Empties!

One good thing about not buying new products is being able to use up old ones!

The Falsies flared was a new tube I brought from the U.S., and I've repurchased one but haven't opened it yet. I also got One by One, which was fine on me before but this time it's really flaky. They are made in different places and I wonder if the formulas are different. I have noticed that Johnson's baby shampoo is definitely not the same as the U.S. version, so maybe the mascara is different for some reason.

Sand was absolute hell on my skin, especially my face and hands. I never felt like I had any moisture anywhere. I was using the yellow bottle of Clinique lotion but it was no match for the destruction the sand was causing me, and the only other thing I could find was this "even better". I liked it, it was unscented and didn't feel heavy or greasy. It was much better with moisturizing but it did not even out my skin tone at all. Probably I'd have to use it longer, but I am not buying this one again- I just had too much trouble getting it and I have a couple other brand new bottles of things to use.  I wanted to get the whole line of Nuxe Reve de Miel next, but I forgot where I saw it. 

MAC Viva Glam Nicki: Swatches

I usually buy all the Viva Glams because of the campaign but I was really shocked when I got home and realised I paid the equivilent of $25 for it, that is a crazy 65% markup!!  It makes it even worse that the store has a strict no-exchange or return policy. I really hope they do put the profits towards the campaign and that's basically all I have to say about that.  

The below swatches are the same, but in different locations on my arm: 

(Back of hand) 

 (Inside Forearm)

 (Totally Naked Lips)

 Viva Glam Nicki
(apparently really bad lighting, sorry!)

And guess what!  I found something very similar in Covergirl:

Viva Glam Nicki isn't supposed to be subtle, so it's kinda bright for me.  This is in outdoor lighting (not sunny though) 

The back of hand swatch is I think the best representation because it does have more of a yellow in it. I wouldn't say it's the most flattering shade on me, kinda like a Bubblegum Barbie type but that's what it's supposed to be.  It's goes on creamy, but the creaminess does wear off so I'd probably wear it with a gloss or balm on top.  I still prefer their cremesheens, and I really liked the colour more after I wore it for a couple hours and it wasn't so bright.  

Cookies...

My son loves cookies.... more specifically, homemade cookies. I've tried to cheat and give him Chips Ahoys and Oreos, to which he emphatically shakes his head and says "not this one!"... so every week I have to make him a batch of cookies. He didn't love the peanut butter ones last week, so this time I tried double chocolate chip... he loved them!

 

For these, the ingredients are pretty simple, and they are very moist and chewy, so if anybody wants me to post the recipe let me know! 

Here he is, enjoying last week's chocolate chip....

Chantecaille Eye Basic Brush

I got this brush a really long time ago when I purchased another Chantecaille product.  I didn't like it so much at first but I must admit, it is a really nice and durable brush. 

It is small compared to other eye brushes, the total length is just over 6 inches, but it is a full size brush. 

It is a bit wide for some applications, but the flat, tapered shape makes it easy to use on one side as well.  The width works well for doing a one-colour wash. 

This brush is made of very soft squirrel hair and picks up colour very well.  I've washed it countless times and it's retained both shape and firmness.  

Rediscovering "Pokerface"

I haven't used this polish in ages, but because of my recent unpacking spree, I've worn it all week!

Nars...

"Pokerface"

I still think it's the prettiest, springiest lilac around!  

Blue-Violet Eyes

I was sitting around waiting for my sunglasses to get fixed, this is what happens when you're bored...

I got a pair of violet coloured lenses!  My natural eyes are blue though, so this was the result.  I haven't worn any coloured lenses in over ten years, I've tried green and brown and didn't like them so I never bothered looking at any others. 

Well, I didn't like these either.  They are just not my thing, I already have coloured eyes lol and these didn't look too much different from my natural eye plus they looked really weird up close.  But it was cool to try something different!

Wishlists.....

For me, "Wishlist" isn't really accurate, it's more like "Dreamlist".  Not like I *need* any more stuff, but it's always nice to have new products!  It's not like these were discontinued or limited editions, I just couldn't get them.  While I used to like looking at new products on the internet, I gave up on ever trying to get them.  I think most people outside of the U.S. would agree, Americans have really great selections for cosmetics.  There are some things I do wish I had, but so much time goes by and too many disappointments that I don't even try anymore, so I am glad the "want" goes away after a while. 

Don't worry, I haven't lost any perspective- I have so much to be grateful for and I know life doesn't revolve around "things".... but my blog is supposed to be about makeup, and this is what I have to think about on that topic today. 

Finally.... A Helmer!!

I personally do not like going into Ikea- to me it feels like when you miss your exit on the highway and then have to drive 10 miles to the next exit to turn around.  But it was either go or leave my stuff packed, so this is what happened. 

(I'm just showing the box because of how small it is- very easy!)

The drawers:

As you can see, it's still empty- I just put it together last night.  It is not hard to put together at all, you only have to screw on the wheels and the drawer handles.  Other than that, it's just folding metal so it's really easy- it took me alone less than an hour.  The only problem I have is the top drawer doesnt slide smooth and it's annoying cause it's the top one, but I'll deal with it, at least that way it won't accidentally fall out (there's no stops at the back), and I can save that drawer for stuff I have but don't use frequently.  I wanted to get two of these units and put a tabletop in between them to make a makeup table, but I couldn't find the right size shelving.  But with the top drawer sticking I'm kind of glad I didn't, although it might be an easy fix. 

The plastic inserts you do have to buy separately, and I put mine in before I folded the sides up because otherwise it would have been a tight squeeze.  But there's no way I can deal with having things junked up in a drawer.  I'm going to use the bottom two drawers for nail polish, and I saved my cardboard so I can try to make inserts/dividers for polishes or lipstick.  Not fancy but functional.  I doubt that I can do it but I'll try. 

Having to unpack my stuff is the worst part because it's a little emotional, then I feel like I am never going to leave.  But I don't see the point of leaving all my stuff in a suitcase either. 

**UPDATE**

I have hardly made a dent in the unpacking but the Helmer is already half full!  I am going to go back for another one.  I'd love to use it for some hair and face stuff too, I'll just have to find a middle piece so I can put the mirror and brushes on top, and have space for a chair in between.  

Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub

This is a body exfoliant, and it smells amazing!

I've tried Soap & Glory products before with mixed results but I am very pleased with this.  It is very thick and rich.  It worked the first time I used it, really softened the skin around my elbows and knees.  I caution you not to use it near your face though cause I accidentally got some near my eye and it really stung!  It is a sugar scrub but it felt like salt there lol.  It is made with oat and shea butter and it smells like pancakes.  I'd recommend this to anyone with drier skin.  The jar is really huge too, I expect it to last because you really don't need that much product for it to be effective.  

Unpacking... and WetnWild Swatches!

I haven't unpacked in over six months! It's really bad, I know, but I've moved around sooo much and just ran out of time and energy I suppose. I still don't want to fully unpack because I know I'll just be doing it all over again sometime. Sooner than later I keep telling myself.  I bought what was supposed to be a makeup table but ended up using it for a printer stand.

But I was unpacking a little bit yesterday and found these...

Yay!!! Two little WetnWild compacts!  I didn't have much luck traveling with these unfortunately, two of the larger palettes and one of these completely crushed.  I haven't used these colours though and I think they're very pretty!  I almost left them unopened but I couldn't resist!  I do miss WetnWild, I've heard of so many new things they have now. 

Just from the swatches, it looks like "I'm Getting Sunburned" is the better of these two, but the taupe (Eyelid shade) in "Silent Treatment" looks really good too!

Wow- A Purchase!

I was sooo happy with these purchases!  I found a huge Sally Hansen display at the supermarket, of all places... and it was crowded!  I'll be going back soon to check out the rest of the products- they even had a few nail strips, but no new patterns. 

I am most excited to try the Gem Crush polishes... these are Lady Luck and Be-Jeweled.  I really wanted Razzle Dazzled but they didnt have that one.  I never tried any of the "Insta Dri" but after I got it I read really bad stories about the brush, hopefully I'll be able to work with it anyway.  I wear nude nails at least once a month and I don't know why but I didn't bring any nude polishes!

I got the magnetic polish from another store- I haven't tried anything from that brand (Prestige) or any magnetic polishes yet so I am looking forward to that as well.

I know this doesn't seem like much but for me it's a real treat!



**UPDATE** I just could not wait to try Be-Jeweled... it is soooo beautiful!  It really suits my skin tone too, its a light purple with larger pink  glitter and it's so sparkly!  I could do two coats (plus base and top) without it being too grainy on my nails, and application was smooth and even.  I really love it!

And this lipstick is....

I hate it when I do this!  I found this random photo in my folder and of course, no idea what products I used.  I don't think I pull off light lipsticks very well, but this one I like.  I only have MAC and Covergirl lippies left so it has to be one of those...

Has anyone found *the* perfect silver pressed eyeshadow?  Despite owning several, I haven't.  I used to like a loose one but it was such a mess to apply.  I remember the one I used here had horrible fallout.  All the others I have now are either too grey or not pigmented enough....

New Nail Supplies!

I totally forgot that I bought these one day, I never had a stamper set so I figured I might give it a try.  It looks so hard though!  But now that I finally have internet regularly I'll be looking for some good tutorials..... I hope I don't need a special polish!

has anyone tried these??

Link: Hazardous chemicals found in some nail polishes

Study: Hazardous chemicals found in some nail polish - KCTV 5

Here is a little snippet:

..."

The use of the three chemicals in nail products is not illegal if properly labeled. But agency officials said the false claims may be a violation of a state law that requires disclosure of harmful chemicals in consumer products. A final decision on whether the companies will face legal action, which can include fines and an order to attach warning labels to their products, will be made by the state attorney general.

Investigators chose 25 brands at random, including a number of products claiming to be free of the chemicals toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde, which are known as the toxic trio. Regulators said exposure to large amounts of the chemicals has been linked to developmental problems, asthma and other illnesses.

Investigators found that 10 of 12 products that claimed to be free of toluene actually contained it, with four of the products having dangerously high levels.

The report also found that five of seven products that claimed to be "free of the toxic three" actually included one or more of the agents in significant levels.

..."

Personally, I am surprised no one ever investigated this sooner.  I definitely don't like the part where they say it's free of something but it isn't- much more disturbing to me than just not labelling at all.  It will be interesting to see further developments!

A Green and Gold Look

I think I did this for St. Patrick's Day... I know it's a dark green and more for fall/winter but I really love that shade. 

Forgotten Swatches: The Balm

Wow these are really old!!  I don't use this palette as often as I should, but I do like the eyeshadows.  I had the "Shady Lady" palettes but I find the shadows in this one are a bit softer and last a little longer on me.  "Bad Boy" looks questionable, but it's fine when applied. 

 

First Row

Second, Third Rows

Indoor Light

Last Row

Lip/Cheek Tints

I have been wearing mostly neutrals lately, but even still, I don't use the same colours everyday.  I like the top row a lot.  I find the bottom row great for highlighting shades.  I like the texture and pigmentation of these shadows.  I also like that the lip/cheek tints are closed from the eyeshadows, I honestly don't use them anyway.  

Back with some Eye Looks....

I've had some pretty tough times recently, but I am trying to stay positive.  In short, Dubai is not for me.  Nice place to visit, not so nice place to live.  Just my opinion and my experience unfortunately. 

But anyway, here are a couple of EOTD I've done recently, and a really edited photo that I thought looked neat.  I've been writing here for over a year now, and while it seems pointless at times, at least I know I've made some progress because I remember when basic eyeliner was so difficult for me!!

Dark Green and Gold

I really liked the orange, I think I wore that 3 times in one week!

Yes I know I need to do something about my hair!

That wasn't orange, it was "Supermodel" from a Balm palette...

Unfortunately I won't be able to do many product posts anymore, if any at all.  There just isn't any access here.  Ordering online won't happen because of importing rules.  There is basic stuff like a MAC store and a Sephora, but you would not believe what limited stuff they have.  What they do get is so late coming besides the stores are so incredibly rude.  

Happy Easter!

Hope everyone is having a lovely Spring!  I should be back with a post tomorrow, but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter!