China Glaze's Fuchsia Fantastic!

Fuchsia Fantastic is deeper in tone. The swatch photo is a better representation of the color.

Here's another gem from China Glaze's Electropop Collection. Just as the name suggests, Fuchsia Fantastic is a bright, hot fuchsia, with a creme/jelly finish. Another fun polish for summer!

Two coats and shot in natural light. Please ignore my index finger...I seem to have broken it again! 

Have you tried any of the polishes from the Electropop Collection?


Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Chacott Kabuki Brush

In the beauty industry, Chacott is best known for their loose finishing powders, but for those of you who may not be familiar with the brand, Chacott was established in 1950, as a manufacturer and retailer of Classic ballet products. Since then, this Japanese dance fashion company has branched out into other styles of dance and artistic performance such as, Rhythmic gymnastics, Jazz dancing, Ballroom dancing, Theater, and Stage Cosmetics...just to name a few.

I saw this brush at Plaza three weeks ago, and because I'm always in the market for a new brush, I picked it up. The bristles of this kabuki brush are synthetic, long, dense, and very soft. This kabuki does a good job of applying and blending out powders, bronzer and blush. I prefer using it to diffuse any harsh lines. The Chacott Kabuki retails for 2,100 yen ($26.87).


Have you tried any products from Chacott?

CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lip Gloss in No Care Bare

Well, let me start off by saying I have no clue as to how these lip glosses came into my possession. I found four CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lip Glosses (all four in the color No Care Bare) in a package sent by my sister. When I asked if she had purchased them, she said they came in some order. Odd?...I'm assuming they were included with something I purchased on ebay. 


At first, I really didn't care for this product, so I put it aside and kinda forgot about it. While rummaging through my lip glosses, I rediscovered the Wetslicks lip glosses. I decided to try the gloss again (since I couldn't remember why I didn't like them), before writing an unfavorable review. After wearing it for the last few days, I found that the product wasn't that bad...I guess this is a second time around product. 

CoverGirl's Wetslicks Amazemint Lip Gloss in No Care Bare is a semi-glossy, slightly pigmented, nude gloss. No Care Bare gives a nice, barely-there, hint of color on the lips; nice for those minimal makeup days. The texture isn't sticky, and feels nice on the lips. Wetslicks have a toothpaste/vanilla/chocolate/ minty smell and taste...I know this sounds very unappealing, but it's really not bad. Also, once applied, this lip gloss has a minty tingle (it's not painful, or plumping) that I found refreshing in this inferno weather that we call Summer.

I wouldn't say this product is a must have by any means, but I have it, and I do find the minty feel to be quite soothing, so I'll use it.


Have you tried any of the CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lip Glosses? 


Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.    

Les Merveilleuses de Laduree is Going to Drive Me to the Poor House!

Hey guys, 

For a limited time, From July 25th (today) to August 7th, Les Merveilleuses de Laduree will be opening a Pop-up shop at the LaForet building in Harajuku. Not only will the temporary store be selling the 2012 Autumn Collection, but they will also be selling a mini version of the Face Color Rose Laduree (the petal blushes) in a  Limited Edition box packaging. 

I'm not a fan of the petal blushes, they seem more gimmick than practical, but my OCD is a little tempted to pick them up just to demonstrate how they perform. Not sure what to do folks, what do you think?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Addiction By Ayako Brush Collection

Oh happy day!...Addiction by Ayako recently launched their 15 piece makeup brush collection! These 15 brushes are divided into four categories: Base Makeup Brushes, Powder Brushes. Eyeshadow Brushes, and Eyebrow & Lip brushes.

 Addiction By Ayako is offering this cute brush roll when you purchase 15 brushes.

 The brush roll isn't leather, but that's not an issue for me, I'm more concerned with how easy it cleans. Also, I found The Addiction branding in the corner to be a cute touch.

This brush roll holds up to 20 brushes!

The girls at the counter also gave me a few of these individual brush sleeves. The material is quite nice, and I love that the addiction lettering is in a pretty ballet pink color. 

Base Makeup Brushes.

From left to right: Concealer Brush P (¥2,625), Concealer Brush (¥3,150), Foundation Brush (¥5,250). 

 Powder Brushes 

(minus one, I was rushing against the sun, that I accidentally included the highlight brush in the next photo...Sorry!)

From left to right: Blush Brush (¥6,300), Perfect Round Brush (¥7,140), Powder Brush (¥7,560).

Eyeshadow Brushes + One Powder Brush

From left to right: Eyeshadow Brush P (¥3,990), Eyeshadow Brush B (¥3,780), Highlight Brush (¥5,775).

Eyeshadow Brushes.

From left to right: Eyeshadow Brush D&L (¥3,150), Eyeshadow Brush C (¥3,150), Eyeshadow Brush S (3,360).

 Eyebrow & Lip Brushes

From left to right: Lip Brush Retractable (¥3,150), Eyebrow Brush Screw (yes, you read that right :P) (¥1,470), Eyebrown Brush (¥3,675).

 Group photo! I love the color and gradient finish of the handles!! The handles are light weight, easy to hold, and have a nice grip.

 The hairs on these brushes are SOOOO soft- not a single scratchy one in the collection.

With flash.

Overall, I'm really impressed with the quality of the Addiction brushes. At first, I thought there were a few brushes that I could have done without, but after playing with them all, I'm really glad I purchased the entire set. Some of my standout favorites are: the Base Makeup Brushes, the Powder Brushes, the Eyeshadow Brush P, the Eyeshadow Brush C, the Eyeshadow Brush S and finally, the Lip Brush Retractable. The Lip Brush Retractable is phenomenal!! Love it's pointy tip. I also love the fact that, in order to retract the lip brush, the cap must be inserted from the bottom end of the brush (similar to some of my portable Hakuhodo lip brushes...a no brainier there since I believe these brushes were made by Hakuhodo ). I will definitely be doubling (even tripling) up on some of the addiction brushes. 

What's your favorite type of brush?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Blog Hop 22

BlogLoveTherapy has graced us with another week of discovering and making friends with new bloggers!





Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Presents from Ari, Presents to Myself, and Two Bulls

Today I got a package from the lovely and ever so generous Ari. I've known Ari for a few years now, and I'm totally in love with her :D

 My favorite item in the package was Ari's note :)

 Can't wait to try these out!

 As well as these!!

 and these!!!

On Friday, I went to Mitsukoshi to pick up Laduree's Autumn collection and a few other items. A big bag full of awesomeness!! I love that they wrap your bag in it's own rain coat to protect your new lovelies on rainy days.

And now my cutest purchase...

I was walking around Ginza, when I saw these little guys scattered around the floor outside the men's shoe store, Scotch Grain. I thought this was such a clever/creative/cute way to turn a profit and make use of the leftover leather materials.

 Company logo on the back. The smaller one was 105 yen and the larger 305. I had to get them!!

 I love how the smaller one's tail sticks up, demonstrating how spry he is, and the larger bull's tail just hangs downs...too cute! I love these little guys, and I can't help but laugh when I look at them :D

I guess since my apartment doesn't allow pets, these will be an addition to my surrogate pets...I'll have to tell you about Ernie in another post :P

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

China Glaze 'Gaga For Green'

Hey guys,

Gaga for Green is one of twelve polishes from China Glaze's Spring 2012 Electropop Collection.

 Indoors.

Gaga for Green is a beautiful, bright spring green, with a creme/jelly finish. This polish is extremely glossy, and I love how smooth it feels. The formula does lean a bit on the thin side, but it's still easy to work with, and opacity can be achieved with two/three coats. I didn't apply a top coat, because I wanted show you how Shiny Gaga for Green is. Also, I got five days of wear before experiencing any chipping!

Natural light.

Gaga for Green is a fun color for Summer, and I've really enjoyed wearing it. 

Did you get any polishes from the Electropop Collection? Also, what's your favorite bright green polish?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Sephora + Pantone Color of the Year Collector's Edition Set Swatches and Look

My sister finally sent me one of my cosmetic packages two weeks ago, and inside was the Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Collector's Edition set (including some of my purchases over the last few months).

Color description from left to right: Scallop Shell, Carnelian, Sparrow, Pavement.

Scallop Shell: A pale pink satin.

Carnelian: A soft orange-coral with tiny gold shimmers.

Sparrow: A dirty browned purple matte.

Pavement: A black satin with silver sparkles.

The Color of the Year Eyeshadow Quad was a total bust for me! The texture was okay; a little powdery and a little chalky. The pigmentation was poor...and by poor, I mean extremely sheer. Yes, you can build up the color, and by build, I mean you really, really, REALLY have to pack it on to get any form of color payoff. The eyeshadow quad was one of the items I was really looking forward to and, I must say, I was terribly disappointed.

 From left to right: Desert Flower, Coral, Apricot Brandy. 

Desert Rose: Is the soft matte mamey pink. 

Coral: A shimmery, deeper mamey with gold flecks.

Apricot Brandy: A coral/apricot with chucks of gold glitter. 

I'm a huge lover of blush, so I was really looking forward to trying these blushers out. Out of the two, the blush duo was my favorite. The two blushes are creamy in texture, pigmented and luminous. The Prisma Chrome Blush, on the other hand, lacks pigmentation and is pure sparkles...not a fan of this product!

 From left to right:  Tangerine Tango Twist, Tangerine Tango Cream.

Tangerine Tango Twist: A beautiful shimmery blood orange with pink and gold flecks. 

Tangerine Tango Cream: A glossy semi-translucent bright tangerine orange. 

Tangerine Tango Twist was a happy surprise. This eyeliner is very soft, creamy, glides on smoothly, smudge-proof, and last all day! Tangerine Tango Cream is an intense creamy, rich, moisturizing lipstick. Regrettably, this lipstick was a miss for me. I found that it slipped all over my lips throughout the day, sliding off my lipline, and leaving me with glossy bald spots.

 From left to right: Tangerine Tango Vivid, Tangerine Tango Glaze, Tangerine Tango Opal, Tangerine Tango Luminous.

Tangerine Tango Vivid: A opaque creamy neon safety vest orange.

Tangerine Tango Glaze: A translucent tangerine with shimmers.

Tangerine Tango Opal: A semi-sheer tangerine with pink and gold shimmers.

Tangerine Tango Luminous: A deeper tone semi-sheer tangerine with gold shimmers.

I really enjoyed these lip glosses! All four colors are vivid and pigmented (even the sheerest formula). Also, they are non-sticky, and comfortable on the lips. I love the color variation of these lip glosses.

Products used:
Face:
Dior Diorskin Nude Glow Healthy Glow Complexion Enhancer in 001.
Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup in 31.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Color of the Year Blush Duo ( Desert Flower on the cheeks with Coral on top).
Eyes:
Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Nars Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Color of the Year Eyeshadow Quad: 
Scallop Shell (highlight the inner corner and brow bone).
Carnelian (in an angle, on the inner 1/2 of the the lid and crease).
Color of the Year Prisma Chrome Blush in Apricot Brandy (placed over carnelian to intensify the color).
Sparrow (in an angle, on the outer 1/2 of the lid, crease and lower lash line).
Pavement (applied lightly in the outer corner).
Color of the Year Eyeliner in Tangerine Tango Twist (on the waterline).
Sephora Full Action Extreme Effect  Mascara.
Lips
Color of the Year Lipstick in Tangerine Tango Cream.
Color of the Year Lip Gloss in Tangerine Tango Vivid.

I paid $68.00 for this set, and I have to say that the products did not live up to their price point nor my expectations. For me the star pieces in this set would have to be the blush duo, the eyeliner, and the lip glosses.

The Sephora + Pantone Color of the Year Collector's Edition set originally retailed for $68.00, but is now available for $48.00 on sephora.com
Have you tired anything from the Sephora + Pantone Universe Collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

New Additions To My Family!

Hey lovelies,

Two weeks ago, I went to the Hakuhodo store in Aoyama (by the way, the Aoyama store has the largest selection of Hakuhodo brushes in Japan), and added brushes J190S and G5524 to my brush family.

 J190S

The J190S is a synthetic brush, and retails for ¥ 1,260 ($15.91). This brush is fantastic for applying liner, and doing detail work on both the face and body. The bristles are firm, yet yield enough flexibility (bounce) to provide a precise and controlled application.

 G5524

The G5524 is made of Volcano Squirrel hair (Yes, this critter actually exists, it's also known as the Poas Squirrel), and retails for ¥ 4,515 ($56.99). This brush is perfect for applying concealer, crease work, precise highlighting and contouring, and everything else in between :) The hairs of the G5524 is soooo silky soft, I just love how luxurious it feels on the skin. 

I'm delighted with my purchase and totally infatuated with these brushes. If you can get your hands on them, I    highly recommend them!

What are some of your favorite brushes?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Les Merveilleuses de Laduree Cream Cheek Base 05 and Rouge 07 Swatches

Okay, so, I'm RIDICULOUSLY behind in posting my purchases within the last two months, but I was extremely busy during May and June. Also, I like to play with products for a month or two before posting anything about them.

Anyway, enough with the babble, on with the goodies!

Two months ago, Laudree was offering a free gift with any 5,000 yen purchase. Not a difficult amount to reach, since the most inexpensive beauty item is approximately 3,990 yen ($50.17).

The gift with purchase was this fan with the same charm that's attached on the rouge lipsticks.

 I love the print and texture of Les Merveilleuses de Laduree's packaging. 

 Cream Cheek Base in 05 (4,410 yen).

The Cream Cheek Bases have a lovely, velvety smooth texture and apply wonderfully. Unfortunately, they don't perform well in extremely hot and humid temperatures. With the humidity levels we've been experiencing lately, these cheek bases are basically nonexistent after 30 minutes. I do like the Cream Cheek bases, but during summer, I'll be using them as a base under powder blushes or alone/or as a base during the cooler seasons.

 Rouge 07 (4,410).

I REALLY love these Rouge lipsticks!! They're moisturizing, creamy, pigmented, glossy and I love the way they feel on my lips...Praise Him!!

 From left to right: Rouge 07 and Cream Cheek Base 05.

Rouge 07: A bright mid-tone pink.

Cream Cheek Base 05: A vivid blue based medium pink.

Here's a simple look I did using both products:



WARNING! What you are about to see in my natural hair. This is not a wig/ hair piece/extensions/ whatever. This is my really hair...it actually is THIS curly. I just really, really, REALLY need to get my roots done!

Products used:
Face:
Dior Diorskin Nude Glow Healthy Glow Complexion Enhancer in 001.
Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup in 31.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Cream Cheek Base 05.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pressed Cheek Color in 05 (placed over the 05 Cream Cheek Base).
Eyes:
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.
Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20.
Nars Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Ettusais Eye Color C Eyeshadow in BR4 (all over the lid).
Mac Eyeshadow in Modelette (in the crease).
Mac Chromagraphic Pencil in NW25/NC30 (on the waterline).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown (along the lower lash line).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Fatal Blacks Waterproof Mascara in Captivating Bronze 03.
Lips
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Rouge in 07.

If you would like to know more about Les Merveilleuses de Laduree, click here to read my first post. 

Hope you enjoyed the swatches and look.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.