Haul: Mally Beauty + NYX Liners

Aloha everyone!

In the last few weeks I purchased a few pencil liners as I ran out of my purple and black liners. 

I don't really buy pencil liners as I am more of a liquid liner girl. The two pencil liners I had were from birthday freebies from Ulta or Sephora. 

I went to Ulta not knowing where to start. I was not sure which was good. The samples that I had were from Urban Decay which I loved but they were $22 each. NO THANK YOU!

I asked the beauty representative if there were any eyeliner sets that included a black and a fun color (hopefully purple). She led me to Mally Beauty where they had a trio set of eyeliners for $20, each individual piece costs $18. They were the Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner Trio.

Colors left to right: Milk Chocolate, Sailor, Midnight

( photo credit : www.ulta.com )

The set didn't have any purple which is an essential for my lower lash line when I do wear eye liner there. I found my way to the NYX Section searching for a vibrant purple. I found the NYX Slide On Eye Pencil in Pretty Violet.

Colors in different lighting:

From top to bottom: NYX Pretty Violet, MB Sailor, MB Milk Chocolate, MB Midnight)

From top to bottom: NYX Pretty Violet, MB Sailor, MB Midnight, MB Milk Chocolate)

From top to bottom: NYX Pretty Violet, MB Sailor, MB Milk Chocolate, MB Midnight)

THE VERDICT:

As you can see, the blue doesn't look totally blue. It's more of a midnight blue almost black.  The purple is gorgeous, but the true stars are the black and brown, especially the brown. The lasting power of the Mally Beauty is amazing. It's practically water proof.

THE CONS:

I wish the blue really showed up as a blue as I am sure it would be a beautiful color. Also, the lasting power of the Mally Beauty liners is so strong that I need 2-3 little cotton pads to take it off. I typically take off my make up with just face wash in the shower, but this does not totally come off in the shower. I need to cleanse my eyes before or after the shower. 

Overall, I am happy with my purchase. Although it's annoying to take an extra step to remove the Mally Beauty liners, I do love the lasting power.

May you all have a wonderful holiday season and happy shopping!

xoxoxo

Haul: Kicks + Rite Aid + Ulta

I don't know what happened in the last week but I somehow managed to go to Lady Foot Locker (though this was planned), Rite Aid and Ulta and bought goodies! Some I needed and some I maybe kinda sorta impulse bought? >_<

Nike

I done did it you guys! I bought my first pair of Nikes! That probably has no grounds for excitement for anyone. At the age of 30, I finally got my own pair!

I am not a sneaker person. They make me feel like a boy so I hate wearing them especially if they are black. I need my sneakers to be something girly looking like pink or purple.

I never thought to buy Nikes because they are expensive and everyone has them. Part of me did not want to give in. I did not want to spend so much money to buy a name brand shoe. I'm not a name brand type of gal.

The more I became a Zumba princess (LOL), the more interested I became in sneakers and the higher my urge became in wanting Nikes. They come in such fun, bright GIRLY colors!

I FINALLY CAVED!!! And I feel no shame ;)

Nike Women's Free Flyknit TR 5.0 Training Shoe

The Pros:
- Color
- Lightweight : great for Zumba
- Flexible
- Purple! :P

The Cons:
- The shoelaces are practically ribbon. I need to replace them

- This black insert is kind of like partial sock. It sometimes gets in the way of putting on my shoe. It is very flexible so it's easy to step on when putting on the shoe.

Now, the makeup!

Wet 'N Wild Kohl Eye Liners

Top : 605A Don't Leaf Me!

Bottom : 610A Of Quartz

The green is a beautiful olive green / military green with shine. It applies evenly as you can see.

The purple was ehh. It was chunky. I even swatched it again hoping the first swatch was just warming up.

I swatched each of them again, but this time I wanted to just do a line. Again, the green swatched smoothly and perfectly. The purple was still chunky. Sucks.

Don't Leaf Me! on bottom line. It does not look green on the eyes which is a letdown. 

Of Quartz did show purple 

Both liners did not make it throughout the day even WITH primer. No traces of them at the end of my work day. It was like I didn't even put on liner. The green swatched beautifully but the color payoff wasn't the same on my eyes. Sad.

Essence Lip Liner + Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor

Top : Essence Lipliner in Satin Mauve

Bottom : Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in On The Mauve

Top : Essence Lipliner in Satin Mauve

Bottom : Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in On The Mauve

The essence lipliner is beauuuuuutiful. I was trying to find a matching color and the closest I could find in my time-crunch hunt at Ulta was the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in On The Mauve. It's actually a little darker in person and to my dismay, it has a shimmery, shiny finish. For now, I can just dab with a tissue to reduce shine.

Essence Lipliner in Satin Mauve

Ahhhh so beautiful!!! If only it came in lipstick form. The pencil gets used up pretty quickly needing a constant sharpening. I know this color is in demand when I grab the very last one. Luck was on my side that day! :D

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in On The Mauve

I was really hoping this lipstick was matte but it definitely isn't! It has a super sheen finish to it, almost shimmery but not quite frosty. I tried to convince myself that it would be okay, that all I had to do was dab it with a tissue to remove the top layer of shimmer...I eventually returned it.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in On The Mauve after dabbing

Lipstick over the liner + dabbing

Redkin Shampoo

Redkind Color Extend Shampoo + Condition

This was recommended by a friend. I had told her that my hair just kept fading to orange whenever I went lighter. My hair would fade to orange in 3-4 weeks. That is way quicker than it should. I can't really say if it works or not. I last got my hair done in late August and it has faded, but this time NOT orange as I got my hair dyed an ash brown. I like the lighter color it has faded to now so hopefully the shampoo will keep the color at what it is....is that what would happen??

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes

This was part of the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty Steals. Original $24, sale $10. This is also the purchase (besides the shoes) that I was most excited about. I never buy purchase non-drugstore mascara when the drugstore has some really great ones.

The only downside to this mascara is THAT I LOVE IT. Not a good idea to fall in love with expensive things :(

<3

Revlon Precision Clear Lash Adhesive

At some point in time, +AprilAthena7 of Youtube's AprilAthena7 had mentioned this as her favorite lash clue and I had to get my hands on it. I use the ever so popular Duo glue but dang, that glue smells so bad, it feels wrong putting something that funky smelling on my eyes. Can't wait to try them!

Ardell Natural 109

I really did not need another pair of lashes, but they were there and they called out to me >_< I have tried Ardell Natural lashes before and loved them. I am not sure if 109 is the only set of natural lashes, but all I know is that the ones I tried were "Natural." Soooo....I just had too.

That's all for my haul. 

When I think about it, it wasn't too bad :D I don't think I went too crazy as the majority of my purchases are drugstore....right? Right?? LOL


Xoxoxox

30th Birthday Diaries: Feeling Older Shoe Haul

Hello there!

It is my birthday month and this month, I am turning the big dirty 30, flirty 30, thirsty 30 - whatever you would like to call it.

As it comes, I embrace it...but I think subconsciously I am freaking out.

1. Going [dirty] blonde
Why?? I think it is just a phase because this thought only came in early April and it's starting to exit my brain. A good friend of mine told me that when she turned 30 a few years ago, she dyed her red in a "30 life crisis" moment. I think I am starting to understand. Haha.

This is what I'm thinking:

But this is what I don't want - having half natural color and half salon color as it grows out. I am not high maintenance when it comes to my hair. I've only dyed the bottom layers of my hair so that when roots grow out, no one can see. I'm too lazy and can't afford constant touch ups and special maintaining shampoos. And then I wonder, do I have to lighten my eyebrows?! So much work. Decisions, decisions.

2. My first white hair
My friend pointed it out on 4/24/16. At that moment, it did not phase me. She told me I should cut it off because it's really noticeable as I have a white hair very distinguishable from my jet black hair. I was fine with it. Hours later at home, I freaked out and went to the bathroom and cut that sucker off. Dang. It's happening.

3. Old lady feet
When I was younger, my mom would tell me that as you get older, your feet do not like flat shoes anymore. Shoes have to be soft with a meaty sole for support. I thought she was just making silly talk, but dang! She was right. In the past year, my feet has not been liking those ballet flats. Oh no, oh no. Especially since I work in a hospital, I am on my feet for a long time, walking around or standing, sometimes 3 - 4 hours at a time. And oh my word, my feet hate me after all that. 
I decided to bite the bullet and go on a mini spree to buy shoes that would provide comfort. I call them, and please don't take offense, "old lady shoes." Shoes with a chunky sole. 
Here's what I purchase:

Modellista Miranda Ballet Flats

Andrew Geller Wilmot Wedge Pumps

a.n.a. Sicily Ballet Flats

I purchased them all from JC Penny and all were on sale. I've worn all three and the first two are so comfortable!! It's like walking on pillows!! Why did I wait so long to choose comfort instead of enduring pain?

The nude pair is comfortable at the heel. The picture does not capture the true cushion at the heel, but there is a nice little pillow. The toe area is a little more flat.

My purchases look boring as they are just simple black and nude, but honestly, black and nude go with everything.

My current flats are trendy, colorful with shimmery stones at the toes. They are cute, but not always practical and sometimes difficult to match.

Here's to being a grown up with foot pain, white hair, and to professionalism and no twinkle toes.

Cheers to my upcoming 30!

xoxoxox

Spring 2015 Favorites and Oh Noes!

Spring came and went and now summer is here! One week into summer, I can't forget the goodies that have made spring beautiful and glamorous! 

FAVORITES <3

LIQUID LIPSTICKS
Liquid lipsticks have made their mark in the beauty world this spring and they continue their beauty domination. So it's no surprise that they have made their way to my favorites list. 

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, 13 Marvelous Mauve

stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, Patina 

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, 01 Always Red

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, 13 Marvelous Mauve

stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, Patina 

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, 01 Always Red

(I know Marvelous Mauve and Patina look soooo similar, but when you're a lippie hoarder/junkie, the slightest difference means two different colors! LOL)

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, 13 Marvelous Mauve

stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, Patina 

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain, 01 Always Red

Why they're favorite-worthy:

- Matte

- Easy to apply

- Long lasting

- Barely drying

-Touch-ups are easy, not cakey

- Opacity (one swipe is good, especially with stila Patina)

NuMe TAPERED WAND

NuMe Tapered Wand (far right)

(Photo from numeproducts.com)

Why it's favorite-worthy:

- The tapered wand gives dimension to the curl

- My curls actually last for more than an hour

- Gives me the curl I love for my medium length hair

- Heats up quickly

TARGET EARRINGS

Target Earrings (Trio)

I bought the trio mainly for the peal and gold studs, but have also been loving the simple pearl.

Why it's favorite-worthy:

- Gold and pearl/white have been my favorite color combo for jewelry

- Classic, simple and elegant

- Good size, not too big, not too small

- Glamorizes any outfit!

OH NOES! </3

BIG SEXY HAIR SPRAY & PLAY HARDER FIRM VOLUMINIZING HAIRSPRAY 

Why it's oh-no material:

- Makes my hair crispy and crunchy, even with just a light spritz

- Smells like alcohol

What were your spring faves and oh noes?


<3<3<3

Ulta Haul: Presents To Myself

The season of giving had come and go. I hope that in this past season of giving, you gave some gifts to yourself. You deserve a treat and should take advantage of good deals! I definitely did :)

I give you...my Christmas presents to myself. All are from Ulta, my current and probably longlasting guilty pleasure.

Burberry Brit Sheer, $66

 It's official!! I finally purchased my first ever "big girl" perfume. I've been using Bath & Body Works' Sheer Freesia Body Splash since my early 20s. As much as I love the scent, it's a hassle to buy because it's only sold online. Second, body spray does not last the full day. I drench myself in it and can smell it on my clothes if I sniffed it, but other than that, it's like nothing happened.

I searched far and long for the "perfect" perfume. I wanted something light in fragrance and not overwhelming. This perfume does just that... the only downside is that the scent does not linger too strongly as the day passes. 

I do use it sparingly and on special occasions as it is pricier. I did get a good deal on this as I had $23 worth in Ulta points. Ulta was also having a promo in which you would get a $60 retail valued robe for free with a $40 fragrance purchase. 

PROS: Light, feminine scent; not overwhelming
CONS: Price; scent fades

Would I repurchase? More yes than no. I do want something to last all day. If I hear about a fragrance that does and I like it, I will consider that.

Hot Tools 1" Curling Iron 24K Gold, Original $49.99, sale $29.99

I am so happy with this purchase!!!! When I went to Florida in October, I curled my hair with my friend's Hot Tools Curling Iron...and holy cow. My curls were so voluminous (my hair was much longer back then). Though the curls did fall a bit throughout the day, it held most of its curls. The next day, my hair was still curly!! Usually, my next day curls make my hair look like bent hair. Not cute. 

I used my new wand (in Dark Pink) Tuesday night before bed. I did not use hairspray. I must admit that I was a bit nervous as to how my curls would look the next morning, especially since I was sleeping on them within minutes of doing them.

The next morning, I woke up to fresh bouncy curls. I was amazed. My curls lasted until Thursday and probably would have lasted until Friday when I washed my hair (sounds gross but my hair is really dry). I kept my hair in a funky top bun for most of Thursday and Friday. When I took my hair down Friday before my shower, the curls were still there but tampered with as I had my hair up. 

PROS: the color!, the deal, the heating range, long lasting curls, no hairspray needed
CONS: Length of actual heating section. I do wish it was a little longer, especially for when I grow my hair out

Would I repurchase? I would totally in the future. I keep hair tools for a long time, but I am so pleased with this brand that I would stick to it for future upgrades

Batiste Dry Shampoo Travel Size, $9.99

I do not feel bad about this purchase at all. My current Batiste (full size) is almost done and I needed a new one. I wanted to try other scents and this gives me the opportunity to do so.

I haven't used it yet, but I'm sure I will love it as I do love the full size.

Neutrogena T/Gel Original Formula Shampoo, $9.99

I first tried this out when I slept over at my friend's home. My friend had a mini selection of shampoo but I was drawn to this because it claims to help with dry scalp and dandruff. Previous hairdressers had commented on my scalp being flakey and that I needed a shampoo to target that. This shampoo has an unappealing smell, but thankfully it does not linger in the hair after washed. My hair also felt soft when it dried.

PROS: Targets dandruff-prone hair/scalps

CONS: Smell

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadow, $6.99 BOGO 50%

(Bad to the Bronze, Barely Branded, Bold Gold, Inked in Pink)

Old news, yes, but new news to me! I've been eyeing these since they first hit the market but never allowed myself to get them until now! Since it was the holidays, I decided to treat myself :)

I have only used Bold Gold so far just to sweep across my lid as an easy shadow. I loved it! 

I'm sorry these swatches don't do the colors any justice. I'm trying to get better at this picture taking thing. 

I did want to show what it looked like many many hours later.

This picture was taken late at night (maybe 1am) the same day I did the swatches (around 2pm). The shadows were still intact! Granted, my arms do not get oily like my lids do, but I was just amazed by the staying power of this thing. 

I have yet to try it as an eyeshadow base, but I am really excited for the looks that I can come up with.

PROS: easy to use, great pigmentation, long lasting

CONS: none so far?

Did you get yourself anything for the holidays?

<3<3<3