Beauty Tip - Nails

This tip was shared by a fellow blogger! Thanks Tina!

After reading on the nail tip from Tina, I decided to try it out as well and in the process take some pictures.  Pictures don't really tell how well it works, but you should get the point, I hope.

Beauty Tip - Fast Drying Nail Polish

What you need?

1.  A cup of cold water
2.  1 or 2 pieces of ice
3.  Your favorite nail polish
4.  A hand towel

The works?

Once you get your cup of cold water, drop the ice in the water and let it slowly melt.  Now apply as many coats of nail polish to your nails and let them air dry for a bit.  Once you finish painting one or both hands, take your fingers and dip them into the ice water.  Let the ice pieces float around your fingers, and make sure your nails are submerged in the water.  Wait anywhere from 1-3 minutes (depending on how thick the coats were) before taking your fingers out.  Yes, the water is cold, but the results are amazing.  Once time is up, gently wipe away water on hands with hand towel.

Dunk it!

No Smudges! all Dried!

Overall:

Super easy! Yes, the water is cold, but again the colder the better! I actually tested the nail tip with my left hand and let my right hand air dry.  Like I thought it would, the right hand took way too long to dry, so I had to dunk it into the cup of water as well.  It literally takes anywhere from 2-4 mins to get good results.  I still had to be careful about not smudging the polish, but it wasn't as bad as if I had not used the tip and just let the polish air dry. Try it and you'll be painting away even more now! I certainly have!

simplybeautiful

MAC Pret-a-Papier Haul

In my earlier post, I had mentioned wanting to get just a few items from the MAC Pret-a-Papier
Collection. Well I stuck with what I said and only got 2 items.  There were nice products with good colors, but I didn't need everything and knew I probably wouldn't wear most of the colors. 

Here's what I got:

Instant Chic Blush and Coral Crepe Paintpot

Instant Chic Blush

 swatch!

Coral Crepe Paint Pot

 swatch!

MAC Pret-a-Papier Collection

Overall:

These two products are basically sisters because they colors are very similar in pinks and complement each other well.

Instant Chic is a sheertone blush, so it does not have much shimmer to it and may be too sheer for some people. It's a subtle pink so its not too baby pinkish nor too red, so its something that I like.

Coral Crepe is an awesome color for a paint pot. Finally MAC released a new paint pot color but too bad its limited edition. For anyone who loves to wear pink eye shadows, Coral Crepe will be a a great base for vibrancy and payoff.  It is also good just by itself as a cream eyeshadow.  The color is very pigmented with some shimmer to it. To me, this color reminds me of Perky paint pot that was from the Fafi collection, but maybe a bit darker than Perky.

I may go back and get backups of the paint pot, as those usually sell out fast, but other than that I'm saving up for the next collection!!!

What did you get from this Collection? share!

simplybeautiful

SalonTech "Silicone 450"

"New Styling Iron that Conditions Hair"

Damaged/Dry Hair?

With patented silicone technology, the SalonTech Silicone 450 is designed with three conditioning silicone bars embedded on both ceramic plates. Those bars are there to help condition your hair and make sure that there is less damage but still work effectively.  You want sleek, shiny hair, the silicone helps with control and deposition to enable you to get you the look you want.

Tired of Waiting?

Do you have to wait 60 seconds each time to wait for your iron to heat up? In a hurry? Well, the Silicone 450 as a built in microprocessor that provides the world's fastest heat-up in just 17 seconds.  Reaching up to 450 degrees in temperature, the Silicone 450 gives the best results when styling.

Forgetful?

I tend to forget to shut off my hair tools at times especially with I'm in a hurry, then later I worry about if I had turned it off or not! Relax there is a reason for auto shut off! The Silicone 450 comes with a motion sensor that automatically shuts the iron when not in use after 30 minutes. No more worries!

Testing = Ouch!

No need to burn your hand to test if the straightener is hot and ready to use. The iron is equipped with a smart sound communication device that gives a soft beep notifying that the iron is ready. How easy is that!

Heavy?

Lastly, the new SalonTech Silicone 450 is 10% lighter than competing irons. Meaning styling your hair won't be as stressful to your wrists, and you definitely won't be as tired as before.

Priced at $200 and available at top hair salons nationwide and via http://www.salontech.com/

Too good to be true?  I have naturally wavy hair and keeping it straight is a lot of work.  I have yet to try this straightener, but from the looks of it, it looks promising.

Has anyone tried this iron or have it used on you before?

simplybeautiful

LAST CALL for GIVEAWAY!

My 100+ Follower GiveAway Ending Soon!

A Reminder to everyone who loves makeup and my blog, my GiveAway will be ending this week, as Friday will be the last day to enter.  Giveaway will officially close on May 1st.  Just 3 more days!


Here's a peek into what's up for grabs:

First Prize

Second Prize

To enter:

Please follow the link to the Original Post and comment there for a valid entry. Please read all rules before entering.   All entires must be entered by this Friday!

(All products for giveaway have been purchased by me)

simplybeautiful

Wax it off???

If you have heard of the brand Anastasia Beverly Hills, you know Anastasia Soare is the Expert in shaping brows.  With great technique and a gentle sugar-based wax, all facial waxing including brow shaping is used at Anastasia's salons in Beverly Hills.

Beverly Hills too far for you? Well it is for me! So why not just bring it home to you!

Introducing: Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Wax Kit

Now You Can Have The Same Quality Salon Wax at Home!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Wax Kit includes:

~ Gentle Facial Wax

~ Five Natural Sticks

~ 14 Muslin Strips

~ Complete waxing instructions

The Mini Wax Kit can be used to remove unwanted hair both under and between the brows and on the upper lip.  Follow complete instructions while in process of waxing to get the best results.


Available since March of this year, the Mini Wax kit is available at Sephora locations and online at http://www.anastasia.net/ and retails at $12.

"These are my essential tools that I use in my Beverly Hills Salon and while I travel for my 

celebrity clients." – Anastasia 

Have you tried this product yet?

simplybeautiful

Birthday Love! from Tina

I had a super fun weekend, spent time with family for my birthday and took a few days off from work (well needed). 

Well I was out all weekend and one of the nights I came home late and found a few packages on the dinner table waiting for me! The others were just swap packages, but there was one with no return address. I was like: huh?  I know I haven't bought anything online for some time now, so I opened it up.

YaY for awesome Tina! She remembered my birthday and sent me some goodies to enjoy.  It totally  made my day!

Birthday Love items:

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

2 NYX Jumbo Pencils in French Fries & Milk

A Birthday Card

Thanks soo much Tina! You're the Best!

I've wanted to get me some NYX Jumbo Pencils for awhile now, but never made myself go get some, but now I got me some! I also have wanted to get me the Shu curler since I have the mini one which works great, but the fullsize was calling my name too! The present was exactly what I wanted! Thanks!!!!!

Quick swatches of the NYX pencils: So far it looks promising!!

Happy April Everyone!!! Can't you tell I love April???? 

simplybeautiful

EARTH DAY 2010

How Beauty can help change and save our world!

There are so many things that we as beauty junkies to help make our world a better place.  To celebrate Earth Day, many cosmetics brands have put out better programs to help recycle, give incentives so shopping is more eco friendly, and save us some money too!

How can you make EARTH DAY a awesome day!

Recycling

Orgin's Recycling Program - You can take the empty packaging (boxes, tubes, jars, whatever) from any cosmetic, regardless of the brand, to any of Origin's participating stores or department store counters to recycle.  Bonus: do it today, and you'll get a fullsize cleanser of your choice, Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash or a Perfect World Antioxidant Cleanser with White Tea. Your reward for doing good!
(info from allure.com)

MAC BACK 2 MAC - Bring 6 empty/unused MAC product packagaing in to any MAC store/counter and receive a free eyeshadow or lip product.

Packaging

LUSH - You can purchase 70% of LUSH products without paper packaging which will definitely help keep landfills free of waste. Lush also uses vintage scarves to gift wrap products instead of using tissue paper that goes to waste.

ECO-PRODUCTS

JOSIE MARAN - Her entire cosmetics line is made to be eco friendly and natural. Everything from makeup to skincare! Check it out!

SpaRitual - Vegan nail polish that is perfect for any one who love nails.  Free of synthetic dyes and unnatural fillers.  Check the newest colors!

ECO - Deals

The Body Shop - When you bring in your own reusable shopping bag, you can get 20% off any purchase on April 22 at participating stores. (please check website/store for more information)

There are plenty of cosmetics brand that are celebrating EARTH DAY!

Please search for the and check them out!

(disclaimer: Please check website/store for more details pertaining to programs, discounts, deals, and for detailed information before using)

simplybeautiful

MAC Pret a Papier Collection

MAC's newest collection coming April 2010

Craft-paper couture - an inspired idea cut like a pattern and whipped up into a seamless spectrum of parchment-to-vellum beiges with an occasional, clever colour spill, coral among the most au courant. Avec Prêt-à-Papier, a new couture star is born!

View and buy the whole collection at maccosmetics.com or at any MAC stores

I was at MAC the other day and the lovely MA let me take a peek at the new collection that was not out yet. I was super excited because I got to see it all by myself and before lots of people.  She evened let me swatch the products, kudos to her!

Swatches to come in Haul Post!

What I would get from this collection?

I would totally get the new paintpot in Coral Crepe. The color is a pinkish coral and the finish is both shimmery but matte as well, reminds me of rubenesque mixed with fresco rose.  The other items I would get are the blushes Instant Chic, and mineralized blush in Light over Dark. The payoff's are good and easy to match to any skin tones. The mineralized blush is a duo blush which works awesome as  a shimmer bronzer as well.  The other items are hit and miss with for me and are items I don't have to get right away! I already have C-thru lipglass (which I love) so that's one that one should get if you don't have it. But overall I do like the collection, lots of neutrals and nude colors for everyone.

Are you getting anything from this collection?

simplybeautiful

LUSH - "Each Peach" Review

A few months ago, I did a post about the LUSH Haul that I had done.  Well one of the items that I bought was a massage bar called "Each Peach".
Its finally time for the review since I've had adequate time to use it and properly review it!

Product Review:

LUSH Cosmetics - "Each Peach (and Two's a Pair)" Massage Bar

"Massages are enjoyable for numerous reasons; they help us relax, they soothe sore muscles, and sometimes (like when you use an Each Peach) they moisturize your skin and uplift your spirits. Because this bar is packed with cocoa, shea, avocado and mango butters, it's a fantastic moisturizer. Plus, we add sweet orange oil, lime and grapefruit oils to refresh and wake you up. Perfect for a fruity, uplifting massage."

Pros:
~ Citrus fragrance - not too strong either
~ Bar form - great at controlling how much oils you want
~ Melts to warmth of your hands
~ Great size - lasts a long time
~ Very soothing and moisturizing
~ Vegan product
Cons:
~ Time it takes to melt in hands to use
~ Pricey - at $8.75 for a 2.2oz bar
~ Location of stores are limited esp if you can't buy online.
~ Fragrance may just be too strong for some
~ Can melt if kept in direct sunlight or heat

Rating: 4/5

Will I repurchase?                 Most likely YES!


Overall, I like this massage bar. When I was at LUSH, I sniffed all the bars and this one was the most appealing and wasn't too strong for me.  I liked the citrus/fruity smell of the bar so this was the perfect product for me, even Mr. H liked it.  It does take a few rubs to get the oils out of the bar to use, but once you do, its perfect.  The oils from the massage bar are great for body and hand massages and is very soothing, perfect for sore muscles or just a relaxing massage. Who doesn't love massages? hehe  This is one product that lasts a long time, and I will defintely enjoy using over and over again.

This product can be purchased at any LUSH Cosmetics store or online at LUSH.

(This item was purchased by me. I am not affliated with said company. All reviews are based on my sole experience)

simplybeautiful

Blue Eyed Beauty FOTD

One color I tend to not use often is Blue. Maybe as a kid and being asian, I was turned off by the typical asian look, blue eyeshadow and pink/red lips.  So as I got older and more into makeup, I strayed away from blues, as it was hard to make it look right on me.  I like greys and dark blues, but anything that was light blue or bright blue? Nah, not my cup of tea. 

Only recently did I discover that bright blue is a nice colorful color and maybe I can make it work for my eyes.

Here's my attempt:

Bright Blue FOTD

 eyes closed

 

with the glasses

eyes closed with glasses

Products used:

Face: MAC nw25 concealer, EDM powder, MAC Gingerly blush
Eyes: Smashbox lid primer, MAC Sea Me shadestick, Fyrianne Mischeivous Puck pigment, Coastal Scents Warm Palette (blue/grey colors), MAC ......liner!!!!lafihe, Essence brow powder
MAC Studio Fix mascara,
Lips: MAC Bare slimshine, MAC 2n lipstick

In order to keep the eyeshadow subtle and not soo bright, I added a soft smokey look and blended both colors together.  I kept the bright blue just right on the lid and then blended it out, but it still maintains the blue color.  I also lined my eye with a bright blue liner instead of lining it with a black color.  I loved how that when my eyes are opened, the eyeshadow is a soft smokey look, but bam! its a whole new color when my eyes are close! I love surprises!

How often do you wear BLUE eyeshadow?

simplybeautiful

China Glaze - "Nails of the Week" - NOTW

This weeks NOTW (Nails of the Week) is a brand new polish I bought a week ago from Sally's Beauty Supply.  I tend to forget that sometimes Sally's has a sale section of products that are discounted to sell.  I only picked up one item which was a China Glaze Gold glitter nail polish.

Somehow I love gold nails that are sheer and not so metallic. The softer it is the more I like!
I have a few golds, but this one is just as pretty!


NOTW: China Glaze "5 Golden Rings"

Too bad the awesome color isn't shown as great on pictures then in real life!

I took me at least 3 applications to get the color more opaque, but if you just want sheer coverage, the first or second application is just as great!  The polish is more glitter based, but the glitters are small and still acts like a regular nail polish. It gives off a sheer metallic feel to it the more coats you add, but not so overwhelming.

For $1.99, I can't complain since China Glaze usually sells upwards to $6.00.  I love finding discounted items! Its awesome!!

simplybeautiful

Sephora - "Makeup Madness"

For all you Sephora Beauty Insiders, Sephora is granting a Makeup Madness Discount!

April 12th through the 19th

All Beauty Insiders will be able to get 15% off entire purchase at checkout

Coupon can be printed and used in Sephora Stores or use online code: MADNESS

 

 My Makeup Madness Wishlist!

Smashbox Cream Eyeliner Palette - $15 (weekly special)

Dior 5-Colour palette- Stylish Mauve 

YSL Rouge Volupte - Sweet Honey

TOKIDOKI - Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette

GHD - Styler

WOW that's a huge list already for me! Not too sure what I'll eventually get, but those items are just a few things that I've been eyeing for sometime now.  Still going to make time to actually take a good look at the Sephora online site and do swatches at the store, to make sure I like what I'm getting. Can't wait to see and read all about who got what! Have Fun Shopping!!!

What are you getting from the Makeup Madness Sale?

comment below

simplybeautiful

New at Sephora: Tokidoki

Its been awhile since I've walked into Sephora and played with all the makeup brands.  The store is amazing, like a girl's dream playground.  I don't ever buy much, but I sure do love to swatch, swatch away..and see what's new.

Awhile back I had mentioned that a few familiar brands that has been with Sephora for a long time was being taken out, ie: Laura Geller, Cargo, Vincent Longo.  Since then, Sephora has added many new up and coming brands to its list. 

New @ Sephora:  TOKIDOKI

Even though the stand at Sephora was small, the new makeup line offered lots of products for makeup lovers.  I was able to test some of the eyeshadow quads out and yes they are very pigmented.  There is an array of awesome colors and products to choose from, and if you are a Tokidoki fan, the packaging is to die for!

very pigmented eyeshadows

I wasn't able to play with all the products (had to leave) but the ones I did were pretty good for first time swatches. Maybe next time I'll be able to get more swatches and a better review.

Tokidoki makeup brand can be bought at Sephora stores and sephora.com.

Have you checked out the new makeup line yet at Sephora?

simplybeautiful

Urban Decay Friends & Family Deal - 30% OFF

Shop now at UrbanDecay.com for their Family & Friends 

30% off Sale!  

Valid April 6th-19th

Enter code at checkout: 1SFNF

Time for window shopping:

24/7 Sets

Wallpaper Shadow Box

You guessed it! More UDPP

This deal only comes once or twice a year, so stock up on all your favorites while you can get them cheaper. 

(This code is only valid on the Urban Decay site, not any other makeup site)

simplybeautiful

Makeup Bag of the Month

Since I started blogging, I have yet to do a What's in my bag? post.  I guess I can start it now since I'm at it.  I mainly just wanna focus more on my beauty bag, so that you guys get an idea of what I carry and use at the moment.  I don't wear much makeup on a daily basis but I know I need to start using my products, so I get my money's worth.

My goal is to try to write a What's in my bag? post once a month most likely at the end of the month to share what I used for the months. That's the best I can do!  I also want to try to mix up the products I use so that its not so repetitive, and I'll try something new every month.

Feb/March Makeup Bag:

Items:

Bag: Lancome Holiday 2009 bag
Brushes: Lancome eye, smudger, blush brushes
Eyes: MAC self made quad with eyeshadows: Shroom, Sable, Mulch, Twinks, Clinique Duo eye liner
Blush: NARS Deep Throat
Lips: Soft lips chapstick, MAC Cremesheen gloss in Boy Bait

Next month, I'll add different items to my makeup bag and will have it ready for you guys to see what I carry around everyday!  My goal again is try out different products that I own and change up my makeup.

What do you carry in your Makeup Bag? 

Please do Share! I would love to know!

simplybeautiful