Things That are Amazing

The weather today has been spectacular. Much needed sunshine after the last three rainy days. The kind of day that makes you want to drive around in your Jeep with the moon roof open, windows down and sing top 40 songs that you'd be embarrassed to admit that you like (this is also an accurate description of what I did today). However, my skin hasn't been equally as beautiful. Much as I long for skin the likes of Gabrielle Anwar and Mary Louise Parker, it's not happening today. Also, kinda on the same topic- I think my tastes are improving. I no longer crave the tanned glow of Kim Kardashian with her crazy lashes and smokey eyes (bronzed me =/= pretty me) but covet the natural 'I'm not really wearing makeup' look. 

While I can't force my skin to look good, I can fake it a bit. I'm finally getting around to talking about two products that I really, really like. Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation and L'oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base. 
Let's do the primer, because we all know that comes first (this is like beauty commandment number two or something). 
I bought this two months ago, as soon as it hit the US market. I actually stalked several drugstores, and finally went to a CVS and begged a worker who was setting up the display to let me have at them (no one said desperation is pretty). I'm really liking it. I love silicone primers, but my t-zone gets awfully oily sometimes. That's why I love this one. It also has silica, which helps keep the oilies at bay. It also fills in the pores nicely. I don't think it's 100% oil free though, so I might not use it in the summer but it's a great product for the rest of the year. It seems like a small amount for between $10-13, but it's been two months and I still haven't finished it. So lots of love for this product.
Now, my new lovely foundation. I bought this because I really needed a foundation that filmed and photographed well ( I didn't want to subject you to the pictures of my time-of-the-month zit ridden skin ). Also, I needed a good shade match. This definitely meets those demands. I got a yellower foundation, 117 which is a bit more yellow than I'm used to, but it matches my neck and body well. I may not look good in person, but my skin does look rather flawless on camera. On the other hand, I feel like it's rather obviously foundation-y. Happy, happy. I still am on the hunt for my day to day foundation (NARS Sheer Glow is looking more and more like a winner). It is a bit pricey, $40 but for the results it provides, I can't really complain. 
That's all for tonight. I think. Maybe more swatches later. 
Have any favorite new products?

OOTD- Wearing Navy & Staying on Track

I always watch (or rather listen) to the Today Show when I get ready for work every morning.I wake up at 7 or 7:15 a.m., turn on my TV, turn the volume way up and listen to the latest news as I shower, style my hair and apply my makeup (it makes me feel like I'm starting my day knowing the top headlines...plus, I feel totally scared when I'm alone in a completely quiet house.)In between Today

March Favourites

Thanks for visiting, month of March: you chased the snow away and resurrected my Spring clothes! But what did I enjoy using during the month?

Nars Niagara Lipstick.
Yes, I've been on a Coral kick, and this is one of my favourites - it's actually my first Nars lipstick ever. It's a Coral with a lot of pink in it. The texture is creamy and it's well pigmented.

Bobby Brown Luminous Hydrating Foundation (in warm sand)
I finally found the best way to apply this foundation: with my 190 brush. I can layer it where I need more coverage, and I love the dewy finish it's giving while still feeling light on the skin.


Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Mascara.
I just reviewed this and I love it for the intensity it gives!


Prestige Total Intensity eyeliner pencils.
Love, love, love these: they're creamy, not irritating, über pigmented and stay on the waterline. Plus, they're drugstore items!I could buy every color!


Phyto 7 daily hydrating cream.
This last one is... a hair product! Yes, it's a daycream for dry hair. An in-depth review will be up soon!

I'd love to read about your favourites of the month in the comments, or post a link if you wrote about them on your own blog!

New Dior Addict Glosses & Lip Polish

Dior has released a new lipgloss called Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss which comes in a larger tube than the regular Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect formula. Does this mean the original Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflects are going away? I'm not sure. There are quite a few of the same shade numbers in the new packaging/formula, just with different names, my SA did not know when I asked her.

The new formula retails at the same price as the old, even though the newer tubes have slightly more product. Both retail for $26.50, the new tubes have 6.3 ml/.21 fl oz versus the older tubes which have 6 ml/.19 fl oz.

Also, new and exclusive to Sephora for Spring 2010, there is a new Lip Polish called Petal Pink in #004 for $29.50. I wrote about the other 3 lip polishes last June, click here for the review/swatches.

L to R: Lace Beige, Pink Silk, Negligee Pink, Petal Pink

Close up:

Overall lovely with nice soft-medium pigment and smooth texture. The new Addict Ultra-Glosses range from cream non-shimmer to soft iridescent to super sparkle, so there's a wide range to suit your sparkle needs. I picked the ones that were more subdued. (From Nordstrom.) If you own any Dior glosses, I suggest you go through your current stash and write down the numbers of the colors you own so you don't experience the same "do I already have this shade" that I did while playing with all the colors.

(FYI those not familiar with Dior, most of their lipglosses are labeled by number at the bottom, the product name is typically only on the boxes, making it a challenge to remember what colors you have.)

The new Lip Polish in Petal Pink is fairly sheer. If I had tested it in-store, I probably would have passed. It is very dupable from other milky pinks, although it does give your lips that pretty youthful looking glow. These are pricey at $29.50, but this is due to the roller-wand and unique ingredients. I personally find the rolling wand a bit awkward to use since I'm not used to it. (From Sephora.)

New Dior Addict Glosses & Lip Polish

Dior has released a new lipgloss called Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss which comes in a larger tube than the regular Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect formula. Does this mean the original Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflects are going away? I'm not sure. There are quite a few of the same shade numbers in the new packaging/formula, just with different names, my SA did not know when I asked her.

The new formula retails at the same price as the old, even though the newer tubes have slightly more product. Both retail for $26.50, the new tubes have 6.3 ml/.21 fl oz versus the older tubes which have 6 ml/.19 fl oz.

Also, new and exclusive to Sephora for Spring 2010, there is a new Lip Polish called Petal Pink in #004 for $29.50. I wrote about the other 3 lip polishes last June, click here for the review/swatches.

L to R: Lace Beige, Pink Silk, Negligee Pink, Petal Pink

Close up:

Overall lovely with nice soft-medium pigment and smooth texture. The new Addict Ultra-Glosses range from cream non-shimmer to soft iridescent to super sparkle, so there's a wide range to suit your sparkle needs. I picked the ones that were more subdued. (From Nordstrom.) If you own any Dior glosses, I suggest you go through your current stash and write down the numbers of the colors you own so you don't experience the same "do I already have this shade" that I did while playing with all the colors.

(FYI those not familiar with Dior, most of their lipglosses are labeled by number at the bottom, the product name is typically only on the boxes, making it a challenge to remember what colors you have.)

The new Lip Polish in Petal Pink is fairly sheer. If I had tested it in-store, I probably would have passed. It is very dupable from other milky pinks, although it does give your lips that pretty youthful looking glow. These are pricey at $29.50, but this is due to the roller-wand and unique ingredients. I personally find the rolling wand a bit awkward to use since I'm not used to it. (From Sephora.)

New York Real Wedding Video - So TOUCHING

So much fun Meeting with Motoko from Love in Progress today!

LOVE this Brooklyn lady's wedding films.

And I just had to share one of my FAVORITE ONES!

Really, I teared up watching it.

Click here to go to her blog and see it.

You won't regret it.

(if it doesn't play right away, move the little tab from side to side and it will start)

Duwop Peacock Palette

Another lovely set of guest swatches today- Duwop Peacock Palette. AA tells me that she managed to snag it off Beauty.com for $25.

Notes: Once again, I'd like to add that AA is NW15. Deep Lavender is a a red based violet with shimmer. Bronze is a golden shimmery brown. Chocolate is a dark bronze shimmer. Bright Teal is BRIGHT blue-green, aqua almost and shimmery.Olive is a golden green shimmer. Navy is an amazingly pigmented navy blue. The DoubleGlow makes a great highlighter, and the Cheek Venom is "Cobra" - a sheer peach-coral. Sorry, no swatches of the last two- will re-edit and add them if they do get swatched.
Man, the colors look so good, it makes me want to pick up this palette myself. And I've never tried anything from Duwop.

Shih-han Hsiao Editorial for NYTimes T Magazine, Spring 2010

Models: Shih-han Hsiao (New York), Rel Dade (Marilyn), Dennis Johnson (New York), Kristina Krivomazova (Marilyn), Chris Pulliam (Wilhelmina) & Adam Trodd (Ford)
Editorial: T Strip - The Casual
Magazine: (New York Times) T Magazine, Spring 2010
Photographer: KT Auleta
Fashion Editor: Bifen Xu
Makeup: Pep Gay for Dior Beauty @ Streeters
Hair: Bok-Hee for Tresemmé
Set Design: Matthew Mazzucca for Stefan Beckman Studios

Source: NYTimes

Entertaining Tips: Vegetarian Options

New Rule

For your next party, don't forget to always include a vegetarian option.  Make it something super yummy that everyone will enjoy, like stuffed mushrooms or a baked brie.  So delicious, you won't even miss the meat!

Links: {mushrooms}{brie}

Too Faced Singles Swatches

More swatches from AA. Amazing, aren't they?

Note: The base used was NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk. Glamorous Life is shimmery pale yellow gold with golden white glitter. Glamazon -is taupey-beige with silver glitter. Heiress is medium shimmery pink with multi colored glitter. Dirt Bag Couture is shimmery purple-y brown with gold glitter. Oscar is very yellow gold shimmer. Label Whore is red brown with blue shift and multi colored glitter (comparable to Club by MAC and Lounge by UD).

MAC Liberty of London Peachstock & Ever Hip Lipsticks! Photos & Swacthes!

I was fortunate enough to get both shades when they first came out in a swap! A girl was nice enough to go to the MAC counter and pick these up for me to swap for a couple of LE lipsticks I owned.

Peachstock- I was caught off guard when I opened the tube. I always thought Peachstock was a lighter color. I thought it was going to look exactly like NYX Orange Soda, or Myth with a more peach/orange tint. Its definately darker than I thought. I'm going to admit, I got a little nervous and thought it wasn't going to work on me, but it is probably one of the most flattering nudes I own for my skin tone. I highly recommend this shade if you're olive skinned and its hard for you to find the correct nude that won't wash you out or give you the appearance of concealer lips. This is the only Satin formula lipstick that I can wear alone. I don't like the Satin formula.. because I like my lips to look shiny.. and the Satin formula is more of a matte look. Also, it can be very drying if you don't apply a lip balm beforehand. But for some reason, this works for me. I love this lippie, and will most likely be repurchasing!

(I take pictures at funny angles sometimes.. I rotated it, but decided at the last second, I liked it better the way it was.. that's why my name is turned as well)

Ever Hip- I didn't know this was a Cremesheen until it was in my hands. Surprisingly, it applied pretty sheer. I had to apply.. and apply.. and apply. I thought it would be a lot creamier.. I really love the color though. Its a very vibrant coral pink. It looks like Vegas Volt and Shygirl had a love child. haha! 

Here are swatches of both shades..

What did you think of these?? What were your favorites in the collection?

Review: Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On mascara

Talk about a mouthful, now that's a product name!

This is the product I decided to try right away, because my YSL Singulier is on its last leg and it was time for me to open a new mascara. This one being the most intriguing of the 2 I got, I picked it as my first victim.

Packaging: the Japanese like to go full speed in the bling bling direction with their makeup packagings. Think little jems and rhimestones all over your eyeshadow quads. This one is reasonably gold and shiny and has enough black to look elegant. The tube looks smaller than the ones we're used to have here.

Brush: that's what intrigued me with this product. Look:

It's a dual side flat brush with pointy shark teeth replacing the bristles, and they don't have the same size on each side. I had to guess how to make this work, and I think I found it right. The size with the small teeth will catch your lashes at the rooth and make them really covered in product and intense looking. But they won't allow the product to spread till the end of the lashes, for this, you have to use the bigger side of the brush.

Formula: as far as I know, this mascara (and most other Japanese mascaras) exists only in black. The formula doesn't have a scent, is very very intensely black, does leave the lashes a tiny bit less soft than I'd like but isn't flakey at all, so that's fine by me. It won't smudge and it will hold a curl. But you'll need an industrial strength makeup remover to get rid of it, I'm telling you! Yes, this is the mascara that required a dual face remover. But once you have the right remover, it disappears pretty easily. I didn't experience any irritation or problem.

Result: I realize this calls for a picture, and I don't have one I'm happy about to show you now. Let's say that this mascara gives a lot of intensity to the eyes, thanks to the very black color and the fact that it catches the roots of your lashes so well. I seriously never experienced as much intensity with another product.

But as far as volume is concerned, I am not that impressed. I find this is slightly lenghtening and volumizing but nothing exceptional. So I keep using it for the dramatic effect on the roots mostly and it's great for daytime (well, my definition of daytime, which can be a bit dramatic). But I will try to combine it with Faux-Cils and see if we have a winner combo there.

Would I repurchase? : At 19,50$ shipped, this is the price equivalent of a Maybelline or L'Oreal mascara for me. So yes, definitely, price not being an issue and the product being good, I would keep on getting the product and will probably order several back ups at once next time I order from Japan.

Did you try this particular mascara? Did you like it?

A Peek at my New Betsey Johnson Handbag!

Early this week, my soon to be mom in-law treated me and my soon to be sister in-law to a new handbag! We went to the Saks Fifth Avenue (OFF 5TH) Outlet store. It was my 2nd time shopping there. When I walked into the handbag dept, I walked into heaven! LOL. I forgot what the discount was, but there was an extra percentage off of the already discounted price. I think 20-30%? So it was a great deal on lots of bags. I showed a little bit of interest in one bag in particular, and within an INSTANT, she ended up grabbing it and purchasing it for me. I'm still excited about this bag, I love it so much. I've been wearing it every day, but I think I'm going to empty it out and only wear it when I go out. I don't want it to be an every day bag and ruin it. It ended up costing under $150.. I don't remember the exact amount.

This bag is definately my style. I love bows, gold hardware on bags (gold in general), chain straps and really, anything different/unusual.


It's a very luxurious bag. It feels like soft glove leather and has a polished look. It fits my large cosmetic bag, small cosmetic bag (for brushes only) and my large clutch wallet.. and it's not too heavy.


I really like this feature. Its like a little lock. To open the purse you have to turn the little square in the middle of the bow.




The interior is beautiful as well!

They also had matching wallets.. and this beautiful LOVCAT wallet I really wanted. It was a peachy pink with a gold rhinestone heart. My heart is jumping at the thought of it.. lol, but I can't find it in google images. My "sister in-law" got a beautiful, ruffled black Kenneth Cole bag for an amazing deal.. I can't find any pictures of it either.. :( If you have a Saks outlet near you.. I urge you to check it out!

Thanks for reading, lovlies!

(Come to think of it, I purchased another bag a little over a week ago, I may post that one too. Its very cute and was a great deal at Marshalls!)

Alright, when I googled Betsey Johnson Bow Handbag and then Betsey Johnson Bow wallet, and I freaked out. Everything is soo cute. I had no other choice but to exit otherwise I would possibly go nuts.

Dress Designs

East Dress Most Elegant Dress Designs


Eastern dress designs have been brought to contemporary with many variations and changes in style. Dress this design provides a very feminist view to highlight the figure of a woman without exposing lots of skin. Elegance and style are common in most of the east line of clothing. Pishwas dress designs, saree, lehenga - all this is a hip-n-happening trends in formal wear market. Women of all ages can follow the current fashion trends according to age and body type.




Saree is the most suitable for older women. It is also suitable young woman in formal occasions. color schemes and embroidery work make it suitable for different age groups. The second women's clothing of the most elegant in the eastern world will be a lehnga. This bridal outfit is common in Pakistan. Even brides in the western region's ethnic eastern prefer wearing a lehenga. Embroidery dress designs modern pieces and some breathtakingly beautiful world famous designers.




current designs and trends lehenga is being displayed in fashion shows around the world. You can even order it through online sites dedicated to selling all types of eastern dress designs.




Finally, the wear, but not least-the most popular current and formal east in the market is pishwas dress designs. It was a beautiful way of completing the figure of a woman, while not exposing the skin is the most interesting aspect of it. This dress was introduced at the Mughal dynasty, and is usually worn by royalty. It is still in fashion and different styles of embroidery makes the perfect choice for use in any formal meeting. by Raana Ansari

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A Bad Day & Bronzing Products I Love

Well ladies, I have some sad news to share. I got my first ticket today. Ever. The police officers were right at my street corner pulling people over. I am not sure how I was "speeding" since I was slowing down to make a right turn, but I guess they needed to make their end of month budget. Ugh. So upset.I cried for like an entire hour after it happened (a little dramatic, I know...but the tears

False Eyelashes Fervor (Strip False Lashes)

Alright, I'm going to continue this post assuming you've read Part 1. 

Let's pick out the perfect false lashes first. There's various false lashes- crazy, over top ones with feathers, crystals and colored hairs (like those sold by Shu Uemura's Tokyo Lash Bar and even NYX has theatrical lashes) but there's natural looking lashes out there as well. 

I'm going to sidetrack for a moment, and talk about price. If you're messing around with false lashes for the first time, start with cheap lashes from the drugstore. There's no point in wrecking a pair of $13 ones from MAC when you're just playing around with them. Actually, I'm not a big fan of spending lots of money on falsies- perhaps for my wedding I'll invest in a $29 pair of Shu lashes but I don't really see the point in splurging a large amount for something that is ultimately quite disposable. Yes, expensive lashes can (and should) be reused, you want to get your money's worth- but drugstore brands like Andrea, Kiss, Ardell and Revlon do just as well for certain styles of lashes, and they're really cheap, generally under $5. 
Ebay is another option too- there are very cheap lashes in bulk online. However, a lot of the lashes sold overseas in Asia are synthetic ones (all the ones you can buy from drugstores in the US are generally genuine human hair) and those can be harder to work with. Synthetic lashes are quite durable, but it's hard to adapt them to your eye shape because they like to keep their original shape which is why I prefer genuine hair lashes. 
What to look for when searching for natural lashes: 
-Invisible or thin bands. Ardell makes a whole line, InvisiBand that features clear bands. The less visible the band is, the easier it is to cover up and the more subtle the effect is. This is why I don't like NYX lashes so much- their bands are bulky and very dark and thick which makes them harder to work with. 
-Length of strip. Not all bands are equally long. I generally see three kinds of strip lengths- full strip, half strip and ones that are in between, something like a 2/3 strip. If you buy full strip lashes, there is a good chance that you will have to trim them down to keep the ends from poking your eye because it's longer than your eye shape allows. 
-Actual lashes; spacing, length & placement. Some false lashes have a cross pattern, while other lashes have separate clusters and some consist of evenly spaced hairs. Cross patterns provide a bit more 'oomph' than the other two. In any case, the most natural looking lashes will be just a bit longer than your own. 
Holy cow, I'm getting rather verbose. Ok, actual lash application time!

1. Decide when you're going to add your lashes. Lashes that are put on before any makeup application will last longer, but most people prefer to put them on after eyeshadow is applied so that no fall out gets on the lashes- it's your choice. For me, fall out is easy enough to wipe off the lashes, but I have experienced the corners of the strip coming off because it wasn't directly adhered to the skin. 
2. Start by curling your own lashes. This will help the falsies blend in better.
3. Carefully take the false lashes out of the package. When applying them, you'll do one eye at a time. Take a strip of lashes (remember to note which eye it'll go on) and fit it over that eye so that you have a good idea of where it's going to fit. Snip off a few hairs on either side if it's too long for your eye shape. 

4. Squeeze a bit of glue on to the back of your hand and holding the falsies by the lashes, run the edge of the band by the glue, dipping a little extra on the ends, where adhesion is particularly important. 
5. Wait about 20 seconds for the glue to become tacky. During this time, you want flex the entire band into a crescent shape (like your eye!). 
6. While looking downwards into a mirror, set the lash strip over your lashes, and match the band with your lash line- letting the band sit right on top of where your natural lashes meets your lid.

7. You can manipulate the glue a little before it dries. But after that, you can't really move it- you can only start over. Wait 30 seconds for the glue to completely dry. There'll probably be a little glue visible, but it'll covered up.

8. Cover the lash band by lining your lash line- preferably with gel or creme liner. Take a small angled brush and start in the middle of the eye, and work towards the outer corner. Then go back to the inner corner and meet the line in the middle. 


9. Depending on the lashes- you may want to add a coat of mascara (Shu recommends that you don't for theirs). This will help the your natural lashes blend together with the false one. However, don't curl them. Now only is this damaging to your lashes, it can make the false ones kink into weird directions. 
10. Repeat by doing the other eye.

Ta da! Much like this post, you're finally done!


There'll be another post about removing false lashes, as well as applying individual lashes.
So, how have your experiences with false lashes been?