Lipsticks and Crayons

Expecting a new bundle?

2014-09-16T21:08:00.001-07:00

Head on over to the Little Hip Squeaks Blog to learn about how you can win this amazing baby package from them!

The New Year...

2014-01-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

Growing up, I remember that I was expected to write a long list of resolutions at the dawn of every new year to share with the world. And all those times, I thought to myself, that for every line I wrote, I divulged something so intimate as to which bad habit I need to break, or how I am to skim the scale. In my mind, it's almost a guaranteed set up for failure when the rest of the world is privy to your less-than-perfect lifestyle. You watch every step, every word, every bite.. under the scrutinizing microscope of the Resolution Police.. yeah, you can bid your food porn posts on Instagram, adieu!

As an adult, I did not apply the "new year" resolution to my life, my husband and kids. Why, you might ask, when we all know resolutions are assembled to better your choices and life all together? Well there is my emphasis on the "new year", which goes against my belief that resolutions should never be made just when the new year begins.

I am not perfect. Not even a half-a-world close. There are moments of procrastination, impulsiveness, and yes, moments of "I shouldn't have taken that last bite.." But in reality, these incidents happen all.year.round. -- and not the week before the ball drops in Times Square.

I believe that resolution should happen the moment you realize that there is something amiss in your life. And everyday seems to be the best time to assess and look beyond yourself to find these misdeeds. And when you do, find it in you to make that change, and stick to it. There are things that require time, like weight loss, relocation, employment changes, or maybe even relationship changes. But the one thing I do believe is, when it comes to character, I think the change should happen at the point of discovery.

I believe that turning the leaf over does not happen every year... it happens every day. We close and begin new chapters in life the moment it happens, and never at the dawn of every year. Finding resolve in what is amiss in your life should be the same way... and it shouldn't take a list, just determination and the willingness to change something in your life.. every single moment.

Happy New Year.. and along with that, a happy new day!

Little Charms for the Christmas Tree

2013-12-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

Bvlgari The Jewel Charms Collection

Want a beautiful last minute gift for her that's almost fool-proof? This beautiful Bvlgari Charms Perfume set is just that. She gets a variety of classic and beautiful scents. I was surprised as to how much I love the bottles, and the scents are just wonderful for everyday.

Available at Neiman Marcus. (Not sponsored or affiliated)

currently loving : miu miu noir

2013-06-08T22:30:00.001-07:00

Retro. Classic. Chic. Enough said.

"the future's so bright.. i gotta wear.."

2013-01-10T12:54:00.000-08:00

It's the new year and in need of new specs.. not having the perfect vision sure has its inconvenient moments. But why stop at looking through boring specs? When lack of inspiration sets in, I look to the House of Tom Ford for the fail-proof answer.

Pictured above: Tom Ford Christophe and Tom Ford Optics.

Not a sponsored post. I purchased both sunglasses and eyeglasses featured.

the wishlist.

2012-12-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

Tom Ford Rouge Collection for the Holidays. Red Hot.

Tom Ford Private Blend Lipsticks. Bisous.

Tom Ford Nail Laquer Set. I want my paws on these.

Tom Ford Brush Set. It will make me the fairest of them all.

Swarovski-encrusted Tweezerman Tweezer. All that glitters..

David Yurman rings. Always a classic.

Tom Ford Specs. Hella Sexy.

Rebecca Minkoff Jacket. Bad-A$$.

Alexander Wang... Will.definitely.float.my.Christmas.boat.

winterizing my skincare

2012-11-09T15:46:00.000-08:00

My skin inevitably changes with the season. I go from combination-oily in the summers, and then normal-to-dry, even parched in the winters. To top it off, I have sensitive skin that can go haywire with certain ingredients. I make it a point to make a few adjustments to my skincare seasonally to keep my skin happy.

This winter, I decided to give Pai Skincare a spin. All their products are "formulated with sensitive and allergy-prone skin in mind". I went ahead and ordered the Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil, Kukui & Jojoba Skin Brightening Exfoliator, and the popular Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.

I have only been using these products for about a week and I must say I am quite pleased so far. I will post reviews on each product given sufficient time of trial and usage.

*Not a sponsored post. I purchased all the items featured.

there you are.

2012-10-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, there he is.. and as the saying goes.. Change is Inevitable, Change is Constant. And there goes Chanel with its choice of the opposite gender for its ultra femme scent, No.5. I have mixed feelings about this change. I have worn this scent, and although I tip-toed around the thought of my kids telling me I smell like grandma, I have also indulged myself in reverie of a young Marilyn Monroe, wearing nothing but a drop of No.5 to bed. So do I evoke the scent of a bombshell or of granny crocheting doilies?

Well I guess if I were standing to the sexiest man alive, I'd be called Norma Jean.

Watching the video, I initially was in awe. There was a little jaw-drop action. Then a raised brow. Then a smirk. Enough said.

glamour purse

2012-10-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

It's taupe.. it's gray.. it's brown.. well it's all of the above. I may even add purple to the mix. Essie Glamour Purse is a great neutral color for fall.

inevitable encounters : chanel and the sexiest man alive

2012-10-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

Capping off my 3-day weekend today.. lots of senseless web browsing and lounging around. Even getting excited over a teaser that may either make a genius out of the House of Chanel or just may have us all chanting in unison.. Whyyy?

But the one thing I do love is this ode to No. 5 and the introduction of its new face.. of the opposite gender.. for the first time.

endless summer faves

2012-09-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

Endless Summer... where I live, temperatures do not dip down until late October. Fall seems transition to Winter in a blink of an eye. This Summer, I rekindled my love for old standby's like the Chanel Tinted Moisturizer, YSL Rouge Volupte #4 Sweet Honey and my well-loved Guerlain pressed powder, which is one of the few products I've hit pan on. Tom Ford Gold Dust Bronzer is a new obsession, I have used it everyday since I got it. Tom Ford Love Lust blush ignited a new love for the brand's blushes, and has been a staple this Summer. For sun protection, I discovered the Shiseido Oil-free Urban Environment sunscreen this season. A spritz of Tom Ford Neroli Portofino got me through the heatwaves and humidity we've seen this Summer.

notd : smooth sailing

2012-09-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

Even though Fall had officially started last Labor Day, it's much like the middle of Summer in my city.

Blogging sporadically since school has started. I'm hoping to transition into Fall with no episodes. Enjoying the remainder of the Summer rays, safely with sunscreen, of course, then on to my favorite part of the nippy upcoming weather -- jacket hunting! I hope it's smooth sailing from now until then!

the tangle teezer is great for tangly toddler hair too!

2012-08-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

My toddler's long hair.. photo taken after a brush-through with the Tangle Teezer

Nothing fancy, nothing state-of-the-art.. but the Tangle Teezer is getting an "ouchless" review from my 5-year-old. I noticed that there is less tugging and pulling, works through knots easily especially with her long hair. But unlike a boar-bristled brush, it does not leave hair shiny after a brush through. I think it works great for what it is made for -- easy detangling.

If like me, you have a little one that deals with the "terrible tanglies", do check out the Tangle Teezer. It just may make coiffure sessions a little less of a teary episode.

*I purchased the Tangle Teezer from Sally Beauty Supply.

tom ford bronzing powder in 01 gold dust

2012-08-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Gold Dust comes in a sleek mahogany and gold packaging

The compact is pretty thin, but it comes with a hefty .074oz / 21grams of product

The compact also has a generous mirror and the product itself is encased with about an inch of gold compact all the way around.

Bronzing Powder vs. Cheek Color packaging

Bronzing Powder Compact (L) vs. Cheek Color Compact (R)

The Cheek Color compact (top) is thicker in comparison

The fine shimmers translate to sheen when applied to the face

Taken indoors with fluorescent lighting (heavy swatch)

Taken outdoors in the shade (heavy swatch)

Taken outdoors in the sun (heavy swatch)

I purchased Gold Dust, admittedly, because it's by Tom Ford. And any product of his is intriguing to me, but honestly, it's more so because of my great experience with his blushes. Love Lust Cheek Color has been a favorite of mine this summer. Tom Ford Gold Dust is a peachy warm bronzer with fine gold shimmers, I think it is aptly named, gold dust is what I see in the pan. The bronzer, like the blush, is very finely-milled with minuscule shimmers, but both translate to a sheen and glow, not glittery, on my face when applied properly. And like the blush, the wear on this bronzer is also great.. I get about 8-10 hours of touch-up free wear on both products. It goes on like a dream.. but as with any other makeup application, start sheer and build up to your liking.

In the photos above, I decided to swatch it next to the Soleil Tan de Chanel (Bronze Universel) because I felt that they come the closest in tone, in comparison to all the other bronzers I own. For some, Bronze Universel translates orangey, or too warm on their skin, but for my skin tone, it is the most ideal shade. Any bronzer that doesn't have a touch of peach or warmth to it, just looks somewhat grey or muddy on me.

Well, of course, any seemingly perfect product will have a flaw. And Tom Ford Gold Dust, just like the Bronze Universel, will not suit darker skin tones. I can only see this as more of a highlight for the darker skin tone range.

I was going to address the big elephant in the room -- the price tag -- but I figure it's one of those things that may rattle my love affair with Tom Ford (talking about his beauty products, of course!) Bottom line, if you are willing to splurge and commit to at least a couple of years of usage, because of its hefty amount, this bronzer is for you. Given of course, that it suits your skin tone. It is a wonderful product in my opinion and I have gladly worn it every opportunity I can since I purchased it. It is a beautiful product, but whether it is worth it or not, well... that's rather subjective.

*For reference of my skin tone: B40 or Beige 40 in Chanel foundations. About NC 35. Medium/Yellow-Neutral.

Tom Ford cosmetics are available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue in the U.S.

I purchased the bronzer myself. This post is not sponsored.

shiseido urban environment oil-free uv protector spf 42 pa+++

2012-08-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

shiseido urban environment oil-free uv protector spf 42 pa+++ 30ml $30 USD

packaging: squeeze bottle

color and texture

blended no flash

blended taken with flash

ingredients

I ran out of my Chanel UV Essentiel SPF 50 recently, and instead of repurchasing it, I went ahead and picked up the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 PA+++. I must say that I am quite impressed with this one. It is very similar to the Chanel UV Essentiel in color and also very runny in texture, but I think Shiseido melds into my skin a bit smoother and dries faster to the touch. I also like that it's oil-free and leaves my face with no shine.

The best part of this foundation? It is amazing as a base! My makeup does not budge for hours when I use this as a primer. I know with the high SPF it is not as photo-friendly, but I noticed in the picture above that I got less flashback with this sunscreen as opposed to Chanel. I do use a different primer for the night time if need be, and for that I reach for the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, which I also love.

I think I may repurchase this one when it runs out. It is budget-friendlier than the Chanel UV Essentiel, after all. I think it also performs just as well, if not better, as a primer.

*I purchased this item. Not a sponsored post.

goodbye july

2012-07-31T14:51:00.001-07:00

July has been a great summer month! The weather has been perfect.. and my fearless 5-year-old learned to paddleboard this month.. yes, despite the stingrays swimming by her board! I am lucky to live in a beautiful city, where the weather extremities rarely pass through.

Onward to the rest of the summer and hoping for more adventures!

notable mentions : sultra the bombshell cone curling iron

2012-07-31T12:42:00.002-07:00

curls!

sultra the bombshell cone curling iron $99/$130 USD

curling iron, protective gloves, thermal mat

no-slip thermagrip tapered barrel

before and after (no brush through)

My hair type: Long, fine, thin hair. Color-treated and prone to breakage. It is also naturally wavy. And when I say wavy, I don't mean the get-out-of-bed-perfect-beachy-waves wavy! I pretty much rely on a straightening iron on a daily basis to take care of the dreaded frizz. Which I should also mention, the flat iron is the only way I have been creating styles and curls for my hair in the past 10 years.

I was actually searching for a new flat iron when I stumbled upon Sultra The Bombshell Cone. This curling iron is one of those sights that leave you with a secret gasp, and your husband with an eyebrow raised (he is always quite baffled with all the different "tools" us women use)! I am no stranger to conical wands, but this one will have your curiosities peak.. and that's exactly why it came home with me.

The main difference with this wand is not its cone shape, as I have seen those in other brands, it is the concept of the No-Slip ThermaGrip Tapered Barrel that had me convinced it is perfect for my hair type. My hair does hold curl easily with the right tool, including a flat iron, but since it is very fine, it tends to slip right off when wrapped around a clipless barrel.

Enter the No-Slip ThermaGrip -- I think this makes a world of difference! I honestly wrapped my hair around the barrel effortlessly, and stayed there until I let it go. The curls? Quite defined, but if I want looser curls, I let the curls off the barrel sooner and comb through with my fingers. I also noticed that my hair looked fuller after curling with this iron.

I can't say much more about this iron other than the seemingly "gimmicky" concept of the grips, does produce function and great results. It sits at a higher price-point in comparison to drugstore brands, but to be honest, I have paid well above the $99 with my previous flat irons. At the moment, it is still on special at the Nordstrom Anniversary Event (good until August 6, 2012). I should also mention that the curling iron does come with protective gloves and thermal mat, as well as instructions on how to use the product.

Onward to my search for a new flat iron. My older one, which I shall dub the "Great Hair Device" is on its last leg, that iron, I must admit did serve me well. But with this pleasant experience with Sultra, I may check out the Seductress iron as well.

*I purchased the Sultra The Bombshell Cone Curling Iron at Nordstom. This is not a paid or sponsored post.

tom ford is just as hot as summer

2012-07-28T14:42:00.001-07:00

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Gold Dust

sultra the bombshell cone

2012-07-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

A new love : Sultra The Bombshell Cone. If you have thin, fine hair like I do, the No-Slip ThermaGrip Tapered Barrel is a lifesaver! Beachy waves in a flash! Review to follow!

*I purchased this item from Nordstrom. Currently exclusive to their Anniversary Event.

notd : no grey skies with opi skull and glossbones

2012-07-22T15:20:00.001-07:00

Skull and Glossbones by OPI is a pretty grey nail shade for the summer. I relate this color to one of my favorite Balenciaga leathers, the discontinued Argent, which in my opinion is the perfect dove grey.

*Handbag: Balenciaga Arena Giant Silver Pompon in Argent, similar here.

karl lagerfeld x shu uemura

2012-07-18T14:11:00.001-07:00

Love it!

pic o' the day : hoover hater

2012-07-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that my Shih Tzu is deathly scared of the vacuum. He would go scurrying off as soon as he hears it turn on. Today, I turned around and saw this...

I've always wondered where he disappears off to. Funny little guy!

nail polish of the day : monday blues

2012-07-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is one of my all-time favorite blue nailpolishes!

Dating A Royal by OPI

fourth.

2012-07-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

LOTD

OOTD

NOTD

Snippets of my Fourth of July. Happy Birthday America!

toying with the idea...

2012-06-27T16:34:00.000-07:00

Sanrio for Girl Skateboards

Toying with the idea of getting a few of these to grace the walls.

My daughter loves these.. and so do I.