From one liner to the next. If you're not a fan of the creme liner, than this one is for you. I have officially found a pencil that is softer than Urban Decay's 24/7 liners, at a much more affordable price. With...twice the pigmentation! I'm turning a bit into a drugstore addict...but that's alright, if they've got what I'm looking for. Presenting L'Oreal's HIP Chrome Eyeliner in Silver Lightning and Black Shock.
L'Oreal is making a huge comeback with these sorts of products--their pigmentation easily rivals that of MAC. Lining on the waterline is a breeze, as it lasts for hours. Although that's the case, I still pop mine in the purse for touch-ups. They are extra creamy and soft, so they glide one without any tugging whatsoever. And look at the intensity--need I say more?
Well I will say more. I'm going back for the remaining colors. When items like these are buy one get one free, it's nearly impossible not to snatch backups.
Speaking of chroma-type shades, check out this nail varnish that Sally Hansen has released with her current Hi-Definition line. Hot!!!
It's perfect for night, but just so gorgeous under the daytime sky, as it turns from shades of purple to a bullet-like silvery gold. The shade is Opulent Cloud. I've just learned that it is the one that is inspired by Tracy Reese (only one of my favorite designers!), and was the exclusive shade of her Fall 2009 runway show. It's no wonder that I love it! It is limited edition, so if you're a fan, get thee to a chemist!
One last thing--in the theme of all things golden or gilded, I was tagged by Miss Dila over at Bubbly Mubbly Bubblegum with a Color Tag. The color of choice? Gold! Easy peas for me, as everything in my life needs a little gold in it--in fact, it was one of the colors for my wedding! I chose five random things that were gold, and have captured them on film:
Shown, are Illamasqua's Liquid Metal in Solstice, a bikini top, a pair of satin shoes (that I'm sure I'll get to wearing over the holidays...size XXXL , I know), L.A.M.B. fragrance (which was purchased for the rasta colored bottle that hides under that ginormous cap), and my gold OLO Mt. Carmel scapular. Oops, I did five items and you were supposed to find seven.
I know that many of you have done this before, so if you haven't, feel free to do so now! And Gold is still the color of choice :)
Are you a gold fan? Or do you sway more towards silver or copper?
Don't you just love a good black eyeliner? When I want a black liner, I need the blackest of the black. Something that defies night, and doesn't leave me with a look that is more morning-after than smoldering hot. I'm constantly on the hunt for the deepest darkest shade of black--and I think I've found a champion. It was in the most unlikliest of places, as true black liners are concerned--the drugstore! And who would believe me if I told them it was by good old Black Radiance? We're talking long-lasting, smudge free, standout performance--even on the waterline! Go figure.
Here's the proof--now you tell me which one takes the cake:
Oh right, did I mention that it's less than five dollars? Get thee to a drugstore!
The beautiful Bubblegarm tagged me recently for a one-word tag game. The questions deserve a one word answer. bottoms up!
Where's your cell phone: Bed Your hair: Bun Your mother: Generous Your father: Traveling Favorite Food: Tongan Dream last night: Eww Favorite drink: Water What room are you in: Guest Hobby: Cooking Fear: Bedbugs Where were you last night: Here Something that you aren't: Full Muffins: Blueberry Wish list item: Knuckles Where did you grow up: Home What are you wearing: Jambos Your pets: Amariah Friends: Love Something you're not wearing: Anklet Favorite store: Target Favorite color: Brown Last time you laughed: Today Your best friend: Hubby Bestest Place you go to over and over: Mom's Person who emails you regularly: PuniP Favorite place to eat: Bed
I'm not the biggest fan of plumping lip glosses, as they tend to irritate me (ie. my lips feel like they're on fire). Also, my pout is probably full enough on its own...and I can't help but think that there's something strange about stinging your lips into submission. While I'm not the biggest fan of lip-plumping products, I'm also not a fan at all of Bare Escentuals. The powders and I do not play well together (also read: they turn my face a bright shade of orange), and I find the product in general to be a bit clogging.
Buxom Lips (a line from Bare Escentuals) threw me for a loop when I sniffed at the applicator to check whether there was a scent. Yes, yes there was. In fact it was the scent of candied applies--one of the most appealing scents on earth! I began sifting through the shades (of which there are many), and found one called Kanani. It's a shimmery yet sheer pink, and there upon the packaging is the photo of what marketers feel is an island woman. I sort of don't like it when companies do this--but yet, I fall for it every time. I mean, I wanted so badly to be a Bianca, or a Bambi--but who am I kidding? I'm a Kanani. Definitely a Kanani. (Although, couldn't they have thought of a better name? i'd much prefer to start seeing glosses named Meleane or Vapina).
As for the burning effect--this one has proved itself different. Instead of the normal stinging and tingling, it just feels overall cooling. It's as though you have a breath mint in your mouth, or have just brushed your teeth. For this I am pleased. I'm a big advocate of oral hygiene, so it doesn't bother me at all. I can't say that I've noticed a lot of plumping going on, but oh well I bought it for the scent.
What do you think of companies trying to match their products to race and ethnicity? Are you generally pleased with their pairings?
Have you checked out Lady B's blog? She has great posts on products/design/style, and they're a bit off the radar. Not the kind of blog where you feel you've read the same review by 20 other authors. She tagged me about dishing on a few hair products that I regret buying, and I've finally taken her up on the offer! The idea is to name and shame a handful of items that you've purchased in an effort to beautify your hair, yet all they've done is create problems.
I love a dry shampoo, and there are few products by Ojon that I do not like. Although the product is effective, and smells much better than some of its competitors, no matter how many times I re-purchase a bottle of their Rub-Out Dry Cleanser, the cap clogs up and I can no longer finish off the product. That's almost as annoying as a bad product.
One product I should have never laid hands on, is the Maxi Professional Hair Polish. It smells wonderful (which is usually why I fall for these things), but even with a light hand, it eventually causes me hair to hang and look greasy. This would be a good choice for someone with extremely curly hair--but even then, I would spray very lightly.
As someone who colors her own hair at home, I prefer to leave the professional products to the pros. I fill in where I can get in, and otherwise I have to rely on someone with more expertise to use the big guns. Such is the story with my Schwarzkopf hair colors. Mixing the stuff with developer in a bowl, isn't my idea of fast or easy. When you color as much as I do, you really can't be bothered. I need to 'fess up to my stylist that I'm not using these things, as i have way too many lying in the cupboard.
One of the first dry shampoo products I became interested in, was Bumble & Bumble's Hair Powder. They come in shades that are meant to be suited for your hair color. It's messy, they build up, and never really match your hair color, unless your hair is jet black or platinum blonde. All it does it make you want to wash your hair, which is the very thing you were aiming at avoiding.
I know, I know...if I don't start posting more often than once a week, I'll be telling you all about the Style Black collection on New Year's Eve. I'm trying to step it up, but work is no joke these days! I celebrated yet another year of life a few weeks back--and with that came great food, drinks, family friends, and...beauty products. Those poor people--so timid to pass me their gift of makeup, because they weren't sure if I already owned it, or had something horribly critical to say about it. Needless to say, I love it ALL and was shocked at the originality and decision making that went into it! I learned once that my love language is gifts, and I think that most of my friends and family fit into that category as well--giving can sometimes be even more thrilling than receiving!
Here is one gift that totally blew me away--a dear friend had returned from New York with some nail products right up my alley, that she knew would hit my organic soft spot. Meet Karma Organics, a line of nail goodies that are not only gentle on your hands, but offer colors and that one would grab regardless of its do-good qualities. The line was created as a by-product of owner Nausil Zaheer's Organic Spa in New Jersey, as a way to offer clients polishes that were non-toxic and 3-free.
So Berry Sweet, Monarch Masquerade, Metallic Blue
The polishes are fantastic, and apply like a dream. At times I am a bit weary of "natural" nail products, as it seems to be the case that they deliver color in a way that leaves much to be desired. I usually pass by the offerings at Whole Foods, as shades are a little...well, boring. Not these. They are richly pigmented, and opaque on the first coat!
One coat of So Berry Sweet
Now here's the kicker--I really did not expect to enjoy this next one in the way that I have come to enjoy it. Throughout the years, many a nail polish remover has been tested on these hands. I don't mind the Cutex variety where you stick your finger into a sponge-filled bottle; as they seem to be pretty effective. I'm also a fan of Lipmann's Lavender pump-top formula. Typically however, I tend to stick to plain old liquid-in-a-bottle. When you go through excessive amounts of remover (like I do), this seems to be the cost-effective route. All that said, I am now a changed woman. The Soybean and Tea Tree Polish Remover is one that will not leave you feeling suffocated at the scent of alcohol, and is also non-drying to boot. Hand on heart, my nails were moisturized intensely by the use of it (since when does that happen with nail polish remover?), and it didn't leave a trace of polish. If you are an avid nail-polisher, this needs to be added to your collection. No longer will you dread the dry nail beds that removers have a name for leaving behind.
I was tagged by Tali of The Gloss Goss for a sweet award! This is the cutest graphic that I have seen in terms of blog awards, don't you agree? The idea here is to post a song that makes you happy, as well as to tag a few others and state what makes you happy about reading their blog.
Tali has an amazing blog that has grown by leaps in bounds in a very short time. She is no novice when it comes to makeup, and knows her tastes very well. Here, you'll find the honest bad reviews with the good--which is a breath of fresh air in this beauty blogging world!
Tina has a DIY, stud-fascination that shows through in her edgy, yet refined style. She'll stun you with everything from her latest nail polish to a pair of funky boots.
Lady B is still finding time to upkeep her blog, while pushing through grad school. I don't know how she does it! I love her haircare and beauty secrets posts--but don't be fooled, as she has a keen eye for interior design and showcases beautiful setups.
Rowena leaves me laughing with every post. Her sarcasm and wit is incomparable, and I'm not quite sure how she stores her ginormous collection of products. If you are wondering about a hard-to-find item (if it's from Asia, you get bonus points!), you'll probably find it here.
Muhsine gives us an ultra-creative approach to her love of beauty. I have probably seen 60 different variations of the same eyeshadow palette (although she is not limited to it), and several home-made concoctions on her page. Not only that, but she creates jewelry!
Whoa, when I think about it these girls are so ethnically diverse it's incredible! I love it! Now that's what I like to see in this beauty blogging world ;) Check also for their YouTube videos--they're not just good on paper.
A song that makes me smile is Brick and Lace's Love is Wicked. I should also note that it makes me sweaty (yea, gross) as I can't listen to it without mimicking the dancing--and yes, even the guy's parts--from the video. These two sisters are from Jamaica, and as a big reggae, soca, dancehall..you name it fan, I can't help but at least bounce in my chair when I play this.
What are your thoughts on natural nail care? If you feel the urge to post the people and song that makes you smile, be sure to post a link. I'd love to hear!
I've been LUSH-ing away lately--I can't seem to get enough of the place, but I blame it on the cold weather. When in-store, everything melds together a bit overwhelmingly--but any single item taken outside of the premises is just amazing. The philosophy that they have towards natural ingredients is to be admired--but the fact that they all seem to work really well...well, what's not to enjoy?
Coconut Deodorant Powder
As the months turn cooler, the need for a clinical strength deodorant is not as pressing as it is during, say..110 degree weather. Therefore, a powder will suffice for the under areas--or even better, a coconutty powder! Made with dessicated coconut, coconut milk, and coconut oil, there are few things that it doesn't include of which I'd want. Add to that some tapioca starch (the key ingredient which absorbs sweat), and you've got a product made in some sort of island heaven! It's much easier to apply than expected--just a little cupping in the underarm area, and you're on your way.
Lemony Flutter
Salves and thick body butters are always appreciated around my way, as i grew up with a mother who forbade me to sit with my knees to the floor (paranoid about dry skin, I suppose?). Lemony Flutter comes as a cure all for any dry patches--from elbows, to knees to heels. Sure, it's a cuticle butter, but it's made of mango and avocado oil--so I figure why should the rest of my body suffer? This one reminds me a bit of a lemon chiffon cake--but I love the smell of lemon, so I'd compare it to anything.
Clockwise: Big Shampoo, Floating Island Cupcake, The Comforter Bath Bar
It doesn't stop at the body butters and deodorants, as LUSH is of course known for their bath bombs and bars. I can't help but want to take one of these to the bath with me each time I decide to steep. (But on that note, do you ever notice that once you're actually in the bathtub, you enjoy it for a couple of minutes only to realize that you're suffocating and want to get out?) A few of my faves--the Floating Island Cupcake, The Comforter, and a Sunny Side Bubble Bar. This bar turns your tub to liquid gold, and amazingly doesn't leave you with glitter stuck to your skin. I'm not a glitter girl...but a gold girl, I am.
Sunny Side Bubble Bar
It's hard to miss the big tub of shampoo that also found its way into the image. Big, is a shampoo that I picked up after reading Tali's review of the stuff. Two words: I love. It's not as though my hair needs to be any bigger--as shown by Exhibit A below. This was taken after I returned from work one day (mind you, I couldn't tell you how those stylists fixed the I Dream of Jeannie style):
Yes, Major Nelson?
This is why I like the stuff: My scalp plays a little trick between being dry and oily. One day it's dry, and so I moisturize it like crazy and enjoy the outcome, only to find that the very next day, my whole head of hair is falling flat. It rides a fine line that even I can't comprehend--but this gritty salty shampoo (which smells like a margarita, minus the tequila) has been the only thing thus far that has removed the excess oil, yet left it clean and moisturized. It doesn't look or feel like shampoo, but takes very little time to lather up.
Now LUSH has created a Pumpkin soap, and a Cobweb bath bomb just in time for Halloween. I made a trip yesterday, only to realize they had already sold out and were waiting for re-stock!
Did any of you get your hands on it? What are your favorite LUSH products?
I don't do fake nails, and it's been ages since my last run-in with the nail drill--sometime prior to the end of High School, I can remember being introduced to the art of the acrylic. It took me nearly six years to break away from that monogamous relationship, and since then I have been happy with my short nails--making it easier to text, type, and play the piano.
When Revlon approached me about reviewing their Runway Nail Collection, I obliged, but was a little hesitant to actually slap some glue back onto my fingers. It was easy to say yes, as the designs were along the lines of the airbrush styles that I crave--and the fact that they come ready-to-wear, means no wasted time in a nail salon. But how was I going to speed text-reply, as I had been so out of practice with the use of my thumb joints? I quickly posted a poll on the site, wondering if anyone else was a fan of fake nails--and found that quite a few readers are, but have been moving away from it for the sake of saving money. Well, are these going to be a treat for you! Revlon's Runway Nail Collection is a line of nails that are easily applied while sitting on the couch watching The City. It takes just a few minutes to decide which of the 24 nails fits your fingers (and if they can fit mine, trust me--they will fit yours). A little dab of glue--just a few small drops is all you need--and it's time to press those babies against your nail bed. This is the trick: to prevent air bubbles from forming, press and hold each nail very firmly for the course of about a minute. The design in the above image is Minx, and the fishnet effect at the tip is exactly what I'd ask for if I were in a nail shop. I kind of like the feminine feel of the longer nail--and at $7, I could afford to change them on the nightly! Nobody will know that your nails have been done at home--they honestly look and feel like the real thing. Now, I'm onto painting some of the others to see what fresh combos I can come up with. A little neon, methinks?
I was tagged by the sweet Su-Pah of Treasure Trove of Makeup, as well as Catanya from Catanya's Things for an I Think You're An Awesome Girl blog award. I get so excited when I see that I have a new follower and/or that people are interacting and chatting on the blog--so thank you both so much...it means the world. The idea is to state 10 little known facts about yourself, as well as to tag 10 others to keep the love going. I think I'm going to narrow it down to 5, as I honestly don't know what other sorts of facts to scrape up:
*My sign is Virgo, and I think it's very fitting for my somewhat OCD personality.
*I know this will be hard for some of you big-time fans (of the books/movie) to read, but I cannot for the life of me, get into the Twilight series. I aware that I'm in the minority here, as nearly every last person I know has enjoyed them--but getting past Chapter 2 has been like pulling teeth. Should I try again?
*One place that I would really like to visit, is Saudi Arabia. Any potential travel buddies that have been dying to visit, with me on this?
*During this Halloween season, I get so excited to look for skull decorations (they have to be tasteful and authentic looking), as well as the mini packs of candy. Right now, 100 Grand has taken over my candy drawer. I think by now I've eaten about 5 million worth.
*I'm constantly thinking of DIY projects--this doesn't mean I ever get to them, but when I see things that I like, nine times out of ten I say to myself "...Hmm, I could make that". What a load of confidence I have, eh?!
Is that not the chicest palette you have ever seen? As of late, I am a little over the top with palettes, and am appreciating the idea that someone else (namely the cosmetic companies), will make my mind up for me. You'll see what I'm getting at in upcoming posts...but it's my new take on trying new things. Some of the shades that you find in palettes are ones that you would have never set out in search of on your own--only to find that you love them with time!
My attraction to the Guerlain Slavic Beauty look, came with the name and packaging. Their campaign music was also a big push (can you hear the marketing bells going off?), and I loved the fact that they used Natalia Vodianova as their face. Quickly, Tsarina became one of the most used items in my collection, and I tell you--the compliments have been a bit overwhelming! I honestly wasn't sure that plums and purples (mind you, a burnt orange), would be my cup of tea--they have a tendency to cause my eyes to look bloodshot. After a little playing around though, I realized I was wrong. And the blendability--oh, the blendability. I promise to buy more. Quality is not the issue here. The packaging is heavy, and makes you feel as though you have a little jewel on your counter. I think that is how makeup ought to be...special.
Another piece from the collection that caught my eye, was the Russian Doll Liquid Blush. It comes in a very hygienic (beautifully adorned) pump bottle, and is a sheer yet illuminating coral shade. It's perfect for olive skintones, but I can imagine it would flatter any shade. A very small amount goes a long way, so it will have a longer life than the size would otherwise imply.
Are you a fan of Guerlain? In my opinion they've come a long way from their recognition as the "meteorite" makeup line.
If you are interested in sending me products to review, please contact me at SUKAANDSPICE@GMAIL.COM You can of course email me with other questions as well...
L'Oreal is making a huge comeback with these sorts of products--their pigmentation easily rivals that of MAC. Lining on the waterline is a breeze, as it lasts for hours. Although that's the case, I still pop mine in the purse for touch-ups. They are extra creamy and soft, so they glide one without any tugging whatsoever. And look at the intensity--need I say more?
Well I will say more. I'm going back for the remaining colors. When items like these are buy one get one free, it's nearly impossible not to snatch backups.
Speaking of chroma-type shades, check out this nail varnish that Sally Hansen has released with her current Hi-Definition line. Hot!!!
It's perfect for night, but just so gorgeous under the daytime sky, as it turns from shades of purple to a bullet-like silvery gold. The shade is Opulent Cloud. I've just learned that it is the one that is inspired by Tracy Reese (only one of my favorite designers!), and was the exclusive shade of her Fall 2009 runway show. It's no wonder that I love it! It is limited edition, so if you're a fan, get thee to a chemist!
Shown, are Illamasqua's Liquid Metal in Solstice, a bikini top, a pair of satin shoes (that I'm sure I'll get to wearing over the holidays...size XXXL , I know), L.A.M.B. fragrance (which was purchased for the rasta colored bottle that hides under that ginormous cap), and my gold OLO Mt. Carmel scapular. Oops, I did five items and you were supposed to find seven.
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