Make Me Blushhh

Bloomingdale's Lancome Pick Your Own Gift WIth Purchase Special

2012-03-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

I don't normally post about gift with purchases but this looked too good not to share. Lancome is currently running a pick your own gift at Bloomingdales. You get to select a serum, moisturizer, body essential, lip essential, translucent power, and eye makeup with a purchase of $39.50 or more while supplies last.

Happy shopping!

XOXO, M

DIY: How To Make Swarovski Crystal Bow Earrings

2012-02-25T05:35:00.003-05:00

Hello There!

Today, I have a pair of cute and classy earrings DIY for you guys. Two DIYs in one week? Crazy!

I personally love how whimsical yet glamourous they are. They're easy to make, so I had to share it.

Tools & Supplies:

You'll need a pair of the following:
Jewelry/Beading pliers
Earhooks/Studs (I used crystal studs)
Swarovski Fancy Crystals (I used 10mm cushion cut model #4470, see info on Swarovski site)
Matching Crystal settings
Bow Connecters (From http://www.TohoShoji-ny.com)
Jump rings

Earrings can be made in gold or silver.

Swarovski's fancy crystals are sold at their Crystallized store, use their website locator to find a store near you. You can also try running a quick search online, or your local beading/jewelry supply store. Wholesale places usually sell them for less. They retail for around $12-$15. You don't NEED to get these, but they are noticeably nicer than cheaper alternatives.

Earhooks, studs, or even hoops are up to you. DIY is all about customizing, right?

I find these earrings super versatile. You can wear it everyday or to a event. They're even suitable for weddings.

Good luck!

XOXO, M

DIY: How To Make Chunky Chain Bracelet Or Necklace

2012-02-23T18:08:00.000-05:00

Hello, Hello!

I have a jewelry DIY for you guys today! It's a simple chunky chain bracelet or necklace that was inspired by Alex of HRH Collection.

Supplies:

Curb Chain - I used a 19mm gold chain found at a local trimming/beading store.
Closure - I used a snap -in/clip-in closure, you can also use leather or suede cords to tie it together.
Pliers (sorta optional) - If you use a thick chain like me, you should use regular pliers instead of small jewelry pliers. You can actually pull apart the link if you're strong enough

I buy most of my supplies at the beading/jewelry district. I couldn't find this particular chain that I used online, but there's a similar 16mm chain available at Toho Shoji. You'll find it under chains on the menu to the left and then under curb chains. Another online source that I often use is Fusion Beads.

Good luck!

XOXO, M

What's in My Makeup Bag?

2012-02-22T12:12:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Long time no blog! I missed you guys and I hope you're all doing well! It's been a little hectic on my end and I haven't had too much time to really keep up with this blog. I did create a Facebook page for this blog and have been updating it with random cosmetic sightings/swatches, fashion finds, etc. It's like a micro blog for this blog, all you have to do is "Like" the page to see updates. It's easier/faster for me to post and respond there. I hope to talk to some, if not all, of you there! You can also find me on Instagram under username "Mona26", or see here.

Anyhoots, I did manage to get a new video on what's in my makeup bag uploaded:

Hopefully, I'll get back to more routine blog updates soon :)

XOXO, M

Posh Party Tonight: Leather and Lace

2012-01-12T16:49:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm excited to announce that I'll be co-hosting a Posh Party tonight! I'm particularly thrilled about the theme, Leather & Lace! Please join me and other fashionable ladies (and gents) at 7PM PST, 10PM EST, for some shopping/selling fun. All you need to do is download the free app for iphone here, and log in at the specified time for the party.
See you guys there!

XOXO, M

Wet 'n Wild I Love Matte Palette Review and Swatches

2012-01-11T17:32:00.001-05:00

If you like matte shadows then you're going to love Wet 'n Wild's "I love Matte" 8 pan palette. There's a good mix of neutrals and brights in this palette. The shadows are pigmented and easy to blend, a steal for $4.99. Drugstore matte shadows are hard to come by, so I do recommend looking into this one if you could find it. This is a Walgreens exclusive.

Here are the swatches. I'm sorry for swatching backwards, but you get the idea :)

I've been using the neutrals in this palette frequently as base and crease shades. I also like the purple shade, but haven't been able to use it as much.

Are you a matte lover?

XOXO, M

Revlon Graceful and Essie As Gold As It Gets

2012-01-11T01:53:00.000-05:00

I'm really liking the new shades Revlon added to their nail enamel family. It feels like they improved the formula - it's thinner, less gloopy, and easier to apply.

Here is #230 Graceful, a neutral grayer taupe. Two coats provides decent coverage and a nice shine.

Here it is with a layer of Essie's As Gold As It Gets, a fine gold glitter polish with a clear base. One coat of it gives you subtle shimmers. As Gold As It Gets is my personal favorite from Essie's Luxe Effects collection.

Did you pick up any of the new shades from Revlon's collection?

XOXO, M

Holiday Giveaway (Closed) - Winner Announcement

2012-01-11T01:15:00.000-05:00

**EDIT**
The winner to the holiday giveaway is... Chandraung562

Congratulations! please send me your shipping information through my contact page. I'll pass along the information to Candylens.
*********

Hi Everyone!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I have a wonderful holiday giveaway to share with you guys! It's a circle lens and mask combo gift pack sponsored by the awesome people over at Candylens.com. I have 2 sets to give away, one on my blog and the other on my YouTube channel. Double your chances of winning by entering both!

To enter via Make Me Blushhh blog:

Be a follower of this blog
"Like" the Candylens FaceBook page
Leave a comment on this entry with the name you used to like their page

To enter via YouTube:

Be a subcriber of my YouTube Channel
"Like" the Candylens FaceBook page
Leave a comment on the giveaway video with the name you used to like their page

Contest runs through December 24th, and winners will be announced the week after.

GOOD LUCK.

XOXO, M

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick Quick Review

2012-01-06T02:25:00.001-05:00

Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick collection finally made it to the States. I've been seeing the display rack pop up at local drugstores. The five shades released are 01, 04, 08, 12, and 14. I believe we're missing a few shades from the UK release, but the display only had slots for five shades. Most of the shades are very bright and bold, especially #01(deep red), #04 (deep plum purple), and #12 (bright orange coral)

I picked up #14, a dusty pink nude with a satin finish. The formula is pigmented and light feeing. It's not a special lipstick, but a decent one given the $6-ish price tag. The packaging is rather cute.

Did you try this already? Will you pick one up?

XOXO, M

New Year Giveaway

2011-12-31T16:19:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

Here’s wishing the New Year brings you happiness, love, and success!

Oh, and I have a giveaway for you guys :)

XOXO, M

New Revlon ColorStay Longwear Polish Quick Review and Swatch

2011-12-29T01:45:00.001-05:00

I finally spotted Revlon's new ColorStay polishes at CVS. There are 26 shades plus a top coat in the collection. It's advertised as long wear enamel, "11 days of shatterproof color", with a gel-like shine finish.

A closer look at the shades available.

I picked up "Delicious", a bright candy apple shade. It does have a nice jelly-like appearance, and reminds me of OPI's sorbet finish polishes. I'm not sure if this finish is consistent across all shades. The texture is smooth and easy to work with. It started chipping 2 days after application, not exactly long-wear. I do like the gel-like shine, and I still plan on trying other shades despite it being not long-wear.

Did anyone else try this already? How are you liking it? What shades would you recommend?

XOXO, M

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush Sighting

2011-12-22T13:10:00.000-05:00

Beautymoogle spotted Maybelline's new Dream Bouncy blush and sent me on a another trip to CVS. The packaging is simple yet cute. The shades all look wearable.

There are a total of 10 blushes released as part of this collection, one was missing from the display.

Here's a closer look at the shades on the back row.

CVS is currently running buy one get 50% off the second on Maybelline products in case you want to try a few :)

I'm not really sure what a bouncy texture is supposed to be like but it sounds interesting. What are you guys thinking?

XOXO, M

Zara, Banana Republic, and Loft Finds

2011-12-20T17:41:00.002-05:00

I was on a mission to find some holiday outfits...

I tried on Zara's lace tulip dress (left) in XS and fell in love with it instantly. The lace details, hourglass shape, and above the knee length were all perfect. I'm impressed by the quality! This dress is currently sold out online. If you're interested, try calling brick and mortar Zara to check on its availability. Here's the link in case it comes back in stock online.

For a more casual holiday event, I tried on Loft's petite Yolk Lace Tee in XS and sequin black skirt with elastic waistband. The lace top runs very large, XS was still too big for me. The sequin black skirt runs large as well, but they had a XXS on hand that fitted well. I ended up getting the skirt, not the top.

I paired the tulip dress with two multistrand pearl necklace from Forever 21 and pouchette from Louis Vuitton for a holiday party.

I love flowy blouses, I find them rather feminine. I tried on the same blouse in two shades and sizes at Banana Republic, silver gray version in XSP and the purple version in XS. You can see that the size difference is pretty noticeable. I liked both colors, but ended up with the gray for the fit. This blouse isn't available online for some reason.

A sparkly sweater is nice for the holiday season. I tried on BR's Embroidered pearl-trim sweater in SP. The sweater comes in gray or cream/beige (see below, right side). It fits well, but the material is thin. Sweater retails for $79.95 in store vs. $99 online, it's currently marked down to $64.99 in store. I couldn't decide on the color for this sweater, which one do you guys like better?

I tried on a similar Scattered Gem sweater at LOFT in SP. The sparkly trim is very attractive, but the sweater is super itchy. The sweater is noted as 3/4 sleeve on the website but is actually full length. I thought about it for a while and placed it back. What would you have done in this scenario? Would you buy a not so comfortable but pretty sweater?

I was considering a cream/white ruffle blouse to pair with my red cardigan. Loft's ruffled tied neck shell (left, sold out online) in XSP is really cute and fits well, while Zara's TRF tied neck blouse (right) did not work out. They both worked much better with a blazer than a cardigan. Now I'm on a separate mission to find a red blazer....

These cute nude flats are part of Zara's current collection. The blush toned pair (left, from TRF section) comes with a nice cushion sole ($29.90, also available in black). The sparkle suede pair (right, from regular section) is pretty, but not as comfortable ($35.90, also available in black). I like both, but may return the suede pair due to comfort issues.

Banana Republic Izzy pumps from the Mad Men collection is currently marked down to $84 in store, they're sold out online. I grabbed a pair (size 6) last week when they did 40% off original price. They're comfortable, and look great. They shouldn't be too hard to find, I've seen them at several Banana Republics with a good range of sizes still available.

Loft has 40% off everything in-stores and online (with code TAKE40)
Banana Republic is offering up to 50% on select styles (no codes necessary)
Zara has a small sale going on but is limited in variety and sizing

I highly recommend checking out the stores in person, I'm seeing more availability and better markdowns.

Use eBates for Loft and Banana Republic if you order online for additional cash back.

XOXO, M

Rimmel HD Glam'Eyes Union Jack Palettes, Scandaleyes Sighting

2011-12-19T04:24:00.001-05:00

Beauty Moogle tipped me off on the Rimmel Glam'Eyes HD Shadows sighting at CVS. These were released across the pond earlier in the Fall, and are now part of Rimmel's Spring 2012 lineup here.

There are 8 palettes in total, all with the Union Jack pattern. The palettes are priced at $4.99 (CVS). I couldn't resist, especially given the BOGO50Off at CVS, and picked up 002 (English Oak) and 004 (Green Park).

Next to the palettes were the Scandaleyes mascara. The bright packaging was super tempting!

Who's running out to grab these?

XOXO, M

Ulta - 20% Off

2011-12-19T03:42:00.000-05:00

Ulta is offering 20% off through December 24, 2011. This offer is valid online and in-store (print store coupon here). Certain exclusions may apply, see coupon for details. Free shipping on orders over $50. This coupon can not be combined with other offers.

XOXO, M

Beauty Cache Deluxe Skin Care

2011-12-16T16:48:00.000-05:00

Hello beauties!

I just received the Beauty Cache from SkincareRX and thought I'd post about it while there's still time to pick it up as a gift (or treat yourself). Beauty Cache is a skin care samplers bag filled with deluxe samples and some full size items. I really didn't expect too much given the $29.95 price point, but was pleasantly surprised by the amount of quality products included.

What came in my Beauty Cache?

StriVectin-SD Concentrate for stretch marks and wrinkle (22ml)
Ahava Nourishing Body Cream (40ml)
Boscia Skin Perfecting Primer (10ml)
Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Cream (10ml)
Peter Thomas Roth Oil Free Moisturizer (15g)
Kinerase Photofacials Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (2oz)
Skinmedica Sunscreen SPF 30 (1oz)
Epionce Gel Cleanser (15ml)
Klorane Mango Butter Conditioner (150ml)
Jane Iredale Mini Lip Plumper in Tokyo
Mini serums from Nucelle and Arcona
Sample packets
A pouch to hold all the products
20% off voucher towards your next purchase at Skincarerx.com, Apothica.com, or SkinBontanica.com

You can use eBates for additional cashback (currently 7% for Skincarerx.com)

XOXO, M

CoverGirl x Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation Sighting

2011-12-14T03:06:00.001-05:00

CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 foundation are showing up in stores now. This is part of the Spring 2012 lineup. The foundation is combined with a hydrating serum that's supposed to improve skin texture over time.

Packaging is simple plastic with pump top.

I think of food (sweets) when I see the swirls. Anyone else?

Have you tried this? Please share your thoughts!

XOXO, M

Blog Sale

2011-12-12T04:39:00.001-05:00

Hi Lovelies!

I just updated the blog sale page with the goods I'm parting with. Visit the page through this link or click the Sale tab on the menu tab. Thanks for looking!

XOXO, M

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse and Sculpting Blush Palette Sighting

2011-12-11T22:38:00.001-05:00

I spotted two of the new additions to Revlon's PhotoReady range, Airbrush Mousse and Sculpting Blush palettes.

Airbrush Mousse had 8 shades on the display. The packaging looks attractive, it comes with a nice pump top. I'm excited to try this super light version of the PhotoReady foundation!

The new Sculpting Blush palettes contains highlighter, contour, and blush shades in Pink, Peach, Neautral, and Berry.

Are you guys excited about these new releases?

XOXO, M

Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow Palettes Sighting

2011-12-08T03:31:00.001-05:00

Revlon's new ColorStay 16 Hour Eye Shadow palettes are showing up at drugstores! I spotted 12 variations in total, and they all seem promising. Neutral lovers rejoice! There's a good selection of them in this collection.

What do you guys think?

XOXO, M

CoverGirl Blast Flipstick Lipcolor Sighting

2011-12-06T17:25:00.001-05:00

I came across CoverGirl's new blast flipstick lipcolors today. Flipsticks are double ended lipcolor sticks in cream and shimmer formulas. You can mix and match the formulas and colors, or use it alone. The display is pretty awesome, no? That being said, I can't believe Spring collections are already popping up at drugstores. Thoughts?

XOXO, M

20% Off Beauty.com Drugstore.com

2011-12-06T15:32:00.001-05:00

Beauty.com/Drugstore.com is offering 20% your order through January 4, 2012. Exclusions may apply, detailed list is here if you can't make out the tiny font in the image above. Free shipping within the US is applicable to orders over $25. Use eBates for additional cash back. I just ordered some Clarisonic brush heads :)

XOXO, M

L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadows Update, Swatches, Quick Review

2011-12-06T03:22:00.001-05:00

Today, I came across two new shades in the L'Oreal Infallible eye shadow range. This brings the total number of shades spotted to 11. You can see the entire list on my previous post here.

The new discoveries are:
999 Eternal Black - A matte black with silver sparkles
888 Iced Latte - A metallic light champagne shade

Here are swatches of the other US shades that I picked up (left to right):
890 Bronzed Taupe - Beautiful shimmery taupe (This is my favorite shade so far)
892 Amber Rush - Shimmery medium copper
997 Eternal Sunshine - Shimmery light gold

L'Oreal infallible eye shadows are loosely pressed powder shadows. They're pigmented and beautiful! The texture is soft, almost fluffy, and easy to blend. Most of the shades have a intense metallic-like shimmer to them. I'm totally impressed by this drugstore find.

Check out Jenn's blog for a comparison between the US and international versions. Take a look at Justine's blog for swatches and limited edition releases.

XOXO, M

L'Oreal Le Balm Quick Review + Swatches

2011-12-04T19:31:00.001-05:00

L'Oreal's new Colour Riche Le Balm lipstick displays are popping up at drugstores. These are tinted lip balms containing all the good stuff like shea butter, argan oil, and SPF 15.

Caring Coral on top and Nourishing Nude on bottom, isn't the tinted cover pretty?

At first look, you may think the Le Balms are similar to Revlon's new Lip Butters, but they're not. Le Balms are smoother and more moisturizing, but they're also on the sheer end of the spectrum. The swatches above are Caring Coral (left) and Nourishing Nude (right). I haven't tried the darker shades from this range yet, so I can't speak for them.

What do you guys think?

XOXO, M

L'Oreal Infallible Eye Shadows Finally Stateside!

2011-12-04T01:54:00.001-05:00

*Update* December 5th - I found two new shades at a different store today, I added them to the color list at the bottom of this post. Check out my quick review and swatches here.

The Infallible eye shadows have arrived. I spotted the display at Bed Bath and Beyond today, ~~9 shades~~ 11 shades in total. These were released earlier in the year in what seems like everywhere else but here. I was told by Justine of Sakura Lovely that these are very much like Armani's Eyes to Kill, exciting stuff!

Here are the shades on the display:

889 - Endless Pearl
997 - Eternal Sunshine
892 - Amber Rush
997 - Sultry Smoke
556 - Perpetual Purple
890 - Bronzed Taupe
891 - Continuous Cocoa
889 - Midnight Blue
222 - Infinity Sky
999 - Eternal Black
888 - Iced Latte
### - Golden Sage

The shades appear similar to the ones released elsewhere but the numbering/names are not consistent. I can't confirm if this is the complete list of shades released and I couldn't find more information on L'Oreal's website.

Are you excited to try these?

XOXO, M