Liebster Award!

I was given the Liebster Award from the lovely and oh so talented Claire from Aucuparia Brumalis. I love reading her blog, so please pay her a visit, and don't forget to tell her Liz say's hi :D

The rules: Use them as a guideline, but you don't have to follow them to the T, I know I'm not :P

1) Post 11 facts about yourself.

2) Answer the questions the tagger has set for you and create 11 questions for people you’ve nominated.

3) Choose 11 people to give this award to (with fewer than 200 followers) and link them in your post.

4) Go to their page and tell them.

5) Remember, no tag backs.

11 facts about yours truly:

1. I've never been camping, nor do I have any desire to do so, unless it's on the beach.

2.I prefer pepsi over Coca-cola.

3. I've locked myself out of my apartment more times then I care to admit :P

4. I'm a huge fan of the HBO series Carnivale, and I'm still bitter that it was canceled after only two seasons!

5. I can't live without blush!

6. I started waxing my own eyebrows after moving to Japan. No way I'm paying 6,300 yen!!

7. Generally, I prefer lipstick over lipgloss.

8. I learned how to blow dry my hair while I was on tour with Cirque Du Soleil.

9. I have an extremely dark sense of humor.

10. I've experienced several forms of racism or discrimination living in Japan. Maybe I'll write about it one day.

11. As much as I enjoy going out, I also love staying home and enjoying my apartment.

Claire's Questions:

1) Why did you start blogging?

Several of my Friends, family members and former clients suggested that I start a beauty blog. They were always emailing me or scheduling Skype dates whenever they need beauty advise, questions on a product or help with a look for an event.  I'm really enjoying this creative outlet, as well as, being able to make friends with people who have the same obsessions as myself.

2) What is your favourite lipstick colour?

Deep vampy reds, orange and purples.

3) Do you follow trends? Why, why not?

Not at all. I believe you should wear things based on your own personal taste, not on what someone else dictates.

4) When did you start wearing makeup?

Early, probably when I was in middle school, but not on a daily basis.

5) What does makeup/fashion mean to you?

a form of creation, transformation, and expression.

6) Who/what is inspiring you (makeup, fashion, life)? Why?

Music, films, and art. All these things evoke thought and emotion.

7) Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

John Galliano, and Jean Paul Gaultier (but there are more). Their brilliance is maddening!

8) What is your passion (writing, singing, painting, etc.)?

Art, music, history, films, makeup, colors, knowledge, food.

9) Is there a beauty product everyone seems to dislike but you love it?

I don't know what I like that others may dislike???

10) What is your go to hair product? Why?

Deep Conditioning Hair Treatments.

11) What is your favourite place to shop and why?

Mitsukoshi in Ginza. Because it's my beauty version of Cheers..."Where everybody knows your name"...

My nominees:

drivel about frivol

Sakura Lovely

A Passionate Obsession

Beauty Sketch by Jacq

The Makeup Wonderland

Buggiesbee (I know you don't have a blog woman, but that just goes to show you much much I love you :D Just answer the questions in the comment box thingy :P).

All Glitzed Up

Rouge Deluxe

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog

Yuli Conversations

kassica

Jennaraexoxo

My Questions:

1. Which beauty brands Fall/Winter collections are you looking forward to the most?

2. What's the last beauty product you purchased?

3. What are your favorite eyeshadow colors?

4. What was your last drink?

5. Foundation or tinted moisturizer?

6. What's the most daring thing you've done?

7. Your best physical feature?

8. Your best personality trait?

9. Your favorite beauty brands?

10. Which beauty brands do you find overrated?

11. Last book/magazine/comic you've read?

Hope you all enjoyed this post!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Becca's Friends & Family Event!

Just found this in my email and wanted to share :D

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Chanel's Island...A Six Coat Lacquer, A Six Coat Lacquer!

Hey lovelies!

I've been up since 6 in the am, it's 9:54 pm, and I just got home...needless to say, I'm spent!

I'm going to keep this post short and not so sweet. Chanel's Island was a HUGE disappointment! The application was horrendous! It applied streaky, uneven, and blotchy. Now the color, I really liked the color is the bottle. But, once on the nails, the color turned into a pinkish dingy yellow-beige. By looking at my nails, anyone would think I had some kind of vitamin deficiency or fungus...is the fungus look in this season? And to make matters worse (yes, it gets worse), Island required 6 coats to achieve decent pigmentation. And finally, the coup de grace occurred when this polish actually started to peel off my nails after only 8 hours of wear...is it possible to hate a nail polish?

Honestly, I've been so disappointed with Chanel's recent nail lacquers, that I'm debating on purchasing any more in the future. No, I lie, I did purchase Suspicious and Vertigo (I'm a huge Hitchcock fan, so I had to get it just for name sake :P), but if they perform as poorly as Island, I don't think I'll be buying anymore Le Vernis Nail Colours.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Who Can Fill The Days With Fashion and Glamour...Pucci That's Who!

Hey guys,

What a week I've had! First, I went to the immigration office on Wednesday to renew my visa...only to find that they're requiring additional documents (which I'm still in the process of getting). So, in addition to trying to resolve the visa situation, and work, I haven't been able to post all the looks I've worn this week, until now, that is :P Also, Mother Nature really isn't loving me today! I finally have a day to myself (today), and I was so looking forward to starting all my Autumn posts. But, it hasn't stopped raining and the photos are too dark :( Let's hope for better weather tomorrow!

I truly loved the Guerlain by Pucci Collection; three of the looks I wore this week were created using products from this collection. Although Summer is over, these products can still work for Fall (I sound like a broken record :P).

I swatched all the products I used for the two looks in this post; so, you can use them for color reference.

Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadow Capri.

Terra Azzurra Powder Bronzer & Blush. Each shade swatched individually, and the final swatch is all four together.

 Meteorites Perles d’Azur.

 Lasting Color High Precision Lip Liner Terre De Sienne 45, Terracotta Gloss Porto Fino, Lasting Color High Precision Lip Liner Feve Tonka 43, Terracotta Gloss Porto Ercole.

The looks I wore on Tuesday and Wednesday :)

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Nars Skin Smoothing Face Prep.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Terra Azzurra Powder Bronzer & Blush (used the bronzer shade to bronzer the face, then mix the cream, pink and orange shades together and applied the color on the apples of the cheeks).
Meteorites Perles d’Azur (applied all over the face).
Eyes:
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream #4 (on the brow bone).
Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadow Capri:
Apply the orange-coral shadow on the inner half of the lid up to the inner brow, and crease, extending to the outer corner. Also run the orange-coral along the lower lashline.
Place the hot pink shadow on the outer half on the lid, into the outer V, blending up and outward. Also place the pink under the iris on the lower lashline.
Lightly Blend the brown shadow in the crease from some definition, as well as lining the upper lashline.
Apply the pearly white shadow on the brow bone.
Mac Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Tendered (along the waterline).
Benefit Badgal Lash Mascara.
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara.
Lips:
Lasting Color High Precision Lip Liner in Feve Tonka 43.
Terracotta Gloss in Porto Ercole.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Nars Skin Smoothing Face Prep.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Terra Azzurra Powder Bronzer & Blush (used the bronzer shade to bronzer the face, then mix all four shades and applied the color on the apples of the cheeks).
Meteorites Perles d’Azur (applied all over the face).
Eyes:
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Make Up For Ever Full Cover Extreme Camouflage Cream #4 (on the brow bone).
Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadow Capri:
Apply the brown shadow on the lid, blending into the crease and the lower lashline.
Lightly Blend the orange-coral shadow over the brown in the crease.
Apply the pearly white shadow on the brow bone and inner corner.
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack (upper lashline).
MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in NC15/NW20 (along waterline).
MAC Plush lash in Plushblack.
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara.
Lips:
Lasting Color High Precision Lip Liner in Terre De Sienne 45.
Terracotta Gloss in Porto Fino.

If you'd like to know more about these products, just message me in the comments :)

Did you buy any of the products from Guerlain by Emilio Pucci Collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Stealing Beauty: The Bourjois Counter at Loft

This past Wednesday, I was at the LaLaport in Shin Misato(a shopping mall) with my friend Emi. I took a shot of the Bourjois counter in Loft.

So many lovely treats to choose from :) 

What's your favorite Bourjois products?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Come See The Paradiso!

This week I have fallen head-over-heels in love with the Guerlain by Emilio Pucci Terracotta Vernis Nail Lacquer in Paradiso. When I ordered the Guerlain by Emilio Pucci Collection, I was going to skip on this polish because I have a lot of red-corals in my nail lacquer collection.  But, I took a chance and ordered it anyway. I am SO ecstatic to own Paradiso, and it's probably my favorite red-coral nail polish!

Paradiso is a phenomenal red- coral with an ultra-glossy creme finish. The gloss of this polish is insane, and the finish is extremely smooth. I understand that $22.00 is a lot of money to spend on a nail polish, but Paradiso is worth every single cent/pound/yen/ etc...

If you can still get your hands on this lovely (still available at saks.com), BUY IT!!!

What is your favorite red-coral nail polish?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

The Girl From Monday!

Yes, yes, every brand has already launched their Fall Collections and I'm posting a Summer look. But, technically, Fall doesn't begin till the 22nd. Also, I don't know about you, but it's still sweltering hot where I am. Therefore, I'm in NO mood for any Autumn looks just yet :)

I had no time to post this yesterday, so here's a look I wore using some of the products from the Nars Summer 2012 Collection.

Whether you have these items or not, I swatched them so you can use them for color reference :)

Nars Ramatuelle Eyeshadow Trio.

From left to right:  

A frosty icy pale silver-blue.

A shimmery pale peach-beige.

A satiny-matte, muted, soft apricot.

From left to right: Liberte Blush, Buenos Aires Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil, Moscow Pure Matte Lipstick.

 Liberte: A burnt reddened-apricot with a semi-matte finish.

Buenos Aires: A glossy peachy-nude beige.

Moscow: A deep tomato red.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Nars Skin Smoothing Face Prep.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Nars Blush in Liberte.
Eyes:
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer (on the brow bone)
Mac Shadestick in Silverbleu (blend out to almost nothing on the outer third of the eye lid ).
Nars Eyeshadow Trio in Ramatuelle:
Place the icy blue over the Silverbleu and blend from the outer third of the eye lid , crease and up to the brow.
blend the apricot color in the inner crease, up to the brow, stopping at the middle of the pupil. also place the apricot color on the outer half of the lower lashline stopping at the middle of the pupil.
Place the peachy-nude on the inner two-thirds of the lid.
Mac Eye Liner in Coffee (used to tightline).
Mac Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Tendered (along the waterline).
Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara in Brownish Black (upper lashes).
Maybelline One by One Volum' Express in Brownish Black (on both the upper and lower lashes).
Lips:
Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in moscow.
Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Buenos Aires (Placed on the center of the lips and blended out with a lip brush).

I loved this entire collection, and I believe they'll transition well into Autumn...but that's how I feel about the majority of this year's Summer collections (i.e, Guerlain, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, etc)  :)

What were you wearing on Monday?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Peroxide Passion..Gonna Wash Those Roots Right Outta My Hair!

This post goes out to the sensational Kate from drivel about frivol. Back in June, she requested a hair color post (yes, I'm finally getting to it now), but I've been extremely busy the last few months (the roots don't lie!!!). So, I finally got the chance to dye my hair at the end of August. 

Now without further delay, here's how I dye my hair :) 

I've been dying my hair since the age of fifthteen, so it's been some time since I've seen my natural hair color, which is dark brown.

My hair is already light, so I can't show you how I bleach it, but I do bleach my own hair. I don't recommend you doing this, unless you know what you're doing, and have a man servant (aka Aki, in your case a friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband, lifetime partner, etc) to help make sure you've got all hairs in the back. If I don't have the time, or can't be bothered to bleach the roots once they've grown out (This can be a pain in the A@#, and more time consuming then bleach your entire head), I will go to the salon to have someone bleach my roots for me : )

My current hair color, honey beige by Beautylabo.

Before you say anything, I know, I know, box dye is the devil, blah, blah, blah...but all the beauty supply places are a bit out of the way from me, and this it just more convenient. Normally, I do use professional dyes. But hey, these have been working perfectly for me...so there :P

Kate, they didn't have the color I normally use, so I grabbed this dye. It's more of a dark honey/caramel blonde. I love using different hair colors, so I'll usually rotate between two to three different colors whenever I need to dye my hair. Example, I'll use this dye this month, and another the next time, and then back to this color the time after that, etc...hope this is all making since. I love the color effect I get by doing this. 

 Two months of roots. 

Before dying your hair, grab your most worn out rocker tee :) I've decided to give my hair a rest, and not bleach the roots for a while (let's see how long that lasts). The roots won't look as light as the rest of my hair, but at least the contrast won't be as harsh.

 This was tricky to photograph, sorry for the blur.

I section your hair into two mini cinnamon roll type buns. Now, don't be an impatient monkey like your hostess (me), and rub some kind of petroleum jelly substance along your hair line, ears, and back of the neck, to protect the skin from possible irritation.  

Bake for 30 minutes! 

I forgot to take a photo of the end result (BOO-HISS), but here's a photo two weeks later :) 

Two weeks after coloring my hair, and my roots are already growing out :( 

You can also see my latest hair color in the last two looks I've posted.

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me, or comment :)

I've been thinking about going dark, but I'm not sure...opinions anyone?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Do You Know The Way to Dior's 'Saint-Tropez'?

Today's mani is Dior's 'Saint-Tropez. I am so in love with this color, and how stunning it looks on the nails.

Saint-Tropez is a slightly muted, medium tone, pale robin egg blue with a gorgeous glossy creme finish. The formula is a tad bit thick, but still applies beautifully and is opaque in two coats.

Regrettably, Saint-Tropez was a limited edition shade, but it is still available through izzysbeautyshoppe.com


Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Some Items from The Dior Croisette Collection and The Dior Addict Summer Mix Ultra Gloss in 854 ROSE CROISIERE: Swatches and Looks

Hey lovelies,

Here are some looks I've been wearing recently using items from Dior's Summer 2012 'Croisette Collection', Along with the Dior Addict Summer Mix Ultra Gloss in 854 Rose Croisiere. I found that many of this years Summer Collections transitions perfectly into Autumn.

 Dior 5-Couleurs Aurora Palette.

Color description from left to right:

A frosty ballet pink.

A Shimmery pale white gold.

A shimmery golden mustard.

A shimmery golden cocoa brown.

A shimmery soft, burnt coral-orange with micro gold flecks.

  Diorskin Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder Bronzer-Diorskin Nude Tan 002 Sunlight.

 Diorskin Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder Bronzer-Diorskin Tan 004 Sunset.

 On a whim, I decided to swatch 2011's bronzers for a color comparison. From left to right: Diorskin Nude Tan 002 Sunlight, Diorskin Nude Tan 001 Aurora, Diorskin Nude Tan 004 Sunset, Diorskin Nude Tan 002 Sunset.

 From left to right: Dior Addict Ultra Gloss 432 Brown Panama, 542 Orange Pareo, 854 Rose Croisiere.

432 Brown Panama: A browned, pink-tinged nude with gold and pink sparkles.

542 Orange Pareo: A bright orange with gold and orange sparkles.

 854 Rose Croisiere: A bright strawberry red.

Now some looks I've worn over the last three days.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Nars Skin Smoothing Face Prep.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Diorskin Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder Bronzer-Diorskin Tan 004 Sunset.
Dor Bronze Harmonie de Blush 002 Coral Riviera (on the apples of the cheeks).
Eyes:
Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.
Dior 5-Couleurs Aurora Palette:
Place the golden mustard all over the lid.
Lightly blend the golden cocoa brown into the crease.
The pale white gold on the brow bone and inner corner.
Mix the burnt coral-orange and golden cocoa brown and place on the lower lashline.
Make Up For Ever La Boheme Gypsy Aqua Eyes Pencil (used to tightline and along the lower lash line).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Fatal Blacks Waterproof Mascara in Captivating Bronze 03 (on both the top and bottom lashes).
Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in Stripdown.
Dior Addict Ultra Gloss 432 Brown Panama.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Nars Skin Smoothing Face Prep.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Diorskin Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder Bronzer-Diorskin Tan 004 Sunset.
Dor Bronze Harmonie de Blush 002 Coral Riviera (on the apples of the cheeks).
Eyes:
Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.
Dior 5-Couleurs Aurora Palette:
Place the burnt coral-orange all over the lid.
Blend the golden cocoa brown into the crease.
Place the burnt coral-orange on the edge of the Golden Cocoa brown and blend upwards.
Mix the burnt coral-orange and golden cocoa brown and place on the lower lashline.
Place the pale white gold on the brow bone.
Mac Fluidline in Dipdown (used to line the upper lashline.
Make Up For Ever La Boheme Gypsy Aqua Eyes Pencil (used to tightline and along the lower lash line).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Fatal Blacks Waterproof Mascara in Captivating Bronze 03 (on both the top and bottom lashes).
L'Oreal Original Voluminous Mascara in Black Brown.
Lips:
Dior Addict Ultra Gloss 542 Orange Pareo.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Nars Skin Smoothing Face Prep.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Diorskin Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder Bronzer-Diorskin Tan 002 Sunlight.
Dor Bronze Harmonie de Blush 001 Rose Brazilia (on the apples of the cheeks).
Eyes:
Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer.
Dior 5-Couleurs Aurora Palette:
Place the ballet pink all over the lid and the lower inner corner.
Blend the golden cocoa brown into the crease and outer lower lashline.
Mac Fluidline in Dipdown (used to line the upper lashline.
Make Up For Ever La Boheme Gypsy Aqua Eyes Pencil (used to tightline and along the lower lash line).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Fatal Blacks Waterproof Mascara in Captivating Bronze 03 (on both the top and bottom lashes).
L'Oreal Original Voluminous Mascara in Black Brown.
Lips:
Dior Addict Ultra Gloss 854 Rose Croisiere.

Hope you enjoyed this post :D

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Having an Ookla Hair Day!

Yesterday, after work, I decided to pay my hairdresser a visit and get my ends trimmed. While we were catching up, she talked me into doing this new conditioning hair treatment. I was reluctant at first, because I don't like having my hair cut while it's wet, but she quickly assured me that she'd blow dry it first, which made me even more apprehensive because people here don't know how to handle my hair once it's wet. That's why I always go to the salon with my hair already blown out... I can't get a decent blow dry in Japan!! But, I ignored all past blow dry experiences in Japan as well as the voices screaming "WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?!" and went on a leap of faith...after all, she has been cutting my hair for the last five years.

After the treatment, she blow dried my hair with her fingers...HUGE mistake!! This works for straight hair, but my hair requires a round brush. I was cringing in my seat. I wanted to remain optimistic, hoping she knew what she was doing, and the turnout would be different...I was wrong. Now that my curls were blown out to a giant, frizzed-out Afro puff, she finished it off with a flat iron...sigh...will I ever learn?... :(

She cut my hair in the frizzed out mangled condition that it was in. I'm almost afraid to see what it will look like once I blow it out myself.

The moral of this story is: Just say NO!

And here is the final look...the Olsen twins have nothing on Ookla and I :P 

                   Liz of no makeup                                                                           Ookla the Mok

Any salon mishaps you would like to share?

Looking gorgeous (or not) one lipstick at a time.

China Glaze's Four Leaf Clover

Summer's not over yet! So, here's a hot weather favorite of mine: Four Leaf Clover!

Four Leaf Clover is more vibrant in person.

Four Leaf Clover is an insanely gorgeous, teal-based, bright, glossy, kelly green creme polish. If you can get your hands on this nail lacquer, BUY IT!! I've been wearing Four Leaf Clover for the last three days and I can't help but stare at my hands. It's a standout color for summer and St. Patty's day :P

By the way, Four Leaf Clover is available at foryoursalon.com, for $3.89. I've ordered from this site several times, and I can vouch for great customer service.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Stealing Beauty: Loft's False Eyelashes Display

Sorry for the dodgy pictures, but you understand :)

Loft is a chain of stores found in Japan that offers a hodgepodge of merchandise, including: household goods, kitchenware, luggage, bags, mobile cases, toys, snacks, stationary, cosmetics, and much, much more! I LOVE shopping at Loft! I can spend hours in there...and I do :P 

I went to Loft yesterday and took some photo's of their falsies selection for my Stealing Beauty Series, enjoy :)

What brand of false lashes do you love?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.