Who needs some ART Supplies!

Well, MAC has them for you!

Launching April 1, 2010, MAC's newest collection is a major hightlight of the spring.  If you are a makeup artist or even a wannabe (nothing wrong it it), I'm sure you'll like this collection.

MAC "Art Supplies" Collection

Products Released in this Collection:

PRO LONGWEAR LIPSTAIN MARKERS - $16.00 each

• Full of Flare – bright yellow-coral
• Styleseter – hot pink
• A Classic – rose red
• Purposefully Red – dirty red-coral
• Modern Mocha – light brown
• Point of View – light neutral
• Tomorrow’s Coral – mid-tone blue-red
• Runway Ripened – berry plum-red
• Sunset – coral brown

GREASEPAINT STICKS - $17.50

• Greengrease – blackened forest green
• Zinc Zone – dark gunmetal
• Slick Black – true carbon black
• Dirty – blackened taupe with pearl
• Brown, Now – blackened burgundy
• Below Ground – blackened bronze
• Uniformly Blue – blackened navy
• Charred Mauve – blackened violet

PEARLGLIDE INTENSE EYE LINERS - $14.50

• Almost Noir – dirty plum
• Designer Purple – iridescent violet
• Petrol Blue – deep navy
• Undercurrent – blue teal
• Industrial – periwinkle gray
• Black Line – true black

 CLEAR LIP GLASS/GLOSS - $14.00

What MAC had to say! 

Pencils, markers...stylishly sharp, loaded with flare. They're all you need to create that fashionable self-portrait. These Art Supplies are limited, and likely won't last. Stock up today!

What I have to say!

Overall I think its a good exciting collection. Something different from the usual lipstick and lipgloss.  This is definitely a collection for those who love to play with color and make up their own makeup looks. I hope to get to the MAC store this weekend to get some swatches. In the mean time, check out the other bloggers as many of them already got some swatches already!

Collection can be purchased online now at maccosmetics.com or at any MAC Store.

What are you going to get from the Collection?

(comment below)

simplybeautiful

(photo: maccosmetics.com)

100+ Giveaway! Take a Peek and Enter!

So I know I've been putting off this giveaway for some time now, especially since I just finished my recent giveaway.  (Check out Sarah and her blog, as she was the winner of that prize)  It was fun to host the giveaway and see who entered it.

I was able to reach over 100+ followers just recently and am so glad that all of you take the time to read my blog and comment. Very much appreciated!!

Now for the GiveAway Prizes:

I thought I would give away 2 prizes: so that there would be more winners and everyone will have a better chance at winning something.  Isn't that awesome!

First Prize:

NARS Blush/Gloss Set in "Deep Throat and Striptease"

MAC eyeshadow in "In Living Pink"

Lancome Juicy Tube in "Sweet Sunshine" 

+ other misc. goodies

Second Prize:

OPI "Mini La Mode" nail polish set

MAC Dazzleglass "Money Honey"

+ other misc. goodies

If I get more than anticipated entries, I may Consider a 3rd prize giveaway! 

Something special for my readers!

Rules:

1. Must be a FOLLOWER or Subscriber of my blog! I will check!
2. Comment on this saying you want to enter!
    Please include your name/alias/email where I can reach you at (please make sure it is correct, I am not   responsible for incorrect email addresses) 
3. Open to all US and International readers! MUST BE 18 or Older!
4. Winners will be chosen at random on MAY 1st.
5. Giveaway will be held from MARCH 26th through April 30th.

Bonus Entries:
1.  Repost this Giveaway on your Blog: (please include valid link in your comment below)
2.  Additional entries can be through these only:  Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube
    (please include the link as well) (these will be counted as additional entries individually)

Sorry there are lots of rules. I just want to be fair to all my readers who actually do take time to comment and read. I also want to invite new readers to my blog as well. I just want everyone to have a fair chance to win hence the 2 prizes.

I can't wait to see the entries and eventually award the prizes.

Have FUN entering!!

(All products for giveaway have been purchased by me)

simplybeautiful

*Strawberries* Inspired

So a few weeks ago, I blogged about going to a strawberry festival in town, but had no strawberry  pictures to show for it. Well the festival is over, but not the strawberries.  I was able to get some local grown fresh strawberries from the market and have them for lunch this past weekend.  As I was eating them, I thought to myself, "Am I drawing inspiration for this berry?" Why yes I am!" hehe.

Here's my so called:

*Strawberries* FOTD

Do you see the Inspiration?

Products Used:

Face: MAC NW25 concealer, EM powder, MAC cremeblend blush, Tenderling blush

Eyes: Smashbox primer, Coastal Scents warm palette, MAC Golden Lemon pigment, Lemon Chiffon s/s, Studio Fix mascara, Essence b/p

Lips: MAC Bare slimshine, Ladybug and Strawbaby lipstick

My inspiration for the FOTD, was from the *RED* of the strawberries, and the *Golds/Neutral* from the berry seeds.  I hope you all see what I see and notice the colors I used.  I was going to do a red eyeshadow look, but opted that out for red lips, since I haven't done a red lips fotd. 

"I love Spring. I love to drive by the fields and smell the sweet aroma of strawberries! YUMMY"

simplybeautiful 

MAC Studio Fix Mascara

MAC Studio Fix Lash Mascara came out this January in the MAC collection "In the Studio".  That collection featured a brand new mascara called the Studio Fix. I was able to purchase it when it came out.

Product Review:

MAC Studio Fix Mascara

Innovative, mousse-like formula gives superior definition, volume and lift by filling in sparse lashes for a dramatic effect. New moulded brush prevents clumping. Rich in pigments. Long-wearing polymers quickly coat from root to tip. Keeps lashes light, lifted, supple, and full. No clumping.

Pros:
~Longer and thinner brush bristle
~No clumping
~Pretty inexpensive for a highend brand.
~Gives off a light, natural look
~Slight curl

Cons:
~Not waterproof
~Not as much volume as I like
~Semi in lengthening lashes.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Would I buy it again? yes

Overall, I think its a pretty good mascara.  Compared to all of MAC's other lash mascaras, this one is probably the best one.  I liked it because of the thinner and longer bristle..which helps separate the clumps and fits my eyes perfectly in just a few swipes.  I like it because it is not suppose to clump, which it didn't.  I love the natural look of mascara, and this product is perfect for it. If you are one for lots of volume, love for dramatic lashes, this may not be the one for you.  For $13, its not bad price for highend mascaras, but if you can find one at the drugstore that can do the same thing, it may be a little more expensive.  I like it so far, esp with lessening the clumps..which I like, so maybe I may purchase, unless I find a different mascara I like.

Sorry no pictures of me wearing it! I still have mastered the art of taking pictures of my lashes in order to show you the best it can be.  This is a true review, as I have been wearing it ever since.

This can be purchased online at maccosmetics.com or at any MAC counter/store.

(This product was purchased my myself. All reviews are done soley base on my personal views and experiences. I have no affiliation with said company)

simplybeautiful

Majolica Jeweling Eyes

Last summer, Mr. H and I went to Toronto with my sister in law and her husband.  We didn't spend too much time (actually we didn't have much time) to explore Toronto, but we did what we could in the amount of time we had.  I wanted to check out some of the Asian malls so that I could look for some Asian cosmetics brands.  I did find some but they seem a little expensive (Toronto girls are they?)  but I was able to get my hands on a Majolica Palette. 

Product Review:

Majolica Jeweling Eyes Palette

Swatches: all in order from top left clockwise. These are with no base.

(without flash)

(with flash)

This palette is small but packs lots of shimmer and cuteness in it.  Since the name is called Jeweling Eyes, this palette consists 2 shades of brown and 2 mid tone/highlight colors which are all mostly shimmering yet still has good payoff.  When applied slightly or even heavily, this palette gives your eyes a good amount of shimmer and leaves your eyes sparkling.

Pros:
~Nuetral Brown palette (perfect for anyone)
~Small packaging; not too bulky
~Cute packaging; very Asian and girlish
~Pretty good pigmentation and payoff once past the shimmer

Cons:
~Excessive layering = too much shimmer
~Because of the shimmer, it takes a few swipes to get good base of just eyeshadow
~Eyeshadow fall out
~Pricey (for how small it is and what I paid for it)

Rating: 3/5

Would I buy again?    maybe in a different color

Overall, I do use this palette once in a long while only usually when I go out.  It has too much shimmer to wear to work even lightly.  It seemed a little too much shimmer, but yes it does say that its
a Jeweling Eye palette.  Aside from all the shimmer, its a pretty good palette. It has all the various shades you need for a brown/neutral eye, and payoff can vary from slight to slightly heavy.  If I had a better access to getting this brand or other Asian cosmetics, I would definitely buy more, and try the other not as shimmery palettes.

Tips:

~Asian Style Eyes: Since its shimmery, less is good. To get this style all you do is layer eyes with light strokes of eyeshadow starting with highlight to the darkest color on the outer v.  Keep the colors just to the lid area, all you want is just peak of eyeshadow showing.

Majolica Palettes can be found at various Asian Stores that sell cosmetics and beauty related items usually found in concentrated Asian areas.  They can also be found online on various sites as well.

(The product was purchased by me. Reviews are based my own personal views and experiences. I have no affiliation with said company)

simplybeautiful

Create Your Own Kit - Smashbox

For one week only, SMASHBOX, is letting you Create Your Own Kit.

Mix and Match a total of 3 products that you will get for just $33. How awesome is that?  Also included is Chic Black Woven bag that will hold the products.

You can personalize your pick with 1 eyeshadow, 1 blush, and 1 lip-enhancing gloss of your choice! 

All in One Kit, just for you!

These would be my choices:

                                                      Minx Eyeshadow              Paradise Blush Rush                  Pixel Gloss

Again for $33, this is a deal you can't pass! So hurry girls and get them while you can!

You can order this item at Smashbox.com

(I have no affiliation with said company)

simplybeautiful

MAC "Peppermint Patti" NOTD for St. Patrick's DAY!

Since St. Paddy's Day is today, I thought I'll post up a quick Nail of the Day picture.

These are pictures of me using MAC's "Peppermint Patti" nail polish.

(no flash)

I usually don't wear green nail polish, but this is a pale green polish which very much wearable.  At least its some green right? Hopefully it will bring me some Luck!! hehe

Happy St. Patrick's DAY! 

simplybeautiful

Yummy Goodness!

Green Island Frozen Yogurt

Got myself some yummy Fro Yo this weekend. Strawberry, Mango, and Vanilla Tart with yummy fruits, mochi, coconut jelly, and palm seeds. One of the best places so far in Tampa, for Frozen Yogurt!  Can't wait to go back and get me some!

up close and personal!

I was so much into the dessert that by the time I got half way eating through it, I remembered to take a few pictures!..so much for a better dessert picture!  But you got the gist of it..hehe!  All the yummy yogurt is at the bottom which you can't see, but the best of the toppings are on top. 

simplybeautiful

Louis Vuitton! Are you Serious??

Would you pay $2,000 for a LV bag that looks like this?

(photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

Well, I don't own one LV bag to my name, nor will I have one any time soon. (maybe in the future..hehe) But come on, is this like the new thing to fashion bags? FASHION TRASH BAGS?

Don't give up on me LV!  Keep up with your signature bags that maybe one of these days I may be able to cough up enough money to own one of them.  But $2G's for this?  I may just give up and *pause*....go to the next brand down the road.

Supposedly these are waterproof bags with leather strap and strawstring neck tie.  Oooh soo exciting!

So what do you think of these Fashion Forward new LV bags? 

simplybeautiful

WHY must you be OOS???????

OOS = Out of Stock

So don't you just hate it when something you want online is "temporarily out of stock" and it basically never restocks?  Why don't they just take it off and save us the time to look at it and want it? LOL.

The other day I was browsing Sephora's sale page (love it) and I came across a few items that caught my eye and I had to have it.  The only problem was, the color that I wanted was you guessed it OOS.  WHY? I said..hehe

I like to keep all my makeup organized (I try), and I'm always looking around for random containers to fill them up with my overflow of makeup.  On the website, its the first time I've seen Sephora with any organization containers on sale!  I was like, "that's what I want"..but wait the black one is out of stock.  I wasn't surprised! As it was a sale item..almost less than 50% off.  I also knew that since it was a sale item, most likely it will not be restocked. (too sad)

Anywho, here's the item that I have been keeping my eye on; hopeful that it will be restocked for some time.  Please Sephora, just for me! k?  The red and white ones are still available, but not my color and totally would not match my dark dressers.

Sephora Collection "Makeup Station"

"An ensemble of versatile organizing trays."

Sephora Brand Makeup Station lets you discover the beauty of organization. Put things in order in style with this set of multitasking containers. Streamline your steps to getting gorgeous every day.

Isn't it cute! I would totally love to have this!

What are some items that you have wanted or lem for and found that it was out of stock?

simplybeautiful

Ramen Love!

Who loves RAMEN noodles? I do! I don't eat it as often and I usually just eat ones I make at home. I do wish there were Ramen noodle restaurants here, but haven't found any yet.

So after browsing all the yummy pictures of ramen noodle bowls on everyone's blogs, I decided you know what? I'm gonna make my own gourmet Ramen noodle bowl.

Here's my attempt:

Ingredients:

Ramen noodle

Boiled Eggs (almost hard boiled)

Thinly sliced Ribs (yummy)

Cilantro/Cabbage

Tofu (the best)

Addition sauces

More food love:

Yummy Goodness (you see the ribs and tofu.."drools")

Growing up, I always just ate ramen noodle as it is..no add ons of anything else, so I was surprised to find that other cultures ate ramen noodles with tons of other things in it! I was surprised that even there even noodle houses that only served ramen, wow! lol

Mr. H loved it, and so did I. I've been experimenting with different flavors and add ins, so more pictures to come.  Next time, I am going to have to try Pork Belly in it, that should be amazing.

What's your favorite Ramen Noodle flavor? add ins?

simplybeautiful

Sephora FACE Makeup Remover

I think I've found my favorite FACE makeup remover for the time being. 

Product Review:

Sephora FACE Makeup Remover

"a two-phase, non-oily eye makeup remover"

Pros:
~Cheap (so cheap..its like drugstore cheap) $5-8
~No perfumy fragrance
~Works awesomely
~Not oily (not oil based)
~Not too strong as in smell and alchohol
~Semi dropper top, so it doesn't spill
~Lasts pretty long (i've had mines for half a year now)
~No burning sensation

Cons:
~Solution may be harder to come out more due to top.
~Only available online or at Sephora stores

Rating: 4.5/5

Would I buy again? Yes, I would esp since I am almost out!

Overall, I would definitely buy this product again.  I like that fact that its not oily and not so alcohol strong at least for me.  The product works especially well for me.  Just a few drops on tissue, and I can wipe off my eye makeup like it was never there.  There's no need for tugging or rubbing just to get the makeup off.  One thing I like is that it is cheap.  Sephora brand is often pretty inexpensive for being in the same store as other high end brands. This is definitely an alternative to other brands of makeup remover.

This product can be found can be found online at sephora.com or at any Sephora store.

(This product was bought by me. Reviews are based on my personal views and experiences. I have no affiliation with said company)

simplybeautiful

Beauty Blog Award!

Yay, So lovely Lisa tagged me and awarded me 3 Beauty blogger awards! yay!

Here they are:

*Beautiful Blogger Award*:

1. Thank the blogger who gave you the award.

2. Put the award on your blog

3. Link the person who nominated you.

4. Share 7 ‘interesting’ facts about yourself.

5. Nominate 7 other bloggers

*Sunshine Award*:

1. Post the logo on your Blog

2. Pass it to 7 bloggers that inspire you!

3. Link the bloggers and let them know

*I ♥ You! Award*:

1. Post award on your blog

2. Link the person who has given you the award

3. Pass the award to 7 other blogs you've newly discovered

4. Remember to contact the bloggers you've nominated

Now about me!!!

*Beautiful Blogger Award*:

1. Thank you Lisa! You're the best!

4. Share 7 ‘interesting’ facts about yourself.

1. I love to sing   2. I love Makeup(can't you tell?)    3. I'm married    4. I'm still in school 
5. I'm super clumsy    6. I like to laugh    7. I enjoy family/friends

*Sunshine Award*:

1/2/3: All done

*I ♥ You! Award*:

1....All Done!

I instead nominated these blogs for the awards!

Shop N' Chomp

Angie

Sarah

Ning * Star

Swtest2Lips

Angelique

Keep the love flowing!! Thanks!!!

simplybeautiful

My Everyday Look

This is a very quick and simple look/FOTD that I do everyday!  Its simple for the office environment and easy enough to achieve in the morning with extra minutes to sleep in.  I try to put on some makeup for work, so that I look fresh and ready to work (which sometimes I'm not!)


Fresh Everyday FOTD

I change up the products that I use every other day, just so I am using my makeup.  This look consists of soft browns for the outer v and crease, while a nice highlight for brow highlight and inner corner of eye.  I usually wear a soft cream liner or pencil eye liner and slightly smudge it.  As for face, I keep it neutral; not too much shimmer.  I go for a soft peach glow on the cheeks on top of my normal concealer and moisturizer.  For the lips its usually just chapstick or a light gloss.

This is an easy everyday look that anyone can create in a matter of minutes!  

Questions? feel free to ask!

simplybeautiful

Weekend Fun and Spring Green FOTD

This weekend was super fun and ended way too fast! Its already Monday, why??.

Saturday night, I was at the Strawberry Festival in town with the friends and Mr. H.  Went to an awesome concert and had fun riding rides.  We didn't eat much but had some awesome Strawberry Cheesecake..which was yummmy. I ate it so fast, I totally forgot to take a picture of it. Sorry, maybe next year!

I was able to do a FOTD this weekend and decided I'll play with some color instead of my regular neutral colors. The colors I chose to use were a mix of greens; from bright green to olive greens, and some soft browns.  With St Patrick's Day coming up and the start of the Spring Season, I wanted a fresh new green look that is wearable and also fun!

Fresh Green FOTD

 

  

  

Products used: 

Eyes: MAC e/s in Shimmermoss, Scrumptious Olive, Espresso, Shroom

Cover Girl Shimmering Onyx, Sephora Green Creme liner, MAC Studio Fix mascara

Smashbox Photolid primer

Cheeks/Face: Sonia Kashuk Concealer palette, MAC Gingerly and Springsheen blushes

Lips: MAC Bare slimshine, 3n lipstick

Some quick pics of the fair: (I was uber busy, so I totallly forgot to take most pictures)

There's the stage! You see Strawberries??

 

 Rides at night!!

 

I had an awesome weekend! Hopefully all of you had a great one as well! Looking forward to what this weekend has in store for me!

simplybeautiful

TOO FABULOUS???

This week, MAC does it again! MAC is again giving us another collection to drool over and spend our little to none dollars. WHY do we still go and buy? Well because of this:

MAC Too Fabulous Collection 

March 2010

Lips and cheeks get the pretty young thing treatment. Cremesheen Glass makes its comeback with six exciting new shades and three requested bring-backs! Add Mineralize Blush duos and Lip Pencils to delight and define. All Too Fabulous!

Collection details:

Cremesheen Glass- $18
A lip finish that fuses the creamy, sheen-filled nature of Cremesheen Lipstick with the shine of M∙A∙C Lipglass. Soft, comfortable, non-sticky.

Lip Pencil- $13
A pencil designed for shaping, lining or filling in the lip...

 Mineralize Blush Duo-$23
A limited-edition Mineralize Blush featuring two shades swirled into an abstract pattern...

I have yet to see these in person, hopefully this coming week, but just from the swatches I've seen, there are plenty of items that I would love to call my own.  So far the most interesting items are the cremesheen glasses and the blushes. The cremesheen glasses are going to be permanent at all stores so there is no rush for me to get them.  When they came out last year as Limited Edition, I bought Boy Bait and loved it, so I'm super glad they are going to be permanent.  The blushes are a little different from previous duo mineralize blushes. I have yet to test them to see if I really like them.

This collection is currently available online at maccosmetics.com and at any MAC counter/store.

simplybeautiful

Colour 4 Quad FOTD

I know last week when I did the product review for the MAC Spring Forecast "Colour 4 Quad", I didn't post up a EOTD or FOTD for you guys.  Well actually this FOTD was from the previous weekend, I just forgot to post it up and now its a few days late, but hopefully you guys don't mind.

All my eyeshadows used on my eyes were from the quad!

Products used:  MAC Colour 4 Quad, Ostentatious fluidline, Studiofix mascara, Essence brow power, MAC Nuance blush, Bare Slimshine, Boy Bait Cremesheen lipgloss, Sonia Kashuk concealer palette.

 

eye closed
 

with my new glasses I got last week!

I've been using this quad for a whole week now and I've come to like it more and more! Awesome colors!  As for the FOTD, even if you don't own the quad, any gold and brown eyeshadows should work just as well.

Again, this quad from the Spring Forecast Collection is still available at MAC!

simplybeautiful