Friday, August 16, 2013

Missha Eyebrow Brush

Since I switched away from powder brow products, I have to diligently clean my brow brushes after each use, wearing them out. I saw this Missha brush- it's super affordable and nice!

At first, I thought I could use a flat eyeliner brush (meant for gels/creams, which is what I use for brows) the same way as a brow brush. No. Eyeliner and eyebrow brushes for me are not interchangeable. Even the flat ones are just unacceptable to use on my brows- way too harsh looking, too flexible, too much product, etc. This brush as example, is almost too wide to dip directly in my brow gel pot. But it's very firm and makes a nice width for my brows- not too thick or thin.






Overall, I like this brush.  It's a good solid brush- it's not exquisite or anything, but it's not a big investment anyway. I like the shape and the density, and its stiff but not hard, so its really easy to use. I rotate my brow brushes so one doesn't get used/washed daily, but this one has had 2-3 washings a week for about a month now, so I'm happy with it.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

I Love These!

I love neon accent pieces, when I went on my Chinatown spree I bought a bargain neon pink bag (below)- I decided I don't like it too much after all so I will try to gift it, but anyway..... I've been wanting some neon kitten heels or pumps- even wedges or flats would be fine, but six inch heels is all they seem to have in the mall, which isnt practical for me anymore.

I absolutely love these sandals! But I think the Versaces are so classy- For a special event. Even Dansko hopped into the neon with those pink cuties!!







Polish Mini Haul

Ok seriously, these are the last Rimmel polishes I'm buying for a really long time!

These are Ultra Violet, Posh Trash, and Barmy Blue- which stains the heck out of my nails but still a cool shade.



Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Nail Mail: MoYou Sailor Plates

I actually have no idea what happened here, because I ordered six plates....I'm guessing they're shipping them as available, but I (finally!) got two, the Sailor plates 01 and 02, plus some surprise freebies :) Eeeee-the rubber duckies on 02!!!!!

I swatched several images and pleased to report, they stamped great! The details show quite well, and the swatches below were my first try. On images without a lot of lines (like the rubber ducks, crab, parrot), I've found it works best to scrape lightly- and that applies for all plates, not jut these, in my experience.

I like these plates a lot, they come with the plastic backs like the new Cheeky Jumbo plates (but plain, I have to do something about that!). Yes the images are small, but these are not full nail images, and I definitely like both.










Topic: Regrettable Tattoos

I have well.... more than a few tattoos, but there is a good five square inches of tattoo on my arm that I really hate. I've had consultations and a laser treatment, but never been able to keep up with it. They may do it differently now since I havent seen anyone in years, but all the places I've been to show you what it's supposed to look like when the treatments are finished, and its not like I would ever have a bare arm anyway. But I've had my tattoos for so long, they are really part of me and I don't think I'd feel fine without them. If somebody asked me if they should get a tattoo, I dont even know what I'd say. I have grown out piercings too, tattoos are definitely not the same.  I don't like the "what about when you're old" spiel, cause there's other issues to consider when you're old, not just tattoos!

The issue with me is, I'm not emotionally attached to this particular one and the brutal truth is, it doesn't look nice. I have no idea what I was thinking, but it was a long time ago (year 2000 I think). I'm seriously considering if I should find a way to cover it, like a more decorative tattoo, but it would have to be pretty elaborate and probably end up even more huge.

Any of you have tattoos- regrettable or not? :D

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Skinfood Banana Concealer Stick Review

I purchased this in shade 1. Only two shades available. It's a twist-up stick type, but slim.






Here is the swatch as it applies; blended out it's really hard to see, so I'll skip that.


It actually does have a banana scent, and it has great coverage.  The problem for me is, I don't have too much to cover, so I don't really get that much use out of it.  I find it a bit thick and dry for under my eyes, its also a hard stick so I feel like I have to apply too much pressure. For these reasons, I prefer something creamier.  It does stay put when you use it, which is really great.  I can't find how many grams but it's a substantial tube.  

Monday, August 12, 2013

This Looks So Nice...

I think this brush and the concept is so cool, but I'd probably be a disaster trying to use it! I might still get it, although I really think I should stick to getting what I need (a lip brush) instead...



About Lunches...

My son loves little lunches with eggs, small hot dogs, veggies and fruits, etc. He doesn't really like the egg yolk, and he used to not eat it at all, but lately if he eats it with the white, he's fine. I don't remember where, but I saw these egg molds shaped like car and fish. They didnt have those shapes where I went, but they had these. It's my first try, and I think the eggs were maybe too big, but the star shape the egg wasn't even touching the edges. The package says to put the egg in like its standing up, but I've heard other people put the egg lying down. They probably say to stand it up to avoid the yolk centering issue- if its too far near the edge, it'll squish out and be no shape.







Sunday, August 11, 2013

Searching For: Foundation Brush

All of my foundation brushes are worn out. I hesitate to buy another inexpensive one cause they just don't feel right. I do like how the Sigma works, but I just don't think I'd like to repurchase. I liked the Sonia Kashuk one for awhile, but its a little too small and the handle too long. I can't stand the flat brushes, so I really have no idea what to get. I have a couple of Hakuhodos but never use them either; the smell is (still!) repulsive and they are so hard to clean. I've been looking for a few days but I really haven't seen anything. I think what I'm looking for is called "buffer", rather than foundation.

I'm considering the Shiseido 131, or maybe a Tarte one...

What brush do you guys use? Any recommendations would be appreciated !



Chinatown Haul !

I've been hearing about this L.A. Girl concealer for a while, but I haven't got a clue where the brand is sold besides online and sorry but I'm not paying ridiculous shipping fees. But I do know where the Chinatown stores are, so I decided to go there. I bought these same nail seals online for a dollar but there were only 20- these are 120 for the same price. I haven't tried the concealers yet but I will- just swatching, the brush one is way too dark. I also got kind of an excessive amount of sushi and bento things then I ran out of time. I also bought some four color pens as well..... I love those!




Saturday, August 10, 2013

Lush Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly

Yes I fell for that blob sitting in the window!

This one is called "Sweetie Pie" and its a little bit cherry.







For me, this is a product that was better left in the window.  It's really hard to use- it is exactly like cleaning yourself with Jell-O, it doesn't even lather that well or leave a nice fragrance.  I tried using it cold to no avail.  I finally tried using it like a soap, just the whole blob, and it worked better that way, but still not something I'd continue to use.  

When I saw the one in the window (it was called Whoosh but it smelled a bit manly to me) I immediately thought of him:


I think that Jell-O gave me a fake phone number!


Does this "brush" make sense?!

So I'm looking online, very bored... And I come across this: a beauty blender with a brush handle. My first thought is cool, I'd like to try it. Then I realize all the issues with drying the sponge, mildew, etc. so how the heck would it dry thoroughly with a handle?



Friday, August 9, 2013

Topic: At Home Gel Nails

So, after a few times trying and failing with at-home gel nails, I finally found a technique that's lasted four days so far. I'm happy with that, because every other time they chipped off or I messed up and tore my nails up with the remover. I'm just using regular remover since I don't know what else to use, and if its something that has to be shipped, I can forget about that anyway.

Has anyone else tried at-home gel nails? I'd like to try stamping on top of them, but then I don't know how exactly that would work. I just have this little kit that someone gave me to try out, so I'd like to get some more colours too. I don't have any special brand in mind but I want to get pink and gold.



Thursday, August 8, 2013

Interesting Sigma Products!

I haven't ordered anything from Sigma in a really long time. I was thinking about buying some eyeshadow bases and then I saw these neat brushes, the E16 and E17. They're to be used for (and named) waterline and tightline brushes. Really cool!





Rimmel Polish Haul

I didn't even go in to buy nail polish, but you all know the story by now lol....

No really! I was strolling towards the checkout with the four bottles when I saw them putting out a fresh display of the "Salon Pro" bottles, and I swear I was only going to buy one and try it, but they all looked so pretty and I love creme polishes.


These are L-R: Round and Round the Garden, Euphoria, Green Eyed Monster, and Cocktail Passion.

Round and Round the Garden is so weird, grey-greenish, something I can't describe. Well, "Sage" comes to mind. Cocktail Passion was the only "Pro" bottle like this I got, and it chipped so bad after one day, I'm really disappointed. It's not unique by any means so not a big loss but I wonder if the formula is not that great or its just me? I used the same base and tops for the others, all 60 second ones, and got a few days.




I got five Salon Pro bottles.  These are Sea Green and Rock'n'Roll:




Isn't She Precious, Peppermint, and BritPop:




I like all of these so much, I can't pick a fave!  I know that lately I have far too many polishes similar to Sea Green though.... 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Skin Food Gold Apple Hand Balm

I love my hands to be soft but since I have dry skin it takes some effort to achieve that. I thought this would be more "balmy"; its actually just a hand cream. I guess if it were a balm it would be sticky though. It smells awesome and does make my hands soft for a little while though. I would not repurchase because A. it's in a pot, and B. it's not exceptional.







Sunday, August 4, 2013

The Body Shop Chocolate Lip Butter

I bought this a while back when I thought I'd love anything chocolate flavored. I really love the texture of it, very creamy and true to the butter definition, and makes my lips really soft. However, the taste is cruel- a rancid, bitter, plasticky tootsie roll is the best way I can describe it. But after its on my lips a few minutes, it dies down to a tolerable state.

Have you tried any other flavors of this??







Saturday, August 3, 2013

Golden Rose Nail Polishes

I never tried this brand before but they were incredibly inexpensive. They are popular for their holographic polishes but I didn't know that at the time!




This is the only one I don't like- I thought it looked cool in the bottle but it's just some mixed bar glitter:




No names on these :P  So far, I've only used the middle one but it's really nice- one coat, and medium thickness.  I like the "Jolly Jewels" one but not sure how to wear it! 

Friday, August 2, 2013

July Wrap-up: My purchases

Did I exceed my limit of ten cosmetics products? Lets see.....

1. Naked 2 palette
2. Maybelline Fierce & Tangy
3. Bundle Monster holiday plate set
4. Essence 3d eyeshadows
5. Fyrinnae Hitched Eyeshadow
6. Sleek Lip Palette
7. Konad m91, m92
8. Rimmel mascara and eyeliner (ok,cheating!)
9. L'Oreal emerald eyeshadow
10. Some nail polishes (will post them tomorrow!)

I think I did pretty good! Wasn't exactly ten but I feel like I was more careful than in the past :)

I decided not to count any bath/body/hair things because those are really a "hygiene" category, I think that's fair.



Thursday, August 1, 2013

Topic: Love of Nail Polish

I decided to write up a couple of posts not to do with particular products or reviews, but topics that have been on my mind lately. Hopefully not too boring!

I really like nail polish! The varieties of colors, finishes, etc. is just endless. I could probably buy ten bottles a day! For those of us who don't receive samples, polish is a relatively inexpensive hobby (aside from the few Chanel's or Diors!)- usually only a few bucks per bottle. Accessories like beads, stones, tape, etc. cost me even less. So collecting polishes doesn't rack up quite a bill as say, perfumes, brushes, or even foundations.

The major downside for me is it takes a lot of time, and by the time I get my kid in bed I'm usually too tired! Plus, polishes aren't portable, and I've never in my life finished a bottle. Chanel's Blue Satin is the only one I remember finishing more than half!

I think I like nail polish, but I've never bought online, or from any independent brands. So I know I only have a tiny percentage of what most people probably do. If I see one I like, I dont usually hesitate to get it. I used to have a list of ones I wanted to try, but they come out with new ones so often that its hard to keep up!