Happy face, Happy wallet

L'oreal Lash Serum

2011-09-18T16:24:00.004-04:00

The benefit from taking some time off is that amount of time I give myself to try something. For instance, I have been using the L'oreal Lash Boosting Serum for two months, and I feel comfortable writing this review now. In a nutshell, I love this stuff. My friends and I have noticed a significant different in the length and plenitude of my lashes and brow hairs.

I decided to pick this serum up because I had noticed that my lashes were shedding more than usual, and I got a little freaked out (I attribute it to stress because I have been taking my mascara off gently before going to bed and so forth). However, before rushing to buy something crazy expensive, I decided to see what as at the drugstore price range. So, I checked online for reviews, and I found out that the L'oreal Lash Serum was quite popular. When I bought it, I didn't expect anything major. I just expected something that would help fortify my lashes and curb some falling out. Well, my lashes are holding strong, and I have noticed a little lengthening as well. The length is especially noticeable with my bottom lashes. So much so, that I have started to wear mascara on the lower lashes to mark the added length. I am thrilled.

In addition to applying the serum to my lashes, I applied the serum to my brows to see if it could fill any gaps. Today was the first day I felt confident walking out of the house without filling my brows. It is a fantastic time saver. I have noticed that my brows have looked fuller over time. It is especially noticeable near the beginning of my brow where it was really sparse.

I apply the serum every night; it is a part of my night time routine. I don't apply it during the day because it does not play well with my mascara. I just apply the serum like mascara, and spread a little along the lash line as directed. The serum doesn't irritate my eye, but if I apply too much, my lashes feel a bit heavy and gooey, and I do wake up with dried excess on my lashes. The wand is different, since it isn't a regular lash or brow brush. Instead, it is a curved smooth wand, and you just smooth the wand along your lashes.

I have finished my first tube, and I have moved onto my second. This usually retails for $10-$13, but L'oreal consistently has coupons in the Sunday paper, and drugstores always have sales.

Pics
The Left photo is about two weeks before the right photo, so progress was already starting, but when compared to previous photos, you can see that the beginning of my brows were quite sparse. Neither photo has any brow powder, just clear mascara to keep in place. In the right photo my lashes have two coats of mascara on the top, and one coat on the bottom. Again, not ground breaking, but definitely a helpful serum. You can see before brows here (from two years ago, but my brows haven't changed until I started using the serum.)

Moist Noodlehead

2011-09-08T21:01:00.007-04:00

Hi! How are you doing? All is well here. Lots has been going on. I got a job, moved twice, got another job. Plus, I have been focusing on my mark. business, and I hit a wall with happy face, happy wallet, but I am feeling the urge to come back to happy face. Plus, a really good friend of mine is going to join happy face, happy wallet to share her product reviews, and so that gave me some motivation to start writing.

During my time away, I explored several products, and I will review those in time. Right now, I feel inspired to share some hair products for curly hair that I am thoroughly enjoying.

A while ago, when I was bored at work, I decided to surf some curly hair blog. I came across the tightly curly website that is loaded with great information on how to treat and style tightly curly hair. The author of the website, and book which I later bought, recommended Aussie Moist conditioner to use as a styling conditioner.

Photo from aussie.com

If you have read my previous hair entries on this blog, you know that I LOVE Aussie 3-minute miracle DEEEEP. However, the product only contains 8 ounces, and I get tired of having to buy three at a time because I need to use a lot of conditioner for my hair (I leave it in). So, when I read that Aussie Moist was like 3 minute miracle DEEEP, but a little less thick, I got really excited because it comes in a bigger container and went out and bought it. I found the 1 liter bottle at Walmart for about $7 to $8.

Well, I finally ran out of the liter, and I bought another one. I love this conditioner as a styling conditioner. In the shower, I section out my hair, then put gobs of this stuff and rake it through the sections of hair. The conditioner's weight helps clump the curls together and prevents frizz. Best part, the conditioner does not feel crispy, filmy, or leave a residue when it dries.

To further encourage the curls, I scrunch my hair, after I squeeze out the excess moisture a little with a t-shirt, with Beyond the Zone Noodle Head Curl Mousse from Sally's ($7, $6 with Sally's card). I bought this a long time ago on a whim, and I wasn't convinced. However, one day when I ran out of my favorite hair gel, mark. curl goddess, I decided to go ahead and use up this mousse and then buy the mark gel. I have now given the gel a break (I still love it), and I am hanging onto my Noodle Head Curl Mousse. The mousse doesn't flake. It combines well with the Moist conditioner I leave in my hair, and after I scrunch my hair after it has dried, the curl stays and doesn't frizz. I love it. I have back ups.

Photo from sallybeauty.com

After applying the products and smoothing out some curly. I diffuse my hair using warm heat and a high setting. As I diffuse my hair, I do not scrunch or touch my hair. I just dry sections of my hair until partially dry. Then I give my hair a final shot of cool air throughout my hair. The diffuser helps set the curl and it helps prevent frizzies. I am really enjoying the end result of this process, and I really cherish the fact that my hair lasts up to three days with just a little touch up with Pantene spray leave-in conditioner.

Here is a picture of my curls on the SECOND day. That is right, SECOND day. I did not wrap, braid, or pineapple my hair before gong to sleep. I just went to sleep. Pretty cool, huh.

Note: My hair is chemically process. I do get the roots relaxed, but it is not combed through so that I can keep my curl. I also color it at times.

A Tube of Disappointment

2011-03-14T21:28:00.012-04:00

If it sounds perfect, then *insert cliche here.* Yup, pretty much. It it sounds perfect, then expect to be disappointed because perfection, it is not. And so I present to you, Rimmel's Glam' Eyes Day 2 Night mascara (Volume and Length).

Several months ago, Rimmel released this mascara that claims to give you the option of length or volume, all in one tube. AH! PERFECT! One tube of mascara that offers two different looks?! That is crazy-talk. I immediately jumped on board. Unfortunately, I experienced lackluster results with this mascara, and I gave myself time fall in love with it, but my heart and lashes were cold.

Yes, the mascara provided length if you looked really close with a 100x magnifying glass. Sure, it also provided volume, but it also brought on clumps, which the packaging claims it doesn't do. Before I get into the details of the mascara, let me get into the gimmick behind this tube of mascara.

The tube contains one formula and one brush. However, there are two different wand handles. The handle for "length" (pink) is really the core brush. The wand isn't sturdy, and the handle is small, and it is difficult to get a good grip on it. The distinction between this and the "volume" brush is that the "length" brush goes through two stoppers to take off the excess mascara. Viola, there is your length. The first stopper is the regular stopper in the tube, and the second stopper is the hollow wand that is attached to the "volume" wand (I took pictures because it is difficult to describe).

The "volume" wand (the black handle) is just the "length" wand inside the "volume" wand, which means that the brush one goes through one stopper. Well, guess what. The stopper does a really crap job at removing the excess mascara. Here is the other catch, the formula is very thick. So, in order to use the "volume" wand, I have to remove the excess mascara with a tissue, which is what I call high maintenance.

I used this mascara for one month, and I just got more frustrated with it. I finally quit using it, and I have found a mascara that I really like, which happens to also be Rimmel (Max Volume Flash mascara. Great stuff. Review will come soon.). I got really frustrated with this mascara because neither of the claims worked. The "length" option really didn't come true. When I applied the mascara for length, it looked like I just swiped one coat of a regular, cheap mascara. I would have to swipe one a lot of coats to get noticeable length.

And Volume, I don't even want to talk about it. It was just clumpy, and the whole brush coming out with a ton of mascara was a turn off.

Let me be eloquent in describing this mascara: boo hiss. Save your money, and don't buy this mascara. Your wallet will be very happy.

Rating:
0 out of 1 Happy Wallets
Price: $7 to $8
Where: Drugstores, Walmart, Target

Pics

See the two handles. the pink one is "length," and the black one is "volume."

Regular spiral brush. Kind of reminds me of the drab Great Lash brush.

See, the "length" wand is the core wand, and the "volume" wand is hollow and serves as a stopper for the length.

And the "volume" brush. Blah, blah, blah

But Officer, that bumper sticker was just so funny!

2011-03-06T21:19:00.005-05:00

I have to admit, sometimes I am a distracted driver. I am driving along, and then all of the sudden I see a car in front of me, and the back is covered in bumper stickers, and I just have to read what they say. I have caught myself speeding up to get closer to the car so that I can read the bumper sticker, or I will kind of pray that the car stops in front of me at a stop light. There are some times when I have a very tiny, and thankfully resistible, desire to follow a car just to I can read how much the driver hates something, or how much they love love, or how TV is the devil, or how beds are meant to be broken, or how the car the driver has in a transformer.

Really, I love to read bumper stickers. Ironically, right now, I don't have a bumper sticker on my car. However, recently, I got the opportunity to get the best bumper sticker to display, and I hope it stops traffic without causing an accident.

Several months ago, a representative from Build-A-Sign.com emailed me and asked if I was interested in making some bumper stickers. I figured it would be a fun experience, and seriously, the best bumper sticker is the personalized bumper sticker.

The process was remarkably easy to do. I went onto the site, www.buildasign.com, and selected the bumper sticker section. Then I selected the template that I found most appealing and started to customize it (at no additional cost), and there are templates galore. I was able to alter the colors, the graphics, and the font. I liked that I could also alter the size of the graphics and font. In addition, there is an option to completely create your own bumper sticker from scratch. I liked that there was a wide variety of style and graphics options. I also liked that once I chose a style, I wasn't overwhelmed with color or font (there is a nice amount of fonts, but it isn't so much that you can't decide). It made it user-friendly for a novice like me.

As I played around with the appearance of the bumper sticker, I was able to see the proof online. The proof is a larger image of the sticker, but it isn't the full size. However, you can see the details to ensure you captured everything you desired.

Once I finalized the sticker, I checked out the prices. For 1 bumper sticker, you pay $2.99 and the price for each bumper sticker goes down as the quantity increases; so if you order 10, the price per sticker drops to $2.50 (these prices are for a 3x10 sticker) and so on. The company also offers free shipping on bumper stickers. I searched around for other prices for customizable prices, these prices are really reasonable.

I had a great experience with customer service. Now, I know that my experience was different from the paying customer since I got the bumper stickers for free, but I kept this in mind before I agreed to receive the bumper stickers. So, I searched online for reviews, and I found a lot of rave reviews for the customer service, and the BBB gave the company an A. So I felt confident in trying out the company and the product.

I received the product in a week and a half, and I was pleased with the end result. I can't wait to put this sticker on my car, and I am considering putting in an another order (that I will pay for) for my mark. business.

So, why did I ultimately decide to review this company even though it isn't makeup related? Well, I know that a lot of people are interested in starting their own business and this is a great way to get the word out. I also know that a lot of people like to express their ideas, and bumper sticker are always a fun form to do so.

Oh, and if you aren't into bumper stickers, you can also get magnetic signs, banners, license plates, and so forth. Buildasign.com offers a lot of options. If you are interested, be sure to click on the link on the side bar.

And, if you are interested in scoring one of my awesome happy face, happy wallet bumper stickers, just email me at happyfacehappywallet@gmail.com. I am more than happy to share and mail one out to you.

More makeup reviews to come.

Note: I received the bumper stickers free to try out the product. I am not getting compensated for the review, nor for link clicks. My opinion is honest, and based on my experience.

That's not my toothbrush...

2011-02-20T13:59:00.009-05:00

I can't remember who introduced me to the necessity of washing my face. Sure, I was told by my mother to clean my face ever since I was a child, but I don't know where I learned that there really are different methods, techniques, tools, and formulas to get the face clean. I imagine I picked it up from extinct magazines like YM, Jane, and so forth. I know that I continue to learn about the ever-evolving techniques that are continuously being rediscovered and released.

Actually, I have one distinct memory of a face-washing lesson. It is a little foggy, but I remember finding a face brush. It was small, fit in the palm of my hand, and had extremely soft bristles. It kind of looked like a shoe polishing brush. I believe Queen Fierce told me that it was a brush to wash the face. I tried it, and didn't really know what to do, and being a teenager, I really didn't have the patience to figure it out, or make circular motions all over my face.

Fast forward to now. After several trials with different face regimens, I have come back to the face brush, except this time batteries and power buttons are involved.

In December, while I was in Costco, I came across the Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System accompanied by a full-size tube of the Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser. The pack at Costco also included a replacement brush head and batteries. Everything was $36.99. Needless to say, I was curious and enticed enough to buy it.

Unlike my first experience with the little face brush, I very much like using the Olay brush. I like the feel of the bristles; they are soft enough not to cause any redness when washing the face, but firm enough to feel like they are exfoliating the dead skin. After using the brush with the exfoliating cleanser, my face feels so much smoother and cleaner.

The brush has two speeds, a low setting, which rotates the brush head at a very low speed and feels gentle and delicate. Then there is the fast setting, which speeds up the rotation to a more aggressive sensation on the skin. When I first started using the brush, I used the low speed so that I could slowly get my skin accustomed to the brush, and now, I use the faster speed, especially around the trouble areas like my nose and chin.

The brush, really just adds another degree of exfoliation without all of the arm work. It doesn't pulsate or do anything spectacular. The brush head just spins around and around like an electric toothbrush, and I like it.

I have to say that I am very happy with the brush. After one week of using it with the exfoliating cleanser that it came with, I decided to use it with my regular face wash, mark. That's Deep, and it still delivers. I am able to move the brush around the majority of my face without awkwardness--with the exception of my hairline, the brush grabs my little hairs closest to the hairline and gets them all wet (but it doesn't pull the hair, no worries there). The brush is quite portable, and I can use it while in the shower, however, I do believe that the brush is water RESISTANT, not water proof. So, don't fully immerse it in the water.

Also, I have been using the same brush head, which is really easy to put on and take off, since I started using the brush in mid-December. The batteries haven't run out either.

Now, as for the exfoliating cleanser, it is by far my favorite cleanser. The grit is fine, but effective. It feels like I am rubbing my face with finely-milled granules of sand. It is very gentle. However, I have noticed that using it every night with the brush is too much. Instead, I use the brush and exfoliating cleanser combo once a week, and I use the brush and regular cleanser the rest of the week.

Since I have been using the brush, my face has looked and felt great. Seriously, this, in combination with the Expert Scar Serum, has really helped clear up my skin. Even the blackheads that had set up permanent residence on my nose have slowly moved out. So yes, I would definitely buy replacement heads for this brush and feed it more batteries (the renewable ones though so as to not continue throwing away used batteries). And, yes, I would buy the exfoliating cleanser again, even though the individual price is a bit high ($17), but it is a really nice exfoliating cleanser, and the tube lasts a long time.

So, if you are intrigued and would like to try it out, I suggest you go to Costco to take advantage of the combo deal, or have a Costco-card toting friend to buy it for you, because 36.99 for the full-size cleanser, brush, batteries, and replacement head is a pretty damn good deal.

Rating:
Brush: 5 out of 5 happy wallets. A simple and effective concept for the brush. It gets the job done by adding an exfoliating value to your cleanser. My face felt much cleaner and brighter, and my breakouts have diminished.

Cleanser: 5 out of 5 happy wallets. I love the way this feels. It is by far, my favorite exfoliating cleanser I have tried. One thing to note. On the tube it says that it is gentle enough for every day use with the brush, but I think that is too much. So you gauge it depending on your skin.

Price:
Brush individually: $30 at Walmart, Target
Cleanser individually: $17 at Walmart, Target

At Costco, combo: $36.99

Pics

Boots+Expert=skincare, How's that for math, Ms. Teacher?

2011-01-30T16:38:00.010-05:00

Everyone is asleep in the house, and now I am scrambling to type out what I had journaled several days ago. First off, life has been good and busy. I am working full-time again, and enjoying it. Going back to work has jump-started me back into wearing makeup regularly. So, things are changing and beauty is coming back into my routine full force.

Now, let's get to a review that I have been excited to share. As many of your know I have a penchant for buying skincare products that help fade hyperpigmentation. Several months ago, while walking the target aisles, I cam across a very plainly packaged product from Boots Expert. The product is called "Boots Expert Scar Care Serum." Next to the last bottle was a discounted price of $7. I grabbed it on a whim, and I am super glad I did. Before seeing the Boots serum, I considered buying Mederma because my skin was not feeling smooth, my acne scar were prominent, and my foundation wasn't going on quite well. The only thing is that I really didn't want to pay for Mederma.

Truly, my acne scars aren't bad. They aren't deep nor big. However, they are still noticeable, and I do have to use a nice amount of concealer because they are dark red and brown in hue, and they appear to be little indentations in the skin.

After purchasing the product, I used it continuously twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. I applied a very little only to the areas necessary (cheeks, chin and forehead). The serum is cloudy-white, light, and has no fragrance. It glides on the skin and leaves a matte finish. There is no stickiness or slick feeling. As a matter of fact, it feels like a light makeup primer. At the beginning of using it, I noticed that my skin was peeling a little in the areas that I applied the serum. With exfoliation, the problem ceased, and after two weeks the dryness didn't come back. After three weeks, I started to notice that my skin felt softer, looked smoother, brighter, and the marks were fading ever so slightly. The fresher hyperpigmentation marks vanished after one and a half months, and the older marks--we are talking really old marks--faded enough to notice. I don't think the old, old marks will ever fade with over the counter products, but my face looks a heck of a lot brighter. My makeup glides on better, and I don't need as much concealer. I still use concealer, but I don't feel inclined to layer it on.

I have been really impressed with the results of using this product. Since my problem areas are so small, I have barely started to make a dent in the bottle. I have used the product for more than four months, and I am in love.

Actually, before I wrote this review, I took a break from using it to see if the marks would reappear more heavily, and they have not after a three-week break. I am back to using it for some blemishes that popped up. I think the quicker to attack the marks the more effective the serum.

This serum has not make me break out at all. Oh, and one day, Queen Fierce even commented on the evenness of my skin. I wasn't wearing makeup, and she was amazed at how my problem areas had improved.

Let me be clear, my face isn't 100% flawless, but the red and brown hue has fades significantly and my face feels smoother. I think this serum played a huge role in the improvement. I have also continued to exfoliate regularly, and I still use the Garnier moisturizer.

Rating:

5 out of 5 happy wallets. Reasonable price and I got excellent results! The 1.3 oz bottle comes with a pump, very hygienic and portable. I cannot rave about it enough.

Price: $8-$9 at Target, target.com (I got mine on sale for $7)

Where: Target

Pics

The scars on my cheek have been there for quite some time. They were noticeable and difficult to cover. It doesn't appear like it, but they were also very red.

See, not flawless, but the difference is noticeable. The two larger scars have faded and look less red. Some other scars have softened. I wanted to point on the new blemish because I haven't put on any serum on that as of yet.

It's about so much more than smokey eyes

2010-12-05T21:37:00.004-05:00

I think sometimes people hear conversations about makeup, and they just dismiss it. I see the eye rolls, and then hear the sighs of "oh goodness, here she goes again..." (not from my family, though. I am so fortunate to have such a supportive group of family). There are remarks like, "Well, it's just makeup." And these attitudes had me wondering why exactly I am so in love with this medium. For a time being, I was hard on myself. I was kind of ashamed to admit that I was so in love with makeup. I was scared people would think I was shallow because I would get excited to see a new quad, or fawn over a spectacular red lipstick. Oh, the possibilities.

Then, last night, I went to an event where I got to practice my makeup application skills. It was fun, and I delighted in talking with the models. One particular model just stole my heart. He is a charismatic, vibrant, fearless person. He wanted dramatic, smokey eyes. I said, "Whatever you want, hun." He sat down, and a page from Kevyn Aucoin's "Making Faces" immediately came to me. In this book, Mr. Aucoin did a steamy and edgy smokey eye on two men. It looked absolutely rockin' and bad ass.

While, I was packing my eyeshadow brush with black shadow to apply to Mr. Charisma, a passerby asked him, "What?! You getting your makeup done?" Mr. Charisma, said, "Yup!" Plain and Simple. Plain and Simple. He looked at me, and said, "I just think it is so much fun." I immediately responded, "I hear ya, and you don't have to explain shit to anyone." Not professional, but appropriate for the moment. This brings me to my reawakening to loving makeup: "It is just so much fun."

Makeup is another form of expression, another form of art. Makeup can emphasize our feelings, our opinions, our outlooks. It can hide what we want to maintain private, it can set us apart. It can give confidence. This is what I love about makeup. I love that Mr. Charisma indirectly reminded me of this. I love that he had the confidence to wear and enjoy it. I love that he walked out of the chair with his head held up high.

He also reminded me of something else: makeup should be considered universal. It is not exclusively for women. Any person should feel free to put it on. I know, the movement of acceptance is here. I love that is is growing, and it needs to continue to grow. No one should have to justify how he or she expresses him or herself. Sure, sometimes it might be difficult to understand, but these are learning moments, and we should always approach it with open minds.

So, Mr. Charisma, you rock. Kudos to you for doing what you feel, and feeling what you do. Don't lose that fire. You have inspired me to ignite mine again.

Products I am still using!

2010-11-29T19:47:00.007-05:00

I have reviewed a ton of products. I have bought countless others. I am tired, and my wallet pleaded for a break. So, as you know, a while back, I decided to truly look at my stash and become loyal to what works. By doing so, I have been able to save money and space.

Just to keep me on task, I want to document what I have been loyal to.

1) Duh! Garnier Nutritioniste: Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Daily Moisture Lotion SPF 28, (hydrates without feeling oily, helps fade spots over time. I have bought this twice. Once I am done with a random moisturizer left to be used up, I will buy my third bottle.) See review here.

2) Kirkland Signature Face wipes, Cleans face nicely, doesn't irritate, great price. One downfall, only sold at Costco. Boo hiss. see review here.

3) Urban Decay Primer Potion, Yeah, the container sucks, but seriously, what can I say. This works the longest on my lids. Close second and third: mark. Keep it Going longwear shadow duo in "exposure" (light side), and NYX jumbo eye sticks (very thin coating) respectively.

4) Curel Lotion, Pretty much have this all over the house. Place in little travel size bottles for purse. My hands don't feel the same without this. See review here.

5) Clean and Clear blackhead remover, I think this has been discontinued and replaced by something else, maybe the morning burst or something. Anyway, I enjoy this exfoliator. I bought refills several times. I just ran out, and I am trying the washcloth-as-exfoliator thing (read it in a skincare book) before I buy this product again. However, I haven't hesitated to repurchase this at all. see review here.

6) ecoTools makeup back collection by Alicia Silverstone, I received this to review a while back, and I am still using it. In fact, I never stopped using it. Held up when we went to Finland, NYC, NC, etc. Great bags. See review here.

7) Garnier Anti-Humidity hairspray with bamboo, still on the first can because I don't use it every day, but I love this hairspray. Smells good, flexible hold, and does deter many frizzies. See review here (*moan* miss my hair. Letting it grow out again).

8) mark. face xpert in natural, provides the coverage I need right now. Stays on pretty much all day for me, and is easy to take off. see review here

9) Rimmel Sexy Curves in regular and waterproof, I really like this mascara. When I am not wearing this one, I wear mark. scandalash. However, I have rebought Rimmel the most out of all my mascara purchases. See Rimmel review here

10) Aussie DEEEEP conditioner, I have been using this conditioner since college, more than six years ago. I never stray, never get tired. Now to find an awesome shampoo.

11) Maybelline Define-a-brow in dark and medium, I first bought the dark shade, then I realized it was too dark. Then I bought the medium, it works well, but I prefer the dark shade. So, I just blend, blend, blend. Either way, this pencil doesn't budge, is easy to maneuver, and I just like it a lot. I have bought several times (more of the dark than the medium shade.)

12) Avon Anew Reversalist Illuminating eye system, I saw Yamin Lebon in the commercial, and I was like "What?! Yasmin, you look crazy awesome. What cream?! What?! Lighten dark circles?! What?!" and I bought it. I went a while without using it, and I noticed a difference. I tried to finish another eye cream I had, and I just didn't like it. I went back to this cream. I am not going to say my dark circles are eliminated, but I will say I don't have to use much concealer, and I feel better going out without eye makeup. Plus, it hydrates my eyes very comfortably.

I must say it feels good to buy the same products. I feel less capricious, and my wallet is happy again.

"Nevermind your makeup, look at your awesome brush roll!"

2010-11-29T19:07:00.009-05:00

Over the years I have collected all of the brushes I will ever need for makeup application. So, now that the brushes are divided into "mine" and "theirs," I decided to search for a way to store them. At first, I threw them into a makeup bag and called it a day, but then I noticed that my face brushes were getting a little distorted, and the eye shadow brushes were losing shape. I had had a brush roll before, but it was for paint brushes, and it really wasn't gentle enough for my makeup brushes. Plus, I took an art class, and I needed the roll for my actual paint brushes.

One night while I was surfing the wonderful and exhilarating world of etsy.com, I came across a shop named "asoftblackstar." I immediately fell in love with the makeup bags and the brush rolls the artist created. After some back and forth about which pattern I liked, I bought a black, pink, and white damask large brush roll. (She sells different patterned fabric and different sizes.)

The best part was that I didn't have to wait long to receive the brush roll. Lotus, the shop owner, sent this item really quickly; I got the package in less than a week from Missouri. In addition, she wrote a personalized note, which I thought was a great extra touch (I am a sucker for detailed customer service). When I opened the package, I gasped. This brush roll is so absolutely pretty. The pattern is gorgeous and girly with edge. The quality is excellent and sturdy.

I quickly put my brushes in the roll, and everything fit well. My face brushes have some space to move in the larger pockets (number of pockets), which means I can just let them chill, or I could put some smaller brushes in there too. I just let them chill. Then, as the pockets continue, they get smaller and smaller. As far as the medium brush pockets, I can fit in three regular eyeshadow brushes. The pockets near the end can fit single eyeshadow brushes.

The brushes do not get caught in the fabric, and the hairs are not smushed after folding the top end and rolling it up. I have not washed the roll so I don't know how it hold a up, but on her etsy page, Lotus does say that the roll is machine washable, and she give instructions (cold water, mild detergent).

I have carried this brush roll around, and the brushes haven't escaped. The brush form is preserved, and is really pretty to show off.

So if you are looking for a brush roll, or if you have a makeup brush lover in your life who you would like to treat, definitely check out the asoftblackstar shop. I am totally in love with this purchase.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Happy wallets, What better than buying handmade? In addition, great quality, great customer service, and just beautiful product.

Price: for the large brush roll, $18.99, plus $2.00 shipping

Where: asoftblackstar (etsy shop)

Pictures

closed and lovely

open and vavoom!

Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure cleanser

2010-11-22T22:27:00.004-05:00

Remember when I raved about the Garnier moisturizer here? Well, I love that moisturizer so much that I decided to try other Garnier face products. I figured that if the moisturizer was so good and effective that I would have luck with another Garnier product. Not True.

After I finished my Clean and Clear blackhead eraser pads, I decided to try another exfoliating cleanser just to see what there is (I still love the blackhead eraser pads.). So, I decided to try the Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Daily Exfoliating Gel Cleanser. The cleanser claims to be gentle enough for every day use, oil free, purifies clogged pores, and minimizes appearance of pores. Oh and it offers smooth skin. I really don't care if it minimizes my pores. I know there are there. The pores will always be there. They will not change. The do not get smaller. I have learned to love them. However, I love to have smooth skin. The foundation glides on better; I don't have to use as much makeup, and well, it just feels better. So my main goals are to help prevent acne (going through some adult outbreaks), maintain smooth skin, and help exfoliate dead skin to accelerate scar fading.

When i first started using this exfoliating cleanser several months ago, I fell in love with it. The grit was gentle; the cleanser smells delightful; my face felt smooth, and it left a lovely tingly sensation after I rinsed my face. So, I was like, "ooohhhh, I cannot wait to review this!" Well, I am glad I waited because I start to break out. A LOT. And the blemishes weren't small. They were whoppers, in areas where I hadn't had blemishes before. Since I got pimples where I hadn't before, I decided to hold back on the amount of times I was using this cleanser (I was using it every night). The pimples remained. Then, I decided to eliminate the exfoliator, and eventually my blemishes stopped coming. Since I have stopped using the cleanser, I have noticed that my outbreaks have diminished in the places where I never get them. I am still getting the hormonal ones (they always come in the same spot.). So, I figured this was the culprit. I am not a super skincare sleuth, but I know my skin. So, I have deduced that this might have been what was causing the outbreaks.

So, of course, I didn't want to throw away the product, so I decided to use it on my arms, legs, and back. Guess what, I started to get bumps on my thighs, upper arm (I don't get bumpy there), and lower back (where i could reach). So, I stopped using this cleanser, and my thighs and arms have cleared up. I guess I will just use this cleanser on my feet and hands until I use it all up.

Needless, to say this cleanser did not work on my oily, acne-prone skin. It's a shame because the cleanser feels great and it isn't drying at all.

Oh well. Before I go back to the Clean and Clear, I am going to just use a washcloth and some simple face cleanser to clean the face. By the way, I had some generic Neutrogena face wash from Target, and that has really helped to fight the pimples.

Oh, and I just finished my second bottle of the Garnier moisturizer that I love. I will be moving on to the third bottle. It is great to find something that works.

Rating
1 out of 5 happy wallets (Would be great if it didn't break me out.)
Price: around $6
Where: Walmart, Target, drugstores

Not related sidenote
BTW, I have been busy reading beauty books, so I will write a review on the books I have liked. Also, I have been focusing on building my mark. business. So, if you are interested, swing on by to my tahnialovesmark.blogspot.com blog, which focuses on mark. looks and products.

Intense like a romance novel (caution: female and male parts mentioned)

2010-10-25T22:35:00.008-04:00

As you can see, I like to write. I like to read about writing, and I have even taken some classes on writing. I even considered writing romance novels because one time during one of my writing classes we were given an assignment to expand upon a scenario. My version took on a mysterious, sexy tone. I did not intend it to go that way, but I went with it. The classmates were asking for a cold drink after reading the writing, and my ego got inflated.

So, then out of curiosity I decided to do a little research on romance novels. I went to the library and checked out some books. If I could get through them, I might consider checking out the how-to-write-a-rattle-your-readers'-libidos books. I was enthusiastic. I was cocky, I figured it wouldn't be difficult to create coy dialog, and sly--but intensely--explain exactly what his throbbing member would do to her enveloping...well you get the picture. Or maybe you don't because as it turns out, I just couldn't get into even reading the novels. Half the time, I was losing my patience with the damsel in distress (Just friggin' use the plunger. You can do that little plumbing job!); or I would lose interest as soon as the writer described the object of desire as having long hair and tight jeans. I prefer bald men who wear dark wash, relaxed fit, straight leg jeans, thank you very much. Plus, I am a realist. I look at relationships and think, "Where is this going? Sure, these emotions are intense, but are they real? No? Well, time to move on."
Honestly, it's a miracle I met the Scholar and I got married, because I am the type of person who really didn't see myself with a partner. Actually, just several days before meeting my now husband, I had announced that I really didn't have a need for a man. I just wasn't a good dater. I don't like small talk and I get bored easily. Plus, when I get nervous, I get gassy. So half of the time during the date I would be praying a fart didn't escape. (Oh, there is a funny story somewhere in there.)

Anyway, I realized that I don't have the creative chops to get lost enough in fantasy to create a long enough story. I second doubt why a character would do one thing, or settle for the other. Plus, finding all those words to describe penis and vagina is just tiresome.

So, to you romance writers, Kudos! You are able to abandon yourselves. You allow yourself to be transported to somewhere else where intensity is encouraged, and you make sense of it all. Plus, you are able to give many people an escape into a fantasy land. Oh, and you know how to describe penises and vaginas without saying the actual words. That is a masterful use of the language.

Okay, what does this have to do with makeup. Nothing really, except for the fact that the women in these novels wear makeup and being that everything is in it's place, their makeup doesn't run, so they are probably wearing the eyeliner I am about to review (Whew, that was an awesome segue, and a stretch of a connection.). Also, the INTENSITY, baby!

While Pink Traincase was around (I miss her!), she introduced us to Prestige Total Intensity Long Lasting Intense Color eyeliner. She raved about its longevity, intensity, and stayputtedness (You like the word? I made it up. Maybe word contributor is in my future.). I was intrigued, and I ran out to get it.

After buying it, it sat in my draw for a while because I got tired of wearing black eyeliner. I am back on the black eyeliner bandwagon, and this eyeliner is pretty damn awesome.
The color--I got blackest black--is truly very pigmented. The formula is soft and seriously just glides on the skin like a gel-liner. If you act quickly, you can do a smudge look, but you must act quickly because this liner set rapidly. Once set, the liner stays 99% put on your eye; there can be a very minor amount of creeping. The liner isn't difficult to sharpen. I haven't had one frustrating moment of the pencil breaking while I am sharpening it, and I have been able to get a sharp point to it. Also, this liner isn't difficult to take off. It does get a little messy since it is high on pigment, but it isn't ridiculous like the Wet n' Wild gel liner (that stuff is like spackle!).

I have been able to do a cat eye look with this liner without the line being too thick, which is awesome for a pencil. Really, this pencil is like a cream liner is pencil form. As far as the staying power on the waterline, it is pretty good. I don't wear liner on the waterline every day or all day, so it is difficult for me to give a thorough review on that. Would I buy this again? Yes! If I were a protagonist in a romance novel would I wear this before spending the night over at my lover's house and not worry about raccoon eyes? Kind of. The line will be intact, but a tiny bit of color might creep down. Just a smidgen though, barely noticeable.

So, that's that. I will stick to journal writing and wear this pencil routinely. Has anyone else tried this liner? Your impressions? Do you like romance novels? Maybe I am reading the wrong ones.

More reviews to come.

Rating:
4.8 out of 5 happy wallets--great liner, a little creeping of pigment, but overall does what it says.

Price: around $6
Where: Rite-Aid, Ulta (not all drugstores carry this one)

Pics:

Size in comparison to Rimmel Sexy Curve. The pencil is a little longer than the mascara tube without the brush cap included.

a nice matte black line

Busy testing

2010-10-18T23:55:00.004-04:00

I have been busy testing some products for this blog. Right now, I have been using

Prestige Total Intensity eyeliner (very nice, more later)

Garnier Nutri-Pure daily exfoliator (loved at first, but I think we might have to break up.)

Clearasil Overnight Acne lotion (or something like that, anyway, pretty nice)

Bare Essentials primer

Also, I was thinking about revisiting my previous reviews. Leave a note if you want to know about any specifics.

Hope everyone is doing well!

It's like the Makeup Angels spit on my face (MUFE Mist and Fix)

2010-09-24T21:19:00.004-04:00

LOL, that title just grosses me out and cracks me up at the same time. I am 30 going on 14.

A very long time ago, I cruised into Sephora with a gift card to use up. There wasn't much on it, and I didn't want to spend too much either. So, I looked around at the little travel size section the store has, and I found the travel size bottle of Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Mist and Fix. I got it not really knowing what it was, but I was curious to find out. Then, after buying the bottle, it just sat on my dresser for about two months because I didn't know how to approach this little bottle of mist. I had used misting sprays before to set my makeup, but I had not really been truly, long-term impressed with any of them. I decided to become a major sleuth and I went on Sephora.com to learn what this Mist and Fix truly did. According to Sephora, this spray "sets makeup and prolongs hold, even in extreme conditions."

One day, I decided to finally open up the bottle and spritz the substance on my face. (Note to those who have not used this travel-sized version: the sprayer is aggressive. Instead of feeling a mist of setting liquid, I encountered several large drops on my face. So, I had to do some soft patting with my MAC 187 to disperse the mist. After my first try, I decided to go ahead and spray down my MAC 187 and pat that all over my face to set my makeup. Then, after several tries, I decided to spray the mist in the air and walk my face into the mist, which really was my favorite way to set my makeup.) After I sprayed the Mist and Fix on, I thought, "Meh, I am not so sure this is as awesome as I might think it could be." However, as the day progressed, I noticed that my face developed a really pretty glow, not oily at all, and my makeup was intact. Did I mention I started using this product during the summer?

So, after the first day, I continued to use it, and then I created a habit of using it every day (the bottle lasted for about 2.5 months). I have really grown to appreciate this product. Mist and Fix feels very soft and light on the face. It doesn't feel like I am wearing a setting mist on my face; it doesn't feel like hairspray. Mist and Fix feels like a refreshing toner that happens to work double duty in keeping my makeup intact for more than eight hours. After several weeks of constant use, I asked myself if I would be willing to buy the full-sized bottle at $27. After considering my oily skin, my constant battle at keeping my makeup intact, my all-over schedule, and my hormones making me sweat more profusely, I came to the decision that I could invest in this product. It really is a great product, and I just use two spritzes a day, so the full-size bottle would last a while for me.

Now, the reason I can't tell you how long the full-sized bottle would last is because I haven't bought it yet. The last time I walked into Sephora, to look for it because I used up my travel-sized bottle, they were out of it. So, in the meantime, I got a sample of the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray, just to see how it compared. The sales associate gave me a generous sample of the All Nighter. So, I lived with the product for some time. Let me tell you, I prefer MUFE's Mist and Fix. The All Nighter feels a littler dryer on my face, and it caused me to break out on my chin. The All Nighter did really work at setting, but MUFE was a little gentler on my face. Plus the Mist and Fix is less expensive than the All Nighter and it has a little more.

Oh, but I just remembered, there is the Model in a Bottle setting mist too. So, I might try that out the Model in a Bottle before I settle on the Mist and Fix, but I don't feel inclined to buy the UDPP All Nighter.

Does anyone else like to use these setting mists? Has anyone encountered the Model in a Bottle setting mist?

Rating:
5 out of 5 happy wallets. I mean, my wallet isn't too happy about the price of a full-size bottle (4.22 oz) at $27, but I haven't found anything that compared at a lower price level. Plus, my face feels nice, and I don't have to use blotting papers or worry about transfer. Now, the travel size bottle (.84 oz) costs $8, which is budget friendly, and it can last for several months depending on usage. The travel size is a great opportunity to try it.

Price: $8 (travel), $27 (full size)
Place: Sephora, Sephora.com

Photo from Sephora.com

I guess this means I am in a relationship (Garnier moisturizer)

2010-09-15T07:43:00.008-04:00

So, ever since I packed everything I own, I have been very aware of everything I have. And it is just way, way too much. So, I purged: I threw away and I gave away. I am not a hoarder, but I went through a phase of needless buying. I have an idea why I did it: I was in a bored state of mind, and so I shopped. Absolutely unnecessary. I should have just upped my volunteer time and read more books. However, here we are. The epiphany came when it needed to come.

As mentioned in my previous post, I have limited my purchases, and I am so glad with my progress. Now, I have the satisfaction of finishing products and recycling the bottle. (Honestly, Beautifully Glossy inspired "Project Finish.") That hadn't happened to me since I was in high school. Can you believe I discovered that other than beauty products, I also had an obsession with toothbrushes and cleaning supplies? I had no idea I had more than 15 toothbrushes and countless bottles of disinfectant. The good thing, my house will stay clean for a very long time, and my teeth will always have a brush.

As far as beauty stuff, I have multiple bottles of conditioner (I am working that down like a champ.), many bottles of shampoo (now multitasking as shave soap), and skincare stuff.

One day, I just said, "T, you need to live a simple life surrounded by fewer products. Get rid of the excess!" So, I sat down surrounded by my excess, two boxes, and a corner. One box was for trash, the other for donate, and the corner for keep. I threw away a ton of stuff that was expired or just undesirable to anyone. I gave away new stuff and the multitude of little hotel bottles. I kept only what I needed, or what was a duplicate of what I used daily. The Garnier Nutritioniste: Skin Renew Anti-Sun-Damage Daily Moisture Lotion SPF 28 survived, solely because it has the longest name a moisturizer could have, and because I had just bought it.

I am glad it made the cut, because I think I am in a relationship, and I think it might be long-term. I have been using this moisturizer for several months. As a matter of fact, I finished my first bottle, and I have bought a second bottle. I am half-way through this current bottle, and I plan on buying the same one when I am done. This is how much I appreciate the moisturizer.

I have dark spots on my face. They are old acne scars that fight to go away. I have had a constant struggle with them, and the moment time has faded away some stubborn spots, one wild pimple pops up to leave another mark. I have come to accept this reality. My face will never look fully blemish-free. Even though I have reluctantly accepted this, I am always interested in products that advertise more radiant, less spotted skin. Hence my attraction to this Garnier moisturizer.

This Anti-Sun-Damage moisturizer claims to help diminish existing sun damage on the skin. It states that after several weeks of use (I think it is about 4 weeks of steady use) you will see more even skin. Oh, and it does offer SPF 28 (random number, I know).

At first, I was very skeptical, but I figured that I would buy it again because it is very hydrating, not heavy, and doesn't break me out at all. Then after several weeks of use (I use day and night), I noticed that my face looked more even-toned, cleaner. Then, several weeks later, I noticed that I needed less foundation, and I didn't have to use as much concealer as I tend to. In fact, there are days that I go fully without makeup. My face isn't totally spot-free, but it looks a lot better than it did before. So, I became fully committed to this moisturizer.

Also, the bottle is slim and green with a locking pump (great for travel). The bottle is 2.5 oz, and is not as big as it looks in commercials and pictures. When I first got the box, I was surprised at how small it looked. For me--using two full pumps, twice a day--the bottle lasted about two and a half to three months, give or take a week. The price was reasonable at $10-11.

I am really impressed with this moisturizer. Actually, I am so impressed with Garnier that I have ventured into another product; I just bought the Daily Exfoliating scrub. I just ran out of the Clean and Clear Blackhead Eraser pads (second replacement after taking a hiatus), and I figured I would try something else for the same price (The scrub is around 5 bucks.). So we shall see if Garnier comes through with the cleanser as well.

Has anyone tried this moisturizer? Any other Garnier products? Drop a line and let me know. I am also intrigued with the under eye roller ball for dark circles. Has anyone tried this? I have to finish the eye cream I am wearing now, but that will be the next purchase.

photo from garnier website

Rating:
5 out of 5 happy wallets. I didn't expect much, so that might affect my rating, but this product really has made my face look more even.

Price: $10-$12 (depending where you buy)

Where: Walmart, Target, drugstores

Guilt and Candidness

2010-09-14T21:43:00.003-04:00

I have been gone for a very long time, and I am flooded by guilt. However, a lot has gone on during my time away. My family moved, I am pursuing other hobbies, and some other stuff. Plus, I was so incredibly overwhelmed by all of the beauty stuff I had that I made a vow to not buy anything unless I needed to replace it, or if it was mark. (just because, I love mark. stuff, and I have cut back on that too).

Here's the other thing, I am not wearing much makeup AT ALL. Most of my makeup is stored in a plastic container, tucked under the bed. So, I kept looking at the the blog, and wondering what to do with it. At first, I lost motivation to write due to laziness, then I stayed away because of guilt. Now, I don't know. I don't want to get rid of this blog because I love to write, and I love the sense of community. But, at the same time, I don't want to promise to come back and then not write at all.

I need to be rational. I still want to review and share, but I might start writing once a month, or when I get inspired. Then I can assess the situation. This blog is like a journal. I have the journal on my nightstand, but I don't write in it every night. Sometimes I am consistent, and then other times, I am like, "Oh, hi! What am I supposed to do with you, notebook?"

So yeah, this is where I stand. Do any other bloggers go through this? How do you keep momentum?

Alright, gonna turn in for now, but I do want to share my love for a moisturizer I found (have already replaced. It feels so good to finish products!)

My lashes are a brickhouse!

2010-06-10T20:59:00.007-04:00

My experience with Rimmel Sexy Curves is a great lesson learned. You see, I had heard several people rave about how wonderful this mascara was. I also heard that the brush was not gimmicky at all. So, once I was finished with my CG Fantastic Lash and my L'oreal Voluminous, I decided to move onto this much raved about mascara. To be honest, at first I really was unimpressed with the mascara, and I vowed to never purchase it again. However, several months later--I have no idea why--I decided to pick this mascara up again. Oh, wait! Actually, I remember why. My favorite mascara, CG Fantastic Lash, had been discontinued and in my disillusionment I quickly decided on the Rimmel Sexy Curves mascara again. I think Cheeks was also getting restless and was starting to throw things out of the cart, so I panicked and just grabbed it.

When I came home, I asked myself why I wanted to be disappointed again, but the second chance gods were on my side because I have fallen in love with this mascara.

After the second try, it took me some time to get used to it. During my learning process, I quickly found out that the first disappointing rendezvous was not because of the mascara, it was because of me. The first time I tried the mascara, I was doing the traditional plant the brush at the base of the lashes and wiggle, wiggle, wiggle all the way up to the tip of the lashes. This standard move was creating clumps and leaving my lashes looking crusty. Now, after some experimenting the second time around, I discovered that the best way to apply this mascara (at least for me) was to plant the brush at the base, wiggle slightly in order to grab as many lashes as possible, and then just glide the brush up all the way to the tip. PERFECTO! With the "gliding" technique, I was able to get more volume without clumping and more length. Lovely.

Now, above I mentioned that "alleged" gimmicky brush. (Rimmel states that the "triple plump brush curves IN for volume and curves OUT for maximum curl." The brush itself is very voluptuous. It has two"valleys" and three "hills." see here) Well, I can't scientifically verify if it works or not, but I can say that my lashes do appear more curled without using the lash curler. So it's doing something right. When I do use the lash curler, the mascara works excellently to sustain the curl for the entire day.

I have been wearing the regular formula (a waterproof formula is available) and I have not encountered any smudging, flaking, nor irritation. Just a wonderful product that took me time to learn how to use.

I just love how my lashes have vavoom after one coat and babowww after two coats. I already have a backup waiting for me. I will be buying this mascara from here on out!

Oh yeah, and best part, in addition to the drugstores having sales on Rimmel, you can also find $1.00 off coupons in the Sunday paper from time to time. Booyah!

So, overall lesson: sometimes, it is worth giving something a second chance. Oh, and I guess I was also reminded that sometimes it is not the product's fault.

Rating:
5 out of 5 happy wallets. I can't blame it if I didn't know how to apply it at the beginning. This mascara holds curl, gives volume, and when people look at me they feel a sudden urge to make out with my sexy lashes (not really).

Price: around $6 at drugstores, Walmart, Target

Pics:

Quick note: must proclaim (revisit California Mango)

2010-05-13T22:24:00.003-04:00

It's getting late, and I must turn in soon, but I must proclaim that I am STILL very much in LOVE with the California Mango Mend cuticle balm. I have been religiously applying this balm to my feet every night before bed, and I must say that my feet are super, super soft. In addition, my cuticles on my feet and hands are looking great. I am even applying the balm on my elbows for good measure.

So, I plan on doing a "revisit" entry talking about if I am still using some of the items I have reviewed, and this is just a quick glimpse. (Leave a request for an update on any of the products I have reviewed.).

I had originally given this item a 3.5 rating, but after using it for a longer time, I have got to increase the rating to a 4.5. The item is still greasy, and the fragrance is heavy, but the effects are spectacular. I had mildly dry feet, and I haven't had to file them AT ALL! This balm has totally soften the heels. This is a definite, definite repurchase.

"The wipes are right next to the 550 gallons of olive oil."

2010-05-11T21:46:00.006-04:00

I like to buy bulk toilet paper. In fact, it annoys me when I have to make emergency runs to buy little packages of toilet paper. I don't know why, but I must have five bajillion rolls of toilet paper close by at all times. I keep the multiple rolls in the laundry room, and periodically migrate six or more rolls into the bathroom so that I don't have to yell out for help, or have to shake and go (Because seriously, shake and go doesn't work for ANYONE!).

I think my toilet paper hang up stems from when I was a child. One of Queen Fierce's pet peeves was to go to the bathroom, get down to business and then reach for the toilet paper and only find the empty roll. We were trained to always have replacements ready. Anyway, when I got older, my mom got a membership to Price Club, or now known as Costco (For those who are not familiar, this is a warehouse store that sells goods in bulk. For instance, if you are in need of a 50 gallon tub of mustard and 600 pounds of dog food, or in my case a 550 sheets of toilet paper, you can find it here. You must pay a membership fee, but the deals are pretty good if you buy in bulk. They have good deals on other things that aren't horrifically big.). For the most part, I found the trips boring, except for when we got to the paper goods aisle. Oh to see the mountain of toilet paper just waiting to be used. I always had the honor of picking the whopping package of toilet paper.

Now that I am older and have my own membership, I have discovered that this bulk warehouse offers more than just awesome amount of toilet paper. It also offers thousands of sheets of baby wipes, vats of olive oil, and most importantly, a most excellent makeup wipe!

Yes, Costco has its own brand (Kirkland Signature) of makeup remover wipes: the Daily Facial Cleasing Towelettes! I must admit, I did not make this discovery on my own; I learned about it on Xsparkage's page on YouTube a year ago. She gave it a raving review, and I decided to pick up a box on my next trip to Costco. Now, I must say that I took a risk because if they didn't work for me then I was gonna be stuck with 150 wipes; however, there is happy news! The risk paid off because I have grown very loyal to these wipes.

So here is the nitty gritty. One hundred fifty wipes are divided into four 30-count soft packs with a hard plastic lid and two 15-count soft packs meant for travel without the hard plastic lid. The wipes are 6x8 inches. One side of the wipe has a criss-cross texture, while the other side is soft. The wipes have a very, very subtle fresh scent to them, and they are suitably saturated for a full face makeup removal. In addition, the wipes claim to work on all skin types. I have normal to oily skin that is breakout prone, and this wipe has not caused one pimple. In fact my face misses it when I do not use this wipe.

The wipes are alcohol and oil-free, and they have chamomile, triple tea complex (whatever that means), and vitamin E. The wipes cost around $11 to $12. This is a steal considering I was paying $6-$7 for 25 to 30 wipes before.

This wipe has managed to remove my layers of Revlon Colorstay spackle, my caps of concealer, and my coats of mascara (the mascara leaves a little residue, but it does a lot of the ground work before washing my face). After using the wipe, my skin doesn't feel tight, dry, nor oily (the other extreme). In fact, if I am wearing light makeup and am too lazy to do the entire face wash routine, I will just use this wipe and go to sleep, and I don't regret it the next morning. However, usually, I will follow the wipe with a face wash, toner, and moisturizer. This box of wipes lasts me about six months. Oh My Gosh! The SAVINGS! My wallet is having orgasms just thinking of it. Now, if they were only biodegradable the world would have orgasms too.

Now, I am not just excited about buying toilet paper, but I am also ecstatic about buying face wipes. I never imagined I would find something that would produce more glee than massive amounts of toilet paper ;-) (just a reminder, totally tongue in cheek).

So here I am announcing to the world that I love to wipe my butt and my face with Kirkland Signature products (was that too much there? Yeah, but hey, like the book says, "Everybody Poops," and washes their faces. right? right?).

So, if you have a membership and like to use makeup remover wipes, this is a product to definitely try.

If you use these wipes, let me know what you think. I'll be back for more.

Much love

Rating:
5 out of 5 happy wallets
Price: $11 to 12$ for 150 wipes
Where: Costco

Pics

Contest Winners--EcoTools eye brush kit.

2010-04-07T02:29:00.002-04:00

Congrats to Selecu and Nomie! They have won the eye brush tool kits.
Thanks to everyone who participated. I hope everyone is doing well. Over here, we are in the process of preparing for some life changes, hence the lack of posts.

I'll be back...

Talk to you soon.

ecoTools Giveaway!

2010-03-16T19:08:00.002-04:00

I have been meaning to post this giveaway for a while, but tiredness and the TV show "Psych" get in the way. By the way, did anyone see the season finale? Any insights you care to share? The very end totally threw me off.

Anyway, The promoters of ecoTools were nice enough to provide two brand-spanking new 6-piece Bamboo Eye brush sets to give away to my readers. Click here to see the pictures and review of the brush set. I didn't have the best luck, but this doesn't mean that the winners will have the same result.

The kind people who provided these new sets also led me to several youtube videos that share great beginner tips about makeup application using ecoTools brushes. I have included the videos for your viewing pleasure. I like the videos because they are direct, clear and short. As a matter of fact, I use the same technique to create a cat eye, and it took me years to figure out exactly how to do it this way. I wish this video existed when I was learning the technique.

Here are the videos (bear with me, this is the first time I have embedded video):
"Cat Eye"

"Flawless Face"

"Smokey Eye" (featuring the 6-piece set)

"Touch up Face" (featuring the 6-piece set)

Okay, so here are the ground rules for the giveaway:

1) Become a follower, if you aren't one already. (The follow button in on the sidebar.)

2) View the makeup application videos on youtube featured above.

3) Leave a comment in the comment section under this post, and share your favorite tip from one of the videos (or all of them). Also, leave your first name, and an email where I can contact you. If you want to keep your email private, be sure to email me your info. (email in the sidebar)

4) Cross your fingers, spin around twice, and watch five episodes of Gilmore Girls (just kidding! Just wait for the results.)

The Deadline to enter is March 26, 2010 at 11:59 pm est.

There will be two winners, they will be chosen at random, and I will contact the winners before announcing. If the winner doesn't respond, I will draw again. This time the contest will be open to the US and its "territories" (PR, Guam, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, etc.).

Good luck!

bras and brushes...

2010-02-24T08:30:00.011-05:00

At the beginning of this month I received a really cute 6-piece bamboo eye brush set from ecoTools, which is perfect for travel. It has taken me awhile to get around to this review because I have been trying to figure out if the brushes work for me. While I was trying these brushes out, they reminded me of something very crucial in the makeup world: brushes are like the perfect bra. I mean we are on the constant quest to find the bra that is pretty, but at the same time has the engineering to offer lift, support, comfort, cleavage (or separation at times), smoothness, and other qualities. I mean, many of us don't want a bra that just lets the girls hang so that they look like a love handle, and I know many don't want a bra that pokes poeple's eyes out as we turn the corner. These extremes bring me to another point, bras really are a matter of personal preference. Granted there is a standard we look for (support, comfort, style), but overall the rest is up to our desires. For instance, I like the rocket boob look; I like to give off the impression that men might get hurt if they touch without permission. Whereas, other women like the breast to look like pretty mounds of soft suppleness. Great! Beautiful! Diversity in boobs!

Before, I continue to talk about breasts--such a great topic--let me bring it back to makeup brushes. There is a softness, a firmness, and a size to all of these brushes we constantly try out. I mean, we makeup lovers hear time and again about the importance of one's brushes. Without these essential tools, makeup is next to nothing. Really, how to do you think you will accomplish a beautiful, precise cut crease if you don't have the perfect dense, but soft, pointed crease brush that isn't too large nor too small? Seriously, that MAC 224 is NOT a one size fit all. Beauty bloggers can give you the best, most accurate review possible on these brushes, so that you can go to the store and have a better idea, but really you don't know until you try out the brush for yourself. Just like with the bras, you don't know exactly how they will make your mammary glands look until your wear a top over said bra.

So anyway (Did I digress again? I think I know the source of my obsession.), back to this bamboo brush set. This 6-piece brush set is really cute, extremely portable, soft bristles, handy mirror. Unfortunately, the brushes didn't work well for my eye size and shape. Let me elaborate.

This brush set contains 1) a large eye brush, 2) an angled crease brush, 3) a petite eye shading brush, 4) a highlighting brush, 5) a smudge brush, and 6) the case with the mirror (considered part of the six piece). Each brush has the function stamped in the handle for easy application. So, the large eye brush is suggested for blending, the angled is designated for crease work and outer "v" work and so forth. When adhering to the assigned purpose the brushes work really well. However, I did have a problem using any of the brushes for all over lid application. The large brush was just too big for my lid, and I handle angled brushes very awkwardly.

My sample kit did not include the highlighting brush, so I can't review that. However, I did have an appreciation for the petite eye shading brush. The petite eye shading brush was nice to use when I wanted a defined outer "v" or crease. It worked nicely to go into the inner corner of the lid as well. This particular brush could work well to smudge too. The smudge brush is really a smallish, fluffy brush, which does not lend itself to great control when wanting to carefully smudge liner. Now if you just want to smudge the liner so that it is faintly there, or for a smokey look, then this brush works excellently for that. I did tend to find the pouch with the mirror very convenient when I wanted to get a closer look as I applied makeup.

All in all, I see myself mostly using the petite eye shading brush for definition and the large eye brush strictly for blending. The rest of the brushes really don't work for my eyes or my needs.

If you have a good amount of lid space and are in need of a portable brush kit, then take a gander at this, but really, ecoTools has more versatile brushes available.

The 6-piece Bamboo eye brush set (closed) next to a CD sleeve for perspective.

6-piece open (I have two angled brushes, but the set actually has one angled brush and an highlighting brush.)

The Large Eye Brush

The Angled Crease Brush

The Petite Eye Shading Brush

The Smudge Brush

Rating:
3 out of 5 happy wallets (The price is great at $7.99 for 5 brushes and the pouch. Also, the size is great for travel, and the brushes are soft, but they lack versatility and won't work with many eye lid sizes. Just like the bra situation, the potential is there; it might work for others, but the brushes didn't cut it for me.)

Price: $7.99

Where: drugstores, Target, www.ecotools.com

Note on review: I did receive these product to review. However, I was not paid for writing a review, and I always vow to be honest. The gratis products did not sway my opinion one way or another.

Sing along and bronze the face at the same time!

2010-02-12T16:39:00.011-05:00

When I was really young, and full of even more outrageous dreams than I am now, I thought I would grow up to become a singer. There were certain songs that would trigger this dream within. These songs would make my heart pound and my lips quiver. I could taste the satisfaction of delivering my emotions in melody.

One song meant the world to me. I remember riding in the back of Queen Fierce's car listening to the radio just praying that my song would come on. Then, when I would lose all faith that my song was in rotation, my ears would hear the introductory notes of the best song I had encountered in my young life: "The Greatest Love of All," sung by Whitney Houston.

Oh man!! That song just made me feel alive. The way Whitney Houston's voice would emit hope, love, strength. Her voice just gave me chills, and I would get the sudden urge to belt out the lyrics like she did. So, I sat in the back of the car just letting out everything I had within me. If I had been in a karaoke competition I would have won two awards, one for most emotion and one for worst voice.

Here's the thing, in order to successfully pull off a sing-along, one needs the best mock microphone around. Many use a brush, their hair dryer, or like me, their balled up fist. However, those just don't work it. Until now, thankfully, EcoTools has come out with a mondo Bamboo bronzer brush* that works perfectly as a mock microphone. In addition, the brush is a great makeup tool too.

the Bamboo bronzer brush makes quite the first impression. The brush head is densely packed, rounded, and very soft. The handle is very thick in diameter and mid-size in length. I am used to seeing bronzer/kabuki brushes with shorter handles, so I didn't know how I would like working with this brush.

At first, I tried this brush strictly with my bronzer, and it worked well. It did what it had to do, it picked up a subtle amount of bronzer and softly delivered the color. The bristles are so soft, that it helps to diffuse heavy pigmentation. I thought, "Okay, this is a nice brush. It feels like I have velvety feathers caressing my face, and I doesn't leave dirty bronzer streaks all over my face." Then, I decided to try the bronzer brush with my everyday minerals foundation, which I had not touched in a while because I was tried of having to buff the stuff in. Well, this is when the brush really stood out (other than for playing the role of the microphone). First, I dipped the brush in the mineral powder, then I tapped off the excess, and buffed the foundation onto my face. I was surprised at how well the foundation was evenly spread, how little I had to truly buff, and how nice the finish was.

See, the reason why I had not been wearing the mineral foundation, even though it offers the perfect skin match, is because I tend to use the everyday minerals flat top brush with it, and I was getting tired of how heavy my face looked when applying the foundation with this brush. Then I tried the everyday mineral kabuki brush with the foundation, but the coverage was just too sheer for my taste, and the mixture I use is not a sheer finish. (FYI, I use a mixture of the semi-matte, matte, and a touch of the intensive formulas in golden medium and buttered tan to get the perfect match.) So, I just put the brushes and the foundation aside, until now. Now, I kind of can't wait to put my foundation on again. I attribute this excitement to the bronzer brush.

The brush is fuller than the everyday mineral kabuki, which helps in delivering more coverage, I think (remember, just my ideas, I'm no scientist). Also, since it is round, it doesn't deposit a crazy amount of foundation like the flat top brush does. This brush has significantly cut back on the amount of time I have to buff the mineral foundation.

However, just to let you know, the thick handle did take some getting used to. None of my other brush handles are as thick at this handle, and so this handle felt a little cumbersome. After several times, I got the hang of manipulating the handle, but it wasn't instantly comfortable. Also, this brush take FOR-EVAH to dry after washing. I washed it around 8 pm and it still wasn't dry at 2 or 3 pm the next day (it was on the damp side). It was fully dry around 4 or 5 pm. So, it feels like you have to plan ahead when washing this brush.

I received this brush to review, but I would definitely buy another one so that I could rotate them between washes. This is a worthwhile brush.

So if you don't have a decent bronzer/kabuki brush, check this one out.

Pics

Rating
4 out 5 happy wallets (very nice brush, but takes a while to dry and get used to the handle)
Price: $9.99 (really nice price for the quality. In fact, I think I might just buy a backup)
Where: local drugstores or check here www.eco-tools.com

*Note on review: I did receive these product to review. However, I was not paid for writing a review, and I always vow to be honest. The gratis products did not sway my opinion one way or another.

lipstick as toys

2010-02-10T13:56:00.006-05:00

In my desire to give my Avon lipsticks some attention, I decided to pull them out so that I could swatch them for the blog. I figured it would be good for them to see the light of day and the world (oh so presumptuous) to have a better idea of what the lipstick shades look like because the swatches that Avon offers are sub par. Therefore, you see a shade that you think you are going to love. You order the shade, receive it, and proceed to feel a rush of disappointment and disillusionment.

In my quest to save you money, I did my best to capture the shades a little better. Before I proceed with the swatches, let me show you what happened.

Yup, that is Cheeks holding the lipsticks. He baby-handled each and every single tube I pulled out. He would speed crawl to a tube, hold it, pet it, squeeze it, and then proceed to put it in his mouth. When he was done drenching the outside and leaving two or three tooth marks on the case, he would throw the tube to the floor and grab another lipstick. This kid will definitely become familiar with makeup. He has no other choice.

First, let's attack the Ultra Color Rich mousse lipsticks. These are very creamy and claim to provide pigment and moisture (the extra moisture comes from the moisturizing core that we are seeing more and more in lipsticks). These lipsticks do deliver great pigment, extreme creaminess, and they are not drying. Along with the pigment, they also offer a pretty sheen to them. However, there is a distinct smell to the them that doesn't agree with me. The lipsticks smell like flowers and Vaseline. Not entirely offensive, but definitely noticeable. I think the moisturizing core attributes to the smell. I don't tend to wear these lipsticks very often because the shades are very deep, and I haven't been in the mood to wear deep shades in a while.

I looked on the Avon website, and it seems like these aren't on the market anymore, but here are the swatches in case you come across them in the outlet.

My favorite shades are rum raisin, truffle, and very vixen. However, I really have to be in the mood for these.

Next, the regular Ultra Color Rich lipsticks, which I really love. These are really creamy, they are moisturizing, offer full color coverage, and last a decent amount of time (maybe 4 or 5 hours depending on activity. This won't outlast kissing and constant drinking). These lipsticks smell pretty--something like caramel and vanilla--but it is very subtle. The lipstick bullet is wider than the standard lip, which helps if you have bigger lips. Not so much if you have small lips. Of all the Avon lipsticks I have, these are my favorite. I would definitely buy more. Also, yay! they are still available on the Avon website, and they are on sale.

My favorite shades are Sheer Raspberry and Sheer Mocha (not pictured, I found it my purse after taking the pictures. It's in my purse for a reason.) Berry, Berry nice is a bit too pink and bright for me, but it is good to mix with other shades. Cherry Jubilee is deep and bold.

Finally, the lipstick with the longest name around: Beyond Color Plumping Lipcolor spf 15 with Double the Retinol. Yes, such a long name for such a regular lipstick. I have two of these, and I bough them because of the shades, not because of the plumping. I am not, and really will never be interested in plumping lipsticks. But, just to let you know, these don't plump at all. They are just nice, rich, creamy lipsticks. As a matter of fact, they are very similar to the Ultra Color rich lipsticks. Maybe they offer a little smoother finish on the lips, but that is all.

I really enjoy Twig. Sienna is pretty too, but veers on the side of orange, which doesn't always complement the face I am going for.

So that is it for now, but I have some Cover Girl Trushine lipstick swatches coming up eventually.
much love!

Oh my! Is that a black eye?!

2010-02-01T19:43:00.004-05:00

One day, I managed to get out of the house somewhat on time to get Cheeks to a playgroup. Once we were there, I was enjoying watching Cheeks clumsily crawl around after a toy. As I was staring into his beautiful face, I exclaimed, "Oh my gosh! Is that a black eye? Cheeks, what did you bump your face into?" Then, a fellow mother looked, and said, "I don't think that is a black eye. It is just lighting and a dark circle." Could it be? Yes, it can. My child has inherited my beautiful, illustrious dark circles. Poor child. At least he has enough cheeks to distract from the bluish tint under his eyes. Poor, poor child.

Thankfully, he is not of the age to wear mascara yet, because if he were of age, his dark circles might be further emphasized at the end of the day and through the night after makeup removal. You see, a long time ago, I was researching things to do to avoid bringing attention to dreaded dark circles. Among the recommendations, making sure that there were no traces of eye makeup was one of them. At first read, I thought, "duh!" However, after more pondering (yup, I pondered dark circle maintenance), I realized that I really didn't pay too much attention to full eye makeup removal. I did the best I could to remove the mascara. However, I would wake up with a cast of darkness in addition to the blue cast. Sure, I would swipe before a fresh makeup application, but there always seemed to be some more residual makeup. So, my quest for the most effective eye makeup remover started.

First, I used a cleansing oil (from DHC), while very effective (and the appearance of dark circles did improve), it was getting quite expensive and I could not maintain the habit. Then, I tried ponds cold cream; again, quite effective, but still a little too oily and heavy. I would have blurry vision for a hour after washing my face. Then, I tried one of Maybelline's eye makeup remover. Meh, very, very oily. At this rate, I just resigned myself to experiencing an oily residue and decided to stick with baby oil. But, I grew so tired of looking like a oil spill had just occurred on my face.

Now, just recently, I started to explore the non-oily makeup removers. I have tried the Target brand makeup remover (it is a knock off of the Neutrogena makeup remover). The remover wasn't very effective, it dried out my lids, and I just wasn't excited about it. Once I used it up, I decided to try the Clean and Clear Soothing eye makeup remover. I have been using this remover for more than two months. This is an "oil-free dual phase formula, containing cucumber extracts and conditioners" (from the 5.5 oz bottle). The remover does not have a fragrance, and it does not irritate at all. Oh, and it claims to remove waterproof mascara.

photo from clean and clear website

Well, it has taken some time to consider if I would buy this again, and I have finally decided that it is on my short list, but I want to see what else it out there.

I like that the remover

does not irritate the eyes
does not leave my vision blurry
feels light and is easy to wash off
does not require much tugging
does not leave my lids, nor eyes, dry.

However, the reason I want to see what else it out there is because the remover is a little lackluster with darker eyeliners and waterproof mascara. I have to use several cotton balls to remover a thin line of liquid liner, more than two coats of mascara, or one to two coats of waterproof mascara. So, nevermind an ass-kicking smokey eye. Honestly, I really don't want to create a mountain of cotton balls to remove makeup. I want something a little more effective for the liner and the mascara.

Really, this makeup remover is great for women, and men, who wear a light eye. I tend to wear liner and several coats of mascara, so I have to deal with residue after doing several saturated swipes, washing the face, and drying.

If the day comes when Cheeks wants to explore wearing eye makeup, I will let him know that this makeup remover exists, but I will recommend checking out something else before settling on this one. I might also recommend a yellow corrector under his concealer.

Rating:3.5 out of 5 happy wallets. Not a total flop. It does the job for a basic eye; so if you don't wear a lot of makeup, but are looking for an eye makeup remover, then try this one out. Doesn't do excellently with waterproof mascara.
Price: $5-$7, depending on store

If you have any recommendations for drugstore eye makeup removers, let me know.

More to come!
much love!

quick note

2010-01-21T14:18:00.002-05:00

I have been laying low for a while. Cheeks and I were nursing a cold, and life just happens. However, I just wanted to peak from under the rock and use my corner of the internet to remind everyone to not forget those in Haiti. I know that there are many catastrophes in this world, and even more people suffering, but Haiti just tugs at my heart.

If you have some money to spare, consider passing on some of it to the organizations that are working hard to save lives and reconstruct. It doesn't have to be now, it can be later because the effects of the catastrophe will be long lasting.

I will be back with a review later on.
Take care and much love

Cheeks, get to work (the awesome story behind picking the winners)!

2010-01-03T21:31:00.002-05:00

First, I would like to give a great "Thank You" to all who participated in the EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone cosmetic bag contest! Thank you for following, and I aim to be better at delivering more reviews. If you have requests for reviews, please don't be shy. I get product block sometimes, and your suggestions are welcome. Also, I hope to have more contests so do check in.

Here is the story of the drawing and the winners, and a surprise at the end.

After we said goodbye to the eventful year that was 2009, I went to my messy work desk and started listing out and the contestants for the EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone cosmetics bag. Once I was done assigning the names random numbers, and cut up the list into little squares, I folded the squares up and placed them in a fishbowl where my betta, Alexander the Great used to live (He passed away from pop-eye disease several years ago.).

Then, I called the Scholar and Cheeks to my work area. Once the two arrived at my desk, I asked the Scholar to blindfold Cheeks, and then blindfold himself. Afterwards, I turned them in circles, turned the light on and off several times, and raised the temperature several degrees. Cheeks was laughing the entire time, and the Scholar asked where I took them. Perfect, not only were they blindfolded, but they were disoriented. They were in the perfect state of mind to objectively draw random numbers from the fishbowl.

The Scholar started complaining that his arms were getting tired of holding Cheeks, so I led them to a nearby chair. Cheeks was still enjoying this adventure. After they were comfortably seated, I asked the Scholar to pick a little folded up square from the fishbowl. He drew Joan's number. Then, I asked Cheeks to draw another folded square (He can do this now, he is exercising his pincer skills with Cheerios. Sooo cute!) He drew Rebecca's number. I had to quickly snatch the paper out of Cheek's hand because it was going straight to his mouth. Whew! As I was about to ask the Scholar to draw another piece of paper, a biiiggg goop of slobber landed on a singular square inside the fishbowl. I looked up, and Cheeks, still blindfolded, had just released a deluge of drool (He has three teeth coming in at the same time). I figured fate was picking the third winner. So I took out the slobbered piece of paper out, and the chosen number belonged to vrtish55.

Congrats to the winners! You will get your package soon!

And here is the surprise: I really didn't commission Cheeks or the Scholar to help with the drawing. Instead, I used random.org. This detailed, made-up event came to me in a dream, and I thought it was too much fun to not acknowledge. So, vrtish55, rest assured, Cheeks did not slobber on your randomly assigned number. And to the rest of the readers, Cheeks was not blindfolded. As a matter of fact, he was eating asparagus right next to me when I was getting the results on random.org.

Muah!
much love

Contest Winners

2010-01-01T11:54:00.002-05:00

The contest winners have been chosen. Be sure to check your email.
Once I have established contact with the winners, they will be announced. If I don't hear from them, then I will draw again.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year celebration.

I turned in at 10pm because I am awesome.

glazes aren't just for pottery

2009-12-29T22:13:00.009-05:00

(Don't forget to enter the EcoTools giveaway. Dec. 30th is the last day to enter. See here to enter.)

Ahh, the holidays. The frenzy, the traveling, the cards, the postage, the standing in lines. Usually, I don't follow through with all of the holiday traditions. For instance, I don't send cards out. I always have the intention, but I never get around to it. I am just straight up lazy. Then, I resolve to get my ass in gear the next holiday season, but I fall in the same trap.

However, this Christmas was different. One morning several weeks before December 25th, I woke up with an immense amount of motivation, and I told the Scholar that we were going to take a family picture for the Christmas card or bust!

He quickly dressed himself and Cheeks, and I followed suit by putting one my face and a nice sweater (not a Christmas sweater, mind you. Just a regular black one.) Then, we sat in Cheeks' room--because it was the cleanest, ironically--and set the self-timer on the camera and proceeded to smile.

Cheeks was excellent throughout, and we managed to get our first family picture done. Then, I loaded the pics up, picked a holiday card, put in an order, received, and sent the cards out. Getting this accomplished felt incredibly excellent. People were excited to see how much Cheeks has grown, we were able to document our first Christmas, and I remembered how beautiful it is to send and receive mail through snail mail. In fact, I feel energized to send more letters out.

Anyway, as I was putting on my face, I struggled with what lipstick/gloss to wear. See, I wanted something to show up on camera, but I didn't want something very overpowering. I would put on a lipstick, and then rub it off because it just wasn't satisfying the need. Then I would try a gloss, and it looked natural, but just didn't really add any oomph to my lips. Finally, I saw that I had some Revlon Colorstay Mineral Lipglazes, and I figured I would try the Perpetual Plum shade. Viola! Success! In love!

These glazes are a step below a lip lacquer. They have beautiful pigmentation, but still have enough sheen that the lips don't look overdone. The Perpetually Plum shade I wore gave my lips a really pretty deep rose hue. So the glaze brightened my face and I still looked pretty natural.

The consistency of the glaze is thick and a touch goopy. This glaze does have a stickiness to it, which is one reason is lasts a long time on the lips. It is also quite moisturizing. The color is layerable, but be careful because you could have a hot mess if you layer too much glaze on. There is a citrus scent to the glaze, but I can't detect a taste. Finally, this glaze does not make my lips tingle, which is what the Super Lustrous glosses do to my lips.

I am so enthralled by these glazes that I was really excited to find that I had four different colors. In addition, I have been wearing Perpetual Plum since the family portrait. It is my go-to shade now. A positive vote from me!

Pics

Let's Share (giveaway!) CLOSED

2009-12-13T19:47:00.004-05:00

Hi Lovelies!!

You know what I hate? I hate when I have something coherent and eloquent to say and then I totally forget what I was going to say. When I finally get around to writing or saying what I wanted to say, nothing valuable come out and then I sound like a fool. And this is what happened just now. I had a fun intro to this entry in my head, and now I am drawing a blank. However, I want to get this show on the road so you are reading this mumbo jumbo instead.

Soo, here we go. Remember not long ago when I reviewed the new ecoTools by Alicia Silverstone cosmetic bags? Remember how I raved about the Overnight bag? Well, guess what!

I have been given the opportunity to give away three (3) Overnight bags, which means that we will have three (3) winners!

I am super excited about this opportunity to share the coolness and convenience of this new ecoTools product.

It is simple to enter this giveaway.
Here are the details:

When: The chance to enter this giveaway will end on December 30, 2009 at 11:00 pm eastern time.

Who: I am opening up the giveaway to all, US and international (if an international reader wins, just bear with me in the mailing process. I can't remember the last time I mailed internationally.).

How: In order to enter, you must (1) follow this blog (check the side bar to join/follow), (2) post a comment with your first name, email address (or you can email me your email address if you want to maintain privacy, my email is in the sidebar. Just be sure that you identify yourself in the email so I can connect the email to the comment.) under this post before the deadline mentioned above.

This is all you have to do, and you can only enter once.

Also, if you have a facebook account, be sure to become a fan of ecotools.
In addition, share the love about ecotools on twitter.

Yay for giveaways, and Yay for traveling is style!

Jet-setting, but take away the jet and add a teething baby

2009-12-09T21:19:00.006-05:00

Warning: long review, lots of pictures

Monday I was ready to conquer the world with Mr. Cheeks McGee, but Cheeks had another idea. You see, I had a long list of things to do, and I was actually very excited to get out of the house despite the cold and remaining slush. Unfortunately, Cheeks woke up ready to fight the day. He was angry, constantly crying, and repeatedly doing the "milk" sign. It was already nine in the morning, and he had had three tantrums. I couldn't even go to the bathroom in peace. The problem is that Cheeks is angry at the stubborn enamel beast that insists on making its presence known in his mouth. He is not at the age where he recognizes the importance of teeth; therefore, he wants to rebel against nature. To compound the situation, the Scholar was going to be out on business, which meant I would be left alone to wrangle this frustrated child alone (My, how I admire single mother. I will always tip my hat to you ladies. Always.).

So I did what any mature adult would do: I called Queen Fierce and told her that Cheeks and I were going to stay at her house for the evening. After talking to her, I quickly began packing the suitcase, which leads me to the following review.

Several weeks ago I received the earth-friendly ecoTools Cosmetic Bags designed by Alicia Silverstone, to try out and review. I was excited about the opportunity to review these bags because 1) I like Alicia Silverstone, 2) I have heard excellent things about ecoTools, 3) I have a thing for bags, and 4) I don’t have a satisfying cosmetic bag and this was an excellent opportunity to try something that could work.

You see, before encountering these makeup bags, I would have to strategically pack my toiletries in several different bags as if I was assembling a puzzle, and it was always a hassle. Plus, if I removed one piece from the puzzle the organization of the bag would collapse. I would try different bags, but they either couldn’t comfortable fit everything I carted, or they were too bulky and cumbersome. I refrained from buying replacements for what I had because I really didn’t know what I wanted nor what I needed. And yes, I even scaled back and minimized the size of products I would take to places.

So, when I received the ecoTools cosmetic bags in varying sizes, I was super excited to try them out.

Here is a list of what I received:
The Cosmetic Bag, which fits in a purse ($8.99)
The Train Case ($14.99)
The Overnight Bag ($19.99)
The 5 Piece Brush Set and Bag ($15.99)

First impression was that the bags were beautiful. They are made with hemp material and have a lovely and vibrant floral design on them made with non-toxic ink. Although they are cloth, they are very sturdy, and are a natural tan/beige color, which assists in hiding any possible dirt.

I quickly filled the bags up to see how much they could hold, and they did not disappoint. The overnight held everything I take on a trip (as far as face, hair, and body), and I still had room to spare. The Train Case was the same situation, but instead of just describing it, let me show you.

Here is the Overnight Bag

As you can see in the group picture, this is a sizable bag. However, I was not sure it would be able to fit everything I carry along. I thought for certain I would have to force the bag shut. One side of the bag has a fixed pocket where you can put shampoo, face wash, perfume, whatever you want, really. Then the other side has two removable clear (recycled PET) zip-up pouches. You can remove if you need more space or you could detach and throw the pouch into a bag for a quick switch-up. Also, the bag has a double zipper, so it opens all the way up for easy accessibility.
Here it is filled with everything I take.

If you click on the picture, it will take you to the flickr photostream and you can see the list of contents.

Seriously, I love this bag. This is what I used when I was packing for my impromptu sleepover at Queen Fierce's. I just put everything in there, it was easy to organize, I didn't have to fight to close the bag, and it fit comfortable in the suitcase among the teethers, the toy truck, and toy bongos.

The Train Case

I have some train cases that are on a smaller scale. However, I always underestimate the space I need when I buy train cases, and I always overestimate the amount of makeup I am going to wear. However, I don't like to scale back on the makeup because my mood inspires the makeup. Plus, I never know when I will need to do some extra concealing or need more drama.

Again, very deceiving look to this train case. I wasn't sure I would be able to fit my brush case plus the bajillion palettes I always pack. However, everything fit, and I had a ton of room to spare. What I really love about this train case is that there is a slim see-through plastic pouch velcroed to the lid. I used it for my brushes, but you can fit many things in it.
Here is everything I packed in the train case.

If you click on the picture, it will take you to the flickr photostream and you can see the list of contents.

See the cool pouch filled with brushes? Those are all of the brushes I would typically take on a trip, but Alicia and ecoTools has simplified that (more about that in a minute). Here it is all inside the train case.

Do you see how the sides are slack? That is because I have a lot of room to spare. Again, this fit very comfortably among the toys and clothes in the suitcase. I loved how I just did not have to worry about strategically assembling the palettes to make everything fit well. And since I was in a hurry, I didn't have to decide what stayed and what went. I just dumped and dumped.

Cosmetic Bag
This bag, seen in the group picture, is in my purse. I could not dedicate an individual picture to it because Cheeks was attempting to eat paper and I had to tend to him, so I forgot to take the pictures. However, it is a nice, roomy, little bag. It has a wide bottom, which allows for more space and easier visibility. I have a small bottle of hand sanitizer, a 3 oz bottle of lotion, several glosses, two lipsticks, one mark. compact, and a mini powder brush in the bag.

Now, the piece I love the most from the collection (other than the overnight bag): The 5 piece Brush Set and Bag. Oh la la, I love this set. The set includes a "Finishing Brush," which is a skunk brush, a Blush brush, an angled eyeshadow brush, and a lash/brow groomer. Overall the brushes are soft and dense. They feel sturdy, they wash well, and only the skunk brush shed two hairs. I have been using only these brushes (with exception to the brow groomer, that has been neglected) since I received the products, and I am surprised at how much I love them. The angled eyeshadow brush is very versatile. I have been able to use it to cover the entire lid, do crease work, outer "v," blend eyeliner, highlight, and blend shadows. I just clean the brush in between each process. The blush brush works really well. I have pretty much exclusively used it for blush. Since it is very soft, so it does take several applications to make the blush visible.

My favorite brush is the "Finishing Brush," or the skunk brush. Holy High Heaven! This brush is very soft, dense without being too sturdy, and very effective at applying foundation. As all of you know, I like to wear medium to fuller coverage foundation, and my favorite foundation is Revlon Colorstay, which can look cakey depending on application. Well, when I first used this brush I was friggin' amazed at how it applied the foundation. The brush left this sheer feeling, but definitely high-medium coverage on my face. My face didn't feel like it had much foundation on it at all. It was easy to stipple the foundation on and the buffing took little effort and not much time. I used the skunk brush with liquid, cream, and powder foundation. And the brush delivered every time (the lightest coverage was the powder foundation, of course. When used with powder, this brush leaves a very light finish). Also, I used a lot less foundation when I used this brush. I was so intrigued by the results that I compared this skunk brush to the other skunks I have, including the 187. It seems that the ecoTools skunk brush has less white fibers than the other skunk brushes have. Therefore, it deposits less foundation; however, the shorter hairs are softer and quite dense which makes the blending and buffing more effective. I am not a brush expert, but this is my reasoning. Either way, definitely worth trying out. I will say that the skunk brush does take a long time to dry after washing, about one full night and well into the morning (it was still a little damp in the morning), and when the skunk brush dries it smells a little like semi-dehydrated breath. Odd description, but that is what it reminds me of. The smell does dissipate; so you won't smell like breath all day. These four tools close very nicely in their own little pouch. Actually, I will probably only take these brushes, and maybe two more eyeshadow brushes just in case, when I go on travel. This set has proven that this is all I need, really.

Here are some pictures of the skunk brush (I focused on this brush because we are always looking for 187 dupes.)

MAC 187 on left (when facing monitor) and ecoTool By Alicia Silverstone on right.

Go to my flickr photostream (link in side bar) to see more pictures of the ecoTool skunk brush in comparison to the Studio Tool (Target) skunk, the Sigma skunk, the Sonia Kashuk, and other 187 pictures.

All in all, would I buy these cosmetic bags? Yes. Yes, I would. I wouldn't buy all of them at once, but I would definitely purchase the 5 piece brush set and the overnight bag. I think the prices are reasonable, especially considering that these products are environmentally friendly, and they are very pretty and stylish. You won't confuse these bags with your friend's black or clear cosmetic bags. These bags traveled really well, they feel sturdy, and I don't have to search any longer. I am super satisfied.

Oh, and as far as Cheeks and his teeth, well, he is still fighting for that top tooth to break through. Poor baby.

If you see anything that you would like me to review in the pictures, just holla!

Note on review: I did receive these product to review. However, I was not paid for writing a review, and I always vow to be honest. The gratis products did not sway my opinion one way or another.

You left me thirsty

2009-11-29T21:42:00.009-05:00

I remember experimenting with mousse when I was a young teenager. It was so much fun to squeeze the button, and see the fluffy foam grow in the palm of my hand. Then, I would smoosh my hands together and gingerly place the mousse on my hair. The mousse would quickly dissolve and make a subtle crinkle sound as I scrunched my curls for good measure. Then, I would brave the merciless humidity of Puerto Rico, the mousse would immediate cave, and my hair would rapidly shrink several inches. All of that product, for what? Nothing.

After experiencing these disappointing effects with mousse, I swore it off for more than 10 years. Then, several months ago, I was intrigued with Herbal Essences’ Totally Twisted mousse. To add fuel to the fire, I found a coupon in the Sunday paper, and I saved it for my next visit to Target. After purchasing it, I immediately tried it on, and it was love at first try. After washing my hair, I would separate my hair into four sections. Then I would rake the mousse through my hair and scrunch section by section. This way, I was sure that the majority of the curls were coated with the product. (Note that I say "would" because I don't use the product anymore because I cut my hair super, super short and wear it straight. However, I just want to write the review because my experience was definitely notable.) After applying the mousse all over my hair, I would not touch the curls at all until my hair was dry, then I would fluff and fluff until the curls were a little less defined without being frizzy. Before fluffing the curls, the mouse would leave my hair a little crunchy and stiff, but with light scrunch that sensation would go away, and there was no flaking.

Well, after using this mousse for several weeks, and loving how defined and shapely my curls looked, I noticed that my hair was beginning to feel dry and stringy. It was still pretty, but just felt a little damaged. So, I would shampoo more regularly (I have dry hair, so it is not good to do frequently), and I would also slather on more conditioner, which would just create more buildup. During this whole "What is going on with my hair? OMG I love my mousse!" phase, I was trying to figure out exactly what was going on. Then, one day it dawned on me: maybe I should shelve the mousse for a minute and see what happens. After several weeks, my hair went back to normal. The curls were still pretty, but not as pretty as with the mousse; however, it felt soo much better.

Once, this realization came, I frowned. I so wanted to love this beautifully fruity-smelling mousse. I so wanted to forget about how inept mousse was in my teenage years. I just wanted to enjoy this mousse and embrace its abilities to control and define my curls. Alas, it was not meant to be. The product buildup was just too much for my hair.

I finally resolved (before I decided to cut my hair, which was not related to this product) to not use it every other day, and instead use it sporadically. I think my error was that I was using too much product, too often. But here is the thing, I have used and abused my hair for years. I have layered on product, after product, after product, and I have never experienced what I did with the mousse. And this was just one product. So, I will definitely take blame for my error of usage, but I also think this product played a role in drying out my hair. It seems that this mousse acts like a hybrid between a gel and hairspray. It has the staying power of a hairspray (it worked excellently in humidity), and the defining power of a gel. Therefore, along with providing the awesome staying power of a hairspray, it also has the awesome drying power that comes along.

Of course, this was my experience, and I am sure others will have different experiences, but I was just so amazed at the effects after using it for several weeks. Maybe using less is the ticket, but my hair requires a good amount of product to tame it. My hair is like a wild horse that fights to be broken. Either way, I have resigned myself to passing the mousse section in the hair aisle. Will I stop and smell the fragrance that comes out of the can? Yes, this mousse smells divine. If I let my hair grow out again, will I use what I have left? Yes, but maybe once every not so often. I would just want to slowly use it up because it hurts to throw away unused products. Would I buy this mousse again? No. Would I recommend this mousse to a friend? I might, say “hey, if you want to scrunch your hair and make it look beachy every once in a while, this product might work, but Oh wow, look there are five million other products that might be better.” So, in other words, I would not confidently recommend this product to a friend who has wavy hair, and I would definitely not recommend this product to someone who has similar hair to mine.

You know, now that I think about it, I have never had a fulfilling experience with Herbal Essences. The smell is always awesome, but the products always fall short with my hair.
Rating:1.5 out of 5 (Kudos for definition and stay power. It does do what it is supposed to do, but big “boos” for the dryness and the rapid buildup factor. It should come with warning.)

$3 to $5 at drugstores, Walmart, Target

I have finally met La Femme

2009-11-24T14:14:00.006-05:00

How many colors are there really? Recently, I have been so very intrigued by the power of colors. I have been reading up on complimentary colors, neutralizing colors, and the creations of other colors. I don't know why I am so into learning about the dynamic world of color because, as mentioned before, I am pretty much only wearing neutrals. Even though, I know that I will always gravitate towards my tans, browns, and bronze palette, I still have this idea that I will sport the rainbow on a regular day. Therefore, I buy (or at least was buying, not anymore) pink, purple, green, and yellow eyeshadows. Here's the curious thing, I have different tones of the colors in my collection, and shamefully, not many of them get much attention.

Well, the last shopping fit I had focused around La Femme's eyeshadows and blushes in the colors mentioned above. I had heard great things about this brand, however, it is very difficult to find here in the US. Therefore the brand was a mystery to me for quite sometime, until one crazy night when I was up late/early (depending on how you see it) feeding Cheeks and surfing the net, I came across the MakeupMania website that sells La Femme products along with other professional makeup lines.

After several days of considering whether to finally try the line, I broke down and made an order. On MakeupMania, you can order a palette of 12 eyeshadows or blushes for $35, which is fantabulous. The website has a "palette lab" that gives you the ability to customize your palette. I will admit that although the "palette lab" is a great idea, the execution is a touch cumbersome because you click and drag the shades you want into the virtual palette. Unfortunately, the shades aren't named until you put the virtual pan in the virtual palette, and the swatches are not very good. So, picking the shades can be a gamble because you aren't really sure what the shade really looks like. Also, it is difficult to distinguish between the blushes and the eyeshadows. For instance, I thought I had ordered more eyeshadows than blushes, but as it turns out some colors were categorized as blushes instead of eyeshadows. It doesn't really matter because I feel like the consistency is the same and the shades are versatile; so I just shrugged off this discovery.

Now, I will give MakeupMania mad props on customer service. I got emails notifying me on the progress of my order (customized palettes take more time because they assemble and label the palettes). Also when one of the shades I ordered was on backorder, they went ahead and sent the palette with a similar color and assured me that once the backordered shade came in they would send it out. Months passed and I had totally forgotten about the backordered shade until one day an envelope was in my mailbox with the missing eyeshadow. I was incredibly surprised to have received it after several months.

Okay, so as far as the palettes, I like them, for the most part. The pans are about the size of a silver dollar. They are snugly fit inside the palette, and the cardboard palette seems to be quite sturdy. The shadows/blushes has a faint powdery smell, and many of them are soft to the touch (some are a little harder and require a little more pressure to pick up the shade). The pigmentation of the product is good, especially with the brighter colors. For instance, as far as the blushes I ordered a little goes a very, very long way. The shadows' shades pick up nicely, with the exception of "Lemon." Many of the shades I bought are matte, and the "iridescent" and "very frosted" shades are very low on shimmer. So if you are going for something that will catch the light, the shades I have chosen won't do it. Actually, I was a little disappointed with the shimmer level. It seems that there is very little difference between the matte and the shimmery shades.

The shadows/blushes do spread well and they last long with a base (Just a reminder: I always use a base because I have oily lids, and it usually is UDPP.). After I got my first palette, I used it nonstop for two months. I didn't even make a dent in the pans. Then I ordered my second palette, which was more colorful, and I played around with it, but I haven't used it as much as I thought. This is to no fault of the palette, just my mood. However, now after playing around with the palettes again for the review, I will put these back in rotation. I really do like the shades and, overall, I like the quality. I remember thinking that I would love to buy more palettes when I am in the shopping mood again, and I will definitely order them from MakeupMania again. So this is a good sign for the product.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 happy wallets (I love the price. I like the flexibility of customizing. It satisfies my matte hankering, and I have brighter blushes. Plus, I like the versatility of the colors. One thing, not much shimmer even in the colors that are supposed to be shimmery. Also, Makeupmania assembles and prints the names of the shades for you.)

Price: $35 at makeupmania.com for a palette of 12 pans. Sold separately, the pan are $2.50 and the palette is $14

And now, the pictures (no based was used for the swatches):
Palette 1
"Cheeks and Lids" (you can name your palette)

This was the first palette I bought. If you click on the picture you can read the names. Blushes are in the top row, shadows bottom. Also, note the printed names I taped to the inside.

Swatches of the top row of the above palette.

Swatches of the bottom row of the above palette. "Lemon" is a "lightly frosted" shade, and "Frostee Beige" is a "very frosted" shade. See, not much shimmer. "Frostee Beige" is basically matte. Oh, and "khaki" is "very frosted."

Palette 2
"Sun, Leaves, and Grapes"

Click on the picture to read the names.

Top row of the second palette. "Gold Leaf" and "Yellow" are the only designated mattes.

Second row of second palette.

Let me know if you have any questions concerning this product or anything else.
Much love

Happy Friday and got a buffer?

2009-11-20T04:03:00.006-05:00

So, Cheeks is getting a full night's rest, but for some reason I am up at 4 in the morning. Oh well, I might as well be productive. I just took pictures of swatches for the La Femme eyeshadows and blushes. I hope to get this review out before Thanksgiving since we are going to be busy.

Onto beauty!

So, I have to be better about checking the Happyface account because there are some gems to be found in the inbox. For instance a while ago, I received a nice email about the multitasking ability of Ms. Manicure products, and there were two that made me say "ohh, cool," out loud. I would like to pass this along.

First off, I have several Ms. Manicure products that I found at Target a while back, and I really do enjoy them. I have a specific nail clipper for my fingernails from Ms. Manicure, and I panic every time I can't find them (I hide them very well so that the Scholar doesn't use them for his man-toes.). I like the nail clippers because they have a cover around the bottom part of the clippers that makes them more stable when I am holding them, and the size of the clippers work really well for the size of my nails. Plus, I have had them for more than two years, and they have not gone dull, nor rusty, and they haven't lost their spring. In fact, come to think of it, I haven't bought another set of clippers since those. I also have a nail file that I really like for both my fingers and toes. The file is firm for better grip and control, and the grit is perfect for both types of nails. It files without tearing apart my nails.

Also, if you like cute packaging, this is a great inexpensive brand to satisfy that fetish. I, typically, don't get swayed by packaging, but I have to admit that Ms. Manicure's packaging makes me smile. It is very girly, cute, and fun. Several Christmases ago, I bought a cool kit as a stocking stuffer for The Grrl, and I received some matchbook nail files from my MIL. So, really these could make great stocking stuffers for the gift-giving season.

Okay, secondly, and this didn't even occur to me, but I learned that some of these products can be used for things other than nails.

For instance, their "Rock 'n Sole" pumice stone can not only be used to remove calluses, but it can also be used to remove pills from sweaters. You just put the sweater on a flat surface, and gingerly rub the dry stone over the trouble spots on the sweater. Now, remember that the stone is really used to remove calluses, so be gentle. I have yet to try this technique, but I do look forward to testing it because I do have some favorite sweaters that I can't bear to get rid of yet. Really, all they need is a nice refresher. I have bought two sweater shaves before, but they stopped working after several uses, and I am out 14 bucks, whereas, the pumice stone is about 2 bucks.

The other tip that I really intrigued me concerned refreshing suede. So, I went through a phase where I collected nail buffers (weird, I know) and I just used them for my nails. However, buffers can be used to spruce up your suede.
Here is the tip, "Spill something on your new suede boots? You might not have to head for the shoe store for another pair just yet. Grab an emery board, like Ms. Manicure ‘s Call Your Buff ($2.99), and lightly rub the stain. Use the soft, buffer side of this four-sided board to ensure that your boots don’t get damaged in the process. Then, hold the shoe over steam from a boiling pot (or teakettle) on the stove to completely remove it. This works for suede clothing as well! "
Who knew? I used to use my hair brush to buff out any water marks, but the suede would always get rattled.

Just to be clear, I have not yet tried these tips nor these products for the alternative uses. I just thought the tips were curious and helpful. I have, however, tried several Ms. Manicure products, and do not hesitate to purchase more of the products available. I think they are most excellent for the price, plus they are super cute. You can find the Ms. Manicure and Ms. Pedicure at many stores (e.g. Target, K-mart, Ulta, Wal-mart, and so forth).

Much love.

So...what's your sign?

2009-11-10T21:28:00.003-05:00

Well, this is just awkward. Here I am vowing to myself and you that I am here to write, write, write, and another week passes. As I sat down to log in and post a new entry, I felt clumsy and shy. It was like I was a goofy kid trying to pursue the most beautiful person who is wayyy out of my league. How the hell do I approach such a radiant person? I will soo be rejected. What's the use? Blah, blah, blah.

In other words, I really didn't know how to go about writing an entry again. I have lost momentum and the inertia has set in. Lame, lame, lame. So as I was driving to my friend's house, I thought about what I could do to get this blog going again after being away so long. I thought about the awkwardness I felt just thinking about how long I had been away, and then I thought about what I have been up to. After all of this contemplation, I decided to just open my mind and stretch my fingers and let both do the work. Instead of plotting a specific review with pictures and stories, I just need to sit down and let out.

So here I am: I am sitting down and letting it out.
OUT, WORDS, OUT!
...uh...hmm...

Oh yeah, so I have been really slowing down on cosmetics buying. Right before my computer gave out, I had hit a saturation point. It reminds me of the time I ate way too many Oreos, the next time I saw them I wanted to throw up. Or another time I only drank cider every time I went to the bar, and then one night I got sick from drinking too much, the next day I would gag just hearing the word "cider." My aversion to Oreos still persists, and I have finally come around to drinking cider again, but it took some retraining. Anyway, my lust for makeup has been temporarily exhausted. I have an urge to use up some of the stuff I have, and that is what I am in the process of doing. I think I have enough colors in my stash to create whatever "perfect" color of the moment, and I am pretty sure I have enough skincare to fill a drugstore. Now, I did make an exception for combating the acne solution, but other than that, I just breeze through the skincare and cosmetics sections at stores unless I really need something.

I must say, it feels really good to look at the new makeup coming out and just shrug. Meh, there is nothing new under the sun. I guess I may be jaded, but I do believe it is only temporary. I won't be unimpressed with the newcomers for the rest of my life. Now, I have realized that I don't need all of the colored eyeshadows under the sun. I am really happy with neutral, right now.

To be clear, however, just because I am not shopping like I used to doesn't mean I don't have reviews coming. Also, just because I hit a temporary saturation point doesn't mean I don't have anything to write about. Don't fret. My shelves and drawers are full of goodies to review, and I still am interested in painting my face.

In fact, as I write this entry, I already feel the warm feelings coming back. I already feel the motivation, the urge, the fire, the...the...the desire to write about my personal thoughts on products.

So on this note, let me share what I have been in love with and what I have not been in love with.

Love:
1) Well, my face has been breaking out, and thank you, lovely ladies, for all of the wonderful recommendations. I got some Neutrogena spot treatment, and I started up the Clean and Clear blackhead remover routine again. So far, I have been having luck. Once I am finished with the spot treatment I am going get the Acne-stress 3-in-1 (it wasn't in store when I went, boo hiss). With this being said, I am really in love with the Clean and Clear blackhead remover. Remember I previously reviewed it? Well, I am loyal to it. I can really tell the difference between using it and not using it. My face looks and feels so much better when I use it. Definitely repurchase.

2) I am also all about mark.'s "For Goodness Face" moisturizer. It doesn't cause breakouts, I have repurchased several times, has SPF 30, doesn't feel sticky, doesn't smell, and just feels great. It is awesome!

3) I have rediscovered L'oreal's Voluminous mascara (waterproof). Oh my goodness! I tried it a long time ago and really hated it. However, this time around I decided to buy it because it was on sale for $4. Well, I love how it separates, lengthens, and voluminizes my lashes. Goodness, it looks like I am wearing natural-looking fake lashes. Now, this mascara is hit or miss on people, and fortunately, it is now a hit for me. Definite repurchase.

4) Palladio Herbal waterproof eyeliner in black brown is excellent. It reminds me of a milder version of Revlon Colorstay at a lower price (about $4.50 at Sally's). By milder I mean it feels a littler softer and is more smudgeable and blendable. I am really liking this eyeliner for my "softer, neutral, come-hither" days. Plus, it doesn't last a good amount of time. I would say definitely more than 5 hours.

5) Since I have been encountering a little bit of acne, I have had to whip out my standby Revlon Colorstay foundation and the Revlon Colorstay blemish concealer in medium/deep. This concealer is nicely pigmented, blends well, doesn't smear, and matches my skin really well. I love it! A little goes a long way too.

6) Cheeks has been giving me a little of a hard time at night so my dark circles are a little more prominent. Therefore, I went to Wal-mart and got NYC's cover stick in yellow to counteract the blue in my dark circles. This coverstick works like a charm. It is easy to blend, doesn't crease, and neutralizes really well. So, I swipe this one first, blend, and then top it off with my Maybelline Mineral Power concealer. Plus, the stick is going to last forever because a little goes a long way.

Meh:
1) After many months of trying out Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy foundation in Sandy Beige, I feel kind of meh about it. The foundation feels great going on, and it does offer medium coverage, but for some reason, I am just not feeling the foundation. I love the pump, and the shades does a pretty good job of matching my skintone, but it lacks to longevity that Revlon Colorstay offers. It does an okay job holding up to my oily skin; I still get breakthrough, and I feel apprehensive about touching my face after several hours. This isn't a bad foundation, and I would recommend it to someone with normal skin, but I wouldn't necessarily rave about it after much time to consider if I like it or not. Now, I did rave about it when I first started using it (rave to myself, really), but I grew disenchanted with it. I think I just am supremely satisfied with Revlon Colorstay, and so I am just meh about this foundation. I will continue to use this foundation when I rotate my foundations just for kicks, but I won't repurchase it. In a market of so many foundations, this doesn't really stand out; I guess this is the best way to describe the foundation.

2) Clean and Clear advantage mark treatment is meh. The smell is annoying and somewhat overwhelming, the gel doesn't fully dry so it goops up when I put on moisturizer, and it really hasn't vanished my marks. Soo, next time I will definitely try the Neutrogena 3-in-1.

Alright, I plan on finishing the brush review, and touching on the ION demi hair dye. For now, I shall get some rest.

I hope all of you are having a splendid week, and thank you so much for your support and encouragement. Much love!

Whew! I am back.

2009-10-27T23:45:00.002-04:00

I am so glad I married a man who has a computer savvy brother. As a matter of fact, both my brother-in-laws are computer experts. Anyway, good ol' Stel is back with me (the comp). I aim to blog this weekend. I have missed being a part of the community, and I look forward to getting back into the swing of things.

I have chilled out with my purchases, but that doesn't mean I have a lot to write about.

By the way, does anyone have an recs for a good drugstore skincare regimen for acne-prone skin? My face is revolting, and I am always up for trying some new things.

Let's get this party started!

sick

2009-09-28T22:50:00.003-04:00

My computer threw a tantrum and then fell sick this weekend, and I have to take it to the doctor to get treated. Therefore, my posts are delayed. Boo Hiss.

I am so sorry, I won't be delivering posts in a timely fashion, but I am hoping the visit to doctor will be a quick one.

Much love

Quick review: Pulse Perfection

2009-09-24T15:41:00.004-04:00

So, I believe I mentioned before that I found Maybelline Pulse Perfection on sale at my local Target. I don't think the price point is appealing to the demographic in my area. Well, I seized the opportunity to try this mascara many were raving about.

After applying this mascara several times, I can openly and confidently say that I really do hate this product for many reasons:

1) The push button to turn on the vibration is at the end of the wand, which affects that amount of control I can have when I apply the mascara.

2) The formula is a little of the wetter side,which makes the mascara dry longer. And this seems to clump a little.

3) The brush is flexible like the "Define-A-Lash" brush, which inhibits control, again.

4) Yeah, sure this mascara produces longer lashes, but they look spikey and hard.

5) This is a high maintenance mascara application. I can't just swipe and go.

So far, I have had some great luck with Maybelline, but this was a bust for me. Come to think of it, the mascara being poopy on me is welcome because I would have been in trouble had a loved a $13 drugstore mascara.

Anyway, more reviews will come soon. I plan on swatching the La Femme shadows next. This takes a little time, especially now that Cheeks is teething and wanting to play all the time. Thank you for the patience.

Much love.

Thank God I don't have dogs because they would be licking my mango feet

2009-09-16T22:18:00.004-04:00

When I was a kid I really wasn't enthusiastic about mangoes. In fact, they kind of repulsed me. I didn't like the smell, the texture, the fibers getting caught in my teeth. I also didn't like how high maintenance they were to eat. I mean, what a thin layer to peel. Come on, now! The Grrl, on the other hand, was obsessed with them. I never understood it.

Then, more than 15 years later, I got pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant, I anticipated the stereotypical cravings like pickles (I craved olives instead. In fact, one day I drank straight up olive juice. ewww.), marshmallows with potato chips, and ice cream with cheese. Instead, I craved oatmeal, which I loathe, and...MANGOES! Can you believe it?! Out of all the things I could crave, I wanted the fruit that made me gag. Actually, now that I think about it, it could have been worse: I could have craved PAPAYA, ewww. Anyway, ladies and gentlemen, I could not get enough mangoes to satisfy my hankering. I would eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While passing through the kitchen, I would pick a mango up and caress and smell the skin. I would warn the mango of what I plotted to do with it. Seriously, my lust for mangoes was outrageous. Every time Queen Fierce visited me, I would put in an order for a box of mangoes, and she would graciously satisfy my demands. When I succumbed to the temptation to eat one, I would go barbaric on the fruit. I would savagely take a knife to the tender skin, and brutishly peel the thin skin away. When a piece of skin took some mango meat with it, I would stop what I was doing and rip the meat away with my teeth until I got all of the juicy goodness. The juice would drip down my hands, wrists, elbows, and I would lick my entire arm so that nothing went to waste. It was really not attractive, but definitely orgasmic. Mmm, mangoes.

Interestingly, unlike my craving for oatmeal (The minute I had Cheeks, my aversion to oatmeal returned.), my love for mangoes stayed with me. Now, if anything says "mango" I immediately perk up, pay attention, and salivate. So, when I read Vanessa's, from NessasaryMakeup, review on California Mango Mango Mend, my eyes twitched. The next time I was at Sally's beauty supply, I immediately grabbed it and put it in my basket.

California Mango Mango Mend is a "skin, cuticle, and nail treatment balm" (from the jar). It provides immediate moisture, shine, and smoothness. I really do like this balm for my feet. Not so much for my hands. This balm is not heavy, but it is greasy. I would describe it as a solid, gel-like petroleum jelly (petroleum jelly is in the ingredients, but it isn't at the tippy top). When I opened the jar, the consistency immediately reminded me of a water-based, clear hair shine pomade. However, it is much softer in density. A little goes a long way for this balm, and the smell is powerful. Unfortunately for me, the smell reminds me more of papaya (ewww) than of mango, but, again, I do like what it does for my feet so I overlook the misnomer.

So after my showers, I sit down, dip my index finger in the jar and take out a dollop of balm. Then, I smear it all over the sole of my feet and proceed to massage it in. My feet instantly feel a lot softer, and the bothersome dry spots cease to exist until I put my feet in a pair of sandals that causes a lot of friction. When I put this balm on at night, regardless of shower or not, the smoothness and moisture last until the next day, and this is without socks. It is such a relief to not hear my feet rubbing against each other or getting caught on my sheets. Now, my feet aren't super bad. I exfoliate them regularly and I moisturize every day. So I don't know how this would be with severely dry feet. However, this balm is excellent at providing quick moisture and maintaining soft and smooth feet.

As far as cuticles are concerned, it provides the necessary moisture, but I find that the balm is a bit much on the hands simply because it doesn't absorb quickly and the smell is quite strong. What I do is that I just rub in the remaining amount of balm into my cuticle and hands after moisturizing my feet, which doesn't last long because then I wash my hands to handle Cheeks. I do notice that if I use it regularly on my hands, I get less hang nails. However, I just can't get over the greasy feeling.

So, would I recommend this balm? Well, if you are happy with the creams and things that you already have for your cuticles and feet, than stick with that. If you are ready to try something to soothe your light to medium dry feet, then by all means try this product out. Just make sure you put some slippers on after putting this on your feet so that you don't leave greasy footprints all over the floor. Really, this is perfect for the nights when you want to moisturize and sock up your feet. The next morning, your feet will be like butter. In other words, this product is a "fun to have" as opposed to a "have to have" product.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (The smell is overwhelming, and it is greasy. However, it does work excellently well at smoothing, softening, and moisturizing your feet. The price is a little steep for what it is.)
Price: $7.99, 4 oz (a little goes a long, long way)
Where: Sally's beauty

Some people read tea leaves, I read makeup (there is a review somewhere in here too)

2009-09-10T03:58:00.011-04:00

Makeup does more than just beautify and correct. With some analysis, the products also tell us what features we are obsessed with, whether for good or bad. For instance, when I open my makeup drawer and look at it, I see an ocean of lipsticks. I mean, seriously, my lipstick collection is like the Pacific Ocean. I have enough lipsticks to wear for the rest of my life, to hand down to Cheeks (unused), for Cheeks to hand down to his children (unused). Really, my collection belongs in a sideshow. In fact, Queen Fierce goes shopping for lipsticks in my stash, and I never miss the ones she picks out because I just have too many. Now, I want to be clear, I am not bragging. This collection is excessive, unnecessary, and kind of shameful. However, it is also very revealing. I have looked at the ridiculous accumulation of lipsticks and evaluated what it says about me. Sure, on a superficial level it says that I love lipsticks, but what else does it say? Hmm *index finger taps chin, indicating brain cogs in action*...Well, on one hand, I think it states that I am obviously obsessed with the mouth. I want people to look at my mouth when I am talking, to pay attention. I want people to listen and evaluate the words that are emitted. Lipstick is a great way to pull the other person's eyes towards the voice piece. I also cherish the power of voice, which is directly associated with the mouth; therefore, I want to celebrate my biggest weapon. I am obsessed with lipstick because I am obsessed with the mouth, because the mouth is powerful: it can be a thruway for souls to exchange, it can distribute poetry, and it can spew vitriol.

Of course, there is a flip side to this love of the mouth. My collection of lipstick also indicates that I am not quite satisfied with what I have. I am constantly searching for the perfect something, whatever the color of choice might be. Is this a bad thing? My instinct says "maybe." In addition to the variation of tones within the same color family, I also have several color families, which also exhibit the different moods and thoughts I had when I hunted the colors: pinks for my flirty moods, reds for my brazen moods, deep berries for my "don't-mess-with-me-or-I'll-bite-you" moods. All of these shades demonstrate the complexity that is human emotion, but there is always the underlying feeling that something just isn't perfect. Really, this realization is eye-opening and humbling. It's like the lipsticks are telling me, "T, look at me. Look at what you have created? You were always in a search to find a perfect lipstick, and you know it doesn't exist, let alone exist in just one tube. Stop trying to bottle up all of you in one tube. Dig deep into what you already have, ahem this collection, and create your own combinations. You will never find perfection, but you will eventually find satisfaction." Food for thought. I do believe I am finally at my saturation point on the lipstick point.

Now, let me transition to another makeup reveal: nails and nail polish. Nail Polish is a lot like lipstick: there are a variety of colors, and there is a lot of room for creativity. A person can always exhibit a little of his or her wild side by just picking the right nail polish color. Like lipsticks, there is a color for every mood and occasion. Like lipsticks, nail polish doesn't really discriminate between sizes and body types, and best of all, it can easily be changed. With this being said, just like there is an essential part to lipstick (moisture on the lips), there is an important step in ensuring the long life of a worn polish: top coat.

It is so very annoying to finish a nail painting job just to get an atrocious smudge or a dreadful chip. Seriously. A good top coat helps avoid this annoyance. Therefore, I shall introduce you to Wet n' Wild's MegaLast Quick Dry Ultra Gloss top coat. This gem of a nail product is only about $2, and it is fan-friggin'-tastic. Before finding this top coat, I was a loyal Seche Vite fan. However, after buying MegaLast, I have not once looked back at my Seche Vite that is sitting sadly in my nail products box. Like Seche Vite, MegaLast dries in a flash, provides a great and longlasting "wet" look, and it does a thorough job of protecting the nail polish. Unlike Seche Vite, MegaLast is less expensive (plus), it isn't thick (nice), it doesn't shrink once dried on the nail (good), and when/if chipping does occur it doesn't come off in horrible sheets.
For the test, I painted my left hand with just nail polish, and I painted my right hand with polish and then the top coat. My left hand started chipping after three days, and my right hand started showing minimal chipping and tip fade six days after initial application. Plus, my left hand looked shabby and dull by the second day, whereas, the right hand maintained its shine. Also, my right hand dried in no time. My left hand did smudge a little when I went to bed.

The MegaLast top coat will enhance many nail polishes. It can hold out on much of the everyday wear and tear we put our hands through. My top-coated mani survived the changing of diapers, the opening of packages, the washing of dishes, and the cleaning of bathrooms. However, I have to state that it does sometimes struggle when too many coats of a nail polish are under the top coat. I did do another test where I wore approximately three layers of a sheer Revlon shade, and my index finger (we will get back to this index finger) did chip after the second day. Oh, and the smell is kind of strong. The rest of the nails were in pretty good shape. This is just a wonderful, inexpensive, and effective product.

So what does all of this mean as far as revelations? Well, the use of nail polish reveals that I definitely use my left index finger a whole lot because that finger is the first to go. I like to point at things, I like to jab things, I use this finger to remove Cheeks hanging boogers (yes, this definitely comes with the parenting territory). Basically, my index finger is my utility knife: always handy, always there. The use of nail polish was also very revealing because it disproved something I thought was true. I use my middle finger a lot less than I thought I did. I mean, I do enjoy dropping the F-bomb when wearing berry lipsticks, but I guess I don't like to stick out my middle finger as much while wearing purple polish. Not a bad thing. And finally, the search for a good top coat has been satisfied. I found one that is willing to commit to its task without asking me to fork over my savings. This top coat provides qualities that I subconsciously search for in my life, commitment (long lasting, about 5-7 days), immediate gratification (dried very quickly), comfort (not heavy nor thick), protection (fights chips), care (isn't harsh on my nails), camaraderie (goes well with pretty much any nail polish). Sometimes I may look like I own the world, but deep down I am just another person seeking the ever-elusive perfection and tender, loving protection.

And people thought makeup was frivolous...
So what does your makeup say about you?

Rating for WnW MegaLast Quick Dry Ultra Gloss top coat: 5 out of 5 happy wallets. Are you kidding me, it's $2 and it works exceptionally well.

Price: around $2

Pics

Day 6 of wearing Color Club polish in "Power Play" with WnW MegaLast top coat on top. Two coats of color polish, and one coat of top coat. Notice, shine still evident, minimal tip fade, a small chip.

Another view of Day 6. See the tip fade. Not bad for the time span.

The hand without the top coat. Note the dullness, the more obvious chips. Beautiful color thought. I got this polish from 8ty8beauty.com a long time ago.

The pandas will attack my hair (Garnier Anti-humidity spray with bamboo)

2009-08-31T20:24:00.005-04:00

Well, if you regularly read this blog then you know that I have been searching for a hairspray that will fight humidity. You also know that I really have not ventured into the land of hairsprays, so I am not very well-versed in what is good and what isn't. Therefore, I had a horrible experience with the Ion Hairspray (you can read that here). However, I recovered quickly from that debacle and I picked up Garnier Fructis's new anti-humidity hairspray. From what I noticed Garnier came out with different types of anti-humidity hairsprays; one volumizes, another does something else, and the one I got provides shine and sleekness. The hold on the Sleek and Shine hairspray is "ultra strong" and rates a 4 on a scale of 1-5. This hairspray promises to have "long-lasting hold" and fight humidity all day. The spray also contains bamboo extract (I think this is what makes it new), which provides elasticity and strength, which translates into a bold, resilient, natural-looking hairstyle. The hairspray comes in an aerosol can. Oh, and the spray smells like the other Garnier products: fruity and feminine.

So, what do I think about this hairspray? Well, I have been using it for more than a month, and it does actually keep my curls in check during super humid days. I did retest it recently during a rainy, misty day, and I was amazed at how nicely my hair kept. In fact, my hair looked exactly the same when I got home. In addition to fighting the frizz, my hair still felt considerably soft. I say "considerably" because the fact of the matter is that I do have hairspray in it. So my hair wasn't crunchy, instead it felt firm. It was like I had a pliable barrier around my head. However, I have to state during this retest, I did apply the hairspray on second-day, dry hair. The directions on the can suggest the person apply on damp hair for full effect, and here is the rub. I have applied this hairspray when my hair was damp, and it really did work to its fullest potential. My curls were defined, they did not frazzle, and my hair still had room to move, but, and this is a big "but" for me, when I apply the hairspray when wet my hair feels a little sticky, and it takes forever to dry. I really hate having wet hair all day. I mean my hair already takes a while to dry, and I really don't want to drag that time out further. The quicker my hair can dry, the quicker I can fluff it, the prettier I will feel. Plus, when I apply the hairspray on damp hair and it finally dries, it doesn't yield good second-day hair (and I sleep on a satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and breakage). On the second day the hair is difficult to fluff without frizzing it up because of the firming effect of the hairspray on the curls. Since the curls are so firm, when they are on a flat surface the curls just flatten and stay like that. Annoying!

I can't knock the hairspray for being effective; I really can't, but I am not a fan of wearing this when wet. I guess if it was super humid on a "wet-hair day" (The days when I wash or rewet my hair. Curly girls know what I am talking about.), then I would do a quick spritz of the spray all over my hair, but it isn't my favorite option. Now, if it is super humid on a second-hair day, then I will most definitely coat my hair in this.

Bottom-line: this hair is great on dry hair, not so much on dense, wet hair.

So, would I buy this again? Yes, I would, but strictly for dry hair days. This can is 8.25 oz, and I don't really need a lot for my hair, so it will last quite some time before I have to buy it again. I will say this, I am not looking for another hairspray. This satisfied my curiosity for quite awhile.

Rating: 4.8 out of 5 happy wallets (I don't like the sticky effect it has on my wet hair, but I do wear other products, which could affect this feeling. Plus, the can doesn't state that it provides a natural feeling hair. It states that it provides "natural looking" hair. Overall, this hairspray does what it says, and it smells good.)

Price: honestly, I bought this a while ago and I can't remember. I do believe it was less that $6, maybe even $4, but I can't confirm (I looked around online, but I saw prices for the older version of this hairspray.).

Picture

My second-day hair with hairspray at the beginning of the day. See it looks natural and touchable, and it is. I forgot to take an "after the full day" pic because Cheeks was requesting all of my attention. By the time I was done for the day, I just passed out. However, the hair looked pretty much the same at the end of the day.

Long lashes that can compete with the fake lashes on True Blood?

2009-08-30T22:14:00.004-04:00

photo from Maybelline.com

Okay, so I don't know about the rest of the world, but in the US vampires are totally taking over. It's crazy that they are all over the movies and TV. I haven't gotten too into the fad. I mean, I am not sporting any fangs or anything, and I am not asking anyone to bite me. However, I have been really into the Sookie Stackhouse novels and True Blood, which airs on HBO. The show is now into the second season, and some things have changed from the first season. For instance, the makeup. Since the beginning of the season I have noticed an influx in false lashes. Not just enhancing false lashes, I mean the super dramatic false lashes, and all the women are wearing them. I understand the concept of TV makeup, but these lashes are so very distracting. They look like the lashes that are shown on mascara commercials (Okay, can we talk about that too? Seriously, how in the hell do they justify fake lashes on a mascara commercial). I mean, the lashes they use are so long they virtually touch the top of the brows. Anyway, after seeing these lashes on the show, I got motivated to try out some lengthening mascaras.

First, I tried an Ulta one, and that was pure crap. In fact, it just went straight into the trash. Then, I tried Maybelline XXL extensions XX-treme length mascara. I have been wearing this mascara off and one for the past month, and I really do like it. This mascara does add a great amount of length, it holds curl, I can layer without much clumping, and I have not experienced any flaking, nor smudging. I also really like the second step brush. I say "second" because this mascara is a two-step process. First you coat your lashes with a microfiber primer, and then you coat your lashes with the further lengthening mascara part.

The primer is kind of easy to work with. I have to be careful to not overwhelm the lashes, when applying it. The primer brush can deposit a little too much white stuff, so make sure the brush isn't saturated. The primer really is the core of the lengthening process because of the little fibers that attach and extend the lash. Curiously, Maybelline call the first step "the tamer," but they should call it "the extender."

The second part of the mascara application is pretty easy; just swipe on. However, I have to make sure I cover all of the white primer. Really, the most troublesome part is making sure to cover all of the primed lashes well so that no white shows through. Other than that, good to go. Now, I will say that since this is a two-step mascara, it might not be the best mascara for on-the-go. It does take time to make sure to get cover the lashes in its entirety. Oh, and the mascara does look gray in combination with primer.

Now, let's get to the title. Does this compete with the false lashes on True Blood? No, of course not, but it most definitely lengthens the lashes. I am incredibly satisfied with this mascara, and I would definitely buy it again. It truly does add a VAVOOM quality to the eyes. In fact, I am really enjoying just wearing this mascara without any shadow or liner. Well played, Maybelline. You tugged at my purse strings again.

Rating: 5 out of 5 happy wallets. (It takes some time to make sure the primer doesn't show through, but I deem it worthy because the length is great.)

Price: $6-$7, I can't remember, but it is in this range.

Pics!

no mascara, bare lashes

VaVoom! Pardon the messy brows.

HAWT

Has anyone else tried this mascara? Thoughts? Any other recs for a lengthening mascara?

Another survey that is all about me, because this blog isn't about me already

2009-08-30T05:44:00.002-04:00

This morning Cheeks woke me up at 5:30 because he was hungry. Many will say, "What? That is so early!" And it is, however, I was so proud of him because he has been sleeping some kind of poopy recently. For instance, the night before he only slept for about three hours. The scholar and I were pulling out our hair trying to get him to fall asleep. I swear I will try to never break a baby's routine if I can't help it. Their revenge is miserable.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the survey. So this morning, I was reading through the blogs while I was feeding Cheeks, and I came across Aquaheart's "50 questions" survey. I thought it would be fun to complete on my blog. I think it is always fun to find out a little about the person behind the makeup.

Also, before I forget. I went to Target yesterday and trolled the makeup clearance aisle, and I found the Maybelline Pulse Perfection mascara. Yes, the Pulse Perfection was on clearance at my Target. I asked the associate why it was there, and she thought it was due to poor sales at that particular store. Soo, ladies and gents, check your Target clearance to see if they have any of the mascara there. You never know. I bought it for around 6 bucks. I also got some Maybelline lippies for around $1. Sweet.

Ok, it's all about me time:

1. What time did you get up this morning? 5:30 am, eastern

2. How do you like your steak? super rare. Like the cook shows the flame the steak from afar and then s/he puts it on my plate.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? I can't even remember. I think I was pregnant, so it wasn't so long ago. I guess it was a forgettable movie.

4. What is your favorite TV show? I have many favorites: Pushing Daisies (canceled), Life (canceled), Psych, Bones, but the ultimate favorite is BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. I friggin' love BTVS, love. Not many people understand my connection to the show, but I don't care. The world's questions can be answered through that show. I love this show so much, I made the title bold. That says something.

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Northern VA, it's what I know best, diverse, close to DC, lots of Vietnamese food restaurants, *weeps* One day, one day.

6. What did you have for breakfast? not yet. But I will probably have a almond butter and grape jelly sandwich (I am allergic to peanuts. Funny story behind this.) and cinnamon tea that I am obsessed with right now.

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Puerto Rican and Vietmanese pho. Yum Yum.

8. What foods do you dislike? liver.

9. Favorite place to eat? Other than a Pho joint, I enjoy (I know it is a chain, but I like it) Ruby Tuesdays. I like their turkey sliders and the salad bar, oh and those pumpernickel croutons.

10. Favorite dressing? Ranch

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Ford Explorer. This is the second "inherited" one.

12. What are your favorite clothes? jeans, scoop neck loose blouses, and button down shirts. Oh, and long sleeve shirts.

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? I want to visit Quebec and Montreal.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? It's just at half. I just see things. Sure, I try to find the bright side, but really, it is what it is.

15. Where would you want to retire? Probably a city setting. Maybe Arlington, VA. Gosh, I love NoVA.

16. Favorite time of day? 10 am. Nice round number, still morning, still smiling.

17. Where were you born? Washington, DC

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? I usually don't watch sports, but when I do, I like soccer and hockey. Actually, I watch soccer to see the legs in action (HAWT), and hockey for the actual sport. In fact, I actively turn the channel to the hockey game, which I typically don't do for other sports.

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? not concerned

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? not concerned

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? I am nosy so everyone and anyone. Please satisfy my curiosity.

22. Bird watcher? I am not a bird watcher, but my godmother is. She and her husband are avid bird watchers, and it is so interesting to hear about their adventures around the world. They have seen many beauties. So cool.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? morning. I am worthless at night.

24. Do you have any pets? no. We had a fish, Alexander the Great, but he died. So sad.

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? yes, the baby slept the entire night!! *throws confetti*

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A teacher or lawyer. Teaching won. Now, I have a love/hate relationship with the profession.

27. What is your best childhood memory? sneaking around with my sister looking for Christmas gifts. When we finally found them, I would teach my sister how to open the wrapping without doing damage. That was always fun.

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Dogs, but really, I am a fish person. I like the idea of having a dog, but then I think of dog breath, dog hair, dog poo. I know eventually we will get a dog, so I am preparing myself for that time. Honestly, I have never lived with a dog so maybe I will be okay. Actually, I did live with a dog in college *shudders*.

29. Are you married? yes, it's cool. I like it. However, don't do it just to do it. Marriage is a serious business. Check your ego at the door.

30. Always wear your seat belt? People don't?!

31. Been in a car accident? ugh, yes...

32. Any pet peeves? Really? In fact, one pet peeve is when people say they don't have pet peeves. I hate when people want to be rosy all the time. Funny story, when my sister was younger, she and my mother were fighting about something mundane. My sister yells at my mother, "Listen, I can't be happy all the time!" My mom retorts, "No, that would be psychotic." Exactly! One huge pet peeve is when people exhibit the Pollyanna syndrome. Gag me with a spoon.

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Pepperoni

34. Favorite Flower? Gerbera daisies.

35. Favorite ice cream? Rocky Road

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? I don't really have one. Oh wait, yes, I do. Chick-fil-A

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test? I failed the written once, and I took driving lessons at school, after two weeks we would take a test and fail or pass. My instructor kept me for an additional two weeks. He noted my lack of confidence and deemed it a danger to society. He was very perceptive. Thank you, Mr. Madison.

38. From whom did you get your last email? I can't remember. This baby brain is horrible.

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? First off, I would not max out a credit card unless, absolutely necessary (like to save a house, and even then I would cry the entire time). I fear debt. However, and tell me this doesn't make sense, but I always think what would I do if I won a ton of money. Well, after giving some away, paying off stuff, setting up funds for the babies, and so forth, I would raid the drugstore makeup aisle. I mean, how does that make sense. Usually, when you go up in the money ladder you upgrade your taste, but I kind of don't have an interest. Don't get me wrong, I would definitely buy more from the counters, but I have a feeling that I would definitely raid the drugstore makeup aisles. The drugstore aisle gives me more of a rush than the makeup counters do.

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? I dashed out of the house for a minute. That is spontaneous because I left Cheeks at home with the Scholar. Seriously, I just has a tiny bag with me and I could just rush out of my car. Soo nice. This is the one thing I miss about my childless life: the ability to just go.

41. Like your job? Yes, I like being a mommy. I pepper the mommy gig with some tutoring and volunteer work, which is great.

42. Broccoli? Can you say "GAS."

43. What was your favorite vacation? Alaskan cruise. I went right after graduating from grad school and right before entering the "real" world. It was divine. I ate well, read a lot, and saw humbling glaciers. I don't think I could recreate that trip.

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? the Scholar. Yum to both the food and the man.

45. What are you listening to right now? the fan, the baby mumbling in his sleep, and the Scholar taking deep, sleepy breaths.

46. What is your favorite color? RED

47. How many tattoos do you have? None. I admire and enjoy looking at others with tattoos, but I never got one. Now, if I were to get one, it would be Ursula from The Little Mermaid. Sure, she is the villain, but did you feel her sex appeal and confidence? I wanted to be her when I first saw the movie.

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz? You read this, you are tagged

49. What time did you finish this quiz? 6:40 am

50. Coffee drinker? Nope, tea drinker.

More Brushes, T?! (the detail brushes)

2009-08-27T20:29:00.002-04:00

(click on the image to see in full)

1. Loew-Cornell 270 Maxine's Mop 1/4 brush (natural)
2. Loew-Cornell 272 Dome Round (natural)
3. Loew-Cornell Arttec Red Sable 165 round (natural)
4. E.L.F Professional Lip Defining Brush (natural, use as eye brush)
5. CVS Essence of Beauty small crease brush (natural)
6. Loew-Cornell 793 Angular Flat 1/4 brush (white nylon)
7. Maybelline eye contour brush (good for eyeliner, synthetic)

1. Loew-Cornell 270 Maxine's Mop 1/4 brush (natural)--I friggin' love this brush. I have two of these. They are excellent for detailed crease work, smudged liner, outer "v" work. Just a very versatile detail brush. Plus, this brush is around $3 at Michaels.

2. Loew-Cornell 272 Dome Round (natural)--I got this when I was obsessed with finding the perfect pencil brush. The tip of this brush is a little rounder than the MAC 219 and it is thinner as well. However, the brush is densely packed and firm, but still soft. I don't use this as much as I could. I usually gravitate towards it when I want to do create a dramatic, cut crease. This has the length to deeply sit inside my crease as I do the windshield motion to deposit crease color. About $10-$11 at Michaels.

3. Loew-Cornell Arttec Red Sable 165 round (natural)--This is like the Sonia Kashuk fluffy blending brush, but it is thinner and less dense. This does blend, but it is really very soft. So it will do light, light diffusing. I like this brush when I want to just hint at my crease contour. I use this on my less dramatic days, really. Not a must. Unfortunately, I can't find, nor remember, the price on this one.

4. E.L.F Professional Lip Defining Brush (natural, use as eye brush)--This is another example of using brushes for something they were not meant for. I really like this brush. When I first got it, I thought that it was kind of useless, and then I used it to darken my outer "v" and highlight my inner corner and I really enjoyed it. This is small and it is easy to handle around the tight corners of the eyes. It is also very soft, and not densely packed. Therefore, I don't get the sharp, precise crease line or outer "v" line. Instead I get a precise but diffused line. Very nice for $1.

5. CVS Essence of Beauty small crease brush (natural)--Another great brush from Essence of Beauty. Bravo CVS for having such great brushes. I use this for liner smudging, inner eye highlight, and overall detail touch up. The handle is small because it comes in a travel kit. I can't remember the price, but you get two or three crease brushes in this kit. This is a great mini pencil brush.

6. Loew-Cornell 793 Angular Flat 1/4 brush (white nylon)--Great for cream liner application. I prefer the angled brush to the flat liner brush. I can do a cat eye pretty easily with this brush. Plus, it is really easy to clean and manipulate. I think this could have been around $5 or $7, but I can't remember.

7. Maybelline eye contour brush (good for eyeliner, synthetic) --This brush and I have had a longlasting relationship. I have had this brush since freshmen year of college, and I have been out for a while. Pretty awesome brush. I thought I had lost it for a long time, and I was really sad because I could find a replacement (I did find it eventually). However, I have noticed that it is back in stores. This baby used to be hard to find, but not anymore. I really love this brush. Between the LC angle brush and this one, I choose the Maybelline. The brush is poopy for contouring, but it is magnificent for lining. This delivers a thin, precise line. I can also get a great cat eye with this brush. Just great! I don't know the price, however.

So the must haves from this bunch: Maybelline contour brush, CVS small crease brush, LC maxine mop 1/4 brush.

More to come. Let me know if you have any questions.
much love.

Products I am using right now

2009-08-27T05:50:00.003-04:00

I have seen this survey on several blogs, and I decided to do it too. If you would like reviews on any of the product just give me a shout out.

Shampoo: Mixed Chicks shampoo (just finishing up, won't repurchase)

Conditioner: Herbal Essence Tousle me Softly (trying it out. smells very nice)

Styling products: 1) Herbal Essence Tousle me Softly mousse (crazy love it. Have been using it for one week, and I get excited to use after I wash my hair. So far no complaints.
2) Garnier Sleek and Shine Anti-humidity hairspray (very nice. Don't wear it every day, but when I do I am surprised at how nice it is. A review will come.)

Shower Gel: Dove Cucumber Melon soap bar.

Body moisturizer: Curel 24 hour comfort. (I friggin' love this stuff. There is a review on here)

Deodorant: Degree invisible solid in power, I think.

Fake Tan: I'm brown; no need to tan.

Cleanser: 1) Costco makeup wipes (love, cheap!), 2) Clean and Clear blackhead eraser/Cetaphil antibacterial bar soap (testing)

Toner: None.

Exfoliator: Clean and Clear blackhead eraser (I missed it when I didn't hav it)

Primer: None.

Foundation brush: testing the Essence of Beauty foundation brush. Very soft, a little too wide.
However, I prefer fingers and sponges.

Concealer: maybelline coverstick in beige and maybelline mineral power in beige. (both are great concealers. Coverstick is very thick, but does not budge. Mineral power is also really nice; a little thinner than coverstick.)

Powder: mark. powder buff powder foundation in "natural" (love)

Blush: Carmindy blush in "poppy" (I have reviewed it somewhere on here)

Bronzer: mark. pro bronze (excellent non-orange shade)

Highlighter: mark. get bright hookup highligher

Eyeshadow base: UDPP, L'oreal Crease, MAC paint in bamboo

Eyeshadows: I have been wearing a lot of mark. shadows recently

Eyeliner: HiP cream liner (I am not really liking it anymore though. It dries out too fast. boo hiss)

Curler: ELF lash curler. (Love it. Replaced my shu uemura)

Mascara: Prestige My Biggest Lashes (on Recessionista recommendation. It is nice, but have decided not to settle on it.)

Lipstick: MAC Twig with NYX round lipgloss in Ballerina Pink on top. (The gloss brings out the pink in twig without it being shocking)

Lipgloss: NYX ballerina pink, mark. exotic in rush, mark GBG in girly girl

Nail Colour: none for now

Let me know what you are wearing/using. This is how we continue to try out new products in the hopes of finally fining "the One."

Update and Tagged (11 happy things)!

2009-08-26T21:27:00.003-04:00

Hi Chicas! How is everyone? I have been out because we took Cheeks McGee to the beach. It was a great time. However, now that we are home, Cheeks is all like, "hey, you! Yeah, you, the one who feeds me, I am gonna make you pay for taking me out of the routine. I won't sleep through the night, I will demand arms during the day, and I will cry loudly and incessantly when I want something. Oh, and I am gonna be hungry all the time. Yeah, that's what you get for taking me to the stinkin' beach."

Soo, I had all intentions of coming home and blogging the hell out of blogspot. I had fantasies of blogging so much that my keyboard was going to smoke and the computer was going to sizzle. Alas, this did not happen. Instead, I have been vegging out after long days of fighting with a cute 5 month old, and then I crawl into bed. In fact, I didn't even wash my face last night, and now I am suffering a poopy zit on my chin. Boo Hiss. But, no fear (not that you were), Cheeks is falling back into his routine, and I am getting back on schedule.

In the meantime, I shall do this fun survey that Recessionista sent me. Oh, but before I forget, I didn't take the Clean and Clear blackhead eraser to the beach with me, and my face definitely missed it. So it must be doing something right.

Ok, here is the survey (I love doing these things. you might see another survey go up tonight)

11 Things that make me Happy

1) My new family. When I was younger, I never planned on getting married. I always thought I would find a lover: we would live separately, but hang out on a regular basis. I never really thought I would find someone who would love me just the way I am and want to actually commit to me. I never really thought I would want to commit to anyone either. And yet, I met the Scholar. Pretty crazy. Then two years later, we have Mr. Cheeks McGee dictating what goes on in the house. It is so surreal. There are times when I wake up in the middle of the night and look at these two men and just thank God with a humble heart. It doesn't get better. It just doesn't.

2) I may be 30, but I still crave being home with Queen Fierce. Those walls hold a lot of good memories, the smell of comfort food still emanates from the kitchen, and the bed is always welcoming.

3) The weekly calls from Mr. Serenity. He never tires of my Buffy-ridden conversations, and he guides me on which movies to watch and what to do with my car.

4) The daily texts from The Grrl. Holy Moly, thank God for unlimited texting because we can text like it is our job, especially on Sundays during True Blood. Oh Eric...

5) An excellent book that includes some type of awakening, a touch of romance, a strong heroine, a balanced dose of details, a magnificent voice, and a plethora of new words for me to discover. Wow, no wonder I shrug after reading many books.

6) Volunteering. Right now, I teach computer classes at my local library, and I love interacting with the participants. I love their stories, I like their excitement. I enjoy leaving feeling like I have helped someone. Plus, I get to hang out at one of my favorite spots.

7) Getting packages. Whoa, Nelly! I rip the package open in the elevator. I don't even wait until I get in the house. I know what is in the box, but I still get super excited.

8) Simple Christmases. I don't really even care about gifts. I like to keep things simple. This is difficult to do during Christmas especially since so many go overboard with gifts during this time. I like to chill in comfy clothes, watch TV, drink cider, snack on turkey, and just hang out. So whenver I come across a simple Christmas, it is a good Christmas.

9) Silence. Some poeple don't feel comfortable with silence. I cherish it. Funny story, when I was pregnant I read that it was good to talk to the belly so that the baby could get used to my voice. I was home alone a lot, and there were days where I was quiet for most of the time. Then I would freak out because I hadn't said anything to the future Cheeks, and I would immediately start a conversation, only to fall into silence 10 mintues later. It is so nice to just hear my own breath. Oh, also curious. I am a teacher by trade, and there were times in the classroom when I would just close my mouth. The students would look up from their notes and doodles. I would stare at them and say, "Sorry, I just got tired of hearing my voice, so I can only imagine how you are feeling. Let's take a minute to just enjoy the silence." Don't get me wrong, I am not shy, I just don't believe in superfluous talk.

10) Beading. I create something and it doesn't necessarily have to take months to make. Plus, I can wear it as soon as I am done.

11) Long Showers. Better than a long walk on the beach. So, so, so relaxing.

I tag the following:

Elaine, over at Stella's dreams. She blogs about adventures in new mommyhood, which is fun and heartwarming.

Beda from Beda's Beauty Blog. Excellent reviews, FOTD's and is a fellow islander.

Tanya at The Pink Train Case. An expert drugstore shopper, and all around fun chica.

Miss Marisol at A dirty martini kind of girl. One of the first blogs I started reading. Excellent chica.

Of course, anyone else can share on her (do I have male blogger readers?) blog, or in the comments section. This is a nice positive sharing, so why not keep it up.
Also, the tagged are not obligated to do it.

Much love.

Recessionista, thanks for sending this, it was fun to think about how happy I am.

Much Love.

Quick Note: Out

2009-08-10T10:58:00.002-04:00

I will be out for a little over a week.
However, I will be back and ready to post.
Have a great one!

Finally, the brushes get attention

2009-08-03T10:55:00.008-04:00

Whew, how long has it been since I wanted to cover brushes? Forever. I had this on my "things to review" list for a really long time, and then I took it off because I had failed to deliver. However, I received a request (holla, Lelu's mami!), and that was motivation enough for me to get this done.

I am going to cover the brushes I use in a series of posts because there are too many to fit in one post. I mean, I don't want your butt to get numb from reading one very long post. As you know, I don't like to spend money on beauty, unless absolutely necessary. Also, I have a penchant for finding inexpensive alternative to expensive products. I know everyone says that makeup aficionados should invest in good brushes, but to be honest, I have had most excellent luck with less expensive, but effective brushes. The quest to find inexpensive brushes has led to thinking outside of the box and being creative. Sometimes, the brushes that was intended for the lips, really are great for the eye, or the brush that was meant for acrylic is wonderful for the crease.

Okay, so here is the first lineup. Let's attack them one by one:

1. MAC 217 (natural)
2. 1/2 Loew-Cornell 270 Maxine Mop (natural)
3. 1/4 Loew-Cornell AMM Mini Mop (natural)
4. Face Secrets Shadow Blender (natural)
5. Generic Large Shadow brush (I think from Walmart, natural)
6. E.L.F. Professional eye shadow brush (natural)
7. Face Secrets eye contour (natural)
8. 3/8 Loew-Cornell 270 maxine's mop (natural)
9. mark. travel eye shadow brush (natural)

1. The MAC 217-- I know, I know, this is not a cheap brush retailing at $22.50. However, I have searched high and low for an inexpensive dupe, and I have yet to find one that compares to this brush. The 217 is excellent for blending, all-over shadow applications, crease work, highlighting, and baby tickling. This brush is spectacularly versatile. When I first was introduced to this brush via Makeupgeek, I really wasn't convinced. I thought, "meh, my eyelid space is too small for this brush. It will never work." However, after more consideration (and stalking of the brush every time I entered the MAC store) I decided to buy it for my birthday. I really, really love this brush. I have even considered buying another one, but I read a tweet from Sigmamakeup a while back that said they were developing a dupe for the 217. So, I am going to hold out and see what Sigma comes up with. I really enjoy this brush because it is fluffy, but not flimsy. Therefore, it works well for color deposit, as well as, color diffusing. When turned horizontally this snugly fits into the crease to create a defined but blended contour. Plus, when traveling you could really just take this brush since it really can cover all of your bases. If you have very little lid space, then this brush may be too big for you. Get a true feel for it at a MAC store just to be sure if it works for you.

2. 1/2 Loew-Cornell 270 Maxine Mop (natural)--I got this at Micheals. I love to use art brushes for makeup. Why not? My face is my canvas and these brushes are soft enough to use. Plus, art brushes are durable and a fraction of the price of makeup brushes. This particular brush is great for covering the entire lid area. It is a soft, dense, flat shader brush. You can use this to pat on color onto the lid, you can do subtle blending around the edges of the shadow. You could also use this for highlighting. I use this every so often. I like it, but it isn't necessarily a must. I believe this was around $5, but Michaels throws these on sale all the time.

3. 1/4 Loew-Cornell AMM Mini Mop (natural)--Alright this sometimes seems to be called Ann's mini mop. However, the handle states that it is the AMM mini mop. I got this brush when I was looking for a MAC 217 dupe. However, the AMM brush is smaller, less dense, and softer. Even though it isn't a good 217 dupe, I still really enjoy this brush for all-over lid application, like a wash, and sometimes I use this for a very subtle crease. The blending capabilities kind of reminds me of the Sonia Kashuk blender brush, which is similar to the MAC 224, from what I have heard. This was about $3 to $4.

4. Face Secrets Shadow Blender (natural)--Wow, I have had this brush since high school. The Face Secrets brand can be found at Sally's and the brand has gotten a face lift. My brush has a wooden handle, but now they have black handles. This brush is wide, dense, and it has short hairs. The brush is intended for blending, but I think it is too wide and dense. I feel like this brush could muddy up the shades when blending. I like this for patting on highly pigmented shades and for more controlled application of shadows. Not a must have, just a fun to have. This was about $5.

5. Generic Large Shadow brush (I think from Walmart, natural)--Again, another wonderful cheap brush that I got a very long time ago. I include this one to prove that you don't need a name brand, expensive brush. I use this for all over washes, and it is in heavy rotation. The brush has the right amount of width and length to fit nicely on my lid. I can't even remember how much this brush was, but I do remember it being cheap.

6. E.L.F. Professional eye shadow brush (natural)--Another wonderful all-over shadow brush. This is like #5 but the hairs are a little shorter, as is the handle. Also, the end of the brush is a little more rounded. Another brush that is used heavily (you can't have enough of these type of brushes when working with several colors). This brush is especially excellent because it is only $1 at eyeslipsface.com. You really can't go wrong.

7. Face Secrets eye contour (natural)--Stellar brush for the lid. I love this brush because it is wide enough to deposit a wash of color in one swish, and the pointed end easily goes into the inner corner of my eye without depositing color about the inner corner. In other words, this is like those corner vacuum cleaners that hit the hard to reach spaces. I have also used it for contouring, but it isn't my favorite for that. Here is an example of using the brush for something it wasn't really meant for. I got this brush in high school, and it has held up excellently. About $5 at Sally's.

8. 3/8 Loew-Cornell 270 maxine's mop (natural)--A flat, shader brush. Really good for packing on the color. I use this a lot when I am going for dramatic color. This is about $4 at Michaels, but you can also find this at any art store really, and maybe for less.

9. mark. travel eye shadow brush (natural)--mark. has changed the appearance of this brush a lot since this model came out. This brush is part of a travel kit, and I definitely love to use it when on travel or just at home. I like this for blending the edges out, but it also works for washes, and it fits nicely into the crease for crease work. I also like to use this to get color inside the inner corner. A winner. Two downers, very short handle and only comes in a travel kit.

Out of these, I would say that the MAC 217, 3/8 Maxine Mop, and the Face Secrets eye contour brushes are "must haves." Of course, it's all about finding out what works. One tip, when getting the art brushes, be sure to wash before use. They come with a light coat of glue to maintain the shape while on display in the store.

Questions? Comments? Drop a line.
More to come, I promise. You can check my flickr photostream for a sneak peak of the other eye brushes to come.

Buff Puff on steroids

2009-08-01T20:59:00.006-04:00

I always feel weird walking to the bathroom with the camera. The scholar looks at me as if saying "huh, why are you taking pictures while on the toilet?" Little does he know that i am just taking pictures of my beauty antics. Rarely is toilet paper involved.

Anyway, I have finally come around to reviewing Clean and Clear's Blackhead Eraser, and I figured it would be fun to take pictures of me using the contraption. It kind of worked. I really need to buy a tripod. Then the Scholar will really looked confused when I walk with the camera to the bathroom. Why did I take so long to review this vibrating beauty tool? Well, I really wanted to be sure of my opinion. I wanted to give the Blackhead Eraser enough time to prove itself. I have been using this, nonstop, for about two months. As I was testing it, I considered how to describe it, and, finally, it dawned upon me. The Blackhead Eraser is the Buf Puf on steroids. How many of you remember those Buf Puf pads? Man, I was all about those Buf Puf pads when I was younger. I remember when Queen Fierce would take The Grrl and me to Walmart, and she would release us in the beauty section while she did the real shopping. The Grrl loaded her hands with Softlips lip balm, and I would load my basket (I always went overboard) with lip glosses, nail polishes, cleansers, and the prized Buf Puf. I would wear those Buf Puf pads until they were thin and raggedy. I loved how they left my face so soft and fresh feeling. I am sure I scrubbed the hell out of my face, but whatever. As always, I eventually searched for other products and forgot about the Buff Puff until now.

I can't tell you what motivated me to finally buy and test this product. I remember seeing the advertisement and thinking "Whatever, Clean and Clear will never see my money for that. Never!" Several weeks later, I was washing my face and felt the roughness of my skin. A prickly surface was terrorizing my face, and I immediately thought "Damn you, Clean and Clear. You saboteur! You infiltrated my skin just so I could test your product! And the name you chose. So. So. Precise." I couldn't just go for the Neutrogena Wave, although I am sure it does the same exact thing for less. No, I had to get the "Blackhead Eraser" because I needed my blackheads "erased." If I want "waves," I go to the beach. Well, I guess I can tell you what motivated me to buy the product after all. Panic and good advertising.

Anyway, I used the eraser the first night I got it, and...I was impressed. My face immediately felt soft and smooth. I looked at my problem areas, the sides of my nose, and noticed an absence of obvious blackheads. This eraser really did erase something--not everything, but something. So, I continued to use the eraser four nights a week, as recommended (three to four nights it states). My face looked progressively clearer, brighter, and more even. My old acne scars even look less prominent. Here is the kicker, for the first two weeks I was using the wrong side. You got it! I was using the unmedicated, non-soapy side. I still got suds and exfoliation, but apparently it wasn't up to its fullest potential. I had misunderstood the instructions and I was not using the pads to the fullest capacity. Whoops.

So the night I corrected my error, I really felt the power of exfoliation, and my face looked a little brighter. My skin looks quite refreshed, and I haven't had to wear heavy foundation since I started the using this. My nails no longer get lured by protruding blackheads on the side of my nose either. My skin just feels more even, less bumpy.

Before I continue to ramble, let me just break it down into points

Yays!
1) Effective in providing soft skin. The first time I used it, my face immediately felt soft and clean. The prominent blackheads were vibrated and exfoliated. My nose instantly looked better.

2) Although the instructions state to use the pad once. I was able to get up to three good, sudsy uses out of the medicated pads. Sometimes, I would just put a little of my soap on the fourth time and it worked well.

3) The eraser's small and roundish size (roughly about the size of an American silver dollar) facilitates easier maneuvering around the face's curves. I didn't have problems getting this into the corners of my nose. Also, the hourglass shape made it easy for me to hold. Plus, this can travel easily.

4) The vibration (I really hope this doesn't attract interesting ads) is effective in preventing me from scrubbing my face too forcefully. See, here is where the Buff Puff reference is useful. As mentioned before, I am pretty sure I was too harsh on my skin when scrubbing with the Buf Puf. In this case, the Eraser's vibration does all of the work for me, so I really just have to move the mini-machine lightly in circular motions around my face. It does help to prevent overexertion.

5) You really can use either side. The pad does work up a lather regardless of what side you use. The unintentional side is softer than the intended side. so if you find the intended side to rough, you can turn the pad over.

6) The pad sticks really well to the attachment head, even after several uses.

7) No battery replacement as of yet, and I am still on the initial packet of medicated pads. It has been about two months.

Mehs
1) The price: It ranges from $16 to $20. The starter kit comes with the vibrating machine, AA battery, 20 medicated pads. Even though the kit comes with all of this, I still think it is a little too much to pay, especially when Neutrogena has the Wave, and it is cheaper and probably does the same thing (note: I have not tried the Wave. I am just assuming). Here is the other thing, I wouldn't be surprised if the Wave pads and the Blackhead Eraser pads can be placed on either attachment head. So if you have the Wave, you would always just try the C&C medicated pads. Now, you could get a coupon from the C&C website, but you have to register. The refill pads range from $6 to $7 per pack.

2) As mentioned in the "yays," this product does leave the face smooth, but it doesn't truly "erase" blackheads. A salicylic treatment after washing the face or the Biore pore strips is more effective at actually eliminating deeper blackheads. This exfoliant works very nicely for superficial blackheads, but the 1% salicylic acid isn't going to do much when it is quickly washes off.

3) Disposable pads are wasteful.

Rating: 3.0-3.5ish out of 5 (I like that it exfoliates without peeling my face. I like how bright and clean my face has looked. However, this doesn't totally eradicate blackheads. I also don't like the price of the starter kit. You could get the Wave and save money, but I don't know how well the Wave works. With all of this being said, I will continue to use, and I will buy the replacement pads because even though it doesn't dig deep to get rid of the blackheads, it still brightens my face and I don't have to wear heavy makeup to cover up unevenness because I no longer of unevenness.)

Bottom line: I don't regret the purchase, but as a reviewer, I don't want you to feel like you have to invest the $20. This is a nice product, but there are alternatives. This is more of a "nice to have," rather than a "must have." BTW, I do remove my makeup before I wash my face with this.

It looks like it hurts, but I am just winking.

All clean. See the pretty glow?

Quick Tip: Blending shadow

2009-08-01T14:12:00.005-04:00

I have noticed that sometimes makeup artists like you use a "blending shadow" to subtly fuse two shadows shades together or to softly blend the crease color upward toward the brow bone. I think this is an excellent technique, especially when blending the crease color to make the shade look less harsh. However, sometimes, I don't want to add more color nor highlight when blending the crease color up toward the brow bone. And sometimes, just using a blending brush to diffuse the color doesn't cut it.

Well, here is something you can try out. Pick a nice, soft, matte shadow that is very close to your skin color, get a little of the shadow on a fluffy brush and lightly swipe over the crease color. This should help to diffuse a harsh crease without adding more color. If you can't locate a shadow as described above, then grab your pressed powder; this can do the trick. I used my pressed powder today and it worked like a charm. Try it out, and let me know.

Quick Update and question!

2009-08-01T10:38:00.003-04:00

First off, thank you so very much to my new and older followers for joining me on this adventure of self-beautification. If you have any requests, questions, etc., you are always welcome to email me (happyfacehappywallet@gmail.com). I love to keep the communication lines open, so let's have fun!

Now for the update:
I have taken the pictures for the brush post. I just have to edit and write.
I am in the process of testing the Carmindy foundation. I am still deciding what I think.
I have been wearing out my clean and clear blackhead eraser. Pretty good.
The maybelline XXL extension mascara is pretty nice.

So, what review/post would you like to see first? I aim to get several posts out. We shall see if Cheeks McGee lets me get to them in a timely fashion.

Let's see what else...I have this desire to dye my hair. I think I am even going to go to my professional. Do you have any color suggestions? I just don't know what I want.
Okay...

Avon brings the word "intensive" to a whole new level

2009-07-27T20:58:00.007-04:00

Photo from avon.com

Several years ago I traveled to Germany during one of the harshest winters in 100 years. The cold was wretched, horrid, treacherous, bitter, and cruel. There were days when the cold would sneak into by mouth, slither inside my lungs and squelch what breath I had. It was so cold that when I covered my face with a scarf, my breath would crystallize on it in a matter of seconds, and this was on the clear days. On the snowy days, the snowflakes would land on my eyelashes, melt my mascara and then the cold air would rapid-freeze the lashes. I would leave the hotel with many lashes and return to the hotel room with just four huge ones.

I thought I could handle cold, but Munich and Fussen (what is the code for the umlaut?) took my courage shattered it and laughed in my face. Needless to say, my skin screamed in pain. It felt stretched, raw, and assaulted by needles. No matter what I put on, I could not ease the sensation of pinpricks. I could not quench the thirst of my desperate skin. My skin wanted to shed tears, but it was too dry to do so. The cold had sucked the soul out of my skin. Damn you, cold weather! Damn you!

If I had only discovered Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive Hand Cream sooner (side note: it says "hand cream," but I put this all over my skin). Holy Hydration! There needs to be an emphasis on "intensive." Had I had this cream during my frigid trip (other than the cold, Germany was lovely), my skin would have rejoiced. Rejoiced, I tell you. This cream is for extremely, extremely dry skin. I mean, really dry skin. This is like aquaphor times 100. This sucker adds moisture and locks it in like a world-class vault. Not even John Dillinger would be able to infiltrate. In addition, take note of the "therapy" description. This cream is so heavy it really isn't for "after-every-time-you-wash-your-hands" use. This cream is strictly for night time or low activity time. Had I owned this while in Germany, I would definitely had spread this all over at night after my bath time, and my skin would have sighed in relief.

Also, a little goes a long way. When I first got this cream, I made the mistake of squeezing out a quarter-size dollop. Man, I was was massaging this into my skin for half an hour, and I was sticky for quite some time after. However, my skin was like a plump grape, as opposed to a dried up raisin. Also, be sure to warm up this cream in your hands because it is difficult to distribute. When the cream is squeezed out of the tube it is a translucent white, thick, aquaphor like substance. Then when rubbed into the skin it turns white, and then goes into the skin. Your skin will quickly show a healthy glow, but it will feel a little coated, hence not for all the time use.
When applied it feels like the cream is sucking all of the available moisture from the air and absorbing it into your skin. Of course, it may be because glycerin is the second ingredient. Oh, and the scent is light and inoffensive. It kind of reminds me of a light, powdery baby scent, but now the cheap kind.

You know, this cream reminds me of the Neutrogena Norwegian cream, but less expensive (from last I checked which was a while back.) When I have massive rough patches, this is my "go-to" cream. My skin thanks this cream in the winter. Most definitely. You know what else thanks this cream? The scholar's elbows. Whoa, nelly! Those elbows get rough and tumble. This cream attacks some of the ash.

So, if you suffer from really, really bad, dry skin, give this a check. Avon sells the cream in various sizes, and they throw the cream on sale on a regular basis.

Rating: 5 out of 5 happy wallets (Remember not for all-the-time use. I continue to use Curel for everyday use, and I use this cream when I need some serious moisture. If you live in a humid climate, you will feel as sticky as a fly trap. )

Price: $1.99-$3.99 (1.5 oz to 4.2 oz), check out my rep's website. Ms Anita is most excellent.

P.S. just a reminder that this review is for the hand cream. Also, thanks to Lovememore for the recommendation

Eye make them smolder (lol, poopy pun)

2009-07-22T14:20:00.005-04:00

Back in the day I was all about the smokey eye. My mission was to make all, men and women, suffer from the smoke inhalation caused by my hot eyes. Had I been a superhero that would have been my superpower. After I applied the combination of grays and blacks, I would go out with my friends and make sure to squint while pursing me lips. Why, well, that is what sexy women do. I would dart my brown eyes left and right to see who was spontaneously combusting from the effect of defused charcoal eyeshadow. HOT, I tell you! HOT!

However, after so many nights of squinting and burning people with my ardent eyes, I got tired of it. I needed a break from the dramatic look, so then I moved on to a defined liquid eyeliner look with red lips, because that isn't dramatic at all.

This was more than four years ago. Can you believe I haven't done a smokey eye (to go out) in all of that time? I mean, now everyone does the smokey eye. Hell, now the smokey eye is considered natural. I just had this revelation last night, and I figured I would ease myself back into the art that is fiery eyes. In addition to doing a smokey eye, I also revisited the Revlon Colorstay eyeshadow quad in "Sultry Smoke" (such an appropriate name). I am also testing out Maybelline's new XXL Extension mascara in "very black." My first impression of the mascara is "hmm, this can work. Let's try again without all of the shadow."

Anyway, here are the pics and a quick review of the eyeshadow quad.

Review:
I absolutely love these colorstay quads. They are smooth, nicely pigmented, and they don't overload on the shimmer. As a matter of fact, some of the shades are totally matte, which is rare in a drugstore product. Why is that? These shades glide on very nicely on the lid, and they last for more than 8 hours. The color does fade a bit throughout the day, but there is no creasing. I really like these shadows for work makeup too because they are pigmented but not overwhelming nor overly dramatic. The color combos are just right too. I have many of the quads, and I probably will get the new ones. Big fan of these quads.

see my reflection in the glass, lol?

no names, just swatches. I used all of the colors. The light silver, blue, and gray shades do have shimmer in them, but it is very subtle. The black is matte.

breakdown:
Maybelline define-a-brow in "dark brown"
UDPP
NYX jumbo pencil stick in "black bean" on outer 3/4 of eye (base)
NYX jumbo pencil stick in "yogurt" on inner corner (base)
Blue of quad on outer 3/4 of eye (the black bean really makes the color pop)
Gray of quad on outer corner and bottom lash line
Blue silver of quad on inner corner, and above crease to blend the darker colors
black of quad as liner in waterline and top lash line (sealed in the unstoppable eyeliner)
Maybelline Unstoppable eyeliner in "pewter" in waterline and tightlined
Maybelline XXL Extensions mascara in "very black" (several coats)
Maybelline Mineral Power concealer in "beige" with mark. powder buff powder foundation in "natural" on top of concealer

face breakdown:
mark. powder buff powder foundation in "natural"
mark. bronze pro bronzer for contouring
ELF bronzer in "warm tan" for highlighting
NYX round lipgloss in "cafe latte"

There are more pics in my flickr photostream

my lashes can fan a fire

2009-07-20T17:04:00.010-04:00

photo from covergirl.com

So, I have been on a mascara kick. I am even revisiting ones I had tried before. Now in the rotations is Cover Girl's Fantastic Lash waterproof mascara. When I had initially tried this mascara several years ago, I felt "meh" about it. What made me pick up this mascara again? Curiosity, I guess. As it turns out, I am glad I bought it because I really like it. This mascara pretty much does everything is promises. The waterproof formula doesn't budge, the lashes look long and well defined, and my lashes look lush.

The volumizing with this mascara is interesting because the the formula doesn't obviously plump the individual lashes. Instead, it seems to amplify the individual lashes without any clumping. I am doing a crappy job in describing exactly how nicely this mascara volumizes. Hmm...how should I explain this...ok, the mascara coats the lashes to enhance fullness of the lashes as a whole, but it does not overwhelm the lashes with formula. Therefore, the lashes look full and lush without looking fake. Here is the best part, I can layer the mascara and I don't have to use a lash comb to get rid of clumps because this mascara doesn't leave clumps. How crazy is that?! So for full, natural lashes I could just wear one layer, but seriously, I never do that. I like full, obvious lashes, so I apply two to three layers of lashes. With some other mascaras, I have to comb through the lashes after each layer to prevent clumping. With this mascara I can swish, chill, swish, chill, swish, pick up the baby and go. Pretty nice. I think the lack of clumping is because of the semi-thick yet drier formula, which as I have mentioned before is my favorite type of formula.

Also, the brush is a typical shaped brush, but the bristles are shorter and tighter together, which helps to grab as many lashes as possible, and it also lets the brush get close to the lashes. The formula and brush really do make the lashes "fan" out. Oh, and the mascara held my curl pretty well.

Rating: 5 out of 5 happy wallets (no clumping, smudging, holds curl, lengthens and creates a lush look)
Price: $6 to $8 at drugstores

Pics
Bare lashes (from a previous review)

CG Fantastic Lash WP!

Quick Tip: tightlining

2009-07-10T21:28:00.003-04:00

I love to tightline my eyes. (Tightlining is when you line the base of your top lashes. You do this by pushing the liner into the base of your upper lashes. So the liner isn't visible on the lid; instead, your lash base looks thicker. Tightlining is perfect for giving a thick lash illusion without the dramatic liner line on the lid. I should provide a picture, but this quick tip just came to me.) However, whenever I use a pencil liner, the liner sometimes smudges or runs. Luckily, the other day I picked up a very helpful makeup book, and I would like to share one the tips. The book is titled Makeup Makeovers: Expert secrets for stunning transformations by Robert Jones. Mr. Jones makes a simple recommendation of using eyeshadow instead of eyeliner to tightline.

This tip never occurred to me. Why? I don't know. I mean I use eyeshadow at eyeliner all the time, but I never thought it would work for tightlining. Well, let me tell you that today I used a black eyeshadow (by La Femme) to tightline, and I was seriously impressed. My lashes looked thick, there was no running, and I think my application was much more precise and accurate.

Has anyone else tried this method?

At least Maybelline didn't lie to me

2009-07-09T14:51:00.002-04:00

After the debacle that is Revlon Ultimate super-stick lips. I went back to a sleeper hit that was hiding in my lipstick drawer: Maybelline Mineral Power Lip color. Hmm, these are comfortable and cozy. Maybelline ensures that these lipsticks are light, smooth, soft, and overall naturally delightful. And, they are. These lipsticks are like mildly pigmented lip balms. They truly are very moisturizing without feeling waxy. They add a tint of color to the lip without being overpowering nor overbearing. These lipsticks really are very pleasant. Did you notice that I am using kind of romantic adjectives: "pleasant," "cozy," "delightful"...? Yeah, these lipsticks remind me of the very delicate damsel who always ends up in distress. These women usually sport a very soft, kissable, healthily glowy, cushiony lip that draws both villains and heroes in.

These lovely lippies just glide on the lip and delicately enhance the lips; the lippies leave a "my lips but better" effect. Even though they go on sheerly, the shades are buildable, however, it will take many layers. These lippies are great for the days when you have bold eyes and you want to play down the lips, or when you want a very natural look.

The texture of the lippies is creamy but light, and slick. It feels like a thin and melted shea or cocoa butter. Since the texture is so light, the staying power isn't crazy long; however, the staying power of the moisture is stellar! My lips felt so soft they could be confused with silk (not really, exactly, but they do feel pretty soft) long after the color has disappeared. Plus, when I have the lipstick on, it doesn't feel like I am wearing anything heavy, which is so nice when I want to look like a natural-makeup-wearing-damsel-in-distress (this occurs at least twice a month). Oh and no overpowering smell, either.

I bought three shades when they were on sale. I am satisfied with these three colors, since I have only started to venture into the world of sheer lipsticks. I tend to like more pigmented formulas, but this is very excellent for the natural days that I have been embracing more often.

If you aren't really heavy into lipstick, then this is a nice introduction.

Rating: 5 out of 5 happy wallets (lives up to the description. Very nice and moisturizing. I love how my lips feels afterwards).
Price: about $5 to $7 dollars depending on drugstore

Pics

Ruby doesn't really match the name. It is not as bright as I would think with the name Ruby. As a matter of fact, on the lips I get Ruby and Sienna confused. However, Sienna does have a little more orange than Ruby.

These swatches are several coats of the lipcolors so that they can show up. They are quite sheer, but, again, buildable. Plum wine is my fave of the three.

I've gotta be doing something wrong

2009-07-06T17:01:00.002-04:00

Soo, I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but Revlon is one of my favorite drugstore brands. I love their super lustrous lipsticks, their Colorstay foundations, powders, eyeshadows, polishes, and liners. However, Revlon has this most excellent knack of creating crap to balance out the good. Talk about good vs. evil, seriously.

When I saw the beautiful Jennifer Connolly seductively putting on her new Colorstay Ultimate liquid lipstick. I had to do everything in my power not to rush out and buy the damn thing at one in the morning (Cheeks decided to be social.). I also practiced temperance when I saw the tube of promise at the drugstore. No! I was going to wait for a sale. I could live without having a "food-proof, ultra conditioning" lip color for just another week. I regularly check Make-Up on the Cheap's blog for the weekly sales, and then it happened! Revlon was on BOGO sale. This was when I said to hell with moderation, packed Cheeks in his infant car seat, snapped him in the back seat, and high-tailed it to Rite Aide. During the car ride, I explained to Cheeks the importance of having a non-transfer-doesn't-budge lipstick. Sure, I have others, but this one...Well, this one promised so much:
"Food-proof lip color with a built-in, ultra-conditioning topcoat.
One-step application- No topcoat required for comfortable wear.
Stays comfortable and wears beautifully for up to 12 hours.
Does not feather or fade; no touch-ups required, even after meals.
Available in 20 full-coverage, soft satin shades." (from the Revlon site)

Guess what! I shake my fist at Revlon. I shake it vigorously. I would rather spread latex paint all over my lips than sport this caca. That's right, I equated the liquid lip color to caca. My first impression of this lip product was so disappointing, I knew I had to be doing something wrong. There is no way Revlon--my favorite brand, the same brand that produces the super lustrous lippies--could create such an uncomfortable lipstick. How should I describe the sensation of the lipstick on my lips? Hmm...First off, this lip crap is thin in the tube. So applying is a little interesting because thin lip product and doe foot applicator does go together. The doe foot just smears the product around on the lips without evenly placing it on my lips. So when I am done putting on this stuff, I have a distinct line around the edges of my lip and a thin layer on the rest of the lip. Then, I can't apply more because another layer will just add to the mess. My finger won't help the distribution because the product rapidly gets tacky and becomes reluctant to move. Also, since the formula is so thin, the product settles in my grooves. Therefore, my lips look older and drier than they ever were.

When I initially put this on and had the above mentioned experience I figured the product just needed time to settle. It never settled. As a matter of fact the product just got more uncomfortable. My lips would stick to each other when pressed together. The sweet tarts I bought stuck to my lip (gives a whole new meaning to "sugar lips"), and there was no luster to the look. I understand that longer lasting lippies will be matte, but this product states that it "wears beautifully" and it has the "built-in ultra conditioning topcoat." Did my batch forget the friggin' topcoat? I can't even smooth my lips against each other. How in the world will the Scholar want to continue kissing me if it feels like I have a glue trap on my lips? Is this what Revlon insinuates when they show the models kissing the man endlessly? It isn't that the man (also a model) wants to repeatedly kiss the woman; it is that the man cannot pry himself away.

I got a tag line for this liquid lip color, "Trap your partner's lips like the Venus Fly trap." Again, very sexy.

Oh, and this is very difficult to remove. I have to steal Cheek's baby oil to take it off. It seriously feels like a layer of sticky shellac. So, it does last long, but at what cost?
You know what, I could further discuss the disappointment that is this lip product, but I am just going to move on.

Readers, my beautiful, dear readers, please let me know if I am doing something wrong. Has anyone else tried these Liquid lip colors? What has been your experience?

As far as ratings, you already know what I am going to give it: 1 out of 5 happy wallets. I gave it a "1" because it doesn't smell at all and it is food proof.

Price: regular price, $10-11 (don't even get me started!)
Places: drugstores
Shades I got: Premium Pink and Maximum Mocha.

They look pretty here. All shimmery and alluring

Not but maybe 1.5 hours later. Pretty much looks the same as first application. See, lips look lifeless. I did eat two hot dogs, popcorn, and drink water while wearing. Not much change. It just doesn't look pretty though.

Quick Tip! Happy 4th

2009-07-04T09:03:00.002-04:00

Hi beautiful readers (yeah you, I am talking to you!),

Just a quick tip, don't forget to let go of the firecracker after lighting it. Don't forget to run away from the fireworks after presenting it with fire, and don't grab a sparkler by the hot end (learned that the hard way).

Also, really enjoying the Sally Girl bronzer in "Sin-namon." It is a browninsh, orangey color. I know it doesn't should nice, but it gives my skintone a nice glow. There is also a touch of shimmer to it. The powder is less than $2 at Sally's.

I am going to do a review of my favorite economical brushes soon, too. I feel inspired. All I have to do is bribe Cheeks McGee to give me some time to do it.

Have a lovely day

Quick Tip: L'oreal eye shadow primer and more fun

2009-06-26T11:59:00.004-04:00

The L'oreal Decrease eyeshadow primer is not bad. I bought this a while back and tried it yesterday for the first time. I was impressed; this is just a first impression. However, is this still easy to find? I found mine on clearance at my Target, but I am not sure if the clearance of this item is universal.
hmm...

Also, I like these quick notes. I know there is twitter, but this is more beauty focused. Twitter is more random thoughts, I guess.

Opinion on these quick notes? Stop? Continue?

BTW check out Nouveau Cheap's alert about new Sally Hansen polishes, color is great for summer.

Also see Gloss's review on mark.'s new fruity mists! Just don't wear them around bees.

MakeupbyRenRen shared her views on the ubiquitous 42 stack palettes (want!), and she offers up a tutorial on a rockin' look.

Suffer from eyeshadow fallout? Check out Makeup on a Budget's savvy money-saving tip!

Have a fun one lovelies!

Nice KaPOW, but not worth the walk of shame

2009-06-25T22:18:00.008-04:00

I love voluminous eyelashes, and L'oreal's new mascara promised me lush lashes. Did they fulfill the promise? Yeah, for the most part, but the mascara brought along some other baggage that I don't really appreciate.

I mean, really, I want the lush lashes, but I don't want people to say, "Wow, lush lashes, but check out the dark circles. Sleep much?" when they look at me. Instead I want people to say, "Wow, that woman has some lush lashes. Is she batting her lashes at me? Wait, what is this feeling running through me? Hmm, put a fork in me, I am done. That woman's lashes have seduced me to the core." Then the people, enchanted by my seductive, lush lashes, offer me all of the makeup of the world. Bwhahaha. (You have now learned my plot to conquer the makeup world.)

Unfortunately, L'oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara in Blackest Black can cause the former reaction. This new mascara comes in a lovely, sleek tube. It looks very chichi, too bad I can't sport the tube on my eyes. The brush is a throwback brush. Forget the spikey, rubbery, jabbing plastic brush; Extra Volume sports a mildly thick "teddy bear" brush. The bristles are long, and plentiful. In addition, the brush has the much appreciated pointed tip, which is vital to get the corner lashes. I would best describe this brush as overzealous at grabbing lashes. It takes its job so seriously that it can grab too many lashes in sections and clump them together. Yes, this brush can create some clumps, and let's keep it real: clumps do not equal volume. After applying one coat I have to go over the lash with a lash comb.

As for the formula, well...Formula is a matter of preference. I tend to like drier mascaras. I feel like I can control them more, and I can just "swipe and go." the Extra Volume formula is dense and creamy. This consistency also lends itself to clumps and tends to smudge during application and hours after application, which is frustrating after the rest of the eye is complete. With this said, however, after all of the maintenance work has subsided (declumping, wiping the brush down a bit before application, second coat, same process, wiping away any mascara marks on lid) this mascara leaves behind a very full lash line, which is excellent. However, several hours later I look like a rolled around in the hay with a stranger in a college dorm room. Then found out I was late for my early Friday morning class, and I rushed out and proceeded to conduct the walk of shame down the all-male dorm hallway. No woman wants to look like she is parading down the hallway of shame, and not many women want to flaunt a bawdy affair by way of smudged mascara. Granted, bawdy affairs can be excellent, but we don't have to show exactly how earth-shattering it was. And if we want to show how insane the night was, there are other ways to show it, like say...I don't know...leaving a shoe behind or writing a telling message on the mirror with a lipstick (although that would be a waste of lipstick). Hell, I'll even take smudged lipstick before I take smudged mascara.

Anyway, back to the mascara (do you see the sexual power lush lashes have?), Extra Volume provides extra volume, but it also provides extra dark circles and hassle during application. Now, let me say one thing: L'Oreal mascaras do tend to smudge on me for some reason. So, if you have had luck with L'oreal Voluminous (the consistency of Extra Volume kind of reminds me of Voluminous) then try this out when it is on sale. However, if L'oreal or creamy mascaras smudge on you then...try it out with some corrector nearby just in case, or just walk away.

Rating:
3 out of 5 happy wallets (great lush factor, poopy stay on quality)
Price: $6-$8 found at drugstores, big box stores

Pics

See? Creamy...

two coats

Quick Tip: Revlon Colorstay Ultimate liquid lip

2009-06-24T16:18:00.001-04:00

Don't rush out to buy these. Not so good, not so conditioning (as claimed), very sticky. Never seems to dry to a nice finish. A review will come.

Children's books do more than just teach to read...

2009-06-24T11:31:00.003-04:00

The other day I was reading to Cheeks McGee. Sure he is only 11 weeks old, but it keeps him entertained for about 30 seconds, and those are 30 seconds that I don't have to panic about how to keep him entertained.

Anyway, we were reading Dr. Seuss' One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. Wow, what a long, boring book. I have to say that this is not one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books; even Cheeks was like "alright, Milk Provider, I have had enough of this." Now, the colors of the book are fun and festive, and I got to thinkin' "hmm, this would make a fun eye combination, and I have not done an EOTD for a while, and my 88 palette is collecting dust, and I can incorporate a mascara review. Wow, that was a run on sentence!"

Soo, this morning Cheeks gave me some time to play around with the eye colors. Pretty cool.
Here are the pics, and the next post will be a review for the new L'oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara.

First, Mr. Cheeks McGee who initiated the inspiration.

glasses by the exclusive Fisher-Price!

The Book Cover

The Eye of the Day (EOTD)

Ingredients
L'oreal Decrease Primer
NYX jumbo eye stick in Yogurt lightly spread over lid and as brow bone highlight
88 e/s palette (matte version) used:
Yellow
Two shades of dark blue
Deep Green
Styli-Style line and seal black liner in waterline and tightlined
L'oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara in black, two coats
Maybelline Define-a-Brown pencil in Dark brown on brows

Let me know if you would like any reviews on the products.
Also, what inspired you?
Have a happy face day!

What Not to Wear will not surprise me (I hope...)

2009-06-19T23:02:00.009-04:00

I love makeover ambush shows. They are dangerous to my productivity. If a show is on and I happen to catch it, forget the dirty laundry. I am going to have to go to Walmart or Target to get spare undies because the dirty ones will just have to wait to be washed. Now, even though I am addicted to makeover shows, I really don't want to be the person nominated. If I am on the show I hope it is because I have volunteered myself.

Anyway, many of the shows have the perfunctory overworked mom with time for everyone but herself. The women always walk around in beat up pants, their husbands' torn up shirts, the 1980s scrunchy. They also smell of spit-up, cheerios, cleats sweat, and Elmer's glue. Then after several days of humiliation, which leads the women to "embrace their inner female again," viola! The women are converted to MILFs.

Even though I have only been a mother for approximately 11 weeks, I have stuck in my head that I don't want to completely lose myself in Cheeks McGee (feh-feh's new blog nickname. His cheeks are so big, they are too heavy for his face.). I mean Mr. Cheeks has already dictated my sleeping schedule, staked claim on my boobs, marked his territory by peeing on me, and caused striations on my torso. Not only all of this, but he has stolen my heart and has provided enough cause to constantly worry about his future simply due to his cuteness. What more can he do? A lot more; however, he will not take away the power of makeup. Even if I just have time for lipstick and clear mascara, I will not give up the joy that is applying makeup. Before Cheeks was here, I could easily spend two hours on my face. Now, I have application timed to 9-10 minutes. Granted, there are some days where only one eye is done, but hey I am not perfect. Cheeks may spit up and slobber on my handiwork even before the mascara is dry, but at least I have set aside 10 minutes to do something for me.

This dedication to makeup may sound trivial now that I have another life depending on me, but I have to take care of myself in order to take care of Cheeks and the Scholar. It is important to feel pretty because that nourishes the confidence, and I need the confidence to fight the world and protect my cub. Sure, sure there are people who say that you don't have to feel pretty to get confidence, and that is true. However, I only speak for myself. When I feel put together, I feel like I can conquer the world.

So this morning I timed myself to be sure this was truly a 10 minute face. I had some interruptions for which I stopped the timer, but all in all, I was quite surprised that I was able to manage a full face in just 10 minutes. It isn't a crazy creative eye, but at least I won't cower in a corner if I happen to come across Lee Pace (Pushing Daisies) or Eric from True Blood (holla if you watch True Blood!).

So here are the ingredients and brief reviews on some of the products. I listed in order of usage.

Tools:
MAC 217 brush--Marlena from Makeupgeek said all makeup lovers should have this brush, and she wasn't lying. You could do a full eye look with this beauty. I have yet to find a good dupe for it. Although rumor has it that Sigma makeup is coming out with one. I use the 217 for the base color on lid and the contour.

Loew-Cornell 1/4 maxine mop brush--a stiff but soft semi-detail brush. This is actually an art brush, but it works excellently for the eye work. I have two of these brushes I love it so much. I like to use this brush for defined contour and the smudged liner look. This brush can be found at Michael's.

Bare Essentials Concealer brush--nice, solid, wide concealer brush. Great for undereyes

ELF Powder Brush--crazy, friggin' awesome brush for just $3 on the ELF website. This brush has synthetic bristles, is super soft, has not shed on me, gives really lovely full coverage when used with a powder foundation. Does excellent blending. Has a slight chemical smell (I imagine the dye), but that dissipates eventually. I bought a second one of this brush. Helloo!

Sigma Makeup SS109 brush--Very nice buy. I was really wanting the MAC 109 after hearing that it was great for applying liquid foundation. When I went to get it, because I had not found a dupe, MAC was sold out. Luckily, I heard that Sigma Makeup was about to release the SS109, which is almost identical to the MAC 109. The Sigma version is a little rounder from what I understand, and it is not stellar with liquid foundation application (it sheds), but it is a gem when contouring the face (precise, blends well, doesn't shed with dry products). I have also started to use it for blush application. I believe it is only $14, nice price!

ELF regular line spoolie, or mascara brush--it's $1, basic. I use it to blend the brow pencil and comb the brows. This particular brush is firm and sturdy, so use a gently hand when combing.

Face:
Eyes--3 minutes
UDPP

Maybelline Expert eyeshadow in Browntones duo: great neutral shadows. Light brown and accompanying deeper, cool brown. Very close to my NC40 skintone, so it works really well for a subtle-contour-but-still-natural eye. The pigmentation is better than excepted for maybelline (they show up, but they don't look unnatural), nice staying power, has a very low shimmer to them. Very low shimmer. Soft formula.

Wild n' Crazy eyeshadow in Mad Raven--one of the hits. A nicely pigmented black shadow that I use as a smudged liner. I apply with the Loew-Cornell brush very close to the lash line just to thicken the lashes. Pretty much a matte color. A very, very, very slight glimmer of shimmer, but almost not there.

Styli-Style line and seal 24 liner in black--Several other lovely bloggers have reviewed this pencil. This pencil works very well on the upper lash line for tightlining. I also use this liner on the bottom lash line, very close to the waterline, but not on the waterline.

mark. Make it Big mascara in Raven--Love/Hate relationship with this mascara. Big, thick brush, dryish formula. I like the dry formula, the brush is nice, just doesn't initially provide the volume I want. Interestingly, I prefer the mascara after it has been opened for several weeks. The formula seems to stick better.

Base/Cheeks-5 minutes

Base/foundation--I apply after the eyes to avoid fallout complications, although the Maybelline shadow does not have fallout. I use the Everyday Minerals foundation with my ELF studio line brush. This foundation provides full coverage at half the time of the Revlon colorstay, plus I don't have to wash my hands after application. I also use this foundation as concealer. If I have time or need more help I grab the Maybelline coverstick in Deep Beige.

Cheeks--
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty inspired by Carmindy Blush in Poppy.
Mouthful! Let's just call it Carmindy. This is a lovely, very highly pigmented blush. The color is a deep, pink raspberry with a touch of luminous shimmer. This gives off a great flushed look. It does not change color throughout the day, and the shimmer doesn't really get all over the place because it is so subtle. Great buy, even though I do find Carmindy annoying.

Sealer--
mark. mist opportunity facial spray
Since I wear a powder foundation, I like to meld everything together with a mister. Mark.'s is excellent. The smell is a little plasticy at first, but that goes away. I also find this spray to be very moisturizing. Instead of looking powdery and unnatural, I look glowy.

Brows (finally!)--1-2 minutes
Maybelline Define-a-brow in dark brown--This is a very solid, dark brown. There are no hints of red in it, which is great for me. Very find point, twists up, a little goes a long way, stays put. Very easy to use. A holy grail item. I have bought it repeatedly. I will say that it does only last about 1.5 months.

ELF Lash and Brow Clear mascara--basic clear gel for brows. A two-sided tube the offers a clear gel for the lash and brows. The brow brush is shorter than the lash brush. I cannot tell the difference between either gels. They both are effective at keeping the brows in place.

As far as the lips, I just use the gloss in my purse, which is a reddish/pink tone. In these pictures, I am just wearing Aquaphor.

And that is all.

End product!

What is your 10 minutes face?
Any tips?
Any requests for more in depth reviews, drop a line, let me know!

There is nothing "ultra" nor "gel-like" about this

2009-06-15T10:57:00.006-04:00

I live in a bittersweet state of mind when it comes to accessibility of cosmetics. When I lived in Northern Virginia, I had my pick of brands and stores. Granted, I didn't always take advantage of the accessibility, but it was nice to know that everything was there and that I would not have to pay shipping costs. Now, I live is a distant land (not really just one state away, but far, far up in the state in a rural area). I live at least 25-45 minutes away from cosmetic counters, and many of the new and fun seasonal additions to drugstore lines rarely ever make it up here. When I have a hankering for something new that I read about, I go to search for it, only to find out that it will never come up my neck of the woods. I pout, but not for long. My love for new and cool stuff is ephemeral, and I soon find something else to test out. Plus, the lack of accessibility motivates me to try other products I typically wouldn't try.

Not so recently ago, I lost my L'oreal HiP cream liner. To this day, I have no idea where the heck it went. Anyway, I was perusing the Sally's website, and saw that the Femme Couture line had a cream liner with some good reviews. In addition the price is nice at $4-5 depending on the sale.

I got the cream liner, although they call it an "ultra smooth gel liner," in black. The packaging is cute, but not always well functioning because the top doesn't tightly seal. Therefore, the gel liner has a tendancy to dry and crack. Anyway, I had nice expectations for the the gel liner because of the reviews I had previously read. Unfortunately, I was disappointed with this product. There is nothing gel-like about his liner. The consistency is very creamy and thick, which makes the application of any type of line very difficult and blothy. Also, the liner really doesn't seem to dry, and the finish is dull. I used this liner for almost a week, but I was unsatisfied every time. I was hoping this would be like the much-celebrated Wet n' Wild cream liners, but not so much.

Last I checked, at my local Sally's, they had a bunch of these on the clearance table. So I think I am not the only one who was disappointed, but that could have just been at my store.
You know sometimes it is best not to mess with a good thing. Several weeks after purchasing this possible alternative, I got the HiP cream liner again, and this time I will not lose it again.

Rating:
1 out of 5 happy wallets (does not set, dull finish, drys quickly, spreads unevenly)
Price: $5 when not on sale
Sally's beauty supply stores.

Hmm...I'd thought you'd be cooler

2009-06-08T16:37:00.022-04:00

I didn't date a lot in college, but I did crush a lot--and by "crush a lot" I don't mean the Big Pun way (meaning sex), I mean the regular school girl way (see a person, find attractive, think about what the children will look like, run away when crush is seen). I made crushing on guys a hobby, I would change crushes like I changed my underwear: every day, except during exam time. I preferred to have crushes as opposed to actually going out on dates. As many of us know, dates are troublesome, at least they were for me. Half of the time, I was so nervous my digestive system would overact and I would have to clench my butt cheeks so that I didn't fart all over the place. After a series of dating episodes my digestive system suffered, and I still am recuperating. Dating...all it got me was a surplus of calories from eating out and overactive gas.

Now, with crushing, well, this was just easier on my digestive system, and it was a great inspiration for my imagination. When I was bored, all I needed to do was create a scenario with a crush. This fantasy would help me get by in my more boring class. Interestingly enough, my fantasies weren't comparable to skinemax. They were more like Jane Austen novels. My fantasies would merge the beautiful faces with the beautiful minds. I think this is why I would run away from crushes when I saw my crushes; I had a sneaking suspicion that they were dolts. Why ruin the fantasy?

I vividly remember two encounters with two crushes (usually my crushes were just people I saw on the street, bars, or in classes). The differences were incredibly different. The first memorable encounter happened during my senior year in college. I had been eyeing this really great looking man. I used to see him out at bars. I would just stare at him, but I never mustered the guts to actually approach him. Plus, he was always surrounded by people. I used to imagine him coming over and talking to me. He stimulating my brain with opinions on current events, etc. Well, one night while I was out with some friends, I saw him at one of the bars. I noticed that we looked at each other all night. At the end of the night before I left again with just my dreams, he approached me and said that he liked my chartreuse sweater (he was an interior designer). We also exchanged numbers. We went out on one date. This encounter was confirmation it was not always good to actualize my crushes. This guy was a disappointment. His voice grated my ears, his conversation was lacking, and he was quite weird. There went that crush; there went those dreams. Time to move on! All of that effort to look inconspicuous while absorbing his features wasted.

I feel the same way about the Mixed Chicks Products. The Mixed Chicks products are hair products that are meant for curly hair. The products were created by two women of interracial descent. For years they struggled with finding products that worked to tame and define curls. I understand this struggle. There were times when I used three, four, sometimes five hair products to keep my curls in check. The buildup was crazy! After many years, I managed to find the right ingredients, and I was able to narrow the number of products to two. Both items found at discount stores (Aussie Deep and Suave gel, the green one).

Even though, I found the perfect mixture for my hair. I developed a crush on the Mixed Chicks products several years ago after first hearing about them. I would constantly visited the website and look at the before and after pictures. Mixed Chicks has three main products: the shampoo, the deep conditioner, and the star product, the leave-in conditioner. The leave-in conditioner promises to eliminate all excess products. All a curly-haired person needs is this one product. The leave-in does it all: condition, style, eliminate frizz. I would read the testimonials time and time again. The testimonial raved, the curls inspired angels. I really wanted to try the products, but I just couldn't make the final step. That was until recently. One day, I visited the site and took the plunge.

I decided to order the bundle, which included the shampoo, deep conditioner, and the leave-in for about $39. This is a splurge. the leave-in alone costs $17. Typically, I wouldn't pay that much for a hair products, but my crush was so intense!
I received these goodies, and immediately imagined lovely, perfectly defined curls. Well, the products did deliver very nice curls, my hair did feel hydrated, but...meh. Maybe my expectation were too high, maybe my crush too intense. There was something missing. I think it is the fact that the price is high, but the delivery fell short.

The shampoo and deep conditioner are good, but there is nothing special. My hair doesn't feel any different than when I use my Aussie or Garnier products. Now, as far as the leave-in. Well, this was really "meh." I liked how the leave-in conditioner defined the curls, and I like the use of just one product. However, I really don't like the smell of the conditioner. I don't get it, the shampoo and deep conditioner smell lovely and fruity. However, the leave-in conditioner smells musky and manly, which is fine, but I don't want to smell like a man all the time. Sometimes is fine, but not all the time; I have to be in the mood. In addition, the leave-in has to be used in moderation. Go overboard and my hair would feel coated/clumpy and it would take forever to dry. It took me awhile to figure out exactly how much to apply. The catch-22 is that I would have to use more product when my hair au natural, which is when my hair felt super coated. I have recently chemically processed my hair, and I need less, which is perfect because the drying time is less, and the smell is able to dissipate. In addition, I am not feeling the price of the leave-in at all. I don't want to shell out $17 for a 10 oz. every two months, which I can buy Suave hair gel for $3 and it lasts twice as long. Just like the outcome with my aforementioned crush, my excitement for the product fell hard. As a matter of fact, I rarely use this product. It really isn't my favorite. Well, at least I know that i don't have to shell out the mad cash to replenish these goods. I will use it up, but it will take some time.

Rating:
2.5/3 out of 5 happy wallets (The performance isn't worth the price in my opinion. Granted, there aren't many "one product can do it all" goods at the drugstore, but creative alternative can be found. Plus, I like to customize my combination depending on how my hair is acting. Right now, I like Aussie Deep with Suave gel. I also have fund with Salon Selectives Hydralicious conditioner with Sauve gel. Sometimes, I like to use Body Shop's cottonseed gel. See what I mean. I like to mix and match, which I can't really do with the Mixed Chicks leave-in. The shampoo and deep condition aren't anything special either, at least for me. The 2.5/3 is because it does define, but whatever, other products do the same.)

Where to find: www.mixedchicks.net
Price: Leave-in-$16.99, Shampoo-$11.99, Deep Conditioner-$10.99, or Bundle of three-$38.33

By the way, the other encounter with my crush led to marriage and a baby. It is funny how things turn out. I am glad this crush approached me because it has made me a happy woman.

Zee hair:

First day hair. Second day holds up okay.

We have a Winner!

2009-06-03T14:59:00.002-04:00

The drawing transpired on a Saturday evening. The names were written on little pieces of paper. The papers were expertly folded so that no one could see the name. Then The Scholar was solicited to pick the winning name. He was watching the Nationals lose again (or one of those sports teams) so he was open to taking a break from the heartache.

As he closed his eyes tightly and looked away, I vigorously shook the bowl because that is what one does. Then the scholar, eyes still shut and looking away, put his hand in the bowl and grabbed a piece of paper. This process was absolutely exhilarating. Who was going to win? Whose name was one the paper? We were sweating with anticipation. Even little Feh-Feh was quiet (and this little baby can make some noise). Curiously, at the same time that I was about to open the piece of paper, the faint sound of a drum roll resonated from a distance. brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrAH

And the winner of the elusive Sonia Kashuk Skunk Brush is the lucky Laura R!!
Congratulations, Laura R!!!

To the other participants, thank you so much for your excitement! No worries, this contest thing is fun, and I will be doing another one soon.

BTW, I went by the Target again, and the Skunk brushes were GONE. They didn't even have an open space for them. CRAZY!

Is that hairspray or are you just happy to see me?

2009-05-28T20:55:00.004-04:00

I hate humidity. Actually, I don't know anyone who says, "Yay, today it's 100 percent humidity. Yum, I love humid days. Oh look! Frizz! I look great with frizzy hair. This is an excellent wedding look." So I guess I am part of the majority in really not liking the stickiness that is humidity. With this being said, I know "who" hates humidity more than I do: my hair. Whenever there is even a whisper of humidity, my hair starts a revolution. Each strand breaks into a Les Miserables song, and then they get angry when there is no standing ovation. Therefore in retaliation for the humidity and "lack" of attention, my hair makes me look like...I don't even know. My poor curls, they just unravel.

So for all of these years I have been trying to find a solution to guard against the effects of humidity. I really hadn't found anything satisfying until I decided to try out hairsprays. It really never occurred to me to use hair sprays to preserve curl and prevent frizz. It's kind of embarrassing to think about the fact that I never used hair spray. I always associated hair spray with teasing and Aquanet. Now, I know better. My first venture into hair spray was ION Alcohol-Free hair spray, which is found at Sally's. So far it has been a lukewarm welcome.

This hairspray has great holding power, and it works excellently to shield humidity-induced frizz. Several weeks ago, my family spent the day walking in a misty, foggy day. Thankfully, my curls did not unravel and they did not fuzz up. Meanwhile, everyone else's hair had puffed up like a blow fish. The ION hair spray had done what it needed to do and then some. However, there are some drawbacks: 1) the smell is not pleasant at first (it does eventually dissipate), 2) the spray adds additional drying time to my hair when applied to damp hair, 3) my hair doesn't feel too stiff. Also, the sprayer sometimes sticks because of the hair spray, which is a pain when I am in a rush.

Would I buy this hairspray again? Meh, maybe not. I would venture to something a little less expensive and with a better scent. However, the actual efficacy of the spray has motivated me to try other brands. I do really love it's ability to fend off the humidity.

Rating:
2 out of 5 happy wallets (love the hold, hate the scent and time it takes for my hair to dry.)
Price: $5.29 ($4.79 with sally card) Found at Sally's beauty supply
Bottom line: find yourself at Sally's and see this, move on.

Goldilocks meets the mad Scientist

2009-05-27T15:16:00.009-04:00

the collection

Inside my head in the drugstore makeup aisle...

"hmmm...I have been wanting to try this foundation, what shade works?

I could go home and just research shades before buying.

Seriously, I feel like I am channeling Veruca, I want it now. Damn, I really love that movie. The tunnel scene still freaks me out, though. Yum, Wonka gobstoppers, I gotsa get me some of that.

Okay, let's see...these two shades look about right. It is BOGO. I can always return it...
I am gonna do it. these two foundations work...

I could just splurge and go to a counter, but that isn't as much fun. Plus, they never match me right. I love drugstores..."

And this is how I end up with a vast collection of foundations in varying shades. I rarely end up returning the foundation if it doesn't work. (Luckily, the shades are pick are very close, it is a matter of winter vs. summer shades.) In fact, I have only returned the Rimmel foundations because those just really couldn't work.

Instead of returning the foundations, I just mix different shades and formulas depending on what I want. Sometimes, when I feel frisky, I even add luminizers. I even have a mixing spatula, a mat and designated bowls. I really love mixing the different promises for perfection. It reminds me of my art class when we had to recreate the color of the sky. There we were looking at a picture of the sky. It looked blue. We all went to grab the tube of blue oil paint. Then the instructor said, "no, this is not just a plain blue sky. In fact, you will rarely just add a color straight from the tube. You must make your own colors. Look at the layers, peel them apart. This is complex. You are not 3 year olds anymore. Your lack of vision disgusts me (she really didn't say the last part)." So we discussed the colors we saw in the sky. As it turns out the sky had black, brown, yellow, purple, mauve, magenta, fuchsia, and...wait for it..blue. Ahh, that was a fun class. That one lesson of mixing the colors, working with textures, and swishing the thick paints on a palette really enhanced my experience and stimulated my senses. I really liked seeing the color transformations before my eyes. I love hearing the squish of the paint being mushed together. Therefore, I recreate this sensation when I mix my foundations to get just the right color.

I don't necessarily get the same squish because I mostly deal with liquids, but I see the color transformation. I feel like a rebel mixing these different finishes and formulas because a while back I had heard that this was a no-no. Whatever. It is a YES-YES. Right now, my favorite mix is Maybelline Mineral Power liquid foundation in Light beige with Revlon Colorstay in Natural Tan. The ration is 1:2. The mixture lightens up the heaviness of the Revlon, and the Maybelline adds a luminescence. Sometimes I add a hint of moisturizer, or a touch of mark. glow xpert in candle glo. I have also mixed EDM mineral foundation in Buttered tan with Colorstay for a touch more yellow. I could just get one color in the tube by paying more, but honestly, the higher priced foundations lack the element of self-invention. Usually the end result is agreeable, and I feel better about making a dent in my collection.

Therefore, I encourage you to mix your misfit foundations, you might just find the holy grail! I also encourage you to share what you like to mix.

The Mad Scientist
mad scientists always have mad hair, right?
Will it combust?

ACK! attacked by errant foundation

p.s. let me know if you want a review of any of the foundations you noticed.

Reminder--Contest, last day May 29th!

2009-05-27T15:02:00.003-04:00

Don't forget to enter your name and email address in the comments section under this post to win a brand new Sonia Kashuk skunk brush (considered a dupe for the MAC 187) and some other throw-in goodies.

You can also email me your info. The last day to enter is this Friday, May 29th, at 11:00 pm eastern time. The winner's name will be drawn from a hat. Check my twitter for updates.

Hope everyone is having a lovely week.

I found the unicorn, and it asked me to share

2009-05-24T12:08:00.006-04:00

One day I was going stir crazy with Feh-Feh, and I decided to take advantage of an awesome resource my local hospital offers: a breastfeeding support group where mommies can socialize, meet with nurses, and feed their babies without feeling awkward. It was the best decision I made in the last several weeks. I made friends instantly, and afterwards we went to a coffee shop and talked about many things. During our post-group chat, one the fellow new mommies had to feed her beautiful son. She whipped out a nursing cover that isn't awkward and has an arc that lets her peek at the baby. I immediately asked where she got it because the one I have is super awkward. She told me she got it at the Target across the street.

I vowed to go to Target right after the coffee chat to snag one for myself. Once I was at the Target, and had located the nursing apron, I decided to saunter over to the cosmetics aisle. (I really just cannot leave a store without visiting the cosmetics aisle. I just cannot. I can leave empty-handed, but I cannot ignore the curiosity.) I looked at the Sonia Kashuk section, and guess what I saw! Go ahead, guess! Yup! I found the elusive Sonia Kashuk skunk brush. Even better, I found multiples. The Target had about five just waiting to be plucked. I immediately grabbed one (I didn't want to be greedy.).

Seeing as I already have one, I decided to share the good fortune of finding the unicorn. I am having my first blog contest.

Here is what you have to do:

1) This contest is for US residents (don't worry, one day I will open a contest up to the world)

2) Leave a comment in the comment section saying "hi." In addition, and this is the important part, leave your name and email address in the comment section. If you want to keep this info on the down low (confidential, no worries, I won't sell your info), email me your name and email address to happyfacehappywallet@gmail.com

3) The deadline to enter is Friday, May 29th at 11:00 pm eastern time.

4) A winner will be chosen at random. The scholar will draw the name from a hat. I will probably announce when the scholar draws the name on twitter. My updates are posted in the sidebar, just look down a little.

5) The winner will be notified via email. After the winner has responded to the email, He or She will be announced in a new blog entry. If I don't hear from the winner in a designated amount of time, the scholar will draw again (he has the time now that he graduated from school).

6) Oh yeah, and only one entry per person.

I am kind of lazy, so I'm not posting a pic of the brush, but if you want proof, just let me know.
Best of Luck!

ELF mini makeup kit...It's like eating a kumquat

2009-05-20T21:23:00.005-04:00

Let me ask this: why is it that we buy sour patch gummies, when all we have to do is eat a kumquat? Granted it is the reverse of a sour patch: sweet first, sour later, but still the element of surprise and pleasure is there. Why am I talking about sour patches and kumquats? I don't know, wait, yes...encountering the ELF mini makeup kit was like the first time I tasted a kumquat.
The first time I saw this beautiful mini fruit. It looked like a tiny, oblong orange. The skin was shiny, tempting, beautiful. I was excited about savoring the explosion of nature's flavors. I had been warned that the inside would be sour, but I really didn't understand what they meant. I bit into the skin of the fruit and I was welcomed by enticing citrusy sugar, then my teeth and taste buds dug deeper into the fruit. OMG, pucker city, pucker city. Still a fun fruit, but the sour after the sweet is just cruel. The same roller coaster of feelings happened when I received my ELF mini makeup kit.

When I received the ELF kit, I was super excited--just like the fruit this kit had sweet possibilities. However, the sweetness disappeared once I opened the case. Instead of being seduced by refreshing colors, I was left with the same scrunchy face I made when I bit into the sour explosion of the kumquat. The shadows looked blah with a side of chunky glitter. The blushes looked like compacted powder with sparkles. At least the lips side looked more promising, but for some reason I just wasn't thoroughly enjoying the kit. Even though I was initially disappointed with the kit, I decided to reserve some judgment after the trial. Well, today I figured I would do a full face using just this kit and it would end up impressing me. I mean, ELF has impressed me before after the second impression. However, this kit did not make the effort to wow me. In fact, my eye looked like a hot mess, and I immediately wiped everything off. I just looked like I put glitter on my eyes and cheeks. The darker green color looked muddy from the get go. The shadows just didn't have enough pigmentation. All of this was done with eye brushes.

I will say that the saving grace was, again, the lip side. The lip glosses/sticks are nice. They don't have a peculiar taste/scent, they are moisturizing, blend easily and are pigmented. This kit costs $15, I got it on sale for half the price. ELF sometimes throws sales where they give the kit away for free with purchase. Ladies and gentlemen, don't waste your money buying this. If you get it for free, give it to your niece or nephew so that they can play makeup artist on your white walls. Spend your money on the better products such as the studio brushes (the complexion and powder brush), which are crazy soft; the eyeshadow quads (I really enjoy these for $1), lip stuff, and lash curler.

Rating:
1 out of 5 happy wallets (the lip side gets the 1)
Price: $15 (waste!)
Location: eyeslipsface.com, other ELF products can be found at Target and I think K-mart. Check out their other stuff, those don't really disappoint.

Click here for pictures of the ELF Mini Makeup kit
The swatches look better than they look on the eye, fyi.

Seven dollar surprise

2009-05-16T22:00:00.004-04:00

I have been obsessed with the MAC 187 duo brush (aka skunk brush) since I learned about it. The skunk brush is great for ultra-pigmented blushes, powders, etc. However, the brush is also most wonderful for foundation application. The brush leaves a beautiful airbrush finish, which is great for a heavier coverage foundation. The MAC brush is $42, and I was not inclined to pay that much for a brush since I had heard that there were dupes that existed. I first started with the Flirt skunk brush, but it is too flimsy for what I wanted, which was foundation application. It does, however, work great for blushes and such. I also tried the NYX brush ( have a review for that), and some other random ones, but nothing really lived up the the 187 reputation.

Interestingly, the dupes were hard to come by several years ago. Nowadays it feels like every line has a duo fiber brush. Unfortunately, not many of them live up to the application and quality of the MAC 187 (side story: I eventually caved and bought the 187 as a gift to myself after getting a raise several years ago. One of the best purchases I made. Even though I bought MAC's, I still look out for dupes so that I can rotate the brushes. Now I find that I use the dupes more than the original.). The MAC 187 is soft and mildly dense, which is great for distribution and blendability of foundation. After many encounters with dupes, I have found two that are really satisfying. One is the elusive Sonia Kashuk "highlighting" brush, which sometimes can be found at Target; the other brush was recently found. The brush is from the Studio Tools line also found at Target. This brush does differ from the MAC 187 brush is appearance, but it delivers a similar finish when used with foundation.

The Studio Tools brush has a shorter, plastic handle that is heavy for a brush handle. The natural hair bristles are shorter and more densely packed, and the synthetic bristles are similar to the Kashuk and 187 brush. The circumference of the brush head is also smaller than the other skunk brushes, but it does distributes the foundation well; in other words, it doesn't deposit a more concentrated amount of foundation. The brush is easy to handle, and the weight of the handle makes it nice to maneuver interestingly enough.

I really wasn't sure this would be such a success, but I have been really surprised at how much I like it. I thought it would be just used for blushes and that it would shed like crazy, but it hasn't shed at all, and I have washed it twice. This little brush is $6.99.

If you have $7 waiting to be spent, this is worth a try.

Studio Tools is a dirty for Revlon Colorstay application.

"Oh wow! I had this?"

2009-05-11T09:07:00.006-04:00

For those who have visited Makeupalley.com, you might have encountered the sudden urge to buy many things that are raved about. The boards are the ultimate enabling machine for the makeup lover/shoppaholic. When I frequented the site and lived in Northern Virginia, I would rush to the metro after work, ride the train to Pentagon City and shop Sephora and MAC. Then, I would stop by CVS, which was about two block away from my adorable condo and shop some more. I swear my collection grew exponentially during those two years. For those who have not visited the website, proceed with caution, it can be dangerous.

Anyway, now I am not such a voracious makeup shopper because I no longer visit the boards on Makeupalley. I still like to shop, but I am no longer filled with the anxiety of needing a lipstick right now, which is what the website caused.

Where am I going with this? Well, I have a lot of makeup. I have drawers full (I do periodically purge, I don't think Queen Fierce has bought a lipstick in years.). So, more often than not, I rediscover what I have, and I like to explore exactly why I bought it. Then I regret not using it more.

As mentioned before, I have been on a foundation kick, hardcore. Last week, I was looking at my foundation compartment, and I came across Cover Girl's Aquasmooth compact (This is the advanced radiance version, but it is the same as the regular version.). I have been using Aquasmooth off and on since it came out. I have successfully used up several of these compacts, which is a huge feat considering all of the foundations I have.

Aquasmooth is a cream-to-powder foundation that offers medium to full coverage. This foundation leaves a matte finish, and it glides on the face. This foundation works best for normal to very mild oily skin. Aquasmooth will absolutely cling to dry skin, and it will slip off super oily skin. When I was younger I had super oily skin so I would constantly fight with this foundation, but I just loved the coverage so much I would insist on wearing it. Now the foundation is perfect for me because I have more normal/combo skin.

What I love so much about this foundation is the coverage, the matte finish, the ease of application, and the ease of removing it. I love full coverage, matte foundations. I don't know why, but I always gravitate towards this type of foundation. I always wonder what the point of sheer foundation is because people who wear sheer already have perfect skin, so...
When this foundation is swiped on, all of my imperfections temporarily stop existing. My dark circles, my hyper pigmentation, and my existing pimples are all gone. These erasures are possible in less than five minutes. Swipe and Blend, done!

What I don't love about this foundation is the faint smell when spreading on the face. The foundation smells like vitamins; it does dissipate, but still. I also don't like the hugeness of the compact. So big, so awkward. Oh and finally, this foundation does leave a white cast in pictures. I wouldn't recommend this for photo events.

As far as shades go, Cover Girl has yet to decide on a decent range, but i have lucked out. Soft Honey is a great shade for my NC 35-40 complexion.

Even though this foundation has some flaws, I am still enjoy it. In fact, I enjoy this foundation so much that I have two backups of it, and I don't regret having them. Actually, it is the only backup I have. This is an oldie but goody.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 happy wallets
Price: $6-8 at drugstores and big box stores

Evidence:

No makeup!

CG Aquasmooth in Soft Honey (not photo friendly, but not the coverage)

Is tagging myself a sin? Will I get hair palms?

2009-05-09T19:13:00.006-04:00

I have been itching to blog, but I am a slave to FeFe's (pronounced Feh-Feh, comes from the Spanish pronunciation of Felix, which is Feh-leeks) hunger. You know, people really do romanticize breastfeeding. Don't get me wrong, I love knowing that I have the option to sustain my son, and I have an excuse to flash people in public now, but breastfeeding is no cakewalk. It takes time, it hurts sometimes, and I can only wear bras for two days before they spoil. However, I wouldn't have it any other way. I feel very womanly, and I have the best cleavage of my life!

Anyway, enough about my boobs (I can already see some of my followers "unfollow." BTW, many kisses to my followers. I am humbled by your interest. Let me know where I can improve.). As mentioned before, I have been itching to review and I am getting on the train, but first I want to do a questionnaire.
Pink Sith was tagged to do a questionnaire, and she invited her readers to follow suit, therefore, here I am.

Oh, and I am not going to follow the rules either. By all means participate if you want. I am not tagging anyone.

Rules:
1. Respond and rework: Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.
2. Tag eight other people.

What is your current obsession? Foundation! It will always be foundation. I am on the constant quest to find the perfect base.

What is your weirdest obsession? empty jars, travel bottles/containers. I love to redistribute. I buy new travel containers every time I go to Walmart, Sallys, and Target.

What are you wearing today? Black nursing tank top, brown lounge pants (that's right, I mixed colors)

What's your favorite comfort food? bistec encebollado con arroz y habichuelas rojas

What would make today special? If I lived closer to my family so that it wouldn't be so sad and painful to say goodbye.

What would you like to learn to do? I would love to learn to do hair. I want to learn to cut and color hair. I regret not doing cosmetology in high school

What's the last thing you bought? I just went to Target (not in the nursing tank though). My list ranged from mascara to trash can liners. I also bought some cute tanks.

What are you listening to right now? Caps hockey game. Go CAPS!

What is your favorite weather? Lovely, breezy spring day

What is your most challenging goal right now? Deciding on a career. I second guess myself all the time.

What do you think about the person who tagged you? I wasn't tagged, but I really do like Elvira. I just think she is the bees' knees! You rock, E.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be? A small town with nice, inviting people. I don't really care where it is as long as it is filled with nice people.

If you could swap lives with anyone for one day who would it be and why? I am really happy with what I have, so no one.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? anywhere where I could sleep a full 12 hours without interruption, or the Caps game with my fam.

What would you like to have in your hands at right now? my baby. Hold on, let me pick him up now.

Which language do you wanna learn? ASL, refine my French, html

What do you look for in a friend? Open, non-envious, non-toxic, fun, honest, loving, understands the importance of "alone time," supportive, curses like a miscreant child, isn't scared of the word "vagina," in charge.

Who do you want to meet in person? I honestly don't know...hmm

What's your favorite type of music? Woman music: Tori Amos, Regina Spektor, Sarah Mclaughlin, Feist, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone (oh Nina...)

What's your dream job? Mother (yay!), makeup person, teacher in a functional environment.

If you had $100 now what would you spend on it? baby stuff, maybe a toupee for his bald head. (anyone see that SNL skit? LOL)

Things you wish you could change in the past? meh, I have worked through my regrets so now I am at peace. Oh wait, there is that cosmetology school in high school regret. Oh maybe not vote for Nader in 2000 (to justify, I was in VA, which had already given Bush the electoral votes--lame!).

Fashion Pet Peeve? muffin top inducing jeans. Size up, people!

Do you admire anyone's style? The grrl always looks nice, Queen Fierce is sassy at 50-something...Actually, I really like my style: inexpensive, simple, and classic.

Describe your personal style. White button down shirts, trouser jeans, flats, tailored dresses, appropriately fitted bras.

What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Rocky Road!

What's your favorite makeup brand? mark. and Revlon

What makeup do you use a lot? Foundation?

Do you get enough beauty sleep? Yes or no? Why? No. I have a young being who doesn't understand the concept of beauty sleep. He was born beautiful.

Why did you start your (beauty) blog? I love to write, I have an opinion. Why not? I never expected to be read. It was more for me, so getting feedback is always surprising and nice feeling.

What do you think is the best feature about yourself? My smile. Mr. Serenity paid a pretty penny for my straight teeth. I am contractually obligated to constantly smile.

What is your favorite vacation spot? I really yearn for an Alaskan cruise again.

What do you like least about yourself? My tendency to get hyperpigmentation after a breakout, my inability to be a delicate flower...actually, I take it back...I like my inability to be a delicate flower, even though I am scared of frogs, spiders, snakes...

Again, do this questionnaire if you want. It is always fun to learn about people.
Many hugs, and more reviews to come.

"Discontinued" is a four letter word

2009-04-30T17:01:00.006-04:00

I have not tended to my feet is more than 9 months, and it is driving me absolutely crazy. My dry, parched heels are getting caught on everything: socks, carpet, sheets, pants. I really don't like when my dry skin gets caught on fabric; I get a claustrophobic sensation I tell you. Whenever my feet get scratchy, I soak my feet and file the hell out of the dead skin accumulation. However, I haven't had time to do so (maybe this weekend).

I used the pedegg to see if it would alleviate some of the jaggedness, but the pedegg really doesn't work for me for some reason. Everyone raves and proposes to the pedegg, but it really hasn't impressed me. In fact, the pedegg tends to leave my feet more jagged than when I started. Anyway, today I ventured into my nail stash and noticed that I had bought a sloughing cream from Avon a long time ago. I have never used it; I think I bought it because it was on sale for $1.99. Well, I wish I had tried it earlier, and I wish I had bought more tubes of this awesome shortcut to less jagged feet.

Avon Foot Works Sloughing Cream is absolutely impressive. The directions say to rub in the cream, which contains pumice and finely ground walnut shells, into the feet. Keep on rubbing the cream into the feet until cream pills, flakes, and crumbles off the skin.

When the cream is squeezed out, it looks like the St. Ives Apricot exfoliator. When rubbed on the skin, the cream disperses really easily; however, after a few seconds, the cream starts to dry and it creates friction on the skin. Then the dead skin starts to pill along with the cream. The cream is like a foot file without the foot file. This is a spectacular short cut to breakdown the rough heels. You don't have to soak feet, keep them damp, nothing. In fact, this creams works on dry skin and it is better used after a shower. I swear that after five minutes of working this cream into the foot, my foot felt much, much softer. In fact, my feet have not gotten caught on the carpet nor the socks. I was so immediately impressed that I quickly went to the Avon website to see if I could order some backups. Now, let me say that I think this will work best on low to mild cases of rough feet. This probably won't do much for super, duper rough/cracked feet.

...Here comes the sad news, this product seems to be discontinued. What the heck, Avon!! Why do you discontinue things so often?!!BLARG!

Why even bother writing about this product, then? Well, sometimes Avon brings back products in the clearance section, sometimes reps have inventory. Sometimes, it can be found on ebay. Either way, if you have rough feet, and you come across this product, try it!
I will keep my eyes open for this goody!

Pardon the crappy pic, another shortcut. This tube is 3.4 fl oz.