Hair Removal: Sugaring

For as long as my mind will allow me to remember, I've never been big on hair. On my head, yes. Everywhere else, absolutely not. I was caught at the age of 8, in front of the bathroom mirror, plucking several hairs from my eyebrows--only to be quickly disciplined and banned from tweezers. After watching my mom take a razor to her underarms, I followed suit, hoping to encourage hair growth, only so that I could do away with it. What a surprise it was then, when year 7 rolled around, and my mom began to make appointments for me to have my arm hair waxed? Oh okay, so now the disciplinarian wanted to rid me of my hair as well...I tell you, the confusion...

source

So for years it has been just that--threading to the brows (which is still the case), and waxing to everything else. Until a few months ago when sugaring entered my life. A mixture of sugar, lemon juice and water is apparently all that's needed to de-hair me. Now, it wasn't the first time that we had met--my second year of college in the back row of a Summer Intensive Spanish course, is when my Persian pal (who payed attention to our professor as little as I did), took sugar to my right arm. It worked well, but I knew that if I were to try the same thing at home, I'd chicken out at the removal steps.

Sugaring studios are popping up left and right, and I'm quite thankful, as my reaction to it is milder than waxing. No hives, no redness--and that's because the top layer of skin isn't being ripped off along with the hair. It's less painful (big plus), the hair grows back slower, and in general it's cheaper. Each time I see my lady, I am able to choose a complimentary pair of panties, and she always has some new beauty product line to sell me on. I'm unsure if there are any reasons to dislike it?

Do you sugar? Are you brave enough to do an in-home treatment?

PS. I am also starting a Project 5-pan experiment. Not much different than the one I tried to begin prior to the wedding, but I think getting to the bottom of 5 makeup products is much more manageable. Not until I have effectively finished all five, will I be able to make another makeup purchase. The only rules are as follows:

-Body products do not count (same goes for fragrances, polishes, etc)
-All proof will be documented via photography
-Glosses, and lip products count. I seriously can't get to the bottom of 5 powders--I don't think..

Who is with me on this? If you are, leave a comment so that we can all keep each other accountable!

From July 4th to Duty Free

The 4th of July is a not-so-distant memory, but thanks to my trusty camera, I can still recall the look I did on my eyes for the occasion. To avoid traveling down the typical red white and blue road (I don't know who actually does this, but I can imagine it'd be bad), I instead decided to put my Cargo Tahiti palette to some use. The tropical shades suit me much better than all that patriotic stuff anyhow. Disregard the redness of my skin--it's a long story involving a ridiculous athletic training machine from the Mr.'s gym. Seriously ruined my face for a week.

Used:

*Cargo's Tahiti Palette (if for nothing else, get it for the cute girl on the front of the compact)
*MAC Pastorale loose pigment
*Smashbox shadow in Bliss
*Rimmel liner in Black Gold
*Lancome's Hypnose mascara on top lashes
*Imju Fiberwig mascara on lower lashes

In other news, my mama came home from Australia and New Zealand (for a mere 10 hours, before leaving again), with gifts in tow! Bless her heart, she is not the woman who wears a lot of makeup. She collects her favorites (Sisley, Chanel, Shiseido) like a mad woman, but swears that she is "too old" to actually wear it. Thus, you can assume who becomes the main benefactor! Instead, she is the ultimate fragrance and skin care Queen! Her room is a bit like a mini Costco, in that she stores ridiculous amounts of skincare and fragrances, complete with several backups! Us girls usually only need to make a stop at "her store" in order to replenish our own personal items.

As I was sorting through the things she brought back with her, I thought I'd snap a picture. Chanel's Glossimer in Delight was one item, which is a lavender shade with bits of glitter. Being someone that does not like glitter (or purple lips), I must confess that this is a very pretty and sheer shade on. It tones down a bit of the natural pigmentation of my lips, and is very nice all on its own, but I'm sure even better atop something else. I don't own MAC's Lavender Whip, but this would be a more do-able version for me. The darker lip products in the corner (lovely on) are by an Australian brand called Mode. The classic Bvlgari pour Femme made its way, as well as one special collection that I have been dying to try for myself.

This one is compliments of my dear cousin in Auckland, and is called Thin Lizzy 6 in 1 (left hand corner tin). At the time of the wedding, I had some tan lines near my shoulders that I had picked up during my bachelorette weekend in Vegas. Somehow it slipped my mind (until the day prior) that this was the case, and I became extremely concerned for the sake of our wedding photos! No need to fear, my cousin trots in with this Thin Lizzy business, which is meant to do everything short of washing my dishes. "Everybody uses it back home--I promise it'll work darl", she told me. She was right. It was a life saver. Now I have a barrel (with backups!) of my own, and am ready to discover its 5 other uses. Updates to come, I promise.

Big plans for the weekend? Have you tried any of these things?

Island Inspired Fragrances

In recognizing that many of my readers are of the Island persuasion, I want to make an effort to always hit home with the products that really speak to us. I love hearing from each of you in the comment section and via email, and realize that makeup specifically is not everybody's top beauty priority. Make no mistake, there will be no shortage of makeup related posts, but there have been a few products on my mind that I've been dying to chat about--so this one's especially for you ta'ahine/teine/wahine/vahine ;)

Island-inspired perfumes. I covered some of my favorites in a past post, but wanted to update you lovely readers on the freshest of scents, that as of late, I just can't get enough of. Typically, I am very secretive about what I wear--but you wouldn't know anyway, as I have a habit of mixing perfumes every day prior to leaving the front door. Constantly on the hunt for anything that claims to leave me smelling like I'm covered in sei on a beach, I had quite a few bottles to sort through. Here's what was settled on:

The Sweeter Side

Left to Right: Victoria's Secret Moorea Passion fruit, Sud Pacifique Couer
de Vahine, Sud Pacifique Aloha Tiare, Lucy B. Pink Frangipani

You're leaving the gym and you've *gasp* actually decided to get ready for work in the locker room. Victoria's Secret's Moorea Passion Fruit is a perfect body spritz, that isn't overpowering or intense. I admit, I picked it up originally for the cutesy travel bag it came with, but ended up enjoying the scent more than the bag. Moving on, I've written quite a bit about Sud Pacifique's fragrances--I'm a tad obsessed. They don't seem to create anything wrong in my eyes. They're all warm and inviting, with a nice overlay of spicy coconut. It doesn't hurt that the packaging is nice and simple--something I love. Lucy B.'s Pink Frangipani is a sweet and sugary scent, that holds the distinct linger of the plumeria (frangipani) flower. It's not overpowering at all, but instead mild and inviting.

Practically a Lei

Left to Right: Pacifica Waikiki Pikake, Saffron James 'Ume, Chanel Gardenia,
Estee Lauder Special Collection Tuberose Gardenia

Now these are the bottles that are responsible for making others believe that either:

a) someone is having a graduation party (also read: hundreds of flower leis),
or
b) that they aren't actually just sitting in a city restaurant, but instead are wandering tropical gardens on a rock in the middle of the sea.

They are fragrant! Pacifica's Waikiki Pikake smells like none other than jasmine (pikake), while Chanel's Gardenia and Estee Lauder's Tuberose Gardenia lend their fragrance completely to that of which they are named. The Tuberose Gardenia is exactly what I wore on my wedding day (of course mixed with other scents), as I knew that I didn't want to wear a lei, yet wanted all the lovely traces of the fragrance. Saffron James on the other hand is quite warm and floral, yet is comprised of a mix of ginger, gardenia, yuzu, and waterlily.

I will remain on the lookout for new memorable fragrances of this nature (okay, I admit--they're in the mail on their way), but while I'm waiting, I'd love to know what you are all wearing!

What is your favorite Pacific-inspired fragrance--or is there one that you prefer which trumps them all?

Honest Scraps Tag

I was tagged by the lovely Su-pah, SweetestSinSheroon, and Tali for yet another fun-filled questionnaire! I love reading everyone's answers, but mine are just so random! The key is to list ten things that are honest and true about you, that others may not know:

and...GO!

1. I've played the piano since the age of 4, and could not quit my lessons until I moved out of the house for college. I tried so many times, but my parents were intent on my keeping up with it. Hence, I rarely get on the keys these days.

2. Aggressive is probably the best word to describe my driving style. I can't stand being stuck behind the person that constantly thinks they're on their Sunday drive, and I don't understand the point of waving when merging. It's a road, not a peace treaty. My dad's a born-and-bred New Yorker--I blame this completely on him.

3. I was married by the same lovely Priest (he is a classmate of my Uncle's from seminary) that married my parents, and also baptized me. I'm hoping he can baptize our babies one day too. I do everything I can to ensure that things come "full circle".

4. We only eat organic foods at home, and have done so for the past 5-ish years. The exception is when we eat out or at others' homes. I hope this really means we'll live to 150 :)

5. I won the school spelling bee every year since the 1st grade. They got rid of it after year six, saying that it was "unfair" to judge students on their spelling. Whatever. I love spelling, and it's a huge pet peeve to read something in a published book/article that is misspelled.

6. Next to beauty products and makeup, I enjoy collecting swimwear and clutches. I don't live in the warmest state in the US, so this makes my little collection seem a bit absurd. It really comes in handy for travel though.

7. I have a weakness for gummy candies, and anything pickled. I love pickled garlic, especially. This too, I blame on my papa.

8. I enjoy running, but only indoors on a treadmill. When I run outdoors, the air pressure hurts my head and I end up wanting to kick myself for having run so far from my starting point (and having to make it back).

9. I have a really huge family. I mean extremely large. If you haven't grown up in it, you might as well give up and not even try to remember names or faces.

10. Oh yes, I run a book club. How's that for nerdy? ;)

I'm now tagging Lady B, Dila, and Binya. What's it gonna be girls?

On that note, we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming soon...

Lumene's Blueberry Curl Mascara

Are you that poor soul that never seems to win anything? I am. The times have changed though, and within the last couple of months, I've pulled a record of three things. All of them have been makeup-related, and one of them a mascara I've been dying to get my hands on.

Kiss and Make-Up hosted a giveaway, and yours truly was the lucky recipient of a shiny blue tube of Lumene's Blueberry Curl Mascara. Something about that shiny blue tube is so appealing to me, although the fact that it is infused with arctic blueberry oil really gives it a couple of extra gold stars. I'm usually a bit hesitant to travel down the road of a new mascara--as I like to stick to the old favorites--but this one isn't half bad. The plastic brush is similar to that of Cover Girl's Lash Blast (the popular orange tube), yet with a thinner head. Application wise, it glides on smoothly, and keeps the lashes separated. The company boasts promises of volume, which is a tad bit untrue, and while we're on the subject of negatives, it seems to smudge a bit more than other mascaras during the day.

Pros:
*Nice easy applicator
*Easy on the wallet
*Great key conditioning ingredient--blueberry oil
*Lengthens nicely

Cons:
*Doesn't offer much in the area of volume
*Smudges on eyelid and lower lash line (I have medium to dry lids)

Are you a fan of Lumene? Are there other products that I should be giving a try?

Happy Holiday Weekend!

The weekends are coming 'round faster with each week--I'm not complaining, but last weekend was a killer. I spent Friday evening celebrating a friend's birthday, only to jump right into a 7am call time to whip up some bridal makeup for a good friend. Thankfully I wasn't meant to do the bride herself (I don't know what I would have done with myself, as packing my kit was hard enough--the nerves!), but "a couple bridesmaids" quickly turned into all but two, and the addition of grandmas, moms and aunts. They are a sweet family, and they were full of love and anxiety that morning.

The happy couple jumping the broom--a cultural
tradition in the groom's family

I had a lovely time, but you can believe I was ready to turn in at the end of the night! It wasn't funny when I was still knocked out asleep at 8 o'clock the next night. Backtracking a bit, I did win a raffle basket (I can't be held accountable for the awful Easter grass and cheapo candles--how are you gonna mix that with some MAC?) at the restaurant we dined at on Friday, for a mere five dollars! I jumped for joy as I realized that I now had doubles of the Naked Honey lipglasses. Literally, I jumped. Too bad that wasn't caught on camera :)

note the tanning gift certificates...um wow, just
what I had been hoping for...

So here we are at the weekend once again--you may be celebrating the 4th of July, or then again you may just be celebrating the ever anticipated end-of-week. What will you be doing?

Shops I'd Love to Call My Own...

In an effort to wrap up some of my finds from Brasil, I've decided to feature the two stores of which I wish were available in the States: O Boticario, and Contem 1g. The first is a shop which is a bit reminiscent of the Body Shop--carrying various cremes, lotions and sprays, a wide range of fragrances and a limited line of makeup. It was in every mall, and every shopping district--if not once, then twice!

Since it was nearing Valentine's Day when we visited, every store front featured a romantic themed product, and I was lucky enough to get my hands on a few of them. Mom received some perfume, and I grabbed the Beijo body mousse (it's as light as marshmallows, and has a vanilla-ish floral scent to it), as well as the Kiss Me fragrance which has a similar yet more intense scent. After searching online, I'm finding that although this is a tried and true Brazilian company, they are starting to expand into Australia and possibly the US. I could only be so lucky!

Cosmetics-wise, Contem 1g was another brand unique to the country, which offered the feel of a less showy MAC counter. The majority of their packaging is black, with a few exceptions when it came to a limited compact or mineral line. Although I was completely turned off by the way in which the makeup artist applied blush to my poor face ("more bloooshy?"...NO!), I was still able to make off with at least a couple of items to my liking. That of course wasn't before the hubs laughed at my clown cheeks for a good five minutes.

A Batom Color Effect Lipstick in Natural (which in my opinion is more rose-inclined), is moisturizing and doesn't ask for an application of lip balm beforehand:

Creme Blush in Rosa Cintilante. I am so weak around non-powdery blushes--I think they can go a long way to make you appear years younger:

Oh, and one little bonus item! Non-makeup related, I found the most adorable store in a complex where all of the shop keepers featured local artists. Religious art and jewelry is totally my thing (one look at my house, and you'll know what I mean), so when I spotted this keychain I knew it had my name all over it.

Well literally, it has Mary's name all over it, as it's various versions of the Miraculous Medal--a medal that was created by St. Catherine after being visited by the Blessed Virgin three times within the year 1830. One thing I love about my faith is the fact that so many things we exhibit and show on the outside, are symbols of how we are feeling in our hearts. This in particular is a reminder of the graces we may have, if only we ask. Apparently I need a lot of reminding, as there are five of the same medal on this one :)

So, two questions for you lovely readers: What are some shops that you desperately wish were located where you live, but aren't? Also, are there religious items that you can't seem to get enough of?