An Aura, Chic, Beauty

Jouer Fall/Winter Haul

2014-12-15T22:55:00.000-10:00

Fall/Winter colors are my favorite shades to wear in my clothes and of course, in my makeup. I love the deep, rich shades that add warmth and cozy-ness to any look.

Last year I purchased a few things from Jouer Cosmetics during a sale but I've been so behind in posting but better late than never. Unfortunately, a few of these products are discontinued or are on sale and possibly not sold anymore so get them while you can.

Mini Luminizing Moisture Tint: Jouer's most popular product is the Luminizing Moisture Tint. I have the full-size in the shade Pearl but use it more in the Summer since it's a bit darker. I thought I'd try Opal which is the lightest of the 7 shades and a good Winter shade. I'm a fan of their Luminizing Tints because they give the skin a glow without looking too shiny or with glittery sparkles on the face. This set contains 4 tubes in 0.17 fl. oz./5 mL, compared to the 1.7 fl. oz/50 mL. Each tube could get around 4-6 uses for a full face or around 10-12 uses just for touch-ups. I'm sad they discontinued this because I think it's a great way to take one for traveling instead of carrying a full-size tube or even just keep one in your makeup for on-the-go reapplication.

Powder Eyeshadows: I bought 3 of their Powder Eyeshadows in Fall/Winter shades that compliment each other. Their shadows have a silky, smooth finish with nice pigmentation. They are a dry-to-wet formula so you can dampen your brush to intensify the color or use it as a liner. The shades I bought:

Buttercream: satin pale ivory
Pistachio: shimmery medium olive green
Mahogany: shimmery dark purple-brown

Right now, Buttercream is on sale so pick it up before it's gone.

Bougainvillea Mineral Powder Blush: Matte medium rose. This is a pretty rose-y shade that gives a natural flush to the cheeks, a just-got-in-fro-the-cold look. Their Mineral Powder Blushes are great for people who are heavy handed because they're easy to blend but pigmented enough to build up color.

Tints: For a sheer wash of color, Tints are a product you should check out. They are a cheek and lip cream product that is foolproof, you don't even need to use a brush to apply. I don't usually like multi-purpose products because sometimes they only work on one area of the face and and can be hard to work with. These are actually quite creamy and easy to blend with your fingers. The only downside I have with this product is that it doesn't set so you may need to reapply throughout the day but the compact is so small, it's not really a problem. To make it long lasting on the cheeks, you could set it with a matching powder blush on top. The shades I bought:

Bare: light pink-y nude
Dahlia: medium berry

Wearing Buttercream, Pistachio and Mahogany on the eyes:

A photo posted by Glamour Girl 💋 (@anaurachicbeauty) on Oct 10, 2014 at 4:52pm PDT

Wearing Bougainvillea on the cheeks and Dahlia on the lips:

A photo posted by Glamour Girl 💋 (@anaurachicbeauty) on Jul 7, 2013 at 10:40pm PDT

♥ Glamour Girl

Hot Tools 1" inch Salon Curling Iron - 24K Gold Review

2014-11-05T23:28:00.000-10:00

I'm a fan of Hot Tools curling irons, having previously bought the 1-1/4" inch Salon Curling Iron - 24K Gold. I wanted to create a tighter curl though so I recently bought the 1" inch Salon Curling Iron - 24K Gold, which is supposed to give full curls and waves.

It has the same features as other 24K Gold irons:

Built-in rheostat temperature control up to 430˚ F
24K Gold-plated barrel
Spring clamp with 2 extra spring replacements
Foldaway safety stand
Extra-long cool tip
8 foot tangle-proof swivel cord

A 1" inch is a perfect curling iron size for me because with my hair type, the curls tends to fall after only a few after hours but using a small iron produces a tighter curl which means my curls will last longer. Even as it loosens up throughout the day, I can still see the definition.

Here's a couple looks using the curling iron:

♥ Glamour Girl

Salon Brand Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling Hair Products

2014-10-31T00:26:00.000-10:00

Whenever I get my hair cut at J Salon, they always entice me with hair products they sell. Salon brands can be a little pricey compared to what you see at the drugstores but sometimes can be worth it for the quality. I've written about high-end hair products so here is an update on a few new products I've been using over the past several months.

As a background on my hair type, I have normal thickness with a slight wave and there's lot of it. I've never colored my hair or used any chemicals on it but I do use a lot of heat with my blow dryer and curling irons.

I have a couple of shampoos and conditioners that are a little bit on the rich side and was looking for something that was lighter, more of a basic cleanse and condition. I bought Bain Cristal Shampoo - Long Hair by Kerastase, a silicone, paraben and colorant free shampoo. It's specifically for long, thick hair but they do have one for fine hair as well. It's supposed to purify the roots, rebalance hair fibers and leave the ends smooth and polished, all while not weighing them down. It has a clear, lightweight texture to it but still lathers well.

Lait Cristal, the matching conditioner, is also supposed to purify the roots, rebalance hair fibers and leave the ends smooth and polished. It softens and detangles the hair to improve the hair's natural shine, keeping it light and airy. This is also a nice, weightless texture that doesn't make my hair feel greasy after I wash it off. These are quite a lot to spend on shampoo and conditioner but I only use it when my hair isn't loaded with products/clean hair for a basic wash.

For styling my hair I bought Forme Fatale, also by Kerastase. It's a blow-dry gel that gives all-over body and hold and is alcohol free, with UV and heat protection. To use, I rub a quarter size amount of product in my hands, raking it through my damp hair with my fingers starting mid-length, down to the ends. Whatever is left on my hands, I apply it to the roots. Even though it's a gel, it's not too thick, is easy to work with and isn't heavy on my hair or weigh it down. After I dry it with a blow dryer, my hair feels fuller, has a bit of hold but still flexible and with no stickiness, stiffness or crunchy feeling. You can even apply a tiny bit on dry hair to control frizz and flyaways. I usually wear my hair curly/wavy and so this a great product to use, paired with Kenra Hot Spray 20. It has a nice fruity smell that makes it enjoyable to use and has specks of shimmer that adds shine to your hair.

To finish off my style, I was recommended Cotton Uzu, a defining flexible cream by Shu Uemura - Art of Hair line. It's a whipped-cream wax made of cotton fibers derived from fruit of a delicate flower, for light hold and shine on curly or wavy hair. You only need a tiny amount, just a dab of it with your fingers. I rub the product in my hands and use a scrunching motion to apply. If you smooth it or rake it through your hair, it will lose the definition of the curls. Whatever is left on my hands, I lightly smooth it on the front pieces and tops of my hair. I like that it defines each curl but still makes my hair touchable. It doesn't leave a greasy texture to my hair or weigh it down. This was my first time trying Shu Uemura's hair products but will be interested in trying more.

Like I've stated before, I think high-end products can be worth it, especially for styling products. You can save on shampoo and conditioners since that is used more frequently but it takes the right styling products to achieve the look you want.

♥ Glamour Girl

M.A.C Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover Review

2014-10-19T16:00:00.001-10:00

One of my favorite eye makeup removers is Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover but at its price tag, I was always looking for an alternative that worked just as well but at a more affordable cost.

Surprisingly, I haven't tried the Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover by M.A.C which is a dual-phase oil and water mix that you shake to activate. It's infused with cucumber extract to sooth the skin and Damascus Rose flower water to refresh. Not only does it remove stubborn waterproof eye makeup, but also lip color from highly pigmented lipsticks or lip stains, especially colors that are bright or dark. It cleans off the makeup without me having to rub vigorously with the cotton pad so it doesn't irritate my eyes and doesn't leave a greasy residue.

This is just as good as Lancome's at half the cost with my M.A.C PRO card and is now a staple product n my skincare routine.

♥ Glamour Girl

Lily Pily Jewelry Review

2014-10-17T23:58:00.000-10:00

There are so many small fashion brands you can shop online from. I found Lily Pily through Instagram and was interested in their jewelry, although they also have clothes and other accessories as well.

I was looking for chunky bracelets and bought two Bugambilia Bracelet in Pink which has light pink, lavender and white stones, and Black which has solid black, grey and white stones. I love how the stones are big and gives a luxe look and the toggle clasps make it easy to put it on and take it off.

I also bought two Glittery Fashion Cuffs in Pink-Purple and White. They come in other colors as well but I thought these compliment the two other bracelets I bought. Obviously, they resemble Hermes bracelets but in a trendier style and cheaper material. The clasp doesn't close very well, sometimes it opens up when I'm wearing and have to keep an eye on it so it doesn't come off but I think the glitter has a fun, sparkle effect that adds a glamorous touch to an outfit.

An outfit I wore with the bracelets on my 25th birthday last year:

As you can see, I like stacking these bracelets on the arm that I wear my watch on for night, party looks. Stacked jewelry, or "arm candy" is a big trend right now and so if you like fashionable jewelry at an affordable price, check out Lily Pily.

♥ Glamour Girl

M.A.C Artificially Wild Collection

2014-10-13T19:37:00.000-10:00

For Fall 2014, M.A.C Cosmetics released Artificially Wild Collection which consisted of hues in camouflage, earthy tones for the eyes, cheeks and lips. What drew me to this collection was the limited edition Eyeshadows, all four of which I bought:

Artificial Earth: Satin finish; light mauve pink with subtle shimmer
Marsh: Satin finish; medium olive green
Natural Wilderness: Satin finish; medium mustard yellow-brown
Stony: Satin finish; light-medium neutral silver-gray

Satin finish Eyeshadows are one of my favorite formulas from M.A.C because it's matte enough to add depth to the eyes but has a touch of shimmer or a pearlescent sheen so the color isn't completely flat looking. They generally have a smooth texture that's easy to blend and with good color payoff.

Although these are natural, neutral colors, they are different from what they usually release and what I already have. They're still quite wearable though and the perfect color palette for Autumn.

Here's a look I posted on Instagram using these eyeshadows:

♥ Glamour Girl

THEFACESHOP: Black Sugar Products

2014-10-07T23:38:00.000-10:00

After purchasing SKINFOOD Black Sugar Wash Off Mask in Japan, I was interested in finding other black sugar skincare products that I can purchase in the states. I was able to find two products by THEFACESHOP.

Phyto Powder in Cleansing Cream is a makeup remover cleanser with black sugar that is supposed to clean deep into the root of blackheads. It also has Green Tea and Olive extracts for antioxidants and moisture. The cream consistency is smooth, thick but is easily spreadable on the face to breakdown the makeup. I use tissues to wipe it off. I'm not sure if the brown sugar really cleans blackheads but the tiny specks just melts away. The cleanser works really well in removing my makeup and doesn't leave a greasy residue. It's hard to find a tissue-off cleanser/makeup remove that isn't too expensive and just gets the job done.

Honey Black Sugar Scrub is an exfoliater that removes blackheads with the black sugar and softens skin with honey extract. The directions say to massage on the face for 1-2 minutes, then wash off with warm water. It basically feels like a honey and sugar scrub, the granules are small and aren't too rough on the skin. Any dry patches that were on my face, especially on my T-zone and cheeks, feel smooth afterwards. The scrub is gentle enough to be used 1-2 times a week without irritating the skin.

What's nice about using black sugar in skincare products is that it leaves a sugary scent on your skin that is not overpowering. These two natural products will be sweet additions to my skincare routine.

♥ Glamour Girl

Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show: Giorgio Armani and YSL Haul

2014-09-30T23:30:00.000-10:00

Recently I shopped at Nordstrom's Beauty Trend Show for the first time which is where you spend a certain amount and receive a gift. There were new products from Giorgio Armani and Yves Saint Laurent circulating beauty blogs that I just had to get my hands on so I thought it was the perfect time to shop.

I know I just posted a review on #6 Light Rose Sheer Blush and probably shouldn't have bought any more blushes but GA came out with "Fabric" powder blushes and bronzers. They possibly may be replacing the Sheer Blushes but for now they are still available on their website and even at my Nordstrom. Cheek Fabric Sheer Blush in #306 Attitude is a light pink-y coral with a satin-shimmer finish. The shimmer is barely visible on skin but gives a subtle glow on the cheeks. It has that silky, velvety texture that GA powders are known for but I find these new colors to be more vibrant and really brightens the face. I wouldn't say it's really sheer in pigmentation, you can definitely get good color payoff if you build it up.

For the Sun Fabric Sheer Bronzer, I bought #100 Pantelleria which is the lightest color out of the four shades. I'm a fan of their original Sheer Bronzer in #1 Brown Sand but I mainly used it under the cheek, sort of as a contour since it was too dark for all over bronzing. #100 is much more of a golden-yellow bronze shade that compliments my skin-tone well. The finish is more of a satin-matte that gives the skin a "glow from within" look. The Fabric Bronzer also includes a flat, domed -shaped brush that actually works pretty well for on-the-go application. I prefer to use a big powder brush however, such as the Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush, for all over bronzing or a smaller contour/blush brush, such as the Real Techniques Contour Brush, for more controlled application. I really love the new Fabric blushes and bronzers, the powders are so finely milled and blend effortlessly. I would definitely get more shades in the blushes and the bronzer has been my go-to since I've bought it.

Makeup bag and samples I received with my purchase:

YSL launched a two-in-one product called Baby Doll Kiss & Blush, an air-whipped mousse to be used as a lip or cheek stain. I bought two shades: 08 Pink Pedoniste, a warm light pink and 11 Prune Impertinente, a deep reddish-plum. As you can see in the swatches, the color looks quite intense and glossy when you first apply it but once it's blended, it leaves a sheer matte finish. It has a tear-drop sponge applicator with a little round ball in the center that holds the product. To use as a blush, I just apply 3-4 dots on the apple's of my cheeks, then tap and blend outwards with my fingers. For the lips, I just apply and blend directly with the applicator. I like that you can build up the pigmentation for a bolder look or just wear a wash of color for a subtle look. It lasts pretty much all day on my cheeks but on lips, I have to reapply. This is probably one of my favorite lip & cheek products because while most multi-purpose products only work on one area of the face and and can be hard to work with, this creamy, blendable formula isn't drying. It's a great day-to-night product that's easy to use.

The last two YSL products aren't new but is a popular product. I actually mainly bought it for the packaging - the lip-shape applicator!

Gloss Volupte are customizable lip glosses with a finish that claims to have 10 times more shine than a traditional gloss. You can get almost full opaque coverage the more you layer it on, without having that sticky, goopy feeling on the lips. There are three different effects depending on what shade you get: Sparkling Effect (Golden Shades), Shimmering Effect (Iridescent Shades) and Crystal Effect (Pure Shades). There were so many colors to choose from but I picked colors that matched nearly identical to the Baby Doll shades I bought. 19 Rose Orfevre, Sparkling Effect, is a light warm pink with gold shimmer and 208 Fauve, Crystal Effect, is a deep burgundy-red.

The applicator isn't just for show, it actually has a purpose: the 3D curve of the lip fits the natural shape of your bottom lip, while the flat pointed tip on the other side fits the cupid's bow of your top lip. There's a little hole in the center that holds and deposits product evenly. I didn't think this shape of an applicator would make a difference but it makes the application effortless that I don't even need a mirror.The gloss has a fruity mango-peach scent to it that isn't too strong or offensive. It's pretty price for a lip gloss but I think the formula and applicator makes it worth it.

Makeup bag and samples I received:

The gift that came with my purchase actually wasn't in yet but my YSL SA Anela was kind enough to put together a little gift of samples to hold me over.

Me wearing GA's bronzer & blush, YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush in 8 Pink Hedoniste and Gloss Volupte in 19 Rose Orfevre:

Me wearing YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush in 11 Prune Impertinente and Gloss Volupte in 208 Fauve:

♥ Glamour Girl

Giorgio Armani Friends & Family 20% Sale

2014-09-18T17:06:00.000-10:00

During one of Giorgio Armani Beauty Friends & Family sales, it was the perfect time to buy a few of their products that had been on my wishlist. I even got a little treat with my order!

#6 Light Rose Sheer Blush: I'm a fan of GA's Sheer Blushes, already owning #10 and #5. #6 is a soft, warm berry-rose with a satin-shimmer finish. It's a great shade for Fall/Winter when you want a rosier flush to your cheeks. I love these blushes because the sheer opacity is perfect if you're heavy handed when doing your makeup, but at the same time you can build up the color. The smooth, silky textures make them wearable and easy to apply.

#400 The Red Lip Maestro: I'd say one of GA's best creations are they're lip products. Their colors and formulas are of top quality and the Lip Maestros are no different. The gel formulated lip lacquers have a velvet texture with a matte finish. Matte isn't exactly what I would describe it, it's more of a creamy, liquid lipstick finish. It's not super glossy but there is a dewy sheen to it when you first apply it. If you blot of the excess product on your lips, it does leave a nice matte stain. #400 is vibrant, opaque, true red, that's neither too warm or too cool. The long sponge applicator makes it easy to apply, especially around the cupid's bow and corners. Lip liner isn't necessary but I always like to use one to prevent any lipstick or gloss from feathering and bleeding. I love the consistency, it's creamy and non-drying on my lips. The only downside to them is that this is not a product I would wear when I'm eating because it will probably get all over my face. Still, this will be one of my favorite go-to reds to wear for a total glam look.

#104 Skin Rouge Ecstasy: Another new lip product from GA is the Rouge Ecstasy lipsticks. These "Color & Care", or "CC" lipsticks, combine the comfort of a lip balm and saturated color. #104 is a light, mauve-toned pink-y nude. It has enough pink in it to wear a natural look but is light enough to pair it with a dramatic eye makeup look. Compared to their Rouge d'Armani lipsticks which I love, these do have more of a balmy texture, with a little bit more sheen. They kind of remind me of M.A.C Cremesheen formula lipsticks. This is the type of formula I would recommend if you're looking for a creamy, hydrating lipstick with good color payoff.

#400 Four Hundred Rouge Ecstasy: As a special gift with my order, I received mini Rouge Ecstasy in the shade #400. It's a beautiful vibrant red just like the Lip Maestro I bought. You can see the size comparison in the photo on the bottom right, which is a perfect size to tote in your purse at all times if you need color on your lips.

♥ Glamour Girl

M.A.C Retro Matte Collection

2014-09-10T00:11:00.000-10:00

M.A.C Retro Matte Collection was released back in Fall of 2013, consisting new formula of Lipsticks called Retro Matte, plus a whole color range of Pro Longwear Lip Pencils. The colors that were limited edition I bought when the collection came out but the permanent ones were bought later, hence this being a late post.

Retro Matte lipsticks are the best formulas if you want the long lasting staying power and opaque pigmentation. They can be a bit dry on the lips but a few swipes of lip balm or a lip primer will help give them some slip. The two shades I bought were:

Runway Hit: Limited edition; medium peachy-coral. I have a few coral-peachy lipglosses and lipsticks and but not one in a completely matte finish which I think gives it a more sophisticated look.

All Fired Up: Permanent; medium bright fuchsia-red. I loved this color when I saw swatches online. It's the perfect hybrid of fuchsia and red mixed together and a great alternative to a classic red lip.

Below are makeup looks of me wearing Runway Hit and All Fired up:

The Pro Longwear Lip Pencils were previously launched in the Styledriven Collection which I skipped out on because they were permanent products so I could always purchase them later. These pencils are meant to extend the wear between reapplication and is also transfer-resistant. It has a slightly dryer texture than traditional lip pencils but I think that's what keeps it long lasting. Once it's on lips, it stays on even through eating and drinking, with minimal fading. So far I've bought a mix of neutral, deep tones and bright colors but will definitely add more to my kit.

Nice 'n' Spicy: Permanent; matte peachy-brown. Works well with nudes, neutrals and peachy colors.

Staunchly Stylish: Permanent; matte pink-y brown. Works well with nudes, neutrals, beige and pinks.

Morning Coffee: Permanent; matte rose-y brown. Works well with beige, browns and rose colors.

Absolutely It: Permanent; medium burgundy-plum with a pearly sheen. Works well with plums, berries and burgundy colors.

Dynamo: Permanent; matte bright warm pink. Works well with corals and warm pinks.

Fashion Boost: Limited edition; matte magenta-purple. Works well with fuchsia, magenta and purples.

I think theses lipsticks and lip pencils are great staples for everyone to have, especially if you're one to not liking to touch-up your lip colors a lot. I've been reaching the pencils more than the regular lip pencils not just for myself but on clients as well, to ensure all day wear.

♥ Glamour Girl

House of Lashes: Iconic, Heartbreaker, Darling and Precious

2014-08-21T22:32:00.000-10:00

House of Lashes became my favorite brand for false lashes after discovering them last year. The variety of designs and quality for the price is reasonable, especially if you wear them as often as I do. They recently created some new designs to review which I bought during one of their sales they post on Instagram.

Iconic has a tapered, V-cut criss-cross pattern and is a level 4 on their density scale. I bought 3-pack of these because I knew I would love them for a natural eye look. It has enough length and fullness that's perfect for the daytime or if I'm doing a simple eye look and I don't want to overpower it with dramatic lashes. This is part of the Premium Luxe Collection so although it's a little bit pricier, I think it's worth it for the 100% cruelty-free synthetic quality that lasts for a long time.

Here's a look I did wearing Iconic:

Heartbreaker has short hairs with long random pieces in between and is also a level 4. I haven't worn them yet but it's supposed to give a soft, playful look. It's part of the Flirty Collection and is handmade from 100% human hair.

HoL introduced a new line of lashes, Bottom - Lower - Under Collection, basically lashes for under the eyes. Darling has short hairs at the inner corners then gradually fans out to longer and thicker clusters. Precious has more spacious and longer pieces. Both are a level 2 and are made of 100% human hair. Of the two designs, Darling fit my shape better and looked the most natural on me. Precious was a little too long on me but would be great if I wanted a doll-eyes, wide-eyed look. Both lashes have a clear band as opposed to the dark black bands of the top lashes so they look less obvious at the roots.

Below is me wearing Darling and Noir Fairy on the top:

You can purchase these lashes at http://houseoflashes.com.

♥ Glamour Girl

M.A.C Pedro Lourenço Collection

2014-08-14T16:19:00.000-10:00

Brazillian fashion designer Pedro Lourenço paired up with M.A.C to create a limited edition collection that reflects on his designs, a nude color palette with metallic touches. I'll be honest, I've never heard of this designer but when I saw the promotional images, I knew the collection was right up my alley.

The Nude Quad contains four matte and shimmery eyeshadows in various tones of nudes. It might seem like an underwhelming color palette but I love these for subtle enhancement to the eyes. All of the eyeshadows have great color payoff with a smooth texture. Shades include:

Pink Sands: Matte finish; light-medium pink beige, limited edition
All That Glitters: Veluxe Pearl finish; frosty golden peachy-champagne, permanent
Rose Cloud: Matte finish; medium golden beige-brown, limited edition
Sable: Frost; frosty medium cool-tone bronze, permanent

This collection consisted of three red Lipsticks and one nude shade which is what I picked up. Peach Beige is pale beige with a hint of pinky-peach. It's an Amplified finish, one of my favorite formulas because it has opaque pigmentation with a satin sheen and a creamy texture that lasts long on the lips without feeling drying. Nudes can be hard to wear though, it can make your lips look corpse-like and your total look washed out. I like to use a nude lip liner that's slightly darker so there's definition around the lips. I also like to make sure there's a bit of color on my cheeks, a sheer wash of blush or even just bronzer, to balance the overall look.

The last two products I bought were the Tinted Lipglasses in Gold Mirror, a shimmery beige-gold, and Mirror, a shimmery silver. On its own it has a frosty, metallic finish to the lips that I honestly don't find too flattering. I love it over a lipstick though, for a multi-dimensional glossy look.

Some people may think this is a collection to pass on, the shades probably being similar to something you already have but I think the quality and the wearable shades makes it a pretty solid collection. I also love the packaging, the velvet black and metallic gold makes it look more elegant and chic. Although it's not the most unique collection, it's one of my favorites for a simple, sophisticated look.

♥ Glamour Girl

M.A.C Viva Glam Rihanna

2014-08-05T23:26:00.000-10:00

Barbados-born international pop singer Rihanna is the newest spokesperson for M.A.C's Viva Glam campaign. Her edgy, bold and confident style shows in the Lipstick and Lipglass shade but is still classic and wearable on almost anyone.

The packaging comes in a velvety red design with Rihanna's signature on it. The Lipstick is a blue-based red in a Frost finish. It doesn't look overly metallic or glittery and has full opaque coverage. The Lipglass is more of a pink blue-based with red and pink shimmer. It has light buildable pigmentation that you can wear alone for a sheer lip look or wear it on top of the lipstick for added sparkle and shine.

Below are two looks I've worn with the lipstick and gloss together. Reds definitely need a lip pencil to ensure long wear, prevent bleeding along the lip line, as well to perfect the shape of your lips since bright lip colors can show the unevenness of your lips more. M.A.C Redd, Cherry and Beet Lip Pencil are some good shades that matches well with Viva Glam Rihanna.

Although I have so many red lipsticks and glosses in my collection, these were still nice shades to add especially because 100% of purchase goes to helping woman, men and children living with and affected with HIV and AIDS. If you're looking for a red and want to support a great cause, pick these limited edition products online or at your local store and counter.

♥ Glamour Girl

Japan Haul: Bourjois and Tangle Teezer Review

2014-06-29T00:09:00.004-10:00

My final Japan haul post aren't actually by Japanese brands but are unavailable for me to try them out.

First are two makeup products by Bourjois. I remember using their products years ago when Sephora used to sell them but now seem to be sold internationally.

Healthy Mix Serum: Their foundations are one of the most popular products being reviewed ono blogs and on YouTube. There are two Healthy Mix foundations, the Serum formulated with vitamin-rich fruits including lychee, goji berries, and pomegranate to erase signs of fatigue and boost skin's radiance for up to 16 hours. It has a gel-liquid consistency that gives a semi-matte finish to the skin with light-to-medium coverage. There are only six shades available, fortunately No. 52 Vanille matched me pretty well. On my normal-combination, it lasts for a good 6-8 hours with a primer underneath and a powder set on top but I notice my skin starts to get a little shiny throughout the T-zone, which I suppose it gives the skin that "radiant" look. I like the natural looking finish and it doesn't feel heavy on the skin.

Healthy Mix Concealer: Bourjois has two Healthy Mix concealers, I bought the one in the squeeze tube that's for radiance and anti-fatigue. It's a "fruit-therapy" concealer that corrects dark circles with apricot, raspberry, and melon. There are only three shades to choose from and although No. 51 Eclat Claire Light Radiance is light enough for skin-tone and has enough of a peachy undertone to it to brighten my under eye area, it's still a very limited color selection. The consistency is creamy, easy to blend and has medium buildable coverage.

Lastly, I bought a hair product but a British brand called Tangle Teezer.

I didn't realize this was fast becoming a popular beauty product and it's not just for professionals. The Tangle Teezer comes in many colors and styles but I bought The Original in Pink Fizz. Having long hair, curling it and using styling products means my hair gets tangled easily but this brush does get out all the knots. This plastic brush has short and long teeth to detangle hair, even on damp hair, without tugging or hurting your scalp. It doesn't have a handle but the curvature of the brush fits in the palm of your hands comfortably.

♥ Glamour Girl

Japan Haul: Nails

2014-05-13T22:47:00.000-10:00

Since I've been into doing d.i.y nails, I definitely wanted to get nail polishes and nail art supplies during my trip to Japan.

Etude House had a special display where you can fill a small plastic bag with as many nail polishes as you can for only 10,000 yen. My friend was able to fit 10 bottles so it only came out to about $1 per polish!

I bought a mix of the My Dear Nail Polishes from their Summer Hot Colors Collection, Summer Glitters Collection, and Summer Sand Collection that was released in 2013. The regular polishes have a nice rich pigmentation, the glitters are mostly sheer but is nice to layer over, and the sand polishes have medium coverage but are buildable. They are easy to apply and lasts for a decent amount of time, at least a week before it starts chipping.

First, are the orange shades:

OR201 Orange Punch: vibrant orange
OR202 Peach Shower: light peach
OR203 Party of Coral: clear with a mix of white, yellow, orange dots and stars

Next, the purples:

PP501 Violet Sherbert: light lavender
PP502 Purple Romance: medium pink

Lastly, the pinks and reds:

PK002 Fantastic Girl: medium warm pink
RD302 Ruby Red Sand: ruby red with red gritty texture

Also by Etude House, I bought a few of their Color Pop Nail Polishes. It was part of their Spring/Summer collection in 2013 that contained 10 bright shades in blues and greens. The consistency is smooth, easy to apply with opaque coverage but the wear time is very short. I don't know if the formula is different to the My Dear polishes but after only 3 days, I noticed the polish chipping even with a good base and top coat. The colors I bought were:

CBL602: robin egg blue
CBL604: medium muted cobalt blue
CGR703: light mint green

When I bought skincare products from SKINFOOD, I also thought I'd try their nail polishes. I didn't realize they created so many formulas until I looked at their website.

Pedicure Gli Pop: I've never used a polish that was supposed to be used only for the toes but that's exactly what this is described for. There are only 5 shades total, all of which have a metallic, shimmery finish. Obviously you can wear them on your fingers, all nails for a full sparkly effect or just on one nail as an accent nail. They have a smooth consistency, opaque coverage and lasts for a long time with a good base/top coat. The colors I bought were:

3 Pop Ruby: pale pink champagne
5 Pop Plum: medium pink-red

Nail Vita: A vitamin and keratin infused nail polish that is supposed to protect dehydrated and rough nails. Surprisingly, there's a huge collection of shades to choose from but I just bought BR608 Skin Nail, a cream finish light-medium brown beige. I haven't used this yet but I thought this is a nice basic color to have.

For inexpensive nail polishes, Canmake is a great brand to shop from. They have a variety of shades and finishes.

Colorful Nails: Canmake revamped their Colorful Nails line, everything from the formula, packaging, and even the brush. It's supposed to be long-wearing and dry fast with a glossy shine finish. The brush is 2 mm longer than traditional brushes to make it easier to apply. The formula is smooth to apply with good color payoff. I just picked up two nude shades:

31 Cinnamon Pearl: light peachy beige with pearl shimmer
64 Beige Pink: light cream beige pink

Effect Nails: I love adding an accent nail with glitter or sand polishes. Canmake's Effect Nails bottles are much smaller than the Colorful Nails and with a shorter brush but applies just fine. The pigmentation varies from sheer to medium depending on the shade and formula but a matching base color would help give it higher coverage. The shades I bought were:

G03 Sunflower: gold, silver and pink holographic glitter
Z05 Sandy Beige: champagne with silver metallic
Z06 Pure Diamond: frosty white
Z07 Sheer Pink: warm coral-pink

Ettusais Gel Color Coat: The last polish I bought is supposed to give the look of gel nails that can be worn on its own or as a top coat. These came in 3-4 other shades, all of which were limited edition. BE1 Sheer Beige is a fitting name that gives the nail a healthy, natural look to them. I actually haven't used this yet so I don't know how the wear is but I thought it would be fun to try since I like the look of gel nails but not the cost or the maintenance.

You can't do nail art without gems, stones and studs so I bought three pre-designed sets that you can just stick on your nails, however using nail glue or top coat will keep it on longer.

Then for basic pieces like studs and rhinestones, I bought these Nail Parts Art Collection packets. They're great for personal use when you don't want to buy large quantities like at the nail salons. Each pack comes with a variety of sizes and shapes.

As I mentioned above, nail glue will keep gems, stones and studs stay on longer than a top coat so I bought one by Erikonail. It has a brush so you can paint it on like a regular polish or dot it where you need it. There are some nail glues that come in a squeeze tube but this is much easier to use without getting glue all over your fingers.

The final nail products I bought were these two 3D stickers/appliques that have lip prints on it. I didn't realize that the second one has a wedding/bridal theme to it but I thought these were cute and quick to use if I don't have time to paint my nails myself.

That's all the nail products I bought in Japan. There are so many more choices than what I can find here and it's easier to shop than having to look online. What are your favorite nail brands and products from Japan? Do you find them different in formula and quality than American brands?

♥ Glamour Girl

Japan Haul: Misc. Japanese Makeup

2014-04-01T16:03:00.000-10:00

Besides the ADDICTION makeup I bought in Japan, I bought other Japanese makeup that is a mix of high-end and drugstore brands.

I stopped by Shu Uemura, a brand known for their eyelash curlers, needing a replacement since I had mine for years. They recently came out with a new design called the New Generation Eyelash S Curler. This one doesn't have bars on the sides like a traditional curler which make it easier to get the corners lashes so it doesn't pinch your skin. When you close the clamp, you're supposed to push the white plastic into the socket of your eye to get a good curl at the base. After using this several times, I actually prefer the traditional curler because it's faster to use. The white plastic also comes off a lot on the S Curler which can be annoying. I still think this is a great curler for people with short lashes or hard to curl lashes and it will fit all eye shapes.

There are some great drugstore brands in Japan that you can buy at convenient stores and cosmetics stores. I picked up a few products I was interested in checking out after reading reviews on blogs and watching videos on YouTube.

Dolly Wink Deep Black Liquid Eyeliner: A water-resistant liquid eyeliner. It has a super fine felt tip applicator that makes drawing thin lines and winged eyeliner easy to do. Formulated with honey essence and moisturizing effects, I think it helps the product glide on effortlessly. I like that the color is an opaque matte black, the consistency is smooth, and it doesn't flake off or smudge throughout the day.

KATE BK-1 Mat Black Gel Eyeliner N: A fade-resistant, waterproof gel eyeliner. These come in other shades and finishes, plus it comes with a brush to apply it with. The consistency is creamy to apply and has a rich black color payoff. The brush is nice as well; small, flat, tapered bristles to control how thin or thick you want your liner to be. It stays all day on my top lash line without fading or flaking but it's not something I would use on my bottom lash-line or waterline because almost everything smudges on me there. I like that the size of the pot is smaller than the average gel liner (Bobbi Brown, M.A.C, etc.) because the product usually dries out before you finish it.

MAJOLICA MAJORCA BK999 Lash Expander Edge Miester Mascara: MAJOLICA MAJORCA is known for their mascaras, this one was on Cosme's list of top mascaras. It's a liquid waterproof lengthening mascara that has small fibers to add length to your lashes. The duo-sided plastic comb helps separate the lashes. I like that it does lengthen my lashes with the fibers, doesn't get clumpy or smudge, and holds a curl well.

What are your favorite products from drugstore or high-end Japanese brands?

♥ Glamour Girl

Japan Haul: ADDICTION

2014-02-28T23:30:00.000-10:00

ADDICTION was a cosmetic brand that I wanted to check out for myself after receiving a palette from my friends a couple birthdays ago.

I went to Seibu Department store located in Shibuya, and wanted to make myself a palette using their Compact Case II. It can hold 6 Eyeshadows/Kohl Eyeliners, 3 Blushes or a combination of those products, as well as small brushes and applicators that they sell separately. You can see when the case is empty, there are tiny holes that you can slip a pin through to pop out the products to rearrange how you like it. The palettes are not magnetized but held by glue from under the plastic of the product.

For the eyes, I wanted to create a nude-neutral color scheme that can go from day-to-night. There are different formulas that give a different finish and pigmentation concentration but the overall quality is smooth, good color payoff, and is easy to blend. The colors I bought were:

Ice Wall: Metallic pale ivory
Sandbar: Pearl light pink-y beige
Earth Wind: Matte medium neutral-warm brown

Their Kohl Eyeliners are inspired by traditional Arab kohl liners but in a powder formula. It contains oil and Centifolia extract to give it a moisturizing, velvety finish. I bought Night Dive, duo shades of a satin dark indigo blue and matte black. The pigmentation can be buildable for intense color or it can be buffed out for a smokier effect. I like to either use an angled stiff liner brush like a M.A.C 266, a wide flat liner brush like a M.A.C 214, or a pencil brush like a M.A.C 219, apply the color and to smudge it out.

To complete the palette, I bought Good Girl Blush, a matte light peachy pink powder blush. I picked this color because I thought it was the most universal color to wear with a daytime natural look and a dramatic night look. It has nice color payoff with a silky texture that is easy to blend.

I think the eyeshadow, eyeliner and blush combination compliment each other and are easy to wear. It's a palette that I can grab for when I need a "ready-made" look.

The next two products have become popular on beauty blogs and were on my have-to-have list before I even saw it.

Their Cheek Sticks isn't just used as a blush but also for the lips that's packaged like a lipstick. I bought the color Revenge, a matte, creamy reddish-coral shade. In the swatches, you can see it has intense pigmentation when you first swipe it on but once you blend it in, it becomes sheer and more wearable. The consistency is easy to blend and doesn't look patchy on the cheeks or dry on the lips. The product doesn't set so the wear time on cheeks and lips might not be long. It lasts all day if I set it with powder but maybe on combination-oily skin types, it might fade after a few hours. On lips, reapplication is needed especially after eating/drinking. As a blush, I swipe it on the apples of my cheeks then blend it out with my fingers and for the lips, I apply it directly from the tube. Overall, I like this multipurpose product for when I need something quick and easy.

Last but not least, I bought one of their Lipsticks and like their Eyeshadows, they come in different formulas. Lady of the Lake, a Cream finish, is a matte dark berry-wine color. The texture glides on effortlessly with rich color payoff. It's even pretty as a stain if you blot it or if it wears off. Both of these cream products have Centifolia extract which makes moisturizing and easy to to apply.

Most Japanese cosmetics tend to be really light and natural so it's nice to see a brand with more vivid colors. The standout products that I would recommend people to check out would be the Eyeshadows, Cheek Sticks, and Lipsticks. I hope ADDICTION becomes more easily available in the states in the future so more people could try out their products. If you've tried ADDICTION, what are your favorite products?

♥ Glamour Girl

Japan Haul: Skinfood Skincare

2014-02-13T20:00:00.000-10:00

Asian skincare has become more and more popular, even the Western brands have taken a few notes. SKINFOOD is a well-known Korean brand that I surprisingly discovered in Lumine EST Shinjuku and was eager to try.

Facial sheet masks are a great product to use to give yourself a mini spa facial. Each package is a one-time use mask concentrated with ingredients to treat whatever skin concern you have, whether it's to brighten the complexion or if you need hydration. There was a deal going on when you buy two, you get one free. Here are the three that I got:

Fresh Apple T-U Zone Balance Mask Sheet: This is a two-piece mask that controls sebum production on the T-zone and hydrates the U-zone while unripe green apple extracts and carbonated water tightens pores.
Peach Sake Pure Essence Mask Sheet: A pore mask that contains traditional Japanese rice sake and peach extract to control excess sebum. Hyaluronic acids also help to hold moisture and beta-glucans keep skin resilient.
Carrot Collagen Eye Sheet: A mask specifically for under the eyes containing carrot extract that's rich in Vitamin A, marine collagen, and royal jelly to moisturize the dry, sensitive area.

I haven't used all of them yet but when I need a quick pick-me-up, these are nice to have on hand. To use, I just leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes or until the sheet starts to dry out, then massage the remaining essence into my face. They're also great to use on the plane because the air is extremely dry and so using any of these masks instantly refresh your skin.

During the holidays, Skinfood was selling a Mini Mask Kit that included 6 masks, 4 wash offs and 2 leave-ins. I haven't tried them all but here are the types of mask that are in the set and how to use it:

Black Sugar: A mineral and vitamins wash off mask that exfoliates dead skin cells. It has a sugary paste texture to it but it doesn't feel harsh on the skin. I massage it all over my damp face, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off.
Royal Honey: A royal black honey and royal jelly extracts massage gel mask that replenishes lost moisture. Apply a layer all over the face, massage it in for 3-5 minutes, then leave it on the skin or wash it off.
Acai Berry: An Acai berries extract wash off mask to hydrate dry skin. Leave it on damp skin for 5 minutes then rinse off.
Rice: A rice extract wash off mask to moisturize and brighten skin. Apply on damp skin, concentrating around the nose, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then wash it off.
Gold Caviar: A pure gold, caviar and collagen extracts massage mask to maintain skin's resilience and density while sleeping. Apply the mask after your night skincare routine and leave it on overnight.
Ginseng: A white ginseng wash off mask that transforms lackluster, lifeless looking skin into a glowing complexion. Massage into face after washing, leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse off.

I also bought a full-size of the Black Sugar Wash Off Mask because it's the one that I feel like I would use the most. It's gentle enough to use it 2 times a week without my skin getting irritated.

Skinfood also has a makeup line that's infused with healthy, nourishing ingredients.

The only product I bought was the Pomegranate Lip Tox SPF 10, a primer that intensifies the lip color. The pale peachy nude base has a balmy texture that goes on clear and leaves a subtle sheen on the lips. I apply it before I use any lip pencil, lipstick or gloss and it does help to apply the products a lot more smoothly. The SPF is what actually helps to enhance the lip color and give it natural volume.

I'm definitely a fan of Skinfood after trying these products. You can tell the high quality of ingredients they use because you can feel the difference that your skin feels and looks. I've also bought a few of the nail polishes but I'll write about it on another blog post. What are your favorite Skinfood products?

♥ Glamour Girl

Japan Haul: Clothes & Accessories

2014-02-01T21:40:00.003-10:00

Shopping for clothes in Japan during the Winter can be difficult when you live in a tropical location. Heavy sweaters and jackets aren't exactly practical. Luckily, I was actually able to find a few things plus some accessories.

While we were in Harajuku, we went to RNA MEDIA that's in Laforet department store. The style is sporty wear and tomboy-ish but somehow I managed to find this super cute sweater. It has a kiss print, which I love to have on everything, on the front and lipsticks on the back. Even though it's a long-sleeved sweater, the material is lightweight and breathable.

The next two stores are not Japan based but we don't have them in Hawaii.

ZARA is pretty popular in Japan, there were multiple stores in Shinjuku and Shibuya. While my sister bought four bags from there, I only bought this grey t-shirt that has, yes, lips and lipsticks on it. It also has these squiggly marks from the "lipstick" that is designed with beads. I just thought this was a fun shirt to wear and to add my lip clothing collection.

Then at H&M, I bought a light grey infinity scarf that has nude-pink lips all over it. I have a burgundy and blue lip scarf but I like that this is a neutral color that will go with a lot of outfits. This is the last lip print design I bought during my trip, I promise!

Also at H&M, I bought a big pale beige bow hair clip in a velvety material. I love using bows when I wear a topknot, high-bun or any other hairstyle.

I bought another bow at a shop called Feria that's in Shinjuku Lumine EST. There are so many styles of one accessory that it's hard to choose. Normally I pick a design that will stand out against my black hair but I like this one because it's a simple black with beads and stones at the center that gives it a sophisticated look.

A well-known designer in Japan is Samantha Thavasa which sells bags and wallets. Petite Choice is a sub-brand and was the perfect brand for me to go to when I was looking for a wallet. I bought a Lamé Print Multi-Pass Case in Beige. It's compact enough to fit in my small handbags but can actually fit quite a lot, everything from cash, coins, cards and ID. The cream color with subtle gold flecks makes it look chic yet functional at the same time.

I've been into nude-cream colors lately and found this bag at TOPSHOP on my last day of shopping. Although it's not a Japanese brand and I've shopped online before, it's nice to shop at the actual store. This Colorblock Bowler Bag is great for carrying a lot of things on a busy day doing errands. I like that the nude side panel is a pocket for easy to grab access. It comes with a long strap to wear as a shoulder bag but I like carrying it just as a tote. A white bag can be tricky to not get dirty but it's also a color that can carry throughout the seasons.

I love getting jewelry in Japan, the sizes are much smaller and fit me better. The styles also tend to be a little more delicate and dainty. I bought these two inexpensive rings at a shop called Lycka that's in Laforet. They're actually quite chunky in comparison to the other styles I've seen but thought it was something different.

My last and most expensive purchase is from ABISTE. It has become a tradition of mine to purchase something from this brand since I discovered it 5 years ago at the hotel I stay in. I have a few watches from them but wanted to get a ring instead. I'm not sure what the style is called but it has a pear-shaped clear stone with tiny stones around it on a rose-gold band. There was one that had a round stone but the shape of this ring instantly caught my eye. I love that it's a delicate, elegant and feminine design that isn't too cutesy or flashy.

That's all I bought fashion-wise on my trip. It's not much but not all of Japan's style is something that I would wear. Next up, my skincare haul from Skinfood.

♥ Glamour Girl

Today's Client, Hidemi's Great Gatsby Winter Ball

2014-01-20T22:59:00.002-10:00

This years theme for Hidemi's Winter Ball was The Great Gatsby. I didn't want to take it literally from the movie and make it look like a Halloween makeup look but more inspired from the movie. She was wearing a black and gold dress so I did a soft makeup look using gold and warm browns for the eyes, peachy blush and a gold highlight for the cheeks, and light pink-y nude lips. I liked that it didn't compete with the dress or look too dramatic but it just gave her a subtle, golden-glam look.

Prep Products:

M.A.C Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15
Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer
Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion
M.A.C Lip Conditioner

Products Used:

Jouer Bronze Luminizing Moisture Tint
M.A.C Medium Conceal and Correct Palette
mark. Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation
Hourglass Diffused Light Ambient Lighting Powder
theBalm Swiss Dot Instain Blush
theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer
Benefit Hoola
Jouer Caramel Eyeshadow
Jouer Mahogany Eyeshadow
M.A.C Saddle Eyeshadow
M.A.C Nylon Eyeshadow
M.A.C Dazzlelight Eyeshadow
Urban Decay Perversion 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil
Kate BK-1 Gel Eyeliner N
Dolly Wink Black Liquid Eyeliner
Salon Perfect Black Demi Wispies Perfectly Glamourous Lashes
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dark Brown Brow Powder Duo
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel
M.A.C Spice Lip Pencil
M.A.C Honeylove Lipstick

♥ Glamour Girl

theBalm 50% Off Haul: Shady Lady Palettes, Batter Up, Put a Lid On It

2014-01-08T18:27:00.002-10:00

My final haul and review from theBalm is on their eye products, which I believe is one of their stand out products. Their Shady Lady Eyeshadows come in singles or in a pre-made palette. I've bought Vol. 2 years ago and finally bought the other two to complete the set, plus a couple of other things.

Shady Lady Vol. 1: With its cheetah print casing, the colors in this palette are a mix of browns, jewel-tones and muted neutrals. This is probably my favorite of all three palettes because it has a nice mixture of everything that goes well together to create a variety of looks. All colors except for Jet-Setting Jennifer and Easy Wheezie are permanent as single eyeshadows. Colors include:

Caught in the Act Courtney: dark brown with gold shimmer
Shameless Shana: shimmery medium golden brown
Luscious Lani: shimmery light beige-pink
Jealous Jordana: shimmery dark forest green
Risque Renee: satin-shimmer dark slate blue
Curvy Cami: shimmery medium plum-purple with gold shimmer
Jet-Setting Jennifer: frosty pale golden-green
All About Alex: shimmery medium muted pewter
Easy Wheezie: shimmery muted steel blue

Shady Lady Vol. 3: This one has a giraffe print design and a little more of an eclectic collection of shadows. They sort of mix-match but still compliment each other. Unlike Vol. 1, all are exclusive to this palette. Colors include:

Lusty Ice: shimmery light silver
Envious Erin: frosty pale cream with silver shimmer
Racy Kacy: shimmery medium warm auburn
Safe Bet Annette: frosty light rose-pink
Runaround Rebecca: shimmery olive green
Come-Hither Heather: satin-shimmer grey-taupe
Open to Offers Olwen: frosty medium teal
All the Way Annie: shimmery medium plum
Guilty Gwen: black with silver sparkle

As you can see in the swatches, the pigmentation is rich, with a smooth texture that is easy to blend. The only downside I have to them is that they all have some form of a shimmery-frosty finish so you can't really create depth to the eyes but theBalm does have a Meet Matt(e) Nude Palette that is perfect to incorporate with these shadows. Overall, I think with the quality and the amount of product you get (I believe they are the same size as the singles), they are a great value.

Home Plate Kate Batter Up Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows: This is actually discontinued but I thought I'd still review it in case you can still find it online. It's a cream eyeshadow that also came in three other shades. Home Plate Kate is pale shimmery pink-beige. It doesn't claim to be waterproof or even water-resistant but it does stay on well over a primer. You can wear it on its own, under powder eyeshadow as a base and to intensify colors, as well as using them as a highlighters on the face.I like to use the warmth of my finger to apply a smooth, even application but a flat synthetic brush can also work well.

Put a Lid On It Eyelid Primer: Finally, theBalm came out with their own eyeshadow primer! Formulated with light-reflecting properties, it brighten the eye area while keeping the eye makeup and colors staying true all day without creasing or fading. It's packaged in a tube that makes it sanitary and easy to use. The texture is similar to other eye primers already out in the market, a creamy-silicone like in a light nude-beige color. It's basically colorless on my skin and doesn't alter the colors. I can apply eyeshadows immediately afterwards without any difficulty blending them. I find this to have a little more slip than other primers and a little lighter in consistency. Overall, I think this will become a staple product in their line.

That concludes my haul! I know I went a little overboard but I'm glad I could purchase it during the sale. I can't wait to see what theBalm comes with next. For the price and quality, I hope these posts help you in discovering this brand, if you haven't already. What were your favorite products during this sale?

♥ Glamour Girl

theBalm 50% Off Haul: theBalm Girls Lipsticks and Plump Your Pucker Tinted Gloss

2013-12-30T23:42:00.001-10:00

Aside from the Stainiac Lip and Cheek Stains, I've never tried theBalm's lip products. I bought three of the new theBalm Girls lipsticks and one of their Plump Your Pucker lipglosses.

theBalm Girls: Creamy, opaque lipsticks with conditioning formula. It has a vanilla and peppermint scent that's refreshing on the lips. I love that the names are derived from Bond girl names, even the box has cute characters with "James Balm" himself. The lipsticks come in sleek, silver bullet-like tubes. The textures are smooth to apply and long lasting but not drying. Colors I bought:

Mai Billsbepaid: creamy beige-pink nude
Ima Goodkisser: shimmery coral
Foxxy Pout: shimmery bronze

Pink My Lemonade Plump Your Pucker: A tinted gloss with Maxi Lip, menthol, and Vitamin C to reduce the look of fine lines and increase circulation to make them look fuller. Each shade has a different scent that corresponds to the name. Pink My Lemonade for example, has a light sweet lemon scent. This shade is a medium pink with fine silver shimmer. I surprisingly really like this color, it's the perfect neutral pink that isn't too light or bright but just adds subtle color to the lips. The consistency isn't super sticky but has enough tackiness to last for a few hours.

I hope theBalm expands their line for lips, such as formulas and shade selections, as everything else has been great. What type of lip products would you like to see from theBalm?

♥ Glamour Girl

theBalm 50% Off Haul: Instain Blush and Bahama Mama Bronzer

2013-12-28T00:02:00.000-10:00

Blush and bronzer can really liven up a face when you're looking washed out and need a little color. I bought two of the new Instain Blushes and the Bahama Mama Bronzer. I love the their cheek products because they come in slim cardboard packaging with a slip cover that you can toss or keep for extra protection. It has a magnetic closure and a mirror that makes it easy to apply on-the-go.

Instain Long-Wearing Powder Staining Blush: A powder formulated blush that is long-wearing like a stain blush. Each shade is named after patterns, with the designs showing on the inside of the cardboard. The cover even has a cute drawing of a girl looking like she's on the cover of a fashion magazine. I like how the packaging matches the blush color, it makes it easier to grab the blush you need. The textures are smooth but it does take some time to blend since the pigment is so concentrated. Only a light tap of your brush is needed and you have to buff it out well so you don't have doll cheeks. I find the wear time to be long lasting, it has become my go-to blushes when I have to wear makeup all day. Colors I bought:

Argyle: matte medium pink
Houndstooth: satin medium mauve

Bahama Mama Bronzer, Shadow & Contour Powder: A matte medium neutral powder that can be used as a bronzer, an eyeshadow, and for contouring. Using a no-shimmer bronzer will give depth to the face. I like that there isn't any orange-y tones to it so it will flatter most skin-tones. I mainly use this for contouring because I find it a little too dark and flat to be used as a bronzer. You can sweep this across the crease of your eyes if you need quick definition. The texture is easy to blend with nice medium pigmentation.

I really like the new Instain blushes and will definitely get the rest of the shades. Bahama Mama is a great multi-purpose product, especially for travelling. What do you think of theBalm's cheek products?

♥ Glamour Girl

theBalm 50% Off Haul: TimeBalm Skincare

2013-12-24T23:47:00.000-10:00

After buying theBalm Almond Microdermabrasion Face Scrub, I wanted to explore the rest of their skincare line. All their products are paraben, synthetic dye, phthalate and cruelty free. Also made in the USA, too!

Hazelnut Vitamin E Face Cream: This moisturizer is formulated to protect your skin against free radicals while hydrating with antioxidants and humectants. Hazelnut has high amounts of Vitamin E and is know to protect skin from ultraviolet rays. It has a buttery, creamy texture to it but doesn't feel heavy and is wearable under makeup.

Cranberry Invigorating Eye Cream: A brightening eye cream formulated with caffeine to reduce puffiness and stimulate circulation. It has a nice balance of being rich enough to hydrate the delicate skin but is light enough to absorb quickly. The one thing that really surprised me was the size of the jar - it has the same amount of product as the moisturizer. Not a lot of product is needed under the eye area so this product will last for a long time.

Blueberry Face Treatment Mask: A blueberry extract-based mask to tighten and clarify your complexion while glycerin and aloe hydrate and sooth the skin. It has a liquid, milky texture that dries into a chalky after about 10-15 minutes left on the skin. I love the way it makes my skin feel after I use it, super soft, and refreshed. I also like that it doesn't irritate so it works well on sensitive skin. It's suggested to use it 3 times a week for dry skin and once a week for all other skin types.

Honey Face & Body Primer: A primer containing honey extracts, vegetable derived oils, antioxidants and Jojoba to give the face and body a satin finish. For the face, you can use it under makeup to help products glide on smoothly. For the body, you can apply to rough areas to moisturize. It can even be used on your hair to add shine. Upon close inspection, I can see microscopic specks of shimmer but it's hardly visible on the skin. I like the silky finish it leaves on the skin for quick hydration.

Balms Away Eye Makeup Remover: This isn't part of the TimeBalm line but I wanted to give it a try. Packaged in a round tin, the solid product is fortified with Vitamin A, C & E, and plant-derived Sterols and Lipids blend. It's safe for sensitive eyes and conditions the delicate eye area while cleansing. To use, I scoop out a nickel-size amount of product onto closed eyes, massage in circular motions for about a minute, then wipe away with tissue. Sometimes I still see eyeliner and mascara residue but I can clean that off with my facial cleanser. It basically feels like a solid oil or petroleum jelly and it can feel a little greasy afterwards. Although this is leak-proof and nice for travelling, it's not really my type of eye makeup removal product and prefer liquid double-phase formulas.

I like that the TimeBalm line is based on ingredients found in nature and in know to help the skin in some way. They also categories their products by skin-type which makes it easier to shop. The products I bought are for normal-to-dry skin but could be used even on combination skin. Have you tried theBalm's skincare? Favorite products?

♥ Glamour Girl

theBalm 50% Off Haul: En Root Hair Care

2013-12-15T21:02:00.000-10:00

theBalm launched a new En Root hair care line, complete with shampoos, conditioners and styling products. There aren't many reviews online so I bought a few of the products to try them out.

Using a lot of heating tools can be really damaging so the Moisturize My Hair Shampoo and Conditioner is perfect to replenish the hair. All of the shampoos and conditioners are formulated with Bamboo and Rice Protein as well as being infused with Vitamins A, C and E. Free of parabens and sulfates, it's even safe on color-treated hair.

With the shampoo, I noticed after the first use that my hair felt really clean without drying it out. The conditioner felt nourishing but it didn't weigh down my hair or feel greasy. Both products have a subtle sweet smell which I like.

Post washing, conditioning and blow drying, my hair looked healthy and smooth of fly-aways. There are three more types of shampoo and conditioners you can check out that will fit your needs if this formula doesn't suit your hair.

When I don't have time to wash my hair dry shampoos are my savior. theBalm's Dry Shampoo is paraben and sulfate free and is used in lieu of washing to restyle your hair as it absorbs excess oil and gives it a clean feeling. It's also useful to add volume and texture to the hair. To use, lift a small section of hair, then spray onto the roots from at least 6 inches away. It leaves a slightly damp texture on the hair then dries after a quick run through with a brush. I like that it doesn't leave any white residue and it has a refreshing scent to it.

Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised by the hair care line from theBalm. Not only do the cute retro packaging attract you to try them out but the products actually work. I'm glad theBalm has expanded onto other products and can't wait to see what's more to come. What do you think of theBalm new En Root hair care?

♥ Glamour Girl