save water...douse yourself with perfume.

It all depends on my mood, my outfit, the weather... and sometimes...my NAIL POLISH! Muahahahahaha ;)

my current fragrant favs. and their nail polish sidekicks

 Rage & Light Blue

Rose gold goes with everything.

Light blue is classic and fresh.

(I've been repurchasing this since the year it came out)

Extravagant Night & Chloe

Chloe is so floral and feminine. I like the idea of

balancing that out with a fun dark purple polish.

*Pool Party & Clean Ultimate

*anything bright will do

                  Sheer Nude & Alien

Alien has a lot going on. Go Naked.

Not Just a Pretty Face & Summer [08 version]

All images were Binged.

the kind of GLOW you pay for

My (current) favorite highlighters

E.L.F shimmering facial whip in spotlight @ELF $1

E.L.F all over stick in golden peach @ELF $1

NYX jumbo pencilin cottage cheese @NYX $4.50

The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter @thebodyshop $14

M.A.C MSF in perfect topping

[Discontinued from Sugarsweet collection]

None of these have massive chunks of glitter. I use highlighters as an all over wash of color pretty often, so small products like ELF and *NYX come in handy.

The Body Shop's Radiant Highlighter was suppose to be a dupe for Benefit's High Beam. (It's not)

Still, I like the lotion texture and the subtle shimmers. I find it works best if you apply with a damp brush or sponge. I use this to highlight my legs; gives a nice sheen.

It's sad that perfect topping is discontinued, but luckily, I'll probably never get through all this product.

This one is the easiest to apply (with a light hand) and is great to dust over lids, collarbones, legs, cheeks...etc.

*NYX Jumbo Pencil is meant to be a cream eyeshadow that creases like crazy, which is why I found a different use for it.



Heavy swatches: [top] Perfect Topping
[Left to Right]
Spotlight, Cottage Cheese, Golden Peach, Radiant Highlighter





BIRCHBOX contents

1. Kate Spade's Twirl: separate post. 
2. Laura Geller/ Baked Blush n' Brighten: Mimics M.A.Cs MSFs in appearance and texture. This one is in Honey Dipped. It's as if New Vegas ( M.A.C collab with Alexander McQueen ) and a shimmery baked eyeshadow had a baby. That means, this not only has shimmer, but chunks of gold glitter. Way too much for my taste, but I can use it on my eyes. $29.50
3. Shu Uemura/ Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil: I have thin hair, but a lot of it. It's just below my shoulders. I needed the tiniest amount of this and it does as it claims. Kept my hair shiny and hydrated. It will kick Moroccan Oil's ass any day. $65
4. Sircuit Cosmeceuticals/ Molecular Mist: This is meant to be a heavy water moisturizer. The size is perfect for use on the plane and it helps to set your makeup. I've used it two days in a row and just the coconut fragrance alone turns me off. The consistency is too heavy and I feel makes your makeup slip. I'll have to find another use for this. $36
5. Deborah Lippmann/ Stripper to go nail lacquer removers: These pads are ultra convenient. They smell really good and can take off glitter nail polish without effort. They're pricey for nail polish remover, but worth it if you don't mind paying. (Glad I have samples, because I don't mind ACETONE for $2) $12

*all prices are for full size products, not the samples from BIRCHBOX.

Oversized for chic

Walked by the LOFT and saw her on  a mannequin in the window display.

Damn you silent seller!

I paid $39.99 for her.

She's way too cool to be next to a label, so I'll put a lace ribbon over LOFT.

The end.

Will the real SUMMER please stand up?

It's cold outside. Not Pacific Northwest cold, but it's 55 degrees in June. That's just poop! To embrace the at lease the sun is peeking out weather, I rummaged through my drawer of polishes. I found one I have never worn before. 

This was given to me as a birthday gift a couple of years ago. It was in a pink bag, hanging out with its 10 other China Glaze friends. (Thanks Kelsie!)

I would have taken the pink and gold glitter nail off, but I thought it looked good together. So the pink and gold glitter stayed...

 China Glaze's Black Diamond

Opaque in two coats, but I added a third to deepen the color.

There's a lot of *tiny shimmer running through the polish.

*Silver, blue, and some reflects green

It reminds me of what a titanium colored car would do when the sun hits the hood.

Before applying any polish i put down a base coat.

European Secrets Rock Hard Hardener and Base coat.

Found @ Sally's

How long the polish will last truly depends on your top coat.

I used Hoofer's Choice Shield Top Coat from Sally's.

Twirl

I just received my BirchBox (contents laid out in a different post) and in it, came a sample vial of Kate Spade's Twirl. I had no idea what it smelled like, but judging from the bottle, I thought it would smell crazy sweet. I was surprisingly surprised. Surprisingly surprised??? This stuff is okay; a little generic but whatever.It smells like a fresh fruity shampoo, musk, and a hint of cupcakes. This seems like something I will get sick of pretty quickly, but for right now, it's bearable. If I were to wear it, I'd pair it with denim cut offs and a plain white shirt...what else. 

Same(ism)

I dig this doughnut makeup bag from Daiso (:

With *no one to impress, I've been using these same products everyday. 

(With the exception of cutester from M.A.C's Hello Kitty collection; don't know where it went)

I have plenty of products, just haven't been using anymore than this.

Is this what you call a makeup rut?

*sigh

give 5 for warmer weather

Caked up my face:   

Beyond Belief serum

Dior's Hydra Life #1

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzer (use also for blush)

 Groom brows:  

Nars brow pencil (Ipanema)

E.L.F clear brow gel

Smudge a bronze/gold cream shadow on lid and under lower lash line:

Estee Lauder Stay in Place

cream shadow in Antique Gold

 Curl Lashes and apply mascara:

MUFE smokey lash waterproof

Apply tinted lip balm:

Korres Lip Butter in Quince

All over my face

Picked this up at my local Sally's Beauty Supply. I went in there with every intention to find my perfect primer. There was a two for $10 deal with all Beyond Belief products, so I decided to pick some up. I have never heard of this brand before, so I didn't get a chance to review it before purchase. I was pleasantly surprised :) This claims to promote elasticity, moisturize, and keep your skin healthy (all naturally). Six weeks later, I am still using this product. I like the light-weight lotion feel and the subtle scent of lemon ice tea. I have retired my Nivea Soft and use this as my daily moisturizer/primer. I usually wear tinted creams; and this preps my skin by leaving it supple and fresh. It is in a small size, perfect for travel, and the pump is ultra convenient. I have  a big face, but half a pump dispenses just the right amount.  I don't have any  wrinkles yet, so I can't say how accurate the anti-wrinkle claim is. This just feels nice on my face and underneath make-up.  The serum absorbs in the skin quickly and doesn't leave a film. This product is not meant to be a traditional primer, so don't expect it to fill in any pores. I have normal skin with redness around the nose and mouth. This slightly reduces redness, which i assume is from the chamomile. Love this stuff. 

available @ Sally's Beauty Supply

so FRESH

For hot nights

rub

smear

spread

deposit

dab

Squeeze

done.

All items available @ Sephora 

All images via Sephora.com

Bag Lady

It is not wrong to love this bag (repeat 3X)

If there was a beach near by, this would be a rad beach bag. 

Black is chic during any season.

Think black nails/ basic black string bikini/ black shades

No makeup

$20 @ Ross and Leo

Attire

White linen shorts ( Aqua ) : Summer staple

Light Weight Sweater ( Aerie ) : Pacific NW weather staple

Watch ( Michael Kors ) 

Braided Bracelet ( H&M )

Pink Bangle ( World Market )

Gold Bracelet ( JewelMint )

If it's chilly and your legs can stand it; cover your arms.

rub Eggplant on your nails

I hear it's summer ... but the sun hasn't come out in days :(

This will look lovely with white linen shorts, a gauzy pale gray top, my beat-up-chinatown-fake-leather-studded bag, aviators and *distressed leather flip flops.

love & beauty: Purple
@ Forever21 $2.80
Color Club: Get a Clue
@ 8ty8beauty $3
O.P.I : Teenage Dream
@ Ulta $8

*still searching for the perfect pair

I like the way you BLUE






TOMS Classic 201 in Seafoam $135
@Toms.com



Blue Topaz "sugar baby" necklace $56
@thecurrentcustom



Illene Scoop Neck Dress $208

@shopbob





MUFE Aqua Liner $23
@Sephora



 

Asos Portfolio Envelope Clutch $34.48
@Asos.com

The first thing I need to check off the list: TOMS eyewear. I think I love them.

 *All photos taken from sites where they are available. 

copy and paste

Here's an update to my white t-shirt post:
This of course, is after i contacted the store, who told me to contact corporate, who then told me to email customer service.

online@forever21.com to me

show details 12:30 PM (27 minutes ago)

Dear Valued Customer,

Thank you for emailing us with your concern.

Contact the store where you purchase from.

If you have any further questions/concerns, please call our customer service line at (888) 494-3837 or you may email us by visiting our website www.forever21.com. Click on the Customer Service link located at the bottom of the page then follow by clicking on Contact Us. Our representatives are available to take your calls and emails Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.

Sincerely,
Forever 21 - Customer Service

Thank You F21 for the stellar customer service

Lush Easy Lips

Two "don't have to think about them" products.

ISWAK

texture: thick paste

scent: apple cinnamon(ish)

color: bright red in tin

applies bright pink on lips

wear: longer than a lipstick

price: $2

Honey Trap

texture: solid paste

scent: honey :)

color: colorless 

dries to a satin finish

wear: depends if you're eating and or drinking

keeps lips supple but must reapply throughout the day.

price: $2

*both available online and at Lush stores

Reaction:

most wearable red

yellow limes

Stopped by                                                                                                                                          Ulta.

Bought                                                                                                                                       Nail Polish.

                                                                                                                                                   

I'm really into Vintage Gray at the moment. It reminds me of a lighter version of Metro Chic. (which I don't actually own). It's a great neutral, just not as "summery" as i like my nails to be, this time of year.

I thought pairing it with a neon yellow would help cheer up the gray. It did. I heart this color combo.

Quick review on Piggy Polish. This company has excellent customer service. PERIOD.

I'll have a more detailed review on the polish on a separate post. 

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great expecTEEations

The basic white cotton tee is a year round staple. Goes with EVERYTHING and you can style the s&#t out of it. They are available in different stores, by different brands, and at various price points.

I swear... I am not a pessimist. I swear it.

My last white t-shirt purchase was for $6.50. Not bad right? I buy white tees anywhere they are available. I ache for it sometimes...late at night...like a mild *joy powder addiction. ;)

It's really not that bad. I just don't need a fancy label for something so basic. Hanes has yet to fail me. 

These pictures were taken after one wash. I read the care tag instructions, followed it to a TEE, and these are the results. 

I completely understand, that in the world of mass production, you get what you pay for.  I don't expect something that cost less than $10 and made out of cotton to last a lifetime. However, I do expect it to last more than one wash.

I emailed the company a short note about the quality of this particular product. I wasn't the only one with this complaint. I'm just curious as to why a huge company like this would put out a product this poorly made. I will post the response as soon as I get one.

+Basic cotton white tee courtesy of fast fashion giant FOREVER21

change Polish

Opaque in two coats

 Goes with everything

      The price isn't that bad

deborah lippmann: Naked
available at Nordstrom
$16

Daydreams: episode 1

Let us all take a moment to admire the beauty of this ring. 

Monique Pean: Sliced Diamond Ring

available at Barneys
$5,280

Just the idea of pairing it with this ensemble by SHIN makes me smile ;)
too bad I don't own this ring or this outfit.

SHIN Spring/Summer 2011

Daiso Products

Lip Gloss Set

 The clear gloss is complete crap, but the other 3 shades are pretty pigmented when applied with a lip brush. It dries to a "satin(ish)" finish. All three shades wear for about as long as you can keep from drinking anything, but for $1.50 I paid, I can't complain. Plus, i really like the mirror.

Pure Color Cream Blush

This looks really shiny, because it is super greasy. The color pay off wasn't bad, but it only lasted for about an hour. I also tried putting Well Dressed by M.A.C on top, but it just looked like a sad, greasy, and pasty mess.

Magical Mascara in brown

This is by far the saddest mascara story I have ever heard. The package lied! There is nothing magical about this product what so ever!!! I could have put a picture of what it looked like on my lashes, but the formula was so thick it refused to cling to anything but the wand. It is seriously that thick. I'm a little pissed I spent $1.50 on what looks like Muscle Milk's high protein pudding.