Showing posts with label cosmetics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cosmetics. Show all posts

Friday, March 28, 2014

lightning striking agaaaaiin! Review flash

HAPPY FRIDAY!

 

inspired by the incredibly aesthetic and inspiring Jenny's blog,
here is a lightning round of mini beauty reviews!
i've tried a bajillion products in the past year and a half or so and was itching to talk about them somehow, but it didn't occur to me to put them in one post. a wave of relief is washing over me!!
 (づ。◕‿‿◕。)づ



Etude House Dear My Blooming Eyes #OR201 Coral
I love the girly/sparkly colors and princess motif, but unfortunately this fella showed up to my house somewhat broken -- the inner eye corner 'sparkle panel' broke apart and SPARKLEVISION-dusted all of the other panels. (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻ From what I have been able to salvage, the colors are relatively subtle on their own after 1 application, so layering is key if you don't want more than a little bit of shimmer. Cute and great for 'everyday' makeup!

 Etude House Eraser Show Line Remover Stick
This 'roll-up' stick contains argan oil and aloe vera leaf extract
 and comes in a waxy, chapstick-like form that's good for spot removal if you're like me and screw up your eyeliner constantly (famous black spots on the bridge of the nose, etc.,) For best results sweep it on gently and then finish cleanup with a Q-tip. I've found it's easier to use it on small screw-ups that need a quick fix than overall eye make removal.
Etude House Eraser Show Mascara Cleaner
Yep, #2 in the Eraser Show series! The barrel is full of makeup remover, and the wand is just like a mascara wand that you can jiggle through your lashes to remove those pesky clumps so you don't have to rip out your lashes. I don't have to use this all the time but it's pretty efficient for disintegrating waterproof mascara. I worry a little about the hygiene aspect when returning the wand to the bottle, but I do try to keep it as clean as possible before replacing it.




Etude House Sweet Recipe Baby Choux Base #1 Mint Choux
I was eager to try this version, since they switched the packaging from gross germ pot to tube! I am super pale with pinky undertones and was hoping this base would downplay the inevitable winter redness a bit. Unfortunately, it's a bit too light to have much of an effect other than giving me a slightly ghostly sheen.


 Etude House Shini Star Clear Pact - #1 Peach
An OK, peachy pressed powder that's supposed to help with color correction. Doesn't wear for very long, though.









Etude House Tear Drop Liner #1 White Tear
Fine point, shimmery eyeliner for your inner corners for that brightening effect. A bit too shimmery for me, and peels off easily. I think I prefer a white matte pencil to this guy.


Etude House Lash Perm 3 step Volumecara (Brown)
Fun and gimmicky 3-step mascara -- you turn the dial to control the amount of product, coat 1, coat 2, coat 3! I haven't branched out into using brown mascara until recently but I've been enjoying this a lot, it's easy to apply, and definitely gives my eyelashes some oomph.
Holika Holika Aqua Petit jelly BB Cream 40ml #1 
IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE ??? No, seriously, the jelly-like consistency is a bit off-putting at first if you're used to pedestrian bb creams, but it's kind of neat at the same time. It's heavier and does have a glossy sheen, and unfortunately is not as matte as I usually prefer. You do have to be careful not to overapply because it will peel off your face in weird rolls if you do, and I've noticed it resists some products like concealers, etc.


Kiss My Face Peaches & Cream Moisturizer
This is too heavy for my face purposes -- I have sensitive/combination skin that doesn't like moisture products --  but it smells AMAZING and just super real best tastiest peachy. Not overpowering, but delicious. I like to grossly slather myself with it when I get out of the shower. Great if you want to smell somewhat edible! Watch out for bees??




Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara (Brown-Black)
Illegal Length... but not a misdemeanor, nor a felony. Advertises '4 mm of measurable extensions ... break every law of lengthening!' the mascara goop itself is kind of fibrous and clumpy looking, but the results are pretty meh in my experience. I have to apply another mascara over one coat and then curl to get the look I usually like. OK for separating lashes because of the fine brush, but other than that, eeeehhhh.


Max Factor 2000 Calorie Dramatic Look Mascara (Black)
Not as dramatic as I hoped, and tends to melt off with just a couple of stray laughter-tears (sad clown!) I guess my lashes need moar calories.


Mommy Makeup Brow Tint (Blonde)
Great, non-clumpy, natural brow tint, and I much prefer this to Etude House's overly orange-y version of similar substance, though I'm clearly not part of the target demographic??



NATURE REPUBLIC By Flower BB cream SPF35PA++ #1 bright BB
A smaller-size bb I got for travel purposes that goes on sheer but gradually mattifies. Very gentle with a soft fragrance, and good for cooler light skin tones.


Olay Wet Cleansing Towelette - Sensitive
The first pre-moistened face clothes that haven't broken me out like a mother, so cause for celebration!! Other supposedly similarly gentle products have all caused weird flare-ups on my face after continued use (Burt's Bees, Say Yes To) Non-scented and very gentle.

Skinfood Platinum Grape Cell Essential Bb Cream Spf45/pa+++ #1
I haven't been able to get ahold of my favorite mushroom bb, so I decided to try this from Skinfood instead. Good coverage, love the extra SPF, but the large cylindrical pump packaging makes it kind of difficult to travel with and the smell is a bit baby-powdery, which I don't like so much.


TONYMOLY Cats Wink Clear Pact - #1 Clear Skin
Cutest powder! Nice and mattifying.


TONYMOLY Latte Art Milk-Tea Morning Pack

This goes on under makeup, and you have to pat/smack it on your face. It supposedly helps 'wake up' skin, but I'm starting to wonder if it's the patting that's really facilitating that... the best part is that it's a great base primer for whatever you're going to put on top! Kind of grossly shiny if left to its own devices, so definitely meant to be a base base.

Friday, April 26, 2013

just a little etude house haul from A-POLY on Amazon

I bought these from a seller called A-POLY on Amazon!!
I placed the order on April 15th, and although the estimated shippng date was May 9th to May 30th, the items arrived on the 24th all nicely wrapped up in a pillowlike orange parcel.

Order total was $21 including shipping all the way from South Korea~


Perfect purse size, and has a light appley/citrusy smell that doesn't make my nose itch. AND KAKAPO. See bottom of entry for an um, charming video of this little guy. WHATEVER, HE IS ADORABLE. (AND............. AMOROUS)


I scanned the QR code with my phone but nothing happened. Oh well.

 "Formulated with Shea Butter and Herb Water rich in certified organic nutrients, this eco-friendly hand cream not only moisturizes dry hands, but also helps to save our endangered flying friends."

"Hi, I'm Kakapo, the longest living bird on earth! Although I can't fly, I am a great night parrot indigenous to New Zealand. People love me and my Kakapo friends so much that they hunt and take us as their pets. As a result, we are now in danger of extinction, with only 121 of us now. Please help us to be friends with you for a long time!"

Oh~ it's my eye liner now! Nice, thin brush applicator. My Dolly Wink has sadly been depleted, so I'm going to give this guy a try. The brush is great for drawing fine lines, but to my dismay it got a little flaky in the inner corner of my eye after a few hours of wear.

Samples ---





Meet Sirocco, the Kakapo!


Friday, April 12, 2013

warning-- THIS POST IS SPRINGY!! coming taobao haul & cosmetics fun

Birds are chirping! Rabbits are hopping! Buds are bursting! Worms are worming!
After six months of snow and nose icicles (arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhhhh) finally the warm springy weather is upon us here in Cow Countryland!



Or at least it was?? The weather was all warm and shiny and it was just like, how super nice to BE. I took a small nap in the sun, and even biked to work a few days this week -- new bike! --

Wahaaha, pimp my ride


 ... that is, until the thunderstorms and 50MPH winds started. The April showers are upon us now. So be it, but bring on the May flowers, dammit! Oh, my aching bones~



I have a miniature TaoBao haul comin' in soon too! It's rather.... chocolatey? EXCITEMENT!










& speaking of chocolatey, I've got a sweet tooth for springy, poppin' Korean cosmetics and it's aching really bad!Too bad I don't have dental insurance............. well, window shopping for now! INTERNETS window shopping, clearly. Derp derp

( L to R )
top row: Skinfood Honey Pot Lip Balm #3, Tonymoly Pocket Bunny Mist, Etude House Secret Beam Highlighter #1 Pink White Mix, Tonymoly Latte Art Cappuccino Cream-In ScrubTonymoly Water Jelly Tint #2

middle row: Tonymoly Cats Wink Clear Pact #1, Skinfood Good Afternoon Peach Green Tea BB Cream #2, Tonymoly Mini Bunny Hand Cream, Etude House Lash Perm 3 step Volumecara

bottom row: Tonymoly Hello Bunny Perfume Bars, Tonymoly Clean Dew Broccoli Sprout Cleansing Cream, Etude House Vanilla Moist Eye's Cream, Etude House Sweet Recipe Chocolate Highlighter





Sunday, February 3, 2013

ViVi Diamond Club makeup haul -- Shiseido MAJOLICA MAJORCA, my beauty diary, osmei

Oh snap! Makeup stock replenishment II! I just received my package from eBay store ViVi Diamond Club, three items plus a free gift! This was my first time buying from them and I was not disappointed in the least.




ViVi Diamond Club stocks a variety of reasonably priced Japanese and Taiwanese cosmetic items, including brands like Dolly Wink by KOJI, Shiseido and its sub-brands, i.e. MAJOLICA MAJORCA & Ma Cherie.

The shop also offers "super fast" U.S. shipping, and they ain't kidding. Despite being based on the opposite coast, my items arrived only two days after placing my order, for $6 in combined shipping fees. In my experience, packages from the west coast, even if I use an expedited shipping method, often take at least 4 business days to arrive at my door, so that exceeded the heck out of my already low expectations. Super wow!!!!!! I will definitely be purchasing from them again.



My Haul:
  • Shiseido MAJOLICA MAJORCA Jeweling Eyes #77
  • Shiseido MAJOLICA MAJORCA Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara (black)
  • 我的美麗日記 / My Beauty Diary collagen firming masks (10 pcs)
  • Osmei Pearl + HA eye mask free gift!


 MAJOLICA MAJORCA Jeweling Eyes
I must admit, I am a sucker for the cute packaging on MM products. I'm probably a bit older than their target market demographic, but I find the whole fairytale, cutie pie witch, circus magic gimmick really fun. I have been a fan of Japanese anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica (for both its cute and twisted sensibilities) for a few years, and the brand name definitely is evocative of that for me, and the palette reminds me of the protagonists' 'theme colours.'

In person, these jeweling eyes colours are SO POPPIN'! The saturation is quite good, not too dusty, like some of the other metallic shadows I've been using as of late, and they don't emphasize my unfortunate eye-wrinkles too much. It's like they're infused with tiny diamonds or something. The only thing I hate would be the liliputian Barbie-sized brush, which is too tiny and awkward to do anything with. I'll definitely be swapping it out, so no issues there.


The packaging suggests (1) gold for the inner corner and brow bone highlight, (2) pink for the lid, (3) red for the outer corner and (4) brown for outlining. It's not so good for those natural looks, but it definitely gives you a fairy-esque effect. I wore this out today, and despite worries that it was too bold or I hadn't blended properly, I received some nice compliments on my eye make... thanks, MM


 Shiseido MAJOLICA MAJORCA Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara
The packaging on this is just so lovely. Unfortunately, I realized too late that I got too excited and added the length-targeting mascara to my cart, when what I really need most is a volumizer. Sigh. It's still very nice, but doesn't deliver the dramatic a lash effect that I'd like.

 It does have a very special, fine brush applicator, the likes of which I haven't seen before. It's supposed to help fill in the gaps between your base lashes like a liner would, and that's neat! I have only tried this on my top lashes, but I think I'll give it a shot on my bottoms next to give my Clinique bottom-lash a rest.


 
我的美麗日記 / My Beauty Diary collagen firming masks (10 pcs)
Unfortunately, I can't comment on these yet, but I will be able to soon! Since I'll be in Beijing very soon, I need to pamper my skin, lest it fall prey to the awful levels of pollution that are choking the city. These are individually packaged firming masks to be used 2~3 times a week -- probably less for me, since I only have ten -- post cleansing, and should be left on for 20 minutes at least before removing. Then you massage any remaining traces of the serum in to insure absorption, but no washing after that. I hope these'll be kind to my skin!

Osmei Pearl + HA eye mask
":Like an energy drink for your eyes!" The package claims. This was a free gift with my order. Yay! Free stuff! I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, so no comment from me other than I have tried these before and doubt the efficacy of most products on my evil dark circles... :P I'll be happy to give it another shot. Maybe results are only with continued use? We'll see!

Despite my sleepy face, I'm one happy pajama rabbit post mod haircut! It might be difficult to tell from the photo, but I really put on my face armor today. I'm wearing:
  • Clinique BB creme, shade 01 Fair
  • Bobbi Brown Corrector in Porcelain Bisque
  • Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser dark circles treatment concealer, Fair 10
  • Benefit Benetint in Rose (lips & cheeks)
  • Benefit Lemon-Aid eye primer
  • CoverGirl Smoothers pressed powder in 705 Translucent Fair
  • MAJOLICA MAJORCA Jeweling Eyes #77
  • MAJOLICA MAJORCA Lash Expander Frame Plus Mascara in black
  • Clinique bottom lash mascara in black
  • Koji Dolly Wink by Tsubasa Masuwaka liquid eyeliner in deep black
  • Revlon Colorstay roll-on Eyeliner in black
  • Sephora Fresh Sugar Lip Duo, lip treatment and color
  • Maybelline New York 85Q Luminous Lights, brown (for brows)
You know, I never think of this is a lot -- conversely, I feel it's not enough -- but when I actually list it out, ummm... am I some kind of pathological makeup addict?! News at 10. The better I get at applying makeup, the more I use, and the less people can tell, unless I'm wearing a signature, particularly eye-catching eyeshadow, or liner, or something. It's such an odd dynamic.

 I forgot to mention too, that I'm waiting for some cute alpaca-themed SWIMMER makeup storage cases from HK-based seller Rosy (she has an online shop that specializes in alpaca and Arkapasso items @ Rosy's Garden!)
It is peak holiday season in China now, though, so a delay is to be expected. I hope they come before I have to leave for China, though... the irony. I need something to put all this stuff in!! lol