Thursday, February 25, 2010

Color 4 Quad

Part of MAC's huge Spring Forecast Collection, Color 4 Quad is one of the items that I picked up from my haul I posted last week.  I've use this quad a few times now and I totally love the colors.  Neutrals and Golds are my favorites and this quad has both neutrals and some shimmer. 

Product Review:
Color 4 Quad
(with flash)

(swatches with flash)

(no flash)


Pros:
~Very pigmented (all four colors has awesome payoff)
~Color coordinated quad
~Neutral/Gold colors with slight shimmer

Cons:
~Pricey but when compared to buying then individually, its still a better deal
~New Packaging (bulkier, harder to open, easily fingerprinted)

Rating:  4/5

Overall, I like the quad. The payoff is pretty good to me and far better than recent ones that MAC have come out with.  I can never have enough golds and neutrals, so this palette is a good addition to my collection.  The only problem that I have would be the packaging.  This year MAC changed the new quads from the older ones to these new quads. They are thicker and bulkier; for me its sometimes hard to open, and fingerprints are easily left on the clear plastic cover.  Aside from the packaging, I don't regret buying it, I've been using it and so far like it! For $36, it does seem like its expensive, but for 4 colors, its a good buy.

Tips:
~(Intense) Layer one by one, the more the build the more intense the colors become
~(Soft) Keep it simple! Light strokes of each color will give you a warm but subtle color!

The Spring Forecast Collection is still available online and at many MAC store locations. 
 
simplybeautiful

(This product was purchased by me. I have no affiliation with said company)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Its Sheer Luck!

I love OPI's nail polishes.  From all the times that I've used the products, they have been great!  Though I have only aquired a few of the nail polishes, so far so good. OPI has not failed me yet!  I do expect to get some more in the near future as they have tons of awesome collections coming out!

Product Review:

O.P.I  "It's Sheer LUCK!"


This is a nude color nail polish, with subtle hint of shimmer and mauve undertones.  Very nice color that you can build with multiple layers for a heavier feel.

Pros:
~Awesome nude color
~When layered correctly, the payoff is amazing
~Lasts a long time, little chipping
~Wearable color, anyone can pull it off

Cons:
~Takes more than 3 coats to get good color
~Can be streaky
~Does not have pro-wide brush (for the one I have in particular)
~Pricey at around $8 average for a bottle.

Overall, OPI is an awesome nail polish brand. Well known worldwide and used by many many people.  With a good base and top coat, I can tell that chipping is kept at minimal which we all love, right Girls? I love using my hands and working in house and at work, I like minimal chipping.  The only problem I had with this particular color was the payoff.  It was a little more runnier than usual, and I had to apply more than 3 coats to get a good color, if I would have left it at one coat, my nails would not have been pretty.  After a few coats, the color was amazing, I actually really liked it.

Tip:  
             ~Always remember to use base and top coats to keep nail polishes from chipping!
             ~Wait for the previous coat to dry well before adding the next coat. This will give the next
                application a better surface to adhere to and will look more polished.


There are many places you can find OPI nail polishes, whether it be online retailers, the mall, or your favorite nail salon.  OPI provides plenty of colors for everyone, so you should be able to find one you like.

simplybeautiful

(I personally bought this product. I have no affiliation with said company)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Very First LUSH HAUL!

For a very long time now, I've always walked by the LUSH store and just passed by, looking but never would go in.  Yes, I know that I have get a little woosy from way too scented smells, so I was always sort of afraid I'll get overtaken by the lush smells coming from the store.  I've read many reviews and seen pictures of hauls, but I wasn't too sure if I was into the whole bath love thing. I'm a shower girl, so its kinda hard to picture myself taking a bath, LOL.

So just a few weeks ago, my friend Lisa posted a LUSH Cosmetics Haul. She got so many items that I got a little excited. What if that was me? Her LUSH haul made me want to go get some too as I finally knew someone who really liked those items.

So I finally caved in this past weekend and went inside the strongly scented LUSH store.  I wasn't sure if I was going to make it past the doors without getting a headache, but surprisingly, it seemed as if the smell lessened as I was in the store. I was helped by a lovely SA (sales associate) who showed me around the store and helped with describing what certain items were for and how to use them.  I can tell that the LUSH employees are very helpful and will take their time to explain and demonstrate the products for the customer. That shows very good customer service in my book. 

Since I was new to this cosmetics line, I was still unsure of what to get, so I only bought 2 items and got a nice sample the SA gave me.  I think it was a good buy; it was something that I had heard and read about.

Onto the HAUL:
the goodies!
 
 Each Peach Massage Bar (as you can tell I've already used it)
  
 Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser/Scrub
  
 Ocean Salt sample
 


I'll be doing a more in-depth review on which items I liked and didn't like and what I would like to get next for my LUSH haul (I really want more..if you couldn't tell already)

From what I've read and heard, don't be afraid to ask for samples.  Especially if you are new, not sure of what to try, and not willing to spend alot on your first try, samples will help you decide whether you like it or not.  It was my first time, so it is kinda of hard to buy because I wasn't sure if I was going to like the item.

For more information, visit your nearest LUSH store or on their website: LUSH Cosmetics
(LUSH= Fresh Handmande Cosmetics)

simplybeautiful

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Weekend Plans?

What are you doing this weekend?  Any Plans?

Since last weekend was a holiday, this weekend is just like any ole weekend as usual! What a bummer right?  Not really, if you plan ahead or just go with the flow, there are countless things you can do! 

Whether you have money to spend or not?  Driver around town, go to different areas of  your city and EXPLORE! I love to explore, just kinda get lost and you'll find great places to see, eat, shop.

Well today I"m gonna head back to the MAC store and get some items that I was looking at last week. I'll do a post on my haul (if any) this coming week!


I'll like to see and know what you hauled or did this weekend as well!

Have a Awesome Weekend! 

simplybeautiful

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Weekend Haul!

So like I said in my earlier post, Mr. H took me shopping in Orlando for the day. Since I haven't gone shopping for myself since Christmas, I told him that's what I wanted for Valentine's Day. That morning I had an eye doctor appointment and after that we left to Orlando. It was just him and I wondering about. He told me that he was not going to rush or bother me while shopping, and I can get anything I wanted. (he's the bestest, most of the time! hehe)

Orlando has 2 CCO's (cosmetics company outlet) like maybe within 5 miles of each other..wow! and both of them usually has a wide range of MAC makeup, which is always a plus in my book. I did get a few items that I didn't have in my collection but not much as I didn't want to spend too much, maybe next time. We also stopped in the MAC store at Florida Mall for a quick peak at the new Viva Glam lipsticks and the Spring Forecast Collection as well.


So here's the Haul:


MAC "Bare" Slimshine (love it)

MAC Spring Colour Forecast "Colour 4" Eyeshadow Quad


Bobbi Brown "Platinum Pink" Shimmer Brick Compact


I will do a more in-depth review of each product to come in the next few posts, stayed tuned for those. I have swatches and closer pictures of the items as well.

I was excited because the Shimmer Brick was my first Bobbi Brown cosmetics item, as we all know that brand is expensive, so most of the time I just look, don't buy. I'm glad I found it at the CCO in which I was able to get it much cheaper!

I can't wait to try out all the products and let you guys know what I think!
Any Questions?? Feel free to let me know!

simplybeautiful

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Be-Lated Valentines Look and Dinner!



Hope that everyone had a lovely Valentines Weekend! I did! Had a great weekend spending time with Mr. H and not having to worry about anything. I told Mr. H not to get me anything this year, all I wanted was for him to take me shopping on Monday, since it was a holiday. Anyways he didn't listen to me; so what I got from him was this GIGANTIC Love BEAR! it is the cutest thing ever. I don't even know where to put it, its soo huge! LOL. I feel so LOVED!



So Sunday night we made plans to go to a fine dining restaurant in town called Roy's. It was are first time there, so it was an experience. We were super hungry that I forgot to take pictures of our first 2 courses, and only took the last two. The menu was a preset of 4 courses of various entrees you could choose from.
Here's what we got:

Filet Mignon
Pork Loin w/ Cheese Brie filled Pastry Puff

Desserts! Yummy!

Yummy Chocolate Souffle, absolutely my FAVORITE!
The restaurant was awesome! We had great service and totally enjoyed fine dining. All the food we received were delicious and great! Not one bit bad at all. Though it was super duper expensive, they were kind enough to include a gift card for the next visit. Will visit again!

FOTD for Valentine's Day

Now to the look of the day! I don't know somedays, I just have those bad days when my makeup is not turning out the way that I want. I had to switch it up so many times, I just gave up and did a quick smokey eye cause we were late. I also curled my hair in which I turned out good, just wished my hair weren't so frizzy on top. But here's the look anyways!



(eyes closed...semi smokey look)

Wow this is a long post! Welp, Mr. H did take me shopping on Monday, and I'll be posting that haul hopefully by this weekend. I got some good things and wanting to share with everyone. Again, I had a wonderful weekend, Mr. H was the best as always!

simplybeautiful

Monday, February 15, 2010

50+ Follower GIVEAWAY WINNER!

Thanks to all the entries for my giveaway! I'm already on my way to over 100+ followers thanks to everyone. That giveaway will come shortly and will be super duper awesome!

So without further wait:


The WINNER IS?

Sarah (sarahali101@hotmail.com)(http://glossicious.blogspot.com/)


Winner has been emailed and contacted. If no response within 3 days, new winner will be announced!


Sorry to those who did not win! Hopefully next giveaway you will have a chance to win again! Can't Wait Super exciting!

simplybeautiful

Thursday, February 11, 2010

YAY! I've Finally Reached 100 Followers!

YAY! I've Finally Reached 100 Followers!

I'm so glad everyone of my followers and readers are reading my blog and excited to see what's ahead for my blog. This is very motivating, makes me want to post more and give more of a reason to blog post, for all of you!

I would love to hear from you guys and read your comments. Feel free to ask me anything and request any looks or tips needed! I love to research and hopefully will find the answer for you!

ANNOUCEMENT!! BLOG GIVEAWAY ALERT!!

I've reached 100 followers! Which means you said it! another GIVEAWAY!
I still have yet to finalize what the prizes will be and the rules for the giveaway so stay tuned!

Comment here to let me know what you would like to have in the prize package for this upcoming giveaway! ......i'll consider them all!

Many many more blog posts to come and hopefully some videos! Catch you all laters!

simplybeautiful

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

"Goodbye BLEMISH!"

Don't you just hate those days when you wake up and find a HUGE zit on your face and can't do anything about it? Well I think I got your answer!


I've struggled with my share of blemishes whether they were big or small. I've tried many things to make them go away or freeze them from getting worse, but haven't found anything to my liking. So one day making my way into Sephora, I finally went to an SA and asked for help in determining which products were best for making those darn things go away! I asked for variety of samples and she gave her share of what she thought was best. I however walked out with samples and just one (i know one) product and this below is the one I came out with.


Ole Hendriksen "Roll-On Blemish Attack"


"The perfect weapon in the war against unsightly blemishes, this easy to use, roll-on treatment contains benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to treat and heal."

Pros:
~ contains 5% benzoyl peroxide (which helps alot) and salicylic acid (liquid formula)
~ easy roll-on ball container
~ nice smell
~ dries up the area needed to stop inflammation
~ small size bottle:lasts a long time and good to carry around
~ need only small sample to apply
~ made of natural products
~ made for oily/blemish prone skin

Cons:
~ roll-on ball can get stuck, so product may come out slower than usual
~ depending on skin type, product can be very drying
~ somewhat pricey at $22 for a .34 oz size product
~ may be too strong for some skin type


(roller ball)
(liquid forumla-apply to blemish)
you can't see much, but its the shiny wet area where it was applied

Ole Henriksen is considered a "NATURAL" product brand in Sephora. The brand focuses on being natural, science, beauty, wellness, and takes those four into consideration when creating products.

I am still using this product to this day as I feel that it works for me. No, it is not a miracle worker. All my blemishes will not disappear overnight, but the product will help fight it to go away hence the name "Blemish Attack". For 22 dollars, it does seem much for a small bottle, but with this product, a little goes a long way. No need to douse your blemish with the product. Usually my blemishes goes away after a few applications and eventually disappears, many times with no scars. The product is awesome as it reduces the redness and stops the inflammation, which will lead to a healed blemish.

If even my husband reaches for it, I think it does pretty well in my book!

Tips:
~ Use at night time, as it can be drying
~ Dab on finger a few times to get product, then apply to blemish
~ Roll-on ball can be taken out and product can be poured out or used with q-tip


"Blemish Attack" can be found at Sephora.com



(This product was bought by me and review is based on my own experience. I am not affiliated with the brand nor sponsored to review product.)

simplybeautiful

Monday, February 8, 2010

Valentine's Day "Purple Love" FOTD



This weekend, I had the whole day on Saturday to play with my makeup. I've been needing to update the blog with a few more pictures, so I decided since the weather was nice (kinda windy though) it was a good idea to make my face and take a few pictures.

Valentines Day is about a week away! I can't wait!! hehe...Mr. H and I don't have any plans other then him taking me shopping on Monday, which is always good! So I finally got around to doing a V-Day look for you all. I wanted to try and add more color this time around, so I played with darker purples and pinks. I also changed up my hair in the pictures, something different from the norm.


Makeup Used:

Eyes: Benefit Recess Creme e/s, MAC e/s: vanilla, trax, beauty marked, mythology, Stila Pearl Palette, Coastal Scents Warm Palette(pink e/s), Smashbox black liner, MAC studio fix mascara, Essence brow powder

Face: Everyday Minerals Med Foundation, MAC concealer, cremeblend blush in Uncommon, gingerly blush

Lips: MAC l/s: high tea, 3N, MAC cremesheen gloss in boy bait, NYC lipliner.


Valentines Love Look:

Is ready for LOVE!


This was my attempted at doing something else to my hair...(twisted side bangs into loose bun)


more eyes closed!


close up of the eyes


Photobucket


For this FOTD, I decided to use more colors in the eyes (more of the v crease area of the eye) and then less makeup elsewhere ie: blush and lips. I also used MAC's new cremeblend blush (which is awesome) and topped it with gingerly blush. I love the new cremeblend blushes as they give off a nice dewy skin look.

Hopefully you all like the FOTD! I will try to get one more Valentine's look out before the day comes! Enjoy your week!

simplybeautiful

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Question of the DAY? What Best Brand Curling Iron do you have and love? So I'm in the market for a brand new curling iron. I've gone through so many, and sad to say that most of them failed. I have pretty thick hair as an Asian girl, and curls just are hard to stay put for a long while. I had a curling iron that worked well and that one was the Conair "Instant Heat" Curling Iron. The problem that I have now or should I say "been having" is that awhile back, the ring around the barrel came off (the ring that tells all the numbers of how hot the iron is). So now when I go to curl my own hair, I don't even know if its on the right setting. I'm just guessing and hope that the iron is hot. So the question again is that I want to know what you use to curl your hair and what is a good brand if not the best one. Feel free to email me or comment here with your answer..Lookin forward! simplybeautiful

Thursday, February 4, 2010

What MAC Spring Forecast Girl Are YOU?
With MAC's upcoming launch of "Spring Colour Forecast", the variety of color and products are amazing. MAC decided to launch a collection for every spring girl in 4 different color shades. Whether you are Color 1 girl or Color 2 girl, every color is different and unique. The 4 collections contains various eyeshadows, lipglasses, lipsticks, New eyeshadow quads, New Crushed pigments, and New Blush Ombres (love). Hopefully I will be able to get some swatches soon for the blog. Not sure if I'll buy anything, I'm on a no buy for awhile, gotta save for them books and school. (omy) But if you do have a chance to, check out the collection at your nearest MAC store or counter.
***Be sure to check out my 50+follower GIVEAWAY*** simplybeautiful

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Soft Pink and Browns FOTD
Weekends are the only time I get to really play with makeup especially during the day time. It is the only days where I can take good pictures of my makeup and utilize the sun. Whereas the weekdays, I'm at work or at school, but the time I get home, its sunset or dark out already. (not really ideal for picture taking) This past weekend, I had limited time to play around with my makeup, so my FOTD look consisted of soft pinks and browns, very simple and neutral. Makeup Used: Eyes: Benefit Creaseless Cream in Recess MAC Mythology eyeshadow MAC Swiss Chocolate eyeshadow MAC Espresso eyeshadow MAC Shroom eyeshadow Smashbox Wish Palette "Brown" liner MUFE Aqua Eyes "Silver" liner MAC StudioFix Mascara Face: Everyday Minerals "Medium" matte foundation Sonia Kashuk concealer palette MAC Nuance blush Lips: MAC Boy Bait lipgloss MAC Sugar rimmed dazzleglass
Soft Pinks and Browns FOTD:
(smiles and straighten hair)
(up close)
(soft curls)
I know the color is washed out in the pictures and the colors are a bit sheer (hence the word "soft"). Hopefully next time the pictures will come out brighter and the colors will show more, esp the eyeshadow! Next time for sure it will be DRAMATIC! lol...
simplybeautiful

Monday, February 1, 2010

Current Loves!

Clinique Cream Shaper Duo Eyeliner in “Coco Shimmer and Mink

Creamy-smooth eyeliner pencil with a hint of shimmer. Shapes and defines with intense, stay-put colour. Non-smudging, water- and transfer-resistant. Easy to sharpen, too. Ophthalmologist tested.”

without flash

with flash

This is my absolutely favorite pencil eyeliner at the moment. I have been using it everyday now and love it!

The duo liner offers a dark shade and a lighter shade for eye lining and shaping the eyes. It is smooth and creamy and very easy to apply for being a pencil liner. I find that the liner does not tug at my lids nor does it need to be applied multiple times. I don’t even have to pull my lid back to get the intensity of color that I need from the liner. This reminds me of how similar this is to MAC’s Pearlglide liners. This particular one comes in duo color of "coco shimmer" and "mink" . Its a combo mix of browns and shimmer, which is a great color that matches any day or night wear.

Though this particular product is Limited Edition (as I got it in a gift set), Clinique still offers the single color cream shaper for everyone available at department stores or online at clinique.com for $14.50. (Which is a pretty good price)

I will definitely buy more of this when I run out

simplybeautiful