Brazil On The Rise...Bath & Body Works' Fresh Brazil Citrus Shower Gel

There are 21 days until Fall, but the weather is still too hot and humid to shift into the richer, spicy Autumn scents I enjoy (usually, it doesn't begin to cool down until mid-October); the mixture of heat and warmer fragrances would be too much for my sense of smell to handle.

Launched in the Spring of 2015, Bath & Body Works' Fresh Brazil Citrus is the perfect transition fragrance.

Fresh Brazil Citrus Shower Gel fragrance notes are as follows:

Top Notes: Exotic Citrus, Luscious Pineapple, Mango Nectar, Tangerine Fizz, Pomelo.

Mid Notes: Tiare Bloom, Passion Flower, Peach Sorbet.

Dry Notes: Sandalwood, Coconut Milk, White Musk.

What a delicious fragrance Fresh Brazil Citrus is! I'm sniffing from the bottle and cupping my hands to my nose, inhaling deeply, trying to describe the scent for you all.

Fresh Brazil Citrus is a mixture of  luscious, mellow, tropical citrus, pineapple and coconut (without smelling like suntan lotion), with a subtle, fresh floral scent. The Sandalwood and White Musk gives the shower gel a lovely, underlying, warmth and exotic complexity.

Fresh Brazil Citrus Shower Gel has a succulent aroma that befits Summer; however, the fragrance notes would harmoniously be enhanced during the cooler temperatures of Fall.

I Would Like To Make An Exchange!

50% off the promotions maximum of 24 polishes...that's $108.00 for 24 polishes...Fantastic promotion Zoya! 

I Want It Long, Short, Straight, Wavy, Curly, Shining, Gleaming, Streaming Hair!

After the Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole Paul & Joe Post, I was emailed a few times asking what styling products and tools I use to straighten my hair.

Here are the products I use:

The Orange wood or Luxor Citrus Nylon and porcupine boar bristle 4 1/2" diameter jumbo brush.

I learned how to do my hair while I was on tour with Cirque du Soleil; before that, I would go to the salon two to three times a week for a blow dry.

This jumbo size brush is the best styling brush I've ever used; grabs onto the hair, giving the perfect amount of pull, without causing breakage, and smoothing each strand.

Besides needing good pull, the next key to a good blowout is heat and speed. 

I recommend the Parlux 3800 or the Twin Turbo 3200 Ceramic Ionic. Both Blow dryers have the perfect amount of heat and air flow power to leave the hair straight, shiny, and frizz free. This is my second Twin Turbo (the first one was with me for six or seven years before the voltage power in Korea killed it), the first one being a Ceramic Ionic. In repurchasing, I didn't realize I bought non Ceramic Ionic dryer, and, in all truth, I don't see the difference.

I've tried many flat irons, Babyliss, Solano (I think it was called Blue Sapphire), CHI (not a fan) and I was using a T3, before my friend and stylist (Melvyn) gifted me a HAI Flat Iron, and I've converted ever since.

I used to work the flat iron throughout all of my hair, but in the last few years, I just smooth out my roots at the front to prevent any frizz that may creep in throughout the day (and, it works). If I want my hair bone straight or just smooth out little bits, HAI does the job while keeping my hair soft and shiny.

I've been asked to do a post on what hair products I use when it's curly or straight, and that is coming soon. If you have any questions, please leave a comment or email me. 

It's The Fashion...Hankyu Fashion Week Campaign

From 8/26-9/8 Hankyu is celebrating it's fashion week campaign.  

I love the area rug fashion top on the model is wearing. I like the coat as well, but I can do without the quilted blanket half.

This coming season, that blue leather jacket and knee-high platform boots worn by the model on the right, my find themselves in my Fall wardrobe.

Whether dressing it up or down, I can see myself getting a lot of mileage with that little blue patterned dress.

 Isn't that white top with the intricate detailing on the model on the far right divine! 

I don't really go for Pointy shoes, but I like the Jeffrey Campbell and Victor shoes in the middle and corner of the top row on the right, and the Miharay Asuhiro ankle length boots in the bottom left corner. 

Don't Mind If I do Laura Mercier

Yesterday, as I was reorganizing a closet, I pulled my back lifting some heavy boxes. On the bright-side, hopefully this unfortunate event can allow me to catch up on some much needed blogging.

This promotional code came at a rather convenient moment, given my interest for some recent releases have recently caught my attention.

Has anyone seen the Eyes Chrome palette in person and played with it? If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

This offer code, of 10% off with free ground shipping, is valid towards purchases over $60 and expires after 09/30/15.

The Only Time I Would Ever Wear Tie Dye

The picture library in my laptop is full of folders of all the makeup I've purchased throughout the years (even before starting the blog), and have yet to post. So, I'm going to do some kind of "End of Summer" (Don Henley's "The Boys of Summer" always plays in my head whenever I write, think or say "End of Summer") 2015 Summer Collection countdown type thing, in order to share with you (and, purge myself of) my thoughts and the looks created with them; otherwise, these folders will just continue to exist in my laptop "collection data dust". Now, these posts are in no particular order, as in like worst to best, least to most favorite or the like (just wanted to put that out there).

Holy Moses! Can I just tell you how totally in love, luv, lalalalalooove  I am with both, the 551 Zenith and 751 Fahrenheit Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadows from the Tie Dye Collection!

During sweltering weather, I prefer taking an easier approach with my eyeshadow application and look. I tend to go for a single wash of color on the lid with an occasional dash of color blended here and there. In my opinion, the best way to get the multidimensional contrast and shimmer from the Fusion Mono shadows is to apply them with a finger. Once applied, and blended into the crease, the base color in 551 Zenith and 751 Fahrenheit gives the eyes all the definition they will need. So, you can put that blending shade away...you won't need it!

Both 551 Zenith and 751 Fahrenheit are amazing eyeshadows; they're long-lasting and don't crease. Also, both shades will transitional wonderfully into Fall and winter; heck, maybe into next Spring as well.

This is odd because the Diorskin Nude Tan Tie Dye Edition Blush Harmony blushers, in 001 Pink Sunrise and 002 Coral Sunset, appeared on Isetan's website way before the collection was release in Japan; and, since I was purposefully keeping my eyes closed in regards to the Summer collections, I didn't know what they belonged to. But, that didn't stop me from buying these fun, multi-colored, tie-dye patterned blushes.

Both blushes are finely milled and have a velvety texture. However, a fair amount of product does kick-up when you swirl brush in the compact; so, don't forget to give your brush that good ol' tap, taparoo. I wouldn't say they're insanely pigmented, but they do give the cheek a playful wash of color that can be built up to you liking.

As much as I love my bold lip colors and various finishes, Summer is also a great time to play up the balmy textures, sheer finishes and, what I would consider, more "low maintenance" lipsticks; and, the Dior Addict Tie Dye Lipsticks are just that. The Tie Dye Lipsticks have secondary color center (which runs all the way through the lipstick), embossed in the brands initials; thus, offering a two-in-one color combination. Falling on the sheerer side of pigmentation, these lipsticks give a pretty, glossy, solid veil of color. Their balmy texture feels very comfortable and hydrating on the lips; I get about three hours before reapplying

From left to right: 551 Zenith, 751 Fahrenheit, 001 Pink Sunrise, 002 Coral Sunset, 001 Red Bliss, 006 Nude Fever.

551 Zenith: a grayish-brown based champagne-platinum with silver, white gold and platinum shimmer.

751 Fahrenheit: a grayish-brown based, bronzed-rust-maroon with silver, pink and gold shimmer.

001 Pink Sunrise: once swirled together, the patterns of mauve, mid-tone pink, nude-pink and white create a soft, warm pink.

002 Coral Sunset: once swirled together, the patterns of tangerine, coral-orange, sienna-pink, and white create a tangerine-coral.

001 Red Bliss: a mid-tone strawberry pink.

006 Nude Fever: a rosy-beige-nude.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Diorskin Nude Glow Healthy Glow Complexion Enhancer in 001.
Diorskin Nude Glow Hydrating Makeup in 031.
Diorskin Nude Tan Tie Dye Edition Blush Harmony in 001 Pink Sunrise.
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in Walnut Brown 07.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly (eyeshadow base).
Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadow in 551 Zenith (patted on the lid, blended into the crease and lower lash line).
Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadow in 751 Fahrenheit (used to line three-fourth of the upper lash line and the outer one-third of the lower lash line).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Mystic Blacks Mascara in 01 Mysterious Black.
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Blacks in 01 Black Black.
Lips:
Dior Addict Tie Dye Lipstick in 001 Red Bliss.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Diorskin Nude Glow Healthy Glow Complexion Enhancer in 001.
Diorskin Nude Glow Hydrating Makeup in 031.
Diorskin Nude Tan Tie Dye Edition Blush Harmony in 002 Coral Sunset.
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in Walnut Brown 07.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly (eyeshadow base).
Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadow in 751 Fahrenheit (patted on the lid, blended into the crease and lower lash line).
Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadow in 551 Zenith (in the inner corner).
Estee Lauder DoubleWear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in 03 Bronze (on the water line).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Mystic Blacks Mascara in 01 Mysterious Black.
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Blacks in 01 Black Black.
Lips:
Dior Addict Tie Dye Lipstick in 006 Nude Fever.

A Piece Of Charcoal Is A Diamond...Morihata Binchotan Facial Puff

 I was first introduced to the wonders of Charcoal skincare products, over a decade ago (13 years to be exact), with the purchase of a Japanese charcoal facial scrub.

I was contacted by PEACH and LILY, and given the opportunity to chose an item from their extensive skincare, nail and body, and cosmetic selection to review; and, my eyes instantly locked in on Morihata's Binchotan Facial Puff.

Morihata's Binchotan Facial Puff is an all-natural, anti-bacterial sponge made from the Konjac vegetable root and micro-fine Binchotan charcoal powder.

As per the instructions: soak under warm running water, and message gently onto wet skin in circular motions. The sponge can be used with or without cleansers; I've tired both and, although I prefer using the puff after cleansing, the results are great either way. After each use, rinse the facial puff, squeeze out the excess water, and either store in the refrigerator or hang to dry in an airy location. I place mine in a zip-lock baggy and keep it in my fridge.

This Summer (just like all the Summers before it) has been unmercifully hot and humid. And, with all the sweating-like-a-man, and the blanket of wool-like moisture in the air, it's not the kind of weather you would expect to cause dryness; however, I had developed a dry patch on my left check. After the first use of the Binchotan Facial Puff, I could see, and feel, a difference in my skin; it felt softer, firmer, and appeared more polished. And, after the third day, the dry patch was no more.

I've incorporated the facial puff into my morning and evening skincare routine and, I must say, there's no turning back! The sponge works magic at deep cleaning, exfoliate, detoxifying and absorbing impurities. Also, since I started using the Binchotan facial puff, I've noticed that my toners, serums, and creams absorb into my skin more effectively. After one month of use, and I can see a positive improvement in the texture, appearance and overall condition of my skin; my skin is softer, smoother, more radiant, and any occasional dry patches are gone; thus, looking and feeling better than ever!

I highly recommend the Morihata Binchotan Facial Puff for all types of skin, even extremely sensitive and acne-prone skin. 

The Morihata Binchotan Facial Puff retails for $15.50 on peachandlily.com; they also offer shift international shipping (I received my puff in 8 days).

Disclaimer: I received the Morihata Binchotan Facial Puff featured in this post complimentary for consideration for editorial purpose from PEACH and LILY. And, just as if the mentioned item was purchased with my own hard earned cash, my opinion is 1000% honest, my own, and unbiased.

The Polish That Didn't Dread Sundown...Dior Sundown 464 Vernis

I had a hankering to wear something bright (without being neon) and pink on my nails, and Dior's Sundown 464 aptly fits my mood.

Sundown 464 is a bright, coral-pink with a creme finish. Is the shade unique?...no, but it's still a pretty color for Summer, and with 35 days left in the season, I can get a few more wears before putting her into cryosleep until next Summer.

The true test, of a winning shade, is in the praise; whenever I've worn Sundown, I get a lot of compliments. A few days ago, I was talking to my sister via Skype, and she complimented the color.

Everything about this lacquer is great. Great shade, great formula, great application, great pigmentation, great wear (four days), and overall, GREAT!

Enabling Your Beauty Habits...Addiction By Ayako Giveaway Winner!

The time has come to announce the winner of my ADDICTION giveaway! I want to thank everyone, those who commented, and tweeted. If you didn't win, don't worry, this won't be the last ADDICTION giveaway...as a matter of fact, there will be a holiday coffret giveaway (more details to come).

As I was getting ready to draw the name, my palms started to sweat; it felt as if I had Queen Alexandra's Birdwing butterflies in my stomach; and, I'm not going to lie, some high-pitched, excited "oh my goshes". You'd think I was giving away a million dollars or something.

Enough of my written blabber, the winner is...


CECILIA REYES! 


Cecilia, please email me your information and I'll take care of the rest.

Once again, big hugs and sloppy kissesto everyone on the blog <3

Me And My Shaaaadows...Addiction Eyeshadow Swatches Part Ni

Time for the second installment of my ADDICTION eyeshadows (which translates to me having the time and a good amount of sunlight, but then lost it in some of the photos).

With the introduction of the Tough Love 99 eyeshadows, it's great to see some of the discontinued shadows come back (i.e. Crow, Neverland, etc), relieved that certain shades remained (i.e. Alice and Shangri-la, two of my favorite eyeshadows), but, in the same instance, some of the shadows I love are now gone (i.e. Bad Romance, Midnight Oasis, etc).

Color description from left to right: Crow 021ME, Star Vega 023P, Alice 025M, Missa 026M.

Crow 021ME: a rich, glossy, metallic black with multidimensional flashes of midnight and green. The exact beautiful bluish/green/ black sheen of a crow...caw, caw.

Star Vega 023P: a matte, sooty-black with violet glitter.

Alice 025M: a matte, primary red.

Missa 026M: a matte, violet-based, dark plum.

Color description from left to right: Concrete Jungle 027P, Shangri-la 028ME, Arabian Ruby 029ME, Flash Back 030ME.

Concrete Jungle 027P: a satin-matte, grey-based, soft, dusty lavender.

Shangri-la 028ME: a rusty pinkish-copper red frost.

Arabian Ruby 029ME: a brown-based, deep reddened-plum with a pink sheen and pink micro-glitter.

Flash Back 030ME: a shimmery taupe with a slight grayish-plummy-mauve undertone and tiny green, pink and silver glitter.

Color description from left to right: Neverland 031ME, North Star 032ME, Morning Moon 033ME, Cigarette 034P.

Neverland 031ME: a metallic, black-based, alpine-green.

North Star 032ME: a metallic, tinsel-silver.

Morning Moon 033ME (discontinued): a metallic, apricot-gold.

Cigarette 034P: a warm, ivory-white with a white-gold sheen.

Color description from left to right: Thriller 035P, Twig 041P, Yesterday 043P, Tiny Dancer 044P.

Thriller 035P: a dark, ash-grey with multi-colored shimmer.

Twig 041P (discontinued): a satin, charcoal grey with pink and green sparkles.

Yesterday 043P: a graphite grey with multi-colored shimmer.

Tiny Dancer 044P (discontinued): a satin-matte, pale-grey with pink micro-shimmer.

Color description from left to right: Bad Romance 045P, Earth Wind 046M, Out of Africa 047P, Safari Mode 048P.

Bad Romance 045P (discontinued): a matte red-based, grape-purple.

Earth Wind 046M: a matte, flesh-brown.

Out of Africa 047P (discontinued): a dark, muted, fern-green.

Safari Mode 048P (discontinued): mid-tone Spanish olive-green with an tarnished gold sheen.

I can't believe Out of Africa and Safari Mode were discontinued! Both shades were absolute stunners. Do you know how hard (almost impossible) it is to find a descent range of green eyeshadows within Japanese cosmetic brands?! I don't know what it is, but for some reason greens are not very popular here; and that sucks for me because greens (tied with purple) are among my favorite shades of eyeshadow.

I haven't purchased any of the new batch of eyeshadows yet (okay, just one). At the moment, I'm preoccupied with scooping up all the limited edition Fall releases (although it's way too hot to think of wearing any of them. Seriously guys, Summer is the worst time to be in Japan). Also, I'm kinda entertaining the idea of buying the massive 99 eyeshadow set. Yes, I own more than one-third of the shades included, but in my head, I'm justifying it by telling myself that they're reformulated...see how it works in my mind of an addic?...makeup, that is :P

Time To Make The Donuts...50% Off Rescue Beauty Lounge!

Okay, this is one promotion that is NOT to be passed up...50% off guys! So, mark your beauty calendar because this offer is valid until 08/8th pm EST. Also, the following items are not included:

Makeupwithdrawal
Manicurator
Peachypolish.com
Morning Light
Trois Oignons Rouges, Combien?
Pardonne Moi
C'est Tout
Ah, Oui
Bonne Journee

And for those of you overseas, don't fret, Rescue Beauty Lounge ships internationally, Banzai! 

A Very Merry Unbirthday To ME!

Hello all,

So Lonely in Gorgeous celebrated its fourth birthday on August 9th, 2015; which is why I choose that date as the last day for my ADDICTION giveaway.

I'll be posting the winner on August the 16th. So, please stay tuned...I'm so anxious to find out who the winner is!

Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole...Paul & Joe Eye Color M Ole 002 & Lip Gloss M Midnight Sangria 001

Again, I live for the sangria-colored packaging of Paul & Joe's Midnight Sangria 2015 Summer Collection. The wrapping perfectly encapsulates the collection's theme of sensuality, and romance, of a Summer evening in Spain.

The collection features three eyeshadow, and lip gloss duos, and (as the SA informed me) both products are fashioned to be applied with your fingers; which, I feel, continues the whole sensual, carefree/hassle-free theme.

This post features a look I've worn several times, (including last Friday) pairing the Eye Color M Ole 002 (3,024 yen), with the Lip Gloss M Midnight Sangria 001 (2,700 yen); love this combination.

The Eye Color M Ole 002 offers two silky-smooth, pigmented shades that can be worn alone, layered, blended, or mixed together to create an entirely new third shade (bonus!). I like how buildable and easy to blend these eyeshadows are; offering a soft wash or vibrant color. Both shadows have a shimmery, luminescent-pearl finish.

Color description from left to right:

A deep, teal-blue.

A soft, beige-pinkish-peach.

A patinated, murky, seafoam blue.

How gorgeous are the gradation of the colors of the Lip Gloss M Midnight Sangria 001?! Just like Ole 002, Midnight Sangria 001 offers a cocktail of three color combinations. The Lip Gloss Ms have a balmy, slightly tacky, consistency and give the lips a good amount of moisture. Without eating, and an occasional sip of a drink, I get about 3 to 4 hours of wear before needing a touch-up. Midnight Sangria 001 gives the lips a flirty, shimmery, sheer splash of color (which I'm totally okay with during Summertime when I want the ease of a juicy, hint of color pout).

Color description from left to right:

A reddish-berry wine with pink and gold micro-shimmer.

A bronzed-peachy-gold with pink and gold micro-shimmer.

A bronzed wine with pink and gold micro-shimmer.

Yes, this is my hair in its natural state #tohottoblowdry

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer.
Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Flash (mixed with foundation)
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Medium 3 (Stromboli) my Summer shade.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Mixed Pressed Cheek Color in 106.
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula Eyebrow Pencil in Walnut Brown 07.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC30.
By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly (eyeshadow base).
Paul & Joe Eye Color M in Ole 002:
The teal-blue (blended all over the lid and up into the inner crease and patted over the Stila Kajal Eye Liner on the waterline).
The beige-pinkish-peach (on the lower lash line and lined along the center on the upper lash line).
Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Smoky Quartz (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Mystic Blacks Mascara in 01 Mysterious Black.
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Blacks in 01 Black Black.
Lips:
Mac Lip Pencil in Stripdown (lightly used to line the lips and blended out to almost nothing).
Paul & Joe Lip Gloss M in Midnight Sangria 001 (both sides mixed together, but using a little more of the bronzed-peachy-gold).

I've been using these products so much this season, that I've made a good dent in Ole 002, and I'm starting to see some pan peeking through Midnight Sangria 001.

Indulge Yourself With Some Polish...Paul & Joe 010 Nail Polish

It just keeps getting better, and better, with each of the Paul & Joe Midnight Sangria Summer 2015 nail polishes.

I love the cute fruit, and liqueur-themed names of the Paul & Joe Summer polishes. Creme de Cacao 010 is a mellow, rich, milky-cocoa with a glossy, creme formula. This shade definitely stood-out and caught my attention (I have a deep affection for nude/brown polishes) in the collection's promotional images; and in person, Creme de Cacao is just beautiful. Creme de Cacao applies evenly, streak-free, and is opaque in one coat; and, it wears immaculately for 4 to 5 days. Seriously, the formula of these polishes is outstanding!

If you fancy all variations of brown polishes, like I do, you NEED Creme de Cacao in your life! 

It's A Beautiful Day! Bath & Body Works' Shower Gel

All the remaining Bath & Body Works' shower gels in my body wash drawer are all first-time fragrances. So, as I was sniffing for August's body wash, Beautiful Day's perfectly balanced, crisp, fruity-floral scent felt most fitting for the rising temperatures.

Beautiful Day Shower Gel's fragrance notes are as follows:

Top Notes: Sun-kissed Apple, Dewy Pear, Sparkling Cassis.

Mid Notes: Wild Daisies, Lily of the Valley, Fresh Pink Peony.

Dry Notes: White Peach, Blonde Woods.

Beautiful Day smells just like a green apple jolly rancher, with hint of pear and a soft floral twist. The juicy apple note is the most prominent scent in the body wash, and I find it's fresh, clean fragrance reinvigorating. Also, Beautiful Day lathers up exceptionally well, and feels great. After showing, my skin feels soft and the "perfect for Summer" scent lasts for a long time.

Have you tried any products from the Beautiful Day collection?  

Deluxe Delivery...Parcel From Rouge Deluxe!

I've made many friends through blogging, and one of them is Iris from Rouge Deluxe. Every so often, we like to scratch each other's "beauty backs" and swap.

Currently, she has access to a Make Up Store, and I asked for a few microshadows and a blush.

Look at the extra brush paraphernalia she included :O

Isn't this Etude House brush adorable?!

 Both brushes are synthetic, so They'll be great for creams and liquids.