2/28/2013

Classically Flawless, Flawlessly Classic! Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Concealer SPF 18 Swatches

This creamy concealer diffuses and brightens the undereye area, without tugging or looking cakey/crepey. Also, I love the fact that this product contains SPF, since the skin under the eyes is the most delicate.

From left to right: I, II, III, IV.

From left to right: V, VI, VII, VIII.

From left to right: X, XI, XII.

Once again, just like FACE atelier's Ultra Foundation #9 Toffee, I seem to have misplaced concealer IX. Do you see a pattern forming...I think I have a serial thief lurking about :P

Le Metier de Beaute Classic Flawless finish Concealer SPF 18 retails for $55.00( 2.3g/0.08oz).

What are some of your favorite concealers?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/27/2013

Espresso Depresso! Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

I can't believe it's been a whole four months since the last 'Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related' post...Oops!

While at my local grocers, I spotted Suntory's caffeinated coffee drink, and thought it would be a fun thing to try...will I ever learn? The answer is NO!

Espressoda tastes like coffee that's been sitting a pot for a week, and mixed with generic brand flat soda! The label reads "A twist of bold coffee and refreshing soda", but it's more twisted if you ask me :P

Have you ever tried carbonated coffee before?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/27/2013

Cheek to Cheek...Addiction Cheek Stick Swatches

I've received several request to post swatches of the entire Addiction Cheek Stick Collection, and here it is :)

These multitasking beauties can be worn on the face, eyes, cheeks, and lips.

From left to right: Reflection, Noctune, African Sunset.

From left to right: Aqua Bronze, Revenge, Rose Bar.

From left to right: Amazing, Suspicious, Romantic.

From left to right: Sensually, Tea Rose, Neroli Flower.

From left to right: Argan Tree, Damask Rose.

Addiction by Ayako's Cheek Sticks retail for ¥2,940($32.55), and currently are only available in Japan.

Hope you enjoyed this post :D

If you've tried these cheek sticks, please let me know your favorite shades.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/26/2013

Hey Doll, Hey! China Glaze Nail Lacquer

Monday's mani is China Glaze's "Hey Doll", which was released back in the Fall 2010 collection, Vintage Vixen. Hey Doll is a pretty bronzed, dusty rose-mauve, with micro silver shimmers.

What are you wearing on your nails at the moment?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/25/2013

Saving Face...FACE atelier Ultra Foundation Swatches

FACE atelier's Ultra Foundation is one of the foundations I work with a lot. Ultra foundation is a silicone-based, oil-free, cruelty-free (YAY!) foundation that gives the skin a flawless, airbrushed, semi-satin finish.

From left to right: #1 Porcelain, #2 Ivory, #3 Wheat, #4 Sand.

From left to right: #5 Sepia, #6 Honey, #7 Tan, #8 Caramel.

From left to right: #10 Cocoa, Zero Minus, Zero Plus.

I have no idea where my #9 Toffee went??? Sorry it's missing, but most likely, I gave it away.

FACE atelier's Ultra Foundation retails for $45.00(1 oz/ 30 ml), and can be purchase at faceatelier.com.

Have you tried FACE arelier's Ultra Foundation? If so, how did it work for you?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/24/2013

Give Me Love, Give Me Eye Shadow! Inglot Freedom System 20 Eyeshadow Palette #7 swatches

Time for the seventh installment of my Inglot Freedom System 20 Eyeshadow palettes.

From left to right: S37, S12, P421, AMC54, S42.

From left to right: AMC52, DS457, P409, DS501, DS502.

From left to right: DS460, DS459, M363, AMC59, P423.

From left to right: M378, M348, AMC62, AMC64, AMC63.

What are some of your favorite Inglot eye shadows?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/23/2013

The Benefit's of Turmeric! Addiction By Ayako Nail Polish

Addiction's nail polish in Turmeric is befitting of it's name; a glossy, turmeric-colored, cream polish. A beautiful muted, yet, bright yellow that has become my favorite yellow polish in my collection.

What are some of your favorite yellow polishes?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/21/2013

Inherit The Icy Winds

Hey guys, wanted to share today's look using some of the products from Nars 2012 Fall Collection.

From left to right: Vent Glace Duo Eyeshadow, Outlaw Blush.

Oh how I've loved the Eyeshadow Duo in Vent Glace. What an unsuspecting, yet gorgeous pairing of shadows. The Outlaw blush I own is the older version, so I'm not sure if it's the same as the re-release. I was happy to see the return of this lovely raspberry blush with golden shimmers...everyone should own it!

From left to right: Amsterdam Pure Matte Lipstick, Rouge Tribal Larger Than Life Lipgloss.

I adore a red lip, especially a dark one! Both of these products are beautiful in their own right, but stunning when worn together.

Products used:
Face:
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Punjab (Medium 1).
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Nars Blush in Outlaw.
Eyes:
Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna (lightly blended in the crease for definition)
Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Vent Glace (the lighter shadow patted all over the lid, and blended into the crease. The darker shadow blended in the crease, and along the upper and lower lashline).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero (used to tightline).
Chanel Inimitable Intense Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique Mascara in 10 Noir.
Lips:
Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Amsterdam.
Nars Larger Than Life Lipgloss in Rouge Tribal.

Will it's past midnight, and I have to wake up at 4 in the morning...yikes!

What did you wear today/yesterday :P

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/20/2013

Ignore The Dress Code...O.P.I's 'Black Tie Optional' Nail Lacquer

With all the Spring collections launching, one might forget it's still Winter. But, The bitter cold weather quickly reminds me that Spring is still a long way away.

Today, I decided to don an O.P.I oldie, Black Tie Optional...is this polish still available?

Black Tie Optional is a dark, plummy, eggplant-purple with flashes of purple, red, green and cooper sparkles.

Do you own O.P.I's Black Tie Optional?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/17/2013

Running on Empty: January Empties!

Time Reset Youth Revitalizer: After reading about this deep conditioner on Redken's website, I decided to give it a go. If you've been reading this blog, you'll know that I dye my hair ALOT! So, I'm always keen on trying anything to help/improve/maintain the condition of my hair. I have noticed a slight improvement in the texture of my hair. I would repurchase.

Tsubaki Damage Care Conditioner: Tsubaki's Damage Care line was my holy grail drug store shampoo and conditioner, but the last few times I've purchased this line my hair felt dry. I don't know if something has changed with the ingredients, but my hair is no longer agreeing with this product. Unfortunately, I've moved on and stopped using it.

Sabon Patchouli Lavender Vanilla Shower Oil: This shower gel is liquid luxury!! It smells heavenly, and leave the skin feeling divine! Will always repurchase!

Bath & Body Works Snow Kissed Berry Shower Gel: I wasn't a fan of this scent, and I won't repurchase.

Colgate Maxfresh Toothpaste: I need this toothpaste in dental hygiene life! Will always repurchase.

Para Do Nail Polish Remover: I picked this nail polish remover at a convini, and it was actually good! I will repurchase.

John Masters Organics Lip Calm & Carmex Moisture Plus: Those two products are my all time favorite lip moisturizers EVER! I been using both of them for years, and will never be without them!! I will always and forever repurchase!

Honorable mentions:

Benefit Badgal Lash: for some odd reason I have a bunch of these mini Badgal lash mascara laying around. In the past, I did purchase a full size of Badgal Lash. It's an alright mascara, but I much prefer my Dior show.

Perfekt Lash Perfection Gel: Lash Perfection Gel is an okay mascara, that gives your lash a very natural look. Although it was a nice mascara, I wasn't too impressed to warrant purchasing a full size of this product.

AMORE PACIFIC: Oh my goodness, this skincare line is pure decadence! I LOVE the way my skin reacted to all these products. I believe AMAZING sums it up pretty well :D I will definitely purchase all these products!

What have you finished recently?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/17/2013

Strangers on a Blue Train? Addiction By Ayako Nail Polish

Another phenomenal nail polish from Addiction! Blue Train is an alluring, deep, blue ink, jelly polish that is, almost, opaque in one coat!

indoors.

Blue train is such an extremely glossy polish that it was difficult to photograph, since the reflective shine cause the photos to come out blurred. You can skip applying a top coat with this beauty.

In sunlight.

Addiction Nail Lacquers retail for ¥1,890($20.93), and is exclusively sold in Japan.

What are some of your favorite jelly polishes?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/14/2013

Happy Valentine's Day!

Loads of love and hugs from the land of the rising sun, wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/11/2013

A Thousand And One Nights. Addiction by Ayako 'Arabian Nights' Collection

The Arabian Nights Winter Collection introduced 8 lipcrayons to the permanent collection, along with 4 new shades of cheek sticks.

I've fallen head over heels in love with the lipcrayons. These extremely pigmented, creamy, matte lipsticks apply buttery smooth, and leave the lips feeling soft and hydrated throughout the day. The lip crayons last for about 5 hours before fading, but they fade evenly and leave a lovely stain on the lips. Love, love, love these lippies!

From left to right: Endlessly, Spy Pink, Day Trip, Rose Petal.

From left to right: Le Mepris, Paprika, Red Lantern, Saffron.

I was jumping for joy when I saw the four new cheek stick shades; you know I love the Cheek sticks in all their multitasking loveliness. These gems can be used on the eyes, face, lips, anywhere and everywhere!

From left to right: Tea Rose, Neroli Flower, Damask Rose, Argan Tree.

I loved the look created for the Arabian Nights collection. I've worn the look a few times already, including last night :)

Does anyone else suffer from the "people's brow" when taking their own photos? Honestly, my right brow is a total camera whore!

Products used:
Face:
Addiction Primer.
Addiction Dewy Glow Foundation in 03 biscuit.
Addiction Cheek Stick in Argan Tree (blended into the hollows of the cheeks).
Addiction Cheek Stick in Tea Rose (on the apples on the cheeks).
Eyes:
Mac Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.
Addiction Eye Shadow in Mustard Tree (all over the lid, up to the brow bone, as well as the lower lash line).
Addiction Kohl Eyeliner in Midnight Sun (the pale blue shadow placed in the inner corner. The dark brown used to lightly line the upper and lower lashline).
Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara (on the upper and lower lashes).
Lips:
Addiction Lipcrayon in Saffron.

The Addiction Lipcrayons retail for ¥2,415($26.74), and the Cheek Sticks ¥2,940($32.55).

I found the lipcrayons, as well as the four additional cheek stick shades, to be a fantastic addition to the line. If you can get your hands on any of them, I highly recommend them :)

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

2/09/2013

A Hazy Shade of...Purple? Addiction by Ayako 'Purple Haze' Nail Lacquer.

I've raved about Addiction's beauty products, but I have yet to rave about the brand's stellar nail lacquers...and stellar they are!

Indoors.

Purple haze 026 is a glossy, red-based grape purple cream. Opaque in two coats, I really love how smooth these polishes feel on my nails.

Sunlight.

Although, some of the shades in the lineup may not seem terribly original, the formula of Addiction's nail lacquers apply and perform wonderfully. The brush fans outs in a way that it provides an easy, and even, foolproof application. These polishes have a beautiful glossy finish that doesn't require a top coat, and wear for 4-5 days without any chipping...SUCCESS!

Addiction Nail Lacquers retail for ¥1,890($20.93), and is exclusively sold in Japan.

What are some of your favorite purples?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.