tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27610965922844734822024-02-06T23:46:49.693-08:00Simply Superficiala well-meaning place to gather for tips and reviews, makeup and life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-70743960115487695092011-04-26T21:03:00.000-07:002011-04-26T21:06:44.890-07:00FOTD- Bright Pink Lips!Decided to jump into the bright pink bandwagon and do a FOTD with a pink/fuscia lippy. This is much easier said than done, however, as I have heavily pigmented lips so the lippy needs to have at least a medium coverage and a decent consistency for comfort.<br />
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Eyes:<br />
<ul><li>UDPP and Inglot eyeshadows (grayish beige and shimmery nude)</li>
<li>Upper: Thick eyeliner (inspired by Kate Moss) K Pallette 24 Hr eyeliner</li>
<li> Lined lower lashline with Inglot's Eyeliner Gel in Matte</li>
<li>Mascara and lashes</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CnH3gDD2WQ/TbeUU0TwpVI/AAAAAAAAEUo/zjpCPPlS-cc/s1600/IMG_9747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="505" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CnH3gDD2WQ/TbeUU0TwpVI/AAAAAAAAEUo/zjpCPPlS-cc/s640/IMG_9747.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Cheeks:<br />
<ul><li>MAC "gentle" mineralized blush.</li>
<li>Highlighter and bronzer.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFOYflg8WRA/TbeUrYJeB6I/AAAAAAAAEUs/CPSk_iCAdjI/s1600/IMG_9727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="523" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFOYflg8WRA/TbeUrYJeB6I/AAAAAAAAEUs/CPSk_iCAdjI/s640/IMG_9727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Face: Clinique's Workout Makeup (lasts a Loooong time!) applied sheer, and powder to set.<br />
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Lips: MAC Speak Louder lipstick, a bit of clear gloss in the middle of pout.<br />
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Minus the lashes and with an actual outfit on! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-9196531231825333892011-04-13T18:51:00.000-07:002011-04-13T19:01:11.274-07:00On BeautyEvery girl wants to be pretty, right? Although the name of the blog is Simply Superficial, I, too, come from the school of thought that true beauty comes from within. We have to have love in our lives for it to show through in the radiance of our smiles. We have to eat and drink healthy for our skin to behave itself and our bodies to cooperate with the latest trends in fashion. We, as women, have a lot to work on. Simply Superficial is a handy dandy guide for living your life with flair. There won't be any making fun of others in order to make ourselves feel better around here. At least not to your face. I kid.<br />
<br />
Simply Superficial was created as the bastard child of a sick and twisted love affair of skincare and makeup. Or a threesome because I'll throw a little bit of health and exercise in along with it. Although I am not a Makeup Artist by day, I do have Makeup Artistry Certification from MUD in Burbank. I haven't been lucky enough to make enough money doing that which I love to keep me in the house and city I choose to live in. I'm also a licensed esthetician, which means I studied the skin and can perform facials for a living- if I so choose. What can I say, I have an extreme fascination for the beauty industry.<br />
<br />
Although I do have some sort of qualifications, please take my reviews and what I say with a grain of salt. If you haven't already noticed, I like to joke around, also I haven't practiced makeup for a while (other than on my own darn self) and have yet to make a living off it. So the reviews are from me, my own standpoint, opinions, and may or may not work for you. I would always recommend going to places that have great return policies just for this reason alone.<br />
<br />
I am a newlywed with a lovely new home, a fantastic amazing hubby, and two of the cutest dogs in the world. Waiiiiit a sec, I am sensing a bit of doubt here. I know, I know, <b>every </b>damn dog owner claims that their dog is the cutest one of 'em all... so I shall furnish proof.<br />
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We are enjoying the beginnings of our mini family and having a grand old time while we're at it!<br />
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<blockquote style="color: #4c1130;"><b><i>Makeup should be the paint in which we ladies color the world... so have fun with it!</i></b></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-35414934397961158342011-04-13T14:06:00.000-07:002011-04-13T14:06:03.743-07:00Thinspiration...<div style="text-align: left;">After my workout and lunch today, I decided to take the dogs outside and lounge in the yard. So, I lubed up with sunscreen and proceeded to get a tan. One caveat, the weather was TOO NICE! A perfect balmy 76 degrees with a gentle breeze cooling me down nicely. It didn’t really get hot enough to get a nice tan so I just enjoyed the perfection that is our Californian weather. Wherever I go out in the world (minus Hawaii, oh… and bahamas) I always miss home. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1221157246g" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">On another note, I don’t seem to be losing any weight! I notice that there is more tone and definition in my abs and arms, and my face looks a bit slimmer overall, but the number on the damn scale isn’t changing much. It gives me great displeasure to come to the conclusion, then, that I should probably be changing my diet. Overindulging in carbs isn’t healthy and I know it. I need to come off the idea that I need to eat such uniquely large portions in order to feel satisfied. (I can eat a variation of noodles for every day of the week!) So, I’m going to start watching what I eat and to try my best to monitor and keep to some sort of healthy eating schedule.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I’ve been pushing myself to be more healthy for so long now… I want to see more of a difference, I deserve to see more! It would be wonderful to finally hit that magic number of 110. Aaahhhh… so neat and compact looking eh??</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="404" src="http://www.celebrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/kate-hudson-surfing.jpg" title="kate" width="440" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Check out her abs! Her toned legs! I’m sure she works out all the time and spends her m<span style="background-color: white;"></span>eals munching on leaves and grains but … *sigh* might it be worth it? In the words of kate moss,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #4c1130;">“Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.”</blockquote><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Oh really? </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-91619799211151233322011-04-13T14:03:00.000-07:002011-04-13T14:03:37.696-07:00Pit Fat Pitfalls..Yeah… you read right… as in ARMpit fat.<br />
<br />
While working out can drastically reduce one’s overall health and reduce body fat and weight, we are now learning that sometimes… that is not enough. Yes, when your body fat decreases, you appear leaner and that enables your toned muscles to shadow its way through. Some fatty places, are here to stay.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="612" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/elaing.zhang/SMt6JX6BwbI/AAAAAAAAUK4/NujwOse8Y-g/s800/Maria_Sharapova80913001.jpg" title="come on now... even maria??" width="440" /></div><br />
Now Maria Sharipova is a superstar athlete and the Beautiful Face representing a multitude of big names… but she still has a teensy weensy bit of protruding pit fat. It is attempted to be hidden in this pic- unsuccessfully, to a pit fat spotter like me. It’s sad that super stars/celebrities even fall prone to this type of thing! Some people call it “escaped boobage” some people call it fat. There are exercises I found online to fight this type of fat and to activate the muscles in the area to tone up, including inclined bench press, butterfly press, etc… but these pockets of fat are really REALLY hard to make disappear.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GlQaJjCs7Aw/R4QCamF5BiI/AAAAAAAACpA/dBYntfl1Kzs/s400/heigl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sorry katherine" width="334" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Ultra glamorous hollywood vixen Katherine Heigl cannot escape the wrath of the pit fat attacks! *sigh* Do we average girls even stand a chance?? Are we left to master the arts of photoshop in order lessen the damage in pictures and use pashminas and scarves in new creative manners to cover up?? Even little girls are susceptible!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="259" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_0bcuPvotcu8/SOqSCwovBxI/AAAAAAAAApM/MVCygCYWpH4/IMG_0847.JPG" title="vulnerable little girl with pockets of pit fat" width="346" /></div><br />
<blockquote style="color: #4c1130;">What if it is escaped boobage?</blockquote><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Well, in order to stay informed, I did a bit of research on that too. There is a theory out there, I’ll give it the name: “wrong bra theory” the theory states that: most women are wearing wrong fitting bras. These bra cups are too small and the bands are too loose. (Even when fit by a professional… btw… those old ladies at the bra counter at Macy’s are NOT professionals- they just stayed there too long) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">The cup should be wide enough to go around your entire boob. You should bend over, scoop your underarm fat “escaped boobage” up and over into the cup, and there should be no spillage or “double booby syndrome” where it looks like you have a total of four boobs. There should be no spillage. The band should be tight enough to support your bubbies on its own (without the strap) and the straps should just be leverage- angling them up towards the right direction. Supposedly, finding the right bra and continued wearing of the bra will eliminate the pit fat in as little as a month or two and INCREASE your bra size by one cup! Hip Hip Hooray!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">So Obviously, I’ve been inspired to navigate my pit fat back into my boobs! The aforementioned website also claims that if left unaided, the problem can migrate to your back. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">The pit fat can move towards your back creating really unattractive nasty rolls in your back!</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://suckstobeyoublog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Back-Fat-WalMart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Uuuuughhhhhh! LOL" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of walmart</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Do you really want to do that to yourself? Get to measuring… get to a quality bra shop and make sure the underwire cups go around your breast nearly to your underarm… and TUCK IT IN!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-79599244014740035552011-04-13T14:00:00.000-07:002011-04-13T14:00:13.710-07:00Fishtail Braids<div class="entry"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="408" src="http://www.style.com/blogs/beautycounter/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/fishtail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fishtailin'" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of style.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 490px;"><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>Fishtail braids are SO IN right now… and, amazingly easy to do! The best part about the fishtail braid is that you can very easily practice on yourself to get things “perfected” before moving on to doing your whole head in sort of a french fishtail braid.<br />
Start: by separating your hair into two sections.<br />
Take a bit from the left side add to the right side.<br />
Take a bit from the right side and add it to the left side.<br />
Repeat.<br />
<br />
*Note: you always have a total of <strong>two</strong> sections. You are simply taking <strong>pieces</strong> of one and borrowing it to the other side. And vice versa… One section in each hand is easiest for me.<br />
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Couldn’t be more easy huh? It’s funny, the messier the braid- the sexier your fishtail will look! So practice (or not!) your way into the perfect messy undone, oops-I-didn’t-try-so-hard fishtail braid. I don’t know why exactly this braid technique is coined “fishtail” it looks more like a fish “bone” to me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoURMozFsZk4PpJn-l2VT6OvoRwQo1s2kg5gv-YzJ1vnluF6RWPLQDF6MYJ45zwPD2ZyIH_ni2t5i8N2Yjr0Mp-PGCXAhB3YhCESeKVHy4YcCzMBm5xmUqADWXSNIkHaA6u2CKMO9HuU/s400/DDblogfergiefishtailbraidphoto.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fergie" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of dimannodesigns</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="400" src="http://catwalk-designer.com/web_images/fishtail-braid-gtl-oct07-med.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="neat fishtail " width="288" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of catwalk.designer</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 230px;"><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="371" src="http://cdn.thefrisky.com/images/uploads/braids.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="ft" width="298" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of thefrisky</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 308px;"><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>Perfect for the mild spring weather! A unique braid which oozes sexy and disheveled messiness. Wrap the ends with a clear non-snagging rubber band and wrap and secure with a pretty ribbon or a piece of your own hair for the perfect polish. Trust me on this ladies, this is the regular braid’s older, sexier cousin, fresh off the catwalks of Paris heading straight for the nearest beach! Slide into your bikinis ladies and grab your leather sandals, pucker on a some fresh lip gloss and you’ll be set!<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-30320814461961741392011-04-13T13:55:00.000-07:002011-04-13T13:57:25.186-07:00On Perfumes..<div class="entry">Because one of the duly noted privileges of being a girl (woman) is the ability and luxury to smell sweet, pretty, and… well… nice. We get to explore the magical, special, nostalgic, curious world of perfumes. Consider this an informative post, because we’ve all got questions and hopefully I can round up some answers.<br />
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<b>CHOOSING YOUR PERFUME</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20100422030419/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P133401/P133401_hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20100422030419/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P133401/P133401_hero.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Sephora</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 568px;"><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>Choosing perfume is akin to choosing your style of clothing. If you love florals, look for scents with flowers heading the mix. If you like fruity, lean towards the lighter, splashy scents with notes of your favorite fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, even the more exotic fruits such as passion fruit, which I love. Test perfumes on your pulse points, and allow the scent to warm up and evolve on your body. Give it a few minutes, and remember what fragrance went where. A fragrance can smell very different on two people due to their own personal skin type, diet, and body chemistry.<br />
<br />
<b>WHERE TO SPRAY</b><br />
Simply saying pulse points can leave many people scratching their heads in confusion. Pulse points are places where the blood vessels are closest to the surface of the skin, creating heat and acting like little warmers to better diffuse scent. Where, now, exactly??<br />
<ul><li>on the wrists</li>
<li>nape of the neck (under and behind ears)</li>
<li>crook of arms</li>
<li>behind your knees</li>
<li>hallow of your throat</li>
<li>back of ankles</li>
<li>hair</li>
</ul>I love spritzing my hair because hair is very porous and therefore absorbs easily. It’s so lovely to turn your head and feel a bit of breeze with a faint sweet scent of your own perfume. Leave the men in your scent. It’s as easy (and as natural) as marking your territory. Men are very responsive to scents although they lack the abilities to describe what exactly smells “nice”… at least they can appreciate it.<br />
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<b>YOUR OWN SCENT BUBBLE</b><br />
Should carry no further than an arm’s length away. We should not be able to smell you coming, trust me on this, no matter how good you think you smell, a heady overpowering scent is not attractive. Plus, there needs to be some incentive for coming closer, no?<br />
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<b>CARING FOR PERFUME</b><br />
Perfumes should lounge in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. It is precious… it has the ability to sway moods, to enlighten, to bring back memories, and bring joy to one’s life- don’t spoil it by letting it “go off”. It does have a shelf life, so enjoy it everyday once opened. It is an easy wearable luxury, allow yourself to be the queen or the princess… everyday!<br />
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<b>ENJOY <span style="color: magenta;">M</span><span style="color: green;">I</span><span style="color: blue;">X</span><span style="color: maroon;">I</span><span style="color: #ff6600;">N</span><span style="color: teal;">G</span> IT UP</b><br />
Sometimes a stronger heady perfume can be perfectly balanced with a light perhaps citrusy fruitier scent. Try and experiment for yourself. My favorite daily perfume is a mix of …….. ah….. you thought I would spill the beans, eh?? Well if I gave THAT up then my scent wouldn’t be signature to me anymore, would it? So I shall enjoy my own signature scent bubble with my most cherished loved ones and leave you to create your own!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-35145251005722706802011-04-13T13:53:00.000-07:002011-04-13T13:53:29.051-07:00I Can Haz a DigiPerm<div class="entry"> I KNEW I should have taken pictures, I mean, what kind of blogger am I? I go to the salon, opt for an expensive new treatment (any treatment is expensive when you’ve got belly-button length hair) and forget my camera?? Sheeesh. But, instead I will scour the web to find a pic that is pretty similar to what I went through and we shall have a laugh with that.<br />
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<br />
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 610px;"><img alt="" height="458" src="http://balayageatnewlook.com/images/digital2.jpg" width="600" /><div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of balayageatnewlook</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>So there I was, rifling through J Pop magazines at all the beauties with them luscious curls and holding in place the pages of styles that I liked so the stylist there can have a better idea.. we decided on the medium size curlers similar to the ones in the picture because I wanted more “curls” and not so much “waves”. Here is the breakdown…<br />
<br />
1. She lightly trimmed my hair (dry) for added layers so the curls can be more bouncy and easily seen.<br />
2. Shampoo with something divine smelling.<br />
3. Sat there with dripping wet hair as she sectioned, and began wrapping my hair in curlers…<br />
<ul><li> Each curler needed a thick protective matting between that and my head (they heat up the curlers later)</li>
<li> Each curler had another padding between the clamp and my hair (after it was rolled) so there aren’t any funny clamp-curls at the end.</li>
</ul>4. She used some sort of solution.. on each of the curlers.. it sort of smelled like bananas.<br />
5. She then attached me to <strong>the machine</strong>. Each curler had a groove to which the machine inserted into… enabling the machine to heat each curler individually to the same temperature.<br />
6. After the heating, she applied another solution, waited about 15 more minutes and we were done.<br />
7. Shampoo, condition and the styling begins.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Styling a digiperm.</em></strong><br />
Blow dry hair so that it is almost dry. Use curl enhancing creams/gels/etc now.<br />
Curls will appear like the “old fashioned curls” that wave from left to right.<br />
Separate your hair into a few large sections (1, 2, or 4) and twirl around your fingers.<br />
Either continue to blowdry while continuing to twirl OR<br />
Allow to airdry in place.<br />
Once your hair is completely dry, loosen up the beautiful ringlets.<br />
Here is a video that showcases the technique…<br />
<span class="embed-youtube" style="display: block; text-align: center;"> </span> (it’s in Japanese but you get the picture)<br />
It’s been 24 hours and I will update with pictures once I’ve shampood/ conditioned/ styled on my own!!!<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-72789094838842525402011-04-12T22:53:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:53:43.315-07:00FOTD- Electric Eel, Fun and Vibrant Look<div class="entry"> I’ve decided to brave another FOTD. This time, I wanted it fun, vibrant, and kinda funky. I chose the blues and greens for the eyes, to make them really pop, I added a bit of gold. Added some lengthy lush lashes to complete the look and make it appropriate for some nighttime drama!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9329.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1343" height="429" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9329.jpg?w=645&h=429" title="IMG_9329" width="645" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9320.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1344" height="229" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9320.jpg?w=517&h=229" title="IMG_9320" width="517" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>For the Eyes:</strong></div><ul><li>Primed with UDPP- very thin even layer</li>
<li>MAC’s Electric Eel up to the crease</li>
<li>MAC’s Scheme and Contrast blended into outer corners and drag towards middle.</li>
<li>Blended out with MAC’s Humid.</li>
<li>Urban Decay’s Honey to inner corners.</li>
<li>MAC’s Vanilla to browbones.</li>
<li>Lined with K-Palette Real Lasting Liner in 01 Black</li>
<li>Rimmed eyes with Make Up For Ever’s Aqua Creamliner in 1 (black).</li>
<li>Apply MAC’s Humid under bottom lashes.</li>
<li>Curl Lashes.</li>
<li>Applied Cover Girl’s Lash Blast Volume to lashes.</li>
<li>Apply Falsies, Curl lashes again to blend in real and faux lashes.</li>
</ul><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_1345" style="width: 655px;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9322.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-1345 " height="429" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9322.jpg?w=645&h=429" title="IMG_9322" width="645" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">oops i cut one lash shorter than the other! pretend you didn't notice!!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>For the Face:</strong><br />
<ul><li>Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup in Ivory Beige.</li>
<li>Make Up For Ever’s Super Matte Loose Powder.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9339.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1346" height="409" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9339.jpg?w=614&h=409" title="IMG_9339" width="614" /></a></div><br />
<strong>For the Cheeks:</strong><br />
<ul><li>Smashbox’s Smashing Shimmer to highlight cheeks, forehead, bridge of nose.</li>
<li>Clinique’s Shimmering Tones Powder Golden Bronze to sculpt cheekbones, sides of forehead, and along both sides of jawline.</li>
<li>Rock & Republic’s Bedroom Pressed Blush on cheekbones.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9343.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1347" height="429" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9343.jpg?w=645&h=429" title="IMG_9343" width="645" /></a></div><br />
<b>For the Lips:</b><br />
<ul><li>Lorac’s Misbehavin lipstick</li>
<li>Rock & Republic’s Luxe Lipgloss in Drama Queen.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9326.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1348" height="409" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9326.jpg?w=614&h=409" title="IMG_9326" width="614" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9346.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1349" height="409" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9346.jpg?w=614&h=409" title="IMG_9346" width="614" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9333.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1350" height="409" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/img_9333.jpg?w=614&h=409" title="IMG_9333" width="614" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Earrings were from Forever 21.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Curls were from working out with my hair in a bun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Shirt is from Max Studio.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading!</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-70612597199802963802011-04-12T22:52:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:52:11.217-07:00FOTD Naked Palette-Nice and Natural Look<div class="entry"> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px;"><img alt="" height="500" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51w-ZQ6eqnL._SS500_.jpg" width="500" /><div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of amazon.com</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>What better way to jump off my first Face of the Day than with the infamous Urban Decay Naked Palette? The gorgeously rich and beautifully pigmented colors seem to be a staple in every makeup lovers drawer. Today, I wanted to do a simple nude everyday look that anyone can pull off. It seems only proper to do something universal as my first FOTD, oui??<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9104.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1268" height="472" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9104.jpg?w=710&h=472" title="IMG_9104" width="710" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>For the Eyes:</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">I used Urban Decay Primer Potion (depotted because I’m not very patient). I like to scoop some out of the tiny pot with a palette knife- yes, the same one that artists use for mixing their paints, because that’s how I feel makeup to be… artistry. Spread the primer potion with a synthetic brush (not of natural animal hair) so that it forms a light but even layer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Darkhorse applied with the brush that came with my palette from lashline to crease.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sidecar and naked (both) to blend out any harsh lines.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sin to highlight my browbones.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner 24 h in 01 black to line my upper lashline. Darkhorse and a bit of Mac Carbon to line my lower lashline. I don’t curl my lashes nor put on mascara- I don’t see it making that much difference plus I think it’s too high maintenance and uncomfortable fooling around with my mascara all day. Plus I noticed that when I do wear mascara the lashes curl too high and I look too “dolly” and things fly into my unprotected eyes a lot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_1269" style="width: 584px;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9123.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-1269 " height="251" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9123.jpg?w=574&h=251" title="IMG_9123" width="574" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">horrible blending job, but, it'll do.</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>For the Cheeks</strong>: I used Smashbox smashing shimmer to highlight and Clinique shimmering tones powder in 01 golden bronze, as a bronzer to sculpt my cheekbones a bit. I do use the number 3 trick with my bronzer: side of forehead down the cheek and down the jawline (like an inverted 3) It makes the bronzer look a bit more natural as the sun would usually hit your face in these areas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>For the Face</strong>: I used Nanoce BB moist cream. It is a medium coverage BB cream that is just a tab bit too light for my skin (hence the bronzer) but has great coverage and still seems to look natural. It feels amazing on and never causes my skin to react or break out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9120.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1270" height="477" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9120.jpg?w=717&h=477" title="IMG_9120" width="717" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>For the Lips</strong>: nothing. Oh, a bit of Blistex DCT (daily conditioning treatment) because I’m addicted to the stuff. That is my natural lipcolor. I’ve had girlfriends tell me they wish they had this lipcolor naturally and I’ve had little kids come up to me and straight up ask me “why are your lips BLACK???” so there are ups and downs in life, people.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9127.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1271" height="491" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9127.jpg?w=737&h=491" title="IMG_9127" width="737" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And then I felt my lips were too empty so I pulled out my NYX snow white and BLAM!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9136.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1272" height="477" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9136.jpg?w=717&h=477" title="IMG_9136" width="717" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9140.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1273" height="477" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9140.jpg?w=717&h=477" title="IMG_9140" width="717" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_1274" style="width: 727px;"><a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9151.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-large wp-image-1274 " height="477" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/img_9151.jpg?w=717&h=477" title="IMG_9151" width="717" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text">because I can! you would too if you had one THIS cute <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1244997292g" /> </div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div><div class="wp-caption-text"> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, peoples, which look do you prefer?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The soft and demure everyday brown smoky eye coupled with a light lip or a Go Big or Go Home Red lippie?? I think I prefer the first look. On another note, for all you Jersey Shore watchin peeps, I GTL’d today. Seriously, I had purchased a 4 pack of tan for the wedding and only went once so I had to go and use up another 15 min session. It is amazing how much darker you can look in 15 minutes! I’m only a little scared of being completely addicted to it, so after this 4 pack is over, I’ve decided not to buy another. I tan pretty easily with a little 15 spf sunscreen, so it’s not like I need to go to the tanning salon. It’s just scary imagining all the damage you’re doing to your skin in that loud, crazy, futuristic, cancer box. Eeek. But in other news, I’m lovin my tan!</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-61125496819575397362011-04-12T22:49:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:49:46.570-07:00Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick- Top Tomato<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 146px;"><img alt="" height="420" src="http://c3.soap.com/images/products/p/arv/arv-939_1.jpg" width="136" /><div class="wp-caption-text">image courtesy of soap.com</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>Yes, the packaging does impress.<br />
It’s one of the big reasons I decided to look again while walking pass the makeup selection on my way to buy a Valentine’s Day card for the Hunny. Ok, ok, so I took the long way around the store to the card selection, what beauty lover wouldn’t?!<br />
<br />
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 246px;"><img alt="" height="320" src="http://www.visit4info.com/sitecontent/LG/fullZZZZZZPRW090621215859PIC.jpg" width="236" /><div class="wp-caption-text">visit4info.com</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>In all honesty, it was Jennifer Connolly’s picture that lured me in… those amazing red lips! I own a few red lippies and was so flustered by her bold lips that I had to stop and take a look-see. The colors did look amazing… so I picked up a couple. They were buy one get one 50% off at 11.99 each.<br />
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 319px;"><img alt="" height="299" src="http://www.kissmyblackass.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/revlon_colorstay_ultimate_liquid_lipstick.jpg" width="309" /><div class="wp-caption-text">LOL photo courtesy of kissmyblackass.org</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>I bought Jennifer Connolly’s Top Tomato-a rich true red with blueish-pink sparkly shimmers. (Dontcha just Love her?!) The color compliments my medium olive skin pretty nicely however I did have a few problems with the formulation. First off, there is a distinct plastic/chemical plant/paint primer smell that makes me wince as I pull the lipstick wand out of the tube. This smell does go away however.<br />
<br />
The formulation is very thin. It applies almost like a Benefit Benetint where it’s almost watery in consistency. Some say one coat is enough while others say layer one thin coat (think nail polish!!) and wait one minute to dry, then layer another coat for true pigmentation to be achieved.<br />
It then sets to a super gooey, sticky, dry finish. This can be remedied with a lip gloss, another lipstick or lip balm, in my case. After applying my fave Blistex DCT my lips feel smooth and supple once again.<br />
<br />
The color does last, but not the full 12 hours without fading. It fades pretty evenly IMO, and can be re-applied for more power.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Bottom line:</strong></em><br />
You don’t need this. I think I’ll be returning mine. While I love the energetic pop of color and the amazing packaging, the lipstick itself feels very uncomfortable to wear on its own. Lasting power is good not great, and I think there are better long lasting lipstick/glosses out there.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-82996180868401178492011-04-12T22:47:00.001-07:002011-04-12T22:47:47.098-07:00I died... and Gone to Hello Kitty Heaven!<div class="entry"> Truly…. is there anything better than Hello Kitty? Or makeup for that matter? Combine the two, add a spritz of cute, and a splash of awesome and you have the unique birthchild of pink girly amazing goodies. Available at <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P276914&categoryId=B70">sephora</a> for a limited time, Hello Kitty is taking over! I don’t know about the pigmentation or quality of the makeup but we have to all nod our heads together in agreement that these items are beyond CUTE~! I purchased the Brush Set, the Bling Mirror, and the Handheld Mirror this morning online. SHhhhh… don’t tell future hubby. I’ll wait to test out the other items in the store. I’ve heard some pretty raving reviews about the perfume! <img alt=":D" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif?m=1244997292g" /> SO EXCITED!!<br />
<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101202040253/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276338/P276338_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101030030212/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276910/P276910_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101023030241/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276913/P276913_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101023030241/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276915/P276915_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101203040123/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276919/P276919_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101021030431/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276336/P276336_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101102054759/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276343/P276343_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101022030109/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276337/P276337_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101111040427/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276342/P276342_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101116040058/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276918/P276918_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20110104040228/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276911/P276911_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="250" src="http://a248.g.akamai.net/7/248/8278/20101023030241/www.sephora.com/assets/dyn/product/P276914/P276914_hero.jpg" width="250" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> All photos courtesy of Sephora.com.</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-51319492610911512752011-04-12T22:40:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:40:40.887-07:00Two Faced Smokey Eye Palette<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 301px;"><img alt="" height="431" src="http://images.urbanoutfitters.com/is/image/UrbanOutfitters/17231200_000_b?$detailmain$" width="291" /><div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of dermstore</div></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px;"><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>I am officially loving this palette. I began with the Day Smoke colors and wasn’t too impressed with the colors… I felt the darkest shade was too light for a true smokey eye. It has a pearlized sheen to it that appears a LOT lighter than it looks in the palette above. Also the lightest shade, Cream, was a bit too white for my liking. It creates a sort of look that is reminisce of drag queens caught in sunlight the morning after a rough night. Haha, well, maybe not <em>that</em> bad, but you get my point.<br />
<br />
However today I am sporting the Fashion Smoke colors and I got to say… not bad. The blendability is wonderful, with true “smokiness” in gradients that you are able to layer on if you want more impact. The navy blue color (Midnight) looks wonderful with olive skintones, however the green can sort of wash out the blue, so just re-apply and blend blend blend! The Sugar Cookie is a wonderful base color just a hint lighter than my true skintone and sets off the other colors beautifully and vibrantly. I dashed on just a tinge of the drag queen Cream for a hint of sparkle- but don’t get carried away… it IS day makeup.<br />
<br />
I am loving this palette, and if you are a somewhat seasoned makeup fiend like myself, the instruction cards are crud. But this is a decent palette with blendable colors that are somewhat lighter to medium pigmented to allow you to build up the color or “smoke it out”. I am very happy with the variety of colors here as a basic smokey eye kit, and the many different looks you can achieve!<br />
Two thumbs up!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-34185505492767354862011-04-12T22:38:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:38:54.020-07:00Urban Decay All Nighter Spray<div class="entry"> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 260px;"><br />
</div>Had high hopes for this puppy… unfortunately, this spray did not live up to the hype for me. At $29 a pop, this is a considerable amount to spend on a makeup setting spray. If I would have loved it, and if it worked like a dream, I wouldn’t care two peeps about price, but being that I have a few gripes about this setting spray, price does come into play.<br />
First the Pros:<br />
<ul><li>Packaging was decent- no frills, no spills.</li>
<li>Extra fine spray promises even coverage.</li>
<li>It is allergy tested, dermatologist tested, vegan, cruelty free, and free of oil and parabens.</li>
</ul>Then the Cons:<br />
<ul><li>A few hours into the day my face begins to feel greasy.</li>
<li>I can “feel” the layer on my skin (waxy feeling)</li>
<li>Breakouts.</li>
</ul>It actually felt quite mask-like and thick. I was relieved to have swiped at it with a makeup remover towelette and washing my face afterwards. And after the 3rd time testing this product-every time I’ve used it resulted in a few new breakouts. Dangnabit!<br />
Oh well… I guess I can always get more store credit at Sephora.<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-63357968109652312902011-04-12T22:36:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:36:25.458-07:00Sephora HaulBeing that I am (sadly) allergic to raremineral’s pure-volcanic-dirt-which-miracles-make, I took it back to sephora for store credit.<br />
<blockquote>Did you want to settle with store credit? the Salesperson said.</blockquote>Like words of pure magic to my ears… Boy, did I! As my eyes roamed the store, I could not help but break out into an all-inclusive grin. I was back! It’s been a while and I honestly didn’t miss you much for I had your virtual version living in the comforts of my muted pink dell laptop but now that I am here again- free to roam, free to spritz, free to sample, swatch, sniff, and beautify, why… it’s like unleashing an awful ghost from the traps of the ghostbusters! Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m referring to.<br />
<br />
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 586px;"><img alt="" class=" " height="324" src="http://outlawmoon.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/ghostbusters-the-video-game-20090608032337674_640w.jpg?w=576&h=324" title="gb" width="576" /><div class="wp-caption-text">yeeeep.... one of these.... image courtesy of ign.com</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>So now I have 2 hours to kill and MONEY in credit (doesn’t really matter how much as long as you know a decent sum is there, right??) And I happily skip off to rummage the beautifully done-up Sephora. Tokidoki was available but I haven’t heard enough good things about the makeup line since it’s spanking new, so I pass. Spritzed and sniffed a few perfumes but nothing really catches my nose… until… <strong>juicy couture</strong> and <strong>viva la juicy</strong> and I’m hard pressed to decide between them!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="281" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=6063426" title="juicy" width="281" /></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 291px;"><img alt="" height="372" src="http://www.fragrantica.com/images/perfume/nd.1696.jpg" title="juicy" width="281" /><div class="wp-caption-text">image courtesy of fragrantica</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;">They are both described with tons of floral and fruity notes but, to me, the best description of these scents are: preppy, spoiled, sweet, and clean… warming up to more vanilla tones later on in the day. Isn’t it funny how the “alcohol” sort of masks the true aroma when you first spray things on… and how the scents evolve as they warm up on your pulse points? Why’s and where’s to come on a later post.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I then spied this magical spray:</div><blockquote> <div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px;"><img alt="" height="400" src="http://www.ulta.com/images/products/detail/2218555.jpg" title="ud" width="400" /><div class="wp-caption-text">urban decay's All Nighter... photo courtesy of ulta.com</div></div><em>Description</em> (per ulta.com)</blockquote><blockquote><em>This groundbreaking formula mists on, ensuring that your makeup won’t budge for 16 hours. Really. What’s that mean for you? All Nighter mist prevents loss of color, melting, sliding, caking, cracking, excess shine, fading blush, drooping eyeshadow and lip color disappearance. And it’s formulated to resist moisture, so you can fearlessly sweat, cry, or get your Jacuzzi on… You are guaranteed makeup that always looks just-applied, without ever feeling sticky or tight. Imagine the possibilities.</em></blockquote>Whoa… like, seriously… I know companies like this use top-notch marketing and pr firms to choose <strong>just the right wording</strong> on the perfect buyer-friendly packaging… but yep, call me a sucker. Because I am SOLD. Makeup lasting 16 hours? Seriously?? With summer coming up and all my friends getting married? Like whoa. Just to be vigilant (with the spending of the dough) I tested the product in the store. The spray bottle emits a nice fine mist, instructions say shake and mist your face 4-5 times, well.. folks… couldn’t be easier. When I set foot into my house about 8 hours later, I can say my makeup looked fabulous. It didn’t look <em>freshly applied</em> as the bottle states, but dang… good enough for me! My eyeshadow wasn’t smudged, foundation looked good, blush was still a’blushin… and my eyeliner- still going strong! This is perfectly timed for summer, ladies! What with beaches, and hot weather, and a bit of perspiration… we all want to look fabulous and with a few spritzes before heading out the door, seriously… why <strong>not</strong>?<br />
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 230px;"><img alt="" height="338" src="http://i.nordstromimage.com/ImageGallery/store/product/MediumLarge/6/_5360146.jpg" title="nars" width="220" />photo courtesy of shop.nordstrom<div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>With a cult following all on one color… introducing the newly added blush to my army of beautifiers… Nars Orgasm. A softly sheen peachy keen pinky bronze with a touch of shimmer… This cult favorite has expanded into many other Nars products as seen <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=3976&contentId=C11072">here</a>. A mini display area full of ORGASM… ok… I get it… I dig.<br />
Last but not least… I bought the Kat Von D eyeshadow palette. Listen to our girl…<br />
<blockquote>It’s so rad to be able to accentuate all the little things that make you a woman, from the curves of your lips down to each eyelash,” she says. “Makeup is only one of the many things that make me feel so privileged to be girl.</blockquote>Wow you go girl… a very pretty statement indeed. I was testing swatches with her eyeshadows and they are incredibly pigmented. That means you don’t have to apply a TON of shadow to <em>build up</em> the color, or, a little goes a long way.<br />
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 260px;"><img alt="" height="250" src="http://www.piercemattiepublicrelations.com/beautydivision/Eyeshadow%20Pallete%20KVD.jpg" title="kat von d" width="250" /><div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of piercemattie</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>Such pretty colors… some are powders and some are creme shadows…<br />
I think YOU need to see what you’ve been missing at Sephora… hahahaha… don’t leave me to feel like a lunatic splurger all by my lonesome… see ya there! *______*Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-15010955394833595452011-04-12T22:33:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:33:22.305-07:00Rare Minerals Skin Revival Treatment<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 386px;"><img alt="" height="315" src="http://thegloss.com/files/2006/03/rareminerals.jpg" title="rare" width="376" /><div class="wp-caption-text">rare minerals treatment... photo courtesy of thegloss.com</div></div>Due to the glowing reviews… I had to purchase my own stuff and try it on for myself.<br />
From the website:<br />
<blockquote>100% pure RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex<sup>TM</sup>. Extracted from rare, virgin soil, this incredible mineral powder treatment promotes faster cell turnover, reduced pore size, minimizes fines lines, greater moisture retention, gentle exfoliation, and increased skin luminosity. Apply this award-winning treatment before bed to reveal clearer, brighter, smoother skin while you sleep.</blockquote><div> <h4>Real Results</h4><ul><li>89% felt their skin was firmer and more resilient</li>
<li>85% felt their skin texture had improved</li>
<li>83% saw fewer imperfections and less visible pores</li>
<li>82% saw clearer skin</li>
<li>81% saw fewer discolorations</li>
<li>68% saw a reduction in facial lines and wrinkles</li>
</ul></div><div>So I guess the virgin soil (volcanic, I believe I read somewhere) is supposed to do <em>miracles</em> for your skin. You apply it at night by buffing the powder into your skin-who wouldn’t want to look more fabulous <strong>going to sleep?</strong> During your little beauty rest, your skin re-charges, re-fuels, and skin cells turnover at a higher rate. Clear skin, smaller pores, better texture, firmer skin, fewer sun spots, and less wrinkles? GIMME GIMME.</div><div> </div><div>Unfortunately, this product did not work for me so much. Firstly, I was a bit annoyed by the application- it felt like nothing was being applied to my skin! The reviews <em>all say a little goes a long way</em>, so I didn’t want to overdo it!! I couldn’t see really anything different before vs. after application. Also, (this part makes me want to cry) I broke out or perhaps had an allergic reaction to the miraculous volcanic dirt. Little bumps erupted all over my face, concentrated in the T zone area. <img alt=":(" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif?m=1244995175g" /> I feel very left out of the high percentage of women who saw their skin change for the better. It’s really too bad.</div><div>At least there is a silver lining folks. Since I bought this sucker at Sephora, I can easily go to exchange it for something I’ll really love! And I did! Today!!!</div><div> </div><div>Tokidoki was IN DA HOUUUUUSE! They have their own line of adorably bright cutesy makeup. Seriously, it was too cute for words. But I refrained…</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-80336009094025428772011-04-12T22:31:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:31:04.740-07:00Pink's Magic LashAdvertising for this damn mascara thingy has finally gotten the better of me. Damn it!!! As my girlfriends know, I don’t give two hoots about lashes. Because I’ve never owned any. Ok, ok, I’ve got some. Short, stick straight, forget-me lashes I do have. They are not worthy of mascara, believe me. Although, I’ll say my lashes do look quite nice if I take the time to curl and primp and coat with mascara then heat the curler and curl some more. This process brings beads of sweat to my forehead and tears to my eyes (literally).<br />
<br />
So, more often than not, <span style="color: #888888;">I just simply forget them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Unless I’m going for broke and dead-set on looking fabulous, to which I stick on some falsies. Easy enough I guess, and the instant gratification part is always nice. What? You got no lashes, poor little girl? Sprinkles some pixie dust, mystical flower fragrance, and BAM!! in the words of Emeril- you’ve got lashes. Want’em? Got’em. How easy is that??</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Well girls, (you girls out there without lashes, like me) we may have reason to hope. Yes, HOPE is a mighty strong word. Hope springs forth a chance for changes, of endless possibilities, of being beautiful….. Yup, all this for $160 a tube. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Pricey eh?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Apparently there are two pricing options for the two different tubes. The PINK tube is $120 at 3.0ml per tube. The saleslady (who had magnificent real lashes) strongly pushed the one she used, the WHITE tube, $160 at 4.0 ml per tube. The white tube is a higher concentration of the original (pink) formulation. She says her results took about 5 months of continued usage. She repeatedly advised against on-off usage, stating that the best results come with nightly use. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Directions: </span></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Shake the tube gently</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Dip and apply to the upper eyelash line with eyeliner-type brush.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Dip and apply to the lower eyelash line</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">Replace lid and make sure it’s screwed on tightly</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">If you need to look fabulous in a hurry: use serum twice daily (morning, night) for the first 10 days.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">After lashes reach desired appearance, decrease usage to 3 x’s a week, then stop using.</span></span></li>
</ul>Bet you’re shaking your head huh? How bout if I told you I scored a Mother’s Day special at 20% off AND scored 6 free facial masks! I got the concentrated (white tube) serum at $128 including tax.<br />
I’m really really really REALLY excited to try this out! I shall rave rave rave if this magic does indeed work on me… maybe I’ll even do a before/after if I’m feeling daring?! Tonight marks day 1.<br />
<br />
** Update** It’s been 10 days and I’ve used morning and night. The directions say at this point I’m to use it only once a day at bedtime. I haven’t noticed thicker/longer lashes yet but remain hopeful that with all this attention and care it’d only be a matter of time before I have the look of wearing “falsies” like the sales lady did.<br />
<br />
** Update ** It’s been a month and I’ve used nightly… starting to see some single stray lashes come out from above my normal lash line… exciting! Overall not much difference, maybe a bit “fuller” appearance but no noticeable difference in length.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-16493234607308657182011-04-12T22:25:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:27:55.420-07:00Makeup Shelf Life<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px;"><img alt="" class=" " height="464" src="http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/photofiles/list/631/1039makeup_set.jpg" title="makeup" width="630" /><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of faq.org</div></div>Makeup isn’t made to live forever. Yes, all makeup from skin creams to eyeshadow have a shelf life. As a general rule, it is 3 years. Most makeup today are not required to have an expiration date… so do your best to estimate… or, write the date of purchase onto the item itself as a guarantee. For an in-depth guide from ivillage click <a href="http://www.ivillage.co.uk/beauty/makeup/tips/articles/0,,548145_183872-4,00.html">here</a>.<br />
<i>What happens when a product goes bad?</i> When a product goes “off” it becomes less effective and can become contaminated leading to a nasty skin infection.<br />
<i>How to tell?</i> While many items (such as eyeshadow) have no indication of having gone “off”, others display signs to be wary of, such as:<br />
<div style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The makeup separates</span>: in the case of lotions/creams/foundations, oftentimes the base will settle to the bottom while the oils float to the top.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">It stinks</span>: if the makeup is smelling foul or in any way different from how it smelled when you first opened it, it’s time to toss.</div><div style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Changing colors</span>: if the foundation is starting to turn neon green, for example, just chuck it.</div>Now, onto a comprehensive list of what you can keep, for how <b>long</b>…<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: maroon;">THE LIST</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 255px;"><img alt="" class=" " height="196" src="http://www.thestylegroup.com/TSG_Optimized/top10/moisturizer6-lg.jpg" title="moisturizer" width="245" /><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of thestylegroup<br />
<br />
</div></div><b>MOISTURIZER</b>: 3-12 months.<br />
<ul><li>Keep out of sunshine, heat, or direct light!</li>
<li>Try to keep fingers from dipping and scooping (try a cotton swab or buy it in pump form)</li>
<li>Throw out as soon as it changes color, smell or consistency!</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 204px;"><br />
</div><b>MASCARA</b>: 3-6 months. Nice wet cozy spot for bacteria to grow and multiply, especially when you pump the brush.<br />
<ul><li>Don’t pump!</li>
<li>Don’t share!</li>
<li>Use one at a time!</li>
<li>Don’t use when you have an eye infection! (duh!)</li>
<li>Never add water or… ew… saliva to the tube! (double duh)</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 220px;"><img alt="" class=" " height="210" src="http://jolienadine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/loreal-true-match-foundation.jpg" title="found" width="210" /><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of nadinejolie</div></div><b>FOUNDATION</b>: oil-free type 12 months, cream or compact foundation-18 months.<br />
<ul><li>Refridgerate or keep in a cool dark place.</li>
<li>Clean makeup applicators once a week (sponges)</li>
<li>Don’t apply on broken skin</li>
<li>Choose pump dispenser if available.</li>
<li>Toss when colors separate, smells funky, or colors change.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 250px;"><img alt="" height="225" src="http://makeupbag.net/wp-content/uploads/almost-powder-spf-15-ad_na-ds-2-1-09.jpg" title="powder" width="240" /><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of makeupbag.net<br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>POWDER</b>: pressed powder- 2 years, loose powder-3 years</div><ul><li>if kept longer than 2-3 years powder will dry out, becoming more difficult to apply and appear more chaulky.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 286px;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>BLUSH: </b>powder blush 2 years, cream blush 12-18 months.</div><ul><li>dry blush can get “slippery” texture if expired</li>
<li>color can change after expiration</li>
<li>wash brushes once week</li>
<li>apply cream blush with “clean” fingers!</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 381px;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 381px;"><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>EYE SHADOW</b>: Powder shadow 2 years, cream shadow 12-18 months.</div><ul><li>Use clean brushes.</li>
<li>Use clean fingers if you like it like that.</li>
<li>Never use if you have an eye infection (can transmit bacteria <i>back into</i> the shadow!)</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">EYELINER/LIPLINER: 2 years.</div><ul><li>Continuing to sharpen the pencils cleans the surface of bacteria.</li>
<li>Keep away from direct sunlight and heat</li>
<li>Never share!</li>
<li>Don’t use if you have cold sores or eye infections!</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 378px;"><img alt="" class=" " height="277" src="http://www.layoutfashion.com/images/graphics/fashion/lipstick.jpg" title="lipstick" width="368" /><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of layoutfashion</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>LIPSTICK</b>: 18 months to 2 years. They tend to last due to the formulation of pigment to fats.</div><ul><li>Don’t share!</li>
<li>Don’t use if you have a cold sore!</li>
<li>If the lipstick feels dry, scratchy or changes color… toss it!</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 250px;"><br />
<div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>PERFUMES</b>: 2 years. Fragrances have a higher shelf life because it’s literally “preserved” in alcohol.</div><ul><li>Store in moderate temperature (fridge keeps best)</li>
<li>Don’t use if it changes in smell or color.</li>
<li>Be wary of allergies!</li>
</ul>Be careful also of Natural or Organic makeup, as they don’t have many of the preservatives their chemical sisters have in abundance and can go “off” much sooner! Even though they are more healthy and beneficial for our skincare as they are made of natural ingredients. There is always a catch…. isn’t there??Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-31245083007013547412011-04-12T22:23:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:23:39.869-07:00Make Up For Ever HD Powder<div class="entry"> <img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlDz9BJaBuJDPt22pHaW_5zJmntBmUiGmToNi-z-lgcdhASRUO35ZWPwsXXlGwrPdsMH_LS8z0WiBEV00Jkn6ON1G4IWr6IIy-FQzGZMcafZSzIh_g7PKTkFOJWukod8eEwO4vvjZgDft/s320/HD+Powder+closed%5B1%5D.jpg" title="Make Up For Ever HD Powder" width="320" /><br />
Wow. That pretty much sums up my experience today with this silky-smooth ultra fine slightly-mattifying loose powder. It. Is. Awesome.<br />
<br />
Fresh from the hurt of not being able to buy the Urban Decay Alice In the Wonderland Kit ( <img alt=":(" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif?m=1244995175g" /> waaaah! sold out at sephora and ulta stores around me) I decided to take another look see at the makeup I do have in my kit. It’s weird, but I never tried this after purchasing it- it reminds me of the setting powder from my days of makeup school at MUD in Burbank. I figured it can’t be bad. It’s grrrrreat! I love it…<br />
<br />
Why? It’s an excellent finishing powder. Dust this baby on after you’re done with your eyes, foundation and blush- it sets everything perfectly, seamlessly. All your hard work won’t be erased… no… your blush still looks vibrant, eye makeup beautified… without settling into your pores or making things appear anything short of lovely!<br />
<br />
And the HD really works! I took pics with my canon xsi AND my iphone and my makeup looks flawless! It evens your complexion and lends a silky fine softening effect that leaves you glowing! The company states that, “new line of lens-tricking product that’s enhanced with silica micro beads that act as mini light refractors, veiling imperfections and giving a luminous “soft focus” effect.”<br />
It suits every skintone? Everyone, you ask? Even darker pigmented or olive-toned skin? Yep. <br />
Everyone. It gives every skintone a wonderful light refracting perfect finish.<br />
<br />
***Update*** Awwww…. I LOVE this powder but I think I’m allergic. I got a huge hive on my chin as soon as I put this on! But I love the look so much I’ll try it a few more times just in case <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1244995175g" /><br />
<br />
<br />
***Update #2*** Decided this made my skin a bit too ashy, or pale looking <br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-79751226903164309222011-04-12T22:20:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:20:57.176-07:00gym digest vol.1As many of y’all may know, I’ve been trying to lose a few LB’s. With regular exercise(4+ X’s/wk), I feel as though my days have become rejuvenated, and it’s a great liberating feeling. Even on days when the workouts leave me tired and a bit droopy for sleep, I approach the day with a better reserve knowing that I did something healthy and good. It really does make me FEEL better.<br />
<br />
While I used to measure my progress in lbs, I noticed a pattern of decreased weight BUT the variation from day to day really irked me. So, while I still weigh myself from time to time, I like to gauge my progress with inches lost. When I started in December, I was at a 28 1/2 inch waist- pretty much the biggest I’ve ever been. Today, I measured at 26 1/2 inches. Which is 1/2 inch smaller than my “good waist” measurements! Needless to say, I’m very happy with my workouts both physically and mentally!<br />
<br />
I realize that, at the gym, people look at other people. I do it too, and confess to it eagerly, because I see it as a great form of motivation for me… to see a great looking girl, fit-as-a-fiddle, shining and happy, it’s a great motivator for me. Not so with all girls. Some girls see it as sheer competition, sizing up other girls with a flick of their eyes- turning into a half-glare/half-dare if the girls sees something she doesn’t have. I’ve seen it, I almost feel sorry for these poor fit girls.<br />
After my bout of cardio this morning, I settle in to my nook in the sauna, where I like to read magazines and relax my muscles as I “imagine” my heart rate going up, further amping up my metabolism to lose more weight through the sauna sweats. I get comfortably “into” my magazine and start smiling at the pics (like a goob) when this strange woman begins to talk to me…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;">Hi, are you Korean? Japanese? Chinese?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;">I shake my head at the slight interruption and at being labeled Korean– again.. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;">No, I’m Chinese, </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I told her with a slight frown, not knowing what it had to do with anything. I fix my head to look down because I really wasn’t ready for conversation… and it always irks me when people try to determine races… it makes me wonder why they do it? What is the ulterior motive?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Oh, she says, and proceeded to speak mandarin to me from this point forward. Do you always use the sauna after your swim? I shake my head- no, and wondered at her question as I was sitting there in a sports bra and shorts and NOT a swimsuit, so I really don’t know what she was getting at… </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I never swim, I told her, as I tried to look down at my magazine… the peaceful quiet escape with the celebrities in US Weekly staring innocently back at me…</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Oh, yeah, what do you do, then? She asked. Ok, I made a mental note that this woman wanted to talk… put the mag down and to the side. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">I usually just to cardio, then sauna, I told her, smiling. It wasn’t good enough she wanted more answers. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">No weights? </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Oh, I do arms about once a week.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">That’s it?? Nothing else? I see a girl who looks like you, upstairs doing weights. (Enter really strange condescending laugh) Is it you? I don’t know, maybe.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Are you married? (wow really?? are you serious?) Ummm no.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Do you have any kids? (whoa, lady, easyyyy.) No.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">She then comments on how it’s easier to lose weight BEFORE you have kids.. yada yada, I smiled and said I know… she then started talking about her daughter… ok… interesting.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Here comes the kicker. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">You know I saw a girl downstairs who weighs herself before she workouts, then finishes her workouts and weighs herself AGAIN! She looks like you… is it you? Hyena-condescending laugh. I really don’t know what to say at this point and secretly wonder if I’m being PUNK’D but, no jumping Ashton… bah. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Yeah, I answered, it probably WAS me! I used to weigh myself a lot when I started working out to see if I was making a dent at my weight and found it interesting to see how much sweat loss equals to loss in weight… But I think that weight loss should be gauged in inches lost over pounds lost… I found myself explaining myself to her… ugh… I fell into her trap. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;">I only ask because you look good.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;"><span style="color: black;">Ummm ok… thanks. I fall into the rabbit hole and need to agree with the chelshire cat. You look great too! You don’t look like you need to work on Anything! I complimented back. Oh… she smirked… she smiles… </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: grey;">That’s because I’m MAINTAINING.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;"><span style="color: black;">Oh… Shnaaaap. This woman has asked me my secrets, compared herself to me, used me to make herself feel better (no kids-easier to lose weight) used me to fish for compliments then came at me with that! *sigh* really…..</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;"><span style="color: black;">Speaking of Alice in Wonderland… I kinda really would like to get this…</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: grey;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExHfqtZh3M6RaduEP6VE71h8qbq5vtCgCGK0mlfBw2DqdFeac_b9s8LKycY6py8Mo7iOdQd0OxOtx1sZSMDwvdP6BCMp6hWKS9VdSZsCbOLHBV85xbpdFlr0KQmLZnBPaKaFtZnvO7HQ/s400/urban-decay-alice-in-wonderland.jpg" title="urban decay's alice in wonderland palette" width="400" /></span></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-41948343380219713432011-04-12T22:15:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:16:56.886-07:00Blue Heaven Kajal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="400" src="http://cosmetic-candy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pure-kajal-eye-liner.jpg" title="blue heaven kajal" width="330" /></div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
<div class="entry">In 05′ I attended esthetician school in Temple City. I was lucky enough to attend class with a great group of women with similar tastes, habits, and preferences as me. Being that we were into skincare, makeup, and other health and beauty-related girly stuff, we traded many secrets and tips with each other, having accumulated much over the course of our beauty years.<br />
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One of the said secrets I found through a friend, Shala, is kajal. Pronounced Ka-hal, and used in India as a means of protecting the eye from the glares of the sun and also to bring good luck and general eye health. She had told me she would be going “home” and I specifically asked if she could purchase a kajal for me. She brought me one. It was in a red tube and gave me a smoldering sexy dark eye- perfect because the only thing I love on my eye is smokey!<br />
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What you do is use the pointy side to rim your tear lines (upper and lower). Traditionally done by closing your eyes and running the sharp point of the kajal side to side across your eyes in a wiper motion- going from one corner of the eye to the other. The only drawback was that when I would inevitably tear, the kajal would run. Not SUCH a biggie, as you can set the kajal with an eyeliner pencil (or brow pencil) and some black shadow powder. Also, magically, a light-colored eye “boogie” would appear at the inner tear duct areas. Pretty gross, I tell ya.<br />
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I lost my beloved kajal so I set out looking to buy another. I googled and found Blue Heaven to be a number one brand in India and voila! just so happens that some very nice lady sells them on ebay for about $4.00 USD including shipping! I can’t wait to get this baby in the mail and start sporting some seriously sexy dark eyes everyday again- like it ain’t no thang!<br />
well… maybe not Everyday <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1244995175g" /><br />
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*update*: this stuff did NOT stay on. It feels like you’re trying to smear hard, cold, leftover engine grease (in stick form) on to your inner rims. The smell is awful… smells like a hint of chemicals and strange herbs. After wearing this stuff for a few minutes, the kajal begins to migrate underneath your eyes, creating black shadowy bags. NOT ATTRACTIVE! It has no staying power whatsoever, and I don’t think setting it with eyeshadow would help. I’m tossing this into the trash… seriously wasted $4.oo but thank GOD it wasn’t more for the piece of crap.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-82324676731140633772010-11-15T18:54:00.000-08:002010-11-15T18:54:56.776-08:00dirty secret.<h2> <a href="http://jtloveitorhateit.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/dirty-secret/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to dirty secret."> dirty secret. </a> </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 226px;"><div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of taaz.com</div></div><br />
<div class="entry"> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 463px;"><img alt="" height="279" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/replicate/EXID61988/images/rock_republic_sale%281%29.jpg" width="453" /><div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of examiner.com</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><br />
</div></div>Yes, I have a dirty little secret.<br />
<br />
If you’ve been keeping up, you’d know that I spent my day off last Friday by waiting in lines all day and sitting in traffic all night. Not exactly life of the rich and fabulous. But, I bit the bullet due to my earlier flirtations with the Rock & Republic brand. I started with the amazing blush, went on to the sublime glosses, and recently discovered the sultry uber-blendable, kinda magical eye shadows.<br />
<br />
<div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px;"><img alt="" height="330" src="http://jtloveitorhateit.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/rock-and-republic-cosmetics-1.jpg?w=495&h=330" width="495" /><div class="wp-caption-text">photo courtesy of exquisitejenn</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I spent over $300.<br />
<br />
That’s my dirty little secret. One that I’m not proud of, and I hesitate to tell others because it will be the undrawn line in the sand- the breaking point where you know they’ll get the wide-eyed <em>look-at-you-sideways</em> kind of look and realize you’re addicted.<br />
<br />
Anyway, based on the sale pricing at the sample sale, I <em>would have spent</em> a <strong>whopping</strong> $1305!!!!! Does that make me feel just a tad bit better though? Not really. You see I am a makeup whore. Yes, I’ve said it, I admit it and I’ll own up to it. I simply have<em> too much</em>. Now with the additional blushers eyeshadows, my drawer looks crammed full of silver and black! Do I regret it? Maybe just a bit. I really don’t need to be spending that much money on makeup after I recently blogged about being on a wallet lockdown. I hate going against my word.<br />
<br />
But now for the solution.<br />
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To fix this scenario, I am willing to do the following… no eating out for lunch for ONE MONTH. Yup, I figure I’d burn an average of $10 a day for lunch (I eat out for lunch pretty regularly). It will take one month to average out the price spent on the damned makeup. Exception is cheapie grocery shopping where you buy cheap things (eggs, sandwich making material, instant noodle, salad making material, etc). Another exception is on weekends where I will let my fiance choose anything and everything. So, see y’all Dec. 13 where I would have saved enough to <em>balance out my balance</em>!!<br />
<br />
I have to learn that as an adult, there is a price to be paid for things material. You cannot just buy and buy simply because the cash is there… if you are going to throw your money to the skies for frivolous items, be prepared to pay for them in other ways! <strong><em> </em></strong><br />
<blockquote><strong><em>Earning yours is eons better than simply getting yours!</em></strong></blockquote>*** The packaging for this makeup line is super lux all the way! However, I do have one minor complaint. If you own as many blusher/eye shadows as I do, there should be a clear case (like MAC) so you can tell at a moment’s glance which is which. Rather, I flip open each and every one to look for a fun look! <img alt=":(" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif?m=1244995183g" /> Not a lot of fun at all! I was thinking about maybe swatching the colors and taping it to the bottoms (or go for ugly and tape ‘em to the top/front of the lids themselves!) … haven’t decided yet.<br />
<br />
*** Am TOTALLY falling in love with everything tho! The colors are pigmented without being garish, soft and smooth to work with, blendable beautiful shades. I’m totally an eye girl but for some reason this season’s bright pink and deep red lips are beginning to make me smile….<br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-87784524057913909612010-11-05T19:54:00.001-07:002010-11-05T19:55:24.626-07:00BEST makeup sponge ever.<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TNTDS25yw0I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/LMVdzoRZznc/s1600-h/IMG_5967%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5967" border="0" alt="IMG_5967" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TNTDTVacxNI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/tNQEjg9EOyA/IMG_5967_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="331"></a></p> <p>I thought I did a post on this ages ago…</p> <p>Guess I was wrong.</p> <p>These are my #1 favorite sponges for makeup application. I got mine from from <a href="http://http://www.drugstore.com//products/prod.asp?pid=166478&catid=108879&aid=338669&aparam=166478">Beauty.com</a> at jaw-dropping (in a bad, not good way) 39.99. I know, I know, a LOT to spend on these damn sponges. But they bring me smiles and perfect foundation application so I feel the purchase is totally justified. Plus one pink eggy lasts a very long time. I don’t wear makeup everyday, and the first egg has lasted over a year with no signs of distress other than when Lucy accidentally played with it, thinking it was a toy (EVERYTHING is Lucy’s toy, dammit). </p> <p>The included foaming cleanser smells clean and seems to do a decent enough job getting rid of the dingy leftover/dried foundation… enough to turn the pink eggy a shocking hot pink again! I also use a regular anti-bacterial foaming hand soap (bath and bodyworks) to make it squeaky clean, beautifully scented, and rid of all those nasty germs waiting to breed and infect my face.</p> <p>I wash my pink eggy about once a week. In the beginning you do notice a bit of pink coloring flushing through the water while rinsing your egg. This is harmless and will stop over time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TNTDU8TZdvI/AAAAAAAAC9g/yMB5RHr1enw/s1600-h/IMG_5969%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_5969" border="0" alt="IMG_5969" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TNTDVuDIoVI/AAAAAAAAC9k/S3T2Qvkf5ew/IMG_5969_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="277" height="331"></a></p> <p><strong><u>Usage</u></strong>: Before using, repeatedly squeeze pink eggy under running water. The pink eggy will then drink up the water and swell up to double its regular (dry) size. Squeeze again to get rid of all excess water and proceed to use with makeup! I usually squeeze a bit of foundation (pencil head) on the back of my left hand and use my right hand to work with. The sharp pointy end of the egg is excellent for tight corners like around the nose and lips while the larger round end is great for bigger areas of the face including forehead and cheeks. When using the pink eggy, press, don’t rub. You want to let the skin absorb the foundation not slab it on like warpaint. </p> <p>It is definitely an investment piece, but once you learn to use and love it, you really wouldn’t want to be without it in your life.</p> <p>Don’t believe me? Read these <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=beauty+blender&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=2326642853706791483&ei=KL7UTI_uH4e4sQOj1uGPCw&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEEQ8wIwAw&os=reviews">other reviews</a>…</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-49303987655271032492010-10-25T16:47:00.001-07:002010-10-25T17:26:45.062-07:00OPI: That’s Hot! Pink<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYWEduxbQI/AAAAAAAAC7o/WihL16HIn0k/s1600-h/PA210147.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PA210147" border="0" alt="PA210147" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYW21Gt7mI/AAAAAAAAC7s/xmd94n0NnRc/PA210147_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="357"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYW4Yzo-qI/AAAAAAAAC74/fiJhaF7fRBw/s1600-h/PA210149.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PA210149" border="0" alt="PA210149" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYW6F1_OoI/AAAAAAAAC78/dtekYiRJyG4/PA210149_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="357"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYW7sFfQoI/AAAAAAAAC8I/EM0QfnyLUxM/s1600-h/PA210154%5B19%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PA210154" border="0" alt="PA210154" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYW8z1BMlI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/NoKpr3WUcQA/PA210154_thumb%5B16%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="357"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYW-HNB4LI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/-kcSVZx9lE8/s1600-h/PA210154%5B11%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PA210154" border="0" alt="PA210154" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYW_Kw0pDI/AAAAAAAAC7c/5PonW39Anmw/PA210154_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="2" height="2"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYgKwAeniI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/0MqX-oYwtNU/s1600-h/PA210154%5B18%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PA210154" border="0" alt="PA210154" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYgL_utj6I/AAAAAAAAC8c/iPhvxRVxuuo/PA210154_thumb%5B15%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="357"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYgOfdmkRI/AAAAAAAAC8g/jZyrvUp2kvM/s1600-h/PA210185%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PA210185" border="0" alt="PA210185" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYgOzj_A-I/AAAAAAAAC8k/z2Rk9b1eOWA/PA210185_thumb%5B9%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="357"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYgQVdo5iI/AAAAAAAAC8o/T8GYT2LG3p8/s1600-h/PA210190%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PA210190" border="0" alt="PA210190" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TMYgRMXjeAI/AAAAAAAAC8s/cAhhxzmTPXQ/PA210190_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="357"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The photos showed up a lot more red than hot pink but I still loved this fun vibrant color. </p> <p>Great For: </p> <ul> <li>olive skin/tan beauties <li>summers… poolside <li>bring some “shockvalue” to a boring worksuit or monochrome outfit <li>great pick-me-up hue to brighten your day <li>you’ll wanna keep looking at your hands-believe me.</li></ul> <p><strong><font color="#dd8484">Base Coat</font></strong>: Seche Plus Fortified Nail Strengthener</p> <p><strong><font color="#dd8484">Main Color</font></strong>: 2 thin layers of that’s hot! pink.</p> <p><strong><font color="#dd8484">Top coat</font></strong>: 1 layer of Seche Vite</p> <p><strong><em><font color="#dd8484">Optional</font></em></strong>: 1 layer (or just tips) OPI top coat- for extra chip resistance. </p> <p><font color="#dd8484"><em>Simply Superficial Tip</em></font>: Paint along the nail ridge and a bit underneath the nail to seal and really get chip-resistant.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-90928613490826614472010-10-12T10:22:00.000-07:002010-10-30T09:11:45.372-07:00NOTD: OPI Hearthrob<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSWikFWykI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/8syMceQalXI/s1600/hearthrob1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSWikFWykI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/8syMceQalXI/s320/hearthrob1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
A really lovely soft peachy pink that goes great with a fabulous summer tan!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXCX3Q5LI/AAAAAAAAC5c/G5jS_YA8FSE/s1600/hearthrob6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXCX3Q5LI/AAAAAAAAC5c/G5jS_YA8FSE/s320/hearthrob6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Isn't the name of this polish just too cute for words? :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXJJc0eWI/AAAAAAAAC5g/jfcI1F9eAz0/s1600/hearthrob2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXJJc0eWI/AAAAAAAAC5g/jfcI1F9eAz0/s320/hearthrob2.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXPOZg1HI/AAAAAAAAC5k/PXxKroC01EM/s1600/hearthrob3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXPOZg1HI/AAAAAAAAC5k/PXxKroC01EM/s320/hearthrob3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Such a pretty soft neutral color... perfect for the beach, a day at work, or date night! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXVSoEimI/AAAAAAAAC5o/_2IxwbjQfqg/s1600/hearthrob4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXVSoEimI/AAAAAAAAC5o/_2IxwbjQfqg/s400/hearthrob4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXca4eyOI/AAAAAAAAC5s/qW0MuHFEMtw/s1600/hearthrob5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXca4eyOI/AAAAAAAAC5s/qW0MuHFEMtw/s320/hearthrob5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Surely, one of my new faves!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXimTP96I/AAAAAAAAC5w/03AoBPp5VCs/s1600/hearthrob7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f7nPPL7UuGU/TLSXimTP96I/AAAAAAAAC5w/03AoBPp5VCs/s320/hearthrob7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
These shots were actually taken day 4 and, as you can see, NO CHIPPING whatsoever!<br />
<ul><li>Started with one base coat of Seche Plus Fortified Nail Strengthener</li>
<li>3 Thin Layers of OPI Hearthrob</li>
<li>1 gooey semi-thick layer of Seche Vite (this stuff is miraculous! makes polish set and dry in about a minute!!!!)</li>
<li>1 thin layer of OPI top coat</li>
<li>Wait a few minutes and fini!!</li>
</ul><i style="color: #e06666;">Simply Superficial TIP#1</i>: Although the Seche Vite works wonders in setting and drying the nail polish I find it chips relatively quick. So, follow up with another layer of top coat and that will give your polish the true staying power!<br />
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Stay colorful! xoxo!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761096592284473482.post-1114499743622154082010-10-08T18:32:00.000-07:002010-10-08T18:44:54.482-07:00Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream CleanserEver since I've stopped the pill about 6 months ago, I've noticed drastic changes occurring in my body. You see, I've been on the pill for over 10 years and recently stopped because of a wive's tale I heard that later got squashed by my GYN as having absolutely No Validity. That wive's tale? If you plan on conceiving, it's best to quit the pill at least 1 year prior to "trying" to conceive. This way, your baby will have fewer medical related problems. The GYN informed me that this is simply not the case as the low-dosage birth control pill that I was on literally leaves my system in <b>three days</b>. Which means that 3 weeks of "on" and 1 week of "off" medication leaves me with a clean system every single month. That is great news.<br />
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Because the killer cramps I've lived in fear of since starting my period are back with a vengeance. It's funny to me, to see horror movies where you scream in fear of something else-- a ghost, a monster, a killer, a rabid dog, whatever.... but <i>imagine</i> screaming in fear of your life as your body attacks itself. That's what I've gone through and nothing, nobody, no doctors, no boyfriends, not even my own loving daddy- can help. Has helped. The only thing that gets me through is a half dose of vicadin or a codeine and a prayer. Them Advils and Tylenols by now don't do diddly-squat. I'll need to take at least 6 to 8 of 'em to even feel a difference!<br />
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Also, I've noticed a steady decline of my skin. Now that I'm on the pill once more, I'm hoping that will also improve. Because a bride cannot have ugly skin on her wedding day! That is the biggest saddest red flag. Luckily the bumps on my skin are small... I wouldn't even call them pimples, per se. You'd have to get in awful close and look really hard to be able to see them at all, but the unevenness is obvious. I can take my fingers and feel the skin on my face and literally not be able to feel smooth skin! Just a series of small and annoying bumps!<br />
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Thankfully, I've found something that seem to be helping.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.manekineko.us/catalog/images/product/neutrogena_deepcleancream_enlarge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="282" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of manekineko.us</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.manekineko.us/catalog/images/product/neutrogena_deepcleancream_enlarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Sure, the commercials are cheesy with actresses that obviously already <b>have</b> great skin, but I remembered trying this when I was younger and really liking it so I stopped into CVS with the huns and scooped one up. I used it that night and felt so refreshed! It doesn't really have a strong overpowering scent to the product. It squeezes out of the tube creamy (not foamy) and smooths on over my face really nice, almost like a thick cream (probably, hence, the name). I lightly circled my problem areas and rinsed off the cream. Instantly it feels amazing! Zing! Like a fresh breath of open sea air hitting your damp face in the light of the softly fading dusk. I don't use lotion after using this product at night, simply putting a metronidazole gel 1% on my skin for rosacea. During the day I follow this facewash with Olay Sensitive SPF 25 and additional sunscreen.<br />
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During the night I felt a difference with the amount of oil secreted on my T-zone. On days 2, 3, 4 it has continued to feel less and less oily! It feels as though my skin is slowly coming around with the decrease of oil production. It is reacting nicely, as today I've touched my skin multiple times and actually felt soft, smooth skin rather than bumpity-bump-bumps! My skin is noticeably smoother and with fewer bumps. During the day I feel less shine and almost no need for mid-day touch ups on my skin! I love it!<br />
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Watch Hayden's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1r-6aC26Zw">Neutrogena commercial!</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10338717321729613666noreply@blogger.com1