3: a current or fashionable trend 

I've stated I am just like you.  I read glossies, watch telly, peruse forums, blogs and am trying to avoid YouTube.  So, I'm avoiding product purchase by reviewing the items I did purchase for review.  The products I have I buy, even for my kit.  They may be discounted, but I don't obtain products from any outside sources.  I do get testers whilst shopping, but with the enormous amount of makeup I feel gluttonous if I accept anything as I cannot think of one brand I don't have at least one thing from.  Please don't judge.  I donate to the shelters, I've tried to do giveaways (no one responded) and I have no little sisters and my colleagues either don't fancy makeup or they are in the same predicament.

I purchased Chanel Mat Lumiere in Walnut.  I kept watching the Chapman sisters rave about Vital Lumiere and felt I wanted to try this brand and when I enquired about oily/combo skin, Sam was kind enough to respond in kind stating Chanel do one for oily skin. 

It is supposed to offer 12 hour shine free medium coverage. While I did love the finish, and the look of my skin, I had oil within 4 hours.  I did blot my skin with a tissue twice, but I cannot say this worked for keeping my skin oil free.  I did experiment prior to posting the results.  I tried it one week without a primer.  Results? Still oily.  I tried one week with an oil free primer.  Still need for blotting.  I chose to double my water intake and use a mattifying suncream and was oily.  I don't think the product is to blame, rather the marketing.  Fortunately, Macy's will accept returns and I wrote my experience.  Do I feel it will work?  No, because marketing is what gets the company to sell products and most people won't take the time to give feedback, but instead not repurchase.

Overall, I won't recommend this for people expecting an oil free finish.  I do recommend this for the overall look of the product.  It goes on very smooth and it didn't feel heavy, nor was a nervous about touching my face and then having transference.  I wash my hands frequently, but nothing worse than giving a hug and having left makeup on the other person.  Additionally, it's steep in price and I find Revlon Color Stay equally good with more color options.  I hope this helps, and unfortunately, darker skinned lovelies outside of the US will have a harder time getting a good match. :(  Good luck!

I have been experimenting with some of the products I ordered for my skin.  I have heard about this Sofina Perfect; however, it was "Sofina Lucent" I was searching for and didn't realize there had been a name change.  I wanted a sunscreen that wouldn't add to the oil situation I already endure.  I can't stop my quest for the product that will help mattify my skin.  I had been using Shiseido, but I can't find it and am not sure if it's discontinued.

I ordered online from bobodave because he offered free shipping and since he's in Hong Kong, I thought that was brilliant as international shipping can get quite costly.  To be blunt, shipping can make or break my decision to order online.  I was quite impressed at how fast the shipping was.  It sailed through customs and although I had done research, I envisioned a larger bottle. 

I prefer this packaging over Shiseido's as it has a dropper type tip.  That's a good thing because this stuff is like water.  I applied it directly to my face thinking it would be similar to lotion.  It slid down my face faster than I could retrieve it and didn't stop until it rested on my shirt.  No worries, I get ready in my pyjamas.  It has a ball which helps mix the product when you shake it.  Everything about the product is in Chinese so I didn't read the directions, this was a decision based on reviews of the product on a skin board.  It retails for $17.20, which is much less than MAC SPF 50 Prep and Prime and Shiseido SPF 55.  With the Shiseido, I find when you wash it off, there is this wretched scent that hits you like a baseball bat, but this doesn't which surprises me as they seem to be identical products.  It goes on really well, I put it on after my moisturizer and my skin looks matte, smooth and foundation (for oily skin) didn't skip when I applied it. Many times oil free foundations tend to dry as you're applying it but this went well.  As far as keeping the oil away?  Sorry but while it's better than many, I still had to blot by 9:00 a.m. just 3 hours after applying.  Is it the product or me?  Probably me, but that was sort of a let down since I read about people who are oily as well not needing to blot until after lunch when they touched up their makeup.  Lucky girls, no joy for me. 

Overall, I don't regret the purchase, but I can't say it's going to keep the oils at bay since that wasn't my experience.  Again, the transaction was very smooth, this company has a Facebook, blog, and maybe a twitter, they have other products as well, which confused me as not only is there a name change but there are tons of other which might cause problems so I've included the one you want to pick if you decide to give this a go.  I would recommend this product for girls who aren't very oily, and it can be used as a primer, but don't expect it to act as a virtual sponge in preventing oil production.  Stay gorgeous!

I'm finally accepting that the economy simply sucks!  I have endured more in the last year, than I have in the last ten.  There's been nothing but change!  Even my forums are reloaded and I am an avid lurker.  *Some forums are best left for seasoned participants* I am a self confessed nose.  Not nosey, nose.  I sniff EVERYTHING!!! If I grab something, whether or not its' edible, I take a whiff.  If it pongs, it's tossed.  Nothing that smells rank is kept.  I don't play roulette with my stomach, if something doesn't smell fresh, it's tossed.  Same with anything on my face.  I went to The Body Shop  to purchase more Satsuma oil to keep in my burner.  The staff told me they know longer had it, and to check back around the holidays.  Right... I'd been watching beauty vlogs about soap making so I deduced there must be somewhere people are able to get fragrances, oils, scents, flavours, etc. to make all these body treats.  I was right.  I found Nature's Garden and though it's called Nature's Garden Candles it's so much more than candles. 

 I loved this transaction!  This was an arbitrary transaction, I was searching for Satsuma and they were one of the e-tailers who carried it.  I didn't know what to expect, but I browsed through the site and it was so informative, I felt like I wanted to make soy candles.  I learnt a lot, but this was meant for the home.  I like having fragrances in the restroom, kitchen, auto, etc. for various reasons.  Sometimes I need it to relax, think of a cold winter night, sipping tea, burning sweet fragrance and reading a book, watching telly, or time with your partner.  That's me.  The staff was so kind, I inadvertently left out numbers on my debit card and the owner called me straight away, and sent me confirmation.  Today, I came home to my package and this is after UPS missed me by one day.  It hasn't been a full week!  What I didn't know was there is a ratio of how much scent is used for various material compounds, as well as the true level of fragrance.  I've bought those .33 oz vials at drugstores and they have no scent, this site let's you know how strong the scent is.  Mine were (medium and strong) I am so happy with my purchase.  Part of me wants to make crafts and order more stuff, but I don't really have people who are interested, but I can donate them to a shelter so who knows.  If you are into bath and body type things, this is a great item to get for way less than you get at department stores.  I wish I could tell the former places (the ones we all go to) to suck it! But I am a believer in karma.

I don't know if it's sad or pathetic, but I get so excited to get things in the mail.  Even though I ordered and pay for things myself, it feels like a present!  I have more bad experiences so when something good happens, it feels like God is showing me a sign to hang on.  Corny? Yes!  But it gets me through the tough times.  

I felt the need to include a picture, I have to get over myself.  Many people see blogs with the writer's photos as narcissistic, but guess what? How can I show anything if it's not utilized?  Like the shadow for this day, look!

I was thisclose to making a purchase at MAC, but the people at my local freestanding store are either, too pushy, too suspicious, or arrogant.  I've been a little down, so I didn't really feel like having to get my game face on to swatch the new collection.  I don't mind relying on other people's opinion, but I feel like there's an art to applying makeup on me and discerning if it is something worth purchasing or passing. 

So, I pacified my time by playing in my stash.  I sent loads of stuff abroad to my cousins who know nothing about makeup.  They're quite conservative and don't really thing anything but lipstick is a necessity.  I don't mind, they fancy me to be the "strange" cousin.  So I found this creme strobe tint by MAC, and I remember it was the reason I passed on those drops a few collections back.  I bought it for around 25 USD with the intent on adding a touch of "glow" to my complexion.  I thought since my skin is so dark, what would bronzer do?  I mean for fair skin it's sold as a tool to add color and is applied to where the "sun would naturally hit your face.  So after a few women of color told showed me different and how to apply it, I bout this and never used it. I got it home and the coppery tone concerned me since my skin turns orange with foundation and I only wear foundation on special occasions and I haven't had any lately.

 This brings me to today's review.  I previously discussed my opinion on NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils, and displayed a few swatches.  This lot is from the same ideology (eye shadow base) and although these don't crease as quickly as the shimmers, they still contain mineral oil which is an emollient.  Emollient = CREASING no matter how dry your lids are.  They don't come off as easily either.  In the swatch, I had just tested the colors on my hand and went about for an hour and washed with gentle soap and water, no rubbing as if the swatches were on my eyes and there is still remnants of the colors.  I didn't notice until posting the pic on the left.  I am neutral on whether I see that as a plus, because I would need to use and oil based product (virgin olive, coconut, jojoba) in order to remove them from my eyes, and my eyes are so sensitive and my vision so poor I fear I'll have blurred vision.  That's my fault for being vain.

Overall, these are nice, much better in terms of eyeshadow base (not primer) and helping shadows maximize the efficacy.  In the above photograph, I used the "yellow" pencil (not as opaque but buildable) over a primer and used a random gold from the notoriously cheap 88 eyeshadow palette.  That palette is everywhere and everyone has it in their product line and all of us addicts have at least one in our possession.  This photo was taken at the END of the day (notice the chapped lips and glazed eyes) and there is no creasing and it was very hot today.  It was record breaking heat.  Look at my hands, face, lips, I'm practically breaking into tiny bits ☺

I got these on sale at ULTA cosmetics locally, and I believe they carry them online.  They were on sale, but they shouldn't be more than $5.00 at the most.  I can help you find a retailer if you wish. 

I would recommend these if you don't already have a base, but to be honest, something with a semi oil based finish can perform the same, unless you are trying to manipulate the color of the eyeshadow.  White base, will brighten, darker base adds intensity.

 xoxo 

Soooo....life has been all sorts of bad, and I've neglected doing my hair and makeup and .... weight loss.  Stress sucks!  I have had the worst year since last year, but I'm determined to get my mojo back.  I started by getting my eyebrows threaded.  Aside from the eyes, these photos are not false.  THIS is exactly how shitty bad I look.  I'm thinking of plastic surgery.  My breasts are so gone they look like I've been nursing twins!  One day at a time.  I wanted to review and post photos of some of the products I've been hoarding collecting over time.   I don't have the face or voice for YouTube, so I can share my bits and try to contribute HERE!!!  I scored these ones at  ULTA cosmetics for a buy one get one free.  I think they cost about $3.99 plus tax.  It's not a bad deal if you can catch them, but they are not good if you use them alone. 

They go on like silk, they are so creamy.  As a result of the emollients, they will crease like Vaseline and they don't hold eye shadows if your eyes get wet.  I shed a tear or two thinking the base would prevent creasing.  It's as if there was never any shadow and they crease and if you try to reapply eyeshadow, it's with the crease still there.  Best thing, start all over, or don't use these if you plan to be anywhere near vapor or water.  I know a lot of people rave about these, but I don't reach for them.  I like them, they add a bit of "punch" to any shadow (especially those misses lacking pigmentation) or pigments, but they need to be kept cool if you plan to use them frequently.  In fact, if you want to sharpen them, freeze them first.  Also, some are depotting them?  Meh, I have paint pots, cream eye shadows, paints, etc, and I don't reach for them and it's easier for me to use the stick form than my fingers or brushes.

So, for packaging, it's simple, flip top, no mirror and a foam applicator.  A tiny one at that, but we use brushes anyway.  What's odd about these are, they have the light colour (pink) as "highlight" and the dark (purple) as contour.  Well, those of use who are familiar realize that there has to be a lid colour.  Maybe they don't know that highlight is different from lid placement, but if one were to follow the directions, they would look awkward walking around with a highlight and contour which means crease and nothing on the lid.  In addition, the combinations are odd.  For example, I like the pink and purple because I have other colours that can be incorporated.  The other palette was blue and green.  I think if one is going to combine two colors, they may want to think "balance."  Much like the quads with all shimmer shadows. *shrug*

Thank God for sucky days!  Today, I woke up at half one o'clock.  Talk about unproductive.  The day before, I was on a roll, cleaning, cooking, organizing, etc. then I sleep my Saturday away... By the time I did laundry, it was evening as I showered and took the dog out.  Here I am watching J. Bieber with Tina Fey on SNL feeling bad about my weekend.  I do have a good deal to write about...Behold!!!

They are very natural looking for false lashes.  I found them at the .99 cents store and am so proud of myself.  They came in various styles, lengths and I'm so excited in playing with them.  These are as good as my expensive ones.  I buy the Red Cherry ones, and these are better!  I also, tried the NYX one's recently; however, they are a bit flimsy so I can layer them with these lovelies.  I  love finding deals.  It's bitter sweet.  Having no friends makes me wish I had someone to share my treasures with, but maybe someone can find these as a result of reading this.  I hate that we see all these people who seem unaffected by the economy, whilst others struggle to search for a job.  Not to mention that nasty oil spill, gee whiz are things bad on the coast.  Makeup makes us feel good, and when you look and feel good, you're sure to shine. 

If you aren't fortunate to have this store near you, buddy up and find someone like you and swap!

Blessings to all,

Hello Kittens!  I hope all is well.  Me?  Of course things are miserable great in my world.  I had such a cute day at work, all in pink.  I'll post the outfit at another day tomorrow maybe?  So, I tried another primer.  This primer was touted up there with the gods of makeup for brilliant.  Back story:  I have huge pores, sensitive skin and hate foundation.  I told the sales girl at Sephora about my background in cosmetics, my experience with every primer on the market and my desire to have less shine by the time I turn the bathroom light off to leave as I currently do.  She and a few cast mates assured me this product would work.  Apprehensively, I made the first mistake in shopping for cosmetics.  #1 RULE

Pros:

 It is lightweight, doesn't smell, doesn't itch and is not heavy at all.  It's not a gel consistency but rather liquidy. It does NOT have:

-Parabens

- Synthetic Fragrances 

- Synthetic Dyes

 Cons:

It didn't work.  I was oily and felt like the SPF 15 was worn off by the time I arrived to work.  At least with Shiseido SPF 55, I knew there was enough protection from the sun and it was sweat/waterproof. 

The PRICE!!! OUCH!

I always hate those girls who can find a deal crossing the street.  "Oh, is that a Unicorn for sale?  I'll take it!"  Then they report back about how they went to the same store you just left and they found the golden ticket, even though you were just there and didn't see sh*t!  What Ross, TJ/TK Maxx do they live near?  I went and they paid me dust.  I'm sick of not being her.  So, finally I went to Ross and found a smart deal for less than $7.00.  did I need this?  No!  I bought it to brag even though I have no one to brag too but myself.  I needed to validate myself somehow and since all the girls on MUA brag about the stuff they find and proceed to ignore my posts, I come here and let it all out.  This time, I left it alone. If you're reading, you get to find this too, and I hope you can find it.  This is the brush set from Eco Tools, but it's not like the one's in the roll at most drugstores.  It has it's own stand up box.  I like it, but I'm not going to lie, I won't use them it just looks good.  These brushes are so damn soft they scare me.  I feel like I'm violating them if I use them.  Or, I might use them, like them a lot and then not be able to find back ups.  I have a propensity to hoard.  When things get low I get really, really nervous.  I will stalk a store looking for something without feeling insane. 

I found this in the area where they have their conditioners, and bath products.  Each store varies, but they had this.  Too bad the people who work their don't know sh*t about the stock.  I asked why they had this and I got

A few weeks ago I was listening eavesdropping on a chat between two people about glasses.  This girl said she had these zebra frames that only cost $8.00!  My ears perked up, and I scribbled down the name, but had written it wrong.  So, I kept trying different words and the search engine suggested the word "Zenni."  Bingo!  I tried it, and found the website and looked around.  I wasn't sure but I didn't mind trying something for $8.00 because if something's good, I'll stick with it until it either discontinues or gets shut down.  I found some frames that I thought would be cute and placed what I thought would be a simple order.  I don't know my measurements, face shape, etc. so I just picked the default or "average" sizing.  Seriously, for the amount it would be no big deal if I didn't score a deal so...

Unfortunately, I ordered a blank frame on accident.  I never said I was smart good at optical dispensing or online orders  anything.  I called the company, who's in Northern California and they offered to refund the amount with no problem.  WIN!  I would have married him through the phone.  You were willing to refund me on my word?  That never happens.  They always take 30 days, a dispute, forms, and a note from your mom to give you your money back.  It didn't take long and they came !!!!

 blind and miserable without :(

 hmmm.....?

I could have sworn I've seen that somewhere NYX.  Oh!  I remember, it was here.  Who would have thought?  Gee, Anastasia costs $21.00, I wonder what NYX will charge?  Remember, that marker they were advertising a few months back?  Didn't seem suitable for me, but it looks a bit like:

So, then, I got really nosey and....yep, another one :)