Silver Sparkles and Shine

I'VE MOVED!

2014-07-30T17:46:00.003-07:00

Please follow me at http://atliins.blogspot.com/

Ordering with Ulta.com

2014-04-06T20:05:00.001-07:00

That's right.
I have never ordered online from the Ulta store before. The nearest Ulta from where I live is only 35 minutes away, so it's not that bad of a drive.
I honestly have not really shopped at Ulta in the past before, until recently I found out that they carry the Real Technique brushes. I've heard so many great things about these brushes that I wanted to pick up on a few. So I thought it would be easier for me to just make an online purchase. I ordered a few items, and the package came in a timely manner.

I was pleased that my package efficiently came to my door, but I have wished that they gave it more care in taping my package. It was poorly taped on the opening of the box that I thought for a moment my products could have been easily tampered with. If you look closely, the box looks slightly smashed too but it's ok -because when I looked inside for my products it was fully intact.

I got some Freeman Face Masks, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eye Dark Circle Erasers, the Healthy Sexy Hair Leave In Conditioner, and of course the Real Technique Starter kit + Core Collection(s).

I really enjoyed each and every single one of the items I have purchased, and is happy with my experience with Ulta except..for the fact that my online order also came with a free skin sampler, but I never received it. The packing slip also stated it was in my order. Thank goodness it wasn't a charged item so I never bothered to contact Ulta regarding the issue. However, I received an email the other day asking me to review the products I have purchased recently, and was also asked to review the "free skin sampler" too that was supposedly sent to me..I'm wondering...really now?

So I did my review. I said "I never received it - -one star."

To wrap up. Yes, I think Ulta is a great store for beauty needs, but I feel that their online store needs some work to give their shoppers a better experience. I just feel that their order fulfillment is a bit sloppy and careless. It does not mean I don't like them. I now just would prefer to go to their physical store front.

Do you shop at Ulta's online store, and how do you feel about it?

SkinCare

2013-08-10T13:12:00.001-07:00

My skin has been changing a lot since the summer season started. When the weather was at its hottest, I despised using any heavy moisturizers or creams. Instead I opted to just stick with serums and it was enough to keep my skin hydrated and soft.

I feel that one of the most important step in maintaining healthy and radiant looking skin is thoroughly cleaning your skin daily. I still wash my face twice a day, and try to exfoliate at least every other day. When I'm feeling special I'd throw in a face mask or just a deep cleaning mask. I've noticed that lately I've been alternating multiple products for my cleansers and serums.
So far here are some of my favorite cleansers:

1) St Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub
2) Skin Food Egg White Pore Foam
3) Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub
4) Kose Seikisho Facial Soap with Oriental Herb Extract

As for exfoliation, I still use my favorite St Ives Apricot Scrub, and from time to time when my skin is feeling dull and blotchy I'd use the Borghese Fango Mud Mask.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I do use make up cleansing cloths prior to washing my face. So far I've been satisfied with these cleansers and exfoliaters. But I'm ready to take my skin to the next level in achieving a more flawless look. So I recently picked up the Clarisonic Mia 2. A review will come soon after I use this for a bit! =P

Have you tried the Clarisonic yet, and how do you like it?

xoxo

ARM CHARM

2013-07-07T13:56:00.002-07:00

How is your summer treating you? Recently picked up some really cute bracelets to add some personality into my wardrobe. How are you adding color into your outfits?

CHLOE - SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION

2013-04-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

My favorite pieces. I am loving the clean black and white looks.

"Alison" Small Tote

"Lucy" Shoulder Bag

GlossyBox's Spring Fling

2013-03-31T10:11:00.000-07:00

March's GlossyBox arrived in the mail just the other day, and I'm in love with the box this month! This month talks about Spring and everything else that comes with it - -renewal, updating, and refreshing from the Winter. What do you think about this month's #springflingbox?

Upon opening my box

Products included this month:

ELITE MODELS - Liquid Eyeliner in matte brown

MODELCO - Cheek + Lip Tint

PIXI - Lid Last Shadow Pen in Graphite Glint

PRESTICHE - Essential Oil Bar Soap

SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL - Shaper Fierce Hair Spray

Coach Mini Tanner

2013-03-25T20:46:00.001-07:00

Spring is around the corner all. I am so smitten by Coach's Mini Tanner this season.

All the colors are so stunning.....

LiSi Cosmetics - Sheer Sparkle Lip Gloss

2013-03-24T15:23:00.003-07:00

LiSi Cosmetics is a new brand from New York City. You can find more information on their website at www.lisicosmetics.com.

This lip gloss provides a semi sheer effect with shine. It can either be used on top of your favorite lippie or just alone. My thoughts on this lip gloss is actually on the higher end of the scale. I really like how the lip gloss color blends with my lips. The consistency of the gloss is rather "thick" to me. The scent is some what like a sort of candy scent with a plastic tone to it. Overall I do like this product but it can be slightly sticky as with all lip glosses. I'm kind of curious how their other products are like, but I would need to venture out to NYC to check it out!

springin' Fun

2013-03-18T15:03:00.003-07:00

Coach Wallet

2013-02-10T20:47:00.002-08:00

I recently found this very chic Coach wallet and instantly fell in love with the color and style. There is a lot of storage space for receipts, credit cards and coins. I really like the fact that it zips around the wallet to prevent anything from accidentally falling out.

COACH - CHELSEA EMBOSSED PATENT ACCORDION ZIP

(Details from their site)

Glossy patent leather embossed with delicate quatrefoils of Op Art Cs updates this elegant, maximum-capacity design. A full complement of card pockets, two billfolds and a zippered coin purse, all leather-lined and hand-finished, provide practical luxury from within.

Embossed patent leather

Credit card and multifunction pockets

Full-length bill compartments

Zip coin pocket

Zip closure

7 3/4" (L) x 4" (H)

This particular wallet I got is in the color Dusty Pink, but it also comes in Red / Black / Berry

Chocolate Chip n' Nuts Cookie Recipe

2013-01-20T22:12:00.000-08:00

What You'll Need:
1 Cup of Unsalted Butter
2 Cups of Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 Cup of Granulated Sugar
1 Cup of Brown Sugar
2.5 Cups of Blended Oatmeal (blend oatmeal in blender into a fine powder)
12 oz of Chocolate Chips
0.5 tsp of Salt
4 oz of Hershey Bar (grated)
2 Eggs
1.5 Cups of Chopped Nuts of your choice (I used almonds)
1 tsp of Vanilla

Directions:
Mix the butter with the brown and granulated sugars together into creamy consistency.
Then add eggs and vanilla;
Mix together with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder and soda.
Add chocolate chips, Hershey Bar and Nuts.
Roll the dough into little balls and place the cookie two inches apart on a cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

Enjoy Enjoy <3

October Glossybox 2012

2012-10-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

This month's Glossybox is geared towards unwinding for some serious pampering time. Every hard working gal needs some R&R, and Glossybox is recognizing this special time in our lives this month.
The theme for October is "Spa Luxe." The October box offers an array of luxurious treatments to 'refresh and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.'

ooh la la...

Carol's Daughter & Nastassja Skin

I heard a lot of buzz on Carol's Daughter care products some time ago as it is adored by celebrities such as Jada Pinkett-Smith, Mary J Blige, and Halle Berry - just to name a few. Upon opening the box, this is the first thing that caught my eye. It came in a very generous size. The scent I received is Ectasy. It's a Shea Souffle, and is a fast absorbing daily moisturizer containing Shea butter, Cocoa butter, and Jojoba oil to soften the skin. It is non greasy and contains no parabens, mineral oil, and artificial colors.

The next thing is the Nastassja Skin Enzyme Peel. I have never tried a facial peel before, so this should be interesting. It says that this peel is infused with vitamins and nutrients while it exfoliates with papain,a natural occurring enzyme in papaya to aid in eliminating dead dry skin cells.

ModelCo

The Modelco lipstick looked really interesting. It is a lip duo, with lipstick on one end and an ultra shine lip gloss on the other end. I received the "Dusk" lipstick and the "Striptease" gloss. The nice thing about this item is that it comes with an attached mirror. This should be handy to take on the go...

Secret Garden

I have never seen a soap combined with a loofa before, and this got to be the most interesting item in this box. It's called an exfoliating loofa soap from Heartland Fragrances. The glycerin soap is hand poured onto a loofa for the 'perfect blend of moisture and exfoliation.' It also improves circulation. The smell of this soap is so sweet that it radiates all over the box. It smells like it is good enough to eat. lol

Anterna Bamboo

Lastly, I can't wait to try the lumnious shine mist for the hair. It is eco-certified made with Indian gooseberry and organic bamboo to control frizz and flyaways.

All in all, I feel that this month's Glossybox did it again. I am amazed at all the wonderful products Glossybox gathered together this month.

Have you tried any of these products?

Mini Haul - SkinFood/Skin 79/ etc

2012-10-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

Skin Food - Egg White Pore Foam

Skin 79 - Diamond Collection BB Cream

Skin 79 - Super+ BB Cream

CLIO Professional - Kill Black Waterproof Pen Liner

I went on an impromtu shopping trip and picked up a few items. I was actually on a look out for a new facial cleanser and found the Skin Food - Egg White Pore Foam. I have yet to try the cleanser, but I am pleasantly surprised on how clean it smells after trying it on my hand. Also, I was excited to see that the BB creams that I picked up came in travel size packaging (15 g). Had to get it! It also encouraged me to buy the two different types that they offered, I will let you know which one I prefer! It turns out all the cosmetic items I purchased are from Korea. I think it's really good quality. As for eyeliners, I love using pen eyeliners because they are easy to use and lasts all day without smudging. So I'm trying CLIO's Kill Black Eyeliner. Have you tried using any of these items? Please let me know!

I love Japanese fashion magazines!

Hair Care Products

2012-10-07T07:12:00.002-07:00

I just came back from the salon yesterday, and I decided to pick up a few items to manage my new tress =P

ASOS LOOK

2012-10-01T18:55:00.000-07:00


Worn By Geometric Clash Print T Shirt

ASOS Dress With Trumpet Hem

ASOS Jumper With Open Stitch Top

Oasis Lace & Animal Border Print Dress

September GlossyBox

2012-09-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

I was excited more than usual this month in receiving my GlossyBox, and I have lots to be excited about!

As you can see, it's themed "Fall Forward." It stated that the products selected this month is mixed with forward thinking essentials. I was very, very impressed and excited to use this month's items. The products this month appear to be almost full sized. Here's what was in store:

- GKHAIR Moisturizing Shampoo -

Nourished with plant extracts, this superior smoothing shampoo will purify and moisturize the scalp and hair.

- GKHAIR Moisturizing Conditioner-

This gentle moisturizing conditioner puts the finishing touch on your tresses and leaves your hair smooth, raidant, and revitalized.

- KOH GEN DO Cleansing Spa Water -

Made with mineral-rich Japanese hot spring water, this best selling spa water is infused with six essential herbs to protect and nurture skin. In a single sweep, it gently removes makeup and skin's toughest impurities.

- KYROLAN for GLOSSYBOX Moisture Rich Lip Stick in Glossy Pink -

A creamy, long lasting lipstick enriched with Vitamin E to stimulate and hydrate your lips.

- MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 -

Blemish Balm, aka BB Cream is a multi-tasking powerhouse for the face. This multi-use cream provides light coverage, soothes, protects, and moisturizes. Suitable for all skin types.

I enjoy using new shampoos & conditioners, and especially in these deluxe sized samples. I like to use these for traveling or to the gym. It's a very convenient way for me to try new products when I'm on the go.

The Glossy pink lipstick is very pretty. It really does feel nourishing and the color is fairly natural looking.

This was after 3 swipes of application of the color. It's a creamy consistency in a very cute pink tone.

I've tried this BB Cream in the past, and although it gave good coverage it did break me out. I am a bit hesitant to try this again. Hmmm..we'll see.

This has got to the be the most exciting piece from my GlossyBox set this month! It claims to be a make up remover with lots of natural ingredients.

From Japan, it moisturizes the skin while acting as a make up remover agent. It contains six Herbal Essences such as Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sage Leaf Extract, Lavender Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, and Ginger Root Extract. It has no artificial colors, fragrances, or petroleum based mineral oil.

I have yet to try all the products yet, but again I'm extremely thrilled and excited about the new items. Thank you GlossyBox for this month's selection! What do you guys think?

Instagramming FUN

2012-08-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Sushi Deliciousness

Stumbled Upon In Pasadena

Yummmmm...


CVS SALE...3 Tresemme for $10, 2 Herbal Essence for $5.97 woohoo

Time Capsule

2012-08-02T09:37:00.005-07:00

Don't forget what makes your life filled with Happiness and Peace. xoxo

_________________________________________________________________________________

White Sea - Overdrawn (Estate Remix)

2012-07-30T21:36:00.002-07:00

BIRCHBOX JULY 2012

2012-07-26T14:42:00.001-07:00

Another great news from the mail today. I just received a package from:

I'm beginning to really enjoy this concept of sampling different beauty products from the mail. Really like the feeling of opening up these packages because it's like opening up a present and finding out what's in store for me this month.

When you subscribe to Birchbox, it says that you will receive "4-5 hand picked beauty and lifestyle samples from both well known luxe lines and emerging niche brands." Also, when you fill out their beauty profile when subscribing, they will tailor your beauty box for your skin, hair, and style type.
If you are loving the samples that you are using from the box, you can go to their site Birchbox.com and shop for the full size of the samples.

This month's Birchbox includes:

Arquiste L'Etrog perfume - it has warm notes of citron, palm leaves,

and myrtle, capturing the aromas of a medieval harvest festival in Calabria Italy

Borghese Crema Saponetta Cleansing Bar for Face and Body - cleanses and conditions

skin, and can even be used in lieu of shaving cream

Color Club Nail Polish in Disco Nap - lux metallic polish

theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen - it's a two in one lip and cheek stain: a sheer gel formula

twistband Hair Tie - ponytail tie with snag free elastics

Lifestyle Extra: tili Bags - for airport security use, great for storing travel essentials and beauty samples

Overall, I'm pretty excited about my Birchbox package. I will surely start using all of these items asap!

Simplistic Summer

2012-07-24T15:34:00.007-07:00

Now that summer is here on full swing. It's better to go even lighter and more natural for cosmetics. Sometimes it's great to just leave your face 'au naturel' with your favorite chapstick when heading out.

The key to maintaining a healthy beautiful summer look, and still stay fresh and non greasy - - make sure you have SPF everything and the right oil control fighting equipment (oil blotting paper, oil control lotion, etc) to ward off bacteria build up that may cause acne. Also, don't forget a light perfume scent to keep a feminine tone, and stay hydrated with your H2O.

Keep it simple, especially on those hot days when applying a lot of make up is not ideal. There are lots of ways to stay beautiful and fresh without applying a ton of makeup.

My normal everyday routine (in no particular order) so far is to rinse my face with cold water in the morning. I usually apply my daily Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital SPF 30 moisturizing cream, along with Lancome's High Resolution Eye Refill-3X eye cream. I'm currently using Neutrogena's Lip Moisturizer with SPF 15 for my lips, and I like to keep my face matte by using Matte FX oil control powder.

I then move on to putting a hint of drama onto my eyes with Canmake's Powder Eyeliner, just to line my eyes. Next, I like to curl my lashes and add some mascara. If I'm feeling fancy I would apply some blush/highlighter on my cheeks, and a favorite lipstick.

Current Eyeliner: Canmake Powdered Eyeliner

I like the eyemake up, not the brush

Current Eyelash Curler: A Japanese Eyelash Curler (Oops, I forgot the name!)

Current Mascara: Beauty Addicts Showoff (from the July Glossybox set!)

Some fragrance, and that's it. I'm good to go.

What's your everyday routine?

MY FIRST GLOSSYBOX - JULY 2012

2012-07-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

BeautyAddicts - Show-Off Mascara

First Aid Beauty - Smooth Shave Cream

Kinerase - Restructure Firming Cream

Shea Terra Organics - Ultimate Moisturizing Body Creme

Wella Professionals - Enrich Moisturizing Treatment

*A Perfume Organic - Urban Organic

I decided to give GLOSSYBOX a try. So far, I have no complaints regarding the shipment of the package, and I'm really liking the whole packaging of the box itself.

This month's beauty box is labeled "Summer Simplicity." I'm kind of excited about what is in store for me, since everything is packaged so beautifully.

I have yet to fully use all the items, but so far I do like the Shea Terra body creme. It has a really nice vanilla smell to it and is 99.7% natural. I'm not sure if I'm going to use it as a body creme though. It feels more suited for my hands since the consistency is a bit on the light side. I'm also really excited to use the shaving cream and mascara as well. We'll see.

As for the Wella hair treatment, Kinerase firming cream, & the Perfume Organic...I wish the size was a bit bigger? I feel like I could have gotten these items for free at Sephora.

2012-06-18T12:02:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Long time no blog. I hope you are having fun under the sun! The weather is getting warmer these days, and so I'm enjoying the plentiful variety of fruits this season is bringing and having fun with the outdoor activities.

Hollywood Sign Hiking Trail Time!

Just a quick update, I recently created a new blog, atLiins.

Please check it out and tell me what you think!

Never Let Me Go

2012-06-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

Treasure Chest

2012-06-03T22:25:00.001-07:00