more nervous you get. She got to work right away, and before I knew it, it was over! It's most awkward when they don't talk to you because you're kind of just lying there while they're working on your stuff. Kayleigh talked to me the whole time, which made me feel really comfortable.

the table you lie on

She walked me through the whole waxing process and explained what she was doing and why she was doing it. First they wipe the area then apply this other stuff that makes the wax apply smoother - it's been a few weeks so I can't remember exactly what it was, but I'm sure they'll be glad to explain it to you if you ask. The interesting thing about European Wax Center is the wax. They use stripless wax developed in Europe and what basically happens is they apply the wax onto your skin and it dries pretty solid, then the waxer pulls of a little corner of it and pulls it off like a regular wax strip. It's supposed to be a lot less painful than regular wax, but let's be real - waxing down there is going to hurt! It is less painful than regular waxing, but it still hurts! Either their wax is really or Kayleigh is an amazing waxer because I swear she had the whole thing done (front & back) in 15 minutes! Or maybe, it's both! She was explaining the wax to me, how her and her co-workers had to figure out how to work with the new wax, and how the founder found out about the wax and before I knew it I was all smooth. ;]

corner where you can put your purse & clothes [if necessary!]

I'm not being paid or compensated to talk about their Wax Center if you're wondering, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. They specialize in strictly waxing so it's not like a spa where they do facials or massages. When Christine contacted me, I had no idea until I went to my appointment that she was the owner of the Tucson location! I really appreciate that she reached out to me and she keeps up with their Twitter account and responds pretty quickly. Their customer service gets an A+ in my book! What really got me though was definitely the prices. Normally Brazilians cost around $60 - which is why I've only gotten it done a few times - but I only paid $20 for it! They had a special where the first one is half price, but normally it cost $40 - which is still cheap for a Brazilian to me! You can view an entire list of their services and prices on their website www.waxcenter.com. If it's your first time you can choose from a bikini line, under arm, or eye brow wax for free [for men it's eyebrow, ear or nose] and they have a referral program when you tell your friends about them you get $5 off your next service. They have over 165 locations in the United States if you're not in Tucson, just check out their website for a list of locations.

Overall it was a great experience. I don't know if every European Wax Center looks like the one I went to, but it's pretty nice in there. The staff is friendly and my waxer was quick, professional, and sanitary. I did notice that she changed her wax stick every time she applied wax - which I definitely appreciate. You don't want the wax bowl getting contaminated by other people! They're definitely worth checking out and I was surprised at how many locations as well as how cheap their price list is! I'm definitely going back soon, I think I wanna try an underarm wax next time!

I know I didn't really give the gory details about Brazilian waxing, but if you had questions, feel free to email me or even formspring me questions, I'd be glad to answer. It's not the easiest thing to talk about [for me anyway!] so I kind of know what it's like to have questions!

December 2010 Favorites

2011-01-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

I just posted this on YouTube yesterday? I HATE how long YouTube takes to upload because I swear it took me two days to upload it! I have to leave my computer on all day, which kind of sucks! I think it's because I record in 720P HD, but I just hate waiting. I'm always paranoid that I repeated favorites from past months, but these really ARE my favorites because I use them ALL the time, not just the month that I'm talking about them in. This month is mostly MAC because I brought practically ALL my MAC products with me since I wanted to do a collection post. I'll probably take pictures today and upload them who knows when!

+ MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer in NC42 $14 at MAC stores or maccosmetics.com
I've been using this for quite a while. The little tube comes with SO much product! I don't have a lot of blemishes but I always conceal my under eye circles. I usually put MAC Studio Finish concealer first then this over, because the Studio Finish concealer can be kind of cakey, this smooths it out and evens it out with my skin tone. I do use this over my red blemishes and it covers it perfectly. I hate how the doe foot applicator gets kind of dirty after a while, but I don't think you can help that. I don't recommend this if you have oily skin though, because it might make you greasier.

+ MAC Bite of An Apple Blush $18 from the MAC Venomous Villains collection
I'm sorry that I didn't get a back up of this! I've been loving this color A LOT. I started using it after I did a post on it and I just fell in love! I think it's my first matte blush but I really like how it's not shimmery and gives me the perfect cheek glow.

+ MAC 266 Brush $19.50 at MAC stores, or maccosmetics.com
My favorite angled liner brush of all time! I've tried quite a few - Coastal Scents, EcoTools, etc. - and nothing compares to my MAC 266. It's the perfect width and perfect angle - I go crazy when I can't find this brush!

+ MAC Blacktrack Fluidline $15.00 at MAC stores or maccosmetics.com
This little post has lasted me forever AND still hasn't dried out on me. True to its name it is fluid and glides like buttahh on my lids [with a clean 266 brush of course!] It's my go to eyeliner. I've used Stila smudgepots before and those dry up super quick!

+ MAC Bamboo Eyeshadow $14.50 at MAC stores or maccosmetics.com
I love using this as a highlight color because it's SLIGHTLY lighter than my skin tone. It's matte so it's not shimmery at all and it complements neutral looks AND smokey eyes for me perfectly.

+ Urban Decay Psychedelic Sister Eyeshadow $17.00 at Sephora or $54.00 for the UD BOS III at Sephora
I have this in my BOS III - I didn't notice til I was editing my video that my BOS mirror is cracked! AH!! lol I don't even use that mirror, but I'll probably be posting swatches from the palette in my next post. This purple is super vibrant - I always get complimented when I wear this on my lids. I haven't found a purple this pretty in a long time, I think I've already dented this color in the palette from using it so much!

Hafa Adai & Merry Christmas from Guam!

2010-12-27T00:57:00.000-07:00

I've been in Guam for about a week now and so far I'm liking it. It's suuuuper hot and humid here, the weather kind of reminds me of Philippine's weather but I would rather be in this humidity than in the cold! I'm a total island girl, I'd trade the dry, cold for humid sunshine any day!

at Chamorro Village with a coconut crab

I've been a lot busier than I thought I would be - I thought I'd have sooo much time to post and do videos since Brian and his family are working, but they've been taking me around the whole past week. The picture of us is at Chamorro Village which, on Wednesdays, a bunch of vendors set up tables and they sell food, random stuff, and there's even a stage where performers are dancing and whatnot. The coconut crab was huuuge! I've never seen a crab so big. They even had this giant lizard thing idk what it was but I wasn't going near it! lol Guam is pretty small, but I like it. When you're driving on the main road you can almost always see the ocean! :) I'll post more pictures later, I just hate waiting for them to upload! lol

after midnight mass on Christmas

We went to midnight mass on Christmas, and the church was packed! We got there more than 30 minutes earlier and we had to stand the whole mass! I really liked it though because when we went to midnight mass in Arizona last year, barely anyone was there! It makes me really sad, because as they say "Jesus is the reason for the season." But I guess there just aren't as many Catholics in AZ as there is in Guam. I was kind of sad for a little because it made me nostalgic and miss my family in Hawaii because we always go to midnight mass and before mass starts they play like every Christmas carol and some of them even have lines in Hawaiian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, everything! lol But it was nice because they sang a few carols in Tagalog and Chamorro so it was kind of cool.

Tiffany's!

Brian TOTALLY spoiled me this Christmas! After mass he really wanted to open a gift so he let me open one and it was a Tiffany's heart toggle bracelet! :) I was cheesin like crazy I couldn't stop looking at it! I know a lot of people say Tiffany's is overrated but I can't help it, I love it! I've been wanting this forever - specifically the toggle, not the clip =P - and I thought it was my only gift so I was super happy. Then the next day when we opened secret santa gifts with our whole family, he handed me ANOTHER box, mind you they were sealed tight! I think he got his sister's BF to wrap my gifts [Brian is helllaa lazy] so he put both the tiffany's in a crapload of tissue paper in a shoe box taped on every opening so I dug like crazy to find it. In the second box was the matching necklace! I just remember seeing the blue boxes and thinking ^______^ Then after everyone opened everything he handed me the biggest box under the tree. I'm thinking 'OMG another one?!' It was a giant box under more tissue paper was a brown Louis Vuitton box! I swear I was going to tear up because Brian has never spoiled me so much before I just felt so loved! :) But in the box was a Neverfull! I can't believe he spent so much on me this Christmas but I'm really thankful. Guess I've been a really good girl! :)

my presents!

Overall it was a great Christmas with Brian's family and our first one on Guam. I LOOOOOOVE my presents I want to wear them ALL the time. I swear I wanted to sleep with my Tiffany's on. lol Hope you guys had a great Christmas! I'll try to post more this week :)

Sigma Complete Pink Set Sale!

2010-12-13T13:37:00.003-07:00

Sigma was originally supposed to have a Cyber Monday sale, but they were so bombarded with orders from Black Friday that they announced they were going to push it back. I was disappointed because I was checking my email ALL weekend to see what the sale would be but it works out for me! They announced this sale last Friday [it was originally supposed to be for one day only, today] on their Sigma Complete Kit with Brushroll in pink! I've been eyeing these out for a while and while I don't need anymore brushes, I TOTALLY WANT THEM! lol I think I'm going to order them this weekend - seriously $79? + brushroll? and PINK? I know I'm so crazy! Instead of one day, they're extending the sale through Christmas! So if you need to get gifts for a friend, or even for yourself, this brush set might be it! You can buy it at www.sigmabeauty.com

Venomous Villains Haul

2010-12-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is ridiculously late, but I thought I would share anyway! Sometimes I find old MAC collections still in stores or CCOs and I look up swatches before I decide on buying anything so maybe my swatches will be useful for some people. I have a little basketful of MAC stuff that I hauled a couple months ago and I wanted to put pictures up of them! I've been meaning to get around to them but I got a little caught up with school and whatnot. I'm so excited for Christmas Break coming up! I'll finally get to see Brian again after two months, and I'll have so much free time you'll be sick of seeing me post! =P I'm kind of frustrated with my lighting though because I am totally NOT a photographer so I can't ever get the lighting right! If someone could help me?! I'd really appreciate it!

MAC Briar Rose Beauty Powder

MAC Briar Rose Beauty Powder

MAC Bite of An Apple Blush

MAC Strange Potion Lipglass

MAC Toxic Tale Lipstick

MAC Vile Violet Eyeshadow

L to R: Briar Rose, Vile Violet, Toxic Tale, Strange Potion

I told you I'm horrible at this! lol

My little basket keeps reminding me that I definitely do NOT need any more make up so I'm going to try out project 10 pan soon and try to put up pictures of my make up collection! We'll see how it goes though because I really don't know how I'm gonna travel with all that make up without it being damaged. I did lip swatches of the lipgloss and lipstick but I REALLY didn't like how they came out so I didn't post them but I love how pigmented they are! Strange Potion can actually be worn by itself sine it's so opaque. Bite of an Apple is GORGEOUS too! I'll try to post a look up with these products soon. Sorry it was so late!

FOTD: Smokey Teal

2010-12-05T23:48:00.001-07:00

This is the look I'm using in my last outfit of the day and my November favorites. I'm always attracted to teals/blues when I buy eyeshadows but I barely use them because sometimes blues can be too much! But I bought the Urban Decay NYC Palette [I'll put up pictures later] and I loooove Haight Eyeshadow. It's just a simple teal smokey look! I can't remember what color lipstick I'm wearing though -___- lol

FACE
+ MUFE Duo Mat Powder in 209
+ MAC Blush in STRADA [contour]
+ MAC Blush in DAINTY

EYES
+ MAC PAINTERLY Paint Pot
+ MAC VANILLA Eyeshadow [inner corner]
+ Urban Decay HAIGHT Eyeshadow [lid]
+ Urban Decay PERVERSION Eyeshadow [outer v]
+ MAC BLACKTRACK Fluidline
+ MAC Opulash Mascara
+ Stila Kajal Liner in ONYX

November 2010 Favorites

2010-12-05T23:07:00.001-07:00

I put up my favorites video a little late but here it is!

FAVORITES
+ Wet & Wild Brule Eyeshadow $1.99
I've seriously been loving this eyeshadow ever since I got it. Maybe it's because it reminds me of MAC's Brule, kind of, and MAC's Brule was the very first MAC eyeshadow I ever got. The wet and wild shadows are s pigmented and I don't know why I have a thing for highlight colors!

+ MUFE Duo Mat Powder in 209 $32
I really thought this powder might have been over hyped but I'm really glad that I got it. It gives me enough coverage to hide my blemishes WITHOUT concealer and it doesn't feel heavy or look cakey on my face at all. I was just so amazed that no matter how much I put on my face, it didn't look cakey! Plus it's so lightweight, I can't even tell it's there.

+ MAC Cut A Caper Lipstick $14.50
Sometimes pinky nudes look funny on my skin because I'm more tanned, but I really like the way light corals look on me. I just ran out of my Cute-ster lipstick and I was looking for something similar and I think I actually like this more. I think it's a luster finish? Which one of my favorite finishes.

+ Kat Von D Cathedral Lipstick $18
Mine isn't a full size but the sample I got from Sephora, but I'm really loving the formula. It's really creamy AND pigmented! My lips are always super chapped so I need a lipstick that kind of moisturizes and I feel like this does that.

+ Sephora Rounded Crease Brush $17
This is my absolute favorite blending brush that I own! It's just the right amount of stiffness - it's not too soft but not too stiff either. I think it's comparable to the MAC 224 but I don't own that one so I can't really say.

+ Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow [Naked Palette $44]
Again with the highlight colors! This is one my favorites from the Naked palette because it doubles as a highlighter and blending color for me.

+ Urban Decay Sin Eyeshadow [Naked Palette $44]
This color is amaaazing by itself. It really brightens my eyes by itself - sometimes I just use this and highlight and I'm ready!

REJECTS
- EOS Lip Balm ~$3
I did a review on this lip balm - it was a complete miss for me.

- Tokidoki Blending Brush [set is $35]
This came in a set of three and this was my least favorite of them. It's not really good at blending but kind of more for outer v, but then I feel like the brush head is too big for just the outer v. It's cute though! lol

OOTD: Long Shirt + Leggings

2010-12-03T01:21:00.000-07:00

I've been obsessed with my Forever 21 boots! When I wore my Shoe Dazzle boots I liked them but I feel like they're more for going out whereas the F21 ones feel more dressy casual I guess? I was wearing this outfit when I went browsing for Christmas gift ideas.

my whole outfit was from Forever 21!

I didn't realize it until I just posted this but my whole outfit is from Forever 21! Most of my closet is from F21 because I used to work there and it's so affordable. The belt came with a different shirt but I just used it. The tank top is the $3.50 wife beaters they always have on sale and the leggings are the plain $9.80 leggings they have and the purse is in one of my recent haul posts. I did a FOTD with this look too and filmed my November Favorites video using this outfit/FOTD. lol Yay for multi-tasking

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

2010-12-02T01:09:00.002-07:00

Better late than never! Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving! I spend the weekend in Hawaii with my family and friends. I thought I took at least one family picture but I didn't! =( I guess I was too caught up being around family I forgot! But here's a pic of the view from the airplane - I never get tired of seeing Hawai'i like this:

arriving! there was a rainbow :)

leaving :( view of waikiki

It really depends on which side you sit on to get a good view. I recommend sitting on the right side [if you're coming from the mainland] when you're arriving and the left when you're leaving - otherwise you're just looking at ocean! I love going home and I'm really thankful that I can go home for the holidays. Normally, Brian and I don't go home every holiday but since we're apart my mom wanted my sister and I to come out, especially since I'll be going to Guam for Christmas. I LOVE island weather! I don't care for four seasons at all, I hate the cold! I will take humid island breeze all year long, thank you. =P

My trip was really short! And I got sick when I was there. =( I ended up wasting a Saturday night just because my body was so tired from being sick, but I did get some good QT with my mom and dad. Ever since I left home, I appreciate them so much more and they're so funny to be around. I managed to go to the beach once in Lanikai after I had brunch with some friends, call me biased but I have yet to see a beach that even compares to one of Hawai'i's! [Maybe Tahiti judging by pictures but I haven't been there yet!]

Lanikai's

I always get my hair and eyebrows done when I go home! I'm always skeptical to have someone else do my hair and I won't let anyone besides my regular eyebrow waxer touch my brows because the ones I've tried out here always make my brows super thin! I prefer a fuller brow and my waxer knows just how I like it. Plus she always trims and shapes my brows [they're suuper long and thick] whereas anyone I've tried out her just waxes it and I never like the way it comes out.

BEFORE: yucky brows & faded red/brown hair
(lol @ my sister in the back)

AFTER: clean brows! & dark brown hair

My friend does my hair EVERYtime I go home - I like to trim it often because I have a tendency to get split ends a lot. My head always feels lighter and healthier when I do trim it. I really need to stop dyeing my hair though! It was reddish brown and now it's dark mocha brown! My friend warned me against going back to black because she said if I wanted to change my hair color lighter again t wouldn't look as nice. I think after this dye I MIGHT dye it one more time if it ends up getting lighter from the sun and go super dark, dark brown and just let my natural hair grow out, but we'll see how it goes.

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, I'll be back to the beauty posts soon! Don't forget to enter my giveaway!!

Apothica $25 Gift Card Giveaway

2010-11-22T16:16:00.001-07:00

Apothica was kind enough to sponsor a giveaway to my readers! The winner will get a $25 Gift Card that can be used on either SkinCareRX.com, Apothica.com, or SkinBotanica.com. SkinCareRX carries higher end skin care products, while SkinBotanica carries natural and organic make up and skin care products. Apothica cares a lot of high end make up brands, one of my favorites being Too Faced! I also noticed, that their prices are slightly cheaper - I've seen the Leopard Bronzer set being sold for $30 but it's on their website for $29.70. 30 cents may not seem like a big deal, but every cent adds up! They even carry my favorite Kabuki brush of all time, the Too Faced Kabuki Brush! It's super soft, the bristles are synthetic, AND it's pink! =]

To enter, you must be a follower of my blog (it's for my readers!) and do AT LEAST ONE of the following. It's not necessary to do all, but leave a comment on my post, leave your email and tell me which way (or ways) you have entered.

WAYS TO ENTER

1 ENTRY Become a fan of Apothica on Facebook
1 ENTRY Following Apothica on Twitter
2 ENTRIES Retweet Apothica's tweet about my giveaway
2 ENTRIES Leave a comment on this blog about what you would buy from Apothica in the comments section or which Too Faced product on their site is your favorite!
2 ENTRIES Subscribing to their Newsletter
7 ENTRIES (for bloggers) for posting a blog post with a link to Too Faced on the Apothica website. Must be a minimum of 100 words & text link "Too Faced". [leave your blog post link in the comment section]

The contest will close on December 6, 2010 [two weeks from now] and
the winner will be chosen randomly and will be notified by email. If no response within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Your information will be given to Apothica, who will then contact you to verify the information and send you the gift card! Be sure to save SkinCareRX as a contact, or your gift card might go to junk mail.

Have fun & good luck!

Review: EOS Lip Balm Review

2010-11-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

PRODUCT: 3/5
PACKAGING: 3/5
QUALITY: 3/5
GRADE: B
PRICE: about $3 each at Walgreens & other drugstores
WOULD I REPURCHASE? Probably not

WHAT EOS SAYS: eos lip balm is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, eos keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth.

PROS
+ Really affordable
+ Unique packaging
+ Organic
+ Smells yummy!

CONS
- Feels waxy when applied
- Have to reapply often, doesn't keep lips moisturized long
- Bulky packaging
- A little expensive for drugstore lip balm

OVERALL: I bought this from Ulta in Honeysuckle because I've seen so many people rave about this product and you have to admit, the packaging is definitely eye catching. The lip balm is $3 each which is really affordable, but when you think about chapstick being $1 each it seems kind of expensive. I was expecting to be wowed by this product because I have SUPER chapped lips all the time, especially in the Winter, but I wasn't. It moisturizes my lips when I do apply it, but when it fades my lips go back to being chapped. It actually feels kind of waxy on the lips like the product is just sitting on there instead of moisturizing.

The packaging is kind of bulky, but it make sit really easy to find in your purse or make up bag, but I feel kind of awkward busting it out in the middle of class because it's so big! It does smell really good - my sister had the Summer Fruit and it smelled amazing - but I don't think I would repurchase this just because it didn't moisturize my lips, but I'm sure someone who doesn't have chapped lips all the time like I do would like it. I'm kind of sad that it didn't work for me because so many people love it, but it was just okay to me.

OOTD & Usher 'OMG' Concert

2010-11-21T20:05:00.001-07:00

plaid button down shirt dress - Rue 21
spaghetti strap - Forever 21
black tights - Target
boots - Shoe Dazzle
necklace - Target
purse - Forever 21

I went to the Usher & Trey Songz concert for my friend's birthday and this is the outfit that I wore. I forgot where I got the belt from, I think it came with a shirt I bought before. I was thinking I might be a little overdressed but boy, was I wrong! There were a lot of girls wearing hella short dresses and heels! I'm sure they went out after. I recently got those tights from Target for only $5 and I'm so in love! They're so smooth and comfortable. They're pretty opaque too, I think I'm definitely going to go back for more colors. And LOL sorry about my messy bed I took this when I got home at like 4 AM!

I wasn't going to go to the concert but since it was my friend's birthday, I thought I might as well go. The ticket prices weren't that bad [ours were around $80?] and we had really good seats! If you use ticketmaster to get your tickets, I recommend calling to get better seats! They randomly give you a seat online, but if you call their customer service, you can move! Some guy named Miguel I guess was the first act but we completely missed him (I don't even know who that is?) Then Trey Songz came on after! I didn't realize how many sexin' songs he had. LOL He talked a lot, though and I wish he sang more because his voice is amaaazing. And boyyy he kept taking off his shirt and talking about bringing some girl back to his hotel. oh em geee... lol!

Usher was DEFINITELY worth it! He sang for a good 2 hours and the performance was really entertaining. I didn't realize until I was there how many great songs he's had - he's been around for 15+ Years! He sang everything from "You Remind Me" to "O.M.G."! He did a 5 min medley towards the end and it was amazing! I'm really happy I went! The only thing that sucks was having to drive back after the concert but it was so worth it!

SkinCareRX Friends & Family Sale

2010-11-19T15:47:00.001-07:00

There really are a ton of sales going on this month it's insane! I think the biggest one in the beauty world was the Sephora Friends & Family sale, but if you missed out on that sale and you've been eyeing out some higher end skin care products, have no fear! SkinCareRX.com is having their friends and family sale and it's not 20% off, it's 25% off! If you go onto their webpage now, they're having a 20% sale, but get that extra 5% off with FF25. They carry brands like Dermalogica, La Roche-Posay, Jane Iredale, Pur Minerals, SkinMedica, and even Clarisonic! I'm debating myself whether or not to get the pink Clarisonic Mia since it'll only be about $112! [original $150] All you have to do is enter code FF25 at check out. The sale ends December 1, 2010. The great part about SkinCareRX? They accept PAYPAL!!

FRIENDS & FAMILY COUPON CODE: FF25
Sale ends December 1, 2010

Shoe Dazzle First Impressions

2010-11-18T23:44:00.001-07:00

Shoe Dazzle is the online shoe company partially owned by Kim Kardashian. I signed up a few months ago but I've never ordered anything from it until now. Basically, it's like those old school monthly fruit clubs where they send you a different fruit every month. lol Except the difference is they send you shoes every month! AND you get to pick the pair. I've never bought it from Shoe Dazzle before now just because none of the shoe interested me and frankly, a lot of them look pretty cheap. The monthly charge is $39.95 and I think that includes shipping, but the only reason I decided to order is because I bought these boots!

And I only bought them because I put them in my cart and I got 50% off my first purchase! I don't know if it happens to everyone but $20 for thigh high boots? I was sold! The great thing is that you don't have to pay the $40 every month, you can opt to skip out but you have to remember to click "skip out" on the website before the 5th of every month otherwise they'll charge your credit card. I really haven't heard a lot about this website. I don't have anything bad to say about it so far but I don't know if the shoes on the website look like they're $40 worth!

Shipping was actually fairly fast, I thought it might take a week or two, but I got it almost exactly a week from the day I ordered it. They came in a cardboard box with "Shoe Dazzle" written on the side.

I think the box is so cute!

It came with a dust bag? Which kind of confused me but it's cute

the shoes in the box

side view of the boots

For $20 I'm really satisfied with my purchase because all the cute thigh high boots I've seen are upwards of $55+. I really like how these boots are stretchy the top and I feel like they fit me perfect, they're fitted but not too tight. They're made of this faux suede material and I think if I wear them out in the sun, they'll fade to a brown eventually, but it was only $20! lol They just put some more cute shoes up but I really don't know if they're worth $40. Maybe if I find more coupons for the website, I'll keep ordering! If you wanna check out Shoe Dazzle for yourself use my invite! http://www.shoedazzle.com/invite/x9zluwnbl When you sign up, you're not obligated to purchase anything until you choose to.

Juicy Couture Make Up Bag

2010-11-18T01:36:00.000-07:00

There's so many "exclusive" online shopping sites out there - Gilt Groupe, Ideeli, Hautelook, etc. - but I think my favorite would definitely have to be Hautelook. I think it was the first one I ever signed up for, and I think it's one of the few I actually order from. They tend to repeat their sales and the ones that always catch my eye are the Urban Decay & Juicy Couture sales. I've never bought from the Juicy Couture sale until now, just because I either don't like anything or miss out because it gets sold out quick but I actually got a chance to get this make up bag for 1/2 off the original price! I think the original price was $65 and I got it for around $30-something. I know, $30 something is kind of expensive for a make up bag but I've been eyeing out the Juicy bags for a while but I would never pay full price for it!

the back

the inside

It's so huge I can throw basically anything in it. I especially love that the inside has some kind of plastic over the lining to make it easy to clean up! I don't know how many times my lip gloss leaked or powder dust got everywhere in my make up bags. My only concern is that with the Juicy's black velour, after a while it tends to fade into a dark brown color instead of stay black but I think it does that only if it gets exposed to the sun for long periods of time, but I guess we'll have to see!

Hello Kitty for MAC make up bag

love the inside lining

I haven't replaced my bag in a while because I couldn't let go of my MAC Hello Kitty make up bag! I wasn't really a big fan of the outside of the bag, but the inside was sooo cute! But you can tell just from the picture that it's so beat up - I take that thing with me everywhere and just throw it everywhere! It's held up pretty well but it was time for another one. I'm debating on keeping it or selling it but I doubt anyone would want it in this condition! And LOL at the inside of my make up bag I snapped a picture in the middle of transferring everything so it looks like it's empty!

all wrapped up

The shipping was pretty fast, I got it within a week that I ordered it but I think shipping varies with Hautelook depending what sale you order from. I've ordered from the Urban Decay sale and it TAKES FOREVER to ship! I ordered from the last UD sale a few days before I ordered this bag and I'm not going to get the UD shipment until next week. =[ I guess that's the tradeoff for getting the discount. But I do like how they even packaged the bag! Just like I got it from the store ^___^

30% Off Eyeko Lip Products & MAC Make Me Over Contest

2010-11-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

There's so many holiday sales going around, it's SO hard to keep up! I've been getting emails on the daily about Eyeko's sales and their sale today is 30% off all lip products when you spend $20+! And if you enter code E129 at check out, you'll get a free gift, too!

I also heard about MAC's Make Me Over contest where they're looking for 6 individuals to be the face of their Fall 2011 line! How crazy is that? They're looking for someone who will represent their creed, "All ages, all races, all sexes" and you can enter at www.macmeover.com. All you need to do is submit either a video of yourself or a picture with a little blurb saying "MAC me over because..." I'm thinking about entering but I'm not sure yet! Are you?

Privacy, X-Ray Scanners, & "Don't Touch My Junk!"

2010-11-17T00:22:00.000-07:00

This is totally non-beauty/make-up related but I heard about this today and I saw this video on YouTube and it just got me thinking WTF? If you haven't heard, TSA has these new x-ray scanners out to scan if you have a bomb or some other weapon on you when you go through airport security. I'm all for security when flying and whatnot, but these scanners don't x-ray your bones, it x-rays your body and the screener can see you completely naked! If you don't want to do that, you can opt to do a pat down which is totally unlike a normal pat down where they use the back of their hands - they use the front of their hands! And if you're a guy, you'll basically being groped! I don't even wanna know what they do to the women.

I don't know the exact story, but John Tyner went through airport security and didn't want to go through that x-ray machine and when the security guard explained to John how he was going to "pat him down" John said, "If touch my junk, I'll have you arrested." This sparked a whole other thing and they made a big deal about it threatening him with a fine and everything! If you watch the video it explains it so much better than I do, but I kind of agree with the people who are arguing that it's an invasion of privacy. I don't like the idea that either someone's going to see me naked or I have to be groped. I'm sure it's not THAT bad but thinking about what those anchors said how if anybody else did this to you, it would be considered a felony but because it's the government, it's OK! WTF? I'm sure people have not fought so hard for our right to privacy only to be violated at airport screenings. Yes, after 9/11 security is a HUGE issue and I do want to feel safe, but you think that they would find other ways around this. Idk what do you think?

FOTD: Autumn Leaves

2010-11-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

FACE
+ MUFE Duo Mat Powder in 209 Warm Beige
+ MAC Blush in STRADA [contour]
+ Rock & Republic Blush in KINKY

EYES
+ MAC Paint Pot in PAINTERLY
+ NARS Eyeshadow Duo in CHEYENNE
-- orange on lid
-- cranberry on crease
+ Wet & Wild Eyeshadow in BRULE
+ MAC Fluidline in BLACKTRACK
+ MAC Opulash Mascara
+ MAC Brow Gel in CLEAR
+ Stila Kajal Liner in ONYX

LIPS
+ Kat Von D Lipstick in CATHEDRAL

I did this look using the NARS Cheyenne Duo from my Sephora Haul. It's such a perfect color combo especially since Thanksgiving is coming up, and I think it would be a great everyday look too. I've been using a lot of neutral looks lately, I kind of miss doing the super bright make up! I think I'll get around to doing a few since the Holidays are right around the corner! I used a lot of the stuff I got from my Sephora haul in this look and I have to say, I'm pretty happy with my haul. Maybe I'll do mini reviews on everything, what do you guys think? Speaking of hauls, I have a MAJOR haul post coming up because for some reason the evil shopaholic in me took over this month!

I just realized taking these pictures how horrible I am at picture taking! I look so horrible! I took a nicer picture in the daylight but the light just washed out my eyeshadow! I've never got the hang of it, even though I really should. Anyone got any tips?? :)

Product Review: MAC Prep + Prime Lash

2010-11-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

This is an old review I found in my files and thought I might as well put it up! I didn't really go into much detail about it but all I can remember is I didn't like this product at all! LOL

PRODUCT: 1/5
PACKAGING: 3/5
QUALITY: 2/5
GRADE: F
PRICE: $13.50 @ MAC Stores & MACcosmetics.com

WHAT MAC SAYS: For use under mascara: a white coat that dries to a semi-clear base. Smoothes and conditions the lashes. Intensifies the build and lengthening quality of all formulas. Helps mascara last longer.

PROS: Honestly, I can't think of any!

CONS: MAC says it "intensifies the build & lengthening quality" but I don't see a difference when I use it & when I don't. It feels like an extra unnecessary step. I've been using it everyday since I got it, which is probably about a week or two ago? In fact, I think it kind of encourages clumps when I put on my mascara! I tried a couple days using it on one eye & none on the other hoping to see some kind of difference, but nothing. =[

COMMENTS: Wow, I never thought I would give any product such low reviews but this honestly was a waste of 13.50. I think the primer that comes with the Maybelline XXL mascara does a way better job at lengthening than this does. I know there aren't very many good reviews on MAC's Prep + Prime line, but I thought it might have been worth a try!

Sephora Friends & Family Haul

2010-11-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

the loot

Here's my haul from the Sephora Friends & Family Sale! I ordered twice because I ordered the wrong color of MUFE foundation and when I tried to exchange in store, they wouldn't give me the discount for it! I'm really happy with everything I bought - especially the NARS shadows which were on sale for only $10! They're normally $32. If you missed the sale, but you're a Sephora VIB you can still get 20% off in stores with a coupon (sent to your email) or using code VIB20 online. I'm still debating if I should get the Urban Decay Book of Shadows III but I don't know! With the 20% off it'll be the price of the UD Naked Palette! But ugh! I really don't need any more make up! I got the Tokidoki Brush Set, NARS Duos in Cheyenne and Wicked, Make Up Forever Duo Matte Powder in 209, NARS Lip Gloss Duo in Sayonara & Turkish Delight, Kat Von D Lipstick in Cathedral (sample), & Tarina Tarantino Primer (sample).

Tokidoki Brush Set

I've been wanting this set for a while and I waited for the sale just to get them. I've used it a couple times, and they are pretty good brushes but the little heads - even though they're super cute - kind of get in the way. They make the brushes feel heavier at the end and I was kind of surprised the first time I used it how heavy they are. I also think that the heads might get damaged from storage because I store my brushes standing up and one of them has already gotten a little dirty. I love the eyeliner brush though! I'm super picky with it and I haven't found anything better than the MAC 266 but this one definitely is comparable to it.

NARS Duo in Wicked

NARS Duo in Cheyenne

These were on sale on the Sephora website for $10 each! They only had a choice between these two colors and I wasn't sure about getting Wicked because the swatches that I googled weren't that pigmented but I'm glad I got them because they're both pretty pigmented! And c'mon, NARS shadows for $10?! That's insane. I don't think my swatch does these justice but I did a haul video I still need to edit and I think you can see the colors better in it! I'll post it when I'm done

MUFE Duo Matte in 209

Everyone just raves about this powder so I had to try it out for myself. I don't think I've seen anyone say bad things about it other than it's kind of pricey ($32 a pop!) but I've used it a couple times and I have to say I'm liking it so far. I don't know if I can classify this under HG status but I was surprised at how lightweight it applies but still is enough coverage to hide my blemishes. I'm still testing it out though, so maybe I'll do a review on it.

Kat Von D Lipstick in Cathedral

I chose this as my 100 point sample. It looks like it's the size of the mini lipsticks in the new Kat Von D Holiday Lipstick set but it might be a little smaller. It's described as a "spiced pinkish brown" and it's definitely a color I would wear a lot. I think it's a great fall color! I feel like the finish is like a cross between MAC's matte finish and lustre finish. It's opaque and looks matte, but it's a little shiny and kind of moisturizing.

Sayonara

Turkish Delight

I actually went to the VIB event Thursday night and I got this then. I went because they were supposedly giving out these totes for free but the email said the even started at 6 and when I went to pay at 7 they already ran out! I was like, why are you advertising this but not having enough totes?! These were only $10 and I think theres two other color combos you can choose from but I really wanted it for Sayonara. It's such a pretty color and super pigmented! I already have Turkish Delight and I do like it too but I noticed it's nowhere near as pigmented as Sayonara. I had to apply Turkish Delight 3 times to get this lip swatch but Sayonara only took once! Then again if Turkish Delight was as pigmented I would probably look like I had jizz lips LOL!

I got the Tarina Tarantino sample for downloading the iPhone app and just showing it to them! I'm not sure if they're still doing it but I was kind of annoyed when I went in and the sales associate had no idea what I was talking about she was like do you have the email? I was like it says to just show you the app? I hate when people don't know about things! But I still got it so I was happy lol. Since I said I'll start being a little more personal, I pretty much wasted my Saturday because I spent half the day being hungover and when I got over that, I got my period and I had the worst cramps! I doubt I have any male readers so whatever haha but I was just wondering what do you guys do when you have super bad cramps? When I used to take my birth control I never had any but I haven't been taking it since Brian left and every time I stop the cramps are KILLER!! :( Hope that's not TMI! But what did you guys get from the F&F sale?

Outfit of the Day - Fall/Winter Wear!

2010-11-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

LOL I look awkward haha!

faux leather jacket - Charlotte Russe
v-neck long sleeve - Forever 21
Jeans - Forever 21
Boots - Forever 21
Purse - Coach
Necklace - Juicy Couture

I really hate cold weather - if I had a choice, I'd have island weather everyday! But the one thing I love about it is the clothes! Especially wearing boots! I bought these boots a few weeks ago at Forever 21 for $34.80. I wore them for Halloween for the first time and they did hurt a little but not as much as I expected! Practically my whole outfit is from Forever 21 but seriously, half my closet is from there since I used to work there! And sorry my bra is showing! haha Damn that flash! I got the jacket from Charlotte for only $20 so I was excited since I've been wanting a faux leather jacket for a while! I think this is the 2nd outfit I've ever posted on here, maybe I should do more? What do you guys think?

Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturizer Review

2010-11-11T13:48:00.002-07:00

PRODUCT: 4/5
PACKAGING: 3.5/5
QUALITY: 5/5
GRADE: B
PRICE: $30 at Sephora, Ulta, or Benefit Cosmetics
WOULD I REPURCHASE: Probably not

WHAT BENEFIT SAYS: Our defiantly different tinted moisturizer gives your complexion coverage, moisture and SPF 15 protection all in one. For fair-skinned rebels. (Benefit Cosmetics)

PROS
+ Lightweight
+ Has sunscreen
+ Non greasy
+ Don't need to use a lot of product - one package lasted me months!

CONS
+ Doesn't come in many colors, only lite and regular
+ A little pricey
+ Packaging is a little tough to use

unblended

blended

I like this product, but I don't love it. At first I wasn't sure if it would be a good pick because it only comes in 2 colors, You Rebel & You Rebel Lite. Lite is for the really fair skinned ladies and regular is supposed to be for medium to deep skin tones. You can tell from my swatch that it doesn't even look like my color but blended in it doesn't even look like it's there! I've been using this everyday for the last 3+ months and it STILL has a lot of product left! It's not in the typical plastic packaging, it's in this really malleable metal packaging so it's not as easy to squeeze the product out but you can always tel how much product you have left. The coverage is really light, if you need a LOT of coverage, I don't recommend this for you, but if you have a few small blemishes, it covers it great. It is just a moisturizer! But I've just been putting it on in the morning after I wash my face and I'm ready to go out!

I wish it came in more colors, even though you can't really tell on my skin, I'm sure you could tell with women of color. Even though it lasts a while, I feel like $30 is a lot for something that I just find okay. I don't really recommend this if you have dry skin because I think you'll have to use twice as much product. It's worth a try if you're looking for a tinted moisturizer but it just doesn't wow me.

Rock & Republic Kinky Blush

2010-11-08T23:31:00.000-07:00

huge R&R packaging!

it looks GORGEOUS in the pan

I bought this blush ages ago from another one of those Hautelook sales for Rock & Republic Cosmetics but I've never even used it! It was buried under my pile of semi-new make up, which I'm going to try and get through now. >___< Since I got it on sale, it was only $20 and I think I had a $10 credit so I got it for 1/4 of the original price ($40) so I thought why not. I was surprised at how HUGE the packaging and the blush itself is. It's twice the size of a MAC blush - which I guess is fitting considering the original price is twice as much - but I was disappointed at the pigmentation. It looks super bright in the pan, but when I swatched it, it wasn't pigmented at all. :( For my swatch picture I even took two swipes! I do love how luxe the packaging feels though but I doubt I'll be buying more of these at original price. But if you wanna snag them for half off they're currently on Hautelook for $20 and their eyeshadows are $14!

pretty packaging!

I had to move back a little because my reflection showed!

R&R vs MAC blush

unpigmented swatch :(

Beauties Play It Cool FOTD

2010-11-07T20:46:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I did a FOTD and I've been really loving the Beauties Play It Cool palette from MAC's Holiday Collection. It's probably because it's the purple palette and I LOVE purples! I did a video tutorial on it too! :) The video quality is definitely a lot better than my old camera but I still don't know if it's HD or not?! I look so awkward in front of the camera but hopefully it's not too bad!

FACE
+ MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC43
+ MAC Contour/Highlight Powder in LIGHTSWEEP/SHADESTER
+ MAC Blush in HER BLOOMING CHEEK

EYES
+ MAC SILVERWEAR Eyeshadow
+ MAC ALTERED STATE Eyeshadow
+ MAC HEATHER BELLES Eyeshadow
+ Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow
+ MAC Opulash Mascara
+ MAC Fluidline in BLACKTRACK
+ Stila Kajal Liner in ONYX

LIPS
+ MAC CUT A CAPER Lipstick
+ MAC SPLENDID Lipglass

Wet & Wild on Sale at Walgreens

2010-11-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

I stopped by my nearest Walgreens today to look for the Queen Helene Cocoa Butter lotion, but instead of picking up there, I ended up getting these Wet & Wild Eyeshadows for $10! The single & 6 pan shadows are currently on sale for 50% off and since my sister had one of the 6-pan shadows and was super pigmented, I thought I'd try them out.

SINGLES: Kitten, Sugar, Brulee, Nutty
6-PANS: Lust & Vanity

Kitten, Sugar, Brulee, Nutty

Lust

Vanity

The 6-pan shadows don't have individual names. They come with 3 matte shadows & 3 shimmer shadows. The Lust palette has to be my favorite of the two - it's so pigmented! And these were only $2.49! I wasn't too impressed with the single shadows, but I think I'll be using Brulee a lot as a highlight. The single shadows were only 99 cents each. First impression of these is that Wet & Wild has REALLY stepped up their game! I can't wait to try out a look with these.

New Camera & Haul Overload

2010-11-05T22:03:00.001-07:00

I got this new camera about a month ago? When Brian was still here and we were going on all our trips and I love this camera! I bought it for around $340? on Amazon and since I got that student Amazon prime stuff, I got it shipped over night for FREE! I could have bought I think the TX-1 or the TX-2 for cheaper but I really wanted this one because it's waterproof! I know lame right, but I thought it would be cool since I'm always traveling and I won't have to worry about getting it wet. I love it because it does panoramic sweep! Check out this picture I got at the Cardinals Stadium:

And I didn't know til I got it, but it films in 1080p! I haven't tested it out yet but I'm not sure if I need to get a new memory card because mine is only 1GB but we'll see. I bought these cute Hello Kitty case on eBay for $8 for a set of 3 and I bought it to use as my camera case but I don't know if it's enough padding.

they came in pink, black, & brown

the inside

I really liked that he front was this fake leathery material but the back was plastic-y and there's not a lot of cushion in it. I didn't know that it has TWO compartments instead of one - maybe I'm just not paying attention? But they were only less than $3 each so it's not a complete loss.

I have a TON of updating to do especially because I hauled a crap load from CCO's in Las Vegas & Cali and I have yet to swatch them and take pictures. I think after December 2nd, I'm going to go on a complete make up no buy (unless I get gift cards for Xmas! =P) maybe until the MAC Wonder Woman collection comes out next year but we'll see how that goes. I don't know why I have such a bad habit of buying unnecessary make up! That picture is of a Hello Kitty Halloween pail I got on sale from Target and it's FULL of make up! >___< I am so bad! Maybe I'll do some more updating this weekend!

October Favorites

2010-11-05T00:53:00.000-07:00

I was pleasantly surprised by the comments I got on my last post, they all made me smile! I'm not sure why but I've been feeling really inspired lately and since I got positive feedback on doing personal posts I think I'll start doing them more often.

Anyway, I usually just put up my monthly favorites on my YouTube channel but I thought I'd start integrating it with my blog a little better. During the school year I tend to skip make up and opt for more sleep instead which is kind of why my favorites lists have been getting shorter. But these were my October 2010 Favorites (in no particular order)

+ Clean & Clear Persa Gel-10 $5
I've tried the Clean & Clear Advantage On The Spot Treatment that comes in a little silver/purple tube but once I tried this, I'm never going back! My complexion is generally clear so when I get pimples, I get the huge mountainous ones that are red and full of crap in them and it sucks! I used to use that on the spot treatment and it would work after like a week of using it and then I discovered this baby. The difference between the two is the spot treatment has 2% Salicylic Acid and the Persa Gel is 10% Benzoyl Peroxide (which is a lot!) so I would see a difference in the pimple size within a day or two. There's a difference between the two but maybe I'll post about it another day because that's going to take forever. But I really liked this product because it's affordable and it worked! I've had it for several months now and it was my go to treatment when I would break out. It's a little drying but nothing that a little lightweight moisturizer can't fix.

+ Olive Oil $4+
When I got back from Hawaii in August, the area near my nose under my eyes started breaking out like crazy! I was using the spot treatment on it but it would only work a little then I think for some reason it got immune to the treatment. My sister would always ask me why I had those break outs for so long and I couldn't figure it out! Then she started getting bad breakouts and she heard about using olive oil on your face and when it worked for her, she told me about it. I was skeptical at first because olive oil on your face? Doesn't that sound weird? But it's really simple you just grab a cotton ball, wet it just a little with olive oil, then use it as a toner on your face. You can see all the dirt on your cotton ball (it's kind of gross) and even your blackheads get pulled out from the surface. I like to do it before I wash my face (but with no make up on) because I don't like that greasy after feeling. The first time I tried it, the NEXT DAY my breakouts were significantly smaller! They're almost completely gone now! I think the bottle I bought is a little too big though because seriously, that is going to take forever for me to use! You can also use it as a make up remover.

+ Sigma F80 Brush $16
This brush was sent to me by Sigma Brushes to try out and I'll post a full review soon, but I LOVE this brush! I'm not just saying that because I'm an affiliate, honestly! I bought the MAC 130 when it came out and I was in love with that brush for a while but when I discovered this, seriously F80 > MAC 130. It's like half the price too. I love both of them for applying liquid foundation - they're applications are flawless - but I really like the F80 because the brush head is bigger and more dense so it covers more area quicker and really blends foundation perfectly.

+ Dior Lip Glow $28
I heard so many good things about this product but the thing that's always put me off was the price. $28 is ridiculously expensive for a college student like myself, but I had to try it. It comes in the tube like a pinkish balm and seems to go on either really light pink or practically clear and then gradually works with your body chemistry to turn into a pretty reddish pink shade! It's kind of like Smashbox's O-Gloss but I've never tried that. I used it a few times when I went out because I couldn't decide what lipstick to wear and when I took pictures, I LOVED the way my lips looked. They had that 'just bitten' kind of look and since it's a balmy thing it didn't look like I was layering on the gloss.

+ Sunsilk Captivating Curls $5-6?
My hair is naturally wavy but it doesn't really look nice unless it's styled to be wavy/curly. Otherwise it looks like a hot frizzy mess! I've used this a few times (half the bottle is gone) and it's always kept the waves in my hair without it being crunchy. I used it on Halloween and put a crap load of hairspray in it so my curls wouldn't fall out too much and at the end of the night, my hair was still soft and touchable! The next day they were STILL in - my sister couldn't even tell that I slept in it! Plus I think the packaging is cute since the product looks swirly. What can I say, I'm a sucker for packaging ;)

Here's the video I made:

I got a new camera recently but I've still been trying to figure out how to work it good because it's supposed to be an HD camera/point & shoot but I haven't had too much time to play with it.

Military Wife

2010-11-04T00:07:00.001-07:00

This post is going to be cheesy and totally non-makeup/beauty related but it's just something I wanted to share with you guys since I never really get too personal. If you've been following my blog or twitter for a while you probably already know that I am a military wife. It's so weird to put down in writing considering I'm only 21 years old, but I have been married for 3 years and I don't regret a thing. We didn't get married because I got pregnant or any other situation where people rush to get married (not that there's anything wrong with that!) but simply because we were in love. It was a spur of the moment kind of thing and some people called us crazy, but we've had 3 happy years together and I wouldn't change a thing.

our little family <3

The reason I mention that I'm a military wife is because only other "fellow military wifeys" know what it is to be one. We don't have kids, but I really look up to the ones that do. It takes an extremely strong woman to support her family and raise her children while her husband is out serving his country. I grew up with a lot of friends whose parents were in the military and I never really understood it but I always thought to myself that I would never want to be married to a military man. But you know what they say: never say never! I can't even begin to describe all the emotions that come with being married to one. My husband isn't just married to me, he's married to the military too and he has to put her first. I couldn't grasp that concept at first, but slowly but surely I've learned to. I don't know how it is for you other wifeys out there but some emotions never change for me. One is the feeling that I get when we're reunited after a few months - it's like butterflies & I swear I fall in love all over again. The other (and the worst) is the feeling I get every time he has to leave. This is what I mean when I say only other wives can understand. I hate it. I hate being separated from him. But I do it because I have to. I've learned to suck it up (a little) and accept that as long as I want to be with him and he's in the military, this is my life. Don't get me wrong, I love that he has job security, we have opportunities to travel, not to mention serving the country is so much more of a bigger thing than I am, but it's not an easy life. As much as I hate it, though, I wouldn't trade it for anything because that first feeling I mentioned is worth it all.

Anyway, I'm just rambling on and on but the reason I mention it is because the hubby was deployed for most of this year and in the past 10 months, I've only seen him for 2. He recently left for his next duty station and I decided to stay back because of school so I won't be seeing him until Christmas break. It was definitely a tough decision for me to make, but we both decided that it was best for our futures and just like the last 10 months flew by, I'm sure the time I have left in school will fly by too (at least I'm hoping!) But I just wanted to share some pictures from our little adventures we had the month that he did come back (Sept - Oct) since I went MIA from blogger then! We were seriously gone ALMOST every weekend! San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix - we were all over the place! lol It was so much fun but so exhausting at the same time.

**WARNING: this is picture heavy!

dinner with some friends

driving to San Diego

PIFA (Pacific Islander Festival) in San Diego, CA

ready to hit up Las Vegas

on the LV strip (he is so silly)

our first NFL game: Cardinals vs Saints

more silliness @ the Jack Johnson concert

Hope you guys enjoyed the post! Idk if you guys enjoy reading these personal ones along with the beauty related ones I'd love to hear some feedback =)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T00:26:00.000-07:00

me & some random Superman! lol [I look so awkward in this pic!]

I was never really excited for Halloween but for some reason got really into it last year! Costumes are kind of expensive - I feel like $40+ for an outfit I'm only going to use once or twice max is a lot! - but it's really fun dressing up! Last year I was a pirate and this year I was Robin (from Batman). The outfit costs $49.99 originally but there was a little hole in the dress near the neckline that wasn't even noticeable but the manager at Party City gave me 20% off! Then when I was checking out, he found out the mask was missing and gave mean extra 5% off so I got it for like $35! Since I didn't have a mask I drew it on myself! Idk if you can tell but it looked really ghetto up close! haha I drew the outline with my Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero and filled it in with MAC's Blacktrack Fluidline and set it with MAC Carbon Eyeshadow. I think should've used grease paint because it took me FOREVER to get it dark and I wasn't even satisfied when I left the house! I ended up hitting up downtown with a few of my friends but I was in a rush! I wish I took head shots but hopefully you can see it good in these pics.

I wish I took more pictures but towards the end of the night I took pictures with random people LOL! I don't know any of these guys! I thought this UPS man was SO funny! You know most of the girls dressed up slutty but I loved seeing the guys because they can get so creative! I saw one guy dressed up as a Chilean Miner & even a group of people dressed up as Captain Planet! There was just so many things going on that I forgot to take pictures. Did you guys do anything fun for Halloween?

MAC Holiday 2010: A Tartan Tale

2010-10-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

Every year MAC releases their holiday collection a couple months before Christmas! They usually send invites (I personally don't know how they choose who they send them to) but this was my 3rd invite and 2nd time attending (I didn't attend last years). This year's collection is called A Tartan Tale which just looked like plaid to me! When I got there they gave me this little booklet & a pom pom! The booklet was like a little story book which kind of goes with their theme because I guess they're releasing it in "Chapters" because only the Lip, Eye, & Brush bags have been released not the mini lipgloss & pigment sets.

The actual invitation

I went with a couple of my friends and they served cocktails (whiskey sours) & little chocolate hor d'oeurves thingies. I didn't get to try the chocolates because I was caught up with all the make up! I wish I took pictures but I get really ashamed at big events like that because nobody else is! But there was a guy dressed up as a Scottish (I think?) person (he was wearing a kilt) and random guys serving drinks. It was fun! I really wanted to buy everything (like always) but I limited myself because I didn't see the mini lipgloss & nail polish sets! I only bought 4 things but they put it in a little bag! I'm such a sucker for LE stuff

one side of the bag

the other side

I think you can use it as a gift bag because the little gold thing says "To: & Fr:"

my little haul

The Beauties Play It Cool Eyeshadow Palette, Her Blooming Cheek Blush, Cut A Caper Lipstick, Passing Fancy Dazzleglass Creme

cover of the palette

Top: Silverwear (F), Hold My Gaze (F), To The Ball (S)
Bottom: Altered State (VXP), Magic Moor (VXP, Heather Belles (S)

L to R: Silverwear (F), Hold My Gaze (F), To The Ball (S), Altered State (VXP), Magic Moor (VXP, Heather Belles (S)

Her Blooming Cheek Blush

Cut A Caper Lipstick

Cut A Caper L/S, Passing Fancy DGC, & Her Blooming Cheek Blush

I didn't realize when I got home that I got Passing Fancy! I meant to get Radiant Jewels because it was sooo pretty but I wanted Passing Fancy too and I guess I checked the wrong box on my thing. I was going to return it but I decided not to. I picked Cut A Caper because it reminded me of Cute-Ster from the MAC HK collection & it was my fave! I regret not geting a back up but Cut A Caper is not as shimmery and more pigemented which I love. I picked this palette because I tend to gravitate towards purples so I think I'll get more use out of it. I wanted the Twist of Tartan's palette because of the bright green color in it but I really don't think I'd use that palette at all. I might go back for Glamora Castle E/S because it's such a pretty greyish blue color & the Noble Knights Lash & Line Kit but I'm not entirely sure yet. The collection launched online today and in stores Thursday! Did you guys get anything? Or what are you planning to get?

Where Have I Been?

2010-09-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

I've really been itching to put out a good post but I got nothing! I have a couple things I've been wanting to post but I haven't taken pictures of them. I'll get on it one of these days. =P I've been on my no buy for more than a month now!! And I've been doing really good! It's going to end soon though because of MAC's Venomous Villains collection!

Seriously my wishlist is pretty long! =( I doubt I'll get everything but I'm going to be traveling for the next 3 weekends until Brian leaves and I really wanna hit up the CCO! This weekend we're going to San Diego for PIFA [Pacific Islander Festival Association], Vegas next week, & LA the week after! Then he's leaving me again =( I really wish I didn't have to be in school right now because I'd rather be hanging out than studying! But I'm just glad that I get some time with him. I swear I feel like time is going by so fast! Here's a pic of me & Brian this past weekend after we had dinner with some friends =]

I was thinking of getting my whole back tatted up what do you guys think? I know exactly what I want and I've been wanting it for a while and it really means something to me, but I'm so chicken shit! I only have a kanji on the back of my neck which barely hurt me at all but I know this one's gonna be killer! I'm scared I'm going to regret it but I thought the same thing about my kanji and I love it! I only have a week to decide since Brian's getting tatted in Vegas and he asked me if I wanted to do mine too! I'm so nervoussss! lol Ok well I really need to study for a lil I swear I'll get at least one good beauty post up before I leave for the weekend!

Updates + Swap!

2010-09-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

I've been soo busy lately especially since the Hubby just got back! =] But for some reason I've been in the mood to make up blog today especially since I finished my homework early & just in time to watch Jersey Shore! I know, I know, that show is SO bad but it's so good! lol Anyway, so if you follow me you probably already know about my blog sale - which I still have a lot of stuff to post! (I might do that tonight) But Shar contacted me about doing a swap for some stuff on my blog sale & I said yes! I ended up swapping my MAC Hello Kitty Blush & MAC Hello Kitty Lipstick for 2 MAC pigments & a 242 brush. I still haven't gotten over the new pigment packaging - it's so small! =[ - so I'm glad she still had the old packaging!

Brash & Bold Pigment, Violet Pigment, & 242 Brush

Brash & Bold, Violet

I'm excited to do a FOTD with these esp Violet since I love wearing purple eyeshadow! In other news, I'm pretty much settled into the new place and enjoying what little time I left with my hubby before he moves again. I don't really like to talk about my personal, personal life on here but if you're one of my blogger girls (you know who you are! ;]) message/tweet/email me and I'll send you the link to my personal blog. School & work keeps me really busy too! I'm ALMOST done decorating my room, I think it's cute! It's so girly & typical (I made it zebra print themed) but I love it! I'll probably post pics or a video on my new make up organization & my new closet too! Well it's time for Jersey Shore!! I'll try to write up another post in between commercials ;] (I missed last Sundays' special episode!)

Nails Did, Brushes Clean

2010-09-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

Another random post/updates! The new place is coming together I just wanna put up a few more decorations before Brian gets back but seriously with school/work/social life it's just been a blur! I've been good on my no buy! It's been a month! =] I get sad though when I see all these new MU things I want and I can't buy it! =( But I really shouldn't be buying anything because I'm on a tight budget! Which is a good thing because I have so many products I still need to blog about/use so I think after I get what I want from MAC's Venomous Villains, I'm going back on the no buy. MAYBE. lol

I got my nails did today! I haven't got them done in a salon for over 7 months! But I did China Glaze For Audrey on my toes and they had the matching color tips!

I originally wanted a white line, but the guy who did em said I should do silver and my sister said it really looks like Tiffany's LOL! It's nice to pamper yourself once in a while. The other day I washed my brushes and it took me and hour and a half! I washed ALL of them since I'm sure they got dirty from the move but omg I didn't think it would take that long

These are just my MAC brushes! The rest took up my whole counter. OMG I really don't know why I need all these but I <3 them nonetheless. I'm so behind on watching YT videos and reading everyones blog but I'm sure I'll get around to it one day. =]

Review: L'Oreal 360 Clean Deep Facial Cleanser

2010-09-05T11:36:00.005-07:00

PRODUCT: 2.5/5
PACKAGING: 4/5 [for the sample]
QUALITY: 3/5
OVERALL: 3 out of 5
PRICE: $5-7 at drugstores
WOULD I REPURCHASE? Probably not

PROS
+ Cheap & affordable.
+ The scrublet really deep cleans.
+ Innovative design, the concept is really different.
+ Bottle lasts a LONG time!

CONS
- The actual cleanser itself doesn't clean very well.
- Scrublet gets dirty after a while even after washing.
- NEED to apply moisturizer after

OVERALL: You get what you pay for. It's really cheap and does clean, but not as well as I'd like to. I don't plan on repurchasing this product, unless I absolutely need a cleanser (like I'm on a trip and I forget mine at home!).

If you watch my YouTube videos you'll notice in one of my favorites/rejects videos I said this is one of my rejects. Overall, I wasn't too fond of this product. I bought it because it was hyped up on a couple YT Guru's sites and I forgot my cleanser on vacation in Hawaii back in May and I thought I'd try it out. The phrase "You get what you pay for" fits this product. It's only around $5-7 so its not going to break the bank, but without the little scrublet that it comes with, the cleanser sucks.

I liked it at first, but found out the cleanser itself doesn't clean very well. Normally I wipe my face with a MAC wipe then use a cleanser if I'm wearing a full face of makeup, but if I go straight to the scrublet it really deeps clean! The scrublet is definitely the best part of it! It's really gentle and doesn't hurt your face like a face brush would but at the same time it deep cleans. I did see the same scrublet at Sephora that's pink! It's called the Precision Pore Cleansing Pad and it's $5 so in theory you could just buy the cleanser and just use the scrublet but I would hate to buy it and waste all that product. The scrublet does get dirty after a while, but that's given.

The cleanser itself is like any other drugstore cleanser, it cleans, but not very well. This probably isn't a very accurate test but I tend to judge cleansing products (facial, body, etc) by how well they lather and how 'clean' I feel after and this cleanser fails on both counts. If I use the cleanser by itself and then use a toner after there is a TON of makeup still leftover and without the scrublet, it doesn't lather much at all.

I do like the packaging and how unique it is and you have some place to store the scrubber when you're not using it. I bought this thing 3 months ago, have been using it almost everyday twice a day and I STILL have a good amount of product left. So if you want a cheap, decent cleanser that'll last you a while, this ones for you. But if you're willing to shell out a little more cash for a much better cleanser, you might wanna skip this.

The scrublet

Back of the scrublet

Look how much product I have left!!

NOTE: There are other 360 Facial Cleansers but this review is specifically for the Deep Cleanser. I would not repurchase this but I might try out the others to see if I like them better.

New UDPP Packaging

2010-08-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for my lack of posts, I've been really busy with the move and what not! I didn't think it would take so long to get everything together but I have so much random crap! =[ Anyway I saw the new Professional Size Urban Decay Primer Potion in a couple emails that I've been getting and can I just say Thank you make up gods! lol, jk. But no really. The genie shaped bottle was not really that functional! The squeeze tube with the pointy tip is SO much better. Less product wasted, and no depotting necessary! It's $29 and up on both the Urban Decay and Sephora website! I have yet to depot my current bottle, but when I run out I'm definitely getting this!

FOTD: Zingy Vanilla

2010-08-15T02:52:00.000-07:00

I think the thing I love the most about going out is getting all dolled up and doing my make up! I did this look last night with Zingy from the Dare to Wear collection. For some reason my camera wouldn't focus when I tried to get close ups of my eyes closed! =[ But hopefully it's not that bad! I even managed to put on falsies! I have the arest time puting them on but I got a bunch of Revlon falsies a while back but haven't really goten used to using lashes until recently!

FACE
+ Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer
+ MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC44
+ MAC MSF Natural Duo in MEDIUM DARK/SHIMMER [set foundation/highlight]
+ MAC Blush in STRADA [contour]
+ MAC Creme Blush in SWEET WILLIAM
+ MAC Blush in BLUSHBABY

EYES
+ UDPP
+ MAC PAINTERLY Paint Pot
+ NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in ELECTRIC BLUE [half of lid]
+ MAC VANILLA Eyeshadow [all over lid]
+ MAC ZINGY Eyeshadow [outer v/crease]
+ MAC CARBON Eyeshadow [define outer v]
+ MAC Brow Shader in SOFT CHARCOAL/MAPLE [brows/highlight]
+ MAC BLACKTRACK Fluidline
+ Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in ZERO [waterline]
+ Revlon Fantasy Length Lashes in INTENSIFYING

LIPS
+ NYX STRAWBERRY MILK Lipstick
+ MAC SPLENDID Lipglass

FOTD: Crazy Cool Shock-A-Holic

2010-08-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a little FOTD I did with the purple eyeshadows I got from the Dare To Wear collection! I know I do this look all the time but I really love how 'whiter' Crazy Cool is compared to Beautiful Iris I feel like it just pops a little more. Please excuse my eyebrows! I've been growing them out a little since I'm going to get them done before I head back to AZ! lol And sorry I couldn't get a better head shot I forgot to take a pic before I was ready to go out lol!

FACE
+ Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer
+ MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC44
+ MAC MSF Natural Duo in MEDIUM DARK/SHIMMER [set foundation & highlight]
+ MAC Blush in STRADA [contour]
+ MAC Creme Blush in SWEET WILLIAM
+ MAC Blush in PLUM FOOLERY
+ MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW35 [undereyes]
+ MAC Select Moisturecover in NC42 [undereyes]

EYES
+ NYX Eyeshadow Base in SKIN COLOR
+ MAC Eyeshadow in CRAZY COOL [lid]
+ MAC Eyeshadow in SHOCK-A-HOLIC [outer v/crease]
+ MAC Brow Shader in SOFT CHARCOAL/MAPLE [eyebrows/highlight]
+ MAC BLACKTRACK Fluidline
+ Benefit Bad Gal Mascara in black
+ Stila Kajal Liner in ONYX

LIPS
+ Dior Lip Glow

MAC Dare To Wear Haul

2010-08-13T04:01:00.000-07:00

I've been on my no buy for almost a week now? And so far it's going pretty good. But in a way it's making me itch more to buy stuff! I'm back in Hawaii for about a week and maaan I have to fight the urge to NOT buy $1 lashes from Don Quixote and NOT walk into Sephora!!! But I keep reminding myself that I have a ton of stuff I don't really use and should really start reviewing a lot of my products! But before I went on my little no buy I got a few eyeshadows and one of the lipglasses from MAC's Dare To Wear collection. The colors reminded me of crayons! They're so bright and colorful and the lipglasses that came with them were in skinnier, longer tubes. I wanted at least half of the colors that got released, but if it's permanent or pro, I usually skip it because I can always get those later and I prefer to buy them already in the pan form anyway.

Dare to Dare Lipglass, (Clockwise) Sassy Grass, Crazy Cool, Zingy, Shock-A-Holic

Clockwise fr Top Left: Sassy Grass, Crazy Cool, Zingy, Shock-A-Holic

see swatches after the jump!

Sassy Grass, Crazy Cool, Shock-A-Holic, Zingy, Dare to Dare Lipglass

Dare to Dare Lipglass

Sassy Grass really reminds me of the color of grass! I don't own a green MAC shadow that shade of green it's so vibrant! Crazy Cool really reminds me of Beautiful Iris, so if you own that you probably shouldn't buy it, but I think it's slightly lighter and less purple than Beautiful Iris. I probably shouldn't have gotten it, but I like how it's more on the whiter side? than purple. Shock-A-Holic isn't as pigmented as I thought it would be, but I love purples! It reminds me of a matte version of Nocturnelle (another favorite!) but I'm not sure how it compares to MUFE 92 - although I did get it before my no buy! But I think Shock-A-Holic is a more true purple and Nocturnelle is on the plum-y side Zingy is super bright, too and it really reminds me of Electric Eel! I have Electric Eel from the Manish Arora palette, but not in an actual pan. Zingy is slightly on the greener side of blue compared to Electric Eel.

Zingy, Electric Eel, Shock-A-Holic, Nocturnelle, Crazy Cool, Beautiful Iris

After I took comparison swatches I was like, man maybe I shouldn't have bought these! But I really think I'll make use of the purples. Zingy I was thinking maybe I should return it but I don't really return things at MAC unless its the wrong foundation shade or I REALLY hate it! Hopefully I'll do a tutorial or something with these colors soon, but we'll see what I can conjure up! I saw the new Dazzle Lipsticks at MAC when I went last week, but I really didn't like the glitter in them! It's just way to sparkly for me. I usually reserve the dazzleglasses for special occassions because I hate when you wipe your lips and there's a TON of glitter stuck with no color! Anyway did you guys get anything from the collections?

Moving / Blog Sale

2010-08-06T16:37:00.003-07:00

I should have done this a couple weeks ago but I am such a procrastinator! I'm moving from our house to an apartment and I have a ton of stuff I need to let go. I watched that show on TLC "Hoarders" and it just made me realize how much unnecessary crap I'm holding on to. But you know they say one man's trash is another man's treasure so I'm hoping you'll find something you like from my little online garage sale. This is probably not even half but this is what I took pictures of so far and I'll be uploading more over the weekend. If you place an order by Monday I'll send it out on Tuesday otherwise you have to wait until next Friday for shipping because I'm going to Hawaii for a week!

***THIS POST IS PICTURE HEAVY***

SALE RULES
- All prices have SHIPPING INCLUDED!
---- However INTERNATIONAL buyers must add $3 to your total!
- Every additional item is $0.50 off the total price
- PAYPAL ONLY
- Since it's the weekend, everything will be shipped out either Monday Aug 9 or Aug 10 at the latest.
- You can put things on hold or haggle with me.
- Prices & descriptions will be posted under the pictures
- Email me at sher0xxmakeup@gmail.com or if you leave a comment please include your email address

MAKE UP

MAC Paint Pot in Rollickin
LE - Fafi Collection
BNIB
$21 - ebay $21 - $39

OTHER STUFF

Lancome Make-Up Bag
brand new, never used; but it got a little dirty sitting in my closet!
$8

Roxy Coin Purse
used a couple times, but really good conditon
$5

Jewelry Holder from F21
never used, tags still on; but the hanger thingies are a little crooked? can bend them back i just never did.
$8 - $8.80 original [but shipping included!]

Vera Wang Princess Bag
used once; good condition
$6

Hello Kitty Pencil Case
used for about a month, a little dirty
$8

Juicy Couture Sunglass Case
brand new, plastic still on mirror
can be used as a pencil case make up bag
$15

Coach Eyeglass Case
good condition
$10

Juicy Couture Silver Heart Necklace
BNIB; ordered online but didn't like it
$40 - original $58

Hello Kitty Earrings
never used, but I threw away the plastic packaging around it
$4 each or $6 for both

Forever 21 Pink Zebra Wallet
used but good condition
$5 - original $8.80

Bebe Sport Key Chain

Giveaway & Contest Winners

2010-08-06T00:39:00.000-07:00

I finally picked the giveaway winner and the contest votes were all tallied up! There was a discrepancy with one of the entries, however, I feel like because I wasn't specific enough in the rules, I can't make up rules after I've already posted it. But now I know better for the future! If you're curious, I used random.org to randomize my list of entries and then the random number generator to pick the winner. I had a total of 50 entries so I think everyone who entered had a pretty good chance of winning.

The winners have 48 hours to contact me - I'll just say by Sunday, August 8th - at sher0xxmakeup@gmail.com with their mailing address otherwise new winners will be chosen! I figure if you're really a subscriber you'd be checking up regularly ;]

GIVEAWAY WINNER
Ana Belen
fisiwoman@hotmail.com

CONTEST WINNER

Ashley

Congrats to the winners! And don't forget to contact me!

I'm A Sigma Affiliate!

2010-08-04T15:04:00.000-07:00

I just recently got news that I was approved to be affiliated with Sigma Makeup! If you don't know, Sigma's well known for cheap good quality brushes. I personally haven't tried them out yet so I was really surprised when they approved me! I really want to get the Pro set especially since Christiana recommended it, but I'm kinda low on cash this month so I copped the Nice In Pink Travel Kit! I just feel like I need to try them first before I advertise like crazy. LOL Plus these pink brushes are so cute!

I really hope these babies come in before I leave for Hawaii next week so I can test them out on travel! Alsooo I've decided to go on a no buy because I've got a TON of expenses this month and I really need to stop buying make up! There's just a couple more shadows I want from MAC's new Dare To Wear collection then FOR SURE I am not buying anymore makeup until MAC's Venomous Villains collection! This is going to be so hard for me but it'll let me make use of all the other make up I currently have and save me some money! I've already decided my reward is going to be that Sigma Pro Brush Kit! So probably after this weekend when I get a chance to go to MAC until September 30th! I know it's only a month and a half but that is forever and a day to an addict!

I'll be announcing the winners to my giveaway/contest either tonight or tomorrow so be on the look out for that! In the meantime check out Sigma Brushes and get your free gift!

FOTD: Neutrals with UD Naked Palette

2010-07-28T00:22:00.001-07:00

So far I'm lovin' the new Urban Decay Naked Palette! It's sold out on the Sephora and Urban Decay website, but I believe it's coming out in Sephora stores this weekend? Rumor is supposedly July 29th, but it is permanent! But I can foresee it being sold out for maybe the next month? Anyway I feel like people don't do enough neutral looks just because they're "plain" and not that much color, but really who can wear color everyday to work/school? I know I can't! Another note, I've been trying out the Benefit Bad Gal Lash mascara I got a couple months ago, and so far it's just OK. I like major drama from my mascara but looking at these pictures I'm like whoa! Anyway here's the look

FACE
+ Clinique Almost Powder Foundation in DEEP HONEY
+ MAC Blush in STRADA [contour]
+ MAC MSF Natural Shimmer in MEDIUM DARK/SHIMMER [highlight]
+ ELF Blush in BLUSHING ROSE

EYES
+ Urban Decay Primer Potion
+ NYX Eyeshadow Base in SKIN TONE
+ MAC Brow Shader in SOFT CHARCOAL [brows]
+ Urban Decay Eyeshadow in SIDECAR [lid]
+ Urban Decay Eyeshadow in TOASTED [crease/blend]
+ Urban Decay Eyeshadow in HUSTLE [outer v]
+ Urban Decay Eyeshadow in VIRGIN [highlight]
+ MAC BLACKTRACK Fluidline
+ Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in ZERO [waterline]
+ Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara

LIPS
+ NYX HERADES Lipstick
+ Bath & Body WOrks Liplicious Lipgloss in FROZEN DAQUIRI

Blog-A-Versary Contest Entries

2010-07-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

EDIT---------------
So these are all the entries I got for my contest! There's only four entries, but they're all really good! Less contestants just means more chances for them to win! So I'm going to have voting until this Sunday, the poll is going to be to the right --> And I think you can vote once a day? The one with the most votes will win and I'll send out the prizes next week Monday! I figured I'd send out all the prizes at once so I'm reopening the 2nd prize until this Sunday also! So keep enterin! =]
----------------

I've only gotten a couple entries for my contest [the winner gets Stereo Rose MSF!!! :)] but I've got quite a few for my giveaway! I hope you don't think you need to be an AMAAAZING make up artist or something because I think it's kind of unfair considering that I'm not really that creative with make up! In fact you are all probably way more talented than I am! I'm going to close entries on July 23, 2010 and then do voting for maybe a week or 2? Idk but you should enter my contest! It doesn't hurt to try ;]

These are the entries so far..

Camille/Shobe

Hershley

Ashley

Zar from allaboutme1988

Aren't these ladies gorgeous?! Now go go go and do your contest entry ;]

FOTD: Nicki Minaj 'Hello Good Morning' Video Inspired

2010-07-25T21:37:00.001-07:00

I wish I knew who Nicki Minaj's makeup artist is because if she does all her looks, she's amazing! I love how she always has bright dramatic make up in every video she's in. So when I saw her in P. Diddy's new music video "Hello Good Morning" [the remix] I haaad to do this look.

Of course my interpretation is no where near as good as her MUA's but I think it's definitely more wearable! Not a lot of people are used to wearing that much eye make up anyway! I did a video on it so you guys can check it out too.

FACE
+ Benefit You Rebel Moisturizer
+ MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC43
+ Too Faced CHOCOLATE SOLEIL/CANDLELIGHT Duo [contour/highlight]
+ MAC DOLLYMIX Blush

EYES
+ Urban Decay Primer Potion
+ NYX WHITE Eyeshadow Base [lid]
+ NYX ELECTRIC BLUE Jumbo Pencil [outer half of lid]
+ MAC GESSO Eyeshadow [inner 13rd]
+ MAC PARTYLICIOUS Pigment [middle of lid]
+ MAC CARBON Eyeshadow [outer v]
+ MAC AMBIANCE Eyeshadow [crease]
+ MAC VANILLA Eyesahdow [highlight]
+ MAC BLACKTRACK Fluidline
+ ELF Eyebrow Kit in MEDIUM [brows]
+ Stila Kajal Liner in Onyx

LIPS
+ MAC VIVA GLAM GAGA Lipstick
+ MAC PETITE INDULGENCE Cremesheen Glass

Everyday Minerals Intensive Base Review

2010-07-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS: Mica (CI 77019), Lauroyl Lysine. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288).

PRODUCT: 3.5/5
PACKAGING: 5/5 [for the sample]
QUALITY: 3/5
OVERALL: 3.83 out of 5
PRICE: $2.50 for a sample/$12 for 5.5 g
WOULD I REPURCHASE? Maybe. Most likely yes.

PROS
+ Affordable!
+ Can order samples for cheaper instead of buying full size foundations in the wrong color!
+ Don't use a lot of product.
+ Organic! Does not contain bismuth oxychloride which irritates people with sensitive skin.

CONS
- Not really good for oily skin.
- Can look cakey if you apply too much.
- Not a lot of choices for women of color

I've been using the foundation for - I think collectively? - a month. With foundation I feel like you can't review it right away because you don't know if it will break you out right away or have some weird effect on your skin and a lot of times you can't tell that after using a foundation for a couple of days. Overall I do like this foundation. I prefer using powders in the summer just because it's so hot! Only 2 of the 3 foundations matched me and this one is in Sandy Medium and it's full coverage. I personally don't like using full coverage foundation everyday because I don't think that I need it and I just kind of have this mentality that full coverage is completely covering up my pores and I don't like that idea! But Sandy Medium matched me pretty well out of the three. After the first week of us, I can say that it is a good everyday foundation. It's not heavy and I can't feel it on my skin at all. I started using it again a couple weeks ago when my skin started breaking out, and I can barely tell that my pimples are there! I broke out with those red irritated looking pimples too and a light dusting covered them completely. Also, I really think that it helped my skin because my break outs calmed down a lot when I used this for a week. When I came back from Hawaii in June, my skin was all out of whack! I think it was the weather change but for some reason it went on for a month and I finally decided to bust this out and it calmed down a lot. I really liked that the samples have a little sifter top, and I think the full size ones have a sifter you can twist to close and open. I like that you don't need a lot of product for one use - I still have about 1/4 of the mini jar left! This means if I used a full size foundation everyday it would probably last me at least 6 months [NOT packing on a lot!]

One con I can think of is that I have an oily T-Zone and it didn't really soak up oils very well. I felt like it actually encouraged my t-zone to be oily and on really hot days when I'm sweating, I have to use blot powder to touch up. Another con is depending on what brush you use, it can look cakey. If I used a kabuki brush, it packed on way too much on the brush head and you could really tell that I had foundation on. But when I use a duo fiber brush like my MAC 187 or Coastal Scents brush, the application was flawless. For someone who needs a lot of coverage, I don't recommend this because you don't want to look like a cake face! One more negative is that they only have like 3 shades for women of color which is a little disappointing. I'm a little on the darker side (NC42 - NC45) so I can kind of sympathize with other women of color because it's tough finding the right shade!

Sandy Medium compared to MAC Studio Fix in NC43

Overall, I think it's a great deal for the price. You don't need to use a lot of product and it's lightweight for everyday wear. It's reasonably priced - for $5 (which is basically just shipping) you can get 3 foundation samples, a blush, and concealer sample, or for $2.50 you can just get one sample, and the full size foundation (which they call "base" on their website) is $12 for 5.5 g. I think shipping depends on where you are. Also, I've never really experienced itching with any mineral foundations, so I couldn't tell you if this is good for sensitive skin. I would definitely buy this again, but I would not buy the full coverage foundation, because like I said, I don't think I need it and I think that's why it can look cakey. I said "maybe" under repurchase just because I wouldn't classify this as my holy grail foundation and I don't really use a lot of mineral foundation, but if I did I would repurchase this.

NOTE: This was sent to me for review, but I am not being compensated nor does this affect my opinion of this product. Also, I didn't do swatches because it won't show up on my skin!

Urban Decay Naked Palette

2010-07-23T00:41:00.000-07:00

So I finally got my Urban Decay Naked Palette! I ordered it from Sephora last Friday and I got it in yesterday. I know there's a lot of hype around this palette but I saw it in person at IMATS last month and after finding how much product it comes with it's definitely a steal!

The packaging is so pretty. Definitely a step up from Urban Decay. I have their Sustainable Palette which is supposed to be sustainable but the cover broke on me! This packaging is definitely more luxe its covered in velvet? Or fake velvet? I'm not sure but it's really pretty! My only gripe is that it's velvet so if it gets dirty I can't wash it or anything. The inside is made out of cardboard but it's pretty sturdy and considering that there are 12 eyeshadows, it's pretty compact. I think it would be great for travel!

the palette!

SWATCHES

Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked

Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

I loove the way it looks! I haven't done any looks with it yet but I can tell it's love at first sight. I love that Urban Decay released new colors with this! I was kind of getting tired of seeing Midnight Cowboy in EVERY palette. I like that except for Creep, they don't have the gritty silver glitter that a lot of the UD shadows have. A lot of the colors are definitely wearable for everyday - seriously not everyone can wear bright eyeshadow to work! Sin, Naked, Half Baked, Smog, Toasted, and Gunmetal are permanent - so half th epalette is permanent and I think the other 6 are brand new shades. I know Half Baked is in a LOT of the palettes but the only other colors besides that tone that I have are Smog and Toasted so I'm really happy that I got it. Each eyeshadow in the palette is 0.05 oz/1.3 g and the full size shadows are 0.05 oz/1.3 g too! So you're getting 12 full size eyeshadows + a double ended 24/7 liners for $44! That's like $3-4 per eyeshadow when a full size by itself cost $17! In my opinion it's definitely worth it but I might be jumping the gun before I even do a FOTD with it! I'll post a FOTD tomorrow!

FOTD: MAC Expensive Pink

2010-07-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Coming up with names for FOTDs is HARD! lol So I figure I'll just start putting one of the color names on there because I know when I get a new eyeshadow I'm always lookin for looks to do with it. I haven't used MAC's expensive pink in a while but I forgot how much I love this color! It's so pretty for summer. I did this look a while ago and I think the brown eyeshadows I listed are the right ones? I'm pretty sure you can use any dark & light brown to do this look anyway but everything else is exactly what I used! Idk why I forgot to put down the browns but whatever. LOL The face picture is horrible but like I said, whatever! Haha

FACE
+ Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Face Primer
+ MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC43
+ MAC Blush in STRADA [contour]
+ MAC MSF Duo in MEDIUM DARK/SHIMMER [shimmer for highlight]
+ ELF Blush in TICKLED PINK
+ Benefit Erase Paste in NO 3 DEEP
+ MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer in NC42

EYES
+ MAC PAINTERLY Paint Pot [primer]
+ MAC RUBENESQUE Paint Pot [lid]
+ MAC EXPENSIVE PINK Eyeshadow [lid]
+ MAC SOFT BROWN Eyeshadow [to blend crease]
+ Tokidoki MUMMETO Eyeshadow [outer v]
+ MAC BLACKTRACK Fluidline
+ MAC Studio Fix Lash Mascara
+ Stila Kajal Liner in ONYX
+ MAC Brow Shader in SOFT CHARCOAL/MAPLE [brows/highlight]

LIPS
+ MAC EVER HIP Lipstick
+ MAC A FLEURRY OF FUN Lipglass

Too Much Hauling!

2010-07-18T23:38:00.001-07:00

Totaly off topic but I've been obsessed with the new Eminem & Rihanna song Love the Way You Lie! Do you ever play a new song over and over until you memorize it? haha. Anyway I did a huge haul video last week I think? I was so pissed at work so when I got off I went to pick up my holds from MAC and then my dumbass went to the mall and bought a SHIT load of things! Angry woman with card = BAD! I haven't taken pictures of them but you can watch the video! I'm too lazy to get them all together again to take pictures.

I bought a few things from Mayaari's blog sale last week. I swear I paid on Monday and got my package in the next day?! I'm not sure but it was really quick and she's all the way on the east coast! I was really surprised but glad it got here so fast! I bought 2 Everyday Minerals blushes, MAC eyeshadow in Hepcat, & a NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil.

[the blushes are stacked!

I think the blushes are in the old packaging because I got some samples from them recently [I'll be doing a review soon!] and the new packaging is white!

EDM Blushes in Corner Office & Text Message, MAC Eyeshadow in Hepcat, & NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil in Pecan

L to R: Hepcat, Corner Office, Text Message, & Pecan

I'm really hapy with everything that I got! Everything is in perfect condition - they look like they're barely used! And the prices were super cheap! My pictures are kind of bad but it looks like Corner Office and Text Message are really similar but they're really different. Corner Office is more of a berry color and even though Text Message looks straight up brown it's a nice peachy tan color. I thought it wouldn't show up on my skin because I'm so tan but it looks like a really pretty everyday color. I've always wanted to get Hepcat but it's not as pigmented as I thought it would be but I use purples a lot so this will definitely be put to use. Mayaari threw in NYX Jumbo Pencil in Pecan for FREE! And check out how pigmented that is! It doesn't feel thick or gross at all and it is kind of dark but I think with the right gloss over it'll look super pretty.

I went back to Ulta again and they were having a 30% off sale on NYX products. I was kind of pissed because I printed a $3.50 coupon off the internet and the lady wouldn't take it and she didn't even tell me! WTF! But I was just like whatever! I picked up the 3 newest colors in their Jumbo Eye Pencils they're such pretty colors!

Electric Blue, Rocky Mountain Green, Purple Velvet

NYX has definitely been stepping up its game lately! I remember how chalky their eyeshadows use to be and some of them still kind of are and I remember the Jumbo Eye Pencils were thicker and more prone to creasing but they have definitely improved. They have such a wide range of colors and I feel like they've been releasing a lot of new stuff all the time. I love color so when I saw these pencils I was like OMG! It glides on your skin and I haven't tried thes on my lid yet but I will definitely do a look (maybe a tutorial?) soon! Out of the colors I got Electric Blue is the least pigmented but they're still gorgeous. They have a little shimmer in them but nothing to gritty or too much.

Rocky Mountain Green, Purple Velvet, Electric Blue

I seriously need to stop hauling things but I can't stop! I'm even waiting for my Urban Decay Naked Palette to come in the mail! I know for sure I want some things from MAC's Dare To Wear collection coming out at the end of the month and then FOR SURE I'll be going on a no buy until the Villainous Villains collection comes out! I still have a bunch of posts I plan on doing like a couple of reviews and whatnot but I have so much going on! I'm trying to get ready to move and gahh I have so many things! But keep an eye for the new posts! OH! And don't forget to enter my giveaway and contests!

Only guessing from your pictures, I see you have fuller cheeks than most gurus I know. I have full cheeks cause I am Korean, and it's hard dealing with models and people who have a more defined cheekbone. How would someone like me help find confidence?

2010-07-15T01:04:00.001-07:00

LOL that's funny that you noticed that because I actually do think my face is super wide around my cheeks! I'm not sure I understand when you say you have a hard time 'dealing with models & people who have a more defined cheekbone'? If you ever notice, most girls have "a side" that they think they look best from. Some girls think it's their right side, some like their left, I personally think I look best straight on kind of angled from the top. You can see the difference in your 'sides' when you take pictures of yourself. For example, I think my face looks suuuper fat when my chin is lifted and my face is kind of facing up. It just makes my face look REALLY wide! You can try contouring your face to make it look a little slimmer - I tend to concentrate most of the contour around my jaw line and near my nose. If you feel really self conscious about your cheeks, accentuate another feature that you really like (lips, eyes, etc) it'll kind of focus more attention on your other features and away from your cheeks. Just because you don't have high cheekbones doesn't mean you can't be confident! Confidence is about being comfortable in your own skin and being proud of what you have. There's LOTS of things I don't like about myself (like how huge my forehead is!) but I don't get really down about it and I think more about other things that I do like (my eyebrows - when they're being good!). It might not come right away but do things to make yourself feel good, like dressing up or finding eye makeup that makes your eyes pop! Again, it's all about emphasizing the positive and not thinking about the negatives! Sorry this is super long but I hope I answered this question well enough. Feel free to ask more Q's or email me if I didn't! =]

Ask me anything

TUTORIAL: MAC Vanilla/Shimmermoss/Birds & Berries

2010-07-13T23:50:00.001-07:00

It's hard coming up with names for tutorials! It's weird because I'm wearing the same thing in my last 3 videos HAHA! But whatever I'm telling you when I'm in the mood, I'm in the mood! And I don't have to study this weekend because I took my final last Thursday and I have a weekend break before I start my next class on Monday. =[ I went out last night and I thought I'd do my first outfit of the night video, I should have taken pictures but I was rushing! But you can check the video it's only a minute!

Urban Decay for $5!

2010-07-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

I got this in my email this morning & just thought I'd share! $5 Urban Decay!! I've already gotten a couple entries for the look contest, I'll be posting those up maybe later today? And I've already got a few for the giveaway so keep them coming! =]

IMATS Haul

2010-07-09T22:26:00.001-07:00

I looked effed up in this (idk what's up with my hair! lol) but I uploaded my vlog on IMATS to YouTube. It's basically a condensed version of my IMATS post I had to cut out my ramblings about our little mishap haha. The annoying thing about making vids is EDITING them. I feel like either I talk too much or I have to cut out a lot of stuff! =[ That's why blogging > videos. You can skip through whatever you don't want to read and I can post as long as I like! lol

Anyway Here's my haul on all the shit I got from IMATS! I think it's a lot but then I think it's not? I swear I would have got a SHITLOAD if I got through the MUFE line! Oh I uploaded a YouTube video too on it!

the haul!

Now for pictures!

MAC Haul & Blinc Mascara

Me & Dez tried to walk around first to see what was worth buying but it was so crowded halfway around we just started buying lol! I don't even remember what we bought first! But the MAC booth was one of the last ones I went to. It was only 20% off but I wanted to get some stuff because I don't have a pro card or anything but we went towards the end so they sold out of A LOT of things! I originally wanted Contrast eyeshadow and another purple one I forgot which one and Electra but I only got Electra! I wanted the 224 brush too but it was all gone too! =[ I ended up just getting a pack of wipes (because I always need wipes!), the new Opulash mascara and Electra eyeshadow! I would've picked out more things but I didn't wanna hold up the line and I already bought a bunch of other stuff! lol The Blinc mascara was only $12! It normally retails for $24 so I got it at half price. I've heard of their brand before but I never really looked into it, it sounds really cool how it "tubes" your lashes instead of sticks to it. I loove mascara it was like the only thing besides foundation that I use to wear in high school! But I'm really OCD about it and I have to throw it away after 3-4 months depending on how often I use it because I always think about the bacteria getting in it! That's why idk I always buy a shit load of mascara and they sit in the box until I finish one up haha! The most I have open at a time is 2 and right now I only have MAC Studio Fix Lash and Maybelline Lash Blast!

I bought this little set of brush cleaner stuff for only $20 at the Parian Spirit booth! It comes with a 16 oz bottle, a mini spray bottle, two wipes, and the little jar you clean it in with the sifter inside. You basically put brush cleaner until it touches the sifter thing or covers it alittle then you swirl your brushes around in it and the make up just slides right off! They don't really have their product out I think it's just for professional make up artists and whatnot because you can only buy them at certain beauty schools! But OMG I've used this stuff twice already and I LOVE IT! It smells so good! Well it just smells really clean to me, it's orange scented and it cleans my brushes really good and quick! I just have to swirl it around a few times, wipe it on a clean cloth or paper towel and it's all clean! I'm amazed at how quickly it cleans my MAC 239 & MAC 217 because they have white bristles! I'll probably do a video on it sometime. But it sucks that you can't buy it anywhere but I've googled it and I think they sell it on amazon? The big 16 oz bottle is $16 and I think there's A LOT of product in it. Or you can check parianspirit.com to see if there's a beauty school near you that carries the brush cleaner.

Xsura Moisturizer

This girl approached us about this moisturizer she sold it pretty well. It's a water based moisturizer so if you have super oily skin this is good for you. If you have dry skin though, I don't think it'll be enough! I haven't tried it yet but on my hand it feels really light weight - I can barely feel it at all. I have combo skin so sometimes when I use regular moisturizer it feels a little oily but I might need to put a little extra on some parts that are drier. She said the bigger bottle was $100! I was like WTF she was like we're selling it for only $50 at IMATS I was like um.... me & Dez tried to walk away! LOL But then she was like the little bottle is only $5! I was like OK! But the price difference doesn't make sense to me unless the packaging is really big but there's nothing in it haha! Owell it was only $5.

It's blue! [You can see my skin is KIND of dry]

rubbed into my skin. no more dry! but not that moisturized either.

Senna Cosmetics Samples

The only FREE samples we got were from Senna Cosmetics. I heard Urban Decay was giving out free samples but by the time we got there they didn't have any. =[ lol We went too late! I swear if I go again I'm going right when it opens and heading straight to MUFE! haha The eyeshadow is pretty big and the color is pretty pigmented! The red in the eyeshadow looks almost the same as the red lip liner!

L to R: MAC Electra Eyeshadow, Senna Eyeshadow white/blue/red, Lip Liner (on top) Rouge & Bronze

Miss Adoro Eyelashes

There was a booth selling $1 eyelashes! They kind of remind me of Red Cherry lashes which are only $1 whenever I go home to Hawaii at Don Quijote haha! The packaging is really similar too. I don't really wear fake eyelashes because they take FOREVER for me to put on, but I got 5 to try out.

Last but not least, Crown Brushes! [my brush roll]

Brush roll open

brushesss!

I freaking love brushes. Idk why I can't get enough. I use my MAC brushes the most but they really are a lot better quality then the other ones I have. But don't get it twisted I use my Sonia Kashuk on the regular! haha The brush roll was only $8! I bought my old one at Ulta for $10 I think? and it freakin fell apart after a couple of months and I only use it when I travel! There were holes at the bottom of the brush pocket so they would just slide out! WTF! haha But I like this one because it's pleather or leatherette or whatever I think it'll hold up a lot better and it's black! At first I didn't like the tie, I wanted a snap close or something but it makes it more flexible in case I pack that shit with a lot of brushes! The little bow is cute too when I tie it haha!

close up
L to R: pointed crease, angled liner, blending brush, fluffy round brush, foundation brush?, blush/powder brush

I liked this pointed crease brush because it's not as pointed as my 219 or my Coastal Scents brush and sometimes I wanna define my outer-v but I don't want a solid line. The angled liner because it was only $2! And I haven't found a liner brush that I like besides my 266 so I thought I'd give it a try. Most of the liner brushes I find are too thick - I prefer asuper thin line I can make thicker. The blendy brush reminds me of a 224 and like I said earlier I wanted one! I prefer rounded blending brushes as opposed to he 217 (but I still love mine!) so I wanted to try it. The fluffy round brush reminds me of a MAC 227? I think? I don't have that MAC brush either so yeah. The foundation brush (i think?) reminds me of the Sephora Air Brush! I wanted to buy it but it's $34! I always hold back on buying expensive brushes! I know they're worth it but idk why it's a problem for me. I have no problem throwin down $30 for an MSF. haha! The lash brush is a powder/blush brush. I like it because it's more pointed than a regular blush brush!

Sooo that was pretty much my haul! I didn't think I would talk this much, but like I said, this is why blogger is better than YouTube! I don't have a time limit! lol

200th Post & 2 Year Blog-a-versary Giveaway!

2010-07-09T22:25:00.002-07:00

So like I said in my last post I'm holding a giveaway for my blog's 2 year anniversary! I know I'm always on and off about blogging just because I'm so busy with everything else, but I try to keep up with it as much as possible! I completely forgot about my "blog-a-versary" which is actually in June! And it's really weird because I forgot about it last year too! haha I guess it's because I don't blog enough? Oh well but since 2 seems to be the magic number right now, I'll be giving away 2 prizes!! And if you know me you know I'm a COMPLETE MACAHOLIC so it's only fitting that the prizes are from MAC!

The FIRST PRIZE is going to be a contest! I barely see any contest and I'd love some reader participation other than leaving a comment! =] I'm going to leave the theme open so you can get as creative or as simple as you want but your look should include one of my favorite colors: pink, teal/turquoise, & purple!

FIRST PRIZE WINS

MAC Stereo Rose MSF & Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick!!!

Yeah you heard it right, STEREO ROSE!! lol I found extra's at a MAC Counter and it's only fitting that I giveaway MAC!

You can only win first prize if you do a look!
To enter for first prize, you need to email me at sher0xxmakeup@gmail.com with
- A picture of your look
- Close up of the eyes
- Your Name

I'll keep entries open for 2 weeks? I'll post entries as I get them and then there will be voting for a week to decide the winner! (Cause you know I love all of you and I can't pick!)

SECOND PRIZE WINS

Profusion Palette, Mini Too Faced Leopard Bronzer, & MAC Hello Kitty Nice to Be Nice Lipglass

To win this is easier than first prize but you have to do one of 4 things and if you do all 3 you get 5 entries! =] If you're one of my blogger babes you're probably already doing all of these! But #1 is a MUST but the others are all optional
*** MUST be a SUBSCRIBER! Either through RSS Feed or Following me on blogger
1. Follow me on Twitter @sher0xx and Tweet "RT @sher0xx Enter my 2 Year Blog-a-versary Contest! http://sher0xx.blogspot.com/2010/07/200th-post-2-year-blog-versary-giveaway.html"
2. Subscribe to me on YouTube sher0xxmakeup
3. Post about my contest on your blog!
4. Leave a comment on this post with the following:
NAME:
EMAIL:
HOW YOU ARE SUBSCRIBED:
[and if you did the other 3]
TWITTER:
YOUTUBE:
BLOG REPOST:

The winner for second prize will be chosen randomly. Good luck!!

The contest will be closed Sunday Aug 1 at midnight!

Wuzz's Love Pack

2010-07-09T00:17:00.001-07:00

This is hella late, but I seriously haven't opened the little love pack Tracie aka Wuzz gave me when we had lunch in HI!!!! Mainly because I was TOO busy I only opened it when I unpacked everything from my IMATS haul and I wanted to take pics of it before I even used it! LOL Is that weird of me? But here's the little love pack!

She always gives me soo much stuff when I see her! I wanna give her more but then she always talks about getting rid of a lot of her make up so I feel bad giving her more stuff!!! LOL Don't worry Tracie, one of these days I'll figure out something you'll want to keep! haha

the goodies!!

When I opened it I was like OMG! I need all this stuff!! lol She gave me foot scrub and foot lotion and my heels are hella DRY! lmao I think it's because I wear slippers all the time! And I can't afford to get pedicures on the regular so I'm hoping these will help me out. =] ( I haven't used anything yet! ) She gave me a little candy shaped lip gloss, I remember she gave me one like it the last time but my mom totally stole it from me haha!! A Hello Kitty lip balm (so cute!) and chocolate chap stick thingy. I love love love lippies because my lips are ALWAYS dry idk what's wrong with it even if I use scrubs, vaseline, I always need somethin on my lips or it starts peeling. =( So yay for lippies! There's 2 little lip samples too and I think in the little pink pouch is an eyeshadow sample? Omg idk I haven't used any of it yet, I haven't even touched the stuff I hauled from IMATS except to do a video! LOL

But thank's again Tracie! She's always so generous! I can't wait til we meet up again! =]

In other news, I finished my first summer school class today!! Wooot! I took Chem in 5 weeks that shit was CRAZY but I managed to get a B! Hopefully he curves it so I get an A I swear condensed classes are insane but I'm glad I stuck through it. I start another class next Monday =[ Yeah I'm ALWAYS busy with school I always feel like I'm never gonna graduate! But I know I just gotta get through it. Anyway I completely FORGOT about my 2 year Blog-a-versary!! I did this last year too idk I'm just bad at this! But I'll be announcing a giveaway maybe contest? next entry. What do you guys think? I already have a few prizes in mind but I'm not sure yet! But check back tomorrow!!