OPI: It's Up to Blue + Revlon Moon Candy: Galactic

OPI It's up to Blue and limited edition Revlon's Galactic nail polish!

Quite difficult to get off because of the glitter particles; stained my nails a bit where the glitter was, but really pretty. Dozens of compliments.

OPI applied smoothly, and only needed one coat. Revlon needed to be dabbed one for the first coat to get glitter where I wanted it (the glitter is immersed in a clear polish), then a second coat in a smoothing-out motion. Out The Door topcoat adds a shine.

My Last Minute Bumble-Bee Costume

T-dress: H&M ($13)
Ribbons: $4/yd (G Fabrics)
Hem tape: $3 (G Fabrics)
Thigh-high stockings (on my legs and on the wings): Ebay, don't remember the price (years ago)
Clothes hangers: FREE! I got them from my dry cleaner's and just recycled them.
Earrings: Ebay (don't remember price)

DIY wings instructions thanks to Threadbanger!

Maybelline Colorsensational High Shine Lipgloss

 

 


I got number 40, Captivating Coral. First thing I noticed is that it smells pretty pleasant and fruity, very citrusy--I don't know if that is different for each color because mine is orange, but I liked it because it's not overpowering at all! Not sticky, very easy to apply, and shiny as promised. I don't know if I would go so far as to say "high shine", but then again I purposely chose a shade without glitter or shimmer in it. There were about ten different shades on display.

I thought the packaging was very nice considering that it's a drug-store product; it actually looked pretty sleek. Anyway, about the performance though. My lips aren't that pigmented to begin with; the picture of my lips up top is with the lipgloss alone, nothing else layered. For my pale lips, the color came off sheer but pretty. It didn't last very long though; I probably had to reapply within two hours, and I don't remember doing anything besides talking. It doesn't leave a stain at all so it's not long-wearing.

I say it's pretty but not that worthwhile, there are better glosses out there.

Fall 2012: Glossy Eyes

So I was flipping through my Elle magazine for November 2012, and I saw a page with this picture. I was so intrigued at this trend: glossy eyes? The idea is to put high-shine lip gloss on your lids, no primer necessary. It's so interesting and apparently photographs very well!

Would you do it?

Urban Decay 2012 Friends and Family Sale!

Shop their F&F SALE! Promo code FFHOLIDAY12

First JustFab.com Purchase

These boots are the Armella :)
Feel free to use my invite: http://www.justfab.com/invite/7682854/
Otherwise, here is the address: http://www.justfab.com/

First purchase is $20 automatically. Use promo code IPSY20 for an extra $20 off. Add a pair of flats or a handbag for a limited time and only pay $25!

OPI Nail Polish: Just Spot the Lizard

 Hello! Long time no see. I'm writing about this new polish I got from OPI called Just Spot the Lizard. Let me tell you, this is such a pretty color... and from the bottle, it looks like it's dark but with so much depth. Well, that's where I became disappointed. The color comes out very much lighter on my nails (left) than it was on the bottle (bottom). Also, if you are not careful to let it dry, it will clump up a bit. As most metallics, it does streak a bit so you definitely have to be careful in the directions you paint in. I could definitely get away with just a single coat of varnish though, so I was very pleased with that.

I'll be giving this away to a friend though because the color looks dreadful against my skin tone.

Maybelline Great Lash color mascara review

Long time no see! So basically I have a mini review for you. Truth is, I've never liked the Great Lash mascara series but I've always wanted to try out cooled mascaras. I have tried the LA Splash color mascaras but I'll go into that a little bit more later.

Now, I have black lashes that are stick straight. I need length and volume in order for what a normal person would consider a natural look, so the subtle Great Lash series that I find only offers color and separation just doesn't do it for me. That said, this mascara does not smudge or flake on me, and smudging is a big deal to me. The colors did not show up very well on my lashes though. On the lashes themselves, even with the lightest teal, my lashes still looked black with the exception of the tip where after several coats the mascara built up to create a little bit of length. The tips of my lashes therefore had a little bit of color because it wasn't technically covering any hair, but the difference between that and my bare lashes (as well add the effect I was looking for) were not notable.

The brush is small, which brings me to my next point. The LA Splash mascaras of color had plastic, thin brushes as well which were dreadful but the price was only a few dollars. This Maybelline was perhaps $8 at Walgreens. The LA Splash mascaras had no effect whatsoever on my lashes because of that cheap and ineffective wand, but when I used a fuller disposable wand that grabbed more product, the color definitely showed up on my lashes well! That being said, the colors in that range were far greater and some were much lighter than what is offered in the Great Lash line, so that's another reason why they showed up. If this doesn't work for you, try out LA Splash.

Glossy Box: July 2012

Glossy Box: June 2012

Items mentioned:

• Beauty Addicts Show Off Mascara ($20, 0.39 oz)
• First Aid Beauty Smooth Shave Cream (Full 6.8oz, $16.50)
• Kinerase Restructure Firming Cream (Full 1 oz, $98)
• Shea Terra Organics Ultimate Moisturizing Body Creme (Full 9 oz, $18)
• Wella Professionals Enrich Moisturizing Treatment (Full 5.07 oz, $12)
• A Perfume Organic in Green (Full 0.41 oz., $65)

Quick announcement and mini reviews!

Forget-me-spot

Do you have a spot on your body that you tend to forget about caring for? Of course, not on purpose. Maybe it's the area that always seems to be sunburned, or drier than other parts of your body, or tends to break out more often. Maybe it's just the center of your back that you can't seem to reach and so you neglect. Maybe it just didn't cross your mind as important--think the neck, the ears, and even the ankles. The feet are actually very often neglected.

For me, it's my wrists. I don't know why I do, but they always tend to be the area I forget to moisturize in the morning. Maybe it's because I always tend to assume that it's moisturized based on the fact that I use my hands to apply lotion, but when I get to my car and put my hands on the wheel, it's the first thing I remember that I forgot (if that makes sense!)

Let me know!

Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Review

Simple: Cleansing Facial Wipes

It's been a while since I've done a review, and this one coincides with the upcoming drug store haul video that I just made (yay!).

Simple is supposed to be UK's number one skin care brand, at least that's what the display said... but I don't know if that's self-proclaimed. All I know is that it's supposed to be gentle and good for you; it's also supposed to remove waterproof mascara. I found it at CVS, but I've also seen this at Target. Around $8?

Pros: Does remove makeup and does remove waterproof mascara! You may need to go over your face a couple times but it does get the job done. No fragrance, and did not leave my skin red afterwards.

Cons: Although textured cloths are a good thing, definitely a bit rough. I don't know if it's because the cloths were not saturated enough (which they weren't) or that it's the cloth itself, but I found wiping my skin to be more like scrubbing to get my makeup off; not very anti-aging friendly. There was slight stinging around my eye area but not unbearable.

Would I repurchase? Probably not, but it actually working makes it better than some other wipes out there.

SaSa.com Haul

First ever SaSa.com haul. I hope you enjoy! (Video coming up if it's not here yet)

	Dariya Hair Magic Sheet (Pink) (2 piece)	2	2.70	---	5.40
	HadaLabo GOKUJYUN Super Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (170 ml)	1	14.10	---	14.10
	Suzuran Attirer Puff 240 pcs	1	3.40	---	3.40
	C+M  Soothing Cleansing Milk (100 ml)	1	3.70	---	3.70
	Aquolina Doccia SHOWER GEL Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel (300 ml)	1	11.00	---	11.00
	SAM TIN Natural Sponge Cucumber Water (150 ml)	1	4.40	---	4.40
	Shiseido Eyelash Curler (1 piece)	1	12.20	---	12.20
	Aquolina Doccia SCRUB Almond Scrub Shower Gel (300 ml)	1	11.00	---	11.00
	SAM TIN Cotton Pad (200 piece)	1	2.80	---	2.80
	Kose COSMAGIC EXTE BOMBER MASCARA (6 g)	1	11.40	---	11.40
	Marketing F/G:SASA LIPSTICK PEN Free Sample	1	---	---	---
Shipping Fee					0.00
			TOTAL : US$		79.40

March Birch Box: Spring Training (my last one :( )

Revlon Nail Art Break-Up nail polish: Love Hurts

 

The green side is "Love". The silver, shatter side is "Hurts". Out of all the color combinations to choose from, this one caught my eye the most! And I remember Revlon nail polishes being pretty decent, although I haven't purchased one for a few years.

I tried it on and let me tell you, I'm disappointed. The green side was pigmented, yes, and dried quickly. however, it was a little thick so if you don't work fast, it'll dry up and not spread out enough; this means, the more brush strokes you use, the more streaky and more uneven the coverage. The good news is that it's quite opaque if you get it the first time (or wait after the first coat dries and if it's even enough, get full coverage with the second coat).

That's something I can tolerate. What I couldn't be less impressed with is the shatter side. This is my first shatter polish but I have seen better shatter polishes at work, and I don't know if it's my expectations which got in the way but it looked utterly cruddy. First off, the silver polish was quite thin and did not contrast enough with the green base polish so it all looked like a muddy combination. Secondly, the shatter polish just looked super grainy. I took it off and just repainted with the Love polish. Bottom line, not impressed.

Birch Box Bonus: Vichy Laboratoires

"Hi Tiffany,
You have been selected to receive a free sponsored Birchbox from Vichy. Inside, you’ll find all the essentials you need to overhaul your skincare routine from start to finish.
Please note:
This box is in addition to your regular monthly Birchbox
You will not be charged for this free box (shipping is included too—it's completely free!)"

I got lucky! So here's the box.

Mac's Upcoming Marilyn Monroe Collection?!

I know this is tagged "celebrities", but it really ought to be tagged legend. The bombshell Marilyn Monroe will be the inspiration and theme for an upcoming Mac Cosmetics collection. Take a look.

I can't wait! Even if it's in October 2012.

As women

Hello all.

I know you're a here for beauty related things, but I want to bring this to your attention: http://www.coalitiontoprotectwomenshealth.org/

I live in Virginia and I'm about to get hit with this bill which regulates what I want to do with my own body in terms of healthcare without my consent; they'll be taking away my choice to use birth control, no matter what the reason is. It doesn't matter if I'm using it to regulate my menstrual cycle or to protect myself from pregnancy. From what I understand, even at hearings for this, 8 out of 10 witnesses chosen to be speakers are men--none of the ten speakers are advocates fighting for my freedom of choice, but against it. The link I sent you allows us to create a thirty second video to speak out, and even if you're not in the state of Virginia, I would really appreciate your support.

I will be creating a thirty second video at some point and contributing my voice for this. I hope you will speak out against this medieval bill too.

Tiffany

February BirchBox: Spotlight

Silicon Facial Scrubber

Face scrubber. Supposedly massages your face at the same time. Have you tried it before?

I just used it and it's not a bad investment. Look up "Silicon scrubber" on Ebay and it should pop up for only a few dollars (of course, it'll be coming from Asia so the shipping will take some time). It really does reduce the amount of product you use, is gentle on the skin (aka doesn't tug) and helps the product foam up well.

I used my Clinique foaming cleanser and put a bit on water on the scrubber, worked it into the scrubber for a little then added a bit more water and voila, it was nice a bubbly for my face. Also removed my eye makeup (which was not waterproof) which includes my L'Oreal Linear Intense Liquid Eyeliner and some UD mascara. I usually have a problem removing my mascara, waterproof or not, because it's hard for me to get each lash, but this tool makes it so easy because I just scrub gently. Doesn't stain the tool because it's silicon, therefore it washes easily!

That all being said, don't use the Clinique foaming cleanser on your eyes, because it stung me so bad.

Skincare line: Caroline Chu

This skincare line was on Hautelook for the first time a few weeks ago, and I just got it in today. I decided to try it asap to give you my thoughts on it.

Left to right: Moisturizing Lotion w/SPF 15, Ginseng Anti-Aging Toner/Freshener, Night Cream Elastin & Collagen, Shower Gel

LOVE the elegant packaging! I thought it was so funny because I can't find these items on Ebay, and so the prices I paid seem to be the best deals (you can find these on Zappos and I think QVC).

Moisturizing Lotion, SPF 15 (3.8 fl oz/110mL. I paid $21.)
This was the one thing that I anticipated for the most because I'm still looking for the perfect SPF item. What I can't stand in SPF items are strong sunscreeny scents, and those that leave your skin with a cast of white. Well, this doesn't leave your skin white-ish, but there is a slight scent; nothing I can't handle though because I've smelled stronger before. It's lightweight and milky. I had some problems with the pump at first but it seems okay now. I just wish the nozzle were slightly longer so I wouldn't have to tilt the bottle to get the product into my hand and not all over the place... which will definitely be a problem when the product goes lower in the tube (because the straw will altogether have issues sucking up the lotion and pumping in the direction I want).

Ginseng Anti-Aging Toner/Freshener (4 fl oz/120 mL. I paid  $14.)
I read one or two reviews on this (as there weren't many reviews of this skincare line... period) and they seemed good; someone even named this as her holy grail product. It's for normal to dry skin and anti-aging so I thought BINGO! And I used it today. The first thing I noticed is the strong floral scent, and it's nothing I can't stand but it's something I really don't prefer (plus, I think it's awful strange that a toner is scented...). But even for my extremely sensitive skin, I was not irritated and I immediately felt the "freshening" effect. It's almost like a very slight tingle that really does wake your skin up, so that was definitely a new thing for me. All in all, I like this but I would prefer not to have the scent.

Night Cream w/Elastin and Collagen (1.69 fl oz/50 mL. I paid $26.)
As most night creams, this is a bit rich but not as rich as some other night time moisturizers that I've tried (for example the Dr. Grandel night time moisturizer which is far more rich). I might even say this is borderline greasy at first, but as it sinks into my dry skin I don't feel it much anymore. Has a bit of a plasticy scent. A little goes a long way (a nickle-sized dollop was all I needed for my entire face). I'm really not loving this lotion at all. But since it's skincare, I can't return it.

Shower Gel (11.8 fl oz/350 mL. I paid $14.)
This smells subtley of chamomile is a thin, clear, easy-lather gel. This is actually my favorite product from the line. It's supposed to be good fir sensitive skin and is infused with vitamins as well as "soothing aloe vera". I love the pump. This is a generous amount for the dollar I paid. Doesn't leave that squeaky-clean, uncomfortable feeling. May not buy it again but it's alright.

Top to bottom: Moisturizing Lotion, Night Cream, Shower Gel

So you may have noticed that everything I got had to do with anti-aging. I'm 21, and in the prevention process... so I can't tell you if it works or not until maybe a decade later. Even with that being said, I use so many different anti-aging items that it's hard to say which one is responsible for any certain positive results.

Brush Guard, now at Wal-Mart!

Do you remember the Brush Guard? Well: CLICK!

It's now at Wal-Mart! Whereas before, you had to order it online :( Basically what this is, is a stretchy plastic tube that goes where your brush bristles are when they are drying after cleansing. This keeps the shape of your brush! It's a maintenance thing, but I like it a lot. I've got two sets from a while ago when I ordered it online, but I'm happy to hear that it's more accessible today. Enjoy!

Tutorial: Naked 2, Maybelline Color Tattoo, and L'Oreal The Balm

Would anyone like a full review of any of the used products?

Tony Moly Berry Berry Magic Lip Tint

So I ordered Tony Moly products from a Korean seller on eBay recently... specifically, these:


They are so cute, right? Nice, sleek packaging carrying a jelly-consistency lip balm. The smell is fruity and sweet but not overpowering. I paid a little under 7 dollars for each, minus two dollars because I had ordered three items from the same vendor. It took about two to three weeks to get here which is normal for overseas shipping. Free shipping though!

Right to left:  03 Grape, 02 Apple, 01 Strawberry

Right to left:  03 Grape, 02 Apple, 01 Strawberry

I used a lip brush to do the swatches and, as predicted, since the product is jelly it was pretty soft and if careless your brush can easily poke a hole through. As you can see though, it changes color upon contact to your skin! For me each came out to be a bright pink, but it may be different for you. Some other reviewers from other blogs have said that the Grape edition came out to be a darker color for them, but as you can see, each balm came out to look quite the same for me. Maybe it'll be different once I wear them on my lips?

I believe it's similar technology to the mood lip glosses from Smashbox and Too-faced... the difference is, from what I understand, this Tony Moly product leaves a stain! In fact, when I wiped away the swatches the glossy shine left but the color stayed pretty well. These seem excellent for the girl on the go.

My only dislike is that I have to dip something into the pot in order to apply the product, and that's pretty lame if your fingers aren't clean (or when you have to wipe them off after application). It may not bother some of you, though. I'm interested to try this out as a cheek tint, too, although it's not the intention of the product. Overall, this is a pretty interesting product that I'm really excited to play with, and the price isn't too bad at all. Also, it's very cute!

Birch Box: December 2011, EBOOST

This is the EBOOST drink mix that I got in my December Birch Box. Can I tell you something? I hate it. I looked so cool in the cup when I poured it into the water; it fizzed, it foamed, and it smelled exactly like orange cream soda. Upon drinking it, I realized that it was a little carbonated... but didn't taste anything like orange cream soda. But what do you expect? It's a vitamin supplement, not a soda. 

Based on my taste buds, I think if I took this during a hangover, I'd throw up more. But I didn't get that opportunity yesterday because Caribou Coffee was having a BOGO :)

Notes on what it's supposed to do:
"The Natural Energy Booster with a tangy citrus burst and a lasting natural energy boost! This EBOOST formula is loaded with green tea, vitamins and super nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin D and B-12 in an easy to mix effervescent packet. It's low calorie and sweetened with Stevia too! ... What started as a celebrity secret for A-Listers like Madonna, Shakira, Oprah Winfrey and Amar’e Stoudemire is now a necessity for the multi-tasking generation.  We took the time to formulate a multi-purpose product that really works so you don’t have to waste time with mediocre products that sort of work." (Taken off of Eboost.com)