3/30/2015

It Was A Dark And Stormy Night...THREE Nail Polish

In May of 2014, I was excited to learn THREE was releasing nail polishes. And, as pretty as the shades were, none of them were exceptional original, or "hold the press! Part the Red Sea and make me run out of the house to buy them now" worthy.

However, the THREE Future Noir Collection featured four new polishes. Now, these four shades were more my cup of tea, not being about to buy just one, I picked up two to try.

THREE's Nail Polish in 16 Dark and Stormy, looked stunning as it radiated so beautifully on the counter; it literally stopped me dead in my tracks.

Keeping with the brand's harmonious infusion of nature, grace and minimalism, the packaging is elegant and pragmatic; with its elongated glass bottle and removable, plastic over-cap, it reveals a cap that is comfortable to hold.

The polish also has a flat brush that fans out well, allowing for a precise and controlled application.

THREE claims their polishes keeps nails healthy, and moisturized, with the blend of five species of plant oils: sugar squalane, avocado oil, meadowfoam seed oil, jojoa oil and rosehip seed oil. The polishes are toluene free, formalin free, phthalate and dibutyl free.

Dark and Stormy is a bark-brown based, blackened-purplish-maroon with dark pink shimmer. The formula is smooth, easy to apply, hassle-free, drys quickly, and wears for about four to five days. I don't want to say the finish is dull, but the glossiness isn't as intense as an Addiction polish. A good top coat is needed to achieve the scintillating radiance the polish has in the bottle.

THREE nail polishes contain 7ml and retail for 1,944 yen.

3/28/2015

Camouflage Is The Game We All Like To Play...By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush

For well over four years now, ever since I started this tedious foundation and concealer "no buy," my base makeup reservoir has been devoid of any new blood. The progress to use up my stash has been relentlessly slow, and as much as I would like to escape this self-imposed, humdrum, base makeup gulag ::cough:: I mean, ban (I yearn to repurchase favs and try new products), it seems to be the only "no buy" that I've been able to commit to.

You can image how I felt when I finally used up one of my MAC Studio Sculpt Concealers; I swear, the clouds parted, the sun was shining, little woodland creatures were frolicking outside my window, and the angels were singing glorious hymns.

To commemorate the event, I repurchased By Terry's Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush. The Touche Veloutee is one of my favorite concealers, but it's been a while, and after reacquainting myself with the product again, I instantly recalled how phenomenal it is and why it's a favorite.

By Terry's Touche Veloutee has a large, firm, yet soft, brush that's great for one swipe application.

The Touche Veloutee is the perfect marriage between a full coverage concealer and a light reflective concealer. The formula has a thin texture that feels very sheer on the skin, yet provides substantial medium to full coverage. Whether applied under the eyes, brow bone, inner corner of the eyes, center of the forehead, bridge of the nose, cupid's bow, chin, etc., Touche Veloutee melds smoothly into the skin, creating a lifted, awake, highlighted effect that looks natural. Touche Veloutee's finish is matte, but it has this beautiful luminosity that delicately brightens and veils dark circles, shadows, redness, blemishes, and obscures puffiness and fine lines without clinging to dry areas, sitting on the skin, or looking cakey.

The swatch above is shade 2 Cream.

As with every concealer on the market, By Terry claims Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush offers "crease-free" coverage. And, although creasing is inevitable, I get the teeniest, tinniest, most minuscule creasing in the fine liners under my eyes; but, after a one time touch-up, the creasing is corrected and doesn't reoccur for the remainder of the day.

As luxurious as the click-bottom, thick cylinder pen packaging may be, I do take issues with the cap. Not once, not twice , but for the third time now, the plastic sheath has separated from the cap. What's that saying: "Fool me once, shame on you. fool me twice, shame on me"...well, I must be a masochist. Normally, I wouldn't nitpick such a thing, but being such a luxury brand, and having such a high price point, I expect absolute perfection.

By Terry's Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush contains 6.5 ml/ .22 fl.oz. and retails for £37.50/ $59.00/ ¥69.38.

What do you conceal with?

3/21/2015

With A Wave OF The Wand...THREE Shading Wand

Contouring is a technique that allows you to cheat genetics, by defining the facial structure and sculpting features, using light and dark shades.

My favorite contouring medium are cream products; I feel they give a more naturally defined and blended shape to the face.

From all my countless visits to the THREE Cosmetics counter, I can't believe it was only a month ago that I noticed the brand had a shading wand. Guess I was distracted by all the other pretty pretties.

I love the slim, cigarette-length, shaped cylinder tube. the casing is made of a heftier tin material, giving the wand a nice "weighty" feel in the hands.

THREE's Shading Wand is an ultra-blendable, velvety-cream product that glides effortlessly, melting onto the skin, allowing for precise application, and giving a long-lasting, even finish.

The shading wand has a neutral, brownish-nude with a grey undertone, giving the appearance of a natural contour. From my experience, contouring isn't really popular in Japan. Unfortunately, this is probably one reason why the shading wand only comes in one color. Pale beauties will love this, but if you're a MAC NC35 or darker, this won't show on you.

Wearing THREE's Velvet Lust Lipstick in 12 Scarlet Noir as a stain.

I love the subtle depth this product gives my cheekbones; particularly, the definition it gives my cheekbones, nose, jawline as well as enhancing the overall shape of my face. My favorite tool to blend the product out are, my fingers; the warmth of my fingers and the soft, upward-pressing motion gives a lovely, graduated shadow. Now, this is on the hush-hush, but THREE's Shading Wand is working it's way to becoming a little contouring secret in my makeup kit. A perfect soft, inconspicuous contour for Spring.

The THREE Shading Wand retails for 3,780 yen and contains 2.4g of product.

What do you like to contour with?

3/20/2015

15% Off Shu!

For the last six days, I've been waking up at 5:00 am (my usual) and getting home around 10:00 pm. Needless to say, I haven't had time, or energy, to blog. I have a few more crazy days left, then I'm taking a mini vacation to nowhere; I just want to relax at home and not have to worry about any engagements.

As usual, I want to share a promo code with you. I wish cosmetics brands would offer these discount codes over here! Yes, counters have all these "gift with purchases," but, in all honesty, I would take the savings over a GWP any day!

3/13/2015

Eat The Rich, Drink The Rich Brown...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Canada Dry has a new flavor on the block, and it's called Rich Brown. Rich Brown is described as having a more "mature" ginger taste. The color is cloudy and darker than the regular ginger ale; and, I'm not sure about the "mature" taste, but the smell and flavor of ginger is stronger, yet mellow...maybe that's the "mature" element. Also, the carbonation isn't as strong was the original.

I like both flavors, but I think I prefer the regular ginger ale a little more.

3/12/2015

Relaxed In Lavender...L'Occitane's Lavender Cleansing Hand Wash

For the month of March, I've been on a real Lavender kick. One Lavender product I adore is
L'Occitane's Lavender Cleansing Hand Wash.

Smelling true lavender, the fragrance is intoxicating and relaxing, and, although my hands are clean, I sometimes wash my hands just so I can cup them to my nose and take in the calming scent ... I really do this. The hand wash has a rich lather that is gentle on the hands, leaving them soft, clean and smelling heavenly!

I'm working my way through several hand creams, but after using L'Occitane Lavender Cleansing Hand Wash, I recommend using the L'Occitane hand cream from the same collection; the coupling of the two is lavender bliss!

If you love the scent of lavender, you will love the L'Occitane Lavender Cleansing Hand Wash.

L'Occitane's Lavender Cleansing Hand Wash contains 300ml/10.1 fl oz and retails for 2,100 yen.

3/11/2015

Choose Cosmetics. Choose a Eyeshadow. Choose a Blush. Choose a Lipstick...The Make-Up Addict Tag

I want to apologize to Monika from Rocaille Writes. Monika, I'm sorry that it has taken me forever, and two days, to do thing tag. I thought it was a month ago since I was tagged, but when I checked your blog, I was like "junkies!" It was over three months ago! The older I get, the more I'm turing into my mother (my mother is late for everything!). The woman was even late for her own wedding...but that's a topic for another post. Anyway, I hope my horrid tardiness doesn't deter for (or anyone else) from including me in any future tags and the like.

However, I must confess, the reason it took me so long to do this tag was because of the third question. Whenever I got to the question, I just couldn't answer it...so, I kept putting it off because of not wanting to play Sophie's choice.

1. Which product do you still keep buying more of, in spite of having plenty in your collection?

What is everything? Is that a proper answer? But, to give you something more specific, items like, eyeshadow and/or blush (but you can never have too much of either :P).

2. What's the one product you can't live without?

Hands down, blush. I'm a total "blush nut," and I'll throw down some serious copper for blush.

3. Favorite makeup brand?

Curse this dreaded question! I don't believe in a "single" favorite...instead, I have a lot of makeup loves. Some of my favorite Japanese brands are: Suqqu, Addiction, THREE, and Sonia Rykiel (R.I.P) and Western brands: Givenchy, Tom Ford, and a three-way tie between Guerlain, Chanel, and Dior. Oh screw it! I tried, but I can't...I love everything :P

4. How big is your makeup Collection?

In one word, obscene. If my makeup collection were a men's magazine, it would be Hustler.

5. And how do you store it?

I've been meaning to do a collection post for a long, long time now, and now that I have my new lens, the time is nigh. So, instead, here's an image of where I beat my face.

6. How many items of makeup have you got in your handbag at the moment?

At the moment, this is what I have in my makeup bag. The products always route, but I ALWAYS carry tweezers! My favorite being Revlon's slant tip, scissors-style handle tweezers.

7. If you could raid another blogger's stash, who would it be?

Well, Monika and Jane already gave us a peekaboo into their collection. So, I'd say Amy from Cafe Makeup.

8. How long does your usual makeup routine take and how many products do you use?

The process of doing my makeup is sacred, ritualistic, and a form of therapy for me. So, anywhere from one and a half to two hours (three, if I really want to take my time). Honestly, if I don't have tine time, I rather go without makeup than be rushed. That's why I sometimes wake up at 3:00 am during the work week to do my makeup. As for the number of products, it various, but probably around seven or eight products.

9. Have you ever bought makeup knowing you wouldn't use it?

Never! It's like buying food and not eating it. Now, I may not use said makeup right away, but eventually it gets played with.

10. Tag a few other makeup addicts to do this tag!

Amy for Cafe Makeup, Amir from Beauty Unearthly, Iris from Rouge Deluxe, Makeup Remastered, I was going to tag you, but you've already done it, Lulubelle from Bon Vivant Beauty, Rachel from Beauty Professor, Jacq from Beauty Sketch by Jacq, and anyone else who would like to do this tag.

Please make sure to include your link in the comments.

3/10/2015

A Red Box Of Makeup...Les Merveilleuses Laduree Makeup Coffret

Dark, dank and dreary! That's what the weather has been like lately. But, I'm not complaining...well, maybe except for the dank part...F#$@ my hair! I'm not ready to let go of Winter yet, and I'm milking whatever I can of what's left of it.

Here's the look I wore on Friday using Les Merveilleuses Laduree's 2014 Makeup Coffret. You may be asking, "what came inside the Coffret?" Well, I'm glad you asked...

This cute, gemstone-printed pouch with a Laduree cameo zipper pull. I'm not ashamed to admit, I did a google search to find what the proper name was for the zipper-pulley-thing was, and now I'm better informed and wiser, thank you.

Eye Color Duo in 101: A satin, nude-champagne and demi-matte, blackened midnight-blue color with blue shimmer.

Creamy Cheek pot in 104: A french rose pink.

Glossy Rouge in 101: A soft, coral-pink.

From left to right: Eye Color Duo 101, Creamy Cheek pot 104, Glossy Rouge 101.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2)

MAC Sculpting Powder in Bone Beige (to lightly contour).

Les Merveilleuses Laduree Creamy Cheek pot in 104.

Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
MAC Mineralize Concealer in NC30 (placed under the eyes).

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer in 02 Cream (placed on top of the MAC Mineralize Concealer).
MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Eye Color Duo 101:
The nude-champagne shadow (all over the lid up to the brow bone).
The blackened midnight-blue (lightly dusted all over the lid, then deepen the color in the crease and outer V, and darkest on the upper and lower lashline layered over the Blooz Eye Kohl).
MAC Eye Kohl in Blooz (blended on the upper and lower lashline, and on the waterline).
Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx (used to tightline).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Sexy Black Mascara in 01 Scandalous Black (upper and lower lashes).
Miche Bloomin' No. 105 Flair Long Eyelashes.
Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil in Have To Have It.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Glossy Rouge in 101.

As with the last look I posted, the photo of me looking down came out blurred.

I'm going to address my gripe with this Coffret first. I was really, really, REALLY excited about the Glossy Rouge, thinking it was going to be some kind of soft, cherry red, but, no, it's a soft, coral-pink. It's a beautiful lipstick, but I really wanted that soft, cherry red.

The eye color duo has a silky soft texture and the cheek pot has a whipped, silicone consistency; both are lovely in quality and performance.

Aside from my personal dissatisfaction with the shade of Glossy Rouge Shade, all three items are fantastic, and coordinate beautifully with one another.

3/07/2015

A Manicure On A Mission...China Glaze Midnight Mission Nail Lacquer

Whether I'm purchasing a blue nail lacquer, or grabbing one from my stash, I always hear my sister's voice echoing in my head saying "blue nail polish looks trashy"...LOL, I love my sister. I, personally, think blue is a blue color to wear on the nails.

Midnight Mission is a midnight-navy blue loaded with silver micro-glitter. I don't know why, but there is something about Midnight Mission that's reminiscent of Vincent Van Gogh's (one of my favorite artists, and wouldn't a cosmetic or polish collection based on his work be AMAZING?!) The Starry Night.

Although, it's a comely dark blue that is pigmented and wears well, I do have two issues with Midnight Mission that keeps me from wearing it more often. First, it dries down to a dull finish, and no matter which top coat I use, the lacquer goes back to looking dull by the third day. Secondly, while, to the touch, Midnight Mission has a smooth surface, at a glance, the micro-shimmers can give the lacquer the appearance of being gritty.

Now, with those two hiccups out in the open, Midnight Mission is a beautiful polish that requires a lot of extra top coat TLC.

What are you thoughts on blue polish, trashy or fun?

3/07/2015

Eyelashes Anyone? Miche Bloomin' No. 105 Flair Long Eyelashes

For someone who really doesn't wear false lashes, I sure do buy a lot of them. Miche Bloomin' Eyelashes in No. 105 Flair Long are the newest addition to my falsies stash.

I do appreciate that each set of false lashes are packaged individually. This allows you to create your own variety pack of different styles when your working on different looks; also making them great for travel.

This was my first time trying Miche Bloomin' Eyelashes, and I found them easy to apply, comfortable, and they blended very well into my lashes and looked pretty natural.

Miche Bloomin' Eyelashes in No. 105 Flair Long cost 1,296 yen, so that's 432 yen per pair of lashes, not bad at all.

Do you were false eyelashes?

3/05/2015

Rising Demand For Oil...Carol's Daughter Monoi Oil (Repairing) Sacred Strengthening Serum

I have to share a magical, hair care elixir that I've recently incorporated into my blow dry regime: Carol's Daughter Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum.

It's very humid in Tokyo (even during Winter). So, on those awfully humid days, the mid-length to the ends of my hair turn into this frizzy, knotted nest of a mess (that rhymed). Having run out of Caudalie's Divine Oil, I was using a drug store serum, and it wasn't cutting the mustard. However, I had a sample of Carol's Daughter Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum from one of my Sephora orders. I was apprehensive to try the Monoi Oil, because a few years ago, I had tried Carol's Daughter Macadamia Heat Protection Gloss and I absolutely hated it, especially the smell. Luckily, the Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum smelled good , and after the first use, I ordered a full-sized bottle

Thankfully, the Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum has a pump. But, one thing to be aware of is, it comes in a glass bottle. Fortunately for me, I was sitting on the floor while I was opening the box, because the bottle slipped out of the corrugated cardboard liner and rolled onto the floor; Just be careful when handling and where you store it.

Carol's Daughter Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum is a lightweight oil that claims to protect, strengthen, rebuild hair from all forms of damage, while also reducing frizz and boosting hair's natural Shine. Also, the serum contains no silicone, parabens, petroleum, mineral oil or artificial colors. I frequently change my hair color, and I heat style it a lot, and I must say the Monoi Oil Serum is living up to all of its claims.

Occasionally, before blow drying, I'll add half a pump of the Monoi Oil to my mixture of Pureology's Siper Smooth Smoothing Cream and Super Smooth Relaxing Serum. But, I primarily use it as a finishing polish on the mid-lengths and ends of my dried hair; I find that my hair is more manageable, doesn't get tangled throughout the day, and my ends are frizz free. Also, my hair seems stronger and, even with all the coloring, my hair doesn't lack shine, but it's shiner...Triple bonus!

Carol's Daughter Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum contains 1.7 fl oz/50ml and retails for $30.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

3/04/2015

Friends & Bezzies 30% Off Butter London

Isn't this model absolutely gorgeous! I Love her EVERYTHING!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

3/02/2015

Lovely Laduree Afternoon...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

I love Laduree's black box with the gold detailing; it remains me of a 19th century black Friesian horse drawn hearse.

I also love that the inside of the box is lined with match black tissue paper.

Enjoying my afternoon tea with Chocolate Banana, Red Fruits, and Orange Blossom (one of my favorites) macarons.

What are some of your favorite Macaron flavors?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

3/02/2015

Awash In Sweet Lavender...Bath & Body Works' French Lavender & Honey Shower Gel

Last month was very hectic, and my anxiety levels went through the roof. So, I've pepper my daily routine with calming agents, such as Lavender, to help me unwind and disconnect.

I was going to purchase a lavender body wash, but I remembered I had BBW's French Lavender & Honey Shower Gel; another first shower gel from their fragrance catalog.

I love the blush-colored shower gel, and the image of the French lavender fields on the bottle. Next time I'm in France, I need to make a point to visit Provence and runabout the rows of the Lavender fields; something I need to experience in my life.

French Lavender & Honey Shower Gel's fragrance notes are as follows:

Top Notes: Mandarin, Melon de Cavaillon, Blackberries, Violet Leaves.

Mid Notes: French Lavender, Jasmine, Lilly of the Valley, Nectarine de Provence.

Dry Notes: Honey, White Oak Musk.

When I first used the product, I could smell the lavender, but it's more of a subdued, soft, powdery- lavender than a sharp, herbal (a little piney) floral lavender scent. The Mandarin, Melon de Cavaillon, and Blackberries give the shower gel a fruity-sweetness, making the scent extra special. As much as I sniffed, I couldn't pick up the honey notes, but there is an earthy/woodsy note that I feel grounds all the notes, tying them together, and keeping the fragrances from being to overtly sweet or floral.

Bath & Body Works' French Lavender & Honey Shower Gel is a beautiful, soft, yet complex, intertwined sweet, earthy, floral bouquet that is enlivening.

What lavender scented products do you enjoy?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

3/01/2015

Under Renovation

Image Credit: www.architectmagazine.com.

I've been wanting to redecorate the blog for a long time now, and last night, while I was fiddling about with the layout, I accidentally removed the background...Oops!

Hopefully, I'll be able to figure out how to implement, visually, what it is that I have in mind for the blog. So, until then, So Lonely in Gorgeous will be draped in white; crossing my fingers this task doesn't take me as long as the Sagrada Familia.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.