8/29/2016

Doctor, Doctor, Can't You See I'm Burning, Burning

Here is one of two of my favorite sunscreens: Givenchy's Doctor White 10 UniVersal Shield SPF50-PA++++.

In Givenchy's own words/writing:

"Created to fight the daily factors behind pigmentation spots, this shielding fluid takes your skin protection to the next level. It not only improve's the skin's radiance and clarity, but also ensures that UV- and environmental-caused pigmentation is prevented with continued use."

"The brightening power of this ultra fine fluid comes from the White Integral Sequencer®(WIS®) complex, paired with 5D-Technology to protect the skin's brightness and clarity both instantly and over time."

A light, non-greasy formula that quickly absorbs into the skin, the sunscreen's liquid has a lavender-pink tint that acts as a color correcting primer. The Doctor White 10 UniVersal Shield SPF50-PA++++ protects and brightens the complexion, leaving a beautiful transparent luminescence without affecting my foundation or creating a white cast.

8/29/2016

The Sparkle In Your Eyes...ADDICTION Sparkling Colored Mascara WP

One of these things is not like the other. When it came time to take the photo above, I couldn't find one of the mascaras, and had to use one of the older ones I kept around for color reference. Don't worry folks, I have since found the missing mascara, and it's doing fine.

I fell in love with the Sparkling Mascaras when they were first released in 2013, with the Secret Nights collection. So, you can imagine my excitement (and yes, I think you can) when I discovered ADDICTION was re-releasing them this Summer.

These colored mascaras are somewhat different than their original counterparts. First, there are five colors instead of six. Secondly, the shades that have made a comeback are 02 Fanfare, 03 Color Purple, 04 Night Dive, 05 Lady of the Lake, with 01 Tough Love being the new edition. And lastly, these mascaras has a straight wand, whereas their predecessors were curved.

From left to right: 01 Tough Love, 02 Fanfare, 03 Color Purple, 04 Night Dive, 05 Lady of the Lake.

01 Tough Love: a plummy-maroon brown.

02 Fanfare: a bright, emerald green.

03 Color Purple: a deep purple.

04 Night dive: a marine blue.

05 Lady of the Lake: a burgundy-red.

The Sparkling Colored Mascara WP defines and separates, and gives a little volume and length, but not that much. Even on days were the humidity levels were in the high 90's, this resilient waterproof formula kept my mascara from flanking or smearing. While not vivid, they are pigmented and give the lashes an eye-catching wash of color. Also, the formula is creamy and contains shimmer. However, the shimmer is so microscopic, it's almost unnoticeable, except in certain angles when the light hits your lashes; hence, giving them a beautiful radiant effect, and not glittery at all.

whether worn on both my upper and lower lashes, or just the tips of my upper lashes, or solely the lower lashes (heck, I've even worn them on my brows), I'm infatuated with all five shades, and have been rotating between them, and another shade (post coming up soon), this entire season.

8/26/2016

I'm Painting Double...O.P.I My Twin Mimmy Nail Lacquer

Today is so beautiful and sunny, I want to emulate this Summery, sunshiny day with O.P.I's, My Twin Mimmy.

My Twin Mimmy is a bright (yet a smidgen deep) sunshine yellow, with a creme finish. Yellow nail lacquers are a fun way to amp up your manicure. However, as with most of my yellow polishes, My Twin Mimmy's formula is not without its faults. The consistency is thick, goes on streaky and patchy, which then requires three to four coats to correct all blemishes. The last time I wore My Twin Mimmy, I believe I got 3 to 4 days off wear.

8/24/2016

Blush, Blush Baby Giveaway Winners!

Sorry I'm a day late, but my internet was down. Well everyone, it's time to announce our winners!

First place:

ALimatola

Second Place:

Monika (Rocaille Writes)

Third Place:

Anna Georgiadi

Ladies, please email me your selections and information.

I want to take everyone who participated in the giveaway, and if you didn't win this time around. Don't worry and stay tuned because my next giveaway will be all about ADDICTION Eyeshadows :)

8/21/2016

She's Been Living In Her Uptown world...Addiction Lip Crayons

For me, last week was all about "minimal" makeup (sometimes, no makeup) and a bold red lip; and, the lipstick I wore (five out of the seven days) was Addiction's 010 Uptown Lip Crayon.

010 Uptown, along with 009 Desert Rose and 011 Angry Red, were limited edition shades from the spring 2016 Uptown Kisses Collection. Even though I got a lot of mileage out of 009 Desert Rose during spring, I never got around to doing a post on it. I felt 010 Uptown was a color I would enjoy from summer thur winter, and 011 Angry Red was a shade I would specifically wear during fall and winter; therefore, I tucked them away for later use...until now that is.

From left to right: 009 Desert Rose, 010 Uptown, 011 Angry Red.

009 Desert Rose: a redden-brownish-rose.

010 Uptown: a vivid, true red.

011 Angry Red: a rosy-brick red.

I'm still going through the process of reorganizing all my makeup; so out of partial-laziness and not wanting to pull more makeup out, I've kept my makeup the same and just changed out my lipstick.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Blend.
Guerlain Terracotta Joli Teint Healthy Glow Fluid Foundation in Natural.
ADDICTION Blush in Noah 29.
ADDICTION Sparkling Veil Powder in Sparkling Pink 001.
Eyes:

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

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.
Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder in Revive.

MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (eyeshadow base).
Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Banana (all over the lid up to the brow bone).
ADDICTION Eyeshadow in Brown Beach 056 (in the crease and along the lower lashline).
ADDICTION Eyeliner Pencil in 09 Rabbit Hole (used to tightline).
ADDICTION Eyeliner Pencil in 02 Sugar Blond (on the waterline).
Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils' Mascara in 1 High Density Black.
ADDICTION Sparkling Colored Mascara WP in 01 Tough Love (bottom lashes).
Lips:
Addiction Lip Crayon in 009 Desert Rose.

Look Breakdown:

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

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.
Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder in Revive.

Look Breakdown:

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

By Terry Touche Veloutee Highlighting Concealer Brush in 2 Cream.
Le Metier de Beaute Eye Brightening & Setting Powder in Revive.

Addiction's Lip Crayons have a velvety-silicone texture, with a matte finish. All eleven of the Lip Crayons I own apply evenly, and are opaque. Moisturizing this lip crayon isn't, but they feel comfortable and very light on the lips (but that's subjective), without flaking, crumbling, or peeling. As with any matte lipstick, I would advise exfoliating, wearing a lip balm for few minutes, then wiping off before applying, to ensure an optimal finished result.

I checked online and, to my surprise, both, 010 Uptown and 011 Angry Red, are still available online.

8/19/2016

Chinoiserie Chic...Addiction Nail Polish

I love all the various shades of red; red is my favorite color. ADDICTION's Chinoiserie 064 is a gorgeous, vivid, Chinese red. I can't wait to wear this stunner during the Christmas season.

The formula is superb! Chinoiserie's consistency is more than just right, it's perfect! Practically opaque with one coat, it applies like butter, and has an intense, glossy, crelly finish. I almost got a full week of wear, that is, until I got a chip on my left index finger on day 6...pretty impressive.

8/15/2016

Off To The Tropics...SABON Tropic Body Scrub

For my summer Sabon body scrub, I chose the scent, Tropic. This is my third time purchasing Tropic, and I recall its fragrance being a medley of pineapple, coconut, mango and vanilla. However, this time around, whenever I get a whiff of the scrub, the first thing that comes to mind is a tropical version of Juicy Fruit gum.

I'm not sure if Sabon has altered any of its ingredients, but perhaps it's my memory deceiving me. Regardless, the Tropic body scrub still smells great, and its fragrance layers harmoniously over my body wash, and under my body cream.

8/13/2016

Blush, Blush Baby Giveaway

Happy Saturday evening lovelies!

I just finished watching Warcraft, and I loved it! The film made me feel nostalgic for my World of Warcraft days. I need to ask someone in my family to mail all my role-playing books.

Anyway, the "blush, blush baby" giveaway finally came to an end on the 9th. I was going to announce the winner on the 16th, but I've moved it to the 23rd. Some of my Aussie friends are arriving tomorrow, and they'll be here for a week...and, we know how hosting friends goes. I'm sorry to make you wait a little longer, and I thank you for your patience. I'll make sure to add some extra treats to your boxes :)

8/13/2016

You Highlight My Life! Addiction Sparkling Veil Powder

The pale blush-pink colored case is adorable.

Today, as I was rearranging my highlighters, I thought to myself, "woman, you have some nerve purchasing highlighters when you've neglected so many of these powders." What better way to reacquaint myself with my highlighters than to do a series showcasing them?!

First up, two of my newest children (fraternal twins), the Sparkling Veil Powders in Sparkling Pink 001 and Sparkling Beige 002.

The Sparkling Veil powders are finely milled, and have a delicate, silky-airy texture. When you apply the product, it seems to disappear on the skin. You can't tell where the highlight begins and ends, which is a good thing. All you see is a pretty, understated, sheer, natural luminescence.

From left to right: Sparkling Pink 001, Sparkling beige 002.

Sparkling Pink 001: a pale pink with large, sparse silver glitter.

Sparkling Beige 002: a pale champagne-beige.

When I swatched Sparkling pink, I noticed there was large, sparse, silver glitter (I assume this is where the "sparkling" in the product's name comes from). Thankfully, the glitter disappears when the product is buffed in. The shimmer in Sparkling Beige is gold, and microscopic. Also, Sparkling Beige is a tad more luminescence than Sparkling Pink, as Sparkling Pink's powder has a dryer texture.

I love how low-key these highlighters are; perfect for those days when you're going for a more "natural," soft-focused sheen.

8/07/2016

The Last Emperor...Addiction Nail Polish

I didn't think is was possible, but whenever I wear an Addiction nail polish, I fall more in love with them.

Last Emperor 066 is a uber glossy, deep red-wine creme polish, with a kiss of jelly finish. A limited edition shade, 066 Last Emperor was one of five nail polishes from the Uptown Kisses 2016 Spring Collection. I felt this color to be more fall than spring, and put it away for future use. However, recently its been cloudy outside, and I've been looking for any excuse to break this beauty in.

If you haven't read my other Addiction polish reviews, Last Emperor has the same extraordinary formula, application, finish, and wear time (5-6 days).

I wish I was able to ship nail polishes, because I would definitely do an Addiction nail polish giveaway. I still may do one in the future, but it'll have to wait until I visit the states; that way I can ship it from there.

8/05/2016

Gone To Maui...Bath & Body Works' Maui Hibiscus Beach Shower Gel

I was shopping at Roppongi Hills the other day, and popped into this cute store that sold bathing products and skin care. I was so tempted to buy some body washes, but I reminded myself of the drawer full of Bath & Body Works Shower gels that needs eliminating. So, I put the bottles down and walked out of the store. If only I had this much willpower when it comes to makeup?...

August's Shower Gel was last year's summer release, Maui Hibiscus Beach. BBW describes Maui Hibiscus Beach as "a native island blend of refreshing star fruit, tropical hibiscus and sparkling mandarin with waves of watery melon and mango wood." When I first tried MHB, I thought it was similar to last month's Pure Paradise; and although there is a slight similarity, Pure Paradise is more coconutty-pineapple, whereas Maui Beach is mandarin hibiscus. I prefer Pure Paradise over Maui Hibiscus Beach, but it's still a great refreshing, beachy-tropical fruity floral fragrance.

8/04/2016

Blush, Blush Baby Giveaway

It's crunch time folks, only 5 days left in the giveaway! Here's what you stand to win:

The first place winner receives one blush of your choice from each brand: Addiction, THREE, Laduree, Suqqu, and Chicca.

The second place winner gets a blush of their choice from one of the following brands: ADDICTION, THREE or LADUREE.

The third place winners get a blush of their choice from one of the following brands: THREE or LADUREE.

What you have to do: in the comments, please list your favorite blushers, what upcoming blushes are you pining for, and what Addiction, THREE, Laduree, Suqqu, and Chiccs blushers would you choose.

To increase your chances of wining (same method as all my previous giveaways):

All gorgeous members (via the members section on the blog) automatically get one entry. So, don't forget to click the "Join this site" button.

For every blog post, tweet, or whatever form of social media you use, mention the giveaway, and you'll earn another two entries per mention (please link the post in the comments, thank you!).

The What Makes You Blush Giveaway ends on August 9th, 11:59p.m. (GMT+9).

This giveaway is open internationally.

If you have any questions, feel free to message me in the comments.

8/03/2016

Don't Be Rough On Yourself...Sabon Lemon Loofah Soap

If I'm not in converse, summer is all about exposing my feet in sandals, or flip flops, and in search of any form of ventilation I can find. With all the walking I do in Tokyo, my feet really go through the ringer. Sabon's Loofah Soap is a must-have for me to maintain my pedicure, and keep my talons respectable between my bi-weekly appointments.

I think this natural loofah (sea sponge) embedded in a glycerine-based soap looks really neat, doesn't it?! It looks kind of like a preserved fossil. The soap can be used on any rough patch on your body; I mainly use it to exfoliate my feet. Towards the end of my shower, I scrub all over my feet, focusing along the top of my toes, the ball of my feet and heels. Afterwards, the dead skin on my feet are gone, leaving them smooth, soft and open-toe shoe ready!

That said, if your heels are in need of some heavy-duty, major scrubbing, you're going to have to use one of those pumice stone/sandpaper sandblast buffing tools first; this loofah soap is more of a polishing upkeep and preventative of future cracks, peeling or calluses spots.

In Japan, Sabon's Loofah Soap retails for 1,000 yen, and are available in three sublime fragrances: Amber, Lemon, and Lavender. All three scents linger on the skin, and I enjoy all of them...but, since it's summer, I'm all about the Lemon.

Also, until August 3rd (today) 11:59PM EST sabonnyc.com is having an up to 30% off sale event!

8/01/2016

Get Them Before They're Gone! THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil

Just in case you are not connected with me on twitter or Instagram, I just found out THREE Cosmetics is discontinuing all eight of the THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencils...WTF THREE! I believe they'll be on sale until August 9th. Hope this information helps those who hand these on their "want" list, or those who may want some backups.