WasianBeauty

Get Ready with Me & First Impression: Too Faced Chocolate Bar

2014-03-26T17:53:00.000-04:00

Another First Impressions/Get Ready With Me video for all of you! And this time, it's not a limited edition palette! Wahoo! The Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette is, I believe, a permanent product. And if not, well, it's still available just about anywhere that sells Too Faced cosmetics.

I think the first thing that intrigued me about this palette was that it SMELLS like chocolate. I was sort of feeling...eh...about the palette at first glance. But then the sales associate told me to smell it. Not something you usually hear when you're eyeing up an eyeshadow palette! I tried to play around with a look that I typically wouldn't wear. It's a little more "dramatic" than I'm used to, but I liked the end result!

If you'd like to know which colors and tools were used, keep on reading. If you're interested in seeing my overall opinion on the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette and how I put the look together, check out the video at the end of this post!

Face:

Eye Cream: Origins GinZing Eye Cream

Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Concealer: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer - NW20

Foundation: MAC Face & Body Foundation - N2

Setting Powder: MAC Blot Powder/Pressed - Medium Dark
Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush - Exposed

Eyes:

Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion - Original

Lid Color: Creme Brulee - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

Crease: Semi-Sweet - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
Crease: Haute Chocolate - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

Outer V: Haute Chocolate - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
Outer V: Gilded Ganache - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

Lower Lashline: Haute Chocolate - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette
Lower Lashline: Gilded Ganache - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

Brow Highlight: White Chocolate - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

Inner Corner: Marzipan - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

Mascara - Maybelline Volum'Express The Rocket Mascara - Very Black

Lips:

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm - Sweet Mint

Lipstick: Too Faced La Crème - Spice Spice Baby

Brushes/Tools Used:

MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid)

MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)

MAC 228 - Mini Shader Brush (Outer V & Lower Lash line)

MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending)
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Browbone Highlight)

Japonesque Small Detailer Brush (inner corner highlight)
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Real Techniques - Expert Face Brush (concealer)

Urban Decay Double Ended Brush (concealer)

e.l.f. Powder Brush (setting powder)

Real Techniques - Blush Brush

Has anyone tried this palette yet? What do you think? And what are your thoughts on the smell?! Think the chocolatey smell will be good enough to assuage a hormonal craving for chocolate? Haha. Ok, I think I took that a little too far. Until next time, lovelies!

Click below to see my first impressions and review on this palette!

Get Ready With Me & First Impression: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways (Limited Edition - Ulta Holiday 2013)

2014-02-13T04:19:00.000-05:00

So, let's address the elephant in the room: I'm about 2 months too late with this video. But I really wanted to film another First Impressions/Get Ready With Me video and didn't have anything new to show you guys EXCEPT for this palette. For those of you that have this palette and haven't played around with it much yet, this could be helpful! Although I find it doubtful that anyone could keep their hands off this palette for long. I wouldn't have had I not had the *thing that shall not be named* that's plagued my eyelid and kept me away from eye makeup for a few months (due to self-consciousness). This could also be helpful for those of you out there that can still get your hands on it. This is no longer available on Ulta's website, and I have no idea if the stores still have their holiday palettes in stock or if they've pulled their stock. But if this is a palette you REALLY want and haven't been able to find it, you could always turn to Amazon or Ebay and try your luck there. But take that suggestion at your own risk! Use your best judgment and make sure to purchase from a reputable seller.

If you'd like to know what was used in this tutorial, keep on reading. If you're interested in seeing what I used to put this look together and my overall opinion on the Tarte Gorgeous Getaways holiday 2013 palette, check out the video at the end of this post!

Face:

Eye Cream: Origins GinZing Eye Cream

Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Concealer: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer - NW20

Foundation: MAC Face & Body Foundation - N2

Setting Powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Dim Light

Setting Powder (T-Zone): MAC Blot Powder/Pressed - Medium Dark
Blush: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette - Ambitious*

Eyes:

Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion - Original

Lid Color: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette - Great Sphynx & Santorini bikini*

Crease: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette - Rocky Mountains*

Transition: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette - Grand Canyon*

Outer V: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette - Rocky Mountains*

Lower Lashline: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette - Rocky Mountains*

Brow Highlight: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette - Serengeti sand*

Inner Corner: Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette - Taj Mahal*

Mascara - Maybelline Volum'Express The Rocket Mascara - Very Black

Lips:

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm - Sweet Mint

Tarte Gorgeous Getaways Palette Lipgloss - Czech Me Out

Brushes/Tools Used:

Real Techniques - Expert Face Brush (concealer)
EcoTools - Deluxe Fan Brush (all over powder/set concealer)

e.l.f. Powder Brush (T-Zone setting powder)

MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid)

MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)

MAC 228 - Mini Shader Brush (Outer V & Lower Lash line)

MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending/Transition)
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Browbone Highlight)

Japonesque Small Detailer Brush (inner corner highlight)
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Real Techniques - Blush Brush

Products marked with * = Limited Edition - Link unavailable

I might post another Get Ready With Me using this, but I feel like that might be cruel and unusual punishment since the palette is no longer available. Haha. What do you think? Any suggestions on other color combos I should try out?

Click below to see my first impressions with this palette!

January 2014 Favorites!

2014-02-01T14:40:00.000-05:00

Another blogpost! I'm on a roll!

Just another one of those videos where I talk about the products I've been loving! Because I have super duper sensitive skin, I REALLY don't change up anything. I stick to products that I know my skin will not react to. And when I finally decide to change up a product or try something out, I go overboard with the research and reviews and I'm super cautious. It sucks having such sensitive skin. SERIOUSLY sucks! With that all being said, I'm just going to list the items I enjoy and where you (and I) can find them.

Hair Care:
* S-Factor Serious Conditioner
* Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Body & Shine Shampoo - Stress Relief - Eucalyptus & Spearmint
* Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment
* Tangle Teezer
* Coconut Oil

Skin Care - Face:
* Josie Maran Argan Oil
* Aquaphor

Skin Care - Body:
* Philosophy Body Wash - Snow Angel (Limited Edition, so unavailable until next Winter!)
* L'Occitane Hand Cream

Makeup - Face:
* MAC Face & Body Foundation - N2
* Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Dim Light
* Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush - Exposed

Makeup - Eyes:
* Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette
* Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
* MAC Eyeshadows - Satin Taupe, Charcoal Brown, Soft Brown
* Maybelline Volum'Express The Rocket - Regular Formula / Waterproof Formula

Makeup - Lips:
* Too Faced La Crème Lipstick - Spice Spice Baby

Misc:
* Cards Against Humanity

So that's it! To be completely honest, I haven't been using much of anything lately as far as makeup goes. I'm sure you all are going to be sick of hearing this, but the scar tissue on my right eyelid is giving me some super self-consciousness. Not cool. So for most of December and January I avoided things like eye makeup and my contact lenses. But I'm going to have to get over it, right? Right! So I hope I will have more makeup-y things to show you next month! If you all want to see my personal opinion on the items above, check out my video at the top of this post!

Until next time, stay beautiful, lovelies!

Get Ready With Me & First Impression: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

2014-01-25T11:26:00.004-05:00

Another blog post! I think I already have 2012 and 2013 beat! Haha! If you'd like to know what was used in this tutorial, keep on reading. If you're interested in seeing what I used to put this look together and my overall opinion on the coveted Naked 3 palette, check out the video at the end of this post!

Face:

Origins GinZing Eye Cream

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer - NW20

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel mixed with MAC Face & Body Foundation - N2

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - Dim Light

TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush - Exposed

Eyes:
Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion - Original

Lid Color: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Burnout

Crease: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Nooner

Transition: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Limit

Outer V: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Factory

Lower Lashline: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Factory

Brow Highlight: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Strange

Inner Corner: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Strange

Liner: Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner - Brown

Mascara - Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara - Black

Lips:

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm - Sweet Mint

Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream - Spice Spice Baby

Brushes/Tools Used:

Real Techniques - Expert Face Brush (concealer)
EcoTools - Deluxe Fan Brush (all over powder/set concealer)

MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid)

MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)

MAC 228 - Mini Shader Brush (outer V & Lower Lash line)

MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending & Transition)
Sonia Kashuk Blending Brush (Transition color)

Smashbox Dual ended brush (Typically I would use MAC 227 - Large Fluff Brush) (Brow bone highlight)

Real Techniques - Liner Brush

Japonesque Small Detailer Brush (inner corner highlight)
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Real Techniques - Blush Brush

One thing I will say that was not included in the video: the color I wasn't too happy with (Dust) shattered after the palette was dropped once. On carpet. I returned the palette to Ulta in hopes of exchanging it, but all of the Ultas around here are sold out and can't confirm when they will get more shipment - one of the stores said it would be several months before they get Naked 3 in stock again. What?! Boo! Lucky for me, they're still in stock online! Hopefully I'll be able to purchase one with my merchandise credit and see it next week!

Anyone have this palette or planning to get one? What are your opinions?

Click below to see my first impressions with this palette!

2013 Best of Beauty

2014-01-22T22:05:00.003-05:00

Good evening Lovelies!

I didn't get a chance to finish this blog post when I posted my Best of Beauty video yesterday, but here it is now! Below is a list of the products that I mentioned in my video and links where you can find them!

I chose products based off of what I used for the majority of the entire year with the exception of a couple of products. Because there are a LOT of products, I'm just going to list them rather than go into in-depth reasons as to why I chose them. Otherwise we will be here FOREVER! If you want to hear my actual opinions on these products, the link to the video will be below!

Haircare:

* S-Factor Serious Conditioner

* Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment

Skincare - Face:

* Dickinsons Witch Hazel

* Sibu Sea Buckthorn Hydrating Serum

* Sibu Sea Buckthorn Replenishing Night Cream

* Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

* Josie Maran Argan Oil

Skincare - Body:

* Oatmeal

* Epsom Salt

* Coconut Oil

* Burt's Bees Vitamin E Bath & Body Oil (AKA Burt's Bees Mama Bee Bath & Body Oil)

* Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil

* Philosophy Snow Angel - Limited Edition found anywhere Philosophy is sold during Holiday season

* Philosophy Amazing Grace

* LUSH Ro's Argan Body Conditioner

Makeup - Face:

* MAC Pro Longwear Foundation

* MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

* MAC Blot Powder Pressed

* Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

* Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush

Makeup - Eyes:

* Maybelline Volum'Express The Rocket Mascara

* Maybelline Volum'Express The Rocket Waterproof Mascara

* Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner

* Sumita Beauty Color Contrast Pencils - Black

* Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadows

* Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

* Urban Decay Naked Basics

* MAC Eyeshadows - Satin Taupe, Charcoal Brown, Soft Brown

Makeup - Lips:

* Too Faced La Crème Lipsticks - Spice Spice Baby, Cinnamon Kiss

* Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Coralberry

* MAC Lipstick - Plumful

* Chanel Rouge Allure - 99 Pirate

Lip Treatments:

* DIY EVOO & Brown Sugar (DIY video coming soon!)

* LUSH Mint Julips Lip Scrub

* MAC Lip Conditioner

* EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm

* Aquaphor

Misc. Tools:

* EcoTools Deluxe Fan Brush

* Real Techniques Blush Brush

* Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

* Shiseido The Makeup Facial Cotton

Fragrances:

* Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche

* Chanel Chance Eau Tendre

If you all have any questions on any of this stuff, please feel free to leave me a comment here or on YouTube!

Click below to see my 2013 Best of Beauty video!

Happy 2014!! New Years Resolution time!

2014-01-21T14:39:00.001-05:00

Happy 2014 fellow beauty addicts!

So this is my first attempt at a blog post in 2014! Let's hope 2014 fares better for my blog AND my YouTube channel than 2013 did!

2013 was a rough, rough year for me. A lot of difficult things happened between family, work and my own personal health. BUT a huge positive happened in 2013 too. This little cutie came into my life! Meet Lexi Bear!

Lexi is a Chocolate Lab mutt. When I adopted her, the rescue group said she was part Chocolate Lab and part Pointer. She has a lot of characteristics of both breeds, but we also see terrier in her too - Pit bull or Jack Russell. She's about a year and a half and only about 38 lbs. She's only gained about 4-5 lbs since I adopted her in May, so I think it's safe to say she's full grown. She's nowhere near the size of what a Chocolate Lab or Pointer should be and she jumps crazy high when she's going after a toy (or hunting squirrels and birds), which makes me believe she's got some Jack Russell in her. She's playful, crazy smart, sweet and a HUGE attention pig. And we love every bit of her. Adopting her brought me out of a very dark place and I'm thankful to have my fur-baby in my life now!

A lot of my 2013 problems will unfortunately carry over into 2014, but I'm hoping to move forward this year rather than feel I'm at a complete standstill with everything. I'm not sure I'm ever going to be comfortable with going into the details of my health issue on the internet, so for now all I'm going to say is that it's still on ongoing thing. The main part being my knee. Right now I've got 3-4 doctors going back and forth about what's causing the problems and the best way to treat my knee.

Lexi was a great distraction for me in 2013. I was able to take the focus off the negative things and focus my attention on someone that needed me. This year, I plan to take the focus off of the negative things again and throw myself into something I love doing. I had a lot of fun making videos and blog posts when I first started and want to get back there again. So my 2014 New Years resolution is to really focus on my YouTube channel and then focus on my blog when I have that down. Or maybe tackle both at the same time? We'll see how things turn out. Right now, I'm pumped to get started and have a lot of fun things in store for my viewers and readers!

I hope you are all having a fabulous beginning to your new year!

To see my New Years resolution video and a little bit of Lexi Bear, click below!

Get Ready With Me: Pink/Brown Everyday Neutral

2013-04-28T17:20:00.000-04:00

So this has been my go to look for the last month or 2. I've rediscovered my MAC shadows...and basically have forgotten how great they are. And I'm talking the MAC shadows that haven't been in my MAC quad that I keep my in makeup bag. I've got 2 or 3 palettes FULL of other amazing shadows! Mostly neutral, but hey! Does that surprise anyone?

If you would like to know what was used in this tutorial, keep on reading. If you're interested in seeing how I put this look together, check out the video at the end of this post.

Face:

Studio Gear Enriched Eye Cream

Bobbi Brown Corrector - Light Peach

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

Sibu Sea Buckthorn Nourishing Facial Cream mixed with MAC Pro Longwear Foundation - NC20

MAC Blot Powder - Medium Dark

Ben Nye Banana Powder

TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush - Exposed

TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush - Dollface

MAC Beauty Powder - Forever Marilyn

Eyes:

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-hr Smoothing Eye Primer

Lid Color: MAC Naked Lunch

Crease: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Naked 2

Transition: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Naked 2

Outer V: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Faint

Lower Lashline: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette- Faint

Brow Highlight: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Foxy

Inner Corner: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Venus

Liner: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Crave

Mascara - Maybelline Volum'Express The Rocket Mascara - Blackest Black

Lips:

EOS Sweet Mint Lip Balm (Before video)

Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream - Spice Spice Baby

Brushes/Tools:

E.L.F. Powder Brush

MAC 109 - Small Contour Brush - (Set concealer)

MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid)

MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)

MAC 219 - Pencil Brush (outer v & Lower Lashline)

MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending & Transition)

MAC 227 - Large Shader Brush (Brow bone highlight)

MAC 263 - Small Angle Brush

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

Eco Tools Lid Brush (inner corner highlight)

Japonesque Heated Eyelash Curler

Real Techniques (Samantha Chapman) - Blush Brush (Exposed blush)

MAC 168 - Large Angled Contour Brush - Blush Brush (Dollface blush)

MAC 109 - Small Contour Brush - (Cheekbone Highlight)

End-result:

Get Ready With Me: Date Night!

2013-01-30T01:34:00.000-05:00

I'm a little late for this post, seeing that I posted the video two weeks ago (yikes!). But I did get a couple requests to list the products used in my video, so here we go!

This particular look is a date night look (in case you couldn't tell by the title....). Not something I would wear on a first date (I'm a big believer in keeping your makeup natural and just playing up a couple key features), but something fun to wear out to dinner or a night out with some friends. For this particular evening, we were going out in Atlanta for burgers (Yeah! Burger in West Midtown. SO yummy!), but it's the exact same look I did for a night out at a club in Milwaukee with some friends back in November. So, pretty versatile if you ask me!

If you would like to know what was used in this tutorial, keep on reading. If you're interested in seeing how I put this look together, check out the video at the end of this post.

Brushes/Tools:
Beauty Blender
Japonesque Powder Brush
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Setting Concealer)
MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid & inner corner highlight)
MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)
MAC 219 - Pencil Brush (outer v & lower lashline)
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending & Transition)
MAC 227 - Large Shader Brush (All over/brow bone highlight)
Real Techniques (Samantha Chapman) - Blush Brush (Exposed blush)
MAC 168 - Large Angled Contour Brush - Blush Brush (Dollface blush)
MAC 109 - Small Contour Brush - Highlight
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Japonesque Lip Brush

Face:
Sibu Sea Buckthorn Nourishing Facial Cream
Sibu Sea Buckthorn Age Defying Eye Cream
TARTE Clean Slate Poreless 12-hr Perfecting Primer
MAC Pro Conceal and Correct Palette - Light
MAC Pro Longwear Foundation - NC20
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder
Bare Minerals - Well Rested
TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush - Exposed
TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush - Dollface
MAC Beauty Powder - Forever Marilyn

Eyes:
Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless 12-hr Smoothing Eye Primer
Lid Color: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Suspect
Crease: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Tease
Transition: MAC - Soft Brown
Outer V: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Snakebite
Lower Lashline: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Tease & Snakebite
Brow Highlight: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Foxy
Inner Corner: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette - Bootycall

Liner: MAC Fluidline - Dipdown
Mascara - Benefit They're Real

Lips:
EOS Sweet Mint Lip Balm
Too Faced Borderline Anti-feathering Lip Pencil
Make Up Forever Aqua Lip Waterproof - 7C (Medium Plum Brown)
Chanel Rouge Allure - 99 Pirate

End-result:

Neutral Series: TheBalm "Neutrally" Dramatic Birthday Look!

2012-07-13T18:08:00.000-04:00

So it's been a while since my last tutorial...I've been a little MIA from YouTube and my blog, but I'm here now! And I WILL be purchasing a new camera very soon - a joint birthday gift from my Grampa, parents and myself. Can't wait! :)

This is a pretty simple look that I threw together. I was in sort of a time crunch, so it's not *quite* as dramatic as I would usually call a dramatic look, but it's a LOT more makeup than I typically wear. I almost never wear liner and lashes, but figured I would add a little extra drama to my eyes. And of course, the lighting in this video sort of downplays the intensity of the shadow just a bit - we'll work on the lighting too. :) Promise I'll come up with another tutorial that doesn't really look just like all my other tutorials...lol.

Anyway, Keep on reading if you would like to know what was used in this tutorial. If you're interested in seeing how I put this look together, check out the video at the end of this post.

Brushes/Tools:
MAC 227 - Large Shader Brush (All over/brow bone highlight)
MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid & inner corner highlight)
MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)
MAC 219 - Pencil Brush (outer v)
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending & Transition)
MAC 263 - Medium Detailer (lower lashline)
MAC 187 - Stippling Foundation Brush (Foundation blending)
E.L.F. - Complexion brush (blot powder)
Real Techniques (Samantha Chapman) - Blush Brush (blush)
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler & Japonesque Heated Lash Curler

Face:
MAC Pro Longwear Foundation - NW20
MAC Select Cover-up - NW25
MAC Blot Powder - Medium Dark
TARTE Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush - Exposed
MAC Highlight Powder - Crew

Eyes:
Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion
All over Base Color: Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo Cream Gel Shadow - Bad to the Bronze
Lid Color: TheBalm Nude 'Tude Palette - Stubborn
Crease: TheBalm Meet Matte Palette - Matt Patel
Transition: TheBalm Meet Matte Palette - Matt Gallagher
Outer V: TheBalm Nude 'Tude Palette - Sophisticated
Lower Lashline: TheBalm Nude 'Tude Palette - Selfish & Sleek
Brow Highlight - TheBalm Meet Matte Palette - Matt Smith
Inner Corner: TheBalm Nude 'Tude Palette - Sassy & Snobby

Liner: MAC Fluidline - Blacktrack
Mascara - Benefit They're Real
Lashes - not sure what brand. I bought a bulk package of lashes from a retailer in China 2 years ago. But any natural looking lashes or lashes adding a bit of length will do!

Lips:
EOS Sweet Mint Lip Balm
MAC Viva Glam Lipstick - Viva Glam Cyndi
Rosebud Salve

End-result:

Review: Revlon Lip Butters

2011-11-17T00:35:00.000-05:00

As promised (way too long ago...lol) here are the swatches for the lip butters I reviewed in my YouTube video (linked at the bottom of this post).

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter: Crème Brulee

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter: Peach Parfait

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter: Berry Smoothie

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter: Pink Truffle

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter: Candy Apple

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter: Red Velvet

Just a brief synopsis of what my video covered:

I am a big fan of the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters. The packaging is sleek, yet adorable (I LOVE the quilted pattern!). Packaging may not matter to some people, but I'm a sucker for cute packaging! These lip products basically feel like a lip balm with a LOT more color payoff than a typical balm. I'm not crazy about the colors that have shimmer because in my personal opinion, I feel like I can feel the reflects used in the product. BUT I still use them. The colors are lovely, and the staying power is hit or miss. They aren't meant to be a long-lasting lipstick, however I do find that the darker colors (i.e. Red Velvet) tend to have longer staying power and need less touch up.

These lip butters are made with mango, shea and coconut butter, which are super hydrating ingredients, but when it comes to hydration, I prefer using a regular lip balm.

The only products I can personally compare these to are the MAC Sheen Supreme lipsticks. I don't find the Revlon Lip Butters as hydrating as the Sheen Supreme, but these are at least 50% less in cost and are a lot more accessible because you can find them almost anywhere. Since I first picked them up, I have found their empty displays (definitely a hot commodity!) at the majority of the major drug stores, and stores like Ulta and even Bed Bath and Beyond (larger locations that have a large selection of personal hygiene/cosmetics).

My overall opinion: I love these things. My 2 favorites (so far) are Pink Truffle and Red Velvet. But I plan on picking up a few other colors, still. So we'll see if they continue being my favorite. More than likely, they will continue to show up in my monthly favorites videos for quite some time!

If you're interested in seeing my full review:

Neutral Series: MAC Fall Bronze Tutorial

2011-10-20T22:18:00.000-04:00

So it's been a while since my last blog entry. But if you've been keeping up with my recent videos, you know why.

This tutorial is one of the easiest looks to pull together. It's a great mixture of warm-toned browns and bronze. I wear this look to work (minus the black shadow) and when I'm going out for a night with the girls. And it's not too dark to be a daytime look. It's perfect. And since I haven't done a tutorial using MAC products, I figured why not do a look using some of my favorite MAC shadows?

MAC cosmetics has a ton of really great products. My all-time favorite lipsticks are by MAC, and the majority of my personal makeup and the makeup I use in my freelance kit is MAC. Though I don't strictly stick to MAC. I use a LOT of great makeup products - both high end and drugstore brands (personally and in my kit). Though all of this is beside the point. Keep on reading if you would like to know what was used in this tutorial. If you're interested in seeing how I put this look together, check out the video at the end of this post.

Brushes:
MAC 227 - Large Shader Brush (All over/brow bone highlight)
MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid)
MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)
MAC 219 - Pencil Brush (outer v)
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending & Transition)
Japonesque - Medium Detailer (lower lashline)
Japonesque - Small Detailer (inner corner highlight)
E.L.F. - Complexion brush (blot powder)
Real Techniques (Samantha Chapman) - Blush Brush (blush)

Face:
MAC Blot Powder - Medium Dark
MAC Powder Blush - Frankly Scarlet
MAC Sculpting Powder - Sculpt
MAC Cream Colour Base - Pearl

Eyes:
Primer: Tarte Lifted Natural Eye Primer (with Firmitol)
All over: MAC Eye Shadow - Brule
Lid & Crease: MAC Eye Shadow - Woodwinked
Lower Lashline: MAC Eye Shadows (in order)- Woodwinked, Embark, Carbon
Brow Highlight - MAC Eye Shadow - Ricepaper
Inner Corner: MAC Eye Shadow - Ricepaper
Transition: MAC Eye Shadow - Wedge
Outer V: MAC Eye Shadow - Embark
Liner: MAC Fluidline - Dipdown
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler & Japonesque Heated Lash Curler
Mascara: MAC False Lashes Extreme Black

Brows:
MAC Eye Shadow - Omega
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - Clear

Lips:
EOS Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm
Clinique Almost Lipstick - Black Honey

End-result:

To see the look put together:

Neutral Series: Smashbox Softbox Daytime Taupe Tutorial

2011-08-03T18:34:00.000-04:00

Two blog posts?! And less than a month in between?! Amazing! Haha.

Anyway....

I am absolutely in LOVE with the Smashbox Softbox Eye Palette. A great range of colors (all neutral, of course), where 4 of the colors are matte, 4 of the colors are shimmery, and 1 glitter shadow (bleeeegh!). Ok, ok, glitter shadows aren't THAT bad...when you make sure to use a glitter adhesive. Otherwise you end up with glitter fallout all over your FACE! So annoying. But that's getting off subject.

As promised in the description box of my video (linked below if you didn't come here from YouTube), here is a list of everything I used for this look:

Brushes:
MAC 227 - Large Shader Brush (All over/brow bone highlight)
MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid)
MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending & Transition)
Japonesque - Medium Detailer (lower lashline)
Essence of Beauty - Blush Brush (blush)

Face:
Tinted Moisturizer - Mixed The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Moisturizer mixed with MAC Mineralize foundation
Garnier Nutritioniste Anti-Dark Circle Roller
MAC Mineralize Blush - Warmth of Coral (LE)
MAC Cream Colour Base - Pearl

Eyes:
Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
All over: MAC Eye Shadow - Brule
Lid: Smashbox Softbox Palette - Truffle
Inner Lid (last): Smashbox Softbox Palette - Sugar
Crease: Smashbox Softbox Palette - Stone
Lower Lashline: Smashbox Softbox Palette - Sienna
Brow Highlight - Smashbox Softbox Palette - Vanilla
Inner Corner: Smashbox Softbox Palette - Vanilla
Transition: Smashbox Softbox Palette - Nectar & Nude
Outer V: Smashbox Softbox Palette - Sienna
Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil - Whiskey (duo that came with UD Naked Palette)
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler & Japonesque Heated Lash Curler
Clinique High Impact Mascara - Black

Brows:
Wet N Wild Color Icon Pencil - Taupe
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - Clear

Lips:
EOS Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm
Victoria Secret L:ipstick - Cabana
Victoria Secret Lipgloss - Sublime

This was the end-result:

And if you didn't already see the video:

Neutral Series: Naked Palette Day to Night Tutorial

2011-07-18T01:07:00.000-04:00

Another tutorial! And another Blog post!! It's only been a month since the last one...that's an improvement in my opinion!

Another neutral tutorial! (surprise, surprise). But this one is fun, it's 2 tutorials in 1! This is a typical day time look I often wear to work, and then I show you guys how I darken up the look for a nice night-time look. The products I used are all listed below - separately for Day and Night time looks. :)

Day Look:

Brushes:
MAC 227 - Large Shader Brush (All over/brow bone highlight)
MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid)
MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending & Transition)
Japonesque - Medium Detailer (lower lashline)
Essence of Beauty - Blush Brush (blush)

Face:
Bare Minerals Foundation & Bare Minerals Matte Foundation - Light
Bare Minerals Concealer - Summer Bisque
MAC Peaches Blush
MAC Cream Colour Base - Pearl

Eyes:
Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
All over: MAC Eye Shadow - Brule
Lid: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Half Baked
Crease: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Naked & Buck
Lower Lashline: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Buck
Inner Corner: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Virgin
Transition: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Naked
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Maybelline Falsies Mascara

Brows:
Wet N Wild Brow Liner - Taupe
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - Clear

Lips:
EOS Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm
MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick - Ultra Darling

Night Look:

Brushes:
MAC 227 - Large Shader Brush (All over/brow bone highlight)
MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid)
MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending & Transition)
Japonesque - Medium Detailer (lower lashline)
Essence of Beauty - Blush Brush (blush)

Face:
Bare Minerals Foundation & Bare Minerals Matte Foundation - Light
Bare Minerals Concealer - Summer Bisque
MAC Peaches Blush
MAC Cream Colour Base - Pearl

Eyes:
Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
All over: MAC Eye Shadow - Brule
Lid: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Half Baked
Crease: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Buck & Smog
Outer V: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Darkhorse & Hustle
Lower Lashline: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Smog
Inner Corner: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Virgin
Transition: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Naked
Eye Liner: MAC Fluid Line - Black Track
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
Maybelline Falsies Mascara
Tweezerman Eyelash Comb

Brows:
Wet N Wild Brow Liner - Taupe
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - Clear

Lips:
EOS Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm
MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick - Ultra Darling

To see how I put this look together:

Neutral Series: Naked Palette Neutral Pink Tutorial

2011-06-01T03:05:00.000-04:00

As you all know, I'm a big fan of neutral makeup. With my clients (mainly the models doing fashion shoots) I'm a lot more willing to experiment with brighter/edgier looks, but on myself, I always lean toward the neutral looks.

This look is soft, and great to wear for any occasion. You can keep it simple with only 1 or 2 colors, or you can darken it up with a little bit of black, gray, or dark brown shadows. No pictures this time since I was in a rush to get out the door, but the products I used are listed below.

Brushes:
MAC 227 - Large Shader Brush (All over/brow bone highlight)
MAC 239 - Shader Brush (Lid)
MAC 217 - Tapered Blending Brush (Crease)
MAC 219 - Pencil Brush (Outer V)
MAC 224 - Blending Brush (Blending & Transition)
Japonesque - Medium Detailer (lower lashline/liner brush)
EcoTools - Blush Brush (blush)

Face:
MAC Pro Longwear foundation in NW20 mixed with The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Moisturizer
Garnier Nutritioniste Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller
MAC Peaches Blush
Benefit HighBeam

Eyes:
All over: MAC Eye Shadow - Brule
Lid/Inner Corner: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Sin
Crease/Lower Lashline: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Toasted
Outer V: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Hustle
Transition: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Naked
Highlight: Urban Decay Naked Palette - Virgin
Eye Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Liner - Whiskey
Shu Uemura Eye Lash Curler
Maybelline Falsies Mascara

Brows:
Wet N Wild Brow Liner - Taupe
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - Clear

Lips:
EOS Sweet Mint Lip Balm
MAC Lipstick - Fabby
Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss - Peony

To see how I put this look together:

Updated Skincare Routine (April 2011)

2011-04-17T04:16:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I obviously suck at updating this website! I promise I will get better at this, once things in my life settle down a little more (i.e. possibly getting a new position at work, moving CLOSER to work so I'm not spending between 5-15 EXTRA hours a week in my car!).

As promised in my video, here is an updated blog about the products I use, their cost, etc. Look forward to a much more detailed review on the Seaweed face care line from The Body Shop, coming up soon!!

Listed below are all the products I use for my morning and night routines. I've also listed where you can find them and how much they cost. PLEASE NOTE: all the pricing I have listed (especially anything from the drugstore) may not be *exactly* what you will find it for, but should be pretty close! And at the bottom of this post, I have included links on where you can find these products online.

Morning Routine:
* Cetaphil Cleanser - Target/Drug stores - 8 oz - $6-$10
* Seaweed Clarifying Toner - The Body Shop - 6.76 oz - $12
* Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream - The Body Sop - 1.7 oz - $16
* Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing GEL - Department stores/CCO - 4.2 oz - $24.50
* Vitamin E Eye Cream - The Body Shop - 0.5 oz - $17
* Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Roller - Target/Drug Stores - 0.5 oz - $12

Night Routine:
* MAC Wipes - MAC Stores/Counters - 100 wipes bulk pack - $26
* MAC Cleanse off Oil - MAC Stores/Counters - 5 oz - $24
* Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover - The Body Shop - 8.4 oz - $14.50
* Cetaphil Cleanser - Target/Drugstores - 8 oz - $6
* Seaweed Clarifying Toner - The Body Shop - 6.76 oz - $12
* Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing GEL - Department stores/CCO - 4.2 oz - $24.50
* Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing LOTION - Department stores/CCO - 4.2 oz - $24.50

Scrubs/Masks/Treatments:
* St. Ives Apricot Scrub - Target/Drugstores - 6 oz - $3
* St. Ives Green Tea Scrub - Target/Drugstores - 4.5 oz - $6
* LUSH Bon Bon Lip Scrub (Limited Edition) - 0.9 oz - No longer available
* LUSH Sweet Lips Lip Scrub - 0.9 oz - $8.95
* Olay Pro-X Cleansing System - Target or most drugstores - $30
* Seaweed Pore Perfector - The Body Shop - 0.5 oz - $20
* Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask - ULTA/Target/Drugstores - 8 oz - $4
* Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - ULTA - 1 oz - $17.00

Websites:
http://www.target.com/
http://www.cvs.com/
http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/
http://www.clinique.com/
http://www.maccosmetics.com/
http://www.lushusa.com/
http://www.mariobadescu.com/

Basic & Budget-Friendly Smokey Eye

2010-09-29T21:57:00.000-04:00

One of my most requested makeup tutorials is the basic smokey eye. This look is versatile and can vary in intensity, style, color, etc. Once you get the basics down (and with a lot of practice), you can smoke out almost any look. I mentioned in my video that it took me a lot of practice to finally achieve the look that I liked, so although I would call this a basic tutorial, I still recommend sitting down at your vanity and practicing. You can always learn something new!

This tutorial is a basic smokey eye tutorial using mostly drugstore (or drugstore priced) products and brushes. The higher end products that I used can all be easily duped (duplicated) by drugstore products. The products used for this look are listed below:

Note: Because I have so many allergic reactions to products, once I find a product that I like, I stick with it. So the face products are not drugstore products, but as I said earlier in this post, you can find dupes for almost anything!

Brushes:
Sonia Kashuk Multi-Purpose Nylon Brush - blend NYX jumbo pencil
EcoTools Shade Brush - all over lid color & crease
Essence of Beauty larger crease brush - Outer V
EcoTools Crease brush - blending & transition color
EcoTools Blending brush - highlight
Essence of Beauty smaller crease brush - lower lashline
Sonia Kashuk Bent Eyeliner brush - upper lashline, tightline, waterline
Essence of Beauty angled blush brush

Face:
MAC Studio Select CoverUp Concealer in NW25
MAC Mineralized SkinFinish Natural in Medium Plus
NYX Mauve Blush

Eyes:
Lid: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Slate
Lid/Lower lashline: NYX Smokey Eyes Palette - medium silver/gray shade
Crease: NYX Smokey Eyes Palette - dark silver/gray shade
Outer V/lower lashline: NYX Smokey Eyes Palette - matte black
Transition: MAC Soft Brown eyeshadow
Highlight: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Medium Plus
MAC Fluidline - Blacktrack (upper lashline, tightline, waterline)
Andrea Modlash - #45 Black
Shu Uemura eyelash curler
L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara

Brows:
Trucco Eyeshadow - Rootbeer
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

Lips:
EOS Summer Fruit Lip Balm
Revlon Colorburst lipstick - Soft Nude
MAC Viva Glam V lipglass

This is what the end-result was:

To see how I put this look together:

FAQ: Brazilian Blowout vs Thermal Reconditioning/Magic Perm/Japanese Straightening

2010-08-31T02:18:00.001-04:00

Please Note: I was NOT compensated by the salon for this information or for recommending them. I paid for my treatment as any other customer would, but this is the best salon and stylist I have been to thus far and truly believe that if you are looking for a great salon that isn't too expensive, then you'll love them!

The Brazilian Blowout is a styling procedure that has recently blown up with women everywhere. I have been getting the Thermal Reconditioning procedure done once a year every year for the last 9 years and thought I would share with the world some a comparison FAQ between the two. Because in all honesty, I believe the Thermal Reconditioning is a much better "bang for your buck."

• How long does it take?
o Brazilian Blowout takes about 2 hours (dependent on hair)
o Thermal Reconditioning takes about 3-4 hours (dependent on hair)

• How long does it last?
o Brazilian Blowout: About 2-3 months (10-12 weeks)
o Thermal Reconditioning: About 6-9 months (24-36 weeks)
 Note: I only do the procedure once a year (every 12-14 months)

• How much does it cost?
o Brazilian Blowout: Could be different per salon, but usually around $200
o Thermal Reconditioning: Again, could be different per salon. It can be as high as $300-$1,000 per session (CNN Hair Studio in Suwanee, GA starts around $150 dependent on hair)

• Will my hair return to its original state?
o Brazilian Blowout: Yes, after 10-12 weeks hair will revert to its original state without another treatment
o Thermal Reconditioning: Some sources say that once the hair has been straightened, it will stay that way forever if properly cared for. In my personal experience, hair will eventually revert to its original state within 10-12 months.

• How soon can I wash my hair after the procedure?
o Brazilian Blowout: Immediately after the blowout
o Thermal Reconditioning: After 48 hours. Also within those hours do not pin/put up hair to prevent any “denting”

• What are the results?
o Brazilian Blowout: Frizz-free, shiny hair.
o Thermal Reconditioning: straight, frizz-free, silky feeling and shiny hair.

• How is the Brazilian Blowout different from Thermal Reconditioning?
o Brazilian Blowout temporarily rounds the follicle and smooths the hair cuticle
o Thermal Reconditioning physically changes the structure of the hair and uses heat to restructure the follicle.

Check out my last post to see step by step photos of my most recent Thermal Reconditioning experience

If you liked my results and you live in the Atlanta area, I HIGHLY recommend this salon and stylist!

CNN Hair Studio
940 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Suwanee, GA 30024
(678) 714-3252
Ask for Julie
Their pricing starts around $150 for the "Magic Perm" depending on hair length/thickness/texture

If you'd like to see video footage of the "Magic Perm" process, check out the video below! :)

Thermal Reconditioning: Longer Lasting Alternative to the Brazilian Blowout

2010-08-30T19:02:00.001-04:00

Hey Followers!!

So I know it's been a while since my last blog post. Things have been busy with the move and getting settled in. This is my first post living in Atlanta, and I still have a lot to take care of. But for the most part I'm all settled in, job hunting like crazy, and spending a lot of time with my mom.

My mom's friend is a stylist at a salon in a town near Atlanta where they do the Thermal Reconditioning/Japanese Straightening/Magic Perm/Whatever. Here is a step by step look at how the procedure goes. Please keep in mind that timing on each step is going to differ dependent on the hair length/thickness/texture, etc.

This is what my natural hair looks like. I have been getting the "Magic Perm" done once a year every year since I was 16. And although some of these companies claim that once you get it done, the "already straightened" hair stays straight forever - this isn't true. At least in my experience over the last 9 years. Like any other perm, the texture of your natural hair comes back until you do the procedure again.

Step One:
Stylist sections off the hair and applies a protein restructuring chemical from the roots to end. This step took about 30 minutes.

Step Two:
The chemically saturated hair is wrapped in plastic and you sit under a heated dryer for about 15-20 minutes until the hair

Step Three:
The protein "restructuring" chemical is thoroughly washed out and then the hair is dried.

Step Four:
The hair was sectioned off again and flat ironed in 1 inch sections. The flat ironing restructures the hair so it's perfectly straight. This step took about an hour and a half.

Step Five:
Hair is sectioned off again and the second chemical, the neutralizer, is applied to the hair.

Step Six:
After making sure the hair is completely saturated in the neutralizer, I sat under a heated dryer for another 15 minutes.

Step Seven:
The neutralizer is thoroughly washed out and hair is rinsed with a conditioner. Then hair is dried slightly and trimmed (if needed).

Step Eight:
Hair is again sectioned off and flat ironed in 1 inch sections

End result: Lustrous, straight, shiny, silky hair

If you liked my results and are in the Atlanta area I highly recommend this salon and stylist! Her pricing starts around $150 dependent on hair length/thickness/texture. Very reasonably priced compared to most places that start around $200-$300 and go as high as $1,000! :)

CNN Hair Studio
940 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Suwanee, GA 30024
(678) 714-3252
Ask for Julie

A Thermal Reconditioning/Brazilian Blowout comparison FAQs post will follow this one shortly!

If you'd like to see video footage of the "Magic Perm" process, check out the video below! :)

Summer Essentials Contest Winners!!

2010-08-08T22:05:00.000-04:00

Hello to all of my lovely readers! I know that I have been neglecting my poor blog, and I'm sorry! Things are CRAZY busy right now at home. I'm planning on moving to Atlanta on Wednesday (that's in 3 days!) so I've been busy packing up my things and trying to get some important stuff taken care of before I leave!

So I had a 50 subscribers contest and I know I was a little late getting this contest started and now I'm announcing the winners later than I said! But better late than never, right? Haha.

Before I announce the winners, please keep in mind that if you were NOT randomly chosen that I have 3-4 other contests/giveaways planned for the near future! And with each giveaway, the prizes get better :)

Now without further adieu (yes...I like that phrase...) here are the winners!!

3rd place goes to:

lavenderlily9500

2nd Place goes to:

UniqueAsianMix

And finally last, but certainly not least, the grand prize winner:

Plainjane10

Congratulations ladies!! Please list the 3 liners you would like from 1st place to 3rd place (i.e., 1. Jade, 2. Teal, 3. Lime or whatever order you would like) and send it to me in a YouTube message along with your address! Remember, first come first served!!

And to ALL of my subscribers, good luck on the next giveaway!

Collective Haul - Sephora, CVS, Sephora, Target, HauteLook, LUSH

2010-06-29T01:24:00.000-04:00

So here is an overdue haul!! The last "haul" I did was back in March, when I did my Arizona haul. I've been trying hard to save money and not spend as much, and once the last of my giveaway prizes are bought, I will be putting myself on a spending ban. I've got some significant changes happening in the next couple months, and I need to save all the money I can! So here is a collective haul....which means it's pretty much everything I've bought - beauty-wise - in the last 3 months! I do have a small haul I have to film from this past weekend when I was in Indiana for my uncle's wedding, but then I believe that's it for hauls for the next few months. So without further adieu, here you go! Let me know if you see anything you'd like me to review!

Makeup/Brushes:

Ulta:
NYX was Buy 2 Get 1 Free
* NYX Runway Collection Palette - Secret World
* NYX For Your Eyes Only Palette - Smokey Eyes
* NYX Runway Collection Palette - Champagne & Caviar
* NYX Jumbo Pencil - Cottage Cheese
* NYX Jumbo Pencil - Oyster
* NYX Jumbo Pencil - Dark Brown
* NYX Jumbo Pencil - Baby Blue
* NYX Jumbo Pencil - Pacific
* NYX Lipliner - Hot Red
* NYX Round lipstick - Peach
* NYX Round lipstick - Eros
* NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss - Plush Red

Revlon was also Buy 2 Get 1 Free
* Revlon Colorburst Lipstick - Peach
* Revlon Colorburst Lipstick - Soft Nude
* Revlon Matte Shadows in Vintage Lace

Ardell's were Buy 1 Get 1 50% off
* Individuals - Short flare
* Individuals - Medium flare

* CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion
* Cargo Swimmables Waterproof Eyeliners

CVS:
* Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Forever Stay Eye Pencil - Chocolate Brown
* Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil - Black

Sephora:
* Smashbox LashDNA Mascara

Target:
* Sonia Kashuk makeup bag
* Sonia Kashuk bent eyeliner brush

Lucky Vitamin:
* EcoTools 6 piece eye brush set

Walgreens
* EOS Lip balm - 3 pack

Cosmetic Company Store Outlet:
* MAC 165 Brush
* MAC 227 Brush
* MAC Peaches Blush
* MAC Vanilla Pigment

HauteLook: POP Beauty
* Glowbelle blush/highlight palette
* Lid Silver eyeshadow palette

Skincare:

Macy's:
* Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Target:
* St Ives Hydrating Vitamin E Body Moisturizer

Hair Care:
Target:
* TRESemme Heat Tamer
* TRESemme FreshStart Dry Shampoo

Nail Polish
Walgreens:
* Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure
Ulta:
* Seche Crystal Clear Base Coat

LUSH
Mail Order:
* Honey Hugs Shower Gel
* Mirand Soap sample
* Queen of Hearts soap sample

In Store:
* Happy Blooming bath melt
* Sunny Side bubble bar
* Flosty Gritter bubble bar
* Butterball bath bomb
* Avobath bath bomb
* Floating Island bath melt
* Melting Marshmallow Moments (MMM) bath melt

Quick side not about HauteLook - it's a website that sells brand name/designer products. Anything from Shoes, clothes, makeup, accessories to baby toys! Click here for an invite to sign up for HauteLook and find some GREAT deals on designer brands!

For more info check out Part 1 (makeup) & 2 (skin/nails/hair/LUSH) of my haul videos below!

Collective Haul - Part 1

Collective Haul - Part 2

And I know I keep saying this, but stay tuned for my 50 subscriber contest! I know I owe you guys, but technical difficulties delayed this contest a little bit. Just waiting on Amazon to ship my last prize and I will be ready to put up my Giveaway video!! :)

LUSH Cocktail Series: Refreshing Mimosa

2010-06-23T22:54:00.000-04:00

So my next cocktail was supposed to be a "Hot Chocolate" cocktail (a subscriber request!) but I didn't have everything for it. So I proceeded with one of the other cocktails on my list: the mimosa! For the younger ones who may follow me, a traditional mimosa is an alcoholic drink made from champagne and orange juice. This cocktail has a distinct citrus smell with champagne undertones, and definitely smells like a delicious mimosa! :) This cocktail is made up of: Super Nova bath bomb, Sunny Side bubble bar, a TINY piece of Ma Bar bubble bar, and of course, You've Been Mangoed bath melt. All of the "ingredients" used for this cocktail I've written about before. I'll post a link to the blog posts where I originally wrote about them. The only one I haven't used yet is Super Nova!

Super Nova Bath Bomb:
So this bath bomb is fairly new to me. Before the cocktail video, I had only used Super Nova once before, and just a small sample of it. I fell in love with the scent. The main ingredient that gives this bomb the "champagney" undertone is the cognac oil. The oil has a distinct alcohol-like smell. This bath bomb also contains orange oil and lime oil, which is what gives it the delicious citrus smell.

Sunny Side Bubble Bar:
Sunny Side bubble bar - Beach Bum Cocktail

Ma Bar Bubble Bar:
Ma Bar bubble bar - Cherries Jubilee Cocktail

You've Been Mangoed:
You've Been Mangoed - Pink Lemonade Cokctail

Check out the video below to see how the cocktail turned out!

By the way - for a normal bath (and not in a HUGE tub like this one) the proportions I would use are: 1/4-1/2 a bath bomb, 1/3-1/2 bubble bar, 1/3 bath melt.

Keep your eye out for more videos! I'll be in Indiana this weekend for my Uncle's wedding, but I'll try to get something up! But eh LUSH cocktail may have to wait 'til later on next week. Hope everyone has a great weekend!! :)

Everyday Makeup Look for Work, and a quick Giveaway update!

2010-06-21T23:40:00.000-04:00

Yet another neutral look I've been LOVING lately for work. It's a neutral smoked out purple/cool brown look, and I pretty much wore it for the entire month of May. Or well, when I actually had time to apply makeup in the morning. The look doesn't take more than 15 minutes to do, so its doable for work days (unless you're like me and value the extra 15 minutes of sleep! lol). Otherwise, it was just a quick application of concealer, powder, and mascara.

Makeup used for this video:
* MAC Select Cover-Up in NW25
* MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus
* Urban Decay Primer Potion
* MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch
* MAC Eyeshadow in Satin Taupe
* MAC Eyeshadow in Sketch
* Smashbox LashDNA mascara
* Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick in Latino

Tools used for this TAG:
* Japonesque Kabuki brush
* Sigma SS168 Angled Blush brush
* MAC 239 brush
* MAC 217 brush
* MAC 227 brush
* Sonia Kashuk Crease brush
* MAC 224 brush

Check out the video below:

Now, I know you guys are eager to hear details about my 50 subscriber giveaway, and I'm eager to get that video up! Unfortunately, I ordered a couple things for prizes from Sephora and got an email saying that they were sold out and wouldn't be able to ship my products. :( So I'm in the process of finding a few more things! Thanks for being patient, and sit tight for a little while longer and I will get it all together soon!

LUSH Cocktail Series: Pretty in Pink

2010-06-13T14:32:00.000-04:00

So judging by the title of this cocktail, all of you LUSH fans out there already know the 2 main ingredients. This particular cocktail is very artificially sweet smelling. Does that make sense? It has that sweet, sugary, artificial candy-like fruit smell. I can't quite put my finger on it! This cocktail uses: Big Pink Shell, Creamy Candy bubble bar, and Melting Marshmallow Moments bath melt.

Big Pink Egg bath bomb:
This bath bomb was limited edition for Easter, and smells like the candy fluff powder (and the candy fluff mum) and leaves your skin smelling sweet and candy-like when used as the main ingredient in a bath or used with Rockstar soap. This can be substituted with the Think Pink bath bomb, which has a similar smell :)

Cream Candy bubble bar:
This bubble bar is made with vanilla absolute (for the sweet, vanilla-y scent) and contains skin-softening ingredients like cocoa butter (there are literally chunks of cocoa butter in this bubble bar!) and almond oil. However, this bubble bar alone doesn't leave your skin feeling quite as soft as when you use You've Been Mangoed or Happy Blooming bath melts. But it's definitely a must-have if you like the girly smelling bath products.

Melting Marshmallow Moments (aka MMM):
This bath melt is again, not quite as moisturizing as You've Been Mangoed or Happy Blooming, but is still good for the skin. This bath melt fizzes slowly instead of giving off that ring of essential oils as the other 2 do. MMM smells deliciously like a big pink cupcake (or Marshmallows!), and with the use of cocoa butter and almond oil is also fairly moisturizing for your skin.

Check out the video and see how it all looks when it comes together!

Let me know if you would like to see a cocktail made with any other LUSH ingredients! And I'll talk to you all soon! :)

May 2010 Favorites

2010-06-10T19:26:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

Keeping this month's favorites short and sweet! Here's the list of products featured in my May Favorites:

Hair Care:
Halo Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner
Halo Purity Clarifying Shampoo
S-factor "Serious" Conditioner
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum
TRESemme Heat Tamer Spray

Skin Care:
LUSH Honey Hugs Shower Gel
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Clean & Clear Acne Spot Treatment
Burt's Bees Doctor Burt's Blemish stick
Tweezerman Facial Blotting Paper
LUSH Lip Scrub in Sugar Lips
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Buffer
EOS Lip Balms - Summerfruit (red) and Honeysuckle Honeydew (green)

Makeup:
MAC Shadow - Vanilla
MAC Shadow - Naked Lunch
MAC Shadow - Satin Taupe
MAC Shadow - Sketch
MAC Shadow - Print
Revlon Matte Shadow - Vintage Lace
Rimmel Moisture Renew - Latino
Revlon Colorburst - Soft Nude
Revlon Colorburst - Peach
CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion

Makeup Tools:
EcoTools 6 piece eyebrush set
MAC 227 Brush
MAC 165 Brush

If you have any questions on any of these items, please feel free to post a comment on here or on Youtube and I'll get right back to you!

Day to Night Makeup Tutorial

2010-06-06T00:28:00.000-04:00

So, I didn't get a chance to post pictures. I went out as soon as I was done with my video (I was running late!) So sorry! I'm about to film my next LUSH cocktail, so this post is going to be VERY quick!

Makeup used in the morning:
* MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NW25
* MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Plus
* MAC Bare Study Paint Pot
* NYX Smokey Eye Palette
* Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Forever Stay Eye Pencil in Chocolate Brown
* Sephora Lash Stretcher Mascara in Black
* Clinique True Bronzed in Sunblushed
* Benefit Coralista Blush
* Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Soft Nude
* MAC Lipglass in Viva Glam V

Makeup used for the tutorial:
* MAC Blot Powder in Medium Dark
* NYX Smokey Eye Palette (light, medium, dark colors)
* Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Forever Stay Eye Pencil in Chocolate Brown
* Sephora Lash Stretcher
* Clinique True Bronzed in Sunblushed
* Pop Beauty Glow Belle (peach color)
* MAC Baroque Boudoir lipstick
* Sephora Bronzed Beauty lipgloss

For more detail on the colors I used from the Smokey Eye palette watch the video! (I point out the specific colors that I used!) :)

Off to get my LUSH cocktail started!!