10/31/2012

BOOGEDY, BOOGEDY BOO!

Happy Halloween darlings!

I've said (written :P) this many times on this blog, but Halloween is one of my favorite Holidays (tied with Thanksgiving)! 

Halloween isn't celebrated in Japan, but that hasn't stopped me from introducing the holiday to my friends and hosting my own spooky festivities. 

To my dismay, due to an extremely busy schedule, we're not hosting a Halloween party this year :'(  Instead, Aki and I will be dining on pizza, and feasting on a marathon of horror film...JOY! I can't believe he's never seen Halloween!! 

This will be the first year since moving to Japan, that I've not thrown a party...BOO me!!!

So, since I'm not celebrating this year, I'm going to post photos from my first Halloween party in Tokyo :D

Pardon the mess in the back ground, we're at a friends house getting ready. I had been living in Japan for two months, and hadn't shipped my body paints over yet. So I had to make due with the crappy makeup I found at a cosplay store in Shinjuku.

I threw the party at this bar called Uncle Sams. I'm friends with the owner, so I was able to talk him into letting me have the bar for the night. No one had ever celebrate Halloween before!

 Some of my good friends, especially mario :D

Since it was my first year in living (although I've been visiting the country for years) in Japan, I thought it would be fun to do Alice in Wonderland. Also, I wanted to do it before the Tim Burton film came out. Tim Burton...I love you, but you dropped the ball with that one!

 I wonder how he was able to eat that piece of bread :P 

One of my closest female friends, I love her! 

 I pity the fool that bleeds on my rabbit!

strike a pose.

The owner. Actually he wears this costume even if it's not Halloween...really he does :O

Everyone came in costume <3333

If you can tell me were this is from, you'll score major points, and maybe some Canmake blushes.

After five hours, our makeup called it quits! 

Groups photo at the stations, as everyone bids adieu to a brilliant evening. Where's Lizzy? Can you find me in the photo?

We crashed at our friends house that night. No matter how hard aki scrubbed, or what we used, Aki's lids were stained...Oops. Luckily, he was off that day. And keeping with the Holiday spirit, I played one last trick on the man :P  

Happy Halloween my ghoulish dolls! I hope you all enjoyed this post. 

I'd love to know what you did for Halloween :D

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/29/2012

L.A Diamonds Studio Design Lipgloss

Aki and I have is little tradition, where once a week we like to go to a coffee shop to read our books, study, or what not, and enjoy something from the beverage menu (I'm not a coffee drinker, but I prefer Tully's, while Aki prefer's Starbucks). Two weeks ago, after we finished our Tully's venture, I walked into the Loft that was next door. While rummaging around the Loft, the L.A. Diamond display caught my attention. I never noticed the display nor brand. So, with my curiosity peeked and wanting to try the brand, I picked up the two darkest shades in the line, SDG06 Spicy Red and SDG08 Burgundy.

 From left to right: SDG06 Spicy Red, SDG08 Burgundy.

SDG06 Spicy Red: a gorgeous candy apple red.

 SDG08 Burgundy: a luscious raspberry burgundy with gold sparkles.

From left to right: SDG06 Spicy Red, SDG08 Burgundy.

To my surprise, the L.A Diamonds Studio Design lip glosses were very pigmented (Burgundy is slightly sheerer than Spicy Red, but opaque on the lips), glossy, and comfortable on the lips. L.A Diamonds Studio Design lip glosses feel more like a liquid lipstick than a gloss, and wear for about 4 to 5 hours. I've enjoyed both shades individually, but I especially love the color creation I get when the two are combined.

L.A Diamonds is a Japanese cosmetic street brand that offers a modest selection of face, eyes, lips and nail products. The Studio Design lipglosses come in a wide range of shades, and retails for ¥940 ($12.13).

What lipgloss have you been enjoying lately?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/27/2012

Mac Styleseeker Nail Lacquer

Mac's Styleseeker Nail Lacquer is an exquisitely gorgeous shade for Autumn, and I adore it! 

Styleseeker is a radiant, metallic burnt orange. The color reminds me of the burnt orange satin ribbons you see during the autumnal season. The formula is a little thick, but not problematic. Styleseeker takes about two to three coats to achieve opacity. Personally, I prefer the way this polish looks after a third coat.

The wear-time of styleseeker is decent. I get three days of wear before any chipping; not bad, not great. But, because  I love the color, I'll make exceptions for it :P

Styleseeker is truly a unique polish for Fall; I love wearing it and I'm happy to add it to my collection.

What is your favorite orange polish for Fall?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/24/2012

The World of Susie N.Y.! Blush On 04 Soft Red & 02 Pink

Susie N.Y. Blush On gradient blushers create a beautiful luminous flush of color on the cheeks. Blush On provides medium, yet buildable, coverage that blends easily and evenly. The texture is soft, slightly dry, but not chalky nor powdery. Although they're bit dry in texture, I do love the sheen these blushers give to the cheeks.

Similar in appearance to the Estee Lauder blushers, these gradient blushes can be applied in various ways: you can use the lighter shade as a highlight over the darker color, or you can swirl all the colors together and customize your own beautiful flush.

04 Soft Red: each shade swatched individually, then blended together. 

02 Pink: each shade swatched individually, then blended together. 

My favorite of the two would have to be 04 Soft Red! I love red blushers, and Soft Red has a gorgeous sheen. Don't get me wrong, 02 Pink has been getting a lot of love as well. Especially when paired with a deep burgundy lip.

Susie N.Y. Blush On are available in four shades: 01 Coral, 02 Pink, 03 Orange, and 04 Soft Red, and retail for ¥1,680 ($21.63). I showed restraint and only purchased TWO of these blushers...I must say, I was very proud of myself...although, I will buy the other two in the near future :P

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/22/2012

Stealing Beauty: Paul & Joe Beauty Counter at Odakyu

Hello dolls!

It's time for another installment of Stealing Beauty :D Saturday night, I was running around Shinjuku and popped into the Odakyu department store for some Dior, and Paul & Joe goodies. Unfortunately, the Paul & Joe counter was out of the lipsticks I wanted. Always being one to seize an opportunity, I was able to take some photos while the SA was in the back looking for the lipsticks...I guess I didn't walk away completely empty handed ;)

What are your favorite Paul & Joe products?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/21/2012

Les Merveilleuses Laduree Holiday Collection 2012

An avid fan of Lewis Caroll's Alice in Wonderland and through the Looking Glass, Laduree's Holiday Collection has me besides myself with anticipation!! Now, I'm not sure if this Collection is inspired by the stories, but it's themes appear reminiscent (at least, in my opinion) of the fantasy world within the books.

The Holiday Collection will be divided and launched on two separate dates, November 2nd and December 7th.

November's released date will include:

Limited Edition Mini Face Color Rose Laduree in Holiday A 101, and Holiday B 102  ¥3,360($43.52).

Limited Edition Cheek Color Mini Collection in 01, 02, 03  ¥5,775($74.79).

Limited Edition Rouge Mini Collection in 01, 02, 03 ¥5,775($74.79).

Limited Edition Holiday Laduree Box ¥2,940($38.08).

Limited Edition Holiday Card ¥630($8.16).

December's Released date will include:

Limited Edition 2012 Eye color in 101 and 102 ¥4,200($54.40) Case sold separately ¥1,575($20.40).

Limited Edition 2012 Rouge in 101 and 102 ¥4,410($57.12).

Rose Body Soap ¥3,360($43.52).

Makeup Pouch ¥3,675($47.60).

To see the actually images, please click here.

I'm not sure my bank account will survive this Holiday Season...but at least I'll look good while my finances are in the red  >:P

What holiday collections are you looking forward to?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/21/2012

Put the Pineapple in the Coconut! Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Wow, I can't believe it's been almost two months since my last tasty post. Well, this evening's tasty post is Bourbon's Pineapple flavored sparkling coconut milk. I think Bourbon drank more than they could swallow with this carbonated concoction. First, let me say, I love coconut anything! So, I was really wanting to enjoy this drink, but it tasted as if I were drinking suntan lotion. Bourbon should have focused on mastering one flavor, before tackling this mixed tropical venom.

What's the last thing you've had to drink?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/21/2012

Mac Earthly Harmony Nail Lacquer

Ever have a nail polish in your collection that you keep holding onto, but for the life of you, you don't know why? Well, Earthly Harmony is one of those lacquers. Earthly Harmony is a wet sand taupe with subtle (basically nonexistent) copper shimmers.

As much as I enjoy the color (which didn't entirely live up to my expectations), this lacquers formula is atrocious!! Earthly Harmony is a one-day wear nail lacquer, due to how horrible it chips...I swear it chips just by looking at it!!...I really think it does :P

What Polishes have you been disappointed with recently?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/19/2012

Baseball, and Stitches, and Tom Ford. Oh My!

Two days ago, as I was on my way home from a grueling day of work, I got a text from my beloved (Aki), letting me know he was at the hospital getting stitches. This is when yours truly responded with a "WHAT!" Apparently, Aki injured (torn an artery, and chipped the bone) the middle finger of his left hand while playing baseball. Now, I have no idea what extreme version of the sport he was playing, but who knew baseball could be so dangerous?! I quickly changed my course, and headed over to the hospital. Three hours, and nine stitches later, here's the end result:

So, because this is primarily a beauty blog, and me not wanting to waste a makeup look, here's my look from that day :D

 I'm really impressed with how well the eye makeup held up. I've been in this makeup for over 11 hours. I retouched the blush once, and the lipstick twice. Well done Mr.Ford!

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.
Tom Ford Cheek Color 04 Savage.
Eyes:
Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer NC20
Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes in 03 Illicit (all over the lid).
Mac Eye Kohl in Prunella (applied lightly in the outer crease and blended. Used to tightline, and on the waterline.
Kate Super Sharp Liner in RD-1 (line the lashline).
Mac Zoom Lash in New Hue (upper and lower lashes)
Lips:
Tom Ford Lip Color in 16 Scarlet Rouge.

For those of you wondering, this is what the last hair color faded into. This was expected, since it's a bit challenging to go from light to dark. 

And for your swatch viewing pleasure :D

From left to right: Cream Color for Eyes 03 Illicit, Cheek Color 04 Savage, Lip Color 16 Scarlet Rouge.

 Cream Color for Eyes 03 Illicit:  a shimmery russet-bronzed maroon.

 Cheek Color 04 Savage: a muted redden bronze-brown with a gorgeous sheen.

 Lip Color 16 Scarlet Rouge: a warm "true" red. 

I own several pieces from Tom Ford beauty, and I LOVE it!!! I love the Cream Color for Eyes, the Cheek Colors, and the Lip Colors!! The Tom Ford beauty line is a very (and I mean "VERY") extravagant and luxurious brand. To my dismay, these little golden beauty nuggets are not available in Japan. But, thanks to the gods of online shopping, I'm able to satisfy my decadent beauty fix >;) 

Hope you enjoyed this post! 

What are some of your favorite red lipsticks?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/15/2012

Everybody Can Can! CANMAKE Cream Cheek CL01 Clear Red Heart, CL02 Clear Love Song Pink, and CL03 Clear Sunset

Hey guys!

Sorry for being a little M.I.A this week, but I've been busy with work, still dealing with my visa, and some personal matters...I really need a vacation!

Last week I picked up three CANMAKE Cream Cheeks: CL01 Clear Red Heart, CL02 Clear Love Song Pink, and CL03 Clear Sunset (limited edition). The creamy gel-like formula of these blushers gives the cheeks a lovely dewy flush of color, without feeling sticky. If you haven't tried the CANMAKE cream cheeks, do so, you won't be disappointed!

From left to right: CL01 Clear Red Heart, CL02 Clear Love Song Pink, CL03 Clear Sunset.

CL01 Clear Red Heart: a true red.

CL02 Clear Love Song Pink: a yellow-based medium pink.

CL03 Clear Sunset: A watermelon pink.

CANMAKE Cream Cheek retails for Ľ609($7.99); A VERY reasonable price for a truly FANTASTIC product!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/10/2012

Love at First Bite! Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

I'm totally smitten with Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains! I was able to procure these lovely lippies, thanks to the ever so sweet Justine from sakuralovely.

I found the Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains to be beautifully pigmented, glossy, moisturizing, and wear for about 4-5 hours before fading. A word of advice, when using the darker shades, make sure your lips have been prepped (i.e. exfoliated and moisturized) prior to apply to avoid any unattractive faded patches :O 

These balm stains do have a subtle minty scent, and feel slightly reminiscent of TheBalm's 'Read My Lips' lipsticks, but without the repulsive dental office scent.

 From left to right: Precious, Charm, Rendezvous.

Precious: a flesh color nude.

Charm: a pale peach.

Rendezvous: a bright orange. 

 From left to right: Honey, Cherish, Darling.

Honey: a muted pink-mauve.

Cherish: a lavender-pink.

Darling: A pink-lilac. 

 From left to right: Sweetheart, Lovesick, Smitten.

Sweetheart: a bright blue-based pink.

Lovesick: a bright fuchsia-pink. 

Smitten: a berry-pink.

From left to right: Crush, Romantic, Adore.

Crush: a berry-wine.

Romantic: a muted tomato red.

Adore: a brownish-brick red.

The Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are now available in Japan and retail for ¥1,260($16.52), but I've only seen six available shades :(

Have you tired the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains? If so, what's your favorite color? 

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/09/2012

Urban Decay Friends & Family!

It's time for Urban Decay's friends & family. Offer expires on Oct. 13th...so enjoy!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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10/07/2012

Les Merveilleuses Laduree Symphonic d' Automne Autumn Collection 2012

Here's the first of many Fall collections that I've purchased. I've had these items for over 2 months, and I'm in love with all of them...with the exception of one :(

 Eye Color Palette 001 ¥4,200 ($54.83), Eye Color Case ¥1,575 ($20.40).

I own four of the Eye Color Palettes, and I truly enjoy them. I only wish the shadows had some sort of divider.  

 Curling Mascara Base ¥3,360 ($43.86) and Natural Lash Mascara ¥3,990 ($52.09). 

I was disappointed with this Mascara Base. I found it clumped my lashes together, left them feeling stiff, and made the mascara application difficult. 

 Natural Lash Mascara 

As an overall mascara, the Natural Lash Mascara performed will. But, I found it works great in the smaller inner lashes, as well as the lower lashes.

 Eye Color Palette 001.

Color description from left to right: 

A shimmery rusty gold.

An iridescent gold shimmer. 

A pearlized ivory shimmer. 

A matte white.

A dark plum shimmer.

 From left to right: Cream Cheek Base 101, Pressed Cheek Color 001, 002, 003. 

Cream Cheek Base 101: A coral-red.

Pressed Cheek Color 001: A blue-based bright pink.

Pressed Cheek Color 002: A guava-pink.

Pressed Cheek Color 003: A muted royal yellow.

Rouge 08, 09, 10, 11, 12.

Rouge 08: A muted, peanut brittle. 

Rouge 09: A yellow-based medium pink.

Rouge 10: A dusty, brownish-rose-mauve.

Rouge 11: A berry-red. 

Rouge 12: A bright tomato-red. 

 I don't remember when I got this gift with purchase, but I wanted to share this cute bag.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pressed Cheek Color 001.
Eyes:
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Eye Color Palette 001:
The pearlized ivory shimmer shadow(all over the lid).
The dark plum shimmer shadow (in the crease and lower lashline).
The matte white (on the brow bone).
Mac Fluidline in Dark Diverson (upper lashline).
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Curling Mascara Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Natural Lash Mascara.
Lips:
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Rouge 11.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Cream Cheek Base 101.
Eyes:
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Eye Color Palette 001:
The iridescent gold shimmer shadow(all over the lid).
The shimmery rusty gold shadow(in the crease).
The dark plum shimmer shadow (along upper and lower lashline).
The matte white shadow(on the brow bone).
Givenchy Eye Fly Mascara in #14 Fly in Violet.
Lips:
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Rouge 12.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pressed Cheek Color 002.
Eyes:
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Eye Color Palette 001:
The pearlized ivory shimmer shadow(all over the lid).
The iridescent gold shimmer shadow (over the ball of the eyes).
The shimmery rusty gold shadow (in the crease)
The dark plum shimmer shadow (in the outer corner, upper and lower lashline).
The matte white Shadow(on the brow bone).
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Curling Mascara Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Natural Lash Mascara.
Lips:
Mac Lip Pencil in Stripdown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Rouge 09.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pressed Cheek Color 001.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pressed Cheek Color 003 (applied over 001).
Eyes:
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Eye Color Palette 001:
The shimmery rusty gold shadow (all over the lid)
The iridescent gold shimmer shadow (in the inner corner).
The dark plum shimmer shadow (in the outer corner blended into the crease, and lower lashline).
The matte white Shadow(on the brow bone).
Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Curling Mascara Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Natural Lash Mascara.
Lips:
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Rouge 10.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pressed Cheek Color 002.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Pressed Cheek Color 003 (applied over 002).
Eyes:
Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Eye Color Palette 001:
The dark plum shimmer shadow (all over the lid).
The shimmery rusty gold shadow (in the crease and lower lashline).
The iridescent gold shimmer shadow (in the inner corner and over the ball of the eye).
The matte white Shadow(on the brow bone).
Mac Fluidline in Dark Diversion.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Curling Mascara Base.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Natural Lash Mascara.
Lips:
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Rouge 08.

Hope you enjoyed this post :D

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

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