Product Got Me Confused? Maybelline Push Up Angel

In late December, I purchased a new mascara.

As recommended, I switch out my mascara every 3 months for hygiene purposes. I love trying new mascaras and Maybelline has always been my go-to brand for mascara. I don't think, if my memory serves me right, that I have been disappointed with a Maybelline mascara...

...until NOW!! Though, I'm not 100% sure. I am confused!

I picked up The Falsies Push Up Angel without even really reading in the detail the titles. To be honest, I picked this up because it was purple and had the word "angel" on it. I've tried 3 - 4 different Maybelline mascaras and have never been disappointed. I figured Maybelline could do no wrong and whatever I picked would be amazing.

When I opened the mascara tube for the first time and saw the wand, I was thinking "what the heck?"
In the store, I did not even check out the how the wand looks like because I did not care. This wand is just weird. The wand is designed for you to be able to get right at the root of the lashes and wiggle your way up to "push up" your lashes.

It just made my lashes look like a mess. The formula was also too wet for my taste and ended up clumping my lashes. I like a little clumping but not to the point where I look like a have chunks of lashes. Yeek. Maybe as the mascara gets a little older the formula will dry up more and it will work better? AHHH.

Sigh.

I was so upset that I bought a different mascara the following week.

Then my softy self wanted to give the Push Up Angel another try and so I did. And just as I had expected, the mascara dried up a little bit and I actually liked it. I felt totally bad because the first time I used this mascara I sent a mass texts of "WORST MASCARA EVER"  to my fellow beauty junkies.

The next day, it was all clumpy again. I continued to use this mascara continuously for the rest of the week. It was either a hit or a miss. I am not sure if it was me or the mascara but I don't know why I couldn't get a good day every day.

On a good day, it didn't give me the voluminous va va voom lashes I strive for. Instead, my lashes were slightly lifted and natural looking.

I am just not sure how I feel about this product. Still totally stumped on whether I like it or not. However, I do know for certain that I will not be buying this product again.

Have any of you tried this product??  Is it just me? Or am I the only undecided or the only one who does not know how to use this product to its fabulosity?


<3<3<3

I WON!! Thank you ANNE DI @BEAUTYBITTEN!!

If you know me pretty well, you'd know I have the suckiest luck a lot of the times. I am blessed in countless ways, but I was also cursed with poor luck. LOL.

When +Anne | beautybitten put out a giveaway on her snapchat yummiebitez, I entered thinking I would never win. I've been an avid YouTube watcher for years, entering numerous giveaways of my favorite YouTubers and never winning. But your chances are zero if you don't give it a shot, right?

The prize was the new Benefit Cosmetics Brow Kits. She was giving away two of the Soft and Natural kits and two of the Defined & Refined kits.

I entered Anne's giveaway. A day or two later, she was announcing the four winners on her snapchat. The first winner was not me. The second winner was not me. The third winner was not me. What were the chances of me being the fourth winner?

LO AND BEHOLD she said my YouTube name. Ya'll don't even know how crazy excitedly I shrieked. I have a naturally soft tone to my voice and was heard

rooms away ;)

My package came in the mail today! I was crazy crazy excited! 

I quickly opened it and was so surprised. Even though I saw her snapchat of her packaging the prizes, it was still so surprising and exciting to see it live. She is so thoughtful putting a lot of effort and creativity and love into her packaging. 

When I first opened the package <3

WHY HELLO THERE!

She even snuck in extra goodies. I love mini notepads for my to-do lists! <3

Tips & tricks + the tin kit. Digging the packaging so far

HOW BEAUTIFUL!! Totally beauty drooling <3

The back of the tin (blurry, sorry. Lighting was not in my favor)

The contents:

- Mini BROWVO! Conditioning Primer

- Full size Precisely, My Brow - Brow Filling Pencil

- Full size High Brow Highlight & Lift Pencil

- Mini brow mapping tool

- Tips & tricks

GAHHHH!!

Cannot wait to use these bad boys!

Moral of the story: NEVER say never. I was the Queen of Never and Queen of Bad Luck and look what happened <3

Thanks, Anne! Maraming salamat! <3

Xoxoxox

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

Summer 2016 Favorites

Oh my word!! Fall is here ya'll!! I am sooo excited but also so sad to see summer go. Time goes by so fast, I want it to slow down and enjoy whatever is left of my youth. LOL.

Like in seasons past, new favorites are discovered and old favorites resurface. Not too many beauty items this time around probably because when it's summer and hella hot, I wear less and less makeup.

Here are the loves of my summer:

COVERGIRL LASHBLASH PLUMPIFY MASCARA

( credit : www.ulta.com )

I went to dinner with a friend of mine and loved her lashes. She always has great lashes but that dinner, they were more va va voom! She was using the CoverGirl LashBlast Plumpify mascara. I got myself one and loved it! It really accentuates and extends my really long lashes. I am not the best at applying mascara but something about the wand allowed me to easily fan out my lashes to give them shape comparable to falsies <3

SHEET MASK

Sheet masks have been my jam! One of my favorite Youtubers +AprilAthena7  / Youtube AprilAthena7 is the queen of sheet masks and she actually got me on the boat! During the summer, sheet masks have been the greatest thing! The coldness of the sheet mask on my face when it's 90 degrees out was the most settling and amazing feeling right before bed.

I am not sure if they actually do what they say they do. I just really love the sensation. I get my sheet masks at Daiso. They come 3 in a pack for $1.50. I also get masks at Ulta when they are on clearance.

ZUMBA!

( credit : www.clipartion.com )

I have probably mentioned this in a previous post, but I joined by local YMCA and have fallen in love with Zumba. I have had gym memberships in the past, but never really stuck because it got boring and repetitive. 

I wanted to get back into exercise when my primary care doctor told me that I should get active. I was in late my 20s at the time and she said exercise is good for heart health and overall health. I've always known that through the news, friends and family, etc, but when my doctor told me to my face, I took it seriously. 
I already have Lupus which is working against me. I need to work 10x harder to keep my health up. I joined the Y and found an exercise routine that has stolen my heart. I love music and I love dancing, put them together and it's a match made in exercise heaven.

NECKLACES

I was not much of a daily necklace wearer. I love necklaces, but I love statement necklaces that I wouldn't wear daily. 

A friend gave me this small, dainty heart pendant necklace for birthday and I have been hooked ever since on small simple necklaces.

( credit : www.target.com )

( credit : www.target.com )

( credit : www.target.com )

I have been eyeing these twoTarget necklaces ($19.99 each) for the longest time but I'm a cheapie (LOL) and couldn't fathom paying $20 for a cheapie necklace that would probably turn rusty over time. 
Then one day, I saw both of them on clearance for $9.98 and using my Target Cartwheel app, it was an additional 20% off making each about $16.
DEAL! LOL. I purchased both which totaled to less than one original piece :D

SNAPCHAT

I thought I would never give in but one of my best friends kept pushing it. Whenever we got together, she would tell me something new and I would say "What! You never told me!" and she would respond with, "Well if you had a Snapchat..." LOL. So I gave in and eventually learned to love playing with the filters. I must admit, I am not the most photogenic person, BUT Snapchat makes me look and feel pretty! LOL

Some of my favorite selfies:

(Waiting 10 minutes to remove my sheet mask)

ENGAGEMENT RING:

Words cannot even describe how over the moon I am! Self-explanatory :D

DOUBLE SHOT ESPRESSO OVER ICE (with milk + sugar)

I love coffee not so much for the caffeine but for the taste! My coworker and I love coffee and would together get our afternoon coffee. She has a long drive home after work and would always get the double shot espresso over ice with milk and syrup to keep her up. I tried it one time and became hooked! It's delicious! Tastes just like a latte for half the price. You can ask for the double shot in a grande/medium cup and put milk and a little bit of sugar (how I prefer it) and boom!! 

What were your Summer 2016 Favorites?? Are you ready and excited for Fall?

Fall is when the dark berry lipsticks start to come back and I anticipate I will be wearing those colors. A dark berry is my favorite color to wear and in my opinion looks best on me. 

Bring on the pumpkin everything! Fall, I am ready!!


Xoxoxo

Spring Favorites 2016

Hello all!

As everyone else says, where has Spring gone?!

With each year, time seems to be passing on faster and faster.

I just want to say, SLOW DOWN TIME. I WANT TO ENJOY LIFE.

TANGENT.

Anyways, LOL, here are my Spring favorites.

MAYBELLINE BETTER SKIN CONCEALER
I did a review on this concealer in early May. I liked it, but was not in love with it. I try not to  waste makeup so I used it anyway. Using it daily made me fall more in love with it each day.
I put concealer under my eyes, a peck on the redness around my nose and a dab or two on my forehead. I buff it in and have a light even finish with great coverage. It looks like my natural skin.

URBAN DECAY LINER

My everyday makeup is very simple especially to work. Adding the purple liner to my lower lash line adds a pop of color and happiness :)

As you can see, I've used it up! :) And it matches my nail polish. Win!

CLAIROL HAIR FOOD DRY SHAMPOO INFUSED WITH KIWI FRAGRANCE

I got this in a sample box. It is amazing!! Smells sooooo good. Goodbye Batiste, I have a new #1!

( credit : www.target.com )

NEXXUS COMB THRU TOUCHABLE HOLD FINISHING SPRAY
I learned about this product from MakeupByLeinaBaaaby. I go cray with hairspray because my hair can't hold a curl. The problem is that my hair gets all crunchy. This hairspray prevents that! I love it!

( credit : www.drugstore.com )

CHLOE BY CHLOE PERFUME
This has been my go to over my one and only Burberry Brit Sheer. I love my Burberry perfume but the scent disappears so quickly! I can smell Chloe for most of the day! If I'm paying lots of money for perfume, the scent better last.

JJ MARCS SMALL HEART PENDANT NECKLACE
I received this as a birthday gift. I love that it's dainty and simple. I've been looking for a necklace like this :) I've gotten compliments whenever I wear it

GOODY CLAW CLIPS
Ever since my hair fallout, I opt for using hair clips rather than hair ties. Hair ties pull out more hair. Any opportunity to preserve my hair (irony because I dye it! >_<) I will take it! I put 2 - 3 in my hair when I Zumba and my hair stays in place :)

RALPH LAUREN SANDALS
I used to hate shoes like this because of the "effort" to put on and take off these shoes. I'm Asian and am culturally accustomed to taking off my shoes when going into people's home. Though even if I don't go to others' homes, I want to be in and out of my house in a jiffy. I don't want to bend down to put my shoe on. #lazy. However, I love these! They're comfortable to walk in! And they don't make my already wide big feet look huge. Win! Of course, they have to have some heel to it. My aging feet don't like flat anymore.

NINE WEST WEDGES
These are just so comfortable! I've walked 1+ miles straight in these shoes and I was not close to dying :) They're not too high and they're not so low. They can be dressed up and dressed down. Love them!

TRADER JOE'S MILK CHOCOLATE SMASHING S'MORES
Holy cow!! If you have not tried this, you are not truly living. This is so delicious. I was telling my coworker about them the other day and she told me to put them in the microwave for 5ish seconds for an extra foodgasmic experience. AND HOLY COW! Go get it NOW!

( credit : www.popsugar.com )

MY BOYFRIEND AND THIS KITTY PICTURE
I have turned into quite the cat lady (though puppies still have my heart!) in the last 2 years. I came across this cute kitty online and had to share it with the world. How cute is this kitty?! And how cute is my boyfriend <3 

What are your Spring favorites?

Any Summer favorite prospects?

Xoxoxo