China Glaze - Bermuda Breakaway

Nice navy creme.

It is very hard to find un-shimmered dupes for navy blues.

Similar colors:

Esther Lauder - Blue Dahlia

Rimmel - Midnight Blue

Borghese -  Mezzanotte Blue

 

China Glaze - Bermuda Breakaway

Happy Booster Blush

A very nice blush from Physicians Formula.

"Infused with our Happy Boost Blend featuring Happy skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts, which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of endorphins."

Also: " The sweet scent of violet provides a feeling of joy each time you apply."

Really science? Really?

You're lucky it has a cute packaging -_-

China Glaze - Something Sweet

Yummy creme candy pink!

Similar colors:

Essie - Pop-Art Pink
OPI - Pandamonium
Color Club -  Tutu

China Glaze - Something Sweet

China Glaze - Thunderbird

A gorgeous fire-hydrant metallic red.

Similar colors:

Essie -Bold and Beautiful
OPI - I'm Not Really a Waitress 
Zoya - Blair

China Glaze - Thunderbird

China Glaze - Agent Lavender

My usual nail polish colors tend towards all sorts of reds (creams or metallics), dark blues (sapphire metallics) and dark purples (cream or metallics).

I recently decided to make a few purchase on head2toebeauty.com for some Essie and OPI dupes in China Glaze's nail lacquers. I'm trying out a lot more pastel cream colors, for the first time really. So far, so good.

First tester was Agent Lavender.

Similar colors: 

China Glaze - Light as Air

Essie - Lilacism

OPI - Rumple's Wiggin'

OPI - Done out in Deco

China Glaze - Agent Lavender

Agent Lavender has more of a blue tone, more on photo than in person, but still remains part of the lavender/lilac family above.

Gel Liners

Everyone pretty much has their own way of using gel liners (or gel pots to some). Although most use it as their regular eyeliner, I personally enjoy using them for my waterline. Now this isn't the proper use of gel liners, but most use it for this anyways, since it does work. Most that I have tried manage to stay on my waterline far longer than any waterproof eyeliner pencil. I had tried 3 different brands so far and only one takes the cake when it comes to water resistance: L'Oréal's HIP.

I tried Maybelline's eyestudio pot liner and absolutely regret the purchase. Although I'm sure their liner is easy and wonderful for regular eyeliner use, it didn't pass the waterline test. The product came off minutes after application.

 

The more shocking failure was Stila's smudge pots. Now this is rather disappointing, considering Stila cosmetics are awesome and are reputed for their smudge pots. Well, like Maybelline, as I'm sure they do wonders as regular eyeliner and even as an eyeshadow base, they too failed the waterline test. In fact, the smudge pots were a challenge to apply. The product basically brittle's instantly once it touches your waterline and ends up everywhere in your eyelashes. I felt instant irritation just by trying to get the product on, and not as an allergic reaction, but just from playing around my waterline too much with it. Although, I will admit, for whatever amount I had managed to apply, the product sticks on VERY well, but the application was too annoying to bare to attempt ever again :'(

L'Oréal's HIP color truth cream eyeliner kicks absolute waterline ass. The product is simple to apply and stays on for long periods. It's the only gel liner I am able to bare and swear by  (until I find better :3).

Shu Uemura Eyelash curler

I had purchased a while back what was apparently an award winning eyelash curler from Shu Uemura. Everybody curling their lashes in tutorials were pretty much using this one particular curler. So I figured, why not, I wanted to be cool too XD.

 So.. what exactly is so special about this curler? 

I mean, it does the job that every other eyelash curler does.

I need enlightenment on this curler's AWARD-WINNING SUPER ABILITIES because it doesn't come across as anything out of the ordinary.

Pro Longwear is Long

One product I feel has been overlooked by the make-up community is M.A.C's Pro Longwear Lipcolor.

This is a line of lip products where the lip color sticks to your lips for a LONG time.

It's a cream consistency which you coat only once and let dry for about 2-3 minutes. Afterwards, you coat it with a clear gloss to give it a moisturized look.

in the color Unchanging

These colors shouldn't fade through anything. They last even when eating and drinking.

I like how I don't need to rub my lips together every few minutes to make sure my lipcolor isn't drying off. The color pretty much stays put.

I do have to say though, after a while, I felt as if the product began to slowly brittle. Obviously these types of lip products last a good deal through the toughest events like eating and drinking, but eventually would need a tiny re-application. Meh, maybe my lips weren't properly exfoliated.


Note: If you are someone who compulsively changes lip colors throughout the day, you may not necessarily like this product: It's a bitch to take off. Using baby wipes or water doesn't get the job done, you want to use an oil-based make-up remover, which I'm not sure we all carry around in our cosmetic bags (except you crazy ones out there O_o!)

Cover Girl made a similar product called Cover Girl Outlast Double Lipshine Lipgloss. They both do the same job and last about the same amount of time. The only difference is the shades.
M.A.C's lipcolor (above) is the only shade I am (currently) able to stand. It's very close to M.A.C's Fabby Lustre lipstick. Cover Girl's colors are very misleading. One simple, dicrete shade appeared quite loud and darker when applied. Not very helpful and ended up being a waste of money.

What do you think?

LipstiX

These are, in my opinion, the perfect everyday shades.

I personally cannot wear matte colors, I feel they give my lips an enlarged, flat-colored and overly fake look (excluding bright reds... those are intended). Lustre, Frost and Pearl finish lipsticks are absolutely stunning when paired with lip gloss or mixed around among each other. They apply sheer to give a slight shine or sparkle and can also be built up to appear darker (to a certain degree of course). If they are too shimmery, you can easily dim them down with a cream lip gloss and you will have a perfect balance of both.

Here are the girls:

From Left to Right (and Top to Bottom): 

Frost - Fabby by M.A.C

Lustre - Politely Pink by M.A.C

Lustre - Plink! by M.A.C

Pearl - Luminous Pink by Revlon

The Plink! lipstick is a tad more coral in person than it is bright pink in the first photo.

Frost lipsticks by M.A.C are darker and more pigmented than Lustre shades, but no where near as dark and rich as matte lipsticks. They also carry a lot more shimmer and sparkle than other finishes.

Lustre lipsticks are very sheer and give a nice, smooth and moisture-rich look, also with a tad shimmer.

In the Revlon family, Pearl finishes are somewhat a cross between both.

They're all simple and perfect everyday shades and suit just about every shape of lip and shade of skin.

BACK

I'M POSTINGGGGGGG

Granted this isn't related to cosmetic products, but a cosmetic-related procedure. *So my apologies*.

So apparently Asians are sending their dogs to the groomer for dye jobs.

It's basically extreme make-over for your pets, jungle style, rrrrrrr.

How can dog owners be so careless... If you're going to drag-up your dog, at least have the decency to equip them with heels and diamonds. THE NERVE.

DailyMail Article

Facial Cleansers

So why do people spend so much money on what's essentially soap in a bottle that washes away impurities from your face?

Cleansers cleanse... That's about it. 

If you have oily skin, your cleasner will wash away the oil. If you have dry skin, the oil-based cleanser you're using (and should be) will help moisten your dry skin's surface and make moisturizer absorption easier. Whatever non-washing properties are advertised on the product (such as added moisturizers or vitamins) are all gimmicks. It's 'soap' that gets washed away by water.... So how would these things even get inside your skin? They don't.

I've had my fair share of cleansers, from Clean & Clear as a teen, to Vichy, Ole Henriksen, Philosophy and even everyone's supposedly favorite: Cetaphil.

All great products, they all do the job, but they do the same job, and they're all priced quite differently. Buying a $30 cleanser which does the same job as a $9 cleanser isn't very economic. Heck, it's just not smart.

It's very hard to narrow down what product is right for you since every company will have at least 10 different types of cleansers, each for a different skin type. Holy shit, I just want to wash my face!

People will determine the type of cleanser consistency they need by the skin type they have. For example, consultants will advise you to reach for a foam consistent cleanser if you have combination/oily skin or a liquid-consistency AND oil-based cleanser for dry skin. Does the cleanser consistency even make a difference in the job or result? Don't know, and I haven't had anyone justify it to me...yet. I personally haven't seen much of a difference, asides that I prefer foams rather than liquids (because it's a personal preference in consistency, but they both did the same job).

Obviously buy what's right for you, but keep in mind that they're all doing the same job: Cleaning your face of impurities. Nothing more. In my opinion, use that extra money and invest in a good and age-appropriate facial moisturizer, that's the facial product that really counts.

And regarding exfoliators... Well, just buy what works. Heck you can even make your own with sugar, honey and olive oil. It's inexpensive, natural and the most effective facial exfoliator.

Don't be fooled by the smart and cutesey packaging, just because a product is nicely presented, doesn't mean it's worth the price (You would be surprised how much more of your money goes into the presentation and packaging, rather than the actual product). DAMN YOU EVIL CORPORATIONS AND YOUR PRETTY BOTTLES!

And on a side note, someone explain to me why Cetaphil made their cleanser look and feel like jizz? It's just not right....

 

.... Oh please like you haven't thought it either -_-

Anti-Aging Serums and Creams - The Ultimate Prevention?

Girls seem to think that using anti-aging serums early on (in their 20s specifically) is the key trick to avoiding wrinkles when they get older.

Not true.

There IS such a thing as prevention, but learn how to prevent properly or rather, slow the process.

Using anti-aging serums, whether on a daily basis or a weekly treatment, can eventually grant your skin immunity from the effects as you grow older. You believe you're preventing now, perhaps, but later on, whether in your 30s, 40s or 50s, you're still going to see wrinkles. It's inevitable.

So don't blast your face with a ton of anti-aging products now, you'll just be wondering why they're not working on your skin later on. 

Do things gradually. 

Rather than using anti-aging serums, just ask your dermatologist or even any certified cosmetician which moisturizer is appropriate for you, based on your skin type and age group.

By regularly exfoliating your face and using a basic (preferably natural) moisturizer, you're helping your skin retain its youth and suppleness. Be gentle with your skin now. Don't feed it chemicals it doesn't need. Worry about that later on, but if you take things lightly now, you won't even have to ;D

Tips:

* After washing your face, rub on moisturizer. Let it set for about 3-5 minutes.

* If you plan to wear makeup, apply facial primer. It will act as a barrier between your makeup and your moisturizer.

* Use (unscented) baby wipes to remove all your makeup and wash your face thoroughly afterwards. Mist some rose water all over your face and let your skin soak up the moisture. It's refreshing and a wonderful way to give your skin some love :3

* Drink 7 bottles of water a day (500ml each). This will just help your entire body keep hydrated.

* Bi-weekly or monthly mashed avocado masks or cucumber slices are nice, natural treatments, but optional.

Personal Picks (my age and skin appropriate moisturizers):

  

 

Hope in a Jar by Philosophy

Dramatically different moisturinzing Lotion by Clinique

Aqua Sensation by Nivea

You will notice that these companies have even designed heavy-duty moisturizers for older skin, such as When Hope is Not Enough by Philosophy and Dramatically different moisturizing Gel (not Lotion) by Clinique.

 

So save yourself the extra money and keep it simple. Educate yourself on what is AGE appropriate for you. The type of girls that tend to over-use anti-aging serums early on tend to be the same ones that will seek out botox injections later on in life.

I don't think any of us here want to end up looking like Joan Rivers :\

Bourjois Nail Polish

Saw this little gem and had to give it a try.

First time I've come across an indigo-like shade.

Dark blues and purples have always been a great choice for dark shaded nail polish, especially if you're trying to move on from blacks and bronzes or even dark reds.

From Bourjois Paris cosmetics.

Nail Laquer, So Laque! in Blue Violet.

As to my shiteous lighting, I wasn't able to capture the color of the polish without flash. But be assured, it's as the bottle shows.

REUSE! RECYCLE!

YAY FOR SAVING THE PLANET.
Well not really.

 
For some odd reason, I feel odd throwing away MAC boxes...

Well this one actually proved to be of some sort of use.

I used the Lipgloss "Mischief" Sexy Shenanigans lid as a lipgloss and pencil holder.

If you wanted to add use to it, you could also use the holes of the lid to dangle earrings. ^_~

But let's keep it simple.

Just turn the lid upside down, measure and place a piece of carton diagonally inside and place your items separately.

1.

2.

3.

4. 

 5.

MAC Lip Goodies

Sooooo

Although I try to stay away from MAC cosmetics as best I can ($$$$ >.<), I decided to splurge on one of their Holiday sets. Their Lipgloss "Mischief" set to be exact and a couple of other items as well.

5 Sexy Shenanigans was the chosen one:

5 simple colors which can easily be used year round and on a daily basis.

From Top to Bottom:

Elle

Morning Glory

Cruise Control

 Poetic License

Ensign

Lip swaps were prepared, but my terribad bathroom (or any other room) lighting made them all resemble one another.

Elle was the big surprise really. 

Although white in appearance, when angled correctly in the light, you will notice red/coral and blue reflections. It's not just a shine or glossy layer, this gloss seems to enhance your current lip color quite nicely, if worn alone and makes any lipstick shade pop. Quite a pleasant surprise, but unpleasant fact that it is a limited edition :(

 

Too Faced - Glamour To Go

Yet another goodie from Sephora. Gimmicky, but I had to have it .

This is a tiny compact from Too Faced which includes eye shadows, blush and lip gloss. 
The compact measures 2" W x 3 1/2" L and goes for $19.50 USD. Not a terrible buy for the quality of the pigments and glosses that you get.

Top Compartment:

6 eye shadows. Simple colors that can be used for everyday and evening looks.

Sigh, again, yellow lit pictures...

Second Compartment:

Below the eye shadows are 4 lip glosses and a blush.

Pretty basic, everyday blush. The lip glosses give a very light tint, nothing over-the-top.

 

 Tadaaaaaa

This obviously was purchased out of pure shopping delight and girly wants.

Amazing Cosmetics Concealer

This is one of many little spoils I got at Sephora in NY.

I have been using Laura Mercier's quarter-sized pot creme concealer for a while and it's been doing fairly well.

After reading a review on this particular brand, I had to give their concealer a try. Although I was irritated that a 6 ml (0.2 oz) tube ended up being $24, I decided to set aside my cheap-ass half for a day and splurged.

Verdict: Me likey.

You really need a needle-tip amount of this to cover your entire eye area. So quantity vs Use vs Cost makes it worth it.

Being within the range of fair skin tones, I chose mine in Light Golden. Anything below would whiten my skin.

(Left: Before, Right: After) 

Coverage seems decent in the pictures above, but not as well compared to a well lit area. My camera (and bathroom, despite the fact that it is all WHITE) adores making pictures look yellow, even though the camera screen shows me crisp, clear pictures. You don't see a dramatic difference, but for someone like me who will always have eye shadows and bags, you still see a difference. Click to enlarge the picture for a better glimpse.

This is of course the concealer alone without any powder. Setting powder obviously gives a full coverage.

Original Halloween Costume

This is probably the most original Halloween costume I have seen so far.

Being an old-school comic character.

Put nerds and make-up together, and you get a masterpiece.

The Tranformation:

 

 

 

 

at

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of Year

Cosmetic Steals - Best Websites

Here is a list of what I have gathered in great cosmetic steals you can order online.

I have not personally purchased from each and every one of these websites, but they have been recommended.

In no particular order:

E.L.F

Every product possible, from cosmetics to professional brushes, most items sold between $1-$5.

www.eyelipsface.com

Coastal Scents

Also hold just about every product possible, even ingredients to make your own cosmetics. Main best buys are their make-up palettes and brushes.

www.coastalscents.com

The Body Needs

This website is known for selling mac pigment samples. Great place if you're trying out Mac pigments and want to test out colors before investing in the full tub.

www.thebodyneeds.com

Cherry Culture

Awesome website, selling great products, such as Eyeko, L.A. Girl, L.A. Splash, NYX, Principessa, Styli-Style, at great prices.

www.cherryculture.com

Jesse's Girl

Inexpensive cosmetics, from nail polishes, to bronzers, to eye palettes.

www.jessesgirlcosmetics.com

Beauty Crunch

Hosts discounted brands such as Too Faced, Stila, Pixi and Pop.

www.beautycrunch.com

8TY Beauty

Nail polishes galore. Home to every possible O.P.I, China Glaze and Essie color at low prices. Feet and hand care products sold as well.

8ty8beauty.com

Zoya Nail Finale

This is a Zoya nail polish named Akyra that came with my last one, Blair.

This will probably be my last purchase from them, since their descriptions are not accurate or consistent.

I like good, subtle shimmer and metallic colors that require no more than two coats of nail polish. This one was described to be very opaque, yet it applies so clear, that it requires about 3-4 coats before you get the full bottle color.

It seems as though every blue to green shade nail polish from Zoya does that. Disappointing really.

Interesting color, more of a summer shade than anything else. I think i'll just stick to the classics from now on.

I guarantee you one thing, this will be a nightmare to take off :/