Memo Boards

They're here!

Only two days ago I ordered these Ivory Twill French Memo Boards from Target online for $12 each.
They're so cute, aren't they? And I was really impressed with their speedy service. It was quite the opposite situation when I ordered Missoni merchandise back in September and had to wait till January to receive them! I also had a HORRIBLE experience with one of their phone reps... Anyways, good stuff.

They're currently having a sale on all home items, so check it out! 

I'm not even sure what pictures I'm going to stick in these considering all my pictures are digital... so I'll have to start picking and printing. Will post pics when completed. :) 

Chanel vs. MAC

The recent CRAZE in the beauty world has definitely been the new drugstore eyeshadow releases by Maybelline and L'oreal. These cheap alternatives to the ever so famous Chanel's Illusion D'ombre, MAC Paint Pots, and Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill have definitely racked up major popularity because of their ability to give these high end brands a run for their money. I had to jump onto the bandwagon myself and scored Maybelline Color Tattoo Bad To the Bronze and L'oreal Infallible Iced Latte, Amber Rush, and Bronzed Taupe. Here's a color swatch of Amber Rush and Bronzed Taupe:

Not bad, right? They're amazingly pigmented and for a fraction of the price of Chanel and GA... yes, please! 

Here are some links to legit swatches: Iced Latte, more Infallibles, and Color Tattoos. 

Anyways!!!

On my recent trip to NY, I had my first opportunity to check out Chanel's Illusion D'ombres and MAC Naturally collection in person. Having finally seen Chanel in person after tons of video and blog raves, I had to admit I was a bit underwhelmed. If you check out the swatches below, you'll see that there are tons of glitter specks I had not expected in the formula. Sure the black pot was known to have silver specks, but not all the other colors! Personally, I think glitter can make a product look much cheaper... Is that just me? They're definitely gorgeous... but worth $36? Hmmm...
Giorgio Armani shadows were also beautiful in person, but I just couldn't justify the price when L'oreal does it just as good.

left to right: Chanel 82 Emerveille, 86 Ebloui, 83 Illusoire (sooooo pretty), 85 Mirifique, GA 6 Khaki Pulse

Then came MAC's Naturally collection. These mineralized shadows go for $20 each, but I thought the subtle sheen of the shadows were so pretty and looked much more wearable than Chanel's. I ended up purchasing the pinkish-purple color on the left (Daylight), but am now regretting I didn't get the soft peach champagne color (Summer Haze) as well!!!! I didn't feel right spending $40 on eyeshadow alone that day, but I should have because Summer Haze is completely sold out wherever I go! I thought it was too similar of a color that I already own, but nothing gives off as pretty and soft of a glow as this color does. And it could work beautifully as a cheek highlight too!! Oh... regrets... 

As much as I admire Chanel products and the prestige of their brand... I have to admit I wasn't convinced I needed (well, I don't really need any of this) to have the Illusion D'ombres in my collection. But who knows? They may get me one day.... 

Happy New Year!!!

Hello Blog World... I am still alive. I've made into 2012 and I have resolved that I will be a much more diligent blogger! I'll shoot for at least once a week... and if I slack, I welcome any type of threats or harassment. I assure you I have TONS of pictures stored up in my "blog" folder, but just haven't gotten around to posting them. But they are on their way!

So let's get to it! Come see the progression of my new sickness...

One of my newest obsessions of this new year has been CANDLES. I was never a candle-kinda-gal. I never understood it when I would watch people show their newest candles in Youtube hauls. But then my life was flipped upside down when this little guy came into my life.

Say hello to my new friend. I got this candle for 50% off with my Rue La La 50% off coupon for Naimie's. So for $4 I thought, "Why not?" It just smelled too good to pass. I can't explain the rich and fruity scent of this candle... so if you ever come over, expect me to shove it in your face. Mmm... so good. 

But then, this other guy made a special place in my heart when I won him in a Christmas White Elephant gift exchange. An Anthropologie Capri Blue candle in Volcano. YUM! This one also is fruity, but there is a lightness to it that makes me feel fluttery on the insides. Both of these candles have a citrus accent where the Voluspa has orange and the Capri Blue has lemon and lime.

 Then I came across these lighters at Target for $1. Had to get them for my new candles. :P

And then here's when things got buckwild...........

I walked into Bath & Body works with friends and before my eyes were these mini-candles that were being sold with a glass jar for only $2!! I collected 4 Cranberry Pear Bellini (my fave), 2 Merry Mistletoe, and 1 Winter Candy Apple. I felt justified in "trying out" these scents for only 2 bucks. Too bad I'm sold and will definitely invest in these scents full size one day. These candles may be tiny, but they can really fill up my ENTIRE room.
The other big guy is a Yankee candle in Christmas Cookie I got for 50% off at Ulta. They were getting rid of their holiday scents. This is a soft and sweet vanilla scent that makes me feel warm and cozy. This is the candle I burned the most until....

... this happened. Another 50% off Vanilla Creme candle from Ulta. Then... my aunts, cousin, sister, and I took a little trip to Marshall's after celebrating the Lunar New Year together. My aunts and sister were basically buying all the candles in the store, so I took a peek myself. I ended up with 2 Caldrea candles in Pomegranate Fig and Vanilla Lemon. 

Here's the showstopper. I came across this candle sitting in the clearance section. Yankee Hearts & Kisses. I can't explain the scent... smells like roses, candy, lavender, and freshly cleaned sheets. Have no idea if any of that is true. I've been trying to google this scent, but I can't find anything!!! I bought 2 of these (only 2 left) and I'm already scared of the day I'll be left without them. I need to go scour all of the Marshall's and TJ Maxx's in my area. Or else I'LL DIE!!!  Not really, but I'll be pretty depressed. 

So that wraps it up for my candle obsession. I don't know how my collection escalated so quickly, but I hope I don't become a hoarder! I need to keep my eyes turned away from any new candles... except for Hearts & Kisses. 

What are your favorite candle scents?? 

Rock & Republic

The Rock & Republic line of makeup is known for its lavish packaging, tremendous color selection of blushes and eyeshadows, and great color payoff. Too bad it's discontinued!!! :(
Thanks to YouTube gurus like Hollyannaeree and Jenn from frmheadtotoe who raved about this brand, people jumped onto the bandwagon and began buying out products whenever it was held on Hautelook. I'm bummed because this all happened before I began actually collecting makeup and missed out on so many opportunities to get their blushes and brushes. Now they're all sold out! :((

I decided it was time to invest in whatever I could before the entire line disappears. So here is what I got my hands on at $7 a pop from Hautelook.

 Each eyeshadow comes in it's own little case. I likey!

Here are 3 of the shadows I received. From left to right are Revenge, Alloy, and Wicked. Revenge is is shimmery cranberry purple, Alloy is a shimmery golden peach, and Wicked is a matte maroon purple.

Swatches of Alloy, Wicked, and Revenge from left to right and bottom to top. 

Surprisingly, the colors swatched differently than expected. Revenge has a deep purple tone and the cranberry speckles seem to disappear. The shadow is creamy to the touch, just like Alloy. Alloy was pretty much what I expected and swatches true to color. Wicked turned out to be much chalkier than I had hoped for and has more of a maroon-cranberry color than purple, which I actually like. 

I'm still waiting for the color Tribal to arrive. I'm sad that I missed the chance to own colors like Carat, Veil, Sabotage, and Exile. I've probably done a horrible job at portraying the wonders of this line, so if you're bored please check out this girl's swatches at Part 1 and Part 2. 

And while I'm still talking about this line, I figured I should show the blush I own in Immoral.
Please excuse my extremely lazy impromptu "shoot" on my bed with my iPhone... haha

First of all, do you see how big the blush is compared to the shadows??

The color in the pan is really scary, but when applied with a light hand, the blush brings a bright flushed tone to the skin that isn't too bad. Plus it's matte so it looks pretty natural. 

To sum it up, it's a pretty great brand and even greater with it's huge discounted price tag. I love its heavy and durable packaging with mirrors placed in each compact. It seems over the top, but that's what makes it feel expensive. My only gripe about the packaging is that there are no magnetic or clip closures. It's made well enough that it shouldn't open on its own, but I wouldn't trust it to be sitting in my purse, that's for sure. So that is my measly Rock & Republic collection. I'm so sad I missed out on the other blushes, shadows, and brushes! I wonder if they'd ever come back out with this makeup collection since it's been doing so well?

Overview: Exfoliators

I'm not that much of an exfoliator buff (har har), but here are the ones I'm going through.

1) St. Ives - Green Tea Scrub
This is the newest addition to the club. I think it's one of my favorite exfoliators to date! It has such a clean, fresh, and yummy scent. What I enjoy most about this scrub is that it has tiny beads that are gentle, yet it's dense enough to feel like you're really scrubbing your face. This scrub has a good ratio of beads to the paste... if that's even what it's called. Basically, it's an awesome scrub if you're willing to spend $4 and I totally recommend it! If you're feeling iffy, at least smell it!!! Smells so good....
2) St. Ives - Apricot Scrub for Blemish & Blackhead Control
Who hasn't used this exfoliator? It's been around for ages and was the option to turn with all it's awards. I don't think I've been without this exfoliator since high school... but I'm so over it! This is the epitome of a "scratchy" exfoliator. I was excited to try their new formulations with their new packaging, but it's pretty much the same thing. I'm not into rough exfoliators, especially since my skin has become more sensitive. I don't enjoy the feeling of my skin burning... It's taken me forever to get through it because I leave it in the shower, but it will be replaced by my new favorite, the St. Ives Green Tea Scrub. And I haven't seen any blemish or blackhead control.
3) DermaNew - Microdermabrasion
This came with a handheld scrubber that I'll speak about below. I haven't used this scrub without it, so I don't have much to say. It's white with tiny microbeads. (ps, thanks sis for the gift!)
4) Ambi - Even & Clear Exfoliating Wash
I used this cream when I was going through the worst year-long breakout of my life. I think I was going through hormonal changes after graduating college and my skin was wigging out on me. I even tried ProActiv! (it didn't help) Anyways, this cleanser caught my eye one day and I wanted to see if it would help with evening my skin tone after all the scarring left on my forehead. I absolutely love the scent of this pearly cream, but I love it even more now because I associate it with the time my skin began to clear up. Now I don't fully credit this product to the clearing of my skin, but it was a nice alternative to the St. Ives Apricot scrub because this is more like a cleanser and exfoliator put into one. It's extremely gentle on the skin with tiny microbeads that aren't densely packed into the formula. It's definitely something that could be used daily unlike the other exfoliators I've discussed. The only reason why I own it right now is because I haven't seen this line carried in Target for years and I ran across it this summer and thought it was time for a little reunion.
5) Clarins - One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
This cleanser came with the Clarins package I ordered from Hautelook this summer. The cleanser has a gel consistency with round beads sparsely dispersed through the formula. Now I know I'm not one for harsh exfoliators, but this is too far on the opposite side of the spectrum. I would think this would be ideal for mature or extremely sensitive skin. I could imagine my mom or grandma liking this exfoliator... which is why I should have steered clear from Clarins in the first place. I am not digging this barely-grazing-the-face-exfoliator action... nor it's orange scent.

This is the DermaNew set my sister got me. This "Facial Rejuvenation System" includes the dual-sided resurfacing tool, the microdermabrasion cream, a body foam applicator, a facial foam applicator, and a facial cleansing brush. The tool can either be used as long as you'd like or with it's 2 minute timer. I usually use the 2 minute timer, apply my Body Shop Seaweed gel cleanser onto the cleansing brush side, and clean my face whenever  I want a decent scrub. I will also use the foam applicator with the microdermabrasion cream time to time. There are tons of different tools on the market, both high and low end. I think it's worth the investment because it just revives the face better than what your hands can do!

I think the only scrub I'll repurchase is the Green Tea from St. Ives. I haven't been on the lookout for new exfoliators because I've had my eye on the Clarisonic Mia... the ultimate exfoliator. I hope to be a proud owner one day!! :P

Overview: Face Cleansers

Here's the beginning of my "Overview" series dedicated to products I'm currently using/trying to finish up. That way I can talk about all the things I've been rotating around for the past several months. (These pictures were taken back in August!)

Today's post will be featuring facial cleaners. Sigh... facial cleansers... my first love since junior high. I have probably used almost every drugstore brand and age appropriate line for my skin from Clearasil, Clean & Clear, Basis, Noxema, Olay, Loreal, Cetaphil, Biore, Purpose, Aveeno, and Ambi. My favorite brand would have to be Neutrogena out of all the drugstore choices. I've also dabbled with some high end cleansers, but there isn't one that stands out more than my trusty drugstore brands. There are a few tried and true cleansers I don't mind going back to, but I think I have ADHD and find myself always looking for something new!!

 Here are the 5 facial cleansers I'm desperately trying to go through!

1) Chanel - Mousse Douceur 
This is one of my 3 white creamy cleaners that foams and washes off beautifully. I think it's comparable to cream cleansers of Clinique or Shiseido that give you that squeaky clean face. It smells so good too! I'm sad I'm coming to the end of this tube, but I don't see myself spending the dough to keep this in my collection.
2) L'oreal - Go 360 Clean Deep Cream Cleanser (all used up now)
This is my second bottle of this face wash. It does a pretty good job of cleansing the face, and I especially enjoy the pink scrubber it comes with. It took some getting used to, but I use this scrubber with other cleansers now. The cream doesn't strip the face of all its oils, which I think helps me not to produce extra oil throughout the day. It has become a staple shower cleanser, but I'm bored of it. I think I'm going to try one of their gel cleansers in this line or I'll switch over to Clean & Clear's Morning Burst or Neutrogena Grapefruit cleansers for my shower routine. I do recommend this line though!
3) Dr. Brandt - Poreless Cleanser 
Love/hate relationship with this guy. It's taken me FOREVER to ge through this... like over a year and a half... is that even sanitary? haha Anyway, this face wash gave me instant results when I noticed my blackheads were totally clearing out. However, after a month of using it my skin became immune. And on top of that, this cleanser reeks of medicinal scents and burns the crap out of my eyes. This is one wash you definitely need to make sure is completely gone before you open your eyes or you'll regret the day you were born. I don't even know where this could be purchased because I don't see this line at Sephora anymore.

4) The Body Shop - Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash

I was introduced to this line through Lil Lady's Life blog and her review found here. I stumbled upon her post in the middle of summer when my face was extremely oily and I was looking for a new cleanser, and thought "Why not?" I bought this along with the moisturizer (which I'll speak about in my upcoming post) and thought it was okay. The toner is probably the best item of this line. Anyway, the cleanser is decent, but is pricey!! I do like the seaweed scent and it helps clean the majority of my makeup way, but I will definitely not repurchase. I'm enjoying it while I use it up as my main cleanser, but I will be on the lookout for something new. 

5) Sibu - Sea Buckthorn Facial Soap Bar (half of the bar cut off and wrapped) 

I was introduced to this soap from another online guru, Ginabinawina99 of Youtube, with her review found here. She was such a believer of this line, so I actually purchased this soap bar and one of Sibu's moisturizers for my boyfriend. He used body soap bars for his face his entire life and I was trying to introduce soaps meant for the face!! My first attempt was with Anthony Logistics for Men Glycerin bar, but that still gave him breakouts. I thought Sibu's bar was worth a try since Gina's husband enjoyed the line AND it was super cheap (like $3!!) on Amazon. Turns out not only did my bf stop having breakouts completely, it totally took off all my makeup too! After that, we have collectively gone through about 5 bars and fully intend to keep repurchasing. This soap bar does a good job of cleansing impurities and excess oil. I especially like to use this after rubbing an oily makeup remover all over my face to make sure everything is fully washed off. Great cleanser for men or women!

I'm happy to report that I'm coming near the end of most of these cleansers... which means time to go shopping! 

What cleansers have been tried and true for you? What do you recommend??? 

Throwback

Omg... should I do it? 

Sold Here

It's Kelly Kapowski's infamous off-the-shoulder sweatshirt! 

Featured in my favorite in one of my favorite episodes... when Zack takes Kelly to prom outside the gymnasium! 

I would probably be too embarrassed to wear it, but I just think it'd be so fun to have. 

Maybe play Kelly for halloween? Rainbow hair would be pretty fun.... :P

Need a lift?

My sister introduced me to 1) a new blog 2) a new Youtube channel and 3) a new product. 

Before reading any further, please look at Extra Petites blog entry here: Voluminous Puffy Bun!!!! Look look look! 

After watching the video and seeing her pictures, I was convinced I needed this in my life. I have the flattest head ever along with less hair on top. My hair is super poofy ear-length down, but glued to the top of my head ear-length up. Backcombing (teasing) is not a daily option for me as my hair always becomes limp and oily with the use of hairspray. I even bought a root crimper (a tiny flat iron with tiny crimp plates to create volume only at the root) to avoid teasing, but too lazy to do that too!! 

Anyways, I went over to a Japanese market in the Puente Hills mall (across from Ross) and found these bad boys. I also found the infamous velcro strips that keep your bangs/flyaways gone without leaving a crease in your hair as bobby pins or other clips do! 

I've tried them out... not too shabby!!! Definite recommendation. :) 

Velcro Strips $3.99, Velcro Bumps $9.99

Product Rave: No7 Radiance Boosting

Here's a product I've decided I cannot be without: 

No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser, $10

This is a dupe product for the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. If you aren't familiar, let me fill you in. As a disclaimer, I've never personally tried the Liz Earle, but I've read and watched TONS of reviews (direct review links to SWalker, Vivianna, Zoella). Unfortunately, this line is carried in the UK and is rarely sold on QVC (or so I've heard). I'm dying to get my hands on the Cleanse and Polish!

Anywho, onto the good stuff. What both of these products claim to do is to cleanse all the impurities off your face with the use of a muslin cloth. You pump out the cream onto your dry hands and rub onto your dry face over all your makeup. The product works into your skin, melting and dissolving away all the layers of makeup. As if that isn't cleansing enough, the muslin cloth steps in to take the cleansing process up another notch. Using hot water, soak the muslin cloth, squeeze out, and press into your face. As you wipe away the grime, you're removing makeup and exfoliating your face of dead skin cells. Repeat on a clean face if desired. The end product should be moisturized, glowing, and heavenly skin. 

The concept is simple: cleanse and polish. It's meant for all skin types and for anyone who is looking to clear their skin with light exfoliation. Just because you don't wear makeup shouldn't turn you off either! This product is just raved by makeup junkies because it's gentle, yet effective enough to remove everything on their face - in one step! Doesn't that sound amazing??? You could see how I was so intrigued and could not pass up the chance to try the No7 dupe. 

My review: 

I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. Now I've heard seen one comparison between the two, and the No7 failed compared to Liz Earle, but it totally wins for me. Imagine how great the Liz Earle must be!!! :O

First of all, this product smells like a dream. I love using it just to smell it. I can't describe the scent, but it really is a joy to use. Secondly, the cream really does melt off my makeup. I gently rub a generous amount onto my face and see the white cream turn gray (collecting all my makeup). I generally start on my cheeks and forehead and do my eyes last because I don't want my mascara being rubbed onto the rest of my face. I focus most of my attention at my eyes, where I use waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Mind you, nothing else gets my waterproof makeup as well as this. Once I know my skin and lashes are saturated well enough, I run my muslin cloth under the hot water, squeeze out the excess, and then rest the cloth over my face. When I have time, I let the cloth sit over my face to open up my pores. I then start taking off my makeup with the cloth. I make sure not to rub my eyes to irritate them or cause wrinkles. I close my eyes, push the cloth downward pressing it into my upper lashes, then push upward pressing the cloth into my lower lashes, then open my eyes and clean where necessary. When I'm too lazy to use the cloth, I'll still rub the cream onto my face, but just skip the cloth step and use a good foaming cleanser to get everything off. 

I did have to get used to this new process of taking off makeup, but it's so easy once it's a part of your routine. I don't like using oily makeup removers and getting cotton strands all over my face, so this was a nice alternative. The smell is amazing and it really does leave your face nicely moisturized. I love that the muslin cloth serves to gently exfoliate your face. It really does leave my skin... "radiant"! 

As far as I know, Target and Ulta carry No7. I just became a member at Ulta and saw a "get $3.50 off any minimum purchase of $10" coupon and thought it'd be great to get a backup for only $6.50! I just bought my backup so you can see how this qualifies for a "product rave" review!  If you're near an Ulta, go onto their site and use this coupon. If not... take a leap of faith and get it at Target! At least walk by and smell it... 

If any of you ever try it, let me know your thoughts! :D

My grade: A

!!!!

My Missoni for Target Weekender Tote came in the mail!

I am a very happy camper.

^_______^

Woohoo!!!! Time to take a trip! 

;)