10/30/2013

Romance Is The Glamour Which Turns The Dust Of Eye Shadow Into A Golden Haze...Addiction Romantic Mind Holiday 2013 Counter Pictures And Finger Swatches

I've been anticipating all the upcoming Holiday coffrets. However, after swatching Addiction's Romantic Mind set, I'm not sure this one will be making my list of 'must gets.'

I can never understand why beauty departments have such awful lighting?! I guess it's all part of the illusion.

I love the gorgeous, shimmery, deep taupe-bronze nail polish, but I can do without the soft, baby-pink with silver shimmers lip balm. The set also includes a 15ml size Tinted Skin Protector.

And here it is, the crux of my indecisive dilemma...the eye palette. The eyeshadow shades are as follows: a pale, slivery-blue with silver shimmers; a pale, white-base pink; a sooty, charcoal black with silver shimmers; and a neutral, wheat brown. All four shadows have a satin finish, with the silvery-blue and pink shades being slightly drier in consistency. I feel in love with the wheat brown shadow, and, to be frank, I was underwhelmed by the other three eyeshadows.

I don't think one eye shadow and a nail polish (not full size), justifies purchasing the Romantic Mind set, which retails for ¥7,980 ($83.82). What do I do?!

What Holiday collection are you thinking of investing in?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/29/2013

Stick Your Head In The Clouds...What Will They Think Of Next?

Aki's always researching the lastest gadgets and gizmos online. When he showed me this clip, I thought it was a joke...but it's not.

Aki told me he was going to buy me one for the Holidays, which I then quickly responded with "If I find this underneath the bonsai tree, I'll beat you with it!"

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/26/2013

Making A Perfect Pear...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

Kirin's World's Kitchen Salt & Fruit drink had me hooked at first sip! Salt & Fruit is an unbelievably nectarous union of salt and pear. I find myself craving this gratifying drink daily. Whether it be grocery store, convini, or vending machine, I'm on the hunt. What can I say? I'm obsessed with Salt & Fruit.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/25/2013

The Humpless Camel...China Glaze Classic Camel Nail Lacquer

For some odd reason, I feel as if I should apologize for the lack of beauty content, but I've been feeling blah due to massive migraines (not fun).

Classic Camel is a neutral, yellow-based, pastel-ish camel with micro gold glitter. I love this beautiful shade, but the formula is a little problematic. The formula is thin, applies, and looks, gritty, and needs 3 coats. Also, Classic Camel dries to a dull finish, and the 3 coats makes the polish look thick on the nails...yokunai!

Any camel polish recommendations?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/23/2013

Searching For Beauty Products Is Half The Fun Week Eight: So Lonely In Gorgeous Scavenger Hunt Giveaway!

Taken during my stay in Ulsan, Korea.

Sorry for being a few days late.

The Rules:

Must be a gorgeous member.

Create a board on pinterest and title it "So Lonely In Gorgeous Scavenger Hunt Giveaway"

Now, what you pin is totally up to you. It can be a collage of cosmetics (favorite looks, lipsticks, blushers, eye shadows, nail polishes, past, present and up coming cosmetic collection releases, products you can't live without, what you're loving right now, etc), hair care, skin care, home decor, art, music, food, vacation spots, your muses/inspirations, and so on...you get the gist.

Once you've completed your board, add the link to the comment section of this or one of the weekly giveaway reminder posts.

The final day to submit your board will be January 5th, 2014.

This giveaway is open Internationally!

You may be wondering, "how does this giveaway work?" Well, I'm glad you asked because it's all based on creativity, points, and a hat :D

You automatically get two entries for being a gorgeous member. So, Don't forget to click the 'join this site' button.

Blog or twitter (please include the link in the comment section) about the giveaway on a weekly basis and earn 2 points for every week.

If for some reason you can't do the pinterst thing, then write your answers to the same general topics in the comment section for two additional points.

By posting your Pinterest link, you earn an additional 10 entries.

An additional 5 entries for creativity and effort (i.e. posting your own photos/images).

Finally, and most importantly, the prizes:

2 Addiction Eye Shadows (your choice).

2 Addiction Cheek Sticks (your choice).

2 THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencils (your choice).

2 Laduree Pressed Cheek Color (your choice).

All the prizes will be purchased by me :D

Feel free to ask any questions!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/21/2013

There Can Be No Understanding Between The Hand And The Blush Unless The Heart Acts As Mediator...PGT Palgantong's Cheek Deco Blushes

I must admit, I knew nothing of the PGT Palgantong beauty brand before purchasing these blushes. I was lured in by the shiny red box with the baroque inspired black floral and lace print, and the cute, four-shade pattern of the Cheek Deco blushes. I picked up both Shades of the Cheek Deco's, CD35 Flamingo Pink and CD45 Sunset Orange.

As stated on the company's website, PGT Palgantong Cosmetics originated in Korea during the 1980s. However, after it's 2001 debut, the brand has since been fostered in Japan.

The blushes are packaged in a flip-system case with a compartment that includes a brush and a reasonable size circular mirror.

Swatches of the Cheek Deco blush in CD35 Flamingo Pink. The four swatch is of the four shades swirled together.

Swatches of the Cheek Deco blush in CD45 Sunset Orange. The four swatch is of the four shades swirled together.

Both blushers have a stiff, dry, powdery texture. As shown in the swatches, Flamingo Pink is the most pigmented of the two. Although two of the four shades of Sunset orange look nonexistent in the photo, once applied, the blush gives a nice peachy flush to the cheeks.

The Cheek Deco blushers didn't have a tester, and if they did, I may have skipped on them. Oh, who am I kidding?! I would have bought them anyway, but they're definitely not must-haves.

PGT Palgantong's Cheek Deco Blushers retail for 1,260 ($13.23).

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/16/2013

Marshmallow Kisses...Rimmel Marshmallow Look Lipstick 015 Swatch

A recent acquisition from Loft is Rimmel's Marshmallow Look Lipstick (not sure what marshmallows have to do with it, but okay) in 015. This may annoy some, but the lipstick doesn't have a name to accompany it's number, it's just 015.

The lipstick is housed in a matte tin casing, which makes me cringe when my nails touch its surface. I have an issue about touching certain textures.

015 is a lustrous, pigmented, English rose-berry. A lovely year-round shade, however, I feel it will look exceptionally charming during Fall, Winter and Spring. I don't remember how much the Marshmallow Look Lipsticks retail for (or if they're even available outside of Japan), but I believe it was around ¥1.050.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/15/2013

Running On Empty: August & September Empties!

Paul Mitchell Original The Conditioner: My favorite leave-in conditioner. I've been using it for as long as I can remember, and I'll always repurchase.

Joico K-Pax Clarifying Shampoo: I enjoyed Joico's K-Pax Moisture Intense Hydrator. So, when I was shopping for a clarifying shampoo, I was eager to try the one from Joico. I am so glad that I didn't purchase the 33.8 fl.oz size, because I absolutely dislike this shampoo! It did nothing to clarify, and actually, my hair looked and felt as if it had more buildup. I really need my mom to mail me my beloved Kenra clarify shampoo ASAP!

Mac Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator: a decent exfoliator. I have one more tube left, but after it's gone, I'm not sure if I'll repurchase.

St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub: I love St.Ives apricot scrub exfoliators, and I'll always repurchase.

Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel in Flirty Mango & Tropical Splash: love these shave gels! It was my first time trying Tropical Splash, and I loved the scent. Will repurchase.

MAC Plush Lash: Plush Lash in one of the few MAC mascaras that I like. I love the fanned-out results I get with the mascara, so I'll repurchase.

Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Fatal Blacks Wp in Captivating Bronze: I adore this mascara, and I'll NEVER be without it!

Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara: I've fallen out of love with this mascara, and I won't be repurchasing.

Bioderma: I'm not a fan of using bioderma as a makeup remover, but I do like it for correcting any detail eye looks. Will solely repurchase for correcting purposes.

Colgate Maxfresh toothpaste: Only toothpaste I use on my choppers. I have a year supply :)

Bath & Body Works Wallflower Fragrance Bulb in Winter: I LOVE Winter! This scent is used year round, and I always stock up whenever it becomes available.

Honorable Mentions:

Stila Skincare Coming Clean Revitalizing Gel Cleanser: I got this as a sample from one of my online purchases. It wasn't a bad cleanser, but I'm not sure if I would purchase a full size.

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula: love the entire Skin Purifier line, and wouldn't remove my makeup with anything else!

H20 Sea Results Eye Mender: the eye mender did nothing to mend or moisturize my eyes. Will not purchase a full size.

Living Proof Restore Recovery Regime: I didn't find this treatment did much for my hair. I may purchase the full size to give it another go.

Skin Food Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanser: the first time I used this cleanser, my skin had an adverse reaction. I got little red bumps around my forehead and cheeks. I continued to use the face wash, and the red bumps went away. In fear of another reaction, I wouldn't repurchase.

Make Up For Ever Sens'Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser: didn't remove makeup very well, and wouldn't repurchase.

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment: In the past, I've purchased the full size of this exfoliating treatment, and I do love how smooth it leaves my complexion. I'll repurchase in the future.

Somme Institute Eye: this eye cream did a big fat ZERO in the moisturizing/hydrating department. Would NOT purchase a full size.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye: this product was okay, not sure if I'll purchase the full size.

Specifics Ultimate Eye Cream: I most admit, I scoffed when I read the name of this product. "Ultimate"...really?! Talk about living up it's name. I LOVE this eye cream!!! I will be purchasing a full size, even if cost me an arm and a leg.

Blum Naturals Daily Cleansing Towelette: although I have normal/dry skin, I used it one night to remove my makeup. It worked well, but not enough to look into the brand.

Shu Uemura Skin Purifier High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Advanced Formula: liquid gold!

THREE Herbal Bath Soap AC: I don't use bar soaps, as I find them very drying on my skin. All I remember about this herbal soap is that it melted quickly. Wouldn't repurchase.

Have you tried any of these products? If so, let me know your thoughts.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/14/2013

Searching For Beauty Products is Half the fun Week Eight: So Lonely In Gorgeous Scavenger Hunt Giveaway!

Cosmetics are not my only vice; I'm also a MEGA HUGE anime/manga nut! Since the age of 14, I've been collecting manga/anime. Here's a photo from an anime convention I attended during my first trip to Japan back in 2002. Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star) was one of the first animes I saw. It's one of my all-time favorite manga/animes, with one of my favorite characters, Rei.

3 months to go!

The Rules:

Must be a gorgeous member.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/14/2013

Les Papillons Cils

The other day, Justine and I were having one of our daily Skype chats, When I mentioned that I had a bunch of Summer looks that I didn't get a chance to post. I told her I wasn't sure what I was going to do with them. I want to post them (not wanting these images to go to waste), but I would probably delete them because we're already in Autumn; She encouraged me to post them anyway. So, I'm taking her advice, and doing so :D

From left to right Stylo Fresh Effect Eyeshadows: 17 Cool Gold, 37 Jade Shore, 07 Moon River, 57 Black Stream.

From left to right Inimitable Waterproof Mascara: 27 Zest, 37 Lime Light, 47 Aqua Blue, 57 Blue Note.

I'm over the moon in love with the Zest mascara! It dries down to a gorgeous egg yolk yellow that carries beautifully into Autumn.

Products used:

Face:

Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 in 031 (my Summer color).
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Luminous Bronzing Powder in 917 Sable Rose.
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in 70 Tumulte (on the apples).
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.

Chanel Stylo Fresh Effect Eyeshadows in 07 Moon River (blended on the lid).
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in 35 Gris (on the upper lashline, used to tightline, and the lower lashline).
Chanel Inimitable Intense Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique Mascara in 10 Noir.
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara Multi-Dimensional in 47 Aqua Blue (lower lashes).

Lips:

Chanel Rouge Coco in 13 Gardenia.
Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in 267 Pink Peony.

Products used:

Face:

Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 in 031 (my Summer color).
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Luminous Bronzing Powder in 907 Sable Beige.
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in 71 Malice (on the apples).
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.

Chanel Stylo Fresh Effect Eyeshadows in (blended on the lid).
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Luminous Bronzing Powder in 907 Sable Beige (in the crease).
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in 50 Jade (on the upper lashline and the lower lashline).
Chanel Inimitable Intense Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique Mascara in 10 Noir.
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara Multi-Dimensional in 37 Lime Light (lower lashes).

Lips:

Chanel Rouge Coco in 76 Sari Dore.
Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in 277 Pensee.

Products used:

Face:

Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 in 031 (my Summer color).
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel 4 Facettes Bronzing Powder in 537 Bronze Corail (all four shades mixed together and applied as bronzer).
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel 4 Facettes Bronzing Powder in 537 Bronze Corail (the coral shade applied to the apples).
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.

Chanel Stylo Fresh Effect Eyeshadows in 17 Cool Gold (blended on the lid).
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel 4 Facettes Bronzing Powder in 537 Bronze Corail (mix the first three shades and blend into the crease).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Gypsy (the upper lashline, used to tightline, and the waterline).
Chanel Inimitable Intense Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique Mascara in 10 Noir.
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara Multi-Dimensional in 57 Blue Note (lower lashes).

Lips:

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 447 En Vogue.
Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in 337 Calypso.

Products used:

Face:

Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup SPF 10 in 031 (my Summer color).
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel 4 Facettes Bronzing Powder in 547 Bronze Rose (all four shades mixed together and applied as bronzer).
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel 4 Facettes Bronzing Powder in 547 Bronze Rose (the pink shade applied to the apples).
Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in 70 Tumulte (layered over the pink blush of 547 Bronze Rose).
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Seal Brown.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.

Chanel Stylo Fresh Effect Eyeshadows in 57 Black Stream (blended on the lid).
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel 4 Facettes Bronzing Powder in 547 Bronze Rose (mix the first three shades and blend into the crease).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion (tightline and waterline).
Chanel Inimitable Intense Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistique Mascara in 10 Noir.
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara Multi-Dimensional in 27 Zest (lower lashes).

Lips:

Chanel Rouge Coco in 78 Peregrina.
Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in 407 Laser.

What Summer Collections are you carrying into Fall?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/12/2013

How Wonderful I Feel When I've Painted My Nails

Autumn seems to have made a wrong turn at Albuquerque, because it's sunnier, hotter and more humid than ever, over here in the land of the rising sun. Honestly, I'm curious to know what the weather is like where you are?!

With that mini-climate rant out of the way, onto the mani post!

I was going to skip on purchasing Lilis, since I own several coral polishes and how many coral polishes does a girl really need? The answer is...all of them! Lilis is a shiny, reddish-salmon coral with a lovely creme finish. I was quiet impressed that Lilis was almost opaque in one coat. However, you'll need to apply two coats to even out the tiny patches. I get about 3-4 days of wear, and lately, that is pretty impressive for a Chanel polish.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/10/2013

Petals In The Wind...Les Merveilleuses Laduree Mini Face Color 01, 02, 03 Swatches

In February, when Laduree released these limited edition Mini-Face color blushes, I bit the beauty bullet and purchased them.

From left to right: 01, 02, 03.

Each mini petal blush comes with an adorable box design of your choosing. I like how I could coordinated the box to enhance each shade of the mini petals.

From left to right: 01, 02, 03.

01: a soft, yellow-based cotton candy pink.

02: a warm, bright pink.

03: a plummy, pinkish-brown.

Sheer torture (no pun intended) to swatch using a sponge tip applicator; it was very difficult to get the product to show up in the photo above. However, the face color blushes do give a pretty flush of color, when using a stiffer, slightly coarse (but not scratchy) brush (like Laduree's Cheek Brush or Guerlain's meteorites brush). Just swirl the brush onto the petal and apply

Despite offering decent pigmentation, I'm sticking to my guns and saying these dainty, blush-coated petals are more of a novelty item for blush or beauty enthusiasts. They're a beautiful piece of makeup art (lovely to look at) and I'm glad I own the minis. But, at a retail price of 7,350 yen ($77.83) for a full size refill, I still prefer/recommend the pressed cheek color blushes.

Do you own any of the Laduree Face Color Blushes?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/08/2013

Urban Decay Friends & Family Sale!

I always look forward to friends and family sales :)

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/06/2013

Searching For Beauty Products is Half the fun Week Eight: So Lonely In Gorgeous Scavenger Hunt Giveaway!

It's weekly giveaway update time!

The Rules:

Must be a gorgeous member.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

10/06/2013

To Smooth That Rough Touch With A Tendertone

After running out of my favorite lip moisturizers, instead of repurchasing my beloved staples, I'm going to take a shot at being cost-conscious. I'm going to "shop" my lipstick drawers to use up the lip balms I already own.

First up in my lip balm stash is: MAC's Tendertones.

From left to right: Softnote, Tread Gently, Purring.

From left to right: Hush, Hush, Hot 'N' Saucy, Deep Sigh.

What Tendertones do you have?