11/29/2011

Ring Around the Under-Eye

Today's post will be a short two-in-one review since the Clinique All About Eyes Serum and the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye roller are similar products (why not kill two rollers with one stone?).

I purchased The Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye roller at Walgreens and the Clinique All About Eyes Serum sample size was purchased using 100 points from my beauty bank at Sephora.

Now, I've never had a problem with dark circles or crow's feet, but due to my bad allergies or lack of sleep, I do occasionally experience some puffiness under the eyes. Also, even through I don't have dark circles, I still would love to brighten my under-eye area. So, I decided to give these two products a go and see if either of them would live up to their claims.

Both these products state that they "instantly renew,refresh, hydrate and brighten" the eye area as well as "diminish dark circles and reduce puffiness."

After using both products for two months (during two separate periods), I found that neither the Clinique nor the Garnier roller renewed, refreshed, brightened, diminished dark circles or reduced any puffiness. Both these products did more harm than good. My under-eye area became extremely dry and started to look crepey. In addition to poor product performance, I found that the serum in both rollers would dry around the edges of the metal ball; thus, making it difficult to distribute the product and, at the time, it would pull on the skin. I'm extremely disappointed with the results (or lack thereof) of both Rollers. Don't waste your money on either of these products...invest it elsewhere!

Have you tried either of these products? If so, I would like to know what your thoughts are :)

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/27/2011

Location shoot!

Hey guys,

Just got home from a long location shoot. Here are some photo's that I took with my ipad (didn't bring my camera along this time).

After the shoot, we all went out for dinner : D

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/24/2011

A Slice of Opi & Apple Pie

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

Opi's Opi & Apple Pie is such an Amazing shade! I discovered this nail lacquer at my nail salon back in 2003 and it's been a favorite for Fall shade ever since.

Another cloudy day, I'm starting to get annoyed with the weather!

Opi & Apple Pie is a dark caramel color (the exact color of caramel apples to be precise) with a creme finish. The Application is effortless, streak free, glossy and only takes two coats to achieve the color seen in the bottle. I believe this color would be flattering on all skin tones :)

Opi & Apple Pie is actually browner and not as orange

This is a quintessential shade for fall; as well as being the perfect manicure color for Thanksgiving dinner. Although, Thanksgiving isn't celebrated in Japan, I'll be hosting a dinner on the 24th (going by the states time, so my Friday night, Nov.25th) anyway; and I guarantee that I'll be wearing my beloved Opi & Apple Pie.

In the photo, I totally lost all sunlight due to a passing cloud...curse you cloud!!

To my dismay, Opi & Apple Pie has been discontinued for some time now, but you can still find this shade on ebay. Actually, as I was writing this post, I went ahead and purchased another bottle so I can have a back up (yes, I love the color that much!!).

Opi's Opi & Apple Pie is a gorgeous shade that's good enough to eat...really it is :P

What nail polish will you be wearing on turkey day?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/23/2011

Urban Decay Black Friday Sale!

it's 6:30 am, I just woke up to get ready for work and I found this promo in my email. I wanted to get this up ASAP, and I hope some of you can benefit from this :)

Urbandecay.com will be honoring this promo discount today and on Black Friday. So use the code blackfriday11 during checkout and enjoy $20 off the Book of Shadows IV :)

Pleasant Shopping and enjoy those shadows : D

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/21/2011

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched Review

I've been using this sample since August and I'm not even at the half way mark.

First, let me apologize for not having the regular size bottle of the Shu Uemura Skin Purifier High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched. I had finished my full size bottle back in August (before starting So Lonely in Gorgeous). So, since I had a sample of it (a gift with purchase back in July), I wanted to use the generous sized sample up before I repurchased another bottle.

Shu Uemura's Skin Purifier High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched (wow, that's more than a mouth full) is one of my sacred facial cleansers, especially during Winter. I have normal to dry skin but during the colder seasons my skin can get as dry as a thanksgiving turkey. Shu Uemura's cleansing oils are formulated with various botanical extracts that leave the skin clean, moisturized ans supple. This Cleansing oil feels like liquid silk and rinses off completely without leaving any residue or clogging pores.

Shu Uemura (the brand, not Uemura san himself :P) recommends to massage 3 to 4 pumps onto dry skin, add water for emulsification (emulsification is when water mixes with the oil, turning it a cloudy white), then rinse.

This is how I use the cleansing oil:

In the mornings, I apply four pumps (two is more than enough but I love to slather it on) onto my dry face; massaging the oil into the skin in small circular motions, Then, I dampen my hands with warm water and continue to massage my face emulsifying the product; then, rinse with cold water.

In the evenings, I use the oil cleanser as more of a makeup remover, followed by another cleanser. Even though this cleanser does a great job of removing makeup, I'm just a little OCD when it comes to washing my face...come to think about it, I'm a LITTLE OCD on a lot of things :P So, in the evenings, I apply two pumps onto my face removing my makeup. Then, I use another two pumps to remove my eye makeup. Emulsify the product, rinse and follow up with another cleanser.

Final result, my skin is left feeling clean, smooth and hydrated :)

Shu Uemura offer several different cleansing oils geared towards every skin type; Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil (pink oil) for combination to oil skin, High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced formula (pale yellow oil) for all skin types, Skin Purifier High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched (orange oil) for dry skin, Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium a/i (yellow oil) for dry to sensitive skin, Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium a/o Advanced Formula (green oil) for mature skin, and finally, White Recovery Brightening Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula (lavender oil) for Brightening.

Skin Purifier High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched retails for 2,940 yen ($38.23) for 150mL and 7,875 yen ($102.39) for 450mL. The enriched cleansing oil is only available at Shu Uermura counters (but I'm sure you can find it on the web). A hefty chunk of change for an oil cleanser but this product with last you for some time and skin care is something you should invest in. The Skin Purifier High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Enriched is a multi-tasking cleansing dynamo that removed makeup, cleanses and moisturizes. This is one product I can guarantee that I will never be without!!

Have you tried any of the Shu Cleansing Oils?

Also, I'd like welcome, say hi and thank you to Alma and nauticalbutnice for subscribing!! Looking forward to hearing from everyone :)

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/18/2011

A Koh Lanta Lacquer goin on

Nar's Nail Lacquer in Koh Lanta was a shade released exclusively for Nordstrom's Anniversary in July of this year. However, Koh Lanta is available on the Nars website, narscosmetics.com

Another cloudy day in the land of the rising sun, so Koh Lanta appears a smidgen darker then it actually is.

Here's a little bit of geography mixed in with your beauty, Koh Lanta is a group of several islands of the Andaman coast of southern Thailand. Apparently Mr. Francois Nars drew inspiration for this lacquer from his time spent traveling the islands.

Koh Lanta is a red based dark plum shade with a creme finish.

When I saw this Lacquer on the Nordstrom website, I had to have it! Unfortunately, once I got Koh Lanta in my mitts...I was disappointed with the quality of this polish. The Application was streaky and left bald spots even after three coats.

In the photo above, you can still see some of the bald spot patches.

Koh Lanta is a beautiful Shade but this is a polish that I'll probably take with me to the nail salon and have the manicurist deal with the hassle of application. So, I will take responsibility for my purchase and use Koh Lanta but this is a polish that I wouldn't recommend, definitely not worth the $17 price tag.

If you own Koh Lanta, I'd like to hear your opinions on this nail Lacquer.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/16/2011

Spruce up your fall wardrobe with teal

Recently, it has been a bit cloudy and drab...so, in order to contrast these somber days, I've been using one of my favorite Fall handbags to inject a bit of color into my wardrobe.

I purchased this hobo bag a few years ago at UrbanOutfitters.com, the brand is Sabina and I believe it was somewhere around $150. I LOVE this bag, the dark teal color is just GORGEOUS!!! The leather is thick yet soft...love how it feels in my hands.

The pleated body gives this bag dimension and character.

Tassels, tassels, tassels, I really have a thing for ANYTHING with tassels. I have no idea where this affinity came from but I just adore them. Tassels just give anything/everything added charm and uniqueness. Also, I love both the solid and braided leather straps along the side of the bag. Details such as this, are what I look for when shopping for a handbag.

The braided handle feels very comfortable in my hands and I enjoy the fact that when I'm wearing it on my shoulders, the strap doesn't slide off.

The lining is a beautiful dark teal satin material.

The lovely pairing of dark teal and gold colored metal facets, along with the combination of tassels and leather braid work, guarantee compliments for fall :)

What handbag have you been loving this Fall?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/15/2011

If it's Tuesday Look

Hey Guys,

Just got home and I wanted to share the makeup look for today :)

This photo was taken earlier in the day at a photo shoot I was doing, just messing around on my break :P

and this is at me at home (I think the makeup held up pretty well). So, it's almost midnight, I'm about to past out and I still have to wash all this off : (

Look Breakdown
Face:
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Blend & Adjust ( I mixed them together)
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Punjab (Medium 1)
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
Mac Select Moisturecover in NW20
Bareminerals Well-rested (used to set concealer)
Rimmel London Sun Shimmer Duo Bronzing Power in Brunette 002
Mac blush in Prism
Eyes:
Sleek Molten Metal Metallic Eyeshadow Duo (the second deeper gold shade) all over the eyelid, inner corner and along the inner lower lash line up to the iris.
Lorac Eye Shadow in Persuasion used to highlight the brow bone.
Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Underground, all over the eyelid, inner corner and along the inner lower lashline up to the iris.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Lost (from the Book of Shadows IV) placed in the crease working upward connecting with the inner brow.
Nars Single Eyeshadow Ashes to Ashes in crease and along outer lower lashline to iris.
Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touc Eyeshadow in Taupe Grise, outer creaser and outer portion of lower lashline.
Super Quick Liquid Eyeliner EX in Black (Japanese Brand)
Mac Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Feline, used to tightline and line 1/3 of the lower lashline.
Diorshow Waterproof Mascara in Black
Lips:
Mac Lip Pencil in Mahogany (lined the entire lip).
Mac Lipstick in Fetish.
Mac Surf The Ocean Crushed Metallic Pigment (the bronze gold color), placed on the bottom lip only.

For those of you wondering, the contact I'm wearing are the Neo Celeb in brown, purchased from honeycolor.com

Wishing everyone the sweetest of dreams

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/14/2011

Dry Martini, Anyone?

Today's Monday Mani is Mac's Dry Martini (Wow, so many M's).

This nail lacquer came out with the Mac Nail Trend Fall/Winter 2009 collection. Dry Martini is a browned deep olive/army green. I truly enjoy and love these kind of maverick colors! Also, I find shades like this to be a nice twist in my arsenal of Fall/Winter nail polishes :)

Please pardon the condition of my cuticles and nails, I was sick for a week, broke two nails and out of frustration, decided to cut them super short.

Dry Martini isn't the easiest lacquer to work with, taking four coats to achieve the same color as in the bottle. Although this polish is a bit troublesome when applying, I do love the finished color, reminds me of a spanish olive...ummm, getting hungry now.

With flash

This shade is no longer available at Mac but a close dupe would be Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics's Swamp thing;although Swamp Thing leans a bit more green. I'm not able to do a shade comparison since my bottle of Swamp Thing broke (I need to reorder swamp thing). Also, you may still be able to find Dry Martini at a CCO or try your luck on Ebay. Here is a trust worthy seller on ebay, makeupemporium1, Michelle is an AMAZING seller and I've been doing business with her for over a year; I love her but my wallet hates her ;P

If anyone is interested, makeupemporium1 has a Mac Dry Martini for sale:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAC-NAIL-LACQUER-DRY-MARTINI-BNIB-/230673448100?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item35b5357ca4#ht_1376wt_478

Do you have any nail lacquers similar to Dry Martini?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/12/2011

Pepsi Pink, Strawberry Drink Forever?

Hey lovelies,

Today's featured product is Pepsi Pink, I found this pink drink at my local convini and bought it out of sheer curiosity. Gotta love Japan for it's seasonal limited edition products ( kudos to all the marketing departments in Japan).

Pepsi Pink is a strawberry and milk flavored soft drink that tastes just like the product states, a carbonated strawberry milk with a weird medicine after taste...is it drinkable, yes, would I drink it again, no.

If you live in Japan or can get your hands on Pepsi Pink, I would say, go ahead and try it, everything is worth trying once :)

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/11/2011

Pretty Lashes All in a Row

Today I've gone ahead and taken a rather big plunge (at least for me it is), I've decided that I would not buy anymore mascara until I've used up what I have! This does not included purchases for professional use, just personal.

I organize my mascaras into three separate containers, high end, drug store and mini/sample mascaras. This system allows me to find any particular mascara at any given time :)

High End

Mini/samples

Drug Store

I came to this decision after I counted all my mascaras, 38 high end, 28 drug store and 22 mini/samples, alarming isn't it!!

So expect to see many mascara reviews in the near future :P

Looking gorgeous one lipstick (and 88 mascaras) at a time

11/09/2011

Fresh, Soy Face Cleanser

Today's post will be a review of the Soy Face Cleanser by Fresh. For starters, I want to state that I have normal to dry to extremely dry (during the winter season) skin. I've never had a problem with acne, breakouts, etc; my main concerns have always been to keep my skin moisturized and hydrated.

During my last trip to the states, I visited my local Sephora and spotted this 1.7 oz tube while I was waiting in line to make my purchase (I've always found it clever(and sneaky) of Sephora to have the travel size products displayed along the checkout line, just in case they haven't gotten enough of your money).

I was intrigued by the description on the back, which reads:

"This extra gentle formula delicately cleanses the skin, is safe to use around the eye area, and removes all makeup (even mascara)".

Now, I never solely rely on a cleanser to remove my makeup. I also use two makeup removers, one for the face and the other for the eyes (lets not be lazy folks, our skin is our greatest asset) before I wash my face.

"Soy Face Cleanser contains a high concentration of soy proteins packed with amino acids and antioxidants. The mild composition is enhanced with pure extracts of rose, cornflower, mallow, aloe vera, cucumber and ginseng. These natural extracts help to tone, soothe, and reduce dryness. Recommended for all skin types".

Normally, I wouldn't review a skincare product until at least a month of use, but I can't see myself using this product any longer then for the one week I've been using it.

Soy Face Cleanser has a gel like consistency and once mixed with water, it has minimal lather. After washing my face, I wasn't left with the feeling of refreshed, cleaned, soothing skin but instead I had this odd velvety I know it's clean veil on the skin. I've washed my face twice today to try to better explain this but I just can't put my finger on it (I'm blaming the medications the doctor gave me for my cold). This is an extremely gentle cleanser and fairly decent. During the one week of use, Soy Face Cleanser did not leave my skin feeling dry nor tight (bonus in that department).

What sets this product back is the smell. Soy Face cleanser smells just like pickle juice with a hint of roses...not a scent I would not associate with feeling clean. As soon as I applied the cleanser onto my face, I was quickly washing it off to get rid of the smell; don't get me wrong, the scent doesn't linger on the hands or face for very long but the smell of this toxic concoction is repulsive enough for me not to want it on my face for more than 10 seconds. I paid $15 for the 1.7 oz tube, and boy do I thank my lucky stars that I didn't purchase the fill size(5.1 oz) for $38. Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser is an average cleanser with a price that is not justifiable. There are far better cleansers in the market that I don't see the need in continued use and torturing myself with the fragrance. Soy Face Cleanser doesn't smell to fresh but rather rancid and I will never buy this product nor recommend it!!

So on a final note, Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser has a date in space with the Jesse Pocket Rocket :P

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/07/2011

All in One Loose Mineral Powder and Hannaly BB Serum

Here are another two birthday presents given to me by Kayko.

The All in One Loose Mineral Powder is a luminizing mineral powder that claims to do everything, I'll be the judge of that!

The Hannaly BB Serum, a rejuvenating, hydrating and softening facial moisturizer. This Serum's key ingredient "Snail Mucus" boost to reverse the signs of aging and tighten the skin. Interesting concept, I know that this unique ingredient has made it's way into the beauty market in South America and The U.K., but I'm still not sure how I feel about having snail slime on my face. This may have been a case where ignorance is bliss ( at least mine anyway ;P) !!

I will be reviewing these products after I've had some time to use them.

Looking Gorgeous one lipstick at a time

11/06/2011

Hakuhodo Aoyama Brush Set

I can't believe a friend of mine got me this brush set.

As I was unwrapping my gifts, I was too busy socializing that I didn't notice the bright orange Hakuhodo wrapping paper. When I finally looked down and saw that orange ribbon, I couldn't stop screaming!!!

I love this brush case

This is an awesome four way mirror, the first angle gives you a precise view of your upper lash line (great for checking eyeliner and mascara application). The second, is a standard mirror. The third mirror offer an excellent view for tight lining.

And finally, the bottom fourth angle, which is a magnified mirror. I wonder how many years of bad luck, I'd get with this one?

Hakuhodo brushes are AMAZING, if you don't own any of their brushes, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!! they are well worth the investment. Hakuhodo brushes are one of the best brushes in the industry.