Peace Out With a Cold Weather Staple

For the next couple of months, I'll have the fireplace roaring daily and you can find me wrapped in a Snuggie on the couch. It's that cold. We've been having windstorms throughout the night, and sometimes I wake up in the early hours, thinking I'm in some sort of Halloween movie gone wrong. It's the sounds--they're creeky and loud, and with my 3am reasoning, it makes me wonder if the house will just split or topple over.

Since cold weather typically means long sleeved shirts and thermal underwear (hey, I get chills even in 80 degree weather--you can imagine what I go through now), to me that means slapping on some extra body moisturizer. Just because it's all covered up now, doesn't mean it'll never resurface--and if come April, your legs look like ashy abandoned poles, you'll have no one to blame but yourself after reading about this new fave.

Introducing, Vaseline Intensive Rescue Clinical Therapy Skin Protectant Body Lotion. What a mouthful. But that's neither here nor there, as all of my other moisturizers have been kicked to the curb. Over a Vaseline product? Yes. This penetrates deeper than a body butter, with zero mess. It soaks right into the skin, and even at eight hours later, the effect remains. Although it claims to be unscented, I think it has one of the most pleasant airy scents that I've come across in some time. The sort that won't mix disgustingly with perfume or body sprays. Of course, being the girl that I am, I still apply coconut oil as soon as my shower head has been shut off--but on the off chance that I forgot to do that, this lotion did its job. Not only is it inexpensive, but a few bottles of this will clear you right through Spring with skin that you can be proud of!

Another indoor/rainy day project? Nail painting. Thanks to a little shipment from 8ty8beauty, I've been able to collect a few shades that I couldn't get my hands on at the local beauty shops. They sell China Glaze, OPI, and a few other brands for a huge fraction of the retail price. I'm saying never again to $8 polish. Well, at least $8 polish that I can otherwise purchase for $2 on this site. Check out FYI from the OMG Hologram Collection (China Glaze).

Check the pointer and pinky finger. Still doesn't
do the polish justice.

Scrangie's images catch the holo effect much better than mine do. It reminds me of Minx, but at a much better price--say, three dollars-ish?

These three are the hologram polishes that I settled on. I have to admit, I'll probably be back for the rest. They're sort of addictive in a non-chunky glitter, shiny kind of way.

FYI, OMG, 2NITE

Non-beauty related, this is the Mr. and I's first Christmas as a married couple. Since today is the day after Thanksgiving (aka. crazy person shopping day), I'm feeling that we'll need to get on a Christmas tree hunt pretty soon. I don't have a huge array of Christmas ornaments, as I've always left that up to my mum--but for the last few weeks, I've been on a bit of a Christmas ornament buying craze. I'll feature them from time to time, as they each have a reason for belonging on the new tree :)

First up is a thin peace sign. I remember wearing peace signs on black leather cords around my neck when I was in Junior High. I guess I've never fully recovered from the desire to welcome peace.

How do you decorate for the Holidays? Are you one for Minx-ish type nails?

Thankful For You!

Since we're only 30 minutes away from a day of total gluttony and indulgence, I'd like to wish everyone a big Happy Thanksgiving! I can't wait to grind on some of that turkey, stuffing, and haka Tonga...because, you know we can only get so American with the food at mom's house. Truthfully, I'm meant to be preparing some desserts right now--but then I thought "oh, the blog!" and got a little distracted.



I have to tell you right off the bat--I've had Alicia Keys' new single on repeat for the last couple of hours. It has a smooth early 90's vibe to it...but the lyrics. Oh, the lyrics. Gone are the days of pausing the cassette tape, rewinding, and then jotting down the lines. With the likes of YouTube, you can figure out the lyrics in a matter of minutes! Have you seen it?

So, who's a fan of Le Metier de Beaute? I am, I am! I got a little wrapped up in the line a couple of weeks back. I don't think there's a whole lot of turning back from here. The shadows have a really fine mill to them, which makes it pretty difficult to go wrong with them. Although they're known for their Kaleidoscopes, I knew that as a newbie I had to start slow with some single shadows. I decided to try Spicy and Innocence.

Both are on the neutral side, with a bit of shimmer. I like to use Innocence on the inner corners of the eye, or even the brow bone. Spicy on the other hand, is great in the crease--and so nice to just stare at in the case. Both come with mirrors in the lid.

Remember when I told you that I'd find something to pair the shockingly bright Colbalt Clutch Stila Smudge Pot with? These two were the lucky winners.

Next up, concealer. It's difficult for me to stray far from Cle de Peau's wonder of a product--but this one has caught my attention. And it will keep it (at its slightly lower price point) for the time being.. I'm not convinced that I got the perfect shade match (shade VIII), but the Classic Flawless Finish Concealer with SPF 18, is so soft and creamy that I can totally overlook that. It doesn't settle, crease, or appear the least bit cakey.

And now for the shining star of the group--Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss in Captiva. I just can't get enough of this golden-flecked gloss. It tones down the pinkiness of the lip, and adds a subtle sparkle that is different from most shimmery gold glosses that tend to lean towards the copper tones.
One thing that I wasn't so pleased about, was the mislabeling of colors. Unfortunately, I returned home with boxes of Innocence and Captiva that had those very names on the product, but were completely different ("Innocence" was a light peach shade, and "Captiva" a muted pink). I thought I was seeing things, until I returned to the counter for a closer inspection. The makeup artist couldn't understand why the products had been mislabeled and gladly exchanged them. After, I did a bit of blog searching, and it seems that others out there are being sold the same products with problem labeling. I can't begin to tell you how different the shades were--they didn't have any other shades like them! Additionally, this is a line that is best tested in person. The color swatches that you find online, are nothing as though they appear in reality.

So, are you a fan of Le Metier de Beaute? And just how will you spend your Thanksgiving holiday? I'm thankful for all of you, and your friendships and interaction that have been rooted in this blog. I look forward to chatting with you each day, whether it be here, on email or twitter :)

Barbie Loves Stila Event

As a kid, I never played with Barbies. Mama didn't buy them, so I didn't own them. She said they didn't look right--and I sort of agreed. So when Stila launched their Stila Loves Barbie line this year, I wasn't too intrigued. If I didn't want a girl with a plastic face sitting in my room, I sure didn't want one now, plastered on a makeup palette.

But then...Ulta called. They were having an event with Sarah Lucero, Stila's well-known and sought after makeup artist. I decided to give the whole thing a try, and arrived to cupcakes and pink m&m's. The place was packed, with several artists working on girls.

Sarah is the extra tall one in the boots

And needless to say, I walked out of the store a good hour later, with Stila products...complete with Barbie plastered on the front. No, it doesn't take a whole lot to twist my arm--and even less so when you throw in vibrant shadows and liners.

The popular All Dolled Up quad palette contains twelve buttery shades. The typical Stila fallout has not be experienced with this palette, and I'm pleased to say that they even stay put when I failed to remember a shadow primer one day.

At less than thirty dollars, this gives you a lot of bang for your buck. I don't get stressed about the size of shadows, as I feel that it's very rare to hit pan on a bright blue or purple.

Side note: The trio in the top left corner reminds me of Neapolitan ice cream, right? Right?!

I thought that would be the extent of my Barbie-related products, until I saw the bright blue Smudge Pot liner in Cobalt Clutch. It's just so bright. I figured that instead of using it as a base (as suggested), I could use it to pep up an otherwise boring nude/brownish eye.

Stila brushes in my opinion, are some of the best out there. I still own (and use) a powder brush from 1999, and it's in perfect condition. It's among the softest of those in my collection, and I wish they still had the range they once did. One that caught my eye, was the double-ended shadow brush. The tapered side of the brush is much thinner than its typical competitors, which meant it would be a unique addition. Only problem is, as there are hairs on either end, I'm never quite sure how to store it.

I did pick up the Kajal Liner in Topaz, as it's as creamy as the infamous Onyx sister, but in a flesh-toned shade (when I say flesh, I'm clearly speaking of someone else's flesh..not mine). It works great on the bottom waterline as a means of opening the eye and making the general area appear more awake. Typically, many people will use a white liner for this purpose--but I think that gives more of a "I don't know what I'm doing" effect on women with brown skin. However, using this liner on the actual lid--where you would typically apply an eyeliner--similarly gives you the look of a Russian matryoshka doll. Freaky.

So then there was the gift with purchase. The items that typically remain unused, but in this case had enough appeal to make me want to use them immediately. There were three paint tins, stuffed with a shadow palette, lip glaze and mascara. The tin itself was much better than a cheesy leopard print bag that comes with perfume samples *cough cough*..Neiman's..*cough*. I could definitely use it to differentiate brushes that need to be washed, from those that haven't been used. I picked Black Barbie. Of course, because they sure didn't have Brown Barbie..or Polynesian Barbie for that matter.

The palette is also cute, with two office-appropriate eyeshadows and a blush.

The gloss reminds me of orange jello. Leaving the store, I ended up with purple eyes (the artist used the purple and pink from the palette), and a purple hoodie--only to realize that I was stuck in a swarm of fans that had just left our University's Football game--the team colors are purple and gold. Meaning, I looked like one crazed, overdone fan.

Did you pick up anything from the Barbie line? Classic Disney, a big yes. Fafi, for me--a double yes. But Barbie...is it just too much?

Gilded Finds

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?

As Black as Night

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 know that if I don't tag some of you, you'll never do it--so it's all on you: Kajal Couture, StellarNZ, Tali, Dila and Su-Pah!

Are you back from the drugstore yet? Creme liner in hand? Or do you have a black that beats these? I'm loyal, but a winner is a winner...

Kanani Buxom Lips

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.


Which hair products just didn't work for you?

I'd love to hear from you--Tali, Dila, Kajal Couture, Su-Pah, Rocaille, and Tina!

Karma Organics

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!