Thursday, October 8, 2009

Review: My Beauty Diary Lavender Mask + Lookbook

Wow it's already been a week since I've last updated!
How time flies so fast...

Today I will do another mask review (I've been really into masks lately).

Product Review: My Beauty Diary Provence Lavender Mask

Out of the Package: Folded

On my face!

Pros
- Very soft and thick fabric! Not cheap material. Packaging is cute and compact too.
- Non sticky liquid, absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn't leave sticky residue
- Relatively cheap (but I received this from a friend. Thanks Penny!) Sold on Sasa, etc.
- Left my face very cool, soft and moist. Left it on for 25-30 minutes
- I hate artificial Lavender smells but this one didn't smell bad at all!! Smelled mild too :)

Cons
- Stung a tiny bit after the mask started drying in the end of 30 minutes
- The shape of the mask doesn't perfectly fit my face so I often have to fold over the sides

Overall Rating
5/5 - Can't wait to get more!

Lookbook of Last Week

Wednesday

I'm very grunge these days. Plaid shirts, leather jackets, studded and embellished accessories, skinny jeans, converse, beat-up sneakers. Maybe it's a phase or just my style in general?

Outfit Info
Leather Jacket: Zara
Long sleeve Tee: Zipia :)
Jeans: Hudson Jeans
Flats: Dolce Vita

Close up of Zipia shirt
It's a baby with a red lightning bolt... haha

Newest Acquirement
Dolce Vita studded flats!!! They were on sale on Freepeople.com for $49.95 :D
The only bad thing... they are those bendy flats so they hurt a little when I walk (esp. ankle and toe area)

Thursday
My mickey/skull sweater :) Look up literary theory of Deconstruction that explains the duality.

Outfit Info
Sweater: Disney Vintage
Jeans: Zipia!
Flats: Dolce Vita

Will try to update more outfit posts since I'm being very lazy with makeup... Also the jeans, long sleeve tee, and plaid shirt were all of my purchases from Zipia. Small I know! But I shared the order with other people so that's a good enough amount for the first time.

Hope to update again later this week if I get the chance! Thank you for new followers and old, I've reached 250+! :)

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick + Outfit

Happy Wednesday! (I'm still in Tuesday mode however).
I had the day off yesterday due to Yom Kippur Jewish holiday, my school is mainly Jewish and Korean so the majority wins and we had a day off :)

I'm going to be reviewing the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick today. It's been popular in the blog world lately because it's a new release and it's also a new favorite!

Here is the lipstick on my lips - the shade is Pink Me Up.

Close Up (Flash)

I forgot to do a swatch so I'll save that for later but one thing that I'd like to say is that this lipstick is pretty pigmented!!

Here are my thoughts in condensed form so it is easier for all of you to understand.

Pros
- Easily available in most drugstores
- Affordable price (around $7-8)
- Not too creamy, buildable pigmentation (vary from light to heavy application)
- Smell is not offending like European brands (Chanel, Dior, Bourjois, etc.)
- Can achieve watery look if desired
- Variety of colors available (4 categories: Nude, Pinks, Reds, Purples)

Cons
- Some batches of these were bad (smelled bad and tasted bad) Be careful! Sniff before buying.
- Packaging is a little annoying to remove entire plastic cap (but not that big of a deal)

What I think:
This is my first drugstore lipstick purchase in a LONG LONG time. I was hesitant to buy any lipstick from the drugstore after I experienced bad smelling, bad tasting stuff. This lipstick totally changed my perception of Maybelline lip products because it wasn't as nasty smelling as some other stuff in drugstores. I personally don't like lipsticks or any lip product that smell like roses or the "old lady smell." I am very sensitive to scents and I get nauseous if something too fragrant is on me for too long. This lipstick smells a bit like coconut or some buttery smell. It's not too bad but if you apply a lot it might be a tad strong. And as I stated above, BE CAREFUL, some batches were not good and the smell was terrible (like chemical).

I like this lipstick a lot, the color is buildable and I personally like a light hand for my lips. Usually I apply a lipbalm beforehand and then use this lipstick. Or if I want more shine, apply lipbalm, lipstick, then lipgloss.

If you have pigmented lips, I believe this lipstick can cover the color of your natural lips if applied with a heavy hand. Try it out! :)

Outfit/Clothes Update

I was fortunate to be able to order some articles of clothing from Zipia.net in a joint order with one person who I've been emailing back and forth (Thanks Davlyn!!) It came out successfully and this is one of the plaid shirts that I ordered that I love! It's very light and soft, perfect for those fall days that seem to be imitating summer.

I will post an outfit/lookbook post soon on some of the things I got from Zipia!

Outfit Info
Plaid shirt: Zipia
Tank top: Aerie by A&E
Jeans: Zara (3 yrs old skinny jeans.. love them!)
Camera: Olympus E500 DSLR hehe

Sleepy... Still in love with that shirt :) Also wearing the lippie!
Sidenote: Hating the red tint in my hair... Experimenting with purple Kool-Aid to get rid of brassy tones. Will update on how that works out!

Nails of last week:
Zoya - Flora

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Review: Etude House 02 White Mask Sheet

How is the week going for everyone?
I haven't been totally absent from the blog world (I somehow still find time to comment sometimes... haha) but I've been negligent with my blog posts. FOTD is kind of out of the question since I don't have time to take a picture in the morning and most times the makeup has faded a bit by the time I come home. But I'll try one day!! :)

Product Review: Etude House 02 White Mask Sheet


So this post will cover a review on the Etude House O2 White Mask Sheet. I got this mask from Millie (Miu Miu) in a love pack back in July in return for some hair care things I sent her. I read somewhere that this mask is not actually a store product and is only offered as a free sample with purchase. The real product is called Etude House 02 White Mask and it comes in a big tub. You can read full reviews on the original product here at Ning*Star and Amynaree.

I didn't know what to think of this product when I first looked at it. I wasn't sure whether it was supposed to make my face "breathe" better or whiten it. Then I just guessed that it would be a whitening mask, after all, the WHITE is rather capitalized. Also I'm not able to read Korean so I didn't know what its main features were.

Scary Mask Pic:

Pros
- Whitened my face! A lot! Noticeable difference. I had uneven skin tone because I had gone scuba diving and got a weird uneven tan on my face... This mask improved the overall appearance of my skin tone
- Very soft and velvety mask material -- definitely not cheap material. It was thick, moist, and fit very well to my face.
- Scent was not overpowering and pleasant soapy/flowery perfume scent
- Liquid smoothed my skin and did not leave a sticky residue
- Slight tingly feeling when applied on my face

Cons
- This product is not sold in stores (I believe). Comes only in a tub, which is the original product. I received this as a gift and I read on some other blog that it was only offered as a GWP or something. However original tub product is available on Etude House USA website.
- It was scented -- I like unscented products. Sometimes I get scared that perfumes will irritate my skin but this scent was neither powerful or irritating! :)

Final Result

My skin is glowing!!! :) I like to use masks at least once a week or so. I used this one last week and prepared photos for a blog entry but didn't get to do a post last week. I wish this product was sold in stores because I really like it. Some people said that the original product that comes in the tub is not as pleasant smelling - like somehow chemical smelling? Not really sure... But now I want to get my hands on the tub product since I like this one so much. I have one more of this mask that I got from Millie so I'm going to save it when I really need it.

Overall Rating
5/5 - hope to purchase in tub form

Hopefully this week I will be able to update again. During the weekend it is harder to update nowadays because of my part time job. I can't even wear nail polish... T_T So what I do is I apply polish either on Sunday night after I finish my job or Monday and then remove on Saturday night. Other than that I'm busy with school work and college applications (ugh my god. Help me! lol!)

Hope the review was helpful and the next review should be the Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick! :) Let me know if you have any questions and I'll try to answer them for you.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Makeup Sale #7 - UPDATED 10/17/09

UPDATED AND LOWERED PRICES ON 10/17/09
Rules
Purchase:
- Paypal Only
- Final Sale, no returns
- First come, first serve
- Items shipped after payment cleared
- Shipping calculated on items purchased

How to Order:
- Email me! No orders taken through comments or c-box!
1. Items you would like to purchase
2. Domestic buyers: include zipcode, International: country
3. Paypal login e-mail address
Email all info to: ixheartbear (at) gmail (d0t) com

Shipping:
- Domestic: $3.50 (USPS First Class + tracking #), 50 cents per additional item
- International: Email me for shipping quote
Lighter items will be charged less

Email if you have any questions.
By purchasing, you have acknowledged that you read and accepted all terms. If you don't agree with these terms, please do not buy. Do not buy unless you intend on paying. Thank you for looking!
Please read terms & conditions up top very carefully! Thank you :)
Jill Stuart Sample Pack
Smooth Silk Powder Foundation in 101 Linen, Day Care Essence SPF 30, Cleansing Oil, Softening Fluid, Tint Liquid Foundation, Control Color, Brightening Eye Cream
*Brand New* $10.00

La Prarie Sample Pack
Purifying Cream Cleanser, C Energy Cellular Serum, Cellular Time Release Moisturizer Intensive, Anti-Aging Complex Cream, Cellular Microdermabrasion Cream, Cellular Softening and Balancing Lotion (in pic there are 2 of same box, one has been replaced w/different one)
*Brand New*, $20.00

Dariya Velcro Fringe Holder (Pink) - 2 pieces inside
*Brand New*, $3.50

Dariya Velcro Fringe Holder (Blue) - 2 pieces inside
*Brand New*, $3.50

Lancome Sample Pack
Renergie Microlift (Active Redefining Treatment), Secret de Vie (Ultimate Cellular Reviving Creme), Primordiale Cell Defense (Cell Defense & Skin Perfecting Serum)
*Brand New*, $10.00

Clinique Sample Pack SOLD
Zero Gravity Repairwear Lift & Repairwear Intensive Night Cream
*Brand New*, $8

Plain Sheet Mask - Perfect for DIY Masks
*Brand New* - $1.50 per pack - 2 available


100% Authentic Marc Jacobs Bag
New, never used, with tags
NEW MARC JACOBS COLLECTION MULTIPOCKET CALF LEATHER PETUNIA HANDBAG
NEW WITH TAG FROM NEIMAN MARCUS STORES, RETAIL PRICE WAS $750.00
100% AUTHENTIC MARC JACOBS COLLECTION
COLOR : PINK , ONE ZIPPER POCKET INSIDE BAG
MULTIPOCKET CALF LEATHER , VERY SOFT HANDFEEL LEATHER
DUST BAG INCLUDED - NOT SHOWN IN PICTURE
DIMENSION: WIDTH 9.5 INCH X SIDE POCKET 4 INCH
HEIGHT 9 INCH X BOTTOM 4.5 INCH
HANDLE TOTAL LENGTH 18 INCH
Asking $275 or best offer!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Fiddling with Polyvore...

Hello all, happy Tuesday (or rather Wednesday... in real time.)
School has been quite busy and I've become rather lazy to update on my blog, also haven't been wearing ANY makeup for some reason. Maybe I will try tomorrow.

I've been looking at the ever-famous Polyvore website and decided to enter Amanda's Sunshine Tolani Scarf Giveaway with my first Polyvore creation! :)


So here are the rules for the giveaway:
- Follow Amanda's Sunshine blog
- Must be US resident
- Go to Chickdowntown.com, choose a Tolani scarf you like, then create a fall outfit with all items from Chickdowntown.com and make a post. Or if you don't have a blog, write in a comment the clothes you would pair with the scarf.
- Ends Sept. 25th

Amanda Sunshine Chickdowntown.com Tolani Giveaway!

My Entry:


Items Used:
Tolani Scarf - Blue/Grey Silk Ombre
Leather Jacket - Urban Rebel Jacket (Vintage)
Tshirt - Nation Ltd
Jeans - Siwy Hannah Slim Cropped (hehe because I'm short.)
Heels - LAMB
Watch - Freelook
Necklace - House of Harlow
Earrings - Rachel Leigh Millie Bow Drop Earrings
Bracelet - Jules Smith 14k gold Vampire Teeth Jelly bracelet

This really shows my style.... I'm pretty simple and a sucker for neutral colors like black, gray, white, khaki, navy, etc etc. Also blue & black combos are so great! I love them :)

Let me know what you think of this outfit~

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Swap with Lovely Aileen

Way back in May or June, Aileen and I were coordinating a swap together, I would get her some things from Japan that she wanted, and she would get me some Moomin and Marimekko things.
I sent out her package after I returned from Japan in late July and she received it relatively quickly, but the package she sent from Finland took until end of August, but I was happy that I was in suspense!! :)

Luckily it arrived safely and here it is in its glory:

Look at the adorable Moomin stamps!! I love them :)

Some Marimekko items, the red print is a notebook and the green printed on is the wrapping paper of a red pillowcase, it is adorable - I love it!!

Lots of Moomin themed items, I am obsessed with Moomin characters, they are so adorable! In Japan they have many moomin items as well but better from the country of its origin right? Here are some things sweet Aileen got for me: Moomin toothpaste, pillowcase, mug <3,>

The highlight of the package: the adorable Moomin mug! The pink one on the left is the one I bought in Japan (and currently using obsessively... Hehehe. The one on the right is Aileen's gift to me: ORIGINAL Moomin cup! Notice how the Moomin characters look a little different? The one on the left is more "modern" and the one on the right is the traditional drawing of Moomin.

Some awesome Lumene samples and a Cleansing emulsion, can't wait to try it! I don't think I have a cleansing milk at the moment so we'll see how this works on me. I believe CVS carries Lumene in their stores in the US but I've never purchased from there since the price is not that cheap. Hope this works for me, and it's great that it's "sensitive" because I tend to get allergies from perfume and heavy products.

Last but not least, a necklace with adorable handmade clay cakes and sweets! This is the best part, and Aileen kindly made me a cell phone charm too (which I couldn't take a good picture of.. T_T) I love Aileen craftmanship, so delicate and well made! Thank you so much~

Please visit Aileen's jewelry site: Amore Vintage. She has some wonderful pieces and just released parts of her new winter collection. Her pieces are very elegant and intricate, definitely perfect for the sophisticated lady!

Giveaway Reminder
Ena from Shanghainese Dumpling is having a giveaway for her favorite product: Vitacreme B12.
Shanghainese Dumpling's 999 OZ Spring Blog Give Away

Quick Update

Hello all!

Wow I haven't updated for more than a week, very sorry.
School just started again this Tuesday so I've been extremely busy trying to adjust to a new schedule and get homework done, but finally it is the weekend!
I also started a part-time job on Sundays so my weekend relaxing time has been reduced... It's hard work and this Sunday is my second time there.

Will update tomorrow sometime in the afternoon so look out for a new post. Also anybody who needs questions answered please ask in the CBOX and I will answer you to the best of my abilities. Also, if anybody has requests for a review or anything, please let me know.

Thanks to all who commented on my contest video entry!! It was my first time so I wanted to hear responses and was happy that they were good responses.. haha. Maybe I will attempt more videos but I'm still camera shy.

One more quick note: blog sale coming soon!