10/31/2015

Autumn Is A Second Spring When Every Leaf Is A Flower...Fall Favorites Tag

Photo taken on one of my trips to Korea. 

Greeting goblins and ghouls,

Fall is my all-time favorite season, and I was very happy to be tagged by the stunning author of Rocaille Writes, Monika. I feel like a totally cheated with my answers and I wasn't able to choose just one item per question. Anyway, onto the tag!

1. Favorite Candle

Regrettably (and most disappointingly), my favorite Autumn candle, Yankee Candle's Fireside has been discontinued; thus, causing me to go into a frenzy. Now, I have to stalk ebay and hoard whatever form (i.e. tealights, votives, tarts wax melts, jars and tumblers) of Fireside I can find. I can't get enough of this harmonious blend of cedar, spice and the cozy, rustic, warm crackling wood fire scent. During Fall, I can't live without having my nose buried in this scent!

2. Favorite Lip Color

Inspired by the changing of leaves, during the Fall season I'm all about deep berry, muted orange and caramel brown lipstick shades. We would be here all day if I started naming shades. So, here are a few of my favorites:

Revlon 008 Cocoa Craving, Nars Rouge Basque, Nars Joyous Red, Nars Damned, L'Oreal 839 Cinnamon Toast, Tom Ford Warm Sable, Estee Lauder 01 Burnished Bronze, Helena Rubinstein 011 Bewitch, Helena Rubinstein 103 Arouse, Helena Rubinstein, Chanel 176 Crushed Cherry, Marc Jacobs 132 Saboteur, Bobbi Brown Toffee 65, Bobbi Brown Black Cherry 50, Sonia Rykiel Sublime Lip Lacquer 03, Sonia Rykiel Sublime Lip Lacquer 04, Giorgio Armani 506, Givenchy Le Rouge 104 Brun Cachemire, Givenchy 15 Velvet Purple, MAC Luxe, Mac Chili, MAC Fashion Revival.

3. Favorite Drink

Why limited yourself to just one of anything? That's what I always say :P One Autumn beverage I love making is Hot Spiced Cranberry Cider (I recommend Paula Deen's recipe). However, this season, I'm all about Starbucks' Fruit Crush & Tea. I don't drink coffee, and I'm not a fan of Starbucks (I know, boo hiss, boo hiss), but this tea, infused with a rich, strawberry, apple, raspberry and red grape flavored sauce, and with real strawberry, apple, raspberry and red grape fruit bits, has turned me into a seven-days-a-week customer!...I'm not kidding. Of course, you knew Earl Grey Tea would make it onto this tag in some way or another. I drink Earl Grey throughout the year, but there's something about Autumn that makes my taste buds go into overdrive for it. And, I can't leave out Kusmi Tea's Violet (thank you Kate). If I could (and, maybe I will), I would bathe in Earl Grey and Violet tea.

4. Favorite Blush

As with my lippies, I love wearing reds, deep berry, muted orange/terra cottas and caramel brown blushes. oooooooh, this is so hard to narrow down to only a few! Forget what I said about being here all day and naming favorite Fall Lipstick shades, it would be next Autumn when I finished my fav blushers list, and even then it would take longer including whatever new discoveries I make. And even so, here are a few of my loves:

Illamasqua Sleek, Kiss, Peaked, Brazen, Ravish, and Crush, Guerlain 06 Red Hot, Bobbi Brown Spice 12, Tom Ford 04 Savage, Rock & Republic All Nighter, Shameless, X-Rated, Nars Liberte, Taos, Mounia, and Turkish Red, Chanel Bronze Plum, Fandango, Vamp, Golden Sun, and Fantasia.

5. Favorite Clothing Item

Vest, jackets/blazers, boots and scarves...why do I feel I've chosen three too many?! My wardrobe truly comes to life during Fall with all the layering fun and boot traction.

6. Favorite Fall Movie

Well, in regards to Fall Movies, I'm going to assume we're speaking of Halloween films. And to quote a club fav, Ministry, "Every day is Halloween"...seriously is it. All I watch are horror films with other genres sprinkled here and there. With all the creepy, sinister music and blood curdling screams coming out of my apartment, Lord only knows what my neighbors, the mailman, take-out delivery person, and anyone passing by, may thinks. From October 1st to All Hallows' Eve marks my Halloween-themed horror flicks marathon. In no particular order, here's my top Halloween films: Halloween (not the Rob Zombie shite abomination, but the one and only 1978 film), Night of the Demons (1988), Trick r' Treat (2007), Hell Night (1981. Not set on Halloween, but the cast are wearing costumes, so, it's close enough), and Disney's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949).

7. Favorite Fall TV Show

Aside from the History channel, and tuning into my favorite shows, I don't watch TV. Supernatural and American Horror Story would have to be my tube picks.

8. Favorite Thanksgiving Food

Thanksgiving and Halloween are my two favorite holidays EVER! From the turkey to all the side dishes, I love it all; especially, the stuffing and gravy. And, what's even better than eating all the delicious food on Thanksgiving, is having it for the next few days until all the leftovers are gone.

9. Favorite Fall Perfume (I switched the order of questions 9 and 10)

I do change my perfumes by seasons. However because,  I suffer from migraines, I rarely venture out into new "fragranced" waters. Another discontinued love, L'Occitane The Bergamote Eau De Toilette; I wear this fragrance every single day, and I'm always complimented on how good I smell. The last time I was in the states, I purchased a few bottles, and this is my last one; It will be a sad day when this fragrance is all gone.

 Rushing to get ready.

Blonde haired and blue eyed Liz, Halloween 2009.

This is what happens when I wake up before Aki. 

10. Favorite Halloween Costume

I go all out for Halloween. And, as soon as it's over, I'm already planning for the following year. One of my favorite costumes has to be Alice in Wonderland's, Alice. I had just moved to Tokyo, and thought it would be symbolic of my new journey.

This year's costume will not come to fruition...Customs has decided to rain on my black parade, and not release the package containing all my Costume goodies, since some items (some special effects makeup) are "hazardous." That is, unless, I go to the their office and sign for it. So, being that my only day off was today, it didn't happen; thus, no packaging for me.  I'll have to recycle an old costume. But, at least I'm all set for next year! Given the fact that I have no Halloween look to post this year, here are some more picture from past events.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad "Wolf", Halloween 2010.

Steam Punk, Halloween 2011 (unfortunately, I lost all the photos from this night after my laptop crashed). 

Again, a big thank you to Monika for tagging me; I had a lot of fun. Hope you enjoyed this post, and I'll tag any of you who would like to do this; just leave a link in the comments. And if you don't have a blog, you can leave your answers in the comments as well.

Happy Halloween! 

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10/27/2015

Orange Blossom Special...Le Couvent des Minimes Exfoliating Show Pulp in Orange Blossom & Petitgrain

It's always fun discovering new brands, and Cosmeme recently introduced Le Couvent des Minimes (the south of France convent-turned-botanical skincare brand) to their comprehensive beauty lineup.

Aftering sniffing my way through all Le Couvent des Minimes's fragrance series, I chose the Exfoliating Shower Pulp in Orange Blossom & Petitgrain.

The subtle, juicy, spicy, floral, and citrus notes of Orange Blossom & Petitgrain layer favorably with Sabon's Ginger Orange Shower Gel.

Now, I've been spoiled by Sabon's Body Scrubs, making it difficult to gage other exfoliators. Even through I wish the Exfoliating Shower Pulp had more granules, it does a decent job of cleansing, exfoliating, and leaving my skin feeling soft.

Le Couvent des Minimes Exfoliating Shower Pulp in Orange Blossom & Petitgrain contains 200ml and retails for 1,620 yen. 

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10/24/2015

Hey Mambo, Mambo Japaniano!

I love changing my makeup from day-to-day, but last week was all about Paul & Joe's Eye Color M in 001 Mambo Mambo and the Lip Gloss M in 002 Strawberry Kiwi.

My heart swoons for 001 Mambo Mambo! Both of the shades are absolutely beautiful, and every possible variation that can be created with this duo (particularly, when mixed together) is pure love.

A dark, yellow-based, bronzed brown.

A soft, butter-gold. 

A muted, gold-ochre. 

Both the Lip Gloss M shades of 002 Strawberry Kiwi accentuate the greenish tones in both of the shadows in 001 Mambo Mambo; thus creating a lovely coupling. 

A strawberry-pink with fuchsia, orange and silver shimmer.

A kiwi-green with green, yellow and silver shimmer. 

A fuchsia pink with green, yellow, orange fuchsia and silver shimmer.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Medium 3 (Stromboli) my Summer shade.
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Mixed Pressed Cheek Color in 105.
Eyes:

B & C Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.

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

MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre (eyeshadow base).
Paul & Joe Eye Color M in 001 Mambo Mambo:
The bronzed-brown shade (blended all over the lid, crease and the outer half of the lower lash line).
The butter-gold (patted on the center of the on the center of the lid, and inner half of the lower lash line).
Tom Ford Eye Defining Pencil in 03 Metallic Mink (used to tightline, applied thinly and blended out on the upper lashline, and on the water line).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Feline Extravaganza in 01 Black Black.
Paul & Joe Smudgeproof Mascara in 002 Pink Samba (lower lashes).
Lips:
Mac Lip Pencil in Stripdown (lightly used to line the lips and blended out to almost nothing).
Paul & Joe Lip Gloss M in 002 Strawberry Kiwi (the kiwi-green shade).

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10/10/2015

In The Limelight...Paul & Joe 009 Nail Polish

Three time's the charm as Paul & Joe deliver, another, stunning polish in 009 "Bitter Lime". A much loved/worn polish last Summer, my tryst with Bitter Lime is still going strong through the beginning of fall.

009 Bitter Lime is a vibrant (yet, muted), yellowish leaning, lime green with bright lime green shimmer (sadly, the shimmer disappears once on the nails). I've raved about these lacquers in previous posts, and the same holds true for 009 Bitter Lime. So, if you would like to read my thoughts on the formula, finish and performance, please read here and here. 

I'm infatuated with the contrast of the yellowish-lime color of Bitter Sweet and pairing it with a variety of Autumnal shades. 

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10/10/2015

In A Instagram!

I looked for a photo that was kinda "Instagramy," and found this one. Image is shoddy because I took it from my FB; me circa 2010.

Some time ago, at my sister's request (or, better said, badgering), I setup a Instagram account. I recently started making use of it and wanted to share my account with you. I'm still getting the hang of it; I swear, technology gives me anxiety.

You can find me at: https://instagram.com/solonelyingorgeous/

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10/04/2015

The Dance I Love...Paul & Joe Smudgeproof Mascara in 002 Pink Samba

Mascaras are the proverbial "cherry on top" to enhance any eye makeup look, and I have a penchant for them (especially, the colored variety).

Paul & Joe's Smudgeproof Mascara in 002 Pink Samba (limited edition) was part of the Midnight Sangria 2015 Summer Collection, but I had every intention to crack it open for Autumn.

The "wink"shaped brush grabs onto the lashes perfectly, and deposits the formula evenly from root to tip.

Richly pigmented, 002 Pink Samba is a glorious, deep rose-red (back in 2004, I used to dye my hair this exact color).

Being a first for me, I was happily impressed with Paul & Joe's Smudgeproof Mascara; it lived up to it's claims by coating and defining each lash, emphasizing volume and curl, and creating a fluttery-lash effect. I was so pleased with the results of 002 Pink Samba, I ordered 001 Blue Hibiscus (also limited edition).

I live for this shade range of mascaras, especially during the Fall, as the color allows me to play up my surroundings and the changing of colors of the leaves.

Although limted edition, Paul & Joe's Smudgeproof Mascara in 002 Pink Samba can be purchased through beautyhabit.com, b-glowing.com and other online retailers. 

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10/01/2015

I Must Have My Ginger & Orange! SABON Shower Gel

I popped into Sabon to pick up the Shower Oil in Ginger Orange; however,  I was seduced by the dark brown-amber-colored glass bottle of the shower gels, and got the Ginger Orange scent in that line instead.

As per the website, the shower gels are a "gel-based liquid soap enriched with ocean seaweed extract to nourish and revitalize the skin." Seaweed is rich in vitamins and minerals, and a fantastic agent in skincare with it's vast range of benefits. I've never tried Sabon's Shower Gels, so, I was eager to see how it would compare to the shower oils I love dearly.

I've used the shower gel twice, and found it had a rich, velvety lather, and left my skin feeling soft and clean. Even though my skin doesn't feel the least bit dry or tight, I will say I find the shower oils more moisturizing.

Of the Sabon fragrances I've tried, Ginger Orange has more of a clean, masculine cologne scent (the fragrance is familiar to a men's cologne, but I just can't put my finger on the name), and the ginger gives it a delicious spicy twist. I enjoy the balance of rich and fresh scents without being overpowering, absolutely lovely for the beginning of Fall.

Sabon Shower Gels retail for 2,100 yen and contain 300ml.

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