7/30/2014

Going For The Gold! Guerlain L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base

With all the new makeup base products coming out this season, and with some new acquisitions, I find myself repurchasing some of my old Summer staples. First oldie up, Guerlain's L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base.

Having normal to dry skin, I don't have issues with my makeup migrating or dissipating throughout the day; basically, once it's on, it's not going anywhere! However, I like using primers to smooth out the complexion, and boost hydration, for added skincare benefits...and yes, any extra assistance in prolonging my painted mug doesn't hurt. No?

Guerlain's L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base is a luxurious water-based gel product, and it contains 24-carat flakes of gold. The gold may seem gimmicky, but the use of gold in skincare products offers several benefits: stimulates skin cells, increases elasticity, and reduces sun damage to name a few. It's been four years since I used this product, so, I can't remember the exact effects that the gold had on my skin; however, I do recall my skin looking and feeling great. If you're worried, or hoping, the gold flakes in L'or will give a glittery sparkle to the skin, it doesn't; the flakes quickly seep into the skin.

One pump of L'or.

The way I like to use L'or is by applying two to three pumps all over my face (including under the eyes), and then mix another pump or two with my foundation or tinted moisturizer; resulting in beautiful, supple, revitalized, and radiant skin. Guerlain's L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold is a great make-up base for all skin types, but, even more so for us drier skinned ladies.

Guerlain L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base retail for ¥10,800 ($108.53)

Have you tried Guerlain's L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/27/2014

Fruit Of Happiness...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

With every season, I look forward to all the new seasonal tasties, and this Summer I've acquired an unquenchable thirst for Fanta's Pineapple flavored soft drink. Pineapple Fanta tastes just like a Pina Colada, but carbonated. My favorite mixed drink is a virgin Pina Colada (That's because I don't drink), and when I lived back in Miami, I would drink them like water. A perfect drink for Summer, pineapple Fanta is really helping me to cool down and survive this Summer...I'm even contemplating pouring this soft drink into the ice tray and making ice cubes out of it.

If you can find Fanta's Pineapple soda, buy it and drink it!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/27/2014

The Shops Around The Corner

Last friday, I spent the day in Shinjuku with my friend, Sara, buying a few beauty bits and bobs. And of course, I had to stop by the Addiction counter and get a peek at the products for the upcoming 2014 Fall/Winter Tokyo Story Collection.

Due to feeling overheated-Summer-time-gross, I forgot to swatch the eyeshadows and blushers. The collection features six new individual eyeshadows, and trust me, they're beautiful.

Also included are four new blushers, and do I have to tell you how stunning they are?...especially, the vivid red and orange blushes.

From left to right: 108, Black River, Rikyu, Shikibu, Forbidden Colors, Tokyo Story.

The new Liquid eyeliners are pigmented, and come with a good brush...and, although they are not waterproof, they seemed to wear well. My must-have shades are Tokyo Story (my fav), Shikibu, and forbidden Colors.

Included in the Tokyo Story Collection, but not photographed are:

The Film Mascara Long & Separate in Black River.
Liquid Eyebrow in Cinnamon and Marron.
Double Suicide (love the name) & Blue Moon Nail Polish.

After some shopping, we decided to take a break and grab some lunch at Harbs.

I ordered the limited edition Sparkling Honey Lemon tea, and it was mellow and tasty.

Given my love for breakfast foods, I had their AH-MAZING omelette sandwich that is served with a refreshing side of coleslaw.

This sandwich has to be one of the best breakfast sandwiches I've ever had. The texture of the egg was perfect, the veggies were firm and crisp, and the ham was juicy and savory.

And, what a better way to end a fantastic meal than with a fantastic dessert. Harbs offers an array of delicious cakes. This time around, I ordered the Pear Cheesecake, and it was excellent!

After lunch, we continued shopping, and headed back to Isetan for some more makeup purchases. Now, Whenever I'm in Shinjuku, I have to have Laduree's soft serve ice cream in Paeva. To my horrified shock, it was not on the menu. I hope/pray that this is a temporary thing, if not, someone is going to be receiving a hostile petition!

I like pistachio, so I gave the new flavor a try...what a disappointment! I had my heart set on my beloved Paeva (posted on here), but instead I get this ice cream that looks as if Father Christmas was ill in a Laduree cup. There was NO harmony in these hodgepodge of flavors, finesse or artistry, that I would except from Laduree.

What did you do last Friday?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/23/2014

A Matte-r Of Life Or Lipstick...Revlon Matte Lipsticks

Last Saturday, I wore Revlon's Strawberry Suede on an outing that motivated me to rediscover my love for my Revlon lipsticks. Back when I was a little "beauty tadpole," swimming up and down the beauty isles of Rite Aid and Walgreen's, a Revlon lipstick was my first beauty purchase (and, the first cosmetic brand I got into)...and, after many, many moons, it's still my favorite drugstore brand.

From left to right: 001 Nude Attitude, 003 Mauve It Over, 004 Pink About It, 005 Strawberry Suede, 006 Really Red.

From left to right: 007 In The Red, 008 Cocoa Craving, 009 Fabulous Fig, 010 Wine Not, 011 Stormy Pink.

I forgot how pretty these matte lipsticks are...and, by the way, they also work beautifully as blushers (especially, Pink About It, Strawberry Suede, and Stormy Pink).

Which matte Revlon lipstick is your favorite?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/21/2014

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Palette: Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow 15 Mitsucha

It's time for another installment of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Palette. This is a series that I have been toying with for some time, and I knew in partnering with the marvelous Bellyhead, from Wondegondigo (my crazed beauty sister from another mister), we would bring this project to life. If you missed the first edition, please visit here (belly's) and here (mine). For Belly's day and night looks from Suqqu's Blend Color Eyeshadow in 15 Mitsucha, please click here.

As always, photos of all the products and swatches used in this post.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow 15 Mitsucha.

Suqqu's Spring 2014 collection was another knockout from the brand. I really love all three of the quads. In Japanese, mitsu means honey and cha is Tea. So, combined you get honey tea; a fitting name for the color scheme of this darling palette.

Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 01 Momoshuiro.

Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick 07 Akaanzu.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow 15 Mitsucha.

From left to right: Balancing Cheeks N 01 Momoshuiro, Bright Up Lipstick 07 Akaanzu.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).
Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 01 Momoshuiro.
Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (used to prime the lids).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in 15 Mitsucha:
The yellow gold shade (all over the lid and one-third of the bottom lashline).
The brown shade (lightly blended into the crease).
The muted russet orange shade (on the upper lashline, outer corner and outer portion of the lower lashline).
The ivory shade (in the inner corner and lightly dusted on the brow bone).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Fatal Black WP Mascara in 03 Captivating Bronze.
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in 07 Akaanzu.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).
Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 01 Momoshuiro.
Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (used to prime the lids).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in 15 Mitsucha:
The brown shade (all over the lid, in the crease and the lower lashline).
The muted russet orange shade (used to blend out the brown shadow in the crease).
The yellow gold shade (in the inner corner).
The ivory shade (lightly dusted on the brow bone).
Mac Fluidline in Past Twilight (line the upper lashline).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black.
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in 07 Akaanzu.

I hope you enjoyed our second installment. If you would like to join the sisterhood on this post (or a future palette post) send belly and I a link, as well as email me.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/20/2014

If I Ever Wanted To Throw In The Towel...China Glaze Towel Boy Toy Nail Lacquer

Originally released in 2010, as part of China Glaze's Summer Poolside Collection, Towel Boy Toy is a vivid, deep caribbean-blue with a subtle blue shimmer.

As much as I like this color for Summer, I loathe the formula and its finish. Towel Boy Toy has a watery, chalky consistency that feels as if you've painted your nails with Mylanta. The first coat is sheer, and if you don't wait long enough between coats, it can apply patchy. Towel Boy Toy requires three coats to correct any bald spots and achieve opacity. As with the other polishes in this collection, Towel Boy Toy has a matte finish. I really HATE (yes, I said hate and I mean it!) matte polishes! This abhorrent finish can be remedied with a top coat, which seems to revive the shimmers in the polish that were lost with the matte finish.

What are some of your favorite blues for Summer?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/19/2014

There's No Frivol About This Drivel...Special Delivery From Drivel About Frivol

Yesterday, I received an AMAZING package, from Kate of Drivel about Frivol fame. I love that she reused a Rouge Bunny Rouge box for this parcel :)

Kate, I nearly squeed to death when I opened the box and the first thing I saw were these English Violet creams. Now, I've written about my love for all things violet, but was this a generous, happy coincidence or did you know about my affinity? Btw, I love that Charbonnel et Walker dates back to 1875.

This may just be me, but don't some of these violet petals look like...

These chocolates are luxurious in all aspects; from the handmade box, rich dark chocolate, the ambrosial violet-flavored cream that is decadently exquisite, to the crystallized violet petal accents. I need to force myself to savor these violet creams, because I can easily eat the entire box in one sitting. Thank goodness Charbonnel et Walker has a website and offers international shipping; this is one carving that must be satisfied!

My second squee fest was for this violet tea (actually drinking a cup of it now)...absolutely delicious!

Oh yeah, and the makeup :P Kate was kind enough to let me have these items sent to her place.

Kate, my admiration for you is boundless. Thank you for your constant kindness, generosity, and overwhelming magnificence <3

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/17/2014

Ready To Rumble!

Last Thursday, I attended a WWE Live event held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. This whole outing came-about because my friend, Mattiaz, has really taken an interest in professional wrestling and asked if I would like to go. Growing up in the 80's, My sister and I were into the WWF (so much so that we would've argued to death that it was not fake); so, I thought it would be a fun experience and something to scratch off my bucket list. Honestly, it wasn't that bad; it was fun to get caught-up in the fervor of the fans and, although I'm not into muscular/bodybuilding physiques, there were a few wrestlers who grabbed my attention (specifically, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns).

Would you ever go to a professional wrestling event?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/17/2014

A Box Of Ash...L'Oreal's Feria 3D Color 81 Pearl Ash

Since my last hair-dye post, I colored my hair with Feria's 3D Color in 83 Champagne. Although I received compliments on the color, I wasn't thrilled by it, and my hair kept getting lighter and lighter. So, to neutralize some of the warmth I chose L'Oreal's Feria 3D Color in 81 Pearl Ash as my next hair color.

Even though I've cut a substantial length of my hair, it's still thick and plentiful; I needed three boxes to get the job done.

Despite the yellowness in the photo above, the color of my hair is represented perfectly. .

81 Pearl Ash is a beautiful, slight golden-ash brown with a tinge of green. I love the color, but previous to dying, my hair was a light golden brown; therefore, I'll probably need to dye it one or two more times to achieve a deeper color.

Have you colored your hair recently?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/09/2014

Keep Your Face In Mint Condition...Shu Uemura Depsea Water Mint Mist

With the humidity levels rising, I need something to help cool me down...enter Shu Uemura's Depsea Water Mist in Mint. When sprayed, Mint has a refreshing, slightly tingly, cooling sensation. For an extra burst of freshness, I like to keep this facial mist in the refrigerator.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/06/2014

When We are Together, It's The Purest Form Of Euphoria...Givenchy Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette

Without a doubt, Givenchy IS one of my FAVORITE brands. The way their products apply, look, and perform is absolutely marvelous; giving you a flawless, eye-catching look...MAGICAL ! Not to mention the astutely opulent packaging...LOVE!

The Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette was part of Givenchy's Over Rose Spring 2014 Collection. Since purchasing the Euphoric Pink palette in January, it has been a prominent piece in the majority of my looks.

The Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette has a magnetized bottom drawer that comes with 3 applicators, two lip brushes, and a "fluffier" brush that is meant to apply the product on the cheeks. For humor's sake, I tried applying the product with the wee-sizedfluffy brush, and found it tedious and unsuccessful. However, the Lip brushes are firm, yet flexible enough to offer precise application; great for on-the-go touch-ups.

The palette come with a good sized mirror that opens at a 180 degrees; It may be a quirky trait of mine, but I love it when palettes do that.

Euphoric Pink comes with nine shades that can be used on the lips and/or cheeks. All nine shades are pigmented, creamy, and have a semi-matte finish. Whether worn individually or mixed, each shade works beautifully on both the lips and cheeks.

there was an overcast (and still is) when I photographed these swatches, so I'm not satisfied with them. The shades are MUCH more vibrant and gorgeous in person.

Naively, I thought I could fit all six swatches on one arm; with the way I swatch, what was I thinking?! The first three swatches are the first row and the last two are from the second.

The first swatch is the right corner shade of the second row, and the last three is the third row.

Givenchy's Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette is excellent for Spring and Summer... heck, even all year round; It's the quintessential lip and cheek palette, with endless customized color possibilities!

The Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette was a limited edition release and retailed for ¥7,980 ($78.18)

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/04/2014

Strawberry Summer Showers...The Body Shop Shower Gel

The Body Shop's Strawberry Shower Gel is another brand first for me as well as being July's body wash. Usually, I'm leery of strawberry scents, as I find they tend to smell too artificial. However, the Strawberry Shower Gel smells like homemade strawberry jam, scrumptious!

Which The Body Shop shower gel would you like to try?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/04/2014

The Wings Of Independence

To all the beauties in the states, Happy Fourth of July!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/02/2014

Lacquer & Freedom!

On my way to zoya.com to take advantage of this offer :)

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

7/01/2014

Eat Your Vegetable...Ice Cream? Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Yup, that's right, Haagen-Dazs Japan has released two vegetable flavored ice creams: Carrot Orange and Tomato Cherry (and yes, tomatoes are fruit). I love Haagen-dazs's seasonal Pumpkin Ice cream, and wanted to give these flavors a try.

Carrot Orange and Tomato Cherry are an abomination of all things tasty. I love trying new things, but my curious taste buds couldn't handle the vile assault of these pungent ice creams. Carrot Orange tastes like a soured orange creamsicle that has been sitting in the fridge for 30 years. I couldn't even finish one spoonful of the Carrot orange...just putrid! Tomato Cherry was the most edible of the two, tasting like a mix of strawberry jam with cream cheese on toast. However, after a few moments, it had this disgusting artifical tomato cherry (and who knows what else) aftertaste. I had to stop eating Tomato cherry after feeling nauseated from a few tastes.

Final verdict: Only recommend to your enemies :P

What veggie flavored ice cream would you like to try?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.