Lime Grape: Green and Purple eyeshadow tutorial

R-r-r-rrrrreeeeplay..... Does this look familiar? Well if it does, it's because I posted this look at the end of february.. I received so many compliments on the look and I also saw one of my favourite Youtube Guru's (Petrilude) post a pic of himself with similar makeup not too long after my post and was inspired to do a video tutorial of the look. This has to be one of my favourite colour combinations by far. I personally think it looks great! 
I used a combination of 'unnamed' eyeshadows, Dior and MAC shadows to create this look.
This look would be great for St. Patrick's Day because it has green in it but has a twist to it! 











What do you think of this look?

Watch it! Rate it! Share it! and don't forget to subscribe :)

A little camera whoring :)

EOTD: Trendy HUMID Sketch

Odd title no? Just some names of the shadows I used....
Good evening all! I wanted to share with you the makeup that I wore today, really quickly... I wore this look to work today. Was really bored all day and wanted to have some fun with my makeup. I just opened my eyeshadow drawer(yes I do have a WHOLE drawer, almost two of eyeshadow) and took out random shadows and came up with this pretty look. 
What do you think?
I got many compliments on it..... 
this little girl(like 5 years old) came into my store today and was like "ummm excuse me?"
"yes"
"you're pretty!"
hehe soo cute.... and so many customers and random train riders commented on how nice it looked too..maybe I need to do a tutorial? I used shadows from Lancome, Smashbox, Maybelline and MAC to create this look. 
Other then that, have a great night and take care because I care and I will talk to you all soon :)

EOTD/FOTD - GreY.SmoKe.SiLveR.gLitteR.

This is just a quick eye of the day as I am about to head to bed. I wore this to work today, I really wanted to do something fast but dramatic. It was really simple to do. I just placed my black cream liner all over my lid and then blended grey shadow over top. A little liner and lashes and done... simple as that. Sorry for the bad quality of the last photo as it was taken at night time under fluorescent lighting with my computer camera.

Care to know what I used?

>> Eyes: Coverfx EyePrep FX Anti-Age Smoothing Primer, Maybelline Eye Studio liner in Blackest Black, Dior #790 5-colour shadow palette(grey used), Quo lashes in #806, Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara, Marcelle Lux Diamond Liquid Eyeliner in Silver

FOTD/EOTD - PurpLe.LuSt.

Hey lovelies, 
How are all of you doing? Hope you had a great week...Happy that it's Friday? I am! I actually get two days off in a row on the weekend. So after all the awe of the Lady Gaga concert I have been busy thinking about what I want to post about and also on a personal note, been thinking about what I want to do next in life. Do you have any big plan for the future?...Anyways this lovely look was inspired by another bloggers eye makeup. Of course I think she did a better job then I did but I tried! 
If you care to know what I used(NOTE: You can click on any of the following products to see my review on it!!):
>> Skin Care: Vichy Normaderm gel cleanser, Lancome Genefique eye cream, La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo face cream.
>> Face makeup: Smashbox Photofinish Primer in Light, Smashbox High Definition Concealer in Medium, Smashbox Halo in Medium, Coverfx Powder FX in M80, Smashbox Blush in ProofSheet, Smashbox Halo Bronzer, GOSH Sun highlighter
>> Eyes: Smashbox Photo Finish lid primer, Smashbox Muse eyeshadow palette and 88 palette shadows, Maybelline Line Stiletto liner, Maybelline Eye Studio liner in Blackest Black, Quo lashes in #806, Smashbox Bionic Mascara

ProduCt.ReViEw. -MayBeLLine.LaSh.StiLetto.VoluptuOus.WaTerprOof.MaScaRa.

The product: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous waterproof mascara
Claim to fame: Now long lashes don't have to be skinny. Only our dual action brush stretches as it thickens each lash for dramatic length and volume. Our rich cream formula adds the most seductive finish. Contact lens safe and Ophthalmologist tested and Waterproof.
Ingredients: Isododecane, Cera Microcristallina, Microcrystalline Wax, Cera Alba/Beeswax, C8 9 Isoparaffin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cera Carnauba (Carnauba Wax), Aqua/Water, Propylene Carbonate, Allyl Stearate/VA Copolymer, Lecithin, Silica, Ethylenediamine/Stearyl Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Oryza Sativa Starch (Rice Starch), Polyvinyl Laurate, Sodium Polymethacrylate, Propylparaben, PEG/PPG 17/18 Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Polyquaternium 10, Rayon, Panthenol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed Silk, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, May Contain ( /-): CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77097 (Ultramarines), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Mica, CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet)
Pros: Nice shiny black that leaves the lashes shiny. Cute packaging. Love the design. Great for someone who likes a natural volume.
Cons: Didn't find this one added much volume. 
The bottom line: The brush reminds me of Lancome's Hypnose Drama(Click to see review) but definitely did not have the same effect at all. 
Price: $3.99CDN-$10.99CDN
Rating: 3/5

ProduCt.ReViEw. -MayBeLLine.ColoRSenSationaL.LipstaiN.

 

The product: Maybelline Colorsensational Lip stain
Claim to fame: Lip stains offering sensationally comfortable and a light weight formula with berry nectars and vitamin C to give the lips a natural berry stained colour.

It has a triangular point for precise lining of lip contours and a cushion tip for soft flush colour.

Ingredients: Color Sensation Lip stain contains a brand new technology that combines water pigments with berry nectars and solvents for weightless, sheer colour payoff.
Pros: Easy to apply. Great packaging. Easy to use applicator. Nice colour selection. Nice taste and smell.
Cons: Did not last long at all...I applied the colours and licked my lips and half of the colour came off. Licked it again. And it was pretty much gone. The colours came out nothing like the packaging.
The bottom line: I really like the idea of lip stains, unfortunately this one did not measure up as far as my standards. Great for someone who likes light lip stains as a tinge of colour stays.
Price: $9.99 CDN
Rating: 2/5

ProduCt.ReViEw. -MayBeLLine.LinE.StiLetto.LiquiD.LinEr.

The product: Maybelline Line Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Claim to fame: A liquid liner that allows you the ultimate control to create any line you want, Elongates your lash line to shape and define eyes like never before, flexible felt tip glides on smoothly for the most precise control, No tugging. No dragging., All day wear up to 8 hours

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Propylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyester 5, Alcohol Denatured, Trilaureth 4 Phosphate, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben Silica, May Contain (+/-): CI 77499, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide Yellow) (Carmine), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens) (Chromium Hydroxide Greens), CI 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green) (Chromium Hydroxide Green), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet) (Manganese Violet), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77510 Ferrocyanide
Pros: Easy to use. Glides on effortlessly. Cheap price. 
Cons: Even though it stays on all day it can come off very easily which can be a bad thing if you are excercising with it on. 
The bottom line: Reminds me of Lancome's Artliner so much. Tips are the same. 
Price: $3.99CDN-$10.99CDN
Rating: 4/5

Mini.MaybeLLine.HauL.aNd.cLothinG.HauL.

For a while now I have been curious about these products, but never got around to buying them. However the other day they were all on sale for $4.99CDN each so I jumped on the opportunity. The products were all from Maybelline: Dream liquid mousse foundation in Medium 2.5 Natural beige(sorry I know the pic says 3.5!!! but it's 2.5), Lash Stiletto voluptuous mascara in 981 very black waterproof and Line Stiletto Ultimate Precise liquid eyeliner in 501 Blackest black. I wore all of them today and and quite impressed so far. The mascara reminds me of Lancome's Hypnose Drama mascara and the liner like Lancome's Artliner. Reviews will definitely be coming soon. HAVE ANY OF YOU TRIED THESE? WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THEM?

I love wearing summer dresses and when I saw this one I fell in love! I didn't care that I couldn't try it on. It is very "asian" style with the little lacy slip underneath. I bought it at the night market here in Vancouver for only $20CDN! What a steal! What do you think of this dress? cute? Oh btw, for those who care to know necklace is from Forever 21, bought it there last year in the Hollywood Boulevard location.

Thanks for reading! Please FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT!

NeW.to.BeautY...pRoduCt.LauNches.ComiNg.SooN...SneaK.PeeK.

The product: L'oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

Description: A mascara that promises to give woman exactly what they want: Lash by lash spectacular volume, every lash is defined and separated, lengthened lashes, zero clumps and flake and smudge free.

It has an ultra fine brush with a precise combination of short and long elastomer bristles which coat every lash with colour and ultra volumizing formula.

It also has the excess wiper system which removes excess mascara and wipes the brush free of clumps, leaving just the right amount of mascara on the brush.

The product: Maybelline Colorsensational fresh lip stain

Desciption: Lip stains offering sensationally comfortable and a light weight formula with berry nectars and vitamin C to give the lips a natural berry stained colour.

It has a triangular point for precise lining of lip contours and a cushion tip for soft flush colour.

Price: $9.99CDN

When to get it: June 2010 (Not out yet here in Canada though)

The product: Maybelline SHINEsensational lip gloss

Description: A gloss that offers shine, flavour and fragrance with 50% less stickiness. Using fruit nectars for flavour and has a weightless feel, pure micro oils and saturated richer shine. 

Price: $6.99CDN

When to get it: June 2010 (Not out yet here in Canada though)

The product: La Roche Posay Mela-D Hands - Reunifying hand cream

Description:  39% of woman have brown spots on their hands . This hand cream helps to slough off dark, dead cells on the skin surface to promote a brighter and even skin tone using Kojic Acid + LHA.

Price: $18.00CDN

When to get it: September 1st 2010

Thanks for reading! Please FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE and COMMENT!!!

KnoW.to.LoVe.-BraNd.SpotLight. - MaybeLLine.

Maybe she's born with it. Maybe it's Maybelline.

Introduction and company history

Who would have known that a company name would come from the name Maybel and Vaseline?! We all know Maybelline is a wallet friendly drugstore brand that has been trusted for years. But do we know how it all came to be? The company was founded by  a New York chemist named Thomas L. Williams in 1915. The story actually started however two years before then(1913), when Thomas' sister named Maybel fell in love with a man who loved someone else. The woman wanted her man so she did what she could with what she had. So she took vaseline(petroleum jelly) and applied it to her lashes and her brows. Thomas came into the picture when he decided to add carbon dust to the vaseline to darken the lashes and brows, thus making them more dramatic. Of course it worked! Maybel got her man and Thomas took it from there..creating a global industry giant. The line started out with the name "Lash-Brow-Ine". But with the awkward name it didn't go anywhere. So Thomas renamed it Maybelline, a combination of Maybel and Vaseline.

In 1917, Thomas introduced Maybelline Cake mascara, which was the first that was made for everyday use. It was first only available by mail order, however woman were asking for it in drugstores. The popularity grew. From there the signature red eyebrow pencil came, then with coloured eyeshadows and matching eyeliners. This lead to the fashion trend of dramatic makeup for the flapper of the time. Maybelline increased its sales by being the first cosmetic company to advertise on the radio. It then released a special 10 cent package of Cake mascara for retail sale. (OMG! if mascara were 10cents now.....could you imagine!?!?)

The company went through many moves over the years to follow: 1967; Plough Inc bought Maybelline(factory moved from Chicago to Memphis. In 1975, the company moved the factory to Little Rock, Arkansas, where it still is today. In 1996 L'oreal acquired Maybelline in its portfolio. In 2004, Maybelline officially became Maybelline New York. This meant that Maybelline became a cool, unique and captivating representation of New York. 

Company today

Maybelline is the number one cosmetics brand globally; available in over 90 countries all over the world. It is found in almost every drugstore, discount store, supermarket and cosmetics specialty stores. The brand also has a sleek image brought by their spokes models: Adriana Lima, Josie Maran and Tomiko Fraser. These models portray Maybelline New York's image as modern and approachable. While technology continues to be the backbone for the brand.

What the company has to offer

Maybelline has a variety of products from skincare and beauty. It offers a variety of foundations, concealers, powder, blush and bronzer to eyeshadows, liners, mascaras, brow pencils, lipsticks and glosses to long wearing lip wear to makeup remover.

Check out Maybelline to get more info. 

Check out their Makeup tips

ProduCt.ReViEw. -MayBeLLine.EyestudiO.LastinG.geL.eYeLineR.

The product: Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
Claim to fame: More intense than a liquid liner and more precise than a pencil. It is waterproof and smudge proof for 24hours. It has a silky gel texture and pro brush to make application effortless. Ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive eyes.
Ingredients: cyclopentasiloxane, propylsilsesquioxane, ceresin, isodecane, cyclohexasiloxane, caprylyl methicone, synthetic fluorphlogopite, silica silyate, disteardimonium hectorite, disodium stearoyl glutamate, propylene carbonate, candelilla wax, caprylyl glycol, aluminum hydroxide, calcium sodium borosilicate, calcium aluminum borosilicate, silica, tin oxide. [ � ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499/iron oxides, mica, ci 77491/titanium dioxide, ci 77007/ultramarines, ci 77510/ferric ferrocyanide, ci 77288/chromium oxide greens, ci 77289/chromium hydroxide green, ci 77742/manganese violet, ci 42090/blue 1 lake, ci 19140/yellow 5 lake, ci 77510/ferric ammonium ferrocyanide]
Pros: Seriously waterproof and smudge proof! Lasts literally all day and night long! I am in love with this product. I am so impressed! It is cheap, easy to use and smooth. It even comes with a brush.
Cons: Can be tricky for beginners as it dries fast so you need to work fast.
The bottom line: One of the best liners I have ever used..and it's easy on the wallet!
Price: $9.99CDN-$12.99CDN
Rating: 5/5

ProduCt.ReViEw.- MaybeLLine.ExPerT.WeaR.EyEshAdoW.

The product: Maybelline Expert wear eyeshadow

Claim to fame: Long wearing, expert colours, crease proof and effortlessly blend able. 64 dazzling colors, 3 sumptuous finishes: matte, shimmer and high-pearl.

Ingredients: Talc, PTFE, Magnesium Stearate, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Boron Nitride, Tridecyl Neopentanoate, Dicaprylyl Maleate, Lauroyl Lysine, Methylparaben, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Propylparaben, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Silica, Carnauba Wax, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Polyperfluoromethylisopropyl Ether, Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Mica, May Contain (+/-):, Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491), Titanium Oxide (CI 77891), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Carmine (CI 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Blue 1 Lake (C1 42090), Red 40 Lake (CI 16035), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)

Pros: Quite pigmented shadows from a drugstore brand. Cheap. Stays well during the day.

Cons: They are almost creamy in the sense that they break easily, if that makes sense.

The bottom line: Great quality for a cheap price.

Price: $5.99CDN-$10.99CDN

Rating: 4/5

PRoduCt.ReViEw.- MaYbeLLine.uNstoppabLe.eYeLiner.

The product: Maybelline Unstoppable eyeliner

Claim to fame: Waterproof and smudge proof formula in a twist. Suppose to be self sharpening. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Ingredients: Peg-6 Beeswax, Retinyl palmitate(vitamin A palmintate, titanium dioxide, cyclopemtasiloxane, ferric ferrocyanide, CI 77491, mica, tocopherol, iron oxides, paraffin, carmine, ceresin, ozokerite, ascorbyl palmitate(vitamin C palmitate), diisostearyl dimer dilinoleate, hydrogenated castor oil

Pros: A really pigmented black. Stays on for most of the day. Can get very thin to very thick lines.

Cons: I find it smudges a bit. Mine broke after the first use. 

The bottom line: I like it but its not great. 

Price: $3.99CDN-$10.99CDN

Rating: 2 1/2/5

ProduCt.ReViEw.MayBeLLine.LiNewoRKs.WatErpRoof.LiquiD.LinEr.

The product: Maybelline waterproof liquidliner

Claim to fame: It has a sponge like tip that precisely creates beautiful lines. It claims to be smudge proof and long lasting.

Ingredients: I could not find them online and I threw away my package :S

Pros: Very black colour liquid. Easy to use.Stays for most part of the day.

Cons: I find at the end of the day sometimes I can see a bit of a grey shadow on the bottom lash line from the liner. Over time the applicator can seem to "erode".

The bottom line: An okay liner for an okay price. I use this one daily but still miss my Smashbox! I haven't found any others that I like better.

Price: $8.99CDN-$10.99CDN

Rating: 3/5

DepArtMent.StoRE.qUaLity.On.A.DruGstorE.BuDgeT?

It is always a constant battle between department store makeup brands versus drugstore makeup brands. But when should you splurge and when should you be budget friendly? Well here is a secret dispelled; many of the drugstore products are made by the same manufacturers, in the same factories, as high-priced department store brands. A lot of the what you pay for from a department store brand is the luxurious packaging, the stylish magazine advertisements and everyone in the companies wages. Nowadays, there are great products from all price points. But don't get me wrong! There are times where it is worth very much to splurge.
I find that each brand whether it is expensive or not has its good products. However sometimes the price definitely is all about the quality. One thing you have to think of is that drugstore brands will do the job of a department store but you might find that it doesn't stay as long or the colours don't show up as pigmented. 

Check out my thoughts on each product and some recommendations:
Liquid foundation: Using a drugstore brand of foundation is actually sometimes better. Not all liquids are made the same, therefore you can find all different coverages and consistencies. I think a difference in liquid foundations would be ingredients. Nowadays the department store brands are making foundations with skin care benefits as well. And the drugstore ones are more about coverage. A problem I do run into with drugstore brands  though is that there are hardly ever testers as well as I don't think the colour selections are very good. I can only find my foundation colour in one drugstore brand that my store carries! But honestly you can make a drugstore brand of foundation look great with a good quality brush.
If you like:
Full coverage - Try Revlon Colour stay(they have a formulation for dry skin, normal skin, and combo to oily skin)
'Natural' coverage - Try L'oreal True match(this is great for any skin type but oily skin will LOVE this as it is oil-free)
Sheer coverage - Try Marcelle tinted moisturizer(this blends easily and is forgivable with the colour)
Powder foundation: I find there isn't really a 'good' powder foundation in drugstore brands as far as getting coverage from them, unless you go for more of the derm brand. As earlier mentioned colour is always a factor as there are not many choices for anyone with a tan or darker. The ingredients again are a main difference because sometimes some of the drugstore brands use ingredients called "fillers" which are usually not good for the skin. This is where it may be better to splurge.
If you like:
Full coverage - Try Coverfx: Powder fx(this stuff is awesome for all skin types but especially an oily skin, it is oil-free and paraben free) and I use it!
Sheer to medium coverage - Try L'oreal True match(They have a great guideline to find your undertone as there usually are no testers)
Foundation primer: I definitely recommend splurging on a primer because using a great quality primer will help to create a professional result in the end, even if the rest of the makeup you are using are drugstore brands.
If you have:
oily skin - Try any Smashbox photo finish primer especially the Light version
dry skin - Try any Smashbox photo finish primer
OR budget friendly(just for those who want) - Try GOSH velvet touch primer or Revlon Beyond Natural smoothing primer
Eyeshadow: Using either a drugstore brand or a department store brand of eyeshadow can be good as it all depends on the look that you are trying to achieve. You don't have to splurge unless there is a specific colour that you cannot find in a drugstore brand. A lot of the time the main difference is the texture(sometimes they can be dry or almost feel creamy) as well as the pigment load. A problem I find with some drugstore brands is the staying power as well sometimes they don't show the same as in the container.
If you want:
Rich pigments - Try L'oreal eyeshadows or Revlon eyeshadows or try a loose pigment like the Annabelle Mineral Pigment dust or the GOSH effect powder
Sheer pigments - Try Rimmel eyeshadows or lighter colours
Eyeshadow primer: This is another area where I suggest to splurge. I recommend the Smashbox photo finish lid primer or the Benefit Stay, Don't stray eye primer or even the Lise Watier Transformix
Eyebrow pencils: This is an area where I think it really is more about a personal choice as far as texture and colour. With department store brands you can however try on the products as well as you have a large choice in colours. I really like the Dior eyebrow pencils as they go on like a powder and look natural as well as they range in colour from Black to Blonde. However I have found that Annabelle has great pencils as well.
Eyeliner pencils: Another area of personal choice, all because each pencil can have a different texture(be more creamy or more stiff) You can definitely find great quality pencils from drugstore brands. I especially like the Annabelle pencils(they are soft enough but do not smudge easily) or the Revlon colour stay pencils(they are twist up)
Liquid eyeliners: You definitely do not have to splurge on this because drugstore brands make awesome liquids that stay very well. The one that I favour is the Maybelline waterproof(it has a sponge tip) if you like a brush applicator I suggest the one from L'oreal.
Mascaras: Check out my post about mascaras because this is definitely a personal choice.
Fake eyelashes: Drugstore brands are totally okay in the section. Fake lashes can get expensive especially if you use them often or every day like me. But it all depends on the style that you want to go for. I love the QUO brand of lashes(they use real human hair and I use them everyday) or you can try the Ardell ones(they are fabulous).
Lipgloss: I will not say to spend more money on a lipgloss unless you love a colour. Lip glosses for the most part are all the same except for texture and smell. Try the Revlon glosses or the Annabelle glosses. Check out my post about lip glosses. 
Lipstick: As everyone has their own taste in colour and texture, I would say that you don't have to spend more on lipsticks. Try Revlon colour stay lipsticks or L'oreal lipsticks, I find they have great colour selection as well as the texture of the lipstick is smooth and creamy but not thick feeling.
Blush: I find this can be a either or, because you can find great colours in both but depends on the rest of your makeup colours. Sometimes drugstore brands don't have much pigment therefore you have to apply a lot of product. Try Annabelle blushes or Revlon blushes or GOSH blushes. I really love Smashbox blushes however. 
Bronzer: This can be a tricky area because some bronzers can make you look orange rather than bronzed. I find that the Rimmel bronzers are quite popular. A great one that never fails to look good is the Benefit Hoola.
Makeup brushes: A must to splurge! I believe good quality brushes make all the difference. If you have good quality and you use inexpensive makeup, you can still achieve a great result. Check out my post about brushes.


I hope this helped explain how to determine if you should spend more on certain makeup items or not. If you have any questions at all let me know! I would be happy to recommend an alternative product for you if you have a department store product you want but can't afford.


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