21/30: Fave Lipstick

L-R: MAC - (Frost) Angel, MAC - (Cremesheen) Fanfare, MAC - (Lustre) Hug Me

I kind of cheated on this one...I really don't have a favourite, yet anyway but these are the ones I like the most!

P.S. This 30 Day Challenge has now turned into a 365 day challenge and was clearly not done in 30 days but I don't really mind.... I never play by the rules anyway ;)

The 30 Day Challenge
Day 01- Your favorite eyeliner
Day 02 — Your favorite bag that you own
Day 03 — Your favorite brush
Day 04 — Your favorite foundation
Day 05 — Your favorite thing to do
Day 06 — Anything Hello Kitty
Day 07 — Your Favorite animal
Day 08 — A photo that makes you laugh
Day 09 — Your favorite pair of shoes
Day 10 — Current fashion/style you like
Day 11 — Bag you want to have
Day 12 — Your Favorite color
Day 13 — Photo of your fashion/style icon
Day 14 — Photo of a hairstyle/haircut you'd like to have
Day 15 — Photo of your favorite bracelet
Day 16 — Music you like
Day 17 — Fashion Pieces that's on your to-buy list
Day 18 — Your favorite beauty guru
Day 19 — Your favorite look from a beauty guru
Day 20 — Your favorite mascara
Day 21 — Your favorite lipstick
Day 22 — What makes you happy
Day 23 — Place where you want to live
Day 24 — Your favorite food
Day 25 — What do you want to get from luux
Day 26 — An Item from your wishlist
Day 27 — Your favorite skincare product
Day 28 — Your favorite drink
Day 29 — Photo of something that makes you go awww
Day 30 - Your favorite nail polish

My Bio Oil Challenge

> I've decided to start my own Bio Oil challenge. I have heard great things about this product but I'd like to see for myself. This product apparently helps with the appearance of marks and scars. I have heard testimonies from friends who've used it and they've said it works wonders over time. It took one friend atleast a month or two before she saw any results. I'm guessing it works different for everyone; my skin my heal faster or slower than the person next to me. I've decided to try it out for a month, at which time I can give some insight into whether or not I've seen any changes and maybe include some photos to show the difference.

So let's see how this goes!

Have you used Bio Oil before?

xo

SWATCHES!

The ever so lovely Meg requested I do swatches for the lipsticks feature in this post; and so here it is! They are all beautiful shades and I usually have a hard time deciding which one I want to wear... I hope you enjoy this post. I haven't worn all of them out yet so I can't say much about the wear of each, when I do get to wear them out over a long period of time, I'll post about it :) Let me know if you need an clearification. Incase you are interested in any of these, please see the details of each lipstick below. xo

• NYX - India Pink
• REVLON - (Pearl) Rose & Shine 619
• M.A.C - Fanfare (CREMESHEEN)
• M.A.C - Angel (FROST)
• M.A.C - Hug Me (LUSTRE)

L'Oreal Go 360° Clean Exfoliating Scrub

I absolutely love facial scrubs/exfoliators! I love how they make you feel like you are actually cleaning away dirt from your face! There are so many facial exfoliators and cleansers out there that claim to "deep clean" and after seeing the ads for this product (featuring the lovely Freida Pinto) I decided to try it out. I decided to purchase this product for my trip to England/India/Dubai this past summer and put it to good use! My cousins back home liked it so much I ended up giving my bottle to them!

There are 4 formulas to choose from [Deep Facial Gel Cleanser (Green), Deep Cream Cleanser (Pink), Deep Exfoliating Scrub (Orange), Deep Facial Lotion Cleanser for Sensitive Skin (Blue)] that you can choose based on your personal preference; whether you prefer a lotion cleanser or an exfoliating scrub. I use this cleanser 2 to 3 times a week only since I was told by a pharmacy professional aka my cousin, that using a an exfoliator with beads everyday can dry out your skin... The other days that this cleanser is not used a use a slightly less harsh alternative for my skin.  This product can be purchased for under $10 at your local drug or department store. My favourite part of this cleanser is the part that the scrublet can be removed for usage and put back into its place for storage so you will never loose it!

audreydao.com

I have very oily /sensitive skin especially in my t-zone area and I must say this product works wonders for my skin. I did not feel any tightness or dryness in my skin after usage, something which I have felt with other cleansers. Makeup comes off well with the Deep Exfoliating Scrub ; since the natural apricot seed beads exfoliate away all dirt and grime nicely.  However, it did NOT remove a liquid liner (by GOSH Cosmetics) even though I scrubbed multiple times. That has to be the only disappointment I've had so far with this cleanser.

Directions

1. Squeeze a small amount of cleanser onto the scrublet 

2. Apply the scrublet directly to skin in circular motions

3. Rinse off, use as desired.  

What the company claims

Go 360° Clean offers a complete range of four expertly formulated, high-foam cleansers that are perfectly calibrated to perform with the Scrublet™. The Deep Exfoliating Scrub is a gentle yet effective scrub, which exfoliates skin with natural apricot seed beads and salicylic acid to reveal perfectly clean, smoother skin. With rich lather and fruity, apricot fragrance, this exfoliating scrub is gentle enough for daily use. Also, try one of Go 360 cleanser in an Lotion, Gel or Cream formula, for every skin type.

• Softer skin:

Sweeps away dead skin cells for an extraordinary softening and smoothing effect.

• Smaller pores:

Go 360° Clean shrinks the appearance of pore size and refinishes the skin's surface to reveal skin with more clarity.

• Deeper cleansing:

Unique formulas reach down deeper to every last pore for a deep clean. Keeps pores clean day after day.

•Easy-to-use:

The Scrublet™ cleanses pore-by-pore with a fuss-free cleansing process.

Ingredients

AQUA • SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE • SODIUM CHLORIDE • POLYETHYLENE • ACRYLATES COPOLYMER • COCO-BETAINE • GLYCERIN • PPG-5-CETETH-20 SODIUM BENZOATE • SODIUM HYDROXIDE • SALICYLIC ACID • PRUNUS ARMENIACA SEED POWDER • BENZYL SALICYLATE • CITRIC ACID • PARFUM •



mongkeybiz.com



Thoughts on the scrublet?

• Not a fan. The scrublet is more or less a flimsy piece of rubber with ridges that "supposedly" scrub away dirt and grime. I used it once or twice and then used my fingers to do the job. Since the scrub has little beads that create the exfoliating affect on the skin. However, if you were to use the lotion cleanser or the gel cleanser then they scrublet might be more effective.

The good
• Oil free

• Dermatologist tested

• Good consistency of product

• No breakouts

• No skin tightness
• Good packaging, Sturdy bottle
• Lightly scented (Apricot)
• Good size (178 mL)

The bad

• Not a fan of the scrublet
• May not remove thick formulations of makeup (liquid liner)

Overall experience

• I would rate this product a 7.5 or 8/10 and overall it is a good product.
• The good out ways the bad on this one; I would definately repurchase this product, and based on my experience I am tempted to try the other formulas.

Have you used this product before? If you have, what was your experience like?

If you got it, use it!

weheartit.com

I attempted to opened the drawer of my organizer and it wouldn't budge. I'll tell you why...it was brimming to the top with various beauty products! AAAHHHH. Everything from moisturizers, and powders to body sprays and lotions. I then thought to myself, this needs to end, and NOW. "Project 10 Pan" came to mind at this point. If you don't know what "Project 10 Pan" is here is the concept as derived from excellentmakeup.com: "Using up or hitting the pan of 10 makeup items to be eligible to buy 1 new makeup item. Makeup item is not limited to eyeshadow pan/pot but everything from face and liner to lip products with the exception of skin care." Various Youtube guru's have been doing this for a while now, and I think it's high time I too, start! My problem isn't with makeup, I don't have as much makeup as I do "other" beauty products. My goal? - To use up the products I have before purchasing anything new. I have more moisturizers and lotions then I need; I seem to purchase anything that smells good or looks good and then it just sits unused in that drawer for ages!

I don't want to just do this with beauty products but anything and everything I own. I spend way too much money on products, clothing, and knick knacks. By using what I have already, I can save money and use and develop self-control for myself to not have to buy things all the time.

Your thoughts?

Recent Purchases from Cydangie Beautyshop

My first 120 Palette & makeup brush set! Hiya Dolls, just wanted to share a quick ramble with you of a few purchases I made online from Cydangie Beautyshop .

I have been wanting to purchase a 120 palette for a VERY VERY long time, and I finally did. (Hey! It beats buying individuals!) Let me tell you how convenient having a 120 palette is! OHEMGEE. I don't have to go looking around for that particular shade of blue or green, it's all right THERE. I got a chance to use the 120 for the first time, during the christmas/wedding weekend I attended, (see the post here) which was great because I did different looks for all of the 3 days (so did my mum, I let her use it too!). The colors are nicely pigmented, which means you do not need to use a lot of product! I purchased it at approximately $25.00 + shipping, and it arrived in 1 week - - with not one but 4 BROKEN eyeshadows. Also there was some damage to my palette.. You can imagine my disappointment. < sighs > Similarly, I purchased a 120 palette + brushes for a friend as a gift (and hoped and prayed that nothing happened to hers!) and thankfully, her set was fine; all shadows intact and no damage. I guess it's just my luck! Har. Anyhow, overall I was very pleased, and I won't be purchasing eyeshadows for a very longggg time (since I have this palette)!

It's a clutch! Or is it? I wanted to share this GORGEOUS makeup brush set purchased from Cydangie Beautyshop a few weeks ago. I bought it on special for only $33.18 CDN for the set, (minus $5.95 for shipping!) which is a pretty good deal considering how much brush sets normally cost... It was well packaged and arrived on my door step in approximately 1-2 weeks which is not bad.

The brushes are made from Goat hair (just in case you were curious) and come individually wrapped in plastic, which is marvelous! I haven't had a chance to try them out yet, but I will definitely do a review once I have had a good using of them. Right of the bat, I was impressed buy the quality of the clutch, the material is quite sturdy and durable and I absolutely love the print! I love how all the brushes are in one convenient place! This clutch is perfect because you can literally roll it out, lay it flat and do your make up; and when you are done, just pop the brushes back into the slots, roll it up, snap it shut and VOILA! You are good to go! One thing I don't like, however,  is that the brushes are not named or numbered...but that's just my opinion! It is currently sold out, I am not sure if they will be getting anymore in, I got this at the whim of a second while I was browsing the page, I almost didn't see it! Too bad it doesn't have any pockets, or else I would've used it as a clutch for my next outing! haha!    

There are a total of 16 brushes which include the following:

1. Face Brush
2. Blush Brush
3. Contouring Brush
4. Large Shading Brush
5. Small Shading Brush
6. Fluff Brush
7. Shader Brush
8. Small Shader Brush
9. Concealer Brush
10. Fan Brush
11. Flat Angled Brush
12. Lip Brush
13. Eye Liner Brush
14. Spool Brush
15. Eyebrow Brush/Lash Comb
16. Sponge Brush

* Sorry about the bad "bed" photography (it's so hard to get good lighting in the evening!).  

ThankGodIt'sFriday! I can't believe i'm back in class next week! Ahhh! But for now, TGIF!

Hair Care: I am NOT a fan of ...

As I showered this morning before work, I reached in my shower caddy for my body scrubbie and low and behold I spotted the half-filled (or half-empty :P) bottles of unwanted shampoo and conditioner that have not been used in ages...

... & now I remembered why.

What am I talking about?

It's the Brilliant Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner by Frederic Fekkai.

Check out the Fekkai website here.



What is Frederic Fekkai?
Never heard of this brand? Trust me, I only discovered it a few months ago... like most products, they are hardly available here in Canada. They have a full range of hair products for shampoos and conditioners to styling products.



I ordered the shampoo & conditioner online through Sephora a month or 2 ago; and I believe they have pulled if offshelves since (atleast the one here in Square One). This brand is more readily available in the UK and in the US. It retails for approximately $9.00-$35.00 depending on the size of the bottle (2 oz,8 oz or 16 oz).

What the company says:
As per the description on the compnay website : "Fekkai's legendary shine collection infuses new Encapsulated Shine-Release Complex in its winning formula containing olive oil to renew shine all day, strand by strand, minute by minute."
















The good:

• Reputable brand
• Good formulation
• Lovely scent
• Sturdy Bottle: good quality, not cheap plastic

The bad:

• OVER priced, well just a little...
• Shampoo didn't lather enough
• Conditioner was hard to wash out, much too thick = greasy hair

The ugly:

• Didn't do my hair ANY good, I ended up with frizzy unmanageable hair
• Product invited Hair fallout? Possibily! (once I stopped using it, it decreased).

... & thus I thought to myself, I need to answer the world. The beauty god's are up there shaking their glossy-voluminous-haired-heads at me in shame (for not using up the product, of course). After all that, I thought I should definately do a post on this! I am now trying to figure out what to do with the rest of this product. I could throw it away, along with $46.00 but that would be a waste...

Would I purchase this item again? This particular product? No...but I am tempted to try others from the Fekkai brand (do I ever learn? LOL).



Overall Rating: 5/10 - This product was a huge let down for me..(I used it as soon as I got it in the mail, I was so excited!)

Source: officialkourtneyk.celebuzz.com

Did you know celebrities such as the Kardashian sisters use this product religiously? Kourtney Kardashian specifically mentions it here on her website/blog.



What did I learn?
A hyped product doesn't ALWAYS mean it's good. Also, a more expensive product doesn't always mean it's good either! ... but there is no harm in trying, right? That's how you learn ... next time I know to be more aware of what I am putting my hard earned money towards.



Just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for YOU! I have read other reviews of how it worked amazingly well! I wish I could say the same! Don't have the cash? You can try the mini bottles for $10 each as a "trial" (which I was thinking I should have done that first before purchasing the bigger size).



I guess I will just stick to my cheaper Garnier Fructis shampoo/conditioner meanwhile, they do my hair WONDERS!

Have you purchased the Brilliant Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner by Frederic Fekkai? Have you purchased any items from this line? What do you look for in a good shampoo & conditioner? Your thoughts? Leave 'em below!

Hope this was informative!



LA LA Love you girls! (& boys! Hi Soh! <3)

Pink 4 Friday

Bright-Barbie-Pink Lipstick fanatics rejoice!


Nicki Minaj has her own M.A.C Lipstick.

Source: product-girl.com

I like Nicki Minaj, it's nothing against her I just don't feel the need for a Bright-Pink-Barbie Lipstick with her name on it. I feel like M.A.C already has Lipsticks of the same shade...but anyway just because I am not interested doesn't mean no one else is!


The Lipstick is a Limited Edition item, personally designed by the audacious Miss Minaj herself, in celebration of her new album Pink Friday. According to M.A.C, Nicki's Lipstick is only available for 4 days from the date of November 26th, and is currently sold out on the M.A.C website .




Source: vexinthecity.com


Before Minaj, Lady Gaga has her own M.A.C Lipstick as well, (in a similar shade might I add), and I can only hope that M.A.C would choose other inspiring women for their promotions in the future..


Final Thoughts:


Necessary?
In my opinion, no.
Did I purchase it?
No.


Would I purchase it?
No.


Did you purchase the Pink Friday Lipstick by Nick Minaj for M.A.C this past weekend?
If not, why didn't you?

My new toy!

Hey dolls,


If you follow my personal blog you might have noticed in this post here that I bought myself a new toy!


A man's toy is his home theatre system or even his car... and a woman's? Her hair styling tools! Haha!


I have quite a few heat styling tools lying around my house, but my most used has to be my Flat Iron since I love straightening my hair. I also like to curl it for special occasions, but I find that my regular clamp Curling Iron can be quite a hassle to use and was looking for something new and easier to use....


.. & so, a friend and I went to our local shopping mall for the Amika Deep Purple 13mm Tourmaline Curling Wand. There are 3 colors to choose from: Black , Hot Pink, and Deep Purple. I have purchased from Amika before, and I was pleased with their products and decided to go with the same brand again.

Along with Curling Wand , I recieved the Black Styler Heat Proof Mat and Travel Case, (normal retail value: $14.95) for free with my purchase!



Source: Amika

 
Just in time for the holidays! What better way to spice up your look then with a new hairstyle? All the same, this holiday season is pretty hectic for me, with dinners, a bridal shower, and 3 day-long weekend wedding!


If you have an Amika Kisok in your area, definately check them out! Although, the sales team can be quite pushy, so remember to stand your ground and be firm. However, I am overall pleased with their products and the service.


You can find the Amika Curling Wand here , along with the Black Heat Proof Mat/Travel case here.


Let me know if you decide to purchase from Amika, and what you're experience was like. If you have purchased from Amika before, let me know what you experience was like, as well.
I will upload a post on my Amika Curling Wand experience, once I get a chance to use it!


Visit the Amika website for more products!


Hope you enjoyed this post! Happy Thanksgiving & Black Friday to all who celebrate!

Superdrug Haul

While on a visit to London, I stopped at Superdrug to pick up some needs as wells as some wants. I picked up quite a few items, I chose brands that I do not have access to here in Canada.


MUA (Make Up Academy)
I came across MUA, most items were a pound or more, and Superdrug was having a promotion so I thought, why not! I got a 3 pack of green eyeshadows, as well as a 3 pack of the purple eyeshadows and a liquid eyeliner. I didn't buy too much from MUA since most of the items were open or tested. ** Sorry about the picture quality, I promise that the shades look great in person! **


The green eyeshadows in order from left to right:

1. Shade 7 - Pearl
2. Shade 6 - Pearl
3. Shade 5 - Pearl

The purple eyeshadows in order from left to right:

1. Shade 13 - Pearl
2. Shade 9 - Pearl
3. Shade 4 - Pearl

The liquid eyeliner which looks like a periwinkle blue is in Shade 4.

GOSH cosmetics
I also purchased some GOSH cosmetics products.

• Brow Kit 001
• Natural Blush in 39 Electric Pink (Soft Pink)
• Glamorous Eye Shadow in 17 Purple (Lilac purple)
• Let's Twist Waterproof Eyeliner in 100 Blue Grass (Seagreen)  
• Extreme Art Eyeliner (Blue) in 10
• Extreme Art Eyeliner (Teal) in 11

MAXFACTOR
Maxfactor Xperience Volumising Mascara in Black/Brown
- I have been using this Mascara since I got it, and it has become one of my favourites!

Others
I purchased other random drugstore items as well as Superdrugs own makeup brushes.
I bought 4 shadow brushes (and love them!) as well as 1 face/blush brush. I haven't used them all that much but I like the quality of the brushes and the bristles.


This was my first time at Superdrug and it reminded me of our Shoppers Drug Mart here in Canada, except with more variety and great deals! Next time I visit, I hope to purchase more!
To visit Superdrug online Click here. Have you tried any of these brands? Let me know what you think!


Hope you enjoyed this post!

All time drugstore favourites - Annabelle Liquid Eyeliner

This is hands down my favourite drugstore eyeliner of all time!


Details
Annabelle Liquid Eyeliner (Black)
0.08 FL oz / 2.5 mL
Retail price: $7.96 (approx.)

I have purchased this product again and again. I use to be a pencil liner freak, and I didn't have a very steady hand with liquid. Then after much practice, I mastered the art of the liquid liner.


It comes off just as easy as it comes off, well, maybe too easy. I notice that it does start to come up in the inner corners of my eyes, but I usually apply a pencil liner or black eyeshadow in that area anyway. The consistency of this liner is quite thick, I have tried a few drugstore eyeliners that were quite thin in consistency and I hated those. I like the overall application of the liner and I get quite a few applications per pot. I can go a few months without buying another one with the applications. Annabelle's website claims that the liquid eyeliner gives you upto 830 applications, to see the description on the company website Click here .


This handy little felt wand is great for precision lining, it makes it easier to create winged liner looks. With practice you can become a winged liner pro too!

Whats your favourite drugstore eyeliner? Let me know!

Beauty Fact for the day - Where not to store your makeup!

Here's a fun fact:

Did you know that keep your makeup in the bathroom can decrease the life of your products?

Steam from the shower, and humidity among other things decrease the life of your makeup products and brushes alike.

So, get your makeup out of your bathroom and it will last longer!

Hope you enjoyed this fun fact of the day.



What I'm wearing: Siberian Nights

Ahhhhh! My new favourite shade is OPI - SIBERIAN NIGHTS!

It's a gorgeous shade of plum purple (with a tint of black to it), it actually looks different in regular light, sunlight and also with camera flash.

I bought this yummy shade a few weeks ago and finally decided to give it a try.... I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but I think I'm in love!

Normally I would stay away from darker shades, since I have a darker skin tone and I find that dark shades don't work for me... but this seems okay (atleast I think so).

Let me know what you think!

E.L.F HAUL

I finally gave in and purchased a bunched of products from the inexpensive and much-raved about Eyes.Lips.Face cosmetics line.

I've heard good and bad things about their products. I haven't had a chance to use many of them yet...however, once I do, I will have a review posted. The reason I think that this line became famous in the Youtube community and in the News (shown on ABC and FOX news) was because of the inexpensive price. Most items range from about $1.00, $3.00 and slightly higher depending on the product.

Right off the bat, the first thing that I wasn't so pleased with was the delivery time for the products. These items took approximately 3-4 weeks  to arrive. 

If you are anything like me, you want your products ASAP! This was one thing I had heard from other ELF customers, that shipping took way too long and because of this many would not purchase from ELF again.

Also, I was very disappointed in the overall packaging of the items. The boxes for some of the items were damaged/broken while in transit; and while this is beyond control, it still didn't give me a very good impression.

Now onto the goodies! I purchased the following:

• Total Face Brush
• Foundation Brush
• Blushing,Bronzing and Blending Brush
• Eye Shadow Brush (not shown) - which broke after the 1rst use.
• Single Eyeshadow in Coffee Bean
• Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder (compared to NARS product)
• Under Eye Concelear & Highlighter
• Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
• Shimmering Facial Whip (Gift with Purchase)
• Mineral Foundation in Dark
• Mineral Booster (Shimmer)
• Mineral Face Primer
• Daily Brush Cleaner - Spray (not shown)

* E.L.F. Brightening Eye Color in Brownstone(pictured bottom left) was recieved as a gift with some goodies purchased from Youtube Guru miss.erica she is so sweet!

Overall, I liked the individual packaging of the products. I thought that the value for the products was good also.

I cannot give my full opinion because this is not a review and I have not used all the products yet. I will review each product as I use it. If you have any questions regarding any of the above products feel free to contact me.

Check ELF here

Have you purchased from ELF before? If so, let me know what your favourite products are!